Ethanol Blending: A Cleaner Move with Trade-offs in Mileage and Maintenance

Introduction

India has reached a significant milestone in its journey toward energy self-sufficiency and carbon reduction by implementing the nationwide rollout of E20 fuel—petrol blended with 20% ethanol. Achieving this target five years ahead of the original 2030 deadline (in 2025) is a major step forward.

While this development enhances energy security, supports the agrarian economy (particularly sugarcane farmers), and reduces crude oil imports, it also raises important concerns. Vehicle owners and automotive experts are questioning the long-term implications for fuel efficiency, engine durability, and maintenance costs.

Policy Background: Ethanol Blending in India

Ethanol, an alcohol-based biofuel made from sugarcane, maize, or biomass, offers a cleaner-burning alternative that helps reduce both carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependency.

India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, launched in 2003, has been accelerated over the past decade. A key milestone—10% ethanol blending (E10)—was reached in 2022. In 2025, the country declared the nationwide completion of the E20 rollout, a critical move aligned with its renewable energy and energy security goals under the National Bio-Energy Programme.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

The E20 programme is projected to:

• Reduce India’s annual crude oil import bill by over ₹50,000 crore.
• Significantly lower carbon dioxide emissions.
• Boost demand for feedstock crops like sugarcane, thus providing economic upliftment for farmers.

However, while these benefits are considerable on a macro level, the impact on individual vehicle performance and ownership costs introduces a nuanced trade-off.

Fuel Efficiency Concerns

One of the most debated drawbacks of ethanol blending is reduced mileage, as ethanol contains about 30% less energy per litre compared to petrol. This means vehicles consume more fuel for the same distance travelled.

• Government’s Position: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) claims mileage loss is only 1–2% for vehicles calibrated for E20 and 3–6% for others. Proper engine tuning, they argue, can minimise these losses.
• Expert Perspective: Independent analysts suggest real-world mileage loss could be as high as 6–7%, particularly in older vehicles not optimised for ethanol blends. This could translate into higher fuel expenses for end users.

Maintenance and Compatibility Risks

Beyond efficiency, maintenance-related issues have surfaced due to ethanol’s hygroscopic (moisture-absorbing) properties, which can cause:

• Corrosion of metallic parts like fuel tanks, injectors, and exhausts.
• Degradation of rubber and plastic components such as seals, gaskets, and hoses.
• Disruption in the air-fuel ratio, negatively affecting combustion in non-calibrated engines.

Industry experts, including those from Primus Partners and the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), warn that older vehicles not designed for E20 could face higher wear and tear, leading to increased service costs.

Automobile Industry Response

Automakers are responding to the challenge by upgrading existing models and issuing compatibility guidelines:

• Hero MotoCorp noted that vehicles built before April 2023 may need engine modifications and rubber component replacements.
• TVS Motor Company acknowledged the need for re-engineered parts to resist ethanol’s corrosive effects.

As a proactive step, manufacturers have begun rolling out E20-compatible models and updating service advisories for older ones.

Looking Ahead: Higher Ethanol Blends

With E20 fully implemented, discussions are now underway about moving to E30 or E40 blends. However, experts stress that higher ethanol content will require:

• Dual-fuel dispensing infrastructure at fuel stations.
• Retrofitting or phasing out older, incompatible vehicles.
• Clearer regulatory frameworks and increased public awareness.

Until these measures are addressed, advancing beyond E20 could increase strain on consumers and the service ecosystem.

India’s Fighter Jet Transition: MiG-21 Retirement and the IAF''s Modernisation Hurdles

End of an Era: MiG-21 Retirement

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will formally retire its MiG-21 fighter jets by September 2025, concluding a 60-year legacy. However, this move will also reduce the IAF’s combat strength to 29 squadrons, significantly below the sanctioned 42 squadrons.

The delay in inducting the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A further exacerbates this capability gap, especially as China strengthens its aerial fleet with over 1,300 fourth-generation and two fifth-generation fighters (J-20, J-31). To maintain strategic balance, experts argue that India must induct 400–450 advanced jets over the coming decade.

Legacy of the MiG-21

Originally inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 was a single-engine, single-seater multi-role fighter. India acquired over 700 units across various variants, including Type-77, Type-96, BIS, and the upgraded MiG-21 Bison.

While it symbolised India’s entry into supersonic aviation, a spate of accidents—partly due to the absence of Advanced Jet Trainers—earned the aircraft the nickname "flying coffin." Since 1965, there have been nearly 500 crashes and over 450 fatalities.

One notable incident occurred during the 2019 Balakot post-strike dogfight, when a MiG-21 flown by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was shot down by Pakistani jets.

IAF’s Operational Shortfall

With the MiG-21 and Jaguar fleets set for full retirement by 2030, the IAF risks losing about 16 squadrons, further shrinking its already under-strength force.

Though future platforms like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the Medium Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) are under development, production delays and cost concerns cast uncertainty over their timelines.

Currently, the IAF operates just two LCA Mk1 squadrons, while delays in the more advanced Mk1A variant continue to stall force modernisation.

LCA Mk1A: Delayed Yet Critical

In 2021, a $6.5 billion deal was signed for 83 LCA Mk1A aircraft (73 fighters and 10 trainers), with deliveries slated to begin in March 2024. However, none have been delivered so far.

• Revised Timeline: Production has been fast-tracked, with eight units expected this fiscal year and the rest by 2028.
• An Empowered Committee for Capability Enhancement (CECE) has been established to address vendor issues.
• HAL is also developing the LCA Mk2, and 99 GE Aerospace engines have been ordered for the ongoing production line.

India has also procured 272 Su-30MKIs from Russia, with only around 200 currently operational. To offset losses, the Defence Ministry signed a ₹1,300 crore deal in 2024 to procure 12 more Su-30MKIs, with HAL license-producing the engines.

Path Ahead: Modernisation Through Indigenous Capability

The IAF plans to induct over 600 fighter jets over the next two decades, with an emphasis on domestic manufacturing. The roadmap includes:

• 180 LCA Mk1A
• 120+ LCA Mk2
• 114 MRFA
• 120+ AMCA fighters
• A proposed Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter for the Navy

However, the MRFA programme, despite an RFI issued in 2019, remains stalled due to budget constraints and shifting priorities.

To bridge capability gaps in the interim, India is exploring limited imports of fifth-generation aircraft, including the Russian Su-57 and American F-35.

The AMCA programme—featuring Mk1 powered by GE414 engines and Mk2 with a co-developed 110KN engine—is central to India''s future air superiority. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has invited private sector participation to fast-track AMCA production, signalling a shift in India''s defence manufacturing strategy.

Conclusion

India’s twin transitions—toward cleaner energy through ethanol blending and toward military modernisation through indigenous fighter jet development—reflect bold policy directions. However, both journeys face significant technical, economic, and operational hurdles that must be addressed to fully realise their intended benefits.

Supreme Court Affirms Pollution Control Boards’ Power to Levy Environmental Compensation

Landmark Ruling on Environmental Governance

In a significant judgment, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) are legally empowered to impose environmental compensation on polluters under their statutory authority as per the Water Act (1974) and Air Act (1981).

A bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Manoj Misra affirmed that PCBs can seek restitutionary or compensatory damages, either through fixed monetary payments or bank guarantees, as preventive tools to mitigate or deter environmental harm.

Background of the Case

The case stemmed from a legal challenge brought by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) against a 2012 Delhi High Court decision, which had invalidated DPCC''s notices seeking compensation and bank guarantees from property owners operating without environmental clearance.

The High Court had ruled that only courts could levy such penalties. However, the Supreme Court overturned that decision, holding that the DPCC—like all PCBs—has the regulatory power to impose compensation under environmental laws.

Expanded Powers under the Water and Air Acts

The apex court clarified that PCBs have the authority to levy and collect compensation for the restoration of polluted ecosystems, specifically air and water bodies.

This power is exercised under:

• Section 33A of the Water Act, 1974
• Section 31A of the Air Act, 1981

These provisions allow PCBs to demand upfront payments or financial guarantees from entities as a pre-emptive environmental safeguard.

Defined Scope and Legal Limits

While empowering the PCBs, the Court also placed boundaries on the scope of these powers. It emphasized that:

• Compensation must not be applied indiscriminately to every statutory breach.
• It is justified only when environmental damage is evident or imminent.
• Compensation measures must be enforced through formal rules and regulations enacted under the relevant Acts.

Additionally, the Court mandated that the compensation framework must uphold the principles of natural justice, ensuring due process before enforcement.

Legal Precedents Supporting the Judgment

The Supreme Court anchored its reasoning in landmark environmental jurisprudence, notably:

• Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India (1996)
• Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action v. Union of India (1996)

These cases established the restitutionary character of environmental compensation and recognised it as both a constitutional and statutory obligation, separate from punitive legal sanctions.

Key Doctrinal Principles Established

The ruling sets forth important legal doctrines guiding how and when PCBs can impose compensation:

1. Remedial vs. Punitive Actions:
• Restitutionary compensation is remedial or preventive in nature.
• Punitive measures like fines or imprisonment require judicial sanction.
2. Compensation Is Not a Penalty:
• Monetary compensation imposed by PCBs does not constitute punishment if exercised under lawful regulatory powers.
3. Polluter Pays Principle:
   • Environmental thresholds are breached;
   • Environmental damage occurs, even without a breach;
   • Risk of future damage is identified.
• This principle is embedded in Indian environmental law.
• It applies when:
4. Preventive Responsibility of PCBs:
• PCBs are obligated to act proactively (ex-ante) to prevent environmental harm, even in the absence of proven damage, using the powers granted under the Water and Air Acts.

Broad Regulatory Mandate and Constitutional Linkages

The Court emphasized the comprehensive regulatory mandate entrusted to PCBs, which includes:

• Shutting down industries
• Suspending essential utilities
• Issuing directives for environmental protection and remediation

It linked these duties to the State’s constitutional responsibility under Article 51A (Fundamental Duties), particularly relevant in the context of the climate emergency. The Court highlighted that protecting air and water is central to upholding citizens'' fundamental rights.

Towards Stronger Environmental Remedies

The Supreme Court underscored that with the expansion of environmental rights, there must be a parallel strengthening of enforcement mechanisms. It stressed that:

• Injunctions or warnings alone are insufficient.
• Robust restitutionary and compensatory actions must be integral to environmental regulation.
• Ecosystem restoration should be a core element of enforcement, not an afterthought.

Shifting Dynamics in India’s Pesticide Market: Herbicides Lead the Way

Context

India’s crop protection industry is undergoing a structural transformation, with herbicides rapidly emerging as the fastest-growing segment. This shift is primarily fueled by labour shortages in agriculture and the increasing adoption of mechanised farming practices, particularly in paddy cultivation.

Overview of India’s Crop Protection Market

• Definition: Pesticides are chemicals used in agriculture to protect crops. These are broadly classified into:
• Insecticides – Target insect pests
• Fungicides – Combat fungal infections
• Herbicides – Control weed growth
• Market Value (2025 projection): ₹24,500 crore
• Insecticides: ₹10,700 crore
• Herbicides: ₹8,200 crore
• Fungicides: ₹5,600 crore

The market composition reflects a growing tilt towards herbicides, reshaping India’s pesticide landscape.

Key Drivers of Herbicide Growth

1. Rural Labour Shortage

• Manual weeding is labour-intensive and physically demanding.
• Rising rural wage rates (₹447/day in 2024 vs ₹326/day in 2019) make manual labour costlier.
• During peak weeding seasons, labour shortages lead to lower productivity.
• As a result, herbicides are increasingly used as a cost-effective substitute for manual weeding, aligned with the trend of mechanisation.

2. Improved Efficiency and Timeliness

• Time requirement:
• Manual weeding: 8–10 hours per acre
• Herbicide application: 1–2 hours
• Pre-emergent and early post-emergent herbicides enable timely and preventive weed control, improving crop yields while reducing manual effort.

3. Emergence of Preventive Agricultural Practices

• Farmers are increasingly adopting “pre-emergent” sprays—applied at or before sowing.
• Estimated usage: ₹550 crore in paddy, ₹200 crore in wheat
• These techniques ensure efficient fertiliser use and minimise nutrient loss to weeds.

Multinational Dominance vs Indian Industry Response

1. MNC Control of Agrochemical Market

• Leading players include:
• Bayer (15%)
• Syngenta (12%)
• ADAMA (10%)
• Corteva (7%)
• Most are Western- or Chinese-backed, dominating R&D and product availability in India.

2. Indian Firms Stepping Up

• Indian companies such as Dhanuka (6%) and Crystal Crop Protection Ltd (4%) are expanding via strategic acquisitions and product innovation.

Notable Developments:

• Crystal Crop acquired:
• Ethoxysulfuron rights from Bayer (2025)
• Gramoxone (Paraquat-based herbicide) from Syngenta (2023)
• Jointly launched Sikosa, a proprietary herbicide blend with Mitsui, offering over 50% cost reduction compared to manual methods.

Economic and Structural Implications

Challenges in Policy and Governance

• Over-Reliance on Chemicals: Excessive herbicide use may lead to resistance, biodiversity loss, and long-term soil health issues.
• Affordability and Access: Smallholder farmers may struggle with the cost, necessitating subsidy models or cooperative purchasing.
• Innovation Gap: India lacks a state-backed agrochemical major like China’s Sinochem; more public-private incentives are essential.
• Regulatory Oversight: There is a growing need for rigorous safety protocols, usage norms, and farmer education initiatives.

Strategic Recommendations for a Balanced Growth Path

1. Enhance Indian R&D and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
• Establish national herbicide research centres
• Promote indigenous formulation patents and innovation
2. Integrate Labour with Mechanisation
• Encourage Integrated Weed Management (IWM) practices that combine manual, mechanical, and chemical methods
3. Public Sector Participation
• Enable PSUs to invest in herbicide formulation and production, reducing dependence on MNCs
4. Promote Sustainable Usage
• Enforce mandatory training on herbicide usage via KVKs, FPOs, and mobile platforms
5. Ensure Inclusive Access
• Introduce Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes for marginal farmers
• Promote cooperative procurement models for affordability and access

Conclusion

The rapid expansion of India’s herbicide market marks a significant evolution in agricultural practices, propelled by labour challenges and the pursuit of timely, efficient farming operations. While the trend encourages productivity and private sector growth, it must be accompanied by strategic policy measures to ensure long-term sustainability and inclusive benefits. Strengthening the role of Indian firms and empowering farmers will be vital to achieving effective weed management without compromising agricultural and ecological health.

National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL)

Traffic Disruption on NH10

Traffic movement between Sikkim and Kalimpong to Siliguri, and vice versa, on National Highway 10 remained suspended due to repair operations being carried out by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). The repairs were necessitated by landslides and cave-ins along a 30-kilometre stretch of the highway.

About NHIDCL

• The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited is a Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) operating under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India.
• It was incorporated on July 18, 2014, under the Companies Act, 2013, and is a wholly government-owned enterprise.
• NHIDCL is exclusively tasked with the construction, widening, and upgrading of National Highways in strategically important regions of India—particularly those that share international borders with neighbouring countries—aiming to significantly enhance regional connectivity.

Operational Jurisdiction

NHIDCL operates across:

• Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• States: Uttarakhand and all of the Northeastern Region (NER)

Scope of Work

The corporation’s scope includes:

• Tunnels and logistic hubs
• Interstate and international road linkages
• Advanced mobility infrastructure

These projects collectively serve as critical infrastructure supporting India’s economic development and geostrategic objectives.

Strategic Role

As the implementing agency of the Government’s “Act East Policy”, NHIDCL is central to infrastructure expansion in the Northeastern states, functioning as a nodal body for connectivity enhancement and cross-border linkage in the region.

Sahel Region

Recent Geopolitical Development

Russia has strengthened its influence in the Sahel region of West Africa, most recently through the signing of a strategic nuclear agreement with Niger, highlighting Moscow’s growing footprint in the region.

Geographical Overview of the Sahel

• The Sahel is a semiarid region in west and north-central Africa, spanning approximately 5,000 kilometres.
• It extends from Africa’s Atlantic coastline in the west to the Red Sea in the east.
• The region acts as a transitional belt between:
• The arid Sahara Desert to the north
• The humid savanna zone to the south

The Sahel crosses through parts of: Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, Eritrea

Ecological Characteristics

• The Sahel is classified as a semiarid steppe, a type of dry grassland.
• Vegetation includes:
• Short grasses
• Thorny shrubs
• Scattered acacia and baobab trees
• It features sparse and discontinuous plant cover, typical of arid and transitional ecosystems.

Socio-Political Challenges

Since the 1960s, following post-independence transitions, any countries in the Sahel have experienced:

• Persistent violent extremism
• Weak or illegitimate governance structures
• Severe economic degradation
• Increasing stress due to climate change
• Migration Dynamics

The Sahel serves as a major transit corridor for migrants moving from sub-Saharan Africa toward North African coastal states and subsequently to Europe, making it a crucial geopolitical zone in the context of migration and regional security.

RS-28 Sarmat: Russia’s Deadliest Intercontinental Missile

Geopolitical Context

Amid escalating tensions between Russia and the United States, global attention has once again turned to the RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)—one of the most formidable weapons in Russia’s nuclear arsenal. NATO has nicknamed the missile ‘Satan 2’, underscoring its destructive potential.

Overview of RS-28 Sarmat

• The RS-28 Sarmat is Russia’s next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile, developed to replace the older R-36M missiles.
• The name ‘Sarmat’ is derived from the Sarmatian people, who lived during the 4th and 5th centuries BCE.
• In the West, the missile is commonly referred to as “Satan II” due to its unprecedented firepower and strategic capabilities.

Key Features and Capabilities

• The RS-28 is a three-stage, liquid-fuelled missile with an impressive range of 18,000 km.
• It weighs over 208 tonnes, making it the heaviest ICBM in the world.
• The missile measures 35.3 meters in length and 3 meters in diameter.
• It is capable of reaching speeds up to 25,500 km/h (around Mach 20).

Payload and Targeting

• The missile can carry a payload of up to 10 tonnes.
• It is designed to deliver up to 16 independently targetable nuclear warheads, including Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles.
• Each warhead is equipped with its own guidance system, utilizing Inertial navigation, GLONASS (Russia’s satellite navigation system), Astro-inertial guidance for high-precision targeting.

Advanced Strike Capabilities

• Beyond traditional ICBM functions, the Sarmat is believed to support fractional orbital bombardment:
• This involves launching a warhead into low Earth orbit—often in the opposite direction of the target—to evade early detection systems.
• Reports suggest its payload could potentially deliver explosive power 2,000 times greater than the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II.

Mahabodhi Temple: Seat of Buddha’s Enlightenment

Current Developments

The Supreme Court of India has agreed to examine a petition calling for the repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949. The plea advocates replacing the existing law with a central legislation to improve the administration and preservation of the Mahabodhi Temple, one of Buddhism’s holiest sites.

Historical and Religious Significance

• The Mahabodhi Temple is among Buddhism’s four most sacred pilgrimage sites, associated with: Lumbini (birthplace of Buddha), Sarnath (site of first sermon) and Kushinagar (place of parinirvana)
• It is located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, on the banks of the Niranjana River.

Historical Evolution

• The first temple at the site was constructed by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
• The current structure dates back to the 5th–6th century CE, built during the Gupta period.
• It stands as one of the oldest surviving brick temples in India and showcases early Indian brick architecture.
• Restoration efforts were carried out in the 19th century, first by Myanmar Buddhists and later by British archaeologist Sir Alexander Cunningham.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

• The temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, recognizing its cultural, historical, and spiritual significance.

Architectural Highlights

• The temple reaches a height of 180 feet (55 meters) and features a pyramidal shikhara (spire) with intricate niches, arches, and detailed engravings.
• Four smaller towers stand at the corners of the two-story complex, mirroring the central tower.
• The inner sanctum houses a yellow sandstone Buddha statue encased in glass.

Sacred Features

• Bodhi Tree: Located within the complex, this sacred fig tree is believed to be a direct descendant of the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
• Vajrasana (Diamond Throne): A stone platform believed to mark the precise spot where Buddha meditated.
• Ashokan Pillar: An ancient stone pillar inscribed with Emperor Ashoka’s edicts, located at the southeast corner of the temple.

Temple Complex

• The 4.8-hectare campus houses: Ancient shrines, Modern Buddhist structures built by global devotees, Stone railings that enclose both the temple and the Bodhi Tree

Asian Giant Tortoise Reintroduced in Nagaland

Recent Development

The Asian Giant Tortoise, the largest tortoise species found on mainland Asia, has been reintroduced into the Zeliang Community Reserve located in Nagaland’s Peren district, aiming to revive its declining population.

About the Asian Giant Tortoise

• Scientific Name: Manouria emys phayrei
• Recognised as the largest tortoise in Asia, it belongs to one of the oldest evolutionary tortoise lineages.
• A unique trait shared with some crocodilian species is their tendency to guard their nests and regulate egg incubation temperatures.

Physical Characteristics and Habitat

• Appearance: Juveniles have a grayish-brown hue, which deepens to charcoal black in adulthood.
• Preferred Habitat: They inhabit tropical and subtropical hill forests.
• Geographical Range: Found in India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, and several other Southeast Asian regions.

Diet and Threats

• Dietary Habits: Primarily herbivorous—feeding on bamboo shoots, tubers, moist vegetation, with occasional consumption of invertebrates and frogs.
• Major Threats: Hunting for local consumption, Habitat destruction due to construction and land-use changes and Slash-and-burn (jhum) cultivation practices

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
• CITES: Listed in Appendix II

Ayurveda Aahara: FSSAI''s Recognition of Traditional Wellness Foods

Recent Update

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush, has officially published a list of Ayurvedic food products under the “Ayurveda Aahara” category, enhancing credibility and regulatory clarity.

What is Ayurveda Aahara?

• Ayurveda Aahara refers to food items developed in accordance with Ayurveda’s holistic dietary principles, focusing on balance, seasonality, and natural ingredients with medicinal properties.
• These products are rooted in traditional Ayurvedic knowledge, emphasizing wellness through food.

Regulatory Framework

• This move builds on the Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022, which allowed the official recognition of Ayurvedic formulations based on authoritative classical texts.
• The list is issued under Note (1) of Schedule B, based on the texts outlined in Schedule A of the regulations.

Significance of the Initiative

• Aims to support Food Business Operators (FBOs) by offering a reliable reference for production.
• Ensures consumer trust by affirming the authenticity and traditional basis of listed preparations.
• Encourages the mainstream adoption of Ayurveda-based nutrition, contributing to public health promotion.

India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) Launched by NITI Aayog

Overview

The India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI), developed by NITI Aayog, is the first comprehensive tool to assess and benchmark the progress of Indian States and Union Territories (UTs) in the electric mobility space.

Core Themes and Indicators

The Index evaluates progress across 16 indicators under three primary categories:

1. Transport Electrification Progress – Measures the level of EV adoption and demand-side momentum.
2. Charging Infrastructure Readiness – Tracks the development of supporting infrastructure.
3. EV Research and Innovation – Assesses supply-side efforts like R&D and ecosystem development.

Purpose and Impact

• Promotes healthy competition among states and UTs.
• Identifies success factors and gaps, encouraging data-driven policy action.
• Supports collaboration, integrated planning, and cross-sectoral engagement to realise India''s electric mobility goals.
• Provides a transparent benchmarking framework to facilitate peer learning and state-level performance monitoring.

India–UN WFP Collaboration for Nepal’s Nutrition Goals

Recent Development

India has launched a new collaborative initiative with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) aimed at enhancing rice fortification and supply chain management in Nepal, supporting regional food security.

About the UN World Food Programme (WFP)

• The WFP is a United Nations agency dedicated to ending global hunger and ensuring food security.
• Established: 1961
• Global Operations: Active in over 120 countries, delivering emergency food aid and supporting community resilience and nutrition.

Mandate and Recognition

• Works toward Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) – Zero Hunger.
• Provides food during crises and invests in sustainable agriculture and nutrition programs.
• Funding: Relies on voluntary contributions from governments, corporations, and individuals.
• A part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
• Awards: Recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.

Key Report: Publishes the Global Report on Food Crises, detailing acute hunger levels worldwide.

Headquarters: Based in Rome, Italy

Seabuckthorn Sent to Space for Research

Recent Development

As part of NASA’s Crew-11 mission, seeds of seabuckthorn and buckwheat—crops cultivated in the cold desert region of Ladakh—have been included in experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant step in studying hardy plant species in space environments.

About Seabuckthorn

• Botanical Name: Hippophae rhamnoides
• Commonly referred to as the "Wonder Plant," "Golden Bush," "Ladakh Gold," or the "Gold Mine" of cold desert regions.

Geographical Distribution

• Widely found across Europe and Asia.
• In India, it naturally grows above the tree line in Himalayan cold deserts like Ladakh and Spiti, where conditions are dry and harsh.

Plant Characteristics

• Produces small, sour berries—orange or yellow in color—extremely rich in Vitamin C.
• Highly resilient to extreme temperatures, tolerating a range from –43°C to +40°C.
• Drought-resistant and ideal for afforestation in arid mountain landscapes.
• Uniquely, the berries remain on the plant throughout winter, even under sub-zero temperatures.

Traditional and Ecological Uses

• All parts of the plant—fruit, leaves, roots, twigs, and thorns—have been traditionally used for: Medicine, Nutritional supplements, Fuel and fencing material
• Birds consume the berries when food is scarce in winter.
• Leaves are a source of protein-rich fodder for high-altitude livestock such as yaks, sheep, goats, donkeys, and double-humped camels.

Assets Under Management (AUM): Massive Growth in Indian Mutual Fund Industry

Recent Insight

According to a recent report, the Assets Under Management (AUM) of India’s mutual fund sector have surged to approximately ₹74.40 lakh crore, reflecting a sevenfold increase over the past decade.

Understanding AUM

• Definition: AUM refers to the total market value of all assets managed by an investment firm or mutual fund on behalf of its clients.
• These assets typically include stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments.

Factors Influencing AUM

• Market performance and price fluctuations
• Net investor inflows (new investments)
• Withdrawals or redemptions
• Dividend reinvestment activity

Importance of AUM

• Serves as a key indicator of a mutual fund’s popularity, stability, and performance.
• Larger AUM typically signals investor trust and allows for greater diversification and resource allocation.
• Higher AUM often correlates with reduced investment costs, although some large funds may have higher entry thresholds.

Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) City Index 2025

Context

The Global AI City Index 2025, released by Counterpoint Research, has ranked Bengaluru at 26th globally, establishing it as India’s leading hub for AI research, startups, and data infrastructure.

About the AI City Index

• A global benchmarking tool that evaluates cities on investment, innovation, and infrastructure for artificial intelligence.
• Aims to identify urban leaders in AI development across both public and private sectors.

Key Evaluation Criteria

• Strength of AI R&D ecosystems
• Number of AI startups and tech hubs
• Private and public investment inflows
• Applications of AI in healthcare, transportation, education, and security
• Expansion of data centres and overall digital infrastructure

Highlights of the Index

• Tracks rapidly growing AI-focused cities like Riyadh, Hangzhou, and Bengaluru.
• Assesses AI-based urban innovations in mobility, safety, and governance.
• Reviews city-level policy frameworks, education initiatives, and supercomputing infrastructure.

India''s Performance

• Bengaluru ranked 26th globally, leading India’s AI growth.
• Mumbai and Delhi recognized for applying AI in traffic control and public safety.
• Other top-performing Indian cities include Chennai and Kolkata.
• The report calls for stronger national AI strategies and regulatory clarity.

Top Five Global Cities in the Index

1. Singapore
2. Seoul
3. Beijing
4. Dubai
5. San Francisco

1st BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival

Context: The inaugural BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival is being hosted in New Delhi at Bharat Mandapam, celebrating the diverse musical traditions of the seven BIMSTEC nations.

About the Festival

• What: A regional cultural showcase featuring traditional music performances by artists from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, under the BIMSTEC framework.
• Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, symbolising India’s role as a cultural leader in South and Southeast Asia.
• Theme: "SaptaSur: Seven Nations, One Melody", highlighting regional unity through musical diversity.
• Organised by: Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), under the Ministry of External Affairs.

Objectives

• Promote regional integration through cultural exchange.
• Strengthen people-to-people ties among BIMSTEC nations.
• Reinforce India’s leadership in soft power diplomacy through the arts.

Key Features

• Participation: Performances by artists from all seven BIMSTEC countries to foster mutual understanding and collaboration.
• Public Access: Free and open to all, encouraging public involvement and cultural appreciation.
• Soft Power Tool: Enhances India’s influence through cultural diplomacy within BIMSTEC.
• Policy Alignment: Fulfils the commitment made by the Indian Prime Minister at the 2025 BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand.
• Cultural Integration: Signifies a transition from economic-centric cooperation to broader regional identity involving music, art, and heritage.

Significance

• Enhances India’s position in regional cultural diplomacy.
• Promotes mutual respect and regional harmony through shared traditions.
• Aligns with the vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the belief in a unified and connected global community.

LEAP-1 Mission by Dhruva Space

Context: Hyderabad-based private firm Dhruva Space is preparing to launch its first commercial satellite mission, LEAP-1, aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.

About LEAP-1 Mission

• Definition: LEAP-1 stands for Launch, Experiment, Analyze, Progress, serving as Dhruva’s debut commercial space mission.
• Purpose: To host international payloads for AI applications and Earth observation.
• Partners: Developed in partnership with Akula Tech and Esper Satellites, both based in Australia.

Mission Objectives

• Demonstrate real-time AI capabilities in orbit.
• Enable cost-effective payload hosting for sectors such as defense, agriculture, and disaster monitoring.
• Exhibit the operational viability of Dhruva’s P-30 satellite platform.

Payload and Features

• Nexus-01 (Akula Tech): An onboard AI/ML module with self-learning functionality.
• OTR-2 (Esper Satellites): A hyperspectral imager designed for detailed Earth observation.
• Satellite Platform: Built on Dhruva’s P-30 bus, previously flight-qualified on ISRO’s PSLV-C58.
• Mission Operations: Managed via Dhruva’s Integrated Space Operations & Command Suite (ISOCS).
• Strategic Symbolism: The mission patch symbolises the India–Australia–US space partnership.

About Dhruva Space

• Established: 2012
• Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
• Core Competency: End-to-end space engineering solutions including satellite platforms and launch services.
• Key Milestones:
• Launched Indian satellite buses via ISRO.
• First Indian private firm to host foreign commercial payloads.
• Building a 280,000 sq. ft satellite facility in Shamshabad.
• Supported by ISRO, IN-SPACe, and the Australian Space Agency.

India–Philippines Naval Exercise

Context: India and the Philippines have conducted their first bilateral naval exercise in the South China Sea, advancing maritime cooperation in a strategically sensitive region.

About the Exercise

• Goal: Enhance interoperability between navies and support freedom of navigation operations.
• Area: Held in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) over two days.

Indian Naval Assets Involved

• INS Delhi – Guided missile destroyer
• INS Shakti – Fleet replenishment tanker
• INS Kiltan – Anti-submarine warfare corvette

Strategic Importance

• A direct response to China’s expansive "Nine-Dash Line" claims.
• Reinforces India’s Act East Policy and Necklace of Diamonds maritime strategy.
• Enhances India’s defence partnerships and regional presence in Southeast Asia.

About South China Sea

• Geography: A marginal sea of the Western Pacific Ocean, extending from the Taiwan Strait to the Strait of Malacca.
• Area: Approx. 3.68 million sq. km
• Depth: Maximum depth of 5,016 m (China Sea Basin)
• Disputed Features: Includes the Paracel Islands, Spratly Islands, Macclesfield Bank, and Scarborough Shoal
• Major Rivers: Pearl River (China) and Red River and Mekong River (Vietnam)
• Neighbouring Nations: China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia
• Geopolitical Issues: Subject to overlapping EEZ claims, with China’s Nine-Dash Line facing strong opposition from other claimants and international bodies.

AGNISHODH: IIT Madras–Indian Army Research Centre

Context:
A new defence research centre named AGNISHODH has been inaugurated at IIT Madras, reinforcing the goal of “Swadeshikaran Se Sashaktikaran” (Empowerment through Indigenous Development). It aims to transform lab-level innovations into deployable defence technologies.

Purpose and Framework

• Focused on indigenisation and technology transition from research labs to field applications.
• Based on Five Pillars of Transformation:
• Technology Absorption
• Structural Changes
• Human Resource Development
• Cohesion among the Three Services
• Defence Modernisation and Technological Advancement

Need for Defence Modernisation

• Global Military Spending: Touched US$2,718 billion in 2024, a 9.4% rise from 2023 (SIPRI).
• Non-Kinetic Threats: Conflicts with adversaries highlight the need for innovation beyond conventional warfare.
• New Domains: Cyber, Space, AI, Hypersonic tech, and Robotics demand new strategies and tactics.
• Recent Conflicts: Show increased deployment of next-gen tech, necessitating rapid modernisation in India.

Key Government Initiatives

1. Innovation Boost: iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) launched in 2018 to support start-ups, MSMEs, and academia. ADITI (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX) as a sub-scheme.
2. Self-Reliance Measures: SRIJAN platform by the Department of Defence Production (DDP). MAKE Projects across categories: Government-funded, Industry-funded, and ToT-based production.
3. Policy Reforms: FDI cap raised to 74% via automatic route and above 74% via government route. Defence Ministry declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’.

ESG Recommendations by Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance

What is ESG?

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) refers to non-financial standards for measuring a company’s responsibility toward the environment and society.

Key Observations

• Legal Gaps: ESG is not explicitly mentioned in the Companies Act, 2013, though related provisions exist (e.g., CSR, energy conservation, POSH Act).
• Challenges:
• Risk of greenwashing
• Lack of standardisation across sectors
• MSMEs struggle with ESG compliance

Key Recommendations

• Dedicated ESG Oversight Body: Under Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to enforce compliance and address violations.
• Amend the Companies Act, 2013: To provide explicit legal grounding for ESG.
• Sector-Specific Guidelines: Especially for MSMEs.
• Independent ESG Committees: Similar to audit committees to monitor implementation.
• Annual ESG Reporting: An exclusive ESG chapter in the Ministry''s Annual Report from FY 2025–26.

Supporting Initiatives

• BRSR (Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting): Mandatory for top 1000 listed companies.
• BRSR Core: Introduced by SEBI to monitor greenwashing.
• NGRBCs (National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct): Issued by MCA.
• CSR Provisions: Mandate 2% of average net profit (past 3 years) on CSR activities under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013

GIFT City and New Financial Centres in India

Context:

The Standing Committee on Finance recommended establishing new financial centres similar to GIFT City in other metro cities.

About GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City)

• Location: Gandhinagar, Gujarat
• Established: 2015 as an SEZ, regulated under FEMA
• Function: An International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) offering cross-border financial services in foreign currencies.

Key Features

• Regulatory Body: IFSCA (International Financial Services Centres Authority), formed under the IFSCA Act, 2019.
• Services: Offshore banking, investment management, fintech, insurance, etc.
• Global Ranking: 46th in Global Financial Centres Index and 45th in FinTech Hub Rankings

Committee’s Recommendations

• Establish regional financial innovation zones in major cities.
• Develop city-specific fintech clusters to nurture local talent and attract diverse investors.
• Draw inspiration from China, which has 10 such centres.
• Simplify Taxation, reduce compliance burden.
• Enhance digital infrastructure, improve financial literacy, and promote regulatory sandboxes.