52nd G7 Summit
International
In News
- PM Modi addressed the 52nd G7 Summit Outreach Session at Évian-les-Bains, France, marking India’s 8th consecutive G7 invitation.
Key Declarations adopted
- Development Finance: Called for reforms in global development finance and debt management, including strengthening the IMF–World Bank 3-Pillar Approach and mobilizing private capital.
- IMF–World Bank 3-Pillar Approach helps vulnerable countries address liquidity challenges through structural reforms, external financial support, and reducing their debt servicing burdens.
- Ebola Response: Urged coordinated international action to contain the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda.
- Cancer Action: Committed to advancing research on cancers, reducing lung cancer mortality, and improving global access to paediatric cancer data.
- Geopolitics: Welcomed the US-Iran nuclear agreement, promoted a free and open Indo-Pacific, and expressed concern over North Korea’s nuclear programme etc.
- Migrant Smuggling: Pledged stronger action against human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks, including cooperation with online platforms.
- Drug Trafficking: Announced a G7+ Ports Network to combat maritime drug trafficking and disrupt related illicit financial flows.
Group of Seven (G7)
- Group of Seven (G7): An informal organization of seven of the world’s largest advanced economies, representing about 10% of the population and nearly 30% of global GDP.
- Members: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, and the United States.
- Presidency: Rotates annually among member states.
Telegram Ban Under Section 69A of the IT Act 2000
Polity
In News
- MeitY temporarily blocked Telegram in India under Section 69A of the IT Act 2000, on NTA’s recommendation, after criminal networks exploited the platform’s message-editing feature to defraud NEET UG 2026 re-examination candidates.
Section 69A of IT Act 2000
- It is the primary legal provision that empowers the Central Government to block public access to any digital information through any computer resource.
- Grounds for invocation – sovereignty and integrity of India, defence, security of State, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, or preventing incitement to cognisable offences.
- The Supreme Court in Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015) upheld Section 69A as constitutionally valid, describing it as a “narrowly drawn provision with several safeguards.”
Operation DRISHTI
Government Schemes
Context
- The Indian Army and Indian Air Force have launched a Mega Advanced Surgical Eye Camp under Operation DRISHTI at Military Hospital Namkum, Ranchi.
Operation DRISHTI
- It is a flagship humanitarian outreach programme of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) that combines advanced ophthalmic expertise with social service.
- Objective – to deliver specialized eye care services to remote, underserved, and geographically challenging regions of the country.
- Earlier the initiative successfully conducted eight advanced surgical eye camps across the country, including in Leh, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Bhuj, Kutch, and Bagdogra.
Aadhaar ‘misuse’
Polity
Context
- The Supreme Court sought responses from the Centre and States on a plea alleging misuse of Aadhaar cards.
About
- An Aadhaar card is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to Indian residents.
- It was introduced in 2010.
- It serves as valid proof of identity and address and is essential for availing government welfare schemes, financial services, and digital authentication.
Purpose of Aadhaar
- Unique Identification: The unique identification number serves as a universally accepted proof of identity and address.
- Social Welfare Schemes: Aadhaar streamlines the distribution of government benefits and subsidies, reducing fraud and ensuring that benefits reach the rightful recipients.
- Data-Driven Governance: Aadhaar assists in creating data-driven policies and governance by providing accurate population statistics and demographics.
Related Governance Framework
- Aadhaar Act, 2016: It is the primary law governing Aadhaar, provides the legal framework for issuance, authentication, and use of Aadhaar numbers for delivery of subsidies, benefits, and services.
- Information Technology Act, 2000: Provides legal protection against unauthorized access, data theft, hacking, and cyber offences involving Aadhaar-related information.
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: Establishes safeguards for processing and protection of personal data, including Aadhaar-linked information, and recognizes individuals’ data privacy rights.
- Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2018): It upheld the constitutional validity of Aadhaar and restricted mandatory Aadhaar linkage in several private-sector services.
- It emphasized privacy as a fundamental right and required safeguards against misuse.
Kashmir Saffron
Economy
In News
- The West Asia conflict has disrupted Iranian saffron exports, triggering a global demand surge for Kashmiri saffron.
Kashmir Saffron
- Kashmir Saffron is a premium spice grown on the Karewa lands of Jammu and Kashmir. It received a GI Tag in 2020.
Geography and Climate
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- Soil: Grows only on Karewa soils (thick, flat beds of clay and sand from old lakes).
- Altitude: High elevations of 1,600 to 1,800 meters above sea level.
- Regions: Pampore is the main area, called the “Saffron Bowl of Kashmir.”
Key Features and Types
- Unique traits: Deep red color, thick stigmas, strong smell, and zero chemical colors.
- Three types: Mongra (pure dark red threads; best quality), Lachha (dry threads with some yellow parts), and Guchhi (threads tied in bundles).
Government Steps
- National Saffron Mission: Started to fix soil, give water sprinklers, and boost crop yields.
- Saffron Bowl Project: Trying to grow saffron in Northeast India (like Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh).
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