August 12, 2025 Current Affairs

Mains Analysis

Lok Sabha Passes National Sports Governance and Anti-Doping Bills 2025

The Lok Sabha has passed two transformative pieces of legislation — the National Sports Governance Bill 2025 and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill 2025 — ushering in a new era in India’s sports administration and anti-doping framework. These landmark laws represent a major overhaul, aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and performance standards within the Indian sports ecosystem.

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya hailed the passage of these Bills as the “single biggest sports reform since independence.” He emphasized that these reforms are critical to creating a transparent, accountable, and high-performance sporting environment, particularly as India positions itself to bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics.

National Sports Governance Bill 2025: A Comprehensive Overhaul

The National Sports Governance Bill 2025 seeks to fundamentally restructure India’s sports administration by establishing new institutional mechanisms and legal frameworks to ensure better governance, fairness, and efficiency.

At the core of the legislation is the creation of key new bodies, including a National Olympic Committee, a National Paralympic Committee, and National and Regional Sports Federations designated for specific sports disciplines. These bodies are tasked with implementing best practices in governance and administration.

A central feature of the Bill is the formation of the National Sports Board (NSB), which will serve as the regulatory authority for national sports bodies. The NSB will be responsible for granting official recognition to federations, registering their affiliated units, and ensuring strict compliance with governance norms. It will also possess the authority to de-recognise federations that fail to conduct fair elections, mismanage resources, or engage in serious misconduct.

To handle disputes, the Bill provides for a National Sports Tribunal — a judicial body vested with civil court powers. It will adjudicate issues related to selection processes, internal elections, and the governance of sports bodies. Decisions of the tribunal will only be subject to challenge before the Supreme Court, ensuring a focused and efficient legal resolution mechanism.

In an effort to enhance transparency and accountability, all recognised national sports bodies receiving government funding will now fall under the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, with some exceptions. Notably, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will remain outside the RTI’s scope unless it receives substantial government funding.

The Bill also introduces revised leadership provisions, allowing administrators aged between 70 and 75 to contest elections — a relaxation from the previous upper age limit of 70 — provided such eligibility aligns with the rules of their respective international federations.

National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill 2025: Aligning with Global Norms

The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill 2025 aims to bring India’s anti-doping regime in line with global standards established by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). A key change is the assurance of operational independence for the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). This move is intended to address long-standing concerns from WADA regarding government interference in anti-doping functions.

Although the National Anti-Doping Board will continue to exist, it will no longer exercise oversight over NADA or influence its operations. This structural change ensures that the agency functions with full autonomy, meeting global benchmarks for credibility and fairness.

The amendment also strengthens India’s alignment with the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport, reaffirming the country’s commitment to upholding the principles of fair play and athlete rights. These provisions reflect India’s intent to establish a robust, internationally compliant anti-doping system.

Significance of the Reforms

These legislative reforms are strategically aligned with India’s bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics. Compliance with the Olympic Charter and adoption of global best practices are critical prerequisites for hosting such a prestigious international event.

The Bills also mark the culmination of a legislative journey that began in 1975, when the first efforts to establish a national sports governance law were made. Multiple prior attempts were thwarted by political challenges, making the 2025 passage a significant milestone that addresses long-standing governance voids in Indian sports.

Provisions within the legislation also emphasize gender inclusion, encouraging greater representation and participation of women in sports federations and leadership roles. Moreover, the Bills aim to minimize political interference and enforce strict accountability standards, ultimately working to enhance India’s performance in international sporting events.

Looking Ahead: Implementation and Impact

The successful implementation of these laws is expected to yield transformative outcomes for Indian sports. Key anticipated impacts include a streamlined governance structure across sports federations, enhanced anti-doping safeguards, and a stronger institutional base for India’s Olympic ambitions.

However, the true effectiveness of these reforms will hinge on several factors: the enforcement of legal provisions, the operational autonomy of sports bodies, and sustained government and private sector investment in athlete development.

If implemented as intended, the National Sports Governance Bill and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill could serve as the foundation for a globally competitive, transparent, and inclusive sports ecosystem in India.

Supreme Court Orders Permanent Removal of Stray Dogs from Delhi-NCR

In a decisive intervention, the Supreme Court of India has directed the authorities in Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, and Ghaziabad to urgently capture stray dogs and transfer them to shelters. The order is rooted in the need to safeguard children and vulnerable populations from rabies and dog attacks, with the Court stating that public safety must override emotional sentiments. It stressed that people must feel secure in public spaces and be free from fear of dog bites.

While the order provides a sense of relief to many urban residents, experts warn that the stray dog menace cannot be resolved sustainably without enforcing accountability on pet owners. The persistence of stray populations is closely tied to unregulated and irresponsible pet ownership practices across India.

Scope and Scale: India’s Stray and Pet Dog Populations

India is home to over 60 million stray dogs, many of which suffer from illness, injury, and starvation. Their unchecked proliferation has led to widespread public health concerns. Dog bites occur every 10 seconds, amounting to roughly 3 million attacks per year, while rabies — almost entirely spread through dog bites — claims over 5,000 lives annually, or two every three hours.

Environmental degradation is another consequence. Stray dogs collectively discharge around 15,000 tonnes of feces and 8 million gallons of urine daily, polluting roads, fields, and urban landscapes.

By contrast, India had 30 million pet dogs in 2024, a number growing at 10–15% annually, fuelled by increasing urbanisation and middle-class affluence. This surge has powered a thriving Rs 300 crore pet care industry, projected to double by 2030, with growing demand for services such as luxury dog boarding, grooming salons, and pet insurance offered by providers like Bajaj Allianz and Future Generali.

Why India’s Stray Dog Management Has Failed

India’s early strategies to control the stray population—through electrocution, poisoning, shooting, or beating—proved counterproductive. These partial elimination tactics only disrupted pack structures, lowered competition, and led to higher breeding rates among the remaining dogs.

Since 1992, the preferred method has been sterilisation under the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, which were updated by the ABC Rules, 2023. However, this approach has been undermined by low coverage. Unless two-thirds of the dog population is sterilised within 6–12 months, population growth cannot be effectively curtailed. Given the limited capacity of NGOs and civic bodies, most Indian cities consistently fail to meet this threshold. Moreover, readily available food sources, such as garbage and open dumping, continue to sustain high stray numbers, even in areas with moderate sterilisation efforts.

Irresponsible Pet Ownership as a Core Driver of the Crisis

A major but under-addressed contributor to the stray dog problem is the absence of legal mandates for pet registration, sterilisation, and vaccination. As a result, many pet owners either abandon unwanted animals or allow them to interbreed with stray populations, thereby adding significantly to their numbers. Consequently, a vast proportion of “Indian street dogs” are now crossbreeds, with inconsistent temperaments and heightened risks of aggression.

Animal welfare experts argue for a more targeted approach in ABC drives, urging authorities to include pedigree pets and introduce incentives for registration and sterilisation. They also recommend levying heavy taxes on pet breeders to discourage indiscriminate breeding and abandonment.

Stray Feeding Practices and Rising Aggression

Feeding strays without formal adoption is a growing trend in urban India, but this behaviour, according to experts, contributes to increased territorial aggression. Proxy-fed or recently abandoned dogs tend to defend their feeding spots aggressively, often attacking individuals who are not regular feeders. These attacks are reportedly more violent than those involving unowned, scavenging strays.

The Supreme Court has acknowledged the role of such practices in escalating attacks and issued a warning that any interference with the implementation of dog removal orders will result in legal consequences. The Court is also considering holding individual feeders accountable, especially in areas with frequent bite incidents.

Key Features of the Supreme Court Judgment

The ruling introduces an uncompromising framework focused on public health, legal enforceability, and operational accountability:

  • Authorities must capture and detain all stray dogs, prioritising vulnerable zones. Any resistance will be treated as contempt of court.
  • All detained dogs are to be sterilised and vaccinated, followed by permanent confinement in monitored shelters.
  • CCTV surveillance will be mandatory in shelters, and no dog is to be released back into the community, ending the return-to-locality clause of earlier ABC Rules.
  • Protection of children and infants from rabies is identified as a paramount concern, with emotional arguments set aside in favour of scientific and safety-based reasoning.
  • Victims of dog bites must receive immediate medical care, and authorities are required to maintain detailed records of anti-rabies vaccine availability and usage.
  • To prevent overcrowding, the Court has ordered the construction of shelters with a capacity of 5,000 dogs each, to be built within eight weeks, beginning in the most vulnerable areas.
  • A 24×7 helpline must be established for reporting dog bites, with municipal response mandated within four hours of a complaint.
  • Any individual, organisation, or group that obstructs the implementation process will face strict action under contempt of court, ensuring the order is not undermined by advocacy groups or political interference.

Rationale Underpinning the Court’s Directive

The decision rests on a combination of ethical, constitutional, and public health justifications:

  • Public health urgency: With rabies accounting for over 95% of India’s 5,700 dog bite-related deaths each year, the order seeks to drastically reduce this preventable toll.
  • Protection of vulnerable populations: Children under 14 and the elderly over 60 face higher risk of fatal or severe attacks, due to limited ability to defend themselves. Their safety was identified as a moral and legal imperative.
  • ABC model limitations: While sterilisation reduces reproduction, it does not mitigate the danger from dogs already carrying rabies or displaying violent behaviour.
  • Constitutional grounds: The ruling invokes Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. Unchecked stray dog attacks infringe upon this right by creating fear in public spaces.
  • Long-term structural reform: The Court’s decision reflects a strategic shift from temporary sterilisation models to a permanent removal approach, aimed at achieving lasting outcomes.

Arguments Supporting the Supreme Court’s Decision

The judgment has been welcomed by many as a necessary and life-saving intervention:

  • It aligns with the ethical principle of beneficence, aiming to prevent avoidable deaths and suffering.
  • By restoring a sense of safety in public areas, it reinforces constitutional freedoms, allowing individuals to move freely without fear.
  • The introduction of CCTV-monitored shelters and clear medical tracking systems demonstrates good governance and procedural fairness.
  • The removal of the return-to-locality loophole in ABC implementation reflects a focus on results, consistent with the consequentialist approach in public ethics.
  • It enhances urban governance, placing public health and sanitation at the heart of municipal policy-making.

Arguments Against the Judgment

However, the order has also drawn criticism from various quarters:

  • Legal scholars caution that the directive may conflict with existing ABC Rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, potentially raising constitutional and procedural challenges.
  • Without immediate infrastructure upgrades, mass confinement could lead to overcrowded and inhumane shelter conditions, violating basic animal welfare principles.
  • Critics argue that permanent detention may infringe on the intrinsic rights of animals, and runs counter to values rooted in compassion and environmental ethics.
  • Some ecologists warn that the sudden removal of strays could upset local ecological balances, particularly in areas where strays help control rodent populations or process food waste.
  • There is also concern about the risk of policy misuse, where lack of oversight may lead to covert culling or unethical treatment under the guise of enforcement.

The Road Ahead: Balancing Public Safety with Ethical Responsibility

To ensure that the Court’s directive is effective, just, and humane, a multi-pronged approach is essential:

  • Shelters must be designed humanely, providing adequate space, sanitation, nutrition, and veterinary care, to protect the dignity of confined animals.
  • Mass vaccination campaigns should be conducted in tandem with removal operations, adopting a preventive ethics model that targets rabies without relying solely on incarceration.
  • Adoption policies should be encouraged, with strict vetting procedures to ensure animals are placed in safe, responsible homes, blending compassion with accountability.
  • The ABC Rules should be amended to align with the Court’s new guidelines, creating legal consistency and avoiding administrative contradictions.
  • Public awareness campaigns must promote responsible pet ownership, community vaccination, and safe interaction with animals, thereby reinforcing civic responsibility and care ethics.

The success of this judgment ultimately depends on enforcement capacity, infrastructure readiness, and a shared commitment to protecting both human life and animal dignity in an ethically sound and legally coherent manner.

Digital Push in Education: Navigating Access, Equity, and Empathy in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape

Context and Emerging Trends:

India is witnessing a profound digital transformation across both the education and administrative sectors. Recent developments include the use of artificial intelligence and digital devices in schools, including anganwadis in rural areas, and the digitisation of public services such as defence pension disbursal. These initiatives reflect the growing momentum toward a Digital India, but also raise critical concerns regarding inclusivity, pedagogical quality, and empathetic governance.

Overview of the Digital Integration in Education and Governance:

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has positioned technology as a core enabler of educational access and quality. It advocates platforms like DIKSHA, SWAYAM, and AI-based learning tools to transform pedagogy. In some rural preschools, children as young as three are being introduced to interactive whiteboards and virtual reality devices. Parallel administrative reforms include initiatives such as SPARSH, aimed at digitising defence pensions, and the creation of centralised online admission portals for universities.

While these represent steps toward increased efficiency and outreach, they also raise difficult questions about educational equity, developmental appropriateness, and humane service delivery.

Opportunities Presented by Digitisation:

Digital integration offers several transformative opportunities. Students in remote and underserved areas can now access quality lectures, curated resources, and interactive content without relocating. Centralised portals for processes such as pension disbursement and college admissions reduce bureaucratic discretion and enhance accountability. Exposure to digital tools equips students with skills aligned to the future workforce and digital economy. Administrative services, once mired in delays, are now being streamlined through automation, cutting down wait times and inefficiencies. Moreover, once developed, digital platforms can scale up affordably, catering to millions without corresponding increases in operational costs.

Challenges Undermining the Promise:

Despite these advantages, several systemic cracks have emerged. A stark digital divide continues to marginalise students without access to reliable internet and devices—especially in rural and low-income settings. The increased use of AI and VR in early education settings may unintentionally displace hands-on and sensory-rich learning, which is vital for cognitive development in young children. Over-reliance on screens could gradually erode the teacher–student relationship, which forms the emotional core of effective early learning.

Digitisation of administrative services, while efficient in theory, often burdens veterans and first-generation learners who struggle with complex forms, digital navigation, and language barriers. Extended screen time also leads to mental fatigue, shorter attention spans, and disengagement, especially among young learners.

Ethical and Governance Considerations:

The ethical landscape of digital integration in education is equally significant. A policy framework that fails to guarantee equity of access risks deepening pre-existing socio-economic disparities. The increased standardisation of teaching content through tech tools may unintentionally undermine teacher autonomy, limiting their ability to respond to the unique needs of each student.

The Right to Education under Article 21A must be interpreted as the right to holistic learning—not merely access to digital content but also emotional and social development. In digital governance, empathy must guide design and delivery, ensuring that those struggling with technology receive human assistance and support. Moreover, the collection of student data through ed-tech platforms must adhere to informed consent and strict privacy protocols.

Path Forward: A Balanced and Inclusive Digital Future:

A hybrid learning model is essential to combine the best of digital tools with traditional, relational methods of teaching. This blend would allow for broad access while preserving the human dimension of education. Expanding broadband infrastructure and ensuring the availability of affordable devices in rural and underserved regions must become a priority.

Teachers, too, must be supported through structured training programmes that prepare them to integrate technology thoughtfully without compromising educational depth. Digital interfaces must be intuitive, multilingual, and supported by offline help systems, so that users of varying literacy levels can navigate them with ease. Finally, regular impact audits should be institutionalised to evaluate the real effects of digitisation on learning outcomes, equity, and psychological well-being.

Conclusion:

India’s digital transformation in education and governance holds immense promise, but the success of these efforts depends on their sensitivity to social realities. In a country marked by sharp socio-economic diversity, the digital revolution must be tempered by inclusion, empathy, and human-centred design. The challenge lies not in scaling technology, but in ensuring that it serves all—especially the most marginalised—with dignity, care, and fairness.

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Transforming Rural Water Access

Context:
As of 2025, the Jal Jeevan Mission has expanded rural tap water coverage from just 17% in 2019 to 81%, reaching over 15.68 crore households. This marks a significant stride in ensuring universal access to safe and adequate drinking water in rural India.

About the Mission:

Launched in August 2019, the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to every rural household. The mission’s focus extends beyond infrastructure to delivering a safe, adequate, and regular supply of potable water directly to homes.

Progress and Technology Integration:

From covering only 3.23 crore households in 2019, the programme has expanded to include more than 15.68 crore by 2025. This expansion has been supported by technology-driven monitoring, such as Aadhaar-linked tracking systems, geo-tagging of water assets, and IoT-based sensors that help ensure real-time functionality. Third-party inspections have also been incorporated to enhance transparency and accountability.

Significance of the Mission:

The public health impact of JJM is substantial, as the availability of safe drinking water significantly reduces the risk of waterborne diseases. Additionally, the mission advances gender equality, freeing women and girls from the burden of fetching water and allowing them greater participation in education and livelihood activities. It also plays a vital role in rural development, improving the quality of life, reducing physical drudgery, and increasing productivity in rural areas.

Sustainability is a core focus, as the mission aligns with initiatives like the Atal Bhujal Yojana, which supports groundwater recharge and long-term water resource management.

Through this integrated approach, the Jal Jeevan Mission exemplifies how technological innovation, public policy, and community participation can converge to create lasting social impact.

Report on the Evolving Role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in the Economy, with a Focus on the Digital Landscape

A recent report released by the Standing Committee on Finance critically examines the shifting role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), particularly in the context of the rapidly transforming digital economy. It concludes that the current framework under the Competition Act, 2002—designed primarily for traditional markets and based on ex-post analysis—is inadequate for addressing the complexities and challenges of digital platforms and ecosystems.

To bridge this gap, the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023 introduced several forward-looking provisions such as Deal Value Thresholds (DVT) and Settlement and Commitment Mechanisms. These are intended to strengthen regulatory oversight in the digital sector, where market dominance often arises from non-traditional factors like data control, network effects, and platform dependency.

In a significant institutional step, the CCI has also set up a Digital Markets Division (DMD) aimed at specialised scrutiny of conduct and competition dynamics in digital spaces.

Key Issues Identified in the Report

One of the central concerns highlighted is the rise of anti-competitive practices by dominant digital firms. These include:

  • Self-preferencing—where platforms promote their own products or services over competitors''.
  • Predatory pricing—with firms absorbing short-term losses to eliminate competition.
  • Tying and bundling—which restricts consumer choice and stifles innovation by forcing the adoption of linked products.

The report also notes serious regulatory limitations impeding the CCI’s effectiveness:

1.     Institutional Capacity Constraints: The CCI is functioning with a severe human resource shortfall, as only 113 out of 195 sanctioned posts have been filled. There is also a lack of specialised technical expertise, particularly in critical areas such as artificial intelligence, which is essential for understanding algorithmic behaviour and data-driven business models.

2.     Weak Enforcement Outcomes: Despite the CCI imposing penalties amounting to Rs. 20,350.46 crore, penalties worth Rs. 18,512.28 crore have either been stayed or overturned by appellate courts. This undercuts deterrence and contributes to prolonged litigation, delaying corrective action.

3.     Concerns over the Draft Digital Competition Bill: The draft Bill proposes broad eligibility thresholds and lacks a clear rebuttal mechanism, creating ambiguity in its application. There are also fears of jurisdictional conflict with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, which may lead to overlapping compliance burdens.

4.     Risks to MSMEs: The proposed Deal Value Threshold of Rs. 2,000 crore has raised apprehensions about the potential for unregulated acquisitions of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by larger players. The lack of scrutiny in such cases could erode fair market competition at the grassroots level.

Recommendations of the Committee

To address these challenges and reinforce the CCI’s mandate in the digital economy, the report outlines a comprehensive set of recommendations:

·       Enhance Enforcement Mechanisms and Finalise the Digital Competition Bill: The CCI must be empowered to defend its decisions effectively in courts. The proposed 25% pre-deposit requirement for appeal proceedings should be implemented to deter frivolous litigation and ensure compliance.

·       Safeguard MSME Interests: The DVT threshold should be reviewed, particularly in the context of MSME-related transactions. The CCI must also strengthen investigations into predatory pricing that threaten the survival of smaller businesses.

·       Adopt a Proactive and Forward-Looking Regulatory Strategy: The Commission is urged to expand the scope of market studies, particularly in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, which shape competitive outcomes. It must also embed consumer welfare more deeply into regulatory analysis, including aspects like data privacy and digital rights.

·       Implement a Unified Policy Framework: The government is advised to expedite the adoption of the National Competition Policy (NCP) to provide a cohesive framework for market regulation, integrating competition principles across sectors.

About the Competition Commission of India (CCI)

The Competition Commission of India was established in 2003 under the Competition Act, 2002, but became operational only in 2009. It is composed of a Chairperson and six Members, all appointed by the Central Government.

The CCI is mandated to:

·       Eliminate practices that adversely affect competition;

·       Promote and sustain fair competition in markets;

·       Protect consumer interests; and

·       Ensure freedom of trade for all participants.

Additionally, it is required to offer opinions on competition-related issues referred by statutory authorities established under Indian law.

Conclusion

The Standing Committee’s report underscores the need to modernise India’s competition law architecture in light of the digital economy’s evolution. While the CCI has taken meaningful steps to adapt—such as establishing the Digital Markets Division and engaging in market studies—it remains constrained by institutional, legal, and procedural bottlenecks. To stay effective in the digital age, the Commission must be proactively empowered, adequately resourced, and supported by a robust legislative and policy framework. The future of fair competition, especially in tech-driven markets, depends on such structural reforms.

Google vs CCI Case: Implications for India’s Android Ecosystem and the Digital Market

In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has admitted Alphabet Inc.’s appeal against the decision of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), which had partially upheld the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) findings that Google had engaged in anti-competitive conduct within the Android ecosystem. The Court also took up related petitions filed by the CCI and the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF), a collective of Indian startups advocating for checks on Big Tech influence.

CCI’s Investigation and Findings

The CCI began its inquiry into Google’s practices in 2020, following complaints by app developers and industry stakeholders. These complaints alleged that Google leveraged its dominant position in the Android ecosystem to promote its own services and suppress competition.

In 2022, the CCI concluded that Google had violated competition norms through multiple mechanisms:

·       Mandatory Use of Google Play Billing System (GPBS): Developers selling in-app content via the Play Store were required to use GPBS and pay a commission ranging from 15% to 30%, effectively excluding third-party billing systems.

·       Preferential Treatment of YouTube: Google exempted YouTube from GPBS requirements, giving it a cost advantage over rival platforms.

·       Bundling of Google Apps: Android device manufacturers had to pre-install Google applications such as Search, Chrome, and YouTube to gain access to the Play Store. This reduced consumer choice and discouraged innovation by competitors offering alternative services.

In response, the CCI imposed a fine of 936.44 crore on Google and issued directions that included:

·       Decoupling GPBS from Play Store access.

·       Ensuring transparency in billing data usage.

·       Prohibiting the use of billing data to unfairly advantage Google’s own services.

Google’s Defence

Google strongly contested the CCI’s conclusions, asserting that its business practices were designed to enhance user experience, maintain security standards, and sustain the Android ecosystem. It argued that:

·       Android is open-source and available free of charge to manufacturers. OEMs are free to license the platform without Google’s proprietary apps, although they would then lose access to the Play Store.

·       Pre-installing Google apps served efficiency and user convenience and did not prevent users from installing competing apps.

·       The Google Play Billing System ensured secure transactions, mitigated fraud risks, and offered developers robust infrastructure, global reach, and regular security updates. Commission rates, Google stated, were in line with industry standards.

·       The exemption granted to in-house services like YouTube was based on differing business models rather than anti-competitive intent.

·       Furthermore, Google cited the success of Indian apps such as PhonePe, Paytm, and Hotstar on Android as evidence of a competitive and vibrant ecosystem.

NCLAT’s Partial Ruling

In March, the NCLAT partially upheld the CCI’s findings. The tribunal agreed that Google’s policies on mandatory billing and app bundling constituted abuse of dominance, but it reduced the penalty from 936.44 crore to 216.69 crore, describing the original fine as excessive.

However, the NCLAT dismissed several behavioural remedies proposed by the CCI on the grounds that they were either too broad or not supported by sufficient evidence.

After a review in May 2025, the tribunal reinstated two key directives:

·       Google must maintain transparency in billing data policies.

·       Google is barred from using billing data to favour its own services.

This outcome left all parties dissatisfied: Google appealed to have the entire CCI ruling overturned, the CCI sought restoration of the full penalty, and ADIF criticised the tribunal for being too lenient on anti-competitive behaviour.

Stakes in the Ongoing Antitrust Battle

1.     Consumer Impact: A verdict in favour of the CCI could lead to: Greater app choice, as developers would no longer be locked into GPBS and could use more affordable payment gateways. Lower app and in-app prices, driven by reduced commission fees. Enhanced privacy protections, as Google’s control over billing data would be curtailed. However, critics warn that reduced platform control could fragment the Android experience, resulting in inconsistent user interfaces and performance across devices.

2.     Impact on Smartphone Manufacturers: An outcome that supports CCI’s directives may allow original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to: Pre-install alternative applications, including web browsers, search engines, and streaming platforms. Develop and distribute forked versions of Android without losing access to the Play Store. Such flexibility could benefit smaller Indian smartphone brands, promoting local innovation and reducing dependence on Big Tech.

3.     Implications for Startups and Developers: Indian startups stand to gain from more equitable platform access, diversified payment options, and less biased app promotion practices. For ADIF and other domestic stakeholders, this case represents an opportunity to rebalance power in favour of Indian entrepreneurs and curb monopolistic tendencies in digital markets.

4.     Consequences for Google: If the Supreme Court upholds the CCI’s original directives, the decision could: Set a global precedent, encouraging regulators in other jurisdictions to demand similar structural changes from Google. Force Google to unbundle core services or open up its billing infrastructure to third-party providers, thereby altering its Android business model significantly. Such an outcome could reshape the competitive landscape of mobile platforms globally, beyond just India.

Broader Significance of the Supreme Court Verdict

The central question before the Supreme Court is whether Google’s business practices constitute “abuse of dominance” under India’s competition law. The Court’s interpretation will weigh heavily on the complex dynamics of platform economics, where control over infrastructure translates to market power.

The case is of strategic national importance, considering that over 95% of smartphones in India run on Android. The judgment will directly influence how users access apps, make digital payments, and engage with mobile services.

A ruling that backs the CCI’s position could elevate India’s regulatory framework as a model for digital market governance outside the European Union. On the other hand, a verdict favouring Google would preserve the existing market structure, affirming the tech giant’s operating model while raising questions about enforcement effectiveness in the digital age.

Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025: Strengthening India’s Mineral Security

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, recently introduced in the Lok Sabha, represents a pivotal move to enhance India’s mineral security, particularly in the context of global supply chain disruptions and the country’s reliance on imported critical minerals. This legislative initiative seeks to align national mineral exploration strategies with the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission.

Among its key reforms is the transformation of the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) into the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT), expanding its scope to include offshore and international mineral exploration. To support its enhanced mandate, the contribution from mining leaseholders will be raised from 2% to 3% of the royalty payable.

Another major provision is the establishment of electronic “Mineral Exchanges” that will allow for trading in minerals, concentrates, and processed forms, including metals. These platforms aim to bring transparency and price discovery to an otherwise opaque market, potentially transforming the mineral trade landscape.

The Bill also introduces incentives for extracting critical minerals, allowing their inclusion in existing mining leases without any additional royalty payments if they are listed in Part D of the First Schedule or the Seventh Schedule. It also provides a one-time lease area extension—up to 10% for deep-seated minerals and 30% for composite licenses—to encourage deeper and more integrated exploration efforts.

In a move toward increased market liberalisation, the Bill removes the 50% cap on the sale of minerals from captive mines, thus giving companies greater freedom to monetise surplus resources. Moreover, state governments are now empowered to authorise the sale of old mineral dumps, potentially unlocking untapped resources.

RBI Simplifies Special Vostro Rupee Accounts to Advance Rupee Internationalisation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken a significant step toward promoting rupee internationalisation by removing the requirement for prior approval to open Special Vostro Rupee Accounts (SVRAs). This simplification is expected to facilitate faster rupee-based trade settlements, particularly with countries seeking alternatives to the dollar-dominated global trade system.

A Vostro Account refers to a foreign bank’s account held in a domestic bank, denominated in the local currency. For instance, if Citibank (US) holds an account in SBI (India) in INR, that constitutes SBI’s Vostro account. In contrast, a Nostro Account is a domestic bank’s account in a foreign bank in the currency of that foreign country.

The internationalisation of a currency involves its use in cross-border trade, financial transactions, and as a reserve asset, extending its utility beyond national boundaries. This process reduces the need for foreign exchange reserves, improves financial market development, enhances economic sovereignty, and lowers exchange rate risks by allowing exporters and importers to invoice and transact in their own currency.

India has taken several steps toward this goal, including the global expansion of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), issuance of rupee-denominated masala bonds, and signing currency swap agreements and MoUs with countries like UAE, Indonesia, and the Maldives to enable local currency transactions.

Major Overhaul of Income Tax Framework: Income-Tax Bill, 2025 and Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025

The Lok Sabha has passed two significant bills—Income-Tax (No.2) Bill, 2025 and the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025—marking a comprehensive overhaul of India’s direct tax regime. These reforms aim to consolidate, simplify, and modernise income-tax legislation, especially the Income Tax Act of 1961, which had become excessively complex due to over six decades of incremental amendments.

The Income-Tax Bill, 2025 proposes a complete redraft of the tax code. It extends deductions to corporate entities, ensures gratuity and family pension benefits for dependents, and clearly separates Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) from Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT). The AMT will now apply only to non-corporate taxpayers claiming deductions, while LLPs earning only capital gains and not claiming deductions are exempt. The Bill also mandates electronic payment modes for professionals with receipts exceeding ₹50 crore, thereby enhancing digital accountability.

Key improvements include simplified language, better cross-referencing, and updated definitions of terms like “capital asset,” “micro and small enterprises,” and “beneficial owner,” all aimed at reducing ambiguity and increasing compliance efficiency.

Meanwhile, the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025 amends both the Income Tax Act, 1961 and the Finance Act, 2025 to incorporate recent economic developments and policy shifts. A major provision is the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), which extends tax exemptions similar to the New Pension Scheme. The Bill also offers direct tax relief to the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and its subsidiaries, encouraging foreign investment.

Another key provision relates to tax administration in search cases, where it streamlines the treatment of pending assessments and reassessments within the broader framework of block assessment procedures.

These tax reforms signify a strategic effort to not only simplify and modernise the Indian tax system but also to align it with the evolving digital economy, global investment dynamics, and administrative efficiency goals.

Conservation of Nüshu Script: A Cultural Revival Rooted in Sisterhood and Technology

In recent years, Nüshu—a unique, 400-year-old script developed by women in Jiangyong County, Hunan province, China—has been experiencing a cultural resurgence. Gen Z Chinese women are increasingly embracing Nüshu not just as a linguistic relic, but as a symbol of female solidarity, empowerment, and resistance. Originally created during a time when women were excluded from formal education, Nüshu represents a powerful legacy of private communication and resilience among women.

This phonetic script emerged in the 17th century as a secretive form of expression, featuring slender, curved, leaf-shaped characters that align with the local dialect. It was traditionally passed down through letters, songs, poems, and embroidery, serving as both an emotional outlet and a means of connection between women in restrictive social contexts. Nüshu thus became not only a script but a cultural conduit of sisterhood, used to share joys, sorrows, and life experiences.

The renewed interest in Nüshu has coincided with technological advancements, enabling more effective conservation efforts. Digital archiving using high-resolution scans and cloud-based repositories, along with Unicode standardisation, is helping to preserve and standardise Nüshu for global recognition. Artificial Intelligence and machine translation tools now assist in decoding and teaching the script online, making it more accessible to a modern, tech-savvy audience. Furthermore, social media campaigns, virtual exhibitions, and augmented reality (AR) learning tools have introduced the script to a worldwide community, sparking cross-cultural interest and academic inquiry.

The revival of Nüshu has significant implications. At a cultural level, it safeguards an endangered piece of intangible heritage, ensuring that this symbol of female expression is not lost to history. At a community level, the script’s revival is opening up livelihood opportunities for women in Jiangyong through digital arts, tourism, and global cultural collaborations. In this way, Nüshu’s conservation blends heritage with innovation, embodying both preservation and progression.

Prelims Bytes

Kodali Karuppur Silk Sari: A Dwindling Legacy of Royal Weaving

The Kodali Karuppur silk sari, once a symbol of opulence and a luxury garment embraced by the Maratha royalty of Thanjavur, is today on the brink of decline as the community of traditional handloom weavers that sustains it is rapidly diminishing. Named after the village of Karuppur, situated near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, this exquisite sari is not merely a textile but a cultural artifact steeped in history and artistry.

In its prime, the Kodali Karuppur sari was renowned for combining multiple techniques—hand painting, block printing, and brocade weaving—to produce intricate designs on saris, dhotis, and household furnishings. These garments were not commercially available but were woven exclusively under the patronage of Serfoji Raja Bhonsle Chhatrapati II, the Maratha ruler of Thanjavur who reigned from 1787 to 1832. Worn only by Thanjavur nobility, the saris were often presented as khillat, or garments of honour.

The artisans behind this tradition trace their lineage to about 400–500 families who migrated from Saurashtra and settled in Madurai, Salem, and Kancheepuram. Their craftsmanship became an integral part of the royal fabric culture. The Karuppur sari and turban even found a place in the wedding customs of other Maratha princely states like Baroda, Kolhapur, and Satara—where they were considered essential in a bride’s trousseau and the groom’s ceremonial attire.

Visually, the design elements of the Kodali Karuppur sari remain distinct yet minimalistic. The motifs largely consist of geometric and linear patterns, stylised vine forms, stars, veldarri, and the thazhambu, or screw pine flower. Despite its cultural richness and historical significance, the Kodali Karuppur silk sari has not received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, leaving it without formal recognition or legal protection—a gap that threatens its survival further in the absence of active conservation and support.

Dhirio (Bull Fighting): A Cultural Tradition Amidst Legal Barriers in Goa

In a recent session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, members from across the political spectrum called for the legalisation of Dhirio, the local term for bull fighting—a practice deeply woven into Goa’s rural cultural traditions. Although currently banned, Dhirio continues to evoke nostalgia and controversy as debates intensify over its future status.

Historically, Dhirio has been an essential post-harvest community celebration, traditionally held in paddy fields and football grounds. The events are organised by village shepherds, who bring their bulls to participate in fights that have long formed part of local festivals, particularly those associated with Church feasts. These gatherings would attract large crowds from surrounding villages and have been observed in Goa since Portuguese colonial times.

A typical Dhirio match begins with two bulls charging and locking horns, repeatedly engaging in headbutts, prodded by trainers positioned nearby. While spectators regard it as an age-old sport symbolising strength and tradition, the practice has been officially banned since 1997 following a High Court directive to prohibit all animal fights, including Dhirios, on the grounds of cruelty.

Despite the legal status, proponents argue that Dhirio represents a cultural legacy deserving protection, similar to how Jallikattu has been defended in Tamil Nadu. The renewed demand for its legalisation reflects a growing movement to reconcile traditional practices with contemporary legal and ethical standards.

Vitthal Rukhmini Temple: Linguistic Disputes Surround a Historic Shrine of Devotion

The revered Vitthal-Rukhmini temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, has recently become the centre of a linguistic controversy involving Marathi and Hindi, highlighting broader questions of regional identity and administrative policy. Beyond this recent dispute, the temple itself holds immense spiritual, historical, and architectural significance.

Located along the banks of the Bhima River, also known as Chandrabhaga, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vithoba (a form of Krishna or Vishnu) and his consort Rukhmini. It is recognised as one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams of the Vaishnavite tradition, drawing millions of devotees, especially during the Ashadhi Ekadashi pilgrimage.

The origins of the temple date back to the early 12th century, attributed to King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire, who was influenced by Pundalik, a legendary devotee of Krishna. The temple’s sanctity is further supported by a 1237 CE inscription from Hoysala King Vira Someshwara, granting a village for the temple’s maintenance.

Following periods of invasion and destruction, the present structure was reconstructed in the 17th century, incorporating the Deccan architectural style with domed motifs and lobed arches. This restoration was supported by prominent regional powers, including the Peshwas of Pune, the Shindes of Gwalior, and the Holkars of Indore, reflecting the temple’s widespread religious and political importance.

Beyond its spiritual heritage, the temple also broke ground in social inclusivity by becoming the first major shrine in India to appoint women and members from backward communities as priests in 2014—an act that challenged centuries of caste and gender barriers.

Today, as debates around language continue to shape the temple’s administration and rituals, the Vitthal-Rukhmini temple stands as a confluence of devotion, heritage, and evolving societal values, holding deep emotional and spiritual resonance for millions across Maharashtra and India.

Pneumococcal Disease and Vaccine Advancement

In a significant healthcare development, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has introduced its next-generation 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) in India. This vaccine offers immunisation against 20 different serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, which account for the majority of pneumococcal diseases globally, particularly in vulnerable adult populations.

Pneumococcal disease encompasses a range of infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium characterised by its polysaccharide capsule, a major factor contributing to its virulence. With around 90 identified serotypes worldwide, only a limited number are responsible for most severe illnesses. The infections caused by this bacterium range from relatively minor issues like ear infections to severe and potentially fatal conditions such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis.

This disease remains a critical global public health issue, particularly affecting young children and the elderly in developing regions. Approximately one million children succumb to pneumococcal disease annually. Transmission occurs primarily through direct contact with respiratory secretions from either symptomatic patients or asymptomatic carriers.

While antibiotics are typically the first line of treatment, increasing antimicrobial resistance poses a growing challenge to effective disease management. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive strategy, especially in high-risk groups such as children and the elderly. However, as resistance patterns evolve, the introduction of broader-spectrum vaccines like PCV20 is essential for bolstering population immunity and reducing disease burden.

Envelope Dimer Epitope (EDE): A Breakthrough in Dengue Immunity

A new study published in Science Translational Medicine has shed light on a crucial breakthrough in dengue virus immunology by identifying Envelope Dimer Epitope (EDE)-like antibodies as a key mechanism behind cross-serotype protection. This discovery marks a significant step toward overcoming the limitations of current dengue vaccines and offers promising prospects for future vaccine design.

The Envelope Dimer Epitope is a unique quaternary epitope found on the surface of the dengue virus, formed by the pairing of two envelope (E) proteins. This structure only appears in mature virus particles, making it an ideal and precise target for neutralising antibodies. The significance of EDE lies in its ability to generate broad immune protection across all four dengue virus serotypes, making it an effective target for vaccines aimed at cross-serotype immunity.

Current licensed vaccines such as Dengvaxia and QDENGA offer limited protection and are primarily effective in individuals with prior exposure to dengue. They are also associated with the risk of Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE), a phenomenon where certain antibodies may worsen the infection. Unlike these vaccines, EDE-targeting strategies promise broader protection without heightening ADE risks.

The mechanism of protection involves the ability of EDE-like antibodies to bind to the virus''s envelope structure, thereby blocking its ability to enter human cells—a critical step in viral replication. These antibodies tend to be produced in significant quantities only after multiple exposures or post-vaccination in previously infected individuals. During a primary dengue infection, however, EDE antibodies are generally not present in sufficient levels.

Their presence is considered a biomarker of strong and broad dengue immunity, making them useful in assessing vaccine efficacy. By focusing on EDE structures in vaccine development, researchers may create immunisations capable of offering comprehensive protection without the complications of existing vaccines. This finding also opens up avenues for therapeutic innovations such as monoclonal antibodies, which could be deployed rapidly during dengue outbreaks. For countries like India, where dengue is endemic, the implications for public health policy and immunisation strategies are significant.

Sukhna Lake: Chandigarh’s Artificial Wetland and Biodiversity Haven

In response to receding water levels, the Chandigarh Administration recently shut the floodgate of Sukhna Lake, an artificial reservoir situated at the base of the Shivalik hills. Created in 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream originating from these hills, the lake spans an area of approximately three square kilometres and was originally 18 feet deep. Over the decades, silt accumulation has reduced its depth to around 8.5 feet and the water spread area to 1.5 square kilometres.

The lake is bordered by a golf course to the south and the famous Rock Garden of Chandigarh to the west. It has been designated a National Wetland by the Government of India and plays a crucial role in urban ecology. Sukhna Lake forms part of the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, acting as a seasonal refuge for over 30 species of resident and migratory birds, including Siberian ducks, storks, and cranes, particularly during winter.

Notably, Sukhna Lake is home to Asia’s longest rowing and yachting channel, which enhances its appeal as a hub for water sports and recreational activities. The lake not only supports biodiversity and tourism but also functions as a vital ecological buffer in the city’s landscape.

Smooth-Coated Otter: A Rare Arrival in Delhi Zoo

In a rare and notable animal exchange after nearly two decades, the National Zoological Park (NZP) in Delhi recently welcomed a pair of smooth-coated otters from Surat. These otters are the only surviving species of the genus Lutrogale and are the largest otters found in Southeast Asia.

Smooth-coated otters inhabit southern and Southeast Asia, China, and parts of India, with a small population in Iraq. Their preferred habitats include coastal mangroves, peat swamps, freshwater wetlands, forested rivers, lakes, and even rice paddies. Although adept in water, these otters are also capable of travelling considerable distances on land in search of suitable environments.

They are named for their short, sleek fur, which is smoother and shorter than that of other otter species. Their fur ranges from light to dark brown on the back and light brown to greyish on the underside. These otters possess short, dense underfur and longer, water-repellent guard hairs, which aid in thermoregulation and water resistance. Known for their social behaviour, smooth-coated otters often hunt cooperatively, especially while fishing, and are known to move in a V-formation when swimming upstream.

However, they face multiple threats including habitat loss, water pollution from agricultural runoff, and illegal poaching. The IUCN has classified them as Vulnerable, underlining the urgency of conservation efforts to protect this charismatic yet endangered species.

Operation Falcon: Assam''s Anti-Poaching Success

Operation Falcon, launched in 2024 by the Assam government, has emerged as a significant breakthrough in curbing wildlife crimes, particularly rhino poaching. In a major conservation milestone, the initiative has led to the arrest of 42 rhino poachers, dismantling of six major poaching gangs, and the successful prevention of nine poaching attempts. Notably, these efforts have resulted in zero rhino killings across the state so far in 2025.

The operation is a collaborative effort between the Assam Police and the Assam Forest Department, aiming to dismantle rhino poaching networks and suppress the illegal wildlife trade. The police have spearheaded law enforcement and intelligence operations, while the forest department has focused on habitat surveillance and the protection of wildlife in vulnerable ecosystems.

A key feature of Operation Falcon lies in its integrated intelligence system, combining digital tracking with on-ground surveillance to ensure swift identification and capture of poachers. Rapid response teams have enabled the authorities to intervene in real time, thwarting planned poaching incidents across various districts.

The impact has been remarkable: rhino poaching has declined by 86% since 2016, reinforcing Assam’s global standing in wildlife conservation. Beyond the immediate ecological benefits, the operation enhances India’s reputation in international wildlife protection forums and contributes significantly to eco-tourism. National parks like Kaziranga, known for their rhino populations, have become safer and more attractive to global tourists, linking conservation to sustainable economic development.

World Elephant Day 2025: Focus on Coexistence

World Elephant Day 2025 was observed on August 12 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, with a central focus on strategies to mitigate human–elephant conflict. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, reflecting India''s commitment to elephant conservation.

World Elephant Day is a global annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the threats facing elephants, including habitat destruction, poaching, and increasing conflict with humans due to shrinking natural spaces. First established in 2012 by Canadian filmmaker Patricia Sims in partnership with the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand, the day calls for urgent action to protect elephants and their ecosystems, while also encouraging peaceful and sustainable human-elephant coexistence.

Elephants are the largest terrestrial mammals belonging to the family Elephantidae, known for their intelligence, strong social bonds, and ecological significance. They are classified as a keystone species due to their vital role in maintaining the health of ecosystems.

Globally, elephants face different levels of threat. The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, while the African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) is also Endangered, and the African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) is Critically Endangered.

Physically, elephants are distinguished by their massive size, long trunks, and tusks—used for a variety of functions like digging and foraging. In African species, both males and females have tusks, whereas in Asian elephants, only some males do. Female elephants live in herds led by a matriarch, while males often live solitary or in small groups. They have a long gestation period of 22 months, typically giving birth to one calf every 4–5 years. The entire herd is involved in caring for the young.

Ecologically, elephants contribute to shaping landscapes by dispersing seeds, creating water holes, and maintaining grasslands. Their conservation is not just about preserving a single species but also ensuring the health of broader ecosystems that benefit humans and wildlife alike.

Talaq-e-Hasan: Under Judicial Scrutiny

The Supreme Court of India has recently agreed to examine a series of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of Talaq-e-Hasan, a form of divorce in Islamic personal law that allows only men to initiate the process. The petitions argue that this practice violates gender equality and fundamental rights.

Talaq-e-Hasan is a revocable form of extrajudicial divorce recognised across all schools of Muslim law and is considered to have the approval of Prophet Mohammad. The process involves a man pronouncing "talaq" three times over a span of three months, with a one-month interval between each pronouncement. This three-month period is referred to as the period of iddat or abstinence, lasting 90 days.

During this period, if the couple chooses to cohabit or be intimate, the divorce is automatically considered revoked, reaffirming the possibility of reconciliation. This makes Talaq-e-Hasan a more deliberate and measured process compared to other forms of divorce under Islamic law.

This practice stands in contrast to Talaq-e-Biddat, commonly known as Triple Talaq, which was outlawed in India in 2019. Talaq-e-Biddat allowed a man to unilaterally divorce his wife by saying "talaq" three times in one sitting, resulting in an instant and irrevocable separation. Unlike Talaq-e-Hasan, it did not include any cooling-off period or opportunity for reconciliation.

The current legal scrutiny over Talaq-e-Hasan is part of a broader movement towards examining gender justice in personal laws. While some argue that it is a more humane and structured method of divorce compared to Talaq-e-Biddat, others believe that its gender asymmetry—granting unilateral power to men—remains fundamentally discriminatory and warrants judicial review. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for personal law reforms in India.

National Anubhav Awards 2025: Celebrating Institutional Memory and Service Excellence

The National Anubhav Awards for the year 2025 are scheduled to be held on August 18 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone as the event celebrates its 10th anniversary. These awards are prestigious annual honours that recognize exceptional memoirs written by retiring or recently retired Central Government employees. The memoirs highlight their personal experiences and valuable contributions throughout their service, thereby capturing important institutional knowledge.

The awards are presented by the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW), which operates under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India. Established in 2015 on the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the National Anubhav Awards form part of the broader Anubhav Portal initiative. This platform is dedicated to documenting and preserving institutional memory through firsthand narratives of government employees.

The primary objectives of the awards include preserving institutional memory to improve governance, promoting the sharing and replication of effective practices across government bodies, and acknowledging innovation, valuable feedback, and excellence in service delivery.

Eligibility for participation extends to Central Government employees, as well as personnel from Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and Public Sector Banks. To qualify, the employees must be either retiring within the upcoming eight months or have retired within the last three years. Additionally, their submitted write-ups must have been published on the Anubhav Portal between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.

The awards cover a wide range of categories, including but not limited to accounts, administration, governance reforms, information technology, research, procedural simplification, public dealing, valor, and constructive feedback. The structure of the awards consists of five Best Write-up prizes along with ten Jury Certificates granted to other distinguished submissions. Notably, the 2025 awards will feature increased diversity, with one-third of the awardees being women. Since 2024, the scope of recognition has expanded to include employees from Public Sector Banks and CPSUs. To ensure fairness and transparency, an objective marking system is now employed to evaluate submissions. Further, the initiative includes a capacity-building effort through the “Anubhav Awardees’ Speak” webinar series, which provides a platform for experienced retirees to share insights with soon-to-retire employees.

Ladakh Statehood and the Demand for Sixth Schedule Status

A massive protest recently took place in Kargil, Ladakh, spearheaded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, demanding full statehood for Ladakh along with its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This movement reflects growing aspirations for greater political autonomy and protection of regional identity.

Following the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir on August 5, 2019, Ladakh was declared a Union Territory but without a legislative assembly. The demand for full statehood is driven by the need for a democratically elected legislature that can grant Ladakh greater legislative autonomy and control over its resources. Advocates argue that statehood is crucial to safeguarding Ladakh’s unique cultural heritage and fragile environment through local representation and governance.

The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, provided under Articles 244(2) and 275(1), currently applies to tribal areas in the northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It was designed to protect the rights, culture, and lands of tribal communities by granting them autonomy through Autonomous District and Regional Councils.

The main aims of the Sixth Schedule include preserving tribal identities, cultures, and traditions, while empowering these communities with self-governance over specified legislative and administrative matters. It also ensures protection of their land and resource rights against external exploitation.

Key features of the Sixth Schedule include elected Autonomous Councils vested with legislative, judicial, and executive powers over certain domains such as land management, forests, agriculture, and village administration. The Governor of the state has authority to alter council boundaries, include or exclude areas, and approve legislation passed by these councils. Judicially, village courts adjudicate disputes within tribal communities. Financial powers are granted to levy taxes on land, trade, professions, and markets, with funds provided through grants from the Consolidated Fund of India under Article 275(1). Importantly, the Schedule includes safeguards to prevent alienation of tribal land and exploitation by non-tribal individuals, thereby preserving cultural and economic security.

Dardanelles Strait Temporarily Closed Amid Wildfires

The Dardanelles Strait, a vital maritime passage in northwestern Turkey, has been temporarily closed to all sea traffic due to wildfires near the city of Çanakkale, triggering evacuations and extensive firefighting efforts.

The Dardanelles is a narrow natural sea channel that connects the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Historically known as the Hellespont, this strait has been a strategically important route since ancient times, serving as a crucial corridor for trade and military movements.

Geographically, it lies entirely within Turkey’s territorial waters, separating the European Gallipoli Peninsula to the northwest from Asia Minor to the southeast. The strait stretches approximately 61 kilometers in length, with a width that varies from 1.2 kilometers to 6.5 kilometers. Its average depth is around 55 meters, deepening to nearly 90 meters in the narrow central section. Unique water currents flow in opposite directions: surface water moves from the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean, while a denser undercurrent flows the reverse way, carrying saline water.

Several key ports and settlements, including Gallipoli, Eceabat, and Çanakkale, are located along the strait. Historically, the Dardanelles has witnessed significant battles, from the Persian invasion in 480 BCE and Alexander the Great’s expedition in 334 BCE to the pivotal World War I Gallipoli Campaign.

The closure of the strait carries substantial implications for global maritime trade, as it disrupts shipping routes linking Europe, Asia, and the Black Sea via the Bosporus. Moreover, the Dardanelles serves as a crucial maritime chokepoint, making it vital for Turkey’s geopolitical strategy and NATO’s security interests in the region. The temporary blockade due to wildfires thus underscores the vulnerability of this key passageway to environmental disruptions.

 



POSTED ON 12-08-2025 BY ADMIN
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