Blog

India welcomes Spain joining Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative

Syllabus: GS2/IR

Context

• India has welcomed Spain joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)

• It was launched by India in November 2019 at the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit (EAS) in Bangkok.
• It draws on existing regional cooperation architecture and mechanisms to focus on seven thematic areas, viz. :

1. Maritime Security;
2. Maritime Ecology;
3. Maritime Resources;
4. Capacity Building and Resource Sharing;
5. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
6. Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation; and
7. Trade, Connectivity and Maritime Transport.
8. Objectives : Its objective was to promote cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific and the rules-based regional order, which will contribute towards strengthening safety, stability and development in the maritime domain.

Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM)

Syllabus: GS3/Defence

Context

• The DRDO will showcase the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) along with its launcher during the 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path.

Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM)

• Developed by – DRDO,
• It is a Hypersonic Glide Missile designed to meet the coastal defence and strike requirements of the Indian Navy.
• It is a first-of-its-kind indigenous system, equipped with indigenous avionics and high-accuracy sensor packages.
• It achieves speeds up to Mach 10, with an average hypersonic speed of Mach 5.
• Significance – Low-altitude flight, high speed, and manoeuvrability significantly reduce detection by enemy ground- and ship-based radars.

Kavach 4.0

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance

In News

• Indian Railways commissioned 472.3 route kilometres (RKm) of Kavach Version 4.0.

About

• Originally known as the Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS),
• Developed by the RDSO,
• Objective – it prevents train collisions by automatically applying brakes if the loco pilot fails to do so (e.g., Signal Passed at Danger – SPAD) and provides real-time speed monitoring.
• Note – Kavach 4.0 creates a “digital shield” by integrating several high-tech components:

World Nuclear Outlook Report

Syllabus: GS2/IR/GS3/Science and Tech

In News

• According to the new World Nuclear Outlook Report , Five countries — China, France, India, Russia and the United States — could together account for nearly 980 GWe of global capacity in 2050.

World Nuclear Outlook Report

• It reviews national targets for nuclear capacity and assesses these against the global goal to triple nuclear capacity by 2050.

Key Findings

• Global nuclear capacity could reach 1,446 GWe by 2050, exceeding the tripling target of 1,200 GWe, with growth driven by reactors under construction, planned projects, and proposed or government-driven programs.
• China, France, India, Russia, and the USA would account for most capacity, while newcomer nations aim for 157 GWe.
• South Asia, led by India, is emerging as a key growth region due to rising electricity demand, urbanization, and industrialization.

Hirakud Wetland

Syllabus: GS3/ Environment

Context

• The Hirakud wetland in Sambalpur district of Odisha has recorded the arrival of 4.21 lakh birds during the current migratory season.

Hirakud Wetland

• Location: The wetland is part of the Hirakud Reservoir, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in India, built across the Mahanadi River with a total length of almost 26 kilometres.
• The reservoir also produces around 350 megawatts of hydropower and irrigates 436,000 hectares of land.
• Biodiversity Hotspot: It is a critical stopover for birds along the Central Asian Flyway, hosting 128 species of birds.
• Birds Species – Pintail, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Bar-headed Goose, and rare Eurasian species like Ruffs.
• Ramsar Site: It was designated a Ramsar site of global ecological importance in 2021.
• Note – As of February 2026, India has 98 Ramsar Sites, with the total rising following the addition of the Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat).

Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance

Context

• NITI Aayog launched Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 campaign.

Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0

• It is aimed at achieving saturation of critical development indicators in Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks across the country.
• The campaign targets 112 Aspirational Districts and 513 Aspirational Blocks to achieve specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

For Aspirational Blocks (6 KPIs):

• Nutrition: Regular supplementary nutrition for children (6 months to 6 years) under ICDS.
• Monitoring: Monthly measurement efficiency of children at Anganwadi Centres.
• Infrastructure: Operational Anganawadi Centres with functional toilets and drinking water.
• Education: Adequate girls’ toilet facilities in schools.
• Agriculture: Vaccination of bovine animals for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

For Aspirational Districts (5 KPIs):

• Focuses on health, nutrition, and education, including increasing the number of babies weighed at birth and improving tuberculosis (TB) case

Additional Information – Aspirational Districts Programme

• It was launched in 2018
• Objective – to quickly and effectively transform 112 districts across the country.
• Focuses on five themes: Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Water Resources, Financial Inclusion & Skill Development and Infrastructure.

Aspirational Blocks Programme

• It was launched in 2023
• It aims for the saturation of essential government services in 513 Blocks (329 Districts) across the country.
• Focuses on five themes: Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture and Allied Services, Basic Infrastructure and Social Development.

Menstrual Health Fundamental Right under Article 21: SC

Syllabus: GS2/Polity and Governance

Context

• In Dr. Jaya Thakur v. Union of India, the Supreme Court has ruled that the right to menstrual hygiene is an integral part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Key Highlights of Judicial Intervention

• Fundamental Right: Menstrual health is now legally recognized as an essential facet of the Right to Life (Art. 21) and the Right to Education (Art. 21A).
• Free Bio-degradable Pads: All government and private schools must provide free bio-degradable sanitary napkins to girl students (Classes 6–12).
• Mandatory Infrastructure: Schools must have functional, gender-segregated toilets with water connectivity. Non-compliance can lead to the de-recognition of private schools.
• Stigma Reduction: The court mandated NCERT to incorporate gender-responsive curricula to educate both boys and girls, breaking the “hushed whispers” culture.

Article 21 of Constitution

• Article 21 is part of the Fundamental Rights, Part III of the Constitution.
• It is guaranteed to all persons, citizens and non-citizens
• No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.
• It places a restriction on the state from arbitrarily interfering with a person’s life and liberty.
• Expanded scope through Supreme Court judgments: Over time, courts have interpreted it to also impose positive obligations on the state to ensure a dignified life.

1. Right to live with human dignity;
2. Right to privacy (Puttaswamy, 2017);
3. Right to livelihood (Olga Tellis);
4. Right to health and medical care;
5. Right to clean environment;
6. Right to legal aid and speedy trial;
7. Right to education (later made explicit via Article 21A);
8. Protection against custodial torture;
9. Right to sleep, shelter and food.

Menstrual Health Related Policy of Government of India

• Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS): Supported by National Health Mission (NHM). ASHAs distribute packs of 6 napkins (Freedays) at a subsidized rate of ₹6.
• PM Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojna: Over 16,000 Kendras provide ‘Suvidha’ (Oxo-biodegradable pads) at ₹1 per pad.
• Samagra Shiksha: Funds the installation of vending machines and incinerators. States must now prioritize bio-degradable options following the 2026 SC ruling.
• Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase 2: Focuses on Menstrual Waste Management (MWM) using small-scale incinerators and deep burial pits to prevent environmental clogging.
• Menstrual Hygiene Policy (2024-25): Formulated by the Ministry of Health, it streamlines access to low-cost products, prioritizes “Green” (biodegradable) initiatives, and integrates MHM into the formal school curriculum.
• Standardization of  Products: The Department of Health Research is studying sustainable alternatives like menstrual cups and recyclable pads to evaluate their safety and feas ibility among rural women.

Kalbelia Community

Syllabus: GS1/Population

In News

• The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Rajasthan government over protests by the Kalbelia community in Barmer, who placed a dead body on the road demanding a designated burial ground.

Kalbeliyas

• Kalbelia are a snake charming folk community from the region of Rajasthan, India.
• Their traditional occupation used to be catching snakes and trading snake venom.
• They are known for their vibrant dances and black embroidered attire.
• In 2010, their songs and dances were added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, recognizing them as a key marker of identity as the community adapts to changing social and economic conditions.

Do you know?

• The Kalbelia dance, also called Sapera dance, is a folk dance central to Kalbelia culture, a nomadic tribe traditionally known as snake charmers.
• The dance reflects their close association with snakes through movements and costumes.

India-Saudi Arabia

Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations

Context

• The 3rd India–Saudi Arabia Security Working Group meeting was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Key Highlights

• Counter-terrorism cooperation, including emerging threats.
• Countering extremism and radicalisation.
• Combating terror financing.
• Preventing misuse of technology for terrorist purposes.
• Addressing the nexus between transnational organised crime and terrorism.
• Institutional Framework: The dialogue operates under the India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), providing continuity and predictability to cooperation.

India Saudi Arabia Relations

• Political Relations: The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1947.
• The royal visit of 2006 resulted in the signing of the Delhi Declaration, which was followed in 2010 by the Riyadh Declaration that elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.
• The Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) Agreement was signed during the 2019 visit of the Indian PM to Riyadh, which established a high-level council to steer the Indo-Saudi relationship.
• Economic Relations: India is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trade partner; Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth-largest trade partner.
• Energy Cooperation: Saudi Arabia was India’s third largest crude and petroleum products source for FY23.
• Defence Cooperation: Saudi Arabia has procured the 155mm Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) from Bharat Forge.

Joint exercises:

• Sada Tanseeq: The inaugural Army exercise held in Rajasthan in January 2024.
• Tarang Shakti: Saudi Arabia participated as an observer in India’s largest air exercise.
• Al Mohed Al Hindi: Bilateral naval exercise initiated in 2022.
• Indian diaspora: As of 2025, there were 2.7 million Indians in Saudi Arabia. This is the second largest number of foreign workers in the country, after Bangladesh.

Enforcement Directorate (ED)

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance

Context

• The Supreme Court agreed to examine whether the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is entitled to invoke the writ jurisdiction of constitutional courts to seek relief.

Enforcement Directorate

• Established in – On 1st May 1956, an ‘Enforcement Unit’ was formed. In the year 1957, this Unit was renamed as ‘Enforcement Directorate’.
• Established under – It is a specialized financial investigation agency under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
• Functions – ED enforces the following laws

1. Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA)
2. Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)

Gita Mittal Committee

Syllabus: GS2/ Social Justice

In News

• The Supreme Court extended the tenure of the Justice Gita Mittal Committee by six months till July 31, 2026, to continue overseeing humanitarian relief for Manipur violence victims.

Justice Gita Mittal Committee

• Constituted by – It was constituted by the Supreme Court of India
• Objective – to intervene and monitor relief and rehabilitation, and restoration of homesteads, religious places of worship, and to oversee relief and rehabilitation of victims of violence in Manipur.
• Members – It is a three member committee, headed by former Jammu and Kashmir high court Chief Justice Gita Mittal. It has Justices Shalini Phansalkar Joshi and Asha Menon, as other two members.

Centre Likely to Amend Sarfaesi Act

Economy

Context

• The Union government is considering amendments to the SARFAESI Act, 2002 to remove legal ambiguities and strengthen regulatory oversight.

SARFAESI Act, 2002

• Abbreviation – Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act
• Mandate – It provides a legal mechanism for banks and financial institutions to recover non-performing assets.
• It allows lenders to enforce security interests without court or tribunal intervention.
• The Act applies when the outstanding loan amount exceeds ₹1 lakh.
• Recovery can be carried out by taking possession of secured assets of borrowers or guarantors.

Antarctic Penguins

Geography & Environment

In News

• A decade-long study in Antarctica has found that penguins are shifting their breeding seasons earlier, likely due to climate change.

Penguins

• Penguins are flightless birds that are highly adapted for the marine environment.
• They are excellent swimmers and can dive to great depths.
• They play a key role in Antarctic food chains, including bringing nutrients from deep water up to the surface, which is vital to algae being able to complete their photosynthesis.
• They live primarily in the Southern Hemisphere.

Major species and IUCN Red List status

1. Emperor Penguin(Aptenodytes forsteri) is listed as Near Threatened
2. Royal Penguin(Eudyptes schlegeli )is listed as Least Concern
3. Adelie Penguin(Pygoscelis adeliae) listed as Least Concern
4. Humboldt Penguin(Spheniscus humboldti)  is listed as Vulnerable
5. Magellanic Penguin(Spheniscus magellanicus) is listed as Least Concern
6. Fiordland Penguin(Eudyptes pachyrhynchus) is listed as Near Threatened
7. Gentoo Penguin(Pygoscelis papua)is listed as Least Concern.

Board of Peace for Gaza

International

In News

• The government is considering its response to US President Donald Trump’s invitation to join the proposed Gaza Peace Board

Board of Peace

• It is an international body chaired by US President Donald Trump, created to oversee the October 2025 ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and manage Gaza’s post-war transition.
• The initiative was proposed in October 2025 and was endorsed the following month by the United Nations Security Council.

Members

• Around 35 global leaders have agreed to join the proposed Board of Peace, out of about 50 invited.
• Participants include key Middle Eastern allies such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar and Egypt, along with NATO members Turkey and Hungary. Several other countries across Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America—including Pakistan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Morocco, Armenia and Azerbaijan—have also joined.
• Membership terms would run for three years, with the option of renewal.
• Countries seeking to extend their participation beyond the initial term may be required to contribute $1 billion, while short-term participation would not involve any financial commitment.

Mandate of Board

• The Board will supervise a transitional Palestinian technocratic administration in the Gaza Strip, known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).
• The Board’s mandate also includes efforts to disarm Hamas and oversee the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF), a multinational peacekeeping mission tasked with maintaining security and training a new Palestinian police force.

Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

Government schemes

Context

• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister approved the continuation of Atal Pension Yojana (APY) up to FY 2030-31 along with extension of funding support for promotional and developmental activities and gap funding.

Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

• It was launched in 2015
• Objective – to provide old-age income security to workers in the unorganised sector.
• Target Group: Initially available to all citizens of India between 18 and 40 years of age.
• Scheme Features: APY offers a guaranteed minimum pension of Rs.1,000 to Rs.5,000 per month starting at age 60, based on contributions.
• Administering Body: Administered by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
• Managed under the National Pension System (NPS)
• Progress: As of January, 2026, over 8.66 crore subscribers have been enrolled, making APY a cornerstone of India’s inclusive social security framework.

C-295 aircraft

Security

In News

• The first ‘Made in India’ C-295 aircraft from the Airbus–Tata Vadodara assembly line is set to roll out before September 2026, highlighting deepening India-Spain defence collaboration.

C295

• It is a versatile, reliable tactical transport aircraft capable of troop/cargo transport, maritime patrol, surveillance, medical evacuation, and firefighting.
• It carries up to 8 tonnes or 70 troops, cruises at 260 knots, and operates from short, unpaved runways.
• It offers 13-hour endurance, excellent maneuverability, and fuel efficiency.
• The Airbus C295 (previously CASA C-295) is a medium-range twin-engine turboprop tactical transport aircraft that was designed and initially manufactured by the Spanish aerospace company CASA, which is now part of the European multinational Airbus Defence and Space division.

Graca Machel to get Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

Syllabus: Miscellaneous

Context

• Mozambican rights activist and humanitarian Graca Machel has been selected for the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2025, announced by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust.
• Machel was chosen for her “path-breaking work” in the fields of education, health and nutrition, economic empowerment and humanitarian action.

Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

• It is an annual award established by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust in India.
• The prize is named in honor of the late Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi
• It was instituted in 1986.
• Prize money: Recently, the prize money has been increased from rupees 25 lakhs to rupees 1 crore.
• Objective – The award is presented to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to peace, the development of new international economic order, and the strengthening of democracy.
• Generally, the award is presented on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi on November, 19th.

Categories: The award is presented in three categories:

• Peace: Recognizes efforts to promote and maintain international peace and security.
• Disarmament: Acknowledges contributions to the reduction and elimination of weapons of mass destruction.
• Development: Honors work in promoting economic and social development.

Israel fully Legalises West Bank Outpost as New Settlement

International

Context

• Israel has fully legalized the West Bank outpost as a new settlement called Yatziv.

About

• The newly legalized Jewish settlement called Yatziv sits adjacent to the Palestinian town of Beit Sahour in the West Bank.

West Bank

• The West Bank lies to the west of the Jordan River, bordered by Israel to the west, Jordan to the east, and Jerusalem to the south-west.
• Major cities include Ramallah (administrative capital of the Palestinian Authority), Hebron, Nablus, Jenin, and Bethlehem.

West Bank

• 1948: After the Arab-Israeli War, the West Bank was occupied and later annexed by Jordan (1949–1967).
• 1967: During the Six-Day War, Israel captured the West Bank from Jordan, and it has remained under varying degrees of Israeli control since.
• 1993–1995 Oslo Accords: These agreements created the Palestinian Authority (PA) and divided the West Bank into three areas:
• Area A: Full Palestinian civil and security control.
• Area B: Palestinian civil control and joint Israeli–Palestinian security.
• Area C: Full Israeli control (about 60% of the West Bank).
• The Palestinians seek the West Bank, captured by Israel in 1967, as part of a future state.