Content

1. GSAT-7R: India’s Heaviest Military Communication Satellite – Strengthening Naval Network-Centric Warfare
2. Assam’s Rowmari–Donduwa Wetland Complex – A New Ramsar Hope in the Brahmaputra Floodplain
3. Tri-Services Exercise ‘Trishul 2025’ – Advancing India’s Joint Combat and Network-Centric Capabilities
4. Looming Urea Scarcity in India – Rising Demand, Fiscal Strain, and Agricultural Imbalance
5. 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) – Terms of Reference, Fiscal Impact, and OPS–NPS Debate

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GSAT-7R: India’s Heaviest Military Communication Satellite

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Why in News ?

• ISRO successfully launched GSAT-7R (CMS-03), the Indian Navy’s advanced communication satellite, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, aboard LVM3-M5.
• At 4,400 kg, it is India’s heaviest communication satellite to date, marking a milestone in naval communications and space-based defense capabilities.

Relevance:

• GS-3 (Science & Technology | Defence Technology):
  • Space-based defence communication systems and indigenous satellite development.
  • Network-centric warfare and defence applications of space assets.
  • ISRO’s role in strategic autonomy and Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence tech.
• GS-2 (International Relations):
  • Maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific under SAGAR vision.
  • Role of space assets in India’s regional security architecture.
• GS-3 (Internal Security):
  • Integration of satellite communication in national security and cyber resilience.

Basic Details

• Full Name: GSAT-7R (also referred to as CMS-03).
• Launch Vehicle: LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), India’s most powerful launcher.
• Orbit: Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO); will shift to Geostationary Orbit using onboard propulsion.
• Mass: ~4,400 kg.
• User Agency: Indian Navy.
• Manufacturer: ISRO (entirely indigenously designed and developed).

Key Features

• Transponder Bands: Multi-band (UHF, S, C, Ku) – enables voice, video, and data links across the Indian Ocean Region.
• Coverage: Entire Indian Ocean Region (IOR) — ensures connectivity between ships, submarines, aircraft, and maritime command centers.
• Secure Communications: End-to-end encrypted, jam-resistant links for naval command and control.
• Advanced Payload: Supports real-time surveillance data relay, maritime domain awareness, and network-centric warfare.
• Power: Solar arrays providing >6 kW power.
• Operational Life: Estimated 12–15 years.

Significance

Strategic & Security Dimensions

• Enhances maritime domain awareness (MDA) — crucial amid increasing Indo-Pacific naval activity.
• Reduces dependence on foreign satellite communication systems.
• Forms part of India’s “G-SAT-7 constellation” for the armed forces:
  • GSAT-7 (Rukmini): Navy (2013)
  • GSAT-7A: IAF (2018)
  • GSAT-7R: Navy (2025)
• Enables Network-Centric Warfare — integration of sensors, weapons, and platforms into one communication grid.
• Reinforces Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defense space technology.

Technological Dimensions

• Demonstrates ISRO’s capability to deploy heavy-class communication satellites from Indian soil.
• Advances LVM3’s track record as a reliable heavy-lift vehicle (used earlier for Chandrayaan-3 and OneWeb missions).
• Incorporates indigenous high-performance components and onboard propulsion systems.

Broader Context

• Aligns with India’s Defence Space Strategy (2022) to enhance space-based ISR, navigation, and communication.
• Complements Defence Space Agency (DSA) and Defence Space Research Organisation (DSRO) efforts.
• Strengthens India’s position in the Indo-Pacific security architecture, especially under the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.
• Enhances operational synergy with GAGAN and NavIC navigation systems.

Challenges & Future Outlook

• Space Security: Growing militarization of space and anti-satellite threats (ASATs).
• Spectrum Management: Need for secure, interference-free bandwidth allocation.
• Next Step: Development of GSAT-7C for cyber communication and low-earth orbit (LEO) constellations for real-time tracking.

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Assam’s Rowmari–Donduwa Wetland Complex

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Why in News ?

• A joint initiative by conservationists, wildlife officials, academics, and students seeks to secure the Ramsar Site tag for the Rowmari–Donduwa Wetland Complex located inside Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in Assam’s Nagaon district.
• The site has shown higher avian diversity than existing Ramsar sites in the Northeast — Deepor Beel (Assam) and Loktak Lake (Manipur).

Relevance:

• GS-3 (Environment | Biodiversity & Conservation):
  • Ramsar Convention and India’s wetland management policies.
  • Conservation of floodplain–marsh ecosystems in the Brahmaputra basin.
  • Role of community participation and scientific monitoring in wetland protection.
• GS-1 (Geography):
  • Riverine landscapes and ecological linkages between protected areas.
  • Human–environment interaction in floodplain ecosystems.

Basic Facts

• Wetland Complex: Rowmari Beel and Donduwa Beel (≈3 sq. km).
• Location: Within Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary (70.13 sq. km), connected to Burhachapori WLS and forming part of the Kaziranga–Orang landscape corridor.
• Governing Authority: Assam Forest Department; proposal submitted for Ramsar designation.
• Recent Census:
  • Rowmari Beel: 20,653 birds of 75 species.
  • Donduwa Beel: 26,480 birds of 88 species (Kaziranga Waterbird Census 2025).

Ecological Significance

• Habitat Type: Floodplain–marsh ecosystem of the Brahmaputra River basin.
• Avifaunal Richness: ~120 resident and migratory species recorded annually.
• Notable Species:
  • Globally threatened: Knob-billed Duck, Black-necked Stork, Ferruginous Pochard.
  • Migratory species: Northern Pintail, Lesser Whistling Duck, and Common Teal.
• Ecological Services:
  • Groundwater recharge and flood control.
  • Carbon sequestration and nutrient recycling.
  • Biodiversity hotspot for fish, amphibians, and aquatic plants.

Conservation Context

• Corridor Function: Acts as an ecological linkage between Kaziranga and Orang National Parks, crucial for movement of tigers, rhinos, and elephants.
• Threats:
  • Siltation and seasonal floods from Brahmaputra.
  • Encroachment and conversion to paddy fields.
  • Poaching and unsustainable fishing.
  • Climate-driven wetland shrinkage.
• Community Role: Civil society groups and students involved in citizen science initiatives—bird counts, habitat mapping, and awareness drives.

Ramsar Convention Overview

• Adopted: 1971, Ramsar (Iran).
• Came into Force (India): 1982.
• Objective: Conservation and wise use of wetlands of international importance.
• Total Ramsar Sites (India, 2025): 93(covering >1.3 million ha).
• Existing in Northeast:
  • Deepor Beel (Assam) – 2002
  • Loktak Lake (Manipur) – 1990
• Criteria: Sites must meet one or more ecological criteria (biodiversity, rare species, migratory bird habitat, hydrological importance, etc.).

Significance of Ramsar Designation

• International Recognition: Enhances global visibility and funding for conservation.
• Policy Support: Enables integration into State Wetland Authority and Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
• Eco-tourism Potential: Promotes sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
• Monitoring: Encourages data-based wetland management and regular ecological assessments.

Broader Linkages

• Aligns with National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) and National Mission for a Clean Ganga (NMCG).
• Supports India’s National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) and SDG 15 – Life on Land.
• Reinforces India’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Paris Agreement (ecosystem-based adaptation).

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Tri-Services Exercise ‘Trishul 2025’

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Why in News ?

• The Tri-services Exercise “Trishul 2025” commenced under the leadership of the Indian Navy, involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force across Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the northern Arabian Sea.
• Aimed at testing joint operational capabilities, interoperability, and network-centric warfare, it marks one of India’s largest integrated defence drills.

Relevance:

• GS-3 (Security | Defence Preparedness):
  • Tri-service jointness and theatre command reforms.
  • Network-centric and multi-domain warfare capabilities.
  • Indigenisation in defence (Arjun, Pinaka, Akash, ALH, INS Vikrant).

Basic Facts

• Exercise Name: Trishul 2025
• Nature: Tri-services joint combat exercise (Army–Navy–Air Force + Coast Guard & Central agencies).
• Duration: 12 days.
• Lead Agency: Western Naval Command (Mumbai).
• Participating Commands:
  • Army: Southern Command
  • Navy: Western Naval Command
  • Air Force: South Western Air Command
• Location: Creek and desert sectors of Rajasthan & Gujarat, extending to northern Arabian Sea.
• Participants: ~20,000 personnel + multiple platforms (tanks, aircraft, ships).

Assets Involved

• Army:
  • Armoured assets: T-90S, Arjun Mk-1A tanks.
  • Artillery & Missile systems: Pinaka, Akash, and BrahMos units.
• Navy:
  • Frigates, destroyers, amphibious platforms (INS Jalashwa, Landing Craft Utility vessels).
  • Carrier-borne operations and coastal defence systems.
• Air Force:
  • Rafale, Su-30MKI, Jaguars, and transport aircraft (C-17, C-130J).
  • Attack & reconnaissance helicopters (Apache, ALH).
• Support Agencies: Coast Guard, BSF, DRDO teams, and electronic warfare specialists.

Key Objectives

1. Enhance Jointness & Interoperability:
   1. Seamless coordination between land, sea, and air assets.
   1. Practice multi-domain operations (MDO) integrating intelligence, cyber, and electronic warfare.
2. Test Network-Centric Warfare Capabilities:
   1. Validate real-time data sharing using Integrated Command and Control Systems (ICCS) and Defence Communication Network (DCN).
3. Operational Readiness in Multi-Theatre Scenario:
   1. Simulate coordinated response to cross-border incursions, maritime blockades, and cyber disruptions.
4. Strengthen Amphibious Warfare Skills:
   1. Conduct beach landings using INS Jalashwa and LCU vessels for rapid force projection.
5. Indigenisation & Technology Validation:
   1. Use of indigenous platforms (Arjun tank, ALH Dhruv, Pinaka, Akash, and INS Vikrant systems).
   1. Testing of AI-enabled command systems, UAVs, and surveillance grids.
6. Integrated ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance):
   1. Joint use of drones, AWACS, maritime patrol aircraft (P-8I), and satellite imagery.

Strategic Significance

• Operational Integration: Strengthens India’s capacity for joint command structures, aligning with theaterisation reforms under the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
• Regional Security: Enhances preparedness for multi-front contingencies — particularly in the Western and maritime theatres.
• Cyber and EW Preparedness: Focuses on electronic warfare resilience, cyber defence, and protection of communication networks.
• Aatmanirbhar Defence: Reinforces India’s indigenisation drive under Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence.

Relevance in Defence Policy Context

• Supports Theatre Command Transition: Practical validation of joint theatre command concept announced under CDS-led reform agenda.
• Aligns with National Defence Strategy: Integrates tri-service operations as per Integrated Capability Development Plan (ICDP).
• Multi-Domain Synergy: Anticipates future warfare domains — space, cyber, electronic, and information warfare.

Comparative Context

Exercise	Type	Focus Area
Trishul 2025	Tri-services (Domestic)	Integrated joint operations
Dakshin Shakti	Tri-services	Southern theatre, amphibious ops
Gagan Shakti	Air Force-centric	Air domination & readiness
Milan	Multinational Naval	Maritime cooperation
TROPEX	Navy-led	Blue-water operations

Broader Implications

• Strengthens India’s Western Command readiness against evolving threats across the Indo-Pak border and Arabian Sea.
• Enhances joint operational doctrines and decision-making interoperability under real combat simulations.
• Serves as a platform for testing new C4ISR systems, drones, and AI-based surveillance tools.

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Looming Scarcity of Urea in India

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Why in News ?

• India’s urea consumption is projected to reach 40 million tonnes in 2024–25, while domestic production has stagnated around 28–29 million tonnes, leading to growing dependence on imports.
• This widening demand-supply gap threatens fertiliser availability and fiscal stability due to high subsidies and price control distortions.

Relevance:

• GS-3 (Economy | Agriculture | Energy):
  • Fertiliser pricing, subsidies, and fiscal burden.
  • Agricultural productivity, soil health, and balanced fertilisation.
  • Dependence on imports and its impact on energy security.
• GS-3 (Environment):
  • Nitrogen cycle disruption and greenhouse gas emissions (N₂O).
  • Sustainable agriculture and nutrient management.

Basic Facts

• Commodity: Urea – nitrogen-based chemical fertiliser.
• Control: Price-controlled under Essential Commodities Act, sold at a fixed MRP (₹5,360/tonne), unchanged since May 2015.
• Producers: Primarily IFFCO, NFL, Chambal Fertilisers, RCF, KRIBHCO, HURL units.
• Regulator: Department of Fertilisers (Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers).

Current Situation

• Consumption (2024–25): ~39.9 MT
• Domestic Production: ~28.1 MT
• Imports: ~11.7 MT (≈30% of total requirement)
• Urea Sales Growth: 3.8% YoY (2024–25), highest since 2021–22.
• Table Trend (1990–2025):
  • 1990–91: 12.8 MT
  • 2010–11: 26.5 MT
  • 2024–25: 39.9 MT → Tripled in 3 decades
• Production Growth: Stagnant; increased only marginally despite new plants.

Key Reasons for Rising Demand

1. Price Distortion:
   1. Urea is cheaper than other fertilisers (like DAP, MOP, NPK).
   1. Current MRP (₹5,360/tonne) vs cost of production/import (~₹24,000/tonne).
   1. Farmers overuse urea due to affordability, ignoring balanced nutrient use.
2. Agronomic Expansion:
   1. Expansion in wheat, mustard, potato, and rabi acreage post-monsoon.
   1. Government’s push for higher foodgrain output and irrigation coverage.
3. Low Price Elasticity:
   1. Even minor increases in crop area or yield goals sharply raise urea demand.

Domestic Production Constraints

• Despite commissioning five new plants (Ramagundam, Gorakhpur, Sindri, Barauni, Talcher) between 2021–23,
  total output stagnated due to:
  • Operational delays and technical issues.
  • Limited gas availability.
  • Ageing capacity at older units.
• Total capacity: ~28.3 MT vs production: ~30.6 MT (2024–25, including overruns).

Dependence on Imports

• India remains world’s 2nd largest urea importer (after Brazil).
• Major import sources: Oman, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Russia.
• Imports costly due to global price volatility, freight, and rupee depreciation.
• FY25 import bill for urea likely >₹70,000 crore, adding to fertiliser subsidy burden.

Subsidy Burden

• Total fertiliser subsidy (2024–25): ~₹1.9–2 lakh crore.
• Urea alone accounts for ~₹1.3 lakh crore (≈70%).
• Since MRP is fixed, the Centre bears the full differential between cost and selling price.
• Rising imports + high energy costs = severe fiscal strain.

Economic Implications

1. Fiscal Stress: High subsidy outlay reduces fiscal space for infrastructure or social spending.
2. Nutrient Imbalance:
   1. Ideal N:P:K ratio = 4:2:1
   1. Current usage ~8:3:1, leading to soil degradation and declining productivity.
3. Import Vulnerability: Dependence on external markets threatens food security if supply chains are disrupted.
4. Subsidy Inefficiency: Benefits disproportionately flow to large farmers; not directly targeted.

Policy and Reform Options

1. Rationalise Urea MRP:
   1. Gradual increase to reflect part of actual cost.
   1. Reduce overuse and encourage balanced fertilisation.
2. Promote Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS):
   1. Currently applied only to non-urea fertilisers.
   1. Inclusion of urea under NBS to promote parity and efficiency.
3. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT):
   1. Link subsidies directly to farmers rather than fertiliser companies.
4. Enhance Domestic Production:
   1. Fast-track gas allocation and operational stabilisation of HURL and Talcher units.
   1. Incentivise private sector investment.
5. Encourage Alternatives:
   1. Use of nano urea, organic and biofertilisers.
   1. Soil Health Card–based nutrient planning.

Broader Context

• Agricultural Sustainability: Overuse of urea depletes micronutrients, acidifies soils, and lowers yields.
• Climate Concerns: Nitrous oxide emissions from excess nitrogen fertilisation contribute to greenhouse gases.
• Energy Dependence: Urea plants are gas-intensive; India imports ~50% of its natural gas.

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8th Central Pay Commission (CPC)

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Why in News?

• The Government of India has approved the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Eighth Central Pay Commission (8th CPC), marking the formal start of its work.
• The commission will review and recommend revisions in pay, allowances, and pension structures for central government employees and pensioners.
• Recommendations are expected by April 2027, with implementation likely from January 1, 2026.

Relevance:

• GS-2 (Governance | Polity):
  • Administrative reforms and public service pay rationalisation.
  • Centre–State fiscal dynamics and impact on cooperative federalism.
  • Debates on Old Pension Scheme (OPS) vs National Pension System (NPS).
• GS-3 (Economy):
  • Fiscal policy implications — impact on revenue expenditure, fiscal deficit.
  • Linkages between pay revision and aggregate demand, inflation.

Background

• Constitutional basis: No constitutional provision mandates a Pay Commission; it is a convention-based body constituted by the Union Government roughly every 10 years.
• Historical lineage:
  • 1st CPC – 1947 (post-Independence pay rationalization)
  • 6th CPC – 2006 (introduced grade pay system)
  • 7th CPC – 2014 (implemented in 2016; introduced Pay Matrix)
  • 8th CPC – 2024 (to be implemented from 2026)

Mandate of the 8th CPC

• Review and recommend changes in:
  • Pay, allowances, and pension structure of central government employees (including defence forces).
  • Service conditions of Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and autonomous bodies, where applicable.
• Examine the fiscal sustainability of pay hikes in the context of:
  • Fiscal deficit targets.
  • Economic growth trajectory.
  • Inflation and cost of living indices.
• Evaluate non-contributory pension systems and rationalize them.

New Addition to Terms of Reference

• A new ToR has been added:
  • Examine demands for restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) or its variants.
  • Specifically, evaluate the “unfunded cost” of non-contributory pensions (OPS) versus the National Pension System (NPS), introduced in 2004.
• This inclusion reflects political and social debates over NPS vs. OPS, especially for employees hired post-2004.

Significance

• The ToR expansion is crucial amid growing demands to reintroduce OPS for post-2004 employees.
• It may lead to a data-driven cost-benefit analysis of both pension models for long-term sustainability.

Timeline

• Commission formation: 2024
• Recommendations due: April 2027
• Implementation expected: From January 1, 2026
• Past patterns:
  • 6th CPC recommendations: Implemented after ~18 months.
  • 7th CPC recommendations: Implemented within 6 months of submission.

Fiscal Implications

• Pay and pension expenditure: Around 18% of the Centre’s total revenue expenditure.
• Estimated outgo:
  • Pay, pension, and allowances together exceed ₹7 lakh crore annually.
• Impact of 7th CPC:
  • Pay and allowance hike: ~23.5%.
  • Annual additional burden: ~₹1.02 lakh crore.
• Likely 8th CPC impact: Expected rise of 18–20% in expenditure.

Institutional Composition

• Chairperson: Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai (former Supreme Court Judge)
• Members: Pulak Ghosh (IIM-Bangalore), Pankaj Jain (Petroleum Secretary)
• Nodal Ministry: Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance

Implementation Issues

• Implementation delays cause arrears and back-loaded fiscal pressure.
• States usually mirror CPC recommendations with modifications, affecting fiscal federalism.
• Challenges include:
  • Balancing employee welfare vs. fiscal discipline.
  • Aligning public sector salaries with private benchmarks.
  • ManCurrent Affairs 01 November 2025aging inter-generational pension liabilities.

Macro-economic Angle

• Advantages:
  • Boosts consumption demand through higher disposable income.
  • Aids aggregate demand recovery in slowdown phases.
• Risks:
  • May inflate fiscal deficit beyond FRBM limits.
  • May crowd out capital expenditure if revenue spending surges.