India-U.S. Strategic Partnership Under Strain: Causes and Future Outlook

The India-U.S. relationship—long celebrated as a cornerstone of 21st-century diplomacy—is currently experiencing significant turbulence. Despite reassurances from the U.S. administration that the bilateral partnership remains robust and high on Washington’s agenda, citing cooperation in space, defense, energy, trade, and technology, recent tensions suggest deeper, systemic challenges rather than temporary political disagreements under President Trump.

Recent Frictions Under the Trump Administration

·       India was taken aback by an intense and prolonged 12-hour verbal offensive from President Trump, which criticized India''s trade policies and strategic choices. This culminated in the announcement of a 25% tariff hike and an additional penalty specifically targeting India’s trade with Russia, effective August 1.

·       In response, American analysts have started to question India’s global aspirations, describing them as unrealistic and pointing to a growing strategic imbalance in the partnership. The situation underscores an emerging ideological rift fueled by rising nationalism in both countries. The U.S. remains uneasy with India''s assertive global posture—despite the alliance—reflecting a long-standing discomfort with power projection by emerging nations, even friendly ones.

·       India’s shift from a developmental agenda to a power-driven foreign policy is testing the resilience of the partnership and the capacity for mutual understanding.

Structural Challenges and Growing Skepticism

·       An increasing number of U.S. commentators are expressing doubts about India’s trajectory under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing its assertive foreign policy and perceived democratic backsliding. India''s “India First” stance, which emphasizes strategic autonomy and proactive military responses to terrorism, unsettles Washington—especially under Trump, who fears potential nuclear escalation.

·       While the U.S. expects freedom to manage its own relationships with rivals, it is less tolerant of partners like India doing the same. India’s continued engagement with Russia and Iran has drawn criticism from Washington, which paradoxically expects New Delhi to refrain from objecting to American ties with Pakistan.

·       India''s diplomatic balancing act—navigating relationships across divides such as Russia-Ukraine and BRICS-QUAD—ought to be a strategic strength. Instead, it has become a source of mistrust. Additionally, India’s protectionist policies aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing have led to frustration in Washington over limited market access. Together, these factors—strategic divergence, economic tensions, and geopolitical skepticism—are slowly corroding the once-promising momentum of the partnership.

U.S.-Pakistan Rapprochement Heightens Indian Concerns

·       Further aggravating New Delhi’s concerns was Trump’s announcement of a new trade agreement with Pakistan, which includes collaboration on developing the country''s purported oil reserves. This development, combined with an invitation extended to Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir for a White House visit, has deeply unsettled Indian officials.

·       These moves followed recent U.S. military actions in Iran and an uptick in defense cooperation between Washington and Islamabad—events that further intensified Indian anxieties.

Indian Analysis of Trump’s Intentions

Indian observers suggest two possible motives behind Trump''s aggressive posture.

·       First, it reflects his characteristic negotiation strategy—leveraging high tariffs to extract favorable terms, as seen in his approach to China.

·       Second, Trump may have reacted to India’s public dismissal of his claim that he could mediate between India and Pakistan. Prime Minister Modi and other Indian officials had issued firm denials, possibly embarrassing Trump and prompting retaliation.

Risk to Strategic Gains

·       Indian diplomats are concerned that Trump’s current rhetoric risks undoing two decades of progress in bilateral relations. From sanctions after the Pokhran nuclear tests to the landmark Indo-U.S. nuclear agreement and deepened defense and Quad cooperation, the relationship has evolved significantly. Notably, Trump himself had extended strong support to India during past crises, including the Pulwama attack and the standoff with China.

·       However, India suspects that its continued relations with Russia and Iran—combined with Pakistan’s renewed outreach to Trump’s inner circle, particularly through the cryptocurrency sector—may have played a role in the current deterioration.

Conclusion and Outlook

India is approaching Trump’s recent statements with measured caution. Experts advocate a carefully calibrated diplomatic strategy focused on three key areas:

1. Preserving strategic autonomy while managing U.S. expectations and pressure.
2. Rebuilding informal access to influential members of Trump’s advisory network.
3. Repairing trust damaged by recent confrontations to safeguard the long-term trajectory of the relationship.

As global geopolitics continue to shift, India must reassess and adapt its engagement strategy to navigate the complexities of its relationship with a volatile yet indispensable partner.

Linguistic Reorganisation of Indian States: A Case of Unity through Diversity

Recent Controversy: Governor’s Remarks Spark Debate

Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi stirred controversy by claiming that India’s linguistic reorganisation of states relegated large sections of the population to “second-class citizenship.” Speaking at an event in Gandhinagar, he argued that this process, which began less than a decade after Independence, weakened national unity rather than strengthening it.

India’s Political Geography Before Reorganisation

At the time of Independence in 1947, India inherited a fragmented administrative landscape crafted by British colonial rule. The British governed the region through two main systems:

• Direct rule over provinces.
• Indirect control over 565 princely states.

The territorial boundaries were shaped primarily for administrative convenience, not linguistic or cultural coherence.

The Constitutional Division of States in 1950

When the Indian Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, the country was defined as a “Union of States” with 28 states categorized into four groups:

• Part A States: Included nine former governor’s provinces (e.g., Bombay, Madras, Uttar Pradesh), each with an elected legislature and a governor.
• Part B States: Consisted of eight former princely states or their groupings, such as Hyderabad, Jammu & Kashmir, and Rajasthan. These had elected legislatures and were headed by a rajpramukh (similar to a governor).
• Part C States: Ten territories, including former Chief Commissioners’ provinces and princely states (e.g., Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur), administered directly by the President through a Chief Commissioner.
• Part D State: Only the Andaman and Nicobar Islands fell into this category, governed by a Lieutenant Governor appointed by the President.

Catalyst for Linguistic Reorganisation: The Potti Sriramulu Episode

In 1949, the JVP Committee—comprising Prime Minister Nehru, Sardar Patel, and Congress President Pattabhi Sitaramayya—warned that linguistic reorganisation might harm national unity.

However, the movement gained momentum following the death of Potti Sriramulu, a Telugu-speaking Gandhian who died in December 1952 after a 58-day hunger strike demanding a separate state for Telugu speakers. His death led to massive public unrest, prompting Nehru to announce the creation of Andhra State on December 17, 1952, which officially came into being on October 1, 1953.

Establishment of the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC)

The creation of Andhra Pradesh triggered a wave of demands for new states based on language. In response, the Central Government set up the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) in December 1953, chaired by Justice Fazl Ali, to examine the issue in depth.

The 1956 States Reorganisation Act: A Defining Moment

In its report submitted on September 30, 1955, the SRC noted the increasing importance of regional languages and political awareness, and concluded that linguistic reorganisation was both necessary and inevitable.

Based on its recommendations, the States Reorganisation Act of 1956 was enacted. This historic legislation:

• Redrew India’s internal boundaries.
• Reduced the number of divisions.
• Reorganised the country into 14 states and 6 Union Territories, mostly along linguistic lines.
  This marked a transformative phase in India’s federal structure.

Beyond Language: Balancing Unity and Administrative Viability

When establishing the SRC, Parliament’s resolution in December 1953 made clear that language and culture, though important, could not be the sole basis for state formation. It stressed the significance of other factors such as:

• National unity
• Security
• Administrative efficiency
• Financial and economic viability

The SRC echoed this multifactorial approach in its final report. For instance:

• Despite strong demands, the Commission recommended a bilingual Bombay State encompassing both Marathi and Gujarati speakers.
• It also advised against splitting Punjab along Punjabi and Hindi language lines.

During the 1956 parliamentary debate, Nehru rejected the idea of creating linguistically homogeneous (unilingual) states. He emphasized the need for inter-linguistic cooperation and upheld the principle of unity in diversity.

Defying Expectations: Linguistic Reorganisation Strengthened Unity

At the time, many Western observers feared that reorganising Indian states based on language would lead to fragmentation and disintegration. They believed India’s multitude of languages would provoke secessionist tendencies and political instability.

Contrary to these predictions, linguistic reorganisation:

• Facilitated national integration
• Improved administrative efficiency
• Prevented the alienation of linguistic communities

Pluralism as a Tool Against Secession

India’s embrace of linguistic diversity helped diffuse secessionist pressures, especially when compared to other nations. For example:

• In Pakistan, the imposition of Urdu led to civil unrest and eventual secession of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
• In Sri Lanka, Sinhala-only policies triggered ethnic conflict with Tamil minorities.

India, in contrast, accommodated its linguistic mosaic within a federal structure, thereby promoting political stability and national unity.

Recognition by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC)

The Second ARC, in its 2008 report, described the successful linguistic reorganisation as a major achievement in post-independence India. It concluded that:

• Linguistic states enhanced administrative cohesion.
• The few significant secessionist movements—in Nagaland, Punjab, and Kashmir—stemmed from ethnic, territorial, or religious issues, not language.

This underscores how India’s policy of linguistic federalism played a critical role in sustaining its national unity.

Legal Aid and NALSA: Bridging the Justice Gap

Context

According to the India Justice Report 2025, only 15.5 lakh individuals accessed legal aid in 2023–24, despite nearly 80% of India’s population being eligible. This points to persistent gaps in the reach, budget utilisation, and quality of services provided under the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).

Understanding Legal Aid and NALSA

What is NALSA?

The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is the apex statutory body established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, responsible for ensuring free and competent legal services to marginalized and vulnerable populations.

• Established: Formally constituted in 1995
• Leadership: The Chief Justice of India serves as its Patron-in-Chief

Key Functions and Responsibilities

• Formulates national legal aid policies and principles
• Supervises and funds State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs) and District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs)
• Organises Lok Adalats, legal awareness programs, and promotes Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
• Provides legal aid to eligible groups under Section 12, including:
• Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs)
• Women and children
• Persons with disabilities
• Economically disadvantaged individuals
• Prisoners

Key Initiatives by NALSA

1. Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) Scheme (2022)
• Provides dedicated legal representation to accused persons
• Currently active in 610 districts
• Received ₹200 crore in 2023–24 (fully utilised)
• Allocation reduced to ₹147.9 crore in 2024–25, raising concerns about continuity
2. Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs)
• Community-based legal workers trained for legal outreach, education, and local dispute resolution
3. Permanent Lok Adalats
• Forums for conciliation-based settlement of pre-litigation and pending cases
4. Legal Literacy Clubs
• Established in schools and colleges to build early legal awareness among youth
5. Jail Legal Aid Clinics
• Provide legal assistance to undertrials and convicted prisoners
6. Special Schemes
• Targeted aid for:
• Transgender persons
• Disaster survivors
• Industrial labourers
• Individuals in custody

The Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) Scheme: Promise and Pitfalls

• Modelled on public defender systems
• Fully operational in 610 districts
• Effective in relieving overburdened court-assigned counsel, but still too early to measure outcomes
• Reduced funding for 2024–25 raises questions about sustainability

Challenges Facing NALSA

1. Budget Limitations
• Legal aid receives less than 1% of the total justice budget
• NALSA’s funding dropped from ₹207 crore (2017–18) to ₹169 crore (2022–23)
2. Underutilisation of Funds
• Utilisation declined from 75% to 59%, largely due to restrictive spending rules
3. Declining Frontline Capacity
• PLV density fell by 38% between 2019 and 2024
• Honorariums in many states are below minimum wage
4. Uneven Access
• On average, only one legal aid clinic per 163 villages
• Per capita spending varies widely—from ₹2 to ₹16 across states
5. Perception of Inferior Service
• Many legal aid beneficiaries view the services as less effective than private counsel
6. Centralised Control Over Funds
• State authorities require prior approval for basic expenses such as staff recruitment and local outreach, causing administrative delays

The Way Forward: Reform and Revitalisation

1. Increase Budgetary Allocation
• Dedicate 2–3% of the justice budget to legal aid
• Allow flexible expenditure at the local level
2. Strengthen the PLV Network
• Ensure minimum honorariums, continuous training, and performance-based deployment
3. Decentralise Fund Management
• Empower District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) to make operational decisions swiftly
4. Digital Monitoring and Accountability
• Launch a national portal to track:
• Legal aid delivery
• Case pendency
• Performance metrics
5. Scale Effective Programs
• Expand LADC and Lok Adalat models
• Conduct independent evaluations
• Prioritise underserved and remote regions

Conclusion

NALSA represents the constitutional vision outlined in Article 39A, which promises equal access to justice irrespective of social or economic status. However, persistent issues—ranging from funding constraints and service disparities to administrative hurdles—continue to limit its impact.

To truly democratise access to justice, legal aid must be treated as a governance priority, with robust reforms in funding, delivery, and accountability. Only then can India’s legal aid system fulfill its transformative potential in ensuring inclusive, equitable justice for all.

Restoring Mangroves to Safeguard India’s Coastal Zones

Context

India has initiated large-scale mangrove restoration programmes across Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Mumbai to address escalating climate threats. These efforts aim to strengthen coastal security, support biodiversity, and build climate resilience, amid rising environmental and human-induced pressures.

Understanding Mangroves and Their Importance

What Are Mangroves?

Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs found in intertidal tropical and subtropical zones, typically along coasts, river deltas, and estuaries.

Mangrove Distribution in India

India has around 4,900 sq. km of mangrove cover, concentrated in key regions such as:

• Sundarbans (West Bengal)
• Mahanadi and Godavari Deltas
• Pichavaram (Tamil Nadu)
• Gulf of Kutch (Gujarat)

Ecological and Climatic Significance

• Natural Barriers: Serve as bio-shields against cyclones, storm surges, and floods by absorbing wave energy.
• Carbon Storage: Hold substantial amounts of “blue carbon” in their roots and sediments, helping reduce greenhouse gases.
• Biodiversity Hubs: Provide crucial breeding and nesting sites for diverse flora and fauna.

Major Threats to Mangroves

1. Urbanisation
• Expansion of cities for infrastructure, ports, and real estate has led to large-scale mangrove loss.
2. Pollution
• Plastic waste and sewage discharge from rivers and drains hinder mangrove regeneration and marine life.
3. Aquaculture Expansion
• Conversion of mangrove land into shrimp farms, especially in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, disrupts native ecosystems.
4. Climate Change
• Sea-level rise, changing rainfall, and increased salinity alter tidal flows and degrade mangrove health.
5. Invasive Species
• Species like Prosopis juliflora displace native mangrove vegetation, damaging biodiversity.

Key Mangrove Restoration Efforts in India

1. Tamil Nadu – Green Tamil Nadu Mission

• Doubled mangrove cover from 4,500 to 9,000 hectares (2021–2024)
• Techniques: Canal reworking, native seed planting

2. MSSRF–Muthupettai Estuary Project

• Restored 115 hectares with 4.3 lakh Avicennia saplings
• Implemented through collaboration between village communities and forest departments

3. Mumbai – Thane Creek Restoration

• ₹10.3 crore project for planting 3.75 lakh saplings
• Target: Remove 150 tonnes of plastic over 3 years

4. Women-Led Initiatives

• Local women employed in seedling planting and maintenance
• Combines livelihood generation with ecosystem restoration

5. Gujarat – MISHTI Programme Leadership

• Planted 19,000+ hectares of mangroves in just two years
• Outperformed national targets under the MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) scheme

Strategic Importance of Mangroves for Coastal Security

• Natural Disaster Shield: Reduced damage during the 2004 tsunami and recent cyclones by absorbing storm energy
• Livelihood Support: Critical to the incomes of fisherfolk, honey collectors, and crab catchers
• Biodiversity Conservation: Habitats for species such as flamingos, mudskippers, and mangrove herons
• Carbon Sink Function: More efficient at trapping CO₂ than even tropical rainforests—vital for meeting India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
• Tourism and Heritage: Restored mangrove areas in Sundarbans and Gujarat are becoming centers for eco-tourism and environmental education

Way Forward: Enhancing and Sustaining Mangrove Restoration

1. Policy Integration
• Integrate MISHTI with Smart Cities Mission and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) guidelines to prevent unregulated construction in ecologically sensitive zones.
2. Community Involvement
• Encourage local participation in:
• Mangrove mapping
• Seed collection
• Canal upkeep
• Enhances ownership and long-term stewardship
3. Tech-Enabled Monitoring
• Use drones, satellite imaging, and AI to monitor:
• Mangrove growth
• Health and survival rates
• Patterns of degradation
4. Urban Planning with Ecology
• Integrate mangroves into urban flood management strategies, especially in cyclone-prone cities
5. Global Collaboration
• Partner with tropical nations for:
• Joint research
• Blue carbon financing
• Innovative coastal protection solutions

Conclusion

Mangroves serve as India’s first line of ecological defense along its coasts—protecting lives, livelihoods, and biodiversity. Their restoration is not just an environmental priority but also a social and economic imperative. To safeguard these vital ecosystems, India must scale up community-driven, science-backed initiatives, aligning environmental protection with climate goals and local development.

Supreme Court Reserves Judgment on Age Limits for Surrogacy

The Supreme Court of India has reserved its verdict on a batch of petitions challenging the age restrictions imposed by the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 and the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021—particularly in cases where the surrogacy process was initiated before these laws came into effect.

Background: Legal Framework on Surrogacy and ART in India

The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act and ART Act, 2021

These laws were enacted to:

• Prohibit commercial surrogacy
• Allow only altruistic surrogacy under strict regulation

Key Provisions

• Age criteria for intending couples:
• Women: 23 to 50 years
• Men: 26 to 55 years
• Single women eligibility:
• Only widows or divorcees aged 35 to 45 are permitted
• Mandatory documentation:
• Certificate of essentiality, including:
• Proof of infertility
• Surrogacy insurance coverage
• Parentage order

Purpose of the Legislation

• To prevent commodification of reproductive services
• Ensure surrogacy is permitted only when medically necessary
• Protect the health and safety of both the surrogate and the child
• Grounded in expert medical advice and public health ethics

The Legal Challenge Before the Supreme Court

Petitioners’ Arguments

• Several couples began ART or surrogacy procedures before the laws came into force in January 2022
• The retrospective application of age restrictions unfairly disqualifies them mid-process
• Example: A couple aged 62 (man) and 56 (woman) lost their child in 2018, underwent a failed embryo transfer in 2022, but were barred due to the new age cap
• Cited violations of:
• Article 14 (Right to Equality) – claiming arbitrary and discriminatory age classification
• Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) – arguing infringement on reproductive autonomy
• Criticised the absence of a grandfather clause, which would have protected ongoing cases during the transition to the new legal regime

Wider Concerns Raised

• The exclusion of unmarried single women (never married) from eligibility is seen as arbitrary
• The definition of "single women" in the law is currently under separate constitutional challenge, though not directly addressed in these petitions

Supreme Court’s Observations and the Government’s Position

Government’s Stand

• The age restrictions are grounded in:
• Biological reproductive norms
• Medical safety concerns for both the child and older parents
• Global best practices in reproductive healthcare
• Argues that advanced parental age may pose health risks and affect the ability to raise a child long-term

Court’s Response and Critical Observations

• Justice B. V. Nagarathna questioned the logic of banning surrogacy for older couples when natural geriatric pregnancies are permitted
• The Court:
• Challenged whether the age cap aligns with the Act''s purpose
• Highlighted the lack of compassion in the rigid application of the law — “Stop, no children! Look how harsh it is.”
• Reaffirmed that the law’s goal is to regulate commercial surrogacy, not to deny legitimate parenthood

Constitutional and Ethical Issues at Stake

1. Article 14 – Right to Equality
• The age criteria may amount to arbitrary discrimination
2. Article 21 – Right to Life and Personal Liberty
• Includes the freedom to make reproductive choices
3. State Regulation vs. Individual Autonomy
• Balancing public health and safety with personal bodily autonomy and family rights
4. Judicial Activism
• The case reflects the Court’s proactive stance in interpreting rights related to personal liberty and reproductive choices
5. Lack of a Grandfather Clause
• Raises questions on the legislative foresight and the principles of transitional justice for those already in the process

Conclusion

The Supreme Court''s upcoming ruling will have far-reaching implications for how reproductive health laws in India navigate the balance between medical ethics, legislative intent, and individual rights. It may also set a vital precedent on how future laws handle transitional situations and respect reproductive autonomy in the evolving landscape of healthcare legislation

Schemes for Promoting Women Cooperatives

Context

To boost financial inclusion and support women’s entrepreneurship through cooperatives, the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) has launched two targeted initiatives: Swayamshakti Sahakar Yojna and Nandini Sahakar. Both schemes aim to empower women-led cooperatives with financial resources, skill development, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

1. Swayamshakti Sahakar Yojna

Objective

To provide affordable and accessible credit to women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperatives, enabling them to engage in collective socio-economic activities and build sustainable livelihoods.

Key Features

• Targets a wide range of cooperative institutions including:
• Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)
• District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs)
• State Cooperative Banks (StCBs)
• Federated SHG cooperatives
• Facilitates access to low-cost financial services tailored to rural women’s needs.
• Focuses on promoting self-reliance and enhancing financial inclusion in rural areas.

2. Nandini Sahakar

Objective

To provide comprehensive support for the growth and sustainability of women-run cooperatives, combining financial assistance, capacity building, and entrepreneurial guidance.

Key Features

• Applicable to all economic sectors except urban housing.
• Emphasises:
• Entrepreneurship training
• Business model development
• Interest subvention for loans
• Aligned with the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, aiming to strengthen women’s leadership in cooperative businesses.

Grant-in-Aid to National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved a new Central Sector Scheme titled “Grant-in-Aid to NCDC” to strengthen cooperative enterprises and promote inclusive economic growth.

About the Scheme

• Scheme Type: Central Sector
• Total Outlay: ₹2,000 crore
• Duration: Four years (FY 2025–26 to 2028–29)
• Annual Allocation: ₹500 crore per year
• Funding Source: Budgetary support from the Government of India

Objectives and Financial Leverage

• The grant of ₹2,000 crore will enable NCDC to raise ₹20,000 crore from the open market over four years.
• These funds will be used to provide loans to cooperative societies for:
• Establishing new projects
• Expanding or modernising existing infrastructure
• Meeting working capital needs

Expected Beneficiaries

• Around 2.9 crore members from 13,288 cooperative societies across diverse sectors, including:
• Dairy, Livestock, Fisheries, Sugar, Textile
• Food Processing, Cold Storage, Labour
• Women-led cooperatives

Implementation Strategy

• Implementing Agency: NCDC
• NCDC will handle:
• Loan disbursement
• Monitoring and follow-up
• Recovery of loans
• Funding will be routed either directly to cooperatives or through State Governments, based on NCDC guidelines.
• Cooperatives that qualify under NCDC’s direct funding norms can receive loans against admissible security or state government guarantees.
• Financial assistance will cover:
• Long-term credit for new or upgraded projects
• Working capital for smooth and profitable operations

Supreme Court Urges Parliamentary Review of Speaker’s Role in Disqualification Cases

Context

In the landmark case Padi Kaushik Reddy v. State of Telangana (2025), the Supreme Court of India highlighted procedural delays in disqualification decisions by the Speaker of the Telangana Legislative Assembly, bringing renewed attention to flaws in the current anti-defection adjudication mechanism.

Key Highlights of the Judgment

• The Court addressed the prolonged inaction of the Telangana Speaker in deciding disqualification petitions involving 10 MLAs.
• It quashed a prior High Court order and directed that the proceedings must be concluded within three months from July 31, 2025.
• Criticised the delay as undermining the spirit and purpose of the Tenth Schedule, warning of an “operation successful, patient died” outcome—where the delay renders justice meaningless.
• The Court emphasized that the Speaker functions as a Tribunal and is bound to act in a time-bound and impartial manner.
• It made a strong appeal to Parliament to reconsider the present system and explore independent, alternative mechanisms to decide disqualification petitions, as the current arrangement defeats the intent of anti-defection provisions.

Relevant Precedents

1. Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992)

• Upheld the Speaker''s role as a Tribunal for disqualification matters.
• Held that Speaker''s decisions are subject to judicial review, though courts cannot intervene prematurely ("quia timet actions" are barred).

2. Keisham Meghachandra Singh v. Speaker, Manipur (2020)

• Directed that disqualification petitions should be decided within three months of filing.
• Recommended replacing the Speaker with an independent tribunal to ensure impartiality and efficiency.

About Disqualification under the Tenth Schedule

Legal Framework

• Introduced through the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985, the Tenth Schedule is popularly known as the Anti-Defection Law.
• Objective: To curb political defections and uphold the integrity of democratic governance.

Authority for Adjudication

• Vests the power to decide disqualification in the Speaker (Lok Sabha or State Assembly) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha or Legislative Council).
• Designed to ensure speedy and fearless adjudication, as courts were considered too slow.

Grounds for Disqualification

1. Voluntarily giving up party membership.
2. Voting against the party whip without prior permission.
3. Independent legislators joining a political party after election.
4. Nominated members joining a party after six months from the date they enter the legislature.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s ruling in Padi Kaushik Reddy v. State of Telangana signals growing concern over executive inaction and institutional bias in disqualification proceedings. While the Speaker was originally entrusted with this task to ensure efficiency, repeated delays and politicisation have prompted calls for reform. The Court’s recommendation for Parliamentary intervention to consider an independent disqualification tribunal could mark a pivotal step in reinforcing democratic accountability and procedural fairness under the anti-defection regime.

Supply and Use Tables (SUT): Released by MoSPI

Context

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has published Supply and Use Tables (SUT) for 2020–21 and 2021–22, offering an in-depth picture of India’s economic structure.

What Are Supply and Use Tables?

• Analytical Tools that map the entire flow of goods and services in the economy.
• Show interlinkages between industries, consumers, government, and external trade.
• Combine production, income, and expenditure methods of measuring GDP in a single unified framework.

Purpose and Structure

• Help reconcile data from various sources, enhancing accuracy and consistency in national accounts.
• Consist of two matrices:
• Supply Table – shows availability of goods/services from domestic production and imports
• Use Table – shows how these are utilised, including:
• Intermediate consumption
• Final consumption
• Gross capital formation
• Exports

Doctrine of Merger: Supreme Court''s Observations

Context

In a recent case, the Supreme Court underscored the limited and contextual applicability of the Doctrine of Merger, warning against its overuse to deny legitimate legal remedies.

Understanding the Doctrine

• A common law doctrine that upholds judicial decorum and the hierarchical authority of courts.
• States that when a higher court rules on an appeal or revision, the order of the lower court merges with the appellate decision.
• The original order ceases to independently exist, and only the appellate decision remains binding and enforceable.

Key Principles

• Ensures that there is only one authoritative order on a given subject at any point.
• Applicable when:
• A subordinate court''s decision is challenged
• A superior forum (judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative) exercises its appellate/revisional powers
• The higher court either modifies, reverses, or affirms the original ruling

Limitations of the Doctrine

• Not a universal rule – depends on:
• The type of jurisdiction exercised by the appellate body
• The scope and nature of the challenge
• Courts must apply it carefully, ensuring it does not close off legitimate avenues for redress.

Conclusion

• The Grant-in-Aid Scheme for NCDC will empower cooperatives to scale operations and foster inclusive development across key economic sectors.
• The Supply and Use Tables strengthen macroeconomic planning by offering a coherent and integrative framework for GDP estimation.
• The Doctrine of Merger, while vital to legal consistency, must be applied judiciously to protect access to justice and ensure fairness in the appellate process.

Additional Judges in High Courts

Context:
The President of India has appointed Additional Judges in various High Courts.

About Additional Judges:

• Constitutional Basis: Appointed under Article 224 of the Indian Constitution.
• Term: For a period not exceeding two years, and up to the age of 62.
• Purpose: Appointed in case of:
• Temporary increase in judicial workload.
• Backlog or arrears of pending cases.
• Ratio of Judges: High Court judges are divided into:
• 75% Permanent Judges
• 25% Additional Judges
• Appointment Process: Requires consultation with the Chief Justice of India.

Nomination of Panel of Chairpersons in Lok Sabha

Context:
A Member of Parliament has been nominated by the Lok Sabha Speaker to serve on the Panel of Chairpersons to preside over proceedings in the absence of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker.

Legal Basis:

• As per Section 9 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha:
• At the beginning of each session, or as needed, the Speaker may nominate up to 10 MPs to form the Panel of Chairpersons.
• Any member from the panel may preside over the House in the absence of both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, but only when requested by the Speaker or, in their absence, by the Deputy Speaker.
• The nominated members remain on the panel until a new panel is appointed.
• If no member of the panel is present, the House may designate another member to act as Speaker.
• If the office of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker is vacant, only the President of India can appoint a member to preside.

Piprahwa Relics: Return of a Sacred Legacy

Context

The Ministry of Culture, Government of India has announced the historic repatriation of the Piprahwa relics, believed to be associated with Lord Buddha, marking a significant moment in India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

About Piprahwa Relics

• Nature of the Relics: Considered sacred, these relics are linked to the mortal remains of Lord Buddha.
• Key Artefacts Include:
• Bone fragments
• Soapstone and crystal caskets
• Sandstone coffer
• Offerings such as gold ornaments and gemstones
• Authentication:
  A Brahmi script inscription on one of the caskets verifies that the Sakya clan deposited these relics of the Buddha.
• Discovery:
• Discovered in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé, an English engineer and estate manager.
• Unearthed a stupa at Piprahwa, located south of Lumbini, widely accepted as Lord Buddha’s birthplace.
• Historical Journey of the Relics:
• Under the Indian Treasure Trove Act (1878), the British Crown claimed ownership of the find.
• A portion of the bone and ash remains were gifted to King Chulalongkorn of Siam (now Thailand).
• The majority of relics were transferred to the Indian Museum, Kolkata, in 1899.
• Legal Protection: Classified as ‘AA’ antiquities under Indian law, which prohibits their removal or sale.

Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Context

• On his death anniversary (August 1), the Union Home Minister commemorated Lokmanya Tilak’s pivotal role in transforming Swaraj into a mass movement.

About Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Who Was He?

• A freedom fighter, journalist, educationist, and nationalist thinker.
• Famously called the “Father of Indian Unrest” by British authorities.

Early Life & Education

• Born: July 23, 1856, in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
• Education: Studied at Deccan College, Pune – earned B.A. and LL.B. degrees.
• Contributions to Education: Co-founded the Deccan Education Society and Fergusson College to promote Indian-led education.

Contributions to Freedom Struggle

1. Slogan for Self-Rule: “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it” – became a national rallying cry.
2. Journalism:
   Founded Kesari (Marathi) and The Mahratta (English) to spread nationalist ideas.
3. Cultural Nationalism: Revived Ganesh Utsav (1893) and Shivaji Jayanti as tools for mass mobilisation and unity.
4. Leader of the Assertive Nationalist Phase: A key figure in the Lal-Bal-Pal trio with Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal.
5. Scholarship:
   Authored works like Gita Rahasya, Arctic Home in the Vedas, and Orion.
6. Home Rule Movement (1916): Partnered with Annie Besant to demand self-governance through the Home Rule League.

Controversies & Imprisonment

• Sedition Charges: Imprisoned in 1897 and 1908 for writings inciting resistance to colonial rule.
• Moderate-Radical Divide: Advocated direct confrontation over petitions, causing a split at the 1907 Surat session of the Indian National Congress.

Death

• Died: August 1, 1920, in Mumbai.
• Though his life ended, his ideals and slogans inspired future movements like Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience.

Goswami Tulsidas

Context:
The 500th birth anniversary of Goswami Tulsidas, the revered Bhakti saint and poet, was recently observed.

About Tulsidas:

• Birthplace: Banda district, Uttar Pradesh.
• Real Name: Rambola Dubey.
• Era: Contemporary of Mughal emperor Akbar.

Key Contributions:

1. Ramcharitmanas:
• Retelling of the Ramayana in Awadhi, a regional dialect.
• Made the story of Lord Ram accessible to the masses.
2. Other Works:
• Dohavali
• Sahitya Ratna or Ratna Ramayan
• Gitavali
• Krishna Gitavali or Krishnavali
• Vinaya Patrika

African Swine Fever (ASF): Ongoing Outbreak in Punjab

Context

A recent outbreak of African Swine Fever has been detected at a pig farm in Ravas Brahmanan village, Patiala, triggering containment efforts by local authorities.

About African Swine Fever (ASF)

• Nature of the Disease: A highly contagious and deadly viral disease that affects pigs and wild boars.
• Not transmissible to humans or other animals.
• Impact:
• Causes severe economic loss in the pig farming sector
• High mortality rate: up to 90–100% among infected pigs
• Geographical Spread:
• Initially restricted to sub-Saharan Africa
• Now present in Europe, Asia, and other parts of Africa
• In India, first detected in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in early 2020

Transmission Routes

• Direct contact between infected animals
• Contaminated food (e.g., uncooked meat or pork products)
• Soft ticks, and
• Contaminated surfaces such as clothes, vehicles, and equipment

Symptoms

• Fever
• Weakness and reduced appetite
• Reddened skin
• Eye inflammation
• Diarrhoea (often bloody)
• Vomiting

Prevention and Control

• No effective vaccine is currently available.
• Prevention relies on strict biosecurity measures, such as:
• Culling of infected animals
• Preventing animal movement from affected zones
• Sanitation and quarantine protocols

Darwin Tree of Life (DTOL)

Context:
The first phase of the Darwin Tree of Life (DTOL) project is nearing completion.

About the DTOL Project:

• Goal: To sequence the genomes of 70,000 species of eukaryotic organisms in Britain and Ireland.
• Parent Project: Part of the broader Earth BioGenome Project (EBP).

About the Earth BioGenome Project (EBP):

• Global Mission: To sequence, catalogue, and characterize the genomes of all eukaryotic species on Earth over 10 years.
• Partners: Global network of institutions, researchers, and national-level projects.

Note on Eukaryotic Cells:

• Eukaryotes are organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Human Outer Planetary Exploration (HOPE)

Context

• A Bengaluru-based space startup, Protoplanet, has launched the HOPE (Human Outer Planetary Exploration) station in Tso Kar, Ladakh, to replicate lunar and Martian conditions for space research.

About the HOPE Project

What is HOPE?

• HOPE is a simulation research facility located in the high-altitude cold desert of Ladakh’s Tso Kar basin.
• It replicates the terrain and environmental conditions of the Moon and Mars.

Developed By

• Protoplanet, with technical and financial support from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Objectives

• To study:
• Psychological, physiological, and epigenetic changes in humans under extreme isolation.
• Challenges involved in long-duration space travel and interplanetary habitation.
• To support:
• India’s future crewed lunar mission by 2040.
• The goal of establishing a Bharatiya space station by 2035.

Key Features

• Location simulates extra-terrestrial landscapes with its cold, high-altitude desert environment.
• A pair of scientists will spend 10 days in isolation to assess stress tolerance in deep space-like conditions.
• Research scope includes:
• Mental health, biological adaptation, and mission logistics.
• ISRO contributed to the selection criteria for the participating crew.
• A rotating crew system is planned to observe how different individuals adapt to isolation.

Significance

• A major step in India’s roadmap towards crewed interplanetary missions.
• Strengthens India’s role in the global space research landscape alongside similar facilities in the US, Canada, and Russia.
• Expected to provide critical data for projects like Gaganyaan and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

INS Himgiri: Advancing Indigenous Naval Power

Context

INS Himgiri (Yard 3022) has been delivered to the Indian Navy by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, marking a milestone in India''s shipbuilding capabilities.

About INS Himgiri

• Class & Project: Third ship under the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) frigates.
• Builder: First of its class to be constructed by GRSE, Kolkata.
• Heritage: A modern reincarnation of the original INS Himgiri, a Leander-class frigate decommissioned in May 2005 after 30 years of service.
• Design & Oversight:
• Designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB)
• Supervised by the Warship Overseeing Team (Kolkata)

Key Features

• Propulsion System:
• Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) configuration
• Powered by a diesel engine and gas turbine
• Equipped with Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP)
• Features a state-of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)
• Weapons and Sensors:
• Supersonic Surface-to-Surface Missiles
• Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile system
• Rapid-fire Close-in Weapon Systems
• Indigenous Content:
• 75% indigenisation, involving over 200 MSMEs in its construction at GRSE

Significance:
Represents a generational leap in stealth, survivability, and combat capability.
Reinforces the Indian Navy’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.

Starlink Receives License to Offer Satellite Internet in India

Context

Starlink, a project of SpaceX, has received regulatory approval to launch satellite-based internet services in India using a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation.

About Satellite Internet Services

Definition:
Wireless internet access delivered through satellites orbiting the Earth, also known as satellite broadband.

Significance and Applications

1. Bridging the Digital Divide:

• Enables access to internet in rural, remote, and unconnected regions.

2. Disaster Management:

• Provides reliable communication during disasters or in geographically inaccessible areas (e.g., Siachen, North-East India).

3. Support for Emerging Technologies:

• Facilitates growth of:
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Telemedicine
• Distance education
• Smart agriculture

4. Military and National Security:

• Already used by the Indian Army in high-altitude regions for robust internet connectivity.

Challenges

1. High Cost for End Users:

• Equipment and data plans are significantly costlier than terrestrial broadband.

2. Demand-Supply Imbalance:

• Urban areas already benefit from better and cheaper broadband, reducing uptake of satellite services.

3. Infrastructure and Technical Barriers:

• High cost of ground terminals
• Latency issues and limited bandwidth

4. Additional Issues:

• Concerns over data security
• Regulatory and licensing hurdles
• National security implications

• Way Forward

• Use satellite internet as a complementary solution in underserved and high-risk areas.
• Promote hybrid models combining satellite and terrestrial networks for broader, more efficient coverage.
• Ensure affordability by:
• Reducing hardware costs
• Offering region-specific pricing
• Partnering with Indian telecom providers

AI-Powered Agromet Advisory by ICAR & ICRISAT

• Recent Development

• ICAR and ICRISAT, with support from the Government of India, have launched an AI-based Agro-Meteorological Advisory Service to boost climate resilience in Indian agriculture.

About the Advisory System

Objective

• To provide real-time, location-specific climate and weather advisories to smallholder farmers for better decision-making and risk management.

Developed By

• A collaboration between:
• ICAR
• ICRISAT
• India Meteorological Department (IMD)
• IITM
• CGIAR’s AI4CRA
• Supported by Monsoon Mission-III

Pilot Implementation

• Currently piloted in Maharashtra through Agro-Meteorological Field Units (AMFUs).
• Plans for nationwide and global expansion.

Key Features

• AI/ML-Powered Crop-Weather Models
• WhatsApp Bot for personalized alerts in regional languages
• Tailored information based on:
• Crop lifecycle
• Soil conditions
• Farmer’s location and economic profile
• Real-time integration of IMD weather and satellite data
• Multi-platform delivery via:
• IVRS
• Mobile apps
• Village Resource Centres

Significance

• Supports over 120 million small and marginal farmers
• Reduces crop losses due to weather uncertainties
• Enhances climate adaptation and agricultural productivity

Closes the last-mile delivery gap in tech-driven agriculture

Flagellin and Gut-Brain Connection

Context:
A study by Duke University reveals a previously unknown sensory pathway in the gut, linked to the brain and rooted in the human microbiome.

About Flagellin:

• Origin: A protein released by bacterial flagella in the gut microbiome.
• Detection Mechanism:
• Neuropods (special gut cells) detect flagellin through the TLR5 receptor.
• Signal is then sent to the brain via the vagus nerve—the longest autonomic nerve in the body.

Implications:

• Helps regulate appetite.
• Opens potential for treatments related to obesity, anxiety, and depression.

India’s First 1 MW Green Hydrogen Plant

Context

• India has commissioned its first indigenous 1 MW green hydrogen facility at Deendayal Port, Kandla, under the National Green Hydrogen Mission and Maritime India Vision 2030.

About the Plant

Location

• Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, Gujarat – the first Indian port to host such a facility.

Developer

• A Make-in-India project led by Indian engineers.
• Executed by DPA with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) as the engineering partner.

Technology

• Utilises indigenously made electrolyzers to produce green hydrogen from renewable energy via electrolysis.
• Showcases India’s self-sufficiency in clean energy tech.

Purpose

• To decarbonize maritime transport and help India achieve Net Zero emissions.
• Aligned with:
• National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023)
• Maritime India Vision 2030

Key Features

1. Rapid Execution: Built in just 4 months, showcasing efficiency.
2. Capacity: Expected to produce ~140 metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually.
3. Phased Growth:
• Current: 1 MW operational
• Expansion: 5 MW by year-end, full 10 MW by mid-next fiscal
4. Pilot Usage:
• Fuels 11 hydrogen buses
• Powers streetlights at the port
5. Scalability: Vision to convert entire port operations to green hydrogen in future.

Significance

• India’s first port-based green hydrogen plant.
• Reduces fossil fuel dependency in logistics and shipping.
• Advances Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat through indigenous clean energy innovation.

UN Women: 15 Years of Advancing Gender Equality

Overview

UN Women, the United Nations entity focused on gender equality and the empowerment of women, recently marked its 15th anniversary.

Background and Establishment

• Formed in July 2010 by the UN General Assembly.
• Established as part of the broader UN reform agenda, aimed at unifying resources and mandates to enhance effectiveness and impact.

Core Functions

1. Policy Support:
• Assists inter-governmental bodies like the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in formulating gender-related policies, norms, and global standards.
2. Implementation Assistance:
• Provides technical and financial support to member states seeking help in applying gender equality standards.
• Works closely with civil society organizations to promote impactful collaboration.
3. Coordination and Accountability:
• Leads the UN system’s work on gender equality.
• Promotes accountability by regularly monitoring and reporting on progress across UN agencies.

Global and Local Role

• Advocates for women’s equal participation in all aspects of life.
• Collaborates with governments and NGOs in countries that request its support to help implement gender-sensitive policies, laws, services, and resources.

Grant-Making Mechanisms

• Fund for Gender Equality and
• UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women:
  These provide financial support for innovative and high-impact programmes led by governments and civil society groups.

Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)

• A functional commission under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
• Serves as the primary global policy-making body dedicated to advancing gender equality and women''s rights.

Other Key Roles

• Regularly informs the UN General Assembly, ECOSOC, and UN Security Council on issues related to women''s rights.
• Maintains the UN Secretary-General’s global database on violence against women, which monitors initiatives taken by UN Member States to combat gender-based violence.

Ashtamudi Lake: Conservation Push by Kerala High Court

Recent Development

The Kerala High Court has instructed the State Government and State Wetland Authority Kerala (SWAK) to form a Wetland Management Unit for Ashtamudi Lake within two months following official notification.

Key Features of Ashtamudi Lake

• Location: Kollam district, Kerala.
• Type: Freshwater lake, second largest in Kerala after Vembanad Lake.
• Size & Shape:
• Covers approx. 61.4 sq. km
• Length: Around 16 km
• Palm-shaped or octopus-like with eight arms/channels — the name ‘Ashtamudi’ means ‘eight coned’ in Malayalam.
• Hydrology:
• Fed by the Kallada River
• Discharges into the Arabian Sea via the Neendakara estuary
• Ramsar Site Status:  Designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2002.

Historical Significance

• The area around the lake was a key port in the 14th century, linking the ancient city of Quilon (Kollam) to global trade.
• Ibn Battuta, the Moroccan explorer, described Quilon as a major trading hub.

Biodiversity

• Avifauna: 57 bird species (51 resident + 6 migratory)
• Fish Fauna: 97 species, including:
• 42 marine
• 3 estuarine
• 9 estuarine-riverine
• 15 marine-estuarine
• Notable Species:
• Pearl spot fish, mangrove crabs, otters, water snakes
• Birds like kingfishers, egrets, herons, and cormorants

Sabarmati River: Pollution and Geographical Profile

Recent Update

According to data presented in the Lok Sabha, 13 river stretches in Gujarat are classified as polluted, with the Sabarmati River identified as the most contaminated.

About Sabarmati River

• Origin: Begins in the Aravalli Hills in Udaipur district, Rajasthan
• Known as the Wakal River in its upper course
• Course: Flows southwest through Rajasthan and Gujarat. Empties into the Gulf of Khambhat (Arabian Sea)
• Length:
  Total: 371 km
• Rajasthan stretch: 48 km
• Gujarat stretch: 323 km
• Drainage Basin:
• Area: 21,674 sq. km
• Bounded by:
• Aravalli Hills (North & Northeast)
• Rann of Kutch (West)
• Gulf of Khambhat (South)
• Land Use:
• 74.68% agricultural land

Urban Connection

• Major cities like Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar are situated on its banks.
• The river bisects Ahmedabad, separating the western and eastern halves.

Main Tributaries

• Wakal River
• Harnav River
• Hathmati River
• Watrak River
• Madhumati River

Darwin’s Frog Conservation Initiative

Recent Development

• Chile has launched a renewed conservation effort to protect the endangered Darwin’s Frog.

About Darwin’s Frog (Rhinoderma darwinii)

• Also known as the Southern Darwin’s Frog, it was discovered in 1834 by Charles Darwin in Chile’s southern Chiloe Islands during his world voyage.

Distinctive Features

• Size: Tiny, about 3 cm (1.18 inches).
• Appearance: Resembles a leaf due to its camouflaged skin.
• Reproductive Adaptation:
• Males carry tadpoles in vocal sacs in their mouths until they develop.
• Behavior:
• Diurnal: Active during the day and rests at night.
• Defense Mechanism: Plays dead when threatened—remains motionless on the forest floor or water surface.

Habitat and Range

• Native to the humid forest streams of Chile and Argentina.
• Prefers a mix of:
• Grasslands
• Mossy patches
• Woody debris
• Young shrubs and mature trees within native forests

Diet

• Feeds on insects and other arthropods.

Conservation Status

• Two species exist:
• Rhinoderma darwinii (Southern Darwin’s Frog) – Endangered
• Rhinoderma rufum (Northern Darwin’s Frog) – Critically Endangered, possibly extinct.

Threats

• Forest fires
• Climate change
• Invasive species
• Urban expansion These have degraded the moist forests essential to the frog’s survival.

Asiatic Lion: Rising Mortality Concerns

Recent Incident

• In Amreli, Gujarat, three lion cubs died, while six others are under veterinary care—highlighting growing concern about cub mortality despite an overall rise in lion numbers.

About Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica)

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
• CITES: Appendix I – prohibits international trade

Habitat and Distribution

• Primarily found in Gir National Park and surrounding areas like Amreli, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, and parts of the coastal Gujarat.
• Over 200 lions now inhabit non-protected areas.

Historical Background

• Once spread from eastern India to the Mediterranean.
• By the early 1900s, the population dwindled to a few in Gir Forest.
• Intensive conservation efforts have revived numbers, but it remains a single wild population, making it highly vulnerable.

Physical Characteristics

• Males have a sparse mane, allowing ears to remain visible (unlike African lions).
• Feature a prominent belly fold.
• Coat ranges from sandy to silvery grey.
• Shoulder height: ~110 cm
• Length: Up to 280 cm
• Weight: Males (160–190 kg), Females (110–120 kg)

US Sanctions 6 Indian Companies for Iran Trade

Context

• The US State Department imposed sanctions on 20 global entities, including 6 Indian companies, for their involvement in Iranian petrochemical trade.

Details of the Sanctions

Legal Basis

• Enforced under Executive Order 13846.

Reason

• These firms were allegedly knowingly involved in the sale or transport of Iranian petrochemical products.
• The US argues that Iran uses petrochemical revenue to:
• Fund terrorism
• Suppress internal dissent
• Destabilize the Middle East

Consequences

• Asset Freeze: All assets of these companies under US jurisdiction are frozen.
• Trade Ban: US individuals and companies barred from dealing with them.
• Secondary Sanctions: Other global entities may face penalties if they engage with these sanctioned firms.
• Diplomatic Impact: Could strain India–US economic ties and raise compliance risks for Indian exporters.

About Iran

Location:

Southwestern Asia

Capital:

Tehran

Borders:

• Land: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Turkey
• Water: Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman

Geography:

• Mountain Ranges:
• Zagros Mountains (west to southwest)
• Alborz Mountains (north, includes Mount Damavand, Iran’s highest peak at 5,671 m)
• Plateaus and Deserts:
• Central Plateau ringed by high mountains
• Dasht-e Kavir and Lut Desert dominate central Iran
• Rivers:
• Karun River (Iran’s only navigable river)
• Zayandeh River (vital to Isfahan)
• Sefid River (flows into the Caspian Sea)

Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative (IBRRI)

Context:
A side event under IBRRI was held during Ramsar COP15, focusing on wetland conservation and restoration.

About IBRRI:

• Aim: To support implementation of the Strategic Plan of the Ramsar Convention on wetlands.
• Secretariat: Managed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• Supported by: IUCN’s BRIDGE (Building River Dialogue and Governance) project.
• Member Countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

Strategic Plan 2025–2030:

• Officially launched during COP15.
• Objective: To halt and reverse wetland loss across member countries.

About BRIDGE Project:

• Goal: Promote sustainable, transboundary water governance and development.
• Focus Areas: Biodiversity conservation, water security, and peaceful cooperation among countries.

ABHA ID (Ayushman Bharat Health Account)

Context:
The National Medical Commission has instructed all medical institutions to record the ABHA ID of patients during registration.

About ABHA ID:

• A 14-digit unique health ID for individuals within India’s digital healthcare ecosystem.
• National Reach: Accepted by registered healthcare providers across the country.
• Voluntary Participation:
• Individuals can opt-in at their discretion.
• They may request permanent deletion or temporary deactivation of their ABHA number at any time.

About Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM):

• Objective: To build the digital backbone for a unified, integrated health infrastructure in India.