21.06.25 Archives

FRA Cells Setup for FRA

Key Point: The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs has sanctioned the setup of 324 district-level (and some State-level) Forest Rights Act (FRA) cells across 18 States/UTs.
Why in News?: This is the first time the Union government is directly funding and establishing structural mechanisms to facilitate FRA implementation, which has historically been the responsibility of State governments.
Key Point: These FRA cells are being established under the Central scheme ‘Dharti Aba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DAJGUA)’ and are centrally funded by the Ministry via Grants-in-aid.
Why in News?: The cells operate based on DAJGUA guidelines, not the statutory framework of the FRA Act, raising concerns about their legal standing and integration with the existing FRA structure.
Key Point: The cells aim to assist tribal claimants and Gram Sabhas in preparing and submitting claims, improving documentation, facilitating field work, managing data, assisting with demarcation, and speeding up claim disposal, especially for pending cases.
Why in News?: This indicates the government’s intent to address delays and rejections in FRA claims through dedicated support units.
Key Point: Concerns are raised that creating these cells under a Central scheme, operating outside the FRA’s statutory structure (which involves Gram Sabhas, FRCs, SDLCs, DLCs), could lead to a parallel system, confusion about roles, and overlap with existing committees.
Why in News?: This highlights a potential administrative and legal challenge to the decentralized, bottom-up framework mandated by the FRA, potentially hindering effective implementation rather than helping.
Key Point: Critics argue these cells may not resolve fundamental issues like irregular meetings of statutory committees or delays by Forest Departments, which are major bottlenecks in FRA implementation.
Why in News?: This points to the potential limitations of the new initiative in addressing the core structural challenges affecting FRA implementation on the ground.

Magna Carta Democracy

Magna Carta signed in 1215: Established the principle that the king is not above the law, limiting arbitrary power, crucial for constitutional governance.
Triggered by Barons’ Rebellion: Response to King John’s high taxes, military failures (loss of Normandy, Battle of Bouvines), and arbitrary rule, showing it was forced by discontent.
Introduced Rule of Law: Despite initial limitations (protecting mainly elite men), it fundamentally placed the law above the ruler.
Key Provisions (Clause 39 & 40): Guaranteed protection from arbitrary arrest/imprisonment and assured justice wouldn’t be sold, denied, or delayed, laying groundwork for rights like habeas corpus.
Harvard University’s Rediscovery (1300 version): Sparked renewed discussion on its enduring impact and historical significance.
Immediate Challenge & Reissuance: King John tried to annul it, but it was later confirmed and reissued by Henry III, showing its contentious but eventual acceptance.
Legacy and Influence: Inspired concepts like habeas corpus and significantly influenced the US Constitution and Bill of Rights, serving as a symbol of resistance to tyranny and assertion of individual rights under law globally.
Symbolic Importance Today: While its original scope was limited (not initially covering serfs or women and not fully democratic), its enduring power lies in its symbolism for the rule of law and human rights against oppressive power.

IPPB

Key Point: India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) received the Digital Payments Award 2024-25 from the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance.
Why: This recognizes its significant contribution to expanding digital payments and promoting financial inclusion across India.
Key Point: IPPB secured the 1st rank among all payments banks in the Performance Index for FY 2024-25.
Why: This highlights its strong digital banking performance and effective citizen-centric approach compared to peers.
Key Point: IPPB utilizes the extensive postal network, including over 2 lakh Postmen and Gramin Dak Sevaks and ~1.65 lakh Post Offices.
Why: This unique reach enables IPPB to deliver digital financial services, including doorstep banking, to remote and rural areas, effectively bridging the urban-rural banking divide and serving the unbanked/underbanked.
Key Point: IPPB leverages technology like India Stack for paperless, cashless, and presence-less banking.
Why: This facilitates accessible, simple, and secure delivery of basic banking services like savings accounts, money transfers, and bill payments, supporting a cash-light economy.
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Key Point: IPPB’s efforts support the government’s vision.
Why: By expanding digital access and financial literacy, IPPB contributes to the goal of a digitally empowered and financially included nation.

Pulse Self-Sufficiency

Farmers are forced to sell pulses below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Why? Due to inadequate and inconsistent government procurement compared to rice and wheat, and market prices depressed by rising imports.
India’s pulses imports hit a record high of 7.3 million tonnes in 2024-25. Why? Domestic production fell to 24.2 mt in 2023-24 due to an El Niño-induced drought, reversing earlier self-sufficiency gains, and import duties were lowered to curb retail inflation.
Despite being the largest producer and consumer, India remains a significant importer of pulses. Why? Persistent challenges in domestic production prevent full self-reliance.
Key reasons for low domestic pulses production include government policies favouring rice/wheat through inconsistent MSP procurement and subsidies on water/fertilizers. Why? This disincentivizes farmers from growing pulses.
Pulses cultivation faces low productivity (average yield 660 kg/ha vs world 909 kg/ha). Why? Factors include dependence on rain-fed areas vulnerable to climate shocks, poor seed quality, lack of high-yielding varieties, slow R&D, fragmented landholdings, and vulnerability to pests/diseases.
Achieving self-sufficiency requires strengthening MSP procurement, rebalancing subsidies away from water-intensive crops, boosting productivity with improved varieties and technology (irrigation, precision farming), enhancing storage and market linkages, and increasing R&D. Why? To incentivize farmers, improve yields, reduce post-harvest losses, and stabilize domestic supply and prices.

Nothopegia Leaf Fossils

Fossilized leaves of Nothopegia, dated 24-23 million years ago, were discovered in Assam’s Makum Coalfield: Why? This represents the world’s oldest known fossil record of the Nothopegia genus and shows its past presence far from its current location.
Nothopegia is currently found exclusively in the Western Ghats, India: Why? This significant geographic separation highlights the drastic changes in the plant’s distribution over millions of years.
Researchers used techniques like morphological comparison, cluster analysis, and CLAMP: Why? These methods were essential for identifying the fossils and reconstructing the ancient climate of Northeast India.
The ancient climate of Northeast India (late Oligocene) was warm and humid: Why? Climate analysis revealed this, explaining why tropical species like Nothopegia could thrive in the region in the past.
The tectonic uplift of the Himalayas led to climate shifts in the Northeast: Why? Resulting changes in temperature, rainfall, and wind made the region inhospitable for Nothopegia, causing its extinction there.
Nothopegia survived in the climatically stable Western Ghats: Why? This demonstrates how certain regions can serve as refuges, allowing species to persist while facing extinction in other areas due to climate change.
The discovery provides insight into how ecosystems and biodiversity evolve under pressure: Why? It serves as a historical example of climate-driven species migration and extinction, relevant for understanding present and future impacts of environmental change.
It highlights the importance of protecting biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats: Why? These regions act as crucial refuges for ancient plant lineages that have survived major environmental shifts.

51st G7 Summit

The 51st G7 Summit, held in Kananaskis, Canada in 2025, was the annual meeting of the G7 advanced economies and the EU to coordinate policies on major global challenges, significant due to the members’ economic power representing 40% of the global economy.
India’s Prime Minister attended as an outreach country, invited for the 12th time and sixth consecutive year, highlighting India’s increasing global relevance and engagement with key international forums despite not being a member.
The President of the European Commission was invited to attend the Summit for the first time, indicating evolving participation dynamics.
Key outcomes addressed pressing global issues: The Kananaskis Wildfire Charter committed to tackling wildfire threats through science and nature-based solutions, crucial as wildfire frequency increases.
The G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan focused on diversifying supply chains and boosting investment in critical minerals, essential for modern technology and energy transition, a plan also endorsed by India.
The summit also condemned Transnational Repression (TNR) and committed to specific actions to prevent migrant smuggling, addressing significant human rights, security, and humanitarian concerns.

11th Yoga Day 2025

The 11th International Yoga Day (IYD) on June 21, 2025, is in news as preparations gain momentum globally and nationally for its celebration.
The theme for 2025 is ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, emphasizing yoga’s contribution to universal well-being and global health.
The main National Ceremony will be held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi as Chief Guest, highlighting the event’s importance.
Mass participation is planned across India, with simultaneous celebrations expected in over 1 lakh locations.
Specific state-level events like ‘Yoga Sangam’ organized by the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) Goa involving students, officials, and citizens, showcase localized promotion efforts.
Supporting initiatives by AYUSH/AIIA, such as Harita Yoga at heritage sites, quizzes, and medical camps, are being conducted to build awareness and engagement.
The day remains significant due to its UN declaration (proposed by India), global recognition by UNESCO and WHO for health benefits, and its role in promoting physical, mental, and spiritual health and global harmony.
Celebrating on June 21st coincides with the Summer Solstice, holding traditional significance in yogic philosophy for spiritual transition.
The celebrations underscore yoga’s origins as an ancient Indian tradition traced to the Indus Valley Civilization and Patanjali’s Yogasutra.

ECI EVM SOP

ECI issued a revised SOP for checking EVMs based on Supreme Court directions.
The Supreme Court (April 2023) rejected 100% VVPAT counting but allowed second and third-placed candidates to seek EVM verification.
Concerns were raised (e.g., by ADR) about the previous SOP regarding data erasure and scrutiny of Symbol Loading Units (SLUs).
The SC accepted ECI’s proposal for a revised SOP (May 2025) incorporating data preservation.
New SOP Key Points:
- Data from EVMs and SLUs under verification will be preserved, not deleted.
- Candidates can opt for self-diagnostic test or self-test + mock poll for a fee.
- Candidates can choose symbol loading source (already loaded or original SLUs) for mock polls.
- Related records (VVPAT slips, video) are retained for 3 months.
Why it’s significant: Strengthens transparency, empowers losing candidates with verification rights, addresses SLU tampering concerns, reflects judicial-ECI cooperation.
Criticism: Some critics (like ADR) argue the process is similar to routine tests and doesn’t guarantee tamper-proof assurance or thorough independent verification.

Non-Proliferation Treaty

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is a key international agreement from 1970 aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, promoting peaceful nuclear energy, and pursuing disarmament.
It is currently prominent in news due to tensions related to the Israel-Iran conflict and the potential for Iran to withdraw from the treaty.
Iran is a signatory but has faced scrutiny; the IAEA’s Board recently stated Iran breached non-proliferation obligations regarding undeclared nuclear material/activities. Iran denies seeking weapons, claiming peaceful use.
Potential Iranian withdrawal would end IAEA oversight and inspections, possibly allowing unrestricted nuclear development and increasing regional conflict risk, including pre-emptive strikes.
Withdrawal could destabilize global non-proliferation norms, encourage a regional arms race (e.g., Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt), cause diplomatic polarization, and lead to Iran’s economic isolation and military vulnerability.
The NPT recognizes five states as having nuclear weapons (US, Russia, UK, France, China) based on pre-1967 tests; non-members include India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea (which withdrew).
The treaty structure recognizing only pre-1967 nuclear states and allowing withdrawal (with notice) has drawn criticism as potentially discriminatory.

India Core Sector

India’s core sector growth slowed to a nine-month low of 0.7% in May 2025.
Why: The primary drivers of the slowdown were contractions in electricity, fertilisers, natural gas, and crude oil output.
Why: While sectors like steel, cement, coal, and refinery products showed growth, it was not enough to offset the declines in other key areas.
Why: Economists attribute the reduced growth mainly to excessive rainfall and the early monsoon onset, which affected crucial activities like power generation and mining.
Why this is news: The core sectors are foundational to India’s industrial growth, collectively accounting for about 40.27% of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
Why this is news: They serve as a leading indicator for economic activity and industrial performance, supplying essential inputs to other industries and significantly impacting GDP, inflation, and employment levels.
Why this is news: Fluctuations in these sectors have a direct impact on the overall IIP, a key measure of industrial health.

UK Assisted Dying

The UK Assisted Dying Bill has been approved by British lawmakers, legalizing assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales.
Key provisions apply to mentally competent adults (18+) diagnosed with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of less than six months.
Requires approval from two doctors and a specialist panel, including medical, social, and legal experts.
Patients must self-administer the life-ending medication.
Includes safeguards such as independent advocates for the disabled and a disability advisory board.
Participation is voluntary for medical professionals.
The bill is news because it is a landmark legislative approval.
It remains news due to being a deeply divisive issue, balancing choice against concerns over vulnerability and abuse.
The Labour government has maintained a neutral stance, allowing MPs a conscience vote.
Once enacted, the UK would join other countries like Canada, New Zealand, Spain, and several U.S. states in allowing assisted dying for terminally ill patients.

UK Assisted Dying

HAL First Full Rocket Tech

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) won ISRO’s bid for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) program with an offer of ₹511 crore. Why: This is how HAL secured the opportunity to acquire the technology, outbidding other major players.
HAL has become the first Indian company to acquire complete technology and operational autonomy to build and operate a launch vehicle. Why: This signifies a historic transfer of full rocket technology ownership from ISRO, unlike previous collaborations.
Over the next two years, ISRO will assist HAL in developing two prototype SSLVs; after this, HAL will independently manufacture, market, and launch SSLVs globally from August 2027. Why: This outlines the transition process and HAL’s eventual role as a fully autonomous commercial launch service provider.
HAL targets launching satellites up to 500 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and aims to produce 6–12 SSLVs annually based on demand. Why: This focuses on the growing small satellite market and indicates the potential scale of HAL’s manufacturing operations.
This is a major step towards privatizing India’s space sector and boosting the country’s share in the global launch market. Why: It shifts significant space launch activities from a government entity (ISRO) towards a more commercial model, aligning with national policy goals.
The SSLV offers rapid deployment and low-cost launches, supporting India’s vision of a $44 billion space economy by 2033 and strengthening public-private partnerships. Why: These are the strategic and economic benefits the program is expected to deliver.
HAL becomes India’s third rocket manufacturer, joining private firms Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos. Why: This expands the domestic capability and competition in rocket manufacturing.
NSIL will conduct 15 SSLV launches and IN-SPACe two launches for Indian private payloads before HAL takes over commercial operations. Why: These government efforts ensure market activity and demand during the technology transfer phase.

MAID Warfare

MAID (Missiles, AI, Drones) is a new warfare model seen in recent conflicts, fundamentally changing military strategy and accessibility of high-impact tools.
Key features include low-cost drones (under $50k) compared to expensive traditional systems, lowering the barrier to entry for state and non-state actors.
Remote operations allow strikes from great distances, reducing risk to personnel and making the use of force easier.
AI enables high precision and rapid strike capability, allowing real-time targeting and potentially reducing collateral damage.
Algorithmic speed of decision-making is faster than human response, risking rapid conflict escalation bypassing diplomacy.
Psychological detachment from remote operations may lower the emotional barrier to lethal force use.
Existing International Humanitarian Law does not adequately address AI-based or autonomous systems, creating a legal vacuum.
The low cost and risk of MAID technologies erode traditional deterrence logic, making states more willing to use force without fear of high casualties or domestic backlash.
International institutions like the UN struggle to regulate MAID, leading to unilateral actions and a lack of binding agreements on lethal autonomous weapons.
Accountability for war crimes is difficult to assign when committed by autonomous systems, blurring the chain of command.
Risks include uncontrolled escalation, governance failing to keep pace with technology, and the empowerment of non-state actors with advanced capabilities.
MAID is a present danger requiring new global laws, ethical frameworks, and stronger multilateral institutions to prevent more frequent and harder-to-stop conflicts.

MAID Warfare