In News:

India has recently introduced Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) technology, marking a significant advancement in non-invasive neurological treatment. This technique is now being offered in select hospitals, providing new hope for patients suffering from Essential Tremor (ET) and Tremor-Dominant Parkinson’s Disease (TD-PD) — two common but debilitating neurological disorders.

What is MRgFUS?

MRgFUS is a non-surgical, incisionless medical intervention that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound energy, guided by real-time MRI, to target and ablate precise regions of brain tissue responsible for tremors, especially in the thalamus, a key brain relay centre.

Unlike traditional procedures like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) that require surgery and implants, MRgFUS is performed without any cuts or anaesthesia and allows immediate symptom relief with minimal recovery time.

Key Features of MRgFUS

• Incisionless procedure: No need for surgical opening of the skull
• MRI-guided precision: Real-time monitoring and adjustment
• Rapid recovery: Hospital stay of 1–2 days
• No implants or batteries: One-time treatment
• Immediate results: Visible tremor relief during the procedure itself

Medical Significance

Essential Tremor (ET):

• Affects ~1% of global population
• Incidence increases with age: ~5% of people over 60
• Not life-threatening but impairs daily life — eating, writing, speaking
• Leads to social isolation, anxiety, and functional disability

MRgFUS offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive solution for patients who are unwilling or unfit for brain surgery.

Availability in India

MRgFUS has been introduced in several advanced medical centres:

• Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi – First private hospital in North India to offer the procedure
• AIIMS, Delhi – First government institution to adopt it
• Royal Care Super Speciality Hospital, Coimbatore – Pioneer centre in India
• KIMS Hospitals, Telangana

As of mid-2025, over 200 patients in India have undergone the procedure successfully, with more than 25,000 globally.

Cost and Duration

• Procedure Cost: ?19–23 lakh
• Duration: 1–3 hours
• Performed by: A multidisciplinary team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neuroradiologists

Global Context and Technological Backing

• Insightec, a global leader in MRgFUS technology, is facilitating its expansion in India.
• The company is also exploring new clinical applications for the same technology in other neurological disorders beyond ET and Parkinson’s.

In News:

In a transformative move aimed at digitising India’s power sector, the Ministry of Power has announced the conception of the India Energy Stack (IES) — a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative designed to build a unified, secure, and interoperable digital ecosystem across the energy value chain.

This effort aligns with India’s goals of achieving a $5 trillion economy and meeting its Net Zero commitments, while addressing the growing complexities of a rapidly evolving energy landscape marked by renewables, electric vehicles, and consumer-centric markets.

What is India Energy Stack (IES)?

The India Energy Stack is envisioned as a standardised, open, and secure digital infrastructure to:

• Streamline operations in the power sector
• Empower consumers with access to real-time, consent-based data
• Integrate renewable energy into the national grid
• Enhance the efficiency of Distribution Companies (DISCOMs)

The initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Power, drawing inspiration from successful DPI models like Aadhaar (identity) and UPI (digital payments).

Core Features of IES

• Unique IDs: Assigned to consumers, assets, and energy transactions
• Real-time Data Sharing: Consent-based access for secure and accountable data exchange
• Open APIs: Enabling seamless integration across utility systems and third-party applications
• Consumer Empowerment Tools: Market access platforms, billing transparency, demand response options, and innovation support
• Interoperability: Standardised protocols for all stakeholders in the electricity ecosystem

Implementation Strategy

1. Proof of Concept (PoC) – 12 Months

A year-long pilot phase will test the India Energy Stack using real-world scenarios in partnership with selected utilities and DISCOMs.

2. Utility Intelligence Platform (UIP)

The UIP is a modular, analytics-driven application built on the India Energy Stack. It aims to:

• Provide real-time insights to utilities, policymakers, and regulators
• Enable smart energy management
• Enhance decision-making for grid operations and consumer services

3. Pilot Regions

The PoC will be conducted in collaboration with DISCOMs in:

• Mumbai
• Gujarat
• Delhi

Institutional Framework

• A dedicated Task Force has been established by the Ministry of Power.
• It includes experts from:
  • Technology domain
  • Power sector operations
  • Regulatory bodies
• The Task Force will guide:
  • System architecture design
  • Pilot implementation
  • National scale-up strategy

Expected Outcomes

• India Energy Stack White Paper for public consultation
• UIP deployment in pilot cities
• National roadmap for phased rollout of IES across all states and UTs
• Improved grid stability, energy access, and transparency in service delivery
• Enhanced integration of renewable energy sources into the mainstream grid

Significance for India’s Power Sector

The India Energy Stack has the potential to be a game-changer for the power sector, enabling:

• Modernisation of legacy systems
• Digital empowerment of consumers
• Efficient energy trading and billing
• Decentralised and democratised power governance

As India undergoes its green energy transition, IES will serve as the digital spine supporting clean, accountable, and consumer-centric power distribution.

In News:

In a major milestone for regional security, the QUAD nations — India, Japan, the United States, and Australia — have launched their first-ever 'At Sea Observer Mission'. This cross-embarkation initiative, conducted under the Wilmington Declaration, seeks to deepen maritime interoperability, operational coordination, and domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific region.

This move signifies the QUAD’s growing shift from diplomatic coordination to practical maritime collaboration, in line with the vision outlined at the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in September 2024.

Key Features of the At Sea Observer Mission

• Participating Nations: India, Japan, USA, and Australia — the four QUAD countries.
• Agencies Involved:
  • Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
  • Japan Coast Guard (JCG)
  • United States Coast Guard (USCG)
  • Australian Border Force (ABF)
• Vessel Involved:USCGC Stratton (US Coast Guard Cutter) currently en route to Guam.
• Observer Teams: Two officers from each country, including women officers, embarked for the mission.
• Format:Cross-embarkation, where officers from different countries are hosted on board a partner nation's ship to enable firsthand operational learning.

Objectives and Strategic Relevance

• Strengthening Maritime Security
  • Promotes collective surveillance, intelligence sharing, and maritime law enforcement.
  • Enhances preparedness against common threats such as illegal fishing, piracy, smuggling, and disaster response.
• Boosting Interoperability and Coordination
  • Lays groundwork for real-time joint operations and coordinated patrols.
  • Encourages standardization of practices and communication protocols across QUAD navies and coast guards.
• Upholding the Rules-Based Order: Reinforces commitment to a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific, countering unilateral actions and grey-zone threats in the region.

Indian Perspective: SAGAR and IPOI

India’s participation in the mission reflects its broader strategic vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). It also aligns with India’s leadership in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), particularly in the pillars of:

• Maritime Security
• Capacity Building and Resource Sharing
• Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
• Maritime Ecology and Maritime Resources

India's active role demonstrates its commitment to multilateral maritime cooperation, gender inclusivity, and regional stability.

Long-Term Implications: Toward a 'QUAD Coast Guard Handshake'

The ‘At Sea Observer Mission’ represents a foundation for the future institutionalisation of QUAD maritime security cooperation, informally dubbed the ‘QUAD Coast Guard Handshake.’ This aims to:

• Foster trust and operational familiarity
• Improve collective resilience against emerging maritime challenges
• Create a responsive, inclusive, and rule-abiding Indo-Pacific maritime domain

In News:

Building on critical lessons from Operation Sindoor, where satellite surveillance played a pivotal role in precision military responses, the Union Government has decided to fast-track the launch of 52 dedicated surveillance satellites. The move is aimed at enhancing real-time, all-weather, and round-the-clock monitoring of India’s land and maritime borders, particularly with China and Pakistan.

The decision comes amid growing emphasis on space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to counter modern threats, including drones and hypersonic weapons.

SBS-III Programme: Overview

The Space-Based Surveillance-III (SBS-III) programme was approved in October 2023 by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by the Prime Minister. It is India’s most ambitious defence space project to date.

Key Features of SBS-III:

• Total Satellites: 52 dedicated military satellites
  • ISRO: Will build and launch 21 satellites
  • Private Sector: Will develop 31 satellites
• Launch Timeline:
  • First launch by April 2026
  • Full constellation targeted by end of 2029
• Project Cost: ?26,968 crore (approx. $3.2 billion)
• Supervising Agency:Defence Space Agency (DSA) under the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), Ministry of Defence

Strategic Objectives and Capabilities

• Surveillance Reach and Coverage
  • Wider coverage of China, Pakistan, and Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
  • Reduced revisit times: Faster and more frequent imaging of sensitive areas
  • Capability to monitor airfields, military bases, and staging grounds deep inside adversary territory
• Operational Orbits
  • Satellites to operate in both Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) for layered coverage
  • Designed to counter China’s anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities including kinetic and electronic warfare systems

Technology and Innovations

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration
  • Satellites will use AI-powered decision-making to enhance image processing, target detection, and threat identification
  • Ability to interact with each other and form a Geo-Intelligence (GeoInt) network for real-time intelligence sharing
• Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV)
  • ISRO to transfer SSLV technology to private players
  • Enables rapid satellite deployment during emergencies, ensuring strategic agility and resilience

Lessons from Operation Sindoor

During Operation Sindoor, Indian defence forces used satellite-based surveillance to track drone and missile trajectories, providing precise actionable intelligence. This success underscored the need for:

• High-resolution radar imaging
• Day-night and all-weather capabilities
• Faster intelligence turnaround time

These operational insights directly influenced the SBS-III mission design and its urgency.

Defence Space Agency (DSA)

• Established in 2019, replacing the Integrated Space Cell
• Operates under the Ministry of Defence’s Integrated Defence Staff (IDS)
• Coordinates with ISRO, DRDO, and Armed Forces on:
  • Space warfare strategy
  • Protection of Indian space assets
  • Integration of ISR data with battlefield operations

In News:

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was implemented on 1st July 2017, aiming to unify India’s fragmented indirect tax system into a single, nation-wide tax. It replaced multiple central and state levies such as excise duty, service tax, VAT, and others.

By simplifying the tax structure and improving transparency, GST aimed to enhance compliance, remove tax cascading, and create a common national market. As of 1st July 2025, GST has completed eight years.

Key Highlights of 2024–25

• In the financial year 2024–25, GST collections reached an all-time high of ?22.08 lakh crore, representing a growth of 9.4% over the previous year. The average monthly collection was ?1.84 lakh crore. The number of active GST taxpayers crossed 1.51 crore.
• According to the Deloitte GST@8 survey, 85% of respondents across industries reported a positive experience with GST, highlighting improvements in compliance, transparency, and ease of doing business.

Structure of the GST System

Components of GST

GST operates under a dual model:

• Central GST (CGST) and State GST (SGST) for intra-state transactions.
• Integrated GST (IGST) for inter-state transactions and imports.

Rate Structure

The GST Council has approved a multi-tier rate structure:

• Standard slabs of 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% apply to most goods and services.
• Special lower rates include 0.25% on rough diamonds, 1.5% on cut and polished diamonds, and 3% on gold, silver, and jewellery.
• A Compensation Cess is levied on select goods such as tobacco, aerated drinks, and luxury cars to compensate states for revenue loss during the transition.

Key Features of GST

• Destination-Based Tax: GST is levied at the place of consumption, rather than origin. This ensures equitable revenue distribution and smooth credit flow across the supply chain.
• Input Tax Credit (ITC): Businesses can claim credit for taxes paid on inputs. This eliminates the cascading effect of taxes and reduces overall costs.
• Threshold Exemption: Small businesses with turnover below ?40 lakh for goods and ?20 lakh for services are exempt from GST, reducing the compliance burden on micro-enterprises.
• Composition Scheme: Businesses with turnover up to ?1.5 crore (goods) and ?50 lakh (services) can opt for a simplified tax scheme with fixed rates and minimal paperwork.
• Digital Compliance: All processes—from registration to return filing and payments—are conducted online through the GSTN portal. This digital-first approach enhances transparency and efficiency.
• Sector-Specific Exemptions: Essential sectors such as healthcare and education are either exempt or taxed at concessional rates to ensure affordability.
• Revenue Sharing: GST enables seamless credit transfers and transparent revenue sharing between the Centre and States, strengthening cooperative fiscal federalism.

Impact of GST

On MSMEs

• GST has provided major relief to micro, small, and medium enterprises by raising exemption thresholds and simplifying compliance. The introduction of the composition scheme allows them to pay tax at a flat rate with simplified filing.
• The Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) has also expanded access to credit. As of May 2024, four digital platforms were operational, with over 5,000 buyers and 53 banks and 13 NBFCs registered as financiers.
• Other initiatives include quarterly return filing for businesses with turnover up to ?5 crore and SMS-based NIL return filing, reducing administrative hassle for small taxpayers.

On Consumers

• GST has benefited consumers by lowering tax rates on essential goods such as cereals, edible oils, sugar, and snacks. A study by the Finance Ministry found that GST led to an average household saving of 4% in monthly expenses.
• The expansion of the tax base from 60 lakh registered taxpayers in 2017 to over 1.51 crore in 2025 has enabled the government to rationalize rates further.

On the Logistics Sector

• The removal of inter-state check posts and the introduction of e-way bills have significantly improved logistics efficiency. Transport time has reduced by over 33%, and businesses no longer need to maintain warehouses in every state. This has facilitated the creation of centralized, tech-enabled supply chains.

Revenue Performance Over Time

Since its launch, GST collections have shown consistent growth. In 2020–21, collections stood at ?11.37 lakh crore. They rose to ?14.83 lakh crore in 2021–22, ?18.08 lakh crore in 2022–23, ?20.18 lakh crore in 2023–24, and finally to ?22.08 lakh crore in 2024–25. This reflects improved compliance, economic recovery, and digital enforcement.

GST Council and Its Role

Constitutional Basis: The GST Council was constituted under Article 279A of the Constitution following the passage of the 122nd Constitutional Amendment Act. The Council was formally set up after Presidential assent on 8th September 2016.

Composition: The Council includes:

• Union Finance Minister as Chairperson
• Union Minister of State (Finance/Revenue)
• State Finance Ministers
• Special representation in case of constitutional emergency (Article 356)

Major Decisions: Since its inception, the GST Council has met 55 times and taken several reform-oriented decisions:

• Introduced e-way bills, e-invoicing, and the QRMP scheme
• Reduced GST on under-construction affordable housing from 8% to 1%
• Lowered GST on electric vehicles from 12% to 5%, and exempted large EV buses
• Streamlined compliance through auto-populated returns and QR codes
• Rationalized GST slabs, reducing items in the 28% slab from 227 to 35
• Set up GST Appellate Tribunals with Principal Bench in New Delhi
• Rolled out Aadhaar-based biometric authentication and clarified rules for vouchers
• Recommended full GST exemption on gene therapy and a legal framework for Invoice Management System

In News:

Recently, theUnion Minister Jayant Chaudhary (MoS, Independent Charge – Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and MoS – Ministry of Education) unveiled the report "Skills for the Future: Transforming India’s Workforce Landscape", prepared by the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC). This data-driven report critically analyses India’s skilling ecosystem using PLFS 2023–24 and other datasets.

Significance of Skilling for India’s Development

• Demographic Dividend: India has one of the world’s youngest populations. Skilling is crucial to leverage this before population ageing sets in (by 2047).
• Economic Growth: A 1% rise in Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at the tertiary level increases GDP by 0.511% (Parika, 2020).
• Employment Creation: India needs to create 5 lakh non-farm jobs annually till 2030 (Economic Survey 2023–24).
• Global Competitiveness: Leadership in EVs, AI, biotechnology, and green energy demands a future-ready workforce.

Key Findings from the Report (PLFS 2023–24 Based)

1. Skill Distribution

• 88% of India’s workforce is in low-competency jobs (Skill Levels 1 & 2).
• Only 10–12% are employed in high-skill roles (Skill Levels 3 & 4).
• Only 4.5% of the workforce has received formal vocational training.

2. Education-Skill Mismatch

• Only 8.25% of graduates are in roles matching their skill level.
• Over 50% of graduates are employed in lower-skill jobs.
• Severe case of overqualification and underutilization of educational capital.

3. TVET and Sectoral Gaps

• Top 5 Sectors (66% of vocational enrolment):
  1. Electronics
  2. IT & ITeS
  3. Textiles & Apparel
  4. Healthcare & Life Sciences
  5. Beauty & Wellness
• Skill Deficits are critical in high-growth sectors like green tech, AI, biotech, and EVs.

4. Wage Inequality by Skill Level

Skill Level          Avg. Annual Wage

Level 1               Rs.98,835

Level 2              Rs.1.26 lakh

Level 3              Rs.2.81 lakh

Level 4              Rs.3.94 lakh

46% of the workforce earns less than ?1 lakh/year, highlighting a major economic disparity.

5. Regional Disparities

• Low-Skilled States: Bihar, Assam (95% in Skill Levels 1 & 2)
• Higher-Skill States: Kerala, Chandigarh
• Migration and brain drain observed in low-skill, low-growth regions

Challenges Identified

• Skill-Education Mismatch: Graduates in low-skill jobs; vocational roles filled by underqualified informal workers.
• Weak TVET-Industry Linkage: Existing courses not aligned with Industry 4.0 or green economy needs.
• Low GER and Transition Dropout: Higher secondary GER at 57.56%, tertiary GER still below 30%.
• Gender & Social Exclusion: Low skilling access for women, SC/STs, rural youth.
• Data & Outcome Gaps: No central skill repository or real-time job-skill tracking.

Recommendations from the Report

• Institutional Reforms
  • Launch a National Skill Gap Survey
  • Establish a Central Skill Data Repository for real-time, evidence-based policymaking
• Curriculum & TVET Overhaul
  • Update NCO codes (National Classification of Occupations)
  • Integrate vocational training in schools
  • Scale up PMKVY, NAPS, and credit-linked certifications
• Industry & Market Linkages
  • Incentivise hiring of certified skilled labour
  • Link industry wage structures to skill certifications
  • Encourage industry-led training programs
• Targeted Inclusion & Regional Empowerment
  • Empower State Skill Missions
  • Prioritise high-potential regions and sectors
  • Target women, SC/STs, informal sector workers
• Education Pipeline Strengthening
  • Raise GER at higher secondary and tertiary levels
  • Promote flexible, modular skilling programs for working populations and school dropouts

In News:

Recently, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, launched a series of digital and sustainability-driven initiatives aimed at modernising India’s maritime sector. These reforms are aligned with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Major Digital and Policy Initiatives Launched

1. Digital Centre of Excellence (DCoE)

• MoU signed between: MoPSW and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC)
• Objective: Accelerate digital transformation across Indian ports
• Key Features:
  • Application of AI, IoT, Blockchain to optimize maritime logistics
  • Drive real-time operational upgrades
  • Support green and sustainable port operations
• Strategic Alignment: Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat, Viksit Bharat @2047

2. SAGAR SETU Platform

• Type: Unified digital interface for maritime trade and EXIM operations
• Go-Live Date: 26th June 2025
• Integration: Connects 80+ ports and 40+ stakeholders
• Objective:
  • Streamline cargo and vessel documentation
  • Enable paperless, seamless, and transparent logistics
  • Improve Ease of Doing Business (EoDB)
• Linked with: PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan

3. DRISHTI Framework

• Full Form: Data-driven Review Institutional System for Tracking Implementation
• Purpose: Real-time monitoring of projects under Maritime India Vision 2030
• Key Pillars:
  • KPI Monitoring
  • Progress & Achievements Tracking
  • Organisational Oversight
  • Functional Cell Coordination
• Strategic Value: Informed decision-making, faster project delivery

4. Standardised Scale of Rates (SOR) Template for Major Ports

• Objective: Standardise port tariffs to remove inconsistencies and improve transparency
• Features:
  • Uniform structure for port tariffs
  • Digitally comparable rates across ports
  • Ports retain flexibility for local economic conditions
• Expected Impact:
  • Enhances investor confidence
  • Improves user experience
  • Aligns with global maritime practices

Sustainability & Clean Energy: Hydrogen Transition Roadmap

Gateway to Green Report

Title: Gateway to Green — Assessing Port Readiness for Green Hydrogen Transition in India

• Released by: Ministry of Ports in collaboration with the Indian Ports Association (IPA)
• Objective: Transform Indian ports into green hydrogen hubs by 2030
• Strategic Goals:
  • Produce 5 million tonnes of Green Hydrogen by 2030
  • Develop infrastructure for production, storage, and export
  • Leverage India’s maritime geography for clean energy leadership
• Targeted Ports for Hydrogen Transition:

• V.O. Chidambaranar Port
• Paradip Port
• Deendayal Port
• Jawaharlal Nehru Port
• Mumbai Port
• Cochin Port

• Key Action Areas:
  • Land allocation for hydrogen projects
  • Demand stimulation and investor facilitation
  • International collaborations for knowledge and finance
  • Shared infrastructure models

Strategic Relevance for India

• Economic Impact:
  • Enhances trade competitiveness and reduces logistics cost
  • Modernises infrastructure to global benchmarks
  • Boosts Make in India and port-led development
• Digital Governance:
  • Promotes data-driven decision-making
  • Enables real-time monitoring and performance tracking
• Environmental Sustainability:
  • Aligns with India’s National Hydrogen Mission
  • Ports act as catalysts for clean energy transition

In News:

• On June 25, 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the CIP-South Asia Regional Center (CSARC) in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
• The center will function as a regional wing of the International Potato Center (CIP) headquartered in Lima, Peru.

About CIP

• Founded: 1971
• Headquarters: Lima, Peru
• Focus Crops: Potato, Sweet Potato, and Andean roots & tubers
• Global Presence: South America, Africa, Asia
• India Operations: Since 1975, through partnership with ICAR

About CIP-South Asia Regional Center (CSARC)

• Location: Singna, Agra district, Uttar Pradesh
• Land Provided: 10 hectares (by UP Government)
• Total Project Cost: ?171 crore
  • Indian Contribution: ?111.5 crore
  • CIP Contribution: ?60 crore
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare

Objectives of the Center

• Improve productivity of potato and sweet potato
• Promote climate-resilient, disease-free varieties
• Enhance post-harvest management and value addition
• Boost domestic seed production
• Support exports and food processing industries
• Increase farmer income, employment, and nutritional security

Why is this Significant?

• Potato is the 3rd most consumed crop globally (after rice and wheat)
• Sweet potato ranks 6th globally (after maize and cassava)
• India is the 2nd largest producer and consumer of potato
• Current average yield in India:
  • Potato: ~25 tonnes/ha (Potential: >50 tonnes/ha)
  • Sweet Potato: ~11.5 tonnes/ha (Potential: ~30 tonnes/ha)
• Establishment of CSARC will:
  • Reduce dependency on seed imports
  • Improve access to global germplasm
  • Help bridge the yield gap

Global and National Context

• China is the largest potato producer (78.24 million tonnes, 2020)
• India is second (51.3 million tonnes, 2020)
• Top Potato-Producing States in India (2020–21):
  • Uttar Pradesh (~15 million tonnes)
  • West Bengal (~15 million tonnes)
  • Bihar (~9 million tonnes)

Related Agricultural Research Institutions in India

• ICAR-CPRI, Shimla – Potato research
• ICAR-CTCRI, Thiruvananthapuram – Sweet potato and tuber crops
• IRRI-SARC, Varanasi – Regional center of International Rice Research Institute

CIP Centers Outside Peru

• China Center for Asia-Pacific (CCCAP) – Established in 2017 in Beijing, China
• India's CSARC (Agra) will be the second major CIP center outside Peru

In News:

A Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist was neutralized and three others were cornered in Operation Bihali, a high-risk counter-terror operation conducted in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district, Jammu & Kashmir.

About Operation Bihali

Aspect                                                Details

Type of Operation                     Counter-terrorism

Objective                                          Neutralize a group of 4 JeM terrorists and prevent cross-border attacks

Location                                             Basantgarh region, Udhampur district, J&K

Launched by                                   Jointly by Indian Army Para Commandos and J&K Police

Operational Command          Under the White Knight Corps

Intelligence Basis                        Based on 12 months of surveillance identifying the terrorist group

Key Significance

• Neutralization of JeM Threat: Thwarted potential attacks and ensured regional stability.
• Intelligence-Led Operation: Reflects enhanced surveillance and coordination between civil and military forces.
• Strategic Impact:
  • Disrupted terror infiltration routes along sensitive zones.
  • Reinforced India's proactive counter-insurgency posture in Jammu & Kashmir.
  • Strengthened local security infrastructure in vulnerable border districts.

In News:

MoSPI celebrates 19th Statistics Day honouring Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis and 75 years of National Sample Survey.

Key Highlights:

June 29 is observed as National Statistics Day in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis (1893–1972), widely regarded as the Father of Indian Statistics. The 2025 theme is "75 Years of National Sample Survey (NSS)".

The day is dedicated to promoting the role of statistics in nation-building and policy formulation, especially among the youth.

Key Contributions of P.C. Mahalanobis

1. Architect of India’s National Sample Survey (NSS)

• In 1950, Prof. Mahalanobis pioneered the National Sample Survey, India's first scientific and large-scale household data collection system.
• NSS is a large-scale, nationwide socio-economic data collection initiative conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• Key Objectives of the NSS: Generate high-quality data to inform public policy, planning, and developmental programs.Conduct household surveys on:

• Consumption expenditure
• Employment & unemployment
• Health and education
• Migration and the informal sector
• Undertake the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) to evaluate industrial performance.
• Support the agricultural sector by supervising crop area and yield estimation.
• Provide price statistics for rural and urban India to monitor inflation and cost-of-living changes.

• Key Features of the NSS
  • All-India Scientific Coverage: Surveys conducted in both rural and urban areas using stratified multi-stage sampling methods.
• Organizational Structure – Four Major Divisions

Division                                                                                              Function

Survey Design & Research Division (SDRD)            Survey planning, design, and methodology (HQ: Kolkata)

Field Operations Division (FOD)                                        Data collection via 170+ regional offices (HQ: Delhi/Faridabad)

Data Processing Division (DPD)                                        Data validation, tabulation, processing for surveys like PLFS & ASI

Survey Coordination Division (SCD)                             Coordinates survey activities and publishes Sarvekshana journal

• Multi-Thematic and Integrated Surveys

• Consumption patterns
• Employment trends (via Periodic Labour Force Survey - PLFS)
• Health and morbidity
• Education, migration, and social welfare indicators

• Support for Agriculture and Industry: Strengthens crop statistics and supports the ASI Web Portal for industrial data validation.
• Digital Integration & Real-Time Processing:Modernization efforts include urban sampling frame maintenance, tablet-based data collection, and real-time monitoring tools.

2. Mahalanobis Distance (1936)

• A multivariate statistical measure used to identify outliers and data anomalies.
• It quantifies the distance of a data point from a distribution, factoring in correlations between variables.
• Widely applied in fields such as public health, market research, and machine learning.

3. Flood Control and Environmental Planning

• In the 1920s, Mahalanobis used historical data to guide flood mitigation in Bengal and Odisha.
• His studies disproved incorrect assumptions (e.g., rising river beds) and recommended drainage improvements and dam construction.
• His early estimates contributed to the Hirakud Hydroelectric Project, inaugurated in 1957.

4. Institution Building: Founder of ISI & Sankhya Journal

• Founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata in 1931, a premier research institute for statistics and mathematics.
• Launched ‘Sankhya’, India’s first statistical journal, fostering academic and applied research.

5. Role in National Planning & Technology Advocacy

• Chief architect of the Second Five-Year Plan, which introduced the Mahalanobis Model — emphasizing heavy industries and public sector-led growth.
• Advocated for digital computing in India. However, during the Cold War, the U.S. denied India access to the UNIVAC computer, fearing Mahalanobis’s pro-Soviet leanings.

Biographical Snapshot

Attribute                                            Details

Born                                                      29 June 1893, Kolkata (then Calcutta)

Education                                          Presidency College; King's College, Cambridge

Field                                                       Statistics, Economic Planning, Data Science

Key Institutions                             Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), NSS, Planning Commission

Died                                                        28 June 1972

In News:

India marked a historic moment in space exploration as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission.

Organizations Involved:

• Axiom Space – Mission organizer
• NASA – ISS host and operations support
• SpaceX – Provided Falcon 9 launch vehicle and Dragon capsule

Launch Details:

• Launch Date: June 25, 2025
• Launch Site: Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
• Mission Duration: ~14 days aboard the ISS

Mission Objectives:

1. Scientific Research in Microgravity:

• Over 60 research experiments conducted across:
  • Life sciences
  • Material sciences
  • Human physiology
  • Earth observation

2. International Space Cooperation:

• Promotes global collaboration in low-Earth orbit science.
• Supports capacity-building for emerging space nations, including India, Poland, and Hungary.

3. National Space Program Development:

• Enables participating nations to strengthen human spaceflight capabilities.
• Acts as a stepping stone for India’s Gaganyaan and future space station plans.

Significance for India:

• Revival of Human Spaceflight:
  • Marks India’s return to human space missions after four decades.
  • Reinforces India's presence in international human space exploration.
• Boost to Gaganyaan Mission:
  • Offers valuable operational experience and technical collaboration.
  • Supports India’s vision to launch Gaganyaan, its first indigenous human spaceflight mission.
• Long-Term Space Ambitions:
  • Aids India’s goal to establish its own space station by 2035.
  • Positions India as a partner in space science diplomacy and global research.
• Scientific Prestige:India contributes to key microgravity experiments, enhancing its global research footprint in space.

In News:

A fresh inter-state water dispute has surfaced between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, with Telangana accusing Andhra Pradesh of violating provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 through its proposed Banakacherla Reservoir Project.

About the Banakacherla Reservoir Project

• Location: Banakacherla, Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh
• Implementing State: Andhra Pradesh
• Objecting State: Telangana
• Purpose: To divert surplus Godavari river water to the drought-prone Rayalaseema region via the Krishna river system.

Key Features of the Project:

River Diversion and Infrastructure Upgrades:

• Polavaram Right Main Canal capacity to be increased from 17,500 to 38,000 cusecs.
• Thatipudi Lift Canal capacity to be enhanced from 1,400 to 10,000 cusecs.
• New reservoir at Bollapalli, with a tunnel through the Nallamala forest to transfer water to Banakacherla.

Lift Irrigation Points:

Five major lift stations planned:

1. Harischandrapuram
2. Lingapuram
3. Vyyandana
4. Gangireddypalem
5. Nakirekallu

Inter-Basin Linkage:

• Connects Godavari → Krishna → Penna rivers.
• Aims to ensure water availability in Rayalaseema and address regional droughts.

Telangana’s Objections

1. Violation of the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014:Telangana alleges the project bypasses the statutory requirement of prior approval for new inter-basin water projects between the successor states.

2. Absence of Statutory Clearances:

• The project has not been cleared by:
  • Krishna River Management Board (KRMB)
  • Godavari River Management Board (GRMB)
  • Central Water Commission (CWC)

3. Godavari Tribunal Allocation Overlooked:

• Telangana cites the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal award which allocated 968 TMCft to the state out of 1,486 TMCft.
• Telangana argues that “surplus water” claims lack formal quantification or agreement.

4. Potential Impact on Telangana Projects:Telangana fears that Andhra’s diversion plan will affect its own irrigation schemes and reservoirs dependent on Godavari inflows.

Broader Implications

• This dispute underscores the growing tensions over inter-basin water transfers in India, especially in the context of climate variability and regional water stress.
• It highlights the need for:
  • Transparent interstate coordination
  • Functioning river boards
  • Expedited dispute resolution mechanisms

In News:

In a major policy shift aimed at enhancing financial flexibility, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reduced the Priority Sector Lending (PSL) target for Small Finance Banks (SFBs) from 75% to 60% of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC).

What Has Changed?

Previous Norms:

• SFBs were required to allocate 75% of ANBC towards PSL.
• An additional 35% PSL requirement applied beyond the standard 40% applicable to universal banks.
• These strict targets led to:
  • Difficulty in sourcing quality borrowers.
  • Compressed profit margins.
  • Limited portfolio diversification.

Revised Norms (2024):

• Overall PSL target reduced to 60% of ANBC.
• Additional PSL requirement brought down from 35% to 20%.
• Sub-sector allocation remains: SFBs must continue to dedicate 40% of ANBC to core PSL sectors such as agriculture, MSMEs, and weaker sections.

Objective of the Reform

• Enhance lending flexibility for SFBs.
• Improve asset quality and profitability by allowing portfolio diversification.
• Align SFB regulations more closely with those of other banks, without compromising on financial inclusion goals.

About Small Finance Banks (SFBs)

Origin and Mandate:

• Conceptualised by the NachiketMor Committee (2013).
• Regulated under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
• Created to expand financial inclusion by targeting:
  • Small and marginal farmers,
  • Micro and small enterprises (MSMEs),
  • Unbanked and underserved populations.

Key Features:

• Offer basic banking services, including all deposit and small-ticket loan products.
• Operate on a localised model with strong rural and semi-urban outreach.
• Permitted to distribute non-risk sharing financial products like mutual funds and insurance.

Regulatory Requirements:

• At least 25% of branches in rural areas.
• Minimum 50% of loan portfolio must serve the MSME sector.
• Minimum net worth: ?100 crore at inception, to be raised to ?200 crore within 5 years.
• Maintain a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 15% on risk-weighted assets.

Significance of the Move

• Offers SFBs greater operational autonomy and room to grow sustainably.
• Aims to balance developmental goals with commercial viability.
• Expected to promote credit flow to priority sectors while ensuring sound financial health of these institutions.

In News:

In a significant move towards institutional transformation, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has launched the UN80 Initiative, aimed at overhauling the United Nations system in the run-up to the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter.

What is the UN80 Initiative?

The UN80 Initiative is a system-wide reform agenda designed to align the UN's structures, mandates, and operations with contemporary global challenges, including peacebuilding, sustainable development, and human rights.

Objectives:

• Modernize the UN architecture to improve responsiveness.
• Enhance accountability and reduce inefficiencies.
• Ensure effective delivery of core mandates in peace, development, and human rights.

Key Features of the UN80 Initiative:

1. Three Core Workstreams:

• Efficiency & Cost Reduction: Streamlining operations, eliminating overlaps, cutting administrative costs, and automating services.
• Mandate Implementation Review: Assessing the execution (not content) of over 3,600 UN mandates for effectiveness.
• Structural Reforms: Reorganizing departments and programs, especially in high-cost duty stations.

2. Formation of Thematic UN80 Clusters:

Seven thematic clusters focus on:

• Peace & Security
• Development (UN Secretariat and UN System)
• Humanitarian Affairs
• Human Rights
• Training & Research
• Specialized Agencies

3. Relocation and Rationalization:

• Proposes shifting operations from expensive cities like New York and Geneva.
• Seeks to abolish underperforming and redundant functions.

4. Budget Integration Timeline:

• Initial reforms to be reflected in the 2026 Revised Budget.
• Major structural reforms to be integrated into the 2027 Programme Budget.

Significance of the UN80 Initiative:

• Revitalizes Multilateralism: Supports the broader goals of the Pact for the Future and ensures the UN remains relevant.
• Boosts Operational Efficiency: Reduces waste, overlap, and underutilization of resources.
• Focuses on Results: Transitions from output-heavy reporting to impact-driven outcomes.

In News:

According to a recent Lancet study based on Global Burden of Disease data, India ranked second globally in terms of the number of unvaccinated or “zero-dose” children in 2023, trailing only Nigeria.

What Are Zero-Dose Children?

• The term “zero-dose children” refers to those who have not received even a single dose of any routine childhood vaccine.
• In 2023, 1.44 million children in India were identified as zero-dose, highlighting significant immunisation gaps.

Global and National Trends:

• Nigeria topped the list with approximately 2.5 million zero-dose children.
• Eight countries, including India and Nigeria, together accounted for over 50% of the global zero-dose burden.
• Globally, the number of zero-dose children dropped from 58.8 million in 1980 to 14.7 million in 2019, reflecting long-term progress.

Challenges in India:

• Despite the Universal ImmunisationProgramme (UIP) covering 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, several challenges persist:
  • COVID-19 pandemic led to significant disruptions in routine immunisation.
  • Vaccine hesitancy continues to undermine public health efforts.
  • Geographical and socio-economic inequalities limit access to health services in certain regions.
• Between 2010 and 2019, measles vaccine coverage declined in over 100 countries, including India, further exacerbating public health risks.

In News:

The Prime Minister recently attended the centenary celebrations of the historic 1925 conversation between Mahatma Gandhi and Sree Narayana Guru, held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event marked the enduring relevance of Guru's message of social equality, spiritual unity, and reform.

Who was Sree Narayana Guru?

• Born: 20 August 1856, in a backward Ezhava community in Kerala
• Died: 20 September 1928
• Role: Spiritual leader, philosopher, poet, yogi, and one of India’s foremost social reformers from Kerala

Historical Context:

• During the 19th century, Kerala society was deeply caste-ridden, and the Ezhava community was subjected to systemic social exclusion.
• Guru revolted against caste oppression, advocating for spiritual liberation without ritual orthodoxy.

Core Philosophy:

• Message of Universal Unity:“OruJathi, OruMatham, OruDaivam, Manushyanu”
  (One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind) — a powerful call for social harmony, inclusivity, and humanism.
• Non-violent transformation:Unlike many radical reform movements, Guru’s approach was inclusive and reformative, rejecting social division without inciting confrontation.

Key Contributions:

• Religious and Spiritual Reforms:
  • Aruvippuram Movement (1888):
    • Consecrated a Shiva idol at Aruvippuram — a direct challenge to Brahmanical dominance and the exclusion of lower castes from temple worship.
    • Established over 40 temples in Kerala, allowing unrestricted worship by the marginalized.
    • Promoted yoga and meditation, and spent years in hermitage to attain spiritual depth.
• Social Reforms:
  • Founded the Sivagiri Mutt (1904) near Varkala — a centre for spiritual and social awakening.
  • SNDP Yogam (1903):
    • • Full form: Sri Narayana Guru Dharma ParipalanaYogam
      • Aimed at securing education, government access, and political rights for the Ezhavas.
      • Guru was the permanent chairman; Kumaran Asan, his disciple, became general secretary.
  • Vaikom Satyagraha:Played a pivotal role in the anti-untouchability movement, alongside leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Periyar.
  • Promoted free education, ashrams, and vocational training for underprivileged children and communities.
• Sivagiri Foundation and Pilgrimage:
  • Founded in 1924 to promote values like:Cleanliness, education, devotion, agriculture, handicrafts, and trade
  • SivagiriTheerthadanam (pilgrimage):Initiated by his followers to reinforce values of purity, education, and organization

Literary Contributions:

• Guru was a Vedantic scholar and philosopher-poet. His notable works include:
  • Advaitha Deepika
  • Atmavilasam
  • DaivaDasakam
  • BrahmavidyaPanchakam

These texts reflected Advaita (non-dualist) philosophy, spiritual self-realization, and social ethics.

Legacy and Recognition:

• Revered as “Gurudevan”by his followers
• His birth and death anniversaries are observed as public holidays in Kerala and some other states
• Celebrated as Sri Narayana Jayanthi

In News:

A recent study published in PLoS Biology by researchers from Fudan University, China, has uncovered a disturbing link between the agricultural use of a common fungicide and the emergence of azole-resistant Candida tropicalis, a fungal pathogen responsible for high-mortality infections, especially in India and other tropical regions.

Candida tropicalis and Public Health Risk

• Candida tropicalis is a major fungal pathogen, particularly prevalent in India, associated with mortality rates of 55–60%.
• Azole-class antifungal drugs, such as fluconazole and voriconazole, are frontline treatments.
• Growing drug resistance is being reported in clinics globally, raising serious concerns for treatment efficacy and public health.

Fungicide Link to Drug Resistance

• Tebuconazole, a triazole-based fungicide, widely used in agriculture and gardening, has been found to be the primary driver of cross-resistance to clinical azoles in C. tropicalis.
• Tebuconazole accumulates and persists in the environment, exerting selective pressure on fungal strains.
• Clinical strains exposed to tebuconazole showed cross-resistance to both fluconazole and voriconazole.

Mechanism of Resistance: Ploidy Plasticity and Aneuploidy

• Resistant strains exhibit aneuploidy – a deviation in chromosome number, often with duplications or deletions of chromosome segments.
• This phenomenon, termed ploidy plasticity, is rare in most organisms due to its detrimental effects, but in C. tropicalis, it enables adaptive resistance.

Genetic Changes Observed:

• Duplication of TAC1 gene segment led to overexpression of ABC-transporters, proteins that pump out azoles and reduce their effectiveness.
• Deletion of HMG1 gene segment increased the synthesis of ergosterol, a compound crucial to fungal membranes, thus enhancing azole resistance.
• These adaptations allowed the resistant strains to trade growth rate for survival under antifungal pressure.

Emergence of Stable Haploid Strains

• The study unexpectedly identified haploid strains of C. tropicalis among resistant isolates.
• These haploids were found to be mating-competent, raising concerns over the genetic transfer of resistance traits.
• Further genomic analysis confirmed that naturally occurring haploid strains also exist, such as two clinical isolates from Spain.

Virulence and Resistance in Animal Models

• In mouse models, strains with altered ploidy exhibited greater virulence than their progenitor strains when treated with fluconazole.
• This finding suggests a dual threat: enhanced resistance and increased disease severity.

Implications and Concerns

• The unregulated and widespread use of triazole fungicides like tebuconazole in agriculture is unintentionally selecting for clinically significant drug resistance.
• These resistant fungal strains pose a direct threat to human health, particularly in immunocompromised patients and in settings with limited alternative antifungal therapies.
• Resistant strains can potentially spread and recombine through mating, complicating containment efforts.

In News:

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released its annual State of the Climate in Asia 2024report, highlighting alarming trends in climate change impacts across the Asian continent. The report confirms that Asia is warming at nearly twice the global average, causing severe socio-economic and environmental consequences.

Key Climate Trends and Indicators in Asia (2024)

• Record Heat:The year 2024 was the warmest year in Asia’s history, marked by prolonged and widespread heatwaves across land and oceanic areas.
• Global Comparison:The global mean temperature in 2024 was the highest on record (1850–2024), surpassing the previous record of 1.45°C set in 2023. Each year between 2015 and 2024 ranks among the 10 warmest globally.
• Sea Surface Temperatures & Marine Heatwaves:Sea surface temperatures reached record highs,with Asian waters warming nearly twice as fast as the global average. Most Asian ocean areas experienced strong to extreme marine heatwaves, especially in the northern Indian Ocean, East China Sea, Yellow Sea, and waters near Japan.
• Sea Level Rise:Sea levels rose faster than the global average on both Pacific and Indian Ocean coasts of Asia, exacerbating risks for low-lying coastal areas.

Cryospheric Changes and Glacier Loss

• In Central Himalayas and Tian Shan ranges, 23 out of 24 monitored glaciers experienced mass loss in 2024.
• Consequences included increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides, and long-term threats to water security.

Scientific Warnings and Observations

The report highlights that the warming trend from 1991 to 2024 in Asia is nearly twice as fast as that between 1961 and 1990, underlining the acceleration of climate risks.

Implications for Asia

• Environmental:Rapid glacier melt, rising sea levels, and extreme weather are disrupting ecosystems, causing habitat loss and biodiversity decline.
• Economic:Agriculture, fisheries, and coastal infrastructure are suffering massive losses due to droughts, floods, and storms.
• Social:Heatwaves, displacements, and disaster-related fatalities are disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including the poor and elderly.

In News:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to develop a Digital Public Infrastructure for Fraud Risk Management (DPIP) under its supervision to curb rising instances of banking frauds in India. This aligns with broader efforts to enhance security and transparency in India’s financial ecosystem.

What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?

• Definition: DPI refers to foundational digital systems that are accessible, secure, interoperable, and designed to deliver essential public services.
• Examples in India:
  • Aadhaar (Digital ID)
  • Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
  • DigiLocker, CoWIN, etc.

About DPIP

• Objective:To enhance fraud risk management through real-time intelligence sharing, data gathering, and interbank coordination using advanced technologies.

• Key Features:
  • Will strengthen existing fraud detection systems in the banking ecosystem.
  • Enables interoperable intelligence sharing between banks and financial institutions.
  • Leverages AI/ML tools and data analytics for better predictive fraud detection.
• Institutional Mechanism:
  • A committee under Shri A.P. Hota has been constituted to examine various aspects of DPIP’s implementation.
  • RBI Innovation Hub (RBIH) is tasked with developing a prototype, in consultation with 5–10 public and private sector banks.

Need for DPIP

• Rise in Bank Frauds:
  • As per RBI’s Annual Report:
    • FY 2024: ?12,230 crore in frauds
    • FY 2025: ?36,014 crore — almost 3x increase
  • Increasing sophistication of cyber threats and fraud techniques necessitates robust preventive digital infrastructure.

Other RBI Initiatives to Combat Bank Frauds

Initiative                                                                         Description

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)           Mandatory for all digital/electronic payments to ensure

                                                                            secure transactions.

Zero Liability Framework                                   Customers are not liable for losses arising from bank’s

                                                                            negligence or third-party breaches.

bank.in and fin.in domains                               Reserved for verified bank websites to help customers

                                                                            avoid phishing and fake sites.

In News:

Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) is emerging as a novel nature-based carbon removal strategy, gaining global traction from Brazil’s sugar plantations to tea estates in India. It is being explored as a scalable solution to climate change through natural carbon capture mechanisms.

What is Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW)?

• Definition: ERW is a geoengineering technique that accelerates the natural chemical process of rock weathering to capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO?).
• Scientific Basis:
  • Natural weathering involves the breakdown of silicate rocks through carbonic acid, formed when CO? dissolves in water, eventually locking the carbon in stable forms like bicarbonate or limestone.
  • ERW accelerates this process using fast-weathering rocks like basalt, ground into fine particles to maximize surface area and reactivity.

Effectiveness and Challenges

• Potential Carbon Removal:
  • A US-based study found that 50 tonnes of basalt/hectare/year could potentially remove up to 10.5 tonnes of CO?/hectare over four years.
  • However, field trials in Malaysia (oil palm) and Australia (sugarcane) have shown lower than expected carbon capture rates.
• Key Variables Affecting Effectiveness:
  • Rock type and mineralogy
  • Soil characteristics
  • Temperature and rainfall patterns
  • Land management practices
• Measurement Difficulties:
  • Current techniques often overestimate CO? capture due to detection of cations that form even in the absence of carbonic acid reactions.
  • Risk: This can lead to inaccurate carbon credit claims, undermining offset integrity.

Co-Benefits of ERW

• Soil Health Improvement:
  • Increases soil alkalinity → Improves nutrient availability and crop productivity.
  • Contributes to soil formation and resilience.
• Resource Efficiency:Basalt is abundant and often a quarrying by-product, lowering costs and emissions associated with mining.
• Ocean Acidification Mitigation:Even if CO? isn't sequestered directly, rock in the soil can neutralize acidic runoff, preventing CO? release from aquatic systems downstream.

Risks and Concerns

• Health & Safety:
  • Finely crushed rock may contain toxic heavy metals (depending on composition).
  • Protective equipment is necessary during application.
• Carbon Credit Integrity:Overestimated CO? removal may allow companies to offset emissions inaccurately, leading to net increase in atmospheric carbon.

Global Adoption and Projects

• Countries Involved:Brazil, India, USA, Europe, and Latin America are trialing or implementing ERW.
• India Focus:Trials underway in Darjeeling tea plantations and other agricultural regions through startups like Mati Carbon.
• Global Milestones:
  • First verified ERW carbon removal credits issued from a Brazilian project.
  • Google signed the largest ERW deal for 200,000 tonnes of CO? removal credits (to be delivered by early 2030s).
  • Terradot, an ERW company, sold 90,000 tonnes of carbon credits for $27 million, backed by firms like H&M.

Investor Interest and Innovation Push

• Private Sector Engagement:ERW has attracted big tech, fast fashion, and aviation sectors seeking nature-based offset solutions.
• Prize Recognition:Mati Carbon won the $50 million X Prize for carbon removal, recognizing the potential scalability and innovation of ERW.

In News:

India has emerged as a significant player in the global coffee trade, with its exports witnessing a sharp rise of 125% in the past 11 years, increasing from $800 million in 2014–15 to $1.8 billion in 2023–24, and continuing the momentum with over 25% growth in FY2025–26. This export surge highlights India's expanding footprint in the global premium coffee market, driven by a blend of policy support, sustainable cultivation practices, and global demand for specialty coffee.

Key Drivers of Export Growth

The Coffee Board of India, under the Ministry of Commerce, has played a pivotal role in this transformation through:

• Digitalisation of export permits, RCMC, and certificates of origin.
• Export incentives like freight and transit assistance—?3/kg for value-added exports and ?2/kg for green coffee to distant markets (e.g., US, Canada, Japan, Nordic countries).
• Subsidy support of 40% (up to ?15 lakh) for processing units (roasting, grinding, packaging).
• Global market intelligence and regular industry engagement to remove bottlenecks.
• Promotion via GI tags and digital branding campaigns.

These efforts have enhanced India’s readiness to meet stringent import regulations (e.g., EU deforestation norms) while enabling access to new and emerging markets.

Production and Cultivation

India is the 7th largest producer of coffee globally, accounting for about 3.5% of world production and ranks 5th in global coffee exports with a 5% share. The country produces 3.5–4 lakh tonnes of coffee annually, with Karnataka (70%), Kerala, and Tamil Nadu being major contributors.

• Arabica varieties: Kents, S.795, Cauvery, Selection 9.
• Robusta: High-yielding selections suited to Indian climate.

Climatic Features:

• Grown under two-tier shade canopies with over 50 native tree species.
• Arabica thrives at 1000–1500m, Robusta at 500–1000m altitudes.
• Requires 1600–2500 mm rainfall and 15°C–25°C temperature.

India is unique as the only country that cultivates 100% shade-grown coffee, which promotes biodiversity, soil and water conservation, and ensures a sustainable income for 2 million people, including small and marginal farmers.

Specialty and GI-Tagged Coffee

India’s coffee is known for its mild acidity, full-bodied flavour, and fine aroma. Intercropping with spices like pepper, cardamom, and vanilla further enhances its appeal. The country also boasts five regional and two specialty coffees with Geographical Indication (GI) tags, strengthening brand value in global markets.

The historic legacy of Indian coffee dates back over 400 years to the planting of coffee beans by Baba Budan in Karnataka, making it one of the oldest coffee traditions in Asia.

In News:

The declaration of Emergency in India from 25 June 1975 to 21 March 1977 marks one of the most debated and transformative chapters in the country’s post-independence history. Proclaimed under Article 352 of the Constitution citing “internal disturbance”, this period had far-reaching legal, political, and social consequences. It served as a stress test for India’s democratic institutions and led to significant constitutional reforms.

Background:

• The early 1970s were marked by growing political discontent. Nationwide protests, especially in Bihar and Gujarat, were spearheaded by Jayaprakash Narayan against issues such as rising unemployment, inflation, corruption, and misuse of political power.
• The immediate provocation came from the Allahabad High Court’s judgment on 12 June 1975, which found Prime Minister Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractice in her 1971 Lok Sabha campaign. The Court disqualified her from contesting elections for six years under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
• Though the Supreme Court granted a conditional stay, political pressure intensified, with mass movements demanding her resignation.

Proclamation of Emergency

On 25 June 1975, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, on the advice of the Prime Minister, declared a national Emergency under Article 352, citing internal disturbance. This was the third Emergency in India — the first two being during external wars (1962 with China and 1971 with Pakistan). However, this was the first peacetime Emergency.

Constitutional Basis

At that time, Article 352 allowed Emergency on three grounds:

• War
• External Aggression
• Internal Disturbance (later amended to “armed rebellion” by the 44th Amendment, 1978)

Suspension of Fundamental Rights

Two days later, on 27 June 1975, the government invoked:

• Article 358: Automatically suspended the freedoms under Article 19 (freedom of speech, assembly, movement, etc.)
• Article 359: Allowed suspension of Articles 14, 21, and 22, stripping protections related to equality before law, life and personal liberty, and protection against preventive detention.

Citizens lost access to courts for constitutional remedies. Prominent opposition leaders, including Jayaprakash Narayan, Morarji Desai, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and L.K. Advani, were arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA). According to the Shah Commission, around 35,000 individuals were detained without trial.

Censorship and Media Suppression

From 26 June 1975, press censorship was imposed. Newspapers were mandated to get clearance from government-appointed censors before publication. International news coverage was also tightly controlled, with telex messages of foreign correspondents placed under surveillance.

Key developments:

• On 20 July 1975, the Board of Film Censors was restructured to impose stricter control over cinema.
• On 1 February 1976, the four national news agencies — PTI, UNI, Samachar Bharati, and Hindustan Samachar — were merged into ‘Samachar’.
• The Press Council of India was dissolved.

Constitutional Amendments and Legislative Overreach

Several constitutional amendments were enacted to consolidate power:

• 38th Amendment (1975): Made the President’s Emergency declaration non-justiciable.
• 39th Amendment (1975): Excluded Prime Minister’s election from judicial review.
• 42nd Amendment (1976) (termed “Mini-Constitution”):
  • Gave primacy to Directive Principles over Fundamental Rights
  • Extended Lok Sabha and State Assembly terms from 5 to 6 years
  • Limited judicial review, centralised authority
  • Empowered Parliament to amend the Constitution without court scrutiny

Sterilisation Campaign

One of the most controversial aspects was the forced sterilisationprogramme led by Sanjay Gandhi. While aimed at population control, it resulted in widespread coercion and human rights violations.

• 1975–76: 26.42 lakh sterilisation procedures
• 1976–77: 81.32 lakh
• Total over two years: 1.07 crore
• Many were linked to access to ration cards, housing, loans, and employment

End of Emergency and Democratic Reversal

The Emergency was revoked on 21 March 1977. In the subsequent general elections (March 1977), the Congress party was defeated, and the Janata Party under Morarji Desai assumed power. This marked the first non-Congress government at the Centre

Post-Emergency Reforms: The Shah Commission and 44th Amendment

The Shah Commission (1977–79)

Set up in May 1977, chaired by Justice J.C. Shah, it investigated:

• Illegal arrests and detentions
• Press censorship
• Forced sterilisation
• Bureaucratic misuse and political excesses

44th Constitutional Amendment (1978)

To prevent future misuse:

• Replaced “internal disturbance” with “armed rebellion” as a ground for Emergency
• Restored judicial review of Emergency proclamations
• Safeguarded Fundamental Rights, particularly Articles 20 and 21
• Ensured Cabinet approval was mandatory before Emergency declaration

In News:

In a landmark initiative for tribal inclusion, the Government of India has launched the Dharti AabaJanbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA)—India’s largest-ever tribal outreach and empowerment campaign. The programme aims to ensure saturation of welfare schemes and promote tribal pride and participation, covering over 1 lakh tribal villages and PVTG habitations across 31 States and Union Territories.

What is DAJA?

• Full Name: Dharti AabaJanbhagidari Abhiyan — named in honour of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a revered tribal freedom fighter.
• Launched by: Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
• Nature: A people-centric campaign focused on participatory governance and last-mile delivery of services among Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

Objectives of DAJA

• Saturate government welfare schemes across all tribal settlements.
• Empower over 5.5 crore tribal citizens through Janbhagidari (people’s participation).
• Preserve and promote tribal identity and cultural heritage, invoking the legacy of Birsa Munda.
• Strengthen last-mile governance through technological and administrative convergence.

Key Features:

Feature                                        Description

Geographic Coverage    -    1 lakh+ tribal villages, including remote PVTG habitations, across 31 States/UTs.

Scheme Integration    -     Converges services such as Aadhaar, Ayushman Bharat, PM Kisan, PM

                                              Ujjwala, Jan Dhan, pension schemes, and Forest Rights Act (FRA) claims.

Five Foundational Pillars        -

• Janbhagidari (people’s participation)
• Saturation of welfare benefits
• Cultural inclusion
• Convergence of schemes
• Last-mile delivery

Technology-Driven Monitoring       -     Use of real-time dashboards and data analytics for

                                                                        transparent tracking and reporting.

Cultural Revival                      -                            Celebrates tribal cuisines, folk arts, handicrafts, and oral traditions

                                                                        during outreach camps to reaffirm cultural identity.

Significance:

• Governance: Represents a shift toward targeted and integrated tribal welfare, reducing administrative fragmentation.
• Inclusion: PrioritisesPVTGs, often the most marginalised and underserved groups.
• Empowerment: Embeds a participatory model, aligning with the spirit of democratic decentralisation.
• Cultural Reaffirmation: Bridges the gap between development and cultural identity, crucial for tribal dignity and preservation.

In News:

In a significant policy intervention, NITI Aayog has released the report titled “India’s Data Imperative: The Pivot Towards Quality”, calling for urgent reforms to enhance the integrity, interoperability, and usability of India’s public data systems. The report underscores the critical role of data in governance, welfare delivery, and digital innovation.

Understanding India’s Public Data Ecosystem

India's data ecosystem constitutes a vast digital public infrastructure that powers governance and service delivery across sectors. It integrates identity, finance, health, and welfare through data-centric platforms:

• Aadhaar: Over 27 billion authentications in FY 2024–25; foundational for identity-linked services.
• UPI: Handles transactions worth ?23.9 trillion monthly — the world’s largest real-time digital payment system.
• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: 369 million health IDs issued; enhancing interoperability in healthcare.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): ?5.47 lakh crore transferred in FY 2024–25 across 330+ schemes.
• Aadhaar e-KYC: 1.8 billion transactions, significantly reducing onboarding costs and time.
• Digital Inclusion: Over 1.2 billion mobile subscribers and 800 million internet users reflect the scale of India’s digital penetration.

Why India Needs a Quality-Driven Data Ecosystem

• Curb Fiscal Leakage:Inaccurate or duplicate data inflates welfare expenditure by 4–7% annually.
• Enable Evidence-Based Governance:Data-driven insights power AI-led service delivery, improve beneficiary targeting, and strengthen accountability.
• Foster Public Trust:The legitimacy of digital governance depends on accurate, timely, and reliable data systems.
• Strengthen India’s AI & Innovation Ecosystem:Clean, validated data is essential for building AI applications in healthcare, agriculture, and citizen services.
• Enhance Cross-Ministerial Coordination:Interoperable data frameworks help break silos and improve policy coherence across ministries.

Key Challenges in India’s Data Governance Landscape

Challenge                           Description

Fragmentation              Departmental silos with non-standardised data formats hinder seamless integration.

Lack of Ownership       Absence of clear data custodians leads to accountability gaps.

Legacy Systems             Outdated IT systems impede real-time updates and data sharing.

Incentive Mismatch     Existing frameworks reward speed over accuracy, eroding data quality.

Poor Quality Culture     A prevailing acceptance of “80% accuracy is good enough” weakens long-term integrity.

NITI Aayog’s Recommendations for Reform

• Institutionalise Data Ownership:Designate dedicated data custodians at national, state, and district levels to oversee quality.
• Incentivise Accuracy:Incorporate data quality metrics into performance appraisals and financial allocations.
• Promote Interoperability:Adopt standards like IndEA (India Enterprise Architecture) and NDGFP (National Data Governance Framework Policy) to ensure consistency.
• Use Practical Tools:Implement tools like the Data Quality Scorecard and Maturity Framework for ongoing assessment.
• Build Capacity:Train field-level personnel and managers to prioritise data fidelity as a core administrative function.

Significance of the Report

This report arrives at a critical juncture when India is rapidly expanding its digital public infrastructure but faces risks from data inaccuracy, siloed systems, and erosion of trust. By shifting focus from quantity to quality, NITI Aayog envisions a resilient, inclusive, and innovation-friendly data regime—essential for achieving Digital India goals and Sustainable Development Objectives.

In News:

India commemorates the 51st anniversary of Jayaprakash Narayan’s (JP) historic call for “Sampoorna Kranti” or Total Revolution, first proclaimed on June 5, 1974, at Gandhi Maidan, Patna. The movement remains a landmark in India's democratic evolution, reflecting enduring concerns over governance, democracy, and civic empowerment.

What is Total Revolution?

• Concept: A holistic, non-violent movement rooted in Gandhian ideals, aimed at comprehensive transformation—political, economic, social, cultural, and spiritual.
• Vision: Building a just and equitable society through decentralised democracy, moral rejuvenation, and participatory governance.
• Leadership: Spearheaded by Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), advocating a “party-less democracy” blending Gandhian ethics, Sarvodaya ideals, and Marxist critique.

Underlying Causes of the Movement

• Electoral Legitimacy Crisis:The 1975 Allahabad High Court judgment disqualified Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for electoral malpractices, eroding her authority and galvanising mass opposition.
• Youth Unrest:Movements like Navnirman Andolan (Gujarat) and Bihar student protests reflected mounting youth dissatisfaction over unemployment and poor governance.
• Economic Distress:The early 1970s saw inflation exceeding 20%, acute unemployment, and food shortages, leading to widespread discontent.
• Democratic Backsliding:Use of draconian laws like MISA, increased centralisation, and suppression of dissent led to civil society mobilisation.
• Charismatic Mobilisation:JP’s appeal for non-violent civic awakening and his ability to unify diverse ideological streams helped launch a broad-based national movement.

Core Components of the Total Revolution

Domain                                  Focus

Political                                Advocated bottom-up governance, decentralisation, and accountability

                                         to counter bureaucratic authoritarianism.

Economic                            Promoted land reforms and people-centric development to address inequality.

Social                                     Called for eradication of casteism, gender bias, and dowry to foster egalitarianism.

Educational                       Suggested reforms emphasisingethics, rural upliftment, and vocational training.

Cultural-Spiritual         Encouraged self-discipline, national unity, and moral regeneration.

Impact of Total Revolution

On Society and Citizenry

• Youth Mobilisation: Inspired a generation of political leaders—Lalu Prasad Yadav, Nitish Kumar, Sushil Modi—who reshaped regional politics.
• Civic Engagement: Fostered a deeper culture of public accountability and democratic participation.
• Non-Violent Resistance: Reinforced the efficacy of peaceful protest, a legacy echoed in later movements like Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption crusade.