50 Years Since the Emergency in India: Reflections and Lessons

 On June 25, 1975—exactly fifty years ago—India entered a 21-month period known as the Emergency, widely viewed as one of the darkest phases in its democratic journey.
During this time:

• Civil rights were suspended
• Press freedom was heavily restricted
• Opposition leaders were jailed in large numbers
• Democratic elections were postponed

Governance shifted to rule by executive decree, bypassing the usual democratic checks and balances. This episode remains a sobering example of how easily democratic freedoms can be undermined.

Events Leading Up to the Emergency:

Despite a sweeping victory in the 1971 general elections, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s administration soon encountered a series of crises:

• Economic hardship due to the 1971 India-Pakistan war, successive droughts, and the 1973 global oil shock
• Mounting corruption, administrative failures, and widespread public discontent

·       Emergence of Student Movements and Jayaprakash Narayan: The protest wave began with the 1974 Navnirman Movement in Gujarat, which led to the resignation of CM Chimanbhai Patel over corruption allegations.

·       Inspired by Gujarat, students in Bihar launched a broader movement under the Chhatra Sangharsh Samiti, bringing together socialist and right-wing forces.
Veteran freedom fighter Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) soon became its face. His call for "Sampoorna Kranti" (Total Revolution) from Patna’s Gandhi Maidan on June 5, 1974, gained massive support.

·       National Unrest and the Legal Trigger: In May 1974, George Fernandes led a nationwide railway strike, disrupting key infrastructure. The JP-led movement grew in strength through 1974 and early 1975.

·       The tipping point came on June 12, 1975, when the Allahabad High Court found Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral misconduct, invalidating her 1971 Lok Sabha win from Rae Bareli and igniting calls for her resignation.

·       Emergency Declared: June 25, 1975: As protests escalated, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, on Indira Gandhi’s advice, signed the Emergency proclamation late on June 25, 1975.

Emergency Rule (1975–1977): The Breakdown of Democratic Norms

1.     Centralization of Power: India''s federal framework effectively collapsed as the Centre gained absolute control. State governments lost autonomy, and Parliament legislated even on matters meant for the states. Financial arrangements between the Union and States were also revised unilaterally.

2.     Suppression of Opposition and Mass Detentions: Over 112,000 people were imprisoned using laws such as:

·       MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act)

·       COFEPOSA (Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act)

·       Defence of India Rules

3.     Judiciary Weakened: The 42nd Amendment (1976) This major constitutional change:

·       Removed judicial review of election-related disputes

·       Strengthened Parliament’s ability to alter the Constitution

·       Protected laws implementing Directive Principles from court scrutiny

·       Expanded central authority over state matters

4.     Crackdown on the Press: Freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a) was suspended.
Print media operated under pre-censorship, stifling dissent and public criticism.

5.     Postponing Democratic Processes: The tenure of the Lok Sabha was extended by a year in 1976, delaying general elections and prolonging the suspension of democracy.

The Emergency Framework: Legal Facade, Democratic Decline

Though carried out under constitutional cover, the Emergency period marked a profound democratic breakdown, driven by:

• Use of laws to silence opposition
• Erosion of judicial independence
• Disregard for due process and legal safeguards

1.     Legal Tools as Political Weapons: The 39th Constitutional Amendment:

• Shielded MISA from judicial review by placing it in the Ninth Schedule
• Made the elections of key leaders, including the Prime Minister, immune to court challenge—essentially nullifying the Allahabad HC ruling against Indira Gandhi

2.     Undermining the Judiciary: Appointments were manipulated to ensure judicial compliance.
In 1977, Justice M.H. Beg was made Chief Justice, superseding Justice H.R. Khanna, who had bravely dissented in the infamous habeas corpus case, defending citizens'' civil liberties. This event deeply damaged public trust in the judiciary.

3.     Collapse of the Rule of Law: With courts increasingly siding with the government, Emergency-era laws stripped citizens of legal remedies. Major constitutional changes occurred while the opposition was imprisoned—undermining both legality and legitimacy.

Enduring Lessons: Democracy Requires Eternal Vigilance

The Emergency stands as a stark reminder that:

• Authoritarianism often begins with legal justifications
• Independent institutions are essential guardrails
• Civil liberties must be actively protected
• Constitutional values need constant reinforcement

Bihar Voter Roll Special Revision: Proof of Birth Now Mandatory

ECI’s Constitutional Mandate

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a special intensive revision of the electoral roll in Bihar, ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. This initiative is part of the ECI’s core constitutional duty to maintain accurate and credible voter records, as mandated under Article 324 of the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.

New Proof Requirements for Voter Eligibility

In a notable change, voters not listed in the 2003 rolls must now submit new documents to establish eligibility, especially proof of birth. This aligns with provisions under the Citizenship Act, 1955:

• Born before July 1, 1987: Must provide their own birth documents.
• Born between July 1, 1987 and December 2, 2004: Must provide proof of either parent’s birth.
• Born after December 2, 2004: Required to submit birth documents for both parents.

Legal Framework and Context

This intensive revision is being carried out under Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, allowing the Commission to prepare a fresh electoral roll. Historically, this power has been exercised 13 times between 1952 and 2004, with the last such revision in Bihar taking place in 2003.

How the Process Works

• Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct door-to-door verification and collect pre-filled forms and documents.
• Voters can also submit forms online via the ECINET app or the ECI website.
• Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) will validate applications, while Assistant EROs (AEROs) will handle objections or disputes.
• Appeals can be made under Section 24 to the District Magistrate or Chief Electoral Officer if a voter disagrees with a decision.

Why Now?

Due to demographic changes such as urban migration, rising numbers of first-time voters, unreported deaths, and concerns over foreign nationals in the rolls, the ECI deemed a full revision necessary to ensure a clean and reliable voter list.

Revised EVM and VVPAT Handling Protocols

Earlier Gaps

Previously, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) containing mock poll data were only excluded if the number of such votes didn’t impact the result. This sometimes created discrepancies between votes cast and counted.

New Guidelines

• All EVMs and VVPATs containing mock poll data must now be counted separately.
• Votes cast during mock polls will be deducted using the mock poll certificate.
• This aims to enhance transparency and accuracy in vote counting.

Accountability for Poll Officials

Strict disciplinary action will be taken against:

• Presiding Officers or Polling Officers who fail to delete mock poll data from EVMs.
• Officials who don’t remove VVPAT slips from mock trials.

These reforms underscore the ECI’s renewed focus on voter roll integrity, electoral accuracy, and accountability in election management.

Total Revolution: Revisiting JP’s Vision 51 Years Later

Background and Launch

On June 5, 1974, from Gandhi Maidan in Patna, veteran freedom fighter Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) called for a “Total Revolution” (Sampoorna Kranti)—a peaceful, holistic movement aimed at transforming India’s socio-political and moral fabric. Rooted in Gandhian philosophy, it combined ethical politics, grassroots democracy, and social justice, challenging the status quo of the 1970s.

What Was Total Revolution?

• A non-violent, multi-dimensional movement to reform India’s political, economic, social, and moral structures.
• Intended to reshape governance and society through participatory democracy, social equity, and spiritual renewal.
• Emphasized a "party-less democracy" as an alternative to political centralization and corruption.

Key Drivers Behind the Movement

1. Electoral Crisis: The 1975 Allahabad High Court verdict invalidating Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s election undermined her legitimacy, sparking widespread dissent.
2. Youth Agitation: Movements like Gujarat’s Navnirman Andolan and student protests in Bihar reflected rising youth frustration with unemployment, inflation, and lack of opportunity.
3. Economic Breakdown: Stagflation, food shortages, and joblessness in the early 1970s eroded public faith in governance.
4. Authoritarian Drift: The use of repressive laws like MISA, increased centralization, and crackdown on dissent alarmed civil society.
5. JP’s Leadership: His ability to merge Gandhian ideals, Sarvodaya principles, and Marxist critiques gave moral depth and strategic direction to the movement.

Core Components of Total Revolution

• Political: Advocated decentralized, accountable governance, emphasizing grassroots participation.
• Economic: Called for land reform, equitable development, and policies to bridge wealth gaps.
• Social: Aimed to eradicate casteism, gender inequality, and dowry.
• Educational: Pushed for an ethics-based, vocationally oriented education focused on civic responsibility and rural empowerment.
• Cultural-Spiritual: Encouraged self-discipline, moral integrity, and national unity through inner transformation.

Impact and Legacy

On Society and People

• Youth Engagement: Sparked the political rise of leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav, Nitish Kumar, and Sushil Modi, shaping Bihar’s politics for decades.
• Democratic Awakening: Fostered a culture of civic activism, making public accountability a central political demand.
• Peaceful Protest Tradition: Strengthened the legacy of non-violent resistance, later echoed in Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement.

On Governance and Institutions

• Coalition Politics: The unity forged during the Emergency led to the Janata Party’s 1977 victory, ending Congress’s dominance.
• Constitutional Reform: Catalyzed the 44th Amendment, which curtailed Emergency powers and reinstated judicial safeguards.
• Decentralization Push: Influenced the eventual passage of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, strengthening local self-governance.

Enduring Significance

• Revitalized Democratic Dissent: Re-established protest as a legitimate democratic tool in independent India.
• Nurtured New Leadership: Produced a generation of mass-based leaders with enduring influence.
• Exposed Institutional Fragility: Highlighted systemic weaknesses, prompting reforms for institutional resilience.
• Expanded Civil Society''s Role: Strengthened citizen involvement in governance beyond elections.
• Contemporary Relevance: Offers key insights into modern challenges like political centralization, youth alienation, and erosion of democratic values.

Conclusion

Jayaprakash Narayan’s Total Revolution was not merely a response to immediate political crises—it was a visionary blueprint for moral and democratic renewal. Though idealistic, its influence reshaped Indian politics, revived participatory governance, and inspired future movements. Today, its message remains vital in protecting and rejuvenating India’s democratic institutions.

NITI Aayog’s Report: “India’s Data Imperative – The Pivot Towards Quality”

Understanding the Report

The report by NITI Aayog focuses on enhancing the integrity of India’s public data ecosystem. This ecosystem comprises a vast web of digital public infrastructure, databases, and platforms that enable effective governance, efficient welfare distribution, and financial inclusion across both government and private entities.

It brings together various data-driven systems such as Aadhaar (identity), UPI (digital payments), Ayushman Bharat (healthcare), and welfare schemes, creating an integrated framework for service delivery.

Key Statistics from the Report

1. Aadhaar: In the fiscal year 2024–25, more than 27 billion Aadhaar authentications were carried out, highlighting its critical role in identity-based service access.
2. Unified Payments Interface (UPI): With ₹23.9 trillion in monthly transactions, UPI stands as the largest real-time payment infrastructure globally.
3. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: So far, 369 million digital health IDs have been issued, contributing significantly to interoperable digital health records.
4. Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT): A total of ₹5.47 lakh crore has been disbursed via DBT mechanisms in FY 2024–25, covering more than 330 welfare programs.
5. Aadhaar-based e-KYC: Over 1.8 billion electronic KYC verifications were completed, helping reduce costs and streamline verification across sectors.
6. Digital Connectivity: With 1.2 billion mobile users and around 800 million internet subscribers, India is among the world’s largest digital populations.

Why India Needs a High-Quality Data Ecosystem

• Curbing Fiscal Waste: Inaccurate or outdated data contributes to duplicate beneficiaries and errors in targeting, leading to 4–7% excess expenditure in welfare schemes.
• Supporting Policy with Evidence: Reliable data is essential for data-driven decision-making, including the use of AI-powered tools for precise delivery of government services.
• Building Public Confidence: Citizens’ faith in digital governance depends heavily on the government’s ability to provide accurate and timely services.
• Strengthening AI Development: High-quality, verified data is the foundation for building robust AI models, especially in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and digital governance.
• Improving Government Efficiency: When data is interoperable and accurate, different ministries and departments can work in sync, enhancing inter-departmental coordination and policy execution.

Challenges Hindering Data Quality in India

• Data Silos and Fragmentation: Many government departments operate on isolated digital systems, using incompatible data formats that prevent smooth integration and sharing.
• Absence of Clear Responsibility: No single agency or entity has full accountability for maintaining consistent data quality across all administrative levels.
• Outdated Digital Infrastructure: Legacy IT systems in many departments lack the capability for real-time updates or integration with modern platforms, limiting seamless operations.
• Misaligned Incentives: Current data entry practices reward speed over accuracy, meaning that staff are not held accountable for ensuring data correctness.
• Lack of a Quality-Driven Culture: A widely accepted mindset that "80% accuracy is sufficient" fosters complacency and allows data errors to persist across the system.

Recommendations from NITI Aayog

• Designate Data Custodians: Appoint specific officers responsible for data quality at the national, state, and district levels to ensure ownership and accountability.
• Link Quality to Incentives: Introduce mechanisms where error rates and data quality scores influence staff evaluations and departmental funding decisions.
• Promote Data Interoperability: Enforce common standards across systems by using frameworks such as IndEA (India Enterprise Architecture) and NDGFP (National Data Governance Framework Policy) to dismantle data silos.
• Adopt Practical Tools: Use NITI Aayog’s tools like the Data Quality Scorecard and the Data Maturity Assessment Framework to help departments regularly evaluate and improve their data practices.
• Focus on Capacity Building: Train ground-level personnel and data managers in data validation techniques and instill a culture where data accuracy is a key professional responsibility.

Conclusion

The framework proposed in NITI Aayog’s report represents a major step toward data-driven and precision-focused governance. With India’s digital systems playing an ever-growing role in service delivery, there is a pressing need to embed data stewardship, validation, and interoperability across all levels of government. Ensuring these practices will not only improve administrative efficiency but also enhance public trust in digital governance and unlock the full potential of the country’s digital infrastructure.

Sustainable Development Report (SDR) 2025

Context:

For the first time, India has secured a spot in the top 100 of the Sustainable Development Report rankings, placing 99th in the 2025 edition released by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). This marks the 10th edition of the globally recognized report.

About the Sustainable Development Report 2025:

• What it is: The SDR is considered the most credible and comprehensive global assessment of countries’ progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among the 193 United Nations member states.
• Published by: UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
• Primary Theme (2025): Emphasizes the need to finance the SDGs by 2030 and to reform the Global Financial Architecture (GFA) to support that goal.
• Top Performers: Finland leads the rankings, followed by Sweden and Denmark, maintaining Europe''s dominance in sustainable development.

Key Highlights of the SDR 2025:

1. Widespread Global Participation: A remarkable 190 out of 193 UN countries submitted Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), showcasing strong international engagement with the SDG agenda.
2. Regional Leaders: East and South Asia are making the quickest advances toward the SDGs since 2015, thanks to robust economic growth and strategic national policies.
3. Major Improvers: Countries such as Nepal (+11.1 points), Benin (+14.5), UAE (+9.9), and Peru (+8.7) achieved the largest score jumps, reflecting effective domestic SDG actions.
4. European Dominance: 19 of the top 20 SDG achievers are European nations, reflecting their long-term investments in social systems and environmental sustainability.
5. Global SDG Gap: None of the 17 goals are fully on track worldwide. Only 17% of SDG targets are currently progressing at the required pace, indicating major implementation lags.
6. Multilateralism Index: Barbados tops the list in terms of commitment to UN-led multilateral cooperation, whereas the United States ranks last (193rd), owing to its recent withdrawals from multilateral efforts.
7. Lack of Fiscal Space: Nearly half of all countries are struggling with inadequate public finances, making it difficult to fund essential SDG-related programs.
8. Flawed Global Financial System: The existing global financial framework continues to favor wealthy nations, while emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) remain underfunded.

India’s Performance in the 2025 SDR:

• Rank: 99th, India enters the top 100 for the first time, marking a significant step forward in aligning national development with the SDG framework.
• Score: India’s SDG Index score reached a new milestone, reflecting steady progress across critical areas.
• Regional Comparison: India ranks below China (49th) but outperforms Bangladesh (114th) and Pakistan (140th), revealing uneven progress in the South Asian region.
• Strengths: Key areas of improvement include:
• Digital infrastructure (SDG 9)
• Healthcare services (SDG 3)
• Electricity access (SDG 7)
• Ongoing Challenges: India still faces hurdles in:
• Tackling obesity and nutrition issues (SDG 2)
• Climate action (SDG 13)
• Ensuring press freedom and strong institutions (SDG 16)

Global Challenges Hindering SDG Advancement:

• Geopolitical Tensions: Armed conflicts and political instability continue to derail development efforts, especially in fragile states.
• Fiscal Constraints: High debt burdens in many low- and middle-income countries limit public investment in welfare and sustainable development.
• Climate Crisis: Environmental challenges are intensifying food insecurity, deepening inequalities, and accelerating biodiversity loss.
• Unequal Financial Flows: The current financial architecture is skewed in favor of wealthy nations, depriving poorer countries of critical capital for SDG-related progress.
• Governance and Data Weaknesses: Many governments face issues such as poor administrative capacity, ineffective planning, and a lack of data for evidence-based policymaking.

Recommendations by SDSN:

• Ensure UN System Funding: Guarantee predictable and sufficient funding for UN-backed SDG initiatives and global development partnerships.
• Debt Solutions: Implement innovative mechanisms for debt relief, particularly for low-income countries, to free up resources for social investment.
• Support Global Public Goods: Mobilize new and additional funding for areas like climate change, biodiversity conservation, and renewable energy.
• Reform Global Finance: Restructure the global financial system to redirect private and public capital toward long-term, sustainable development objectives.
• Enhance Multilateralism: Reinforce UN-centered multilateral cooperation to ensure inclusive and equitable SDG advancement across all nations.

Conclusion:

The 2025 Sustainable Development Report reveals that the world is still significantly behind in achieving the SDGs. Although India’s entry into the top 100 reflects growing national commitment, true progress will depend on addressing deeper structural issues — including finance system reform, improved governance, and global solidarity. Reaching the 2030 goals will require accelerated cooperation, innovative financing, and stronger institutions worldwide.

Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA)

Context:

India has launched its largest tribal empowerment initiative to date — the Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA) — targeting over 1 lakh tribal villages across 31 States and Union Territories.

Overview of DAJA:

• What is DAJA? DAJA is a landmark tribal outreach and empowerment campaign, designed to ensure full coverage of government welfare schemes among Scheduled Tribes and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• Nodal Ministry: Spearheaded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.

Objectives of the Campaign:

• Deliver welfare benefits to the remotest tribal areas, bridging last-mile gaps in governance.
• Celebrate the legacy of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda, reinforcing pride in tribal heritage.
• Empower over 5.5 crore tribal citizens through a people-participation model (Janbhagidari).

Key Features of DAJA:

• Extensive Coverage: The campaign spans more than 1 lakh tribal and PVTG habitations across 31 States/UTs.
• Integrated Service Delivery: A wide range of schemes and entitlements are being delivered in a single-window format, including:
• Aadhaar enrolment
• Ayushman Bharat health cards
• PM-Kisan income support
• PM Ujjwala LPG connections
• Jan Dhan financial inclusion
• Pension entitlements
• Forest Rights Act (FRA) claim facilitation
• Five Core Pillars of the Abhiyan:

1.     Janbhagidari (People''s Participation)

2.     Saturation of Welfare Schemes

3.     Cultural Inclusion

4.     Convergence of Government Services

5.     Last-Mile Delivery

• Technology-Enabled Monitoring: Real-time digital dashboards are being used for tracking progress, ensuring data transparency and accountability.
• Cultural Revitalization: The campaign also celebrates tribal identity through community-level events featuring traditional cuisine, handicrafts, and folk arts.

RBI Eases Priority Sector Lending Norms for Small Finance Banks

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued new guidelines under Section 22(1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, relaxing Priority Sector Lending (PSL) norms for Small Finance Banks (SFBs).

Key Changes Introduced:

• Liquidity Boost: The change is expected to unlock approximately ₹40,000 crore, enabling SFBs to expand into low-risk, secured lending areas such as:
• Loans Against Property (LAP)
• Personal Loans, and other secured loan categories
• Diversification Strategy:
  This regulatory easing will allow SFBs to broaden their lending base beyond microfinance, helping mitigate concentration risks and improve portfolio quality.

Understanding Priority Sector Lending (PSL):

• Origin: Introduced in the 1970s by the RBI.
• Purpose: Mandates banks to allocate a fixed percentage of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) to sectors deemed vital for inclusive development.
• ANBC Includes:
• Net Bank Credit (NBC)
• Investments in non-Statutory Liquidity Ratio (non-SLR) bonds
• Recognised Priority Sectors:
• Agriculture
• Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
• Education
• Housing
• Export Credit
• Social Infrastructure
• Renewable Energy
• Others as notified
• Applicable to:
• Commercial Banks (including RRBs, SFBs, LABs)
• Urban Co-operative Banks (excluding Salary Earners’ Banks)

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Now Empowered to Issue Unified Orders

Context:

In a major reform aimed at increasing military coordination, the Defence Minister has officially authorized the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to issue joint operational directives applicable across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

What Has Changed:

• The CDS will now issue unified instructions, replacing the previous practice where each military service issued its own separate orders.
• This move signifies a critical step toward jointness and eventual integration of the Indian Armed Forces.

About Jointness and Integration in Defence:

• Jointness refers to the synergised deployment of all three services, optimising resources while preserving their unique roles.
• Integration involves the structural unification of different service elements, crucial for the proposed Theatre Commands.

Importance:

• Streamlines defence operations
• Eliminates redundancy
• Enhances coordination
• Listed as one of the top nine reform priorities for 2025, which has been declared the “Year of Defence Reforms.”

Major Initiatives Supporting Jointness and Integration:

1. Theatre Command Proposal: Plans to establish Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) and Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) to combine service strengths based on geography or strategic function.
2. Inter-Services Organisations Rules, 2025: These new rules standardize command, control, and discipline mechanisms within tri-service structures.
3. Appointment of the CDS: The CDS plays a central role in coordinating jointness across operations, logistics, training, and more.
4. Department of Military Affairs (DMA): Set up under the Ministry of Defence, with the CDS as Secretary, to facilitate defence policy execution and integration.
5. Existing Joint Commands:
• Andaman & Nicobar Command (A&NC): India’s first tri-service command
• Strategic Forces Command: Manages India’s nuclear arsenal
6. Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS):
   Functions as a single-point tri-service body, offering military advice to the government.

India’s Coffee Export Boom

Context:

India’s coffee exports have surged by over 25% in FY 2025–26, maintaining a remarkable upward trend that followed a 40% rise in the previous financial year, as per data from the Coffee Board of India.

Details of the Export Surge:

• In FY 2024–25, India exported coffee worth US$1803 million, a significant rise from US$1286 million in FY 2023–24.
• The upward momentum has continued into FY 2025–26, with growth exceeding 25% so far.

Reasons for Growth:

• Rising international demand for premium Indian Arabica and Robusta, grown under natural shade.
• Effective branding and marketing efforts, including the use of Geographical Indication (GI) tags and online promotional campaigns by the Coffee Board.
• Improved climatic conditions and favourable crop cycles, following years of pandemic-induced disruption.

Coffee Cultivation in India

• India ranks 7th globally in coffee production, contributing around 3.5% to the world’s output, and stands 5th in global exports, accounting for 5% of worldwide coffee trade.

Types of Coffee Produced:

• Arabica Varieties: Includes well-known cultivars like Kents, S.795, Cauvery (Catimor), and Selection 9 (Sln.9).
• Robusta Varieties: High-yielding selections suited to Indian conditions.

• Karnataka dominates with around 70% of total production, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

• Coffee in India is cultivated under a two-tier shade system, typically beneath over 50 species of trees.

What Makes Indian Coffee Unique:

• India is the only nation where all coffee is shade-grown, resulting in mild acidity, rich body, and a distinct aroma.
• Several coffee varieties enjoy GI tag recognition, including five regional types and two specialty coffees.
• Coffee cultivation in India dates back nearly 400 years, with origins linked to Baba Budan who first planted coffee in Karnataka.

Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML)

Context:

The Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) has initiated legal steps to recover the private papers of Jawaharlal Nehru, which were reportedly taken by Sonia Gandhi in 2008. The institution has deemed these papers to be of national importance.

About PMML:

• PMML is a premier autonomous body in New Delhi, serving as a research and archival hub for the study of modern Indian history and political leadership.
• Initially established as the Nehru Memorial Museum on November 14, 1964, it was formally set up as an institution in 1966 by the Government of India.

Governance Structure:

• It operates under the Ministry of Culture.
• The President and Vice-President of the PMML Society are appointed by the Central Government.

Mandate and Purpose:

• Dedicated to preserving, curating, and studying India’s modern political history.
• Aims to deepen public understanding of Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision, and the freedom movement.
• Also seeks to promote scholarly research in history and governance.

Historical Significance:

• Located at Teen Murti House, which served as Nehru’s residence from 1948 until his death in 1964.
• The library wing was added in 1974, and the Annexe and Centre for Contemporary Studies followed between 1989 and 1990.

Key Functions:

• Houses the private papers of over 1,000 key Indian personalities, including Gandhi, Ambedkar, and Maulana Azad.
• Organises seminars, lectures, and academic publications related to public policy and modern Indian history.
• Provides archival access to both Indian and international scholars.
• Maintains a comprehensive collection of official correspondence, rare manuscripts, books, and personal documents.

Significance:

• Regarded as India’s leading academic institution focused on the post-independence era and democratic governance.
• Acts as a national memory repository, influencing scholarly discourse and public policy.
• Plays a key role in promoting democratic values and constitutional principles through historical research.

Kosi River and Illegal Sand Mining

Context:

The Uttarakhand High Court has imposed an immediate ban on unauthorised sand mining in the Kosi River, located in the Bazpur tehsil, following a public interest litigation that flagged ecological degradation.

About Kosi River:

Geographic Origin and Flow:

• The Kosi is formed by the union of three Himalayan tributaries: Sun Kosi, Arun Kosi, and Tamur Kosi.
• It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and Nepal, before flowing into India, primarily through Bihar.
• It ultimately joins the Ganges River near Purnea, Bihar.

Major Tributaries:

• Include rivers such as Dudh Koshi, Tama Koshi (Tamba Koshi), Indravati, Likhu, Sun Kosi, Arun, and Tamor.

Key Characteristics:

• Length: About 724 km (approximately 450 miles).
• Drainage Basin: Covers 74,500 sq km, with 11,070 sq km inside India.
• Known as the "Sorrow of Bihar" due to its recurrent floods and unstable channel paths, often shifting westward.
• The river is braided, meaning it splits into multiple shifting streams, depositing large amounts of sediment.
• Controlled by the Chatra Gorge Dam, which regulates floods, supports irrigation, generates hydropower, and sustains fisheries.
• Its floodplains are fertile and used for growing maize and other crops.

NATO’s 5% GDP Defence Spending Goal

Context:

At the upcoming summit in The Hague, NATO members are expected to commit to a new defence spending benchmark, proposing that each member allocate 5% of its GDP toward defence and security, a significant increase from current obligations.

What This Target Entails:

• Total Spending Goal: Each NATO member will aim to dedicate 5% of its GDP to bolster both military and non-military security capabilities.
• Breakdown of the New Structure:
• 3.5% of GDP will be directed towards core military expenses, which includes personnel salaries, acquisition of weapons, and military operations.
• 1.5% will support wider security areas, such as cyber defence, energy infrastructure resilience, and critical infrastructure upgrades.

Existing Standard:

• NATO’s prior commitment, made during the 2014 Wales Summit, was to allocate 2% of GDP solely to defence spending.
• However, as of 2024, only 22 out of 32 NATO members had managed to meet this target.

About NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization):

• Definition: NATO is a military and political alliance committed to collective security, where an attack on one is treated as an attack on all, as per Article 5.
• Formation Year: 1949, under the North Atlantic Treaty.
• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.
• Membership: Includes 32 countries from Europe and North America, with recent expansions.

Core Objectives:

• Mutual Defence: Collective response under Article 5.
• Crisis Response & Peacekeeping: Engages in missions worldwide.
• Political Cooperation: Encourages dialogue and partnerships for global stability.

Historical Evolution:

• Post-WWII: Formed to counter the Soviet threat.
• Korean War: Strengthened alliance unity and military command.
• 1950s–60s: Emphasised nuclear deterrence against Soviet forces.
• Post-Cold War (1990s): Focus shifted to peacekeeping (e.g., Kosovo).
• 21st Century: Broadened roles, including counterterrorism and missions like Afghanistan (2001–2021).

Key Structures and Roles:

• North Atlantic Council: The primary political body for decision-making.
• Strategic Commands:
• Allied Command Operations (ACO) – manages missions.
• Allied Command Transformation (ACT) – leads capability upgrades.
• Integrated Forces: Ensures NATO forces can operate jointly.
• Cyber and Energy Security: Safeguards digital infrastructure and energy assets.
• Counterterrorism Measures: Promotes intelligence cooperation and anti-terror operations.

Haemophilia A and Von Willebrand Disease (VWD)

The National Institute of Immunohaematology has developed an affordable point-of-care test kit for early diagnosis of Haemophilia A and VWD.

Haemophilia A:

• What is it?
• A hereditary bleeding disorder where blood does not clot properly due to insufficient Factor VIII, a protein essential in the coagulation cascade.
• Cause:
  Caused by an inherited altered gene, mostly affecting males. Women can be carriers and occasionally show milder symptoms.
• Symptoms:
• Prolonged bleeding, often first noticed during infancy (e.g., circumcision) or after injuries/surgeries.
• Bleeding into joints causing pain and swelling.
• Bruising, blood in urine or stool, nosebleeds, bleeding from cuts or dental work.
• Bleeding may sometimes start spontaneously without injury.
• Treatment:
  Factor replacement therapy—injecting concentrated Factor VIII to aid clotting.

Von Willebrand Disease (VWD):

• What is it?
• A blood disorder caused by low levels or malfunction of von Willebrand factor, a protein important for clotting.
• Cause:
  Usually inherited from parents.
• Symptoms:
• Bruising easily, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums.
• Excessive bleeding after injury, surgery, or childbirth.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding, blood in stool or urine, joint pain and swelling.
• Treatment:
  No cure, but symptoms can be managed with treatment and self-care for an active life.

Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW)

• Overview:
  ERW is a process designed to accelerate the natural weathering of rocks to capture and store carbon dioxide (CO₂), a key greenhouse gas. It enhances the natural geological process of weathering where carbonic acid, formed from CO₂ dissolving in water, breaks down rocks and locks CO₂ as bicarbonate and eventually limestone.
• How it Works: ERW uses finely ground, fast-weathering rocks like basalt to increase surface area and speed up CO₂ absorption.
• Global Projects: Ongoing worldwide—in Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia.
• Benefits:
• Captures atmospheric and soil CO₂, helping mitigate climate change.
• Increases soil alkalinity, improving crop growth and soil nutrients.
• Basalt is abundant and often a quarry byproduct, making ERW cost-effective.
• Even if CO₂ isn’t immediately locked away in soil, preventing acid runoff into waterways reduces downstream CO₂ release.
• Challenges:
  Some quick-weathering rocks contain potentially toxic heavy metals, which require careful management.
• Current Interest: Large companies in tech, airlines, and fast fashion are investing in carbon credits linked to ERW projects.

Candida tropicalis

• What is Candida tropicalis? A species of yeast fungus belonging to the Candida genus, known to be an important human pathogen with high mortality rates.
• Habitat:
  Found in tropical and subtropical marine environments—seawater, sediments, marine organisms—as well as in the human gut, fruit surfaces, foods, and soil.
• Health Impact:
• Causes systemic infections, especially in immune-compromised or immune-suppressed individuals (e.g., neutropenic hosts).
• Infections can affect skin, gastrointestinal tract, and female genitourinary tract.
• Mortality rate associated with infections is around 55-60%.
• Transmission often occurs in healthcare settings (nosocomial transmission).
• Resistance:
  Uses chromosome alterations to resist common antifungal drugs like fluconazole and voriconazole.
• Treatment:
  Antifungal medications remain the primary treatment approach.

Sabka Vishwas (Legacy Dispute Resolution) Scheme, 2019 – Latest Update

The New Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) recently ruled that once a discharge certificate is issued under the Sabka Vishwas (Legacy Dispute Resolution) Scheme (SVLDRS), no further revenue proceedings can be initiated.

About the Sabka Vishwas (Legacy Dispute Resolution) Scheme, 2019
This was a one-time amnesty scheme introduced in the Union Budget 2019 to settle disputes related to the former Service Tax and Central Excise laws, now incorporated into GST, along with 26 other indirect tax laws. The scheme aimed to help taxpayers clear pending disputes by offering significant relief.

• Duration: September 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019
• Objectives:
• Encourage voluntary disclosure of past dues under Central Excise, Service Tax, and other indirect tax laws.
• Enable eligible taxpayers to declare and pay their outstanding tax liabilities under the scheme’s provisions.
• Grant immunity from penalties, interest, and prosecution to those who pay the declared dues.
• Relief Offered: Tax demands were reduced substantially, with relief ranging from 40% to 70%, except in cases of voluntary disclosures.

Amended BharatNet Program (ABP)

Gujarat became the first state to roll out the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) using a state-led implementation model.

About ABP:

• Background: BharatNet was initially launched to provide broadband connectivity to every Gram Panchayat (GP) in India.
• Evolution: The ABP, approved in 2023, is an upgraded design of the original BharatNet.
• Goals:
• Provide Optical Fibre (OF) connectivity to 264,000 Gram Panchayats via a ring topology network, which connects devices in a circular data path.
• Extend OF connectivity to remaining non-GP villages upon demand.
• Key Features:
• IP-MPLS (Internet Protocol Multi-Protocol Label Switching) network infrastructure with routers installed at the Block and GP levels.
• Operation and maintenance assured for 10 years.
• Guaranteed minimum download speeds of 25 Mbps for each FTTH (Fiber to the Home) subscriber.
• Last-mile connectivity implemented through the BharatNet Udyami model.

Critical and Emerging Technologies Index

The Critical and Emerging Technologies Index has been introduced to evaluate the performance of 25 countries across five key technology sectors: artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, semiconductors, space, and quantum technologies.

• Published by: Harvard Kennedy School
• Assessment Criteria: The index uses six parameters to define each technology sector: geopolitical importance, systemic influence, contribution to GDP, dual-use applications, supply chain vulnerabilities, and time required to reach maturity.

Key Findings:

• India is considerably behind the leading players — the United States, China, and Europe — in most technology sectors.
• India’s performance is notably weaker in critical areas like semiconductor technology.

Epigenetic Programming

Chinese scientists have successfully used DNA editing to produce fertile offspring from two male mice for the first time. This research marks progress in using epigenetic programming as a method to reproduce mice without mothers, while maintaining their health and fertility.

About Epigenetic Programming:

• Epigenetics: The study of heritable changes in gene activity that do not involve alterations to the DNA sequence itself.
• Epigenetic Programming: Refers to genetic modifications that influence gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. These modifications are chemical tags attached to DNA that regulate gene activity.
• Epigenome: The complete set of such regulatory modifications across the genome of a cell.

Tansen

The Madhya Pradesh High Court recently refused permission for religious and cultural activities at the tomb of Hazrat Sheikh Muhammad Ghaus in Gwalior. The site also contains the graves of the legendary musician Tansen.

About Tansen (originally named Ramtanu):

• A key figure in Hindustani classical music, born in Gwalior.
• The title “Tansen” was bestowed upon him by Raja Vikramjit of Gwalior.
• Trained under the renowned musician Swami Haridas.
• Composed Dhrupad music dedicated to Hindu deities and patrons such as Ramchandra Vaghela and Emperor Akbar.
• One of the Navaratnas (nine jewels) in Akbar’s court.
• Created famous ragas like Miyan ki Malhar, Miyan ki Todi, and Darbari.
• His followers and descendants are known as Seniyas.

Black Mass Recovery Technology

The Technology Development Board (TDB) has provided financial backing to commercialize an indigenous technology for recycling batteries using dual-mode black mass recovery (both wet and dry methods).

What is Black Mass?

• Black mass is the dark, powdery substance found inside used lithium-ion batteries at the end of their life.
• It contains critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel that can be recovered and reused for clean energy solutions.

About the Black Mass Recovery Technology:

• It efficiently extracts valuable materials from spent lithium-ion batteries.
• The process achieves high separation efficiency with recovery rates between 97% and 99%.

Price Support Scheme (PSS)

The Union Agriculture Minister recently approved the procurement of moong and urad in Madhya Pradesh and urad in Uttar Pradesh under the Price Support Scheme.

About Price Support Scheme (PSS):

• The PSS is implemented by the Government of India under the broader scheme called PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan), which was launched in 2018.
• It is managed by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, with the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) as the central nodal agency. NAFED procures oilseeds, pulses, and cotton at the government-declared Minimum Support Price (MSP).
• The Food Corporation of India (FCI) also participates in PSS operations in some states and districts.

Key Benefits:

• When market prices drop below the MSP, state and central procurement agencies purchase crops directly from farmers at the MSP, provided the produce meets Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards.
• This procurement protects farmers from losses due to falling prices.
• The government continues procurement until prices stabilize at or above MSP.
• All procurement-related expenses and losses are borne by the Central Government as per established norms.

Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)

PM-AASHA is an umbrella scheme designed to ensure farmers receive remunerative prices for their produce. It includes three components, from which states may choose one to implement:

1. Price Support Scheme (PSS)
• Direct procurement of notified crops at MSP by government agencies.
2. Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS)
• Covers all MSP-notified oilseeds.
• Instead of physical procurement, farmers get direct payment of the difference between MSP and the actual selling price.
• Payments are made directly into farmers’ bank accounts after transparent auctions in notified market yards.
• The central government supports PDPS funding as per norms.
3. Pilot of Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme (PPPS)
• Allows private players to participate in procurement on a pilot basis in select districts or Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs).
• Covers one or more MSP-notified oilseed crops.
• Only one scheme (either PSS or PDPS) can operate for a particular commodity in a state.