I.              Chandigarh Tops, Meghalaya Lags in 2023–24 School Education Rankings:

Chandigarh has been ranked as the best performer in school education for the academic year 2023–24, according to the latest Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 Report released by the Union Ministry of Education.

What is PGI 2.0?

Published on June 18, 2025, the PGI for Districts (PGI-D) 2.0 is an enhanced evaluation system that assesses the quality of school education across all States and Union Territories (UTs). It uses a comprehensive 1,000-point scale across several key areas:

• Learning Outcomes
• Access
• Infrastructure
• Equity
• Governance
• Teacher Education

This framework supports evidence-based policymaking and aims to drive improvements in educational quality and outcomes.

Top-Ranked Regions

Chandigarh secured the top spot with 719 points, becoming the only region to be classified in the Prachesta-1 category (701–760 points). Its consistent performance in domains like learning outcomes, equity, and infrastructure set it apart.

Trailing Chandigarh, ten States and UTs—including Punjab, Delhi, Gujarat, Kerala, Odisha, Goa, Haryana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu—were ranked in Prachesta-3 (scores between 581–640), showing strong performance in access, infrastructure, and governance.

Lowest Performers

Meghalaya came in last with a score of 417, placing it in the lowest category, Akanshi-3 (401–460). Other underperformers like Bihar, Assam, Telangana, Jharkhand, Tripura, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, and several northeastern States fell into the Akanshi-2 category (461–520), struggling particularly with infrastructure, governance, and student retention.

Mid-Tier States

Fourteen States and UTs, such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, were categorized under Akanshi-1 (521–580), indicating average performance with room for improvement, especially in learning outcomes and teacher training.

Most Improved Regions

The report also recognized States showing significant year-over-year improvements:

• Bihar and Telangana advanced in access, particularly in student enrollment and retention.
• Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, and Telangana made noticeable gains in infrastructure, such as access to clean water, electricity, sanitation, and digital tools.

Scoring and Grading Methodology

PGI 2.0 uses weighted indicators to derive scores. For example, if "Grade 5 Mathematics proficiency" has a weight of 20 and a region reports 50% proficiency, it receives 10 points (20 × 0.5). This scoring ensures a balanced assessment of both educational results and systemic support.

Despite progress, no State or UT has yet reached the top grade Utkarsh (761–1,000 points), reflecting the need for continued reforms and investments in the education sector nationwide.

II.            India’s 2026 GDP Base Year Revision: Significance and Global Implications

India is set to revise the base year for its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) calculation from 2011–12 to 2022–23, with the updated series scheduled for release on February 27, 2026. This change, led by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, will be accompanied by updates to the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and Consumer Price Index (CPI) base years to 2022–23 and 2023–24 respectively. These revisions reflect broader efforts to ensure economic indicators better reflect today’s economic realities.

Why the GDP Base Year Revision Matters

India’s 2026 revision will mark the eighth GDP base year update in its economic history. Updating the base year serves several critical purposes:

• More Accurate Economic Measurement: Reflects current industry structures by incorporating new sectors and removing outdated ones.
• Improved Real GDP Estimates: Enables more accurate inflation adjustment, ensuring GDP reflects actual growth in output, not just price increases.
• Better Policy and Investment Decisions: Reliable GDP data is essential for informed policymaking, business strategy, and global economic comparisons.

Challenges in GDP Estimation

Estimating GDP is inherently complex:

• It must exclude intermediate goods to avoid double counting.
• Only the market value of final goods and services is included.
• Data gaps and outdated inputs can reduce accuracy, especially in a fast-evolving economy like India’s.

India’s Changing Economic Landscape

India''s economic structure has changed significantly:

• Historically agrarian, the economy now sees the services sector contributing over 55% of GDP, while agriculture’s share has declined.
• Estimating economic output now requires sector-specific data and techniques, especially in areas like the digital economy.

With improved data availability and evolving international standards, updated methodologies will:

• Broaden sectoral coverage.
• Capture emerging activities more effectively.
• Enhance the credibility of national accounts.

Why the Base Year Wasn’t Revised Sooner

Attempted 2017–18 Revision

A base year change was planned in 2017–18, but it was shelved due to:

• PLFS (2017–18) showing 45-year high unemployment, leading to initial government hesitation.
• CES (2017–18) indicating a drop in consumption, contradicting the narrative of poverty reduction. This data was never released, citing quality concerns.

Economic Disruptions

• Demonetisation (2016) and GST rollout (2017) made 2017–18 an abnormal year, unsuitable as a statistical baseline.
• COVID-19 further delayed the update, as the following years were marked by extreme volatility and economic contraction.

Global Significance of the 2026 GDP Revision

Restoring Credibility

The last revision in 2015 was criticized for allegedly inflating GDP figures. Discrepancies, particularly in the manufacturing sector, raised questions from economists, including former Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian.

Addressing Data Gaps

The missed 2017–18 update and ongoing absence of the Census have created gaps in key areas like poverty, inequality, and employment. The upcoming revision offers an opportunity to rebuild trust in India’s macro data.

Impact on India’s Global Economic Role

As India is projected to become the world’s third-largest economy by nominal GDP, the accuracy and transparency of its data will face heightened scrutiny:

• Investor confidence hinges on credible statistics.
• International institutions and credit agencies will closely monitor the new figures.
• Policy credibility and India’s standing in global forums depend on statistical reliability.

III.          UN Oceans Conference 2025: Key Outcomes, BBNJ Treaty Progress, and Global Ocean Commitments

The United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC) 2025, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, concluded in Nice, France, with notable advances in global ocean governance, especially regarding the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty, also known as the High Seas Treaty.

Conference Theme and Objectives

Theme: "Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean"

The conference aimed to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14 – Life Below Water) by addressing three core priorities through the proposed Nice Ocean Action Plan:

1. Advance multilateral ocean governance.
2. Mobilize financial resources for SDG14 and promote the sustainable blue economy.
3. Enhance scientific knowledge dissemination to inform marine policy-making.

BBNJ Treaty: Status and Significance

About the Treaty

• Adopted in 2023, the BBNJ Treaty operates under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• Focuses on protecting marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ)—covering nearly half of the Earth''s surface.
• Aims to:
• Establish marine protected areas (MPAs) in the high seas.
• Mandate environmental impact assessments for high-seas activities.
• Regulate marine genetic resource access.
• Support capacity-building in developing nations.

Current Ratification Status

• 56 of the required 60 countries have ratified the treaty; 160 have signed it.
• Once 60 ratifications are achieved, a 120-day countdown begins before the treaty enters into force.
• The first BBNJ Conference of Parties (COP) is planned for late 2026.
• India and the United States have not yet ratified the treaty but are reportedly "in the process."

Challenges to Implementation

1. Benefit-Sharing Disputes
• Major disagreements persist over how to share commercial gains from marine genetic resources—a key concern for developing countries.
2. Regulation of Extraction Activities
• No global consensus on how to regulate or restrict biological extraction from deep-sea ecosystems.
3. Environmental Risks
• Conservationists argue that unregulated exploitation could undermine the treaty’s biodiversity goals and accelerate ocean degradation.

Major Achievements and Financial Commitments at UNOC 2025

1. Financial Pledges

• European Commission: €1 billion for marine conservation and science.
• Germany: €100 million to remove old munitions from the Baltic and North Seas.
• New Zealand: $52 million for Pacific Island ocean governance.
• Italy: €6.5 million for enhanced marine surveillance.
• Canada: $9 million to the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance for coastal climate adaptation.

2. Expansion of Marine Protected Areas

• French Polynesia pledged to designate its entire exclusive economic zone (~5 million sq. km) as the world’s largest marine protected area.
• Spain committed to creating five new MPAs, targeting 25% protection of its marine waters.

3. New Global Initiatives

• High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean: Launched by 37 nations (led by Panama and Canada) to combat ocean noise pollution.
• One Ocean Finance: A UN-led initiative to channel blue economy funding toward conservation and resilience projects.

I.              Cook Islands–New Zealand Relations Strain Amid China Ties

New Zealand has recently suspended millions of dollars in budgetary support to the Cook Islands, signaling growing tensions between the two countries. This move comes as the Cook Islands — a small Pacific nation in free association with New Zealand — deepens its engagement with China, raising strategic and political concerns in Wellington.

About the Cook Islands

• Geography: A group of 15 islands spread across 2 million sq. km of ocean in the South Pacific, at the heart of the Polynesian Triangle, midway between Hawaii and New Zealand.
• Capital: Avarua, located on the island of Rarotonga.
• History: Named after Captain James Cook, who visited in 1773. Originally home to Polynesian tribal societies.
• Status: A self-governing country in free association with New Zealand since August 1965.
• Citizenship: Cook Islanders are New Zealand citizens.
• Mobility: They enjoy free movement to New Zealand and access to Australia.
• Foreign Affairs and Defense: While the Cook Islands manages its own internal affairs, New Zealand traditionally assists with foreign relations and defense — unless otherwise arranged.

Current Tensions

• The suspension of aid reflects New Zealand''s concern over China’s growing footprint in the South Pacific, particularly in infrastructure, development, and potential security cooperation.
• The Cook Islands’ increasing economic and diplomatic ties with China — including participation in the Belt and Road Initiative — have stirred debate in Wellington about strategic influence and regional alignment.

II.            Russell’s Viper

·       Recent Research: Experimental studies in mice have shown that two existing drugs — varespladib and marimastat — can effectively neutralize the systemic and potentially fatal effects of Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) venom, whether used individually or in combination.

·       About the Species: Russell’s viper is a highly venomous, ground-dwelling snake belonging to the Viperidae family and is commonly found across Asia. It is classified among India’s “big four” deadliest snakes, along with the Common krait (Bungarus caeruleus), Indian cobra (Naja naja), and Saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus).

·       Medical Significance: This species is responsible for more than half of all snakebite incidents in India, making it a major public health concern.

·       Geographic Range: The snake is widely distributed across India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Taiwan, and parts of China (Guangxi, Guangdong), as well as Tibet.

·       Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the Russell’s viper is listed as Least Concern due to its wide distribution and stable population.

III.          Bajau Tribe: The Sea Nomads with Extraordinary Diving Abilities

The Bajau people, often referred to as Sea Gypsies or Sea Nomads, originate from the Sulu Islands in the southern Philippines and have spread across the maritime regions of Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia due to their traditionally nomadic life at sea.

Unique Physiological Adaptation

Scientific studies have shown that the Bajau possess spleens that are, on average, 50% larger than those of the general population. This is believed to be a genetic adaptation that enhances their ability to store oxygen, allowing them to dive deeper and stay underwater longer — a crucial advantage for their marine-based lifestyle.

Exceptional Diving Skills

The Bajau are world-renowned for their free-diving expertise. Without any modern diving equipment, they routinely:

• Dive to depths of 20 to 30 meters
• Hold their breath for 5 to 13 minutes

IV.          Operation Sindhu: India’s Evacuation Effort from Iran

India has launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran, amid escalating tensions and the rising threat of a possible Israeli-American military offensive against the country.

Why the Operation Was Launched

• Rising Conflict Risk: Fears of a large-scale military confrontation in the region prompted urgent action to safeguard Indian citizens.
• Indian Presence in Iran: Over 10,000 Indian nationals are currently in Iran, including approximately 6,000 students, many of whom reside in conflict-prone areas.

First Phase of the Evacuation

• In the initial phase, 110 Indian students from northern Iran were safely evacuated.
• They were transported by road to Yerevan, Armenia, under the coordination and supervision of the Indian embassies in Iran and Armenia.

V.             Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary: A Blend of Biodiversity and Community Progress

Recent Development:

In a significant step toward promoting education and literacy, tribal students and residents of Kannampadi, a tribal settlement within the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, will soon benefit from the establishment of three new libraries in their community.

About Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Situated in the state of Kerala, southern India.
• Geography: The sanctuary encompasses the forests around the Idukki Arch Dam, one of Asia''s highest arch dams.
• Biodiversity: It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat species endemic to the Western Ghats.

VI.          Reverse Flipping: Startups Returning to India

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) recently introduced measures aimed at reducing regulatory hurdles in the stock market, encouraging more companies to list domestically—especially those considering reverse flipping—and attracting more foreign investment into government bonds.

What is Flipping?

Flipping, also called an externalised structure, is when an Indian start-up transfers its ownership and core assets (like intellectual property) to a foreign entity, typically in countries such as:

• Singapore
• United States
• United Kingdom
• Cayman Islands
• United Arab Emirates

Though most of the start-up’s market, team, and operations remain in India, the Indian company becomes a subsidiary of the foreign parent.

Why Start-ups Flip Abroad

• Tax advantages in host countries
• Easier access to global capital markets
• Higher valuations
• Stronger intellectual property protection
• Global branding and visibility

What is Reverse Flipping?

Reverse flipping, or internalisation, is when a foreign-incorporated start-up moves its domicile back to India. This trend is gaining momentum as Indian capital markets and investor interest grow stronger.

Why Start-ups are Reversing the Flip

• Desire to list on Indian stock exchanges
• Increased domestic investor interest in start-up shares
• India’s improving regulatory and policy environment
• A booming local market and maturing start-up ecosystem
• Growing confidence in India’s economic fundamentals

How Reverse Flipping Works

There are multiple legal and tax structures for executing a reverse flip, depending on the company''s profile. The two most common methods are:

1. Inbound Merger: The foreign parent company merges into its Indian subsidiary, transferring assets and operations back to India.
2. Share Swap Arrangement: Shareholders of the foreign entity exchange their shares for shares in the Indian entity, effectively shifting ownership back home.

SEBI’s Role

SEBI''s recent reforms aim to:

• Simplify compliance requirements
• Encourage reverse-flipped firms to list in India
• Make India a more attractive destination for both domestic and global investors

These changes are part of a broader effort to reclaim high-growth start-ups that had earlier moved abroad, strengthening India’s position as a global innovation hub.

VII.        Sustainable Cities Integrated Pilot Approach (SCIAP) Project: Promoting Green Urban Development

Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, has taken a major step toward sustainable urban living by deploying over 200 electric autos for door-to-door waste collection, an initiative supported under the Sustainable Cities Integrated Pilot Approach (SCIAP) project.

About the SCIAP Project

The Sustainable Cities Integrated Pilot Approach (SCIAP) project is a multi-country initiative that supports sustainable urban planning and infrastructure development to combat environmental degradation and climate change.

Objectives:

• Support UN-Habitat’s goals in assisting the Government of India with sustainable urban management.
• Encourage green infrastructure investments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Improve urban service delivery and enhance residents’ quality of life.
• Integrate urban planning with environmentally sound practices.

Key Features:

• Aids 28 cities across 11 countries in addressing environmental challenges.
• Focuses on developing climate-resilient and inclusive urban systems.
• Promotes low-emission, resource-efficient infrastructure.

Implementation:

• Led by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
• Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
• Executed in close coordination with India’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Pilot Cities in India:

1. Bhopal
2. Guntur
3. Mysore
4. Vijayawada
5. Jaipur

About UN-Habitat

• Mandate: Assigned by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable cities and ensure adequate shelter for all.
• Mission: To help build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban communities.
• Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya

VIII.      Nothopegia: Ancient Fossil Discovery Sheds Light on Plant History

Researchers recently uncovered 24-million-year-old fossilized leaves resembling modern species from the Nothopegia genus in the Makum Coalfield, Assam.

About Nothopegia

• Genus: Nothopegia
• Family: Anacardiaceae
• Native Range: Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka
• Current Habitat: Primarily found in the Western Ghats region of India

Key Findings

• The fossilized leaves date back to the late Oligocene epoch (about 24–23 million years ago), making them the oldest known fossil record of the Nothopegia genus globally.
• This suggests that the northeast Indian environment once provided ideal conditions for Nothopegia.
• The rise of the Himalayas due to tectonic activity caused major climate shifts—cooling temperatures, altered rainfall, and changed wind patterns.
• These changes made northeast India less hospitable for many tropical plants, including Nothopegia.
• The species managed to survive in the climatically stable Western Ghats, where it exists today, serving as a living relic of an ancient ecological era.

IX.          Captain James Cook: Discovery of HMS Endeavour and His Historic Voyages

After 250 years, the long-lost ship of Captain James Cook, the HMS Endeavour, has been discovered off the coast of Newport Harbour, Rhode Island.

Captain Cook’s Three Voyages of Discovery

First Voyage (1768–1771):

• Commissioned by the Royal Society of London to lead a scientific expedition to the Pacific Ocean.
• During this journey, Cook named the continent New South Wales and claimed it for Great Britain.

Second Voyage (1772–1775):

• Circumnavigated the globe from west to east in search of a supposed southern continent.
• Although he did not reach Antarctica, Cook became the first European to cross the Antarctic Circle.

Third Voyage (1776–1779):

• Aimed to find the Northwest Passage, but did not succeed.
• Made history as the first European to visit the Hawaiian Islands.