Content: Akashteer: The Unseen Force Behind India’s New War Capability Aadhaar authentication crosses 150 billion transactions, powering India’s digital economy and welfare services Akashteer: The Unseen Force Behind India’s New War Capability Introduction to Akashteer Akashteer is India’s fully indigenous, automated Air Defence Control and Reporting System (ADCRS). Played a pivotal role in thwarting Pakistan’s large-scale missile and drone attack (May 9–10) during Operation SINDOOR. Marks a major shift in India’s air defence philosophy: from passive surveillance to proactive, real-time engagement. Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security ,Defence) Technological Edge & Capability Automated detection, tracking, and engagement of aerial threats (missiles, aircraft, drones). Provides real-time air picture to all nodes: radars, control rooms, defence guns. Integrates with multiple radars: Tactical Control Radar REPORTER 3D Tactical Control Radars Low-Level Lightweight Radar Akash Weapon System’s radar Reduces friendly fire risk and allows precision targeting in contested airspace. Capable of autonomous low-level airspace monitoring in battle zones. Integration with India’s C4ISR Ecosystem Forms a key component of India’s C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) infrastructure. Integrates seamlessly with: IACCS (Integrated Air Command and Control System – Indian Air Force) TRIGUN (Indian Navy) Enables joint-force synergy across Army, Navy, and Air Force for coordinated action. Strategic Significance Signals a strategic doctrinal shift: From “watch and wait” to “see-decide-strike”. Provides India with the ability to conduct automated, coordinated retaliatory strikes. Mobile and vehicle-mounted, making it suitable for frontlines and dynamic battlefields. Comparison with Adversaries Contrasted with Pakistan’s imported systems (HQ-9, HQ-16), which failed to detect Indian counterstrikes. Demonstrates the superiority of indigenous systems over foreign dependence in critical defence scenarios. Akashteer as a Symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat Represents the success of the Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives in the defence sector. Developed alongside other indigenousplatforms like: LCA Tejas, ALH, LUH Arjun MBT, ATAGS, Dhanush Artillery Naval platforms: destroyers, submarines, IACs Defence production target: ₹3 lakh crore by 2029. Current status: 65% of defence equipment domestically manufactured. Supported by: 16 Defence PSUs Over 430 licensed private firms Nearly 16,000 MSMEs Private sector now contributes 21% to defence production. Global Implications & Strategic Messaging Seen as a “seismic shift” in modern warfare strategy. India joins elite nations with automated Air Defence Command and Control capabilities. Acts as a deterrent against hybrid threats, cross-border terrorism, and asymmetric warfare. Projects India as a technologically advanced, self-reliant power. Key Takeaways Akashteer showcases intelligent combat, not brute force. It’s more than a system – it’s a strategic enabler and global message. Validates India’s defence ecosystem’s maturity, innovation, and indigenous strength. Aadhaar authentication crosses 150 billion transactions, powering India’s digital economy and welfare services Aadhaar Authentication Milestone Over 150 billion (15,011.82 crore) Aadhaar authentication transactions completed by April 2025, since inception. Marks a significant expansion of the Aadhaar ecosystem in governance, finance, and service delivery. Reflects the growing trust and adoption of digital ID-based verification in India. Relevance : GS 2(Digital Governance ,Governance) Monthly Usage Trends 210 crore Aadhaar authentications in April 2025, up ~8% from April 2024. Indicates consistent year-on-year growth and increased reliance on Aadhaar in daily transactions and welfare systems. e-KYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) Facilitates paperless, instant verification using Aadhaar. 37.3 crore e-KYC transactions in April 2025 — up 39.7% from April 2024. Cumulative e-KYC transactions reached 2393 crore, showing wide usage across banking, telecom, fintech, and other sectors. Contributes to ease of doing business and customer onboarding with minimal friction. AI-Driven Face Authentication Aadhaar Face Authentication based on in-house AI/ML solutions by UIDAI is gaining traction. 14 crore transactions in April 2025 via this modality. Adopted by 100+ entities, both government and private sector, enabling touchless and seamless service delivery. Enhances inclusivity, especially for elderly or differently-abled individuals where fingerprints may not work. Role in Digital Public Infrastructure Aadhaar authentication acts as the backbone of India’s digital identity ecosystem. Supports: DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) schemes Subsidy disbursement Financial inclusion Digital onboarding for services Enables real-time verification in remote and rural areas, reducing leakages and fraud. Strategic Significance Strengthens India’s journey toward a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. Aligns with the vision of Digital India and Minimum Government, Maximum Governance. A key pillar in leveraging technology for welfare, transparency, and efficiency.

Content : Closing argument Drinking to death The new normal after Pahalgam, India’s response The ingredient to turn around nutrition outcomes Closing argument Background Context: On April 8, 2025, the Supreme Court declared the withholding of 10 State Bills by Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi as “illegal” and “erroneous.” The judgment provided clarity on the constitutional position of the Governor and President regarding assent to State legislation. Relevance : GS 2(Polity ,Constitution ,Judiciary ) Practice Question :The Supreme Court’s ruling on the Governor’s delay in granting assent to State Bills reaffirms federal principles. Critically examine the implications of the Centre’s decision to seek a Presidential Reference under Article 143 in this context.(250 Words) Judicial Stand: The Supreme Court asserted that Governors/President cannot arbitrarily or indefinitely delay assent to Bills passed by elected State Assemblies. The judgment relied on previous rulings, committee reports, and Constituent Assembly debates, strengthening the federal structure. Centre’s Response: Instead of accepting the clarity offered, the Union Government initiated a Presidential Reference under Article 143. This move reopens settled issues and indicates a reluctance to curb the discretionary powers of Governors. What is Article 143 Doing Here? Under Article 143(1), the President can seek the Supreme Court’s advice on a matter of public importance. This is known as a Presidential Reference. But the Supreme Court’s April 8 verdict was a full judgment, not an advisory opinion. So asking for advice again is unnecessary. Why is This a Problem? The Centre might using Article 143 to delay or dilute a binding judgment. It gives an impression that the Centre wants to preserve the discretionary powers of Governors, even when those powers were declared illegal. This weakens the authority of the judiciary and violates the principle of cooperative federalism. Democratic Concerns: Governors are unelected appointees of the Centre and should not undermine elected State Assemblies. The practice of withholding Bills without reason or time limit challenges democratic norms and erodes federalism. Procedural Critique: The Centre could have filed a review petition if clarity was genuinely needed. A Presidential Reference is an unusual and unnecessary step, possibly aimed at retaining control through Governors. Constitutional Implications: The move appears to dilute the authority of a clear and binding Supreme Court judgment. It raises concerns about the executive’s intentions to centralize power, contradicting the spirit of cooperative federalism. Conclusion : The Centre’s decision to invoke a Presidential Reference despite a landmark Supreme Court ruling signals an unsettling trend of executive overreach. By reopening a legally settled matter, it undermines the authority of the judiciary and risks weakening India’s federal framework. Drinking to death Context : Recurring Tragedy: Illicit liquor deaths, such as the recent Amritsar tragedy (23+ deaths), are part of a long-standing, repeated crisis across India. The pattern involves poverty-stricken victims, cheap toxic liquor, and regulatory collapse. Relevance : GS 2(Health , Social Issues , Governance) Practice Question : Illicit liquor deaths are not isolated mishaps but a reflection of deep-rooted socio-economic and governance failures in India. Examine the causes behind recurring hooch tragedies and suggest a multi-pronged strategy to prevent them.(250 Words) Socio-Economic Vulnerability: Victims are usually poor daily wage earners, driven by economic desperation to seek cheap alcohol. These consumers are easy targets for bootleggers offering spurious liquor at low prices. Toxic Composition & Source: Illicit liquor often contains methanol, a toxic industrial chemical, misused as a cheap substitute for ethanol. Methanol is not illegal per se but is misappropriated from authorised industrial supply chains. Bootleggers use hazardous shortcuts (e.g., dead scorpions, poor dilution) to maximize profit. Systemic Nexus & Corruption: A deep-rooted nexus exists between bootleggers, corrupt local politicians, and complicit police forces. Bootleggers are merely the last mile, while larger players involved in industrial methanol theft remain protected. Legal & Regulatory Gaps: Despite stringent charges (murder, Poison Act, prohibition laws), convictions are rare (e.g., 2015 Malvani case acquittals). Enforcement under the Poison Act is weak; methanol handling lacks strict central oversight. There is an urgent need for a central regulatory framework for methanol transport to prevent inter-State pilferage. Governance & Enforcement Failure: State-level enforcement remains lax, often reactive (e.g., suspensions after deaths). A non-corrupt lawmaker–law enforcer framework is essential to dismantle the illicit methanol network. Structural Root Causes: At the heart of the crisis is persistent poverty, social inequality, and lack of education. These structural issues sustain the demand for cheap, toxic alcohol and enable unscrupulous profiteering. Conclusion : Illicit liquor tragedies are not isolated mishaps but systemic failures fueled by poverty, corruption, and regulatory indifference.Ensuring accountability, central coordination, and genuine socio-economic upliftment is the only sustainable antidote to this lethal problem. The new normal after Pahalgam, India’s response Context: The Pahalgam Attack and Operation Sindoor The Pahalgam attack (April 22, 2025) triggered a determined Indian response. Operation Sindoor, a kinetic military strike, was launched on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure. It took 88 hours post-operation to reach a ceasefire, highlighting intense escalation and de-escalation diplomacy. Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security) , GS 2(International Relations) Practice Question : “India’s evolving ‘quid pro quo plus’ doctrine represents a calibrated shift in its counter-terrorism strategy against cross-border threats.”Critically examine this approach in light of Operation Sindoor and its implications for deterrence, diplomacy, and regional stability.(250 Words) The Nature of India’s Response India took non-military steps initially: reducing diplomatic ties, suspending trade, cancelling visas, freezing the Indus Waters Treaty. Final response included precision strikes on 9 terrorist targets across Pakistan, involving Scalp, BrahMos, Hammer, Crystal Maze missiles. India clearly distinguished between targeting terrorists vs. the Pakistani military or public. Pakistan’s retaliatory drone and missile intrusions were met with a “quid pro quo plus” policy by India, escalating the conflict. quid pro quo plus : India’s strategic retaliation policy where any hostile act by Pakistan is met with a proportionate response — plus something extra to raise the cost of aggression Diplomacy and De-escalation India undertook intense diplomatic outreach to key global capitals to frame the narrative and justify its right to self-defence. The U.S. initially took a hands-off stance, but shifted gears when signs of nuclear escalation emerged. U.S. intervention helped de-escalate the conflict, repeating a pattern seen in Kargil (1999), Parliament attack (2001), Mumbai (2008), Balakot (2019). The May 10 ceasefire followed backchannel diplomacy and DGMO-level dialogue. Expanding the ‘New Normal’ Previous benchmarks: 2016: Surgical strikes post-Uri – cross-LoC action normalized. 2019: Balakot airstrikes post-Pulwama – air power introduced. 2025 Operation Sindoor: broadened the doctrine to include strikes anywhere in Pakistan. Strategic Shift in Doctrine Government outlined a hardened doctrinal shift: India will no longer be deterred by nuclear threats. The response will not spare the masterminds and state sponsors of terrorism. Signals possible future strikes on Pakistan military assets if necessary. Implications for Deterrence The new approach aims to nullify Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence bluff. Introduces “full-spectrum retaliation” within the conventional-nuclear grey zone. This calls for enhancing India’s conventional capabilities: Integrated network-centric warfare. Unmanned systems, AI-assisted surveillance, satellite-backed targeting. Better counter-air defence strategies. Operational and Strategic Gaps Intelligence and security lapses that led to the Pahalgam attack must be addressed. Need for proactive counter-terrorism intelligence and better border security. Without internal reforms, the expanded doctrine risks being rhetorical, not credible. Way Ahead India must: Maintain military superiority to ensure credible deterrence. Keep independent communication channels open with Pakistan to avoid international mediation. Invest in rapid response infrastructure for kinetic and cyber domains. Sustain diplomatic narratives to manage global perception post-strike. The ingredient to turn around nutrition outcomes Core Argument Malnutrition in India remains widespread despite welfare programmes. Women and girls are the most overlooked victims of nutritional inequality. POSHAN Abhiyaan has not yielded proportionate results, especially for women, due to deeper structural and socio-economic issues. Relevance : GS 2(Health ,Nutrition ,Social Issues) Practice Question : “Nutrition is not merely a biomedical issue, but a question of gender justice and economic empowerment.”Critically analyze this statement in the context of India’s efforts to combat malnutrition among women. (250 Words) Persistent Structural Failures NFHS-5 data: 57% of women (15–49 years) are anaemic vs 26% of men. Nearly 1 in 5 women are underweight. Indicates that nutrition schemes like POSHAN have not adequately addressed gender disparities. Despite₹24,000 crore allocation (2022–23), only 69% fund utilisation by Dec 2022. Anaemia prevalence increased from 53% to 57% between NFHS-4 and NFHS-5. Social Norms and Injustice Cultural norms lead to women eating last and least in households. Nutrition is not only a biomedical issue; it is deeply tied to social justice. 49% of women lack decision-making power over how their income is spent — affecting dietary choices and health outcomes. Economic Empowerment is Key Empowered women with independent income more likely to spend on food and child well-being. Research (e.g., by Esther Duflo) confirms direct link between women’s earnings and improved household nutrition. Study findings: Women with modest financial control showed lower undernutrition. Women in the Workforce: Quantity vs Quality Female labour force participation rose from 23% (2017–18) to 33% (2021–22). But: Only 5% hold regular salaried jobs. 20% are self-employed, mostly in low-paying informal roles. Self-employed women earn 53% less than men for similar work. Hence, employment hasn’t translated into empowerment or better nutrition. Missing Piece: Integrated Approach Nutrition efforts like POSHAN 2.0 will have limited impact without economic and social empowerment of women. Creating awareness is insufficient if basic food security is lacking. Need for Convergence Recommendations for POSHAN 2.0: Set measurable targets for women’s economic and decision-making empowerment. Ensure inter-departmental coordination — nutrition, health, livelihoods. Leverage Anganwadi centres as multi-purpose hubs: Food distribution Antenatal care Skill training Financial literacy Credit/job linkages

Content: SC’s 3-month timeline in Governor verdict was adopted from Centre’s own guidelines ASI completes conservation work in Lodhi-era stepwell SC strikes down retrospective environmental clearances FinMin undertaking parallel review of RBI buffers with eye on dividends’ U.N. snips outlook for India growth to 6.3% on global slowdown SC’s 3-month timeline in Governor verdict was adopted from Centre’s own guidelines Background Context Issue: Whether the Supreme Court can prescribe a time limit for the President to decide on Bills reserved by Governors under Article 201 of the Constitution. Trigger: The Tamil Nadu Governor case, where excessive delay was observed in presidential assent. Centre’s Objection: Filed a Presidential Reference, arguing that judicially imposing a timeline on the President lacks constitutional basis, as Article 201 is silent on time limits. Relevance : GS 2(Polity ,Constitution) Key Points from SC Judgment (April 8) Not a New Timeline: The three-month deadline was not judicial innovation but adopted from existing MHA guidelines (2016 OMs). Quote from Justice J.B. Pardiwala: “We deem it appropriate to adopt the timeline prescribed by the Ministry of Home Affairs…” Details of the 2016 Office Memorandums (OMs) OM 1 – On Timeliness (Feb 4, 2016) Main concern: “Undue delay” in President’s decisions on State Bills. Directive: Final decision on such Bills to be made within 3 months of receipt. Ministry-wise Coordination: Substantive issues → Relevant Central Ministry. Legal/constitutional issues → Ministry of Law. Ministries to respond in 15 days, or justify delay. Max delay for comment: 1 month – else deemed “no comment”. OM 2 – On Objections (Also Feb 4, 2016) If any Ministry raises objections: Must be shared with the State for reply/clarification. State must respond within 1 month. Purpose: Keep Centre informed and facilitate timely presidential decision. SC’s Interpretation Article 201’s silence does not imply absence of accountability. Timeline adoption ensures constitutional expediency, not overreach. Guidelines reflect the Centre’s own executive understanding of timely action. Timelines promote constitutional federalism and avoid legislative paralysis at the State level. Commissions Supporting Timeliness Sarkaria Commission: Recommended quick disposal of Article 201 matters. Punchhi Commission: Advocated for clear timelines in Centre–State interactions. Conclusion SC Verdict: Judicially endorses existing administrative norms, not creating new law. Implication: Puts constitutional pressure on the President and Centre to act swiftly on reserved State Bills. Centre’s Challenge: Raises constitutional query on judicial limits, though the timeline originated from its own rules. ASI completes conservation work in Lodhi-era stepwell Overview of the Site Name: Rajon ki Baoli Era: 16th century, Lodhi period Location: Mehrauli Archaeological Park, New Delhi Significance: A historic stepwell (baoli) used for water conservation and community gathering. Relevance : GS 1(Culture ,Heritage) Collaborating Institutions Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) – Lead conservation agency. World Monuments Fund India (WMFI) – Provided heritage expertise. TCS Foundation – Supported the project as part of CSR. Key Conservation Measures Cleaning and De-silting: Stepwell cleared of accumulated debris and silt to restore water flow. Water Management: Connected to proper drainage systems to prevent stagnation. Fish introduced to maintain water quality naturally (bio-remediation). Material Integrity: Used traditional materials like lime plaster and mortar. Aimed to preserve the original architectural character of the Lodhi-era structure. Historical Accuracy: Restoration work was guided by historical records and documentation. Ensured authenticity of the design and features was retained. Cultural and Environmental Value Cultural Heritage: Revives a medieval example of Indo-Islamic architecture and hydraulic engineering. Ecological Role: Stepwell acts as a micro water conservation system. Tourism & Education: Enhances the heritage appeal of Mehrauli Archaeological Park. Conclusion The conservation of Rajon ki Baoli reflects a sustainable, heritage-sensitive approach combining traditional craftsmanship with modern conservation practices. Model for future restorations of historical water bodies and monuments. SC strikes down retrospective environmental clearances Core Verdict Retrospective (ex post facto) environmental clearances (ECs) are illegal, declared the Supreme Court. Held as “gross illegality” and against environmental jurisprudence. Court stressed that clearance must be obtained before starting or expanding any project. Relevance : GS 3(Environmental Governance ) Case Background Petition filed by Vanashakti, an environmental NGO. SC invalidated the 2017 Notification and the 2021 Office Memorandum (OM) issued by the Centre allowing retrospective ECs. However, ECs already granted till date under these rules are protected and will not be undone. Court’s Reasoning Ex post facto ECs undermine due environmental diligence: Violate principles of precaution and environmental impact assessment (EIA). Neglect environmental consequences before granting approvals. Retrospective clearance essentially regularises illegality—projects that started without prior EC are later approved. SC criticized the Centre’s “crafty drafting” to shield violators through legal loopholes. Legal and Environmental Principles Emphasised Development cannot come at the cost of the environment. Referenced Common Cause (2017) judgment: prior EC is mandatory and non-negotiable. Environmental clearance must follow: Detailed study Public consultation Regulatory oversight before approval. Critique of Government Actions The 2021 Office Memorandum (OM) avoided the phrase “ex post facto”, but effectively allowed retrospective clearances. Government failed in its constitutional duty to protect and improve the environment (Article 48A and 51A(g)). “Development” must include environmental protection, not override it. Implications of the Judgment Ends the practice of regularising illegal constructions through post-approval ECs. Reinforces the need for environmental accountability in urban planning and infrastructure. Strengthens the EIA framework and judicial commitment to environmental rule of law. ‘FinMin undertaking parallel review of RBI buffers with eye on dividends’ Core Issue The Finance Ministry is conducting a parallel review of the RBI’s Economic Capital Framework (ECF). Focus: Assess whether the Contingency Risk Buffer (CRB) maintained by RBI can be reduced to enable higher dividend transfers to the government. Relevance : GS 3(Economy ,Banking) Background Economic Capital Framework (ECF): Determines how much capital the RBI must retain for financial stability. Reviewed in 2018 by the Bimal Jalan Committee. Recommended a CRB of 5.5–6.5% of RBI’s balance sheet. Dividend transfer: Amount over and above the CRB is transferred as surplus (dividend) to the government. Government’s Motivation Higher transfers = More fiscal space for the Centre. Government reportedly aiming to increase defence expenditure amid rising security concerns (e.g., with Pakistan). Greater surplus would aid in meeting fiscal deficit targets or enhancing capital spending. Current Developments Since January 2025, the RBI has been internally reviewing the ECF. Government is conducting a parallel, independent review of buffer norms. Official: Some believe the Jalan recommendations were too conservative, and there’s room to lower the buffer. RBI’s Position RBI held its 615th central board meeting and reviewed the ECF. No formal decision announced yet, but outcome will influence surplus transfer. Strategic Implications Lowering CRB: Frees up more funds for government use, boosting fiscal flexibility. But reduces the RBI’s cushion against economic/financial crises. Raises concerns about central bank autonomy vs. government fiscal needs. Broader Context Similar tensions were seen in 2018–19 leading to friction between the RBI and Finance Ministry. ECF review is critical for: Monetary policy independence Crisis preparedness Centre’s fiscal planning U.N. snips outlook for India growth to 6.3% on global slowdown Key Update by the U.N. The United Nations has lowered India’s GDP growth forecast to: 6.3% in 2025 (calendar year) 6.4% in 2026 This is a 0.3 percentage point cut from previous projections. Relevance : GS 3(Indian Economy) Global Economic Context The cut aligns with slower global growth forecasts due to: Rising trade tensions Geopolitical risks Policy uncertainty in major economies Global GDP now projected at: 2.4% in 2025 (down 0.4%) 2.5% in 2026 (down 0.4%) India’s Growth Drivers (According to U.N.) India remains among the fastest-growing large economies. Growth supported by: Resilient private consumption Robust government spending Domestic demand cushions external headwinds. Analytical Insights Despite the downgrade, India’s macroeconomic fundamentals remain strong relative to global peers. Caution for policymakers: Global slowdown may impact exports, FDI, and capital flows. Need to maintain fiscal prudence and monetary stability. Opportunities lie in: Boosting domestic investments Strengthening trade partnerships amid global realignments. Implications for India Lower global growth may challenge India’s export-led sectors. But India’s growth remains consumption-driven, offering resilience. Important for India to focus on: Sustaining public capex Job creation Mitigating inflation risks