Jul-2025

Improved Credit Availability Due to Declining NPAs: India’s banking sector has strengthened with Gross NPA ratios falling to a multi-decade low (2.3% in March 2025). This decline, particularly in industry and MSME NPAs, has significantly boosted banks’ capacity to lend.

MSME Sector Benefits Most: Credit to MSMEs is showing robust double-digit growth (around 18% in May 2025), a significant turnaround from 5-7% growth between 2011-2013. This is attributed to improved MSME financial health, lower serious delinquencies (1.8%), revised definition of MSMEs, and government initiatives like enhanced guarantee covers and reduced TReDS turnover thresholds.

Overall Credit Growth Slowdown: Despite improved NPA situation, overall bank credit growth has decelerated to 9.5% (June 2025) from 17.4% last year, showing a decline since May 2024.

Reasons for Credit Growth Slowdown:

• Stricter RBI Lending Rules: Increased risk weights for consumer and NBFC loans have made banks more cautious, drastically reducing unsecured loan growth.
• Low Retail Lending in Private Banks: Private banks have a lower share of floating rate loans (54.7% linked to EBLR) compared to PSBs (59.8%), hindering the transmission of RBI rate cuts and slowing credit growth.

Shift Towards Public Sector Banks (PSBs): PSBs have maintained stable credit growth (12.2% in FY25) and increased their share of incremental credit (56.9% in FY25), benefiting from the government’s 4R strategy (Recognition, Resolution, Recapitalisation, Reforms). Private banks have seen a sharp decline in credit growth (9.5%).

Corporate Deleveraging and Cash Holdings: Corporates have significantly reduced debt and increased cash holdings (around 18-19% jump in FY24-FY25), indicating potential for internal funding of capital expenditure.

Evolving Credit Markets: Diversification is occurring with private credit markets expanding and corporates tapping off-bank channels like commercial papers and capital markets for borrowing.

• Why in news: This is a direct response to numerous farmer complaints regarding the ineffectiveness of many biostimulant products.

• Why in news: To curb the sale of substandard products and protect farmers from financial losses due to ineffective treatments.

• Why in news: To create accountability within the biostimulant market and deter malpractices.

• Why in news: Shows the ongoing effort to formalize and control the biostimulant sector.

• Why in news: Highlights the economic importance of the sector and the need for robust regulation to support sustainable growth.

• Why in news: Provides context on the potential benefits of biostimulants when they are effective and scientifically validated.

Successful Ballistic Missile Tests: India successfully test-fired Prithvi-II and Agni-I short-range ballistic missiles from Chandipur, Odisha.

• Why: Validates operational and technical parameters, conducted under Strategic Forces Command, demonstrating India’s capability in developing and deploying indigenously produced ballistic missiles. Prithvi-II has a 250-350 km range and can carry conventional/nuclear warheads. Agni-I is nuclear-capable with a 700-900 km range, bridging the gap in India’s deterrence strategy.

Akash Prime Air Defence System Trial: The Indian Army successfully conducted trials of the indigenously developed Akash Prime air defence system in Ladakh.

• Why: Features an indigenous active RF seeker for improved accuracy across terrain and weather. Tested at over 15,000 feet in eastern Ladakh, demonstrating its capability to operate at high altitudes and defend assets against aerial threats. This highlights India’s progress in air defence technology, crucial for national security.

• Why: A 600-hectare enclosure is ready, herbivore populations (chital, sambar) are being increased, and infrastructure like CCTV monitoring and a veterinary center are in place.

• Why: This similarity is crucial for the cheetahs’ adaptation and survival in India.

• Why: This demonstrates significant progress in Project Cheetah’s goal to re-establish the cheetah in India, which went extinct in 1952.

• Why: This partnership is vital for restoring ecological balance and supporting the cheetah’s prey base.

• Why: This phased approach allows for careful monitoring and acclimatization of the cheetahs in different environments.

• Why: These measures ensure the safety and well-being of the reintroduced cheetahs.

Sharp Surge in Financial Cyber Frauds: India is experiencing a significant increase in financial cyber frauds, primarily targeting citizens.

• Why in News: Reported by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), a unit under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Massive Financial Losses:

• First half of 2025: Average loss of Rs 1,000 crore per month, totaling Rs 7,000 crore.
• Projected annual loss for 2025: Exceeding Rs 1.2 lakh crore (0.7% of India’s GDP).
• Why in News: Analysis reveals targeting of the Indian economy and significant monthly losses (e.g., Rs 1,192 crore in January, Rs 951 crore in February).

Origin of Scams: Over 50% of frauds originate from Southeast Asian countries (Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand).

• Why in News: These are operated from high-security compounds allegedly run by Chinese handlers. Indian intelligence identified 45 scam centres in Cambodia, 5 in Laos, and 1 in Myanmar.

Nature of Scams: Primarily stock trading/investment scams, digital arrest scams, and task-based/investment-based scams.

• Why in News: These are the major types of cybercrime frauds operating from Southeast Asia.

Modus Operandi: Victims are trafficked via fake job offers, routed through countries like Dubai and Thailand to operate scams. Recruitment agents are active across Indian states.

• Why in News: Agents are actively recruiting in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, primarily for Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Over 5,000 Indians are suspected to be trapped.

Systemic Gaps: Loopholes exist in digital banking, issuance of ghost SIM cards by PoS agents, and weak immigration verification processes.

• Why in News: These gaps enable anonymous and cross-border cybercrimes. CBI has registered FIRs against PoS agents for issuing fraudulent SIMs.

International Cooperation: Cambodian officials met with the Indian government to discuss action plans and requested geographical coordinates of scam centres.

• Why in News: This highlights collaborative efforts to tackle the issue.

Key Initiatives: India has legislative measures (IT Act, DPDP Act), institutional frameworks (I4C, CERT-In), and strategic initiatives (Cyber Swachhta Kendra, Chakshu tool).

• Why in News: These are efforts to combat cyber fraud and improve digital hygiene.

• Why: These minerals are crucial for new technologies, energy transition, spacecraft, and healthcare, aligning with the National Critical Mineral Mission. This aims to secure strategic mineral resources for India’s future.

• Major Minerals: Include fuel minerals (coal, petroleum) and strategic metallic/non-metallic minerals. The Central Government regulates their leasing.
• Minor Minerals: Defined under the MMDR Act, 1957, as building stones, gravel, ordinary clay, and sand. States regulate their mining and management.
• Clarification (Quarry Owners Association vs. State of Bihar): Classification depends on end-use and local importance, not just volume.

• Constitutional Division: States have power under List II; Centre can legislate under List I in the public interest.
• MMDR Act, 1957: Central government enacts the Act; Section 15 delegates rule-making power for minor minerals to states (leases, permits, royalties).
• Environmental Laws: Minor minerals also fall under pollution and biodiversity protection laws.
• Central Intervention: Sand Mining guidelines (2016, 2020) and a Sand Mining Framework (2018) issued due to environmental concerns.

• Deepak Kumar vs. State of Haryana (2012): Made Environmental Clearance (EC) mandatory for all minor mineral mining, even below 5 hectares, and recommended mining plans.
• Himmat Singh Shekhawat & Satendra Pandey vs. Union of India: NGT invalidated notifications that diluted EC norms for smaller mining projects, emphasizing the need for public consultation and EIA.

• Illegal and unscientific mining persists, leading to environmental degradation (groundwater depletion, pollution, ecosystem disruption), loss of soil fertility, and law-and-order issues (clashes, threats).
• Hotspots for illegal sand mining include Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Impact on biodiversity, such as Gharial and Ganges River dolphin populations.

• Strengthen enforcement against illegal mining.
• Harmonize regulations with a model framework across states for transparency.
• Adopt sustainable alternatives for construction materials.
• Integrate environmental safeguards into mining policies.
• Uphold the Public Trust Doctrine; states must act as trustees for resource management.

Fundamental Transformation in Earthquake Preparedness: India is calling for a complete overhaul of how it prepares for earthquakes, spurred by recent seismic events like the July 2025 Delhi quake. This signifies a shift from reactive to proactive safety measures.

Modernized Building Codes: Strict implementation of revised seismic safety standards is crucial for all new constructions, especially in high-risk areas. This ensures buildings are designed to withstand seismic activity, reducing future damage.

Retrofitting Old Infrastructure: Upgrading pre-2000 buildings, particularly critical facilities like hospitals and schools, is essential. This addresses the vulnerability of existing structures, protecting vital services during an earthquake.

Resilient Urban Planning: Integrating seismic zoning into city planning and enforcing land-use regulations will reduce earthquake risk. This involves strategic development that accounts for seismic vulnerabilities.

Enhanced Monitoring & Technology Integration: Expanding seismic observatories and using AI, IoT, and geospatial data will improve real-time data, early warnings, and resource planning. This leverages technology for faster alerts and better response.

Public Awareness & Mainstreaming Risk Reduction: Mass education campaigns and embedding seismic safety in schools, local governance, and businesses are key. This fosters a culture of safety and preparedness at all levels.

Risk Financing Tools: Promoting insurance and disaster bonds will incentivize resilience investments. This provides financial mechanisms to support earthquake preparedness and recovery.

Global Inspiration & Mindset Revolution: India is drawing lessons from frameworks like the Sendai Framework and countries like Japan and Chile. The emphasis is on making seismic safety a routine priority, reflecting a cultural shift in how earthquakes are perceived.

India’s Seismic Risk: India lies on the seismically active Alpine-Himalayan belt due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.

Seismic Zones: India is classified into four zones (II to V) based on seismic risk, with Zone V being very high risk (e.g., North-East India) and Zone II being low risk (e.g., most of South India). Delhi falls under Zone IV (high risk).

• Why it’s news: A significant increase in a highly contagious disease requiring emergency measures.

• Why it’s news: Demonstrates international aid and health diplomacy, supporting a nation facing a health crisis.

• Why it’s news: Highlights a growing global public health concern and the need for robust vaccination efforts worldwide.

• Why it’s news: Reinforces India’s position as a contributor to global health security and strengthens its international relations.

• Why it’s news: Provides essential information about the diseases and the vaccine, educating the public on the importance of immunization.

Bombay High Court Upholds UAPA Validity: The court dismissed petitions challenging the legality of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), stating it is constitutional.

• Why in News: This ruling validates a key anti-terror law, impacting how the government combats perceived threats to national security.

UAPA Not a Preventive Detention Law: The court clarified that despite its name, UAPA does not fall under preventive detention laws.

• Why in News: This distinction clarifies the Act’s legal framework and its operational scope.

Parliament’s Legislative Competence Affirmed: Parliament has the constitutional authority to enact UAPA under Article 22 and Union List powers.

• Why in News: Reinforces the legislative power of the Union government in matters of national security.

Fundamental Rights Allegations Rejected: Claims of violations of Articles 14, 19, and 21 were dismissed, with the law being upheld.

• Why in News: Addresses concerns about the potential impact of UAPA on civil liberties and fundamental rights.

UAPA’s Objective: The Act’s primary aim is to prevent activities threatening India’s sovereignty and integrity.

• Why in News: Highlights the core purpose of the law in national security discourse.

Key Features: UAPA grants the government broad powers to designate individuals and organizations as terrorists and has stringent bail provisions.

• Why in News: Underscores the significant powers vested in the executive and the challenges faced by those accused under the Act.

Government Push for Industry 4.0 in Public Sector: The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) is actively promoting the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). This initiative aims to modernize India’s public sector and enhance its global competitiveness.

Workshop Highlights Key Technologies: A recent workshop in New Delhi, chaired by DPE Secretary Shri K. Moses Chalai, focused on integrating advanced technologies like AI, IoT, Digital Twins, 3D Printing, and 5G-enabled infrastructure into CPSE operations.

“Whole-of-CPSEs” Approach Encouraged: Collaboration across all CPSEs is emphasized, treating Industry 4.0 as a national mission to foster shared learning and strategic integration.

Incentivizing Adoption: Plans are underway to integrate Industry 4.0 adoption into the CPSE Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) assessment framework, rewarding early adopters and innovators.

Demonstrated Sectoral Applications: The workshop featured expert presentations and CPSE experience-sharing on practical applications of these technologies, such as AI-driven maintenance, digital twins for infrastructure management, and 3D printing in supply chains.

Broader Rollout Planned: Following the New Delhi workshop, similar events will be organized in other regions to ensure widespread adoption and capacity building within the CPSE ecosystem.

• Why: To promote socio-economic empowerment of minority communities.

• 150 youth will be trained in Internet of Things (IoT).
• 300 women will receive leadership and entrepreneurship training.
• Why: To enhance employability and support enterprise development.

• Project launched at IIIT Kottayam, Kerala.
• MoU signed between MoMA and IIIT Kottayam for training 450 candidates.
• Why: IIIT Kottayam’s expertise in technology will boost skill development for minorities in Kerala.

• Candidates will receive stipends during training.
• Assistance will be provided for employment and self-employment opportunities.
• Why: To facilitate practical application of skills and provide career pathways.

• MoMA initiative for skilling, entrepreneurship, and leadership of minority and artisan communities.
• Integrates earlier MoMA skilling schemes into a unified platform.
• Aims to converge with Skill India Mission and other ministries for holistic development.
• Facilitates credit linkages through NMDFC.
• Why: To provide comprehensive support for the socio-economic upliftment of India’s six notified minority communities.

Yakten, Sikkim Declared India’s First Digital Nomad Village: Officially announced on July 14, 2025, Yakten aims to attract remote workers.

‘Nomad Sikkim’ Initiative: A joint effort by Pakyong district administration and Sarvahitey NGO to create year-round hubs for digital professionals.

Promotes Sustainable Tourism & Remote Work: Aims to boost the local economy by providing opportunities for remote workers and supporting homestay owners.

Addresses Off-Season Income Gaps: Targets the six-month tourist off-season to ensure steady income for homestay operators.

Infrastructure Focus: Offers high-speed Wi-Fi, eco-friendly practices, zero-waste management, and has installed two internet lines and village-wide Wi-Fi, with inverter power backup.

Aligns with State Goals: Supports Sikkim CM’s “One Family, One Entrepreneur” initiative, fostering local entrepreneurship.

Sikkim’s Progressive Stance: Builds on Sikkim’s existing distinctions as India’s first fully organic state and 100% ODF.

Local Hopes and Challenges: While village representatives are optimistic, they highlight the need for government intervention on basic issues like drinking water alongside promotion.

Largest Black Hole Merger Detected: Scientists have observed gravitational waves from the merger of the most massive black holes recorded to date.

• Why it’s news: This event challenges existing theories as it involved black holes of unprecedented size (100-150 times the Sun’s mass) and a merged black hole 225 times the Sun’s mass. Such sizes were not previously expected to exist.

Spinning Black Hole: One of the merging black holes was observed spinning at extremely high speeds.

• Why it’s news: This speed approached the theoretical limits predicted by Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, providing new data for testing these fundamental physics principles.

Impact on Theories: The discovery is expected to refine our understanding of how black holes form, how stars evolve, and the composition of the universe.

• Why it’s news: It reveals gaps in current theories about stellar evolution that lead to the creation of these massive black holes.

Advancement in Detection: The detection was made possible by LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) and its global collaborators (Virgo, KAGRA).

• Why it’s news: The upcoming LIGO observatory in India, expected by April 2030, will further enhance global capabilities for detecting these cosmic events, which are indirect windows into the invisible universe.

US Eases EDA Restrictions on China: The US reversed its stringent controls on Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software exports to China, allowing Chinese firms full access to critical chip design tools.

• Why in News: This move occurred in exchange for China’s commitment to approve rare earth element exports to the US, significantly altering global semiconductor dynamics.

Implications for India:

• Increased Competition: Chinese companies can now accelerate their chip design capabilities, intensifying competition for Indian firms aiming to establish themselves in the global market.
• Opportunity for Diversification: The rapid reversal highlights the volatility of tech trade policies and the risks of over-dependence, encouraging multinational companies to diversify supply chains, which can benefit India as a stable alternative.
• Boost for Indigenous Development: The episode underscores India’s reliance on foreign EDA tools, reinforcing the need to develop indigenous EDA capabilities for long-term self-reliance and strategic autonomy.
• Attracting Investment: Companies seeking to de-risk from Chinese suppliers may increase investment in Indian capabilities and partnerships, potentially leading to premium pricing for trusted Indian suppliers.
• Geopolitical Advantage: India’s position as a trusted partner for democratic nations, coupled with its growing ties with key semiconductor players, allows it to benefit from the global supply chain realignment.

India’s Semiconductor Ambitions:

• Government Support: Initiatives like the Semicon India programme and the Design-linked Incentive (DLI) scheme aim to boost India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
• Growth Potential: India’s semiconductor market is projected for significant expansion, driven by various sectors.
• Need for Action: India must accelerate investments in domestic EDA tools, research, and workforce development to leverage current opportunities and avoid future technological dependence.

Why in News: Global Plastics Treaty negotiations (UNEA resolution 5/14) highlight the need for a “Just Transition” ensuring environmental sustainability and social fairness in tackling plastic pollution. INC-5.1 in Busan emphasized stronger legal recognition for informal waste workers and vulnerable communities.

Critical Inclusion of ‘Just Transition’:

• Ensures fairness and inclusivity by protecting workers and vulnerable communities during the shift to sustainable economies.
• Aims to fix existing injustices and avoid creating new ones.
• Promotes green jobs, retraining, and social protection, particularly for informal waste workers.

Protecting Workers:

• Workers across the plastic value chain face job displacement as plastic bans and sustainable alternatives are promoted.
• Informal waste pickers are crucial for recycling but lack recognition and legal protection.

Gaps in Draft Treaty:

• Recognizes waste pickers but lacks binding protections and clear definitions for informal sectors.
• Articles 8 & 9 encourage inclusion without mandating obligations.
• Article 11 lacks financial support for Just Transition programs.
• Without binding protections, waste pickers risk economic displacement; a clear framework is needed for inclusion, social protection, and retraining.

Country Stances:

• India: Agrees with Just Transition but stresses alignment with national regulations and local contexts; advocates for clear treaty scope, avoiding overlaps with existing agreements, and adherence to Rio Declaration principles.
• EU: Supports safe working conditions and legal recognition for informal workers.
• PSIDS: Proposes inclusion of indigenous people and local communities.
• US & African Group: Support existing provisions, emphasizing inclusion of children, youth, and waste pickers; African Group has reservations on legal recognition of informal workers.
• Iran: Calls for financing and technology transfer but disagrees on terms like ‘vulnerable groups’ and resists legal recognition of waste management cooperatives.

Roadmap for Operationalizing Just Transition:

• Binding Provisions: Make Just Transition provisions legally binding for accountability, referencing ILO conventions, national labour laws, and UN human rights frameworks.
• Definitional Clarity: Explicitly recognize informal waste workers as critical stakeholders.
• Institutional Mechanisms: Establish a global Just Transition Fund for worker support, retraining, and green infrastructure.
• Link to Technology Transfer: Ensure access to clean technologies includes safeguards for affected workers and mandatory capacity-building programs for integrating informal workers into formal systems.

• Why in News: This milestone signifies a decade of efforts to equip India’s youth with job-ready skills.

• Achievement: Over 6 crore individuals trained, including in emerging sectors like AI, robotics, and green energy.

• PMKVY: Provides free, short-term, quality-assured skill training. Over 1.63 crore candidates trained across various phases and sectors.
• JSS Scheme: A community-based vocational training program for non-literates, neo-literates, and school dropouts, focused on inclusive and flexible skilling. Over 26 lakh individuals trained (FY 2018–19 to 2023–24).
• PM-NAPS: Aims to boost apprenticeship training by providing stipend support. Over 43.47 lakh apprentices engaged (as of May 2025).

• Why: High-altitude air defense capability, particularly relevant after India-China border tensions.
• Significance: Upgraded, indigenously developed missile for the Army, tested in a sensitive high-altitude region.

• Why: To demonstrate capabilities of short-range, nuclear-capable ballistic missiles.
• Significance: Reinforces India’s strategic nuclear deterrent and second-strike capability. Prithvi-II is a tactical battlefield missile, while Agni-I contributes to nuclear deterrence.

• Why: Attributed to seasonal agricultural patterns, heat impacting outdoor work, and a shift of unpaid helpers to domestic chores, particularly in rural areas.

• Why: Similar reasons as LFPR decline, with rural females showing a more pronounced drop in participation.

• Why: For rural areas, an increase in own-account workers and fewer unemployed persons contributed to this stability.

• Why: Detailed reasons not specified in the summary, but a concerning trend for young job seekers.

• Why: Significant gap compared to male participation, influenced by the reasons cited for overall LFPR decline.

• Why: Aims to provide higher frequency (monthly) labour indicators with enhanced coverage and improved accuracy.

President Conferred Awards: The President of India presented the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2024-25, the 9th edition, hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

New ‘Super Swachh League’ Category: Introduced to acknowledge consistent top performers like Indore, Surat, Navi Mumbai, Vijayawada, Noida, Chandigarh, Mysuru, Ujjain, and Gandhinagar, these cities are excluded from regular rankings for fairness and to encourage emerging cities. Indore has held the No. 1 spot for 7 consecutive years.

Population-Based City Classification: For the first time, cities were ranked in 5 population categories (<20k, 20k-50k, 50k-3 lakh, 3 lakh-10 lakh, >10 lakh) for fair comparison. Mira Bhayandar, Bilaspur, and Jamshedpur ranked top in the 3 lakh to 10 lakh category.

Special Awards:

• Prayagraj received recognition for its waste management during the Mahakumbh 2025 and was also named Cleanest Ganga Town.
• Visakhapatnam, Jabalpur, and Gorakhpur were honored with Safaimitra Surakshit Shehar Awards for sanitation worker safety.
• Secunderabad Cantonment was recognized as the Cleanest Cantonment Board.
• 35 cities across 33 States/UTs, including Rajahmundry, Patna, Guwahati, Pimpri Chinchwad, Agra, and Bhubaneswar, were named “Promising Swachh Shehar.”

Swachh Survekshan Context: Conducted by MoHUA since 2016, it’s the world’s largest urban sanitation survey under Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U). It expanded from 73 cities to 4,589 ULBs in the 2024-25 edition. The 2025 edition focuses on a revamped framework with simplified indicators, tourist/high-footfall areas, public space sanitation, and the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R)” theme, aligning with circular economy principles. School-level assessments were also introduced.

Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): Launched in 2014, SBM aims for ODF status, garbage-free cities, and waste management. SBM-Urban 2.0 focuses on remediating legacy landfills by 2026. The ministry will launch a one-year campaign to remediate legacy landfills starting August 15, with an “accelerated dumpsite remediation” program planned.

Secret Spousal Recordings Admissible in Divorce: Supreme Court ruled that secretly recorded conversations between spouses can be used as evidence in matrimonial disputes, including divorce.

• Why in News: This overturns previous reluctance by many High Courts to accept such evidence.

Impact on Spousal Privilege (Section 122, Indian Evidence Act): The ruling clarifies that while a spouse cannot be compelled to testify against the other, evidence of their communications is not automatically barred, especially in divorce cases.

• Why in News: The Court interprets the law to prioritize a fair trial over absolute protection of all marital communications.

Balancing Privacy and Fair Trial: The judgment emphasizes that the right to privacy, while fundamental, is not absolute and must be balanced against the right to a fair trial.

• Why in News: The Court acknowledges that secret recordings infringe privacy but deems them admissible if relevant and crucial for determining facts in a case.

Digital Evidence Treated Like a Third-Party Witness: The SC equated secret digital recordings to an eavesdropper or a third-party witness, making them potentially admissible if independently verifiable.

• Why in News: This extends reasoning from previous cases where the method of obtaining evidence was overlooked if the evidence itself was vital.

“Sanctity of Marriage” vs. Modern Privacy: The Court suggested Section 122 was drafted for the “sanctity of marriage” rather than absolute privacy within it, especially in a modern context where privacy is a fundamental right.

• Why in News: This challenges the traditional interpretation of spousal privilege in light of evolving privacy rights.

Addressing Surveillance Concerns: The SC stated that if spouses are “snooping,” it indicates a broken relationship, implying that the ruling acknowledges such scenarios are part of marital reality.

• Why in News: The Court pushed back against the argument that this would encourage widespread marital surveillance.

Potential Gender Disparity: Concerns exist that easier access to technology for some spouses could create an imbalance, potentially impacting women’s ability to present evidence.

• Why in News: The ruling’s reliance on digital evidence raises questions about equitable access to technology.

• Why: To shield domestic industries from unfair pricing and protect specific sectors from injury caused by dumped imports.

• Why: To address the significant volume of dumped imports predominantly originating from China, impacting sectors like chemicals, plastics, and industrial goods.

• Why: To formulate timely trade responses, develop export strategies, and prevent India from becoming a dumping ground for rerouted goods.

• Why: To proactively prevent a situation where global trade imbalances lead to a surge of dumped goods entering the Indian market.

• Why: To ensure that trade remedy measures are effectively implemented based on evidence of dumping, injury, and causation, with a focus on protecting domestic producers.

• Why: These duties serve to protect domestic industries, neutralize unfair subsidies, and temporarily shield local producers from sudden import surges, ensuring a level playing field.

Union Home Minister’s Tribute: The Union Home Minister paid tribute to Hemam Neelmani Singh, a prominent freedom fighter from Manipur.

• Why in News: This highlights the national recognition of his contribution to India’s independence and post-independence era.

Prominent INA Freedom Fighter: Hemam Neelmani Singh was associated with the Indian National Army (INA).

• Why in News: His role in the INA, especially during key events like the Battle of Imphal and the unfurling of the Indian tricolor at Moirang in 1944, is significant for understanding the freedom struggle’s Eastern front.

Posthumous Felicitation by Bharat Vikas Parishad: The Bharat Vikas Parishad organized an event to honor him posthumously.

• Why in News: This emphasizes the ongoing efforts to remember and acknowledge the contributions of freedom fighters, particularly those from lesser-highlighted regions. The Bharat Vikas Parishad, a voluntary organization inspired by Swami Vivekananda, was formed to mobilize public support, initially during the 1962 India-China war.

Key Role in Northeast Freedom Struggle: Singh played a crucial role in India’s independence struggle, especially in the Northeast.

• Why in News: This brings focus to the contributions of individuals from the Northeast, which are often overshadowed in national narratives.

Post-Independence Contributions: He served as Deputy Education Minister of Manipur, focusing on education reform, women’s empowerment, and promoting Hindi for national integration. He also donated his residence for the INA headquarters.

• Why in News: This showcases his dedication to nation-building beyond the independence movement, contributing to educational and social development in Manipur.

US GENIUS Act Enables Banks/Companies to Issue Stablecoins: US banks and large firms like Amazon can now issue stablecoins, digital tokens pegged to stable assets (e.g., US Treasury Bills), offering price stability compared to volatile cryptocurrencies.

• Why in news: This signifies a major regulatory shift, legitimizing and encouraging stablecoin issuance by traditional financial and corporate entities in the US.

Stablecoins: Combination of Government Securities and Blockchain: US stablecoins are backed 1:1 by Treasury Bills, ensuring stability while leveraging blockchain for speed and transparency in transactions.

• Why in news: This highlights a model that merges traditional financial instruments with cutting-edge technology.

Global Usage of Stablecoins: Used for crypto trading, everyday transactions, hedging against local currency volatility (popular in Argentina, Nigeria, Turkey), and cross-border payments/remittances.

• Why in news: Demonstrates their practical utility beyond speculation, particularly in emerging economies facing economic instability.

India’s Regulatory Lag: RBI has concerns about unregulated crypto. India lacks a clear regulatory framework for stablecoins, hindering fintech innovation and potentially driving talent abroad.

• Why in news: Contrasts India’s cautious approach with the US’s proactive stance, highlighting missed opportunities in fostering domestic innovation.

Need for Balanced Policy: India needs a framework under RBI oversight for stablecoins, ensuring consumer protection and monetary stability. Integrating blockchain products and supporting startups is crucial.

• Why in news: Emphasizes the urgency for India to adapt its regulations to harness the potential of stablecoins and blockchain technology for economic growth and financial inclusion.

Stablecoins as a Fintech Future: The stablecoin ecosystem impacts payments, digital wallets, and financial infrastructure, requiring India to embrace this evolution for job creation and economic modernization.

• Why in news: Positions stablecoins as a critical component of future financial systems, underscoring the need for strategic adaptation.

Observation of CP Violation in Baryons: CERN scientists have for the first time observed that the laws of physics differ between matter and antimatter in baryons, such as protons and neutrons. This phenomenon, known as CP violation, was previously only seen in mesons.

Explaining Matter-Antimatter Imbalance: This discovery may help explain why the universe is dominated by matter, despite matter and antimatter being created in equal amounts during the Big Bang.

LHCb Collaboration’s Finding: The LHCb collaboration at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider detected this CP violation in the decay of the Λb0 baryon, observing a decay asymmetry of approximately 2.45% with strong statistical significance.

Significance for Physics: This finding adds a crucial piece to the puzzle of cosmic asymmetry and could point towards “new physics” beyond the current Standard Model.

Historical Context and Future Research: The observation fulfills a condition proposed by physicists in 1967 for matter dominance and requires further precise measurements to confirm if the violation matches predictions or indicates unknown forces.

CERN’s Role: CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading global center for particle physics research, operating the Large Hadron Collider and fostering technological innovation.

• Green Methanol: 90-95% carbon reduction, drop-in fuel. High cost due to renewables and electrolysers.
• Green Ammonia: Carbon-neutral, long-term solution. Volatile nature requires specialized infrastructure.
• Biofuels: Lower carbon but limited scalability and feedstock constraints.

• Cost: Green fuels are significantly more expensive than conventional fuels due to high renewable electricity and electrolyser costs. Demand is projected to outstrip supply, increasing prices.
• Technology & Infrastructure: Requires substantial ship retrofitting and port bunkering infrastructure. Ammonia engines are experimental, and global standards are lacking.
• Regulation & Certification: Evolving IMO regulations and lack of certification frameworks create market uncertainty.
• Storage & Safety: Hydrogen is difficult to store and transport; methanol and ammonia are more viable.
• Geopolitics: Oil-exporting nations resist changes, while smaller nations advocate for carbon levies. India piloted a compromise solution.

• Policy Leadership: India shaped the IMO’s Market-Based Measure framework and hosted the Green Shipping Conclave.
• Clean Fuel Production: India aims to be a green hydrogen hub, essential for shipping fuels, leveraging its vast solar potential.
• Maritime Infrastructure: Investing in green bunkering facilities and ports.
• Financial Commitment: Maritime Development Fund to catalyze green infrastructure investment.

• Develop green hydrogen hubs powered by solar energy.
• Scale up Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) for green methanol.
• Provide policy and financial incentives like Sovereign Guarantees and PLI schemes.
• Boost shipbuilding and retrofitting with incentives for green fuel-compatible ships.
• Export green fuels, meeting stringent GHG intensity standards.
• Engage in international partnerships for technology transfer and green fuel exports.

97th Foundation Day Celebration: ICAR celebrated its 97th Foundation Day on July 16, 2025, highlighting its crucial role in Indian agriculture and food/nutritional security.

Agricultural Growth & Food Security: ICAR’s contributions were pivotal in the Green Revolution. India achieved record foodgrain production (353.95 MT) in 2024-25, leading globally in rice and milk, and second in wheat and horticulture.

Research Excellence & Innovation: Released 679 crop varieties (27 bio-fortified), world’s first 2 genome-edited rice varieties, and contributed significantly to Basmati rice exports (90% from ICAR varieties). Wheat production saw 85% under ICAR varieties.

Advancements Across Sectors: Developed 83 horticulture varieties, 7 fish breeding protocols, registered 10 livestock breeds, released 2 chicken varieties, and deployed 45 new agri-machines, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

Climate-Smart & Resource Management: Developed National Soil Spectral Library, 35 Good Agricultural Practices, organic farming models, and a microbial consortium reducing methane emissions in rice by 18%.

Capacity Building & Extension: Conducted 18.57 lakh farmer trainings, issued 4.19 crore mobile advisories, and reduced stubble burning by 80%. Launched PM-One Nation One Subscription (PM-ONOS) scheme.

Global Collaboration & Strategic Initiatives: Strengthened international ties and launched key programs like Global Centre on Millets, Clean Plant Programme, and National Gene Bank.

Key Initiatives for Promotion: Schemes like Kisan Credit Card (KCC), PMFBY, SMAM, and AIF support farmers financially, insure crops, promote mechanization, and develop infrastructure.

Technology & Sustainability Focus: Project VISTAAR integrates digital agriculture, Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa disseminates weather advisories, and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana promotes organic farming.

• Plate Tectonics: India’s northward drift and collision with the Eurasian plate create the Himalayas, a region prone to major earthquakes.
• Rapid Urbanisation: Poorly designed high-rises and construction on liquefaction-prone soils in urban areas exacerbate risks.
• Non-compliance with Codes: Widespread failure to enforce seismic codes (e.g., IS 1893:2016) in construction makes buildings vulnerable.

• Poor Enforcement: Lack of rigorous implementation of seismic building codes.
• Public Awareness: Insufficient public education on safety measures and drills.
• Retrofitting Neglect: Older buildings often lack necessary structural retrofitting.

• Rigorous Code Enforcement: Strict adherence to seismic codes for all new and existing structures.
• Retrofitting: Upgrading older buildings with techniques like steel jacketing and base isolation.
• Planning: Avoiding construction on floodplains and liquefaction-prone zones.
• Early Warning Systems: Expanding and improving early warning systems, especially for rural high-risk areas.
• Public Education: Conducting widespread campaigns on earthquake safety, emergency kits, and evacuation plans.
• National Dialogue: Engaging stakeholders (planners, engineers, governments) to integrate seismic resilience into policy.

Nationwide Digital Outreach: The Sanchar Mitra Scheme, launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is a nationwide initiative to boost digital literacy, cyber hygiene, and telecom awareness.

Youth as Digital Ambassadors: The scheme recruits university students as “Sanchar Mitras” to act as digital ambassadors, bridging the gap between citizens and the telecom ecosystem.

Focus Areas: Sanchar Mitras will raise awareness on critical issues like telecom safety, cyber fraud prevention, responsible mobile usage, and EMF radiation.

Skill Development & Exposure: Students receive training in emerging technologies (5G, 6G, AI, cybersecurity) and gain opportunities for internships, national telecom projects, and international forums (India Mobile Congress, ITU).

Grassroots Impact: The program aims to conduct grassroots-level awareness drives, engage communities, and promote informed digital behavior.

Incentive-Driven: Outstanding volunteers are recognized and may receive exclusive opportunities, making it an incentive-driven national movement.

Collaboration: The scheme involves collaboration with universities and DoT’s field units to nominate students from relevant technical backgrounds.

Strategic Vision: The initiative aligns with India’s vision of leadership in “Democracy, Demography, Digitization, and Delivery,” and aims to position India as a telecom research and development hub.

Expansion from Pilot: The scheme has been scaled up nationwide after a successful pilot phase, demonstrating promising impact.

Ministerial Launch: Union Minister for Communications and Development of North East Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, launched the revamped scheme.

Why in News: Rapid growth of generative AI (ChatGPT, Gemini) fuels copyright concerns over training data and AI-generated content, sparking debates on IP rights, authorship, and ethical AI governance.

Key Copyright Challenges:

• AI Mimics Copyrighted Material: AI models train on vast datasets often containing copyrighted works, leading to potential infringement if outputs closely resemble protected content.
• Fair Use & Transformative Use: Tech firms argue AI training is “transformative use” (adding new meaning/utility), a defense tested in cases like Bartz vs. Anthropic, where fair use was upheld for training but liability for storage acknowledged. The Silverman vs. Meta case highlighted the need for creator compensation despite no found market harm.
• AI, Creativity & Legal Liability: Unclear authorship and ownership for purely AI-generated works. Liability for infringement (developer, user, platform) is also undecided.

Legal Status in India:

• Legal Gaps: Indian law (Copyright Act, 1957) attributes authorship only to natural persons, excluding AI-generated works without significant human input. Use of copyrighted material for AI training is a legal grey area.
• AI-Assisted Works: Content created with human input using AI as a tool is protectable, with authorship belonging to the human.
• Fair Dealing (Section 52): Indian law allows exceptions like private use, criticism, review, and research, similar to US fair use. Courts increasingly interpret Section 52 using US fair use factors, but a clear definition of “substantial portion” is missing.

Policy Developments: A Commerce Ministry panel is reviewing the Indian Copyright Act for AI-related gaps.

Way Forward:

• Update Indian Copyright Act with AI-specific provisions and structured fair use assessment.
• Implement clear data governance policies for AI training with oversight.
• Develop multi-stakeholder frameworks balancing innovation and creator rights, potentially including collective licensing.
• Engage in international cooperation to harmonize AI copyright rules.

• Why: To allow wildlife to cross safely, as part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana.

• Why: To reduce traffic noise and prevent disorientation, anxiety, and interference with essential animal activities like feeding and mating.

• Why: Provides context for the location and significance of the wildlife corridor.

• Why: Highlights the importance of protecting this significant tiger habitat.

• Why: Shows the evolution of the project to prioritize wildlife safety.

• Why: Demonstrates the complexities and commitment involved in building through protected areas.

• Why: To assess the effectiveness of the overpasses and ensure ongoing safety.

• Why: Provides the broader context for why the expressway is being built through this region.

• Interest Subvention: 5% for Micro/Small enterprises, 3% for Medium enterprises on loans for energy efficiency projects.
• Technical Support: Investment Grade Energy Audits (IGEA), Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), technology identification, and monitoring.

• Why in news: Official recognition and remembrance from the current Prime Minister underscores Kamaraj’s national significance.

• Why in news: His contributions to nation-building and social justice are consistently highlighted, making his birth anniversary a recurring news event.

• Why in news: His early activism in the freedom struggle showcases his dedication from a young age.

• Why in news: These welfare policies are considered transformative and are still celebrated, with his birth anniversary observed as Education Development Day in Tamil Nadu.

• Why in news: This political strategy had a significant impact on the Congress party’s functioning and is a key aspect of his legacy.

• Why in news: The highest civilian honor recognizes the lasting impact of his contributions.

• Why in news: This shows continued respect and remembrance for Kamaraj within his own political party.

• Why: To accelerate the adoption of advanced energy-efficient technologies in India’s MSME sector and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

• Why: To make energy efficiency projects accessible and affordable for MSMEs.

• Why: To facilitate the entire process from planning to implementation for MSMEs.

• Why: To mobilize an estimated ₹9000 crore in investments, including ₹6750 crore in MSME lending.

• Why: To ensure broad impact across key industrial segments and allow for progressive deployment.

• Why: To facilitate easy access to scheme benefits and information.

• Why: To enhance industrial productivity, reduce environmental impact, and support sustainable growth.

• Why in News: This aims to give individuals control over their digital identity and protect them from AI-driven manipulation.

• Technology: Utilizes deep learning, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), and Natural Language Processing (NLP).

• Imitation Protection: Bans public sharing of realistic digital recreations of a person’s features.
• Post-Mortem Protection: Extends protection of likeness for up to 50 years after death.
• Consent-Based: Requires consent for sharing deepfakes, with the onus on the sharer to prove it.
• Platform Responsibility: Holds platforms accountable for removing deepfakes or facing penalties.
• Harm-Agnostic: Focuses on the act of publishing deepfakes, not specific harms.

• No dedicated deepfake law, relies on IT Act (impersonation, obscenity), IT Rules (platform removal of morphed content), and Copyright Act (unauthorised use of copyrighted material).
• Judicial interventions (Anil Kapoor, Rajnikanth cases) have protected celebrity likenesses based on personality rights.

• Denmark’s proposal is significant for extending protections to ordinary citizens, unlike India’s current focus on celebrities.
• Denmark’s law is a direct ban on publication, while India’s existing laws address specific harms.

• Why in News: Adopted at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Sevilla, Spain, amidst rising debt and economic instability.

• Catalyzing Investment: Promotes public-private partnerships and blended finance.
• Addressing Debt Crisis: Proposes debt swaps, pause clauses, and debt-for-development swaps.
• Reforming Global Financial Architecture: Calls for a more equitable and inclusive international financial system.

• Debt Burden: 3.3 billion people in countries spending more on debt servicing than health or education.
• Overlapping Fiscal Demands: Countries must service debt while investing in climate resilience, infrastructure, and public services.
• Debt as Development & Climate Justice Issue: High interest rates and limited access to finance force difficult choices between debt repayment and critical investments, disproportionately affecting vulnerable nations.

• Shift from loans to grants for developing and climate-vulnerable countries.
• Reform credit rating systems to include climate resilience.
• Implement gender-responsive budgeting and invest in care infrastructure.
• Create a UN-led sovereign debt resolution mechanism.

Secondary Sanctions Warning: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned Brazil, China, and India about potential severe secondary sanctions if they continue business with Russia. This highlights NATO’s involvement in enforcing international pressure on Russia and its global reach in imposing economic consequences.

Collective Defence (Article 5): NATO’s core principle is collective defence, meaning an attack on one member is an attack on all. This remains its primary mission, as demonstrated by its continued focus on deterring aggression.

Expansion to 32 Members: Sweden’s recent accession brings NATO’s membership to 32 countries. This expansion signifies the alliance’s growing relevance and appeal in the current geopolitical climate, particularly in response to perceived threats.

Post-Cold War Evolution: While established for Cold War defence against the Soviet Union, NATO has adapted to address a broader spectrum of security challenges, indicating its dynamic nature and ability to respond to evolving threats beyond its original mandate.

GM Maize Field Trials Approved: Two types of GM maize are set for field trials this summer season at Punjab Agricultural University.

• Why it’s news: This signifies progress in GM crop research in India, following regulatory approval.

Trials are for Research Only: Punjab Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor stated the trials are solely for research and will not determine commercial cultivation.

• Why it’s news: This clarifies the immediate scope of the trials, managing expectations about market release.

Opposition to Trials: The Coalition for a GM-Free India has asked the Punjab government to retract its no-objection certificate for the trials.

• Why it’s news: Highlights the ongoing debate and opposition to GM crops in India, showcasing public concern.

GM Crops Explained: GM crops have altered DNA through genetic engineering to introduce or modify traits.

• Why it’s news: Provides essential background context on what GM crops are for readers.

Regulation in India: The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change approves GM organisms.

• Why it’s news: Informs about the regulatory framework governing GM crops in the country.

Bt Cotton Success: Bt Cotton is the only GM crop currently approved for commercial cultivation in India, leading to increased cotton production.

• Why it’s news: Offers a successful precedent for GM crop adoption in India, influencing the discussion around other GM crops.

UIDAI urges children’s biometric updates: Parents of children aged 5-7 are advised to update their biometric details for Aadhaar.

• Why: Biometrics (fingerprints, iris) are not mature enough for children under five, requiring updates as they grow.

UIDAI’s role in Aadhaar: The authority is responsible for assigning the 12-digit Aadhaar number to all Indian residents.

• Why: Aadhaar is linked to demographic and biometric data, serving as a unique identifier for accessing services.

Establishment and Jurisdiction: UIDAI is a statutory authority established in 2016 under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, based on the Aadhaar Act 2016.

• Why: This establishes its legal standing and governmental oversight for managing the Aadhaar system.

Core Functions: UIDAI generates Aadhaar numbers, manages the central database, and sets policies for updating and using Aadhaar for service delivery.

• Why: These functions ensure the integrity, security, and utility of the Aadhaar system for residents.

Chhattisgarh Incident: Chhattisgarh Forest Dept. initially designated itself nodal agency for CFRR, violating Gram Sabha authority for local management plans. It was later withdrawn due to community mobilization. This highlights the ongoing conflict between centralized forest management and community-led conservation.

Community Forest Resource (CFR): Common forest land traditionally protected and sustainably used by a community, with identifiable customary boundaries. Can include various forest types (revenue, classified, unclassified, deemed, DLC, reserve, protected, sanctuaries, national parks).

Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR): Under FRA, 2006, grants Gram Sabhas the right to “protect, regenerate or conserve or manage” CFR. Includes nistar rights (removing forest produce for domestic use) and NTFP rights, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and allowing local practices for conservation.

Significance of CFRR: Addresses historical injustice by restoring customary forest rights. Enables communities to use, manage, and conserve forests they depend on. Crucial inside protected areas, integrating traditional dwellers into management.

Forest Management Debate: Historically, government working plans often focused on timber yield, leading to natural forest clearing and monoculture plantations, causing ecological degradation. These plans remained bureaucratic and detached from local needs.

FRA’s Transformation: Recognizes local communities’ vital role in forest survival. CFR management plans, developed by Gram Sabhas, prioritize local needs and integrate with working plans.

Implementation Challenges: Forest departments often deny legitimacy and funds to Gram Sabhas. A joint letter suggested CFR plans conform to the National Working Plan Code (NWPC) and involve foresters, undermining FRA’s intent.

Way Forward: Reject NWPC compliance for CFR plans; prioritize Gram Sabha plans for community experience and climate adaptation. Provide funds, training, and legal protection to Gram Sabhas. Forest departments need to shift from timber-oriented science to people-friendly forest management.

Conclusion: Effective FRA implementation, with Gram Sabhas central, is key for ecological justice, livelihood security, and sustainable forest management.

• Why in news: This highlights a less-known ecological aspect of the park, broadening its conservation importance beyond rhinos.

• Why in news: This provides concrete data and establishes a baseline for future monitoring and conservation efforts for these birds.

• Why in news: This underscores the critical role Kaziranga plays in the survival of these threatened avian populations and the health of their habitats.

• Why in news: This is a positive indicator for conservation success and the effectiveness of habitat management within the park.

• Why in news: This elevates Kaziranga’s status as a national bird conservation site, especially for grassland species, and emphasizes its ecological significance in Northeast India.

• Why in news: This positions Kaziranga as a crucial site for avian conservation efforts in a region often overlooked in national conservation dialogues.

• Why in news: This is a significant appointment for the apex regulatory body of medical education in India.

• Why in news: This ensures continuity in leadership for crucial medical education processes.

• Why in news: This fills critical leadership gaps within the NMC, which is vital for the smooth functioning of medical education regulation.

• Why in news: This appointment is made in the backdrop of investigations into potential corruption within the medical education regulatory system, highlighting the importance of strong and ethical leadership at the NMC.

WHO Recognition of India’s AI in Ayush: The World Health Organization (WHO) technical brief “Mapping the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Traditional Medicine” acknowledged India’s leadership in integrating AI with Ayush systems. This recognition followed India’s proposal, influencing WHO’s first roadmap on AI in traditional medicine.

‘AI for All’ and Digital Health Vision: India’s efforts align with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘AI for All’ and positioning India as a global leader in digital health innovation and traditional medicine integration.

Key Indian Initiatives Highlighted:

• Ayurgenomics: Merges Ayurveda and genomics for personalized health recommendations and disease prediction.
• Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL): India’s pioneering digital database (launched 2001) protects traditional knowledge from misuse and prevents wrongful patents.
• Ayush Grid: A digital platform enabling AI-driven services like SAHI, NAMASTE, and Ayush Research Portals.

AI Applications in Traditional Medicine: AI is used in India for mapping drug action pathways and analyzing traditional concepts (Rasa, Guna, Virya) using artificial sensors.

Global Impact and Validation: The WHO publication validates India’s influence in global traditional medicine and showcases AI-driven applications in diagnosis support, personalized care, and decoding herbal formulations. It also praises India’s digital platforms for consultations and literacy efforts.

Why in News: A significant rise in dowry-related deaths in states like Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, and Tamil Nadu highlights the ongoing prevalence of this illegal practice, with women facing harassment, assault, and suicide over dowry, often with slow investigations and rare convictions.

Reasons for Persistence:

• Cultural Entitlement/Tradition: Dowry is treated as a social custom, often disguised as “gifts,” with women’s worth linked to dowry received, and societal pressure fuels demands leading to abuse and deaths.
• Gender Discrimination/Patriarchy: Dowry is used to assert control over women, viewed as a burden, with demands rooted in patriarchal attitudes devaluing women.
• Normalization of Abuse: Despite laws, dowry has normalized abuse, with violence often unreported and treated as a private family matter.
• Economic Factors: Rising economic pressures, consumerism, social media, and the desire for grand weddings contribute to higher dowry expectations.

Legal & Judicial Challenges:

• Inadequate Investigation: Many cases lack charge sheets due to delayed or mishandled investigations, with a high percentage of investigations pending for extended periods.
• Judicial Bottlenecks: Cases face significant delays in courts, leading to limited convictions and a sense of impunity for perpetrators.
• Lack of Coordination: Police sometimes mediate rather than register cases as criminal offenses, and slow charge sheet filing and court delays hinder justice.
• Underreporting: Fear of stigma, lack of awareness, and family/societal pressure lead to many dowry deaths going unreported.

Solutions:

• Economic Empowerment: Financial independence for women through education and skill development is crucial.
• Easier Reporting: Tech-based platforms for anonymous complaints and protection for whistleblowers.
• Strengthen Law Enforcement: Sensitive, urgent handling of cases, timely investigation, and strict action.
• Exit Pathways: Shelters, counseling, legal aid, and financial support for women leaving abusive situations.
• Judicial Reforms: Fast-track courts for dowry death cases.
• Awareness & Legal Support: Easier access to legal aid and public awareness campaigns to change societal attitudes.

IRDAI Forms Panels to Decide on Insurer Violations: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has established panels comprising its whole-time members.

• Why in News: This is a direct exercise of its enforcement function, specifically to adjudicate violations of the Insurance Act and its regulations by insurers and intermediaries.

IRDAI’s Role: A statutory body under the IRDA Act 1999, operating under the Ministry of Finance.

• Why in News: Its primary objective is to protect the interests of insurance policyholders.

Key IRDAI Initiatives:

• Bima Sugam: An online marketplace for insurance transactions, part of the broader ‘Bima Trinity’ (Bima Vistaar, Bima Vahak, Bima Sugam).
• Saral Jeevan Bima: A basic protection product for self-employed and low-income groups.
• Integrated Grievance Management System: A centralized system to track and analyze policyholder grievances.
• Why in News: These initiatives demonstrate IRDAI’s proactive approach to improving insurance accessibility, affordability, and customer grievance redressal.

50% Non-Fossil Fuel Power Capacity Achieved: India’s installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources reached 242.78 GW out of a total of 484.82 GW as of June 2025.

• Why it’s news: This milestone signifies a significant shift in India’s energy landscape, demonstrating a strong commitment to clean energy.

Ahead of Target: The 50% non-fossil fuel capacity was achieved five years ahead of India’s 2030 target set under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for the Paris Agreement.

• Why it’s news: This early achievement positions India as a global leader in climate action and sustainable development, showcasing effective policy implementation.

Breakdown of Non-Fossil Sources: Non-fossil fuel capacity includes Renewable Energy (184.62 GW, 38.08%), Large Hydropower (49.38 GW, 10.19%), and Nuclear Energy (8.78 GW, 1.81%).

• Why it’s news: This highlights the diversified nature of India’s clean energy portfolio.

Key Initiatives Driving Growth: Success is attributed to flagship programs like PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar Yojana, National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, and the PLI Scheme for Solar PV Modules.

• Why it’s news: These policies have been instrumental in accelerating the adoption of renewable energy and promoting domestic manufacturing.

Global Leadership and Co-Benefits: India is demonstrating that economic growth and environmental stewardship can coexist, achieving this milestone with low per capita emissions. The transition also brings co-benefits like enhanced energy access, employment, and reduced pollution.

• Why it’s news: India’s progress serves as a model for other nations, emphasizing inclusive growth alongside decarbonization.

Future Focus Areas: The next phase will emphasize quality, equity, and resilience, including doubling per capita clean electricity consumption, strengthening the grid with AI and digitalization, deploying energy storage, and promoting green hydrogen.

• Why it’s news: This indicates a forward-looking strategy to maintain momentum and achieve even more ambitious climate goals.

India Highlights Terror Threat at SCO Meeting: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed the SCO-CFM in China that the Pahalgam terrorist attack was intended to harm Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and create religious division. This underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by member states.

SCO’s Broad Membership and Scope: The SCO, originating from the Shanghai Five in 1996 and formally established in 2001, now includes nine members: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus. It is the world’s largest regional organization geographically and by population, covering 24% of the Earth’s landmass and 42% of its people, with member countries contributing significantly to global GDP.

Focus on Security and Counter-Terrorism: The SCO is notable for its focus on security issues, particularly through its Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS). RATS serves as a permanent body for coordination and information sharing among member states to combat terrorism, extremism, and separatism. India actively participates in RATS, having held its chairmanship in 2021.

Consensus-Based Decision Making: The SCO operates on a consensus-based decision-making system. While this promotes inclusivity, it can also lead to diplomatic deadlocks when national interests diverge, impacting the organization’s ability to achieve unified action on certain issues.

• Why: Highlights the significant financial impact of cybercrime on individuals.

• Why: Shows a disconnect between general knowledge of digital threats and practical knowledge of how to combat them or report incidents.

• Why: Underscores a systemic issue of trust deficit and ineffective redressal mechanisms, discouraging reporting and victim support.

• Why: Reveals a digital security divide, leaving vulnerable populations more exposed to cyber threats.

• Why: Demonstrates proactive government efforts to build a cybercrime prevention and response framework.

• Why: Points to ongoing structural and operational challenges that need addressing to strengthen India’s cyber defense.

Revival of Historic Port: Machilipatnam, an ancient trading hub, is being revived with a new Greenfield port at Manginapudi.

• Why it’s news: This marks a significant return for a port with a rich historical past.

Operational by End-2026: The new port is nearing 50% completion and is expected to become operational by the end of 2026.

• Why it’s news: Provides a concrete timeline for a major infrastructure project.

Ancient Trade Significance: Machilipatnam, historically known as Masulipatnam or Maisolia, was a prominent trading center from the 1st century AD, trading with Rome, China, Persia, and Southeast Asia.

• Why it’s news: Highlights the strategic importance of the location and its historical trading prowess.

Golconda Era Flourishing: Under the Qutb Shahi dynasty, it was a profitable port (Bandar-i-Mubarak), exporting goods across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

• Why it’s news: Underscores its past economic and global connectivity.

Cultural Melting Pot: The ancient port hosted a diverse population of various nationalities.

• Why it’s news: Adds a cultural dimension to the port’s historical significance.

Development Model: The port is being developed under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) using the Landlord Model.

• Why it’s news: Indicates the structure and approach to the port’s construction.

Economic Growth Driver: Expected to handle exports of coal, pharma, cement, fertilizers, and container traffic, with potential for enhanced regional trade via a dry port and freight corridor from Telangana.

• Why it’s news: Signals substantial economic benefits and improved trade connectivity for the region.

Local Benefits: The project is expected to increase land prices and create employment opportunities for local communities.

• Why it’s news: Highlights the positive impact on the local economy and population.

Decline Factors: Past decline was attributed to cyclones and shifting British focus to Madras.

• Why it’s news: Provides context for why the port fell into disuse.

Successful Test-Fire of Astra Missile: DRDO and IAF successfully test-fired the indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from a Su-30MKI fighter jet off the coast of Odisha. This is significant as it demonstrates India’s capability in developing advanced air-to-air weaponry.

Indigenous RF Seeker: The Astra missile is equipped with an indigenously developed Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker. This feature is crucial for detecting, tracking, and locking onto targets using radar, ensuring high accuracy and enabling “fire-and-forget” capabilities.

Beyond Visual Range Capability: Astra is India’s first indigenous BVRAAM, designed to engage enemy aircraft beyond visual line-of-sight. It can target supersonic, manoeuvrable aircraft at altitudes up to 20 km and ranges exceeding 100 km.

Advanced Technology: The missile utilizes inertial navigation, mid-course data link updates, and active radar homing. It also features a smokeless solid-fuel engine for enhanced stealth and supports a “buddy launch” mode for operational flexibility.

Su-30MKI Platform: The test was conducted from a Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, a key asset in India’s combat fleet. This successful integration validates Astra’s compatibility with India’s frontline fighter jets.

• Why: Timely and data-rich analysis is crucial for understanding India’s trade performance and navigating global shifts.

• Exports grew by 3% to USD 108.7 billion.
• Imports rose by 6.5% to USD 187.5 billion.
• Why: Shows a growth in exports despite a larger increase in imports, indicating a need to monitor the trade deficit.

• Services surplus of USD 52.3 billion.
• Services exports increased by 17%.
• Why: Highlights the growing global competitiveness and importance of India’s services sector in offsetting merchandise trade deficits.

• High-tech products like aircraft, spacecraft, and parts saw 200% year-on-year growth.
• Electrical machinery and arms/ammunition growing at 10.6% CAGR since 2014.
• Why: Demonstrates diversification of India’s export basket towards higher-value and technologically advanced goods.

• India ranked 5th globally in Digitally Delivered Services (DDS) exports in 2024, with USD 269 billion.
• Why: Underscores India’s strong position in the digital economy and its significant contribution to services exports.

• Shifts in US trade policies present risks and opportunities.
• India has a tariff advantage over competitors in the US market.
• Potential for growth in sectors like pharmaceuticals, textiles, and electrical machinery.
• Why: Crucial for policymakers to leverage these advantages and adapt to evolving international trade dynamics and policy changes.

Why in News: Mizoram is facing a growing refugee crisis, with a significant new influx of around 4,000 from Myanmar’s Chin State in early July 2025 following armed clashes. This adds to existing refugees from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur, straining the state’s humanitarian capacity.

How Mizoram is Managing:

• Ethnic Ties: Mizoram’s Mizo community shares deep ethnic and cultural bonds with the Chin (Myanmar), Bawm (Bangladesh), and Kuki-Zo (Manipur) people, leading to solidarity and support.
• Community Support: Civil society groups like the Young Mizo Association (YMA), churches, and individuals are providing essential aid (food, shelter).
• Government Stance: The Mizoram government cites humanitarian and ethnic reasons for not deporting refugees, though local pressure has led some villages to impose restrictions on refugee movement.
• Central Assistance: The Centre has provided ₹8 crore in relief, deemed insufficient by state authorities.

Legal Framework:

• International Law: Refugees flee persecution; asylum seekers await status adjudication. India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention.
• Indian Law: Refugees are governed by the Foreigners Act, 1946, and other immigration-related laws.
• FMR: The Free Movement Regime allows limited cross-border travel for hill tribes but faces security concerns.
• UNHCR: Registered refugees have limited protection and services, lacking government-issued documents and access to welfare.

Measures Needed:

• Legal Reform: Enact a National Refugee Law and empower local identification mechanisms.
• Institutional Strengthening: Enhance coordination between central and state governments, and with UNHCR.
• Community Integration: Promote inclusive development and protect vulnerable groups.
• Infrastructure: Establish reception centres and refugee data management systems.
• Border Management: Utilize technology while ensuring humanitarian corridors and community engagement.

Denmark’s Deepfake Proposal: Denmark is extending copyright protection to individuals’ facial features, appearance, and voice to prevent deepfake misuse.

What are Deepfakes: Synthetic media using AI to create realistic, fabricated videos, pictures, or audio of people saying or doing things they never did.

How Deepfakes Work: Utilize AI, specifically Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), where two neural networks (generator and discriminator) compete to produce increasingly realistic fake content.

Rising Deepfake Concerns: India saw a 400% rise in reported deepfake crimes (2022-24), and Europol predicts 90% of online content could be synthetic by 2026.

Potential Uses: Entertainment, virtual assistants, education, dubbing, and accessibility.

Key Threats:

• Misinformation/Fake News: Spreading false narratives, blurring truth and fiction.
• Privacy Violations: Superimposing faces onto explicit content without consent.
• Identity Theft: Impersonating individuals, harming reputations.
• Cybersecurity Risks: Facilitating phishing and social engineering.
• Reputation Damage: Manipulating content to harm individuals and businesses.
• National Security: Creating fake political statements to cause diplomatic issues.
• Erosion of Trust: Undermining public faith in media and information.
• Social Engineering/Scams: Manipulating individuals for financial gain.

Legal & Ethical Challenges: Difficulty in assigning responsibility and accountability for creation and dissemination.

Denmark’s Bill Highlights:

• Imitation Protection: Bars public sharing of realistic digital recreations.
• Performance Protection: Covers artistic acts not meeting typical copyright.
• Protection for Performing Artists: Targets digital mimicry.
• Protection for Ordinary Individuals: Extends protection for up to 50 years post-death.
• Consent-Based: Requires individual permission, with consent withdrawable.
• Platform Responsibility: Online platforms liable for takedown; penalties for failure.

India’s Current Legal Framework: Relies on privacy, defamation, and publicity rights (e.g., Bachchan, Kapoor cases).

• IT Act 2000: Sections 66E (privacy), 67 (obscenity).
• IPC Section 469: Forgery to harm reputation.
• Proposed Digital India Act 2025: Aims to define and regulate AI-generated content.

Way Forward: Legal definition and penalties for misuse, AI detection/watermarking tools, public education, and responsible AI development.

Conclusion: Deepfakes are a double-edged sword, requiring a robust legal, technological, and ethical framework in India to combat misuse.

High Grassland Bird Diversity Recorded: Kaziranga National Park recorded 43 grassland bird species in a recent survey. This is significant as wet grasslands are historically less surveyed in India.

Critically Endangered Species Found: The survey identified critically endangered species like the Bengal florican and endangered Finn’s weaver, highlighting Kaziranga’s importance for threatened avian populations.

Vulnerable Species Identified: Six bird species were found in the vulnerable category, including the black-breasted parrotbill and swamp francolin, underscoring the need for continued conservation.

Milestone for Conservation: The survey marks a crucial step in documenting and protecting grassland-dependent birds in the Brahmaputra floodplains, allowing for comparisons with dry grassland ecosystems.

Kaziranga’s Significance: Located in Assam, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest undisturbed representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain and is famous for its one-horned rhinos, often focusing conservation on its “big four” species.

Why in News: India’s limited disaster insurance coverage makes it vulnerable to natural disasters. Catastrophe Bonds (Cat Bonds) offer a strategic solution to improve disaster risk financing and resilience amidst rising climate-induced disasters.

What are Cat Bonds:

• Insurance-linked securities that transfer natural disaster financial risk from governments/insurers to private investors.
• Combine insurance and bond features to raise quick post-disaster relief funds.
• Investors earn high returns for taking on risk but may lose principal if a disaster occurs.
• Primarily bought by institutional investors, increasingly attracting retail investors.

Working Mechanism/Key Features:

• High Returns: Compensate investors for principal risk.
• Diversification: Cat bond risks are uncorrelated with financial markets.
• Quick Capital Mobilization: Facilitate faster post-disaster payouts.
• Multi-Year Coverage: Provide long-term disaster protection.
• Fiscal Buffer: Reduce pressure on government finances.
• Investor Vigilance: Encourages disaster preparedness.

Significance for India:

• Addresses India’s high vulnerability to climate disasters.
• Can supplement the government’s annual disaster mitigation allocation.
• India can partner with institutions like the World Bank or ADB for issuance.
• India could lead a South Asian Cat Bond initiative for transboundary risks, spreading risk and reducing costs.

Disadvantages:

• Poorly designed bonds might not pay out despite significant damage.
• Cost-effectiveness needs comparison with historical reconstruction costs.

• Why in News: This action is significant as it involves the highest judicial leadership positions in the High Courts, directly impacting the administration of justice.

• Why in News: This highlights the constitutional process involved in judicial appointments, with the President acting on government advice.

• Why in News: The collegium system for judicial appointments is a frequently debated topic, and these decisions reflect its ongoing application.

• Why in News: This reinforces the constitutional framework within which these judicial personnel decisions are made.

• Why in News: This provides context on how the current system for judicial appointments has evolved and the reasoning behind it.

• Why: Deep-rooted societal notions, workplace safety concerns, pay inequity, and inadequate policies for life transitions (marriage, childbirth, caregiving) deter women from sustaining STEM careers.

• Why: Increased female participation directly correlates with economic growth and development.

• Why: Government policies aim to equip women with skills, increase access to technical education, and support entrepreneurship and safety.

• Why: Industry can bridge the gap by providing mentorship, flexible policies, skill upgradation, and ensuring workplace safety. Initiatives like UN Women’s WeSTEM Programme demonstrate this by linking training to placements and engaging communities.

• Why: These measures address practical challenges, provide career guidance, and create an inclusive environment for women to thrive in STEM fields, ultimately contributing to national development.

MGNREGS Attendance Manipulation: The Union government has informed states that the digital attendance system (NMMS) for MGNREGS workers is being manipulated. This is a significant issue because it undermines the integrity of the employment guarantee program.

NMMS Flaws Exposed: Despite a digital system requiring geo-tagged photos twice daily, various “misuses” have been discovered, indicating loopholes in the existing monitoring.

Introduction of Analog Monitoring: To address the manipulation, the Centre has introduced four new layers of analog monitoring to supplement the digital NMMS platform. This is a response to the failure of the purely digital system to prevent fraud.

Editing Muster Rolls Allowed: States are now permitted to edit muster rolls before making wage bills, a change from the previous system where only District Collectors could do this and take action on complaints. This could be a way to correct errors but also potentially a loophole for manipulation if not strictly overseen.

Multi-Level Verification Mandated: States are directed to ensure verification of worker attendance and photographs at Gram Panchayat (100% physical verification), block, district, and state levels, with decreasing physical verification percentages at higher levels. This aims to create a more robust audit trail and accountability mechanism.

MGNREGA’s Importance: MGNREGA is a crucial rural employment program guaranteeing 100 days of work, emphasizing women’s participation and minimum wages, and acting as a right to work. The manipulation of its attendance system directly impacts its effectiveness and the livelihoods of rural workers.

• Cause: An RNA virus from the Paramyxoviridae family, genus Henipavirus.
• Transmission: Zoonotic (animal to human), via contaminated food, and direct human-to-human contact.
• Hosts: Initially found in pigs, dogs, cats, goats, horses, and sheep.
• Fatality: High case fatality rate, ranging from 40% to 75%.
• Symptoms: Fever, headache, drowsiness, disorientation, mental confusion, leading to coma and death.
• Diagnosis: RT-PCR on bodily fluids and antibody detection via ELISA.
• Prevention: No vaccines are currently available for humans or animals.

Expansion to Tier 2 & 3 Cities: STPI is shifting focus from metro hubs to smaller cities for inclusive IT growth, aiming to trigger entrepreneurship in software, products, and Business Process Management (BPM) nationwide.

• Why in News: This signifies a strategic move to decentralize IT development and spread economic opportunities across the country, fostering growth in emerging regions.

Driving Digital Transformation & Product Innovation: STPI is repositioning to lead the next wave of digital transformation, encouraging product innovation under the National Policy on Software Products (NPSP) 2019.

• Why in News: This highlights a proactive approach to evolve the IT sector beyond services towards building a strong software product ecosystem, crucial for future economic competitiveness.

Supporting Startups and MSMEs: STPI provides incubation facilities, infrastructure, training, mentoring, funding, and market connect to support startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

• Why in News: This demonstrates STPI’s role as a key enabler for new ventures, fostering job creation and economic growth in nascent tech hubs.

Significant Contribution to Software Exports: STPI-registered units contributed $110 billion to India’s total software exports of over $200 billion in FY 2024-25.

• Why in News: This reaffirms STPI’s historical importance and continued impact on India’s foreign exchange earnings and global IT standing.

Focus on Centres of Entrepreneurship (CoEs): STPI has established 24 CoEs to cultivate a startup culture specifically in the product development domain.

• Why in News: This signifies a targeted effort to boost India’s capabilities in creating proprietary software products, a sector where India currently lags.

Sluggish IIP Growth: India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) growth hit a nine-month low of 1.2% in June 2025, indicating weak industrial activity and raising concerns about growth and employment.

Weak Demand is the Primary Driver: Despite government support like corporate tax cuts and interest rate reductions, corporate investment remains sluggish because of persistently weak consumer demand.

• Reason: Profits have increased post-tax reforms, but low demand disincentivizes companies from expanding capacity. Firms fear poor returns if they borrow and invest. Capacity underutilization also discourages new investment.

Lower Investment to GDP Ratio: The corporate investment to GDP ratio has declined significantly compared to previous growth periods, indicating reduced confidence in long-term growth prospects. This is insufficient to achieve India’s ambitious growth targets.

Limited Impact of Government Capex: While the government has increased infrastructure spending, its multiplier effect on private investment is limited due to long project timelines, high import content, and low job creation from machine-heavy projects, which curtails consumption boosts.

Delayed Loan Disbursements: The disbursement of loans, especially for large infrastructure projects, is slow. Credit growth to key infrastructure sectors has lagged, while personal loans show strong growth, highlighting a disconnect between household demand and industrial investment appetite.

Global Trade Headwinds: Protectionist global policies, particularly tariff regimes in major markets, have weakened export-led investment opportunities.

Government Measures: India has implemented schemes like Make in India, PLI, and GatiShakti, along with Ease of Doing Business reforms, to boost investment.

Policy Recommendations: To revive investment, policies should focus on boosting aggregate demand through social sector spending and rural employment, reforming factor markets, de-risking private investment, supporting green and digital transitions, and enhancing corporate confidence through stable inflation and fiscal transparency.

Assam Initiates DNA Profiling of 2,573 Rhino Horn Samples: The Assam Forest Department, with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), has begun DNA profiling of these samples, collected from horns destroyed in 2021.

Purpose: Strengthen Conservation & Crime Investigations: The initiative aims to create individual DNA profiles for a national forensic database under the RhoDIS (Rhino DNA Index System) India programme. This will aid in tracking illegal rhino horn trade and understanding population genetics.

Samples from Public Burning: The samples are from rhino horns seized or from naturally deceased rhinos, retained during the public burning of a large number of horns on September 22, 2021. Tiny samples were kept from all but those involved in court cases.

RhoDIS India Program: Launched in 2016, RhoDIS India is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), rhino-range states, WII, and WWF-India. It standardizes DNA profiling for rhinos.

Significance for Assam & India’s Rhinos: Assam holds 80% of the global one-horned rhino population. The DNA profiling will support the genetic conservation planning and scientific management of this vulnerable species, whose population has significantly increased due to conservation efforts.

Technical Process: Samples were verified at Kaziranga National Park and sent to WII, Dehradun, for analysis following a protocol approved by the MoEFCC. The repackaging process was independently observed and recorded.

Abuse of Free Speech on Social Media: The Supreme Court observed that the right to free speech is being increasingly abused, particularly on social media platforms. This highlights a growing concern about the misuse of online platforms for harmful or divisive purposes.

Need for Self-Restraint and Regulation: The Court emphasized the necessity for self-restraint and potential regulation to address this abuse. This indicates the judiciary’s recognition that the unfettered exercise of free speech can have negative consequences, prompting a discussion on control mechanisms.

Reasonable Restrictions Apply: The Supreme Court reminded that the right to freedom of speech and expression is not absolute and comes with reasonable restrictions as per Article 19(2) of the Constitution. This reinforces the legal framework that allows for limitations to protect public order, security, and other societal interests.

Curbing Divisive Content: The Court specifically pointed out the need to curb the use of free speech to instigate divisive tendencies on social media. This signals a judicial intent to tackle speech that undermines social harmony and national unity.

Court May Frame Guidelines: The Supreme Court is considering framing guidelines to regulate abusive and divisive social media posts. This suggests a proactive approach by the judiciary to establish clearer rules for online discourse.

Fraternity to Reduce Hatred: Justice Viswanathan remarked that greater fraternity among citizens is essential to reduce mutual hatred, underscoring the social and ethical dimensions of online interactions. This points to a belief that fostering positive relationships is crucial for a healthier public sphere.

Focus Beyond the Petition: The Court indicated its intention to delve deeper into the issue of social media abuse beyond the scope of the current petition, implying a broader concern for the impact of online speech on constitutional values like fraternity, secularism, and individual dignity.

• Reason: Public backlash and systemic challenges, including technological integration issues and lack of inter-state coordination, made implementation infeasible.

• Request to CAQM: The minister wrote to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) requesting a hold on the directive.

• CAQM’s directive mandated fuel denial to ELVs via ANPR cameras from July 1, 2025.
• NGT banned diesel vehicles over 10 years and petrol vehicles over 15 years in NCR in 2015.
• Supreme Court upheld NGT orders in 2018.
• Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, govern vehicle registration validity and fitness.
• Environment Protection (End-of-Life Vehicles) Rules, 2025, mandate scrapping after registration expiry.

Yamuna Clean-up Aligns with National Goals: Delhi’s prioritized Yamuna river pollution clean-up is linked to the national Namami Gange Programme (NGP), integrating local efforts with broader objectives for Ganga basin rejuvenation.

Major Causes of River Pollution:

• Industrial Effluents: Toxic discharge from industries like textiles and chemicals, with many factories bypassing treatment plants.
• Agricultural Runoff: Fertilizers and pesticides leading to nutrient pollution, harming aquatic life. Stubble burning ash also contributes.
• Religious & Cultural Practices: Idol immersion and cremation practices introduce materials like plastic and toxic paints.
• Solid Waste & Plastic Dumping: India’s high plastic emission results in significant river clogging; landfill runoff contaminates water.
• Thermal & Radioactive Pollution: Discharges from thermal plants and uranium mining introduce heat and radioactive waste.
• Climate-Related Stress: Erratic rainfall concentrates pollutants during low-flow periods and flushes contaminants during storms.

Namami Gange Programme (NGP): A flagship initiative to rejuvenate the Ganga and its tributaries through pollution reduction and ecosystem restoration. It features a five-tier implementation structure from national to district levels.

Key NGP Pillars & Interventions: Include sewerage treatment, river surface cleaning, afforestation, industrial effluent monitoring, river-front development, biodiversity conservation, public awareness, and village development. Efforts focus on pollution abatement (Nirmal Ganga), improving ecology and flow (Aviral Ganga), strengthening people-river connect (Jan Ganga), and facilitating research (Gyan Ganga).

NGP Achievements: Significant increase in sewage treatment capacity, notable improvements in water quality (reduced BOD), and growth in Gangetic river dolphin populations. The program received global recognition from the UN.

Mitigation Steps: Strict industrial regulations (Zero Liquid Discharge, ETPs), managing agricultural runoff (organic farming, buffer zones), improving solid waste management (segregation, bans on single-use plastics), restoring river ecosystems, and leveraging technology and innovation (AI, IoT, GIS).

Monsoon Session to Begin: Parliament’s Monsoon Session starts July 21.

• Why: Ahead of the session, the Congress is strategizing for upcoming discussions.

Key Issues for Discussion:

• Bihar’s electoral roll revision.
• Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
• US tariffs on India.
• Economy, inflation, and unemployment.
• Why: These are critical national issues demanding parliamentary attention.

Opposition Demands Deputy Speaker Post: Congress-led opposition likely to demand the Deputy Speaker post in Lok Sabha.

• Why: Kodikunnil Suresh is a strong contender, signaling the opposition’s intent to claim this position.

Parliamentary Sessions Overview:

• Summoned under Article 85 of the Constitution.
• Government, via Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs and President, decides session timings.
• Maximum six-month gap between sessions, requiring at least two meetings annually.
• Why: These constitutional provisions ensure regular parliamentary functioning.

Parliamentary Session Cycle: India has three customary sessions: Budget, Monsoon, and Winter.

• Why: This structure facilitates legislative business and government oversight throughout the year.

Why in News: The Mahisagar River Bridge collapse, killing 20, highlights critical infrastructure quality issues nationwide.

Reasons for Poor Infrastructure:

• Corruption & Substandard Materials: Kickbacks allow politically linked firms to use cheap materials, leading to weak structures (e.g., Bihar’s illegal ghost bridge).
• Poor Maintenance & Overloading: Neglect and lack of inspection cause collapses (e.g., Morbi, Indrayani River bridges). Overloading, with unchecked heavy vehicles, also leads to failures (e.g., Assam’s Harang Bridge).
• Engineering Flaws: Poor planning and lack of expert oversight result in unsafe designs (e.g., Bhopal, Indore bridges).
• Lack of Accountability: Officials and contractors are rarely punished after disasters; lax regulations allow unsafe structures to remain in use.
• Climate & Environmental Factors: Floods and erosion weaken foundations without preventive action (e.g., Assam, Bihar). Unplanned urbanization stresses existing infrastructure.
• Political Interference: Rushed inaugurations of incomplete projects bypass safety checks; state-centre mismanagement and fund disputes cause delays.

Current Infrastructure State:

• Highways: Second-largest road network globally.
• Railways: Bullet train project progressing; decline in consequential accidents despite some crashes.
• Civil Aviation: Third-largest domestic market; significant increase in operational airports.
• Maritime: Aiming for top shipbuilding nations status; mega port and economic corridor projects underway.
• Urban Metro: Substantial expansion in network and cities served.
• Ropeways: Projects planned under the Parvatmala Pariyojana.

How to Improve Infrastructure:

• Strict Quality Control: Independent audits (e.g., IITs), lifetime bans for non-compliant firms, real-time fund tracking via blockchain.
• Advanced Engineering & Materials: Use of high-quality, durable materials; AI/IoT sensors for real-time monitoring.
• Shift to Maintenance: Proactive maintenance approach with dedicated budgets and structured policies.
• Strengthen Planning: Integrated, data-driven planning using GIS and AI tools.
• Deepen Financing: Maintain public capital expenditure, encourage PPP, monetize assets, promote municipal bonds and InvITs.

Presidential Nominations: President Droupadi Murmu nominated Harsh Vardhan Shringla (former Foreign Secretary), Ujjwal Nikam (26/11 prosecutor), C. Sadanandan Master (Kerala BJP leader), and Meenakshi Jain (historian) to the Rajya Sabha.

• Why: To fill vacancies caused by the retirement of nominated members, as per Article 80 of the Constitution. These nominations are made from individuals with special knowledge or practical experience in art, literature, science, and social service.

Notable Nominees and their Backgrounds:

• Harsh Vardhan Shringla: Praised for diplomatic, intellectual, and strategic contributions, and G20 Presidency coordination.
• Ujjwal Nikam: Recognized for exemplary legal contributions and seeking justice in important cases. He was previously the BJP’s Lok Sabha candidate.
• Meenakshi Jain: A Padma Shri awardee, academic, and historian known for her books on Indian history and indigenous education.
• C. Sadanandan Master: A former teacher and BJP candidate known for his resilience after violence and commitment to national development and youth empowerment.

Context of Nominations:

• Prime Minister Modi welcomed each nomination, highlighting their specific achievements.
• The nomination of Sadanandan Master is seen as significant given upcoming Assembly polls in Kerala.

Rajya Sabha Nomination Process:

• The President nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha, representing expertise in various fields. Four seats were vacant and have now been filled.

Criticism of Nominated Members (General Context):

• Past criticism has focused on poor attendance and lack of engagement in legislative work by some nominated members.
• Concerns exist about ruling dispensations using nominations to increase party numbers or reward loyalists.

Lithuania Launches Grey Seal Rehabilitation Effort: Why: To support the survival and restore population balance of grey seals in the Baltic Sea, which are threatened by climate change, pollution, and overfishing.

Grey Seals Threatened by Environmental Issues: Why: Baltic Sea grey seals face threats from receding ice cover, pollution, shrinking fish stocks, and disease, impacting their survival.

Grey Seals as Marine Ecosystem Indicators: Why: As apex predators, they absorb high levels of pollutants, making them indicators of marine ecosystem health.

Grey Seal Habitat and Characteristics: Why: They live in North Atlantic coastal waters, haul out on coasts, islands, sandbars, and ice. Males can reach 10 feet, and pups are born with white fur.

Grey Seal Behavior, Diet, and Lifespan: Why: They gather for mating/molting but are often solitary. They eat fish, squid, and seabirds. They live 25–35 years and females have one pup annually.

Conservation Status: Why: The Baltic Sea subpopulation of grey seals is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, despite facing significant threats.

India’s Growing Energy Demand & Transition Goals: India’s energy demand is doubling by 2030, necessitating a sustainable transition to meet targets of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and net-zero by 2070, aligning with Paris Agreement.

AI’s Transformative Role: AI can enhance energy sector efficiency, optimize grid management, and facilitate renewable energy integration by:

• Predicting generation/demand fluctuations for grid balance.
• Enabling smart grids to detect faults and reduce transmission losses.
• Optimizing energy supply based on real-time usage to reduce wastage.
• Promoting consumer-side energy efficiency.

Key Energy Statistics & Sector Lacunas:

• Total electricity generation is approx. 15,20,000 GWh (FY 2023-24).
• Significant renewable energy potential exists (21,09,655 MW).
• However, 20-30% of electricity is lost in transmission/distribution.
• Coal dominates (75%), leading to high GHG emissions.
• Infrastructure gaps (outdated grids, outages, theft) persist, especially in smaller cities.

Challenges in AI Implementation:

• Outdated infrastructure and recurring issues like outages and theft.
• Fragmented data systems hindering AI analysis.
• Financial barriers (high upfront costs, limited support) for utilities.
• Lack of supportive policy frameworks and guidelines.
• Shortage of AI/data analytics experts and cybersecurity risks.

Global Best Practices: Examples include smart meters (Barcelona), cloud analytics (LA), specialized training (Germany), retraining programs (UK), consumer empowerment (Copenhagen), and cybersecurity protocols (New York).

Way Forward:

• Invest in smart grids, meters, and cloud platforms.
• Develop clear AI adoption guidelines and incentives.
• Build a skilled AI/data analytics workforce.
• Protect energy data systems from cyber threats.
• Address ethical concerns, ensure community engagement, and reskill workers.

• Why: This is a significant inclusion as it aims to gather crucial demographic data for these often isolated communities.

• Why: These are the primary indigenous groups of the islands, with most being classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), highlighting their unique needs and vulnerability.

• Why: This classification underscores their extreme vulnerability and the need for targeted government interventions and protections, making their accurate enumeration vital for scheme delivery like PM-JANMAN.

• Why: This indicates that the government’s welfare measures are fostering trust, which is expected to facilitate better cooperation during the census. It also demonstrates the positive impact of targeted interventions on tribal health and survival.

• Why: This acknowledges the difficulties in reaching and counting highly isolated groups and points to the evolving methodologies employed by the government for more reliable data.

• Why: This demonstrates the success of a sensitive approach to tribal healthcare, which respects their practices while supplementing them, leading to improved well-being and population stability.

• Why: This highlights the ongoing tension between development infrastructure and the need to protect tribal populations from unwanted external influences, crucial for their continued existence and well-being during and after the census.

• Why: Physician Ratan Chandra Kar, who has worked with the Jarawa since 1998 and combatted a measles outbreak in 1999, highlighted the existing relationship.

• Why: The next census has not yet been conducted, making it hard to gather precise demographic data for scheme implementation.

• Why: Understanding their lifestyle and historical context is crucial for effective welfare and census operations.

• Why: This marked a significant shift in their interaction with the outside world.

• Why: Provides a baseline population figure for the tribe.

Sierra Leone’s Tiwai Island Added to World Heritage List: This is significant as it’s Sierra Leone’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, recognizing its global importance.

Pioneering Conservation Efforts by Tommy Garnett: Activist Tommy Garnett’s decades of work, including founding a conservation group, were crucial in preserving Tiwai island, which faced near destruction during the civil war. This highlights the impact of dedicated individuals on heritage preservation.

Exceptional Biodiversity in Gola-Tiwai Complex: The site is a “treasure chest of biodiversity,” home to endangered primates like the western chimpanzee and king colobus monkey, as well as animals like the pygmy hippopotamus and African forest elephant. This emphasizes the site’s natural value.

Threats to Biodiversity: The spectacular biodiversity has been imperilled by threats like deforestation, underscoring the ongoing challenges in protecting such sites.

UNESCO World Heritage Designation Explained: World Heritage Sites are recognized by UNESCO for “outstanding universal value” under the World Heritage Convention, categorized as Cultural, Natural, or Mixed heritage. This provides context for the designation.

Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill Passed: The state Assembly passed a stringent bill to effectively prevent unlawful activities of left-wing extremist (LWE) organizations.

Concept of Urban Naxalism: This refers to Maoist strategy of using urban areas for leadership, mass organization, and providing personnel and infrastructure for their movement.

• Why it’s a concern: Maoists aim to organize urban populations like workers, students, intellectuals, and minorities, and use front organizations for logistics and safe havens, bolstering rural insurgency.

Naxalism Defined: It’s a serious internal security challenge in India, driven by Maoist ideology stemming from socio-economic inequalities, aiming to undermine the state through armed rebellion and parallel governance.

• Origin: Naxalbari movement (1967).
• Affected Areas: Primarily the “Red Corridor” (Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, etc.).
• Methods: Armed violence, extortion, infrastructure destruction, child recruitment.

Impact of Urban Naxalism:

• Provides ideological, logistical, and financial support to rural cadres.
• Influences universities, media, and civil society to spread extremist narratives.
• Radicalizes urban youth and facilitates planning/recruitment in urban safe havens.
• Creates public dissent through misinformation and legal activism supporting extremist causes.

Bill’s Provisions:

• Empowers government to declare organizations “unlawful.”
• Punishes membership in unlawful organizations, fundraising, managing them, and “unlawful activity” (2-7 years jail, Rs 2-5 lakh fine).
• “Unlawful activity” includes interfering with public order/law administration, propagating violence/fear, disrupting communications, and encouraging disobedience to law.
• Allows District Magistrate/Police Commissioner to evict individuals from places used for unlawful purposes.

Concerns Raised:

• Broad definitions and wide police powers could be misused.
• Criminalizes a wide range of actions, including influencing public order and disobedience to law.
• Allows property forfeiture before guilt is established, potentially diluting principles like presumption of innocence.

Context: The bill is a response to the evolving threat of LWE spreading into urban networks. Special laws can sometimes dilute constitutional safeguards present in ordinary criminal laws.

• Why in News: This is a significant leadership change for the apex regulatory body of medical education.

• Why in News: It upholds the highest standards in healthcare education and ensures quality medical training nationwide.

• Why in News: This marks a generational shift in medical regulation, moving away from the older MCI which governed since 1934.

• Why in News: Highlights the comprehensive structure designed to govern medical education effectively.

Why in News: India’s household savings are declining while liabilities are rising, signaling potential risks to long-term economic stability and domestic capital formation.

Current Trends:

• Falling Gross Savings: India’s gross domestic savings rate is at a four-decade low.
• Declining Household Net Savings: The proportion of savings from households has also decreased.
• Rising Household Debt: Household liabilities have reached a near-record high, driven by consumption, housing, and education loans.
• Shift to Physical Savings: Households are increasingly saving in physical assets like gold and real estate, with a decline in financial savings.
• Reduced Bank Deposits: Savings in bank deposits have fallen significantly.
• Increased Equity/MF Investment: Investments in equities and mutual funds have nearly doubled.
• Urban-Rural Divide: Urban households are more inclined towards financial instruments, while rural households prefer physical assets.
• Post-Pandemic Impact: Reduced spending during Covid-19 initially boosted savings, but high inflation and low real interest rates have reversed this trend.

Implications:

• Reduced Capital Formation: Lower savings can slow GDP growth and increase reliance on foreign capital.
• Consumption-Driven Growth Risks: Over-reliance on consumption can lead to debt-fueled growth bubbles.
• Fiscal & Monetary Policy Pressure: Governments may need to cut spending or raise taxes, while the RBI faces interest rate trade-offs.
• Household Debt Stress: Increased risk of defaults and debt traps, potentially leading to higher NPAs.
• Social & Inequality Concerns: Weakened household resilience, increased reliance on borrowing, and retirement insecurity.

Strategies:

• Boost Financial Literacy: Improve education on saving habits, investment risks, and debt management.
• Incentivize Savings: Offer tax deductions and inflation-indexed bonds.
• Strengthen Social Security: Expand pension coverage for informal workers.
• Regulate Lending: Implement stricter norms on unsecured loans.
• Encourage Productive Investments: Promote gold monetization schemes and affordable housing.

Andhra Pradesh’s Sub-Replacement Fertility Rate: Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu highlights the state’s fertility rate of 1.7, below the replacement level of 2.1.

• Why it’s news: This low rate is a cause for concern due to potential negative consequences.

Consequences of Low Fertility:

• Economic slowdown: Fewer young people entering the workforce.
• Labour shortage: Difficulty filling jobs.
• Geriatric care burden: An increasing proportion of elderly people requiring care.
• Widening urban-rural disparities: Potential impact on regional development.
• Long-term population sustainability: Questions about future population levels.

India’s Fertility Trend: India’s overall fertility rate has fallen to 1.9, below the replacement level. Projections show a further decline. Southern states have reached this level earlier.

Government’s Response:

• Policy on the way: A comprehensive policy with incentives and support systems will be introduced soon to increase the fertility rate to above 2.1.
• Focus shift: The emphasis is moving from family planning to viewing people as “human capital” for investment.

Addressing Imbalances: The state needs to tackle gender imbalances, teenage pregnancies, and rising early hysterectomies. Real-time data is crucial for monitoring.

Impact on Representation: Declining populations in South India could lead to reduced representation in Parliament due to delimitation.

Global Context: Developed nations are now looking to populous countries for their workforce as their own fertility rates fall.

Reasons for Decline (Broader Context): Factors include female literacy, workforce participation, women’s empowerment, changing attitudes towards marriage/motherhood, increasing infertility, and availability of abortion.

Parliamentary Push for Bharat Ratna for Dalai Lama: Over 80 MPs from various parties, led by BJP MP Sujeet Kumar, are petitioning the Union government to award the Bharat Ratna to the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday.

Why it’s News: This is significant as it represents cross-party support for honoring a globally recognized spiritual leader with India’s highest civilian award. The Dalai Lama’s recent 90th birthday provides a timely context.

Dalai Lama’s Successor and India’s Stance: The effort is linked to the Dalai Lama’s right to recognize his successor, a matter on which the Indian government, through the MEA, maintains a neutral stance, stating it does not comment on religious practices.

Ministerial Clarification: Minister Kiren Rijiju’s statement affirming the Dalai Lama’s right to appoint a successor is seen as consistent with the MEA’s position, emphasizing India’s non-interference in religious matters.

Critique of China’s Position: The move also includes criticism of the Chinese government’s claim to regulate the Dalai Lama’s successor, highlighting the irony of an atheist nation dictating religious succession.

Bharat Ratna Basics: The Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award, granted for outstanding service, and can be awarded to non-Indians. Recommendations are made by the Prime Minister to the President.

Recent Floods & Impact: Heavy rainfall (>71 mm in hours) caused cloudbursts in Mandi, Kullu, Chamba districts, leading to landslides, road closures, and loss of life. Economic loss exceeds Rs 700 crore, with significant environmental damage including soil erosion and loss of agricultural land. This highlights the impact of climate change on the Himalayas.

Causes of Increased Flooding:

• Global Climate Change: Alters regional weather, causing more intense storms, unpredictable rainfall, rapid glacier melting, and increased flooding.
• Global Warming: Increases atmospheric moisture (7% per 1°C rise), leading to heavier rainfall.
• Glacier Melt: Himalayan glaciers are melting rapidly (up to 30m thickness loss annually), increasing river flow and flood risk during monsoons.
• Water Volume Increase: Melting glaciers and intense rainfall swell rivers (Beas, Yamuna, Ganges), leading to bank erosion and floods.
• Topography: Mountain slopes funnel rainwater, and unstable slopes cause landslides, exacerbating flood threats.

Impacts of Floods:

• Connectivity Disruption: Key roads blocked, disrupting essential services.
• Displacement & Hardship: Thousands displaced, facing food shortages and livelihood loss.
• Vulnerability: Affected communities are more susceptible to future disasters.
• Economic Losses: Massive agricultural losses worsen poverty in fragile hill economies.
• Strain on Resources: Frequent displacement strains government and disaster response systems.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Remote villages lack adequate infrastructure and early warning systems.

Way Forward (Adaptive & Mitigation Strategies):

• Infrastructure: Build durable, all-weather roads, bridges, and flood barriers, considering local geological/hydrological conditions.
• Environmental Protection: Expand afforestation, stabilize slopes, protect wetlands/forests as natural flood buffers.
• Water Management: Develop reservoirs, promote rainwater harvesting to regulate river flows.
• Technology & Early Warning: Deploy advanced forecasting and timely alert systems.
• Community Engagement: Launch awareness campaigns and build local emergency response capacity.
• Sustainable Livelihoods: Support flood-tolerant crops and soil conservation for farmers.
• Climate Action: Incentivize renewables, reduce fossil fuel dependence.
• Coordination: Foster collaboration across government, agencies, and communities for long-term resilience.

• Why in News: Marks a significant step in indigenous naval shipbuilding, bolstering underwater operational capabilities.

• Why in News: Enhances the Navy’s ability to conduct critical deep-sea and submarine-related operations.

• Why in News: These features enable precise operations, seabed mapping, and deep-sea recovery.

• Why in News: Directly strengthens India’s submarine rescue capabilities.

• Why in News: Enhances the operational reach and effectiveness of a key naval command.

• Why in News: Reinforces India’s self-reliance in strategic defense and its role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Why in News: Union Minister highlighted initiatives driving Indian agricultural growth at the 16th Agriculture Leadership Conclave, focusing on soil health, credit, digital innovation, and global trade.

MSP Enhancements: Significant increases in Minimum Support Prices, especially for pulses and oilseeds (up to 98%), ensure remunerative prices for farmers and reduce market vulnerability.

Soil Health Cards: Distribution of over 25 crore Soil Health Cards guides farmers on soil nutrition, improving yields and reducing chemical use.

Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Facilitates wider access to crop loans, with 7.75 crore active accounts and significant credit outstanding, including for fisheries and animal husbandry.

PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi: A major DBT scheme providing ₹6,000 annually to landholding farmers; 11.8 crore farmers have received financial assistance.

e-NAM Integration: Linking 1,400 mandis to the e-NAM platform enhances market transparency and price realization.

Fertiliser Subsidies: A substantial budget allocation (over ₹1.67 lakh crore for FY25-26) supports fertilizer availability for farmers.

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): FTAs with Australia, UAE, EFTA, and the UK are opening new international markets for Indian agri-products.

Digital Agriculture: Focus on AI, geospatial tech, weather forecasting, and vertical farming. The Digital Agriculture Mission and AgriStack aim to create a farmer-centric digital ecosystem.

Support to FPOs: The “Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs” scheme empowers small farmers by collectivizing them for better market access and income.

Agri-Exports and Value Addition: Aiming to scale up agri-exports from ₹4.5 lakh crore to ₹20 lakh crore through value addition.

Infrastructure and Irrigation: Investments in warehousing, cold chains, and drip irrigation are increasing. The Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) expansion supports broader projects, and the PDMC scheme covers nearly 1 crore ha under micro-irrigation.

• Microalgae: Studying the potential of microalgae for food, oxygen, and biofuels in deep space missions.
• Voyager Displays: Examining how spaceflight affects eye movement and coordination.
• ENPERCHAR: Understanding how astronauts perceive and interact with their orbital environment for designing better habitats.
• Cerebral Blood Flow: Investigating microgravity and CO₂ effects on cardiovascular function, with potential terrestrial benefits.
• Radiation Exposure: Monitoring astronaut safety using the Rad Nano Dosimeter.
• Acquired Equivalence Test: Measuring learning and adaptability in space.
• PhotonGrav Study: Collecting brain activity data for neuroadaptive technologies.

• Why in News: Demonstrates the ICG’s capability in maritime search and rescue operations in challenging conditions. The rescue occurred southeast of Indira Point, a significant geographical location in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

• Why in News: Highlights the ICG’s critical role as India’s primary agency for safeguarding maritime interests and ensuring the safety of vessels and seafarers in its vast Exclusive Economic Zone.

• Why in News: Underscores the ICG’s operational reach and preparedness in the strategically important and geographically diverse Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, which also houses India’s first joint operational command (ANC).

• Bt Cotton: The only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation, covering over 90% of India’s cotton area, leading to increased production and reduced pesticide use. However, yields have declined recently due to pest resurgence and outdated traits.
• Bt Brinjal: Approved but under a moratorium due to public and political concerns.
• HT-Bt Cotton: Illegally cultivated in several states despite not being approved.
• GM Mustard (DMH-11): Environmental clearance granted, but commercial release is pending.

• Pest/Disease Resistance: Reduces pesticide use and environmental harm.
• Climate Resilience: Enhances tolerance to drought and salinity.
• Nutritional Enhancement: Biofortification addresses malnutrition (e.g., Golden Rice).
• Reduced Post-Harvest Losses: Improves shelf life.
• Environmental Cleanup: Potential for phytoremediation.

• Environmental/Health Concerns: Gene flow, harm to non-target insects, potential allergens.
• Regulatory/Policy Hurdles: Slow approvals, political hesitancy, restrictive policies hindering R&D.
• Socio-Economic/Ethical Issues: Market concentration, seed dependence, “playing God” concerns.
• Coexistence/Contamination: Risk of cross-pollination and market access issues for non-GM crops, alongside illegal cultivation.
• Resistance Development & Competitiveness: Pest resistance and declining global competitiveness due to delayed innovation.

• Why in News: This signifies the ICC’s action against systematic gender and political persecution in Afghanistan.

• Why in News: It’s the world’s first permanent international court dedicated to individual accountability for grave global offenses.

• Why in News: Afghanistan’s membership allows the ICC to act within its territory, and the non-membership of major powers like India, US, and China highlights ongoing debates about international justice and national sovereignty.

• Why in News: This highlights the dependency of international justice mechanisms on state cooperation, which can be a challenge.

World Population Day 2025 Theme: “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world.”

• Why in News: Focuses on empowering youth regarding sexual and reproductive health choices.

India’s Youth Demographic:

• World’s largest youth population (371 million, 15-29 age group).
• Projected to decline from 27.2% (2021) to 22.7% (2036) of the population.
• Significance: Large youth population contributes to workforce participation and a demographic dividend.

Evolution of Youth Policy:

• NYP 2014: Defines youth as 15-29 years, aims for full potential realization.
• Draft NYP 2024: 10-year vision aligned with SDGs, focuses on skills, leadership, mental/reproductive health, safety, and justice for marginalized youth.

Opportunities Presented by India’s Youth:

• Demographic Dividend: Boosts GDP growth and per capita income (potential $1 trillion by 2030).
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Flourishing startup ecosystem driven by youth.
• Global Workforce: Addresses global talent shortages (e.g., Germany, Japan).
• Social & Cultural Influence: Driving social change, advancing gender equality, and boosting India’s soft power.
• Strengthening Democracy: Fostering civic awareness and leadership.

Key Challenges Faced by Youth:

• Sexual & Reproductive Health: High rates of unintended pregnancies and unmet reproductive goals.
• Gender Inequality: Patriarchal norms limit women’s autonomy.
• Mental Health Crisis: Increasing stress, anxiety, depression, and stigma.
• Employment Crisis: Skill mismatch leading to educated youth unemployment.
• Substance Abuse: Increasing vulnerability to drug addiction.

Steps to Empower Youth:

• Education Revolution: Promote critical thinking, digital literacy, and vocational training.
• Job-Linked Skill Development: Encourage apprenticeships, upskilling, and entrepreneurship.
• Healthcare Access: Improve mental health support, nutrition, and reproductive health services.
• Sports & Arts Infrastructure: Expand facilities and financial support for young talent.
• Digital Empowerment: Bridge the digital divide and enhance digital skills.

Kashmir’s Ancient Climate: A palaeobotanical study reveals Kashmir Valley, now temperate, was a warm, humid subtropical region ~4 million years ago.

• Why it’s news: Challenges current understanding of the region’s climate history and its ecological evolution.

Study Methodology: Researchers used leaf morphology analysis (CLAMP) and compared fossil species to modern relatives (Coexistence Approach) to reconstruct past climate.

• Why it’s news: Highlights advanced scientific techniques used to understand geological climate shifts.

Subtropical Forest Evidence: Fossilized leaves from Karewa sediments show evidence of lush subtropical forests, unlike today’s alpine vegetation.

• Why it’s news: Provides tangible proof of a dramatic past climatic transformation.

Tectonic Uplift as Cause: The study attributes this climate shift to the tectonic uplift of the Pir Panjal Range.

• Why it’s news: Directly links geological processes to significant climate and ecosystem changes.

Monsoon Barrier: The Pir Panjal uplift created a barrier that blocked the Indian summer monsoon, leading to reduced rainfall and a drier climate.

• Why it’s news: Explains the mechanism behind the climate change, demonstrating the sensitivity of regional weather patterns to topography.

Significance for Climate Modeling & Conservation: The findings improve climate models by linking tectonics and ecosystems, show Himalayan ecosystem sensitivity, and offer insights for biodiversity conservation and disaster preparedness in mountain regions.

• Why it’s news: Emphasizes the practical applications of palaeoclimate research for current environmental challenges.

US Funding Halt Threatens Progress: A sudden withdrawal of the US’s USD 4 billion pledge to PEPFAR could reverse decades of gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

• Why: PEPFAR is a cornerstone of global HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts. Its funding is critical for widespread access to life-saving interventions.

Potential for Increased Deaths and Infections: The funding cut could lead to an estimated 4 million more AIDS-related deaths and 6 million new HIV infections by 2029.

• Why: Reduced funding means fewer people will have access to prevention methods, testing, and treatment, directly contributing to increased mortality and transmission.

New Drug Out of Reach: The promising injectable drug Yeztugo, with 100% prevention efficacy, is currently too expensive for most low- and middle-income countries.

• Why: High-cost innovations, while scientifically significant, fail to benefit those who need them most if affordability and accessibility are not addressed, exacerbating existing disparities.

PEPFAR’s Crucial Role: Launched in 2003, PEPFAR has been instrumental in preventing HIV infections and saving lives globally.

• Why: PEPFAR has a proven track record of delivering tangible results in combating the epidemic.

UNAIDS Goal at Risk: The global aim to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is jeopardized by funding instability.

• Why: Achieving ambitious public health goals requires sustained and predictable investment, which is undermined by sudden funding withdrawals.

Lotus Blooms Return to Wular Lake: After a 30-year absence following the 1992 flood, lotus flowers are blooming again in Wular Lake.

• Why it’s news: This signifies a major success in conservation efforts and the ecological recovery of a vital ecosystem.

Conservation Efforts Paid Off: Focused conservation work by the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) is credited with the lotus revival.

• Why it’s news: It highlights the positive impact of dedicated environmental management.

Silt Removal Uncovered Surviving Rhizomes: The flood had buried lotus seeds under heavy silt, preventing growth. However, surviving rhizomes deep below have now sprouted after silt removal.

• Why it’s news: It explains the scientific reason behind the long dormancy and the key to the current revival.

Wular Lake’s Ecological Significance: Wular Lake is India’s largest freshwater lake and a Ramsar Convention-designated Wetland of International Importance, supporting diverse avian and aquatic life.

• Why it’s news: The revival of the lotus adds to the ecological richness and beauty of this crucial wetland.

Lotus Symbolism: The lotus is India’s national flower and holds religious significance in Hinduism and Buddhism.

• Why it’s news: The return of the lotus carries cultural and symbolic weight beyond its ecological importance.

• Why: To better manage conservation efforts, based on a Central Empowered Committee (CEC) report assessing human impact and land use.

• Why: This adjustment aims to optimize the core protected area for tigers while reallocating buffer zones, considering factors like low tiger density areas for landscape connectivity.

• Why: The SC’s involvement highlights past issues with mining and boundary management, emphasizing the need for stricter control and clearer demarcation.

• Why: To address conservation challenges like poaching and human-wildlife conflict, ensuring effective protection and ecological balance.

• Why: Its easy accessibility from Delhi and Jaipur makes it a prominent eco-tourism destination, underscoring the balance needed between conservation and development.

Lotus Blooms in Wular Lake After 30 Years: The iconic lotus flowers have reappeared in Wular Lake, a significant ecological and cultural event not witnessed since a 1992 flood devastated their growth.

Restoration Efforts Credited: The revival is directly linked to extensive dredging and conservation work undertaken by the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) since 2020, removing over 79 lakh cubic meters of silt.

Ecological Rejuvenation: The removal of dense silt and weeds, which had previously choked the lakebed, has allowed the lotus stems and flowers to resurface, signaling a healthier ecosystem.

Economic and Cultural Revival: This bloom brings hope for the revival of local livelihoods, particularly for stem farmers who recall harvesting lotuses in their youth. The lotus holds deep cultural and culinary significance in Kashmir, used in dishes like Nadur and Yakhni.

WUCMA’s Goals: WUCMA aims to restore the lake’s ecology, improve fish habitats, clear silt from the lake and its feeder streams, and prevent future silt inflow.

Community Impact: The revival is expected to boost livelihoods and have a positive emotional impact on villagers, serving as a symbol of environmental restoration.

Wular Lake’s Significance: Located in Bandipora, Jammu & Kashmir, Wular Lake is one of South Asia’s largest freshwater lakes, vital as a natural flood basin for the Jhelum River and a Ramsar Wetland Site supporting diverse biodiversity. However, it has faced challenges from siltation, pollution, and weed infestation in recent decades.

Supreme Court’s Ruling: The Supreme Court allowed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to proceed with a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, but advised caution regarding document demands like Aadhaar or voter ID for those enrolled after 2003.

Intensive Revision Explained: This involves a complete house-to-house enumeration of eligible voters, distinct from routine summary revisions.

Special Aspect of Bihar SIR: A new requirement mandates documentary proof of date/place of birth for voters enrolled after 2003, raising concerns about potential disenfranchisement, though the ECI states it’s for roll cleanliness and standardization.

Timing and Location (Bihar, June 24, 2025): Bihar was chosen due to local opposition and political sensitivities. This is the first SIR of its scale in two decades, coinciding with political tensions over citizenship verification and voter list inclusions.

ECI’s Role: The ECI, a constitutional body under Article 324, is responsible for conducting elections, preparing and revising electoral rolls (including intensive revisions), enforcing the Model Code of Conduct, recognizing political parties, and monitoring election expenditure to ensure free and fair elections.

Historical Context: India has conducted intensive revisions periodically, with a shift in focus over the decades from expansion to preventing duplication and ensuring eligibility. Past revisions faced challenges like inaccurate rolls, lack of field verification, and citizenship concerns.

• Why: These audits help identify causes of death, systemic gaps in care, and improve response mechanisms, crucial for meeting TB elimination targets.

• Why: Prevalence surveys reveal many TB patients are missed during screening, and death rates remain concerningly high (5-10%), particularly in younger adults and those with drug-resistant TB.

• Tamil Nadu: Found 83% of deceased TB patients had co-morbidities or malnutrition, and 50% were not on treatment at death.
• Jharkhand: The Bhargava Project showed that providing nutritional and financial support to undernourished TB patients reduced mortality from 50% to 25%.
• Why: These examples highlight the critical role of addressing malnutrition, co-morbidities, and ensuring treatment adherence in preventing TB deaths.

• Involve District Collectors and community health workers in audits.
• Integrate nutrition, co-morbidity screening, and social support into TB care.
• Expand Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) and food kits to vulnerable patients.
• Why: A multi-sectoral approach focusing on patient-centric care, early detection (including AI tools), and social support is essential for effective TB elimination.

• Why: Despite being preventable and curable, TB remains a major public health issue due to underreporting, drug resistance, stigma, and co-morbidities.

High Incidence of Custodial Deaths: In 2021-22, 2,152 deaths in judicial custody and 155 in police custody were recorded, with disciplinary action taken in only 21 cases in the last five years. Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh reported the highest numbers.

• Why News: This highlights a systemic failure in accountability and indicates the prevalence of custodial violence despite existing safeguards.

Causes of Custodial Violence:

• Hierarchical Police Structure: Fosters a culture where aggression is rewarded; officers are promoted instead of facing action.
• Perception of Ineffectiveness: Police view violence as a shortcut for justice due to a slow formal legal process.
• Colonial Mindset: Police treat marginalized communities as subjects to control rather than citizens to protect.
• Inadequate Training: Current police curricula lack ethics, trauma-informed practices, and human rights emphasis.
• Funding Misallocation: Resources prioritize surveillance and hardware over training and personnel welfare.
• Lack of Support: No counselling available for officers facing emotional trauma from high-stress duties.
• Why News: These points explain the root causes of the problem, providing context for the high death rates and lack of accountability.

Needed Reforms:

• Modern Training: Focus on scientific interrogation and forensic methods, moving away from third-degree tactics.
• Bias Sensitisation: Training to reduce prejudice against petty offenders.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Involve forensic experts and psychologists.
• Trauma-Informed Policing: Train officers to handle trauma cases with empathy.
• Community Awareness: Media, educational institutions, and civil society to educate citizens on their rights.
• Why News: These offer concrete solutions and actionable steps to address the systemic issues contributing to custodial violence.

Non-Compliance with Supreme Court Directives:

• CCTV Mandate (Paramvir Singh Saini case): Poor implementation; cameras often non-functional during incidents, and torture occurs outside recorded areas.
• Police Complaints Authorities (Prakash Singh case): Most states haven’t set up independent PCAs; existing ones are often compromised.
• Why News: This shows a significant disconnect between judicial pronouncements and ground reality, indicating a failure of governance and the rule of law.

Law Commission Recommendation: Proposal for a rebuttable presumption in custodial violence cases to enhance accountability, though access to justice for vulnerable victims remains a challenge.

• Why News: This highlights ongoing efforts by statutory bodies to improve accountability, but also points to the persistent challenges faced by victims within the legal framework.

Diminished Role of Magistrates: Statutory safeguards (24-hour production, physical examination) are becoming perfunctory, and medico-legal examinations are often mere formalities.

• Why News: This reveals how a crucial check-and-balance mechanism within the criminal justice system is failing to prevent custodial violence.

Why in News: India is rapidly urbanizing, with its urban population set to surge, shaping its economic and social future. However, urban challenges are hindering its full potential.

Cities as Economic Engines:

• Contribute ~60% of India’s GDP on only 3% of land, highlighting productivity and innovation.
• Just 15 cities account for 30% of GDP and are projected to add 1.5% more by 2047.
• Agglomeration benefits (density) boost economic output and job creation.
• Enhance global competitiveness and ease of doing business, crucial for economic growth ambitions.

Urban Challenges:

• Congestion: 1.5-2 hours daily lost in traffic, costing billions annually due to poor public transport and infrastructure.
• Pollution: India has many of the world’s most polluted cities, impacting health.
• Water Scarcity: Polluted rivers and poor infrastructure lead to significant water loss.
• Waste Management: Low processing rates and poor segregation create pollution and health hazards.
• Sanitation: Inadequate facilities in many urban areas, especially informal settlements.
• Affordable Housing: A significant shortage leading to slums and potential social issues.
• Urban Flooding: Caused by inadequate drainage and encroachment, exacerbated by extreme weather.
• Weak Municipal Finances: Low revenue generation limits investment in urban development.
• Digital Deficits: Slower internet speeds hinder digital economy growth.
• Urban Heat Island: Increases energy demand, emissions, and health risks.

Needed Reforms:

• Treat Urban Infrastructure as Core: Elevate urban infrastructure to national priority status.
• Synchronize Urban Expansion: Integrate housing, commerce, and transport for efficient growth.
• Unified Governance: Streamline urban planning with tech-enabled, accountable bodies.
• Sanitation/Waste as Economic Priorities: Adopt industry-led models for sustainable management.
• Recapitalize PPPs: Redefine Public-Private Partnerships to attract long-term capital.
• Co-Develop Digital Backbone: Collaborate with industry for smart city infrastructure.
• Climate Resilience: Integrate adaptive infrastructure and green spaces into planning.
• Societal Engagement: Co-create reforms with citizens and industry for legitimacy.

Why in News: Indian Prime Minister’s state visit to Brazil reaffirmed commitment to the Strategic Partnership, focusing on five priority pillars. PM Modi received Brazil’s highest state honor.

Five Priority Pillars:

• Defense and Security: Deepened cooperation via classified information exchange, combating terrorism and organized crime, and cybersecurity dialogue.
• Food & Agricultural Security: Focus on sustainable agriculture, food access, joint R&D, and opposing trade barriers. Support for Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.
• Energy Transition & Climate Action: Emphasis on sustainable biofuels, flex-fuel vehicles, strengthening the Global Biofuels Alliance, and supporting Brazil’s COP30 Presidency.
• Digital Transformation & Emerging Technologies: Collaboration on digital public infrastructure, AI, quantum technologies, renewable energy, and outer space via Joint Commission.
• Industrial Partnerships: Collaboration in pharmaceuticals, mining/critical minerals, and oil & gas, addressing non-tariff barriers and promoting investment. Launch of Brazil-India Business Council.

Government’s Claim vs. Reality: India’s claim of being “one of the most equal societies” (Gini 25.5) based on consumption data is contested by academic studies showing rising income inequality (Gini 62).

Gini Coefficient Explained: Measures income/wealth inequality from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality).

Data Discrepancy: India’s consumption Gini improved (28.8 to 25.5), while income inequality (World Inequality Database) rose (52 to 62). Wage disparity remains high (top 10% earn 13x bottom 10%).

Consumption vs. Income Gini: Consumption Gini underestimates inequality as rich people save more, making income more volatile and indicative of disparity.

Survey Limitations: Differential non-response from the rich and under-sampling of top earners lead to an underestimation of inequality.

Alternative Data Sources: World Inequality Lab uses income tax data, showing rising inequality, and recommends combining survey data with tax data for accuracy.

Gini Index Limitations: Insensitive to extremes, overly sensitive to the middle. The Palma Ratio (top 10% vs. bottom 50% income share) is suggested as a clearer measure.

Way Forward: Combine survey and income tax data, use multiple inequality measures, and focus on inclusive growth.

News Significance: Inaccurate inequality measurement can lead to ineffective or counterproductive policies. Relying solely on limited Gini data obscures the true economic disparity.

Two-Year Nationwide Commemoration Launched: The Ministry of Culture has initiated a two-year (July 6, 2025 – July 6, 2027) nationwide celebration of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s 125th birth anniversary. This event honors his significant role in India’s political, educational, and industrial development.

Inaugural Events and Releases: The commemoration began in New Delhi with an event attended by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. A special postage stamp and a ₹125 commemorative coin were released, symbolizing his contributions to national unity and self-reliance.

Emphasis on National Unity: A central theme is Dr. Mookerjee’s advocacy for “one nation, one flag, one Constitution” and his strong opposition to Article 370, highlighting his efforts for Jammu and Kashmir’s integration. This is reflected in remarks about fearless “Tiranga Yatras” in Kashmir and the implementation of all Indian laws there.

Educational and Industrial Contributions: The commemoration also focuses on his achievements as the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University and India’s first Minister for Industry and Supply, recognizing his impact on educational reform and industrial development.

Nationwide Outreach and Activities: Numerous exhibitions, outreach programs, workshops, and screenings are being organized across India, including in states like Sikkim and Assam, to showcase his life, philosophy, and ideals to future generations.

Legacy and Inspiration: The events aim to inspire citizens by reflecting on Dr. Mookerjee’s vision for a self-reliant and united India. His principled stands, even leading to resignation from government, and his early opposition to partition are highlighted as defining aspects of his character.

• Why News: Highlights the urgent need for innovative financial solutions beyond traditional insurance.

• Why News: Offers a new mechanism for governments to access large, immediate funds for post-disaster relief and reconstruction.

• Why News: Explains the operational aspects and the role of various financial actors in disaster risk transfer.

• Why News: Clarifies the risk-reward profile for investors, crucial for market participation.

• Why News: Underscores the practical benefits for governments and disaster preparedness.

• Why News: Points out critical design flaws and the perception challenges of paying for protection that isn’t triggered.

• Why News: Assesses the specific relevance and benefits for India in managing its disaster risk.

• Why News: Proposes a strategic, collaborative approach for enhanced disaster financing and resilience in the region.

Lok Sabha Speaker’s Call for Enhanced Productivity: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla emphasized the need for greater legislative productivity and improved quality of discourse, drawing parallels with the functioning of urban local bodies (ULBs).

Reduced Disruptions in Parliament: The Speaker highlighted a significant reduction in disruptions within Parliament, attributing this to increased maturity and responsibility, which has led to enhanced productivity and more meaningful debates. This marks a positive shift from previous practices of frequent adjournments.

Lessons for Urban Local Bodies: Birla urged ULBs to adopt parliamentary practices like Question Hour and Zero Hour to enhance accountability and incorporate structured procedures such as regular sittings and robust committee systems. He stressed the importance of shunning disruptive behavior and focusing on constructive, inclusive discussions.

Historical Decline in Sitting Days: The provided context notes a steep decline in Parliament’s sitting days, from around 135 days annually in the first Lok Sabha to approximately 55 days in the 17th Lok Sabha, impacting thorough deliberation.

Impact of Disruptions and Low Scrutiny: Disruptions, low attendance in debates, and a reduced referral of bills to committees (10% in the 17th Lok Sabha compared to 60-71% in earlier ones) have hampered the quality of lawmaking and executive oversight.

Consequences of Low Productivity: Key implications include weakened executive oversight, potential for poor-quality legislation, marginalization of the opposition, erosion of public trust, and executive overreach through ordinances.

Measures and Future Steps: Existing measures include a Code of Conduct for MPs, technology adoption (e-Vidhan), strengthening committee systems, and capacity building. Proposed steps involve institutional discipline, mandatory committee scrutiny, enhanced transparency, fostering dialogue, and citizen engagement.

ULBs as Foundations of Democracy: The Speaker underscored the crucial role of ULBs as the closest tier of governance to citizens and as vital institutions for strengthening constitutional democracy and nation-building. Empowering local bodies is seen as strengthening national governance.

World Bioproduct Day 2025 & BioE3 Policy: DST, BIRAC, and iBRIC+ organized the event focusing on Equity, Environment, and Economy, highlighting public participation in biotechnology and reinforcing the USD 300 billion bioeconomy goal by 2030 under the BioE3 framework.

Bioeconomy Target & Public Participation: Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that every Indian is a stakeholder in the $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030 and urged for wider public understanding and inclusive participation.

‘Voices Across the Cities’ Initiative: A nationwide hourly dialogue series showcased India’s biotech diversity through theme-based discussions across different cities, reflecting regional capabilities.

BioE3 Policy Aims: The policy promotes high-performance biomanufacturing, integrates advanced biotechnological processes, strengthens India’s bioeconomy through sustainable practices, innovation, and employment, and aligns with ‘Net Zero’ goals and circular bioeconomy principles.

Bioproduct Significance: Bioproducts derived from renewable biomass reduce reliance on fossil fuels, addressing pollution and biodiversity loss while promoting climate-resilient development through biotechnological innovation.

Growth of Biotech Ecosystem: India’s biotechnology startup ecosystem has significantly grown from around 50 a decade ago to nearly 11,000 today, driven by policy support and institutional partnerships.

Policy Focus: The BioE3 Policy supports biomanufacturing infrastructure (hubs, biofoundries), regenerative bioeconomy models, ethical biosafety, and workforce expansion, especially in Tier-II/III cities.

Biotechnology for Livelihoods: Bioproducts are seen as contributing to livelihoods through biodegradable packaging, eco-friendly products, and rural/green job creation, moving beyond laboratory applications.

Leveraging Traditional Knowledge: The importance of valuing India’s natural resources and traditional knowledge systems was highlighted, contrasting with past policy priorities informed by Western models.

Operationalizing the Policy: Steps to operationalize the BioE3 Policy include support for pilot manufacturing, region-specific innovation, and strengthening the research-to-market pipeline, fostering academia-industry collaborations.

First Test Images Released: The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has issued its inaugural test images, showcasing the capabilities of its Simonyi Survey Telescope. This marks a significant milestone in its journey towards full operational status.

Comprehensive Southern Sky Survey: Its primary purpose is to conduct the most thorough survey of the southern hemisphere’s night sky through continuous scanning, providing unprecedented data.

Honoring Vera C. Rubin: The observatory is named after astronomer Vera C. Rubin, who provided early evidence for dark matter.

Unparalleled Field of View: The Simonyi Survey Telescope boasts an exceptionally wide field of view, capturing an area equivalent to 40 full Moons at once, vastly exceeding the capabilities of Hubble and JWST. This is achieved through its innovative three-mirror design.

World’s Largest Digital Camera: It houses the world’s largest digital camera, a 3,200-megapixel instrument that can detect objects 100 million times dimmer than the naked eye. Its sensors are designed to capture light across various parts of the electromagnetic spectrum using six filters.

Fastest-Slewing Telescope: The telescope is the fastest in the world, capable of repositioning itself in just five seconds, allowing for rapid sky coverage and the capture of up to 1,000 images per night.

Exploring Dark Matter and Dark Energy: A key objective is to deepen our understanding of dark energy (68% of the universe) and dark matter (27%), which constitute 95% of the cosmos.

Addressing Key Astronomical Questions: It aims to answer fundamental questions about the Milky Way’s formation, the potential existence of a ninth planet in our solar system, and asteroid threats to Earth.

Revolutionary Data Generation: Over 10 years, it will generate 20 terabytes of data nightly, leading to an estimated 10 million alerts per night for celestial changes.

Asteroid Discovery Powerhouse: In just 10 hours of engineering data, its software identified over 2,100 new asteroids, including seven near-Earth objects. It is expected to triple the current inventory of catalogued asteroids and near-Earth objects.

New Fish Species Discovered: Researchers from ICAR-CIFRI have identified a new cyprinid fish species, Pethia dibrugarhensis.

• Why it’s news: This adds to the known biodiversity of freshwater fish in India and highlights ongoing scientific exploration.

Named After Dibrugarh District: The species is named Pethia dibrugarhensis after the district in Assam where it was first found.

• Why it’s news: This localizes the discovery and connects it to a specific geographical region.

Belongs to the Barb Family: It is classified under the Cyprinidae family, commonly known as barbs.

• Why it’s news: Despite lacking typical barbels, its morphological features place it within this well-known group, providing context for its characteristics.

Found in Brahmaputra River: The new species inhabits moderately fast-flowing waters with a muddy-sandy-stony substrate in the Brahmaputra River.

• Why it’s news: The Brahmaputra is a significant river system, and discovering a new species within it indicates the river’s ecological importance and the potential for further discoveries.

Key Features: It is characterized by an incomplete lateral line, a black blotch near the caudal peduncle, and the absence of humeral marks and barbels.

• Why it’s news: These distinct features are crucial for scientific identification and differentiation from other species.

ICAR-CIFRI’s Role: The discovery was made by scientists from ICAR-CIFRI, a premier research institute focused on inland fisheries.

• Why it’s news: This underscores the vital research contributions of Indian institutions in understanding and conserving aquatic biodiversity.

Cooperative Stack Development: India is building a digital framework, the “Cooperative Stack,” to improve rural welfare scheme delivery.

• Why in News: This initiative signifies a major push towards digital governance and efficient service delivery in rural areas, leveraging existing grassroots institutions.

PACS as Central Hub: The Cooperative Stack is centered around Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).

• Why in News: PACS are the established backbone of rural credit and have a direct reach to farmers, making them ideal for integrating government schemes.

Technology Integration: The framework will use digital platforms and AI-driven technologies (e.g., weather advisories).

• Why in News: This highlights the government’s commitment to modernization and utilizing technology to enhance farmer support and scheme effectiveness.

Scheme Delivery and Financial Inclusion: The goal is to provide services like credit, subsidies, and financial inclusion directly through PACS.

• Why in News: This directly addresses issues of rural access to finance and ensures welfare benefits reach the intended beneficiaries more efficiently, bypassing intermediaries.

Computerization Drive: The government aims to fully digitize 80,000 out of 1.08 lakh PACS.

• Why in News: This is a concrete step towards operationalizing the Cooperative Stack, demonstrating the practical implementation and scalability of the digital integration.

Why in News: A study presented at the 2025 Goldschmidt Conference suggests a link between melting glaciers and increased volcanic activity, especially in West Antarctica.

Subglaciated Volcanoes: Volcanoes under ice sheets (subglaciated) are sensitive to glacier retreat. West Antarctica has around 100 such volcanoes, facing increased activity as ice melts. Other at-risk regions include North America, New Zealand, and Russia.

Mechanism (Glacial Unloading): Melting ice reduces pressure on magma chambers, allowing underground gases and magma to expand, increasing eruption likelihood. This was first proposed in the 1970s.

Precipitation’s Role: Climate-change-influenced precipitation can seep underground and interact with magma systems, potentially triggering eruptions.

Historical Example: Iceland saw 30-50 times higher volcanic activity during its last major deglaciation.

Volcanic Eruption Impacts:

• Short-Term Cooling: Ash and sulfur dioxide from eruptions can temporarily cool the Earth by blocking sunlight.
• Long-Term Warming: Greenhouse gases from repeated eruptions contribute to global warming, creating a feedback loop where melting ice triggers eruptions, which in turn accelerate warming and further ice melt.

• Majority-based decision-making when consensus fails.
• Independent review of NDC implementation for transparency and accountability.
• Tying climate finance access to transparency and measurable results.
• Reframing negotiations around human needs for better developing country engagement.
• Streamlining agendas and limiting participation to enhance efficiency.

Fuel Ban on End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) Timeline Extended: The ban, initially slated for phased implementation from November 2024, will now start on November 1, 2025, in Delhi and five NCR districts (Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, Sonipat) and April 1, 2026, for the rest of the NCR.

Reason for Extension – Technological & Operational Challenges: The extension is due to glitches and poor coverage in the Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, incomplete data integration across NCR states, and the need to avoid policy loopholes where vehicle owners might refuel in neighboring areas.

New Enforcement Dates: Fuel supply to ELVs will continue until October 31, 2025. The ban applies from November 1, 2025, in Delhi and specified NCR districts, and from April 1, 2026, in the remaining NCR.

CAQM’s Decision: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a statutory body addressing air pollution in NCR, amended its earlier direction based on concerns raised by the Delhi government.

Delhi Government’s Concerns: The GNCTD highlighted ANPR system weaknesses, HSRP issues affecting vehicle identification, and the risk of a cross-border illegal fuel market if the ban was implemented in stages. They also questioned the legal certainty and equitable treatment of time-based ELV thresholds compared to national vehicle standards.

Action Against Identified ELVs: Despite the extension, strict enforcement action, including impounding, will be taken against identified ELVs by fuel stations or other means.

Coordination and Preparation: Transport departments in Delhi and NCR states are directed to ensure proper ANPR installation, operation, trials, and manpower training, with monthly reports on ELV liquidation efforts to CAQM.

• Why it’s news: This significantly improves crop efficiency and dramatically reduces reliance on external fertilizer inputs.

• Why it’s news: Demonstrates the application of advanced gene-editing technology for agricultural solutions.

• Why it’s news: Highlights the precision and scientific understanding behind the gene-editing approach.

• Why it’s news: Addresses critical national issues of food security, economic reliance, and environmental impact of fertilizer use.

• Why it’s news: This technology offers a potential solution to overcome widespread nutrient deficiencies in Indian agricultural land.

• Why it’s news: Moves beyond traditional methods to a more sophisticated approach.

• Why it’s news: Enables precise spraying and fogging, replacing less effective “blind” spraying.

• Why it’s news: Demonstrates innovative and practical use of drone technology in public health.

• Why it’s news: Enhances operational efficiency and coordination.

• Why it’s news: Introduces transparency and accountability in public health operations.

• Why it’s news: Underscores the critical need for effective mosquito control measures like SMoSS, especially given India’s significant dengue burden.

Great Hornbill Sighted in Ezhimala, Kannur (Kerala)

• This sighting is noteworthy as Ezhimala is outside the typical range of the Great Hornbill.
• It suggests the presence of intact or connected forest areas in the region.

Ecological Significance of the Great Hornbill

• It’s a crucial seed disperser, vital for forest regeneration.
• It serves as an indicator species for mature, healthy forests.

Conservation Concerns

• The Great Hornbill is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
• Its populations are declining due to habitat loss and hunting.

Implications of the Ezhimala Sighting

• Highlights Ezhimala’s biodiversity potential and need for ecological restoration.
• Underscores the importance of protecting forest fragments and corridors.

Conservation Imperatives

• Protect existing forest patches and ecological corridors in Ezhimala.
• Promote community-based conservation efforts, including habitat monitoring.
• Strengthen wildlife laws and consider expanding protected areas.
• Utilize the Great Hornbill as a flagship species for conservation awareness.

Broader Takeaways

• Emphasizes the need to halt deforestation and habitat fragmentation.
• Reinforces the value of integrating scientific research with traditional knowledge and local participation.
• Demonstrates that wildlife recovery is achievable with dedicated conservation efforts.

PM’s Historic Visit: Indian PM’s visit to Argentina, first in 57 years, marked 75 years of diplomatic ties and 5 years of Strategic Partnership, symbolizing India’s growing global standing.

• Why in News: This visit signifies a significant deepening of relations and mutual recognition of importance.

Economic & Trade Boost: Agreement to expand India-MERCOSUR PTA to increase bilateral trade, focusing on diversification and investment in new sectors.

• Key Highlight: India-Argentina trade is growing, with India being Argentina’s 4th largest trading partner.

Energy & Critical Minerals Cooperation: Collaboration on shale energy and expansion of oil & gas cooperation. India secured lithium concessions in Argentina, vital for its energy transition.

• Key Highlight: Argentina’s critical mineral resources align with India’s energy security needs.

Defence & Digital Partnerships: Plans to boost defense manufacturing through co-development and tech transfer, and promote India’s digital public infrastructure in Argentina.

• Key Highlight: Technological synergy in defense and digital solutions strengthens strategic ties.

Shared Democratic Values: Reaffirmation of commitment to democracy, South-South cooperation, and multilateralism, underscored by a symbolic visit to a national hero’s statue.

• Key Highlight: Cultural and values-based relations are a strong foundation for the partnership.

Death at 94: Norman Tebbit, a significant figure in British politics and a loyal ally of Margaret Thatcher, has passed away at the age of 94.

Thatcher’s Enforcer: Known for his toughness and unwavering support for Thatcher’s policies, he served in key cabinet roles during the 1980s, including Employment Secretary and Conservative Party Chairman.

Trade Union Reform: Tebbit spearheaded significant reforms that reduced the power of trade unions and strengthened employer rights, a cornerstone of Thatcherism.

“Get on your bike”: His famous, though often misquoted, phrase symbolized a message of self-reliance and individual effort during a time of high unemployment.

Brighton Bombing Survivor: Tebbit and his wife were seriously injured in the 1984 IRA bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton, an attempt to assassinate Thatcher. He stepped back from frontline politics in 1987 to care for his wife, who was paralyzed.

Euroscepticism: He was a vocal opponent of deeper European integration, leading the Bruges Group in his later career.

Legacy: Tebbit is remembered for his combative style, intellect, and sense of duty. His contributions are seen as central to the transformation of Britain under Thatcher, but his controversial views on immigration also marked his public image.

• Why in News: This highlights one of West Africa’s most severe cases of climate-induced displacement, showcasing the direct impact of global warming on vulnerable coastal communities and ecosystems.

• Why in News: This vulnerability is directly linked to the submergence threat, emphasizing the ecological and potential economic consequences for areas like the Banana and Turtle Islands, which are important for tourism and culture.

• Why in News: This serves as a tangible example of how climate change is causing displacement and impacting nations, particularly in regions like West Africa.

• Why in News: While not directly related to the submergence, this shows Sierra Leone’s participation in international efforts to address climate change through renewable energy, highlighting a potential pathway for mitigation and adaptation.

• Why: The loss of ice reduces pressure on underground magma chambers, allowing gases and magma to expand and potentially lead to explosive eruptions.

• Example: A study of Chile’s Mocho Choshuenco volcano showed ice suppression of eruptions during the last ice age, with pressure release from melting triggering explosive events.

• Short-term cooling: Ash, dust, and sulfur dioxide block sunlight and form aerosols that reflect solar radiation.
• Long-term warming: Eruptions release greenhouse gases like CO₂, creating a cycle where warming leads to more melting, potentially causing more eruptions and further warming.

• Strengthen climate change mitigation to reduce global warming and glacier melt.
• Enhance glacial monitoring for eruption early warnings.
• Foster international cooperation for research and disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.

NATO’s New Spending Target: NATO nations pledged to increase military spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, a significant jump from the previous 2% target.

• Why in News: This decision signals a major shift in collective defence priorities for the alliance, driven by escalating global security concerns.

Historical Context: Global military expenditure, after declining post-Cold War, is now on the rise, reaching $2.718 trillion in 2024, a 9.4% increase.

• Why in News: This surge reflects ongoing conflicts (Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Gaza) and anticipates future ones, leading to a global remilitarisation trend.

Impact on Global Peace and Development: Increased military spending threatens to reverse post-Cold War peace gains, with militarisation rising in 108 countries.

• Why in News: The focus on military expenditure diverts funds from crucial areas like health, education, and poverty alleviation, impacting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Economic Crowding-Out Effect: Higher defence spending can negatively affect domestic government spending on public services like health, especially in middle- and low-income countries.

• Why in News: This highlights a trade-off where resources allocated to military capabilities are taken away from social welfare and development programs.

UN Funding Crisis: The UN’s budget is facing reductions due to nations prioritizing domestic needs and foreign aid cuts, exacerbated by increased military conflicts.

• Why in News: This impacts the UN’s ability to fund development, humanitarian aid, and peacekeeping, hindering global stability efforts.

Environmental Concerns: Increased defence spending contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, undermining climate goals.

• Why in News: A rise in military expenditure signifies a greater environmental footprint, potentially worsening global warming and reducing funds for climate action.

India’s Scenario: India spends more on military (2.3% of GDP) than health (1.84% of GDP), risking further reductions in public services with increased militarisation.

• Why in News: This illustrates a potential national trend where security spending is prioritized over essential public welfare, impacting citizens’ well-being.

National Biobank Inaugurated: Located at CSIR-IGIB, this is a significant step for India’s healthcare infrastructure.

• Why News: Marks the establishment of a crucial resource for research.

Creation of India’s Longitudinal Health Database: The biobank is a key component of this initiative.

• Why News: Enables tracking individuals over time to understand disease trends, treatment outcomes, and inform health policies specific to India.

Objective: Personalized Medicine and Research: Aims to build a repository reflecting India’s diversity for personalized medicine and research on Indian-relevant diseases.

• Why News: Supports tailored treatments based on genetic and lifestyle profiles, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and more effective therapies for conditions like diabetes, cancer, and rare genetic disorders.

Scope: Diverse Data Collection: Will collect genomic, lifestyle, and clinical data from 10,000 diverse Indian participants.

• Why News: Ensures representation across regions, ages, and socio-economic backgrounds, making findings applicable to the wider Indian population.

Inspired by UK Biobank: Tailored for India’s unique population.

• Why News: Leverages successful models while adapting them to Indian specificities for targeted healthcare.

Part of Phenome India Project: Launched by CSIR to track health over time, uncover disease patterns, and develop India-specific risk models.

• Why News: Integrates the biobank into a broader, long-term scientific endeavor focused on understanding and improving Indian health.

NIPGR Develops Phosphate-Efficient Rice: Researchers at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) in Delhi have used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing on Japonica rice.

Enhanced Phosphate Uptake: The editing targeted the OsPHT1;2 phosphate transporter gene and removed a suppressor gene (OsWRKY6) to boost its expression.

Significant Yield Increase: The modified rice demonstrated a 40% higher yield using only 10% of the recommended phosphate fertilizer, with more panicles, seeds, and biomass.

Improved Nutrient Translocation: The gene editing facilitated better movement of phosphate from the roots to the shoots.

No Foreign DNA Inserted (Non-GMO): The process strictly adhered to non-GMO principles, as no foreign DNA (like bacterial vectors) was introduced. India ensures this through Mendelian segregation.

Potential to Reduce Fertilizer Dependency: This development could significantly lower reliance on phosphate fertilizers, especially beneficial for phosphorus-deficient soils.

Sustainable Food Security Solution: Gene editing offers a sustainable way to improve crop yields and address food security without sacrificing grain quality.

Regulatory Landscape: Negotiations are underway to relax regulations on such precision-bred crops, recognizing CRISPR editing without foreign DNA insertion as non-GMO.

Award Conferred: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross from Brazil.

• Why in News: This is Brazil’s highest national honour for foreign dignitaries, signifying a significant recognition from another country.

Award Details: The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross was established in 1822 and is awarded for exceptional service to Brazil. The Grand Collar is the highest rank.

• Why in News: Understanding the history and prestige of the award highlights the importance of the recognition.

Recognition of Contributions: The award acknowledges Prime Minister Modi’s efforts in strengthening India–Brazil relations and enhancing cooperation on global platforms.

• Why in News: It points to the positive diplomatic and cooperative ties between India and Brazil.

Dedication to India: Prime Minister Modi dedicated the honour to the 1.4 billion people of India, emphasizing the deep friendship between the two nations.

• Why in News: This highlights the people-to-people connection and the broader significance of the award for India.

President Lula’s Role: Prime Minister Modi acknowledged President Lula as the architect of the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership, suggesting a strong personal rapport and leadership in bilateral ties.

• Why in News: It underscores the leadership of both countries in fostering this relationship.

EIA Downplays Earthquake Risk: The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Great Nicobar Project (GNIP) is criticized for downplaying the significant earthquake and tsunami risks in the region.

IIT-Kanpur Report Contrasts EIA: A report by IIT-Kanpur highlights the high seismic vulnerability of Great Nicobar, estimating frequent mega-earthquakes (M9+) and large-magnitude quakes (M>7.5). This contradicts the EIA’s assessment of low mega-earthquake likelihood.

Geological Evidence Supports Risk: Sediment analysis shows at least seven major tsunami events in the past 8,000 years in the Andamans, indicating a history of significant seismic activity, a point seemingly overlooked by the EIA.

Lack of Site-Specific Studies: The IIT-Kanpur report emphasizes the need for site-specific seismic and tsunami studies, particularly in key areas like Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay, which are currently lacking such crucial assessments.

Strategic Importance vs. Safety: The Rs 72,000-crore GNIP is strategically vital for India’s maritime security and economic growth, aiming to monitor sea routes and reduce reliance on foreign ports. However, its location in a highly seismic zone raises major safety concerns, exacerbated by the EIA’s perceived downplaying of these risks.