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Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 28 July 2025

Content Eight killed in stampede at temple in Haridwar How is India preparing against GLOF events? India’s emerging shield against the climate crisis Chola Democracy Before Magna Carta India’s Cheetah Diplomacy in Africa Eight killed in stampede at temple in Haridwar What Happened Date & Time: Morning of July 27, 2025, around 9 a.m. Casualties: 8 killed, 30 injured in a stampede at Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar. Cause (Preliminary): Rumour of a snapped electric wire triggered mass panic during peak footfall. Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management) Geographic and Structural Context Location: Mansa Devi temple sits 1,770 feet above sea level in the densely forested Shivalik Hills of Uttarakhand. Access Path: Narrow stairways and barricaded routes became choke points. Weather & Terrain: Monsoon season + slippery pathways likely worsened crowd management challenges. Demographics of Victims Victims aged between 12–60 years. Pilgrims hailed from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttarakhand, indicating regional religious magnetism. Administrative Failures No Real-Time Crowd Regulation: Absence of responsive crowd control personnel during critical congestion. Lack of Redundancy: No alternate escape paths; single staircase acted as both entry and exit. Failure in Risk Communication: The rumour about electric wire went unchecked, causing chaos. Structural and Policy Dimensions Recurring Pattern: India has seen over 300 stampede deaths in religious places in the last two decades. Systemic Gaps: No unified National Religious Pilgrimage Safety Protocol. Lack of crowd simulation planning, tech-enabled footfall monitoring. Poor inter-agency coordination between local police, temple boards, and municipal authorities. Way Forward Mandatory Crowd Management SOPs for high-footfall religious sites. AI-based surveillance systems for crowd density alerts. Training of temple volunteers in disaster preparedness. Legal obligation for religious trusts to conduct structural safety audits during festival periods. Pilgrim insurance tied to temple visit registration apps (like Char Dham portals). How is India preparing against GLOF events? Recent GLOF Catastrophe in Nepal On July 8, 2025, a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) devastated Nepal’s Lende river valley, destroying a China-built bridge and disrupting the Rasuwagadhi Inland Port. Flash floods rendered four hydropower plants on the Bhote Koshi river inoperative, cutting 8% of Nepal’s electricity supply. Another GLOF occurred hours later in Mustang district; earlier GLOFs in Humla (2025) and Solukhumbu (2024) show a pattern of increasing frequency. Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management ) Cross-Border Challenges in Early Warning The Lende river flows from Tibet to Nepal—yet no early warning was issued by China despite the lake shrinkage from 63 ha to 43 ha in a day. Nepal lacks a bilateral early-warning system with China; growing supra-glacial lakes in Tibet elevate risk further. Transboundary glacial watersheds like Lende or Bhote Koshi amplify downstream vulnerabilities and diminish proactive responses. Historical Recurrence of GLOFs in Nepal Major past events: Cirenma Co (1981), Digi Tsho (1985), Tama Pokhari (1998). Mitigation attempts at Imja Tsho and Tsho Rolpa involved manual water drawdown above 5,000m—logistically arduous. Despite past lessons, institutionalised regional protocols remain absent. India’s Exposure to GLOFs The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) spans 11 river basins with 28,000 glacial lakes, including 7,500 in India alone. Two main lake types:  Supraglacial lakes (on glacier surfaces; summer-melt prone).  Moraine-dammed lakes (held by unstable debris; high burst risk). India’s Risk Landscape Two-thirds of GLOFs arise from ice avalanches or landslides; others stem from meltwater pressure or earthquakes. Remote high-altitude locations (mostly >4,500 m) hinder direct surveys—limited to summer windows. Severe events:  Sikkim’s South Lhonak GLOF (2023): destroyed Chungthang dam (1250 MW), raised Teesta riverbed, worsened flood risk.  Kedarnath disaster (2013): Chorabari GLOF + cloudburst triggered multi-layered devastation. India’s Mitigation Strategy NDMA has adopted a risk-reduction-first model under the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR). First national GLOF mitigation programme launched ($20 million), targeting 195 high-risk glacial lakes in four categories. Five-fold focus: Lake-specific hazard assessments Automated Weather & Water Stations (AWWS) Downstream Early Warning Systems (EWS) Physical mitigation (drawdown, retention structures) Community engagement Tech & Knowledge Gaps Leveraging SAR interferometry to detect micro-slope changes (cm-level) in unstable moraine dams—currently underutilised. Limited Indian innovation and tech investment in Himalayan cryosphere resilience. Remote sensing (surface area monitoring) remains the only scalable tool, but it’s post-facto, not predictive. Expedition Insights (Summer 2024) Multi-institutional teams visited lakes across J&K, Ladakh, HP, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal. Employed:  Bathymetry to measure water volumes.  ERT to detect hidden ice cores in moraine dams.  UAVs and slope stability surveys for terrain mapping. Installed real-time monitoring stations at two lakes in Sikkim—transmit data every 10 minutes. ITBP deployed as manual early warning buffer in the absence of automated systems. Way Forward Monsoon 2025 expeditions already being planned. 16th Finance Commission (FY2027–31) expected to scale the GLOF programme across Himalayan states. Sustained progress demands:  Institutional cross-border EWS protocols (especially with China).  Local community trust-building.  Private innovation ecosystem for climate-resilient Himalayan infrastructure. India’s emerging shield against the climate crisis Context & Urgency India faced 764 major natural disasters since 1900, nearly half after 2000 – showing accelerating climate volatility. Between 2019–2023, India lost $56 billion to weather-related disasters — the highest in South Asia, ~25% of Asia-Pacific losses. Conventional indemnity-based insurance is slow, disputed, and inadequate for sudden climate shocks. Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management) How Parametric Insurance Works Pays automatically when pre-defined weather thresholds are breached (e.g. <300 mm rainfall, >40°C, wind speed, seismic activity). Based on independently verified datasets from IMD, NASA-MERRA, satellite systems — ensuring objectivity. Eliminates the need for damage assessment, enabling rapid liquidity in crisis. Implementation in India Nagaland (2024): First Indian state with multi-year parametric cover for landslides and extreme rainfall. Pilots in Rajasthan and U.P.: Protected women smallholder farmers against drought via water balance index. Jharkhand: Model proposed for microfinance-linked crop loan protection triggered by rainfall/temperature thresholds. Global Relevance Successfully deployed in Africa, Pacific Islands, U.K. — for droughts, floods, cyclones, even livestock farming. Covers modern sectors like solar energy, where policies trigger payouts based on irradiance levels. Infrastructure in Place India already has the climate data ecosystem, digital platforms, and State disaster mitigation funds to scale up. Early wins in agriculture, renewables, rural credit, and public disaster finance demonstrate viability. What India Must Do Next Treat parametric insurance as critical climate infrastructure, akin to UPI in payments. Expand data networks, integrate into State Disaster Response, embed in climate finance architecture. Develop a scalable national framework — pre-approved triggers, digital disbursement, and legal-enforceability. Strategic Advantages Offers speed, transparency, and resilience in an era of climate uncertainty. Helps preserve livelihoods, sustain credit cycles, and stabilize local economies during disasters. Can de-risk investments in climate-sensitive sectors and support climate adaptation finance under SDGs and Paris goals. Chola Democracy Before Magna Carta Context : PM Modi, speaking at Brihadeeswara Temple, highlighted that India had democratic traditions centuries before the Magna Carta (1215), citing Chola-era electoral practices. Uttaramerur Inscriptions (c. 920 CE): These stone inscriptions in Tamil Nadu provide one of the world’s earliest written records of an electoral system. Local Governance Framework: Sabha: Brahmin-dominated settlements. Ur: Non-Brahmin village assemblies. Both were elected councils, managing revenue, justice, public works, and temple administration. Relevance : GS 1(Culture, Heritage ,History) Kudavolai: The Ballot Pot System Procedure: Names of eligible candidates written on palm leaves. Placed in a pot (kudam). A young boy, symbolising impartiality, would draw names publicly. Eligibility Conditions: Minimum age, education, property ownership, and moral character were prerequisites. Exclusions: Women, labourers, and landless individuals — reflective of caste and gender hierarchies of the time. Decentralised Governance & Civic Autonomy Subsidiarity in Action: Empowered village assemblies and merchant guilds (e.g., Manigramam, Ayyavole) formed a bottom-up administrative model. Sustainable Administration: Cholas used civic systems to extend control, not just military might. Historian Anirudh Kanisetti noted the Cholas “engineered legitimacy through local institutions”, contrasting later centralised empires. Symbolic Statecraft & Strategic Messaging Gangajal Episode (1025 CE): Rajendra Chola brought Ganges water to his capital, GangaiKonda Cholapuram. As per copper plate grants, it was called a “liquid pillar of victory” — blending ritual piety with imperial symbolism. Military + Administrative Innovation: As Tansen Sen observed, the Cholas excelled not only in naval campaigns but also in creating proto-democratic governance that projected power through order and ritual. Beyond the Magna Carta Western lens on democracy often begins with the Magna Carta and Enlightenment; the Chola model shows alternative civilizational trajectories of governance. No modern liberalism, but the institutionalisation of accountability, procedure, and civic duty reflects enduring democratic instincts in Indian polity. Brihadeeswara Temple – Chola Architectural Marvel Built by: Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 CE at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Part of “Great Living Chola Temples” (2004), along with Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara temples. Dedicated to: Lord Shiva (as Brihadeeswara or Rajarajeswaram). Dravidian Architecture: Noted for its grand scale, symmetry, and granite construction—rare for that region. Vimana (tower): Soars to 66 meters, one of the tallest temple towers in India, capped by a single 80-ton granite block. Nandi (bull statue): Carved from a single stone, among the largest monolithic Nandi statues in India. No binding agents used: Stones interlocked with precision engineering, showcasing Chola mastery in structural design. Murals & Inscriptions: Inner walls adorned with Chola frescoes, and inscriptions detail royal donations, military conquests, and temple rituals. India’s Cheetah Diplomacy in Africa Project Context and Strategic Relevance The Cheetah Reintroduction Project is the world’s first intercontinental large carnivore translocation effort, aiming to restore ecological balance by reintroducing Asiatic cheetahs (extinct in India since 1952). It serves as a soft power instrument, enhancing India’s conservation credentials and diplomatic presence in Africa. The project aligns with India’s “Act Africa” policy, expanding bilateral ties beyond trade to include biodiversity cooperation. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations), GS 3(Environment and Ecology)  Bilateral Dynamics with Key African Nations 1. South Africa – A Technically Strong But Politically Shifting Ally India signed a 5-year MoU with South Africa in 2022, facilitating the transfer of 12 cheetahs and ongoing veterinary/technical support. A post-election regime change in 2024 has led to bureaucratic reshuffling; new officials are reviewing the MoU’s scope and implementation. South African wildlife scientists remain engaged, but policy continuity has stalled, creating a diplomatic deadlock flagged in recent NTCA meetings. South Africa’s expertise in predator translocation (e.g., lions, leopards) makes it a vital partner, not just a source country. 2. Botswana – A Steady Contributor Despite Regional Volatility Botswana has formally committed to sending 4 cheetahs; timelines under discussion. With robust wildlife governance and lower political churn, it offers stability and institutional clarity. The diplomatic success here reflects India’s proactive engagement and Botswana’s confidence in India’s management of the Kuno habitat. 3. Kenya – A Long-Term Strategic Investment, Not Immediate Source No cheetahs yet; focus is on capacity-building, exchange programs, and institutional cooperation (e.g., ranger training, habitat design). An MoU expected in March 2025, but talks have remained generic and non-committal regarding cheetah numbers or timelines. Kenya’s world-leading expertise in large predator ecology (e.g., Masai Mara) makes it valuable for long-term ecosystem resilience efforts in India. 4. Tanzania and Sudan – On the Radar, but No Formal Engagement Steering Committee minutes referenced possible future ties with these nations, but NTCA later clarified no formal progress or MoUs. Sudan’s internal instability and Tanzania’s regulatory rigidity pose diplomatic and logistical hurdles. Institutional and Administrative Coordination The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is the nodal agency overseeing negotiations, backed by India’s embassies and the Ministry of Environment. Madhya Pradesh Forest Department officials have been deployed as field-level diplomats — visiting South Africa to assess protocols, address technical gaps, and pitch India’s preparedness at Gandhi Sagar (future release site). Cheetah Project Steering Committee led by Dr. Rajesh Gopal is monitoring international engagement, domestic habitat readiness, and mortality audits. On-ground Challenges and Ecological Imperatives Kuno has witnessed multiple cheetah deaths, raising questions about habitat capacity, prey base, territorial behavior, and disease control — making the need for fresh genetic stock urgent but cautious. Experts have raised concerns about carrying capacity saturation, leading to discussions on alternative sites like Gandhi Sagar and Nauradehi. Logistical complexities include quarantine protocols, air transport regulations, and veterinary clearances across jurisdictions — all dependent on tight diplomatic synchronisation. Geopolitical and Developmental Linkages The cheetah diplomacy adds to India’s development partnerships in Africa, complementing solar energy (ISA), vaccine diplomacy, and digital skilling programs. Africa’s trust in India’s conservation approach bolsters broader South-South cooperation models where biodiversity is a shared priority. India’s ability to sustain this project through political transitions abroad reflects a maturing global conservation leadership role, akin to its tiger conservation narrative under Project Tiger.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 26 July 2025

Content Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025: Honouring 26 Years of Valour and Victory Power to the People: The Boom and Transformation of Cooperatives in India Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025: Honouring 26 Years of Valour and Victory Date Observed: 26 July 2025 Commemoration of: Victory in the 1999 Kargil War Conflict Duration: May–July 1999 Location: Kargil Sector, Jammu & Kashmir (now Ladakh UT) Codename: Operation Vijay Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security , Defence) Background of the Kargil Conflict (1999) Nature of Intrusion: Pakistani regular soldiers, disguised as insurgents, infiltrated Indian territory across the Line of Control (LoC). Occupied strategic peaks in Dras, Batalik, Kaksar, and Mushkoh sectors. Aimed to sever NH-1A, cutting off Leh from Srinagar. Breach of Peace Accord: The infiltration violated the Lahore Declaration (Feb 1999), a bilateral peace initiative. Indian Military Response: Launched Operation Vijay on 8 May 1999. IAF involvement: Operation Safed Sagar—first major high-altitude air combat. No LoC transgression by Indian forces despite provocations—upheld international law. Nature of the Kargil War Terrain and Conditions: Battles fought at 16,000–18,000 ft elevation, with temperatures below freezing. Challenges included rarefied oxygen, narrow supply lines, and vertical cliff assaults. Duration: ~60 days of intense combat (May–July 1999). Casualties: Indian Side: 545 soldiers martyred, over 1,100 injured. Pakistan Side: Estimated 700+ casualties (exact figures remain classified). Iconic Battles and Sectors Sector Strategic Point Heroic Events Dras Tololing First major Indian victory; led by Major Rajesh Adhikari (MVC Posthumous) Dras Tiger Hill Retaken after daring night assault by 18 Grenadiers and 13 JAK Rifles Mushkoh Point 4875 Captured by Capt. Vikram Batra’s team; he sacrificed life in final assault Batalik Khalubar Ridge Cleared by Capt. Manoj Kumar Pandey (PVC Posthumous) Heroes of the Kargil War Param Vir Chakra (PVC) Recipients (4) Capt. Vikram Batra (Posthumous) Capt. Manoj Kumar Pandey (Posthumous) Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav Rifleman Sanjay Kumar Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) Recipients (9) Capt. Anuj Nayyar (Posthumous), Maj. Rajesh Adhikari (Posthumous), Lt. Keishing Clifford Nongrum (Posthumous), Maj. Vivek Gupta (Posthumous), among others. Unique Valor Acts: Capt. Batra: “Yeh Dil Maange More” became a national slogan of bravery. Grenadier Yadav: Scaled icy cliffs despite bullet wounds. Capt. Thapar: Left an inspiring farewell letter to family before martyrdom. Legacy and Memorialisation Kargil War Memorial: Built at Dras in Ladakh; bears names of all fallen soldiers. Naming of Peaks: Tiger Hill, Tololing, and Gun Hill stand as symbols of Indian resolve. Gun Hill officially renamed in 2023 to honour artillery’s role. 26th Anniversary Initiatives (2025) 1. Commemorative Expeditions Tololing Peak Climb (11 June 2025): Joint Army-Air Force team of 30 soldiers. Tribute to historic battle route and fallen comrades. Gun Hill Expedition (7 July 2025): 87 soldiers, including artillerymen and veterans. Reinforces memory of Point 5140 victory. Mountain Terrain Bicycle Expedition (25 June–12 July 2025): 680 km route from Siachen Base Camp to Dras via Khardung La. Outreach to 1,100 students across Ladakh. NCC interaction to inspire youth. 2. Nationwide Outreach Drive Started: 1 June 2025 Coverage: Families of 545 martyrs across 25 states, 2 UTs, Nepal. Purpose: Honour and support war families. Share personal memorabilia for national archive. Culmination: 26 July 2025, Dras Commemoration Ceremony. Strategic Impact and Defence Transformation Post-Kargil Military Reforms: Creation of Kargil Review Committee → Intelligence coordination overhaul. Formation of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in 2020. Enhanced surveillance, mountain warfare readiness, and artillery modernisation. Doctrinal Shift: From defensive postures to proactive, calibrated responses. Examples: Surgical Strikes (2016) Balakot Air Strikes (2019) Operation SINDOOR (2025) – retaliation for Pahalgam terror attack: Targeted 9 terrorist camps in PoJK. Eliminated 100+ terrorists incl. Pulwama & IC-814 suspects. Used loitering munitions, net-centric warfare, and counter-drone tech. Broader National Significance Patriotism Reinvigorated: Kargil War redefined public perception of the soldier. Rekindled civilian-military emotional bond. Message to Adversaries: India will respond with restraint, resolve, and precision. Commitment to uphold territorial integrity without international overreach. Civil-Military Synergy: Youth engagement through NCC, veterans’ inclusion in expeditions, and family outreach deepen national-military connect. Conclusion Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025 is not just a tribute to the past but a torch for the future. It reminds India of the cost of freedom, the strength of unity, and the resilience of its armed forces. As the tricolour flutters over Dras once again, it symbolises a nation unbowed, united, and unafraid. Power to the People: The Boom and Transformation of Cooperatives in India Theme: Inclusive growth through cooperative empowerment Context: New National Cooperative Policy & IYC 2025 Relevance : GS 3(Co-Operative Societies , Economy), GS 2(Governance) Strategic Overview India has 8.44 lakh+ cooperative societies across 30 sectors: agriculture, housing, credit, dairy, fisheries, etc. Cooperatives are becoming multi-functional rural service hubs — offering credit, education, insurance, healthcare, and digital access. The cooperative sector is now a pillar of inclusive rural growth, livelihood generation, and local governance. India’s approach aligns with the UN-declared International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025 — an opportunity to globalize Indian models. Policy Framework and Institutional Push Creation of Ministry of Cooperation (2021) First dedicated ministry to oversee cooperative reforms. In 4 years, 61 structured initiatives launched. New National Cooperative Policy (Launched: July 24, 2025) Vision: “Sahkar se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation). Goals (2025–2045): Inclusive & professional cooperatives. Large-scale rural employment & livelihoods. Global leadership in cooperative innovation. Enable “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. Digital Transformation PACS Computerisation & ERP Integration 73,492 PACS sanctioned for computerisation. 59,920 PACS onboarded onto Unified ERP platform (as of July 22, 2025). Benefits: Real-time monitoring. Fraud detection & transparency. Resilience against natural disasters (e.g., Arakandanallur PACCS – Tamil Nadu). Case Study: Kharsai Society (Maharashtra) Shifted from paper-based to digital ERP. Results: Enhanced speed, accuracy, transparency, and member satisfaction. Cooperative Expansion: Quantity + Quality 23,173 New Multipurpose PACS Registered (as of July 22, 2025) Offer: Fertiliser, grain storage, petrol pumps, LPG, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, CSCs. Unified Multi-Service Model Vision: “One cooperative per village”. Digital + physical service delivery convergence. Innovative Cooperative Models Green Energy: Dhondi Solar Energy Producer Cooperative (Gujarat) First solar cooperative: 9 out of 12 farmers irrigate via solar panels. ₹8 lakh earned by selling surplus energy to grid. Children’s Cooperative: Bal Gopal Society (Gujarat) India’s only cooperative for children aged 0–18. ₹17.47 crore saved by 19,020 members from 335 villages. Unique model: Baal Bachat Sanskar. Guardians eligible for loans against child savings. Market Access and Global Outreach Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Onboarding 667 cooperatives registered as buyers (as of Mar 2025). 2,986 transactions worth ₹319.02 crore completed. Exports: National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) 8,863 cooperatives onboarded. Exported 13.08 LMT agricultural commodities to 27 countries. Value: ₹5,239.5 crore. Specialised Multi-State Cooperatives (Formed in 2023) Cooperative Focus Achievement NCEL Exports ₹5,239.5 crore, 27 countries NCOL Organics 21 products under Bharat Organics, MoUs with 10 states BBSSL Seeds Licensed in 13 states, 19,171 members Model Societies: Grassroots to Greatness Borkheda Gram Seva Sahakari Samiti (Rajasthan) Founded in 1954 with ₹30. Now: 8,299 members, ₹107.54 lakh share capital. Offers: Mini Bank, e-Mitra Plus, Aadhaar services, insurance. 70% members from marginalized communities. Madhusudankati SKUS (West Bengal) Offers credit, SHG loans, fertiliser, procurement, health camps, play areas. Runs agricultural service centres & KCC facilitation. Murakata SKUS (West Bengal) Grown from 45 to 1,603 members. Provides banking, credit, hiring services. Enabled shift from single-crop to year-round farming. Gold MPCS (Poonch, J&K) Offers loans, insurance, CSC & PM Surya Ghar services. Transactions (FY24–25): ₹9.16 lakh. Atholi Cooperative (Kishtwar, J&K) Jan Aushadhi, CSC services, Anganwadi supplies. FY25 turnover: ₹18.66 lakh. Impact Summary Domain Transformation Rural Finance Digital PACS, mini banks, ERP-led transparency Livelihoods 23k+ new PACS, energy and education-linked cooperatives Child Inclusion Saving schemes, education-linked loans Women & Marginalized SHG-linked credit, Aadhaar, subsidy access Green Energy First solar cooperative powering farms & revenue Disaster Resilience Cloud storage preventing data loss during floods Market Linkage GeM buyer status, cooperative exports via NCEL Global Positioning in IYC 2025 National Action Plan launched to: Showcase successful models (e.g., AMUL, IFFCO). Promote cross-country learning, cooperative startups. Make India a global hub for cooperative innovation. Top Performing Cooperatives in India Name Sector Achievement AMUL (GCMMF) Dairy Pioneer of White Revolution; ₹7.3B turnover IFFCO Fertiliser World’s largest cooperative (GDP per capita) Nandini (KMF) Dairy 2nd largest dairy cooperative Indian Coffee House Consumer 400 worker-run outlets ULCCS (Kerala) Labour 7,500 projects completed; oldest labour cooperative Conclusion India’s cooperative movement is no longer archaic—it’s aspirational. From analog societies to digital multi-service hubs, cooperatives are: Empowering every demographic, from children to farmers. Bridging rural-urban gaps through digital and service outreach. Positioning India as a thought leader in people-centric economic models. “What began as a grassroots necessity has matured into a governance innovation.” Cooperatives today are not just economic units—they are beacons of inclusive development.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 26 July 2025

Content Kargil, Pahalgam and a revamp of the security strategy The scientist who made ‘mangroves’ a buzzword Kargil, Pahalgam and a revamp of the security strategy Introduction: India’s journey from the 1999 Kargil War to Operation Sindoor in 2025 reflects a profound transformation in its military doctrine, counterterrorism strategy, and national security architecture. These episodes mark India’s shift from reactive defence to decisive and pre-emptive retaliation against cross-border threats. Relevance : GS 3 ( Internal Security) Practice Question : Discuss how the lessons from the Kargil War shaped India’s evolving military and counterterrorism doctrines, culminating in the strategic assertiveness seen during Operation Sindoor (2025). (250 words) Kargil War (1999): A Watershed in Conventional Warfare Timeline: May 3 – July 26, 1999 (Operation Vijay) Nature of Conflict: First full-scale conventional war under the nuclear overhang between two declared nuclear powers (India & Pakistan). Geography: High-altitude warfare in the Kargil-Dras-Batalik sectors (avg. altitude ~16,000 ft). Pakistan’s Strategy: Infiltration by Northern Light Infantry troops disguised as mujahideen, violating the Lahore Declaration signed in Feb 1999. India’s Response: Complete eviction of intruding forces without crossing the LoC. Mobilised ~200,000 troops. Airpower used under Operation Safed Sagar (Mirage-2000 precision bombing). Human Cost: India lost 527 soldiers, over 1,100 injured. Pakistan suffered >1,000 casualties (as per Indian estimates). Diplomatic Outcome: Global support for India, including from the US; Pakistan was diplomatically isolated. Live Media Coverage: First ‘TV war’ in India—shaped public opinion, boosted nationalism. Kargil War: Key Lessons and Reforms Triggered ➤ Strategic & Intelligence Shortcomings No real-time intelligence or aerial surveillance; both RAW and IB failed to detect build-up. Led to Kargil Review Committee (KRC) headed by K. Subrahmanyam. ➤ Institutional Overhaul (Post-Kargil) Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) – est. 2002. National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) – est. 2004. Permanent National Security Adviser (NSA) role introduced. Revamp of NSCS, Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC). ➤ Doctrinal Evolution Birth of Cold Start Doctrine (2004): Limited war under nuclear threshold; rapid mobilization. Creation of Mountain Strike Corps for high-altitude warfare. ➤ Modernisation Push CDS position created in 2019 (General Bipin Rawat). Emphasis on jointness: Movement towards Integrated Theatre Commands. Counterterrorism Timeline: From Restraint to Retaliation Year Incident Indian Response 1999 IC-814 hijacking Release of terrorists (e.g., Masood Azhar) – Seen as weak 2001 Parliament attack Operation Parakram: Mobilisation, but no kinetic response 2008 26/11 Mumbai No direct retaliation despite global sympathy 2016 Uri attack Surgical strikes across LoC – strategic shift 2019 Pulwama attack Balakot Air Strikes – IAF bombed deep inside Pakistan 2025 Pahalgam attack Operation Sindoor – Unprecedented conventional strikes inside Pakistan Operation Sindoor (2025): A New Security Paradigm Trigger: April 22, 2025 – Pakistan-based terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir (26 tourists killed). India’s Response: Operation Sindoor (May 7–10, 2025) Targeted 9 terror camps across Pakistan (LoC and hinterland). Destroyed 11 Pakistani military airbases, including forward and deep assets. Used BrahMos cruise missiles – notably hit Nur Khan Air Base near Kirana Hills, reportedly crippling a nuclear storage site. Executed within 96 hours – first-of-its-kind strategic blitz by India. Result: Pakistan requested ceasefire unconditionally. India’s Transformation: From 1999 to 2025 ➤ Geopolitical Positioning 1999: Isolated post-nuclear tests, under sanctions. 2025: Key player in QUAD, IMEC, and G20 Presidency (2023); global support base widened. ➤ Military Capability 1999 (Kargil) 2025 (Sindoor) Scarcity of high-altitude gear Indigenous manufacturing of snow warfare suits Mirage-2000 airpower Rafale, Su-30 MKI, S-400, BrahMos, UCAVs Weak logistics, intel sharing Real-time ISR, integrated C4I2SR networks ➤ Make in India & Strategic Autonomy Indigenous platforms: Tejas Mk-1A, Arjun Mk-1A, Dhanush artillery, Akash NG, DRDO UAVs. Enhanced defence exports: ₹21,000 crore in FY 2023–24 (vs ₹1,940 crore in 2014). ➤ Tech-Enabled Warfare Use of AI-enabled surveillance, satellite-based targeting, cyber warfare cells, and net-centric command during Sindoor. ISR superiority aided by US-Israel collaboration and domestic satellites (e.g., RISAT series). Key Shifts in India’s Counterterrorism Doctrine Pre-Uri (2016): Strategic patience, diplomacy-focused, fear of escalation. Post-Uri: Shift to proactive, kinetic strikes as legitimate self-defence. Post-Pahalgam: Expanded scope – hitting both terror and military assets simultaneously. Message: Any future Pakistan-based terror provocation = multi-domain retaliation. India’s National Security Architecture (2025) Component Strength NSA-led structure Centralised decision-making under PMO Tri-service synergy CDS-led reforms; theatre commands underway Intelligence RAW, IB, DIA, NTRO operating in synergy Civil-military interface Improved coordination post-Doklam and Galwan Lessons Institutionalised No repeat of intelligence failure: NTRO & DIA coordinate real-time surveillance. No tolerance for terror: Pre-emptive, not reactive strikes. No international isolation: Pre-emptive diplomacy runs parallel to military action. No dependency on foreign systems: Drive toward Aatmanirbharta in Defence. Way Forward: Staying Ahead of the Curve Vigilance is key – State-sponsored terror will continue to evolve; cyber-terror, drone swarms, proxy fighters. Strategic clarity – Maintain doctrine of proportional but unpredictable retaliation. Defence tech acceleration – Invest in hypersonics, DEWs, swarm drones, indigenous satellites. Integrated Theatre Commands – Ensure operationalisation by 2026 for better synergy. Civil-military harmony – Ensure political will continues aligning with military vision. The scientist who made ‘mangroves’ a buzzword HISTORICAL CONTEXT & SHIFT IN PERCEPTION Pre-1980s Perception: Mangroves were seen as “wastelands” suitable for reclamation and agricultural expansion, especially during British rule (e.g., Sundarbans). Local Knowledge: Coastal communities intuitively valued mangroves for livelihoods, fishery resources, and natural storm protection. Paradigm Shift: Post-1989, scientific and policy discourse shifted to view mangroves as multi-functional ecosystems critical to: Climate adaptation (carbon sequestration) Cyclone and tsunami risk reduction Salinity control and soil stabilization Biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology), GS 4(Personalities) Practice Question : “Mangroves have transitioned from being perceived as wastelands to becoming a central pillar in climate resilience and coastal governance in India.” Critically examine this transformation with reference to the role played by scientific leadership, policy evolution, and community participation. (250 words) M.S. SWAMINATHAN’S LEADERSHIP (1989 ONWARD) Visionary Intervention at Tokyo Conference (1989) Key Insight: Predicted that climate-induced sea-level rise would cause salinisation of coastal agriculture, food insecurity, and loss of livelihoods. Proposed Strategy: Sustainable mangrove management rooted in Ecology + Economics + Equity. Innovative Research: Advocated for gene transfer from mangroves to crops (e.g., salinity-resistant rice). Global Institution Building Founded ISME (1990, Japan): International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems; served as its first President. Charter for Mangroves: Drafted and included in the World Charter for Nature at UNCED (Rio, 1992). Global Outputs: World Mangrove Atlas Manual on Mangrove Restoration Workshops and capacity building for 9+ countries Valuation of ecosystem services (including India) DATABASE & SCIENTIFIC NETWORKS GLOMIS (1992): Global Mangrove Database and Information System Tracks mangrove species, genetic resources, and research. Mangrove Genetic Resource Centres (23 sites): Evaluated across South & Southeast Asia + Oceania. Now protected by respective national governments. REVOLUTIONISING MANGROVE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA Colonial Legacy & Policy Gaps 1783–1980: Clear-felling and reclamation were dominant. Restoration efforts under British and early post-Independence plans failed due to biophysical disruption. Participatory Research & Policy Reform MSSRF’s Intervention (1993 onward): Scientific evidence showed degraded hydrology, not local overuse, caused failures. Fishbone Canal Method: Innovative hydro-ecological restoration. Pilot-tested in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal. Joint Mangrove Management: Endorsed by MoEF in 2000 for national replication. Led to increased central and state investment. DISASTER RISK REDUCTION VALIDATION 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone: Mangrove belts reduced storm surge damage, saving lives and property. 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami: Further validation of mangroves as natural infrastructure. Catalysed international attention and funding for large-scale restoration. CURRENT STATUS: INDIA’S MANGROVE COVER (2023) Total Mangrove Area: 4,991.68 km² 0.15% of India’s total geographical area. Increase since ISFR 2019: +16.68 km² Top States by Mangrove Area: West Bengal (Sundarbans) – ~42.45% Gujarat – ~23.66% Andaman & Nicobar Islands – ~12.39% ISFR 2023: Notes increase due to plantation and natural regeneration in Odisha, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. MULTIPLE USE ECOSYSTEM: VALUE ADDITION Ecosystem Service Contribution Carbon Sequestration Blue carbon sinks; mitigate global warming. Fisheries Support Nursery grounds for 70+ fish species. Storm Protection Reduce wind and wave impact up to 70–90%. Livelihoods Honey collection, fishery, eco-tourism. Biodiversity Hosts over 30 true mangrove species in India.  CHALLENGES AHEAD Urban encroachment in Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi. Shrimp aquaculture replacing natural mangroves. Pollution and invasive species altering ecosystems. Climate change may still outpace restoration in some areas. INDIA’S STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP Blue Carbon inclusion: Mangroves part of India’s carbon accounting (IPCC/UNFCCC frameworks). State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs): Coastal states include mangrove restoration targets. Eco-DRR (Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction): Recognised in NDMA and MoEFCC planning. CONCLUSION: LEGACY OF M.S. SWAMINATHAN M.S. Swaminathan transformed mangroves from ignored swamplands to centrepieces of climate resilience. He combined policy advocacy, grassroots work, and international collaboration to institutionalise mangrove science and conservation. His work laid the groundwork for India’s globally recognised nature-based solutions strategy.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 26 July 2025

Content 185 Pak. Refugees Get Indian Citizenship Under CAA In Bihar, a Matter of Life and Debt Modi Overtakes Indira, Clocks Second-Longest Continuous Stint as PM States Can’t Seek Delimitation Claiming Parity with J&K: SC NSG Bill 2025 Will Safeguard Women Athletes 185 Pak. refugees get Indian citizenship under CAA Background of the CAA, 2019 CAA Objective: The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 amends the Citizenship Act, 1955, to provide fast-track Indian citizenship to non-Muslim minorities — Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians — from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before 31 December 2014, citing religious persecution. Exemption from Illegal Migrant Tag: These individuals will not be treated as illegal migrants even if they entered India without valid documents or overstayed their visa. Reduced Residency Requirement: Normal requirement for citizenship by naturalization (11 years) reduced to 5 years for these groups. Applicability: Applies only to migrants from three neighboring Muslim-majority countries and six specified religions, excluding Muslims, drawing criticism as discriminatory. Relevance : GS 1(Society ) ,GS 2(Social Issues ,Governance ) Recent Development: Citizenship to 185 Displaced Persons in Gujarat Date of Event: July 2025 Place: Rajkot, Gujarat Total Beneficiaries: 185 individuals From districts: Rajkot, Morbi, Kutch Religious communities: Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist Demographics: Included women doctors, daily wage workers, elderly, homemakers, children Scale of Displacement from Pakistan Pakistani Hindu migrants in India (mostly in Rajasthan and Gujarat): ~25,000–30,000 (per Lok Sabha Q&A and NGOs) Asylum Seekers from Pakistan in India (UNHCR): ~14,000–18,000 Religious Persecution in Pakistan: Hindus constitute <2% of Pakistan’s population (1947: ~12–15%) HRCP reports frequent abductions and forced conversions of Hindu and Christian girls Annual migration out of Pakistan due to persecution: ~1000 families/year (NGO estimates) Key Significance of This Move Protection Against Statelessness Many had lived in India for decades without legal identity, rendering them ineligible for education, healthcare, or formal work. Citizenship ends this limbo and restores human dignity, particularly for women and children. Access to Rights & Schemes Post-citizenship, beneficiaries become eligible for: PMAY (Housing) Ayushman Bharat (Health Insurance) Education Schemes like RTE, scholarships PDS access, ration cards, Aadhaar, electoral participation Case of Woman Doctor: A Highlight Reflects brain drain due to persecution: Trained professionals seeking dignity and security. Showcases India as a humanitarian refuge and rights protector. Administrative Preparedness Government machinery activated to: Enroll new citizens into official records Ensure smooth access to social services Facilitate property rights and documentation Emotional & Symbolic Closure Public distribution of citizenship certificates carries emotional weight — chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” reflect restored identity and sense of belonging. Geopolitical and Domestic Context Domestic Gujarat has a large number of long-settled Hindu migrants, especially in Bhuj, Gandhidham, and Rajkot. State has historically facilitated citizenship applications for refugees from Pakistan post-Partition and post-1971. International Religious minorities in Pakistan continue to face: Blasphemy charges Forced conversions of minor girls Mob violence and temple desecration CAA Implementation Update (As of July 2025) Online application portal launched: March 2024 Total applications filed nationwide: ~20,000+ Citizenship granted so far under CAA: Estimated ~1,100–1,200 individuals (as per MHA sources and state-level press briefings) Major states processing CAA cases: Gujarat Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh Delhi Chhattisgarh Way Forward Transparent and time-bound processing of pending applications Sensitization of local officials to support integration of new citizens Ensure no disruption to communal harmony Greater inter-ministerial coordination to roll out welfare benefits In Bihar, a matter of life and debt Background: Bihar’s Debt Burden Landscape High Dependence on Loans: Bihar has the highest share of households (18%) in India borrowing from non-institutional sources, as per Piramal Enterprises’ 2025 study based on CMIE data. The proportion of EWS (₹1-2 lakh/year) households using formal credit fell by 4.2% (2018-19 to 2022-23), while informal borrowing rose by 5.8%. Low Household Income: According to Bihar’s 2022 Caste Survey, 34% of households earn ₹6,000 or less per month—barely enough to service any sustained debt. Push Factors Driving Borrowing: Weddings, medical emergencies, and dowry demands are key reasons women take multiple loans. Many women borrow from 3–5 microfinance institutions (MFIs) plus local moneylenders (mahajans). Relevance : GS 1(Society) ,GS 3(Economy , Borrowings) Microfinance Model: Promise and Peril Microfinance Loans in India: Defined by RBI as collateral-free credit to households earning up to ₹3 lakh/year. 224 MFIs operate under the RBI-approved body Sa-Dhan. While group lending increases access, it amplifies peer pressure and spreads liability among borrowers. Inadequate Oversight: Despite 2022 RBI guidelines, rampant violations of repayment norms and interest caps continue. Interest rates often disguised — women quoted 2% monthly interest that translated to 25-28% per annum. Loan purpose misclassified (e.g., wedding loans shown as agriculture/poultry). Debt Trap Cycle and Psychological Toll Multiple Loans → High Installments: Borrowers like Somini Devi paid ₹7,000/month against ₹1.35 lakh debt — unsustainable on low rural incomes. Punam Devi paid fortnightly installments for loans taken for hospital care (interest up to 28%). Harassment by Recovery Agents: Frequent house visits, public shaming, confiscation of household items (beds, gas cylinders, Aadhaar cards). Verbal abuse includes suggestions to “sell body” or beg to repay loans. Evading Recovery: Recovery agent Mahesh Kumar Roy tracks 1,100 households, of which ~450 have fled to avoid harassment. Women like Pawan Devi fled to Punjab for over a year to escape lenders. Regulatory Vacuum in Bihar RBI Guidelines (2022): Cap EMIs to ≤50% of household income. Agents must not harass, intimidate, or publicly shame borrowers. Borrowers must have repayment flexibility. Poor Enforcement: Despite clear directives, Bihar’s lack of regulatory enforcement renders RBI guidelines ineffective. Women report routine harassment, even when default is minimal (e.g., ₹50 shortfall). State-level Legislative Gaps: Unlike Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Assam, Bihar has no state law regulating MFIs or recovery practices. Several States (Kerala, Gujarat, TN, MP, Maharashtra) have moneylender laws that indirectly cover MFIs. Social and Caste Dimensions Marginalised Communities Bear the Brunt: Most borrowers are from Musahar (Mahadalit) community — among the poorest and most socially excluded in Bihar. Low literacy, lack of documentation, and no legal awareness make them easy prey for mis-selling and coercion. Women as Primary Borrowers: Due to SHG-centric lending and male migration, women shoulder the loan burden, facing agents alone. Dowry Economy’s Debt Footprint: Weddings involve motorcycles and gold as dowry items — compelling families to borrow large sums. Link between patriarchal expectations and inter-generational debt. Political Apathy Ahead of Elections No Political Party Addressing the Crisis: Bihar Assembly elections due Oct 2025 — yet no political push for a Microfinance Regulation Bill. Silence attributed to lack of urban media attention, low political cost, and invisible suffering of women in remote villages. Expert Warning: Prof. Jayati Ghosh warns of “fundamental flaws in microfinance” — no income monitoring, high interest, no borrower protection. She calls for income-linked SHG-bank models, like Kerala’s Kudumbashree, which generate cooperative-based income. Policy Implications & Way Forward Strengthen Enforcement: Empower RBI to audit and suspend MFIs flouting repayment or harassment norms. Create a real-time grievance redressal platform for micro-borrowers, especially women. Bihar-Specific Legislation: Draft and pass a Bihar Moneylender and Microfinance Regulation Act. Borrow from models like Telangana’s MFI Act (2011) which mandates licensing and agent accountability. Promote Income-Supportive Credit: Revive and upscale SHG-Bank Linkage (SBL) schemes. Invest in rural livelihood generation, e.g., MGNREGA, Skill India, agri-value chains. Public Financial Literacy Campaigns: Use Panchayats and SHGs to run credit literacy programs. Make loan terms transparent via visual formats (e.g., pictograms) for low-literacy borrowers. Conclusion: India’s Broken Microfinance Model in Bihar The Bihar case exposes the deep contradictions of India’s microfinance revolution — what was meant to be empowering has turned into a trap of humiliation and destitution for thousands of women. Unless regulation, enforcement, and socio-economic safeguards go hand-in-hand, the cycle of multiple loans, coercive recovery, and debt migration will continue to undermine both financial inclusion and women’s dignity. Modi overtakes Indira, clocks second-longest continuous stint as PM Key Milestone (As of July 25, 2025) Tenure Completed: 4,078 days of uninterrupted service as Prime Minister since May 26, 2014. Surpassed: Indira Gandhi’s record of 4,077 days of consecutive service (Jan 24, 1966 – Mar 24, 1977). Matched: Jawaharlal Nehru’s feat of winning three consecutive Lok Sabha mandates (1952, 1957, 1962 | Modi: 2014, 2019, 2024). Relevance : Facts for Prelims Background: Top 5 Longest-Serving Indian PMs (Consecutively) Prime Minister Uninterrupted Tenure Total Days Party Jawaharlal Nehru Aug 15, 1947 – May 27, 1964 6,130 Congress Narendra Modi May 26, 2014 – present 4,078* BJP Indira Gandhi Jan 24, 1966 – Mar 24, 1977 4,077 Congress Manmohan Singh May 22, 2004 – May 26, 2014 3,653 Congress Atal Bihari Vajpayee 1998–1999, 1999–2004 ~2,268 BJP *As of July 25, 2025 Comparative Highlights & Governance Benchmarks Longest-Serving Non-Congress PM Modi is the first non-Congress leader to serve more than one full term as PM. Vajpayee’s longest complete tenure was from 1999–2004. Dual-Level Governance Experience CM of Gujarat: 7,545 days (Oct 7, 2001 – May 26, 2014) PM of India: 4,078+ days Total Continuous Executive Tenure: ~11,623 days (over 31 years)—longest in Indian history for any elected head of government. What Makes Modi’s Tenure Stand Out? Mandate-Driven Legitimacy Unlike Nehru or Indira Gandhi (whose early tenures followed turbulent nation-building phases), Modi’s ascent was through massive electoral mandates: 2014: Absolute majority (282 seats – first time for BJP) 2019: Bigger majority (303 seats) 2024: Retained power via NDA alliance (~293 seats), despite BJP falling short of solo majority. Hyper-Incumbency in Modern Democracy Sustaining high approval for over a decade in a social media-driven, anti-incumbency-prone democracy is unprecedented. A 2024 CVoter-Lokniti survey placed Modi’s personal approval rating above 60%, even during economic and geopolitical pressures. Global Visibility Modi is now among the top 5 longest-serving elected leaders globally (among democracies), alongside: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (Turkey) Vladimir Putin (Russia – hybrid regime) Hun Sen (Cambodia – stepped down 2023) Sheikh Hasina (Bangladesh) States can’t seek delimitation claiming parity with J&K: SC Background: What is Delimitation? Delimitation refers to the redrawing of boundaries of parliamentary or assembly constituencies to reflect population changes. Conducted by the Delimitation Commission, constituted under the Delimitation Act (latest in 2002). The objective is to ensure equal representation to equal segments of the population. Relevance : GS 2(Polity and Constitution) The Supreme Court Verdict (July 2025): Key Highlights Case: Petition filed by Prof. K. Purushottam Reddy seeking delimitation in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, arguing discrimination vis-à-vis the 2022 J&K delimitation. Verdict: Dismissed the plea; ruled that the Centre’s action in J&K was constitutionally valid and not discriminatory. Bench: Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh. Key Judicial Observations No Parity Between States and UTs Article 170(3) freezes delimitation in States till the first Census post-2026. Jammu & Kashmir, being a Union Territory with Legislature, falls outside the scope of this freeze. Delimitation in J&K is Constitutional Conducted under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 and Delimitation Commission Act, 2002. Based on 2011 Census (as mandated). Avoidance of Disruption Allowing selective delimitation would cause inter-State imbalance and judicial overreach. Would trigger similar demands from Northeastern states, which were also excluded via a 2021 MHA notification. Constitutional Basis Provision Relevance Article 170(3) Freezes State delimitation until after Census post-2026 Article 239A & 239AA Provide special status and legislature for UTs like J&K J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 Empowers the Centre to redraw constituencies in J&K Delimitation Act, 2002 Legal framework for setting up the Delimitation Commission Data & Context Parameter Jammu & Kashmir Andhra Pradesh & Telangana Status Union Territory with Legislature Full-fledged States Latest Delimitation 2022 (based on 2011 Census) Last held in 2008 (based on 2001 Census) Constitutional Freeze Not applicable Applicable under Article 170(3) Population Basis 1.22 crore (2011) Combined ~8.2 crore (2011) Why Was J&K Treated Separately? Post-abrogation of Article 370 (August 2019), J&K became a UT with a separate legislative framework. As per the J&K Reorganisation Act, the Centre was empowered to redraw Assembly constituencies. A new Delimitation Commission (2020) was constituted for J&K under Justice Ranjana Desai. Implications of the Verdict Judicial Clarity: Reinforces the idea that States and UTs have distinct constitutional treatment. Electoral Uniformity: Prevents piecemeal delimitation which could undermine electoral equity. Curb on Political Litigation: Limits judicial intervention in delimitation as a political and administrative function. Preserves Federal Balance: Avoids precedence that could trigger competitive claims among States. Why This Verdict Matters for India Upholds constitutional sanctity of electoral representation. Clarifies separation of powers—delimitation is not for courts to dictate but for a statutory body. Highlights India’s federal asymmetry, where States and UTs can be treated differently for valid reasons. NSG Bill 2025 will safeguard women athletes Background: Indian Sports Governance & Urgency of Reform Lack of Central Sports Legislation: India has historically lacked a dedicated central legislation governing sports federations — most function under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or as private associations with limited transparency and accountability. Repeated SC Interventions: Multiple Supreme Court interventions in BCCI (e.g., Lodha Committee, 2016) and other federations pointed out systemic lack of athlete welfare, financial transparency, and gender equity. Athlete Harassment Crisis: India witnessed alarming incidents such as: Wrestlers’ protests (2023) against WFI chief over sexual harassment allegations. 56% of Indian female athletes reported facing harassment during careers (based on 2022 Safesport India Survey). Lack of effective redressal mechanisms at grassroots levels, especially for rural minors. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) National Sports Governance Bill 2025 – Key Provisions 1. Safe Sport Policy (Aligned with POSH Act, 2013) Mandatory Complaint Redressal Mechanism: Every NSF must establish internal committees (ICs) to address sexual harassment complaints. Rural athletes and minors now get accessible institutional routes for grievance redressal. Accountability Mandate: Coaches, administrators, and officials will face strict action if complicit or negligent. Encourages zero-tolerance towards abuse irrespective of gender, rank, or federation. Data-Driven Significance: India has ~1.5 lakh registered sportspersons under Khelo India (2024 data), many from rural belts where social stigma silences victims. 2. Gender Equity in Governance Minimum 4 Women Mandate: Executive Committees and governing bodies of all NSFs must include at least four women members. Aligns India with IOC’s global target of 30% gender representation (India was at ~10% before 2023). Why It Matters: Women can better understand gender-specific safety, psychological and logistical concerns. Diverse leadership correlates with athlete welfare, better grievance responsiveness, and performance sustainability (UN Women, 2023). Khelo Bharat Niti + ASMITA Leagues: Complementary Reform Engine Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 Highlights: Framework to make India one of the top 10 sporting nations by 2036. Unified athlete ID, robust sports infrastructure at district/block levels. Focus on sports science, performance analytics, and inclusivity. ASMITA Leagues: Target women athletes from rural belts with structured, recurring grassroots-level competitions. Visibility + safety = performance enhancement + retention in sports. Athlete-Centric Reflections (Voices like Anjum Moudgil) Need for Institutional Support: Earlier, athletes could only confide informally in peers or committees without structured recourse. Safe spaces now institutionalised through grievance cells, mentorship models, and athlete commissions. Psychological Impact: Female athletes often carry trauma due to harassment, unsafe environments, or discriminatory behaviour. Confidence to speak up without fear of retaliation is a game-changer for long-term careers. Inclusive Redressal Culture: Harassment is not gender-specific — male, female, or minor athletes must be equally protected. Mental health, dignity, and post-incident care are embedded in the Safe Sport Policy framework. Implementation Challenges & Road Ahead Grievance Redressal Access in Rural India: Connectivity, literacy, and awareness gaps must be bridged for athletes from Tier-2, Tier-3, and rural belts. Monitoring & Enforcement: MoYAS (Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports) must set up an independent Sports Regulatory Authority to monitor implementation, review IC performance, and audit NSF compliance. Integration with Digital Tools: Use of Digital India stack: grievance portals, video-recorded complaint hearings, anonymised redressal dashboards. Strategic National Significance Global Sporting Reputation: India eyes top-10 Olympic finish by 2036; foundational governance must be athlete-centric. Safety and equality are not fringe issues but performance prerequisites. Link with Viksit Bharat 2047: Sports policy is now not just about medals, but dignity, jobs, health, and nation-building. The Modi government’s approach integrates sports into national development, governance, and women-led growth models.  Conclusion: A Turning Point for Indian Sports The National Sports Governance Bill 2025 is not merely a legal reform — it’s a cultural shift. It prioritises respect, safety, and inclusion, creating a trustworthy ecosystem where talent is not held back by fear or abuse. For every aspiring athlete, especially from rural and marginalised backgrounds, this bill offers a promise: a safer, fairer, and more dignified sporting journey.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 25 July 2025

Content INCOME TAX DAY, 2025 EXPORT PROMOTION MISSION INCOME TAX DAY, 2025 Historical Background Income tax introduced on 24 July 1860 by Sir James Wilson post-1857 revolt. Commemorated as Income Tax Day annually. Income Tax Act, 1922 laid structured tax system foundations. Central Board of Revenue Act, 1924 established institutional governance. Key tech milestones: Computerization started in 1981. CPC (Centralized Processing Centre) launched in 2009. Relevance: GS 3(Economy -Taxation), GS 2(Governance) Importance of Income Tax Funds public services: education, healthcare, defense, infrastructure. Supports redistribution of income and social justice. Enhances economic self-reliance and state capacity. Strengthens the democratic social contract: pay → get services. Essential for national development and fiscal stability. • ITR Filing Trends ITR filings rose by 36% in 5 years: FY 2020–21: 6.72 crore FY 2024–25: 9.19 crore – Indicates: Growing voluntary compliance Wider formal economy Stronger digital public infrastructure • Gross Direct Tax Collection (₹ Lakh Crore)              Year                Collection 2020–21           12.31 2021–22           16.34 2022–23           19.72 2023–24           23.38 2024–25           27.02 (Provisional) Growth supported by: Economic rebound post-COVID Tech-driven tax enforcement Better compliance and analytics Digital Transformation PAN system: Introduced in 1972; upgraded in 1995 to current format. CPC (2009): Enabled automated, paperless return processing. – TRACES (2012): TDS mismatch resolution and reconciliation. TIN 2.0:  New tax payment platform, real-time credits, faster refunds. Demand Facilitation Centre (Mysuru):  Centralized platform for tracking and resolving tax demands. • Project Insight – Data Power Builds a 360° taxpayer profile using: GSTN Banks and brokers Financial data warehouses Goals: Detect evasion patterns Enhance compliance Enable data-driven nudges Smart, Transparent Tax Systems Faceless Assessments (2019): Removes physical interaction; ensures fairness. e-Verification Scheme: Fully online resolution of return mismatches. AIS and TIS: Pre-filled data from multiple sources like banks, stock brokers, etc.  Boosts accuracy, reduces filing errors. NUDGE Campaign – Behavioural Tax Compliance NUDGE = Non-Intrusive Usage of Data to Guide and Enable. Based on behavioural economics, uses:  AIS + TIS + third-party data  AI/analytics + field intelligence Encourages correction of returns under Section 139(8A). Updated return window extended to Budget 2025–26: Major Tax Reforms New regime:  No tax up to ₹12 lakh  NIL tax up to ₹12.75 lakh for salaried (with ₹75,000 standard deduction) Expected outcomes:  More savings for middle class  Boost to spending and investment Simplification & Compliance Incentives Updated return window: Increased to 4 years from earlier 2. Self-occupied property benefit: Now applicable to 2 properties (earlier only 1). Charitable trust registration: Valid for 10 years (earlier 5). NSS withdrawals post–29 Aug 2024:  Fully tax-exempt. TDS/TCS Rationalization Interest limit for senior citizens: ₹50,000 → ₹1 lakh. Rent TDS threshold: ₹2.4 lakh → ₹6 lakh/year. TCS on foreign remittance: ₹7 lakh → ₹10 lakh. Delay in TCS payment: Decriminalized. Income Tax Bill, 2025 Replaces outdated Income Tax Act, 1961. Retains structure but: Simplifies language Removes redundant clauses Supports vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Final Strategic Takeaways Tax system now built on:  Data analytics  Tech-based convenience  Behavioural nudges Policy shift: From fear-based scrutiny → trust and facilitation Result: Inclusive, transparent, citizen-centric tax ecosystem EXPORT PROMOTION MISSION Overview of the Export Promotion Mission Announced in Union Budget 2025–26. Jointly driven by: Ministry of Commerce and Industry Ministry of MSME Ministry of Finance Lead Department: Department of Commerce. Focus: Boost export competitiveness, especially for MSMEs. Relevance: GS 3(Economy -Import and Export) Key Objectives of the Mission Improve access to export credit for MSMEs. Enable cross-border factoring to ease global receivables financing. Assist MSMEs in addressing non-tariff barriers in international markets. Ensure that implementation benefits MSMEs nationwide. Supporting Government Initiatives for MSME Exports Launched to supplement the mission with grassroots-level interventions. International Cooperation Scheme (Ministry of MSME) Provides financial assistance to MSMEs for: Participation in international trade fairs.  Exhibitions abroad to showcase Indian MSME products. Support to MSMEs in Andhra Pradesh (Last Two Years): Financial Year : Amount Released (₹) : MSMEs Supported 2023–24           9,31,127           5 2024–25           6,76,026           2 Indicates ongoing efforts to promote MSME visibility in global markets. E-Commerce Export Hubs (ECEHs) – DGFT Pilot Piloted by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Aim: Enable traditional artisans and MSMEs to grow exports via e-commerce. Key features: End-to-end support for cross-border e-commerce exports. Streamlined regulatory and logistics processes. Faster customs clearance and easy returns management. Designed to make MSME exports simpler, scalable, and digital-first. Parliamentary Acknowledgement The information was provided in a written reply in Lok Sabha. Reflects government’s emphasis on transparency, policy coordination, and MSME upliftment. Strategic Takeaways The mission complements India’s “Make in India for the World” vision. Targets financial, logistical, and regulatory pain points of MSMEs. Aligns with national goals of: Export-led growth MSME global integration Digital commerce transformation E-Commerce hubs + credit reforms = next-gen export infrastructure for MSMEs.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 25 July 2025

Content India’s Electoral Architecture: Structural Fault Lines Beyond the Brain Drain: Healthcare Worker Migration India’s Electoral Architecture: Structural Fault Lines Current Trigger: Bihar Electoral Roll Revision (2025) Over 1.2 million voter names deleted in Bihar during 2025 revision. Deletions primarily due to “non-residency” during verification. High out-migration districts like Gopalganj and Sitamarhi saw 5%–7% deletions. Opposition alleges targeted disenfranchisement of: Poor Minorities Migrants ECI and supporters defend it as a technical clean-up to maintain roll sanctity. Relevance: GS 2 (Elections and reforms) Practice Question: Discuss the limitations of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 in the context of India’s mobile population. What alternative voter enrolment models can be considered for inclusive electoral participation? (15 marks) Structural Fault: Residency vs. Citizenship Disconnect Citizenship (Constitutional/legal status) ≠ Residency (electoral enrollment status). Indian electoral law privileges “ordinary residence” as criterion for voter registration. Migrants exist in a liminal space – not present in home state, not resident elsewhere officially. Leads to functional disenfranchisement. Representation of the People Act (1950) doesn’t reflect mobile India. Migration Reality vs. Electoral Law 37% of Indians (~450 million) are internal migrants. Bihar: 36% of households have at least one migrant. Over 20% of working-age population lives outside the state. 2011 Census: 13.9 million Biharis outside state. 2025 estimate: 17–18 million. Yet, voter rolls still assume sedentary citizenship, a legacy of post-colonial era when: 82% rural <8% mobile/migrant ECI’s Institutional Limitations Legally bound by RPA, 1950: can’t rewrite law but must administer it. Current approach: Administrative minimalism: Procedural compliance > inclusive design Rigid neutrality ≠ equity Fails to address systemic exclusion despite knowing the data Cleaning voter rolls ≠ electoral justice if rules themselves are exclusionary. Global Best Practices – What India Can Learn USA: 30–35 million voters live outside their registered precinct. Mail-in and absentee ballots allow flexible participation. Philippines: Overseas voting system for 1.8 million workers. Turnout often exceeds 60%. Australia: Mobile polling stations in remote/migrant-heavy areas. Turnout consistently above 90%. Key insight: Integrity and inclusion are not mutually exclusive – it’s about design + will. Gaps in Public Awareness and Participation Claims and objections window exists but is: Poorly communicated Burdened by migration-driven disconnection Voter awareness in Bihar: 60% unaware of revision process Among migrants: <25% awareness Political parties: Prefer to exploit disenfranchisement as narrative tool Do little to educate or assist migrant voters Blaming voters risks victim-blaming, not empowerment. Reform Recommendations ECI must push Parliament for legal reform. At minimum, it should: Pilot alternative enrolment models (e.g., portable voting rights). Use existing authority for migrant outreach and inclusion. Suggested reforms: Absentee ballots Digital claims/objections linked to Aadhaar migration history Mobile voting booths in high-migration districts Targeted IEC campaigns in migrant-origin and destination areas Conclusion: Systemic Overhaul Is Essential The real issue isn’t fraud or partisanship—it’s legal obsolescence. India’s static voter laws fail its mobile, working-class majority. Electoral legitimacy in 21st-century India demands: Laws that reflect migration-driven demography Inclusion without sacrificing integrity Defending ECI isn’t enough. Citizens, parties, and institutions must demand a fairer architecture. Beyond the Brain Drain: Healthcare Worker Migration Global Health Workforce Crisis The world faces a shortfall of 18 million healthcare workers by 2030. Most countries, including those importing workers, lack adequate domestic health personnel. Migration mostly flows from Global South → Global North: E.g., South Asia and Africa → OECD countries. Relevance: GS 1 (Society), GS 2 (Social Issues) Practice Question: Discuss the need for binding bilateral agreements to regulate healthcare worker migration. What lessons can India learn from countries like the Philippines and Australia? (15 marks) Paradox of Source Countries Source countries like India, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines face: Acute domestic shortages of doctors and nurses. Yet continue to export health professionals in large numbers. India: ~75,000 doctors trained in India work in OECD countries. 640,000 Indian nurses work abroad. Philippines: 193,000+ Filipino-trained nurses abroad. This is 85% of the global Filipino nurse population. Push and Pull Factors in Migration Push Factors (from source countries): Limited career growth. Low wages. Political instability or conflict. Pull Factors (from destination countries): Better job prospects, higher pay. Health system shortages. Trade agreements facilitating skilled migration. International recruitment drives during global crises (e.g., COVID). Result: Source country depletion despite the remittance benefits. Policy Failure: Exporting Health Without Securing Domestic Needs Governments like India and the Philippines have formal policies to promote health worker export. Motivations include: Economic gains through remittances. Diplomatic leverage. But: Comes at the cost of undermining domestic health systems already under strain. The net workforce loss outweighs benefits in many contexts. India’s Diplomatic Use of Health Workforce India uses health worker migration to: Deepen strategic partnerships. Strengthen medical diplomacy (e.g., COVID deployments). Enhance its global healthcare influence. Promote circular migration instead of permanent brain drain. However: This cannot override the need for a resilient domestic workforce. Needed: Fair Bilateral Agreements & Compensation Most migration currently benefits destination countries disproportionately. Proposed reforms: Binding bilateral agreements between sending and receiving nations. Compensation mechanisms: Invest in medical education in source countries. Fund health infrastructure or technology transfers. Implement and strengthen WHO Code on International Health Personnel Recruitment. Best Practices: Philippines & Kerala Philippines: Department of Migrant Workers coordinates overseas employment. Focuses on grievance redressal and returnee integration. Kerala (India): Dedicated state-level agency for overseas health workers. Manages deployment, grievances, and reintegration. Could serve as a national model. Strengthening Domestic Workforce Capacity Strategic investments needed in: Health education infrastructure and institutions. Incentives to retain skilled professionals domestically. Improved working conditions for nurses and doctors. Policies that promote circular migration, not permanent outflow. Tech-Enabled Global Healthcare Contribution Explore digital health delivery platforms: Allow Indian professionals to provide services remotely, avoiding full emigration. Example: Telemedicine, remote diagnostics, virtual second opinions. Enhances global engagement without depleting local capacity. Call for Regional and South-South Collaboration Regional approaches could include: Joint health workforce production mechanisms. Shared investments in training centers across South Asia. Technology transfer pools for mutual benefit. Amplifying Global South voices can: Increase bargaining power. Ensure fairer terms of migration for workers. Strategic Vision for Transformation Migration isn’t inherently harmful, but must be: Balanced with national needs. Regulated through equitable agreements. Integrated into broader development goals. India and similar countries must become architects of workforce strategy, not just exporters. Conclusion: From Brain Drain to Opportunity With the right mix of: Workforce investments Bilateral diplomacy Digital innovation Equity-focused reforms → The healthcare migration challenge can become a strategic asset for national development. The future lies not in halting migration, but in smartly governing and leveraging it.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 25 July 2025

Content: Lakshadweep coral cover fell by 50% in 24 years Tughlaqabad: A fort misunderstood Humpy ousts Lei, sets up all-Indian final against Divya India–UK Free Trade Agreement (CETA): Deal’s Done ICJ’s Climate Ruling 24-year survey reveals that coral cover in Lakshadweep saw a 50% reduction Key Findings of the Study Coral Cover Decline: Coral cover in Lakshadweep declined from 37.24% in 1998 to 19.6% in 2022, a ~50% reduction over 24 years. Three Major ENSO-linked Bleaching Events: 1998, 2010, 2016 – each event led to mass coral bleaching. Despite decreasing coral mortality with each successive event, recovery rates slowed. Delayed Recovery Trend: Recovery picked up only after 6 years of bleaching-free conditions, suggesting a critical minimum recovery window. Local Factors Matter: Wave exposure and depth act as local environmental filters influencing reef vulnerability and resilience. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Scientific Contribution Predictive Framework Proposed: Based on long-term monitoring of Agatti, Kadmat, and Kavaratti atolls. Can help identify reefs at higher risk vs. those with recovery potential. Published In: Diversity and Distributions, emphasizes interplay of local environmental filtering and marine heatwave frequency. Climate Change Linkages Anthropogenic Warming: Ocean temperature anomalies have become more frequent and intense, driven by global climate change. ENSO Amplification: ENSO-related events are occurring more often, increasing cumulative stress on coral ecosystems. Retrospective Linkages 1998 Baseline: First major ENSO event led to widespread bleaching globally and marked the beginning of long-term degradation. Policy Gaps in the 2000s: Limited reef restoration or marine protected area (MPA) implementation in Lakshadweep. Poor climate adaptation integration into reef management strategies. Concerns & Risks Future ENSO & Heatwaves: IPCC projects more frequent marine heatwaves, risking even the remaining 19.6% coral cover. Loss of Ecosystem Services: Coral reefs provide coastal protection, fisheries, and tourism income — all under threat. Biodiversity Collapse: Lakshadweep reefs host diverse marine species, many endemic — bleaching threatens their survival. Way Ahead (Policy + Scientific) Establish Coral Resilience Zones: Protect areas with better depth/wave exposure which act as natural refuges. Early Warning Systems: Integrate remote sensing & thermal anomaly forecasting for timely reef management. Community-Based Monitoring: Involve island communities in reef stewardship, using traditional ecological knowledge. Urgent Climate Action: India’s commitment to net zero by 2070 must integrate marine climate resilience. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Expand MPAs in Lakshadweep with enforceable no-fishing zones to allow recovery. Tughlaqabad: A fort misunderstood Historical Significance Built in 1320 AD by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, founder of the Tughlaq dynasty. Designed as a military fortress to repel Mongol invasions. Served briefly as the capital under Ghiyasuddin before being abandoned after the capital shifted to Daulatabad under Muhammad bin Tughlaq. Relevance : GS 1(Culture ,History and Heritage) Architectural and Strategic Genius Located in the Aravalli hills — built into the natural terrain. Featured: 15-metre-high walls Granaries, escape tunnels, water reservoirs Multiple defensive perimeters with surrounding water bodies. Considered more militarily sound than even the Red Fort or Agra Fort, according to historian SM Azizuddin Husain. Cultural and Spiritual Dimensions Site of a historicmehfil where Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya defended the practice of Sama (spiritual music). Resulted in qawwali being formally accepted in the Indian Sufi tradition. Symbolisestensions between spiritual and political authority: Sultan Ghiyasuddin vs. Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya. Saint’s “curse” (“May it remain desolate”) allegedly followed the Sultan’s diversion of labour from the saint’s baoli. Debunking the “Curse” Historians argue: No factual basis for the “curse” — legends grew later to explain abandonment. Abandonment linked to political irrelevance, not supernatural punishment. Ghiyasuddin’s death in a pavilion collapse post-Bengal campaign fuelled myth-making, but could also reflect political intrigue. Myth vs Reality: Governance Implications Heritage activist Sohail Hashmi: Myths distract from its real political and architectural value. Tughlaqabad should be viewed as a “classroom under the sky”. Current under-visited state contrasts with monuments like Qutub Minar or Red Fort. Reflects heritage management challenges: Lack of interpretation centres, tourism promotion, community engagement. Retrospective Linkages Tughlaq architectural style: Fort reflects early Indo-Islamic military architecture. Nizamuddin Auliya’s role: Integral to Delhi’s spiritual history; represents Sufi influence on Indian syncretism. Urban planning under the Delhi Sultanate: Tughlaqabad was part of the third historic city of Delhi. Cultural Policy Lessons Reviving Tughlaqabad: Can be integrated into Delhi’s heritage tourism circuit. Use of digital reconstruction, AR/VR, and guided trails. Curricular inclusion: Fort can serve as a pedagogical site to teach military history, Sufism, urban planning. Need for better ASI funding and multi-stakeholder conservation models. Countering ‘curse narratives’ with historical literacy and community storytelling. Humpy ousts Lei, sets up all-Indian final against Divya Core Developments Koneru Humpy defeats China’s Lei Tingjie in a dramatic multi-tier tiebreaker. Sets up an all-Indian final against teenager Divya Deshmukh — a first in Women’s World Cup history. Both qualify for the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, a gateway to the World Championship. Relevance :Facts for Prelims Game Strategy & Psychological Strength Stalemate in regulation: Two classical games and initial tiebreaks drawn. Comeback under pressure: Humpy lost in second tiebreak, bounced back with a must-win game using the Queen’s Pawn Opening. Decisive third tiebreak: Dominated with White, then sealed the win with Black — showing technical precision and mental composure. Significance for India Chess as a soft power asset: Highlights India’s emerging leadership in global mind sports. Women-led achievement: Symbolizes the growing stature of Indian women in international competitive arenas. Legacy and pipeline: Humpy: India’s senior-most active female Grandmaster. Divya: Product of India’s post-2010 chess ecosystem, trained under newer support schemes. Policy and Governance Linkages Schemes supporting chess: Khelo India, TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme), and National Centre of Excellence (NCoEs) aid elite training. Chess is increasingly supported despite being a non-Olympic sport — sign of evolving sports policy orientation. Federation Role: All India Chess Federation (AICF) plays a growing role in gender-inclusive chess promotion. Background Humpy’s Legacy: First Indian woman to cross 2600 Elo. Made comeback after motherhood — case of gender resilience in sports. India’s Chess Resurgence: Follows successes of Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa, and Vaishali at global level. Consistent improvement since Viswanathan Anand’s world titles in 2000s. Future Implications 2026 Women’s Candidates: Both Humpy and Divya will be in the 8-player tournament to challenge reigning world champion. Future policy shift: Likely increase in CSR and public-private funding for chess. Boost to women’s chess leagues and junior girl participation. India–UK Free Trade Agreement (CETA): Deal’s Done Core Agreement Highlights Signed on July 24, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) aims to: Double bilateral trade by 2030 (from $56B in 2020). Cut/eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports to UK. Provide labour-intensive sector access (textiles, leather, seafood, gems). Remove social security double payments for temporary Indian workers. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) ,GS 3(Economy -Import & Export) India’s Key Economic Gains Zero tariffs on: Textiles (earlier up to 12%) Tea and coffee (earlier up to 10%) Footwear, gems, leather goods Liquor tariff halved from 150% → 75%, to fall to 40% in 10 years. Auto tariffs down from 70–110% to 10% (after 10 years, for limited vehicles). Scotch import duties halved: Enhances consumer access and revenue. Relief on Social Security Contributions Through the Double Contributions Convention: Indian professionals temporarily working in UK (up to 10 years) will no longer pay into both UK and Indian social security systems. Benefits ~75,000 Indian workers. Reduces costs for Indian employers and raises net salary for workers. Broader Trade & Investment Impacts Merchandise trade projections: India’s exports to UK to rise 12.6% by 2024–25 to $14.5B Imports from UK to grow 2.3% to $8.6B FTA aims to increase bilateral trade volume by nearly $34.5B annually by 2040. Sectors gaining access: Dairy, machinery, pharmaceuticals, IT services, processed food. Movement of People & Services UK side gains: Professional access in legal, financial, education, and consulting services. UK has created an annual quota of 1,800 short-term work visas (e.g. chefs, yoga teachers, classical musicians). Faster mobility for UK service professionals in India — with simplified regulatory framework.  Strategic & Defence Roadmap (Vision 2035) Both nations launch Vision 2035: Focus on defence, AI, education, climate, cyber, and clean energy. Aligns with India’s technology sovereignty and national security goals. Joint Defence Industrial Roadmap to: Facilitate co-production Share critical mineral access Boost cyber security cooperation Retrospective Linkages First major UK FTA after Brexit (2016). Builds on India’s shift toward bilateralism after RCEP exit (2019). Similar to India’s FTAs with Australia (ECTA, 2022), UAE (CEPA, 2022), ASEAN. Future Implications Can become a template for India–EU FTA negotiations. Promotes India’s goal of $1 trillion goods exports by 2030. Boosts India’s global reputation as a trade partner amid de-risking from China. ICJ’s Climate Ruling Context The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion stating that countries are under a legal obligation to take steps to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and address climate change. Though non-binding, it could shape international climate litigation and increase pressure on states. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Background Request came from the UN General Assembly (2023), led by Vanuatu. Part of broader efforts to bring climate justice into international law. ICJ was asked to clarify obligations of states regarding GHG emissions and responsibilities for harm caused. ICJ’s Observations Climate action is not optional or a matter of policy choice; it is a legal obligation. Countries must: Prevent harm to other states (under no-harm principle). Act in line with human rights obligations. Ensure adequate mitigation/adaptation efforts. Failure to act may invoke international legal consequences. Ruling’s Relevance Could be used to support future climate lawsuits. Likely to influence domestic court decisions, especially in countries with strong public interest litigation (PIL) cultures like India. Implications Area Impact Climate Litigation Could empower lawsuits against states or corporations for inaction. Global South Helps press for climate reparations, technology transfer, and climate finance. Treaty Enforcement Though ICJ cannot enforce treaties, its opinion adds moral-legal weight to commitments like the Paris Agreement. Equity Principle Reinforces common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR-RC).

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 24 July 2025

Content BHARAT FORECAST SYSTEM AND EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS FOR NATURAL DISASTERS Outcome and Employment Generation under PMKVY BHARAT FORECAST SYSTEM AND EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS FOR NATURAL DISASTERS BharatFS: India’s Panchayat-Level Weather Revolution Overview and Capabilities Officially adopted: 26 May 2025 by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Resolution: 6 km horizontal grid — ideal for panchayat cluster-level forecasting. Objective: Improve short- and medium-range prediction of extreme weather (e.g., rainfall, storms). Not intended for: Long-range (seasonal or climate-scale) predictions. Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management ) Technological Innovations TCo (Triangular Cubic Octahedral) Grid: Enhances resolution over the tropics while reducing computational overhead. Improved physical representation: Orography, filtering, energy conservation. Model evolution: From 12 km GFS T1534 to BharatFS → 30% increase in extreme rainfall prediction accuracy (especially in Central India). Rigorous testing: Validated since 2022, extensively peer-reviewed. India’s Early Warning Systems for Natural Disasters: A Global Benchmark Institutional Backbone Spearheaded by Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). Key Agencies: IMD – Weather, cyclone, rainfall warnings. National Centre for Seismology (NCS) – Earthquake monitoring. Central Water Commission (CWC) – Flood forecasting. NDMA – Coordination & dissemination. Observation & Modelling Infrastructure Surface & upper-air observations, radar (10 min interval) and satellite (15 min) data. GIS-based Decision Support System (DSS): End-to-end monitoring and dissemination platform. Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP): Integration of local, regional, global models. Supercomputing support: Arka and Arunika bolster processing of massive datasets. Forecasting Evolution From conventional to: Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) – Area-specific risk analysis (district, sub-city). Risk-Based Warning (RBW) – Colour-coded matrix for decision-makers. AI/ML Integration: Enhancing forecasting, pattern recognition, and bulletin customization. Early Warning Dissemination: Multi-Platform & Multilingual Mobile & Digital Tools Apps: Mausam, Meghdoot (Agromet), DAMINI (Lightning), UMANG, FloodWatch India v2.0. Social Media outreach: Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, Blogs. Common Alerting Protocol (CAP): Integrated alert mechanism across agencies. Customized bulletins for agriculture, urban floods, tourism, etc. Mass Media & Traditional Channels AM/FM/Community Radio, Doordarshan, private broadcasters, newspapers, SMS, WhatsApp, fax, email. Weekly/Daily Weather Videos for public outreach. Specialised Tools for Disaster Risk Reduction Cyclone Monitoring & Management North Indian Ocean sees 7% of global cyclone events—many catastrophic. Zero-casualty achievement: Cyclone Biparjoy (2023), Cyclone Dana (2024). Result: Global recognition – IMD awarded UN Sasakawa Award 2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction. Flood Forecasting CWC issues short-range forecasts (24 hrs lead time). FloodWatch App v2.0: 7-day forecasts. Real-time alerts. Storage data of 150 major reservoirs. Integration with SDMAs and NDMA for proactive mitigation. Hazard Vulnerability Atlas Web-based GIS “Climate Hazard & Vulnerability Atlas” for 13 meteorological hazards. Identifies hotspots for States & Disaster Agencies → key for climate-resilient infrastructure. Earthquake Monitoring: Present Limitations No system globally can predict earthquakes (time, location, magnitude). NCS provides real-time seismological alerts via app, SMS, email, fax, and social media. Focus: Post-quake intensity maps, not early warning. Key Milestones & Future Outlook Mission Mausam (Central Sector Scheme) Vision: Make Bharat a weather-ready and climate-smart nation. Focus: Strengthening AI/ML in forecasting. Panchayat-level weather integration (via BharatFS). Disaster-resilient infrastructure planning. Innovation Highlights Panchayat Mausam Seva. Dynamic risk matrix. Cloud burst, heatwave, lightning-specific alerts. Regionalized alerts for Northeast, Himalayan belt, and coastal zones. Global Benchmarking Recognized by UN and WMO for best practices. Deaths from cyclones reduced from 10,000+ (Odisha, 1999) to zero (2023–24). Model for Global South’s climate adaptation. Conclusion India’s Early Warning Systems—particularly with BharatFS and GIS-based DSS—have evolved into one of the world’s most advanced, hyperlocal, and integrated disaster resilience infrastructures. With real-time forecasting, AI-powered decision systems, and public engagement across 20+ platforms, India now stands at the forefront of global disaster preparedness and climate adaptation efforts. Outcome and Employment Generation under PMKVY PMKVY (2015–2025): A Decade of Skill Transformation Scheme Structure and Evolution Launched: 2015 by MSDE Key components: Short-Term Training (STT): For fresh entrants. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): For up-skilling/re-skilling existing workers. Placement Linkage: PMKVY 1.0 to 3.0 (2015–2022): Placement rate ~43% (STT only). PMKVY 4.0 (2023–25): Focused on empowered career pathways, not just placement numbers. Relevance : GS 2(Schemes) , GS 3(Employment ) Skilling Trends (2020–2025) Total Candidates Trained Over 5 Years: Cumulative: 5.36 million (53.6 lakh) trained. Notable slump during COVID-19 years (2021–22: ~6.1 lakh) but strong post-pandemic recovery seen in: FY 2023–24: 5.39 lakh FY 2024–25: 20.34 lakh (highest in 5 years) Top 5 Performing States (FY 2024–25): Rank State Trainees 1 Uttar Pradesh 4,63,569 2 Rajasthan 2,79,609 3 Madhya Pradesh 2,58,623 4 Punjab 1,06,401 5 Haryana 75,305 Lowest Performing UTs (FY 2024–25): Lakshadweep: 120 Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu: 1,407 Goa: 236 Impact & Outcomes: Third-Party Evaluations Sambodhi Study (PMKVY 2.0): STT graduates: 15% higher average income than control group. RPL graduates: 19% higher income than unskilled peers. NITI Aayog (2020 Evaluation): 94% employers willing to hire PMKVY-trained candidates. 52% of RPL-placed candidates reported higher earnings or expectations thereof. IIPA Impact Assessment: 70.5% of surveyed candidates got placement in their desired skill sectors. Paradigm Shift in PMKVY 4.0 (2023–25) From Training to Employment Empowerment: Emphasis on career-oriented skilling, not just job linkage. Candidates given orientation to entrepreneurship, freelance gigs, and apprenticeships. Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH): Launched: Under PMKVY 4.0 Functions as a lifelong skilling ecosystem. Integrates: Training and certification records Job and apprenticeship marketplaces Employer–trainee interface Trainee data available to employers in real-time. Supported by nationwide Rozgar Melas. Challenges Noted Low average placement rate (43%) under STT until PMKVY 3.0. Inter-state disparities: Some large states like Telangana, Kerala, Gujarat underperformed compared to peers. No current impact report for PMKVY 4.0 released (yet); real outcomes remain to be quantitatively validated. Way Forward: Strategy & Recommendations Strengthening Outcomes Conduct real-time impact audits for PMKVY 4.0. Incentivize demand-driven skilling based on regional employment patterns. Digital Leverage Fully integrate SIDH with e-Shram, NCS, Udyam, and CSC platforms for seamless migration of workers into formal economy. Use AI/ML tools to map candidate preferences with employer demand. Improve Industry Linkage Mandate on-the-job training/apprenticeship linkage for all STT courses. Expand engagement with MSMEs and startup ecosystem to absorb trained manpower. Conclusion: India’s Skill Push Reimagined PMKVY has evolved from a training-centric scheme to an aspirational skill-building framework that empowers youth through income enhancement, entrepreneurship orientation, and digital integration. With platforms like SIDH, targeted Rozgar Melas, and growing employer trust, India’s skill development narrative is transitioning from quantity to quality and long-term employability.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 24 July 2025

Content Takeaways from the Swachh Survekshan Spare live animals, move to biological models The Silent Epidemic Takeaways from the Swachh Survekshan Background of Swachh Survekshan Launched in 2016 under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) to rank cities on sanitation and waste management. Aims to foster healthy competition among ULBs and drive behavioral change through citizen engagement. Backed by MoHUA and executed by Quality Council of India (QCI). Survey methodology evolved from basic cleanliness metrics to include grievance redressal, citizen feedback, and worker welfare. It now serves as a key urban policy instrument, influencing funding, planning, and municipal performance appraisals. Relevance : GS 2( Governance & Social Justice ) Practice Question : Swachh Survekshan has evolved into a powerful tool for urban transformation in India. Evaluate its role in promoting cleanliness and sustainable waste management practices, and identify areas for further improvement. (250 words) Key Takeaways from Swachh Survekshan 2024–25: Scale and Impact: Over 4,500 cities participated in the 9th edition, compared to less than 100 in 2016. Supported by 140 million citizen feedbacks, third-party audits, and performance metrics. Covers 10 parameters from waste collection and sanitation to grievance redressal and worker welfare. Super Swachh League (New Category): Created to break the dominance of top performers (Indore, Surat, Navi Mumbai). Allows older clean cities to set benchmarks, while new cities like Ahmedabad, Bhopal, and Lucknow gain top ranks in their population categories. Fairer Population Segmentation: Expanded from 2 to 5 population categories, allowing equitable comparisons: Under 20,000 to 1 million-plus population groups. Example: Odisha’s significant rise — Bhubaneswar (34th to 9th), small towns like Aska and Chikiti excelled. Insights into Regional Performances: South India: Yet to mark dominance; Bengaluru underwhelming; however, Hyderabad, Tirupati, and Mysuru performed relatively better. NCR: Mixed results — New Delhi Municipal Council & Noida excelled, while Delhi, Gurugram, Ghaziabad improved against expectations. Tourist Towns: Greater focus — Prayagraj rewarded, Kumbh sanitation lauded, but India still only gets 1.5% of global tourist footfall. Innovative Practices & Case Studies: Indore: Segregates waste into 6 categories at source. Surat: Monetises sewage-treated water. Pune: Empowers ragpickers via cooperatives. Agra (Kuberpur): Converts toxic dumpsite to green area using bioremediation. Lucknow: Built a waste wonder park. Visakhapatnam: Developed an eco-park from legacy waste. Challenges & Thematic Shifts: Behavioural Change is the Missing Link: SBM helped end open defecation but waste intolerance and anti-consumerism habits are yet to evolve meaningfully. Theme Evolution: Previous: “Waste to Wealth” — underutilised potential for revenue generation. Current: “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR)” — promotes circular economy and self-help group enterprise. Policy Gaps: Lack of investor incentives for waste-to-energy projects. Private sector wary of commercial viability. Enforcement Needs: Solid waste: 1.5 lakh tonnes/day. Strong ULB performance needed in segregation, transport, plastic and e-waste handling. Way Forward: Treat top cities as mentors to underperformers. Institutionalise peer learning, decentralised waste management, and citizen-driven cleanliness movements. Link waste management with job creation, tourism, and urban aesthetics. Critical Reflection: The success of Surat, once known for garbage and plague outbreaks, proves that transformation is achievable. Swachh Survekshan is not merely a competition, but a policy instrument driving sanitation awareness, data-driven governance, and innovation. However, sustainability depends on behaviour change, empowered ULBs, and a culture of continuous improvement. Spare live animals, move to biological models Introduction Animal testing has long been justified on grounds of scientific necessity and human superiority. However, growing scientific evidence shows limited reliability of animal models in predicting human outcomes. Ethical discourse now views animal suffering not just as a technical concern but as a moral obligation, especially given shared sentience. Technological advances in regenerative medicine and computer modeling offer viable, humane alternatives. Legal reform, educational shifts, and cultural rethinking are essential to align with ethical science and India’s legacy of ahimsa. Relevance : GS 4(Ethics-Empathy) , GS 3(Science and Technology) Practice Question : In light of emerging regenerative medicine and increasing ethical concerns, critically examine the scientific and moral grounds for continuing animal testing in India. Suggest legal and educational reforms to align with global humane practices.(250 Words) Key Issues Raised: Moral Superiority & Human Obligation: Humans, seen as morally superior beings, owe animals love, kindness, and protection. Ethical duty arises not just from superiority but shared sentience and capacity to suffer. Historical Perspective: Early toxicology testing (e.g., U.S. experiments 1902–1904) involved humans. Shift to animal testing stemmed from the unpredictability of human reactions — not from greater ethical concern. Shows that moral indifference can shift targets — from animals to humans — if rationalised. Scientific Unreliability of Animal Testing: Increasing consensus that animal experiments do not reliably predict human outcomes. Findings are often not translatable due to biological differences. Proposed Solutions & Innovations: Adopt Regenerative Medicine Alternatives: Tissue engineering has enabled the creation of artificial skin, bladders, blood vessels, and more. These lab-grown parts can serve as ex-corpus models to replace animal testing. Encouraging use can both reduce animal suffering and advance biomedical innovation. Policy & Legal Reform Suggestions: Amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, specifically Chapter IV, to: Mandate use of lab-grown anatomical parts “wherever possible” in place of live animals. Make it a Directive Principle, setting long-term ethical and legislative intent. Education & Public Awareness: Replace animal dissections in biology education with: 2D radiographs 3D computer models Enhances learning while preserving animal life. Broader Ethical Frame: Animal suffering is not a technical issue but a moral problem. Recognising animals as “fellow beings who suffer like us” challenges anthropocentric ethics. Advocates for a civilisational shift in values — one that sees life (human or non-human) as sacred. Critical Analysis & Implications: The shift to in vitro and in silico (computer-simulated) models aligns with global ethical trends (e.g., EU bans on cosmetic testing). India can become a leader in ethical science, combining its scientific capacity with its traditional values of ahimsa (non-violence). However, implementation depends on: Interdisciplinary coordination Legal backing Budgetary support for regenerative medicine The Silent Epidemic Core Message India is facing a rapidly growing obesity epidemic, especially within urban and middle-income households. This crisis: Is no longer limited to the affluent. Has economic, biological, and intergenerational consequences. Demands population-wide, systemic interventions, not just individual action. Relevance : GS 2(Health) Practice Question : “India’s obesity crisis is no longer a lifestyle issue—it is a structural and systemic public health emergency.” Discuss with reference to recent trends, health impacts, and policy gaps.(250 Words) Key Data Points & Alarming Trends Nearly 20% of Indian households have at least one overweight adult. 10% of all adults classified as obese. In urban areas (e.g., Tamil Nadu, Punjab): ~2 in every 5 households have obese adults. Obesity now clusters within families, highlighting environmental and behavioral patterns. A recent IARC (2023) study: excess body fat = significant risk for 13 cancers (e.g., liver, kidney, colon, ovary, pancreas). American Cancer Society: excess body weight = 14% of cancers in women, 5% in men in the U.S. Biological & Medical Insights Obesity linked to: Hyperinsulinemia: elevated insulin → promotes fat storage & inflammation. Chronic low-grade inflammation: driven by visceral fat → increases cancer and metabolic disease risk. Hormonal disruptions: estrogen, insulin, cortisol → impact breast and endometrial cancer risk. Why It’s a Systems Issue (Not Just Personal) Household clustering shows: Shared lifestyle, dietary, and behavioral patterns. Obesity should be tackled as a family/community issue, not just at the individual level. These patterns span generations, impacting children in obese households via: Poor diet Sedentary behaviors Early onset of metabolic disease Policy and Institutional Responses Government Response: Setting up Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals by 2026. National Programme for Prevention & Control of NCDs (NP-NCD) needs to be expanded and more targeted. GapsIdentified: Many current programs target high-risk individuals, not whole households. Regulatory tools (e.g., food labeling, junk food bans) need stricter enforcement. Economic & Social Costs Obesity-related health costs devastate family finances. Diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer driven by obesity → cause long-term productivity losses. Clustering of obesity = compounds poverty and poor health together. Recommendations & Strategic Imperatives Go beyond individual-level awareness to address: Urban design that discourages activity. Lack of access to fresh, affordable food. Unhealthy food environments in schools and neighborhoods. Encourage cross-sector policy: Urban planning, public health, school systems, food and agriculture. Scale preventive strategies: School-based nutrition to break intergenerational cycles. Affordable access to public exercise spaces. Editorial Position Obesity is a transgenerational, structural problem. It is not a disease of affluence, but increasingly a marker of inequity. The real challenge: Not whether we can prevent obesity, but whether we choose to, through systems-level thinking and sustained public health investment. Conclusion India’s obesity crisis is no longer a hidden epidemic—it’s a visible, growing public health emergency tied to urbanization, inequality, poor food systems, and lack of physical activity. Addressing it requires: A comprehensive, whole-of-society approach, including: Household-focused interventions Urban redesign Stronger preventive health policies Equitable access to nutrition and fitness

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 24 July 2025

Content : In Odisha, Crimes Against Women Mount as Courts and Police Falter Can Presidential Reference Change a Judgment? Is the Plastic Industry Trying to Influence Green Policies? Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Neurodevelopmental Issues Paika Rebellion of 1817 AfaDixVax: India’s New Weapon Against Malaria In Odisha, crimes against women mount as courts and police falter  Alarming Recent Incidents 15-year-old girl in Puri abducted, assaulted, and set ablaze in broad daylight; now critical. 20-year-old college student in Balasore died by suicide after alleging sexual harassment and institutional inaction. Nepali student died by suicide after similar harassment, triggering a diplomatic fallout with Nepal. Relevance : GS 1(Society ) , GS 2(Social Justice) High Crime Rate, But Justice Elusive Odisha recorded 51 cases of crimes against women per 1 lakh population in 2022 — among the highest in India. India’s average stood at 33 cases per lakh — Odisha far exceeds this. Chargesheeting in Decline Chargesheeting rate fell from 91.2% in 2017 to 71.4% in 2022. Indicates weakening police efficiency in taking cases forward for trial. Consistent decline despite a higher-than-average crime rate. Conviction Rates Among the Lowest Only ~9% of women-related cases sent for trial in 2022 resulted in conviction. Odisha had the second-highest number of such cases sent for trial, yet ranks near the bottom in conviction outcomes. Reflects investigation gaps, prosecutorial weakness, and judicial delay. Trial Pendency at Crisis Levels Over 95% of rape cases in Odisha were pending trial in 2022 — highest in India. Massive backlog points to a choked judiciary and absence of fast-track mechanisms. The Triple Crisis Odisha is marked by a dangerous combination: High incidence of crimes against women Falling chargesheeting rates Low conviction outcomes This “high crime–low justice” paradox creates a culture of impunity and public distrust. Systemic & Institutional Apathy Colleges failed to act on complaints; grievance redressal mechanisms remain non-functional. State response marred by administrative inertia and political silence. Policy Imperatives Strengthen fast-track courts and judicial infrastructure. Enhance police-investigation and forensic capacity. Make college and workplace grievance mechanisms legally accountable. Expand victim support services, including mental health and legal aid. Enforce time-bound chargesheeting and trial timelines for gender-based crimes. Can Presidential Reference change a judgment? Context & Trigger On July 22, 2025, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Union and States on a Presidential Reference seeking clarity on the powers and timelines for the President and Governors in assenting to State Bills. Triggered by the Supreme Court’s April 8 judgment which ruled Governor R.N. Ravi’s delay in assenting to 10 Tamil Nadu Bills as illegal and unconstitutional. The April ruling imposed judicially enforceable timelines for constitutional authorities to act on State Bills—a first in Indian constitutional jurisprudence. Relevance : GS 2(Polity and Constitution ) Core Constitutional Question Can the President or Governor be judicially compelled to act within a prescribed timeframe on Bills passed by State legislatures? Does such judicial compulsion violate the discretionary space constitutionally granted to these authorities? Role of Article 143(1) Provides advisory jurisdiction to the Supreme Court when the President refers questions of law or fact of public importance. Such questions need no ongoing litigation, and the court may accept or decline the Reference. The Supreme Court is not bound to answer; it has discretion (e.g., declined Ayodhya Reference in 1993 for violating secularism). Scope & Limits of Advisory Opinions The court’s opinion must remain within the scope of the Reference—it cannot enlarge or rewrite the issues referred. While not binding precedents, advisory opinions carry high persuasive value (as seen in R.K. Garg case). Still, Article 141 binds courts only to decisions arising from the court’s adjudicatory (not advisory) jurisdiction. Can Advisory Opinions Overturn Judicial Rulings? No. As per precedent (e.g., Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal case), Article 143 cannot be used to reverse settled judgments. The April 8 decision, passed under Article 141, remains binding unless altered via review or curative petition. However, the court may clarify or refine its legal interpretation under advisory jurisdiction without overturning the earlier verdict (e.g., Natural Resources Allocation case, 2012). Key Precedents in Use of Presidential References 1998 Collegium Reform Reference: Court refined judicial appointments process while upholding core judgment of 1993. Ayodhya Reference (1993): Declined on constitutional and secularism grounds. Special Courts Bill (1978): Clarified opinions are not binding but can influence future rulings. Governance Implications The Reference has arisen due to increasing friction between State governments and Governors, often politically appointed. Clarification may set clear timelines and processes to ensure federal balance and legislative autonomy of States. Could reinforce judicial oversight over executive inaction, while preserving constitutional boundaries. What Lies Ahead A Constitution Bench led by CJI Gavai will begin detailed hearings by mid-August. The Reference will test the delicate balance between constitutional morality, federalism, and judicial review. Outcome may redefine how constitutional functionaries are held accountable for delays that stall governance. Is the plastic industry trying to influence green policies? The Backbone of India’s Plastic Recycling Over 70% of plastic recycled in India is collected and processed by informal workers — ragpickers, sorters, grassroots recyclers. These workers operate without protective gear, legal recognition, or social security, facing toxic exposure and deep vulnerability. Despite their critical role, they remain excluded from policy frameworks and municipal contracts. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Steps Toward Formal Integration National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme (2024): Seeks to integrate waste-pickers and sanitation workers into formal systems. Offers health insurance (Ayushman Bharat), safety equipment, and access to social security schemes. As of May 2025, over 80,000 workers profiled under the scheme by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (Amended 2022): Enforces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) — obligates manufacturers to manage and recover plastic waste. Pushes for inclusive models that recognize the role of informal workers in collection and segregation. Challenges Persist Implementation gaps remain in integrating informal workers into city-level contracts and supply chains. Lack of identity documents and low digital literacy prevent full access to formal entitlements. Many workers continue to operate under unsafe, exploitative conditions, without union protection or labour rights. Global Industry Tactics: Parallels with Tobacco Plastic industry, like tobacco, shifts blame to consumers while downplaying systemic harms. Promoted recycling from the 1980s despite knowing it’s economically impractical at scale. Funded misleading campaigns to divert scrutiny from corporate responsibility. Greenwashing through fake labels (“biodegradable,” “compostable”) misleads consumers and weakens regulation. Exploits weaker regulations in Global South as Global North tightens plastic laws. Vulnerability of the Global South Plastic consumption in Asia projected to triple by 2060, compared to just 15% growth in Europe (OECD, 2022). Low- and middle-income countries like India face the double burden of rising plastic imports and poor waste infrastructure. Informal sector workers bear the brunt of this unsustainable growth without adequate safeguards. The Way Forward Recognize and register waste pickers under urban local bodies and waste management policies. Promote worker-owned cooperatives and micro-enterprises in formal waste contracts. Strengthen social protection, workplace safety, and income security. Hold producers accountable through strict enforcement of EPR norms and transparent plastic reporting. Vitamin D deficiency linked to neurodevelopmental issues From Bones to Brains: Expanding the Role of Vitamin D Long recognized for its role in bone health and immunity, vitamin D is now being linked to brain development and mental health. A major Danish study (The Lancet Psychiatry) shows compelling associations between neonatal vitamin D levels and reduced risk of schizophrenia, ADHD, and autism. Relevance : GS 2(Health ) Key Findings from the Danish Study Sample: Over 88,000 newborns (1981–2005) from Denmark’s neonatal biobank. Higher neonatal vitamin D levels correlated with: 18% lower risk of schizophrenia 11% lower risk of ADHD 7% lower risk of autism Public health modeling suggests: if all babies had top 60% vitamin D levels, up to 15% of schizophrenia and 9% of ADHD cases could have been prevented. Biological Mechanism and Genetic Insights Researchers used polygenic risk scores (PRS) and Mendelian randomisation to reduce bias and test causal relationships. Findings suggest inherited capacity to produce and bind vitamin D may protect against neurodevelopmental disorders. Limitations remain: possibility of pleiotropy (genes influencing multiple traits) and timing sensitivity not fully resolved. Indian Context: Sunlight-Rich, Yet Vitamin D–Poor Despite abundant sunlight, India has alarming rates of deficiency: 85.5% of pregnant women and 74% of infants deficient (AIIMS Rishikesh study). 92.1% of newborns in Bengaluru found deficient. Factors include limited sun exposure, indoor lifestyles, cultural clothing, and poor dietary intake. Pregnancy and the Biological Inheritance of Deficiency During late pregnancy, the mother’s body: Doubles active vitamin D production Increases calcium absorption for fetal skeletal growth Yet, maternal vitamin D doesn’t rise without proper diet or sunlight. Deficiency in the mother directly affects the fetus, making it a biological legacy passed across generations. Clinical Practice in India: Slow But Emerging Response High-dose supplementation (60,000 IU/week) during the third trimester shows benefits: Improved infant growth, immunity, and vitamin D levels Reduced risk of severe neonatal deficiency by six months Still, routine vitamin D screening in pregnancy is rare, especially in rural and semi-urban settings. Policy & Public Health Implications Recognize vitamin D deficiency as a developmental and neurological risk factor, not just nutritional. Integrate vitamin D screening and supplementation into antenatal care protocols. Launch awareness campaigns to tackle persistent myths (e.g., sunlight is always enough). Prioritize early, preventive intervention starting in the first or second trimester. Balanced Perspective Vitamin D is not a magic bullet, but part of a larger neurodevelopmental puzzle. The goal is caution, not alarm — acknowledging that early nutrition can shape mental health trajectories. With growing global and Indian data, preventive supplementation is emerging as a low-cost, high-impact intervention. Paika Rebellion of 1817 Background: Paikas of Odisha Paikas were traditional foot soldiers recruited by Gajapati rulers since the 16th century. They held rent-free land (nish-kar jagirs) in return for military service. By the 19th century, discontent grew across rural India due to East India Company’s expansion, affecting agrarian and tribal communities. Relevance : GS 1(Modern History ) British Annexation of Odisha (1803) Colonel Harcourt led the East India Company’s forces into Odisha. Mukunda Deva II, the last Khurda king, was defeated. In return for surrendering forts and parganas, the king was promised Rs. 1 lakh but later betrayed. Four key parganas were withheld; King Rajguru and Jayee Rajaguru resisted. Rajaguru was captured and executed in 1806; the king was exiled to Puri. Economic and Social Discontent Loss of political patronage and jagir lands post-British annexation disempowered Paikas. Revenue and land reforms displaced Paikas; Odia landlords were replaced by Bengali ones. Shift from cowrie-based to rupee-based taxation hurt tribal economies. Salt monopoly and coastal raids by British added to rural distress. The 1817 Paika Rebellion Led by Bakshi Jagabandhu, over 400 Kondh tribals joined Paikas in revolt. Attacked police station at Banpur, killed British officers, looted treasury, and marched to Khurda. Over months, several clashes occurred, but the rebellion was suppressed. Jagabandhu went underground and remained at large till 1825. Legacy and Historical Debate Seen in Odisha as a symbol of early resistance to colonialism. In 2017, Odisha government demanded it be called the “first war of independence”—predating 1857. Cultural Minister in 2021 announced NCERT inclusion, calling it a major uprising. Paika Memorial and Paika Academy initiatives launched to commemorate the event. Key Takeaways Not merely a military revolt—rooted in agrarian distress, displacement, and cultural alienation. Demonstrated early signs of organized anti-colonial resistance. Its omission from early NCERT history textbooks triggered backlash in Odisha. AfaDixVax: India’s New Weapon Against Malaria Malaria Burden and New Hope Malaria kills ~400,000 globally per year, with India contributing significantly despite sharp recent declines. ICMR announces a promising candidate vaccine (AfaDixVax) for Plasmodium falciparum, to be co-developed with private players for commercial use. Though P. falciparum is more lethal, India’s cases are largely due to P. vivax, against which AfaDixVax is ineffective. Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance ) Declining Trend in India (1995–2022) Reported malaria cases dropped from 2.93 million (1995) to just 0.18 million (2022). Deaths fell drastically from 1,151 (1995) to just 83 (2022). These improvements are due to enhanced surveillance by NVBDCP and WHO support, though real numbers may be underreported. What is AfaDixVax and Why it Matters Targets two P. falciparum proteins (PfCSP and Pf34/Pf48.5) using the PfCo6 protein strategy to prevent liver-stage infection. Demonstrated 90%+ protection in mice for over three months—translating to nearly a decade in humans, per ICMR. Early animal studies show robust, longer-lasting immunity, better than other vaccines. Adjuvant & Safety Advantage Contains alum as adjuvant—widely used in childhood vaccines, safe and avoids chronic inflammation risks. Compared to WHO-approved RTS,S and R21, AfaDixVax: Does not rely on CSP protein, reducing breakthrough infection risk. Induces stronger protection in pre-clinical models. Can be stored at room temperature for months, potentially solving cold chain challenges. Production, IP, and Commercial Path ICMR will develop and test the vaccine, and partner with industry for manufacturing and commercial rollout. IP rights will be jointly held by ICMR and the partner, but ICMR retains all data and rights for non-commercial use. Global Context & India’s Role Malaria is most endemic in Africa, but India’s innovation may help global fight, especially with scalable, heat-stable vaccines. AfaDixVax adds to India’s growing role in global health innovation, vaccine self-reliance, and public-private partnership models.

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