India’s 1st Income Survey
- India’s Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will conduct the nation’s first comprehensive Household Income Survey in February 2026.
- Why: This aims to bridge a critical gap in national income data. India has collected data on consumption, employment, etc., for decades, but a nationwide income-specific survey was never completed due to past methodological challenges.
- Key Objectives: To assess household income distribution, understand technology’s impact on wages, and support informed economic planning and resource allocation at both central and state levels.
- Why now: MoSPI identified an “urgent need” for a dedicated income distribution survey to better understand the “profound structural changes” in the economy over the past 75 years. Past efforts in the 1980s didn’t result in a national survey.
- Significance: It will enable precise analysis of income inequality, economic mobility, and structural shifts, providing vital information for deriving income distribution and welfare insights.
- Guidance: An 8-member Technical Expert Group chaired by economist Dr. Surjit S. Bhalla will guide the survey design, methodology, sampling, and implementation based on international best practices.
- Distinction: While MoSPI/NSO conducts various surveys (PLFS, CES, GDP, CPI, etc.), this will be the first full-scale survey specifically collecting direct household income data.
SAARC Critical Analysis
- Intra-regional trade in South Asia is very low (5-7%), significantly below potential ($23bn vs $67-172bn). Why: Highlights the deep failure of SAARC in achieving its economic integration goals despite geographic proximity, hindering collective prosperity.
- Trade costs within SAARC are excessively high (114% of goods value), even higher than trading with the US. Why: Acts as a major disincentive for businesses, preventing the formation of regional value chains and reducing competitiveness compared to other blocs like ASEAN.
- Political tensions, border disputes, and terrorism (India-Pakistan tensions causing trade drop from $2.41bn to $1.2bn) cripple regional cooperation. Why: Leads to postponed summits, non-implementation of agreements (like SAFTA, Motor Vehicles Agreement), making SAARC largely symbolic and ineffective.
- Significant untapped trade potential (e.g., Bangladesh 93%, Pakistan 86%) remains unrealized. Why: Failure to leverage this potential limits economic growth, innovation, production, and investment opportunities across the member states.
- Agreements are signed but rarely implemented due to a lack of institutional effectiveness and political will. Why: Demonstrates the fundamental weakness of SAARC mechanisms in translating intent into tangible results.
- Addressing challenges requires reforming SAARC, investing in cross-border infrastructure, depoliticizing trade, and encouraging people-to-people links. Why: These steps are crucial to build the necessary trust and facilitate real economic integration needed to unlock the region’s potential.
Grassroots Change via Food Proc
- Acts as a powerful engine driving silent transformation in rural India.
- Augments farmers’ income by providing better prices for produce, reducing distress sales, and encouraging crop diversification.
- Empowers rural communities, especially women, by creating significant employment opportunities in both formal and informal sectors; women’s share is particularly high in unregistered industries.
- Integrates agriculture and manufacturing, linking farmers directly to markets and ensuring a steady flow of agricultural products.
- Increased Gross Value Addition (GVA) from ₹1.34 lakh crore to ₹2.24 lakh crore shows its growing economic impact, stemming from grassroots activities.
- Adds value to raw produce, reduces post-harvest wastage, and extends shelf life, benefiting farmers by reducing losses and increasing profitability.
- Government initiatives like PMKSY, PMFME, AIF, FPOs, and ODOP directly support infrastructure development, formalization of micro-enterprises, and market access for local produce, fostering transformation at the ground level.
- Contributes to inclusive growth, employment generation, and food security by connecting local production with national and global markets.
Iran Votes Hormuz Close
- Iran’s parliament (Majlis) approved a proposal to close the Strait of Hormuz.
- Why: This is in retaliation for recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
- The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint located between Iran and Oman.
- Why it matters: It handles 20-30% of global seaborne oil shipments (17-18 million barrels/day) and a significant share of global LNG exports.
- Closure would cause a major global energy supply shock and significantly spike oil prices (potential Brent crude price range: $110–$130 per barrel).
- Impact on India: India imports a large portion (~50% crude oil, ~60% natural gas) via this Strait. Disruption could lead to domestic fuel inflation, increased costs, and impact GDP growth.
- The final decision to close the Strait rests with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, not just the parliament.
- India’s Petroleum Minister stated India has diversified supplies and sufficient stock to mitigate immediate impact.
- Past threats by Iran to close the Strait have occurred during tensions with the West.
- News reported on June 22, 2025.
Asia Climate 2024
- Asia is warming at nearly twice the global average rate, making 2024 potentially the warmest or second warmest year on record for the continent, indicating a significant acceleration in climate change compared to the 1961-1990 period.
- This rapid warming has intensified extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, droughts, extreme rainfall, and tropical cyclones across the region.
- Intense heatwaves led to thousands of deaths (including over 450 in India) and nearly 48,000 cases of heatstroke, causing significant human toll.
- Deadly events like lightning strikes (killing about 1,300 in India) and tropical cyclones (such as Yagi causing billions in damages and others like Remal causing deaths) resulted in substantial loss of life and economic damage.
- Glaciers in the central Himalayas and Tian Shan are experiencing accelerated melt and mass loss, threatening long-term water resources in the region.
- Sea surface temperatures reached record highs, resulting in the most severe marine heatwaves on record, impacting vast areas and marine ecosystems.
- Sea levels on Asia’s Pacific and Indian Ocean coasts are rising faster than the global average, increasing the risk to coastal populations and economies.
- Overall, these climate impacts have caused thousands of deaths, significant economic losses, and worsened food insecurity across the region.
Zonal Councils
- Why in News: The 25th meeting of the Central Zonal Council was held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, chaired by the Union Home Minister. This highlights their active role in inter-state coordination.
- What are Zonal Councils: They are statutory bodies, not constitutional, established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
- Why they exist (Purpose): They serve as a high-level advisory forum to foster cooperative working among states and create a healthy inter-State and Centre–State environment. They provide a structured platform for dialogue and discussion.
- Role: Though advisory, they function as important instruments of cooperative federalism, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation and contributing to the idea that strong states make a strong nation.
- Structure: There are five Zonal Councils plus the North Eastern Council. The Union Home Minister chairs all five Zonal Councils. Members include Chief Ministers, L-Gs, Administrators, and nominated state ministers. They have Permanent Committees to discuss issues.
- Issues Discussed: They address issues involving multiple states or the Centre and states, including national importance topics like speedy investigation of sexual offenses, financial inclusion, Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112), and regional matters like nutrition, education, and health.
e-Rakt Kosh Rare Donors
- The Union Health Ministry is integrating the Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI) with e-Rakt Kosh.
- Why: To enable real-time access to rare blood types (such as Bombay, Rh-null, P-Null) nationwide and improve coordination among blood banks.
- Why: The move aims to be life, time, and cost saving for people with rare blood groups, helping patients needing specially matched transfusions, particularly those with thalassemia or sickle cell disease.
- RDRI is a national database by ICMR-NIIH and partners with over 4,000 screened donors tested for more than 300 rare blood markers, including ultra-rare types.
- Rare blood groups are difficult to match, and incompatible transfusions can cause alloimmunisation, complicating future treatments.
- e-Rakt Kosh is a centralized digital blood bank management system providing real-time information on blood availability across India, connecting donors, hospitals, and blood banks.
- The integration allows patients to quickly find rare blood matches and helps blood banks manage resources and donors effectively.
Iran Parliament: Suspend IAEA
- Iran’s Parliament is considering legislation to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
- Why it’s news (Key Points of Suspension): The bill proposes halting IAEA surveillance camera installation, on-site inspections, and reporting to the agency.
- These measures would be suspended until Iran receives “objective guarantees” on IAEA neutrality and security assurances for its nuclear sites.
- Why it’s news (Iran’s Standpoint): Iranian leaders accuse the IAEA of bias and political influence, viewing the move as a response to perceived threats to their nuclear program and sovereignty.
- Why it’s news (Implications): If passed, this would significantly reduce transparency into Iran’s nuclear activities, potentially increasing nuclear proliferation risks, heightening regional instability, and deepening Iran’s international isolation.
- The IAEA and Western nations have expressed concern, urging diplomacy.
India Organ Transplant
-
Prelims Points:
- Organ Transplantation Programme / NOTTO: India has a national program (NOTP) run by NOTTO to promote donation/transplantation. Why: NOTTO is the apex body for coordination and registry, crucial for regulating and tracking transplants. The NOTTO-ID system is mandatory for deceased donor allocation. Why: Ensures transparency and traceability.
- Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994 (THOT Act): Regulates organ donation and transplantation. Why: It is the legal framework governing the entire process in India, including rules and penalties. Recent amendments removed age/domicile restrictions. Why: Aims to ease access to deceased donor organs.
- Ayushman Bharat: A major health scheme. Why: Currently excludes costly procedures like liver/heart transplants and lifelong immunosuppressants, highlighting a significant gap in financial access for the poor.
- Status/Numbers: India is 3rd globally in total transplants. Why: Shows significant activity but also highlights the large gap between need (1 lakh kidney transplants needed) and actual performance (13,476 done in 2024), indicating a persistent shortage. Deceased donation rate is very low (<1 per million). Why: A key challenge hindering supply.
-
Mains Points (Challenges & Steps):
- Infrastructural Deficiencies: Many government hospitals lack dedicated facilities (ICUs, OTs, labs) and face overburdening. Why: Direct impediment to performing more transplants, especially for deceased donors and post-op care. Steps: Upgrade infrastructure, standardize protocols, digitalize approvals.
- Shortage of Skilled Professionals: Lack of trained surgeons, intensivists, etc., and high staff turnover. Why: Limits the capacity and continuity of transplant programs. Steps: Recruit/retain specialists, provide specialized training, reduce transfers.
- Procedural Bottlenecks: Delays in BSD committee approvals and handling medico-legal cases. Why: Hinders timely deceased organ retrieval, leading to wasted organs. Steps: Fast-track approvals, simplify medico-legal procedures.
- Financial Strain: High cost of transplants and immunosuppressants, limited coverage by schemes. Why: Makes transplants unaffordable for many patients, creating inequity. Steps: Include procedures/drugs in Ayushman Bharat, increase funding, provide drug subsidies.
- Access and Awareness Gaps: Private sector dominance limits affordable access, low public awareness, misconceptions. Why: Reduces potential donor pool and creates disparities in access. Steps: Strengthen government sector, launch nationwide awareness campaigns, engage community leaders.
- Ethical/Legal Challenges: Organ trafficking, black market persistence despite laws. Why: Undermines legitimate donation and transplant systems. Steps: Strict enforcement of THOT Act, transparent processes, ethical guidelines.
- Promoting Research: Need for advancements in organ preservation, rejection prevention, alternative organs. Why: To improve long-term success rates and increase organ viability. Steps: Invest in research (bioengineered organs, AI matching), promote PPPs.
Adriatic Gem
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Croatian President Zoran Milanović in Zagreb. Why: This was a key diplomatic event during the Indian PM’s multi-nation tour after the 2025 G7 Summit, highlighting the importance of India-Croatia bilateral relations.
- Leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations, focusing on shared values like democracy and peace. Why: Reaffirms the foundation of the relationship and sets the stage for future cooperation.
- Cooperation is diversifying into new areas including defence, start-ups, sports, and innovation. Why: Indicates growth beyond traditional ties and identifies specific sectors for future collaboration and investment.
- India expressed gratitude for Croatia’s support in combating terrorism. Why: Highlights a specific instance of solidarity and mutual support on a critical global issue.
- Discussions included regional and global issues, and noted the positive impact of the deepening India-EU strategic partnership on India-Croatia ties. Why: Shows the broader geopolitical context of the relationship and how Croatia’s membership in the EU (and NATO) is relevant.
- Croatia, a republic in Central/Southeast Europe along the Adriatic Sea, gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 and is a member of both the European Union and NATO. Why: Provides essential background context for understanding Croatia’s political position and its relevance in regional and international affairs, particularly concerning its EU/NATO membership mentioned in the meeting context.
Okinawa Battle
- Okinawa recently commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa on June 23, 2025.
- The battle, fought from April 1 to June 22, 1945, was one of World War II’s deadliest, resulting in around 200,000 deaths, including about 25% of Okinawa’s population.
- Many Okinawan civilians died, including some forced into mass suicides by the Japanese military; historians say Okinawa was sacrificed to defend mainland Japan.
- The battle led to a 27-year U.S. occupation of Okinawa and a heavy, lasting American military presence.
- Okinawa’s Governor emphasized the island’s mission to share the tragic history and advocate for peace, especially amidst escalating global tensions.
- Concerns remain about the heavy U.S. military presence and the potential for Okinawa to be embroiled in a conflict over Taiwan.
- A recent controversy involved a ruling party lawmaker’s remarks perceived as whitewashing the Japanese military’s role in civilian deaths, triggering outrage and an apology from the Prime Minister.
- The legacy of the battle is central to Okinawa’s identity and contributes to Japan’s pacifist outlook.
- Okinawa continues to face burdens from the U.S. bases, including noise, pollution, and unexploded ordnance.
- Ancient tensions with mainland Japan, which annexed the former Ryukyu Kingdom, persist alongside the burden of history.
Insect Feed
- India is promoting insect-based livestock feed (initiated by ICAR & partners) as a sustainable, climate-friendly alternative. Why: To combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and reduce the environmental footprint of animal farming.
- Insect feed (from black soldier flies, crickets, etc.) is protein-rich (up to 75%) and produced by insects rapidly converting agro/food waste. Why: Offers quick, cost-effective production and enables a circular economy where waste is used and leftover frass is organic fertiliser.
- It has high nutritional value (protein, fats, minerals), better digestibility, and requires lower land, water, and inputs than conventional feed (soy, fishmeal). Why: Significant economic value and suitability for large-scale, resource-efficient livestock and aquaculture.
- Insect feed enhances animal gut health, reducing the need for antibiotics. Why: Directly addresses antibiotic overuse in animal farming, a major driver of AMR, which is a top global health threat causing millions of deaths and high economic costs.
- Environmental benefits include lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced land degradation, and a smaller environmental footprint. Why: Supports climate-smart agriculture and conservation of natural resources.
- It supports global food security by aligning with FAO projections of rising food demand (meat production expected to double by 2050). Why: Offers a sustainable way to meet future protein needs.
- Insect-based feed is approved in over 40 countries and being piloted in India by ICAR and startups for shrimp, poultry, etc. Why: Reflects growing global acceptance and potential for domestic scalability and adoption.