In News:

The first dedicated Grassland Bird Census was conducted in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, marking a significant step in avian biodiversity monitoring in India. The initiative was widely acknowledged, including by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat broadcast, for its innovative use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and acoustic monitoring.

Objective and Significance

• Purpose: To systematically monitor the population, breeding patterns, and habitat health of grassland-dwelling bird species, many of which are rare or threatened.
• Conservation Value: Grassland birds serve as ecological indicators of habitat quality, akin to how BMI reflects human health.
• Highlight Species:
  • Documented 43 bird species
  • Included 1 Critically Endangered, 2 Endangered, and 6 Vulnerable species (IUCN Red List)
  • Notably, over 85 nests of the endangered Finn’s Weaver, endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains, were discovered.

Methodology & Technological Innovations

• Conducted By: Joint effort of forest officials, Kaziranga National Park authorities, conservationists, and researchers including INSPIRE fellow Chiranjib Bora.
• Sites Covered: 185 grassland locations across the national park.
• Tools Used:
  • Passive Acoustic Monitoring: Audio recorders placed atop trees to capture bird calls during the breeding season.
  • AI Integration:
    • BirdNET Software used to automatically identify bird species by analyzing vocalizations.
    • Spectrograms enabled visual analysis of sound frequencies for accurate classification.

Key Innovations and Impact

• First of its Kind: India’s first census focused exclusively on grassland bird species, often overlooked in standard bird surveys.
• Non-Intrusive Monitoring: AI-powered audio analysis allowed species identification without disturbing natural behavior.
• Awareness & Biodiversity Education: The census is a powerful example of how technology and sensitivity can together enhance biodiversity understanding and conservation awareness.

In News:

The Setubandha Scholar Scheme (also referred to as Setubandha Vidwan Yojana) is a pioneering national initiative launched by the Ministry of Education to integrate scholars from traditional gurukuls into India's mainstream research ecosystem—especially at premier institutions like IITs.

Key Highlights:

• Objective: To formally recognise traditional learning and connect Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) with modern scientific disciplines.
• Implementing Agency: Indian Knowledge System (IKS) division under the Central Sanskrit University (CSU).
• Eligibility: Minimum 5 years of rigorous study in a recognised gurukul and proven expertise in Shastras or traditional knowledge. No formal academic degree is required.
• Age Limit: Maximum 32 years.

Fellowships & Research Grants:

• Research Domains (18 Fields): Ayurveda, health sciences, mathematics, astronomy, physics, grammar, strategic studies, political theory, cognitive science, architecture, performing arts, and more.
• Notable traditional categories include Anvikshiki Vidya (philosophy), Ganit-Bhaut-Jyotish Vidya (mathematics, physics, astronomy), and Bhaishajya-Arogya Vidya (health sciences).

Policy Context: NEP 2020 and Beyond

The scheme is a direct outcome of reforms envisioned under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes integrating traditional Indian knowledge systems with modern education, promoting multidisciplinary learning, and creating a flexible, inclusive research environment.

NEP-Driven Initiatives Linked to Setubandha:

• Nipun Bharat: Improved foundational literacy and numeracy by Class 2.
• Vidya Pravesh & Balvatikas: Early childhood education integration.
• Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Yojana: Democratizing Indian language access.
• National Digital Depository for IKS: Repository of classical knowledge.
• PM Shri Schools: Model schools aligned with NEP's vision.
• Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and Multiple Entry-Exit options.
• Anusandhan NRF & PMRF 2.0: Boosting research funding and fellowships.
• Global Outreach: Foreign universities (e.g., Deakin, Wollongong) setting up campuses in India.

Wider Impact and Significance:

• Institutional Recognition: For the first time, gurukul-trained scholars can pursue advanced research alongside IIT peers.
• Inclusivity in Education: Enables non-formal scholars to access elite academic spaces.
• Global Relevance: As interest grows in Ayurveda, Yoga, Sanskrit linguistics, and indigenous governance, India is positioning itself as a global knowledge hub.
• Empowerment of Marginalised Groups: Over 7.12 lakh girls in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, and hostel schemes for PVTGs reflect NEP’s inclusive approach.

In News:

• In a landmark discovery in transfusion science, researchers from India and the UK have identified a new and ultra-rare human blood group named CRIB, with the first case detected at the Rotary Bangalore TTK Blood Centre.
• The CRIB group adds to India’s growing contribution to rare blood immunogenetics and has been officially recognised by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) and the International Blood Group Reference Laboratory (IBGRL), UK.

What is the CRIB Blood Group?

• CRIB stands for Cromer India Bengaluru and also symbolically refers to its importance in newborn and fetal medicine.
• It is a new antigen within the Cromer blood group system, which is linked to the Decay-Accelerating Factor (DAF) protein on red blood cells.
• CRIB belongs to the broader INRA (Indian Rare Antigen) blood group system, officially recognised in 2022 by the ISBT.

Discovery and Identification:

• Detected in a 38-year-old South Indian woman undergoing cardiac surgery in Kolar, Karnataka.
• Her blood was pan-reactive, reacting with all samples including O+ blood.
• No match was found even among 20 family members, leading to further analysis.
• After 10 months of genetic study at IBGRL, UK, a novel antigen was confirmed and designated as CRIB.

Scientific and Medical Significance:

• Rare Antigen Profile: Individuals with CRIB blood type lack a high-prevalence antigen, making compatible transfusions highly complex.
• Hemolytic Disease Risk: The CRIB antigen is especially relevant in Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN), where maternal antibodies attack fetal red blood cells.
• Global First: It is the first discovery of its kind globally, expanding the total number of known human blood group systems.

Implications for India and the World:

• Transfusion Protocols: Requires specialised matching and CRIB-negative donor identification, necessitating rare donor registries.
• Prenatal Care: Early screening could prevent complications in pregnancies involving blood group incompatibilities.
• Healthcare Infrastructure: Highlights the need for investment in genetic screening, rare blood banks, and pan-India awareness among healthcare professionals.
• Research Opportunities: Opens new areas of study in genomics, population diversity, and immune response in transfusions.

Next Steps:

• Development of CRIB-specific antibody panels and diagnostic tests.
• Integration into global and national blood group databases.
• Promotion of international collaboration in transfusion science and rare donor management systems.

In News:

The Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD) initiative is a nationwide cultural mapping project launched by the Ministry of Culture on 27th July 2023 as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. It operates under the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM) and is implemented by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).

Key Highlights:

• Objective: To digitally document and preserve the intangible cultural heritage of all 6.5 lakh villages across India through a comprehensive virtual cultural portfolio.
• Current Status (as of 2025):

• Over 4.7 lakh villages have been culturally mapped.
• The data is accessible on the MGMD web portal.

• Thematic Categories: Each village is documented based on one or more of seven cultural themes:

1. Arts and Crafts Villages
2. Ecologically Oriented Villages
3. Scholastic Villages (linked to texts and scriptural traditions)
4. Epic Villages (associated with Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, and oral epics)
5. Historical Villages (linked to local or national history)
6. Architectural Heritage Villages
7. Other culturally significant villages (e.g., fishing, horticulture, pastoral communities)

Significance:

• Preservation of Heritage: Helps safeguard India’s diverse village-level traditions and practices.
• Cultural Inclusion: Recognizes lesser-known cultural narratives and identities.
• Rural Development: Encourages economic and artistic growth through cultural awareness.
• Digital Cultural Infrastructure: Enables access to cultural data via online platforms.

About National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM)

Launched in 2017, the NMCM is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Culture aimed at documenting and promoting India’s cultural diversity with a focus on grassroots-level heritage.

Key Components:

• Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD) – Mapping of village-level cultural assets.
• Sanskritik Pratibha Khoj – Campaigns to discover artistic talent and promote folk and tribal arts.
• National Cultural Workplace (NCWP) – A digital platform and mobile app to create databases of artists, art forms, and cultural services.

This initiative strengthens India’s commitment to heritage conservation, digital documentation, and self-reliant cultural development, in line with Atmanirbhar Bharat.

In News:

In July 2025, the Indian Army conducted Exercise Divya Drishti in East Sikkim, showcasing next-generation warfare technologies under high-altitude conditions.

Organised by the Trishakti Corps, the exercise focused on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with battlefield surveillance and decision-making systems, in alignment with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the Army’s Decade of Transformation roadmap.

Key Features:

• AI-Enabled Battlefield Awareness: The Army deployed AI-integrated sensors capable of real-time surveillance, terrain mapping, and threat detection.
• Sensor-to-Shooter Linkage: Real-time data was transmitted from UAVs, drones, and ground-based sensors to command centres and firepower units, ensuring rapid response capability.
• UAV-Drone-Ground Synergy: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and drones operated in coordination with ground platforms to simulate operational combat scenarios.
• Secured Communication Networks: Robust digital communication systems enabled seamless and secure data sharing across units.
• High-Altitude Readiness: The technologies were tested in the Himalayan terrain to assess their effectiveness in extreme operational environments.

Strategic Significance:

• Enhanced Situational Awareness: The exercise aimed to improve the Army’s capacity to observe, interpret, and act swiftly on the modern battlefield.
• Faster Decision-Making: AI integration minimizes command delays, improving response speed and operational precision.
• Indigenisation Drive: Demonstrates the Indian Army’s push for self-reliance in defence technology under Make in India.
• Future Warfare Doctrines: The insights will inform new operational strategies for multi-domain and hybrid warfare.

In News:

Indian security forces recently launched Operation Mahadev, a joint counter-terror operation near Srinagar, successfully neutralising three high-value terrorists, including Suleiman Shah, the mastermind behind the April 22 Pahalgam attack.

Key Facts about Operation Mahadev

Objectives and Outcomes

• Primary Aim: To neutralise Lashkar-e-Taiba-affiliated terrorists, specifically those involved in:
  • Pahalgam attack (April 2024)
  • Sonamarg Tunnel attack
• Notable Neutralised Terrorists:
  • Suleiman Shah (main planner of Pahalgam attack)
  • Two other Pakistan-trained terrorists, including a former Pakistani Army personnel

Strategic Significance

• Major blow to cross-border terrorism networks operating in Kashmir
• Reinforces India’s anti-terror posture, especially amidst the ongoing Operation Sindoor policy debate
• Enhances morale of security forces engaged in continuous counter-insurgency in the region

In News:

The Prime Minister recently highlighted the cultural and artisanal significance of Paithani sarees during the monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio programme, bringing national attention to this traditional Maharashtrian textile.

Historical Background

• Origin: Paithani sarees derive their name from Paithan, an ancient town on the banks of the Godavari River in Maharashtra.
• Antiquity: The tradition of Paithani weaving dates back over 2,000 years, with its roots in the Satavahana dynasty (2nd century BCE).
• Royal Patronage: These sarees were patronized by several royal courts, including the Satavahanas, Peshwas of Pune, Nizams of Hyderabad, and Mughal emperors.

Key Features

Recognition and Cultural Value

• Symbol of Heritage: Paithani sarees are considered a symbol of Maharashtrian cultural identity and artisanal excellence.
• GI Tag: Granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2010, acknowledging their unique regional origin and craftsmanship.
• Artistic Value: Among the most exquisite and expensive sarees in India, valued for their aesthetic finesse and traditional techniques.

In News:

Hunger affected up to 720 million people worldwide in 2024 — around 8.2 per cent of the global population, while 2.3 billion people in the world were estimated to have been moderately or severely food insecure, according to the ‘State of Food and Nutrition in the World’ (SOFI) 2025.

Key Highlights:

• Released by: Jointly published by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO.
• Purpose:
• Annual global assessment to monitor progress on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2:
  • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious food.
  • Target 2.2: End all forms of malnutrition.

Key Global Findings (2024 Data)

• Chronic Hunger:
  • 720 million people (approx. 8.2% of global population) suffered from chronic hunger in 2024.
  • Although lower than 8.5% (2023) and 8.7% (2022), it remains above pre-pandemic (2015) levels.
  • 96 million more people are hungry now than in 2015.
• Food Insecurity:
  • 2.3 billion people were moderately or severely food insecure in 2024.
  • This is 335 million more than in 2019 (pre-COVID) and 683 million more than in 2015.
• Regional Distribution:
  • Asia: 323 million undernourished (highest in absolute numbers).
  • Africa: 307 million (highest prevalence, over 20% of population).
  • Latin America & Caribbean: 34 million.
• Trends & Progress:
  • Modest improvements in Southeast Asia, Southern Asia, and South America.
  • Worsening hunger in parts of Africa and Western Asia due to conflict and climate stress.

Projections for 2030

• By 2030, 512 million people (6% of global population) may remain chronically undernourished.
  • A decline of only 65 million since 2015, far short of the Zero Hunger target.
  • 60% of these undernourished people are projected to be in Africa, with 17.6% prevalence.

India-Specific Insights

• Nutritional Affordability:
  • 6% of Indians cannot afford a healthy diet despite food surplus.
  • Urban areas show improvement due to post-pandemic income recovery.
  • Rural areas face continued hardship due to PDS inefficiencies and price volatility.
• Child Malnutrition:
  • High rates of stunting and wasting persist.
  • Micronutrient deficiencies (hidden hunger) are common due to cereal-heavy diets lacking diversity.
• Policy Recommendations:
  • Strengthen inclusion of millets, pulses, and fortified foods in public nutrition schemes.
  • Address regional and demographic disparities through targeted interventions.

Major Drivers of Food Insecurity

• Post-COVID Aftermath: Reversed a decade of gains in global food security.
• Climate Events: Floods, droughts, and heatwaves have disrupted food systems.
• Conflicts & Wars: Ongoing wars (e.g. Ukraine) have triggered food price inflation and supply disruptions.
• Inflation:
  • Since 2020, food price inflation has outpaced general inflation globally.
  • Disproportionately affects low-income and vulnerable populations.

SOFI 2025: Recommendations

• Protect vulnerable populations via targeted fiscal support.
• Align macroeconomic policies to stabilize food markets.
• Invest in resilient agrifood systems and nutrition-sensitive agriculture.
• Strengthen food and nutrition data systems for informed policymaking.
• Promote dietary diversity and nutrition education.

SDG Context & Governance

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) is among the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals adopted in 2015.
• These are non-binding, but serve as guiding principles for national policy and international cooperation.
• The SOFI report tracks progress annually against Targets 2.1 & 2.2.
• With only 5 years left to 2030, the current pace is inadequate for achieving global food and nutrition targets.

In News:

Gavri is a unique 40-day ritualistic folk festival celebrated annually by the Bhil tribal community of the Mewar region in Rajasthan. It is a vibrant blend of dance, drama, music, and oral storytelling rooted deeply in the Bhil worldview, spirituality, and socio-cultural expression.

Key Features:

• Duration: 40 days, usually observed during the Hindu months of Shravana and Bhadrapada (July to September), coinciding with the monsoon and early harvest season.
• Form: A fusion of dance, drama (khel), mime, and dialogues.
• Theme: Enacts mythological battles between good and evil, primarily featuring Goddess Gauri/Amba and demons such as Bhasmasur or Bhiamwal, symbolizing the triumph of good.
• Performance Spaces: Villages where the performers' married sisters and daughters reside, reinforcing familial ties and social cohesion.
• Characters: All roles, including female ones, are portrayed by male performers, due to prevailing patriarchal norms.
• Narration: A storyteller called Kutkadiya introduces each scene, enhancing audience immersion.
• Costumes & Music: Colorful attire, energetic drumming, and folk instruments create a lively, theatrical atmosphere.

Cultural and Social Significance

• Spiritual Identity: The Bhil community considers themselves descendants of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, viewing Parvati (Gauri) as their divine sister. Gavri is performed to honour her and ensure the well-being of their married women.
• Oral Heritage: The festival preserves centuries-old oral traditions, possibly dating back to the 3rd or 4th century CE, with references to the era of Siddhraj Jai Singh of Gujarat.
• Carnivalesque Spirit: Gavri subverts caste and class hierarchies through humor, parody, and satire. Authority figures, kings, and even gods may be lampooned in the plays.
• Resistance & Nature Worship: Performances like Badliya Hindwa and Bhilurana reflect themes of nature worship, tribal resistance to invaders (Mughals, British), and warnings against ecological destruction.
• Gender Fluidity: Though patriarchal in nature, the performance of female roles by men adds a layer of gender expression and cultural fluidity during the ritual.

Bhil Tribe: An Overview

• One of India's largest Adivasi groups, found mainly in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
• Speak the Bhili language and practice a syncretic faith combining animism with Hindu mythology.
• Their cultural identity is closely tied to forests, nature, and community-based rituals like Gavri.

In News:

A recent citizen science study conducted by the Aranyakam Nature Foundation estimates that Kerala is home to approximately 20,000 to 30,000 golden jackals (Canis aureus naria), highlighting the species' wide distribution and adaptability across the state’s diverse landscapes.

Key Ecological Facts

• Scientific Name: Canis aureus
• Common Names: Golden Jackal, Common Jackal
• Physical Appearance: Medium-sized canid, smaller than a wolf and larger than a fox; coat ranges from golden to pale brown, varying seasonally.
• Behaviour: Primarily nocturnal in human-dominated areas; lives in monogamous pairs, often uses burrows or rock crevices for shelter.
• Diet: Omnivorous; consumes small mammals, birds, fish, insects, hares, fruits, and is known to scavenge near human settlements.

Habitat and Distribution

• Found in South, Southeast, and Central Asia, extending into Southeastern Europe and North-East Africa.
• In India, widespread from the Himalayan foothills to the Western Ghats, including Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Haryana.
• Preferred Habitats: Open lowland regions, especially below 200m elevation. In Kerala:
  • Coconut groves (24%)
  • Rural settlements (10%)
  • Urban areas (5.6%)
  • Rare in protected forest areas (only 2% of sightings)

Key Findings from Kerala Study

• Over 5,000 sightings were recorded across 874 villages, involving 2,200+ participants.
• High adaptability to human-modified landscapes such as peri-urban zones and coastal belts.
• Ecological Concerns:
  • Rising cases of poultry predation
  • Risk of rabies transmission
  • Increasing dependence on organic waste, especially near coastlines
  • Threat of hybridisation with stray dogs, posing genetic risks

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern
• CITES: Appendix III
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India): Schedule I (highest protection under Indian law)

In News:

The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), in a significant step toward safeguarding the legal rights of India’s uniformed forces, launched the Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana during the North Zone Regional Conference in Srinagar. Themed “Reaffirming the Constitutional Vision of Justice for Defence Personnel and Tribals,” the event spotlighted the urgent need to institutionalize accessible legal assistance for military personnel and their families.

Rationale and Objectives

• Defence and paramilitary personnel frequently serve in remote, conflict-prone, or high-risk environments, which limits their ability to attend to civilian legal matters. Be it land disputes, family conflicts, service-related claims, or bureaucratic issues, legal hurdles can deeply affect their lives. The scheme acknowledges that a soldier stationed on the border cannot readily leave his post to handle legal proceedings back home.
• The Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana is designed to bridge this critical gap by providing free, competent, and timely legal aid to serving personnel, veterans, and their families.

Key Features of the Scheme

• Joint Collaboration: The initiative is a joint effort between NALSA, the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), Rajya Sainik Boards (RSBs), and Zilla Sainik Boards (ZSBs) under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence.
• Legal Clinics Across Sainik Boards: Legal Services Clinics will be established at the district, state, and central levels of the Sainik Boards across India. These will function as the first point of contact for defence families seeking legal assistance.
• Trained Legal Volunteers: The initiative actively involves panel lawyers and trained paralegal volunteers, including ex-servicemen and defence family members, to offer legal services and counselling.
• Back-end Legal Infrastructure: A robust administrative mechanism will support the on-ground functioning of clinics and ensure prompt resolution of legal grievances.
• Coverage for Paramilitary Forces: The scheme will also extend support to paramilitary personnel from forces such as BSF, CRPF, ITBP, and others, who operate under similar hardships and isolation.

Significance and Constitutional Context

• The scheme upholds Article 39A of the Constitution, which mandates equal justice and free legal aid for all citizens. Defence personnel, who make immense sacrifices for national security, often remain underserved when it comes to civilian entitlements, rights, and dispute resolution.
• By reaffirming the constitutional commitment to access to justice, the scheme aligns with the broader goal of legal empowerment of vulnerable and marginalized communities, including those in service of the nation.

In News:

Over 1.6 lakh individuals globally have benefited from Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)—a cutting-edge neurological procedure designed to manage complex brain disorders.

What is Deep Brain Stimulation?

DBS is a neurosurgical intervention wherein electrodes are surgically implanted into precise regions of the brain. These electrodes are connected via insulated wires to a pulse generator (similar to a pacemaker), typically placed under the skin near the collarbone.

The device delivers regulated electrical signals to targeted brain circuits. This helps modulate abnormal neural activity or restore disrupted brain function caused by neurological or psychiatric conditions.

How Does It Work?

• The implanted system sends mild, continuous electrical pulses to specific brain areas.
• These pulses help in stabilizing erratic electrical signals, which are often responsible for motor and cognitive dysfunctions.
• The stimulation does not destroy brain tissue and can be adjusted or turned off, offering reversibility unlike traditional ablative surgeries.

Clinical Applications of DBS

DBS has been widely adopted for treating movement disorders, especially when medications become ineffective:

• Parkinson’s Disease
• Essential Tremor
• Dystonia

Beyond motor disorders, DBS has received regulatory approval for use in certain psychiatric illnesses, such as: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Research is ongoing to explore its efficacy in conditions like:

• Severe Depression
• Epilepsy

Benefits of DBS

• Reversible and adjustable intervention
• Helps reduce motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and rigidity
• Aims to normalize brain circuit functions at both micro (cellular) and macro (network) levels
• Offers hope in cases resistant to standard pharmacological therapies

In News:

The tragic case of a student’s self-immolation in Balasore, Odisha, in 2025, has brought renewed focus on the functioning of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in India. The student, alleging sexual harassment by her Head of Department, had approached the college ICC, but her complaint was dismissed. Her family has alleged that the ICC was inadequately trained and biased in favor of the accused, exposing systemic flaws in India’s redressal mechanisms for workplace harassment.

This incident is a stark reminder that even a decade after the enactment of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013—popularly known as the POSH Act—the law’s implementation remains inconsistent and often ineffective.

Evolution of ICCs and the Legal Framework

1. Vishaka Guidelines (1997)

The foundation for workplace sexual harassment law in India was laid by the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Vishaka vs. State of Rajasthan (1997). The case stemmed from the gang-rape of Bhanwari Devi, a social worker who attempted to prevent a child marriage. The judgment led to the formulation of the Vishaka Guidelines, which:

• Defined sexual harassment at the workplace.
• Mandated Complaints Committees in institutions.
• Required these committees to be headed by a woman, have at least 50% female members, and include an external member to prevent internal bias.

However, these were non-binding guidelines and lacked statutory force.

2. POSH Act, 2013

The 2012 Nirbhaya gang-rape case spurred public demand for stronger gender-based protections, resulting in the enactment of the POSH Act, which gave legal backing to the Vishaka Guidelines. Key provisions of the POSH Act include:

• Mandatory establishment of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) at all workplaces with more than 10 employees.
• Creation of Local Complaints Committees (LCCs) at the district level to cover unorganized or small enterprises.
• ICCs are empowered to inquire, recommend disciplinary action, and facilitate criminal reporting when needed.

Structure and Powers of ICCs

Each ICC must have the following composition:

• Presiding Officer: A senior female employee.
• Two internal members: Preferably with legal knowledge or experience in social work.
• One external member: From an NGO or association committed to women's rights.
• At least 50% women members.

Functions and Powers:

• Can attempt conciliation if requested by the complainant.
• If not, must conduct an inquiry within 90 days.
• Can summon individuals and documents, with powers equivalent to a civil court.
• Can recommend disciplinary action to the employer if allegations are proven.
• The employer must assist the victim in pursuing a criminal complaint if desired.
• All proceedings and identities must be kept confidential.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite a clear legal mandate, the real-world functioning of ICCs has been fraught with systemic issues:

1. Poor Coverage

• Many institutions, especially in the private and informal sectors, have not constituted ICCs.
• Local Committees, intended to help informal workers, are either underreported or ineffective.

2. Inadequate Training and Bias

• ICC members often lack legal training or understanding of trauma-sensitive inquiry.
• As seen in the Balasore case, committees may favor senior male colleagues, reinforcing institutional power hierarchies.
• The absence of external accountability leads to compromised decisions.

3. Lack of Monitoring and Enforcement

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development is the nodal agency for the Act.
• But enforcement responsibility often lies with Labour and Industry Ministries, leading to fragmented oversight.
• The Supreme Court, in a 2024 review, described enforcement as “disquieting”, with serious lapses and poor record-keeping.

4. Breaches of Confidentiality

• There have been reports of identities being leaked, and complainants being stigmatized or retaliated against, violating the core principles of the Act.

Strengthening the POSH Mechanism

To ensure that the POSH Act fulfills its mandate, the following steps are critical:

• Universal Coverage and Registration:
  • Mandate public disclosure of ICCs in all eligible institutions.
  • Strengthen district monitoring mechanisms for both ICCs and LCCs.
• Capacity Building: Introduce mandatory training for ICC members on legal procedures, gender sensitivity, and trauma-informed handling.
• Robust Monitoring Framework:
  • Enable centralized reporting portals for annual compliance.
  • Conduct audits and periodic evaluations of ICC functioning.
• Accountability and Penalties:
  • Impose penalties on employers for non-compliance or retaliatory action.
  • Encourage whistleblower protections for witnesses and complainants.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Inform women—especially in informal sectors—about their rights and the complaint mechanisms available to them.

In News:

• In July 2025, a concerning outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) led to the death of 16 spotted deer (chitals) at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune, Maharashtra.

About Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

Nature of the Disease

• Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the aphthovirus from the Picornaviridae family.
• It affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, buffaloes, goats, pigs, sheep, deer, and camelids.
• FMD is not zoonotic, i.e., it does not affect humans, and it poses no food safety risk.

Global and National Status

• FMD is classified as a Transboundary Animal Disease (TAD).
• It remains endemic in over 77% of the world’s livestock populations, particularly across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
• It severely disrupts livestock productivity, animal trade, and rural livelihoods.

Transmission and Symptoms

Transmission Routes

• Direct contact with infected animals.
• Indirect transmission through contaminated feed, equipment, vehicles, human movement, and airborne particles.
• Incubation period: 2–14 days.
• The virus can enter via inhalation, ingestion, or skin wounds.

Clinical Symptoms

• High fever lasting 2–3 days.
• Blisters and ulcers on the tongue, lips, hooves, teats, and mouth.
• Excessive salivation, lameness, and depression.
• Significant drop in milk production, weight loss, and growth retardation.
• In young animals, the disease can cause high mortality, while adults may suffer debilitating effects, affecting long-term productivity.

Strains and Immunity

• There are seven known strains of the FMD virus: A, O, C, SAT1, SAT2, SAT3, and Asia1.
• Immunity to one strain does not protect against others, making strain-specific vaccination critical.

Diagnosis and Institutional Infrastructure

• Confirmatory diagnosis is conducted through laboratory testing at premier institutes such as:
  • ICAR-National Institute on Foot and Mouth Disease (NIFMD), Bhubaneswar
  • Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly
  • National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal

Government Interventions and Policies

National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)

• Launched in 2019, the 100% centrally funded programme targets eradication of FMD and Brucellosis by 2030.
• Key components include:
  • Mass vaccination
  • Ear-tagging for traceability
  • Cold chain infrastructure
  • Disease surveillance and reporting
  • Farmer awareness and community participation

Integrated Disease Management

• NADCP is aligned with the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP).
• Several institutions like NIVEDI Bengaluru and Regional Disease Investigation Laboratories contribute to monitoring and outbreak control.

Preventive Strategies and Recommendations

To strengthen India's preparedness against FMD and other epizootics, the following measures are vital:

• Expand FMD Vaccination Coverage: Include zoo animals, wildlife reserves, and peri-urban livestock in regular vaccination drives.
• Strengthen Veterinary Surveillance: Ensure round-the-year disease surveillance, especially during weather extremes (monsoon and summer).
• Upgrade Infrastructure
  • Expand testing capacity at regional levels.
  • Deploy mobile diagnostic labs in remote zones.
• Raise Awareness: Educate livestock owners, zoo staff, and veterinary professionals about early symptoms, hygiene practices, and reporting protocols.
• Develop Strain-Specific Vaccines: Increase funding for R&D in strain identification and rapid-response vaccines.
• Leverage Technology: Use AI, GIS mapping, and data analytics to predict outbreaks and monitor disease spread.

In News:

• In recent years, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) have emerged as a critical concern in the Himalayan region, particularly affecting countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China.
• The July 8, 2025, GLOF in Nepal—which washed away a China-built bridge and crippled hydropower plants supplying 8% of Nepal’s electricity—has drawn urgent attention to the increasing frequency and severity of such events.
• For India, especially in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), GLOFs pose an escalating risk to lives, infrastructure, and ecological systems due to climate change and unregulated development.

What is a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)?

A GLOF is the sudden, catastrophic release of water from a glacial lake—typically dammed by ice or moraine (glacial debris). The floodwaters often cause massive downstream destruction, marked by:

• Extremely high discharge volumes
• Destructive debris flows
• Short warning times

Types of Glacial Lakes in the Himalayas

• Supraglacial Lakes: Form on the surface of glaciers due to meltwater accumulation. Highly unstable during summer.
  • Example: Cirenma Co in Tibet (1981), July 2024 Nepal GLOF.
• Moraine-Dammed Lakes: Form at glacier snouts, blocked by weak debris. Most vulnerable to outbursts.
  • Example: South Lhonak (Sikkim), Tsho Rolpa (Nepal), Shako Cho (Sikkim)

Causes of GLOFs

Natural Triggers

• Glacial Retreat: Rising temperatures accelerate glacial melt, enlarging lakes.
• Ice or Rock Avalanches: Sudden falls into lakes displace water and rupture dams.
• Cloudbursts & Heavy Rainfall: Rapid rise in water levels increases pressure on dams.
• Seismic Activity: Earthquakes can destabilize moraine dams.
• Internal Piping: Seepage within dams weakens structural integrity over time.

Anthropogenic Factors

• Climate Change: Human-induced warming accelerates glacial melt.
• Unregulated Development: Construction near glacial zones—e.g., hydropower—exacerbates risk.
  • Example: Teesta-III dam destruction in 2023.

Impacts of GLOFs

On Human Life and Infrastructure

• Casualties: Kedarnath (2013) and Sikkim (2023) GLOFs caused hundreds of deaths.
• Hydropower & Transport Damage: Washed-out roads, bridges, and dams; loss of electricity and connectivity.
• Displacement & Livelihood Loss: Long-term socio-economic disruption in affected regions.

On Environment

• River Course Changes & Silting: Raised riverbeds and reduced flood-carrying capacity.
  • Teesta river rose several meters post-2023 flood.
• Habitat Loss & Biodiversity Decline: Ecological imbalance in alpine and riparian zones.
• Long-Term Ecosystem Stress: Sedimentation affects water quality and ecosystem resilience.

The Situation in India

India’s Himalayan arc—covering J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh—houses:

• 28,000 glacial lakes
• 7,500 lakes above 4,500 m altitude
• 11 major river basins

Yet, the region lacks sufficient monitoring infrastructure and early warning systems, primarily due to remoteness and hostile terrain.

Notable GLOF events:

• Kedarnath (2013): Triggered by cloudburst and glacial melt.
• South Lhonak (2023): Avalanche-triggered breach, damaging a $2 billion hydro project.

India’s Institutional Response to GLOF Risks

1. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Initiatives

India has transitioned from reactive relief to proactive risk mitigation, through:

• National GLOF Programme: A ?150 crore initiative targeting 195 high-risk lakes.
• Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR): Coordinates central and state agencies, scientific institutions, and communities.

2. Five-Pronged Strategy

1. Hazard Assessment: Classification of lakes by size, dam type, and downstream threat.
2. Automated Weather & Water Stations (AWWS): Real-time monitoring (e.g., in Sikkim).
3. Early Warning Systems (EWS): ITBP-led manual alerts; multilingual digital alerts in pilot stages.
4. Engineering Interventions:
   • Bathymetry and ERT scans
   • Artificial channels and retention structures
5. Community Engagement:
   • Sensitization on religious and ecological concerns.
   • Involving locals in scientific expeditions for credibility and access.

Technological Interventions

• SAR Interferometry: Satellite-based technique to detect micro-slope changes.
• Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT): Detects ice-cores under moraine dams.
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): High-resolution terrain mapping.
• Remote Sensing: Tracks surface area growth of glacial lakes (but is post-facto).

Status of Mitigation Efforts

• Expeditions to 40 high-risk lakes in 2024 across J&K, Ladakh, HP, UK, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh yielded positive outcomes.
• Installation of AWWS at lakes in Sikkim providing 10-minute interval data and daily lake imagery.
• ITBP trained for early alerts in absence of automated systems.
• More stations and expeditions are planned post-monsoon 2025.

Transboundary Challenges

• Many GLOF-prone lakes lie in Tibet, with rivers flowing into Nepal, Bhutan, and India.
• Nepal has faced multiple transboundary GLOFs recently (2024–25), with little to no warning from China.
• Example: July 8, 2025 GLOF from Tibet triggered floods in Nepal, destroying infrastructure.
• Past major GLOFs: Cirenma Co (1981), Dig Tsho (1985), Tama Pokhari (1998).

Policy Recommendations

• Strengthen Early Warning Systems: Expand AWWS and EWS coverage, integrate with mobile alerts.
• Transboundary Collaboration: Create shared protocols for upstream monitoring and data exchange with China, Nepal, and Bhutan.
• Integrate Climate Adaptation in Planning: Include GLOF risk in disaster risk reduction and infrastructure resilience planning.
• Ban Critical Infrastructure: Avoid siting major installations near vulnerable glacial zones.
• Promote Indigenous Technology: Invest in SAR, ERT, and AI-based modelling to predict GLOF risks.
• Community-Led Risk Reduction: Involve local populations in monitoring, response planning, and implementation.

In News:

The 14th edition of Exercise Bold Kurukshetra was commenced in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, reinforcing India–Singapore military ties. This bilateral military exercise is a key component of both countries’ growing defence cooperation.

About Exercise Bold Kurukshetra:

Participating Contingents:

Key Features:

• Mechanised Warfare Focus: Validates joint operational tactics in modern armoured and mechanised operations.
• UN Mandate Simulation: Exercises conducted under simulated Chapter VII of the UN Charter, preparing both armies for peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions.
• Ceremonial Traditions: Enhances military camaraderie through shared symbolism and operational command handovers.
• Equipment Display: The exercise concludes with a display of Indian Army equipment, highlighting India's indigenous defence capabilities.

Strategic Significance:

In News:

Sohrai Art from Jharkhand was prominently showcased during Kala Utsav 2025 held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu hailed it as reflecting the “soul of India.” The event marked a significant national recognition for this traditional tribal art.

About Sohrai Art:

Key Features of Sohrai Art:

• Motifs: Stylized animals, birds, trees, and rural life, symbolizing harmony with nature.
• Materials: Uses natural pigments such as red ochre, white kaolin, yellow clay, and black manganese.
• Tools: Made with bamboo twigs, chewed sticks, and cloth instead of synthetic brushes.
• Cultural Essence: Embodies a blend of mythology, agrarian life, womanhood, and sustainability.

Kala Utsav 2025: National Recognition

• Held at Rashtrapati Bhavan as part of the Artists in Residence Programme.
• Ten tribal artists from Hazaribagh showcased their work to a national audience.
• President Murmu lauded the art as a symbol of India’s cultural depth and ecological consciousness.

Institutional Support: IGNCA’s Role

• Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and its Regional Centre in Ranchi coordinated artist participation.
• IGNCA continues to promote indigenous art forms, ensuring cultural preservation and artist recognition.

Cultural and Policy Relevance:

• Art & Culture: Highlights India’s rich tribal and folk heritage.
• Women Empowerment: Female-centric art practice promoting rural livelihoods.
• Sustainable Development: Use of eco-friendly materials and community-led traditions.
• Tribal Development Schemes: Aligns with objectives of schemes like TRIFED, GI tagging, and cultural promotion under Tribal Affairs Ministry.

In News:

India is commemorating 1,000 years of Rajendra Chola I’s Southeast Asian expedition through cultural events and heritage projects.

Key Highlights:

Rajendra I Chola (r. 1014–1044 CE), son of Rajaraja I, was one of India’s most formidable monarchs, remembered for transforming the Chola Empire into a powerful naval and commercial force that extended influence far beyond the Indian subcontinent.

Background: Rise of the Chola Empire

• Imperial Cholas, based in Thanjavur, rose to prominence after Vijayalaya Chola captured the region around 850 CE.
• Successive rulers like Aditya I and Rajaraja I expanded the empire by defeating the Pallavas, Pandyas, and Rashtrakutas.
• Rajaraja I built the Brihadeeswarar Temple (1010 CE) and initiated overseas campaigns, laying the foundation for maritime expansion.

Rajendra I Chola’s Expansionist Vision

• Ascended the throne in 1014 CE, though anointed in 1012 CE.
• Sought to establish Chola supremacy across land and sea.
• Completed the conquest of Sri Lanka, capturing King Mahinda V and consolidating the southern frontier.
• Defeated the Western Chalukyas, Pandyas, Cheras, and Palas, earning the title Gangaikonda Chola (“the Chola who conquered the Ganges”).

New Capital – Gangaikondacholapuram

• To commemorate northern victories, Rajendra founded Gangaikondacholapuram, an imperial capital that served as a political, administrative, and cultural hub.

Naval Expeditions to Southeast Asia

Motivation:

• Establish maritime supremacy, protect trade routes, and forge strategic alliances.
• Respond to shifting alliances in Southeast Asia (Khmer Empire vs Srivijaya).

The Campaign (c. 1025 CE):

• Launched a massive naval expedition targeting the Srivijaya Empire (modern-day Indonesia, Malaysia).
• Conquered strategic regions like:
  • Kadaram (Kedah)
  • Pannai (Sumatra)
  • Malaiyur (Malay Peninsula)
  • Tambralinga, Pegu, and Kalingga

Significance:

• Asserted dominance over key trade routes to Song China.
• Cemented Chola-Khmer alliance.
• Extended Tamil commercial and cultural influence across Southeast Asia.

Commercial and Cultural Legacy

• Promoted merchant guilds such as Manigramam, Ayyavole, and Ainnurruvar, which flourished in overseas ports.
• Tamil inscriptions, artifacts, and temple architecture found across Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, and China.
• Tamil loanwords persist in the Karo language of Sumatra.
• Contributed to a Tamil diaspora that influenced art, architecture, trade, and religion in Southeast Asia.

Military and Administrative Excellence

• Maintained a vast army and navy.
• Efficient administrative system with support from Krishnadeva Kendras (early research and extension centers).
• Built upon the model of divine kingship with Nataraja (Shiva as cosmic dancer) symbolizing spiritual legitimacy.

Global Recognition and Commemoration

• India’s training ship TS Rajendra, commissioned in 1972, honours his naval prowess.
• Chinese accounts from the 11th century describe the Chola court’s wealth, discipline, and grandeur.
• The Coromandel Coast derives its name from Cholamandala ("realm of the Cholas").

Conclusion

Rajendra I Chola stands out in Indian history as a maritime emperor, who not only expanded territorial frontiers but also projected Indian influence across Southeast Asia. His legacy lies in blending military conquests with trade diplomacy, and establishing cultural ties that endured for centuries. His reign marks one of the earliest and most successful examples of Indian soft power abroad.

In News:

The Committee on Estimates (2024–25) has submitted its Sixth Report to Parliament, emphasizing the pressing need for a climate-resilient and ecologically sustainable agricultural system in India. The report presents a roadmap aimed at tackling the vulnerabilities posed by climate change, soil degradation, and unsustainable farming practices.

Key Challenges in Indian Agriculture:

1. Climate Vulnerability:

• Projected Yield Decline: Crop yields may fall by 4.5% to 9% in the medium term due to climate-induced stresses.
• District-Level Risks: Out of 310 climate-vulnerable districts identified by the IPCC,
  • 109 are at ‘very high risk’,
  • 201 are categorized as ‘highly vulnerable’.

2. Soil Health Crisis:

• Extent of Degradation: Nearly 30% of India's land suffers from soil degradation.
• Root Causes: Excessive chemical inputs (urea and pesticides) and loss of organic matter have disrupted nutrient cycles and reduced fertility.

3. Economic Pressures: The Green Revolution model now shows diminishing returns, with rising input costs contributing to farmer indebtedness and suicides.

Policy Shift Towards Sustainable Farming:

1. Natural Farming:

• National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF): Launched in 2023–24 as an independent scheme, expanding upon the earlier Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddati (BPKP).
• Focus: Chemical-free agriculture, soil regeneration, and farmer self-reliance.

2. Organic Farming Initiatives:

• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Promotes cluster-based organic farming using Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) for certification.
• MOVCDNER: Aims to develop organic value chains in the North Eastern Region, leveraging traditional practices and rich biodiversity.

Challenges in Transition:

• Yield reductions during the initial switch.
• Complex and often expensive certification procedures.
• Weak market linkages and poor consumer awareness.
• Training and knowledge gaps among farmers.
• Financial risks for small and marginal farmers lacking safety nets.

Recommendations of the Committee:

• Integrate climate-resilient agriculture into national schemes like PM-KISAN, MGNREGA, and RKVY.
• Provide green subsidies to farmers offering ecological services.
• Establish a national agroecological transition framework combining research, training, and market access.
• Empower Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) with digital tools and decentralized funding for field-level implementation.

Scaling Up Climate-Resilient Strategies:

National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA):

• Launched: 2011 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• Objective: Equip farming systems to adapt to climate variability.

Key Components:

1. Strategic research on climate-tolerant varieties.
2. Technology demonstrations in vulnerable districts.
3. Capacity building for farmers and extension staff.
4. Infrastructure enhancement at research institutions.

Notable Achievements in NICRA Villages:

• 2,900+ climate-resilient varieties developed (e.g., heat-tolerant wheat, drought-resistant rice).
• 28–37% rise in crop productivity.
• 10–12% increase in livestock productivity.
• 35–40% higher farm incomes compared to non-NICRA areas.

Way Forward:

• Expand NICRA initiatives to cover more vulnerable districts with dedicated funding.
• Create agroecological clusters to support localized natural/organic farming models.
• Simplify and support organic certification and branding to enhance marketability.
• Promote ministerial convergence among Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Development departments for cohesive implementation.

In News:

Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C.R. Patil recently chaired a crucial meeting focused on the Environmental Flow (E-Flow) of the Ganga River and its tributaries, with particular attention to the Yamuna River. This initiative is a part of the broader effort to ensure the ecological sustainability of India’s river systems.

What is Environmental Flow (E-Flow)?

Environmental Flow refers to the quantity, timing, and quality of water flow necessary to sustain freshwater ecosystems and the livelihoods dependent on them. It ensures that rivers maintain their ecological integrity, supporting aquatic life, estuarine health, and human usage in a sustainable manner.

Why is E-Flow Important?

• Maintains ecological balance in rivers and estuaries.
• Supports aquatic biodiversity, especially key fish species.
• Provides long-term ecological and economic benefits.
• Balances human needs and environmental sustainability, especially in overexploited river basins.

Challenges in Maintaining E-Flow:

• Construction of dams and barrages.
• Pollution and urban encroachments.
• Over-extraction of water for agriculture and industry.

These interventions disrupt natural flow patterns, threatening riverine ecosystems and dependent communities.

Government Initiatives and Studies:

Environmental Flow Notification (2018):

• Introduced by the government to regulate minimum required flows in the Ganga. However, a review of its impact is now being undertaken to determine its effectiveness and the need for improvements.

Recent Meeting Outcomes:

• Emphasis on strengthening the e-flow framework, especially for the Yamuna River, which faces severe pollution and over-extraction issues.
• Need for a robust, inclusive, and scientific approach to water management.

Studies Approved Under National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG):

These studies aim to assess current flow conditions and recommend sustainable flow levels.

Way Forward:

• Expedite assessments under NMCG and ensure multi-stakeholder participation.
• Develop comprehensive water flow strategies for heavily impacted rivers like the Yamuna.
• Strengthen decision-making frameworks to balance ecological and human needs.

In News:

A recent 24-year study (1998–2022) of coral reefs in the Lakshadweep Archipelago revealed that live coral cover has declined by nearly 50%, from about 37.2% to 19.1%. The research, conducted across three atolls—Agatti, Kadmat, and Kavaratti—highlights the severe impact of repeated marine heatwaves linked to climate change.

What are Corals?

Corals are small, soft-bodied marine invertebrates belonging to the Cnidaria group. Individual corals, called polyps, secrete a calcium carbonate exoskeleton, forming vast reef structures. Coral reefs provide crucial habitats for about 25% of marine life and support over 1 billion people worldwide with food, livelihoods, and coastal protection.

Types and Distribution:

India’s coral reefs are mainly found in the Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands, and Malvan.

Causes of Coral Decline:

• Marine Heatwaves & Climate Change: Rising sea surface temperatures disrupt the symbiotic relationship between corals and their algae (zooxanthellae), causing bleaching and mortality.
• Ocean Acidification: Increased CO? lowers ocean pH, hampering coral skeleton formation.
• Pollution: Land runoff with fertilizers, pesticides, and heavy metals harms coral health.
• Physical Damage: Coastal development, sedimentation, and unsustainable fishing.
• Overfishing: Imbalance in reef ecosystems due to loss of algae-eating fish.

Key Findings from the Lakshadweep Study:

• Coral mortality from bleaching has decreased over time but so has the reefs’ recovery rate.
• Heat-sensitive coral species have largely disappeared, leaving more stress-tolerant species like Porites dominant.
• Recovery accelerates only if reefs are given at least a six-year gap between bleaching events.
• The 2010 marine heatwave was the most severe, with a Degree Heating Week (DHW) value of 6.7, indicating significant heat stress.
• The study emphasizes the need for longer recovery periods between bleaching for coral regeneration.

Implications for Conservation:

• The study provides a predictive framework to identify reefs vulnerable to bleaching and prioritize restoration.
• Local conservation must be combined with urgent global climate action to reduce the frequency of heatwaves.
• Without global intervention, even resilient coral species may not survive repeated disturbances.

This study underscores the vulnerability of India’s coral reefs, especially in Lakshadweep, to climate change and highlights the urgent need for integrated local and global conservation efforts.

In News:

In a historic advisory opinion delivered on 23rd July 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) recognized the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a fundamental human right. The opinion was issued at the request of the UN General Assembly (2023) following lobbying by Vanuatu and supported by over 130 countries, mainly small island developing states (SIDS) vulnerable to climate change.

Key Legal Questions Addressed:

1. What are states’ obligations under international law to mitigate climate change?
2. What are the legal consequences of failing to act on climate commitments?

Major Highlights of the ICJ Advisory Opinion:

1. Environment as a Human Right

• The Court affirmed that access to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is inherent to the enjoyment of other human rights.
• Based on customary international law, UNGA Resolution 76/300 (2022), and international human rights treaties.

2. Binding Legal Duties

• States are bound under UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement to:
  • Implement mitigation and adaptation policies.
  • Submit and update Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
  • Facilitate technology transfer and climate finance.

3. Due Diligence and Liability

• States must prevent significant transboundary environmental harm and regulate both public and private actors (e.g., fossil fuel companies).
• Failure to act amounts to an internationally wrongful act, triggering:
  • Cessation,
  • Guarantees of non-repetition,
  • Compensation or restitution.

4. Historical Emissions & Responsibility

• The ICJ accepted that cumulative emissions can be legally attributed to specific states.
• Supports legal claims for reparations and accountability based on historic contributions to climate change.

5. Climate Obligations as Erga Omnes

• These duties are owed to the entire international community.
• Any state can seek enforcement, regardless of direct injury.

6. Scientific Attribution Accepted

• Climate science was admitted as legal evidence.
• Allows courts to establish causal links between emissions and environmental harm.

Geopolitical & Legal Implications:

• Empowers SIDS and developing nations in climate negotiations.
• Opens doors to domestic and international litigation based on environmental rights.
• Highlights inadequacy of current global agreements in ensuring timely climate action.
• Major emitters like USA and Russia have resisted legally binding obligations through courts.

Relevance for India:

• Reinforces Article 21 (Right to Life) and Article 48A (Protection of Environment) of the Indian Constitution.
• Can influence Indian courts and tribunals (e.g., NGT, Supreme Court) in:
  • Air and water pollution cases,
  • Waste management,
  • Climate adaptation litigation.

This ruling marks a critical shift in international environmental law, signaling greater legal accountability for climate action and strengthening the legal foundation for future climate justice claims.

In News:

• The National Cooperation Policy (NCP) 2025 marks a strategic roadmap for revitalizing India’s cooperative sector to meet the nation’s goal of becoming “Viksit” by 2047.
• Rooted in the ethos of Sahkar-se-Samriddhi, this policy aims to build on the unique strengths of India’s cooperative tradition, promote economic democratization, and uplift rural economies through collective participation.
• Mission: To create an enabling legal, economic, and institutional framework that will strengthen and deepen the cooperative movement at the grassroots level and facilitate the transformation of cooperative enterprises into professionally managed, transparent, technology-enabled, vibrant, and responsive economic entities to support production by the masses.

What is a Cooperative?

A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons, united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically member-controlled enterprise. 

Difference between Credit & Non-Credit Cooperatives

The Indian cooperative movement has been the flag bearer of a participatory, people-led development model aimed at socio-economic upliftment at the grassroots level for more than a century.

Strategic Pillars:

The policy is structured around six mission pillars and 16 objectives:

1. Strengthening the Foundation – Legal reforms, better governance, access to finance, digitalization.
2. Promoting Vibrancy – Creating business ecosystems, expanding exports and rural clusters.
3. Making Cooperatives Future-Ready – Technology integration, professional management, cooperative stack.
4. Promoting Inclusivity and Deepening Reach – Promoting cooperative-led inclusive development and cooperatives as a people’s movement.
5. Entering New and Emerging Sectors – Biogas, clean energy, warehousing, healthcare, etc.
6. Shaping Young Generation for Cooperative Growth – Courses, training, employment exchanges.

Key Highlights of the Policy

Legislative and Institutional Reforms

• Encourage States to amend cooperative laws (Cooperative Societies Acts and Rules) to enhance transparency, autonomy and the ease of doing business.
• Promote digitalization of registrar offices and real-time cooperative databases.
• Revive sick cooperatives with institutional mechanisms.

Financial Empowerment

• Preserve and promote the three-tier Primary Agriculture Credit Societies - District Central Cooperative Bank - State Cooperative Bank credit structure.
• Promote cooperative banks and umbrella organizations (like National Urban Cooperative Finance & Development Corporation).
• Enable cooperative banks to handle government businesses.

Business Ecosystem Development

• Model cooperative villages with multipurpose PACS as growth engines.
• Encouraging States/UTs to develop at least one model cooperative village.
• Develop rural economic clusters (e.g., honey, spices, tea).
• Support branding under the ‘Bharat’ brand.

Model Cooperative Village

A Model Cooperative Village is a self-reliant rural unit developed through a cooperative-led, household-focused approach to enhance livelihoods and productivity.

Future-Readiness & Technology

• Develop a national ‘Cooperative Stack’ integrating with Agri-stack and databases.
• Promote Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and Government e-marketplace (GeM) platform integration.
• Encourage research and innovation through cooperative incubators and Centres of Excellence.

Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)

The ONDC is a transformative initiative by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India aimed at democratizing digital commerce. Launched in April 2022, ONDC aims at promoting open networks for all aspects of exchange of goods and services over digital or electronic networks.

Government e-Marketplace (GeM)

GeM is an online platform for public procurement in India. The initiative was launched on August 09, 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry with the objective to create an open and transparent procurement platform for government buyers.

Inclusivity Measures

• Active participation of youth, women, SC/STs, and differently-abled in cooperatives.
• Model bye-laws for gender representation and transparent governance.
• Cooperative awareness campaigns in schools and colleges.

Model Bye-Laws

The Model Bye-laws are simply a representative sample and a guide to frame bye-laws of a multi-state cooperative society.

Sectoral Diversification

• Promote cooperatives in new and emerging sectors such as:
  1. Renewable energy,
  2. Waste management,
  3. Health and education,
  4. Mobile-based aggregator services (e.g., for plumbers, taxi drivers),
  5. Organic and natural farming,
  6. Biogas and ethanol production, etc.