SEBI Proposal May Permit FPIs to Trade in Gold, Silver, and Base Metals

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is currently evaluating a proposal that could significantly expand the role of foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) in the country’s commodity markets. The proposal seeks to allow FPIs to participate in non-cash settled, non-agricultural commodity derivatives. If implemented, it would grant FPIs the ability to invest in commodities such as gold, silver, zinc, and other base and ferrous metals. The primary objective is to broaden investor participation and enhance the depth and efficiency of India’s commodity derivatives market.

Understanding Commodity Derivatives

• Commodity derivatives are financial instruments whose value is tied to physical commodities such as oil, gold, wheat, or other tangible assets. These instruments are widely used either to manage price risks or to generate profits from market fluctuations.
• The functioning of these derivatives hinges on the value of the underlying asset, which could be farm produce, metals, or energy products. The contracts typically involve agreements between two parties to carry out transactions at predetermined prices and quantities on a specified future date. As the prices of the underlying commodities change, so does the value of these contracts.
• Commodity derivatives serve two main purposes: hedging and speculation. Producers and consumers utilize them to hedge against price volatility, thereby stabilizing their input or output costs. On the other hand, traders and investors engage in these instruments to speculate and profit from anticipated price changes.
• The two principal types of commodity derivative contracts are futures and options. Futures are binding agreements to buy or sell a commodity at a fixed price on a specific date. Options, in contrast, grant the right—but not the obligation—to conduct a transaction at a pre-agreed price within a certain timeframe.
• Commodities underlying these contracts are generally grouped into three broad categories: agricultural (such as wheat, corn, cotton, and coffee), energy (including crude oil and natural gas), and metals (such as gold, silver, copper, and aluminum).

SEBI’s Proposal to Open Commodity Derivatives to FPIs

• Under current regulations, FPIs are permitted to trade only in cash-settled non-agricultural derivative contracts. These include commodities like crude oil, natural gas, and index-based futures and options. However, FPIs are restricted from trading in physically settled contracts involving ferrous metals, base metals, and precious metals.
• SEBI’s new proposal seeks to change this by allowing FPIs access to physically settled non-agricultural commodity derivatives. This includes a range of metals, such as gold, silver, zinc, and lead. While SEBI is already working with a committee to bolster the agricultural commodity space, a separate group is being formed to focus on non-agricultural commodity markets.
• This initiative comes on the heels of SEBI''s recent decision to streamline the entry of foreign investors through a single automatic window, even as FPIs have collectively withdrawn more than ₹60,000 crore from Indian equities since July 2025.

Implications of Expanded Access for FPIs

• If approved, the proposal will significantly widen the investment options available to FPIs by opening markets where India has a strong global presence. This includes key metals markets like gold and silver. Analysts suggest that this move could enhance capital efficiency and attract greater foreign interest in India''s commodity segment.
• The involvement of FPIs, known for their financial muscle and analytical strength, could infuse much-needed liquidity into commodity contracts, especially those with longer maturities that currently suffer from low participation. Improved liquidity would, in turn, enable industrial users to hedge their exposure more effectively and reduce costs associated with frequent contract rollovers.
• Furthermore, increased domestic market participation by FPIs might encourage Indian corporations to shift their hedging strategies from international exchanges to local platforms. This shift would not only reduce forex-related risks but also reinforce India''s commodity markets.
• SEBI’s broader intent behind this regulatory shift is to foster deeper, more liquid markets, which are essential in times of global geopolitical uncertainty. By inviting FPIs into the fold of non-cash settled commodity derivatives, SEBI aims to strengthen price discovery, encourage domestic hedging, and bring Indian commodity markets closer in structure and maturity to global standards.

River Pollution in India: CPCB Reports Marginal Improvement Amidst Persistent Challenges

India''s rivers are vital to the nation''s agricultural, industrial, and domestic water needs, yet they continue to face severe pollution from a range of anthropogenic sources. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), responsible for monitoring water quality across the country, has released its latest report indicating a marginal decrease in the number of polluted river stretches. Despite this slight progress, many rivers, especially in industrial and densely populated states like Maharashtra, remain critically contaminated.

State of River Pollution in India

• River pollution in India has remained a long-standing environmental crisis, primarily driven by unchecked urban expansion and inadequate waste management. Most urban centres continue to discharge untreated sewage directly into rivers. In parallel, industries — particularly in chemical, textile, and manufacturing hubs — release hazardous effluents, often in violation of environmental regulations. Agricultural practices further compound the problem, with pesticide- and fertiliser-laden runoff entering rivers, especially during the monsoon season.
• The CPCB classifies a river stretch as polluted if two or more monitoring locations along its course report biological oxygen demand (BOD) levels exceeding 3 mg/L. High BOD levels indicate the presence of excessive organic matter, depleting dissolved oxygen in water and making it unfit for bathing and aquatic life.

Primary Sources of Contamination

Urban sewage remains the most significant contributor, with Indian cities producing over 72,000 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage — of which only about 30% undergoes treatment. Industrial effluents, particularly from Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, introduce a range of toxic substances into river systems. Agricultural runoff adds harmful chemicals during seasonal rains. Additionally, riverbed encroachments and rampant sand mining continue to degrade natural floodplains and disrupt ecological balance.

Consequences of River Pollution

The impacts of river pollution are wide-ranging and severe. Aquatic biodiversity has declined sharply in many regions, with several species facing habitat loss or extinction. Waterborne diseases, linked to unsafe drinking and bathing conditions, pose a public health risk. Fisheries and agriculture suffer economic setbacks, while contaminated rivers have also triggered social unrest — as seen in numerous public protests, particularly around the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.

CPCB’s 2023 Report: A Snapshot

• The CPCB’s 2023 report notes a slight improvement, with the number of polluted river stretches reducing from 311 in 2022 to 296 in 2023. These stretches span 271 rivers across 32 states and Union Territories. Maharashtra remains the worst-affected state, reporting 54 polluted stretches. Kerala follows with 31, while Madhya Pradesh and Manipur each report 18, and Karnataka 14.
• Polluted stretches are categorised by priority levels based on BOD concentration. Priority I rivers, where BOD exceeds 30 mg/L — indicating critical pollution — reduced from 46 in 2022 to 37 in 2023. Notably affected rivers in this category include the Yamuna in Delhi, Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, Chambal in Madhya Pradesh, and parts of the Tungabhadra and Sarabanga. On the lower end of the spectrum, Priority V stretches with BOD between 3.1 and 6 mg/L require comparatively less intensive intervention.

Worsening River Stretches

Despite the overall reduction, water quality has deteriorated in several rivers. These include the Jhelum in Jammu & Kashmir; the Ganga and Sikrahna in Bihar; Hasdeo and Mahanadi in Chhattisgarh; Cauvery and Tungabhadra in Karnataka; Periyar in Kerala; and Krishna in Telangana. This deterioration underscores the uneven nature of pollution control efforts and the need for targeted interventions.

Monitoring and Institutional Measures

The CPCB, together with State Pollution Control Boards, conducts water quality monitoring at over 4,700 locations under the National Water Quality Monitoring Programme. In response to a 2018 directive from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), states are mandated to implement river rejuvenation action plans. The current report places strong emphasis on measures such as catchment area management, expanded sewage treatment infrastructure, and the protection of river floodplains.

Challenges in Addressing River Pollution

India’s efforts to clean up its rivers face several persistent obstacles. Many sewage treatment plants (STPs) are either under-capacity or non-functional, leading to direct discharge of waste into rivers. Bureaucratic inefficiencies and overlapping jurisdictions among central, state, and local bodies hinder coordinated action. Additionally, many state-level action plans lack adequate funding and rigorous monitoring frameworks. Urban sprawl, with rising waste generation and continued encroachments, has further complicated cleanup efforts.

Looking Ahead: A Path to Sustainable Rejuvenation

• While the CPCB’s report signals cautious optimism through the marginal reduction in polluted river stretches, it also reinforces the urgency of scaling up river rejuvenation initiatives. Flagship programmes such as the Namami Gange Mission and the Jal Jeevan Mission are important steps, along with a growing emphasis on decentralised wastewater treatment solutions.
• However, the road ahead requires a multi-pronged approach. Effective management of agricultural runoff, strict enforcement of industrial compliance, and sustained community engagement are essential for reversing the damage done to India’s rivers. Without these critical interventions, marginal progress may prove insufficient to address the deep-rooted crisis of river pollution in the country.

From Promises to Participation: Reimagining Transgender Rights in India

Context

A prominent transgender rights activist recently called for a shift in India’s approach to transgender inclusion — from symbolic welfare measures to meaningful political participation. Despite legal recognition since the landmark NALSA v. Union of India judgment in 2014, the lived realities of most transgender individuals continue to be shaped by marginalisation, discrimination, and systemic exclusion. This disconnect between constitutional rights and everyday experiences highlights the urgent need to reimagine transgender rights not as charity but as democratic inclusion.

Understanding the Issue

1.     Legal Recognition vs. Lived Reality: Although NALSA (2014) recognised transgender persons as a "third gender" under Articles 14, 15, 19, and 21 of the Constitution, daily life remains rife with discrimination, social exclusion, and institutional neglect. Rights exist on paper, but dignity remains elusive in practice.

2.     Tokenism in Welfare Schemes: Government announcements of quotas in employment, education, and housing have been largely symbolic. Trans individuals often face corruption, intrusive and dehumanising verification procedures, and bureaucratic red tape that render these benefits inaccessible.

3.     Absence of Political Representation: There is a glaring lack of transgender representation in formal politics. India has yet to elect a transgender Member of Parliament or appoint one as a Union minister. Their exclusion extends to statutory bodies — such as the censor board — where policies affecting transgender people are made about them, not with them.

4.     Daily Discrimination and Social Stigma: Transgender persons are routinely denied rental housing, ridiculed in public spaces, and marginalised in workplaces. These experiences are not isolated incidents but form part of a broader societal hostility that undermines their basic right to live with dignity.

5.     Economic Precarity and Health Barriers: The cost of gender transition surgery ranges between ₹2–5 lakh in private hospitals — an expense beyond reach for many, especially after familial rejection. This pushes many into informal or unsafe livelihoods, compounding their vulnerability.

Broader Implications

·       Democratic Deficit: The exclusion of transgender persons from political structures weakens Indian democracy. While women and SC/ST communities benefit from reservations in local governance, no equivalent mechanism exists for trans inclusion. As long as political participation is structurally denied, democracy reproduces privilege rather than dismantling it.

·       Human Capital Loss: The systemic denial of opportunities to transgender persons undermines national potential. As activist Apsara Reddy poignantly notes, “Every time a trans person is denied education, a scientist is lost; every time housing is denied, an artist is displaced.”

·       Persistent Poverty: The 2017 NHRC survey found that 92% of trans persons are denied employment opportunities, while nearly half report workplace harassment. This not only reinforces a cycle of poverty but also erodes self-worth and economic independence.

·       Disproportionate Violence and Mental Health Risks: Data from the NCRB reveal higher incidences of violence against transgender individuals, while WHO studies indicate elevated suicide rates, especially among transgender youth — a direct consequence of social rejection and lack of support systems.

·       Developmental Setback: The exclusion of transgender persons from mainstream institutions robs society of diverse voices that can challenge norms and drive reform. Historical parallels — such as the entry of women into medical education or Dalits into legislatures — underscore the transformative impact of inclusive policies.

Progress So Far

1.     Judicial Advancements: The NALSA judgment of 2014 was a landmark moment, affirming the right of transgender persons to self-identify and directing governments to extend reservation benefits.

2.     Legislative Developments: The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 prohibits discrimination. However, it has faced criticism for requiring transgender individuals to obtain certification from a District Magistrate, undermining the principle of self-identification.

3.     Institutional Mechanisms: The formation of the National Council for Transgender Persons (2020) is a step toward policy engagement, though its effectiveness remains under scrutiny.

4.     State-Level Innovations

• Tamil Nadu established the Aravanis Welfare Board in 2008 and provides monthly pensions.
• Karnataka introduced a 1% reservation for transgender persons in jobs and education in 2021.
• Kerala offers financial support for gender reassignment surgeries through public healthcare funding.

5.     Symbolic Representation: Trailblazers such as Shabnam Mausi (first transgender MLA, 1998), Joyita Mondal (first transgender judge, 2017), and Madhu Bai Kinnar (Mayor, 2015) have broken ground, but they remain exceptions rather than the norm.

What Needs to Change

·       Transforming Education Access: Scholarships, inclusive curricula, gender-sensitive hostels, and strict anti-bullying protocols must be institutionalised across schools and universities. Example: NCERT’s 2021 step to include gender identity in textbooks should be adopted nationwide.

·       Affordable and Inclusive Healthcare: The government must subsidise gender transition procedures, integrate them under Ayushman Bharat, and provide targeted mental health support. Example: Kerala’s policy funding gender affirmation surgeries can serve as a national model.

·       Equal Opportunities in Employment and Housing: Enforcement of anti-discrimination laws must be rigorous, with penalties for violations. Skilling initiatives under Skill India and rental protection laws are needed to ensure economic inclusion. Example: Karnataka’s 1% reservation demonstrates that affirmative action is both feasible and impactful.

·       Ensuring Political Representation: Reserved seats in local bodies, nominations to legislative councils, and appointments to statutory boards are essential for genuine participation.
Example: Despite repeated negative portrayals of transgender people in film, no trans person has ever been appointed to the censor board — an exclusion that perpetuates stereotyping.

·       Changing Social Attitudes: Widespread sensitisation campaigns should aim to challenge public biases and foster acceptance. Example: Just as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan reshaped attitudes around sanitation, similar initiatives could normalise gender diversity and affirm transgender identities.

Conclusion

India must move beyond symbolic gestures toward structural inclusion of transgender persons. Ensuring access to quality education, affordable healthcare, dignified employment, safe housing, and robust political representation is not just about welfare — it is about realising constitutional promises of dignity, equality, and justice. Only when transgender persons are recognised as equal participants in India’s democratic processes will the nation truly reflect the values it claims to uphold.

Protecting India’s Satellites: Strategic Imperatives and Emerging Solutions

Context

India has recently approved a ₹27,000-crore programme aimed at launching 52 surveillance satellites starting in 2026. In response to growing threats and close-call incidents in space, India is also exploring the deployment of "bodyguard satellites"—a strategic move intended to shield critical space infrastructure from external dangers.

The Urgent Need to Safeguard Satellites

Satellites as Critical Infrastructure

India’s satellites serve as the foundational framework for multiple essential functions—ranging from communication, weather forecasting, internet connectivity, and navigation (through NavIC), to national defence and surveillance. Their role in enabling both economic operations and strategic security makes them indispensable to national interests.

Multiple Threat Vectors

Satellites in orbit face a wide spectrum of risks:

• Space debris and accidental collisions pose mechanical threats.
• Hostile manoeuvres by adversarial satellites can lead to intentional disruption.
• Jamming and spoofing techniques threaten signal integrity.
• Cyber intrusions can compromise control systems.
• Natural phenomena such as solar storms and coronal mass ejections can disable or permanently damage satellite electronics.

High Financial Stakes

With the cost of launching and maintaining satellites running into billions, protecting them is vital to ensuring a return on investment. Beyond monetary value, safeguarding satellites upholds India’s strategic autonomy in space.

Initiatives Already Undertaken

·       Indian Space Situational Awareness (IS4OM) Centre – Bengaluru: This facility monitors Indian satellites, issuing alerts on potential collisions. It enables timely manoeuvres that help avoid catastrophic accidents.

·       Project NETRA (Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis): NETRA aims to build indigenous space situational awareness capabilities using a combination of radars and optical telescopes. It is instrumental in detecting threats and tracking both space debris and satellites.

·       Aditya-L1 Mission: Designed to study solar activity, Aditya-L1 forecasts solar storms and coronal mass ejections, offering early warnings that can prevent satellite damage and prolong their operational life.

·       CERT-In Cybersecurity Guidelines (2025): These guidelines mandate robust cybersecurity for space assets, including strong encryption, network segmentation, and strict cyber hygiene protocols to mitigate the risk of satellite hacking.

·       IN-SPACe Licensing Framework: Through the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, private space firms are required to follow safety and security standards. This ensures that the increasing commercialisation of space adheres to national security priorities.

·       Debris-Free Space Mission by 2030: At the IADC 2024, India pledged to avoid creating new space debris and to adopt sustainable practices for orbital operations, reinforcing its commitment to responsible space behaviour.

·       Concept and Function of Bodyguard Satellites: India is considering the deployment of bodyguard satellites—dedicated orbital companions designed to escort and protect high-value satellites from external threats.

These advanced platforms serve multiple functions:

• Monitoring Proximity: Constantly scan surrounding space to detect close approaches by foreign satellites or debris.
• Threat Detection: Identify suspicious activities such as shadowing or aggressive proximity operations by rival spacecraft.
• Collision Avoidance: Actively manoeuvre to reposition themselves or the protected satellite to avoid physical contact or signal jamming.
• Alignment with Global Trends: This initiative aligns India with major space-faring nations that are developing proximity and escort satellites as part of their national security doctrines.

Key Challenges in Implementation

·       Technological Barriers: Developing bodyguard satellites demands mastery of advanced sensor systems, AI-based autonomous decision-making, and precise orbital manoeuvring—areas where India is still building capacity.

·       Financial Commitment: The cost of research, development, and deployment of such satellites is substantial, necessitating a long-term, stable investment strategy.

·       Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: Ground control systems and user terminals continue to be soft targets for cyberattacks. Without robust defences, even advanced satellites remain exposed.

·       Geopolitical Sensitivities: The deployment of defensive satellites, while intended to protect, may be perceived as a step toward space militarisation. This could lead to mistrust among global powers and potentially escalate tensions or spark an arms race in outer space.

·       Sustainability Concerns: Adding escort satellites into already crowded orbital paths must be managed carefully to avoid worsening space congestion and debris risks.

Strategic Way Forward

1.     Invest in Indigenous Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Technologies: India must accelerate the development of LiDAR-equipped satellites and high-resolution radar systems that can autonomously detect and track orbital threats.

2.     Develop Resilient Anti-Jamming and Signal Protection Systems: Focus on creating encrypted, hardened waveforms and self-correcting autonomous systems to safeguard satellite communication from jamming and spoofing.

3.     Encourage Public–Private Collaboration: India’s vibrant private space sector and start-up ecosystem can be leveraged to innovate cost-effective, scalable solutions for satellite protection, reducing reliance on solely state-led development.

4.     Engage Actively in Global Governance Platforms: Participation in multilateral bodies such as COPUOS (Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space) and IADC (Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee) can help India shape global norms around responsible space behaviour.

5.     Adopt a Defensive-First Strategy: India’s approach must prioritise non-weaponised, sustainable defence measures that ensure the safety of its assets without contributing to the weaponisation of space.

Conclusion

Protecting India''s satellite infrastructure is no longer a matter of choice—it is a strategic necessity. As the country invests heavily in expanding its presence in orbit, a layered defence approach that integrates cutting-edge technology, strong governance, and international diplomacy is essential. With deliberate planning and responsible innovation, India can ensure the resilience of its space assets while continuing to champion peaceful and sustainable space operations.

Supreme Court Signals the Need to Decriminalise Defamation

In a recent judicial observation, the Supreme Court of India noted that the time has arrived to reconsider and ultimately decriminalise defamation. This statement marks a significant development in the ongoing debate about the balance between the right to freedom of speech and the legal protection of individual reputation. The Court’s remark suggests a shift in judicial thinking, hinting at the growing recognition of the potentially chilling effects that criminal defamation laws may have on free expression, dissent, and press freedom.

Understanding Defamation

Defamation refers to the act of disseminating false statements—whether spoken, written, or published—that cause damage to the reputation of an individual, a group, or even the relatives of the affected person. Legally, defamation is categorised into two forms: libel, which pertains to written, printed, or otherwise published defamatory content, and slander, which relates to defamatory statements that are spoken.

Legal Framework and Current Status in India

Under Indian jurisprudence, defamation can be pursued as both a civil and a criminal offence, depending on the preference of the complainant. A civil defamation suit typically results in monetary compensation if the plaintiff’s claim is upheld. On the criminal side, the recently enacted Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has taken over the role of criminalising defamation, replacing Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The criminal provision allows for penal consequences, including imprisonment, for those found guilty of tarnishing another’s reputation through false statements.

Arguments for Decriminalising Defamation

·       A primary argument in favour of decriminalising defamation lies in its potential violation of Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression. The existence of criminal sanctions may create a climate of fear, leading individuals to self-censor rather than risk legal action for expressing dissenting or unpopular views. In this context, criminal defamation is often seen as a tool to suppress legitimate criticism, whether of individuals, corporations, or public authorities.

·       Furthermore, critics argue that such provisions are frequently misused not just by political actors but also by private individuals to harass critics, stifle public debate, and silence voices of opposition. The implications extend to the media as well, where the threat of criminal prosecution may discourage investigative journalism and curtail press freedom. These concerns have increasingly led to demands for reform, including calls to remove the criminal liability associated with defamation and rely solely on civil remedies.

Judicial and Institutional Perspectives on Defamation

·       The debate over defamation has been addressed in several legal and institutional forums. The Law Commission of India, in its 285th report, acknowledged the importance of protecting one’s reputation as part of Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The report stated that while freedom of expression is crucial, it cannot come at the expense of another’s dignity or emotional wellbeing.

·       However, the judiciary has historically upheld the criminalisation of defamation. In the landmark case of Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India (2016), the Supreme Court ruled that criminal defamation was constitutionally valid. The Court held that the right to freedom of speech must be balanced with the right to reputation, emphasising that both are fundamental rights and neither is absolute.

·       Earlier, in State of Gujarat v. Hon’ble High Court of Gujarat (1998), the Court recognised the irrevocable nature of lost honour or life, noting that certain damages—such as those to a person’s reputation—may be impossible to restore fully, thus underlining the seriousness of reputational harm.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s recent observation reignites the legal and ethical conversation around defamation laws in India. While criminal defamation currently remains part of the legal framework, the Court’s remark could pave the way for legislative or judicial reconsideration in the future. The challenge lies in crafting a legal mechanism that adequately protects individual reputations without unduly restricting the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech. Decriminalising defamation may not eliminate accountability, but it could shift the emphasis towards civil redressal, ensuring that open expression is not penalised through the threat of imprisonment.

Discovery of Impatiens selvasinghii

·       A newly identified species of flowering plant, Impatiens selvasinghii, has been discovered by researchers in the Kudremukh range of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, at an elevation of 1,630 meters. This plant, one of the smallest flowered balsams known from the Western Ghats, features distinctively small flowers and prominently lobed wing petals, setting it apart from other species. Named in honour of a botany associate professor from Madras Christian College, this species also plays a role in supporting small insect populations.

·       The genus Impatiens in India comprises over 280 taxa, predominantly found in the Eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats. Of these, more than 210 are endemic to the country, with 130 species restricted to the Western Ghats. Alarmingly, around 80% of these Western Ghats taxa are classified as endangered, highlighting the urgent need for habitat conservation in this biodiversity hotspot.

Fishing Cat Spotted in Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve

·       For the first time, a Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) has been captured on camera within the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (RVTR), marking a noteworthy addition to the region’s small wild cat population. This elusive species is a robust, medium-sized wild cat native to South and Southeast Asia, including parts of India such as the Western Ghats, Sundarbans, and river valleys along the Ganga and Brahmaputra.

·       Known for its affinity to aquatic environments, the fishing cat thrives in mangrove forests, marshes, swamps, and wetlands, and is capable of surviving in both fresh and saltwater habitats. It exhibits adaptations for a semi-aquatic lifestyle, including strong swimming ability, short limbs, and partially webbed feet. Its physical features include coarse, brownish-grey fur with a mix of spots and stripes, short rounded ears, and a short tail. Males are significantly larger than females, and the species is predominantly nocturnal.

·       The fishing cat is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is also the state animal of West Bengal. Its presence in RVTR underscores the importance of wetland protection in supporting species diversity.

Volcanic Activity at Barren Island

·       Minor volcanic eruptions have been observed twice within an eight-day period at Barren Island, located in the Andaman Sea. This island, situated approximately 138 kilometers northeast of Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is notable for being India’s only active volcano and the only active volcano along the tectonic arc extending from Sumatra to Myanmar.

·       Barren Island is a submarine emergent stratovolcano composed of layers of lava, rock fragments, and volcanic ash. The island spans around three kilometers in diameter and features a central crater located roughly half a kilometer from the coastline. Positioned above the subduction zone where the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates converge, Barren Island has a history of intermittent volcanic activity, with major eruptions last recorded in 2017.

·       Despite its harsh conditions, the island supports limited wildlife, including a small population of goats, birds, bats, and rats. It remains uninhabited by humans due to its volatile environment.

Tropical Forests Forever Facility: Brazil’s Landmark Initiative

·       Brazil has become the first country to commit to the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF), a global multilateral fund aimed at ensuring long-term conservation of tropical forests. First introduced at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates in 2023, the TFFF represents an innovative financial mechanism led by the Brazilian government to mobilise up to US$125 billion in support of forest protection efforts.

·       Structured as a blended finance model, the fund intends to attract investment from both public (20%) and private (80%) sources. Sponsors, including high-income countries and philanthropic organisations, will contribute alongside institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, and endowments. Funds will be raised through debt instruments such as bonds and managed by Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), like the World Bank.

·       The return generated from the investment portfolio will be used to provide participating tropical forest countries with a fixed payment per hectare of conserved forest. This results-based financial approach is intended to provide stable, long-term funding for forest conservation while also ensuring investor returns.

Bonnet Macaques

Context:

The discovery of nine dead bonnet macaques in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has raised serious concerns about possible poisoning or the outbreak of a disease.

·       About Bonnet Macaques:: Bonnet macaques are a species of primates native to southern India. They are commonly found in proximity to human settlements and are easily recognized by the distinctive "bonnet-shaped" whorl of hair on their heads.

·       Habitat: These macaques inhabit a variety of environments across the southern plains and Western Ghats, including evergreen forests, dry deciduous forests, plantations, and the edges of villages. While they are primarily arboreal, they also spend considerable time on the ground and have shown remarkable adaptability to areas close to human habitation.

·       Conservation Status: According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), bonnet macaques are classified as Least Concern (LC), largely due to their broad distribution across southern India.

·       Physical Characteristics: They typically have greyish-brown to golden-brown fur and hairless, pinkish faces. Adult males weigh between 6.7 kg, while females are smaller at around 3.9 kg. Their body length ranges from 35 to 60 cm, not including the tail. Sexual dimorphism is evident, with males generally larger than females.

AI-enabled Nature Experience Centre at Betla National Park

Context:

India’s first AI-enabled nature experience centre is being established in Betla National Park, located in Jharkhand, offering a pioneering approach to environmental education and eco-tourism.

·       Technological Features: The centre incorporates several innovative elements, including AI-driven assistants for guided learning experiences and 3D holographic displays that portray life-sized animals. Augmented reality and immersive sound systems recreate jungle elements like waterfalls, bird calls, and animal hunts. Simulated displays also illustrate ecosystem interactions such as food-sharing, herd movement, and predator-prey relationships.

·       Purpose and Function: The centre is designed to enhance eco-tourism and foster conservation education. It aims to provide interactive learning opportunities for visitors and serve as a valuable tool for researchers, offering virtual access to wildlife observation.

·       About Betla National Park: Betla National Park, the only national park in Jharkhand, is known for its diverse flora and fauna and serves as the core area of the Palamu Tiger Reserve. It is a well-known tourist destination, attracting visitors with elephant rides, jeep safaris, waterfalls, and tribal culture-based eco-tourism. The park is located in the Latehar district, approximately 170 km from Ranchi.

Delhi’s Study on Smog-Eating Photocatalytic Coatings

·       To combat persistent air pollution, the Delhi government has initiated a time-bound study to assess the efficacy of “smog-eating” photocatalytic coatings. These coatings are designed to neutralise harmful airborne pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds, by using titanium dioxide (TiO₂) as a photocatalyst.

·       Titanium dioxide, a cost-effective and chemically stable substance, interacts with light energy to break down pollutants into less harmful substances, contributing to cleaner air and water.

·       Photocatalytically active materials have proven effective in environmental depollution and have potential applications in construction, given their compatibility with traditional building materials. Their ability to degrade organic matter and pollutants highlights their role in sustainable urban planning.

Understanding Smog and Its Types

Smog is a complex form of air pollution resulting from the interaction of smoke and fog, exacerbated by specific meteorological and environmental conditions. Two major types are recognised:

• Sulfurous smog, primarily caused by sulfur oxide emissions from the burning of sulfur-rich fossil fuels, such as coal.
• Photochemical smog, which occurs predominantly in urban environments with high vehicular traffic, is the result of sunlight acting on nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons, leading to the formation of harmful ozone and other pollutants.

Adi Yuva Fellowship and Adi Karmayogi Volunteers Programme

·       In an initiative aimed at empowering tribal youth, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the United Nations in India, has launched the Adi Yuva Fellowship and Adi Karmayogi Volunteers Programme under the broader Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan.

·       The Adi Yuva Fellowship, supported by United Nations India, is the first initiative of its kind designed to build the capacity of tribal youth through structured learning, career development, and mentorship. Selected fellows will participate in a 12-month paid programme that integrates knowledge acquisition, fieldwork experience, and reflective learning. Fellows will receive monthly stipends, comprehensive health and life insurance, and access to premium UN and commercial learning platforms. The programme also aims to connect participants with national skilling and employability schemes, including PMKVY 4.0, NAPS, and PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana. Recruitment will be competitive, with fellows placed in UN agencies across national, state, and district levels.

·       Meanwhile, the Adi Karmayogi Volunteers Programme, backed by UNFPA, seeks to develop tribal youth as agents of grassroots transformation. Currently, 82 UN community volunteers have been deployed across 82 blocks in 13 districts of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan for a two-month engagement. These volunteers are actively contributing to the development of Village Vision 2030 plans, conducting outreach and awareness campaigns, and improving access to government schemes and services in tribal areas.

Paradip Port

·       A decomposed body was recently discovered inside a coal wagon at Paradip Port’s coal handling plant. This marks the second such incident in a short span, raising concerns about security and operational monitoring within the port premises.

·       Paradip Port is one of India’s major ports and the only major port located in the state of Odisha. Geographically, it lies on the Bay of Bengal, positioned on the delta formed by the Mahanadi River, near the mouth of one of its branches. Its strategic location places it approximately 210 nautical miles south of Kolkata and 260 nautical miles north of Visakhapatnam. This central positioning enables it to efficiently serve an extensive hinterland that includes Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.

·       Administratively, the Port of Paradip functions as an autonomous body governed under the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963. It operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways. The management is handled by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Government of India, which includes representatives from shipping firms, government departments, port labour groups, and other stakeholders.

·       Paradip Port recently achieved a significant milestone by handling 150.41 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in 2024–25, thus joining India’s elite 150 MMT club. This reinforces its status as a top performer among India’s major ports and a key driver of maritime trade and logistics.

International Criminal Court (ICC)

·       Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—three military-led West African nations—recently announced their decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing discontent with its operations and perceived biases. This move reflects a growing disillusionment among some states regarding the Court’s relevance and fairness.

·       The ICC was established through the Rome Statute, adopted on 17 July 1998, and came into force on 1 July 2002. As the world’s only permanent international criminal tribunal, it is mandated to investigate and, where justified, prosecute individuals for the most serious crimes that concern the global community—namely, genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.

·       The Court currently has 125 member states, but major powers such as China, India, Israel, Russia, and the United States are not party to the Rome Statute. The ICC operates on a mixed funding model—receiving budgetary support from its member states as well as voluntary contributions from governments, organisations, corporations, and individuals.

Its institutional structure consists of:

• Judges: Eighteen in number, each from a different state party, elected for non-renewable nine-year terms.
• The Presidency: Comprised of a President and two Vice-Presidents, responsible for representing the Court and managing judicial operations.
• Office of the Prosecutor (OTP): Charged with receiving referrals, conducting investigations, and prosecuting offenders.
• Registry: Provides the administrative and logistical support necessary for the OTP and judicial functions.

The ICC’s jurisdiction is notably different from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which resolves disputes between states. The ICC prosecutes individuals and can only exercise its mandate if:

1. The alleged crime occurred in a state that is party to the Rome Statute, or
2. The accused is a national of such a state.

Additionally, the ICC can only intervene when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute, and it holds authority only over crimes committed after 1 July 2002.

Phytosaur Fossil Discovery in Jaisalmer

·       A significant paleontological discovery was recently made in Megha village, located in the Fatehgarh subdivision of Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district. The fossilised remains are suspected to belong to a Phytosaur, a large, extinct reptile from the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic period.

·       Phytosaurs were semi-aquatic reptiles resembling modern-day crocodiles, both in form and ecological function, though they are not direct ancestors. Belonging to the order Phytosauria, these reptiles were highly diverse in feeding strategies and morphology. Some were long-snouted piscivores, others short-snouted terrestrial hunters, while some had high-snouted skulls suggesting a generalist diet.

·       The specimen uncovered in Megha village is around 6 to 7 feet long, with a visible spine structure, indicating it may date back to the Jurassic period. Jaisalmer has a rich history of fossil finds, including confirmed dinosaur remains in Akal and Thaiyat, as well as marine fossils like sharks in the region.

·       Phytosaur fossils have previously been reported from various regions, including India, Europe, North America, Brazil, Morocco, Thailand, and Madagascar. This find adds further significance to Jaisalmer’s status as a paleontological hotspot, offering insights into prehistoric biodiversity, evolutionary convergence with crocodiles, and the paleoenvironment of the Indian subcontinent during the Triassic-Jurassic transition.

Combined Operational Review and Evaluation (CORE) Programme

·       The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) recently launched the Combined Operational Review and Evaluation (CORE) Programme in New Delhi. This is a five-day professional forum aimed at deepening the understanding of national and regional security among India’s civil and military leadership.

·       The CORE programme serves as a platform for civil–military dialogue, strategic reflection, and leadership development. It brings together senior personnel from the Armed Forces, as well as from key ministries including Defence, External Affairs, and Home Affairs.

·       Its objectives include fostering civil–military synergy, enhancing strategic foresight, and equipping future leaders with the intellectual tools needed to handle multidimensional security challenges.

The programme includes:

• In-depth discussions and expert lectures on themes such as regional and global security dynamics, the technological transformation of warfare, strategic communication, and inter-agency coordination.
• A collaborative, interactive format focused on cross-domain learning and joint problem-solving.

By strengthening coordination between civilian agencies and the Armed Forces, the CORE programme enhances national preparedness and supports the development of holistic approaches to security threats in an increasingly complex global environment.

Tirah Valley

Context:

At least 23 people lost their lives in a recent blast in Pakistan’s Tirah Valley, located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, highlighting the area''s ongoing vulnerability to violence.

About Tirah Valley:

Tirah Valley is a remote mountainous region in Pakistan, known both for its tribal resistance to external authority and its strategic importance. In recent decades, it has been a hub for militant activity, but the valley is also characterized by fertile land and terraced agricultural practices.

·       Geographic Location: The valley spans parts of the Khyber and Orakzai Districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. It lies between the Khyber Pass and Khanki Valley, placing it close to the Afghanistan–Pakistan border and thereby increasing its strategic sensitivity.

·       Geopolitical Importance: Tirah Valley serves as a corridor linking South Asia to Central Asia and has been historically contested by various powers, including the Mughals, the British colonial government, and modern-day Pakistan. Its location and terrain have made it a focal point of both military interest and insurgent activity.

·       Geographical Features: Covering approximately 600 to 700 square miles, the valley includes five major sub-valleys: Maidan, Rajgul, Waran, Bara, and Mastura. Its terrain includes high mountain passes such as Sampagha, Tseri Kandao, and Saran Sar, along with fertile alluvial soils. The region is known for its walnut and mulberry trees and is used for summer pasturing.

·       Demographics and Cultural Landscape: The valley is predominantly inhabited by Pashtun tribes, mainly the Afridis and Orakzais. Minority groups include Sikh traders and the Hamsaya communities. The strong tribal affiliations of the inhabitants have historically contributed to their resistance against centralized control.