What’s Stopping India’s Green Power Progress

• A number of things have changed in India’s power supply infrastructure in last 12 years. One of them is the unification of the power transmission network, which allows the grid operator to shift load from thermal to nuclear, solar, wind and hydro from one corner to the other. The other, and more important step, has been the increase in the ability to produce renewable energy.
• India produces over 213GW renewable energy (up from just over 187GW in 2023) leveraging several natural energy sources as of 2024.
• This ability takes the country forward in realising its net-zero emissions goal.
• But to actually realise that goal and meet the ever-increasing power demand of the fifth-largest economy in the world, the country needs to figure out at least one thing more: storing the green energy it produces.
• Lithium is a core component of energy storage systems and India does not have enough of it. Consequently, it has to import most of the lithium it uses
• In this, India lags its peers. Green energy across the world is primarily stored in battery energy storage systems (BESS). And most of these systems are built using lithium, a chemical element in short supply.
• India does not have adequate BESS infrastructure. As a result, while it is able to produce 213GW of renewable energy, its battery storage infrastructure can keep only 33MW, according to a report by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
• The Centre recognises the problem.
• In 2023, it set up a national framework for energy storage systems in a bid to ramp up India’s energy storage capacity.
• The framework involved a number of policy and regulatory measures as well as measures for performance-linked incentives. It also approved a viability gap funding of Rs 3,760 crore for 40% of BESS projects. But all these measures so far have had limited impact.

Li-ion at Heart

• One of the primary reasons why India has failed to adequately scale up its BESS capacity is the lack of lithium.
• Most BESS capacity around the world is built on lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries. Lithium is a core component of energy storage systems, and India does not have enough of it.
• Consequently, it has to import most of the lithium it uses—which is both expensive and slow.
• The few lithium reserves that exist in the country are still to be tapped. A reserve was discovered in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district in 2023. It was a tremendous discovery because when it was found, authorities called it the seventh-largest resource of lithium globally.
• It was said that the reserve contains 5.6% of the world’s lithium reserves. But there have been no bids to extract yet.
• Smaller reserves have been discovered in Jharkhand and Rajasthan. But according to analysis by the International Energy Agency (IEA), minerals like lithium take 16.5 years to go from discovery to production.
• “Any significant output from these reserves is at least a decade away,”.Also  adds that the environmental and social impacts of such lithium extraction need also be considered.
• Meanwhile, India’s lithium demand is seeing a sharp rise not only due to the growing focus on renewable energy but also electric vehicles (EVs).
• India’s lithium demand could rise from 1,634 tonnes in 2022 to 40,499 tonnes by 2030, according to projections by the International Institute of Sustainable Development. Of this, grid storage demand of total lithium demand is expected to go up from zero in 2022 to 19% in 2030.
• To supply this demand domestically, the government should push more production-linked incentive schemes.
•  “However, to achieve true self-sufficiency, the focus should be to not only increase domestic production capabilities but also promote recycling initiatives and explore alternative technologies such as sodium-ion and flow batteries to diversify energy storage,” 

Testing Ground

• Another factor that has slowed the evolution of battery storage technology in the country is the lack of adequate testing centres. Testing battery storage units is necessary not only for safety and reliability but also for functionality in special locales. VK Saraswat, a member of the government think tank Niti Aayog, calls the lack of nationally accredited testing centres “one of the biggest gaps in India’s energy storage ecosystem”. “India requires a universal standard for all types of energy storage systems.” He believes the quickest way to ramp up testing infrastructure is by authorising third-party testing and certification.
• The Bureau of Indian Standards’ (BIS) electrotechnology in mobility sectional committee (ETD 51) and stationary storage (ETD 52) are looking to adapt existing global standards for India. A lot of progress has been made, but this will take more time, according general manager, BESS, Gensol Engineering.
• Also global committees on standardisation and testing centres such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and American Underwriter Laboratories (ULs) have been working on Li-ion batteries for more than 25 years, and India has started late.
• “In recent years, there has been a spurt in testing services across the world.
• They typically follow European Union guidelines and/or American ones. While these are exhaustive standards aimed at testing battery performance and quality not all are suited for Indian conditions [high temperature and humidity]. There is an urgent need to develop Indian standards,”

Question of Research

• And of course, among the multiple reasons for the lack of battery technology innovation, is the lack of adequate focus on research and development (R&D), a condition that afflicts most Indian industries. At 0.64% of gross domestic product (GDP), India spends less on R&D than most other similar economies, according to data from policy think tank WRI India.
• China spends nearly 2.4% of its GDP on R&D efforts, Japan 3.2%, the US 3.4% and South Korea 4.7%. Add to that, most of the R&D funding in India comes from the government, with businesses contributing only 41%. But in the US, China, Japan and South Korea, businesses contribute over 70%.
• According to data compiled by WRI India, key research areas in the battery ecosystem are raw-material mining, processing, cell-component manufacturing, battery assembly and recycling. Ministries of the government of India are involved in various aspects of the battery supply chain through R&D, laboratories and public sector undertakings (PSUs).
• But the research that happens in India is mostly at the level of basic technology development with little to no focus on commercialisation.
• On the other hand, businesses like to get involved in research at the level of commercialisation. As a result, much of the technology developed in India faces challenges at the stage of commercialisation.
• The Institute of Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) calculated that total government spending in renewable energy research and development in financial year 2022 was Rs 124 crore across all sectors, including national wind, solar and bioenergy institutes and other programmes.
• Last year, the government more than doubled this number with the National Green Hydrogen Initiative that has a research and development budget of Rs 400 crore.
• While these numbers are impressive, the disparity between research investment and deployment puts India at a competitive disadvantage. Despite ranking fourth in the world in terms of renewable energy capacity, India’s R&D expenditure is well below the annual average spent by member states of the IEA which is $118mn or Rs 986 crore.
• “There is cognisance of this in policymaking circles. Initiatives like Anusandhan National Research Foundation [ANRF] established by the ANRF Act 2023 grow and foster a culture of research and innovation, and are needed to bridge the gap and establish leadership,” says Deepak Krishnan, deputy director-energy at WRI India.
• Energy storage will be key to sustainability in the years to come. And India’s realisation of its net-zero emissions target will hinge on how quickly and efficiently it can expand its ability to store renewable energy. Without that, the path to net zero seems broadly improbable.

Unlocking potential of India-US nuclear deal

•  US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) removed three Indian nuclear entities — Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) and the Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) — from its ‘Entity List’ in order to enhance civilian nuclear cooperation between the two countries.
• The India-US nuclear deal stands as the pinnacle of engagements, serving as a foundation for deeper cooperation in high-tech fields during the Modi-Obama and Modi-Trump administrations.
• But the next major step forward came with the launch of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCTE), unveiled by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan in 2022.
• The US Entity List is a list of foreign individuals, businesses and organisations that are subject to export restrictions and licensing requirements for certain goods and technologies.
• The list — compiled by the BIS of the US Department of Commerce — is ostensibly used to prevent unauthorised trade in items that could be diverted to terrorism, weapons of mass destruction(WMD) programmes, or other activities that are perceived by the US as going against its foreign policy or national security interests.

Impact of the move

• The move will allow for “closer cooperation between the United States and India to secure more resilient critical minerals and clean energy supply chains”.
• The amendment to the export controls list would allow the affected entities to enter into deeper collaboration with the US, its private sector, and its scientists and technologists in order to further civilian nuclear cooperation.

Background: The India-US Nuclear Deal

• The lifting of these restrictions brings attention back to the landmark 2008 India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement.
• This deal, finalized after three years of tough negotiations, ended India’s nuclear isolation and opened the door for India to access civilian nuclear technology from countries like the US.
• The deal ended India''s long winter of nuclear isolation as it refrained from signing the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which New Delhi considers discriminatory, and paved the way for civil nuclear cooperation with other countries.
• The US played a significant role in India’s nuclear and space programmes in the decades following the country’s independence, but India stayed away from developing nuclear weapons. The global nuclear landscape, however, changed after 1968.
• The NPT signed that year, was an agreement between major nuclear and non-nuclear powers aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear technology.
• Though it didn’t prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, it was a significant achievement, at times a convenient tool, for arms control advocates, including the US to come after India following New Delhi''s nuclear tests in 1974 and 1998.
• This agreement was a major turning point in India-US relations, overcoming long-standing hurdles related to nuclear non-proliferation.
• The deal allowed India to engage with the global nuclear community despite not signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
• The US played a key role in India’s nuclear and space programs, but following India’s nuclear tests in 1974 and 1998, global attitudes towards India became cautious. The 2008 deal helped overcome these tensions and paved the way for future cooperation.

Why Nuclear Energy Matters Now

• Nuclear energy is increasingly being seen as essential in meeting the growing demand for electricity, particularly with the rise of technologies like artificial intelligence and data centers, which require large amounts of power.
• Tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft are investing in nuclear energy to meet their energy needs, despite the higher costs.
• Nuclear energy is considered a clean source of power, which makes it a key part of the global push for sustainable energy solutions.

Could Zombie Deer Disease Transfer to Humans?’

• Chronic wasting disease (CWD), often referred to as "zombie deer disease," has been steadily spreading through deer populations across North America for decades. This fatal neurological disease, a prion-based affliction similar to mad cow disease, causes infected animals to waste away, lose coordination, and display eerie, zombie-like symptoms. But could this deadly disease one day make the jump to humans?
• While no human cases of CWD have been confirmed to date, growing concerns over its spread — and its potential to mutate — are drawing serious attention. Here’s what we know so far about CWD, how it spreads, and whether it poses a threat to human health.
• Scientists have warned in a report that Chronic Wasting Disease, popularly known as “zombie deer disease”, could evolve to affect humans. 

What is Chronic Wasting Disease?

• Chronic wasting disease is a prion disease — a rare, neurodegenerative disorder caused by misfolded proteins, called prions, that damage brain tissue. It affects members of the deer family (Cervidae), including deer, elk, and moose, and it’s always fatal. Animals infected with CWD eventually display symptoms such as severe weight loss, lack of coordination, teeth-grinding, drooling, and confusion, giving them an almost zombie-like appearance.
• First identified in captive deer at a Colorado research facility in 1967, CWD wasn’t identified in wild deer until 1981. It has since been detected in 35 U.S. states, four Canadian provinces, and parts of South Korea and Europe, further raising concerns about its potential to infect other species — including humans
• Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a prion disease that affects deer, elk, moose and similar animals. It has been reported in the United States, Canada, Norway, Finland, Sweden and South Korea.
• Unlike most infectious diseases, CWD isn’t caused by bacteria or a virus, but rather by misfolded natural proteins called prions.
•  Prions are proteins that are normally found in the body. 
• All mammals produce normal prions that are used by cells, then degraded and eliminated, or recycled, within the body. When disease-associated prions contact normal prions, they cause them to refold into their own abnormal shape. 
• These disease-associated prions are not readily broken down and tend to accumulate in, and damage, lymphatic and neural tissues, including the brain. CWD has an extended incubation period averaging 18–24 months between infection and the onset of noticeable signs.
• The most obvious sign of CWD is progressive weight loss. Numerous behavioural changes also have been reported, including decreased social interaction, loss of awareness, and loss of fear of humans. Diseased animals also may exhibit increased drinking, urination, and excessive salivation.
• CWD is contagious. No treatments or vaccines are currently available.
• Scientists believe CWD proteins (prions) spread between animals through body fluids like feces, saliva, blood, or urine. This can occur either through direct contact or indirectly through contamination of soil, food or water.
• No CWD infections in people have ever been reported. However, CWD is related to another prion disease in animals that does infect people. So, it is considered a theoretical risk to people.
• Some studies in monkeys suggest they can get CWD by eating meat or brain tissues of infected deer or elk. These studies raise concerns CWD may also pose a risk to people.

What Causes Chronic Wasting Disease?

• CWD is caused by infectious proteins called prions. Prions are unique in that they don’t contain DNA or RNA, unlike bacteria or viruses. Instead, they are misfolded proteins that cause other proteins in the brain to likewise misfold, ultimately leading to brain damage. Once these proteins accumulate in the brain, they create spongy holes in the tissue, resulting in severe neurological dysfunction.
• Prions are also virtually indestructible. They resist extreme heat, radiation, and most sterilization techniques, which makes them highly infectious in environments. They spread through saliva, urine, feces, and even decaying carcasses of infected animals.
• Once prions are in the soil or water, they can remain infectious for years or possibly decades. And as more deer contract the disease, the likelihood of environmental contamination increases, posing an increased threat to other animal populations in the area..

Germany confirms first case of foot-and-mouth disease since 1988

• German authorities confirmed the country’s first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in nearly 40 years in a herd of water buffalo in Brandenburg, north of Berlin.
• While the FMD virus is not considered a public health problem, it is crucial for animal health due to its easy transmission and the significant economic impact it can have .Foot-and-mouth disease causes fever and mouth blisters in cloven-hoofed ruminants such as cattle, swine, sheep and goats.
•  Germany and the European Union are officially recognised as being free of the disease. 
• The last cases in Germany occurred in 1988, according to the FLI animal health research institute.
• The FLI said the disease occurs regularly in the Middle East and Africa, in many Asian countries and in parts of South America.
• Disease control restrictions have been established by the German authorities including the culling of infected animals and the establishment of disease control zones. 
• An exclusion zone of 3 kilometres and a monitoring zone of 10 kilometres have been set up, and no more products or animals may be taken out of these zones.
•  Local authorities are investigating how the animals became infected, but there are no plans for measures at the federal or international level.
• South Korea and Mexico had told Berlin they would halt pork imports from Germany while the cases were being contained.
• FMD is a disease of animals, not humans and is a different disease than hand, foot, and mouth disease which is common in young children. 

What is foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)?

• Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of livestock that has a significant economic impact. The disease affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed ruminants.
• The organism which causes FMD is an aphthovirus of the family Picornaviridae. There are seven strains (A, O, C, SAT1, SAT2, SAT3, and Asia1) which are endemic in different countries worldwide. Each strain requires a specific vaccine to provide immunity to a vaccinated animal.
• All seven of the serotypes have also been found in wildlife, although the latter does not play a significant role in the maintenance of the disease.
• FMD is characterised by fever and blister-like sores on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the teats and between the hooves. 
•  The disease causes severe production losses, and while the majority of affected animals recover, the disease often leaves them weakened and debilitated.
• FMD is found in all excretions and secretions from infected animals. Notably, these animals breathe out a large amount of aerosolised virus, which can infect other animals via the respiratory or oral routes. The virus may be present in milk and semen for up to four days before the animal shows clinical signs of disease.
• Intensively reared animals are more susceptible to the disease than traditional breeds. 
•  The disease is rarely fatal, except in the case of very young animals, which may die without showing any symptoms. Exceptionally, a severe form of the disease may cause sudden deaths among older stock.
•  The after-effects of FMD are serious. Affected animals lose condition and secondary bacterial infections may prolong convalescence. The most serious effects of the disease however are seen in dairy cattle. Loss of milk yield will certainly be experienced. 
• FMD is endemic in several parts of Asia and in most of Africa and the Middle East. Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Central and North America, and continental Western Europe are currently free of FMD. However, FMD is a transboundary animal disease that can occur sporadically in any typically free AREA.

150 years of  IMD

• Being established in 1875, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is completing 150 years of service to the nation on 15th January 2025. IMD is among the earliest government departments in India created specifically for systematic observation, regular monitoring, and forecasting of weather phenomena in the Indian subcontinent. In a way, evolution of Meteorology as a stream of modern physical science, owes a lot to the contribution made by IMD employees in particular and meteorological fraternity in general including scientists, technologists, and administrators/managers who were associated with IMD during its glorious hundred fifty years of journey.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched ‘Mission Mausam’ during a function to celebrate 150 years of the India Meteorological Department (IMD)
•  The Prime Minister also unveiled a commemorative postage stamp and coin, alongside releasing the IMD Vision-2047 document, which outlines a roadmap for weather resilience and climate change adaptation as India prepares to mark 100 years of independence in 2047.
• Mission Mausam aims to achieve its target by developing cutting-edge weather surveillance technologies and systems, implementing high-resolution atmospheric observations, next-generation radars and satellites, and high-performance computers.
• It will also focus on improving the understanding of weather and climate processes, provide air quality data that will help strategise weather management and intervention in the long run.

Establishment of IMD

•  India had some of the oldest meteorological observatories of the world and the first astronomical and meteorological unit started at Madras in 1793.
• A disastrous tropical cyclone struck Calcutta in 1864 and this was followed by famine in 1866 and 1871. On January 15, 1875, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) was established with its headquarters in Calcutta, bringing all meteorological work in the country under a central authority. 
•  The headquarters was shifted to Shimla in 1905, to Pune in 1928 and then to Delhi in 1944.
•  It is the national meteorological service of the country and the principal government agency for all weather and climate services.
• The IMD marks a significant milestone as it celebrates 150 years of dedicated service to the nation. 
• IMD has been at the forefront of providing critical weather and climate services, playing a vital role in disaster management, agriculture, aviation, and public safety. 

The growth of IMD

•  IMD has been at the forefront of meteorology, seismology, and allied disciplines, playing an integral role in safeguarding lives, supporting economic development, and advancing scientific research for societal benefit.
•  From a modest beginning in 1875, IMD has progressively expanded its infrastructure for meteorological observations, communications, forecasting and weather services. 
•  In the telegraph age, it made extensive use of weather telegrams for collecting observational data and sending warnings. Later, IMD became the first organisation in India to have a message switching computer for supporting its global data exchange. 
•  One of the first few electronic computers introduced in the country was provided to IMD for scientific applications in meteorology. 
•  India was the first developing country in the world to have its own geostationary satellite —  INSAT — for continuous weather monitoring of this part of the globe and particularly for cyclone warning.
•  IMD boasts of 39 Doppler Weather Radars for better observation and prediction of extreme events across the country by 2023, along with INSAT 3D/3DR dedicated weather satellites providing every 15 minutes cloud imagery. About 200 Agro-Automated Weather Station (AgroAWS), 806 Automatic weather stations, 1,382 automatic rain gauges, 83 lightning sensors along with 63 pilot balloon upper air observation stations serve as the backbone of weather observation services of IMD throughout the country. 
•  Since its establishment, the IMD has served the cause of safety and well-being of people against weather related hazards and helped in the economic development of the country. 
•  It is one of the few departments of the government whose services touch almost every aspect of life and across all sectors of economy. It functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) with its headquarters at Mausam Bhawan in  New Delhi. 
• IMD houses advanced meteorological instruments, state-of-the-art computing platforms, weather and climate prediction models, information processing and forecasting system and warning dissemination system.The Director General of meteorology is the head of the IMD.
•  IMD works in a coordinated manner with headquarters at Delhi and six Regional Meteorological Centers (RMCs) catering to six different regions of the country. These RMCs are further assisted by 26 Meteorological Centers (MCs) at state level that are specialised for observing and disseminating information, advisories and warnings about regional weather. 
• The different dedicated divisions in IMD headquarters like National Weather Forecasting Center (NWFC), Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP), Satellite Meteorology Division, Upper Air Instrument Division, Hydrology division and Information System & Services Division (ISSD) and Climate Research & Services Division of IMD Pune support the overall forecasting, monitoring and dissemination services of IMD.
• IMD is not only catering to the Indian region but also provides cyclone forecast and warning services to 13 north Indian Ocean countries along with forecast and warning services to SAARC nations.
•  IMD''s services have been instrumental in mitigating the impact of natural disasters, supporting agriculture, water management, aviation, and other sectors, and contributing to the socio-economic development of India and the broader region. Today, it stands as a cornerstone institution in weather and climate services, driving resilience and sustainability in the face of climate challenges.

Objectives of IMD: 

•  To take meteorological observations and to provide current and forecast meteorological information for optimum operation of weather-sensitive activities like agriculture, irrigation, shipping, aviation, offshore oil explorations, etc.
• To warn against severe weather phenomena like tropical cyclones, norwesters, dust storms, heavy rains and snow, cold and heat waves, etc, which cause destruction of life and property.
• To provide meteorological statistics required for agriculture, water resource management, industries, oil exploration and other nation-building activities.
•  To conduct and promote research in meteorology and allied disciplines.
• To detect and locate earthquakes and to evaluate seismicity in different parts of the country for development projects.

Singapore’s President Shanmugaratnam India Visit: Focus on Trade, Technology, Defense and New Partnerships

In a landmark visit marking the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties, Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam explores new opportunities for collaboration with India, from industrial automation to semiconductors and cultural exchanges.

•  Marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam is on a high-profile state visit to India from January 15-18, 2025.
• The visit is not only a celebration of six decades of ties but also an opportunity to strengthen collaboration in key sectors, including trade, technology, defense, and skill development. As Singapore looks to diversify its partnerships within India, President Shanmugaratnam’s trip holds significant implications for both countries’ futures in an increasingly interconnected world.

Strengthening Ties with Odisha

• A noteworthy aspect of the visit is the focus on Odisha, a state in eastern India that has become a strategic area of interest for Singapore.
• While Singapore has long been associated with India’s major economic hubs such as Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, this visit signals an effort to broaden Singapore’s engagement with other promising regions.
• President Shanmugaratnam will visit Odisha from January 17-18, exploring opportunities for collaboration in industries like vaccine manufacturing, semiconductor technology, and industrial automation.
• One of the key highlights of the Odisha leg of the visit will be President Shanmugaratnam’s tour of the Bharat Biotech vaccine manufacturing facility and the World Skills Centre, supported by Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education Education Services (ITEES). These initiatives reflect Singapore’s commitment to contributing its expertise in education and healthcare to India’s growth

Key Meetings in New Delhi: Strengthening Political and Economic Relations

• In New Delhi, President Shanmugaratnam will meet with India’s top political leadership, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussions are expected to focus on the evolving nature of the India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was upgraded during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Singapore in September 2024.
• On January 16, President Murmu will host a state banquet for President Shanmugaratnam, further solidifying the growing diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
• In addition to political talks, the Singaporean President will confer the Honorary Citizen Award on Tarun Das, former Director-General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in recognition of his contribution to the enhancement of India-Singapore relations.
• President Shanmugaratnam will also engage with Indian thought leaders at a closed-door roundtable, focusing on areas such as trade, digitalization, and emerging technologies.
• With discussions centered on future collaborations in high-tech industries like semiconductors, AI, and fintech, the visit is poised to catalyze deeper economic integration between Singapore and India.

Trade and Investment: The Next Frontier of Cooperation

• Economic ties are set to take center stage during the visit, with both sides looking to expand cooperation in areas such as industrial automation, semiconductor manufacturing, and green energy.
• Bilateral trade has already surged to USD 35.6 billion in 2023-24, and Singapore remains India’s largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), contributing a substantial portion of the country’s total FDI inflows.
• The visit will likely include the signing of multiple MoUs, focusing on areas such as the semiconductor ecosystem, where both countries are keen to collaborate on research, design, and manufacturing.
• Singapore is also keen to set up semiconductor training centers in India, in line with India’s push to build a robust semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.
• “Singapore is committed to playing a central role in India’s technological transformation, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing, which is crucial for the global supply chain,” said Minister for Transport and Finance Chee Hong Tat, who is accompanying the President.
• Additionally, Singapore and India are discussing ways to expand air travel services between the two nations. Singapore has fully utilized its airspace allocation to India, while India’s allocation remains underused, presenting a unique opportunity for further bilateral collaboration in the aviation sector.

Defense Cooperation: A Pillar of the Partnership

• Defense and security cooperation will also feature prominently in the discussions. Both countries have long shared a commitment to regional stability, and their military cooperation continues to deepen.
• Singapore and India regularly conduct joint military exercises, including the Agni Warrior army drills and the SIMBEX naval exercises.
• The visit follows recent high-level exchanges, including the October 2024 visit of Singapore’s Defense Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen to India. The two nations are expected to continue discussions on enhancing defense ties, particularly in the areas of maritime security and counter-terrorism.

Cultural and People-to-People Ties

• Cultural diplomacy will also be an important theme of President Shanmugaratnam’s visit. The two countries share a rich cultural heritage, and people-to-people exchanges continue to flourish. Singapore is home to a vibrant Indian diaspora, with over 1 million people of Indian origin, many of whom are engaged in various sectors such as finance, IT, and education.
• During Prime Minister Modi’s September 2024 visit to Singapore, the establishment of the Thiruvalluvar Cultural Center was announced, further strengthening the cultural ties between the two nations. The Indian community in Singapore remains a bridge between the two countries, fostering closer ties in both cultural and economic exchanges.

Looking Ahead: A New Era for India-Singapore Relations

• As President Shanmugaratnam’s visit unfolds, it is clear that both nations are committed to expanding their relationship across a wide range of sectors. With discussions focused on technology, trade, defense, and culture, the visit marks a new chapter in India-Singapore relations, one that promises even deeper cooperation in the years ahead.
• The 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations is not just a milestone but a stepping stone to a future where both nations are not just partners but global leaders in areas such as digitalization, innovation, and sustainable development. As Singapore strengthens its role as a key player in Southeast Asia, India remains an indispensable partner in its efforts to drive regional and global growth.

Maha Kumbh (Poorna Kumbh), the world''s largest religious congregation

• Prayagraj is hosting the Maha Kumbh (Poorna Kumbh), the world''s largest religious congregation, held every 12 years. The 45-day Maha Kumbh, happening after a gap of 144 years, started at Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythological Saraswati rivers 
• The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, held at four locations in India:
• Haridwar
• Prayagraj (also known as Allahabad)
• Ujjain
• Nashik

Types of Kumbh Mela

• Maha Kumbh or Poorna Kumbh: Held every 12 years at each of the four locations. It is the grandest of the Kumbh Melas, attracting millions of devotees.
• Ardh Kumbh: Held every 6 years, at Prayagraj and Haridwar. It is a smaller version but still highly significant.
• The word "Kumbh" means "pitcher" or "pot." The story behind the Kumbh Mela comes from Hindu mythology.
• According to the myth, gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churned the ocean to obtain amrita (the elixir of immortality). During this process, Dhanvantri, the god of medicine, emerged holding a pitcher of amrita.
• To prevent the demons from getting it, the gods'' leader, Indra’s son Jayant, ran away with the pitcher.
• As Jayant fled, some of the amrita spilled at four locations—Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik.
• These locations are believed to have gained spiritual significance due to this myth. As the gods and demons fought over the pot for 12 days, each day for them was equal to a year for humans.
• This is why Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years, corresponding to the relative positions of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter in the sky.
• The festival''s large-scale organization is often attributed to Hindu philosopher Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, who established periodic religious gatherings at these four river banks.
• The rivers associated with the Kumbh Mela—Ganga (Haridwar, Prayagraj), Kshipra (Ujjain), and Godavari (Nashik)—are considered sacred in Hinduism.

Relocating villages from tiger reserves: Why it is needed, issues plaguing the process

 The Tribal Affairs ministry last week directed states to compile data on the number of villages and families residing in tiger reserves, following complaints of alleged evictions from villages across Tadoba, Durgavati and Buxa reserves over the past few months

• The recent directive from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has reignited discussions on the relocation of villages within India’s tiger reserves. This initiative aims to compile comprehensive data on the families and villages residing inside these protected areas. The urgency stems from various complaints regarding alleged evictions from reserves such as Tadoba, Durgavati, and Buxa.

Why are villages relocated from tiger reserves?

• Tigers are solitary and territorial predators which require a large area to establish their habitat, especially for reproducing and sustaining their offspring.
• When Project Tiger began in 1973, protected areas were identified and declared national parks, with Kanha, Jim Corbett, and Bandipur being notable among the early ones. During this period, relocations were carried out in Kanha in Madhya Pradesh, Bandipur in Karnataka and Ranthambore, Rajasthan.
• The argument for conservation-led displacement centres on creating areas free of human settlements and movement, known in conservation parlance as ‘inviolate’ spaces.
• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Union Government body spearheading tiger conservation in states, said a minimum inviolate area of 800-1,200 sq km is required to maintain a viable population of 20-22 breeding tigresses.
•  Further, an ecologically sensitive zone (buffer, coexistence area, multiple-use area) of 1,000-3,000 sq km is required around this inviolate space for sustaining tigers mature enough to create their own space and old displaced tigers. These inviolate spaces are legally known as core areas or critical tiger habitats.

What governs the relocation process?

• In 2006, the Forest Rights Act (FRA) was passed, and the Wildlife Protection Act 2006, (WPA) was amended. These two legislations are central to effecting village relocations.
• The WPA empowers national park and tiger reserve wildlife managers to create people-free, inviolate spaces.
• However, it must be read with the provisions of the FRA, which allows people to claim land titles and the right to harvest non-timber forest produce, such as mahua, gooseberry, and tendu leaves. As per these laws, relocation is voluntary in nature and must be carried out on ‘mutually agreed terms and conditions.’
• Further, in 2008, the NTCA prepared voluntary village relocation guidelines. These detail the relocation process, recognition of rights under FRA, payment of compensation, and implementation of the relocation and rehabilitation scheme through the forest department
• Relocating villages from forests is not a new concept in India. The British colonial government initiated relocations primarily for timber production. Post-independence, the focus shifted towards wildlife conservation, especially for tigers.
• The launch of Project Tiger in 1973 marked milestone. It aimed to establish protected areas like Kanha, Jim Corbett, and Bandipur, necessitating the relocation of human settlements.
• Tigers require expansive territories for breeding and survival. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) marks that a minimum of 800 to 1,200 square kilometres is necessary to sustain a viable population of breeding tigresses. To achieve this, human-free zones, termed ‘inviolate spaces,’ are essential. These core areas are crucial for maintaining ecological balance and supporting tiger populations.
• The Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006 and the amended Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) provide the legal framework for village relocations. The WPA enables the creation of inviolate spaces, while the FRA allows communities to claim land rights and harvest forest produce. Relocations must be voluntary and based on mutual agreements, ensuring that community rights are respected.
• Despite the legal provisions, the relocation process faces challenges. Conflicts often arise between forest departments and local communities over the implementation of laws. Allegations of coercion and inadequate support for those choosing to relocate have surfaced. Many communities report that their rights claims are pending and access to their lands is obstructed, leading to dissatisfaction and unrest
• As of June 2024, there are 57 notified tiger reserves in India. The NTCA reported that 848 villages and 89,808 families reside in core areas of these reserves. Among these, 257 villages have been successfully relocated, leaving 591 villages and 64,801 families still within core areas. The Tiger Task Force, established in 2005, previously identified 273 villages in 28 tiger reserves, denoting the scale of the issue.
• The NTCA’s recent communication to state governments emphasises the need for action plans regarding village relocations. It seeks to address ongoing issues and ensure that the rights of affected communities are upheld. A comprehensive understanding of the needs and rights of these communities is crucial for successful conservation efforts.