Unlocking the Promise of Biochar: India’s Sustainable Pathway to Carbon Removal

With the anticipated launch of India’s carbon market in 2026, biochar is emerging as a critical carbon dioxide removal (CDR) solution. Derived from agricultural residues and organic municipal waste, biochar—a carbon-rich form of charcoal—presents a compelling dual benefit: it addresses sustainable waste management while enabling long-term carbon sequestration. However, realizing biochar’s full potential as a scalable climate solution will require proactive engagement and collaboration across multiple sectors and stakeholders.

Realizing Biochar’s Climate and Energy Benefits

India generates over 600 million metric tonnes of agricultural residue and approximately 60 million tonnes of municipal solid waste every year. A significant portion of this waste is either burned or dumped, worsening air pollution and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. By utilizing even 30–50% of this surplus, India could annually produce 15–26 million tonnes of biochar—capable of removing around 0.1 gigatonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions.

Moreover, biochar production yields valuable byproducts such as syngas and bio-oil. These energy-rich substances could generate 8–13 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity—equivalent to 0.5–0.7% of India’s total electricity output—and replace nearly 0.7 million tonnes of coal each year. Bio-oil, in particular, holds the potential to displace 12–19 million tonnes of diesel or kerosene, thereby reducing dependence on crude oil imports and cutting fossil fuel-based emissions by over 2%.

Biochar as a Durable and Versatile Carbon Sink

The inherent stability of biochar’s molecular structure allows it to retain carbon in soils for centuries—ranging from 100 to 1,000 years—making it an effective long-term carbon sink. Its wide-ranging applications across agriculture, construction, industry, and wastewater management create numerous scalable opportunities to curb emissions.

In agriculture, biochar improves soil water retention, enhances soil organic carbon, and can rehabilitate degraded land. Importantly, it can reduce nitrous oxide emissions—a greenhouse gas 273 times more potent than CO₂—by 30–50%. In industrial settings, specially engineered biochar can capture carbon from exhaust gases, though current technologies lag behind conventional methods in efficiency.

The construction sector also benefits: incorporating 2–5% biochar into concrete increases material strength, improves heat resistance by up to 20%, and enables sequestration of as much as 115 kilograms of CO₂ per cubic metre. Meanwhile, in wastewater treatment, a single kilogram of biochar can purify 200–500 litres of water. Given India’s daily production of over 70 billion litres of wastewater, this could generate demand for 2.5–6.3 million tonnes of biochar annually.

Challenges Hindering Widespread Biochar Adoption

Despite its proven potential, biochar remains underutilized due to several systemic barriers. The absence of standardised feedstock markets and consistent carbon accounting methodologies undermines investor confidence and restricts its inclusion in carbon credit frameworks. Although scientific research validates its technical viability, broader deployment is stifled by limited financial support, evolving production technologies, market unpredictability, and inadequate policy alignment.

Additionally, the lack of commercially viable business models and low stakeholder awareness further inhibit market uptake. Weak monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems, combined with fragmented coordination across agriculture, energy, and climate policy domains, continue to delay progress.

Strategic Pathways for Scaling Biochar

To overcome these limitations, India must prioritise region-specific research and development (R&D), integrate biochar into existing crop residue management and bioenergy initiatives, and formally classify it as a carbon removal tool within the forthcoming carbon market. Such actions would not only facilitate carbon credit generation for farmers and investors but also create an estimated 5.2 lakh rural jobs.

Additional co-benefits—including a 10–20% reduction in fertilizer use, improved soil health, and 10–25% increases in crop yields—highlight biochar’s transformative potential. Embedding biochar in policy and market frameworks is essential to unlocking these economic and environmental gains.

Conclusion

While biochar is not a standalone solution to India’s climate challenges, it offers a science-driven, cross-sectoral strategy that aligns with the nation’s environmental and development objectives. By mainstreaming biochar through coordinated policy action and stakeholder engagement, India can accelerate its transition toward a more sustainable, low-carbon future.

India’s Herbicide Boom: Transforming Crop Protection Amid Evolving Agricultural Dynamics

Crop protection chemicals, often referred to as pesticides, are essential tools used to defend crops from pest-related damage. These pests can be directly destructive—by feeding on crops—or indirectly harmful by transmitting diseases. A prime example is the white-backed plant hopper, which damages rice crops not only through feeding but also by spreading the Fiji virus. This results in stunted growth, a serious concern currently impacting paddy farmers in Punjab and Haryana.

While insecticides combat harmful insects, the broader category of crop protection chemicals includes fungicides to treat fungal infections like blast in rice or rust in wheat, and herbicides to eliminate weeds that compete with crops for critical resources. This article explores how labour shortages and changing farming practices are accelerating a notable shift in India’s pesticide market, particularly towards herbicide use—set against a backdrop of multinational dominance and emerging domestic innovation.

Herbicides: The Fastest-Rising Force in India’s Agrochemical Industry

India’s structured crop protection chemical market is currently valued at around ₹24,500 crore, with herbicides emerging as the most rapidly expanding segment. While insecticides maintain a leading position at ₹10,700 crore, herbicides have surged to ₹8,200 crore and are growing at an annual rate exceeding 10%—outpacing all other categories.

This segment is currently dominated by large multinational corporations, many of which are supported by China’s state-owned Sinochem Holdings. However, Indian agrochemical companies are increasingly asserting themselves in this high-growth space, indicating a shifting competitive landscape.

Labour Shortages Propel Herbicide Adoption

Weeds damage crops not by direct attack, but by competing with them for water, sunlight, and nutrients, and by serving as hosts for pests and diseases. Traditionally, Indian farmers relied on manual weeding or basic tools like the khurpi to tackle this problem. In more recent years, power weeders have been introduced to ease the task.

However, manual weeding is both labour-intensive and repetitive—taking 8 to 10 hours per acre and requiring multiple rounds during the crop cycle. Power weeders, while more efficient at 2 to 3 hours per acre, are ineffective against certain weed types, particularly those with deep roots or those growing densely among crops. At the same time, agricultural labour shortages have become more acute, with rural wages rising significantly—from ₹326.2 in 2019 to ₹447.6 in 2024.

With fewer workers willing to undertake physically demanding fieldwork, herbicides have become an indispensable alternative. Much like tractors transformed farming by reducing dependency on manual labour, herbicides now serve as vital labour-saving tools, helping farmers manage weeds more efficiently amid workforce scarcity.

Preventive Herbicide Use: A Paradigm Shift in Weed Control

Traditionally, Indian farmers applied crop protection chemicals—including insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides—only after pests or weeds reached an economic threshold where crop damage justified intervention. However, herbicide usage patterns are shifting towards preventive strategies.

Farmers are increasingly turning to pre-emergent herbicides, applied around or immediately after sowing, to preempt weed growth and maintain cleaner fields from the beginning. Others use early post-emergent herbicides, targeting weeds during the vulnerable early stages of crop growth. This proactive approach is gaining popularity, especially in the face of severe labour shortages.

In the ₹1,500-crore paddy herbicide market, pre-emergent herbicides now account for ₹550 crore. Similarly, they constitute about 20% of the ₹1,000-crore wheat herbicide market. These sub-segments are currently driving growth across India’s crop protection sector, signalling a broad transition from reactive to preventive weed management among Indian farmers.

Multinational Control vs. Rising Indian Innovation

Unlike India’s seed and fertiliser markets, which are populated by a mix of public and private players, the crop protection chemicals sector continues to be dominated by multinational corporations. This concentration of market power has sparked concerns over limited domestic control. Nevertheless, Indian companies are gradually making headway.

One such example is Crystal Crop Protection Ltd (CCPL), which is advancing through international partnerships to create innovative products. Through collaboration with global firms, CCPL has introduced Sikosa, a new paddy herbicide that combines Bensulfuron-methyl and Pretilachlor in a unique oil-dispersion formulation. Designed for application within 0–3 days of transplanting, Sikosa delivers comprehensive weed control at a cost-effective rate of ₹850–₹900 per acre—making it significantly more affordable than manual weeding.

While such developments are promising, Indian firms still lag far behind giants like Sinochem Holdings in terms of global scale and influence. This underscores the long journey ahead for India to establish a dominant position in the global herbicide and agrochemical market.

Conclusion

India’s pesticide landscape is undergoing a major transformation, with herbicides leading the charge in reshaping crop protection. Rising labour costs, dwindling rural workforce availability, and changing farming strategies are driving herbicide use at an unprecedented rate. While multinational corporations continue to dominate the sector, Indian innovators are beginning to carve out their space through strategic collaborations and cost-effective solutions.

As India’s agricultural sector evolves, herbicides are no longer just a tool for pest control—they are emerging as a cornerstone of modern, efficient, and labour-responsive farming.

Merchant Shipping Bill: Overhauling India’s Maritime Law for Global Competitiveness

The Indian Parliament has passed two transformative pieces of legislation—the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025—marking a crucial step towards modernising India’s maritime legal framework and aligning it with international standards.

Introduction: A New Era for Indian Maritime Law

In a landmark development, Parliament has enacted two major Bills aimed at reforming India''s outdated maritime legislation. The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025 are designed to overhaul colonial-era laws, harmonise India’s maritime regulations with international norms, and reinforce the nation’s ambition to emerge as a global leader in shipping and trade.

Revamping an Outdated Legal Framework

India''s maritime industry had, until now, operated under the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958 and the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act of 1925. These decades-old laws had become obsolete, fragmented, and insufficient to address present-day maritime needs. The newly enacted legislation represents a decisive move away from these colonial legacies.

According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the reforms mark a “double endorsement” of the Centre’s commitment to creating a modern shipping infrastructure underpinned by clear and effective legal standards.

The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024: A Comprehensive Maritime Framework

Replacing the outdated 1958 Act, the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 introduces a comprehensive, future-ready maritime legal structure. The Bill comprises 16 Parts and 325 clauses, aimed at streamlining regulations, improving maritime safety, and supporting environmental sustainability.

Key Provisions:

• Seafarer Welfare: Emphasises the rights, safety, and welfare of Indian and foreign seafarers under Indian jurisdiction.
• Safety & Emergency Protocols: Enhances systems for ship safety, emergency preparedness, and marine pollution response.
• Environmental Safeguards: Incorporates International Maritime Organisation (IMO) protocols to protect marine ecosystems.
• Tonnage Promotion: Incentivises ship registration under the Indian flag to boost domestic shipping capacity.
• Simplified Compliance: Consolidates scattered provisions, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for maritime operators.

The government maintains that this Bill not only modernises India''s shipping legislation but also positions the country as a “globally respected maritime jurisdiction,” ready for sustainable development and foreign investment.

The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025: Strengthening Cargo Law

Replacing the nearly century-old Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, the 2025 Bill introduces a robust and modern legal framework for regulating cargo movement via sea. This legislation holds particular significance for exporters, importers, insurers, and shipping firms.

Key Provisions:

• Global Harmonisation: Brings India’s maritime cargo laws in line with the Hague-Visby Rules, adopted by leading maritime nations like the UK, enhancing compatibility and simplifying international trade.
• Enhanced Commercial Clarity: Improves transparency in contracts and dispute resolution, reducing litigation and boosting business confidence.
• Facilitation of Trade: Modernises legal procedures around cargo transport, making India a more attractive hub for global logistics and shipping operations.

Strategic Importance for India’s Maritime Growth

Together, the Merchant Shipping Bill and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill provide the legal foundation necessary for India to realise its ambitions in the blue economy. Their combined impact includes:

• Improved Ease of Doing Business: Streamlining maritime logistics and reducing regulatory complexity.
• Increased Investment Potential: Creating an enabling environment for port infrastructure, shipbuilding, and maritime innovation.
• Enhanced Maritime Security: Supporting strategic and regulatory capabilities critical for safeguarding national interests.
• Promotion of Green Shipping: Facilitating sustainable coastal development and environmental responsibility.

These reforms are also expected to boost employment, especially in India’s coastal regions, and strengthen the country’s competitive edge against maritime powerhouses like Singapore, China, and the UAE.

About Hague–Visby Rules:

• A set of international rules governing the carriage of goods by sea, framed under the 1924 Hague Rules, later updated in 1968 (Visby Protocol) and 1979 (SDR Protocol).
• Formally titled: “International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules of Law Relating to Bills of Lading.”

Conclusion

The enactment of the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025 signals a paradigm shift in India’s maritime governance. By modernising outdated laws and adopting global best practices, these legislations pave the way for a resilient, investor-friendly, and globally integrated maritime sector. They are crucial to India’s long-term vision of becoming a leading player in global shipping, logistics, and ocean-based economic growth.

Navigating the New Techno-Capitalist World Order

Context

The global technology landscape is undergoing a seismic transformation, driven by a rising techno-capitalist philosophy rooted in the United States. This new ideology—epitomized by the Trump administration’s deregulatory stance on AI and cryptocurrencies—marks a departure from traditional science-driven statecraft towards a power-centric technological paradigm.

Techno-capitalism is an emerging system where technology and capital jointly shape power, with the state acting less as a regulator and more as a facilitator of private tech monopolies.

Core Characteristics:

• Minimal regulation in AI and fintech sectors.
• Massive public-private capital flows into emerging tech domains.
• A symbiotic alliance between the state and Silicon Valley elites, often termed the “tech broligarchy.”
• Technological supremacy as a strategic tool, prioritising geopolitical advantage over developmental equity.

Example: The Trump administration’s aggressive AI agenda dismantled regulatory barriers while pouring billions into AI-led manufacturing—underscoring power acquisition over global ethical norms.

Tech Power Shifts: The US, China, and India

1.     United States

·       Shift in Approach: From the state-led science model of the NASA era to innovation driven by private sector giants like SpaceX.

·       Current Strategy: Techno-capitalism enabling dominance in AI, cryptocurrency, and fintech.

·       Ideological Drivers: Peter Thiel’s vision combining libertarianism and techno-nationalism acts as the intellectual foundation of this shift.

2.     China

·       Centralised Mission-Driven Model: Technological development orchestrated by the state.

·       Strategic Focus Areas: AI, digital surveillance, space tech, and the Digital Silk Road—a geopolitical instrument for digital infrastructure influence.

3.     India

·       Hybrid Developmental Model: Balancing state-led initiatives with gradually increasing private sector involvement.

·       Strengths: A globally competitive IT services sector, expanding space capabilities (e.g., ISRO reforms), and effective digital public goods (e.g., UPI, Aadhaar).

·       Challenges: Chronic underinvestment in R&D, weak integration between academia and industry, regulatory ambiguity, and sluggish startup scale-up.

India–US Tech Partnership: From Idealism to Realpolitik

·       Historical Context: The SITE project (1975) reflected Cold War-era scientific collaboration between India and the US.

·       Interruption: India’s 1974 nuclear test led to prolonged mistrust and stagnation in tech ties.

·       Revival: Under the Biden administration, the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (ICET) has re-energized cooperation.

·       Emerging Tensions: Differences on Russia, Pakistan, trade policy, and Trump-era America-first techno-nationalism raise concerns about the continuity and depth of the partnership.

India’s Key Challenges in the Techno-Capitalist Era

1.     AI-Induced Job Displacement: Automation threatens India’s IT-BPO sector—a pillar of its export economy. Tools like Generative AI risk replacing coders, translators, and support staff, affecting millions of jobs.

2.     H-1B Visa Restrictions: Rising US techno-nationalism could curtail Indian tech professionals'' mobility. This undermines both India’s soft power and its lucrative remittance ecosystem.

3.     Chronic Underinvestment in R&D: India invests less than 0.7% of GDP in R&D, compared to the US (3.5%) and China (2.4%). This restricts India’s capacity to develop frontier technologies.

4.     Fragmented Tech Regulatory Framework: The Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) is a starting point but lacks clarity on AI governance, crypto legislation, and compliance for deep tech.

5.     Inadequate Start-Up Scaling Infrastructure: Indian start-ups face challenges around capital access, market depth, and exit options. By contrast, US tech firms benefit from defence contracts, data policy support, and deep capital ecosystems.

Strategic Reorientation: India’s Way Forward

1.     Craft a National Tech-Industrial Strategy: Align national efforts in defence, AI, semiconductors, space, and quantum computing. Build sandbox environments and offer targeted incentives to nurture indigenous champions.

2.     Reform R&D and Higher Education Ecosystems: Forge strong university-industry linkages for mission-mode innovation in healthcare, agriculture, and space. Develop elite innovation hubs modeled on Silicon Valley and Shenzhen.

3.     Redefine India–US Tech Engagement: Shift from transactional ties to strategic co-innovation partnerships. Balance global access with domestic tech autonomy to prevent overdependence.

4.     Foster Innovation-Driven Regulation: Move beyond restrictive control towards pro-innovation frameworks for crypto, AI, and digital governance. Promote open standards, data interoperability, and cross-border legal frameworks that protect consumer rights.

5.     Launch a National Reskilling Mission: Upskill India’s vast IT workforce for the AI era. Introduce curricula on GenAI, cybersecurity, robotics, and digital ethics in schools and universities.

Conclusion

The rise of techno-capitalism—where tech monopolies and state power are mutually reinforcing—is more than a policy shift; it signals a deeper civilisational turning point. India faces a critical choice: either evolve into a strategic digital power with sovereign capabilities or risk becoming a peripheral supplier of legacy services.

To stay relevant in this new world order, India must prioritise strategic innovation, invest in human capital, and recalibrate its global partnerships. Only through a coordinated, future-facing approach can India secure a meaningful position in the emerging techno-capitalist global economy.

Money Laundering via Cryptocurrency: A New Frontier in Financial Crime

Context

In a major crackdown, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently raided 11 locations across Delhi-NCR and Dehradun in connection with a ₹260 crore global cyber fraud. The perpetrators impersonated law enforcement officers to extort money, which they then laundered through a complex network involving cryptocurrencies and traditional hawala systems. This case exemplifies the growing misuse of digital currencies in money laundering operations.

What Is Cryptocurrency-Enabled Money Laundering?

Money laundering through cryptocurrency refers to the process of converting illicit funds into digital currencies such as Bitcoin, Monero, or USDT, with the goal of concealing the source of the money, converting it into fiat currency, and reintegrating it into the formal financial system.

Key Characteristics:

·       Anonymous Access: Crypto wallets can be created without revealing physical identity.

·       Rapid Execution: Global transfers can occur within seconds, often automated.

·       Low Transaction Cost: Thousands of transfers can be done using simple scripts.

·       Cross-Border Flexibility: Crypto easily sidesteps capital controls and national borders.

·       Lack of Oversight: Decentralised exchanges and privacy coins operate beyond traditional financial regulation.

How Cryptocurrency Facilitates Money Laundering

1. Placement: The Entry Point

·       What Happens: This is the initial stage where illegal “black money” is introduced into the financial ecosystem.

·       Crypto Mechanism: Criminals use unaccounted cash to purchase cryptocurrency via unregulated or low-compliance exchanges, often located in jurisdictions with lax Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards.

·       Risks: Such exchanges may not request identity verification or source-of-funds declarations.

·       Example: Use of offshore shell accounts to anonymously purchase Bitcoin or Ethereum.

2. Layering: Obscuring the Trail

·       What Happens: The objective here is to erase the traceability of illicit funds.

·       Crypto Mechanism:

o   Crypto holdings are divided across thousands of wallets using automated scripts.

o   Funds are routed through mixing services (e.g., Tornado Cash) or converted into privacy coins like Monero or Zcash.

o   Alternative platforms such as NFT marketplaces, crypto casinos, or peer-to-peer (P2P) networks further obscure the audit trail.

·       Risks: The decentralised and pseudonymous nature of blockchain severely limits law enforcement’s ability to track fund flows.

·       Example: A single Bitcoin split into hundreds of microtransactions, shuffled through the dark web, and reunited under a new digital identity.

3. Integration: Reintroducing as ''Clean'' Money

·       What Happens: Laundered funds are now re-injected into the economy as legitimate assets.

·       Crypto Mechanism:

o   Converted into fiat through crypto ATMs or high-risk exchanges.

o   Used to purchase luxury items, real estate, or invested in shell corporations.

o   In some cases, laundered money is funneled through Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) or fake tech start-ups.

·       Risks: These assets, now appearing legitimate, are extremely difficult to trace back to their criminal origins.

·       Example: Laundered crypto used to buy property in Dubai or high-value NFTs, which are later resold as legal capital gains.

Key Challenges in Tackling Crypto-Facilitated Laundering

·       Inadequate KYC/AML Compliance: Many crypto exchanges, especially decentralised platforms, do not follow robust KYC or AML protocols.

·       Privacy Tools: Technologies like privacy coins and crypto mixers hide transaction histories and wallet ownership.

·       Jurisdictional Fragmentation: Regulatory frameworks vary globally, with several countries lacking specific crypto AML laws.

·       Low Conviction Rates: In India, out of 5,892 money laundering cases filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) till 2025, only 15 have resulted in convictions.

·       Crypto ATMs and P2P Transfers: These enable direct, often unmonitored conversion between cash and cryptocurrency, bypassing traditional financial institutions.

Conclusion

The ₹260 crore cyber fraud case underscores a disturbing reality—cryptocurrencies, while revolutionary, are increasingly being exploited for sophisticated money laundering schemes. To defend national security, economic sovereignty, and financial integrity, India must urgently develop a proactive regulatory and technological response.

Cryptocurrency holds the potential to drive innovation or enable crime—the difference lies in how effectively we choose to regulate it.

Great Power Rivalry Challenges ‘ASEAN Centrality’ in the Indo-Pacific

Context

The ongoing strategic competition and tariff tensions between global powers, particularly the United States and China, are threatening to fragment the Indo-Pacific region. This has serious implications for the long-standing principle of ‘ASEAN Centrality’.

What is ASEAN Centrality?

‘ASEAN Centrality’ refers to the notion that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should remain at the core of regional decision-making frameworks in the Indo-Pacific. This concept emerged post-Cold War, as Southeast Asian countries sought stability amid concerns about:

·       The waning US military presence,

·       Japan’s potential remilitarisation,

·       The rising power of China, and

·       Broader regional security uncertainties.

India has also reinforced ASEAN’s central role in its Indo-Pacific strategy, highlighted by the Prime Minister’s address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in 2018.

Threats to ASEAN Centrality

• US–China Strategic Rivalry: ASEAN nations have diverse diplomatic and economic ties with both powers, making it difficult to maintain unity on regional platforms such as the East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
• Eroding International Institutions: The rivalry has weakened multilateral mechanisms, sidelining ASEAN-led structures and reducing their effectiveness.
• Disruptive Tariff Policies: The US’ unilateral tariffs have destabilised global trade norms, which ASEAN economies heavily rely on. This has caused internal divisions on how to respond.

Ways to Reinforce ASEAN Centrality

1.     Internal Strengthening: Promote deeper integration and crisis response capabilities within ASEAN. Move towards non-consensual decision-making in critical areas to avoid paralysis. Address security challenges more openly.

2.     Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with like-minded actors such as the EU, Australia, and Japan, who are also keen to avoid becoming proxies in the US-China competition.

3.     Enhanced Engagement with India: India is a natural partner, aligned in its interest to promote regional trade, economic diversification, and security cooperation.

4.     Revisiting Trade Agreements: Consider upgrading the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Encourage more ASEAN members to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) for deeper economic integration.

Necropolitics: The Politics of Death in the Modern World

Context

The term "Necropolitics" re-entered global discourse following the death of a civilian in Gaza who was killed while attempting to access food aid. This tragic event exemplifies how certain political systems deliberately determine whose lives are protected and whose are rendered disposable, laying bare the violent underpinnings of contemporary governance.

What Is Necropolitics?

Coined by philosopher Achille Mbembe, Necropolitics describes how governments and institutions use their power to decide who gets to live and who must die.

·       It builds on Michel Foucault’s concept of biopolitics, which focused on the management of life, by shifting the focus to the governance of death and suffering.

·       Necropolitics exposes how states exercise control through abandonment, war, neglect, and structural oppression, rather than through care or protection.

Key Mechanisms of Necropolitical Power

1.     State-Sanctioned Death: Death becomes a matter of policy through warfare, systemic neglect, or targeted violence. Examples: Airstrikes in Gaza, the Bengal famine under colonial rule.

2.     Structural Abandonment: Entire populations are denied access to basic needs such as food, healthcare, shelter, or security. Examples: Refugees, migrants, and religious or ethnic minorities left outside welfare structures.

3.     Slow Violence and the ''Living Dead'': Rather than immediate death, populations are subjected to prolonged suffering, turning survival itself into a form of violence. Examples: The plight of migrant workers during India’s COVID-19 lockdown.

4.     Creation of Internal Enemies: Governments manufacture threats or enemies to justify surveillance, militarisation, and extrajudicial killings. Draws from Giorgio Agamben’s ‘State of Exception’, where normal laws are suspended to target specific groups.

5.     Selective Mourning: Public and state responses to death are unequal and politically motivated; some lives are grieved, others erased or ignored. Examples: Media and political outrage over deaths in metropolitan cities vs silence over violence in Kashmir or tribal regions.

Implications of Necropolitics

·       Erosion of the Rule of Law: Legal protections become conditional and selectively enforced, reducing justice to administrative discretion.

·       Normalisation of Injustice: Chronic issues like poverty, caste-based exclusion, racial discrimination, and forced displacement are treated as acceptable costs of governance.

·       Dehumanisation of Populations: Certain groups are reduced to data points, and public empathy is dulled by institutional indifference and media silence.

Conclusion

Necropolitics is not just about death; it is about the gradual denial of dignity, rights, and visibility. It compels us to ask: Who counts as human in the eyes of the state? In a world increasingly governed by disposability, silence, and selective empathy, recognising necropolitics becomes essential to reclaiming justice and humanity for all.

RBI Tightens Co-Lending Norms to Enhance Risk Sharing and Transparency

Context

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently introduced updated guidelines governing Co-Lending Arrangements (CLAs) between banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). These revised norms are issued under various legislative provisions, including the Banking Regulation Act (1949), the RBI Act (1934), and the National Housing Bank Act (1987).

What is Co-Lending?

Co-lending allows regulated entities (REs)—primarily banks and NBFCs—to collaboratively extend credit to borrowers, while ensuring compliance with existing prudential regulations. This model leverages the strengths of both parties to serve diverse customer bases more effectively.

Key Features of the Revised Directions

·       Minimum Credit Share: Each participating regulated entity must now retain at least 10% of the loan exposure on its own books.

·       Priority Sector Lending (PSL): If a co-lent loan qualifies under PSL criteria, each lender can independently claim PSL benefits for its portion.

·       Uniform Asset Classification: If any one co-lender classifies a loan as a Non-Performing Asset (NPA), all other co-lenders must follow suit—ensuring consistency in credit quality assessment.

·       Blended Interest Rate Model: The final lending rate offered to borrowers will be a weighted average of the internal lending rates of the co-lenders, calculated in proportion to their respective contributions.

Why Co-Lending Matters

·       For Banks: Co-lending enhances their ability to reach underserved or remote regions, leveraging NBFCs’ last-mile connectivity. It also helps in meeting PSL obligations more efficiently.

·       For NBFCs: These partnerships reduce individual credit risk, provide access to lower-cost funds, and increase their ability to scale.

·       For Borrowers: Consumers benefit from lower interest rates due to competitive pricing and gain access to customised loan products, often more attuned to local market needs through NBFC channels.

Smithophis leptofasciatus: A Newly Discovered Rain Snake Species

A research team from Mizoram University has identified a new species of rain snake, Smithophis leptofasciatus, in the tropical montane forests of Mizoram.

About the Species

• Genus: Belongs to the genus Smithophis.
• Name Origin: The species name leptofasciatus is derived from Greek and Latin, meaning "narrow-banded," referencing the snake’s distinctive dorsal pattern.
• Common Name: Known as the narrow-banded rain snake.

Distinctive Characteristics

• Exhibits narrow, incomplete creamish-white or yellowish-lime bands running across a glossy black body—features that distinguish it from other related species.
• Observed in humid, shaded microhabitats close to streams within montane forests located between 900 and 1,200 meters elevation.
• The species follows a semi-aquatic and nocturnal lifestyle, as evidenced by field observations during monsoon conditions.

Scientific Significance

• This discovery increases the total number of known Smithophis species to five, all located in northeastern India and nearby regions.
• These snakes are referred to as ‘rain snakes’ due to their preference for wet ecosystems, particularly areas near water bodies like streams.

Albino Indian Flapshell Turtle: Rare Sighting in Gujarat

An albino Indian flapshell turtle with a distinct yellowish shell and skin was recently observed in a freshwater lake at Chikodra village in Gujarat—a rare and visually striking occurrence.

About Indian Flapshell Turtle

·       Scientific Name: Lissemys punctata

·       Geographical Range: Found across South Asia, specifically in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

·       Natural Habitat: These turtles prefer shallow, still, and often stagnant water bodies—such as lakes, marshes, streams, ponds, rivers, irrigation canals, and tanks.

·       Substrate Preference: They favor sandy or muddy-bottomed waters due to their tendency to burrow into the substrate.

Key Features

·       Flapshell Trait: Notable for their femoral flaps, which extend from the shell to cover the limbs when the turtle retracts.

·       Shell Structure: The oval, soft shell reflects an evolutionary link to hard-shelled turtles.

·       Size and Lifespan: They can grow up to 370 mm in length and typically live for around 20 years.

·       Diet and Activity: Being omnivores, they feed on both plant and animal matter, are mostly solitary, and are diurnal (active during the day).

·       Resilience: They are highly adaptable, capable of enduring severe droughts for periods extending from 120 to 160 days.

Conservation Status

·       IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

·       CITES: Listed in Appendix I

·       Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I, providing them with the *highest level of legal protection in India.

What is Albinism?

·       Definition: A genetic mutation that affects the production of melanin, which gives color to skin, hair, scales, feathers, and eyes in various animal species.

·       Inheritance: Albinism is a recessive genetic trait, passed from both parents to offspring, and appears in approximately 1 out of every 10,000 births.

·       Forms: Complete Albinism: Results in full loss of pigmentation, often producing pink or red eyes; and Partial Albinism (Leucism): Leads to white coloration of skin, scales, or fur, but eyes remain normally pigmented.

Vanatara Zoo

Context

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra recently met with the Vantara team in response to public backlash over the relocation of elephant Madhuri (also known as Mahadevi) from Kolhapur to Jamnagar.

About Vanatara Zoo

·       Meaning: Vanatara translates to “Star of the Forest”.

·       Nature: It is a private, non-commercial wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre, not a public zoo or safari.

·       Developed by: Reliance Foundation as a philanthropic initiative under Reliance Industries, led by Anant Ambani.

·       Location: Situated within the Jamnagar Refinery Township in Motikhavdi village, Jamnagar district, Gujarat, spanning 3,500 acres.

·       Inauguration: March 2025.

·       Core Mission: To offer care, conservation, and rehabilitation to rescued, abandoned, or injured animals.

Key Features of Vanatara

·       Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC): Spread across 650 acres. Features species-specific enclosures for big cats, herbivores, reptiles, and birds.

·       Specialised Elephant Centre: Includes hydrotherapy pools, diagnostic imaging systems, and dedicated recovery areas.

·       On-Site Infrastructure: Equipped with in-campus transport systems, quarantine facilities, and CCTV-monitored enclosures for optimal animal care.

·       Non-Public Model: Not open to the general public. Focus is strictly on animal welfare, though limited educational tours may be considered in the future.

·       Biodiversity: Home to over 1.5 lakh animals representing 2,000+ species, including elephants, rhinos, crocodiles, leopards, and exotic birds.

Conservation Significance

• India’s First of Its Kind: Largest privately operated animal rescue and biodiversity conservation facility.
• Corporate Conservation Model: Awarded the Prani Mitra Award by the Animal Welfare Board of India, recognising excellence in animal welfare initiatives.

District Flood Severity Index (DFSI)

Recent Development

Researchers from IIT Delhi and IIT Gandhinagar have developed a District Flood Severity Index (DFSI) to provide granular insight into flood risk and aid in district-level planning and disaster management.

About the DFSI

·       It evaluates the historical impact of floods in Indian districts by integrating flood intensity, spread, duration, and affected population.

·       Built using data from the India Flood Inventory with Impacts (IFI-Impacts), which compiles information from a national hydrologic-hydrodynamic modeling system.

Parameters Used

·       Mean flood duration in days.

·       Percentage of historically flooded land area.

·       Total fatalities and injuries due to floods.

·       District-level population density and vulnerability.

Significance: The district is the primary unit for disaster response in India, making the DFSI a valuable decision-support tool for localised flood preparedness.

Key Findings

·       Patna ranks highest in flood severity, followed by several districts in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Assam.

·       Thiruvananthapuram, despite leading in total flooding events, does not appear in the top 30 most severely impacted districts.

·       Dhemaji, Kamrup, and Nagaon (Assam) have experienced over 178 flooding events, averaging more than three floods per year.

Urban flooding, especially in densely populated areas, is attributed to both extreme weather and poor urban planning.

Bhalukona–Jamnidih Block Discovery

Context

A major Nickel–Copper–Platinum Group Elements (Ni–Cu–PGE) mineral zone has been discovered in the Bhalukona–Jamnidih block in Chhattisgarh, advancing India’s strategic mineral exploration efforts.

About Bhalukona–Jamnidih Block

·       A geologically significant region licensed to Deccan Gold Mining Ltd. (DGML), rich in Ni–Cu–PGE sulphide mineralisation.

·       Location: Situated in Mahasamund district, Chhattisgarh, approx. 70 km from Raipur. Part of the Neo-Archaean Sonakhan Greenstone Belt in the Bastar Craton.

Key Geological Features

·       Contains mafic-ultramafic intrusives like gabbro, pyroxenite, and meta-olivine websterite.

·       Mineralisation discovered up to 300 metres deep.

·       Rich in pyrite, chalcopyrite, and pyrrhotite in disseminated and bleb-type formations.

·       Adjacent to the Kelwardabri block, held by Vedanta, forming a potential mineral hub.

Scientific Importance

·       G4-level exploration by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) confirmed mineral potential.

·       Induced Polarisation (IP) and drone-based magnetic surveys identified a 700-metre-long mineralised zone.

·       High potential for Ni–PGE–Cr–Cu mineral reserves.

·       Indicates volcano-sedimentary evolution and a complex magmatic history.

About Ni–Cu–PGE (Nickel–Copper–Platinum Group Elements)

·       A group of critical strategic metals, typically found in sulphide-rich mafic-ultramafic rock formations.

·       Applications:

o   Nickel (Ni): Essential for EV batteries, aerospace components, and stainless steel.

o   Copper (Cu): Core to electric wiring, renewable energy, and electronics.

o   PGE (Pt, Pd, Rh): Used in catalytic converters, fuel cells, and green hydrogen technologies.

·       National Significance: Vital for sectors such as clean energy, defence, and high-tech electronics. Aligns with India’s Critical Minerals Strategy and net-zero emission goals. Reduces dependence on mineral imports in strategic sectors

Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Scheme

Context

India has recorded a historic low price of ₹55.75/kg for Green Ammonia in the first SECI auction under the SIGHT Scheme, marking a significant milestone in implementing the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

About the SIGHT Scheme

The Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) is a flagship financial incentive component under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. It is designed to accelerate India’s shift to green hydrogen as an alternative fuel.

Implementing Ministries: The scheme is jointly implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).

Objectives

• Scale-up production and adoption of Green Hydrogen in India.
• Reduce costs and make green hydrogen competitive with fossil fuels.
• Stimulate demand across key sectors of the economy.

Modes of Implementation

1. Mode 1: Financial incentives awarded to lowest bidders through a competitive process.
2. Mode 2A: Incentives for aggregated demand for Green Ammonia at a fixed rate.
3. Mode 2B: Incentives for aggregated demand for Green Hydrogen, also at fixed rates.

Key Features

• Budget Allocation: Out of the total ₹19,744 crore mission budget, ₹17,490 crore is dedicated to the SIGHT Scheme for incentives and infrastructure.
• Incentive Rates (Mode 2B):
• Year 1: ₹50/kg
• Year 2: ₹40/kg
• Year 3: ₹30/kg.
• These decreasing rates aim to encourage early adoption and support a market-driven transition.
• Auction Mechanism: SECI and public sector oil companies conduct reverse auctions to select the lowest incentive seekers and aggregate market demand.
• Eligibility Criteria: Only hydrogen that complies with officially notified “Green Hydrogen” standards qualifies for incentives.
• Oversight and Monitoring: A joint committee formed by MNRE and MoPNG is responsible for overseeing implementation, resolving disputes, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Green Ammonia in First SECI Auction (Mode 2A)

• What is Green Ammonia? A derivative of green hydrogen, Green Ammonia (NH₃) is produced using electrolysis powered by renewable energy. It has essential uses in fertiliser production, maritime fuel, and chemical industries.
• Auction Highlights:
• Winning Bid Price: ₹55.75/kg (USD 641/MT)
• Purchaser: Paradeep Phosphates Ltd., Odisha
• Allocated Quantity: 75,000 MTPA from a total tender of 7.24 lakh MTPA
• Contract Term: 10-year fixed supply agreement, ensuring price stability and supply chain reliability
• Significance:
• Supports India’s clean fertiliser initiative and reduces reliance on imports.
• Encourages long-term private sector investment in green hydrogen derivatives.
• Strengthens India''s positioning as a global exporter of Green Ammonia.

Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS): Role in Renewable Energy

Current Concern

According to Crisil Ratings, nearly 26 gigawatts of renewable energy (RE) projects may be affected due to the discontinuation of waivers on ISTS charges for solar and wind power.

What is ISTS?

The Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) is a high-voltage transmission network that allows seamless flow of electricity across state borders, ensuring a balanced and efficient power distribution throughout India.

Key Features

·       Managed by: Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL), a fully owned subsidiary of POWERGRID, under the Ministry of Power.

·       Voltage Range: Operates at voltages above 132 kV, reducing energy loss and improving grid stability.

·       Purpose: Facilitates nationwide transmission of renewable energy, thus playing a vital role in large-scale RE integration.

·       Market Unification: Eliminates inter-state barriers, promoting a unified energy market responsive to regional demand.

How ISTS Works

Power Generation: Electricity is generated from diverse sources—solar farms, wind parks, hydro plants, thermal stations.

Grid Connection: Power is transmitted to ISTS substations, where voltage is increased to minimize loss.

High-Voltage Transmission: Electricity flows through high-voltage transmission lines across states.

Load Management: Real-time regulation is maintained by Regional Load Dispatch Centers (RLDCs) and the National Load Dispatch Center (NLDC).

Distribution: Electricity is stepped down at state substations and delivered to end users via State Transmission Utilities (STUs) and local grids.

Legal Insanity: A Defence in Criminal Law

The Chhattisgarh High Court recently acquitted a man charged with double murder, citing legal insanity—highlighting the critical role of mental health in criminal liability.

Understanding Legal Insanity

• Legal insanity denotes a mental state so severe that it negates criminal responsibility.
• Recognised as a valid criminal defence, it assumes that, due to severe mental illness, the accused:
• Could not comprehend the nature of the act,
• Was unable to distinguish right from wrong at the time of the offence.

Key Legal Considerations

• Legal insanity is a judicial concept, distinct from medical diagnoses.
• Merely having a mental disorder does not qualify one as legally insane.
• The defence must prove, often with psychiatric or psychological evidence, that the accused lacked control over their reasoning during the act.

Proving Legal Insanity

• A prima facie case must be presented by the accused.
• This includes: Medical records and Behavioural evidence before, during, or after the incident.
• The goal is to establish mental incapacity, exempting the accused from full criminal accountability.

Types of Legal Insanity

• Emotional Insanity: Temporary derangement due to extreme emotional disturbance.
• Temporary Insanity: Mental incapacity existing only during the act in question.
• Judicial Perspective

In Surendra Mishra v. State of Jharkhand (AIR 2011 SC 627), the Supreme Court clarified that not all mental illnesses exempt criminal liability. The burden lies on the accused to prove actual legal insanity, supported by medical and behavioural evidence.

Difference Between Legal and Medical Insanity

Teak Defoliator Moth and the Eco-Friendly Solution from Kerala

Recent Development

The Kerala Forest Research Institute has successfully identified and mass-produced the Hyblaea puera Nucleopolyhedrosis Virus (HpNPV)—an eco-friendly biocontrol alternative to chemical pesticides. It helps prevent widespread defoliation in teak plantations caused by the teak defoliator moth (Hyblaea puera).

About the Teak Defoliator Moth

·       Classification: A cryptic moth species known as a major pest affecting teak trees.

·       Additional Host: Also targets Avicennia marina, a mangrove species dominant along India’s west coast, leading to significant mangrove defoliation.

·       Historical Context: First identified as a pest in 1898 in the Konni Forest Division of Kerala.

·       Geographical Spread: Native to South and Southeast Asia, it occurs widely from India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh to Thailand, New Guinea, and northern Australia (Queensland).

·       Annual Outbreaks: Regular infestations are a seasonal issue in teak plantations, resulting in economic losses due to decreased timber yield.

Damage Mechanism

·       Timing: Attacks usually begin with the onset of monsoon rains.

·       Feeding Pattern: Larvae consume entire leaves, leaving only the midrib behind.

·       Physiological Impact on Trees: Teak trees, instead of focusing on growth, divert energy to regenerate lost foliage, slowing down timber production.

What is Hyblaea puera Nucleopolyhedrosis Virus (HpNPV)?

·       Nature: A naturally occurring virus that infects and kills the larvae of teak defoliator moths.

·       Effectiveness: Recognised in both lab and field trials as one of the most promising biocontrol agents against the pest.

·       Mechanism: Multiplies up to a trillion-fold inside a single larva. Upon larval death, the body bursts, releasing massive amounts of viral inoculum. Even sub-lethal infections persist within the insect, transmitting lethality to future generations.

Ectopic Pregnancies

A rare case of intrahepatic ectopic pregnancy—where the foetus implanted in the liver—was reported in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, drawing national attention to this high-risk medical condition.

What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

• An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube.
• As the uterus is the only organ capable of supporting fetal development, such pregnancies are non-viable and require urgent medical care.

Causes and Locations

• In a normal pregnancy, the fertilised egg travels from the ovary to the uterus via the fallopian tube.
• If this route is obstructed due to: Inflammation, Surgical scars, Congenital abnormalities the egg may implant in: Fallopian tube (most common), Ovary Abdominal cavity or Cervix

Symptoms

• Early signs resemble normal pregnancy: missed periods, breast tenderness
• Warning signs include: Sharp abdominal or pelvic pain, Vaginal bleeding, Dizziness or fainting, Shoulder pain and Low blood pressure
• A ruptured fallopian tube is life-threatening and demands immediate surgical intervention.

Prevalence

• According to a 2023 Indian study, the incidence of ectopic pregnancy in hospitals ranges between 0.91% and 2.3%.
• A 2025 global study found that while global incidence declined from 1990 to 2019, ectopic pregnancies remain high in low socio-demographic index (SDI) nations.

Diagnosis:

• Blood and urine tests to confirm pregnancy
• Transvaginal ultrasound to locate the embryo
• Most cases are identified during early stages of pregnancy

Treatment Options:

1. Medical Management: Methotrexate is used to stop cell growth and dissolve the embryo. Only suitable for early-stage, unruptured ectopic pregnancies.

2. Surgical Management: Laparoscopic surgery may be performed to remove the embryo or the affected fallopian tube. In emergencies, open surgery is required to manage internal bleeding or ruptures.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has extended the registration deadline for the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) until August 15, 2025.

About the Scheme

·       Category: Centrally Sponsored, under ‘Samarthya’, a sub-scheme of Mission Shakti.

·       Objective: To provide financial support to pregnant women and lactating mothers, especially those from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

·       Method: Financial assistance is delivered through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the beneficiaries'' bank/post office accounts.

Scheme Benefits

·       For the First Child: Eligible women receive ₹5,000 in two installments.

·       Total Benefit: With additional incentives under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), the total cash benefit averages around ₹6,000.

·       For the Second Child: A ₹6,000 incentive is provided only if the second child is a girl.

·       In Case of Miscarriage or Stillbirth: The beneficiary is reconsidered for benefits during any future pregnancy.

Implementation and Technology

·       Managed by State and UT officials via the PMMVYSoft portal (launched in March 2023).

·       Features Aadhaar-based authentication through UIDAI and NPCI verification to ensure secure DBT transfers into Aadhaar-seeded accounts.

Eligibility Criteria

Women must belong to at least one of the following categories:

·       Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes

·       Women with ≥40% disability (Divyang Jan)

·       Holders of BPL ration cards

·       Beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY

·       E-shram card holders

·       Women farmers under PM-KISAN

·       MGNREGA Job Card holders

·       Annual family income under ₹8 lakh

·       Pregnant or lactating AWWs, AWHs, ASHAs

·       Other categories as prescribed by the government

Note: Women employed in Central/State Government, PSUs, or those receiving similar maternity benefits under any other law are not eligible under PMMVY.

Yashoda AI: Empowering Women Through AI Literacy

About the Program

Yashoda AI, launched in May 2025, is a national initiative aimed at enhancing AI literacy among women, ensuring their digital inclusion, and empowering them on matters of cyber safety, privacy, and online threats.

Implementing Bodies

·       National Commission for Women (NCW): Lead institution

·       In Collaboration With: Future Shift Labs (FSL)

Program Goals

·       To go beyond basic digital skills by focusing on AI-driven crimes, digital privacy, and safe online behavior.

·       To promote meaningful participation of women in emerging technologies and protect them in the digital ecosystem.

Progress and Reach

·       Over 2,500 women have received training to date.

·       Participants include: Self-Help Group (SHG) members, Local elected leaders such as Sarpanchs, Pradhans, Parshads, Mayors, MLAs and Community health workers (ASHAs) from rural and semi-urban areas

About the National Commission for Women (NCW)

·       Establishment: Formed in 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.

·       Composition: Includes a Chairperson, five Members, and a Member-Secretary, all appointed by the Central Government.

·       Tenure: Each member serves a three-year term.

Powers of NCW

While investigating matters, the Commission functions with powers equivalent to a civil court, including:

·       Summoning individuals and examining them under oath.

·       Requiring production of documents and public records.

·       Accepting evidence via affidavits.

·       Requisitioning records from courts and offices.

·       Issuing commissions for witness and document examinations.

Great Recall Vote

Context

Taiwan has initiated its largest legislative recall process, targeting 31 lawmakers from the Kuomintang (KMT) party.

What is the Great Recall Vote?

·       A mass legislative recall referendum aiming to remove KMT legislators through public voting.

·       The recall is conducted in two phases—July and August 2025.

·       Rooted in Taiwan’s constitutional framework that permits the removal of elected officials through public mandate.

Country Involved

·       Taiwan (Republic of China): A democracy experiencing growing civic engagement.

·       Reflects ongoing political rivalry between the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the Kuomintang (KMT).

Objectives of the Recall: Remove KMT lawmakers accused of: Obstructing critical legislation, Passing anti-democratic laws, Alleged cooperation with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Key Features of Taiwan’s Recall Mechanism

1.     Three-Stage Process:

o   Requires 1% signatures to initiate.

o   10% support from electorate for holding vote.

o   For success, 25% participation in the district and majority approval are necessary.

2.     Legal Basis: Operates under the Public Officials Election and Recall Act.

3.     Empowerment Tool: Strengthens direct democratic participation by enabling citizens to remove underperforming or mistrusted legislators.

4.     Democratic Depth and Risks: While enhancing accountability, it can be vulnerable to political misuse.

Political Background

·       2024 Elections: DPP retained the presidency but lost legislative control (51 out of 113 seats). KMT and allies now hold 62 seats, obstructing DPP policy initiatives.

·       Civil Resistance: The Bluebird Movement, a civil protest movement, emerged in May 2024 in response to KMT''s controversial reform bills.

·       Political Divide: The recall initiative, backed by the DPP, is viewed by critics as a politically driven attempt to regain legislative dominance.

Japan’s Hiroshima Marks 80 Years Since US Atomic Bombing

Historical Context

On August 6 and 9, 1945, the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima (Little Boy) and Nagasaki (Fat Man), respectively. These attacks caused massive destruction, with long-term radiation effects that persisted for decades.

Geopolitical Impacts After Hiroshima

·       End of World War II: Japan formally surrendered on September 2, 1945, bringing WWII to a close.

·       Beginning of the Nuclear Arms Race: The Soviet Union’s first nuclear test in 1949 signaled the start of a nuclear arms competition, defining the Cold War era.

·       Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD): A doctrine where any nuclear aggression ensures devastating retaliation, leading to total destruction on both sides—thus serving as a nuclear deterrent.

·       Rise of Civil Nuclear Cooperation: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was established in 1957 to promote peaceful nuclear research and collaboration.

·       Push for Disarmament: The Conference on Disarmament was created as the primary multilateral forum for negotiating nuclear disarmament.

Major Global Nuclear Treaties and Initiatives

·       Partial Test Ban Treaty (1963): Prohibits nuclear testing in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater.

·       Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) (1970): Aims to prevent nuclear weapon proliferation, promote disarmament, and support peaceful use of nuclear energy.

·       Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (1996): Imposes a complete ban on all nuclear test explosions, whether military or civilian.

·       United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs: Works towards global disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.

·       Additional Treaties: Includes the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and Pact for the Future, supporting broader global peace and security frameworks.

World Meteorological Organization Certifies New Lightning Record

Record-Breaking Event

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has validated the longest lightning flash ever recorded:

·       Length: 829 km

·       Location: Spanning from eastern Texas to near Kansas City, USA

·       Year: 2017

Definition: A giant electrical discharge occurring when positive and negative charges build up to levels that overcome air’s insulation capacity—between clouds or between a cloud and the ground.

Thunder Creation: Lightning heats the surrounding air rapidly, causing expansion and a loud sound, resulting in thunder.

Key Causes

·       Climate Change: A 1°C rise in temperature can increase lightning by 7% to 18% in India.

·       Pollution: Increased aerosol levels contribute to more frequent lightning.

·       Urbanization: Expanding cities with heat islands can intensify thunderstorm activity.

Trends in India (2019–2024): A 57% increase in lightning incidents recorded (per IMD and CROPC).

Major Hazards

·       Fires and Explosions: Electrical failures and short circuits due to lightning strikes.

·       Tree Damage: Trees can burst due to moisture evaporation.

·       Human and Animal Casualties: Significant loss of life is a recurring consequence.

Preventive Measures in India

·       National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

·       Dual Strategy: Combines scientific approaches with community engagement and climate action.

·       Guidelines Issued (2019): Comprehensive action plans for lightning and thunderstorm prevention and management.

·       Other Initiatives: Includes early warning protocols and the SACHET mobile app for alerts.

India Meteorological Department (IMD)

·       Provides forecasts in three formats: Lightning Outlook (5-day to 24-hour), Nowcast Alerts, Damini App for public access.

·       Other Technologies: Three Lightning Detection Networks and Extensive Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) coverage across the country