ISRO to Launch US-Built Bluebird.

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the US-built Bluebird satellite into orbit early this year.
• This mission, utilising the powerful Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), specifically the GSLV Mk III, marks a significant milestone for both India’s space programme and the future of worldwide connectivity. Developed by Texas-based AST SpaceMobile, Bluebird is designed to enable direct communication between standard smartphones and space, eliminating reliance on terrestrial cell towers.
• “This technology boasts a massive 64 square meter antenna, roughly half the size of a football field. Operating in low Earth orbit, Bluebird will beam broadband internet service directly to millions of mobile phones globally, even in the most remote and underserved regions.
• This capability has the potential to bridge the digital divide, transforming how people connect and access essential services worldwide.
•  Imagine seamless calls and data usage regardless of location, a prospect that could revolutionise access to education, healthcare, and emergency services, particularly during natural disasters when ground infrastructure is compromised,”.
• This interesting project is the first time when a US company has entrusted India with launching such a large communications satellite, weighing approximately 6,000 kg. This partnership highlights ISRO’s growing reputation as a reliable and cost-effective launch provider in the global space industry.
• It will also generate potential revenue for India and strengthen its position in the competitive commercial launch market. It also opens doors for future collaborations and opportunities for Indian companies within the expanding space sector.
• There is an innovative 64sqm antenna array designed to revolutionise satellite communications by enabling direct connectivity to standard mobile phones. “This technological breakthrough eliminates the traditional requirement for specialised satellite phones, democratising access to satellite communication services.
• The capability to connect directly with everyday mobile devices represents a paradigm shift in global connectivity solutions, particularly for regions where conventional infrastructure is lacking or impractical,” .
•  The satellite’s sophisticated architecture incorporates state-of-the-art multi-beam systems and high-frequency transponders engineered to deliver extensive broadband coverage.
•  “These advanced features ensure high-speed internet access and reliable voice communication services, addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time the global digital divide.
• By providing robust connectivity solutions, this mission aligns perfectly with worldwide initiatives to enhance digital infrastructure and promote inclusive development,”.
• The implications of this mission can be far-reaching, with the potential to stimulate economic growth, foster innovation, and democratize access to information. The improved connectivity will also have specific benefits for India, enhancing communication infrastructure within the country, especially in remote areas.
• The implications of this mission extend far beyond immediate technological achievements. For rural and remote communities worldwide, this advancement promises to bridge long-standing connectivity gaps, enabling access to essential services such as telemedicine, distance education, and emergency communications.
•  The ability to connect directly to standard mobile phones makes this technology particularly valuable for disaster management and humanitarian operations in areas with limited infrastructure.
• As the space sector witnesses unprecedented growth and competition, this mission positions India strategically in the global space economy.
• The collaboration with AST SpaceMobile exemplifies how international partnerships can drive innovation and accelerate technological advancement. This approach to space exploration and development, combining technical expertise with practical applications, sets a new standard for future space missions.
• “The success of this mission could catalyse further developments in satellite communication technology, potentially leading to more advanced systems that could support future 5G and 6G networks.
• The competition between major space-faring nations like India and China is driving rapid innovation in the field, benefiting global communications infrastructure and bringing us closer to a fully connected world,” said Kesan.
• However, there could be challenges, which include the technical complexities of deploying and operating such a large antenna in the harsh space environment, ensuring seamless global coverage, and navigating regulatory hurdles across various countries.
• Experts observe that this launch comes at a time of intense global competition in satellite communications technology, particularly from China, which has recently achieved remarkable breakthroughs in the field.
• China’s successful satellite-to-ground laser communication test, achieving an impressive data transmission rate of 100 gigabits per second, showcases the rapid advancement of space-based communication technologies. This development is part of China’s ambitious Jilin-1 satellite constellation project, which aims to deploy 300 satellites by 2027, demonstrating the country’s commitment to establishing a dominant presence in space-based communications.
• Furthermore, China’s development of the Guowang broadband satellite constellation, with plans to launch approximately 13,000 satellites, illustrates the scale of investment and ambition in the global race for space-based communication supremacy. This massive undertaking aims to provide comprehensive global broadband services, directly competing with other international satellite networks.

From LCH Prachand to INS Arighaat, a look at major additions to Indian military''s arsenal in 2024

• The year 2024 saw some major inductions and commissioning of various defence platforms, enhancing the capabilities of India''s armed forces. These included the commissioning of INS Arighaat, the second Arihant-Class submarine.

INS Arighaat

• The second Arihant-Class submarine ‘INS Arighaat’ was commissioned into the Indian Navy on August 29 at Visakhapatnam.
• According to defence ministry, the construction of INS Arighaat involved the use of advanced design and manufacturing technology, detailed research and development, utilisation of special materials, complex engineering and highly skilled workmanship. The submarine is equipped with indigenous systems conceptualised, designed, manufactured and integrated by the Indian scientists, industry and Naval personnel.

INS Tushil

• The latest multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate was commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 09, 2024. It is an upgraded Krivak III class frigate of the Project 1135.6 of which, six are already in service – three Talwar class ships, built at Baltiysky shipyard, St. Petersburg, and three follow-on Teg class ships, built at Yantar shipyard, Kaliningrad.
•  INS Tushil, the seventh in the series, is the first of the two upgraded additional follow-on ships, the contract for which was signed in October 2016 between JSC Rosoboronexport, the Indian Navy and the government of India.
•  Armed with a range of advanced weapons, it is designed for blue water operations across the spectrum of naval warfare in all four dimensions—air, surface, underwater and electromagnetic.
• LCH Prachand
• The induction of all Light Combat Helicopters LSP was completed in February 2024. “IAF personnel were vigorously trained on the system and the LCH successfully participated in Ex Gagan Shakti in April 2024,”

Bacteria capable of consuming toxic pollutants in the soil identified.

• Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have developed a groundbreaking solution to tackle soil pollution. They have identified bacteria capable of consuming toxic pollutants in the soil and producing essential nutrients as byproducts, according to an official release.
• The research team has been studying bacteria that feed on hazardous chemicals and pollutants as a means to address the growing pollution of natural resources. In their recent study,the team leveraged specific bacterial species to remove organic pollutants from soil.
• Not only do these bacteria help in degrading harmful substances, but they also enhance plant growth by boosting growth hormones, inhibiting the growth of harmful fungi, and making critical nutrients more accessible to plants.
• The IIT Bombay release emphasized that these bacterial species could reduce dependency on chemical pesticides and insecticides while improving soil health and fertility.
• Soil contamination from aromatic compounds—organic chemicals with benzene-like structures—is a major challenge for the agricultural sector. These toxic compounds, commonly found in pesticides, herbicides, and industrial by-products, can hinder seed germination, stifle plant growth, reduce yields, and accumulate in plant biomass.
• Widely used aromatic pollutants, such as carbaryl, naphthalene, benzoate, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and phthalates, not only impact agriculture but also stem from industries like cosmetics, textiles, construction, petroleum, and plastics. Traditional approaches to removing these pollutants, such as chemical treatments or soil removal, are often expensive and fail to provide comprehensive solutions.
• To address this issue, IIT Bombay researchers identified bacteria from highly toxic environments.
• They discovered that bacterial species belonging to the genera Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter were particularly effective in breaking down aromatic compounds.
• “These bacteria were isolated from contaminated soil and agricultural fields.
• They consume pollutants, breaking them down into simpler, harmless, non-toxic compounds, effectively acting as natural cleaners of polluted environments,”.

HMPV Cases rise in China .

•  Five years after the Covid-19 pandemic, China is now grappling with a surge in cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus.
• Several media reports and social media posts suggest that the virus is spreading rapidly across the country. Some claim that hospitals and crematoriums are overwhelmed by the influx of patients.
• Videos circulating online show crowded hospitals, with users reporting multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19, as the culprits behind the surge in respiratory illnesses.
• Reports indicate that the spike in HMPV cases has led to a notable increase in sudden deaths, particularly affecting individuals aged 40 to 80.
• “China is facing a surge in multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19, overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums. Children’s hospitals are particularly strained by rising pneumonia and ‘white lung’ cases
• Data from the Chinese CDC in late December revealed a fluctuating but increasing positive rate of HMPV cases among children aged 14 and below, according to China’s state broadcaster CCTV.

What Is HMPV?

• Discovered in 2001, HMPV belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). However, serological studies suggest that the virus has been present in humans for over 60 years and is globally distributed.
• HMPV can cause both upper and lower respiratory diseases in people of all ages, with young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems being most vulnerable.
• According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.
• Li Tongzeng, a chief doctor at Beijing You’an Hospital, explained that HMPV spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact such as handshakes, or touching contaminated objects.
• The virus has an incubation period of three to five days.
• Preventive measures include wearing masks, frequent hand washing, and boosting immunity.
• Experts caution against the use of antiviral drugs to treat HMPV. In an interview with the state-backed National Business Daily, a respiratory expert in Shanghai warned against blindly using antiviral medications, as no vaccine exists for HMPV, and its symptoms often resemble those of a common cold.
• In 2023, HMPV cases were reported in the Netherlands, Britain, Finland, Australia, Canada, the US, and China.

One Nation One Subscription Scheme: empowering India’s research ecosystem

•  In a move to strengthen India’s research capabilities, the Union Cabinet approved the One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme on November 25, 2024. The first phase, launching on Wednesday, will grant access to over 13,000 international journals for 6,300 institutions, benefiting 1.8 crore students, faculty members, and researchers across the country.
• The ONOS scheme aims to transform India’s research landscape by providing comprehensive access to international scholarly journals for government-run higher education institutions (HEIs) and central government R&D centers.
• This initiative follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for advancing India’s innovation capabilities during his Independence Day address on August 15, 2022, where he introduced the slogan “Jai Anusandhan,” aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which focuses on developing a research-driven educational system.
• The ONOS scheme seeks to democratize access to knowledge by providing students, faculty, and researchers at government institutions with world-class research resources.
• By ensuring equitable access to research materials, especially for institutions in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, ONOS seeks to bridge the knowledge gap between urban and remote areas. It also empowers Indian researchers to collaborate with global scholarly communities, elevating India’s presence in international research.
• Managed centrally by INFLIBNET, the subscription process will provide seamless digital access to resources for all users. The government has allocated ₹6,000 crore for the years 2025 to 2027 to support this initiative, with an additional ₹150 crore allocated annually for publication in selected Open Access (OA) journals.
• ONOS also offers significant discounts on Article Processing Charges (APCs), making it more affordable for Indian researchers to publish in high-impact international journals.
• The phased implementation of ONOS will inform future expansions, aiming to enhance both research access and quality.
• The scheme complements India’s Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), further supporting R&D activities and facilitating easy access to international research resources.

Greenland’s leader steps up push for independence from Denmark

• Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede emphasised his desire to pursue independence from Denmark, its former colonial ruler, during his New Year speech, marking a significant change in the rhetoric surrounding the Arctic island’s future.
• Egede’s speech, which comes on the heels of comments by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump expressing his wish for “ownership and control” of Greenland, also expressed a desire to strengthen Greenland’s cooperation with other countries.
• “It is about time that we ourselves take a step and shape our future, also with regard to who we will cooperate closely with, and who our trading partners will be,” he said.
• An independence movement has gained traction in Greenland in recent years in part due to revelations of misconduct by Danish authorities during the 20th century, including an involuntary birth control campaign launched in the 1960s.
• Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953 but is now a self-governing territory of Denmark and in 2009 achieved the right to claim independence through a vote. In 2023, Greenland’s government presented its first draft constitution.
• “The history and current conditions have shown that our cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark has not succeeded in creating full equality,” Egede said.
• “It is now time for our country to take the next step. Like other countries in the world, we must work to remove the obstacles to cooperation – which we can describe as the shackles of colonialism – and move forward,” .
• He added that it was up to the people of Greenland to decide on independence but did not say when a vote could be held.
• While a majority of Greenland’s 57,000 inhabitants support independence, there is division over the timing and potential impact on living standards.
• Greenland’s government has twice rejected offers by Trump to purchase the island, in 2019 and again last year, with Egede asserting that “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale.”
• The speech did not mention Trump or the United States. Greenland’s capital Nuuk is closer to New York than the Danish capital Copenhagen.
• Despite the wealth of mineral, oil, and natural gas resources, Greenland’s economy remains fragile, heavily dependent on fishing and annual grants from Denmark.
• Greenland is due to hold parliamentary elections before April 6.

India submits 4th biennial update report to UNFCCC, highlights remarkable climate progress

•  India has reaffirmed its position as a global leader in climate action by submitting its 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on December 30, 2024.
• The report, an update to the Third National Communication (TNC), provides a detailed account of India’s National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory for 2020 while showcasing the nation’s achievements in balancing economic growth with sustainability.
• The report reveals that India’s GHG emissions in 2020 decreased by 7.93% compared to 2019. The total emissions, excluding the Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) sector, stood at 2,959 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e).
• When accounting for the contributions of LULUCF, which includes forest and tree cover, net emissions were significantly reduced to 2,437 million tonnes of CO2e.
• Remarkably, India’s forest and tree cover sequestered approximately 522 million tonnes of CO2 in 2020, offsetting 22% of the country’s total carbon dioxide emissions for the year.
• The energy sector was identified as the primary source of emissions, contributing 75.66% of the total, followed by agriculture at 13.72%, industrial processes and product use at 8.06%, and waste at 2.56%.
•  These figures underscore the critical need for continued efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources and more sustainable practices across sectors.
• India has made significant strides in reducing its emission intensity, a measure of GHG emissions relative to economic output.
•  Between 2005 and 2020, the country achieved a 36% reduction in emission intensity, signaling a clear decoupling of economic growth from environmental impact. This progress aligns with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
• Another milestone highlighted in the report is the country’s growing reliance on non-fossil fuel sources for electricity generation.
• By October 2024, 46.52% of India’s installed electricity generation capacity came from non-fossil sources, reflecting a significant shift toward renewable energy.
• The total installed capacity of renewable energy, including large hydropower, reached 203.22 GW, with non-hydro renewable capacity increasing more than fourfold between 2014 and 2024.
• India’s achievements in expanding its forest and tree cover were also spotlighted. Currently, this cover accounts for 25.17% of the nation’s geographical area. From 2005 to 2021, an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent was created through these efforts, further demonstrating India’s commitment to combating climate change.
• Despite contributing minimally to historical and current global emissions, India has shown unwavering resolve in addressing climate challenges. The nation’s actions reflect the principles of equity and “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities” (CBDR-RC) enshrined in the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.

India’s Economic Surge: A Decade of Transformation

• India has undergone significant policy changes since 2014, emerging as a credible alternative for global businesses to establish operations. With the world seeking a manufacturing base beyond China, India has become a preferred destination thanks to reforms introduced over the past decade.
• These policy measures are reflected in the country’s positive economic indicators. Since 2015, India has implemented significant changes in its gross domestic product (GDP), manufacturing expansion, market capitalisation, and foreign investments, four broad dimensions of a large economy’s expansion.
• In a globalised world with interconnected economies, attracting foreign investment, nurturing domestic companies, boosting market capitalisation, and expanding manufacturing remain key growth drivers. When these factors work together, they become a powerful engine for increasing a country’s GDP.
• Over the past decade, India’s reforms have fostered a supportive framework for industries, confirmed by improved standings on various global ranking platforms.
• A Competitive Economy: India’s global rankings in key indices have risen. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index, India advanced from 71st in 2015 to 40th currently. The World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ report ranked India 142 in 2014, improving sharply to 63 in 2019. Publication of the report, the World Bank’s Doing Business Report (DBR), was discontinued after that. A competitive economy also demands a strong research focus to spur innovation. The Global Innovation Index, released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), placed India 39th among 133 economies, up from 76th in 2014.
• Strong GDP Growth: Rising competitiveness, grounded in research and innovation, has propelled India’s GDP significantly.
• According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI), GDP at constant prices (base year 2011–12) increased from ₹10,527,674 crore in 2014–15 to ₹17,381,722 crore in 2023–24, a 65% jump.
• In current US dollar terms, as per World Bank data, GDP rose from US$2.04 trillion in 2014 to US$3.57 trillion in 2023, marking a 75% surge. When measured in constant US dollars, the economy expanded from US$1.95 trillion to US$3.22 trillion, a 65% rise. Meanwhile, GDP per capita in current US dollars moved from US$1,554 to US$2,481, a 60% increase, while in constant dollars it climbed from US$1,484 to US$2,236, a 51% boost.
• Projected Third-Largest Economy: Government data show India’s global economic position rose from 10th in 2014 to 5th by 2024 in nominal GDP. It overtook the UK in September 2022 to become the fifth-largest economy. According to the Finance Ministry, India could reach the third spot by 2027 with a GDP of US$5 trillion.
• EY projects India will surpass Japan and Germany by 2028, reaching US$5.2 trillion. Meanwhile, NITI Aayog’s ‘Vision for Viksit Bharat @ 2047: An Approach Paper’ aims for India to be a developed economy by 2047, targeting US$30 trillion in GDP and a per capita income of US$18,000.
• In purchasing power parity (PPP) terms, India is already the third-largest economy globally, and by 2028, the US economy is projected to be only 1.7 times larger than India’s.
• FDI Inflows on the Rise: Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows totalled US$709.84 billion between April 2014 and September 2024, or 68.69% of total FDI inflows in India since April 2000, according to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Cumulative FDI from April 2000 to September 2024 surpassed US$1 trillion.
• Over the same period, FDI equity inflows into manufacturing rose from US$98 billion between 2004–14 to US$165 billion between 2014–24, a 69% upswing. These rising inflows demonstrate multinational companies’ increasing trust in India’s business model.
• Vigorous Capital Markets: India’s capital markets have also seen robust expansion. The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex surged from 27,507.54 points on 1 January 2015 to 78,507.41 on 1 January 2025, a 185% increase. All-India market capitalisation on the same date was ₹4,43,47,670.86 crore.
• In US dollar terms, the Sensex’s market capitalisation grew from US$1.56 trillion in December 2014 to US$5.00 trillion by May 2024. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) market capitalisation reached US$5.13 trillion (₹438.9 lakh crore) in 2024, up from US$4.34 trillion (₹361.05 lakh crore) the previous year.
• Signs of Success: One of the best indicators of India’s growing prowess in the manufacturing sector is its mobile phone production capacity. A decade ago, it depended heavily on mobile handset imports; now, it is the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, according to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• Startup promotion policies have paid off, with India emerging as the third-largest startup hub globally. From just four Unicorns in 2014, the count now exceeds 100, backed by government support for over 1,57,066 start-ups. According to a May 2024 Forbes analysis, India’s start-up ecosystem was valued at US$349.67 billion.
• A sign of industrial maturity lies in reducing gross non-performing assets (GNPA) of commercial banks. Bank credit fuels industries and, in a growing economy, healthy loan returns reflect positive developments for both lenders and businesses.
• GNPAs of Scheduled Commercial Banks stood at 2.60% in September 2024, their lowest level in 12 years, as per the Reserve Bank of India.
• These developments, spanning 2014–15 to 2024–25, illustrate a decade of consistent growth and transformative policy changes across multiple sectors. From a surge in GDP to strong stock market gains and improving international rankings, India has shown remarkable resilience and the ability to adapt amid rapid global shifts.

Quad Nations Reaffirmed for Free, Open , Indo Pacific.

• The Quad nations reaffirmed their dedication to a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific region in a joint statement commemorating 20 years of Quad cooperation.
• The Quad reiterated its unwavering help for the centrality and cohesion of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
• The members recommended the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) as a framework for regional cooperation.
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): The members emphasised their ongoing efforts in 2024 to support catastrophe preparedness and provide rapid, life-saving comfort during crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
• Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)
• It is an informal multilateral grouping of India, the U.S., Australia, and Japan aimed toward cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. 
• Origin: The Quad started as a free partnership after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami whilst the 4 international regions joined collectively to offer humanitarian and catastrophe assistance to the affected region.
• It was formalized by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007, but then fell dormant.
• After a decade it was resurrected in 2017, reflecting changing attitudes in the region closer to China’s growing effect.

Strategic Significance of Quad

• Act East policy: India’s participation in the Quad emphasizing deeper engagement with East Asian countries and strengthening maritime security cooperation. 
• Military cooperation: It affords a platform for military cooperation, intelligence sharing, and joint physical games geared toward retaining maritime protection and making sure the rule of thumb of regulation.
• Counterbalancing China’s Influence: QUAD is important for India’s interest in safeguarding its maritime alternate routes and ensuring freedom of navigation in global waters.
• India has supported a rule based multipolar world and QUAD can help it in achieving its ambition of becoming a regional superpower.

Challenges :

• Divergent Priorities: Each Quad country has specific geopolitical and economic interest, leading to variations in prioritizing specific issues, including trade, military cooperation, or climate change.
• Quad notion of an anti-China alliance complicates relations with other international regions inside the Indo-Pacific which have tremendous economic ties with China.
• Quad lacks a proper form or secretariat, making lengthy-time period planning and implementation of tasks tough.
• Navigating Regional Dynamics: ASEAN nations have expressed issues about the Quad overshadowing their centrality in Indo-Pacific security structure.

Future Prospects

• With India set to host the Quad Summit in 2025, the institution’s renewed commitment and projects reflect its imaginative and prescient of an inclusive, prosperous, and stable Indo-Pacific. 
• Further clear communication about Quad’s goals are essential to cope with issues concerning its anti-China trust and ensure broader acceptance in the Indo-Pacific.
• Strengthening cooperation in rising technology, infrastructure, and climate resilience can help diversify Quad’s agenda.

Looking at 2025, Diplomacy: Challenges of a complex world

• India''s diplomacy will face geopolitical uncertainties in 2025 due to Trump''s return, regional crises, and changing neighbourhood dynamics.  

What are the key diplomatic challenges and opportunities that India will face in 2025?

• 2025 will present both promising opportunities and significant challenges for India. Diplomatically, India will host important events like the Quad Leaders’ Summit and a possible India-EU summit. 
• The Prime Minister might also travel to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. The year will be influenced by the return of Donald Trump as the U.S. president, which could create ripple effects globally.
• Trump''s approach to foreign policy includes withdrawing from ongoing wars and imposing tariffs on trade rivals, has prompted concern among many nations.
• His leadership will likely promote tensions in U.S.-China relations and affect the global economic balance.
• Countries, including India, will be closely monitoring his decisions, as these could have long-term impacts on international relations and global stability.
• Bangladesh has experienced protests leading to regime change, Sri Lanka has a new leftist president dealing with Tamil aspirations, and the Maldives has seen some positive signalling despite an anti-India stance.  
• These changes present both challenges and opportunities for India. The political developments in these countries will need careful diplomatic attention to ensure regional stability and strengthen India’s influence in South Asia.
• As the Ukraine war enters its third year, India''s role as a neutral party and potential mediator is important. The diplomatic challenge is to find a balance between its relationships with Russia and the West.
• India can provide a neutral forum for peace talks or encourage dialogue between opposing parties. However, before engaging in this peaceful negotiation process, India must carefully consider the potential risks and benefits.
• India and China have made some progress in de-escalating tensions, particularly with the disengagement of troops along the Ladakh border. However, trust remains a significant barrier.
• India will closely watch whether China keeps its end of the bargain on de-escalation and troop withdrawal. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to China for the SCO summit and possible meetings with President Xi Jinping could be crucial in promoting dialogue.
• The year will be a test of China’s commitment to normalizing relations with India, particularly in economic and security matters.

How are India’s relations with Pakistan evolving?

• India continues to maintain its policy of indifference toward Pakistan, refusing to engage in cricket or diplomatic talks as long as cross-border terrorism persists. The recent attacks in Jammu have reinforced India’s stance that talks and terror cannot go together.
• Pakistan’s involvement in regional security matters remains a sensitive issue, and for now, India''s focus will remain on strengthening defense and diplomatic ties with other regional partners.
• How important will Africa be for India’s foreign policy in 2025?
• Africa will likely become a focal point in India’s foreign policy in 2025. Both India and African countries are aiming for greater engagement, and there is talk of hosting a summit in Ethiopia.
• As India looks to enhance its influence in Africa, it will need to focus on trade, investment, and strategic partnerships with key African nations.
• How has the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar affected India’s relations with Canada and the U.S.?
• The assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar has weakened India’s relations with Canada, especially after accusations from Canada that India was involved. This has complicated India’s broader relationship with the U.S. as well, as these issues touch upon transnational politics and international norms.
• India faces a reputational challenge that needs to be managed diplomatically to maintain global status, especially among Western allies.

Way forward

• India''s approach towards regional and international issues will be shaped by its ability to manage complex relationships across the globe, from neighbours to major powers like the US, Russia, and China. 
• India will have to balance its own strategic interests with global stability, focusing on engaging with Africa, strengthening its position in Asia, and managing the uncertainties surrounding the US and Europe. 
• India’s foreign policy will have to be proactive, responsive, pragmatic and deeply aware of the shifting geopolitical landscape.

C.R. Patil Releases 2024 Groundwater Resource Assessment Report; Highlights Improved Sustainable Usage

• The Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report for 2024 was released by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri CR Patil, on 31 December 2024.
• This report, compiled by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) in collaboration with various States and Union Territories, provides crucial data for stakeholders to implement effective groundwater management strategies. The report marks trends in groundwater recharge and extraction across India.
• The total annual groundwater recharge for India has been assessed at 446.90 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM). After accounting for natural discharge, the extractable groundwater resource stands at 406.19 BCM.
• The total groundwater extraction for various uses is recorded at 245.64 BCM. This results in an average groundwater extraction rate of 60.47%, indicating a balanced approach to resource utilisation.
• Out of 6746 assessment units, 4951 (73.4%) are classified as ‘Safe’. Meanwhile, 711 (10.5%) units are ‘Semi-critical’, 206 (3.05%) are ‘Critical’, and 751 (11.1%) are ‘Over-exploited’.
• Additionally, 127 (1.8%) units are marked as ‘Saline’, where groundwater is predominantly brackish or saline.
• The assessment indicates a positive trend in groundwater recharge, attributed mainly to improved recharge from water bodies, tanks, and conservation structures. Notably, there is an improvement in groundwater conditions in 128 assessment units compared to 2023. The percentage of over-exploited and critical units has also decreased, denoting effective management strategies.
• In comparison to the 2017 assessment, the total annual groundwater recharge has increased by 15 BCM, while extraction has decreased by 3 BCM. However, there is a slight reduction in recharge and a marginal increase in extraction compared to the previous year. Recharge from tanks, ponds, and water conservation structures has shown a consistent upward trend, increasing by 0.39 BCM from 2023.
• The percentage of assessment units classified as ‘Safe’ has risen from 62.6% in 2017 to 73.4% in 2024. This demonstrates improvement in groundwater management practices. Conversely, the proportion of over-exploited units has reduced from 17.24% in 2017 to 11.13% in 2024, reflecting positive outcomes in resource conservation.
• The release of this report involved key figures from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, including Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, and Dr. Sunil Kumar Ambast, Chairman of CGWB. Their participation puts stress on the importance of collaborative efforts in managing India’s groundwater resources.

Challenges and Focus Areas

• Despite the overall progress, some regions continue to face challenges related to saline groundwater and critical extraction levels. The Ministry emphasized the need for:
• Scaling up water conservation efforts.
• Expanding initiatives to reduce dependency on over-exploited aquifers.
• Strengthening local water governance frameworks.
• Vision for Future Groundwater Management.

Faunal survey at Shendurney wildlife sanctuary enriches regional species checklist

• A Four-day faunal survey conducted at the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary has added significant findings to the sanctuary’s biodiversity records.
• The survey, organised by the Travancore Nature History Society (TNHS) in collaboration with the Forest department, saw the participation of various academic institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) across south India.
• The survey focussed on birds, butterflies, odonates (dragonflies and damselflies), and other wildlife across nine base camps located within the sanctuary’s 172 sq km.
• It is located in the southern part of the Western Ghats in the Kollam district of Kerala.
• It covers an area of ​​approximately 172 km2. and forms part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve.
• Most of the Sanctuary area is hilly and riddled with ravines.
• Drainage: The main rivers are Shendurney, Kazhuthuruthy and Kulathupuzha which merge to form the Kallada River.
• The vegetation consists mainly of tropical evergreen forests, semi-permanent forests and moist deciduous forests.
• The name ''Shendurney'' is derived from the name of a species of tree, Gluta travancorica, locally known as ''Chenkurunji'', which is endemic to the area and abundant in the sanctuary
• Notable mammals include elephants, tigers, leopards, gaurs (Indian bison), sambar deer, barking deer, wild boars, and macaques.
• The sanctuary also supports a significant population of Nilgiri langurs and lion macaques, both of which are endemic to the Western Ghats.
• More than 200 species of birds are recorded in the sanctuary. Some of the notable species include the Indian hornbill, Malabar hornbill, Grey-headed bulbul, White-bellied warbler, and various species of woodpeckers, flycatchers, and raptors.