In News:

The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026, released by the Institute for Economics and Peace, provides a comprehensive assessment of the impact of terrorism across 163 countries, covering nearly the entire global population. The report highlights evolving trends in terrorism and shifting regional dynamics.

About the Global Terrorism Index

• The GTI is an annual report that measures the impact of terrorism using a composite scoring system ranging from 0 (no impact) to 10 (highest impact).
• The index evaluates countries based on indicators such as number of incidents, fatalities, injuries, and property damage, thereby enabling comparative analysis of terrorism trends globally.

Key Findings of GTI 2026

• The 2026 report indicates a decline in global terrorism intensity, with deaths decreasing by around 28% and incidents falling by 22% compared to previous levels.
• However, the geographical concentration of terrorism has shifted significantly. Sub-Saharan Africa has emerged as the epicentre of global terrorism, with six of the ten most affected countries located in the region.
• For the first time, Pakistan ranks as the most impacted country, reflecting rising instability and militant activity. India is placed at 13th position, indicating a moderate but persistent threat environment.
• The report also identifies the most lethal terrorist organisations, including Islamic State (IS), Jamaat Nusrat Al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Al-Shabaab, which continue to drive global terrorism.

Emerging Trends

The findings reveal a decline in traditional conflict-driven terrorism in some regions, but a simultaneous rise in fragile and conflict-affected states, particularly in Africa.

Terrorism is increasingly linked with political instability, weak governance, and socio-economic vulnerabilities, rather than being confined to specific ideological or geographic zones.

The diffusion of extremist networks and the use of asymmetric tactics continue to pose challenges for global security systems.

Implications for India and Global Security

For India, the ranking underscores the need for continued vigilance against cross-border terrorism and radicalisation threats, while also recognising improvements in internal security mechanisms.

Globally, the shift of terrorism hotspots to new regions calls for reoriented counter-terrorism strategies, greater international cooperation, and capacity building in vulnerable states.

The persistence of major terrorist organisations highlights the need for intelligence sharing, financial tracking, and coordinated global action.

In News:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently infused over ?25,000 crore into the banking system through a 3-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction, following earlier liquidity injections of around ?3.5 lakh crore via Open Market Operations (OMOs) since January 2026.
• These measures highlight the RBI’s proactive approach to managing short-term liquidity conditions and maintaining monetary stability.

Need for Liquidity Management

Liquidity in the banking system fluctuates due to factors such as tax outflows, government cash balances, and seasonal demand for cash.

A deficit in liquidity can push up short-term interest rates, while surplus liquidity may weaken monetary transmission. Therefore, the RBI actively uses a mix of instruments to ensure that market rates remain aligned with its policy stance.

Variable Rate Repo (VRR): A Market-Based Tool

• The Variable Rate Repo (VRR) is a short-term liquidity injection mechanism under the RBI’s monetary framework. Unlike the fixed repo rate, where the interest rate is predetermined, VRR operates through an auction-based system, allowing the market to determine the borrowing rate.
• Banks bid for funds by offering interest rates, and the RBI allocates liquidity starting from the highest bids until the notified amount is exhausted. Typically, VRR operations are conducted for short durations (1–14 days) against the collateral of government securities.
• This mechanism enables efficient liquidity distribution and real-time price discovery, reflecting actual demand conditions in the market.

Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF): Core Framework

• VRR operates within the broader framework of the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), which is the RBI’s primary tool for managing day-to-day liquidity.
• Introduced in 2000 based on the Narasimham Committee recommendations, LAF allows banks to either borrow from or lend to the RBI.
• The system is structured around a corridor mechanism. At the centre lies the policy repo rate, which signals the monetary policy stance. The upper bound is defined by the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF), while the lower bound is set by the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF), which has replaced the reverse repo as the primary absorption tool.
• The objective is to keep the Weighted Average Call Rate (WACR)—the operating target—closely aligned with the repo rate.

Open Market Operations (OMOs): Quantitative Tool

• In addition to LAF tools, the RBI uses Open Market Operations (OMOs) as a quantitative instrument to manage liquidity.
• OMOs involve the purchase or sale of government securities. When the RBI purchases securities, it injects liquidity into the system; when it sells them, liquidity is absorbed. These operations are conducted through auctions or direct transactions using the RBI’s electronic platform.
• The large-scale OMO purchases in 2026 reflect a systemic liquidity infusion aimed at supporting credit flow and economic activity.

Significance of VRR and Related Instruments

The combined use of VRR, LAF, and OMOs enables the RBI to maintain short-term interest rate stability and effective monetary transmission.

VRR, in particular, provides flexibility by allowing market-driven rate discovery, reducing the need for the central bank to pre-determine liquidity conditions. It also ensures that liquidity mismatches are addressed efficiently without distorting market signals.

Overall, these instruments help in controlling inflation, supporting growth, and maintaining financial stability.

In News:

With India assuming the BRICS Presidency in 2026 under the theme of resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, science, technology, and innovation (STI) have emerged as key pillars of cooperation within the grouping.

The expansion of BRICS into BRICS and recent declarations signal a shift towards deep-tech collaboration and techno-multipolarity, especially among Global South countries.

Evolution of Scientific Cooperation in BRICS

• Scientific collaboration within BRICS has evolved gradually from basic cooperation to structured institutional engagement. Early recognition of science and technology cooperation began with the Sanya Declaration (2011), which integrated STI into the BRICS agenda.
• Subsequently, the 2015 MoU on STI cooperation formalised collaboration, leading to initiatives such as the BRICS Young Scientist Forum and joint research programmes. Over time, cooperation expanded through action plans focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer, including the establishment of the BRICS Technology Transfer Centre.
• Recent initiatives, such as the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation, reflect a move towards strategic technological autonomy, reducing dependence on Western systems.

Emergence of BRICS as a Techno-Strategic Platform

BRICS is increasingly positioning itself as a platform for technology-driven cooperation among emerging economies. The expansion into BRICS has enhanced its global significance, with the grouping now representing a substantial share of global population, trade, and economic output.

The focus has shifted towards frontier technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, digital infrastructure, and climate technologies. The grouping aims to provide alternative models of development and governance, particularly for the Global South.

Opportunities for Cooperation

BRICS offers significant potential for collaboration in areas such as digital public infrastructure, healthcare innovation, climate technologies, and advanced research.

India, in particular, can leverage its strengths in digital platforms, pharmaceuticals, and space technologies to drive collective initiatives. Collaborative frameworks such as shared digital systems, joint research projects, and cross-border innovation networks can enhance technological capabilities across member countries.

The platform also enables knowledge sharing and capacity building, especially for newer members, thereby promoting inclusive technological development.

Challenges in BRICS Scientific Collaboration

Despite its potential, BRICS faces several structural and operational challenges. There are significant disparities in research and development capacities among member countries, which can hinder balanced collaboration.

Geopolitical tensions and differing national priorities may affect the continuity of joint initiatives. Additionally, the absence of a strong institutional framework and dedicated funding mechanisms limits the effectiveness of cooperation.

Issues related to technology transfer, intellectual property rights, and regulatory harmonisation further complicate collaboration efforts.

India’s Role and Way Forward

India can play a pivotal role in strengthening BRICS cooperation by promoting digital public infrastructure models, such as Aadhaar and UPI, as scalable solutions for other member countries.

It can also advocate for joint mega-science projects, climate technology partnerships, and digital health initiatives, leveraging its experience in global collaborations.

Establishing common standards for emerging technologies like AI and enhancing institutional coordination will be essential. Strengthening funding mechanisms and fostering industry-academia linkages can further deepen collaboration.

In News:

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has completed the first stage of randomisation of EVM-VVPATs for the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry, along with by-elections in several states. This process is a crucial administrative step to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.

What is EVM–VVPAT Randomisation?

• EVM–VVPAT randomisation is a software-driven allocation process through which voting machines are assigned to constituencies and polling stations in a completely unpredictable manner.
• The process is conducted using the EVM Management System (EMS), ensuring minimal human intervention and eliminating any scope for bias or manipulation.

Process of Randomisation

The allocation of machines follows a two-stage randomisation mechanism, designed to enhance transparency and security.

• In the first stage, machines that have successfully undergone First Level Checking (FLC) are randomly distributed from district warehouses to Assembly Constituencies. This stage has already been completed for the current elections.
• In the second stage, after the finalisation of contesting candidates, machines are further randomised and allocated to individual polling stations within each constituency. This ensures that the exact deployment of machines remains unknown until the final stage.

Key Features of the System

• The process is characterised by strong institutional safeguards. It is conducted by District Election Officers in the presence of representatives of recognised political parties, ensuring multi-stakeholder oversight.
• The details of allocated machines, including serial numbers, are shared transparently with political parties and candidates at each stage. Following the first randomisation, machines are stored in secure strong rooms under continuous surveillance, maintaining their integrity until deployment.
• The use of EMS ensures that the allocation is mathematical, automated, and free from discretionary interference.

Significance

The randomisation process plays a critical role in strengthening the credibility of India’s electoral system. By ensuring that no stakeholder knows in advance which machine will be used at a particular polling station, it effectively prevents any possibility of targeted manipulation.

The presence of political party representatives and the sharing of detailed lists enhance transparency and trust among stakeholders.

Overall, the process contributes to institutional integrity, electoral neutrality, and public confidence, which are essential for a robust democratic framework.

In News:

The ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia have disrupted global energy supply chains, exposing India’s high dependence on imported hydrocarbons, particularly natural gas. This has revived discussions around stalled transnational pipeline projects such as the Iran–Pakistan–India (IPI) and Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) pipelines as alternatives to ensure long-term energy security.

Background: India’s Energy Vulnerability

India is heavily reliant on imports to meet its energy needs, especially for natural gas. Disruptions in maritime routes and geopolitical instability in West Asia increase price volatility and supply risks, highlighting the need for diversified and secure energy sources.

Pipeline-based supply was envisioned as a cost-effective and stable alternative to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), reducing dependence on sea routes and global spot markets.

Iran–Pakistan–India (IPI) Pipeline

• The IPI pipeline, often referred to as the “Peace Pipeline,” was conceptualised in the 1990s to transport natural gas from Iran’s South Pars field to South Asia.
• The project envisaged a 2,775 km pipeline supplying around 60 mmscmd of gas each to India and Pakistan, offering a relatively cheaper alternative to LNG imports. It also carried the promise of regional cooperation through economic interdependence.
• However, the project lost momentum and India withdrew in 2007 due to multiple concerns. These included U.S.-led sanctions on Iran, pricing disagreements, and security risks, particularly regarding the pipeline’s passage through Pakistan’s Balochistan region. As a result, the project remains effectively dormant.

Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) Pipeline

• Following the stagnation of IPI, India shifted its focus to the TAPI pipeline, which aimed to bring natural gas from the Galkynysh gas field in Turkmenistan, one of the world’s largest reserves.
• Spanning about 1,814 km, the pipeline is designed to transport 33 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas annually. It received support from the Asian Development Bank and was seen as part of broader efforts to integrate Central and South Asia economically.
• While progress has been made in parts of the project—particularly the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan section—the extension into Pakistan and India remains stalled due to security challenges in Afghanistan, financing constraints, and geopolitical uncertainties.

Comparative Analysis

The IPI and TAPI pipelines reflect two different strategic approaches to energy security. While IPI relied on West Asian resources with shorter routes, it faced geopolitical constraints. TAPI, on the other hand, sought to diversify supply through Central Asia, but has struggled due to instability along its transit route.

Both projects highlight the complexity of cross-border energy infrastructure, where geopolitics, security, and economic viability intersect.