GS-3

INSIGHTS CURRENT AFFAIRS

MAY 2025
WWW.INSIGHTSONINDIA.COM
 Current Affairs 30

INSIDE
Syllabus: Economy Syllabus: Internal Security & its Challenges
1. Provisional Estimate of GDP 4 1. India’s Changing Military Strategy 34
2. 16 Finance Commission
th
5 2. India’s Spatial Infrastructure for National Security35
3. India–U.K. Free Trade Agreement  7
Facts for Prelims (FFP): 37
Syllabus: Agriculture Syllabus: Economy
1. India’s Small Farmers 9 1. India - 4th Largest Economy in World  37
2. India’s Agri Export Regime 10 2. Niveshak Shivir Initiative 37
3. Wholesale Price Index (WPI) 38
Syllabus: Energy
4. RBI Surplus Transfer 38
1. Natural Hydrogen 11
5. Designing a Policy for Medium Enterprises Report
Syllabus: Infrastructure (Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports)  39
1. A Fundamental Reset to Drive Manufacturing 6. Advance Authorisation Scheme 40
Growth 13
Syllabus: Agriculture, its Marketing & Livestock
2. India and Road Safety 14
1. Depot Darpan Portal 41
3. Ghatampur Thermal Power Project 16
2. Three Digital Initiatives to Streamline PDS 42
Syllabus: Awareness in fields of IT, Space, Computers, 3. Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan  42
Robotics, Nano-tech, Bio-Tech, IPR 4. Jute Corporation of India (JCI) 43
1. Copyright Challenges in the Age of Generative AI 16 5. Minimum Support Prices (MSP) 43
6. Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) 44
Syllabus: Science and Technology- developments &
Applications 7. World Food Prize 45
1. US Research Fund Crunch and Indian Opportunity
Syllabus: Energy
18
1. Metal-Free Catalyst for Hydrogen Fuel Production
2. India Crypto Policy 19  45

Syllabus: Conservation 2. Maize for Ethanol Production: Fuel vs Feed crisis 46

1. India’s FRA vs. Global Conservation Laws 20
Syllabus: Infrastructure (Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports)
2. Retrospective Environmental Clearances 21 1. Inland Waterway Transport 47

Syllabus: Environment Pollution 2. Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) 48

1. India’s Air Pollution Strategy Needs Atmanirbharta 3. Amrit Bharat Railway Stations 48
22 4. National Capital Region Transport Corporation 49
2. Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) 23 5. Eco-Fishing Ports 50
3. IMO’s draft Net-Zero Framework 24
Syllabus: Awareness in fields of IT, Space, Computers,
4. South Australia Algal Bloom 25
Robotics, Nano-tech, Bio-Tech, IPR
5. India’s E-Waste Landscape 26 1. AI Matryoshka 50
6. Kerala Oil Spill Incident 27 2. India AI Mission 51

Syllabus: Disaster Management 3. Jarosite 52

1. Bengaluru Urban Flooding 28 4. Asteroid YR4 52
2. Landslide 29 5. GRAIL mission 53
3. Climate Physical Risk (CPR) 31 6. LICONN (Light-Microscopy-Based Connectomics) 53
4. WMO Global Climate Forecast 2025–2029 32 7. Nanoporous Multi-Layered Polymeric Membrane54
5. Bharat Forecasting System (BFS) 33 8. India’s First Genome-Edited Rice Varieties 55

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9. India’s First Gene-Edited Sheep 55 9. Dugong 77
10. Customised Gene-Editing Treatment 56 10. Bird Flu 77
11. Nice Classification for Trademark 57 11. 16th Asiatic Lion Census 78
12. Bird-Wing Eruption 57
Syllabus: Defence, ISRO & Navy
Syllabus: Science and Technology- developments & 1. Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control
Applications and Discipline) Act, 2023 79
1. Satellite Communication Regulation in India 58 2. BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile 79
2. A New Method To Detect Topological Invariants in 3. BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) Missile 80
Quantum Materials 58 4. Exercise Teesta Prahar 81
3. Non-Contact Wearable Device 59 5. Bhargavastra Counter-Drone System 82
4. Battery Aadhaar Initiative 60 6. Made in India Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet 82
5. India’s First Indigenous Thrombectomy Device 60 7. Air Defence Systems  83
6. Drone-based Quantum Key Distribution 61 8. Stratospheric Airship Platform 83
7. 2D Metal 62 9. INS Tamal 84
8. High-Altitude Platform (HAP) Prototype 62 10. INSV Kaundinya - Stitched Sail Ship 85
9. Atomiser 63 11. Civil Defence in India 85
10. Super-Fast Charging Sodium-Ion Battery 63 12. ISRO PSLV-C61 86
11. Breakthrough Prize Physics 2025 64
Syllabus: Cyber Crimes & Digital Security
Syllabus: Conservation 1. Operation Hawk 87
1. International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation 2. Safe Harbour 87
– 2025 65
2. Chambal River 66 Syllabus: Internal Security & its Challenges
3. Yamuna River 66 1. Territorial Army 88

4. Geotubing 67 2. Integrated Air Command and Control System

(IACCS) 89
5. United Nations Forum on Forests 67
3. Mission Sankalp 89
6. Biodiversity Benefit Sharing Regulations 2025 68
4. Operation Black Forest 90
7. India’s First Inter-State Cheetah Conservation
Corridor 69 5. Interpol Issue First Ever Silver Notice 91

8. Palamu Tiger Reserve 70

9. Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC)
 70
10. Blue Talks 71

Syllabus: Species & Plant in News

1. Saola 72
2. Phayre’s Langur and Western Hoolock Gibbon 72
3. Nagshankar Temple Model for Turtle Conservation
 73
4. Meghalaya’s New Cave-Dwelling Fish 74
5. Longest Banana Infructescence (Musa
indandamanensis) 74
6. Indian Yak 75
7. Narayanpatna Goat 76
8. Operation Olivia 76

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Syllabus: Economy

PROVISIONAL ESTIMATE OF GDP

Context:
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released Provisional Estimates (PEs) for India’s FY25
GDP and GVA

About Provisional Estimate of GDP:

What is Provisional GDP?
• Definition: Provisional GDP refers to national income and output data released at the end of the financial year,
incorporating all four quarters. These figures are subject to revision as more accurate data becomes available.
• Released by: MoSPI (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation).
• Revision Cycle:
o First Advance Estimates: January
o Second Advance Estimates: February
o Provisional Estimates: May
o Revised Estimates: Over the next two years

Key Summary of Provisional GDP Estimates FY 2024–25:

• Real GDP grew by 6.5% in FY25, reaching ₹187.97 lakh crore, while Nominal GDP rose by 9.8% to ₹330.68 lakh
crore.
• In Q4 FY25, real GDP increased by 7.4% and nominal GDP by 10.8%, indicating strong year-end performance.
• Real GVA growth stood at 6.4%, with notable sectoral performances in construction (9.4%), public services (8.9%),
and financial services (7.2%).
• Primary sector rebounded with 4.4% growth, up from 2.7% last year, and posted 5% growth in Q4 alone.
• Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) saw a rise of 7.2%, showing revival in demand, while Gross Fixed
Capital Formation (GFCF) grew by 7.1%.
• Manufacturing sector continues to lag with lower CAGR (4.04%) compared to agriculture (4.72%), affecting
employment dynamics.
• Estimates are compiled using benchmark-indicator methods with data from over a dozen key macro indicators like
IIP, crop output, rail & port traffic, and tax data.

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• These figures are provisional and will undergo further revision based on updated datasets in 2026 and 2027.

Analysis:
• Positives:
o Consistent economic expansion: Despite global uncertainties, India remains one of the fastest-growing
major economies.
o Resilience in agriculture: GVA in agriculture has grown faster than manufacturing since FY20.
o Improved data integration: The estimates now capture Q4 data, providing a fuller picture of the economy.
• Negatives:
o Slowing nominal GDP growth: At 9.8%, FY25 shows the third-slowest nominal GDP growth since 2014.
o Manufacturing lag: Manufacturing GVA growth lags behind agriculture, highlighting industrial stagnation.
o Employment concerns: Sluggish manufacturing explains high urban youth unemployment and increased
labour migration to rural areas.
Significance:
• The data offers critical input for fiscal planning, monetary policy, and investment strategies.
• It reflects India’s macroeconomic stability but also exposes vulnerabilities in key growth engines like
manufacturing.
• For international observers, the real GDP growth rate is essential for cross-country comparisons, as it adjusts for
inflation.

Conclusion:
India’s provisional GDP data shows moderate economic resilience with real growth at 6.5%, but deeper issues
persist, especially in manufacturing. Addressing sectoral imbalances and revitalizing industrial growth are vital for
sustainable development. The GDP trends offer a mirror to both progress and pending structural reforms.

PYQ:
1. Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs.
Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard. (2023)

16TH FINANCE COMMISSION

Context:
As states demand greater fiscal autonomy and a larger share of the divisible tax pool, the 16th Finance Commission (FC)
faces a complex challenge.

About the 16th Finance Commission

The 16th Finance Commission (FC) was constituted under Article 280 in December 2023, chaired by Dr. Arvind
Panagariya, to recommend tax devolution and fiscal federalism reforms for 2026-31.

Current Structure of Devolution:

• States’ Share: Fixed at 41% by the 15th FC (reduced from 42% post J&K’s reorganization).
• De Facto Share: States receive only about 32% of Centre’s gross tax revenues due to the rise in cesses and
surcharges (not shareable).

Key Issues Before the 16th Finance Commission:

• Shrinking Divisible Pool and Rising Cesses: Cesses and surcharges
have reduced the size of the divisible pool from 88.6% (2011–12) to
78.9% (2021–22) of the Centre’s gross tax revenue (RBI data).
o States argue for restoring fairness by capping these levies
and increasing their share to 50%.
• Fiscal Constraints of the Union Government:
o High Demand on Centre’s Budget: It may not be feasible to
raise total transfers without fiscal stress.
o Borrowing for Transfers: Centre is borrowing to fund grants, raising questions on spending priorities.
• Tied vs. Untied Transfers – Need for Rebalancing:
o Current Scenario: Excessive reliance on centrally-sponsored schemes (CSS) ties states to Centre-dictated

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spending.
o Proposal: Increase untied transfers to allow states more discretion within the existing transfer envelope.
o Challenge: Requires pruning of CSS, which are politically and developmentally sensitive.

Implications of Increasing Untied Transfers:

• Quality of State Spending:
o Rising Revenue Deficits: Many states, including Karnataka and Punjab, are facing worsening revenue
balances.
o Risk of Misuse: Untied funds may be diverted towards revenue expenditure or non-merit subsidies (e.g.,
free electricity, water), rather than capital investments.
• Rise in Cash Transfer Schemes:
o Quasi-Universal Transfers: 14 states have launched income support schemes, totalling 0.6% of GDP (Axis
Bank report).
o Concern: More untied funds could be used for electoral populism instead of systemic improvements.
• Equity in Public Service Delivery:
o Inter-State Disparities: Low-income states like Bihar spend significantly less per capita on public services.
o Question: Will more untied funds lead to convergence in service delivery standards across states?
• Devolution to Local Governments:
o Neglect of the Third Tier: Panchayats and municipalities receive a much smaller share of total public
spending compared to countries like China and South Africa.
o Hope: More untied funds could incentivize states to devolve more resources to local governments.

Way Forward:
• Reform Transfers Framework: Consider capping cesses, rationalizing CSS, and increasing untied transfers with
accountability safeguards.
• Strengthen Institutional Capacity: Build monitoring systems to ensure untied funds are spent on productive and
equitable outcomes.
• Incentivize Local Devolution: FC can recommend performance-based grants to states promoting third-tier

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empowerment.
• Adopt Differentiated Approaches: Tailor devolution mechanisms to reflect state capacity, developmental needs,
and fiscal health.

Conclusion:
The 16th Finance Commission must navigate the fine line between enhancing fiscal autonomy for states and safeguarding
national fiscal stability. A rebalanced transfer structure—one that ensures equitable, accountable, and convergent public
service delivery—will be crucial in deepening India’s cooperative federalism.

PYQ:
The public expenditure management is challenge to the Government of India in context of budget making during the post
liberalization period. Clarify it. (UPSC 2019)

INDIA–U.K. FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

Context:
On May 6, 2025, India and the United Kingdom concluded a historic multi-billion-pound Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and
a Double Contribution Convention, aiming to double bilateral trade and deepen economic integration.

About India- UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA):

What is a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)?
• A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a bilateral or multilateral pact between countries to reduce or eliminate customs
duties and non-tariff barriers on the majority of traded goods and services.
• FTAs facilitate:
o Duty-free access to partner markets
o Regulatory simplification
o Cross-border investments
o Mobility of professionals
o Preferential treatment over non-FTA competitors,
• Globally, over 350 FTAs are operational, with most countries party to at least one.

Background of the India–U.K. FTA:

• Negotiations began in January 2022 after Brexit, symbolising U.K.’s independent trade ambitions.
• Talks were delayed due to frequent political transitions in the U.K. and elections in both countries.
• After 14 rounds of negotiations, the agreement was finalised in May 2025, followed by a conversation between
PM Narendra Modi and PM Keir Starmer.
• The agreement now awaits legal vetting and ratification by the British Parliament.

Key Provisions of the India–U.K. FTA:

Provision Area Details
- India to reduce tariffs on 90% of U.K. goods.
- Specific reductions:
  • Whisky/Gin: from 150% to 75%, then to 40% over 10 years
1. Tariff Reductions
  • Automobiles: from 100%+ to 10% under quota
  • Other Goods: Cosmetics, medical devices, salmon, chocolates, biscuits
- U.K. to offer 99% duty-free access to Indian exports, covering nearly 100% of trade value
- Annual quota of 1,800 skilled professionals (e.g., chefs, yoga instructors, musicians)
- Covers sectors such as IT/ITeS, architecture, education, telecom, finance
2. Services & Mobility
- Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) for professional qualifications to be completed
within 36 months
- Waiver of dual social security contributions for Indian professionals and employers on
3. Double Contribution
short-term assignments (up to 3 years) in the U.K.
Convention
- Reduces operational costs for Indian service exporters

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Provision Area Details

- No Economic Needs Test (ENT) or numerical quotas by the U.K. for Indian service suppliers
4. Market Access
- U.K. commits access across 137 service sub-sectors, including private healthcare and
Safeguards
education
- India dropped its demand for post-study work visas
5. Mutual Sensitivities
- U.K. withdrew its demand for access to legal services sector in India (regulated under
Addressed
Advocates Act)

Potential Benefits for India

Sector Expected Gains

Textiles & Apparel Knitwear exports to U.K. may rise from 9% to 20%; major boost to Tiruppur cluster

Leather & Footwear Tariff-free access for SMEs and labour-intensive units
Gems & Jewellery Enhanced access to high-value British markets
Automobiles &
Export growth via reduced tariffs under quotas
Components
Pharma & Chemicals Improved regulatory cooperation and entry of generic medicines

IT, Finance, Education Preferential access in 137 service sectors; includes startups and ed-techs

Skilled Professionals Work access in niche fields (wellness, arts, engineering, etc.)

Concerns:
• Farmer and MSME Protests: Fears of being undercut by cheaper U.K. imports such as lamb, salmon, processed
foods.
o Past FTAs (e.g., ASEAN) seen as unfavourable to agriculture
• Implementation and Awareness: Complex compliance for small exporters (rules of origin, certification, standards.
o Low awareness among rural exporters and artisans
• Trade Deficits and Monitoring: Need to prevent a rising trade imbalance if Indian exports do not scale up
proportionately
• Legal and Regulatory Delays: MRAs may get stuck in bureaucratic negotiation, delaying service benefits

Way Forward:
• Sectoral Handholding and Capacity Building
o Launch FTA facilitation centres across key sectors (textiles, pharma, auto)
o Offer technical support and export readiness training for MSMEs
• Strengthen Safeguards
o Operationalise safeguard clauses for sensitive agri-products
o Create adjustment funds for affected farmers and micro-units
• Fast-track MRAs
o Engage regulatory bodies (Bar Council, Medical Council, AICTE) to negotiate MRAs swiftly
• Real-Time Monitoring and Review
o Establish a bilateral FTA review mechanism with performance dashboards and stakeholder grievance
redressal
• Public Communication
o Run campaigns to educate exporters, startups, and professionals on FTA benefits and eligibility

Conclusion:
The India–U.K. FTA is a strategic and economic milestone, offering broad-based trade and service gains while
addressing regulatory and political sensitivities. Its success, however, hinges on inclusive implementation, sector-specific
support, and timely enforcement of commitments. If navigated wisely, it can become a model for India’s future FTAs with
the EU and Canada, while boosting India’s position in the global trade architecture.

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PYQ:
What does a free trade agreement (FTA) entail, and why are they crucial for India? What complexities arise during the
negotiation of FTAs, and how can these challenges be navigated effectively?

Syllabus: Agriculture

INDIA’S SMALL FARMERS

Context:
A detailed analysis published recently highlights the urgent need to transition small farmers from dependency to dignity by
fostering agripreneurship, equity, and sustainable market access.

About India’s Small Farmers:

• Definition: Small and marginal farmers are those who own less
than 2 hectares of land (Agricultural Census 2015–16).
• Extent: They constitute over 85% of all farmers but cultivate just
45% of net sown area.
• Contribution: Despite feeding the nation, most live in vulnerability
and poverty, lacking adequate resources, voice, or market access.

Challenges Faced by Small Farmers:

• Climate Vulnerability & Input Costs:
o Dependence on erratic monsoons with minimal irrigation.
o Rising costs of seeds, fertilizers, and diesel shrink net income (RBI Handbook 2022).
• Market Access & Price Realisation:
o Only 7% benefit from MSP and most face distress sales to middlemen (Shanta Kumar Committee 2015).
o Lack of storage and processing infrastructure worsens price volatility.
• Institutional Credit & Indebtedness:
o Only 30% access formal credit (NABARD 2016–17), while others depend on high-interest informal loans.
o ₹10.09 lakh crore in corporate loan write-offs (RBI 2022) highlight systemic credit inequality.
• Dependency on Subsidies: Subsidies and loan waivers offer short-term relief, but foster long-term dependency
and discourage diversification.
• Lack of Agripreneurial Skills:
o Limited access to training in business planning, value chain management, and digital platforms.
o Infrastructure gaps hinder transformation to market-oriented production.

Key Government Schemes for Small Farmers:

1. PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi): Provides ₹6,000 per year in direct income support to small and
marginal farmers in three equal instalments.
2. PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana): Offers crop insurance to protect farmers against yield loss due to
natural calamities at minimal premium.
3. PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana): Focuses on improving irrigation efficiency and ensuring “Har Khet
Ko Pani” for small landholders.
4. e-NAM (National Agriculture Market): A digital platform connecting mandis to offer better price discovery and
reduce middlemen for small farmers.
5. Formation of 10,000 FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisations): Empowers smallholders to collectively access
markets, inputs, and credit through organised producer groups.

Way Forward:
• Promote Agripreneurship & Diversification: Encourage farmers to transition from subsistence to business models,
leveraging tools like AgriBazaar, Ninjacart, and e-NAM.
• Strengthen FPOs & SHGs: Support 10,000+ FPOs with finance, training, and market linkages to scale collective
marketing and value addition.
• Reform Rural Credit Architecture: Prioritise lending to cooperatives, SHGs, and FPOs, and scale up digital lending

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platforms with regulatory oversight.
• Encourage Organic & Sustainable Farming:
o Promote organic production via schemes like PKVY, targeting 2 million hectares, and $1.2 billion in
exports (2024, APEDA).
o Facilitate certifications (NPOP, Fairtrade) and use blockchain traceability to build premium value chains.
• Implement 4P Models (Public-Private-Producer Partnership): Involve corporates in equitable value chains with
legal safeguards, transparent procurement, and CSR-driven rural investment.
• Invest in Rural Digital Infrastructure: Bridge rural-urban digital divides through digital literacy, drone-based input
delivery, and access to real-time agri-data.
• Align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Promote practices supporting SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2
(Zero Hunger), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) via agroecology and value-added agriculture.

Conclusion:
India’s agricultural progress hinges on uplifting its small and marginal farmers through dignity, opportunity, and
enterprise. Post-COVID tools—e-commerce, FPOs, and digital platforms—offer the means to bridge gaps in credit, markets,
and technology. A shift from relief to resilience can unlock India’s true rural potential for a sustainable and just future.

PYQ:
Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How have these revolutions
helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (UPSC - 2017)

INDIA’S AGRI EXPORT REGIME

Context:
India recently signed multiple Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the UK, EFTA bloc, and finalized terms for an India–US
trade deal.
• However, agriculture remains excluded from these deals, raising concerns over India’s long-term Agri-export
strategy.

About India’s Agro-Export Regime:

• What It Is?
o India’s agro-export regime refers to the framework of policies, infrastructure, and institutional
mechanisms guiding the export of agricultural commodities.

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• Current Status:
o Agri-export value fell to $48 billion in 2023–24, from $52 billion in 2022–23.
o Basmati rice alone contributes to 21% of total agri exports.
o Institutions like APEDA and ODOP-GI tags support promotion and branding.
o India has kept agriculture largely out of recent FTAs, including with UK, EFTA, and US, citing sensitivity
concerns.

• Challenges to India’s Agri-Export Regime:

o FTA Exclusions: Agriculture is often in the sensitive list or given long transition periods in FTAs due to
political and livelihood concerns.
o Export Rejections: High rejection rates for products like mangoes and peanuts due to pesticide residues
and SPS non-compliance.
o Fragmented Governance: Trade is a Union subject, while agriculture is a state subject, causing frequent
policy contradictions and delays.
o Low Value Addition: Export focus remains on raw commodities instead of processed and branded
products, limiting earning potential.
o Infrastructure Gaps: Lack of cold chains, inland container depots, and export logistics in landlocked states
like UP and MP.
o Investment Distortions: High subsidies on power, water, and fertilizers reduce the incentive to shift
toward exportable high-value crops.

• Way Ahead – Strategic Solutions:

o Promote Value Addition: Create agro-processing clusters near APMCs, link them with export hubs, and
incentivize with output-based schemes.
o Policy Synchronisation: Form a National Agri Trade Council with representatives from the Centre, States,
APEDA, FSSAI, and exporters to align regulatory processes.
o Switch to Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT): Replace input subsidies with unconditional cash transfers to
offer flexibility and encourage crop diversification.
o Agri-Tech Integration: Scale up AI-driven crop monitoring, vernacular mobile advisories, and real-time
data platforms for scheme access and market insights.
o Digital and Physical Infrastructure: Invest in GIS-based produce mapping, beneficiary tracking systems,
and pre-cooling logistics chains in hinterland zones.
o Improve Connectivity for Landlocked States: Establish inland ports, container depots, and cold storage
linkages to empower states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Conclusion:
India’s cautious stance on integrating agriculture with global trade needs a strategic rethink. Protectionism must evolve
into smart enablement through technology, value addition, and infrastructure. Making Agri-exports competitive is
essential for doubling farmer incomes and achieving trade resilience.

PYQ:
Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports rather than capital-
intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital-intensive exports. (UPSC-2017)

Syllabus: Energy

NATURAL HYDROGEN
Context:
Governments and private firms across the globe are intensifying efforts to explore natural hydrogen as a low-cost, zero-
emission fuel, with recent discoveries in France’s Moselle region and strong interest from India.

About Natural Hydrogen:

• Natural hydrogen is free molecular hydrogen (H₂) that occurs naturally underground due to geological processes

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like serpentinisation and radiolysis.

• It is a clean-burning, non-polluting, and potentially renewable energy source if extracted sustainably.

Key Features of Natural Hydrogen:

• Zero-Emission Fuel: Burns to produce only water vapor; no CO₂ emissions.
• Low-Cost Potential: Estimated production cost $1/kg, much cheaper than green hydrogen.
• Sustainable: Naturally regenerates in geological formations.
• High Energy Efficiency: Hydrogen fuel cells are 3 times more efficient than gasoline.

How Does Hydrogen Occur in Nature?

• Found in hard rock formations, ophiolite belts, and hydrothermal systems.
• Generated by processes like:
o Serpentinisation: Reaction between water and ultramafic rocks.
o Radiolysis: Breakdown of water by natural radioactive decay.
o Organic decomposition: Release from deep carbonaceous material.
• Co-located with helium in some formations, indicating deep crustal origins.

Extraction Process of Natural Hydrogen:

• Exploration: Detect hydrogen seeps using geophysical tools and geochemical sampling in favourable geological
regions.
• Drilling: Boreholes are drilled at identified sites (e.g., Mali, France, U.S.) to access underground hydrogen pockets.
• Capture & Compression: Extracted hydrogen is filtered, purified, and compressed for safe storage and transport.
• Distribution: The gas is delivered to fuel cells, refineries, or industrial users as a clean energy source.

Challenges in Natural Hydrogen Adoption:

• Unmapped Reserves: Lack of extensive surveys makes global hydrogen availability uncertain.
• Scattered Deposits: Economically unviable if reserves are too spread out.
• Storage & Transport: Hydrogen’s low energy density requires high-pressure containment, increasing cost.
• Safety Concerns: Highly flammable and odourless, making leak detection difficult.
• Lack of Infrastructure: Refuelling stations, pipelines, and distribution are still underdeveloped.

Way Ahead:
• National Mapping: Conduct a comprehensive geological survey of hydrogen-bearing formations, especially in
India’s cratonic belts and ophiolites.
• Policy Push: Develop a Natural Hydrogen Exploration Policy and include it in India’s National Hydrogen Mission.
• Global Collaboration: Leverage USGS models, and collaborate on R&D with nations like France and the U.S.
• Private Sector Incentives: Attract investments through PPP models, tax breaks, and startup incubation in this
sector.
• Infrastructure Development: Build safe storage, pipelines, and fuel cell refueling networks alongside hydrogen
hubs.

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Conclusion:
Natural hydrogen offers a promising, low-emission, and scalable alternative to fossil fuels. Its success depends
on effective exploration, safety, and commercialization frameworks. With India’s untapped reserves, strategic focus can
position it as a leader in next-generation hydrogen energy.

PYQ:
Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are
the initiatives offered by our government for this purpose? (UPSC-2020)

Syllabus: Infrastructure (Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports)

A FUNDAMENTAL RESET TO DRIVE MANUFACTURING GROWTH

Context:
The recent article highlights the urgent need for a structural reset in India’s manufacturing sector to boost competitiveness
and productivity in the context of global shifts towards high-tech, innovation-driven industries.

About A fundamental reset to drive manufacturing growth:

Status of Indian Manufacturing:
• Current Contribution: Manufacturing contributes 16–17% to
India’s GDP and employs over 6 crore workers (MoSPI, 2023).
• Export Performance: Manufacturing exports reached an all-time
high of $447.46 billion in FY23, registering 6.03% growth over
FY22.
• Global Vision: India aims to increase manufacturing’s GDP share
to 25% by 2025 and add $500 billion to the global economy by
2030.
• Industrial Growth Indicator: The HSBC Manufacturing PMI
touched a 16-year high of 59.1 in March 2024, reflecting robust
growth in output and employment.
• FDI Inflows: India received $165.1 billion FDI in manufacturing in the last decade, up 69%, showing strong investor
confidence.

Challenges Faced by Indian Manufacturing:

• Low Productivity and Value Addition: India’s per capita value added in manufacturing is $0.32K, compared to the
world average of $2K (World Bank, 2023).
• Inadequate R&D Investment: R&D expenditure is only 0.7% of GDP, much lower than South Korea (4.8%) or China
(2.4%).
• Skill Gaps and Education-Industry Mismatch: Only 48.7% of India’s workforce is considered employable (India
Skills Report 2023), with low exposure to industry 4.0 tools.
• Weak Infrastructure and Logistics: Logistics costs in India stand at 14–18% of GDP, compared to 8–10% in
developed economies.
• Policy Instability and Bureaucratic Bottlenecks: Delays in land acquisition and regulatory clearances deter
investments; India ranks 63rd in Ease of Doing Business.
• Import Dependency: India heavily depends on imports for semiconductors, electronics, and EV batteries, leading
to trade imbalances (China trade deficit: $85 billion, FY24).
• Fragmented MSME Ecosystem: Only 14% of 64 million MSMEs in India have credit access; tech adoption remains
minimal among them.

Key Government Initiatives:

• Make in India (2014): Promotes local manufacturing across 25 sectors; aims to transform India into a global
manufacturing hub.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Covers 14 sectors and is expected to generate $500 billion worth of
additional manufacturing output.

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• Gati Shakti National Master Plan: Integrates multi-modal transport and logistics to reduce supply chain
bottlenecks.
• FAME-II Scheme: Boosts electric vehicle (EV) production with subsidies on vehicles and battery manufacturing.
• PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Offers skill development in advanced manufacturing aligned with global
production standards.
• Digital India and Industry 4.0 Push: Encourages digitization of MSMEs and the adoption of IoT, AI, and robotics in
manufacturing.

Way Ahead:
• Scale Up R&D and Innovation Ecosystems: Raise R&D spending to 2% of GDP and set up Manufacturing
Innovation Fund to support advanced research.
• Upgrade Technical Education and Labs: Reform engineering education with 50% focus on practical work,
advanced labs, and industry collaboration.
• Strengthen Core Engineering Sectors: Prioritize civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering for building
indigenous industrial capabilities.
• Build Industrial Infrastructure: Invest an additional 1% of GDP to create plug-and-play manufacturing parks with
in-house design, testing, and certification units.
• Enhance Global Value Chain (GVC) Integration: Re-negotiate trade deals and focus on SEZs, export processing
zones, and logistics infrastructure near ports.
• Support MSMEs: Provide credit guarantees, tech training, and global market access to uplift MSMEs’ contribution
to GDP and exports.
• Adopt Green and Circular Manufacturing: Incentivize renewable energy in factories and integrate Extended
Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies across sectors.

Conclusion:
India stands at a critical juncture where structural reforms and bold investments in R&D, infrastructure, and skills are
essential to uplift manufacturing. Global headwinds offer opportunities to position India as a credible alternative in global
value chains. By aligning education, policy, and innovation with industrial goals, India can transition from an assembly
economy to a global manufacturing powerhouse.

PYQ:
“Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-Product (GDP) in the post-reform
period” Give reasons. How far are the recent changes in Industrial Policy capable of increasing the industrial growth rate?
(2017)

INDIA AND ROAD SAFETY

Context:
India recorded 1.68 lakh road fatalities in 2022, the highest in five
years, prompting urgent calls for reform in road safety governance.
• Road crashes cost India an estimated 3% of its GDP
annually. This hampers national development and
underscores the urgency for effective road safety measures.

About India and Road Safety:

Current Status:
• India has the second-largest road network globally,
covering over 6.3 million km.
• In 2022, road accidents caused 1.68 lakh deaths,
translating to 12.2 deaths per 1 lakh population.
• Compared to the UK (2.6) and Japan (2.5), India’s fatality rate is alarmingly high.
• Road crashes cost India 3% of its GDP annually, impacting economic and human capital.

Issues Plaguing Road Safety in India:

1. Driver Error Dominance: Around 78% of road accidents are due to driver faults (over speeding, intoxication, lane

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indiscipline).
2. Poor Infrastructure & Black Spots: Lack of pedestrian zones, poor road design, and 5,000+ black spots remain
unrectified.
3. Weak Enforcement Mechanisms: Inconsistent rule enforcement and low deterrence despite high penalty
provisions in MV Act, 2019.
4. Inadequate Emergency Response: Delays in medical aid and limited trauma care availability, especially on rural
and state highways.
5. Fragmented Governance: Road construction and safety responsibilities are divided between Centre and States,
reducing accountability.

Government Initiatives Taken: (4 Es of road safety)

1. Education:
o National Road Safety Month, campaigns under Road Safety Advocacy Scheme.
o Establishment of Driving Training Centres and Research Institutes.
2. Engineering:
o Road Design:
 Mandatory Road Safety Audits at all NH project stages.
 Rectification of accident black spots.
 Implementation of e-DAR system for accident reporting.
o Vehicle Design:
 Mandatory airbags, ABS, seat belt reminders, and reverse parking sensors.
 Bharat NCAP safety rating system introduced.
 Vehicle Scrappage Policy launched to phase out unsafe vehicles.
3. Enforcement:
o Strict penalties under MV (Amendment) Act, 2019.
o E-challan system and CCTV-based enforcement in high-risk zones.
o Rules for electronic monitoring and automated testing stations.
4. Emergency Care:
o Good Samaritan protection, increased compensation for hit-and-run cases.
o Deployment of ambulances at toll plazas with trained paramedics.
o Cashless treatment pilot scheme in six states in collaboration with National Health Authority.

Way Ahead – Strategic Roadmap:

• Adopt the Safe System Approach: Design roads forgiving of human error; prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and
public transport users.
• Create a National Road Safety Authority: Integrate state and central efforts under one umbrella for policy
coherence and accountability.
• CSR for Road Safety: Mandate automobile manufacturers to contribute CSR funds for long-term road safety
infrastructure and research.
• Strengthen Data Systems: Scale up digital accident data management to support evidence-based policymaking.
• Invest in Infrastructure: Adopt World Bank’s $109 billion investment recommendation to halve road fatalities by
2030.

Conclusion:
Road safety is not just a technical or legal issue — it is a fundamental right under Article 21. India’s vision of Viksit Bharat
2047 must include inclusive, people-centric, and safer mobility systems. A data-driven, coordinated, and long-term
approach can transform road safety from a challenge into a success story.

PYQ:
Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects? Examine the role of PPP model in the
redevelopment of Railway Stations in India. (UPSC-2022)

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GHATAMPUR THERMAL POWER PROJECT

Context:
Prime Minister of India dedicated Unit-1 (660 MW) of the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project in Kanpur Nagar, Uttar
Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in India’s thermal energy expansion and infrastructure development.

About Ghatampur Thermal Power Project:

• Location: The power plant is located in
Ghatampur, in Kanpur Nagar district, Uttar
Pradesh.
• Implementing Agency:
o The project is managed by Neyveli Uttar
Pradesh Power Ltd (NUPPL) — a joint
venture between: NLC India Ltd (owns
51%) and UP Rajya Vidyut Utpadan
Nigam Ltd (UPRVUNL) (owns 49%).
• Power Capacity:
o The project has 3 power units, each of
660 MW.
o Total capacity is 1,980 MW.
• Total Cost: The project cost is ₹21,780.94 crore.
• Power Distribution:
o 75.12% (1487.28 MW) of electricity will
go to Uttar Pradesh.
o 24.88% (492.72 MW) will go to Assam, depending on the transfer of shares.
• Main Features:
o Efficient Technology: Uses supercritical boilers with 88.81% efficiency, which saves fuel and increases
output.
o No Wastewater Release: The plant has a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system, so no water is released into
rivers or land.
o Pollution Control:
Uses modern systems to cut air pollution:
 SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) reduces harmful NOx gases.
 FGD (Flue Gas Desulphurization) reduces SOx gases from smoke.
 CEMS & AAQMS track emissions and air quality 24/7.
o Water Saving:
 288 km of canal is lined to save 195 million litres of water per day.
 The plant stores up to 46 lakh cubic meters of raw water.
o Coal Supply:
 Has its own coal mine producing 9 million tonnes per year.
 Can store coal for 30 days of full operation (10.165 lakh tonnes).

Syllabus: Awareness in fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-tech, Bio-Tech, IPR

COPYRIGHT CHALLENGES IN THE AGE OF GENERATIVE AI

Context:
A legal storm is brewing over copyright infringement by generative AI models, as India’s publishers sue OpenAI for
unauthorized training on their content.
• This reignites the global debate on how copyright law adapts to artificial intelligence.

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About Copyright Challenges in the Age of Generative AI:

• What is Copyright?
o Copyright is a legal right granted to creators to protect
original literary, artistic, musical, and dramatic works
from unauthorized reproduction or commercial use.
• Types of Works Protected:
o Literary (books, software code)
o Artistic (paintings, designs)
o Musical (songs, compositions)
o Dramatic (plays, screenplays)
o Cinematographic films, sound recordings

• Key Features of Copyright Law:

o Protection of Expression, Not Ideas: Copyright safeguards the original expression (form, structure) of
ideas, not the ideas or concepts themselves.
o Exclusive Economic and Moral Rights: Authors get the right to reproduce, distribute, and monetize their
work, along with moral rights like attribution and integrity.
o Duration of Protection: In India, copyright generally lasts for 60 years after the author’s death, ensuring
long-term economic benefit to their heirs.
o Exceptions – Fair Use & Education: Some uses like private study or research are exempt; however, India’s
exceptions are narrowly defined compared to the broad U.S. ‘fair use’ doctrine.

Significance of Copyright in the AI Era:

• Incentivizes innovation: Assures returns to human creators whose content is used in AI training.
• Maintains originality: Prevents AI from mimicking styles or expressions without due credit/payment.
• Regulates content ownership: Establishes boundaries between machine assistance and creative authorship.
• Protects the creative economy: Essential for publishers, media, and artists facing deepfake and content
reproduction risks.

Key Issues: AI and Copyright Law

• Unauthorized Training on Protected Works: Generative AI platforms train on copyrighted material like books and
images without permission, violating creators’ rights.
E.g. ANI and Federation of Indian Publishers sued OpenAI in Delhi HC.
• Ambiguity in Fair Use: The U.S. uses a flexible four-factor test for fair use, while India permits only specific
exceptions, limiting adaptability to AI.
E.g. EU allows data mining for research but mandates opt-out for commercial AI
• Lack of Human Authorship: AI-generated content without substantial human input is not copyrightable, as courts
mandate that only humans can be authors.
• Non-expressive vs. Expressive Use: AI can lawfully learn from factual, non-expressive data, but replicating artistic
expressions like poems violates copyright.
E.g. Reproduction of style or specific works (e.g., Mickey Mouse) crosses legal limits.
• Inequality Among AI Developers: Larger companies with vast data access gain an edge, while smaller players are
disadvantaged by opt-outs and costly licensing requirements.

Way Forward:
• Update Legal Frameworks: Amend India’s Copyright Act to address AI-specific concerns like data mining, consent,
and attribution norms.
• Define AI-Generated Work Ownership: Grant limited protection only when a human significantly contributes to
AI-created output, distinguishing it from fully automated works.
• Global Standardization: India can adopt EU’s balanced approach—allowing research data mining but requiring
opt-outs for commercial use with clear regulations.
• Ensure Transparency: Mandate disclosure of AI training datasets and sources to protect authors’ rights and
encourage responsible AI development.
• Encourage Licensing Ecosystems: Promote structured, voluntary licensing markets for AI developers to access
copyrighted content legally and fairly.

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Conclusion:
The evolution of copyright law must align with the rise of generative AI, protecting creators without stifling
technological progress. While courts debate infringement, policymakers must design a future-ready legal architecture. A
balanced, transparent, and fair copyright regime is essential for AI-driven creativity to flourish.

PYQ:
Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does Al help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to
privacy of the individual in the use of Al in healthcare? (UPSC-2023)

Syllabus: Science and Technology- developments & Applications

US RESEARCH FUND CRUNCH AND INDIAN OPPORTUNITY

Context:
The US National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) are facing unprecedented budget cuts,
leading to large-scale termination of scientific research grants.

About US Research Fund Crunch and Indian Opportunity:

About US Fund Crunch:
• Nature of Crisis: The US FY26 budget proposes a 55% cut to NSF
funding, leading to the termination of 1,400+ research grants and
cancellation of 1,000 graduate fellowships.
• Impacted Sectors: Research in public health, climate science, digital
innovation, and disaster resilience are all severely affected.
• Economic Ripple: NIH grant cuts alone could cause a $6.1 billion GDP
loss and 46,000 job cuts, particularly impacting university towns and scientific communities.
• Global Talent Migration: European nations like France are opening refugee science programs to absorb displaced
researchers.

Opportunity for India:

• Reclaiming Talent: India can attract top Indian-origin researchers in the US and global scientists seeking stable
research environments. E.g. VAIBHAV and
VAJRA fellowships can be scaled to encourage long-term relocation.
• Bridge Funding: India can take over ongoing Indo-US NIH projects, ensuring continuity in public health and
biomedical research.
• Boost Knowledge Economy: Leveraging the crisis, India can position itself as a global science hub by offering
infrastructure, autonomy, and funding.
• Philanthropic Push: With ₹1.31 lakh crore in social philanthropy in 2024, Indian private foundations can co-invest
in global research excellence.

Challenges for India:

• Limited Research Funding: India’s R&D spend is just 0.64% of GDP, compared to the OECD average of 2.7%.
• Bureaucratic Bottlenecks: Complex grant procedures and delayed disbursements deter international talent.
• Academic Rigidities: Lack of autonomy, tenure uncertainty, and administrative interference affect innovation in
Indian institutions.
• Diversity and Inclusion Gaps: Skewed representation across caste, gender, and region in academia limits broad-
based scientific progress.

Way Ahead:
• Expand Fellowship Programs: Widen VAIBHAV/VAJRA into multi-year schemes with enhanced funding and
transparent selection.
• Ease Institutional Norms: Grant more autonomy to research institutions, enable faster funding approvals, and
foster collaborative labs.

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• Incentivize Relocation: Offer infrastructure, tax benefits, and relocation support to foreign and diaspora scientists.
• Public-Private Collaboration: Encourage Indian corporates and philanthropists to co-fund basic science through
CSR and endowments.
• Global Collaboration Hubs: Create interdisciplinary research clusters linked to SDGs and climate resilience to
attract global partners.

Conclusion:
India stands at a historic crossroads where global brain circulation can be turned into brain gain. With timely reforms and
strategic investments, the country can leapfrog into the top tier of global science leaders. This window may never reopen.

PYQ:
Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. (UPSC-2015)

INDIA CRYPTO POLICY

Context:
A Trump-linked US firm, World Liberty Financial Inc (WLFI), has signed an MoU with Pakistan’s Crypto Council to develop a
crypto-based financial system, prompting geopolitical and security concerns for India.

About India Crypto Policy:

Pakistan’s Crypto Pact with WLFI:
• MoU Signed: Pakistan’s newly-formed Crypto Council and WLFI have agreed
to introduce stablecoins, monetize rare earth assets, and position Pakistan as a
regional crypto hub.
• High-Level Support: Endorsed by PM Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim
Munir, the deal includes use of blockchain for financial inclusion and trade.
• Diaspora Link: Pakistan is leveraging its US-based diaspora to connect with
Trump’s team and global crypto investors.

Strategic Risks to India:

• Terror Financing via Crypto: The decentralized and pseudo-anonymous nature of cryptocurrencies makes them
ideal for illicit financing, raising concerns akin to hawala networks, as highlighted by FATF.
• Cross-border Laundering Risk: Crypto assets can bypass formal banking channels, enabling money laundering
across jurisdictions—a threat amplified by Pakistan’s crypto pivot.
• Geopolitical Influence Operations: Through crypto deals like the WLFI-Pakistan MoU, Islamabad is leveraging tech
diplomacy to gain US favor, which could reduce India’s strategic tech advantage in the region.
• Diaspora-led Influence Shift: Pakistan is actively using its US-based tech diaspora to establish crypto alliances—
contrasting India’s diaspora focus on traditional tech sectors.
• Strategic Oversight Parallels: Just as India underestimated Pakistan’s nuclear capability in the 1970s, ignoring the
early-stage crypto pivot could similarly allow adversaries to reshape financial power balances.

India’s Regulatory and Strategic Crypto Vacuum:

• Tax Without Law: India taxes crypto (30% + 1% TDS) but has no legal framework—flagged by the Supreme Court in
May 2025.
• User Boom, No Oversight: With 100+ million users (Triple-A), there’s no central regulator, exposing users to scams.
• Cybersecurity Gaps: Lacking compliance norms, India faces major frauds—e.g., ₹900 crore GainBitcoin scam.
• No Investor Safeguards: Unlike SEBI or RBI, crypto lacks grievance redressal or risk protection.
• Slow CBDC Rollout: The RBI’s e₹ pilot lacks clear links to private crypto, limiting India’s digital currency leadership.

Way Ahead for India:

• National Crypto Strategy: Develop a centralized strategy combining monetary, cybersecurity, and geopolitical
objectives.
• Regulatory Clarity: Establish a Digital Asset Regulatory Authority to streamline compliance, prevent misuse, and
guide innovation.

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• Financial Intelligence Monitoring: Enhance FIU-IND tracking of crypto-linked transactions to identify risks and
track terror financing.
• Global Alignment: Coordinate with G20, FATF, and IMF for global crypto standards and cross-border data-sharing.
• CBDC Push: Accelerate RBI’s e₹ project, giving India a sovereign edge in digital currency without undermining the
banking system.
• Awareness Campaigns: Educate youth and investors about legal status, risks, and financial literacy in crypto.

Conclusion:
India cannot afford to overlook the emerging crypto-geopolitical nexus involving Pakistan and the US. With over 100
million users, India must urgently develop a clear, forward-looking crypto strategy that ensures national security, financial
integrity, and technological leadership.

PYQ:
How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered by science-based
technologies? (10 M)

Syllabus: Conservation

INDIA’S FRA VS. GLOBAL CONSERVATION LAWS

Context:
At CBD COP-16 (2025), a permanent subsidiary body for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) was created to
uphold rights in biodiversity conservation.
• Amid global exclusionary trends, India’s Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 stands out for linking community forest
governance with conservation.

About India’s FRA vs. Global Conservation Laws:

• FRA – A Rights-Based Conservation Model:
o The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006
legally recognizes 13 categories of forest rights, empowering Gram Sabhas for community-led biodiversity
conservation.
o It acknowledges historical injustice faced by tribal communities and integrates tenure security with
ecosystem protection.
• Global Trends – Fortress Conservation Model:
o Many global laws (e.g., Wildlife Acts in Africa and Latin
America) adopt an exclusionary “protected area” model,
displacing 10–20 million IPLCs worldwide (e.g.: Batwa in
Uganda, Masai in Kenya).
o This “fortress conservation” criminalizes traditional users
and centralizes forest control under the state or private
actors.
• Constitutional and Legal Backing in India:
o India’s Constitution provides Articles 244 & 244A,
enabling tribal governance in Scheduled Areas.
o Complemented by PESA (1996) and BDA (2002), the FRA
remains a rare global example linking local autonomy
with biodiversity stewardship.

Limitations of FRA Implementation:

• Weak Institutional Convergence: Despite FRA’s decentralized
vision, updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans
(NBSAPs 2024) still prioritize forest departments, marginalizing gram sabhas.
• Incomplete Recognition of Rights: Over 1.4 crore claims filed under FRA; however, only a fraction has been
approved, often diluted or denied by forest authorities.
• Non-Recognition of “Indigenous”: India avoids using “indigenous” in law, weakening its alignment with UNDRIP

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(2007) which India supported globally.
• Biodiversity Monetisation Risks: BDA 2024 Draft Rules may commercialize biodiversity via Bioprospecting, risking
corporate capture of traditional knowledge, unless integrated with FRA safeguards.
• OECM Concerns: Without clarity, Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) risk becoming
parallel protected areas, unless grounded in prior informed consent of forest communities.

Way Ahead: Strengthening FRA Through Global Learning

• Integrate UNDRIP Principles: Legally recognize cultural autonomy of IPLCs in national law, as done in Peru’s
Ashaninka law or Canada’s Indigenous Protected Areas framework.
• Institutional Synergy: Merge BDA’s Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) with gram sabhas under FRA
to reduce conflict and enhance community participation.
• Implement Article 8(j) of CBD: Fully implement CBD’s provision on traditional knowledge and benefit-sharing,
ensuring community-led documentation and control.
• Expand Legal Literacy and Tenure Mapping: Invest in community-led forest rights mapping, using platforms like
Van Gujari GIS or Gram Sabha Biodiversity Registers (GSBRs).
• Include IPLCs in Protected Area Governance: Involve local communities through co-management models like
Joint Protected Area Committees (as in parts of Mexico and Nepal).

Conclusion:
India’s Forest Rights Act 2006 remains globally unique for integrating community rights with conservation goals. Aligning
global safeguards with FRA’s democratic spirit and ensuring institutional coherence can foster inclusive, sustainable forest
governance rooted in justice and ecological wisdom.

RETROSPECTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCES

Context:
The Supreme Court of India struck down (Vanashakti v. Union of India) the Centre’s 2017 notification and 2021 SOP that
allowed retrospective environmental clearances to industries, calling them unconstitutional and violative of the right to a
clean environment.

About Retrospective Environmental Clearances:

• Definition: Ex-post facto or retrospective green clearances allow industries to start projects without prior
environmental clearance and seek approval later.
• Legal Basis: These clearances violate the mandatory pre-approval system under the Environment Impact
Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

About 2017 EIA Notification:

• Issued by: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
• Intent: Provided a one-time 6-month amnesty window for violators to apply
for environmental clearance post-facto.
• Scope: Covered industries that had commenced operations or changed scope
without prior approval.
• Process: Appraisal was centralized; violations were still subject to action by
State Pollution Control Boards.

Criticism of Retrospective Clearances:

• Undermines Due Process: Skips essential stages like public hearing, expert appraisal, and site inspection.
• Weakens Environmental Governance: Encourages violators by regularising illegal acts.
• Violates Environmental Principles: Contravenes the “precautionary” and “polluter pays” principles upheld by
Indian environmental jurisprudence.
• Leads to Irreparable Damage: Example – Pollution in Delhi due to unchecked industrial activity cited by SC.

Supreme Court Judgment Highlights (Vanashakti v. Union of India):

• Held Unconstitutional: Declared the 2017 notification and 2021 SOP violative of Article 21 (Right to Life) and

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Article 14 (Right to Equality).
• Illegal Even as One-time Measure: SC noted that even a “one-time” relaxation can’t override the public’s right to a
healthy environment.
• Violation of Past Orders: Cited Common Cause (2017) and Alembic Pharma (2020) cases that denounced post-
facto approvals.
• Mandated Compliance: Barred the Centre from issuing any such retrospective clearance mechanisms in the
future.
• Exposed Government Strategy: SC flagged the SOP as a disguised attempt to bring in post-facto approvals without
using the term.

Significance of Supreme Court Verdict:

• Upholds Environmental Rule of Law: Reinforces the mandatory nature of prior environmental clearance under the
EIA 2006 framework.
• Protects Right to Clean Environment: Strengthens Article 21 by affirming the citizen’s right to a pollution-free
environment.
• Discourages Regulatory Evasion: Sends a strong message against regularising illegal industrial activities post-facto.
• Boosts Judicial Oversight on Executive Actions: Asserts constitutional limits on executive discretion, preventing
dilution of environmental safeguards.
• Ensures Environmental Justice: Safeguards the rights of affected communities and ecosystems from unchecked
industrial expansion.

Conclusion:
The judgment reaffirms that environmental compliance is non-negotiable. Development cannot come at the cost
of ecological degradation. Upholding the sanctity of the EIA process is essential for safeguarding public health and
intergenerational equity.

PYQ:
How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification,
2006? (UPSC-2020)

Syllabus: Environment Pollution

INDIA’S AIR POLLUTION STRATEGY NEEDS ATMANIRBHARTA

Context:
The lack of self-reliance in India’s air pollution strategy has come under scrutiny following global disruptions in climate
research and continued foreign-led studies on India’s pollution crisis.

About India’s Air Pollution Strategy Needs Atmanirbharta:

• India’s Air Pollution: Data & Status
o Global Rankings: Over 12 Indian cities consistently rank
among the world’s top 20 most polluted cities (IQAir,
2024).
o Mortality: Air pollution contributes to 1.6 million
deaths annually in India (Lancet, 2020).
o Ambient Monitoring: Only 131 cities are covered under
the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) despite over
4,000 cities and towns.

Key Initiatives & History:

• 1984: Launch of the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAAQMP).
• 2001–2010: Development of SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research), India’s first
indigenous real-time forecasting system.
• 2019: Implementation of NCAP targeting 20–30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 2024.

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• EV Push: States like Delhi and Tamil Nadu lead the transition to Electric Vehicles to curb urban emissions.
• Anusandhan NRF: Promotes collaborative R&D between academia and industry for pollution solutions.

Challenges in Combating Air Pollution:

• Over-reliance on Foreign Data: India’s climate models are heavily dependent on data from foreign satellites and
agencies.
• Limited Research Capacity: Most global-funded studies on Indian pollution are led by foreign institutions, not
Indian researchers.
• Uneven Resource Allocation: Elite institutions corner most of the funding; regional R&D bodies remain under-
resourced.
• Unspent Funds: Despite air quality funds, Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) often return unused allocations.
• City-Centric Focus: Current strategies neglect airshed-level pollution, ignoring the inter-district and inter-state
flow of pollutants.

Way Forward: Towards Atmanirbharta

• Develop Indigenous Data Systems: India should invest in launching polar-orbiting satellites for self-sustained
climate data.
• Expand SAFAR Nationwide: Enhance and scale SAFAR to at least 100 cities for real-time prediction and public
access.
• Integrate with Health Metrics: Adopt health-centric pollution control frameworks, linking exposure data with
public health outcomes.
• Implement NARFI: Accelerate the rollout of the National Air Quality Resource Framework of India (NARFI) to
unify efforts across states and sectors.
• Strengthen ESSO-IMD & CPCB Synergy: Create a joint air quality authority leveraging the technical strengths of
meteorology and pollution science.
• Decentralise R&D Funding: Promote state-wise innovation hubs and fund second-tier institutions for grassroots
tech solutions.

Conclusion:
India’s battle against air pollution requires more than scattered projects — it needs systemic, indigenous innovation.
Bridging research gaps, decentralising data capacity, and moving beyond city silos to regional airshed governance can
deliver real self-reliance. Only then can we truly breathe easy.

PYQ:
Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health
Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air
Programme are required to achieve these revised standards?

CARBON CAPTURE AND UTILISATION (CCU)

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Context:
The Government of India has approved the establishment of five Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds to drive
net zero industrial pathways in hard-to-abate sectors like cement, under a public-private partnership model.

About Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU):

What is CCU?
CCU refers to technologies that capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) from industrial emissions and utilize it either directly or after
converting it into value-added products.

It is a sub-set of Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS).

How It Works?
CCU comprises three key stages:
o Capture – CO₂ is separated from emission sources (e.g., flue gas or air).
o Transport – The captured CO₂ is compressed and transported via pipeline, road, or ship.
o Utilisation – CO₂ is converted into products like synthetic fuels, urea, concrete aggregates, chemicals, or food-
grade CO₂.

Types of Carbon Capture:

o Post-combustion: Captures CO₂ after fuel is burned (retrofit-friendly).
o Pre-combustion: Captures CO₂ before combustion by gasifying fuel (better for new plants).
o Oxy-fuel combustion: Uses pure oxygen to burn fuel, simplifying CO₂ capture.
o Direct Air Capture (DAC): Extracts CO₂ from ambient air using sorbents or solvents (high cost, low concentration).

Features of Indian CCU Testbeds:

o Five pilot testbeds to be set up in partnership with top academic and industrial institutions:
 NCCBM + JK Cement (Haryana)
 IIT Kanpur + JSW Cement
 IIT Bombay + Dalmia Cement
 CSIR-IIP + IIT Tirupati + IISc + JSW Cement
 IIT Madras + BITS Pilani Goa + Ultratech Cement
o Focus: Translational R&D, CO₂ catalysis, vacuum-based gas separation, and industrial integration.
o Funding: Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
o Strategic intent: Combat EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and future-proof Indian industry.

Limitations of CCU:
o Limited Market Size: CO₂-based product markets are still small.
o Energy Intensity: High energy required, especially in DAC.
o Variable Climate Benefit: Impact depends on source of CO₂, end-product life cycle, and process carbon intensity.
o Not a Substitute for Mitigation: Best used to complement emissions reduction, not replace it.

IMO’S DRAFT NET-ZERO FRAMEWORK

Context:
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved the draft Net-Zero
Framework to combat climate change by reducing GHG emissions from shipping,
aiming for net-zero emissions by around 2050.

About IMO’s draft Net-Zero Framework:

What is the Framework?
• A legally binding global plan to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from
the maritime shipping sector.
• First initiative to combine global emissions limits with carbon pricing
for an entire industrial sector.

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Key Features:
• Legal Basis: New Chapter 5 of MARPOL Annex VI (Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships).
• Global Fuel Standard (GFI): Mandates reduction in GHG fuel intensity per energy unit used by ships (well-to-wake
model).
• Carbon Pricing: Ships exceeding GFI limits must purchase remedial units; low-GHG ships earn surplus credits.
• IMO Net-Zero Fund: Redistributes carbon revenues to:
o Reward zero-emission ships.
o Fund R&D, capacity building, and climate resilience in SIDS & LDCs.
• Coverage: Targets ships over 5,000 GT—responsible for 85% of maritime CO₂ emissions.
• Compliance Mechanism:
o Transfer surplus units between ships.
o Buy credits via IMO fund.
o Bank own surplus credits.

Significance of the Draft IMO Net-Zero Framework:

• First Global Sector-Wide Regulation: Unifies emissions cap and carbon pricing across international waters.
• Drives Low-Carbon Innovation: Incentivizes adoption of green fuels, onboard CCS, and hybrid technologies.
• Climate Alignment: Supports Paris Agreement goals and 2023 IMO Strategy targets.
• Equity Focused: Assists vulnerable nations via climate financing and technology transfers.
• Energy Transition Catalyst: Spurs investment into ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen-based fuels in maritime
logistics.

Limitations of the Framework:

• Delayed Enforcement: Actual implementation begins in 2027, despite urgency.
• Data Transparency Challenges: Measuring “well-to-wake” emissions is complex and may face reporting gaps.
• Equity Concerns: Higher compliance costs may impact developing maritime nations disproportionately.
• No Binding Rules on Ship Design: Current measures focus on fuel; design innovations like wind propulsion remain
voluntary.
• Market Readiness: Limited global availability of zero-emission fuels to meet upcoming GFI standards.

Way Forward:
• Accelerate Fuel Innovation: Boost global investments in green methanol, ammonia, and electro fuels.
• Inclusive Dialogue: Ensure Small Island States (SIDS) and LDCs get fair access to green tech and funding.
• Real-Time Tracking Systems: Deploy blockchain-based emissions tracking to improve compliance transparency.
• Complementary Ship Design Rules: Introduce parallel Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) updates for new
builds.
• Capacity Building: Support training, retrofitting programs, and local shipyard upgrades for clean technology
assimilation.

Conclusion:
The IMO Net-Zero Framework marks a milestone in climate governance by regulating maritime emissions globally. While
ambitious in structure and purpose, timely implementation, fuel innovation, and equitable mechanisms will be vital for
success. This can set a global precedent for other high-emission sectors.

PYQ: ‘
Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos”. Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO
(International Maritime Organisation) in protecting the environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. (UPSC-
2023)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA ALGAL BLOOM

Context:
A massive bloom of toxic algae Karenia mikimotoi has killed over 200 species of marine life off the southern coast of
Australia, affecting biodiversity and coastal tourism.

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About South Australia Algal Bloom:
• What It Is?
o Karenia mikimotoi is a species of toxic dinoflagellate algae that forms
harmful algal blooms (HABs), commonly referred to as red tides.
• Classification:
o Kingdom: Protista
o Phylum: Dinoflagellata
o It contains photosynthetic pigments but lacks protective thecal plates.
• Historical Occurrence:
o First identified in Japan in 1935.
o Since then, detected in Norway, China, USA (east coast), English Channel, and Australia.
o March 2025 marks the largest bloom in South Australia to date, spanning 4,400 sq. km.
• Recent 2025 Bloom:
o Coastline of South Australia, affecting: Kangaroo Island, Fleurieu Peninsula, and Yorke Peninsula
• Key Features:
o Appears as discoloured, foamy water during warmer months.
o Produces toxins (like gymnocin A & B) with low known toxicity but causes large-scale deaths.
o Creates oxygen-depleted (anoxic) zones and blocks fish gills.
o Affects marine life directly through contact and indirectly through water chemistry alteration.
o Associated with skin irritation, breathing issues, sore eyes in humans near affected beaches.
• Impacts:
o Marine Life Deaths: Over 200 species, including sharks, rays, octopuses, and crabs perished.
o Ecological Damage: Long-term damage to coastal food chains and biodiversity.
o Economic Disruption: Affects fisheries, tourism, and local livelihoods.
o Public Health Risk: Causes respiratory and skin problems in beachgoers.
o Climate Linkage: Triggered by marine heatwaves, intensified by climate change and calm sea conditions.

INDIA’S E-WASTE LANDSCAPE

Context:
India’s e-waste surged by over 150% in six years, prompting experts like to advocate for a stable EPR floor price to
formalise recycling and curb environmental and economic losses.

About India’s E-Waste Landscape:

Current Status:
• E-waste refers to discarded electronic products (mobiles, laptops, TVs, etc.) containing toxic and precious metals.
• India generated 17.78 lakh metric tonnes of e-waste in 2023–24, rising from 7.08 lakh metric tonnes in 2017–18
— a 151% increase in six years.
Global Position:
• India is one of the top five global e-waste producers, alongside China, USA, Japan, and Germany.

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Key Initiatives for E-Waste Management:
1. E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022: Mandates Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for manufacturers to
ensure safe disposal and recycling.
2. EPR Certificate System: Producers must buy certificates from authorised recyclers to meet EPR targets.
3. Digital E-Waste Tracking: Introduction of a centralised portal for traceability of e-waste movement and
certification.
4. Public Awareness Campaigns: Emphasis on educating users and incentivising collection via e-stores, kiosks, and
take-back policies.

EPR Floor Pricing:

• What Is It?
o Minimum guaranteed price set for EPR certificates to ensure recyclers receive fair compensation for their
work.
• Key Features (as per E-Waste Rules 2022)
o Ensures price predictability for recyclers, encouraging formalisation.
o Prevents market collapse and promotes investment in eco-friendly technology.
o Aligns with global best practices (e.g., Europe’s high EPR fees for producers).
• Benefits:
o Formal sector gains ground over informal processing (which handles 95% of India’s e-waste).
o Reduces environmental hazards, encourages material recovery (e.g., gold, copper), and improves tax
revenue.
o Helps meet circular economy goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Challenges in E-Waste Collection:

• Informal Sector Dominance: 90% of e-waste handled by unregistered recyclers, lacking safety standards.
• Low Consumer Awareness: Lack of knowledge on safe disposal practices and take-back policies.
• Weak Enforcement Mechanisms: Regulatory bodies struggle with monitoring informal and cash-based
operations.
• Urban-Rural Divide: Recycling infrastructure is concentrated in urban centres, leaving tier-2 and rural areas
uncovered.
• Design Complexity: Modern electronics are hard to disassemble, making safe recycling costly and complex.

Way Ahead:
• Implement Uniform Floor Pricing: Ensure consistent pricing to protect formal recyclers and prevent undercutting.
• Strengthen EPR Compliance: Strictly monitor producer responsibilities, especially for OEMs and importers.
• Incentivise Circular Product Design: Encourage industries to adopt recyclable, modular, and repairable products.
• Integrate Informal Sector: Train and incorporate informal workers into formal supply chains through SHGs and
cooperatives.
• Boost Recycling Infrastructure: Set up state-level recycling hubs, particularly in e-waste-intensive regions.

Conclusion:
India’s growing e-waste mountain demands urgent and structured intervention. A stable EPR floor price is central to
ensuring safe, profitable, and formal recycling that aligns with sustainability goals. Balancing environmental responsibility
with economic opportunity is the cornerstone of Viksit Bharat.

PYQ:
What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being
generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (UPSC-
2018)

KERALA OIL SPILL INCIDENT

Context: A Liberian-flagged cargo vessel MSC ELSA 3, carrying hazardous material, capsized 38 nautical miles off Kochi,
raising concerns of a major oil spill.

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About Kerala Oil Spill Incident:
• MSC ELSA 3 sank due to flooding in one of its holds while en route from
Vizhinjam to Kochi.
• The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 hazardous cargoes,
84.44 MT diesel, and 367.1 MT furnace oil.
• Hazards onboard: Calcium carbide, hazardous chemicals, and large fuel
volumes.

About Oil Spills:

• What is an Oil Spill?
o An accidental release of petroleum or related substances into oceans, seas, or coastal waters.
o Forms a toxic film that blocks sunlight, affects marine oxygen levels, and harms aquatic life.
• Impacts of Oil Spills:
o Marine Life Destruction:
 Coating of birds, mammals, and turtles disrupts thermoregulation and mobility.
 Toxic exposure affects fish reproduction, growth, and survival.
o Ecosystem Disruption:
 Destroys phytoplankton, mangroves, coral reefs, and marine food chains.
 Long-lasting contamination in coastal areas and estuaries.
o Economic Losses:
 Hits fisheries, tourism, and shipping industries.
 Cleanup and compensation costs are extremely high.

• Legal Framework Governing Oil Spills:

o International Conventions:
 MARPOL (1973/78): Marine Pollution prevention by IMO; India is a signatory.
 OPRC Convention (1990): Facilitates global cooperation in oil spill response.
o Indian Laws:
 Merchant Shipping Act, 1958: Governs pollution control in Indian waters.
 National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP):
 Managed by Indian Coast Guard as the nodal response agency.
 Ensures monitoring, emergency response, and public safety.

• Technologies & Methods to Manage Oil Spills:

o Skimmers: Devices that physically remove oil from the water surface.
o Dispersants: Chemicals that break oil into small droplets for microbial degradation.
o Oil Booms: Floating barriers used to contain oil spread.
o In-situ Burning: Controlled burning of surface oil in isolated patches.
Bioremediation: Use of oil-eating microbes, e.g., TERI’s Oil Zapper.

Syllabus: Disaster Management

BENGALURU URBAN FLOODING

Context:
Bengaluru witnessed over 130 mm rainfall in just 12 hours, leading to severe urban flooding that left 3 dead, 500 homes
inundated, and major roads, underpasses, and lakes overwhelmed.

About Bengaluru Urban Flooding:

What is Urban Flooding?
• Urban flooding refers to the overflow of water in densely built
environments due to poor drainage and excessive rainfall.
• Unlike rural floods, it occurs rapidly and overwhelms infrastructure—seen
in cities like Mumbai (2005), Chennai (2015), and Hyderabad (2020).

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Causes of Urban Flooding in Bengaluru:
• Natural Causes:
o Heavy Monsoon Rains: South-west monsoon causes intense rainfall; July averages often exceed 100 mm
in a day.
o Topography: The city sits on an undulating terrain with natural low-lying basins like Hebbal, Koramangala-
Challaghatta valleys.

• Man-made Causes:
o Encroachment of Lakes & Wetlands: Bengaluru has lost 79% of its water bodies in the last 40 years (IISc
data).
o Poor Drainage Maintenance: Rajakaluves (storm drains) are choked, buried, or encroached, reducing
water-carrying capacity.
o Outdated City Plans: CDP and zoning regulations have not evolved with urban density and climate risks.
o Unregulated Construction: Tech parks and apartments are often built over floodplains, violating
environmental norms.
o Lack of Coordination: Civic bodies function in silos, delaying response and long-term planning.

Impacts of Urban Flooding:

• Loss of Life & Property: Monsoon 2025 led to 3 deaths and submerged areas like Koramangala, Bellandur, and
ORR.
• Economic Disruptions: IT corridor shutdowns cost crores; flooding impacts India’s $194B tech exports sector.
• Public Health Crisis: Waterlogging spreads vector-borne diseases and contamination-related infections.
• Transport & Power Outages: Prolonged disruption of metro, roads, and electrical systems during peak rains.

Global Best Practices:

• Singapore’s SWAN System: Smart sensors detect water level rise and activate flood alerts in real-time.
• Netherlands’ “Room for the River”: Managed retreat and river expansion reduce flood pressure in cities.
• China’s “Sponge Cities”: Permeable pavements, green roofs, and wetlands absorb excess water sustainably.
• FLOAT House (New Orleans): Floating homes adapt to changing water levels, minimizing displacement.

Way Forward:
• Restore Natural Drainage: Reconnect lakes, wetlands, and rajakaluves following IISc & NDMA recommendations.
• Regular Desilting: Institutionalize desilting of secondary/tertiary drains before monsoons, with third-party audits.
• Urban Planning Reform: Revise Bengaluru’s CDP to include flood zoning and green infrastructure mandates.
• Smart Flood Management: Use IoT-based water monitoring systems and integrate early warning dashboards.
• Clear Political Accountability: Strengthen BBMP’s autonomy and conduct regular audits to fix administrative gaps.

Conclusion:
Bengaluru’s repeated flooding is no longer a seasonal mishap but a governance failure. Restoring ecological wisdom and
enforcing climate-resilient urban planning is not optional—it is a necessity. A city of lakes must not become a city under
water.

PYQ:
The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban
floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (UPSC-2016)

LANDSLIDE
Context:
A tragic landslide on the Kedarnath National Highway in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand killed one and injured five pilgrims
from Chhattisgarh. Authorities have warned against travel due to ongoing extreme weather.

About Landslides:
• What is a Landslide?
o A landslide is the sudden downward movement of rock, earth, or debris due to gravity, often triggered by

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heavy rainfall, seismic activity, or human interference.
• India’s Vulnerability: Around 15% of India’s landmass is
landslide-prone (NDMA), especially the Himalayas, North-
East, Western Ghats, and Nilgiris.
• Types of Landslides in India:
o Debris Flow: Common during monsoon in Western
Ghats and Himalayas.
o Rockfalls: Observed in steep Himalayan terrains.
o Creeping Landslides: Slow and progressive, seen in
Sikkim and Darjeeling.

Causes of Landslides in India:

1. Geological Factors: Fragile rock structures due to tectonic
movement of the Indian plate at ~5 cm/year (Geological
Survey of India).
2. Heavy Rainfall: Intense and prolonged rainfall triggers slope
failures, e.g., Malpha (Pithoragarh) and Okhimath (Chamoli).
3. Seismic Activity: Earthquakes in Himalayan zones weaken slopes and trigger landslides.
4. Deforestation & Urbanisation: Removal of vegetation and unregulated construction destabilizes soil layers.
5. Road Construction & Mining: Blasting and excavation alter natural slopes, making them prone to collapse.

Impacts of Landslides:
• Short-term Impacts:
o Loss of life and injuries, e.g., Kedarnath NH landslide (May 2025).
o Damage to infrastructure and crops causing economic loss.
o Obstruction to transport, especially in remote and hilly terrain.
• Long-term Impacts:
o River sedimentation, leading to downstream flooding.
o Reduced reservoir life due to siltation in hydropower projects.
o Displacement of population and loss of arable land.
o Geographic isolation leading to underdevelopment.

NDMA Guidelines for Landslide Management:

• Hazard Zonation Maps: LHZ maps at 1:50,000 scale being prepared by NRSC, IITs, DST.
E.g., NRSC Atlas for Uttarakhand corridors.
• Early Warning Systems (EWS): Use of real-time monitoring, stress sensors, remote sensing, and GIS for timely
alerts.
• Land Use Regulation: No construction in vulnerable zones, excavation norms, and slope stability measures like
rock bolting and retaining walls.
• Preparedness & Capacity Building: Disaster training in schools, simulation drills, and awareness campaigns in hilly
districts.
• Infrastructure Measures: Drainage improvement, vegetation cover restoration, and slope reengineering.
• Insurance & Compensation: Encouraging landslide insurance and quick relief disbursals to affected families.
• Research & Development: DST supports over 30 research projects to improve landslide prediction and mitigation
technologies.

Conclusion:
Landslides are a persistent threat in India’s geologically fragile zones. With changing climate and unplanned
development, their frequency is rising. Strengthening early warning systems, enforcing regulations, and raising public
awareness are key to reducing future risk and impact.

PYQ:
1. Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National
Landslip Risk Management Strategy. (2021)

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CLIMATE PHYSICAL RISK (CPR)

Context:
Union Home Minister recently emphasized the need for proactive climate risk assessments amidst rising extreme weather
events. The article highlighted India’s fragmented approach to Climate Physical Risk (CPR) and called for a unified national
framework.

About Climate Physical Risk:

What is Climate Physical Risk (CPR)?
Definition: CPR refers to potential damage from acute (e.g. floods, heatwaves) and chronic (e.g. shifting rainfall patterns,
droughts) climate events.

Formula:
As per IPCC, CPR = Hazard × Exposure × Vulnerability.

Features:
Hazard: Refers to climate-induced events like floods, cyclones, droughts, or wildfires that pose direct environmental
threats.
Exposure: Denotes the presence of people, infrastructure, or economic assets in areas susceptible to hazards.
Vulnerability: Captures the ability of systems, communities, or infrastructure to withstand and bounce back from these
hazards.

Global & Indian Context:

Global Context:
Mandatory Climate Disclosures: Countries now require companies to disclose physical climate risks under standards like
ISSB S2 and the EU Taxonomy.

Universal Relevance: Both Global North and South face extreme events—e.g., heatwaves in Europe and wildfires in the
US.

Indian Context:
High Exposure: Over 80% of Indians live in districts prone to climate disasters, including floods, droughts, and heatwaves
(World Bank).

Fragmented Framework: CPR data is dispersed across IMD, IITs, and NIDM without a standardised, national-level risk
assessment system.

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Key Challenges in India’s CPR Management:
• Fragmentation: CPR studies are isolated across ministries, lacking standardisation.
• Modelling Issues: Global models like RCPs/SSPs miss India’s hyper-local climate variations.
• Data Gaps: No central repository for risk metrics at district or panchayat level.
• Private Sector Barriers: Limited tools for businesses to assess value chain exposure.

Initiatives Taken So Far:

• Adaptation Communication (2023): India submitted its first climate adaptation report to UNFCCC under Article 7
of the Paris Agreement.
• National Adaptation Plan (NAP): Work is underway for a full NAP covering nine sectors with district-level detailing.
• RBI Framework: Incorporating climate risks into India’s financial sector supervision mechanisms.

Way Forward:
• India-Specific CPR Tool: Must include local climate modelling, real-time risk dashboards, and sector-wise
vulnerability indices.
• Central Risk Repository: Enable data-sharing across ministries, states, and private entities.
• Financial Alignment: Direct climate finance to adaptation (e.g. resilient roads, heat-resilient crops).
• Public-Private Partnerships: Empower industries to map risks and integrate climate resilience in ESG and
sustainability audits.
• Transparent Standards: Use science-based methodologies with real-time data integration and citizen feedback
loops.

Conclusion:
India’s development must be climate-proofed. CPR is not just a risk metric — it’s a governance imperative. A unified,
locally rooted, and future-ready system is essential to turn resilience from buzzword to blueprint.

PYQ:
Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of
major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades. (UPSC-2021)

WMO GLOBAL CLIMATE FORECAST 2025–2029

Context:
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released a new decadal climate forecast, warning that global
temperatures between 2025 and 2029 are expected to remain at or above record levels, significantly increasing climate-
related risks and development challenges.

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About WMO Global Climate Forecast 2025–2029:
• Temperature Range: Annual global mean surface temperature is projected to be 1.2°C to 1.9°C above pre-
industrial (1850–1900) levels.
• Record-Breaking Heat:
o 80% chance that one year between 2025–2029 will exceed 2024, the hottest year on record.
o 86% chance that one year will cross the 1.5°C threshold.
• Five-Year Average Warming:
o 70% probability that 2025–2029 average will exceed 1.5°C, up from 47% in last year’s report.
• Long-Term Context: 1.5°C target in Paris Agreement refers to multi-decade averages, but short-term overshoots
are now increasingly likely.

Key Issues Highlighted in the Report:

• Accelerated Arctic Warming: Winter temperatures in the Arctic are expected to be 2.4°C above the 1991–2020
average, over 3.5× faster than global average.
• Decline in Sea Ice: Further reductions predicted in the Barents Sea, Bering Sea, and Sea of Okhotsk, impacting
biodiversity and indigenous livelihoods.
• Changing Precipitation Patterns:
o Wetter conditions expected in Sahel, Alaska, Northern Europe.
o Drier conditions over the Amazon and parts of South Asia, intensifying drought risks.
• Regional Variability: South Asia may witness continued wet years, though not uniformly across seasons.

Consequences of Predicted Warming:

• Extreme Weather Intensification: Every fraction of warming drives stronger heatwaves, floods, and droughts,
impacting both urban systems and agrarian economies.
• Melting Ice and Rising Seas: Sustained warming leads to glacial melt, contributing to sea-level rise and coastal
threats.
• Ocean Heating & Acidification: Increased temperatures cause marine ecosystem degradation, endangering
fisheries and food chains.
• Threat to Sustainable Development: Warming undermines SDGs, especially food security, water access, and public
health in vulnerable regions.

Way Ahead:
• Strengthen Climate Action (NDCs): Nations must revise and scale up their Nationally Determined Contributions
(NDCs) at COP30 for alignment with Paris targets.
• Accelerate Renewable Transitions: Shift to clean energy and net-zero pathways is vital to reduce GHG emissions.
• Boost Adaptation Planning: Implement climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems in high-risk
zones.
• Enhance Global Climate Monitoring: Expand WMO-led efforts for decadal forecasting, regional risk assessments,
and public policy guidance.
• Protect Natural Carbon Sinks: Preserve forests, wetlands, and oceans which act as critical buffers against rising
CO₂ levels.

Conclusion: The WMO’s forecast reinforces the urgency of aggressive climate action. The likelihood of surpassing 1.5°C even
temporarily signifies increasing systemic risks. Without immediate global commitment, climate extremes will become the
new normal.

PYQ:
Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian
sub-continent. (UPSC- 2014)

BHARAT FORECASTING SYSTEM (BFS)

Context: The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences launched the Bharat Forecasting System (BFS) on May 26, 2025.
• It is the world’s highest-resolution weather prediction model using a 6 km x 6 km grid, powered by India’s
supercomputer Arka.

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About Bharat Forecasting System (BFS):
• What is BFS?
o BFS is India’s most advanced numerical weather
prediction system.
o It provides highly localized, short-term weather
forecasts up to panchayat level using ultra-high-
resolution grids.
• Developed by
o Developed by scientists at the Indian Institute of
Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.
o Led by researcher Dr. Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay.
• How It Works?
o Utilizes supercomputer Arka (11.77 PetaFLOPS, 33 Petabyte storage) to run simulations faster (within 4
hours).
o Uses real-time inputs from 40+ Doppler Weather Radars, which will soon expand to 100.
o Processes data for regions between 30° South to 30° North latitude, covering tropical zones including
India.
• Key Features:
o Highest global resolution: 6 km grid (compared to 9–14 km used by EU, UK, US models).
o Faster processing: Cuts prediction time by 60% compared to previous model Pratyush.
o Covers India comprehensively: Including small villages and blocks.
o Supports nowcasting – forecasts for the next 2 hours.
• Significance:
o Disaster Risk Reduction: Enables quicker evacuation and flood alerts.
o Agricultural Resilience: Assists farmers with timely rainfall, heatwave, and drought warnings.
o Water Resource Planning: Better irrigation management and reservoir operations.
o Food Inflation Management: Helps stabilize prices by reducing crop losses.
o Public Health: Early warning for heatwaves and pollution episodes.

Syllabus: Internal Security & its Challenges

INDIA’S CHANGING MILITARY STRATEGY

Context:
Prime Minister outlined a new military doctrine, signalling a shift in India’s strategic posture against cross-border terrorism
and nuclear blackmail.

About India’s Changing Military Strategy:

Operation Sindoor: India’s Decisive Strike
• What it is: A calibrated, deep-strike air and drone offensive targeting
terrorist infrastructure in PoJK and Pakistani Punjab.
• Conducted by: Joint operations by the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy,
and intelligence agencies.
• Key Targets: Nine terror facilities including Jaish-e-Mohammed HQ in
Bahawalpur and LeT base in Muridke.
• Precision Tools Used: SCALP cruise missiles, HAMMER precision-guided
bombs, kamikaze drones.
• Doctrine Highlight: The operation avoided ground invasion, used tech-based deterrence, and denied Pakistan
plausible deniability.

Core Elements of New Military Strategy of India:

• Response on India’s Terms: Strikes at timing and targets of India’s choosing, without waiting for escalation.
• No Tolerance for Terror & Nuclear Blackmail: PM Modi stated Pakistan’s nuclear threats won’t deter India’s

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actions.
• No Distinction Between State & Non-State Actors: Terrorists, their handlers, and state sponsors treated alike.

How India’s Military Strategy Is Changing?

• Strategic Shifts:
o Tech-Driven Warfare: Post-Galwan, India has prioritised multi-domain capabilities – cyber, space, drones,
satellites.
o Standoff Strike Capability: India’s use of air-launched precision weapons allows deep strikes with low risk.
o Escalation Control: Strategy is calibrated to avoid full-scale war while imposing costs on adversaries.
• Defence Enhancements:
o Improved Air Defence: India intercepted Pakistani drones/missiles, showcasing superior air surveillance.
o Smart Deterrence: Combines kinetic power with psychological pressure, demonstrated by real-time
response and damage control.
o Operational Readiness: India has moved closer to a Cold Start-like posture without officially adopting it.

Implications for India’s Future Warfare:

• New Normal in Indo-Pak Relations: India may now strike first, strike deep if provoked—setting a stronger redline.
• Geopolitical Assertiveness: India now positions its counter-terror operations within the global war on terror
narrative.
• Strengthened Strategic Credibility: India’s shift from reactive to proactive doctrine could deter proxy threats.
• Focus on PoJK: PM Modi clarified PoJK is the only agenda for future talks with Pakistan, not trade or diplomacy.
• Civil-Military Integration: Strong alignment between political will and military execution indicates a doctrinal shift.

Conclusion:
Operation Sindoor marks a pivotal shift in India’s counter-terror doctrine by fusing technology, precision, and
assertiveness. India’s readiness to strike beyond borders—despite nuclear threats—reflects evolving strategic confidence.
Future warfare will be shaped more by tech superiority and swift retaliation than traditional battlegrounds.

PYQ:
Discuss the types of organized crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organized crime that exists at the
national and transnational levels. (UPSC-2022)

INDIA’S SPATIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR NATIONAL SECURITY

Context:
China’s Beidou satellite navigation system is under scrutiny after reports suggested it may have been used by militants
during the Pahalgam terror attack in India, raising serious national security concerns for India.

About India’s Spatial Infrastructure for National Security:

About Spatial Infrastructure:
• Definition: Spatial infrastructure includes satellite-based systems for
positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), such as GPS, India’s NavIC,
and China’s Beidou.
• Governing Rules: Governed by international treaties (e.g., ITU,
COPUOS) and domestic space/telecom regulations like India’s
Satcom Policy.
• Core Features:
o High-precision real-time tracking and location services.
o Integration with communication networks and AI-based
surveillance tools.
o Offers Short Messaging Services (SMS), encrypted communications, and location analytics (as in Beidou).

Role in National Security:

• Tactical Military Operations: Enables secure communications and troop coordination in surveillance-heavy or

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mobile-network-denied regions.
E.g. Beidou SMS capability was likely used in Pahalgam attack to evade detection.
• Border Monitoring & Drone Navigation: Crucial for precision drone strikes and patrol management.
• Disaster Management & Infrastructure Security: Used in coordination with telecom networks and IoT sensors for
early warning systems.
• Cybersecurity Backbone: Supports encryption, network resilience, and secure data routing through quantum-safe
protocols.

India’s Spatial Infrastructure Initiatives for National Security:

• NavIC & GAGAN Systems:
o NavIC offers indigenous navigation services across India and nearby regions.
o GAGAN augments GPS signals for high-precision use in aviation and defense sectors.
• Defence Space Agency (DSA): Coordinates space-based assets for military use, enhancing surveillance, navigation,
and secure communications.
• RISAT & EOS Satellite Series: Provide real-time radar imaging for border monitoring, terrain mapping, and disaster
response.
• Samvad & Netra Projects:
o Samvad secures military satellite communication.
o Netra tracks space threats and enemy satellites, strengthening space situational awareness.
• Quantum Satellite Communication: ISRO-DRDO initiative to develop quantum-encrypted communication for
tamper-proof defence networks.

Key Issues Surrounding Spatial Infrastructure:

• Foreign GNSS Dependence: Overreliance on external systems like GPS or Beidou compromises sovereignty and
data integrity.
• Use by Non-State Actors: Beidou’s high-accuracy services may be exploited by terrorists in border regions (e.g.,
Pakistan & J&K).
• Geo-Tech Dominance by China: China’s promotion of Beidou in Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh may reduce
India’s regional tech leverage.
• Lagging Indigenous Systems: NavIC lacks global coverage and commercial adoption remains low.
• Spoofing and Signal Jamming: Limited real-time capabilities to counter satellite spoofing or jamming threats.

Way Ahead:
• Upgrade NavIC Infrastructure: Expand NavIC’s global coverage and integrate it into smartphones, vehicles, and
defense platforms.
• Strengthen Space Surveillance: Accelerate RISAT-type missions to track cross-border movements in real-time.
• Deploy Counter-Interference Tech: Invest in signal spoofing detection, jamming devices, and GNSS firewalls near
sensitive zones.
• Promote Regional GNSS Adoption: Offer technical and financial support to neighbors to adopt NavIC as a strategic
alternative to Beidou.
• Raise Multilateral Concerns: Use forums like UN COPUOS and ICG to flag the dual-use nature of satellite systems
being misused by non-state actors.

Conclusion:
The misuse of spatial infrastructure like Beidou by state and non-state actors poses new security risks for India.
Strengthening indigenous capabilities like NavIC and deploying proactive countermeasures will be crucial for securing
national sovereignty and ensuring strategic autonomy in a rapidly evolving digital battlespace.

PYQ:
Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has
helped India in its socio-economic development? (UPSC-2016)

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Facts for Prelims (FFP):

Syllabus: Economy

INDIA - 4TH LARGEST ECONOMY IN as Apple’s US manufacturing push.

o Leadership Impact: Economic trajectory
WORLD credited to policy reforms, infrastructure
growth, and Digital India & Atmanirbhar
Context: Bharat missions.
India surpassed Japan to become the 4th largest economy o Future Potential: Projected to overtake
in the world, as confirmed by NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Germany in the next 2.5–3 years and
Subrahmanyam citing IMF data. become the third-largest economy globally,
as per NITI Aayog projections.
About India - 4th Largest Economy in World:
• What is it?
o As per the IMF World Economic Outlook
(April 2025), India’s nominal GDP is NIVESHAK SHIVIR INITIATIVE
projected at $4.19 trillion, surpassing
Japan’s GDP of $4.18 trillion.
o This marks a major shift in global economic Context:
order and India’s rising influence. IEPFA and SEBI jointly convened a strategic meeting, to
launch the “Niveshak Shivir” initiative to help investors
reclaim unclaimed dividends and shares.

About Niveshak Shivir Initiative:

India’s New Economic Status What it is: A nationwide investor assistance and outreach
o Current Rank: 4th largest economy globally program to help investors reclaim unclaimed dividends and
o Previous Rank (2024): 5th, behind Japan shares with ease.
o New Rank Order (2025): United States,
• Launched by: Investor Education and Protection
China, Germany, India, and Japan
Fund Authority (IEPFA) under the Ministry of
• Significance of the Achievement:
Corporate Affairs, in collaboration with SEBI.
o Global Confidence Boost: Reinforces
• Key Features:
India’s role as a key global economic power,
o Investor Helpdesks: On-ground support for
attracting increased FDI and international
investors to directly interact with company
partnerships.
representatives and RTAs.
o Domestic Economic Growth: India’s GDP
o Digital Search Tool: IEPFA provides a portal
doubled from $2 trillion (2014) to $4+
to track share status and file claims (Form
trillion (2025) and per capita income rose
IEPF-5).
from $1,438 (2014) to $2,880 (2025).
o Streamlined Claim Process: Guidance for
o Strategic Manufacturing Hub: India
shareholders in demat and physical form to
remains a cost-effective production base
recover unclaimed assets.
despite global reshoring discussions, such

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• Significance: o Published monthly by the Office of
o Reduces dependency on intermediaries. Economic Adviser, under the Department
o Enhances transparency in the investor for Promotion of Industry and Internal
recovery process. Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and
o Boosts financial literacy and trust in the Industry.
financial ecosystem. • Objective:
o Supports faster resolution of investor o To track price movements in wholesale
grievances. markets and assess cost pressures faced by
producers and industries.
About Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority o Aids in understanding supply-demand
(IEPFA): dynamics across primary, energy, and
• What it is: A statutory authority established under manufacturing sectors.
Section 125 of the Companies Act, 2013. • Base Year and Calculation:
• Ministry: Functions under the Ministry of o Base Year: Updated to 2011–12 (from
Corporate Affairs, Government of India. 2004–05) for alignment with GDP and IIP
• Functions: data.
o Protects interests of investors. o Method: Weighted average of prices from
o Promotes financial literacy and education. a basket of 697 items, across three main
o Facilitates refund of unclaimed dividends, groups:
matured deposits, and shares.  Primary Articles (22.62%)
o Manages the IEPF corpus comprising  Fuel and Power (13.15%)
unclaimed amounts transferred by  Manufactured Products (64.23%)
companies. • Key Features of WPI:
o Covers only goods, not services.
o Reflects price trends before retail level,
WHOLESALE PRICE INDEX (WPI) unlike Consumer price index (CPI) which
tracks consumer prices.
o Published monthly, showing price changes
Context:
over the entire month.
India’s WPI inflation eased to a 13-month low of 0.85% in
o Useful for industry cost analysis, but
April 2025, sharply down from 2.05% in March, driven by
not used by the RBI for monetary policy
falling fuel and primary article prices.
decisions.
• Significance of WPI in India:
o Serves as an early indicator of inflation
trends.
o Helps in analysing input cost pressures on
producers.
o Essential for fiscal planning, business
forecasting, and policymaking.
o Provides insights into sector-specific
inflation—crucial for agriculture, mining,
energy, and industry.
o Complements CPI in macro-economic
analysis, though RBI prefers CPI for interest
rate decisions.

About Wholesale Price Index (WPI): RBI SURPLUS TRANSFER

• What is WPI?
o The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) measures Context:
the average change in prices of goods The RBI may transfer a record ₹2.5 to ₹3 lakh crore as
traded in bulk by wholesalers to other surplus to the government for FY 2024–25.
businesses. • The Central Board reviewed the Economic Capital
o It reflects inflation at the producer level, Framework (ECF) on May 15, 2025, ahead of
before the goods reach the end consumer. deciding the transfer amount.
• Administering Body:

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o Commission to banks and primary dealers
involved in public debt transactions.

• How is the RBI Surplus Transfer Amount Decided?

o Based on Economic Capital Framework
(ECF): Adopted on August 26, 2019,
following the recommendations of the
Bimal Jalan Committee.
o Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) Range: Risk
provisioning is maintained within 5.5%–
6.5% of the RBI’s balance sheet.
o Surplus = Income – Expenditure – Risk
Provisions: After accounting for operational
expenses and CRB provisioning, the
remaining balance is the transferable
surplus.
About RBI Surplus Transfer: o Approved by RBI Central Board: Final
• What is Surplus Transfer?
decision taken in the Board meeting post
o The RBI transfers its net profit—i.e., total
financial year-end (July–June).
income minus expenditure—to the Central
Government, after making necessary
provisions.
o This process is termed as surplus transfer
and not dividend payment, since RBI is not DESIGNING A POLICY FOR MEDIUM
a commercial entity. ENTERPRISES REPORT
• Legal Framework: Context:
o Governed by Section 47 of the RBI Act, NITI Aayog has released a landmark report titled “Designing
1934. a Policy for Medium Enterprises”, aimed at empowering
o The Act mandates that, after making medium enterprises to become future industrial giants and
provisions for: drive India’s vision for Viksit Bharat @2047.
 Bad and doubtful debts,
 Depreciation in assets, Summary of the Report “Designing a Policy for Medium
 Staff benefits and superannuation, Enterprises”:
 And other routine banking What are Medium Enterprises?
contingencies, the remaining • Medium Enterprises are defined (as of April 2025)
surplus must be transferred to the as businesses with:
Government of India. o Investment up to ₹125 crores
o Turnover up to ₹500 crores
• Major Sources of RBI’s Income: • They form 0.3% of MSMEs but contribute 40% of
o RBI earns income primarily through: MSME exports, indicating their strategic role.
 Interest from foreign assets like
bonds, treasury bills, and deposits
with other central banks.
 Interest on domestic securities,
mainly government bonds.
 Short-term lending to banks (e.g.,
repo operations).
 Commission for managing
borrowings of Central and State
governments.
 Service charges for managing the Sector Overview:
currency and payment systems. • GDP Contribution: MSMEs contribute 29% to GDP
and medium enterprises form a vital manufacturing
• Key Expenditures of RBI: backbone.
o Printing of currency notes. • Employment: Medium enterprises generate 89
o Staff salaries and retirement benefits. jobs per unit on average—more than micro (5.7) or

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small (19.1). under MSE-CDP for medium enterprises.
• Export Impact: Contribute ~₹50,562 crore in forex • Skilling Reform: Custom training linked to region,
income annually. industry, and growth stages.
• R&D Investment: Medium enterprises account for • R&D Push: Create 3-tier R&D framework with
81% of total R&D expenditure by MSMEs. national-level project funding.
• Digital One-Stop Portal: AI-powered sub-portal
within Udyam for scheme discovery, compliance
help.

Conclusion:
The NITI Aayog report rightly focuses on a
dedicated policy that addresses long-standing gaps
in support for this high-impact segment. A focused,
innovation-led, and tech-integrated policy approach can
turn them into drivers of exports, jobs, and economic
growth.

Analysis of the Report: PYQ:

• Positive Aspects: Faster economic growth requires increased share of the
o High Productivity Units: High per-unit manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs.
profitability and employment generation Comment on the present policies of the Government in this
rates. regard. (10 M)
o Export Engines: 40% of MSME exports
come from this 0.3% group.
o Innovation Focused: Spend more on R&D
per unit than micro/small enterprises.
ADVANCE AUTHORISATION SCHEME
o Untapped Growth Multiplier: A 20%
increase in medium enterprises could Context:
generate ~₹5.4 lakh crore extra in forex and The government decided to ease rules under the Advance
create 12 lakh jobs. Authorisation (AA) Scheme, allowing exporters to claim
o Strong Case for Policy Realignment: duty-free benefits even if goods were shipped before
Emphasizes missed potential due to a licence issuance, provided the Bill of Entry is filed post
skewed incentive structure in favour of licence date.
micro and small enterprises.
• Key Challenges Identified:
o Low Awareness: Only 10% use government
scheme portals and most unaware of
tailored support.
o Finance Gap: No dedicated working capital
scheme and over-reliance on personal
savings.
o Tech Backwardness: 82% lack access to
Industry 4.0 tools like AI and IoT.
o Skill Deficit: Existing training doesn’t meet
sector-specific enterprise needs.
o R&D Support Lacking: Absence of central About Advance Authorisation Scheme:
R&D mechanism tailored for medium units. • What It Is?
o Compliance Complexity: Red tape and o A foreign trade policy initiative allowing
fragmented information ecosystem. duty-free import of inputs used in
manufacturing export products.
Way Ahead: • Administered By: Directorate General of Foreign
• Tailored Finance: Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and
o ₹5 crore credit card facility at market rates. Industry.
o Working capital scheme linked to turnover. • Aim: To reduce input costs for exporters, thereby
• Industry 4.0 Integration: Upgrade Technology improving the global competitiveness of Indian
Centres into SME 4.0 Competence Centres. goods.
• Cluster-Based Testing: Add sector-specific facilities

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• Key Features of the Scheme: o Depot Darpan is a digital monitoring portal
o Duty-Free Import: Allows import of raw and mobile app that enables real-time
materials, packaging, fuel, oil, and catalysts oversight of food grain depots using geo-
without payment of Customs duties. tagged data, IoT, and AI technologies.
o Standard Input-Output Norms (SION): • Launched By: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food &
Exports must conform to sector-wise norms Public Distribution.
issued by DGFT. Exporters can also seek ad- • Objective:
hoc norms if SION doesn’t apply. o To digitize and modernize India’s food
o Eligibility: Open to manufacturer exporters storage infrastructure through scientific
and merchant exporters linked with warehousing, enhancing efficiency,
supporting manufacturers. transparency, and food safety.
o Physical Incorporation Principle: Inputs
must be physically consumed or used in the • Key Features:
manufacture of the final export product. o Real-Time Monitoring: Tracks
• Recent Relaxation: infrastructure, operational efficiency, and
o Previous Rule: If goods were shipped financial metrics through IoT sensors and
before the AA licence was issued, duty CCTV surveillance.
exemption was denied even if the Bill of o Geo-Tagged Auditing: Depot managers
Entry was filed later. upload geo-tagged infrastructure data
o New Rule: Exporters can now avail benefits validated by supervisory officers and third-
as long as the Bill of Entry is filed after party audits.
licence issuance, regardless of shipment o Automated Ratings & Feedback:
date. Warehouses receive star ratings based on
o Restriction: Relaxation does not apply to infrastructure and operational performance
restricted or canalised goods unless special using a composite scoring model.
DGFT approval is granted. o Smart Tech Integration: Includes CO₂ and
o Impact: Removes ambiguity, streamlines phosphine gas monitoring, humidity and
Customs clearance, and boosts exporter temperature sensors, and fire hazard
confidence amid rising logistics challenges. detection.
o AI-Based Tools: Pilots include bag counting,
Face Recognition Systems (FRS), and
Automatic Number Plate Recognition
Syllabus: Agriculture, its Marketing & Livestock (ANPR) for tracking vehicle and personnel
movements.
o Wide Coverage: Covers 2,278 warehouses,
DEPOT DARPAN PORTAL including those of FCI, CWC, and state/
private agencies.
o Mobile App Support: Enables supervisory
Context:
officials to conduct on-the-go performance
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public
reviews and generate automated reports
Distribution will launch the Depot Darpan portal, for real-
for prompt action.
time monitoring of food storage depots.
• Significance:
o Enhances Food Security: Ensures quality
storage for food grains distributed to over
80 crore beneficiaries under the National
Food Security Act (NFSA).
o Boosts Efficiency: Reduces wastage,
improves turnover, and optimizes storage
space and manpower use.
o Supports Digital Governance: Strengthens
India’s digital public infrastructure in the
logistics and supply chain sector.

About Depot Darpan Portal:

• What It Is?

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THREE DIGITAL INITIATIVES TO iv. Currently rolled out in Assam,

Uttarakhand, Tripura, and Punjab
STREAMLINE PDS in Hindi and English.
3. Anna Sahayata Initiative:
Context: o Aim: Provide advanced, accessible
Union Minister launched three new digital platforms— grievance redressal for PMGKAY
Depot Darpan, Anna Mitra, and Anna Sahayata—to beneficiaries.
streamline India’s Public Distribution System (PDS), ensuring o Key Features:
transparency, efficiency, and accountability. i. Utilizes WhatsApp, IVRS, and
Automatic Speech Recognition
(ASR) for filing complaints.
ii. Built for accessibility, speed, and
multilingual reach.
iii. Pilot phase in Gujarat, Jharkhand,
Telangana, Tripura, and Uttar
Pradesh in 5 languages.

VIKSIT KRISHI SANKALP ABHIYAN

Context:
Union Agriculture Minister launched the Viksit Krishi
Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA-2025) at ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar,
About Three Digital Initiatives to Streamline PDS: to empower over 1.5 crore farmers across India.
About the Three Digital Initiatives:
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public About Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan:
Distribution has unveiled three tech-driven initiatives to
modernize warehousing, empower frontline workers, and
improve grievance redressal under PM-GKAY and NFSA.
1. Depot Darpan Initiative:
o Aim: Improve infrastructure and
operational performance of food grain
depots under FCI and CWC.
o Key Features:
i. Digital self-assessment portal for
depot-level performance tracking.
ii. Composite ratings based on a 60:40
ratio (Operations: Infrastructure). • What it is: The campaign aims to accelerate India’s
iii. IoT integration for real-time agricultural transformation by linking advanced
monitoring, CCTV surveillance, and agri-tech and fisheries innovations with grassroots
live analytics. adoption.
iv. Capital infusion: ₹1000 crore (FCI) • Ministry Involved: Ministry of Agriculture and
& ₹280 crore (CWC) for depot Farmers’ Welfare
upgrades. o Coordinated by ICAR-CIFA (Central Institute
2. Anna Mitra Initiative: of Freshwater Aquaculture)
o Aim: Empower field-level PDS stakeholders • Objectives:
through real-time data access. o To disseminate cutting-edge agricultural
o Key Features: and fisheries technologies to rural
i. Mobile app launched for FPS communities.
dealers, DFSO officers, and food o To promote self-reliance, sustainability,
inspectors. and resilience in the farming and
ii. Enables access to stock details, aquaculture sectors.
sales reports, alerts, and FPS o To align agricultural transformation with
performance. the broader vision of a Viksit Bharat
iii. Conducts geo-tagged inspections (Developed India).
and stock verifications. • Key Features:

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o Nationwide Reach: Targets over 1.5 crore • Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal.
farmers across all districts. • Established in: 1971 under Companies Act, 1956.
o Tech Transfer & Capacity Building: • Parent Ministry: Ministry of Textiles, Government
Promotes lab-to-land transfer of of India.
innovations through training, scientist- • Organisational Structure: Operates through
farmer interaction, and demonstrations. Departmental Purchase Centres (DPCs) and
o Integration of Fisheries & Agriculture: cooperatives.
Recognizes fisheries as a core component • Key Functions and Initiatives
of livelihood security and rural o MSP Procurement:
development.  Buys raw jute/mesta from farmers
o Launch of CIFA Argu VAX–I: A novel fish without quantitative limit at
vaccine developed by ICAR-CIFA to prevent MSP fixed by GoI on CACP’s
parasitic infections in aquaculture. recommendation.
o Community Engagement: Involves Self Help  Helps stabilize market prices and
Groups, KVKs, and rural institutions through insulates farmers from middlemen.
exhibitions and stakeholder interactions. o Price Stabilisation: Intervenes in the
• Significance: market via commercial and MSP operations
o Bridges research and rural needs by to maintain optimal price range across the
localizing scientific solutions. jute year.
o Enhances food and nutritional security o Sales and Linkages: Conducts sales through
through diversified farming models. B-Twill linkage, e-auctions, and tenders for
o Boosts rural incomes by promoting mills and industries.
technology adoption and best practices. o Jute I-CARE Project:
o Encourages grassroots innovation and  Implements scientific retting, seed
Jan Bhagidari, crucial for participatory certification, and modern farming
agricultural reforms. technologies across jute-growing
o Supports the vision of doubling farmers’ regions.
income and climate-resilient agriculture.  Partners with CRIJAF to promote
enzyme-based retting and use of
certified seeds.
JUTE CORPORATION OF INDIA (JCI) o Farmers’ Outreach and Training:
 Organises Krishi Melas and DPC-
level training on grading, yield
enhancement, and government
schemes (PMFBY, PMKSY).
 Promotes cashless payments,
digital awareness, and inclusive
farming practices.
o Diversified Products Promotion: Markets
eco-friendly products like jute bags,
stationery, upholstery, enhancing farmer
income and sustainable consumption.
o Remote Sensing with ISRO: Uses space-
based data to assess soil, moisture, and
crop health for strategic MSP operations.
Context:
The Jute Corporation of India (JCI) raised the Minimum
Support Price (MSP) for raw jute from ₹5,335 to ₹5,650 per MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICES (MSP)
quintal for the 2025–26 crop year to curb distress selling by
farmers.
Context:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
About Jute Corporation of India (JCI):
approved revised Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14
• What it is: JCI is a government-owned price
Kharif crops for the 2025–26 marketing season.
support agency tasked with procuring raw jute at
MSP from farmers to ensure fair prices and prevent
exploitation.

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the Kharif and Rabi sowing seasons to
guide farmers’ planting decisions.
o Prevents Exploitation: Ensures a minimum
guaranteed price to protect farmers from
market volatility and distress sales.
o Encourages Crop Diversification: Offers
higher MSPs for pulses and oilseeds to
shift focus from water-intensive cereals.
o Budget 2018–19 Mandate: MSP fixed at
1.5 times the cost of production (A2+FL) to
ensure fair profits for farmers.
o Promotes Nutritional Crops: Higher MSP
for millets and Shree Anna supports
About Minimum Support Prices (MSP): healthier diets and climate-resilient
• What is MSP? farming.
o MSP is the minimum guaranteed price
offered by the government to farmers for
their crops, even if market prices fall. It MODIFIED INTEREST SUBVENTION
protects farmers from distress sales and
ensures income stability.
SCHEME (MISS)
• Who Determines It?
o MSP is recommended by the Commission Context:
for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the
and approved by the Cabinet Committee on Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) for FY 2025–
Economic Affairs (CCEA). 26, maintaining a 1.5% interest subvention on short-term
Agri loans to promote affordable credit access for farmers.
• When was MSP Introduced?
o First introduced in 1966–67 during the
Green Revolution, primarily for wheat and
paddy.
• MSP Calculation Method
o A2+FL Formula:
 A2 = Paid-out costs (labour, seeds,
irrigation, etc.)
 FL = Imputed value of family labour
o Margin: Government ensures 50% or more
margin over production costs.
About Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS):
• Crops Covered Under MSP • What is MISS?
o Kharif Crops: o MISS is a central sector scheme that offers
 Cereals: Paddy, Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, concessional short-term crop loans to
Maize farmers via the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) at
 Pulses: Tur (Arhar), Moong, Urad reduced interest rates, incentivizing timely
 Oilseeds: Groundnut, Sunflower, repayment.
Soyabean, Sesamum, Niger-seed • Launched In: Originally introduced in 2006–07
 Commercial: Cotton to improve credit availability and reduce rural
o Rabi Crops: indebtedness.
 Wheat, Barley, Gram, Lentil • Implementing Agencies: Jointly implemented
(Masur), Rapeseed & Mustard, by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and NABARD
Safflower through Public Sector Banks, RRBs, Cooperative
o Commercial Crops: Banks, and Private Sector Banks.
 Copra, Jute and Toria and De- • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and
husked Coconut also covered under Farmers’ Welfare
related MSPs.
• Key Features of MSP: Objectives of MISS:
o Announced Twice Yearly: Declared before o Enhance credit flow to agriculture and allied

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sectors. solutions to agricultural productivity,
o Provide short-term working capital for farming, particularly microbial seed and soil
dairy, animal husbandry, and fisheries. inoculants.
o Reduce borrowing costs for small and marginal • Key Features:
farmers. o Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF):
o Encourage prompt repayment through interest Using microorganisms like rhizobia and
incentives. Azospirillum brasilense to naturally convert
o Offer financial relief during natural calamities. atmospheric nitrogen into soil-absorbable
form.
Key Features of MISS (2025–26): o Reduced chemical fertilizer dependency:
o Subsidised Interest Rate: Saving farmers up to $40 billion annually in
 Farmers get loans up to ₹3 lakh at 7% interest. Brazil.
 An interest subvention of 1.5% is given to o Enhanced crop productivity:
lending institutions.  Soybean yield surged from 15
 Prompt repayment incentive (PRI) of 3% million tonnes (1979) to 173 million
lowers the effective rate to 4%. tonnes (2025).
o Sectoral Coverage: Applicable to crop loans, animal  Common beans and pastures saw
husbandry, and fisheries (up to ₹2 lakh). significant yield gains.
o Loan Limit Enhancement: Under Budget 2025–26, o Restoring degraded lands: First microbial
limit proposed to be raised to ₹5 lakh for expanding inoculants for pasture grasses, improving
agri-needs. biomass and livestock forage.
o Calamity Support: 2% subvention on restructured
loans in the event of natural disasters. About World Food Prize:
o Massive Outreach: Covers over 7.75 crore KCC • What is It?
accounts nationwide, fostering rural credit o The World Food Prize is the most
inclusion. prestigious global award recognizing
o Digital Reforms: Kisan Rin Portal (KRP) launched in contributions to enhancing food quantity,
2023 for fast and transparent claim processing. quality, and accessibility.
• Established: In 1986 by Nobel Laureate Norman
Borlaug, supported initially by General Foods
WORLD FOOD PRIZE Corporation.
• Administered by: World Food Prize Foundation,
headquartered at the Hall of Laureates, Des
Context:
Moines, Iowa, USA.
Mariangela Hungria, Brazilian microbiologist, won the 2025
• First Laureate: M.S. Swaminathan (1987) – Pioneer
World Food Prize for pioneering biological nitrogen fixation
of India’s Green Revolution.
and reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers.
• Award Features:
o $500,000 cash prize, diploma, and
commemorative sculpture by Saul Bass.
o Awarded annually in Des Moines, Iowa,
during the Borlaug Dialogue Symposium.
o Recognizes individuals in agriculture,
nutrition, food technology, policy, soil
science, and hunger alleviation.

Syllabus: Energy

• Her innovations sparked Brazil’s ‘Micro Green METAL-FREE CATALYST FOR

Revolution’, significantly boosting crop yields and HYDROGEN FUEL PRODUCTION
lowering input costs.

About Micro Green Revolution: Context:

• What is It? Indian researchers have developed a metal-free catalyst for
o A movement led by microbiologist hydrogen fuel production using mechanical energy, marking
Mariangela Hungria, focusing on biological a major breakthrough in clean energy innovation.
• This aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen

www.insightsonindia.com 45
 Current Affairs 30
Mission and advances sustainable hydrogen MAIZE FOR ETHANOL PRODUCTION:
technology.
FUEL VS FEED CRISIS
About Metal-Free Catalyst for Hydrogen Fuel Production:
• What is It? Context:
o A donor-acceptor covalent organic The rapid diversion of maize for ethanol production in India
framework (COF) that functions as a metal- has triggered a Fuel vs Feed crisis, forcing dependence on
free piezocatalyst. imports and raising concerns over genetically modified
o Capable of splitting water molecules (GM) maize use for biofuel.
under mechanical pressure (vibrations, • India’s maize ethanol demand surged from 0.8 MT
movement) to produce hydrogen gas (H₂). in 2022-23 to 12.7 MT in 2024-25, significantly
reducing feed grain availability.

About Maize for Ethanol Production:

What Are Biofuels?
• Biofuels are renewable fuels derived from
biological materials like crops, waste, or residues
used as substitutes for petrol and diesel.
• They help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and
mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

• Developed by: Food Crops Powering Biofuel:

o Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced • Maize and sugarcane are the primary feedstocks
Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, led for ethanol in India.
by Prof. Tapas K. Maji. • 1 tonne of maize yields ~380 litres of ethanol; 7.5
MT of maize produced 286 crore litres in 2023-24.
o In collaboration with IISER Pune and
• Post-fermentation residue (DDGS) from maize is
Wrocław University of Science and
used as animal feed, but not a full substitute for
Technology, Poland.
lost grain volume.
• Key Features: • India is the 5th largest ethanol producer, with 10%
o Metal-Free: Uses organic molecules—TAPA blending target moving to 20% by 2025 under the
(donor) and PDA (acceptor)—linked via Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme.
imide bonds.
The Food vs. Fuel Dilemma:
o Ferrielectric Ordering (FiE): Generates
• Disrupted Grain Balance:
intense internal electric fields that drive the
o Before 2021-22, India produced 32–33
catalytic process.
million tonnes (MT) of maize, with
o Sponge-like Porous Architecture: Promotes domestic demand at only 28 MT, allowing
easy water flow and charge separation. surplus for exports.
o Mechanically Stimulated: Produces o With 12.7 MT maize now diverted to
electron-hole pairs under pressure, ethanol production (2024-25), the balance
enabling efficient water splitting. is broken, making India a net importer of
• Significance: maize.
o Eco-Friendly: Replaces costly, toxic metals
with sustainable organic materials.
o Energy Efficient: Taps into ambient
mechanical energy—such as vibration or
pressure—for hydrogen production.
o Supports National Green Hydrogen
Mission: Enhances India’s clean energy
leadership and energy independence.
o Scalable Innovation: Offers a cost-effective
and practical alternative to current metal-
based hydrogen technologies.

46 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
Prices surged from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 o Encourage crop diversification and direct
per tonne, affecting both consumers and benefit transfers to maintain agricultural
industries relying on maize. income amidst policy transitions.
• Feed Shortages for Poultry and Cattle: Conclusion:
o Livestock feed (especially poultry and Agriculture provides 4 F’s - food, feed, fibre, and fuel,
dairy) consumes over 20 MT of maize but the growing biofuel push raises trade-offs in resource
annually. allocation. Ethanol supports clean energy goals, yet it must
o The grain shortage has created a supply not undermine food and feed security. A flexible, research-
crisis for feed industries, who are now driven policy focused on advanced biofuels is essential for
demanding import of genetically modified balanced growth.
(GM) maize for exclusive ethanol use to
protect feed availability. PYQ:
• Price Distortions in Soy Market: Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in
o Post-ethanol processing, maize yields meeting the current fuel shortage. (UPSC-2023)
Distillers’ Dried Grains with Soluble
(DDGS), a protein-rich byproduct.
o While DDGS offers cheaper protein
(₹16,000–₹19,000/tonne), it undercuts Syllabus: Infrastructure (Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports)
soybean De-Oiled Cake (DOC), causing
prices to fall from ₹32,000 to ₹22,000/
tonne. INLAND WATERWAY TRANSPORT
o Consequently, soybean trades below MSP
(₹4,300 vs. ₹4,892), harming soybean
Context:
farmers’ income stability.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed
• Global Parallels:
a strategic MoU with Rhenus Logistics India, a global
o The U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
logistics firm, to operate 100 cargo barges and pusher tugs
diverted over 40% of corn to ethanol,
across multiple national waterways, starting in late 2025.
triggering global price hikes during crises
• This aims to boost multimodal cargo movement
like 2007–08, 2010–11, and 2022.
and private participation in India’s inland water
o Similar biofuel mandates across countries
transport sector.
intensified food price inflation and
triggered trade restrictions, worsening
About Inland Waterway Transport (IWT):
global food insecurity.
• What is Inland Waterway Transport (IWT)?
o IWT refers to the movement of goods
Way Forward:
and passengers through navigable rivers,
• Balanced Blending Targets: Introduce flexible
canals, backwaters, and creeks using boats,
ethanol blending policies with “off-ramps”
barges, or ferries.
temporary suspension mechanisms during food/
o It is a fuel-efficient, environment-friendly,
feed inflation.
and cost-effective mode of transportation.
E.g. EU and Brazil lowered blending mandates in 2022 to
ease domestic food inflation.
• Promote 2G and 3G Biofuels: Shift to non-food
feedstocks like agri-waste, crop stubble, used
cooking oil, and cellulosic biomass.
E.g. Used cooking oil now makes up 21% of global biodiesel
feedstock, easing pressure on food crops.
• Rationalize Import Policy: Permit duty-free GM
maize imports solely for ethanol use, with non-
diversion safeguards (not for feed or seed).
• Support Feed Industry: Create a national feed
buffer stock and subsidize low-cost protein
alternatives like DDGS, oilseed meals, and insect-
based proteins for poultry and cattle industries.
• Protect Farmer Interests: Ensure strict enforcement
of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for soy and
maize to prevent farmer distress. Key Initiatives to Promote IWT in India:
• Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP): World Bank-funded

www.insightsonindia.com 47
 Current Affairs 30
initiative to augment capacity of NW-1 (Ganga) o KRCL is a special purpose vehicle created
o Includes dredging, terminal development, under the Ministry of Railways in 1990,
and navigational aids distinct from Indian Railways.
• Sagarmala Programme: Integrated with IWT • Coverage: The line stretches 741 km through
to boost port-led development and hinterland Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and coastal Kerala,
connectivity connecting Roha to Mangaluru.
• National Waterways Act, 2016: Declared 111
waterways as National Waterways (NWs) for Strategic Importance:
development o Built across the Western Ghats, it
• Jal Vikas Marg Society (JVMS): Institutional overcame extreme terrain with engineering
mechanism under IWAI for managing World Bank- innovation, showcasing Indian technical
assisted projects expertise.
• ‘Jalvahak’ Cargo Promotion Scheme (2024): o Acts as a lifeline for passengers and
Provides up to 35% operating cost reimbursement freight, reducing travel time significantly
to cargo movers using IWT and enabling economic integration of the
• Ganga Vilas Cruise and River Tourism Initiatives: Konkan region.
Boosts passenger traffic and tourism potential on Why Separate from Indian Railways?
NW-1 and NW-2 o KRCL was structured as a joint venture
model:
About Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI):  GOI (51%), Maharashtra (22%),
• Established: 1986 under IWAI Act, 1985 Karnataka (15%), Goa and Kerala
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and (6% each).
Waterways (MoPSW) o Its separation allowed independent
• Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh decision-making and faster project
• Objectives: execution in difficult geography.
o Develop and regulate national waterways
o Enhance infrastructure for navigation Additional information:
o Ensure eco-friendly and cost-effective o The Indian Railways have 70 divisions under
logistics and transport solutions its 17 zones.
o Promote PPP models and private sector  Recent addition is Jammu Railway
investment in IWT. division.
 If you include Metro Railway and
Kolkata India has 19 zones in total.
o Each zone has a General Manager (GM)
KONKAN RAILWAY CORPORATION in charge. A Divisional Railway Manager
(DRM) leads each division.
LIMITED (KRCL)
Context:
The Maharashtra government officially approved the AMRIT BHARAT RAILWAY STATIONS
merger of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) with
Indian Railways, clearing the last hurdle for full integration.
Context:
Prime Minister inaugurated 103 Amrit Bharat railway
stations across 86 districts in 18 States/UTs via video
conference from Deshnoke, Rajasthan.

About Amrit Bharat Railway Stations:

• What It Is?
o A centrally sponsored initiative to
redevelop and modernize 1,275 railway
stations across India with a long-term,
phased vision.
• Launched In: 2022 by the Ministry of Railways,
Government of India.
About Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL):
• Objectives:
• What It Is?
o Enhance passenger experience through

48 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
improved infrastructure. transport hubs.
o Promote heritage preservation, tourism, o Inclusive Development: Special focus on
and regional economic development. facilities for persons with disabilities,
women, and senior citizens.

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

TRANSPORT CORPORATION
Context:
The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC)
has commenced trial runs of the Namo Bharat train on the
final leg of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor.
o
Integrate stations into multimodal urban
mobility hubs.

Key Features of Amrit Bharat Railway Stations:

Master Plan Approach: Development carried out in phases
based on future needs.

Passenger Amenities:
Improved accessibility, waiting halls, executive lounges,
toilets, lifts, escalators.

Free Wi-Fi, better signage, digital passenger information

systems.
About Namo Bharat Train (Formerly RRTS / Vande Metro)
Business lounges, retail kiosks (under One Station One • What it is?
Product), and roof plazas. o Namo Bharat is a regional rapid rail system
o Architectural Integration: Reflects local art, designed for fast, intercity travel across
culture, and heritage in station design. NCR cities within 100–250 km range.
o Green Infrastructure: Focus on eco-friendly • Organizations involved: Implemented by NCRTC – a
buildings, sustainable materials, and joint venture company of Govt of India and States
Divyangjan-friendly facilities. of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and U.P, under the
o Multimodal Connectivity: Seamless administrative control of Ministry of Housing and
links with metro, bus terminals, and city Urban Affairs.
transport systems. • Objectives:
o Economic Boost: Expected to generate o Enhance commuter mobility in NCR.
employment, enhance tourism, and o Promote decongestion, urban integration,
promote local handicrafts. and green transit.
o Support the Make in India initiative
Significance of the Scheme: through indigenous rail production.
o Cultural Preservation: Protects and • Key Features:
showcases India’s regional heritage and o High-speed: Operates at 160 km/h with
traditions. average speed ~100 km/h.
o Tourism Promotion: Station aesthetics o Smart Coaches: Equipped with Wi-Fi,
attract tourists, especially in heritage zones. CCTV, automatic doors, and dynamic route
o Urban Transformation: Converts railway displays.
premises into vibrant public spaces and o Environmentally Friendly: Regenerative
city centres. braking, energy-efficient systems.
o Digital & Physical Modernization: o First Train Rolled Out: April 2024, Rail
Bridges the gap between traditional rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala.
infrastructure and future-ready smart

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 Current Affairs 30
About National Capital Region Transport Corporation o Social Inclusiveness: Encourages
(NCRTC) community participation, women
• What it is? empowerment, and local governance via
o A special purpose vehicle (SPV) tasked co-management societies.
with implementing regional rapid transit o Post-Harvest Efficiency: Focus on safe
systems (RRTS) in NCR. fish handling, cold storage, and hygienic
• Established in: Incorporated on 21st August 2013 practices to improve seafood quality and
under the Companies Act, 1956. exports.
• Established by: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs o Climate Resilience: Incorporates marine
(MoHUA). debris removal, environmental standards,
• Objectives: Build a multi-modal high-speed rail and climate-adaptive design for coastal
network across the NCR to boost balanced urban sustainability.
growth and ease pressure on Delhi.
• Functions: About Blue Ports Initiative:
o Plan, finance, construct, operate, and • Launched by: Government of India in partnership
maintain Namo Bharat corridors. with FAO.
o Ensure last-mile integration, station area • Under: Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
development, and smart mobility services. (PMMSY).
• Objective: To establish model fishing harbours that
integrate blue economy principles for sustainable
marine growth.
ECO-FISHING PORTS
Key Features:
o Three Pilot Harbours: Vanakbara (Daman
Context:
& Diu), Karaikal (Puducherry), and Jakhau
The Department of Fisheries and Agence Française de
(Gujarat).
Développement (AFD) held a Technical Dialogue on Eco-
o Smart Technologies: Use of AI, data
Fishing Ports in New Delhi to promote sustainable, smart,
analytics, and remote sensing for efficient
and inclusive fishing harbour infrastructure under India’s
port management.
Blue Economy framework.
o Eco-Infrastructure: Emphasis on energy-
efficient lighting, electric equipment,
composting, and waste recycling.
o Value Chain Enhancement: Improves fish
landing, processing, storage, and market
linkage to boost coastal livelihoods.
o International Collaboration: Aligns
with FAO’s Blue Growth agenda to
leverage global best practices in marine
conservation.

About Eco-Fishing Ports:

Syllabus: Awareness in fields of IT, Space, Computers,
• Launched by: Department of Fisheries, Ministry of
Robotics, Nano-tech, Bio-Tech, IPR
Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
• Objective: To develop environmentally sustainable
and economically viable fishing harbours with
minimal ecological footprint. AI MATRYOSHKA
Key Features: Context:
o Green Design Elements: Integration of Google unveiled its AI-first restructuring strategy called AI
eco-friendly breakwaters, STPs, rainwater Matryoshka at the I/O Developers Conference 2025.
harvesting, and renewable energy (solar/ • This layered AI ecosystem is built around Gemini
wind). 2.5 models, reshaping how users, developers, and
o Smart Infrastructure: Use of IoT, sensor enterprises interact with technology.
networks, and predictive modelling for real-
time monitoring and harbour operations.

50 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
o Science & Tech: Highlights AI scaling, TPU
innovation, model interaction, and global
competitiveness.

INDIA AI MISSION
Context:
Union Minister announced a major expansion of India’s
national AI infrastructure, adding 15,916 new GPUs, while
the Cabinet approved ₹10,300+ crore for the IndiaAI
Mission to boost AI startups.

About AI Matryoshka: About India AI Mission:

• What is AI Matryoshka? • What it is?
o A multi-layered AI ecosystem where
Google’s core artificial intelligence acts as
the central brain (like a Matryoshka doll),
powering every layer from APIs to user
applications.
• Launched By: Google.
• Aim:
o To embed AI deeply and uniformly across
Google’s platforms.
o To build agentic, intelligent, and
autonomous systems for real-time user, o IndiaAI is a national program by the
developer, and enterprise interactions. Government of India to develop indigenous
• Key Features of AI Matryoshka Artificial Intelligence capabilities,
o Gemini 2.5 Models: infrastructure, datasets, and startups under
 Pro version excels in complex a structured public-private partnership
reasoning and coding, achieving model.
top scores in USAMO. • Launched by: Ministry of Electronics and
 Flash version is 20–30% more Information Technology (MeitY)
efficient, supports multi-speaker • Launched in: Approved by Cabinet in March 2024
TTS in 24 languages.
o Ironwood TPUs: 7th-gen TPUs deliver 42.5 • Objectives:
exaFLOPS of computing power for deep o Make AI in India and Make AI work for
learning at scale. India
o Data & Media Models: Imagen 4 (images), o Democratize AI access and use for
Veo 3 (video), and Lyria 2 (music) create governance, startups, and citizens
high-quality outputs, while SynthID tools o Build indigenous foundation and language
watermark and verify content for copyright. models
o Gemini API & Vertex AI: Supports o Promote ethical, safe, and responsible AI
Model Context Protocol (MCP) for agent o Create a self-reliant AI innovation
interactions and thinking budgets for ecosystem
better resource management.
o User Integration: AI Mode in Search • Key Features:
provides deep, cited search results; Gemini o Massive Compute Boost: India now has
App enables private data analysis, raising over 34,000 GPUs, enabling training of
privacy concerns. large AI models.
• Significance: o Foundational Model Development:
o Ethics & Governance: Raises questions on Selection of startups like Sarvam AI, Soket
privacy, consent, and data rights. AI, Gnani AI, and Gan AI to build India-
o Digital Economy: Shows evolution of AI in specific multilingual LLMs and Voice AI
commerce, content, and automation. models.

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o AI Innovation Centre (IAIC): A leading clay-rich environments like Kachchh (India)
academic institution to drive research, and Sierra Peña Blanca (Mexico).
foundational models, and talent retention. o On Mars: Detected by NASA’s Spirit,
o Open Datasets Platform (AI Kosh): Over Opportunity, and Curiosity rovers,
367 datasets already uploaded; aims indicating oxidizing and acidic conditions on
to improve access to public data for AI the Martian surface.
research and governance. • Physical & Chemical Properties:
o Startup Financing & Talent Pipeline: o Crystal Structure: Trigonal system and
Includes startup funding, AI labs in Tier-II brittle with basal cleavage.
cities, and AI skill development programs o Colour: Dark yellow to yellow-brown.
for graduates and postgraduates. o Hardness: 2.5–3.5 (Mohs scale).
o Ethical & Safe AI: Development of o Lustre: Vitreous to dull and translucent to
frameworks for safe, trusted, and inclusive opaque.
AI deployment across sectors. o Thermal Stability: Retains luminescence
o Global AI Leadership: Aims to place India up to 450°C, ideal for Martian rover
in the top league of AI-powered nations operations.
through indigenous innovation and global o Chemical Property: Iron analogue of
collaborations. alunite and formed by oxidation of iron
sulfides (like pyrite).
• Applications:
o Planetary Dating Tool: Can act as a natural
JAROSITE radiation clock to date Martian dust storms,
floods, or volcanic events within a 25,000-
year window.
Context:
o Mars Missions: Ideal for use in Mars
A team of Indian scientists has discovered that Jarosite, a
rovers with heaters and LEDs to detect age
mineral common on Mars, can act as a natural luminescent
without damaging sample.
clock, recording geological events from the last 25,000
o Environmental Indicator: Used to trace
years.
oxidation stages in mining or glacial
• The study was conducted on jarosite samples from
processes on Earth and Mars.
Kachchh, Gujarat, simulating Mars-like conditions
o Geological Marker: Can help detect ice age
and testing their luminescence response to
layers in deep Earth cores.
radiation.

About Jarosite:
• What is Jarosite?
o Jarosite is a hydrous sulfate mineral ASTEROID YR4
composed of potassium, ferric iron
(Fe³⁺), and sulfate, with the formula Context:
KFe₃(SO₄)₂(OH)₆. NASA updated its projections for asteroid 2024 YR4,
reducing its chances of striking Earth but noting a 3.8%
probability of colliding with the Moon on December 22,
2032.

About Asteroid YR4:

• What is Asteroid YR4?
o Discovery: Identified in December 2024 by
the ATLAS telescope in Chile as a near-
Earth object (NEO).
o Type: Near-Earth asteroid with a solar orbit
that brings it within 1.3 AU of the Sun.
o It is commonly associated with acid mine o Size Estimate: Approximately 65 meters
drainage, oxidized ore deposits, and acidic wide, comparable to a 10-storey building.
sulfate soils. o Notable Alert: Initially triggered NASA’s
• Where is Jarosite Found? highest-ever impact alert in February
o On Earth: Found in arid regions, mine 2025 (3.1% Earth impact probability), later
tailings, Antarctica ice cores, and acidic revised to negligible.

52 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
• Potential Impact & Risk: • Organizations Involved: Conducted by NASA’s Jet
o Earth Risk: Now considered no significant Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in collaboration with
threat to Earth based on updated trajectory MIT for scientific oversight.
data. • Key Features:
o Moon Risk: Holds a 3.8% chance of hitting
o Consisted of two spacecraft, named Ebb
the Moon in 2032; 96.2% chance it will
and Flow, flying in tandem around the
miss.
Moon.
o Impact Effects: If it strikes, it could create a
500–2,000-meter crater and release energy o Measured minute variations in
340x the Hiroshima bomb. gravitational pull to reveal the Moon’s
• Scientific and Strategic Significance: internal composition.
o Planetary Defense: Highlights importance o Ended with a controlled impact on the
of automated detection and early warning lunar surface after successful mission
systems for NEOs. completion.
o Observation Opportunity: If YR4 hits
the Moon’s near side, spacecraft like Key Discoveries from GRAIL:
Chandrayaan-2 could observe the impact • Tidal Deformation & Gravitational Asymmetry: The
flash. Moon’s nearside flexes more than the far side due
o Asteroid Monitoring: Underlines ongoing
to Earth’s gravitational pull, indicating asymmetry
risks from small-to-medium-sized space
in internal structure.
rocks, like the Chelyabinsk event (2013).
• Volcanic History & Heat Distribution:
o Public Awareness: Reinforces the fact that
asteroids are the only natural disaster we o The nearside was more volcanically
can prevent, according to experts. active, with dark basaltic plains (“known as
mare”).
o Higher concentrations of heat-producing
elements like thorium and titanium
GRAIL MISSION warmed the nearside mantle up to 200°C
more than the farside.
Context: • Crustal Thickness Variation:
A new NASA study using data from the GRAIL mission has o Nearside crust is thinner, allowing magma
revealed why the Moon’s nearside and far side look so to erupt more easily, forming flat plains.
different, solving a decades-old lunar mystery. o Far side remains rugged and cratered due
to thicker crust and less volcanic activity.

LICONN (LIGHT-MICROSCOPY-
BASED CONNECTOMICS)
Context:
Scientists have developed LICONN, a new technique for
nanoscale brain mapping using light microscopes.

About LICONN (Light-Microscopy-Based Connectomics):

• What it is:
About GRAIL mission:
• What is GRAIL? o LICONN stands for Light-Microscopy-Based
o GRAIL (Gravity Recovery and Interior Connectomics, a cutting-edge imaging
Laboratory) was a NASA lunar science technique to map neuronal connections at
mission aimed at mapping the Moon’s the synapse level.
gravitational field in high resolution. o Developed by researchers integrating
• Launch Year: Launched in 2011 using a Delta II hydrogel expansion, protein staining, and
rocket from Cape Canaveral.
AI-based segmentation.

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 Current Affairs 30
• Key Features: About Nanoporous Multi-Layered Polymeric Membrane:
What it is?
A high-performance filtration membrane designed to
purify seawater by filtering out salts and contaminants
using nanoporous polymer layers.

Developed by:
Defence Materials Stores and Research & Development
Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur – a premier DRDO lab – in
collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard.

Key Features:
o Nanoporous layers: Enable efficient
separation of salts and fine impurities.
o Multi-layered structure: Increases
◦ Expands brain tissue up to 16 times using durability against high salinity and chloride
special hydrogels. ion degradation.
o High-pressure resistance: Suitable for harsh
o Uses fluorescent tagging to highlight
marine environments.
molecular features and deep learning for
o Quick development: Completed in a record
neural segmentation.
8 months.
o Achieves nanoscale resolution using o Field-tested: Successfully trialed on an
diffraction-limited light microscopy—earlier Offshore Patrolling Vessel (OPV) with
achievable only via electron microscopy. further 500-hour operational tests
underway.
• Applications: o Scalable: Adaptable for civilian use with
minimal modifications
o Enables synapse-level connectome
mapping for neuroscientific research. About Desalination Process:
o Facilitates molecular characterization of • What it is?
neural pathways. o Desalination is the process of removing
o Can be widely adopted in brain disorder dissolved salts and minerals from saline
research, drug development, and or seawater to produce freshwater for
understanding memory processing. drinking or agriculture.

• How it Works?
Major techniques include:
NANOPOROUS MULTI-LAYERED o Reverse Osmosis: Most widely used; uses
POLYMERIC MEMBRANE semipermeable membranes to filter out
salt; energy-efficient but prone to bacterial
contamination.
Context:
o Solar Distillation: Mimics the natural water
DRDO has successfully developed a high-pressure
cycle; environmentally friendly but requires
nanoporous multi-layered polymeric membrane for
large land areas.
seawater desalination in just eight months.
o Nanofiltration: Uses nanotube membranes
with high permeability; removes salts and
trace pollutants with lower energy use.
o Electrodialysis: Moves salts through
electrically charged membranes; effective
especially for brackish water treatment.
o Gas Hydrate Formation: Forms solid
hydrates by combining gas with seawater;
as temperature rises, gas is released,
leaving purified water behind.

• Limitations of Desalination:

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o High Energy Demand: Especially for o Because it grows faster, it also releases less
heating/pressurizing water. methane into the environment.
o Brine Disposal: Produces concentrated
brine waste harmful to marine ecosystems. About Pusa DST Rice 1:
o Cost Issues: Expensive infrastructure and It is another new rice variety developed by ICAR-IARI in
operation, unaffordable for many low- New Delhi, using the MTU 1010 variety as its base.
income regions. This variety has been edited to improve its tolerance to
o Environmental Impact: Risk of aquifer drought and salty soils by targeting the DST gene.
contamination and marine pollution.
o Solution Pathways: Use of renewables, It performs better in tough soil conditions and can give up
biotech (e.g., cyanobacteria), and brine to 30.4% more yield in such areas.
reuse in energy or metal recovery can
improve sustainability. It does not contain any foreign DNA and is genome-edited
using the SDN1 method, which means it does not fall under
strict GMO rules.

INDIA’S FIRST GENOME-EDITED RICE

VARIETIES INDIA’S FIRST GENE-EDITED SHEEP
Context:
Context:
India has launched its first genome-edited rice varieties,
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and
DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1, developed by
Technology (SKUAST-Kashmir) has successfully produced
ICAR using CRISPR-Cas9 technology.
India’s first gene-edited sheep, enhancing muscle mass by
30%.
About India’s First Genome-Edited Rice Varieties:
About India’s First Gene-Edited Sheep:

About DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala):

• What It Is?
o It is a new rice variety developed by ICAR-
o A genetically modified lamb with enhanced
IIRR in Hyderabad.
muscle mass, developed by editing the
o It is based on the popular Samba Mahsuri
myostatin gene, which regulates muscle
(BPT 5204) variety.
growth in sheep.
• Developed By: Sher-e-Kashmir University of
Features:
Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-
o This new variety gives 19% more yield and
Kashmir)
matures about 20 days earlier, taking only
• Technology Used:
130 days.
o CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing – a Nobel
o It has a strong stem that prevents the plant
Prize-winning precision genome editing
from falling, and it saves a large amount
technique.
of irrigation water—around 7,500 million
o Conducted under international biosafety
cubic meters.
protocols, ensuring no foreign DNA was
o It uses genome-editing to change the CKX2
inserted.
(Gn1a) gene, which helps produce more
grains per plant.

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 Current Affairs 30
• Key Features: • Organisation Involved: Developed by University
o Muscle Enhancement: 30% higher muscle of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of
mass than Indian breeds — a trait found in Philadelphia.
European breeds like Texel. • Procedure:
o Non-Transgenic: Does not involve o Diagnosis: The child (KJ) was found to have
foreign DNA insertion, different from a mis paired base in his DNA, leading to
GMOs, increasing chances of regulatory CPS1 deficiency.
acceptance. o Programming the Edit: Scientists designed
o Multipurpose Use: Can be extended for a guide RNA and attached it to a base-
disease resistance, improved reproduction, modifying enzyme fused with Cas9.
and even animal twinning. o Targeted Delivery: The tool identified the
o Efficient Research Output: Result of 4 years faulty base and converted it to the correct
of dedicated research, supported by Indian base without making a double-strand cut.
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). o Analogy: Base editing is like using a pencil
and eraser, whereas CRISPR is like scissors
• Significance of the Achievement: and glue.
o Boost to India’s Livestock Sector: Offers • Gene editing vs Base Editing:
a blueprint for improving meat yield and
quality in Indian sheep breeds.
o Global Recognition: Positions India on the
global map of advanced genome editing
research.
o Biotech Policy Alignment: Supports India’s
evolving regulatory framework for gene-
edited organisms, which is distinct from
GMO laws.
o Sustainability & Food Security: Enhances
productivity per animal, reducing resource
use and supporting sustainable livestock
• Significance:
farming.
o First Human Success: Pioneering example
o Foundation for Future Innovation: Builds
of real-time precision medicine in rare
on SKUAST’s earlier success of cloning
genetic disorders.
Noori, the world’s first cloned Pashmina
goat (2012). o No Foreign DNA Required: Unlike older
CRISPR methods, this does not require
external DNA insertion.
o Compact Delivery: Easier to deliver using
viral vectors due to fewer components.
CUSTOMISED GENE-EDITING o Potential Reach: Can treat thousands
TREATMENT of genetic conditions once personalised
sequencing is done.
Context: • Limitations:
A nine-month-old boy suffering from a rare CPS1 deficiency o High Cost: Currently costs hundreds
became the first known human to receive a customised of thousands of dollars, making it
gene-editing treatment using a base editing technique. unaffordable for most.
o One-Time Customisation: Each tool is
About Custom Gene Editing Technique: unique to the patient, making mass-scale
• What It Is? application difficult.
o A personalised gene therapy based on an o Lack of Regulatory Clarity: Countries like
evolved form of CRISPR-Cas9, known as India face regulatory bottlenecks, delaying
base editing. clinical use.
o It allows for single-base correction in DNA o Low Pharma Incentive: Not commercially
without breaking both strands, unlike viable for pharmaceutical firms due to
traditional CRISPR. individual-specific design.

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NICE CLASSIFICATION FOR the Trade Marks Act, 1999.

o The system is mandatory for filing and
TRADEMARK examining all trademark applications.
• Legal Relevance in the Case:
Context: o Though the Ministry of Defence does not
Reliance Industries has withdrawn its trademark application register names of military operations as
for “Operation Sindoor”, stating that it was an unauthorised intellectual property, there is no automatic
filing by a junior employee. legal protection unless formally objected
• The term, seen as a symbol of national military to.
bravery, was applied for under Class 41 of the Nice o Sections 9(2) and 11 of the Trade Marks
Classification, which covers entertainment and Act, 1999 empower the Registrar to:
media services.  Reject deceptive or misleading
applications
 Prevent names that misrepresent
government association
 Disallow trademarks that offend
public or national sentiment

BIRD-WING ERUPTION
Context:
A massive solar flare event, named the “bird-wing”
About Nice Classification for Trademark: eruption, was observed on the Sun’s northern hemisphere
• What is the Nice Classification? and is expected to impact Earth.
o An international classification system for
goods and services used in trademark
registration.
o Developed under the Nice Agreement
(1957) and administered by the World
Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
• Objective:
o To ensure a standardised classification for
trademarks across jurisdictions.
o Facilitates international trademark
searches, comparisons, and registrations.

• Structure: About Bird-Wing Eruption:

o 45 classes total: • What is the “Bird-Wing” Event?
 Classes 1–34: Goods o A visually dramatic solar eruption with
 Classes 35–45: Services plasma shaped like wings, observed by
o Each class covers a specific domain, e.g., NASA satellites.
pharmaceuticals, software, education. o The ejected plasma stream spanned over 1
• What is Class 41? million km, twice the Earth-Moon distance.
o Class 41 covers: • Features of the Event:
 Education and training services o Involved both a solar flare and a coronal
 Film production, OTT content, live mass ejection (CME).
events o Plasma ejection occurred on the Sun’s
 Media, digital publishing, and northern hemisphere.
cultural activities o Radiation already caused radio blackouts
o Frequently used by film studios, OTT across parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the
platforms, and event organizers. Americas.
• What Are Solar Flares?
• Indian Context: o Solar flares are intense bursts of
o India follows the Nice Classification under electromagnetic radiation released due to

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 Current Affairs 30
reconnection of magnetic field lines. • Key Provisions under New Satcom Guidelines
o Often accompanied by CMEs, which are (2025):
explosive outflows of charged solar plasma. o Local Manufacturing & Indigenisation
o Speed: Flares travel at light speed, CMEs
 Satcom firms must submit a 5-year
take 1–3 days to reach Earth (speed:
250–3000 km/s). phased manufacturing plan.
• Impact on Earth:  At least 20% of the ground
o Geomagnetic Storms: Disrupt satellite segment should be indigenously
operations, GPS systems, radio produced by Year 5.
communication, and power grids. o Data Localisation & Monitoring:
o Auroras: Enhanced Northern/Southern
 No user traffic should be routed
Lights activity possible at lower latitudes.
o Space Weather Alerts: Agencies on high through foreign gateways or PoPs.
alert for further space-based disruptions.  All user data, DNS services, and
control systems must be located in
India.
 Mandatory lawful interception,
Syllabus: Science and Technology- developments &
Applications user monitoring, and data security
protocols.
o NavIC Compliance
SATELLITE COMMUNICATION  User terminals should support

REGULATION IN INDIA NavIC (India’s regional navigation

system) on a best-effort basis.
Context:  Full implementation deadline set
India has framed new regulatory guidelines for for 2029.
satellite communication companies mandating local o National Security Provisions
manufacturing, data localisation, NavIC compliance, and  Must enable service restrictions
enhanced national security cooperation.
during hostilities or emergencies.
 Establish Special Monitoring Zones
(within 50 km of borders and
coastal EEZ).
 Report unregistered/foreign user
terminals in real-time to law
enforcement agencies.
o Service-Specific Security Clearance
 Separate security clearance
needed for voice and data
services.
About Satellite Communication Regulation in India:
• What is Satellite Communication?
o Satellite communication (satcom) enables
wireless transmission of signals using A NEW METHOD TO DETECT
satellites orbiting the Earth. It supports TOPOLOGICAL INVARIANTS IN
broadband, TV broadcasting, GPS
navigation, and remote area connectivity. QUANTUM MATERIALS
• Regulating Agencies:
o Department of Telecommunications Context:
(DoT) – Issues operational guidelines and
Scientists at Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru,
approvals.
o Telecom Regulatory Authority of India have discovered a new method to detect topological
(TRAI) – Finalises policy framework invariants in quantum materials using spectral function.
including spectrum allocation and pricing.

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About A New Method to Detect Topological Invariants in o Simplifies Material Classification: Helps
Quantum Materials: identify topological materials without
• What is Spectral Function? advanced experimental setups.

NON-CONTACT WEARABLE DEVICE

Context:
A new non-contact wearable developed by researchers
from the U.S. and South Korea can monitor health by
measuring skin flux without direct contact.

About Non-Contact Wearable:

• What it is?
o The spectral function is a quantum tool
that describes how energy and particles like
electrons behave inside a material.
o It’s widely used to study electronic
structure, such as density of states and
dispersion relations.

• Developed By: Developed by Raman Research

Institute (RRI), under the Department of Science
and Technology.

• How It Works? o A small, smartphone-sized wearable

o The team analysed momentum-space device that tracks molecular flux through
spectral function (SPSF), which acts like a skin—measuring outward vapour and
quantum fingerprint. inward chemical entry—without touching
o SPSF maps how electrons distribute over the skin.
energy and momentum, revealing hidden o Developed by a team led by Prof. John A.
topological features. Rogers at Northwestern University, USA.
• Key Features:
o Topology Detection: Unveils invariants like • How it works?
winding numbers (1D) and Chern numbers o Contains a sealed chamber adjacent to the
(2D). skin, forming a microclimate.
o Non-Invasive Technique: Avoids complex o Equipped with wireless electronics and
physical manipulation or destructive miniature sensors to measure: Water
probing. vapour, Carbon dioxide (CO₂), and Volatile
o Faster and Accessible: Easier than organic compounds (VOCs).
traditional tools like ARPES (Angle-Resolved o A remote-controlled valve regulates the
Photoemission Spectroscopy). chamber’s openness, allowing comparative
o Universal Application: Can be applied flux measurements between closed and
across different classes of topological open states.
materials.
o Quantum Insight: Provides deeper • Applications:
understanding of electron dynamics and o Wound healing in diabetes and chronic skin
material behaviour at the quantum level. conditions.
o Dermatological diagnostics—monitoring
• Significance: barrier function and hydration.
o Revolutionizes Quantum Research: Opens o Hazardous chemical exposure tracking for
new avenues in condensed matter physics. industrial workers.
o Boosts Quantum Technology: Aids o Remote patient monitoring, especially
development of quantum computing, post-COVID healthcare adaptations.
energy-efficient devices, and fault-tolerant o Perfume and cosmetics industry interest in
electronics. VOC monitoring.

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 Current Affairs 30
• Significance: material content.
o Non-invasive: Avoids damage to fragile or o Regulatory Compliance: Automates
healing skin. reporting for both Indian and international
o Dual flux monitoring: Tracks both what policy frameworks.
leaves and enters the skin. o Sustainability Link: Supports circular
o Low-cost, scalable: Potential for mass economy models by reducing battery waste
adoption in remote and rural health setups. and environmental risks.
o New clinical metric: Could become an
additional “vital sign” in health diagnostics. • Significance:
o Prevents unsafe reuse of old or degraded
batteries, ensuring safety in EV ecosystems.
BATTERY AADHAAR INITIATIVE o Strengthens India’s battery supply chain
visibility and sustainability commitment.
o Encourages eco-conscious innovation
Context:
across mobility, energy storage, and
At the Battery Summit 2025, Tata Elxsi, in partnership
electronics industries.
with Tata Motors, Tata AutoComp, and IIT Kharagpur,
o Promotes India’s position in green tech
unveiled the Battery Aadhaar initiative to key government
leadership and aligns with the National
stakeholders.
Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP).

INDIA’S FIRST INDIGENOUS

THROMBECTOMY DEVICE
Context:
The Technology Development Board (TDB) under DST has
funded India’s first indigenously developed mechanical
thrombectomy device for stroke treatment.

• The project aligns with India’s green mobility and About India’s First Indigenous Thrombectomy Device:
circular economy goals.

About Battery Aadhaar Initiative:

• What It Is?
o Battery Aadhaar is a digital identification
system for batteries, designed to enable
full traceability across their lifecycle using
secure, blockchain-backed technologies.
• Developed By: Spearheaded by Tata Elxsi through
its MOBIUS+ platform, in collaboration with Tata
Motors, Tata AutoComp Systems, and IIT Kharagpur.
• Objective:
o To assign unique digital IDs to each battery,
enabling safe use, regulated reuse, and
efficient disposal. • What is it?
o To align battery usage with national and o A Mechanical Thrombectomy Kit used to
global compliance standards like the EU treat acute ischemic stroke caused by large
Battery Regulation. vessel blockage. It offers quicker and more
effective recovery than traditional clot-
• Key Features: busting drugs.
o Blockchain Integration: MOBIUS+ ensures • Developed by: M/s S3V Vascular Technologies
tamper-proof, real-time data logging for Limited, Mysuru — with financial assistance
each battery unit. from the Technology Development Board (TDB),
o Lifecycle Transparency: Tracks Department of Science & Technology.
manufacturer details, usage history, and • How It Works:

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o The device is put into a blocked artery in • How QKD Works?
the brain during a stroke. o Photons (light particles) with random
o It removes the blood clot using special quantum states are transmitted over a
tools like stent retrievers and aspiration channel.
catheters. o The no-cloning theorem and measurement
o This helps restore blood flow to the brain, disturbance principle ensure any
preventing paralysis or permanent brain eavesdropping is detectable.
damage. o After transmission, both parties compare a
subset to detect errors or interception.
• Key Features: o Final keys are extracted after error
o Indigenous Innovation: First Indian correction and privacy amplification.
company to design and manufacture • Types of QKD:
stroke-care tools like microcatheters, o Prepare-and-Measure Protocols:
aspiration catheters, guidewires, and stent  Sender prepares photons in known
retrievers. states (e.g., BB84 protocol).
o Advanced Manufacturing: Built at Medical  Used to detect interception.
Devices Park, Oragadam, with an integrated o Entanglement-Based Protocols:
facility for high-precision production.  Relies on quantum entanglement.
o Patent-Driven R&D: Patent filings  Change in one entangled particle
underway for innovations like clot retriever affects its pair, enabling tamper
head design and advanced catheter detection.
structures. o Discrete Variable QKD (DV-QKD): Uses
o Skill Development: Offers simulator-based individual photons and polarization for data
training programs for young doctors, encoding.
especially in Tier-II cities.
o Global Standards: Targeting CE and USFDA
certifications to enable global exports and
ensure world-class quality.

• Why It Matters?
o Helps India reduce its need to import
expensive stroke-care devices.
o Makes stroke treatment more affordable
and easier to access for patients. Continuous Variable QKD (CV-QKD): Uses
o Will be part of Ayushman Bharat, laser properties like amplitude and phase
supporting public health programs. for encoding (e.g., Silberhorn protocol).
o Strengthens India’s global presence in • Key Features:
medical technology. o Tamper detection: Any interception is
instantly detectable.
o Provable security: Based on physical laws,
not computational complexity.
DRONE-BASED QUANTUM KEY o Quantum-resilient: Immune to future
threats from quantum computers.
DISTRIBUTION
About Drone-Based Quantum Key Distribution Technology:
Context: • What is Drone-Based Quantum Key Distribution
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) signed Technology?
an MoU with Synergy Quantum India to jointly develop o A futuristic application of QKD via
drone-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems. drones, enabling secure key exchange
over dynamic and remote locations
About Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): without dependency on fixed fiber-optic
• What is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)? infrastructure.
o QKD is a secure method of key exchange • Features:
that uses quantum mechanics instead of o Mobility & Flexibility: Can be deployed
mathematical encryption algorithms to quickly in disaster zones, border areas, or
share cryptographic keys. rural setups.

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o Uses Decoy-State BB84 Protocol: Enhances levels of electrons, leading to novel
security and efficiency using polarization electrical behaviours.
encoding. o Strong Field Effect: Electrical conductivity
o Targeted for TRL 6+: Demonstrates can be externally modulated.
a system prototype in a relevant o Nonlinear Hall Effect: Generates
environment. perpendicular voltage under electric fields
o Boosts Secure Communication: Especially — a property not seen in 3D metals.
vital for defense, surveillance, and o Topological Properties: Some 2D metals act
confidential data transfer. as topological insulators, conducting only
o Atmanirbhar Bharat-Aligned: Promotes along edges.
indigenous research and innovation in • Applications:
quantum technologies. o Quantum Computing: Enables creation of
faster, low-energy computing systems.
o Flexible Electronics: Ideal for use in next-
2D METAL gen sensors, transistors, and wearable
devices.
o Photonics and Optoelectronics: Suitable
Context:
for high-efficiency LEDs, lasers, and
Scientists in China have successfully fabricated atomically
photodetectors.
thin 2D metal sheets of bismuth, gallium, tin, and lead using
o Medical Diagnostics: Could power super-
a novel high-pressure technique.
sensitive biosensors and imaging tools.

HIGH-ALTITUDE PLATFORM (HAP)

PROTOTYPE
Context:
India’s indigenously developed High-Altitude Platform (HAP)
prototype, designed by NAL, successfully completed pre-
About 2D Metal: monsoon flight tests using a certified autopilot system.
• What are 2D Metals?
o 2D metals are ultra-thin layers of metal
atoms, usually just 1–2 atoms thick, where
electrons are confined to move only in two
dimensions.
o Unlike bulk metals, they exhibit unique
quantum properties due to quantum
confinement effects.
• New Breakthrough:
o A team in China (Beijing and Dongguan)
successfully created atomically thin 2D
sheets of bismuth, gallium, indium, tin, and
lead. About High-Altitude Platform (HAP) Prototype:
• Technique: • What is HAP?
o Metal powder is melted between two o A High-Altitude Platform (HAP) is a solar-
layers of MoS₂-coated sapphire plates. powered, unmanned stratospheric aircraft
o Under 200 million Pa pressure, the metal that operates at 17–22 km altitude,
flattens into an ultra-thin sheet. bridging the gap between terrestrial
o The result: bismuth sheets only 6.3 Å thick systems and satellites.
— around 2 atoms deep. • Developed By:
• Key Features: o National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL),
o Thickness: Just a few angstroms (Å) – Bengaluru under CSIR.
atomically thin. o Supported by Aeronautical Test Range
o Quantum Confinement: Alters energy (ATR), Chitradurga, Karnataka.

62 www.insightsonindia.com
Current Affairs 30
• Objectives: • How Does an Atomiser Work?
o Border patrolling and surveillance over o Works on pressure-drop, turbulence,
sensitive and remote terrains. or external force to shatter liquid into
o To provide persistent aerial coverage for droplets.
military and civil applications. o Types of atomisers include:
o Serve as a telecommunication relay and  Pressure-swirl atomisers: Create
meteorological platform. a vortex, ejecting liquid in conical
patterns.
• Key Features of India’s HAP:  Air-assisted atomisers: Use
o Solar-Powered Platform: Enables extended, compressed air to tear the liquid
high-endurance flight. into fine mist.
o Certified Autopilot System: Fully  Ultrasonic atomisers: Use high-
autonomous flight with fail-safe algorithms frequency vibrations to generate
and redundant control sensors. nano-droplets.
o Altitude Achieved: Up to 24,000 ft (FL240)
 Narrow-channel atomisers: Use
in recent tests and full-scale version can
geometric constriction to break
operate at 65,000 ft (20 km).
fluid into a spray.
o Payload Capacity: Subscale – 1kg and Full-
• Key Features of Atomisers:
scale – 10kg (including radiosondes, 5G
o Drop Size: Smaller drops for aerosols, larger
base stations).
o Endurance: 8.5+ hours in test flights and
ones for surface coating.
longer duration planned in final model. o Spray Pattern: Can be flat, circular, or
o Wingspan: 12 metres (subscale model) and conical.
light-weight under 22kg. o Application Angle: Tailored for maximum
efficiency and coverage.
• Applications of HAP: o Relative Span Factor (RSF): Indicates drop
o Defence: Border surveillance, intelligence size uniformity (closer to 1 is better).
gathering, disaster response. o Customisation: Atomisers are tuned for
o Meteorology: Radiosonde deployment, pressure, particle size, and spray geometry.
monsoon cloud measurements (IITM, Pune • Applications of Atomisers:
use case). o Industrial Use: Used in fuel injection,
o Telecommunications: Temporary or mobile machinery lubrication, and spray drying in
5G connectivity in remote or disaster-hit food and pharma sectors.
areas. o Agriculture: Essential for efficient spraying
o Geoinformatics: Real-time mapping, of pesticides, fertilizers, and precision
environmental monitoring. irrigation in poor-soil areas.
o Crowd Monitoring: Public safety during o Healthcare: Enables drug delivery via nasal
large events or protests. and aerosol sprays; used in disinfectants
and pain-relief sprays.
o Disaster & Safety Management: Supports
ATOMISER fire suppression with foam sprays and
public health safety during pandemics.
Context: o Household & Environment: Found in
The atomiser, a vital yet overlooked device, has come under deodorants and cleaners; also used in
focus for its vast industrial, medical, and environmental climate studies for aerosol modelling.
applications, especially in fields ranging from aerosol
medicine to spray-drying and firefighting.
SUPER-FAST CHARGING SODIUM-
About Atomiser:
• What is an Atomiser? ION BATTERY
o An atomiser is a device that breaks a
liquid into fine droplets (spray) for even Context:
distribution over a surface or space. Indian scientists at JNCASR, Bengaluru, have developed
o It allows conversion of liquid storage into a super-fast charging sodium-ion battery that can reach
mist delivery, balancing ease of handling 80% charge in just 6 minutes and last over 3,000 cycles,
and maximum surface coverage. potentially revolutionising India’s energy storage sector.

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 Current Affairs 30
and quantum simulations for real-world
readiness.

• Superiority Over Lithium-Ion Batteries:

o Abundant Resource: Sodium is plentiful
and cheap in India, unlike lithium which is
imported.
o Self-Reliance: Boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat
by reducing battery import dependency.
o Eco-Friendly: Less environmentally invasive
mining processes.
o Scalable Applications: Ideal for
EVs, drones, solar grids, and rural
electrification.
About Super-Fast Charging Sodium-Ion Battery: o Geopolitical Independence: Reduces
• What it is: reliance on volatile lithium supply chains.
o A next-generation sodium-ion battery
(SIB) designed to charge ultra-fast and
offer extended durability, using indigenous
materials and nanotech-based design. BREAKTHROUGH PRIZE PHYSICS
• Developed by: Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for
Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an
2025
autonomous institute under the Department of
Science and Technology (DST), Govt of India. Context:
The 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics has
• How It Works? been awarded to major experimental teams at CERN—
o NASICON-type Material: Provides a stable ATLAS, CMS, ALICE, and LHCb—based on their findings from
crystal framework for fast sodium-ion the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) Run-2 data (2015–2024).
movement in both cathode and anode.
o Anode Composition
(Na₁.₀V₀.₂₅Al₀.₂₅Nb₁.₅(PO₄)₃): This specially
engineered compound enhances energy
storage and improves ion conductivity.
o Nanoscale Particle Engineering: Reducing
particle size increases surface area,
allowing sodium ions to travel faster during
charge and discharge.
o Carbon Coating: A thin carbon layer on
particles boosts electrical conductivity and
protects from degradation.
o Aluminium Doping: Adding small amounts About Breakthrough Prize Physics 2025:
of aluminium improves structural integrity • What It Is?
and helps maintain battery performance o Often dubbed the “Oscars of Science,” the
over time. Breakthrough Prize honors transformative
• Key Features: achievements in fundamental physics.
o Rapid Charging (80% in 6 minutes): Enables
• Awarded by: Given annually by the Breakthrough
ultra-fast energy refill, ideal for high-
Prize Foundation.
demand applications like electric vehicles.
• Awarded to: Teams behind ATLAS, CMS, ALICE, and
o Long Life (3,000+ cycles): Provides high
LHCb experiments at CERN, comprising over 13,500
durability, lowering the need for frequent
researchers.
replacements and reducing lifecycle costs.
o High Safety: Reduces risk of thermal • Prize Amount: $3 million awarded jointly to the
runaway and fire, unlike lithium-ion four LHC experiments.
batteries which are heat-sensitive. • Eligibility Criteria:
o Tested Reliability: Proven using advanced o Recognizes major discoveries and data-
techniques like electrochemical cycling driven contributions that advance

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Current Affairs 30
understanding of the Universe. Syllabus: Conservation
• Awarded For: Work contributing to understanding
the:
o Higgs boson INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON
o Quark-gluon plasma
o Matter-antimatter asymmetry
GLACIERS’ PRESERVATION – 2025
o Physics beyond the Standard Model
Context:
• India’s Contributions:
In 2025, the International Year of Glacier Preservation is
o Indian institutions like TIFR, BARC, IITs, being marked through a UN-backed global conference,
IISc, VECC, IUAC, IOP etc., made crucial International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation – 2025
contributions in: in Tajikistan.
 Detector R&D
 Data analysis
 Worldwide LHC Computing Grid
 Manpower training
o India plays an active governance role in
CERN’s scientific boards and decision-
making.

About the Large Hadron Collider (LHC):

• What It Is?
o The LHC is the world’s most powerful
particle accelerator used to probe the About International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation –
fundamental structure of matter. 2025:
• Developed By: Built and operated by CERN • What is it?
(European Organization for Nuclear Research) near o A high-level global summit focusing on
Geneva, Switzerland. urgent action to combat glacier retreat and
• Key Features: ensure sustainable freshwater supplies
o Structure: 27-km underground ring using from cryospheric sources.
1232 superconducting dipole magnets. • Held in: Dushanbe, Tajikistan
o Cooling: Operates at −271.3°C using liquid
helium—colder than outer space. • Organised by: Republic of Tajikistan, with support
o Collisions: Sends two beams of protons
from United Nations agencies
• Declared under: UN Resolution declaring 2025 as
or heavy ions near light-speed in opposite
the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation
directions for high-energy collisions.
• Objectives:
o Experiments: Four major detectors—
o Promote climate-resilient water resource
ATLAS, CMS, ALICE, LHCb—placed at beam
management.
collision points.
o Raise global awareness of the threats
o Magnets and Control: Uses dipoles to
posed by glacier melt.
bend and quadrupoles to focus beams, o Encourage strong multilateral climate
controlled centrally from the CERN Control action aligned with the Paris Agreement
Centre. and SDGs.
• Significance:
o Helped confirm the existence of the Higgs • Key Features:
boson (2012). o Scientific Collaboration: Foster glacier
o Enabled study of early universe conditions monitoring, cryospheric data sharing, and
via quark-gluon plasma. research coordination across nations.
o Essential for progress in quantum field o Policy Integration: Align NDCs and NAPs
theory, supersymmetry, and dark matter with practical water governance and
research. climate-resilient investments.
o Strengthens international science o Early Warning Systems: Develop roadmaps
diplomacy and India’s global scientific for mountain-specific climate risk
stature. prediction and disaster response.
o Knowledge Exchange: Disseminate best

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practices, case studies, and adaptive • Chambal is a Tributary of: Yamuna River, hence
innovations in glacial risk zones. part of the Ganga drainage system.
o Gender Inclusion: Promote women’s • River Characteristics:
participation in glacier-related water policy
o Known as India’s cleanest river.
and decision-making.
o UN Trust Fund: Propose formation of a UN- o Ancient name: Charmanvati
supported Glacier Preservation Fund for (Mahabharata).
long-term financing. o Flows through Vindhyan scarplands,
o Urban Water Security: Prioritize resilient badlands, ravines, forming deep gorges.
urban and agricultural water supply o Major dams: Gandhi Sagar, Rana Pratap
systems through smart investments. Sagar, Jawahar Sagar.
o Expected Impact: Ensure targeted hydro-
meteorological services for glacier-reliant About National Chambal Sanctuary:
communities and boost global cryosphere • Tri-state protected riverine zone (Madhya Pradesh,
protection efforts. Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh).
• Spread over 5,400 sq. km along 425 km of Chambal
River.
• Established to conserve critically endangered and
CHAMBAL RIVER riverine species.
• Key Features:
Context:
Illegal sand mining is rampant in the Chambal River region o Primary Focus: Conservation of Gharial
across states, threatening biodiversity and endangering (world’s largest population), Ganges
officials and journalists. Dolphin, and Red-crowned Roof Turtle
o Other Wildlife:
 Mugger crocodile, smooth-coated
otter, striped hyena, Indian wolf
 8 rare turtle species like Indian
narrow-headed softshell turtle
o Mammals: Sambhar, Nilgai, Indian gazelle,
Bengal fox, langur, etc.
o Flora: Dry deciduous forests (Kathiar-Gir
ecoregion).
o Topography: Ravines, sandy stretches, and
hilly terrain.
o Recognised as an Important Bird Area
• It jeopardises the conservation efforts in the (IBA).
National Chambal Sanctuary, home to rare and
endangered species like the Gharial and Ganges
dolphin.
YAMUNA RIVER
About Chambal River:
• Origin: Bhadakla Falls near Janapav Hills (843 m Context:
elevation), Indore district, Madhya Pradesh. A report by Haryana’s irrigation department confirms that
• Length: Approx. 1,024 km. illegal sand mining in Sonipat has diverted the Yamuna’s
• Mouth: Confluences with the Yamuna River in natural course, violating NGT orders and environmental
Jalaun district, Uttar Pradesh. laws.
• States Flowing Through: Madhya Pradesh,
Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh About Yamuna River:
• Major Tributaries: • Location:
o Right Bank: Banas, Kali Sindh, Parbati, o Originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in
Shipra the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand,
o Other Tributaries: Kuno, Seep, Kuwari, Mej, at an altitude of 4,421 meters in the
Gambhir, etc. Himalayas.

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Current Affairs 30
About Geotubing:
• What is Geotubing?
o Geotubing uses large, tubular geotextile
containers (geotubes) filled with sand or
slurry, placed underwater to reduce wave
energy and prevent erosion.
o In Poonthura, three vertical layers of
15-meter circumference geotubes were
installed perpendicular to the coast,
forming submerged breakwaters that trap
• States it Flows Through: The Yamuna basin covers and deposit sand.
Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, • Materials Used:
Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Rajasthan. o Made from high-performance woven
• Total Length: Spans approximately 1,376 km, geotextiles, typically polypropylene (PP) or
making it the longest river in India that does not polyester (PET).
drain directly into the sea. o These textiles offer permeability,
• Major Tributaries durability, and resistance to UV rays,
o Himalayan Region: chemicals, and microbial degradation.
 Rishi Ganga, Hanuman Ganga, Tons, • Key Features of Geotubes:
Giri. o Submerged Barrier: Absorbs and dissipates
 Tons River is the largest tributary, wave energy before it reaches the shore.
contributing about 60% of total o Sand Accumulation: Facilitates natural
Yamuna discharge. beach nourishment by promoting sand
o Plains: Hindon, Chambal, Sind, Betwa, Ken. deposition.
• Key Cities Along the River: • Advantages of Geotubing:
o Delhi stretch: Enters at Palla Village, exits at o Durability: High resistance to tension, UV
Jaitpur (covers 52 km). radiation, chemicals, and microbial erosion.
o Other cities: Noida, Mathura, Agra, o Eco-Friendly: Non-polluting and helps in
Firozabad, Etawah, Kalpi, Hamirpur, and wetland and coastal restoration.
Prayagraj. o Cost-Effective: Cheaper than concrete or
o Confluence: steel structures; easy to install.
o Merges with Ganga at Prayagraj o Customisable: Tubes can be tailored to
(Allahabad), forming the Sangam, one of project needs, suitable for varied terrain.
Hinduism’s most sacred sites. o Multi-purpose Use: Effective in flood
control, riverbank reinforcement, sludge
dewatering, and landfill containment.
GEOTUBING • Applications of Geotubes:
o Coastal Protection: Breakwaters, seawalls,
Context: and dune reinforcements.
A joint study by NIOT and KSCADC confirmed that geotubing o River & Lake Management: Riverbank
offshore breakwaters at Poonthura (Kerala) effectively stabilisation and sediment control.
controlled coastal erosion and promoted sustainable beach o Wastewater Treatment: Dewatering sludge
formation. in industrial and municipal setups.
o Infrastructure Projects: Foundations for
roads, railways, ports, and reservoirs.
o Environmental Remediation: Site isolation
and pollution control.

UNITED NATIONS FORUM ON

FORESTS
Context:
India actively participated in United Nations Forum
on Forests (UNFF20) held at UN Headquarters, New

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 Current Affairs 30
York, presenting achievements in sustainable forest o Restoration under Aravalli Green Wall
management. Project.
o 7.86% rise in mangrove cover over the last
decade.
o 1.55 lakh hectares afforested under Green
India Mission.
o 1.4 billion seedlings planted under the Ek
Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.
• Major Global Contributions:
o Invited nations to join the International Big
Cat Alliance (IBCA).
o Pushed for inclusion of Dehradun
CLI (2023) outcomes on forest fire
management and certification in global
About United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF):
mechanisms.
• What is UNFF?
o Applauded CLI contributions by Congo, DPR
o UNFF is a functional commission under
Korea, and Austria.
ECOSOC, dedicated to forest policy
dialogue and coordination.
o It provides a platform for all countries to
discuss and promote sustainable forest
management (SFM) globally. BIODIVERSITY BENEFIT SHARING
• Established year: 2000 REGULATIONS 2025
• Established by: UN Economic and Social Council
(ECOSOC) through Resolution 2000/35
Context:
• Headquarters: New York, United States (UN
The National Biodiversity Authority has notified the
Headquarters)
Biodiversity Benefit Sharing Regulations 2025, introducing
new rules to regulate equitable benefit sharing from
• Objectives:
the use of India’s biological resources, including digital
o Promote management, conservation, and
sequence information.
sustainable development of all types of
forests.
o Strengthen long-term political
commitment for forests.
o Support implementation of Agenda 21, Rio
Forest Principles, and global forest goals.
• Key Functions:
o Coordinate forest policy across UN member
states.
o Oversee the UN Strategic Plan for Forests
2017–2030. About Biodiversity Benefit Sharing Regulations 2025:
o Foster global cooperation to halt
• These are updated rules under the Biological
deforestation and forest degradation. Diversity Act, aimed at ensuring that users—
o Organize biennial sessions:
especially industries—share a part of their
 Odd years: Technical exchange,
economic benefits with local communities and
implementation reviews. biodiversity conservers.
 Even years: Policy development,
o This aligns India with global Access and
decision-making. Benefit Sharing (ABS) principles.

India and United Nations Forum on Forests: Key Provisions

• India’s Participation at UNFF20:
• Turnover-Based Slabs for Benefit Sharing:
o Highlighted commitment to Voluntary
o ₹0–5 crore: No sharing
National Contributions (VNCs) under the o ₹5–50 crore: 0.2% of ex-factory turnover
UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030. o ₹50–250 crore: 0.4%
o Reported that forest and tree cover has
o Above ₹250 crore: 0.6%
increased to 25.17% of geographical area. • Mandatory Reporting:
• Key National Achievements Shared:
o Firms with turnover over ₹1 crore must

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disclose annual biodiversity usage. o Regulate transfer of research results on
• Cultivated Plant Exemption: Indian biodiversity to non-Indian entities
o Medicinal plant cultivators exempted from • Benefit Sharing Mechanism: Ensure fair
sharing benefits—aligns with Biological and equitable sharing of benefits with local
Diversity (Amendment) Act 2023. communities and knowledge holders
• High-Value Species Clause:
• Advisory Role: Advise the Central Government
o For species like red sanders, sandalwood,
on biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and
agarwood, minimum benefit sharing is 5%,
policy matters
extendable to 20% or more.
• Digital Sequence Information (DSI): • Oversight of State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs):
o Now covered under the benefit-sharing Coordinate and oversee the functioning of SBBs
regime—critical update from the 2014 and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)
guidelines. • Promotion of Conservation: Support
• IPR and Research Use: documentation, preservation, and promotion
o Researchers and IPR applicants must of biological heritage and associated traditional
comply with benefit-sharing norms. knowledge
• Revenue Utilization: • Compliance with International Conventions:
o 10–15% retained by National Biodiversity Ensure national alignment with protocols like
Authority (NBA); remainder to benefit the Nagoya Protocol under the Convention on
claimant communities. Biological Diversity (CBD).

Global Context: COP16 & Multilateral Sharing

• At COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity
(CBD) in Cali, Colombia (2024), member countries INDIA’S FIRST INTER-STATE CHEETAH
adopted a mechanism for sharing DSI-related CONSERVATION CORRIDOR
benefits multilaterally.
• Industries like pharma, cosmetics, agriculture, Context:
and biotech were asked to equitably compensate Rajasthan has agreed to join India’s first inter-state cheetah
indigenous communities and biodiversity conservation corridor with Madhya Pradesh.
custodians.
About India’s First Inter-State Cheetah Conservation
About National Biodiversity Authority (NBA):
Corridor:
• The National Biodiversity Authority is a statutory
• What is it?
body constituted in 2003 to implement the
provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and o A wildlife corridor project designed
ensure equitable benefit sharing from the use of to connect protected habitats in
India’s biological resources. Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan for the
• Headquarter: Chennai reintroduced cheetahs to roam safely and
naturally across a vast ecosystem.
Organizational structure: • Geographical Coverage:
• Chairperson (nominated by Central Government) o Total area: 17,000 sq. km is covered
o Must have knowledge or experience in between Madhya Pradesh (10,500 sq. km)
biodiversity conservation, sustainable use and Rajasthan (6,500 sq. km).
of biological resources, or equitable benefit
sharing Key Locations Involved:
• Ex-officio members: Representatives from o Palpur Kuno National Park, Madhya
Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, Science & Pradesh: Located in Sheopur district,
Technology, AYUSH, Tribal Affairs, etc. Kuno is the main site for India’s cheetah
• Expert members from fields like ecology, reintroduction project.
biotechnology, and law o Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh:
Situated along the Chambal River in
Key Functions and Powers Mandsaur district, this sanctuary is rich in
• Regulatory Role: Grant approvals for access to hilly terrain and diverse wildlife.
biological resources and associated traditional  It is being developed as the second
knowledge by foreign nationals, companies, and habitat for cheetahs in Madhya
NRIs Pradesh.

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o Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan: PALAMU TIGER RESERVE
Located in Kota division, it comprises parts
of Darrah, Jawahar Sagar, and Chambal
Context:
sanctuaries.
Jharkhand’s Jaigir village has become the first village to be
 The reserve has been identified as fully relocated from the core of Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR),
a potential cheetah habitat due to reducing human pressure on wildlife.
its arid grassland ecosystem.
o Rajasthan districts: Kota, Bundi, Baran, About Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR):
Jhalawar, Sawai Madhopur, Karauli, • What it is?
Chittorgarh. o Palamu Tiger Reserve is one of India’s first
o Proposed inclusion: Forest areas of Jhansi nine Project Tiger reserves, notified in
and Lalitpur (Uttar Pradesh) 1974, and the only one in Jharkhand.

Significance for India:

o Revives Native Species: Strengthens India’s
cheetah reintroduction mission.
o Strengthens Federal Conservation: Reflects
cooperative federalism in ecological
governance.
o Aligns with Global Goals: Supports
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
targets.
o It includes parts of the Betla National Park
and is known for its rich biodiversity and
conservation legacy.
• Location: Situated in the Chhotanagpur Plateau,
Latehar district, Jharkhand.
• Total Area: 1129.93 sq. km
• History:
o Declared under Project Tiger in 1974.
o Site of the world’s first tiger pugmark-
based census in 1932, led by J.W.
Nicholson.
• Flora and Fauna
o Flora: Dominated by Northern Tropical Dry
Deciduous forests, especially Sal (Shorea
robusta).
o Fauna: Keystone species include Tiger,
Asiatic Elephant, Leopard, Sloth Bear,
Grey Wolf, Four-horned Antelope, Indian
Pangolin, Otter.
Key Features of the Corridor: • Rivers: Drained by three major rivers: North Koel,
o Inter-State Connectivity: First-of-its-kind Burha (perennial), and Auranga.
wildlife linkage across two major states. • Rock types: Gneiss, Quartzite, Amphibolite, and
o Seamless Movement: Enables cheetahs to Laterite.
migrate naturally between reserves. o Gondwana formations: sandstone, shale,
o Ecological Restoration: Aims to restore and haematite.
conserve the grassland ecosystem.
o Strategic Collaboration: Supported by
NTCA and Wildlife Institute of India, with ADVANCED INSTITUTE FOR WILDLIFE
expected MoU between states. CONSERVATION (AIWC)
o Model for Asia: Recognised as a unique
conservation model in Asia by experts. Context:
Tamil Nadu has transferred the management of its ₹50

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crore Endangered Species Conservation Fund from the o Females usually bear 2–3 offspring per
defunct SFDA to the Advanced Institute for Wildlife litter.
Conservation (AIWC). • Habitat: Previously in lowland forests, now
confined to cashew plantations and fragmented
habitats due to deforestation.
• Dietary Habits: Feeds on reptiles, birds,
amphibians, fish, small mammals, eggs, and fruits.

BLUE TALKS
Context:
India hosted the Second Blue Talks in collaboration
with France and Costa Rica to support global marine
conservation goals.

• This aims to fast-track urgent conservation projects

for species like Malabar civet and Salim Ali’s fruit
bat.

About Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation (AIWC):

• What it is: A research and conservation institute
under the Tamil Nadu Forest Department providing
science-backed solutions for wildlife protection.
• Established in: October 2017, located in Vandalur,
Chennai.
• Objective: To promote evidence-based
conservation, research, and capacity building for
protecting wildlife across Tamil Nadu.
• Core Functions:
o Conduct field-based and captive wildlife • The event aimed to strengthen dialogue ahead of
research. the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3)
o Collaborate with zoological parks and scheduled in Nice, France.
institutions for training and education.
o Offer scientific advisories and facilitate About Blue Talks:
conservation technology deployment. • What It Is?
o Support grant-funded research on o A multilateral consultation platform that
threatened species under the new fund. brings together governments, scientists,
• Recent Focus: Studying and conserving rare species and civil society to build consensus for
like Salim Ali’s fruit bat and the Malabar large- sustainable ocean use.
spotted civet. • Held At: New Delhi, hosted by Ministry of Earth
Sciences (MoES), in partnership with the Embassies
About Malabar Large-Spotted Civet: of France and Costa Rica.
• What it is: A critically endangered carnivorous • Objectives:
mammal found in the Western Ghats, also known o Foster stakeholder dialogues on the future
as Viverra civettina. of ocean sustainability.
• IUCN Status: Critically Endangered (CR) o Accelerate progress on SDG 14 (Life Below
• Physical Traits: Water).
o Weighs around 18–20 lbs and estimated to o Promote global cooperation in marine
be 4 feet in length. research, education, and innovation.
o Features include grey fur with dark spots, o Launch strategic knowledge tools.
five white tail rings, and a distinct black
dorsal crest. About 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3)
• Biological Traits: • What It Is?
o Nocturnal and solitary in behaviour. o A global UN event to advance marine

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 Current Affairs 30
conservation and sustainable use of ocean About Saola:
resources under SDG 14. • What is Saola?
• Hosted by: France and Costa Rica o A critically endangered bovine species,
• Organised by: United Nations with participation often called the “Asian unicorn” due to its
from member states, NGOs, academia, civil society, extreme rarity.
private sector, and international bodies. • Scientific name: Pseudoryx nghetinhensis
• Objectives: • First described: 1993, after a skull discovery in
o Support actions to conserve oceans, Vietnam in 1992.
reduce marine pollution, and build global o Closely related to cattle, but resembles an
partnerships. antelope in appearance.
o Promote BBNJ Agreement ratification for
biodiversity governance in high seas. • Habitat:
o Adopt the “Nice Ocean Action Plan” — a o Endemic to the Annamite Mountains, on
legally non-binding but politically impactful the Laos–Vietnam border.
declaration. o Found in evergreen forests with high
• Conference History: humidity and minimal dry seasons.
o 1st UNOC (2017) – Held in New York, USA • IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
focused on raising awareness and voluntary • Population estimate (2015): 50–300 individuals
commitments. • Threats: Habitat loss, poaching, and indiscriminate
o 2nd UNOC (2022) – Hosted by Portugal, snaring
emphasized innovation and science-led
solutions. • Physical Features:
o Upcoming 3rd UNOC (2025) o Height: ~33 inches at the shoulder
 Venue: Nice, France o Horns: Straight, parallel horns (~20 inches)
 Theme: “Accelerating action found in both sexes
and mobilizing all actors to o Unique facial white markings and muzzle
conserve and sustainably use the scent glands
ocean.”
• Importance of Genome Sequencing:
o Genome of 26 individuals sequenced from
Syllabus: Species & Plant in News remains found in hunter households.
o Revealed population split occurred 5,000–
20,000 years ago, likely due to climate and
human-induced habitat change.
SAOLA o Genetic data shows complementary
diversity between populations, suggesting
Context: they can be combined for a stronger gene
An international team of scientists has successfully mapped pool.
the genome of the Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis), the o Paves the way for captive breeding
world’s rarest large land mammal, offering new hope for its programs and future reintroduction
conservation through genetic rescue and captive breeding. efforts.
o Offers scientific tools to prevent extinction
through targeted conservation.

PHAYRE’S LANGUR AND WESTERN

HOOLOCK GIBBON
Context:
The ‘Primates in Peril 2023–2025’ report has listed Cross
River Gorilla and Tapanuli Orangutan among the 25 most
endangered primates globally.
• Two Indian species — Phayre’s Langur and Western
Hoolock Gibbon — were considered for the

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final list, highlighting their growing conservation About Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock):
concern. • Status
o IUCN Red List: Endangered
About Primates in Peril 2023–2025: o WPA: Schedule I
What It Is? o CITES: Appendix II
• A biennial global report identifying the 25 most o Distribution: Northeast India, Eastern
endangered primates worldwide based on Bangladesh, Western Myanmar
scientific assessments. o Habitat: Tropical evergreen and semi-
evergreen forests
Published By: • Features:
• An international team of primatologists, supported o Physical:
by institutions like IUCN, Bristol Zoological Society,  Males are black with white brows,
and Conservation International. females are grey-brown
 Known for vocal duets and white
Global Distribution of Threatened Species rings around eyes and mouth
• Africa: 6 species o Biological & Social:
• Asia: 9 species  Lives in monogamous pairs with
• Madagascar: 4 species strong territorial behavior
• Neotropics (South America): 6 species  Moves by brachiation at speeds up
• 15 primates are newly added. (Of them 8 features to 55 km/hr
for the first time). o Diet:
 Primarily frugivorous,
About Phayre’s Langur (Trachypithecus phayrei): supplemented by insects and
• Status: leaves
o IUCN Red List: Endangered  Arboreal and diurnal, relying
o Distribution: Northeast India, East heavily on tall canopy cover
Bangladesh, and Western Myanmar
o Habitat: Tropical evergreen, deciduous, and
bamboo-dominated forests NAGSHANKAR TEMPLE MODEL FOR
• Features:
o Physical: TURTLE CONSERVATION
 Deep bluish-brown coat, spectacle-
like white rings around eyes Context:
 Males weigh ~7.9 kg; females ~6.9 On World Turtle Day, Nagshankar Temple in Assam was
kg officially declared a model temple for turtle conservation.
 Tail longer than body, aiding
arboreal movement About Nagshankar Temple Model for Turtle Conservation:
o Biological & Social: • Location: Situated in Biswanath district, near
 Lives in arboreal groups, mainly Sootea town, approximately 70 km from Tezpur,
diurnal and folivorous. Assam.
 Distinct sagittal crest on head; vocal • Historical Background:
and territorial behavior. o Believed to be built in the 4th century AD
o Diet: by King Nagashankar of Nagakha dynasty.
 Primarily leaf-eating (colobine); o Dedicated to Lord Shiva, but also honours
also consume fruits and seeds turtles as incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
 Shows specialized craniodental • Key Features:
adaptations for seed consumption.

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 Current Affairs 30
o Houses a large pond home to 250–300 troglophile loach, capable of living both
turtles, including critically endangered underground (hypogean) and aboveground
black softshell turtles. (epigean) environments.
o Also, home to peacocks, pythons, deer, o Belongs to the Nemacheilidae family
making it a micro-wildlife sanctuary. (stone loaches).
o The temple serves both religious and • Scientific Name: Schistura densiclava
ecological purposes. o Densiclava means “thick stripe” in Latin,
referring to the bold band near its dorsal
• Turtle Conservation Efforts: fin.
o Biodiversity Preservation:
 Pond supports three rare species: • Key Features:
Black Softshell, Indian Softshell, o Dual Habitat Adaptation: Thrives in low-
and Malayan Softshell turtles. oxygen, 18°C cave waters, yet retains
 The pond is fed by the pigmentation and vision, unlike most cave
Brahmaputra River basin, offering fish.
a suitable habitat. o Distinct Appearance:
o Community-Led Protection: Nagshankar  Pale yellow-green body with 14–20
Temple Committee works with Turtle black bars.
Survival Alliance (TSA) India, Help Earth,  Males are slimmer with puffed
and Kaziranga National Park. cheeks, while females are broader
o Scientific Intervention: Forest department with consistent markings.
artificially incubates turtle eggs and o Unique Diet: Feeds on copepods, insect
releases hatchlings into the wild. parts, shrimps, and bat droppings,
o Replication Across Assam: Around 25 indicating resilience in nutrient-scarce
temples across Assam now serve as habitats.
turtle conservation hubs, including Hajo’s o Ecological Endemism: Found exclusively
Hayagriva Madhav Temple. inside Krem Mawjymbuin, suggesting it is
endemic to this cave system.
o Genetic Distinction: DNA analysis confirms
it is genetically separate from other
MEGHALAYA’S NEW CAVE- Schistura species in Northeast India.

DWELLING FISH About Mawjymbuin Cave:

• Located In: Mawjymbuin Cave, also known as Krem
Context: Mawjymbuin, is situated in Mawsynram village,
A team of Indian zoologists discovered a new cave-dwelling East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya.
fish species, Schistura densiclava, in Krem Mawjymbuin • Key Features of the Cave:
Cave, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. o Natural Limestone Formation: The cave is
made of calcareous sandstone and housing
numerous stalagmites formed by calcium
carbonate deposition.
o Geological Interest: Hosts unique
stalagmite and stalactite formations,
attracting geologists and researchers for
field studies.
o Symper Rock: A notable dome-shaped rock
with a flat top within the cave structure,
known as Symper Rock.

LONGEST BANANA INFRUCTESCENCE

(MUSA INDANDAMANENSIS)
About Meghalaya’s New Cave-Dwelling Fish: Context:
• What Is It?
A wild banana species Musa indandamanensis from the
o Schistura densiclava is a newly discovered

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Current Affairs 30
Andaman and Nicobar Islands has recorded the world’s • The initiative, led by ICAR-NRC on Yak, Dirang,
longest banana infructescence at 4.2 metres. will bolster breeding programs and improve
conservation of this high-altitude livestock species.

About Indian Yak:

• What It Is:
o The Himalayan yak is a long-haired, high-
altitude bovine species belonging to the
Bovini tribe (includes cattle, buffalo, and
bison).
o Scientifically known as Bos grunniens, it is
revered as the ‘ship of the Himalayas’ for
its transport and livelihood utility.
• Habitat & Distribution:
o Endemic to the Tibetan Plateau and
surrounding high-altitude zones.
o Comfortable at altitudes above 14,000 feet.
o In India, yaks are reared in:
 Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim,
Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh,
Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.
About Longest Banana Infructescence (Musa • Key Features:
indandamanensis):
• What it is:
o An infructescence is the complete fruiting
part of a plant.
o The 4.2-metre-long infructescence was
found in Musa indandamanensis, a wild
banana species endemic to Andaman and
Nicobar Islands.
• Key Features:
o Found in Campbell Bay, Nicobar group;
tree height ~11 m, stem girth ~110 cm.
o Previously, infructescences up to 3 m were
recorded; the new one sets a world record.
o Specimens are displayed in Indian
Museum, Kolkata, and regional botanical
museums.
• IUCN Status: Critically Endangered — according to o Extreme Cold Resistance: Tolerates
recent conservation assessments. temperatures as low as –40°C.
• Significance: o Adapted Physiology: Possesses an enlarged
o Serves as a genetic reservoir for developing rumen to digest low-quality forage
disease-resistant and high-yield banana efficiently.
varieties. o Thick Coat: Long, hanging hair forms an
o Conserved ex-situ at A.J.C. Bose Indian insulating layer against cold winds.
Botanic Garden and other regional o Transhumance Rearing: Traditionally
botanical centres. managed under primitive nomadic
systems.
o Lifeline of Nomads: Critical for milk, meat,
INDIAN YAK wool, hide, dung fuel, and transport in
Himalayan economies.
Context: • Significance:
Indian scientists have achieved a breakthrough in o Livelihood Security: Backbone of pastoral
yak genomic research by assembling the first-ever communities in eco-fragile zones.
chromosome-level genome of the Indian yak (Bos o Genetic Resource: Offers traits like cold
grunniens). resilience and disease resistance, vital for

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 Current Affairs 30
climate-smart livestock breeding.  First kidding at 16–18 months.
o Economic Importance: Supports eco-  Kidding interval: 8–10 months.
tourism, dairy cooperatives, and wool  Twins are common, increasing
industry in hill economies. productivity.
o Ecological Role: Integral to maintaining o Disease Resistance:
grassland balance and pastoral  Naturally selected for resistance to
sustainability in alpine meadows. common endo- and ecto-parasites.
 Requires minimal veterinary
intervention.
NARAYANPATNA GOAT o Economic Importance:
 Source of meat, income, and
cultural exchange during rituals
Context:
and marriages.
The Narayanpatna goat, native to Odisha’s Eastern
 Acts as a financial buffer during
Ghats, has drawn attention for its disease resistance and
crop failures.
climate resilience, but faces threats due to unscientific
 Women and children play active
crossbreeding and lack of breed recognition.
roles in rearing, promoting gender-
inclusive livelihoods.

OPERATION OLIVIA
Context:
The Indian Coast Guard, under Operation Olivia,
successfully protected a record 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles
during their mass nesting at the Rushikulya river mouth in
Odisha.

About Narayanpatna Goat:

• What is It?
o A non-descriptive native goat breed reared
by tribal communities in Koraput district,
Southern Odisha.
o Known for its hardiness, reproductive
efficiency, and adaptability to harsh agro-
climatic conditions.
• Native Region:
o Found in Narayanpatna and Bandhugaon
blocks of Koraput (Odisha), within the About Operation Olivia:
• What it is: A flagship marine conservation initiative
Eastern Ghats.
o Reared under extensive, low-input systems
launched annually by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
in hilly, forested terrains with tropical from November to May to protect Olive Ridley
monsoon climate. turtles during their mass nesting season.
• Organisation Involved: Indian Coast Guard in
• Key Features:
o Physical Traits:
collaboration with State Pollution Control Boards,
 Medium-to-large size; coat colours
NGOs, and local fishing communities.
• Objectives:
vary from white with black/brown
o Prevent illegal fishing during turtle breeding
patches to pure shades.
 Curved horns, drooping ears, and
season.
o Ensure safe nesting along Odisha’s key
robust frame.
 Bucks weigh 30–35 kg, does 25–30
beaches (Gahirmatha, Rushikulya, Devi).
o Promote use of Turtle Excluder Devices
kg.
o Reproductive Traits:
(TEDs) among fishing communities.

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• Key Features: • IUCN Status:
o 5,387+ surface patrol sorties and 1,768+ o Global: Vulnerable
aerial missions since inception. o India: Regionally Endangered
o Extensive community outreach, educational o Schedule I species under Wildlife
awareness, and MoUs with NGOs. (Protection) Act, 1972 (highest legal
o Use of modern surveillance systems and protection)
inter-agency coordination for enforcement.
• Features of Dugongs:
About Olive Ridley Turtles: o Physical Characteristics:
• Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea  Body shape: Dugongs have a
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable torpedo-shaped body with flipper-
• Habitat & Distribution: like forelimbs and no dorsal fin for
o Found in warm waters of the Pacific, streamlined swimming.
Indian, and Atlantic Oceans.  Size: They can grow up to 3 meters
o Major nesting sites in India: Odisha long and weigh around 300 kg.
(Gahirmatha, Rushikulya, Devi), Tamil Nadu,  Lifespan: Dugongs can live up to 70
Andhra Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar years in the wild.
Islands. o Biological Traits:
• Biological Features:  Diet: Dugongs are herbivores
o Smallest sea turtle species, weighing up that feed mainly on seagrass,
to 45 kg, olive-coloured, heart-shaped consuming 20–30 kg daily.
carapace.  Teeth: Their teeth regenerate
o Arribada (mass nesting): Thousands of throughout life due to constant
turtles nest simultaneously, especially from wear from abrasive seagrass.
Nov–Apr. o Reproductive Traits:
o Omnivorous diet: Feeds on crustaceans,  Maturity: They reach reproductive
jellyfish, algae, molluscs. maturity at around 9–10 years of
age.
 Birth cycle: Dugongs give birth
DUGONG once every 3–5 years, making
reproduction slow.
 Population growth: Their
Context:
population increases at a maximum
World Dugong Day was observed to raise awareness about
rate of about 5% per year.
the conservation needs of dugongs, with India reaffirming
o Social Behaviour:
its focus on habitat protection in areas like Palk Bay and
 Grouping: Dugongs are usually
Gulf of Mannar.
solitary or seen in mother-calf
pairs.
 Habitat preference: Unlike
manatees, dugongs live strictly in
marine environments and avoid
human interaction.
• Ecological Importance:
o Known as “gardeners of the sea” for
maintaining healthy seagrass beds.
o Promote biodiversity by nurturing fish
nurseries.
About Dugongs: o Play a vital role in carbon sequestration and
• What it is: Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are large, coastal ecosystem stability.
herbivorous marine mammals often called “sea
cows.” They are the only extant species of the
Dugongidae family and closely related to manatees. BIRD FLU
• Habitat in India:
o Warm shallow coastal waters Context:
o Found in: Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf of Brazil, the world’s largest chicken exporter, reported its first
Kutch, Andaman & Nicobar Islands case of bird flu on a commercial poultry farm, raising alarms

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 Current Affairs 30
over global poultry supply chains.

About Bird Flu:

• What is Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)?
o Bird flu is a viral infection caused by
influenza Type A viruses, primarily affecting
birds, but it can also infect mammals,
including humans.
• Symptoms:
o In birds: Sudden death, respiratory distress,
swelling, reduced egg production.

About 16th Asiatic Lion Census:

• Conducted By: Gujarat Forest Department under
the supervision of the State Wildlife Division.
• Total Lion Population: 891 lions, including 196
adult males and rest include females, sub-adults,
and cubs.
• Area Coverage: Spanned 35,000 sq km across 58
o In humans (rare): Fever, cough, sore throat, talukas in 11 districts.
respiratory issues, sometimes leading to • Census Methodology:
severe complications or death. • Conducted in two phases:
• Transmission: Spreads via direct contact with o Phase 1: Direct Beat Verification
infected birds, droppings, or contaminated surfaces. o Phase 2: Final Enumeration
• Data Insights:
• Zoonotic: Can cross species barrier, typically bird- o Notable range expansion beyond Gir forest.
to-human. o Growing habitat connectivity and stable
o Limited human-to-human transmission sub-populations outside protected areas.
reported globally (CDC), but not yet in the
US. About Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica):
• Other Affected Species: • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (Recently it was
reclassified as Vulnerable from Endangered status)
o Detected in cats, dogs, dairy cows, sheep,
• CITES: Appendix I
and some wild mammals.
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
o Notably, house cats and livestock have • Habitat:
shown increasing vulnerability in recent o Current Range: Gir National Park and
outbreaks. surrounding areas in the Saurashtra region
• Vaccine Availability: of Gujarat.
o Historical Range: From West Bengal to
o No approved human vaccine exists
Madhya Pradesh in central India, and parts
currently.
of West Asia.
o Poultry vaccines are available and used in • Biological & Physical Features:
countries like France and the US to curb o Size: Males: 160–190 kg; Females: 110–120
outbreaks. kg.
o Height: Approx. 110 cm at shoulder; length
up to 2.92 m (including tail).
16TH ASIATIC LION CENSUS o Distinct Feature: A visible belly fold, less
prominent mane compared to African lions.
o Coat Color: Varies from sandy to buff-grey,
Context: sometimes with a silvery sheen.
Gujarat Chief Minister announced the completion of the o Social Structure: Lives in small prides,
16th Asiatic Lion Population Census, reporting a population lesser in size and complexity than African
of 891 lions. lion groups.

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Syllabus: Defence, ISRO & Navy in-Command can now exercise
disciplinary and administrative
control over all personnel under
INTER-SERVICES ORGANISATIONS their ISO, regardless of whether
they belong to the Army, Navy, or
(COMMAND, CONTROL AND Air Force.
DISCIPLINE) ACT, 2023  Promotes quick decision-making
and a clear chain of command.
Context: o Tri-Service Integration:
The Ministry of Defence notified subordinate rules under  Recognises existing ISOs and
the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and provides a legal framework
Discipline) Act, 2023, making the Act fully operational. for forming new Joint Services
Commands.
 Encourages jointness in planning
and execution across forces.
o No Change in Existing Service Laws:
 Does not alter the Army, Navy, or
Air Force Acts.
 Ensures that unique service
conditions remain intact while
enabling joint administrative
mechanisms.
o Command Clarity and Emergency
Protocols:
 Provides clear succession
Summary of Newly Notified Rules:
• These rules, framed under Section 11 of the Act,
procedures when commanding
provide a structured operational framework for officers are on leave or unavailable.
 Allows higher formations to
ISOs.
• They empower ISO heads to exercise full
deputize acting commanders
administrative and disciplinary authority over during emergencies.
service members from any branch. o Administrative Efficiency: Prevents
• Rules establish command succession in case of
duplication of disciplinary actions,
the absence of the designated officer and prevent promotes synergy in resource utilisation,
overlapping disciplinary proceedings. and strengthens command accountability.
• They ensure operational synergy across tri-service
commands without altering individual service laws.

About Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and BRAHMOS SUPERSONIC CRUISE

Discipline) Act, 2023: MISSILE
• Came into Force: May 10, 2024, after receiving
Presidential assent on August 15, 2023, and Context:
Parliament passage during the 2023 Monsoon During Operation Sindoor, India reportedly deployed the
Session. BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in combat for the first
• Objective: time against Pakistani military installations.
o To unify command and promote
functional efficiency across inter-services About BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile:
establishments such as Andaman & • What is BrahMos Missile?
Nicobar Command, National Defence o BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile
Academy, and Defence Space Agency. jointly developed by India and Russia. It
is a precision strike weapon capable of
• Key Features of the Act: being launched from land, air, sea, and
o Empowering ISO Leadership: underwater platforms.
 Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-

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 Inducted into the Indian Navy in
2005.
o Land-based Variant
 Mobile autonomous launchers with
3 missiles each.
 Deployed along India’s borders
with multiple blocks:
1. Block I: Precision strike
2. Block II: Deep-dive and
target discrimination
• Development Origin: A product of a 1998 3. Block III: Mountain warfare
intergovernmental agreement, BrahMos Aerospace adaptation
is a joint venture between India’s DRDO (50.5%)  Range upgraded to 400 km; future
and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia (49.5%). variant may cross 1,000 km.
• Name Origin: The name is derived from o Air-launched Variant (ALCM)
Brahmaputra (India) and Moskva (Russia) rivers.  Integrated with Sukhoi-30 MKI
aircraft.
• Anatomy of BrahMos Missile  First test: November 2017;
o Structure: It is a two-stage missile with a validated for land and sea targets.
solid-propellant booster and a liquid-fueled  Offers long-range deterrence in the
ramjet engine. Indian Ocean Region.
o Speed: Reaches up to Mach 3 (three times o Submarine-launched Variant
the speed of sound).  Launched from 50 meters below
o Range: Originally 290 km, upgraded sea level.
variants now exceed 350–400 km, with  First tested in 2013 off the coast of
future versions expected to reach 800+ km. Visakhapatnam.
o Stealth: Low radar cross-section (RCS) and  Designed for canister-based
compact design enhance evasion from vertical launch.
enemy radar. o BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) (under
o Guidance: Equipped with a ‘fire and forget’ development)
system—requires no human input after  Will be smaller, lighter, and have
launch. enhanced stealth.
• Key Features:  Designed for aircraft and
o Multi-platform Capability: Deployable from submarines, including torpedo-
ships, submarines, mobile land launchers, tube launch.
and fighter aircraft.  Improved ECCM resistance and
o Precision: Known for high accuracy, deep- operational flexibility.
dive, terrain-hugging, and mountain-
warfare adaptability.
o Speed & Kinetic Energy: 3x speed and 9x
kinetic energy compared to subsonic cruise BRAHMOS-NG (NEXT GENERATION)
missiles.
o Stand-off Range: Enables operators to
MISSILE
launch the missile without entering enemy
airspace. Context:
o Terminal Phase Altitude: Can descend to The BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) missile is nearing flight
10 meters, enabling precise target hits. testing, with the existing BrahMos missile’s range extended
to 800 km under development.
• Variants of BrahMos Missile:
o Ship-based Variant About BrahMos-NG (Next Generation):
 Fired from static and mobile • What It Is?
warships. o BrahMos-NG is a smaller, lighter, and
 Supports vertical and inclined more versatile supersonic cruise missile
launch modes. designed for deployment across a wider
 Capable of salvo fire (up to 8 range of platforms, including fighter
missiles). aircraft, ships, and submarines.

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• Developed By: Jointly developed by India’s DRDO EXERCISE TEESTA PRAHAR
and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia under the
BrahMos Aerospace partnership.
Context:
• Objective:
The Indian Army conducted Exercise Teesta Prahar in the
riverine terrain of North Bengal, showcasing joint warfare
capability and technological integration.

About Exercise Teesta Prahar:

• What It Is:
o A large-scale military field exercise
conducted at the Teesta Field Firing Range,
West Bengal.
o To offer a miniaturized, stealthier, and o Aimed to simulate and validate combat
more agile missile system capable of operations in challenging riverine and all-
engaging land and sea-based targets with terrain environments.
ultra-precision.
o Designed to equip multiple platforms,
including LCA Tejas, Su-30MKI, naval
vessels, and submarines.

• Key Features of BrahMos-NG:

o Reduced Size & Weight: Weighs
approximately 1.5 tonnes vs. the original’s
2.5 tonnes, allowing integration on more
platforms including light fighters.
o High Speed & Range: Maintains Mach
2.8 speed with a 400–450 km range, with • Organisations Involved:
ongoing tests extending range up to 800 o Conducted by the Indian Army’s Trishakti
km. Corps under the Eastern Command.
o Stealth Capabilities: Enhanced with next- o Involved integrated participation from:
gen stealth technology and low radar Infantry, Mechanised Infantry, Artillery,
signature. Armoured Corps, Para Special Forces, Army
Aviation, and Engineers and Signals
o Versatile Launch Options: Can be launched
from air, land, ships, submarines (via
• Objectives:
torpedo tubes and vertical launch systems).
o Validate Jointness: Promote seamless
o Advanced ECCM: Improved Electronic
coordination between combat arms and
Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) for support services.
better resistance against jamming. o Enhance Operational Readiness: Test
o Precision Targeting: Suitable for land- rapid mobilisation and quick-response
attack roles, anti-ship missions, and manoeuvres in real-time scenarios.
underwater warfare scenarios. o Integrate Technology in Warfare: Deploy
next-gen weapon systems and modern
• BrahMos-NG is Superior to BrahMos: military technologies.
o Miniaturization enables compatibility with o Simulate Future Combat Environments:
more aircraft including Tejas, Rafale, and Practice tactical drills and battle rehearsals
MiG-29. for hybrid and high-tech warfare.
o Faster deployment and reload cycles due
to reduced logistics burden. • Key Features:
o Focus on jointness: Multi-branch
o Higher platform density: Multiple missiles
coordination for integrated battlefield
can be mounted on a single aircraft or ship.
synergy.
o Future-proof design aligned with o Rapid mobility drills: Quick deployment
modern stealth, mobility, and modularity across complex riverine terrain.
requirements. o Tech-enabled warfare: Incorporation of

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advanced surveillance, communication, and altitudes.
weapon systems. o Extended Engagement Range: Targets can
o All-terrain combat: Training in be neutralised at distances beyond 2.5 km,
geographically and environmentally diverse ensuring stand-off protection.
zones.
o Post-Operation Sindoor Context: Significance:
Reinforces interoperability after India’s o First of its Kind: India’s first micro-missile-
successful joint Army-Air Force strike. based counter-drone system for Army Air
Defence.
o Bridges Capability Gap: Addresses a
BHARGAVASTRA COUNTER-DRONE critical void in India’s anti-drone warfare
preparedness.
SYSTEM o Cost-Effective: Offers an economical
alternative to expensive air defence
Context: systems against low-cost drone threats.
India successfully conducted trials of ‘Bhargavastra’, a new o Dual Interest: Indian Air Force has shown
low-cost counter-drone micro-missile system, developed by interest, reflecting joint-service utility.
Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd (SDAL). o Global Relevance: Few comparable systems
exist globally, marking India’s leap in
indigenous defence innovation.

MADE IN INDIA FIFTH-GENERATION

FIGHTER JET
Context:
The Defence Minister has officially approved the execution
of the indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter jet project,
the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
About Bhargavastra Counter-Drone System:
What it is?
A micro-missile-based counter-drone system designed
to detect and eliminate hostile drones, including drone
swarms, using guided munitions.

Developed by: Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd (SDAL) in

partnership with Economic Explosives Ltd.

Objective: To provide a cost-effective, rapid-response

solution for neutralising drone threats, especially in
sensitive border and conflict zones.
About Made in India Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet:
Key Features of Bhargavastra: • What It Is?
o Long Detection Range: Can detect small o A next-generation stealth-enabled fighter
aerial drones beyond 6 km. jet, designed and built in India to enhance
o Micro-Missile Arsenal: Supports the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) deep-strike and
simultaneous launch of 64 micro missiles, air superiority capabilities.
enabling rapid engagement of multiple • Organisations Involved: Ministry of Defence,
targets. Defence Research and Development Organisation
o Salvo Launch Capability: Successfully (DRDO), and Aeronautical Development Agency
tested salvo mode firing of two rockets (ADA) in partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics
within 2 seconds. Limited (HAL).
o Mobile Deployment: Mounted on a mobile • Key Features:
platform, ensuring flexible deployment o Stealth technology with reduced radar
across varied terrains including high cross-section.

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o Advanced avionics with integrated sensors About Air Defence Systems:
and data fusion. What is an Air Defence System?
o Super cruise capability (sustained An Air Defence System refers to a networked combination
supersonic flight without afterburners). of sensors, weapons, and command systems designed to
o Network-centric warfare and electronic detect, track, and neutralize aerial threats such as:
warfare systems.
o Multi-role capability for air-to-air, air-to- Missiles(ballistic/cruise)
ground, and surveillance missions. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs/drones)
• Global Examples: F-22 Raptor (USA), F-35 Lightning Manned aircraft and helicopters
II (USA), Sukhoi Su-57 (Russia), and Chengdu J-20
(China) Components of Air Defence:
o Surveillance Radars – Detect incoming
About Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA): threats.
• What is AMCA? o Command & Control Centres – Prioritise
o A fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter and assign response.
aircraft being developed indigenously for o Interceptor Weapons – Surface-to-
the Indian Air Force. Air Missiles (SAMs), guns, or loitering
o Envisioned to replace aging MiG and munitions.
Jaguar fleets, and operate alongside Tejas o Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems – Jam or
LCA and MRFA platforms. spoof drones.
• Features:
o Stealth Design: Radar-absorbing materials, India’s Multi-Layered Air Defence Framework:
internal weapon bays. Role in
o Advanced Avionics: AESA radar, AI-enabled System Type & Origin Range
Operation
flight controls, sensor fusion.
Intercepted
o Twin-engine Configuration: Capable of Long-range
S-400 Up to 400 long-range
super cruise and high manoeuvrability. Surface-to-Air
Triumf km missiles and
o Multi-role Capability: Air superiority, (Russia)
aircraft
ground attack, reconnaissance.
o Digital Fly-by-Wire System with advanced Neutralized fast-
Medium-
cockpit interface. Barak-8 ~70-100 moving drones
range SAM
MRSAM km and cruise
(India-Israel)
missiles
AIR DEFENCE SYSTEMS Indigenous Up to 25-
Countered low-
Akash altitude aerial
SAM (India) 30 km
threats
Context:
In the early hours of May 9, 2025, Pakistan launched a Legacy SAM
Short- Supplemented
coordinated drone and missile swarm targeting Indian S-125 system
range (35 older sectoral
military bases. Pechora (Russian
km) defences
• India successfully intercepted the attack using its origin)
air defence shield, including S-400 Triumf, Akash, Multi-layered Intercepted
and Barak-8 MRSAM, in what was part of its Integrated defence using UAVs and
integrated response under Operation Sindoor. Counter- jamming, Varies kamikaze drones
UAS Grid spoofing, and across northern
guns airspace

STRATOSPHERIC AIRSHIP PLATFORM

Context:
India successfully conducted the maiden flight trial of
the Stratospheric Airship Platform developed by DRDO,
reaching an altitude of 17 km.

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altitude airship technology, crucial amid
rising border threats.

INS TAMAL
Context:
India is set to receive INS Tamal, its second advanced
stealth frigate built by Russia under the Krivak-III class deal.

About Stratospheric Airship Platform:

• What is the Stratospheric Airship Platform?
o A lighter-than-air, high-altitude airship
designed to operate in the stratosphere
(~17 km altitude) for extended surveillance
and observation missions.
• Developed By: Aerial Delivery Research and
Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra
o Under the Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO)

• Objectives of the Test: About INS Tamal:

o Validate envelope pressure control system. • What is INS Tamal?
o Test emergency deflation mechanisms. o INS Tamal is a 3,900-tonne advanced
o Collect real-time sensor data for future stealth frigate built in Russia as part
simulation models. of India’s Krivak-III class deal signed in
o Demonstrate system recovery after 2016. It is the sister ship of INS Tushil,
mission. commissioned in December 2024.
• Key Features: • Developed by:
o Operates at ~17 km altitude (stratosphere). o Built at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad,
o Carries instrumental payloads for ISR tasks. Russia
o 62-minute endurance flight successfully o Joint project under India-Russia defence
completed. collaboration
o Capable of long-duration airborne o Part of a four-frigate contract — 2 built
operation. in Russia, 2 under construction at Goa
o Deployable for static surveillance and real- Shipyard with technology transfer
time observation. • Key Features:
o Stealth Technology: Radio, infrared,
• Applications & Strategic Significance: and acoustic signature suppression for
o ISR Capability Enhancement: Improves survivability
India’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and o Weapon Systems:
Reconnaissance operations for military and  BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missiles
disaster response. (range: 450 km)
o Earth Observation: Supports border  Shtil Surface-to-Air Missiles
monitoring, coastal surveillance, and high-  Anti-submarine torpedoes and
resolution atmospheric sensing. rockets
o Low-Cost Alternative to Satellites: Offers o Speed: Over 30 knots
persistent coverage without requiring o Helicopter Capability: Can carry Kamov-28
costly satellite launches. and Kamov-31 for anti-submarine warfare
o Dual-Use Potential: Can assist in civilian and airborne early warning
use cases like disaster management, o Automation: High automation reduces
communication relays, and environmental crew workload and increases operational
monitoring. efficiency
o Strategic Independence: Places India
among a few nations with indigenous high-

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• Predecessor: INS Tushil, first of the four frigates, Oversight)
arrived at Karwar Naval Base on February 2025. o Hodi Innovations (Shipbuilder)
• Objectives:
• Strategic Significance: o Revive and demonstrate traditional Indian
o Enhances India’s blue-water capabilities for shipbuilding methods.
operations in air, surface, underwater, and o Celebrate India’s ancient maritime trade
electromagnetic domains and navigation skills.
o Crucial amid rising maritime tensions, o Promote cultural diplomacy and heritage
especially in the Arabian Sea awareness globally.
o Reinforces naval deterrence and force
projection in the Indo-Pacific
• Key Features:
o Showcases successful Make in India +
o Construction Technique: Built using
global collaboration with local production
of Triput & Tavasya in Goa Shipyard stitched plank technique, where wooden
planks are joined using coir rope, coconut
fibre, and natural resin — no nails used.
o Design Validation: Reconstructed using
iconographic extrapolation from Ajanta
INSV KAUNDINYA - STITCHED SAIL paintings, with hydrodynamic testing at IIT
SHIP Madras.
o Artistic Elements: Sails feature
Context: Gandabherunda and Sun motifs, bow has
The Indian Navy formally inducted INSV Kaundinya, a a Simha Yali, deck holds a Harappan-style
stitched sail ship inspired by 5th-century Ajanta cave stone anchor.
paintings, at Karwar Naval Base. o Traditional Rigging: Equipped with square
sails and steering oars, replicating ancient
sea-faring designs.
o Naming Legacy: Named after Kaundinya,
the legendary Indian mariner who sailed to
Southeast Asia, symbolizing historical Indo-
Pacific ties.

CIVIL DEFENCE IN INDIA

Context:
Ahead of rising geopolitical tensions, the Union Ministry
• The ship will undertake a transoceanic voyage from
of Home Affairs has ordered a nationwide Civil Defence
Gujarat to Oman later this year, reviving India’s
Mock Drill across 244 districts on May 7, 2025, to assess
ancient maritime heritage.
emergency preparedness against military and disaster
threats.
About INSV Kaundinya - Stitched Sail Ship:
• What It Is?
o A fully functional stitched sailing ship
built using ancient Indian shipbuilding
techniques, inducted as an Indian Naval
Sailing Vessel (INSV).
• Inspiration: Modeled on a 5th-century CE
ship depicted in Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra —
showcasing India’s maritime heritage through art.

• Developed By: Jointly developed under a tripartite

agreement (July 2023) between:
o Ministry of Culture (Funding Agency)
o Indian Navy (Technical Validation &

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About Civil Defence in India: ISRO PSLV-C61
What is Civil Defence?
Civil defence refers to organized efforts to protect civilians,
Context:
infrastructure, and essential services during emergencies,
ISRO’s 101st launch using PSLV-C61 failed mid-flight, due
especially in wartime or during natural or man-made
to a chamber pressure drop during the third stage. The
disasters.
mission aimed to place EOS-09 in Sun Synchronous Polar
Orbit.
Globally, it functions across six pillars: prevention,
mitigation, preparedness, response, evacuation, and
recovery.
• Legal Framework in India::
o Civil Defence Act, 1968: Enacted post-
Indo-China and Indo-Pak conflicts to
institutionalize civil protection.
o Amendment in 2009 (Act No. 3 of 2010):
Expanded the role to include disaster
management along with war-related
functions.
• Structure and Functioning::
o Manned primarily by volunteers from
various professions, trained to assist in About ISRO’s PSLV-C61:
emergency response. • What it is: The PSLV-C61 was the 63rd flight of the
o Activated during terror attacks, fires, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the 27th in
floods, explosions, earthquakes, or other the PSLV-XL configuration.
calamities before official responders arrive. • Developed by: Indian Space Research Organisation
o Special focus on critical initial minutes of (ISRO).
emergencies. • Mission Objective: To launch EOS-09, an Earth
• Application: Observation Satellite, into Sun Synchronous Polar
o Though the Act is pan-India, active civil Orbit (SSPO).
defence units are raised only in tactically • Vehicle Features:
vulnerable areas. o Height: 44.5 m, Lift-off Mass: 321 tonnes
o These include nuclear power plants, ports, o Four-stage launch vehicle with six solid
military bases, dams, oil refineries, and strap-on boosters
metropolitan cities. o Stages: Alternating solid and liquid
propulsion
• About Civil Defence Districts: o Stage 3 Failure: Chamber pressure in solid
o Civil Defence Districts are specially motor dropped, leading to mission failure
designated areas where civil defence • Sustainability Effort: Planned Orbit Change
programmes are actively implemented by Thrusters (OCT) & passivation of PS4 to reduce
the Government of India under the Civil orbital debris.
Defence Act, 1968.
o The Ministry of Home Affairs selects About EOS-09 Satellite:
Civil Defence Districts based on strategic • What it is: EOS-09 is a remote sensing satellite,
vulnerability: a successor to EOS-04, developed to serve multi-
 Proximity to International Borders: sectoral imaging applications.
E.g., Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, • Objective:
Jammu & Kashmir o Provide high-resolution, all-weather Earth
 Critical Infrastructure Presence: imagery using Synthetic Aperture Radar
Nuclear plants, military bases, (SAR).
ports, telecom hubs o Support disaster monitoring, agriculture,
 Urban Density & Civilian Risk: forestry, and urban planning.
Metro cities requiring evacuation • Key Features:
planning o Launch Mass: 1696.24 kg
 Coastal Sensitivity: Maritime o SAR Payload for day/night and all-weather
security in states like Tamil Nadu, capabilities
Kerala, West Bengal o Mission Life: 5 years

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Equipped with deorbiting fuel for post-mission disposal location raids, digital seizure, and legal
compliance action under IPC, IT Act, and POCSO.
o Precedent-Based Expansion: Builds
on experience from earlier anti-CSAM
Syllabus: Cyber Crimes & Digital Security operations.

• Previous Similar Operations by CBI:

OPERATION HAWK o Operation CARBON (2021): Targeted the
dark web users sharing CSAM across global
platforms.
Context:
o Operation MEGH CHAKRA (2022):
The CBI arrested two individuals from Mumbai and Delhi
Conducted pan-India raids, based on
under Operation Hawk, targeting international cybercrime
Interpol inputs; resulted in large-scale
networks engaged in online child sexual exploitation.
digital seizures and arrests.

SAFE HARBOUR
Context:
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is
reconsidering safe harbour protections under the IT Act,
2000, to tackle the surge in fake news and misinformation
online.

About Operation Hawk:

• What is Operation Hawk?
o Operation Hawk is a special anti-
cybercrime initiative launched by the
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in
2025.
o It aims to identify and prosecute individuals
involved in online child sexual exploitation
with international digital footprints.
• Launched By: CBI’s International Operations
Division.
• Objectives:
o Dismantle organized cyber networks About Safe Harbour:
targeting minors online. • What is Safe Harbour?
o Strengthen international cooperation o Safe harbour is a legal protection that
in combating cyber-pedophilia and child shields online platforms from being held
abuse. liable for content posted by users.
o Ensure swift response to foreign o Legal Basis in India: Section 79 of the
complaints involving Indian citizens. Information Technology Act, 2000
o Enhance digital forensics and cross-border provides safe harbour for intermediaries,
evidence collection. mirroring the US’s Section 230 of the
Communications Act.
• Key Features: o Key Features:
o Cross-border Coordination: Works with  Protects intermediaries from legal
global agencies including the FBI, Interpol, action for third-party content.
and local cybersecurity units.  Conditional immunity—if they
o Targeted Action: Focuses on CSAM take prompt action upon receiving
trafficking, sexual extortion (sextortion), actual knowledge of illegal content
and intimidation of minors. (via court or government order).
o Robust Investigation: Involves multi-  Encourages innovation by not

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overburdening platforms with mobilise the Territorial Army (TA) amid heightened tensions
liability. with Pakistan.

• What is Intermediary Liability?

o It is the concept where intermediaries (like
social media platforms, messaging apps,
etc.) can be held responsible for content
shared by users.
o How It Is Regulated in India:
 Governed by IT (Intermediary
Guidelines and Digital Media
Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
 Platforms must appoint:
 A Grievance Officer and
Nodal Contact Person in
India.
 Publish monthly
About Territorial Army:
compliance reports.
• Established: Territorial Army Act, 1948; formally
 The 2023 Amendment Rules
launched on October 9, 1949.
propose to revoke safe harbour for
• Controlling Ministry: Ministry of Defence,
“fake news” identified by the PIB’s
Government of India.
fact-check unit (challenged in court
• Legal Provision: Governed by Territorial Army Act,
for overreach).
1948 – Rule 33 permits full mobilisation during
o Features of Current Regime:
national exigencies.
 Conditional immunity based on
content moderation and user
• What is the Territorial Army?
grievance mechanisms.
o A volunteer reserve force comprising
 Restrictions apply if platforms
part-time “citizen soldiers” from civilian
do not comply with takedown
backgrounds (businessmen, professionals).
requests, especially on
o Aims to relieve the regular Army from non-
misinformation, deepfakes, and
combat duties and augment its manpower
cyberfrauds.
during conflict or crisis.
o Court rulings (e.g., Supreme Court
• Historical Evolution:
interpretation of “actual knowledge”)
o Colonial Legacy: Evolved from the Indian
influence enforcement.
Territorial Force (1920), which saw action
in global conflicts like WWI and the Boer
• Significance of Safe Harbour:
War.
o Protects Innovation: Prevents tech startups
o Post-Independence Need: Established to
and platforms from being overwhelmed by
serve as the second line of defence and
content liability risks.
engage citizens in nation-building through
o Upholds Free Speech: Without it, platforms
defence service.
may engage in over-censorship to avoid
legal trouble.
• Objectives & Core Functions:
o Enables Due Process: Provides a
o National Security Augmentation: Support
structured, rule-based system for content
Army operations during war, terrorism, or
takedowns instead of arbitrary removals.
border tension.
o Disaster Relief & Emergency Roles:
Assist civil administration during floods,
Syllabus: Internal Security & its Challenges earthquakes, and pandemics.
o Essential Services Maintenance: Ensure
continuity of key infrastructure like railways
TERRITORIAL ARMY and telecom.
o Law & Order Support: Aid in counter-
Context: insurgency and stability operations in
The Ministry of Defence has empowered the Army Chief conflict-prone areas.
under Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Act, 1948, to fully

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• Key Features: • Key Cities & Sectors Covered: Includes Delhi NCR,
o Eligibility: Indian citizens aged 18–42, western command sectors (Rajasthan, Punjab,
medically fit, with civilian occupations. J&K), eastern borders, and southern commands.
o Training Model: Approximately 2 months
of annual training; no full-time military • Key Features of IACCS
obligation in peace times.
o Multi-Sensor Integration: Fuses inputs
o Current Strength: Around 50,000
from ground radar, Airborne Warning and
personnel, organised into 65 units across
Control System, Airborne Early Warning
India.
and Control, civilian radar, and fighter jets
• Operational Participation:
into one cohesive command interface.
o 1947–48, 1962, 1965, 1971 Wars: Logistical
o Real-Time Threat Assessment: Enables
support, rear area defence, and vital
rapid detection, target recognition, and
infrastructure protection.
interception of aircraft, drones, and
o Operation Rakshak & Pawan: Counter-
missiles using consolidated data streams.
insurgency in Punjab, J&K, and Sri Lanka
support. o Battlefield Visualization: Provides live
o Kargil Conflict (1999): Guarded ammunition digital map and 360° airspace view for
dumps, supply lines, and sensitive zones. military commanders to execute central
control and decentralised action.
o Reduced Response Time: Minimises lag
between detection and interception,
INTEGRATED AIR COMMAND AND allowing swift neutralisation of threats
using fighter aircraft and missile systems.
CONTROL SYSTEM (IACCS)
o Layered Defence Integration: Integrates
with Army’s Akashteer system, creating a
Context:
seamless multi-layered air defence shield
The Indian Air Force showcased the Integrated Air
across services.
Command and Control System (IACCS) as the backbone of
o Future-Ready Architecture: Ready for
India’s aerial defence, effectively intercepting Pakistan’s
AI-based threat analytics, drone swarm
drone and missile attacks.
handling, and integration with next-gen
About Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS): missile systems like LR-SAM and QR-SAM.
• What it is: IACCS is an automated command and
control network developed to integrate all air India’s Multilayered Air Defence Umbrella:
defence assets for a comprehensive and real-time Layer System Deployed
air threat response.
1st Layer Counter-drone, MANPADS
• Developed by: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a
public sector defence electronics firm. 2nd Layer Point air defence systems
• Coverage Area: Covers all sensitive military bases, 3rd Layer Short and Medium-range SAMs
border regions, and air defence zones across India. 4th Layer Long-range SAMs (e.g., S-400, Barak-8)

MISSION SANKALP
Context:
Mission Sankalp, a massive anti-Naxal operation along the
Chhattisgarh–Telangana border, entered its third week, with
confirmed Maoist casualties and strategic gains.

About Mission Sankalp:

• Launched by: Security forces under the joint
command of Chhattisgarh Police, Telangana Police,
CRPF, and CoBRA.

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About Operation Black Forest:
• What It Is: A 21-day high-intensity
counterinsurgency mission targeting Maoist
strongholds in forested hilly terrain.

• Area of Operation: Karregutta hills, Bijapur district

(Chhattisgarh) – Mulugu district (Telangana)
border.

• Objective:
o Flush out top Maoist leaders, especially
Battalion 1 of the People’s Liberation • Location: Kurraguttalu Hills (KGH), spanning
Guerrilla Army (armed wing of CPI-Maoist). approx. 1,200 sq km along the Chhattisgarh–
o Dismantle fortified Maoist hideouts and Telangana border.
destroy logistics bases and bunkers.
• Objective:
• Key Features: o Dismantle Naxal headquarters and
o Troop Mobilisation: 24,000+ personnel operational infrastructure.
from DRG, STF, Bastar Fighters, CRPF, o Neutralise top Maoist leadership and regain
CoBRA, and Indian Air Force.
control over insurgent zones.
o Precision Strikes: Use of air surveillance
and intelligence-led operations in tough o Realise India’s target of eliminating Left
terrains. Wing Extremism by March 31, 2026.
o Recoveries: Over 1,000 kg of explosives, • Forces Involved: CRPF, including elite CoBRA units,
ration stockpiles, detonators, medical kits, Chhattisgarh Police, Special Task Force (STF), and
and electronic equipment from hideouts. District Reserve Guard (DRG).
• Strategic Significance:
o Largest Inter-State Operation: Reflects About Karregutta Hills:
unprecedented joint coordination between • Location: Karregutta Hills lie on the border of
central and state forces. Bhadradri Kothagudem district (Telangana) and
o Decapitates Leadership: Aims to paralyse Sukma district (Chhattisgarh).
the Maoist chain of command in core forest • Topography: Spread over 25–50 km, the terrain
zones. includes steep hills, caves, waterfalls, and
o Boosts Civil Governance: Paves way for
dense forests — ideal for guerrilla warfare and
infrastructure and welfare delivery in
concealment.
Maoist-hit tribal belts.
o National Security Impact: Aligns with • Elevation: Hills rise to nearly 5,000 feet, rendering
Centre’s zero-tolerance policy on Left Wing them largely inaccessible even to locals.
Extremism. • Local Names: Tribes refer to the hills as Black Hills
o Morale Boost: Signals state dominance in or Carregutta.
previously no-go areas; crucial in restoring
civilian confidence. • Tribal Presence: The region is inhabited by Koya,
Gond, and Chenchu tribes, many of whom have
been caught in the crossfire during decades of
OPERATION BLACK FOREST insurgency.
• Other Active Maoist Zones: Abujhmad
Context: (Chhattisgarh), Malkangiri (Odisha), Gadchiroli
In one of India’s largest anti-Naxal operations, 31 Maoists (Maharashtra) are other high-intensity Maoist
were killed in Operation Black Forest, conducted in strongholds.
Kurraguttalu Hills on the Chhattisgarh–Telangana border.

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• Key Features of Silver Notice:
o Asset-Focused Tool: Unlike the Red Notice
INTERPOL ISSUE FIRST EVER SILVER (for people), Silver Notice targets illicit
assets.
NOTICE o Transnational Reach: Aids asset tracking
across borders using global police
Context: coordination.
Interpol has issued its first-ever Silver Notice at India’s o Supports Financial Investigations: Useful
request to track illicit assets linked to former French in crypto scams, shell firms, real estate
Embassy official Shubham Shokeen, accused in a major visa laundering, etc.
fraud. o Strengthens Legal Cooperation: Provides
basis for bilateral asset recovery requests.

About Interpol Issue First Ever Silver Notice:

What is a Silver Notice?
o A colour-coded Interpol alert launched in
January 2025.
o Aimed at identifying, tracking, and
recovering criminally acquired assets
worldwide.

How It Works?
Member countries can request a Silver Notice to locate
assets linked to crimes such as:

• Fraud, corruption, money laundering, narcotics,

and environmental crimes.
• It enables countries to exchange asset-related
intelligence and initiate:
• Freezing, seizure, or confiscation of these assets
under domestic laws.
• Information is first reviewed by Interpol’s General
Secretariat to prevent misuse or politically
motivated targeting.
• Authority and Issuance:
o In India, the Central Bureau of
Investigation (CBI) acts as the nodal agency
for all Interpol matters.
o Only member countries can issue such
notices, subject to pilot phase limits (9
notices per country till Nov 2025).
o The notice is shared with 195 Interpol
member countries for real-time
cooperation.

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