ISRO Celebrated Historic Milestone of 100 th Mission.

• India’s space agency, ISRO, celebrated a historic milestone on Wednesday morning with the launch of its 100th mission. 
• A Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) lifted off from the Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh at 6:23 a.m., carrying the NVS-02 navigation satellite into orbit. 
• Announcing the success, ISRO said on X: “LIFTOFF! The GSLV-F15 has successfully taken flight, carrying NVS-02 into its planned orbit. Stay tuned for more mission updates!”
• The GSLV-F15 flight is the 17th mission of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and the 11th successful mission using an indigenous cryogenic stage. This flight also marks the 8th operational flight of GSLV featuring the indigenous cryogenic stage.
• The NVS-02 satellite is a crucial addition to India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, a regional navigation satellite system designed to provide precise Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services to users in India and regions up to 1,500 km beyond its borders. 
• This launch updates India’s Regional Navigation Satellite System from four to five satellites, enhancing service reliability and performance.
• “The NVS-02 satellite is the second generation of NavIC satellites, featuring a standard I-2K bus platform. It will have a lift-off mass of 2,250 kg, power handling capability of around 3 kW, navigation payload in L1, L5, and S bands, ranging payload in C-band and will be positioned at 111.75 degrees E, replacing IRNSS-1E,” ISRO said.
• NavIC will offer two types of services: Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and Restricted Service (RS). The SPS delivers position accuracy of better than 20 meters and timing accuracy of better than 40 nanoseconds across its service area.
• Its launch marked the 17th mission of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and the 11th successful mission utilizing an indigenous cryogenic stage. This flight also marked the 8th operational flight of GSLV featuring the indigenous cryogenic stage.
• The NVS-02 satellite, a crucial addition to India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, enhances the regional navigation system designed to provide precise Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services to users in India and regions extending 1,500 km beyond its borders. The launch updates NavIC from four to five satellites, improving service reliability and performance.

WHERE  NVS-02 IS DEPLOYED?

• The NVS-02 satellite will be placed in a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) that has a highly elliptical orbit with a perigee (distance from Earth) of approximately 200 kilometres and an apogee (that is distance from Earth) of around 36,000 kilometres.
• The GTO enables satellites to be placed in geostationary orbits, where they remain stationary relative to the surface of the Earth. That is important for communication and ‚weather satellites that need to track specific regions continuously.
• This elliptical orbit is where satellites are initially placed — from there satellites send themselves into ‚a circular geostationary orbit some 35,786 kilometres above the equator using their onboard propulsion systems.
• A satellite in this ‚orbit has an orbital period equal to the Earth, allowing it to appear stationary from a ground perspective.

Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)

•  The Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) developed by the ISRO. 
• It is an independent regional navigation system designed to provide accurate position information service to users in India as well as the region extending up to 1,500 km from its boundary, which is its primary service area. 
• IRNSS is envisaged to provide two types of services —  Standard Position Service (SPS) for civilian users and Restricted Service (RS) for strategic users. 
• NavIC provides a position accuracy of better than 20 m in the primary service area. 
• NavIC can be extensively used for positioning, navigation and timing applications in a variety of civil and commercial activities.
• Five second-generation NavIC satellites — NVS-01/02/03/04/05 — are envisaged to augment the NavIC base layer constellation with enhanced features for ensuring the continuity of services. 
• The NVS series of satellites incorporate L1 band SPS signals to improve adoption of NavIC services. 
• NVS-01 is the first of the second-generation satellites that has already flown with an indigenous atomic clock on May 29, 2023.
• NavIC SPS signals are interoperable with the US global navigation satellite system signals, GPS, GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (European Union) and BeiDou (China).

Some applications of NavIC are:

• • Strategic applications
• • Terrestrial, aerial, and maritime navigation
• • Precision agriculture
• • Geodetic surveying
• • Vehicle tracking and fleet management
• • Location-based services in mobile devices
• • Orbit determination for satellites
• • Internet-of-Things (IoT) based applications
• • Emergency services
• • Timing services.

Global Positioning System (GPS)?

• The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a US-owned utility that provides users with positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. This system consists of three segments: the space segment, the control segment, and the user segment. The US Air Force develops, maintains, and operates the space and control segments.
• The GPS space segment consists of a constellation of satellites transmitting radio signals to users. The US is maintaining the availability of at least 24 operational GPS satellites.
• GPS has its origins in the Sputnik-era when scientists were able to track the satellite with shifts in its radio signal known as the “Doppler Effect”. The US Navy conducted satellite navigation experiments in the mid 1960s to track US submarines carrying nuclear missiles. With six satellites orbiting the poles, submarines were able to observe the satellite changes in Doppler and pinpoint the submarine’s location within a matter of minutes.
• In the early 1970s, the Department of Defence (DoD) wanted to ensure a robust, stable satellite navigation system would be available. Embracing previous ideas from Navy scientists, the DoD decided to use satellites to support their proposed navigation system. DoD then followed through and launched its first Navigation System with Timing and Ranging (NAVSTAR) satellite in 1978. The 24 satellite system became fully operational in 1993.
• Today, GPS is a multi-use, space-based radionavigation system owned by the US government and operated by the US Air Force to meet national defence, homeland security, civil, commercial, and scientific needs. GPS currently provides two levels of service: Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and Precise Positioning Service (PPS). Access to the PPS is restricted to US Armed Forces, US federal agencies, and selected allied armed forces and governments. The SPS is available to all users on a continuous, worldwide basis, free of any direct user charges.
• The Union Cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved setting up of a third launch pad at Sriharikota to send heavier spacecraft in orbit as it aims to build a space station, carry out human spaceflight Gaganyaan and land an astronaut on the Moon. The third launch pad will be set up at a cost of Rs 3,985 crore in the next four years with maximum participation from the industry.

WHO voices concern over HIV program funding pause

• The World Health Organization (WHO) expresses deep concern on the implications of the immediate funding pause for HIV programs in low- and middle-income countries. These programs provide access to life-saving HIV therapy to more than 30 million people worldwide. Globally, 39.9 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2023.
• A funding halt for HIV programs can put people living with HIV at immediate increased risk of illness and death and undermine efforts to prevent transmission in communities and countries. Such measures, if prolonged, could lead to rises in new infections and deaths, reversing decades of progress and potentially taking the world back to the 1980s and 1990s when millions died of HIV every year globally, including many in the United States of America.
• For the global community, this could result in significant setbacks to progress in partnerships and investments in scientific advances that have been the cornerstone of good public health programming, including innovative diagnostics, affordable medicines, and community delivery models of HIV care.

PEPFAR''s legacy and current risks

• The United States President''s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has been a flagship initiative of the global HIV response since its establishment over 20 years ago. The current funding pause for PEPFAR will have a direct impact on millions of lives that depend on the predictable supply of safe and effective antiretroviral treatment.
• PEPFAR works in over 50 countries around the world. Over the past two decades, PEPFAR funding has saved more than 26 million lives. Currently, PEPFAR is providing HIV treatment for more than 20 million people living with HIV globally, including 566 000 children under 15 years of age.
• Over the past year, PEPFAR and partners, including WHO, have been working on sustainability plans with countries for greater country ownership and reduced donor support up to and beyond 2030.
•  A sudden and prolonged stop to programs does not allow for a managed transition and puts the lives of millions at risk.
• WHO is committed to support PEPFAR and other partners, as well as national governments, in managing change processes effectively to minimize the impact on people living with HIV.
• The US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), launched in 2003, is the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease in history.
• Since its inception, PEPFAR has invested over $100 billion in the global HIV/AIDS response.
• It has been a flagship initiative of the global HIV response.
• PEPFAR works in over 50 countries around the world. Over the past two decades, PEPFAR funding has saved more than 26 million lives. 
• Currently, PEPFAR is providing HIV treatment for more than 20 million people living with HIV globally, including 566,000 children under 15 years of age.
• Over the past year, PEPFAR and partners, including WHO, have been working on sustainability plans with countries for greater country ownership and reduced donor support up to and beyond 2030. 
• A sudden and prolonged stop to programmes does not allow for a managed transition and puts the lives of millions at risk.
• The current funding pause for PEPFAR will have a direct impact on millions of lives that depend on the predictable supply of safe and effective antiretroviral treatment.
• It can put people living with HIV at immediate increased risk of illness and death and undermine efforts to prevent transmission in communities and countries. 
• Such measures, if prolonged, could lead to rises in new infections and deaths, reversing decades of progress and potentially taking the world back to the 1980s and 1990s when millions died of HIV every year globally, including many in the United States.
• For the global community, this could result in significant setbacks to progress in partnerships and investments in scientific advances that have been the cornerstone of good public health programming, including innovative diagnostics, affordable medicines, and community delivery models of HIV care.

One of the deadliest pandemics of modern times 

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the white blood cells called CD4 cells. HIV destroys these CD4 cells, weakening a person’s immunity against infections.If the person’s CD4 cell count falls below 200, their immunity is severely compromised, leaving them more susceptible to infections. The most advanced stage of HIV infection is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which can take many years to develop if not treated, depending on the individual.
•  HIV remains a major global public health issue, having claimed an estimated 42.3 million lives to date.

Transmission and symptoms

• HIV can be transmitted via the exchange of a variety of body fluids from infected people, such as blood, breast milk, semen and vaginal secretions. HIV can also be transmitted from a mother to her child during pregnancy and delivery. Individuals cannot become infected through ordinary day-to-day contact such as kissing, hugging, shaking hands, or sharing personal objects, food or water. 
• The symptoms of HIV vary depending on the stage of infection. Though people living with HIV tend to be most infectious in the first few months after being infected, many are unaware of their status until the later stages.
•  As the infection progressively weakens the immune system, they can develop other signs and symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, fever, diarrhoea and cough. Without treatment, they could also develop severe illnesses such as tuberculosis (TB), cryptococcal meningitis, severe bacterial infections, and cancers such as lymphomas and Kaposi’s sarcoma.
• There is no cure for HIV infection. It is treated with antiretroviral drugs, which stop the virus from replicating in the body.
• Current antiretroviral therapy (ART) does not cure HIV infection but allows a person’s immune system to get stronger. This helps them to fight other infections.

What to expect from the Union Budget 2025?

•  The Budget is a statement of income and expenditure of the government just like the profit and loss of a company. But the thoughts that go into its formulation are important and spelled out in the Budget speech.
•  Further, akin to a company’s balance sheet is the government’s liabilities schedule with debt statement being the critical component. While there may be limited flexibility in designing the Budget as almost all revenue components are contingent on the economy, governments do their best to provide incentives and support while drafting the document.
• What can one expect from the Budget?
• These can be divided into three parts: macros, revenue, and expenditure. With macros, first priority is the fiscal deficit ratio target. The entire edifice is drawn up based on it, as there is a resolve to lower the ratio to 4.5% of GDP by FY26. With the revised deficit for FY25 expected to be 4.7-4.8%, a cut of 0.5% of GDP is likely this time.
• Second is the assumed GDP growth rate. The first advance estimate for FY25 was relevant mainly to form the base for the Budget when targeting revenue numbers for FY26. The revised 9.8% for FY25, instead of 10.5%, will probably make the Budget take a conservative view of 10.5% for FY26. This will be the basis for calculating the tax revenue, normally taken as a proportion of this number. The ratio has been increasing in the last decade and a ratio of 12% can be expected this time.
• On the revenue front, two areas need attention. The first is income tax rates. Past Budgets have sent a strong signal that ideally the government would like all individuals to move to the new tax system that has lower rates with no concessions.
• However, since consumption has been hit in FY24 and FY25 due to inflation, lowering tax rates could be considered. Providing relief only at the lower income levels may not lift aggregate consumption. This can be delivered in the new tax system by raising the tax slabs, including the basic exemption limit. Ideally these slabs should be adjusted with inflation. Such a cover will help protect real tax slabs.
• Second, the tax rates across income streams may need a relook. All income is virtually taxed at slab rates. The exception is equity where long-term capital gains are taxed at 12.5% — the rationale is that it helps build confidence in the market leading to more investment.
• There is a strong reason to give similar benefits to bank deposits, as 18% of these funds are by statute invested in government securities and help finance the government borrowing programme. In FY25, there has been a migration of savings from banks to equity markets including mutual funds on this score. Both nominal and tax related returns are higher compared with deposits. So, declaring a lower tax rate on interest on all fixed deposits with maturity of above one year at, say 20%, could be a first step in narrowing the differential.
• Third, given the evolving global conditions and the possible threat of dumping on the imports front, a detailed evaluation of all such steps should be done and a strategy drawn up to the counter them.
• Fourth, a lower fiscal deficit ratio would mean the government’s gross borrowing programme would be stable in the range of Rs 14-15 lakh crore. An area that can be considered in light of the growing importance of climate issues is throwing open green bonds to retail with a tax-free incentive. This will address the issue of leaving more money in households for consumption.
• On the expenditure side, while capex will be the primary tool to drive investment, diversification across ministries can be considered. In the last few Budgets which have witnessed spikes in capex, the three sectors that have benefitted are defence, roads, and railways.
•  In particular, getting agriculture into the fold will help at a national level. Interlinking of rivers is a subject that demands urgency and cannot be carried out at the state level alone.
• Second, the production-linked incentive scheme should be extended for micro, small and medium enterprises. Industries like auto parts, chemicals, textiles, handicrafts, etc. would benefit and are important components of the exports basket. For industry, the Centre could add an employment condition along with turnover. Last year, the government announced employment schemes involving payments made from the Budget for first-time employees, etc. By dovetailing the scheme with employment targets, the Budget can address the issue without straining finances.
• Third, there can be a case for shifting social welfare spending to health and education. Budgets have concentrated on subsidies and cash transfers to vulnerable sections, improving living conditions. To make money work better by creating more social capital, the focus can also be on creating schools and hospitals as a joint venture with states.
• A lot is expected from the Budget, in terms of measures to push for growth in consumption and investment. On the other hand, a more detailed look at the expenditure would be in order given that the government is well on the glide path of lowering the fiscal deficit ratio, to probably 3% in the next three-four years. That the economy is doing well is an advantage as no emergency measures are required and the focus can be on the medium term.

IndiaFirst Guillain-Barre Syndrome death confirmed: Understanding treatment options

• The Centre on Monday deployed a seven-member team of experts in Maharashtra to assist the state in monitoring and managing the increasing cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS).
• The recent outbreak has raised health concerns, especially after the first confirmed death from the rare neurological disorder.
• Maharashtra has so far recorded 101 cases, with health officials noting a surge in patients requiring intensive care. The first suspected death linked to GBS was reported from Maharashtra''s Solapur.
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological condition in which the body''s immune system attacks the nerves, leading to weakness, numbness or even paralysis.
• These infections include any respiratory illness or a gastrointestinal infection.
• The symptoms of GBS include weakness, which is experienced within the feet first, and then may move up the body to the legs, arms, face and breathing muscles.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME?

• Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy or plasma exchange are two therapies designed to mitigate the immune system''s attack on the nervous system. However, the recovery process from the rare neurological disease can be long.
• It is essential for those experiencing sudden onset of muscle weakness or tingling sensations to seek immediate medical assistance to avert potential complications.
• Currently, there is no specific vaccine designed to prevent Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS).
• Health authorities are actively monitoring the situation and stress the significance of maintaining proper hygiene and obtaining timely medical care.
• Although GBS is not contagious and does not usually result in outbreaks, the recent increase in cases highlights the necessity for public awareness and preventive strategies.
• While GBS is prevalent in both paediatric and young-age groups, experts maintain that it will not lead to an epidemic or pandemic.

Central team for managing GBS cases  

• A seven-member central high-level expert team has been assigned by the Union Health Ministry to assist Maharashtra in managing the surge in Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases.
• The expert team from research and other departments is actively working at the ground level and monitoring the situation, sources said.

Elephant recorded in India’s Namdapha Tiger Reserve after 12 years

• According to the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department, elephants have traditionally migrated between the Namsai area of the State and Myanmar through the Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve
• This sighting is of great importance as it offers critical insights into the presence and movement patterns of elephants in the park and also underscores the need for continued patrols in vulnerable core boundary areas, particularly Kathan region in the north-western part of Namdapha Tiger Reserve,”.
• Historically, the elephant corridor stretched from Namsai to Myanmar, via the NP&TR, traversing areas like Boga Pahad, Bulbulia, Firmbase and Embeyong. But encroachment on the Embeyong area in 1996, particularly near the 38th and the 52nd miles, has disrupted the migration corridors.
•  As a result, elephants have remained largely in the northern parts of Namdapha, sometimes venturing into fringe areas such as Kathan in the northwest, as well as Khachang and Songking villages in Miao circle, often causing human-wildlife conflict and economic losses to the local villagers, he said.
• The sighting underscores the importance of reopening the traditional elephant corridors to ensure their safe passage, while reducing man-animal conflicts.
• The park authority sought cooperation of the local communities in reopening the traditional corridors of wild elephants to secure the future of the jumbos and other species in the region.
• This park supports a rich array of flora. The park''s vegetation transitions from tropical evergreen forests in the lowlands to temperate broadleaf and mixed forests at mid-elevations and alpine vegetation in the highest zones.
• Namdapha is renowned for its diverse fauna. It is the only park in the world to house four large cat species: tiger (Panthera tigris), leopard (Panthera pardus), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), and clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa).
• Other significant mammals include the Hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock), India''s only ape, and the critically endangered Namdapha flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus Biswas), which is endemic to the park and was last observed in 1981.

Reason behind decline in Elephant Population:

• The Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) population in Namdapha has declined due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts.
• Encroachment and deforestation have reduced their natural habitat, while illegal hunting for ivory has further threatened their numbers.
• Additionally, competition with humans for land and resources has increased conflicts, adversely affecting elephant populations

India approves ‘National Critical Mineral Mission’ to boost self-reliance and secure key resources

• The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) with an expenditure of ₹16,300 crore and an expected investment of ₹18,000 crore by public sector undertakings (PSUs) and other stakeholders. The initiative aims to strengthen India’s self-reliance in the critical mineral sector, a key component of the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
• Recognizing the essential role of critical minerals in high-tech industries, clean energy, and defense, the government has undertaken several initiatives over the past two years to address sectoral challenges. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced the mission in the Union Budget 2024-25.
• The NCMM will cover all stages of the value chain, including exploration, mining, processing, and recycling. It aims to fast-track domestic exploration, streamline regulatory approvals, and provide financial incentives. The mission will also encourage PSUs and private companies to acquire mineral assets abroad, develop a strategic stockpile, and establish mineral processing parks.
• Reforms to boost the sector include amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and the auction of 24 strategic mineral blocks. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has intensified exploration, with 195 ongoing projects in FY 2024-25 and 227 planned for FY 2025-26.
• In a bid to foster innovation, the Ministry of Mines launched the Science and Technology – Promotion of Research and Innovation in Startups and MSMEs (S&T PRISM) program in 2023, providing funding to bridge the gap between research and commercialization. Moreover, Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), a joint venture under the ministry, has acquired 15,703 hectares in Argentina’s Catamarca province for lithium exploration and mining.
• The government has also removed customs duties on most critical minerals in the Union Budget 2024-25 to improve domestic availability and encourage local processing.
• National Critical Mineral Mission (NCCM) is being launched with an outlay of Rs 16,300 crore and expected investment of Rs 18,000 crore by public sector undertakings (PSUs).
• It will encompass all stages of the value chain, including mineral exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing, and recovery from end-of-life products.
• The mission will intensify the exploration of critical minerals within the country and in its offshore areas. It also aims to create a fast-track regulatory approval process for critical mineral mining projects, according to an official statement.
• Additionally, the mission will offer financial incentives for critical mineral exploration and promote the recovery of these minerals from overburden and tailings.
• Critical minerals such as lithium, chromium, nickel, graphite, cobalt, titanium and rare earth elements are essential raw materials for sectors like electronics, electric vehicles, renewable energy, defence and high-tech telecommunications.
• Currently the extraction of these minerals is dominated by a few countries such as China which makes the supply chain vulnerable to geopolitical uncertainties.
• India is viewed as part of the alternative supply chain that needs to be developed to break China’s dominance in this crucial segment. India at present relies mainly on imports to meet its demand. It is also exploring opportunities for mining abroad.
• The country has entered into a collaboration with Australia, the world’s top producer of Lithium accounting for as much as 47 per cent of the mineral. A government-to-government agreement has been signed between the Ministry of Mines and DSIR, under which five projects of Lithium and cobalt have been selected where project feasibility is being carried out.
• As part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, and recognising the indispensable role of critical minerals in high-tech industries, clean energy, and defense, the government has undertaken several initiatives over the past two years to address challenges in the critical minerals sector.

India, Oman agree to speed up talks on signing bilateral economic pact

• India and Oman have agreed to expedite the discussions for an early signing of the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is under advanced stages of negotiations, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday.
• Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal concluded a successful visit to Oman from January 27-28. CEPA will be a new milestone in bilateral trade relations and has the potential to significantly scale up two-way trade and investments, the statement said.
• During the visit, Goyal co-chaired the 11th Session of the India-Oman Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) with Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion.
• The JCM saw productive discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, technology, food security, renewable energy, and other key areas.
• Minister Goyal held a productive bilateral meeting with Minister Qais during which he undertook a detailed review of the bilateral trade and economic relations between India and Oman and identified concrete steps to further strengthen the mutually beneficial business ties, the statement added.
• On the sidelines of the visit, both sides signed the protocol to amend the India-Oman Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), aligning it with international standards on cross-border taxation, simplifying tax procedures, and promoting greater cooperation in tax matters.
• Goyal also called on Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Special Representative of His Majesty on January 28. HH Sayyid Asaad led the Omani delegation to India for the G-20 Summit in September 2023.
• The Indian Minister held bilateral meetings with Sultan bin Salem Al Habsi, Minister of Finance, and Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), to deepen economic ties.
• Besides, the Minister participated in the India-Oman Joint Business Council (JBC) meeting which was hosted by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), with the support and participation of a delegation from FICCI. The JBC, which is traditionally held on the sidelines of the India-Oman JCM, provided an excellent platform for wide-ranging discussions between the two business communities and provided exposure to investment opportunities and incentives of both India and Oman, according to the official statement.
• Goyal also met with a select group of CEOs and business leaders of Oman at a Business Roundtable hosted by the Ambassador of India at the Indian Embassy premises.
• This interaction provided an opportunity for the Minister to directly engage with key business leaders of Oman to apprise them of the India opportunity and seek their suggestions for bilateral cooperation.
• As part of another engagement, Goyal addressed the Future Leaders Programme at the Royal Academy of Management, Oman, highlighting India’s growth story and sharing insights on leadership and its role in shaping a better world, the statement added.

India’s Strategic Stance Along the LAC: Balancing Troop Deployments, Diplomacy, and Regional Security Concerns

• The security situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China has remained sensitive and complex, particularly after the violent clashes in 2020 that resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops.
•  Four years later, while both sides have engaged in diplomatic efforts to ease tensions, the region continues to be a focal point of military attention. Amid this, India’s defence strategy, as outlined by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, remains a delicate balancing act between maintaining a strong military posture, engaging in dialogue, and securing its borders with neighbouring countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Troop Levels and Winter Deployment Strategy

• One of the most pressing questions regarding the LAC is troop deployments. General Dwivedi, in response to media queries ahead of India’s Army Day, confirmed that India is not considering a reduction in troop levels along the LAC this winter. “During winter deployment, the number of troops comes down. So therefore, at least in the winter strategy, we are not looking forward to any reduction of troops,”
• This strategy reflects India’s cautious approach to its northern frontier, recognizing the continued sensitivity of the border region.
• Despite the traditionally lower troop presence during winter, India has refrained from pulling back its forces entirely, as tensions with China remain unresolved. As Dwivedi stressed, troop deployments during the summer will depend on the progress of ongoing negotiations between the two countries, with a careful review process set for later in the year. The situation, though relatively stable, remains prone to sudden escalations, making military readiness a priority

Restoring Trust: Diplomatic and Military Engagement

• The India-China border standoff, which began in 2020, led to a complete rethinking of military deployments. As both sides moved tens of thousands of troops and military equipment into high-altitude regions, efforts to prevent further clashes became a diplomatic priority. Following a series of talks and disengagement agreements, there has been a push to reduce tensions through direct communication.
• “The trust between the two countries has to have a new definition,” said General Dwivedi, highlighting that the future of the LAC will depend on continued dialogue. In October 2024, India and China agreed on a new framework for patrolling in regions like Depsang and Demchok in Ladakh, where clashes had occurred in the past. After these agreements, both sides began to resume patrolling in traditional areas, and two rounds of verification patrolling were successfully conducted. Both countries have expressed satisfaction with the new arrangements, which have been crucial for de-escalating tensions.
• However, the army chief made it clear that there is no “buffer zone” along the LAC. Rather, temporary moratoriums have been implemented in sensitive areas, where both forces agreed to refrain from patrolling to avoid accidental clashes. As Dwivedi explained, “Where you feel that the nature or the degree of violence can be high and the fuse is short, you create some distances.” This temporary distance is intended to prevent violence in disputed regions.

Beyond the LAC: India’s Border Security with Myanmar and Bangladesh

• While the LAC remains a focal point, India’s military is also engaged in securing its borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh. These regions have seen their own security challenges, requiring the Indian Army to adopt proactive measures.
• The situation in Myanmar is particularly concerning, given the ongoing internal conflicts and the risk of insurgency spillover. In response, India has ramped up surveillance along the Indo-Myanmar border.
•  “Enhanced surveillance and dominance over the Myanmar border are on,” Dwivedi stated, highlighting India’s efforts to secure its eastern frontier and prevent cross-border terrorism or insurgent activity.
• Similarly, the security situation along the Bangladesh border remains a priority, with India focusing on preventing militant activities. Although the region is generally more stable than the LAC, India continues to monitor these borders closely, coordinating with neighbouring security forces to address any emerging threats.

Security in Jammu and Kashmir: Tackling Cross-Border Terrorism

• The security situation in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is another area of concern for India’s military leadership. General Dwivedi revealed that a significant proportion of terrorists active in the region are from Pakistan. “Sixty percent of terrorists killed in Jammu Kashmir are Pakistani,” he stated, underlining the continued threat posed by cross-border terrorism.
• India’s response to this threat has involved a significant increase in troop presence in the region. With the addition of 15,000 troops in 2024, the Indian Army has made strides in neutralizing terrorist threats and maintaining control over the region. This is critical, as India looks to balance its efforts to reduce violence and foster economic development with the ongoing battle against insurgency.

Modernization and Reform: Preparing for the Future

• Looking ahead, General Dwivedi stressed the importance of modernization and reform in strengthening India’s military.
• The Indian Army’s transformation agenda is centered on five key pillars: joint operations, force restructuring, modernization, technology infusion, and human resource management. These reforms are part of India’s broader defence strategy to build a more agile and capable force.
• The Army is particularly focused on integrating cutting-edge technologies into its operational capabilities, with a strong emphasis on self-reliance. The chief’s vision for the future of the Army is clear: to create a force that is ready for any challenge, both in terms of conventional warfare and emerging security threats.

Strategic Vigilance and Diplomatic Engagement

• The situation along the LAC is one of complex, ongoing negotiations and military readiness. While India is committed to engaging with China diplomatically, the strategic imperative to maintain a strong military presence along its northern borders remains critical.
• The Army’s robust deployment in the winter and its focus on modernization and technological advancement are key elements of India’s overall defence strategy.

Cabinet approves revised ethanol procurement prices

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the revision of ethanol procurement prices for public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25. The period extends from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025, under the Government of India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme.
• The ex-mill price of ethanol derived from C Heavy Molasses (CHM) has been increased from ₹56.58 to ₹57.97 per litre, marking a 3% rise.
• The revision aims to ensure adequate ethanol supply to achieve higher blending targets, stabilize ethanol prices, and provide a remunerative rate for ethanol producers. Additionally, Goods and Services Tax (GST) and transportation charges will remain payable separately to support sugarcane farmers.
• The EBP Programme, which promotes blending ethanol with petrol to reduce crude oil imports and combat environmental pollution, has shown remarkable progress. Ethanol blending by public sector OMCs surged from 38 crore litres in ESY 2013-14 to 707 crore litres in ESY 2023-24, achieving an average blending rate of 14.60%.
• Over the past decade, this initiative has led to an estimated foreign exchange saving of over ₹1,13,007 crore and crude oil substitution of approximately 193 lakh metric tonnes.
• The government has advanced its target of achieving 20% ethanol blending from 2030 to ESY 2025-26, with plans to reach 18% blending during ESY 2024-25.
• To support this transition, several measures have been implemented, including the enhancement of ethanol distillation capacity to 1,713 crore litres per annum and the establishment of Dedicated Ethanol Plants (DEPs) in deficit states.
• Other steps include promoting multi-feed distilleries, facilitating the availability of E-100 and E-20 fuels, and launching flex-fuel vehicles.
• The government emphasized that these initiatives align with the broader objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat and ease of doing business, driving investments in greenfield and brownfield distilleries, logistics facilities, and employment opportunities across the country.
• The EBP Programme is expected to yield substantial environmental benefits, forex savings, and prompt payments to cane farmers

Handling cybercrimes through public-private partnership model 

Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime is projected to cost the global economy a staggering $10.5 trillion annually by the end of 2025, up from $3 trillion in 2015. This exponential rise is fuelled by the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, ranging from ransomware and data breaches to phishing and identity theft.

• The rise of cybercrime has affected law enforcement agencies globally and India is no exception. Police forces are facing significant challenges as they grapple with the evolving nature of cyber threats and the increasing complexity of investigating and preventing cybercrimes.
• The sheer volume of cybercrimes in India, as recorded in the recent NCRB’s Crime in India, is overwhelming.

Layers of intricacy

• Fraud, hacking, identity theft, online harassment, digital arrest, investment app frauds and child exploitation are just a few of the types of cybercrimes that law enforcement agencies must contend with.
• Each crime presents its unique challenges and requires specialised knowledge and tools. The complex nature of cybercrimes adds layers of intricacy to investigations, often involving multiple jurisdictions, encryption, anonymization, and sophisticated attack vectors.
• Government and Police cannot alone contain the growing menace of cybercrimes and the IT industry also cannot handle it alone. Hence the solution is to ensure the collaboration of the Government with the private sector and academia to conform with the rapidly-changing technological world.
•  A collaborative strategy like the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model is essential to address the growing complexities of cybercrime. The National Cyber Security Policy of India also affirms in developing effective PPP models.
• The PPP model allows for the pooling of resources, expertise, and technologies, enabling faster detection, response, and prevention of cyberattacks. By working together, stakeholders can share real-time threat intelligence, enhance cybersecurity infrastructure, and foster a unified approach to creating a resilient digital environment.

CCITR, a PPP Model

• To put in place an institutionalized structure for an effective capacity building of cybercrime investigations, the CID Karnataka, in collaboration with Infosys Foundation and Data Security Council of India (DSCI), set up the Centre for Cybercrime Investigation Training & Research (CCITR) at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters, Bengaluru, in 2019.
• CCITR is one of its kind of public-private partnership aimed at improving the investigation and prosecution of cybercrime cases. As part of this collaboration, DSCI plays the role of knowledge partner and Infosys Foundation as the funding partner.
• This centre has been instrumental in combatting cybercrimes through training, research, and collaboration. The Centre continue to contribute significantly to the Karnataka Police’s efforts to train police, prosecution, judiciary and other departments in handling technology investigations and create standard operating procedures (SOPs) in cybercrime investigations.
• Among the key objectives of CCITR is supporting the police, prosecution, and judiciary in handling technology investigations. It develops capabilities and cooperates within the public and private sectors. It is tasked with developing of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Cyber Crime Investigations, besides conducting research in digital forensics and cybercrime investigation. CCITR has the responsibility of fostering entrepreneurship for the development of essential cyber forensics products and solutions. It Collaboration with national and international organizations working in the Digital Forensics domain.
• Key takeaways
• The centre has also developed cybercrime investigation-related resource materials like Cybercrime Investigation Manual, Handbook on Digital Evidence, and research papers on the Dark web and anti-forensics, Drone forensics and RAID forensics.
• As of December, 2024, CCITR has trained over 46,400 personnel from police, prosecution, judiciary and others in long and short courses. CCITR adopted virtual training and other activities during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021. The workshops on “Cyberlaw & Cybercrimes” for 1067 judicial officers of the rank of district and sessions judge, senior civil judge, and civil judge were carried out with the support of Karnataka Judicial Academy Bengaluru.
• Establishment of CCITR as an institutionalised mechanism for effectively building the capacity and infrastructure for handling cybercrime investigations under PPP model has helped the stakeholders of criminal justice system like Police, Prosecution and Judiciary in digital investigation, appreciation of digital evidences, developing new strategies, collaboration and technological advancements to provide justice to the victims of cybercrimes. Similar PPP initiatives will go a long way in preventing / containing cybercrimes and building safer societies.

Key benefits to public and government-

• Enhancing public online safety
• Through regular capacity-building programmes on cybercrime investigation techniques & digital forensics at CCITR, police are equipping themselves with the latest modus operandi adopted by cyber criminals. CCITR has initiated ‘Cybercrime Awareness’ campaign through social media channels with the motive of educating the public.
• Confidence in the judicial system
• The CCITR contribute through regular capacity-building programs conducted for judicial officers and prosecutors on cyberlaw and cybercrimes. This sensitises the judiciary in appreciation of digital evidence, speeding up the trial, and deciding the cases.
• Career-building opportunities
• Through the Cyber Law and Policy Hackathon and internship programme, the CCITR is educating students from engineering and law backgrounds on the various challenges faced by Law Enforcement. Encouraged to research to provide meaningful solutions. This results in improving the cybercrime investigation and indirectly, attempting to provide justice to the victims.
• Knowledge sharing among agencies
• The publications and research papers released by CCITR, and the creation of a telegram group consisting of trained Law Enforcement are acting as a platform to address the queries raised during the investigation and digital forensic analysis. This is contributing towards speeding up of investigation and increasing the possibility of providing justice to the victim at a faster pace.