Empowering Urban India for Climate Resilience

Overview

India’s fast-paced urbanisation is creating significant climate adaptation challenges. A joint report by the World Bank and the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), titled “Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India”, underscores the urgent need to build climate-resilient urban infrastructure. The report calls for greater autonomy for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and estimates a $2.4 trillion investment requirement by 2050 to meet resilience goals.

Key Findings from the Report

1. Need for Urban Autonomy in Climate Governance

• Decentralised governance improves climate resilience outcomes.
• World Bank India Director Auguste Tano Kouame highlighted that cities with greater decision-making power are better equipped to handle climate risks.
• The report advocates the effective implementation of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992), tailored to local conditions.
• Decentralisation enhances:
• Resource mobilisation
• Revenue generation
• Asset monetisation
• Transparency and accountability

2. Climate Risks and Economic Impact

Urban India faces two primary climate threats:

• Pluvial Flooding: Caused by inadequate drainage and excess concretisation.
• Extreme Heat Stress: Exacerbated by the urban heat island effect.

Economic and human impacts include:

• Annual flood-related losses projected at:
• $5 billion by 2030
• $30 billion by 2070
• Heat-related fatalities may double to over 300,000 deaths annually by 2050

3. Financial and Demographic Projections

• Investment requirement: $2.4 trillion by 2050 for resilient urban infrastructure.
• Flood resilience alone will need $150 billion over the next 15 years in 60% of high-risk cities.
• Urban population is expected to nearly double to 951 million by 2050.
• By 2030, 70% of new employment in India will originate from cities.

Best Practices in Indian Cities

• Ahmedabad: Implemented a Heat Action Plan including early warning systems, green cover expansion, health system preparedness, and shift adjustments for outdoor workers.
• Kolkata: Launched a city-level flood forecasting and early warning system.
• Indore: Invested in modern solid waste management, improving sanitation and creating green jobs.
• Chennai: Adopted a Climate Action Plan based on risk assessment, aiming for both adaptation and low-carbon development.

Recommendations from the Report

For National and State Governments

• Develop a comprehensive financing roadmap
• Set uniform standards and frameworks to enhance municipal capacity
• Engage the private sector in resilient infrastructure development

For Cities and Urban Local Bodies

• Conduct localised climate risk assessments
• Mobilise capital, including private investments, for mitigation and adaptation
• Adopt effective urban climate strategies:
• Cool roofs, urban greening, early warning systems
• Rescheduling work hours to reduce heat exposure
• Stormwater management and reduced impervious surface area

Conclusion

The World Bank–MoHUA report stresses that a climate-resilient urban India requires:

• Empowered and autonomous city governance
• Targeted and substantial investments
• Institutional reforms to ensure sustainability, inclusivity, and economic productivity in urban growth.

Unlocking India’s Nuclear Power Potential by 2047

Budgetary Push and Strategic Vision

The Union Budget 2025–26 marks a decisive turn in India’s energy strategy by targeting a nuclear power capacity of 100 GW by 2047, a dramatic rise from the current 8.18 GW. This aligns with India’s twin national objectives of:

• Achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047
• Meeting net-zero emissions by 2070

To jumpstart this vision, the government has launched a Nuclear Energy Mission, allocating ₹20,000 crore to develop at least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033. However, reaching this target requires private sector involvement, necessitating amendments to:

• Atomic Energy Act, 1962
• Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010

A shift in mindset is also critical — from a state-dominated approach to a public-private collaborative model.

India’s Nuclear Journey: From Promise to Policy Barriers

India''s nuclear programme began with high ambition:

• Apsara reactor established in 1956
• First power reactor at Tarapore commissioned in 1963
• Visionary scientist Dr. Homi Bhabha targeted 8 GW of capacity by 1980

However, geopolitical challenges derailed progress:

• 1962 war with China
• India’s refusal to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (1968)
• The 1974 Peaceful Nuclear Explosion led to international sanctions and technology denial

India responded by indigenising reactor technology, developing 220 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). After the 1998 nuclear tests, diplomatic efforts led to:

• Recognition as a responsible nuclear state
• NSG waiver, re-opening global nuclear trade

Still, restrictive domestic laws like CLNDA deterred foreign investment, leaving Russia as the only active foreign partner — currently building six VVER-1000 reactors at Kudankulam under a pre-CLNDA agreement.

Nuclear Energy and India’s Development Goals

India’s ambition to become a developed nation by 2047 requires:

• Per capita income rising from $2,800 to $22,000
• GDP growth from $4 trillion to over $35 trillion
• A fivefold increase in electricity capacity (currently 480 GW)

But renewables are intermittent and underperforming:

• In 2024, renewables made up 50% of installed capacity but produced only 240 TWh
• Coal still accounted for 75% of actual electricity generation

Given India’s climate goals — 500 GW of non-fossil energy by 2030, 50% of demand from renewables, and net-zero by 2070 — nuclear energy is essential. With renewables projected to meet only 20–25% of demand (even with storage), nuclear is critical to bridging the gap.

Policy Roadmap: Enabling India’s Nuclear Future

To meet its 100 GW by 2047 goal, India is pursuing reforms on three fronts:

1. Expansion Strategy

• Standardising Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Based on India’s 220 MW PHWR design, the government aims to deploy these SMRs to replace over 100 GW of ageing captive thermal plants over two decades.
• Scaling 700 MW PHWR Projects: NPCIL will accelerate these projects by simplifying land acquisition, speeding up approvals, and boosting domestic supply chains.
• Reviving Global Partnerships: Long-stalled nuclear collaborations with France and the U.S. are being revitalised to bring in advanced technologies.

2. Legal and Institutional Reforms

• Amend the Atomic Energy Act (1962): The law must be updated to allow private participation, clarify ownership, fuel supply, and operator responsibilities.
• Revise the CLNDA (2010): Modify the supplier liability clause to reduce risk and encourage foreign technology providers to invest.
• Clarify Nuclear Tariffs: Legal disputes like NPCIL vs Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam highlight the need for transparent, Electricity Act-compliant tariff-setting mechanisms.
• Establish an Independent Regulator: The AERB, currently under the Department of Atomic Energy, lacks autonomy. The 2011 draft Bill to make it a statutory body must be revived, especially with private players entering the sector.

3. Financial and Market Incentives

• Classify Nuclear as Renewable: Although low-carbon, nuclear isn’t recognised as renewable. Reclassification would unlock green finance and tax benefits.
• Enable Viability Gap Funding & PPAs: Long-term Power Purchase Agreements and targeted subsidies are vital to incentivise nuclear infrastructure.
• Allow FDI up to 49%: Partial foreign ownership can attract global capital while maintaining Indian control.

Public Sector JVs and the Way Forward

Past efforts to reform nuclear power through public-private JVs have been slow:

• The NPCIL-NTPC JV (2011) was dormant for years but has now been revived to build four 700 MW reactors at Mahi Banswara, Rajasthan
• A new JV with Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) is being considered

Yet, these remain government-led initiatives.

Conclusion

Reaching 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047 is possible — but only with bold reforms, private sector integration, and foreign collaboration. India must act decisively. Half-measures will no longer suffice.

Global Wetland Outlook 2025 – Alarming Trends and Indian Context

Context

The Global Wetland Outlook 2025, released by the Ramsar Convention, raises serious concerns about the global decline of wetlands. Since 1970, over 35% of wetlands have been lost, endangering biodiversity, climate resilience, and livelihoods.

What Are Wetlands?

Definition: Ecosystems characterized by land saturated or covered with water, either permanently or seasonally.

Types: Marshes, swamps, peatlands, bogs, mangroves, estuaries.
Key Characteristics:

• High water saturation
• Unique hydric soils
• Wetland vegetation (reeds, grasses, mangroves)
• Serve as ecological transition zones

Key Findings from Global Wetland Outlook 2025

• Loss Rate: Wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests.
• Biodiversity Collapse: Wetland species populations declined by over 80% between 1970–2022.
• Carbon Storage: Peatlands, though covering just 3% of land, store 30% of global soil carbon.
• Agriculture Threat: Around 50% of wetland degradation is linked to agriculture and water extraction.
• India’s Wetlands: 19 Ramsar sites are under stress, including Keoladeo National Park and Chilika Lake.

Opportunities

1. Biodiversity Refuges: Lakes like Loktak and Sundarbans support endangered species and migratory birds.
2. Flood Regulation: Wetlands act as buffers during monsoons (e.g., Kolleru Lake, Andhra Pradesh).
3. Climate Mitigation: Peatlands help meet India’s net-zero goals via carbon sequestration.
4. Livelihoods: Wetlands sustain over 1 billion people through agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.

Challenges

1. Fragmented Policy Oversight: Multiple ministries govern wetlands, causing poor coordination.
2. Urban Encroachments: Lakes like Bellandur in Bengaluru are degraded by encroachment and pollution.
3. Data Gaps: The last comprehensive national wetland mapping was done over a decade ago.
4. Climate Stress: Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall are increasing salinisation and desiccation.
5. Overextraction: Ganga plains wetlands suffer from groundwater depletion.

Recommendations

1. Unified Wetland Authority: Establish a central governance body under MoEFCC.
2. Update Wetland Rules (2017): Expand legal protection to small urban and seasonal wetlands.
3. Community Incentives: Introduce carbon credits to reward local conservation.
4. Advanced Monitoring: Use AI and satellite tools for real-time mapping.
5. Integration into Climate Policy: Embed wetlands into State Climate Action Plans (e.g., Kerala’s Blue Carbon pilot).
6. Grassroots Engagement: Encourage eco-clubs and initiatives like Wetland Mitras in schools.

Conclusion

Wetlands are critical ecosystems that support biodiversity, climate action, and human livelihoods. Their protection is essential for achieving SDG-13 (Climate Action), SDG-15 (Life on Land), and India’s Net-Zero by 2070 target.

Tracking India’s Progress on Climate Goals

Context

India has met a key climate milestone by ensuring more than 50% of its installed electricity capacity comes from non-fossil fuel sources, achieving a major 2030 Paris Agreement target five years early.

India''s Updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2030

1. Electricity Capacity: At least 50% from non-fossil sources.
2. Emissions Intensity: 45% reduction from 2005 levels.
3. Carbon Sink: Create an additional 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent via forests and trees.

Current Achievements

1. Installed Electricity Capacity

• Total capacity: 484.82 GW
• Non-fossil sources: 242.78 GW
• In 2024, India added 30 GW of renewables, including 24 GW solar, surpassing the 2030 target by 2025.

2. Carbon Sink Progress

• India added 2.29 billion tonnes of additional carbon sink by 2021.
• ISFR data shows ~150 million tonnes added annually, suggesting the 2.5 billion target could be met by 2023.

3. Emission Intensity Reduction

• As of 2020, emissions intensity had already fallen 36%.
• On track to achieve 45% reduction by 2030.

• Ground Reality

• Despite success in electricity, industry, transport, and cooking still depend heavily on coal, oil, and gas.

• Importance of Progress

• Enhances India’s credibility at global climate platforms (e.g., COP, UNFCCC).
• Demonstrates a development-compatible climate model, even without adequate international climate finance.

Key Challenges

1. Global Competition: China is expanding renewables at 10× India’s pace.
2. Power Intermittency: Solar and wind are weather-dependent, unlike stable coal or nuclear power.
3. Slow Sectoral Transition: Hard-to-abate sectors (industry, transport) lag behind in decarbonization.
4. SMR Delays: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) unlikely to be commercially deployed before 2030.

Way Forward

1. Beyond Power Sector: Push clean tech in transport, industry, cooking (e.g., EVs, hydrogen, biomass).
2. Stable Power Expansion: Accelerate nuclear and hydroelectric investments.
3. Secure Climate Finance: Demand concessional funding and tech transfer from developed nations.
4. Carbon Market: Build a regulated domestic carbon credit system to incentivise voluntary cuts.

• Conclusion

India’s early fulfilment of its Paris Agreement commitments signals a leadership role in global climate policy. Yet, real transformation requires decarbonizing the entire economy, ensuring just transitions, and compelling richer nations to uphold their promises on finance and technology. Sustaining this progress will demand bold policy, innovation, and cooperative governance.

Surge in Intellectual Property Filings in India (2019–2024)

Overview

India has witnessed a 44% increase in Intellectual Property (IP) filings over the past five years, according to data recently shared by the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry in the Lok Sabha.

• The most notable rise was seen in Geographical Indications (GI), which grew by 380%, followed by increases in Designs, Patents, Copyrights, and Trademarks.
• This surge reflects the impact of strategic policy reforms aimed at promoting innovation and expanding IP activity in India.

• Key Government Initiatives

1. Procedural Reforms

• Set timelines for patent grants.
• Reduced the number of forms required for trademark registration from 74 to 8.

2. Fee Concessions

• Patents: 80% fee reduction for Startups, MSMEs, and Educational Institutions.
• Designs: 75% fee concession for Startups and MSMEs.

3. Digitalization

• IP Dashboard: Offers real-time, comprehensive insights into IP filings.
• AI-based Tools: Implemented AI-powered trademark search to enhance accuracy and speed in application processing.

4. Awareness and Support Programmes

• National IP Awareness Mission (NIPAM)
• IPR Internship Programme
• Startups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme
• National IP Awards

5. Alignment with International Standards

• Adopted International Classification of Industrial Designs under the Locarno Agreement, a 1968 WIPO treaty for harmonizing industrial design standards.

National Sports Governance Bill 2025 – Transforming Sports Administration in India

Introduction

The Union Government is preparing to introduce the National Sports Governance Bill 2025 during the monsoon session of Parliament. The proposed legislation aims to modernise and reform India’s sports governance structure by making it athlete-centric, transparent, and accountable.

Key Objectives

• Streamline regulatory oversight of sports federations
• Ensure timely dispute resolution
• Enhance athlete welfare
• Promote global competitiveness in Indian sports
• Transition the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports from a regulatory role to a facilitator role

Main Provisions

1. National Sports Board

• A new National Sports Board will be established to:
• Recognise or suspend National Sports Federations (NSFs)
• Monitor compliance with governance norms and athlete welfare standards
• Ensure fair and timely elections
• The Board, chaired and appointed by the central government, will act as an ethical and administrative watchdog over NSFs.

2. National Sports Tribunal (NST)

• To resolve legal conflicts in sports administration, the Bill proposes a National Sports Tribunal:
• Headed by a Supreme Court judge
• Handles disputes on elections, selections, and internal NSF governance
• Appeals from NST decisions will lie only with the Supreme Court

Excluded from NST jurisdiction:

• Disputes during Olympics, Asian, or Commonwealth Games
• Cases governed by international sports federations
• Anti-doping cases, which remain under NADA

3. Bringing BCCI Under Governance Framework

• The Bill proposes inclusion of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) under the same governance umbrella as other NSFs.
• Currently registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975, BCCI operates autonomously.
• Post-legislation:
• BCCI must seek recognition from the National Sports Board
• Will fall under RTI Act for public transparency
• Disputes involving BCCI will go to the NST

Note: Although BCCI has adopted Lodha Committee reforms, including age and tenure limits, it has resisted full NSF classification due to its financial independence.

Empowering Athletes and Good Governance

• The Bill ensures athlete representation in sports governance.
• Focuses on:
• Athlete rights
• Transparent selection processes
• Anti-doping enforcement
• Aligns with international norms (e.g., IOC guidelines):
• Raises upper age limit from 70 to 75
• Permits tenure flexibility if consistent with global standards

Rationale Behind the Bill

• Over 300 legal disputes involving NSFs are currently pending, hindering progress.
• Governance and electoral disputes have affected both administrators and athletes.
• With India aiming to host the 2036 Olympics and T20 cricket debuting in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, ensuring institutional credibility is a strategic priority.

By addressing structural and legal bottlenecks, the National Sports Governance Bill 2025 seeks to establish a transparent, athlete-first sports ecosystem and strengthen India’s global sporting stature.

Biostimulants in India: Benefits, Market Trends & Evolving Regulation

Recent Developments

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has instructed state governments to stop the forced bundling of nano-fertilisers and biostimulants with subsidised fertilisers such as urea and DAP.

This action comes after farmers raised concerns that:

• Retailers were refusing to sell subsidised fertilisers unless farmers also bought biostimulants.
• The biostimulants being sold were ineffective.

The Minister has called for a comprehensive review, warning that ineffective biostimulants will be banned from sale.

What Are Biostimulants?

Biostimulants are natural substances or microorganisms used to enhance plant growth and productivity. They work by:

• Stimulating natural biological processes in plants
• Improving nutrient absorption
• Enhancing stress tolerance
• Boosting overall yield

Common sources include plant waste and seaweed extracts.

Under the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985, biostimulants are defined as products applied to plants, seeds, or soil to support growth. They are distinct from:

• Pesticides
• Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs)
  (both regulated under separate laws)

Key Benefits of Biostimulants

1. Enhanced Stress Tolerance

• Help plants cope with drought, heat, and other environmental stresses
• Improve germination, root growth, and nutrient uptake

2. Improved Grain and Fruit Quality

• Support better grain fill in crops like maize
• Improve fruit colour, postharvest quality, and resilience during critical growth stages

3. Growth Promotion

• Contain beneficial microbes
• Increase leaf area, seedling height, and overall yield

Differences Between Biostimulants and Fertilisers

India’s Biostimulant Market: Growth and Challenges

• Market size (2024): USD 355.53 million
• Projected size (2032): USD 1,135.96 million
• Growth rate: CAGR of 15.64%

However, the market has faced issues due to unregulated products:

• Nearly 30,000 biostimulant products were being sold without proper oversight.
• In the last four years, about 8,000 unverified products remained in circulation.

Thanks to recent regulatory enforcement, this number has dropped to around 650 as of July 15, 2025.

In May 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture introduced new product specifications for crop-specific applications, signalling a shift towards more standardised and stringent regulations.

Why Regulation Was Needed

Biostimulants were long sold without regulatory approval because they were not covered under:

• The Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985
• The Insecticides Act, 1968

In 2011, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that products making claims similar to fertilisers or pesticides must be examined by state authorities before being marketed.

As usage increased, the Centre took notice, and by 2017, the Agriculture Ministry and NITI Aayog began drafting a regulatory framework. This effort culminated in the February 2021 amendment of the FCO, officially bringing biostimulants under regulation for manufacture, sale, and import.

FCO Guidelines on Biostimulants

The Fertiliser Control Order (FCO) now empowers the Central government to regulate biostimulants through defined specifications.

Classification

Biostimulants are grouped into eight categories, including:

• Botanical extracts
• Seaweed extracts
• Biochemicals
• Vitamins
• Antioxidants

Approval Requirements

Manufacturers or importers must submit:

• Product chemistry
• Source and shelf-life details
• Bio-efficacy trial data
• Toxicity reports

Testing Protocols

• Five acute toxicity tests on rats and rabbits
• Four eco-toxicity tests assessing impact on birds, fish, bees, and earthworms
• Must not contain pesticide residues above 0.01 ppm
• Efficacy trials must be conducted using:
• Three different doses
• Across three agro-ecological zones
• For at least one growing season
• Through recognised agricultural institutions

Institutional Oversight: Central Biostimulant Committee

Established in April 2021 and chaired by the Agriculture Commissioner, this committee advises the government on:

• Inclusion of new biostimulant products
• Setting standards
• Creating testing protocols
• Determining laboratory infrastructure
• Guiding other regulatory and compliance aspects

Conclusion

While India’s biostimulant market is expanding rapidly, a history of unregulated products and misuse has made stringent oversight essential. The government''s current efforts aim to:

• Ensure only scientifically tested and effective products reach farmers
• Prevent exploitative sales practices
• Promote environmentally friendly, sustainable agriculture

The regulatory reforms now in place are a step towards greater accountability, farmer protection, and sustainable crop productivity.

Critical Minerals as a Strategic Asset for India

Context

India’s push for clean energy, advanced electronics, and strategic technologies has brought critical minerals—such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements (REEs)—into sharp policy focus. The launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) and China’s export restrictions have further underscored India’s vulnerability and the urgent need for resource self-reliance.

What Are Critical Minerals?

• Definition: These are minerals crucial for economic growth, energy transition, and national security. They are often in limited domestic supply and exposed to high geopolitical risks.
• Key Minerals: Lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, silicon, and rare earth elements (REEs).
• Applications: Critical to the functioning of electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels, wind turbines, semiconductors, telecom infrastructure, and defence technologies.

Strategic Importance for India

1. Energy Security: India is entirely import-dependent for lithium, cobalt, and REEs, which directly affects EV and battery manufacturing.
2. Technological Sovereignty: Autonomy in strategic sectors like telecom, defence, and AI hinges on mineral access.
3. Geopolitical Stability: Diversifying away from China-dominated supply chains strengthens India’s role in the Indo-Pacific and Quad frameworks.
4. Industrial Development: India''s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for EVs, electronics, and solar energy require assured mineral inputs.
5. National Defence: REEs are essential for missile guidance, surveillance, and navigation systems.

Key Indian Policy Measures

1. National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM)

• Launched in 2024 under the Ministry of Mines.
• Aims to secure critical mineral value chains through exploration, processing, and strategic stockpiling.

2. MMDR Act Amendment

• Modified the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act to allow auctions for 30 critical minerals.
• Five auction rounds have been completed; over 400 exploration projects are in the pipeline.

3. Global Partnerships

• Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) with the U.S. and Australia.
• Bilateral MoUs with Argentina and Bolivia for lithium procurement.
• Active engagements through Quad, G20, and BRICS forums.

Challenges in the Critical Mineral Ecosystem

1. High Import Dependency:
• India imports nearly 100% of lithium, cobalt, and REEs.
• China controls 70–90% of global midstream refining and processing.
2. Weak Domestic Capacity:
• India is still in early-stage exploration.
• Lacks infrastructure for refining, separation, and value addition.
3. Private Sector Barriers:
• Low investor turnout in mineral auctions due to technical and financial constraints.
4. Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) Hurdles:
• Many mineral blocks are located in ecologically sensitive or tribal regions.
• Legal delays arise from ESG non-compliance and local resistance.
5. Underdeveloped Recycling Ecosystem:
• Battery and e-waste recycling remains largely informal and disorganised.
• There’s a lack of formal infrastructure for collection, dismantling, and incentives.

Strategic Roadmap Forward

1. Develop Midstream Infrastructure:
• Set up mineral processing zones with PLI-type incentives.
• Promote public–private partnerships in refining and conversion technologies.
2. Boost Exploration and Auctions:
• Enhance Geological Survey of India (GSI) capabilities.
• Provide geodata access and viability gap funding to attract investors.
3. Promote Sustainable Mining:
• Implement ESG frameworks, conduct third-party audits, and ensure community benefit-sharing.
• Streamline environmental clearances without compromising standards.
4. Build Circular Economy Capacity:
• Invest in formal battery and electronics recycling facilities.
• Offer tax incentives for high-efficiency recovery systems.
5. Diversify Supply Chains Globally:
• Pursue "friendshoring" with reliable partner nations.
• Secure long-term trade agreements via diplomatic channels.

Conclusion

Critical minerals underpin India’s ambitions for clean energy, industrial growth, and strategic autonomy. While the NCMM represents a strong first step, success will require a multi-pronged approach that blends self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) with sustainability, equity, and long-term planning. A resilient ecosystem must combine policy stability, ESG compliance, private investment, and international partnerships.

Gaza Hunger Crisis: A Man-Made Famine

Context

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deteriorated into a full-blown hunger emergency. Over 2 million people are food insecure, with reports of deaths due to starvation. Both UN agencies and Palestinian health authorities confirm that this crisis is man-made, exacerbated by military conflict, aid blockades, and attacks near food distribution points.

Nature of the Crisis

This is a man-made famine resulting from:

• Ongoing military operations,
• Blockade of humanitarian aid, and
• The collapse of food distribution systems.

Key Statistics

• 2.1 million people face food insecurity (UN)
• 70,000 children show symptoms of malnutrition
• 900,000 people face severe hunger (Gaza Health Ministry)
• Over 1,000 civilians have died attempting to access food since May (UN)
• 10%+ of children are acutely malnourished
• 20%+ of pregnant and breastfeeding women are undernourished (WHO)

Impact and Implications

1. Overburdened Hospitals:
• Children suffering from acute starvation are sharing limited hospital beds.
• Hospitals lack resources to treat severe malnutrition.
2. Aid Convoys Under Attack:
• Food distribution sites are frequently targeted.
• Humanitarian convoys operate under constant armed threat.
3. Violation of International Law:
• UN and WHO have flagged systematic starvation as a breach of international humanitarian norms.
4. Criminalisation of Aid-Seeking:
• Civilians attempting to access food are surveilled, harassed, or attacked.
• Aid-seeking is being treated as a criminal activity.
5. Socio-Political Breakdown:
• The crisis intersects with broader issues:
• Health collapse
• Security breakdown
• Human rights violations
• Famine is accelerating the disintegration of civil infrastructure and social cohesion.

Conclusion

The Gaza hunger crisis is a humanitarian catastrophe with no precedent in scale or severity in recent years. It represents a deliberate dismantling of food and aid systems in breach of international law. Urgent global intervention is required to prevent further civilian deaths, ensure unhindered aid access, and uphold human rights and humanitarian obligations.

Election of the Vice President of India

Context

Following the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Election Commission of India is required to promptly announce a new election to fill the vacancy, as the constitutional office cannot remain unoccupied.

Election Process

• The Vice President is chosen through an electoral college made up of members of both Houses of Parliament.
• The election follows the proportional representation system via single transferable vote, and the voting is conducted by secret ballot.

Composition of the Electoral College

• Includes all members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
• This differs from the Presidential electoral college, which includes only elected MPs and MLAs.

Eligibility Criteria

To contest the Vice Presidential election, a candidate must:

• Be a citizen of India.
• Be at least 35 years old.
• Be qualified to be elected to the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
• Must not hold any office of profit under the Central or State Government or any local/subordinate authority.

Tenure and Vacancy Protocol

• The term of the Vice President is 5 years from the date of assuming office.
• If a vacancy arises due to death, resignation, or removal, the election must be held at the earliest possible time.
• If the Vice President is a sitting member of Parliament or a State Legislature at the time of election, their seat is considered vacated upon assuming office.

Election Oversight

• The Election Commission of India is empowered under Article 324 of the Constitution to conduct the election.
• The Returning Officer for the election is usually the Secretary-General of either House of Parliament, selected on a rotational basis.

Nomination Requirements

• A candidate must be nominated by at least 20 proposers and 20 seconders, all of whom must be Members of Parliament (MPs).
• A security deposit of ₹15,000 is required with the nomination.

Dispute Resolution

• All election-related disputes are addressed exclusively by the Supreme Court of India.
• A five-judge bench hears petitions concerning the Vice Presidential election, and the decision is final and binding.

Tayfun Block-4: Turkey’s First Hypersonic Missile

Context

Turkey has officially unveiled the Tayfun Block-4, its first-ever hypersonic ballistic missile, developed by Roketsan, a leading Turkish defense firm.

Key Features

• Type: Hypersonic ballistic missile (Mach 5+ speed capability)
• Length: 6.5 meters
• Weight: Approximately 2,300 kilograms
• Warhead: Equipped with a fragmentation warhead
• Range: Operates up to 800 km, with a planned upgrade to 1,000 km

Guidance System

• Utilizes GPS and GLONASS, integrated with an Inertial Navigation System (INS)
• Delivers high precision, with a maximum deviation of just 5 meters

Propulsion and Purpose

• Powered by solid composite fuel
• Designed for rapid and high-impact strikes against strategic targets, such as:
• Air defense systems
• Command centers
• Critical infrastructure

Etruscans: Ancient Civilization of Italy

• Recent Discovery

Archaeologists have uncovered a well-preserved Etruscan tomb in central Italy, offering new insights into this pre-Roman civilization.

Who Were the Etruscans?

• The Etruscans (also called Tyrrhenians) were a Mediterranean civilization that flourished between the 8th and 3rd centuries BCE.
• Their territory, Etruria (modern-day Tuscany and surrounding regions), was bounded by:
• West: Tyrrhenian Sea
• North: Arno River
• East and South: Tiber River

Cultural and Technological Contributions

• Urban Planning: First in the region to build cities using a grid layout, influencing Roman military camps and city planning.
• Maritime Power: Maintained a strong navy, dominating the western Mediterranean.
• Iron Resources: Controlled the largest iron reserves in the western Mediterranean.

Social Structure

1. Aristocracy – Powerful noble class
2. Middle Class – Craftsmen, merchants, sailors
3. Lower Class – Enslaved individuals

• Women enjoyed higher status compared to Greek and Roman societies.
• Etruscan women were often literate and educated.

Religious Beliefs

• The Etruscans believed that gods controlled both natural and human-made worlds.
• They interpreted divine will through natural events like lightning.
• Though their mythology was distinct, over time their deities became similar to Greek and Roman gods like Zeus, Hermes, and Athena.

Decline and Legacy

• Decline began in the late 6th to early 5th century BCE.
• In 509 BCE, Etruscan kings were expelled from Rome.
• Naval defeat by the Greeks in 474 BCE weakened their influence.
• By the mid-3rd century BCE, Rome had absorbed Etruria.
• Latin replaced Etruscan, and by the 1st century BCE, the Etruscans had been fully integrated into the Roman Empire, ending their identity as a distinct culture.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Context

The United States, under President Donald Trump, announced its decision to withdraw from UNESCO, citing a broader policy of disengagement from global institutions.

About UNESCO

• Established: In 1945, after World War II
• Predecessor: International Committee on Intellectual Cooperation
• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Parent Body: United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
• Membership: 194 member states and 12 associate members

Mission and Focus Areas

UNESCO works to promote global peace and security by encouraging international cooperation in:

1.     Education

2.     Natural Sciences

3.     Social and Human Sciences

4.     Culture

5.     Communication and Information

• Promotes literacy and supports free education initiatives
• Serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas and knowledge
• Partners with NGOs and private sector organizations
• Maintains the World Heritage Sites list — identifying and protecting places of universal cultural and natural value

Key Publications by UNESCO

• Global Education Monitoring Report
• United Nations World Water Development Report
• World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development

UNESCO also operates within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, aligning with global development goals.

Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX)

Overview

• Launched: Winter of 2015
• Location: Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), New Delhi
• Lead Agency: Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
• Supported by:
• Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
• India Meteorological Department (IMD)
• National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)

Objective

• Improve now-casting (up to 6 hours ahead) and forecasting of dense winter fog in North India, particularly across the Indo-Gangetic Plain
• Minimize fog-related accidents, transport delays, and economic losses

How It Works

• Utilizes micrometeorology towers, ceilometers, and high-frequency sensors
• Gathers data on:
• Temperature layers
• Humidity
• Wind and turbulence
• Aerosol concentration
• Soil heat flux

Achievements

• Developed a high-resolution (3 km) probabilistic fog forecasting model
• Achieves over 85% accuracy in predicting very dense fog (visibility below 200 meters)
• Enhances preparedness for aviation, rail, and road sectors by predicting:
• Fog onset
• Intensity
• Duration
• Dissipation time

Ambrosia Beetle Infestation in Kerala’s Rubber Plantations

Context

Kerala’s rubber plantations are under threat from a harmful association between the ambrosia beetle and a fungal complex, leading to extensive leaf fall and tree drying.

About Ambrosia Beetles

• Origin: Native to Central and South America
• First reported in India: 2012, in cashew trees in Ponda, Goa
• Ecological Association: These beetles live in symbiosis with fungi, particularly:
• Fusarium ambrosia
• Fusarium solani

How the Beetle-Fungus Alliance Works

• Beetles do not feed on tree bark; instead, they cultivate fungi inside tunnels (galleries) they bore into the wood
• The fungi digest the wood, releasing nutrients for the beetles and their larvae
• The fungi also produce enzymes that weaken tree structure and allow deeper penetration
• Some beetles carry fungi in special pouches called mycangia

Impact on Rubber Trees

• Target stressed or already infected trees, which often emit ethanol, attracting beetles
• Result in:
• Severe leaf drop
• Trunk desiccation
• In extreme cases, tree death
• Decline in latex yield, leading to economic and agricultural damage

Control and Prevention

To manage the outbreak, experts recommend:

• Use of antifungal agents
• Physical removal of infected wood
• Burning or chipping affected tree parts
• Deploying traps to capture beetles
• Early detection and preventive care for vulnerable trees

IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025

Context

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) will host its World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, where global leaders and experts will deliberate on crucial conservation issues, including the application of genetic technologies in biodiversity protection.

About the IUCN Congress

• The IUCN Congress is the largest international gathering of conservation experts, decision-makers, and leaders.
• Held once every four years, it plays a pivotal role in setting global conservation and climate action priorities for the coming decade.

Structure of the Congress

1. Forum
• Acts as a global marketplace for knowledge exchange in conservation, sustainability science, innovation, and practice.
2. Exhibition
• A space where IUCN Members, Commissions, businesses, academia, and partners host booths, pavilions, and side events.
3. Members’ Assembly
• IUCN’s highest decision-making body, where Members vote on key environmental motions, adopt policy resolutions, and elect the governing Council.

Theme of IUCN Congress 2025

“Powering Transformative Conservation”
The Congress will address five critical thematic areas, each focused on driving bold, systemic change for a sustainable future for both people and the planet.

What is IUCN?

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global membership organization composed of government and civil society entities.
• Founded in 1948, it is the world’s largest and most inclusive environmental network, leveraging science, policy, and partnerships for conservation action.

Governance Structure

• Council: Serves as IUCN’s principal governing body between Congress sessions.
• President: Chairs the IUCN Council.
• World Conservation Congress (Members’ Assembly): The supreme authority where Members:
• Debate major issues
• Approve strategic programs
• Amend IUCN’s statutes
• Elect the IUCN Council
• IUCN Statutes: Define the legal framework and structure for governance

Fusariosis in Pineapple

Context

Indian scientists have made a significant breakthrough in combating Fusariosis, a severe fungal disease that threatens pineapple crops, by identifying a key gene that enhances the plant’s natural defense mechanisms.

About the Disease

• Causal Agent: Fusarium moniliforme, an aggressive fungus.
• Symptoms:
• Deformation of the plant stem
• Leaf blackening
• Internal fruit rot
• Impact: Leads to major yield losses and unreliable harvests for farmers.

Research Highlights

• Traditional breeding methods have struggled to control fast-mutating fungal strains.
• Scientists discovered the role of the Somatic Embryogenesis Receptor Kinase (SERK) gene family in plant immunity.
• In particular, the AcSERK3 gene, a component of pineapple’s genetic makeup, was found to:
• Aid in stress response and reproduction
• Boost the plant’s resistance when genetically overexpressed
• Genetically enhanced plants with overactive AcSERK3 showed greater resistance to Fusariosis compared to conventional varieties.

Key Facts About Pineapple Cultivation

• Scientific Name: Ananas comosus (L. Merr.)
• Family: Bromeliaceae (economically most significant fruit in this family)

Climate Requirements

• Temperature: Grows best between 15°C and 30°C
• Drought Tolerance: Adapted to dry periods due to water-storing tissue
• Rainfall: Optimal range of 1000–1500 mm/year (can grow in 600–2500 mm range)
• Soil: Versatile soil tolerance, except for waterlogged conditions

Cropping System

• Can be grown:
• As a monoculture on plantations
• As an intercrop in coconut plantations

Major Producing Regions

• India: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur, West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa
• Global Producers: Thailand, Philippines, Brazil, China, Nigeria, Mexico, Indonesia, Colombia, USA

Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3)

Context

The Union Minister recently informed Parliament that India has completed the development and ground testing of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3)—a major step toward the country’s first human spaceflight mission under Gaganyaan.
India''s long-term space goals also include:

• Establishing the Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035
• Achieving an Indian crewed Moon landing by 2040

About HLVM3

What is HLVM3?

• HLVM3 is India’s first human-rated launch vehicle, adapted from the reliable LVM3 (GSLV Mk III) platform.
• It is designed to safely transport Indian astronauts (Gaganyatris) to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) under the Gaganyaan programme.

Developed by

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
• Under the leadership of the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC)

Mission Objectives

• Ensure the safe launch, orbital insertion, and return of Indian astronauts.
• Serve as the foundation for future space missions, including:
• A permanent Indian space station
• A manned Moon mission
• Establish indigenous capability in human spaceflight and space safety systems.

Key Features of HLVM3

1. Three-Stage Launch Vehicle

• S200 solid rocket boosters (2 units)
• L110 liquid core stage
• C25 cryogenic upper stage
• Can carry approximately 10 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit

2. Human-Rating Enhancements

• Systems upgraded for redundancy, fault tolerance, and emergency escape options
• Increased safety margins and stringent quality assurance protocols

3. Crew Escape System (CES)

• Equipped with five independently tested motors
• Enables safe emergency ejection of astronauts during launch and ascent
• Functional from liftoff through orbital injection

4. Crew Module (CM) & Service Module (SM)

• Crew Module (CM):
• Tested for re-entry capability, parachute deployment, and thermal protection
• Service Module (SM):
• Manages power, propulsion, and life support systems

5. Support Infrastructure

• Gaganyaan Mission Control Centre
• Dedicated astronaut training facilities
• Launch pad modifications at SDSC (Sriharikota)
• A robust recovery and communication network

Star – HOPS 315

Context

Astronomers, for the first time, have observed solid rock condensing from vapor around a young star — HOPS 315 — marking the earliest known stage of rocky planet formation. This was made possible through data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and ALMA.

About HOPS 315

What is HOPS 315?

• A protostar located in the Orion Molecular Cloud.
• Surrounded by a dense, tilted protoplanetary disc of gas and dust.
• The disc’s inclination allows astronomers a unique, unobstructed view into its inner structure where planets are forming.

Key Discoveries

• JWST Findings:
• Detected silicon monoxide (SiO) gas at ~470 K.
• Observed crystalline silicates within 2.2 AU of the star — the likely zone for rocky planet formation.
• ALMA Observations:
• Identified cooler surrounding gas.
• Found no signs of slow-moving SiO, indicating the crystals formed within the disc, not from stellar outflows.
• Crystallization Process:
• Near 1 AU, dust vaporizes at ~1300 K and re-condenses into minerals like forsterite, enstatite, and silica — similar to those found in ancient meteorites on Earth.
• Significance:
• First direct observational evidence of rock vapor transforming into solid crystals in a distant planetary system.

Importance of the Discovery

1. Planetary Genesis: Reveals the initial stage of rocky planet formation.
2. Solar System Parallel: Mirrors early Solar System processes, bridging gaps in planetary evolution models.
3. Rare Observational Opportunity: The disc’s tilt provided rare access to its inner chemical structure.
4. Universal Chemistry Clues: Similarity with chondritic meteorites suggests a common mineral makeup in planet-forming systems.

Paika Rebellion

Context

The Paika Rebellion of 1817, a major anti-colonial uprising in Odisha, has been omitted from the new Class 8 history textbook by NCERT, sparking criticism and political protests in the state.

Overview

What Was the Paika Rebellion?

• A widespread armed uprising against British colonial rule in 1817, led by Bakshi Jagabandhu in Odisha.
• It occurred 40 years before the Revolt of 1857 and is considered by some as India’s first War of Independence.

Geographical Spread

• Core region: Khurda district, Odisha
• Extended to: Puri, Banpur, Ghumusar, and tribal belts of Odisha

Causes of the Revolt

• Land Alienation: British land policies abolished the rent-free tenures of Paikas (military landholders).
• Cultural Suppression: Dismantling of local kingship and destruction of the Barunei Fort, a symbol of Odia pride.
• Economic Hardships: Heavy taxes, unfavorable currency policies, and land exploitation.
• Salt Monopoly: British control over salt trade hurt the livelihood of hill communities.
• Peasant Discontent: Exploitative absentee Bengali landlords intensified tribal unrest.

Main Characteristics

• Leadership: Led by Bakshi Jagabandhu, former commander under the Khurda king.
• Participation: Included Paikas, tribal groups like Kondhs, peasants, and disaffected locals.
• Tactics: A mix of guerrilla warfare and open battles.
• Targets: British police stations, treasuries, and administrative symbols.
• Duration: The rebellion lasted several months and spanned multiple districts.

Outcome

• Suppressed by British forces using military action.
• Jagabandhu went into hiding and eventually surrendered in 1825.
• Over time, the rebellion came to symbolize Odia nationalism and early resistance to colonial rule.

Historical Significance

• Recognized in Odisha as a precursor to the 1857 revolt.
• The Odisha government has demanded that the Paika Rebellion be acknowledged as India’s first war of independence.

Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme

Context

India has reached 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025, achieving its target five years ahead of the original 2030 goal — a major milestone announced by the Union Petroleum Minister.

About the EBP Programme

Objective

• To blend ethanol with petrol, reducing fossil fuel use, enhancing energy self-reliance, and lowering carbon emissions.

Launch and Oversight

• Initiated in 2003, significantly scaled up after 2014.
• Managed by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, in collaboration with:
• Ministry of Agriculture
• Ministry of Food Processing

Targets and Achievements

• Initial Goal: 20% blending by 2030 (per National Policy on Biofuels, 2018).
• Achieved Early: Target met by 2025.

Key Features

• Ethanol is derived from:
• Sugarcane juice
• B-molasses
• Damaged food grains
• OMCs (Oil Marketing Companies) procure ethanol at government-fixed prices.
• Price hike approved for ethanol for Supply Year 2024–25.
• Infrastructure:
• Dedicated ethanol distilleries
• Support under SATAT and PLI schemes

Significance

• Contributes to India’s Paris Agreement commitments.
• Strengthens energy Atmanirbharta (self-reliance).
• Reduces urban air pollution.
• Boosts the rural economy and supports farmers.
• Promotes green energy innovation and biofuel investment.

United Kingdom (UK)

Context

India’s Prime Minister visited the United Kingdom to boost bilateral ties, with key discussions on the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, extradition, and counter-extremism efforts.

About the United Kingdom

Geography & Composition

• A sovereign island nation comprising:
• England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland
• Located northwest of mainland Europe, surrounded by:
• Atlantic Ocean
• North Sea
• Irish Sea
• English Channel

Capital: London — global center for finance, culture, and politics

Government: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Neighbours

• Land Border: Only with the Republic of Ireland
• Maritime Neighbours: France, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway

UK vs. England

• England is one of the four constituent parts of the UK.
• UK refers to all four: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Physical Features

Mountains

• Ben Nevis (Scotland) – UK’s highest peak (1,345 m), part of the Grampians
• Cambrian Mountains (Wales) – Volcanic origin, rich in biodiversity
• Pennines (England) – Known as the "Backbone of England"

Rivers

• Thames – Vital to London’s growth and trade
• Severn – Longest river in the UK; supports hydropower
• Clyde – Central to Glasgow’s shipbuilding industry

Strategic Importance

• Former colonial empire with global cultural and political influence
• Brexit: First country to leave the European Union (2020)
• Founding member of:
• NATO
• G7
• UN Security Council (P5)
• Commonwealth

India–UK Relations

• Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2021) established
• Cooperation in:
• Trade and defence
• Health, innovation, fintech
• Climate change
• FTA Negotiations underway to boost $20+ billion bilateral trade