Parliamentary Committees in India – Silent Pillars of Democracy

A Rising Emphasis on Accountability

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla recently addressed the National Conference of Chairpersons of Parliamentary and Legislature Committees on Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. In his speech, he underscored the increasingly vital role that parliamentary committees play in upholding democratic accountability in India. Simultaneously, he expressed concern over the deteriorating standards of dialogue, decorum, and discourse within legislative bodies—highlighting a worrying trend in parliamentary conduct.

Historical Evolution and Structural Framework

While the formalization of India’s committee system occurred only in 1993, committees have existed since the early years of independence. One of the earliest instances was the Ad Hoc Committee formed to deliberate on the Citizenship Clause. Over time, this ad hoc practice gave way to a structured mechanism, aimed at improving governance and legislative oversight.

The Indian parliamentary committee system now includes:

• Standing Committees, which are permanent and focus on specific domains like finance, defence, and health.
• Ad Hoc Committees, which are temporary and created for a defined purpose.
• Joint Committees, which include members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to address cross-cutting issues—for example, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the feasibility of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal.
• Specialised Committees, such as the Business Advisory Committee and the Committee on Papers Laid on the Table, which play critical roles in managing parliamentary functions.

The Underlying Need for Parliamentary Committees

·       The scale and complexity of governance in India demand mechanisms that go beyond floor-level parliamentary debates. Committees help bridge this gap by managing the enormous volume of work and ensuring detailed scrutiny of legislative and executive actions.

·       Given the limited time and procedural restrictions in the Parliament, these committees are indispensable. Their contributions extend well beyond law-making—they handle sector-specific oversight, welfare monitoring, financial scrutiny, and executive accountability. Despite operating behind the scenes, their influence shapes virtually every piece of legislation, policy evaluation, and expenditure analysis.

Roles and Functions: The Engine Room of Accountability

·       They function as custodians of transparency by evaluating government schemes, policies, and financial outlays. A key strength lies in their bipartisan nature. By working across party lines, committees foster a spirit of collaboration and consensus that often eludes the legislative floor.

·       Through tools like Demand for Grants reports, they identify and expose inefficiencies in public spending. For instance, the 2022–23 report on the Panchayati Raj Ministry highlighted significant under-utilisation of allocated funds. Moreover, these committees are empowered to recommend course corrections in welfare programs, particularly those targeting marginalised groups like SCs and STs, ensuring that financial allocations translate into on-ground outcomes.

Contributions of Note: When Committees Steer Reform

India’s parliamentary committees have played a pivotal role in shaping major legislation. The journey of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill is a prime example—originating with the Justice Srikrishna Committee in 2017, progressing to a Joint Parliamentary Committee in 2021, and culminating in the 2022 draft Bill.

Other significant legislative reviews include:

• Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill
• Anti-Maritime Piracy Bill
• Jan Vishwas Bill
• Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill
• Competition (Amendment) Bill
• Electricity Bill
• Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill

Further, the Public Accounts Committee in 2015 drew attention to grave inefficiencies in defence shipyards, including cost overruns and delays—demonstrating the committees’ critical oversight function.

Challenges and Concerns: A Decline in Deliberative Rigour

Despite their importance, several concerning trends have emerged regarding the functioning and relevance of parliamentary committees.

The most striking is the declining referral of Bills to committees. While 71% of Bills were referred in the 15th Lok Sabha, this dropped sharply to 25% in the 16th and further to just 16% in the 17th Lok Sabha. This pattern undermines expert scrutiny and thoughtful law-making.

Other issues include:

• Deterioration in debate quality, with frequent disruptions observed during sessions, such as the Monsoon Session where protests over electoral roll revision in Bihar disrupted daily proceedings.
• Erosion of parliamentary conduct, including language and decorum.
• Growing political polarisation, which threatens the traditionally bipartisan functioning of these committees.
• Lack of enforceability, as committee recommendations are often not binding and therefore routinely ignored by the executive.

The Path Forward: Reclaiming Their Centrality

·       There should be mandatory referral of all Bills to the appropriate committees before any legislative approval, mirroring practices in mature democracies like the United States.

·       Furthermore, the powers of committees must be enhanced to ensure they can effectively enforce accountability and do not become mere formalities.

·       Institutionalising committee processes is another critical step. By formalising roles and procedures, the system can be insulated from political pressures that currently allow key legislation to bypass scrutiny.

·       Above all, committees must retain their bipartisan character, continuing to serve as arenas for constructive and inclusive debate.

Conclusion: Strengthening the Backbone of Deliberative Democracy

Revitalising the committee system is essential to reinvigorate India’s deliberative democratic institutions. In a political landscape increasingly marked by polarisation and performative debate, committees offer a rare space for thoughtful dialogue, accountability, and expert-led scrutiny.

Empowering these "silent pillars" with greater authority, procedural robustness, and institutional support will not only improve governance but also ensure more transparent, participatory, and effective law-making in the years to come.

India’s Trade Balancing Act: Navigating Between the US and China

With the end of the close Modi-Trump rapport and the imposition of steep tariffs by the United States on Indian exports, New Delhi is shifting its diplomatic gears. In a significant move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, where he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in an attempt to reset strained bilateral relations.

India-China Relations: From Hostility to Strategic Caution

The downward spiral in India–China relations began in earnest after the Galwan Valley clashes of June 2020, which significantly soured public opinion in India against China. These clashes led to nationwide calls to sever economic ties with Beijing. In response, the Indian government banned several Chinese mobile applications and imposed curbs on foreign direct investment (FDI) originating from China.

Trade Dynamics and India’s Reluctance

India has historically resisted deep economic engagement with China. This reluctance was most visible in late 2019 when India withdrew from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a major regional trade pact. The core concern among Indian policymakers was that an agreement with China could inundate Indian markets with low-cost imports, thereby threatening the survival of domestic industries.

India’s “China +1” Strategy and Its Limitations

Post-pandemic, India has aimed to position itself as a strategic alternative to China in global supply chains—an approach known as the “China +1” strategy. This effort is intended to attract Western businesses looking to reduce dependency on Chinese manufacturing. However, India has struggled to gain significant traction, facing stiff competition from other emerging economies like Vietnam, Mexico, and Poland, which offer more agile and efficient manufacturing ecosystems.

Strategic Tensions Escalate Beyond Trade

The trade dispute with China cannot be viewed in isolation. India increasingly sees China not just as an economic rival but as its principal strategic adversary. This perception intensified after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, during which Indian intelligence identified Chinese-made weaponry in use by Pakistani elements. Such developments have further deepened mistrust and added a critical national security layer to the economic debate.

US Tariffs as a Catalyst for India-China Engagement

·       The abrupt and significant rise in US tariffs on Indian goods has pushed both India and China to reassess their economic strategies and potentially seek closer cooperation. India currently faces tariffs as high as 50%—second only to Brazil—while China, which once dealt with tariffs as steep as 145%, has recently seen them reduced to 30% and is actively engaging with various global partners.

·       The US’s strategy of reciprocal tariffs, aimed at narrowing trade deficits, has made such protectionist measures increasingly predictable. According to reports, China reached out to India as early as March 2025 to propose closer trade cooperation. However, New Delhi delayed its response until June. Interestingly, China has publicly criticised the US’s tariff hikes on India, echoing Indian Prime Minister Modi’s earlier characterisation of India and China as “the twin engines” of Asian growth.

Risks and Constraints in Recalibrating Trade with China

While China''s overtures might seem appealing amid rising US trade barriers, Indian policymakers and analysts remain cautious about deeper economic integration with Beijing. Several long-standing structural and strategic challenges underscore this wariness:

• India maintains a $40+ billion trade surplus with the United States, but runs a $100 billion trade deficit with China, revealing a fundamental imbalance in its trade relationships.
• China has consolidated its position as the world’s leading manufacturing superpower, controlling an outsized share of global exports, which makes direct competition difficult for India.
• India’s own manufacturing sector remains underdeveloped. Between 2019-20 and 2025, manufacturing gross value added (GVA) has grown at a modest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of just 4%, trailing behind agriculture, which recorded a 4.7% CAGR. This highlights India’s ongoing struggle to build a globally competitive industrial base.
• Overreliance on China could undermine India’s credibility as a "China +1" destination, deterring Western firms seeking genuine diversification from Beijing.
• China’s economic slowdown, marked by deflation and industrial overcapacity, may compel it to offload cheap surplus goods in external markets, including India—posing a severe threat to Indian producers.
• At the geopolitical level, India and China embody fundamentally different economic models. India’s democratic and market-driven system stands in stark contrast to China’s state-led, authoritarian approach. Moreover, Beijing’s continued strategic support for Pakistan makes trust-building between the two countries extremely challenging.

Caught Between Superpowers: India’s Complex Trade Positioning

·       India’s cautious approach toward open global trade reflects deep-seated structural limitations in its economic framework. For decades, coalition politics was blamed for stalling reform. Yet, even with a decade of uninterrupted single-party majority rule since 2014, India has made only incremental progress. Instead of embracing liberalisation, the country has leaned into economic protectionism, even as growth rates have decelerated.

·       During this period, China has rapidly expanded its dominance in global manufacturing, growing so large and influential that it now presents a formidable challenge to American economic hegemony. However, China’s rise is not without complications. Its domestic industrial overcapacity and looming deflation risk compel it to export aggressively—posing spillover risks to trade partners, including India.

Fractured Ties with the US: Cooperation Under Strain

The United States, under President Trump, has adopted a more confrontational stance on global trade, aiming to reassert its influence through a system of “reciprocal” tariffs. Although this approach seeks to correct trade imbalances, it is widely criticised as arbitrary and self-defeating, often alienating even long-standing allies like India. The tariff hikes on Indian exports—now among the highest globally—have strained bilateral economic relations, even as the US continues to be India’s largest export destination.

India’s Strategic Dilemma: Growth vs Sovereignty

·       As India contends with growing friction in its relations with both Washington and Beijing, it faces a significant diplomatic and economic conundrum. On the one hand, China presents an opportunity to access a large, integrated supply chain ecosystem, but this comes with major geopolitical and trade-offs. On the other hand, while the US remains a key trade partner, recent protectionist policies have eroded predictability and mutual trust.

·       India must now tread a careful path—balancing strategic autonomy with the need for market access, preserving national security without closing off economic opportunity, and asserting leadership in global supply chains while avoiding entanglement in great power rivalry.

India’s 2025 Surge in Disposable Income: The Interplay of Inflation, Tax Cuts, and Growth

Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V. Anantha Nageswaran has projected a notable increase in Indian households’ disposable income in 2025, compared to the previous year. This anticipated rise is attributed to three primary factors: moderating inflation, income tax reductions already implemented, and potential future cuts, including a restructured GST framework. The resultant uptick in disposable income is expected to positively influence household consumption patterns and stimulate broader economic activity.

What is Disposable Income?

• Disposable income refers to the net income available to households after the deduction of taxes. It represents the actual money that individuals can use for spending or saving. In practical terms, it’s the amount left in one’s hand after fulfilling tax obligations.
• This income is typically used to cover everyday expenses such as food, housing, education, healthcare, and utilities. Additionally, households may choose to invest or save this portion for future financial security.
• Formula: Disposable Income = Total Income – Taxes

Inflation’s Impact on Real Disposable Income

·       While nominal disposable income may remain unchanged, its purchasing power can be significantly eroded by inflation. For example, if an individual earns ₹50,000 in disposable income per month, that amount will buy fewer goods and services during a period of rising inflation.

·       Thus, high inflation leads to a decline in real disposable income, prompting households to reduce discretionary spending. This contraction in consumption slows down demand across the economy, which can, in turn, inhibit growth.

·       Furthermore, inflation increases the cost of essential goods and services, compelling households to allocate a larger portion of their income to necessities like food, rent, and fuel. This leaves little room for savings or investment, weakening long-term financial stability and lowering overall economic resilience.

Why Rising Disposable Income Matters

A sustained increase in disposable income has far-reaching implications for both households and the economy:

• Stimulates Consumption: More income in the hands of consumers leads to higher spending on goods and services, driving demand and supporting economic expansion.
• Improves Quality of Life: With greater purchasing power, families can afford better healthcare, education, housing, and nutrition, elevating their standard of living.
• Promotes Savings and Investment: As essential expenses become easier to manage, households are better positioned to save and invest, contributing to long-term wealth creation and capital formation.
• Fuels Business Activity: Enhanced consumer demand encourages business growth, leading to higher production, job creation, and entrepreneurial activity.
• Strengthens Economic Stability: Households with higher disposable income are better equipped to manage economic shocks or inflationary pressures, which reduces vulnerability and enhances overall resilience.
• Drives GDP Growth: Increased consumption contributes directly to economic output, making rising disposable income a core component of sustained GDP growth.

Economic Outlook for 2025: A Year of Positive Momentum

·       According to CEA Nageswaran, 2025 is expected to witness a significant improvement in household financial health. The key enablers of this trend include a decline in inflation, the implementation of direct tax cuts outlined in the 2025 Union Budget, and the anticipated rationalisation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

·       These fiscal measures have already begun to impact consumer behaviour. India’s GDP growth rate for the April–June 2025 quarter surged to 7.8%, the highest in over a year, exceeding market expectations and signalling strong economic momentum.

Urban and Rural Demand Patterns: A Mixed Landscape

·       While concerns were raised during the Reserve Bank of India’s August 2025 Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting regarding weak urban demand, the CEA offered a counter-narrative. He argued that traditional consumer surveys may have underestimated urban consumption due to methodological limitations.

·       Instead, Nageswaran cited UPI merchant payment data, which revealed robust digital transactions across various categories, suggesting a healthier consumption trend in urban areas than previously assumed.

·       In contrast, rural demand has remained solid, buoyed by a favourable monsoon season that strengthened agricultural output and rural incomes. However, urban consumption patterns have shown a nuanced picture—strong performance in service sectors such as hospitality and retail trade, but muted activity in housing and consumer durable loan uptake.

External Pressures: The Challenge of US Tariffs

·       From August 27, 2025, the United States doubled tariffs on Indian exports, raising duties to 50%—comprising a 25% base tariff and an additional 25% penalty linked to India’s continued oil imports from Russia. This move poses a serious threat to India’s export-oriented industries, particularly those that are labour-intensive, such as textiles.

·       Higher tariffs could lead to declining exports, job losses, reduced wages, and subdued household consumption. Such ripple effects may also undermine private sector investment, leading economists to warn of a potential chain reaction that could dampen the overall growth trajectory.

Policy Response: Strengthening the Domestic Front

In response to these emerging challenges, the Indian government is pursuing a dual-track policy strategy:

1. Stimulating Domestic Demand: Through significant income tax reductions—which are projected to reduce government revenue by ₹1 lakh crore—and proposed GST reforms aimed at lowering prices, the government seeks to increase consumers'' disposable income and thereby boost consumption.
2. Reducing External Vulnerability: Simultaneously, efforts are underway to explore alternative export markets, thereby reducing overdependence on the US and enhancing India’s economic resilience in the face of geopolitical volatility.

Conclusion: Disposable Income as a Catalyst for Growth

·       As inflation cools and tax reforms take root, Indian households are poised to enjoy a noticeable increase in disposable income in 2025. This financial breathing room is expected to boost consumption, savings, and investment, thereby acting as a key lever for economic expansion.

·       However, external headwinds, particularly in the form of rising US tariffs, continue to present risks to India’s export performance. The government’s ability to successfully stimulate domestic demand while diversifying its global trade dependencies will determine how effectively this rise in disposable income can be harnessed to sustain long-term economic growth.

India’s Q1 FY26 GDP Growth Surges to 7.8%: Fastest in Five Quarters

India’s economy expanded at a robust pace of 7.8% during the first quarter of FY26 (April to June 2025), marking its fastest quarterly growth in five quarters. This performance reinforces India’s position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy. The acceleration was led by strong growth in manufacturing, services, and construction sectors, and it comes at a time when global trade is facing serious challenges, particularly due to steep tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian exports.

Sectoral Drivers of Growth

·       The manufacturing sector witnessed a significant revival, expanding by 7.7% during the quarter. This was a marked improvement from the 4.8% growth seen in the January–March 2025 quarter and slightly above the 7.6% growth recorded in the same quarter last year. The figures indicate sustained industrial demand despite the headwinds arising from uncertain global trade conditions.

·       Construction activity remained a vital pillar of the economy, growing at 7.6%. Although this marked a slowdown compared to the 10.1% expansion in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year, it still reflects continued infrastructure development and consistent housing demand, underscoring the sector’s underlying resilience.

·       The services sector emerged as the key engine of growth, registering a strong 9.3% rise—the highest in two years. Within the services domain, public administration, defence, and other government-related services rose sharply by 9.8%, signalling a significant increase in public expenditure. Financial, real estate, and professional services grew by 9.5%, supported by broad-based expansion in the financial sector. Trade, hotels, transport, and communication also demonstrated strength, growing by 8.6%, which points to a continuing recovery in both travel and consumer-driven demand.

·       Agriculture also performed well, growing at 3.7% compared to just 1.5% in the same quarter last year. This indicates strengthening rural activity, supported by a favourable monsoon. However, the utilities sector—comprising electricity, gas, water supply, and other related services—slowed sharply to just 0.5%. This decline is attributed in part to unseasonal heavy rains, which curtailed electricity demand, particularly from residential and commercial consumers.

External and Domestic Pressures on Growth

·       The imposition of a 50% tariff by the United States on Indian exports, which took effect on August 27, 2025, has raised concerns about potential fallout for India’s export-driven sectors. The tariff includes a base duty of 25% and an additional 25% penalty, targeting key industries such as textiles, gems and jewellery, and engineering goods. While this move has raised fears about its impact on jobs, exports, and consumption, Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran reassured that the overall economic impact is likely to remain modest, with domestic demand expected to stay robust.

·       On the policy front, the Indian government is continuing efforts to spur demand through tax reforms. These include reductions in indirect taxes and progress toward rationalising the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure. The aim is to support consumption, particularly during the upcoming festive season. Additionally, the direct tax cuts announced in the Union Budget for FY26 are expected to further strengthen household disposable incomes, aiding consumption recovery.

Trends in Consumption and Investment

·       Private final consumption expenditure rose by 7% in Q1 FY26, which was slower than the 8.3% growth recorded in the same quarter last year, though it marked an improvement from the previous quarter’s 6%. This indicates a cautiously improving consumer sentiment in a challenging global environment.

·       Investment activity, measured through Gross Fixed Capital Formation, grew by 7.8%, pointing to sustained infrastructure and corporate capital spending. Public investment also made a strong comeback, with government consumption expenditure rising by 7.4% after having declined in the previous quarter. This rebound suggests a more proactive fiscal stance aimed at supporting growth amid external pressures.

FY26 Outlook: Confidence Amid Headwinds

·       Despite escalating global trade tensions and rising protectionism, the Indian economy is expected to maintain its momentum. The government has projected full-year GDP growth in the range of 6.3% to 6.8% for FY26, reaffirming India’s position as a global growth leader.

·       While nominal GDP growth moderated to 8.8%—the lowest in the past three quarters—it remains strong enough to sustain healthy corporate earnings. Economists, however, caution that the real GDP growth figures may have been bolstered by low inflation during the quarter. They emphasise that continuing structural reforms, along with efforts to diversify export markets, will be essential for maintaining economic resilience and ensuring that growth remains broad-based and sustainable.

Conclusion

India’s 7.8% GDP growth in Q1 FY26 represents a remarkable achievement, especially in light of global economic headwinds and rising protectionism. Strong sectoral performances in manufacturing, services, and construction, supported by effective domestic policy interventions, have allowed the economy to not only absorb external shocks but also maintain forward momentum. While risks persist, especially from trade disruptions and slowing global demand, India’s diversified domestic economy and strategic policy support place it in a favourable position to navigate the remainder of the fiscal year with confidence.

Energy Sovereignty: The New Oil

Introduction: Redefining Energy’s Role

Energy is no longer just a passive enabler of economic growth; it has emerged as the very bedrock of national sovereignty and security. For a country like India—where 85% of crude oil and 50% of natural gas needs are met through imports—energy shocks directly impact the trade balance, drive inflation, and weaken the country’s overall resilience. Energy security is, therefore, not optional but existential.

Global Flashpoints: Strategic Lessons from Energy Disruptions

The world has repeatedly witnessed how energy vulnerabilities can morph into crises, reshaping policies and priorities:

• 1973 Oil Embargo: The Arab oil embargo caused a fourfold increase in oil prices, forcing Western economies to adopt strategic petroleum reserves and enforce energy efficiency norms to reduce their reliance on OPEC.
• 2011 Fukushima Disaster: The nuclear crisis triggered a loss of confidence in nuclear energy, resulting in a revival of coal and gas, which in turn increased emissions—highlighting the climate costs of abandoning zero-carbon baseload power.
• 2021 Texas Freeze: The extreme cold disrupted both gas pipelines and wind turbines, exposing how excessive cost-optimisation can undermine system resilience in extreme weather.
• 2022 Russia–Ukraine War: Europe’s heavy reliance on Russian gas—nearly 40%—became a geopolitical liability. This forced the continent to pivot towards LNG diversification and temporarily revive coal-based power.

India’s Present-Day Energy Vulnerabilities

India faces a multi-layered energy risk landscape:

• Rising Import Bills: In FY24, India’s oil and gas imports totaled $170 billion, accounting for a quarter of its merchandise imports. This adds pressure on foreign exchange reserves and contributes to a widening current account deficit.
• Overdependence on Russia: Since the Ukraine conflict, Russia’s share in India’s oil imports has surged to 35–40%, increasing exposure to geopolitical tensions and sanctions-related risks.
• Macroeconomic Volatility: Spikes in energy imports lead to rupee depreciation, inflationary pressures, and reduced fiscal space for development and welfare programs.
• Geopolitical Hotspots: Escalating tensions in West Asia—such as a potential Israel–Iran conflict—could disrupt 20 million barrels per day of oil flow, driving global prices above $100 and endangering India’s energy supply chains.

Structural Challenges to Achieving Energy Sovereignty

India’s path to energy sovereignty is obstructed by several systemic issues:

1. Technological Deficiencies: The country lacks domestic capabilities in small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced coal gasification, and is heavily reliant on China and the EU for 80% of electrolyser components.
2. Financing Gaps: The energy transition is projected to require $10 trillion by 2070 (as per CII), yet current green finance inflows fall significantly short of this target.
3. Infrastructure Limitations: Weak transmission networks, inadequate storage solutions, and unstable low-voltage grids obstruct the integration of large-scale renewable energy.
4. Fragmented Policy Architecture: The overlapping jurisdictions of the Ministry of Power (MoP), Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) create inefficiencies and slow down cohesive long-term planning.
5. Social and Environmental Costs: Coal gasification projects risk increased emissions, nuclear expansion faces local resistance due to land concerns, and large hydropower projects carry ecological consequences.
6. Volatile Global Markets: External shocks—ranging from LNG price spikes and carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAM) to OPEC’s supply strategies—threaten India’s external economic stability.
7. Critical Mineral Dependencies: Growing reliance on imported lithium, cobalt, and nickel for battery storage and hydrogen systems introduces new strategic dependencies.

Five Pillars for Building India’s Energy Sovereignty

India must proactively construct a foundation of self-reliant, diversified, and resilient energy systems:

1. Coal Gasification with Carbon Capture: With reserves of 150 billion tonnes, India has the potential to produce syngas, methanol, and hydrogen if technological barriers—such as high ash content—are addressed. Example: NITI Aayog’s pilot coal-to-chemicals projects aim for commercial scale deployment.
2. Biofuels for Rural Transformation: Programs like ethanol blending and SATAT’s compressed biogas (CBG) initiative not only reduce crude imports but also generate by-products like bio-manure, enhancing soil health and water retention. Example: By 2024, ethanol blending alone has transferred ₹92,000 crore to rural farmers.
3. A Nuclear Backbone: Expanding India’s nuclear capacity via thorium-based fuel cycles, increased uranium partnerships, and deployment of SMRs can ensure zero-carbon baseload power—critical for a renewables-heavy grid. Example: India’s nuclear capacity is currently 8.8 GW—well below its 100 GW ambition.
4. Green Hydrogen Ecosystem: Achieving the 2030 target of 5 MMT/year of green hydrogen necessitates local manufacturing ecosystems for electrolysers, catalysts, and storage infrastructure. Example: The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023, prioritises supply chain localisation.
5. Pumped Hydro Storage Systems: Leveraging India''s diverse topography, pumped hydro offers grid inertia and storage to stabilise intermittent renewable energy sources.Example: New pumped storage projects are being developed in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.

Strategic Roadmap: Securing India’s Energy Future

A coherent, strategic approach is essential to transition from vulnerability to sovereignty:

1. Diversification of Import Sources: India must reduce dependency on Russia and West Asia by forging energy partnerships with Africa, Central Asia, and Latin America.
2. Scaling Strategic Reserves: Current reserves cover 77 days of consumption; to meet the International Energy Agency (IEA) standard of 90 days, expansion is critical.
3. Phased Transition Strategy: A calibrated fossil-renewable energy mix must be maintained until 2040 to ensure stability during the transition to clean technologies.
4. Institutionalising a Sovereignty Doctrine: A National Energy Sovereignty Council should be established to unify energy, climate, and national security strategies.
5. Forging Global Tech Alliances: India should utilise multilateral platforms such as the Quad, BRICS+, and I2U2 to collaborate on SMRs, hydrogen innovations, and carbon capture technologies.

Conclusion: A National Imperative

Energy sovereignty is not a mere policy aspiration—it is a survival imperative for the 21st century. By systematically addressing structural weaknesses and rigorously implementing its five-pillar roadmap, India can shield itself from global energy shocks, ensure affordable and clean power for its citizens, and rise as a resilient and sovereign energy power.

Converting Weeds to Wealth

Context

Invasive plant species such as water hyacinth, parthenium, and mikania are generally seen as serious ecological menaces. They clog waterways, threaten native biodiversity, and disrupt rural livelihoods. However, emerging scientific research and entrepreneurial innovations are increasingly demonstrating that these so-called “green pests” can be repurposed into valuable resources. These initiatives not only support sustainability goals but also contribute to employment generation and poverty reduction, offering a transformative lens on what was previously considered purely a liability.

Challenges Posed by Invasive Weeds

The spread of invasive plant species creates a multi-dimensional set of problems, affecting ecosystems, public health, local economies, and governance structures.

• Ecological Harm: These weeds often choke natural water bodies, obstruct irrigation canals, reduce fish catches, and undermine biodiversity. Protected ecosystems such as Kaziranga and Dibru-Saikhowa have been significantly impacted.
• Health Risks: Dense mats of water hyacinth create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, escalating risks of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue.
• Economic Losses: Local communities, particularly farmers and fishermen, bear the financial burden of reduced agricultural productivity and the increased costs of maintaining access to water sources.
• Governance Vacuum: The habitats where these weeds flourish are often commons, suffering from inadequate oversight and accountability. Local administrative bodies tend to neglect these shared resources, compounding the problem.
• Symbolic of Larger Issues: The unchecked proliferation of invasive weeds serves as an indicator of deeper systemic problems such as pollution, land encroachment, and climate-related stress on ecosystems.

Opportunities: Transforming a Threat into a Resource

Despite their adverse impact, invasive plants can be redirected into value chains that benefit local communities and align with sustainability goals.

• Development of Green Products: Noteworthy innovations have emerged in different parts of the country:
• At Symbiosis University, Pune, researchers have developed biodegradable menstrual hygiene products using water hyacinth. This innovation received the Elsevier Climate Challenge award in 2025.
• An Assam-based start-up has begun producing eco-friendly handmade paper from processed hyacinths, showcasing entrepreneurial potential at the grassroots.
• Policy Support: The Swachh Bharat Mission has indirectly enabled several small-scale innovations that convert invasive weeds into usable products, offering a framework for replication.
• Scientific Discoveries: A study at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru on the DELLA protein has shown promising results in improving crop productivity. This represents a synergy between plant science and AI, opening new frontiers for agricultural innovation.
• Ecological Role in Food Chains: Field research in Kaziranga reveals that some invasive weeds, rich in vitamin D, are consumed by wild boars, suggesting that these species can play nuanced roles within certain ecosystems.
• Job Creation Potential: The manual removal of invasive plants is inherently labour-intensive. This activity can be effectively linked to government programs such as MGNREGA, afforestation drives, and Panchayat-led initiatives, creating a channel for sustainable rural employment and ecosystem restoration.

Governance and Policy Implications

Effectively managing invasive plant species requires more than isolated scientific breakthroughs; it demands institutional coordination, policy rethinking, and integration with broader development goals.

• Linking Ecology and Poverty Alleviation: Reflecting the vision of environmentalist Anil Agarwal, environmental management—including afforestation and weed clearance—should be considered a core strategy in combating rural poverty.
• Enhancing MGNREGA’s Role: There is scope to evolve MGNREGA from funding primarily low-impact infrastructure projects to backing ecological clean-ups, wetland rejuvenation, and restoration of irrigation systems, thereby aligning rural employment with environmental outcomes.
• Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions: Local self-governments must be empowered to take ownership of commons, including wetlands, ponds, and village ecosystems. A decentralised governance model can ensure better oversight and quicker response to ecological challenges.
• Fostering Public–Private Partnerships: Collaborative ventures involving start-ups, academic institutions, and farmers'' cooperatives can accelerate the commercialisation of weed-to-wealth technologies, increasing impact and scalability.
• Building Demand-Supply Ecosystems: For these innovations to succeed beyond pilot stages, functional markets for eco-friendly products must be created. A stable demand can ensure the financial viability of such ventures and prevent them from collapsing once initial support fades.

Conclusion

What were once dismissed as invasive green pests can, through innovation and collaborative governance, be reimagined as valuable assets for both the environment and rural livelihoods. Scientific breakthroughs, community participation, and proactive policy support can together transform invasive weeds into engines of sustainable development. This approach not only mitigates ecological harm but also strengthens local economies, offering a compelling model for ecological restoration that is deeply aligned with social equity and economic inclusion.

Extended Range Attack Munitions (ERAM) Missile

The United States, under the Trump administration, has recently approved the transfer of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munitions (ERAM) to Ukraine, marking a significant boost to Ukraine’s aerial strike capabilities.

Overview of ERAM Missiles

ERAM is a cutting-edge, air-launched missile designed for high-precision targeting. It merges the firepower of a traditional heavy bomb with the long-distance striking capability of a cruise missile. This fusion allows for accurate destruction of enemy assets from considerable distances, minimizing the risk to aircraft and pilots.

Key Specifications and Features

·       The missile offers a range between 240 and 450 kilometers, depending on the trajectory chosen during deployment. Each ERAM is equipped with a 500-pound high-explosive warhead, capable of neutralizing hardened military targets such as underground bunkers, fuel depots, and ammunition storage sites.

·       Guidance systems on ERAM include a combination of GPS, inertial navigation, and a terminal seeker, allowing the missile to strike within a ten-meter accuracy radius. Its modular and compact design makes it suitable for integration with Western aircraft like the F-16, which Ukraine is in the process of acquiring. There is also potential for retrofitting ERAM onto Soviet-era platforms, enhancing their combat relevance.

·       Importantly, the missile is designed for mass production, with a focus on affordability and adaptability across various aircraft types, making it a cost-effective and scalable solution for modern aerial warfare.

Mitochondrial Protein Import

In a recent development, researchers at Caltech University have made a significant discovery that challenges established assumptions about how proteins enter mitochondria, revealing a more complex and nuanced mechanism than previously understood.

Role and Origin of Mitochondria

Mitochondria are essential organelles responsible for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of cells. They have a double membrane structure and are believed to have originated over a billion years ago through an endosymbiotic event involving a primitive archaeal host cell and a bacterium. Over evolutionary time, mitochondria transferred most of their genetic material to the host’s nucleus, rendering them dependent on the host cell for proteins, which are synthesized in the cytoplasm.

Conventional Understanding of Protein Import

According to the traditional model, proteins intended for mitochondria were thought to be fully synthesized in the cytosol before being imported into the organelle via specialized membrane channels. This post-translational import model has long guided biological understanding of mitochondrial function.

Breakthrough from Caltech

The Caltech team has now revealed that approximately 20% of mitochondrial proteins are imported while they are still being synthesized on ribosomes, a process known as cotranslational import. This mechanism is especially relevant for larger and more structurally complex proteins that are at risk of misfolding or forming irreversibly stable structures if they complete synthesis in the cytosol before import.

Mechanism of Cotranslational Import

While these proteins possess a mitochondrial targeting sequence, that alone is not sufficient for cotranslational transport. A second signal, specifically the first large protein domain that emerges during synthesis, plays a crucial role in the process. This domain essentially acts as a key that enables early mitochondrial import, ensuring that the protein does not fully fold outside the organelle.

Experimental validation confirmed that transplanting this domain onto unrelated proteins successfully redirected them for cotranslational import, offering compelling evidence of the mechanism’s precision and potential applications in biomedical research.

Cordualadensa acorni

A newly discovered fossilized dragonfly species from the Late Cretaceous period has been identified by scientists from McGill University, marking a landmark paleontological find from Alberta’s Dinosaur Provincial Park.

Discovery Context and Significance

·       Named Cordualadensa acorni, the specimen represents the first Mesozoic-era dragonfly fossil ever found in Canada, filling a 30-million-year gap in the evolutionary timeline of dragonflies. The fossil was unearthed from the Dinosaur Park Formation, a geological site dating back 75 million years and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

·       This discovery led to the establishment of a new insect family, Cordualadensidae, based on the fossil’s distinctive anatomical traits. It also marks the first known North American member of the dragonfly subgroup Cavilabiata.

Anatomical and Ecological Characteristics

·       The fossil includes a partially preserved wing impression, with a wingspan comparable to the width of a human hand. Structural analysis of the wing suggests it was adapted for gliding flight, a trait also found in present-day migratory dragonflies. Though small, Cordualadensa acorni likely played an integral role in the Cretaceous food web, possibly serving as prey for predatory birds or small reptiles.

·       Prior to this discovery, the only recorded insect fossil from the region was a microscopic aphid encased in amber, making this find both rare and crucial to understanding prehistoric insect biodiversity in North America.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

On August 29, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the nomination of two new members to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and re-nominated three existing members for an additional three-year term, reinforcing the leadership of India’s premier disaster management institution.

Background and Establishment

The NDMA was founded under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act of 2005 and serves as the apex statutory body for disaster management in India. The Prime Minister of India chairs the NDMA ex officio, overseeing its strategic direction and decision-making processes.

Mandate and Objectives

The authority is entrusted with formulating national disaster management policies, coordinating and supervising their implementation, and approving disaster management plans prepared by central ministries, State Governments, and related agencies. The core mission of NDMA is to foster a resilient and disaster-ready India, leveraging technology-driven, sustainable, and inclusive strategies across all levels of governance.

Organizational Structure

• NDMA is structured with the Prime Minister as Chairperson, supported by a Vice-Chairperson (at Cabinet rank) and up to eight Members (at Minister of State level). It functions through several specialized divisions, including Policy and Planning, Mitigation, Operations, Communications and IT, Administration, and Finance.
• The authority also provides the overarching framework for disaster management across the country, working in coordination with State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), ensuring a unified national approach to disaster resilience.

Core Functions and Responsibilities

NDMA’s responsibilities encompass a wide range of activities:

• Developing and approving the National Disaster Management Plan.
• Issuing policy guidelines for central and state agencies, ensuring the integration of disaster risk reduction into development planning.
• Coordinating the enforcement of disaster management strategies across various levels of government.
• Recommending the allocation of financial resources for mitigation and preparedness efforts.
• Facilitating international disaster relief operations when directed by the central government.
• Supervising the functioning of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM).
• Organising training programmes, conducting mock drills, and promoting community-level resilience and preparedness.

Through these responsibilities, NDMA plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s disaster response infrastructure and building long-term national resilience in the face of natural and man-made calamities.

India’s First EMI-Based Credit Card

• A major development in India’s fintech space came with the recent launch of the Unity Bank BharatPe Credit Card, jointly introduced by BharatPe and Unity Small Finance Bank. This card is being heralded as India’s first EMI-focused credit card built on the RuPay network, offering a fresh alternative to conventional credit cards.
• This new credit product is unique in that it offers customers the flexibility to either pay the full amount or convert purchases into equated monthly instalments (EMIs). The card has been launched in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), further integrating India''s digital payments ecosystem.
• Another distinctive feature of the card is its compatibility with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). By linking to UPI, the card can be used at a vast network of merchants across the country, enabling seamless and widespread utility.
• Eligibility for the Unity Bank BharatPe Credit Card extends to both salaried and self-employed individuals. Applicants can apply digitally through the BharatPe app, where they can also complete onboarding, KYC procedures, and undergo credit eligibility checks, leading to a fully online card activation process.

Some of the core features of this EMI-driven credit card include:

• Auto-EMI Conversion, allowing users to instantly convert any transaction into EMIs ranging up to 12 months, offering flexibility and ease of repayment;
• No associated charges, such as joining fees, annual charges, or foreclosure penalties, making it a lifetime free card;
• Full UPI integration, enabling effortless payments at physical and online merchants;
• A reward system that offers a flat 2% reward on all EMI transactions, which users can redeem within the BharatPe app;
• Premium perks, such as complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges, along with preventive health check-up benefits;
• Digital onboarding, which allows for a completely app-based application, verification, and activation process.

LUPEX Mission

• The Prime Minister of India recently welcomed a significant bilateral milestone—an agreement between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) regarding the upcoming Chandrayaan-5 mission under the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) programme.
• This collaborative space mission seeks to explore the south polar region of the Moon, focusing particularly on the detection and analysis of water and other elemental resources, possibly present as surface ice. LUPEX is also a platform to showcase advanced surface mobility technologies and survival strategies for enduring the extreme conditions of lunar nights.
• The mission involves the deployment of both a lander and a rover. ISRO is responsible for the lander, while JAXA is tasked with designing and operating the rover. Once deployed, the rover will independently navigate the lunar surface to identify potential water-rich zones and extract soil samples using a drill mechanism.

Subsequent data collection will involve in-depth analysis of these samples using various onboard observational instruments. The rover will be fitted with systems capable of:

• Measuring the water content in lunar regolith (lunar sand);
• Drilling and sampling the Moon’s surface;
• Operating with cutting-edge technologies, especially in driving systems and battery performance, some of which are world-first innovations.

In addition to instruments provided by ISRO and JAXA, the rover will carry scientific payloads from international partners such as NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), making LUPEX a globally collaborative mission. The project marks a key step in both lunar science and international space cooperation.

State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2024

• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) recently released the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2024, offering a comprehensive evaluation of how India’s 36 States and Union Territories have performed in implementing energy efficiency measures for the financial year 2023–24.
• Jointly developed by BEE and the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), the index is designed to support data-driven governance, encourage best practice sharing, and promote constructive competition among states to accelerate progress toward national energy and climate goals.
• Now in its sixth edition, SEEI 2024 introduces a more implementation-oriented framework and evaluates performance across 66 indicators. These indicators span key sectors, including Buildings, Industry, Municipal Services, Transport, Agriculture, DISCOMs (power distribution companies), and Cross-Sector initiatives. The revised framework also reflects current policy priorities such as electric vehicle (EV) policy adoption, star-rated buildings, and demand-side management (DSM) strategies.
• States are grouped into four performance categories: Front Runners (score above 60%), Achievers (50–60%), Contenders (30–50%) and Aspirants (below 30%)

Among the top performers:

• Maharashtra led in Group 1 (states with more than 15 Million Tonnes of Oil Equivalent – MToE);
• Andhra Pradesh topped Group 2 (5–15 MToE);
• Assam led in Group 3 (1–5 MToE);
• Tripura was the front runner in Group 4 (below 1 MToE).

The 2024 index also records impressive sector-specific progress. For example:

• 24 states have adopted the ECBC 2017 (Energy Conservation Building Code);
• 10 states have released energy efficiency policies targeting the MSME sector;
• 31 states have rolled out electric mobility policies;
• 13 states are promoting solar-powered agricultural pumps, with Kerala reaching a 74% penetration rate.

Additionally, all 36 States and UTs have developed their own State Energy Efficiency Action Plans (SEEAPs), and 31 states have constituted State-Level Steering Committees on Energy Transition, reinforcing institutional mechanisms for long-term sustainability.

Nanjangud Rasabale Banana

·       The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has recently announced that the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) will soon undertake a detailed study aimed at protecting the Nanjangud Rasabale banana from the threat of diseases. This initiative is expected to support farmers and safeguard one of Karnataka’s most cherished horticultural products.

·       The Nanjangud Rasabale is a unique variety of banana cultivated predominantly in the Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts of Karnataka. Known for its distinct taste, thick pulp, and aromatic quality, this variety earned the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2006, which officially recognises its regional uniqueness and quality.

·       What distinguishes the Nanjangud Rasabale banana from other varieties is its exclusive taste and texture, which cannot be replicated anywhere else in the country. This exceptional quality is largely attributed to the black clay alluvial saline soil found in the region, which imparts a special aroma to the fruit. In addition to its sensory appeal, the banana is believed to possess medicinal properties, especially in treating certain neurological ailments.

·       However, the cultivation of this banana variety faces a significant threat in the form of Panama Wilt disease, a serious fungal infection caused by the Fusarium wilt pathogen. This disease has long been a major challenge for local farmers, leading to reduced yields and compromised fruit quality.

·       To address this, ICAR''s upcoming study is likely to focus on disease resistance strategies and sustainable cultivation practices that can secure the future of this heritage crop.

·       ICAR itself is an autonomous organisation functioning under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. Originally known as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research, it was established on 16 July 1929 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, following recommendations of the Royal Commission on Agriculture.

·       As the apex body for agricultural research and education in India, ICAR plays a central role in managing and coordinating research across disciplines such as horticulture, fisheries, and animal sciences. India boasts one of the world’s most extensive agricultural research networks, comprising 113 ICAR institutes and 74 agricultural universities spread throughout the country. ICAR is headquartered in New Delhi.

Guru Tegh Bahadur

·       The Indian Railways has announced a series of commemorative activities—ranging from special trains to cultural events and heritage programmes—to mark the 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru of Sikhism. These tributes highlight his enduring legacy as a symbol of religious freedom, moral courage, and human dignity.

·       Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621–1675), revered as Hind Di Chadar or the Protector of India, was martyred in Delhi in 1675 for his steadfast opposition to forced religious conversions under Mughal rule. His sacrifice is remembered as a bold stand for spiritual freedom and human rights, values that remain deeply relevant today.

·       Born on April 1, 1621, in Amritsar, he was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind Ji. From an early age, Guru Tegh Bahadur was trained in a wide range of disciplines including martial arts, religious scriptures, music, and meditation. He actively participated in battles alongside his father, experiences that instilled in him the values of bravery, service, and devotion. Later in life, he chose to live a life of simplicity and deep spiritual contemplation, settling in Bakala (Punjab) where he taught and meditated.

·       One of his most significant contributions was his defense of religious freedom, particularly when he opposed the Mughal policy of forcibly converting Kashmiri Pandits. Rather than allowing the suppression of religious identity, Guru Tegh Bahadur offered his own life to affirm the right of every individual to practice their faith freely.

·       His teachings revolved around spiritual strength rather than material possessions, promoting ideals such as compassion, humility, and the equality of all human beings. In terms of community development, Guru Tegh Bahadur founded several towns, the most notable being Anandpur Sahib, which later evolved into a spiritual and military center of Sikhism. He also contributed to the consolidation of Sikh institutions and composed hymns that were eventually included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the central scripture of Sikhism.

·       His martyrdom laid the foundation for the militarisation of Sikhism under his son, Guru Gobind Singh, and established him as a defender of oppressed communities. Today, Guru Tegh Bahadur is honoured across India as an enduring icon of religious tolerance, justice, and moral strength.

Digital Connectivity Rating

·       On August 29, 2025, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) approved the registration of eight Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRA). These agencies are tasked with evaluating in-building telecom and internet infrastructure and assigning star ratings to various types of properties across India.

·       The Digital Connectivity Rating is part of a regulatory framework introduced under TRAI’s 2024 Regulations. It is designed to assess the digital readiness of residential, commercial, and public buildings by measuring the quality of in-building telecom infrastructure. The evaluation culminates in a star-based rating system, offering transparency and aiding consumers in making informed property choices.

·       The core objectives of this initiative include empowering consumers with clear, standardized information about digital connectivity before purchasing or renting a property, and encouraging real estate developers to adopt high-quality telecom solutions in their construction. It also plays a strategic role in supporting broader national missions such as Digital India and Smart Cities, and in preparing urban spaces for upcoming 5G and 6G rollouts.

·       The eight agencies approved to carry out this assessment include Ardom Towergen, Crest Digitel, CTL Infocom, ESTEX Telecom, Frog Cellsat, Phistream Consulting, Shaurrya Teleservices, and TUV SUD South Asia. Their registration is valid for a five-year period starting from August 27, 2025.

·       To ensure consistency, TRAI released an assessment manual on August 13, 2025, which outlines the methodology and performance metrics. Properties will be rated from 1 to 5 stars based on parameters such as connectivity strength, signal coverage, and network reliability. The rating will be applicable across residential buildings, office complexes, shopping malls, and high-rise structures.

·       The significance of this initiative lies in its ability to build trust among consumers, especially in urban areas where network issues are common. By setting performance benchmarks, it aligns the real estate sector with telecom reforms and strengthens the foundation for future technologies such as IoT and AI-driven networks. Additionally, it promotes investment in digital infrastructure, thereby enhancing consumer rights and improving the overall quality of life.

·       TRAI, established in 1997 under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, serves as an independent regulator for the telecom sector. Its responsibilities include ensuring fair competition, setting tariffs, regulating interconnections, and protecting consumer interests. Headquartered in New Delhi, TRAI has evolved to play a central role in shaping the digital governance ecosystem, including broadband development, data privacy, and infrastructure rating systems like DCRA.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

·       Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the 25th Summit of the SCO Council of Heads of State, scheduled to be held in Tianjin, China, on August 31, 2025. This summit marks an important occasion as it coincides with 25 years of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s founding, offering an opportunity to review past achievements and outline strategic goals for the next decade.

·       The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a regional intergovernmental body established in 2001, evolving from the earlier “Shanghai Five” formed in 1996. With its headquarters in Beijing, SCO focuses on political, economic, and security cooperation, and aims to foster regional stability, counter-terrorism, and economic integration.

·       The organization currently includes eight full members: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It also has observer states such as Afghanistan, Belarus, Mongolia, and Iran, with the latter progressing toward full membership. Additionally, the SCO has several dialogue partners, including Turkey, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, among others.

·       The core objectives of the SCO are to promote regional peace, combat threats like terrorism, separatism, and extremism, enhance economic cooperation, and foster cultural and people-to-people exchanges. The organization also supports a multipolar world order and upholds the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states.

·       Several major initiatives are housed within the SCO framework. These include the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) headquartered in Tashkent, proposals for a SCO Development Bank, and cooperative projects in areas like energy security, transport connectivity, agriculture, digital economy, and cultural exchange. The SCO also conducts annual joint military exercises, most notably under the Peace Mission series.

·       The 2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin, being hosted by China for the fifth time, carries the theme “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move.” The summit will focus on several key areas, including the adoption of a ten-year development strategy (2025–2035), a comprehensive review of SCO’s achievements over the past quarter-century, enhanced cooperation on regional security and counter-terrorism, expansion of trade and energy projects, and collaborative efforts toward sustainable development and climate action.

·       More than 20 heads of state and 10 heads of international organizations are expected to participate. For India, the summit offers a strategic platform to advance its interests in regional connectivity, energy cooperation, anti-terror collaboration, and balanced engagement with Russia, China, and Central Asian nations.

Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)

·       India and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to implement the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), a significant step toward promoting low-carbon technology and fostering sustainable development through international collaboration.

·       The JCM is a Japanese initiative aimed at promoting investments in low-carbon technologies in developing countries. The emission reductions generated through these initiatives are credited partially to Japan, contributing to its international emission-reduction commitments. This mechanism enables collaborative climate action while facilitating the exchange of technology, finance, and expertise.

·       The primary objective of the JCM is to encourage the transfer of Japanese low-carbon technologies to India, helping to create a cleaner and more sustainable economy. It also seeks to mobilise green investments for infrastructure and projects that align with climate goals. Through the mechanism, India can strengthen its technological and institutional capacity in managing advanced climate-friendly solutions.

·       In addition to fostering capacity building, the JCM also introduces a system for carbon credit trading between India and Japan under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, making it a vital instrument for international cooperation on climate mitigation. It supports India’s broader transition to clean energy and long-term climate resilience.

·       The Indo-Japan MoC under the JCM framework is the first of its kind in the area of low-carbon cooperation. It encompasses various components such as equipment, machinery, systems, and infrastructure localisation, ensuring that the solutions are adapted to Indian conditions. Oversight is provided by India’s National Designated Authority for Carbon Markets, ensuring accountability and alignment with India’s climate policies.

·       This cooperation is in direct alignment with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), including the goals to reduce emission intensity by 45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels), achieve 50% installed power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, and create a carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂ through afforestation.

·       The mechanism holds considerable diplomatic significance by reinforcing Indo-Japan relations, particularly in the areas of climate and technology. Economically, it attracts foreign investment and contributes to job creation in India’s growing green economy. Environmentally, it supports the shift to renewable energy and enhances India’s ability to meet international climate targets. Moreover, the JCM positions India as an emerging leader in global carbon markets, aligning domestic action with international cooperation.

Ravi River

·       The Ravi River recently made headlines as its floodwaters inundated the Kartarpur Corridor complex in Pakistan’s Narowal district, including the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. The flooding stranded over 100 individuals and prompted widespread evacuation efforts.

·       The Ravi is one of the three eastern rivers of the Indus River system allocated to India under the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. Originating near Bara Bhangal in the Chamba region of Himachal Pradesh, the river flows through the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir, before entering Pakistan’s Punjab province and ultimately joining the Chenab River.

·       In its upper reaches, the Ravi flows through deep gorges in the Himalayas before descending into the Punjab plains via Madhopur. Along the way, it forms a short stretch of the India–Pakistan boundary, enters Pakistan near Narowal, and flows past Shahdara near Lahore, eventually merging with the Chenab near Ahmadpur Sial.

·       The river has numerous tributaries: on the right bank, it receives the Budhil, Baira, and Siul rivers; on the left bank, it is joined by the Ujh (in J&K), Basantar, and Sewa rivers.

·       India has developed several important infrastructural projects along the Ravi. These include the Ranjit Sagar Dam (Thein Dam), which serves both hydropower generation and irrigation, and the Shahpur Kandi Project, which ensures downstream water storage and irrigation. Other key structures include the Madhopur Headworks, responsible for diverting water into the Upper Bari Doab Canal (UBDC), and the Chamera Hydropower Projects in Himachal Pradesh. The proposed Ujh Multipurpose Project in Jammu & Kashmir also plans to utilise Ravi’s resources.

·       Physiographically, the river passes from the rugged Himalayan gorges into the fertile Doab plains downstream. The soil types vary from alluvial soils in Punjab to savanna and ferrallitic soils in the sub-mountain regions.

·       Hydrologically, the Ravi is both snowmelt-fed and monsoonal, with peak flows occurring during the July–September monsoon period. These seasonal variations often result in flooding in Pakistan’s Punjab region, especially in Narowal, Shahdara, and Lahore.

·       The river is vital not only for irrigation and hydropower in northern India but also holds religious significance, particularly for the Sikh community, due to sites like Kartarpur Sahib, a major pilgrimage centre associated with Guru Nanak.

UNDP Report – “Securing Rights, Enabling Futures”

·       The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has released a report titled “Securing Rights, Enabling Futures,” which evaluates the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, across the Indian states of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Odisha. The report highlights key innovations, persistent implementation challenges, and proposes reforms to strengthen forest governance.

·       The Forest Rights Act (FRA)—officially known as the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006—was enacted to address historical injustices faced by forest-dwelling communities. It aims to secure their livelihood, habitat, and food security, while recognising their rights over forest land and resources.

·       Despite two decades of implementation, the FRA continues to face significant hurdles. High rates of claim rejections persist due to procedural lapses, inadequate documentation, and misinterpretations of the law. The recording and mapping of rights remain incomplete in many areas due to poor land records. Even where rights have been granted, post-recognition support remains weak—particularly in the demarcation of Community Forest Resources (CFRs) and the formation of Community Forest Resource Management Committees (CFRMCs).

·       In addition, there are critical institutional challenges, including weak administrative capacity at the state and central levels and poor inter-departmental coordination. Other issues include social and knowledge barriers, inconsistent implementation across states, and limited involvement of Gram Sabhas, despite their central role in the FRA process.

·       The UNDP report outlines several key recommendations to address these gaps. It suggests official recognition of forest rights holders across all social welfare and livelihood schemes, and calls for dedicated funding under national and state-level programs. The report also proposes linking FRA implementation with the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) to create gender-sensitive livelihood opportunities.

·       Additionally, it recommends the introduction of a sunset clause to define a final timeline for the recognition and vesting of rights. The report calls for stronger post-rights support, moving beyond a mere welfare approach to focus on community empowerment. A final recommendation emphasises the need to integrate the FRA with the Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996, to ensure comprehensive and democratic forest governance.

Supreme Court: Two New Judges Appointed, Full Bench Strength Achieved

·       The recent appointment of two new judges to the Supreme Court of India has restored the Court’s full sanctioned strength of 34 judges. These appointments were made through the Collegium system, which governs the selection of judges for the Supreme Court (SC) and High Courts (HC) in India.

·       The Collegium system is a judicial mechanism through which recommendations for judicial appointments and transfers are made. Judges are formally appointed by the President of India under Articles 124 and 217 of the Constitution, which deal with appointments to the SC and HCs, respectively.

·       For the appointment of SC judges, the Collegium comprises the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. For High Court appointments, the Collegium includes the CJI and the two senior-most SC judges.

·       The evolution of the Collegium system has occurred over several landmark cases. In the First Judges Case (1981), the Supreme Court ruled that consultation with the CJI did not equate to concurrence, thereby giving primacy to the executive. However, this was overturned in the Second Judges Case (1993), where the Court asserted that ''consultation'' effectively meant ''concurrence'', establishing the foundation of the Collegium system. Initially comprising three members (CJI + two senior-most judges), the Third Judges Case (1998) expanded the Collegium to five members.

·       In the Fourth Judges Case (2015), the Supreme Court struck down the 99th Constitutional Amendment and the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), declaring them unconstitutional. This restored the Collegium system as the exclusive process for judicial appointments.

·       With the recent appointments, the Supreme Court has once again reached full operational strength, ensuring the continued functioning and efficiency of the highest court of justice in India.