India’s Strategic Challenge from China in the Indian Ocean: A Contest for Regional Dominance

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs has raised concerns about the increasing involvement of powers outside the region—particularly China—in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), identifying this as a major strategic issue for India.

Growing Importance of the Indian Ocean

Since the early 2000s, the Indian Ocean has re-emerged as a critical arena for global economic activity and security, reflecting its rising strategic relevance.

Emerging Economies and Trade Links

With the rise of major economies like India and China, the Indian Ocean has become a vital corridor for international trade and connectivity, transforming it into a global commercial hub.

Security Challenges and Piracy Risks

Piracy near the Somali coast exposed vulnerabilities in vital maritime routes, leading to intensified security efforts to safeguard Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) throughout the region.

Indo-Pacific as a Strategic Construct

The Indo-Pacific concept, which strategically links the Indian and Pacific Oceans, has elevated the Indian Ocean’s role in shaping the evolving global order.

China’s Strategic Expansion in the IOR

Unlike its aggressive stance in the South China Sea, China has taken a more methodical and long-term approach in the Indian Ocean, expanding its presence through economic engagement, political partnerships, and maritime initiatives.

Infrastructure Development and Political Outreach

China is deepening its regional presence by:

• Strengthening political and economic relations with countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bangladesh.
• Funding and constructing dual-use port facilities that serve both commercial and military purposes.

Maritime Surveillance via Research Vessels

China has been operating research and survey ships in the IOR, often docking them in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. These vessels are suspected of conducting underwater surveillance and intelligence collection, potentially undermining India’s maritime security.

China-Indian Ocean Forum Initiative

In 2022, China launched the China-Indian Ocean Forum to shape regional governance and multilateral frameworks. India’s absence from this initiative underscores a widening geopolitical divide.

Main Findings from the Committee’s Report

• The involvement of non-regional actors, especially China, poses a growing strategic challenge to India’s interests in the Indian Ocean.
• China is rapidly expanding dual-use infrastructure—including ports, airfields, and logistics hubs—and is using research vessels to improve its maritime domain awareness.
• The establishment of a Chinese military base in Djibouti in 2017 has enabled Beijing to significantly expand its naval operations and long-term deployments across the region.
• China is developing strategic infrastructure close to India’s maritime boundaries, aiming to enhance logistical capabilities and strengthen its regional foothold.

India’s Strategic Response:

1.     Strengthening Regional Partnerships: India is proactively engaging with neighboring countries to raise awareness about the long-term security consequences of China''s expanding role in the IOR.

2.     Sri Lanka’s Assurances: In December 2024, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed that Sri Lanka would not permit any use of its territory that could threaten India’s security or regional peace.

3.     Opposition to BRI and CPEC: India maintains a firm stance against China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) due to sovereignty and strategic concerns.

4.     Leadership in Maritime Security: India is positioning itself as a trusted security provider and first responder in the IOR, with key roles in:

·       Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)

·       Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)

·       Developmental cooperation

Prime Minister Modi’s MAHASAGAR doctrine (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth for All in the Region) reflects India’s comprehensive regional vision.

5.     Strengthening Regional Institutions and Naval Capabilities

India is working to enhance regional maritime cooperation and limit China’s influence through:

• Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
• Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)
• Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR)
• Quad and Colombo Security Conclave

Additionally, India is investing in the modernisation and indigenisation of its naval forces, focusing on operational preparedness and strategic deterrence in the Indian Ocean.

India’s Position in Global Gender Equality Rankings Highlights Persistent Gaps

India has fallen to 131st place out of 148 countries in the 2025 Global Gender Gap Index, published by the World Economic Forum. While there has been some progress or stability in economic participation, education, and health indicators, the political empowerment of women has significantly declined, dragging down the country’s overall ranking.

Main Cause of the Decline: Political Disempowerment

The primary factor behind India’s drop in rankings is the deterioration of political representation for women:

• Women’s representation in Parliament decreased from 14.4% (78 MPs) in 2024 to 13.6% (74 MPs) in 2025.
• The proportion of women holding ministerial posts also fell, from 6.45% to 5.56%.

This downward trend has negatively impacted India’s performance in the Index, even though voter participation among women has been increasing.

Future Potential: 33% Reservation Law

India’s Women’s Reservation Law, passed in 2023, mandates 33% seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. However, it will only be implemented after the next Census and delimitation exercise, making 2029 the earliest possible rollout.

If applied, the law could significantly boost women''s representation and enhance India’s standing on global gender equality indicators—but the gains will depend on effective and long-term implementation.

Current Levels of Representation: Still Inadequate

• Women in Parliament have historically been underrepresented, ranging from just 3.4% in 1977 to 14.4% in 2019.
• The 18th Lok Sabha (2024) includes only 74 women, about 13.6% of total MPs.
• At the state level, only 9% of MLAs across India are women.
• Chhattisgarh has the highest share at 18%.
• Himachal Pradesh has only one woman MLA, while Mizoram has none.

Key Concerns: Limited Scope and Structural Barriers

1. Time-limited Impact: The 33% reservation law is valid for only 15 years, likely covering just two general elections (2029 and 2034), raising doubts about its long-term impact.

2. Leadership Gaps: Even with more women in Parliament, they may not be proportionately represented in ministerial roles. Despite decades of 33–50% reservation at the panchayat level, there is no clear pathway to promote women to state or national leadership.

3. Progress in Electoral Participation not Translated into Candidature: In 1952, 28 lakh women were excluded from the electoral rolls for being identified only through male relatives. Over time, women’s inclusion in the democratic process has improved drastically. The gender gap in voter turnout has narrowed from 17 percentage points in 1962 to under 2 points by 2014. In the last two general elections, more women voted than men, partly due to male out-migration for employment.

With rising turnout, women have become a crucial vote bank, prompting political parties to introduce targeted welfare schemes—such as free bicycles for girls and cash support for poor women. Women voters are reshaping political campaigns and policy agendas. Yet, this electoral power has not translated into more women candidates.

4. Tokenism and Quotas within Quotas: Major parties often avoid fielding women in general or stronghold seats, citing "winnability" concerns. Instead, women are frequently nominated in reserved SC/ST constituencies, fulfilling multiple quotas but limiting broader representation.

What Needs to Change: A Systemic Overhaul

• Historically, women candidates have had a higher average success rate than their male counterparts.
• But their representation among candidates remains low, at just 8–9% in major parties.
• The real obstacles lie in internal party politics, entrenched gender biases, and lack of structural support, which continue to hinder women’s entry and progression in mainstream politics.

RBI Proposes a Daily Financial Conditions Index to Monitor Market Health

·       In an effort to enhance real-time tracking of India’s financial ecosystem, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed the development of a daily Financial Conditions Index (FCI).

·       This index will offer a comprehensive measure of how tight or relaxed financial conditions are, based on their deviation from historical norms since 2012.

·       This initiative aligns with practices adopted by global central banks, where such indices serve as vital tools for assessing monetary policy effectiveness, market stress, and systemic risks.

What Is the Financial Conditions Index?

The FCI is a composite metric that consolidates market data across key financial domains to evaluate financial stability on a high-frequency basis. The index draws from five major segments:

·       Money Markets

·       Government Securities (G-Secs)

·       Corporate Bonds

·       Equity Markets

·       Foreign Exchange Markets

According to the RBI’s June 2025 Bulletin, the FCI is designed to:

• Measure daily shifts in financial conditions.
• Track market sentiment during both stable and turbulent phases.
• Act as a macro-financial surveillance instrument for policymakers.

The index is constructed using 20 market-based indicators, with values standardized into standard deviation units. A positive value reflects tighter-than-average conditions, while a negative value points to looser conditions.

Trends in Financial Conditions Over Time

Post-COVID Period: Easing Phase

Following the severe tightening seen during the COVID-19 market crash, financial conditions turned significantly accommodative in 2021–2022, driven by RBI’s actions such as:

• Massive liquidity infusion
• Interest rate cuts
• Regulatory forbearance

At its lowest point in mid-June 2021, the FCI stood at -2.197, signifying extremely easy financial conditions.

Past Episodes of Tightening

The index recorded notable peaks during major financial shocks:

• July 2013 Taper Tantrum: FCI peaked at +2.826 due to tightening in forex and bond markets after the US Fed’s tapering signals.
• September 2018 IL&FS Crisis: Stress in equity and bond markets mirrored turmoil in the NBFC sector.
• Early 2020 COVID Outbreak: A sharp market selloff led to another spike in financial stress.

Recent Developments and Current Status

Since mid-2023, India’s financial conditions have generally remained loose, supported by:

• Strong equity market performance
• High liquidity in short-term markets
• Stable government bond yields

However, by late 2024, tightening pressures emerged due to:

• Heightened global uncertainty post US elections
• Shifts in investor risk appetite
• Monetary tightening by major global central banks

By March 2025, the index stabilised and returned to neutral levels, suggesting market normalization.

Why the FCI Matters: Policy and Market Implications

A daily FCI will significantly enhance India''s capacity for real-time macro-financial oversight, offering multiple benefits:

• Early Warning System: Identifies emerging financial stress or excessive market optimism.
• Policy Fine-Tuning: Enables data-driven adjustments in monetary and fiscal policies.
• Market Transparency: Helps financial participants assess liquidity and potential risks.

Internationally, FCIs are widely used by institutions like the US Federal Reserve and European Central Bank. An India-specific FCI tailored to local conditions will improve monetary transmission and crisis preparedness.

Looking Ahead

·       As India’s financial system grows more sophisticated, the proposed daily FCI will be a crucial addition to the RBI’s analytical framework. Its ability to consolidate signals from diverse financial markets into a single index will offer timely insights for both policy authorities and market participants.

·       Further enhancements—such as integrating new market indicators, refining algorithms, and linking the FCI to broader economic dashboards—can significantly expand its strategic value in the years to come.

Secondary Pollutants Emerge as Major Drivers of India’s PM2.5 Pollution

A recent study has shown that secondary pollutants now contribute nearly one-third of India’s PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) pollution, marking a significant shift in the understanding of air quality dynamics in the country.

Understanding Secondary PM2.5 Pollution

PM2.5, or particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns, is among the most dangerous air pollutants, known for causing serious respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

While primary pollutants—like soot, dust, and emissions from vehicles and industrial sources—have traditionally been seen as the main contributors, new findings highlight the growing importance of secondary pollutants, particularly ammonium sulphate, in India’s air pollution burden.

Primary vs. Secondary Pollutants

• Primary pollutants are released directly into the atmosphere from sources such as:
• Vehicle exhaust
• Coal-fired power plants
• Biomass burning
• Secondary pollutants are formed in the atmosphere when primary pollutants react with elements like sunlight, water vapour, and ammonia.
• These chemical reactions produce fine particles such as ammonium sulphate and ammonium nitrate, which can be just as or even more harmful than primary pollutants.

Key Insights from the CREA Study

A report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reveals that secondary particles now make up a significant portion of India’s PM2.5 load:

• Ammonium sulphate accounts for up to 34% of PM2.5 mass.
• Satellite imaging and atmospheric modelling were used to trace and map this contribution.
• The national average concentration of ammonium sulphate was found to be 11.9 µg/m³, indicating widespread distribution across both urban and rural areas.

1.     Coal Power Plants as Primary Source

·       Over 60% of India’s SO₂ emissions—a key precursor to ammonium sulphate—originate from coal-based thermal power plants.

·       These emissions play a major role in the formation of secondary PM2.5.

2.     Localized Impact

·       Within a 10 km radius of coal plants, ammonium sulphate levels averaged 15 µg/m³—2.5 times higher than in regions farther away (6 µg/m³).

·       Near these plants, secondary PM2.5 contributes 36% to total pollution; even in more distant areas, it accounts for 23%.

3.     Regulatory Gaps and Compliance Issues

·       Though Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems are mandated to reduce SO₂ from coal plants, only 8% of these facilities have complied.

·       Reports suggest that the government may consider rolling back the FGD mandate, which would weaken national efforts to curb secondary pollution.

4.     Impact on NCAP Cities: The study has significant implications for the 130 cities under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to reduce pollution levels by 20–30% by 2025–26.

·       Ammonium sulphate concentrations in these cities ranged from 3.9 to 22.5 µg/m³.

·       In 114 of the 130 cities, it made up more than 30% of PM2.5 levels.

·       When ammonium nitrate is added, secondary pollutants may account for up to 50% of PM2.5 in some urban areas.

Steps Needed to Tackle Secondary Pollution:

To effectively reduce the growing burden of secondary pollutants, a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy is essential:

1. Enforce Emission Controls Strictly: Full compliance with FGD installation must be ensured for coal power plants. Any regulatory dilution would undermine public health and air quality targets.
2. Reform in Agriculture and Industry: Better fertiliser use management can curb ammonia emissions, which are a major precursor of secondary PM2.5.
3. Source-Specific Interventions: Strategies must target both direct emissions and precursor gases such as SO₂ and NH₃ (ammonia).
4. Cross-Border Coordination: Given the transboundary movement of secondary particles, interstate cooperation is vital.
5. Invest in Monitoring and Research: Enhanced real-time monitoring infrastructure and continued scientific studies are needed to better understand pollution dynamics and evolve mitigation strategies.

Mobile Biosafety Level-3 Laboratory (MBSL-3)

To improve India’s preparedness for health emergencies and enhance its public health infrastructure, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is expanding its fleet of Mobile Biosafety Level-3 laboratories.

Key Features:

• Also referred to as RAMBAAN (Rapid Action Mobile BSL-3 Advanced Augmented Network).
• It is a fully indigenous, high-tech mobile laboratory capable of handling dangerous pathogens.
• Initially deployed during the 2023 Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala.
• Developed under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, in partnership with Klenzaids Contamination Controls Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai.
• Classified by the WHO as a Type-IV Rapid Response Mobile Laboratory within its Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN).
• Serves as a ‘lab-on-wheels’, enabling rapid testing and containment during outbreaks.

THAAD Missile System

During a recent 12-day conflict involving strikes on nuclear sites, the United States utilized 15–20% of its THAAD missile system resources to protect against Iranian aerial assaults.

About THAAD:

• THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) is an advanced missile defense system developed by the U.S.
• Designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles (short-, medium-, and intermediate-range) during their terminal phase—the final stage before impact.
• Developed after the 1991 Gulf War, particularly in response to Scud missile attacks.
• A critical part of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) strategy.
• Uniquely capable of intercepting targets both inside (endoatmospheric) and outside (exoatmospheric) the Earth’s atmosphere.

Discovery of Bacillus ayatagriensis

Scientists at Raiganj University in West Bengal have discovered a new soil bacterium named Bacillus ayatagriensis.

Key Characteristics:

• Isolated from the rhizosphere of mulberry plants, which are integral to the region''s sericulture and agriculture.
• Exhibits strong antimicrobial activity and significantly enhances seed germination.
• Has high potential for use in organic and sustainable farming, reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
• Expected to improve soil health and crop resilience, offering a boost to local farming communities dealing with soil degradation and declining productivity.
• The name is derived from Sanskrit—with “ayata” meaning growth and “agriensis” reflecting its agricultural importance.

SPREE Scheme: Scheme to Promote Registration of Employers/Employees

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has approved the relaunch of the SPREE Scheme, which will be active from July 1 to December 31, 2025.

Key Highlights:

• Originally introduced in 2016 to expand coverage under the ESI Act.
• Aimed at encouraging registration of unregistered employers and workers, including contractual and temporary employees.
• The 2016 edition facilitated the registration of over 88,000 employers and 1.02 crore employees.

Benefits Under the 2025 Relaunch:

• Employers registering during this window will be treated as covered from the date of registration or from a declared date.
• Employees will be enrolled from their respective dates of inclusion.
• Focuses on voluntary compliance instead of punitive action.
• Seeks to reduce litigation, promote formalisation of the workforce, and build trust among stakeholders.

Black-headed Caterpillar Disease (Opisina arenosella)

The Chief Minister of Karnataka has requested a detailed report on the rising threat of Black-headed Caterpillar Disease affecting coconut plantations across the state.

About the Disease:

• Caused by the caterpillar Opisina arenosella.
• Affects coconut trees in both coastal and inland areas.
• Caterpillars create silken webs on the underside of coconut leaves and feed on the green tissue, weakening the plant’s photosynthetic function.

Symptoms:

• Dried patches appear on lower leaflets.
• Only the young central leaves remain green.
• In severe cases:
• Leaves droop
• The plantation appears scorched
• Immature nuts are shed heavily
• Caterpillars may even feed on the green surface of young coconuts

Control Measures:

• Application of neem-based biopesticides
• Root nourishment and integrated nutrient management
• Biological control using Goniozus nephantidis, a parasitoid wasp that targets the caterpillar.
• This parasitoid is being mass-produced and released in Karnataka, Kerala, and other affected regions.

Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary – India’s First Butterfly-Dedicated Forest Reserve

The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kannur district, Kerala has been officially renamed as the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, making it India’s first protected forest exclusively dedicated to butterflies.

Key Features:

• Location: Situated in the Kannur District of Kerala, within the Western Ghats.
• Area: Covers approximately 55 square kilometers of tropical and semi-evergreen forests.
• Hydrology: The Cheenkannipuzha River serves as the main drainage system of the sanctuary.

Ecological Significance:

• Home to over 266 species of butterflies, representing more than 80% of Kerala’s butterfly species.
• Includes endemic and endangered species unique to the region.
• Between October and February, the sanctuary witnesses a seasonal butterfly migration, particularly of species like the Common Albatross butterfly, from the lower slopes of the Western Ghats.

Conservation and Research:

• Hosts an annual Butterfly Migration Study in January or February, which focuses on monitoring and understanding migratory patterns and ecological roles of butterflies as pollinators.

Other Fauna:

• In addition to butterflies, the sanctuary supports a variety of wildlife including:
• Elephants
• Giant squirrels
• Leopards
• Numerous bird species

Prada Acknowledges Indian Influence Behind New Footwear Design

·       Italian luxury fashion house Prada has officially recognized that its Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection sandals were inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, known for its centuries-old legacy.

·       This acknowledgment came following widespread criticism for the uncited resemblance to India’s GI-tagged Kolhapuri chappals—a renowned form of leather footwear with deep cultural and artisanal roots in Maharashtra, India.

·       The controversy underscores growing concerns around cultural appropriation and the need for crediting indigenous craftsmanship in global fashion.