In News:

Russia has become the first nation to officially recognize the Taliban-led Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, formalizing diplomatic relations with the regime that took control in 2021.

Context and Significance:

• This development comes amid limited international recognition of the Taliban government, which took over Kabul in 2021 after the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces.
• Russia’s move could reshape regional diplomacy in Central and South Asia, potentially influencing other neighboring powers like China, Iran, and the UAE, which has also shown warming ties.
• The decision also reflects Russia's strategic interests in counterterrorism cooperation, regional stability, and its broader geopolitical competition with the West.

Profile of Russia

Geographical Overview:

• Continent: Northern Eurasia, straddling both Eastern Europe and Northern Asia
• Area: Approximately 17 million square kilometers, making it the largest country in the world
• Time Zones: Spans across 11 time zones
• Capital City: Moscow

Neighbours and Boundaries:

• Land Borders: Shares land borders with 16 countries—more than any other nation:
  • In Europe: Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland (via Kaliningrad), Belarus, Ukraine
  • In Asia: Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, North Korea
• Maritime Borders:
  • United States (via the Bering Strait)
  • Japan (via the Sea of Okhotsk)

• Major Mountain Ranges:
  • Ural Mountains: Traditional boundary between Europe and Asia
  • Caucasus Mountains: Includes Mount Elbrus, Europe’s highest peak
  • Altai, Sayan, and Kamchatka ranges in Siberia
• Key Rivers and Lakes:
  • Volga River: Longest river in Europe
  • Lena, Yenisei, and Ob Rivers: Flow through Siberia into the Arctic Ocean
  • Lake Baikal: World’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake
  • Lake Ladoga: Largest lake in Europe by area
• Climatic and Vegetation Zones:
  • Encompasses tundra, taiga (boreal forest), steppes, and semi-deserts
  • Permafrost regions in Siberia restrict infrastructure and habitation

In News:

NITI Aayog has released a comprehensive report envisioning India’s transformation into a global chemical manufacturing hub with a projected 12% share in global value chains (GVCs) and USD 1 trillion in output by 2040.

Current Landscape of India’s Chemical Industry

• Significant Economic Contributor: India is the 6th largest chemical producer globally and 3rd in Asia, contributing over 7% to manufacturing GDP. Key linkages: Pharmaceuticals, textiles, agriculture, and construction.
• Fragmented Sector Structure: Dominated by MSMEs, the sector suffers from lack of integrated value chains and modern infrastructure. Example: Cluster-based growth is concentrated in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
• Low Global Integration: India’s 3.5% share in global chemical value chains reflects weak backward integration and poor export competitiveness. The trade deficit in 2023 was USD 31 billion.
• High Import Dependence: Heavy reliance on China and Gulf countries for feedstocks and specialty chemicals. Example: Over 60% of critical Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) are sourced from China.
• Negligible R&D Investment: India invests only 0.7% of industry revenue in R&D, far below the global average of 2.3%, limiting innovation in green and specialty chemicals.
• Regulatory and Procedural Hurdles: Environmental clearance (EC) delays (up to 12–18 months) and procedural bottlenecks lead to cost and time overruns.
• Skilling Deficit:
  A 30% shortage of skilled professionals in green chemistry, process safety, and nanotechnology. Example: ITIs and vocational programs lag behind industry requirements.

Emerging Opportunities

• Green Chemistry Revolution: Global shift toward sustainable chemicals presents new market opportunities.
• Geopolitical Realignment: Rising distrust of China globally enables India to emerge as an alternate supplier.
• FTA Leverage: India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with UAE, EU, and ASEAN can enhance tariff-free access to major markets.
• Make in India Ecosystem: Policy support through PLI schemes, Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Regions (PCPIRs), and chemical parks.
• Job Creation Potential: The sector could generate 7 lakh skilled jobs by 2030, particularly in petrochemicals, research, and logistics.

Persistent Challenges

• Feedstock Vulnerability: Over-dependence on crude oil and naphtha imports poses price and supply risks.
• Outdated Industrial Clusters: Legacy clusters lack modern safety systems, storage infrastructure, and waste treatment facilities.
• High Logistics Costs: Freight costs are 2–3 times higher than global averages, reducing export competitiveness.
• Regulatory Complexities: Absence of single-window clearances, frequent policy shifts, and inter-state inconsistencies deter investments.
• Weak Industry-Academia Linkages: Poor collaboration leads to low patent output and limited skill development.

NITI Aayog’s Recommendations

• Develop World-Class Chemical Hubs: Upgrade existing clusters and establish empowered committees. Suggested hubs: Paradeep, Dahej, Vizag. Introduce a dedicated Chemical Infrastructure Fund.
• Opex-Based Incentives: Offer operational subsidies linked to import substitution and export potential.
• Boost Technology Access & R&D:
  • Establish an industry-academia interface under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
  • Enable technology transfer from global MNCs.
• Streamline Environmental Clearances:
  • Simplify processes via DPIIT audit mechanisms.
  • Ensure greater transparency and faster approvals.
• Strengthen Skill Development:
  • Expand and modernize ITIs and specialized institutes.
  • Introduce tailored courses in polymer science, green chemistry, and process safety.
• Negotiate Chemical-Specific FTAs:
  • Incorporate product-specific clauses.
  • Simplify rules of origin and documentation processes.

In News:

The Hong Kong International Convention (HKC) for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships officially came into force on June 26, 2025.

About HKC:

• The HKC is a global treaty adopted under the aegis of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to regulate the safe and environmentally sustainable recycling of ships that have reached the end of their operational life.

Objectives:

• Protect human health, especially that of shipbreaking workers.
• Prevent environmental pollution during ship dismantling.
• Control and manage hazardous materials such as asbestos, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons.
• Ensure safe waste handling and disposal practices in recycling yards.

Key Provisions:

• Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM):Ships must maintain an IHM listing all hazardous substances on board.
• Ship Recycling Plan (SRP):A certified SRP must be approved before the ship is sent for dismantling.
• Recycling Completion Certificate:Recycling facilities must issue this certificate within 14 days of dismantling completion.
• Third-Party Audits and Certification:Classification societies recognized by the IMO will conduct compliance audits and issue relevant certifications.
• Authorized Recycling Yards:The convention promotes the use of regulated and approved facilities for ship recycling to ensure compliance with international safety and environmental norms.

Significance:

• Strengthens global maritime safety and sustainable shipbreaking practices.
• Encourages modernization and regulation of recycling yards, especially in developing countries like India and Bangladesh.
• Aligns ship recycling with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those on health, environment, and decent work.

In News:

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Ministry of Finance, launched “Operation Deep Manifest”, resulting in the seizure of Pakistani-origin goods worth ?9 crore.

Key Highlights:

• Seizure Details:39 containers carrying 1,115 metric tonnes of goods—primarily dry dates—were intercepted at Nhava Sheva Port. These goods were falsely declared as originating from the UAE.
• Route Manipulation:The consignments were illicitly routed via Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port after being shipped from Karachi, Pakistan, to obscure their true origin. Shipping documents were falsified and containers were switched during transshipment to evade detection.
• Violation of Policy:This seizure comes after India’s comprehensive ban on Pakistani-origin goods, which took effect on May 2, 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attacks. This replaced the earlier 200% customs duty imposed post-Pulwama (2019) and represents a zero-tolerance economic policy toward Pakistan.
• Financial and Security Links:Investigations uncovered financial linkages with Pakistani and UAE-based entities, pointing to an organized smuggling network with possible illicit financial flows and national security implications.
• Enforcement Action:A partner from one of the importing firms was arrested on June 26, and further criminal and financial investigations are ongoing.

Significance:

• National Security:Helps prevent economic infiltration from hostile states and curbs funding channels that could support anti-national activities.
• Trade Compliance:Acts as a deterrent against third-country transshipment—a common method to bypass sanctions or import bans.
• Tech-Driven Enforcement:Utilized document forensics, data analytics, and container surveillance to detect misdeclarations and track suspect cargo routes.
• Reinforces Policy Posture:Strengthens India's position of economic disengagement with Pakistan in response to cross-border terrorism.

In News:

India, as the Vice President of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA), actively participated in the 2nd Session of the IALA Council, held in Nice, France.

What is IALA?

The International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) is a global intergovernmental technical body responsible for:

• Standardizing marine navigation aids (AtoN)
• Enhancing maritime safety
• Promoting environmental protection in marine navigation

Key Facts:

• Established: 1957 (as an NGO; became an IGO in 2024)
• Headquarters: Saint-Germain-en-Laye, near Paris, France
• Members: 39 countries
• Status: Transitioned to an Intergovernmental Organization in August 2024 after ratification by 30 states

India’s Role in IALA

India has been a Council Member since 1980, and was elected Vice President (2023–2027) during the 1st General Assembly in Singapore in 2023 — a significant recognition of India’s leadership in maritime affairs.

Major Indian Contributions:

• Development of Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) across 12 major ports
• Leadership in digital navigation aids and maritime innovation
• Promoting lighthouse heritage tourism
• Launching global training programs at the Kolkata Marine Navigation Training Institute

Highlights from the 2nd IALA Council Session

• Keynote: Outlined India’s achievements in integrating marine AtoN and future roadmap
• Technical Discussions:
  • Standardization of AtoN and VTS systems
  • Harmonized IoT protocols for visual AtoN
  • Maritime Service Registry development
  • Lighthouse heritage conservation
  • Planning IALA’s global activity schedule for 2025–2026

India to Host Key IALA Events

• 3rd IALA General Assembly – December 2025, Mumbai
• 21st IALA Conference – 2027, Mumbai

This reflects global confidence in India’s technical capabilities and strategic importance in the maritime domain.

Significance:

• Strategic Leadership: Reinforces India’s influence in international maritime governance.
• Digital Maritime Innovation: India is contributing to cutting-edge technologies like IoT protocols and digital AtoN.
• Global Capacity Building: Hosting and training initiatives bolster the global maritime workforce.
• Cultural Diplomacy: Lighthouse tourism and heritage preservation align technology with history.

In News:

In a significant milestone for India’s medical technology sector, the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has extended support for the development of the country’s first indigenously manufactured mechanical thrombectomy device for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

What is a Mechanical Thrombectomy Device?

The device is a minimally invasive medical tool designed to treat acute ischemic stroke, which occurs due to a blockage in a large blood vessel in the brain. Unlike conventional thrombolytic drugs that dissolve clots chemically, this device physically extracts the clot, thereby restoring blood flow swiftly and reducing the risk of severe brain damage or paralysis.

Development and Manufacturing

This pathbreaking innovation was developed by S3V Vascular Technologies Ltd, based in Mysuru, with financial backing from the TDB. The manufacturing takes place at an advanced, high-precision production facility within the Medical Devices Park in Oragadam, Tamil Nadu.

Key Features and Technological Highlights

• Indigenous Design: S3V is the first Indian company to conceptualize and produce stroke-intervention tools such as microcatheters, aspiration catheters, guidewires, and stent retrievers.
• R&D and Patents: The company has filed multiple patents, particularly for innovations in clot retriever head design and advanced catheter structures.
• Training and Capacity Building: A simulator-based training program has been initiated to train young medical professionals, with a focus on outreach in Tier-II cities.
• Global Compliance: The device aims to meet CE and USFDA standards, paving the way for international exports and aligning with global quality benchmarks.

Significance for India

• Reduces Import Dependency: The device addresses India’s reliance on expensive, imported stroke-care equipment.
• Cost-Effective Healthcare: By making stroke treatment more affordable, it enhances access to quality care for economically weaker sections.
• Supports Public Health Initiatives: It is expected to be integrated into government schemes like Ayushman Bharat, strengthening the country’s universal healthcare mission.
• Boosts MedTech Ecosystem: This innovation is a major stride in positioning India as a global player in the high-end medical devices sector.

In News:

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has launched two major global initiatives to advance inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems:

• “Four Betters Courses” Initiative – To revolutionize agrifood systems education
• “Commit to Grow Equality” Initiative – To bridge the gender gap in agrifood sectors

1. Four Betters Courses Initiative

• Launched: October 2024 during the World Food Forum
• Objective: To integrate FAO’s expertise into global agrifood systems education through partnerships with universities and academic networks.
• Alignment: Anchored in the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–2031

Core Philosophy – The “Four Betters” Approach:

1. Better Production – Promote efficient, inclusive, and resilient food systems
2. Better Nutrition – Ensure access to safe, nutritious, and affordable diets
3. Better Environment – Address climate change and protect ecosystems
4. Better Life – Improve rural livelihoods and reduce inequalities

• Delivery Platform: Implemented through the FAO eLearning Academy, which provides over 600 multilingual, certified courses.

2. Commit to Grow Equality (CGE) Initiative

• Launched: 2024 on the platform of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
• Objective: To narrow the gender gap in agrifood systems and enhance women’s empowerment, especially in rural areas.

Key Highlights:

• Aims to benefit over 54 million women worldwide
• Mobilizes $1 billion in investments toward gender-responsive agrifood initiatives
• Provides strategic tools for tracking gender equality outcomes in public and private sectors
• Promotes gender-aligned national agricultural policies
• Facilitates evidence-based policymaking and fosters collaboration across governments, NGOs, and the private sector

In News:

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released its latest decadal climate forecast (2025–2029), warning of a continued trend of record-breaking global temperatures. This projection raises serious concerns about climate risks, sustainable development, and international climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Key Projections:

• Annual Global Temperature Rise: Each year from 2025–2029 is projected to be 1.2°C to 1.9°C above pre-industrial levels (1850–1900).
• Record Heat Likelihood:
  • 80% chance that at least one year will surpass 2024, currently the warmest year on record.
  • 86% probability that one year will exceed the 1.5°C threshold.
• Five-Year Mean Warming: 70% chance that the 2025–2029 average will be above 1.5°C, a sharp rise from 47% (2024–2028) and 32% (2023–2027).

Note: The Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C limit refers to long-term (20-year) averages, but short-term overshoots are now increasingly probable.

Regional and Thematic Insights:

1. Arctic Amplification: Arctic winters (Nov–Mar) are projected to be 2.4°C warmer than the 1991–2020 average—3.5× faster than the global rate.

2. Sea Ice Decline: Continued sea ice reduction is expected in the Barents Sea, Bering Sea, and Sea of Okhotsk, impacting marine biodiversity and indigenous livelihoods.

3. Precipitation Variability:

• Wetter-than-average conditions likely in:
  • Sahel region
  • Northern Europe
  • Alaska and Northern Siberia
• Drier conditions expected over:
  • Amazon Basin
  • Parts of South Asia

South Asia may witness generally wet years, though seasonal variability will persist.

Impact and Implications:

• Extreme Weather Events: Increased warming will fuel more intense heatwaves, extreme rainfall, droughts, and floods, stressing both urban systems and agriculture.
• Cryosphere and Ocean Changes:
  • Accelerated glacier and sea ice melt will raise sea levels.
  • Ocean heating contributes to acidification and marine biodiversity loss.
• Threat to Sustainable Development: Progress on SDGs, particularly food security, water availability, and health, is at risk in vulnerable regions.

Way Forward:

• Revise NDCs at COP30: Strengthen and align Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with the 1.5°C goal.
• Accelerate Clean Energy Transition: Promote renewables, energy efficiency, and net-zero strategies to reduce GHG emissions.
• Adaptation and Resilience: Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems.
• Climate Monitoring & Forecasting: Enhance WMO-led regional forecasts and risk assessment tools.
• Preserve Natural Carbon Sinks: Protect forests, wetlands, and oceans to mitigate atmospheric CO?.

In News:

The Maasai, a prominent indigenous community in East Africa, are resisting international carbon credit projects in Tanzania. They fear these initiatives may lead to land dispossession and the erosion of their traditional pastoralist lifestyle.

Who are the Maasai?

• Ethnic Group: Semi-nomadic pastoralists found primarily in Tanzania and Kenya, especially in the Great Rift Valley and semi-arid savannas.
• Language:Maa (Eastern Sudanic branch, Nilo-Saharan family).
• Cultural Identity:
  • Known for distinct attire, beadwork, and warrior traditions.
  • Socially organized through patrilineal clans, divided into moieties and age-sets (from junior warriors to senior elders).
  • Youth (Morans) undergo bush training for resilience and discipline.
• Livelihood:
  • Rely on cattle, sheep, and goats for milk, meat, and blood.
  • Practice transhumance, moving seasonally for water and pasture.
  • Reside in kraals—circular enclosures with mud-dung houses and thorn fences.

Carbon Credit Projects and Rising Tensions

• Projects Involved:
  • Longido and Monduli Rangelands Carbon Project (Volkswagen ClimatePartners).
  • Resilient Tarangire Ecosystem Project (The Nature Conservancy).
• Area Affected: Nearly 2 million hectares of Maasai grazing land.
• Project Goal: Store soil carbon and sell offsets to polluters globally.

Maasai Concerns and Resistance

• Forced Land-Use Changes:Carbon projects impose structured rotational grazing (e.g., 14-day grazing cycles), disrupting centuries-old mobility practices.
• Lack of Consultation:Research by the Maasai International Solidarity Alliance (MISA) shows widespread violations of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).
  • Women and youth were excluded from consultations.
  • Some communities unknowingly entered 30–40 year contracts.
  • Payments were often tokenistic and poorly explained.
• Economic and Legal Risks:
  • Villages lack clarity on revenue shares from credits.
  • Contracts lock communities into rigid systems despite village land-use plans being reviewed every 10 years.
  • Intermediaries—not end buyers—dominate the agreements.

Government and Global Dimensions

• Tanzania’s Push:The government expects $1 billion/year from carbon credit sales and is streamlining the sector through the National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC).
• Global Scrutiny:
  • Investigations reveal over 90% of rainforest offsets by some certifiers are ineffective.
  • Soil carbon in semi-arid areas (like Maasai rangelands) is volatile and hard to quantify.

Grassroots Resistance and Legal Action

• Cultural and Spiritual Attachment:Land is integral to Maasai identity, beyond livestock rearing—it holds spiritual and cultural significance.
• Legal Mobilization:Young warriors, once defending livestock from predators, now advocate legally to protect ancestral land.MISA, formed after violent evictions in 2022 (Ngorongoro, Loliondo), spearheads resistance against exploitative schemes.

In News:

India has officially taken over the Chairmanship of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for the 2025–26 term during the 67th Governing Body Meeting.

About APO:

• Type: Regional intergovernmental organization.
• Established:1961.
• Headquarters:Tokyo, Japan.
• Membership: 21 member economies from the Asia-Pacific region, including India, Japan, Iran, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, and others.
• India:Founding member of the APO.

Key Objectives:

• Enhance productivity in member countries through mutual cooperation.
• Foster sustainable and inclusive socioeconomic development.
• Promote innovation-led growth across industry, agriculture, services, and public sectors.

Core Functions:

• Policy Advisory:Assists governments in designing national productivity strategies.
• Capacity Building:Conducts training programs, workshops, and research initiatives to boost productivity skills.
• Centres of Excellence:Facilitates innovation and best practices sharing among members.
• Green Productivity:Promotes environmentally sustainable growth models.
• Digital & Innovation Ecosystem:Encourages digital transformation and entrepreneurship through regional collaboration.

Organizational Structure:

• Governing Body:The apex decision-making entity; sets strategic direction and reviews performance annually.
• National Productivity Organizations (NPOs):Act as nodal agencies coordinating with the APO at the national level.
• Secretariat:Based in Tokyo, headed by a Secretary-General, manages daily operations.

Significance for India:

• India’s chairmanship marks a step forward in shaping regional productivity policies and highlights India’s commitment to sustainable development and economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific.

In News:

Infectious animal diseases are spreading to previously unaffected regions and species, with nearly half (47 per cent) capable of zoonotic transmission or spreading between animals, according to the inaugural State of the World’s Animal Health report released by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

Key Details:

Published by:

• World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), formerly OIE (Office International des Epizooties), founded in 1924, headquartered in Paris.
• Recognized by the WTO for setting global standards on animal health and zoonotic disease control.

Objective of the Report:

• To provide a comprehensive global assessment of animal health trends, risks, and disease outbreaks.
• To promote a One Health approach, linking animal health with human health and environmental sustainability.

Major Findings:

1. Rising Zoonotic Threats:

• 47% of animal diseases reported between 2005–2023 have zoonotic potential (can spread from animals to humans).
• These include avian influenza, African swine fever (ASF), foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).

2. Geographic Expansion of Diseases:

• Diseases are emerging in new regions and species due to climate change, global trade, and ecosystem disruptions.
• Example: ASF jumped over 1,800 km to reach Sri Lanka in 2024, marking the year's most significant disease leap.
• PPR re-emerged in Europe, traditionally limited to developing regions.

3. Avian Influenza Evolution:

• Over 630 million birds culled or lost in 20 years.
• In 2024, more outbreaks were reported in non-poultry species (55 countries) than poultry (42 countries).
• Mammal infections doubled, raising concerns of cross-species transmission.

4. Other Notable Disease Events:

• Germany faced its first FMD outbreak since 1988.
• New World Screwworm, a parasitic fly, re-emerged in Mexico and Nicaragua.
• Bluetongue virus reported in 23 countries with over 3,500 cases in 2024.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): A Global Threat

Key Data:

• By 2050, AMR may cause:
  • Loss of livestock threatening food security for 2 billion people.
  • $100 trillion global economic loss.

Drivers:

• Indiscriminate use of antibiotics in livestock, aquaculture, and agriculture.
• Around 20% of countries still use antimicrobials as growth promoters, including high-priority drugs like colistin and enrofloxacin.

Trends:

• Global antibiotic use in animals fell by 5% (2020–2022).
  • Europe: 23% decline.
  • Africa: 20% decline.

Recommendations by WOAH:

• Enhance vaccine access and distribution, especially in low-income countries.
• Strengthen Veterinary Services, surveillance, and biosecurity.
• Improve hygiene and disease prevention to reduce antibiotic dependence.
• Promote international cooperation under the One Health framework.
• Ban or regulate the use of antibiotics as growth promoters.

About WOAH:

• Intergovernmental organization with 183 member countries, including India.
• Monitors, controls, and reports on animal diseases to ensure safe trade, public health, and food security.
• Partner in Global Action Plan on AMR with WHO and FAO.

Indian Initiatives on AMR & Animal Health:

• National Action Plan on AMR (2017–2021) – Focus on awareness, surveillance, infection control, and R&D.
• FSSAI guidelines to regulate antibiotic residues in food of animal origin.
• National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) – Focus on vaccination against FMD and Brucellosis.

In News:

One of India’s most extensive anti-Naxal offensives in recent years, Operation Black Forest, resulted in the elimination of 31 Maoists. The operation was conducted in the Kurraguttalu Hills, a strategic Maoist stronghold located on the Chhattisgarh–Telangana border.

Key Features of Operation Black Forest

• Type: High-intensity counterinsurgency operation
• Duration: 21 days
• Area of Operation:Kurraguttalu Hills (approx. 1,200 sq km), known for rugged terrain and dense forest cover

Objectives:

• Dismantle key Maoist bases and operational infrastructure
• Neutralize senior Maoist leadership
• Re-establish state control in insurgency-affected zones
• Contribute to the national target of eliminating Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 31, 2026

Security Forces Involved:

• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
• CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) units
• Chhattisgarh Police, including:
  • Special Task Force (STF)
  • District Reserve Guard (DRG)

About Kurraguttalu (Karregutta) Hills

• Geographical Location: On the inter-state border of BhadradriKothagudem district (Telangana) and Sukma district (Chhattisgarh)
• Terrain Characteristics:
  • Extends over 25–50 km
  • Features include steep elevations (~5,000 feet), caves, waterfalls, and dense forest cover
  • Topography ideal for guerrilla warfare and concealment
• Local Terminology: Referred to by tribal communities as “Black Hills” or “Carregutta”

Demographic & Socio-political Aspects:

• Inhabited by Koya, Gond, and Chenchu tribes
• Tribal communities have historically been vulnerable in the conflict zone, often caught between insurgents and state forces

Other Key Maoist-affected Regions

• Abujhmad (Chhattisgarh)
• Malkangiri (Odisha)
• Gadchiroli (Maharashtra)

These areas, like Karregutta, serve as critical Maoist corridors with difficult terrain and limited state presence, posing ongoing challenges to internal security operations.

In News:

India has warned it will retaliate if the United Kingdom implements its proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) from January 1, 2027, calling it a violation of the Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) principle of international climate agreements.

What is Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?

• It is a carbon tax on imports based on their carbon intensity of production.
• Aim: Prevent carbon leakage by aligning the cost of carbon between domestic and foreign producers.
• Sectors likely to be initially targeted include steel, cement, aluminium, and energy-intensive products.
• The UK is expected to implement its version of CBAM in 2027, following a similar approach by the European Union.

India’s Concerns

• Violation of CBDR Principle
  • CBAM undermines the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement, which recognize that developing countries require flexibility and support for decarbonization.
  • India’s per capita emissions are low, but its carbon intensity is higher due to developmental needs.
• Unfair Trade Practice
  • CBAM could nullify tariff concessions negotiated under the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal have labelled CBAM “unfair” and discriminatory.
• Double Taxation and Export Losses
  • Indian exporters may face double taxation—domestic environmental levies and UK’s border tax.
  • India proposed a ‘rebalancing mechanism’ and MSME carve-out, both of which the UK declined.
  • Export-heavy sectors like textiles, leather, ceramics, engineering goods, and steel may be hit hard due to sustainability compliance burdens.
• MSME Vulnerability
  • Labour-intensive MSMEs lack the capacity to meet expensive ESG norms and carbon tracking requirements.
  • India's request for exemption or compensation for MSMEs was not accepted.

India’s Response Strategy

• India reserves the right to retaliate if CBAM is imposed.
• Potential responses include:
  • Domestic carbon taxation to offset UK’s CBAM and use revenue for green transition.
  • Invoking a rebalancing clause under the FTA’s “general exceptions” (similar to GATT), allowing trade countermeasures for environmental or public interest.

Strategic Implications for India

• Non-tariff barriers like CBAM can undermine market access gained through FTAs.
• India must stay alert to evolving trade conditions involving environment, labour, IPR, and gender standards, which often require policy adjustments.
• Calls for India to strengthen its carbon tracking, ESG frameworks, and climate-compliant production systems to remain globally competitive.

About the OIC

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the world’s second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations, comprising 57 member states across four continents. It was established on September 25, 1969, following the historic summit held in Rabat, Morocco, which was convened in response to the arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem.

Objectives and Purpose

The OIC’s primary goals are to:

• Preserve and promote Islamic values.
• Safeguard the national sovereignty and independence of its member states.
• Contribute to international peace and security.
• Serve as the collective voice of the Muslim world, protecting their interests across economic, social, and political spheres.

Structure and Headquarters

• The OIC’s headquarters is located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• Its official languages are Arabic, English, and French.

Membership

Notable member countries include Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, the Palestinian Authority, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, among others.

Principal Organs of the OIC

1. Islamic Summit Conference (ISC):The highest authority of the OIC, meeting every three years to set the organization’s policies and strategic direction.
2. Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM):Convening annually, the CFM reviews and oversees the implementation of decisions made by the Islamic Summit.
3. General Secretariat:The executive branch responsible for executing the resolutions of the ISC and CFM.

Additionally, the OIC has established various ministerial-level committees—some chaired by heads of state—to coordinate cooperation among member countries in political, economic, cultural, social, spiritual, and scientific fields.

Partnerships and Global Engagement

The OIC collaborates closely with international organizations, including all specialized agencies of the United Nations, as well as governments and civil society organizations (CSOs). These partnerships help address concerns affecting its member states and the global Muslim community.

In News:

The Government of India has launched the PashuAushadhi initiative to establish dedicated stores across the country offering affordable, high-quality generic veterinary medicines. This move aims to reduce the out-of-pocket expenditure of farmers and enhance animal health and productivity, especially in the livestock and dairy sectors.

Key Features:

• Modelled on PMBJK: Inspired by the success of the Pradhan Mantri BharatiyaJanaushadhiKendras (PMBJK) that provide generic human medicines, the PashuAushadhiKendras will serve the same purpose for animals.
• Affordable Veterinary Drugs: These Kendras will provide non-branded (generic) veterinary medicines at significantly lower prices.
• Ethnoveterinary Medicines: Alongside allopathic drugs, they will also stock traditional remedies based on indigenous knowledge, compiled by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). These include formulations for fever, diarrhoea, indigestion, mastitis, and more.

Implementation Framework

• The initiative is part of the revised Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP), approved by the Union Cabinet.
• Run by Co-operative Societies & PM-KisanSamriddhiKendras (PMKSKs).
• An initial budget of ?75 crore has been allocated under the LHDCP for veterinary medicine access and sales incentives.

Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)

• With an outlay of ?3,880 crore for 2024–25 and 2025–26, the LHDCP focuses on:
  • Prophylactic vaccination against major animal diseases (e.g., FMD, Brucellosis, CSF, PPR, Lumpy Skin Disease).
  • Disease surveillance and veterinary infrastructure strengthening.
  • Capacity building of veterinary services across India.

Need and Significance

• As per the 20th Livestock Census (2019), India has 535.78 million livestock, including over 302 million bovines.
• Livestock productivity is often hampered by preventable diseases.
• Farmers bear significant expenses on veterinary care, highlighting the need for cost-effective treatment options.

In News:

The 21st AARDO Conference recently concluded in New Delhi, reaffirming the commitment to community-led rural development, local knowledge sharing, and South-South cooperation.

About AARDO

• Full Form: African-Asian Rural Development Organization
• Nature: Intergovernmental, autonomous organization
• Established:March 31, 1962
• Headquarters:New Delhi, India
• Origin:
  • Conceptualized at the 1955 East Asian Rural Reconstruction Conference (Tokyo)
  • Formalized after the 1961 Afro-Asian Conference on Rural Reconstruction (New Delhi)
  • Permanent HQ established in 1966 in India

Membership

• Full Members:32 countries from Asia and Africa (e.g., India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Zambia, Malaysia)
• Associate Members:3 entities (e.g., Korea Rural Community Corporation, Agricultural Bank of Sudan)
• Eligibility: Open to Afro-Asian countries that are full or associate members of the UN or its specialized agencies focused on rural development

Observer Status with International Organizations

AARDO has observer status with:

• FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization
• IFAD – International Fund for Agricultural Development
• UNDP – United Nations Development Programme
• UNESCO – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
• UNCTAD – United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

Objectives & Aims

• South-South Cooperation: Enhance technical and economic collaboration in rural development between Asia and Africa
• Sustainable Rural Development: Promote poverty alleviation, food security, and climate-resilient agriculture
• Capacity Building & Knowledge Sharing: Encourage exchange of best practices, innovations, and research

Functions

• Policy & Dialogue Platform: Facilitates discussions among member countries on rural development strategies
• Training & Capacity Building: Organizes international, regional, and national training programs to strengthen rural institutions
• Research & Action Studies: Initiates and disseminates research on shared challenges in agriculture and rural livelihoods
• Pilot Projects: Offers technical and financial assistance for pilot projects to serve as replicable models
• International Collaboration: Partners with UN agencies, regional bodies, and NGOs for integrated rural development
• Data Sharing: Provides members with disaggregated statistics and information for informed decision-making

In News:

Recently, over 150 false killer whales were found stranded on a remote beach near Arthur River on the northwest coast of Tasmania, Australia. The incident is one of several mass strandings reported in the region in recent years.

The event echoes earlier mass strandings:

• In 2022, 230 pilot whales stranded at Macquarie Harbor.
• In 2020, 470 long-finned pilot whales were stranded at the same site—the largest mass stranding in Australian history.

Possible Causes of Whale Strandings

Although the precise cause remains uncertain, potential factors include:

• Disorientation from loud underwater noises (e.g., naval exercises, seismic surveys)
• Illness, old age, injury
• Fleeing predators
• Severe weather events
• Geomagnetic anomalies

About False Killer Whales

• False killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) are not true killer whales but belong to the Delphinidae family, which also includes dolphins and pilot whales.
• They are large, social cetaceans, often found in warm, deep oceanic waters.
• These whales are highly vocal and social, forming strong social bonds within pods.
• Like other cetaceans, they rely on echolocation (underwater sound) for communication, hunting, and navigation.

About Killer Whales (Orcas)

• Although not involved in the stranding, killer whales (Orcinus orca) are relevant as close relatives within the same family (Delphinidae).
• Known for their distinct black and white markings, orcas are the largest members of the dolphin family.
• They are globally distributed in both open oceans and coastal waters.
• Killer whales live in stable matrilineal pods and use complex vocalizations.

Conservation Status

• The IUCN Red List classifies false killer whales and killer whales as Data Deficient, indicating that there is insufficient information to assess their risk of extinction.

In News:

The Fulani, one of Africa’s largest and most dispersed ethnic communities, trace their ancestry to the ‘Green Sahara’ period (12,000–5,000 years ago), according to recent genetic and anthropological research. This period, when the Sahara was a fertile, habitable landscape, marks the early development of African pastoralism.

The Fulani population is estimated at 40 million, spread across West and Central Africa, from Senegal and Guinea in the west to Lake Chad in the east. They are particularly concentrated in Nigeria, Mali, Guinea, Senegal, and Niger, and inhabit the Sahel-Savannah belt, straddling arid and semi-arid regions.

Nomadic Lifestyle and Social Structure

Traditionally known for their nomadic pastoralism, the Fulani have maintained a unique socio-cultural identity despite centuries of migration and contact with other African populations. Their society is internally diverse, divided into three main groups:

• Makiyaya: Nomadic herders
• FulaninSoro: Town dwellers
• Bararo: Forest dwellers, with strong ties to ancestral rituals and nature-based belief systems

Fulani communities are largely egalitarian, with a deep emphasis on kinship, family structure, and communal responsibility. Polygamy is widely practiced, and marriage ceremonies are elaborate, often involving intricate rituals and festive celebrations.

Women’s Role and Cultural Expression

Fulani women are recognized for their weaving, artisanal craftsmanship, and particularly their hairstyles, which are often elaborately styled and adorned with beads and cowrie shells—symbols of both identity and aesthetic tradition.

Linguistic and Religious Identity

The Fulani speak Fula (also called Fulfulde or Pulaar), a language belonging to the Atlantic branch of the Niger-Congo language family. Though largely Muslim, many retain spiritual connections with nature-based traditions, particularly among the Bararo groups.

Genetic Heritage and Historical Significance

A recent multinational study led by Uppsala University and Charles University analyzed biological and anthropological data from 460 Fulani individuals across 18 locations in seven African countries. It confirmed a complex genetic history, shaped by:

• Ancient North African ancestry, particularly linked to populations akin to modern-day Berbers of Morocco
• Historical interactions with West, Central, and East African communities
• A shared ancestral genetic component, likely rooted in early pastoral communities of the Green Sahara era

The research underscores that despite their high mobility and limited archaeological footprint, the Fulani have preserved a distinct genetic and cultural identity for millennia.

In News:

On 13th February 2025, President DroupadiMurmu imposed President’s Rule in Manipur under Article 356 of the Constitution, following a report submitted by the State Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. The move comes in the wake of a prolonged period of ethnic violence, governance vacuum, and the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on 9th February 2025.

Constitutional Provisions:

• Article 356 empowers the President to assume control of a state’s administration if it is determined that the state cannot be governed as per constitutional provisions.
• The Governor’s report or other evidence of breakdown is a prerequisite.
• Under this, the elected state government is dismissed, and the Governor becomes the executive head on behalf of the President.
• The State Legislative Assembly is either dissolved or placed under suspended animation. In Manipur’s case, it is under suspended animation, with its term valid until 2027.
• The proclamation must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within two months, and if extended, it can last up to six months at a time, with a maximum duration of three years.

Crisis Background and Ethnic Conflict

Manipur has witnessed an intense ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 3, 2023. The violence has led to:

• Over 250 people killed, and
• More than 60,000 displaced.

Security concerns and political instability escalated after the Chief Minister’s resignation, with the BJP leadership unable to find a consensus candidate for replacement. The deteriorating law-and-order situation, coupled with governance paralysis, prompted the imposition of President’s Rule.

Security and Migration Concerns

Former CM N. Biren Singh raised alarm over:

• Rising illegal immigration through the 398-km porous border with Myanmar, worsened by the Free Movement Regime (FMR).
• A demographic shift threatening the State’s land, identity, and resources.
• Post-violence governance failure, as state machinery struggled to respond effectively.

He emphasized the need to intensify detection and deportation of illegal immigrants, a concern linked to the root causes of ethnic tension.

Historical Context

• This is not the first time Manipur has come under central rule. The last imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur lasted 277 days, from June 2, 2001 to March 6, 2002.

In News:

Recent outbreaks of suspected Ranikhet disease (Newcastle Disease) have caused the death of approximately 1.5 lakh chickens in poultry farms across Andhra Pradesh (Eluru, Guntur, Prakasam, and the Godavari districts) and Haryana (Barwala and Raipur Rani in Panchkula). These outbreaks have raised alarms about biosecurity measures, especially in regions that are major poultry producers.

About Ranikhet Disease:

• Also known as: Newcastle Disease (ND)
• Causative Agent: Avian avulavirus 1 (also called Avian Paramyxovirus-1 or APMV-1)
• Affected Species: Primarily chickens, but also turkeys, ducks, pigeons, crows, geese, guinea fowls, partridges, doves, and even hedgehogs (suspected reservoirs).
• Nature of Disease: Highly contagious and fatal viral disease.
• Transmission:
  • Direct contact with infected bird secretions (especially feces)
  • Contaminated feed, water, equipment, clothing, and environment
  • ND virus can survive for weeks in cool environments, increasing risk in winter.

Symptoms and Impact:

• In Birds:
  • Respiratory issues: Sneezing, gasping
  • Nervous symptoms: Droopiness, loss of coordination
  • Digestive symptoms: Diarrhea
  • Mortality rate: Ranges from 50% to 100%
  • Production impact: Drop in egg production and fertility
• In Humans:
  • Mild zoonotic effect, primarily conjunctivitis in people handling infected birds or lab samples.
  • Usually self-limiting and non-fatal.

Recent Outbreaks and Investigations:

Andhra Pradesh:

• Approximately 1.5 lakh birds have died across multiple districts.
• Suspected cause: Highly virulent strain of Ranikhet Disease.

Haryana (Barwala–Raipur Rani belt):

• This belt houses around 115 poultry farms and is the second-largest poultry producer in Asia.
• Previously affected by bird flu outbreaks in 2006 and 2014.
• Northern Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (NRDDL), Jalandhar collected 40 new samples from affected farms after being unsatisfied with earlier ones.
• Preliminary suspicion points toward Ranikhet Disease; however, cold wave conditions and the presence of older birds (not replaced due to COVID-19 restrictions) may have also contributed.
• The region falls in the path of migratory birds, whose droppings can spread avian flu viruses, complicating disease identification.

Current Challenges:

• Lack of effective treatment: No curative treatment exists. Management relies on preventive vaccination, biosecurity measures, and good poultry housing practices.
• Diagnostic delays: Require reliable sampling and laboratory testing to confirm the cause.
• Climate sensitivity: Poultry are vulnerable to extreme cold, especially if housing and care are inadequate.
• Pandemic aftershocks: COVID-19 disruptions prevented the routine replacement of older birds, increasing vulnerability.

In News:

Recently, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (UNESCO-IOC) announced the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) enabling the creation of the Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM).

What is the Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM)?

• It is a collaborative governance initiative aimed at the sustainable management of marine resources in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf region.
• Conceived under the 10-year CLME+ Strategic Action Programme (SAP)—endorsed in 2014—it represents a transformative step toward integrated ocean governance.

Key Objectives of OCM:

• Promote sustainable fisheries
• Advance ecosystem restoration and marine spatial planning
• Establish marine protected areas (MPAs)
• Encourage pollution control and blue carbon development
• Foster cross-country and cross-institutional cooperation

It builds on lessons from earlier efforts like the Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Policy (PIROP), aiming to avoid past pitfalls such as vague targets, lack of integration, and funding shortfalls.

Significance of the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Region:

• Coral reefs and fisheries contribute ~$610 million annually to local economies
• The North Brazil Shelf is home to over 500 fish species
• Acts as a natural barrier against storms, crucial for climate resilience

Blue Carbon and Climate Action:

The OCM promotes blue carbon projects that utilize coastal ecosystems (like mangroves and seagrasses) for carbon storage, enhancing climate resilience and providing livelihoods to local communities.

Funding Details:

• $15 million from Global Environment Facility (GEF) via the UNDP/GEF PROCARIBE+ Project (2024–2028)
• Additional $126.02 million in co-financing mobilized
• However, the funding is modest compared to initiatives like the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (targeting $3 billion by 2030), raising concerns about OCM's long-term financial sustainability.

Role of IOC-UNESCO:

Established in 1961, the IOC of UNESCO promotes international cooperation in ocean science and policy. Key functions include:

• Marine scientific research (climate, biodiversity, sustainability)
• Tsunami warning systems
• Oceanographic data collection and dissemination
• Leading the UN Ocean Decade (2021–2030) for global marine conservation

Why OCM Matters:

• Addresses the Ocean–Climate–Biodiversity nexus
• Aims to ensure equitable access to marine resources
• Prioritizes local and vulnerable communities
• Integrates traditional knowledge with scientific research for culturally inclusive conservation

In News:

The Union Minister, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurated and laid the foundation for 50 key projects worth Rs. 50 crores under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) covering all North East Region States Except Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.

Key Highlights:

• Initiative: India’s first Organic Fisheries Cluster, launched under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The cluster focuses on sustainable aquaculture, promoting the production of antibiotic, chemical, and pesticide-free organic fish.
• Target Markets: Eco-conscious domestic and global markets.

Sikkim's Role as India’s First Organic State:

• Sikkim's Organic Commitment: Sikkim is the first Indian state to embrace 100% organic farming, covering 75,000 hectares of land.
• Vision: The Organic Fisheries Cluster aligns with Sikkim’s broader goal of promoting organic, sustainable agricultural practices.

Objective of Organic Fisheries Cluster:

• To prevent pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems by using ecologically healthy practices.
• Promotes sustainable fish farming methods, reducing environmental damage.
• Focus on species like amur carp and other carp varieties, aligning with the state’s success in organic farming.

Support from NABARD:

• The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) will provide financial and technical assistance.
• Key support includes:
  • Infrastructure development.
  • Formation of Fisheries-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs).
  • Capacity building of local fishers and farmers.

PMMSY: A Comprehensive Fisheries Development Scheme:

• Investment: ?20,050 crore under PMMSY.
• Objective: To revolutionize India’s fisheries sector by promoting sustainable growth, enhancing fish production, and improving infrastructure.
• Implementation Period: FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.
• Key Goals:
  • Boosting fish production and exports.
  • Enhancing welfare of fishers and farmers.
  • Promoting cluster-based development for better efficiency and competitiveness.

Cluster-Based Approach in Fisheries:

• Objective: To bring together geographically connected enterprises to enhance economies of scale.
• Impact: This approach improves financial viability, strengthens the fisheries value chain, and creates new business and livelihood opportunities.
• Types of Clusters: Includes Pearl, Seaweed, Ornamental Fisheries, Cold Water Fisheries, Organic Fisheries, and more.

Fisheries Focus in the North Eastern Region (NER):

• Fisheries Potential: The North Eastern Region (NER) has abundant freshwater resources and is a biodiversity hotspot.
• Growth: Inland fish production in the NER surged from 4.03 lakh tonnes (2014-15) to 6.41 lakh tonnes (2023-24), marking an impressive 5% annual growth.
• Investment in NER: Over ?2,114 crore invested through schemes like Blue Revolution and PMMSY.
• Key Projects:
  • 50 projects worth ?50 crore to boost the region’s fisheries infrastructure, generating over 4,500 jobs.
  • Projects include hatcheries, cold storage units, aquaculture parks, and fish kiosks.

India’s Global Fisheries Standing:

• India is the second-largest fish producer in the world, contributing 8% to global fish production.
• Top Rankings:
  • Second in aquaculture production.
  • Leading in shrimp production and exports.
  • Third in capture fisheries.

Government Commitments and Schemes:

• Total Investment: Since 2015, the government has committed ?38,572 crore to fisheries development through key schemes like:
  • Blue Revolution.
  • Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).
  • PMMSY.
  • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY).
• These initiatives aim to promote sustainable growth, create jobs, and enhance infrastructure in the fisheries sector.

Economic, Environmental, and Social Benefits:

• Economic Impact:
  • Higher incomes for fishers and farmers through better production and export.
  • Employment generation through infrastructure development.
• Environmental Impact: Reduced pollution and protection of aquatic ecosystems.
• Social Impact: Empowerment of local communities, fostering sustainable livelihoods.

In News:

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of the Government of India has recently reinstated the Protected Area Regime (PAR) for the states of Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland, which are strategically located along the international border with Myanmar. This move comes amid growing security concerns, particularly the influx of migrants from Myanmar, which has been cited as a significant factor in the ongoing conflicts in the region.

What is Protected Area Permit (PAP)?

A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is a special permission required for foreign nationals to visit certain areas of India deemed sensitive due to their proximity to international borders or other security-related concerns. The regulations governing the PAP are laid down under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, which restricts the entry of foreigners to designated regions within India.

Purpose of PAP:

The PAP regime serves multiple critical objectives:

• National Security: It ensures the monitoring and regulation of foreign nationals in sensitive border areas.
• Preservation of Local Communities: The regime safeguards indigenous populations and their unique cultural heritage.
• Environmental Conservation: The permit helps minimize ecological disturbances in fragile regions, ensuring sustainable tourism and development.

Key Features of PAP Regime:

• Eligibility: All foreign nationals, excluding Bhutanese citizens, must obtain a PAP to enter these designated areas. The permit can be granted for specific regions, routes, and time periods.
• Validity: The PAP is typically valid for 10 days with the possibility of extension.
• Restricted Areas: Certain foreign nationals, particularly those from Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan, require prior approval from the MHA to enter these regions.
• Tourism and Other Permits: While foreign nationals can visit these regions for tourism purposes under the PAP, non-touristic visits require special permission from the MHA.
• Registration: Foreigners must register with the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 24 hours of arrival in the protected area.

Historical Context and Reimposition:

The PAP regime was lifted for Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland in 2011, as part of efforts to boost tourism in the region. However, due to rising security concerns related to illegal immigration and ethnic tensions, the MHA reimposed the PAP in 2025. The government’s move aligns with its broader national security strategy to better control foreign movements in sensitive border regions, particularly those with Myanmar, where the Free Movement Regime (FMR) had previously allowed easier cross-border travel.

Background on Security Concerns:

The influx of individuals from Myanmar, particularly members of the Chin community, which shares ethnic ties with the Kuki-Zomi communities in India, has been a source of tension. The Manipur government has repeatedly emphasized that uncontrolled migration has contributed to the unrest in the state. Additionally, the decision to end the FMR between India and Myanmar has further intensified the debate over border security and migration.

Impact on Tourism and Local Communities:

While the reimposition of the PAP is seen as a measure to strengthen security, it has raised concerns in states like Mizoram and Nagaland, which have been actively promoting tourism. For example, Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival recently attracted over 200,000 visitors, including foreign nationals. The reintroduced restrictions may dampen tourism in these states, which were previously exempt from the PAP to encourage foreign visits.

Key Legal Provisions Under the PAP Regime:

• Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958: This order mandates the requirement of a PAP for foreigners visiting areas close to international borders.
• Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order, 1963: This order covers areas that require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for foreign nationals, such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

States Affected by the PAP Regime:

The PAP regime affects regions close to India’s international borders, including the entire states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand.

In News:

Recently, the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $98 million loan agreement to enhance horticulture crop productivity by improving plant health management. This initiative is part of India’s Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP), aiming to provide farmers with access to certified disease-free planting materials to improve yields, quality, and resilience, particularly against climate change impacts.

Key Highlights of the Loan Agreement

• Objective: Improve access to certified, disease-free planting materials for horticulture crops.
• Implementation: The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare through the National Horticulture Board (NHB) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• Focus: The initiative will enhance farmers’ productivity, resilience to climate change, and pest/disease management through the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP).

About the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP)

The Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme aims to tackle critical challenges in horticulture by ensuring farmers have access to high-quality, virus-free planting materials. The program is designed to:

• Enhance crop yields and quality.
• Promote climate-resilient varieties to help farmers adapt to rising temperatures and extreme weather events.
• Safeguard the environment by controlling plant diseases and pests proactively.

Key Components of the CPP

• Clean Plant Centers (CPCs): Establishment of nine world-class CPCs across India, equipped with advanced diagnostic labs and tissue culture facilities to maintain disease-free foundation planting materials.
• Certification Framework: A robust certification system will be introduced to ensure accountability in planting material production, including accreditation for private nurseries.
• Climate Resilience: Focus on developing and disseminating climate-resilient plant varieties, addressing the growing concerns over extreme weather events and changing pest behavior due to climate change.

Significance of the Loan Agreement

• Climate Adaptation: The project will help farmers mitigate the effects of climate change, including unpredictable weather patterns and altered pest/disease behaviors.
• Economic Impact: The initiative aligns with India's vision of self-reliance in horticulture (Atmanirbhar Bharat), boosting agricultural productivity and sustainability.
• Long-term Benefits: Improved farm productivity, sustainability, and economic well-being for farmers, especially in the face of climate change.

Global Horticulture Significance

• India’s Position: India is the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally, contributing 33% to the agricultural GDP.
• Land Coverage: Horticulture occupies 18% of India’s agricultural land, yet its production surpasses that of food grains.

Implementation and Impact

• Implementation Period: The project will be executed from 2024 to 2030, with 50% financial assistance from ADB.
• Institutional Strengthening: The initiative will bolster India’s ability to manage plant health, integrating advanced diagnostic techniques and capacity-building for horticulture professionals.

In News:

Recently, the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh was officially declared a Tiger Reserve, making it the 8th such reserve in the state. This declaration follows approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

Key Details:

• Core Area: 763.8 sq. km
• Buffer Area: 507.6 sq. km
• Total Area: 1,271.4 sq. km
• Ratapani Tiger Reserve is located in the Raisen and Sehore districts, within the Vindhya hills, and is home to approximately 90 tigers.
• It also forms a crucial part of Madhya Pradesh’s tiger habitat and serves as a migration corridor from the Satpura ranges.

Economic and Ecotourism Benefits:

• The designation will boost ecotourism, generating employment and improving livelihoods for local communities.
• Eco-development programs will support residents, providing new opportunities and addressing the balance between conservation and human interests.

Wildlife Conservation and Management:

• The reserve will focus on habitat management, wildlife protection, and community engagement.
• The core area has been recognized as a critical tiger habitat under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Efforts will include strengthening anti-poaching measures, improving surveillance, and enhancing prey base restoration.

Significance for Madhya Pradesh:

• This move places Madhya Pradesh as the "Tiger State of India", with significant conservation focus on the Ratapani and Madhav National Park (also in the process of becoming a tiger reserve).
• Madhya Pradesh now hosts 8 tiger reserves, contributing significantly to the country's overall tiger conservation efforts.

In News:

The 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users' Conference (AOMSUC-14)was held in New Delhi, India, hosted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. This annual event brings together meteorologists, earth scientists, and satellite data users to discuss advancements in satellite technology for weather and climate monitoring.

Key Facts:

• Objective:
  • Promote Satellite Observations: Highlight the importance of satellite data for meteorology and climatology.
  • Advance Remote Sensing Science: Foster advancements in satellite technology and its application in weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
  • Encourage Collaboration: Facilitate dialogue between satellite operators and users to enhance the use of satellite data across the Asia-Oceania region.
  • Discuss Future Plans: Update on the current status and future plans of international space programs.
  • Engage Young Scientists: Encourage the involvement of young researchers in satellite science and meteorology.
• Participants:
  • Around 150 participants from various countries, including key international space organizations like WMO, NASA, ESA, JAXA, and other meteorological and space entities.
  • The conference will feature oral presentations, poster sessions, panel discussions, and a training workshop focused on satellite data application.
• Significance of the Conference:
  • Regional Cooperation: AOMSUC promotes stronger cooperation between countries in the Asia-Oceania region, addressing shared challenges in meteorology and satellite data usage.
  • Improved Forecasting: Enhances satellite data utilization for more accurate weather forecasting, disaster prediction, and climate monitoring.
  • Disaster Risk Management: Strengthens early warning systems for extreme weather events, improving disaster preparedness and response.
  • Capacity Building: Offers training and workshops for local meteorologists, boosting the capacity of countries to use satellite data effectively for weather forecasting and climate services.
  • Data Sharing: Encourages collaboration in satellite data sharing, facilitating better access to meteorological data across national borders.
• History of AOMSUC:The first AOMSUC was held in Beijing, China in 2010. Since then, the conference has been held annually in various Asia-Oceania locations and has become a leading event for the meteorological community.

In News:

A new report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that wage inequality has decreased in about two-thirds of all countries since 2000. Despite this positive trend, significant wage differentials persist worldwide.

Global Wage Inequality Trends:

• Wage inequality has decreased in about two-thirds of all countries since 2000.
• Average Annual Decrease in Wage Inequality:
  • Ranges from 0.5 to 1.7% globally, depending on the measure used.
  • More significant reductions have been observed in low-income countries, where the decrease has ranged from 3.2 to 9.6% over the past two decades.
• Wealthier Countries: Wage inequality has decreased at a slower pace:
  • Upper-middle-income countries: annual decrease of 0.3 to 1.3%.
  • High-income countries: annual decrease of 0.3 to 0.7%.

Global Real Wage Growth:

• Global real wages grew by 1.8% in 2023, with projections reaching 2.7% growth in 2024 (highest increase in over 15 years).
• This marks a recovery from the negative global wage growth of -0.9% in 2022 due to high inflation rates.

Regional Wage Growth:

• Emerging Economies: Saw stronger wage growth than advanced economies.
  • Emerging G20 economies: 1.8% growth in 2022 and 6.0% growth in 2023.
• Advanced Economies: Faced real wage declines.
  • G20 advanced economies: Declined by -2.8% in 2022 and -0.5% in 2023.
• Fastest Wage Growth: Observed in regions like Asia-Pacific, Central and Western Asia, and Eastern Europe.

Wage Inequality Persistence:

• Income Distribution: The lowest-paid 10% of workers earn just 0.5% of the global wage bill, while the highest-paid 10% earn nearly 38%.
• Wage Inequality in Low-Income Countries: Particularly high, with nearly 22% of wage workers classified as low-paid.
• Women and Informal Economy Workers: More likely to be among the lowest-paid workers, underscoring the need for targeted actions to close wage and employment gaps.

Non-Wage Workers:

• Globally, one in every three workers is a non-wage worker.
• In low- and middle-income countries, many workers are self-employed in the informal economy, which skews overall income inequality measures.
• Income inequality in these regions is higher when including self-employed workers, especially those in informal employment.

Policy Recommendations:

• Targeted Policies: To reduce wage inequality, countries need stronger wage policies and structural support for equitable growth.
• Focus Areas:
  • Promote productivity and decent work.
  • Formalization of the informal economy to help reduce income inequality.
• Inclusive Growth: The ILO emphasizes that national strategies should aim for inclusive economic growth to achieve fair wages and reduce wage gaps.

Key ILO recommendations include: 

• Setting wages through social dialogue: wages should be set and adjusted through collective bargaining or agreed minimum wage systems involving governments, workers and employers.
• Taking an informed approach: wage-setting should take into account both the needs of workers and their families and economic factors.
• Promoting equality, and equal opportunity of treatment and outcomes: wage policies should support gender equality, equity and non-discrimination.
• Using strong data: decisions should be based on reliable data and statistics.
• Addressing root causes of low pay: national policies should reflect each country’s specific context and address the causes of low pay such as informality, low productivity and the under-valuing of jobs in sectors such as the care economy.

In News:

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) declared the winners of the National Gopal Ratna Awards(NGRA); one of the highest National Awards in the field of livestock and dairy sector for the year 2024.

About the National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA):

• Purpose:Recognize and encourage individuals, AI technicians, dairy cooperatives, and farmer organizations in the livestock and dairy sector.
• Categories:
  • Best Dairy Farmer (Indigenous Cattle/Buffalo Breeds)
  • Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT)
  • Best Dairy Cooperative/Milk Producer Company (MPC)/Dairy Farmer Producer Organization

8915. Addition (2024):Special awards for North Eastern Region (NER) to promote dairy development in the area, with winners in all three categories.
10065061. and Prizes:

• Rs. 5 lakhs for 1st rank, Rs. 3 lakhs for 2nd rank, Rs. 2 lakhs for 3rd rank, and Rs. 2 lakhs for Special NER Award in the categories of Best Dairy Farmer and Best Dairy Cooperative/FPO/MPCs.
• For Best AIT, winners will receive a Certificate of Merit and a memento.

3794461255794. Process:Winners selected from 2,574 applications via an online portal (https://awards.gov.in).

• The livestock sector is crucial for India's economy, contributing significantly to agriculture and providing livelihood, especially for small and marginal farmers, women, and landless laborers.
• Indigenous breeds have immense genetic potential, but their population and performance have been declining. To address this, the Rashtriya Gokul Mission was launched under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development in 2014 to conserve and develop indigenous bovine breeds.

National Milk Day

• It is celebrated annually on November 26 in India to honor the significant contributions of milk and the dairy industry to the country's development.
• The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr VergheseKurien, the "Father of the White Revolution" in India, who played a pivotal role in transforming India into the largest producer of milk globally.
• National Milk Day was first celebrated on November 26, 2014, after the Indian Dairy Association (IDA), along with various dairy institutions across the country.

In News:

• The Parliamentary Panel on Communications and Information Technology is reviewing mechanisms to curb fake news, following the Bombay High Court striking down a provision of the amended Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021.
• The controversial provision allowed the government to identify and flag "fake news" on social media through its Fact Check Unit (FCU).
• The panel, led by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, has summoned representatives from News Broadcasters and Digital Association and the Editors Guild of India to discuss the issue on November 21, 2024.

Issue with the Amended IT Rules:

• The IT Rules, 2021 were amended in April 2022 to include “government business” under the definition of fake news, expanding the scope of content flagged by the FCU.
• This amendment was challenged by media bodies and individuals like comedian Kunal Kamra, leading to the Bombay High Court striking it down in 2024.
• The court deemed the provisions unconstitutional, citing concerns about transparency and the potential misuse of power.

Types of Fake News:

• Misinformation: False information spread unintentionally.
• Disinformation: Deliberately false information meant to deceive and cause harm.

Status of Fake News in India:

• India as a major spreader of misinformation: The World Economic Forum's Global Risks 2024 report identifies disinformation as a significant short-term risk, with India as one of the largest consumers and producers of false information.
• Social Media Influence: Platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and YouTube are widely used in India for news dissemination, making them a breeding ground for fake news.
• Spread of Political and Religious Misinformation: Fake news often serves political or religious agendas, leading to societal polarization and conflict.

Government Efforts to Combat Fake News:

• IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023: This amendment expanded the scope of "fake news" to include “government business” and gave the FCU the authority to flag misleading content.
• Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check Unit: The PIB continues to run a fact-checking initiative, but it lacks the authority to remove flagged content from social media platforms.
• Digital Literacy Campaigns: Programs like Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) aim to improve digital literacy, especially in rural areas, to help citizens identify and avoid fake news.

In News:

• Odisha government relocated a tigress from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha, to address inbreeding issues among the tiger population.
• The tigress is part of a genetic diversification plan to remedy the increasing number of pseudo-melanistic tigers in the region.

Pseudo-melanistic Tigers:

• Pseudo-melanistic tigers, often referred to as "black tigers," exhibit a darker coat with broader, more prominent stripes.
• The mutation leads to the appearance of a mostly black fur, with occasional white-orange stripes.

Genetic Basis:

• This coloration is due to a mutation in the Taqpep gene, which causes the widening and darkening of stripes on the tiger's coat.
• The mutation is linked to genetic drift and inbreeding within the isolated Similipal population.

Historical Context:

• These tigers were once considered mythical until the 1700s, with sightings only being documented in the 1990s and 2017-18.
• The first confirmed genetic evidence of the black tiger appeared when a cub was born in captivity at Oklahoma City Zoo in the 1970s.

Distribution and Prevalence:

• Pseudo-melanistic tigers are predominantly found in Similipal Tiger Reserve, with 27 out of 30 tigers in Odisha exhibiting the trait.
• Other instances of such tigers exist in captivity, such as in Nandankanan Zoological Park (Bhubaneswar) and Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Chennai), both tracing ancestry to Similipal.

Genetic Studies:

• A 2021 study by the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) linked the Taqpep gene mutation to the unique appearance of these tigers.
• The mutation causes a missense change in the gene, replacing Cytosine with Thymine (C1360T), altering the tiger’s coat pattern.

High Frequency of Mutation in Similipal:

• Genetic analyses indicate a high frequency of the Taqpep gene mutation in Similipal tigers, with a 60% chance that a tiger born there will carry the mutated gene.
• Inbreeding and genetic isolation have contributed to this phenomenon, as Similipal’s tiger population is geographically cut off from other populations.

In News:

According to the WMO, the last time the earth had a similar CO2 concentration was 3-5 million years ago, when temperatures were 2-3°C higher and sea levels were 10-20 metres higher than they are now

Key Highlights:

• Record High Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Levels:
  • In 2023, annual mean carbon dioxide (CO2) levels rose by 2.3 parts per million (ppm), reaching a new record of 420 ppm.
  • This marks the 12th consecutive year with an increase of over 2 ppm in CO2 levels.
• Historical Context:
  • CO2 levels not seen in 3-5 million years, when temperatures were 2-3°C higher, and sea levels were 10-20 meters higher than they are today.
• Key GHGs at Record Highs:
  • The globally averaged surface concentrations of CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide all reached new highs in 2023.
• Contributors to the Increase in CO2:
  • Natural Variability: Natural factors such as large vegetation fires and reduced carbon absorption by forests contributed to higher CO2 levels.
  • Human Activity: High fossil fuel emissions from human and industrial activities also played a major role.
  • El Niño Phenomenon: The El Niño event led to higher temperatures and drier conditions, exacerbating the rise in GHG levels through increased wildfires and reduced carbon absorption by land sinks.
• Climate Feedback Loop Concerns:
  • The WMO warned of a vicious cycle:
    • Climate change could cause ecosystems to become larger sources of GHGs.
    • Wildfires could release more carbon, and warmer oceans may absorb less CO2, leading to more CO2 remaining in the atmosphere, accelerating global warming.
• Radiative Forcing:
  • Radiative forcing (the warming effect on climate) from long-lived GHGs has increased by 51.5% from 1990 to 2023, with CO2 contributing 81% of this increase.
• Methane Concerns:
  • Methane saw its largest three-year increase between 2020 and 2022.
  • This increase was linked to warmer temperatures and wetter land conditions during the 2020-2022 La Niña conditions, which caused an uptick in methane emissions from natural wetlands.
• Long-Term Impact of CO2:
  • Given CO2's long atmospheric lifetime, even with rapid emissions reductions, the warming effect will persist for several decades.