Why in the News?
The Indian Army has deployed it’s contingent to participate in Exercise KHAAN QUEST 2025, a major multinational peacekeeping exercise being held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Concurrently, India is also set to conduct Exercise SHAKTI 2025 with France.
About Exercise KHAAN QUEST, 2025:
- Overview: It is a multinational peacekeeping military exercise being held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from June 14 to 28, 2025.
- Origins: The exercise was initiated in 2003 as a bilateral drill between the United States and Mongolian Armed Forces and became a multinational event in 2006.
- Indian Participation: India has sent a 40-member contingent, primarily from the Kumaon Regiment, along with personnel from other arms and services, including one woman officer and two women soldiers.
- Focus: The exercise trains troops for Peacekeeping Missions under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which deals with action regarding threats to peace and acts of aggression.
- Key Training Drills: Participating forces will engage in checkpoint establishment, cordon and search operations, civilian evacuation from conflict zones, counter-IED tactics, and combat casualty care.
- Objectives: The main goal is to build interoperability, promote joint planning, and strengthen tactical coordination among different participating nations.
About Exercise SHAKTI, 2025:
- Overview: It is a bilateral military drill between India and France, scheduled to take place at La Cavalerie, France, from June 18 to July 1, 2025.
- Exercise Series: This marks the 8th edition of the biennial joint exercise, reflecting a strong and ongoing defence partnership between the two nations.
- Objectives: The drill focuses on enhancing the joint capability to conduct multi-domain operations, especially in sub-conventional warfare scenarios.
- Core Training Areas: It includes sessions on tactical coordination, joint operational planning, and counter-terrorism techniques.
- Goals: To deepen military cooperation, foster mutual trust, and build interoperability and camaraderie between the Indian and French armed forces.
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| [UPSC 2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?
1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.
Select the answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
India has been ranked 131 out of 148 countries in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2025, falling two places from last year’s rank of 129.
About the Global Gender Gap Index:
- Overview: It is released annually by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and has been published since 2006.
- Scope of Measurement: It evaluates gender parity across 4 key dimensions:
- Economic Participation and Opportunity,
- Educational Attainment,
- Health and Survival, and
- Political Empowerment.
- Scoring Method: The index uses a 0–1 scale, where 1 represents full gender parity.
- 2025 Edition Coverage: The 19th edition of the index covers 148 countries, making it a global benchmark for tracking gender gaps.
Key Highlights of the 2025 Report:
- India’s Performance: It is ranked 131 out of 148 countries, falling two spots from its 2024 rank of 129.
- Overall Score: India’s overall gender parity score is 64.1%, placing it among the lowest-ranked in South Asia.
- Economic Participation: India improved in this category, with the score rising to 40.7%, and estimated earned income parity increasing from 28.6% to 29.9%.
- Labour Force Participation: India’s rate remains at 45.9%, its highest recorded level.
- Educational Attainment: The country scored 97.1%, with gains in female literacy and tertiary education enrolment.
- Health and Survival: This category showed marginal improvement due to a better sex ratio at birth and higher healthy life expectancy.
- Political Empowerment: India declined in this area, with women in Parliament dropping from 14.7% to 13.8%, and women ministers decreasing from 6.5% to 5.6%.
Global Trends and Significance:
- Regional Rankings: The highest rank is held by Bangladesh in South Asia at 24, followed by Bhutan (119), Nepal (125), Sri Lanka (130), Maldives (138), and Pakistan (148).
- Global Parity Score: The overall global gender gap has narrowed to 68.8%, marking the best progress since the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Timeline for Equality: At the current pace, it will take 123 years to achieve full gender parity worldwide.
- Top Performers: Top-rank is retained by Iceland for the 16th consecutive year, followed by Finland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
- Leadership Gap: Although women make up 41.2% of the global workforce, they occupy only 28.8% of leadership roles.
Back2Basics: World Economic Forum (WEF)
- The WEF is an international non-profit organization founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab in Geneva, Switzerland.
- It fosters public-private cooperation to tackle global issues through dialogue, partnerships, and research.
- WEF is widely known for its annual Davos summit, which brings together world leaders from politics, business, and academia.
- Major reports published include the Global Competitiveness Report, Global Risks Report, Global Social Mobility Report, Energy Transition Index, and Travel & Tourism Development Index.
- These reports provide critical data and policy insights on issues like inequality, climate change, innovation, and economic recovery.
- WEF is largely funded by its partner corporations, offering a platform to shape global agendas across sectors.
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| [UPSC 2017] Which of the following gives ‘Global Gender Gap Index’ ranking to the countries of the world?
Options: (a) World Economic Forum* (b) UN Human Rights Council (c) UN Women (d) World Health Organization |
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PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2016] Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation.
Linkage: Child labour is a significant issue affecting children, robbing them of their basic rights and hindering their full development potential. It is addressed through various welfare schemes, laws, and policies aimed at protecting and improving the lives of children. |
Mentor’s Comment: June 12 is observed as the World Day Against Child Labour, led by the International Labour Organisation to raise awareness about the ongoing problem of child labour. This year, attention is not only on the alarming number—160 million children still working, but also on an inspiring success story from India: Velpur Mandal in Telangana. Once known for widespread child labour, Velpur has remained child labour-free for over 20 years. Its achievement, driven by strong community participation, shows how local efforts can bring lasting change and serve as a model for tackling child labour through policy and grassroots action.
Today’s editorial focuses on the problem of child labour in India, a key issue relevant to GS Paper II (Social Justice) in the UPSC syllabus.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Every year on June 12, the World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL) is observed, led by the International Labour Organization (ILO), to raise awareness about the problem of child labour.
What are the major global challenges in eliminating child labour?
- Poverty and Economic Vulnerability: Families in low-income regions rely on children’s income to meet basic needs, making child labour a survival strategy Eg: In sub-Saharan Africa, children are often sent to work in farms or in markets to support their households facing extreme poverty
- Lack of Access to Quality Education: Poor schooling infrastructure, long travel distances, and hidden costs deter school attendance, pushing children into work Eg: In rural Afghanistan, many children work as street vendors or in workshops instead of attending school due to poor accessibility
- Weak Law Enforcement and Informal Economy: Despite legal frameworks, enforcement is weak in informal sectors where most child labour occurs. Eg: In Latin American countries, children continue working in agriculture and street vending despite legal prohibitions.
- Cultural and Social Acceptance: In some societies, child labour is normalized as part of tradition or family livelihood, especially in unregulated home-based industries Eg: In India, children are commonly employed in beedi-rolling or carpet weaving under the guise of family trade training
- Conflict, Displacement, and Emergencies: Armed conflict, refugee crises, and natural disasters disrupt schooling and increase reliance on child labour for survival. Eg: In Syria, displaced children are often seen working in agriculture or shops due to the breakdown of education and protection systems.
What are the major national-level challenges in eliminating child labour?
- Poverty and Household Debt: Economic hardship compels families to send children to work instead of school, especially in informal and unorganised sectors. Eg: In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, children are employed in brick kilns and agriculture to supplement family income or repay local debts.
- Gaps in Implementation of Laws and Schemes: Despite strong legal provisions, poor monitoring, corruption, and lack of coordination among departments weaken enforcement. Eg: In Jharkhand, children continue to work in mica mines, despite bans and presence of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act.
- Lack of Awareness and Social Acceptance: In many rural and tribal areas, parents are unaware of the long-term value of education and accept child labour as normal. Eg: In Andhra Pradesh’s beedi-making units, child labour is seen as a family tradition and not a violation of child rights.
Case study of Velpur mandal:
Who led the anti-child labour campaign in Velpur?
The campaign was led by the then District Collector of Nizamabad along with committed local officials.
How did it achieve child labour-free status?
- Community-Led Campaign and Awareness Drive: A 100-day campaign was launched in 2001 involving local officials, sarpanchs, teachers, caste elders, and civil societyto identify and enroll every child into school. Eg: In Velpur Mandal (Telangana), all 8,057 children aged 5–15 were enrolled in schools, and the mandal was declared child labour-free by October 2, 2001.
- Debt Waiver and Social Accountability by Employers: Former child employers publicly waived ₹35 lakh worth of family debts and provided school supplies, freeing children from bonded labour. Eg: Employers in Velpur villages forgave loans where children were used as repayment guarantees, helping families send their children to school.
- Institutional Support and Bridge Schooling through NCLP: Children withdrawn from labour were sent to bridge schools under the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) to ease their transition into formal education. Eg: Children from beedi units and farms were given remedial education and then enrolled into regular schools with full retention ensured by community monitoring.
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What is the status of the National Child Policy?
- Outdated Framework (Policy of 2013): The National Policy for Children, 2013 is the current guiding document, but it lacks clear mechanisms for implementation, monitoring, and budgetary commitments. Eg: Though it recognizes rights to survival, development, protection, and participation, it does not specifically address child labour rehabilitation pathways
- Lack of Integration with Recent Laws and SDG Goals: The policy has not been aligned with new laws like the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 or with SDG Target 8.7. Eg: India aims to eliminate child labour by 2025 under SDG 8.7, but the national child policy does not provide an updated roadmap or action plan for this
- Delayed Formulation of a Revised Policy: The government had initiated a process to draft a new National Child Policy in 2020, but no final version has been released or implemented so far. Eg: The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) conducted consultations for an updated policy, but no final policy document has been notified as of mid-2025
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- Strengthening Legal Framework: The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 prohibits employment of children below 14 years and restricts adolescents (14–18 years) from hazardous occupations. Eg: This amendment led to the identification and rescue of thousands of children from beedi-making and fireworks units in states like Tamil Nadu and Telangana.
- National Child Labour Project (NCLP): Launched in 1988, this centrally sponsored scheme focuses on identifying, rescuing, and rehabilitating child labourersthrough special training centres. Eg: Under NCLP, bridge schools in Velpur (Telangana) helped transition former child workers into regular schools, contributing to its child labour-free status.
- Integration with Education and Welfare Schemes: Programs like Right to Education Act (2009), Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and Samagra Shiksha aim to improve school access and retention among vulnerable children.Eg: In Bihar and Odisha, these schemes have improved school attendance, reducing dropout-driven child labour in agriculture and domestic work.
Way forward:
- Community-Driven Monitoring and Social Mobilisation: Empower panchayats, school management committees, and civil society to track school dropouts and ensure local accountability through awareness campaigns and social pressure mechanisms.
- Policy Update and Stronger Rehabilitation Framework: Finalize and implement a revised National Child Policy aligned with SDG 8.7, and strengthen rehabilitation measureslike skill development, financial support, and psychosocial care for rescued children.
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Why in the News?
Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Kananaskis (Canada), Alberta, for the G-7 outreach summit is an important chance for India and Canada to improve their diplomatic relations.
What led to the deterioration of India-Canada relations since 2023?
- Assassination Allegations: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly alleged that Indian government agents were involved in the assassination of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil, without providing conclusive evidence.
- Diplomatic Fallout: In response to the allegations, both countries reduced their diplomatic staff to one-third, significantly weakening diplomatic engagement and services.
- Suspension of Key Agreements: Canada suspended negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, while India temporarily stopped issuing visas to Canadian citizens, citing security threats to Indian diplomats.
- Naming of Senior Indian Official: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reportedly named Home Minister Amit Shah in the conspiracy, further escalating tensions and hardening positions on both sides.
- Historical and Diaspora-linked Frictions: The long-standing Khalistan issue and alleged Khalistani extremism in Canada aggravated India’s concerns, especially given the large Indian diaspora and the perceived lack of action by Canadian authorities.
Why is PM Modi’s visit to the G-7 summit in Canada significant for bilateral ties?
- Signals a Diplomatic Reset: Inviting Modi marks a deliberate attempt by Canada to reopen diplomatic channels after relations plummeted following the 2023 Nijjar incident. Eg: Prime Minister Carney’s invitation—despite ongoing tensions—was described as coming at the last-minute, yet with careful back-channel diplomacy to avoid embarrassment.
- Re-emphasizes India’s Global Economic Role: Carney stressed that India is the world’s 5th-largest economy and central to global supply chains. Including India in G-7 discussions underscores its economic and geopolitical relevance. Eg: Carney asserted that India’s presence was essential to dialogues on energy security, critical minerals, AI, and infrastructure.
- Creates a Platform for Sensitive Law Enforcement Dialogue: The G-7 summit provides a high-level platform to initiate the planned law enforcement dialogue, a key mechanism to address the Nijjar case and broader security-related concerns.
Who are the key stakeholders involved in the India-Canada diplomatic reset?
- Prime Minister of India: Represents India at the G-7 and the potential diplomatic outreach.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney: Initiator of the summit invite; key to Canada’s effort to normalize ties.
- Law enforcement agencies: Both sides agreed to a “law enforcement dialogue” to address allegations and threats.
- Diaspora communities: The 1.86 million-strong Indian community in Canada serves as a bridge between the two nations.
- Trade and diplomatic negotiators: Officials working behind the scenes to restore dialogue on trade and diplomacy.
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How can justice be pursued while maintaining diplomatic respect?
- Facilitate Law Enforcement Dialogue Through Official Channels: Both countries should engage in structured and confidential legal cooperation to address allegations without public confrontation. Eg: Canada and India have agreed to a “law enforcement dialogue” where sensitive issues like the Nijjar caseand threats to Indian diplomats can be discussed respectfully.
- Avoid Public Accusations Before Due Process: Governments must refrain from making unverified public allegations that escalate tensions and damage bilateral trust. Eg: Canada’s public statement in 2023 about Indian involvement in Nijjar’s death, without conclusive evidence, led to a sharp diplomatic fallout.
- Restore Diplomatic Presence to Normal Levels: Reinstating high commissioners and full diplomatic staff enables better communication and prevents misunderstandings during sensitive investigations. Eg: Both countries had reduced their mission strength by two-thirds; restoring these positions is key to pursuing justice without compromising diplomacy.
How can both countries rebuild trust and restart cooperation? (Way forward)
- Resume Diplomatic Engagement and Dialogue Mechanisms: Reinstating high commissioners and activating official dialogues like law enforcement and trade talks will help normalize relations. Eg: The proposed law enforcement dialogue and discussions on restoring trade negotiations signal mutual willingness to rebuild ties.
- Prioritize People-to-People and Economic Links: Focusing on shared interests such as the Indian diaspora, education, and investment cooperation can help overcome political setbacks. Eg: With 1.86 million people of Indian origin in Canada and strong business partnerships, both nations can leverage these ties for renewed cooperation.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2023] Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.
Linkage: A Diplomatic Reset at the G-7″ explicitly states that India and Canada are “inextricably bound by their people” and that “over 1.86 million [people of Indian origin] are settled in Canada, but remain connected to India”. Canada is a significant Western country where the Indian diaspora has a strong presence. Therefore, discussing the economic and political benefits for India from its diaspora in the West would directly involve the Canada-India context, including how this diaspora can play a role in improving strained bilateral ties.
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Why in the News?
India will update the base year for calculating GDP to 2022–23, and the new data is expected by February 2026. This change, confirmed by Saurabh Garg from the Ministry of Statistics, is an important step to improve the accuracy and trust in India’s economic data both in the country and around the world.
Why is the base year for GDP being revised to 2022-23?
- To Reflect Structural Changes in the Economy: India’s economy has shifted significantly from agriculture to services and digital sectors. Revising the base year captures these structural shifts more accurately. Eg: The rise of digital platforms, fintech, and gig economy post-2015 needs to be incorporated into GDP estimates.
- To Incorporate Improved and Updated Data Sources: New datasets such as the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) and administrative records like MCA-21 provide more comprehensive and timely data for accurate GDP computation. Eg: PLFS helps capture employment trends better than the older Employment-Unemployment surveys.
- To Ensure Compatibility with International Standards and Better Inflation Adjustment
Regular base year revisions align with UN and IMF guidelines and help in more precise estimation of real GDPby adjusting for price changes. Eg: Without a revision, outdated price structures (like 2011-12) may overstate or understate real growthdue to inflation distortions.
What challenges delayed the previous GDP base year revision in 2017-18?
- Data Quality Concerns in Key Surveys: The government raised concerns about the credibility of the Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES) and Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted in 2017-18. Eg: CES showed a decline in consumer spending, suggesting rising poverty — a politically sensitive finding that was never officially released.
- Economic Disruptions during the Reference Year: Major policy shocks such as demonetisation (2016) and the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 led to economic volatility, making 2017-18 an unsuitable “normal” year for baseline calculations. Eg: GDP growth fell from 8.3% in 2016-17 to below 4% by 2019-20, reflecting prolonged economic slowdown post these disruptions.
- Delayed Acceptance and Use of Survey Results: While the PLFS findings were eventually accepted after the 2019 elections, the CES was rejected, causing a gap in key inputs required for GDP revision. Eg: Without reliable consumption and employment data, the GDP estimation would lack accuracy, forcing the government to drop 2017-18 as the base year.
Which other economic indicators are also undergoing base year revisions?
- Index of Industrial Production (IIP): Base year to be revised to 2022-23.
- Consumer Price Index (CPI): Base year to be revised to 2023-24.
- National Accounts (GDP): Base year to be revised to 2022-23, effective February 27, 2026.
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How does base year revision affect the credibility of India’s economic data globally?
- Improves Accuracy and International Comparability: A timely base year revision ensures that GDP estimates reflect current economic structures, making India’s data more credible and aligned with international standards (like those of IMF and UN). Eg: Including digital economy or renewable energy sectors helps match the metrics used by other G20 nations.
- Builds Investor Confidence: Transparent and methodologically sound revisions enhance global investor trust, which is crucial for foreign direct investment (FDI) and sovereign credit ratings. Eg: A credible GDP estimate influences decisions by agencies like Moody’s or Fitch, and reassures multinational corporations evaluating India’s market.
- Reduces Skepticism from Global Analysts: Past controversies—like the 2015 revision which some experts claimed overstated growth—have raised doubts on India’s data integrity. A robust 2022-23 revision can restore credibility. Eg: Even former Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian questioned past data quality; accurate revisions now can counteract such reputational damage.
Way forward:
- Institutionalise Regular Data Revisions: Establish a fixed 5-year cycle for revising base years of GDP and other macroeconomic indicators, in line with National Statistical Commission recommendations, to ensure timeliness, consistency, and credibility.
- Enhance Data Transparency and Accessibility: Improve the quality, frequency, and public availability of key datasets like Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES), PLFS, and Census, to build trust among researchers, investors, and global institutions.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2021] What are the main features of the estimation of India’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015.
Linkage: The changes in GDP estimation around the 2015 revision, which is a prime example of the process of revising the base year and methodology. The “India’s GDP: Revising the Economic Base” source provides extensive details on this very topic, explaining the rationale and significance of such revisions, including the upcoming 2026 revision and its importance for India’s global standing.
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Why in the News?
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is set to launch CROPIC (Collection of Real Time Observations & Photo of Crops)- a digital initiative that uses field photography and AI-based models to monitor crop health and automate loss assessment.
What is CROPIC?
- Overview: CROPIC is a digital initiative launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- Objective: The aim of CROPIC is to monitor crop health, assess crop losses, and assist with insurance payouts under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
- Technology Integration: It leverages field photography, artificial intelligence, and a cloud-based analysis system to streamline crop monitoring.
- Process: CROPIC is designed to automate the crop loss assessment process and improve the transparency and speed of compensation to farmers.
- Pilot Timeline: The initiative will be piloted during Kharif 2025 and Rabi 2025–26, and expanded nationwide in 2026.
- Implementation: The project is funded through the Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) under PMFBY, which has an allocation of ₹825 crore.
Key Features of CROPIC:
- Mobile App-Based Data Collection: Crops are photographed 4–5 times per season using the CROPIC mobile app, with images collected by farmers and field officials.
- Crowdsourced Inputs: Real-time photographs are crowdsourced directly from the field, ensuring up-to-date and location-specific crop data.
- AI-Based Photo Analysis: Images are uploaded to a cloud platform, where AI algorithms analyze them to detect:
- Crop type and stage
- Health status
- Visible damage or stress
- Web-Based Dashboard: Processed data is presented on a visual dashboard for use by government officials and policymakers.
- Insurance Integration: During claim processing under PMFBY, officials use the app to gather photographic evidence, automating crop loss verification.
- Crop Signature Database: CROPIC will help build a digital image library of crop types, aiding future research and development in agricultural analytics.
| [UPSC 2019] For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used?
1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location
2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location
3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3* |
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Why in the News?
A new study from researchers at IISER Bhopal has revealed how a single protein called BBX32 helps plants time the critical moment they emerge from darkness into light.
What is BBX32?
- Function: BBX32 is a plant protein that helps a seedling keep its protective hook closed as it pushes through the soil.
- Protection Mechanism: The hook shape shields the soft shoot tip in darkness; BBX32 extends this protection until it’s safe to open.
- Ethylene Activation: Underground, the plant hormone ethylene activates the BBX32 gene, signaling the seedling to stay protected.
How does it work?
- Light Stabilization: Once exposed to light, BBX32 is no longer broken down, allowing it to accumulate on one side of the hook.
- Protein Chain Reaction: BBX32 activates PIF3, which then activates HLS1, the protein that directly keeps the hook bent.
- Lab Testing: Plants were tested in different light types and sand to simulate real soil. Extra ethylene increased BBX32 activity.
- Mutant Comparison: Plants without BBX32 opened too early. Only 25% broke through sand, compared to 40% of normal and 80% with extra BBX32.
- Degradation Control: In darkness, COP1 breaks down BBX32. Ethylene slows this process. Light fully stabilizes BBX32.
- Coordinated Timing: The protein’s behavior is guided by light, hormone signals, and pressure, ensuring the hook opens at the right time.
Why is studying BBX32 important?
- Better Crop Survival: BBX32 can help develop crops that grow well in dense, wet, or compacted soils.
- Climate Adaptation: As climate change leads to tougher soil conditions, BBX32 can improve seedling emergence and survival.
- Boosting Yields: Supporting hook protection even slightly longer can lead to stronger early growth and higher productivity.
- Genetic Research: BBX32 is a potential target for gene editing in plants to improve resilience during germination.
- Broader Insight: Studying BBX32 helps us understand how plants balance internal signals with external cues for safe growth.
| [UPSC 2018] Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhabit water loss?
1. Hard and waxy leaves 2. Tiny leaves 3. Thorns instead of leaves
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3* |
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Why in the News?
India is serving as a Vice President to the 2nd Session of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (and Lighthouse Activities) (IALA) Council held in Nice, France.
About IALA:
- Overview: It is the global authority headquartered near Paris, France, responsible for standardizing and harmonizing marine aids to navigation (AtoN), including lighthouses, buoys, and electronic navigation systems.
- Establishment: IALA was founded in 1957 as a non-governmental organization and officially became an intergovernmental organization (IGO) on August 22, 2024, following ratification by 34 countries.
- Mission: Its mission is to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable maritime navigation by promoting uniform standards, modern technology, and global cooperation.
- Relevance: IALA plays a crucial role in reducing maritime accidents, protecting marine environments, and supporting developing nations through training and technical assistance.
Structure and Features:
- Membership: The organization consists of 80+ member countries, along with commercial maritime companies, training institutions, and scientific bodies.
- General Assembly: The supreme decision-making body, which meets every four years to define broad policies and strategic direction.
- Council: The executive body composed of 24 elected members, meeting twice annually to oversee day-to-day governance and technical progress.
- Technical Committees: Specialized groups focused on areas such as digital navigation technologies, marine engineering, Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), and sustainable navigation systems.
- Key Innovations:
- Maritime Buoyage System: Unified over 30 local buoyage systems into two global regions (Region A and Region B).
- Pioneered technologies like Differential GPS (DGPS), Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), and e-navigation frameworks.
- Global Partnerships: IALA works closely with international bodies like the IMO (International Maritime Organization), IHO (International Hydrographic Organization), and ITU (International Telecommunication Union).
India and IALA:
- Founding Member: India is a founding member of IALA and has been a Council member since 1980, represented by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL).
- Infrastructure Contributions: India has implemented Integrated Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) across 12 major ports, enhancing navigational safety and efficiency.
- Upcoming Hosting: India will host the 3rd IALA General Assembly in December 2025 and the IALA Conference in 2027, both scheduled to take place in Mumbai.
| [UPSC 2017] Consider the following in respect of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):
1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
Sri Lanka is celebrating Poson Poya festival which commemorates the arrival of Buddhism over 2,000 years ago.
About Poson Poya Festival:
- Overview: Poson Poya is the second most important Buddhist festival in Sri Lanka, following Vesak in religious significance.
- Date of Observance: It is celebrated on the full moon day of June, which corresponds to the seventh month of the Sinhalese calendar.
- Historical Commemoration: The festival marks the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in 236 BCE, when Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka, met King Devanampiyatissa at Mihintale.
- Key Locations: Celebrations are held across the island, with the most sacred observances taking place at Mihintale and Anuradhapura.
- Ritual Activities: Devotees engage in temple visits, meditation, offerings, and acts of charity (Dana) as part of spiritual practice.
- Cultural Expressions: Communities organize free food stalls (Dansalas), decorate homes and streets with lanterns, and display illuminated panels of Buddhist stories.
How did Buddhism spread to Sri Lanka?
- Following the Third Buddhist Council (held in 250 BC in Pataliputra) during Ashoka’s reign, it was decided to send missionaries to various regions, including Sri Lanka, to spread Buddhism.
- The mission to Sri Lanka was led by Mahinda (Mahendra), Ashoka’s son, who converted King Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura to Buddhism.
- After several royal ladies expressed interest in joining the Buddhist monastic order, Mahinda sent for his sister, Sanghamitra, to initiate them.
- Both siblings lived in Anuradhapura for the rest of their lives.
- She played a pivotal role in establishing the Order of Nuns (Bhikkhuni Sangha or Meheini Sasna) in Sri Lanka, which later spread to other Theravada Buddhist countries like Burma, China, and Thailand.
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| [UPSC 2024] Sanghabhuti, an Indian Buddhist monk, who travelled to China at the end of the fourth century AD, was the author of a commentary on:
Options: (a) Prajnaparamita Sutra (b) Visuddhimagga (c) Sarvastivada Vinaya * (d) Lalitavistra |
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Why in the News?
Prime Minister paid tributes to Sant Kabir Das on his birth anniversary.
About Sant Kabir:
- Birth: Sant Kabir was likely born between 1398 and 1440 in Kashi (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) and passed away in 1518. According to legend, he was born to a Brahmin widow and later adopted by a Muslim couple, Niru and Nima.
- Early Life: He was raised in the julaha (weaver) community, Kabir’s upbringing among the socially marginalized deeply shaped his teachings on equality and anti-casteism.
- Spiritual Awakening: Though raised in a Muslim household, Kabir became a disciple of Swami Ramananda, a Vaishnava Bhakti saint, and was also influenced by Sufi mysticism, particularly through Shaikh Taqqi.
- Death: Kabir died in Maghar (Uttar Pradesh) in 1518.
- Legacy Site: Legend says his body miraculously vanished, leaving only flowers, which were divided between Hindus and Muslims. Today, a temple and a dargah stand at his burial site.
His Teachings, Literary Style, and Cultural Impact:
- Poetic Style: Kabir wrote in a mix of Hindi, Khari Boli, Bhojpuri, Punjabi, Urdu, Persian, and Marwari. His most famous compositions are Dohe (couplets) and Pads (devotional songs), noted for their simplicity, spiritual insight, and bold social critique.
- Advocacy: He was a strong proponent of Nirguna Bhakti, the worship of a formless, attributeless God. He referred to this divine presence as Ram, Allah, or Shabda, emphasizing that God transcends name and form.
- Spiritual Themes: Kabir’s work reflects non-dualism (Advaita) from the Upanishads and monotheism (Tawhid) from Islam. He believed that salvation lies in inner realization, not through scriptures, priests, or rituals.
- Opposition to Ritualism: He condemned idolatry, pilgrimage, fasting, and caste-based discrimination, urging people to seek God within themselves.
- Social Reform Focus: Kabir stood firmly for social equality, rejecting casteism and religious divisions. His verses challenged orthodoxy and critiqued hollow practices in every community.
- Influence on Sikhism and Bhakti Movement: His poems are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, highlighting his impact on Sikhism. He also inspired spiritual figures like Guru Nanak, Dadu Dayal, and Jiwan Das.
- Cultural Legacy: The Kabir Panth, a spiritual tradition based on his teachings, has over 9.6 million adherents today. Kabir is respected in Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism alike.
| [2019] Consider the following statements:
1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2* |
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PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2019] The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order”. Elaborate.
Linkage: Under President Erdogan, Türkiye has moved away from its earlier identity as a secular, peaceful Cold War ally. Instead, it is now trying to become a strong regional power by following a foreign policy influenced by Islamic values. This question looks at how a country’s image and role are changing in today’s world. |
Mentor’s Comment: Türkiye’s bold and ideology-driven foreign policy under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is changing the political balance in West Asia, North Africa, and the Caucasus. By mixing Islamic revival ideas with smart diplomacy, Türkiye has become a unique player — a NATO member that backs Islamic groups and also works closely with Russia and Iran. Its support for HTS in Syria, military presence in Qatar, and use of drones in Azerbaijan and Ukraine show a carefully planned but risky push to expand its regional influence.
Today’s editorial discusses Türkiye’s bold and belief-based foreign policy, which is an important topic for GS Paper II (International Relations).
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recently, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Türkiye has followed a foreign policy that leans towards Islamic values and focuses on making closer friendships with Muslim countries. But knowing Türkiye’s limits, he has also used a practicaland flexible approach along with his Islamic ideas.
What are the key features of Türkiye’s foreign policy under President Erdogan?
- Islamist-leaning tilt: Türkiye has shifted from secular foreign policy to an Islamist-oriented approach, drawing from Ottoman-era ideology like Ittihad-i Islam (Unity of Islam).
- Strategic activism: Ankara has actively intervened in conflict zones (Syria, Libya, Caucasus) to expand influence and protect Islamist groups.
- Balanced diplomacy: Despite its Islamist foreign policy, Türkiye continues to be a key NATO member and maintains military cooperation with the West.
- Pragmatism with ideology: Erdogan blends ideological objectives with pragmatic diplomacy to gain leverage in regional and global affairs.
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Why has Türkiye blended Islamist ideology with pro-Western alliances in recent years?
- Strategic Leverage: Türkiye blends Islamist ideology with pro-Western alliances to expand its influence in the Muslim world while continuing to benefit from Western military and economic support. Eg: It supported the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt while remaining a NATO member and hosting U.S. nuclear weaponsat Incirlik Airbase.
- Geopolitical Balancing: By engaging with both the West and rivals like Russia, Türkiye positions itself as a key regional power using diplomatic flexibility. Eg: It supplied drones to Ukraine but refused to impose sanctions on Russia, and also bought Russia’s S-400 missile defence system.
- Domestic Political Gains: The blend allows Erdogan to satisfy his conservative and Islamist voter base while keeping ties with the West to boost Türkiye’s global standing. Eg: While supporting Islamist groups in Syria and Libya, he also pursued EU accession negotiations and maintained U.S. relations.
- Reclaiming Regional Influence: Erdogan aims to revive Türkiye’s past Ottoman glory by asserting leadership in the Islamic world through both ideology and realpolitik. Eg: Türkiye supported HTS in Syria, deployed troops in Qatar, and backed Azerbaijan against Armenia—moves tied to its historical influence in those regions.
How has Türkiye’s involvement in Syria, Libya, and the Caucasus expanded its regional influence?
- Support for Islamist Groups in Syria: Türkiye backed anti-Assad factions, including the Free Syrian Army and later Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), to expand its presence near the Israeli border and counter Kurdish militias. Eg: Türkiye created a buffer zone on the Turkish-Syrian border and opposed military operations against HTS, enhancing its influence in northern Syria.
- Military Presence in Libya: Türkiye supported the Tripoli-based government, which was dominated by Islamist groups, against the eastern faction supported by Egypt and Russia. Eg: Its intervention shifted the power balance in Libya’s civil war, strengthening its role as a decisive actor in North Africa.
- Backing Azerbaijan in the Caucasus: During the 2023 Armenia-Azerbaijan war, Türkiye supported Azerbaijanmilitarily and diplomatically against Russia-backed Armenia. Eg: Türkiye’s supply of drones and training helped Azerbaijan gain territory in Nagorno-Karabakh, solidifying Ankara’s role in Caucasian geopolitics.
- Neo-Ottoman Strategic Depth: These interventions reflect Türkiye’s goal of restoring its Ottoman-era influence in regions it historically controlled. Eg: By actively engaging in conflicts across West Asia and the Caucasus, Türkiye revives its historical footprint under a neo-Ottoman vision.
- Diplomatic Bargaining Power: Türkiye’s involvement in regional conflicts enhances its bargaining power with both the West and Russia, giving it room to extract concessions. Eg: Despite tensions over S-400, Türkiye supported Sweden and Finland’s NATO entry, using its strategic role to influence Western policy decisions.
What are the ethical issues?
- Support for Militant Groups: Backing groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has links to terrorist networks, raises serious ethical concerns regarding state sponsorship of violence. Eg: Türkiye’s protection of HTS in Syria, despite its al-Qaeda roots, may undermine international counter-terrorism norms.
- Civilian Impact and Regional Instability: Türkiye’s military involvement in conflict zones (Syria, Libya, Caucasus) can lead to civilian casualties and human rights violations, raising questions about just war ethics. Eg: Drone strikes in Libya and Azerbaijan, though tactically effective, risk collateral damage and contribute to prolonged violence.
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What would be the impact on India?
- Strengthened Türkiye-Pakistan Alliance: Türkiye’s open support for Pakistan in regional disputes, especially during India-Pakistan tensions, could undermine India’s diplomatic interests. Eg: During the India-Pakistan flare-up, Türkiye backed Islamabad, which may influence international forums like the UN or OIC against India.
- Rival Narrative in the Muslim World: Türkiye’s Islamist foreign policy positions it as a champion of Muslim causes, potentially creating a counter-narrative to India’s efforts to engage Gulf and West Asian countries. Eg: Türkiye’s support for Kashmir-related discussions at the OIC can affect India’s relations with Muslim-majority countries.
- Strategic Presence Near India’s Periphery: Türkiye’s increasing engagement in South Asia and Central Asia through military and diplomatic ties (e.g., with Azerbaijan and Pakistan) may reduce India’s strategic space in the extended neighbourhood. Eg: Türkiye’s participation in military drills with Pakistan and support for joint defence production could enhance Islamabad’s military capabilities.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Strategic Partnerships in West Asia and Eurasia: India should deepen ties with countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, and Central Asian republics to counterbalance Türkiye’s growing regional influence. Eg: Expanding the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and increasing energy and security cooperation with Gulf nations can help secure India’s interests.
- Enhance Global Diplomacy and Narrative Building: India must actively engage in multilateral platforms (like OIC, UN, SCO) to neutralize anti-India rhetoric and promote a moderate, inclusive image. Eg: Leveraging its civilizational diplomacy and diaspora to reinforce its role as a responsible power in the Islamic world.
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Why in the News?
Recently, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s trip to the International Space Station (ISS) on the Axiom-4 mission is not just a proud moment but an important step forward in India’s growing space journey.
What distinguishes Shukla’s Axiom-4 mission from Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 spaceflight?
|
Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 Spaceflight |
Shubhanshu Shukla’s Axiom-4 Mission (2025) |
| Nature of Participation |
Symbolic participation as part of a Soviet mission |
Strategically integrated with India’s own space goals (e.g., Gaganyaan) |
| Technological & Program Context |
India lacked space infrastructure and human spaceflight roadmap |
ISRO is a global space leader with advanced plans, including space station |
| Practical Value & Experience |
Limited scope for operational follow-up and knowledge transfer |
Provides real-life experience and critical inputs for Gaganyaan and beyond |
Why is Shukla’s mission crucial for India’s Gaganyaan programme?
- Real-life Operational Experience: Shukla’s direct experience in space provides practical insights that simulations and training cannot replicate. Eg: As designated pilot, he will operate systems, respond to contingencies, and interact with international crew — skills critical for Gaganyaan’s success.
- Validation of Safety Protocols: Human spaceflight demands rigorous safety and risk management strategies. Eg: Shukla’s feedback will help ISRO refine life-support systems, re-entry safety measures, and astronaut training for Gaganyaan.
- Technology Testing and Experimentation: Axiom-4 allows ISRO to test custom-designed biological and technological experiments in zero gravity before Gaganyaan. Eg: Muscle degradation studies and moong dal growth experiments can inform long-duration crew health planning.
- Knowledge Transfer and Crew Preparation: Shukla becomes a knowledge resource for other Gaganyaan astronauts and mission planners. Eg: His debriefings and experience logs can train upcoming Indian astronauts in real mission dynamics.
- Interface with the ISS and International Best Practices: Gaganyaan and future Indian missions will benefit from understanding ISS operational standards. Eg: Shukla’s ISS stay gives ISRO insights into modular space living, docking operations, international coordination, etc., crucial for building India’s own space station.
How do Axiom-4 experiments align with India’s space research goals?
- Focus on Human Physiology in Space: Experiments like muscle behaviour studies in zero gravity help understand health impacts of space travel. Eg: Findings will aid in preparing astronauts for long-duration missions under Gaganyaan and future space station plans.
- Biological Experiments for Space Farming: Studies on sprouting moong dal and micro-algae explore sustainable food solutions in space. Eg: Results can support self-sustaining life-support systems for interplanetary travel or moon habitats.
- Indigenised Research Capabilities: Experiments are customised to Indian needs, marking ISRO’s entry into tailor-made space research. Eg: Conducting India-centric biology and material science experiments builds a national space science ecosystem.
- Data for Technology Development: Outcomes can validate and improve space health-monitoring tools and biological sensors. Eg: Data from Axiom-4 can be used to refine wearables for vital monitoring in Gaganyaan.
- Laying Groundwork for Future Missions: Insights from Axiom-4 serve as trial runs for similar experiments on Gaganyaan and beyond. Eg: Positive results could lead to advanced biotech payloads on future ISRO-led space missions.
What is the role of the private sector in India’s space economy?
- Enhancing Innovation and R&D: Private companies foster cutting-edge research and technological advancements in space applications. Eg: Startups like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos are developing indigenous launch vehicles.
- Reducing Burden on ISRO: Private participation allows ISRO to focus on core research and strategic missions, while routine tasks are outsourced. Eg: Satellite manufacturing and component fabrication are now being handled by private firms.
- Boosting Economic Contribution: Expanding private sector involvement helps increase India’s share in the global space market, currently at just 2%. Eg: With policy support, India aims to capture 10% of the $1 trillion space economy by 2030.
- Job Creation and Skill Development: The growth of private space ventures leads to new employment opportunities and capacity building. Eg: Space-tech startups are hiring young engineers, promoting STEM education and aerospace skills.
- Encouraging Global Collaborations: Private firms enable international partnerships and technology transfers, enhancing global credibility. Eg: Pixxel has partnered with international clients for hyperspectral imaging satellites.
Way forward:
- Establish a Robust Regulatory Framework: Create a clear, transparent, and enabling policy environment through institutions like IN-SPACe to facilitate private investments, streamline licensing, and ensure intellectual property protection.
- Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Promote joint missions, co-development of technologies, and knowledge sharing between ISRO and private companies to accelerate innovation and reduce development costs.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2017] India has successfully achieved several milestones in space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbitter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Explain critically.
Linkage: The article “India’s New Era of Human Spaceflight” explicitly states that Shubhanshu Shukla’s Axiom-4 mission is designed to provide critical inputs for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission, which is the nation’s first human spaceflight, thereby filling this very gap in technology and logistics.
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Why in the News?
In May 2025, the Bar Council of India (BCI) officially put into effect new rules called the “Bar Council of India Rules for Registration and Regulation of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms in India.” This is a major step in India’s legal system, as it allows foreign lawyers to work in India in a regulated way while protecting Indian legal standards.
What is the Bar Council of India (BCI)?
The BCI is a statutory body established under the Advocates Act, 1961 to regulate the legal profession and legal education in India. |
Why did the Bar Council of India (BCI) enforce the new rules?
- To Regulate and Monitor Foreign Legal Practice in India: With growing cross-border trade and legal demands, there was a need to formally regulate how foreign lawyersoperate in India. The rules provide a clear framework for registration, scope of work, and ethical standards. Eg: Foreign law firms advising Indian clients on international mergers or arbitration cases must now register and follow BCI rules, ensuring accountability.
- To Ensure Reciprocity and Protect Indian Legal Interests: The rules were introduced to allow foreign legal entry based on mutual terms, ensuring Indian lawyers are treated fairly abroad. It also prevents unregulated entry that could undermine local legal professionals. Eg: U.S. law firms can now operate under defined conditions, but only if similar access is given to Indian lawyers in the U.S., ensuring balanced opportunities.
What are the key criticisms of the BCI rules by U.S. law firms?
- Procedural Restrictions as Non-Tariff Barriers: U.S. law firms argue that the BCI rules impose excessive procedural requirements that act as a non-trade barrier, limiting their entry into India. Eg: Mandatory disclosures and registration conditions are seen as restrictive and protectionist.
- Conflicts with U.S. Confidentiality Norms: The requirement to reveal the “nature of legal work” and “client identity” allegedly conflicts with the American Bar Association (ABA) rules on client confidentiality. Eg: U.S. lawyers are bound by rules that prevent even general disclosure of client details.
- Lack of Reciprocity and Sudden Implementation: The fly-in, fly-out rule imposes limits (e.g., 60 days stay) without ensuring similar access for Indian lawyers in the U.S., and critics say the rules were implemented without a transition phase. Eg: No equivalent restrictions exist for U.S. law firms visiting India earlier, but now sudden compliance is required.
Why are legal services excluded from trade agreements in India?
- Constitutional Separation from Trade: Legal services fall under Entries 77 and 78 of the Union List (administration of justice and legal profession), not under trade and commerce entries. Hence, they are constitutionally excluded from trade negotiations. Eg: In the UK-India Free Trade Agreement negotiations, India intentionally excluded legal services, reinforcing this constitutional boundary.
- Nature of Legal Practice as Personal Service: Indian courts have ruled that legal practice is a contract of personal service, not a commercial activity, making it unsuitable for inclusion in trade deals. Eg: In Bar of Indian Lawyers vs D.K. Gandhi (2024), the court held that legal services are distinct from trade or business, confirming their exclusion from trade frameworks.
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How do the BCI rules ensure a balance between openness and standards?
- Structured entry for foreign lawyers and firms: The BCI rules permit foreign law firms and practitioners to operate in India through a registration-based model, ensuring regulated access rather than blanket entry. Eg: Rules 3 and 4 allow entry subject to ethical and professional conditions, preventing unregulated practice.
- Fly-in, fly-out provisions with safeguards: The rules enable temporary legal visits under the fly-in, fly-out model, while imposing limits on duration (60 days/year) and type of legal work, ensuring such visits stay within approved bounds. Eg: Under Rule 3(1) proviso, a foreign lawyer may advise on foreign law but cannot represent clients in Indian courts.
- Flexibility with accountability: The rules allow the BCI to assess foreign qualifications and credentials case-by-case (Rule 6), ensuring professional standards are upheld without being rigid. Eg: Rule 4(h) requires a ‘good standing’ certificate, but the BCI can make exceptions after holistic verification.
Which laws and judgments guide India’s regulation of foreign legal practice?
- Constitutional Framework under Union List: Legal practice in India is governed under Entries 77 and 78 of the Union List (Seventh Schedule, Constitution of India), making it a sovereign regulatory domain, distinct from trade and commerce. Eg: Legal services are not treated as tradable commodities, hence excluded from Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
- Bar Council of India Act and Professional Standards: The Advocates Act, 1961 and the Bar Council of India (BCI) rules provide the statutory mandate for regulating legal education, enrolment, and conduct of lawyers in India. Eg: The BCI Rules for Registration and Regulation of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms (2023) ensure ethical compliance and reciprocity.
- Bar Council of India vs A.K. Balaji (2018): Held that foreign firms can’t set up offices but can advise clients on fly-in, fly-out basis.
- Lawyers Collective vs BCI (2009): Reiterated that foreign firms must follow Indian law to practice in any capacity.
What are the implications of applied ethics?
- Guides Real-World Decision Making: Applied ethics helps individuals and institutions make morally sound decisions in specific practical fields such as medicine, law, business, or environmental policy. Eg: In medical ethics, principles like informed consent ensure that patients are not treated without their knowledge or will.
- Resolves Ethical Dilemmas in Professional Practice: It provides frameworks to address conflicting moral values in complex situations, balancing individual rights, social good, and professional duty. Eg: In business ethics, whistleblowing policies balance the duty to the employer with the public’s right to know about harmful practices.
Note: Applied Ethics is a branch of ethics that deals with the practical application of moral principles to real-world issues and professional fields. |
Way forward:
- Strengthen Bilateral Legal Dialogue Mechanisms: India can establish a structured legal diplomacy framework with countries like the U.S. to address concerns through dialogue rather than trade disputes.
- Introduce a Phased Liberalisation Model with Safeguards: India can consider a calibrated liberalisation of legal services with clearly defined transition periods, limited practice areas (e.g., foreign law, arbitration), and stringent professional standards to ensure reciprocity and ethical compliance while maintaining regulatory control.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2018] India and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based.
Linkage: These basic tenets influence legal and regulatory philosophies. The article underscores that India’s rules are not “roadblocks” but a “balanced approach” to liberalizing its legal ecosystem in a “structured and regulated manner. The understanding of the foundational differences in how these two democracies approach regulation, particularly in a professional service sector, is crucial for comprehending India’s justification for its “legal bridge of reciprocity.
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Why in the News?
As part of his upcoming two-week stay on the International Space Station (ISS) under Axiom-4 Mission, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will conduct the Voyager Tardigrades experiment.
What are Tardigrades?
- Tardigrades, also called “water bears” or “moss piglets”, are microscopic aquatic animals that have existed for around 600 million years.
- They are about 0.5 mm long, with four pairs of clawed legs and a specialized mouth for sucking nutrients from plant cells and tiny invertebrates.
- Tardigrades live in diverse habitats, including mosses, lichens, mountaintops, ocean depths, and even Antarctica.
- They are famous for their extreme resilience, having survived all five major mass extinction events and capable of enduring conditions that would kill most other life forms.
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About Voyager Tardigrades Experiment:
- Overview: The experiment will be conducted by Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla during his mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
- Experimental Process: Tardigrades will be transported in their dormant “tun” state, then revived and observed in microgravity conditions.
- Research Focus: The experiment will examine how space radiation and microgravity affect tardigrade survival, reproduction, and DNA repair mechanisms.
- Scientific Objective: Researchers aim to identify genes responsible for space resilience in tardigrades and apply these insights to enhance astronaut protection and preserve biological materials during long-term space travel.
Significance of Tardigrades in Space Research:
- Extreme Survivors: They are among the most resilient organisms on Earth, capable of surviving temperatures from near absolute zero to over 150°C, intense radiation, deep-sea pressure, and even the vacuum of space.
- Dormancy Mechanisms: Their survival strategy relies on cryptobiosis and anhydrobiosis, where their metabolism drops nearly to zero and water content is drastically reduced.
- Protective Proteins: They produce unique proteins like CAHS, which form a gel-like matrix around cells to protect them from damage in extreme environments.
- Biomedical Applications: Studying these proteins may help scientists develop radiation shields for astronauts, preserve human tissues and organs, and advance cryopreservation techniques.
- Agricultural and Material Use: Insights from tardigrades could also lead to engineering drought-resistant crops and designing new biomaterials for use on Earth and in space.
| [UPSC 2012] Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created?
1. To enable them to withstand drought
2. To increase the nutritive value of the produce
3. To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations
4. To increase their shelf life.
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only* (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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Why in the news?
Researchers from Rockefeller University introduced MagIC, a new method that allows cryo-EM to work with samples up to 100 times more dilute, making it easier to study rare or hard-to-purify molecules.
About Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM):
- Cryo-EM is a powerful microscope method used by scientists to see the 3D shapes of very small things like proteins, viruses, and cell parts.
- In cryo-EM:
- The sample is frozen very fast to keep it in its natural shape.
- An electron beam is used instead of light to capture detailed images at extremely cold temperatures.
- It helps in:
- Understanding how diseases work
- Designing new medicines
- Studying cell processes
- Problem: Cryo-EM usually needs a lot of the molecule to work well.
- If the sample is too dilute (too weak), it’s hard to get good images.
- Why MagIC helps: It solves this big problem by concentrating and organizing particles using magnetism and smart software, making cryo-EM work even for rare or tiny amounts of molecules.
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What is MagIC (Magnetic Isolation and Concentration cryo-EM)?
- Overview: It is a new method developed by scientists in the U.S. to make it easier to study rare biological molecules under a special microscope called cryo-EM.
- Sampling involved: Normally, cryo-EM needs the molecules in a sample to be very concentrated, which is hard when the molecules are rare or hard to collect.
- MagIC solves this problem by using:
- Tiny magnetic beads (50 nanometers wide) that stick to the molecules researchers want to study.
- A magnet that pulls these beads together into one area.
- This way, even when the solution has less than 0.0005 milligrams per milliliter of the molecules, scientists can still get useful images.
Key Features of MagIC:
- Magnetic Pulling: After molecules stick to the tiny magnetic beads, a magnet pulls them into clusters, making them easier to see.
- Low Sample Requirement: Only 5 nanograms of sample per grid are needed. That’s a very tiny amount—much less than earlier methods.
- Faster Imaging: The magnetic beads are easy to see, so scientists can quickly find areas with useful particles in the microscope.
- Smart Software – DuSTER (Duplicated Selection to Exclude Rubbish):
- It helps remove bad or blurry images and keep only the clear ones.
- It picks each particle twice and only keeps it if the location matches both times.
- MagIC works with samples that are 100 times more dilute than what cryo-EM could handle before.
| [UPSC 2023] ‘Aerial metagenomics’ best refers to which one of the following situations?
Options: (a) Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go* (b) Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat (c) Using air-borne devices to colect blood samples from moving animals (d) Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal samples from land surfaces and water bodies |
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Why in the News?
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report titled “State of the World Population 2025: The Real Fertility Crisis”, India’s population has reached an estimated 146.39 crore, officially making it the world’s most populous nation.
About United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):
- Origin: The organisation was established in 1969 as the UN Fund for Population Activities and renamed in 1987 as the UN Population Fund.
- Headquarters: Its global headquarters is located in New York.
- Mission Statement: UNFPA works to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
- Mandate: To promote sexual and reproductive health and rights, including family planning, safe motherhood, and gender equality.
- Governance Structure: UNFPA reports to a 36-member Executive Board, with representation from all regions, and receives guidance from ECOSOC and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
- Global Presence: UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, in coordination with national governments and UN development partners.
- Key Functions: It supports population censuses, family planning programs, and thematic health surveys, and engages in interagency frameworks like UN Development Group (UNDG) and UN Chief Executives Board (CEB).
- Technical Role: UNFPA also provides research funding, technical assistance, and advocacy support to promote reproductive health and demographic planning.
Key Population Trends from the UNFPA Report (2025):
- Data Sources: The report draws on Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), and projections from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).
- India’s Population: As of 2025, India’s population is estimated at 146.39 crore (1.4639 billion), making it the most populous country in the world.
- China’s Population: China’s population now stands at 141.61 crore (1.4161 billion), placing it second.
- Total Fertility Rate: India’s TFR has declined to 1.9, which is below the replacement level of 2.1, indicating a trend toward population stabilisation.
- Population Forecast: India’s population is expected to peak at around 170 crores in the coming decades and begin to decline within 40 years.
- Life Expectancy: As of 2025, the average life expectancy is 71 years for men and 74 years for women.
- Age Distribution: 68% of Indians are in the working-age group (15–64), while 7% are aged 65 and above, with life expectancy at 71 years (men) and 74 years (women).
Back2Basics: Total Fertility Rate (TFR)
- TFR measures the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive lifetime.
- A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level, where each generation replaces itself without growing or shrinking.
- According to the 2021 Sample Registration System by the Registrar General of India, the TFR had already reached 2.0, indicating that India had attained replacement level fertility nationally.
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| [UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:
1. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the density of the population of India has increased more than three times.
2. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the annual growth rate (exponential) of the population of India has doubled.
Which of the statements given abova is/are correct ?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2* |
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Why in the News?
The Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino Experiment (KATRIN) in Germany has achieved a major breakthrough in the search to measure the mass of the neutrino.
What are Neutrinos?
- Neutrinos are tiny, electrically neutral subatomic particles with an extremely small mass.
- They come in 3 types (or “flavours”): electron, muon, and tau neutrinos.
- Neutrinos are produced in nuclear reactions, such as those in the Sun, nuclear reactors, and supernovae.
- They rarely interact with matter, making them very difficult to detect.
- Their ability to change from one flavour to another (called oscillation) proves they have mass.
- Neutrinos challenge the Standard Model of physics, hinting at undiscovered particles or forces.
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About KATRIN Experiment:
- What is it: The KATRIN experiment is based at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany and aims to measure the absolute mass of electron antineutrinos with unmatched precision.
- Launch and Operation: It was inaugurated in 2018 and began data collection in 2019, with its latest results derived from 259 days of measurements.
- Scientific Principle: KATRIN uses tritium beta decay, where tritium breaks into helium, an electron, and a neutrino, to study the energy spectrum of emitted electrons.
- Focus Area: The experiment analyzes electrons near the energy endpoint, since they are most influenced by the neutrino mass.
How KATRIN measures Neutrino mass?
- KATRIN focuses on electrons that are emitted with energies close to the maximum limit (called the endpoint), which are most affected by the neutrino mass.
- A retarding electric field filters out lower-energy electrons, allowing only the highest-energy ones to be measured precisely.
- By analyzing millions of such decay events, KATRIN estimates the upper limit on the neutrino mass.
India’s Achievements in Neutrino Observations:
- Historical Detection: India was among the first countries to detect atmospheric neutrinos in 1965 at the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), marking a pioneering achievement in neutrino physics.
- INO Project: The India-Based Neutrino Observatory (INO) is under development in Tamil Nadu, set to become a premier underground research facility.
- Flagship Detector: INO will house the Iron Calorimeter (ICAL), a 50,000-tonne magnetized detector, which will be the largest of its kind in the world.
- Applications: INO will advance detector technologies, enable training in high-energy physics, and have potential applications in medical imaging and electronics.
- Global Integration: India’s involvement in neutrino science positions it to contribute unique insights to global efforts, complementing projects like IceCube.
| [UPSC 2010] India-based Neutrino Observatory is included by the Planning Commission as a mega science project under the 11th five-Year Plan. In this context, consider the following statements:
1. Neutrinos are chargeless elementary particles that travel close to the speed of light.
2.Neutrinos are created in nuclear reactions of beta decay.
3.Neutrinos have a negligible, but nonzero mass.
4.Trillions of Neutrinos pass through human body every second.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 1,2 and 3 (c) 2,3 and 4 (d) 1,2,3 and 4 * |
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Why in the News?
At the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, India made a powerful case for urgent international cooperation to protect the world’s oceans.
About United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC)
- What is it: The UNOC is a major international forum dedicated to supporting Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14): Life Below Water.
- Primary Focus: It promotes the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
- Multi-Stakeholder Participation: UNOC brings together governments, NGOs, academia, intergovernmental organizations, private companies, and Indigenous communities to address ocean-related challenges.
- Key Themes: The conference tackles issues like marine pollution, overfishing, climate change, and habitat degradation, and encourages policy coordination and financial pledges.
- Timeline of Conferences:
- 2017: First conference in New York, co-hosted by Fiji and Sweden
- 2022: Second in Lisbon, co-hosted by Portugal and Kenya
- 2025: Third in Nice, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica
- 2028: Fourth conference to be hosted by Chile and South Korea (yet to be announced officially)
- Legal Framework: UNOC operates within the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
- Financial and Policy Impact: Since 2014, UNOC has mobilized over $130 billion and generated 2,160+ voluntary commitments toward protecting ocean health.
Major Indian Initiatives Showcased at UNOC3 (2025):
- Deep Ocean Mission: India showcased progress on the ‘Samudrayaan’ mission, a deep-sea manned submersible targeting 6,000-meter depth by 2026.
- Plastic Pollution Action: India emphasized the national ban on single-use plastics and the ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar’ campaign, which has cleaned 1,000+ km of coastline and removed over 50,000 tonnes of plastic waste. A draft Marine Litter Policy has been prepared and India strongly supports a Global Plastics Treaty.
- Blue Economy Development: Under the Sagarmala Programme, $80 billion has been invested in port-led infrastructure. An additional $2.5 billion has been deployed under PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, leading to a 10% rise in fish production and creation of 1,000+ fish farmer producer organizations.
- Marine Biodiversity Efforts: India expanded Marine Protected Areas to 6.6% of its Exclusive Economic Zone and restored over 10,000 hectares of mangroves.
- Marine Data Transparency: India launched the SAHAV Portal, a digital ocean governance platform for science-based and transparent decision-making.
- International Leadership: India co-led the ‘Blue Talks’ with France and Costa Rica, participated in high-level panels, and advocated for equitable ocean data access and capacity-building in developing nations.
Back2Basics: United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
- UNCLOS is a global treaty that regulates all maritime activities and ocean space.
- It defines maritime zones such as: Internal Waters (within the baseline), Territorial Sea (up to 12 nautical miles), Contiguous Zone (up to 24 nautical miles), Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (up to 200 nautical miles), High Seas, which lie beyond national jurisdiction.
- It came into force in 1994 and has 169 parties (as of 2024), including India, but not the U.S.
- It established the International Seabed Authority and declared the deep seabed as the “common heritage of mankind.”
- India ratified UNCLOS in 1995 and uses it to claim maritime rights, including its extended continental shelf.
- It supports freedom of navigation and advocates for a rules-based maritime order under UNCLOS.
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| [UPSC 2022] With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements:
1. A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baseline determined in accordance with the convention.
2. Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.
3. The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3* |
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PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2024] Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women’s empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation?
Linkage: Women’s empowerment and the critical need to incorporate gender concerns into programme design and implementation. The article extensively discuss how empowering women in agriculture is fundamental to achieving food security. For instance, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to recognize, support, and enhance the role of women in ensuring food security, fostering economic prosperity, and promoting sustainability. |
Mentor’s Comment: The United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to recognise the important but often overlooked role women play in growing food around the world. Over 100 countries supported this move, which highlights a major issue: while women produce up to 80% of food in developing countries, they are still left out when it comes to owning land. For example, in India, although 80% of working women are in farming, only 14% own land.
Today’s editorial talks about the problems faced by women farmers, which is an important topic for GS Paper I (women-related issues), GS Paper II (social justice), and GS Paper III (agriculture).
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026 should focus on supporting strong, sustainable farming and ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women in agriculture.
What challenges do women farmers face in land and credit access?
- Low Land Ownership Limits Entitlements: Despite forming nearly 80% of the economically active female workforce in agriculture, only 14% of landowners in India are women, and just 8.3% according to NFHS data. Eg: A woman working her family’s farmland may still lack legal ownership, preventing her from claiming government subsidies or schemes like PM-KISAN.
- Difficulty Accessing Credit: Without land titles, women are often denied collateral-based loans from banks and formal financial institutions. Eg: A woman farmer in rural Bihar cannot access a loan for irrigation equipment because she doesn’t hold a land deed, pushing her to rely on informal moneylenders.
- Inadequate Access to Financial Technology and Information: Women have limited access to mobile phones and agricultural advisories, which are crucial for credit applications and crop planning. Eg: In Assam, women supported by the ENACT project lacked timely access to climate forecasts, making it harder to plan credit usage for flood-resistant crop seeds.
Why is 2026 declared the International Year of the Woman Farmer?
- To Recognise Women’s Vital Role in Agriculture: Women contribute to 60–80% of food production in developing countries and nearly 39% of the agricultural labour force in South Asia.
- To Raise Awareness About Structural Challenges: The declaration aims to highlight barriers women face such as limited land ownership, market access, and credit availability. Eg: Only 14% of agricultural landowners in India are women, restricting their ability to access loans and government schemes.
- To Promote Gender Equality and Empowerment: It seeks to promote gender-transformative agricultural development by encouraging inclusive policies, technology access, and self-help group participation. Eg: The ENACT project in Assam supports women farmers by linking them with agri-experts and providing mobile-based advisories to adapt to climate change.
What is the ENACT project?
The ENACT project stands for Enhancing Climate Adaptation of Vulnerable Communities through Nature-based Solutions and Gender-Transformative Approaches. Supported by the World Food Programme (WFP), the Government of Assam, and funded by Norway, it empowers women farmers in Nagaon |
How does the ENACT project help women farmers adapt to climate change?
- Access to Climate-Resilient Agricultural Information: ENACT provides weekly agricultural and climate advisories through mobile phones, enabling informed decision-making. Eg: Over 300 women farmers in 17 villages of Assam’s Nagaon district receive timely updates on weather and crop planning.
- Promotion of Flood-Resistant Crop Varieties: The project introduces flood-tolerant rice varieties and promotes livelihood diversification to reduce climate-related risks. Eg: In Roha village, new rice varieties introduced by the project can survive underwater, helping farmers secure better yields during floods.
- Strengthening Institutional and Technical Support: ENACT facilitates collaboration with local institutions, including agri-departments, universities, and meteorological agencies. Eg: Climate Adaptation Information Centres offer video conferencing tools for expert guidance and community meetings.
What policies support women farmers in India?
- Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP): Enhances skills, capacity building, and promotes sustainable agriculture among women farmers. Eg: MKSP supports self-help groups (SHGs) in improving agricultural practices and income generation.
- Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation: Provides 50% to 80% subsidies on farm machinery and equipment to reduce drudgery and improve productivity. Eg: Women farmers receive subsidised tools for sowing, weeding, and harvesting, enabling more efficient farm operations.
- National Food Security Mission (NFSM) – Women’s Component: Allocates 30% of the budget for women farmers in select States and Union Territories to improve food production. Eg: Women beneficiaries receive support in seed distribution, training, and input provision under NFSM.
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How does climate change impact women farmers?
- Increased Domestic Burden and Agricultural Risk: Climate variability forces women to juggle household responsibilities with unpredictable farming conditions. Eg: In Assam, women like Nirmali Bora Hazarika report increased workload due to erratic weather and flood-prone crops.
- Limited Access to Climate Information and Resources: Women have less access to weather updates, advisory services, and resilient crop technologies. Eg: Many women farmers lack mobile phones or connectivity to receive timely climate advisories.
- Greater Vulnerability to Crop Loss and Livelihood Disruptions: Floods, droughts, and extreme weather events hit women-led farms harder due to lack of land rights and insurance. Eg: Without land ownership, women cannot claim compensation or loans to recover from climate-induced losses.
Way forward:
- Enhance Land Rights and Legal Ownership: Governments must promote joint land titles, ensure inheritance rights, and simplify land registration processes for women. Eg: Initiatives like the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) can help ensure legal recognition of women’s land ownership.
- Expand Financial and Technological Access: Strengthen women’s inclusion in formal credit systems, promote mobile-based agricultural advisories, and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure. Eg: Scaling up programs like ENACT can equip women with timely climate information, insurance, and input support.
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Why in the News?
After the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, raised serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of how the elections were conducted.
What are the concerns about voter roll changes in Maharashtra?
- Abnormal Increase in Voter Numbers: Over 39 lakh new voters were added within just six months after the general election. Eg: The Hindu’s analysis revealed similar spikes before Assembly polls in 2014 as well, suggesting a pattern of inflated rolls.
- Lack of Transparency and Verification: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has not released machine-readable data to allow public or party-level verification. Eg: Without verifiable voter roll data, political parties cannot check for duplication or manipulation.
- Insufficient Involvement of Political Parties: The voter roll update process often excludes timely input from political parties, reducing scrutiny and accountability. Eg: Parties raise objections post-election rather than being involved during roll revision, weakening trust in the process.
Why is restricting CCTV access controversial?
- Reduces Transparency in the Voting Process: Limiting access to CCTV footage raises suspicion about irregularities or malpractice. Eg: The Centre’s amendment to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 restricts access, despite demands by political parties like Congress.
- Hinders Complaint Verification: Without footage, it’s difficult to verify allegations of booth-level misconduct. Eg: Parties cannot validate anomalies in voter turnout after 5 p.m. or respond effectively to irregularities.
- Undermines Democratic Accountability: Lack of access is viewed as eroding public trust and weakening institutional checks. Eg: Denial of footage suggests the Election Commission is avoiding scrutiny instead of ensuring electoral integrity.
How did the ECI address late voting allegations?
- Dismissed Claims of Abnormal Turnout Post 5 PM: The Election Commission of India (ECI) clarified that there was no significant spike in voter turnout after 5 p.m. during the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. Eg: Analysis showed that the voting pattern was consistent with past trends, not unusually high after 5 p.m.
- Clarified Nature of Provisional Turnout Data: ECI stated that provisional turnout figures, especially those shared via apps, are based on manual inputs and may contain discrepancies. Eg: App-based data can differ from final turnout due to delays and entry errors during polling day.
- Relied on Final Booth-Level Data (Form 17C): The ECI emphasized that accurate data comes from Form 17C, which is compiled after polling ends and includes machine-verified figures. Eg: Final turnout is based on actual vote counts from EVMs and VVPATs, not manual estimates.
What was the recommendation of supreme court?
The Supreme Court, in a 2023 judgment, recommended that the Chief Justice of India (CJI) be part of the selection committee for appointing Election Commissioners, to ensure independence and neutrality. Eg: The Court proposed a 3-member panel comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, and CJI to prevent unilateral government control. |
Way forward:
- Ensure Transparent Electoral Roll Management: Involve all political parties in the electoral roll revision process, with machine-readable public data access for verification and accountability.
- Implement Supreme Court’s Recommendations: Reconstitute the Election Commissioner selection panel to include the Chief Justice of India, ensuring impartiality and strengthening public trust in electoral institutions.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2018] In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India?
LInkage: The “trustworthiness of elections in India” and the challenges faced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in this regard, which is a core concern behind the need to “tighten the process.” The article highlight various issues that challenge election trustworthiness, such as questions raised by the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, concerning “abnormal increase in voters listed in electoral rolls,” “higher turnout numbers after 5 p.m. on voting day,” and the Centre’s amendment to rules restricting “access to CCTV footage of the polling process.
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