In News:

Health authorities in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, have issued a public alert after a spike in Legionnaires’ disease cases in Sydney. The outbreak is suspected to be linked to contaminated air-conditioning systems in the city.

About Legionnaires’ Disease

Aspect                           Details

Cause                             Legionella bacteria, found in freshwater and man-made water systems

Type                                A severe form of pneumonia

Related Disease      Pontiac fever – a milder, flu-like respiratory illness caused by the same bacteria

Key Features

• Symptoms:
  • High fever, cough, shortness of breath
  • Muscle pain, headaches, confusion
  • Diarrhoea or nausea in some cases
• Transmission:
  • Not person-to-person
  • Spread through inhalation of contaminated aerosols (e.g., from cooling towers, air conditioners, hot tubs)
• Risk Factors:
  • Elderly individuals
  • Smokers
  • People with weakened immune systems or chronic lung conditions

Treatment and Prevention

• Treatment: Requires antibiotic therapy
• Vaccine: No vaccine currently available
• Prevention:
  • Regular maintenance and disinfection of water systems
  • Monitoring air-conditioning and cooling systems

In News:

A rare sighting of the Indian Giant Flying Squirrel (Petauristaphilippensis) has been reported in Ranikhet, a hill station in Uttarakhand, highlighting the ecological richness of the region.

About Indian Giant Flying Squirrel

Feature                                         Description

Scientific Name                      Petauristaphilippensis

Size                                                   Body length: 30–45 cm; Tail length: up to 60 cm

Appearance                               Rufous coat, grey underparts, large eyes, and a gliding membrane from wrist

                                                to ankle

Locomotion                                Glides up to 60 meters between trees using patagium (gliding membrane)

Habitat and Distribution

• Found in tropical and subtropical forests across central and southern India
• Inhabits evergreen, semi-evergreen, and deciduous forests, especially near forest edges
• Recent sighting in Uttarakhand indicates possible range expansion or overlooked presence

Ecological Role

• Diet: Fruits, nuts, leaves, and bark
• Acts as a seed disperser, supporting forest regeneration
• Considered a keystone species due to its ecological significance

Behavioural Traits

• Nocturnal and arboreal
• Emits alarm calls upon detecting predators like owls
• Active at night, gliding from tree to tree in search of food

Conservation Status

Category                                                   Status

IUCN Red List (Global)                     Least Concern

IUCN Status (India)                           Near Threatened (due to habitat loss)

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972       Schedule II

Threats

• Habitat loss and fragmentation
• Deforestation and degradation of forest corridors
• Increasing human encroachment in forested landscapes

In News:

• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has recently introduced a new ‘Blue Category’ for industries under its Essential Environmental Services (EES) framework.
• Notably, Waste-to-Energy (WTE) incineration plants, previously classified as highly polluting ‘Red Category’ industries, have now been controversially reclassified under this new category.

Background: Pollution Index (PI) and Industry Categorisation

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) classifies industries into categories — White, Green, Orange, and Red — based on a Pollution Index (PI) (0–100 scale).
  • White (0–20): Least polluting
  • Green (21–40)
  • Orange (41–59)
  • Red (60–100): Most polluting
• WTE plants, with a PI of 97.6, were originally in the Red Category.

What is the new Blue Category?

• Created under Essential Environmental Services (EES) classification.
• Grants 2 additional years of “Consent to Operate” (essentially, consent to pollute).
• Aims to support infrastructure like composting units, biogas plants, material recovery facilities, etc

Controversy: WTE Incineration in the Blue Category

• WTE plants burn unsegregated municipal solid waste (MSW) to generate electricity by producing steam to drive turbines.
• Unlike claimed benefits, WTE plants emit more CO? per unit of electricity than coal-fired plants, contributing to climate change.
• CPCB’s inspection reports found that Delhi’s WTE plants exceeded emission norms, releasing carcinogens and other pollutants such as:
  • SOx, NOx, HCL, PM, Dioxins, and Furans
• In FY 2022–23, Delhi’s WTE plants incinerated ~735,840 tons of plastic, contributing significantly to Delhi’s poor air quality.
• These plants also generate hazardous ash, requiring secure landfill disposal.

Issues with Reclassification

• The CPCB’s own guidelines state that:
  • Only projects that do not emit hazardous waste or
  • Projects that promote the circular economy can be blue-listed.
• However, leading government institute CSIR-NEERI has observed that WTE plants violate the principles of the circular economy and contravene Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
• Reclassification undermines environmental safeguards, harms waste pickers’ livelihoods, and imposes financial burdens on Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

In News:

British startup Pulsar Fusion is developing Sunbird, a nuclear fusion-powered rocket that could significantly reduce travel time to outer planets like Mars and Pluto. An orbital demonstration is planned for 2027.

Key Features of Sunbird

• Maximum Speed: Up to 805,000 km/h, surpassing the Parker Solar Probe (692,000 km/h), the fastest human-made object to date.
• Travel Efficiency: Could enable missions to Pluto in just 4 years, and cut travel time to Mars by nearly 50%.
• Payload Capacity: Capable of delivering up to 2,000 kg to Mars in six months.
• Functionality: Unlike chemical rockets like SpaceX’s Starship, Sunbird would act as an interplanetary booster, attaching to spacecraft and possibly operating between charging stations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Mars orbit.

About Nuclear Fusion Propulsion

Nuclear Fusion aims to replicate the process that powers stars — the fusion of atomic nuclei to release energy. Unlike nuclear fission, fusion is cleaner, offers higher energy output, and produces minimal radioactive waste.

Types of Nuclear Propulsion Systems

Propulsion Type                                                           Description

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP)             Uses a nuclear reactor to heat liquid hydrogen which

                                                                            turns to plasma and produces thrust. Provides high exhaust

                                                                            velocity and can increase payload efficiency 2–3 times

                                                                            over chemical rockets. Ground tests began in the 1950s.

Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP)                Converts reactor heat into electricity to power ion thrusters,

                                                                            which gradually reach high speeds. Components include a

                                                                                               compact reactor core, electric generator, heat rejection

                                                                                               system, and electric propulsion system. Unlike solar power,

                                                                           nuclear sources ensure consistent energy beyond Mars.

Challenges in Fusion Rocket Development

• Fusion systems are currently large and heavy, posing difficulties in miniaturisation for spaceflight.
• Fusion on Earth is hard to replicate due to atmospheric constraints; space offers a more natural environment for fusion reactions.

Global Efforts and Timeline

Apart from Pulsar Fusion, companies like Helicity Space and General Atomics (backed by NASA and Lockheed Martin) are also advancing fusion-powered space propulsion systems, with testing planned around 2027.

In News:

The Government of India will launch the UMEED Portal to digitize and streamline the registration and management of Waqf properties under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

What is the UMEED Portal?

• Full Form: Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development
• Purpose: A centralized digital platform to register, regulate, and monitor Waqf properties nationwide.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs, in collaboration with State Waqf Boards and judicial authorities.

Objectives:

• Ensure transparent, efficient, and time-bound registration of Waqf assets.
• Digitally empower stakeholders with access to legal rights, obligations, and procedural information.
• Resolve long-pending disputes and enhance accountability in Waqf administration.
• Provide real-time data, including geo-tagged property mapping, to support policymaking.

Key Features:

• Time-Bound Registration:All Waqf properties must be registered within six months of the portal's launch.
• Geo-Tagging and Digital Mapping:Properties must be geo-tagged and include precise dimensions for registration.
• Dispute Resolution Mechanism:Properties not registered by the deadline will be automatically flagged as disputed and referred to Waqf Tribunals for adjudication.
• Legal Support Services:The portal offers awareness tools regarding the amended Act and clarifies legal entitlements.
• Women-Centric Provision:Properties solely in women’s names cannot be declared as Waqf. However, women, children, and the economically weaker sections (EWS) remain eligible beneficiaries.

About Waqf and Recent Legal Reforms:

• What is Waqf?

A Waqf is a permanent charitable endowment under Islamic law, where assets (usually land) are donated for religious or public welfare purposes. Such property is inalienable and cannot be sold, inherited, or transferred.

• Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025:
  • Digital Mandate: Mandatory online registration of all Waqf properties within 6 months.
  • Judicial Oversight:Introduced provision for appealing Waqf Tribunal decisions in the High Court within 90 days.
  • Tribunal Empowerment:Unregistered properties after the deadline will be treated as disputed and decided by Waqf Tribunals.
  • Government Monitoring:Enhanced role of State Waqf Boards in ensuring compliance, registration, and dispute handling.

Significance:

• Aims to reduce litigation, encroachments, and opacity in Waqf land management.
• Bridges the gap between community welfare and digital governance.
• Strengthens institutional mechanisms for protecting religious endowments and improves access to justice.

In News:

Recently, Ukraine conducted a major drone strike on Russia, reportedly destroying over 40 aircraft using First-Person View (FPV) drones—marking one of the deepest strikes into Russian territory since the start of the conflict in 2022. This highlights the growing role of FPV drones in modern asymmetric warfare.

What are FPV Drones?

First-Person View (FPV) drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that allow remote pilots to view the drone’s surroundings through a camera mounted on the drone. The live feed can be transmitted to:

• Specialized goggles
• Smartphones
• Other display screens

This immersive view enables highly precise navigation and control.

Key Features and Technologies

• GPS-Independent Navigation: Operates effectively even when GPS signals are jammed or unavailable.
• SmartPilot System: Uses visual-inertial navigation by interpreting camera data to assess the drone's position and orientation.
• LiDAR Integration: Enhances terrain mapping and obstacle detection in complex environments.
• Low Cost: A functional FPV drone can cost as little as $500, making them highly affordable compared to traditional weapon systems.

Operational Use in Combat

• Reconnaissance First: Typically, a long-range reconnaissance drone is used to identify the target area before deploying FPV drones for strikes.
• Deep Strike Capability: Despite having a short range (a few kilometres), FPV drones offer stealth and precision to strike deeply into enemy territory.
• Combat Strategy: Their agility and affordability make FPV drones a key component of attrition warfare, especially for resource-constrained nations.

Advantages in Warfare

• Cost-effectiveness: Offers high-impact capability at a fraction of the cost of conventional weapons.
• Reduced Human Risk: Limits the need for manned missions in hostile territory.
• Stealth: Smaller size and low acoustic footprint make them harder to detect and intercept.
• High Destructiveness: Able to carry payloads such as explosives, effectively targeting tanks, aircraft, and installations.

Challenges and Limitations

• Limited Range: Operates within a few kilometres, requiring deployment close to target zones.
• Reduced Situational Awareness: Pilots rely solely on camera feed, which may not provide full spatial context.
• Need for Visual Observers: In complex environments, an additional observer may be needed to guide the operator safely.

Ukraine’s Use of FPV Drones

Ukraine has effectively integrated FPV drones into its military strategy:

• In November 2023, FPVs were credited as a low-cost, high-impact method of resisting Russian advances.
• NATO sources indicated that over two-thirds of Russian tanks destroyed recently were hit by FPV drones.
• Ukrainian drone manufacturer Vyriy Drone delivered 1,000 indigenous FPVs in March 2025.
• Ukraine is projected to produce over 4 million drones in 2025, reflecting a significant scaling of domestic capabilities.

Geopolitical and Strategic Implications

• Technological Self-Reliance: Domestic production protects nations from geopolitical supply chain disruptions (e.g., China’s chip exports).
• Global Proliferation: Countries like Israel and Iran have also developed drone systems, including HAROP and Shahed drones respectively.

In News:

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Provisional Estimates (PEs) of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross Value Added (GVA) for the financial year 2024–25 (FY25), providing a comprehensive picture of the country's economic performance.

Understanding GDP and GVA

• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) measures the total expenditure in the economy, including consumption, investment, government spending, and net exports — representing the demand side.
• GVA (Gross Value Added) evaluates the income generated from the production of goods and services in different sectors — representing the supply side.
• The two are related by the formula:GDP = GVA + Taxes – Subsidies
• Both are reported in nominal terms (current prices) and real terms (adjusted for inflation).

Nature of Provisional Estimates

• The estimates are termed provisional because they include data from all four quarters but are subject to revision:
  • First Advance Estimates (FAE): January
  • Second Advance Estimates (SAE): February
  • Provisional Estimates (PE): May
  • Revised Estimates: Finalized over the next two years (in 2026 and 2027 for FY25)

Key Economic Indicators for FY 2024–25

• Nominal GDP
  • Estimated at ?330.68 lakh crore, showing a 9.8% growth over FY24.
  • In dollar terms (?85.559/USD), India’s economy reached $3.87 trillion.
  • However, this 9.8% nominal growth marks the third-slowest since 2014.

• Real GDP
  • Rose by 6.5%, reaching ?187.97 lakh crore.
  • The real GDP growth slowed from 9.2% in FY24, indicating reduced economic momentum.
• Sectoral GVA Performance
  • Overall GVA grew by 6.4%, down from 8.6% in FY24.
  • Sector-wise real GVA growth:
    • Agriculture & Allied Activities: 4.4% (up from 2.7% last year)
    • Industry (including Manufacturing & Construction): 6.1%
    • Services: 7.5% (notable growth in public admin, trade, and finance)
• Q4 FY25 Trends
  • Real GDP growth: 7.4%
  • Nominal GDP growth: 10.8%
  • Indicates a strong end-of-year performance.

Structural Insights and Concerns

• Manufacturing Weakness:Since FY20, manufacturing GVA CAGR (4.04%) lags behind agriculture (4.72%), signaling industrial stagnation.
• Employment Implications:Manufacturing’s sluggishness contributes to high urban unemployment and labour migration to rural/agricultural sectors.
• Consumption and Investment Revival:
  • Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) grew by 7.2%.
  • Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) increased by 7.1%, indicating investment momentum.

Significance for Policymaking

• The GDP data serves as a basis for fiscal planning, monetary policy decisions, and public investment.
• It highlights India’s position as one of the fastest-growing major economies, while also revealing structural vulnerabilities — particularly in manufacturing.
• For international comparison, real GDP is crucial as it neutralizes inflationary differences across countries.

In News:

600-million-year-old stromatolites in the Himalayas tell the story of an ocean lost and Earth’s first breath.

What are Stromatolites?

Stromatolites are organo-sedimentary structures formed by the entrapment of calcium carbonate precipitates by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in shallow marine environments. These layered, dome-shaped mounds represent some of the earliest evidence of life on Earth, with their formation driven by photosynthetic microbial mats.

• Composition: Typically found in limestone, shale, and sandstone.
• Structure: Characterized by laminated layers that may appear flat, dome-shaped, or columnar.
• Habitat (Ancient & Modern): Mostly marine; some ancient forms inhabited freshwater and intertidal zones. Today, living stromatolites survive in limited saline lagoons and bays.

Latest Discovery: Chambaghat, Himachal Pradesh

A major stromatolite outcrop, dating back 600 million years, was recently found in Chambaghat, Solan district, Himachal Pradesh. These structures lie within the Krol Group of sedimentary rocks — a part of the ancient Tethys Sea that existed before the Indian plate collided with Eurasia.

• Elevation: Found at 5,000–6,000 ft above sea level, showcasing tectonic uplift.
• Age Significance: Though not the oldest globally or in India, these are among the younger but well-preserved stromatolites, possibly from the Precambrian-Cambrian boundary (~543–548 million years ago).

Scientific Importance

• Geological Record: Stromatolites document Earth's atmospheric shift from a greenhouse gas-rich to an oxygen-rich environment — a transformation driven by photosynthetic cyanobacteria.
• The Great Oxidation Event (GOE): Occurred ~2.4 billion years ago, when oxygen produced by cyanobacteria began accumulating in the atmosphere, enabling the evolution of multicellular life.
• Tectonic History: Their presence in the Himalayas illustrates the story of the Gondwana supercontinent, India’s northward drift, and the closure of the Tethys Sea.

Global and Indian Context

• Oldest Stromatolites (Global): ~3.6 billion years old from Western Australia.
• Oldest in India: ~2.5 billion years old in the Dharwar Supergroup, Karnataka.

Prominent Stromatolite Sites in India:

Region                                                      Geological Feature

Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh                    Columnar stromatolites in Vindhyan limestones

Morni Hills, Haryana                            Preserved stromatolites in dolomite

Mussoorie & Nainital, Uttarakhand    Precambrian marine stromatolites in Krol Belt

Jaisalmer Fossil Park, Rajasthan         Protected Mesozoic marine fossil site

Dharwar Supergroup, Karnataka        Neoarchean stromatolites (~2.6 billion years old)

Bhima Basin, Karnataka                      Precambrian stromatolites in shallow marine limestones

Preservation and Geoheritage

Geologists and experts advocate for declaring Chambaghat as a Geoheritage Park, involving local communities and schools to foster awareness. The goal is to integrate science with tourism, conservation, and education.

• Challenge: Many stromatolitic sites across India face neglect or risk from mining and construction, despite their scientific and educational potential.
• Appeal: Proposal for UNESCO Geoheritage status to protect and promote this prehistoric legacy.

In News:

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-Kashmir) has successfully developed India’s first gene-edited sheep, marking a significant breakthrough in the field of animal biotechnology.

Key Highlights:

• Institution Involved: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Srinagar.
• Technology Used:
  • CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing — a precision genome editing tool that won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
  • Gene editing was conducted without insertion of foreign DNA, thus the sheep is non-transgenic and differs from traditional GMOs.
• Gene Targeted: The myostatin gene, which regulates muscle growth, was edited to enhance muscle mass.
• Result: Muscle mass increased by 30%, a trait absent in Indian sheep breeds but seen in select European breeds like the Texel.
• Significance:
  • Improved meat yield and quality in sheep.
  • Potential for disease-resistant and higher-reproduction-rate livestock in the future.
  • Supports India’s evolving biotech policy by promoting non-transgenic, gene-edited organisms that are more likely to receive regulatory acceptance.
  • Aligns with goals of sustainability and food security by enhancing productivity per animal.
• Regulatory & Safety Aspects:
  • Research adhered to international biosafety protocols.
  • Sponsored by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• Legacy & Research Background:
  • Developed after 4 years of dedicated research.
  • Led by Prof. Riaz Ahmad Shah, also known for creating India’s first cloned Pashmina goat, Noori, in 2012, and contributing to the world’s first cloned buffalo at NDRI, Karnal.

Implications for the Future:

• Opens doors for precision breeding in livestock to boost India’s animal husbandry sector.
• Strengthens India’s position in advanced genomic research and supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in biotechnology.
• Awaits comprehensive regulatory framework for gene-edited animals, currently under government consideration.

In News:

Recent Household Consumption Expenditure Surveys (2022–23 and 2023–24) by the National Statistical Office (NSO), alongside a World Bank Poverty & Equity Brief, highlight a historic decline in poverty in India. This achievement is largely attributed to sustained GDP growth and declining inequality.

Key Findings:

Poverty Reduction Trends (2011–12 to 2023–24)

• All-India Poverty Ratio: Fell from 29.5% (2011–12) → 9.5% (2022–23) → 4.9% (2023–24).
• Extreme Poverty (<$2.15/day, PPP): Declined from 16.2% → 2.3% (2011–12 to 2022–23).
• Lower-Middle Income Poverty (<$3.65/day): Declined from 61.8% → 28.1%.

Updated Poverty Lines (Rangarajan Committee Methodology):

Area            2011–12           2022–23         2023–24

Rural           ?972                 ?1,837            ?1,940

Urban         ?1,407               ?2,603            ?2,736

• For a 5-member urban household, the 2023–24 poverty threshold is ?13,680/month.

Factors Driving Poverty Reduction:

• High GDP Growth: Rose from 7.6% (2022–23) to 9.2% (2023–24).
• Moderating Inflation: Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation dropped from 6.7% to 5.4%, enhancing real incomes. However, food inflation rose to 7.5%, affecting poor households disproportionately.
• Inequality Decline:
  • Gini Coefficient fell from 0.310 (2011–12) → 0.282 (2022–23) → 0.253 (2023–24).
  • Urban areas saw faster decline in consumption inequality.

Nature and Depth of Poverty:

• Poverty Near the Threshold:
  • Over 50% of the poor lie between 75–100% of the poverty line.
  • Large share of non-poor lie just above the line (115–125%), making them vulnerable.
• Depth Analysis (Raised Cut-Offs): Even at 125% of the poverty line, poverty fell by 34.2 percentage points (2011–24), showing broad-based gains.

Regional & Structural Challenges:

• Persisting Regional Disparities: States like Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha still report higher poverty levels.
• Urban Informality & Data Gaps: Recent surveys underrepresent informal workers and migrants, skewing urban poverty estimates.
• Vulnerability to Shocks: Health crises, climate events, or inflation could push the near-poor back into poverty.
• Gaps in Welfare Coverage: Urban poor and migrant populations face limited access to PDS and safety nets.

Policy Imperatives:

• Targeted Cash Transfers: Scale up schemes like PM-GKAY, DBT for LPG, and tailor transfers to those just above the poverty line.
• Strengthen Rural Employment: Enhance MGNREGA funding and integrate climate-resilient jobs.
• Build Urban Safety Nets: Develop a comprehensive urban social protection framework for gig and informal sector workers.
• Education & Nutrition Investments: Bridge human capital gaps via PM POSHAN, Saksham Anganwadi.
• Continuous Poverty Monitoring: Institutionalize annual poverty tracking using real-time and multidimensional indicators.

In News:

In a major shift that challenges global disarmament efforts, NATO members Poland, Finland, and the three Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—have announced their withdrawal from the 1997 Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines. These countries cite growing security threats from Russia amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as the primary reason for exiting the treaty.

Ottawa Convention (1997)

• Objective: To prohibit the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines, and to mandate the destruction of existing stockpiles within four years.
• Adoption and Enforcement: Finalized in Oslo on 18 September 1997, it came into force on 1 March 1999.
• Scope: The treaty bans anti-personnel mines but not anti-vehicle mines.
• Membership: 164 states are party to the convention. However, major powers like the US, Russia, China, and India have not signed or ratified it.
• Humanitarian Impact:
  • Over 80% of landmine victims are civilians (ICRC).
  • Ukraine has been declared the most mined country in the world (UN, October 2024), with 1,286 civilian victims reported as of August 2024.
• Victim Assistance: The Convention includes obligations to assist mine victims, many of whom suffer permanent disabilities.

Motivations Behind Withdrawals

• The withdrawing countries argue that their security environment has fundamentally changed, especially with the threat of Russian aggression.
• They fear that any ceasefire in Ukraine might allow Russia to regroup and pose a direct threat to bordering nations.
• By exiting the convention, these states aim to achieve military parity with Russia, which is not a party to the treaty.
• Poland has already indicated interest in resuming landmine production.

Impact on Global Demining and Humanitarian Efforts

• The move risks reversing decades of global advocacy and humanitarian work.
• Compounding the problem, global demining efforts are under stress due to sharp US funding cuts. The US had been the largest donor, contributing over $300 million annually, or 40% of global demining funds (Landmine Monitor 2024).
• Though the US has resumed some humanitarian demining programs (March 2024), specific details remain limited.

Convention on Cluster Munitions (2008)

• Purpose: Bans the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster munitions.
• Mechanism: These weapons disperse bomblets over large areas, posing serious risks to civilians long after deployment.
• Membership: 112 state parties and 12 signatories.
• Recent Withdrawal: Lithuania has signaled its withdrawal from this treaty.
• Non-Signatories: India, the US, Russia, China, Ukraine, and Israel have not joined the convention due to strategic and military considerations.
• Recent Usage: In 2023, the US supplied cluster munitions to Ukraine as part of its defense against Russian invasion.

In News:

The 6th BIMSTEC Summit was recently held in Bangkok, Thailand, under the theme “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient, and Open.”The Indian Prime Minister participated in the Summit, emphasizing regional connectivity, economic integration, and collective resilience.

About BIMSTEC

• Full Form: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
• Members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand
• Founded: 1997 (Bangkok Declaration)
• Initial Name: BIST-EC (later BIMST-EC, and finally BIMSTEC in 2004)
• Population & Economy: Covers 1.7 billion people (~22% of world population) with a combined GDP of USD 5.2 trillion (2023)

Key Outcomes:

• Summit Declarations and Documents
  • Bangkok Vision 2030: Adopted as a roadmap for regional economic integration, technological collaboration, and resilience against global challenges.
  • 21-point Action Plan: Proposed by India to revitalize BIMSTEC as a dynamic platform for regional cooperation, especially in light of SAARC’s dormancy.
• Institutional and Governance Reforms
  • Enforcement of the BIMSTEC Charter.
  • Institutionalization of the Home Ministers' Mechanism, with India offering to host the first meeting.
  • Strengthening mechanisms to counter terrorism, cybercrime, and human trafficking.

India’s Key Announcements and Initiatives

A. Centres of Excellence

India announced the establishment of BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence in:

• Disaster Management
• Sustainable Maritime Transport
• Traditional Medicine
• Agricultural Research and Training

B. Connectivity and Digital Infrastructure

• Operationalization of the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru.
• Proposal to link India’s UPI with BIMSTEC payment systems.
• Launch of a pilot study on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for governance and service delivery.

C. Trade and Economic Integration

• Proposal to create a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce.
• Plan for an Annual Business Summit.
• Suggestion for a feasibility study on trade in local currencies.

D. Maritime and Space Cooperation

• Proposal for a Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in India.
• Support for electric grid interconnection across member states.
• Space cooperation: development of nano-satellites, remote sensing data sharing, and training via a dedicated ground station.

Human Development and Cultural Engagement

• BIMSTEC for Organized Development of Human Resource Infrastructure (BODHI):
  • Training for 300 youth annually.
  • Scholarships (e.g., Nalanda University, Forestry Research Institute).
  • Diplomatic training programs.

Health Sector

• Cancer Care Capacity Building Program for BIMSTEC countries.

Youth and Cultural Initiatives

• BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival
• Young Leaders’ SummitandHackathon
• Young Professional Visitors Program
• BIMSTEC Athletics Meet (2025)
• BIMSTEC Games (2027)– to mark the 30th anniversary

India–Thailand Strategic Partnership (Announced on Sidelines)

Maritime and Regional Cooperation

• Strengthening ties via Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
• Boosting connectivity via the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway.

Defence and Security

• Expansion of defence dialogues and joint military exercises (e.g., Exercise Maitree).
• Cooperation in cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and intelligence sharing.

Economic and Trade Engagement

• Enhancing supply chain resilience, boosting bilateral trade, and exploring FTA upgradation.

Science and Innovation

• Joint ventures in renewable energy, space technology, and biotech innovation.
• Cooperation on digital public infrastructure.

Cultural Relations

• Promotion of Buddhist heritage, education exchanges, and tourism.
• Engagement with the Indian diaspora in Thailand.

In News:

With the national capital grappling with chronic air pollution every winter, the Delhi Government is exploring artificial rain (cloud seeding) as a potential mitigation strategy. In a recent high-level meeting chaired by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, experts and representatives from key institutions brainstormed the feasibility and logistics of implementing cloud seeding in Delhi's airspace.

What is Artificial Rain (Cloud Seeding)?

• Cloud seeding is a form of weather modification aimed at inducing rainfall.
• It involves spraying chemical agents such as silver iodide or salt particles into clouds to stimulate condensation and precipitation.
• Requires favourable meteorological conditions, especially adequate moisture and cloud density.
• Usually conducted using aircraft or ground-based dispersal systems.

Significance for Delhi:

• Rainfall helps settle airborne particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), thereby reducing pollution levels.
• Delhi’s air quality worsens in winter due to a combination of low wind speeds, crop residue burning, vehicular and industrial emissions, and construction dust.
• Artificial rain could serve as an emergency intervention to improve air quality during severe pollution episodes.

Key Highlights of the Meeting:

• Convened by Delhi Environment Department with participation from:
  • CPCB, DPCC
  • Ministry of Defence, MoEFCC
  • IIT-Kanpur, India Meteorological Department (IMD)
  • Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), AAI
• IIT-Kanpur scientists shared results from previous successful cloud seeding trials in Kanpur (2023), demonstrating its potential under ideal conditions.
• Past trials in 2018 also showed partial success, with rainfall occurring in 5 out of 6 attempts during pre-monsoon months.

Challenges Identified:

• Weather-dependence: Effectiveness relies heavily on cloud presence and moisture levels, which are limited in Delhi during winters.
• Airspace clearance and coordination among multiple agencies (civil aviation, defence).
• High costs and uncertain outcomes make it a supplementary, not primary, solution.

Complementary Measures Underway:

• Delhi’s 14-point action plan to curb dust pollution includes:
  • Anti-smog guns, covering construction sites, cleaning of construction vehicles, andregulated debris disposal.
• Exploring static ionisation systems as an alternative to cloud seeding for artificial precipitation.

In News:

Donald Trump has imposed a 10% tariff on imports from the Heard and McDonald Islands.

Geographical Context

• Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) are remote, sub-Antarctic volcanic islands in the southern Indian Ocean, situated:
  • ~4,100 km southwest of Perth (Australia),
  • ~1,600 km north of the Antarctic coast.
• They are one of Australia’s seven external territories, administered directly by the Australian government.

Physical and Ecological Significance

• Volcanically active: Home to Big Ben (2,745 m, Mawson Peak), Australia’s highest mountain outside the mainland and Tasmania.
• McDonald Island has expanded due to recent eruptions in the 1990s and 2000s.
• Only volcanically active sub-Antarctic islands, making them valuable for studying:
  • Earth’s crustal processes,
  • Glacial dynamics,
  • Oceanic and atmospheric changes.
• Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1997) and classified under IUCN Category Ia (Strict Nature Reserve).

Biodiversity

• Inhabited by marine birds and mammals like:Penguins, elephant seals, and seabirds.
• Notable for being free from invasive species, aiding biodiversity and evolutionary research.
• Largely uninhabited by humans; no known permanent population.

US Tariff Controversy

• The US President (Donald Trump) imposed a 10% tariff on imports from HIMI—despite the islands having no known exports or trade with the US.
• The islands have no recent human presence and are mainly home to wildlife.
• Other Australian external territories targeted by similar tariffs include:
  • Norfolk Island – 29% tariff despite limited economic activity.
  • Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island – 10% tariff.
• The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), including Diego Garcia, also faced a 10% tariff. Diego Garcia hosts a US-UK military base, with no civilian population.

In News:

The Haryana Government has declared Mitathal and Tighrana, two historically significant Harappan civilisation sites in Bhiwani district, as protected archaeological sites under the Haryana Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1964.

Location and Legal Status

• Both sites are located in Mitathal and Tighrana villages of Bhiwani district, Haryana.
• The notification was issued on March 13, 2025, designating a 10-acre area at Mitathal for protection.
• The Heritage and Tourism Department will ensure preservation through site fencing and deployment of guards.

Mitathal Site: Key Highlights

• Period: Dates to the Copper-Bronze Age, roughly 3rd to 2nd millennium BCE.
• Archaeological Finds:
  • Well-baked red pottery with black painted motifs like pipal leaves and fish scales.
  • Beads, copper tools, bangles, terracotta, and bone artefacts.
• Historical Timeline:
  • First identified in 1913 through Samudragupta coins.
  • Systematic excavations began in 1965–68 and continued post-2016 by the Central University of Haryana.
• Cultural Features:
  • Reflects urban planning and craftsmanship typical of the Harappan Civilization.

Tighrana Site: Cultural Significance

• Chronology: Rich in pre-Harappan, Harappan, and post-Harappan layers.
• Inhabitants: Associated with Sothian culture – early Chalcolithic farming communities (~2400 BCE).
• Settlement Traits:
  • Mud-brick houses, some possibly fortified.
  • Use of bichrome wheel-made pottery (black and white designs).
• Artefacts:Green carnelian bangles, beads, and tools suggest a thriving bead and jewellery industry.

Archaeological and Cultural Importance

• Continuity of Settlement: Offers insight into continuous human occupation from Pre-Siswal to Post-Harappan periods.
• Socio-economic Insights:Demonstrates early agricultural practices, urban planning, and craft traditions in the Indo-Gangetic divide.

Background: Harappan Civilization

• Also known as the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC); flourished around 2500 BCE.
• One of the world’s oldest urban civilizations, alongside Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China.
• Classified as Bronze Age due to artefacts made from copper-based alloys.
• Key excavations:
  • Harappa (1921–22) by Daya Ram Sahni.
  • Mohenjo-daro (1922) by R.D. Banerji, under supervision of Sir John Marshall (ASI).

In News:

The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, recently passed by the Rajya Sabha, aims to implement two key international agreements in India’s legal framework:

• Cape Town Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment (2001)
• Protocol to the Convention on Matters Specific to Aircraft Equipment

Objective:

To provide legal clarity and security to stakeholders in the aviation leasing industry by integrating global standards into Indian law.

Background:

• India became a signatory in 2008 after Cabinet ratification in 2007.
• The Cape Town Convention addresses complex issues of cross-border leasing and financing of high-value mobile assets like aircraft, helicopters, and engines.
• With over 86.4% of India's 840 commercial aircraft under leasing arrangements, there was an urgent need for a dedicated legal framework.

Key Provisions:

• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is designated as the registry authority.
  • Responsible for registration and deregistration of aircraft.
• Creditors must notify the DGCA prior to initiating recovery actions in case of defaults.
• In case of default by airlines:
  • Creditors can reclaim aircraft or related equipment within two months, or as per a mutually agreed period.
• Lessors and airlines are required to regularly inform the DGCA about dues and lease activities.
• The central government is empowered to make rules for the implementation of the convention and protocol.

Expected Benefits:

• Enhances legal protection for creditors and lessors.
• Reduces leasing costs by an estimated 8–10%, potentially lowering airfares for consumers.
• Encourages the growth of a domestic aircraft leasing industry, reducing dependence on foreign jurisdictions like Ireland, Singapore, and Dubai.

Civil Aviation Minister’s Remarks:

• The Bill addresses a long-standing legislative vacuum.
• It will bolster investor confidence and attract leasing businesses to India.
• Airfare regulation remains complex and is influenced by multiple factors including fuel prices, leasing charges, and maintenance costs.

In News:

India faces growing global pressure to liberalise its agricultural markets amidst trade negotiations, FTAs, and WTO commitments. At the same time, ensuring food security and protecting rural livelihoods remains a domestic priority.

Benefits of Global Trade Integration

• Export Revenue Growth: Enhanced access to global markets has increased agri-exports.E.g., India’s agricultural exports to the US were worth $8.4 billion.
• Technology & Investment Inflow: FTAs can attract agri-tech innovations and cold-chain infrastructure.E.g., partnerships with developed nations enable modernisation of storage and logistics.
• Market Efficiency: Global competition improves price discovery and benefits quality producers.
• Geopolitical Leverage: Trade agreements strengthen India’s role in forums like the WTO and BRICS.
• Input Security via Diversified Imports: Import of essentials like palm oil and fertilisers protects supply chains. E.g., Indonesia’s 2022 palm oil export ban highlighted India’s vulnerability.

Importance of Domestic Food Security

• Rural Livelihoods: Agriculture employs ~42% of the workforce, primarily small and marginal farmers.Over 100 million dairy farmers depend on protective tariffs.
• Nutrition and Price Stability: Domestic self-sufficiency guards against global price shocks.
• Reduced Import Dependence: A strong domestic base cushions India during crises.E.g., Ukraine war caused a spike in fertiliser prices, exposing dependency.
• Political and Strategic Stability: Ensures rural harmony and policy autonomy.

Challenges of Trade Liberalisation

• Subsidy Imbalances: Developed nations offer massive farm subsidies.E.g., US farm aid of $10 billion distorts global price competitiveness.
• FTA Pressures: Demands from countries like New Zealand to lower dairy tariffs threaten Indian farmers.
• WTO Constraints: India’s MSP system faces scrutiny under global trade rules.
• Illegal Imports: Despite bans, cheap imports like Chinese garlic infiltrate markets, undermining domestic prices.
• Retaliatory Tariffs: India’s high tariffs invite reciprocal duties.E.g., the US “reciprocal tariff” policy under Trump era.

Macroeconomic Risks

• Rural Unemployment: Liberalisation could displace small-scale farmers.
• Trade Deficit Worsening: Import liberalisation without export flexibility can widen the deficit.
• Revenue Loss: Tariff cuts may reduce fiscal space for welfare schemes.
• Exposure to Global Shocks:E.g., Ukraine war disrupted fertiliser supply; Indonesia’s ban hiked edible oil prices by 27% in India.

Way Forward

India must adopt a calibrated, strategic approach:

• Selective Liberalisation: Lower tariffs only in non-sensitive sectors while safeguarding essential crops.
• Investment-Oriented FTAs: Prioritise infrastructure, tech transfer, and rural development over tariff cuts.
• Domestic Strengthening: Boost agri-logistics, seed innovation, and food processing capabilities.
• Trade Vigilance: Strengthen customs and surveillance to prevent substandard or banned imports.
• WTO Reforms: Advocate for fair subsidy norms and transparent trade rules.

In News:

Naini Lake record-low water levels in 2025.

Geographical and Environmental Significance

• Location: Heart of Nainital, Uttarakhand.
• Type: Natural, kidney-shaped freshwater lake.
• Surroundings: Enclosed by seven hills.
• Deepest Point: 89 feet.
• Gauge Level: 12 feet (normal level).
• Water Level (2025): 4.7 feet – lowest in 5 years, nearing “zero level”.
• Zero Level Meaning: Water level below normal gauge, not fully dry.

Ecological & Civic Importance

• Water Source: Supplies 10 million litres/day of drinking water.
• 2024 Dependence: Met 76% of Nainital’s water demand.
• Aquifer Recharge:Sukhatal Lake is a major recharge zone.

Factors Behind Depletion

1. Climate Variability

• Rising Temperatures: +1.5°C rise in Uttarakhand (1970–2022).
• Rainfall Data:
  • 2022: 2400 mm (good year).
  • 2024: Dropped to 2000 mm.
• Winter Rainfall (Jan–Mar 2025): 107 mm.
• Snowfall Days:
  • 2022: Four.
  • 2025: None.

2. Anthropogenic Pressures

• Urbanisation& Encroachment:
  • Concrete construction → low rainwater infiltration.
  • Encroachments on wetlands and recharge zones.
• Pollution Issues:
  • Untreated wastewater discharge.
  • Improper solid waste disposal.
  • Overflowing sewage into stormwater drains.
• Tourism & Homestays:
  • High tourist influx.
  • Rise in homestays; ~1 in 3 houses converted.

Institutional & Governance Challenges

• Overlapping Jurisdictions:
  • Inadequate coordination among agencies.
• Aging Infrastructure:
  • Old water distribution system, unable to meet demand.
• Reports Highlighting Issues:
  • USCST 2017:Naini Lake most manipulated among Kumaon lakes.
  • 2024 Research (CEDAR): Faulty water governance exacerbating stress.

Legal and Civic Interventions

• SC Intervention (1993): Ban on commercial complex projects.
• Uttarakhand HC (2022): Stay on Sukhatal beautification project.
• Petitions Filed: Alleging degradation due to construction on recharge areas.

Way Forward

• Ecosystem-Based Approach: Recognize catchment area, slope vulnerability, and recharge zones.
• Rejuvenation Focus:Prioritisenatural hydrological restoration over tourism promotion.
• Sustainable Urban Planning: Regulation of construction, homestays, and infrastructure development.

In News:

The Lok Sabha recently approved a bill to establish the Tribhuvan Sahkari University in Anand, Gujarat, named in honour of TribhuvandasKishibhai Patel, a seminal figure in India’s cooperative movement and a founding architect behind Amul.

Who was Tribhuvandas Patel?

• Born in 1903 in a farming family in Gujarat, Tribhuvandas Patel was an Indian freedom fighter, lawyer, and social reformer.
• A dedicated follower of Mahatma Gandhi, he actively participated in the civil disobedience movement, anti-untouchability campaigns, and rural development initiatives.
• He was first arrested during the Salt Satyagraha in 1930 at Nasik and later in Visapur, where he resolved to commit his life to public service.
• Between 1948 and 1983, he served as the President of Harijan Sevak Sangh, an organisation founded by Gandhi to uplift marginalized communities.

Role in India's Cooperative Movement

• In 1946, with encouragement from Morarji Desai and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Tribhuvandas spearheaded the formation of the Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd. (KDCMPUL) to counter exploitative practices by private dairies such as Polson Dairy.
• His strategy began with organizing village-level milk cooperatives, where membership was inclusive, cutting across caste, class, and religion.
• Recognizing the need for professional management, he brought in Dr. VergheseKurien, who later led India’s White Revolution.

Institution Building and Legacy

Tribhuvandas Patel played a pivotal role in laying the foundations of several key institutions that transformed India’s dairy sector:

• Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF)
• National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)
• Institute of Rural Management, Anand (IRMA)

His lifelong efforts significantly empowered rural milk producers and contributed to India’s emergence as a dairy powerhouse.

Recognitions and Awards

• Ramon Magsaysay Award (1963) for Community Leadership
• Padma Bhushan (1964) from the Government of India for his services to society

Background:

Weather balloons, crucial for upper atmospheric observations, are facing reduced deployment in the United States due to recent budget cuts. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has significantly scaled back balloon launches since March 2025 following a 25% budget reduction. This has raised global concerns among meteorologists over the potential decline in forecast accuracy.

What are Weather Balloons?

• Inventor: Léon Teisserenc de Bort (France), first launched them in 1896; discovered the tropopause and stratosphere.
• Composition: Latex balloons filled with helium or hydrogen.
• Altitude: Can ascend up to 1,15,000 feet (35 km) in approximately 2 hours.
• Instrument Carried: Radiosonde – a small device suspended ~66 feet below the balloon that transmits real-time atmospheric data (temperature, pressure, humidity, wind) via radio signals.
• Technology: Modern radiosondes are lightweight, GPS-enabled, and energy-efficient.

Historical Context:

• Initial upper-air measurements in the 18th century used kites with meteorographs.
• Weather balloons replaced kites due to higher altitude capability and improved data reliability.
• The introduction of radiosondes in the 1930s revolutionized weather forecasting by enabling real-time data transmission.

Importance of Upper Air Observations

• Upper atmosphere (>5,000 feet) plays a vital role in generating surface-level weather conditions like rain, storms, and drought.
• Weather balloons help bridge the data gap between surface stations and satellites by offering vertical atmospheric profiles.
• Twice-daily launches at 0000 UTC and 1200 UTC (~5:30 AM and 5:30 PM IST) are globally coordinated at over 900 stations, including 56 in India.

India’s Scenario

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) conducts routine balloon launches for weather forecasting.
• The National Balloon Facility (NBF) in Hyderabad, jointly managed by ISRO and TIFR, supports high-altitude atmospheric research.

Impact of Reduced Launches

• NOAA’s scaling down has sparked fears of reduced forecast accuracy globally.
• A similar move by Russia in 2015 led to a measurable decline in forecast quality across Europe, highlighting the critical role radiosondes play.
• NOAA plans to replace some balloon data with AI-powered alternatives developed by private firms to reduce costs.

Why Weather Balloons Still Matter in the Satellite Era

• Satellites provide large-scale imagery but lack the granularity of vertical atmospheric data.
• Weather balloons offer crucial insights into lower- and mid-atmospheric layers where storms and climate dynamics form.
• Radiosonde data is essential for calibrating satellite measurements, ensuring reliability in climate modeling and forecasting systems.

In News:

Mizoram has officially become India’s first fully literate state, attaining a literacy rate of 98.2% according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24. This achievement surpasses the 95% threshold defined by the Ministry of Education to classify a region as fully literate.

Definition of Literacy

• As per the Office of the Registrar General of India, a literate person is someone aged 7 years or above who can read and write with understanding in any language.
• Under NEP 2020 and in alignment with SDG 4.6, the definition has expanded to include the ability to read, write, and compute with comprehension, and includes digital and financial literacy and critical life skills.

India’s Literacy Landscape (2023–24)

• National Literacy Rate: 80.9% (age 7+)
• Mizoram: 98.2% (Highest; now declared fully literate)
• Ladakh: First UT to achieve full functional literacy under ULLAS
• Lowest Literacy Rates: Andhra Pradesh (72.6%), Bihar (74.3%)

ULLAS – Nav Bharat SaakshartaKaryakram

The achievement is attributed to the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society)programme, a centrally sponsored scheme running from 2022 to 2027, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Key Features:

• Target Group: Adults aged 15 years and above who missed formal education.
• Implementation: Based on volunteerism and the principle of Kartavya Bodh (sense of duty).
• Components:
  • Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
  • Critical Life Skills (including digital, legal, financial literacy)
  • Basic Education
  • Vocational Skills Development
  • Continuing Education
• Assessment: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) is conducted periodically for certification.
• Digital Tools: Resources provided through the DIKSHA platform and the ULLAS mobile/web portal in regional languages.

What is Functional Literacy?

Functional literacy refers to an individual's ability to apply reading, writing, and numeracy in daily tasks, enabling personal development and community participation.

Other Key Educational Initiatives

• PM SHRI Schools
• Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
• PRAGYATA (Digital Education)
• Mid-Day Meal Scheme
• BetiBachaoBetiPadhao
• National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL)

In News:

According to the 16th Asiatic Lion Census (2025) conducted by the Gujarat Forest Department, the Asiatic lion (Panthera leopersica) population has grown from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025, marking a 32.2% increase in five years.

Key Highlights:

• Core Areas (Protected Forests & Sanctuaries): 384 lions
• Non-Forest Areas: 507 lions (up from 340 in 2020)
• 44.22% of the total population now lives outside traditional protected zones.
• Gir National Park, along with Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and Pania Wildlife Sanctuary, holds 394 lions—the core population.
• Amreli district leads with 257 lions, while Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary has seen its count double to 32.
• Barda Wildlife Sanctuary near Porbandar recorded 17 lions, marking a population return since 1879.
• New satellite populations identified near Jetpur and Babra-Jasdan.
• Adult Females: 330 recorded—a 27% increase since 2020, indicating strong reproductive potential.

Census Methodology

The 2025 census employed direct beat verification, a statistically rigorous method:

• The landscape was divided into zones and sub-zones.
• Personnel included officials, enumerators, supervisors, and volunteers.
• Unlike the tiger census (which spans 2 years), the lion census was completed in just 3 days.

Project Lion (Launched in 2020)

Aimed at ensuring the long-term conservation of Asiatic lions, Project Lion focuses on:

• Habitat restoration
• Strengthening the prey base
• Human-wildlife conflict mitigation
• Monitoring via advanced technology, including:
  • Radio-collars
  • Camera traps
  • Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking
  • GIS-based real-time surveillance
  • AI-driven tools likeSIMBA, e-GujForest, andAlert Generation System
  • Automated sensor grids (magnetic, motion, infrared)

Habitat and Legal Status

• Natural Habitat: Grasslands, open woodlands, savannas, and scrublands.
• Main Range: Gir Forests in Gujarat; Barda Wildlife Sanctuary emerging as a second habitat.
• Legal Protection:
  • Schedule I and IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
  • Appendix I of CITES
  • IUCN Status: Vulnerable

Distinctive Traits

• Smaller in size compared to African lions.
• Males have a moderate mane allowing visible ears.
• A distinct belly fold—rare in African lions.
• No fixed breeding season.

Global Conservation Context

India is a founding member of the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA), launched in 2023 to enhance global cooperation on big cat conservation, including lions.

Additionally, the IUCN’s Green Status of Species (2025) introduced a recovery-based conservation framework. Lions are currently classified as "Largely Depleted", highlighting the need for sustained and collaborative conservation actions.

In News:

In a significant verdict for environmental governance, the Supreme Court of India, in the case Vanashakti v. Union of India (May 2025), struck down the 2017 notification and 2021 Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). These instruments allowed retrospective (ex-post facto) environmental clearances—i.e., granting environmental approval to industries after they had begun operations without prior clearance.

What are Retrospective Environmental Clearances?

• Definition: Ex-post facto clearances permit projects to start operations without prior Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval and seek clearance later.
• Contradiction: These violate the EIA Notification, 2006, issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which mandates prior approval before beginning any project impacting the environment.

Details of the 2017 Notification & 2021 SOP

• 2017 Notification:
  • Provided a one-time 6-month window for industries that violated clearance norms to regularize operations.
  • Central-level appraisal for all cases, regardless of project size or category.
  • Violators remained subject to action by State Pollution Control Boards.
  • Intended to bring violators under regulatory oversight and ensure remediation costs.
• 2021 SOP:
  • Issued to standardize processing of violation cases following an NGT directive.
  • Did not use the term “ex-post facto”, but allowed project appraisals after operations began—effectively regularising violations.
• Appraisal Committee: A committee led by NEERI’s former director S.R. Wate appraised such cases over 47 meetings between 2017–2021.

Supreme Court’s Rationale

• Violation of Fundamental Rights:
  • Held the 2017 Notification and 2021 SOP unconstitutional as they violate:
    • Article 21 – Right to a clean and pollution-free environment.
    • Article 14 – Equality before law; violators were unjustly protected.
• Against Environmental Jurisprudence:
  • Reaffirmed past rulings:
    • Common Cause v. Union of India (2017)
    • Alembic Pharmaceuticals v. Rohit Prajapati (2020)
  • These had declared ex-post facto clearances illegal and anathema to environmental law.
• On “One-Time” Justification:
  • Rejected the Centre’s argument that the 2017 measure was a one-time exception.
  • Even a one-time relaxation, the Court said, undermines environmental protections and encourages illegal practices.
• Criticized Centre's Intent:
  • Noted that the SOP was a disguised attempt to bring back ex-post facto clearances.
  • Warned against such “clever drafting” to bypass the law.

Implications of the Verdict

• Reinforces EIA Norms: Upholds the mandatory prior environmental clearance process under EIA 2006.
• Strengthens Environmental Rule of Law: Emphasizes precautionary principle and polluter pays principle.
• Curtails Regulatory Evasion: Sends a clear message that industries cannot bypass environmental safeguards.
• Protects Public Health: Highlights link between environmental damage and issues like pollution in Delhi.
• Judicial Oversight: Asserts constitutional checks on executive actions that dilute environmental protections.

In News:

Recently, the IMF Executive Board approved a $1 billion disbursement to Pakistan under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). This brings total disbursements under the current EFF arrangement to $2.1 billion out of a total planned support of $7 billion.

What is the Extended Fund Facility (EFF)?

• Governed by: International Monetary Fund (IMF), part of the Bretton Woods Institutions.
• Purpose: To support countries facing medium-term balance of payments problems caused by structural economic weaknesses.
• Nature of Support:Loan (not a grant or aid), with extended repayment periods.
• Tenure: Typically spans over three or more years, with phased disbursements.
• Objective: Enables countries to implement structural reforms such as:
  • Broadening the tax base
  • Strengthening financial institutions
  • Reducing fiscal deficits
  • Managing inflation

Eligibility for EFF:

To qualify, countries must:

• Exhibit persistent balance of payments stress
• Have deep-rooted economic weaknesses (e.g., poor governance, low investment, weak tax systems)
• Show a willingness to undertake IMF-monitored reforms

Pakistan’s Economic Situation:

• Stagnant GDP: Estimated at $338 billion in 2023, lower than in 2017.
• High Inflation: Averaging over 20% between 2020–2024.
• Frequent Borrowing: Pakistan has received 28 IMF loans in 35 years, and also borrows from:
  • China
  • UAE and Saudi Arabia
  • ADB, IDB, Paris Club, Nordic Development Fund

Key Challenges:

• Economic mismanagement
• Low savings and investment
• Infrastructure gaps
• Low female workforce participation
• High population growth

Why Did IMF Approve the 2025 Tranche?

The IMF approved the tranche based on positive macroeconomic developments:

• Reduced inflation: Down to 0.3% in April 2025
• Improved forex reserves
• Fiscal reforms: Implementation of the FY2025 budget and Agricultural Income Tax
• Credible reform measures: IMF noted Pakistan’s “significant progress” in restoring economic stability.

In News:

During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force reportedly employed SCALP missiles launched from Rafale fighter jets to target high-value terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

What is the SCALP Missile?

• The SCALP (Système de CroisièreAutonome à Longue Portée) is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile designed for deep-strike missions.
• It is also known by its British designation, Storm Shadow.
• Developed jointly by France and the United Kingdom, it is built for precision attacks on strategic, fixed, and fortified targets.
• Global Operators: The missile is in operational use by the air forces of:India, France, United Kingdom, Egypt, Italy, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE.
• Indian Integration: The Indian Air Force has integrated the SCALP missile with its Rafale fleet, enhancing India's capacity to conduct long-range precision strikes with minimal collateral damage.

Key Features:

Feature                                              Description

Range                                                 Approximately 500 km

Warhead                                         450 kg high-explosive, designed to penetrate hardened structures

Weight                                              Around 1,300 kg

Dimensions                                   Length: ~5 metres; Wingspan: ~3 metres

Speed                                                Subsonic (around Mach 0.8)

Guidance Systems                  Combined GPS/INS navigation, terrain-following radar, and

                                                                infrared homing for terminal precision

Stealth Capability                   Optimized for low-altitude flight to evade radar detection

Accuracy                                        Uses image-based terminal guidance to match