In News:

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in coordination with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, released the annual publication Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS) 2025 on National Milk Day (26 November 2025). The report presents comprehensive, state-wise data on production and per-capita availability of milk, eggs, meat and wool, based on the Integrated Sample Survey (ISS) conducted from 1 March 2024 to 29 February 2025 across three seasons—summer, rainy and winter.

Key Findings

Milk Production

• Global Rank: 1st
• Output (2024–25): 247.87 million tonnes, a 3.58% increase over 2023–24.
• Per Capita Availability: 485 g/day (up from 319 g/day in 2014–15).
• Top Producers: Uttar Pradesh (15.66%), Rajasthan (14.82%), Madhya Pradesh (9.12%), Gujarat (7.78%), Maharashtra (6.71%)—54.09% combined share.
• Growth by Source: Crossbred cattle (+4.97%), Indigenous cattle (+3.51%), Buffaloes (+2.45%).

Egg Production

• Global Rank: 2nd
• Output (2024–25): 149.11 billion eggs, 4.44% growth.
• Per Capita Availability: 106 eggs/year (up from 62 in 2014–15).
• Major Contributors: Andhra Pradesh (18.37%), Tamil Nadu (15.63%), Telangana (12.98%), West Bengal (10.72%), Karnataka (6.67%)—64.37% combined.
• Production Mix: Commercial poultry 84.49%; Backyard poultry 15.51%.

Meat Production

• Global Rank: 4th
• Output (2024–25): 10.50 million tonnes, 2.46% growth.
• Poultry Share: ~50% (5.18 million tonnes).
• Top States: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana—57.55% combined.

Wool Production

• Output (2024–25): 34.57 million kg, 2.63% growth.
• Leading States: Rajasthan (47.85%), Jammu & Kashmir (22.88%), Gujarat, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh—85.98% combined.

In News:

India and Indonesia held the third India–Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi, co-chaired by Rajnath Singh, India’s Defence Minister, and Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, the Defence Minister of Indonesia. The dialogue marked another step in deepening bilateral defence ties amid evolving regional security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.

Context and Significance

The Indonesian Defence Minister’s visit reflects growing momentum in India–Indonesia defence engagement. It followed high-level interactions earlier in the year, including the Indonesian President’s visit to India, underscoring the strategic importance both countries attach to defence and security cooperation.

Key Areas of Discussion

1. Regional and Multilateral Security: The two sides reviewed regional security developments and discussed multilateral issues affecting the Indo-Pacific. They reaffirmed commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, noting convergence between the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

2. Maritime Cooperation: Given Indonesia’s strategic geography overseeing key sea lanes such as the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok Straits both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in maritime domain awareness, naval coordination, and regional maritime security. They also highlighted collaboration through multilateral forums like the Indian Ocean Rim Association.

3. Defence Industry and Technology Collaboration: Indonesia welcomed India’s proposal to establish a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee. This mechanism aims to strengthen technology transfer, joint research and development, harmonisation of certification standards, and defence supply-chain linkages. Prospects such as the BrahMos missile deal and broader defence manufacturing collaboration were also noted.

4. Military-to-Military Engagements: The dialogue reviewed progress in joint exercises across the three services. Key engagements include Super Garuda Shield, Exercise Garuda Shakti (Army), Exercise Samudra Shakti (Navy), participation in MILAN naval exercises, and proposed air manoeuvre exercises, reflecting expanding operational interoperability.

Broader India–Indonesia Relations

Beyond defence, India and Indonesia share strong economic ties, with bilateral trade reaching USD 38.8 billion in 2022–23. Defence cooperation is increasingly viewed as a pillar supporting wider strategic, economic, and people-to-people relations.

In News:

India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, a rapid Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission, to support Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which triggered severe floods and landslides across the island nation, causing over 80 deaths and large-scale displacement.

Background and Launch

Cyclone Ditwah brought intense rainfall from mid-November, leading to riverine flooding particularly in Sri Lanka’s Western Province and widespread damage to homes and infrastructure. In response, India initiated Operation Sagar Bandhu as part of its Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, underscoring its commitment to regional solidarity and maritime cooperation.

Relief Deployment and Coordination

The operation is coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs, with operational support from the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force.

• Sea-based relief: India’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline warship INS Udaigiri reached Colombo carrying emergency supplies and HADR equipment.
• Air-based relief: An IAF C-130J transport aircraft delivered approximately 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food.

This sea–air integrated logistics ensured swift delivery to affected areas and flexibility to scale assistance as conditions evolved.

Humanitarian Impact

Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre reported extensive flooding across multiple provinces, thousands of affected families, and damage to hundreds of homes. Heavy rainfall warnings exceeding 150–200 mm in several districts raised concerns of further inundation. India’s relief supplies were handed over to Sri Lankan authorities to support immediate shelter, sanitation, and food needs.

Diplomatic Significance

India’s leadership highlighted solidarity with its “closest maritime neighbour.” The mission demonstrates India’s readiness to act as a first responder in the Indian Ocean Region, reinforcing trust and cooperation during crises. It also showcases India’s growing HADR capability, combining naval reach, airlift capacity, and inter-ministerial coordination.

In News:

The Ministry of Jal Shakti will host the Vision for Sujalam Bharat Summit 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking a major national initiative to build a coherent, practical and cooperative water security framework for India. The Summit forms part of NITI Aayog’s six thematic Departmental Summits, envisaged by the Prime Minister to bring together Central and State governments along with junior and field-level cadres for solution-oriented governance.

Objectives and Approach

The Summit aims to accelerate water sustainability through:

• Evidence-based policymaking
• Sectoral reforms
• Cooperative federalism in water governance

It adopts a whole-of-government approach, bridging the gap between policy formulation and on-ground implementation, and aligning national priorities with State- and community-level action.

Thematic Areas Covered

The Vision for Sujalam Bharat process encompasses six critical thematic areas:

1. Rejuvenation of Rivers and Springs: Focus on Aviral (continuous) and Nirmal (clean) Dhara through spring-shed management, catchment protection, wetland restoration, riverfront development, and community-led river stewardship.
2. Greywater Management and Reuse: Promotion of circular water use via pricing and financing models, nature-based solutions, septage management, and reuse in domestic, industrial and urban sectors.
3. Technology-driven Water Management: Deployment of AI-based monitoring, micro-irrigation, leak detection, loss reduction, and precision agriculture to enhance demand-side efficiency.
4. Water Conservation and Groundwater Recharge: Managed aquifer recharge, revival of traditional water systems, community-led groundwater governance, and behavioural change aligned with the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative.
5. Sustainable Drinking Water Supply: Emphasis on source sustainability planning, climate-resilient infrastructure, community-based operations and maintenance (O&M), and digital governance tools.
6. Community & Institutional Engagement: Empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), frontline workers, and local bodies, alongside stronger inter-departmental convergence.

Consultative Process and Key Outcomes

Between September and October 2025, the Ministry conducted six thematic workshops, engaging over 2,800 participants from across States/UTs, Central ministries, technical institutions, PRIs, NGOs, SHGs and field-level officials.

Based on these consultations, five national priorities were identified:

• Strengthening source sustainability
• Scaling groundwater recharge
• Expanding modern and nature-based solutions
• Revitalising community institutions
• Enhancing inter-departmental convergence

Significance

• Provides a national roadmap for water-secure and climate-resilient India
• Integrates rural–urban water management, sanitation, irrigation efficiency and drinking water security
• Encourages community ownership of water assets for long-term sustainability
• Strengthens alignment between strategy and execution through cooperative federalism

In News:

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has approved seven new Indian names proposed by Kerala-based researchers for geological features on Mars, marking a significant recognition of India’s scientific and cultural contributions in planetary science. These names include Martian craters, valleys and plains inspired by Indian geographers, scientists and locations with geological or space-science relevance.

Martian Landforms named after Indian Places and Personalities

Among the newly approved names, several are inspired by Kerala’s geography and India’s space and scientific legacy:

• Periyar Vallis: A Martian valley named after the Periyar River, Kerala’s longest river, highlighting similarities between fluvial landforms on Earth and Mars.
• Varkala Crater: Named after Varkala beach, known for its laterite cliffs rich in jarosite, a mineral also detected on Mars, making it a key terrestrial analogue site.
• Bekal Crater: Named after Bekal Fort in Kasaragod, a historic coastal fort associated with the Keladi Nayaka dynasty, Mysore rulers and the British.
• Thumba Crater: Named after Thumba, the birthplace of India’s space programme and home to the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Centre (1962), where Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) began its early rocket launches.
• Valiamala Crater: Named after Valiamala, which hosts the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), India’s premier space education institution.
• Krishnan Crater: Named in honour of M. S. Krishnan, India’s pioneering geologist and first Indian Director of the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Located in the Xanthe Terra region, the crater is about 3.5 billion years old and preserves evidence of ancient glacial and fluvial activity.
• Krishnan Planus: A plain southeast of the Krishnan Crater, also named after M. S. Krishnan and geologically associated with the crater system.

Note: In 2024, the IAU had approved three Indian-proposed names from Ahmedabad-based Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), including Lal Crater (after geophysicist Devendra Lal) and Mursan and Hilsa craters (named after towns in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar).

How are Martian surface features named?

The IAU is the global authority responsible for naming celestial bodies and planetary features. Proposals are evaluated by its Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN).
Key guidelines include:

• Large craters (>50 km): Named after deceased scientists with foundational contributions.
• Small craters: Named after towns or villages with populations below 100,000.
• Names must be unique, culturally relevant, non-political, non-offensive, and easy to pronounce.
• Each proposal must include the name’s origin, coordinates, imagery, feature type and scientific justification.

In News:

Two tropical cyclonic systems, Cyclone Ditwah and Cyclone Senyar, developed almost simultaneously over the Bay of Bengal–Andaman Sea region, drawing attention to the heightened cyclogenesis during the retreating phase of the Southwest Monsoon (October–November). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for India’s east coast due to associated heavy rainfall and wind impacts.

Cyclone Ditwah: Key Facts

• Nature: Tropical cyclonic storm
• Area of formation: Southwest Bay of Bengal
• Development: Rapid intensification from a depression to a cyclonic storm in less than 24 hours
• Movement & impact: Moving towards the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and southern Andhra Pradesh, with heavy rainfall and gusty winds expected
• Naming: Ditwah is the recommended name by Yemen

Cyclone Senyar: Key Facts

• Nature: Cyclonic system originating from a low-pressure area
• Area of formation: Near Malaysia/Strait of Malacca, over the South Andaman Sea and adjoining Bay of Bengal
• Development: Intensified into a depression and further strengthened before weakening over the Strait of Malacca
• Impact: Though it weakened, its remnant circulation and moisture feed triggered very heavy rainfall over parts of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and South India
• Naming: Senyar is the recommended name by the UAE

Why are cyclones frequent in the Bay of Bengal During the Retreating Monsoon?

• Warm Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs): Post-monsoon SSTs of ~28–30°C or higher provide abundant latent heat for cyclone formation.
• High Moisture Content: Strong moisture inflow from the equatorial Indian Ocean and the Bay creates a deep, humid troposphere, favouring convection.
• Southward Shift of ITCZ: During monsoon withdrawal, the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and monsoon trough move southward over the Bay, enhancing convergence and vorticity.
• Low Vertical Wind Shear: October–early November typically sees reduced wind shear over the Bay, allowing systems to organise and intensify.
• Re-intensification of Monsoon Lows: Remnant lows/depressions moving back over warm Bay waters can re-strengthen into cyclones.
• Bay vs Arabian Sea Contrast: The Bay’s semi-enclosed nature, large river freshwater inflows (e.g., Ganga–Brahmaputra), and warmer, stratified surface waters make it more cyclone-prone than the Arabian Sea in this season.

Regional Implications

• East Coast Vulnerability: Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh face risks of heavy rain, flooding and wind damage.
• Island Territories: The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are particularly susceptible to rainfall bursts from systems forming near the Andaman Sea.
• Hydro-meteorological Risk: Back-to-back systems can compound impacts through soil saturation, runoff and riverine flooding.

In News:

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), through its Antimicrobial Resistance Research & Surveillance Network (AMRSN) Report 2024, has warned that common infections in India are becoming increasingly difficult to treat due to rapidly rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Routine and even last-line antibiotics are losing effectiveness against widely prevalent hospital pathogens.

Key Findings of AMRSN Report 2024

• Common infections affected: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, sepsis, and diarrhoeal diseases.
• Failing antibiotics:
  • Fluoroquinolones
  • Third-generation cephalosporins
  • Carbapenems (last-line drugs)
  • Piperacillin–tazobactam
• Based on nearly one lakh lab-confirmed samples from major hospitals, drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria dominate hospital infections.

Major Superbugs Identified

• Escherichia coli (E. coli):
  • Leading cause of UTIs, abdominal and bloodstream infections.
  • Shows declining susceptibility even to strong antibiotics.
• Klebsiella pneumoniae:
  • Major cause of pneumonia and sepsis.
  • Resistant to piperacillin–tazobactam in ~75% cases and to carbapenems in most samples.
• Acinetobacter baumannii:
  • Particularly severe in ICUs.
  • Shows ~91% resistance to meropenem, severely limiting treatment options.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa:
  • Rising resistance, especially in ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Overall, 72% of bloodstream infections and most ventilator-associated pneumonia cases were caused by highly drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.

Fungal Resistance Trends

• Candida auris: Nearly 10% resistance among isolates.
• Aspergillus species: Around one-third resistant to amphotericin B, a key antifungal drug.

What are Superbugs?

Superbugs are bacteria or fungi resistant to multiple antimicrobial drugs, making routine infections hard or impossible to treat.

Key causes:

• Overuse and misuse of antibiotics
• Incomplete treatment courses
• Excessive use of high-end antibiotics in hospitals
• Gene transfer between microbes

Implications of Rising AMR

• Treatment failure: Doctors are forced to use toxic or expensive drug combinations.
• Higher mortality: ICU infections become life-threatening.
• Longer hospital stays: Increased isolation and healthcare burden.
• Economic impact: Higher treatment costs and productivity losses.
• Public health risk: Routine infections may resemble the pre-antibiotic era in severity.

Significance for India

• Highlights the urgent need for antibiotic stewardship, infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols, and rational prescribing.
• Underlines the importance of regulated antibiotic sales, stronger surveillance, and new drug discovery.
• Signals India’s contribution to the global AMR crisis, threatening progress toward SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

In News:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM) with a total financial outlay of ?7,280 crore. This is a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at establishing a domestic and integrated REPM manufacturing ecosystem in India, reducing import dependence and strengthening strategic supply chains.

What are Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM)?

REPMs, such as Neodymium–Iron–Boron (NdFeB) and Samarium–Cobalt (SmCo) magnets, are among the strongest permanent magnets globally. They are critical components in electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, electronics, aerospace, defence systems, and strategic technologies. Owing to their strategic importance, REPMs are classified as critical materials worldwide.

Key Features of the Scheme

• Objective: Establish 6,000 Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) of integrated REPM manufacturing capacity in India.
• Nature: Central Sector scheme focused on end-to-end manufacturing.
• Manufacturing Scope: Conversion of rare earth oxides → metals → alloys → finished REPMs, enabling full value-chain integration.
• Beneficiaries: Capacity to be allocated to five beneficiaries through a global competitive bidding process, with up to 1,200 MTPA per beneficiary.
• Duration: 7 years
  • 2 years: Gestation period for setting up facilities
  • 5 years: Incentive disbursement period

Financial Structure

• Total Outlay: ?7,280 crore
  • Sales-linked incentive: ?6,450 crore (linked to REPM sales for five years)
  • Capital subsidy: ?750 crore for setting up integrated manufacturing facilities

Rationale for the Scheme

• Rising Demand: India’s REPM demand is projected to double by 2030, driven by EVs, renewables, electronics and defence.
• Import Dependence: India currently imports almost its entire REPM requirement (~900 tonnes annually).
• Supply Chain Vulnerability: Global shortages during 2021–22 led to 200–300% price spikes, highlighting strategic risks.
• Mineral Potential: India has the 5th-largest rare earth reserves (~6.9 million tonnes), mainly in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Kerala, Jharkhand and Rajasthan, but lacks downstream manufacturing.

Strategic Significance

• Atmanirbhar Bharat: Establishes India’s first integrated REPM manufacturing facilities, enhancing self-reliance.
• National Security: Secures supply for defence, aerospace and strategic sectors.
• Energy Transition: Supports electric mobility and renewable energy, contributing to Net Zero 2070 goals.
• Global Positioning: Aims to position India as a key player in the global REPM market, currently dominated by China (≈85–90% share).
• Employment & Industrial Growth: Generates skilled employment and strengthens advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Complementary Measures

The scheme aligns with broader initiatives such as the National Critical Mineral Mission (2025), modernisation of rare earth processing by IREL (India) Limited, R&D by BARC, ARCI and IITs, and international cooperation through platforms like the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP).

In News:

The Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, has approved the Textiles Focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning and Start-up (Tex-RAMPS) Scheme to address long-standing gaps in research, innovation, data systems and capacity development in the textiles sector. The scheme reflects India’s intent to future-proof its Textiles and Apparel (T&A) ecosystem amid rapid technological change and global competition.

What is the Tex-RAMPS Scheme?

Tex-RAMPS is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded and implemented by the Ministry of Textiles. It has a total outlay of ?305 crore for the period FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31, co-terminus with the upcoming Finance Commission cycle, ensuring medium-term continuity and stability in policy support.
The core objective is to enhance innovation capacity, strengthen data-driven policymaking, support start-ups, and improve global competitiveness of India’s textile sector.

Key Components of Tex-RAMPS

1. Research & Innovation: The scheme promotes advanced research in areas such as smart textiles, sustainable manufacturing, process efficiency and emerging textile technologies, aiming to move India up the value chain and reduce dependence on low-value exports.

2. Data, Analytics & Diagnostics: Tex-RAMPS envisages creation of robust sectoral data systems, including employment assessments, supply-chain mapping, and the India-Size study, to support evidence-based decisions and targeted interventions.

3. Integrated Textiles Statistical System (ITSS): A major feature is the ITSS, a real-time integrated data and analytics platform that will enable structured monitoring of the sector and informed strategic planning by government and stakeholders.

4. Capacity Development & Knowledge Ecosystem: The scheme focuses on State-level planning support, dissemination of best practices, capacity-building workshops, and organisation of sectoral knowledge events to strengthen institutional capabilities across the country.

5. Start-up & Innovation Support: Tex-RAMPS provides support to incubators, hackathons, and academia–industry collaborations, encouraging high-value textile start-ups and entrepreneurship, particularly in technical and smart textiles.

Key Features

• ?305 crore outlay (2025–31) with assured central funding
• Central Sector Scheme ensuring uniform nationwide implementation
• Strong emphasis on smart, sustainable and technology-driven textiles
• Real-time monitoring through ITSS for transparency and accountability

Significance of the Scheme

• Boosts global competitiveness of Indian textiles on quality, sustainability and technology parameters
• Strengthens the R&D ecosystem, creating a pipeline for innovation in technical and smart textiles
• Improves policymaking through high-quality, real-time data
• Generates employment and promotes collaboration among States, industry, academia and government institutions
• Aligns the textile sector with India’s broader goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and green manufacturing

In News:

The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), in its Asia-Pacific Disaster Report 2025, has warned that Asian megacities such as Delhi, Karachi, Dhaka, Manila, Shanghai and Seoul face severe and potentially deadly heat stress due to the combined impact of global warming and the urban heat island (UHI) effect.

Urban Heat Island Effect and Temperature Rise

The report highlights that even if global warming is limited to 1.5–2°C, dense urban areas could experience an additional 2–7°C rise in local temperatures. This amplification is caused by concrete-dominated landscapes, limited green cover, waste heat from vehicles and air conditioners, and poor urban ventilation. As a result, cities heat up far beyond surrounding rural areas, pushing everyday temperatures into dangerous zones.

Heat Index and Measurement of Risk

To assess extreme heat risk, ESCAP used the heat index, which combines air temperature and relative humidity to reflect “felt temperature.”

• 35°C and above: Severe heat stress
• 41°C and above: Extreme danger with high risk of heat stroke

The analysis used four thresholds-35°C, 37°C, 39°C and 41°C, corresponding to the World Bank’s heat risk index categories. South and Southwest Asia fall in the highest risk categories (3 and 4).

Regional Exposure Patterns

• India, Pakistan and Bangladesh may face over 300 days annually with heat index above 35°C, and more than 200 days above 41°C in several regions.
• Over 40% of South Asia’s population is projected to experience chronic exposure to extreme heat in both medium- and long-term scenarios, regardless of climate mitigation pathways.
• Southeast Asia could see nearly 30% of its population exposed to extreme heat under business-as-usual scenarios.

Extreme Heat: Fastest Growing Climate Hazard

The report identifies extreme heat as the fastest-growing climate-related hazard in Asia-Pacific.

• 2024 was the hottest year on record globally.
• The Bangladesh heatwave (April–May 2024) affected ~33 million people, the largest single disaster by population impacted.
• In India, prolonged heatwaves caused around 700 deaths, making it the second deadliest event in the region that year.

According to EM-DAT, over 180 natural and climate-induced disasters were recorded in Asia-Pacific in 2024.

Health, Inequality and Air Pollution Linkages

Extreme heat overwhelms the body’s thermoregulation, increasing risks of cardiovascular, respiratory and kidney disorders, as well as heatstroke. Urban poor communities are disproportionately affected due to crowded housing, lack of cooling, water stress and limited healthcare access. Heat also worsens air pollution, as droughts and wildfires increase PM10, PM2.5, VOCs and nitrogen oxides, creating a dangerous heat–pollution feedback loop.

Economic and Livelihood Impacts

Heat stress severely affects productivity in labour-intensive sectors such as agriculture, construction and industry. Across Asia-Pacific, working hours lost to heat stress are projected to more than double—from 3.75 million to over 8.1 million full-time job equivalents by 2030.

Using probabilistic risk modelling, ESCAP estimates average annual disaster losses could rise from $418 billion currently to $498 billion under high-emission scenarios, reflecting rising exposure and insufficient adaptation.

Way Forward Highlighted by the Report

The report stresses the need to place extreme heat at the centre of multi-hazard planning, including:

• Heat–health early warning systems with last-mile communication
• Heat-sensitive urban design (cool roofs, urban forests, shaded corridors)
• Legal protection for outdoor workers
• Strengthened health systems and cooling shelters
• Inclusive adaptation policies targeting vulnerable populations

In News:

The Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has advocated the formulation of a National Judicial Policy to address growing concerns over divergent judicial interpretations across High Courts and different Benches of the Supreme Court of India. The proposal is aimed at ensuring greater consistency, predictability, and coherence in judicial outcomes across the country.

What is a National Judicial Policy?

A National Judicial Policy would function as a common guiding framework for courts at all levels, laying down uniform standards of interpretation, procedure, and case management. It seeks to ensure that courts across India “speak in one rhythm” on major constitutional and legal questions, without compromising their adjudicatory independence.

Why is such a policy needed?

India’s judicial system faces frequent conflicting rulings by different High Courts on similar legal issues, creating uncertainty for citizens, governments, and institutions. Even within the Supreme Court, multiple Benches sometimes issue inconsistent orders, affecting policy implementation. With nearly 5.4 crore pending cases, the absence of standardised timelines and procedures aggravates delays. Additionally, uneven infrastructure, language barriers, high litigation costs, and geographical distance restrict access to justice, particularly for marginalised groups.

Existing and Supporting Reforms

The judiciary has already initiated several measures aligned with the spirit of a national policy. These include promotion of mediation and alternative dispute resolution, expansion of digital justice tools such as e-filing and virtual hearings, strengthening of arbitration mechanisms, and efforts toward modernising court infrastructure. International judicial cooperation and training exchanges are also being used to adopt global best practices.

Key Challenges

Implementing a national framework faces structural hurdles. India’s federal diversity, reflected in varying state laws and languages, complicates uniformity. There are also concerns that such a policy could dilute judicial independence, especially the constitutional autonomy of High Courts under Articles 225 and 226. Persistent infrastructure gaps, large judicial vacancies, resistance to procedural change, and the digital divide further constrain uniform implementation.

Way Forward

A workable National Judicial Policy must be jointly drafted by the Supreme Court, High Courts, and the Law Ministry, ensuring a balance between uniform standards and constitutional autonomy. Harmonising court procedures, strengthening the lower judiciary, expanding inclusive digital access, scaling up pre-litigation mediation, and improving coordination through regular judicial conferences are essential steps.

In News:

India has released an updated Seismic Zonation Map (2025) under the revised Earthquake Design Code (IS 1893), marking a major shift in the country’s approach to earthquake risk assessment and structural safety. The revision replaces the 2016 map and aligns India’s standards with contemporary scientific understanding and international best practices.

Why Was the Update Needed?

• Underestimation of Himalayan Risk: Earlier maps classified the Himalaya largely under Zones IV and V, despite the region being among the most tectonically active belts globally along the Indian–Eurasian plate boundary.
• Outdated Methodology: Previous zonation relied heavily on historical epicentres, past damage, and broad geology, overlooking evolving rupture dynamics.
• Rupture Propagation Ignored: Southward propagation of Himalayan Frontal Thrust ruptures was inadequately captured, underestimating risks in densely populated foothill towns such as Dehradun.
• Rising Exposure: Nearly three-fourths of India’s population now lives in seismically active regions, increasing disaster vulnerability.
• Global Practice Gap: The need to adopt Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment (PSHA), used internationally, became imperative.

What is a Seismic Zonation Map?

A seismic zonation map divides a country into zones based on the expected intensity and frequency of earthquakes.

• Issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
• Integrated into IS 1893 (Earthquake Design Code)
• Forms the basis for urban planning, infrastructure design, and disaster preparedness

Key Features of the Seismic Zonation Map 2025

• Introduction of Zone VI:
  • A new highest-risk zone created.
  • The entire Himalayan arc from Jammu & Kashmir–Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, now falls under Zone VI, reflecting sustained extreme tectonic stress.
• Scientific Basis – PSHA:
  • Uses Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment, factoring in:
    • Ground-shaking attenuation with distance
    • Tectonic regime and fault behaviour
    • Underlying lithology
• Expanded High-Risk Coverage:
  • 61% of India’s landmass now lies in moderate to high hazard zones (up from 59%).
  • The Peninsular Plateau shows minor refinements, retaining a relatively stable seismic profile.
• Boundary Rule Enhancement: Towns located along zone boundaries will be assigned to the higher-risk zone.
• Focus on Non-Structural Safety: First-time emphasis on parapets, ceilings, overhead tanks, façade panels, lifts, electrical lines, and suspended fixtures.
• Near-Fault Provisions:
  • Mandatory consideration of pulse-like ground motions near active faults.
  • Updated limits on displacement, ductility, and energy dissipation.
• Site-Specific Requirements: New norms for liquefaction risk, soil flexibility, and response spectra.
• Critical Infrastructure Standards: Hospitals, schools, bridges, pipelines, and public utilities must remain functional after major earthquakes.

Implementation Challenges

• Retrofitting Existing Infrastructure: High costs, technical complexity, and coordination issues.
• Economic Impact: Stricter norms may increase construction costs.
• Technical Capacity: PSHA-based, site-specific designs require advanced geotechnical expertise and equipment.

In News:

The Supreme Court of India has accepted the recommendations of a Union Environment Ministry appointed committee on a uniform definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges, with the stated objective of restricting mining, prohibiting activity in core/inviolate areas, and enabling sustainable mining practices. The decision follows long-standing concerns over rampant legal and illegal mining in the Aravalli region.

Background

• The Aravalli Hills have faced decades of degradation due to mining and construction.
• In May 2024, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to evolve a uniform definition of the Aravallis, as the absence of clarity hindered effective regulation.
• Historically, the Forest Survey of India (FSI) used a 3-degree slope criterion (since 2010) to delineate Aravalli hills.
• A technical sub-committee (2024) later proposed identifying Aravalli hills as landforms with a minimum slope of 4.57 degrees (8%) and height of at least 30 m, which would have covered around 40% of the range.

New Definition Accepted by the Supreme Court

• Any landform with an elevation of 100 metres or more above local relief, along with its slopes and adjacent areas, will be considered part of the Aravalli Hills.
• As per internal FSI assessments:
  • Only 1,048 hills (≈8.7%) out of over 12,000 hill features in Rajasthan meet the 100 m height criterion.
  • Consequently, over 90% of the Aravalli landscape would fall outside the new definition.

Ecological Significance of the Aravalli Range

• The Aravalli Range stretches for about 692 km, from Gujarat to Delhi, via Rajasthan and Haryana; Rajasthan accounts for nearly two-thirds of its extent.
• It is the oldest mountain range in India and plays a vital role in:
  • Acting as a barrier against desertification from the Thar Desert
  • Regulating regional climate and air quality, especially in Delhi–NCR
  • Serving as a watershed for rivers like Luni, Banas and Sabarmati
  • Supporting biodiversity and wildlife corridors (e.g., Sariska–Ranthambhore)

Key Concerns with the New Definition

• Environmental impact: FSI cautioned that even low hills (10–30 m) function as crucial wind and dust barriers; their exclusion could worsen sand and dust transport toward the Indo-Gangetic plains and NCR.
• Methodological issues:
  • Use of district-average slope and elevation masks the presence of local hill features.
  • Comparing height above mean sea level with height above local relief leads to potential misclassification.
• Area exclusion: Several districts with known Aravalli features (e.g., Chittorgarh, Sawai Madhopur) were left out of the ministry’s Aravalli district list.

Way Forward

• While accepting the 100-m height definition, the Supreme Court has directed the Environment Ministry to prepare a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining, with technical support from the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE).
• The plan aims to:
  • Prevent illegal mining
  • Regulate permitted mining sustainably
  • Protect core/inviolate zones of the Aravalli ecosystem

In News:

The Indian Navy commissioned INS Mahe, the first Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. With this induction, India has taken a significant step in strengthening its coastal and littoral anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities under the Western Naval Command.

About INS Mahe

• Type: Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC)
• Class: Mahe-class (lead ship of eight vessels)
• Role: First line of coastal defence, designed to operate in shallow and near-shore waters
• Operational Command: Western Naval Command

INS Mahe is specially optimised to detect, track, and neutralise sub-surface threats in coastal regions where larger surface combatants face manoeuvrability constraints.

Design and Indigenous Content

• Designed & Built by: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi
• Indigenisation: Over 80% indigenous content
• Industrial Ecosystem: Contributions from Bharat Electronics Limited, L&T Defence, Mahindra Defence Systems, NPOL, and more than 20 MSMEs
• A major milestone under Aatmanirbhar Bharat in naval shipbuilding

Key Features

• ASW Specialisation: Optimised for coastal and shallow water operations
• Advanced Combat Suite:
  • Modern weapons
  • High-precision sensors
  • Secure and integrated communication systems
• Stealth & Endurance: Designed for prolonged operations in littoral waters
• Modern Machinery: Technologically advanced propulsion and integrated control systems
• Motto: “Silent Hunters” - reflecting stealth, vigilance, and readiness

Symbolism and Heritage

• Namesake: Historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast
• Crest: Features the Urumi, the flexible sword of Kalaripayattu, symbolising agility and precision
• Mascot: Cheetah, representing speed and focus

Strategic Significance

• Boosts ASW Capability: Enhances India’s ability to counter submarine threats in littoral zones
• Strengthens Coastal Security Grid: Acts as the forward layer of a multi-tiered maritime defence architecture
• Force Multiplier: Integrates seamlessly with larger surface combatants, submarines, and naval aviation assets
• Indigenisation Push: Demonstrates India’s growing capacity to design, construct, and field complex naval combatants using domestic technology

In News:

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reclassified India’s de facto exchange rate regime from a “stabilised arrangement” to a “crawl-like arrangement”, reflecting the actual behaviour of the Indian rupee in the foreign exchange market rather than India’s official policy description.

What Has Changed?

• Earlier, India’s exchange rate was classified as stabilised, implying limited movement around a reference rate.
• The IMF now categorises it as crawl-like, meaning:
  • The exchange rate remains within a ±2% band around a trend for at least six months.
  • The currency is not fully market-determined, even though there is no formally announced crawl.

India’s Existing Exchange Rate Framework

• India officially follows a managed float system:
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allows market forces to determine the broad trend of the rupee.
  • RBI intervenes selectively to curb excessive volatility, maintain financial stability, and manage external sector risks.
• This differs from:
  • Floating exchange rate: Fully market-determined with minimal intervention.
  • Fixed exchange rate: Officially pegged and defended by the government/central bank.

Crawl-like Arrangement vs Crawling Peg

• Crawling Peg:
  • Involves pre-announced, periodic adjustments in the exchange rate.
  • Adjustments are often linked to indicators like inflation differentials.
• Crawl-like Arrangement (IMF classification):
  • Based on observed currency behaviour, not on a declared policy.
  • Indicates gradual and controlled movement of the currency, even without formal commitments.

How Does the IMF Classify Exchange Rate Regimes?

• Based on:
  • IMF Articles of Agreement (foundational charter adopted in 1944 at the UN Monetary and Financial Conference).
  • Article IV surveillance, under which IMF assesses:
    • Actual exchange rate movements
    • Scale and pattern of central bank intervention
    • Degree of policy commitment to any exchange rate path
• The methodology is uniform across countries and focuses on de facto practices rather than de jure claims.

In News:

India and Nepal are conducting the 19th edition of the bilateral military exercise Suryakiran from 25 November to 8 December in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. The exercise reflects the deep-rooted defence cooperation and operational coordination between the Indian Army and the Nepal Army.

About Exercise Suryakiran

• Nature: Bilateral, annual, battalion-level joint military exercise
• Participating Countries: India and Nepal
• Frequency & Venue: Conducted annually, alternately in India and Nepal
• Last Edition: 18th edition held at Saljhandi, Nepal (Dec 2024–Jan 2025)

Objectives

• Enhance operational synergy in jungle warfare and mountain warfare
• Strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism operations
• Improve interoperability through integration of niche and modern technologies
• Exchange best practices, tactical doctrines, and operational experiences

Key Features

• High-Altitude & Jungle Warfare Training: Joint drills in forested and mountainous terrain, mirroring Himalayan operational conditions.
• Counter-Terrorism Modules: Includes cordon-and-search operations, room intervention, surveillance, and small-team tactics.
• Technology Integration: Use of modern surveillance systems, secure communications, drones, medical evacuation, and battlefield support tools.
• Comprehensive Participation: Battalion-sized contingents (around 300+ personnel) including specialists in aviation, medical, engineering, and high-altitude warfare.
• Professional Exchange: Platform for soldiers to share combat experiences, survival skills, and standard operating procedures.

Strategic Significance

• Reinforces long-standing military ties based on mutual trust, respect, and historical linkages.
• Helps standardise operational procedures and communication protocols for joint missions.
• Enhances preparedness for counter-terrorism, border security, and disaster response in the Himalayan region.
• Contributes to regional stability and shared commitment to peace and security.

In News:

• November 25, observed as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (Nov 25–Dec 10), as recognised by the United Nations General Assembly.
• The 2025 global theme — “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls” — highlights rising threats such as cyberstalking, online harassment, doxxing, deepfakes, and coordinated misogynistic attacks.
• India has adopted a multi-pronged approach combining legal reforms, institutional mechanisms, digital tools, and welfare schemes to address both offline and online violence against women.

Institutional Framework

National Commission for Women (NCW)

• Established in January 1992 as a statutory body.
• Mandate: Review legal safeguards, recommend law reforms, and address complaints of women’s rights violations.
• Enables online complaint registration and runs 24×7 domestic violence support helplines, integrated with police, hospitals, legal services, and counsellors through Digital India platforms.

Key Legal Provisions

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

• In force from 1 July 2024, replacing the IPC.
• Introduces stricter punishments for sexual offences, including life imprisonment for rape of minors.
• Expands definitions of sexual crimes, mandates audio-video recording of victim statements, and prioritises fast-track trials for crimes against women and children.

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA)

• Covers physical, sexual, verbal/emotional, and economic abuse, including dowry-related harassment.
• Applies to women in domestic relationships (by marriage, adoption, or family ties).

Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 (POSH Act)

• Applicable to all women, irrespective of age or employment type.
• Mandates Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs).
• Complaints to be resolved within 90 days.

Mission Shakti: Umbrella Scheme

Implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Mission Shakti integrates:

• Sambal – safety and security
• Samarthya – empowerment and rehabilitation

Major Components

• One Stop Centres (OSCs): District-level centres providing medical, legal, police, counselling, and temporary shelter services under one roof (operational since 2015).
• Swadhar Greh: Shelter, food, legal aid, counselling, and rehabilitation for women in difficult circumstances.
• Stree Manoraksha: Mental health and psycho-social training for OSC staff, implemented with National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS).

Helplines and Emergency Support

• Women Helpline (181): 24×7 national support for women in distress.
• Emergency Response Support System (112): Pan-India emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance services (Nirbhaya Fund).
• NCW-supported digital and WhatsApp-based emergency reporting mechanisms.

Technology-Enabled Safety Measures

Digital Shakti Campaign

• Implemented by NCW to digitally empower women and girls, promoting safe online behaviour and awareness against cybercrimes.

SHe-Box Portal

• Centralised online platform for workplace sexual harassment complaints under the POSH Act.
• Automatically routes complaints to the relevant IC/LC and enables real-time tracking.

Other Key Digital Initiatives

• Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO): Monitors police investigations to ensure timely completion.
• National Database on Sexual Offenders (NDSO): Registry of convicted sexual offenders.
• Crime Multi-Agency Centre (Cri-MAC): Enables real-time sharing of information on heinous crimes across States/UTs.

Judicial & Policing Mechanisms

• Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs): Established under the Nirbhaya Fund for speedy trials of rape and POCSO cases.
• Women Help Desks (WHDs): Set up in police stations to ensure gender-sensitive reporting, counselling, and legal aid.

In News:

A long-dormant volcano, Hayli Gubbi, in Ethiopia erupted after nearly 12,000 years, releasing massive ash plumes that travelled across the Red Sea towards Yemen, Oman, and even parts of South Asia, including India. The ash cloud led to airspace disruptions and flight diversions, highlighting the transboundary impact of large volcanic eruptions.

Geographical & Tectonic Setting

• Location: Hayli Gubbi volcano lies in Ethiopia’s Afar region, about 800 km northeast of Addis Ababa.
• It is part of the Afar Depression (Danakil Depression), one of the most geologically active regions on Earth.
• The region marks the triple junction of three tectonic plates:
  • African (Nubian) Plate
  • Somalian Plate
  • Arabian Plate
• It forms a critical segment of the East African Rift System (EARS), where the African Plate is splitting into the Nubian (western) and Somalian (eastern) plates.

Volcanism

• Volcanism refers to the process by which magma, gases, and ash escape from Earth’s interior through vents or fissures.

Process of Eruption:

• The asthenosphere (a weak, semi-molten layer in the upper mantle) allows magma to accumulate.
• Buoyant magma rises through cracks in the lithosphere.
• As pressure decreases near the surface, dissolved gases (water vapour, CO?, sulphur gases) expand violently, triggering eruptions.
• When magma reaches the surface, it is called lava (basaltic, andesitic, or rhyolitic depending on composition).

Eruption Products:

• Lava
• Ash and dust
• Pyroclastic debris and volcanic bombs
• Gases (sulphur compounds, nitrogen compounds, CO?, etc.)

In News:

Meteorological agencies are closely monitoring the possible formation of two cyclonic systems in the Bay of Bengal, with global forecast models indicating a rare Fujiwhara-type interaction between them. Such an interaction can significantly increase uncertainty regarding cyclone track, intensity, and landfall, putting large coastal populations of South and Southeast Asia on alert.

Current Meteorological Situation

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has identified a well-marked low-pressure area over Malaysia and the adjoining Straits of Malacca, likely to move west-northwestwards.
• This system is expected to intensify into a depression over the South Andaman Sea, and further strengthen into a cyclonic storm over the southern Bay of Bengal within 48 hours thereafter.
• Simultaneously, an upper air cyclonic circulation over the Comorin region may induce another low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal and Sri Lanka, with potential to intensify further.

Divergence in Global Forecast Models

• Forecasts from the Global Forecast System (GFS) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) show significant differences in predicting the formation, interaction, track, and intensity of these systems.
• One scenario suggests the storms may interact and move together, potentially strengthening one system at the expense of the other, while another scenario shows divergent tracks, including possible movement along India’s eastern coast or towards Myanmar.

Fujiwhara Effect:

• Definition: A rare meteorological phenomenon where two nearby cyclonic systems rotate around a common centre due to interaction of their wind circulations.
• Origin: Identified by Sakuhei Fujiwhara (1921).
• Conditions Favoring Occurrence:
  • Distance between cyclones usually less than ~1,400 km
  • Same rotational direction (counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere)
  • Sea Surface Temperature >26°C
  • Low vertical wind shear

Possible Outcomes of Fujiwhara Interaction

• Energy Transfer: One cyclone may intensify by drawing energy and moisture from the other.
• Merger: The two systems may fuse into a single, stronger cyclone.
• Deflection: Cyclones may push each other onto altered or diverging paths.
• Weakening: Competition for heat and moisture may weaken one or both systems.
• Stalling: Reduced movement speed can lead to prolonged rainfall over affected regions.

Implications for India and the Region

• Forecast Challenges: Track and intensity prediction becomes difficult, complicating early warning and disaster preparedness.
• Heavy Rainfall Risk: Prolonged rainfall over eastern India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, increasing flood and landslide risk.
• Cyclone Intensification: Sudden strengthening may enhance threats from strong winds, storm surge, and coastal damage.

In News:

India and France have taken a major step in defence industrial cooperation with the signing of a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA) between Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defence (SED) for the manufacture of the HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) precision-guided air-to-ground weapon system in India.

Key Highlights of the Joint Venture

• The proposed Joint Venture Company (JVC) will be incorporated in India as a private limited company with 50:50 shareholding between BEL and Safran.
• Manufacturing, supply, and maintenance of HAMMER will be localised to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy, including integration with Rafale and Rafale Marine aircraft.
• Indigenisation will progressively rise to about 60%, covering key sub-assemblies, electronics, and mechanical components.
• Technology and production transfer will occur in phases, with BEL leading final assembly, testing, and quality assurance.

About HAMMER Precision Weapon System

• Type: Smart, precision-guided, air-to-surface weapon
• Developer: Originally developed by Safran (France)
• Configuration: Modular system comprising a guidance kit and a range-extension kit, which can be fitted onto standard general-purpose bombs of different weights.

Key Features

• High Precision: Multiple guidance options (GPS/INS, infrared, laser) enable accurate strikes on hardened targets such as bunkers, shelters, airstrips, and enemy infrastructure.
• Stand-off Capability: Effective strike range of up to ~70 km, allowing launch aircraft to remain outside hostile air-defence envelopes.
• High Agility: Optimised for mountainous and high-altitude terrain, making it suitable for areas like Ladakh.
• Platform Flexibility: Currently integrated with Rafale; planned integration with indigenous platforms like LCA Tejas.

Operational Background

• HAMMER was procured by the IAF under emergency procurement powers to quickly operationalise Rafale aircraft amid heightened security challenges, as it filled a capability gap for shorter-range precision strikes against hardened targets.
• Its selection was influenced by quicker availability and suitability for mountain warfare compared to alternative systems that would have required additional time and cost for integration.

Strategic Significance

• Make in India & Aatmanirbharta: The JV strengthens indigenous defence manufacturing and reduces long-term import dependence in critical precision weaponry.
• Enhanced Strike Capability: Improves India’s ability to conduct accurate, stand-off precision strikes in contested and high-risk environments.
• Cost and Time Efficiency: Local production lowers lifecycle costs, ensures faster availability, and supports sustained operational readiness.
• Industrial Ecosystem & Exports: Encourages technology absorption, skill development, and potential future export opportunities.

In News:

RTI responses from 19 States and Union Territories reveal that State Forest Departments have no records of registered breeders or authorised pet shops dealing in the African grey parrot, despite the species being widely available in Indian pet markets. This has raised concerns about illegal and unreported exotic wildlife trade in India.

About the African Grey Parrot

• Common Name: African grey parrot
• Scientific Name: Psittacus erithacus
• Natural Range: West and Central Africa (savannas, mangroves, forest edges and clearings)
• Subspecies:
  • Congo African Grey (CAG) – bright red tail
  • Timneh African Grey (TAG) – maroon tail
• Distinctive Traits:
  • Among the most intelligent parrots; exceptional mimicry and contextual speech
  • Grey plumage, orange eyes; highly social and sensitive
• Ecological Role: Important seed disperser in African ecosystems

Conservation Status

• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): Endangered
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix I
  • Commercial international trade prohibited
  • Requires individual CITES permits and strict documentation

Legal Framework for Trade in India

• Import & Breeding Requirements (for CITES Appendix I species):
  • CITES import permit
  • Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) import licence
  • Prior approval / No-Objection Certificate from the Chief Wildlife Warden
  • Breeding licence under Breeders of Species Licence Rules, 2023
• Obligation of States: Forest Departments are mandated to maintain registries of exotic species.

In News:

The Union Government is set to table the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, 2025 in Parliament, nearly five years after the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) recommended a single, integrated regulator for higher education.

What is the HECI Bill, 2025?

• Nature: A draft legislation to establish a single regulatory authority for higher education in India.
• Coverage: All higher education except medical and legal education.
• Core Change: Replaces the existing multi-regulator system led by University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).

Objectives of the Bill

• Streamline and simplify higher education regulation.
• Remove fragmentation, overlap, and conflicts of interest.
• Implement NEP 2020’s vision of a transparent, outcome-based, and less intrusive regulatory architecture.
• Promote institutional autonomy and academic freedom.

Key Features of the HECI Framework

1. Single Regulator Model

• HECI will subsume the regulatory roles of UGC, AICTE, and NCTE.
• Medical and legal education will continue to be regulated separately.

2. Four-Vertical Structure (as envisaged in NEP 2020)

• National Higher Education Regulatory Council (NHERC): Regulation and compliance for institutions (excluding medical & legal).
• National Accreditation Council (NAC): Accreditation and quality benchmarking.
• General Education Council (GEC): Academic standards, learning outcomes, and curricular frameworks.
• Higher Education Grants Council (HEGC): Funding-related functions (with major financial control likely retained by the Ministry).

3. Functional Separation

• Clear separation of:
  • Regulation
  • Accreditation
  • Funding
  • Academic standard-setting
• Intended to avoid concentration of power and conflicts of interest.

4. Independent, Expert-Driven Governance

• Each vertical to function as an autonomous professional body.
• HECI to act as a light, coordinating commission rather than a heavy regulator.

5. Reduced Regulatory Burden

• Addresses criticism of the current regime being bureaucratic and compliance-heavy.
• Aims to cut duplication, delays, and inconsistent rules across regulators.

6. Institutional Autonomy

• Encourages higher education institutions to become self-governing and academically independent.
• Accreditation outcomes linked with graded autonomy.

Significance of the HECI Bill, 2025

• Major Governance Reform: Ends decades of fragmented higher education regulation.
• Quality Enhancement: Focus on outcomes, accreditation, and professional standards.
• Ease of Doing Academia: Reduces regulatory overlap and administrative friction.
• NEP 2020 Implementation: Converts policy vision into a statutory framework.

In News:

The United States has reportedly shared a 28-point draft peace proposal with Volodymyr Zelenskyy to explore a negotiated end to the Russia–Ukraine war. The draft is associated with the foreign-policy team of former US President Donald Trump and has been discussed in Geneva between US and Ukrainian officials. European partners are preparing a counter-proposal to safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty.

What is the 28-Point Peace Plan?

• Nature: A US-drafted roadmap for a negotiated settlement of the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
• Objective:
  • Freeze the conflict and prevent further territorial expansion.
  • Rework European security arrangements by limiting NATO expansion.
  • Enable Ukraine’s economic reconstruction via US–EU mechanisms.

Key Provisions

1) Security Architecture Reset

• Ukraine to forgo NATO membership and enshrine permanent neutrality in its Constitution.
• Restrictions on Ukraine’s military strength (reported cap ~600,000 troops).
• NATO to formally guarantee Ukraine’s non-admission and avoid stationing troops on Ukrainian soil.

2) Territorial & Political Elements

• Ukraine expected to make territorial concessions to Russia (details unspecified).
• Tripartite dialogue (Russia–Ukraine–Europe) to resolve long-standing disputes.

3) Economic Reconstruction

• Ukraine Development Fund for technology, energy, AI, urban rebuilding, and resources.
• Use of ~$100 billion frozen Russian assets for reconstruction under US management; profit-sharing reported (US share) with additional EU contributions.

4) Russia’s Global Re-engagement

• Phased sanctions relief.
• Invitation for Russia to rejoin the G8.
• Prospective US–Russia cooperation in energy, rare earths, AI, and Arctic projects.

Diplomatic Process & Reactions

• Geneva talks: US and Ukraine termed discussions “productive,” aiming to align positions and refine the draft.
• Process concerns: Reports suggest Ukraine and some US officials were initially excluded from drafting; European allies seek safeguards.
• Ukraine’s stance: Any final deal must respect sovereignty and ensure durable security; Kyiv prefers territorial talks after stabilisation on current lines.
• Next steps: Continued US–Ukraine engagement; any agreement requires approval by Ukraine, the US, and Russia.

Significance

• Most detailed US-linked proposal since the war began.
• Potential to reshape NATO–Russia–Ukraine security dynamics.
• Controversial: Criticised as Russia-leaning and constraining Ukraine’s sovereignty.

In News:

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has released the draft Bharat NCAP 2.0, significantly upgrading India’s vehicle safety assessment framework by introducing new crash-test categories, higher benchmarks, and pedestrian safety norms.

What is Bharat NCAP 2.0?

• Nature: Revised vehicle safety rating programme for passenger cars sold in India.
• Background: Updates the Bharat NCAP guidelines notified in 2023.
• Objective:
  • Align India’s crash-safety standards with global NCAP norms.
  • Protect vehicle occupants as well as pedestrians and other vulnerable road users (VRUs).
  • Push manufacturers to adopt advanced safety technologies.

Implementing & Testing Agency

• Certification & Testing: Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT), Pune
• Nodal Ministry: MoRTH

Key Features of Bharat NCAP 2.0

1. Five Safety Assessment Verticals

1. Safe Driving
2. Accident Avoidance
3. Crash Protection
4. Vulnerable Road User (VRU) Protection (New)
5. Post-Crash Safety (New)

2. Expanded Crash-Test Regime

• Existing Tests:
  • Frontal impact
  • Side impact
  • Oblique pole impact
• New Tests Added:
  • Full-width frontal crash test
  • Rear impact test

3. Advanced Injury Evaluation: Use of Advanced Test Dummies (ATDs) to assess injury risks to different body regions under multiple crash scenarios.

4. Vulnerable Road User (VRU) Protection

• Pedestrian Safety Tests:
  • Legform impact test
  • Adult and child head impact tests
• Optional Safety Tech: Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) for pedestrians and motorcyclists earns additional points.

5. Accident-Avoidance Technologies

• Mandatory: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Optional (Extra Score): Autonomous Emergency Braking System (AEBS)

6. Post-Crash Safety Assessment

• Fire and electrical safety checks
• Ease of occupant escape (functioning doors, seat-belt buckles after crash)

Revised Star Rating System

• Stricter thresholds for higher star ratings.
• A vehicle cannot receive a 5-star rating if:
  • Any assessment vertical scores zero, or
  • There is evidence of severe or life-threatening injury risk.

Significance of Bharat NCAP 2.0

• Moves India closer to global vehicle safety benchmarks.
• Addresses pedestrian safety—pedestrians account for over 20% of road accident deaths in India.
• Supports India’s target to reduce road fatalities by 50% by 2030.
• Encourages safety-led competition among automobile manufacturers.

In News:

The proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 has generated political debate as it seeks to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution, altering its existing administrative arrangement.

What is the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025?

• Nature: A draft constitutional amendment.
• Core Proposal: To include Chandigarh within the ambit of Article 240.
• Rationale:
  • Simplify the Central Government’s law-making process for Chandigarh.
  • Ensure uniformity with other Union Territories (UTs) without legislatures.

What is Article 240?

• Empowers the President of India to make regulations for certain UTs.
• Such regulations have the same force as an Act of Parliament.
• Currently applies to:
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands
  • Lakshadweep
  • Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
  • Puducherry (when its Legislative Assembly is suspended or dissolved)
• Chandigarh is not covered at present.

Key Features of the Proposed Amendment

• Inclusion under Article 240: President can directly frame regulations for Chandigarh.
• Administrator Provision: Enables appointment of an independent Administrator, instead of the Punjab Governor holding additional charge.
• Reduced Role of Punjab: Marks a departure from the historical arrangement under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.
• Administrative Shift: Strengthens direct Central control over Chandigarh’s governance.

About Chandigarh

Historical Background

• Post-Partition Context: Conceived as a new capital for Indian Punjab after Lahore went to Pakistan.
• Vision: Envisioned by Jawaharlal Nehru as a symbol of modern India, “unfettered by the traditions of the past.”
• Urban Planning: Master plan designed by Le Corbusier, making it a landmark in modernist urban design.
• Foundation Stone: Laid in 1952.
• Site Selection: Foothills of the Shivalik Range, then part of Ambala district.

After Punjab Reorganisation (1966)

• Haryana carved out of Punjab.
• Chandigarh designated as:
  • A Union Territory, and
  • Joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.

Existing Governance Structure of Chandigarh

• Administrative Head: Governor of Punjab acts as Administrator of Chandigarh (additional charge).
• Past Arrangement: Had an independent Chief Commissioner/Chief Secretary (1966–1984).
• Control: Directly under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Legislature: No Legislative Assembly; governance through UT ??????? (Adviser to Administrator, Home Secretary, Finance Secretary, etc.).

In News:

The 20th G20 Summit (2025) concluded in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking the first G20 Leaders’ Summit hosted on African soil. Despite a U.S. boycott, members adopted the Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration, foregrounding Global South priorities under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”

What is the G20?

• Nature: Premier forum for international economic cooperation.
• Members: 19 countries + European Union and African Union.
• Share: ~85% of global GDP, 75%+ of world trade, ~two-thirds of global population.
• Evolution:
  • 1999: Formed after the Asian Financial Crisis (FM & CB Governors).
  • 2008–09: Elevated to Leaders’ level post Global Financial Crisis.
• Structure: No permanent secretariat; rotating presidency with a Troika (past–present–incoming).

Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration

• Multilateralism & Ubuntu: Emphasised the African philosophy of Ubuntu (“I am because you are”)—shared responsibility and interconnectedness.
• Climate Action: Scale climate finance (“billions to trillions”), prioritise adaptation, renewables, and just transitions under the Paris Agreement.
• Debt & Finance Reform: Launched a Cost of Capital Commission to reduce unfair risk premiums; spotlight on Africa’s ~USD 1.8 trillion debt burden.
• UNSC Reform: Support for expanding representation for Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.
• Terrorism: Unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all forms.
• Gender & Youth:
  • 25% gender parity in labour force participation by 2030.
  • Nelson Mandela Bay Target: Reduce NEET rate by 5% by 2030.
• Energy Access: Mission 300-electricity for 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.
• Critical Minerals: Welcomed a G20 framework for sustainable value chains and local beneficiation.

Key Outcomes & Initiatives

• Declaration Adopted despite U.S. boycott-underscored resilience of multilateral consensus.
• ACITI Partnership: Australia–Canada–India cooperation on critical technologies, AI, supply chains, clean energy.
• Developing Countries’ Focus: Debt restructuring, affordable finance, resilience for vulnerable economies.

India’s Role & Proposals

• Growth Vision: Human-centric, equitable, sustainable development (Integral Humanism).
• Global South Push:
  • Africa Skills Multiplier: Train 1 million certified trainers over 10 years.
  • Global Traditional Knowledge Repository.
  • Open Satellite Data Partnership (agriculture, fisheries, disasters).
• Security: G20 Drug–Terror Nexus Initiative (incl. synthetic drugs like fentanyl).
• Critical Minerals: Circularity Initiative (recycling, urban mining).
• AI Governance: Global compact-human oversight, safety-by-design, transparency; invited to AI Impact Summit 2026 (India).

Troika (2025–26)

• Past: Brazil | Current: South Africa | Incoming: United States

In News:

Chile has reclassified the Humboldt penguin as Endangered, citing a sharp population decline along its Pacific coastline. Scientists warn that without stronger conservation measures, the species may face further decline.

About the Humboldt Penguin

• Scientific Name: Spheniscus humboldti
• Habitat Range: Coastal regions of Chile and Peru, closely associated with the Humboldt Current in the Pacific Ocean.
• Global Distribution: Nearly 80% of the world’s population is found along Chile’s coast.
• Population Trend: Declined from about 45,000 (late 1990s) to fewer than 20,000 at present.

Physical Features

• White C-shaped band extending from the eye around the head
• Distinct black breast band
• Pink fleshy patch around the eyes (thermoregulation)

Diet and Behaviour

• Diet: Carnivorous; feeds mainly on anchovies, sardines, herring, and small marine organisms.
• Nesting: Uses burrows, caves, and guano deposits; does not form large chick crèches, unlike many other penguin species.

Conservation Status

• Chile (National): Endangered
• IUCN: Vulnerable
• CITES: Appendix I (commercial trade prohibited)

Major Threats

• Overfishing & Bycatch: Competition with commercial fisheries; deaths in fishing nets
• Habitat Loss & Pollution: Coastal degradation and marine pollution
• Climate Change: Disruption of food availability and breeding cycles
• El Niño Events: Alter ocean productivity, reducing prey
• Disease: Outbreaks such as avian (bird) flu

Conservation Concerns

• Experts warn that continued pressures could push the species from Endangered to Critically Endangered.
• Reclassification highlights the need for:
  • Stricter sustainable fishing regulations (industrial and small-scale)
  • Protection of breeding and feeding habitats
  • Integrated conservation measures beyond legal reclassification

In News:

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and UN Women signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the participation of women entrepreneurs, especially from the informal sector, in India’s public procurement system under the Womaniya initiative.

About the GeM–UN Women MoU

• Purpose: Promote gender-responsive public procurement by increasing sourcing from women-led businesses.
• Focus Areas:
  • Expanding market access for women entrepreneurs on GeM
  • Capacity building, training, and onboarding of women-led MSEs, SHGs, artisans, and informal-sector enterprises
  • Strengthening hyper-local and forward market linkages
• Implementation:
  • UN Women:
    • Design training modules
    • Share global best practices and success stories
    • Develop validation criteria for women-led businesses
    • Support Womaniya – #VocalForLocal outlet, Udyam registration, and mentoring linkages
  • GeM:
    • Conduct training and onboarding workshops
    • Sensitise government buyers
    • Develop vernacular learning material
    • Connect women entrepreneurs with R&D institutions and Government Labs for product development
• Outcome Alignment: Contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality).