Sodium-ion battery technology

• India is re-evaluating its battery strategy amid rising concerns over critical mineral dependence, import vulnerability, and supply security linked to lithium-ion batteries.

Sodium-ion battery technology:

• Sodium-ion batteries (SiBs) are rechargeable batteries that store and release energy using sodium ions (Na⁺) as charge carriers instead of lithium ions. They belong to the same family of rocking-chair batteries as lithium-ion cells but rely on more abundant raw materials.

How it works?

• Charging: Sodium ions move from the cathode to the anode through the electrolyte, while electrons flow through the external circuit.
• Discharging: Sodium ions migrate back to the cathode, releasing stored electrical energy.
• Aluminium is used as the current collector on both electrodes, unlike lithium-ion batteries that require copper on the anode side.

Key features / advantages:

• Lower material risk: Sodium is abundantly available (from soda ash, salt), reducing dependence on scarce critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
• Improved safety: Lower thermal runaway risk; cells can be transported and stored safely at 0% state of charge.
• Manufacturing compatibility: Can be produced on existing lithium-ion manufacturing lines with minor modifications.
• Cost potential: Expected to become cheaper than lithium-ion batteries in the long term due to material abundance and simplified logistics.
• Strategic suitability for India: Enhances energy security and aligns with domestic manufacturing and grid-scale storage needs.

Limitations / challenges

• Lower energy density: Specific and volumetric energy density remain below high-performance lithium-ion chemistries, limiting use in long-range EVs.
• Technology maturity: Still at an early commercial scale compared to lithium-ion; performance optimisation is ongoing.
• Moisture sensitivity: Requires stricter drying and vacuum conditions during manufacturing, slightly increasing process complexity.
• Application constraints: Currently better suited for stationary storage, two-/three-wheelers, and short-range mobility rather than premium EV segments.

Serengsia Battle

• The Jharkhand government recently commemorated the Serengsia battle (1837) as a landmark Adivasi resistance against British rule, with the Chief Minister attending a state event.

Serengsia Battle (1837):

• The Serengsia battle was a fierce armed resistance by Ho Adivasis against the East India Company in 1837, fought in the Serengsia valley of present-day Jharkhand (West Singhbhum).
• It represents one of the earliest organised tribal military challenges to British expansion in eastern India.

Historical background:

• The Kolhan region (East & West Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharsawan) was traditionally governed by the Ho community.
• In 1820–21, the British brought Kolhan under the Bengal Presidency to secure trade routes between Bengal and Madras.
• British policies imposed taxes, allowed non-tribal settlement, and enforced alien languages and authority systems.
• Exploitation by zamindars and officials led to repeated unrest, including the Kol uprising of 1831.
• By 1836, British forces established the Kolhan Estate Government, capturing Ho villages and pirhs, intensifying resistance.

Causes of the battle:

• Loss of autonomy: Imposition of British administration over sacred Ho land believed to be granted by Sing-Bonga (supreme deity).
• Economic exploitation: Forced taxation and land alienation.
• Cultural suppression: Linguistic imposition and social domination.
• Military repression: Arrests, village occupations, and coercive policing by British forces.

Leaders involved:

• The Ho resistance was led by: Poto Ho (principal leader, from Rajabasa), Berai Ho, Punduva (Pandua) Ho, Badai Ho, Nara Ho, Devi Ho, and Sugni Ho.

The battle (1837)

• Ho strategy: Guerrilla-style warfare using terrain advantage in the narrow Serengsia valley.
• Weapons & tactics: Bows and arrows, obstacles on valley paths, burning cow dung mixed with ash and chilli powder, and coordinated attacks from hill slopes.
• Outcome: Over 100 British soldiers killed; about 26 Ho fighters lost their lives. British forces were forced to retreat initially.

Outcomes and aftermath:

• British retaliation followed with village burnings, mass arrests, and collective punishment.
• By December 8, 1837, all major Ho leaders were captured.

Executions:

• January 1, 1838: Poto Ho, Berai Ho, and Nara Ho hanged publicly at Jagannathpur.
• January 2, 1838: Bora Ho and Pandua Ho hanged near Mundasai, Serengsia.
• Around 79 Ho fighters were imprisoned.
• Despite repression, the resistance influenced later recognition of Kolhan’s distinct administrative status and tribal self-governance traditions.

The International Space Station (ISS)

• The International Space Station (ISS) is planned to be de-orbited in 2030 in a controlled re-entry over a remote ocean area, bringing an end to the longest-running era of continuous human presence in low Earth orbit.

The International Space Station (ISS):

• The ISS is a permanently crewed, modular space laboratory in low Earth orbit, used for microgravity research, technology testing, and long-duration human spaceflight studies. Humans have continuously lived aboard the station since November 2000.

Launched in:

• Assembly began in 1998 with the launch of the first module Zarya on 20 November 1998.
• Continuous habitation started with Expedition 1 in November 2000.

Nations / agencies involved

• The ISS is operated through an international partnership of five space agencies:
• NASA (USA), Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and CSA (Canada).

Aim:

• Enable cutting-edge scientific research in microgravity.
• Test technologies and human systems needed for deeper space exploration
• Serve as a platform for international cooperation and an evolving low Earth orbit economy.

Key features:

• Modular architecture: Built from multiple modules contributed by partner agencies, assembled in orbit over years.
• Permanent human-tended lab: Supports long-duration stays and continuous experimentation since 2000.
• Shared governance & interdependence: Each partner manages hardware it provides; station functions through integrated contributions.
• Planned end-of-life disposal: A dedicated U.S. Deorbit Vehicle will enable a controlled re-entry after 2030 operations conclude.

Significance:

• ISS research has advanced understanding of human health in space, materials, and Earth-observation-linked applications, while building operational experience for future missions.
• It remains a major symbol of peaceful international collaboration in space through decades of geopolitical shifts.

Tripartite Agreement for creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA)

• A tripartite agreement was signed between the Centre, the Nagaland government, and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) to create the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), granting enhanced autonomy to six eastern districts of Nagaland.

About Tripartite Agreement for creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA):

• The agreement provides for the establishment of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) — an autonomous territorial governance structure for six districts of eastern Nagaland, with substantial devolution of administrative and developmental powers while remaining within the state of Nagaland.

Parties involved:

• Government of India
• Government of Nagaland
• Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) — apex body representing eight recognised Naga tribes.
• Districts covered: Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, and Shamator

Aim of the agreement:

• To address long-standing political, economic, and developmental grievances of Eastern Nagaland.
• To ensure equitable development, local decision-making, and financial autonomy.
• To strengthen peace and stability in the North-East region.

Key features:

• Creation of FNTA: A new territorial authority with administrative autonomy for six districts.
• Devolution of powers: Transfer of authority over 46 subjects to FNTA.

Financial autonomy:

• Development outlay to be shared proportionate to population and area
• Fixed annual allocation from the Centre.
• Initial establishment expenditure to be borne by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

Administrative structure:

• FNTA to have a mini-Secretariat.
• Headed by an Additional Chief Secretary / Principal Secretary–level officer.
• Constitutional safeguard: The agreement does not dilute Article 371(A) of the Constitution, which protects Naga customary laws, land, and resources.
• Democratic resolution: Outcome of prolonged dialogue, negotiations, and confidence-building since 2021–22.

Significance

• Inclusive federalism: Demonstrates flexible autonomy arrangements within the Indian Constitution.
• Peace-building: Reduces risk of political radicalisation and separatist demands in Eastern Nagaland.
• Development push: Enables faster infrastructure creation, better resource utilisation, and targeted welfare delivery.

Infertility and Mental Health in India

• Recent research highlights that infertility in India is deeply shaped by mental health burdens, which directly affect reproductive outcomes for both women and men.
• Infertility is culturally framed as a woman’s failure, despite male factors contributing to nearly 40–50% of infertility cases globally.

Impact of Mental Health on Fertility

1. Impact on Male Fertility

• Sperm Quality Decline: Depression and chronic stress are associated with lower sperm concentration and reduced motility in clinical research.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Psychological stress activates cortisol pathways that disrupt hormonal environments required for healthy spermatogenesis.

2. Impact on Female Fertility

• Reduced Conception: High stress levels significantly lower the probability of conception.
• Endocrine Disruption: Anxiety and depression interfere with ovulation, implantation and hormonal regulation necessary for pregnancy.

Impact on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

• Lower Success Rates: Elevated anxiety & depression are linked with poorer outcomes in IVF treatments.
• Cumulative Burnout: Repeated cycles of hope and disappointment deepen psychological fatigue.

Way Ahead

• Male Inclusion: Promote awareness that infertility is a shared medical condition, not a measure of womanhood; E.g., public health campaigns challenging stigma and blame.
• ART Emotional Support: Provide structured counselling for couples undergoing IVF and related treatments, e.g., in-house counsellors at fertility centres.
• Community Sensitisation: Use frontline health workers to reduce social stigma around infertility; E.g., awareness drives under NHM programmes.

Supreme Court Directive on Appointment of DGPs

• The Supreme Court directed the UPSC to take action against State governments that delay the appointment of Directors General of Police (DGPs).

Key Directives of the Court

• Contempt Authorisation: The Court authorised the UPSC to initiate contempt of court proceedings if States fail to submit timely proposals for these appointments.
• Direct Communication: The UPSC is now empowered to write directly to defaulting State Governments, demanding proposals for regular DGP appointments.
• Ad hoc Prohibition: The SC strongly condemned the practice of appointing “Acting” or ad hoc DGPs, noting that it violates the 2006 Prakash Singh judgment.
• The Prakash Singh Case is a landmark Supreme Court verdict that issued seven binding directives to insulate the police from political interference.

About Appointment of DGPs

• The appointment of a State DGP is a joint process between State governments and the UPSC, governed by Supreme Court directives.
• Proposal Submission: States must submit a list of eligible IPS officers to the UPSC at least three months before the incumbent retires.
• Empanelment Committee: A committee, chaired by the UPSC Chairman, evaluates the candidates.
• The committee includes the Union Home Secretary, the State’s Chief Secretary, the outgoing State DGP, and one head of a Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) nominated by the MHA.
• Final Selection: The UPSC selects a panel of three officers based on seniority and merit, from which the State must appoint the permanent DGP.
• Eligibility: Candidates must be of Additional Director General (ADG) rank with 25 years of service, at least 6 months of residual tenure and at least 10 years of experience in critical areas like law and order.
• Tenure Security: The appointed DGP must have a fixed tenure of at least 2 years, irrespective of their date of superannuation.

Union Budget 2026-27 Announces Establishment of Chemical Parks

• The Union Budget 2026-27 introduces a new scheme to help States establish three dedicated Chemical Parks.
• Financial Allocation: Rs 600 crore has been allocated in the Budget Estimates (BE) to support the establishment of these parks.
• Selection Mechanism: The parks will be established through a challenge-based mechanism, requiring States to compete for the projects.

About Chemical Parks

• Definition: A Chemical Park is a specialised industrial zone built on the “Cluster Model” to support the entire chemical value chain.
• Cluster Framework: These parks use a “Cluster-based Plug-and-Play” model, similar to Bulk Drug Parks, to provide ready-to-use land and infrastructure.
• Production Integration: Co-location of feedstock suppliers and downstream units enables seamless backward and forward integration.
• Shared Infrastructure: Common facilities like Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs), solvent recovery units, and distillation plants reduce compliance costs for individual industries.
• Assured Utilities: Centralised infrastructure such as power, steam, and demineralised water significantly reduces setup timelines and CAPEX.
• Regulatory Efficiency: Unified park-level clearances (Environment/Fire) aim to reduce Time to Market for industrial projects.

Significance of the Chemical Parks

• Strategic Autonomy: Domestic production of Key Starting Materials (KSMs) and intermediates reduces dependence on volatile global supply chains.
• Economies of Scale: Shared utilities and logistics lower the production costs, making Indian exports globally competitive.
• Circular Economy: Integrated clusters facilitate waste-to-wealth models where the by-product of one unit becomes feedstock for another.
• MSME Integration: Plug-and-play facilities enable MSMEs to enter high-value chains without incurring prohibitive land acquisition costs.
• Environmental Sustainability: Centralised waste management ensures stricter adherence to environmental norms compared to scattered industrial units.

Challenges Associated with Chemical Parks

• Compliance Burden: Meeting stringent Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) norms increases operational costs, especially for smaller industrial units.
• Domino Risks: Concentrating hazardous units heightens the risk of a Domino Effect, in which a single incident triggers a cluster-wide disaster.
• Infrastructure Pressure: Large clusters require a continuous supply of demineralised water and power, placing significant strain on local resources.
• Land Acquisition: Securing large, contiguous land parcels with necessary safety buffers remains a major barrier for project implementation.
• Operational Expertise: Smaller clusters often lack specialised technical experts needed to maintain complex shared facilities.

India’s Chemical Sector

• Global Standing: India is the world’s sixth-largest chemical producer and the third-largest in Asia (after China and Japan).
• Economic Contribution: The sector contributes approximately 7% to the GDP and accounts for 8.1% of manufacturing Gross Value Added (GVA).
• Production Volume: Domestic production reached 58,617 thousand metric tonnes in FY25, with a CAGR of 2.8% since 2016.
• Regional Hubs: Major industrial clusters are concentrated in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

Forest Devolution Formula Revamp

• The Sixteenth Finance Commission has significantly revised the forest cover criterion under the horizontal tax devolution formula to better reflect ecological realities.

Key Changes Introduced in Forest Devolution

• Open Forests Included: For the first time, open forests are counted under the forest cover criterion, expanding the scope beyond only dense and moderately dense forests.
• Density-Based Weights: Forest cover is now differentiated by density levels, ensuring varied ecological values are reflected in devolution calculations.
• Incentives for Forest Expansion: States that actively increase forest and tree cover, including through restoration of open forest areas, are financially rewarded through higher tax devolution shares.
• Support for Fragile Regions: The revised approach accounts for higher conservation costs in hilly and forest-rich states, promoting sustainable ecological management.
• Disaster Linkage: Forest fires have now been formally included as one of the hazards in the Disaster Risk Index, strengthening the connection between ecological vulnerability and fiscal devolution.

Differences from the Previous Forest Formula

• Coverage Scope: The earlier formula considered mainly dense and moderately dense forests, which together formed about 70–75% of recorded forest cover, excluding nearly 25–30% open forests.
• Weight Structure: Previously, the entire 10% forest devolution weight was applied uniformly without accounting for forest density variations.
• Incentive Impact: The earlier system largely rewarded existing forest stock, offering limited fiscal motivation for restoring degraded and open forest areas.

Constitutional Safeguards for Indian Forests

• Article 48A: The Directive Principles of State Policy guide the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.
• Article 51A(g): Outlines a fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
• Concurrent List: The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, transferred forests to the Concurrent List (Seventh Schedule), allowing both the Centre and States to legislate on forest management.

Legal and Judicial Safeguards for Indian Forests

• Forest (Conservation) Act 1980: Requires central approval and mandates compensatory afforestation when diverting forest land for non-forest purposes.
• Forest Rights Act 2006: Recognises the rights of forest-dwelling communities and requires Gram Sabha consent before any diversion of forest land.
• Environment (Protection) Act 1986: Acts as an umbrella law mandating Environmental Clearance for large projects through Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
• T.N. Godavarman Case (1996): Expanded the definition of ‘forest’ to include legally recorded forests and those meeting the dictionary definition.

Frozen Embryo Donation

• Delhi HC has issued notice on a PIL challenging provisions of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 that mandate destruction of unused frozen embryos.
• Frozen Embryo Donation: A regulated process where surplus cryopreserved embryos from IVF treatments are voluntarily transferred to another infertile couple to achieve pregnancy.

Existing Legal Framework for Frozen Embryo Under the ART Act, 2021

• Permitted Donations: The Act allows regulated altruistic donation of sperm and eggs, enabling donor-assisted IVF and even double-donor IVF procedures under strict medical oversight.
• Non-Genetic Parenthood Recognition: It legally accepts situations where children born through donor sperm and donor eggs have no genetic link to the commissioning parents.
• Storage Time Limit: Surplus embryos generated during IVF cycles can be cryopreserved for a maximum duration of 10 years as per Section 28(2).
• Restricted End Use of Embryos: After the storage period, unused embryos must either be donated for scientific research or be compulsorily allowed to perish.
• Clinic Preservation Rules: IVF clinics are legally bound to retain frozen embryos only for the original couple and are prohibited from transferring them to others.
• Consent-Based Limitations: Prescribed consent forms do not include embryo donation as an option, effectively closing the pathway for reproductive transfer.

Issues Raised

1. Core Legal Contradiction

• Fresh vs Frozen Embryo Disparity: The ART Act allows transfer of fresh donor embryos to infertile couples but prohibits the use of biologically identical frozen embryos for reproductive purposes.
• Inconsistent Recognition: While donor-assisted IVF without genetic linkage is legally accepted, embryo donation is blocked despite involving the same principle.

2. Constitutional Contradiction

• Article 14 Violation: The distinction between permitted fresh embryos and prohibited frozen embryos lacks rational classification and nexus with the law’s objective.
• Article 21 Infringement: Denial of embryo donation restricts reproductive autonomy, privacy and dignity within assisted reproductive choices.

Need for Frozen Embryo Donation

• Infertility Burden: India has around 27–30 million infertile couples, making expanded assisted reproductive options crucial for public health.
• IVF Financial Strain: A single IVF cycle costs roughly ₹1.5–3 lakh, and many couples require 2–3 cycles, pushing treatment beyond reach for middle-income families.
• Existing Medical Resources: Thousands of embryos remain cryopreserved annually, with clinics reporting 30–40% surplus embryos after successful IVF cycles.
• Shortening Parenthood Delays: Traditional adoption often takes 2–5 years due to procedural backlogs, while embryo donation can enable quicker family formation.
• Improving Success Rates: Frozen embryo transfers show 35–50% pregnancy success rates, comparable to fresh IVF procedures in modern clinics.

Marudhamalai Murugan Temple

• The Tamil Nadu Forest Department reported a significant presence of wild elephants near Marudhamalai temple, citing 119 sightings in 2025.

About Marudhamalai Murugan Temple

• Location: The Marudhamalai Murugan Temple is a hilltop shrine located on a hillock in the Western Ghats near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
• Ecological Significance: The foothills form part of a traditional Elephant Migratory Corridor within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
• Primary Deity: Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the temple is widely regarded as the unofficial Seventh Abode (7th Arupadai Veedu) of the deity.
• Historical Antiquity: The structural edifices date to the 12th Century (Chola Period); references are found in the Sangam literature, like the Purananuru.
• Architectural Style: The temple exemplifies Dravidian architecture, featuring a characteristic Gopuram and a unique East-facing orientation.
• Etymology: The name “Marudhamalai” derives from the abundance of ‘Marudham’ trees (Terminalia arjuna) growing on the hill.
• Spiritual Heritage: The temple is closely associated with Pambatti Siddhar, one of the 18 celebrated Tamil Siddhars (saints).

Mount Aconcagua

• The Defence Minister flagged off a joint mountaineering expedition to Mount Aconcagua in Argentina to enhance youth training.
• Mount Aconcagua, standing at 6,961 metres, is the highest peak in South America and the tallest mountain outside Asia.
• It is classified as one of the “Seven Summits” (the highest point on each of the seven continents).
• The peak is located in the Andes mountain range in Argentina and is part of the Principal Cordillera.
• The Principal Cordillera is the world’s longest continental mountain range that defines the border between Central Chile and Argentina.
• Mount Aconcagua is of volcanic origin, formed by the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate.
• The mountain hosts several glaciers, with the Ventisquero Horcones Inferior being the largest.

9th Edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha

• The 9th Edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) witnessed a record participation of over 4.5 crore registrations.
• About Programme: Initiated by the Prime Minister in 2018, this annual interactive programme aims to transform exams from a source of stress into a celebration (Utsav)
• Nodal Agency: The event is organised by the Department of School Education and Literacy (Ministry of Education) in collaboration with the MyGov platform.
• Town-Hall Format: It is a unique town hall event where the Prime Minister engages with students (Classes 6-12), teachers, and parents to discuss exam-related stress and holistic development.
• Broader Context: As part of the larger “Exam Warriors” movement, the initiative encourages students to face exams as a natural part of life.
• Selection Process: Participants are selected through an online competition open to three distinct groups: students, teachers, and parents.
• Venue Expansion: For the first time (2026), the event expanded to include simultaneous interactions across five locations – New Delhi, Coimbatore, Raipur, Guwahati, and Devmogra.

FORGE Initiative

• India supported the Forum on Resource, Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE) initiative at the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington, D.C.
• The Ministerial was hosted by the U.S., with delegations from over 50 countries, including India, to coordinate efforts to secure critical mineral supply chains.
• FORGE is launched as the official successor to the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP).
• It aims to secure and diversify global supply chains and reduce overreliance on single-source suppliers (notably China) for critical minerals.
• MSP: Launched in 2022, it is a strategic collaboration among 14 countries and the EU to accelerate the development of diverse, sustainable critical energy mineral supply chains.