Bond Market in India – Rising Yields Despite RBI Rate Cuts

In recent months, India’s bond market has shown signs of tension, with the 10-year benchmark government bond yield increasing by approximately 26 basis points, despite the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reducing the repo rate by a cumulative 100 basis points over a seven-month period. This apparent contradiction reflects deeper concerns among investors regarding inflationary pressures, fiscal risks, and the government''s expanding borrowing requirements.

Understanding the Bond Market in India

• The bond market in India serves as a structured platform through which the government, corporations, and public sector entities raise capital by issuing debt instruments. Beyond merely offering investment opportunities, the bond market is integral to the country’s economic health and financial infrastructure.
• It plays a critical role in funding national development. For instance, when the government requires capital for building roads, hospitals, schools, or investing in clean energy projects, it issues bonds to raise funds. Similarly, the corporate bond market allows private businesses to mobilize resources for expansion, project execution, or restructuring existing debt, thereby supporting industrial and economic growth.
• Moreover, the bond market influences the broader interest rate environment. Bond yields—the returns expected by investors—act as a benchmark for interest rates across the economy, helping shape monetary conditions.

Structure of the Indian Bond Market

India’s bond market is divided into primary and secondary segments. The primary bond market is where issuers—whether governmental or corporate—offer bonds for the first time, receiving direct capital from investors. The secondary bond market allows trading of these previously issued bonds among investors. Prices in this market are influenced by changes in interest rates, issuer credibility, and macroeconomic factors, presenting both risks and opportunities.

There are several categories of bonds available for investment in India:

• The government bond market includes:
• Treasury Bills (T-Bills): Short-term instruments with maturities up to one year, preferred for their safety and liquidity.
• Government Securities (G-Secs): Long-term bonds maturing between 2 and 30 years, often used to fund infrastructure.
• State Development Loans (SDLs): Issued by state governments to fund regional development.
• The municipal bond market enables state and urban local bodies to finance infrastructure such as water supply or transport networks.
• The corporate bond market, while riskier than government bonds, offers higher coupon rates, attracting investors seeking better returns.

In terms of regulation, government bonds fall under the purview of the RBI, while corporate bonds are overseen by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

Recent Developments and Market Dynamics

Despite policy rate cuts by the RBI, the 10-year bond yield has climbed from 6.34% to 6.60%. Traditionally, rate cuts are associated with falling bond yields, as borrowing becomes cheaper and bond prices rise. However, the current increase signals market anxiety over inflation, fiscal slippage, and increasing government borrowing. Rising yields also imply falling bond prices, indicative of sustained selling pressure.

The RBI, despite cutting rates earlier, has maintained a hawkish stance on inflation. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has chosen to keep key policy rates unchanged:

• Repo Rate: 5.50%
• Standing Deposit Facility (SDF): 5.25%
• Marginal Standing Facility (MSF): 5.75%

In terms of projections, GDP growth for 2025–26 is estimated at 6.5%, while inflation for the same year is revised downward to 3.1%. However, inflation is expected to climb again to 4.9% in the first quarter of 2026–27, indicating persistent price pressures in the medium term.

Yield Curve and Investor Sentiment

The yield curve in India has steepened, with long-term bond yields rising more sharply than short-term ones. This reflects investor expectations of higher future borrowing costs and concerns that inflation may not be as subdued as hoped. Mutual fund managers interpret this as a sign that the RBI is prioritising inflation containment over short-term economic growth.

GST Reform and Fiscal Worries

• A major fiscal development adding to investor unease is the proposal to streamline the GST structure. The plan is to reduce the existing four tax slabs (5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%) to two (5% and 18%), while retaining a 40% rate for sin goods. Although intended to simplify taxation, the reform could potentially result in a revenue shortfall of ₹50,000–60,000 crore.
• This possible fiscal slippage may compel the government to increase borrowing, leading to a rise in bond supply and, consequently, upward pressure on yields.

Potential Corrective Measures

To address these challenges, the government could revise its borrowing strategy, shifting towards short- or medium-term debt instruments to ease pressure on long-term yields. The RBI, on its part, has several tools at its disposal:

• Open Market Operations (OMOs): The RBI can purchase long-term bonds from the market to reduce excess supply and lower yields.
• Operation Twist: This involves simultaneously buying long-term bonds and selling short-term ones to flatten the yield curve and manage interest rate expectations.

Forward Outlook

Given the inflation outlook, immediate rate cuts are unlikely. However, if inflation continues to moderate in the coming quarters, the RBI may consider adopting a more accommodative policy stance to support economic growth. In such a scenario, long-duration bonds may experience a revival, and yields could soften over the medium term.

Conclusion

The future trajectory of India’s bond market will largely depend on how effectively the RBI can balance inflation management with the government’s fiscal discipline. Strategic borrowing by the government and timely policy interventions—such as OMOs and Operation Twist—can help stabilize bond yields. This would, in turn, pave the way for growth-oriented monetary policy once inflationary risks are brought under control.

Supreme Court Reconsiders RTE Exemption for Minority Institutions

The Supreme Court of India has recently referred the contentious issue of exempting minority institutions from the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act to a larger Bench. This move questions the validity of the Court’s own 2014 ruling, which had granted a blanket exemption to all minority institutions from complying with key provisions of the Act. The development signals a potential shift in the legal interpretation of how constitutional rights to education and minority autonomy coexist.

Introduction

·       The RTE Act, enacted in 2009, represents a pivotal legislative commitment to ensuring free and compulsory elementary education for every child in India. Despite its transformative intent, the Act has long been at the centre of a legal debate: Should minority-run educational institutions—protected under Article 30 of the Constitution—be exempt from its regulatory framework?

·       This question re-entered the spotlight on September 1, 2025, when the Supreme Court referred the issue to a larger Bench for reconsideration. The move indicates a possible re-evaluation of the 2014 judgment in Pramati Educational and Cultural Trust v. Union of India, which had categorically excluded all minority institutions from the scope of the RTE Act.

The Core of the Debate: RTE vs. Minority Autonomy

·       At the heart of this legal and constitutional dilemma lies a fundamental tension between two key provisions of the Constitution. Article 21A guarantees free and compulsory education to children aged 6 to 14, while Article 30(1) protects the rights of religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

·       In 2014, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court held that Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act—which mandates 25% reservation in private unaided schools for children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups—was incompatible with the rights of minority institutions. The Court reasoned that imposing such obligations would interfere with their autonomy and their ability to preserve cultural and linguistic identities. As a result, both aided and unaided minority institutions were granted complete exemption from the provisions of the RTE Act.

·       Critics of the ruling argue that the blanket exemption undermines the vision of a unified, inclusive schooling system. They contend that it enables institutions to exploit minority status to circumvent national education norms, thereby weakening the commitment to equitable access. Proponents, however, argue that the ability to remain free from state interference is essential for minority institutions to retain their distinct identity and values.

Case Background: Teacher Eligibility Test and Minority Status

·       The current reference to a larger Bench arose from legal appeals challenging the requirement imposed by certain state education departments that teachers in minority institutions must pass the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET)—a standard laid out under Section 23 of the RTE Act.

·       A two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court, while examining these appeals, expressed serious concerns that the 2014 judgment may have “unknowingly jeopardised the very foundation of universal elementary education.” The Bench underscored that by completely exempting minority institutions from the RTE framework, the state’s broader objective of inclusive and equitable education could be compromised, thereby creating educational silos rather than integrated learning environments.

Supreme Court’s Observations and Justification for Reconsideration

·       In referring the matter to a larger Bench, the Supreme Court highlighted several important observations that question the logic and impact of the 2014 decision:

·       The Bench questioned the rationale for granting complete exemption, asserting that applying provisions of the RTE Act—such as Section 12(1)(c)—does not infringe upon or eliminate the minority character of an institution. The judges stated that preserving minority identity need not come at the expense of broader social obligations.

·       They also emphasised the social value embedded in Section 12(1)(c), which mandates that 25% of seats in private unaided schools be reserved for children from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds. According to the Court, this provision is essential for promoting social integration and educational equity.

·       The judges further clarified that the RTE Act provides financial reimbursement to private institutions for admitting students under this reservation clause. Hence, concerns about fiscal burden on minority institutions are addressed within the law itself, and do not justify wholesale exclusion.

·       The Court underscored that one of the foundational aims of Article 21A is to foster inclusive classrooms where children from diverse socio-economic backgrounds can learn together. This vision, they argued, aligns with the RTE’s goal of nation-building and must not be undermined by exclusionary practices.

·       Importantly, the Court also pointed to evidence suggesting that some institutions have acquired minority status specifically to escape compliance with RTE mandates. This trend, the Bench warned, could lead to the emergence of “enclaves of privilege,” thereby frustrating national development objectives and further marginalising underprivileged children.

·       Following these observations, the matter will now be placed before the Chief Justice of India, who will constitute a larger Bench to determine whether the current blanket exemption should continue or be replaced with a more context-specific and balanced approach.

Conclusion

·       The Supreme Court’s decision to revisit the exemption of minority institutions from the RTE Act represents a turning point in India''s constitutional and educational discourse. The case touches upon critical themes of equality, autonomy, inclusivity, and the right to education.

·       If the larger Bench chooses to revise the 2014 ruling, minority institutions may be brought under the purview of key RTE provisions, such as the 25% reservation for disadvantaged students under Section 12(1)(c). This would reinforce the ideal of a common schooling system and foster classrooms that reflect India’s social diversity.

·       Ultimately, the resolution of this issue will hinge on how the Court balances the constitutional promise of minority rights with the imperative of universal education. A nuanced, equitable, and legally sound approach could shape the future of India''s education policy, ensuring that both diversity and inclusivity are preserved in equal measure.

India’s Cancer Map 2025: Regional Patterns, Risk Factors, and Public Health Response

A comprehensive analysis of cancer data from 43 population-based registries across India has revealed that the nation’s lifetime risk of developing cancer stands at 11%. In 2024 alone, 15.6 lakh new cases were recorded, alongside 8.74 lakh deaths. These registries—covering between 10% and 18% of the population across 23 states and Union Territories—monitor trends in cancer incidence, mortality, and regional disparities. The findings, based on data from 2015 to 2019 (excluding 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic), offer critical insights for shaping national health policies.

Key Trends in India’s Cancer Burden

Between 2015 and 2019, researchers documented 7.08 lakh cancer cases and 2.06 lakh cancer-related deaths. The study was conducted by experts from premier institutions such as AIIMS Delhi, Tata Memorial Hospital, and the Adyar Cancer Institute. Their work has shed light on the shifting dynamics of cancer incidence and mortality across regions and demographics.

Gender Disparities in Incidence and Outcomes

The data reveal a gendered pattern in cancer occurrence and survivability. Women accounted for 51.1% of all cancer cases but only 45% of deaths. This discrepancy is primarily due to the dominance of breast and cervical cancers among women—conditions that are relatively easier to detect and treat at early stages. In contrast, the most common cancers among men, such as lung and gastric cancers, are more difficult to diagnose early and are associated with significantly worse prognoses.

Alarming Rise in Oral Cancer

One of the most notable developments is the rise of oral cancer, which has now surpassed lung cancer as the most prevalent cancer among Indian men. This trend persists despite a documented decline in tobacco use—from 34.6% in 2009–10 to 28.6% in 2016–17. The increase is attributed to the long latency of tobacco-related effects and the compounding impact of other risk factors like alcohol consumption, which is known to increase the likelihood of multiple types of cancer.

Northeast India: The Epicentre of India’s Cancer Crisis

The Northeast region of India has emerged as the country’s cancer hotspot. Mizoram, in particular, reports the highest lifetime risk of cancer: 21.1% for men and 18.9% for women. This elevated risk is linked to a combination of high tobacco consumption, unique dietary patterns (including fermented pork fat, smoked meats, spicy foods, and hot beverages), and a higher prevalence of infections known to cause cancer—such as HPV, Helicobacter pylori, and hepatitis.

Regional Variation in Cancer Types

Cancer prevalence in India varies significantly across geographies:

• Breast cancer reaches its highest rates in Hyderabad (54 cases per 100,000 women).
• Cervical cancer is most prevalent in Aizawl, with 27.1 cases per 100,000 women.
• Lung cancer among men peaks in Srinagar (39.5 per 100,000), while among women, it is most common in Aizawl (33.7), with high numbers also reported in metro cities such as Chennai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Visakhapatnam.
• Oral cancer affects men most in Ahmedabad (33.6 per 100,000) and women most in East Khasi Hills (13.6), with a broad spread across northern, central, and western India.
• Prostate cancer shows its highest incidence in Srinagar, at 12.7 per 100,000 men.

Policy Implications and Healthcare Needs

• The report underscores the urgent need for region-specific cancer control strategies. From the Northeast’s unique dietary and lifestyle challenges to urban areas facing higher incidences of breast and lung cancer, tailored interventions are essential. Strengthening screening, awareness campaigns, and early detection programmes must become central pillars of India’s healthcare planning.
• In high-burden regions like the Northeast, the approach must be multifaceted—improving healthcare infrastructure, mobilising community awareness, and promoting healthier lifestyle choices through sustained engagement.

The Role of Prevention and Early Detection

• Preventive strategies remain a critical lever in managing India’s growing cancer burden. Breast cancer alone constitutes 30% of all cancer cases in women, underscoring the necessity for widespread screening and awareness. Additionally, cervical cancer—highly preventable through HPV vaccination and routine screening—remains prevalent, especially in underserved regions.
• According to the World Health Organization, between 30% and 50% of all cancers can be prevented through lifestyle modifications and early detection. This reinforces the need for robust public health campaigns, especially targeting high-risk populations.

National Programmes and Initiatives Combating Cancer

India has developed an integrated approach to tackle cancer by combining policy measures, infrastructural development, financial support, and medical research:

• National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS): Focuses on screening, awareness, early detection, and treatment, particularly for oral, breast, and cervical cancers.
• Strengthening of Tertiary Care for Cancer Scheme: Involves the establishment of 19 State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and 20 Tertiary Cancer Care Centres (TCCCs) to decentralise access to advanced treatment facilities.
• Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): Covers the cost of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery for underprivileged patients, benefiting over 90% of cancer patients registered under the scheme.
• Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF): Offers financial assistance up to ₹15 lakh per patient, supporting affordable care at 27 Regional Cancer Centres across the country.
• National Cancer Grid (NCG): The world’s largest coordinated cancer care network, consisting of 287 centres, provides standardised treatment and manages care for over 7.5 lakh new cancer patients each year.

Infrastructure and Budgetary Support

The Union Budget 2025–26 reflects a significant commitment to healthcare, with an allocation of nearly ₹1 lakh crore. Key announcements include the establishment of Day Care Cancer Centres in all districts and customs duty exemptions on 36 essential lifesaving cancer drugs. These measures aim to expand accessibility and affordability of cancer treatment across the nation.

Research, Innovation, and Global Collaboration

India’s fight against cancer is also being advanced through pioneering research and international partnerships:

• NexCAR19 (2024): The country’s first indigenously developed CAR-T cell therapy for blood cancers, a collaborative effort by IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Hospital, and ImmunoACT.
• Quad Cancer Moonshot (2024): A multilateral initiative involving India, the US, Japan, and Australia aimed at eliminating cervical cancer through widespread HPV vaccination and screening programmes.
• ACTREC Expansion (2025): Aimed at scaling up cancer research, education, and treatment infrastructure, this initiative strengthens India’s capacity to develop and deliver cutting-edge therapies.

Public Awareness and Lifestyle Campaigns

• Prevention remains a core pillar of India’s strategy against cancer. Public campaigns such as Eat Right India, the Fit India Movement, and various yoga-based wellness programmes promote healthier living to reduce cancer risk.
• Annual observances such as National Cancer Awareness Day and World Cancer Day are leveraged to mobilise mass awareness and engagement across all sections of society.

Conclusion

• India’s Cancer Map 2025 reveals a complex and evolving landscape shaped by regional disparities, lifestyle factors, and socio-economic dynamics. With over 15 lakh new cases and nearly 9 lakh deaths annually, the disease represents a major public health challenge.
• The need for early detection, lifestyle interventions, regional strategies, and equitable access to treatment has never been more urgent. While national programmes and innovations signal progress, the battle against cancer must remain a top health priority, driven by data, policy, public awareness, and global collaboration.

25th SCO Summit 2025: Key Takeaways, Documents Signed, and India’s Strategic Role

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 25th Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held in Tianjin, China, where leaders of the 10-member bloc engaged in discussions covering a wide spectrum of pressing global and regional issues. Topics included reforming global governance, counter-terrorism, regional security, economic cooperation, and sustainable development. This summit marked a milestone not only in terms of strategic direction but also in institutional expansion and reform.

Overview of the SCO and India’s Membership

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, formed in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, has evolved into a significant regional bloc that spans Asia, parts of Europe, and Africa. It now comprises:

• 10 full member states, including India and Pakistan, who joined in 2017.
• 2 observer states.
• 15 dialogue partners, with Laos being granted partner status during the 2025 summit—expanding the SCO to a 27-nation grouping.

This summit also marked PM Modi’s first visit to China in seven years, signalling a potential recalibration in India-China relations amid ongoing geopolitical flux.

Key Documents Signed at the SCO Summit 2025

A total of 20 significant documents were adopted at the Council of Heads of State meeting, shaping the SCO’s strategic roadmap for the coming decade.

• The Tianjin Declaration emerged as the central political document, reflecting the shared stance of member states on global and regional issues.
• The Development Strategy (2026–2035) was adopted, outlining long-term priorities in security, economy, connectivity, environment, and institutional development.
• A Cooperation Programme (2026–2030) was approved to counter extremist ideologies within SCO countries.
• A Roadmap for SCO Energy Cooperation until 2030 was agreed upon, aimed at ensuring energy security and promoting clean energy transitions.
• The SCO was granted observer status in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), further expanding its geopolitical footprint.
• Cholpon Ata in Kyrgyzstan was designated as the SCO tourist and cultural capital for 2025–26, strengthening cultural diplomacy.

Institutional Strengthening and Infrastructure Expansion

In an effort to expand its capabilities, the SCO inaugurated four new centres to address critical transnational issues:

• A centre to counter security threats and challenges.
• A unit to combat transnational organized crime.
• An institute focused on cybersecurity and information threats.
• A coordination body for anti-narcotics cooperation.

Additionally, a decision was taken to establish an SCO Development Bank to finance infrastructure, promote social development, and deepen economic integration across member states.

Expanding SCO Platforms in Strategic Sectors

New platforms were proposed or launched across priority areas including:

• Energy security and sustainable development.
• Green industry, climate action, and environmentally responsible growth.
• Digital economy and enhanced cybersecurity frameworks.
• Advancement in artificial intelligence, technological innovation, and higher education.
• Vocational and technical education to build a future-ready workforce.

Structural Reforms and Membership Expansion

One of the summit’s notable reforms was the merging of observer states and dialogue partners into a unified category of SCO partners, streamlining engagement mechanisms. The inclusion of Laos as a new partner expanded the SCO family to 27 nations, reflecting its growing geopolitical relevance across continents.

Security Cooperation and the Pahalgam Terror Attack

The Tianjin Declaration made headlines for explicitly condemning the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. The document:

• Expressed solidarity with India and extended condolences to victims'' families.
• Called for bringing perpetrators and their sponsors to justice.
• Also condemned other regional terror incidents, including the Jaffer Express hijacking (March) and the Khuzdar school bus bombing (May) in Pakistan.

This explicit condemnation was significant, particularly because the Pahalgam attack had earlier been excluded from the June 2025 SCO Defence Ministers’ statement in Qingdao due to Pakistan’s objection. India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had refused to sign the statement at that time, demanding clear language on terrorism. The leaders’ summit in Tianjin ultimately corrected the omission, reinforcing India’s stance on addressing cross-border terrorism within multilateral forums.

India-China Dynamics: Signs of Thaw Amid Strategic Caution

• PM Modi’s visit to China and his meeting with President Xi Jinping marked a symbolic thaw in otherwise tense bilateral relations. The inclusion of Pahalgam in the final declaration is seen by many as a positive shift in China''s diplomatic posture towards India, possibly influenced by Beijing’s need to counterbalance Western economic pressures and US-led tariffs.
• However, China’s refusal to directly name Pakistan in the context of terrorism continues to be a sticking point. For India, the inclusion of specific terror incidents is a partial diplomatic win, but deeper trust-building with China remains a complex, long-term process.

PM Modi’s Address: India’s Vision for the SCO

In his keynote address at the summit, Prime Minister Modi outlined India’s strategic vision for the SCO through three central pillars: Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity.

Key themes from his speech included:

• Emphasis on peace, stability, and prosperity as prerequisites for regional development.
• A call for firm, coordinated action against terrorism, radicalisation, and terror financing.
• Rejection of double standards on terrorism, with an appeal for collective accountability for countries enabling cross-border terror networks.
• Appreciation for SCO member states’ support following the Pahalgam attack, reiterating India’s demand for justice.
• Reaffirmation of India’s commitment to connectivity initiatives such as the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor, underlining their role in regional integration.
• Focus on promoting startups, innovation, youth empowerment, and cultural exchange, aligning economic development with people-to-people ties.
• Proposal to establish a Civilizational Dialogue Forum within the SCO to foster deeper intercultural understanding and cooperation.
• Support for SCO’s institutional reforms, and a parallel call for the restructuring of global institutions like the United Nations, to make them more inclusive, representative, and responsive to the realities of the 21st century.

Conclusion: India’s Expanding Influence within the SCO

• The 25th SCO Summit in Tianjin served as a pivotal moment in India’s engagement with regional multilateralism. Through strategic assertiveness and diplomatic finesse, India succeeded in pushing for greater emphasis on counter-terrorism, promoting connectivity frameworks, and contributing to institutional reforms within the SCO.
• The explicit mention of the Pahalgam terror attack, the emergence of new cooperation platforms, and the inauguration of SCO’s development and security-focused institutions reflect India’s growing role in shaping the organisation’s agenda. As the SCO continues to evolve in a shifting global order, India’s ability to balance security imperatives with economic and cultural outreach will determine its influence within this expanding regional bloc.

The Rise and Risks of Health Insurance in India

Context:

• As India''s commitment to Universal Health Care (UHC) gains attention, the growing reliance on insurance-driven models—particularly the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and various State Health Insurance Programmes (SHIPs)—has sparked concerns.
• While budgets for these schemes are rising, critics warn that such models may deepen privatisation in healthcare, neglect the public health system, and compromise the goal of equitable and accessible healthcare for all.

Introduction: A Long-Delayed Vision for UHC

India’s ambition for UHC, first proposed by the Bhore Committee in 1946, remains unrealised even after nearly eight decades. Although PMJAY and SHIPs now claim to cover over 80% of the population, they have introduced new challenges around equity, effectiveness, and the sustainability of public health in the country.

The Growth of Health Insurance in India

India has seen a significant expansion in formal health insurance coverage over the last decade:

• PMJAY, launched in 2018, provides ₹5 lakh annual coverage per household for hospitalisation, reaching 58.8 crore individuals by 2023–24.
• Parallel State Health Insurance Programmes offer similar coverage, collectively covering another large population segment.
• Together, these schemes incur a combined annual expenditure of ₹28,000 crore, growing at a rate of 8–25% (2018–2024).
• However, utilisation remains low—only 35% of insured hospital patients were able to use their coverage according to the 2022–23 Health Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES).

Fault Lines in the Expansion of Health Insurance

Despite ambitious coverage targets, India’s insurance-led model is marred by deep structural issues:

1.     For-Profit Healthcare Dominance: Nearly two-thirds of PMJAY reimbursements go to private hospitals, fostering a profit-first health ecosystem. In the absence of robust regulation, this model often results in overcharging, unnecessary procedures, and compromised medical ethics.

2.     Neglect of Primary and Preventive Care: Insurance policies disproportionately focus on hospital-based care, diverting attention and funding from primary healthcare, outpatient services, and preventive care. As India’s population ages, escalating costs of tertiary care risk crowding out investments in rural Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and essential diagnostic services.

3.     Limited Utilisation Due to Systemic Barriers: Awareness gaps persist, with many beneficiaries unaware of how to avail their benefits. Private hospitals often disincentivise insured patients due to low reimbursement rates, while marginalised communities face additional access hurdles.

4.     Discrimination in Access and Treatment: In public hospitals, preference is given to insured patients who bring in additional revenue. Conversely, private hospitals often favour uninsured patients due to the possibility of charging more, leading to systemic inequity.

5.     Financial Fragility and Provider Disengagement: PMJAY faces ₹12,161 crore in pending dues, exceeding its budget allocations. More than 600 hospitals have exited the programme, citing delayed reimbursements and operational bottlenecks.

6.     Fraud and Corruption: The National Health Authority (NHA) has flagged 3,200 hospitals for fraudulent practices such as billing for ghost patients, inflating charges, and conducting unnecessary surgeries. These issues are compounded by weak auditing mechanisms and limited transparency in scheme management.

Structural Risks Undermining UHC Goals

India’s current health insurance trajectory reveals several systemic vulnerabilities:

• Underfunded Public Health: Public health expenditure stands at just 1.3% of GDP (2022)—far below the global average of 6.1%.
• Privatised Service Delivery: The insurance-centric model consolidates the dominance of the private sector, without addressing issues of quality, accountability, or accessibility.
• Continued Out-of-Pocket Spending: Despite wide coverage, out-of-pocket health expenditure in India remains among the highest globally, indicating insurance is not protecting citizens effectively from financial hardship.

Global Comparisons: Where India Diverges

• Countries like Thailand and Canada successfully integrate social health insurance within UHC frameworks. Their models are built on: Non-profit service delivery, Universal coverage, Strict regulation of providers
• In contrast, India’s model is: Targeted rather than universal, Largely dependent on profit-seeking providers and Loosely regulated, allowing inconsistencies in service quality and equity

Policy Way Forward: Realigning with UHC Principles

To steer India toward authentic UHC, the following strategic shifts are essential:

1.     Strengthen Public Health Infrastructure: Expand primary health centres, diagnostic labs, and outpatient services. Focus on preventive care, reducing dependence on costly hospitalisation.

2.     Regulate the Private Sector: Enforce standard treatment protocols and price caps. Implement strict monitoring and accountability frameworks for empanelled private hospitals.

3.     Improve Scheme Utilisation and Awareness: Conduct community outreach and enhance digital literacy to help beneficiaries access their entitlements. Simplify claims processes and strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms.

4.     Ensure Financial Sustainability: Resolve reimbursement delays by exploring direct budgetary allocations to public and not-for-profit providers. Streamline fund flow systems to prevent provider exit.

5.     Shift Toward a Comprehensive UHC Model: Increase public health spending to 2.5% of GDP, as proposed in the National Health Policy 2017. Transition from a fragmented, insurance-dependent model to a publicly financed, universally accessible health system.

Conclusion: Insurance Is Not a Substitute for Public Healthcare

While schemes like PMJAY and SHIPs have brought short-term benefits, their current structure may institutionalise a profit-driven, hospital-centric health system that does little to address the root causes of health inequity. For India to achieve true Universal Health Care, policy must prioritise primary healthcare investment, regulation of private providers, and inclusive, equitable access. Without these fundamental shifts, health insurance will remain a temporary painkiller, not the long-term cure India’s public health system urgently needs.

Corruption in India: Structural Rot, Ethical Failure, and the Road to Reform

The recent decision by the Rajasthan High Court to cancel the SI Recruitment-2021 examination due to a paper leak scam once again draws attention to the systemic nature of corruption in India. In parallel, Dr. Manju Sharma, a member of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC), resigned from her post, citing her inability to compromise on transparency and integrity in public life. These developments underscore a broader crisis in governance, public trust, and institutional ethics.

Understanding Corruption: A Multifaceted Ethical Breach

·       Corruption, fundamentally, is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It violates the ethical bedrock of public service by breaching probity, transparency, and accountability.

·       Philosophically, corruption contravenes deontological ethics (duty-based morality), undermines virtue ethics (principles like honesty and integrity), and erodes the social contract between the state and its citizens.

Types of Corruption in India

As detailed by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), corruption in India can be broadly classified into three categories:

• Petty Corruption involves small-scale bribery for everyday services—such as acquiring certificates, licenses, or permits. It reflects the deterioration of routine ethical conduct in administrative settings.
• Grand Corruption refers to large-scale scams that subvert public interest in areas like recruitment, infrastructure contracts, or natural resource allocations, often involving high-level collusion.
• Collusive Corruption represents an entrenched nexus between politicians, bureaucrats, and corporate actors, facilitating unethical exchanges behind institutional facades.

Causes Behind the Prevalence of Corruption

The persistence of corruption in India stems from a complex interplay of administrative, economic, political, social, legal, and psychological factors:

• Administrative flaws, such as discretionary power without accountability and weak institutional oversight, allow public officials to operate with impunity.
• Economic drivers include inadequate salaries, particularly at lower bureaucratic levels, and rent-seeking opportunities, which incentivise corrupt practices.
• Political culture fosters corruption through the criminalisation of politics, vote-bank strategies, and patronage networks, which legitimise illegalities for electoral gain.
• Social acceptance of corruption, expressed in euphemisms like “chai-paani”, lowers ethical expectations and normalises bribery in daily life.
• Legal-institutional weaknesses, such as delayed judicial proceedings and insufficient whistleblower protection, embolden corrupt actors by reducing fear of consequences.
• Psychological factors, drawing from thinkers like William James, highlight the human capacity for moral rationalisation, making systemic corruption socially tolerable over time.

Implications of Corruption

The consequences of corruption are devastating, affecting both individual citizens and societal structures:

For Individuals:

• Meritocracy collapses when undeserving candidates are favoured, undermining fairness and morale.
• Ethical dissonance emerges in public servants who must navigate between duty and personal survival within a corrupt system.
• Vulnerable populations, particularly the poor, are systematically denied their legal entitlements due to their inability to pay bribes, thus reinforcing social exclusion.

For Society:

• Institutional trust collapses, as citizens increasingly view governance structures with suspicion and disengagement.
• Inequality deepens, since corruption channels benefits to the elite while the disadvantaged remain deprived.
• Economic development suffers through leakage of public funds, distorted allocation of resources, and disincentivised investment.
• Democratic legitimacy weakens, with citizens growing cynical and apathetic toward electoral and governance processes.

Challenges in Combating Corruption

Efforts to counter corruption face serious impediments:

• Institutional capture by vested interests restricts the autonomy of vigilance and enforcement agencies, rendering them ineffective.
• Entrenched collusion between political, bureaucratic, and corporate actors limits transparency and accountability.
• Whistleblowers face retaliation, making citizens and insiders reluctant to expose wrongdoing.
• Cultural normalisation of corrupt practices discourages public outrage, allowing corruption to persist as an accepted social practice.
• Digital technologies, though designed to enhance transparency, are often manipulated—evident in digital paper leaks, proxy usage, and biometric fraud—highlighting the gap between intent and implementation.

The Way Forward: Towards Ethical and Structural Reforms

Addressing corruption demands more than legal frameworks; it calls for ethical renewal, institutional empowerment, and public mobilisation.

·       Ethical Reorientation must be the foundation. Civil servants need value-based training, as advocated by the Second ARC’s report on “Ethics in Governance.” Public functionaries should embody constitutional morality and Gandhian ideals of trusteeship, viewing power as a public responsibility, not a personal asset.

·       Institutional reforms must follow. Bodies like the Lokpal, Lokayuktas, and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) must be granted true independence. Recruitment agencies, such as RPSC and UPSC, must operate with absolute transparency to prevent future examination scams and political meddling.

·       Administrative efficiency should be enhanced through reduction of discretionary powers, and the government must shift towards "minimum government, maximum governance." Expanding digital platforms, with innovations like blockchain in recruitment and procurement, can help curb leakages and ensure auditability.

·       Social and cultural transformation is also necessary. Citizens must internalise a zero-tolerance stance against corruption. Institutions like the media, civil society organisations, and mechanisms like the Right to Information (RTI) must be empowered to act as watchdogs.

·       Legal reforms must support these changes through fast-track courts for corruption cases, robust whistleblower protection laws, and meaningful incentives for integrity.

Conclusion: Corruption as a Moral and Governance Crisis

Corruption in India is not merely an economic offence—it represents a deep ethical failure across state, society, and individual behaviour. It threatens the foundational values of justice, equality, and rule of law, as enshrined in the Constitution. To reclaim public trust and ensure just governance, India must move beyond compliance-based rulebooks and adopt value-driven governance models. Without this shift, health, education, recruitment, and welfare systems will continue to be compromised. A corruption-free India is not a utopia but a constitutional imperative—critical for realising the vision of a just, equitable, and ethical republic.

UDISE+ 2024–25 Report: A Snapshot of India''s School Education System

Context:

The UDISE+ 2024–25 report, released by the Ministry of Education, provides a comprehensive overview of school education in India, revealing persistent inequalities in digital access, infrastructure, teacher availability, and health support. Despite improvements in basic facilities, the data highlights stark regional disparities and systemic shortcomings that undermine the goals of inclusive and quality education.

What is UDISE+?

• The Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) is India’s annual national data system for school education (Classes I–XII), covering government, aided, and private schools.
• It captures granular data on a range of indicators, including: Infrastructure (electricity, water, sanitation, etc.), Enrolment and dropouts, Teacher strength and training, Digital readiness, Health and safety provisions and Learning environment and equity dimensions.
• As a key policy tool, UDISE+ guides planning, resource allocation, and monitoring under the Samagra Shiksha scheme and National Education Policy (NEP) objectives.

Key Trends and Findings (2024–25)

1. Digital Divide Remains Stark: Despite growing emphasis on digital education, access remains limited and unequal. Only 65% of schools report having computers, and of these, just 58% are functional. Internet availability stands at 63% overall, but significant disparity exists between school types: Government schools: 58.6% versus Private schools: 77.1%. These gaps hinder equitable access to digital learning tools, particularly for children in government-run institutions and rural areas.

2. Basic Infrastructure: Progress with Gaps: India has achieved near-universal access to basic facilities: Toilets: 98.6% of schools, Hand-washing facilities: 95.9% and Drinking water: 99%. However, over 25,000 schools still lack working electricity, raising serious concerns for digital learning and overall school functioning.

3. Enrolment Challenges and Low-Attendance Schools: The data highlights serious underutilisation in some areas:

• 5.1% of schools have fewer than 10 students, raising questions about viability.
• Zero-enrolment schools are alarmingly high in: Ladakh: 32.2%, Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand: ~22%

These patterns point to migration, demographic shifts, and inefficiencies in school network planning, particularly in hilly and remote regions.

4. Teacher Shortages in Upper Classes: While the national Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) is satisfactory at the primary level (20:1), it deteriorates sharply in higher classes: Jharkhand: 47:1, Maharashtra and Odisha: 37:1. These figures exceed the RTE Act norm of 30:1, and fall far short of the NEP’s recommended 20–25:1 ratio, suggesting critical learning losses in upper grades due to lack of faculty. Nationally, around 91% of teachers are trained. However, the situation is not uniform: Meghalaya reports the lowest training levels, with 72% trained at primary level and 80% at upper-primary. The quality of classroom delivery is deeply affected by the preparedness of educators, making targeted capacity-building essential.

5. Sharp Regional Variations: The report underscores geographical inequities in school resources:

• Southern states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu approach near-universal access to toilets and internet.
• Eastern and North-Eastern states significantly lag: West Bengal: Only 18.6% schools with internet access and Meghalaya: 26.4%

Such disparities hinder national-level equity goals and pose challenges for implementing uniform digital learning strategies.

6. Inadequate Health Support: Despite post-COVID emphasis on school health, only 75.5% of schools conduct regular medical check-ups.
The shortfall is particularly acute in: Bihar: 32.7% and Nagaland: 44.9%. Health services in schools are vital for ensuring holistic child development and reducing absenteeism due to preventable illnesses.

Conclusion

The UDISE+ 2024–25 report paints a mixed picture of India''s school education landscape. While core infrastructure like toilets and drinking water has seen commendable coverage, persistent gaps in electricity, digital access, teacher availability, and health services reflect deeper structural issues. The regional imbalance between states like Kerala and West Bengal, or Tamil Nadu and Meghalaya, illustrates the need for state-specific interventions aligned with NEP 2020 goals. Bridging these gaps is crucial not just for equitable education delivery but also for transforming schools into inclusive and resilient learning spaces.

Air Quality Life Index (AQLI)

·       According to the 2025 edition of the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report, air pollution remains India’s most critical health hazard, reducing the average life expectancy by 3.5 years. The index, developed by Michael Greenstone and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), offers a scientific quantification of how long-term exposure to air pollution, specifically PM2.5 particles, affects human life expectancy.

·       The AQLI integrates empirical research on air pollution exposure with global air quality data to determine its real-life impact on communities. The 2025 report finds that air pollution now causes nearly double the life expectancy loss compared to malnutrition in children and mothers and more than five times the loss caused by unsafe water, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene practices combined.

·       Alarmingly, all 1.4 billion people in India reside in regions where PM2.5 concentrations exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended safe limit of 5 micrograms per cubic metre. The northern part of India continues to be the most polluted, with 544.4 million individuals—or 38.9 percent of the national population—living under extreme air pollution.

·       Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) are the most severely affected, with a potential life expectancy loss of 8.2 years per person if WHO norms are used as a benchmark. Even under India’s more lenient national standard of 40 µg/m³, the projected loss is still substantial at 4.74 years. Other states such as Bihar, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh report average life expectancy reductions of 5.6, 5.3, and 5 years, respectively.

·       The report also finds that 46 percent of India’s population resides in areas that exceed even the national air quality standard. Should India manage to meet its own PM2.5 benchmark, the average citizen could gain 1.5 additional years of life. In cleaner regions, compliance with WHO''s 5 µg/m³ guideline would still result in an average increase of 9.4 months in life expectancy.

·       The 2025 AQLI report further indicates that South Asia continues to be the most polluted region in the world. After a brief improvement in 2022, PM2.5 levels rose by 2.8 percent in 2023. On average, air pollution cuts three years off life expectancy across the region and more than eight years in the most affected zones.

Swarnamukhi River

·       In a decisive step to restore and rejuvenate the Swarnamukhi River, the Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA) has recently launched Operation SWARNA. This comprehensive initiative aims to rescue the river from illegal encroachments, revive its natural flow, and ensure its long-term ecological sustainability.

·       The Swarnamukhi River is a significant east-flowing river in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Despite its modest scale, it plays a vital role in the region''s religious, environmental, and hydrological landscape. The river''s total catchment area spans 3,225 square kilometres. It originates at an elevation of approximately 300 meters in the Eastern Ghats near Pakala village in Chittoor district. From there, the river flows northeast, passing through the sacred hills of Tirupati before eventually merging into the Bay of Bengal. The river''s entire course stretches over 130 kilometres.

·       Along its path, the Swarnamukhi traverses areas of deep cultural and spiritual significance, particularly in Tirumala and Srikalahasti, which house prominent Hindu temples, including the revered Srikalahasteeswara Temple. Unlike larger river systems that are part of wider networks, the Swarnamukhi is independent, receiving no inflow from other major rivers. Its water flow is predominantly governed by monsoon rainfall, especially in its upper catchment area. Rainfall across the basin is unevenly distributed, ranging from about 1270 mm in the eastern regions to around 762 mm in the west.

·       The Kalyani River serves as its principal tributary, and in 1977, the Kalyani Dam was constructed across it to support water management and regional needs. The current restoration mission seeks to revive the ecological integrity of this important but vulnerable river system.

Killer Whales

·       Recent behavioural studies on killer whales—also known as orcas—suggest a fascinating possibility: these highly intelligent marine mammals may be experimenting with human interaction by offering prey and waiting for a response, potentially as a form of social learning or communication.

·       Killer whales are the apex predators of the oceans and belong to the Delphinidae family, making them the largest members of the dolphin family. Despite often being referred to as whales, they are in fact closely related to dolphins. This family also includes species such as the long-finned and short-finned pilot whales, which, despite their names, are also dolphins.

·       Orcas are renowned for their advanced social structures and tend to live in groups called pods. These pods are typically composed of maternally related individuals who are observed together for the majority of their lives. Communication, navigation, and hunting in these species are deeply reliant on echolocation and underwater sound signals, which reflect their high cognitive abilities.

·       Physically, killer whales are among the most iconic marine mammals, instantly recognisable due to their stark black-and-white colouration. They inhabit a broad range of marine environments, from open oceanic expanses to coastal waters across all major oceans.

Despite their resilience, killer whales face increasing threats from human activities. One of the primary dangers is entanglement in commercial fishing gear, while habitat degradation due to marine pollution and shipping traffic poses additional concerns. On the conservation front, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the species as “Data Deficient,” underscoring the need for further research and monitoring to understand their population dynamics and threats.

Srivilliputhur–Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR)

·       Environmental concerns have recently been raised over unauthorized road construction and repair works within the Srivilliputhur–Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR) in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district. These developments threaten the ecological integrity of the reserve, which lies in one of India’s most biologically rich and sensitive zones.

·       The SMTR spans across the districts of Theni, Virudhunagar, and Madurai and is situated within the ecologically critical Western Ghats region. Formed in February 2021, the reserve was created by merging two existing protected areas: the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary and the Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary.

·       Functioning as a vital corridor, the SMTR connects two important conservation areas: Kerala’s Periyar Tiger Reserve and Tamil Nadu’s Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. This linkage is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and facilitating wildlife movement across the landscape.

·       The reserve is nourished by three perennial rivers—Vaigai, Suruliyaru, and Shanmuganathi—which play an essential role in supporting its rich biodiversity. The vegetation in the area ranges from tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests to dry and moist deciduous woodlands, interspersed with grasslands.

·       The faunal diversity includes large mammals such as tigers, elephants, leopards, Nilgiri tahrs, and gaurs. Other species found here include barking deer, sambar deer, wild boars, porcupines, Nilgiri langurs, and the endangered lion-tailed macaque. The bird population is equally diverse, with species like the red-whiskered bulbul, common iora, grey wagtail, and pied bush chat commonly spotted. Reptiles such as the monitor lizard, wood snake, and chameleon also inhabit the area, further underscoring its ecological richness.

Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) Tolling System

·       In a significant move toward modernising India’s toll collection system, the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL)—a firm promoted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)—has partnered with ICICI Bank to introduce the country’s first end-to-end Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system. This will be implemented at the Choryasi Fee Plaza located on National Highway 48 in Gujarat.

·       The MLFF system is designed to eliminate physical toll booths and enable seamless, uninterrupted toll payments. It utilises advanced technologies, including high-performance RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) readers and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. These systems scan FASTags and vehicle registration numbers as vehicles pass at highway speed, removing the need to stop or slow down.

·       This transition to a barrier-less tolling model holds considerable significance for highway efficiency. It reduces vehicular congestion at toll plazas, shortens travel times, and increases fuel efficiency, which collectively help in curbing vehicle emissions. In addition to environmental and logistical benefits, the MLFF system is expected to improve toll revenue collection and contribute toward developing a more efficient and intelligent national highway network.

The National Highways Authority of India, under whose oversight this initiative falls, is India’s principal authority for highway development and maintenance. Functioning under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, NHAI was constituted through the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1998, and became operational in February 1995. Its organisational structure includes a full-time Chairperson along with up to five full-time members and four part-time members. The part-time members typically include high-ranking officials such as the Secretaries of Road Transport and Highways, Expenditure, and Planning, along with the Director General of Roads Development and Special Secretary.

CEREBO – Indigenous Brain Tool

·       In a significant advancement for emergency and rural healthcare, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched CEREBO, a portable, indigenous brain diagnostic device. Developed in collaboration with AIIMS Bhopal, NIMHANS Bengaluru, and Bioscan Research, CEREBO is a compact, hand-held device designed to detect traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in under a minute, using cutting-edge technologies such as near-infrared spectroscopy combined with machine learning algorithms.

·       This innovation aims to address the diagnostic challenges of TBIs in regions with limited access to advanced imaging facilities such as CT or MRI scanners. CEREBO provides a low-cost, non-invasive, and radiation-free alternative, making it particularly valuable in rural clinics, ambulances, trauma centres, and disaster zones. It can be safely used even on infants and pregnant women, a notable advantage over traditional imaging techniques. The device produces colour-coded, easily interpretable results, making it user-friendly even for paramedics or untrained healthcare personnel.

·       Validated through multi-centre clinical trials, the tool has been approved for emergency applications, including military use. CEREBO bridges a critical gap in trauma care by enabling early detection and triage of brain injuries, which can significantly reduce both fatalities and long-term complications. It also helps alleviate the reliance on costly and infrastructure-dependent imaging systems, and due to its versatility and affordability, it has the potential for widespread adoption in global trauma and emergency medicine.

·       Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), the focus of this device, refers to a sudden disruption in normal brain function, usually caused by an external force. TBIs can range from mild forms such as concussions to severe injuries that cause lasting physical and cognitive impairments. The primary causes of TBIs in India are road accidents (around 60%), falls (20–25%), and violence (about 10%).

·       Immediate symptoms of TBI include loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, seizures, and confusion, while complications can involve intracranial bleeding, brain swelling, or even coma. Long-term impacts include memory issues, cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, and behavioural disorders, with an increased risk of neurodegenerative conditions. A particularly dangerous aspect is that mild TBIs often go undiagnosed initially, but if untreated, they may worsen and cause serious consequences over time.

PRATUSH Telescope

·       Scientists at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in Bengaluru, in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), have proposed an ambitious space-based project titled PRATUSH—Probing ReionizATion of the Universe using Signal from Hydrogen. This innovative radio telescope mission is designed to explore the universe’s early epochs, specifically the "Cosmic Dawn."

·       PRATUSH aims to be deployed on the far side of the Moon, offering an ideal observation environment shielded from Earth-based radio interference. The telescope will be equipped with a wideband, frequency-independent antenna covering the frequency range of 30 to 250 MHz. Alongside this, it will carry a self-calibrating analog receiver and a digital correlator capable of high spectral resolution.

·       The telescope’s observational strategy will involve continuous monitoring of vast sky regions and recording the beam-averaged radio emission spectra with a fine resolution of 100 kHz. The mission''s planned lifespan is two years, which will be sufficient to achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio and adequate sky coverage. The preferred orbital placement is a circumlunar orbit to ensure uninterrupted observations from the Moon’s far side.

·       Central to PRATUSH’s innovative design is a seemingly modest component—a single-board computer (SBC). Initially built around a Raspberry Pi, the SBC will function as the master controller, coordinating every subsystem of the telescope. Its responsibilities include managing the antenna that collects cosmic radio signals, controlling the analog receiver that amplifies them, and directing the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) that digitizes and maps the brightness of the sky at different frequencies. In addition, the SBC will also handle high-speed data storage and preliminary data calibration.

Through PRATUSH, Indian scientists hope to unlock new insights into the early stages of the universe, particularly the era of reionization, when the first stars and galaxies began to form.

Clopidogrel

·       Recent medical evaluations suggest that clopidogrel, a widely used antiplatelet drug, may be more effective than aspirin in preventing heart attacks over the long term—especially in individuals identified as high-risk patients.

·       Clopidogrel belongs to a class of medications known as antiplatelet agents. These drugs work by inhibiting platelets in the blood from clumping together, thereby reducing the likelihood of forming clots that can lead to cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes. The drug is particularly prescribed for individuals with peripheral artery disease, unstable angina, or those who have undergone medical procedures where clot prevention is critical.

·       Among its common uses are the prevention of heart attacks, strokes, and the treatment of peripheral artery disease. It is also prescribed to prevent clot formation in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation or following procedures like angioplasty and stent placements.

·       Clopidogrel is typically administered orally and can be taken with or without food. The recommended dosage and frequency depend on the patient''s health condition, age, and how well they respond to the medication. Most commonly, it is taken once daily at a fixed time to maintain steady drug levels in the bloodstream, thereby ensuring its effectiveness.

Mauritania

·       Recently, a migrant tragedy unfolded off the coast of Mauritania, where a boat capsized, resulting in at least 49 confirmed deaths and around 100 individuals reported missing.

·       Mauritania is a nation located in northwest Africa, forming part of the Sahel region—a transitional ecological zone between the arid Sahara Desert to the north and the humid savannas to the south. The country occupies approximately 1,030,000 square kilometres and shares borders with Western Sahara, Algeria, Mali, and Senegal. The Atlantic Ocean forms its western boundary.

·       Roughly 90 percent of Mauritania’s land lies within the Sahara Desert, making it predominantly arid. One of its most remarkable natural features is the Guelb er Richat, commonly known as the Eye of the Sahara. This vast geological structure is an eroded dome composed of both intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks. Mauritania''s principal water resource is the Senegal River, which is vital for agriculture and human settlement.

·       The majority of Mauritania’s population comprises Moors, who are descendants of Arab and Berber ancestry—North Africa’s original inhabitants. While much of the land is desert, the population is primarily concentrated along the coast and near the Senegal River in the southern region. Gaining independence from France in 1960, Mauritania took a significant step in 1981 by becoming the last country in the world to formally abolish slavery.

·       The capital of the country is Nouakchott. Arabic is the official language, though other languages such as Fulani, Soninke, Wolof, and French are also commonly spoken. Islam is the state religion, deeply influencing the cultural and social norms of the population.

·       Mauritania possesses a wealth of natural resources, including iron ore, gold, copper, gypsum, and phosphate. These extractive commodities constitute about 75 percent of the country’s total exports. Additionally, Mauritania’s coastal waters are considered among the richest global fishing zones, and fishing contributes another 20 percent to export earnings. Oil exploration is also ongoing, further positioning the country as a resource-rich nation in the region.

Afghanistan Earthquake and Country Overview

·       A devastating earthquake registering a magnitude of 6.0 struck eastern Afghanistan near the city of Jalalabad, resulting in over 800 fatalities and injuring at least 2,800 individuals. The tremor caused extensive damage across the provinces of Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman.

·       Afghanistan is a landlocked and ethnically diverse country situated in south-central Asia. It occupies a historically significant position at the crossroads of major trade routes that connect South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. This strategic location has made Afghanistan a focal point in regional and global geopolitics, famously playing a central role in the "Great Game" rivalry between Britain and Tsarist Russia during the 19th century, and later serving as a battleground in Cold War conflicts.

·       The capital of Afghanistan is Kabul. The country shares borders with Pakistan, India, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and has a short boundary with the Xinjiang region of China via the Wakhan Corridor.

·       Geographically, Afghanistan is dominated by the rugged Hindu Kush mountain range, which forms part of the broader Himalayan mountain system. Many peaks exceed 6,000 meters, and important mountain passes such as the Khyber Pass and Shebar Pass serve as critical transit routes. The region is seismically active due to the tectonic interactions between the Eurasian and Indian plates, which contribute to frequent earthquakes.

·       Afghanistan''s river system includes several significant water bodies: the Amu Darya forms a natural boundary with Central Asia to the north, the Kabul River flows eastward into Pakistan’s Indus River, and the Helmand River—the longest river in the country, stretching about 715 miles—drains southwestward into the Sistan Basin. The Hari Rud river forms part of the border between Afghanistan and Iran.

·       The country’s terrain can be broadly categorized into three regions: the Central Highlands, characterized by rugged mountains and active seismic zones; the Northern Plains, which are fertile, densely populated, and rich in natural gas reserves; and the Southwestern Plateau, known for its deserts such as Registan and Margow, arid climate, and sparse river networks.

Typhon Missile System

·       In a notable development in Indo-Pacific military cooperation, the United States and Japan have agreed to the temporary deployment of the Typhon missile system in Japan as part of a joint military exercise. This move marks a strategic effort to strengthen regional deterrence capabilities.

·       The Typhon Missile System—also known as the Mid-Range Capability (MRC)—is a modern surface-to-surface missile platform developed by the U.S. defence company Lockheed Martin. Designed with a modular and containerized structure, Typhon allows for the launching of multiple missile variants, including the SM-6 and the Tomahawk cruise missile.

·       The SM-6 missile is capable of striking targets at distances exceeding 320 kilometres, while the Tomahawk extends the reach even further with a deep-strike range of up to 1,500 kilometres. The entire Typhon system is road-mobile, offering flexibility in deployment and enhancing survivability through dispersal across multiple locations. This makes it ideal for precision-strike missions against both land-based and maritime targets, especially in contested environments.

·       A complete Typhon battery comprises four launchers, a central command post, and multiple reload and support vehicles—all mounted on mobile trailers. The dual-purpose nature of the system makes it a key asset for strategic sea denial and precision ground attack operations, providing a tactical edge in modern warfare scenarios.

Yudh Abhyas Army Exercise

·       Amid escalating trade tensions between India and the United States, both countries have commenced the largest-ever edition of the Yudh Abhyas Army exercise at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. This joint military drill is part of a longstanding defence cooperation initiative and takes place in subarctic climate conditions, adding complexity to the training regimen.

·       First conducted in 2004, Yudh Abhyas is an annual bilateral military exercise between the Indian and U.S. Armies, aimed at improving defence collaboration, enhancing interoperability, and conducting joint training in areas such as counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and high-altitude warfare. The exercise is hosted alternately by each country and has grown significantly in scope and scale over the years.

·       In the 2025 edition, India is represented by personnel from the Madras Regiment, while the United States is represented by the 5th Infantry Regiment “Bobcats” of the Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team, part of the 11th Airborne Division. The primary objectives include building mutual trust, training for operations in extreme climates—relevant to both the Himalayas and the Arctic—and improving coordination for joint humanitarian, counter-insurgency, and disaster relief operations.

·       The exercise spans two weeks and includes a diverse set of military drills, such as heliborne operations, surveillance using UAVs, mountain warfare, casualty evacuation, and the integrated use of artillery, aviation, and electronic warfare systems. Simultaneously, preparations are underway for the upcoming Malabar Naval Exercise (involving Quad nations) scheduled to be held off Guam in November 2025.

Digital Yen – DCJPY

·       In a landmark development, Japan Post Bank has announced plans to launch the Digital Yen (DCJPY) by fiscal year 2026, making it one of the most significant blockchain-based financial initiatives with direct government involvement. The digital currency is being developed in collaboration with DeCurret DCP, a subsidiary of Internet Initiative Japan, and is fully backed 1:1 by the Japanese yen.

·       Unlike conventional stablecoins, DCJPY is issued through the regulated banking system, which gives it additional credibility, security, and trustworthiness. Its design aligns closely with the principles of mainstream financial integration, offering depositors a blockchain-powered currency that combines the benefits of decentralisation with the reliability of traditional fiat systems.

·       Once operational, users will be able to convert their yen deposits into DCJPY tokens. These tokens can be used for real-time digital transactions, particularly in the realms of digital securities, tokenized assets, and blockchain-based settlements. Every transaction will be logged on a secure blockchain ledger, ensuring full traceability, transparency, and efficiency.

·       DCJPY’s primary features include instant settlement capability, no volatility risk, and user accessibility through Japan Post Bank’s retail infrastructure. It is uniquely positioned as a tokenised deposit currency, clearly distinguished from private stablecoins that are often issued by unregulated entities and may be subject to price fluctuation.

·       The DCJPY initiative is a strategic move to expand the use of blockchain technologies in everyday finance, aiming not only to improve transactional speed and transparency but also to serve as a blueprint for future state-backed digital currencies worldwide.

The World Liberty Financial Tokens ($WLFI)

·       The World Liberty Financial tokens ($WLFI), tied to the Trump family''s entry into the cryptocurrency market, have recently started trading on major exchanges such as Binance, OKX, and Bybit. Launched in 2024, the token is a central part of the World Liberty Financial DeFi platform and operates alongside a stablecoin issued by the same entity. Reports suggest that Donald Trump himself has earned over $500 million from this venture, underscoring the scale and financial significance of the project.

·       Initially offered as non-tradable governance tokens, early holders of $WLFI were granted voting rights on key decisions such as protocol upgrades or code amendments. Now made tradable, the token is available on several top-tier exchanges where it supports both spot trading—which allows direct ownership and withdrawal—and perpetual futures, a more complex form of trading that involves leverage and greater financial risk.

·       The token had a launch price of approximately $0.31, according to CoinGecko data. Its trading activity, especially across exchanges like KuCoin, MEXC, and Gate.io, has introduced high volatility and new streams of liquidity and fees for the platforms involved. Governance remains integral to the token, with future allocations and key decisions determined by community voting.

·       The launch of $WLFI has attracted considerable attention for its intersection of politics and decentralized finance (DeFi). As a former U.S. President is involved, the initiative has raised potential conflict-of-interest concerns in relation to crypto regulation. However, it continues to draw widespread investor interest, not just for its utility or innovation, but due to the powerful brand association with Trump, thereby merging political identity with speculative digital finance in an unprecedented manner.

High Performance Biomanufacturing Platforms

·       The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) recently launched the High-Performance Biomanufacturing Platforms in New Delhi under the broader framework of the BioE3 Policy. This initiative represents a national network comprising advanced bio-foundries and biomanufacturing hubs, designed to provide state-of-the-art tools, cutting-edge technologies, and world-class infrastructure. The objective is to facilitate the seamless transition of bio-based innovations from research laboratories to large-scale production environments.

·       The launch was officiated by Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Jitendra Singh. The primary goal of the platform is to fast-track the growth of biomanufacturing in India, thereby reducing dependency on imports, promoting environmentally sustainable green growth, and establishing a multi-trillion-dollar bioeconomy by the year 2047. This platform is intended to support a wide array of stakeholders, including start-ups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), academic institutions, and the biotech industry, by enabling innovation and commercialization in biotechnology.

·       The High-Performance Biomanufacturing Platforms are part of the 21 bio-enablers under the BioE3 policy and encompass diverse areas such as microbial strains and smart proteins, probiotics and bio-based chemicals, cell therapies and mRNA-based medicines, marine bio-innovations, and sustainable biofuels. The platform aligns closely with India’s climate commitments and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Besides fostering industrial growth, it is poised to generate employment opportunities and enhance capacity building within the biotechnology sector.

·       The significance of this initiative is multi-faceted. Economically, it positions India as a future global leader in the bioeconomy, accounting for nearly one-fifth of the global biomanufacturing capacity. Strategically, it aims to bolster self-reliance by reducing import dependence in biotechnology products and processes. On the social front, it seeks to create jobs, nurture youth-led innovation, and contribute towards building a developed nation—referred to as Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)

·       The Central Government is currently reviewing the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) to reduce the escalating food subsidy expenditure by identifying and removing beneficiaries who do not qualify for the scheme. This step has become necessary as the food subsidy bill for the fiscal year 2026 has exceeded ₹2 lakh crore.

·       PMGKAY is a government initiative designed to distribute free food grains under the framework of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. It provides rice and wheat at no cost to eligible households through the Public Distribution System (PDS). The scheme was launched in March 2020 as an emergency relief measure during the COVID-19 pandemic to support vulnerable populations.

·       Implemented by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the program aims to ensure the food and nutritional security of the poor, alleviate hardships during emergencies such as pandemics and economic downturns, and promote the principles of equity and inclusion as enshrined in the NFSA. The scheme targets two key beneficiary groups: the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households, which receive 35 kilograms of food grains per family every month, and the Priority Households (PHH), which are entitled to 5 kilograms of rice or wheat per person each month. Distribution occurs through approximately 5.4 lakh fair price shops spread across India.

·       Currently, PMGKAY covers an estimated 81.35 crore beneficiaries, comprising around 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population. The program annually provides about 56 to 58 million tonnes of food grains. Since January 2023, the scheme has been made completely free of cost, eliminating the earlier requirement under NFSA for nominal payments by beneficiaries. For transparency and accountability, ration cards have been linked with e-KYC and Aadhaar verification, with 83% of cards successfully verified so far. For fiscal year 2026, a food subsidy budget of ₹2.03 lakh crore has been allocated. To improve targeting, a re-verification drive is underway aimed at removing ineligible beneficiaries, such as taxpayers, vehicle owners, and non-users.

The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025

·       The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 has come into force, empowering the Central Government to regulate the immigration process, including the entry, stay, and departure of foreigners in India. This new law replaces four earlier statutes: the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000.

·       The Act authorizes the Central Government to designate specific immigration posts as official entry and exit points for foreigners. It also mandates the establishment of a Bureau of Immigration, tasked with overseeing immigration functions such as visa issuance and monitoring the entry, transit, stay, and movement of foreigners within the country. Upon arrival, all foreigners are required to register with a designated Registration Officer.

·       The law places obligations on carriers, educational institutions admitting foreign students, and medical facilities treating foreign nationals to report relevant information about these individuals. Violations, such as entering India without valid passports or other travel documents, can lead to imprisonment for up to five years, fines up to ₹5 lakh, or both. The Act grants police officers of the rank of Head Constable or above the authority to arrest foreigners without a warrant. Additionally, civil authorities can restrict or close premises frequently visited by foreigners or refuse their entry to these locations.

Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Amendment Rules, 2025

·       Under the powers conferred by the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, the Central Government has issued amendments to the rules in 2025, refining procedures for forest conservation and management.

·       The updated rules introduce a more streamlined approval process by extending the validity of in-principle approvals from two to five years. Provisions have been added to accept offline applications for projects related to defence, national importance, and emergencies. The process now clearly distinguishes between Stage-I (in-principle) and Stage-II (final) approvals.

·       The amendments enhance compensatory afforestation measures by introducing a land banking system, allowing central government schemes related to afforestation to fulfill compensatory requirements. States are permitted to transfer forest land to Forest Departments after obtaining Stage-I approval.

·       Strategically, the rules provide special provisions for critical mineral mining, reducing the minimum land-use duration from 20 to 10 years. Enforcement powers have been strengthened by expanding the authority of forest officers to initiate legal proceedings, alongside enhanced requirements for monitoring and reporting.

Evolution of the Forest (Conservation) Act

·       Prior to 1980, forests were governed as a State subject, leading to widespread diversion of forest lands for agriculture, mining, and industrial use. However, the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976 moved forests to the Concurrent List, allowing both the central and state governments to legislate on forest matters.

·       The Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 was enacted to curb deforestation by centralizing the approval process for diverting forest land. In 1988, the Act was amended to regulate leasing forest lands to private entities. The most recent amendment in 2023 seeks to balance developmental needs with ecological protection and climate commitments.

Marine Biodiversity Treaty’s Preparatory Commission – Second Session

·       The Preparatory Commission for the Marine Biodiversity Treaty recently concluded its second session. This treaty, formally known as the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), was adopted in 2023 by the Intergovernmental Conference convened under the United Nations.

·       The BBNJ Agreement stands as the third implementing agreement to UNCLOS, joining the 1994 Part XI Implementation Agreement and the 1995 UN Fish Stocks Agreement. Its primary objective is the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, commonly referred to as the High Seas. These areas represent global commons, open to all for activities such as navigation, overflight, laying of submarine cables, and pipelines.

·       The treaty covers the High Seas and the seabed (the “Area”) and addresses four major components: the use and equitable sharing of marine genetic resources, establishment of area-based management tools including marine protected areas, conducting environmental impact assessments, and fostering capacity-building and technology transfer related to marine biodiversity.

·       To support its implementation, the treaty establishes a funding mechanism and institutional structures, including a Conference of the Parties, a Clearing-House Mechanism, and a secretariat. India has signed the agreement but has not yet completed its ratification process.