Legacy of the Chola Dynasty in Contemporary India

PM Modi’s Visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu during the concluding ceremony of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, marking the birth anniversary of Emperor Rajendra Chola I. During the event, he underscored the historical significance of the Chola Empire and connected its achievements to India''s vision of becoming a developed, unified, and culturally enriched nation.

Revisiting the Chola Empire

The Chola dynasty, a Tamil empire, was a dominant force in South India from the 9th to the 13th centuries CE. Founded by Vijayalaya Chola, the empire reached its zenith under rulers like Rajaraja Chola I and his son Rajendra Chola I. Their reigns witnessed:

• Military and Naval Supremacy: Expansion from the Maldives to the Ganges, including overseas territories in Southeast Asia.
• Cultural Contributions: Notable advancements in bronze sculpture, Dravidian temple architecture (e.g., Brihadisvara Temple), and Tamil literature.
• Administrative Innovations: Decentralised governance, efficient water management, and structured local bodies.

• Government Initiatives Honouring Chola Emperors
• Commemorative Coin: A special coin was released in tribute to Rajendra Chola I.
• Statue Installation: The government announced plans to erect statues of Rajaraja and Rajendra Chola in Tamil Nadu to foster historical consciousness.

Chola Legacy as a Model for Modern India

PM Modi highlighted the Chola era as a source of inspiration for modern India, particularly in:

• Strategic Governance: Emphasising economic planning, defence, trade, and civic administration.
• Naval Heritage and Defence: Drawing parallels between Chola maritime power and India’s current defence strategies, such as Operation Sindoor.
• Democratic Traditions: Praising the Kudavolai system as an early form of grassroots democracy.

• The Kudavolai System: An Early Electoral Framework

This innovative electoral method involved:

• Public Lot Drawing: Candidates'' names were written on palm leaves and drawn from a pot by a neutral child to ensure transparency.
• Strict Eligibility Norms: Candidates had to be literate, tax-paying landowners aged between 35 and 70, with no criminal background, debts, or unethical conduct.
• Disqualification Mechanisms: Records, such as Inscription No. 24 from Epigraphia Indica, show removal or fining of unqualified candidates.

Democracy and Governance in Chola Administration

PM Modi emphasized that India’s democratic traditions predate many Western systems:

• Uttaramerur Inscriptions: Evidence of village self-rule and electoral procedures.
• Local Governance Structures:
• Sabha: Assembly in Brahmin settlements.
• Ur: Governing body for non-Brahmin villages.
• Merchant Guilds: Groups like Manigramam and Ayyavole played pivotal roles in trade and local governance.

Despite these strengths, the Chola system had limitations:

• Exclusionary Practices: Women, landless workers, and lower castes were largely excluded from the democratic process.
• Modern Viewpoints: Historians regard the Chola model as an early form of civic responsibility and decentralised governance, albeit with social restrictions.

Cultural Revival and National Unity

PM Modi linked the Chola legacy to ongoing efforts to revive India’s cultural roots:

• Cultural Integration Initiatives: Events like Kashi Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam promote pan-Indian unity.
• Repatriation of Artefacts: Since 2014, over 600 antiquities have been returned to India, including 36 from Tamil Nadu.
• Spiritual Heritage: The Shaivite principle Anbe Shivam (Love is God) was highlighted as a timeless philosophical guide.

Conclusion

Through the lens of the Chola dynasty, PM Modi emphasized the importance of India’s indigenous political, administrative, and cultural heritage in shaping a confident, inclusive, and forward-looking nation. The Chola Empire’s legacy of strategic governance, democratic thought, and civilizational sophistication challenges Eurocentric narratives and provides a robust foundation for India’s developmental journey.

India’s Hydrogen Train Coach: A Landmark in Green Railway Innovation

Successful Trial of Hydrogen-Powered Coach

Indian Railways has successfully conducted a trial run of its first hydrogen-powered coach at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. This milestone moves the country closer to launching its first fully hydrogen-powered train and reflects India''s broader push towards decarbonizing the transportation sector.

• Environmental Commitment: The initiative aligns with India’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase renewable energy usage.
• Final Testing Phase: The project is currently undergoing final equipment testing before entering commercial service.
• Global Context: Few nations have implemented hydrogen trains, and most such efforts remain at the trial stage.

Key Features of the Hydrogen Train Project

Launched by Northern Railway in 2020–21, the project centers on converting diesel-powered railcars to hydrogen fuel cell systems:

• Coach Conversion: Two 1600 HP diesel power cars are being retrofitted with hydrogen fuel cells.
• Train Composition: The modified train will have 10 coaches, capable of transporting over 2,600 passengers.
• Operational Route: The service will run between Jind and Sonepat in Haryana, with two round trips daily covering 356 km.
• Project Leadership:
• RDSO: Oversees design, testing, and technical validation.
• Medha Servo Drives: Leads engineering execution at ICF, Chennai.

Safe and Sustainable Operation

Hydrogen’s volatility necessitates stringent safety protocols, all of which have been integrated into the system:

• Fuel Storage: Each power car holds 220 kg of hydrogen stored at 350 bar in specially designed tanks.
• Safety Features:
• Pressure relief valves
• Hydrogen leak and flame detection sensors
• Temperature monitoring
• Optimized ventilation systems
• Simulation and Testing:
• CFD studies simulate potential leak and fire scenarios.
• Key components like traction and auxiliary converters have been rigorously tested.
• Independent Safety Audit: German firm TUV-SUD has been enlisted to ensure compliance with international safety standards.

Hydrogen Fuelling Infrastructure at Jind

A dedicated hydrogen fuelling station is under construction in Jind, Haryana, forming the operational backbone of the project:

• Storage Capacity: 3,000 kg of hydrogen, divided into:
• 2,320 kg at low pressure
• 680 kg at high pressure
• Safety Oversight: Designed in compliance with Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) regulations.
• Support Infrastructure:
• Power lines
• Access roads
• Firefighting facilities

Hydrogen for Heritage: Expanding Green Rail Initiatives

The coach is part of Indian Railways’ broader “Hydrogen for Heritage” program, which envisions deploying 35 hydrogen-powered trains on eco-sensitive and heritage routes, including hilly terrains.

• Cost Estimates:
• ₹80 crore per train
• ₹70 crore per route for infrastructure development
• Long-Term Vision: Although current running costs are high, they are expected to decline with scaling and technological advancements.
• Environmental Benefit: Hydrogen fuel emits zero carbon, supporting India''s climate and energy goals.

Beyond Rail: India’s Wider Hydrogen Mobility Push

India’s hydrogen efforts extend to other transport sectors:

• In 2024, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri presented a hydrogen-powered bus—developed by Indian Oil—to the Prime Minister of Bhutan, reflecting India’s expanding commitment to hydrogen-based clean mobility solutions.

Conclusion

The successful trial of India’s first hydrogen-powered coach marks a significant step in building a sustainable, zero-emission railway network. With supportive infrastructure underway and plans to expand hydrogen transport to heritage routes and beyond, India is positioning itself as a serious player in the global green mobility landscape.

India’s Strategy to Tackle Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs): A National Response to Himalayan Risk

Context and Urgency

On July 8, 2025, a severe Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in Nepal swept away a China-built friendship bridge and disabled several hydropower plants. This event highlighted the growing climate and seismic vulnerability of the Himalayan region.

For India, home to over 7,500 glacial lakes across 11 river basins, GLOFs pose serious threats to:

Critical infrastructure

• Mountain communities
• River ecosystems

In response, the Indian government has launched a comprehensive national programme, led by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), to detect, monitor, and mitigate GLOF risks.

Understanding GLOF Risk in the Indian Himalayas

GLOFs occur when glacial lakes, formed by melting glaciers, suddenly burst—triggering catastrophic floods downstream.

• Types of Glacial Lakes in India:
• Supraglacial Lakes: Form on glacier surfaces, prone to seasonal melting.
• Moraine-Dammed Lakes: Form near the glacier''s toe, held back by unstable debris; highly vulnerable to avalanches and ice-core collapses.
• Scale of the Challenge:

• India has over 28,000 glacial lakes, most above 4,500 meters altitude.
• Ground access and monitoring are limited due to harsh terrain and lack of infrastructure.

Past GLOF Disasters in India

India has already faced deadly GLOF events:

• Kedarnath Tragedy (2013): Triggered by the Chorabari lake, killing hundreds.
• South Lhonak GLOF (2023): Damaged the 1,250 MW Chungthang dam in Sikkim and raised the Teesta riverbed, reducing its capacity.

• Contributing Factors:

• Rising temperatures in 2023–2024 (hottest years on record) accelerated glacier melt.
• Limited weather stations in the upper Himalayas have left many lakes unmonitored.

India’s National GLOF Mitigation Programme

Launched under the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR), the $20 million programme targets 195 high-risk lakes, classified into four vulnerability levels.

Key Objectives:

1. Hazard Mapping and Risk Classification
2. Installation of Automated Weather and Water Stations (AWWS)
3. Deployment of Early Warning Systems (EWS)
4. Structural Mitigation: Water drawdown and retention mechanisms
5. Community Awareness and Preparedness

Field Engagement:

• States with glacial lakes were directed to send scientific expeditions to 40 priority lakes during summer 2024.

Technology and Innovation in Monitoring

India is closing data gaps with cutting-edge scientific methods:

• Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Interferometry: Tracks changes in slope stability and lake size down to centimetre precision.
• Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT): Detects hidden ice cores that may cause moraine dam failures.
• UAV and Bathymetric Surveys: Estimate lake volume and map topography.

• Operational Breakthrough:

Two glacial lakes in Sikkim now host fully operational AWWS units, delivering:

• Water and weather data every 10 minutes
• Daily perimeter images of the lakes

These represent India’s first real-time monitoring systems in the cryosphere.

Institutional and Community Involvement

• High-Altitude Monitoring: Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) troops are being trained to visually identify early signs of lake instability due to their presence at remote elevations.
• Local Participation: Community acceptance is crucial. Some expeditions were welcomed, while others faced resistance. One team respected local beliefs by leaving behind a member to avoid disturbing a sacred lake, highlighting the need for cultural sensitivity in disaster planning.

Future Roadmap and Challenges

The national programme is expected to scale under the 16th Finance Commission (FY2027–31), with plans to:

• Extend surveillance to thousands of additional lakes
• Expand the use of scientific tools
• Build institutional capacity at central and state levels

• Remaining Gaps:

1.       Lack of Indian startups or NGOs focusing on Himalayan climate risks

2.       Underutilization of satellite and remote sensing tools

3.       No unified early warning system across Himalayan countries

Way Forward:

Regional cooperation with Nepal, Bhutan, and China and pan-Himalayan data-sharing frameworks are crucial for protecting downstream populations and transboundary river systems.

Conclusion

India’s national response to GLOF threats represents a critical step toward climate-resilient infrastructure in the Himalayas. By combining advanced monitoring technologies, institutional training, and community involvement, India is moving toward a proactive disaster risk management model. However, greater innovation, cross-border coordination, and investment will be needed to safeguard the fragile Himalayan ecosystems and the millions of lives downstream.

China’s Brahmaputra Mega Dam: Strategic and Environmental Concerns for India

China Begins Construction of World’s Largest Hydropower Dam

China has officially commenced construction of a colossal $167.8 billion hydropower project on the Yarlung Zangbo River (known downstream as the Brahmaputra), near the “Great Bend” in Tibet, close to India’s Arunachal Pradesh border. The foundation-laying ceremony was attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Once completed, it will be the world’s largest dam.

The project has triggered regional alarm, especially in India and Bangladesh, due to potential disruptions to water flow and ecological impacts on downstream regions.

Voices from Arunachal Pradesh: “A Water Bomb”

The dam’s proximity to Arunachal Pradesh has sparked strong reactions:

• Chief Minister’s Warning: Arunachal CM has described the project as an “existential threat” and likened it to a potential “water bomb,” citing fears of sudden water releases that could cause catastrophic floods across the Siang region.
• Environmental Concerns: Experts warn that the dam is being built in a seismically active and ecologically fragile area. Aside from flooding risks, the dam could permanently reduce river flow downstream, impacting local communities and biodiversity.
• Geopolitical Implications: The project raises strategic concerns for India and Bangladesh, both of which depend on the Brahmaputra’s consistent flow for agriculture, livelihoods, and water security.

Assam’s More Measured Response

While acknowledging long-term concerns, Assam’s leadership offered a less alarmist view:

• Limited Chinese Contribution: The Assam CM emphasized that China contributes only 30–35% of the Brahmaputra’s flow, mainly from snowmelt and rainfall in Tibet. The river gains most of its volume from tributaries in Arunachal, Bhutan, and the Indian monsoon.
• Potential Benefits: In an unconventional take, he suggested that reduced flow from China could mitigate Assam’s recurring flood problem.
• Awaiting Dialogue: He expressed confidence that the Indian government is either in ongoing discussions with China or will soon initiate formal diplomatic engagement.

India’s Official Stance: Vigilant but Cautious

India has not issued a formal response to the dam’s groundbreaking, but has reiterated key concerns:

• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): India continues to monitor developments closely and has emphasized the importance of transparency, consultation, and data-sharing with all downstream countries.
• Rights of Lower Riparian States: MEA has previously asserted India’s rights as a lower riparian nation and urged China to avoid actions that adversely affect downstream ecosystems and communities.
• China’s Response: Beijing maintains that the dam is within its sovereign jurisdiction, while assuring continued cooperation in hydrological data-sharing and disaster response mechanisms.

Ongoing Diplomatic Engagement

Despite the dam controversy, India and China remain diplomatically engaged:

• LAC Agreements: In October 2024, both countries agreed on revised patrolling protocols along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), easing border tensions.
• Bilateral Talks: Meetings in March 2025 included cross-border water management discussions.
• Resumed People-to-People Ties: India has restarted issuing visas to Chinese tourists and resumed the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, reflecting a calibrated approach to diplomacy.

India’s Mitigation Strategy and Policy Recommendations

To address potential risks, Indian experts have outlined a multi-pronged mitigation strategy:

1. Infrastructure Readiness

• Upper Siang Project: A proposed 300-metre-high dam in Arunachal Pradesh could serve as both a hydropower asset and flood buffer, though local resistance and environmental issues have delayed its progress.
• Storage Infrastructure: Building reservoirs on Brahmaputra’s tributaries is essential for managing sudden surges or droughts.

2. Scientific and Strategic Planning

• Experts stress the need for:
• Hydrological modelling
• Seismic risk assessment
• Data analytics to anticipate any artificial water flow manipulations

3. Long-Term Solutions

• River Interlinking: The National Water Development Authority has proposed linking the Brahmaputra and Ganga basins to redistribute excess water across regions.
• Inland Waterways: Developing diversion channels could provide adaptive solutions for flood-prone regions.

4. Regional Diplomacy

• India should coordinate with Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar to:
• Create joint early-warning systems
• Establish transboundary water-sharing protocols
• Strengthen disaster preparedness frameworks

Conclusion

China’s mega dam on the Brahmaputra marks a turning point in the region’s hydro-political dynamics. While the project symbolizes China''s engineering ambition, it also poses significant strategic, ecological, and humanitarian risks for downstream countries.

India’s response must strike a balance between diplomatic engagement, infrastructure preparedness, and regional cooperation to safeguard its long-term water and environmental security.

Haridwar Stampede: Incident Overview and Response

Context

A tragic stampede at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar resulted in eight deaths and 30 injuries. The chaos was sparked by panic following a false rumor about an electric wire snapping amidst a large crowd of devotees, including children.

What Happened?

• A massive gathering of pilgrims panicked on a stairway after a rumor circulated that an electric line had snapped.
• This led to a sudden crush, causing a stampede and serious casualties.

Disaster Response

1. Immediate Response

• Alert and Mobilization:
• Local authorities, including police and temple security, quickly recognized the emergency.
• Emergency teams such as the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire brigade, and medical units were alerted and deployed.
• Efforts to evacuate the crowd began immediately to prevent further injuries or deaths.
• First Aid and Triage:
• Injured individuals were prioritized based on the severity of their injuries, with critical cases receiving urgent attention.
• Temporary medical camps were set up near the scene for prompt treatment.

2. Rescue and Stabilization

• Search and Rescue:
• SDRF and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams cleared debris and helped free trapped victims.
• Authorities worked to disperse the remaining crowd to prevent secondary accidents.
• Medical Emergency Handling:
• Severe injuries were transferred to hospitals equipped with trauma care facilities.
• Helpline numbers were activated to assist families in locating missing persons.

3. Relief and Administration

• Compensation and Support:
• The District Magistrate announced compensation packages for the deceased and the injured.
• Shelter, food, and essential services were arranged for pilgrims stranded due to the stampede.
• Magisterial Inquiry:
• A committee led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) was tasked with investigating the causes, including possible crowd mismanagement, the spread of rumors, and infrastructure issues.
• The inquiry was given a deadline (e.g., 15 days) to submit its findings.

Long-Term Measures

1. Infrastructure Audit

• The temple trust and government agencies will assess the safety and capacity of stairways, barricades, and emergency exits.
• Installation of CCTV cameras and AI-based crowd monitoring systems will be proposed if not already in place.

2. Policy Reforms

• Existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for managing large religious gatherings will be reviewed and updated.
• Public awareness campaigns on disaster preparedness and crowd safety will be launched to educate devotees and officials.

Uttarakhand to Conduct First-Ever ‘Tourist Carrying Capacity’ Assessment in Nainital

Purpose:
The state government of Uttarakhand is set to assess the ‘Tourist Carrying Capacity’ of Nainital district to develop long-term strategies that protect the region from pressures caused by unregulated tourism, increased vehicular traffic, and rising population.

Background:

• In September 2024, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed Uttarakhand to classify Nainital based on its carrying capacity and environmental sensitivity.

What is Carrying Capacity?

• It is the maximum population threshold an area can sustain relative to its available resources.
• Influencing factors include:
• Biotic: Vegetation, water systems, wildlife
• Abiotic: Terrain, climate, soil quality

Approaches to Assessing Carrying Capacity:

• Planetary Boundaries Approach: Focuses on environmental limits related to climate change, pollution, land degradation, and water scarcity.
• Biocapacity Overshoot Approach: Measures human demand on Earth’s natural systems, e.g., how quickly resources are consumed relative to their regeneration (like Earth Overshoot Day).

Significance for Sustainable Development:

• Carrying capacity assessments, grounded in precautionary principles, help balance the need for development with environmental sustainability, guiding policy to avoid overexploitation of resources.

India and Nepal Finalize Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) in Criminal Matters

Key Developments

• India and Nepal have signed a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) Agreement to strengthen cooperation in criminal investigations and prosecutions.
• Both countries have also agreed to fast-track the revision of their 1953 Extradition Treaty, which is currently considered outdated.
• The lack of an updated extradition treaty has caused legal and administrative difficulties in the smooth transfer of criminals between the two nations.

Understanding Extradition

• Definition: Extradition refers to the formal process where one country surrenders an individual to another country to face charges or serve sentences for crimes recognized by both jurisdictions.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) acts as the central authority overseeing extradition requests in India.

About the India-Nepal Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) Agreement

• Purpose: MLA facilitates cooperation between countries by allowing them to request and share evidence, exchange intelligence, and support criminal investigations.
• India currently holds MLA treaties with 42 countries, including the United States (since 2005) and Israel (since 2015).
• The Ministry of Home Affairs serves as the nodal authority for the MLA Agreement.
• Benefits:
• Establishes a clear legal framework and standardized procedures for criminal cooperation.
• Provides officials with a formal mandate to exchange evidence and information.
• Leads to more efficient and timely investigations and prosecutions.

Challenges Without an MLA Agreement

• Exploitation of Open Border:
• India and Nepal share a porous 1,751 km-long border.
• Criminal groups, such as the Indian Mujahideen, have used Nepal as a transit point or hideout, escaping from India to third countries via Nepal.
• Nepal as a Criminal Safe Haven:
• Nepal had been the only neighboring country (besides Bhutan) without an MLA agreement with India.
• This gap made Nepal inadvertently attractive to criminals seeking refuge.
• For instance, Nepal has arrested Pakistani nationals involved in counterfeit Indian currency operations.
• Uncertainty in Reciprocity:
• Cooperation between the countries often depended on informal assurances.
• Without a binding treaty, there were no guaranteed commitments, limiting effective collaboration.

Indian Army Enhances Combat Capabilities to Advance the Integrated Battle Group Doctrine

Context

• In response to increasing coordinated threats from China and Pakistan, especially highlighted during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army is upgrading its combat readiness.
• This involves the creation of specialized ‘Rudra’ brigades and ‘Bhairav’ commando battalions to boost rapid offensive actions along India’s borders.

Structural Reforms in Combat Forces

• Shaktibaan Artillery Regiments:
  Equipped with advanced ‘Divyadrishti’ surveillance systems and loitering munition batteries to improve battlefield awareness and firepower.
• Drone Integration:
  Every infantry battalion will be outfitted with dedicated drone platoons, reflecting the growing importance of drone warfare.
• Bhairav Light Commando Battalions:
  These elite units are formed from existing infantry personnel and trained for fast, high-mobility operations using modern drones, advanced gadgets, and lightweight weapons.
• Rudra All-Arms Brigades:
  Current units are being restructured into integrated brigades combining infantry, mechanised infantry, tanks, artillery, UAVs, and special forces, aligning with the long-standing plan to transform formations into self-sufficient Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs).

Understanding Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs)

• Concept:
  IBGs are agile, brigade-sized combat units designed for modern, technology-driven warfare. Each IBG is customized based on three main factors: the nature of the threat, the terrain, and the specific mission.
• Size:
  Approximately 5,000 troops per IBG.
• Historical Background:
  The IBG doctrine evolved after Operation Parakram and is an extension of India’s Cold Start or Pro-Active Operations Strategy, which aims for rapid mobilization and swift, limited strikes against Pakistan.

IBGs Operational Philosophy

• Core Objectives:
• Pre-emption: Taking the initiative before the enemy.
• Dislocation: Targeting enemy vulnerabilities.
• Disintegration: Disrupting enemy cohesion and command-control systems.
• Time-Space-Force-Information Dominance:
  IBGs focus on quickly gaining control over critical areas with the necessary force, achieving dominance in the shortest possible time frame.
• Technology and Leadership:
  The combination of cutting-edge technologies and empowered leadership within IBGs is central to achieving tactical victories and overall operational success.

TCS’s Revised Bench Policy Sparks Layoff Concerns Among Employees

Background:
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) recently introduced a new policy that limits employee bench time to just 36 business days per year. This change has raised employee worries about job security and deployment prospects.

Industry Context:

• Several other major IT firms such as Wipro, Infosys, and Accenture have similarly reduced bench sizes over the past year.
• These moves aim to protect profit margins by boosting utilization rates — the ratio of billable to non-billable employees.

Reasons Behind IT Firms Reassessing Bench Policies:

• Cost Management: Keeping non-billable employees for long periods strains company finances during demand slumps.
• Demand-Supply Imbalance: Automation and project cancellations reduce the need for extra buffer staff.
• Improved Utilization: Firms focus on optimizing project-to-employee ratios to enhance profitability.

Ethical and Social Concerns:

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): IT companies have an obligation to manage their workforce fairly, especially given the investment made in employee training and development.
• Worker Rights: Policies must balance business efficiency with employee welfare to avoid fostering a “hire and fire” environment.
• Mental Health Impact: Changes can cause anxiety, stress, and affect overall workforce morale.

Conclusion:
The evolving bench policies reflect the IT sector’s adaptation to shifting economic and technological realities. For sustainable growth, companies should adopt empathetic, collaborative approaches that safeguard employees’ job security while meeting business objectives.

Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana: Strengthening Legal Aid for Defence Personnel and Families

Overview:
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has launched the Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana, a scheme aimed at providing robust legal assistance to defence personnel, ex-servicemen, and their families.

Key Partners:

• National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)
• Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB)
• Rajya Sainik Boards (RSBs)
• Zilla Sainik Boards (ZSBs)
• Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence

Objectives:

• Deliver free and competent legal services to armed forces personnel and their families.
• Facilitate legal aid especially for those posted in remote or difficult locations.

Implementation:

• Nationwide network of Legal Services Clinics established at Rajya and Zila Sainik Boards across all states and union territories.
• These clinics collaborate closely with the Ministry of Defence’s Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare and local Directorates of Sainik Welfare.
• Panel lawyers and paralegal volunteers from NALSA will provide free legal aid, ensuring proper representation in cases related to family property, land disputes, domestic issues, and more.

Extended Coverage:

• The scheme also benefits paramilitary personnel from forces like BSF, CRPF, ITBP, and others who serve in isolated and high-risk environments.

Exercise Drone Prahar: Indian Army’s Advanced Drone Integration Drill

About the Exercise:
The Indian Army recently conducted Exercise Drone Prahar at Rayang Military Station in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang District, focusing on integrating drone technology into battlefield operations.

Purpose:

• Validate and demonstrate the use of drones for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
• Enhance real-time sensor-to-shooter coordination and precision targeting.
• Improve command reach and situational awareness for tactical commanders through layered surveillance.

Operational Details:

• Conducted under realistic combat conditions.
• Tested secure communication channels, airspace deconfliction, and coordination protocols between different army arms and services.
• Focused on seamless integration of drone technology to support dynamic decision-making on the battlefield.

System for Pension Administration (RAKSHA) – SPARSH

Overview:

The System for Pension Administration (RAKSHA), known as SPARSH, is a digital platform launched by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India to manage pensions for armed forces personnel and defence civilians.

Key Objectives:

• Streamline the sanction and disbursement of pensions for personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Defence Civilian workforce.
• Eliminate third-party intermediaries by providing a direct, web-based interface for processing pension claims and disbursing payments.

• Implementation:
• Operated by the Defence Accounts Department through the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions), Prayagraj.
• Designed to function as a centralised pension management system, covering:
• Initiation and sanctioning
• Disbursement
• Revisions
• Grievance redressal and service requests

Features:

• Facilitates digital self-verification of pensioner data, reducing the need for physical visits.
• Provides a transparent and comprehensive view of the pensioner’s account.
• Maintains a complete digital record of entitlements from the start to the cessation of pension.
• Aims to simplify pension processing, but has faced criticism from ex-servicemen over technical glitches, interface challenges, and data correction issues.

Exercise Bold Kurukshetra 2025

Introduction:

The 14th edition of Exercise Bold Kurukshetra is being held in Jodhpur, India, and will continue until 4 August 2025.

About the Exercise:

• A bilateral military exercise between India and Singapore, first initiated in 2005.
• Highlights the deep defence cooperation and long-standing strategic ties between the two nations.

Participants:

• Singapore: 42 Singapore Armoured Regiment, 4 Singapore Armoured Brigade
• India: Mechanised Infantry Regiment of the Indian Army

Nature of the Exercise:

• Conducted as a Table Top Exercise (TTX) and Computer-Based Wargame (CBW).
• Designed to simulate and validate operational procedures for mechanised warfare in a realistic setting.

Objectives:

• Enhance interoperability between the two armies.
• Strengthen joint operational planning and execution under a United Nations mandate.
• Foster professional exchanges and mutual learning.

Significance:

• Reinforces military cooperation through high-level visits, joint training, and policy dialogues.
• Contributes to regional stability and strategic collaboration between India and Singapore.

Discovery of New Wasp Species in West Bengal

Overview

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered four new species of spider-egg parasitic wasps in West Bengal.

About the New Species

• These wasps belong to the genus Idris (Family: Scelionidae, Order: Hymenoptera).
• The newly identified species are:
• Idris bianor
• Idris furvus
• Idris hyllus
• Idris longiscapus
• Collected from agroecosystems and semi-natural habitats across the state.

Key Characteristics

• These are microscopic wasps known for laying eggs inside spider egg sacs, primarily those of jumping spiders (Family: Salticidae).
• Display gregarious parasitism: multiple wasps develop from a single spider egg sac, rather than just one.

Ecological Significance

• These parasitoid wasps help control spider populations.
• They contribute to the stability of arthropod ecosystems by maintaining a natural predator-prey balance.

Understanding Parasitism

• Parasitism is a biological interaction in which one species (the parasite) benefits at the expense of another (the host), usually without killing it.
• Related interactions:
• Predation involves killing and consuming the prey.
• Commensalism benefits one species without affecting the other.
• Example: Brood parasitism in birds, such as cuckoos laying eggs in the nests of other birds.

NASA’s TRACERS Mission: Studying Magnetic Reconnection

Mission Overview

NASA has launched the TRACERS mission—a pair of satellites designed to study how solar activity affects Earth’s magnetic field and upper atmosphere.

About TRACERS

• Full name: Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites.
• The satellites operate in low Earth orbit, especially through polar cusps, which are funnel-shaped regions where Earth’s magnetic shield is weakest.

Objectives

• Investigate the process of magnetic reconnection—where magnetic field lines break and reconnect, releasing large amounts of energy.
• Study the effect of solar wind and charged particles on Earth’s magnetosphere.

Importance

• Magnetic reconnection causes natural phenomena like auroras, but can also disrupt satellites, GPS, and power systems.
• TRACERS aims to improve space weather forecasting, helping to protect essential technologies on Earth.

• Expected Outcomes

• In its first year, the mission is expected to observe over 3,000 magnetic reconnection events.
• It will provide critical insights into solar-terrestrial interactions and contribute to the global understanding of space weather.

Barents Sea: Strategic and Ecological Overview

Recent Context

Russia recently deployed Bastion coastal defence missile launchers along the Barents Sea coast as part of a major naval exercise called “July Storm”.

Geographic Overview

• Location: A marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean, along the northern coasts of Norway and Russia.
• Area: Approximately 1.4 million sq. km.
• Name Origin: Named after Willem Barents, a 16th-century Dutch explorer who sought a northeast sea route to Asia.
• Historically known as the Murmean Sea by Vikings and medieval Russians.

Boundaries and Features

• Northwest: Svalbard Archipelago
• Northeast: Franz Josef Land
• East: Novaya Zemlya Archipelago
• West: Norwegian Sea and Greenland Sea
• South: Kola Peninsula
• Separated from the Kara Sea by the Kara Strait and Novaya Zemlya.
• Includes two notable sub-seas:
• White Sea: A southern extension separating the Kola Peninsula from mainland Russia.
• Pechora Sea: Located in the southeastern part of the Barents Sea.

Physical Characteristics

• Length: ~1,300 km
• Width: Up to 1,050 km
• Average Depth: ~230 meters
• Salinity: Around 34 parts per 1,000
• Climate: Subarctic, but warmer than typical Arctic zones due to the Gulf Stream.

Biodiversity

• Rich in marine life, including:
• Large seabird colonies (puffins, guillemots)
• Kelp forests, deep-sea coral reefs
• Marine mammals like walruses, polar bears, and bowhead whales

World Food India 2025

Overview

• Organizer: Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India
• Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
• Dates: From 25th September 2025
• Theme: “Processing for Prosperity”

Background

• First held in 2017, with successful editions in 2023 and 2024.
• Designed as a global platform for investment, innovation, and collaboration in India’s food processing sector.

Key Objectives

• Act as a gateway to the Indian food economy
• Promote investment and trade opportunities
• Facilitate connections between:
• Manufacturers
• Policy-makers
• Food processors
• Global investors and organizations

Government Support

• Aligns with the Make in India initiative.
• Key schemes include:
• Development of Mega Food Parks with common facilities and infrastructure
• Plug-and-play models for entrepreneurs in agriculturally rich zones

Deep-Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Overview

• A neuro-medical procedure where electrodes are implanted in specific brain regions.
• Over 1.6 lakh people globally have undergone DBS treatment.

How It Works

• Electrodes connect to a pulse generator implanted under the skin near the chest.
• Delivers mild electrical impulses to modulate abnormal brain signals or chemical imbalances.

Key Applications

• Movement disorders:
• Parkinson’s disease
• Essential tremor
• Dystonia
• Psychiatric conditions:
• Approved for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Under research for severe depression and epilepsy

Mechanism

• Modifies neural communication in brain circuits
• Disrupts faulty or irregular signals that cause symptoms like tremors, rigidity, or compulsive behaviours.

Benefits

• Non-destructive: Unlike surgery, DBS doesn’t destroy brain tissue and is reversible
• Targets dysfunction at both cellular and network levels
• Can be adjusted or turned off without long-term effects

Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)

Recent Development

For the first time, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has made it mandatory for both private and public sector entities that manage digital infrastructure to undergo a comprehensive third-party cybersecurity audit at least once annually.

About CERT-In

• Full Form: Indian Computer Emergency Response Team
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Nature: National nodal agency for responding to cyber security incidents in India
• Legal Authority: Empowered under Section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000

Core Objectives

• Protect and secure Indian cyberspace
• Serve the Indian cyber community, including:
• Government bodies
• Private companies
• Public-sector units
• Individuals and home users

Key Functions

1. Cyber Incident Handling:
• Collect, analyze, and disseminate information on cyber threats
• Issue alerts and forecasts about cyber risks
• Coordinate response measures during cyber incidents
2. Policy and Advisory:
• Publish guidelines, vulnerability notes, advisories, and white papers
• Prescribe best practices for information security
3. Regulatory Powers:
• Can seek information and issue directives to:
• Service providers
• Intermediaries
• Data centres
• Corporates and other digital entities
4. Global Collaboration:
• Works with international cybersecurity bodies for sharing threat intelligence and malware data
5. Legal Compliance:
• Operations adhere to the framework of the Indian Constitution and laws

Major Initiatives and Projects

• Cyber Swachhta Kendra: Botnet cleaning and malware analysis centre
• National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC): Real-time cyber threat monitoring and intelligence
• Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing Platform
• Cyber Abhyas Suvidha (CAS): Advanced skill development platform for cybersecurity

India’s First Private Test Facility for Depleted Heavy Water Upgradation

Background

India’s first privately built testing facility for upgrading depleted heavy water has been launched by TEMA India Ltd, in collaboration with:

• BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre)
• NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd)

Key Highlights

• Purpose: Enables testing and upgradation of depleted heavy water, critical for Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs)
• Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• First-of-its-kind in India’s private nuclear sector

Facility Features

• Component Testing: Focus on validating:
• Distillation columns
• Activated phosphor bronze modules used in PHWRs
• BARC Involvement: Developed with tech transfer and guidance from BARC’s Chemical Engineering Group
• NPCIL Projects: Will support nuclear projects such as:
• RAPP-8
• GHAVP Units 1–4
• KAIGA Units 5–6

Strategic Importance

• Energy Security: Strengthens India’s capacity for domestic nuclear energy development
• Public–Private Collaboration: A milestone for partnerships in the nuclear sector
• Technological Self-Reliance: Reduces reliance on foreign testing infrastructure
• Export Potential: Establishes capabilities that can be extended to global nuclear markets

Android Earthquake Alert System (AEA)

Context

Google, in collaboration with the Seismology Lab at UC Berkeley, released a global performance report on the Android Earthquake Alert System, which has successfully issued early warnings in 98 countries.

Overview of AEA

• What is AEA?
  AEA is a crowdsourced earthquake early warning system that leverages the accelerometers in Android smartphones to detect seismic activity.
• Developed by:
  Google in partnership with University of California, Berkeley’s Seismology Laboratory.

How AEA Works

1. Sensor Detection:
   Android phones detect initial P-waves (faster, less damaging) using built-in motion sensors.
2. Crowdsourced Verification:
   The system sends data to Google servers, where it’s cross-checked against other nearby Android devices.
3. Processing:
   Algorithms estimate the epicentre, magnitude, and potential impact zone.
4. Alert Generation:
   If threat is verified, real-time alerts are pushed to users before S-waves (stronger, damaging waves) arrive — typically 10–60 seconds in advance.

Key Features

• Two Types of Alerts:
• BeAware: For light tremors
• TakeAction: For strong, potentially dangerous quakes with override notifications
• Global Reach:
  Launched in the U.S. in 2020, now active in 98 countries
• User Impact:
  Over 790 million alerts issued; 79% of 150,000 users rated the alerts as highly useful
• Accuracy Improvements:
  Median error in estimating quake magnitude reduced from 0.5 to 0.25
• Device Compatibility:
  Available on all Android phones with optional alert settings

Significance

• Wider Access:
  Expands early warning coverage from 250 million to 2.5 billion people
• Cost-Effective:
  Relies on existing smartphones, eliminating the need for dedicated sensors
• Life-Saving:
  Provides critical seconds for people to evacuate, stop trains, or take cover

Kalu River

Context

Over 300 trekkers were rescued near the Kalu River in Maharashtra’s Malshej Ghat after heavy rains caused flash flooding, exposing safety gaps in eco-tourism zones.

About Kalu River

• Location:
  A monsoon-fed river in Western Maharashtra, originating in the Kalsubai–Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary
• Part of:
  The west-flowing Konkan drainage system, eventually draining into the Arabian Sea

Geographical Details

• Source:
  Begins near Tolar Khind Pass, close to Pimpalgaon Joga Dam in Pune district
• Course:
  Forms Kalu Falls near Savarne–Malshej Ghat, passes Khireshwar village
• Confluences:
  Merges with Doifodi River at Saralgaon and Bhatsa River near Ambivali
• Outflow:
  Joins Ulhas River, which empties into Vasai Bay

Key Characteristics

• Geological Transition:
  Descends from the Deccan Plateau to Konkan region, creating steep waterfalls like the 1200-ft Kalu Falls
• Ecological Importance:
  Runs through biodiverse forests, home to leopards, reptiles, and endemic flora
• Hydrological Issues:
  Accused of diverting upper Mula River flows, impacting water availability in Ahmednagar and Marathwada
• Tourism Risks:
  While scenic, the area is prone to flash floods, steep terrain, and slippery trails, making it high-risk for trekkers
• Water Management Concerns:
  Despite high rainfall, most water drains into the sea, underlining the need for infrastructure to divert or store excess flow

New Global Study on Zoonotic Disease Hotspots

Context

A new landmark study presents the first comprehensive global analysis of zoonotic disease risks, focusing on WHO-prioritised diseases such as Ebola, Nipah, and others (excluding COVID-19).

What are Zoonotic Diseases?

• Definition: Diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi that spread between animals and humans.
• Examples: Ebola, Nipah, Avian Influenza, etc.

Key Findings of the Study

• Global Risk Mapping:
• Around 9.3% of the Earth’s land area is at high (6.3%) or very high (3%) risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks.
• Hotspot Regions:
• Latin America & Oceania: Highest risk (18.6% of land)
• Asia: 6.9%
• Africa: 5.2%
• Human Exposure:
• 3% of the global population lives in high or very high-risk areas.
• 20% lives in moderate-risk zones.

Main Drivers of Zoonotic Outbreak Risk

1. Climate Factors

• Warmer climates and increased rainfall raise risk levels.
• Water scarcity leads to animal congregation, increasing human-wildlife contact.

2. Land Use & Environmental Changes

• Dense livestock populations near humans amplify transmission risk.
• Deforestation and land conversion boost human-wildlife interactions.

3. Population Density

• Unplanned urbanisation and poor public health infrastructure are significant contributors to outbreak vulnerability.

Policy Recommendations

• Adaptation & Planning:
• Promote climate adaptation, sustainable land-use, and improved urban planning.
• Health Systems:
• Strengthen zoonotic surveillance and healthcare infrastructure in high-risk areas.
• Technology Use:
• Leverage AI and machine learning to map and monitor risk zones.
• Integrated Approach:
• Foster cross-sector collaboration (climate, health, agriculture, and environment) under the One Health framework.

Accelerometer

Context

Google’s Android Earthquake Alert System has detected over 18,000 earthquakes using smartphone accelerometers.

What Is an Accelerometer?

• A motion-sensing device that measures acceleration, both static (gravity) and dynamic (movement or impact).

• Working Principle
• Based on Newton’s second law: Force = Mass × Acceleration
• Detects changes in motion and orientation through inertial mass displacement.

Applications

• Consumer Electronics:
• Smartphones and tablets – auto screen rotation
• Digital cameras – orientation sensing
• Automotive Industry:
• Triggers airbags in the event of a collision.
• Drones and Robotics:
• Helps maintain balance and direction during movement.

Flame Retardant Materials

Context

ICMR has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that it will conduct a study to evaluate if chemicals used in flame retardants are potentially carcinogenic.

What Are Flame Retardants?

• Function: Chemicals applied to materials (like textiles or plastics) to prevent or delay fire.
• Environmental Concern: Persistent and resistant to degradation.

• Common Chemicals Used
• TCIPP: Tris (1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate
• TDCIPP: Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate
• TCEP: Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate

Organic Certification in India

Context

APEDA recently refuted allegations related to the authenticity of Organic Cotton Certification in India.

Key Certification Framework

National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)

• Nodal Agency: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• Purpose:
• Accredits certification bodies.
• Sets standards for organic farming and processing.
• Promotes marketing and export of organic products.
• International Recognition:
• Accepted as equivalent by the European Commission and Switzerland for unprocessed plant products.

Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India)

• Nature: A peer-review certification system.
• How It Works:
• Farmers collectively inspect and verify each other''s farming practices.
• Entire holdings of the group are certified as organic through mutual agreement and collective responsibility.

Heavy Water (D₂O)

Context

India has achieved a milestone in nuclear technology with TEMA India Ltd commissioning the country’s first private-sector test facility for depleted heavy water upgradation, marking progress toward nuclear self-reliance.

What is Heavy Water?

• Chemical Name: Deuterium Oxide (D₂O)
• Composition: Similar to regular water (H₂O), but contains Deuterium (a heavier isotope of Hydrogen) instead of the regular hydrogen atom.
• Properties: Heavier and denser than ordinary water due to the presence of deuterium.

Key Applications

1. Nuclear Industry

• Moderator: Slows down neutrons in Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to sustain nuclear fission reactions.
• Coolant: Helps in transferring heat from the reactor core.

2. Scientific Research

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy: Acts as a solvent due to its non-interfering properties.
• Neutrino Detection: Used in specialized physics experiments to detect subatomic particles.