One in 100 Deaths by Suicide: WHO Report on Global Mental Health

According to the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide accounted for one in every 100 deaths globally in 2021, resulting in the loss of 727,000 lives. Moreover, for each suicide death, there were over 20 suicide attempts. These findings are part of two major WHO publications — World Mental Health Today and the Mental Health Atlas 2024 — which also reveal that over one billion people worldwide are currently living with mental health disorders. Country-specific profiles, including data on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, will soon be released through the updated Mental Health Atlas.

Understanding Mental Health: WHO’s Key Findings

WHO emphasizes that mental health is a fundamental aspect of overall health — not merely the absence of mental illness, but a foundation for emotional well-being, social functioning, and productive living. It encompasses the promotion of mental wellness, prevention of disorders, and access to treatment and rehabilitation services.

Most Prevalent Mental Health Disorders

Anxiety and depressive disorders remain the most widespread mental health conditions, jointly accounting for more than two-thirds of all cases in 2021. Over the decade from 2011 to 2021, the global burden of mental disorders increased more rapidly than population growth, leading to a rise in the global age-standardized prevalence of mental disorders from 12.7% to 13.6%.

Age-Related Patterns in Mental Health

The prevalence of mental health disorders varies significantly by age group. Young adults aged 20 to 29 years have experienced the largest increase in prevalence since 2011, with a rise of 1.8%. Among children under the age of 10, depressive disorders are rare. In contrast, among adults aged 40 to 69, depressive disorders surpass anxiety and peak between the ages of 50 and 69.

Gender Disparities in Mental Health Conditions

Mental health issues manifest differently across genders. Males are more likely to be diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, and intellectual developmental disorders. Females, on the other hand, are more commonly affected by anxiety disorders, depression, and eating disorders.

Suicide: A Persistent Global Challenge

·       Suicide remains the leading cause of death among young people worldwide. However, progress towards reducing suicide rates remains inadequate. The current trajectory suggests that only a 12% reduction in suicide rates will be achieved by 2030 — far short of the United Nations’ goal of a one-third reduction. To close this gap, experts call for sustained funding, robust political leadership, and the widespread implementation of evidence-based suicide prevention strategies.

·       Suicide is influenced by a complex interplay of factors including family history, personal vulnerability, early-life trauma, chronic stress, social isolation, stigma, and the lack of accessible mental health services. Addressing these drivers in an integrated and systemic manner is essential for any meaningful progress in reducing suicide rates.

Mental Health Burden in India: An Overview

In India, the mental health burden is significant. According to WHO estimates, the country bears a mental health burden of 2,443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 10,000 people. The age-adjusted suicide rate in India stands at 21.1 per 100,000 people. From 2012 to 2030, India is projected to suffer an economic loss of USD 1.03 trillion due to untreated mental health conditions.

Policy and Legal Framework for Mental Health in India

India has taken several steps to institutionalize mental health care through progressive legislation and policy. The National Mental Health Policy, 2014, promotes a participatory and rights-based approach to mental health services. The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, provides legal protections and aligns with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

Government Initiatives for Mental Health Support

·       The Indian government has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving access to mental health care. The National Mental Health Programme and Health and Wellness Centres focus on delivering primary-level care. The National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS) offers 24/7 free mental health support through a toll-free helpline in multiple Indian languages.

·       The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), a component of the National Mental Health Programme, provides decentralized and community-based mental health services. In addition, the country has established de-addiction centres and rehabilitation services to support recovery and long-term treatment.

Challenges to Expanding Mental Health Care in India

·       Despite these efforts, India faces considerable challenges in delivering comprehensive mental health care.

·       One major issue is the limited infrastructure and custodial approach to care. India''s few mental health institutions are insufficient, and there is an urgent need to expand psychiatric services into general and tertiary hospitals, with multidisciplinary teams delivering care. Experts advocate moving from custodial care models to therapeutic approaches, with larger hospitals also functioning as training centres for future mental health professionals.

·       Underfunding and Poor Conditions in psychiatric hospitals further hinder service delivery. Many facilities suffer from neglect and substandard living conditions due to inadequate financial resources.

·       The scarcity of trained mental health professionals is another pressing concern. India faces a critical shortage of psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and social workers. Rural and interior regions are particularly affected, with families often unable to access professionals or necessary medications due to geographical and financial constraints.

·       Economic barriers further limit access to care. For many families, the cost of treatment — including travel expenses and lost wages — is unaffordable. With an estimated 30 million Indians suffering from severe mental illnesses, the economic burden is compounded when patients become financially dependent on caregivers.

The Need for a Robust Chain of Care

Effective mental health care in India requires a continuous and reliable system of treatment, including uninterrupted access to medication and institutional support. Building a resilient, inclusive, and well-resourced chain of care across both urban and rural areas is vital for addressing India’s growing mental health needs.

Supreme Court Orders Timely Clearance of Regulatory Assets by DISCOMs

• In a significant judgment aimed at restoring financial discipline in the power sector, the Supreme Court has directed State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) and electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) to clear all accumulated regulatory assets within four years. Any regulatory assets created after the issuance of this order must be liquidated within a maximum of three years. The Court has further recommended a cap, limiting the creation of regulatory assets to 3% of a DISCOM’s Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR). This move is a decisive step toward introducing transparency and reinforcing fiscal accountability across India’s electricity sector.
• The ruling addresses a systemic problem that has long plagued India’s power distribution ecosystem—accumulated regulatory assets that represent unrecovered costs. These costs, if left unchecked, contribute to financial stress within DISCOMs, lead to tariff distortions, and ultimately impact consumers adversely. The Supreme Court’s intervention marks a turning point in how these deferred costs will be handled moving forward.

What Are Regulatory Assets?

Regulatory assets arise when there is a mismatch between a DISCOM’s Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and its Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR).

• Average Cost of Supply (ACS) refers to the actual cost incurred by a DISCOM to supply a unit of electricity.
• Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) represents the income a DISCOM earns through consumer tariffs and subsidies provided by the state government.

When the ACS exceeds the ARR, the DISCOM suffers a per-unit loss. To avoid imposing sudden tariff hikes on consumers, regulators allow these unrecovered costs to be deferred and recorded as regulatory assets. These are typically recoverable at a later date, often with added interest.

For example, if the ACS is Rs. 7.20 per unit while the ARR is Rs. 7.00, there is a gap of Rs. 0.20 per unit. If the DISCOM supplies 10 billion units, the resulting revenue shortfall would be Rs. 2,000 crore. Rather than burdening consumers with an immediate hike, this shortfall is treated as a regulatory asset to be recovered gradually.

Why the ACS-ARR Gap Persists

The consistent creation of regulatory assets reflects deeper, structural flaws within the power sector:

• Tariffs are often not cost-reflective, influenced by political pressure to keep consumer prices low.
• Subsidy payments from state governments are frequently delayed, leaving DISCOMs to bear the cost of supplying power to agricultural and low-income consumers.
• Fuel price fluctuations, particularly in coal and gas, can abruptly raise the cost of power procurement, widening the ACS-ARR gap.
• Operational inefficiencies, such as high transmission and distribution losses, add to the financial strain.

These problems have become systemic. In FY 2021–22 alone, Tamil Nadu reported regulatory assets worth Rs. 89,375 crore, while Delhi’s DISCOMs collectively held over Rs. 66,000 crore. The widespread nature of these unrecovered costs demonstrates that the issue is neither localised nor incidental, but rather a sector-wide crisis.

Consequences for Consumers and DISCOMs

Consumer Impact

In the short term, regulatory assets offer consumers relief from abrupt tariff increases. However, the deferred nature of recovery results in steeper tariff hikes later, compounded by interest on the unrecovered amounts. In Delhi, for instance, DISCOMs would need to recover Rs. 16,580 crore annually over four years. This could raise electricity costs by approximately Rs. 5.5 per unit for consumers — a substantial burden.

Impact on DISCOMs

• For DISCOMs, the accumulation of regulatory assets creates persistent cash flow problems. With large sums locked in deferred recoveries, DISCOMs struggle to make timely payments to power generators. To bridge the financial gap, they often resort to borrowing, which increases their debt load and adds interest costs.
• This financial stress limits DISCOMs'' capacity to invest in modernizing grid infrastructure, integrating renewable energy sources, or improving consumer services. The result is a self-perpetuating cycle of inefficiency, inadequate service delivery, and mounting debt.

Bridging the Gap: Structural Reforms Needed

To reduce the sector’s reliance on regulatory assets and improve overall financial health, a combination of policy and operational reforms is required:

• Adoption of cost-reflective tariffs, with safeguards to protect low-income consumers through targeted subsidies.
• Ensuring timely release of subsidies by state governments to prevent revenue shortfalls.
• Introduction of automatic fuel cost adjustment mechanisms, such as the Fuel and Power Purchase Cost Adjustment (FPPCA), allowing tariffs to respond promptly to fuel price changes.
• Annual "true-up" exercises to reconcile projected and actual expenditures, minimizing the accumulation of deferred costs.
• Regulatory enforcement of financial discipline, including transparent accounting practices, setting caps on regulatory asset accumulation, and mandating strict timelines for recovery.

Learning from Global Models

Several international frameworks offer insights into more sustainable models of electricity regulation and asset recovery:

• The Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model permits utilities to recover infrastructure investments through consumer tariffs, ensuring predictable long-term revenue and attracting investment.
• The RIIO model (Revenue = Incentives + Innovation + Outputs) used in the UK links tariff income to performance metrics such as reliability, customer service, and carbon reduction, encouraging operational efficiency.
• Deployment of digital infrastructure, including smart grids and tools from the India Energy Stack, can greatly enhance transparency, asset tracking, and efficiency-based recovery mechanisms.

These global approaches suggest that regulatory assets should be treated as exceptional, time-bound mechanisms for managing financial imbalances — not as recurring tools that allow structural inefficiencies to persist unchecked.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s directive to clear existing regulatory assets within fixed timeframes and cap future accumulation marks a pivotal shift in India’s power sector governance. By enforcing financial discipline and mandating transparency, the ruling aims to correct long-standing imbalances that have burdened both DISCOMs and consumers. However, the success of this initiative will depend on the proactive implementation of structural reforms, timely state interventions, and robust regulatory oversight.

India’s Green Energy Paradox: Capacity Without Utilisation

Context

India is currently grappling with a “green energy paradox”—a situation where significant renewable energy (RE) capacity exists but remains underutilised. As of now, 44 GW of RE capacity is ready for deployment but lies idle due to lack of demand-side readiness and absence of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). This contradiction reflects deeper structural, financial, and policy-related challenges within India’s energy ecosystem, where capacity creation is outpacing the systems needed to absorb and utilise it effectively.

Understanding the Green Energy Paradox

The paradox refers to a disconnect between India’s expanding renewable supply and its ability to integrate that energy into the grid or consumer markets. While India continues to invest in renewable generation, this supply remains stranded due to systemic limitations such as discom reluctance, lack of grid readiness, storage challenges, and sluggish demand electrification. Thus, the paradox is rooted not in a shortage of green energy but in the absence of a conducive environment for its uptake.

Current Status of India’s Energy Mix and Renewable Challenges

·       Despite India’s climate commitments and growing RE capacity, the domestic energy mix continues to be dominated by fossil fuels. In FY2022–23, coal and lignite accounted for nearly 79% of India’s energy production. In contrast, excluding large hydropower, renewables contributed just 3.8% of the domestic energy supply. Simultaneously, India remains heavily dependent on imports for oil (over 85%) and gas (more than 50%), making the energy system vulnerable to global price shocks.

·       While 44 GW of RE projects are technically ready for deployment, they remain stalled without PPAs. Moreover, the reliability of India’s power supply remains problematic—average annual power outages (SAIDI) in India amount to approximately 600 minutes, a figure far exceeding regional peers such as Thailand (35 minutes) and Malaysia (46 minutes), indicating systemic inefficiencies that affect the credibility of RE integration.

Dimensions of the Green Energy Paradox

The paradox has both supply-side and demand-side dimensions that are interlinked yet require distinct solutions.

1.     Supply-Side Readiness

·       India has made significant progress in building large-scale solar and wind power infrastructure. However, in the absence of firm PPAs, much of this capacity remains unutilised. Globally, the costs of solar and wind energy have been falling, but in India, tariffs remain comparatively high due to policy bottlenecks, import duties, and financial risks associated with project execution.

·       The government has introduced incentives such as the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to support renewable investments and reduce overall costs. However, even with these supports, renewable energy that is backed by storage solutions—such as batteries or pumped hydro—remains expensive. Tariffs in such cases range from ₹6.6 to ₹9 per unit, making it less competitive than coal-based electricity.

2.     Demand-Side Weaknesses

·       On the demand side, power distribution companies (discoms) remain hesitant to enter long-term PPAs for RE. Coal-based PPAs are perceived as more financially stable and predictable. Integrating variable RE into the grid also imposes additional costs for balancing and transmission upgrades, further disincentivising discoms from procuring green power.

·       The lack of a flexible and intelligent grid is a critical obstacle. India has not yet implemented smart meters or demand-response systems at scale, which limits the grid''s ability to dynamically adjust to varying loads. Additionally, slow adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), electric cooking appliances, and industrial electrification further suppresses the potential demand for RE, contributing to the paradox of stranded capacity.

Barriers to Renewable Energy Integration

·       Structurally, discoms suffer from chronic financial distress, driven by cross-subsidisation, delayed subsidy payments, and mounting debt. These conditions make them reluctant to procure costlier renewable power. Moreover, the lack of a nationwide smart grid infrastructure prevents efficient RE dispatch and consumption.

·       Environmentally, India’s long-term coal PPAs have created a “carbon lock-in,” committing states to emission-intensive energy sources for decades. At the same time, the underutilisation of available RE capacity results in delayed emissions reductions and wasted infrastructure.

·       Economically, high capital costs driven by import duties, GST on RE components, and elevated borrowing rates make India’s renewable tariffs significantly higher than global averages. Storage solutions, which are critical for stabilising renewable power, remain financially unviable without substantial subsidies or government support.

Initiatives Undertaken

·       To address some of these issues, the Indian government has launched a range of policies and programmes. The National Solar Mission has expanded solar capacity, while the Hybrid Policy has promoted blending of wind and solar to mitigate intermittency. The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) supports the electronics and storage ecosystem indirectly, contributing to renewable energy integration.

·       The PLI scheme for advanced chemistry batteries seeks to incentivise domestic storage manufacturing, aiming to reduce reliance on imports and lower costs. Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) legally require states to procure a fixed share of electricity from renewable sources. Additionally, the Green Open Access Rules of 2022 empower industrial users to purchase renewable power directly, bypassing discoms. The National Green Hydrogen Mission is also laying the groundwork for hydrogen to serve as a long-term storage solution and a clean alternative fuel.

The Way Forward: Targeted Reforms

·       To resolve the green energy paradox, India must shift from capacity creation to capacity utilisation by pursuing targeted reforms across multiple fronts.

·       Enhancing the storage ecosystem is critical. Scaling up Viability Gap Funding for battery storage and incentivising pumped hydro projects and indigenous battery manufacturing under the PLI scheme will make storage-backed RE more affordable and reliable.

·       Accelerating demand electrification will also be vital. This includes widespread promotion of electric vehicles, establishment of charging infrastructure, and encouraging electric cooking and industrial heating—all of which would expand the consumer base for renewables.

·       Smart grid reforms are essential. Deploying smart meters nationwide would enable real-time load balancing, while transitioning from rigid "must-run" mandates to a market-based dispatch model for RE would make integration more efficient and economically viable.

·       Discom reform is non-negotiable. Financial restructuring tied to performance accountability, adoption of cost-reflective tariffs, and reduction of political interference would strengthen discoms'' capacity to support the green transition.

·       A differentiated approach to RPOs, tailored to the resource availability and grid readiness of each state, would allow for more realistic and effective implementation of renewable mandates across the country.

Conclusion

India’s green energy paradox underscores that the success of the energy transition lies not just in expanding renewable generation capacity but in ensuring systemic absorption and demand-side transformation. Without improvements in grid flexibility, storage affordability, and the financial health of discoms, renewable energy will remain stranded and underutilised. To fulfil its climate goals and ensure a secure, affordable, and reliable energy future, India must shift the policy lens from simply adding capacity to optimising its utilisation, aligning green ambitions with operational realities.

Gender Imbalance in the Supreme Court of India

Context and Significance

The retirement of Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia in August 2025 has left only one woman judge—Justice B.V. Nagarathna—on the bench of the Supreme Court of India, which comprises 34 judges. This stark under-representation has once again brought to the forefront serious concerns regarding gender diversity, inclusion, and equitable representation in the country’s highest judicial institution. The situation raises critical questions about how closely the composition of the judiciary reflects the constitutional promises of equality and social justice.

Understanding the Gender Imbalance in the Supreme Court

·       Gender imbalance in the Supreme Court refers to the systemic and persistent under-representation of women judges, despite the constitutional guarantees of equality under Articles 14, 15, and 16. Since its establishment in 1950, only 11 women judges have been appointed to the Supreme Court out of a total of 287—constituting a mere 3.8%. Presently, just one out of 34 sitting judges is a woman.

·       The first woman judge to be appointed to the Supreme Court was Justice Fathima Beevi in 1989. However, women judges often serve significantly shorter tenures compared to their male counterparts due to their late elevation to the bench, effectively denying them opportunities to ascend to leadership positions such as Chief Justice of India or to participate meaningfully in the Collegium system that governs appointments.

Underlying Causes of Gender Imbalance

·       The gender disparity in the Supreme Court stems from a combination of structural, societal, and institutional factors. One major structural barrier is the absence of any formal criteria within the Collegium system to prioritize diversity or ensure gender representation in judicial appointments. Gender is not treated as a relevant factor during selection, and appointments are often made without clearly stated reasons.

·       Societal norms and gender stereotypes prevalent in the legal profession further deter women from aspiring to or attaining leadership roles. These biases manifest early in their careers, reducing their presence in senior positions and limiting the pool of women eligible for elevation.

·       Institutional inertia also plays a significant role. Women judges are typically elevated late in their careers, leaving them with shorter tenures and excluding them from the Collegium, which is responsible for recommending new appointments. Additionally, the pathway from the Bar to the Bench remains heavily skewed, with very few women Senior Advocates being directly elevated to the Supreme Court—the only exception being Justice Indu Malhotra.

·       The overall appointment process remains opaque, discretionary, and exclusionary. Without transparent benchmarks or public disclosure of selection criteria, it becomes difficult to assess why deserving women are being overlooked.

Challenges in Addressing the Imbalance

·       Several structural and cultural challenges obstruct efforts to correct the gender imbalance in the judiciary. The Collegium system remains opaque, with no written diversity policy and no requirement to explain the rationale behind appointments. Women are often promoted late in their judicial careers, limiting their potential to hold senior roles or to be considered for the Chief Justice position.

·       The male-dominated culture of the Bar and the judiciary further marginalizes women, making it harder for them to break through and reach higher levels of the judicial hierarchy. Gender is rarely considered a relevant factor in appointments, unlike caste, religion, or regional representation. This absence of institutional and political will to treat gender diversity as a serious issue results in a lack of accountability. There is currently no mechanism to monitor or enforce gender parity in the higher judiciary.

Implications of Gender Imbalance

·       The consequences of a gender-skewed judiciary are far-reaching, both for the institution and for society at large.

·       Within the Judiciary, the absence of gender diversity narrows the range of perspectives reflected in judicial decisions. This lack of diversity undermines the inclusiveness and representativeness of the Supreme Court, weakening its legitimacy as a national institution. Important areas of jurisprudence—such as gender justice, sexual harassment, reproductive rights, and workplace equality—suffer from the lack of insights shaped by women’s lived experiences.

·       Short tenures due to late appointments mean women judges are rarely in a position to lead the judiciary or shape future appointments through the Collegium. This limits their ability to influence institutional culture or champion reform from within.

·       For Society, this imbalance creates a trust deficit. The judiciary, while expected to uphold the values of equality and fairness, appears internally inconsistent when its own composition fails to reflect those ideals. This lack of representation also acts as a deterrent for aspiring women lawyers, who see few role models at the highest level.

·       Moreover, the failure to include women meaningfully in the judiciary undermines constitutional morality. It erodes the spirit of Articles 14 and 15, which advocate for substantive equality and the dismantling of entrenched social hierarchies. A judiciary that does not mirror the gender diversity of the society it serves contributes to a broader democratic deficit, reducing its claim to be a truly representative and impartial institution.

The Way Forward

·       Addressing the gender imbalance in the Supreme Court requires both systemic reform and cultural change. The Collegium system must evolve to institutionalize gender diversity as a formal and non-negotiable criterion for appointments. Resolutions recommending judges should clearly state how diversity goals are being met, and selection criteria must be made transparent and open to public scrutiny.

·       The problem must also be tackled at the source by strengthening the pipeline. This includes increasing the appointment of women in High Courts and creating institutional mechanisms to support women from the Bar through mentorship and structured opportunities. Reservation in the lower judiciary and judicial services could also help build a strong foundation for women judges to progress upward.

·       Policymakers must anchor judicial appointments in constitutional morality and adopt a written diversity policy for the higher judiciary, as previously recommended by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission. Embedding substantive equality into institutional practices is essential for creating a judiciary that is both fair and forward-looking.

·       India can also learn from global experiences. Countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom actively pursue diversity in their top courts through formalized frameworks and inclusive appointment processes. These international models show that gender diversity can be institutionalized without compromising merit, and that doing so strengthens public trust and judicial credibility.

Conclusion

The legitimacy of the Supreme Court as the guardian of constitutional equality depends not only on the principles it upholds in its judgments but also on the diversity of its own composition. Bridging the gender gap in the highest court is not a matter of token representation—it is a constitutional necessity and a moral imperative. A judiciary that reflects the diversity of Indian society will be more inclusive, more representative, and ultimately, more just.

Anti-Immigration Protests in Australia and the Broader Sentiment in the Global North

Recent "March for Australia" protests, which explicitly targeted Indian immigrants, have sparked widespread condemnation from Australian Members of Parliament. These demonstrations represent a growing tide of anti-immigration sentiment that is increasingly visible across the Global North. Despite Indians forming a vital part of Australia’s multicultural society—as the second-largest migrant group after the United Kingdom with approximately 840,000 Indian-born residents as of June 2023—they have become the focus of hostility in certain sections of the population.

Understanding Anti-Immigration Sentiment in the Global North

·       The protests in Australia are symptomatic of a broader global trend in which migration is being increasingly framed as a threat to national security, economic stability, and cultural identity. This securitization of migration has led to the tightening of borders and implementation of more restrictive immigration policies. Political campaigns, such as those surrounding Brexit, have effectively stoked fears that large numbers of immigrants alter the social and cultural fabric of nations, leaving native populations feeling alienated in their own countries.

·       Economic anxieties further fuel this sentiment. Migrants are often accused of accepting lower wages, thereby undercutting local labour markets and creating fears among native-born workers about job security and wage stagnation. In periods of economic downturn or uncertainty, such concerns tend to intensify, leading to calls for protectionist policies.

·       These developments are closely linked to a larger wave of nationalism and deglobalization. The rising tide of right-wing populism across the Global North has created an environment in which migrants are depicted not just as economic competitors but as existential threats to national identity, security, and values. Populist political narratives often portray migration as a problem to be solved, rather than as a human phenomenon to be managed compassionately and strategically.

·       This leads to the spread of xenophobia and cultural violence. The fear of "otherness" and the desire to preserve a perceived national identity are reinforced through media narratives and inflammatory political rhetoric. Migrants are frequently dehumanized, stereotyped, or scapegoated, which contributes to an atmosphere of suspicion and hostility.

The Importance of the Indian Diaspora

·       For India, such trends are particularly concerning given the strategic and economic significance of its diaspora. India is currently the world’s top recipient of remittances, with an inward flow of USD 118.7 billion in the financial year 2023–24. These remittances play a critical role in supporting household incomes, regional development, and foreign exchange reserves.

·       Beyond economic value, the Indian diaspora has substantial political and diplomatic influence. Diaspora communities have played a key role in lobbying for favourable bilateral agreements and shaping public opinion in host countries. A notable example includes their involvement in building support for the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement.

·       Culturally, the diaspora serves as a vehicle for India’s soft power. Through Indian classical arts, festivals, cuisine, cinema, yoga, and spiritual traditions, the diaspora contributes to a positive global image of India and fosters deeper intercultural connections.

Government Initiatives to Support the Diaspora

Recognizing the diaspora''s value and the challenges they sometimes face abroad, the Indian government has initiated several welfare schemes. The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) is designed to assist Indian nationals overseas during times of distress, whether related to legal issues, medical emergencies, or repatriation needs. Similarly, the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY), relaunched in 2017, offers insurance coverage up to ₹10 lakhs in the event of accidental death, thereby providing financial security for workers and their families.

Conclusion

The anti-immigration protests in Australia and similar sentiments emerging across the Global North underscore the fragile position of migrant communities amid rising nationalism and economic anxiety. For India, these developments necessitate a dual strategy: reinforcing diplomatic efforts to safeguard its diaspora and enhancing internal policies to ensure their protection and empowerment. As global geopolitics continues to evolve, the Indian diaspora remains both a strategic asset and a soft-power bridge, but one that requires careful nurturing in the face of growing hostility abroad.

India’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) & Soft Diplomacy

Context:

A powerful earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale recently struck eastern Afghanistan near Jalalabad, resulting in the tragic loss of over 1,400 lives. In response to this humanitarian crisis, India dispatched 21 tonnes of critical aid, including essential medicines, tents, blankets, and water purifiers, reflecting its commitment to regional stability and support.

Understanding India’s HADR and Soft Diplomacy Initiatives:

India’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) framework encompasses its coordinated relief operations aimed at disaster-stricken areas, both within the country and internationally. Complementing this is India’s use of soft diplomacy, which relies on humanitarian aid, cultural outreach, and other non-coercive means to build goodwill, elevate its international image, and deepen strategic ties with other nations.

Key Characteristics:

1. Rapid Deployment: Emergency relief materials are swiftly airlifted using Indian Air Force aircraft or transported via Indian Navy ships, ensuring timely support to affected regions.
2. Comprehensive Assistance: The aid typically includes vital supplies such as food, clean drinking water, medical kits, shelter materials, and sanitation tools, covering the most urgent needs of disaster survivors.
3. Neutral and Apolitical Approach: Indian aid is delivered without attaching political conditions or influencing the domestic affairs of recipient nations, ensuring the assistance is perceived as genuine and altruistic.
4. Wider Global Engagement: India''s relief efforts have reached countries like Nepal during the 2015 earthquake, Sri Lanka during its floods, as well as parts of Africa and small Pacific island nations, extending its humanitarian footprint.
5. Strong Institutional Support: Organizations such as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) work collaboratively to implement these large-scale operations efficiently.

Strategic and Diplomatic Significance:

India’s proactive role in HADR operations positions it as a reliable "first responder" in the South Asian and Indian Ocean regions. This strengthens bilateral relations with key neighbours including Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives, fostering trust and regional stability. On a global stage, these initiatives enhance India''s image as a responsible and compassionate power that lives by the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family.

Seychelles and India’s Maritime Cooperation

·       The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron, consisting of INS Tir, INS Shardul, and ICGS Sarathi, recently arrived at Port Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, as part of a long-range training deployment aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation between India and the island nation.

·       Seychelles is a small island country and archipelagic state in the Indian Ocean, recognised for its multicultural society and ranking among the highest in human development indicators in Africa.

·       Geographically, Seychelles is located northeast of Madagascar, approximately 1,500 kilometres east of mainland Africa, placing it in the Southwest Indian Ocean Region—a strategically significant zone due to its proximity to vital international sea lanes.

·       The capital, Victoria, is notable for being one of the world’s smallest capitals. Nearby countries and territories include Maldives, Mauritius, Comoros, Madagascar, and French overseas territories such as Réunion and Mayotte.

·       Seychelles comprises an archipelago of 115 islands, though only a portion of them are inhabited. The nation’s society reflects a blending of cultures, including French, British, Indian, African, and Chinese influences, visible in its Creole language, festivals, cuisine, and architecture.

For India, Seychelles holds great strategic importance:

• In terms of maritime security, it serves as a key partner in ensuring the freedom of navigation and combating piracy in the region.
• In the sphere of defence cooperation, India has been instrumental in capacity-building, offering naval training, and providing equipment support to the Seychelles Defence Forces.

The visit by the Indian naval squadron highlights the deepening of India-Seychelles bilateral ties, particularly in areas related to regional security, defence training, and maritime domain awareness.

Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025

·       The Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025 has been released, with Iceland retaining its position as the most peaceful country in the world. India, ranked 115th among 163 nations, showed a modest improvement in its overall peace score.

·       The GPI is an annual assessment that ranks countries based on their level of peacefulness. It covers 163 states and territories, accounting for 99.7% of the global population, and is published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), a global think tank based in Sydney, Australia.

Countries are evaluated using 23 indicators grouped into three broad categories:

1. Societal Safety and Security, which includes crime rates, political stability, and the impact of refugees;
2. Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict, including terrorism, civil unrest, and warfare;
3. Militarisation, which considers military expenditure, arms imports and exports, and size of armed forces.

·       According to the 2025 rankings, the top ten most peaceful countries include Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, Singapore, Portugal, Denmark, and Slovenia. Conversely, countries like Russia, Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Yemen ranked lowest, reflecting severe conflict and instability.

·       Europe continues to dominate the top ranks, while South America has shown incremental improvements in peace levels, particularly in countries like Argentina and Peru. However, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East remain the least peaceful regions globally. Overall, global peacefulness has declined, driven by increasing internal conflicts, rising militarisation, and growing geopolitical divisions.

·       India, with a score of 2.229, improved its ranking slightly due to a gradual decline in domestic violence and disputes, as well as an increase in societal stability. However, it continues to face significant challenges, including high militarisation levels, persistent cross-border tensions, and episodes of internal unrest, all of which impact its overall peace score.

Painted Stork

Following the discovery of a dead painted stork near a pond and the detection of another ailing stork within the water bird aviary, authorities at the National Zoological Park have heightened surveillance and implemented stricter biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of potential disease.

About the Painted Stork:

Scientifically known as Mycteria leucocephala, the painted stork is a large wading bird recognized by its distinctive heavy yellow beak with a curved tip.

Habitat and Distribution:

These storks are commonly found across the tropical plains of Asia, particularly in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, south of the Himalayan range. They prefer freshwater wetlands and are often seen in irrigation canals and flooded rice fields, especially during monsoons. However, they tend to avoid arid zones, dense forests, and hilly terrains. Although not truly migratory, they may undertake short-distance movements within their range in response to seasonal changes or breeding needs.

Physical Features:

Standing between 93 to 102 cm tall and weighing 2 to 5 kg, painted storks are notable for a black pectoral band—unique within their genus. They possess white plumage accented with a rose-pink hue near the tail, and their long yellow bills and yellowish-red legs complete their striking appearance. The legs often appear white due to a thermoregulatory behavior known as urohidrosis, where the bird defecates on its legs. There is minimal sexual dimorphism, though males are slightly larger than females.

Conservation Status: Currently, the painted stork is classified as ''Least Concern'' on the IUCN Red List, indicating a relatively stable population.

Land Subsidence in Chamoli, Uttarakhand

·       Severe land subsidence has been reported in Nanda Nagar, situated in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, resulting in the collapse of seven buildings and placing sixteen others at risk. The incident has triggered mass evacuations and widespread panic among residents.

·       Land subsidence refers to the gradual settling or sudden sinking of the Earth’s surface due to the movement or removal of underground materials. It can occur naturally, but is increasingly induced by human activities.

·       Globally, regions affected include parts of the United States (such as Chesapeake Bay and Louisiana), China, Indonesia, and Iran. In India, major subsidence events have occurred in Joshimath, Chamoli, Himachal Pradesh, and the Delhi-NCR region, largely due to excessive groundwater withdrawal.

Several key factors contribute to land subsidence:

• Tectonic Setting: The Himalayan region lies on an active plate boundary, where the Indian Plate is pushing into the Eurasian Plate, creating a fractured and unstable geological base that facilitates ground sinking.
• Lithology (Soil and Rock Composition): Areas with fine-grained alluvial soil, clay-rich sediments, or unconsolidated material are more prone to subsidence when water is removed.
• Hydrology (Water Flow): Over-extraction of groundwater lowers the water table and reduces pore pressure, causing compression of soil layers.
• Geomorphic Forces: Heavy rainfall, floods, and glacial melt add mass to slopes and weaken their stability, increasing the risk of subsidence.
• Human Activities: Mining, tunnelling, hydropower development, and unregulated construction disturb the geological balance and hasten land degradation.

The consequences of land subsidence are far-reaching. It results in displacement of communities, loss of property, and long-term psychological trauma. Infrastructural damage includes cracks in roads, building collapses, and disruption of utilities such as pipelines and power lines. Economically, it leads to increased rehabilitation costs, loss of tourism revenue, and puts a strain on disaster relief resources.

Vikram 3201 – India’s First Indigenous 32-bit Microprocessor

At the Semicon India 2025 conference, India introduced the Vikram 3201, its first completely indigenous 32-bit microprocessor, a landmark achievement in the nation''s semiconductor and space technology journey.

Overview and Significance:

·       Developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) and fabricated at the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh, the Vikram 3201 represents a major upgrade over the earlier Vikram 1601—a 16-bit processor used in ISRO’s launch vehicles since 2009.

·       Unlike processors designed for commercial electronics, this chip is built specifically for space applications, handling essential tasks such as navigation, control, and mission management in launch vehicles.

Technical Highlights:

• The Vikram 3201 is designed to perform complex, high-speed calculations crucial for maintaining rocket stability and trajectory. Engineered to military-grade standards, it is tested rigorously for resilience against harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures (ranging from –55°C to +125°C), vibrations, and space radiation. It supports advanced 64-bit floating-point operations, is compatible with the Ada programming language, and features integrated 1553B bus interfaces, ensuring robust communication during missions.
• This achievement marks India’s first attempt at indigenously designing and fabricating a processor of this caliber for use in space launch systems, representing a significant leap in self-reliance and technological capability.

Equity Derivatives – New SEBI Framework

In a move to curtail risk arising from high-exposure trading, SEBI has introduced a fresh framework to monitor intraday positions in equity index derivatives, enhancing overall market safety and transparency.

Understanding Derivatives:

Derivatives are financial contracts whose value is tied to the performance of an underlying asset. They allow investors to speculate on price movements, hedge against potential losses, or optimize returns without owning the actual asset.

Equity Derivatives Explained:

These are financial instruments linked to the value of a stock or stock index. Commonly used for risk management, speculative trading, or portfolio diversification, equity derivatives come in several forms:

• Futures Contracts: Binding agreements where buyers and sellers commit to transact an equity asset at a fixed future price and date. Popular examples include equity index futures like the BSE S&P and Nifty IT.
• Options: These give investors the right, but not the obligation, to buy (call) or sell (put) an underlying stock/index at a set price before or on a specific date.
• Swaps: Involve the exchange of cash flows based on equity asset returns, used for hedging or speculative purposes.
• Forwards: Similar to futures but non-standardized and traded over-the-counter, with greater customization but less liquidity.

Benefits of Equity Derivatives:

These instruments offer multiple advantages such as:

• Leverage through smaller capital requirements.
• Protection against market volatility.
• Cost-effective access to premium assets.
• Portfolio diversification and flexibility.
• Opportunities for arbitrage and income generation.
• High liquidity and better risk management strategies.

This evolving regulatory oversight seeks to balance market freedom with systemic stability.

Jarosite Discovery in Gujarat

·       In a significant geological finding, researchers have confirmed the presence of jarosite in Matanomadh, located in the Kutch region of Gujarat. This discovery draws parallels with a similar identification made on Mars nearly two decades ago, providing a potentially valuable comparison for planetary science.

·       Jarosite is a yellow-brown mineral primarily composed of potassium, iron, and sulphate, and is typically found in arid, saline environments. Its formation is considered a marker of extreme geochemical conditions and offers critical insights into complex environmental and planetary processes. On Earth, jarosite typically forms when minerals rich in oxygen, iron, sulphur, and potassium interact with water, a process often linked to volcanic activity.

·       The mineral gained international attention in 2004, when NASA’s Opportunity rover detected jarosite at the Meridiani Planum landing site on Mars. That Martian discovery provided one of the strongest indicators that water once existed on the planet.

·       In the Indian context, the jarosite found in Matanomadh has been dated to around 55 million years ago, corresponding to the Paleocene epoch of Earth''s geological timeline. Apart from Gujarat, its presence in India has also been verified along the Varkala cliffs in Kerala. Globally, jarosite deposits have been reported in regions including Mexico, Canada, Japan, Spain, as well as in Utah and California in the United States.

·       The scientific significance of this discovery lies in its potential to contribute to the understanding of Martian palaeo-environmental evolution and chemical processes that occurred in the planet’s past. More importantly, since sulphate minerals like jarosite are known to trap organic molecules and life-supporting elements, the examination of jarosite samples from Kutch could inform strategies for future Mars missions aimed at detecting life or its precursors on the Red Planet.

Wet and Dry Leasing of Aircraft

In response to a global aircraft shortage aggravated by pandemic-era supply chain issues, airlines are increasingly adopting wet and dry leasing models to expand or maintain their fleets efficiently.

1.     Wet Lease: A wet lease involves leasing an aircraft along with its crew (pilots and cabin staff), maintenance services, and insurance. While the lessee controls the commercial aspects—such as route planning and ticket sales—the operational responsibilities remain with the lessor. This model is best suited for short-term needs such as seasonal travel spikes, route trials, or to cover grounded aircraft.

2.     Dry Lease: In contrast, a dry lease includes only the aircraft. The lessee is responsible for hiring the crew, managing maintenance, and securing the necessary insurance as per DGCA guidelines. Dry leases are typically preferred for long-term fleet expansion or modernization.

3.     Damp Lease: A damp lease is a hybrid arrangement, often described as a partial wet lease. Under this model, the lessor provides the aircraft, flight crew, and maintenance, while the lessee is required to provide their own cabin crew. This setup provides flexibility while ensuring some operational control remains with the lessee.

Regulatory Considerations:

Aircraft leasing in India is governed by a stringent regulatory structure, with the DGCA playing a central role. Wet leasing is generally discouraged by the DGCA due to concerns over the use of foreign crew not cleared by Indian authorities.

BHARATI Initiative

·       The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has recently launched a transformative initiative named BHARATI, which stands for Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement. The primary objective of this initiative is to empower 100 startups operating in the agri-food and agri-tech sectors, by fast-tracking their development, fostering innovation, and unlocking new export avenues for young entrepreneurs.

·       Envisioned as a key component of APEDA’s broader strategy to achieve $50 billion in agri-food exports for its Scheduled Products by 2030, BHARATI is designed to augment existing incubation efforts led by the industry and government. It is intended to bolster the agricultural and food processing landscape, especially in high-value segments like GI-tagged products, organic produce, superfoods, novel processed agri-foods, livestock products, and AYUSH-based items.

·       The initiative also aims to attract technologically advanced startups developing solutions based on AI-powered quality control, blockchain for traceability, IoT-enabled cold chain systems, and agri-fintech platforms. In addition, it focuses on addressing key bottlenecks in exports such as product development, value addition, quality assurance, perishability, wastage, and logistical constraints.

·       BHARATI proposes to build a robust collaborative ecosystem that brings together agri-food innovators, technology solution providers, and startups focusing on SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) and TBT (Technical Barriers to Trade) compliance. The goal is to develop scalable, cost-effective solutions that improve India’s global export competitiveness.

·       To raise awareness and ensure inclusivity, a nationwide campaign will be launched, inviting startups to apply via the APEDA website. Following a selection process, 100 startups will be shortlisted to participate in a three-month acceleration programme. This programme will focus on refining product development, enhancing export preparedness, ensuring regulatory compliance, improving market access, and creating collaborative responses to export challenges.

·       To sustain and strengthen the ecosystem, APEDA will collaborate with state agricultural boards, agricultural universities, institutions like IITs and NITs, industry associations, and existing startup accelerators. The inaugural cohort will serve as a pilot model, laying the groundwork for a scalable, annual incubation programme designed to foster continuous innovation and support long-term growth in agri-exports.

·       Overall, BHARATI represents a major step toward strengthening India’s agricultural and processed food export ecosystem, combining startup innovation with strategic export enablement.

Gastrochilus pechei – New Orchid Discovery

·       Researchers have recently identified a new species of orchid, Gastrochilus pechei, in Vijoynagar, a remote region of Arunachal Pradesh. This species had previously only been recorded in Myanmar, making its discovery in India both significant and unique.

·       The plant belongs to the Gastrochilus genus and is known to bloom during the September–October period. It thrives in moist evergreen rainforests, particularly on small trees growing close to riverbanks. The discovery marks the 23rd species of the genus recorded in India, with 15 of those species being native to Arunachal Pradesh.

·       Arunachal Pradesh, often referred to as the Orchid State of India, is home to nearly 60% of the country’s orchid species. The Gastrochilus genus itself was first recorded in 1825 and currently includes 77 species found across tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions of Asia.

·       Botanically, this genus is characterised by: Short axillary inflorescences with brightly coloured flowers, a distinct epichile positioned in front of the saccate hypochile, and two porate, globose pollinia situated on a slender stipe.

·       The finding contributes to the understanding of India’s rich floral biodiversity and reinforces Arunachal Pradesh’s status as a critical orchid habitat.

Coconut Development Board – Revised Schemes and World Coconut Day

·       On the occasion of World Coconut Day, the Coconut Development Board (CDB) launched its newly revised schemes, marking a renewed push toward the integrated development of coconut farming and product diversification in India.

·       Established on 12 January 1981, the CDB functions as a statutory body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. Its mission is to enhance coconut productivity, promote value addition, and support market access for coconut-based products.

·       The Board’s headquarters is located in Kochi, Kerala, with regional offices in Bangalore (Karnataka), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Guwahati (Assam), and Patna (Bihar).

Key functions of the CDB include:

• Advising and supporting coconut farmers and the industry with technical guidance.
• Promoting expansion of coconut cultivation through financial and other incentives.
• Encouraging the adoption of modern technologies for processing and product development.
• Recommending fair pricing strategies and market development for coconut products.
• Regulating import and export policies related to coconut and its derivatives.
• Establishing and enforcing quality standards for coconut-based goods.

These revised schemes aim to modernize the coconut sector and enable farmers to benefit from emerging market opportunities.

Foreigners Tribunal – New Powers and Legislative Framework

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended significant new powers to Foreigners Tribunals (FTs), which were previously unique to Assam, by granting them the authority of a first-class judicial magistrate.

Background:

·       Foreigners Tribunals were established under the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964, based on Section 3 of the Foreigners Act, 1946, with the purpose of allowing state authorities to refer cases of suspected foreigners for adjudication.

·       Though the 1964 Order applied nationwide, FTs were operational only in Assam. In other states, suspected illegal immigrants were presented before local courts. However, a 2019 amendment to the Tribunal Order empowered states (not just the Centre) to establish such tribunals.

Structure and Powers:

Each FT is chaired by a member with a judicial background, drawn from a pool of judges, advocates, or experienced civil servants. Under the 1964 Order, these tribunals held powers equivalent to a civil court, including summoning individuals, recording evidence under oath, and reviewing documentation.

Procedure:

• Once a case is referred, a notice is issued (in English or the state’s official language) within 10 days.
• The individual has another 10 days to respond and an additional 10 to submit evidence.
• FTs are expected to resolve cases within 60 days of the reference.
• If citizenship cannot be proven, the FT may direct detention in a transit camp, with the objective of deportation.

Immigration and Foreigners Order, 2025:

The newly enacted Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 replaces the older Foreigners (Tribunal) Order. The updated order significantly enhances the legal framework by:

• Empowering FTs to issue arrest warrants and detain individuals who fail to prove their nationality or appear in person.
• Providing FTs with the powers of a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, and the powers of a judicial magistrate of first class under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Under these powers, FTs may:

• Summon individuals and examine them under oath.
• Demand the discovery and production of documents.
• Issue commissions for witness examination.
• Direct individuals to appear personally.
• Issue arrest warrants in cases of non-compliance.

This new legal empowerment aims to streamline the process of identifying, verifying, and detaining foreign nationals residing illegally in India, with greater legal consistency and authority.