Content India Hosts UNESCO’s 20th ICH Session National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)  India Hosts UNESCO’s 20th ICH Session Why in News? India is hosting the 20th Session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) from 8–13 December 2025 at Red Fort, New Delhi. First time ever India is hosting this global ICH governance body. Coincides with 20 years of India’s ratification (2005) of the UNESCO 2003 Convention on ICH. Chaired by Vishal V. Sharma, India’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. Nodal agencies: Ministry of Culture Sangeet Natak Akademi Relevance GS 1 — Indian Heritage & Culture Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) vs Tangible Heritage 2003 ICH Convention: Objectives, safeguarding mechanism Indian elements on UNESCO ICH List (15 elements) Living traditions: Rituals, festivals, crafts, oral traditions Culture as a dynamic, community-owned process, not static monuments GS 2 — International Relations & Global Institutions Role of UNESCO in global cultural governance India as: Chair and host of a major multilateral cultural body Voice of the Global South in heritage governance Convention diplomacy: Cultural cooperation as a tool of IR Cultural multilateralism as a pillar of norm-setting What is Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)? Living traditions including: Oral traditions, performing arts Rituals, festivals, social practices Traditional craftsmanship and indigenous knowledge Dynamic, community-owned, and inter-generationally transmitted Differs from tangible heritage (monuments, artifacts) 2003 UNESCO Convention on ICH — Core Architecture Adopted: 17 October 2003, 32nd UNESCO General Conference, Paris Entry into force: 2006 Four objectives: Safeguard ICH Ensure community respect Raise national & global awareness Promote international cooperation Intergovernmental Committee — Key Functions Implements the 2003 Convention Decides on: ICH Representative List ICH in Need of Urgent Safeguarding Register of Good Safeguarding Practices Controls: ICH Fund utilisation International assistance grants Reviews: State Party periodic reports India’s Role in Global ICH Governance India has served three terms on the ICH Committee. 15 Indian elements inscribed on the UNESCO ICH Representative List. 2025 Nominations: Diwali Chhath Mahaparva Strategic Objectives of India as Host Showcase India’s ICH safeguarding model: Institutional support Community participation National inventory & documentation Promote: Joint multinational nominations Capacity building and knowledge exchange Boost: Cultural tourism Global research & funding for Indian traditions Strengthen: Youth participation in heritage transmission Advance: Soft power & cultural diplomacy Integrate: Heritage + Sustainable Development + Livelihoods Economic & Social Significance of ICH for India Livelihood security: Artisans, performers, crafts communities Social cohesion: Reinforces pluralism across caste, tribe, region, religion Knowledge preservation: Ecology, folk medicine, oral histories, rituals Soft power dividends: Global branding via Yoga, Garba, Durga Puja, Kumbh, etc. Institutional Framework in India 1. National ICH Scheme (Ministry of Culture) Objectives: Documentation & digitisation UNESCO nomination dossiers Preservation & promotion Training & skill development Stakeholders: States, universities, NGOs, local practitioners 2. Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) Capacity building Field documentation Awareness & transmission programs Governance + Development Linkage (UPSC Value Addition) ICH supports SDGs: SDG 1 (Livelihoods) SDG 4 (Education & knowledge transmission) SDG 8 (Cultural economy) SDG 11 (Sustainable communities) Emerging Challenges Commercialisation vs authenticity Urbanisation-driven skill loss Youth disengagement from traditional practices Inadequate grassroots documentation Digital misappropriation of community knowledge Conclusion Hosting the 20th ICH Session elevates India as: A global heritage leader A voice of the Global South in cultural governance Reinforces India’s model of: Community-centric safeguarding Heritage-led sustainable development Converts India’s cultural diversity into: Diplomatic capital Economic opportunity Civilisational continuity National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)  Why in News? Government released latest progress update (Dec 2025) on: NMEO–Oil Palm (OP) area expansion & CPO production NMEO–Oilseeds (OS) implementation scale-up NITI Aayog’s 2024 report highlighted: India ranks No. 1 globally in production of rice bran oil, castor, safflower, sesame, niger By Nov 2025: 2.50 lakh ha freshly covered under NMEO-OP Total oil palm area now 6.20 lakh ha CPO output doubled from 1.91 lakh tonnes (2014–15) to 3.80 lakh tonnes (2024–25) Relevance GS Paper 3 — Agriculture Oilseeds as: Second-largest crop group after foodgrains NMEO verticals: NMEO–Oil Palm (2021) NMEO–Oilseeds (2024) Yield gap, rainfed dependence, seed replacement strategy GS 3 — Food Security & Nutrition Edible oils as: Core source of fats & fat-soluble vitamins Per capita consumption rise vs domestic supply gap Import dependence risks on nutritional security Strategic Context India meets only ~44% of edible oil demand from domestic production (2023–24). Import dependence: Fell from 63.2% (2015–16) → 56.25% (2023–24) Edible oil imports (2023–24): 15.66 million tonnes Consumption surge (2004–05 → 2022–23): Rural: +83.7% Urban: +48.7% Historical Background Yellow Revolution (1990s) via Technology Mission on Oilseeds: Near self-sufficiency achieved through: MSP Import substitution Post-WTO phase: Reduced tariffs + weaker price support Imports surged, domestic productivity stagnated National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO) Launched to achieve: Atmanirbharta in edible oils Import substitution Farmer income enhancement Two verticals: NMEO–Oil Palm (2021) NMEO–Oilseeds (2024) Implemented by Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare NMEO – Oil Palm (OP) Why Oil Palm? Highest oil yield per hectare among all oilseeds Oil yield ≈ 5× traditional oilseeds Produces: Palm oil (food) Palm kernel oil (industrial) Financial Architecture Total outlay: ₹11,040 crore Centre: ₹8,844 cr States: ₹2,196 cr Centrally Sponsored Scheme Core Innovations Viability Price (VP) for Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFBs): Protects farmers from global CPO price volatility Input subsidy enhanced: Planting material: ₹12,000 → ₹29,000 per ha Rejuvenation of old gardens: ₹250 per plant Focus on: Drip irrigation Inter-cropping during 4-year gestation Crop diversification from low-yield cereals Regional Focus Traditional leaders: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana (98% production) New expansion: North-East, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Odisha Targets vs Progress Indicator Target Current Status Area 6.5 lakh ha by 2025–26 6.20 lakh ha CPO 11.2 lakh t by 2025–26 3.80 lakh t Long-term CPO 28 lakh t by 2029–30 On track NMEO – Oilseeds (OS) Approved: 2024–25 to 2030–31 Outlay: ₹10,103 crore Coverage Primary oilseeds: Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, Sesame, Safflower, Niger, Linseed, Castor Secondary sources: Cottonseed, Rice bran, Coconut Tree-Borne Oilseeds (TBOs) included Targets (By 2030–31) Area: 29 → 33 million ha Production: 39 → 69.7 million tonnes Yield: 1,353 → 2,112 kg/ha Additional: 40 lakh ha expansion via: Rice fallows Potato fallows Intercropping Combined with NMEO–OP: Domestic oil production target: 25.45 million tonnes Demand met: ~72% Implementation Framework 600+ Value Chain Clusters Coverage: >10 lakh ha annually Managed by: FPOs Cooperatives Farmers receive: Free quality seeds GAP training Pest & weather advisory Post-harvest: Oil extraction & storage support Digital & Institutional Backbone SATHI Portal: 5-year rolling seed plan Infrastructure: 65 seed hubs 50 seed storage units Monitoring: Krishi Mapper Last-mile delivery: Krishi Sakhis (CASPs) via SHGs Role of Research & Technology Implemented by Indian Council of Agricultural Research through AICRPs: 432 high-yielding varieties notified (2014–25) Focus on: Hybrid breeding Gene editing Climate-resilient varieties Seed Performance Metrics: VRR (Varietal Replacement Rate) SRR (Seed Replacement Rate) Breeder seed production (2019–24): 1.53 lakh quintals Complementary Policy Support PM-AASHA: MSP procurement via NAFED, NCCF Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: Crop insurance for oilseeds Import duties raised: Crude oils: 5.5% → 16.5% Refined oils: 13.75% → 35.75% MSP raised for mustard, soybean, groundnut Strategic Significance Macro-Economic: Saves foreign exchange Reduces vulnerability to global price shocks Farmer Welfare: Assured pricing + stable demand Nutritional Security: Addresses fat and vitamin deficiencies Agro-Industrial Growth: Strengthens oil processing ecosystem Atmanirbhar Bharat: Core pillar of agri self-reliance Key Challenges High rainfed dependence (76%) Yield gaps vs global benchmarks Long gestation of oil palm Environmental risks (monoculture, water stress) Market volatility despite price assurance Relevance GS-3: Agriculture, food security, MSP, agri-import substitution Essay: Atmanirbhar Bharat through agricultural transformation Prelims: NMEO–OP vs NMEO–OS Viability Price (VP), SATHI, Krishi Sakhi Conclusion NMEO represents India’s most comprehensive edible oil reform since the Yellow Revolution. Combines: Oil palm expansion Traditional oilseed productivity Advanced seed systems Digital governance If executed sustainably, NMEO can: Cut import dependence to below 30% Transform oilseeds into a high-value farmer income engine Secure India’s nutritional and economic sovereignty.

Content: Care as disability justice, dignity in mental health Charting an agenda on the right to health Care as disability justice, dignity in mental health  Why is in News? A recent opinion piece by practitioners from The Banyan highlights: Deep gaps in India’s mental health-care model The limits of a purely biomedical and deficit-based approach The urgent need for a dignity, equity, and disability justice–centred framework The article gains policy relevance due to: Persistently high suicide burden 70–90% global mental health treatment gap Rising concerns over: Institutional abuse Homelessness Continuity of care failures Relevance GS-2: Governance, Constitution & Social Justice Right to mental health under Article 21 (Right to Life) State responsibility for: Rehabilitation Continuity of care Institutional accountability Failure of: Community mental health integration Aftercare & housing support Mental health as a rights-based welfare obligation, not charity GS-3: Health Sector & Human Development India’s 70–90% treatment gap in mental health care Structural neglect: Severe shortage of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers Over-reliance on: Tertiary hospitals Pharmacological solutions Weakness of: District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) Practice Question Mental health is no longer merely a medical issue but a question of governance, dignity, and social justice.”Critically analyse.(250 Words) What is meant by Mental Health & Psychological Disability? Mental Health (WHO understanding) A state of: Emotional well-being Ability to handle stress Productive functioning Meaningful social participation Psychosocial Disability Disability arising from: Mental illness plus Social barriers (stigma, exclusion, poverty, institutional neglect) Recognised under: Rights-based disability frameworks UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) Article’s Core Arguement Mental health suffering: Cannot be captured by statistics alone Requires attention to: Lived experience Trauma histories Social abandonment Present system: Focuses on “fixing the patient” Ignores: Broken families Violence Homelessness Caste, gender, class marginalisation The article calls for: A shift from clinical correction → dignity, justice, and relational care Data Points From National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) suicide data: ~33% suicides → Family problems ~10% suicides → Relational breakdowns Key emotional drivers (largely invisible in data): Shame Rejection Alienation Abandonment Insight: India’s distress is relational and social, not just clinical. Critical Gaps in Current Mental Health Care Model  Deficit Lens People seen as: “Maladaptive” “Unmanageable” Not as: Survivors of: Abuse Structural neglect Over-medicalisation Bias Excess focus on: Neurotransmitters Diagnosis Pills Under-focus on: Meaning Purpose Belonging Human relationships Continuity of Care Failure Many patients: Drop out Lose faith in institutions Slide into: Homelessness Chronic despair Context Blindness Social causes not integrated: Housing insecurity Economic precarity Gender violence Caste exclusion Queer marginalisation Intersectional Model  The article rejects single-cause explanations and supports overlapping causation: Domain Examples Biological Neurotransmitters, inflammation Psychological Trauma, learned helplessness Social Isolation, poverty Cultural Loss of meaning systems Political Oppression, weak welfare Historical Intergenerational trauma, colonial legacy Key Point: These act simultaneously, not in competition. Disability Justice Disability justice goes beyond: Hospital access Medication availability It demands: Dignity Equity Inclusion Context-sensitive care Care becomes: A relational process Not a transactional service Reimagining Care From Treatment → Meaningful Life Shift from: “Symptom reduction” To: “What does this person need to live the life they want?” From Linear Recovery → Non-linear Healing Accept: Setbacks Relapses Long-term dependence on support From Institutional Control → Relational Justice Trust building Honest collaboration Dialogic care From Specialist Monopoly → Lived Experience Practitioners Recognise: Peer supporters Community caregivers Provide: Training Remuneration Institutional backing Combined Necessity Material Needs Relational Needs Housing Belonging Income Trust Medication Purpose Food Identity The article asserts: You cannot heal only with a house, and you cannot heal only with medicines. Implications for Mental Health Education and Research Education Must Train For: Sitting with uncertainty Navigating social complexity Celebrating small recovery wins Ethical discomfort handling Research Must Shift Toward: Implementation science Micro-level care processes Transdisciplinary methods Real-world sensitive evidence Longitudinal trust-based outcomes Conclusion India’s mental health crisis: Is not only a medical challenge It is a social, ethical, economic, and governance crisis True reform requires: Moving from clinical efficiency → moral responsibility From symptom control → dignified living Without addressing: Poverty Violence Social abandonment Discrimination → Mental health systems will remain fragmented and ineffective Charting an agenda on the right to health  Why is in News? The National Convention on Health Rights (11–12 December 2025) is being held in New Delhi, timed between: Human Rights Day – Dec 10 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day – Dec 12 Organised by Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (JSA), a nationwide civil society coalition active in 20+ States. Around 400 public health professionals, activists, and community leaders will: Review lessons from COVID-19 Oppose commercialisation and privatisation of health care Renew demands for Right to Health as a Fundamental Right Relevance GS-2: Governance, Constitution & Social Justice Right to Health under Article 21 State vs Market in welfare provisioning Regulation of private health sector Federal health financing gaps Discrimination in service delivery GS-3: Health, Economy & Human Development Public health expenditure crisis Insurance vs public provisioning Medicine price regulation Health workforce as economic infrastructure Climate & pollution as health risks Practice Question India’s mental health crisis reflects the failure of community-based and continuity-driven care.Discuss with reference to homelessness, relapse, and disengagement from treatment. (250 Words) What is Right to Health ? Constitutional Status in India Not explicitly a Fundamental Right Interpreted under: Article 21 – Right to Life Strengthened through: Directive Principles: Article 38 – Social justice Article 39 – Health of workers Article 47 – Duty of State to improve public health International Basis Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) – Article 25 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) – Article 12 Embedded in Universal Health Coverage (UHC) principle: Access to quality health services without financial hardship Core Message of the Convention “Health care for people, not for profits.” The convention argues that: India’s health system is being pushed towards privatisation This threatens: Affordability Equity Universal access Health must be treated as: A public good Not a market commodity Issue 1: PRIVATISATION & PUBLIC–PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS (PPPs) What is happening? Medical colleges & public health facilities being: Handed over to private players Expansion of: PPP-based healthcare delivery Why is it problematic? Weakens: Public hospitals Primary Health Centres (PHCs) Increases: Out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) Converts: Patients → paying customers Ground Resistance Movements Andhra Pradesh Karnataka Mumbai Madhya Pradesh Tribal Gujarat Issue 2: UNREGULATED PRIVATE HEALTH SECTOR Private healthcare expansion driven by: Domestic & foreign investment Pro-corporate health policies Regulation remains weak despite: Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act Consequences for Patients Overcharging Unnecessary procedures (especially C-sections) Opaque pricing Violation of patient rights Convention Demands Rate standardisation Transparent pricing Mandatory enforcement of: Charter of Patient’s Rights Accessible grievance redressal systems Issue 3: CHRONIC UNDERFUNDING OF PUBLIC HEALTH Current Public Health Spending Only ~2% of Union Budget allocated to health Annual per capita public health spending ≈ $25 Among the lowest globally Structural Outcome High Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) Insurance-heavy model without: Strengthened public hospitals Convention’s Key Critique Govt health insurance schemes: Claims > Reality Demand shifting to: Higher direct public spending Reduced OOPE Universal free public provisioning Issue 4: JUSTICE FOR HEALTH WORKERS COVID-19 Exposed: Dependence on: Doctors Nurses Paramedics Sanitation & support staff Persistent Problems Low wages Insecure contracts No social security Unsafe working conditions Convention Demand: Decent work, legal protection & workforce rights as a pillar of resilient health systems Issue 5: ACCESS TO MEDICINES Key Data Medicines = up to 50% of household medical spending >80% of medicines outside price control Market Failures Irrational drug combinations Unethical marketing High retail mark-ups Convention Proposals Stronger price regulation Remove GST on medicines Expand public sector drug manufacturing Enforce rational prescription norms Issue 6: SOCIAL DISCRIMINATION IN HEALTH CARE Special focus on: Dalits Adivasis Muslims LGBTQ+ persons Persons with disabilities Problems: Denial of care Poor quality treatment Stigma & structural exclusion Convention Lens: Health is not just biological — it is deeply social and political Issue 7: SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH Health linked with: Food security Air & water pollution Climate change Housing Employment Convention Approach: Inter-sectoral health governance “Health in All Policies” framework Parliamentary Engagement   Convention timed during: Winter Session of Parliament Delegates will engage directly with: Parliament of India Aim: Influence legislative debate on: Right to Health Public health financing Medical regulation Workforce laws 25 Years of Jan Swastya Abhiyan Active since 2000 Worked across: Women’s movements Rural groups Science collectives Patient rights platforms Known for: Pro-people health advocacy Public sector defence Medicines access campaigns Conclusion The National Convention on Health Rights, 2025 represents: A direct ideological challenge to health commercialisation A renewed civil society push for universal, publicly funded health care Central message: India cannot achieve Universal Health Coverage through privatisation, insurance alone, or weak regulation. The future of Indian health must rest on: Strong public systems Adequate government financing Workforce justice Medicine affordability Social inclusion Only then can health truly become a Fundamental Right in practice, not just in principle.

Content India–U.S. rice tariff issue High Court judge impeachment move Gannon’s Storm discovery SURYAKIRAN-XIX Cyber Slavery Racket in Southeast Asia  India–U.S. rice tariff issue Why in News? Days before a U.S. trade delegation led by Rick Switzer arrived in New Delhi (Dec 10–12), Donald Trump hinted at fresh tariffs on Indian rice. The claim: India is “dumping” rice in the U.S. market. Statement made during a White House meeting while announcing a $12 billion farm support package. Question raised to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding India’s “exemption” on rice. This comes when the U.S. has already imposed 50% tariffs on Indian exports in multiple sectors. Relevance GS II – International Relations India–U.S. trade relations under stress. Impact of protectionism under Donald Trump-style economic nationalism. Trade diplomacy amidst strategic partnership narrative (QUAD vs tariffs contradiction). Use of tariffs as coercive foreign policy tools. GS III – Economy & Agriculture MSP-based procurement and export competitiveness. Agricultural exports vs global protectionism. WTO Agreement on Agriculture – public stockholding & dumping dispute. Impact on: Farmer income stability Food inflation abroad Export market diversification Core Economic Facts 1. Trade Asymmetry in Rice Only ~3% of India’s total rice exports go to the U.S. Over 25% of total U.S. rice imports come from India Conclusion: India is not dependent on U.S. U.S. is highly dependent on India Inference: Any tariff shock hurts U.S. consumers more than Indian exporters. Dumping: Is the allegation valid? Dumping (WTO definition): Exporting goods below domestic cost/price to capture foreign markets. Indian rice exports: Backed by: Low cost of production Economies of scale MSP-based procurement Not proven as: Below production cost Below domestic wholesale price Conclusion: U.S. claim is political, not legally established under WTO rules. Strategic Context 1. Domestic U.S. Politics Trump’s statement made alongside: $12 billion farm bailout Pressure from American farmer lobbies Objective: Signal protectionism Externalise domestic agrarian stress 2. Trade Negotiation Pressure Tactic Timed just before: India–U.S. tariff negotiations Classic U.S. strategy: Create pre-negotiation pressure Use sector-specific threats (rice) as leverage Who Loses If Rice Tariff Is Imposed? Impact on the U.S. Sharp rise in: Retail rice prices Food inflation Disproportionately affects: Low-income and immigrant consumers No quick alternative suppliers at Indian scale + price Impact on India Minimal export loss due to: Market diversification: West Asia Africa Southeast Asia U.S. market is non-critical for Indian rice WTO & Legal Angle Anti-Dumping duties require: Cost-price investigation Injury to domestic industry Unilateral tariff announcement: Violates spirit of multilateral trade rules Reflects weaponisation of tariffs Strategic Implications for India Reinforces need for: Export market diversification Reduced dependence on U.S. trade leverage Strengthens India’s case for: South–South trade Agro-export diplomacy Shows limits of: “Strategic partnership” under transactional protectionism Link with MSP, Food Security & Global Image India’s rice dominance stems from: MSP-backed procurement High buffer stocks Green Revolution legacy U.S. attack indirectly targets: India’s food security architecture Public stockholding system (WTO AoA debate) Broader Trend: Return of Trump-era Protectionism Sectoral targeting: Steel, auto, pharma earlier Rice now Tools used: National interest Dumping allegations Farm lobby pressure Conclusion The proposed U.S. tariff on Indian rice is economically irrational, politically motivated, and strategically self-damaging. It exposes: Fragility of U.S. commitment to free trade Weaponisation of tariffs for electoral optics India remains structurally resilient due to: Market diversification Cost leadership Global rice dominance High Court judge impeachment move  Why in News? 107 MPs of the INDIA bloc submitted a notice to Om Birla seeking impeachment of Justice G.R. Swaminathan, judge of the Madras High Court (Madurai Bench). Allegations: Deciding cases on political-ideological lines Bias towards a particular community Undue favour to a senior advocate Violation of secular character of the Constitution Triggering case: Direction to light Karthigai Deepam on a deepasthambam near a dargah atop the Thirupparankundram hill. Relevance GS 2 – Polity & Constitution Removal of constitutional authorities Judicial independence vs accountability Secularism and Basic Structure GS 4 – Ethics & Integrity Judicial ethics Conflict of interest Public perception of impartiality Constitutional Basics: How Are High Court Judges Removed? Relevant Articles Article 217 → Appointment & removal of High Court judges Article 124(4) → Removal procedure (borrowed from Supreme Court judges) Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 → Detailed investigation mechanism Grounds of Removal (Only Two) Proved misbehaviour Proved incapacity “Judicial error” or “unpopular judgment” is NOT a ground for removal. Step-by-Step Removal Process (Impeachment) Motion signed by: 100 Lok Sabha MPs OR 50 Rajya Sabha MPs Speaker/Chairman admits the motion 3-member Judicial Inquiry Committee formed: One SC judge One HC Chief Justice One distinguished jurist If charges are proved: Motion voted in both Houses separately Special majority required: Majority of total membership 2/3rd of members present & voting President issues removal order What Is Being Alleged in This Case? Ideological adjudication violating judicial neutrality Communal bias in religious dispute (deepasthambam–dargah issue) Selective judicial favouritism Violation of: Article 14 (Equality before law) Article 25–28 (Secularism) Basic Structure doctrine Why This Is Constitutionally Sensitive ? Judges are protected by: Security of tenure Difficult removal procedure Purpose: Prevent political intimidation Maintain judicial independence Overuse of impeachment threats can convert judicial accountability into political control. Key Judicial Precedents on Judge Removal Justice V. Ramaswami (1993) – First impeachment attempt, failed due to political abstentions Justice Soumitra Sen (2011) – Rajya Sabha passed removal; judge resigned before Lok Sabha vote Justice J.B. Pardiwala (2018) – Attempt dropped at notice stage No judge has ever been fully removed in India through impeachment so far. But Also: Why Accountability Cannot Be Ignored Judiciary is not above constitutional scrutiny If credible evidence of bias exists, impeachment is: A democratic constitutional remedy Not contempt of court Conclusion The impeachment notice against Justice G.R. Swaminathan reflects a deepening friction between judicial independence and political accountability in communally sensitive cases. While the Constitution permits removal for proved misbehaviour, deploying impeachment in politically charged religious disputes risks: Undermining judicial autonomy Converting constitutional remedies into political weapons The only legitimate path forward lies through: Objective judicial inquiry Due process under the Judges (Inquiry) Act And strict adherence to constitutional morality Gannon’s Storm discovery Why in News? Aditya-L1, India’s first solar observatory, along with six U.S. satellites, has decoded why the May 2024 solar storm behaved abnormally. The storm, also called Gannon’s Storm, showed unexpectedly high geomagnetic impact on Earth. ISRO confirmed for the first time ever: Magnetic reconnection occurred inside a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME). The reconnection region spanned ~1.3 million km (~100× Earth’s size). Discovery made using joint data from: NASA missions: Wind, ACE, THEMIS-C, STEREO-A, MMS DSCOVR (NASA–NOAA joint mission) Relevance GS Paper III – Science & Technology India’s first solar observatory Aditya-L1. Breakthrough in heliophysics: internal magnetic reconnection in CME. Multi-satellite scientific collaboration (NASA–ISRO data fusion). GS Paper III – Disaster Management Space weather as a non-conventional disaster risk. Threat to: Power grids GPS & NavIC Telecom & aviation Basics First: What Is a Solar Storm? A solar storm is a disturbance caused by: Solar flares Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) CMEs: Giant clouds of superheated plasma + magnetic fields Travel at 500–3,000 km/s When CMEs hit Earth: Disturb magnetosphere Cause: Satellite damage GPS errors Radio blackouts Power grid failures Intense auroras What Is a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)? Massive magnetic “bubble” ejected from the Sun Contains: Charged particles Twisted magnetic field lines (flux ropes) Normally: A single CME interacts with Earth’s magnetic field Severity depends on magnetic orientation (southward = dangerous) What Was Unusual in the May 2024 Storm? 1. Collision of Two CMEs in Space Instead of one CME: Two CMEs collided mid-space Result: Intense compression of magnetic fields Triggered violent internal magnetic reconnection 2. Magnetic Reconnection Inside the CME (First-Ever Direct Evidence) Magnetic reconnection: Process where: Twisted magnetic field lines snap Rejoin in new configurations Release enormous energy Earlier belief: Reconnection mainly occurs: On the Sun Near Earth’s magnetosphere New discovery: It occurred inside the CME itself during transit 3. Scale of the Reconnection Size of reconnection zone: ~1.3 million km ~100 times the diameter of Earth Scientific significance: Largest reconnection region ever observed inside a CME Why Did This Make the Storm More Dangerous? CME collision caused: Sudden reversal of magnetic fields Effects: Stronger coupling with Earth’s magnetosphere Higher: Geomagnetic storm intensity Ionospheric disturbances Satellite drag Power grid stress Role of Aditya-L1 (India’s Strategic Edge) Payloads used: Magnetometers Plasma analysers Solar wind detectors Contribution: Provided precise 3D magnetic field mapping Enabled localisation of the reconnection zone This marks India’s: Entry into hard-core space weather physics Leadership in real-time solar monitoring Strategic Importance for India Protects: NavIC Defence satellites Power grids Telecom & internet Reduces dependence on: U.S. and EU space weather alerts Supports: Human spaceflight (Gaganyaan) Lunar and interplanetary missions Global Scientific Significance Improves: Prediction models of CME evolution Early warning systems for: Aviation Military communication Stock exchanges Validates: Multi-satellite cooperative heliophysics Link with Global Space Weather Preparedness Major past disruptions: Carrington Event (1859) – Telegraph systems failed Quebec blackout (1989) – 9-hour grid collapse May 2024 storm confirms: Modern digital civilisation is highly vulnerable to solar extremes Conclusion The Aditya-L1–led discovery of internal magnetic reconnection during the May 2024 CME collision marks a paradigm shift in heliophysics. It establishes that: CMEs are not magnetically stable objects Their internal dynamics can amplify storm intensity mid-journey For India, this transforms Aditya-L1 from: A scientific mission → a strategic national security asset SURYAKIRAN-XIX Why in News? The 19th edition of the India–Nepal Joint Military Exercise “SURYAKIRAN-XIX” concluded at Pithoragarh. The validation phase was jointly witnessed by the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of: Indian Army Nepal Army The exercise focused on: Counter-terrorism operations Intelligence-based surgical missions High-altitude and complex terrain warfare Tactical validation aligned with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The DGMOs planted a “Tree of Friendship”, symbolising deepening strategic trust. Relevance GS II – International Relations India–Nepal defence diplomacy. Military ties amidst Nepal’s strategic balancing (India–China factor). Border security cooperation. Military confidence-building measures (CBMs). GS III – Internal Security Counter-terrorism interoperability. High-altitude warfare capability (Himalayan security context). Tactical alignment with UN Chapter VII mandates. What Is Exercise SURYAKIRAN? SURYAKIRAN is the annual bilateral military exercise between: India and Nepal It is conducted alternately in both countries. It focuses on: Counter-terrorism Humanitarian assistance & disaster relief (HADR) Peacekeeping operations It reflects the unique nature of India–Nepal military ties, rooted in: Open borders Shared recruitment (Gorkha regiments) Historical defence cooperation Blue Corner Notice Why in News? A Blue Corner Notice has been issued against Goa club owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra. They are promoters of: Café Cubi Curlies The accused reportedly: Fled to Thailand Background case: A massive fire in a Goa club killed 25 people Interpol issued the Blue Notice at India’s request. Relevance GS Paper II – International Institutions Role and limits of Interpol. Nature of international police cooperation. Difference between Red, Blue & other notices (Prelims favourite). GS Paper III – Internal Security Transnational crime tracking. Fire safety negligence → criminal liability → international escape routes. Extradition as a security tool. Basics First: What Is Interpol? Full form: International Criminal Police Organization Headquarters: Lyon Established: 1923 Members: 195 countries Functions: Facilitates police cooperation Shares: Criminal data Fingerprints DNA records Financial crime info Interpol is NOT a global police force: It cannot arrest directly It only assists national police agencies What Are Interpol Notices? International alerts issued to: Share criminal information Track fugitives Prevent cross-border crime Issued at the request of: A member country Or an international tribunal Circulated to: All 195 member states Colour-Coded Interpol Notices  Notice Purpose Red Notice To locate and provisionally arrest a wanted person for extradition Blue Notice To collect information about a person’s identity, location, activities Green Notice Warning about habitual criminals likely to reoffend Yellow Notice To locate missing persons, especially children Black Notice To identify unidentified dead bodies Orange Notice Warning about imminent threats (terror, biological, chemical) Purple Notice Modus operandi of criminals, tools, concealment methods Silver Notice Used for financial crimes and asset tracing UN Special Notice For persons sanctioned by UN Security Council What Is a Blue Corner Notice?  Purpose: To trace a suspect’s location To gather: Identity details Travel history Criminal background It is used when: Person is not yet formally charge-sheeted Or arrest is not yet approved It DOES NOT authorise arrest It is: An intelligence-gathering tool A pre-extradition step Difference Between Blue Notice & Red Notice Parameter Blue Notice Red Notice Objective Information gathering Arrest & extradition Legal force No arrest power Provisional arrest allowed Stage Investigation phase Charges proved Use Track & verify Detain & extradite Cyber Slavery Racket in Southeast Asia  Why in News (2024–25) ? ~300 Indians repatriated from Myanmar after being forced to run cyber scams in “scam compounds”. Delhi Police arrested key recruiters of a transnational cyber slavery syndicate. Parallel FIRs and arrests in Gujarat and Haryana. Renewed focus on cross-border human trafficking + cybercrime convergence. What is “Cyber Slavery”? A form of human trafficking for forced cybercrime. Victims: Lured via fake overseas job offers (data entry, hospitality, BPO). Taken abroad on tourist visas. Detained, tortured, and forced to conduct online fraud. Work conditions: 15–18 hours/day Physical assault, emotional abuse Confined to dormitory-style scam compounds When Did Indian Authorities First Take Note? September 2022: Publicly flagged by M K Stalin Reported youth from Tamil Nadu stranded in Myanmar & Southeast Asia. Subsequently, similar cases emerged from: Gujarat Delhi Uttar Pradesh Geographic Hotspots of Cyber Slavery Myanmar Border town Myawaddy = most notorious hub Cambodia Casino cities, especially Sihanoukville Laos Golden Triangle SEZ Structural enablers: Weak law enforcement High casino density Presence of criminal syndicates Post-COVID economic distress Why Did These Countries Become Cyber Slavery Hubs? Post-COVID digital crime boom Legal casinos & online betting provided cover infrastructure Porous borders (especially Myanmar–Thailand) Chinese crime syndicates relocating abroad Cheap captive labour from South Asia High scam profitability using: Crypto fraud Investment scams Romance scams Fake trading platforms Indian Government’s Intervention   Immigration profiling at airports Verification of sponsors and contacts Cyber awareness campaigns Flagging at-risk destinations Embassy-led rescue coordination Key Data Jan 2022 – May 2024: 70,000+ Indian job seekers flagged for Cambodia & Laos 1,500+ Indians rescued mainly from: Myanmar Cambodia Use of Strategic Assets Indian Air Force aircraft deployed for repatriation Rescues conducted in coordination with: Myanmar military (select cases) Local police and immigration authorities Why This is a National Security Concern ? Human trafficking + cybercrime + foreign syndicates Large-scale financial fraud targeting Indian citizens Use of coerced Indians to attack Indian systems Links to: Money laundering Crypto-based terror financing Organised transnational crime Structural Gaps Exposed Weak overseas job regulation Poor digital literacy among youth Lack of real-time international police cooperation Slow mutual legal assistance (MLAT) processes Diplomatic & Legal Dimension Long-term resolution depends on: Bilateral treaties ASEAN-level cybercrime cooperation Extradition agreements Joint task forces