Content NITI Aayog Releases Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024 Real-Time Stray Cattle Safety Alert on National Highways NITI Aayog Releases Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024 Why in News ? NITI Aayog released Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024 on 14 January 2026. 4th edition (first in August 2020). Aligned with: USD 1 trillion merchandise exports target by 2030. Viksit Bharat @2047 vision. Emphasises States & districts as drivers of India’s export competitiveness amid global volatility. Relevance : GS III Indian Economy & External Sector: Export competitiveness, GVC integration, MSME-led exports. Infrastructure & logistics, cost competitiveness, human capital. Industrial policy alignment: PLI, Logistics Policy, Districts as Export Hubs (DEH). What is Export Preparedness Index (EPI)? Composite, evidence-based index assessing export readiness of States & UTs. Focus: Strength, resilience & inclusiveness of sub-national export ecosystems. Identification of structural bottlenecks, growth levers, and policy gaps. Policy intent: Shift from national export targets → place-based export strategies. Integrate districts, clusters, MSMEs, and GVC linkages. Framework & Structure (2024) 4 Pillars | 13 Sub-pillars | 70 Indicators Enhanced analytical depth with new dimensions: macro stability, cost competitiveness, MSME ecosystem. Pillars & Weightage Export Infrastructure – 20% Utilities Logistics Business Ecosystem – 40%(highest weight – critical insight) Macroeconomic stability Cost competitiveness Human capital Finance & credit access MSME ecosystem Industrial & innovation environment Policy & Governance – 20% State export policy & governance Regulatory environment & compliance Export Performance – 20% Export outcomes & trends Promotion & facilitation Diversification & global market access India’s export challenge is no longer just ports & logistics but costs, skills, finance, and institutional quality. Methodology & Data (Data-centric) Sources Central Ministries State Governments Public institutions & official datasets Techniques Indicator normalisation Balanced pillar weightage Inter-State comparability ensured 2024 Refinements Greater robustness & policy relevance Improved indicator precision Stronger alignment with district-level export planning Classification of States & UTs Categories: Large States Small States North-East States Union Territories Performance Bands: Leaders – High preparedness Challengers – Moderate, improvable Aspirers – Nascent export ecosystems Governance Signal: Enables peer learning, competitive federalism, and targeted reforms. Top Performers – EPI 2024 Large States (Leaders) Maharashtra Tamil Nadu Gujarat Uttar Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Small States / NE / UTs (Leaders) Uttarakhand Jammu & Kashmir Nagaland Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Goa Constitutional & Federal Dimension Article 246 + Seventh Schedule Trade & commerce: shared Centre-State domain. EPI operationalises cooperative federalism through: Evidence-based benchmarking. State-specific reform pathways. Strengthens competitive federalism without coercion. Economic Significance Exports → employment multiplier, especially in MSMEs. Sub-national preparedness critical for: Global Value Chain (GVC) integration Reducing regional disparities Improving cost competitiveness Aligns with: PLI schemes Logistics Policy Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) Governance & Administrative Insights Highlights need for: Predictable & transparent policies. Strong export institutions at State level. Faster regulatory clearances. District focus enables: Cluster-based interventions. Tailored skilling & infrastructure. Social & Ethical Dimension Export-led growth: Generates non-farm jobs. Supports women-intensive sectors (textiles, food processing). Inclusive exports via: MSME participation. Credit access & skilling. Technology, Security & Global Context Global volatility: Supply chain fragmentation Geopolitical trade realignments EPI helps States: Identify new trade opportunities. Move towards quality-centric exports (PM’s emphasis). Tech adoption: Digital trade facilitation Data-driven logistics & compliance. Key Challenges Identified Inter-State divergence in preparedness. Weak: Cost competitiveness. Human capital alignment. Institutional capacity in Aspirer States. MSME constraints: Credit gaps Compliance burden Logistics inefficiencies at district level. Way Forward District-centric export planning under DEH. Strengthen: State Export Promotion Agencies. Single-window & digital compliance systems. Improve: MSME credit flow (SIDBI, fintech). Skill-industry linkage aligned to export clusters. Focus on: Product quality & standards. Export diversification & new markets. Use EPI as: Annual reform dashboard. Input for Finance Commission & scheme targeting. Prelims Pointers First EPI: August 2020. EPI 2024: 4 pillars, 13 sub-pillars, 70 indicators. Highest weightage pillar: Business Ecosystem (40%). Implemented by: NITI Aayog. Objective: Assess State/UT export preparedness (not volume). Real-Time Stray Cattle Safety Alert on National Highways Why in News ? National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched a pilot real-time stray cattle safety alert system. Announced on 14 January 2026, during Road Safety Month 2026. Objective: Reduce accidents caused by sudden cattle movement, especially during fog & low-visibility conditions. Implemented in collaboration with telecom service providers, with Reliance Jio upgrading its platform for nationwide alert capability. Relevance GS II Public service delivery & e-governance by National Highways Authority of India. Inter-agency coordination (NHAI + telecoms); citizen-centric governance. Road safety as a public policy priority. GS III Infrastructure & Transport: Highway safety, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). Science & Technology: Geofencing, location-based alerts, telecom-enabled nudges. Internal security (non-traditional): Accident prevention, situational awareness. Background: Why Stray Cattle is a Road Safety Issue ? India faces high road fatality burden: ~1.7 lakh road accident deaths annually (MoRTH trend). Animal-related accidents: Disproportionately high on National & State Highways. Peak risk during night, fog, winter months (north-west India). Root causes: Stray cattle population near highways. Poor fencing & access control. High-speed traffic corridors. Road safety is not only an engineering issue but also a governance, behavioural, and technological challenge. Pilot Project: Key Features Pilot Corridors Jaipur–Agra National Highway Jaipur–Rewari National Highway Selected due to: High incidence of stray cattle movement. Historical accident data & field-level inputs. Technology Design Location-based, real-time alerts to highway users. Alerts triggered ~10 km before cattle-prone stretches. Communication format: Flash SMS (Hindi) “आगे आवारा पशु ग्रस्त क्षेत्र है। कृपया धीरे और सावधानी से चलें।” Followed by voice alert with identical message. Anti–alert fatigue mechanism: No repeat alert to same user within 30 minutes. Data & Infrastructure Cattle-prone zones mapped using: Historical accident datasets. Ground-level validation. Leveraging upgraded telecom infrastructure for: Targeted delivery. Real-time responsiveness. Scalability-ready architecture (pan-India potential). Governance & Administrative Dimension NHAI’s shift from: Reactive enforcement → Predictive, preventive safety governance. Inter-agency coordination: Highway authority + telecom operators. Enhances: User-centric service delivery. Evidence-based policy design. Technological Dimension Use of: Geofencing & location-based services. Telecom-led real-time advisories. Complements: Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). Digital India & Smart Mobility vision. Low-cost, high-impact behavioural nudge. Security & Safety Dimension Reduces: High-speed collision risk. Secondary accidents during fog. Improves: Driver reaction time. Situational awareness. Technology here acts as a risk anticipator, not merely an information provider. Social & Ethical Dimension Addresses: Human safety without criminalising cattle presence. Indirectly flags: Urban-rural interface issues. Stray cattle management gaps (municipal & panchayat level). Ethical governance: Focus on prevention, not punishment. Economic Dimension Road accidents impose: ~3–5% of GDP loss (World Bank estimates for India). Potential benefits: Reduced fatalities & injuries. Lower insurance & logistics disruption costs. Improved freight reliability on NH corridors. Key Challenges Pilot-limited coverage. Dependence on: Accurate zone mapping. Telecom penetration & signal strength. Does not directly address: Root cause of stray cattle (urban planning, animal husbandry, local governance). Risk of: User desensitisation if alerts over-expand without precision. Way Forward Scale-up after impact evaluation using: Accident reduction metrics. User feedback. Integrate with: FASTag / vehicle infotainment systems. Highway variable message signboards. Parallel measures: Highway fencing & cattle underpasses. Local body accountability for stray cattle control. AI-based enhancements: Camera + sensor-based real-time cattle detection. Prelims Pointers Implementing agency: NHAI Nature: Pilot, technology-based road safety initiative Alert types: Flash SMS + Voice alert Language of alert: Hindi Repeat alert gap: 30 minutes Pilot corridors: Jaipur–Agra, Jaipur–Rewari NHs

Content To Become a Developed Economy, Four Reforms  India’s Critical Minerals Partnerships & Clean Energy Transition To Become a Developed Economy, Four Reforms  Core Context India’s declared ambition: USD 30–35 trillion economy by 2047 (Viksit Bharat). Central question addressed: How to finance high, sustained growth in a durable and efficient manner? Editorial reframes debate from “how much capital India can mobilise” to “how productively capital is deployed”. Relevance GS III (Indian Economy) Savings–investment dynamics, capital formation. Financial sector reforms: bond markets, long-term finance, ICOR. Role of start-ups, deep tech, capital efficiency in growth. GS II (Governance) Regulatory certainty, contract enforcement, ease of doing business. Cooperative federalism for project clearances and execution. Practice Question “India’s growth constraint lies less in capital scarcity and more in capital efficiency.” Examine this statement in the context of India’s ambition to become a developed economy by 2047. ( 15 marks | 250 words) Central Argument   India’s biggest growth risk is dependence on short-term capital combined with execution frictions, not lack of capital per se. Reform 1: Rebuild Long-Term Domestic Savings Problem Diagnosis India’s growth model historically rests on domestic savings. Key trends: Household financial savings declined to ~5.3% of GDP (FY2023). Investment rate fell from >40% of GDP to ~30%+. Current savings skewed towards: Pensions Insurance Debt instruments Gap: Inadequate long-term risk capital for infrastructure & manufacturing. Structural Issue Borrowing increasingly finances: Consumption Working capital Rather than: Long-gestation asset creation. Reform 2: Shift from Short-Term to Long-Term Financing Problem Diagnosis Banks: Liability structure = short- to medium-term deposits Asset need = long-term project finance Result: Asset–liability mismatch. MSMEs: Over-reliant on working capital loans. Limited access to long-term finance. Proposed Solution Expand market-based financing: Corporate bond market G-SEC market depth Private placements Strengthen: Secondary market liquidity Retail + institutional participation. Data Point  India’s corporate bond market remains <20% of GDP (far below developed economies). Reform 3: Improve Capital Efficiency (ICOR Focus) Key Insight Growth sustainability depends on Incremental Capital Output Ratio (ICOR). Current reality: Rising capital-output ratio → lower growth per unit of capital. Causes: Execution delays Regulatory uncertainty Contract enforcement issues Policy Prescription Faster project approvals Predictable regulation Stronger dispute resolution Risk reduction to: Improve investment returns Reduce pressure on savings & fiscal resources Reform 4: Start-Ups & Deep Tech for Capital-Light Growth Structural Advantage Technology-driven growth allows: Higher productivity Lower capital intensity Sectors highlighted: Logistics Manufacturing Healthcare Energy Public services Why This Matters ? Start-ups: Reduce ICOR Enable leapfrogging Complement infrastructure-heavy growth Policy Enablers Needed Patient risk capital Stable tax regimes Long-horizon regulation Recognition of longer gestation cycles What the Editorial Critiques ? Implicit Criticisms Over-reliance on: Bank credit Short-term capital Under-developed: Bond markets Pension & insurance-led infrastructure financing Execution deficits more damaging than capital scarcity. Constitutional & Governance Angle State capacity & regulatory quality directly affect capital productivity. Cooperative federalism needed for: Faster land, power, logistics clearances. Rule of law critical for: Long-term investor confidence. Ethical & Social Dimension Poor capital allocation: Wastes public savings Reduces inter-generational equity Efficient capital use: Frees resources for social sector Supports inclusive growth. Way Forward Deepen long-term savings instruments (pension, insurance, infra bonds). Accelerate corporate bond & secondary debt markets. Reduce execution risks via: Contract enforcement Time-bound approvals. Encourage tech-led, capital-light growth models. Align financial sector reforms with 2047 horizon, not electoral cycles. Prelims Pointers Household financial savings fell sharply post-COVID. ICOR indicates efficiency of capital use. Market-based finance reduces bank balance-sheet stress. Start-ups reduce capital intensity of growth. India’s Critical Minerals Partnerships & Clean Energy Transition Why this Matters ? Clean energy transition (EVs, renewables, batteries) is mineral-intensive. India is highly import-dependent for critical minerals & rare earths. China’s tightening export controls have exposed India’s strategic vulnerability. Core question: Have India’s critical mineral partnerships delivered real capability, or do they need recalibration? Core Thesis India needs a two-pronged strategy: Immediate overseas access + long-term domestic processing & technology capability, not extraction-only diplomacy. Relevance GS II (International Relations) Strategic partnerships, supply chain diplomacy, geo-economics. India’s engagement with Australia, Africa, EU, U.S., Japan. GS III (Economy, Energy & S&T) Clean energy transition, EVs, batteries. Critical minerals, industrial policy, processing & refining capacity. Practice Mains Question Access to critical minerals alone does not ensure energy security; control over processing and technology does. Discuss India’s critical mineral strategy in light of this statement.(15 marks | 250 words) Structural Context: Why Critical Minerals Matter Critical minerals underpin: EV batteries (lithium, cobalt, nickel) Renewables (rare earths) Grid storage & clean tech Global reality: Supply chains are geopolitically concentrated. Processing & refining are the real choke points, not ore availability. India’s Strategy So Far Past 5 years: ~Dozen bilateral & multilateral partnerships across continents. Parallel strengthening of domestic mineral policies. Key issue: Delivery gap between MoUs and on-ground capability. Assessment of Key Partnerships    Australia – Most Reliable Partner Strengths: Political stability Large lithium & cobalt reserves Strategic alignment Concrete progress: India–Australia Critical Minerals Investment Partnership (2022). Five lithium & cobalt projects identified for potential investment. UPSC Insight: Model of credible, long-term supply cooperation. Japan – Institutional Resilience Model Strategic lesson: Post-China rare earth shock, Japan pursued: Diversification Stockpiling Recycling Sustained R&D India–Japan cooperation: Beyond Indian Rare Earths Limited. Expanding into: Joint extraction Processing Stockpiling (bilateral & third countries). Value: Long-term planning > reactive deals. Africa – Opportunity with Conditions Advantages: Mineral abundance Long-standing India–Africa ties Recent moves: Namibia: lithium, rare earths, uranium. Zambia: copper & cobalt asset talks. Caution: Competition from China & Western consortia. Risk of extraction-only engagement. Key requirement: Local value addition & processing. Latin America – New Strategic Frontier Countries: Argentina, Chile, Peru, Brazil. Action: Khanij Bidesh India Limited signed a ₹200 crore exploration agreement with Argentina. Importance: Central to global copper, lithium & nickel supply. Challenge: Engagement still early-stage. Canada – High Potential, Political Sensitivity Strengths: Nickel, cobalt, copper, rare earths. Trilateral agreement with India & Australia. Constraint: Political stability & trust deficit. Role: Could become a major upstream partner. United States – Volatile Partner Issue: Cooperation stuck at dialogue level. Tariffs, trade rule shifts & Inflation Reduction Act incentives create uncertainty. Frameworks exist: TRUST Initiative Strategic Minerals Recovery Initiative Reality: U.S. useful for technology & downstream innovation, not stable supply. European Union – Standards & Sustainability Leader Key instruments: European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act European Battery Alliance Circular economy regulations Implication for India: Must align with: Transparency Lifecycle standards Environmental norms Insight: Regulation + sustainability + industrial policy reinforce competitiveness. West Asia – Midstream Potential UAE & Saudi Arabia: Investing in: Battery materials Refining Green hydrogen Role for India: Midstream processing hub, sourcing ores from Africa & Latin America. Limitation: Lack of deep institutional frameworks. Russia – Hedge, Not Foundation Strengths: Large rare earth, cobalt, lithium reserves. Strong scientific ties. Constraints: Sanctions Financing barriers Logistical unpredictability Strategic role: Diversification option, not core pillar. Where India is Falling Short ? Securing ore ≠ securing supply chains. Real vulnerability lies in: Processing Refining Recycling Technology ownership Announcements without: Project execution Technology transfer ESG credibility → deliver limited resilience. Integrated Value-Chain Strategy Country-by-Country Functional Mapping Upstream extraction: Africa, Australia, Canada, Latin America Midstream processing: Japan, West Asia (Gulf) Downstream technology & recycling: EU, U.S. Strategic hedge: Russia Governance, ESG & Domestic Capacity International partnerships increasingly demand: ESG compliance Transparency Responsible mining India must strengthen: Environmental safeguards Social consent Governance standards Without this: Global partnerships will stall. Way Forward Shift from MoU diplomacy → project execution. Prioritise: Processing & refining capacity at home. Recycling & circular economy. Use partnerships for: Technology acquisition, not just access. Strengthen: Domestic ESG & transparency frameworks. Adopt long-term strategic vision, not fragmented bilateralism. Prelims Pointers Critical minerals = lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earths. Processing, not mining, is the global choke point. ESG increasingly central to mineral diplomacy. KABIL = India’s overseas mineral acquisition arm. Takeaway India’s critical mineral security will be decided less by how many partners it has, and more by how deeply it integrates technology, processing and ESG credibility into those partnerships.

Content Malayalam Language Bill, 2025 Futuristic Marine and Space Biotechnology NGT’s Suo Motu Action on Sewage-Contaminated Drinking Water Ganga Biodiversity Recovery INS Kaudinya’s Voyage to Muscat Malayalam Language Bill, 2025  Why in News ? Kerala government tabled and passed the Malayalam Language Bill, 2025 in the Kerala Legislative Assembly on 6 October 2025. Bill has been passed after Subject Committee scrutiny and awaits Governor’s assent. Karnataka government has opposed the Bill, calling it unconstitutional and harmful to Kannada-speaking linguistic minorities, especially in Kasaragod district. Relevance GS II – Polity & Governance Official language policy; Centre–State relations. Linguistic minorities’ rights (Articles 29–30, 345–347). Role of Governor; federal accommodation in border regions. What Does the Malayalam Language Bill, 2025 Entail? Core Provisions Malayalam formally adopted as the official language of Kerala. Currently: Malayalam + English recognised. Mandates use of Malayalam across: Government administration Education Judiciary (phased translation of judgments) Public communication Commerce Digital governance (IT domain) All Bills and Ordinances to be introduced in Malayalam. Education-Related Provisions Malayalam to be the compulsory first language: In government and aided schools Up to Class 10 Does not automatically apply to: Unaided private schools CBSE/ICSE unless notified separately. Institutional & Administrative Measures Renaming of: Personnel and Administrative Reforms (Official Language) Department → Malayalam Language Development Department. Creation of: Malayalam Language Development Directorate. Role of IT Department: Develop open-source software & digital tools to promote Malayalam in e-governance and IT. Has a Similar Bill Been Introduced Earlier? Yes (Over a decade ago): Kerala had earlier attempted legislation to strengthen Malayalam’s official use. The earlier initiative did not reach full statutory implementation. 2025 Bill is more comprehensive, covering: Education, judiciary, IT, and digital governance. Why Has Karnataka Opposed the Bill? Core Objections Impact on Kannada linguistic minority in Kerala, particularly: Kasaragod district, a border region. Key concern: Students currently studying Kannada as first language may be forced to shift to Malayalam. Data cited: Kannada medium schools in Kasaragod declined from 197 to 192 in recent years. Karnataka’s fear: Bill could accelerate erosion of Kannada language presence in Kerala. Constitutional Objection Bill allegedly violates: Rights of linguistic minorities. Spirit of Articles 29 and 30 (cultural & educational rights). Karnataka CM has stated: State will use all constitutional remedies, including approaching the President. Does the Bill Make Malayalam Mandatory Across All Schools? Clear Answer: No (with qualifications) Mandatory only for government and aided schools. Applies only up to Class 10. Special protections exist for linguistic minorities (see below). Private unaided institutions retain flexibility, subject to policy rules. Kerala Government’s Defence Linguistic Minority Safeguards Special provisions for linguistic minorities: Tamil, Kannada, Tulu, Konkani speakers. Minority citizens allowed to: Use mother tongue for correspondence with: State Secretariat Heads of Departments Local government offices in minority-dominated areas. Legal & Constitutional Alignment Kerala CM argues: Bill aligned with: Official Languages Act, 1963 Article 346 – Language for inter-State communication. Article 347 – Recognition of minority languages in States. Non-obstante clause (Clause 7): Overrides general provisions to protect linguistic minorities. Federal & Constitutional Dimensions Relevant Constitutional Articles Article 345 – State legislature may adopt official language(s). Article 346–347 – Inter-State communication & minority language recognition. Articles 29–30 – Protection of minority culture and education. Core Federal Issue Balance between: State’s right to promote its official language Minority linguistic rights in border regions Raises questions of: Cooperative federalism Cultural accommodation vs linguistic homogenisation. Governance & Policy Analysis Merits Strengthens: Cultural identity Vernacular governance Access to justice (translated judgments) Supports: Digital inclusion through language tech. Aligns with: NEP 2020 emphasis on mother tongue education. Challenges Border districts with mixed populations. Declining minority-language institutions. Potential: Inter-State linguistic friction. Politicisation of language policy. Way Forward Explicit statutory exemptions for border linguistic pockets. District-wise language flexibility in education. Inter-State dialogue mechanisms under Inter-State Council. Periodic review of minority-language school viability. Judicial clarity post-Governor assent, if challenged. Prelims Pointers Bill year: 2025 Applies to: Government & aided schools Mandatory language: Malayalam (first language, up to Class 10) Special clause for linguistic minorities: Yes (Clause 7) Opposition State: Karnataka Border district concerned: Kasaragod What is Futuristic Marine and Space Biotechnology?  Core Concept Futuristic biotechnology exploits extreme and underexplored environments: Deep oceans Outer space Objective: Generate new biological knowledge Develop novel materials, processes, and biomanufacturing pathways Relevance GS III – Science & Technology / Economy Biotechnology, biomanufacturing, frontier technologies. Blue Economy, Deep Ocean Mission, BioE3. Space applications: microgravity biology, long-duration missions. GS II – Governance Mission-mode programmes; science policy coordination. Marine Biotechnology Focus areas: Marine microorganisms Algae & seaweeds Deep-sea organisms Products & applications: Bioactive compounds (drugs, nutraceuticals) Enzymes Biomaterials Food ingredients Biostimulants Unique advantage: Organisms adapted to high pressure, salinity, low light, nutrient-poor conditions Leads to novel molecules not found on land Space Biotechnology Studies biological systems under: Microgravity Cosmic radiation Focus: Microbial behaviour Plant growth Human physiology Applications: Closed-loop life-support systems Space food production Drug discovery & protein crystallisation Regenerative medicine Long-duration human space missions Global Landscape European Union Large-scale funding for: Marine bioprospecting Algae-based biomaterials Bioactive compounds Institutional strength: Shared research infrastructure such as European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC). Policy approach: Integration of research, sustainability, and industrial strategy. China Rapid expansion of: Seaweed aquaculture Marine bioprocessing Focus on: Scale Export-oriented marine bio-products. United States Leadership in space biotechnology: NASA + International Space Station. Research domains: Microbial behaviour Protein crystallisation Stem cells Closed-loop life-support Spillover benefits: Drug discovery Regenerative medicine Space manufacturing. Why Does India Need Marine & Space Biotechnology? Natural Endowments Coastline: ~11,000 km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): ~2 million sq. km Rich marine biodiversity & biomass. Strategic Rationale India’s share in global marine bio-output remains low → underutilised potential. Marine biomanufacturing can: Unlock new sources of: Food Energy Chemicals Biomaterials Reduce pressure on: Land Freshwater Agriculture Space biotechnology is essential for: Human spaceflight Long-term space habitation Advanced biomanufacturing under extreme conditions. Where Does India Stand Today? Marine Biotechnology  Seaweed cultivation: ~70,000 tonnes annually (modest by global standards). Dependence: Imports agar, carrageenan, alginates for: Food Pharma Cosmetics Medical applications. Policy push: Blue Economy agenda Deep Ocean Mission BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment). Emerging ecosystem: Private players: Sea6 Energy ClimaCrew Public institutions: ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute State initiatives: Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference. Space Biotechnology ISRO’s microgravity biology programme: Experiments on: Microbes Algae Biological systems. Research objectives: Food production in space Life-support regeneration Human health management under microgravity. Why Are These “Futuristic” Frontiers? Strategic Characteristics High entry barriers. Long gestation periods. First-mover advantage leads to: Technological leadership Standard-setting power Strategic autonomy. Key Challenges for India Fragmented R&D efforts. Limited scale of marine biomass production. Weak linkage between: Research Manufacturing Markets. Absence of: Dedicated national roadmap Clear timelines & outcome metrics. Way Forward Strategic Interventions Develop a dedicated national roadmap for: Marine biotechnology Space biotechnology. Define: Clear milestones Funding priorities Translational pathways. Strengthen: Shared research infrastructure. Public–private partnerships. Integrate: BioE3 Blue Economy Space missions with biomanufacturing goals. Promote: Downstream biomanufacturing Export-oriented marine bio-products. Prelims Pointers Marine biotechnology exploits extreme marine environments. Space biotechnology studies biology in microgravity & radiation. India seaweed output: ~70,000 tonnes/year. Key missions: Deep Ocean Mission BioE3 ISRO microgravity biology programme. NGT Suo Motu on Sewage-Contaminated Drinking Water  Why in News ? National Green Tribunal (NGT) took suo motu cognisance of media reports on sewage contamination of drinking water in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Principal Bench (Chairperson Prakash Shrivastava, Expert Member A. Senthil Vel) issued notices to State governments and concerned agencies; sought affidavits. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) directed to file a response. Cities cited: Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Banswara, Jaipur, Ajmer, Bora (Rajasthan); Greater Noida (UP); Bhopal, Indore (MP). Relevance GS III – Environment Water pollution, urban environmental governance. Enforcement of Water Act, 1974 & EPA, 1986. GS II – Polity & Governance Role of NGT; environmental adjudication. ULB responsibilities (Art. 243W). Facts & Evidence Reports indicate decades-old, corroded pipelines with drinking water lines passing through open sewage drains. Health impacts: Greater Noida: residents (including children) reported vomiting and diarrhoea. Bhopal: E. coli detected in drinking water due to sewage leakage into tube-wells. Indore: at least six deaths linked to consumption of contaminated piped water. NGT’s prima facie finding: violations of: Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 NGT’s Jurisdiction & Legal Basis Suo motu powers: NGT can act on its own based on credible information (including news reports) where environmental harm is alleged. Mandate: Adjudication of disputes under environmental laws. Polluter Pays, Precautionary Principle, Sustainable Development. Why Water Contamination fits NGT: Drinking water contamination is both environmental pollution and public health risk. Direct linkage to Water Act, 1974 and EPA, 1986. Issues Identified by NGT Infrastructure failure: Aging pipelines, corrosion, poor maintenance. Governance gaps: Inadequate surveillance, delayed repairs, weak accountability of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Public health emergency: Water-borne diseases; risk amplification in dense urban settings. Regulatory non-compliance: Failure to prevent sewage ingress; unsafe distribution systems. Constitutional & Governance Dimensions Article 21: Right to life includes right to safe drinking water (SC jurisprudence). Article 243W & 12th Schedule: ULBs responsible for water supply and sanitation—capacity and funding gaps evident. Centre–State–ULB coordination: CPCB/SPCB oversight vs municipal execution—fragmentation highlighted. Environmental & Public Health Linkages Water-borne pathogens (e.g., E. coli) signal faecal contamination. Environmental neglect translates into acute health crises—NGT bridges this interface. Reinforces One Health perspective (environment–animal–human health continuum). Accountability & Compliance Affidavits detailing: Source of contamination; pipeline maps; age and material of networks. Immediate containment steps; chlorination and flushing protocols. Health surveillance data and compensation, if any. Action plans: Time-bound replacement of pipelines; separation of sewer and water lines. Continuous water quality monitoring; public disclosure. Liability: Fixing responsibility on agencies; application of Polluter Pays where applicable. Challenges  Chronic underinvestment in urban water infrastructure. Lack of real-time water quality monitoring at distribution endpoints. Poor asset management and GIS mapping. Reactive responses post-outbreak rather than preventive maintenance. Way Forward Immediate: Emergency disinfection, alternate safe water supply, health camps. Short-term: Audit and replace corroded pipelines; ensure physical separation from sewers. Ward-level water testing with public dashboards. Medium-term: Asset management plans; leak detection; pressure management. Strengthen SPCBs/ULBs with funds and technical capacity. Regulatory: Enforce Water Act standards; penalties for non-compliance. Institutionalise NGT directions into municipal SOPs. Prelims Pointers NGT can take suo motu cognisance of environmental violations. Water contamination falls under Water Act, 1974 and EPA, 1986. CPCB is the apex technical body at the Centre. E. coli indicates faecal contamination. Ganga Biodiversity Recovery: Fish Species & Gharials Why in News ? 230 fish species recorded in the Ganga River, the highest in ~50 years. Over 3,000 gharials documented across the Ganges basin. Findings from nationwide scientific assessments led by ICAR institutes and wildlife agencies. Relevance GS III – Environment & Ecology River ecology, freshwater biodiversity, flagship species conservation. Outcomes of Namami Gange; e-flow norms. GS II – Governance Basin-level, inter-State coordination. Fish Diversity (Freshwater Biodiversity) Survey agency: ICAR-CIFRI. Coverage: 2,525 km of the Ganga mainstem. 67 tributaries + 6 floodplain wetlands. Trend: 1822: 271 species 1974: 150 species 2004: 104 species 2023: 230 species (strong recovery signal). High-diversity sites: Farakka (109 spp.) Buxar (85) Baharampore (76) Low-diversity sites: Diamond Harbour (38) Gadkhali (32) Gharial Status (Flagship Indicator Species) Assessment led by Wildlife Institute of India with partners. Basin-wide count: >3,000 gharials. Strongholds: Chambal River (≈2,097 individuals). Other rivers (Gandak, Ghaghara, Son, Ganga): Much lower encounter rates (~0.02 per km surveyed). Context: Gharial = Critically Endangered; recovery indicates improved riverine conditions in select stretches. What Explains the Recovery? Governance & Policy Drivers Namami Gange Mission: Improved sewage treatment capacity. Reduced industrial effluents. River habitat interventions: Wetland restoration. Environmental flow (e-flow) norms. Fisheries management: Ranching & restocking by ICAR-CIFRI (e.g., ~47 lakh fish juveniles released since 2010; ~6,031 tagged). Environmental Significance  Fish diversity = proxy for: Water quality Habitat connectivity Flow regimes. Gharials = apex, flow-dependent species: Require deep, sandy banks and clean water. Signals partial success of river rejuvenation, though spatially uneven. Governance & Federal Dimensions  Multi-agency coordination: ICAR, State fisheries departments, SPCBs, wildlife agencies. River basin approach: Tributaries and wetlands critical—not just the main river. Need for inter-State coordination across the Ganga basin. Economic & Livelihood Angle Inland fisheries: Support nutrition and livelihoods. Biodiversity recovery can raise sustainable yields. Eco-tourism potential: Gharial and dolphin habitats (with safeguards). Challenges Spatial disparity: Recovery concentrated in few stretches; delta & lower reaches lag. Anthropogenic pressures persist: Sand mining, barrages, fishing bycatch. Flow fragmentation: Dams/barrages affect migratory species and gharials. Data continuity: Need for long-term, standardised monitoring. Way Forward  Scale basin-wide habitat restoration (tributaries + floodplains). Strengthen e-flow enforcement and fish passages at barrages. Expand community-based fisheries management. Protect gharial nesting sites; reduce bycatch with gear modifications. Integrate biodiversity metrics into Namami Gange performance dashboards. Prelims Pointers Highest fish species count in Ganga in ~50 years: 230. Apex research body for inland fisheries: ICAR-CIFRI. Gharial status: Critically Endangered. Gharial stronghold: Chambal River. Fish diversity hotspots vary significantly along the river. INS Kaudinya Voyage to Muscat Why in News ? INS Kaudinya successfully completed a historic voyage to Muscat (Oman). The journey recreated ancient Indian Ocean trade routes using a hand-stitched wooden ship, based on traditional shipbuilding techniques. The expedition commemorates India’s maritime heritage and civilisational links with West Asia, especially Oman. Relevance GS II – International Relations Maritime diplomacy; India–Oman ties. Soft power; Indian Ocean Region engagement. GS III – Security Maritime awareness; SAGAR doctrine. What is INS Kaudinya? A traditional hand-stitched wooden vessel, inspired by ancient Indian shipbuilding. Built without modern metal fastenings: Wooden planks stitched together using traditional methods. Operated as a seagoing vessel, not merely a ceremonial replica. Named after Kaudinya, an ancient Indian mariner associated with early Indian Ocean trade and cultural diffusion. Historical & Civilisational Significance Ancient Indian Ocean Trade India maintained robust maritime trade with: Oman Arabia East Africa Southeast Asia Traded goods included: Spices Textiles Beads Metalware Indian merchants and sailors were key carriers of: Commerce Culture Ideas Muscat’s Importance Muscat was a critical node in: Indian Ocean trade networks. Reflects centuries-old India–Oman maritime linkages. Strategic & Geopolitical Relevance Maritime Diplomacy Voyage reinforces India’s soft power through civilisational diplomacy. Strengthens ties with: Oman West Asia Complements India’s: Indo-Pacific vision SAGAR doctrine (Security and Growth for All in the Region). Cultural Diplomacy Demonstrates India as a historical maritime civilisation, not only a continental power. Aligns with: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam People-to-people connect initiatives. Technological & Knowledge Dimension Indigenous Knowledge Systems Validates: Traditional shipbuilding Indigenous maritime engineering Shows: Ancient Indian ships were deep-sea capable, not limited to coastal navigation. Reinforces the importance of: Documenting and reviving traditional technologies. Security & Naval Dimension  Highlights: Indian Navy’s role beyond combat—heritage, diplomacy, outreach. Enhances: Maritime awareness Oceanic domain familiarity. Symbolically supports: India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Cultural & Educational Value Encourages: Public interest in maritime history. Academic research on Indian Ocean studies. Counters narratives that: Underplay India’s seafaring past. Challenges & Critiques Symbolic initiatives must be: Backed by academic research. Integrated into school curricula & museums. Risk of: Remaining a one-off event without sustained follow-up. Way Forward Coastal community engagement. Institutionalise maritime heritage diplomacy through: Regular heritage voyages. Joint research with IOR countries. Integrate findings into: NCERT curricula. Maritime museums & digital archives. Link heritage initiatives with: Contemporary Indo-Pacific strategy.