Content:
31 killed in U.S. strikes on Yemen; Houthis hit back
Tackling the problem of nutrition
Should cancer be a notifiable disease?
What is Elon Musk’s Starlink all about?
New Bill proposes jail term up to 7 years for using forged passport
Centre has approved Chandrayaan-5 mission: ISRO
In a 2014 judgment, Supreme Court had favoured ‘linguistic secularism’
Immunising the elderly is crucial for disease prevention, say experts
31 killed in U.S. strikes on Yemen; Houthis hit back
Background & Context
The U.S. has carried out airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthi-controlled regions, marking the first direct military action under Donald Trump’s administration.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been targeting Red Sea shipping routes and Israeli interests in the ongoing Gaza war.
The strikes are part of U.S. efforts to deter Houthi aggression and ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
Key Developments
Casualties & Damage:
At least 31 people killed, including women and children, as per Houthi sources.
101 wounded, mostly civilians.
Strikes targeted Sanaa, Saada, Al-Bayda, and Radaa.
Houthi Response:
Hours after the attack, Houthis claimed they launched 18 missiles and a drone at the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman and its escorting warships in the Red Sea.
They vowed that the U.S. “aggression” will not go unanswered.
U.S. Reaction:
Trump warned of “overwhelming lethal force” if Houthi attacks continue.
He issued a direct threat to Iran, stating that Tehran must immediately end support for the Houthis or face consequences.
Iran’s Response:
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes, stating the U.S. had “no authority” to dictate Iran’s foreign policy.
Geopolitical Implications
Escalation Risk:
The situation could spiral into a wider regional conflict involving Iran, potentially dragging the U.S. into another Middle Eastern war.
U.S. strikes could provoke Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon to retaliate.
Impact on Red Sea Trade:
Houthi attacks have already disrupted global trade, forcing shipping companies to reroute vessels via longer and costlier paths.
Further escalation may destabilize oil markets and increase shipping insurance premiums.
U.S.-Iran Relations:
The incident puts additional strain on already tense U.S.-Iran relations.
Iran may strengthen its support for the Houthis and other proxies in response to Trump’s threats.
Tackling the problem of nutrition
Context : Budget 2025 and Nutrition Focus
While health was not prioritized, Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 received higher allocations.
Question: Will these schemes address India’s nutrition crisis effectively?
Relevance : GS 2(Nutrition Security)
Multidimensional Nature of Malnutrition
Beyond food insecurity, nutrition is influenced by culture, caste, and gender.
Policy focus is narrow, emphasizing women (reproductive age) and children, ignoring:
Women beyond reproductive age, men, and senior citizens.
Rising cases of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity (NCDs).
Key Nutrition Statistics (NFHS-5)
36% of children under five are stunted; only 11% of breastfed children get an adequate diet.
57% of women (15-49 years) are anaemic.
24% of women and 23% of men are overweight/obese; 14% take diabetes medication.
Evaluating Poshan 2.0 and Saksham Anganwadi
Focus on take-home rations, supplements, and iron/folic acid tablets.
Shortcomings:
Reinforces regional bias (malnutrition seen as a rural problem).
Ignores middle-class dietary habits, NCDs, and urban malnutrition.
Need for a Comprehensive Nutrition Agenda
Should include:
Addressing all population groups, not just maternal and child health.
Locally rooted solutions using nutrient-rich indigenous foods.
Institutional linkage via Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs).
Strengthening HWCs for Nutrition Services
Expand coverage to adolescents, elderly, and urban poor.
Ensure equitable distribution (currently rural-heavy).
Need for dedicated nutrition personnel, as current staff handle multiple responsibilities.
Key Success Factors
Community Ownership: Engage local elites for awareness and acceptance.
Linking Nutrition to Local Cuisines: Promote indigenous, nutrient-dense foods over processed diets.
Should cancer be a notifiable disease?
Context and Policy Evolution
Current stance: The Union government resists making cancer a notifiable disease, citing its non-communicable nature.
Shifts in notification policies:
2024: Snakebites made notifiable despite being non-infectious.
1995 (U.S.): Lead poisoning listed as a notifiable disease, setting a precedent for NCD surveillance.
Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance)
Rationale Behind Disease Notification
Primary goal: Control contagious diseases through legal mandates on reporting.
Notifiable diseases: Require rapid intervention due to immediate public health risks (e.g., outbreaks, direct transmission).
Cancer’s unique nature:
Not directly transmissible.
Requires long-term management rather than emergency response.
Challenges in Making Cancer Notifiable
Diversity of Cancer Types
Ranges from benign to highly malignant.
Diagnosis involves complex and multi-stage identification.
Legal mandates may not improve patient outcomes.
Privacy Concerns and Stigma
Disease notification laws prioritize public health over individual privacy.
Cancer still carries stigma, leading to reluctance in seeking treatment.
Existing State health laws grant broad powers to local authorities, raising concerns over patient rights.
Existing Cancer Surveillance Framework
National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) (established 1982) already collects crucial data:
Patient demographics, cancer type, stage, treatment, and survival outcomes.
Gaps in NCRP coverage:2022 data: 269 hospital-based and 38 population-based registries—insufficient for national surveillance.Hospital-based registries must extend to all district headquarters hospitals.Population-based registries should be established in every district.
A Better Alternative: Strengthening Cancer Registries
Expanding NCRP ensures comprehensive data collection at tertiary and district-level hospitals.
Encouraging voluntary reporting rather than legal mandates avoids burdening physicians and preserves privacy.
Improving screening programs enhances early detection and timely intervention.
Incorporating private hospitals into NCRP for wider data coverage.
What is Elon Musk’s Starlink all about?
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite-based internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
It consists of a low-earth orbit (LEO) constellation of 7,000+ satellites, providing global internet coverage.
Requires ground terminals (user equipment) to access the internet.
Offers speeds of ~100 Mbps, but latency is higher than wired broadband.
Relevance : GS 3(Science , Technology)
Starlink’s Utility in India
Not beneficial in urban areas where 5G and fiber broadband are faster and more reliable.
Key for rural and remote areas, offering connectivity where terrestrial networks are absent.
Provides an instant internet solution in areas where infrastructure development is slow.
Regulatory Hurdles in India
GMPCS Authorisation: Needed under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 for satellite communication services.
Security Clearance: Ministry of Home Affairs approval pending.
Ground Station Regulations: Indian law requires telecom networks to have tapping provisions for security agencies.
Spectrum Allocation:
Indian government does not favor auctions for satellite spectrum.
Jio and Airtel earlier demanded auctions, citing the Supreme Court’s 2012 ruling on scarce resources (2G spectrum case).
The government may allocate spectrum directly (common international practice).
Trade & Geopolitical Influence
U.S. Trade Pressure:
Elon Musk has increasing influence in the U.S. government.
Potential U.S. lobbying to fast-track Starlink’s entry.
India-U.S. Relations:
Strong trade ties could influence regulatory decisions in favor of Starlink.
Starlink’s entry might be fast-tracked if U.S. pressure intensifies.
Recent Developments
Airtel & Jio Agreements:
Signed distribution pacts despite earlier opposition.
Indicates a possible softening stance on satellite broadband.
No Official Announcements:
Regulatory approvals still pending.
Government’s final decision on spectrum allocation remains uncertain.
New Bill proposes jail term up to 7 years for using forged passport
Context : Provisions of the Bill
Stricter penalties for using forged documents
Imprisonment: 2 to 7 years
Fine: ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh
Illegal entry without valid documents
Jail term: Up to 5 years
Fine: Up to ₹5 lakh
Mandatory reporting by institutions
Hotels, universities, hospitals, and nursing homes must report foreign nationals for tracking overstayers.
Airlines and ships to submit passenger and crew manifests at Indian ports.
Comprehensive framework
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 aims to regulate all immigration-related matters.
Repeals four existing laws:
The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
The Foreigners Act, 1946
The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000
Significance of the Bill
National security:
Strengthens immigration control to prevent illegal entry, exit, and overstay.
Helps in tracking foreigners to mitigate risks of espionage, terrorism, and other threats.
Ease of business and tourism:
Simplifies legal framework by replacing multiple outdated laws.
Ensures better compliance while reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
Legal modernization:
Aligns with global best practices in immigration and border security.
Introduces stricter penal provisions to curb identity fraud and unauthorized stay.
Impact on foreigners in India:
Foreigners on long-term visas (more than 180 days) must continue registering with FRRO/FRO within 14 days.
Stricter penalties may lead to better compliance with visa rules.
Potential Challenges & Criticism
Enforcement Issues:
Effective implementation requires robust tracking and verification mechanisms.
Dependence on multiple agencies (FRRO, police, airlines) could lead to bureaucratic delays.
Tourism and business impact:
Stricter penalties may discourage foreign investments and tourism if not balanced well.
Need for clear guidelines to avoid harassment of genuine travelers.
Human Rights Concerns:
Possible misuse of the law for targeting specific groups.
Need for fair appeal mechanisms to ensure justice..
Centre has approved Chandrayaan-5 mission: ISRO
Overview of Chandrayaan-5 Approval
The Government of India has officially approved the Chandrayaan-5 mission.
Announcement made by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan in Chennai.
Marks another significant step in India’s lunar exploration program.
Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology)
Key Features of Chandrayaan-5
Unlike Chandrayaan-3, which had a 25-kg rover ‘Pragyan’, Chandrayaan-5 will carry a 250-kg rover.
Expected to have advanced scientific instruments for enhanced lunar surface studies.
Likely to focus on longer operational capability and mobility on the Moon.
Strategic Importance
Expands India’s capability in robotic lunar exploration.
Helps in detailed mineralogical and geological studies of the Moon.
Strengthens ISRO’s role in global lunar exploration programs.
Link to Chandrayaan-4 & Future Lunar Missions
Chandrayaan-4, planned for 2027, is designed to bring lunar samples to Earth.
Chandrayaan-5 likely follows Chandrayaan-4, potentially aiding in on-site lunar analysis before sample return missions.
Aligns with ISRO’s long-term plans for sustainable lunar exploration.
Global Context & Comparisons
NASA’s Artemis program also focuses on detailed lunar exploration with future manned missions.
China’s Chang’e missions have emphasized both rover exploration and sample return, similar to Chandrayaan-4 & 5.
India’s step-wise approach strengthens indigenous space capabilities and future international collaborations.
Technological and Scientific Advancements
Possible use of nuclear-powered energy sources for extended lunar operations.
Integration of AI-based navigation and autonomous decision-making in the rover.
Potential use of 3D mapping technologies to study lunar surface anomalies.
Economic and Diplomatic Implications
Boosts India’s space sector, fostering commercial and research collaborations.
Enhances India’s global reputation in space technology, attracting investments in private space enterprises.
Strengthens India’s participation in lunar governance and international space policy dialogues.
Challenges and Future Considerations
Budgetary and funding allocations need to be assessed.
Technical challenges in heavy payload deployment and mobility in extreme lunar conditions.
Coordination with global space agencies for possible data-sharing or joint missions.
Conclusion
Chandrayaan-5 is a crucial step in India’s lunar exploration roadmap, with advanced rover capabilities.
ISRO’s progressive missions—Chandrayaan-3, 4, and 5—establish a structured approach towards deep-space research.
This mission will play a vital role in India’s aspirations for a sustainable lunar presence and future planetary exploration.
In a 2014 judgment, Supreme Court had favoured ‘linguistic secularism’
Background & Context
The debate over the language formula in the National Education Policy (NEP) remains contentious.
A 2014 Supreme Court judgment (U.P. Hindi Sahitya Sammelan vs State of U.P.) upheld the idea of linguistic secularism, emphasizing an accommodative approach to language laws.
Relevance : GS 2 (Governance ,Constitution)
Key Observations of the 2014 Judgment
The court ruled that Indian language laws are not rigid but organic and accommodative.
It highlighted that law and language in India evolve organically, ensuring linguistic secularism.
The ruling referenced Constitutional expert H.M. Seervai, who explained the Constituent Assembly’s 1949 compromise on language policy.
Hindi as an ‘Official Language’, Not a ‘National Language’
Article 343 declared Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language, but not the national language.
Rationale:
Hindi was not spoken across all parts of India.
Though spoken by the largest group, it did not constitute the majority of the population.
Other languages (Bengali, Tamil, Marathi, Gujarati) were also well-developed and had large-speaking populations.
Article 351 & Hindi Promotion
Article 351 mandates the Union Government to promote Hindi as a medium of cultural expression.
However, Allahabad High Court’s 1982 ruling (Sunil K.R. Sahastrabudhey vs Director, IIT Kanpur) clarified that:
Hindi is not a national language.
The Constitution imposes a duty to promote Hindi but does not grant citizens the right to demand education in Hindi.
Protection of Linguistic Diversity (Article 29(1))
Article 29(1) guarantees that every linguistic or cultural group has the fundamental right to conserve its language, script, and culture.
This protection applies equally to majority and minority communities.
Right to Choose Medium of Instruction
State of Karnataka vs Associated Management of Primary & Secondary Schools (SC judgment):
Article 19 (freedom of speech & expression) includes a student’s right to choose their medium of instruction at the primary level.
The state cannot impose control over language choice in education.
Referenced the 1924 U.S. Supreme Court case (Pierce v. Society of Sisters of Holy Names):
“A child is not a mere creature of the State.”
Implications for National Education Policy (NEP)
The SC ruling supports linguistic flexibility, which contradicts concerns of Hindi imposition under the NEP.
Language policies should be accommodative rather than coercive, recognizing regional linguistic aspirations.
The judgment strengthens the constitutional validity of multilingualism in education.
Immunising the elderly is crucial for disease prevention, say experts
Context and Significance
Elderly vaccination remains underprioritised in India’s public health framework.
No dedicated national immunisation schedule exists for the elderly, despite their vulnerability to infections.
Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues , Health)
Importance of Elderly Vaccination
High disease burden: 50% of severe pneumonia cases occur in older adults.
Global concern: Pneumonia alone causes 156 million cases worldwide, with 800,000 deaths annually in India.
Common preventable diseases: Influenza, pneumonia, hepatitis, shingles, and foodborne infections can be mitigated through vaccination.
Vaccine Hesitancy & Awareness Issues
Misinformation & complacency:
60% of adults believe other health measures are better than vaccines.
43% feel they are not at risk of falling ill.
Need for targeted awareness campaigns to correct misconceptions.
Challenges in Elderly Immunisation
Cost barriers: Vaccination expenses often deter senior citizens from getting immunised.
Lack of vaccine clinics: Dedicated elderly vaccination centres are limited.
Health insurance gap: Immunisation is not adequately covered under most insurance plans.
Way Forward
Developing a national immunisation program tailored for the elderly.
Expanding insurance coverage to include vaccinations.
Setting up vaccine clinics at hospitals and community centres.
Public awareness drives to tackle vaccine hesitancy.