India Launches Pilot Project to Address Human-Tiger Conflicts Outside Protected Reserves

In an effort to reduce human-tiger conflicts beyond protected tiger habitats, the Union Ministry of Environment has approved funding for a pilot initiative titled “Tigers Outside of Tiger Reserves.” This program aims to strengthen protection, surveillance, and conflict resolution in regions where tigers live outside designated reserves.

Responding to Rising Conflict Outside Reserves

Triggered by increasing encounters between humans and tigers across several states, the Environment Ministry has greenlit a Rs. 88-crore pilot scheme running through 2026-27. The program is designed to address conflict in areas where an estimated 30% of India''s tiger population lives—often outside the official boundaries of tiger reserves.

The National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA)’s executive committee has granted preliminary approval for a one-year pilot phase. The targeted locations were selected using conflict data to identify high-risk forest divisions.

Pilot Rollout and Key Strategies

Eighty forest divisions across ten states have been identified for initial implementation, based on recurring and severe conflict incidents. The main components of the initiative include:

• Deploying advanced technology for better tiger tracking and surveillance
• Training forest staff in conflict management techniques
• Collaborating with civil society groups and wildlife veterinarians
• Increasing wild prey availability to curb livestock attacks

The scheme will be operationally managed by the Chief Wildlife Wardens in each state, with oversight and coordination from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). The NTCA is currently finalizing the list of divisions and working on updated, year-wise financial planning for final CAMPA approval.

Why Conflicts Are Growing

Tigers that range beyond protected reserves often settle in farmlands or forest edges near human habitation, areas that lack the specialized protection found in reserves. As apex predators, tigers can displace other carnivores like leopards into populated zones, exacerbating conflict risks.

Key hotspots for such conflicts include:

• Chandrapur (near Tadoba Tiger Reserve), Maharashtra
• Sugarcane fields near Dudhwa and Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh
• Forest fringes around Ranthambore, Rajasthan
• Wayanad region in Kerala

Between 2020 and 2024, 382 human fatalities were reported in tiger-related incidents, with 111 deaths occurring in 2022 alone. These alarming figures highlight the urgency of addressing tiger-human interactions in non-reserve areas with targeted, well-funded strategies.

Reevaluating Poverty in India: Insights from the World Bank''s Latest Findings

Recent discussions on poverty in India have intensified following an April 2025 claim by the government that 171 million people had moved out of extreme poverty over the past decade, citing a World Bank report. The Bank later updated its estimates, showing that just 5.75% of Indians now live in extreme poverty—down significantly from 27% in 2011–12.

Understanding the Poverty Line

A poverty line defines the minimum income needed to meet basic living standards, but this threshold varies over time and across regions. There''s no universal standard—different poverty lines serve different purposes, allowing more nuanced assessments of economic hardship.

Why India Relies on the World Bank’s Benchmark

India’s most recent official poverty measure is based on the Tendulkar Committee (2009), which used data from 2011–12. Although the Rangarajan Committee proposed a new framework in 2014, it was never officially adopted.

Due to outdated methods and insufficient recent data, India now leans on alternative approaches—such as NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index and the World Bank’s poverty line—to gauge poverty more reliably.

The World Bank’s Global Poverty Line Explained

To enable international comparisons, the World Bank adjusts its poverty line using purchasing power parity (PPP), which considers what goods and services $1 can buy in different countries.

• Origin: The global $1-a-day standard was introduced in 1990 based on 1985 PPP rates.
• Updates: Over time, it was revised for inflation. In June 2025, the Bank raised the global poverty line to $3/day (PPP-adjusted).

At India’s current PPP exchange rate (₹20.6 to $1), this translates to ₹62/day—a more realistic reflection of basic needs than simply converting $3 using the market rate (₹85/USD).

Key Findings from the Latest World Bank Data

Revised Historical Poverty Estimates

• New analysis shows earlier estimates were too high; for instance, poverty in 1977–78 was likely around 47%, not 64%.

Decline in Extreme Poverty

• Using the updated $3/day PPP benchmark, India’s extreme poverty dropped from 27% in 2011–12 to 5.75% in 2022–23.
• The number of people in extreme poverty fell sharply from 344 million to 75 million during this period.

India’s Own Poverty Thresholds Over Time

Misunderstandings About Poverty Measurement

Many incorrectly convert the $3/day World Bank poverty line using standard exchange rates. But PPP conversion must be used, reflecting local costs and purchasing power. This means $3/day doesn’t equal ₹255 (market rate), but ₹62, based on what that amount can actually buy in India.

The Contradictory Landscape of Poverty in India

Despite improvements, defining poverty remains complex. Depending on the benchmark used, estimates vary:

• 5.75% live below the World Bank’s $3/day (PPP) poverty line.
• 24% is the poverty line for lower-middle-income countries.
• 20% of people work for extremely low or symbolic wages.
• 66% receive free food through government programs.

These diverse metrics create overlapping—and sometimes contradictory—views of poverty.

Interpreting the Data: Two Perspectives

1. Progress Story: The sharp decline in extreme poverty is a major success for India’s development.
2. Deeper Reality: Despite this, 83% of Indians still survive on just ₹171/day, a number that includes total income or spending—revealing continued vulnerability just above the poverty line.

Global Leaders Convene in Seville to Rethink Development Financing

World leaders are gathering in Seville, Spain, for the fourth Financing for Development (FFD4) Conference, a pivotal UN event held once every decade. The conference aims to overhaul the global systems for aid, taxation, debt relief, and climate finance to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Setting the Agenda: The ''Seville Commitment''

At the heart of the conference is the “Seville Commitment”, a 38-page, non-binding political declaration that lays out a roadmap for financing global development over the next ten years. The document seeks to address the chronic underfunding of SDGs and propose bold reforms in climate, debt, and international taxation.

Continuing the Legacy of Previous Summits

FFD4 builds on earlier milestones:

• Monterrey Consensus (2002): Introduced key commitments on aid and debt relief for poor countries.
• Addis Ababa Action Agenda (2015): Launched the SDGs and emphasized curbing illicit financial flows and tax reform.

Ambitious Proposals Amid Global Strains

The Seville Commitment includes several major goals:

• Debt-for-climate swaps and disaster-triggered debt pauses for vulnerable nations.
• Solidarity taxes on high polluters and the super-rich to fund sustainable initiatives.
• Streamlined global debt restructuring frameworks.
• Expanded use of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) via multilateral development banks.
• Launch of the Seville Platform for Action, a global coalition for faster policy implementation.

High-Level Participation — But Not from the U.S.

Over 70 heads of state are attending, but the United States has opted out after unsuccessfully pushing to remove language related to climate action, gender equality, and sustainability.

While the U.S. absence undermines unity, some delegates believe it may pave the way for more ambitious commitments without American resistance.

Key Fault Lines: Debt, Tax, and Climate

Debt Reform Stalemate

• Disagreements between African nations and major creditors like China are obstructing progress toward a unified debt framework.

Tax Reform Obstacles

• Calls for global tax rule changes face pushback, especially from figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump, making consensus elusive.

Broad Support for Climate Action

• Despite tensions, there is widespread global agreement on increasing climate financing, particularly for adaptation in vulnerable countries.

Massive Financing Gap Threatens SDG Progress

• The UN estimates a staggering $4 trillion annual shortfall in funding needed to meet global development goals.
• Multilateral development banks have mobilized only a fraction of what’s needed—hundreds of billions rather than trillions.
• Since 2014, interest costs have nearly doubled for developing nations as a share of tax revenue, straining their budgets.
• China’s net lending to Africa has turned negative, with repayments now surpassing new loans.
• Over 3.3 billion people, mostly in Africa, live in countries where debt servicing exceeds public health spending.

Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs): Reforming the Grey Zone of Indian Politics

Context

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has started the process of delisting 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) that have remained inactive since 2019 and have no traceable physical presence.

What Are RUPPs?

• Definition: RUPPs are political groups registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, but they are not recognised as either State or National parties.
• Privileges:
• Eligible for income tax exemptions.
• Permitted to accept political donations, even without contesting elections.
• Current Numbers:
• India has over 2,800 RUPPs as of 2025.
• Their numbers have more than doubled in a decade—from 1,112 in 2010 to 2,301 in 2019 (ADR data).
• Disproportionate Status:
• Despite forming 97% of all registered parties, most RUPPs do not comply with mandatory financial disclosures.

Systemic Issues with RUPPs

• Lack of Electoral Activity: A significant number of RUPPs haven’t participated in elections since 2019, questioning their legitimacy.
• Opaque Finances: Fewer than 5% submitted donation reports during 2013–2016, showing poor transparency.
• Tax Evasion Loopholes: Many exploit Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, claiming exemptions without any real political function.
• Untraceable Operations: Numerous parties lack functional offices or personnel, breaching Section 29A of the RPA.
• Suspicious Registration Trends: Party registrations surge during election seasons, often linked to black money circulation or proxy operations.

The Way Forward

• Periodic Delisting: The ECI must regularly weed out dormant parties—e.g., the ongoing delisting of 345 inactive RUPPs.
• Stricter Entry Criteria: Introduce minimum activity requirements and tighter financial disclosure norms for party registration.
• Routine Audits: Subject inactive or suspicious parties to IT department reviews and EC compliance checks.
• Tech-Based Oversight: Broaden the use of systems like the Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System (PPRTMS) for real-time status monitoring.
• Public Transparency: Mandate that State Chief Electoral Officers'' websites publish party status, audit submissions, and compliance history.

Conclusion

The ECI’s move to clean up the list of inactive political outfits is a much-needed step towards safeguarding the electoral system from misuse. RUPPs must not serve as vehicles for tax evasion or illegal funding. Strengthening registration rules, enforcing compliance, and enhancing public transparency are essential to uphold the integrity of India’s democracy.

Bangkok CRVS Conference 2025: A Push Toward Universal Legal Identity by 2030

Context

At the Third Ministerial Conference on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) held in Bangkok, countries from across the Asia-Pacific, including India, adopted a renewed resolution to ensure universal registration of births and deaths by 2030.

Understanding CRVS Systems

• Definition: Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) refers to the continuous, mandatory recording of key life events—births, deaths, marriages, and divorces—under legal frameworks.
• Led by: The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP).
• Primary Goal: To secure legal identity for all (in line with SDG 16.9) and enhance the delivery of public services and evidence-based policymaking.

Why CRVS Matters

• Legal Identity: Registration provides official documents (birth/death certificates) that are crucial for accessing healthcare, education, inheritance, and pensions.
• Vital for Governance: CRVS systems help generate accurate population data and enable health surveillance—critical during events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Inclusive Approach: A robust CRVS system ensures coverage for marginalised groups—including orphans, children born via surrogacy, and single-parent households.
• Digital Transformation: Many countries are integrating CRVS with digital portals, AI-driven tools, and platforms like DigiLocker for secure documentation.

Why Strengthening CRVS is Urgent

• Over 14 million children in the Asia-Pacific remain unregistered before their first birthday—blocking access to essential services.
• Vulnerable communities—such as ethnic minorities, migrants, and stateless groups—face generational exclusion in countries like Myanmar, Pakistan, and Nepal.
• Incomplete CRVS data undermines monitoring of key SDG targets, such as maternal health and social protection coverage.
• Lack of documentation increases risks of human trafficking, forced marriage, and modern slavery, especially for women and displaced children.
• Weak death registration in places like Afghanistan and Cambodia hampers public health responses and mortality tracking.

Challenges in Expanding CRVS Coverage

1. Remote Access Gaps: Difficult terrain in regions like the Himalayas and Pacific islands limits access to registration services.
2. Incomplete Death Certification: Many deaths, especially those outside hospitals, go unrecorded due to the lack of verbal autopsy systems.
3. Institutional Fragmentation: CRVS responsibilities are often split between various ministries, leading to coordination failures.
4. Digital Divide: Digitization risks leaving out populations in areas with limited internet access, such as parts of Laos, Papua New Guinea, and tribal India.
5. Social Stigma: Cultural attitudes in patriarchal societies discourage registering births outside marriage or to surrogate parents.

Outcomes from the Bangkok CRVS Summit 2025

• 2030 Target Extension: The CRVS Decade now aligns with the SDG timeline.
• Seoul Declaration Reaffirmed: Governments recommitted to achieving 100% birth and death registration.
• Technology Emphasis: Renewed focus on AI-powered tools, digitised records, and interoperable CRVS platforms.
• Equity and Data Privacy: Commitments to gender inclusivity and stronger privacy safeguards.
• Regional Gains:
• India: Birth registration improved from 86% to 96%.
• 29 countries now report over 90% birth registration rates.

Way Forward: Bridging Gaps in CRVS Systems

• Cross-Border Coordination: Develop interoperable systems across ASEAN and SAARC to protect mobile and migrant populations.
• Mobile Outreach Units: Bring registration services to isolated and conflict-affected areas, including Myanmar, Afghanistan, and island nations.
• Inclusive Legislation: Reform national CRVS laws to include refugees, LGBTQIA+ families, and surrogate/adoptive relationships, following best practices from Thailand and the Philippines.
• Verbal Autopsy Expansion: Standardise cause-of-death reporting using WHO verbal autopsy tools in countries with high non-institutional deaths.
• Privacy-First Design: Adopt encrypted, consent-driven CRVS systems to protect sensitive personal data—especially for women and minors.

Conclusion

The 2025 Bangkok CRVS Summit signals a turning point in efforts to deliver legal identity and inclusive governance across the Asia-Pacific. With strong political backing, technological innovation, and community-level outreach, the region is on track to achieve the goal of “getting everyone in the picture” by 2030.

Operation Bihali: A Strategic Counter-Terror Operation in Jammu & Kashmir

Context

In a major security operation in Udhampur district, Jammu & Kashmir, one Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist was killed and three others were trapped during Operation Bihali—a proactive military action aimed at neutralizing cross-border threats.

What is Operation Bihali?

• Nature: A counter-terrorism mission targeting Pakistan-based JeM militants active in the Basantgarh region of Udhampur.
• Carried Out By: A joint effort between the Indian Army’s Para Special Forces and the Jammu & Kashmir Police, led under the White Knight Corps command structure.
• Mission Goal: To track, intercept, and eliminate four identified JeM operatives, based on 12 months of intelligence and surveillance—preventing potential terror plots.

Why It Matters

• Security Impact: Strengthens safety in a strategically sensitive region of Jammu & Kashmir.
• Tactical Value: Blocks key terror infiltration corridors used by cross-border groups.
• Strategic Message: Underscores India''s intelligence-driven, preemptive counter-terror capabilities, demonstrating strong civil-military coordination.

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Recent Discovery: Researchers have uncovered a buried ancient forest beneath the surface of the Falkland Islands, dating back to a time before humans or livestock ever inhabited the area.

About the Falklands:

• An internally self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom in the South Atlantic Ocean.
• Located approximately 480 km northeast of South America''s southern tip and east of the Strait of Magellan.
• Composed of two main islands (East Falkland and West Falkland) and 776 smaller islands, separated by the Falkland Strait.
• Capital: Stanley (located on East Falkland).
• Demographics: Primarily English-speaking, with about 88% of the population of African-Irish descent.
• Currency: Falkland pound, equivalent in value to the British pound.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Context: Actor Salman Khan recently disclosed that he is suffering from this condition.

Overview:

• Also known as tic douloureux, this is a chronic nerve disorder causing severe, electric shock-like facial pain, usually on one side.
• Triggers include everyday actions such as eating, brushing teeth, or smiling.
• Cause: Occurs when a blood vessel compresses the trigeminal nerve, which transmits sensations from the face to the brain.
• The condition often worsens over time, with more frequent and prolonged pain episodes.
• More common in women and individuals over 50.
• Often referred to as the “suicide disease” due to the extreme pain and psychological toll.
• Treatment involves medications and, in some cases, surgical procedures.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Recent Development: Scientists have discovered over 20 bacterial species capable of degrading PFAS compounds.

What Are PFAS?

• A large group of over 4,700 synthetic chemicals, used since the 1950s.
• Known for their extreme persistence in the environment, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals”.
• Used in:
• Non-stick cookware
• Food packaging
• Stain-resistant fabrics and carpets
• Firefighting foams

Chemical Structure:

• Contain strong carbon-fluorine bonds, making them highly resistant to environmental degradation.

Exposure Routes:

• Found in contaminated water, food, air, and household products.
• Common in industries such as aerospace, electronics, automotive, and construction.
• PFAS accumulate in the bloodstream over time, leading to long-term exposure.

Health Impacts:

• Linked to:
• Fertility issues
• Developmental problems in children
• Hormonal imbalances
• High cholesterol
• Increased risk of some cancers

Regulation:

• Compounds like PFOS and PFOA are classified as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention.

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking – 2025

Date: 26 June
Organised by: Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE), Government of India
Main Event: Held at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi

Overview:
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, commonly known as World Drug Day, is observed annually on 26 June to promote international cooperation in combating drug misuse and trafficking.

Origin:
The day was established by the UN General Assembly in 1987, following recommendations made at the International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. It reflects a global commitment to counter drug-related challenges.

2025 Theme:
“Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime”
This year''s theme emphasizes the importance of disrupting the link between drug abuse and organized crime by addressing its root causes, prioritizing prevention, and reinforcing public health, education, and social infrastructure.

UNODC Role:
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) leads the observance and annually releases the World Drug Report, offering evidence-based insights and global data on drug use and trafficking trends.

Key Global Statistics (2025):

• Over 300 million individuals (aged 15–64) reported using drugs in the past year.
• Cannabis use has risen by 25% in the last decade.
• Growing concerns about synthetic opioids like fentanyl and methamphetamine.
• Only 1 in 8 people with substance use disorders receive adequate treatment.
• The global illegal drug market is valued at over $400 billion annually, contributing to organized crime, corruption, and violence.

K-6 Missile

India is enhancing its strategic deterrence and naval strength by developing the K-6, a hypersonic submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).

About the K-6 Missile:
The K-6 is a nuclear-capable SLBM currently being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at its Advanced Naval Systems Laboratory in Hyderabad. This missile is tailored for deployment on the Indian Navy’s upcoming S-5 class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs).

The S-5 submarines are larger than the existing Arihant class, measuring approximately 12 meters in length and 2 meters in width, and are designed to carry between two and three tonnes of warheads.

Key Features of the K-6:

• The missile can achieve hypersonic speeds of up to Mach 7.5, roughly 9,261 kilometers per hour. This extreme velocity significantly reduces the enemy’s ability to react and renders conventional missile defense systems nearly ineffective.
• It has a striking operational range of 8,000 kilometers. India has already developed and tested other SLBMs such as the K-3 (range of 1,000 to 2,000 km), K-4 (3,500 km), and K-5 (5,000 to 6,000 km), with the latter two already in active service with the Navy.
• The K-6 is designed to carry both nuclear and conventional warheads, providing versatile strategic options in both combat and deterrence roles.
• Additionally, it will feature MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle) technology, allowing it to deploy several warheads independently onto different targets, increasing its strike capability.

Adamya Fast Patrol Vessel

The Adamya, the first vessel in the series of eight Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) being built under the ‘8 FPV Project’ at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), has been officially inducted into the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in Goa.

About the Adamya FPV:
Adamya is the lead ship among eight FPVs developed by GSL under this significant project aimed at strengthening India’s maritime security.

Features:

• The vessel is equipped with Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPPs) and domestically developed gearboxes, enhancing maneuverability, operational flexibility, and overall performance at sea.
• It carries advanced weaponry including a 30mm CRN-91 gun and two 12.7mm stabilized remote-controlled guns, both supported by sophisticated fire control systems.
• State-of-the-art onboard technology includes an Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), and an Automated Power Management System (APMS).
• These features enable the Indian Coast Guard to carry out its maritime duties more efficiently, with greater precision and responsiveness, covering India’s vast maritime areas.

Significance:
The FPVs like Adamya are force multipliers for the ICG fleet, facilitating swift responses for maritime law enforcement, coastal surveillance, search and rescue missions, and safeguarding India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The project also reflects India’s advancing shipbuilding capabilities and aligns with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative.

Registrar General of India (RGI)

Recently, the Registrar General of India has directed all states to ensure that birth certificates are issued to mothers of newborns before their discharge from hospitals, especially government-run facilities.

About the RGI:

• Established in 1949 under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the RGI is headed by the Registrar General and Ex-Officio Census Commissioner of India.
• The office oversees the systematic collection of data on India’s population size, growth, and distribution.
• It is responsible for implementing the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, and conducts the national Census and various demographic and linguistic surveys.
• The first comprehensive linguistic survey in India was conducted by George Abraham Grierson, completed in 1928.

Civil Registration System (CRS):

• CRS is a compulsory mechanism for registering births and deaths across India, providing continuous and real-time population data.
• Birth certificates are issued in accordance with Section 12 of the Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Act, 1969.
• The Act was amended in 2023, mandating the registration of all births and deaths on the central government’s portal starting from October 1, 2023.

Salkhan Fossil Park

The Salkhan Fossil Park, also known as Sonbhadra Fossil Park, located in Uttar Pradesh, has recently been placed on UNESCO’s Tentative List for World Heritage Sites.

About the Park:

• Situated within the Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary and the Vindhyan mountain range, it contains an extensive collection of fossils dating back around 1.4 billion years, making it one of the oldest and best-preserved fossil sites globally.
• The park is renowned for its rich array of stromatolites—structures formed by colonies of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). These prehistoric stromatolites are relics from the Mesoproterozoic era.
• These fossils provide insight into a pivotal event in Earth’s history known as the Great Oxidation Event, marking the rise of oxygen in the atmosphere.
• The site is recognized under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) geo-heritage category of ‘Evolution of Life’ as per the 2020 geoconservation guidelines for protected areas.

Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary

Recently, the death of a tigress and her four cubs was reported in Karnataka’s Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Chamarajanagar district.

About the Sanctuary:

• The sanctuary lies at the meeting point of the Western and Eastern Ghats and was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2013.
• It shares boundaries with the BRT Tiger Reserve, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, forming a vital part of the region’s ecological corridor.

Vegetation and Wildlife:

• The forest primarily consists of dry deciduous trees, with scrub forests at the edges, alongside patches of moist deciduous, semi-evergreen, evergreen, and shola forests at various elevations.
• Common plant species include Anogeissus latifolia, Boswellia serrata, Hardwickia binata, and Chloroxylon swietenia.
• The sanctuary supports diverse fauna such as tigers, elephants, leopards, wild dogs, bison, sambar deer, spotted deer, and barking deer.

Digital Initiatives for the Maritime Sector

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways recently unveiled a series of digital projects aimed at modernizing the maritime sector by improving efficiency and promoting sustainability.

Overview:
This initiative, led by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), focuses on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to upgrade port infrastructure, streamline logistics, and improve governance.

Objectives:

• Increase port efficiency and facilitate smoother trade operations.
• Promote governance based on data insights.
• Support sustainability and clean energy efforts.
• Align with the goals of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Key Digital Projects:

1. Digital Centre of Excellence (DCoE):
• A collaboration between MoPSW and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing.
• Drives digital transformation in maritime logistics using AI, IoT, and Blockchain.
• Emphasizes green and sustainable port operations with real-time upgrades.
2. SAGAR SETU Platform:
• A unified digital interface for export-import (EXIM) activities.
• Connects over 80 ports and 40 stakeholders.
• Aims to cut down paperwork and processing times for seamless, transparent logistics.
• Supports the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan and enhances Ease of Doing Business (EoDB).
3. DRISHTI Framework:
• Stands for Data-driven Review Institutional System for Tracking Implementation.
• Provides real-time monitoring of Maritime India Vision 2030 projects through KPIs, progress tracking, and organizational oversight.
4. Scale of Rates (SOR) Template:
• Introduces a standardized tariff system for major ports.
• Enhances transparency and reduces confusion regarding charges.
• Allows digital comparison and local customization of tariffs, boosting confidence among investors and traders.

India’s First Maritime NBFC – Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL)

The Union Minister of Shipping inaugurated India’s first Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) dedicated solely to the maritime sector — the Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited.

About SMFCL:

• A Mini Ratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise under MoPSW.
• Registered with the RBI as an NBFC.
• Headquartered in New Delhi.

Purpose:

• To fill financing gaps in maritime infrastructure and logistics development.
• Promote financial inclusion for MSMEs, startups, and educational institutions within the maritime ecosystem.
• Support key sectors like shipbuilding, cruise tourism, and green energy initiatives.
• Help India achieve its global maritime leadership vision by 2047 (Amrit Kaal Vision).

Functions:

• Provide short-, medium-, and long-term loans to port authorities, logistics firms, and maritime entrepreneurs.
• Finance innovative maritime projects, including those focused on green hydrogen, shipbuilding, and digital ports.
• Serve as a catalyst for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in port infrastructure.
• Collaborate with startups and research bodies to fund maritime skill development and R&D.

Significance:

• Addresses the long-standing need for a dedicated maritime financial institution.
• Strengthens port-led development initiatives under the Sagarmala Programme.
• Improves the investment climate for maritime infrastructure with tailored financial products.

Official Language

The Department of Official Language recently celebrated its 50th anniversary since its establishment in 1975.

Key Provisions:

• The Constitution’s Part XVII covers official language matters.
• Article 343 designates Hindi in the Devanagari script as the official language of the Union.
• The Official Language Act of 1963 allows English to be used alongside Hindi for all official Union purposes and parliamentary business.
• Article 344 mandates the formation of the Commission and Committee on Official Language.
• Article 345 empowers State Legislatures to choose one or more official languages used within the State, including Hindi.

International Financial Services Centre (IFSC)

The Finance Minister recently reviewed progress at the Gujarat International Finance Tech-City (GIFT City) IFSC.

About GIFT City-IFSC:

• Established in 2015 as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
• Functions as a key hub for international financial services, connecting Indian and global financial markets.

IFSC Authority:

• A statutory body created under the IFSC Act, 2019.
• Acts as a unified regulator overseeing the development and regulation of financial products, services, and institutions within Indian IFSCs.

Operation Deep Manifest

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has confiscated goods worth around ₹9 crore in an operation targeting illegal imports.

About Operation Deep Manifest:

• Launched to curb the illegal import of Pakistani-origin goods smuggled through third countries, mainly via Dubai, UAE.
• India imposed a strict ban on direct or indirect import or transit of goods from Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attacks.
• Earlier, these goods were subject to a 200% customs duty.

Science and Technology (S&T) Clusters Initiatives

The S&T Clusters Annual Report 2024-2025 highlighted several initiatives under this program, including Kalaanubhav.in, an AR/VR-enabled marketplace designed for artisans.

About the S&T Clusters Initiative:

• Origin: Launched in 2020 following recommendations from the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC).
• Purpose: To unite various stakeholders—academic institutions, research organizations, industry players, and local governments—to create innovative, demand-driven solutions for regional challenges.
• Working Model:
• Operates via a consortium-based approach.
• Emphasizes solving regional problems through science and technology.
• Implementing Agency: The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), which functions under the Cabinet Secretary.

AlphaGenome

Google DeepMind has introduced a new AI model named AlphaGenome.

• This AI tool predicts how specific mutations in human DNA influence gene function and health outcomes with high accuracy.
• It builds on DeepMind’s earlier genomics model, Enformer, and complements AlphaMissense, which categorizes mutations affecting protein-coding regions.
• AlphaGenome analyzes very long DNA sequences (up to 1 million base pairs) and produces detailed predictions.

Green Data Center

The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and the Union Minister for Science & Technology inaugurated the foundation for a Green Data Centre at Central Electronics Limited (CEL) in Ghaziabad.

About the Green Data Center:

• Designed to reduce environmental impact and maximize energy efficiency.
• Supports India’s goal of becoming a self-reliant global digital power.
• A collaborative effort between CEL (a government PSU under CSIR and Ministry of Science & Technology) and ESDS, a private firm.

Manasarovar Lake

After a six-year pause, Indian pilgrims have completed the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, visiting the sacred lake. This event marks the first people-to-people exchange between India and China since the COVID-19 pandemic and the border stand-off at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

• Yatra Routes: The pilgrimage is conducted via two main routes — the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim.

About Manasarovar Lake:

• Also called Lake Manas Sarovar in Sanskrit, located at the southern base of Mount Kailash in Tibet.
• It is the highest freshwater lake in the world.
• The nearby Chiu Gompa Monastery is a major religious site.
• Cultural and Religious Importance:
• In Hinduism, the lake is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma.
• In Buddhism, it is linked to Lake Anotatta and is considered the place where Lord Buddha was conceived.

US Pulls Funding from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

The United States has withdrawn financial support from Gavi, alongside expressing criticism towards the World Health Organization (WHO), accusing both of suppressing dissent and legitimate questions about vaccine safety.

• Historically, the US has been one of Gavi’s largest backers.

Rising Trend of US Withdrawal from Global Alliances:

• Recently, the US has pulled back from several international organizations and agreements, including WHO, the Paris Climate Agreement, the UN Human Rights Council, and UNRWA.
• This shift has significant consequences for global governance due to the US’s superpower status.

Implications of US Withdrawal:

• Weakens multilateralism and the rules-based international order (e.g., Israel exiting the UN Human Rights Council).
• Hampers global climate action efforts—2024 is noted as the hottest year, and the US remains the world’s second-largest greenhouse gas emitter.
• Creates funding shortages in global health institutions; in 2024, the US contributed about 15% of WHO’s budget.
• Leads to a leadership void that could be filled by China, potentially diminishing India’s influence in global decision-making.

About Gavi (Established 2000):

• A public-private partnership including WHO, UNICEF, the World Bank, and the Gates Foundation.
• Its mission is to save lives and protect health by promoting equitable and sustainable vaccine use.
• Has vaccinated over one billion children in some of the world’s poorest countries.
• Part of WHO’s Vaccine Safety Net project.
• The secretariat is based in Geneva, Switzerland.

India Declines to Endorse Joint Statement at SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting

India’s refusal to sign the joint declaration resulted in the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting ending without an adopted joint statement, as SCO rules require unanimous consent for such declarations.

• India’s Defence Minister emphasized India’s efforts to build consensus on global challenges, guided by the philosophy of “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” which reflects India’s ancient principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
• He noted the SCO represents about 30% of the world’s GDP and 40% of its population.

Importance for India:

• Regional Security: The SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) plays a key role in counterterrorism cooperation.
• Economic & Scientific Cooperation: Encourages socio-economic ties through initiatives like the SCO Young Scientists Conclave and India’s proposed Special Working Group on Innovation and Startups.
• Regional Connectivity: The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) involves SCO countries, aiding India’s connectivity and offering a strategic counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• Trade Sovereignty: SCO’s suggestion to conduct trade in national currencies instead of the US dollar helps challenge Western-dominated financial systems.

Challenges for India:

• The China-Pakistan alliance and China’s reluctance to address Pakistan-backed cross-border terrorism are major concerns.
• The SCO’s image as an anti-Western bloc complicates India’s position.

India Marks 10 Years of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)

Launched on 25 June 2015, AMRUT is India’s first water-focused urban development mission.

• AMRUT 2.0 started on 1 October 2021, covering five years (2021-22 to 2025-26), including all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

About AMRUT:

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
• Key Goals:
• Provide every household with access to tap water and sewerage connections.
• Improve city amenities such as parks.
• Reduce pollution by encouraging public transportation.
• Scheme Type: Centrally sponsored, with funds shared between States/UTs based on urban population and number of towns.
• Coverage: Initially covered 500 selected cities and towns; now includes 485 cities, including 15 merged ones.

Other Initiatives Under AMRUT:

• Jal Hi AMRIT: Focuses on treating and safely reusing water.
• AMRUT Mitra: Aims to develop water management skills among Self-Help Group (SHG) women in communities.

India Engages with China on Rare Earth Magnet Supplies Amid Export Restrictions: MEA

China, which controls more than 90% of the world’s rare earth processing capacity, imposed export restrictions in April requiring import permits from Beijing. This move is widely viewed as a reaction to the US’s reciprocal tariff policies.

What Are Rare Earth Elements (REE)?

• Definition: REEs are a group of 17 metals, including the lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium.
• Importance: These are critical minerals due to their scarcity in economically viable concentrations, limited global suppliers, and strategic significance, especially in defense.

Key Characteristics of REEs:

• REE alloys help prevent corrosion in metals and enhance energy storage efficiency.
• They improve the performance of electronics and advanced manufacturing processes.
• REE magnets are prized for their high remanence and coercivity, owing to many unpaired electrons in their atomic structure.

Applications:

REEs are crucial for aerospace, defense, automotive, and energy sectors. Common uses include:

• Cell phones
• Computer hard drives
• Guidance systems
• Lasers
• Radar and sonar systems

Global Reserves of Rare Earth Elements:

• China: 44 million metric tons (largest reserve globally)
• Brazil: 21 million metric tons (second largest)
• India: Approximately 7 million metric tons (fifth largest globally)

India’s Current Challenge & Initiative:

Due to limited domestic processing capacity, India heavily relies on imports of REEs, primarily from China. To address this, India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to boost exploration and development of critical minerals, including REEs.