Category: National and International Current Affairs

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.

Bagurumba Dance

Culture

Context

• The Prime Minister visited Assam and attended the Bagurumba Dwhou 2026.

Bagurumba Dance

• It is often referred to as the “butterfly dance”,
• It is one of the most significant and graceful folk dances of Assam.
• It is a mass folk dance of the Bodo community.
• It was traditionally performed by young women, the dance symbolises harmony with nature, celebrating themes of fertility, peace and joy.
• The dance is closely associated with the Bwisagu festival, which marks the Bodo New Year and the advent of spring.

Responsible Nations Index (RNI)

Polity and Governance

In News

• India has recently introduced the Responsible Nations Index (RNI)

Responsible Nations Index (RNI)

• It is a global benchmarking framework that shifts the focus from mere economic power to ethical governance, sustainability, and global responsibility in assessing national performance.
• The index evaluates countries across four core dimensions ethical governance, social well-being, environmental stewardship & global responsibility
• It is developed by World Intellectual Foundation (WIF) in collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) & Indian Institute of Management Mumbai.
• Singapore, Switzerland & Denmark topped the list & India ranks 16th globally.

Environmental Protection Fund

Geography & Environment

In News

• The Union Government has formally notified comprehensive rules governing the administration and utilisation of the Environmental (Protection) Fund.

Environmental (Protection) Fund

• The Environmental (Protection) Fund is a statutory, dedicated fund under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Objective – to channel monetary penalties from environmental violations into pollution control, restoration, monitoring, research, and capacity building.
• Is is administered by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) or any body notified by the Central Government
• 75% of penalty proceeds transferred to the Consolidated Fund of the State/UT, 25% retained by the Centre.
• The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) to audit the Fund.

Chagos Islands

International

In News

• The UK government defended its deal to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining a lease for a strategic military base, amid criticism from US President Donald Trump.
• In 2025 The United Kingdom signed an agreement handing sovereignty over the contested and strategically located Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

Chagos Archipelago

• It comprises more than 60 low-lying islands in the Indian Ocean roughly 1,600 km to the northeast of the main island of Mauritius.
• It was separated from Mauritius in 1965, when Mauritius was still a British colony.
• Britain purchased the islands for three million pounds but Mauritius has argued that it was illegally forced to give them away as part of a deal to gain independence from Britain.
• In the late 1960s, Britain invited the US to build a military base on Diego Garcia, the largest of the Chagos Islands, removing thousands of people from their homes.

Chagos archipelago

• Since the 1980s, Mauritius has claimed sovereignty over the Chagos Islands.
• In 2019, the UN’s International Court of Justice ruled that Mauritius’ decolonisation was incomplete at independence in 1968 and advised that the UK must end its administration of the islands as soon as possible.

Statehood Day of Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura

Polity and Governance

Context

• The President of India has extended greetings to the people of Meghalaya, Tripura and Manipur on their Statehood Day.
• Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura were granted statehood on January 21, 1972, following the enactment of the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971.

About

• Manipur: Formerly a princely state, it merged with India in 1949. It functioned as a Union Territory from 1956 until it was granted statehood.
• Tripura: Also a princely state, it joined the Indian Union in 1949. Like Manipur, it was a Union Territory from 1956 before becoming a full state in 1972.
• Meghalaya: Originally part of Assam, it was first made an autonomous state within Assam in 1970 before being carved out as a separate state in 1972 to recognize its unique tribal and cultural identity.

One Station One Product (OSOP)

Government schemes

In News

• Indian Railways’ One Station One Product (OSOP) scheme has expanded to over 2,000 Railway Stations, empowering 1.32 Lakh Artisans.

One Station One Product (OSOP) scheme

• It was launched in 2022
• Objective – to promote local, indigenous, and specialised products by leveraging India’s vast railway network.
• Uniqueness – The Ministry of Railways has designed the OSOP stalls to be aesthetically uniform yet locally distinct.
• These stalls are often designed by the National Institute of Design (NID) to ensure they are functional and attractive to travelers.
• The OSOP scheme is a key component of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which aims to provide seamless multi-modal connectivity and improve the logistics of local goods.

EU’s Anti-coercion Instrument

International

Context

• The French President mentioned activating the EU’s anti-coercion instrument, after US President’s tariffs threats regarding Greenland.

European Union’s Anti-coercion instrument

• It is a trade tool that the bloc adopted in 2023 but has never used.
• Aim: To respond to any country using trade weapons to pressure an EU member state.

Measures:

• The armoury allows the EU to take measures such as import and export restrictions on goods and services in its single market.
• It also limits American companies’ access to public procurement contracts in Europe.

Tariff Threat Over Greenland May Imperil EU Trade Deal

International

In News

• EU lawmakers are moving to delay or block approval of the EU–US trade deal after US President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on countries supporting Greenland’s sovereignty.

Greenland

• It is located in the Northern Hemisphere and is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean in the north, the North Atlantic Ocean in the south, Baffin Bay in the west and the Greenland Sea in the east.
• It lies closer to North America, but culturally and politically it is tied to Denmark.
• Resources: It is mineral-rich with large deposits of gold, nickel, and cobalt.
• It also has some of the biggest reserves of rare earth minerals such as dysprosium, praseodymium, neodymium, and terbium.
• Governance : Greenland gained home rule in 1979 and expanded self-government in 2009, giving it authority over domestic affairs like healthcare and education.
• Denmark retains control over defense, foreign policy and monetary policy.

Major powers are eyeing Greenland

• Greenland, part of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) through the membership of Denmark, has strategic significance for the US military and for its ballistic missile early-warning system since the shortest route from Europe to North America runs via the Arctic island.
• China has shown strong interest in Greenland’s rare mineral resources, and infrastructural projects.

Green Aluminium

Geography & Environment

In News

• NALCO CMD said India’s aluminium sector is not yet ready for green aluminium under the EU’s CBAM due to high power costs and dependence on thermal energy.

Do you know?

• India is the 2nd largest Aluminium producer after China, and top-10 producer in refined copper.
• Applications of Aluminium – It is widely used across power, transport, construction, packaging, machinery, aerospace and consumer goods, and demand is rising, especially in automobiles, housing, solar energy and power transmission.

Green Aluminium

• It refers to aluminium produced using methods that minimize greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact.
• Traditional aluminium production is energy-intensive and relies heavily on fossil fuels, contributing to carbon emissions.
• Green aluminium is manufactured using renewable energy sources, recycled materials, and innovative technologies to reduce its environmental footprint.

Importance

• Green aluminium significantly cuts carbon emissions, saves energy through recycling, and supports a circular economy by reducing waste.
• It enhances corporate sustainability credentials while retaining aluminium’s key qualities—lightweight, durable, corrosion-resistant, and versatile—without compromising performance.

IMEC’s Relevance to India and its Chokepoints

International

Context

• The current reciprocal tariff policies and protectionism by the US is a bad sign for the development of a multi-state, multimodal transport and trade corridor like the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

India-Middle East EU Economic Corridor (IMEC)

• Background: The IMEC is a proposed 4,800 km long route that was announced in 2023 on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.
• Members: India, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, UAE and US.
• Aim: Integration of Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

The IMEC will comprise of two separate corridors:

• The east corridor connecting India to the West Asia/Middle East and
• The northern corridor connecting West Asia/Middle East to Europe.

IMEC’s Relevance To India and Its Chokepoints

• Suez Canal Blockage (2021): It was blocked by the massive container ship, leaving several vessels stranded.
• This disruption impacted nearly 12 percent of global trade until a major salvage operation successfully freed it.
• Red Sea Crisis (2023-24): It was caused by the Houthis’ attacks on commercial shipping, exposing the fragility of over-concentrated trade routes.
• Nearly a quarter of India’s cargo transiting the Red Sea faced delays.

Significance of IMEC for India

• Economic Development: By linking Asia, West Asia, the Middle East and Europe through enhanced connectivity and economic integration, the corridor aims to give a boost to economic development in the regions.
• Enhances India’s Connectivity and Trade Access: IMEC provides India with a direct, faster, and safer trade route connecting Indian ports to Europe via the Arabian Peninsula and the Mediterranean.
• Reduces dependence on the Suez Canal route, cutting shipping time by up to 40% and costs by 20–30%.

Child Trafficking in India

Polity and Governance

Context

• Child trafficking continues to be a grave human rights challenge in India, despite a robust constitutional framework and multiple statutory protections.

Child Trafficking

• Section 143 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 defines trafficking as; recruitment, transportation, harbouring, transfer or receipt of persons for exploitation.
• The means include threats, force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power, or inducement.
• Scope of exploitation includes, physical and sexual exploitation, slavery, servitude and forced labour, forced removal of organs.

Constitutional Safeguards in India

• Article 21: Ensures the right to life and personal liberty, which has been interpreted to include the right to live with dignity.
• Article 23: Prohibits trafficking in human beings and forced labor.
• Article 24: Prohibits employment of children below 14 years in hazardous industries.
• 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.
• Article 39(f): Mandates opportunities for children to develop in conditions of freedom, dignity, and protection from moral and material abandonment.

Judicial Intervention against child trafficking

• In Vishal Jeet versus Union of India, 1990 the court held that trafficking and child prostitution are serious socio-economic problems and hence a preventive and humanistic approach is essential to deal with them.
• In C. Mehta versus State of Tamil Nadu, 1996, the Court issued guidelines with a view to prohibiting employment of children in hazardous industries.
• In Bachpan Bachao Andolan versus Union of India, 2011, the Supreme court issued directions to address widespread exploitation and trafficking of children.
• The Supreme Court in P. Kiran Kumar versus State has given strict guidelines to prevent such offences, and held that trafficking grossly violates children’s fundamental right to life as guaranteed by the Constitution.

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’s Power Sector

Economy

Context

• India’s power distribution utilities have recorded a collective Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₹2,701 crore in FY 2024–25.

India’s Power Sector

• India is the third-largest producer and consumer of electricity in the world, with an installed capacity of 476 GW as of June 2025.
• India ranks fourth globally in renewable energy installed capacity, fourth in wind power, and third in solar power as of 2025.
• Electricity consumption remains led by industry at 41.8%, followed by households at 24.3%, agriculture at 17%, and commercial use at 8.3%.
• India achieved 100% village electrification by 2018 and has since connected more than 2.8 crore households to the grid.

Government Initiatives

• National Solar Mission (NSM): It was launched in 2010, it has set ambitious targets for solar capacity installation, including grid-connected and off-grid solar power projects.
• National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF): It was established to support research and innovation in clean energy technologies and projects that help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• National Wind Energy Mission: Focuses on the development and expansion of wind energy in India. The target for wind energy capacity is set at 140 GW by 2030.
• PM-KUSUM Scheme for solarizing agricultural pumps.
• Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to strengthen DISCOMs.

BRICS Plus Naval Exercise

International

In News

• India skipped the BRICS Plus naval exercise “Will for Peace 2026” hosted by South Africa, opting out entirely despite holding the BRICS chair this year.
• India clarified that such naval drills are not institutionalised activities of BRICS, but ad-hoc initiatives, and therefore participation is not automatic or obligatory.

BRICS Plus Naval Exercises

• BRICS Plus naval exercises are ad-hoc maritime drills involving BRICS members and selected non-BRICS partner countries.
• They are not mandated under the BRICS framework and do not form part of official BRICS mechanisms.
• Led by China, the exercise features active naval participation from Russia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and South Africa.

BRICS

• Founded in – 2009
• HeadQuarters – Shanghai
• It is an acronym for the grouping of the world’s leading emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (included in 2010)
• Origin – The term “BRIC” was coined by the British Economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 to describe the four emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
• Member Countries: The group includes the five original members (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and six members admitted during the 2024-25 expansion (Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates).

• Share of BRICS – BRICS brings together five of the largest developing countries, representing 41% of the global population, 24% of the global GDP, and 16% of the global trade (By 2028, BRICS is expected to make up 35 percent of the global economy)
• Financial Arm: The New Development Bank (NDB) acts as the group’s primary international financial organization to support infrastructure and sustainable projects.

India’s First-ever Open-sea Marine Fish Farming Project

Economy

Context

• The government launched India’s first-ever open-sea Marine Fish Farming project from the Andaman Sea.

About

• Implementation – The project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• The pilot initiative focuses on open-sea cultivation of marine finfish and seaweed in natural ocean conditions, integrating scientific innovation with livelihood generation.
• The project aims to boost seafood production and reduce pressure on coastal fishing.

Open-sea Fish Farming

• Open-sea marine fish farming refers to the cultivation of marine fish species in offshore waters, away from the coastline.
• It is done using cages, or submersible systems designed to withstand high waves, currents, and wind conditions.
• Open-sea marine fish farming holds significant potential for sustainable fisheries, livelihood security, and blue economy expansion.

80 Years of Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

International

In News

• The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) completed 80 years of its functioning.

United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

• It is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, acting as the central forum for international economic, social and environmental policy coordination.
• It was established in 1945 under the UN Charter.

Chabahar Port Amidst US-Iran Tensions

International

In News

• India has reaffirmed that it remains engaged with both the U.S. and Iran to continue operations at the strategic Chabahar port, countering reports that it plans to exit due to renewed U.S. sanctions.

Chabahar Port

• Location: It is a seaport in Chabahar located in southeastern Iran, on the Gulf of Oman.
• It consists of two separate ports named Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti.
• It is only about 170 kilometers west of the Pakistani port of Gwadar.
• Strategic location: India needs access to iron from Afghanistan’s Hajigak mine and other natural resources from the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, which is made possible by the Chabahar port.
• INSTC: The port is also part of International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transport project to connect the Indian Ocean to Northern Europe.

Central Vigilance Commission

Polity and Governance

In News

• Praveen Vashista was appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission by the President of India.

Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)

• It is India’s apex statutory body entrusted with ensuring integrity, transparency, and accountability in public administration.
• It was established in 1964 following the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption.
• The Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003, provides for the appointment of a Central Vigilance Commissioner and two Vigilance Commissioners. The tenure of the Vigilance Commissioner is of four years or till the incumbent attains the age of 65 years.
• The Central Vigilance Commissioner and the Vigilance Commissioners are appointed by the President of India on the recommendations of a High-Powered Committee (HPC) consisting of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Home Affairs and the Leader of the Opposition in the House of the People (Lok Sabha).

Power and Functions

• The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) mandated under the CVC Act, 2003 to combat corruption and ensure integrity, transparency, and accountability in public administration.
• The Commission exercises superintendence over vigilance administrations of Central Government ministries, departments, and organizations.
• The Central Vigilance Commission acts as the apex vigilance institution by supervising and guiding anti-corruption inquiries, including cases referred by the Lokpal and whistleblower complaints under the PIDPI framework.
• It supervises the functioning of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in cases related to offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
• It plays a key role in senior appointments by chairing committees that recommend appointments of senior officers in the Directorate of Enforcement and the CBI (SP level and above, excluding the CBI Director).

Root Wilt Disease

Economy

In News

• Coconut cultivation in peninsular India is facing a serious threat due to phytoplasma-induced Root Wilt Disease (RWD).

Root Wilt Disease (RWD)

• Root Wilt Disease of coconut is caused by phytoplasma, a cell wall–less bacterial pathogen, and is classified as a non-fatal but debilitating disease.
• It was first reported more than 150 years ago in Erattupetta, Kerala, and despite long-term research efforts, no definitive curative treatment has been developed so far.
• The disease is characterised by gradual yellowing and wilting of leaves, followed by a sharp decline in nut yield and eventual shedding of all nuts.
• Root Wilt Disease spreads through insect vectors, mainly sucking pests, and its transmission is further facilitated by wind movement and large, uninterrupted coconut plantations.

Additional Information – Coconut (Cocos nucifera)

• It is a major perennial horticultural plantation crop of India, predominantly grown in the humid tropics and coastal regions.
• It thrives in well-drained sandy loam soils, high humidity, and temperatures between 27–32°C. It requires plenty of sunlight.
• India is one of the leading producers of coconut globally. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka together contribute about 82–83% of India’s coconut production.

Elevated Wildlife Corridor in Kaziranga

Geography & Environment

Context

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate a 34.5-km elevated wildlife corridor in Assam’s Kaziranga.

Elevated Wildlife Corridor in Kaziranga

• Objective- This aims to enable safe animal movement, especially during annual floods.
• Also, this would improve connectivity between Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park, and Numaligarh.

Kaziranga National Park

• It is the largest undivided representative area of Brahmaputra valley floodplain grassland, where various stages of biotic succession in the grassland ecosystem are explicit.
• The Park is the abode of more than 70% of One Horned Rhinoceros in the world.
• It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1950, and notified as Kaziranga National Park in 1974 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, of 1972.
• It  was declared a World Heritage Site back in 1985. It is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.

Synthetic Cattle Breeds

Economy

Context

• India registers two new synthetic cattle breeds Karan Fries and Vrindavani developed by the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI).

Karan Fries

• It is a synthetic cow breed developed through crossbreeding Holstein Friesian, a globally recognised high-yielding breed with India’s indigenous Tharparkar zebu cattle, known for their hardiness and resilience.
• The synthetic Karan Fries cow breed combines high productivity with resilience, delivering peak daily milk yields of up to 46.5 kg.
• Synthetic cattle breeds are those developed through planned cross-breeding of two or more breeds usually indigenous (Bos indicus) with exotic (Bos taurus) followed by stabilisation of desired traits over generations.
• Once stabilised, they breed true and are recognised as distinct breeds.

Significance:

• Higher productivity than indigenous cattle.
• Better climate resilience than pure exotic breeds.
• Improved economic returns for dairy farmers.
• Lower mortality and better reproductive efficiency.

18th Japan-India Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue

International

In News/Context

• At the 18th India–Japan Strategic Dialogue, India and Japan reaffirmed the upward trajectory of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Key Highlights

• Announced the launch of Japan–India Private-Sector Dialogue on Economic Security (B2B) in early 2026.
• It will help in identification of five priority areas: semiconductors, critical minerals, ICT, clean energy, and pharmaceuticals.
• Establishment of the Japan–India AI Strategic Dialogue under the Japan–India AI Cooperation Initiative (JAI).
• Japan will invite 500 highly skilled Indian AI professionals by 2030 for joint research.

Additional Information – India & Japan relations

Defence and Security

• Military Exercises: Malabar, Dharma Guardian, and JIMEX exercises enhance interoperability and Indo-Pacific security.
• Trade: Bilateral trade reached approximately $23 billion in 2023-24.
• FDI: Japan is India’s fifth-largest source of FDI
• Bullet Train: The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail exemplifies flagship India-Japan transport cooperation.
• Energy: Clean Energy Partnership (2022) expands hydrogen, renewables, and climate cooperation.
• Quad: Quad coordination ensures Indo-Pacific stability through collective maritime commitments.
• SCRI: Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) reduces dependency on China for the supply of critical goods.
• Forums: India and Japan cooperate in G20, International Solar Alliance (ISA), CDRI, and IPEF, strengthening multilateral governance.
• Space: ISRO–JAXA LUPEX mission exemplifies frontier collaboration in space exploration.

UN High Seas Treaty Comes Into Effect

Geography & Environment

Context

• A UN-backed treaty on biodiversity in international waters, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty, has entered into force, creating the first legally binding global framework to conserve and sustainably use the high seas.

What are the High Seas

• High seas refer to ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction, i.e., beyond 200 nautical miles (Exclusive Economic Zones – EEZs).
• They cover nearly two-thirds of the global ocean and about half of the Earth’s surface.
• Earlier governed mainly by general principles under UNCLOS, with limited biodiversity-specific regulation.

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty

• Adoption & Background: The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement was adopted in 2023 by an Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, convened under the auspices of the United Nations.
• Legal Status under UNCLOS: It is agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), after:
• Objective: To ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ), commonly known as the high seas.
• Membership Status: 83 countries have ratified the treaty so far & India has signed but not yet ratified the BBNJ Agreement.

Seed Act 2026 and Its Impact on Farmers

Economy

Context

• Recently, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) briefed in detail about the features of the Seed Act 2026 and its impact on farmers.
• The Seed Act 2026 is expected to be introduced in the Upcoming Budget Session of Parliament.

Key Features of the Seed Act 2026

• Nationwide Seed Traceability: Every packet of commercial seed sold will carry a QR code that farmers can scan.
• Scanning reveals key information: who produced the seed, where it was sourced, and which dealer sold it.
• It aims to eliminate anonymous seed sales and quickly detect fake or substandard seeds, enabling faster remedies for aggrieved farmers.
• Mandatory Registration of Seed Companies and Dealers: The Act proposes compulsory registration of commercial seed producers, traders, and dealers.
• Strong Penalties for Substandard and Fake Seeds: The new Act proposes fines up to ₹30 lakh and possible imprisonment for deliberate violations.
• Protection of Traditional Seed Practices: Government officials have emphasised that traditional farmer practices like saving, sharing, and exchanging seeds within the community will not be restricted.
• The new act focuses on commercial seed quality, not on traditional, non-branded seed systems.
• Scientific Evaluation of Imported Seeds: Imported seeds will undergo rigorous scientific assessment before entering the Indian market, ensuring they meet ecological, agronomic, and quality criteria.
• It protects local farmers from inferior foreign seeds that may not be suited to Indian growing conditions.
• Institutional Mechanisms and Federal Cooperation: The Act may create oversight committees at the Central and State level to improve coordination in seed testing, registration, and enforcement across regions.
• Agriculture remains a State Subject (Schedule VII of Indian Constitution), meaning states will play a key role in implementing and enforcing the Act alongside the Centre.

Thiruvalluvar Day

Culture

In News

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Thiruvalluvar, acknowledging the enduring influence of his timeless works and ideals across generations.

About

• Thiruvalluvar Day was first celebrated on May 17 and 18 in 1935.
• In the present time, it is usually observed either on January 15 or 16 in Tamil Nadu and is a part of Pongal celebrations.

Thiruvalluvar

• Great Tamil poet – Thiruvalluvar, commonly known as Valluvar, was a celebrated Tamil poet and philosopher.
• Thirukkural – He is best known as the author of Thirukkural, a collection of couplets on ethics, politics, economy and love.

Jallikattu

Culture

Context

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin attended the jallikattu in Alanganallur.

Jallikattu

• It is also known as Eruthazhuvuthal.
• It is a bull-taming sport traditionally played in Tamil Nadu as part of the Pongal harvest
• The history of this bullfight dates back to 400-100 BCE when it was played by the Ayars, an ethnic group in India.
• The name is coined from two words, Jalli (silver and gold coins) and Kattu (tied).
• In this festival, a bull is let loose among a crowd of people, and whoever tames it will get the coins tied to its horn.
• The people who participate in the sport try to hold on to the animal’s hump to stop it. Sometimes, they run along with the bull.
• Pulikulam or Kangayam is the breed of bulls used for the sport. This festival has been part of cultural tourism in the state.
• Vadi manjuviraṭṭu, Vēli viraṭṭu, and Vaṭam manjuviraṭṭu are the variants of this sport

Key Concerns:

• Animal Cruelty & Suffering: Bulls are often provoked with alcohol, sticks, knives, and chili powder in their eyes; tail-bending and physical abuse during training and the event cause extreme stress, pain, and severe injuries.
• Human Injuries & Fatalities: The event poses significant risks, with numerous injuries and deaths reported for both participants and bulls over the years.
• Ethical Considerations: Animal rights groups argue that using bulls for entertainment is unethical, regardless of cultural significance, and that the practice exploits and traumatizes the animals.
• However, in 2023, A five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court upheld the amendments made by the legislatures of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka to The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, allowing bull-taming sports like jallikattu, kambala, and bullock-cart races.

A Decade of Startup India

Economy

Context

• PM Modi participated in a programme marking a decade of the Startup India initiative on National Startup Day.

Startup India

• Launched on – January 16, 2016.
• Objective – to promote entrepreneurship and enable investment-driven growth.

India’s Startup Ecosystem

• India has rapidly evolved into one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems, with more than 2 lakh startups as of 2025 .
• India has the 3rd largest startup ecosystem in the world.
• Major hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR have been at the forefront of this transformation.
• India has over 120 unicorns with a valuation exceeding $350 billion.
• Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 ranking: It provides performance metrics and ranks around 140 economies on their innovation ecosystems.
• India has made a steady climb from 48 rank in 2020 to 38 in 2025.

2025 Warmest La Nina Year on Record

Geography & Environment

In News

• According to a new report ,2025 was the third warmest year on record and the warmest La Niña yea

La Nina

• It is a Pacific Ocean weather pattern where warm water and clouds shift westward.
• This causes heavier rainfall in regions like Indonesia and Australia.
• Conversely, areas like the southwestern United States experience drier-than-usual conditions.

Impacts on India

• In India, El Niño usually causes less rainfall and higher temperatures, while La Niña brings more rainfall and cooler temperatures.

Womaniya Initiative

Government schemes

In News

• Government e-Marketplace (GeM) marked seven years of the Womaniya initiative

Womaniya initiative

• It was launched in 2019
• Objective – It aims to enhance access for women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to government markets by providing a direct, transparent, and fully digital interface with buyers, removing intermediaries and entry barriers.
• Significance– It is aimed at strengthening the participation of women-led Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in public procurement.

Additional information – Government e-Marketplace

• Purpose – GeM is an Online Market platform that was set up in 2016 to facilitate procurement of goods and services by the government ministries, departments, public sector undertakings (PSU) etc.
• Known as – It has been envisaged as National Procurement Portal of India.
• Developed by – It has been developed by the Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (Ministry of Commerce and Industry) with technical support of the National e-governance Division (Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology).
• Functions under – It functions under the Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Significance – GeM is a completely paperless, cashless and system driven e-market place that enables procurement of common use goods and services with minimal human interface.

India’s First National Capacity Building Programme for Tribal Healers

Polity and Governance

Context

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) is organizing India’s first National Capacity Building Programme for Tribal Healers on Strengthening Health Outreach in Tribal Areas.

India’s first National Capacity Building Programme for Tribal Healers

• Objective – The initiative will recognize and integrate tribal and indigenous healers as trusted community-level partners within India’s public health ecosystem.
• Healers possess deep-rooted ethnomedicinal knowledge, are accessible to the community, and often act as the first point of health contact.
• Implementation – An MoU will be signed between ICMR–Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) and MoTA to establish India’s first National Tribal Health Observatory – the Bharat Tribal Health Observatory (B-THO) under Project DRISTI.

28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC)

International

In News

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) at Samvidhan Sadan, highlighting how India has transformed its diversity into a democratic strength.

28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC)

• The conference, attended by 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries.
• It aims to promote knowledge and understanding of parliamentary democracy in its various forms and to develop parliamentary institutions.
• Note – Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is the Chairperson of this Conference.

Additional information –  Commonwealth of Nations

• It is a voluntary association of 56 independent member states.
• While most members are former territories of the British Empire, any nation can apply to join if it adheres to the association’s values.

Member States by Region

• The 56 member states are located across five regions: Africa (21), Asia (8), Caribbean and Americas (13), Europe (3), and the Pacific (11).
• These countries collectively represent approximately 7 billion people, which is about one-third of the world’s population.

Key Facts & Governance

• Head of the Commonwealth: King Charles III serves as the symbolic head of the association.
• Secretary-General: Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey is the current Secretary-General.
• Non-British History: Four members joined without a historical link to the UK: Mozambique, Rwanda, Gabon, and Togo.
• Largest & Smallest: India is the most populous member, while Nauru and Tuvalu are the smallest.
• Summit: The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is held every two years. The next meeting will be in late 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda.

India’s First State-funded BSL-4 lab for deadliest pathogens in Gujarat

Science and Technology

In News

• The Union Home Minister laid the foundation stone for a Bio-Safety Level 4 (BSL-4) Containment Facility and laboratory in Gandhinagar, describing it as a “health shield” for India.

BSL-4 Facility

• Bio-Safety Level 4 (BSL-4) labs represent the highest level of biological containment.
• It is designed to safely study the world’s most dangerous and highly infectious pathogens that often lack vaccines or treatments.
• Scientists conduct advanced research, develop diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics, and carry out rapid outbreak investigation and response under strictly controlled and internationally monitored conditions.
• Significance – The BSL-4 laboratory coming up in Gandhinagar, along with an Animal Bio-Safety Level (ABSL) facility, will be a strategic national asset where research is conducted on the deadliest pathogens known to mankind, including the Ebola virus, Marburg virus, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus, Kyasanur Forest Disease virus, and Nipah virus, among others.

Global Risk Report 2026 Released

Economy

In News

• The World Economic Forum (WEF) released the 21st edition of the Global Risks Report (2026), warning that geoeconomic confrontations pose the biggest risk to major powers.

Global Risks for 2026

• Geoeconomic Confrontation: Rated as the top risk for 2026. This includes the “weaponization” of trade, finance, and technology through sanctions and tariffs (such as the US tariffs imposed by the US, banning critical minerals by China etc).
• State-Based Armed Conflict: This is the second highest risk, fueled by ongoing wars like the conflict in Ukraine and recent volatility in regions like Venezuela and the Middle East.
• Extreme Weather: While environmental risks remain the top priority for the next decade, they have slipped to third place (8%) in the immediate two-year outlook due to the urgency of economic and military conflicts.
• Societal Risks: Polarization, misinformation, and AI-generated deepfakes are cited as major threats to social stability, especially during election cycles.

Biggest Risks to India

• Cybersecurity: This is ranked as the top risk for India and India is going more towards digital payments.
• Wealth Inequality and Social Safety Nets: Lack of robust social welfare schemes combined with rising income inequality poses a significant threat to internal stability.
• Economic External Shocks: India is susceptible to domestic slowdowns caused by global supply chain disruptions and international tariffs.
• Critical Infrastructure & Resource Security: The report highlights “water security” as a potential flashpoint, specifically noting that the Indus River Basin remains a point of contention between India and Pakistan, especially following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

Employment and Social Trends 2026 Report: ILO

Economy

Context

• Recently, the International Labour Organization (ILO) released its latest World Employment and Social Outlook (WESO) Report highlighting persistent inequalities in the global labor market.

Key Findings of Report

• Global Unemployment: The global unemployment rate is projected to remain at 9% in 2026, equivalent to 186 million people.
• However, progress toward decent work has stagnated, with millions still lacking access to quality, secure employment.
• Persistent Poverty Despite Economic Growth: Nearly 300 million workers live in extreme poverty, earning less than US$3 per day.
• Youth Employment Crisis Deepens: Youth unemployment rose to4% in 2025.
• Persistent Gender Gaps: Women make up only two-fifths (40%) of global employment.

International Labour Organisation (ILO)

• It is a specialised agency of the United Nations.
• It was established in 1919 by the Treaty of Versailles as an affiliated agency of the League of Nations, and became the first affiliated specialised agency of the United Nations in 1946.
• Headquarter: Geneva, Switzerland.
• India is a founder member of the ILO.
• Aim: To promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues.

Flagship Reports of ILO:

1. Global Wage Report;
2. World Employment and Social Outlook (WESO);
3. World Social Protection Report;
4. World of Work Report

Delhi to Earn Revenue from ‘Carbon Credits’

Geography & Environment

Context

• Delhi government has announced that it has approved a framework for carbon credit monetisation.
• Delhi government activities such as operating electric buses, plantation drives, promoting solar energy and waste management, will be used to generate carbon credits under the new policy.
• The reduction in emissions through these initiatives will be scientifically measured, registered as carbon credits, and sold in national and international carbon markets to generate revenue.

Carbon Markets

• Carbon markets are trading systems in which carbon credits are sold and bought.
• Companies or individuals can use carbon markets to compensate for their greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing carbon credits from entities that remove or reduce greenhouse gas emissio

Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS)

• The CCTS aims to incentivize and support entities in their efforts to decarbonize the Indian economy.
• CCTS laid the foundation for the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) by establishing the institutional framework.

Government Steps to Strengthen Carbon Market Readiness

• As highlighted during the COP 27, India balances its developmental needs with lower carbon emissions through Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC)
• Mission LiFE and the Green Credit Program to promote a sustainable lifestyle.
• Creation of the National Steering Committee for the Indian Carbon Market (NSCICM) and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power.

Kashi-Tamil Sangamam

Culture

Context

• PM Modi hailed the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam in strengthening cultural understanding, fostering academic and people-to-people exchanges and creating lasting bonds.

Kashi-Tamil Sangamam 4.0

• Organized by: Ministry of Education.
• Launched in: 2022.
• Universities: IIT Madras and Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
• Aim: To rediscover, reaffirm, and celebrate the age-old links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi.
• It is in sync with NEP 2020’s emphasis on integrating the Indian Knowledge Systems with modern systems of knowledge.
• Significance – It provides an opportunity for scholars, students, philosophers, and artists from the two regions to share their knowledge.
• It also aims to make the youth aware and experience cultural oneness.
• Note – Both Kashi and Chennai have been recognised by UNESCO as ‘Creative Cities of Music’.

Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024

Economy

Context

• NITI Aayog released the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024.

Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024

• Objective – It is a comprehensive assessment of export readiness across India’s states and union territories.
• Significance – It provides an evidence-based framework to evaluate the strength, resilience, and inclusiveness of sub-national export ecosystems.

Export preparedness index (epi) 2024

• Top Performers: In 2024, Maharashtra, along with Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, are leading performers among large states.
• Category of small states, northeastern states and union territories – Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Goa are listed as leading performers.

Jathiya Devi

Economy

In News

• Recently, Jathiya Devi has been identified for an ambitious urban development project to be executed by the Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA).

Jathiya Devi

• It is Located about 14 km from Shimla city
• It derives its name from the existence of an old Jathiya Devi shrine in the area.
• The project is envisioned as a planned satellite mountain township to ease pressure on Shimla.
• It creates new economic hubs, and promotes sustainable, disaster-resilient urban growth.
• Concerns: The Social Impact Assessment (SIA) acknowledges possible displacement and loss of assets such as temples, schools, shops, canals, and homes

Kuki-Zo Council and Demand for Union Territory

Polity and Governance

Context

• The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex civil body representing the Kuki-Zo people, has reiterated its demand for the creation of a Union Territory for Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur.

Background

• An ethnic conflict erupted in May 2023 between:
• The Meitei community, which predominantly inhabits the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo community, which largely resides in the surrounding hill areas.
• The conflict was triggered by the Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, which was opposed by the Kuki-Zo groups due to concerns over land rights and political representation.
• The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) was formed in October 2024, following nearly 18 months of violence (2023–2025), during which the Kuki-Zo community alleged bias.

Kuki-Zo Groups

• The Kuki-Zo people are an ethnic community spread across Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam, and Myanmar.
• They share close ethnic and cultural ties with other Chin–Mizo groups of Myanmar and Mizoram.
• Since the 1980s–90s, several Kuki-Zo insurgent groups have emerged, primarily demanding:

1. Greater autonomy and self-determination,
2. Protection of tribal land and rights, and
3. In some cases, separate statehood.

Kurinji Rajkumar

Geography & Environment

In News

• Rajkumar, a former bank employee and environmentalist known as “Kurinji Rajkumar,” passed away in Thiruvananthapuram.

Neelakurinji

• It is a purplish flowering shrub, which blooms once in 12 years in the hills of the Western Ghats and Himalayan hills.
• It is said that Nilgiris gets its name due to the magical blue hue imparted by these stunning flowers.
• It is an endemic shrub species seen only in the natural high-altitude montane grasslands of southwest India, with an altitude ranging from 1,340 to 2,600 m.
• It is predominately found in the valley of Western Ghats and Nilgiri Hills of South India (Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu)
• It has most recently been assessed for The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2024 and listed as Vulnerable emphasising the need for its conservation.”

Major Contributions  of “Kurinji Rajkumar,”

• He was the driving force behind the Save Kurinji Campaign, which played a key role in raising awareness about the conservation of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) and its fragile grassland ecosystem.
• His commitment began after witnessing the mass flowering in 1982, leading to treks and awareness efforts that evolved into a major environmental movement.
• He later focused on campaigns in the Munnar region, culminating in the establishment of the 32-sq km Neelakurinji Sanctuary in 2006, fulfilling his lifelong dream.

Centre Notifies National Sports Governance Rules, 2026

Polity and Governance

In News

• The Union Government has notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026, under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.

Objectives of the Rules

• To professionalise and standardise the functioning of National Sports Bodies (NSBs).
• To ensure meaningful participation of athletes in sports administration.

About the Rules

• Inclusion of Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOMs): Minimum 4 SOMs must be included in the General Body of every National Sports Body.
• Gender representation mandate is 50% of the SOMs must be women sportspersons.
• SOM Eligibility Tiers: In the Tiered criteria, 10 Tiers have been prescribed, starting from sportspersons who have won a gold, silver or bronze medal in the Summer Olympic Games, Paralympic Games or Winter Olympic Games, to sportspersons who have won a gold, silver or bronze medal in the National Games or a National Championship.
• Disqualification Criteria: Convicted individuals facing imprisonment are barred from General Body membership, Executive Committee elections, or Athletes Committees.
• Governance Framework: The National Sports Board oversees recognition, affiliate registration, and inquiries into governance or fund misuse.
• Election Framework: The National Sports Election Panel shall maintain a minimum strength of 20 members at all times to oversee the conduct of elections for National Sports Bodies.

EU Countries Approved the Mercosur Agreement

International

In News

• The European Union has approved a long-delayed trade deal with the South American Mercosur bloc, despite strong opposition led by France and concerns from farmers across Europe.

Basics – Mercosur

• Mercosur is a South American trade bloc formed in 1991,
• Member countries – Brazil,Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, with Bolivia as the newest full member,
• Mandate – It aims for free trade and economic integration.
• Note – Venezuela, once a member, has been suspended indefinitely.

EU–Mercosur Free Trade Agreement

• It is the EU’s largest ever in terms of tariff reductions, eliminating over €4 billion in duties on EU exports.
• Trade between the two blocs stands at €111 billion, with the EU exporting machinery, chemicals and transport equipment, and importing mainly agricultural products and minerals.
• Under the deal, Mercosur will remove duties on 91% of EU exports over 15 years, while the EU will eliminate duties on 92% of Mercosur exports within 10 years.
• Both sides retain quotas on sensitive agricultural goods, though the EU will increase beef import quotas and Mercosur will allow duty-free cheese imports.

DRDO Successfully Flight-Tests Third-Generation MPATGM

Security

Context

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully flight-tested the third-generation Fire & Forget Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile, or MPATGM, with top attack capability against a moving target.

Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile

• The fire-and-forget missile was developed indigenously by DRDO.
• ‘Fire and forget’ type of missile – It refers to a weapon system that locks onto a target before launch and does not require further guidance from the operator after firing.
• It is equipped with state-of-the-art indigenous technologies, including an Imaging Infrared homing seeker, tandem warhead, all-electric control actuation system, fire control system, propulsion system and a high-performance sighting system.
• The missile is capable of day and night combat operations and can effectively defeat modern main battle tanks.
• It can be launched from a tripod as well as a military vehicle launcher.

38th India-France Strategic Dialogue

International

Context

• India and France reaffirmed their strategic partnership during the 38th India-France Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by National Security Adviser and Diplomatic Adviser to the French President.

India-France Relations

• India–France Strategic Partnership: It was launched on 26 January 1998 and is India’s first-ever Strategic Partnership.
• Rafale Fighter Jets: India procured 36 Rafales from Dassault Aviation.
• Scorpene Submarines (Project P-75): Collaboration with France’s Naval Group, 6 submarines built in India; latest is INS Vaghsheer.
• Recently both nations formally concluded an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) to procure 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy.
• Joint Exercises: Shakti, Varuna, FRINJEX-23.
• Economic Cooperation: Within the European Union, France remains India’s fifth-largest trading partner, following the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and Germany.
• The process of enabling Unified Payment Interface (UPI) has been successful in France.
• Joint missions: TRISHNA (satellite mission), MDA systems, ground station support.
• International Solar Alliance (ISA): Co-founded by India and France in 2015 to promote solar energy worldwide.

Valley of Flowers

Geography & Environment

Context

• A fire has been raging near the Valley of Flowers forcing the Forest Department to seek the help of the Air Force.

Valley of Flowers

• Location- It is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand inside the Valley of Flowers National Park, which is part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
• It is called the Valley of Flowers because the entire valley comes alive with thousands of blooming flowers during the monsoon.
• It was declared a National Park in 1982. In 2005, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unmatched beauty and unique alpine ecosystem.
• The valley was officially discovered by British mountaineer Frank Smythe in 1931 when he accidentally reached the location.

NPS Vatsalya Scheme, 2025

Government Schemes

In News

• The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has issued guidelines for the NPS Vatsalya Scheme, 2025, expanding the National Pension System (NPS) framework to enable early-life pension inclusion for minors.

NPS Vatsalya Scheme, 2025

• It is a pension savings scheme for minors under the National Pension System.
• It allows a parent or legal guardian to open and operate an NPS account on behalf of a child.

Key Features

• Eligibility: Indian citizens below 18 years of age.
• Account Type: Individual pension account in the name of the minor.
• Operation: Managed by parent/guardian until the child attains majority.
• Conversion: On turning 18, the account is converted into a regular NPS account.
• Minimum Contribution: Minimum initial and annual contribution of ₹250 and no maximum limit on contributions.
• Investment: Funds invested through Pension Fund Managers (PFMs) as per NPS guidelines.
• Source: PIB

Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters

International

In News

• Senior Indian diplomat DB Venkatesh Varma has been nominated by the UN Secretary General to chair the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters for the 2026–27 term, marking the first time an Indian will hold the position.

Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters

• It was established in 1978.
• Composition – The Board comprises fifteen members, with the Director of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research serving as an ex officio member.
• Functions : It advises the Secretary-General on issues related to arms limitation and disarmament

NIRANTAR Platform

Economy

In News

• The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change chaired a meeting of the National Institute for Research & Application of Natural Resources to Transform, Adapt and Build Resilience (NIRANTAR).

NIRANTAR

• Established under – It is a platform of institutions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) aimed at improving coordination and collaboration.
• Objective – Its four verticals focus on research, assessment, and utilisation of resources, particularly bioresources, to ensure their sustainable use for development.
• Significance – The NIRANTAR platform can play a key role in ensuring bioresources sustainable use for development.

Quick Commerce Platforms to stop 10-minute Service

Economy

Context

• Indian quick commerce firms Swiggy and ‍Zepto have changed the branding of their quick commerce operations to stop promoting it as ‌a “10-minute” service following a government order.
• The move is aimed at ensuring greater safety, security and improved working conditions for gig workers.

Gig Workers

• According to Code on Social Security, 2020, a gig worker is a person who performs work or participates in work arrangements and earns from such activities, outside of the traditional employer-employee relationship.
• According to Niti Aayog, 7 million workers are engaged in the gig economy (2020–21), which is expected to expand to 2.35 crore by 2029–30.

Initiatives for Gig workers in India

• Code on social Security 2020: Envisages various benefits to gig workers e.g. life and disability cover, accident insurance etc.
• E-Shram Portal: Establishes a National Database of Unorganized Workers (NDUW) and aims to enhance employability and provide them with social security scheme benefits.
• Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2024: Establish a gig workers welfare board, call for a welfare fee etc

Pufferfish Poisoning

Geography & Environment

News

• Scientists have confirmed India’s first case of pufferfish poisoning, drawing attention to a largely unrecognised riverine health risk.

Pufferfish

• It belongs to the order Tetraodontiformes
• Locally known as – Toadfish, patkafish, balloonfish and fugu.
• Global catalogues list approximately 190–193 valid species.
• It is omnivorous and benthic in habitat and Freshwater pufferfish species reported from India are often endemic to specific geographical areas and serve as indicators of healthy river ecosystems.

Status in India

• Indian waters currently support eight genera and 32 species of pufferfish.
• Their distribution is specific to certain regions and river systems, primarily the Western Ghats and major basins such as the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Mahanadi.
• IUCN Red List status :  The dwarf pufferfish is classified as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List

Ministry of Rural Development Launches National Campaign on Entrepreneurship

Polity and Governance

In News

• A National Campaign on Entrepreneurship was launched to strengthen non-farm livelihoods for rural women under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
• The campaign aims to train 50,000 Community Resource Persons (CRPs) on enterprise promotion and impart Entrepreneurship.

Government Steps To Foster Rural Entrepreneurship

• Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP): Implemented by KVIC, it provides subsidies up to 35% on project costs (higher in rural areas) for new micro-enterprises in manufacturing and services, targeting unemployed youth and artisans with loans up to Rs. 25 lakh.
• ASPIRE Scheme: Launched by MSME, it funds Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs) in rural areas with up to Rs. 1 crore for infrastructure, skill programs, and innovation support to nurture agro-rural startups.
• Lakhpati Didi Initiative: “Lakhpati Didi” designates SHG women achieving ₹1 lakh+ annual household income (₹10,000+ monthly) over four seasons/cycles via farm/non-farm activities.

Additional Information – DAY-NRLM

• Launch: 2011 (restructured from Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY)).
• NRLM was renamed as DAY-NRLM in 2016.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development
• Funding Pattern: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (60:40; 90:10 for NE & Himalayan states)
• Objective: Reduce poverty by enabling poor rural households to access sustainable livelihoods and enhanced incomes.

Core Strategy:

• Universal mobilisation of rural poor women into Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
• Capacity building, access to credit, and livelihood diversification

Key Focus Areas:

• Farm livelihoods
• Non-farm livelihoods and enterprises
• Financial inclusion and social empowerment