CAG highlights inadequate preparedness in State’s disaster management
NEWS-
The report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has highlighted the vulnerabilities, inadequate preparedness in disaster management system of Karnataka
Observations
Report Analysing the efforts from 2017-18 to 2022-23 in managing calamities and risk reduction.
The report pointed out that although the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) was established in 2008, the State Disaster Management Policy was published after 12 years, only in 2020.
It said that the State Emergency Operation Centre was under-equipped in terms of human resources and infrastructure, which affected its functioning.
The Disaster Response Force Units had huge vacancies — ranging from 67% to 96% — of the sanctioned strength resulting in the units facing difficulties in carrying out duties and rescue operations’
The CAG has pointed out that although the State Action Plan for Flood Risk was established in 2021, it lacked preparation for flood management in critical sectors.
It found that 49 out of the 100 Water Level Sensors installed in Bengaluru remained non-functional as on December 2023. The State has not established a legal framework for flood infrastructure.
The Karnataka State Commission for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Amendment) Bill, 2025
News –
The Karnataka State Commission for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was tabled in the Assembly
The Bill seeks to nominate a person belonging to the ST and a woman as the members of the Karnataka State Commission for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
It also seeks to empower the Karnataka State Commission for the SC and ST to make necessary modifications in the reservation percentage of sub-classification to the members of SCs on the receipt of new data or information from the government.
The Supreme Court issued systemic directions to strengthen enforcement of anti-dowry laws.
Dowry Cases In India
NCRB’s Crime in India 2023 report confirms a 14% rise in cases under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, reaching 15,489 from 13,479 in 2022, alongside 6,156 dowry deaths nationwide.
Uttar Pradesh topped with 7,151 cases and 2,122 deaths, followed by Bihar, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
Legal Status in India
The payment of dowry has long been prohibited under specific Indian laws including the Dowry Prohibited under specific Indian law including:
Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
Mandate – To prohibit giving or taking of dowry.
Imprisonment – Anyone who violates this law is punishable with imprisonment for a term not less than five years, and fine of not less than Rs 15,000.
Citizenship Under CAA Only After Scrutiny: SC
Polity & Governance
Context
The Supreme Court of India has recently clarified that citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) is not automatic.
Applicants must meet all conditions of naturalisation, and the Union government must examine each case individually.
Key Features of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019
Purpose and Objective: The CAA amends the Citizenship Act of 1955 to provide Indian citizenship to certain persecuted minorities from neighboring countries of Pakistan, Afghanistan, or Bangladesh.
Eligible Communities: The Act specifically covers six non-Muslim religious communities of Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians.
Individuals from these communities who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, without valid travel documents or whose documents expired, are eligible for citizenship.
Exemption from ‘Illegal Migrant’ Status: Such persons shall not be treated as illegal migrants under the Act, enabling them to apply for citizenship through naturalization.
The required period of residence in India for naturalization has been reduced from 11 years to 5 years for these groups.
Applicability Exceptions: The Act does not apply to:
Tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura (as included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution).
Areas under the ‘Inner Line Permit’ system (Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur).
Connect with the basics – Pathways to Indian Citizenship
Constitutional Foundations: Articles 5–11 of Constitution of India (Part II) lays down the initial framework for citizenship at the time of its commencement:
Article 5: Grants citizenship to persons domiciled in India at the commencement of the Constitution.
Article 6: Covers migrants from Pakistan, granting citizenship under certain conditions.
Article 7: Addresses those who migrated to Pakistan but later returned.
Article 8: Provides for citizenship of Indians residing abroad.
Article 9: Bars dual citizenship, if a person voluntarily acquires citizenship of another country, they forfeit Indian citizenship.
Article 10: Ensures that existing citizens continue to enjoy rights unless terminated under law.
Article 11: Empowers Parliament to regulate citizenship by law.
Statutory Provisions: The Citizenship Act, 1955:
It provides the legal framework for acquiring and terminating Indian citizenship. Key modes of acquisition include:
By Birth (Section 3)
By Descent (Section 4)
By Registration (Section 5)
By Naturalization (Section 6)
By Incorporation of Territory (Section 7).
Anti-Defection Law
Polity and Governance
Context
A private member’s bill titled “The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Amendment of the Tenth Schedule)” has been introduced in Lok Sabha.
The Tenth Schedule to the Constitution, popularly known as the Anti-Defection Law, was added to the Constitution by the Constitution(Fifty-second Amendment) Act, 1985.
Whip
A whip refers to an order to members of a party in the House to abide by a certain direction of the party.
Political parties issue whips to their MPs to either vote for or against the bill, depending on their party line.
Once the whip is issued, the MPs from each party will necessarily have to obey the whip or else risk losing their seat in Parliament.
It is not mentioned in the constitution but is considered a parliamentary convention.
Parties appoint a senior member from among their House contingents to issue whips — this member is called a chief whip, and he/ she is assisted by additional whips.
Anti Defection Law
The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, also known as the anti-defection law, was added to prevent political defections.
Disqualification on ground of defection: A legislator belonging to a political party will be disqualified if he/she:
voluntarily gives up his party membership, or
votes/abstains to vote in the House contrary to the direction issued by his political party.
Independent members will be disqualified if they join a political party after getting elected to the House.
Nominated members will be disqualified if they join any political party six months after getting nominated.
A member is not disqualified if he has taken prior permission of his party, or if the voting or abstention is condoned by the party within 15 days.
Exemptions in cases of merger: Members are exempted from such disqualification when at least two thirds of the original political party merges with another political party.
the members must have become members of the party they have merged with/into,
or they should have not accepted the merger and choose to function as a separate group.
Decision making authority: The decision to disqualify a member from the House rests with the Chairman/Speaker of the House.
The Karnataka Scheduled Castes (Sub-classification) Bill, 2025
News –
the Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed the much-debated Karnataka Scheduled Castes (Sub-Classification) Bill, 2025
Features of bill
Aim : The Karnataka Scheduled Castes (Sub-classification) Bill, 2025, that seeks to provide legality to the government orders related to sub-classification of the 101 Scheduled Castes with a reservation share of 17%
As per the Bill, Category-A, which has 16 castes, and Category-B, with 19 castes, will get reservation of 6% each, while Category-C, comprising 63 castes, will get reservation of 5%.
Similarly, the Bill has three non-categorised Scheduled Castes – Adi Andhra, Adi Dravida and Adi Karnataka that are eligible to opt for reservation under Category-A or Category-B, based on caste certificates.
The one-man commission led by retired Justice H.N. Nagamohan Das had submitted its report to the government on August 4 this year with specific recommendations on sub-classification of Scheduled Castes among various sub-groups of SCs.
The government approved the recommendations of the commission with some modifications to implement the sub-classification among the SCs for ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of reservation benefits,
December 19 marks the day Goa was liberated from Portuguese rule and formally integrated into India in 1961.
Goa Liberation Day
First capture (1510): Albuquerque seized Goa with help from the local chieftain Timoji.
Loss of Goa: Adil Shah’s forces recaptured Goa during the monsoon.
Final conquest (November 1510): Albuquerque returned with reinforcements and decisively defeated Bijapur forces.
Reasons for Portuguese Success:
Superior naval power and artillery
Weak internal control of the Bijapur Sultanate
Local support from discontented groups
Effective leadership of Albuquerque
Impact:
Goa became the capital of Portuguese India (Estado da Índia).
It marked the beginning of European territorial colonialism in India.
Goa emerged as a centre of trade, administration, and Christianity.
Goa was the first Indian Territory to be captured by European power and last to get its independence.
Background:
Following the country’s independence in 1947, the regime had major challenges to tackle: the integration of regions like Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Hyderabad among others.
The India government made several diplomatic outreach to persuade Portugal to hand over Goa peacefully.
Portugal, which ruled Goa for 451 years, rejected all such requests.
This led to the Goa Liberation Movement, with significant participation from local leaders and the public.
Operation Vijay
Operation Vijay was launched by the Indian Armed Forces to annex Goa and amalgamate it with the rest of India during Jawaharlal Nehru’s tenure as Prime Minister.
The operation lasted for over 36 hours and involved coordinated strikes by the Indian Armed Forces across air, sea, and land.
Outcome: Portuguese forces surrendered on 19 December 1961, leading to Goa’s liberation along with Daman and Diu.
On 30 May 1987, the Union Territory was split, and Goa was made India’s twenty-fifth state, with Daman and Diu remaining Union Territories.
Securities Markets Code Bill 2025
Economy
Context
The Union Finance Minister introduced the Securities Markets Code Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha.
Securities Markets Code Bill 2025
The Bill proposes to consolidate the;
Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956,
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Act, 1992, and
The Depositories Act, 1996.
Key Provisions
Reforms in SEBI’s Composition: The strength of the SEBI Board is proposed to be increased from 9 to 15 members, including the Chairperson.
The reconstituted Board will include;
The Chairperson.
Two officials appointed by the Central Government.
One ex-officio member from the Reserve Bank of India.
Eleven other members, of whom at least five will be whole-time members. Currently there are three full-time members.
Additional Information – The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
It is the primary regulatory body for the securities and capital markets in India.
Established as a statutory body in 1992,
It operates under the Ministry of Finance.
Chairman: Tuhin Kanta Pandey (as of 2025).
Headquarters: Mumbai with regional offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahmedabad.
Objective: To protect investor interests, promote market development, and regulate the securities market.
Key Functions and Powers
Protective: Prevents insider trading, price rigging, and fraudulent practices.
Developmental: Promotes investor education and trains intermediaries to enhance market transparency.
Regulatory: Drafts regulations, conducts audits, and registers market participants like brokers and mutual funds.
New Logo for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
Economy
In News
The Government of India, in collaboration with NABARD, has unveiled a common logo for all Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) under the “One RRB, One Logo” initiative, marking a significant step towards unifying the identity of RRBs across the country.
“One RRB, One Logo” Initiative
A reform measure to introduce a single, uniform visual identity for all 43 Regional Rural Banks operating in India.
Implemented jointly by – Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance & National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
Objectives of the Initiative
Unified Identity: Present RRBs as part of a single national banking system, rather than fragmented regional entities.
Customer Trust: Improve public confidence by ensuring easy recognition and credibility.
Operational Integration: Support recent amalgamation and consolidation of RRBs.
Digital Readiness: Align RRB branding with modern banking and digital financial services.
Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
Established under – Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976
Objective – to expand institutional credit in rural areas & serve small farmers, SHGs, artisans and MSMEs.
RRBs have a tripartite ownership pattern:
Government of India – 50%
Concerned State Government – 15%
Sponsor Bank – 35%.
Andhra’s Rare Earth Corridor
Science & Technology
In News
Andhra Pradesh’s 974-km-long coastline has gained strategic importance due to large reserves of rare earth elements (REEs) embedded in beach sand minerals.
Andhra’s Rare Earth Corridor
Location – A continuous mineral-rich belt along Andhra Pradesh’s coast from Srikakulam (north) to Nellore (south).
Rich in beach sand minerals such as:
Monazite (primary source of REEs and thorium)
Ilmenite, rutile, zircon, garnet and sillimanite
Note – Andhra Pradesh holds 30–35% of India’s total monazite reserves
Rare Earth Elements (REEs)
They are a group of 17 elements, 15 lanthanides + scandium + yttrium.
Though geologically abundant, they are termed “rare” because:
They occur in low concentrations, and
Their extraction and processing are complex, capital- and technology-intensive.
REEs are classified into:
Light REEs (LREEs): lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, praseodymium, samarium, etc.
Heavy REEs (HREEs): dysprosium, terbium, yttrium, etc.
Ratle Project
Economy
In News
Recently, the Jammu and Kashmir Police informed Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) that 29 workers employed at the under-construction 850 MW Ratle Hydro Electric Project in Kishtwar had alleged militant links or criminal backgrounds.
The Ratle Hydroelectric Project (850 MW)
Location: On the Chenab River near Drabshalla in Kishtwar district, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Type and capacity: Run-of-the-river scheme with a total installed capacity of 850 MW and a 133 m high concrete gravity dam and associated underground power houses.
RESPOND Basket 2025
Science & Technology
In News
Recently, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the RESPOND Basket 2025.
RESPOND Basket 2025
It invites submission of research proposals from various premier universities, and other recognised academic and R&D institutions in areas relevant to ISRO’s upcoming missions and national priorities.
It supports ISRO’s upcoming projects, including Bharatiya Antariksh Station,Chandrayaan-4, Gaganyaan missions, Venus orbiter, and a human Moon landing.
Live in Relationship Not Illegal: Allahabad High Court
Health & Society
In News
Allahabad High Court categorically held that live-in relationships are not illegal and that consenting adults have the constitutional right to live together with dignity and safety, irrespective of marital status.
Key Observations of the Allahabad High Court
Live-in relationship is not an offence: Living together without marriage does not violate any law in India if both partners are adults and give free consent.
Right to life and personal liberty: The Court emphasized that Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life, dignity, and personal freedom to all individuals, including those in live-in relationships.
State’s duty to protect: Once adults choose to live together, the State is duty-bound to ensure their safety, even against threats from family or society.
Social Morality vs Constitutional Morality: The Court clearly prioritised constitutional morality over social morality.
Evidentiary Presumption of Marriage: The Court referred to Section 114 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, and Section 119(1) of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
These provisions state that if a man and woman cohabit for a significant period in the nature of husband and wife, the law may presume them to be married.
Key Supreme Court Judgments on Live-in Relationships
Tulsa v. Durghatiya (2008):Children born from prolonged live-in relationships cannot be treated as illegitimat It ensures inheritance and dignity of children.
Velusamy v. D. Patchaiammal (2010): The Court clarified the concept of “relationship in the nature of marriage” under the Domestic Violence Act.
Conditions laid down like a couple must hold themselves out as husband and wife, must be of legal age & must be otherwise qualified to marry.
Indra Sarma v. V.K.V. Sarma (2013): Recognised that live-in relationships may be morally debated, but courts must deal with social realities.
Shafin Jahan v. Asokan K.M. (2018): The Court held that the right to marry a person of one’s choice is an integral part of Article 21.
Child Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation
Polity and Governance
Context
The Supreme Court laid down guidelines on how courts must sensitively appreciate the evidence of minor victims of trafficking and prostitution.
Constitutional Safeguards in India
Article 23: Prohibits trafficking in human beings and forced labor.
Article 21: Ensures the right to life and personal liberty, which has been interpreted to include the right to live with dignity.
Article 39(e): The state should ensure that the health and strength of workers and children are not abused, and that citizens are not forced to take jobs that are not suitable for their age or strength.
Laws governing anti-trafficking crimes
The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 is targeted at stopping immoral trafficking and sex work. It went through two amendments, in 1978 and 1986.
The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, prevents children from partaking in certain employments and regulates the conditions of work for children in other fields.
The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, prohibits systems of labour where people, including children, work under conditions of servitude to pay off debt, and also provides a framework for rehabilitating released labourers.
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, which governs laws relating to children alleged and found to be in conflict with law.
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, which seeks to prevent commercial sexual exploitation of children.
India set up Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) in 2007.
Government to Increase Reservation for Agniveers in CAPFs to 50%
Defence
Context
The Union Home Ministry has decided to enhance reservation for ex-Agniveers in the Group C posts of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) from the existing 10% to 50%.
Agnipath Scheme
Objective – It allows patriotic and motivated youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years.
Features of the scheme
Agniveer – Under this scheme, the youth joining the army will be called Agniveer. Youth will be able to be recruited into the army for a short duration.
Recruitment for Short term – Under the new scheme, around 45,000 to 50,000 soldiers will be recruited annually, and most will leave the service in just four years.
However, after four years, only 25% of the batch will be recruited back into their respective services, for a period of 15 years.
Eligibility Criteria
It is only for personnel below officer ranks (those who do not join the forces as commissioned officers).
Aspirants between the ages of 17.5 years and 23 years will be eligible to apply.
Benefits for Agniveers
Seva Nidhi package – Upon the completion of the 4-years of service, a one-time ‘Seva Nidhi’ package of Rs 11.71 lakhs will be paid to the Agniveers.
Life Insurance – They will also get a Rs 48 lakh life insurance cover for the four years. In case of death, the payout will be over Rs 1 crore, including pay for the unserved tenure.
Rehabilitation – The government will help rehabilitate soldiers who leave the services after four years. They will be provided with skill certificates and bridge courses.
Related Concerns
Difficult to Find Another Job – The ‘Agnipath’ scheme opens the way for recruitment of soldiers for a short-term contract of four years. After the completion of the contract, 25% of them will be retained and the rest will leave the forces.
No Pension Benefit – Those hired under the ‘Agnipath’ scheme will be given a one-time lump sum of Rs 11 lakh. However, they do not receive any pension benefits.
Training May Remain Unutilized – Forces will lose experienced soldiers. The jawans joining the Army, Navy and Air Force will be given technical training so that they are able to support the ongoing operations. But these men and women will leave after four years, which could create a void.
Significance of Such Step for the Country
Future Ready Soldiers – It will create “future-ready” soldiers.
More Employment Opportunities – It will increase employment opportunities and because of the skills and experience acquired during the four-year service such soldiers will get employment in various fields.
‘Support to Poor Prisoners’ Scheme
Polity & Governance
In News
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) revised the guidelines of the ‘Support to Poor Prisoners’ scheme due to sub-optimal implementation by several States and Union Territorie
‘Support to Poor Prisoners’ Scheme
Objective – to provide financial assistance to States/UTs for extending relief to poor prisoners who are unable to secure bail or release from prison due to non-payment of fine, on account of financial constraints.
GI-Tagged Indi Lime from Karnataka Enters Oman Market
Economy
In News
India’s agricultural exports received a boost with the export of 3 metric tonnes of GI-tagged Indi Lime from Vijayapura, Karnataka, to Oman.
Indi Lime
Indi Lime is known for its distinctive aroma, high juice content and longer shelf life.
It represents the agricultural heritage of northern Karnataka.
The GI status of Indi Lime has played a crucial role in positioning the fruit competitively in global markets.
The export of GI-tagged Indi Lime to Oman gains significance under the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) / Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which aims to strengthen economic ties and expand market access for Indian products.
Do you know?
● The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) – It supports the promotion, branding and export of GI-tagged agricultural products, recognising the importance of promoting region-specific produce in international markets.
Tundra Biome
Environment
In News
A recent scientific study from Arctic Alaska reveals that wildfires in the tundra biome have become more frequent in the last century than at any time in the past 3,000 years.
Tundra Biome
The tundra is a cold, treeless biome found in high-latitude (Arctic) and high-altitude (Alpine) regions. The word tundra comes from a Finnish term meaning “treeless plain.”
Types of Tundra:
Arctic Tundra: Found in northern Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Siberia
Alpine Tundra: Found at high altitudes on mountains (Himalayas, Andes, Rockies). No permafrost, but very cold conditions
Climatic Characteristics:
Temperature: Extremely low; winters can reach −30°C to −50°C
Precipitation: Very low (150–250 mm/year).
Bureau of Port Security (BoPS)
Defense
In News
The Union Home Minister convened a high-level meeting to initiate the constitution of a dedicated Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) to enhance the security of vessels and port facilities across the country.
Under the revamped security framework, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been designated as a Recognised Security Organisation for ports.
Bureau of Port Security (BoPS)
It will be established as a statutory body under Section 13 of the newly promulgated Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
It will function under the aegis of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
It will be headed by a Director General of the rank of an IPS officer.
Function – It will be responsible for regulatory oversight and coordination related to the security of ships and port infrastructure.
Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Bill, 2025
News
Karnataka government passed the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Bill, 2025,
Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2025
Mandate – to provide legal recognition and social protection to approximately 400,000 gig workers.
It replaces the earlier ordinance promulgated in May 2025 and was formally notified on September 12, 2025.
Key Features
Welfare Board & Fund: Establishes a tripartite Gig Workers Welfare Board headquartered in Bengaluru to oversee registrations and schemes.
It also creates a dedicated Welfare Fund financed by a “welfare fee” of 1% to 5% of the payout per transaction, levied on aggregator platforms.
Registration: All gig workers must be registered and assigned a Unique ID applicable across all platforms to access benefits.
Algorithmic Transparency: Platforms are required to disclose details about their automated monitoring and decision-making systems (algorithms) in simple language to ensure fairness in task allocation and earnings.
Grievance Redressal: A two-tier mechanism is mandated: first through an Internal Dispute Resolution Committee (IDRC) at the platform level, followed by an appeal to the Welfare Board.
Termination Protections: Platforms cannot deactivate or terminate a worker without providing a valid written reason and a 14-day prior notice (except in cases of bodily harm).
Karnataka tops National Energy Conservation Awards 2025
Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) has won the National Energy Conservation Awards 2025.
Organised by : The award ceremony, organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Union Ministry of Power
Category : under the State Energy Efficiency Performance Award (SDA Group-1) category,
President Droupadi Murmu presented the award in New Delhi on December 14 during the National Energy Conservation Day celebrations.
Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal Bill) 2025.
News –
Recently the Karnataka assembly passed The Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal Bill) 2025.
Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2025.
Objective – The legislation aims to criminalize social exclusion and “unconstitutional practices” enforced by informal bodies like caste or community panchayats.
Uniqueness – Karnataka is the second state in India to enact such a law, following Maharashtra’s 2016 Act.
Key Provisions & Features
Target Entities: Specifically targets caste panchayats, community groups, or influential individuals who enforce social boycotts.
Definition of Social Boycott: Defines it as any oral or written act/gesture resulting in social discrimination. It recognizes 20 forms of boycott, including:
Denial of professional, social, or economic interactions.
Obstruction from religious or community functions, marriages, and funeral rites.
Restricting access to public spaces, services, educational institutions, or water sources.
Forcing individuals to follow specific cultural norms (e.g., dress or language).
Criminal Liability: Liability extends to those who directly impose the boycott, those who encourage it, and members of any body who vote in favor of such a decision.
Penalties: Offenders face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, or both.
Enforcement Mechanism:
Social Boycott Prohibition Officer: A Group ‘A’ officer will be appointed to detect offenses and assist victims during trials.
Police Powers: The police are empowered to file suo motu (on their own initiative) complaints.
Victim Support: Recovered fines may be awarded to victims as compensation.
The Supreme Court, in a recent order, settled on a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges, and paused the grant of fresh mining leases across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
Aravalli Range
Location – The Aravalli Range, stretching over approximately 692 kilometers (430 miles) in a northeastern direction, traverses the Indian states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Haryana before culminating in Delhi
Uniqueness – It is the oldest mountain range in India.
Significance – The Aravallis serve as a natural barrier against desertification, and helps regulate the climate, supports diverse ecosystems, and acts as a watershed for several rivers, including the Sabarmati, Luni, and Banas.
Aravalli Green Wall Project (AGWP)
It is a major initiative aimed at restoring 1.15 million hectares of degraded land across four states in northwestern India (Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi).
National Goals: The project is part of India’s effort to achieve the national goal of creating an additional 2.5 billion tonnes of carbon sink by 2030.
Broader Impact: The project contributes to India’s commitments under international conventions such as:
UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification),
CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity),
UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).
Objectives and Features of AGWP: The project focuses on combating desertification, land degradation, and drought.
India Tops Global Doping Violations: WADA Report 2024
Health
In News
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Report 2024 has ranked India as the worst doping offender globally for the third consecutive year.
Doping and its Concerns
Doping refers to the practice of using banned chemical substances, known as performance enhancing drugs (PEDs), by athletes.
Global efforts to tackle Doping
Copenhagen Declaration
Held in – Copenhagen Declaration on Anti-Doping in Sport was agreed upon by governments at the Second World Conference on Doping in Sport held in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2003.
Purpose – The declaration was the political document through which governments signalled their intention to formally recognise and implement the World Anti-Doping Code.
Significance – This declaration was the first step toward the preparation of the UNESCO International Convention against doping in sports.
India agreed to this declaration in the year 2003.
International Convention Against Doping in Sport
It is also known as the ‘UNESCO Anti-Doping Convention’.
It was adopted at the General Conference of UNESCO in Paris in 2005. It entered into force in 2007.
Objective –To promote the prevention of and the fight against doping in sports, with a view to its elimination.
India ratified this convention in 2007.
Note – National Anti-Doping Agency, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, is responsible for adopting, implementing and enforcing anti-doping programmes in India.
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
Founded in 1999 following the Lausanne Declaration
It is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, with regional offices in Lausanne (Europe), Cape Town (Africa), and Montevideo (Latin America).
The agency publishes the World Anti-Doping Code and the annual prohibited list.
India’s Efforts to Tackle Doping
National Anti-Doping Act, 2022: This landmark legislation gave the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) statutory status.
National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025 recently introduced to strengthen institutional autonomy.
India is a signatory to the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sport.
Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU): A dedicated unit at NDTL was inaugurated in 2025 to monitor the Biological Passport of athletes.
NIDAMS Portal: The NADA India Data Administration and Management System was launched in 2025. It digitalizes the entire process—from planning tests and generating mission orders for Doping Control Officers (DCOs).
“Know Your Medicine” (KYM) App: A mobile tool that allows athletes to scan or search medicines to check if they contain substances prohibited by WADA.
Pamir Mountains/ Pamir-Karakoram Anomaly
Geography
Context
Ice cores from the Pamir Mountains are being studied to understand why its glaciers have resisted melting despite global warming.
Pamir–Karakoram Anomaly
It refers to the unusual behaviour of glaciers in parts of the Pamir and Karakoram ranges.
Unlike most glaciers worldwide, these glaciers have:
Shown resistance to melting, and
Experienced slight mass gain in recent decades.
This makes the region scientifically significant for understanding glacier–climate interactions.
Pamir Mountains
Geology:Formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it a seismically active zone.
Location: Spans parts of Tajikistan, Afghanistan, China, and Kyrgyzstan.
The Pamir Mountains, also known as the “Roof of the World,” form a massive convergence zone (Pamir Knot) with the Himalayas, Karakoram, Hindu Kush, Kunlun, and Tian Shan ranges.
Ancient Routes: Historically part of the Silk Road, with Marco Polo referencing the area.
Major Peaks & Features: Ismoil Somoni Peak (Tajikistan), Kongur Tagh (China), Muztagh Ata (China) etc.
Tajik National Park: A large protected area encompassing much of the Pamirs, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Drainage System: The Pamirs are heavily glaciated, with the Fedchenko Glacier being the largest glacier in Central Asia.
Meltwater from glaciers feeds major rivers such as, Panj River and Vakhsh River. These rivers are part of the Amu Darya river system, crucial for Central Asia.
Exercise Desert Cyclone 2025
Defence
Context
India-UAE Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone is going to begin in UAE.
About the exercise
The first edition of Exercise Desert Cyclone was held in 2024 in Rajasthan, India.
The aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability and foster defence cooperation between the Indian Army and the UAE Land Forces
Navy Inducts Second Seahawks Squadron
Defence
Context
The Indian Navy commissioned its second MH 60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335, at INS Hansa in Goa.
Seahawks Squadron
Twenty-four of these submarine-hunting helicopters have been acquired by India from the US.
These are US-origin Seahawks, maritime versions of the Black Hawk.
The helicopter is designed for a wide range of operations: anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), search and rescue (SAR) missions.
These helicopters are replacing the ageing British-origin Sea King helicopters, which have been in service for long.
Param Vir Chakra (PVC)
Miscellaneous
Context
Portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awardees have been installed at Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing the portraits of 96 British Aide-de-Camps (ADCs).
This move is part of the government’s broader effort to dismantle colonial legacies.
Param Vir Chakra
It was instituted on 26 January 1950 (Republic Day) by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India.
The name Param Vir Chakra translates to “Wheel of the Ultimate Brave.”
The medal was designed by Savitri Khanolkar, who drew inspiration from Sage Dadhichi, the Vedic rishi who sacrificed his body so that the gods could forge the Vajra (thunderbolt) from his spine.
The medal is cast in bronze. In the centre, on a raised circle, is the state emblem, surrounded by four replicas of Indra’s Vajra, flanked by the sword of Shivaji. It is suspended from a swivelling bar and worn with a 32 mm purple ribbon.
Additional Information – Gallantry Awards
Honoured by – Government of India
It is given to honour acts of bravery, sacrifice, and exceptional courage by members of the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and civilians.
They are classified as wartime (gallantry in the face of enemy) and peacetime awards.
Administered by:Ministry of Defence (for armed forces) and Ministry of Home Affairs (for police and civilians).
Awarded by: President of India.
These gallantry awards are announced twice in a year – first on the occasion of the Republic Day and then on the occasion of the Independence Day.
Wartime Gallantry Awards: Param Vir Chakra (PVC), Mahavir Chakra (MVC) and Vir Chakra.
State forms technical team to expedite Mekedatu project
News
The Karnataka government has issued a notification to form a team led by the Karnataka Engineering Research Station (KERS) directorG.MAHESH to expedite the Mekedatu project “in view of the favourable Supreme Court order”.
Composition : The team under the KERS director will comprise an executive engineer, three technical assistants, six assistant engineers, one accountant, a superintendent and other staff.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that the project office for the mekedatu project would be set up in Ramanagara.
The Cauveri Neeravari Nigam Ltd. (CNNL) will take steps to set up the Mekedatu project office.
Connect with the basics – Cauvery River System
Origin – Talakaveri
Total length of the River – 805 km
Flowing– Eastern
Flows through – Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu & Pondicherry.
