Content : World Population Day 2025 Maratha Military Landscapes of India Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List as India’s 44th Entry World Population Day 2025 Theme: “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world.” Demographic context: Over 65% of India’s population is under 35—a critical demographic dividend. Global framing: Reaffirms commitments made at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD): rights-based family planning, gender equality, and informed reproductive choices. Relevance : GS 1(Society ) ,GS 2(Governance , Social Issues) Census 2027: A Paradigm Shift Scheduled Timeline: Phase 1 – Houselisting & Housing Census: Starts April 2026. Phase 2 – Population Enumeration: Begins March 2027 (Reference date: 1 March 2027; exception: 1 October 2026 for snow-bound areas). Postponed from 2021 due to COVID-19, making it India’s first census after a 16-year gap. Digital-First Features: Fully paperless, digital census. Mobile App & online self-enumeration (a first in Indian census history). Central Census Monitoring & Management Portal. Code Directory to streamline data processing and standardization. 35 lakh+ field functionaries to be trained digitally. Caste Enumeration: A Historic Breakthrough First-time inclusion of caste for all communities since independence. Post-1947 practice: Caste data limited to SC/ST only. SECC 2011 collected caste data but was not officially released; 2027 will integrate caste in main census—addressing concerns over transparency and politicization. Historic Roots of Census in India Ancient References: Arthashastra (321–296 BCE): Kautilya emphasized population count for governance. Ain-e-Akbari (1590s): Abul Fazl chronicled demographic and economic data under Akbar. Modern Census Beginnings: 1865–1872: First attempts, not simultaneous. 1881: First synchronized census—established India’s decadal census tradition. Legal Backbone: Census Act, 1948 & Census Rules, 1990—statutory basis for census operations. Post-Independence Census Highlights (1951–2011) Census Year Key Innovations / Contributions 1951 First post-independence census; pioneered field re-checking to verify data accuracy. 1961 Focused on rural crafts, festivals, introduced mechanical tabulation. 1971 First to capture migration data based on last residence. 1991 Only 45% digitization due to tech limits. 2001–2011 Adopted ICR tech (Intelligent Character Recognition) enabling 100% digitization. Census 2011: Scale, Structure & Data Operational Metrics Enumerators: 2.7 million Geographical units: 35 States/UTs, 640 districts, 5,924 sub-districts 7,933 towns, 6.41 lakh villages Languages: Schedules printed in 16 languages Logistics: 5.4 million instruction manuals 340 million printed forms Key Demographic Findings Total Population: 1.21 billion Males: 623.2 million Females: 587.6 million Decadal growth (2001–11): +182 million (+17.7%) Density: 382 persons per sq. km. Child Sex Ratio: 918 girls per 1000 boys Literacy Rate: 73.0% (M: 80.9%, F: 64.6%) Top states: Kerala (94.0%), Lakshadweep (91.8%), Mizoram (91.3%) SECC 2011: Socio-Economic & Caste Census Conducting Ministries: Rural: Ministry of Rural Development Urban: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs Purpose: Data for welfare targeting, program design, and beneficiary selection. Tech Leap: Paperless enumeration using 6.4 lakh handheld devices Addressed 1.24 crore grievances with 99.7% resolution Caste Component: Data collected, but caste-wise data not made public Why Census 2027 Matters Policy & Planning: Foundational for resource allocation, electoral boundaries, and welfare schemes. Federal Empowerment: Caste data enables targeted state-level interventions and accurate backward class identification. Global Significance: India may retain its position as world’s most populous country, highlighting its need for granular governance tools. AI & Big Data Integration: Digital census may evolve into a real-time demographic dashboard for India’s planning architecture. India in the Global Census Context World’s largest census exercise involving over 130 crore individuals. Combines scale, complexity, diversity, and now digitization, setting a new global standard for democratic data collection. Other important dimensions Demographic Futures — Expanded Perspectives Comparative Lens: India’s age structure contrasts with ageing societies like Japan (median age: 49) vs. India (~28) — Census 2027 will sharpen India’s long-term demographic edge. Labour Market Integration: Census data can help map NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) youth – currently ~27% of youth (CMIE). Skilled vs. Unskilled Divide: Important for recalibrating Skill India strategy and vocational training. AI + Population Analytics: Use of demographic AI models to simulate regional fertility trends and future age pyramids. Urbanization and Migration Realities — Deeper Layers First-Time Urban Count Clarity: Many “census towns” (urban in nature but governed rurally) to be properly identified — critical for urban finance devolution and AMRUT 2.0 targeting. Real Estate and Infrastructure: Housing census data will shape PM Awas Yojana, RERA regulations, and rent-control policy in Tier-2/3 cities. Transport & Commuting Census: Opportunity to map last-mile transport stress and commuting zones, helping shape urban mobility blueprints. Water Stress & Urban Demography: Linking urban population maps with groundwater and surface water usage patterns—crucial for Smart Cities 2.0. Inclusion, Equity & Representation — Additional Insights Intersectional Analysis: Combine data on gender, caste, location, and disability to uncover multi-layered vulnerabilities—key for intersectional policymaking. Invisibility of Nomadic Tribes: Census may finally help enumerate Denotified and Nomadic Tribes who are often excluded from welfare due to lack of fixed residence. Mental Health Enumeration: A missed opportunity in 2011—Census 2027 can integrate self-reported indicators of mental well-being to influence Ayushman Bharat 2.0. Digital Identity vs. Demographic Identity: How will Census data align or contrast with Aadhaar-linked service access? Developmental Planning & SDG Alignment — Advanced Linkages Ecosystem Mapping: Census 2027 can feed into multi-sectoral planning dashboards — combining data from Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat, and Ujjwala schemes. Fiscal Federalism Alignment: Could influence the next Finance Commission formula, especially based on population vs. performance debates. Real-Time Policy Simulation: Census-linked analytics could simulate impact of UBI, food subsidy reforms, or reservation quotas on different castes or income groups. Global Benchmarking: India’s Census 2027 will become a model for Global South data governance, especially for low-cost digital enumeration. Conclusion: Census 2027 = Tech + Trust + Truth India’s Census 2027 is more than a demographic count—it is a data democracy revolution. With caste data inclusion, digital tools, and evidence-based design, India is poised to align its developmental vision with the aspirations of its young, diverse, and dynamic population. The exercise will shape 2020s policy, 2030s development, and 2040s India. Maratha Military Landscapes of India Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List as India’s 44th Entry Cultural and Historical Significance Civilizational Continuity: These 12 forts, built between the 17th–19th centuries, reflect the military ethos of the Maratha Empire, known for its decentralized guerrilla warfare and stronghold-centric defence. Living Heritage: Recognized under UNESCO criteria (iv) & (vi) for showcasing a living cultural tradition and deep-rooted historical associations with regional identity and resistance movements (especially against the Mughals and British). Chronicles of Resilience: Raigad (capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji), Pratapgad (site of Afzal Khan’s defeat), and Shivneri (birthplace of Shivaji) are key historical nodes in the narrative of Indian self-rule and defiance. Spatial Typologies: Hill forts: e.g., Salher, Shivneri — adapted to rugged Sahyadri terrain. Island forts: e.g., Sindhudurg, Suvarnadurg — designed for maritime surveillance and naval defence. Forest/hill-plateau forts: e.g., Pratapgad, Panhala — blending natural camouflage with defence. Relevance : GS 1(Culture , Heritage )                Architectural and Strategic Ingenuity Maratha Military Architecture: Emphasis on geographic advantage over size — unlike Mughal symmetry or Rajput opulence. Use of locally available basalt stone, multi-tiered walls, hidden pathways, and natural elevation for fortification. Decentralized Fort System: These forts weren’t standalone but functioned as a network of strategic outposts for rapid communication and flexible resistance. Maritime Defence Legacy: Island forts like Sindhudurg and Khanderi reflect India’s early naval ambitions and expertise in coastal military architecture. Technological relevance: Some forts had rainwater harvesting systems, granaries, and self-sustaining eco-defence systems, demonstrating early principles of sustainable architecture. Global Heritage & Diplomatic Relevance India’s 44th World Heritage Site: Ranks 6th globally, 2nd in Asia-Pacific, after China. UNESCO recognition elevates India’s cultural diplomacy and soft power on the global stage. UNESCO 47th Session, Paris: 18 of 20 State Parties backed India’s nomination after 59-minute deliberation. Reflects growing global acknowledgment of regional and indigenous heritage systems. India on World Heritage Committee (2021–2025): Strengthens India’s influence in global heritage governance. Follows the 2023 inscription of Moidams of Charaideo (Assam) — showing geographic and thematic diversity. Institutional, Governance, and Policy Dimensions Heritage Governance: Nodal agency: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Dual protection: Some forts under ASI, others under Maharashtra’s Directorate of Archaeology and Museums — a model for shared federal heritage management. UNESCO Nomination Process: 18-month preparation; includes ICOMOS mission, technical consultations, and stakeholder coordination. Reinforces India’s capacity for global-standard heritage documentation. Tentative List & Future Roadmap: India has 62 sites in the Tentative List — including sites from Odisha, Himachal, Gujarat, etc. Only one nomination per year per country allowed — necessitates strategic cultural prioritization. Environmental and Ecological Resilience Eco-sensitive Engineering: Many Maratha forts (e.g. Raigad, Pratapgad) were built using contour-sensitive construction, avoiding large-scale deforestation or ecological disruption. Sustainable Water Management: Rainwater harvesting tanks, step wells (kunds), and natural aquifers embedded in the forts (e.g. at Lohgad, Rajgad) ensured year-round water without external dependence — aligning with climate-resilient infrastructure principles. Climate-Adaptive Architecture: Forts adapted to high-rainfall Konkan regions, sea-wind exposure, and Sahyadri altitude — demonstrating vernacular green design. Modern Relevance: These forts can serve as case studies for eco-architecture and disaster-resilient planning, especially in hill and coastal zones. Knowledge Systems and Indigenous Technology Military Intelligence Networks: Use of visual signalling towers, hidden tunnels, and watch posts linked the fort network — an early form of strategic communication systems. Construction Science: Mastery in basalt rock-cutting, natural stone masonry without lime cement, and earthquake-resilient techniques. Knowledge Transmission: Passed down via guilds (silpakars) and oral engineering traditions, not formal manuals — a classic example of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) now recognized under NEP 2020. Weapon Systems & Storage: Strategic placement of granaries, ammunition depots, and war rooms suggest early notions of military logistics. Community Participation and Cultural Ownership Grassroots Custodianship: Many forts are maintained or spiritually revered by local communities — e.g., Shivneri (linked to local deities), Pratapgad (site of jatra/fairs). Folk Memory & Oral Traditions: Ballads like “Powadas” recounting battles, and fort-centric festivals (e.g., Shiv Jayanti) reinforce living heritage. Youth Engagement: Rise of fort trekking communities (e.g., Sahyadri Trek Groups) contributes to citizen-led conservation awareness. Local Livelihoods: Forts generate eco-tourism, guide jobs, local artisan revival — key for cultural economy models. Tech-Enabled Heritage Conservation and Promotion Drone Mapping & 3D Modelling: Ongoing efforts by ASI to create digital inventories and restoration simulations — especially for deteriorating sea forts. Augmented Reality (AR) Integration: Pilot projects for immersive storytelling — allowing virtual walkthroughs of Raigad or Sindhudurg. Blockchain for Heritage Record-Keeping: Potential future use to ensure tamper-proof documentation of repairs, site status, and funds disbursed. Smart Heritage Corridors: Potential to integrate these forts into a Maratha Heritage Circuit under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 with QR-coded info panels and mobile heritage apps. Issuing Authority: UNESCO & the World Heritage Framework What is UNESCO? Full Form: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Established: 1945 Headquarters: Paris, France Mission: To promote global peace and sustainable development through education, science, culture, and communication. What is the World Heritage Convention? Adopted: 1972 (UNESCO General Conference) Title: Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage Purpose: To identify and protect cultural and natural heritage sites of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) to humanity. Members: 195 countries have ratified the convention (called State Parties), including India (joined in 1977). What is the World Heritage Committee? A 21-member intergovernmental body elected by the General Assembly of State Parties. Oversees the implementation of the Convention. Decides which sites get inscribed on the World Heritage List. India is a member for the term 2021–2025. What qualifies as a World Heritage Site? A site must: Possess Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). Meet at least one of 10 selection criteria: Criteria (i)–(vi): Cultural (e.g., architecture, tradition, heritage) Criteria (vii)–(x): Natural (e.g., biodiversity, ecology, landscape) The Maratha Military Landscapes were inscribed under criteria (iv) & (vi).

Content : Mission Without A Mandate View India’s Gender Gap Report Ranking as a Warning Mission Without A Mandate Core Argument: India’s AI Ambitions Lack Democratic Anchoring India has articulated global ambitions in AI, aiming to lead in regulation, deployment, and shaping international norms — especially for the Global South. Despite this, the IndiaAI Mission (₹10,000+ crore, 2023) remains a mission without a mandate — operating without a Cabinet-endorsed national strategy or parliamentary oversight. Governance via a Section 8 company (MeitY-led) lacks democratic accountability, cross-ministry integration, and long-term vision. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) , GS 3(Technology) Practice Question : India’s ambition to become a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) must be backed by democratic legitimacy, institutional coordination, and a Cabinet-endorsed national strategy. Critically examine the gaps in India’s current AI governance framework and suggest reforms to align AI development with constitutional and global democratic values.(15 marks, 250 words) Structural Deficits in India’s AI Ecosystem R&D Weakness: India’s AI PhD pipeline is thin; academic research remains underfunded. Most funding is skewed toward consumer tech, not deep-tech foundational AI research. Deployment Without Innovation: Indian AI adoption is focused on downstream deployment (e.g., chatbots, analytics), not on developing core AI models or platforms. India is viewed globally as a consumer market, not as a deep-tech innovator. Private Sector Gaps: Limited university–industry collaboration. AI start-ups remain underrepresented in global markets and forums. Only ~1% of discussions on AI in Parliament — highlights lack of institutional prioritization. Governance Vacuum & Risks Mission without Mandate: IndiaAI is not backed by legislation or formal political commitment — resulting in uncertain policy direction and fragmented institutional coordination. No Whole-of-Government Integration: The current model lacks alignment across domains: security, public infrastructure, data governance, digital economy, innovation. Example: MeitY-driven but without coordination with ministries like Defence, Education, Law, etc. Undermining Strategic Autonomy: India risks ceding ground to foreign models (US Big Tech or EU’s AI Act) without asserting sovereign AI governance frameworks. Key Recommendations from the Editorial Enact a Cabinet-Endorsed National AI Strategy: Must be tabled in Parliament with bipartisan support. Needs an actionable roadmap, timelines, and clear mandates for research, regulation, and infrastructure. Establish a Coordinating Authority: With whole-of-government mandate and legitimacy to: Align AI R&D with public interest Regulate platforms/data Create rules for AI ethics, security, and transparency Democratic Oversight & Inclusion: Mechanisms for transparency, legislative scrutiny, and public engagement must be embedded. Strengthens domestic and global AI legitimacy. Geopolitical and Strategic Lens India’s democratic legitimacy is its global AI edge (vs. China’s techno-authoritarianism). However, without democratic frameworks, India undermines its leadership of the Global South on platforms like the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI). Strategic autonomy demands AI governance rooted in Indian values, not borrowed Western templates. Takeaways Issue Current Status Editorial Concern Institutional Anchor MeitY & Section 8 company No cabinet/parliamentary mandate Vision ₹10,000 crore AI Mission (2023) No strategy document, no public roadmap Innovation Deployment-focused Poor R&D, no foundational models Regulation Fragmented, executive-driven No legal frameworks, no oversight Global Standing GPAI, BRICS AI forums Risks losing credibility without democratic model Conclusion India’s AI future cannot rest on bureaucratic silos or techno-solutionism. The editorial powerfully argues that democratic legitimacy, bipartisan consensus, and institutional coordination are critical to shaping India’s AI trajectory — not just as a consumer but as a norm-setting, innovation-leading global player. View India’s Gender Gap Report Ranking as a Warning Alarming Findings from the Global Gender Gap Report 2025 India’s Rank: 131 out of 148 countries globally in gender parity. Sub-Index Lows: Economic Participation and Opportunity: India ranks 143rd, one of the lowest. Health and Survival: Persistently poor — sex ratio at birth remains highly skewed, reflecting entrenched son preference. Contrast with Potential: Despite being a global digital economy and home to the world’s largest youth population, India’s gender performance is stagnating. Missed Economic Potential: McKinsey (2015) projected $770 billion GDP boost by 2025 with gender parity. The editorial warns this window has been missed. Relevance : GS 1(Society ) , GS 2(Social Issues) Practice Question : “India’s demographic dividend is at risk without gender parity.” Discuss in the light of recent findings of the Global Gender Gap Report 2025.(250 Words) Structural Neglect in Women’s Health and Autonomy Reproductive and Preventive Health: Chronic underinvestment in women-specific primary care — especially for rural and low-income women. Anaemia Crisis: NFHS-5 shows 57% of women aged 15–49 are anaemic — directly impacting productivity, maternal health, and learning capacity. Health Disparities: For the first time, healthy life expectancy of Indian women is lower than men, indicating systemic healthcare failure. Policy Gap: Health budgets often fail to prioritize women’s reproductive rights, nutrition, and autonomy. Economic Exclusion and the Invisible Care Economy Wage and Work Gaps: Women earn less than 1/3rd of what men do. Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) remains stubbornly low. Unpaid Care Work: Indian women perform 7x more unpaid domestic work than men (Time Use Survey). Yet, this labour is invisible in GDP accounting and largely ignored in public infrastructure planning. Policy Blind Spots: No systemic investment in care infrastructure (e.g., crèches, elderly care, maternity benefits). Women’s economic inactivity is often treated as cultural, not as a systemic outcome of poor support structures. Policy and Institutional Recommendations Make Gender Equality a Cross-Sectoral Priority: Link health, labour, and social protection policies to enable female participation in the economy. Move beyond “beneficiary” lens — treat women as productive economic actors. Care Economy Investment: Develop and fund care infrastructure — childcare, elder care, maternal leave systems. Draw lessons from Uruguay and South Korea, where care economies are integrated into development planning. Recognition in Economic Frameworks: Institutionalize time-use surveys, gender budgeting, and labour statistics inclusive of unpaid work. Recalibrate growth metrics to include women’s contributions beyond formal employment. Inclusive Budgeting and Decision-Making: Ensure women’s voices in policy spaces, budget committees, and local governance. Promote affirmative action in leadership roles and workforce skilling schemes. Gender and Demographic Future Double Burden Ahead: By 2050, 20% of India’s population will be senior citizens — predominantly older women. Simultaneously, fertility rates have fallen below replacement level. Implication: With women excluded from the economy, the dependency ratio will rise — increasing fiscal pressure. The only viable path: healthy, economically active women supporting both ageing parents and the economy. Strategic Framing: Gender parity isn’t just ethical — it’s essential for labour productivity, growth, and intergenerational equity. Key Message Details WEF Rank = Red Flag India’s 131st rank exposes deep structural failings Health = Economic Foundation Anaemia, poor reproductive care block women’s economic inclusion Unpaid Work = Policy Blind Spot Women’s unpaid care work isn’t recognized in budgets or job data Demographic Urgency Rising ageing population + shrinking LFPR = fiscal and social crisis Policy Priority Investment in gender-sensitive health, labour and care systems is non-negotiable Conclusion : “The Global Gender Gap Report is not just a ranking. It is a warning.” Unless India treats gender equality as central to national planning, it risks squandering its demographic dividend and entering a future of care burden, fiscal pressure, and lost productivity.

Content : Simultaneous election Bill gives EC unbridled powers; loopholes remain: ex-CJIs Genetic analysis of Assam rhino horn samples initiated Smarter, faster, stronger: how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the manufacturing landscape India marks 4,000% growth in solar capacity over past decade: Union industry minister Once-in-a-billion event: Intense marine heatwave in Mediterranean shocks with 8°C warming Simultaneous election Bill gives EC unbridled powers; loopholes remain: ex-CJIs Legislative Context What is being reviewed? Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 – Proposes enabling simultaneous elections (Lok Sabha + State Assemblies). Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 – Amends UT laws in light of simultaneous polls. Parliamentary Oversight: Under review by a Joint Committee of Parliament led by BJP MP P.P. Chaudhury. Relevance : GS 2(Elections Reforms) Core Concerns Raised by Former CJIs 1. Unfettered Powers to Election Commission (EC) Section 82A(5) gives EC the power to recommend postponing state elections unilaterally, if it believes simultaneous elections aren’t feasible. No oversight or checks — no role for: Parliament Union Council of Ministers Judiciary CJI View: EC’s role must be accountable in a constitutional democracy. Former CJIs D.Y. Chandrachud, J.S. Khehar, and earlier Ranjan Gogoi flagged lack of checks. 2. Ambiguity in “Remaining Period” Clause Current law: If an assembly is dissolved early, elections must still be held for its remaining term. Problem: If the remainder is only a few weeks or months, holding elections becomes: Logistically wasteful Constitutionally incoherent Against the goal of synchronization Recommendation: Parliament should clearly define what constitutes a “meaningful” remainder period (e.g., >6 months). Basic Structure Doctrine and Constitutional Validity All three former CJIs agreed: The Bill does not violate the Basic Structure of the Constitution. But operational clarity, checks and balances, and democratic safeguards are missing. Why Basic Structure remains intact? Free and fair elections, federalism, and parliamentary democracy are untouched in principle. The Bill’s goals relate to administrative efficiency, not fundamental rights or the core architecture of the Constitution. Key Governance and Constitutional Implications Issue Implication EC’s unchecked discretion Risks weakening accountability and violating the principle of separation of powers Unclear “remainder period” Could lead to frequent, fragmented elections, defeating the very idea of “One Nation, One Election” Operational feasibility Without legislative safeguards, implementation may face legal challenges or state resistance Lack of Parliamentary oversight Raises concerns on executive overreach via constitutional bodies Takeaways Checks on EC’s Power: Essential to maintain democratic accountability; EC is a constitutional body, not above scrutiny. Legal Certainty Needed: Ambiguities like “remainder of term” must be legislated to avoid misuse or constitutional crises. Political Federalism at Stake: Simultaneous polls must not become a backdoor method to centralise electoral control. Process vs. Principle: Though the principle is constitutional, the process must uphold federal balance and democratic oversight. 129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 Purpose: Enables simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies. Key Provision Introduced: Inserts Article 82A, empowering Parliament to make laws for holding simultaneous elections. Constitutional Amendments Involved: Amends Articles 83, 172, and 327 to fix uniform tenure and synchronize terms of legislatures. Fixed Term Mechanism: Proposes a five-year fixed tenure for both Parliament and state assemblies starting from a notified “appointed date.” Mid-Term Polls Provision: If a legislature is dissolved early, elections will be held only for the remainder of the original term, not a fresh 5-year period. Election Commission’s Powers: Empowers the Election Commission to recommend postponement of elections if simultaneous polls are not feasible. Rationale: Aims to reduce frequent election cycles, lower costs, minimize administrative disruptions, and improve governance continuity. Concerns Raised: Potential threat to federalism by aligning state elections with the Centre. Accountability issues due to short mid-term mandates. Absence of oversight mechanisms on EC’s enhanced powers. Current Status: Under examination by a Joint Parliamentary Committee; proposed as part of broader electoral reforms. Genetic analysis of Assam rhino horn samples initiated Context and Background: Assam’s Historic Rhino Horn Destruction Drive In September 2021, the Assam government burnt 2,479 rhino horns — the largest such destruction globally — as a symbolic commitment to wildlife conservation and to debunk myths around the medicinal value of horns. These horns had been stored for decades in treasuries across Assam and were either seized from poachers or collected from natural deaths. Only horns linked to court cases (50) or having scientific or heritage value (94) were spared. Relevance : GS 3(Environmental Governance) Genetic Study: Objectives and Process Why this study? Tiny samples were retained before the horns were burnt — 2,573 horn samples in total — to enable long-term DNA-based profiling of India’s rhino population. Key Objectives: Build a national DNA database under RhODIS-India (Rhino DNA Index System), modelled on South Africa’s RhODIS. Document individual DNA profiles and analyse genetic diversity, population structure, and illegal trade traceability. Detect changes in short tandem repeat (STR) allele frequencies, which are useful for understanding genetic bottlenecks, inbreeding, or population recovery over time. Process: Conducted under the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun — India’s apex institution for wildlife genetics. Supervised by Dr. Samrat Mondol, an expert in conservation genetics. Independent experts documented the technical repackaging and transfer process at Kaziranga, between July 3–8, 2025. Policy and Conservation Significance Dimension Impact Wildlife Forensics Helps in forensic tracing of horns in global illegal wildlife trade. Genetic “fingerprints” can match horns seized anywhere globally. Conservation Planning Provides a population-level genetic map to manage health and diversity of Kaziranga’s ~2,800+ rhino population. Anti-Poaching Deterrent against rhino horn trade; allows enforcement agencies to trace horn origin if intercepted. Data Infrastructure Establishes a national-level wildlife genetic archive — useful for other endangered species too. International Model India joins countries like South Africa using RhODIS to link genetics with law enforcement and conservation. Takeaways Ethical Conservation: Assam’s decision to destroy horns rather than monetise or stockpile reflects a paradigm shift in conservation ethics. Science-Policy Synergy: Combines genetic science with state-level governance for effective species management. Kaziranga Model: Reinforces Kaziranga’s role as a global benchmark in rhino conservation — already home to over 70% of India’s one-horned rhinos. Global Messaging: Counters demand for rhino horns by showing India’s commitment to ending myth-driven poaching. Conclusion This genetic analysis will: Strengthen anti-poaching action and wildlife crime prosecution. Enhance population health tracking of Indian rhinos. Help frame data-driven breeding, translocation, and conservation strategies. RhODIS-India may serve as a template for other endangered megafauna (e.g., elephants, tigers) in India. Assam Rhinos : Species: Indian one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), primarily found in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park. IUCN Status: Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List; population recovering but still threatened by poaching and habitat loss. Global Significance: Over 70% of the global population of one-horned rhinos resides in Assam, especially in Kaziranga, Pobitora, Orang, and Manas National Parks. Major Threats: Poaching for horn (linked to traditional medicine myths), habitat fragmentation, annual floods, and invasive species like Mimosa. Conservation Success: From ~200 rhinos in 1905 to over 2,900 in 2023, due to strict protection, translocation, and anti-poaching measures. Kaziranga Model: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga sets global benchmarks in rhino conservation through tech-enabled patrolling and community participation. Smarter, faster, stronger: how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the manufacturing landscape AI in Manufacturing: A Structural Transformation, Not Just an Upgrade Paradigm Shift: AI is now deeply embedded in production processes — from shop floor automation to product design and smart logistics. Machines predict failures (predictive maintenance), robots adapt to tasks (cobots), and decisions are made on real-time data, not instinct. India’s AI Adoption Surge: AI adoption in manufacturing jumped from 8% to 22% in just one year (FY24). Backed by the ₹10,372 crore National AI Mission, focusing on indigenous models, infrastructure, and skilling. Global Context: The AI-in-manufacturing market is projected to rise from $4.1B (2024) to $25B (2029). India is rapidly aligning its digital and manufacturing policies to tap into this global trend. Relevance : GS 3(Technology) , GS 2(Governance) AI Applications Across the Manufacturing Value Chain Area AI Applications Production Predictive maintenance (↓ downtime 30%), AI-powered cobots, defect detection (vision systems), SOP compliance R&D Digital twins, generative AI for faster product design, energy simulations Quality Control Real-time micro-defect detection, AI-based inspection drones Planning & Logistics Demand forecasting, AI-driven scheduling (↑ responsiveness by 20%) Procurement ML-based smart sourcing Safety & Compliance AI-powered CCTVs, centralised safety dashboards Case: Chennai Petroleum Corporation generates 1 TB of daily data — used for predictive maintenance, digital twins, and safety analytics. The Digital Backbone: AI + IoT + Cloud = Industry 4.0 IoT at the Edge: Sensors feed live data from machines, materials, and environments. Edge Computing: Enables instant responses in robotics and safety tasks (real-time control). Cloud Infrastructure: Powers AI model training, digital twin simulations, and coordination across factories. Systems Integration: APIs and hubs link AI to ERP, supply chains, and MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), enabling enterprise-wide intelligence. Value Creation: From Operational Hygiene to AI-Led Innovation Operational Hygiene Predictive maintenance Automated inspections Stock tracking SOP compliance Results in cost saving, higher compliance — now industry baseline. Innovation & Customisation GenAI accelerates design-to-prototype timelines. Mass customisation enables personalised production at scale. Drones and AI-planning enhance energy efficiency and safety. Embedding AI across R&D to delivery builds agility and future-readiness. Structural Challenges Integration Costs: High upfront investment, especially for MSMEs. Talent Deficit: Need for AI-skilled workforce across design, deployment, and governance. Trust & Transparency: 44% of manufacturing leaders cautious about GenAI (Reuters/Ipsos 2024) — concerns about hallucinations and explainability. Data Governance: Industrial AI must comply with safety, IP, and confidentiality norms. Strategic Outlook: AI as a Growth Catalyst for $5 Trillion Economy AI is not optional — it is central to India’s industrial competitiveness and digital self-reliance. National policies are creating an AI + manufacturing innovation ecosystem through: Public-private collaboration Indigenous R&D Focus on edge-AI, GenAI, and agentic systems The goal: make Indian manufacturing globally competitive, energy efficient, and human-machine collaborative. Key Analytical Takeaways Dimension Insight Policy Backing National AI Mission & digital infrastructure push is enabling rapid AI adoption. Tech Integration AI is being layered across hardware (IoT, cobots) and software (GenAI, twins). Industrial Strategy AI drives both efficiency (cost, quality) and differentiation (customisation, speed). Economic Role Foundational to India’s transition to a high-value, innovation-driven economy. India marks 4,000% growth in solar capacity over past decade: Union industry minister Renewable Energy Progress: Nearing the 50% Milestone Installed Renewable Capacity (as of June 2025): Total power capacity: 476 GW Non-fossil fuel sources: 235.7 GW (≈49%), including: Renewables: 226.9 GW Nuclear: 8.8 GW Target: Achieve 50% of 472 GW by end of 2025; on track as per Power Minister. 10-Year Growth: Solar PV module capacity: ↑ 38-fold Solar PV cell capacity: ↑ 21-fold Installed solar capacity: ↑ 4,000% India among the first G20 countries to meet its Paris Agreement NDCs. Relevance : GS 3(Energy Security ) Roadmap to 2030: National Commitments Target under NDCs: 500 GW of installed non-fossil energy by 2030. Aligned with commitments to the UNFCCC for climate mitigation. Shift from Coal: Coal still dominates energy mix but the trajectory signals gradual phase-out. RE expansion and green hydrogen strategy are key to decarbonization. Energy Storage & Grid Resilience: The Next Frontier Current Energy Storage Status: Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): 205 MW (~506 MWh) Hydro Pumped Storage: 5 GW Future Targets: BESS: 74 GW by 2031–32 Pumped Hydro: 3 GW target for 2025–26 Scale up to 50 GW in 5–6 years Cost Decline: BESS costs down 75% — from ₹10 lakh/MW to ₹2.5 lakh/MW/month in 3–4 years. Reflects technology maturing and improving commercial viability. Green Hydrogen Push: India’s Strategic Bet National Green Hydrogen Mission: Rs 19,744 crore investment Target: 10 million tonnes of green hydrogen Electrolyser capacity: 60–100 GW Goal: Ensure energy independence and reduce import dependence. Complements the larger push for Atmanirbhar Bharat in clean energy value chains. Industrial Self-Reliance & Supply Chain Resilience India’s new RE strategy emphasizes end-to-end supply chain integration: Critical minerals → PV cells → Modules → Storage → Recycling. Focus Areas: Reduce dependence on single-source geographies for rare earths & minerals. Explore alternative global partnerships and new-age technologies (e.g., sodium-ion batteries, flow batteries). Institutional Mechanisms and Collaborations Organiser: Indian Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) Promotes energy storage, e-mobility, and hydrogen ecosystems. Stakeholder Engagement: Convergence of ministries (Power, Commerce, Renewable Energy, etc.). Industry leadership in deployment, innovation, and manufacturing scale-up. Takeaways Dimension Insights Policy Leadership India is on track to meet its intermediate RE goals, with active government push and enabling policy environment. Tech Advancement Decline in energy storage costs, massive solar scale-up, and new electrolyser targets show industrial maturity. Strategic Focus Integration of hydrogen, storage, and minerals into one policy ecosystem strengthens energy self-reliance. Challenges Ahead Huge gap in storage capacity (205 MW vs 74 GW target), storage infra ramp-up remains a bottleneck. Broader Implications “Renewable targets alone are not enough — storage, flexibility, and supply chain sovereignty will define India’s clean energy future.” This marks a systemic shift from just generation targets to energy systems thinking, encompassing: 24×7 RE reliability Domestic manufacturing ecosystem Climate-aligned economic resilience Once-in-a-billion event: Intense marine heatwave in Mediterranean shocks with 8°C warming What Is Happening? | The Event Mediterranean Marine Heatwave (July 2025): A record-breaking marine heatwave is underway in the Mediterranean Sea, with SST (Sea Surface Temperatures) soaring up to +8°C above normal — particularly in the Balearic Sea and Tyrrhenian Sea. Labeled a “1-in-a-billion” climatological anomaly, statistically six standard deviations above normal, making it almost impossible without anthropogenic global warming. Heat Dome Formation: Triggered by a persistent high-pressure system — a “heat dome” — in June 2025, which is trapping heat and reducing wind circulation, causing: Poor vertical mixing of water layers. Continuous build-up of heat in both atmosphere and sea surface. Relevance : GS 1(Geography) ,GS 3( Environment and Ecology) Scientific and Climatological Significance Unprecedented Nature: Not the hottest ever recorded, but the hottest relative to the seasonal average for early July. Reflects climate-forced anomalies, not natural variability. Role of Climate Change: Caused by atmospheric circulation changes and decline in aerosol concentrations (less solar reflection). Findings align with 2024 Nature Communications paper: Marine + atmospheric heatwaves together amplify intensity. Trendline: Aquaculture (2024): Marine heatwaves have tripled in frequency over the last 40 years and last 50% longer. Spanish Mediterranean waters warming at 0.75°C per decade — a sign of irreversible shifts. Ecological Fallout: Oceans Under Siege Mass Mortality Events: Between 2015–2019, five consecutive years of mass die-offs along thousands of km of coastline (per Global Change Biology, 2022). Coral bleaching, fish kill, and death of benthic (bottom-dwelling) organisms like sponges and gorgonians expected Livelihood Disruption: Severe implications for fisherfolk, tourism, and aquaculture industries. Spain, Italy, and France’s coastal economies may see long-term disruptions. Potential Collapse of Marine Biodiversity Hotspots: Disruption in phytoplankton, fish breeding grounds, and food chains, especially for migratory species. Extreme Weather Linkages: From Sea to Sky Heat–Moisture–Storm Feedback Loop: Elevated SST increases evaporation, thus atmospheric moisture — fueling convective storms. Leads to higher dew points, creating explosive rainfall potential. Autumn Storm Threat: Already in July, SSTs match or exceed late summer norms. If high temperatures persist, autumn could see: Flash floods, landslides, and storm clusters. Example: October 29–30, 2024 — over 200 deaths in Spain due to record rainfall in 24 hours. Vulnerable Zones Identified: Coastal Italy, Spain, Alps, and Western Balkans face compound risks of landslides, urban flooding, and river overflows. Global Relevance | Why India Should Care Climate System Interconnectedness: Mediterranean warming affects European monsoons, North African desertification, and possibly jet stream dynamics — all of which can influence Southwest Monsoon variability over India. Parallels with Indian Ocean: Indian Ocean also witnessing frequent marine heatwaves, disrupting monsoon circulation and fisheries (as shown in recent MoES studies). Precedent for Western Indian States: Events like these foreshadow Gujarat–Konkan rainfall anomalies, storm surges, and unexpected urban flood disasters. Key Analytical Takeaways Dimension Insight Scientific Heat dome + climate change = unprecedented marine + atmospheric heatwave. Ecological Mass mortality of marine life, collapse of food chains, disruption of coastal livelihoods. Climatic Increased risk of catastrophic rainfall, flash floods, and convective storms. Policy Urgency Need for marine heatwave monitoring, early warning systems, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Critical Reflection “Marine heatwaves are not isolated oceanic events — they are harbingers of compound disasters in our warming world.” This event is a climate warning bell for nations globally, including India, to: Scale up climate modelling for marine ecosystems. Invest in blue economy resilience. Integrate marine heatwave alerts in disaster preparedness frameworks.