Intensified Crackdown on the ‘Donkey Route’ Human Trafficking Network

• Escalation of Investigations: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have intensified operations targeting human trafficking networks exploiting the so-called “Donkey Route” — a clandestine migration path predominantly used by Indian nationals to unlawfully enter the United States.
• Unveiling a Transnational Web: The ongoing investigations are exposing a sophisticated network involving traffickers, fake visa agents, fraudulent consultancies, and transnational conduits. These activities have significant implications for national security, human rights, and India’s diplomatic standing.

Recent Enforcement Actions

• Operations in Punjab and Haryana: ED has conducted raids in these states to investigate financial transactions potentially linked to money laundering within illegal immigration operations.
• Key Arrests by NIA: Several traffickers associated with Gagandeep Singh — a central figure in the network — have been apprehended. Singh is accused of facilitating the illegal migration of over 100 Indian nationals to the U.S. via Latin America, reportedly charging up to ₹45 lakh per individual.

Understanding the ‘Donkey’ or ‘Dunki’ Route

• Definition and Popular Awareness: This term refers to protracted, illicit migration journeys that often involve traversing multiple national borders. It gained wider public attention following the 2023 film Dunki featuring Shah Rukh Khan.
• Typical Migration Path and Risks: The route usually begins in India and continues through the UAE to Latin American countries such as Ecuador, Guyana, and Bolivia (due to relaxed visa policies), then onward to Colombia, Panama (via the treacherous Darién Gap), Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, and ultimately the United States.
  Migrants face severe hazards including assault, extortion, wild animal attacks, and dangerous crossings through dense jungles or underground tunnels at the US-Mexico border (e.g., Ciudad Juarez to El Paso).
• Criminal Cartels’ Role: Organized criminal groups along the Mexico-US border have increasingly transitioned from narcotics to human trafficking. They demand as much as $6,000 per person for illegal border crossings.

Economic Dynamics of Trafficking Networks

• High Financial Burden on Migrants: Migrants typically pay ₹30–60 lakh, with some instances reporting amounts as high as ₹1.25 crore, depending on the complexity of the route and documentation involved.
• Structure of Smuggling Syndicates: Local agents within India collaborate with international networks to produce fake documents, arrange fraudulent visas, and coordinate illegal border movements.

India’s Role in Global Irregular Migration

• Migration Trends: In 2023, nearly 97,000 Indian nationals were apprehended or deported at the US border — a sharp increase from approximately 30,000 in 2021. According to Pew Research (2022), India ranks third in the number of undocumented migrants in the US, with an estimated population exceeding 700,000.
• Deportation Statistics: Since 2009, 15,756 Indians have been deported from the US, with the highest annual figure being 2,042 in 2019. As of mid-2025, 104 deportations have occurred, according to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

Alternative Illegal Migration Routes

• Student Visa Exploitation via Canada: Unscrupulous agents enroll clients in non-operational or dummy colleges in Canada, facilitating eventual illegal entry into the US. The cost per migrant ranges from ₹50–60 lakh.
• Enforcement Response to Canada Route: Investigations have revealed that at least 260 Canadian institutions may be complicit in issuing student visas for irregular migration purposes. A tragic case involving a Gujarati family freezing to death at the US-Canada border prompted ED inquiries into the network and its financial links.

Broader Implications for India

• National Security Threats: The participation of transnational crime syndicates in human trafficking introduces risks related to terrorism and large-scale financial crimes.
• Diplomatic Repercussions: India’s growing association with undocumented migration could strain diplomatic ties, particularly with countries like the United States and Canada.
• Human Rights Violations: Migrants endure severe hardships including death, sexual violence, and extortion, constituting serious violations of human dignity and international human rights standards.

Policy Recommendations

• Legal and Institutional Reforms: Strengthen regulations governing emigration and private visa consultancies.
• Enhanced International Cooperation: Bolster bilateral and multilateral partnerships to dismantle trafficking networks and streamline deportation protocols.
• Public Awareness and Preventive Measures: Launch educational campaigns to inform potential migrants of the risks, and establish monitoring systems to detect and prevent illegal recruitment activities.

Conclusion

The “Donkey Route” reflects deeper socio-economic challenges and regulatory loopholes rather than a mere pathway for migration. While law enforcement actions by the ED and NIA are crucial, a comprehensive strategy incorporating legal reform, international collaboration, and grassroots awareness is vital to effectively counter this multifaceted issue.

Maharashtra’s Urban Maoism Bill 2024: Provisions, Concerns, and Impact

• The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has passed the Special Public Security Bill, 2024, which targets "urban Maoism" and other left-wing extremist activities.
• The law criminalizes actions that disturb public peace or incite defiance of legal authority.
• A controversial provision allows property seizure even before conviction, sparking concerns about vague definitions and potential police overreach.
• The Bill is currently awaiting review by the Legislative Council and the Governor’s assent.

Understanding Urban Maoism

• Urban Maoism refers to the CPI (Maoist)''s strategy to expand its influence in cities by mobilizing students, intellectuals, professionals, and minority groups.
• This expansion involves forming NGOs, leading protest movements, launching media campaigns, and infiltrating political and civil society spaces.
• Urban supporters are typically not armed rebels but are accused of providing ideological, logistical, financial, or legal support to Maoist activities.
• Such support may include coordinating legal aid, spreading propaganda, or fundraising.

The STIR Document: Maoist Strategy Blueprint

• The CPI (Maoist)''s 2004 publication Strategies and Tactics of Indian Revolution (STIR) serves as their operational manual.
• It directs members to establish support networks in urban areas to assist armed efforts in rural zones.
• The strategy focuses on mobilizing intellectuals and minority groups by cultivating narratives of state oppression and social injustice.
• It advocates covert alliances with political parties and civil society organizations while maintaining secrecy and compartmentalization.
• Cadres are encouraged to infiltrate legitimate institutions such as labor unions, NGOs, and academic forums.

Alleged Real-World Connections

• Intelligence and official sources suggest possible links between Maoist operatives and groups like the Popular Front of India (PFI).
• The 2018 Elgar Parishad–Bhima Koregaon incident is a major case where several academics and activists were arrested under UAPA for alleged Maoist ties.
• The case was widely criticized as an example of police overreach and the misuse of anti-terror laws to suppress dissent.

Challenges and Threat Landscape

• While Maoist violence has historically been concentrated in forested areas of states like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, urban networks now play a crucial role in sustaining these movements.
• Authorities claim that Maoist sympathizers in cities use legal and democratic tools—such as protests, legal aid organizations, and public campaigns—to undermine state functioning.
• Urban actors often operate under the legal cover of professions like journalism, law, or academia, making identification and prosecution more complex.
• These elements are considered enablers of extremist ideology rather than direct participants in armed conflict.

Urban Naxalism as Fifth Generation Warfare

• Urban Maoism has been described as "Naxalism minus the AK-47," highlighting its reliance on psychological, ideological, and legal tools rather than weapons.
• The tactics include organized protests, media narratives, and institutional infiltration to erode public trust in state institutions.
• This approach aligns with the concept of Fifth Generation Warfare (5GW), where battles are fought over perception, information, and influence rather than conventional means.

Background and Legislative Journey of the Bill

• The Special Public Security Bill was initially introduced in July 2024 but lapsed due to the assembly elections.
• It was reintroduced in December after receiving approval from a legislative joint committee.
• The Bill is modeled on the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) but takes a broader approach by targeting urban Maoist support systems specifically.
• It authorizes the state to declare organizations as “unlawful” and penalize individuals associated with them.

Main Provisions and Legal Mechanisms

• Defines "unlawful activity" to include public disorder, inciting disobedience to the law, violence, or aiding extremist groups.
• Prescribes imprisonment ranging from 2 to 7 years and financial penalties for those involved in managing, fundraising for, or supporting such organizations.
• Offences are classified as:
• Cognizable: Police can arrest without a warrant.
• Non-bailable: Bail is at the discretion of the court.
• Allows property to be confiscated even before a conviction, with a 15-day notice given to the affected party.
• Individuals have the right to challenge property forfeiture in the High Court within 30 days of notice.
• An Advisory Board consisting of three individuals eligible to be High Court judges must review and confirm the status of an “unlawful” organization.

Criticisms and Legal Concerns

• The Bill uses ambiguous phrases like “practising disobedience” and “disrupting communication,” which critics say could be interpreted too broadly.
• Legal experts warn that peaceful protests, academic debates, or civil activism could be wrongly classified as criminal under such vague definitions.
• Unlike UAPA or PMLA, which tie property attachment to proceeds of terrorism or crime, this Bill allows pre-trial forfeiture without those safeguards.
• There is concern that this undermines constitutional protections such as:
• Presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
• Right to protest and free expression.
• Civil society groups argue the law could be misused to suppress dissent, particularly against those critical of the state.

Resumption of the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra in 2025

• After a five-year suspension caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and diplomatic tensions between India and China, the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra officially resumed in 2025.
• The Ministry of External Affairs selected 750 pilgrims for the pilgrimage this year.
• Of these, five groups of 50 pilgrims each are travelling through Uttarakhand’s Lipulekh Pass, while ten similar groups are using Sikkim’s Nathu La Pass for the journey.

Mount Kailash and the Sacred Lakes: Religious and Geographical Relevance

• Mount Kailash, standing at 6,638 metres in Tibet’s Ngari Prefecture near the India-Nepal-China border, holds deep spiritual meaning across multiple faiths — Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Bon tradition of Tibet.
• In Hindu belief, the mountain is revered as the celestial abode of Lord Shiva.
• Jains consider it the site where their first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha, attained enlightenment.
• Buddhists revere it as the cosmic axis or the centre of the universe, while Bon traditions regard it as the dwelling of the sky deity Sipaimen.
• Situated south of Kailash are two significant lakes: the freshwater Lake Manasarovar and the saline Lake Rakshastal, both central to these religious narratives.
• Geographically, Mount Kailash is also the source of four prominent rivers: the Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Indus, and Karnali, emphasizing its ecological and hydrological importance alongside its spiritual significance.

Historical Emergence of Kailash-Mansarovar as a Pilgrimage Site

• Despite its longstanding reverence in sacred texts, Kailash-Mansarovar did not become a common pilgrimage destination for most Indians until the early 20th century.
• Early Hindu and Buddhist scriptures portrayed Kailash as a mystical realm accessible only to spiritually advanced seekers.
• The turning point came in 1904, following Tibet’s partial opening to British colonial access.
• In 1905, Charles Sherring, the then-district collector of Almora, undertook the pilgrimage, advocated for route enhancements, and actively promoted the journey.
• Sherring’s initiatives, particularly his promotion of the Lipulekh route, led to increased awareness and pilgrim interest among Hindus, linking spiritual motivation with regional economic benefits.
• By the 1930s, an estimated 730 Indian pilgrims undertook the yatra each year.
• The route was closed after the People''s Republic of China annexed Tibet in 1950 but reopened in 1981, allowing Indian pilgrims to resume the journey via the Lipulekh Pass.

The Yatra Experience: Past and Present

• The Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage traditionally includes two distinct circuits:
• A 90-kilometre circumambulation of Lake Manasarovar, typically completed in three to five days.
• A more arduous 52-kilometre circumambulation (kora) around Mount Kailash itself, usually completed in three days.
• During the 1990s, pilgrims would begin at the Tseti camp, proceed around Manasarovar through locations such as Huore and Seralung Monastery, and then undertake the Kailash circuit from Tarchen, passing key sites including Dirapuk and the high-altitude Dolma La pass.
• Over time, the trek on the Indian side has become less physically demanding. While in 2019, pilgrims had to walk about 27 kilometres, the 2025 route now requires only 1 kilometre of trekking due to road development.
• The Nathu La route, which was inaugurated in 2015, offers an even more accessible alternative. Pilgrims travel the entire 1,500-kilometre distance from Nathu La to Lake Manasarovar entirely by motor vehicle, using buses and cars.
• These infrastructural changes signify how the pilgrimage has evolved from a challenging spiritual journey into a more physically accessible experience, expanding participation across age groups and physical capabilities.

India’s Gender Gap: Structural Challenges and Strategic Imperatives

• The Global Gender Gap Report 2025, published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), places India at 131 out of 148 countries, underscoring widening gender disparities in critical areas like economic participation and health outcomes.
• Despite some progress in education, the report highlights that India continues to perform poorly in economic empowerment and health indicators, reflecting the structural and cultural barriers that hinder gender parity.

Overview of the Global Gender Gap Report 2025

• The World Economic Forum’s report evaluates gender parity across four key dimensions: Economic Participation, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment.
• Globally, 68.8% of the gender gap has been closed; however, at the current pace, full equality will take approximately 123 years.
• India’s rank reflects a severe lag in two crucial areas — women’s economic integration and health, despite noticeable gains in educational access.

Key Barriers Undermining Gender Equality in India

• Economic Participation: India ranks 143rd, reflecting persistent wage gaps and low female labour force participation (FLFP), which remains below 25%.
  – A 2015 McKinsey report estimated that bridging the gender gap could add $770 billion to India''s GDP by 2025.
• Health and Survival: Poor gender outcomes in health are driven by deep-rooted son preference and neglect of women’s reproductive health.
  – The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) shows that 57% of women aged 15–49 suffer from anaemia, impacting their overall wellbeing and productivity.
• Unpaid Care Work: According to the Time Use Survey, women spend nearly seven times more time on domestic work than men, yet this remains excluded from formal economic accounting.
• Leadership and Representation: Women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership roles across politics, the judiciary, and corporate governance, constraining gender-sensitive policymaking and inclusive growth.
• Policy Fragmentation: Although mechanisms like gender budgeting exist, social protection schemes and infrastructure for care work (such as childcare and eldercare) remain inadequate and poorly integrated.

Broader Consequences of Gender Inequality

• Economic Inefficiency: The underrepresentation of women in the formal workforce results in the underutilisation of over half the country’s human capital, negatively affecting national productivity.
• Demographic Pressures: As India faces a declining fertility rate and an ageing population, low female labour participation raises the dependency burden and places long-term strain on public finances.
• Health-Related Productivity Losses: Poor reproductive health and widespread anaemia among women reduce their educational outcomes, work capacity, and maternal health — with adverse effects passed on to future generations.
• Governance Deficit in Gender-Sensitive Policies: Limited female participation in decision-making structures leads to underinvestment in key areas such as the care economy, safety infrastructure, and women''s healthcare.
• Cycle of Intergenerational Inequality: Girls raised in gender-unequal environments often suffer from poor nutrition, limited education, and restricted economic opportunities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalisation.

Strategic Interventions: The Way Forward

• Prioritise Women’s Health: Strengthen public health systems to support reproductive health, nutritional needs, and preventive care through focused government investment.
• Develop the Care Economy: Formalise and expand services such as childcare, eldercare, and paid maternity support to reduce the disproportionate care burden on women.
  – Uruguay’s National Integrated Care System is a potential model for India.
• Boost Labour Force Inclusion: Implement policies that promote skill development, ensure equal pay, offer flexible work arrangements, and protect women’s employment rights.
• Institutional and Policy Reforms: Integrate gender-based data such as Time Use Surveys into policy planning, scale up gender-responsive budgeting, and strengthen welfare schemes at both central and state levels.
• Transform Social Norms: Initiate widespread awareness campaigns to dismantle patriarchal attitudes and promote gender equity in education, workplaces, and public life.

Conclusion: Gender Equality as Economic Strategy

• The Global Gender Gap Report should not merely be seen as a benchmarking tool but as a call to action for India to reorient its economic and social frameworks.
• Without full inclusion of women in the developmental agenda, India risks undermining its demographic dividend and long-term growth potential.
• Advancing gender equality must be approached not just as a social imperative, but as a strategic economic priority vital to national development.

WHO’s Technical Roadmap on AI Integration in Traditional Medicine

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled its first technical roadmap titled “Mapping the Application of AI in Traditional Medicine”, marking a significant step toward aligning artificial intelligence (AI) with traditional healthcare systems.
• This roadmap follows India’s proposal under the Global Initiative on AI for Health (GI-AI4H) and acknowledges India’s leadership and innovations such as the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) and Ayurgenomics.

Objectives and Scope of the WHO Roadmap

• The roadmap aims to guide the responsible, ethical, and effective deployment of AI technologies in traditional medicine systems globally.
• It provides strategic recommendations for incorporating AI into healthcare models based on Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and other indigenous systems.
• India, through the Ministry of AYUSH, has played a pivotal role in shaping this vision by emphasizing digital integration, evidence-based personalized medicine, and standardized AI applications in traditional practices.
• The roadmap is the first of its kind within WHO’s GI-AI4H framework and includes collaboration from several partner nations.

Global Landscape of Traditional Medicine

• Traditional medicine continues to play a vital role in global healthcare, with over 80% of the world’s population relying on some form of it, according to WHO data.
• India has a significant presence in this domain, with more than 500,000 registered AYUSH practitioners supported through initiatives such as the National AYUSH Mission, TKDL, and the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) located in Jamnagar.
• The traditional medicine market is projected to exceed $200 billion globally by 2030, reflecting its growing acceptance and demand.

Rationale for Integrating AI in Traditional Medicine

• Personalized Health Solutions: AI can help align Ayurvedic classifications like prakriti with modern genomic data, supporting the emerging field of Ayurgenomics.
• Creation of Clinical Evidence: AI can analyze and interpret vast repositories of classical texts and real-world data to scientifically validate traditional therapies.
• Low-Cost Digital Access: AI-powered chatbots, mobile diagnostics, and virtual consultation tools improve healthcare access, particularly in underserved rural areas.
• Global Standardization: AI facilitates a unified clinical language, helping traditional medicine systems gain wider acceptance within mainstream healthcare frameworks.
• Efficient Data Processing: AI can structure and interpret complex datasets involving thousands of herbs, symptoms, and diagnostic practices from classical literature.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

• Ethical Risks: The use of unverified or biased datasets in AI models may lead to inaccurate medical advice, raising concerns about informed consent and patient safety.
• Lack of Clinical Data: Many traditional therapies do not yet have standardized clinical trials or quantifiable outcomes, limiting AI model training.
• Regulatory Gaps: There is currently no clear legal or regulatory framework governing AI applications within traditional medicine systems.
• Fragmented Traditions: Diverse methodologies across global traditional practices create interoperability and harmonization challenges.
• Trust and Acceptance: Over-reliance on AI outputs without human explanation could erode the patient-practitioner trust central to traditional healing systems.

Key Features of WHO’s AI Roadmap in Traditional Medicine

• Categorization of AI Use Cases: The roadmap organizes AI applications into diagnostics, clinical decision support, digitization of ancient texts, and public health strategies.
• Principles of Governance: Emphasizes the need for AI systems to be transparent, explainable, safe, fair, and accountable.
• Technical and Policy Enablers: Recommends development of interoperable datasets, a trained AI-healthcare workforce, and suitable regulatory mechanisms.
• Innovation and Co-Design Models: Encourages collaborative development between AI engineers and traditional medicine practitioners to ensure contextually relevant tools.
• Recognition of Indian Contributions: Highlights India’s initiatives such as TKDL, Ayurgenomics, and the development of AYUSH-based AI tools like medical chatbots.

Overview of the GI-AI4H (Global Initiative on AI for Health)

• The GI-AI4H is a WHO-led platform aimed at promoting the safe, ethical, and effective use of AI in global healthcare systems, now including traditional medicine due to India’s advocacy.
• Multi-Stakeholder Engagement: Brings together governments, academia, private sector, and civil society to shape global standards on AI in health.
• Norm-Setting Function: Develops international benchmarks, ethical codes, and regulatory frameworks for AI integration across medical systems.
• Focus on Evidence and Transparency: Promotes real-world testing and validation of AI models, along with explainability protocols to prevent bias.
• Formal Inclusion of Traditional Systems: The inclusion of an AI-in-Traditional-Medicine vertical acknowledges the importance of systems like Ayurveda and Unani.
• Facilitating Global Cooperation: Supports cross-border collaboration on data sharing, open-source AI tools, and digital public goods for healthcare.

Conclusion: India’s Role in Shaping AI-Enabled Traditional Healthcare

• The WHO roadmap signals international recognition of India’s leadership in fusing ancient medical knowledge with cutting-edge AI technologies.
• It sets the foundation for a balanced global transition where AI innovation is embedded within ethical, cultural, and regulatory safeguards.
• Moving forward, the key challenge will be to scale such innovations while preserving trust, practitioner expertise, and the core principles of traditional healing systems.Bottom of Form

Tamil Nadu’s TN-KET Program: A Targeted Approach to Reducing TB Mortality

Background and Purpose

• Tamil Nadu has achieved notable success in reducing tuberculosis-related mortality through the implementation of the TN-KET (Kasanoi Erappila Thittam) initiative, introduced in 2022.
• This state-level program prioritizes early identification of high-risk patients and the provision of differentiated care tailored to disease severity.

Core Components of TN-KET

• Triage-Based Screening:
• Utilizes a simplified, paper-based triage tool assessing five clinical indicators: body mass index (BMI), oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, leg swelling, and the ability to stand unassisted.
• Patients identified as “severely ill” are prioritized for immediate intervention.
• Timely Admission and Care:
• Approximately 98% of severe TB cases are admitted to healthcare facilities within seven days of identification.
• Digital Risk Assessment Tool:
• A web-based application supports frontline health workers by calculating mortality risk scores and guiding prompt medical responses.
• Efficiency and Accessibility:
• The triage process eliminates the need for laboratory testing and reduces assessment time by 6–7 days, compared to conventional 16-parameter methods.
• Differentiated Care Delivery:
• Treatment protocols are customized based on factors such as patient age, BMI, severity of illness, and presence of comorbid conditions, improving the precision of care.

Impact and Broader Significance

• Mortality Reduction:
• The initiative led to a 20% decline in early TB-related deaths within the first six months of implementation.
• Model for National Adoption:
• TN-KET is recognized as a scalable and replicable model for high-burden TB regions across India and complements the goals of the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
• Data-Driven Governance:
• Real-time triage data enables targeted intervention strategies, strengthening the efficiency of the state’s public health response.

Transitioning to Quantum Cyber Readiness: MeitY’s Strategic Whitepaper

Context and Objective

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with CERT-In and SISA, released a whitepaper titled “Transitioning to Quantum Cyber Readiness”.
• The document serves as a comprehensive roadmap for India’s transition to quantum-resistant cybersecurity frameworks.

Key Elements of the Whitepaper

• Threat Landscape and Risk Assessment:
• Emphasizes the disruptive potential of quantum computing, which could compromise existing cryptographic systems such as RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC).
• Migration Framework:
• Offers step-by-step guidance for public and private institutions to shift from classical encryption models to quantum-resilient algorithms.
• Sectoral Prioritization:
• Provides tailored recommendations for high-risk, regulated sectors such as Banking, Financial Services, Insurance (BFSI), healthcare, and defence, where data breaches could be particularly damaging.
• Cyber Resilience and Infrastructure Protection:
• Advocates for a proactive cybersecurity posture, aiming to secure critical infrastructure, digital services, and citizen data against future quantum threats.
• Collaborative Call to Action:
• Stresses the importance of public-private partnerships and coordinated efforts to strengthen India’s preparedness and ensure a secure and quantum-ready digital ecosystem.

Astra Missile: Indigenous Advancement in Air-to-Air Combat

Recent Developments

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Indian Air Force (IAF), recently completed successful flight tests of the Astra missile.

Key Features of Astra Missile

• Type: Indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM).
• Technology:
• Equipped with a domestically developed Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, integrated with the Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft.
• Features advanced guidance, control, and navigation systems, offering a range beyond 100 km.
• Industry Collaboration:
• The project involved contributions from over 50 public and private sector entities, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and multiple DRDO laboratories.

Performance and Testing

• Flight Trials:
• Two test firings were carried out against high-speed aerial targets under varying conditions of range and launch parameters.
• In both instances, the missiles accurately destroyed their targets, demonstrating high precision.
• Validation and System Reliability:
• The successful performance of all subsystems, particularly the indigenous RF seeker, was validated using data from Range Tracking Instruments at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.
• The trials reaffirmed the technical reliability and operational accuracy of the Astra missile system.

Blood Money under Islamic Sharia Law: Legal and Ethical Dimensions

Context

• Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala, is currently on death row in Yemen for the 2017 murder of Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mahdi.
• There is potential for her sentence to be commuted through the payment of ‘diya’ (blood money), a provision available under Islamic Sharia law.

Understanding Blood Money (Diya)

• Definition and Scope:
• Blood money, or diya, is a legal mechanism under Sharia law where financial compensation is paid by an accused person to the victim’s family in cases of severe crimes like murder or manslaughter.
• Commonly applied in countries that incorporate Sharia into their legal systems, especially in cases of unintentional killing or when families forgo their right to retaliation (qisas).
• Purpose and Ethical Justification:
• The intent is not to assign a monetary value to human life but to offer relief to the bereaved family, particularly when the deceased was a breadwinner.
• Even if the family accepts blood money, the state retains the authority to impose additional penalties, including imprisonment, for deterrence and public order.
• Contemporary Applications:
• In countries like Saudi Arabia, diya is mandated even in traffic-related deaths, alongside punitive measures such as jail time.
• The amount of compensation is not fixed and may be negotiated by the victim’s family. However, factors such as the victim''s gender, religion, and nationality often influence the outcome.
• Judicial Autonomy for Victim’s Family:
• The structure of blood money empowers the victim’s kin to determine the legal fate of the offender, making it a unique blend of reconciliation and justice under Islamic jurisprudence.

India’s Legal Stance on Blood Money

• Absence in Indian Penal Law:
• The Indian legal framework does not recognize diya or any direct equivalent for homicide or grievous crimes.
• Plea Bargaining as a Related Concept:
• Introduced through the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2005, plea bargaining enables the accused to negotiate with the prosecution in exchange for a reduced sentence by pleading guilty.
• Though not directly analogous to blood money, plea bargaining can result in victim compensation, depending on the case.
• Limitations of Plea Bargaining:
• Applicable only for offences punishable by imprisonment of less than seven years.
• Not permitted in cases involving repeat offenders, offences against women or minors, heinous crimes like murder or rape, or those affecting socio-economic rights.
• Participation must be voluntary, without coercion or undue influence.

Inter-State River Water Disputes (ISRWD) Act, 1956

Context:

The central government has extended the term of the Ravi and Beas Waters Tribunal, which resolves water-sharing conflicts between Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

About the ISRWD Act, 1956:

• Purpose: Enacted to adjudicate disputes involving the waters of inter-state rivers and their valleys.
• Constitutional Backing:
• Based on Article 262 of the Constitution, which allows Parliament to legislate on the resolution of inter-state water disputes.
• Legal Framework:
• Once a water dispute is referred to a tribunal, courts (including the Supreme Court) are barred from intervening in the matter.
• Example Tribunal: Ravi and Beas Waters Tribunal (established in 1986).

Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves Geo-Thermal Energy Policy 2025

Objective

The policy aims to encourage scientific and technological research to explore and develop geothermal energy resources that are both economically feasible and environmentally sustainable.

About Geothermal Energy

• Definition: Geothermal energy is heat derived from beneath the Earth’s surface. This heat originates partly from residual energy from the Earth’s formation and partly from ongoing radioactive decay within the Earth’s core and mantle.
• Applications:
• Used for heating, cooling, electricity generation, and energy storage.
• Conventional Technologies: Utilize hydrothermal reservoirs where heat is transferred to the surface via natural underground fluids.
• Next-Generation Technologies: Extract heat from deeper layers by circulating fluids through engineered systems independent of natural reservoirs. Examples include Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) and Closed-Loop Geothermal Systems (CLGS).

India’s Geothermal Potential

• The Geothermal Atlas of India (2022) estimates around 10,600 MW of potential energy.
• Notable geothermal fields include Puga and Chumathang in Ladakh.

Benefits

• Continuous electricity generation (24/7 availability).
• High utilization rate (over 75% in 2023).
• Low environmental emissions.

Challenges

• High costs of technology and infrastructure.
• Limited research and development.
• Environmental and regulatory hurdles including complex licensing processes.

India’s Initiatives

• Mapping geothermal resources via the Geothermal Atlas of India.
• Formation of a dedicated Task Force for geothermal energy development.
• Launch of the Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme (RE-RTD) focusing on advanced geothermal technologies.
• International collaborations with countries like Iceland, Saudi Arabia, and the USA (through RETAP).

Kuno National Park: Progress in India’s Project Cheetah

Park Profile

• Located in Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh, near the Vindhyan Hills.
• Encompasses approximately 750 square kilometers.
• Named after the Kuno River, a significant tributary of the Chambal River, which divides the park into two parts.

Project Cheetah

• Kuno National Park was selected as the site for India’s ‘Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah,’ aiming to reintroduce the species into its historic range.
• In 2022 and 2023, a total of 20 cheetahs were introduced: eight from Namibia and twelve from South Africa.
• Recent videos shared by the Union Minister of Environment indicate promising adaptation and thriving populations.

Flora and Fauna

• The park hosts rich tropical dry deciduous forests, with over 129 tree species including Anogeissus pendula (Kardhai), Senegalia catechu (Khair), and Boswellia serrata (Salai).
• Faunal diversity includes jungle cats, Indian leopards, sloth bears, Indian wolves, striped hyenas, golden jackals, Bengal foxes, dholes, and more than 120 species of birds.

Rhino Horn

Context

The Assam Forest Department, collaborating with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), has commenced genetic analysis of 2,573 rhino horn samples previously confiscated and stored before their destruction in 2021. This initiative aims to establish India’s Rhino DNA Index System (RhoDIS), an important tool for rhino conservation and anti-poaching operations.

What is a Rhino Horn?

• The rhino horn is a unique and defining feature of rhinoceroses, composed not of bone but primarily of keratin—the same protein found in human hair and nails.
• Rhino horns grow continuously at an average rate of about 2 centimeters per year.

Key Characteristics

• Solid Composition: Unlike deer antlers, rhino horns are solid structures made from densely packed keratin fibers.
• Tough Core: The horn’s core contains melanin and calcium, which provide enhanced durability and protect it from ultraviolet (UV) damage.
• Shape Formation: The horn’s cone-like shape develops over time due to behaviors such as scraping, grazing, and environmental wear.
• Unique Identifier: Each horn has a distinct pattern of keratin layers, influenced by factors like diet and climate. This uniqueness allows for genetic fingerprinting through RhoDIS.
• Conservation Challenge: Rhino horns are highly prized in the illegal wildlife trade, fueled by unfounded medicinal claims, making rhinos targets for poaching.

Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros

• Also called the Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), this species is the largest among the five existing rhinoceros species.
• It is native exclusively to South Asia, primarily found in northeastern India and parts of Nepal.

Habitat and Distribution

• The Greater One-Horned Rhino inhabits tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and riverine floodplains.
• Significant populations reside in protected areas such as Kaziranga National Park (Assam), Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary (West Bengal), and Chitwan National Park (Nepal).

Conservation Status

• Classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and poaching threats.

Distinctive Features

• Possesses a single black horn ranging from 8 to 25 inches in length, a key identifying characteristic.
• Displays an armored appearance, with thick, grey-brown skin segmented by prominent folds resembling plates.
• Primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, aquatic plants, fruits, and shrubs.
• Exhibits a mostly semi-solitary lifestyle, coming together mainly during wallowing or feeding.
• Ecologically important as a keystone grazer, playing a critical role in shaping and maintaining wetland ecosystems.

Mount Rainier: Recent Seismic Activity and Geographical Profile

Recent Seismic Developments

• The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a recent earthquake swarm at Mount Rainier, consisting of over 300 minor tremors. This marks the most intense seismic activity at the volcano since 2009.

Geographical and Geological Features

• Mount Rainier is the highest peak in the state of Washington, USA, standing at 4,392 meters.
• It encompasses approximately 260 square kilometers and is encircled by the largest single-mountain glacier system in the continental United States outside Alaska.
• Geologically young, the volcano was formed through successive lava flows beginning roughly one million years ago.
• Classified as an active stratovolcano, Mount Rainier’s last eruption occurred approximately 150 years ago.

Hazards and Significance

• Due to its proximity to the densely populated Seattle metropolitan area, Mount Rainier is considered one of the most hazardous volcanoes globally.
• It is one of sixteen volcanoes listed under the “Decade Volcanoes” program by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI), highlighting its potential for catastrophic eruptions and the necessity for close monitoring.

Natural Environment

• The mountain features about two dozen named glaciers, including the Nisqually Glacier, whose historical advances and retreats have contributed valuable data to climate change studies.
• Its terrain includes three prominent peaks: Liberty Cap, Point Success, and Columbia Crest (the summit, located on the caldera rim).
• The lower slopes are densely forested with coniferous trees, while the higher elevations feature alpine meadows, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, making the region ecologically rich and scenically significant.

Vulnerability of Delhi-NCR to Earthquakes

Context

A recent 4.4 magnitude earthquake with its epicenter in Jhajjar, Haryana, shook the Delhi-NCR region, raising renewed concerns about the area’s significant susceptibility to seismic activity.

Seismic Risk of Delhi

• Delhi falls within Seismic Zone IV, designated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as a high-risk zone for earthquake damage.
• The region is vulnerable to moderate and strong earthquakes, with magnitudes typically ranging from 5 to 6, and the potential for quakes exceeding magnitude 7.

Factors Contributing to Vulnerability

• Population Density and Infrastructure: High population density combined with unregulated construction practices and aging buildings increase the risk of earthquake damage.
• Frequent Tremors: The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reports regular minor tremors from shallow quakes caused by active nearby fault lines.

Causes of Earthquake Susceptibility

• Proximity to Himalayan Frontal Thrust: Delhi’s closeness to the tectonically active Himalayan belt, where the Indian and Eurasian plates converge, results in deep-seated geological stresses.
• Active Fault Lines: Key faults such as the Delhi-Haridwar Ridge, Delhi-Moradabad Fault, Sohna Fault, and Mahendragarh-Dehradun Fault increase seismic risk across the region.
• Subsurface Weak Zones: Faults along major rivers like the Yamuna and Ganga reveal underlying crustal weaknesses.
• Historical Earthquakes: Delhi has experienced at least five significant quakes (magnitude 5.5–6.7) since 1720, indicating a recurring seismic threat.
• Rapid Urban Growth and Code Violations: Unplanned expansion and poor enforcement of seismic safety codes (IS-1893) amplify structural vulnerabilities.

Inclusion of Gharial and Sloth Bear under Species Recovery Programme (CSS-IDWH)

Background

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL), constituted under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972, has recommended the inclusion of the gharial and sloth bear in the Species Recovery Programme under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (CSS-IDWH).

About Gharial

• Habitat: Freshwater rivers, predominantly in tributaries of the Ganga River such as Chambal and Girwa (India), and Rapti-Naryani rivers (Nepal).
• Conservation Status:
• IUCN: Critically Endangered
• WPA, 1972: Schedule I
• CITES: Appendix I
• Distinctive Features:
• Longest and thinnest snout among crocodilians
• Adult males have a bulbous nasal growth called the ''ghara''
• Most aquatic species among crocodilians

About Sloth Bear

• Habitat: Native to India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, spread across five biogeographic zones in India including the Western Ghats and Gangetic Plain.
• Conservation Status:
• IUCN: Vulnerable
• WPA, 1972: Schedule I
• CITES: Appendix I
• Distinctive Features:
• Small bear with a shaggy coat
• Primarily feeds on termites and ants
• Mostly solitary and nocturnal

About CSS-IDWH

• Objective: To provide financial and technical support to State/UT governments for wildlife conservation activities.
• Key Components:
• Protection and management of protected areas
• Conservation outside protected zones and mitigation of human-wildlife conflict
• Species recovery programmes for critically endangered wildlife (currently including 22 species such as the Snow Leopard and Asiatic Lion)

Pir Panjal Range

Context:

Security forces have intensified operations in the Pir Panjal Range to track down hiding terrorists.

About Pir Panjal Range:

• Geographical Location: Lies in Jammu and Kashmir; the Kashmir Valley is situated between the Pir Panjal and Zaskar Ranges.
• Part of: The Lesser Himalayas.
• Extent: Stretches from the Jhelum River in the northwest to the upper Beas River in the southeast.
• Elevation: Peaks rise up to 5,000 metres.
• Geology: Dominated by volcanic rocks.
• Key Mountain Passes:
• Pir Panjal Pass
• Banihal Pass
• Bidil Pass
• Golabghar Pass
• Important Rivers: Several rivers such as the Kishanganga, Jhelum, and Chenab cut through this range.

UN Environment Programme’s Frontiers 2025: The Weight of Time Report

Overview

The report identifies emerging environmental challenges that risk escalating into serious global or regional crises.

Key Environmental Concerns Highlighted

• Microbial Reactivation in a Warming Cryosphere: Climate warming may thaw frozen habitats, reactivating dormant microbes (psychrophiles) that could disrupt ecosystems, introduce pathogens, or cause biodiversity loss if some microbes cannot survive thawing.
• Impact of River Barriers: Structures like dams and barrages alter river flow, temperature, sediment transport, and aquatic habitats, displacing local communities and obstructing fish migration.
• The report endorses barrier removal as a proven method to restore river ecosystem connectivity and reduce fragmentation affecting nearly 89% of global river volume.
• Demographic Challenges and Climate Risks: Older adults, whose numbers are growing globally, face heightened vulnerability to climate-related hazards such as heatwaves, air pollution, and floods.
• Remobilization of Legacy Pollutants by Floods: Flood events can release persistent pollutants like heavy metals and organic compounds from sediments back into water bodies, causing bioaccumulation in plants and animals and biomagnification through food chains.

Maratha Military Landscapes of India: UNESCO World Heritage Inscription

Overview

• The ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ were recently inscribed as India’s 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• This collection comprises a network of twelve forts built between the 17th and 19th centuries, showcasing the military acumen and architectural innovation of the Maratha Empire.

Geographical Spread

• The forts are located across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
• Notable forts include Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg (all in Maharashtra), and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.

Protection and Administration

• Several forts (Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee) are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
• Others like Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi, and Pratapgad fall under the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra.

Classification by Terrain

• Hill forts: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, Gingee.
• Hill-forest fort: Pratapgad (surrounded by dense forest).
• Hill-plateau fort: Panhala (located on a plateaued hill).
• Coastal fort: Vijaydurg (along the shoreline).
• Island forts: Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, Sindhudurg (surrounded by sea).

Sanchar Mitra Scheme

Overview

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, has recently launched the Sanchar Mitra Scheme nationwide with the objective of empowering youth as digital ambassadors.

Objectives and Scope

• The scheme primarily targets student volunteers, designated as Sanchar Mitras, who are entrusted with the responsibility of raising awareness on crucial telecommunications issues among the general public.
• Key focus areas include digital safety, prevention of cyber fraud, concerns related to electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation, promotion of responsible mobile usage, and enhancement of digital literacy.
• The scheme seeks not only to improve public awareness but also to expose participating students to advanced telecommunications technologies such as 5G, 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Cyber Security.

Implementation Strategy

• Students from relevant academic disciplines—telecommunications, electronics, computer science, and cybersecurity—are nominated in collaboration with local DoT field units.
• Sanchar Mitras receive specialized training provided by experts from the National Communications Academy–Technology (NCA-T) and DoT’s Media Wing.
• These volunteers conduct grassroots-level outreach activities, engage with communities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and serve as catalysts promoting informed digital behavior.
• Performance evaluations are conducted periodically, assessing innovation, outreach effectiveness, and consistency.
• Exemplary performers may gain opportunities including internships, involvement in national telecom initiatives, participation in forums like the India Mobile Congress, and engagement with international bodies such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

e-Truck Incentive Scheme

Background and Objectives

The Union Minister of Heavy Industries & Steel inaugurated a pioneering financial incentive scheme under the PM E-DRIVE initiative aimed at promoting the adoption of electric trucks (e-trucks) in India.

Purpose

• The scheme is designed to reduce operational costs for freight transporters, encourage the uptake of clean energy vehicles within the heavy vehicle segment, and improve air quality in urban and industrial zones.
• It represents a critical step towards India’s commitment to a sustainable, low-carbon future by accelerating the transition to clean, efficient freight mobility.

Key Features

• Demand-side incentives are provided for N2 and N3 category electric trucks as defined by the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR).
• N2 category: Trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) above 3.5 tonnes and up to 12 tonnes.
• N3 category: Trucks with GVW exceeding 12 tonnes and up to 55 tonnes.
• For articulated vehicles, incentives apply only to the puller tractor in the N3 category.
• The scheme mandates comprehensive manufacturer-backed warranties to ensure vehicle reliability:
• Battery warranty: 5 years or 5 lakh kilometers, whichever occurs first.
• Vehicle and motor warranty: 5 years or 2.5 lakh kilometers, whichever occurs first.
• Incentive amounts vary according to the vehicle’s GVW, with a maximum subsidy of ₹9.6 lakh per vehicle.
• Incentives are provided as an upfront reduction in purchase price and reimbursed to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) via the PM E-DRIVE portal on a first-come, first-served basis.

National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX)

Overview

The Government of India is preparing to place the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX), currently overseen by the Ministry of Health, under the joint supervision of the Ministry of Finance and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).

Background and Purpose

• Developed under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) by the National Health Authority (NHA) in collaboration with IRDAI, the NHCX seeks to standardize and streamline the health insurance claim process.
• The platform facilitates efficient and transparent exchange of health insurance claim data among insurers, third-party auditors, healthcare providers, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders.
• NHCX ensures interoperability, machine-readability, auditability, and verifiability, thereby enhancing accuracy and trustworthiness in claim processing.

Key Features

• Coverage Eligibility Verification: Enables healthcare providers to confirm if a treatment is covered under a patient’s insurance plan, reducing unexpected financial burdens.
• Pre-Authorization Requests: Hospitals can seek insurer approval before initiating treatment.
• Predetermination Requests: Providers may request an estimate of potential insurance benefits prior to treatment.
• Claim Submission: Claims are submitted in a standardized format to facilitate expedited processing.
• Payment Status Tracking: Hospitals can monitor the status of claim payments.
• Communication Requests: Providers may raise queries or request additional information through the platform.
• Reprocess Requests: Allows providers to request review and resolution of problematic claims.

Operation Fire Trail

Context and Objectives

Operation Fire Trail is an intelligence-driven enforcement campaign by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) targeting the smuggling of banned Chinese firecrackers into India. The operation aims to curb environmental hazards, ensure legal compliance, and prevent safety risks associated with illicit imports.

Key Details

• Launched by the DRI, a premier anti-smuggling agency under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
• Seized over ₹35 crore worth of banned Chinese firecrackers across multiple Indian ports.
• Intercepted 100 metric tonnes of firecrackers concealed under shipments labeled as “Mini Decorative Plants” and “Artificial Flowers.”
• Detected misuse of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), involving fraudulent export-import code (IEC) holders, to divert restricted fireworks into domestic markets without required licenses.
• Enforcement measures included the arrest and judicial remand of key suspects.
• The seized firecrackers contained banned toxic substances such as lithium, red lead, and copper oxide, posing explosion and pollution hazards.
• The operation reinforced adherence to the Import Trade Control (ITC) (HS) policy, under which fireworks are classified as ‘Restricted’ items requiring approvals from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
• This crackdown also enhanced port safety by preventing potential disasters and protecting critical logistics infrastructure.

Operation SHIVA

Context and Purpose

Operation SHIVA 2025 is a high-altitude security operation conducted annually by the Indian Army to ensure the safe conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage in Jammu & Kashmir amid rising security threats from Pakistan-backed terrorist groups.

Operational Framework

• Coordinated by the Indian Army in collaboration with the civil administration, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and disaster response units.
• Recognized as one of the most complex military-civilian coordination efforts in India, focused on religious tourism safety.

Objectives

• Prevent terrorist activities and drone attacks targeting the Yatra.
• Maintain real-time surveillance, medical readiness, and infrastructure support.
• Strengthen coordination among military, paramilitary, disaster relief agencies, and local authorities.

Key Components of Operation SHIVA 2025

• Deployment of over 8,500 troops across the Baltal and Pahalgam pilgrimage routes, supported by a layered counter-terrorism security grid.
• Utilization of advanced drone and aerial surveillance, including 50+ counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) devices, pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, electronic warfare tools, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) patrols.
• Infrastructure preparedness with army engineers engaged in repairing bridges, widening pathways, and mitigating landslide risks.
• Deployment of signal companies, Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), bomb disposal squads, and real-time drone convoy tracking from Jammu to the shrine.
• Logistical arrangements encompassing emergency rations for over 25,000 individuals, tent cities, standby helicopters, water stations, bulldozers, and rescue equipment.

WHO Pandemic Agreement

Background

WHO member states convened the inaugural meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) to discuss the WHO Pandemic Agreement.

Purpose

The agreement aims to enhance international coordination for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. It focuses on equitable and timely access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics worldwide.

Guiding Principles

• Upholding international humanitarian law.
• Promoting equity and solidarity.
• Respecting human dignity, human rights, and fundamental freedoms for all individuals.

Trans Fat: Expert Concerns Over UN Ban

What Are Trans Fats?

• Unsaturated fatty acids produced industrially (through hydrogenation) or naturally present in animal-based foods like meat and milk.

Health Risks

• Increase levels of harmful cholesterol types (VLDL and LDL), which can clog arteries, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Associated with inflammation, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Expert Warning

Experts caution that a total ban on trans fats by the UN may inadvertently harm nutritional outcomes in developing countries.

Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and EFTA

Recent Development

Switzerland has completed ratification of the trade deal signed between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), enabling TEPA’s implementation.

About EFTA

• Consists of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland.

About TEPA

• A trade agreement between India and the four developed EFTA nations.
• Includes a commitment to generate $100 billion in investments and create one million direct jobs over 15 years.
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) provisions align with the WTO’s TRIPS agreement.

AI Alliance Network (AIANET) and Pakistan Membership Controversy

About AIANET

• An informal, voluntary network that facilitates exchange of knowledge and expertise among members to promote AI technology for sustainable economic and social progress.
• Currently has 17 members.
• Administered by AI Alliance Russia.

Recent Issue

The Digital India Foundation (DIF), a founding member, has opposed the application of Pakistan''s AI Technology Centre (AITeC) for membership in AIANET.

Fentanyl Crisis

Context:

Former U.S. President Donald Trump cited the fentanyl overdose epidemic as a justification for imposing 35% tariffs on Canada.

About Fentanyl:

• Classification: A powerful synthetic opioid used medically as a pain reliever and anaesthetic.
• Potency:
• 100 times stronger than morphine.
• 50 times more potent than heroin.
• Illicit Use:
• Common street names include Apache, China Girl, Dance Fever, Jackpot, etc.
• Health Impact:
• Causes respiratory failure, coma, and death in overdose cases.
• Crisis Scale: In 2024 alone, fentanyl was responsible for over 112,000 overdose deaths in the U.S.