Jul-2025

• Why News: This technological marvel allows for unprecedented sky coverage, revolutionizing how astronomers observe the universe.

• Why News: The sheer volume and quality of data will significantly advance our understanding of cosmic phenomena.

• Why News: Rubin’s findings will tackle fundamental questions about the universe’s structure, composition, and evolution, including its unknown domain structure.

• Why News: This dynamic approach moves beyond pre-selected targets, offering a real-time, comprehensive view of celestial events.

• Why News: This unparalleled cataloguing will provide astronomers with a vast resource for research and discovery.

• Why News: Demonstrates its immediate impact and immense discovery potential even in preliminary testing.

• Why News: Connects current advancements to foundational discoveries in astrophysics.

• Why: To detect and neutralize ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles from space.

• Why: The 1967 Outer Space Treaty bans nuclear weapons in orbit but is ambiguous about conventional arms, a line the Golden Dome’s interceptors may cross.

• Why: The deployment of dual-use technologies and the treaty’s silence on conventional weapons create legal ambiguities and suspicion.

• Why: Estimated costs of $175-500 billion, the complexity of managing thousands of satellites (risking debris), and the difficulty of integrating it with existing defense systems.

• Why: Its principles on peaceful use and freedom of exploration are central to the debate surrounding the Golden Dome.

Discovery of Miniature Coronal Loops: Astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have identified previously undetectable, tiny plasma loops in the Sun’s lower atmosphere.

• Why in news: These loops are crucial for understanding how the Sun stores and releases magnetic energy.

Size and Lifespan: These miniature loops are only 3,000–4,000 km long and less than 100 km wide, existing for just a few minutes.

• Why in news: Their small size and brief lifespan made them invisible to earlier telescopes, hindering study.

Link to Magnetic Reconnection and Jets: The loops are linked to magnetic reconnection, the process behind energy bursts, and exhibit plasma jets erupting from their tips, mirroring larger solar events like flares.

• Why in news: They offer direct insights into the fundamental mechanisms driving explosive solar activity.

Puzzling High Temperatures: Differential Emission Measure analysis reveals plasma temperatures in these loops reaching several million degrees, unexpectedly high for the chromosphere.

• Why in news: This challenges existing solar heating models, which cannot adequately explain such extreme temperatures in the Sun’s denser lower atmosphere.

Advanced Observation Techniques: The discovery utilized high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy across multiple wavelengths, combining data from ground-based telescopes and NASA satellites.

• Why in news: This multi-instrument approach enabled a deeper understanding of the loops’ behavior in different solar atmospheric layers.

Future Research Potential: India’s proposed National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) is expected to provide further opportunities to study these features.

• Why in news: NLST’s advanced capabilities are designed to address key questions about solar magnetic field dynamics.

AERB grants operation license: India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has officially issued an operational license for the two indigenously developed 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), KAPS-3 and KAPS-4, at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat.

Significance of indigenous technology: This license marks a crucial milestone for India’s nuclear program, as these are the country’s first 700 MWe indigenous PHWRs, demonstrating advancement in local nuclear technology.

Rigorous safety review: The AERB’s decision follows 15 years of intensive, multi-tiered safety reviews, covering the entire lifecycle from design and construction to commissioning at full power, involving multiple experts.

Boost for future expansion: The 5-year operation license for KAPS-3 and KAPS-4 is a significant boost to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited’s (NPCIL) plans to build 10 more 700 MWe PHWRs in a fleet mode.

Operational status: KAPS-3 achieved full power operation in August 2023, and KAPS-4 followed in August 2024, with the license now formalizing their commercial operation.

India’s PHWR fleet: India currently operates 15 PHWRs of 220 MWe, two of 540 MWe, and a 700 MWe reactor at Rawatbhata, Rajasthan, with this license adding to the growing capacity.

Nuclear power targets: This development supports India’s ambitious nuclear power capacity targets, aiming for 22.48 GW by 2031-32 and 100 GW by 2047.

China’s Export Controls on Rare Earths: China has imposed strict licensing, lengthy approval processes, and monthly quotas on exports of seven key rare earth elements essential for magnets, batteries, and high-tech industries.

Why it’s News (Benefits Beijing):

• Geopolitical Leverage: China, dominating global rare earth mining and refining, uses these controls as a strategic tool in trade negotiations, particularly with the U.S.
• National Security: Restricting exports weakens the defense and technology sectors of rival nations.
• Diplomatic Pressure: The move compels urgent engagement from major economies (U.S., EU, Japan, India).
• Supply Chain Influence: The new licensing regime incentivizes cooperation with China, reinforcing its global dominance.

Why it’s News (Hurts Chinese Business/Global Impact):

• Plunging Revenues: Chinese exporters have faced significant losses, with magnet exports dropping 75% and U.S. shipments down over 90%.
• Global Disruptions: Industries in the U.S., EU, and India have experienced production halts in auto and electronics.
• Domestic Strain: Weak EV demand and inventory issues have forced Chinese producers to cut output.
• Strategic Risk: Other countries are accelerating efforts to diversify rare earth sources, challenging China’s long-term monopoly.
• Regulatory Burden: Exporters and importers face red tape, uncertainty, and commercial disclosure risks.

Learning Corner (Rare Earth Elements):

• Categories: Light Rare Earth Elements (LREEs) (e.g., Lanthanum, Cerium) and Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREEs) (e.g., Terbium, Dysprosium).
• Associated Elements: Scandium and Yttrium are often grouped due to similar ore deposits and chemical properties.
• Key Uses: Magnets, batteries, catalysts, lasers, optics, nuclear reactors, and green technology.

• Why: This ranking is based on the World Bank’s Gini Index, which measures income inequality. A lower Gini coefficient signifies greater equality.

• Why: This signifies consistent progress in social equity.

• Why: This classification indicates a relatively equitable distribution of income.

• Why: This challenges the perception of India as a highly unequal society and suggests broad-based income growth.

• Poverty Reduction: 171 million Indians lifted out of extreme poverty since 2011.
  • Why: Poverty reduction directly contributes to reduced income disparities.
• Welfare Schemes:
  • PM Jan Dhan Yojana: Promotes financial inclusion.
  • Aadhaar and DBT: Ensure efficient delivery of benefits to the right individuals.
  • Ayushman Bharat: Provides health coverage, improving access to essential services.
  • Stand-Up India: Empowers disadvantaged communities economically.
  • PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): Ensures food security for millions.
  • PM Vishwakarma Yojana: Supports traditional artisans and craftspeople.
• Why: These schemes directly address financial inclusion, access to services, and economic empowerment, narrowing the gap between different segments of society.

• High Poverty Despite Low Inequality: Over 300 million people still live in poverty under a higher threshold.
• Wage and Income Disparity: Significant earnings gap between top and bottom income groups, with the richest 1% holding substantial wealth.
• Outdated Poverty Line: Current poverty lines may not accurately reflect living costs.
• Unequal Access to Opportunities: Gaps persist in education, healthcare, and digital access, particularly for vulnerable groups.
• Why: These factors highlight that while consumption inequality might be low, deeper issues of poverty and unequal opportunity still exist.

India’s First Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) Established: India has set up its inaugural EDFC at the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre & College in Meerut Cantonment, Uttar Pradesh.

Officially Recognized by WOAH: The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has officially recognized this EDFC, signifying international acceptance of its disease-free status.

Enables Global Trade and Competitions: This scientifically managed zone guarantees horses are free from specific equine diseases, facilitating their participation in international trade and sporting events.

Certified Disease-Free Status: The EDFC is certified free from major equine diseases such as Equine Infectious Anemia, Equine Influenza, Equine Piroplasmosis, Glanders, and Surra.

Part of National Strategy: It is a crucial component of India’s wider strategy to establish disease-free compartments, mirroring efforts like creating Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)-Free Zones for poultry exports.

Reinforces India’s Animal Health Position: This development, coupled with India’s sustained disease-free status for African Horse Sickness since 2014, strengthens its standing in the global equine health community.

India’s First National Cooperative University Inaugurated: Tribhuvan Sahkari University (TSU) in Anand, Gujarat, is India’s first national cooperative university, launched by the Union Home and Cooperation Minister.

• Why it’s news: This marks a significant step in formalizing and strengthening cooperative education at a national level.

Vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’: The university aligns with the government’s goal of achieving prosperity through cooperation by enhancing the cooperative sector via education.

• Why it’s news: It shows a focused government strategy to leverage education for the growth of the cooperative movement.

Named After Tribhuvandas Patel: TSU is named after the founder of Amul, recognizing his pivotal role in India’s cooperative history alongside Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

• Why it’s news: Honoring a key figure like Tribhuvandas Patel adds historical significance and inspiration to the initiative.

Objective: Skill Development: The university will offer courses in cooperative management, accounting, finance, marketing, law, and rural development to create a skilled workforce for the sector.

• Why it’s news: Addresses the need for trained professionals to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of cooperatives.

Target: 20 Lakh Professionals: The aim is to train over 20 lakh professionals in key cooperative areas like dairy, fisheries, and agricultural credit within five years.

• Why it’s news: Highlights the ambitious scale of the skill development program and its broad reach.

R&D Council for Innovation: A dedicated Research and Development Council will be established to foster innovation, transparency, and best practices in rural cooperative institutions.

• Why it’s news: Focuses on improving the quality and governance of cooperatives through research and modern practices.

Cooperative Sector Importance: Cooperatives are member-owned organizations crucial for rural development, financial inclusion, and meeting common socio-economic needs.

• Why it’s news: Reinforces the foundational role of the cooperative sector in India’s economy and society.

Legal Framework: The cooperative sector’s right to form societies is a Fundamental Right (Article 19(1)(c)), governed by acts like the Cooperative Societies Act, 1912, and the MSCS Act, 2002.

• Why it’s news: Provides context on the established legal basis and ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperative governance.

• Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 (Section 5(2)): Allows interception for public emergency or public safety. Restrictions must align with Article 19(2) grounds (sovereignty, security, public order, etc.).
• IT Act, 2000: Governs digital communication interception.
• Indian Post Office Act, 1898: Permits postal correspondence interception.

• Delhi HC (June 2024): Upheld MHA tapping in a ₹2,149 crore corruption case, deeming large-scale economic offences a threat to public safety.
• Madras HC (July 2024): Quashed MHA tapping in a ₹50 lakh bribery case, stating tax evasion/bribery isn’t “public emergency” and flagging procedural flaws, referencing a PIB notification and PUCL safeguards.

• Home Secretary approval.
• Review by a three-member committee.
• 2-month validity, renewable.
• Last resort principle.
• Incorporated into Rule 419A of Telegraph Rules.

• Right to Privacy (Article 21): Surveillance must be legal, necessary, and proportionate (Puttaswamy judgment).
• Freedom of Speech (Article 19(1)(a)): Tapping can chill expression; restrictions under Article 19(2) apply.
• Due Process/Rule of Law: Violations of PUCL safeguards render tapping unconstitutional and evidence inadmissible.

• Why it’s news: Shows progress in maternal healthcare quality at a national level.

• Why it’s news: Highlights that national progress isn’t uniform, and certain regions require more targeted interventions.

• Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH): Excessive bleeding after delivery.
• Obstructed Labour: Due to factors like malnutrition.
• Hypertensive Disorders: Conditions like preeclampsia.
• Sepsis: Infections from unhygienic deliveries.
• Anaemia: An underlying condition exacerbating complications.
• Associated Illnesses (EAG States): Malaria, TB, UTIs worsen pregnancy risks.
• Why it’s news: Identifies the specific medical issues that need to be addressed for effective prevention.

• Delay 1 (Seeking Help): Inertia, financial constraints, lack of awareness.
• Delay 2 (Reaching Facility): Geographical remoteness, poor transport.
• Delay 3 (Receiving Care): Staff shortages (especially specialists), inadequate infrastructure (blood banks, OTs).
• Why it’s news: Provides a framework to understand the systemic barriers at different stages of accessing care.

• Why it’s news: Showcases government’s efforts and policy focus on addressing maternal mortality.

• Why it’s news: Offers a successful case study demonstrating effective strategies that can be replicated.

• Why it’s news: Outlines critical steps required to bridge the gap and reduce preventable deaths.

• Why: Escalated fighting, particularly after a June 5 shootout where CNDF reportedly captured CDF camps, triggered mass civilian displacement.

• Why: Local resources and relief mechanisms are strained by the increased numbers, though civil society and the Mizoram government are providing aid and local families are offering shelter.

• Why: The Chin people share cultural and ethnic ties with the Mizo people, influencing the state’s response.

• Why: The internal rivalries within Myanmar’s ethnic armed groups and the broader civil war situation mean the root cause of displacement persists.

• Why: The porous border and internal conflicts in neighboring Myanmar directly impact India’s border states.

RBI to conduct 7-day VRRR auction: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will hold a Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction for Rs 1 lakh crore.

• Why in News: This action is to absorb surplus liquidity from the banking system.

VRRR as a monetary policy tool: VRRR allows the RBI to absorb excess liquidity through auctions.

• Mechanism: Banks bid at variable interest rates to place short-term deposits with the RBI.
• Flexibility: It’s more flexible and market-driven than the fixed-rate Reverse Repo Rate.

Objective: To bring overnight rates on the Tri Party Repo Dealing System (TREPS) closer to the lower bound of the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) corridor (5.25%-5.75%).

Liquidity Surplus Reasons: Previous RBI actions like open market operations, term VRR auctions, and dollar/rupee buy-sell swaps have increased liquidity in the economy.

Legal Framework for Phone Tapping:

• Governed by the Indian Post Office Act, 1898 (postal); Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 (voice calls); and IT Act, 2000 (electronic communication).
• Telegraph Act Section 5(2) allows interception for public emergency and public safety.

Conflicting High Court Rulings:

• Delhi HC: Upheld tapping in a bribery case, citing corruption’s threat to public safety due to its economic scale (₹2,149.93 crore) and impact on public trust and national security.
• Madras HC: Quashed an interception order, stating tax evasion in that instance did not constitute a “public emergency” and criticized outdated standards and lack of oversight.

Supreme Court Precedent (PUCL v. Union of India, 1997):

• Upheld Section 5(2) but mandated safeguards: orders by Home Secretary, “reasonable satisfaction” and “last resort” criteria, and review by a committee within 2 months.
• Rule 419-A formalizes these safeguards.

Violation of Fundamental Rights:

• Right to Privacy (Art. 21): Phone tapping without legal sanction violates this, as established in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (2017).
• Freedom of Speech (Art. 19(1)(a)): Surveillance can create a chilling effect, discouraging critical views.
• Protection Against Arbitrary Action (Art. 14): Discriminatory or selective surveillance violates equality.

Judicial View on Surveillance:

• Must be authorized, proportionate, necessary, and time-bound to be constitutional; otherwise, it infringes Article 21.

Why in News: Contrasting rulings from the Madras and Delhi High Courts on the legality of phone tapping for crime prevention, particularly economic offences.

What is Phone Tapping: Monitoring or recording phone conversations by a third party, often government agencies, without consent.

Governing Laws:

• Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 (Section 5(2)) for public emergency/safety.
• Information Technology Act, 2000 for digital communications.
• Indian Post Office Act, 1898 for postal communications.

Safeguards:

• Rule 419A of Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951 (requires Review Committee).
• Must comply with constitutional rights (Article 19(1)(a) – speech, Article 21 – privacy, as per Puttaswamy judgment).

Delhi High Court Ruling (2020): Legally permissible to tap phones to prevent incitement to an offense; justified for corruption in public projects as it impacts economic security and public safety.

Madras High Court Ruling (2018): Quashed an interception order for suspected economic offense, stating no public emergency or clear threat to public safety. Ruled it unlawful due to failure to meet procedural standards.

Supreme Court Ruling (1997):

• Only Home Secretary can authorize; delegation below Joint Secretary is prohibited.
• Review committee required (Cabinet Secretary, Law Secretary, Telecom Secretary at Centre; Chief Secretary, Law Secretary, one other at State).

Evidence Admissibility: Unlawfully obtained phone-tap information is inadmissible in court.

Fresh Nipah Virus Cases in Kerala: Kerala has confirmed new cases of Nipah virus, leading to heightened vigilance in Malappuram and Palakkad, with an alert in Kozhikode due to the risk of further spread.

• Why it’s news: Nipah is a highly lethal virus with epidemic potential, and new cases indicate an ongoing public health threat.

Extensive Surveillance and Contact Tracing: Over 400 individuals are under observation, with dedicated teams conducting tracing, symptom monitoring, and quarantines.

• Why it’s news: This demonstrates a robust response to contain the virus and prevent further transmission.

Activated Medical Infrastructure: Isolation wards and ICU facilities have been prepared, with several patients already under treatment and in intensive care.

• Why it’s news: Highlights the critical medical resources being deployed to manage the outbreak and care for the infected.

Containment Measures Implemented: Affected areas are declared containment zones, with mask mandates, movement restrictions, and door-to-door awareness campaigns in place.

• Why it’s news: Shows active steps being taken to limit the virus’s spread and inform the public.

High-Level Oversight: The Health Minister is actively involved, conducting review meetings to ensure a swift and coordinated response.

• Why it’s news: Indicates the seriousness with which the government is treating the outbreak and the importance of coordinated efforts.

Nipah Virus Overview: It’s a zoonotic virus (animal to human transmission) with high fatality (40-75%) and can spread through contaminated food and human-to-human contact. Symptoms range from fever and headache to severe encephalitis and death.

• Why it’s news: Provides essential context on the nature of the virus, its severity, and transmission routes, which is crucial for public understanding and prevention.

Prevention and Treatment Status: No specific antiviral treatment or vaccine exists; management is supportive. Prevention focuses on avoiding bats, pigs, contaminated fruits/sap, and strict infection control.

• Why it’s news: Underscores the challenges in combating the virus and emphasizes the importance of preventive measures.

• Downplaying Seismic Risk: EIA relies on a limited 2019 study, overlooking broader earthquake hazards in a highly seismic region.
• Neglect of Independent Research: Independent studies show the region is highly seismically active, prone to ground shaking, liquefaction, and subsidence.
• Lack of Transparency: Critics allege the clearance process prioritized technical/financial factors over environmental/safety concerns.
• National Green Tribunal (NGT) Involvement: NGT had imposed a stay, calling for re-evaluation of environmental and coastal regulation clearances.

Formal Recognition vs. Data Gap: The Union Budget 2025-26 recognized gig/platform workers and extended social protection. However, the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) still lacks a dedicated classification for them, creating a policy-data disconnect.

Classification Deficiency: PLFS categorizes gig workers under broad terms like ‘self-employed’ or ‘casual labour,’ failing to capture their unique characteristics (algorithmic control, no formal contracts, irregular hours, multi-platform engagement).

Consequences of Invisibility: This lack of distinct classification leads to exclusion from welfare schemes (as PLFS guides beneficiary targeting), misrepresentation of job insecurity and income volatility, policy blind spots, and legal ambiguity for enforcing the Code on Social Security, 2020.

Gig Economy’s Significance: It facilitates a transition from informal to formal sectors, enhances financial autonomy for marginalized groups, fosters entrepreneurship, drives digital adoption, and contributes to tax revenue.

Key Challenges: Gig workers face a lack of comprehensive social security (fragmented support from existing schemes), income instability (below minimum wage, platform commissions), exploitative conditions (long hours, algorithmic pressure), arbitrary deactivation, and customer harassment.

Proposed Solutions: Update PLFS to distinctly capture gig work features, integrate tech-enabled surveys with e-Shram for targeted welfare, strengthen legal frameworks for portable social security (insurance, paid leave, pensions), and mandate transparent grievance redressal systems.

Need for Statistical Representation: True recognition of gig workers requires both legal inclusion and accurate statistical representation through evolved PLFS classification or new survey modules for inclusive policymaking.

Shift in India’s Export Composition: India’s foreign exchange earnings from invisible exports (services and remittances) have surpassed visible goods exports for the first time.

• Why in News: This signifies a structural shift in India’s economic engagement with the world, highlighting its growing strength in the services sector.

Dominance of Invisible Exports: Invisible exports reached $576.54 billion in 2024-25, exceeding goods exports of $441.79 billion.

• Why in News: This metric is crucial for understanding the health of India’s current account and its ability to finance imports.

Key Drivers of Invisible Growth: Services exports, particularly IT, financial, and professional services ($387.54 billion), and NRI remittances ($135.43 billion) are the main contributors.

• Why in News: Demonstrates India’s global competitiveness in skilled labor and the significant role of its diaspora.

Resilience of Invisible Trade: Services and transfers are less susceptible to geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and supply chain disruptions compared to goods.

• Why in News: This resilience provides a buffer against global economic volatility, contributing to India’s macroeconomic stability.

Balancing the Current Account: India’s substantial surplus in invisibles helps offset its persistent goods trade deficit.

• Why in News: Explains how India manages its Balance of Payments despite being a net importer of physical goods.

Comparative Advantage in Skills: India’s economic strength lies in exporting its human capital and services, not just material goods.

• Why in News: Positions India strategically in the global economy, leveraging its intangible assets for growth.

Prime Ministerial Visit & Highest Honour: PM Modi’s visit was the first by an Indian PM since 1999, during which he received ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’ for global leadership, diaspora engagement, and COVID-19 humanitarian efforts.

Disaster Resilience & Biofuels: Trinidad and Tobago joined India’s CDRI and Global Biofuel Alliance initiatives.

Grant Assistance for Community Projects: India will fund up to five small grassroots development projects annually.

Pharma & Medical Cooperation: An MoU enhances collaboration for affordable medicines and medical treatment in India.

Diplomatic Training: Trinidad and Tobago diplomats will receive training from Indian institutes and experts.

Diaspora & Education Support: OCI card facility extended to the 6th generation of Indian diaspora; cultural centers to be re-established.

Digital Collaboration: Agreement to collaborate on India Stack solutions like DigiLocker; Trinidad and Tobago to adopt UPI.

Agricultural & Healthcare Support: India gifted agro-machinery and supports millet cultivation; CARICOM relations strengthened.

Historical Ties & Diaspora: Deep historical ties since 1845, with Indian diaspora forming a significant part of the population.

Economic Relations: Bilateral trade shows growth, with India exporting pharmaceuticals and vehicles.

• Why: Supercapacitors are vital for rapid energy storage in electronics and EVs, but often lack storage capacity. This material addresses that gap.

• Why: This aligns with the global push for sustainable energy solutions.

• Lanthanum doping reduced nanoparticle size, increasing surface area for better energy storage.
• It improved electrical conductivity for faster charge-discharge cycles.
• Achieved remarkable energy retention (118%) and perfect coulombic efficiency (100% energy retention during use).
• Why: These improvements directly translate to more efficient and capable supercapacitors.

• Why: This validates the material’s ability to be used in actual devices.

• Why: This indicates the path towards widespread adoption of this advanced energy storage technology.

Why in News: India is celebrating the International Day of Cooperatives (July 5, 2025) and four years of the Ministry of Cooperation, focusing on empowering MSMEs, especially artisans, through initiatives like the PM Vishwakarma scheme.

Financial Empowerment & Resource Pooling:

• Allows MSMEs to pool funds, reducing reliance on high-interest loans (e.g., PM Vishwakarma offers 5-7% credit).
• Enables sharing of resources like machinery and raw materials, lowering costs and boosting efficiency.

Enhanced Market Access:

• Facilitates collective marketing, branding, and quality certifications, increasing MSME visibility and competitiveness.
• Helps tap into national and global markets.

Technology Adoption:

• Supports cluster-level training centers for skill upgrades and adoption of modern techniques (digital tools, automation).

Synergy with Government Schemes:

• Acts as an effective delivery mechanism for schemes like PM Vishwakarma, ensuring MSMEs receive financial, technical, and market support.

Sustainable & Inclusive Growth:

• Empowers women entrepreneurs and promotes rural development (e.g., SEWA, Lijjat Papad).
• Supports circular economy through waste initiatives.

Key Contributions of Cooperatives in India:

• Provide 13.3% of direct employment, engaging 29 crore members.
• Significant role in agricultural credit, sugar production, and fertilizer distribution.
• Promote financial inclusion through cooperative banking.
• Crucial for food security and women empowerment.

Challenges:

• Misconceptions about cooperatives being government-controlled.
• Weak financial support and liquidity issues for cooperative banks.
• Regulatory complexity and bureaucracy.
• Low digital adoption and isolated operations.
• Governance deficits like poor transparency and accountability.

Measures Needed:

• Policy reforms: Tax benefits, prioritizing in public procurement, simplified compliance.
• Financial support: Linking cooperatives to MUDRA, CGTMSE, NABARD; promoting digital banking training.
• Infrastructure: Adopting digital tools, building Common Facility Centers.
• Market linkages: Promoting collective branding (“CoopMade”), linking to e-commerce platforms.
• Awareness campaigns and grassroots mobilization.

• Why: This signifies a major achievement in India’s pursuit of nuclear self-reliance and demonstrates its capability in designing and operating large-scale reactors.

• Why: This 700 MW model represents a technological upgrade from existing PHWRs, enhancing clean energy production.

• Why: This technology is known for its safety, cost-efficiency, and suitability for India’s resource availability.

• Why: This expansion is crucial for meeting India’s clean energy goals and bolstering energy security through domestically developed technology.

• Why: This underscores the commitment to safe operation and adherence to international safety standards.

• Why: It showcases progress in India’s three-stage nuclear power program, moving towards greater energy independence.

Why in News: The 62nd Bonn Climate Change Conference, a mid-year meeting, took place in Bonn, Germany. It prepares for the 30th UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Brazil.

What it is: The Bonn Climate Change Conference, formally Sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies (SBs), is a regular UNFCCC summit. It involves SB members, Indigenous groups, international organizations, scientists, and civil society to review implementation and set the COP agenda.

Key Players:

• Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI): Reviews implementation and facilitates financial/technical support for developing nations.
• Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA): Provides scientific input from the IPCC to policymakers.

Key Takeaways:

• Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA): Progress on indicators, but finance/Means of Implementation disagreements delayed consensus. A draft list of 100 indicators is expected at COP30.
• Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP): Agreement to establish a Belém Action Mechanism for sharing fair transition strategies.
• National Climate Plans (NDCs): Most countries missed the deadline for updated NDCs, potentially hindering the 1.5°C target. Brazil urged submissions by September 2025.
• Climate Finance: Developing nations pushed for fulfillment of pledges (USD 1.3 trillion annually by 2030). Wealthier countries proposed private finance, but public grants were deemed essential.
• Loss and Damage: The fund remains underfunded (USD 768 million pledged vs. USD 1 trillion needed). Pledged amounts significantly exceed actual contributions.

Scheme Approval & Objectives:

• Union Cabinet approved the Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme with a ₹99,446 crore outlay.
• Aims to create employment, especially in manufacturing, and formalize the workforce.
• Targets enhancing private sector employment, promoting youth and job retention, encouraging skill advancement, and reducing economic disparity.
• Expects to create over 3.5 crore jobs and benefit 1.92 crore newly employed individuals.

Implementation Details:

• To be implemented by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2027.
• Newly recruited employees (salary up to ₹1 lakh) will receive a one-month EPF wage (up to ₹15,000) in two installments via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Establishments registered with EPFO will receive up to ₹3,000 per month for two years for each additional employee sustained for six months; manufacturing sector gets incentives for third and fourth years.

Context: Employment Status in India:

• Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) shows slight improvements in urban LFPR and WPR.
• All-India LFPR and WPR remained relatively steady.
• Rural unemployment declined slightly; urban male unemployment increased, while urban female unemployment dropped.

Concerns and Expert Opinions:

• Trade unions (except BMS) question the scheme, fearing worker’s money incentivizes employers, citing PLI scheme misuse.
• Experts doubt EPFO’s implementation role as it’s a custodian of savings, not a job-creating agency.
• Concerns exist about reimbursement mechanisms and the lack of government funds in EPFO’s books.
• Suggestions include shifting the scheme to the Ministry of MSMEs and ensuring simpler, transparent processes.

PM’s “Jai Anusandhan” Vision vs. GM Crop Stagnation:

• Prime Minister’s call for innovation backed by ₹1 lakh crore RDI fund is hindered by the stalled commercial adoption of GM crops due to regulatory hurdles.

What are GM Crops?

• Plants whose DNA is modified using genetic engineering for traits like pest/disease resistance, herbicide tolerance, improved nutrition, etc.
• Also known as GE plants, transgenic crops, LMOs, or biotech crops.

Benefits of GM Crops:

• Higher yields, addressing food security.
• Reduced need for synthetic pesticides (e.g., Bt cotton).
• Longer shelf life, reducing food waste.

GM Crop Status in India:

• Only Bt cotton officially approved and widely adopted since 2002, covering over 90% of cotton area.
• Bt Brinjal approved in 2009, but under moratorium.
• GM Mustard (DMH-11) received conditional environmental clearance in 2022, but commercialisation is stalled.

Impact of Bt Cotton:

• Led to a surge in cotton production and productivity, boosting farmers’ incomes and agri GDP.
• India became a major cotton producer and exporter.

Challenges in Cotton Sector Post-2015:

• Yield decline due to pest outbreaks, tangled regulations, and prohibition of next-gen seeds (e.g., HT-Bt cotton).
• Illegal cultivation of HT-Bt cotton indicates demand.
• Cotton Seed Price Control Order (2015) reduced royalty fees, discouraging innovation and leading to reduced participation by global biotech firms.
• India turned into a net importer of raw cotton.

Way Forward for GM Crops:

• Transparent, science-based regulatory framework.
• Encourage public-private R&D.
• Support pilot programs for GEAC-cleared GM crops.
• Review the Cotton Seed Price Control Order to balance affordability and innovation.
• Spread awareness to counter misinformation.
• Integrate GM tech with climate-smart agriculture.

Conclusion: Embracing gene technology and GM crops is crucial for India’s productivity, food security, reduced import dependency, and farmer empowerment.

Low-Cost Sensor Developed: Scientists at CeNS, Bengaluru, have created a sensor that is affordable and effective. This is news because it offers a more accessible way to monitor a dangerous pollutant.

Detects Toxic Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): The sensor specifically targets SO₂, a harmful gas released by vehicles and industry that causes respiratory problems. This is important for public health.

Highly Sensitive: It can detect SO₂ at very low concentrations (down to 320 ppb), exceeding the capabilities of many existing commercial sensors. This means it can identify threats earlier.

Combines NiO and NdNiO₃: The sensor uses a combination of nickel oxide (NiO) as the gas receptor and neodymium nickelate (NdNiO₃) as the signal transducer. This innovative material science approach is key to its performance.

Real-time Monitoring with Alerts: The sensor provides instant SO₂ detection and features a user-friendly alert system (green for safe, yellow for warning, red for danger). This makes it practical for immediate public safety actions.

Portable Prototype: A pocket-sized, lightweight prototype has been developed, making it ideal for use in various locations like industrial areas and urban spaces. Its portability is a significant advantage.

Addresses Limitations of Existing Tech: It overcomes the issues of high cost, energy intensity, and low sensitivity found in current SO₂ monitoring technologies. This offers a practical solution to a pressing environmental and health problem.

SEBI Bans Jane Street: India’s securities regulator banned US-based proprietary trading firm Jane Street from the market.

• Why: For manipulative trading practices that earned them ₹4,843 crore unlawfully and disrupted market integrity.

Manipulative Trading Tactics: Jane Street used a “marking the close” strategy on the Bank Nifty index.

• Why: They aggressively bought stocks and futures to inflate the index, then sold them aggressively to push prices down. This created artificial volatility and misled small investors. They also profited from index options by buying cheap puts and selling expensive calls.

Bypassing Regulations: Jane Street used its Indian arm, JSI Investments Pvt Ltd, to circumvent rules.

• Why: Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have restrictions on certain cash market activities like intraday trading, which using a domestic entity allowed them to bypass.

SEBI’s Actions: Imposed a ₹4,843 crore penalty and barred Jane Street from the Indian securities market.

• Why: To penalize the manipulative behavior and protect market integrity. SEBI ordered the firm to transfer unlawfully earned money to an escrow account.

Market Impact & Future Reforms: The case highlights the need for stronger market safeguards in derivatives trading.

• Why: Experts suggest SEBI may introduce stricter position limits, real-time monitoring, tighter margin requirements, enhanced disclosures, and refined circuit breakers to prevent similar manipulations.

Why in News: India’s Finance Minister at the FFD4 conference advocated for reforms in global sovereign credit rating systems and MDBs to promote equity and sustainable development.

What is Sovereign Credit Rating: An independent evaluation of a country’s creditworthiness, influencing investor risk assessment and FDI. The “Big Three” US-based agencies (S&P, Moody’s, Fitch) are dominant.

India’s Concern: India, despite strong economic fundamentals and being the 5th largest economy, is rated BBB-/Baa3 (lowest investment grade), similar to countries with weaker growth and higher debt ratios (e.g., Italy).

Reasons for India’s Push for Reforms:

• Bias Against Developing Economies: Developing nations with strong fundamentals receive lower ratings than some developed countries with weaker metrics.
• Flawed Debt Assessment: Ratings often treat largely domestic debt as foreign currency debt and underweigh high GDP growth, making debt more sustainable.
• Overemphasis on Perception: Subjective and potentially biased factors (like political stability surveys) are overweighted, while tangible reforms and growth are underweighted.
• Pro-Cyclical Downgrades: Agencies tend to downgrade during economic stress, increasing borrowing costs when funds are most needed.
• Conflict of Interest & Lack of Alternatives: Agencies are paid by rated entities, raising credibility concerns. Dominance of Western agencies and lack of Global South alternatives limits balanced perspectives.
• Failure to Predict Crises & Lack of Transparency: Past failures (e.g., 2008 crisis) and opaque methodologies undermine credibility and fairness.

Proposed Reforms for Sovereign Credit Rating System:

• Greater Transparency: Disclose metric weightages, undergo independent audits, incorporate country-specific factors.
• Increased Objectivity: Use hard data and real-time indicators (AI/Big Data) instead of perception-based metrics.
• Alternative Agencies: Foster CRAs from the Global South (India, BRICS, G20) to counter Western dominance.
• Regulatory Oversight: Establish a global supervisory body (IMF/G20) to audit and regulate rating practices.
• Incorporate Non-Economic Indicators: Include climate resilience, digital capacity, and policy reforms for a broader sustainability assessment.
• Peer Comparability: Implement real-time updates and peer comparison dashboards.

Conclusion: India seeks reforms to ensure transparent, data-driven, and equitable credit assessments that reflect the true economic potential of developing nations, countering Western dominance in the current system.

Aluminium and Copper Vision Documents Released: India has launched long-term plans for its aluminium and copper sectors to boost domestic capacity, ensure resource security, and promote green manufacturing. This aligns with the goal of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.

Ambitious Aluminium Targets: The vision aims for a sixfold increase in aluminium production to 37 MTPA by 2047.

Securing Aluminium Raw Materials: Bauxite production is targeted to reach 150 MTPA.

Sustainable Aluminium Growth: Plans include doubling the aluminium recycling rate and adopting low-carbon technologies for production.

Copper Demand and Capacity Expansion: India anticipates a sixfold increase in domestic copper demand by 2047 and plans to add 5 MTPA refining capacity by 2030.

Reducing Copper Import Dependence: A key strategy is to boost secondary refining and secure overseas mineral assets, including setting up foreign refining facilities.

Strategic Importance for Clean Energy: Both metals are crucial for renewable energy infrastructure (solar panels) and electric vehicles, supporting the clean energy transition.

Economic Growth Drivers: These sectors are vital for construction, transport, and machinery industries, contributing to overall economic expansion.

Emphasis on Responsible Practices: The vision incorporates principles of responsible mining and the “6 R’s” of mine closure for environmental sustainability.

Geographic Distribution: Odisha leads in bauxite reserves and aluminium production (NALCO, Vedanta). Rajasthan is the largest copper ore producer (Khetri-Singhana, HCL).

Renewed Scrutiny of IWT: The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960, is being re-evaluated due to evolving geopolitical tensions and climate change impacts, despite its historical success in surviving wars.

Treaty Structure & Asymmetry: The IWT allocates western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) primarily to Pakistan and eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India. India has limited usage rights on western rivers, creating an asymmetry of obligations favoring Pakistan.

India’s Concerns:

• Asymmetric Obligations: India, as the upper riparian, has restricted usage rights on major rivers compared to Pakistan.
• Diplomatic Misuse by Pakistan: Pakistan has escalated technical water disputes to political and legal forums, undermining the treaty’s spirit.
• Climate Change Ignorance: The treaty does not account for climate variability, altered precipitation, or glacial retreat, impacting water availability.
• “Keeping Treaty in Abeyance”: India’s current stance signals a strategic shift, suggesting potential withdrawal or renegotiation due to these unresolved issues.

Strategic & Environmental Imperatives: India requires enhanced water security for agriculture and energy, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The treaty needs modernization to incorporate climate resilience and technological advancements.

Broader Regional Context: China’s upstream activities on rivers like the Brahmaputra necessitate a pan-Himalayan water policy. India must also manage hydro-diplomacy with Bangladesh and Nepal.

Way Forward: India advocates for renegotiating or restructuring the IWT to align with mutual benefit, equitable use, and modern scientific principles, moving beyond its historical rigidity.

India’s New Role: India aims to transition from a passive treaty signatory to an active participant in regional water governance, aligning water diplomacy with national interests and sustainable development.

India hosted CWC Regional Meeting: India recently hosted the 23rd Regional Meeting of National Authorities of States Parties in Asia under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). This highlights India’s active role in promoting the CWC’s objectives in the Asian region.

CWC Bans Chemical Weapons: The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) is a treaty that prohibits the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons, and mandates their destruction.

OPCW Oversees Implementation: The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), with 193 member states, oversees the implementation of the CWC. The OPCW’s efforts in eliminating chemical weapons were recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013.

India’s Commitment to CWC: India is an original signatory and implements the CWC through its National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), established under the Chemical Weapons Convention Act, 2000.

Indian Chemical Council Honored: The Indian Chemical Council (ICC), India’s oldest chemical industry association, received the OPCW-The Hague Award 2024, marking the first time an industry body globally has received this award. This recognizes India’s industry’s contribution to CWC compliance.

Definition of Chemical Weapons: The CWC defines chemical weapons as any toxic chemical or device intended to cause harm or death, including delivery systems. It also requires the destruction of old and abandoned chemical weapons and declaration of riot-control agents.

Supreme Court Declines Plea on Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949: The Supreme Court refused to hear a petition challenging the Act, which aims for better management of the Mahabodhi Temple.

• Why in News: This decision upholds the existing legal framework governing the management of one of Buddhism’s holiest sites.

Mahabodhi Temple’s Significance: It’s the site where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.

• Why in News: Reinforces the global importance of the temple as a pilgrimage destination and a symbol of Buddhist heritage.

Historical and Architectural Importance: The temple has origins in Emperor Ashoka’s era (3rd century BC) with the current structure dating to the 5th-6th centuries. It showcases early brick temple architecture from the Gupta period.

• Why in News: Highlights the deep historical roots and architectural value of the site, contributing to its UNESCO World Heritage status.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized for its cultural and historical importance.

• Why in News: Underscores its international recognition and the need for its preservation.

What is RECLAIM Framework?

• An India-specific policy tool for just and sustainable mine closures.
• Developed by the Coal Controller Organisation (Ministry of Coal) with the Heartfulness Institute.
• Aims for inclusive community participation, ecological restoration, and long-term socio-economic recovery.
• Focuses on gender inclusivity, vulnerable groups, and convergence with Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Why in News?

• Launched by the Ministry of Coal to ensure just and sustainable mine closures.

Key Features:

• Promotes community-centric planning with emphasis on gender equity and livelihood diversification.
• Ensures institutional convergence with local governance structures.
• Provides actionable, field-tested tools for Indian mining regions.
• Includes phases for pre-closure, closure, and post-closure activities.

Significance:

• Mitigates socio-economic and environmental impacts of mine closures.
• Supports SDGs and promotes transparency and accountability.
• Serves as a replicable model for other sectors.

Key Challenges RECLAIM Aims to Address:

• Gap Between Policy and Practice: Only a few mines formally closed despite guidelines, leading to abandoned mines, ecological degradation, and risks.
• Lack of Proper Rehabilitation: Unsustainable mining practices reduce community capacity for participation in closure.
• Lack of Land Return Framework: Unclear policies delay land return and just transition efforts.
• Technological & Economic Challenges: Existing plans are technical, neglecting socio-economic justice; high escrow requirements deter closure activities.

• Why in News: This is a significant policy shift by the US impacting global money flows, particularly affecting countries reliant on remittances.

• Why in News: The exemptions mean a potentially smaller impact than initially feared, as formal channels are often preferred.

• Why in News: This reassures that India’s substantial remittance inflows, crucial for its economy, are unlikely to be severely disrupted.

• Why in News: Highlights the immense economic importance of remittances to India, serving as a stable source of foreign exchange and supporting consumption.

• Why in News: Shows the evolving global landscape of Indian migration and its financial impact, with a shift towards developed countries.

Three out of four NMC autonomous boards lack presidents.

• Why in news: This critical leadership vacuum cripples the functioning of the NMC, India’s apex medical education regulator.

Significant vacancies across board posts (11 of 18 full-time, 6 part-time).

• Why in news: Exacerbates the leadership void and hinders specialized regulatory functions.

Ad hoc functioning, stalling inspections, decisions, and curriculum updates.

• Why in news: Directly impacts the quality and progress of medical education and regulation.

Non-technical staff conducting college inspections.

• Why in news: Raises serious concerns about the quality assurance and validity of college assessments.

Delays in new medical college inspections and seat renewals.

• Why in news: Affects the growth and accessibility of medical education seats.

Academic changes stalled, including curriculum updates on sensitive issues.

• Why in news: Prevents essential modernization and addressing contemporary healthcare needs.

No full Commission meeting in nearly a year.

• Why in news: Indicates a severe breakdown in the apex decision-making body’s operations.

Students and colleges affected by regulatory inaction.

• Why in news: Highlights the tangible negative consequences of the NMC’s current paralysis.

Leadership Crisis: Three of the NMC’s four autonomous boards lack presidents, with numerous other vacancies, hindering critical decision-making and operations.

• Why in News: This vacuum has led to ad hoc functioning, delaying essential tasks like medical college inspections and academic governance, impacting regulatory credibility.

Operational Paralysis: The NMC is functioning in an ad hoc manner, with regular activities like college inspections and seat approvals delayed or suspended. General body meetings have ceased since late 2023.

• Why in News: This policy paralysis prevents crucial reforms, curriculum updates, and disciplinary actions, leaving standards and ethics on paper.

Flawed Inspection System: Virtual inspections relying on CCTV and self-declared data lack rigor and are often conducted by non-technical personnel, making them prone to manipulation.

• Why in News: This undermines the goal of transparent, merit-based regulation and creates opportunities for corruption, potentially compromising the quality of medical education.

Impact on Medical Education & Public Health: Delays in approving new colleges/seats affect admissions, while stalled reforms hinder progress on issues like gender sensitivity and medico-legal ethics. This dysfunction threatens India’s goal of increasing doctor density and meeting global health standards.

• Why in News: The NMC’s ineffectiveness directly impacts the supply and quality of doctors, crucial for public health outcomes, especially in underserved areas.

PM Modi Highlights Ramleela’s Transnational Reach: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Trinidad, emphasized Lord Ram as a “divine link beyond oceans,” acknowledging the significant cultural presence of Ramleela among the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago.

Ramleela: A Symbol of Indian Heritage in Trinidad: The tradition was brought to Trinidad by Indian indentured laborers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar between 1838 and 1917. They preserved and performed Ramleela, a dramatic retelling of Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas, as a vital link to their cultural identity in a new land.

Cultural Continuity and Identity: Despite having few possessions, migrants carried or memorized the Ramcharitmanas, making Ramleela a powerful symbol of cultural continuity and identity for Indo-Trinidadians, reinforcing their “Indianness” within a Caribbean context.

Ramleela: A Traditional Folk Theatre: Ramleela is a traditional dramatic re-enactment of Lord Ram’s life, primarily based on the Ramcharitmanas. It’s a vibrant folk theatre form popular in northern India, often performed during Navratri and culminating in Dussehra with the burning of Ravana’s effigy.

Roots in Bhakti Movement: Originating from the Bhakti movement, Ramleela gained prominence in the 16th century, blending drama, music, and moral education, reinforcing values like dharma, sacrifice, and loyalty.

Folk Theatre’s Role in India: Indian folk theatre, characterized by oral traditions, community participation, religious themes, and local dialects, serves as a vital medium for education, entertainment, and social commentary, preserving local culture and promoting community bonding.

OPCW Asia Meeting in New Delhi: The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) held its 23rd Regional Meeting for Asia in New Delhi from July 1st to 3rd, 2025.

Focus on CWC Implementation: The meeting aimed to share best practices, enhance cooperation, and address challenges in the national implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).

Promoting a Chemical Weapons-Free World: The ultimate goal was to reinforce the global commitment to preventing the proliferation and use of chemical weapons.

Key Functions of OPCW: The OPCW oversees the global effort to eliminate chemical weapons, verifies compliance with the CWC, and assists member states in meeting their obligations. It also promotes the peaceful use of chemistry.

India’s Role: India, an original signatory to the CWC, hosted the meeting through its National Authority (NACWC). India’s Chemical Council (ICC) was recognized with the OPCW-The Hague Award 2024 for its role in promoting chemical safety.

Nobel Peace Prize Recipient: The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons.

Regional Cooperation: The meeting facilitated exchange of experiences and strengthened regional cooperation among Asian nations in implementing the CWC, covering legislative frameworks, chemical safety, industry involvement, and emerging technologies like AI.

• Structured, step-by-step guide for inclusive community engagement.
• Actionable tools, templates, and methodologies tailored for India.
• Emphasis on gender inclusivity, vulnerable groups, and Panchayati Raj Institutions.
• Balances ecological restoration with socio-economic well-being.

• Reach Out (understand community needs)
• Envision (define shared future)
• Co-Design (plan together)
• Localise (adapt strategies)
• Act (implement with participation)
• Integrate (ensure sustainability)
• Maintain (sustain progress)

RSS Leaders’ Demand: Recent calls by RSS leaders to remove “socialism” and “secularism” from the Preamble.

• Why it’s news: This challenges foundational values of the Indian Republic.

Inherent Values: Socialism and secularism were inherent in the Constitution’s spirit and text since inception, not just added by the 42nd Amendment (1976).

• Why it matters: Demonstrates the long-standing commitment to these principles.

Socialism in the Constitution:

• Preamble: Enshrines “socialist” for social, economic, and political justice.
• Directive Principles: Articles 38 and 39 promote equitable wealth distribution and public welfare (e.g., Right to Education Act, MNREGA).
• Judicial Recognition: Supreme Court has defined Indian socialism as “democratic socialism” aiming to end poverty and inequality (D.S. Nakara v. Union of India).
• Why it matters: Ensures equal opportunity and dignity for all citizens.

Secularism in the Constitution:

• Indian Secularism: Promotes positive secularism – equal respect and protection for all religions, not just neutrality.
• Articles 25-28 & 15: Guarantee freedom of religion and non-discrimination on religious grounds.
• Basic Structure: Reaffirmed as part of the unamendable Basic Structure by the Supreme Court (Kesavananda Bharati, Bommai judgments).
• Why it matters: Protects religious freedom and India’s pluralistic fabric.

Criticism of Removal:

• Assault on Vision: Seen as an attack on the foundational vision of India.
• Majoritarian Theocracy: Could promote majoritarian rule over inclusive democracy.
• Dismantling Pluralism: Risks breaking down India’s pluralistic framework and deepening divisions.

Basic Structure Doctrine: Parliament cannot alter the Basic Structure, which includes secularism and socialism.

• Why it matters: Even if words are removed from the Preamble, the spirit remains legally protected in enforceable rights.

Constitutional Morality: Ambedkar emphasized “constitutional morality” and equal protection.

• Why it matters: Safeguarding these principles is crucial during ideological contestations.

US Courts Side with Tech Companies on AI Training Data: Recent rulings found that training generative AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini on copyrighted materials does not violate copyright law under current interpretations.

“Fair Use” and “Transformative” Use Arguments Prevail: Tech companies successfully argued that using copyrighted works for AI training is “transformative” and falls under the fair use doctrine, allowing limited use for broader purposes.

Divergent Judicial Reasoning: Judges used different legal bases, one focusing on the “lawful acquisition” of data and another on the lack of proven market harm from AI-generated content.

Ongoing Legal Battles: Despite these rulings, numerous lawsuits (at least 21 in the US) remain, addressing direct copying and removal of copyright information, with cases like Kadrey v. Meta and The New York Times v. OpenAI still active.

Global Legal Scrutiny: Legal challenges are also emerging internationally, particularly in the UK and Europe, questioning the need for AI companies to license training data.

AI Training Data Sources: Generative AI models learn by identifying patterns in vast datasets, which include books, articles, images, and sounds often sourced from the internet.

Creator Concerns: Creators argue that AI training on their work, especially from pirated sources, amounts to “theft” and undermines their ability to earn a living by allowing AI to generate similar content cheaply.

Intellectual Property in India: The provided context also outlines various Indian IP types, including Patents, Trademarks, Copyright, Designs, Geographical Indications, Trade Secrets, and Plant Varieties Protection, highlighting the diverse legal landscape for protecting creations.

• Armoured Recovery Vehicles (battlefield recovery/maintenance).
• Electronic Warfare Systems (situational awareness/combat).
• Surface-to-Air Missiles (air defence).
• Moored Mines (coastal deterrents).
• Mine Counter Measure Vessels (naval mine detection/clearance).
• Super Rapid Gun Mounts (naval artillery).
• Submersible Autonomous Vessels (undersea reconnaissance).
• Integrated Common Inventory Management System (tri-services supply chain).

New Wave of U.S. Imperialism: Recent U.S. foreign policy, especially under “America First,” exhibits traits of imperialism, evident in West Asian military actions. This raises concerns about unilateralism, military dominance, diplomatic coercion, and the weakening of multilateral institutions, reflecting a shift in global power dynamics.

Declining but Aggressive Hegemon: While U.S. hegemonic control may be declining (evidenced by neoliberalism crisis and trade wars), its foreign policy remains aggressive. Policies like tariffs on allies and unilateral military actions (e.g., striking Iranian nuclear facilities without sanction) demonstrate this.

Violation of Rules-Based Order: The U.S. has increasingly departed from the international rules-based order it helped establish, relying on pre-emptive military actions and pursuing strategic interests without global consensus, mirroring traditional imperial powers.

Economic Imperialism: U.S. hegemony is also maintained through economic means like sanctions and control over global finance (SWIFT, IMF), coupled with the weaponization of trade policies. The “America First” doctrine actively undermines multilateral agreements.

Rise of Multipolarity: The global order is evolving towards multipolarity, necessitating stronger global blocs to counterbalance U.S. and China-led poles. Nations like India are crucial for a non-aligned, sovereign foreign policy.

India’s Role: India acts as a “swing state,” prioritizing strategic autonomy to protect its economic and energy interests. It should champion Global South solidarity against debt crises, war, and sanctions, advocating for a pluralistic international order.

Modern Imperialism vs. Cold War: Contemporary U.S. imperialism differs from the Cold War era due to the rise of China, a fragmented West, and a growing demand for multipolarity.

Why in News: The custodial death of Ajith Kumar in Tamil Nadu has reignited concerns about custodial torture in India, with the Madras High Court noting the severity of injuries.

Nature of Custodial Torture: It involves inflicting physical or mental suffering on individuals in custody, a severe human rights violation leading to custodial deaths.

Prevalence in Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu has a history of police brutality, with 490 custodial deaths reported between 2016-2022. Notable cases include Ambasamudram (2023) and Sathankulam (2020).

National Statistics: Between 2016-2022, India recorded 11,656 custodial deaths. Uttar Pradesh had the highest number (2,630), while Tamil Nadu led among southern states.

Lack of Accountability: Despite arrests and chargesheets, there have been zero convictions for custodial deaths between 2017-2022 across India. Similarly, only 3 out of 74 human rights violation cases against police resulted in convictions during the same period.

Disproportionate Impact on SCs: In Tamil Nadu, Scheduled Castes (SCs) face disproportionate custodial torture. In 2022, SCs constituted 38.5% of detenues, significantly higher than their 20% population share.

Legal and Constitutional Safeguards:

• Constitutional: Articles 14 (equality), 21 (life and personal liberty, freedom from torture), 20(1) (no retrospective punishment), and 20(3) (protection against self-incrimination).
• Legal (New Codes): Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Section 120 penalizes causing hurt for confessions), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (Section 35 mandates documented arrest procedures), Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (Section 22 invalidates coerced confessions).
• International: UN Charter, ICCPR, UDHR, UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) are relevant, though India has not ratified UNCAT.

Challenges: Lack of specific anti-torture legislation, weak enforcement leading to impunity, overburdened institutions like Human Rights Commissions, fear of reprisal among victims, and systemic judicial delays.

Suggested Reforms: Enact a specific Prevention of Torture law, ratify UNCAT, ensure institutional accountability, reform policing structures, introduce human rights training for police, and establish independent oversight and investigative bodies.

Major Publishers Blocking AI Crawlers: Leading US and UK publishers are preventing AI web crawlers from accessing their content.

• Why in News: This action highlights concerns about unauthorized use of copyrighted material for AI training and has prompted similar demands in India for consent-based safeguards and fair revenue sharing.

AI Web Crawlers Explained: Automated software that collects internet content to train AI models (LLMs) or for live information retrieval by AI assistants.

• Types: Model training crawlers (e.g., GPTBot) and live retrieval crawlers (used by Bing, ChatGPT).

Concerns for India:

• Lack of Regulatory Framework: India lacks oversight for AI companies accessing web content, allowing large firms to benefit from Indian content without consent or compensation for smaller publishers.
• Copyright Enforcement: Existing copyright laws are not equipped for AI training data rights or AI-generated derivative works. “Fair use” versus “unlicensed training” lacks clear interpretation.
• Ethical AI Use: Lack of transparency in data sources for AI training leads to unacknowledged creators, potential biases, and inaccurate AI outputs.

Indian Publishers’ Stance: Groups like DNPA are protesting “unauthorized data theft” and urging the government to act against rampant data scraping, advocating for consent-based access and a licensing framework.

Global Shift & India’s Path:

• Cloudflare’s Default Blocking: Signals an industry shift, allowing website owners to control AI crawler access.
• India’s Response Needed: India should study global frameworks (EU’s AI Act, US legal challenges) to develop its own model, defining “unauthorized data scraping” and establishing consent-based licensing. Collaboration with platforms like Cloudflare for technical blocking tools is also recommended.

50th Anniversary: CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, celebrated 50 years on July 1, 2025.

• Why in News: This milestone marks half a century of international efforts to regulate wildlife trade.

What is CITES?

• Also known as the Washington Convention, signed in 1973 and effective from 1975.
• Aims to ensure international wildlife trade is sustainable, legal, and traceable.
• Covers over 40,000 species of animals and plants.
• Administered by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
• Has 185 Parties, including India (member since 1976).

How CITES Works:

• Regulates trade through export, import, and re-export permits.
• Member countries appoint management and scientific authorities.
• Uses an Appendices system to categorize species based on threat levels (Appendix I: endangered, Appendix II: controlled trade, Appendix III: species requiring cooperation).

Importance of CITES:

• Addresses the threat of extinction posed by unregulated wildlife trade and habitat loss.
• Considered a highly effective environmental agreement.
• Supported by tools like the CITES Trade Database.
• Has helped conserve species like African elephants and pangolins.
• Initiatives like MIKE have reduced elephant poaching.
• India has strengthened cooperation by including CITES-listed species in its Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022.
• Complements work of UN entities like FAO and UNDP.

Kariyachalli Island Facing Imminent Submergence: The island, located in the Gulf of Mannar, has shrunk by over 70% since 1969 and is projected to be submerged by 2036 due to erosion, rising sea levels, and coral reef degradation.

Vital Ecosystem Under Threat: Kariyachalli is part of India’s major coral reef regions and a crucial habitat for endangered species like dugongs, which depend on seagrass.

Conservation Efforts Under TNSHORE Project: Tamil Nadu is launching the TNSHORE project to protect the island. This initiative includes installing artificial reef modules, planting seagrass, and restoring coral habitats to stabilize the shoreline and reduce wave energy.

Island’s Shrinking Size: The island’s landmass has drastically reduced from 20.85 hectares in 1969 to under six hectares in 2024, highlighting the urgency of conservation.

Coral Bleaching Exacerbates Risk: Approximately 30% of the coral around the island has bleached, making the island more vulnerable to erosion.

• A framework for voluntary merger of UCBs to ensure financial stability and protect depositors.
• Governed by the Master Direction on Amalgamation of Urban Co-operative Banks, 2020.
• Legally backed by the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2020.
• Permits mergers if specific conditions related to financial soundness and depositor protection are met.
• Requires board, shareholder, and RBI approvals.

• Positive Net Worth: Merger possible with full depositor protection.
• Negative Net Worth (without government support): Stronger bank can merge while voluntarily protecting depositors.
• Negative Net Worth (with government support): Merger with full depositor protection backed by State Government financial support.

• Promote financial inclusion, serving small borrowers and low-income groups.
• Community-centric operations, meeting local credit needs.
• Meet Priority Sector Lending (PSL) obligations.
• Important in financing urban development and small-scale enterprises.

• Weak governance, fraud risks, and political interference.
• Financial weakness, high NPAs, and capital inadequacy.
• Limited scale and technological obsolescence.
• Declining sectoral relevance in lending and total banking assets.

• Strengthen governance and oversight.
• Promote consolidation through voluntary mergers.
• Ensure independent and regular audits.
• Accelerate technology adoption.

• Record Revenue Growth: FY25 gross collection of ₹22.08 lakh crore, outperforming nominal GDP, indicating better compliance and formalization.
• Digital Transformation: Shift from manual to digital processes (e-invoicing, e-way bills) has reduced errors, fraud, and improved efficiency for MSMEs.
• Expanded Taxpayer Base: Over 1.51 crore active GST registrations, a substantial increase from 2017, showing economic formalization.
• Ease of Doing Business: Removal of inter-state tax barriers, cascading effects, and streamlined input tax credit (ITC) have lowered business costs.
• Efficient Refund Processing: Automated IGST refunds within a week boost exporter liquidity.

• Exclusion of Items: Petroleum and alcohol remain outside GST, causing tax cascading and ineligible ITC.
• Delayed GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT): Non-operational benches in many states lead to appeal backlogs and taxpayer uncertainty.
• Complex Rate Structure: Multiple tax slabs cause classification disputes, litigation, and working capital issues.
• Procedural and Compliance Hassles: Persistent issues like high-value litigations and frequent rule changes overshadow simplification efforts.
• Interpretational Ambiguities: Unclear taxation of intermediary services, intra-company transactions, and employee secondment create compliance grey areas.

• Phased Approach: Gradual inclusion of petroleum products and alcohol.
• Rate Slab Rationalization: Simplification of tax slabs and addressing inverted duty structures.
• Strengthening Dispute Resolution: Operationalizing GSTAT nationwide and implementing amnesty schemes.
• Digital Integration: Integrating GSTN with other government portals for seamless data sharing.
• Expanding Tax Base: Addressing emerging sectors like crypto-assets and digital goods.

Why in News: UN Women warned of a global rollback in gender equality, citing rising violence, deepening poverty, and increasing exclusion for women, marking a “historic and precarious moment” for women’s rights globally. This warning comes ahead of significant anniversaries: 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), 25 years of UNSC Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), and UN Women’s own 15th anniversary.

Key Issues Faced by Women:

• Political Backlash & Lack of Representation: Nearly 1 in 4 countries face backlash against women’s rights. Women possess only 64% of the legal rights men have, and 51% of countries restrict women from the same jobs. Men hold 75% of lawmaker positions, and only 4% of development aid focused on gender equality (2021-2022).
• Disproportionate Impact of Violence: 85,000 women and girls were killed in 2023, with one killed every 10 minutes by a partner. 8 in 10 peace talks (2020-2023) excluded women.
• Economic Inequality: Women earn 20% less than men for equal work and perform 2.5 times more unpaid care work.
• Food and Education Insecurity: 47.8 million more women than men face food insecurity. 119 million girls are out of school.
• Climate Vulnerability: Climate change could drive 158 million more women into extreme poverty by 2050, yet women comprise only 28% of environment ministers.
• Poor Health Access: Nearly 800 women die daily from preventable pregnancy-related causes.

UN Women’s Proposed Solutions:

• Strengthen Commitment and Leadership: Advocate for political will, gender-responsive systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, and promoting women’s leadership.
• Gender-Inclusive Peacebuilding: Increase investment in conflict prevention and women’s participation in peace processes.
• Economic Empowerment: Push for equal pay, anti-discrimination laws, and investment in care infrastructure.
• Eradicate Poverty and Food Insecurity: Implement social protection measures and policies to close gender gaps in agriculture and wages.
• Expand Access to Education & Technology: Reduce education costs, offer incentives, ensure safe learning, and improve digital access and safety.

• First Level: A Special Purpose Fund (SPF) within ANRF acts as the custodian.
• Second Level: SPF allocates funds to fund managers via concessional loans, equity for startups, and contributions to Deep-Tech Funds of Funds.

Why in News: Union Cabinet approved National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, replacing the 2001 policy, to make India a global sporting powerhouse and target the 2036 Olympics.

Key Pillars of NSP 2025:

• Excellence on the Global Stage: Strengthen grassroots to elite sports, early talent identification, competitive leagues, world-class training, improved NSF governance, and sports science integration.
• Sports for Economic Development: Promote sports tourism, manufacturing, startups, and attract private investment.
• Sports for Social Development: Enhance inclusion for marginalized groups, revive traditional games, and engage the diaspora.
• Sports as a People’s Movement: Drive mass participation and a fitness culture through campaigns and improved facility access.
• Integration with Education (NEP 2020): Integrate sports into school curricula and train educators.

Strategic Framework:

• Governance: Establish legal and regulatory frameworks for transparency and accountability.
• Private Sector Participation: Mobilize private investment via PPPs and CSR.
• Technology and Innovation: Utilize AI and data analytics for performance tracking.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Create a national framework with KPIs and time-bound targets.
• Model Policy for States: Guide states in developing their sports policies.
• Whole-of-Government Approach: Integrate sports promotion across all ministries.

DengiAll Reaches Milestone in Phase 3 Trials: India’s first indigenous tetravalent dengue vaccine, DengiAll, has enrolled 50% of its target volunteers in Phase 3 clinical trials, marking a significant step towards combating the disease.

Developed with NIH Collaboration: DengiAll is developed by Panacea Biotec under a licensing agreement with the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), targeting all four dengue virus subtypes. It shares the same virus composition as the NIH-developed vaccine.

Promising Early Results: Phase I and II trials in India demonstrated a balanced and robust immune response across all four dengue serotypes with no major safety concerns reported. NIH’s evaluation in the US also yielded promising early-stage results.

Addressing a Critical Health Need: Dengue has no specific antiviral treatment, and severe cases can be life-threatening. DengiAll’s development is crucial given India’s substantial dengue burden.

Large-Scale Clinical Trial: The Phase 3 trial, coordinated by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), aims to recruit 10,355 volunteers aged 18-60, with follow-ups extending for two years post-vaccination.

No Specific Treatment for Dengue: Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease with symptoms including high fever, severe headache, and joint pain. While diagnosis is via blood test, care is supportive.

India’s Dengue Burden: India faces a heavy dengue burden, with over 2.3 lakh cases and 297 deaths reported in 2024.

Trial Details: The trial involves 20 sites across India and aims to conclude enrolment by October. Follow-up is expected to be completed by the last quarter of 2027.

Elevated Ties to Comprehensive Partnership: India and Ghana upgraded their relationship to a “Comprehensive Partnership,” signifying deeper cooperation across various sectors.

• Why in News: This was a key outcome of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit, the first by an Indian PM in over 30 years, marking a historic milestone.

Strategic Cooperation and Digital Sharing: India offered to share its digital public infrastructure expertise, including UPI, to aid Ghana’s digital transformation.

• Why in News: Demonstrates India’s commitment to supporting developing nations with its technological advancements.

Target to Double Bilateral Trade: Both nations aim to double their two-way trade within the next five years.

• Why in News: Highlights the strong economic partnership, with India being a key trading partner and investor in Ghana.

Defence and Security Cooperation: Agreement to enhance collaboration in areas like armed forces training, maritime security, defense supply, and cybersecurity under the “security through solidarity” mantra.

• Why in News: Reflects India’s growing defense engagement in Africa and its role in regional stability.

Support for Global South: Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the Global South’s priorities, with India thanking Ghana for its support.

• Why in News: Underscores India’s continued role as a voice for developing nations on the global stage.

Cultural and Traditional Medicine Exchange: MoUs were signed to promote cultural understanding and collaborate in traditional medicine research.

• Why in News: Signifies the deepening people-to-people connections and recognition of shared heritage.

PM Modi Conferred Ghana’s Highest Civilian Honour: Prime Minister Modi was awarded ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana.’

• Why in News: A special gesture acknowledging India’s influential global leadership and the strong personal ties between the leaders.

• Why: Habitat destruction due to rampant mangrove destruction threatens its existence.

• Why: Expansion of salt pans and industrial activities in protected Coastal Regulation Zone-I areas are the primary culprits, involving illegal embankment of creeks and uprooting of mangroves.

• Why: Violations continue, and safeguards are not enforced, leading to a second execution appeal filed in December 2024.

• Why: Loss of habitat and food sources is directly impacting the camel population and the traditional camel herders.

• Why: They seek to protect the Kharai camel and its vital mangrove habitat for future generations, with a crucial NGT hearing scheduled for July 9.

Early and Widespread Monsoon in India (2025): India experienced an unusually early and widespread monsoon, triggered by a rare alignment of atmospheric and oceanic factors.

Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) Impact: The active phase of the MJO over the Indian Ocean in mid-May significantly boosted rainfall and helped initiate the early monsoon onset.

Multiple Low-Pressure Systems: Five low-pressure systems formed in June across India, accelerating the monsoon’s progress by drawing in moisture.

Early Kerala Onset: The monsoon arrived in Kerala on May 24, eight days earlier than usual, setting the stage for national coverage.

Strong Somali Jet: An unusually powerful Somali Jet rapidly transported moisture from the Indian Ocean, intensifying rainfall along India’s west coast.

High Atmospheric Moisture: Elevated global temperatures contributed to higher atmospheric moisture, aiding early cloud formation and rainfall.

Reduced Snow Cover: Lower snow cover in the Himalayas and Eurasia led to increased land heating, which strengthened monsoon circulation.

Favourable ENSO and IOD: Neutral ENSO and neutral-to-slightly-positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions removed traditional obstacles that typically hinder monsoon development.

Objective: Generate over 3.5 crore jobs in the organised sector from August 2025 to July 2027.

• Why in News: Ambitious target for job creation, particularly for new entrants and manufacturing.

Part A: Incentive to First-Time Employees:

• Benefit: One month’s wage (max ₹15,000) for EPFO-registered employees earning up to ₹1 lakh/month.
• Why in News: Direct financial support for new workers to encourage formal employment and provide initial financial stability.

Part B: Support to Employers:

• Benefit: Monthly incentives for EPFO-registered employers hiring additional staff (up to ₹1 lakh/month wage).
• Why in News: Encourages businesses, especially MSMEs and manufacturing firms, to expand their workforce by offsetting employment costs. Manufacturing sector gets extended benefits.

Target Beneficiaries: Primarily aims to benefit 1.92 crore first-time employees and create jobs for nearly 2.6 crore individuals through employer incentives.

• Why in News: Focuses on broadening formal sector participation and addressing unemployment.

Payment Mechanism: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for employees and credited to PAN-linked accounts for employers.

• Why in News: Ensures transparency and efficient delivery of incentives.

• Targets 1.92 crore EPFO-registered first-time employees.
• Offers a one-month EPF wage (up to Rs 15,000) in two installments (after 6 and 12 months of service).
• Second installment contingent on completing a financial literacy program.
• A portion will be in a fixed savings account to encourage long-term saving.

• Incentives for hiring additional workers (salary ≤ Rs 1 lakh).
• Employers get up to Rs 3,000/month for 2 years.
• Manufacturing sector gets extended benefits for the 3rd and 4th years.
• Firms must hire a minimum number of additional employees (2 for <50 employees, 5 for ≥50 employees) with 6 months’ retention.

• Boosts private sector hiring by reducing costs.
• Focuses on youth employability and social security.
• Promotes job retention and upskilling (financial literacy).
• Aims to formalize the workforce through EPFO linkage.
• Supports inclusion for economically disadvantaged youth.

What is EPABX? Electronic Private Automatic Branch Exchange (EPABX) is a telephone system for businesses that manages internal and external calls. It allows multiple phones to share a single external line.

How it Works: Users dial extensions for internal calls, while external calls require an access code to use shared trunk lines connected to the public telephone network.

Switching Mechanism: The core is its switching system, which directs calls. Early EPABXs used electromechanical relays. Modern systems use digital electronic switching (PCM and TDM) and integrate with Voice over IP (VoIP) for internet-based communication.

Evolution: The technology has advanced from mechanical switches to digital systems and now to IP-based communication, improving scalability and cost-effectiveness.

Benefits: EPABX systems streamline workplace connectivity, enabling efficient internal communication and call management, including features like interactive voice response menus and call forwarding.

• Excellence on the Global Stage: Focuses on talent scouting, elite athlete pathways, coaching, infrastructure, and sports science.
• Sports for Economic Development: Promotes sports tourism, local manufacturing, international events, startups, and private investment.
• Sports for Social Development: Encourages participation from women, weaker sections, PwDs, and promotes traditional games.
• Sports as a People’s Movement: Drives mass participation, volunteerism, and diaspora engagement.
• Integration with Education: Embeds sports into school curricula as per NEP 2020, enabling dual-career paths.

• Deportation: A formal, legal process involving detection, detention, legal proceedings, identity verification, and repatriation via diplomatic channels, governed by laws like the Foreigners Act, 1946.
• Pushbacks: Informal, extra-legal returns of suspected foreigners at borders without due legal procedure, often conducted by the BSF. It lacks legal codification and judicial oversight, risking mistaken identity and human rights violations.

• Denial of Due Process: Foreigners’ Tribunals often shift the burden of proof, and pushbacks bypass fair hearings, violating natural justice.
• Impact on Marginalized Groups: Those without documentation, like tribals and the poor, are most affected, with citizenship becoming dependent on papers rather than birthright or residence.
• Weak Safeguards: Extra-legal methods like pushbacks reduce judicial oversight and accountability.
• Misuse of Laws: Outdated laws are cited to justify deportations, sometimes violating constitutional fairness.

• Rule of Law: Ensure all actions follow legal procedures and constitutional safeguards (Articles 14 & 21).
• Institutional Strengthening: Reform Foreigners Tribunals for transparency and accountability.
• Humanitarian Approach: Balance security with human rights, recognizing vulnerabilities and adopting fair procedures.
• Legal Clarity: Distinguish deportation from pushbacks and harmonize laws under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. India needs a clear policy for transparency and accountability aligned with international obligations like non-refoulement.

• Why: This eliminates the need for harmful greenhouse gases like HFCs and CFCs, which are major contributors to climate change and ozone depletion.

• Why: Traditional ACs use HFCs, potent greenhouse gases with high Global Warming Potential (GWP), targeted for reduction under the Kigali Amendment.

• Why: This means lower electricity consumption, reducing the overall carbon footprint of cooling.

• Why: These materials cool using pressure or electric currents (barocaloric effect), a solid-state process that doesn’t involve vapor compression and its associated emissions. The barocaloric effect involves materials changing temperature when pressure is applied or released, offering an eco-friendly alternative.

• Why: Offers a sustainable solution to a significant environmental challenge.

• Why: Positioned as a game-changer for the HVAC industry, potentially aiding global climate goals.

• Socialist: Signified state’s commitment to reducing inequality and ensuring distributive justice.
• Secular: Reaffirmed equal respect for all religions and state neutrality.
• “Integrity” was also added.

• Constitution was inherently secular and socialist even before the amendment.
• Reflected political will and historical context.
• Judicially endorsed as part of the basic structure (Kesavananda Bharati, S. R. Bommai, Minerva Mills).
• Supreme Court dismissed challenges in 2024, upholding validity.

• Against original intent; terms were already implicit.
• Inserted during Emergency without wide consultation, seen as tampering.
• Concerns about imposing Western ideas alien to Indian ethos.
• Procedural concerns about amending the Preamble retrospectively.

Union Cabinet Approves National Sports Policy 2025: This is a landmark initiative to reshape India’s sporting landscape and empower citizens through sports. It supersedes the National Sports Policy 2001.

Vision: Global Sporting Powerhouse: The policy aims to strategically position India as a leading nation in global sports.

Five Key Pillars: The policy is built on five core areas:

• Excellence on the Global Stage: Strengthening sports culture from grassroots to national level, focusing on talent identification, infrastructure, and athlete development.
• Sports for Economic Development: Leveraging sports for tourism, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship through startups and global event hosting.
• Sports for Social Development: Promoting inclusivity, equal opportunities, indigenous sports, and using sports for peace and international cooperation.
• Sports as a People’s Movement: Encouraging widespread participation for physical and mental well-being, with fitness rankings and improved access to facilities.
• Integration with Education (aligned with NEP 2020): Seamlessly incorporating sports into educational curricula, developing teacher training programs, and enhancing sports facilities in institutions.

Addressing Past Limitations: The policy aims to overcome issues of weak policy implementation and minimal societal/market involvement seen in the past.

Focus on Governance and Technology: It emphasizes strong professional sports governance, technological intervention, and private sector engagement.

Outcome of Broad Consultation: The policy is a result of extensive consultations with various government bodies, federations, athletes, and experts.

Technology as a Catalyst for Empowerment: Digital systems are redefining and democratizing empowerment by ensuring swift, transparent, and efficient delivery of rights, services, protection, and opportunities to women and children.

Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0: Modernizing over 2 lakh Anganwadi centres with smart infrastructure and digital devices enhances nutrition, healthcare, and education delivery. The Poshan Tracker allows real-time monitoring and policy interventions, registering over 10.14 crore beneficiaries.

Reducing Leakages in Nutrition: A facial recognition system for the Supplementary Nutrition Programme ensures that only eligible beneficiaries receive nutrition support, minimizing leakages.

Enhancing Women’s Safety: The SHe-Box portal offers a single point for women to report workplace sexual harassment, with online redressal. Mission Shakti dashboard and app connect women in distress to nearest one-stop centres.

Digital Financial Assistance for Mothers: Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a fully digital program, utilizing Aadhaar, mobile registration, and real-time dashboards to provide financial aid to pregnant and lactating mothers.

Broadband Penetration and Digital Divide: While 76.3% of Indian households have broadband, significant disparities exist across states, castes, gender, and class, with SC/ST households lagging behind. Mobile connectivity is widespread (94.2% rural, 97.1% urban).

Positive Outcomes: Digital transformation has contributed to an increased Sex Ratio at Birth (918 to 930) and a reduced Maternal Mortality Rate (130 to 97 per 1,000 births).

Child Protection and Welfare: The CARINGS portal improves transparency and efficiency in the adoption process. Child rights violations are tracked via NCPCR platforms, and Mission Vatsalya enhances coordination among child welfare stakeholders.

Way Forward: Bridging infrastructure gaps, strengthening data safeguards, and continuous capacity building are crucial for realizing a “digitally empowered Bharat.” Integrated governance, sustained tech funding, and community sensitization are key to overcoming challenges.

• Why: This is significant because it pushes back the timeline of Earth’s solid crust formation and offers insights into the planet’s very early, poorly understood Hadean eon.

• Why: This dual confirmation addresses previous scientific disagreements about the rocks’ age and makes this finding more robust than earlier estimates.

• Why: Intact rocks provide a more complete picture of early Earth’s crust, oceans, and potential conditions for life’s origin, unlike fragmented mineral samples.

• Why: This evidence challenges previous assumptions about Earth’s earliest environment and hints at conditions more conducive to early geological processes and potentially life.

• Why: This highlights the importance of balancing scientific research with the protection of culturally significant lands and preventing the exploitation or destruction of invaluable geological resources.

• Telephone connections rose to 120 crore, tele-density to 84.49%.
• Internet users grew by 285%, broadband by 1,452%.
• 5G rollout is rapid, with 4.74 lakh towers installed and data costs significantly reduced.
• BharatNet connected 2.18 lakh Gram Panchayats and extended 4G to over 6 lakh villages.

• UPI facilitated massive transactions, accounting for nearly half of global real-time transactions.
• Aadhaar and DBT have enabled substantial direct benefit transfers, curbing fraud in ration cards and LPG connections.
• ONDC and GeM have onboarded millions of sellers and government buyers.

• Digital Divide: Significant gaps in rural internet penetration and digital literacy persist.
• Cybersecurity: A shortage of professionals and increasing cyber incidents pose risks.
• Data Privacy: Concerns remain over enforcement of the DPDP Act and data misuse.
• Infrastructure: Issues like low broadband speeds and patchy 5G coverage hinder access.
• Environmental Impact: E-waste generation has increased significantly.

• Why in News: It highlights national recognition of tribal contributions to India’s history.

• Why in News: It emphasizes the early and significant role of tribal revolts against colonial rule, predating the 1857 revolt.

• Why in News: It underscores the importance of remembering and celebrating the specific tribal leaders and their sacrifices.

• Why in News: It explains the socio-economic causes behind the tribal revolt, demonstrating its deep-rooted nature.

• Why in News: It shows the direct and lasting legal impact of tribal resistance on safeguarding tribal land rights.

• Why in News: It provides context about the community at the heart of the uprising and their distinct identity.

• Why in News: This demonstrates inclusivity and respect for tribal languages and cultures at the highest level.

Inauguration of National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad: The Union Home Minister inaugurated the board’s headquarters in Nizamabad, Telangana. This fulfills a 40-year-old dream and a promise by the Prime Minister.

Develops Complete Value Chain: The board aims to create a full value chain for turmeric, covering packaging, branding, marketing, and export.

Reduces Middlemen & Boosts Farmer Income: By establishing the entire value chain, the board will eliminate middlemen, allowing farmers to earn an additional ₹6,000-₹7,000 per quintal.

Promotes GI-Tagged Organic Turmeric: The initiative will focus on marketing GI-certified organic turmeric varieties, like Lakadong, Kandhamal, and Erode.

Farmer Training and Skill Development: Farmers will receive training in best practices to meet export standards.

Ambitious Export Target: India, already the largest producer and exporter, aims to increase turmeric exports to $1 billion by 2030.

“Wonder Drug” Status: Turmeric, with its high curcumin content, is recognized for antiviral, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Supportive Infrastructure: Branch offices of Bharat Organic Cooperative Limited and Bharat Cooperative Exports Limited will also be opened in Nizamabad.

Fulfills Farmer Demand: The inauguration addresses a long-pending demand from turmeric farmers in Telangana.

Digital Fossil-Mining Uncovers Hidden Squid History: Scientists used advanced digital techniques (3D scanning, CT imaging, AI) to analyze fossils within rocks without damaging them. This method revealed previously undiscovered squid fossils.

Squids Dominated Oceans Earlier Than Thought: The study found evidence of at least 40 squid species from two modern groups (deep-sea and coastal) in 110-70 million-year-old rocks. This suggests squids were prevalent 30 million years earlier than previously believed.

Rapid Squid Diversification: Within a short period (around 6 million years), most known squid families had evolved, indicating rapid diversification early in their history.

Squids Replaced Other Cephalopods: By the Late Cretaceous period, squids were so abundant that their fossils outnumbered ammonites and bony fish, suggesting they were already replacing shelled cephalopods like belemnites and ammonites in marine ecosystems.

Early Pioneers of Modern Ocean Life: The findings suggest squids were early, intelligent, and agile animals that became significant components of marine ecosystems before the rise of marine mammals.

New Method Revolutionizes Paleontology: The digital fossil-mining technique, involving grinding rocks while taking detailed photographs to create 3D models, is a breakthrough for studying fragile fossils, particularly soft-bodied creatures like squids whose traditional fossilization is rare. This method successfully identified small squid beaks, a key hard part for identification.

• Why: This significantly expands our understanding of India’s animal diversity. Insects and fish were prominent in these discoveries.

• Why: This updates the national flora and highlights the ongoing discoveries in plant life.

• Why: This provides a comprehensive reference for researchers and policymakers, crucial for conservation efforts.

• Why: India houses 7-8% of the world’s documented species, making it vital for global conservation.

• Why: The ZSI is the primary organization for documenting India’s animal diversity, highlighting its ongoing contribution to science and conservation.

• Why: This indicates specific regions within India are exceptionally rich in undiscovered biodiversity.

• Why: It’s proposed as a more realistic and relatable measure of poverty than traditional calorie-based methods, reflecting actual consumption and regional price variations.

• Why: They fail to account for nutritional quality, non-food needs (health, education, housing), changing lifestyles, and significant urban-rural cost differences.

• Why: It directly links food costs to livelihood realities, making it a practical tool for policy decisions.

• Why: Critics argue for caution, as many citizens still rely on subsidies, and policy changes should be informed by more realistic, consumption-linked assessments like the Thali Index, rather than abstract statistics.

• Why: This reflects a growing understanding that poverty is multidimensional and requires a more comprehensive assessment.

Introduction of ‘Secular’ in Preamble: The word ‘secular’ was added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment in 1976 during the Emergency. This addition aimed to explicitly uphold India’s pluralistic society and ensure unity amidst religious diversity, protecting fundamental rights irrespective of faith.

Inherent Secularism: Secularism is considered an inherent feature of the Indian Constitution, not merely an addition.

Meaning of Secularism in India:

• Separation of religion from the State.
• No religious community dominates another.
• No group within a religion dominates others.
• The State does not enforce any religion or curtail religious freedom.

Constitutional Provisions:

• Preamble: Declares India as a ‘Secular’ nation.
• Article 14: Equality before the law.
• Articles 15-16: Prohibit religious discrimination.
• Article 25: Freedom of conscience and to practice/propagate religion.
• Article 26: Freedom to manage religious affairs.
• Article 27: No taxes for promoting any religion.
• Article 28: No religious instruction in state-funded institutions.

Key Supreme Court Judgments:

• Kesavananda Bharati (1973): Declared secularism a basic feature of the Constitution, unamendable.
• S.R. Bommai (1994): Reaffirmed secularism as a basic feature, stating no government can violate the secular fabric.
• Writ Petitions Dismissal (Nov 2024): Dismissed challenges to ‘secularism’ in the Preamble, noting it hasn’t impeded legislation as long as fundamental rights and basic structure are not violated.

Indian State’s Approach to Secularism:

• Maintains distance from religion, remaining neutral.
• Ensures neutral public spaces.
• Intervenes in religious practices to end discrimination and uphold fundamental rights.
• Accommodates religious practices without official promotion.
• Allows religious communities to establish educational institutions, potentially with non-preferential aid.

Difference from USA Secularism:

• USA: Strict separation of State and religion (non-interference).
• India: Principled intervention; State maintains distance but can intervene to uphold constitutional ideals like equality and justice, not strict non-interference.

Secondary Pollutants Drive PM2.5: Nearly one-third of India’s PM2.5 pollution is caused by secondary pollutants, primarily ammonium sulphate, formed from sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and ammonia (NH₃).

Coal Plants are Major SO₂ Source: Over 60% of India’s SO₂ emissions originate from coal-fired power plants.

FGD Implementation Lags: Despite being mandatory, only about 8% of Indian coal thermal plants have installed Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems, crucial for controlling SO₂ emissions and subsequent secondary PM2.5.

Widespread Impact: Ammonium sulphate is found across many Indian cities, indicating the trans-boundary nature of air pollution, with higher concentrations near coal plants.

NCAP Cities Affected: In 114 out of 130 cities targeted by the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), ammonium sulphate constituted over 30% of total PM2.5 levels.

Need for Controls: The findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced air pollution controls, focusing on reducing SO₂ and NH₃ emissions.

Other Secondary Pollutants: Ammonium nitrate also significantly contributes to PM2.5, sometimes up to 50%.

Comprehensive Solutions Needed: Tackling secondary PM2.5 requires targeted strategies like FGD deployment and efficient fertilizer management, alongside full compliance with existing emission norms across all polluting sectors.

Nature of the Bill: A 940-page Republican tax and spending package for the US Senate, aimed at fiscal conservatism and national security.

Core Aims:

• Expand Trump’s 2017 tax cuts to the wealthy and introduce new tax breaks.
• Cut federal spending (except defence) and increase defense spending.
• Raise the debt ceiling by up to $5 trillion.
• Fund mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.

Key Provisions & Impacts:

• Medicaid Cuts: Stricter eligibility (work requirements for childless adults) and re-enrollment, potentially impacting low-income, elderly, and disabled individuals.
• Social Security: Modest temporary increases in standard deduction for those 65+.
• Extended Trump Tax Cuts: Permanently extends individual tax cuts, benefiting higher earners and the wealthy.
• SALT Tax: Temporarily raises the State and Local Tax deduction limit, benefiting higher-income taxpayers in high-tax states.
• SNAP Reforms: Reduces federal share and adds work requirements, potentially shifting burden to states and impacting food security.
• Clean Energy Rollback: Phases out Biden-era clean energy tax credits, potentially slowing climate action.
• Overtime/Tips Tax: Ends taxes on tips and overtime pay (with income limits), benefiting middle-class earners.
• Child Tax Credit: Proposes revisions to the credit.
• Immigration Crackdown: Significant allocation for border wall, fortifications, and detention centers.
• Defence Bolstering: Substantial funding for munitions, supply chains, shipbuilding, missile defense, and space capabilities.

Critical Analysis:

• Fiscal Concerns: Adds $3.3 trillion to federal debt, raising concerns about long-term economic stability and intergenerational equity.
• Social Sector Impact: Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP may disproportionately harm vulnerable populations and increase state burdens.
• Economic Equity: Permanent tax cuts for the wealthy, alongside potential reductions in social safety nets, could worsen income inequality.
• Clean Energy: Weakens US commitment to renewable energy and climate change mitigation.
• Prioritization: Critics argue the bill prioritizes immigration enforcement and defense over social welfare needs.

Impact on India:

• Global Economy: Potential impact on the US dollar, global interest rates, and India’s trade and investments.
• Clean Energy Markets: Slowdown in global climate action and technology sharing.
• Defence Policies: May lead to increased arms sales and defense partnerships with India.
• Trade Relations: Reduced US demand for imports could affect Indian service exports.

“Secular” Added Later, but Inherent: The term “secular” was formally added to the Preamble via the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976. However, the Constitution, even before this, enshrined secularism through provisions like Articles 14, 15, and 16, ensuring equal treatment of all religions and prohibiting discrimination.

Basic Structure Doctrine Affirms Secularism: The Supreme Court, in landmark cases like Kesavananda Bharati (1973), declared secularism a part of the Constitution’s “basic structure.” This means it cannot be amended or diluted by Parliament, as reaffirmed in later rulings like SR Bommai and the 2024 Khanna ruling.

Preamble as a Vision, Not Source of Power: The Supreme Court has stated that while the Preamble outlines the Constitution’s vision, it’s not a direct source of governmental power, as seen in the Berubari Union case (1960).

Judicial Alignment with DPSPs: The Minerva Mills case (1980) linked “socialism” (also added in the 42nd Amendment) with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs), highlighting their constitutional importance in promoting socio-economic welfare.

India as a Secular State: The Constitution establishes India as a secular state with no official religion, guaranteeing equal respect and protection to all faiths through Articles 25-28. This principle is a foundational aspect of India’s governance and legal framework.

What it is: The ‘QUAD At Sea Ship Observer Mission’ is a new maritime cooperation initiative launched by the Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia.

Why in News: It was launched following the Wilmington Declaration (2024) adopted at the 6th QUAD Summit, signifying a concrete step in implementing QUAD maritime security goals.

Key Feature: It involves a cross-embarkation of officers, including women officers, aboard partner nations’ Coast Guard vessels. Two officers from each QUAD nation are currently on board the USCGC Stratton, heading to Guam.

Objectives:

• Strengthen interoperability and operational coordination among QUAD Coast Guards.
• Enhance maritime domain awareness (MDA) in the Indo-Pacific.
• Uphold a rules-based order in the region.
• Conduct joint training in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), patrolling, and search and rescue (SAR).
• Promote maritime diplomacy and gender inclusion.

Alignment: The mission aligns with India’s SAGAR Vision, MAHASAGAR Doctrine, and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

Significance: It marks a significant stride in QUAD Coast Guard collaboration, boosting joint readiness and fostering stronger trust and resilience to address evolving maritime challenges. It is seen as laying the foundation for a ‘QUAD Coast Guard Handshake’.