India’s Voting Behaviour at the United Nations: Strategic Shift Reflected in Rising Abstentions

Introduction

India’s voting patterns at the United Nations have experienced a marked transformation, culminating in a record-high rate of abstentions in 2025. A review of more than 5,500 resolutions from 1946 to June 2025 shows India’s ‘yes’ vote share has dropped to 56%—the lowest level since 1955—while abstentions have climbed to 44%. This trend highlights a significant shift in India’s foreign policy, rooted in the complexities of multilateral diplomacy and its evolving role as a middle power in a polarised world order.

Historical Evolution of India’s UN Voting Patterns

India’s voting behaviour at the UN has shifted across distinct periods:

• 1946–Late 1960s: Marked by volatility, with ‘yes’ votes ranging between 20% and 100%, and abstentions varying from 0% to 40%.
• 1970–1994: Greater consistency emerged. ‘Yes’ votes stabilized between 74% and 96%, with abstentions reduced to 8%–19%.
• Mid-1990s–2019: Further stabilization saw ‘yes’ votes between 75% and 83%, and abstentions narrowing to 10%–17%.
• Post-2019: A clear departure from earlier trends began, with abstentions steadily rising and ‘yes’ votes declining. This culminated in 2025’s unprecedented 44% abstention rate.

These shifts mirror both global geopolitical changes and India’s ambition for enhanced strategic autonomy.

Factors Behind the Strategic Realignment

1. Intensifying Global Polarisation

India’s increasing abstentions can be partially attributed to growing divisions among major global powers. As per a former Indian diplomat to the UN, this polarisation has reduced room for consensus and heightened pressure to take sides—something India prefers to avoid in favour of non-alignment.

2. Complex Nature of Resolutions

Modern UN resolutions often resemble “Christmas trees,” as described by a former Permanent Representative of India to the UN. These documents tend to bundle conflicting provisions, making it challenging for India to support or oppose them outright. Abstention, therefore, becomes a pragmatic middle path.

3. Assertion of Diplomatic Sovereignty

Far from being passive or indecisive, abstaining is increasingly viewed as a conscious assertion of India''s sovereign judgment. It enables India to maintain a nuanced position, steering clear of rigid bloc affiliations—whether with the West, the China-Russia alliance, or others. For a middle power like India, abstentions offer flexibility in navigating contentious issues without compromising broader strategic interests.

Global Repercussions and Interpretations

• Signal of Independence: India’s frequent abstentions highlight its intent to uphold strategic autonomy and its legacy of non-alignment while adjusting to contemporary global dynamics.
• Strain on Alliances: However, this approach could create ambiguity or frustration among traditional allies, particularly when India abstains on high-stakes votes related to human rights or international security.
• Diplomatic Tightrope: The challenge for India lies in preserving its autonomy while still projecting itself as a credible and responsible international player.

Case Studies of Abstention

Though the analysis does not identify individual resolutions, India’s recent abstentions commonly relate to:

• The Russia-Ukraine conflict
• Human rights issues in countries like Myanmar and China
• Israel-Palestine disputes

In such instances, abstaining allows India to protect its bilateral relationships while subtly signaling its positions and concerns.

Looking Ahead: India’s UN Strategy

India is expected to continue favouring strategic abstentions, particularly as it pursues greater influence in global institutions (e.g., seeking permanent membership in the UN Security Council) and manages ties with competing powers. In an increasingly volatile world, India’s approach reflects a recalibrated diplomacy where abstention is not withdrawal but a deliberate stance as a balancing power.

Indian Army’s AI Integration Plan: Transforming Warfare by 2026–27

Overview

The Indian Army has charted a detailed strategy to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Big Data Analytics across its operations by 2026–27. The primary objectives are to enhance real-time situational awareness, accelerate decision-making, and modernise warfare capabilities across combat, logistics, and training domains.

The plan prioritises cutting-edge technologies such as drone swarming, real-time surveillance, combat simulations, information warfare tools, and data-driven command systems, aiming to boost both operational efficiency and strategic agility.

Strategic Benefits of Military AI

1. Accelerated Decision-Making: AI tools process sensor data at machine speed, offering commanders a "decision advantage" by recommending actions in real-time.
2. Force Multiplication: Autonomous systems can execute repetitive or hazardous tasks, enhancing efficiency in areas like logistics, surveillance, and threat response with reduced personnel.
3. Soldier Safety: AI-enabled drones and robotics can handle high-risk operations such as reconnaissance, mine clearance, and casualty evacuation, reducing human exposure to danger.
4. Cost-Effectiveness: AI platforms, especially drones and software, are cheaper and more scalable than traditional systems—delivering military value at lower operational cost.
5. Precision and Minimised Collateral Damage: With accurate AI-assisted targeting, precision strikes are possible—helping reduce unintended civilian harm, provided systems are thoroughly validated.
6. Strategic Advantage: AI enhances wargaming capabilities and scenario planning, deterring adversaries through advanced simulation and predictive modelling.

Risks and Concerns of AI in Warfare

1. Autonomy vs. Human Oversight: Fully autonomous systems could act without human approval, potentially triggering unintended escalation—particularly dangerous in nuclear or high-stakes scenarios.
2. Cybersecurity Threats: AI systems are susceptible to spoofing, hacking, or manipulation, risking misidentification, system shutdowns, or even adversaries taking control of weapons.
3. Civilian Casualties from AI Errors: In complex battle environments, AI may misinterpret situations due to its "black box" nature, leading to accidental targeting of civilians.
4. Bias and Ethical Misuse: AI models trained on biased data can misidentify threats or be weaponised for authoritarian purposes, including surveillance and extrajudicial actions.
5. AI Arms Race: A competitive global race for AI dominance may result in rushed deployments, instability, and poor regulation—heightening the risk of accidents and conflict escalation.

Post-Operation Sindoor Push for AI

The drive for AI integration accelerated following Operation Sindoor—a targeted military operation in May 2025 against terror bases in Pakistan and PoK. The lessons from this operation highlighted the need for faster intelligence processing and more autonomous combat support, prompting the Indian Army to expedite AI adoption.

Immediate Priority: Enhancing Battlefield Awareness

Key technologies being prioritised include:

• Large Language Model (LLM)–based text summarisation
• AI-powered chatbots and voice-to-text systems
• Facial recognition and anomaly detection algorithms
• Data fusion systems to integrate feeds from drones, satellites, aircraft, and ground sensors for real-time intelligence

Comprehensive AI Applications

The roadmap targets AI deployment at multiple operational levels:

• Combat and Surveillance: AI for counter-intelligence, drone monitoring, and mapping adversary activity.
• Decision Support Systems: Enhanced planning, automated threat analysis, and wargaming.
• Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT): Monitoring adversary movements and public sentiment through social media and open data.
• Logistics and Maintenance: Predictive maintenance, supply chain optimisation, and GPS-independent navigation systems.

Modernisation, Equipment Integration, and Collaboration

• General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQRs) will now include AI features, ensuring all new military equipment is AI-ready.
• Legacy platforms will be selectively retrofitted with AI capabilities.
• An AI lab under the Directorate General of Information Systems (DGIS) is being established for model development and cross-service coordination with the Navy and Air Force.
• The Army will also partner with industry and academia to accelerate innovation and field-readiness.

AI Task Force Formation

A specialised AI Task Force is being created under DGIS, consisting of experts from various Army branches. This task force will:

• Manage AI technology rollouts
• Lead training and capability development
• Oversee system integration and data sharing
• Facilitate R&D and maintenance
• Ensure AI is embedded into procurement processes

India’s Food Inflation Trends: Relief and Risks in 2025

Inflation Reaches New Lows

In June 2025, India recorded a Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate of just 2.1%, significantly lower than the US (2.7%) and UK (3.6%). The contrast in food inflation is even starker: India saw a 1.1% decline, while the US and UK experienced increases of 3% and 4.5%, respectively. This marks the lowest level of both retail and food inflation since January 2019—a major relief for the Reserve Bank of India following a prolonged battle with high inflation during 2023–2024.

Drivers of Low Food Inflation

1.     Bumper Harvests from Surplus Monsoon

A surplus monsoon in 2024 led to abundant kharif and rabi crop production, helping ease food prices in early 2025. Improved rainfall distribution and water availability contributed significantly to supply-side stability.

Understanding Food Inflation in India

• Definition: Food inflation refers to the annual rate of price increase in essential food items.
• Measurement: Tracked by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) via the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• Impact: Particularly burdensome for lower- and middle-income households, where food constitutes a major share of expenses.

2.     Wheat Stocks Surge, Ensuring Cereal Security

Strong monsoon conditions in 2024 resulted in a healthy wheat harvest. Government godowns held 358.78 lakh tonnes (lt) of wheat as of July 1, 2025—up from 282.61 lt the previous year and the highest in four years. Procurement also rose to 300.35 lt (April–June 2025), compared to 266.05 lt in 2024 and 187.92 lt in 2022. Combined with high rice reserves, India is now well-equipped to support the Public Distribution System (PDS) and manage market prices, unlike the more fragile scenario in recent years.

3.     Rainfall Patterns, Crop Shifts, and Inflation Outlook

The 2025 monsoon arrived early (May 24 in Kerala) and delivered 7.1% above-normal rainfall by July 20. Most areas experienced surplus rain, boosting sowing in major kharif crops. Exceptions included arhar (pigeon pea), soyabean, and cotton, where lower market prices and pest issues—not poor rainfall—led to reduced planting.

Farmers are increasingly shifting to maize, driven by higher profitability linked to its role in ethanol, feed, and starch industries. Despite reduced acreage in some pulses and oilseeds, food inflation remains under control due to record imports:

• 72.56 lt of pulses
• 164.13 lt of vegetable oils

The government extended zero-duty imports on pulses until March 2026 and cut import duties on key edible oils, bolstering supply and curbing inflation risks.

Fertiliser Shortage: A Looming Concern

Despite a promising monsoon and strong crop outlook, fertiliser availability poses a risk. As of July 1:

• Urea stocks dropped from 103 lt to 61.22 lt
• DAP stocks declined from 19.18 lt to 12.98 lt

The shortfall stems from lower imports, mainly due to China’s export restrictions. Urea imports from China plunged from 21.48 lt to 1.04 lt, and DAP from 22.87 lt to 8.43 lt, driving DAP prices up from $525 to $810 per tonne.

Whether this shortage will significantly impact yields remains uncertain, but it introduces an element of vulnerability in an otherwise robust agricultural season.

Public Sector Unit (PSU) Dividends: Rising Government Revenues

Context

In FY 2024–25, the Government of India’s dividend income from non-banking Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) nearly doubled compared to FY 2020–21, reaching ₹74,017 crore.

What Are PSU Dividends?

• Definition:
  Dividends are profit distributions made by CPSEs to their majority shareholder, the Central Government.

Dividend Trends and Insights

• Growth Surge: Dividend receipts increased significantly from ₹39,558 crore in FY 2020–21 to ₹74,017 crore in FY 2024–25.
• Sector Concentration: Five major firms accounted for 42% of total dividends:
• Coal India
• ONGC
• Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)
• Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
• GAIL
• Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) Performance: Despite a decline in global oil prices, dividends from IOC and BPCL increased by 255% since 2022–23.
• Policy Mandate (November 2024): The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) issued a directive requiring:
• A minimum dividend payout of 30% of Profit After Tax (PAT) or
• 4% of net worth, whichever is higher, as the annual dividend.

India Leads in Fast Payments: IMF Report Highlights UPI Dominance

• Global Recognition

India has been named the world leader in real-time digital payments, according to the Fast Payments Report 2025, jointly developed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and FIS Global. The report evaluates digital infrastructure across countries using a new Faster Payment Adoption Score (FPAS).

India’s Performance at a Glance

• Top Global Rank: India ranks No. 1 among 30 nations with an FPAS of 87.5%, surpassing Brazil, Singapore, the UK, and the US.
• UPI Volume: Over 18.39 billion transactions were processed in June 2025 alone—about 640 million daily.
• User Base: 491 million users, 65 million merchants, and 675 banks actively use UPI.
• Transaction Efficiency: Near-instant transfers (within 5 seconds) at almost zero cost.
• International Expansion: UPI is now operational in seven countries, including France, UAE, and Singapore.
• BRICS Advocacy: India is pushing for UPI to become the standard cross-border payment platform within the expanded BRICS+ group.

Key Strengths of the UPI Ecosystem

• Interoperability: Seamless integration across banks and platforms like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm.
• Inclusion-Focused: Aadhaar-linked, USSD-enabled, and multilingual support allows rural and semi-digital users to transact easily.
• Innovation Stack: Built on India Stack—combining Aadhaar, DigiLocker, eKYC, and Account Aggregator frameworks.
• Security Measures: Real-time fraud prevention, tokenisation, and robust compliance protocols.
• Public-Private Collaboration: Strong synergy among NPCI, fintech startups, and RBI ensures scalable, secure infrastructure.

Challenges and Limitations

1. Limited Offline Access: UPI primarily needs internet connectivity, making it difficult to use in low-bandwidth rural areas.
2. Cross-Border Interoperability Gaps: Expansion abroad is hampered by regulatory mismatches and infrastructure limitations in partner countries.
3. Data Privacy Concerns: Weak consumer protection laws raise red flags over potential data overreach and misuse.
4. Inconsistent Grievance Redressal: Dispute resolution across different UPI apps and banks remains fragmented and opaque, hurting user confidence.
5. Mobile-Centric Design: Senior citizens, non-digital users, and those without smartphones face barriers to access, risking digital exclusion.

Recommendations for Improvement

• Expand Offline Capabilities: Roll out USSD and NFC-based UPI Lite+ in rural, low-internet zones.
• Align Global Standards: Collaborate with central banks to harmonise regulatory frameworks for seamless cross-border transactions.
• Legal Framework Upgrade: Enact a Digital Payments Consumer Protection Act to safeguard against fraud, data misuse, and failed transactions.
• Inclusive Tech Design: Promote voice-assisted UPI, regional language interfaces, and accessibility tools for the elderly and digitally illiterate.
• Centralised Complaint Portal: Build an AI-enabled grievance redressal platform integrated with NPCI and RBI to streamline dispute resolution.

Reassessing Indian Aviation Safety: A Wake-Up Call Post-Ahmedabad Crash

Context

The Air India crash in Ahmedabad in June 2025 has once again brought India’s aviation safety under scrutiny. A preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has so far been inconclusive, pointing toward deeper, systemic challenges within India’s aviation regulatory framework.

Understanding the Aviation Sector

India’s aviation sector encompasses:

• Airline operators
• Airport infrastructure
• Air traffic management
• Regulatory bodies, notably the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA)

It is a vital component of national infrastructure, facilitating connectivity, economic mobility, and strategic logistics.

India’s Aviation Landscape and Safety Overview

• India is the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, serving over 350 million passengers annually.
• In 2024, daily air traffic surpassed 500,000 passengers.
• Passenger traffic trends:
• Domestic traffic rose by 5.9%
• International traffic grew by 11.4%
• Crash investigations—such as the Kozhikode crash (2020) and Ahmedabad (2025)—have exposed critical safety oversights.
• India has one of the highest proportions of women pilots globally (13–18%).
• Only 80 airports currently operate on renewable energy, while physical infrastructure continues to expand faster than safety regulations can adapt.

Significance of the Aviation Sector

1. National Connectivity: Through initiatives like UDAN, aviation links remote and underdeveloped districts.
2. Economic Engine: Drives tourism, trade, cargo movement, and the service economy.
3. Employment Generator: India’s pilot demand is projected to exceed 34,000 by 2040; Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) are expanding to meet this need.
4. Strategic Importance: Aviation supports defence logistics, disaster relief, and emergency operations.
5. Global Image Builder: A robust aviation sector is central to India’s rise as a global logistics and transit hub.

Major Safety Challenges in Indian Aviation

1. Weak Regulatory Framework
• The DGCA lacks technical autonomy and depends on global regulators like the FAA and EASA for major safety decisions.
• This dependence limits India’s capacity to proactively develop indigenous safety standards.
2. Obstruction Around Airspaces
• Over 1,000 vertical structures near Mumbai airport breach International Height Surface (IHS) norms.
• Legal petitions reveal that MoCA and DGCA have previously sidestepped statutory limits, allowing construction in restricted zones.
3. Pilot and Crew Fatigue
• Airlines routinely exploit Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) exemptions approved by DGCA.
• Whistle-blowers raising fatigue or safety concerns are often penalised or dismissed, discouraging transparency.
4. Aircraft Maintenance Shortcomings
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) are overburdened and lack regulated duty hours.
• Technicians with lesser training are employed to cut costs, increasing the risk of missed mechanical faults.
5. Shortage of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs)
• India faces a severe deficit of trained ATCOs.
• Key reforms recommended after the Mangalore crash—including duty-time regulation and better licensing—are still pending.
6. Unsafe Urban Infrastructure
• High-rise buildings around airports continue to receive approvals, compromising mandatory safety buffer zones.

Proposed Reforms and the Way Forward

1. Create an Independent Aviation Safety Authority
• A regulator outside the control of MoCA should be set up to ensure impartial oversight and rigorous investigations.
2. Reinstate Obstacle Regulations
• Aircraft Act provisions and directives like S.O. 988 should be restored to legally enforce building height restrictions around airports.
3. Protect Whistle-blowers
• Introduce institutional mechanisms to guard against retaliation, and promote anonymous reporting of safety violations.
4. Workforce Reforms in ATCOs and AMEs
• Fix working hours according to international fatigue management norms.
• Expand hiring and streamline licensing to reduce manpower gaps.
5. Adopt Global Best Practices with Local Adaptation
• Fully implement ICAO and FAA safety protocols—customised for Indian operating conditions.
• Improve audit systems, compliance mechanisms, and public transparency in accident reporting.

Conclusion

Aviation safety must be treated as a critical national priority, not a bureaucratic obligation. With India’s aviation sector poised for continued growth, reforms must match this expansion to protect lives, maintain trust, and build a world-class safety culture. The lessons from recent accidents demand accountability, urgency, and system-wide overhaul—further delay is not an option.

Cyber Skill Centre: Empowering India’s Youth in Cybersecurity

Context

The Union Minister inaugurated a Cyber Skill Centre in Kandivali, Mumbai, under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). The initiative is aimed at equipping youth—especially in urban areas—with essential cybersecurity skills.

Overview of the Cyber Skill Centre

• Purpose:
  A state-of-the-art training hub focused on cybersecurity education, designed to impart practical skills and prepare youth for employment in India’s growing digital economy and cyber defense landscape.
• Nodal Ministry: Launched by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in partnership with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) and the Kyndryl Foundation.
• Objective:
  To close the cybersecurity skill gap, nurture job-ready professionals, and bolster India’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

Key Features

• Training Capacity: The centre aims to train 1,000 individuals annually, with special emphasis on women''s participation.
• PMKVY Integration Operates under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, ensuring alignment with national skilling strategies.
• Practical Learning Modules: Offers:
• Live cyberattack simulations
• Advanced cyber range environments
• Industry-aligned curriculum for real-world readiness
• Urban-Centric Deployment: Focuses on urban regions like North Mumbai, targeting high-density areas for greater reach and scalability.
• Career and Innovation Opportunities: Provides a platform for employment pathways and fosters entrepreneurial innovation in the cybersecurity space.

Pale-Capped Pigeon: Rare Sighting in Assam

• Recent Sighting

A significant discovery for ornithologists and conservationists occurred with the photographing of the Pale-capped Pigeon in Dehing Patkai National Park, Assam—highlighting its elusive nature.

• About the Pale-Capped Pigeon

• Scientific Name: Columba punicea
• Common Names: Pale-capped Pigeon, Purple Wood Pigeon
• Physical Traits:
• Large body, dark purplish-maroon tone
• Males feature a whitish-grey crown; females have a brownish-grey cap
• Exhibits a green or amethyst-like feather sheen
• Feeding: Primarily frugivorous, foraging in small flocks in tree canopies, but also descends for seeds and fallen fruit.

• Habitat & Distribution
• Habitat: Prefers evergreen forests, bamboo groves, and nearby farmlands
• Elevation Range: Up to 1,600 meters
• Geographical Range: Locally distributed across northern and northeastern India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam
• Conservation Status

• Listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List, due to habitat loss and declining population.

Dehing Patkai National Park: ‘Amazon of the East’

• Location: In Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, Assam
• Geography: At the base of the Patkai Hills, along the River Dehing, adjacent to Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary
• Area: Covers 231.65 sq. km
• Climate: Tropical with annual rainfall exceeding 4,000 mm

• Ecological & Cultural Highlights
• Flora: Tropical deciduous rainforest with lush vegetation including Hollong, Nahor, Mekai, Simul, orchids, ferns, bamboo, and cane
• Fauna: Rich in biodiversity—includes elephants, tigers, leopards, slow loris, macaques, pangolins, and more
• Cultural Diversity: Home to over a dozen ethnic communities including Tai Phake, Khamti, Singpho, Moran, Ahom, and Nepali settlers

Lyriothemis Abrahami: New Dragonfly Discovery in Kerala

• Overview

• Discovery: New species Lyriothemis abrahami, earlier mistaken for Lyriothemis flava
• Habitat: Breeds in tree-hole water pools within lowland to mid-elevation forests (50–1,100 m)

• Key Features
• Dimorphism:
• Males: Distinctively shaped hamules
• Females: Jet black body with yellow triangular spots
• Ecological Significance

• Forest Health Indicator: Dragonflies reflect ecosystem integrity
• Predatory Role: Control populations of mosquitoes and pests
• Kerala’s Record: Raises the state’s odonate species count to 191, including 78 endemics

Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary: Legal and Ecological Controversy

• Recent Issue

The Karnataka government has allegedly violated the Wildlife (Protection) Act and Supreme Court directives by approving a proposal to reduce the sanctuary by 300 sq. km, without ensuring compensatory conservation, as required by the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).

About the Sanctuary

• Location: Shimoga District, Karnataka
• Established: Declared in 1974
• Total Area: 395.6 sq. km

Notable Features

• Dams and Water Bodies: Includes Tunga Anicut Dam and Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary
• Human Settlements: Inhabited by families displaced during Sharavathi Dam construction in the 1960s
• Vegetation: Dry and moist deciduous, with semi-evergreen patches
• Flora: Includes teak, silver oak, thorny bamboo, Calcutta bamboo, amla
• Fauna: Hosts species like tigers, leopards, elephants, wild dogs, sloth bears, sambar deer, and various birds (hornbills, parakeets, babblers, etc.)

Guryul Ravine Fossil Site: Under Threat

Current Concern

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has raised alarms over quarrying and land-use changes that threaten this globally significant Permian–Triassic fossil site in Kashmir.

Site Overview

• Location: Khonmoh, near Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
• Geological Era: Dates to 260 million years ago, capturing the Permian–Triassic boundary (PTB), the time of Earth’s largest mass extinction

Key Features

• Great Dying Evidence: Fossils show the 90% marine and 70% terrestrial species extinction
• Oldest Tsunami Record: Contains strata with earliest tsunami evidence
• Global Research Importance: Attracts scientists from countries like USA, Japan, China
• Protection Status: Notified in 2017 under Government Order, covering 9.8 lakh sqm

Significance

• Scientific: Critical to studying ancient climate shifts
• Heritage: Strong candidate for UNESCO Global Geopark and National Geological Monument
• Tourism: Potential to rival China’s Meishan fossil site in academic and tourism value

Kamchatka Peninsula: Earthquake-Prone Geothermal Zone

Recent Activity

Five earthquakes recently struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, a region renowned for its volcanic and tectonic activity.

About Kamchatka

• Location: Far eastern Russia, between the Sea of Okhotsk and the Pacific Ocean
• Geography: Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire with 150+ volcanoes (29 active)
• Size: Approx. 370,000 sq. km—comparable to New Zealand
• Population: ~300,000, with extremely low population density
• Climate: Harsh winters, cool and wet summers
• Highest Point: Klyuchevskaya Sopka
• Capital: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
• Adjacent Feature: The Kuril Islands, close to Japan’s Hokkaido

Biostimulants: Regulation Tightens Amid Misuse Reports

Recent Action

The Union Agriculture Minister directed states to stop forced sales of biostimulants amid rising concerns over unproven efficacy and retail malpractice.

What Are Biostimulants?

• Substances or microorganisms that enhance plant growth, yield, and stress tolerance
• Non-nutrient: Do not supply direct nutrition like fertilisers
• Derived from natural sources—e.g., seaweed, microbes, plant residues

Regulatory Framework

• Governed by Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985 (amended in 2021)
• Must undergo:
• 5 acute toxicity and 4 eco-toxicity tests
• Field trials across 3 agro-ecological zones, with 3 dosage levels

Oversight Mechanism

• Central Biostimulant Committee (2021–2026): Advises on approval and standards
• Recent Enforcement:
• Only 650 products approved out of 30,000+ previously unregulated
• March 2024 deadline for provisional licenses has expired
• May 2025: Crop-specific specifications notified (for paddy, chilli, cotton, soybean, etc.)

Market Potential

• Valued at USD 410 million (2025), projected to hit USD 1.13 billion by 2032
• Driven by demand for low-input, climate-resilient agriculture

China’s Brahmaputra Dam: Environmental and Strategic Concerns

• What’s Happening?

China has begun building what could become the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra), near India’s Arunachal Pradesh border.

• Potential Issues

• Seismic Threats: Located in an earthquake-prone zone
• E.g., the 1950 Assam-Tibet Earthquake
• Ecological Impact: May disrupt biodiversity and downstream agriculture
• Geopolitical Risks: China could weaponize water in conflict
• Cultural Displacement: Threatens indigenous communities like the Adi Tribe

• India’s Response
• Expert Level Mechanism (2006): Bilateral data-sharing on Brahmaputra/Sutlej
• Hydropower Projects: India also planning strategic dams

Slovenia Legalizes Assisted Dying

• Recent Development

Slovenia has passed legislation permitting assisted dying for terminally ill adults experiencing unbearable suffering, aligning with a growing global movement toward legalized euthanasia.

About Slovenia

• Geographical Location

• Situated in Central and Southeastern Europe
• Borders:
• North: Austria
• Northeast: Hungary
• West: Italy
• Southeast: Croatia
• Southwest: Short coastline along the Adriatic Sea

• Terrain and Landscapes
• Over 40% of Slovenia is mountainous
• Includes parts of four major European geographical zones:
• European Alps
• Karstic Dinaric Alps
• Pannonian and Danubian lowlands and hills
• Mediterranean coastal region
• Climate

• Mediterranean on the coast
• Continental climate inland, with hot summers and cold winters

• Natural Resources

• Lignite, lead, zinc, building stone
• Hydropower potential and rich forests

• Economy

• A developed market economy focused on services and trade
• Key industries:
• Automotive components
• Pharmaceuticals
• Electrical appliances

Other Key Facts

• Major Rivers: Drava and Sava
• Highest Point: Mount Triglav
• Capital City: Ljubljana

INVICTUS Programme: Advancing Hypersonic Technology

Recent Launch

The European Space Agency (ESA), in collaboration with Frazer-Nash Consultancy (UK), has initiated the INVICTUS research programme.

Programme Overview

• Aimed at developing hypersonic flight technologies for future reusable aerospace vehicles
• Designed for horizontal launch and Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound) operations

Technical Features

• Vehicle is fully reusable and allows for upgrades between flight tests
• Supports testing of various materials, propulsion systems, and software
• Demonstrates sustained hypersonic flight within Earth’s atmosphere

Funding

• Supported through ESA’s:
• General Support Technology Programme (GSTP)
• Technology Development Element (TDE)Significance
• Will validate the use of hydrogen-fuelled precooled air-breathing propulsion systems
• Enables industry, academia, and space agencies to test advanced hypersonic systems in real-world environments

Chikungunya: China Launches Emergency Health Campaign

Context

The Chinese Ministry of Health has launched an emergency response to protect communities from the spread of Chikungunya fever.

About Chikungunya

Nature of the Disease

• A viral infection caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV)
• Characterized by fever and severe joint pain
• The name derives from the Makonde language, meaning "bent over in pain"

History and Global Spread

• First recorded in Tanzania in 1952
• Now present in over 110 countries across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe

Transmission

• Spread by bites from infected female Aedes mosquitoes, primarily:
• Aedes aegypti
• Aedes albopictus
• Also vectors for dengue and Zika viruses
• Not contagious—cannot be transmitted directly between humans

Symptoms

• Often misdiagnosed due to similarities with dengue and Zika
• Common symptoms:
• Sudden high fever
• Severe joint pain
• Headache, muscle pain, nausea, fatigue, skin rash
• Joint pain can last for days to several months or years
• Rarely leads to complications or death, though risk is higher for:
• Infants under 1 year
• Elderly patients

Treatment

• No vaccine or antiviral medication currently available
• Treatment focuses on symptomatic relief, such as rest, fluids, and pain management

Cy-TB Skin Test Introduced in Kerala

Context

Kerala has launched the Cy-TB skin test as a simplified and efficient diagnostic tool for detecting Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).

About Cy-TB Skin Test

• Type: Next-generation intradermal skin test for identifying latent TB.
• Developed by: Backed by India’s NTEP, in collaboration with ICMR and state TB units.

• Purpose
• Designed for the early identification of dormant TB to prevent its progression into active disease.
• Target Population

• Adults aged 18 and above, especially:
• Individuals in high-risk environments
• Close contacts of TB patients

How the Test Works

• A 0.1 ml solution with TB-specific antigens (ESAT-6 and CFP-10) is injected into the inner forearm.
• If an induration (swelling) of ≥5 mm appears within 48–72 hours, it signals a TB infection.
• Distinct from Mantoux or IGRA, Cy-TB:
• Is more specific
• Has fewer false positives
• Requires no blood samples
• Can detect boosted responses in long-latent cases, making it effective for repeat screening.
• Cannot differentiate between latent and active TB, but confirms prior TB exposure.

Key Advantages

• High specificity: Reduces cross-reactions from BCG vaccination or environmental mycobacteria.
• Long shelf life: Multi-dose vials (10 doses) remain usable for 28 days when refrigerated.
• Low infrastructure demand: Needs no laboratory equipment; ideal for community-level deployment.
• Quick results: Outcomes visible in 2–3 days, facilitating mass screening.
• Mild side effects: Mostly limited to itching or swelling; rare adverse events are under active safety monitoring.

In Vitro Biotransformation (ivBT) System Developed in China

Overview

Chinese scientists have developed an in vitro biotransformation (ivBT) system that can synthesize sucrose from methanol, derived from industrial waste or carbon dioxide (CO₂).

About ivBT

• Definition: A chemical alteration of substances using enzymes or biological agents outside the body (in vitro).
• Goal: Artificially convert CO₂ into usable food and chemicals, contributing to:
• Environmental sustainability
• Solutions to population-related challenges

AdFalciVax – India’s First Indigenous Two-Stage Malaria Vaccine

Context

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is developing AdFalciVax, a vaccine targeting Plasmodium falciparum, with a dual-stage antigen design for comprehensive malaria protection.

About AdFalciVax

• A recombinant, chimeric vaccine candidate combining antigens from two stages of the malaria parasite’s lifecycle.
• Aims to offer prevention and transmission-blocking immunity.

Developed By

• Collaborative effort between:
• ICMR
• RMRC-Bhubaneswar
• NIMR
• DBT-National Institute of Immunology (NII)
• Production Platform: Uses Lactococcus lactis, a safe food-grade bacterium.

Objectives

• Prevent individual infection
• Break the malaria transmission chain within communities
• Provide immunity against:
• Liver-stage infection
• Mosquito-stage transmission

Key Features

• Dual-stage protection: Blocks both pre-erythrocytic and sexual stages of the parasite.
• Thermal stability: Functional at room temperature for over 9 months, ideal for tropical storage.
• Enhanced immune coverage: Multiple antigens reduce chances of immune evasion and increase long-term efficacy.
• Scalable and safe production: Cost-effective and non-toxic due to the use of Lactococcus lactis.
• Licensing Model: ICMR to offer non-exclusive licenses, encouraging domestic and global manufacturing partnerships.

Significance

• Positions India as a pioneer in tropical disease vaccine innovation
• Supports the Malaria Elimination Roadmap (2030) and the Make in India initiative
• Potential to reduce malaria-related mortality, particularly in endemic tribal regions

Marungur Excavation, Tamil Nadu

Context

The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) has completed an extensive excavation at Marungur in Cuddalore district, revealing a habitation-cum-burial site spanning from the Iron Age to the Early Historic Period.

About the Marungur Excavation

• Nature of the Project: A multidisciplinary archaeological effort led by TNSDA to explore ancient human settlement and burial practices.
• Location: Situated in Panruti taluk, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu — between the Thenpennai and Vada Vellar rivers, part of the historical Naduvil Mandalam region.

Key Discoveries

• Habitation and Burial Site: Unique dual presence of both components in one site — a rare occurrence in Tamil Nadu.
• Artifacts Uncovered:
• A total of 95 artifacts, including:
• Tamil-Brahmi potsherds
• Terracotta ware
• Microlithic tools
• Beads
• Bone implements
• Conch shells
• Iron tools
• Antimony rods
• Coins from the Chola period
• Burial System:
• Megalithic urn burials encircled by concentric laterite stone rings
• Burial items included grave goods, iron swords, and jasper beads
• Scientific Techniques Used:
• UAV-based mapping
• LiDAR
• AMS Carbon Dating
• Phytolith analysis for botanical insights
• Excavation Depth: Stratified trenching revealed human activity layers up to 6 meters, showing continuous occupation.

Significance

• Historical Continuity: Helps trace the transition from Iron Age to Early Historic era in Naduvil Nadu.
• Epigraphic Importance: Discovery of Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions on burial pots—among the earliest known written scripts in Tamil Nadu.
• Cultural Insights:
• Sheds light on urbanization, burial rituals, and trade links with ancient ports like Arikamedu and Poompuhar.

King Rajendra Chola I – 1000th Anniversary of Gangetic Campaign

Context

The Prime Minister is set to participate in a commemoration event in Tamil Nadu, marking the 1000th year of King Rajendra Chola I’s conquest of the Gangetic plains.

About Rajendra Chola I (r. 1014–1044 CE)

• Dynasty: Chola
• Parentage: Son and successor of Rajaraja Chola I
• Titles:
• Gangaikonda Cholan – “Bringer of the Ganges”
• Kadaram Kondan – “Conqueror of Kedah”

Military Campaigns and Naval Power

• Expanded the Chola Empire to:
• Ganges river plains in the north
• Southeast Asia (Kedah, Srivijaya, Java, Sumatra, Malaya)
• Islands: Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Maldives
• Southeast Burma (Pegu Islands)
• Defeated Mahipala, the Pala ruler of Bengal and Bihar.
• His forces exacted tribute from regions including:
• Thailand
• Khmer kingdom of Cambodia
• Pioneered overseas military expeditions—the first Indian ruler to do so.
• Led the largest naval fleet in Indian history up to that time.

Cultural and Administrative Legacy

• Capital Shift: Moved from Thanjavur to Gangaikondacholapuram, a new city he founded.
• Architectural Achievement: Built the Gangaikondacholeshwaram Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, symbolizing his Ganges victory.
• Promoted local self-governance, contributing to Chola-era administrative excellence.
• Fostered trade links with Song China and Arab traders, turning the empire into a wealth hub.

Religion

• A devout Shaivite (Shaivism), but also:
• Supported Buddhism
• Built stupas in South India and Southeast Asia

• Successor: His son, Rajadhiraja I

Mangal Pandey – Freedom Fighter

Context

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Mangal Pandey on his birth anniversary for his pivotal role in India’s first war of independence.

About Mangal Pandey (1827–1857)

• Birthplace: Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh
• Joined Service: Enlisted in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry, British East India Company, in 1849 at the age of 22.

• Role in 1857 Revolt
• Became one of the first revolutionaries of the First War of Independence (Sepoy Mutiny).
• Protested against greased cartridges suspected to be coated with cow and pig fat.
• Rebelled on March 29, 1857, at Barrackpore, near Calcutta, sparking a wave of mutiny.
• Executed: April 8, 1857, by court-martial.
• Legacy

• A symbol of:
• Patriotism
• Bravery
• Leadership
• Resistance to colonial oppression

Who Are the Bedouins?

Context

Over 300 individuals have been killed due to violent clashes in southern Syria, particularly in and around Sweida, between the Druze minority and Sunni Bedouin tribes.

About the Bedouins

• Definition & Origin:
• Bedouins are traditionally nomadic Arab tribes, historically known for traversing and inhabiting the deserts of the Middle East and North Africa.
• The term "Bedouin" originates from the Arabic word "badawi", meaning "desert dweller."
• Livelihood:
• Traditionally relied on livestock herding (camels, sheep, and goats) and seasonal migration across arid regions.
• Their classification often depends on the type of animals they rear.
• Presence in Syria:
• Predominantly located in the Al-Badia desert region covering southern and eastern Syria, including provinces such as Sweida, Homs, and Deir ez-Zor.
• Social Structure:
• Bedouin society is tribal and patriarchal, organized into extended families that are:
• Patrilineal (inheritance through male line)
• Endogamous (marrying within the tribe)
• Polygynous (men having multiple wives)
• Leadership rests with a sheikh, the head of the family or tribe, who is supported by a council of male elders.

Codex Alimentarius

Context

India''s leadership in developing millet standards and its contributions to Codex committees were acknowledged at the 88th Codex Executive Committee (CCEXEC88) in Rome.

About Codex Alimentarius

• What It Is:
• A global collection of food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice, promoting food safety, consumer protection, and fair international trade.
• Established: 1963 by FAO and WHO
• Headquarters: Rome, Italy

Objectives

• Safeguard consumer health
• Ensure fair practices in global food trade
• Help countries harmonize regulations and reduce non-tariff trade barriers

Key Features

• Science-Based Standards: Created with input from expert bodies like JECFA (food additives) and JMPR (pesticide residues).
• WTO Alignment: Serves as a reference under the SPS Agreement during WTO trade disputes.
• Voluntary but Influential: Not legally binding, yet widely adopted and shapes national policies.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Includes areas like:
• Food hygiene
• Food additives
• Labelling
• Contaminants and residues
• Transparent Process: Involves open, representative committee discussions.

India’s Contributions

• Millet Standard: Led the initiative to create a Codex standard for whole millets, co-chaired by Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal.
• Committee Leadership: Chairs the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) since 2014.
• Fresh Produce Standards: Spearheaded standards for dates and co-chaired efforts for turmeric and broccoli.
• Capacity Building: Trained Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka under the Codex Trust Fund mentorship.
• Strategic Planning: Contributed to SMART KPIs for the Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031.

M23 Rebels

Context

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have agreed to a permanent ceasefire in the conflict-ridden eastern DRC.

About M23 Rebels

• Full Form: March 23 Movement (M23)
• Ethnic Composition: Primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis.
• Origins:
• Named after the March 23, 2009 peace agreement between the Congolese government and CNDP, a Tutsi-led rebel group.
• Formed in 2012 when ex-CNDP members accused the government of failing to implement the 2009 accord.
• Primary Demands:
• Protection of minorities
• Equitable distribution of the DRC’s natural resources, especially in the mineral-rich eastern regions.

Kashi Declaration

Context

The Youth Spiritual Summit concluded in Varanasi with the adoption of the Kashi Declaration, outlining a national plan to address drug abuse through youth-led initiatives.

About the Kashi Declaration

• Nature: A national action framework focused on combating substance abuse through youth engagement and spiritual leadership.
• Launched By: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, during Youth Spiritual Summit 2025.

Objectives

• Drug-Free India Goal: Develop a Nasha Mukt Yuva base to support a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
• Spiritual Engagement: Utilize spiritual ethos and leadership to drive change.
• Community Involvement: Foster a whole-of-society approach involving families, institutions, and communities.
• Institutional Mechanism: Establish a Joint National Committee with regular updates and coordination.
• Empowering Youth: Strengthen MY Bharat youth clubs to lead awareness, rehabilitation, and outreach.

Key Features

• Plenary-Driven Agenda: Formulated through sessions focused on:
• Psychological factors
• Drug trafficking
• Public awareness
• Spiritual-based recovery
• Multi-Ministerial Involvement: Includes Ministries of Youth, Social Justice, Culture, Labour, and Home Affairs.
• Annual Review Mechanism: Progress tracked via the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026.
• Digital Safety Measures: Initiatives to counter online drug targeting of school children.
• Grassroots Action: Campaigns, pledges, and support programs run through MY Bharat platforms.

Hatti Tribe and Polyandry

Context

A traditional polyandrous marriage, locally known as ‘Jajda’, was recently conducted within the Hatti tribe in Himachal Pradesh.

About the Practice

• Legal Recognition: Recognized under revenue laws as ‘Jodidara’.
• What is Polyandry?
• A form of polygamy where one woman marries multiple men simultaneously.
• Purpose of Polyandry:
• Prevent fragmentation of ancestral land
• Foster brotherhood
• Promote joint family systems

• About the Hatti Tribe
• Location: Inhabits the Trans-Giri region (around the Giri and Tons rivers) of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
• Name Origin: The term "Hatti" comes from their traditional economic activity — selling homegrown products, meat, and other items in local village markets (Haats).
• Status: Recognized as a Scheduled Tribe (ST).

UPSC Pratibha Setu

Context

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has renamed its Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS) to UPSC Pratibha Setu and expanded its scope to include private sector employers for recruiting meritorious candidates who were not recommended in the final selection.

About UPSC Pratibha Setu

What is it?

• A public recruitment linkage platform that provides access to data of candidates who cleared the written stage of UPSC exams but were not recommended after interviews.
• The acronym PRATIBHA stands for Professional Resource And Talent Integration – Bridge for Hiring Aspirants.

Launched by:

• Originally launched by UPSC in 2018 as the Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS).
• Renamed and revamped as Pratibha Setu in 2024.

Objective:

• To bridge the gap between skilled UPSC aspirants and employment opportunities in:
• Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
• Autonomous Bodies
• Private Sector organizations

How It Works:

• Willing candidates who cleared the written exams but missed final selection give consent to share their data.
• Registered employers from government, PSUs, and now private organisations receive secure login credentials.
• Employers can filter candidates based on subject and discipline using advanced search tools.
• Earlier restricted to public bodies; now extended to the private sector to increase employment outreach.

Examinations Covered:

• Civil Services Examination
• Indian Forest Service Examination
• Engineering Services Examination
• Indian Economic Service / Indian Statistical Service
• Combined Medical Services Examination
• Combined Defence Services (CDS)
• Central Armed Police Forces (ACs)
• Combined Geo-Scientist Examination

Key Features:

• Merit Recognition: Highlights talented aspirants who passed competitive written exams.
• Voluntary Disclosure: Only candidates who opt in are listed.
• Digital Interface: Operated through UPSC’s official portal with a dedicated employer login.
• Employment Matching: Provides efficient candidate search tools to match skills with job openings.
• Talent Pool Utilization: Prevents wastage of skilled human resources by facilitating equitable job access.

National Sample Survey (NSS) – 75 Years

Context

The National Sample Survey (NSS), India’s premier data collection system, marks 75 years since its establishment by P.C. Mahalanobis in 1950 to collect social and economic data using random sampling methods.

• About NSS

Administered By:

• Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)

Leadership:

• Headed by a Director General, responsible for conducting large-scale All-India sample surveys.

Key Areas of Coverage:

• Household-level socio-economic surveys on:
• Population, fertility, family planning
• Births, deaths, and migration trends
• Agricultural and livestock surveys
• Enterprise surveys, especially in the unorganized sector
• Price surveys for rural retail prices and inflation metrics
• Village-level infrastructure surveys

Divisional Structure of NSS

1. Survey Design and Research Division (SDRD) – Kolkata
• Responsible for technical survey planning, definitions, sample design, and methodologies.
2. Field Operations Division (FOD) – Delhi/Faridabad
• Handles data collection across India.
3. Data Processing Division (DPD) – Kolkata
• Oversees sample selection, software development, and data validation and tabulation.
4. Survey Coordination Division (SCD) – New Delhi
• Coordinates inter-divisional activities and ensures survey synchronization.

Major Surveys Conducted by NSS

• Urban Frame Survey (2022–2027):
• Aims to establish and update a reliable urban sampling frame, vital for urban socio-economic studies.
• Annual Survey of Industries (ASI):
• Analyzes changes in the growth, composition, and structure of India’s organized manufacturing sector.
• Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS):
• Initiated in 2017, it is the primary source for national labour force statistics (employment, unemployment, etc.).
• Price Surveys:
• Includes data collection for:
• Consumer Price Index – Urban & Rural (CPI-U/R)
• Consumer Price Index for Agricultural and Rural Labourers (CPI-AL/RL)
• Wholesale Price Index (WPI)