Low Inflation in India: Fiscal Challenges and Nominal GDP Growth Impact

Recent economic data from August indicates that consumer price index (CPI) inflation stood at 2.07%, while wholesale price index (WPI) inflation was even lower at 0.52%. This comes as a welcome development for households, easing pressure on their daily expenses. However, while low inflation benefits consumers through stable prices, it presents serious complications for the government''s fiscal planning. In particular, it undermines revenue mobilisation and complicates budget projections.

Understanding Inflation

Inflation refers to the broad-based increase in prices across an economy, typically caused by a rise in money supply. It can also result from higher input costs, such as food and energy prices, which push up overall prices and erode the purchasing power of money. As a result, people can afford fewer goods and services with the same income. While wages may adjust over time, most households find themselves allocating a larger share of their income to essentials like food and rent, thereby reducing their disposable income.

The Upside of Moderate Inflation

Inflation, when moderate, is not inherently bad. In fact, it can stimulate economic activity during times of underutilised resources. Increased consumer spending, spurred by expectations of rising prices, drives higher production and job creation. This idea aligns with Keynesian economics, which warns against the “Paradox of Thrift”—the tendency for consumers to reduce spending during falling prices, thereby deepening economic slowdowns. Moderate inflation also benefits debtors by reducing the real burden of debt repayments over time, particularly aiding homeowners with fixed-rate mortgages.

Who Gains from Inflation

Certain groups benefit more from inflation. Debtors and individuals with fixed-rate mortgages gain because they repay loans with money that is less valuable over time. Employees in stable jobs also fare better as their income may keep pace with inflation, and holders of foreign currencies benefit from a weakening domestic currency, which boosts the relative value of their assets.

The Risks of High Inflation

However, inflation becomes problematic when it rises too high. Excessive inflation rapidly erodes purchasing power, leading to decreased consumer confidence, increased borrowing costs, and potential job losses. It makes large purchases like homes unaffordable and disproportionately affects fixed-income earners and long-term bond investors whose returns lag behind inflation. High inflation introduces instability and weakens the overall economic environment.

Low Inflation and Its Impact on Government Finances

Despite real GDP growing at a robust 7.8% in the April–June 2025 quarter, nominal GDP growth stood at only 8.8%, falling short of the government’s budgeted assumption of 10.1%. This shortfall has significant implications, as nominal GDP, which includes inflation, is the foundation for fiscal projections, including tax revenue forecasts.

Budget Expectations vs Reality

The Union Budget for 2025–26 projected India’s nominal GDP at ₹357 lakh crore, with an expected tax revenue growth of nearly 11%. However, consistently low inflation has subdued nominal GDP growth, weakening the government’s ability to raise sufficient revenue. This mismatch between projections and reality is already exerting pressure on public finances.

Impact on Tax Collections

The fiscal impact is evident in revenue trends. With WPI inflation averaging only 0.1% and CPI inflation at 2.4% for the current fiscal year, tax inflows have slowed considerably. Between April and July, gross tax revenue increased by just 1% year-on-year, while net tax revenue actually declined by 7.5%. Although consumers are enjoying price stability, the government is facing tighter fiscal constraints, making it increasingly difficult to meet its FY26 budgetary goals.

Challenges in Meeting Nominal GDP Targets

·       Historically, actual nominal GDP growth has often diverged from Budget assumptions. Over the past 13 years, nominal GDP growth has undershot expectations in nine instances. However, three of the last four years did see nominal growth exceeding budgeted figures. This trend underlines the inherent volatility and difficulty in accurately forecasting nominal GDP.

·       The GDP base for 2024–25 has been revised upward by 2% to ₹331 lakh crore. This revision lowers the nominal GDP growth required for 2025–26 to around 8% in order to meet the Budget’s target of ₹357 lakh crore. Despite this reduced threshold, meeting it remains critical for maintaining fiscal metrics such as the targeted fiscal deficit of 4.4% and the debt-to-GDP ratio of 56.1%, assuming the fiscal deficit stays within the estimated range.

·       Economists are becoming increasingly cautious about the fiscal outlook for FY26. Many, including Morgan Stanley, now expect nominal GDP growth to fall short of the Budget’s 10.1% projection, forecasting growth as low as 8.3%. This suggests a continued slowdown from the April–June quarter’s 8.8% nominal growth. Moreover, upcoming reductions in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates are expected to further suppress inflation. While this may benefit consumers, it will also likely depress nominal GDP growth even further, exacerbating fiscal challenges.

Low Inflation: Interpreting the Underlying Causes

·       It is important to understand that low inflation is not inherently a negative indicator; its implications depend on its root causes. If driven by supply-side improvements, it reflects healthy economic conditions and sufficient demand. However, if low inflation is caused by weak consumer demand, it becomes a cause for concern. A recent RBI study highlighted that in the April–June period, private sector companies recorded sales growth of 5.5% but net profit growth of 17.6%. In the manufacturing sector, profits surged by 27.7% despite modest sales growth of 5.3%, largely due to falling global commodity prices.

·       Despite these strong profit margins and healthy cash reserves, capital expenditure by companies remains muted. This reluctance to invest suggests that the private sector perceives demand to be weak, not that it is achieving efficiency through productivity gains. Economists interpret this trend as a warning signal, pointing to subdued demand rather than robust economic momentum, thereby raising fresh concerns about the sustainability of India''s current growth trajectory.

Supreme Court Ruling on Anand Marriage Act: Sikh Marriage Rights and the Broader Legal Debate

The Supreme Court of India has issued a directive to 17 states and eight Union Territories, mandating them to formulate rules within four months for the registration of Sikh marriages under the Anand Marriage Act, 1909. Until such rules are established, marriages solemnised through the Sikh religious ceremony, Anand Karaj, must continue to be registered under existing general marriage laws. The Court’s order seeks to create uniform legal recognition of Sikh marriages throughout the country. However, while the ruling addresses the procedural lapse of non-registration, it has also drawn criticism. Legal scholars and community advocates argue that the order fails to confront deeper inadequacies within the Act itself, leaving several substantive issues unaddressed.

Anand Marriage Act and the 2012 Amendment

·       Anand Karaj, translated as “blissful union,” is the traditional Sikh marriage ceremony performed in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. During the ceremony, the couple circles the Guru Granth Sahib four times while sacred hymns, or laavan, composed by Guru Ram Das—the fourth Sikh Guru—are recited. These verses spiritually outline the path of a married couple’s life together. In recognition of this distinct ritual, the Anand Marriage Act was enacted in 1909 to legally validate Sikh marriages and differentiate them from Hindu customs.

·       However, the original Act did not include any provisions for the registration of these marriages. This gap remained unaddressed for over a century, until the Anand Marriage (Amendment) Act, 2012 introduced Section 6, which obligates states to establish rules for registering marriages conducted under the Act. Once a marriage is registered under the Anand Marriage Act, the couple is exempt from registering under any other marriage law.

State Inaction and the Supreme Court’s Directive

·       Despite the 2012 Amendment, the majority of states and Union Territories failed to implement the necessary rules for registration, effectively depriving Sikh couples of legal documentation vital for civil purposes such as residence status, maintenance, inheritance, succession, and insurance. In response to this prolonged inaction, petitions were filed in the Supreme Court in 2022. Petitioners argued that the absence of registration rules resulted in unequal access to legal rights, thereby marginalising the Sikh community within the country’s secular legal framework.

·       Acknowledging the constitutional implications, the Court directed all states and Union Territories to create and notify workable rules within four months. It emphasised that Anand Karaj marriages, as legitimate religious ceremonies, must be given equal status in the civil domain. Importantly, the Court clarified that no marriage registration application under the Anand Act may be denied merely because the state has not yet framed the required rules, thereby placing an affirmative obligation on the states to comply.

The Continuing Debate on Sikh Marriage Law

·       Although the Anand Marriage Act, along with its 2012 amendment, grants legal recognition to Sikh marriages, most Sikh couples in India continue to register their marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. This law not only governs marriage registration but also regulates divorce, maintenance, and other matrimonial matters. In contrast, the Anand Marriage Act remains silent on these critical issues, offering no legal framework for dispute resolution or dissolution of marriage.

·       As a result, Sikhs are compelled to rely on Hindu legal provisions, which many view as undermining their distinct religious identity. Community leaders, legal experts, and scholars have called for a more comprehensive personal law for Sikhs—on par with those available to Muslims and Christians—which would include provisions for divorce, maintenance, and succession. Critics argue that the Anand Marriage Act, which remains only about a page in length, serves more as a symbolic recognition of Sikh identity rather than a functional legal code. Its minimal content fails to ensure substantive legal rights or fully acknowledge the community’s distinct status.

The Legal and Civic Importance of Marriage Registration

·       In its ruling, the Supreme Court underscored the critical role that marriage registration plays in a modern, secular society. Registration provides essential legal documentation necessary for asserting rights related to residence, maintenance, inheritance, insurance claims, succession, and the enforcement of monogamy. It also serves to protect the rights of women and children within marital relationships.

·       The Court highlighted the importance of ensuring that all marriages—including those conducted through Anand Karaj—are registered with the same legal weight and procedural formality as other religious or civil ceremonies. Such parity, the Court noted, not only respects the religious sentiments of Sikhs but also promotes civic equality and uniformity in the legal system.

·       In conclusion, while the Supreme Court’s recent directive marks a necessary and overdue step towards procedural equity for Sikh marriages, it has reignited the broader debate on the inadequacy of the Anand Marriage Act itself. The demand for a more robust, inclusive, and fully functional Sikh personal law remains a pressing concern for those advocating for true legal recognition of the community’s unique religious and cultural identity.

Mana Mitra: Andhra Pradesh’s WhatsApp Governance Model – A Blueprint for Digital India

Context

·       The state of Andhra Pradesh has significantly expanded its WhatsApp-based governance platform, Mana Mitra, from offering just over 200 services to now covering 738 citizen services across 36 departments. Recognised as a best practice by the Centre, this model is now being considered for nationwide replication as part of India''s broader push for digital governance.

·       Launched in January 2025, Mana Mitra is India’s first WhatsApp-based governance platform, designed to digitally deliver public services. It consolidates various services from 36 departments into a single, mobile-accessible window, minimizing the need for physical visits to government offices and bringing governance directly to citizens through a familiar, user-friendly interface.

Objectives of Mana Mitra

Mana Mitra was developed with multiple strategic aims:

• Ease of Access: It simplifies citizen interaction with the state by offering services over WhatsApp—a platform already widely used—thus reducing the need to visit government offices.
• Transparency and Trust: All issued certificates come with QR codes linked to official websites, helping eliminate fraudulent documentation.
• Inclusivity: The platform is particularly beneficial for rural and marginalized populations, offering them easy and direct access to services without requiring complex apps or devices.
• Single Number Access: Citizens can begin using the service by messaging 9552300009 on WhatsApp.
• Menu-Driven Interaction: A WhatsApp chatbot guides users through a structured menu offering services in domains like education, revenue, transportation (RTC), endowments, tourism, and tax payments.
• Instant Document Delivery: Users receive documents such as income certificates, caste certificates, hall tickets, etc., digitally, verified via QR codes.
• Real-Time Governance Dashboard: The platform includes a live dashboard that tracks requests and delivery timelines, ensuring transparency and administrative oversight.
• Next-Gen Tech Integration: Planned upgrades include AI-driven chatbots, voice-based interactions, and blockchain-backed authentication for enhanced security and seamless digital service delivery.

Key Features

Mana Mitra brings together a range of functionalities and innovations:

• Comprehensive Service Coverage: With 738 services across 36 departments, the platform is one of the most extensive digital governance systems in the country.
• User-Friendly Interface: Users initiate interaction by simply sending “Hi” via WhatsApp. Key services—such as certificate issuance and tax payment—are processed and delivered digitally within minutes.
• Security and Verification: All documents issued carry QR codes to verify authenticity. Blockchain technology is being integrated to further safeguard transactions and identities.
• Global-Class Infrastructure: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Meta provides robust backend systems, security features, and scalability.
• Futuristic Roadmap: In its next phase, the platform will integrate AI chatbots, voice-based services, and more intelligent dashboard capabilities to elevate user experience and operational efficiency.

Significance and Impact

Mana Mitra has emerged as a flagship initiative in redefining governance in India:

• Citizen-Centric Governance: It brings government services directly to citizens’ mobile phones, eliminating middlemen, reducing bureaucracy, and aligning with the central vision of "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance."
• Time and Cost Efficiency: The platform reduces the need for travel, physical paperwork, and delays, while also cutting down on government processing costs through automation.
• Digital Inclusion: With over 500 million WhatsApp users in India, even those in rural or low-income areas can now access services without needing to navigate complex portals or download new apps.
• Improved Administrative Efficiency: Real-time dashboards enable quicker approvals, faster grievance redressal, and better policy monitoring—thereby enhancing trust in public institutions.
• Model for Replication: The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has recognized Mana Mitra as a national model, making it a potential template for other states and central services.

Challenges to Address

Despite its success, Mana Mitra faces several implementation and policy challenges:

• Digital Divide: Many tribal and remote areas lack stable internet connectivity, potentially leaving out vulnerable populations who could benefit the most.
• Cybersecurity Threats: Risks like phishing attacks or fake WhatsApp accounts require the establishment of secure identity verification mechanisms and robust encryption.
• Capacity Building: Effective usage of the platform necessitates training frontline government staff to resolve digital queries and manage tech-based complaints.
• Data Privacy Concerns: The platform must comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023 to prevent misuse of sensitive citizen data.
• Scalability Issues: The backend must be equipped to handle high-volume, simultaneous service requests without technical failures or downtime.

Way Forward

To realize its full potential and ensure successful replication, the following steps are essential:

• AI Integration: Deploy predictive AI and multilingual voice bots to personalise citizen services and increase accessibility across linguistic and literacy barriers.
• Strengthen Cybersecurity: Introduce two-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, and blockchain verification for enhanced security and data integrity.
• Promote Digital Literacy: Conduct awareness campaigns and training programs, especially targeting women, the elderly, and marginalized communities, to increase usage and digital confidence.
• Legislative Framework: Enact legal provisions to formalize WhatsApp governance, define roles and responsibilities, and ensure transparency and accountability.
• National Integration: Expand Mana Mitra’s scope by linking it with national platforms such as DigiLocker, UPI, and CoWIN, creating a unified citizen services ecosystem accessible from anywhere in India.

Conclusion

Mana Mitra is a transformational innovation in the realm of e-governance, offering a scalable, citizen-first solution that delivers speed, transparency, and inclusivity. By leveraging the ubiquity of WhatsApp, it bridges the digital divide and redefines how people interact with the state. If expanded nationally with strong institutional support and security frameworks, Mana Mitra could become a foundational pillar of Viksit Bharat 2047’s Digital Governance Vision—bringing the promise of efficient, inclusive, and tech-driven governance to every citizen’s fingertips.

Semiconductor Designers Power India’s Chip Dreams: A Strategic Leap Toward Global Tech Leadership

Context

India is rapidly positioning itself as a global semiconductor hub, having approved 10 semiconductor fabrication and assembly projects under the ₹76,000 crore Semicon India Mission. Simultaneously, India’s chip design ecosystem is flourishing, with the country now home to 20% of the world’s semiconductor design engineers. This dual thrust—on design and manufacturing—is shaping India’s ambition to become a key player in the global semiconductor value chain.

India’s Semiconductor Design and Manufacturing Landscape

·       India has emerged as a design powerhouse, with around 1.25 lakh semiconductor design engineers and over 3,000 chips being designed annually. The government’s policy interventions, including the Semicon India Programme, offer significant capital support—50% from the Centre and an additional 20–25% from states—for semiconductor fabrication, assembly, and testing units.

·       Manufacturing infrastructure is also beginning to take shape. Micron’s ₹22,500 crore ATMP facility in Gujarat, currently under construction, is expected to commence operations in 2024. To ensure a future-ready workforce, the Chips to Startup (C2S) initiative aims to train 85,000 engineers over five years.

·       India’s domestic consumption of semiconductors is projected to reach $110 billion by 2030, accounting for nearly 10% of global demand, creating a solid economic case for indigenous capability.

Key Drivers Behind India’s Semiconductor Surge

Several macro and microeconomic factors are propelling India’s semiconductor ambitions:

• Geopolitical Realignment: The global “China+1” strategy is driving supply chain diversification, with India emerging as a preferred destination for semiconductor investments.
• Consumer Market Strength: India is the second-largest smartphone manufacturer and the fastest-growing consumer electronics market, offering a vast domestic base for semiconductors.
• Supportive Policy Ecosystem: Schemes such as PLI (Production Linked Incentive), DLI (Design Linked Incentive), and SPECS (Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors) have made India more globally competitive by offsetting cost disadvantages.
• Skilled Talent Pool: With over 8 lakh engineers graduating annually, and growing access to EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tools, India has seen a democratization of chip design talent.
• Academic and Industry Collaborations: Leading institutions like IITs, IISc, and IIITs are actively collaborating with global firms such as Synopsys, Cadence, and Lam Research, focusing on cutting-edge R&D in semiconductor technologies.

Economic and Strategic Implications

The rise of India’s semiconductor sector has far-reaching implications:

• High-Value Employment Generation: Jobs in this sector have a 6.7x multiplier effect, driving employment across related industries and services.
• Export Growth Potential: Electronics exports are expected to quintuple by 2026, helping reduce India’s electronics trade deficit and enhancing export competitiveness.
• National Security and Strategic Autonomy: Building domestic chip production capabilities is critical for defence, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers.
• Boost to Innovation: Increased patent filings and IP generation in chip design can significantly enhance India''s position in the global innovation ecosystem.
• Balanced Regional Development: The emergence of new semiconductor hubs in Gujarat, Karnataka, and Odisha is helping decentralize growth and create high-tech job clusters beyond traditional urban centres.

Flagship Government Initiatives

India’s strategic vision for the semiconductor sector is being implemented through a range of focused programs:

• Semicon India Programme (₹76,000 Cr): Provides 50% capital assistance for the establishment of fabs, ATMP/OSAT units, and display manufacturing facilities.
• Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme: Offers up to 50% of eligible R&D costs to support fabless startups and promote indigenous chip design.
• Chips to Startup (C2S) Programme: Aims to train 85,000 engineers and extend free access to EDA tools to over 100 academic institutions, enabling hands-on skill development.
• PLI Scheme for IT Hardware and Electronics: Encourages domestic manufacturing of devices like smartphones, servers, and laptops, increasing downstream demand for chips.

Challenges That Persist

Despite promising momentum, India faces several structural and execution challenges:

• High Capital Intensity: Building semiconductor fabs requires $10–15 billion per unit. Long-term, predictable subsidies and fiscal support are crucial to stay globally competitive.
• Talent Readiness Gap: Although India produces a large volume of engineers, only a fraction are industry-ready for semiconductor roles. Specialized training programs must scale up rapidly.
• Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Stable electricity, ultra-pure water, and high-quality logistics are non-negotiable for chip manufacturing, and gaps in these areas pose major roadblocks.
• Funding Constraints: Long gestation periods and capital-heavy requirements deter venture capital interest in semiconductor startups.
• Policy Uncertainty: Sudden tariff changes or regulatory shifts can disrupt investor confidence, highlighting the need for predictable and consistent policies.

Strategic Recommendations and the Road Ahead

To ensure long-term success and global competitiveness, India must pursue a multi-pronged strategy:

• Prioritise Legacy Nodes: Instead of competing in cutting-edge 3nm nodes, India should focus on 28nm and higher processes suitable for automotive, IoT, and energy sectors, where demand is high and technical entry barriers are lower.
• Increase R&D Investment: India’s public and private sectors must work towards raising R&D expenditure from 0.7% to 1.5% of GDP, creating a stronger innovation pipeline.
• Adopt Risk-Sharing Models: Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) should be structured to de-risk early-stage capital investment, while maintaining market efficiency and accountability.
• Develop Semiconductor Clusters: Ecosystems must be built near universities and industrial corridors, combining education, industry, and infrastructure in one geographic location.
• Expand Global Partnerships: Strengthening cooperation under the India-US Semiconductor MoU and establishing tech-transfer partnerships with Japan, Taiwan, and the EU can provide the necessary technological and strategic leverage.

Conclusion

Semiconductors represent the “commanding heights” of the digital economy, and India’s emergence as a global design centre offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lead in the technology space. With strong policy backing, a skilled talent base, and rising domestic demand, India is well-positioned to move beyond chip assembly and become a global innovation leader. However, this potential can only be realised through strategic execution, deep ecosystem development, and stable, long-term policy frameworks. India must not just build chips—it must build capabilities that power the digital future.

Ministry of Commerce and Industry Launches Key Initiatives to Boost India''s Logistics Sector

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has unveiled a series of strategic initiatives aimed at improving the performance, efficiency, and global competitiveness of India''s logistics sector. These efforts are part of a broader national vision to lower logistics costs, enhance infrastructure, and digitize operations, in line with the government’s commitment to making India a global supply chain hub. The newly launched initiatives include a comprehensive cost assessment, integrated planning frameworks, advanced tracking systems, and performance benchmarking tools.

Assessment of Logistics Cost in India Report

A landmark report prepared by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) provides a data-driven estimate of India’s logistics costs.

• For FY 2023–24, logistics costs are estimated at 7.97% of India’s GDP, amounting to approximately ₹24.01 lakh crore.
• Within this, road transport emerges as the largest cost component, accounting for 41.7%, followed by storage and warehousing.
• The report offers critical insights that will serve as a baseline for measuring future improvements in logistics efficiency and cost competitiveness.

Integrated State and City Logistics Plans

Launched under the SMILE (Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem) Programme, this initiative is a collaborative effort with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

• The SMILE Programme seeks to establish a unified logistics policy framework, streamline multimodal operations, and improve service delivery across the supply chain.
• The initiative begins with eight pilot cities across eight states, aiming to:
• Assess the current state of logistics infrastructure,
• Identify existing bottlenecks and service gaps,
• Formulate state- and city-specific logistics plans to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• These integrated plans will play a pivotal role in shaping localised policy interventions and investments aligned with national logistics goals.

Logistics Data Bank (LDB) 2.0

To enhance end-to-end visibility in cargo movement, the Ministry launched the LDB 2.0 platform, developed by NICDC Logistics Data Services (NLDSL) under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme.

• LDB 2.0 introduces real-time tracking of export containers on high seas, providing exporters and importers with greater visibility into shipment status.
• It also supports multi-modal shipment visibility, integrating data from road, rail, and sea transport channels.
• This upgraded platform aims to reduce dwell times, improve planning, and strengthen supply chain predictability.

Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2025

Inspired by the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index, the LEADS initiative is designed to benchmark and enhance logistics performance across Indian States and Union Territories.

• LEADS 2025 introduces a more granular, data-driven assessment model.
• Key new features include:
• Performance evaluation of 5–7 key logistics corridors, focusing on journey time, truck speeds, and waiting periods,
• API-based evaluation of section-wise speeds on major road corridors, providing real-time analytics for policy and operational planning.
• This ranking framework will help states identify areas of improvement and drive competitive federalism in logistics reforms.

Conclusion

These initiatives mark a significant step in India’s ambition to transform its logistics sector into a cost-efficient, technology-driven, and globally integrated ecosystem. With the logistics cost still high compared to global benchmarks, these targeted interventions aim to lower costs, reduce delays, and enhance multimodal integration. Collectively, these reforms promise to strengthen India’s competitiveness in manufacturing and exports while fostering economic decentralization and regional development.

Yuan Wang 5: China’s Surveillance Ship Returns Near India

·       The Chinese surveillance vessel Yuan Wang 5 has once again entered waters close to India, marking its return three years after it last docked at Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port. Originally launched in 2007, Yuan Wang 5 belongs to a series of advanced tracking ships developed by China to support strategic space missions and missile testing operations. It is operated by the Strategic Support Force of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

·       Yuan Wang 5 serves as a vital node in China’s military surveillance network, offering near-real-time situational awareness to the PLA’s Rocket Force and Navy. Its core function includes the validation of China’s newest generations of intercontinental ballistic missiles and hypersonic weapons, primarily by collecting telemetry data that ensures the accuracy, performance, and readiness of these strategic systems.

·       Structurally, the ship displaces around 25,000 tons and stretches over 222 metres in length with a beam exceeding 25 metres. It has the capacity to house up to 400 personnel. Driven by diesel engines, the ship generates sufficient electricity to power a small town of approximately 300,000 residents. With the endurance to remain on station for weeks, it can monitor critical missile test windows or support naval exercises without requiring external support.

·       The ship is equipped with a sophisticated suite of phased-array radar systems capable of detecting ballistic missile launches from distances greater than 3,000 kilometers. These radars track missile trajectories through all stages of flight—boost, midcourse, and reentry—while simultaneously gathering telemetry data related to propulsion efficiency, warhead separation, and guidance systems.

·       In addition to missile tracking, the vessel includes satellite-tracking antennas that are capable of following satellites across low-Earth, geostationary, and deep-space orbits. These antennas function across multiple frequency bands, allowing the ship to monitor both civilian and military launches. Furthermore, the vessel is fitted with electronic support measures (ESM) that enable it to intercept radar and communication signals from foreign naval vessels and aircraft in its vicinity.

Bagram Air Base: US Efforts Rebuffed by Taliban

·       Four years after the United States’ chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban administration has declined a recent effort by former US President Donald Trump to regain control of Bagram Air Base. Located north of Kabul, Bagram is Afghanistan’s largest air base and occupies a pivotal geostrategic position at the intersection of Iran, Pakistan, China’s Xinjiang province, and Central Asia.

·       Originally constructed during the Cold War by the Soviet Union, the air base supported Soviet operations for decades until their withdrawal in the late 1980s. Later, the United States refurbished and expanded the base, making it a central command hub during its two-decade-long military presence in Afghanistan.

·       Bagram was critical to US operations against the Taliban and Al Qaeda since 2001. At its operational peak in 2012, the base saw over 100,000 American troops pass through its sprawling compound. Its infrastructure included long runways, hardened aircraft shelters, hospitals, fuel depots, and even fast-food outlets and retail stores catering to American forces. Additionally, it housed a vast prison complex.

·       Following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, the base came under their control after US forces vacated it in July 2021. This withdrawal was seen as a symbolic end to America’s 20-year military involvement in the region.

Recognition of Palestinian Statehood Gains Momentum

·       The governments of the United Kingdom, Canada, Portugal, and Australia have formally recognised the State of Palestine, joining over 140 United Nations member states in extending such recognition. This international development highlights growing support for Palestinian statehood on the global stage.

·       India recognised Palestine as a sovereign state in 1988 and has recently reinforced its stance by voting in favour of a resolution at the UN General Assembly that supports the ''New York Declaration'' advocating a peaceful settlement and the implementation of the Two-State Solution.

·       Recognition of a state is the formal process through which an existing state acknowledges the sovereignty of a new entity. This process is governed by principles outlined in Article 1 of the 1933 Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States. According to this convention, the criteria for statehood include a permanent population, a clearly defined territory, an established government, and the ability to engage in diplomatic relations with other states.

·       When a state is recognised, it acquires the ability to establish diplomatic relations and enter into treaties with other nations. Furthermore, recognition allows the state to enjoy the rights and privileges of international statehood, including the potential for UN membership. However, while Palestine is currently recognised as a UN “Permanent Observer State,” it has not attained full member status.

·       It is important to note that the recognition of states or governments is a sovereign act carried out exclusively by other states. The United Nations itself, being neither a state nor a government, lacks the authority to grant such recognition. Nevertheless, the UN does have the capacity to admit a new state into its membership or acknowledge the credentials of a new government’s representatives.

Baltic Sea: Strategic Significance and Recent Airspace Incident

·       Germany’s air force recently scrambled two Eurofighter jets to monitor a Russian IL-20M military aircraft that entered neutral airspace over the Baltic Sea. The operation ended with NATO partners in Sweden assuming escort duties.

·       The Baltic Sea, a semi-enclosed arm of the Atlantic Ocean in Northern Europe, extends from southern Denmark toward the Arctic Circle, separating the Scandinavian Peninsula from mainland Europe. The sea includes distinct geographic zones such as the Gulf of Bothnia, Gulf of Finland, Gulf of Riga, and the Baltic Proper. It connects to the North Sea through the Danish straits—Kattegat and Skagerrak—and via the Kiel Canal.

·       Formed 10,000 to 15,000 years ago after the last Ice Age, the Baltic Sea spans approximately 1,600 km in length and 193 km in width, covering an area of about 377,000 sq km. Its waters are lower in salinity compared to oceans due to limited exchange with the Atlantic and a high influx of freshwater. The Neva is its largest contributing river.

·       The Baltic coastline is shared by Sweden, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Estonia, Germany, Denmark, and Russia, encompassing around 8,000 km. It contains over 20 islands and archipelagos, including Gotland, the largest island, located off Sweden’s coast. The White Sea-Baltic Canal (opened in 1993) connects the sea to the Arctic Ocean, while the Kiel Canal (since 1895) links it to the North Sea, enhancing its strategic and commercial value.

Lactifluus khasianus: New Edible Mushroom Species Found in Meghalaya

·       Researchers have formally identified a new species of edible mushroom, now named Lactifluus khasianus, which has long been known to the Khasi tribal communities of Meghalaya by the indigenous name "Tit iongnah." This newly documented species was discovered in the East Khasi Hills region and belongs to the Lactifluus sect. Gerardii. It stands out for its distinctive chocolate-brown cap, unique microscopic characteristics, and specific genetic markers.

·       The mushroom thrives in symbiotic association with the Khasi pine (Pinus kesiya) and is typically found at elevations around 1,600 metres. Although it bears resemblance to Lactifluus gerardii, a widely found species across North America and Asia, L. khasianus differentiates itself through larger cystidia—specialized fungal cells—and unique DNA sequences.

·       This species becomes the fifth member of this section to be confirmed in India and notably, the first identified as edible. However, for the Khasi people, Lactifluus khasianus is far from a new discovery. Known for generations as “Tit iongnah,” it has been traditionally gathered from forest floors during the monsoon, sold in local markets, and enjoyed as a seasonal delicacy.

Chenab River: Hydropower Strategy and Sawalkote Dam Revival

·       India’s strategy to harness the hydropower potential of the Chenab River has come into renewed focus with the revival of the previously stalled Sawalkote dam project. The Chenab is a vital tributary of the Indus River, formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga streams in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul and Spiti districts. In its upper stretches, it is also known as the Chandrabhaga.

·       The river traverses through Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir before eventually merging with the Sutlej after receiving the Jhelum near Trimmu. Its left-bank tributaries include the Niru, Tawi, Neeru, and Liddrari, while the right-bank tributaries are Ans, Bhut Nalla, Bichleri, Kalnai, Marusudar, and Miyar Nalla.

·       Major dams constructed on the Chenab include the Salal (a rockfill dam), Aalal (a concrete dam), Baglihar, and Dul. The Chenab’s waters are governed under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960, signed between India and Pakistan with the World Bank as mediator. Under the treaty, the three eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—are allocated to India, while the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—are mainly designated for Pakistan’s use.

Indrayani River

·       The State Level Technical Committee (SLTC) has recently sanctioned two sewage treatment plant (STP) projects in Pimpri-Chinchwad along the Indrayani River, aiming to mitigate water pollution and improve the river’s ecological health.

·       The Indrayani River, situated in Maharashtra, serves as a tributary of the Bhima River, which in turn joins the Krishna River. Originating in the Western Ghats near the hill station of Lonavala, along the Mumbai-Pune Highway, the river is primarily rain-fed. It meanders through Pune district before merging with the Bhima River at Tulapur, covering a total stretch of 105.3 kilometers.

·       The river holds significant religious value. Two prominent spiritual towns—Alandi and Dehu—are located along its banks. Dehu is venerated as the birthplace of the saint-poet Tukaram, a revered figure in Maharashtra’s Bhakti tradition, while Alandi houses the samadhi of the saint Dnyaneshwar.

·       Besides its spiritual and cultural prominence, the Indrayani River also traverses the industrial town of Pimpri-Chinchwad, serving as a crucial water source for irrigation and agriculture in the region. The Valvan Dam at Kamshet, situated on this river, functions as a hydroelectric generating station, underlining the river’s utility in energy production as well.

Super Typhoon Ragasa Approaches the Philippines

·       The Philippines has suspended work and educational activities in anticipation of the arrival of Super Typhoon Ragasa, which is rapidly approaching the northern region of Luzon. With maximum gusts reaching up to 250 km/h, the typhoon poses a severe threat to the area.

·       Super Typhoon Ragasa, locally known as “Nando,” has been classified as a Category 5 storm, one of the most powerful in recent memory. It features sustained wind speeds of approximately 205 km/h, with gusts peaking at 250 km/h. This makes it among the strongest typhoons to impact northern Luzon in recent years.

·       The typhoon originated over the western Pacific Ocean, where favourable conditions such as warm ocean waters and low wind shear facilitated its rapid intensification. Ragasa is currently progressing through the Luzon Strait and is expected to impact the Babuyan Islands before moving in the direction of southern China.

Geographical and Political Context of the Philippines

·       Situated in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is an archipelagic country located in the western Pacific Ocean, comprising over 7,000 islands. It lies approximately 800 kilometres east of Vietnam and is part of the geologically active Pacific “Ring of Fire.”

·       Manila, the capital, serves as the political hub of the country. The Philippines shares maritime borders with several neighbours: to the north lies Taiwan across the Luzon Strait; to the west is Vietnam across the South China Sea; and to the south are Malaysia (specifically Sabah on Borneo) and Indonesia, separated by the Sulu and Celebes Seas.

·       Geographically, the country is divided into three main island groups: Luzon in the north, the Visayas in the central region, and Mindanao in the south. Its landscape is marked by numerous mountains and volcanoes, including active ones like Mayon and Taal, making it particularly vulnerable to earthquakes and eruptions. Culturally, the Philippines is characterised by a unique blend of Asian and Western influences and is one of only two nations in Asia with a Roman Catholic majority.

Clean Plant Programme (CPP)

·       The Clean Plant Programme, recently approved by the Union Cabinet, is witnessing accelerated implementation across the country.

·       Spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank, the CPP is a transformative initiative designed to supply farmers with premium, virus-free planting material of critical fruit crops. It is being executed by the National Horticulture Board (NHB) in partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

·       Key components of the programme include the establishment of nine Clean Plant Centers (CPCs), which will offer disease diagnostics, develop certified mother plants for commercial nurseries, and handle the quarantine of all domestic and imported planting materials. These CPCs will anchor large-scale nursery infrastructure, enabling the mass multiplication of clean planting materials for nationwide distribution.

·       To ensure quality control and transparency, a comprehensive regulatory and certification framework will be instituted. This will allow for complete accountability and traceability of planting materials throughout the supply chain.

Project Vijayak: BRO’s Strategic Connectivity Mission in Ladakh

·       Project Vijayak, a flagship initiative of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), recently marked its 15th Raising Day with a celebration in Kargil, Ladakh. Established in 2010, the project derives its name from Operation Vijay, symbolizing its alignment with both the historical battlefield and the modern-day operational area of responsibility.

·       Project Vijayak was tasked with enhancing road connectivity across Kargil and Zanskar—regions that were earlier managed under Project Himank. Specifically, the project undertook the development of two critical lines of communication in the Western Indus Corridor: the Zojila-Kargil-Leh axis and the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha axis. These routes are vital for bolstering India’s military logistics and strategic preparedness along the Line of Control (LC).

·       Beyond infrastructure development, Project Vijayak has played a transformative role in socio-economic development within the region. The initiative has also prioritized the welfare of its Casual Paid Labourers by providing insulated shelters, improved sanitation facilities, advanced protective gear, winter clothing, and regular health camps to ensure their safety and well-being.

National Archives of India: Golden Jubilee of the National Committee of Archivists

·       The National Archives of India (NAI) recently hosted the 50th Golden Jubilee Meeting of the National Committee of Archivists (NCA). The NAI serves as the primary custodian of India’s government records deemed to have enduring value.

·       Established originally as the Imperial Record Department in Kolkata on 11 March 1891, it was relocated to New Delhi in 1911. The Archives is now governed by the Public Records Act, 1993, and the Public Records Rules, 1997, and does not store classified documents. A considerable portion of its records are in languages such as Sanskrit, Persian, and Odia.

·       Functioning under the Ministry of Culture and headed by the Director General of Archives, the NAI also coordinates the preservation and accessibility of public records. Its central office is located in New Delhi, with one regional office in Bhopal and three record centres in Bhubaneswar, Jaipur, and Puducherry.

Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2025

·       During the decade-long celebration of the Make in India initiative, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry launched the LEADS 2025 report in New Delhi.

·       LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different States) is a national index and survey that evaluates the logistics ecosystems across India’s states and union territories. Designed to identify gaps and promote best practices, it seeks to boost overall logistics performance and reduce associated costs.

·       Published by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the LEADS initiative aims to benchmark state-level logistics performance, guide policy reforms, and enhance infrastructure planning and capacity building.

·       The evaluation parameters include infrastructure quality (such as roads, warehousing, and multimodal connectivity), logistics service availability and reliability, efficiency metrics like truck turnaround time and clearance ease, state-level policy support, and stakeholder perception on aspects such as cost and reliability.

·       LEADS 2025 introduces several notable features, including performance tracking along major national corridors based on journey time and truck speed, API-based real-time data for analytics, and classification of states into Leaders, Achievers, and Aspirers to encourage healthy competition. A digital dashboard has also been launched to allow states and union territories to track and improve their logistics performance continuously.

Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Corridor

·       A crucial 4.88-kilometer tunnel breakthrough has been completed between Ghansoli and Shilphata, marking a major achievement in the ongoing development of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor.

·       The MAHSR project represents India’s inaugural bullet train initiative, spanning 508 kilometers between Mumbai in Maharashtra and Ahmedabad in Gujarat. Employing cutting-edge Japanese Shinkansen technology, the trains are designed to operate at 320 km/h, reducing travel time between the two cities to just over two hours.

·       The project is being executed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) with both technical and financial support from Japan.

·       Out of the total length, 348 kilometers lie in Gujarat, 156 kilometers in Maharashtra, and 4 kilometers in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The corridor will feature 12 stations, including major stops at Mumbai BKC, Thane, Surat, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad, enhancing regional connectivity and linking key economic hubs.

·       The infrastructure includes a 21-kilometer tunnel (with a 7-kilometer undersea segment), 320 kilometers of viaducts, 17 river bridges, and 9 steel bridges, exemplifying world-class engineering standards. Trains will utilize the Japanese E5/E10 series, incorporating advanced signaling systems, automatic train control, and the highest safety protocols.

·       The project is expected to generate substantial economic benefits, including employment creation and industrial stimulation. It will also facilitate the transfer of Japanese high-speed rail technology to India and support the development of skilled manpower. Most importantly, the corridor is anticipated to strengthen urbanization and regional integration between Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Supercomputers vs Normal Computers

·       Germany has recently inaugurated JUPITER, Europe’s first exascale supercomputer, highlighting the intensifying global race in developing ultra-fast and energy-efficient computing infrastructure. This development has cast fresh attention on India’s National Supercomputing Mission, particularly its PARAM and AIRAWAT series.

·       Normal computers are intended for daily tasks such as web browsing, office productivity, multimedia consumption, and gaming. In contrast, supercomputers are designed for high-performance computing applications that involve solving extremely complex, data-intensive problems, including weather forecasting, nuclear research, and artificial intelligence model training.

China Activates JUNO: The World’s Largest Neutrino Detector

·       China has officially launched the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), now the world’s largest neutrino detector. Situated 700 metres beneath the Earth’s surface, the underground location helps block other interfering particles, such as muons, allowing more accurate detection of elusive neutrinos.

·       JUNO aims to address two major scientific questions: determining the mass hierarchy of neutrinos and measuring their oscillation frequency. Neutrinos exist in three types—electron, muon, and tau—each corresponding to a different fundamental particle. These types are known to oscillate or shift from one form to another, and understanding the frequency of this phenomenon is one of the observatory''s primary objectives.

·       Neutrinos are often referred to as ghost particles due to their extremely elusive nature. They possess no electric charge, have negligible mass, and are infinitesimally small. Despite being the second most abundant particles in the universe (after photons), their detection is challenging because they interact only through the weak nuclear force and gravity. Neutrinos travel in straight paths, are unaffected by magnetic fields, and move at nearly the speed of light.

·       Other major neutrino research facilities around the world include the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO), located in the Bodi West Hills of Tamil Nadu and jointly funded by India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Department of Science and Technology (DST). The IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica is another key installation, designed to study cosmic phenomena from deep within the South Pole ice. Additional observatories include China''s TRIDENT (Tropical Deep-sea Neutrino Telescope) and the United States’ DUNE (Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment).

Sarcophagus Discovery in Tamil Nadu

·       A landmark archaeological discovery has been made in Tamil Nadu, where AMS radiocarbon dating has been conducted for the first time on a terracotta sarcophagus excavated at Kilnamandi in the Tiruvannamalai district. The dating places the artifact around 1692 BCE, aligning it with the Late Harappan period.

·       The sarcophagus, a type of burial container, contained grave goods including charcoal, iron implements, pottery, and carnelian beads etched in a style associated with regions like Gujarat and Maharashtra. This suggests active trade between southern India and Harappan regions.

·       Graffiti found on the sarcophagus includes forked symbols, concentric U-shaped motifs, and wavering vertical lines—patterns bearing approximately 90% similarity with Indus Valley symbols. The graffiti’s limited distribution across certain burials implies a clan-based identity system.

·       The excavation also uncovered iron spears of 7–8 feet, collective urn burials in stone slab enclosures, and bronze objects with a high tin content—indicative of a complex, socially stratified society in ancient Tamilakam.

·       This discovery significantly alters our understanding of early trade networks, pushing back the timeline for Tamil Nadu’s graffiti tradition to the 17th century BCE and highlighting cultural connections with the northern Harappan civilization.

New Report Details Public Health Emergency from Fossil Fuels

·       The Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA) has released a comprehensive report titled “Cradle to Grave: The Health Toll of Fossil Fuels and the Imperative for a Just Transition,” which emphasises that the threat posed by fossil fuels is not merely environmental but also constitutes a significant public health emergency.

·       The report outlines how fossil fuel-related pollution affects individuals across all stages of life, from fetal development to old age. Health impacts include a wide range of conditions such as asthma, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Every stage in the fossil fuel lifecycle—including extraction, refining, transport, combustion, and disposal—releases toxic pollutants that persist in the environment and cause lasting harm to ecosystems and human populations.

·       For instance, the extraction process can release hazardous substances like benzene, heavy metals, and radioactive materials. Similarly, refining operations emit chemicals such as toluene and various volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Even long after operations have ceased, legacy pollution from abandoned sites continues to pose risks, with persistent chemicals like lead, mercury, and PFAS (“forever chemicals”) lingering in soil and water. These substances tend to accumulate in the food chain through a process known as biomagnification, thereby intensifying health risks over time.

·       The report also underscores that marginalized communities, including indigenous peoples and racial minorities, are disproportionately affected. These groups are more likely to live near mines and refineries and often face systemic barriers to accessing healthcare.

·       To address these issues, the GCHA advocates for a comprehensive and just transition away from fossil fuels. Key policy recommendations include ending the exploration and development of new fossil fuel projects, eliminating subsidies, and reallocating financial resources toward public health initiatives and clean energy solutions. Additional proposals involve enforcing stringent regulations, implementing real-time pollution monitoring, and undertaking the remediation of contaminated sites. The report also calls for the internalization of health costs using the "Polluter Pays" principle and encourages the alignment of international financial institutions and health systems with broader climate and public health objectives.