Category: National and International Current Affairs

Bela Gram Emerge as First Net-zero Village

Environment

News

• Recently, Bela Gram has become India’s first net-zero panchayat.

Basic term – Net zero

• It refers to achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere, effectively reducing human-caused emissions to a net value of zero

Bela Gram

• It is situated in the Bhandara district of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.
• It was recognized as India’s first net-zero panchayat during Mumbai Climate Week 2026 for its sustainable and carbon-neutral initiatives.
• The panchayat leadership plays a vital role in shaping localised climate action and combating climate change.
• It planted over 90,000 trees, transitioned from smoky chulhas to LPG.
• It installed solar panels, promoted waste segregation, and eliminated single-use plastics.
• It received the 2024 Rashtriya Panchayat Puraskar.

Other panchayat-led climate initiatives across India

• Perinjanam, Kerala – “Solar Gramam” project: 850 households became rooftop solar prosumers, reducing bills by 80% and lowering emissions.
• Siyari, Jharkhand – Water conservation, revived lakes, solar irrigation, streetlights, and plantation of thousands of fruit and shade trees using District Mineral Fund support.
• Badakichab, Odisha – Indigenous women mapped commons and planted over 16,000 trees on 10 hectares of unused land, restoring forests.
• Garhi, Bihar – Built 45 mud check dams, 90 boulder dams, and ponds to tackle water scarcity, flash floods, and soil erosion.
• Kolar, Karnataka – Revived lakes and groundwater, reduced chemical fertilizer use, and implemented climate-resilient agriculture practices.

Red Sanders

Environment

Context

• The busy Tirupati pilgrimage route has made Red Sanders smuggling easier in southern Andhra Pradesh.

Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus)

• Endemic Species: Found only in three districts of southern Andhra Pradesh — Chittoor, Nellore, and YSR Kadapa.
• Largest Reserve: Located in the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve, part of the Eastern Ghats, covering about 4,755 sq km.
• Growth: A slow-growing species that takes 25–40 years to reach maturity.

Conservation Status:

• Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
• Included under CITES, which strictly regulates international trade.
• Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

India AI Impact Summit 2026

Science and Technology

Context

• The India AI Impact Summit 2026 concluded in New Delhi recently.

Background of AI Summits

• 2023 Bletchley Park Summit (UK): The first global AI summit was held at Bletchley Park and focused on safety. It brought together countries and experts to discuss AI risks and resulted in the Bletchley Declaration.
• 2024 Seoul Summit (South Korea): The second summit was held in Seoul in May 2024, building on the discussions from the Bletchley Park meeting and broadening to include innovation and inclusivity alongside safety.
• 2025 AI Action Summit (Paris, France): In February 2025, the AI Action Summit took place at the Grand Palais in Paris. It was co-chaired by France and India and followed the earlier Bletchley Park and Seoul events.
• 2026 India AI Impact Summit (New Delhi): This is the next major summit in the series, held in India in February 2026.

India–AI Impact Summit 2026

• Hosted by – the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• It will be the first-ever global AI summit hosted in the Global South.
• The Three Sutras: Three foundational pillars, known as ‘Sutras’ e. People, Planet and Progress, define how AI can be harnessed through multilateral cooperation for collective benefit.

Outcomes of the summit

• New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact: Endorsed by 89 countries and international organisations (including the US, China, and France).
• It is a non-binding agreement focused on the democratisation of AI.
• It is guided by the philosophy of “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya” (Welfare for all, Happiness for all).
• MANAV Vision: India unveiled the MANAV governance framework, which stands for Moral and ethical systems, Accountable governance, National sovereignty, Accessible and inclusive, and Valid and legitimate.
• Pax Silica Initiative: India formally joined this US-led coalition aimed at securing resilient supply chains for semiconductors, advanced hardware, and critical minerals.
• New Delhi Frontier AI Commitments: A voluntary framework signed by global tech giants (Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, Anthropic) to ensure AI systems are effective across diverse languages and cultures, particularly for the Global South.

Technological & Social Deliverables

• Indigenous Sovereign AI: Launch of several “Made in India” Large Language Models (LLMs):
• Sarvam AI: Unveiled multi-billion parameter open-source models trained on Indian data.
• BharatGen: A 17-billion-parameter multilingual foundational model.
• ai: Launched a multilingual voice model supporting 12 Indian languages.
• Sectoral Impact: Showcased AI applications like Kisan E-Mitra (agriculture), ai (healthcare diagnostics), and the Bhashini platform for real-time translation.

Strategic Framework: Sutras & Chakras

• The summit’s architecture was built on:
• 3 Sutras (Pillars): People, Planet, and Progress.
• 7 Chakras (Working Groups): Human Capital, Inclusion, Safe & Trusted AI, Resilience/Sustainability, Science, Democratising Resources, and Economic Development

India’s Indigenous Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine

Health

Context

• The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare launched the indigenously manufactured Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine at the Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh.

Td Vaccine

• The Td vaccine protects against tetanus and diphtheria, two potentially fatal bacterial diseases.
• It replaces the earlier Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine, expanding protection to include diphtheria.
• In 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that countries transition from Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine to Td vaccine.

Tetanus

• Tetanus is a non-contagious infection that affects the nervous system, leading to painful muscle stiffness and spasms.
• Cause: It is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which is commonly found in soil, dust, and animal manure.
• Transmission: The bacteria typically enter the body through a break in the skin, such as a deep cut, puncture wound (like stepping on a rusty nail), or burn.

Diphtheria

• Diphtheria is a highly contagious infection that primarily affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat.
• The toxin released by the bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and damage the heart (myocarditis), kidneys, and nerves.
• Cause: It is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria.
• Transmission: It spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets (coughing or sneezing) or by touching contaminated objects.

India Joins Pax Silica

Science & Technology

Context

• Recently, India has formally entered the US-led Pax Silica coalition, marking a significant moment in the geopolitics of semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and critical mineral supply chains.

‘Pax Silica’

• launched in – December, 2025
• It is a coalition comprising the United States, Australia, Greece, Israel, Japan, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the UAE, the UK, and now India.
• Objective – It is a US-led strategic initiative to build a secure, prosperous, and innovation-driven silicon supply chain from critical minerals.
• The term ‘Pax Silica’ derived from Latin ‘Pax’ (peace) and ‘Silica’ (a core compound in semiconductors).
• Significance – It symbolizes the pursuit of technological peace and prosperity through resilient, transparent, and cooperative supply chains.

Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) Scheme

(Government schemes)

Context

• The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament criticised the government for implementation of the Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) scheme.

SANKALP Scheme

• Implementation – Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
• It was launched in 2018,
• It was designed to strengthen short‑term skill training through better institutional frameworks, enhanced industry linkages, and targeted inclusion of marginalised communities.
• Funding: The scheme was slated to be financed through a World Bank loan of ₹3,300 crore, State leverage of ₹660 crore, and industry leverage of ₹495 crore.

International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)

Economy

In News

• The US Supreme Court ruled that President Trump lacked authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977 to impose broad import tariffs, citing limits on presidential power over taxation and the “major questions” doctrine.

International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)

• Enacted in 1977,
• It empowers the President to address “unusual and extraordinary” foreign threats to national security, foreign policy, or the economy after declaring a national emergency.
• In response, the President invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to proclaim a new 10% temporary tariff on goods from all countries, effective immediately, as a balance -of-payments measure.

Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)

Syllabus: GS3/ Defence

In News

• India assumed the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) from Thailand.

Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)

• It is a voluntary naval forum launched by the Indian Navy in 2008
• Mandate – to boost maritime cooperation among littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• IONS promotes mutual understanding among navies through biennial conclaves of chiefs, working groups, and activities like workshops and exercises.
• Key focus areas include maritime security (anti-piracy), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and capacity building to address regional threats collaboratively.
• It features a rotating chairmanship (India held it multiple times) and divides 25 member states into four sub-regions: South Asian (e.g., India, Bangladesh, Maldives), West Asian, Southeast Asian/Australian, and East African.
• Nine observers participate; no fixed headquarters exists.

Malabar Pied Hornbill

Syllabus: GS3/Species

In News

• The Chhattisgarh Forest Department is setting up six “hornbill restaurants” in the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve to provide a permanent habitat for the rare Malabar Pied Hornbill and promote forest regeneration.

Malabar Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus)

• It stands 2 to 2.5 feet tall, has a large beak and vibrant plumage.
• Habitat – It inhabits moist evergreen and tall deciduous forests, plantations, and low-altitude riparian areas
• Occurs in the western Ghats, and in eastern/central India from south-west West Bengal and Bihar, to Andhra Pradesh, India, as well as Sri Lanka
• They are recognised as keystone seed dispersers in tropical forests.
• IUCN Status – ‘Nearly Threatened’

Iran Shuts Strait of Hormuz

Syllabus: GS1/Geography

In News

• Iran temporarily closed parts of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil passe

Strait of Hormuz

• Location – The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
• At its narrowest point it is about 33 kilometres wide, with shipping lanes just a few kilometres across in either direction.
• Significance- Nearly half of India’s crude oil and around 60 per cent of its natural gas imports pass through the strait.

Bihar’s Ban on Open Sale of Meat

Syllabus: GS2/Governance; Health

Context

• The Bihar government announced a ban on open-air and unlicensed meat sales in urban areas.

About

• It prohibits the sale of meat and fish in open spaces, such as roadsides, weekly markets or public thoroughfares, within urban municipal areas.
• Sales are now restricted to licenced shops that comply with hygiene standards such as proper waste disposal.
• Violations can attract penalties under the Bihar Municipal Act, 2007, including fines, seizure of goods and shop closures.
• Other States: Many states have regulations calling for licensed and enclosed sale of m eat and fish. These states include Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Jharkhand.

Loggerhead Turtles

Syllabus: GS3/Species in News

Context

• According to a recent study, warmer oceans and declining food availability are affecting the reproductive and migratory patterns of loggerhead turtles.

Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta)

• The loggerhead turtle is named for its large head, which supports powerful jaw muscles that enable them to feed on hard-shelled prey, such as whelks and conch.
• Distribution – They are found across the Caribbean region, Atlantic Ocean, the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the Indian Ocean and the North and South Pacific Ocean
• The Loggerhead sea turtle is a large omnivorous marine reptile recognized as one of the seven extant species of sea turtles.
• They can live up to 80 years or more.
• IUCN conservation status – Vulnerable

ISA Launches Global AI-for-Energy Mission

Syllabus: GS3/Environment

News

• The International Solar Alliance (ISA) launched the Global Mission on AI for Energy at the India AI Impact Summit 2026
• Objective – to accelerate AI adoption in clean energy across 120+ member countries, emphasizing digital infrastructure like India’s Energy Stack.

AI-for-Energy Mission

• It places digital infrastructure and citizen-centric platforms at the centre of the energy transition.
• It aims to bring together governments, industry, financial institutions and multilateral organisations to scale digital and AI-enabled clean energy systems.

Additional Information – International Solar Alliance

• Started – The ISA, is an Indian initiative that was launched by the Prime Minister of India and the President of France on 30th November 2015 in Paris.
• Solar powered countries – It is an initiative with 124 solar resource rich countries lying fully or partially between the tropic of Cancer and the tropic of Capricorn.
• Objective – To collectively address key common challenges to the scaling up of solar energy in ISA member countries.
• Headquarter –  National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) campus, Gurugram.

Closure of FRA Cells in Odisha Triggers Central Scrutiny

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance

Context

• The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs has initiated inquiries into the directives given by the State government of Odisha to shutdown of Forest Rights Act (FRA) Cells at multiple administrative levels.

Forest Rights Act, 2006

• The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, popularly known as the Forest Rights Act (FRA).
• It legally recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers over forest land and resources they have traditionally used for generations.

VoicERA Launched on BHASHINI National Infrastructure

Governance

In News

• The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), under the Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched VoicERA.

India’s National Voice AI Stack (VoicERA)

• It is an open-source, end-to-end technology framework designed as DigitalDigital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
• Public Platform: Deployed on the BHASHINI National Language Infrastructure to provide a national execution layer for multilingual voice services.
• Purpose: To enable government departments and innovators to build voice-based citizen services—such as agricultural advice, education support, and grievance redressal—in local Indian languages.

Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the World Food Programme (WFP)

Economy

In News

• The Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the supply of rice in support of global humanitarian operations aimed at combating hunger.

World Food Programme

• It was established in 1961.
• Mandate – It serves as the United Nations’ primary food-assistance branch and the world’s largest humanitarian organization focused on combating hunger and enhancing global food security.

Food Corporation of India (FCI)

• It is a statutory body established under the Food Corporations Act, 1964.
• It functions under India’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
• Objective – It ensures national food security via procurement, storage, distribution under the Public Distribution System (PDS), and buffer stock management for contingencies like droughts or floods.
• Headquartered in New Delhi.

Municipal Bonds

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy

In News

• The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) recently organized a high-level consultation to deepen India’s municipal bond market, aligning with efforts to boost urban infrastructure financing.

Municipal Bonds

• Municipal bonds are marketable debt instruments issued by ULBs, either directly or via intermediaries like corporate municipal entities or special purpose vehicles.
• First issued by Bengaluru in 1997, they finance capital projects (e.g., water supply, sewerage), refinance loans, and cover working capital needs.

Project Vault

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Context

• The United States unveiled Project Vault, an independently governed and operated public-private partnership.

Project Vault

• It is aimed at establishing a strategic domestic reserve of critical minerals in the United States.
• Significance – to reduce dependence on foreign-controlled supply chains.

Additional Information – Critical Minerals

• These are minerals that are essential for economic development and national security.
• The lack of availability of these minerals could potentially lead to “supply chain vulnerabilities and even disruption of supplies”.

List of Critical Minerals

• A total of 30 minerals were found to be most critical for India : Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, PGE, Phosphorous, Potash, Rare Earth Elements (REEs), Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium and Cadmium.

India’s Policy Push for Mineral Exploration

• Domestic Reserves: India has vast untapped mineral potential, with lithium in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Rajasthan, and REEs in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
• Policy Initiatives: National Mineral Exploration Policy (NMEP), 2016 and Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2021 have accelerated exploration through private participation and advanced surveys.
• KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd) is acquiring overseas mineral assets to ensure supply security.
• National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) – It aims to strengthen the value chain from exploration to recovery.

Google’s America-India Connect Initiative

Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology

Context

• Google announced the collaborative infrastructure initiative named America-India Connect.

America-India Connect Initiative

• A new international subsea gateway will be established in Vizag.
• Three new subsea paths connecting India to Singapore, South Africa, and Australia.
• Significance – The new infrastructure is expected to support rising demand for cloud computing and AI services in India, while also strengthening connections with Africa, Australia and parts of Southeast Asia.

Vibrant Villages Programme–II

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance

In News

• The Vibrant Villages Programme–II is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Union Home Minister at Nathanpur village in Assam’s Cachar district.

Vibrant Village Programme(VVP)

• LAunched by – Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Aim: To enhance infrastructure in villages along India’s border with China, in states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Activities under the VVP include: building infrastructures such as housing, tourist centres, road connectivity, providing decentralized renewable energy, direct-to-home access for Doordarshan and educational channels, and support for livelihood generation.

Trump’s Board of Peace

Syllabus: GS2/ IR

In News

• India participated as an observer in the recent inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace on Gaza, held in Washington DC and hosted at the Donald J Trump Institute of Peace.

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.

Bharat GI

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy

In News

• ‘Bharat GI’, a national initiative to promote India’s Geographical Indication-tagged products globally, was highlighted at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

Bharat GI

• It serves as an umbrella brand showcasing unique Indian GI products like Coorg coffee and Darjeeling tea on international platforms.
• It is launched by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce.
• It leverages digital tools, including AI-driven traceability and market analytics, to connect artisans directly with global buyers.

Additional Information – Geographical Indication or GI Tag

• It is a name or a sign given to certain products related to a specific geographical location or origins like a region, town, or country.
• A certification for unique products – GI Tag may be regarded as a certification for a particular product with certain specific qualities or has a specific reputation because of its geographical origin.
• GI Tags can be issued for wine and spirit drinks, foodstuffs, agricultural products, handicrafts, and industrial products.
• Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) – At the International level, GI is governed by the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO’s) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
• Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act – In India, Geographical Indications registration is administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into force in September 2003.
• Darjeeling tea  – The first product in India to be accorded with the GI tag was Darjeeling tea in 2004-05.

India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce

Syllabus: GS2/IR

News

• India and the United Kingdom launched the India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce.

India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce

• Objective – to provide strategic leadership and coordination for building India’s offshore wind ecosystem.
• Significance- It is aimed at accelerating cooperation in offshore wind development as part of their broader clean energy partnership under Vision 2035.

India and France upgrade ties to Special Global Strategic Partnership

Syllabus: GS2/IR

Context

• The French President arrived on a three-day official visit to India to participate in the AI Impact Summit.

Major Outcomes

• PM Modi announced the establishment of a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’ with France.
• Launch of the India-France Year of Innovation & India-France Innovation Network.
• Inauguration of H125 Helicopter Final Assembly Line at Vemagal, Karnataka.
• Joint Venture between BEL and Safran to produce HAMMER missiles in India.
• India has asked France to increase “indigenous content” in the Rafale by up to 50%, and also expand the Rafale’s maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in India.

Additional Information – 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.
• The process of enabling Unified Payment Interface (UPI) has been successful in France.
• Joint space 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.

Launch of SAHI and BODH Initiatives

Syllabus: GS2/Governance

Context

• The Union Health and Family Welfare Minister launched two digital health initiatives—SAHI (Secure AI for Health Initiative) and BODH (Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI)—during the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

SAHI (Secure AI for Health Initiative)

• It is also referred to as the Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare for India.
• Objective – to ensure the safe, ethical, and evidence-based adoption of AI across the country’s healthcare system.

BODH (Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI)

• Developed by – IIT Kanpur in collaboration with the National Health Authority,
• Objective – It is a specialized digital infrastructure which validates AI models before they are deployed at a national scale.

AI-Preneurs of India

Syllabus: GS3/ S&T

In News

• Atal Innovation Mission launches ‘AI-Preneurs of India’ at India AI Impact Summit 2026, showcasing India’s purpose driven AI Ecosystem.

AI-Preneurs of India

• It is a flagship initiative launched by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), under NI TI Aayog,
• Objective – to celebrate and document the journeys of pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) entrepreneurs in India.

Key Features of the Initiative

• The Publication: It is a flagship coffee table book chronicling 45 pioneering AI startups.
• Founder-First Storytelling: Unlike technical reports, it focuses on the “human element”—the motivations, challenges, and perseverance of the founders.
• Sectoral Diversity: Featured startups operate across 30+ domains, including healthcare, agriculture, sustainability, education, mobility, and deep tech.
• Geographic Democratisation: The initiative showcases innovators from a nationwide network of Atal Incubation Centres (AICs), moving beyond traditional hubs like Bengaluru and Mumbai to include Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities

Bee Corridor

Environment

In News

• In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has unveiled an ambitious plan to create dedicated “bee corridors” along India’s national highways.

Bee Corridor

• It aims to establish continuous linear stretches of bee-friendly vegetation featuring carefully selected flowering trees and plants.
• Unlike traditional decorative plantings, the new corridors will be designed to provide year-round nectar and pollen, ensuring sustained food sources for pollinators.
• The NHAI plans to plant around 40 lakh trees along NHs during the year 2026–27, around 60 per cent of which will be planted under the ‘bee corridor’ initiative.
• Significance – The initiative will help reduce the increasing ecological stress faced by honeybees and other pollinators

“PM RAHAT” Scheme

Syllabus: GS2/Governance

Context

• Prime Minister Modi has approved the launch of the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) Scheme.

PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment)

• It is a newly launched initiative by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
• Objective – to provide immediate, cashless medical treatment to road accident victims across India.
• Significance – it aims to reduce fatalities during the “Golden Hour” (the critical first hour after an accident).

Key features of the scheme

• It includes cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for up to 7 days.
• It offers stabilization care for a maximum of 24 hours in cases that are not life-threatening and 48 hours in life-threatening situations.
• The scheme covers all road accident victims on all types of roads.
• Hospitals cannot ask for advance payments for emergency stabilization.
• Implementation is linked with the 112 helpline for emergency response.
• Treatment is available at hospitals empaneled under Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY).
• A digital system connects the eDAR and TMS 2.0 for reporting and claim processing. Funding comes from the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF).
• Grievances are handled by a Grievance Redressal Officer at the district level.

Japan’s ‘God’s Crossing’

Environment

Context

• A centuries-old winter phenomenon known as “Miwatari” (God’s Crossing) at Lake Suwa has failed to appear for several consecutive years, signalling the growing impact of climate change in East Asia.

‘Miwatari’

• “Miwatari” refers to a natural ice ridge that forms when the entire surface of Lake Suwa freezes.
• It occurs after several days of temperatures below –10°C.
• Thermal expansion and contraction of the frozen surface creates cracks; newly formed ice shards push upward, forming a raised ridge.
• Traditionally, it is believed to mark the path of a deity crossing the lake to visit his consort.

Evidence of Climate Change

• Miwatari appeared almost every winter until the 1980s, but its frequency has sharply declined since then and it has not appeared at Lake Suwa since 2018.
• Morning winter temperatures increasingly fail to drop low enough for complete lake freezing.

Kamala Hydroelectric Project

Environment

In News

• Recently, the expert panel of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India has recommended clearance for Kamala hydroelectric project in Arunachal Pradesh, which will require felling 23.4 lakh trees.

Kamala Hydroelectric Project

• It is a multipurpose project with the objectives of power generation and flood moderation.
• It is proposed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Limited.
• It  is located on the Kamla river, a right-bank tributary of Subansiri which is Brahmaputra’s tributary.

Emergency Landing Facility

Defence;

Context

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a2 kilometre Emergency Landing Facility on the Moran Bypass in Assam, the first such facility in Northeast India.

About

• An Emergency Landing Facility is a reinforced highway stretch designed to act as an alternative runway for the Indian Air Force.
• Located about 300 kilometres from the Line of Actual Control, the Moran ELF provides critical backup during conflict situations and strengthens disaster response in remote regions.
• It can handle fighter aircraft up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft up to 74 tonnes.
• With around 15 such facilities now operational, this strategic grid stretches from the deserts of Rajasthan to the expressways of Uttar Pradesh and now to the strategic borders of the Northeast.

‘Anupam’ model of Waste Management

(Environment)

Context

• Following the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) decision to eliminate the household waste, Anupam Colonies now segregate and process waste within their own premises.

‘Anupam’ model of Waste Management

• It is a decentralized waste management strategy launched by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) in 2025
• Objective – to achieve zero-waste, self-sustainable urban living.
• The Hindi word Anupam was chosen to reflect that these colonies are “incomparable” in their waste practices.

Core Principles & Features

• Uniqueness- The model shifts the focus from traditional centralized waste disposal to on-site resource management.
• 100% Source Segregation: Residents must divide waste into three primary streams: wet, dry, and sanitary.

Scientific Processing:

• Wet Waste: Composted on-site using wire-mesh bins or Organic Waste Converters (OWC).
• Dry Waste: Meticulously sorted into 12 different categories (e.g., paper, metal, glass, e-waste) at local Material Recovery Facilities (MRF).
• Horticulture Waste: Converted into compost or eco-friendly briquettes within the colony.
• Community-Led Governance: Management is handled by Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and NGOs rather than a top-down municipal approach.
• RRR Centers & “Neki Ki Deewar”: Dedicated hubs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) where residents donate usable items like clothes and books for those in need.
• Waste-to-Wealth: Produced compost is distributed free of cost to residents, while income from selling recyclables often funds colony repairs

Ol Chiki Script

Culture

Context

• President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the centenary celebration of the Ol Chiki script in New Delhi, emphasising its importance in preserving Santhal heritage.

Ol Chiki Script

• Ol Chiki was developed in 1925 by Pandit Raghunath Murmu to provide a dedicated writing system for the Santhali language.
• It comprises 30 letters designed to capture Santhali phonetics with precision, allowing systematic documentation of its vocabulary and grammar.
• Santhali, a member of the Austro asiatic language family, is spoken across Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, and Bihar.
• It was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution in 2003.

Bhu-Aadhaar

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance

Context

• The Government of Delhi has initiated the assignment of a 14-digit Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN), popularly termed ‘Bhu-Aadhaar’, to every land parcel in the Capital.

ULPIN (Bhu-Aadhaar)

• It is part of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP).
• It is a 14-digit identification number accorded to a land parcel based on the longitude and latitude coordinates of the land parcel.
• The system integrates GIS mapping, drone surveys, and Ortho Rectified Images (ORI) for accuracy.
• It functions as a digital land identity, similar in concept to Aadhaar for individuals.

Significance

• The initiative aims to enhance transparency, curb fraudulent transactions, and modernise land records through geospatial technology.
• It complements the SVAMITVA Scheme, under which 48 villages in Delhi have already been covered.

Cheer Pheasant

Environment

In News

• BirdLife International and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classified the cheer pheasant as ‘Vulnerable’.

Cheer Pheasant

• Scientific name- Catreus wallichii. It is also known as Wallich’s pheasant or Chir pheasant,
• Habitat- It is a ground-dwelling bird endemic to the Western HimalayaIt is found in Pakistan, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and central Nepal
• Diet: Feeds mainly on roots, tubers, bulbs, seeds, berries, and occasionally insects or worms.
• Behaviour: Known for high natal philopatry, meaning individuals often return to their birthplace to breed. They are predominantly monogamous.
• Threats: Hunting, habitat degradation (conversion of grasslands to agriculture), and forest fires during the breeding season (April–June) which destroy ground nests.
• Conservation Breeding: An exclusive breeding centre is located at Chail, Himachal Pradesh.

Conservation Status

1. IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
2. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest legal protection in India).
3. CITES: Appendix I.

Inhaled Nitric Oxide

Science & Technology

Context

• A recent study by researchers has explored that the high-dose inhaled nitric oxide can significantly reduce multidrug-resistant Pneumonia.

About

• India faces a high burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and hospital-acquired infections where drug-resistant pneumonia is a serious threat in Intensive Care Units (ICUs).
• A significant contributor is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium responsible for nearly one-fifth of hospital-acquired pneumonias.

Nitric Oxide

• Nitric oxide (NO) is a colorless, gaseous free radical molecule composed of one nitrogen and one oxygen atom.
• Production: It is a gas naturally produced by the human body from the amino acid L-arginine, a process that can be boosted by dietary intake of nitrate-rich foods like leafy greens, beets, and garlic.
• Functions: It acts as a neurotransmitter, immune system regulator, and aids in angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation).
• Significance – It improves oxygenation by widening blood vessels in the lungs.
• Toxicity Risks: High doses can lead to methemoglobinemia and potential lung injury.

First Road-cum-rail Tunnel Under Brahmaputra River

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

In News

• Recently, the Union cabinet has approved the construction of the country’s first underwater twin tube road-cum-rail tunnel project under the Brahmaputra River in Assam at an estimated cost of Rs 18,662 crore.

About the Project

• Length – It is a around 34 kilometre-long four-lane access-controlled Greenfield connectivity project.
• Features – It will feature two parallel tunnels, designed to facilitate smooth and high-capacity movement of both road and rail traffic.
• Connectivity – The stretch will connect Gohpur on NH-15 and Numaligarh on NH-715 in Assam, cutting short the distance between the two Assam cities to just 34 kilometres from the current 240 kilometres.
• The travel time will be reduced to just 20 minutes from six hours now.
• Importance: The project will provide significant benefit to Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and other North -Eastern States.
• It will enhance connectivity, reduce logistics costs and accelerate growth across Assam and the entire Northeast.

Additional Information- Brahmaputra River

• The Brahmaputra is a major transboundary river in Asia.
• It originates from the Chemayungdung Glacier near Lake Manasarovar (Mapam Yumco) in Tibet.
• It is known variably as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet (its longest upper stretch), Siang or Dihang in Arunachal Pradesh, Brahmaputra in Assam & Jamuna in Bangladesh.
• It flows east through Tibet’s plateau, enters India via Arunachal Pradesh, widens in Assam’s plains, and merges with the Ganges in Bangladesh before reaching the Bay of Bengal.

Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

In News

• Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 (FoF 2.0) with a corpus of ₹10,000 crore
• Objective – to mobilise venture capital for the country’s rapidly expanding startup ecosystem.

Venture capital

• Definition – It is funding provided to emerging companies by wealthy individuals or institutional investors (venture capitalists) seeking long-term growth.
• It is high-risk but potentially high-return and can be provided through equity, debentures, or conditional loans.

Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 (FoF 2.0)

• Objective – to mobilise venture capital for the country’s rapidly expanding startup ecosystem.

Additional Information – 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.

Kerala Declares Bacillus Subtilis ‘State Microbe’

Syllabus: GS2/ Health/ Governance

Context

• Kerala has become the first Indian state to designate an official “State Microbe,” selecting Bacillus subtilis, a beneficial, soil-dwelling bacterium.

Bacillus subtilis

• It is a non-pathogenic, rod-shaped, gram-positive bacterium.
• It is found commonly in soil, water, and the human gut.
• Bacillus subtilis is a probiotic or good bacterium that plays a vital role in improving gut health and strengthening immunity.
• The bacterium is widely used in agriculture as a biofertilizer and biocontrol agent to enhance crop productivity and suppress plant diseases.
• Due to its resilience and spore-forming ability, it has significant industrial and biotechnological applications.

Do You Know?

Centre of Excellence in Microbiome

• It is established by the Government of Kerala located in Thiruvananthapuram,
• It is India’s first dedicated multi-domain research institution for microbiome studies.

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)

Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations

Context

• Recent remarks from senior U.S. officials describing the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) as a “very important platform” and India as an “active participant”.

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)

• It is the informal strategic dialogue between India, USA, Japan and Australia.
• Objective – To ensure and support a “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region.

Additional Information – Exercise Malabar

• Started in – It is a multilateral war-gaming naval exercise that was started in 1992. The exercise began as a bilateral exercise between the navies of India and the United States.
• Participating countries – From 2002 onward, the exercise has been conducted every year. Japan and Australia first participated in 2007. Since 2014, India, the US and Japan have participated in the exercise. In 2020 Australia too joined the Malabar Exercise.
• Aim – To support a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region and remain committed to the rules-based international order.

African Union

Syllabus: GS2/Regional Groupings

Context

• The African Union is hosting its annual summit in Ethiopia to discuss the future of the continent, as the organization faces widespread discontent.

African Union

• It is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent.
• It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999).
• Aim: to drive Africa’s growth and economic development.
• Headquarters: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Initiatives

• African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement – It aims to create a single market for goods and services across the continent.
• Agenda 2063 – It is a strategic framework for the socio-economic t ransformation of the continent over the next 50 years.

Seva Teerth

Syllabus: GS2/Governance

In News

• The Prime Minister inaugurated the Seva Teerth complex in New Delhi, along with Kartavya Bhavan-1 and 2.

Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan-1 and 2

• Seva Teerth houses the Prime Minister’s Office, the National Security Council Secretariat, the Cabinet Secretariat, all of which were previously located across different locations.
• It consolidates administrative functions within modern, and future-ready facilities.
• Kartavya Bhavan-1 and 2 accommodate several Key ministries including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• Both building complexes feature digitally integrated offices, structured public interface zones and centralised reception facilities.

       Importance

• These features will foster collaboration, efficiency, seamless governance, improved citizen engagement and enhanced employee well-being.

CPI January, 2026 (Provisional) at Base year 2024=100 Released

Syllabus:GS3/Economy

Context

• The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation has released the provisional Consumer Price Index (CPI) with Base 2024=100.

About

• The base has been revised from 2012 to 2024 using Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24.

Consumer Price Index (CPI):

• It measures the average change in prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services over timee., it tracks retail inflation.
• Tracks cost of living and purchasing power.
• Includes items like food, housing, clothing, transport, etc.
• It is published monthly, the earlier base year: 2012 which is revised to 2024.
• Released By: NSO, MoSPI.

Lead Bank Scheme (LBS)

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

In News

• The RBI’s proposed guidelines aim to strengthen and streamline the Lead Bank Scheme by clearly defining the structure, membership, and roles of various committees

Lead Bank Scheme (LBS)

• It is an institutional mechanism introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in December 1969
• Objective – to coordinate banking and development activities at the district level.
• Significance – It aims to enhance credit flow to priority sectors like agriculture and MSMEs, reduce regional imbalances, and promote overall rural development.
• As of February 2026, the RBI has proposed a major overhaul of the scheme through new draft guidelines to modernize its operations for the digital age.

Core Objectives

• Area Approach: Adopting a specific geographical area (the district) as the basic unit for intensive banking development.
• Financial Inclusion: Expanding banking services to unbanked and underbanked rural and semi-urban populations.
• Coordinated Planning: Acting as a “consortium leader” to align the efforts of commercial banks, regional rural banks (RRBs), cooperative banks, and government agencies.
• Credit Deployment: Ensuring credit reaches productive sectors to improve local income levels and productivity.

SHANTI (Sustainable Harnessing of Advancement of Nuclear Technology for India) Act 2025

Syllabus:  GS3/ Energy

Context

• The SHANTI (Sustainable Harnessing of Advancement of Nuclear Technology for India) Act 2025, have triggered concerns regarding safety standards, victim compensation, and long-term energy strategy.

About

• Traditionally, nuclear power plants in India have been owned and operated only by state-owned Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and its fully-owned subsidiary Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam (BHAVINI).

SHANTI Act, 2025,

• It was passed in December 2025,
• It represents a landmark overhaul of India’s nuclear governance.
• Replaced – It consolidates the sector’s legal framework by repealing the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010.

Key Objectives & Pillars

• 100 GW Target: The Act provides the legal foundation to reach India’s goal of 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047.
• Private Sector Integration: For the first time, private Indian companies and joint ventures can build, own, and operate nuclear power plants under strict government licensing.
• Regulatory Independence: It grants statutory recognition to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), making it more independent and accountable to Parliament rather than just the executive.
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): The Act facilitates the deployment of Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs) to support industrial decarbonisation.

Major Provisions

• Dual Permit System: Entities must obtain a licence from the Central Government for construction/operation and a separate safety authorisation from the AERB for radiation-related activities.
• Reserved Strategic Domains: The Central Government retains exclusive control over sensitive “fuel cycle” activities, including uranium enrichment, spent fuel management, and heavy water production.
• Dispute Resolution: Establishes the Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council. The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) serves as the appellate authority, with further challenges possible in the Supreme Court.

Concerns raised over SHANTI Act

• The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster exposed weaknesses in reactor containment design and emergency preparedness.
• The Chernobyl disaster involved structural design flaws, including a positive power coefficient and inadequate emergency shutdown systems.
• The Three Mile Island accident revealed significant control room design failures and communication lapses by suppliers.

Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati

History

Context

• The Prime Minister paid tributes to Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati on his birth anniversary.

Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati

• He was born on February 12, 1824, in Tankara, Gujarat. He later became a disciple of Swami Virajananda.
• He founded the Arya Samaj in 1875 to counter social inequities and promote social reform.
• He issued the slogan “Back to the Vedas” and emphasized two core ideas: the infallible authority of the Vedas and monotheism.
• Among his major beliefs were the rejection of idolatry and overly ritualistic traditions, support for women’s education, denunciation of child marriage, and opposition to untouchability.
• He also advocated the idea of shuddhi, supporting reconversion into the Hindu fold.
• Publications: Satyarth Prakash, Sanskar Vidhi, and Yajurved Bhashyam.
• Legacy: Inspired by his beliefs, teachings, and ideas, his disciples established the Dayanand Anglo Vedic College Trust and Management Society after his death in 1883.

Assam Rifles to Induct More Indigenous Dog Breeds

Syllabus: GS3/ Internal Security

Context

• The Assam Rifles is inducting two native Indian dog breeds, the Tangkhul Hui (Haofa) and the Kombai, into its specialized dog squad.
• The induction is being managed by the Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre (ARDTC) in Jorhat, Assam.

About the Indian Dog Breeds

• Tangkhul Hui: It is indigenous to Ukhrul district of Manipur and known for being highly courageous, possessing unique tracking abilities, and having the stamina to track animals for up to 48 hours without food or water.
• It is also known for disease resistance and adaptability to hilly terrain.
• Kombai: It is native to Tamil Nadu and recognized for agility, guarding instincts, and loyalty.

Assam Rifles

• Established in – 1835
• World War Participation: It is the only paramilitary force to have participated in both World Wars, as well as the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
• Headquarters – Shillong, Meghalaya, and currently consists of 46 battalions.
• It is one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), primarily guarding India’s Indo-Myanmar border, focusing on border security, counter-insurgency, and law & order in Northeast India.

Kyasanur Forest Disease

Syllabus: GS2/Health

In News

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is steadily progressing towards the development of an improved vaccine against Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD).

Kyasanur Forest Disease

• Origin : First identified in 1957 in Karnataka’s Kyasanur Forest, it is commonly known as Monkey Fever.
• Type: It is a tick-borne viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (family Flaviviridae).
• Transmission: Spread to humans via tick bites (mainly Haemaphysalis spinigera) or contact with infected animals, particularly sick or dead monkeys.
• No person-to-person transmission exists.
• Seasonality: Epidemics usually last from October to June, with a peak period between January and April.
• Symptoms: Sudden high fever, headache, and vomiting; severe cases may involve bleeding (hemorrhagic) and neurological issues.
• Mortality: The disease has a fatality rate of approximately 5% to 10%.
• Treatment: There is no cure; management relies on supportive care (hydration, oxygen, and maintaining blood pressure).
• Prevention: A vaccine is available and widely recommended in affected regions of India.

Rajaji National Park

Syllabus: GS3/Environment

In News

• The Supreme Court cleared the metalling of the 11.5-km Laldhang-Chillarkhal road project through Rajaji National Park.

Rajaji National Park

• It was established in 1983 by merging the Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla sanctuaries.
• It was named in honor of freedom fighter and India’s first Governor-General, C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji).
• Location – It is located in the Himalayan foothills near Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun.
• Rivers – It features diverse vegetation and rich biodiversity, with the Ganga and Son rivers flowing through it.
• It is home to elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, ghorals, and numerous bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Panchsheel Pact

Context

• The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) mentioned that India believed the 1954 Panchsheel Agreement effectively addressed the northern boundary question, even though China viewed it differently.

Panchsheel Agreement

• In 1954, India recognised Tibet as part of China, and both countries signed the Panchsheel Agreement.

The Panchsheel Agreement stated the five principles as:

1. Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
2. Mutual non-aggression.
3. Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
4. Equality and cooperation for mutual benefit.
5. Peaceful co-existence.

• It was designed to promote trade and friendly relations, forming the basis of the bilateral ties.
• With this, India assumed that it had settled its northern border.
• In 2025 the Chinese President underscored that Panchsheel must be cherished and promoted by the two countries.
• It came as India and China reset their ties and PM Modi visited China after seven years.

The India-China Borders

• India considers the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to be 3,488 km long, while the Chinese consider it to be only around 2,000 km.
• It is divided into three sectors: the eastern sector which spans

1. Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim,
2. Middle sector in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh,
3. Western sector in Ladakh.

• Western Sector or Aksai Chin Sector: The region is claimed by the Chinese government post-1962 war as an autonomous part of the Xinjiang region which was originally a part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Middle Sector: It is the less disputed section of the Indo-China border but the recent Doklam standoff and Nathu La Pass trading issues have brought distress at all levels.
• Eastern Sector or Arunachal Pradesh:McMahon Line had differentiated India and China in this sector but in the 1962 war the People’s Liberation Army covered 9000 sq. km. area.
• However, China has started to claim the whole of Arunachal Pradesh as their own.