Presidential Reference: Can the Supreme Court Clarify Its Past Rulings?

Current Development

The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre and all States in response to a Presidential Reference under Article 143, seeking its advisory opinion on whether courts can compel the President or Governors to act within specific timelines regarding bills passed by State legislatures.

A Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai is set to begin hearings in mid-August 2025.

Background: April 2025 Judgment Under Review

• In April 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that Governor R.N. Ravi''s delay in assenting to 10 re-passed Tamil Nadu Bills was illegal.
• This was the first time the Court imposed judicially enforceable timelines on constitutional authorities like the President and Governors.
• President Droupadi Murmu has now raised 14 legal questions, seeking clarity on whether courts can instruct constitutional functionaries on how and when to act.

Scope of Article 143: Supreme Court''s Advisory Role

• Article 143(1) empowers the President to seek the Court’s opinion on legal or factual issues of public importance, even in the absence of an active case.
• This advisory power, derived from the Government of India Act, 1935, has been used 14 times post-Independence.
• Article 145(3) mandates that such references be heard by a Constitution Bench of at least five judges.
• Although its inclusion in the Constitution was debated, it remains a tool for resolving constitutional stalemates.

Can the Supreme Court Decline a Presidential Reference?

• Yes. The Court has discretion to decline answering, as established in the Special Courts Bill case (1978) and reaffirmed in Ismail Faruqui (1994).
• Past refusals include:
• Ayodhya-Babri Masjid (1993) – due to an ongoing civil case.
• J&K resettlement law (1982) – since the law was already passed.
• These instances highlight the Court’s intent to avoid political controversies and maintain its judicial independence.

Are Advisory Opinions Binding?

• There is legal ambiguity:
• Not binding: As per St. Xavier’s College v. Gujarat (1974), advisory opinions carry persuasive, not binding authority.
• Sometimes treated as binding: e.g., in R.K. Garg v. Union of India (1981).
• Middle ground: In the Cauvery Tribunal case (1991), advisory opinions were to be given “due respect,” not treated as precedent.
• Therefore, any advisory opinion from this Reference will not override the binding April 2025 verdict, but may influence future cases, including pending ones from Kerala and Punjab.

Can a Presidential Reference Modify a Final Ruling?

• No. The Court has consistently held that Article 143 cannot be used to review or overturn judicial decisions.
• Only a review or curative petition can alter a final verdict.
• However, under Article 143, the Court may clarify or elaborate on the legal principles of a ruling (e.g., Natural Resources Allocation case, 2012; Collegium system, 1998).
• In this case, the Bench may refine the April 2025 ruling or expand its constitutional interpretation without disturbing the original decision.

Constitutional Dreams Before 1950 — India’s Alternative Visions of the Republic

Context

As India’s constitutional history is re-examined, scholars are turning to lesser-known drafts created before 1950. These documents—ranging from liberal to radical, religious to socialist—offered distinct models of sovereignty, governance, and rights, reflecting the diverse ideological ferment that shaped modern India.

Five Major Constitutional Drafts Before 1950

1. 1895 Constitution of India Bill — Liberal Reform within Empire

• Attributed to early nationalists like Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
• Proposed 110 articles, focusing on civil liberties, rule of law, and legal equality.
• Reflected British constitutional ideals, advocating a representative government under colonial rule.
• Emphasized separation of powers and elite-led legal reform, but not full independence.

2. M.N. Roy’s 1944 Draft — Participatory Democracy and Radical Humanism

• Drafted by the Radical Democratic Party, rooted in radical humanist philosophy.
• Proposed popular sovereignty, a strong Bill of Rights, and even the right to revolt.
• Advocated linguistic federalism, decentralized governance, and citizens'' committees for direct participation.
• Combined civil and socio-economic rights into enforceable legal guarantees.

3. Hindusthan Free State Act (1944) — Cultural Nationalism with Secular Guarantees

• Aligned with the Hindu Mahasabha, envisioned a unitary state called “Hindusthan.”
• Called for national unity through one law, language, and culture but guaranteed religious freedom and equality.
• Declared a secular state, barred public funding for religious activities, and allowed provincial secession.
• Balanced majoritarian nationalism with formal constitutional secularism.

4. Gandhian Constitution (1946) — Moral Decentralism and Village Swaraj

• Authored by Shriman Narayan Agarwal with Gandhi’s endorsement.
• Proposed a confederation of self-reliant villages, based on khadi, trusteeship, and non-violence.
• Rejected modern capitalism and centralized bureaucracy; focused on ethical governance.
• Ironically included the right to bear arms, revealing tension between pacifism and practical defense.
• Prioritized community duties over legal rights.

5. Socialist Party Draft (1948) — Class Justice and Economic Restructuring

• Proposed by the Socialist Party under Jayaprakash Narayan.
• Emphasized nationalization, land redistribution, and worker-peasant control.
• Advocated a unicameral legislature with class-based representation.
• Prioritized economic democracy and material equality over procedural liberties.

Comparative Ideological Threads

Sovereignty: Who Holds Power?

• 1895 & Socialist Draft: Sovereignty vested in elected legislatures—a classical representative model.
• M.N. Roy: People themselves as sovereign; promoted direct democracy and citizens’ oversight.
• Gandhian Draft: Rooted power in moral communities, not state institutions.

Governance Style

• Centralized:
• Hindusthan Free State: Strong unitary structure with cultural homogenization.
• Socialist Draft: Centralized planning for economic overhaul.
• Decentralized:
• M.N. Roy: Federalism with linguistic and participatory elements.
• Gandhian: Hyper-decentralized village republics as sovereign units.

Economic Vision

• Gandhian: Agrarian minimalism based on self-sufficiency and moral economy.
• M.N. Roy: Democratic socialism with enforceable socio-economic rights.
• Socialist Party: Marxist economic vision—public ownership, class representation.
• 1895 & Hindusthan: Little focus on economic restructuring; focused on political/legal architecture.

Rights and Liberties

• 1895: Classic liberal rights—speech, property, equality.
• M.N. Roy: Combined civil and socio-economic rights with legal enforceability.
• Socialist Draft: Prioritized economic justice over civil liberties.
• Gandhian: Focused on moral duties, not legal rights.
• Hindusthan Free State: Nationalist tone, but guaranteed religious freedom and equality.

Influence on the 1950 Constitution

Conclusion

These early constitutional drafts embodied India’s vast pre-independence constitutional imagination. While the 1950 Constitution emerged from consensus, it was deeply enriched by these competing visions—ranging from Roy’s participatory democracy to Gandhi’s ethical village model, and socialist calls for structural reform. Their legacies continue to shape India’s evolving democratic identity.

The Paika Rebellion Controversy: Odisha’s Forgotten Uprising

Recent Controversy

Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik criticized NCERT for omitting the 1817 Paika Rebellion from the revised Class VIII history textbook, calling it a “huge dishonour” to the Paikas’ legacy.
In response, NCERT clarified the rebellion will appear in Volume II, scheduled for release later this year.

Who Were the Paikas?

• The Paikas were traditional foot soldiers under the Gajapati kings of Odisha.
• In exchange for military service, they received hereditary, rent-free land (nish-kar jagirs).
• With the rise of the British, their privileges eroded, and economic hardships increased, setting the stage for revolt.

Colonial Betrayal and the Fall of Khurda

• In 1803, British officer Colonel Harcourt struck a deal with Mukunda Deva II of Khurda for military passage through Odisha.
• The British reneged on the agreement, sparking opposition from Jayee Rajguru, who led an armed group of Paikas to Cuttack.
• Rajguru was executed in 1806, the Khurda king deposed, and royal lands seized.

Build-Up to the 1817 Rebellion

• The Paikas suffered land loss, heavy taxation, and economic marginalization.
• British land policies benefitted absentee Bengali landlords, and a silver-based tax system burdened tribal populations.
• British control over the salt trade added to regional distress, especially among the hill communities.

The Paika Rebellion of 1817

• In March 1817, 400 Kondhs and Paikas led by Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar launched an armed revolt.
• They attacked police stations, looted treasuries, and burned British offices.
• Though the rebellion spread across regions, it was eventually suppressed.
• Jagabandhu evaded capture for years, finally surrendering in 1825 under a truce.

Modern-Day Recognition and Political Narratives

• The rebellion is a powerful symbol of Odia identity and sub-nationalism.
• In 2017, Odisha demanded it be recognised as India’s “first war of independence”, predating the 1857 revolt.
• While the Centre did not confer that status, it acknowledged the rebellion as an early anti-colonial movement.
• Paika descendants were honoured by PM Modi, and a Paika Memorial was initiated by President Kovind in 2019.

Influence of the Plastic Industry on Environmental Policies: A Growing Global Concern

Introduction: Mounting Concerns Over Industry Influence

The plastic industry is facing intensifying global criticism for allegedly manipulating environmental policy to serve its own interests—particularly during negotiations for an international treaty to combat plastic pollution.

Environmental advocates warn that the industry, closely tied to fossil fuel interests, is employing a well-documented playbook of tactics—similar to those used historically by the tobacco industry—to undermine meaningful regulation. These include spreading misinformation, delaying reforms, and deflecting accountability onto consumers.

Tactics Borrowed from the Tobacco Industry

1. Shifting Blame to Consumers

Much like tobacco companies that pushed personal responsibility despite promoting harmful products, plastic producers emphasize consumer recycling behavior to deflect blame for systemic overproduction and unsustainable packaging.

2. Promoting Misleading Science and Public Relations

Documents reveal that major plastic manufacturers have known since the 1980s that plastic recycling is technically and economically limited. Yet, they continued to champion it publicly as a viable solution—effectively stalling bans and regulations.

3. Greenwashing and Mislabeling

Claims about biodegradable or compostable plastics often prove false, especially in countries like India lacking robust waste treatment systems. This greenwashing misleads consumers while masking the continued production of non-sustainable materials.

A telling example is Coca-Cola, which promoted a sustainable brand image but quietly abandoned its 2030 goal of 25% reusable packaging and scaled back key recycling targets.

Expanding Influence in the Global South

As regulations tighten in developed nations, the plastic industry is increasingly targeting low- and middle-income countries for market expansion.

OECD Global Plastic Outlook (2022) Findings:

• Plastic consumption projected to:
• More than double in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2060
• Triple in Asia during the same period
• By comparison:
• Growth in Europe expected at just 15%
• North America at 34%

Countries in the Global South are more vulnerable due to weaker regulations, low public awareness, and limited waste infrastructure—conditions ripe for industry exploitation.

India’s Plastic Policy Framework: Progress and Challenges

1. Role of the Informal Sector

In India, around 70% of plastic recycling is handled by the informal sector—ragpickers, sorters, and grassroots recyclers—who often operate in hazardous conditions.

To support and formalize their work, the NAMASTE scheme (2024) aims to:

• Integrate waste workers into formal waste systems
• Provide Ayushman Bharat health insurance, safety gear, and social benefits

As of May 2025:

• Over 80,000 workers have been registered
• More than 45,700 received protective equipment
• 26,400+ were issued health cards

2. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Under the Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016, amended 2022), producers are legally bound to manage the waste generated by their products.

However, enforcement gaps remain:

• Only 11% of banned single-use plastics are effectively covered
• Fewer than half of producers comply with EPR guidelines
  This lax oversight allows large-scale non-compliance and delays significant environmental progress.

Industry Lobbying in Global Treaty Negotiations

During recent sessions of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)—tasked with drafting a global plastics treaty—industry influence has grown more prominent.

• At INC-3, fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists increased their presence by 36% compared to previous rounds.
• Civil society groups reported that industry-aligned delegates were instrumental in slowing progress on binding commitments.

Investigations by groups like the Centre for Climate Integrity and CIEL have revealed that the plastic industry has long known the inadequacy of recycling as a long-term solution. Nonetheless, it continued to promote recycling as a strategy to avoid regulatory scrutiny and sustain plastic production.

Conclusion: A Call for Stronger Oversight and Transparency

The global community stands at a crucial juncture. While international and national efforts to combat plastic pollution are intensifying, the plastic industry’s strategic influence poses a serious obstacle to effective policymaking.

Without stronger enforcement, transparency, and inclusion of vulnerable groups like informal waste workers, policies risk being co-opted—undermining environmental goals and delaying meaningful change.

Redeeming India’s Nuclear Power Promise — 100 GW by 2047

Context

In the Union Budget 2025–26, the government announced a goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, backed by a ₹20,000 crore investment in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This marks a major shift toward positioning nuclear energy as a key driver of India’s net-zero and developmental goals.

India’s Nuclear Journey: From Isolation to Integration

• Early Developments:
• Apsara (1956): Asia’s first research reactor.
• Tarapur (1963): First commercial power plant.
• Post-1974 Isolation:
• Nuclear test + non-signature of NPT led to global isolation.
• Indigenous Innovation:
• Developed 220 MW PHWRs to reduce reliance on imported fuel.
• Global Re-Entry:
• The 2008 Indo-U.S. nuclear deal and NSG waiver reopened doors for nuclear fuel and technology imports.

Why Nuclear Power Matters for India

1. Stable Base-load Energy:
• Unlike solar/wind, nuclear provides continuous power—crucial for manufacturing and urban expansion.
2. Clean Energy Source:
• Minimal greenhouse gas emissions; helps meet net-zero by 2070.
3. Energy Security:
• Reduces dependence on fossil fuel imports, enhancing strategic autonomy.
4. High Energy Density:
• Compact and efficient energy generation—saves land and logistics.
5. Supports Viksit Bharat 2047 Goals:
• Critical to powering a $35 trillion economy and meeting development targets.

Key Challenges to Nuclear Expansion

1. Outdated Legal Framework

• Atomic Energy Act (1962) restricts nuclear projects to government entities.
• CLNDA (2010) imposes supplier liability, deterring foreign investment.

2. Weak Regulatory Infrastructure

• AERB lacks statutory independence.
• The Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority Bill (2011) remains stalled.

3. Financial Barriers

• High capital cost (~$2 million/MW) vs. <$1 million/MW for coal.
• Limited access to green financing and PPP frameworks.

4. Policy and Tariff Conflicts

• NPCIL tariffs governed by Atomic Energy Act, leading to disputes with DISCOMs over regulatory clarity.

5. Foreign Collaboration Delays

• Projects with France (EPRs) and U.S. (Westinghouse AP1000) have seen minimal progress in 15 years.

Way Forward: Unlocking Nuclear Potential

1. Legal Reforms

• Amend Atomic Energy Act and CLNDA to:
• Allow private/foreign JV participation.
• Clearly define operator-supplier liability.

2. Independent Regulatory Authority

• Revive the Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority Bill.
• Ensure transparency in safety and licensing.

3. Green Financing Tools

• Recognize nuclear as low-carbon under green energy taxonomy.
• Offer tax incentives, viability gap funding, and long-term PPAs.

4. Scale Up SMRs

• Standardize 220 MW PHWRs for modular deployment.
• Target industrial captive use to replace 100 GW of thermal base-load.

5. Revive and Fast-Track International Partnerships

• Accelerate deals with France and the U.S..
• Encourage PSUs and large private firms

ICJ Issues Landmark Advisory on Climate Change and State Responsibility

Context: A Nation on the Frontlines

In Vanuatu’s Havannah Harbour, veteran diver John Warmington recalls once swimming through thriving coral ecosystems. Today, those reefs are reduced to skeletal remains—bleached and broken by climate-induced cyclones, invasive species, and a recent earthquake. On land, climate change has upended daily life: schools are forced to operate in tents dismantled before each storm, and subsistence farmers like Kaltang Laban struggle with infertile soil and failed harvests.

Survival at Stake

With over 70% of the population dependent on subsistence agriculture, Vanuatu faces existential threats. Yet the country refuses to remain a passive victim. Instead, it has taken bold action by leading over 130 countries in a historic case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), seeking legal accountability from major carbon emitters.

the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu, joined by over 130 countries, brought a case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) seeking legal clarity on global obligations toward climate action—particularly to safeguard vulnerable Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

In 2023, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution requesting the ICJ to issue an advisory opinion on:

• The duties of states under international law to protect the environment.
• The legal consequences for failing to fulfil these duties.

Key Takeaways from the ICJ Advisory Opinion (2025)

1. Environmental Protection is a Human Right

• The ICJ affirmed that the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is protected under international human rights law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• States are legally obligated to act on climate change to uphold these rights.

2. States Must Limit Greenhouse Gas Emissions

• Countries are required to prevent environmental harm, including from GHG emissions, and must work toward achieving the Paris Agreement goal of keeping global warming below 1.5°C.
• With global temperatures already up by 1.3°C, urgent action is legally and ethically imperative.

3. Consequences for Inaction

• Failure to comply with climate obligations can trigger legal responsibility.
• States may be required to halt harmful practices, offer assurances of non-repetition, and provide reparations based on the extent of damage.
• While some nations, including the United States and Russia, opposed binding court mandates, the ICJ’s ruling intensifies legal and moral pressure for accountability.

About the International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Why This Decision Matters

The ICJ’s opinion, while non-binding, sets a powerful legal precedent by reinforcing that:

• Climate action is a legal duty, not just a political or voluntary commitment.
• Countries may be held accountable under international law for environmental harm.

It marks a significant step in the global climate justice movement, offering small and climate-vulnerable nations a legal framework to demand action from major polluters.

Manual Scavenging in India: Persistent Violations Despite Legal Ban

Context

A social audit by the Ministry of Social Justice has revealed alarming gaps in the enforcement of safety norms for sanitation workers, despite a decade-old ban on manual scavenging.

Key Findings

• Definition: Manual scavenging involves the unsafe manual handling of human waste in dry latrines, sewers, or septic tanks. It was banned under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.
• Recent Trends (2022–23):
• 150 worker deaths while cleaning sewers.
• 90% lacked safety equipment.
• Over half were not counseled or informed about hazards.
• Most workers were employed informally, escaping regulatory scrutiny.

• Policy Response: NAMASTE Scheme (2023)
• Aimed at mechanising sewer cleaning and providing protections.
• Over 84,000 sanitation workers identified.
• However, only about 50% have received Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Conclusion

The continued deaths of sanitation workers reflect systemic neglect, poor implementation of laws, and failure to mechanise hazardous work. Stronger enforcement and worker integration into formal systems remain critical.

GST and Progressivity: What the Latest Study Reveals

Context

Consumption taxes constitute over 62% of India’s tax revenue, making the Goods and Services Tax (GST) crucial in understanding economic equity. A recent study by the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) challenges the prevailing notion that GST disproportionately burdens the poor.

Key Findings

• GST is Progressive:
• Higher-income groups bear a greater share of the tax.
• GST Burden (2022–23):
• Rural Areas: Bottom 50% pay 31%, Top 20% pay 37%.
• Urban Areas: Bottom 50% pay 29%, Top 20% pay 41%.
• This counters the 2023 Oxfam report which claimed that the poor paid two-thirds of GST.
• Multiple Slabs Aid Fairness:
• Essentials like food, healthcare, and education are either exempt or taxed at low rates (5–12%).
• The study warns that removing the 12% slab and shifting items to 5% or 18% may increase burdens on lower-income groups.

Policy Implications

• Simplification vs. Equity: Rate restructuring needs to account for consumption patterns across income classes.
• Policymakers must carefully balance administrative efficiency with distributional fairness when revising GST rates.

New Discoveries in Marine Biodiversity: Sea Slugs Identified in Indonesia

Recent Discovery

Scientists have recently discovered and described two new species of wart sea slugs—Phyllidia ovata and Phyllidia fontjei—off the coast of North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

About Sea Slugs (Nudibranchs)

• Belong to Phylum Mollusca and Class Gastropoda.
• Soft-bodied marine molluscs, often referred to as “naked snails” due to their lack of shells.
• Found across global oceans, from shallow waters to deep-sea ecosystems.

Ecological Role and Adaptations

• Common in coral reef ecosystems, serving as indicators of reef health.
• Feed on algae, sponges, and small invertebrates.
• Known for vibrant colours and patterns, which act as warnings to predators due to their toxicity.
• Toxicity is derived from their diet; some can retain jellyfish stingers for self-defense.
• Notable features include:
• Photosynthesis in some species.
• Ability to regenerate lost body parts.
• Some species can absorb genes from their prey and integrate them into their own genome.
• Mostly diurnal, but some are nocturnal as well.

Kanniyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary: A Biodiversity Haven

Recent Observation

A researcher recently recorded around 450 species of moths in the Kanniyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, highlighting the area''s ecological richness.

About the Sanctuary

• Location: Kanniyakumari district, Tamil Nadu.
• Lies at India''s southernmost tip, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean converge.
• Borders include:
• North: Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
• South: Kodayar and Thovalai channels
• West: Kerala state boundary

Key Features

• Rivers: Origin of seven rivers, including Pahrali and Thamirabarani.
• Vegetation Types:
• Southern thorn forests
• Dry and moist deciduous forests
• Semi-evergreen and evergreen hill shola forests
• Fauna Highlights:
• Indian Bison, Elephants, Nilgiri Tahr, Sambar Deer
• Lion-tailed Macaque and Indian Rock Python
• Home to indigenous communities living in and around the reserve.

Toxic Algal Bloom in Australia: Karenia mikimotoi Outbreak

Recent Event

A massive bloom of Karenia mikimotoi has caused widespread death of marine life off the coast of South Australia, impacting both fisheries and tourism.

• About Karenia mikimotoi

• A dinoflagellate species commonly responsible for red tides, especially in the North Atlantic and waters around Japan.
• Produces hemolytic and ichthyotoxic compounds, leading to:
• Deaths of fish, shellfish, echinoderms, and crustaceans
• Anoxic conditions when blooms die off and decay, depleting oxygen levels

Global Presence

• Reported in diverse locations: Ireland, Norway, Japan, India, Australia, Korea, Alaska, Texas, and U.S. east coast.
• Less acutely toxic to humans, but ecologically devastating.

Key Characteristics

• Photosynthetic, with yellow-brown chloroplasts and a prominent ellipsoidal nucleus.
• Thrives in a variety of environmental conditions, including varying light, temperature, salinity, and nutrients.

Invasive Species Threat: Lantana camara in Himachal Forests

Recent Development

Lantana camara has spread over 3.25 lakh hectares of forest land in Himachal Pradesh, endangering native biodiversity.

About Lantana camara

• A pantropical weed native to Central and South America.
• Introduced in 18th century India as an ornamental plant; now a highly invasive alien species.
• Forms dense thickets that choke native vegetation.

Ecological Impact

• Releases allelochemicals that inhibit the growth of surrounding plants.
• Leads to homogeneous vegetation, severely impacting biodiversity.
• Now spreading from lowland to higher altitudes.

Control and Utilisation

• Potential economic uses include:
• Fuelwood and furniture from its woody biomass.
• Organic and vermicomposting material for sustainable agriculture.

India Skills Accelerator Initiative

Overview

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF), has introduced the India Skills Accelerator initiative to support workforce readiness in high-growth sectors.

Objectives

• Facilitate smooth career transitions.
• Expand access to scalable training models.
• Align education and vocational training with industry demands in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy.

Structure

The initiative functions as a public-private collaboration platform designed to promote cross-sector innovation.

Global Linkage

It is part of WEF’s Reskilling Revolution, which encourages governments to invest in lifelong learning and workforce development regardless of a person''s educational background or employment status.

UK-India Young Professionals Scheme

Recent Development

The United Kingdom has opened its final 2025 visa ballot under the India Young Professionals Scheme, which allows selected Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 to live, work, or study in the UK for up to two years.

Background

• The scheme was announced as part of the India-UK Migration and Mobility Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in May 2021.
• It was officially launched in February 2023 following its announcement at the G20 Summit in Bali (November 2022).

Key Features

• Allows eligible Indian citizens to live and work in the UK for up to two years.
• Individuals may enter and leave the UK multiple times during the visa period.
• Eligibility

• Indian citizenship and age between 18 and 30 years.
• A recognised bachelor''s degree or higher qualification.
• Minimum financial savings of £2,530.
• No dependent children under the age of 18.
• Selection through a visa ballot is mandatory.
• Applicants cannot have previously held this or a Youth Mobility Scheme visa.

Conditions

• Visa holders must enter the UK within six months of issuance.
• Permitted to:
• Study (with additional ATAS clearance if applicable).
• Work in most sectors.
• Be self-employed, subject to certain restrictions (e.g., rented premises, equipment worth under £5,000, no employees).

Restrictions

• The visa is not extendable.
• Visa holders are not eligible for most public benefits.
• Family members must apply separately.
• Employment in sports-related roles, including coaching, is not allowed.

Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)

Recent Focus

The CBDT is enhancing its efforts to detect tax evasion through the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence, particularly to identify inconsistencies in income reporting.

About

• The CBDT is a statutory body established under the Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963.
• It operates under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.

Functions

• Formulates policies for the administration of direct taxes.
• Oversees the implementation and enforcement of tax laws.
• Supervises the functioning of the Income Tax Department.
• Recommends legislative changes and tax rate adjustments.

Historical Background

• Initially part of a unified Board of Revenue established in 1924 under British rule.
• The board was bifurcated in 1964 into:
• Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
• Central Board of Excise and Customs (now CBIC)

Structure

• Headed by a Chairman and supported by six members, each responsible for a specific function:
1. Income Tax
2. Legislation and Computerisation
3. Revenue
4. Personnel and Vigilance
5. Investigation
6. Audit and Judicial
• All members are ex-officio Special Secretaries to the Government of India and are selected from the Indian Revenue Service (IRS).

National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC)

Recent Development

• The Ministry of Home Affairs has notified the Disaster Management National Crisis Management Committee (Procedure) Rules, 2025.

About NCMC

• Legal Status: Granted statutory backing through the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025.
• Chairperson: Cabinet Secretary
• Members: Includes Home Secretary, Defence Secretary, and other senior officials.

Functions and Powers

• Serves as the central authority for handling major disasters with national impact.
• Reviews national preparedness for emergencies and disasters.
• Coordinates and oversees the disaster response operations across ministries and agencies.

Henley Passport Index 2025

India’s Performance

• India improved its ranking from 85th (2024) to 77th (2025).
• Indian passport holders can now travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival to 59 countries.

About the Index

• Compiled by Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
• Ranks passports based on the number of destinations accessible without prior visa.
• Top Rank (2025): Singapore

Power Market Coupling

Regulatory Development

• The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has mandated that Power Market Coupling will commence with the Day-Ahead Market (DAM) starting January 2026.

Key Concepts

• Day-Ahead Market (DAM): Platform for trading electricity one day in advance.
• Market Coupling: Aggregation of buy/sell orders from all exchanges to determine a uniform market-clearing price.
• Objective: To promote price convergence and efficient electricity market integration.

AI for India 2.0 Programme

Update from Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

• The programme now offers AI and ML training in nine Indian languages (e.g., Hindi, Telugu, Kannada) to improve accessibility.

About the Programme

• Objective: Make tech education inclusive and accessible.
• Target Group: College students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals—especially those from rural or non-English-speaking backgrounds.
• Mode: Free, online learning platform.

Chikungunya – WHO Warning

Global Alert

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the growing threat of a global chikungunya epidemic.

• About Chikungunya
• Cause: Chikungunya virus
• Transmission: Spread by infected female mosquitoes—mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus—which also transmit dengue and Zika.
• Treatment: No specific antiviral therapy currently available.

Indian Government Response

• Managed under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), which addresses diseases like dengue and chikungunya.

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)

Current Situation

• Over 900 cases have been reported in Pune district, raising concerns about a potential drop in milk supply.

Overview

• Type: Viral disease affecting cattle and, to a lesser extent, buffaloes.
• Cause: Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), a member of the Capripoxvirus genus under the Poxviridae family (same as smallpox and monkeypox).
• Zoonotic Risk: Not transmissible to humans.

Transmission

• Spread by blood-feeding insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and ticks.
• Can also be transmitted through contaminated food and water troughs or direct contact with infected animals.

Symptoms

• High fever, swollen lymph nodes, and multiple skin nodules.
• May lead to sterility in bulls, reduced milk yield, skin damage, and, in some cases, death.

Seasonal Occurrence

• More prevalent in wet seasons and low-lying areas near water but can occur year-round.

Treatment & Control

• No specific antiviral treatment exists.
• Control is through vaccination and supportive care including antibiotics and pain relief.

MiG-21 Retirement

Key Update

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) will retire all MiG-21 Bison jets by September 2025, ending over six decades of service.

About MiG-21

• Origin: Designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Bureau (Soviet Union).
• Induction in India: 1963, as India’s first supersonic jet.
• Manufacturing in India: 657 units produced under license by HAL.
• Global Standing: Second most-produced jet aircraft globally.
• NATO Code: Fishbed.

Combat History

• Played a major role in the 1965, 1971, and Kargil wars, Balakot airstrikes (2019), and Operation Sindoor.
• Known for its distinctive shape and nicknames such as Balalaika and Silver Swallow.

Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) – FY 2025

Latest Status

• RBI reports improvement in FI-Index score:
• FY 2025: 67.0
• FY 2024: 64.2

About the FI-Index

• Developed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in consultation with sectoral regulators.
• Measures the extent of financial inclusion in India.

Index Details

• Range: 0 (no inclusion) to 100 (full inclusion)
• Components:
• Access (35%) – Availability of services.
• Usage (45%) – Extent of use of financial services.
• Quality (20%) – Includes financial literacy, consumer protection, and service equality.

Key Features

• Covers data from banking, insurance, pensions, postal, and investment sectors.
• Built without a base year – reflects cumulative progress.
• Published annually in July.

Financial Conditions Index (FCI)

Background

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed developing a Financial Conditions Index (FCI) for India, enabling daily monitoring of financial market trends.

About FCI

• Measures how tight or relaxed financial market conditions are relative to historical averages since 2012.
• Covers five key market segments:
1. Money Market
2. Government Securities (G-Sec) Market
3. Corporate Bond Market
4. Foreign Exchange (Forex) Market
5. Equity Market
• Higher FCI values indicate tighter financial conditions

Chola Gangam Lake Development

Announcement

• The Tamil Nadu government will develop Chola Gangam Lake to mark the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola I.
• Part of the celebration of Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival and the 1000th anniversary of Rajendra Chola’s Southeast Asia expedition.

About Chola Gangam Lake

• Location: Near Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu; also known as Ponneri Lake.
• Historical Origin: Built by Rajendra Chola I to commemorate his northern campaign (as mentioned in Tiruvalangadu copper plates).
• Water Source: A canal was built from the Kollidam River to supply water.
• Historically irrigated over 1,500 acres and provided drinking water to Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

About Rajendra Chola I

• Ruled between 1014–1044 CE.
• Titles: Gangaikonda Cholan (Bringer of the Ganges), Kadaram Kondan (Conqueror of Kedah).
• Founded Gangaikonda Cholapuram, shifting the capital from Thanjavur.
• Built the Gangaikondacholeshwaram Temple to celebrate his conquests

Ashokan Pillar Replica in Sri Lanka

Context

• India unveiled a replica of the Ashokan Pillar at Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya, Sri Lanka, to honour Emperor Ashoka and his role in spreading Buddhism.

Key Features of Ashokan Pillars

• Built by Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE) post-Kalinga war as moral and religious symbols.
• Structure: Made from monolithic sandstone; topped with lotus bases and animal figures (e.g. lions).
• Inscriptions: In Brahmi, Kharosthi, Aramaic, and Greek; spread messages of non-violence, justice, and welfare.
• Lion Capital at Sarnath: India’s National Emblem; symbolizes power and Buddhist influence.
• Influenced by Persian-Achaemenid art but adapted for Buddhist messaging.
• Promoted Buddhism in India, Sri Lanka, and Central Asia through peaceful means.

Legacy of Radio Broadcasting in India

National Broadcasting Day

• Observed on July 23 to commemorate India’s first radio broadcast in 1927 from Bombay under the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC).

Historical Evolution

• Early radio clubs in Calcutta (1923) and Madras (1924) started informal broadcasting.
• IBC failed financially; taken over by British government in 1930 and renamed Indian State Broadcasting Service (ISBS).
• Renamed All India Radio (AIR) in 1936.

Developments Post-Independence:

• AIR adopted the name Akashvani in 1956.
• Vividh Bharati launched in 1957 for entertainment and music.
• AIR expanded from 6 stations in 1947 to cover wider areas and populations.

AIR’s Role

• Promoted public awareness in areas like literacy, health, and agriculture.
• Supported freedom movement and cultural preservation through diverse programming.
• External Services Division began in 1939, now broadcasting in 11 Indian and 16 foreign languages, reaching over 100 countries.