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Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 06 January 2026

Content What does the SHANTI Bill change? What remote-sensing reveals about plants, forests, and minerals from space Police in States step up social media monitoring Mexico’s Popocatépetl volcano — first 3D interior imaging Places in News(Colombia, Mexico, Cuba, Greenland) What does the SHANTI Bill change?  Why is it in News?  Parliament has passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy in India (SHANTI) Bill. It opens India’s nuclear power sector to private and foreign participation — ending the exclusive State-run regime since 1956. Opposition demanded Select Committee review, citing concerns about: diluted liability safety and transparency risks weakening RTI and labour safeguards The government argues the law is essential for energy security, baseload power, clean energy, and nuclear expansion. Relevance GS-2 | Polity & Governance Public sector reforms, regulatory institutions, accountability Parliamentary oversight, transparency, RTI, labour safeguards State vs market role in strategic sectors GS-3 | Economy / Infrastructure / Energy Nuclear energy policy, investment models, PPP in strategic sectors Energy security, baseload power, Net-Zero strategy Technology partnerships & FDI policy constraints The Basics — Nuclear Governance Before SHANTI Sector governed by: Atomic Energy Act, 1962 Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act, 2010 Nuclear operations were monopolised by NPCIL. Private/foreign role restricted due to: strict supplier liability high legal risk exposure Result → capital shortage, slow capacity addition, stalled global partnerships. What the SHANTI Bill Does ? — Core Provisions Opens nuclear projects to private Indian companies (licences to own, build, operate plants) Allows foreign supplier participation (indirectly, via JV / supply chains) Government to retain 51% control over strategic & sensitive functions: nuclear fuel cycle / reprocessing heavy water & enrichment radioactive waste & spent fuel radiation safety & emergency systems regulatory oversight Ends NPCIL’s monopoly Enables PPP-style model Private role in: equipment & fuel fabrication reactor construction & operation R&D and advanced technologies Supports deployment of: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) Advanced Pressurised Water Reactors Indigenous reactor designs Policy link: ₹20,000 crore allocation announced for SMRs & advanced reactors under the Nuclear Energy Mission. Regulatory Architecture — Role of AERB  Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) given statutory status → now answerable to Parliament, not only the executive Mandate: nuclear & radiation safety licensing & inspection emergency preparedness quality & industrial safety compliance (Factories Act linkage) Criticism flagged: Concentration of regulatory power in one body → demand for independent nuclear safety commission. What Has Changed on Liability?  Earlier regime (CLND Act, 2010) Operators could recover liability from suppliers for: defective parts, design faults, wilful acts Supplier liability discouraged foreign entry. Under SHANTI — Predictable, Capped Liability Plant Type Capacity Operator Liability Cap Large plants ~3600 MW ₹3,000 crore Medium plants 1500–3600 MW ₹1,500 crore SMRs ~150 MW ₹100 crore Penalty for violations — ₹1 crore (cap)   Beyond the cap → Union Government pays, supported by a Nuclear Liability Fund. Supplier liability removed completely. Government reasoning: Predictable liability → lowers risk → attracts investment & technology inflow. Opposition argument: Shifts burden to State & society → weakens polluter-pays principle. Comparative data point Fukushima damages ≈ 700× higher than SHANTI’s proposed liability cap → highlights catastrophic-risk underestimation concern. Safeguards Retained No automatic FDI permission — route remains case-specific & regulated AERB authorisation required for: possession, production, disposal of nuclear/radiation materials establishing & operating facilities Government retains: fuel reprocessing, enrichment, heavy-water production high-level waste management Nuclear Liability Fund created for accident compensation. Transparency, Labour & Safety — Contested Clauses Concerns Raised Section 39 — overrides RTI Act review & appeal mechanisms → restricts public access to safety & operational information. Section 42 — exempts nuclear workers from general labour safety laws → unions term it “draconian”. No statutory requirements for: public hearings EIA disclosure community consent periodic safety reporting / parliamentary review Government’s Position — Rationale & Benefits Strengthen energy security & baseload capacity Reduce dependence on: coal & fossil imports single-country nuclear partnerships Support: Net-Zero 2070 clean energy & grid stability Reactivate stalled deals with U.S., France, Japan Encourage technology diversity + investment inflow Why Nuclear Energy Matters for India ? Renewables intermittency + storage costs India still relies heavily on coal for power Nuclear provides: 24×7 baseload very low lifecycle emissions long-term cost stability Current nuclear profile 25 reactors across 7 plants 21 PHWRs + 4 LWRs Installed nuclear capacity ~7 GW (≈ 3% of total electricity mix) Long-term strategy built around thorium cycle & fast breeder reactors Opposition’s Key Criticisms Accountability diluted, private profit + public risk Liability caps too low, supplier walks free RTI override weakens public oversight Labour protections diluted Vendor-driven push despite indigenous thorium tech capability Lack of safety-democracy mechanisms (consultation, EIA transparency) Global comparator: France keeps nuclear under full state control Labels the Bill as: pro-corporate / pro-oligarch risking public safety & environment Strategic & Governance Implications Marks a paradigm shift: State-monopoly → regulated PPP model May accelerate: capacity addition financing & technology partnerships Raises structural questions: Are liability caps socially optimal? Is independent nuclear safety regulation adequate? Can transparency be ensured without weakening security? Takeaways  SHANTI Bill = Liberalisation of nuclear sector + capped operator liability + removal of supplier liability + PPP-driven expansion under State oversight. Balances investment predictability vs public safety & accountability risks. Core tension = Energy security + clean baseload ↔ liability, transparency, labour & safety concerns. What remote-sensing reveals about plants, forests, and minerals from space Why is it in News?  Remote-sensing technologies — satellites, drones, hyperspectral sensors, SAR radars, and gravity-mapping missions — are increasingly being used for: resource mapping (minerals, groundwater, hydrocarbons) forest health & biomass estimation flood mapping & water monitoring climate change research & environmental protection Growing relevance due to: India’s push toward climate resilience, water security, precision agriculture, and mineral exploration expansion of ISRO-led EO missions, NISAR, Bhuwan, NRSC programmes Remote-sensing has moved from mapping what we can see → to detecting what lies underground and underwater using physics-based signatures. Relevance GS-1 | Geography (Physical & Resource Geography) Earth observation, landforms, vegetation & hydrology mapping GS-3 | Environment, Disaster Management & S&T Climate monitoring, biodiversity assessment, forest biomass Mineral & groundwater exploration Flood mapping, drought monitoring, precision agriculture Space technology applications (ISRO missions, NISAR, RISAT) The Basics — What is Remote-Sensing? Remote-sensing = observing the Earth without physical contact using: satellites aircraft / drones ground-based sensors Works by analysing electromagnetic radiation (EMR) reflected or emitted by Earth-surface features. Spectral Signatures  Every object reflects/absorbs EMR differently. These reflection patterns = spectral signatures (like fingerprints). Sensors interpret signatures to identify: healthy crops vs stressed crops minerals vs soil water vs land vegetation types / species Vegetation Monitoring — NDVI & Biomass  Healthy plants: absorb red light (for photosynthesis) reflect near-infrared (NIR) (to avoid heat stress) Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) High NDVI → healthy vegetation Low NDVI → drought / disease stress Evidence: Journal of Plant Ecology (2008) — spectral data enables mapping of plant communities & forest species at landscape scale. Applications crop health monitoring drought early warning forest biomass & carbon-storage estimation (climate mitigation) Water Mapping — NDWI & SAR Optical Water Mapping Water reflects visible green Strongly absorbs NIR & SWIR Normalised Difference Water Index (NDWI) → High values over water bodies Modified NDWI (MNDWI) → Better in urban areas (distinguishes water vs shadows) Limitation Optical sensors fail during: cloud cover night storms / cyclones Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Active microwave sensor Sees through clouds & darkness Calm water = smooth mirror → black on radar image → Enables flood mapping during cyclones Key Missions NASA–ISRO NISAR Sentinel-1 (ESA) RISAT series (ISRO) Subsurface Mapping — Minerals, Oil & Gas Hyperspectral Sensing Splits light into hundreds of narrow bands Produces per-pixel spectral fingerprints Applications mineral prospecting (Cu, Au, Li) alteration-zone mapping soil & rock composition studies Evidence: Ore Geology Reviews (2023) — hyperspectral sensors map hydrothermal alteration zones linked to ore deposits. Oil & Gas Exploration  Micro-seepage detection Hydrocarbons leaking through micro-cracks: alter soil chemistry stress vegetation → yellowing leaves Satellites detect these subtle spectral anomalies Structural Mapping Anticlines / Dome-fold traps Surface folds suggest similar subsurface geometry Tools Landsat, ASTER (NASA) → structural imaging Bathymetry via ocean-surface gravity anomalies Magnetometry → detects depth of magnetic basement rocks Satellites don’t say “oil is here”, but “this structure can hold oil”. Groundwater Mapping — GRACE Mission Large aquifers exert stronger gravitational pull NASA GRACE (2002–2017) used twin satellites to: measure distance variation caused by gravity changes infer groundwater volume shifts Landmark finding (Nature, 2009) North India groundwater depletion detected from space → linked to irrigation withdrawals Benefits of Remote-Sensing Faster, cheaper, low-impact exploration Avoids random drilling / geological disturbance Enables: precision agriculture climate monitoring disaster management resource conservation Environmental Value helps ensure resources are not over-exploited supports sustainable groundwater & forest management Limitations   Requires ground-truth validation Interpretation depends on: atmospheric conditions sensor resolution calibration accuracy Cannot detect resources directly — only indicators Police in States step up social media monitoring  Why is it in News?  Over the last five years, States have significantly scaled up social-media monitoring infrastructure within police departments. Number of dedicated social-media monitoring cells 2020: 262 cells 2024: 365 cells (across 28 States + 8 UTs) Growth reflects policing priorities around: misinformation, hate speech, rumour-control cyber-enabled crime & communal mobilisation protest surveillance & law-and-order monitoring Data Source: Data on Police Organisations (DoPO), Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D). Relevance GS-2 | Governance, Policing & Rights Surveillance, privacy, proportionality doctrine Cyber-policing & law-and-order institutional reforms Articles 19 & 21 — speech, dignity, due-process concerns GS-3 | Internal Security & Cybersecurity Tech-centric policing, misinformation & hate-speech monitoring Cyber-crime ecosystem, digital intelligence, drones & analytics The Basics — What Are Social-Media Monitoring Cells? Specialised police units that: track Facebook, X, WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, Snapchat etc. flag hate speech, fake news, mobilisation calls, financial scams identify law-and-order triggers & cyber-crime signals Evolved from cyber-crime police stations → now distinct units since 2021 in DoPO reporting. State-wise Expansion — Key Facts & Numbers States with highest number of monitoring cells (2024): Bihar — 52 Maharashtra — 50 Punjab — 48 West Bengal — 38 Assam — 37 Significant growth cases Manipur: 3 (2020) → 16 (2024) (growth despite ~140-day Internet suspension during 2023 ethnic violence) Assam: 1 (2022) → 37 (2024) West Bengal: 2 (2022) → 38 (2024) Punjab: 24 (2022) → 48 (2024) (doubled) Parallel Trend — Rise in Cybercrime Policing Cyber-crime police stations 2020: 376 2024: 624 Indicates shift from traditional policing → techno-forensics & platform-driven crime monitoring. Related Policing Infrastructure — Data Highlights  Drones with State/UT police: 1,147 (up from 1,010 in 2023) Vacancies:5,92,839 posts vacant Against sanctioned strength 27,55,274 Social composition of actual strength SC: 3,30,621 ST: 2,31,928 OBC: 6,37,774 Insight: Expansion of digital surveillance capacity is occurring alongside large manpower shortages. Why Are Police Expanding Social-Media Monitoring? Evolving crime trends cyber-fraud, extortion, phishing networks hate-speech mobilisation & rumour-spread radicalisation & organised protest coordination Real-time early-warning systems riot-prevention misinformation control during elections / crises Evidence collection digital footprints for prosecution Governance & Civil-Liberty Concerns Risk of over-surveillance chilling effect on dissent & free speech Weak legal oversight unclear statutory standards on monitoring protocols Privacy risks bulk-monitoring vs targeted intelligence Capacity vs accountability gap rapid expansion without transparency norms Balancing challenge: Security imperatives ↔ constitutional freedoms (Articles 19 & 21). Strategic Implications Positive improves situational intelligence supports cyber-crime detection aids disaster / protest / riot monitoring Concerns potential misuse for political surveillance uneven capability across States human-resource deficit despite tech growth Takeaways  India’s police forces are rapidly institutionalising social-media monitoring, rising from 262→365 cells (2020–2024) alongside cyber-crime station expansion (376→624). Trend signals tech-centric policing, but raises issues of privacy, proportionality, and oversight amid large police vacancies. Mexico’s Popocatépetl volcano — first 3D interior imaging Why is it in News? Scientists in Mexico have produced the first high-resolution 3D interior map of Popocatépetl volcano — one of the most active and dangerous volcanoes in the world. The project helps identify where magma accumulates, improving eruption prediction, hazard modelling, and evacuation planning. Significance is high because: ~25 million people reside within 100 km of the volcano Critical infrastructure nearby includes houses, schools, hospitals, and five airports Earlier interior images (≈15 years ago) were low-resolution and contradictory. Relevance GS-1 | Geography / Geomorphology Volcano types, stratovolcano behaviour Magma chambers, tectonic-volcanic linkages GS-3 | Disaster Management Hazard mapping, early-warning systems Risk-informed evacuation & urban-hazard planning The Basics — Understanding Popocatépetl Location: Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt Elevation: 5,452 m Age: current structure emerged >20,000 years ago Continuous activity since 1994 — ash, gas, smoke emissions almost daily Last major dome-collapse eruption: 2023 Known for: frequent ash plumes lava domes that build and collapse pyroclastic activity risk Popocatépetl is considered a high-risk stratovolcano due to population exposure + persistent activity. What Did the Scientists Achieve? Created the first 3-dimensional cross-sectional image of the volcano’s interior Imaging depth: ≈18 km below the crater The model reveals: multiple magma pools at different depths separated by rock layers / solidified material greater concentration towards the southeast of the crater Demonstrates that magma storage is not a single chamber → instead a complex multi-reservoir system Implication: Eruptions may not behave uniformly — risk patterns vary spatially. How Was the 3D Image Created?  Seismic Imaging + AI Processing Inside an active volcano, magma, gases, rocks & aquifers move constantly Motion generates seismic vibrations Researchers installed seismographs that: record ground motion ≈100 times per second Massive datasets processed using AI-based inference models infer material type, temperature, depth, and density contrasts Field Challenges Work carried out on the volcano slopes for 5 years Risks included: eruptions & explosions harsh weather damaged instruments (rats, shocks, battery failures) Some data sets were lost / corrupted, increasing mission difficulty Why This Matters — Disaster Risk & Public Safety The new model helps: identify magma pathways & accumulation zones assess likelihood of dome formation / collapse improve eruption forecasting windows inform evacuation strategy & exclusion-zone planning Repeating the study periodically will allow: change-detection over time tracking magma movement before eruptions The volcano becomes a “natural laboratory” for predictive volcanology. Facts & Data — Key Points to Remember Elevation: 5,452 m 3D imaging depth: 18 km Population at risk (within 100 km): ≈ 25 million Active since: 1994 Recent eruption event: 2023 Hazards: ash plumes, dome collapse, pyroclastic activity Purpose of imaging: magma mapping & eruption-risk assessment Takeaways  Popocatépetl’s first 3D subsurface map (to 18 km) reveals multiple magma reservoirs, improving eruption prediction & disaster preparedness for ~25 million people living nearby — a major advancement in volcano monitoring using AI-enabled seismic imaging. Places in News Relevance GS-1 | Geography (Location-based) Neighbouring countries, coastlines, strategic geography Caribbean, North America, Arctic region mapping GS-2 | International Relations / Global Politics U.S.–Latin America relations Drugs, migration, security geopolitics Arctic competition & strategic resources  Colombia — Why in News? Trump threatened action over failure to curb drug trafficking; Colombia remains a major global cocaine producer. Bilateral strain under President Gustavo Petro. Neighbouring Countries Panama (NW) Venezuela (E) Brazil (SE) Peru (S) Ecuador (SW) Geographic Notes Lies in North-western South America Only South American country with coastlines on both Pacific Ocean & Caribbean Sea Andes Mountains run across the country Major river basins: Amazon & Orinoco Data Angle Accounts for ~⅔ of global cocaine output  Mexico — Why in News? Trump warned of action over fentanyl-trafficking networks impacting the U.S.; debates around Neighbouring Countries United States (N) Guatemala (SE) Belize (SE) Geographic Notes Located in North America Coastlines on Pacific Ocean & Gulf of Mexico / Caribbean Sea Dominated by Mexican Plateau, Sierra Madre ranges, and Yucatán Peninsula Part of the Ring of Fire → earthquake & volcano-prone Policy Context Fentanyl crisis driving security-centric U.S.–Mexico relations  Cuba — Why in News? Accused by Trump of supporting terrorism & drug-trafficking networks; renewed geopolitical friction amid economic crisis & migration flows. Neighbouring Countries (Maritime Proximity) United States (Florida) — North Mexico — West Bahamas — NE Haiti (Hispaniola) — East Jamaica — South Geographic Notes Largest island in the Caribbean Located between Gulf of Mexico & Atlantic Ocean Part of the Greater Antilles archipelago Strategic Layer Symbolically key in U.S. hemispheric policy & Cold War legacy politics  Greenland (Denmark) — Why in News? Trump reiterated interest in annexing Greenland, citing strategic defence priorities. Neighbouring / Nearby Regions Canada — West (across Baffin Bay) Iceland — SE (across Denmark Strait) Arctic Ocean — North North Atlantic Ocean — South & East Geographic Notes World’s largest island; autonomous territory under Kingdom of Denmark Mostly covered by the Greenland Ice Sheet Hosts Pituffik (Thule) Space / Air Base Critical to Arctic sea-lanes, missile-defence, and rare-earth resources Strategic Context Rising U.S.–China–Russia competition in the Arctic

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 05 January 2026

Content Rah-Veer: Save a Life Without Fear Design Linked Incentive Scheme Rah-Veer: Save a Life Without Fear Why in News ? The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) is highlighting the Rah-Veer (Good Samaritan) protections and reward scheme, reinforcing public awareness that bystanders helping road-accident victims are legally protected . Linked to India’s broader road-safety strategy under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 and the Good Samaritan Rules, 2020. Relevance GS-II (Health): Golden Hour emergency-care governance; cuts preventable deaths and disability. GS-III (Public Safety / Disaster Management): Community-led first response; Safe-Systems / Vision Zero approach. Basics — Concept & Rationale Golden Hour: First hour after a serious injury when timely medical care can prevent death or disability. Problem Addressed: Bystanders often hesitate to help due to fear of police, court procedures, hospital liabilities, or payment demands. Policy Logic: Encourage lifesaving intervention by removing legal, procedural, and financial risks for helpers. Legal Architecture Statutory Basis: Section 134A, Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. Operational Rules: Good Samaritan (Protection from Civil and Criminal Liability) Rules, 2020. Judicial Foundation: Supreme Court directions in SaveLIFE Foundation v. Union of India (2016) — made Good Samaritan guidelines binding nationwide. Good Samaritan — Rights & Protections No civil or criminal liability when acting in good faith. Right to anonymity — no mandatory disclosure of name/address. No detention or harassment by police or hospital authorities. If volunteering as witness — statement can be recorded only once, at a convenient time/place (including video-conference). Hospital acknowledgement must be issued on request. No obligation to stay back after admission of the victim. No payment liability — hospitals cannot demand treatment costs from the helper. No compulsion to file FIR or give evidence unless the person voluntarily agrees. Obligations on Authorities / Institutions Hospitals (public & private) must: Provide immediate emergency care without pre-payment. Issue simple acknowledgement to the Good Samaritan. Not detain the helper for procedural formalities. Police must: Avoid unnecessary questioning or repeated summons. Treat Good Samaritans with dignity and privacy safeguards. State Governments / MoRTH: Conduct awareness programmes and institutional compliance audits. Rah-Veer Reward & Recognition Scheme  ₹25,000 reward + Certificate of Appreciation for helping a crash victim reach medical care within the Golden Hour. Eligibility up to five recognitions per person per year (repeat acts of assistance). Objective: build a culture of empathy, courage, and community responsibility on roads. Data & Context India records one of the highest global road-crash fatalities. Economic loss from road accidents estimated at ~3% of GDP (as noted in studies cited by MoRTH / IIT-Delhi). A significant share of preventable deaths occurs due to delays in first response during the Golden Hour — bystander hesitation is a major factor. Impact Pathways — Why the Policy Matters ? Reduces Golden-Hour mortality by encouraging early evacuation. Builds trust between citizens, hospitals, and law-enforcement. Shifts policy focus from punitive perception to public-spirited participation. Supports Vision Zero / Safe-Systems approach in road safety. Implementation Gaps & Challenges Low public awareness → fear still persists in many regions. Variable compliance by private hospitals & local police. Lack of standardised claim processing for rewards in some states. Need for training of frontline officials and routine audits. Way Forward Nationwide awareness campaigns in schools, highways, transport hubs. Emergency responder training for citizens (basic first-aid modules). Digital reward & acknowledgement portal for transparency. Integration with 112 emergency response and ambulance networks. Periodic compliance monitoring & penalties for violations by institutions. Prelims Pointers  Section under MV Act: 134A. Rules notified: 2020. Liability status: Protected from civil & criminal liability when acting in good faith. Supreme Court basis: SaveLIFE Foundation case (2016). Reward under Rah-Veer scheme: ₹25,000 + certificate. Design Linked Incentive Scheme Why in News ? The Government of India highlighted progress under MeitY’s Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme — a pillar of the Semicon India Programme — aimed at building a self-reliant fabless semiconductor design ecosystem. The update reports rapid scaling of DLI-supported chip-design projects, talent creation, patents, tape-outs, and private-investment leverage. Relevance GS-III (S&T & Indigenisation): Strategic chip-design capability, IP ownership, RISC-V/SoC innovation; design-to-deployment ecosystem. GS-III (Economy & MSMEs): Startup/MSME up-gradation, investment leverage, and high-value manufacturing linkages (design ≈ major share of value addition). Basics — Semiconductor Value Chain & Policy Logic Chip design = main value creator Contributes up to 50% of value addition Accounts for 20–50% of BOM cost Drives 30–35% of global semiconductor sales via the fabless segment Fabless model = high-value, low-capex Value lies in design + IP, not fabrication alone. Strategic rationale for India Reduce import dependence on core technologies Retain IP ownership Attract downstream manufacturing & assembly Strengthen technology sovereignty & resilience Scheme Architecture — Core Facts Implementing Ministry: MeitY Nodal Agency: C-DAC under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) Umbrella Programme: Semicon India Programme (₹76,000 crore outlay) Coverage: ICs, chipsets, SoCs, systems, IP cores, semiconductor-linked designs Lifecycle support: Design → prototyping → validation → deployment Eligibility Startups & MSMEs → incentives + design-infrastructure support Other domestic companies → deployment-linked financial incentives Definitions aligned to: MSME notification (1 June 2020) DPIIT Startup notification (19 Feb 2019) FDI Policy, 2017 (domestic ownership norms) Financial Incentives  Product Design Linked Incentive (PDLI) Up to 50% reimbursement of eligible expenditure Cap: ₹15 crore per application Deployment Linked Incentive (DLI) 6% → 4% of net sales turnover for 5 years Cap: ₹30 crore per application Minimum cumulative net sales (Y1–Y5): ₹1 crore → startups/MSMEs ₹5 crore → other domestic firms Design must be successfully deployed in products Design-Infrastructure Support National EDA Tool Grid — remote access to advanced design tools IP Core Repository — reusable IPs for SoC design MPW prototyping support — shared-lot chip fabrication Post-silicon validation — testing & silicon bring-up support Measured Outcomes & Data Highlights 24 DLI-supported chip-design projects in strategic sectors 16 tape-outs, 6 fabricated ASIC chips 10 patents filed 140+ reusable IP cores developed 1,000+ specialised engineers engaged / trained >3× private investment leveraged EDA Grid Usage: 54,03,005 hours by 95 startups ChipIN Centre reach: ~1 lakh engineers & students 400+ organisations 305 academic institutions (C2S Programme) 95 startups Key Institutional Pillars Semicon India Programme (SIM) — investment & design ecosystem support Chips to Startup (C2S) — target 85,000 semiconductor-ready manpower Microprocessor Development Programme — indigenous VEGA, SHAKTI, AJIT families C-DAC, IIT-Madras, IIT-Bombay — open-source architecture leadership Strategic Impact Pathways Anchors India in high-value chip-design/IP segment Reduces exposure to geopolitical & supply-chain shocks Enables assured access to technologies for defence, telecom, AI, mobility Drives technology autonomy + export-ready fabless capability Representative Success Stories Vervesemi — motor-control ICs for appliances, drones, EVs; 110+ IPs, 10 patents InCore — indigenous RISC-V processor IPs; silicon-proven across 180–16 nm Netrasemi — India’s first indigenous AI SoC @ 12 nm for surveillance & robotics Aheesa Digital — VEGA-based GPON broadband SoC (Vihaan) AAGYAVISION — advanced radar-on-chip for safety & 6G-sensor networks Challenges & Implementation Gaps Talent pipeline needs deep-specialization scaling Transition from prototype → volume manufacturing still evolving Need for stronger market linkages & downstream fabrication access IP commercialisation & export readiness require policy continuity Way Forward — Policy Priorities Expand EDA + MPW capacity & subsidised access Incentivise RISC-V, edge-AI, telecom & automotive SoCs Strengthen design-to-manufacturing coordination with ISM fabs Deepen VC + industry co-funding & global partnerships Create national semiconductor IP marketplace and standards stack Prelims Pointers Scheme type: Fabless chip-design incentive Ministry / Nodal: MeitY / C-DAC Outlay umbrella: Semicon India ₹76,000 crore PDLI cap: ₹15 crore | DLI cap: ₹30 crore Incentive band: 6% → 4% of net sales (5 years) Focus: ICs, SoCs, chipsets, IP cores, semiconductor-linked designs

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 05 January 2026

Content The struggle to count women’s labour No one talks about the slow emergency of Kolkata smog The struggle to count women’s labour  Why in News ? Recent discourse highlights that women’s unpaid domestic, care, and emotional labour remains structurally invisible and economically undervalued, despite its central role in sustaining households, productivity, and social reproduction. A 2023 UN report shows women worldwide spend 2.8× more time than men on unpaid care and domestic work, reinforcing persistent gender inequities in labour recognition and policy design. Relevance GS-II | Welfare, Social Justice, Gender & Labour Policy Recognition of unpaid care, domestic and emotional labour as a core pillar of social reproduction and economic productivity. Highlights policy invisibility, gender bias in labour valuation, and structural inequality in welfare and social-security frameworks. GS-III | Economy, Inclusive Growth & Human Capital Shows how unpaid care work acts as a hidden subsidy to the economy and suppresses female labour-force participation. Links GDP-centric accounting bias with undervaluation of non-market work and unequal growth outcomes. Practice Question “Unpaid care and emotional labour constitute the invisible backbone of the economy, yet remain structurally excluded from policy and national accounting.” Discuss with examples. (250 Words) Basics — What is “Unpaid & Emotional Labour”? Unpaid Domestic Labour Cooking, cleaning, childcare, elderly care, household management — non-market work essential for household functioning. Care Work / Social Reproduction Activities that maintain and reproduce the labour force — health, caregiving, nurturing, emotional support. Emotional & Mental Labour Managing relationships, conflict mediation, planning, invisible coordination, ensuring social harmony — rarely measured or compensated. Core Issue: This labour enables the economy to function but is excluded from GDP, budgets, labour law, and social security frameworks. What the Scholars Argue ? Economic systems privilege “productive” paid labour (male-breadwinner bias). Care labour is feminised, informalised, and devalued in policy and accounting. Biological framing of reproduction hides the social-historical power imbalance in gendered division of labour. Separation of production vs. social reproduction maintains women’s subordination. Analytical takeaway: The invisibility of women’s labour is not accidental — it is structural and ideological. Structural Causes of Invisibility GDP-centric policy bias — only market output counted; unpaid labour excluded. Infrastructure > Social Investment — childcare, eldercare, mental health underfunded. Male-breadwinner employment priority — reinforces women’s unpaid care role. Cultural norms — care framed as “duty” or “love”, not work. Lack of labour law coverage & social security — unpaid workers remain unprotected. Global Evidence — Patchy Legal Recognition  Bolivia (Art. 338 Constitution) — Home-based work recognised as economic activity, housewives entitled to social security. Trinidad & Tobago (Counting Unremunerated Work Act, 1996) — Mandates measurement and valuation of unpaid work by gender. Argentina — Pension credits for unpaid care work performed while raising children. Gap: Even where unpaid domestic work is recognised, emotional and mental labour remains unacknowledged. India — Status & Emerging Legal Signals No statutory framework recognising unpaid or emotional labour in economic terms. Judicial development Kannaian Naidu vs Kamsala Ammal (Madras HC, 2023) Household and caregiving contribution = indirect contribution to family assets → wife entitled to equal property share. Policy challenge: Without redistribution of care responsibilities, unpaid work remains feminised and unequal. Economic & Social Implications Reduces women’s labour-force participation & career mobility. Double burden on poor & marginalised women — they sustain reproductive labour for households of others. Hidden subsidy to the economy — unpaid care absorbs costs the State/market should bear. Inter-generational inequality reproduction — reinforces gender hierarchies. Data-Backed Insights UN (2023): Women perform 2.8× more unpaid care work than men globally. In many countries, unpaid care work is estimated to equal 10–39% of GDP equivalents (time-use valuation studies, various economies). Time-use surveys consistently show care labour is the single largest block of women’s work hours. Key Gaps in Current Frameworks Fragmented or symbolic recognition; no comprehensive valuation mechanisms. Emotional & mental labour completely invisible in law and statistics. Limited male participation in household care roles. Weak integration of time-use data into budgets and policy design. Way Forward — Policy & Institutional Reforms Time-Use Surveys → Satellite National Accounts for Care Work Integrate valuation into budgets and policy appraisal. Social-infrastructure investment — childcare, eldercare, community care, mental-health services. Shared-care norms & incentives — parental leave for men, workplace flexibility. Legal & social-security recognition — pension credits, recognition of caregiving spells. Public discourse shift — recognise emotional labour as economic and social value. Conclusion   Women’s unpaid, care, and emotional labour sustains households, markets, and social stability, yet remains structurally invisible due to economic accounting biases, gender norms, and policy priorities. Meaningful recognition requires redistribution of care, institutional valuation, social-infrastructure investment, and normative change, moving from symbolic acknowledgment to systemic inclusion in law, budgets, and welfare frameworks. No one talks about the slow emergency of Kolkata smog Why in News ? Winter 2024–25 air-quality readings in Kolkata showed dangerous, recurring PM2.5 spikes, with AQI repeatedly slipping into the “very poor” category — signalling a slow-moving public-health emergency that receives limited political or policy attention compared to Delhi. The editorial highlights how urban smog in Kolkata is normalised, despite health-threatening exposure levels crossing WHO limits multiple times over. Relevance GS-III | Environment, Pollution & Public Health Demonstrates PM2.5-driven chronic pollution as a slow-onset public-health emergency. Highlights gaps in urban environmental governance, enforcement, and real-time risk communication. Practice Question “Air pollution in Indian cities represents a slow emergency rather than a sudden disaster.” Analyse with reference to the Kolkata experience. (250 Words) Basics — What is Smog & PM2.5? Smog = smoke + fog → mixture of particulate matter + pollutants trapped under winter inversion conditions. PM2.5 = fine particles ≤2.5 microns; enter lungs & bloodstream → causes cardio-respiratory disease, stroke, cancers. WHO recommended mean PM2.5 level: 5 μg/m³ annually. India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS): 40 μg/m³ annually (much higher tolerance than WHO). Kolkata’s winter PM2.5 levels frequently exceed even India’s relaxed threshold. Facts & Data from the Editorial Real-time monitors (e.g., Victoria Memorial) repeatedly recorded AQI in “very poor” range in December. IQAir’s 2024 annual report: Kolkata’s PM2.5 mean ≈ 46 µg/m³ — ~9× WHO guideline and close to India’s limit. Urban exposure thresholds breached repeatedly — but treated as routine, not emergency. Sources of spikes highlighted: Vehicular emissions, diesel-run buses/trucks, construction dust, roadwork, open waste burning, industrial emissions, winter inversion trapping pollutants. Political response remains performative — sprinklers, bans, campaigns — without structural mitigation. Why It Matters — Nature of the “Slow Emergency” ? Unlike sudden disasters, air pollution harms slowly and invisibly: chronic lung disease cardiovascular stress reduced productivity & life expectancy Health crisis becomes socially normalised, delaying accountability. Governance & Policy Dimensions Under-recognition of air pollution as a public-health crisis. Weak enforcement of emission norms & transport policy. Lack of transparent real-time risk communication. Infrastructure bias (flyovers, roadbuilding) over clean-mobility investments. Fragmented institutional responsibility — municipal vs. state vs. central agencies. Key critique: Pollution persists because it is politically invisible and not electorally salient. Urban Risk Drivers — Kolkata Context Old diesel vehicle fleet & mixed-traffic congestion Rapid construction + poor dust control Informal burning practices Port activity & freight corridors Limited public-transport electrification Meteorological inversion during winter Health & Economic Impacts  Long-term PM2.5 exposure linked to: ↑ asthma, COPD, stroke, ischemic heart disease ↓ worker productivity & cognitive performance Studies estimate air pollution costs 2–3% of India’s GDP equivalent (health + lost output). Kolkata’s “routine smog” therefore implies hidden public-health expenditure & welfare losses. Comparative Insight Delhi receives policy & media spotlight; Kolkata represents India’s second-tier pollution crisis where harm is equally real but poorly discussed. The article argues for parity in attention, monitoring, and accountability. Policy Priorities — Way Forward Clean Transport Transition phase-out old diesel vehicles; electrify buses & taxis strengthen public transport + last-mile connectivity Construction & Road-Dust Controls strict site-covering, mechanised sweeping, debris regulation Real-time Risk Communication heat-wave–style health advisories for high-AQI days Emission Inventory & Source Apportionment science-based targeting of top contributors Urban Planning Reforms low-emission zones, congestion pricing, walkable corridors Health-system readiness respiratory clinics, surveillance of pollution-linked morbidity Conclusion Kolkata’s winter smog illustrates a “slow emergency” — a case where chronic pollution crosses scientific risk thresholds but remains politically invisible. The crisis stems from transport-construction-inversion dynamics, weak institutional prioritisation, and normalisation of health risk. Effective response requires data-led urban governance, transport decarbonisation, social risk communication, and sustained regulatory enforcement — not symbolic measures.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 05 January 2026

Content Venezuela V-P to Take Over as Maduro Held in U.S. Jail Delhi Government to Declare Rabies a Notifiable Disease Ghost SIM Cards and Internal Security Risks Wolf Supermoon — First Full Moon of the Year Somnath Swabhiman Parva — Civilisational Significance of Somnath Temple Nanobots in Targeted Cancer Treatment Saudi-Backed Forces Regain Control of Hadramout Province (Yemen) Venezuela V-P to take over as Maduro held in U.S. jail Why in News ? Venezuela’s Supreme Court appointed Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez as Acting President after President Nicolás Maduro was detained by U.S. authorities in New York during a covert night-time operation. The U.S. move — conducted without Congressional approval — led Venezuela to term it an “imperialist intervention.” India expressed concern for the well-being of Venezuelan people and called for dialogue and regional stability. Relevance GS-II | International Relations, Global Politics, India’s Foreign Policy Power transition, legitimacy & constitutional processes in foreign states U.S. interventionism vs sovereignty debate Political instability, sanctions, oil geopolitics, migration crisis India’s energy stakes & strategic neutrality Basics — Political Context of Venezuela System: Presidential Republic under the Bolivarian Constitution. Ruling establishment: United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). Maduro Presidency: Since 2013, succeeding Hugo Chávez. Venezuela faces: hyperinflation economic sanctions oil-sector collapse mass outward migration (~7.7 million people since 2015, per UNHCR) Economic & Security Context  Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves (~303 billion barrels, OPEC). Oil output fell from ~3.2 million bpd (1998) to ~0.8–0.9 million bpd (2024, OPEC estimates) due to sanctions + infrastructure decline. Political instability worsens: currency collapse food & fuel shortages social protection stress India’s Position   India called for: peace, dialogue, and stability protection of Venezuelan people’s interests India has energy-economic stakes: historic crude imports & investments by ONGC Videsh in Venezuelan fields (affected by sanctions). Global Reactions — Likely Trajectories Supportive Western blocs may justify action under anti-narcotics/security framing. Russia, China, and regional allies likely to condemn U.S. intervention as sovereignty violation. Risk of: internal political uncertainty elite realignments street-level mobilisation or repression Venezuela  Location & Region Located in northern South America; coastline along the Caribbean Sea & Atlantic Ocean. Lies north of the Equator; part of the Tropical zone. Neighbouring Countries (Clockwise) Colombia (W & SW) Brazil (S & SE) Guyana (E) — includes the disputed Essequibo region. Strategic Geography Access to Caribbean maritime routes and Atlantic oil-shipping lanes. Close proximity to Panama Canal trade corridor (regional relevance). Major Physical Features Orinoco River Basin (one of South America’s largest river systems). Guiana Highlands & tepui plateaus in the southeast. Llanos grasslands in central Venezuela. Andes extensions in the west (Merida Andes). Natural Resources  Orinoco Belt → among the world’s largest heavy-oil reserves. Mineral resources concentrated in Guiana Shield region. Geopolitical Hotspots Guyana–Essequibo territorial dispute (east). Migration corridors toward Colombia & Brazil (west/south crossings). Delhi govt. to declare rabies a notifiable disease to prevent deaths, improve surveillance Why in News ? The Delhi Government is set to declare rabies a notifiable disease to improve surveillance, mandatory case reporting, early detection, and death prevention, as announced by Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh. The move follows Supreme Court directions on stray-dog management and rabies deaths, including the death of a six-year-old child taken up suo motu. Aim: Zero human deaths from rabies in Delhi through strengthened public-health response. Relevance GS-II | Welfare, Health Systems, Governance & Public Policy Disease surveillance, mandatory reporting, One-Health coordination Urban governance, judicial-policy linkage (Supreme Court context) GS-III | Public Health, Disaster & Social Sector Zoonotic diseases, preventive care, epidemiology, vaccination ecosystem Basics — What is a “Notifiable Disease”?   A disease that must be mandatorily reported by: government & private hospitals medical colleges & clinics individual practitioners Reporting supports: real-time surveillance trend mapping outbreak response resource allocation (Comparable examples: TB, measles, dengue — notified under various state/national frameworks.) Rabies — Public Health Basics Cause: Viral zoonotic disease transmitted mostly via dog bites. Fatality: ~100% fatal once symptoms appear. Prevention: Completely preventable through timely PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) — wound wash, anti-rabies vaccine, and rabies immunoglobulin when indicated. WHO Target: Zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. What the Delhi Notification Will Do ? Mandatory reporting of suspected, probable, and confirmed human rabies cases. Coverage includes all government and private health facilities. Enables: case tracking & disease mapping coordination between human & animal health systems (One Health approach) targeted preventive action in high-risk localities India — Key Facts & Data on Rabies  India’s global share Accounts for ~36% of global rabies deaths (WHO estimates). Global deaths ≈ 59,000/year → India contributes ~18,000–20,000 deaths annually, mostly dog-mediated. Burden profile >90% human rabies cases follow dog bites. Children & rural poor are the most affected groups. Under-reporting remains high due to weak surveillance and deaths occurring outside hospitals. Bite incidence National bite-case load estimated at 15–17 million dog-bite cases/year (IDSP & State surveillance compilations). Global Context India contributes a significant share of global rabies deaths, largely dog-mediated. Notification aligns with: National Action Plan for Rabies Elimination (NAPRE) WHO “Zero by 2030” goal Ayushman Bharat–public health surveillance strengthening Way Forward  Scale-up PEP access & supply chains (ARV + RIG). Mass dog vaccination & sterilisation with reliable enumeration. Time-bound reporting protocols & digital case registry. Community awareness on: immediate wound-washing early hospital reporting Inter-departmental joint action under One-Health framework. Ghost SIM Cards   Why in News ? Investigations into the Red Fort blast module (Nov 2025) revealed that the accused allegedly used “ghost SIM cards” and encrypted apps to communicate with handlers in Pakistan . These SIMs were issued using misused Aadhaar identities and remained active on messaging apps even without being physically present in the device — creating a serious traceability gap. Following this, the Centre issued a directive (28 Nov 2025) requiring app-based communication services to remain linked to an active physical SIM to curb such misuse. Relevance GS-III | Internal Security, Cybersecurity & Terror Networks Identity theft, encryption misuse, traceability loopholes Tech-enabled radicalisation & cross-border communication Regulation of telecom-KYC and digital governance What is a Ghost SIM Card?  A SIM obtained or operated without verifiable, lawful user identity, or one that continues to enable communication after decoupling from the device/SIM holder. Typically created through: Aadhaar/KYC identity theft or forgery SIM mule networks issuing connections in others’ names Decoupled messaging logins (apps running without a live SIM) Purpose: anonymity, evasion of lawful interception, cross-border covert communication. How Ghost SIMs Work ? — Operational Mechanisms Dual-phone / dual-identity protocol Clean phone → in real name, normal activity Terror / crime phone → ghost SIM + encrypted apps only App–SIM Decoupling WhatsApp/Telegram accounts continue after SIM removal Handlers can retain control from outside India Cross-border persistence SIM registered in India → account active across PoK KYC Exploitation SIMs issued using stolen Aadhaar details of unsuspecting civilians Why Ghost SIMs Are a Security Risk ? Breaks subscriber traceability Enables anonymous cross-border direction Shields operatives using professional cover (“white-collar modules”) Exploits encryption + identity fraud + telecom loopholes Complicates forensics, metadata mapping, & legal intercept Way Forward  Stronger KYC accountability periodic audits, retailer licensing, strict penalties Device-binding & anomaly detection auto-logout on SIM removal / geo-anomaly SIM lifecycle risk scoring flag multi-state / multi-device behaviour Cross-platform traceability protocols lawful metadata-sharing timelines Public awareness protection of Aadhaar credentials, reporting misuse Capacity building ATS/SIT cyber-forensics & telecom-analytics units The Wolf Supermoon Why in News ? The first full moon of 2026 — popularly called the Wolf Moon — coincided with the Moon being close to perigee, producing what is popularly termed a “Wolf Supermoon.” It reached peak brightness on January 2, 2026 (IST) and appeared slightly larger and brighter than an average full moon. Relevance GS-I | Geography — Earth–Moon System & Natural Phenomena Perigee–apogee, orbital mechanics, tides, perception vs physical reality Basics — What is a “Wolf Moon”? Traditional name for the first full moon of January. Origin traced to seasonal folklore and almanacs in northern cultures, where: winter camps reported wolves howling more frequently in harsh winters. Important: The name is cultural, not scientific — the Moon itself does not change behaviour. What is a “Supermoon”?   The Moon’s orbit is elliptical (oval), not circular. Two key orbital positions: Perigee → Moon is closest to Earth Apogee → Moon is farthest from Earth When a full moon occurs near perigee, it is popularly called a Supermoon. Observable Effects  Appears ~7–14% larger and ~15–30% brighter than a micromoon (at apogee). Difference is subtle to the naked eye, clearer in side-by-side photographs. (Term “supermoon” is popular rather than official; astronomers call it a Perigee-Syzygy full moon.) Wolf Supermoon — What People Actually See ? Slight increase in: apparent angular size surface brightness Moon Illusion Effect The Moon appears larger near the horizon due to human visual-perception bias, not astronomy. Scientific Concepts Linked Kepler’s Laws & Tides Perigee moons slightly enhance ocean tides (perigean spring tides) — but changes are modest. Earth–Moon Distance Range Perigee ≈ ~356,500 km Apogee ≈ ~406,700 km Lunar Phase + Orbit Interaction Supermoon requires phase alignment + orbital position. Comparative Terms Micromoon → full moon near apogee (smaller & dimmer). Blue Moon → second full moon in a month (calendar term). Harvest Moon → full moon closest to autumn equinox (seasonal term). Why These Names Matter ? Reflects interaction of culture, nature observation, and early time-keeping. Demonstrates how popular astronomy terms differ from scientific terminology — important for science communication. Somnath Swabhiman Parva  Why in News ? The article reflects on the civilisational and cultural significance of the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, particularly in the context of: 1,000 years since the first major attack on the temple (1026 CE by Mahmud of Ghazni). The temple’s repeated destruction and reconstruction across centuries, symbolising resilience of faith, culture, and national spirit. Contemporary relevance — Somnath as a symbol of civilisational continuity, unity, and cultural revival in modern India. Relevance GS-I | Indian Culture, Heritage & Architecture Jyotirlinga tradition, temple architecture, historical continuity GS-I / GS-II | Nation-building & Post-Independence Consolidation Cultural resilience, identity revival, leadership roles (Patel–Munshi) Basics — About the Somnath Temple Location: Prabhas Patan, Gir Somnath district, Gujarat (Western coast of India). One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Ancient coastal pilgrimage and trade hub. Architecture: Rebuilt in Chaulukya (Solanki) style using pink sandstone. Governance: Managed by Shree Somnath Trust. Historical Timeline — Destruction & Reconstruction 1026 CE — Mahmud of Ghazni invades; temple looted and destroyed. Subsequent medieval periods — Multiple attacks by foreign invaders; repeated rebuilding by local rulers and devotees. Late 19th century — Swami Vivekananda visits ruins; emphasises spiritual-civilisational strength. Post-Independence reconstruction Leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (1947 onwards). Supported by K.M. Munshi and others. Re-consecrated and reopened in 1951. Seen as a symbol of national resurgence and cultural self-assertion. Civilisational Themes   Somnath as a symbol of resilience Represents faith surviving conquest, plunder, and colonial suppression. Cultural continuity Despite repeated destruction, the temple was rebuilt again and again — reflecting collective civilisational memory. Nation-building symbolism Reconstruction linked to: self-confidence after independence reclaiming heritage and identity restoring dignity after centuries of subjugation Nanobots in targeted cancer treatment   Why in News ? Researchers at IISc Bengaluru, led by Dr. Ambarish Ghosh, are developing medical nanobots capable of navigating through blood, tissues, and cells to deliver high-precision, minimally invasive cancer therapy. The work recently received the 2025 Tata Transformation Prize, highlighting its translational potential in next-generation cancer care. Relevance GS-III | Science & Technology, Biotechnology & Robotics Medical nanorobotics, precision oncology, translational research GS-II | Health & Innovation Policy Affordable care, regulatory approval, ethical-safety considerations What are Medical Nanobots? Microscopic robotic devices engineered at the nano/micro-scale. Designed to swim or move inside the body, guided by magnetic fields or other stimuli. Can be functionalised with drugs, biomolecules, or nano-heaters to perform targeted therapeutic actions. How These Nanobots Work? Inspired by bacterial flagella / helical propellers → move through tissue and fluids. Controlled externally via magnetic navigation systems. Can: Deliver drugs directly to tumour sites Generate localised heat (hyperthermia) to kill cancer cells Act as MRI-visible beacons for precision tracking Aim: Maximum tumour kill with minimal damage to healthy tissue. Why They Matter ? Targeted therapy → reduces side-effects vs systemic chemotherapy. Minimally invasive → avoids large incisions or radiation spread. Precision medicine enabler → integrates imaging + navigation + therapy. Potentially lower long-term treatment costs and better survival outcomes. Challenges & Risks Biocompatibility and immune response Safety clearance & regulatory approval Scalability, cost, and clinician adoption Need for long-term toxicity and clearance data. Saudi-backed forces regain control of Hadramout province (Yemen) Why in News ? Saudi-backed National Shield Forces retook the port city of Mukalla and regained control of Hadramout province in Yemen after it was seized earlier by southern separatists. The development follows Saudi airstrikes and the withdrawal of forces aligned with the Emirati-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC). Significance: reflects shifting power dynamics in Yemen’s civil war and the Saudi–UAE rivalry within the anti-Houthi bloc. Relevance GS-II | International Relations & West Asia Geopolitics Yemen civil war dynamics, Saudi-UAE divergence, proxy actors Security of Arabian Sea–Gulf of Aden region GS-I | World Geography / Places in News Hadramout province, Mukalla port city, Arabian Sea littoral geography Places in News Hadramout (Hadhramaut) Province Largest governorate of Yemen (by area), located in the eastern part of the country. Borders: Saudi Arabia (N), Oman (E), Arabian Sea (S), Yemeni governorates to the west. Known for desert plateaus (Hadramawt valley) and historic trading towns. Mukalla Capital of Hadramout province and a strategic port city on the Arabian Sea. Major coastal hub for trade, fishing, and logistics. Has previously been a stronghold for Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) (2015–16 period — prelims-relevant).

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 03 January 2026

Content Two Interventions under NIRYAT PROTSAHAN — MSME Export Finance Support 9th Siddha Day Two Interventions under NIRYAT PROTSAHAN — MSME Export Finance Support Why in News ? The Government launched two finance-focused interventions under the Export Promotion Mission on 2 January 2026 to strengthen MSME exports: Interest Support for Pre- and Post-Shipment Export Credit Collateral Guarantee for Export Credit (via CGTMSE) These form part of the NIRYAT PROTSAHAN sub-scheme with a sharp focus on reducing export credit cost & improving finance access for MSMEs. Relevance GS-III | Indian Economy — Inclusive Growth, MSMEs, External Sector GS-III | Mobilisation of Resources — Credit, Financial Inclusion Core Concepts Pre-shipment credit → Working capital before goods are shipped. Post-shipment credit → Finance between shipment & receipt of export proceeds. Interest subvention → Government bears part of interest to lower borrowing cost. Collateral guarantee → Government-backed guarantee reduces collateral requirement and risk for banks. Intervention 1 — Interest Support for Export Credit Subvention Rate: Base support: 2.75% on pre- & post-shipment rupee export credit. Additional incentive: For under-represented / emerging markets (operationally notified). Coverage Criteria Applies only to positive-list tariff lines (HS-6 level). Coverage: ~75% of India’s tariff lines — sectors with high MSME participation. Annual Cap ₹50 lakh per IEC (FY 2025-26). Review Cycle Rates reviewed bi-annually (March & September) using domestic and global benchmarks. Positive-list Selection — Data-Driven Filters Priority: Labour-intensive & capital-intensive sectors, MSME density, value-addition. Excluded: Restricted/prohibited goods, waste & scrap, overlapping-scheme items. Included: Defence & SCOMET exports (strategic exports). Implementation RBI to issue operational guidelines; pilot rollout first, refinement based on feedback. Intervention 2 — Collateral Guarantee for Export Credit (CGTMSE) Guarantee Coverage Up to 85% — Micro & Small exporters. Up to 65% — Medium exporters. Exposure Limit Max ₹10 crore guaranteed exposure per exporter per FY. Design Logic Addresses collateral constraints & reduces bank risk → encourages export lending. Complements existing credit-guarantee schemes. Rollout CGTMSE to notify guidelines → pilot phase → integration into revised export-promotion framework. Export Promotion Mission — Scheme Architecture  Cabinet Approval: 12 Nov 2025. Outlay: ₹25,060 crore | FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31. Lead Ministries: Commerce, MSME, Finance. Focus Groups: MSMEs, first-time exporters, labour-intensive sectors, value-added & diversified exports. Two Sub-Schemes NIRYAT PROTSAHAN → Trade finance access & affordability. NIRYAT DISHA → Non-financial enablers (market access, branding, logistics, compliance, trade intelligence). Data-Backed Rationale MSMEs account for ~40% of India’s exports (est.) but face: High cost of export credit vs peers. Collateral shortages → low credit uptake. Working-capital stress in pre-shipment cycle. Schemes aim to: Lower cost of exporting Improve credit flow & market diversification Integrate MSMEs into global value chains (GVCs). Expected Outcomes  Reduced interest burden → higher margins & competitiveness. Broader market outreach to emerging geographies. Higher formalisation & scale-up among export-oriented MSMEs. Strengthening of India’s export brand + product diversification. Support to export-led growth trajectory. Strengths Targeted (positive-list, HS-6) & evidence-based design. Incentivises strategic sectors & labour-intensive segments. Combines price instrument (interest subvention) + risk instrument (guarantee). Pilot-based iterative refinement → adaptive governance. Implementation Risks & Challenges Possible credit concentration in already-competitive sectors. Administrative capacity for tariff-line monitoring at HS-6 level. Moral hazard risk if bank lending standards dilute. Need for sync with export demand cycles & global trade slowdown risks. Coordination required across RBI, banks, CGTMSE, exporters. Way Forward  Align incentives with productivity & value-addition metrics. Integrate with logistics efficiency, FTAs, export marketing support (under NIRYAT DISHA). Strengthen data monitoring dashboards — credit uptake, sectoral dispersion, NPA trends. Encourage first-time exporters via hand-holding & cluster-level facilitation. 9th Siddha Day Why in News ? The Ministry of Ayush is organising the 9th Siddha Day celebrations on 3 January 2026 in Chennai; National Siddha Day will be observed nationwide on 6 January (birth anniversary of Sage Agathiyar). Theme (2026): “Siddha for Global Health” — signalling the system’s role in preventive health, wellness, research, and global outreach. Vice President of India to preside; five eminent personalities to be honoured for outstanding contributions to Siddha medicine. Relevance GS-II | Health — Public Health, Human Resources, Governance of AYUSH GS-II | Welfare & Social Sector — Traditional Medicine in Healthcare Delivery Basics — Siddha System One of India’s oldest classical medical systems, rooted in Tamil tradition; attributed to Sage Agathiyar and other Siddhars. Major focus areas: Disease prevention, lifestyle regulation, dietetics, and rejuvenation (Kayakarpam) Triphase treatment model — body, mind, environment Materia medica — metals, minerals, herbo-mineral and plant formulations Institutional ecosystem National Institute of Siddha (NIS), Chennai Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS) Siddha Medical Colleges (TN & Kerala) Theme Significance — “Siddha for Global Health” Positions Siddha within: Global wellness & integrative healthcare Lifestyle-linked NCD prevention (diet, regimen, stress, ageing) Traditional medicine diplomacy & soft power Aligns with WHO Traditional Medicine Global Strategy and India’s efforts to mainstream Ayush in public health frameworks. Policy Context — Ayush & Siddha Mainstreaming Supports national priorities in: AYUSH-based preventive care & wellness tourism Research collaboration and pharmaco-standardisation Curriculum expansion, PG/PhD capacity & clinical training International recognition & cross-border knowledge partnerships Data-Driven Context  Siddha has strong regional footprint in Tamil Nadu & southern India with growing outreach through: Government hospitals & teaching institutions Research programmes under CCRS Integration in primary wellness services & public health campaigns Event strengthens research translation, documentation, and dissemination to widen acceptance. Expected Outcomes Higher public awareness & institutional visibility of Siddha. Stronger research networks, publication pipelines, and clinical validation. Boost to human-resource development & academic excellence. Support for international collaborations, innovation, and global positioning of Indian systems of medicine. Strengths  Deep preventive-care orientation (diet–lifestyle–environment). Strong textual & practitioner knowledge base. High potential in chronic illness management, geriatrics, wellness & rehabilitation. Contributes to health pluralism & patient choice. Challenges  Need for standardised formulations & quality control. Evidence generation, clinical trials & documentation must scale. Integration with modern public-health protocols & safety standards required. Human-resource and infrastructure gaps across non-TN regions. Way Forward Expand multi-centric clinical research with CCRS–ICMR partnerships. Create digital pharmaco-registry & outcome-tracking systems. Strengthen curriculum, faculty development, and international academic chairs. Promote Siddha wellness tourism & global certification pathways. Enhance public-health integration (NCD clinics, lifestyle counselling, primary care support).

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 03 January 2026

Content Energy Transition Casual Racism in India  Energy Transition Why in News ? The editorial analyses why India’s clean-energy transition now depends less on capacity addition and more on power sector reforms, especially distribution utilities (DISCOMs), tariffs, market design and flexibility. Solar-wind capacity is expanding fast, but inefficiencies in pricing, grid management and financial stress in DISCOMs are emerging as the core bottlenecks to renewable-led growth. Relevance   GS-III | Economy — Infrastructure & Energy Power sector reforms, DISCOM viability, tariff design, AT&C losses Renewable integration, grid management, market-based dispatch GS-III | Environment — Climate & Sustainable Development Clean-energy transition, decarbonisation, demand-side flexibility GS-II | Governance / Federal Issues Centre–State coordination in utility regulation, regulatory reforms Practice Question   “India’s renewable-energy challenge today is less about capacity creation and more about market and distribution reform.” Examine this statement with reference to DISCOM economics, tariff design, and wholesale market restructuring. Suggest policy measures to ensure efficient renewable integration.(250 Words) Basics — What the Editorial Emphasises ? Earlier constraint → generation capacity Current constraint → distribution, tariffs, demand-side flexibility, market design Core idea → India must reform how electricity is priced, scheduled, traded and consumed to use cheap renewables efficiently. Key Data & Facts Solar + wind installations: Crossed ~180 GW → among lowest-cost new power sources in India. DISCOM stress persists: Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses ≈ ~16% (despite UDAY & RDSS). Rooftop solar adoption rising, but affects DISCOM revenues when tariffs remain volumetric. India has mandated time-of-day (ToD) tariffs & smart-meter scaling at unprecedented speed. Smart meters installed: ≈ 49 million (under rollout). Outcome risk: If tariffs remain static / volumetric, DISCOMs face falling revenues + fixed costs. Market share of organised power exchanges: only 7–10% of total electricity supplied → bulk remains tied in long-term contracts. Studies cited: Renewables can reduce annual power procurement costs by ~$1.6 billion if scheduling improves. Structural Problems Highlighted Three-level bottleneck Distribution reforms → biggest constraint. Retail tariffs & smart technologies → needed for efficiency. Wholesale market reform → essential for flexible scheduling. DISCOM economics vs renewables Costs are fixed, revenues are volumetric → efficiency gains reduce revenue. High-paying consumer migration to rooftop solar / efficiency weakens DISCOM finances. Network costs remain even if demand shifts to rooftop / efficiency. Lack of flexible procurement limits renewable scheduling & peak-time balancing. Policy Issues Explained  Time-of-Day Tariffs (ToD) Prices vary by time → signals consumers to shift load from peak hours. Smart meters Enable real-time billing, remote monitoring, demand response. Volumetric Tariffs vs Fixed Charges Over-reliance on per-unit pricing undermines DISCOM finances. Cross-subsidisation Industry pays higher tariffs → households/agriculture pay subsidised rates. Market-based Economic Dispatch (MBED) Cheapest power (including renewables) dispatched first nationwide. Distributed energy (rooftop solar, storage, EV charging) Beneficial for sustainability but financially disruptive without tariff reform. Reforms Recommended Two wholesale market reforms Move to nationwide MBED-type system → dispatch cheapest power first. Integrate captive & private plants into wholesale markets to improve liquidity. Consumer-side reforms Pair ToD tariffs with automation, smart appliances, EV chargers, storage. Allow households to respond automatically to price signals. Financial redesign Allow regulators to recover network costs fairly while rewarding flexibility. Operational priorities Reduce reliance on long-term locked-in contracts. Expand short-duration, responsive resources. Opportunities Identified Efficient tariff & market reform → Better renewable integration, lower procurement costs, improved grid reliability. Boosts flexibility, competition, and liquidity in power markets. Risks & Challenges Revenue erosion from rooftop solar & efficiency under current tariff model. Implementation capacity gaps in DISCOMs. Fragmented markets & legacy long-term contracts. Need for automation, consumer awareness, and regulatory coordination. Takeaway — Core Thesis Adding more solar & wind is not enough. India’s transition now hinges on: Distribution reform + tariff redesign Smart-meter enabled demand flexibility Modern wholesale power markets These steps are essential to unlock the full value of cheap renewables and sustain the clean-energy shift. Casual Racism in India  Why in News ? The editorial highlights the normalisation of casual racism faced by people from the Northeast and other marginalised ethnic groups in academic and urban spaces, using a recent incident at the University of Delhi as a case example. It calls for institutional accountability, legal reform, social awareness, and zero-tolerance responses to everyday racial slurs and stereotyping. Relevance GS-I | Indian Society Regional identities, stereotyping, social prejudice, migration-linked discrimination GS-II | Governance / Rights / Policy Implementation Institutional accountability, grievance mechanisms, policing and legal reform Practice Question   “Casual racism reflects deeper structural prejudices and weak institutional deterrence rather than isolated individual behaviour.”Discuss with examples. Evaluate existing policy measures and suggest a framework to prevent and redress such discrimination in educational and urban spaces.(250 Words) What is “Casual Racism”? Everyday forms of verbal, behavioural or attitudinal prejudice that appear trivial but are rooted in racial/ethnic stereotyping. Examples: Mocking accents, features, food, clothing Using slurs such as “chinki,” “momo,” “Nepali,” “Chinese” Exoticising or othering identities (“outsider”, “foreigner”) Often dismissed as jokes → creates psychological harm, exclusion and inequality. Key Themes & Arguments From the Editorial Normalisation in elite spaces Racist behaviour exists even in universities and educated settings, not just streets. Power + Impunity problem Students make racist remarks without fear of punishment when institutions fail to act. Institutional responsibility Need for quick inquiry, grievance systems, penalties, sensitisation. Incident as symptomatic reality Reflects a wider culture of tolerated prejudice against Northeastern citizens and migrant groups. Call to action Racism must be called out every time, not ignored or normalised. Data & Policy Context North-East Indian migration to metros has risen significantly due to education & services employment — also increasing exposure to discrimination. Supreme Court–appointed Bezbaruah Committee (2014) recommended: Criminalising racial slurs through IPC amendments, Special police procedures, fast-tracking complaints, Integration & sensitisation measures in institutions. Government initiatives since then: Dedicated police helplines, Nodal Officers for North-East in major cities, Special Unit for North-East People (SPUNER) in Delhi Police. Despite measures, implementation gaps persist → under-reporting, weak enforcement, social stigma. Structural Causes of Casual Racism Stereotyping + ignorance about cultural diversity Urban “othering” of migrants (appearance, language, lifestyle markers) Lack of sensitisation in schools & universities Weak deterrence & complaint redressal Media and pop-culture caricatures reinforcing bias Impacts Psychological harm, alienation, social insecurity Erodes constitutional values of equality & dignity Weakens national integration & trust in institutions Produces hostile learning / working environments Policy & Institutional Responses Needed Zero-tolerance codes in universities & workplaces; time-bound disciplinary action. Clear legal classification of racial slurs as punishable offences (per Bezbaruah recommendations). Mandatory sensitisation & diversity training for students, staff, police. Anonymous & accessible grievance channels; counselling support. Curriculum inclusion on culture, ethnicity, migration & citizenship. Community outreach to counter stereotypes and misinformation. Best Practices UK / US universities: anti-racism ombuds, bias-incident reporting portals, restorative processes + penalties. OECD evidence: strong institutional signals reduce repeat bias incidents and improve belonging outcomes. Way Forward Recognise → Report → Redress → Reform → Repeat monitoring Treat casual racism as institutional risk, not individual misconduct. Promote a culture of speaking up & allyship — everyday accountability.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 03 January 2026

Content Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project — Mountain Tunnel Breakthrough Galaxy Frogs in the Western Ghats Financial & Cyber Fraud Losses in India How AWD helps rice farmers cut methane Sacred Piprahwa Relics Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project — Mountain Tunnel Breakthrough Why in News ? The first mountain tunnel breakthrough of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project has been completed in Palghar district, Maharashtra. The breakthrough took place in the 1.5-km MT-5 tunnel between Virar and Boisar stations — the longest among the seven mountain tunnels in Maharashtra. The achievement was announced by the Railway Minister, who also stated that India’s first bullet train is likely to be operational by 15 August 2027. Relevance GS-III | Infrastructure — Transport & Economic Development High-speed rail, engineering milestones, tunnel construction, technology transfer GS-II | Governance — Public Investment & Centre–State Coordination Execution capacity, employment generation, regional connectivity Basics — About the MAHSR (Bullet Train) Project Route length: 508 km (Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor). Technology: Based on Japan’s Shinkansen high-speed rail system. Executing agency: NHSRCL (National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd.). Design speed: 320 kmph. Travel time after completion: ~1 hour 58 minutes (end-to-end). Key Tunnel Facts  Total tunnel length on corridor:27.4 km 21 km underground tunnels 6.4 km surface tunnels Mountain tunnels (total): 8 7 tunnels in Maharashtra → combined length ~6.05 km 1 tunnel in Gujarat → 350 m MT-5 (current breakthrough): Length ~1.5 km — longest mountain tunnel in the State section Location: between Virar & Boisar Constructed from both ends Completed in ~18 months Technique: Drill-and-Blast method (cutting-edge blasting & excavation) Project Significance  Connectivity impact Travel time reduction → ~1 hr 58 min vs 6–7 hrs currently (by train). Integration of Mumbai–Thane–Palghar–Vapi–Surat–Vadodara–Ahmedabad economic clusters. Employment & ancillary effects Construction-led jobs, supply-chain and materials ecosystem growth. Technology & capacity building Transfer of tunnelling, viaduct, and high-speed systems expertise to Indian firms. Construction & Engineering Highlights Twin-end excavation improved speed and stability. Mountain-geology tunnelling requires: Controlled blasting Ventilation & muck disposal systems Rock-support lining & monitoring instrumentation Breakthrough marks sequential completion milestone before lining, track works, systems and safety testing. Galaxy Frogs in the Western Ghats  Why in News ? A recent study reports that 7 of the world’s rarest frogs — the Galaxy Frogs (Melanobatrachus indicus) — are now presumed dead, likely due to disturbance caused by uncontrolled photo-tourism in the Kerala Western Ghats. The findings were published in Herpetology Notes (Dec 2025). Researchers observed that photographers trampled habitat, displaced logs, and stressed the frogs, disrupting breeding and survival. Relevance GS-III | Environment & Biodiversity Endemic amphibians, Western Ghats hotspot, species vulnerability, IUCN status GS-III | Conservation Governance Ecotourism regulation, habitat protection, community monitoring Basics — About the Galaxy Frog Scientific name: Melanobatrachus indicus Family: Micrixalidae Habitat: Exclusively under rotten logs in evergreen & shola forests of the Western Ghats (Kerala) Size: ~2–3.5 cm Appearance: Black skin with blue speckles resembling a galaxy / starfield First described: 1878 Population traits: Rarely sighted Low reproductive visibility Vulnerable to disturbance IUCN Status: Vulnerable (already at high extinction risk) Key Findings of the Study  Study authors: K. P. Rajkumar, Benjamin Tapley, Jyoti Das, Sandeep Das, etc. Habitat monitoring between 2019–2025 in Mathikettan Shola National Park region. Seven individuals earlier identified → no longer found after repeated visits. Logs under which frogs lived were removed or displaced, vegetation trampled. Covid-19 lockdown pause → followed by mass influx of photographers after reopening. Frogs were handled, moved, and exposed to high-powered strobes & macro-lighting. Researchers conclude: behavioural disruption + micro-habitat loss → likely mortality. Drivers of Threat  Photo-tourism disturbance (primary trigger) Habitat trampling Log displacement Flash exposure & handling stress Other long-term pressures Forest conversion → agriculture, fuelwood extraction, land-slides Micro-habitat fragmentation Limited range + low detectability The case illustrates how “enthusiast photography” without regulation can become a biodiversity threat in micro-habitat-dependent species. Ecological Significance Part of Western Ghats endemic amphibian diversity hotspot. Amphibians = key bio-indicators of ecosystem health (moisture, soil, micro-habitats). Loss of such species → signals stress in montane forest ecology. Broader Conservation Concerns Highlighted Rise of unchecked nature-tourism in fragile habitats. Lack of: Visitor regulation & monitoring Ethical wildlife photography protocols Awareness among hobbyist groups “Rare-species chasing” → creates crowd pressure on single micro-sites. Policy & Governance Implications Need for strict micro-habitat protection norms in Protected Areas. Introduce: Permit-controlled access to amphibian sites No-touch / no-flash photography guidelines Training for guides & photographers Habitat-sensitive ecotourism zoning Strengthen community-based reporting & monitoring with forest departments. Way Forward — Conservation Priorities Species Recovery Plan for Melanobatrachus indicus Long-term population surveys & camera-free monitoring Citizen-science ethics code for herpetology & macro-photography Integrate amphibian conservation into Western Ghats biodiversity management plans Financial & Cyber Fraud Losses in India   Why in News ? Data compiled by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), MHA and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) shows that Indians lost ~₹52,976 crore to fraud and cheating cases over the last six years (2019–2025). Losses surged sharply in 2025, reflecting the growing scale of online scams, investment traps, phishing, impersonation frauds, digital lending scams and cyber-cheating. Maharashtra recorded the highest losses in 2025, followed by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana. Relevance GS-III | Economy & Internal Security Cyber-crime trends, financial fraud ecosystems, digital-payment vulnerabilities GS-II | Governance & Policy Implementation Role of I4C, NCRP-1930 helpline, RBI safeguards, inter-agency coordination Basics — What Counts as Fraud & Cheating in the Data Includes offences such as: Investment scams, phishing & OTP frauds Loan app scams, identity theft, mule accounts Dating / job / crypto scams, e-commerce frauds Banking & card frauds, impersonation / spoofing Cases reported through: NCRP portal (1930 helpline) Citizen Financial Fraud Reporting & Management System Key Data & Trends (2019–2025) Total losses (6 years): ~₹52,976 crore to fraud & cheating. 2025 (sharp escalation): Losses: ₹18,819.26 crore Complaints: 21,77,524 cheating-related cases 2024 (comparison): Losses: ₹22,849.49 crore recovered? (article notes ~19,188.52 lakh complaints — indicates high case load but lower loss reporting) State-wise (2025 — top five): Maharashtra — ₹7,432.6 crore loss; 13,10361 complaints Karnataka — ₹2,413 crore; 21,32,828 complaints Tamil Nadu — ₹1,897 crore; 12,39,203 complaints Uttar Pradesh — ₹1,443 crore; 27,52,640 complaints Telangana — ₹1,372 crore; 9,50,000 complaints Other states Gujarat — ₹1,312.6 crore loss Delhi — ₹1,163 crore West Bengal — ₹1,073.89 crore (high vulnerability reported) Cross-border linkages Several rackets traced to Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia scam hubs. Digital connectivity + financial inclusion → larger attack surface for cyber-financial crimes. Structural Drivers Behind Rising Losses Low digital-literacy + rapid fintech adoption Social-engineering scams exploiting trust & urgency Use of mule accounts & UPI wallets Weak grievance redress / delayed reporting Cross-border call-centre networks & crypto trails Fragmented coordination across banks, telecom, police Institutional & Policy Context I4C (MHA) — national cyber-crime coordination & analytics NCRP portal + 1930 helpline — real-time blocking of funds Citizen Financial Fraud Reporting System — freezing beneficiary accounts RBI initiatives Digital payment security controls, LEI & KYC tightening, account-freezing protocols CERT-In advisories; state cyber cells expansion Despite progress → enforcement & recovery gaps remain significant. Way Forward — Priority Reforms Prevention & Early Warning Real-time AI-based scam pattern alerts, telecom SIM & device fingerprinting Default transaction-cooling period for suspicious transfers Financial-sector controls Stronger mule-account detection, shared blacklists across banks & UPI apps Mandatory risk-score warnings on high-risk links / investment ads Law enforcement Cross-border cooperation, extradition pipelines, crypto-forensics capacity Fast-track courts for large-value cyber-fraud Citizen protection Mass digital-safety campaigns in regional languages Victim-centric recovery & counselling mechanisms How AWD helps rice farmers cut methane  Why in News ? Field trials across Telangana, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka (2024–25) show that Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) in paddy fields can: reduce methane emissions, save irrigation water, and generate income via carbon credits — without lowering crop yields. Relevance GS-III | Agriculture & Environment Methane mitigation, water-use efficiency, climate-smart practices GS-III | Economy — Carbon Markets & Farmer Income Diversification MRV systems, voluntary carbon credits, private climate-finance partnerships Key Facts from the Report Methane source in paddy Continuous flooding creates anaerobic soil conditions → methane-producing microbes thrive. AWD practice Fields are periodically drained and re-flooded instead of being kept submerged. Trial details Conducted in Warangal district (Telangana) across 30 farmers’ fields in kharif & rabi. Emissions measured using acrylic chambers + laboratory gas analysis. Results Lower methane emissions Water savings Grain yields comparable to conventional flooding Carbon Credit Mechanism   Verified methane reduction converted to CO₂-equivalent credits. Current price: $15–25 per tonne CO₂-eq. AWD reduction approx. 2.5 tonnes CO₂-eq / ha → ~$37.5 / ha (~₹3,300 / ha) potential income. Buyers: airlines, energy firms, and large corporates pursuing net-zero targets. Scale-Up & Institutional Context MITTI Labs — emission monitoring & verification. Good Rice Alliance (Bayer, Shell Energy India, GenZero/Temasek): 12,000+ farmers enrolled across 13 States Target mitigation: ~1.2 lakh tonnes CO₂-eq. Links with climate-smart agriculture and private-sector climate finance. Policy Relevance Supports: National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) India’s methane-reduction and climate commitments Water-use efficiency in rice ecosystems Challenges Highlighted Measurement & verification costs (MRV credibility is essential). Farmer adoption risk where irrigation control is weak. Price uncertainty in voluntary carbon markets. Need for extension support & training on AWD scheduling. Way Forward Integrate AWD into state crop programmes & water-management advisories. KVKs / FPO clusters for training and field demonstrations. Develop low-cost field-level MRV tools and transparent credit registries. Combine AWD with direct-seeded rice, residue & nutrient management for higher gains. Sacred Piprahwa Relics  Why in News ? The Ministry of Culture is organising a major international exposition titled “The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One” at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi. The exhibition will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 3 January 2026. It marks the reunion of the Sacred Piprahwa Gem Relics of Lord Buddha, repatriated to India in July 2025 after 127 years, with relics and reliquaries excavated in 1898 and 1971-75 at Piprahwa (Kapilavastu region). Relevance GS-I | Indian Culture & Heritage Buddhist relic traditions, Piprahwa–Kapilavastu site, cultural restitution GS-II | International Relations — Cultural Diplomacy / Soft Power Repatriation of antiquities, global Buddhist linkages Basics — What are the Piprahwa Relics? Site: Piprahwa, near Siddharthnagar (Uttar Pradesh) — associated with ancient Kapilavastu, the Shakya capital. Discovery (1898): Excavated by William Claxton Peppé; relic casket found in a monolithic stone coffer inside a stupa. Contents included: Sacred relics believed to belong to Lord Buddha Gem relics & jewelled offerings Reliquaries and ritual objects After discovery, the relics were divided and dispersed globally: A portion gifted to the King of Siam (Thailand) A portion taken to England by the Peppé family A portion preserved at the Indian Museum, Kolkata What Makes the 2026 Exposition Significant? Largest-ever assemblage of Buddha relics & antiquities linked to Piprahwa brought together since 1898. Exhibition includes 80+ cultural objects (6th century BCE → present): Sculptures, manuscripts, thangkas, reliquaries, ritual artefacts. Key Components Displayed Relics from 1898 Kapilavastu excavation Treasures from 1972 excavations Reliquaries & jewelled treasures from Indian Museum, Kolkata Recently repatriated Peppé family relics (2025) The original monolithic stone coffer Repatriation Timeline — Data & Context 127 years after dispersal, the Peppé family relics were repatriated in July 2025. Return achieved through: A public–private partnership effort Intervention to halt a Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction Global support from Buddhist communities Under recent heritage diplomacy: 642 antiquities have been repatriated to India in recent years Piprahwa relics are considered a landmark cultural restitution success

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 02 January 2026

Content DRDO celebrates 68th Foundation Day Jan Samarth Portal DRDO celebrates 68th Foundation Day Why in News ? DRDO celebrated its 68th Foundation Day on 01 January 2026. Review of 2025 achievements & 2026 targets by Raksha Mantri and DRDO leadership. Record defence indigenisation momentum: 22 Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) approvals worth ~₹1.30 lakh crore for DRDO-developed systems to be manufactured by Indian industries — highest ever in a single year. 11 acquisition contracts worth ₹26,000 crore signed with DRDO production partners. Relevance   GS 3 — Internal Security & Defence Technology Indigenous defence R&D, strategic autonomy, Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence Force modernisation — missiles, air defence, EW, naval systems, ISR, artillery Defence production ecosystem, DPSU–private–MSME integration Technology depth — cyber, AI, space, hypersonics, CBRN capabilities Import substitution + export orientation in defence manufacturing DRDO — Basics Founded: 1958 Headquarters: New Delhi Parent Ministry: Ministry of Defence Head: Secretary, Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO Mandate: Indigenous development of missiles, radars, EW, naval systems, aeronautics, armaments, life sciences, CBRN, AI & cyber systems. Vision: Strengthen strategic deterrence & defence self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat). Network: ~50+ laboratories, strong industry-academia ecosystem. Key Highlights of 2025 – Output & Indigenisation Push AoN approvals (~₹1.30 lakh crore) for major systems including: IADWS, Conventional Ballistic Missile System QRSAM ‘Anant Shastra’, LRASSCM IDDIS Mk-II, Astra Mk-II (BVRAAM) NAG (Tracked) Mk-2, Advanced Light Weight Torpedo PBMM-NG mines, AEW&C Mk-1A Mountain Radars, LCA Mk-1A Full Mission Simulator 11 signed contracts (~₹26,000 crore) for: Nag Missile System, Ashwini LLTR Radar ADFCR, EW Suite for Mi-17 V5 Area Denial Munition, HEPF-Pinaka Infantry Floating Foot Bridge Wargaming System ACADA, ATAGS, etc. User Evaluation Trials — Completed / Final Stage Pralay (S-to-S Missile) Akash-NG Pinaka – Guided Extended Range Advanced Light Weight Torpedo ER-ASR, MPATGM EW Systems for plains/deserts Border Surveillance System (BOSS) Software Defined Radio CBRN Water Purification System Pipeline for 2026 Induction Indian Light Tank VSHORADS, VL-SRSAM NASM-SR, Long Range LACM Rudram-2 ULPGM-V3 CL-ATGM for Arjun MBT Long-Range Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’ Long-Range & VHF Radars High-Power Microwave Systems Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rockets OBOGS-centric ILSS (LCA) Automatic Fire Protection (Dornier-228) Strategic Significance Boost to Defence Self-Reliance Largest-ever AoN + contracting pipeline → reduces import dependence. Technology Depth Shift toward next-gen domains: cyber, space, AI, EW, hypersonics, advanced missiles. Operational Edge Enhances air defence, precision strike, naval ASW, border surveillance, artillery lethality. Industrial Multipliers Strengthens MSME–DPSU–private sector value chains. Export Potential Several systems (Pinaka, radars, missiles) align with India’s defence export push. Way Forward — Policy & Capability Priorities Accelerate spiral development & modular upgrades. Deepen private-sector prime integration in complex platforms. Invest in materials, propulsion, EW & sensor fusion research. Expand dual-use & civilian spin-offs (cyber, space, disaster management). Strengthen export certification & after-sales frameworks. Jan Samarth Portal Why in News ? Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) made operational through the Jan Samarth Portal from 1 December 2025. In the first month (till 31 Dec 2025): 1,788 applications worth ₹8,599 crore received 716 sanctions worth ₹3,141 crore Government provides 100% credit guarantee for additional export-linked loans. Scheme supports liquidity, market diversification, competitiveness and employment, especially for MSME exporters. Relevance   GS 3 — Economy (Growth, MSMEs, Exports) Export competitiveness, market diversification, current-account stability MSME integration into global value chains; employment in export clusters Credit access & risk-sharing mechanisms to strengthen trade finance Counter-cyclical liquidity support during global economic headwinds Basics — Jan Samarth Portal  Launched: 2022 Purpose: National credit-linked schemes platform integrating banks & government schemes. Enables end-to-end digital processing: Eligibility check → Application → Approval → Tracking Covers schemes under DFS, MSME, Housing, Education, Agriculture, etc. For CGSE, it acts as the digital facilitation and monitoring platform. Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) — Key Features Implementing Ministry: Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance Guarantee Agency: NCGTC (National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Ltd.) Beneficiaries: MSME and non-MSME exporters (direct & indirect exporters) Nature of Support: Additional collateral-free working capital Up to 20% of existing export credit / WC limits Government Guarantee: 100% guarantee on the additional facility Scheme Size / Cap: Up to ₹20,000 crore guarantees Validity: Till 31 March 2026 or till guarantees of ₹20,000 crore are issued Lending Agencies: Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) — banks & FIs Operational Objectives Cushion exporters during global uncertainty & trade headwinds Improve liquidity and business continuity Enable market diversification & competitiveness Support employment in export-oriented industries Reinforce macro–stability via export performance Context & Economic Significance Exports = ~21% of India’s GDP ~45 million people employed (direct + indirect) in export sectors MSMEs ≈ 45% of India’s total exports Sustained exports help: Current Account Balance Foreign exchange stability Manufacturing ecosystem & supply chains How CGSE Works ? Exporter applies via Jan Samarth Portal Bank assesses existing limit + 20% top-up eligibility Loan sanctioned without additional collateral NCGTC issues guarantee to the bank Reduces lender risk → increases credit flow to exporters Challenges / Risks Need to avoid over-leveraging of stressed MSMEs Monitoring of credit quality & end-use essential Awareness gap among smaller exporters / cluster firms Coordination needed between banks–NCGTC–DGFT ecosystems Way Forward Expand coverage to supply-chain vendors of export firms Faster portal-based turnaround time (TAT) Integrate with trade finance, invoice discounting, TReDS Encourage transition from short-term liquidity → capability upgrading Strengthen export credit analytics & risk scoring

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 02 January 2026

Content Mob rule Between India and EU, a carbon gap and an FTA bridge Hate-linked Vigilantism Why in News? Late-2025 saw multiple mob-violence incidents across Kerala, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and elsewhere where Indian citizens — mostly migrant workers and students — were falsely branded as “Bangladeshis” or “Chinese” and attacked. The pattern reflects: Rising xenophobic profiling based on language, region, appearance, or presumed nationality. A spill-over from political rhetoric on “illegal infiltration”, particularly in election-bound regions. Relevance GS-II (Polity & Governance) Vulnerable sections, constitutional morality, rule of law, federal policing responsibility Role of civil services, Centre–State coordination in law & order GS-III (Internal Security) Social tensions, misinformation, mob mobilisation through digital platforms Impact on labour mobility, urban security, and economic activity Practice Question Mob violence poses a serious challenge to constitutional morality and rule of law in India. Examine the structural causes behind the recent surge in identity-linked mob attacks and suggest institutional reforms to address them. (250 Words) What is Happening? Mob violence / lynching = extra-judicial killing/assault by a group claiming to enforce “suspicion-based justice”. Victims in these cases: Indian internal migrants and youth from the Northeast, Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh etc. Trigger factors: identity demands, accent/language suspicion, racialised stereotypes, rumours amplified through social media. Scale, Patterns & Data  Internal migration: Census 2011 — 45.6 crore migrants (~37% of population); 2020-25 estimates place internal migrants at 55–60 crore. High-dependence states for migrant labour: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat. Hate/mob crimes data: NCRB does not maintain a separate “lynching” category; such crimes appear under murder/rioting/assault. Independent trackers (academia/civil society) show post-2015 rise in identity-linked mob violence, especially where rumours of theft, cow-related suspicion, or “illegal immigrant” labels are invoked. Northeast discrimination trend: Multiple commissions have highlighted racial slurs, stereotyping, and targeted assaults against people from Northeastern states in metros. (Data caveat: absence of a statutory category means under-reporting and classification gaps.) Drivers — What Explains the Spike? Political narrative effects Election-time messaging around “illegal infiltration” (Bangladesh-linked) normalises suspicion against Bengali-speaking and migrant communities. Stereotyping & racialisation Northeastern Indians misidentified as “foreigners/Chinese”; linguistic profiling of workers from Bengal/Odisha. Weak deterrence Slow trials, poor investigation quality, low conviction in crowd-violence cases → mob impunity. Digital rumours & performative violence Filming and circulating assaults on social media → copy-cat behaviour and mob mobilisation. Labour precarity Migrant workers lack documents, networks, and bargaining power, increasing vulnerability to vigilante suspicion. Legal–Constitutional Lens Fundamental rights violated: Art. 14 (equality), Art. 15 (non-discrimination), Art. 19(1)(d)/(e) (movement/residence), Art. 21 (life & dignity). Applicable penal provisions: IPC/CrPC: 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 323/325 (hurt), 341/342 (wrongful restraint), 153A, 295A, 505 (hate speech & provocation), criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly. Supreme Court — Tehseen Poonawalla (2018) guidelines: State nodal officers, preventive policing, fast-track trials, victim compensation, accountability of district administration. Implementation remains patchy. State-level initiatives (uneven): Anti-lynching bills/ordinances proposed or passed in some states (e.g., Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Manipur) — national framework still absent. Governance & Security Implications Internal security: fear among migrants → labour shortages, informalisation, social unrest in host states. Federal labour economy: sectors such as construction, hospitality, logistics, plantations depend heavily on migrants — violence threatens supply chains. Social cohesion: normalisation of vigilantism erodes rule of law and police legitimacy. Human rights & international image: recurring mob violence undermines India’s constitutional morality and commitments to equality and dignity. Editorial Overview Rhetoric around “infiltrators” creates moral licence for mobs to police identities. Policing responses limited to post-facto arrests rather than preventive intelligence, hotspot monitoring, and narrative correction. Absence of centralised data & statutory category prevents targeted policy action. Way Forward — Policy & Administrative Actions Implement SC anti-lynching guidelines in letter and spirit; designate nodal officers and district-level tasking. Create a statutory offence of mob lynching with command-responsibility and time-bound trial provisions. Data architecture: NCRB to add distinct categories for hate/mob crimes; disaggregate by motive and victim profile. Police reforms: Rumour-control protocols, social-media monitoring, early-warning grids in migrant-dense localities. Witness/victim protection & compensation. Political and civic messaging: bipartisan condemnation; avoidance of xenophobic election rhetoric; community outreach with employers and labour contractors. Migrant inclusion measures: registration, helplines, inter-state coordination cells, awareness of legal rights; grievance kiosks at workplaces and transport hubs. Education & sensitisation: anti-discrimination campaigns in schools, workplaces, and transport systems — especially regarding Northeast communities and inter-state migrants. Between India and EU, a carbon gap and an FTA bridge Why in News? From 1 January 2026, the EU will start imposing full tariffs under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on imports of steel, aluminium, cement, fertilizers, electricity, hydrogen, etc. Indian steel and aluminium exports to the EU already face higher compliance costs under the transition phase since October 2023. CBAM is emerging as a trade barrier + climate instrument, impacting India–EU trade, FTA negotiations, industrial competitiveness, and carbon pricing strategy. Relevance   GS-III (Economy | Environment | Industry) Green industrial transition, trade-climate nexus, carbon pricing, competitiveness Impact on steel, aluminium and MSME supply chains Practice Question CBAM represents the emergence of climate-aligned protectionism in global trade. Analyse its likely impact on India’s export competitiveness and suggest a policy roadmap for adaptation and resilience. (250 Words) What is CBAM? CBAM is the EU’s mechanism to equalise carbon costs between: EU producers covered under EU-ETS (carbon pricing) Foreign exporters whose countries lack similar carbon pricing. Importers must purchase CBAM certificates proportional to the embedded emissions during production. Covers only Scope-1 & Scope-2 emissions (fuel + electricity used in production). Transport and downstream emissions are excluded. Goal: Prevent carbon leakage (firms shifting production to low-regulation countries) and protect EU industry. What Changes for India? The tax may reduce 16–22% of the price actually received by Indian exporters due to: certificate cost, compliance expenses, buyer price discounts, renegotiated contracts. In FY2025, exports of Indian steel & aluminium to EU = $5.8 billion — already down 24% YoY, despite no carbon tax yet → anticipatory compliance burden. EU buyers are demanding lower prices upfront to hedge expected CBAM costs. How CBAM Liability is Calculated ? Benchmark EU carbon price ≈ €80 per tonne of CO₂ If exporters don’t submit verified plant-level data: EU applies default emission values (30–80% higher) → increases payable tax. From 2026, emissions must be ISO-14065 verified by EU-approved auditors → increases compliance cost. Sector-wise Impact Steel — Highest Risk Blast Furnace–Basic Oxygen Furnace (BF-BOF): Highest emissions → CBAM burden ~€80–€120 per tonne Could raise costs by 50–70%. Gas-based Direct Reduced Iron (DRI): Lower CBAM hit. Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) using scrap: lowest burden — favoured by CBAM. Aluminium Electricity-intensive → emissions linked to grid carbon factor. EU share in India’s aluminium exports ≈ 10% of global trade exposure. Competitiveness Comparison China’s carbon price ≈ 10% of EU level → much lower CBAM pass-through. Rich countries can absorb climate costs better → competitive asymmetry. Key Economic Effects Highlighted Pricing pressure on exporters (buyers discount prices to offset CBAM). Contract renegotiations and reopening of long-term supply agreements. Shift in supply chains toward: low-carbon technology, scrap-based/EAF routes, relocation to countries with carbon pricing alignment. Compliance & Governance Gaps Many firms lack: plant-level emissions measurement systems, verifiable data & auditors, internal carbon accounting. Risk of exporters relying on default EU emission factors → higher tax liability. Opportunities if India Responds Strategically Firms that measure accurately, verify early, and decarbonise can: retain margins, avoid deep price cuts, secure contracts via carbon-differentiated pricing. CBAM can act as a push factor for low-carbon industrial transition. Broader Trade & Policy Implications CBAM overlaps with India–EU FTA negotiations: India seeks market access + rules discipline. EU uses CBAM as climate-trade conditionality. The editorial frames CBAM also as: industrial protection + revenue generation tool for the EU, not merely a climate instrument. Strategic Risks for India Export erosion in high-emission sectors. Rising compliance costs → affects MSME suppliers. Possible trade diversion away from EU. Competitive disadvantage without: domestic carbon market, industrial decarbonisation incentives. Policy Priorities for India Domestic Carbon Pricing / Carbon Market (phased, industry-linked). Green steel pathway: EAF transition, scrap recycling, hydrogen pilots. National MRV framework: plant-level Measurement–Reporting–Verification. Financial support for energy-efficient retrofits. FTA strategy: secure transition support, mutual recognition of carbon accounting systems. Data ecosystem: emissions registries, verified auditors, standardised protocols. Critical Assessment CBAM reflects climate-aligned protectionism — climate goal + competitiveness shield. For India, the risk is not only tax burden but structural competitiveness loss if industrial decarbonisation lags. Early compliance + technology transition is economically superior to late adjustment.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 02 January 2026

Content Centre’s tobacco tax rejig to take effect from Feb. 1 Ancient Marathi literature reveals savannas are not degraded forests Why does India need climate- resilient agriculture? Ikkis: The story of 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal & the Battle of Basantar Amazonian stingless bees first insects to get legal rights in the world Centre’s tobacco tax rejig to take effect from Feb. 1 Why in News ? The Union Finance Ministry has issued notifications to implement a new taxation regime on tobacco products from 1 February 2026 under the Central Excise (Amendment) Act, 2025. Key elements include: Revival and revision of excise duty on cigarettes (earlier reduced to a nominal level under GST). Enforcement of a cess on pan masala units under the Health Security and National Security Act, 2025. End of the GST Compensation Cess from 1 February. Revision of GST rates on tobacco products — beedis shifted to 18% (from the earlier 28% slab); other tobacco products moved to a 40% slab. The Ministry flagged that cigarette affordability has not declined in the past decade, contrary to global public-health guidance recommending annual real price increases through higher specific excise duties. Relevance   GS-3 (Economy) Taxation, GST architecture, cess vs tax, fiscal federalism, sin-tax economics, price elasticity. GS-2 (Health & Governance) Public health policy, NCDs, regulation of harmful products, Centre–State coordination. Conceptual Foundations  Indirect Taxes on Tobacco (Pre-GST vs Post-GST) Pre-GST: Central excise + State VAT + surcharges. Post-GST (2017): GST (12/18/28% slabs), plus GST Compensation Cess; central excise continued only on cigarettes (but reduced to a nominal level). Types of Tobacco Taxes Specific excise → fixed per unit (effective for health policy; raises price uniformly). Ad valorem tax → % of price (can be evaded via down-trading to cheaper brands). GST Compensation Cess (2017–2022, later extended) Purpose: compensate States for revenue losses due to GST implementation. Funded partly by cess on sin/luxury goods (incl. tobacco). Economic Rationale for “Sin Taxes” Correct negative externalities (health costs, productivity loss). Recommended by WHO-FCTC: regular increases in real prices; prefer specific excise. Price Elasticity of Demand for Tobacco Low but not zero; higher among youth & low-income users → taxation is an effective control tool. What Has Changed — Policy Moves from 1 Feb 2025 Excise Duty on Cigarettes Raised/Restored from nominal levels to a meaningful specific levy. Cess on Pan Masala Units brought into force under the 2025 Act. GST Compensation Cess Ends from 1 February. Re-structuring of GST Rates on Tobacco Beedis: moved to 18% category (from the now-defunct 28% slab). Other tobacco products: shifted to 40% slab. Policy Logic Cited by Government Cigarettes have become more affordable relative to income growth. Aim is to align with global public-health benchmarks mandating periodic excise hikes. Implications — Economy, Health, Governance Public Health Likely reduction in initiation and consumption over time, especially among youth. Supports NCD control, lowers long-term healthcare burden. Revenue & Fiscal Federalism Higher excise may boost Union revenues; cessation of compensation cess changes Centre–State fiscal dynamics. States may seek alternative revenue sources post-cess. Equity & Behavioural Effects Taxes are regressive in incidence but progressive in health gains (larger benefits for poorer households). Industry & Supply Chain Possible down-trading to cheaper/illicit products; need strong track-and-trace enforcement. Beedi sector largely informal → compliance and monitoring challenges. Trade & Compliance Risk of illicit cross-border trade → requires customs vigilance and FCTC-aligned controls. Analytical Perspectives  Does tobacco taxation balance revenue and health objectives? Compare specific vs ad valorem models; global lessons (WHO-FCTC, Thailand, Philippines). Post-GST cess withdrawal and States’ revenue space Options: buoyancy via GST expansion vs targeted sin-tax rationalisation. Beedi sector paradox High consumption, low taxation, informal labour → policy trade-offs (health vs livelihoods). Prelims-Ready Pointers Excise duty on cigarettes continues outside GST (Union power). Compensation Cess → designed to offset States’ GST revenue losses; ends from 1 Feb 2025. From 1 Feb 2025: Beedis → 18% GST category. Other tobacco products → 40% GST slab. Specific excise is considered more effective for tobacco control than ad valorem taxes. Way Forward  Periodic, inflation-indexed specific excise increases. Track-and-trace systems to curb illicit trade. Differential taxation aligned to harm continuum (discourage smoked forms strongly). Health-earmarked revenues for NCD prevention and cessation programmes. Support measures for workers/farmers in tobacco & beedi value chains during transition. Ancient Marathi literature reveals savannas are not degraded forests Why in News ? A new study published in People and Nature (British Ecological Society) shows that the savannas of western Maharashtra are ancient ecosystems, not degraded forests. Using medieval Marathi literature, oral traditions, archival records, and ecological evidence, researchers trace open tree–grass landscapes back at least 750 years, predating colonial timber extraction. The study challenges the prevailing narrative that savannas are the result of deforestation or anthropogenic degradation, and calls for distinct conservation policies that value both biodiversity and local culture. Relevance GS-1 (Geography / Indian Society) Physical geography of biomes, human–environment interactions, cultural landscapes. GS-3 (Environment & Ecology) Ecosystem classification, biodiversity conservation, grasslands vs forests, policy impacts. Basics — Concepts & Foundations What are Savannas? Mixed tree–grass ecosystems with open canopies, seasonal drought, and fire–grazing interactions. Characterised by thorny trees, drought-adapted shrubs, perennial grasses, and browsing-resilient species. Savannas vs Forests (Conceptual Difference) Savannas → Fire- and grazing-maintained, open, low tree density, grass-dominated. Closed Forests → Dense canopy, shade-tolerant species, fire-sensitive ecology. Indian Ecological Terminology (Historical) vana / jāgala → wild, open, drier landscapes (scrub, savanna, grasslands). anūpa → wetter marshes and closed forests. Modern misinterpretation equates vana with “dense forest”, leading to policy misclassification. Two Savanna Types in Maharashtra Fine-leaf savannas → drier belts (≤1000 mm rainfall). Broadleaf savannas → wetter belts (≥700 mm rainfall). Both co-occur across the 700–1000 mm rainfall zone. Evidence Base — What the Study Found ? Textual & Oral Records (13th–20th centuries) Sources: ovis, narrative poems, hagiographies, myths across Pune, Satara, Solapur, Sangli, Nashik. Recurrent descriptions of: thorny trees, grasslands, seasonal drought pastoral livelihoods & grazing landscapes Sacred landscapes (e.g., Shinganapur / Kothalāgirī) embed tree species as cultural symbols. Flora Identified (62 species) 27 savanna indicators; 14 forest species → strong signal of historic open-canopy ecologies. Key species: Vachellia leucophloea, Senegalia catechu, Capparis divaricata, Butea monosperma, and grasses like Sehima nervosum. Functional Traits Indicating Savanna Ecology thick bark, spines, clonal resprouting, fire & grazing tolerance. Triangulated with 11 Independent Evidence Lines Archival photos & paintings → sparsely wooded uplands. Colonial revenue records → pasture commons, hay meadows. Hunting logs & bird lists → savanna-specialist fauna. Hero stones → pastoral conflict & cattle raids. Archaeological evidence → blackbuck motifs, grazer remains in Chalcolithic contexts. Conclusion: Savannas are ancient and persistent ecosystems, not outcomes of recent deforestation. Why This Matters ?  Ecological Misclassification Problem Policies often treat savannas as “wastelands” or degraded forests → leads to: inappropriate afforestation/plantation drives, biodiversity loss (grassland fauna decline), disruption of pastoral livelihoods. Cultural-Ecological Linkages Savannas host sacred groves, pastoral traditions, ritual landscapes. Conservation must integrate local knowledge + biodiversity objectives. Conservation Reorientation Needed Manage as distinct ecosystems (fire-grazing dynamics, native grasses), Avoid blanket tree-plantation policies in open landscapes. Why does India need climate- resilient agriculture? Why in News ? Climate shocks, soil degradation, water stress, and rising input volatility are weakening India’s agricultural productivity and farmer incomes. A policy commentary highlights the need for Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) — integrating biotechnology, bio-inputs, genome-edited seeds, precision & digital tools, and climate advisories — to safeguard food security while reducing ecological stress. Despite initiatives such as NICRA (ICAR, 2011) and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), adoption gaps, poor bio-input quality, digital divides, and fragmented policy coordination constrain progress. Relevance   GS-1 (Geography / Society) → climate variability, livelihoods, rainfed agriculture. GS-3 (Economy & Environment) → food security, agricultural productivity, biotechnology, sustainable agriculture, climate change adaptation, bio-inputs, resource efficiency. Concepts & Foundations  Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA): Core Idea Adapt farming systems to climate variability, extreme weather, and resource stress while maintaining productivity and environmental sustainability. Key Components Biotechnology tools — climate-tolerant & genome-edited crops (heat, drought, salinity, pest tolerance). Bio-inputs — biofertilizers, biopesticides, soil-microbiome approaches (reduced chemical dependence). Digital & AI tools — precision irrigation, crop-health monitoring, yield prediction, climate advisories. Climate-smart practices — zero tillage, residue management, SRI, aerobic/direct-seeded rice, diversified systems. Conceptual Distinction (Static) CRA ≠ only mitigation → mainly adaptation + risk-proofing agriculture. Linked syllabus themes: sustainability, food security, resource efficiency, technology & innovation. Why India Needs Climate-Resilient Agriculture ? High exposure to climate risk ~51% of net sown area is rainfed; produces ~40% of food → highly vulnerable to rainfall variability and drought. Rising frequency of climate extremes Heatwaves, erratic monsoons, floods, pest outbreaks → yield instability and income shocks. Degrading natural resources Soil nutrient depletion, groundwater stress, stubble burning, chemical-input dependency. Food security & demographic pressure Large and growing population → need stable, climate-proof productivity. Environmental health & sustainability CRA reduces chemical load, emissions, and ecosystem damage while preserving productivity. Where India Stands — Policies, Institutions, Initiatives NICRA (ICAR, 2011) 448 climate-resilient villages; demonstrated SRI, zero-till wheat, residue incorporation, climate-tolerant varieties, aerobic/direct-seeded rice. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) Focus: rainfed areas, integrated farming, soil health, water-use efficiency, resource conservation. BioE3 Policy (recent) Positions CRA as a biotechnology-led adaptation pathway; promotes genome-edited crops and bio-inputs. Market & technology ecosystem Growing bio-input industry; expanding agritech & AI advisory platforms, precision irrigation, crop-monitoring tools. Key Challenges in Scaling CRA  Low adoption among small & marginal farmers Constraints: awareness, affordability, access to technologies & advisory services. Quality risks in bio-inputs Inconsistent standards for biofertilizers/biopesticides → distrust, poor outcomes. Slow rollout of climate-resilient / gene-edited seeds Uneven State-level distribution; regulatory caution slows diffusion. Digital divide Limited access to devices, connectivity, data literacy → weak penetration of AI/precision tools. Resource stress outpacing adaptation Soil degradation, water scarcity, rising climate volatility. Fragmented policy & institutional coordination Overlaps across agriculture, biotechnology, environment, and rural development → implementation friction. Why CRA is Strategic for India ? Risk-buffering for farmers → stabilises yields & incomes under climate uncertainty. Productivity with sustainability → reduces chemical dependence while improving soil & ecosystem health. Tech-led structural transformation → strengthens innovation, agri-value chains, and agri-startup ecosystems. Supports national priorities → food security, SDGs, NDC adaptation goals, water & soil conservation. Way Forward — Policy & Implementation Priorities Accelerate climate-tolerant & genome-edited crop deployment with strong regulatory clarity. Strengthen standards & certification for biofertilizers and biopesticides; build reliable supply chains. Last-mile digital inclusion → climate advisories, AI decision tools, precision farming access for smallholders. Financial enablers → climate insurance, concessional credit, transition incentives, outcome-based support. Integrated national CRA roadmap (BioE3-aligned) → unify biotechnology, climate adaptation, and agriculture policy for scale & coherence. Localised extension & capacity-building → community participation, farmer-producer organisations, region-specific packages. Prelims-Ready Pointers ~51% rainfed area → ~40% food output → high climate vulnerability. CRA tools: bio-inputs, genome-edited seeds, soil-microbiome insights, AI-based advisories, precision irrigation. Flagship initiatives: NICRA (ICAR), NMSA, BioE3-aligned biotechnology push. Key barriers: quality of bio-inputs, digital divide, slow seed rollout, fragmented coordination. Ikkis: The story of 2nd Lt Arun Khetrapal & the Battle of Basantar Why in News ? A recent feature revisits the Battle of Basantar (Indo-Pakistan War, 1971) through the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. The narrative is linked to the film Ikkis, which portrays his courage during one of the most decisive tank battles on the western front of the 1971 war. Relevance GS-1 (History — Post-Independence India) Major wars, national security events, military leadership and heroism. GS-3 (Internal Security / Defence) Border security, armoured warfare, strategic geography (Shakargarh Bulge, riverine barriers). Context & Background Indo-Pakistan War of 1971: Two Fronts Eastern Theatre → Liberation of Bangladesh (offensive operations). Western Theatre → Objective was to contain Pakistan and prevent escalation; included key defensive–offensive battles such as Basantar. Location Shakargarh Bulge (between the Ravi & Chenab rivers, near Jammu–Pathankot axis). A strategic wedge—if Pakistan broke through, it could threaten Punjab, Pathankot, and access to Kashmir. Battle of Basantar (Dec 1971) — Core Idea Indian aim: secure a bridgehead across the Basantar river, block Pakistani armoured thrusts, and hold territory under heavy counter-attacks. Operational Overview — What Happened ? Indian Advance Indian armoured & infantry units crossed the heavily mined Basantar river, creating a bridgehead under intense fire. Pakistani Counter-attacks Multiple Patton tank assaults to dislodge Indian forces. Role of 2nd Lt Arun Khetrapal (Poona Horse Regiment) Refused to abandon his burning tank, fought on, and destroyed several enemy tanks. Continued firing despite being ordered to withdraw; died in action after disabling another advancing tank. His actions were pivotal in breaking the Pakistani assault and holding the bridgehead. Decorated Soldier — Key Facts for Prelims 2nd Lt Arun Khetrapal Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous) — youngest recipient. National Defence Academy parade ground and gates at IMA, Dehradun & NDA, Khadakwasla named in his honour. Strategic Significance of the Battle Military Significance Prevented Pakistan from penetrating the western sector. Secured the Pathankot–Jammu axis, protecting vital logistics corridors. Psychological & Doctrinal Impact Demonstrated armoured warfare capabilities and combined-arms coordination. Reinforced the role of defensive-offensive operations on active borders. War Outcome Context Contributed to favourable ceasefire terms on the western front. Overview Shakargarh Bulge as a Vulnerability Natural salient projecting into India → high-value defensive priority. Armour vs Armour Battles in South Asia Basantar illustrates terrain–engineering–minefield integration as decisive in tank warfare. Role of Individual Leadership in War Outcomes Tactical courage at the platoon level can shape operational success. Prelims-Ready Pointers Battle of Basantar → Western Front, Dec 1971, Shakargarh Bulge. Regiment involved → Poona Horse (armoured regiment). Award → Param Vir Chakra (youngest awardee). Objective → Hold bridgehead across Basantar; repel Pakistani tank counter-attacks. Way Forward Preserve battlefields & regimental histories as military-heritage resources. Integrate lessons on combined arms, logistics protection, and armoured tactics in professional military education. Use biographies and films to strengthen public awareness of national security history. Amazonian stingless bees first insects to get legal rights in the world Why in News ? A municipal ordinance in Satipo, Peru (Amazon region) has granted legal rights to native Amazonian stingless bees — the first case in the world where insects have been recognised as rights-bearing entities. The Declaration of Rights for Native Stingless Bees grants them the right to exist, thrive, restore habitats, live in pollution-free environments, and be legally represented in cases of harm. The initiative was led by Amazon Research Internacional (Rosa Vásquez Espinoza) in collaboration with the Earth Law Center, aligning Indigenous ecological knowledge and Rights-of-Nature jurisprudence. Relevance GS-3 (Environment & Ecology) Biodiversity conservation, pollinators, ecosystem services, invasive species, climate impacts. Environmental governance, Rights of Nature, community-based conservation. Concepts & Foundations Rights of Nature — Core Idea A legal-philosophical approach where ecosystems or species possess inherent legal rights, independent of human use-value. Earlier examples: Whanganui River (New Zealand, 2017) — granted legal personhood. Ganga & Yamuna (India, 2017—judicial recognition, later limited in scope). Amazon & Andes jurisdictions — constitutional or municipal nature-rights frameworks (Ecuador, Bolivia). What Makes This Case Distinct First time a specific insect group has been recognised as a legal rights holder rather than merely a protected species. Who Are Stingless Bees? (Ecology Basics) Ancient lineage of bees; non-stinging, cavity-nesting, highly social species. Keystone rainforest pollinators — pollinate >80% of Amazon flora and crops like coffee, cocoa, avocado, blueberries. Culturally important to Indigenous Amazonian communities (medicine, livelihoods, rituals). What the Ordinance Recognises  Right to exist and thrive Right to maintain healthy populations Right to a pollution-free habitat Right to ecologically stable climatic conditions Right to regenerate natural cycles Right to legal representation in cases of threat or harm Implication: Harm to bees or their habitats can be pursued as a legal injury. Why Protection Was Needed ?— Risk Drivers Climate change → heat stress, rainfall disruption Deforestation & habitat loss Pesticide exposure Competition from introduced European honeybees Erosion of Indigenous knowledge systems Significance — Governance, Law, Environment Shift from conservation-as-resource to conservation-as-rights Recognises species as moral and legal stakeholders. Integration of Indigenous knowledge & modern science Supports biocultural heritage preservation. Precedent-setting value Could influence municipal and national biodiversity laws globally. Operational Challenges Defining guardianship & representation mechanisms. Balancing economic uses (apiculture, agriculture) with species-rights claims. Monitoring compliance in remote rainforest landscapes. Prelims-Ready Pointers First insects to receive legal rights → Amazonian stingless bees (Peru, Satipo ordinance). Key rationale → ecological keystone role + Indigenous cultural significance. Rights granted include existence, healthy populations, habitat protection, climate stability, regeneration, legal representation. Led by Rosa Vásquez Espinoza (Amazon Research Internacional) with Earth Law Center. Pollinate >80% of Amazonian flora and several global crops. Way Forward Strengthen pollinator protection frameworks (wild bees beyond honeybees). Integrate community stewardship and traditional knowledge into conservation. Promote pesticide regulation, habitat corridors, diversified agro-ecosystems. Explore rights-based or trustee-based models for critical ecosystems/species where appropriate.

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