Content Department of Space – Year End Review 2025 SABHASAAR Initiative Department of Space – Year End Review 2025 Strategic Missions & Technology Demonstrations SPADEX Mission: Successful in-orbit docking, undocking, circumnavigation and power transfer (Jan & Apr 2025) — foundational for space stations, on-orbit servicing, human missions under Space Vision 2047. Gaganyaan Progress: First Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) validating parachute-based Crew Module recovery. Axiom-04 Mission: First Indian (Shubhanshu Shukla) completed 18-day ISS mission, executing 7 Indian microgravity experiments. Semi-Cryogenic Engine (SE2000): Third successful hot test of Power Head Test Article — critical for LVM3 payload enhancement. C25 Cryogenic Stage Restart: First-ever in-space restart during LVM3-M5, enabling multi-orbit deployment. Relevance : GS III – Science & Technology Strategic Missions & Technology Indigenous space docking, power transfer, cryogenic restart → advancement in critical frontier technologies. Human spaceflight technologies (Gaganyaan, ISS exposure) → transition from experimental to operational space capability. Semi-cryogenic engine (SE2000) → higher payload efficiency, launch cost optimisation. Demonstrates technology maturity curve of India’s space programme. Launch Infrastructure & Capacity Expansion Third Launch Pad (TLP) approved at Sriharikota for next-generation and human missions. SSLV Launch Complex, Kulasekarapattinam: Launch pad foundation laid; dedicated hub for SSLV & private launches. 100th Launch from Sriharikota: GSLV-F15/NVS-02 (milestone despite post-injection anomaly). ISRO’s 101st Launch Attempt: PSLV-C61/EOS-09 (partial mission shortfall; transparency maintained). Launch Vehicles & Satellites LVM3-M5: Successfully launched CMS-03, India’s heaviest GTO communication satellite (~4.4 t). NISAR (NASA–ISRO): Landmark Indo-US collaboration; dual-frequency SAR for global, all-weather Earth observation. EOS-09: Strengthening radar-based EO capability (mission anomaly acknowledged). PSLV POEM-4: Completed 1000 orbits with 24 payloads; record in low-cost in-orbit experimentation. Science, Research & Exploration CROPS-1: Successful seed germination & two-leaf growth in microgravity — leap in space biology. Aditya-L1: Public release of solar data; insights into photosphere, chromosphere, corona & solar wind. Exoplanet Discovery: PRL discovered TOI-6038A b (sub-Saturn) using PARAS-2 — strengthens India’s astronomy credentials. Space Analog Missions: HOPE mission in Ladakh simulating Mars-like conditions for human exploration readiness. Indigenous Technology & Manufacturing Make-in-India Space Microprocessors: VIKRAM3201 (launch vehicles). KALPANA3201 (SPARC V8, satellite applications). Electric Propulsion: 1000-hr life test of Stationary Plasma Thruster — mass savings, higher satellite efficiency. New Facilities: MPTTF & ITPF at LPSC (thruster testing, titanium tanks). Centre of Excellence (Fluid & Thermal Sciences) at IIT Madras. Industry, Startups & Reforms SSLV Technology Transfer to HAL — major step in commercialisation & private sector participation. Private Launch Ecosystem: Successful static test of KALAM-1200 solid motor (Skyroot). POEM Platform: Enabled startups to test AI models and novel sensors in orbit. Space Applications for Society Disaster Management Leadership: ISRO led International Charter on Space & Major Disasters (Apr–Sep 2025). Agriculture: Satellite-based wheat production estimate ~122.7 MT. CROP framework integrating SAR + optical data. Education & Outreach: NE-SPARKS: ~700 NE students exposed to ISRO facilities. National Space Day & NM 2.0 aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047. International Cooperation & Diplomacy GLEX 2025 (New Delhi): India positioned as a global space collaboration hub. IAC 2025 (Sydney): India Space Pavilion showcased missions, startups, and future vision. MoU on Space Medicine: ISRO–SCTIMST partnership supporting human spaceflight & biomedical research. Vision & Governance Chintan Shivir 2025: Roadmap for Space Vision 2047 and beyond, covering transportation, infrastructure, human exploration, industry enablement. Conclusion 2025 marks ISRO’s transition from mission-centric achievements to ecosystem leadership — combining human spaceflight readiness, indigenous deep-tech, private sector integration, and global collaboration, firmly anchoring India’s ambitions for Space Vision 2047. SABHASAAR Initiative What is SabhaSaar? SabhaSaar is an AI-enabled voice-to-text automated meeting summarisation tool. Launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj on 14 August 2025. Designed for Gram Sabha and Panchayat meetings to auto-generate Minutes of Meeting (MoM). Supports vernacular, large-scale grassroots governance digitisation. Relevance GS II – Polity & Governance Decentralisation & Local Governance Strengthens Article 243 (Panchayati Raj) institutions. Enhances Gram Sabha effectiveness, procedural legitimacy. Improves documentation of deliberative democracy. GS II – E-Governance Example of AI-enabled public service delivery. Demonstrates shift from digitisation → intelligent governance. Supports Digital India + Viksit Bharat 2047. Objectives Improve transparency, accountability and record-keeping in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). Reduce manual paperwork and dependence on clerical capacity. Enable data-driven local governance aligned with Digital India. Standardise documentation of Gram Sabha resolutions. Scale of Adoption (as of 3 Dec 2025) Total Gram Panchayats in India: 2,67,940 GPs using SabhaSaar: 92,376 (~34.5%) Rapid scale-up: 15 Aug 2025: 12,667 GPs 2 Oct 2025: 77,198 GPs Pilot success: Tripura: 1,047 out of 1,194 GPs (≈ 87%) used SabhaSaar on launch day. High Adoption States  Tamil Nadu: 11,874 GPs Uttar Pradesh: 27,352 GPs Odisha: 6,239 GPs Chhattisgarh: 8,707 GPs Bihar: 5,988 GPs Tripura: 1,061 GPs → Indicates administrative readiness and digital capacity variation across states. Technology & Governance Framework Built on AI + cloud infrastructure via: India AI Compute Portal India AI Mission (MeitY) as nodal authority. Data sovereignty ensured: Data processed entirely within Government infrastructure. No third-party data sharing. Data protection: Governed by Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025. Legal backing via Gazette notification (13 Nov 2025). Capacity Building & Awareness Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued to all States/UTs. Multiple physical and virtual training sessions for officials. States responsible for last-mile dissemination to Panchayats. Designed for ease of use to overcome digital literacy barriers. Governance Significance   Strengthens Article 243 (Panchayati Raj) institutions. Promotes procedural transparency in grassroots democracy. Converts deliberative democracy into machine-readable governance data. Supports Viksit Bharat 2047 through tech-enabled decentralisation. Key Challenges (Implicit) Uneven adoption across states and districts. Digital infrastructure and connectivity gaps. Need for language robustness and accent accuracy. Long-term issues of data standardisation and archival use. Conclusion SabhaSaar represents India’s first large-scale application of sovereign AI in grassroots governance, transforming Gram Sabha deliberations into transparent, standardised, and data-driven democratic records while operating fully within India’s data protection and AI governance framework.

Content On quality control orders, a welcome regulatory reset The marital rape exception in criminal law is a colonial relic. It needs to go On quality control orders, a welcome regulatory reset Why is this in News? December 2025: Government of India withdrew Quality Control Orders (QCOs) on several products. Marks a policy shift from rigid mandatory certification to risk-based, sector-sensitive regulation. Comes amid: Slowing manufacturing growth. Export competitiveness concerns. Industry feedback on regulatory overload. Editorial views the move as a course correction in India’s industrial regulation strategy. Relevance : GS III – Economy & Industry Manufacturing competitiveness. Regulatory burden vs productivity. MSME viability. Export competitiveness and GVC integration. GS II – Governance Regulatory design. State capacity. Evidence-based policymaking. Balancing public interest and economic growth. Practice Question :  Regulation that raises costs without improving safety undermines the very manufacturing strategy it seeks to build.In the context of India’s Quality Control Orders (QCOs), critically examine this statement.(250 Words) What are Quality Control Orders (QCOs)? Issued under: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act. Purpose: Mandate compliance with Indian Standards (IS). Protect consumers from substandard / unsafe goods. Mechanism: Mandatory BIS certification. Ban on manufacture, sale, import of non-compliant goods. Coverage expanded rapidly since ~2018 across: Steel, chemicals, polymers, electricals, consumer goods, etc. Original Rationale Behind QCO Expansion Consumer safety: Prevent unsafe products. Import quality control: Especially low-quality imports. Industrial upgrading: Push firms towards better standards. Atmanirbhar Bharat narrative: Strengthen domestic manufacturing. What Went Wrong? 1. One-size-fits-all regulation Same strict certification applied to: High-risk goods (e.g., pressure vessels). Low-risk goods (e.g., household items). Ignored risk differentiation. 2. Manufacturing competitiveness suffered Compliance burden: Costly certification. Testing delays. Frequent changes in standards. MSMEs hit hardest: Limited capital. In-house compliance capacity absent. Result: Exit, informalisation, or scale-down. 3. Export & global value chain impact Global buyers depend on: ISO / IEC / international certifications. Indian QCOs: Often not internationally harmonised. Made Indian firms less attractive in global supply chains. Countries like Vietnam, China, Bangladesh gained advantage. 4. Import substitution illusion QCOs assumed domestic capacity exists. Reality: Many products not produced competitively in India. Led to supply shortages or cost inflation. Protection without productivity → inefficiency trap. Why the Withdrawal is Significant ? 1. Shift to risk-based regulation Focus regulation where: Consumer safety risks are real and high. Low-risk products: Move towards self-certification, voluntary standards. 2. Learning from global best practices EU, US, Japan, Korea: Rely more on: Supplier declarations. Market surveillance. Post-market penalties. India aligning with modern regulatory philosophy. 3. Improves ease of doing business Reduces: Compliance cost. Inspection raj. Approval delays. Frees up state capacity for enforcement instead of paperwork. What Replaces QCOs?  Market-led compliance tools Voluntary BIS standards. Self-certification. Third-party conformity assessment. Risk-based inspections. Post-market surveillance instead of ex-ante approvals. Does This Mean Lower Standards? No. Key distinction: Quality ≠ Mandatory certification Quality can be ensured via: Transparency. Liability. Competition. Consumer choice. Regulatory focus should be on: Outcome (safety), not process (paper compliance). Way Forward 1. Risk-based classification High-risk goods → Mandatory standards. Low-risk goods → Voluntary/self-regulation. 2. Global harmonisation Align BIS standards with: ISO. IEC. Codex. Reduce technical barriers to trade. 3. Strong post-market enforcement Random sampling. Heavy penalties for violations. Product recalls. 4. MSME-friendly compliance Phased implementation. Subsidised testing. Shared certification infrastructure. 5. Regulatory impact assessments (RIA) Mandatory cost–benefit analysis before issuing QCOs. Sunset clauses for review. Conclusion A credible manufacturing strategy requires smart regulation—protecting consumers through risk-based oversight while allowing firms the flexibility needed to compete in global markets. The marital rape exception in criminal law is a colonial relic. It needs to go Why is this in News? Renewed public and legal debate in 2025 on the Marital Rape Exception (MRE) in Indian criminal law. Triggered by: Ongoing constitutional scrutiny of Exception 2 to Section 375 IPC / Section 63 BNS. Growing divergence between criminal law and constitutional morality. International pressure and comparative legal reforms. Editorial argues India must complete its constitutional transformation by removing MRE. Relevance GS II – Polity & Constitution Fundamental rights jurisprudence. Equality vs patriarchal exceptions. Constitutional morality. GS I – Society & Women Gender-based violence. Patriarchy in institutions. Social reform through law. Practice Question Explain how the marital rape exception violates Article 14 and Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.(250 Words) What is the Marital Rape Exception? Legal provision: Exception to rape law stating that sexual intercourse by a man with his wife (above a certain age) is not rape. Origin: Colonial-era IPC, 1860. Based on doctrine of implied marital consent. Current status: Retained in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) with minimal change. Effect: A married woman has less bodily autonomy than an unmarried woman. Constitutional Framework Involved Key Fundamental Rights Article 14: Equality before law. Article 15: Non-discrimination on grounds of sex. Article 21: Right to life, dignity, bodily autonomy, privacy. Article 19: Decisional autonomy. Judicial Evolution Puttaswamy (2017): Right to privacy includes bodily autonomy. Navtej Johar (2018): Constitutional morality over social morality. Joseph Shine (2018): Marriage not a license for sexual control. Anuj Garg (2008): Protectionist laws violate equality. Core Argument of the Editorial 1. Marriage cannot extinguish consent Consent is: Specific Revocable Contextual Marriage ≠ perpetual consent. Treating marriage as consent violates modern consent jurisprudence. 2. Marital rape violates bodily autonomy Forced sex is: Physical violence. Psychological trauma. Violation of dignity. Article 21 protects: Control over one’s body. Sexual self-determination. MRE creates a constitutional blind spot. 3. Discriminatory classification Married women denied protection available to: Unmarried women. Widowed / separated women. Fails reasonable classification test under Article 14. Nexus between marital status and rape protection is arbitrary. 4. Colonial logic incompatible with Constitution IPC assumed wife as: Husband’s property. Subordinate legal subject. Constitution rejects: Patriarchy. Coverture. Retaining MRE = colonial continuity in post-colonial law. International Law & Comparative Perspective International Obligations CEDAW: Requires criminalisation of marital rape. ICCPR: Protects bodily integrity and dignity. Global Trend Most democracies have: Explicitly criminalised marital rape. India increasingly isolated among constitutional democracies. Counter-Arguments & Editorial’s Rebuttal Argument 1: Risk of misuse Rebuttal: Misuse cannot justify denial of fundamental rights. Same argument rejected in Section 498A, domestic violence laws. Argument 2: Threat to institution of marriage Rebuttal: Marriage based on consent and dignity, not coercion. Violence weakens, not protects, marriage. Argument 3: Existing remedies under DV Act Rebuttal: Civil remedies ≠ criminal accountability. Rape is a crime against bodily integrity, not merely domestic dispute. Way Forward 1. Legislative Action Remove marital rape exception explicitly. Define consent uniformly, irrespective of marital status. 2. Safeguards without dilution Procedural safeguards: Preliminary inquiry. Judicial oversight. Not substantive denial of offence. 3. Harmonise criminal and civil law Align rape law with: Domestic Violence Act. Constitutional jurisprudence. 4. Social sensitisation Training police, judiciary. Public discourse on consent within marriage. Conclusion A Constitution that guarantees dignity, equality and autonomy cannot permit a legal exception that sanctifies sexual violence within marriage. Decriminalising marital rape is not an attack on marriage, but a reaffirmation of constitutional morality.

Content How is the Aravalli range to be protected? Preah Vihear Temple and Thailand–Cambodia Border Dispute KAVACH Anti-Collision System Desert Cyclone-II India–Oman Free Trade Agreement UNEA-7 talks end with 11 resolutions and lingering division How is the Aravalli range to be protected? Why is it in News? Supreme Court order (Nov 2025): Settled on a uniform definition of Aravalli hills & ranges. Paused fresh mining leases across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat. Follow-up to: Long-standing illegal & excessive mining. Conflicting State-wise definitions enabling regulatory evasion. Linked with: India’s obligations under UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Centre’s Aravalli Green Wall Project (June 2025). Relevance GS II: Role of Supreme Court in environmental governance. Federal issues: Centre–State coordination in environmental regulation. GS III: Environment & ecology: land degradation, mining impacts. Climate change adaptation, UNCCD commitments. What are the Aravalli Hills? Geological age: ~2 billion years (oldest mountain range in India). Extent: ~650 km (Delhi → Haryana → Rajasthan → Gujarat). Major rivers sourced/recharged: Chambal, Sabarmati, Luni. Mineral-rich: Sandstone, limestone, marble, granite. Lead, zinc, copper, gold, tungsten. Ecological Significance Natural climate barrier: Prevents eastward expansion of the Thar Desert. Groundwater recharge: Acts as a major aquifer recharge zone for NW India. Air quality regulation: Reduces dust storms and particulate load in NCR. Biodiversity support: Wildlife corridors, scrub forests, semi-arid ecosystems. Food & water security linkage: Protects Indo-Gangetic agricultural belt. How Do Aravallis Prevent Desertification of the Indo-Gangetic Plain? Topographic barrier: Blocks desert winds and sand movement eastwards. Rainfall modulation: Enhances local convection and moisture retention. Vegetative anchoring: Forests and scrub bind soil, reduce erosion. Hydrological function: Recharge of shallow & deep aquifers prevents aridification. Climate buffering: Reduces temperature extremes and land degradation. Problem: Mining & Ecological Degradation Since 1980s: Rampant quarrying for stone & sand. Impacts: Groundwater depletion. Air pollution (stone crushing). Habitat fragmentation. Rise of illegal mining syndicates. Regulatory failure: MoEFCC rules (1990s onwards) frequently violated. Why Was a Uniform Definition Necessary? State-level manipulation: Different criteria used to exclude areas from protection. Conflicting expert definitions: Forest Survey of India (2010) used slope, buffers, valley width. Regulatory arbitrage: Enabled selective mining approvals. Judicial clarity needed: For enforcement, mapping, and EIA consistency. What Definition Did the SC Settle On? Aravalli hills = elevations above 100 metres. Debate: Amicus Curiae: Too narrow, risks fragmentation. Centre: FSI definition would exclude even more areas. Court’s view: 100m criterion is more inclusive and administratively workable. Central Empowered Committee (CEC): Key Recommendations Scientific mapping of entire Aravalli range across States. Macro-level Environmental Impact Assessment. Zonation approach: Absolute no-mining zones: Protected forests. Water bodies. Tiger corridors. Aquifer recharge zones. NCR areas. Limited, highly regulated mining zones elsewhere. No new leases or renewals until mapping & EIAs completed. Strict regulation of stone-crushing units. Restoration & rehabilitation plans for degraded areas. Cumulative ecological carrying capacity assessment. Has the Supreme Court Completely Banned Mining? No blanket ban. Calibrated approach adopted: Existing legal mining may continue under strict regulation. Fresh mining paused until scientific plan finalised. Ecologically sensitive zones permanently off-limits. Rationale: Total bans often fuel illegal mining & sand mafias. Government Initiative: Aravalli Green Wall Project (2025) Coverage: 5 km buffer around Aravallis. 29 districts (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi). Objective: Restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. Alignment: UNCCD targets. India’s land degradation neutrality goals. Way Forward  Science-based environmental regulation over ad-hoc bans. Uniform definitions as tools of ecological justice. Balance livelihood concerns with irreversible ecosystem loss. Aravallis as a national ecological security asset, not a State-wise resource. Preah Vihear Temple and Thailand–Cambodia Border Dispute Why is it in News? December 2025 escalation: Thailand launched airstrikes inside Cambodia after renewed border clashes. Both sides accused each other of violating a U.S.-brokered ceasefire (Oct 2025). U.S. intervention: After calls with both leaders, President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire on December 12. Marks the worst flare-up since July 2025 fighting, which killed dozens and displaced over 3 lakh civilians. Relevance GS II: International relations: border disputes, ICJ rulings, ASEAN role. Role of external powers (U.S. mediation). GS III: Internal security (regional instability spillovers). Basics: Thailand–Cambodia Border Length: ~817 km. Nature: Partially demarcated, heavily forested, mountainous. Dispute origin: Colonial-era boundary treaties (1904 & 1907). Strategic-cultural sensitivity: Hosts ancient Khmer temples, especially Preah Vihear. What is the Border Dispute About? Core issue: Sovereignty over un-demarcated stretches of the border. Colonial legacy: Treaties between France (Cambodia) and Siam (Thailand). Boundary supposed to follow Dangrek Mountains watershed. French maps placed key temples on the Cambodian side. Result: Thailand disputes map validity; Cambodia relies on them for claims. Centrality of Preah Vihear Temple Temple: 11th-century Hindu temple (Shaivite), symbol of Khmer civilisation. History: Construction began in the 9th century, with major expansions in the 11th and 12th centuries under Khmer kings Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II. Architecture: Unlike most Khmer temples, which face east, Preah Vihear follows a linear north-south axis over an 800-meter length, with a series of sanctuaries, pavements, and staircases. It is known for its exceptional stone carvings. ICJ rulings: 1962: Temple belongs to Cambodia. 2013 clarification: Cambodia has sovereignty over most surrounding area. Continuing friction: Thailand accepts temple ruling but disputes adjacent land. Nationalism factor: Cambodia: Cultural heritage & post-colonial sovereignty. Thailand: Territorial integrity & resistance to perceived loss. KAVACH Anti-Collision System Why is it in News? December 2025: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Lok Sabha that: KAVACH has been fully commissioned on over 2,000 km of the Indian Rail network. Consequential train accidents reduced by ~90% (from 135 in 2014 to 11 now). Comes amid: Recurrent concerns on rail safety. Push for indigenous, tech-driven accident prevention. Expansion under Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat vision. Relevance GS III: Infrastructure: railways, public safety systems. Science & technology: indigenous innovation, ATP systems. What is KAVACH?  KAVACH is India’s indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. Objective: Prevent train collisions due to human error. Developed by: Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO). In collaboration with Indian industry. Comparable to: ETCS (Europe), PTC (USA) — but much cheaper. What Problems Does KAVACH Address? Human errors by: Loco pilots. Station masters. Signal misinterpretation. High-risk scenarios: Signal Passed At Danger (SPAD). Head-on collisions. Rear-end collisions. Overspeeding. Limitation of legacy signalling systems. How Does KAVACH Work? (Core Architecture) KAVACH is a real-time, fail-safe system built on continuous communication. Five Major Components On-board unit (Loco KAVACH): Installed on locomotives. Applies automatic braking if danger detected. Track-side equipment: Along tracks to relay movement authority. Station KAVACH: Integrated with interlocking & signalling. Telecom network: Optical Fibre Cable (OFC). Telecom towers. Central data systems: Real-time monitoring & diagnostics. Operational Features Automatic braking when: Train overshoots signal. Collision risk detected. Speed exceeds permissible limit. Continuous loco-to-loco & loco-to-station communication. Works even in: Fog. Low visibility. Designed for: High-density mixed traffic (passenger + freight). Current Implementation Status (as per Govt) >2,000 km fully commissioned. 7,129 km OFC laid. 860 telecom towers installed. 767 stations connected to data centres. 3,413 km trackside equipment deployed. 4,154 locomotives equipped. ~40,000 staff trained. Expansion pace described as “very fast”. Why is KAVACH Considered Strategic? Safety dividend: Sharp fall in consequential accidents. Indigenous technology: Reduces import dependence. Cost-effective: ~₹50 lakh per km (far cheaper than global ATP systems). Scalable: Designed for India’s vast and diverse rail network. Employment & skilling: Large-scale technician training. Challenges & Limitations High upfront capital cost for pan-India rollout. Requires: Dense telecom infrastructure. Precision mapping & calibration. Integration with: Multiple signalling systems across zones. Not yet universal across: All routes. All locomotives. Policy & Governance Angle Linked schemes: Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (station modernisation). Governance challenge: Upgrading safety without suspending rail operations. India handles ~7.5 crore passengers daily. Minister highlighted: Unlike other countries, India cannot shut rail services for years. Conclusion KAVACH is India’s indigenous Automatic Train Protection system that uses real-time communication to automatically prevent train collisions, significantly improving rail safety while reinforcing technological self-reliance. Desert Cyclone-II Why is it in News? December 2025: An Indian Army contingent has departed for the UAE to participate in DESERT CYCLONE–II. Exercise scheduled at Abu Dhabi from December 18–30, 2025. Part of India’s expanding defence diplomacy in West Asia. Relevance GS II: India–UAE relations; defence diplomacy in West Asia. GS III: Security: military preparedness, joint exercises, interoperability. What is DESERT CYCLONE? Type: Bilateral joint military exercise. Participants: India: 45 personnel, mainly from Mechanised Infantry Regiment. UAE: 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion. Edition: Second (DESERT CYCLONE–II). Domain: Land forces (mechanised infantry). Objectives of DESERT CYCLONE–II Enhance interoperability between Indian Army and UAE Land Forces. Improve joint operational preparedness in: Mechanised warfare. Desert and semi-desert conditions. Strengthen defence cooperation and trust. Exchange best practices, tactics, and procedures. Strategic Significance of UAE for India Key West Asia partner: Energy security. Indian diaspora (~3.5 million). Defence cooperation pillars: Joint exercises (army, navy, air force). Defence industrial collaboration. Maritime security in the Arabian Sea & Gulf region. UAE is among India’s closest strategic partners in the Gulf. Why Mechanised Infantry Matters Critical arm for: Rapid mobility. Combined arms warfare. Relevance for: Desert warfare scenarios. High-intensity conventional conflict. UAE terrain provides realistic training environment. Place in India’s Defence Diplomacy Complements exercises like: AL NAGAH (India–Oman). YUDH ABHYAS (India–USA). DUSTLIK (India–Uzbekistan). Reflects India’s shift towards: Theatre-level readiness. Interoperable coalition operations. Supports India’s “Act West” and Indo-Pacific–West Asia strategic continuum. Takeaway DESERT CYCLONE–II reflects India’s emphasis on practical military cooperation, not symbolic engagement. Enhances India’s capacity to operate with friendly foreign forces in diverse terrains. Reinforces India’s profile as a net security partner in West Asia. Conclusion DESERT CYCLONE–II is a bilateral India–UAE mechanised infantry exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening defence cooperation in desert warfare conditions. India–Oman Free Trade Agreement  Why is it in News? December 2025: India and Oman are set to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), formally a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Announcement by Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal at the India–Oman Business Forum, Muscat. Marks India’s first bilateral FTA with a Gulf country outside the UAE model, strengthening India’s Act West strategy. Relevance GS II: International relations: Act West policy, India–Gulf relations. GS III: Economy: external trade, FTAs/CEPAs, energy transition, logistics. What is an FTA / CEPA? FTA: Reduces or eliminates tariffs on goods. Improves market access. CEPA (deeper than FTA): Trade in goods + services. Investment protection & facilitation. Customs cooperation, standards, mobility. India–Oman CEPA talks: Launched in 2023. Negotiated amid India’s renewed push for trade diversification. India–Oman Economic Snapshot  Bilateral trade (2023–24): ~$12 billion. India’s exports: Refined petroleum products. Iron & steel. Machinery, textiles, gems & jewellery. India’s imports: Crude oil, LNG. Fertilisers, chemicals. Indian diaspora in Oman: ~7.8 lakh, among the largest expatriate groups. Oman’s strategic location: Outside Hormuz choke point. Ports: Duqm, Sohar, Salalah. Why Oman Matters Strategically for India? Gateway economy: Access to GCC, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Africa. Logistics hub potential: Duqm port linked to India’s west coast. Energy partner: LNG supply. Green hydrogen ambitions. Geopolitical reliability: Stable monarchy. Neutral foreign policy. Strategic Economic Gains for India Market diversification: Reduces over-dependence on traditional markets. Value-chain integration: Indian firms plug into Gulf–Africa trade routes. Services exports boost: IT, logistics, fintech, consultancy. Investment inflows: Omani sovereign & private capital into India. MSME opportunities: Preferential access to new export markets. Strategic Economic Gains for Oman Economic diversification beyond hydrocarbons. Access to: India’s large consumer market. Skilled manpower & digital services. Positioning as: Regional trade & logistics hub. Partnership in: Green hydrogen exports. Food security assurance. How This Fits India’s FTA Strategy ? Part of FTA 2.0 approach: Quality FTAs over quantity. Focus on trusted partners. Builds on: India–UAE CEPA. India–Australia ECTA. Supports: Atmanirbhar Bharat via export-led growth. Viksit Bharat 2047 trade vision. Risks & Challenges India’s past experience: FTAs leading to import surges (e.g., electronics). Need for: Strong rules of origin. Safeguards for MSMEs. Infrastructure readiness: Logistics costs still ~13–14% of GDP. Services mobility: Visa & labour norms need clarity. Analytical Takeaway India–Oman FTA is not merely a trade deal but a geo-economic bridge. Oman’s geography converts trade access into strategic leverage. Success will depend on: Effective implementation. Leveraging Oman as a regional hub, not just a bilateral partner. Conclusion The India–Oman CEPA aims to deepen trade, investment and energy cooperation while positioning Oman as India’s gateway to the GCC, Central Asia and Africa under India’s Act West strategy. UNEA-7 (United Nations Environment Assembly-7) Why is it in News? UNEA-7 concluded on December 12, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya. Outcome: 11 resolutions adopted out of 15 draft proposals. Several key drafts, including one on strengthening UNEP, were dropped. Triggered criticism from civil society and environmental groups for: Weak ambition. Failure to address deep-sea protection and environmental crime adequately. Relevance GS III: Environment: mineral governance, chemicals & waste, marine ecology. What is UNEA? UNEA is the highest global decision-making body on environmental matters. Meets biennially under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Membership: All 193 UN member states. Functions: Set global environmental agenda. Provide policy guidance. Strengthen international environmental governance. UNEA-7 at a Glance Theme (implicit): Responding to escalating global environmental crises. Duration: ~2 weeks of negotiations. Location: Nairobi (UNEP headquarters). Outcome: 11 adopted resolutions. Persistent North–South and ambition divides. Adopted Minerals & metals: Sustainable value chains; mining waste; capacity-building. Coral reefs: Boost climate resilience (supports ~25% marine biodiversity). MEAs: Better coordination; less policy/reporting overlap. Chemicals & waste: Stronger management under Basel–Rotterdam–Stockholm. Dropped / Diluted Deep-sea protection: No strong safeguards for deep-sea mining. Environmental crime: No tougher global action. Strengthening UNEP: Resolution removed. Leadership Transition President of UNEA-7: Abdullah bin Ali Al-Amri (Oman). President-elect for UNEA-8 (Dec 2026): Matthew Samuda (Jamaica). Stated priorities: Inclusivity. Stronger science–policy interface. Scaling adaptation and resilience finance. Analytical Assessment Achievements Maintained multilateral engagement amid geopolitical stress. Brought mineral governance firmly into global environmental discourse. Incremental progress on reefs, chemicals, MEAs. Shortcomings Avoidance of binding commitments. Weak response to emerging global commons issues (deep seas). Institutional timidity in strengthening UNEP. Global Significance Reflects the limits of consensus-based multilateralism in an era of: Climate urgency. Resource geopolitics. Signals growing tension between: Environmental ambition. Political feasibility. Way Forward Shift from dialogue to rule-based global standards, especially for minerals and oceans. Strengthen UNEP’s mandate, finances, and coordination role. Integrate: Environmental justice. Finance and capacity-building for developing countries. Ensure UNEA-8 focuses on implementation, not just negotiation. Conclusion UNEA-7 adopted 11 resolutions advancing cooperation on minerals, reefs and chemicals, but lingering divisions over deep-sea protection, environmental crime and UNEP’s authority exposed the limits of current global environmental governance.