U.S. Designates The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Global Terrorist Organization: What It Means

Overview of the U.S. Designation

The United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This decision follows the group''s involvement in a deadly attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people. The designation enables the U.S. to freeze TRF’s assets, ban U.S.-based support, and restrict its international activities.

What is The Resistance Front (TRF)?

TRF emerged in October 2019, shortly after India revoked Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Although it claims to be an "indigenous resistance movement," TRF is widely recognized as a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)—a Pakistan-based terror group.

• Announcement & Positioning: TRF announced its formation on Telegram, aiming to portray itself as secular and locally-rooted, steering away from overt Islamic or jihadist symbolism.
• Leadership: The group is currently led by Sheikh Sajjad Gul, with Ahmad Khalid serving as its spokesperson. Its founder, Muhammad Abbas Sheikh, was killed in 2021.

Links to Lashkar-e-Taiba

TRF is essentially a rebranded front for Lashkar-e-Taiba, created to sidestep international scrutiny, particularly from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The group operates under the guidance of Pakistan’s military and intelligence agency (ISI) and depends on LeT for funding, weapons, and strategic support. Most of its leadership and infrastructure are based in Pakistan.

Terror Activities and Operations

TRF has been actively involved in high-profile attacks across Jammu and Kashmir, with a concentration in areas like Srinagar. Key incidents attributed to the group include:

• April 2025: Attack in Pahalgam killing 26 tourists
• October 2024: Ganderbal killings, where seven civilians were shot
• June 2024: Bus attack in Reasi
• 2020: Assault in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk that killed six

Despite its attempts to appear as a homegrown movement, TRF’s activities remain deeply linked to Pakistan-based terror networks.

Use of Digital Propaganda

TRF operates an extensive online propaganda network:

• KashmirFight: A digital platform that promotes separatist and extremist ideologies under the guise of a human rights blog.
• Jhelum Media House (JMH): A media wing working in tandem with KashmirFight to disseminate terrorist narratives and coordinate attacks.

These platforms are used for recruitment, psychological warfare, and operational coordination, often masking their true intentions under misleading narratives.

India’s Response

India designated TRF as a terrorist group under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in January 2023, citing national security concerns. The Ministry of External Affairs continues to raise awareness of TRF’s connections to groups like LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

In 2024, India submitted comprehensive reports to the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee, a body established to enforce sanctions on groups linked to Al-Qaida and ISIL. These efforts aim to push for international action against TRF.

Global Implications of the U.S. Terror Designation

Under Section 219 of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, the FTO designation enables the U.S. government to:

• Criminalize material support: U.S. individuals or organizations are prohibited from providing any support to TRF.
• Freeze assets: All U.S.-linked financial assets of TRF are blocked.
• Impose secondary sanctions: Foreign entities doing business with TRF could also face U.S. sanctions.

As a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group under the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), TRF will face further restrictions that significantly limit its ability to operate internationally.

Conclusion

The U.S. designation of TRF as a terrorist entity marks a significant step in isolating and dismantling Pakistan-backed terror networks operating in Kashmir. It also adds international weight to India''s long-standing position that TRF is not an indigenous group but a rebranded extension of Lashkar-e-Taiba, designed to manipulate perceptions and avoid global accountability.

INS Nistar and INS Nipun: Advancing India’s Maritime Rescue and Deep-Sea Capabilities

• Introduction: Strengthening Maritime Self-Reliance

India has inducted two cutting-edge Diving Support Vessels (DSVs)—INS Nistar and INS Nipun—marking a major step in the nation’s push toward self-reliance in maritime defense.
Built indigenously by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, these vessels will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s capacity for underwater rescue, salvage missions, and deep-sea operations.

Key Capabilities and Features

1. Indigenous Design and Construction

• These are the first DSVs fully designed and constructed in India, showcasing technological advancement under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative.
• Developed by HSL, these vessels reflect India’s growing shipbuilding capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign platforms.

2. Advanced Diving and Rescue Systems

• Integrated Saturation Diving System (ISDS): Supports diver operations up to 300 meters for underwater repair, recovery, and rescue.
• Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs): Allow deep-sea surveillance and mission-critical recovery without human exposure.
• Side Scan Sonar: Assists in detecting submerged vessels or wreckage.
• Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS): Digitally manages ship systems, improving efficiency and coordination.
• Submarine Rescue System: Enables timely extraction of personnel from distressed submarines—a vital capability for modern naval forces.

3. Strategic and Humanitarian Applications

• Disaster Relief: Effective during maritime natural disasters and emergencies.
• Search and Rescue (SAR): Supports operations involving shipwrecks or downed aircraft.
• Offshore Exploration: Assists in deep-sea inspections and safeguarding underwater infrastructure.

Significance for the Indian Navy

1. Enhanced Submarine Rescue Capability

• With rising submarine activity in the region, these vessels are crucial for independent and immediate submarine rescue, ending India’s earlier dependence on foreign support for such missions.

2. Flexible Deployment Across Maritime Zones

• Suitable for both coastal and deep-sea operations, the DSVs offer strategic flexibility and extend India’s operational reach in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

3. Boost to Indigenous Defence Industry

• The construction of these ships contributes to the local defence ecosystem, supporting the shipbuilding sector and encouraging technological self-sufficiency.

Commissioning and Symbolic Significance

INS Nistar: Honoring a Legacy

• Named after a ship involved in a 1971 submarine crew rescue, the new INS Nistar carries forward this legacy with modern rescue capabilities and advanced equipment.

INS Nipun: Symbol of Expertise

• “Nipun,” meaning “expert” in Hindi, represents precision, operational readiness, and cutting-edge engineering essential for deep-sea missions.
• Both vessels were commissioned in Visakhapatnam, reflecting the city’s growing importance as a hub for naval operations and shipbuilding.

Looking Ahead: Regional Maritime Security Role

As strategic tensions rise in the Indian Ocean Region, INS Nistar and INS Nipun are poised to play key roles in:

• Monitoring underwater threats and securing critical sea lanes
• Supporting friendly nations with rescue and recovery missions
• Conducting deep-sea inspections and ensuring infrastructure security

These additions strengthen India’s ambitions of building a blue-water navy and assert its role as a regional maritime security provider, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.

Stray Dog Feeding Rules in India: Balancing Compassion and Public Safety

• Supreme Court’s Observation

While addressing a case from Noida, the Supreme Court suggested that individuals who wish to feed stray dogs should ideally do so within their own premises, highlighting the need to consider public safety and shared space concerns. The case underscores ongoing legal debates involving animal rights, civic duties, and public order in urban spaces.

Background: Noida Dispute and Legal Proceedings

The issue arose when a Noida resident alleged harassment by her Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) president for feeding stray dogs in the housing society’s common areas. She claimed the president:

• Destroyed water pots placed for strays
• Harassed her and was involved in the killing of 10 sterilized dogs
• Received support from local authorities, who instead of acting on her complaints, instructed her not to reinstall the pots

Her petition to the Allahabad High Court was dismissed, citing the inconvenience caused to the “common man.” The court also referred to the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which aim to manage stray dogs through sterilization and vaccination, while also ensuring that public safety and accessibility are not compromised.

Legal Framework: Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023

The ABC Rules, 2023, framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, provide a structured approach to managing stray dogs:

• Replace the 2001 rules
• Introduce the term “community animals” to reflect that these dogs belong to and reside within specific territories
• Emphasize sterilization, vaccination, and humane treatment
• Seek a balance between compassion and public order

Supreme Court’s Past Rulings and Constitutional Backing

In an earlier case, the Supreme Court suspended a 2022 Nagpur Bench order that banned public feeding of stray dogs and required feeders to adopt them. This ruling reinforced:

• Citizens’ right to feed stray animals
• The legal and constitutional safeguards supporting compassionate treatment of animals

Key constitutional provisions include:

• Article 21: Interpreted to extend the right to life and liberty to animals (e.g., in the 2014 Jallikattu case)
• Article 51A(g): Places a fundamental duty on citizens to show compassion toward all living creatures

Guidelines for Feeding Community Dogs (Rule 20, ABC Rules, 2023)

Rule 20 outlines specific responsibilities and protocols for feeding community animals:

• Responsibility lies with RWAs, AOAs, or local authorities to facilitate designated feeding areas
• Feeding zones must be:
• Away from building entrances, stairwells, children’s play areas, and high-traffic spots
• Clean and maintained
• Used for feeding at fixed times to avoid disturbance
• Dispute resolution mechanisms include forming panels with:
• Veterinary officers
• Police representatives
• Local animal welfare NGOs
• Members of the RWA

This structure ensures that the rights of feeders and the presence of community dogs are respected, while maintaining public hygiene and safety.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach

Feeding stray dogs is not merely an act of kindness—it aligns with India’s legal and ethical responsibilities toward animals. The ABC Rules, 2023 and constitutional provisions collectively uphold the right to care for community animals while setting clear boundaries to protect shared public spaces.

To sustain this balance:

• Feeders must adhere to designated areas
• Local authorities and RWAs should cooperate in implementation
• Citizens must act with both compassion and responsibility, in accordance with Article 51A(g)

The Noida case serves as a reminder that while compassion is legally supported, public safety and community harmony must also be maintained.

Epstein File Scandal: Ethics, Power, and the Quest for Justice

• Context

Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is again under the spotlight. This renewed scrutiny follows revelations that the Trump administration withheld portions of investigative files related to Epstein’s sex trafficking operations, citing insufficient evidence.

What Is the Epstein File Scandal?

The Epstein file scandal refers to the U.S. Department of Justice''s decision to withhold critical materials from public release during the Epstein sex trafficking investigation. These include:

• Flight records
• Digital data
• Sensitive documents implicating high-profile individuals

Despite widespread public and legal pressure for transparency, large parts of Epstein’s connections to elite individuals remain concealed.

Legal and Ethical Dimensions

1. Accountability vs. Privacy

• There is an ongoing debate between the public’s right to know who was associated with Epstein and the need to protect the reputations of individuals who may not have been involved in any criminal conduct.

2. Allegations of Abuse of Power

1. Critics allege that Trump used presidential authority to selectively suppress or delay the release of documents that might have been personally or politically damaging.

3. Justice Delayed

• Survivors of Epstein’s crimes and human rights advocates argue that withholding names and documents:
• Delays justice
• Undermines legal accountability
• Protects powerful individuals from scrutiny

4. Victim Protection vs. Institutional Transparency

• Authorities cite concerns about protecting survivor identities, but this raises concerns about a lack of institutional transparency and potential shielding of abusers.

Language and Identity: Inclusion, Tensions, and Belonging

Context

Recent attacks on migrant workers in Bengaluru and Mumbai have reignited debates around language, regional identity, and integration. These incidents underscore a recurring tension: local linguistic pride vs migrant assimilation and elite detachment from regional cultures.

Understanding Local Language and Culture

• A local language is more than a communication tool; it reflects a region’s collective memory, oral traditions, and social identity.
• Language and culture are interdependent—language preserves stories, values, rituals, and community wisdom.

What Shapes a Region’s Language?

• Geography: Dialects and accents vary (e.g., coastal vs inland Marathi).
• Migration and Urbanization: Cities like Bengaluru evolve linguistically due to influxes of tech-sector migrants.
• Class and Usage: In Kolkata, Bengali’s use across all social classes sustains its relevance and vitality.

Language as a Tool for Inclusion

• Builds social bonds: Speaking the local language fosters emotional connections with native communities.
• Enhances livelihood: Jobs in transport, domestic work, or retail are more accessible to those fluent in the local tongue.
• Supports civic participation: Understanding public schemes or notices requires local language proficiency.
• Facilitates migrant integration: Learning Kannada or Tamil, for instance, gives migrants identity beyond their jobs.
• Promotes national unity: Embracing linguistic diversity strengthens India’s federal, pluralistic character.

Language as a Barrier

• Deepens class divisions: Urban elites often live in English-speaking bubbles, avoiding local engagement.
• Undermines regional pride: Viewing local languages as “non-essential” erodes cultural dignity.
• Restricts access: Public services can become exclusionary when only offered in one language.
• Fuels local resentment: Migrants who resist linguistic adaptation may be perceived as outsiders.
• Blocks empathy: Without language exchange, stereotypes and distrust grow between groups.

Wider Roles of Language

• Economic enabler: Knowing the local language improves business and entrepreneurial success.
• Political instrument: Regional parties (e.g., DMK, MNS) often mobilize linguistic pride to assert identity.
• Emotional anchor: Native tongues offer comfort during personal or societal crises.
• Cognitive benefits: Multilingualism is linked to better problem-solving and emotional intelligence.

Why Language Matters in India

• Constitutional pluralism: India recognizes 22 official languages under the Eighth Schedule.
• Bridge for social cohesion: Language literacy encourages shared experiences and communal harmony.
• Tool for inclusive urban growth: Language-aware governance helps avoid conflicts and foster integration.
• Mirror of inequality: The dominance of Hindi or English often reflects deeper power imbalances in urban life.

Conclusion

Language is not just a system of grammar—it is a symbol of belonging, respect, and dignity. True inclusivity lies in learning without coercion and preserving without exclusion. A just city listens to all voices while cherishing its own linguistic soul.

Mental Health: A Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight

Context

The tragic Air India incident in Ahmedabad has cast a spotlight on an often-neglected issue in aviation and society at large: mental health, particularly among high-stress professionals like pilots.

What is Mental Health?

• Mental health refers to one’s emotional, psychological, and cognitive well-being.
• It is not the absence of illness but includes resilience, social functionality, and the ability to cope with life’s demands.
• It exists along a continuum, fluctuating through life stages and circumstances.

Traits of Good Mental Health

• Emotional balance: The ability to regulate mood and emotional reactions.
• Cognitive clarity: Capable of critical thinking and rational decision-making.
• Healthy relationships: Maintains supportive and positive social bonds.
• Productivity at work: Manages job roles with consistency and effectiveness.
• Resilience: Can navigate trauma, stress, or personal crises without collapse.

Why Mental Health Matters

• Foundation for human growth: Supports learning, working, and forming healthy relationships.
• Public health impact: Mental illness raises the risk of chronic diseases and lowers immunity.
• Suicide prevention: Most suicides stem from untreated mental disorders.
• Economic value: According to WHO, every $1 spent on mental health returns $4 in productivity.
• Human rights imperative: Mental health underpins dignity, freedom, and full societal participation.

Challenges Facing Mental Health in India

• Social stigma: Mental illness is wrongly equated with weakness, leading to silence and shame.
• Workplace pressure: Irregular hours, job insecurity, and performance anxiety are major triggers.
• Access issues: Many areas lack trained professionals and mental health infrastructure.
• Financial burdens: Costs of treatment, unemployment, or debt deepen psychological distress.
• Diagnostic hurdles: Assessments often depend on subjective responses, making early detection harder.

India’s Mental Health Initiatives

• Mental Healthcare Act (2017): Legal right to mental care; also decriminalizes suicide.
• National Mental Health Programme (1982): Decentralized care through District Mental Health Programmes in over 760 districts.
• Tele-MANAS (2022): 24/7 toll-free mental health support via helpline 14416.
• Suicide Prevention Policy (2022): Aims to cut suicide rates by 10% by 2030.

Global Measures

• WHO Mental Health Action Plan (2013–2030): Focuses on care access, rights, and governance.
• Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP): Trains non-specialists in basic care delivery.
• UNCRPD Compliance: Encourages legal safeguards for people with mental disabilities.
• Workplace Reforms: FAA and UN mental health strategies (2024) promote psychological safety in high-risk sectors like aviation.

Steps Forward

• Peer support systems: Colleagues trained to detect early signs and offer emotional support.
• Mental health leave: Allow structured leave during psychological crises.
• Awareness training: Train managers and educators to recognize distress signals early.
• Regulatory reforms: Move away from punitive checks that discourage disclosure.
• Community-based care: Expand access via primary health centers, tele-counselling, and NGOs.

Conclusion

Mental health must move from the margins to the mainstream. It is central to national productivity, human dignity, and public health. A mentally resilient society begins with open conversations, proactive policies, and compassionate institutions.

Role of Social Organisations in Nation-Building

Context

The Lok Sabha Speaker recently highlighted the critical role of social organisations in the progress of both the nation and society, underscoring how these institutions form the bedrock of community development and resilience.

Understanding Social Organisations

Social organisations represent the structured interactions between individuals and groups in a society. These can be:

• Formal institutions: such as religious bodies, educational institutions, labour unions, and NGOs.
• Informal groups: including families, peer networks, and friendships.

Each of these plays a unique and irreplaceable role in shaping not just individual behaviour, but also the broader socio-economic and cultural fabric of society.

Significance of Social Organisations

• Community Development: They foster values, ethics, and civic responsibility.
• Social Cohesion: Encourage mutual support, conflict resolution, and cultural preservation.
• Economic Impact: Help in mobilising resources, labour rights, education, and healthcare access.
• Resilience Building: Enable communities to adapt and respond to changing socio-political or environmental challenges.

Conclusion

Recognising and investing in both formal and informal social structures is vital for building inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable societies. Social organisations act as key partners in governance, development, and nation-building.

West Bengal: First Conviction in ₹100 Crore Digital Arrest Scam

Case Overview

West Bengal has delivered the first conviction in a major digital arrest scam, involving a gang that extorted over ₹100 crore from more than 100 victims across India.

What Is a Digital Arrest Scam?

A digital arrest scam is a cyber-enabled fraud that preys on victims’ fear and confusion. Scammers impersonate officials and manipulate victims into transferring money under false pretenses.

How It Works:

• Initial Contact: Victims receive a call, email, or message claiming they are under investigation for crimes like money laundering or identity theft.
• Fear Tactics: Imposters issue threats of immediate arrest, pushing victims into panic and irrational decision-making.
• Financial Extortion: Victims are told to transfer money to fake accounts for:
• “Clearing their name”
• “Security deposits” (claimed to be refundable)

Legal and Administrative Framework

State and Central Roles

• ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ fall under State jurisdiction according to the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• The Central Government supports States and Union Territories by:
• Issuing advisories
• Providing financial assistance
• Strengthening capacity-building programs

Measures to Combat Digital Arrest Scams

1. Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)

• Nodal agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs to address cybercrime comprehensively.

Key Units Under I4C:

• Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC): Coordinates responses among banks, telecom providers, and law enforcement.
• Samanvaya Platform: A centralized data-sharing system for tracking interstate cybercrime linkages.
• Suspect Registry: Developed with banks to maintain a database of cybercriminals using identifiable markers (phone numbers, account details, etc.).
• Report and Check Suspect Tool: Citizens can verify suspicious callers or accounts on cybercrime.gov.in.

Public Advisory by CERT-IN

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) provides safety tips to avoid falling victim to digital arrest scams:

• Verify the identity of any caller claiming to be a law enforcement officer.
• Do not panic or act under emotional pressure.
• Avoid sharing personal or financial information over the phone or online.
• Never transfer money to unknown accounts under duress.
• Don’t hand over your phone or allow access to your device to strangers.

Quantum Cybersecurity: Building India’s Post-Quantum Future

Context

A whitepaper titled “Transitioning to Quantum Cyber Readiness” has been released jointly by:

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)
• Cybersecurity firm SISA

This marks a strategic step in preparing India’s digital infrastructure for the quantum computing era, which threatens to break current encryption systems.

What Is Quantum Cybersecurity?

Quantum cybersecurity focuses on two main approaches:

1. Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)

• Development of new encryption algorithms resilient to quantum computing attacks.
• These remain compatible with current classical computer systems.

2. Quantum Cryptography

• Leverages the laws of quantum mechanics, especially Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).
• Offers theoretically unbreakable encryption, ensuring maximum security for sensitive data.

Why Is Quantum Cyber Readiness Crucial?

Emergence of HNDL Attacks

• Harvest Now, Decrypt Later (HNDL) tactics involve collecting encrypted data today to decrypt it later when quantum capabilities are available.
• Threatens security of:
• Digital certificates
• Blockchain-based systems
• Cryptocurrencies
• Personal and institutional data

Obsolescence of Classical Encryption

• Algorithms like RSA, widely used today, are expected to be broken by quantum computing within the next few years.

India’s Roadmap for Quantum Cybersecurity Readiness

1. Foundational Assessment and Planning

• Identify vulnerable digital assets that need quantum-resilient solutions.

2. Technology Readiness and Capability Building

• Assess existing infrastructure.
• Plan upgrades for quantum-safe technologies.

3. Phased Implementation

• Roll out solutions in multiple phases, tailored to an organisation’s:
• Architecture
• Strategic goals
• Resource availability
• Risk profile

4. Resilience and Monitoring

• Adopt cutting-edge technologies like QKD.
• Ensure ongoing threat monitoring, compliance, and adaptability.

Conclusion

With quantum computing on the horizon, India''s move toward quantum cyber readiness is both timely and necessary. Through strategic planning and innovation, the country can secure its digital assets while fostering technological self-reliance under the Digital India and Cyber Suraksha initiatives.

GENIUS Act: U.S. Framework to Regulate Stablecoins

Context

The United States has introduced the GENIUS Act, a legislative step aimed at creating a structured regulatory framework for stablecoins, a rapidly growing class of digital assets.

What Are Stablecoins?

• Definition: Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency that are pegged to the value of a real-world asset, such as a currency (e.g., US dollar), commodity, or financial instrument.
• Example: Tether (USDT) is a widely used stablecoin backed by the U.S. dollar.
• Purpose: Their relative price stability makes them suitable for efficient digital payments and cross-border transactions.

How Does Cryptocurrency Work?

• Blockchain Technology:
• Transactions are recorded on a public distributed ledger known as the blockchain.
• Every participant holds a copy of this ledger, ensuring transparency and immutability.
• Mining Process:
• Cryptocurrencies are created through mining, where powerful computers solve complex mathematical puzzles.
• Successful miners are rewarded with newly generated coins.
• Usage:
• Cryptocurrencies can be purchased through brokers and stored in digital wallets for spending or investment.

Why Is the Use of Stablecoins Increasing?

• Price Stability:
• Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin), stablecoins are tied to underlying assets, providing steady value.
• This makes them more reliable as mediums of exchange and for daily transactions.
• Credible Issuers:
• Stablecoins are often issued by regulated banks, non-bank financial institutions, or tech companies, lending credibility and trust to their value.
• Governance Mechanism:
• Most stablecoin ecosystems are managed by governance bodies that oversee monetary policy, reserves, and transparency.

Cryptocurrency Regulation in India

• Current Status

• Unregulated Asset Class:
• As of now, cryptocurrencies and crypto assets are not regulated by any financial authority in India.

• Taxation Framework (Finance Act, 2022)

1. Introduced a 30% tax on capital gains from the transfer of Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs).
2. Under the Income Tax Act, 1961, a VDA includes:
1. Any code, number, or token—created cryptographically—that can be transferred, stored, or traded electronically.
2. Examples: Cryptocurrencies, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).

• Money Laundering Prevention (2023 Update)

• VDAs have been brought under the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, enabling stricter scrutiny of crypto transactions to curb illicit use.

Conclusion

The GENIUS Act marks a critical step in acknowledging the growing relevance of stablecoins and addressing associated legal, financial, and systemic risks. While the U.S. moves towards a clear framework for these digital assets, India has taken initial steps through taxation and anti-money laundering laws, though full regulation is still evolving.

Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)

Recent Update

The Ministry of Minority Affairs has released payments that were pending for seven months under the Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) scheme.

Overview of MANF

• Type: A five-year fellowship for pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs.
• Target Beneficiaries: Students from six notified minority communities:
• Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, and Parsis.
• Objective: To financially support minority students undertaking full-time research within India and help them qualify for roles like Assistant Professors.

Eligibility and Coverage

The fellowship applies to students enrolled in institutions recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), including:

• Central/State Universities (with valid NAAC accreditation).
• Deemed Universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act (also NAAC-accredited).
• State/Central Government funded institutions empowered to award degrees.
• Institutions of National Importance as notified by the Ministry of Education.

Implementation

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs
• Implementing Body: University Grants Commission (UGC)
• Designation: Recipients are recognized as Ministry of Minority Affairs Scholars.

POSH Act (2013): Protection of Women at Workplace

Context

The Odisha government recently directed educational institutions to raise awareness of the POSH Act among faculty, staff, and students.

About the POSH Act

Enacted to prevent and address sexual harassment of women at workplaces.

Originated from the 1997 Vishaka Judgment by the Supreme Court.

Key Provisions

• Definition: Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual behavior creating a hostile or unsafe work environment.
• Applicability: Covers all organizations—government, private, NGOs, etc.
• Internal Committee (IC): Mandatory in workplaces with more than 10 employees.
• Local Committee (LC): Constituted by the District Officer for workplaces lacking ICs.

Complaint and Redressal Procedure

Filing a Complaint

Must be in writing by the aggrieved woman or authorized person.

Filed with IC or LC depending on the size of the organization.

Timeframe

Complaint must be filed within three months of the incident or last occurrence in a series.

Committee Composition

Majority must be women; one member from an NGO/women’s rights group is mandatory.

Inquiry and Reporting

Inquiry period: 90 days (extendable by 90 more if justified).

Confidentiality is to be strictly maintained.

Committee submits a report with findings and recommendations.

Employer’s Responsibilities

Must implement actions suggested by the committee within 60 days.

Relief can include compensation, transfer, counseling, or job protection.

Appeal

Dissatisfied parties can appeal within 60 days to the Appellate Authority designated by the State.

Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Right Rules, 2025

Context

The Government of India has notified new rules under the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002.

Objective

To regulate the exploration and mining of atomic minerals like uranium and thorium in offshore regions.

Key Features

• Applicable only if atomic mineral concentration exceeds specified thresholds.
• Government-nominated entities can receive exploration licenses or production leases.
• Foreign entities must obtain prior government approval to operate.

Major Atomic Minerals in India

Uranium

Found in Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Meghalaya.

Jaduguda (Jharkhand): India’s first commercial uranium mine.

Other sites: Lambapur-Peddagattu (AP), Bagjata (Jharkhand).

Indian uranium deposits are generally small and low-grade.

Thorium

India has limited uranium but rich thorium resources.

Monazite sands (8–10% thorium) found in Kerala and Odisha beaches.

National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS)

Context

The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has flagged manipulations in the usage of the NMMS app under MGNREGS, raising concerns over transparency.

About NMMS

• Launched by: Ministry of Rural Development.
• Function: Captures real-time geo-tagged, time-stamped photographs of MGNREGS workers as proof of attendance.
• Languages: Available in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, etc.

Concerns

• Uploading irrelevant or repetitive photos undermines data credibility.
• Connectivity issues and technical glitches lead to worker exclusion and loss of wages.

NSCSTI 2.0: Upgrading Civil Services Training

Context

The government has launched NSCSTI 2.0 (National Standards for Civil Service Training Institutes).

Developed By

Capacity Building Commission (CBC)

Objectives

Build future-ready and digitally aligned training institutions for civil services.

Key Features

Emphasis on inclusive design, hybrid learning models, and streamlined evaluation mechanisms.

About CBC

Formed in 2021 to implement the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB) aka Mission Karmayogi.

Operates as an independent body with executive authority.

Zimislecel Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes

Recent Development

A small clinical trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine has highlighted the effectiveness of a new treatment—zimislecel therapy—in restoring insulin production in individuals with Type 1 Diabetes.

What is Zimislecel Therapy?

• Zimislecel is an allogeneic stem cell-derived islet cell therapy, where lab-grown islet cells are infused into the liver of the patient.
• The pancreas contains islet clusters, responsible for producing hormones like insulin.
• Scientists developed zimislecel by differentiating pluripotent stem cells into mature islet cells in the laboratory.
• These islets are then infused into the hepatic portal vein, allowing them to potentially embed in the liver and begin producing insulin naturally.

Potential Benefits

The therapy aims to restore pancreatic islet function, particularly glucose-responsive insulin secretion.

The transplanted cells have shown the ability to:

• Produce insulin
• Improve blood sugar regulation
• Prevent dangerous hypoglycemia
• In many cases, eliminate the need for external insulin administration

Understanding Type 1 Diabetes

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
• The body produces little or no insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.
• Management typically requires daily insulin injections.
• It is most commonly diagnosed in children and young adults, previously termed juvenile diabetes.

Symptoms Include:

• Excessive urination (polyuria)
• Constant thirst (polydipsia)
• Increased hunger
• Unintended weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision

Three-Person In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Recent Development

In the UK, eight children have been successfully born free of debilitating genetic conditions due to a three-person IVF technique, as recently reported by researchers.

What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

IVF is a widely used assisted reproductive technology (ART) for individuals facing fertility issues.

Process:

• Eggs are retrieved from a woman’s ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a lab.
• The resulting embryo is implanted into the uterus.
• Pregnancy occurs if the embryo successfully implants in the uterine lining.
• IVF may use a couple’s own or donated eggs, sperm, or embryos.
• Success rates depend on age, fertility history, health conditions, and lifestyle.

Three-Person IVF Technique

Humans inherit most DNA from both parents, but mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is inherited solely from the mother.

Mutations in mtDNA can lead to severe diseases such as:

• Muscle weakness
• Seizures
• Organ failure
• Developmental delays

Currently, no cure exists for mitochondrial diseases.

How the Technique Works

• The nucleus from the mother’s fertilized egg (carrying the parental DNA) is inserted into a donor egg with healthy mitochondria but without its nucleus.
• The resulting embryo has:
• Nuclear DNA from the parents
• Mitochondrial DNA from the donor
• The donor’s DNA constitutes only about 0.2% of the child’s total DNA.
• The procedure allows women with mitochondrial mutations to have genetically related children free from mitochondrial disorders.

Measles: Alarming Global Resurgence

Current Concern

Scientists have warned about a sharp resurgence of measles cases globally, including in the United States.

What is Measles?

• Measles is a highly contagious airborne viral infection, primarily affecting children.
• Caused by a virus in the paramyxovirus family, it spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact.

Symptoms

Initial symptoms (10–14 days post-infection):

• High fever
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Red, watery eyes
• White spots inside the cheeks (Koplik spots)
• A rash typically appears on the face and neck, later spreading across the body over several days and lasts about a week.

Risks and Complications

Can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, vision loss, and death, especially in:

• Unvaccinated children
• Pregnant individuals

Prevention and Treatment

• There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles.
• Vaccination remains the most effective tool for prevention.
• Any non-immune person (unvaccinated or non-responsive to vaccine) is at high risk of infection.

Nuclear Medicine Using Radioactive Iodine (¹³¹I)

Context

Radioactive iodine-based nuclear medicine is emerging as a non-invasive and effective treatment in India, particularly for thyroid disorders and differentiated thyroid cancers.

What is Radioactive Iodine Therapy?

It involves the use of iodine-131 (¹³¹I) to diagnose and treat thyroid conditions, forming a part of nuclear medicine’s theranostic approach (combined therapy and diagnostics).

Historical Background

• The concept was first introduced by Saul Hertz in 1936 following a lecture at MIT by Karl Compton.
• The isotope iodine-131 was discovered in 1938 by Glenn Seaborg and John Livingood at the University of California, Berkeley.
• This marked the origin of nuclear medicine, bridging physics and biology.

How It Works

• The patient consumes radioactive iodine in capsule or liquid form.
• The iodine is selectively absorbed by overactive or cancerous thyroid tissues.
• The beta particles released by ¹³¹I destroy the abnormal thyroid cells, reducing hormone overproduction.
• Gamma rays emitted allow for imaging and monitoring of the therapy’s progress.

Key Features

• Targeted therapy: Only thyroid cells absorb iodine, minimizing impact on surrounding tissues.
• Minimally invasive: Ingestion-based method—no surgery required.
• Safe and regulated: Conducted in specialized wards with stringent radiation safety protocols.
• Custom dosing: Adjusted based on condition severity—lower for hyperthyroidism, higher for cancer ablation.
• Pregnancy restrictions: Contraindicated in pregnant or lactating women due to fetal radiation risks.

Importance and Applications

• Primary treatment for hyperthyroidism (e.g., Graves’ disease, toxic goitre).
• Post-surgical follow-up in thyroid cancer cases to destroy residual tissue or metastases—reduces recurrence and ensures remission.
• Affordable and accessible: Widely available in both public and private hospitals across India.

Netra MkII – Next-Gen AWACS

Overview

The Indian government has approved production of the next-generation Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS) under the Netra MkII programme.

Platform

Will be mounted on the Airbus A321 aircraft.

Key Features

• Capable of detecting, tracking, and monitoring threats across large distances.
• Functions as an airborne command centre, enhancing national surveillance capabilities.
• Equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars and mission control systems for advanced threat management.

INVICTUS – Hypersonic Aerospace Initiative

Background

The European Space Agency (ESA) and UK-based Frazer-Nash have launched INVICTUS, a project aimed at developing hypersonic technology.

About INVICTUS

A fully reusable experimental vehicle capable of reaching Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound).

Funding

Supported through ESA’s General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) and Technology Development Element (TDE).

Notable Features

• Designed for sustained atmospheric hypersonic flight.
• Modular and upgradable—components like materials, software, and propulsion systems can be replaced between test campaigns.

Significance

• Will validate the use of a hydrogen-fuelled, precooled air-breathing propulsion system.
• Paves the way for horizontal take-off and reusable hypersonic flight vehicles.

Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs)

Recent Update

India has submitted a Letter of Request (LoR) to the United States, expressing intent for co-production of Javelin ATGMs domestically.

About Javelin ATGMs

Considered one of the world’s most advanced medium-range anti-tank systems.

Man-portable and designed for single-operator use.

Operates on a “fire-and-forget” system—after launch, the missile autonomously navigates to the target without further input.

Allographa effusosoredica

Recent Discovery

A team of Indian researchers has identified a new species of lichen, Allographa effusosoredica, in the Western Ghats, a region known for its rich biodiversity.

About the Species

• It is a crustose lichen noted for its distinct effuse soredia (a vegetative reproductive structure) and rare chemical properties.
• The species contains norstictic acid, a compound uncommon among morphologically similar members of the genus Allographa.

Scientific Analysis

• The discovery was based on an integrative approach, incorporating morphological, chemical, and advanced molecular techniques.
• This analysis also identified its algal symbiont, a species of Trentepohlia, thereby contributing to the limited but growing knowledge of photobiont diversity in tropical lichens.

Significance

• It is the first Indian species of Allographa to be genetically sequenced.
• Sheds light on lichen-alga symbiosis, supporting the idea of locally adapted photobionts.
• Becomes the 53rd Allographa species reported in India, and the 22nd from the Western Ghats.

What are Lichens?

• Lichens are composite organisms formed by a fungus and a photobiont (typically a green alga or cyanobacterium) in a mutually beneficial relationship.
• Ecological role: Lichens contribute to soil formation, support insect life, and act as bioindicators of environmental health.

Monkey Puzzle Butterfly

Recent Sighting

A Monkey Puzzle butterfly (Rathinda amor) was recently spotted in Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), Madhya Pradesh—home to the legendary Mowgli of The Jungle Book.

About the Species

A small lycaenid (blue) butterfly, endemic to South Asia.

Geographic distribution: Found in Western Ghats, southern Indian plains, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Habitat

Prefers jungles with moderate to heavy rainfall.

Typically seen below 900 metres elevation, staying in undergrowth, forest paths, and clearings.

Conservation Status

Not protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Physical Characteristics

• Wingspan: 26–28 mm; sexes look alike.
• Upperside: Dark brown with a white spot at the end of the cell.
• Underside: White to dark yellow-brown with irregular markings and a distinct curved white discal line.
• Hindwing: Features silvery margins, irregular black lines and spots, and three tails (2 mm, 6 mm, and 2.5 mm), all white-tipped.

Mangarh Dham

Recent Event

A major tribal congregation from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat took place at Mangarh Dham, calling for the creation of a separate Bhil Pradesh.

About Mangarh Dham

• Located in Banswara district, Rajasthan, on the Rajasthan-Gujarat border in the Aravalli hills.
• A tribal pilgrimage site and memorial, associated with Saint Govind Guru.

Historical Significance

• Govind Guru led the Mangarh Rebellion against British rule.
• On 17 November 1913, British forces massacred thousands of Bhils gathered at Mangarh Hill—an event often called the “Adivasi Jallianwala Bagh.”
• Annual Observance
• A large fair is held every November to honour the martyrs.
• Activities include prayers, bhajans (devotional singing), and community meals.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Context

India is celebrating the 1000th anniversary of Rajendra Chola I’s northern expedition, which led to the founding of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a monumental Chola capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

About the Capital

• Served as the imperial capital of the Chola Empire from 1025 CE to 1279 CE.
• Located in Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu.

Founded By

• Rajendra Chola I, after his victorious expedition to the Gangetic plains.
• He assumed the title ‘Gangaikonda Cholan’ and brought Ganga water to fill a tank in the city, symbolising southern dominance over the north.

Architectural Highlights

• Gangaikonda Cholisvaram Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva) mirrors the grandeur of the Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur.
• Features include majestic vimanas, intricate carvings, and a unique jalasthambam (liquid victory pillar).
• City once had fortified palaces, planned roads, and multiple royal buildings.

Epigraphic Records

• Copper plates like Tiruvalangadu and Karanthai, and Tamil literary works such as Kalingattuparani and Muvar Ula, praise the city’s splendour.
• Inscriptions from Vira Rajendra describe the palace as Chola-Keralan Thirumaaligai, indicating political outreach and power.

Cultural and Political Role

• Acted as a strategic hub for politics, culture, and trade for over two centuries.
• Stretched Chola influence from the Tungabhadra River in the north to Sri Lanka in the south.
• Part of the UNESCO ‘Great Living Chola Temples’, alongside Thanjavur and Darasuram.

Sharm el-Sheikh Dialogue

Context

The Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA-6) has welcomed the 2024 report of the Sharm el-Sheikh Dialogue and supported the continuation of inclusive and transparent workshops into 2025.

What Is It?

• A formal ongoing dialogue under the Paris Agreement, launched through Decision 1/CMA.4 (Paragraph 68).
• Aims to facilitate structured discussions among countries and stakeholders to align global finance flows with climate goals.

Structure & Membership

• Conducted under the UNFCCC framework.
• Led by two co-chairs: one from a developed and one from a developing country.
• Includes a wide range of actors: Parties to the Paris Agreement, financial institutions (e.g., GCF, GEF), NGOs, private sector entities, and observer organizations.

Core Objectives

• Enhance understanding of Article 2.1(c), which emphasizes aligning financial flows with low-emission, climate-resilient pathways.
• Maintain complementarity with Article 9, which mandates climate finance support from developed to developing countries.
• Foster consensus on how to implement Article 2.1(c) in a fair, just, and non-disruptive manner, respecting existing finance commitments.

2024–2025 Key Features

• A minimum of two workshops annually, coordinated by the UNFCCC Secretariat.
• Co-chairs are responsible for ensuring balanced, participatory, and transparent dialogue between the Global North and South.
• Annual reports and documentation from each workshop will be submitted to the CMA.
• An open submission process allows Parties, financial institutions, private sector actors, and NGOs to shape the agenda.
• Aims to foster trust, clarity, and a clear roadmap for aligning finance with net-zero and resilience goals.

Significance

• Directly contributes to Paris Agreement objectives by encouraging systemic reform in global finance.
• Promotes greater private sector involvement in climate finance.
• Ensures that equity and climate justice, especially for developing nations, remain central to climate finance implementation.

Port of Eilat

Context

The Port of Eilat is on the verge of shutting down, following a >90% collapse in maritime activity due to repeated Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

Overview

• Israel’s only commercial port on the Red Sea and its southernmost trade gateway.
• Established in 1952, became operational in 1957.
• Supports maritime trade with Asia, East Africa, and Australia.

Location

Situated at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, adjacent to Jordan and Egypt.

Key Characteristics

• No rail connectivity: Nearest rail station is in Dimona, over 100 km away.
• Manages 50% of Israel’s vehicle imports, primarily from China and the Far East.
• Features dedicated terminals for potash and phosphate exports by Israel Chemicals Ltd (ICL).
• Acts as a transshipment point, with containers moved via feeder ships to Aqaba, Jordan.

Strategic Importance

• Provides direct access to Indian Ocean trade routes, bypassing the Suez Canal.
• Historically significant in Arab-Israeli conflicts, notably the Suez Crisis and Six-Day War.
• Previously used for energy imports through the Eilat-Ashkelon pipeline.
• A shutdown would represent both a logistical setback and a symbolic victory for the Houthis, impacting Israel’s maritime trade security.

Sudan: Recent Clashes and Overview

Current Situation

Numerous casualties have occurred following violent clashes between rival military factions in Kordofan, a region in Sudan.

Political Geography

Strategically located between Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, with access to the Red Sea.

Borders:

• North: Egypt
• East: Eritrea, Ethiopia
• South: South Sudan
• West: Central African Republic, Chad
• Northwest: Libya

Geographic Features

Highest point: Jebel Marra (also known as the Marrah Mountains).

Nile Rivers: The White Nile and Blue Nile converge at the capital, Khartoum, to form the Nile River.

International Criminal Court (ICC)

Recent Development

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has officially welcomed Ukraine as the 125th State Party to the Rome Statute.

About the ICC

• The first permanent international court designed to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.
• Established under the Rome Statute, which was adopted in 1998 and came into force in 2002.
• Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands.
• India is not a signatory to the Rome Statute.

Pact for the Future

Context

India has reiterated its support for the ‘Pact for the Future’ during a UN dialogue.

What Is It?

• Adopted during the 2024 Summit of the Future.
• Encompasses two major components:
• Global Digital Compact: The first comprehensive international framework for digital cooperation.
• Declaration on Future Generations.

Key Features

• Establishes clear commitments and tangible deliverables across diverse global challenges.
• Prioritizes human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development.

Areas of Focus

• Sustainable development and development financing.
• Global peace and security.
• Science, technology, innovation, and digital governance.
• Empowering youth the rights of future generations.
• Transforming global governance mechanisms for more equitable and effective multilateralism.

Consumer Price Index (CPI) for AL and RL

Recent Update

The Labour Bureau has revised the base year for the CPI for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) and Rural Labourers (CPI-RL) from 1986–87=100 to 2019=100.

About CPI-AL and CPI-RL

These indices replace the earlier series based on the 1986–87 base year.

Compiled by: The Labour Bureau, which functions under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Purpose of CPI

• The Consumer Price Index (CPI) tracks changes over time in the general price level of a basket of goods and services typically purchased by households for consumption.
• CPI-AL and CPI-RL specifically reflect the cost of living changes for agricultural and rural labour households, respectively.

Who is an Agricultural Labourer (AL)?

An individual engaged in one or more agricultural occupations as a hired labourer, regardless of whether the payment is in cash, kind, or a combination of both.

Who is a Rural Labourer (RL)?

A person involved in manual work in rural areas, employed in either agricultural or non-agricultural sectors, and compensated in cash, kind, or a mix of both.