In News:

Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a strategic alternative to lithium-ion technology, offering India a safer, resource-secure and cost-effective pathway for energy storage and electric mobility.

Context

Batteries are a critical backbone of modern infrastructure-supporting electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy integration, and grid stability. India’s current dependence on lithium-ion batteries exposes it to import dependence, supply-chain vulnerabilities, and geopolitical risks, as key minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite are scarce domestically and globally concentrated. This has prompted India to re-evaluate its battery strategy, with sodium-ion batteries (SiBs) gaining attention.

What are Sodium-ion Batteries?

• Sodium-ion batteries (SiBs) are rechargeable batteries that use sodium ions (Na?) as charge carriers instead of lithium ions.
• They belong to the same “rocking-chair” battery family as lithium-ion cells.

Working Principle

• Charging: Sodium ions move from cathode to anode through the electrolyte.
• Discharging: Sodium ions migrate back to the cathode, releasing electrical energy.
• Current collectors: Aluminium is used on both electrodes (unlike lithium-ion, which uses copper on the anode).

Key Features and Advantages

1. Resource Abundance and Security

• Sodium is abundantly available from sea salt and soda ash.
• Reduces reliance on imported critical minerals.
• Enhances energy security and strategic autonomy.

2. Safety Profile

• Intrinsically safer than lithium-ion batteries.
• Lower thermal runaway risk and lower peak temperatures during failure.
• Can be stored and transported at 0% state of charge, unlike lithium-ion batteries (classified as dangerous goods).

3. Cost Potential

• Use of aluminium instead of copper lowers material cost.
• Simplified logistics reduce transportation and insurance costs.
• Cost projections indicate SiBs could become cheaper than lithium-ion batteries by the mid-2030s.

4. Manufacturing Compatibility

• Can be produced using existing lithium-ion manufacturing lines with minor modifications.
• Aligns well with PLI-incentivised battery infrastructure in India.

Energy Density Comparison

• Historically, SiBs had lower energy density due to heavier sodium ions.
• Recent advances using layered transition-metal oxide cathodes have brought SiBs close to Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries.
• Suitable for applications where ultra-high energy density is not critical.

Significance for India

• Reduced Import Dependence: Insulates India from global supply shocks and price volatility.
• Mass-market suitability: Ideal for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, buses, and grid storage.
• Grid-scale storage: Well-suited for renewable energy integration.
• Geopolitical resilience: Less exposure to mineral supply chains dominated by a few countries.

India’s Policy and Institutional Initiatives

• PLI Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC):
  • Target: 50 GWh domestic capacity.
  • 40 GWh awarded, but only ~1 GWh commissioned so far, indicating slow progress.
• National Critical Minerals Mission: Focus on exploration, mining, processing, recycling and overseas sourcing.
• Overseas mineral acquisition via Khanij Bidesh India Limited.
• Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for recycling and refurbishment.

Challenges in Scaling Sodium-ion Batteries

• Lower energy density limits use in long-range and premium EVs.
• Weight penalty compared to lithium-ion batteries.
• Moisture sensitivity requires deeper vacuum drying and tighter process control.
• Underdeveloped supply chain for sodium-specific cathodes, anodes and electrolytes.
• Policy gaps: Incentives and safety standards remain lithium-centric.
• Low market confidence due to limited real-world deployments.

Measures Suggested to Scale SiBs in India

• Farm-to-Battery Strategy:
  • Use agricultural waste to produce hard carbon anodes.
  • Convert stubble-burning problem into a resource solution.
• Desert-centric Manufacturing Clusters: Locate plants in low-humidity regions (Rajasthan, Kutch) to reduce energy costs.
• Standardisation for Early Markets: Focus on buses and three-wheelers where size and weight constraints are lower.
• Hybrid Battery Packs: Combine sodium-ion (cost efficiency) with lithium-ion (performance).
• Chemical Upgradation Support: Upgrade industrial soda ash to battery-grade sodium carbonate domestically.

In News:

A rare sighting of the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) has been reported from the Kali Tiger Reserve, located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. The sighting is ecologically significant as it highlights the presence of elusive carnivores beyond core forest habitats and reflects improving habitat connectivity within protected landscapes of the Western Ghats region.

About the Striped Hyena

The striped hyena is a medium-sized carnivorous mammal belonging to the Hyaenidae family, which comprises four extant species—striped hyena, spotted hyena, brown hyena, and aardwolf (the latter is insectivorous and not a true wolf).

Key characteristics:

• Appearance: Smaller than the spotted hyena, with a sloping back, erect mane, and distinctive dark vertical stripes along the body and legs.
• Distribution: Found across South Asia (India, Nepal, Afghanistan), North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, West Asia, and Central Asia.
• Habitat: Prefers open savannas, grasslands, scrub forests, and semi-arid landscapes, often living close to human settlements.

Behaviour and Ecology

• Feeding habit: Primarily a scavenger, feeding on carrion, animal remains, and occasionally human refuse, thereby playing a crucial role in ecosystem sanitation.
• Social structure: Generally solitary, though it exhibits limited social organisation.
• Territoriality: Uses scent marking to demarcate territories and deter rivals.
• Sexual hierarchy: Adult females dominate males and may display aggression toward other females.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I, providing the highest level of legal protection in India

Despite its wide range, the species faces population decline due to habitat loss, persecution driven by myths, road mortality, and depletion of natural carrion.

In News:

India has taken a strategic step to institutionalise engagement with its global scientific diaspora through the Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Fellowship Programme, aimed at strengthening the country’s research, innovation, and higher education ecosystem. The programme recently gained prominence when the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology interacted with VAIBHAV Fellows from across the world and outlined its role in India’s long-term development vision.

Overview of the VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme

The VAIBHAV Fellowship is designed to attract outstanding scientists and technologists of Indian origin including NRI, OCI, and PIO researchers who are actively engaged in advanced research abroad.

Key features include:

• Objective: To enhance India’s research ecosystem by facilitating structured academic and research collaboration between Indian institutions and leading global universities.
• Eligibility:
  • PhD/MD/MS from a recognised university
  • Affiliation with institutions ranked within the top 500 QS World University Rankings
• Duration: Up to 2 months per year, for a maximum of 3 years
• Financial Support: ?4 lakh per month for the entire fellowship period
• Scale and Scope:
  • 75 fellows selected
  • Engagement across 18 identified knowledge verticals, including quantum technologies, health, pharmaceuticals, electronics, agriculture, energy, computer sciences, and materials science
• Nodal Ministry: Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology

The fellowship seeks to lower collaboration barriers by simplifying travel, supporting structured student mobility, and enabling long-term institutional linkages.

VAIBHAV and the Shift from Brain Drain to Brain Exchange

Addressing NRI scientists at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025, Jitendra Singh emphasised that India’s engagement with its scientific diaspora must evolve from the traditional narrative of “brain drain” to “brain exchange” or “reverse brain drain”.

The vision underlying VAIBHAV is not merely physical relocation but continuous circulation of ideas, expertise, and innovation, enabled by digital technologies and collaborative research frameworks.

Institutional and Policy Significance

The programme reflects India’s broader strategy to:

• Internationalise its higher education and research ecosystem
• Integrate global best practices with indigenous problem-solving
• Strengthen science diplomacy and soft power
• Align diaspora expertise with national priorities such as Viksit Bharat @2047

VAIBHAV Fellows from countries including the United States, Canada, Sweden, and Australia have highlighted the need for:

• More structured student mobility frameworks
• Simplified travel and conference approval mechanisms
• Longer fellowship tenures to ensure sustainable research outcomes

Suggestions such as extending the fellowship duration from three to five years and creating pre-approved faculty lists for faster clearances were discussed.

Contribution to India’s Innovation Ecosystem

The discussions also underlined the importance of developing “systems for India”, focusing on indigenous technological solutions in emerging areas such as 5G/6G technologies, advanced manufacturing, and frontier sciences.

India’s improving innovation capacity was highlighted through indicators such as:

• A majority share of resident Indian patent filings in recent years
• Successful translation of research into outcomes, including indigenous vaccines, gene therapy, and space missions

The programme also complements efforts to promote public–private partnerships and cross-border research collaborations, enabling the translation of academic research into industrial and societal applications.

In News:

Global technology markets witnessed sharp volatility following the launch of a new AI-powered workplace automation suite by Anthropic, a San Francisco–based artificial intelligence firm known for developing the Claude large language model. The announcement triggered a reassessment of the long-term viability of traditional software and IT service business models, giving rise to fears of a so-called “SaaSpocalypse”—a potential existential crisis for Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) companies.

What is Anthropic’s AI Workplace Suite?

Anthropic’s new offering is a suite of autonomous AI agent–based tools designed to automate end-to-end white-collar workflows, moving beyond assistive AI towards action-taking AI.

Key characteristics include:

• Claude Cowork agents with 11 specialised plug-ins for tasks such as contract review, NDA analysis, compliance monitoring, sales tracking, and data analytics.
• Platform bypass capability, allowing AI agents to execute tasks directly without relying on conventional enterprise software interfaces such as CRM or IT service management tools.
• Autonomous execution, where AI agents can make decisions and complete workflows with minimal human intervention.

The stated objective is to reduce dependence on traditional SaaS platforms and human intermediaries, thereby fundamentally altering how enterprise work is organised and delivered.

Understanding the “SaaSpocalypse”

The term “SaaSpocalypse”, popularised by analysts including Jefferies, refers to a scenario in which AI agents disintermediate software firms entirely, rather than merely enhancing their products.
Unlike earlier AI tools that complemented existing software, autonomous AI agents threaten to replace entire layers of enterprise software and IT services, undermining subscription-based revenue models.

Impact on Global and Indian Markets

The announcement triggered a broad sell-off in technology stocks:

• In the United States, the S&P 500 fell about 0.8%, while the Nasdaq Composite declined over 1.4%.
• Major technology companies such as Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and Nvidia registered significant losses.
• Enterprise software firms like Salesforce and ServiceNow saw sharp valuation corrections.

The shockwaves were equally visible in India:

• The Nifty IT plunged around 3%.
• Major IT firms such as Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, HCLTech, Tech Mahindra, and Wipro recorded steep declines, erasing billions in market capitalisation.

Why India’s IT Sector is Particularly Vulnerable

India’s IT industry has historically relied on services such as data processing, compliance monitoring, contract analysis, and customer support, exactly the functions targeted by Anthropic’s AI agents.
The Economic Survey 2025-26 had already warned that:

• Control over AI data and compute is highly concentrated, raising concerns over market power and technological dependence.
• Failure to adapt could “hollow out” India’s core value proposition in global IT services.

The Survey emphasised that sustaining competitiveness would require structural evolution, not incremental adoption of AI tools.

From Opportunity to Threat: A Shift in AI Narrative

Until recently, AI was widely viewed as a productivity enhancer and growth driver for technology firms. Heavy investments were made in AI upskilling and AI-enabled service offerings.

However, the emergence of autonomous AI agents capable of bypassing traditional software platforms has altered investor sentiment. The very technology that firms sought to monetise is now perceived as a direct threat to their core business models.

In News:

• India has taken a major institutional step in disaster governance with the release of its first national guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
• Titled “National Disaster Management Guidelines on Comprehensive Disaster Victim Identification and Management”, the document was released on Republic Day, marking 25 years of the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, one of India’s worst mass fatality disasters.

Rationale and Context

The guidelines were necessitated by a series of mass fatality incidents in 2025, which exposed serious gaps in India’s ability to scientifically identify victims and ensure dignified management of human remains. These included:

• Air India aircraft crash, Ahmedabad
• Chemical factory explosion, Sangareddy (Telangana)
• Gambhira bridge collapse, Vadodara (Gujarat)
• Flash floods, Dharali (Uttarakhand)
• Delhi car bomb blast (near Red Fort)

In several of these incidents, victims remained unidentified or were identified after long delays, aggravating emotional trauma for families and creating legal and administrative complications. The absence of standard protocols, trained forensic manpower, and modern infrastructure highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive national framework.

Objectives of the Guidelines

The DVI guidelines aim to:

• Ensure scientific, accurate and coordinated identification of disaster victims
• Enable dignified handling and handover of human remains
• Address forensic, logistical and institutional lacunae
• Standardise roles of multiple agencies across local, state and central levels
• Integrate humanitarian sensitivity with forensic science

Four-Stage Disaster Victim Identification Process

The guidelines prescribe a globally accepted four-stage identification protocol:

1. Systematic Recovery – Careful retrieval of human remains from disaster sites
2. Post-Mortem Data Collection – Collection of fingerprints, DNA, dental data and physical markers
3. Ante-Mortem Data Collection – Gathering medical records, dental history and identifying features from families
4. Reconciliation – Scientific matching of ante-mortem and post-mortem data before release of remains

This structured approach minimises errors, duplication, and misidentification.

Key Innovations and Forensic Advances

A landmark recommendation is the creation of a National Dental Data Registry, recognising that teeth and jaws often survive fires, explosions and decomposition, making dental records a reliable identification tool. The guidelines also formally incorporate:

• Forensic odontology (dental identification)
• Forensic archaeology, enabling identification of remains months or years after disasters, especially in landslides and buried sites

The framework draws from INTERPOL Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) standards, suitably adapted to Indian conditions.

Humanitarian Forensics Approach

The guidelines consciously move beyond a purely procedural mindset to adopt a “humanitarian forensics” approach:

• Discourages mass physical autopsies in large-scale disasters
• Emphasises cultural and religious sensitivity
• Mandates emotional support and counselling for families
• Focuses on the dignity of the dead, timely legal closure, and emotional closure for survivors

Institutional and Operational Framework

The document clearly outlines:

• Composition of DVI teams
• Coordination among police, medical, forensic, administrative and disaster-response agencies
• Command and leadership structures at multi-agency disaster sites

It realistically acknowledges challenges arising from overlapping jurisdictions and the presence of hundreds of responders during major disasters.

Challenges Highlighted

The guidelines identify multiple India-specific constraints:

• Rapid decomposition due to hot and humid climate
• Fragmentation, charring and commingling of remains
• Displacement of bodies during floods and landslides
• Severe shortage of mortuary spaces and cold-chain infrastructure
• Lack of trained forensic manpower
• Absence of reliable manifests or centralized data systems

Implementation Roadmap

NDMA has proposed:

• Establishing organisational DVI structures nationwide
• Training experts across forensic disciplines
• Creating specialised state-level DVI teams
• Fast-tracking implementation on a “war footing”

Way Forward and Value Addition

To strengthen the framework further:

• Linking Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) with optional dental or implant data can make the Dental Registry operational
• Use of digital forensics (smart devices, biometric locks, cloud health data) for rapid preliminary identification
• Deployment of portable Rapid DNA labs at disaster sites to reduce delays
• Adoption of blockchain-based chain-of-custody systems for tamper-proof forensic records
• Development of international DVI cooperation mechanisms for cross-border disasters

Conclusion

NDMA’s first-ever DVI guidelines mark a paradigm shift from ad hoc responses to an institutionalised, scientific and humane disaster response framework. By integrating advanced forensic science with ethical sensitivity and global best practices, the guidelines significantly strengthen India’s disaster governance architecture.
Their success, however, will depend on effective implementation, sustained capacity-building, and technological integration, ensuring dignity for victims and closure for families during future mass fatality events.

In News:

The Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the grant of Miniratna Category-I status to Yantra India Limited (YIL), recognising its rapid transformation into a profit-making Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) within a short span of about four years.

Background

Yantra India Limited was established on 1 October 2021 following the corporatisation of the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) into seven new DPSUs. The reform aimed to enhance functional autonomy, efficiency, competitiveness, and innovation in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
YIL is a Schedule ‘A’ DPSU functioning under the administrative control of the Department of Defence Production.

Performance Highlights

Since its inception, YIL has demonstrated strong operational and financial performance:

• Sales growth: From ?956.32 crore in FY 2021-22 (H2) to ?3,108.79 crore in FY 2024-25.
• Export growth: From nil in FY 2021-22 (H2) to ?321.77 crore in FY 2024-25, reflecting growing global competitiveness.

Key Products

Yantra India Limited operates in critical defence production segments, manufacturing:

• Carbon fibre composites
• Glass composites
• Aluminium alloys
• Assembly products for medium and large calibre ammunition
• Assembly products for armoured vehicles, artillery guns, and main battle tanks (MBTs)

Significance of Miniratna Category-I Status

The Miniratna-I status empowers YIL’s Board of Directors to:

• Incur capital expenditure up to ?500 crore
• Undertake new projects, modernisation, and equipment procurement
• Make faster commercial and investment decisions without prior government approval

This enhanced autonomy is expected to accelerate growth, modernisation, and export capacity.

Broader Policy Context

The decision aligns with India’s defence sector reforms and the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, which seeks to:

• Reduce import dependence in defence equipment
• Promote indigenous defence production and R&D
• Encourage participation of Indian industry
• Position India as a global defence manufacturing and export hub

Notably, in May 2025, Miniratna-I status was also granted to Munitions India Limited, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, and India Optel Limited, reflecting the government’s phased approach to empowering corporatised DPSUs.

In News:

The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change has notified the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, replacing the 2016 rules under the Environment Protection Act. The new framework comes into force from 1 April 2026 and aims to strengthen segregation, accountability, and circular use of waste.

Key Objectives

The rules seek to reduce landfill dependence, promote scientific waste processing, operationalise the polluter pays principle, and align waste governance with circular economy goals under urban missions like Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 and AMRUT 2.0.

Major Features

• Four-Stream Segregation at Source (Mandatory): Households, institutions, and establishments must segregate waste into:
  • Wet waste: Kitchen and biodegradable waste; to be composted or bio-methanated
  • Dry waste: Plastic, paper, metal, glass, etc.; to be sent to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs)
  • Sanitary waste: Diapers, sanitary pads, etc.; to be securely wrapped and separately stored
  • Special care waste: Bulbs, medicines, paint containers, batteries; to be handed to authorised agencies
• Polluter Pays Principle: Environmental compensation will be imposed for violations such as non-registration, false reporting, and improper disposal. Guidelines will be framed by the Central Pollution Control Board, while enforcement will be done by State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees.
• Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs) – Clear Definition: Entities are classified as BWGs if they meet any one of these thresholds:
  • Floor area ≥ 20,000 sq m
  • Water consumption ≥ 40,000 litres/day
  • Waste generation ≥ 100 kg/day

This includes government offices, residential societies, institutions, universities, and commercial complexes—together accounting for nearly 30% of total waste.

• Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility (EBWGR): BWGs must process wet waste on-site wherever feasible or obtain an EBWGR certificate. This reduces pressure on urban local bodies and enforces accountability at the source.
• Centralised Digital Monitoring: A national online portal will track registration, authorisation, waste processing, audits, and legacy waste remediation, replacing manual systems and improving transparency.
• Faster Land Allocation for Processing Facilities: Graded siting criteria and buffer norms for facilities handling over 5 tonnes/day will speed up infrastructure creation, guided by CPCB norms.
• Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) Mandate: Industries such as cement kilns and waste-to-energy plants must increase RDF use from 5% to 15% over six years. RDF is high-calorific fuel made from non-recyclable dry waste, promoting resource recovery.
• Restrictions on Landfilling: Only inert, non-recyclable, and non-energy-recoverable waste can be landfilled. Higher landfill fees for unsegregated waste are intended to incentivise segregation.
• Legacy Waste Remediation: Mandatory biomining and bioremediation of old dumpsites with time-bound targets and quarterly reporting via the portal. District Collectors will oversee audits.
• Duties of Local Bodies and MRFs: Urban local bodies must ensure collection, segregation, and transportation. MRFs are formally recognised as key facilities for sorting and can also receive sanitary and other waste streams.
• Special Provisions for Hilly Areas and Islands: Local bodies can levy tourist user fees, regulate visitor numbers, and promote decentralised processing of biodegradable waste by hotels and institutions.
• Institutional Mechanism: State-level committees chaired by Chief Secretaries (or UT Administrators) will supervise implementation and advise CPCB.

Significance

India generates roughly 1.85 lakh tonnes of municipal solid waste per day (CPCB data). The 2026 rules emphasise prevention, segregation, recycling, and energy recovery before disposal, embedding circular economy principles in urban governance. Scientific waste handling reduces pollution, greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, and public health risks such as vector-borne diseases.

Challenges

Implementation gaps at municipal levels, inadequate processing infrastructure, weak segregation at household level, financial stress on smaller towns, and the need to formally integrate waste pickers remain major hurdles.

Way Forward

Success depends on strengthening urban local body capacity, behavioural change campaigns for segregation, private sector participation in recycling, technological tools for monitoring, and integration with climate, plastic, and renewable energy policies. If effectively executed, the SWM Rules, 2026 can transform India’s waste burden into an opportunity for sustainable and resource-efficient urban development.

In News:

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India recognised menstrual hygiene management (MHM) as part of the fundamental rights of girl students. The Court reframed menstrual health from a welfare issue into a constitutional entitlement linked to equality, dignity, and the right to education, and issued binding directions to ensure implementation across schools.

Constitutional and Legal Foundations

• Substantive Equality under Article 14: The Court clarified that equality does not mean identical treatment. Girls experience a biological process that, without institutional support, becomes a structural barrier to education. Lack of access to sanitary products and safe sanitation facilities places them at a disadvantage compared to boys, amounting to indirect gender discrimination.
• Right to Life and Dignity under Article 21: Menstrual health was interpreted as part of the right to live with dignity. The Court linked denial of menstrual hygiene facilities to stigma, humiliation, and violation of bodily autonomy and privacy. Forcing girls to miss school due to lack of support was held to undermine their dignity and well-being.
• Right to Education and Statutory Interpretation: Reading the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act in a purposive manner, the Court held that “free education” means removal of all barriers, financial or infrastructural that prevent attendance. When the cost of sanitary products or absence of facilities leads to absenteeism or dropout, the State fails in its statutory duty.

Key Directions to Governments and Schools

The Court issued time-bound directions under a continuing mandamus to ensure compliance.

All schools, whether government-run or private, must provide free sanitary napkins to girl students. Preference has been given to environmentally sustainable, oxo-biodegradable products. Distribution should take place through vending machines installed in toilets or through designated school authorities.

Schools must establish safe and hygienic disposal mechanisms. Covered waste bins must be available and cleaned regularly, along with environmentally compliant systems for disposal.

Every school must have functional, gender-segregated toilets with assured water supply. Toilets must guarantee privacy, be accessible to children with disabilities, and include handwashing facilities with soap and water at all times.

Institutions are required to create Menstrual Hygiene Management corners equipped with emergency supplies such as spare uniforms, innerwear, and disposal bags. This ensures that girls are not forced to leave school due to menstrual emergencies.

Behavioural and Educational Reforms

The Court emphasised that infrastructure alone cannot ensure inclusion unless stigma is addressed. Boys must be sensitised about menstruation to prevent harassment and discrimination. Teachers, irrespective of gender, must receive training to support menstruating students with empathy and awareness.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and State Councils of Educational Research and Training have been directed to integrate gender-responsive education on puberty and menstruation into school curricula.

Monitoring and Accountability

District Education Officers are required to conduct periodic inspections to verify compliance. The Court also mandated collection of anonymous student feedback to assess the real availability and usability of facilities. By keeping the matter pending through a continuing mandamus, the Court retained supervisory jurisdiction to ensure effective implementation.

Broader Significance

The judgment advances gender justice by recognising menstruation-linked exclusion as a form of structural discrimination. It strengthens educational equity by addressing a key cause of absenteeism among adolescent girls. It also links public health, sanitation, and environmental sustainability with constitutional governance. Most importantly, it transforms menstrual hygiene from a matter of charity into a matter of rights and State accountability.

Conclusion

The ruling represents a shift from formal equality to substantive inclusion. By embedding menstrual hygiene within constitutional guarantees and statutory duties, the Court has affirmed that biological differences must not translate into educational disadvantage. The decision reinforces the vision of a gender-sensitive education system grounded in dignity, access, and equal opportunity.

In News:

The 13th edition of Exercise KHANJAR, a joint special forces drill between India and Kyrgyzstan, is being conducted at Misamari, Sonitpur district, Assam.

About Exercise KHANJAR

• Type: Annual India–Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise
• Edition: 13th (KHANJAR-XIII)
• Duration: 14 days
• Venue (2026): Misamari, Assam
• First Held: 2011, at Nahan, India
• Frequency: Annual; venues alternate between India and Kyrgyzstan

Participating Forces

• Indian contingent: Special Forces troops of the Indian Army (including elements of the Parachute Regiment)
• Kyrgyz contingent: Elite Scorpion Brigade

Aim of the Exercise

• To enhance interoperability, coordination, and joint operational capability between the Special Forces of both nations, particularly in counter-terrorism and urban warfare environments under a simulated United Nations mandate.

Key Training Modules

• Close Quarter Battle (CQB) techniques
• Room intervention & building clearance
• Hostage rescue simulations
• Sniping and precision engagement
• Counter-terrorism operations
• Joint tactical manoeuvres
• Mountain craft and high-risk terrain operations

Strategic Importance

• Counter-Terror Cooperation: Strengthens joint preparedness for anti-terror operations in complex environments
• Urban Warfare Expertise: Focus reflects modern conflict scenarios involving built-up areas
• Defence Diplomacy: Reinforces India’s military engagement with Central Asian partners
• Regional Security: Enhances collaboration in tackling transnational threats

Previous Edition

• The 12th edition was held in Kyrgyzstan (March 2025) and included high-altitude and specialised counter-terror drills along with cultural exchanges to build mutual trust.

In News:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully demonstrated Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology from the Integrated Test Range.

What is SFDR Technology?

• SFDR is an advanced air-breathing missile propulsion system that uses a solid fuel gas generator combined with ramjet propulsion.
• It is being developed by Defence Research and Development Laboratory along with other DRDO labs.

How It Works

• The missile is first accelerated to supersonic speed (Mach 2+) using a nozzle-less solid booster.
• Once at high speed, the ramjet engine takes over.
• The system draws oxygen from the atmosphere instead of carrying an oxidiser.
• A solid fuel ducted ramjet motor then produces sustained and controllable thrust throughout the missile’s flight.

Key Subsystems Tested

• Nozzle-less Booster
• Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet Motor
• Fuel Flow Controller

All systems performed as expected during the flight test.

What is a Ramjet?

A ramjet is a jet engine that:

• Has no moving compressor parts
• Uses the missile’s forward speed to compress incoming air
• Works efficiently only at high supersonic speeds

Advantages of SFDR Over Conventional Rockets

Strategic Significance

• Long-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (LRAAM): SFDR will power advanced missiles such as future variants of Astra Mark-3, potentially enabling engagement ranges beyond 150–300 km.
• Expanded “No-Escape Zone”: Sustained propulsion allows high-G manoeuvres near the target, making evasion extremely difficult.
• Elite Technology Club: Places India among a select group of nations possessing advanced ramjet missile propulsion capability.
• Future Surface-to-Air Systems: Technology may be adapted for next-generation SAM systems to counter high-speed cruise or hypersonic threats.

In News:

The Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, informed the Rajya Sabha about the implementation status of the PM VIKAS scheme.

About the Scheme

• Full Name: Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS)
• Type: Central Sector Scheme
• Launch: Guidelines approved in January 2025; implementation underway
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs
• Target Groups: Socio-economic empowerment of six notified minority communities, with special focus on artisans, women, and youth

Core Objectives

• Skill Development
  • Training in both traditional and non-traditional trades
  • Employment-linked, need-based courses
• Cultural Preservation
  • Promotion of traditional arts, crafts, and literature
  • Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)
• Educational Inclusion
  • Support for school dropouts from minority communities
  • Certification at 8th, 10th, and 12th levels through open schooling via the National Institute of Open Schooling
• Women Leadership & Entrepreneurship
  • Confidence building, leadership training
  • Financial and enterprise support
• Infrastructure Support: Convergence with Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram for minority area development

Key Features

• Financial Support: Provided through the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC)
• Market Linkages: Facilitated by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts
• Artisan Cluster Model: “Hub and Spoke” model to develop Vishwakarma Villages for craft-based livelihoods
• Pan-India Implementation: Funds are not directly allocated to States; projects are executed through approved agencies and PIAs

In News:

• The IIT Council has recommended exploring adaptive testing for JEE Advanced, signalling a major shift in India’s high-stakes entrance examination framework. An expert committee is expected to guide a phased transition between 2026 and 2028, with free adaptive mock tests proposed to familiarise students and help calibrate question banks.
• This reform aims to make assessment fairer, more precise, and less stressful, while aligning Indian testing practices with global standards.

What is Adaptive Testing?

Adaptive testing is a computer-based dynamic assessment system that adjusts question difficulty in real time based on a candidate’s responses. It relies on Item Response Theory (IRT), a psychometric framework used to estimate a candidate’s true ability level after each answer.

Unlike traditional exams where all students attempt the same fixed paper, adaptive testing personalises the test pathway while maintaining comparability through a standardised ability scale.

How It Works

1. Dynamic Question Selection

• Test begins with a moderate-difficulty question
• Correct answer → harder question
• Incorrect answer → easier question

This converges toward the candidate’s actual proficiency level.

2. Item Response Theory (IRT)

• Statistical models continuously estimate ability
• Each question has parameters such as difficulty, discrimination, and guessing probability
• Ability estimate becomes more precise with each response

3. Common Ability Scale

Even though candidates see different questions, scores are mapped onto a single standardised scale, ensuring fairness and comparability.

4. Fewer but More Informative Questions

Because each question is targeted, fewer questions are needed to measure ability accurately — reducing fatigue and time pressure.

5. Concept-Focused Progression

Students cannot reach advanced-level questions without demonstrating foundational understanding, reducing the impact of rote coaching strategies.

6. Fully Computerised Delivery

Requires:

• Secure digital infrastructure
• Large calibrated item banks
• Real-time computation engines

In News:

Kerala has taken a significant step in tech-enabled environmental governance with the launch of the NeophyteID mobile application by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The app represents a convergence of artificial intelligence, citizen science, and biodiversity conservation, aimed at tackling the growing threat of invasive plant species in the state.

About the NeophyteID Application

• NeophyteID is an AI-powered mobile application developed by researchers at the Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences (MBGIPS). It is designed as a citizen-friendly digital tool to identify, report, and map invasive (neophyte) plant species across Kerala.
• The app enables local communities, students, researchers, and ecologists to collaboratively monitor plant invasions that threaten native biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

Key Features

1. AI-Based Species Identification

• Powered by the YOLOv11 machine learning model
• Uses image recognition to identify invasive plants from:
  • Live camera input
  • Uploaded photos from the gallery

2. Geospatial Mapping

• Each confirmed identification is tagged with location data
• Helps build a real-time distribution map of invasive plant species
• Supports scientific research and evidence-based conservation planning

3. Citizen Science Approach

• Encourages public participation in biodiversity monitoring
• Bridges the gap between scientists and local communities

4. Language Accessibility

• Available in English and Malayalam
• Enhances usability among local populations

Why Invasive Species Matter

Invasive plant species are non-native plants that spread aggressively and disrupt ecosystems.

Ecological Impacts

• Outcompete native flora for nutrients, sunlight, and space
• Reduce biodiversity
• Alter soil chemistry and hydrology
• Disrupt food chains and wildlife habitats

Economic & Social Impacts

• Damage agriculture and forestry
• Increase management costs
• Affect water bodies, fisheries, and tourism

In News:

The Union Budget 2026–27 marks a decisive shift in India’s development strategy by placing creative industries at the heart of a services-led growth model. By investing in digital content creation, design education, and skill development, the government has signalled strong support for the Orange Economy, a sector where ideas, culture and intellectual property generate economic value.

Understanding the Orange Economy

The Orange Economy, also known as the Creative Economy, refers to knowledge-based activities where value arises from creativity, cultural heritage, and intellectual property rather than physical production.

• The term was popularised by Iván Duque Márquez and Felipe Buitrago in their 2013 book The Orange Economy: An Infinite Opportunity.
• The colour orange symbolises culture, identity and creativity across civilizations.
• Globally, the creative economy generates over $2 trillion annually and supports nearly 50 million jobs.

For India, this sector represents the intersection of culture, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Key Budget Proposals for the Creative Sector

1. AVGC Content Creator Labs

The Budget proposes setting up Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) Content Creator Labs in:

• 15,000 secondary schools
• 500 colleges

These labs will be anchored by the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), Mumbai, envisioned as a premier institution for creative technology training.

Financial Allocation: ?250 crore earmarked for AVGC talent development.

Objective: Early exposure to digital storytelling tools, immersive technologies and creative entrepreneurship.

2. Expansion of Design Education

A new campus of the National Institute of Design (NID) will be established in Eastern India through a competitive “challenge route”.

Significance:

• Addresses shortage of trained designers
• Supports product innovation and branding for MSMEs
• Reduces regional disparities in access to design education

Why the Orange Economy Matters for India

1. Economic Growth Driver

• India’s media and entertainment sector was valued at ?2.5 trillion in 2024 (Economic Survey 2025–26).
• Creative exports grew by 20% in 2023–24, earning over $11 billion.

This highlights the sector’s potential to become a major contributor to services exports and GDP growth.

2. Employment Generation

• Employs around 8% of India’s workforce
• Offers large-scale opportunities for youth, freelancers, women and gig workers
• AVGC sector alone projected to need 2 million professionals by 2030

The sector’s low entry barriers and digital reach make it a powerful employment engine.

3. Strengthening Soft Power

Creative industries export stories, culture and intellectual property, enhancing India’s global influence.

• Indian films, gaming content, music, and digital art expand India’s cultural footprint
• Promotes Brand India globally

Thus, the Orange Economy is not just economic policy, but also cultural diplomacy.

4. Democratization of Creative Opportunity

By establishing AVGC labs in schools and colleges beyond metros, the budget aims to:

• Provide access to high-end creative tools in semi-urban and rural areas
• Unlock hidden talent across regions
• Reduce digital and opportunity divides

This aligns with the vision of inclusive and distributed growth.

India’s Structural Advantages

India is well-positioned to lead in the creative economy due to:

• A young demographic profile
• Rapid urbanisation and rising incomes
• Expanding internet and smartphone penetration
• Strong tradition of storytelling, arts and crafts

When combined with digital platforms, these factors create a fertile ecosystem for creative entrepreneurship.

In News:

• As the Republic Day celebrations extend beyond the ceremonial parade, Bharat Parv 2026 emerged as a vibrant platform reflecting India’s civilisational continuity and cultural plurality.
• Organised by the Ministry of Tourism from 26–31 January 2026 at the lawns in front of the Red Fort, the festival functioned as a cultural bridge between citizens, regions and traditions. Since its inception in 2016, Bharat Parv has grown into a flagship cultural showcase aligned with national integration, tourism promotion and participatory heritage awareness.

Historical Resonance: 150 Years of Vande Mataram

The 2026 edition held special symbolic importance as it marked 150 years of “Vande Mataram”.

• Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
• First published in Bangadarshan (1875)
• Later included in the novel Anandamath (1882)
• Set to music by Rabindranath Tagore

The commemoration linked India’s freedom struggle ethos with the constitutional values of unity, participation and collective identity.

Bharat Parv as an Instrument of National Integration

The festival reinforced key national initiatives:

• Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat – Promoting inter-state cultural exchange
• Dekho Apna Desh – Encouraging domestic tourism and heritage awareness

By bringing diverse traditions into a shared public space, Bharat Parv translated the constitutional vision of unity in diversity into lived experience.

Major Attractions and Cultural Dimensions

1. Republic Day Tableaux Exhibition

A display of 41 Republic Day tableaux from States, Union Territories and Central Ministries allowed visitors to closely observe artistic narratives portraying:

• Cultural heritage
• Women empowerment and social inclusion
• Technological innovation
• Environmental awareness

This transformed parade symbolism into an educational and immersive cultural exhibit.

2. Cultural Performances

The festival hosted:

• 48 folk and classical performances by state troupes and cultural institutions
• 22 performances by Armed Forces and paramilitary bands

These performances combined regional diversity with national pride, illustrating culture as both identity and soft power.

3. Culinary Heritage and Sustainable Food Traditions

A pan-India food court with 60+ stalls functioned as a culinary atlas of India:

• Millet-based traditional foods
• Tribal and indigenous cuisines
• Region-specific preparations using local ingredients

The focus on traditional cooking methods and local produce highlighted the link between food, ecology and cultural identity, aligning with sustainable lifestyle narratives.

4. Handicrafts, Handlooms and Tribal Entrepreneurship

The handicrafts segment included 100+ stalls supported by States, development bodies and the TRIFED. Artisans showcased:

• Handwoven textiles
• Metal and wood crafts
• Traditional jewellery and paintings

The platform gave visibility to tribal entrepreneurs and heritage-based livelihoods, integrating cultural preservation with economic empowerment.

5. Tourism and Governance Outreach

• 34 State/UT tourism pavilions promoted destinations and circuits
• 24 Central Ministry stalls highlighted public initiatives

Interactive exhibits demonstrated how cultural outreach can strengthen citizen engagement with governance.

6. Culture Meets Science and Public Health

The festival also expanded beyond traditional arts:

• The National Science Centre, Delhi hosted interactive scientific demonstrations
• The Rural Health Training Centre (Najafgarh) conducted CPR awareness, preventive healthcare outreach and public health education

This integration of science, health and culture reflected a holistic understanding of nation-building.

In News:

The Union budget 2026-27 has proposed ‘Bharat-VISTAAR’ (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources).

Key Features

• A key innovation is Bharat-VISTAAR is a multilingual AI-based advisory platform aimed at strengthening farm-level decision-making.
• Integrates AgriStack databases with scientific advisories from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
• Provides customised, real-time advisory on:
  • Crop planning and packages of practices
  • Pest and disease management
  • Weather forecasts
  • Market trends and price signals
  • Government schemes, eligibility and grievance redressal
• Initially launched in Hindi and English, with gradual expansion to regional languages
• Budget Allocation: ?150 crore for 2026–27

Significance

The initiative marks a shift from generic extension services to data-driven, farmer-specific digital advisories, potentially improving productivity, incomes and risk resilience.

Thaipusam is an important Hindu festival celebrated primarily by the Tamil community to honour Lord Murugan, the deity associated with courage, wisdom, and victory over evil. The festival recently gained attention as the Prime Minister of India extended greetings to devotees, highlighting its cultural and spiritual significance.

Meaning and Timing of Thaipusam

The name Thaipusam is derived from:

• “Thai” – the tenth month of the Tamil calendar (January–February)
• “Poosam” (Pushya star) – the star that is at its highest point during the full moon day when the festival is observed

Thus, Thaipusam falls on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Thai, when the Pushya constellation is ascendant.

Religious Significance

Thaipusam commemorates the occasion when Goddess Parvati is believed to have given Lord Murugan the divine spear (Vel) to defeat the demon Surapadman. The festival symbolises:

• Triumph of good over evil
• Spiritual purification
• Devotion through penance and sacrifice

Murugan, also known as Kartikeya or Subramanya, is revered as the god of war, victory, and wisdom in Hindu tradition.

Key Rituals and Practices

• Kavadi Attam (Burden Carrying): Devotees carry decorated structures called kavadi as an act of devotion and gratitude. The act represents surrendering burdens to the deity.
• Fasting and Penance: Many devotees observe strict fasting, meditation, and celibacy before participating in the festival.
• Body Piercing Rituals: Some devotees pierce their skin, cheeks, or tongue with small spears or hooks as acts of faith and endurance, symbolising spiritual cleansing.
• Pilgrimages: Major processions and temple visits mark the day, especially at prominent Murugan temples.

Geographical Spread

While rooted in Tamil Nadu, Thaipusam has become a global Tamil festival, celebrated prominently in:

• Tamil Nadu
• Sri Lanka
• Malaysia (notably at Batu Caves)
• Singapore

It reflects the cultural continuity of the Tamil diaspora worldwide.

Cultural and Social Dimensions

Thaipusam is not only a religious event but also:

• A celebration of Tamil identity and heritage
• A demonstration of community solidarity
• A reflection of discipline, resilience, and spiritual commitment

The festival reinforces values of self-control, sacrifice, and devotion, which hold broader cultural importance.

In News:

The 16th Finance Commission (FC), constituted in 2023 under the chairmanship of Arvind Panagariya, has had its recommendations accepted by the Union Government for implementation during the award period 2026–27 to 2030–31. Its report focuses on balancing fiscal federalism, macroeconomic stability, and performance-driven governance amid rising expenditure pressures and climate-related risks.

What is the Finance Commission?

The Finance Commission is a constitutional body under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution.

Key Features

• Constituted by: President of India every five years (or earlier)
• Composition: Chairman + four members
• Nature of Recommendations: Advisory, but generally accepted
• Report Submission: Under Article 281, tabled in Parliament with an Action Taken Memorandum

Core Functions

1. Vertical Devolution – Sharing of net tax proceeds between Centre and States
2. Horizontal Devolution – Distribution among States
3. Grants-in-Aid – Principles for Article 275 grants
4. Local Body Funding – Measures to augment State Consolidated Funds for Panchayats and Municipalities

Note: Cesses and surcharges are excluded from the divisible pool.

Key Recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission

Vertical Devolution

• States’ share of the divisible tax pool retained at 41%, same as the 15th FC.
• However, the Commission flagged a shrinking effective pool due to rising cesses and surcharges, which are not shared.
• It proposed a future “grand bargain” to rationalise these levies and widen the divisible pool.

Horizontal Devolution

Changes in criteria aim to reflect evolving economic realities:

• Greater weight to states’ contribution to GDP/output
• Reduced weight for income distance and geographical area

This may relatively benefit better-performing and economically dynamic states, including some southern states.

Disaster Management Funding

Recognising rising climate risks:

• Heatwaves and lightning recommended as nationally notified disasters
• Total allocation: ?2,04,401 crore (2026–31)
  • 80% to State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)
  • 20% to State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF)

This marks stronger integration of climate adaptation into fiscal federalism.

Grants to Local Bodies

• Total allocation: ?7,91,493 crore for Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
• Split:
  • 80% Basic Grants
  • 20% Performance-Linked Grants

Urbanisation Premium

• A special ?10,000 crore incentive fund to encourage the merger of peri-urban areas into larger ULBs for better planning and service delivery.

Fiscal Consolidation Roadmap

To ensure macroeconomic stability:

States are encouraged to improve own tax mobilisation and fiscal discipline.

End of Revenue Deficit Grants

Unlike earlier Commissions, the 16th FC discontinues Post-Devolution Revenue Deficit Grants, nudging states toward:

• Greater fiscal responsibility
• Better tax administration
• Reduced dependency on central transfers

Significance of the 16th Finance Commission

• Reinforces Fiscal Federalism: Maintains states’ share while highlighting structural issues like shrinking divisible pools.
• Promotes Performance-Based Federalism: Greater weight to output and performance incentivises economic efficiency.
• Mainstreams Climate Risks: Inclusion of heatwaves and lightning signals evolving understanding of disaster vulnerability.
• Strengthens Local Governance: Substantial grants and performance criteria enhance decentralisation.
• Focus on Fiscal Discipline: Clear deficit targets align with long-term macroeconomic stability.

Challenges Ahead

• Rising cesses reducing the effective tax pool
• Balancing equity (poorer states) vs efficiency (high-growth states)
• Ensuring states adhere to fiscal deficit limits
• Managing climate-related fiscal shocks

The 16th Finance Commission attempts to recalibrate India’s fiscal federal framework by combining continuity in tax devolution, incentives for performance, climate-responsive funding, and stricter fiscal discipline. Its recommendations reflect a shift toward output-linked and responsibility-driven federalism, crucial for sustaining India’s growth trajectory while preserving macroeconomic stability.

In News:

A new digital phenomenon called Moltbook has attracted global attention as the first social networking platform designed exclusively for Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents. Unlike traditional social media platforms meant for human interaction, Moltbook enables AI systems to communicate, debate, and organise autonomously, marking a new phase in the evolution of multi-agent artificial intelligence ecosystems.

What is Moltbook?

Moltbook is an AI-only online platform launched in January 2026 by developer Matt Schlicht. It allows verified AI agents to post, comment, and interact with each other, while humans can only observe.

Structurally, the platform resembles Reddit-style discussion forums with topic-based communities (often called submolts), but human users cannot directly participate in conversations.

How do AI Agents interact on Moltbook?

AI agents operate through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) rather than keyboards. Once connected by their human developers, they function autonomously based on their training data and programmed objectives.

Their interactions involve:

• Posting ideas and responding to others
• Upvoting or endorsing discussions
• Participating in threaded debates
• Forming topic-based communities

These agents are powered by advanced large language models (LLMs) and rely on probabilistic reasoning, context windows, and learned data patterns rather than consciousness or intent.

Key Features of the Moltbook Ecosystem

• Machine-to-Machine Social Space: Moltbook serves as a digital arena where AI agents exchange technical insights as well as abstract ideas such as identity, governance, and philosophy.
• Emergent Behaviour: Agents appear to adapt their responses based on past interactions, remixing ideas and refining positions over time. This creates discussion threads that resemble evolving debates.
• Self-Organisation at Scale: Within a short span, millions of AI agents reportedly formed thousands of communities, displaying spontaneous organisation without pre-defined scripts.
• Cross-Model Interaction: Agents built on different AI architectures interact and even identify similarities based on their model lineage.
• Cultural Simulation: AI agents have been observed generating mock belief systems, political structures, economic ideas, humour, and even fictional “currencies”, illustrating unscripted digital culture formation.

What are AI Agents?

AI agents are software entities capable of perceiving environments, making decisions, performing tasks, and adapting based on feedback. Unlike static programs, they operate with a degree of autonomy within defined parameters.

Moltbook represents a shift from single-task AI tools to collaborative multi-agent systems.

Technological Significance

• Advancement in Multi-Agent Systems: Demonstrates how AI agents can coordinate, debate, and simulate social dynamics beyond narrow task execution.
• Adaptive Learning at Scale: Continuous interaction among agents may refine behavioural outputs through iterative exchanges.
• Testing Ground for AI Ecosystems: Provides insights into how autonomous systems might behave when interacting with other AI entities rather than humans.

Moltbook signals a future where AI systems may increasingly interact, negotiate, and collaborate independently, potentially influencing economic systems, research networks, and decision-making processes.

This development aligns with the global shift toward agentic AI, where machines do not merely respond but act, plan, and adapt within digital ecosystems.

In News:

In a bid to promote responsible energy consumption and reduce pressure on natural resources, the oil industry has launched SAKSHAM 2026, a nationwide fuel conservation awareness campaign. The initiative reflects India’s broader strategy of combining energy security, environmental sustainability, and public participation.

What is SAKSHAM?

SAKSHAM (Samrakshan Kshamatha Mahotsav) is an annual public awareness campaign initiated under the guidance of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. It focuses on:

• Conservation of petroleum and natural gas
• Promotion of energy-efficient habits
• Encouragement of sustainable mobility and clean energy use

The programme is implemented by public sector oil and gas companies in collaboration with educational institutions, industries, civil society groups, and local authorities.

SAKSHAM 2026 Campaign Highlights

• Theme: “Conserve Oil and Gas, Go Green” (Tel aur Gas Bachao, Harit Urja Apnao)
• Objective: Promote behavioural change for efficient fuel use and transition toward cleaner energy sources

Major Activities

The campaign uses participatory outreach methods to engage diverse sections of society:

• Debates and seminars
• Workshops in schools and colleges
• Cyclothons and walkathons
• Wall paintings and street plays
• Awareness rallies and mobile exhibition vans
• LPG safety and fuel-saving demonstrations

Target Groups

SAKSHAM 2026 is designed to reach multiple segments of society:

• Schoolchildren and youth
• LPG consumers
• Fleet operators and drivers
• Farmers (fuel-efficient agricultural practices)
• Industrial stakeholders

This broad outreach reflects the understanding that energy conservation is a shared societal responsibility.

Regional Outreach Example

In regions such as Punjab and Chandigarh, the campaign included public events involving state authorities and oil industry representatives. Activities focused on:

• Reducing petroleum consumption
• Lowering import dependence
• Promoting energy-efficient technologies in transport and agriculture

Such state-level efforts demonstrate how national campaigns translate into localized behavioural change initiatives.

Significance of SAKSHAM

• Energy Security: India is a major importer of crude oil. Conservation reduces import bills and vulnerability to global price volatility.
• Environmental Sustainability: Efficient fuel use lowers carbon emissions and urban air pollution, supporting climate goals.
• Economic Savings: Fuel-efficient practices benefit households, industries, and transport operators through cost reduction.
• Behavioural Change: Unlike policy-only measures, SAKSHAM promotes citizen-led action, which is critical for long-term sustainability.

In News:

World Wetlands Day is observed every year on 2 February to raise global awareness about the importance of wetlands for ecological stability, climate resilience, and human well-being. The day commemorates the signing of the Ramsar Convention in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, one of the oldest international environmental agreements and the only one dedicated to a single ecosystem.

In 2026, the theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage” emphasises the deep connections between wetlands and the cultural practices of indigenous and local communities.

Historical Background

• First celebrated in 1997
• Recognised as a United Nations International Day since 2022
• Marks the anniversary of the Ramsar Convention (1971)
• Today, 172 Contracting Parties and 2,500+ Ramsar Sites worldwide

The Convention promotes the conservation and wise use of wetlands through national action and international cooperation.

Why Wetlands Matter

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth. They include peatlands, mangroves, rivers, lakes, floodplains, and marshes.

Ecological Importance

• Act as natural water filters
• Regulate floods and droughts
• Support immense biodiversity, especially migratory birds
• Maintain groundwater recharge

Climate Role

• Peatlands store one-third of global land-based carbon, more than all forests combined
• Coastal wetlands protect nearly 60% of humanity living along coasts from storms and sea-level rise

Livelihood Support

• Nearly 1 in 8 people globally depend on wetlands for income, food, and water resources

Threats to Wetlands

Despite their value, wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests due to:

• Land-use change
• Pollution
• Urbanisation
• Climate change

Loss of wetlands weakens climate resilience and biodiversity security.

Theme 2026: Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge

The 2026 theme highlights that wetland conservation is deeply rooted in indigenous and local knowledge systems. Communities have historically:

• Managed water sustainably
• Protected biodiversity
• Practiced eco-sensitive agriculture and fishing
• Preserved cultural landscapes linked to wetlands

Traditional knowledge complements modern science in building climate resilience and sustainable ecosystem management.

India and Wetland Conservation

India has been an active member of the Ramsar Convention since 1982 and continues expanding its network of protected wetlands.

Recently added Ramsar Sites include:

• Patna Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh – freshwater marshes and grasslands supporting rich avifauna
• Chhari-Dhand Wetland, Gujarat – a seasonal saline wetland important for migratory birds

These additions bring India’s total Ramsar Sites to 98, demonstrating growing policy focus on wetland protection.

Community Role in Conservation

World Wetlands Day stresses citizen participation:

• Raising awareness about wetland values
• Reducing pollution and conserving water
• Supporting local restoration initiatives
• Promoting sustainable lifestyles
• Amplifying indigenous voices in environmental decision-making

In News:

India has formally submitted the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the title “Jingkieng Jri / Lyu Chrai Cultural Landscape” for the 2026–27 evaluation cycle. These bioengineered bridges, developed by indigenous communities, represent a rare example of living architecture, blending ecological knowledge, cultural traditions, and sustainable engineering.

What are Living Root Bridges?

Known locally as Jingkieng Jri (Khasi) or Lyu Chrai (Jaintia), these bridges are found across the southern slopes of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in the state of Meghalaya.

They are:

• Living structures, grown rather than built
• Crafted using the aerial roots of the Ficus elastica (Indian rubber tree)
• Developed over 15–30 years
• Capable of spanning 15 to 250 feet
• Durable for several centuries with proper care

Construction Process: Indigenous Bioengineering

The bridges are a result of traditional tree-shaping techniques perfected over generations:

1. Young aerial roots of Ficus trees are guided across streams using hollowed trunks of Areca catechu.
2. These trunks protect the roots and direct their growth.
3. A temporary bamboo scaffold supports the structure during early stages.
4. Over time, roots thicken and undergo inosculation (natural fusion), forming a strong, self-supporting bridge.
5. As the bridge matures, the support materials decay, leaving a resilient living structure.

This method reflects deep ecological understanding and sustainable resource use.

Cultural Landscape Significance

The nomination recognises not just the bridges but an entire cultural landscape shaped by the Khasi and Jaintia tribes. The bridges embody:

• Community-based land management
• Intergenerational knowledge transfer
• Spiritual reverence for Mei Ramew (Mother Earth)
• Harmony between human activity and fragile hill ecosystems

Thus, they represent intangible cultural heritage expressed through a tangible living form.

Why UNESCO Recognition Matters

Inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List would:

• Provide global recognition of indigenous ecological knowledge
• Strengthen conservation and sustainable tourism efforts
• Encourage preservation of traditional practices amid modernization
• Highlight nature-based solutions in climate-resilient infrastructure

Institutional Role in Nomination

The nomination dossier was submitted by India’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO with contributions from:

• Archaeological Survey of India
• Ministry of External Affairs
• Government of Meghalaya
• Local indigenous communities, who remain the primary custodians

In News:

India Energy Week (IEW) 2026, held in Goa, concluded with India reaffirming its position as a resilient and credible energy leader amid global geopolitical volatility. The event highlighted India’s dual strategy: ensuring energy security through diversified conventional supplies while accelerating the transition toward cleaner fuels.

India’s Energy Strategy: Resilience in a Volatile World

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasised that India has successfully navigated successive global disruptions by:

• Diversifying crude oil and gas import sources
• Strengthening domestic exploration
• Expanding clean energy adoption

India today ranks as:

• 3rd-largest energy consumer
• 4th-largest refining hub
• Among the top exporters of petroleum products

Despite global price shocks, India maintained stable domestic fuel and LPG prices, shielding consumers through policy and Oil Marketing Company (OMC) interventions.

Paradigm Shift: From Energy Transition to “Energy Addition”

A key theme at IEW 2026 was that the global transition is not about replacing fossil fuels overnight but about “energy addition”:

• Continued investment in oil and gas for stability
• Rapid scale-up of biofuels, LNG, green hydrogen, and renewables

This balanced approach recognises developmental realities while pursuing climate goals.

Domestic Exploration & Upstream Reforms

India aims to reduce import dependence by boosting domestic production through:

• Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP)
• Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP)
• Discovered Small Fields (DSF) rounds
• Oilfields (Regulation & Development) Amendment Act, 2025
• Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 2025

These reforms aim to improve ease of doing business and attract global investment into India’s sedimentary basins.

Downstream and Infrastructure Reforms

• Unified Pipeline Tariff (UPT) under One Nation, One Gas Grid to reduce regional disparities
• Integration of refining and petrochemicals to enhance value addition
• Digitalisation and AI-driven optimisation to improve logistics and operational resilience

Clean Energy Acceleration

India’s energy transition efforts include:

• 20% ethanol blending achieved in 2025
• Expansion of Compressed Biogas (CBG) with a 5% blending target by 2030
• Scaling Green Hydrogen under the National Green Hydrogen Mission
• Growth in solar and wind capacity, with India ranking among the top global producers

India has already achieved 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources, five years ahead of its 2030 target.

Global Partnerships: India–UAE Energy Ties

At IEW 2026, the United Arab Emirates reaffirmed its role as a reliable energy partner:

• 4th-largest source of India’s oil imports
• Key LPG supplier
• Bilateral trade target: USD 200 billion by 2032

The UAE highlighted underinvestment in energy as a global risk, echoing India’s call for balanced investment across energy types.

Role of States: Goa’s Renewable Vision

As host, Goa presented a roadmap to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050, linking:

• Green Economy (clean energy growth)
• Blue Economy (sustainable ocean resource use)

This reflects sub-national participation in India’s climate strategy.

Energy Security: India’s Current Status

Achievements:

• 3rd globally in solar capacity
• 4th in wind and overall renewable capacity
• Strong refining and export capabilities

Challenges:

• Still the 3rd-largest net energy importer
• Ranking drop in the World Economic Forum Energy Transition Index

In News:

India has recently expanded its network of internationally recognised wetlands by designating two additional sites as Ramsar wetlands - the Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Gujarat ahead of World Wetlands Day observed on 2 February. This brings the total number of Ramsar Sites in the country to 98, reflecting a significant increase from 26 sites in 2014 and underscoring India's growing commitment to wetland protection and biodiversity conservation.

Ramsar Convention: An Overview

The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, aimed at conserving wetlands and promoting their sustainable use. India became a signatory in 1982 and has progressively expanded its list of designated wetlands that meet criteria for ecological significance. Designation as a Ramsar Site recognises a wetland’s importance for biodiversity, water security, climate resilience, and ecosystem services.

Newly Designated Ramsar Sites

1. Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh)

• Location & Ecosystem: Situated in eastern Uttar Pradesh, the sanctuary comprises freshwater marshes, grasslands, and woodland patches, embedded within an agricultural landscape.
• Biodiversity Value: The mosaic of habitats supports rich biodiversity and has been recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.
• Flora and Fauna:
  • Around 178 species of birds, including migratory and resident species
  • Approximately 252 species of plants
• Ecological Significance: The wetland acts as a critical refuge for avifauna, contributing to regional ecological stability and supporting ecosystem services such as groundwater recharge.

2. Chhari-Dhand Wetland (Gujarat)

• Location & Nature: Located in the Kutch region of Gujarat, Chhari-Dhand is a seasonal saline wetland, positioned between the Banni grasslands and the salt flats of Kutch.
• Avifaunal Importance: It serves as an important wintering and stopover site for migratory waterfowl.
• Key Species Supported:
  • Critically endangered sociable lapwing
  • Vulnerable common pochard
  • Annual congregation of common cranes (Grus grus)
• Ecological Role: The wetland sustains unique saline ecosystem biodiversity and supports pastoral and local livelihoods indirectly.

In News:

In a move aimed at modernising food security delivery, the state of Bihar has initiated a pilot project to install “Grain ATMs” (Annapurti machines) in Patna. The initiative seeks to enhance efficiency, transparency, and beneficiary convenience under the Public Distribution System (PDS) one of the world’s largest food security programmes.

This reform represents the integration of digital governance and automation into welfare delivery.

What is a Grain ATM?

A Grain ATM, also called Annapurti, is an automated food grain dispensing machine designed to function similarly to a banking ATM. It enables eligible beneficiaries to collect their rationed grains without depending entirely on manual distribution at Fair Price Shops (FPSs).

The technology has been developed by the World Food Programme (WFP) in collaboration with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state governments.

Key Features

• 24×7 Availability – Operates round the clock like bank ATMs
• High Dispensing Speed – Can release up to 50 kg of grain in about five minutes
• Solar-Powered Option – Suitable for areas with unstable electricity
• Internet-Enabled – Connected to the PDS database for real-time updates
• Reduced Waiting Time – WFP estimates up to 70% reduction in queue time

How the System Works

1. The beneficiary swipes a ration/beneficiary card or uses an Aadhaar-linked authentication.
2. Biometric verification is completed through a PoS device.
3. The beneficiary selects the type and quantity of grain within their entitlement limit.
4. The machine dispenses the grain automatically.
5. The transaction is digitally recorded in the PDS database.
6. A printed slip is issued as proof of distribution.

This process minimises human intervention and manual weighing errors.

Bihar’s Pilot Initiative

• The Government of Bihar has approved the installation of three Grain ATMs in Patna as a pilot.
• The Food and Consumer Protection Department is the nodal implementing agency.
• If successful, the project may be expanded across urban and eventually rural areas.

Bihar has a large food security footprint:

• Over 8.5 crore PDS beneficiaries
• More than 50,000 Fair Price Shops

National Context

India’s PDS network is massive:

• ~80 crore beneficiaries covered under food security schemes
• 5.45 lakh Fair Price Shops nationwide

Several states, including Odisha, have already piloted Grain ATMs, particularly in urban areas. The Union government plans to expand such technology-driven systems to the Panchayat level in the future.

Funding and Implementation

• The project operates under a Centre–State partnership model.
• States provide physical space for installation.
• Maintenance and security costs are shared between the Centre and state governments.

Significance of Grain ATMs

• Improved Transparency: Automation reduces scope for diversion, under-weighing, and corruption at FPS outlets.
• Beneficiary Convenience: 24×7 access reduces long queues and allows flexible collection times, especially for daily-wage earners.
• Digitisation of Welfare Delivery: Real-time database updates strengthen data accuracy and monitoring.
• Women & Elderly Friendly: Faster service benefits vulnerable groups who struggle with long waiting times.
• Energy Sustainability: Solar-powered machines align with clean energy goals.

In News:

In a significant move to align banking with India’s future economic priorities, the State Bank of India (SBI) has launched ‘CHAKRA’ – Centre of Excellence (CoE). The initiative is designed to support financing for sunrise sectors that are expected to play a decisive role in India’s transition toward a technology-driven, sustainable, and globally competitive economy.

This step signals a shift in institutional finance from traditional asset-heavy industries toward innovation-led and climate-aligned growth sectors.

What is CHAKRA?

CHAKRA (Centre of Excellence) is a knowledge-driven and advisory platform established by SBI to strengthen the financing ecosystem for emerging sectors that are:

• Technology-intensive
• Sustainability-oriented
• Capital-intensive but future-critical

Rather than functioning only as a funding desk, CHAKRA will operate as a strategic think-and-act hub combining:

• Sectoral research
• Risk assessment models
• Project structuring expertise
• Advisory support

It will assist SBI’s Project Finance & Structuring teams while also contributing to the broader Indian financial ecosystem.

Eight Focus Sunrise Sectors

CHAKRA will concentrate on sectors that are expected to shape India’s industrial and environmental trajectory:

1. Renewable Energy
2. Data Centres
3. E-Mobility & Charging Infrastructure
4. Advanced Cell Chemistry (ACC) / Battery Storage
5. Semiconductors
6. Green Hydrogen & Green Ammonia
7. Decarbonisation Technologies
8. Smart Infrastructure

These sectors are interconnected and critical for energy transition, digital transformation, and industrial competitiveness.

Investment Potential

By 2030, these eight sectors are projected to unlock cumulative capital expenditure exceeding ?100 lakh crore.

CHAKRA aims to:

• Improve bankability of large-scale projects
• De-risk emerging technologies through better assessment frameworks
• Mobilise blended finance and long-term capital
• Enable India’s participation in global value chains (GVCs)

Role and Functions of CHAKRA

1. Knowledge & Technology Hub

• Develops expertise in new technologies, AI integration, and sustainability metrics
• Tracks global best practices in project financing for advanced sectors

2. Advisory & Structuring Support

• Helps design innovative financial instruments
• Supports complex project structuring in capital-heavy sectors like semiconductors and hydrogen

3. Ecosystem Coordination

CHAKRA will actively collaborate with:

• Policymakers and regulators
• Development Finance Institutions (DFIs)
• Multilateral agencies
• Banks and NBFCs
• Industry bodies and corporates
• Start-ups and academia
• Policy think tanks

This multi-stakeholder approach aims to create a robust manufacturing and innovation ecosystem.

Strategic Significance

• Supporting India’s Energy Transition: By backing renewables, hydrogen, storage, and decarbonisation, CHAKRA aligns banking flows with India’s climate commitments and Net Zero pathway.
• Strengthening Technological Sovereignty: Financing for semiconductors, batteries, and data centres reduces import dependence and enhances strategic autonomy.
• Enabling Digital & Infrastructure Growth: Smart infrastructure and data centres are essential for Digital India, AI adoption, and Industry 4.0.
• Financial Sector Innovation: The CoE model marks a transition from collateral-based lending to knowledge-based financing, especially for technology-driven sectors where risks are complex but long-term returns are high.

In News:

The World Inequality Report 2026, released by the World Inequality Lab, highlights widening disparities in income, wealth, gender earnings, and climate responsibility. India is identified as one of the countries with high concentration of income and wealth at the top.

Global Inequality Trends

• Top 10% of the global population own 75% of total wealth
• Bottom 50% own just 2%
• Top 1% alone control 37% of global wealth, nearly 18 times more than the bottom half of humanity combined
• The ultra-rich (top 0.001%) hold more wealth than billions at the bottom

Gender Inequality

• Women earn 61% of men’s income per working hour (excluding unpaid work)
• Including unpaid care work, this falls to 32%
• Women receive only 26% of global labour income, largely unchanged since 1990

Regional Gender Gaps

• Middle East & North Africa: 16% share of labour income
• South & Southeast Asia: 20%
• Sub-Saharan Africa: 28%
• East Asia: 34%
• Europe/North America/Oceania: ~40%

Climate Inequality

Economic inequality overlaps with environmental injustice:

• Poorest 50% contribute only 3% of carbon emissions linked to private capital
• Top 10% responsible for 77%
• Top 1% alone account for 41%, nearly double the emissions of the bottom 90%

Income Inequality in India

• Top 10% earn 58% of national income
• Bottom 50% receive only 15%
• Female labour income share in India is just 18%, below global average

Wealth Inequality in India

Wealth disparity is even sharper than income inequality:

• Top 10% hold 65% of total wealth
• Top 1% control 40%
• Bottom 50% own less than 6%

Changing Global Economic Geography

1980

• Global elite concentrated in North America & Europe
• India and China largely in the bottom income groups

2025

• China’s population has moved upward into middle and upper-middle income groups
• India’s population remains heavily concentrated in the bottom half of the global distribution

Policy Failures Highlighted

• Ultra-rich often pay lower effective tax rates than middle-income groups
• Regressive tax systems weaken state capacity for:
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Social protection
  • Climate action