Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to India strengthened bilateral ties through a Strategic Partnership Agreement, focusing on defence cooperation, Indo-Pacific security, and future trade collaboration, while also serving broader strategic goals in ASEAN and Indo-Pacific diplomacy.
Key Highlights of the Visit:
- Strategic Partnership Agreement: The Philippines becomes only the fifth country (after Japan, Vietnam, Australia, and South Korea) with which India has signed such an agreement.
- Maritime and Defence Cooperation: The Indian Navy held its first joint maritime exercise with the Philippine Navy in the South China Sea. India reaffirmed its support for the 2016 UNCLOS Arbitration Award favouring the Philippines in its dispute with China. Discussions were held to expand defence exports, especially BrahMos missiles and other Indian military hardware. New agreements include exchanges between all three services and Coast Guards.
- Connectivity and People-to-People Ties: Both countries agreed to begin direct flights and ease visa restrictions to facilitate travel and business.
- Economic and Trade Dimensions:
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- Bilateral trade remains modest at $3.3 billion (2024-25).
- Investments are growing in technology and pharmaceuticals.
- Talks to launch a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) have been initiated.
- India’s decision to revise the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) reflects renewed trade diplomacy.
India’s Broader Indo-Pacific Strategy:
- Indo-Pacific strategy beyond the spectrum of Quad: India’s engagement with the Philippines shows its intention to look beyond the Quad (India, USA, Japan, Australia) in Indo-Pacific diplomacy. India is pushing for multipolar partnerships, focused on maritime security, trade resilience, and a rules-based international order.
- ASEAN & Indo-Pacific Messaging: The Philippines is the incoming chair for ASEAN in 2026 and the coordinator for the ASEAN-India comprehensive strategic partnership. This gives India a crucial partner to enhance its engagement with the bloc.
Dimensions of India-Philippines Relations
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Historical and Cultural Links:
- Diplomatic relations were formally established on November 26, 1949, soon after both nations gained independence.
- Historical ties and shared civilizational links, though not fully documented, point to a long-standing connection.
- A Treaty of Friendship was signed in 1952.
- India’s “Look East Policy” (1992) and subsequent “Act East Policy” (2014) have been instrumental in revitalizing and intensifying the relationship.
- 2019: BrahMos missile deal initiated, the Philippines becomes the first foreign buyer
Common Issues and Contemporary Challenges:
- South China Sea Dispute: Both countries face challenges from China’s expansive territorial claims and assertive actions. India supports international law and a rules-based order, which aligns with the Philippines’ interests.
- Terrorism and Maritime Security: Both nations are susceptible to terrorism and face non-traditional security threats, making cooperation in these areas crucial.
- Economic Liberalization and Trade: Navigating the complexities of global trade, especially in the face of protectionist policies from major powers like the U.S., is a common challenge that both countries are addressing through initiatives like the potential PTA.
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The recent meeting has elevated India-Philippines ties to a new level, rooted in mutual concerns over regional security, strategic autonomy, and economic cooperation. As ASEAN dynamics evolve and geopolitical tensions rise, such partnerships provide stability and avenues for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. India’s outreach to the Philippines affirms its commitment to an inclusive regional order and diversified diplomacy.
Mains Practice Question:
- The recent elevation of India-Philippines relations to a Strategic Partnership is part of India’s larger Indo-Pacific vision. Discuss the significance of this development in the context of ASEAN, regional security, and India’s Act East Policy.
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The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, which replaced Part XIV of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, marks a significant legislative reform aimed at modernizing and streamlining India’s coastal trade. It is a key component of the government’s vision for a “Viksit Bharat” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” aiming to unlock the vast potential of India’s coastline. It provides a dedicated legal framework to boost coastal trade, reduce logistics costs, and promote sustainable transportation.
Need for the new Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024:
- Repeals Part XIV of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, which was outdated and limited in scope.
- Coastal cargo movement had been growing (119% increase from 2014–15 to 2023–24), yet regulatory hurdles, outdated provisions, and fragmented oversight hindered its full potential.
- Aligns with key national missions such as PM Gati Shakti, National Logistics Policy, Sagarmala Programme and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
Key Provisions of the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024
The Act’s jurisdiction extends to vessels engaged in trade within India’s coastal waters, which include territorial waters (up to 12 nautical miles) and adjoining maritime zones (up to 200 nautical miles).
- Expanded Definition of Coastal Trade:
- Earlier: Only carriage of goods and passengers.
- Now: Includes services such as exploration, research, and commercial activities, excluding fishing.
- Recognizes maritime zones up to 200 nautical miles from the Indian coast.
- Simplified Licensing Framework: Supports Indian shipbuilding, maritime employment, and reduces regulatory burden.
| Vessel Type |
Licensing Requirement |
| Indian-owned vessels |
Exempted for coastal trade |
| Foreign/chartered vessels |
License required (issued by DG Shipping) |
| OCI-chartered vessels operating outside India |
No license required |
- Mandated Strategic Planning: National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan must be prepared within 2 years and reviewed biennially. It is to be designed by a committee with state representation, ensuring cooperative federalism.
- National Database for Coastal Shipping: Aims for real-time tracking, transparency, and data-driven policymaking. It keeps investors informed and supports infrastructure planning.
- Modernised Penalties and Decriminalisation
Strategic Vision and Long-term Impact
“This is a forward-looking, holistic framework aligned with global cabotage practices.”
— Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
- Economic Transformation:
- Aims to increase India’s coastal cargo share to 230 million metric tonnes by 2030.
- Reduces logistics cost (currently ~14% of GDP) by shifting cargo from roads/rails to coastal routes
- Coastal shipping is 80% cheaper and more energy-efficient than road transport
- Environmental Sustainability:
- Supports Net Zero by 2070
- Encourages green transport and lower-emission logistics
- Job Creation and Industry Support:
- Boosts shipbuilding, port services, and manning jobs
- Encourages Make in India in the maritime sector.
- Strengthened Maritime Security: Greater share of domestic cargo handled by Indian ships reduces reliance on foreign vessels.
- Cooperative Federalism: Includes states and UTs in decision-making, enabling inclusive and participatory governance.
The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, represents a landmark step towards building a seamless, efficient, and globally competitive maritime ecosystem in India. By modernizing regulations, promoting domestic industry, and integrating coastal shipping with inland waterways, the Act lays the foundation for a future-ready logistics network that is central to the nation’s economic and strategic goals.
Mains Practice Question:
- Discuss the significance of the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025 in India’s vision for a sustainable and cost-effective transport ecosystem.
- Evaluate the role of strategic planning and digital infrastructure under the new Coastal Shipping Act in achieving India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
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India’s groundwater is increasingly getting contaminated with toxic substances. Over 85% of rural drinking water and 65% of irrigation needs are met through groundwater, yet unregulated extraction, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and poor sanitation have turned this life source into a silent killer.
Scale of the Crisis
The 2024 Annual Groundwater Quality Report by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) reported the following:
- Nitrates: Found in 20%+ samples (due to chemical fertilisers & septic tank leakage).
- Fluoride: Detected in 9%+ samples, leading to skeletal & dental fluorosis.
- Arsenic: Found in parts of Punjab, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh causing cancers & neurological damage.
- Uranium: Detected in Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan linked to kidney damage.
- Heavy metals: Iron, lead, cadmium, chromium, causing developmental & immune system issues.
Major Contaminants and Health Impacts
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- Affects 230 districts across 20 states.
- Health impact: Skeletal fluorosis, stunted growth, joint pain.
- Rajasthan, MP, and UP report high prevalence.
- Example: Jhabua (MP) – 40% of tribal children affected
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- Concentrated in Gangetic belt.
- Health impact: Skin lesions, respiratory illness, cancers (skin, liver, kidney, bladder).
- Example: Ballia (UP) – Arsenic 200 g/L (20× WHO limit) linked to 10,000+ cancer cases.
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- 56% districts exceed safe limits.
- Health impact: Blue Baby Syndrome in infants, gastrointestinal distress.
- Driven by fertilisers & poor waste management.
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- Increasing due to over-extraction & phosphate fertilisers.
- Health impact: Nephrotoxicity, chronic organ damage.
- Example: Malwa (Punjab) – 66% samples risky for children.
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- Sources: Industrial discharge, mining.
- Health impact: Neurological issues, anaemia, developmental delays.
Groundwater Death Zones: Case Studies
- Budhpur, Baghpat (UP) – 13 deaths in 2 weeks from kidney failure linked to industrial waste.
- Jalaun (UP) – Petroleum-like fluids from hand pumps due to underground fuel leaks.
- Paikarapur (Bhubaneswar) – Sewage leakage caused illness in hundreds.
Why the Crisis Persists: Root Causes and Systemic Failures:
- Institutional Fragmentation: Various agencies like the CGWB, the CPCB, the SPCBs, and the Ministry of Jal Shakti operate in silos, leading to a lack of a unified, coordinated approach.
- Weak Legal Enforcement: The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, has inadequate provisions for groundwater. This, combined with lax enforcement and regulatory loopholes, emboldens polluters.
- Lack of Real-Time Data: Monitoring is infrequent and poorly disseminated. Without early warning systems, contamination is often discovered only after serious health consequences have emerged.
- Excessive Groundwater Extraction: Over-pumping lowers water tables and concentrates pollutants, making aquifers more vulnerable to both geogenic toxins and industrial contaminants.
- Deficient Waste Management: Inadequate industrial effluent treatment and poor sanitation infrastructure, especially in rural areas, allow pollutants to seep directly into aquifers
The Way Forward: A Multi-Dimensional Strategy
Addressing this crisis requires a bold, multi-dimensional strategy that integrates regulation, technology, health, and public participation.
- National Framework: Enact a comprehensive National Groundwater Pollution Control Framework with clear legal authority to regulate groundwater use and discharge.
- Modern Monitoring Infrastructure: Deploy real-time monitoring systems using sensors and public dashboards to create an early warning network.
- Targeted Remediation: Implement targeted interventions for specific contaminants, such as defluoridation plants in high-fluoride zones and arsenic removal technologies in affected regions.
- Waste Management Reforms: Enforce strict industrial effluent treatment norms and promote sustainable agricultural practices to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers.
- Citizen-Centric Governance: Empower local communities through Jal Gram Sabhas to manage local water resources, conduct community water testing, and raise public awareness.
Value Addition: Key Concepts:
- Geogenic Contamination: Naturally occurring pollutants like arsenic and fluoride mobilized by human activity.
- Anthropogenic Contamination: Human-induced pollution from industries, agriculture, and urban waste.
- Skeletal Fluorosis: A debilitating condition causing bone deformities.
- Methemoglobinemia (“Blue Baby Syndrome”): A potentially fatal condition in infants caused by nitrate-laced water.
Practice UPSC MAINS question:
“Groundwater pollution in India is no longer about scarcity—it is about safety and survival.” Discuss this statement with recent examples and suggest a multi-pronged approach to tackle this issue.
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Why in the News?
Researchers from IIT Delhi and IIT Gandhinagar have developed a District Flood Severity Index (DFSI) to aid flood planning using past data and human impact indicators.
About the District Flood Severity Index (DFSI):
- Objective: To provide a comprehensive, data-based assessment of flood severity across Indian districts.
- Focus: District-level analysis, as districts are the core units for planning and implementation of disaster management in India.
- Based on long-term data (since 1967): Collected annually by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on major flood events.
- Significance: Responds to the lack of an official national index that incorporates human impact, not just flood magnitude.
Key Parameters Used in DFSI:
The index incorporates multiple indicators to measure both the scale and impact of flooding:
- Mean duration (in days) of flood events per district.
- Percentage of district area historically affected by floods.
- Total deaths and injuries due to floods.
- Population of the district — used to assess per capita impact.
- 40-year curated dataset developed at IIT Delhi used for historical flood mapping.
Key Insights from the Index:
- Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): Recorded the highest number of flood events (231), but does not feature in the top 30 most severely impacted districts as per DFSI.
- Patna (Bihar): Ranked #1 on the severity index due to higher population impact and flood spread.
- Assam districts like Dhemaji, Kamrup, and Nagaon consistently face high flood frequency (178+ events), but ranking depends on combined indicators.
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| [UPSC 2014] What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’?”
1. Prevention of soil runoff 2. Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers
3. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table 4. Regeneration of natural vegetation
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only* (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only |
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Why in the News?
With haemophilia care evolving globally, the shift from reactive to preventive treatment has brought Prophylaxis Therapy to the forefront of modern clinical practice.
About Haemophilia:
- What is it: Rare genetic bleeding disorder due to deficiency of clotting factors, mainly Factor VIII (Haemophilia A).
- Effect: Causes prolonged bleeding, even from minor injuries; can lead to internal bleeds in joints, muscles, or brain.
- Key Symptoms: Excessive bleeding, painful joint swelling, risk of disability or brain hemorrhage.
- Prevalence: Estimated 1–1.5 lakh cases in India; only ~29,000 diagnosed (~20%).
- Underdiagnosis Causes: Low awareness, poor access to diagnostics, and socio-economic challenges.
- Impact if Untreated: Each untreated bleed may reduce lifespan by ~16 days; leads to pain, disability, missed school/work, and job loss.
Prophylaxis (Regular Replacement Therapy) and its Benefits:
- What It Is: Regular infusion of clotting factors or non-factor therapies to prevent bleeds.
- Global Standard: Replaces on-demand therapy; adopted as best practice in developed countries.
- Joint Protection: Prevents recurrent bleeds, avoids deformities and long-term disability.
- Quality of Life: Reduces pain and fear, enables normal schooling, work, and social life.
- Healthcare Savings: Cuts emergency visits, hospital stays, and long-term costs.
- Global Status: ~90% of haemophilia patients in developed countries are on prophylaxis.
- India’s Progress: On-demand remains common; some states offer prophylaxis for children under 10.
| [UPSC 2021] In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements:
1.Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of the egg.
2.A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from the mother and not from the father.
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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Why in the News?
The Social Forestry Department of Vadodara rescued an Albino Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata) from a freshwater lake in Chikhodra, Gujarat.
About Indian Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys punctata):
- Type: Small, freshwater softshell turtle native to South Asia
- Unique Feature: Named for femoral flaps on the plastron that cover the limbs when retracted
- Geographic Range: Found in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar
- River Systems: Occurs in the Indus, Ganges, Irrawaddy, and Salween basins
- Habitat: Prefers shallow, quiet freshwater bodies like rivers, ponds, lakes, marshes, tanks, and canals with muddy or sandy bottoms for burrowing
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- CITES Listing: Appendix II
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (maximum protection)
- Major Threats:
- Poaching for meat, blood-based potions, aphrodisiacs, and traditional medicine
- Illegal trade for fishing bait, livestock feed, leather, and exotic pets
- Habitat loss due to pollution, encroachment, and waterbody destruction
- Albino individuals especially targeted in the illegal pet market
| [UPSC 2013] Consider the following fauna of India:
1. Gharial 2. Leatherback turtle 3. Swamp deer
Which of the above is/are endangered?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3* (d) None |
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Why in the News?
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched “Yashoda AI”, an AI literacy program to empower women with skills in cybersecurity, digital privacy, and safe online practices, promoting digital inclusion across India.
About Yashoda AI:
- Launch: Introduced in May 2025 as an Artificial Intelligence Literacy Program for women.
- Organisers: Joint initiative by the NCW and Future Shift Labs.
- Objective: To train women in cybersecurity, digital privacy, and safe online practices.
- Focus Areas: Covers AI-driven crimes, digital safety, and practical risk mitigation strategies.
- Reach: Over 2,500 women trained to date.
- Beneficiaries: Includes Self-Help Group members, local representatives (Sarpanchs, Pradhans, Mayors, Members of Legislative Assemblies), and frontline workers like Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA workers).
Back2Basics: National Commission for Women
- Status: Statutory body established in 1992 under the NCW Act, 1990.
- Composition: Consists of a Chairperson, 5 Members, and a Member-Secretary—appointed by the Central Government.
- Term: All members serve for a term of 3 years.
- Powers: Holds civil court powers during inquiries:
- Can summon individuals and enforce attendance
- Examine witnesses under oath
- Demand records and receive affidavits
- Issue commissions for examination of witnesses or documents
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| [UPSC 2017] What is the purpose of Vidyanjali Yojana’?
1. To enable the famous foreign campuses in India.
2. To increase the quality of education provided in government schools by taking help from the private sector and the community.
3. To encourage voluntary monetary contributions from private individuals and organizations so as to improve the infrastructure facilities for primary and secondary schools.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 2 only * (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 2 and 3 only |
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Why in the News?
The Chhattisgarh High Court acquitted a double murder convict citing legal insanity under Section 84 of the IPC (Section 22 BNS), stressing the need to distinguish it from medical insanity and improve mental health investigations.
About Legal Insanity:
- Definition: Legal insanity refers to a mental condition where the accused cannot understand the nature of the act or distinguish right from wrong at the time of the offence.
- Legal Basis: Codified under Section 22 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (formerly Section 84 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860); based on the Mc’Naughten Rule (1843) from English law.
- Presumption of Sanity: Law presumes every person is sane unless proven otherwise; burden of proof lies on the accused (Section 105, Indian Evidence Act).
- Timing Requirement: Insanity must be present at the time of the offence—not before or after.
- Legal vs. Medical Insanity: Legal insanity (court-recognised) is different from medical insanity (clinical diagnosis); only the former is valid for defence.
- Terminology: Section 22 BNS uses the phrase “unsoundness of mind” instead of “insanity”.
- Exclusions: Mental illness, abnormal behaviour, or psychiatric history alone do not qualify.
- Test Applied: Based on cognitive incapacity—whether the person knew the nature, consequences, or wrongfulness (legal or moral) of the act.
- Underlying Principle: Based on “Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea” – no crime without a guilty mind.
Important Judicial Precedents:
- Jai Lal v. Delhi Administration (1969): Insanity defence rejected—accused made rational statements and showed no mental disorder post-crime.
- Shrikant Anandrao Bhosale v. State of Maharashtra (2002): Accused had paranoid schizophrenia and was found incapable of understanding the act—acquitted under Section 84.
- Surendra Mishra v. State of Jharkhand (2011): Court held that not all mentally ill persons qualify; only proven legal insanity is valid.
- Kamala Bhuniya v. State of West Bengal (2015): Acquittal granted—prosecution failed to prove sanity; accused’s conduct supported unsoundness of mind.
| [UPSC 2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements:
1.When a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, parole cannot be denied to such a prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/her right. 2.State Governments have their own Prisoners Release on Parole Rules.
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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Why in the News?
Indian mathematician Dr. Rajula Srivastava has received the Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize for her groundbreaking work in harmonic analysis and number theory.
About the Indian Laureate: Dr. Rajula Srivastava
- Affiliation: Hausdorff Center for Mathematics, University of Bonn and Max Planck Institute of Mathematics, Germany.
- Field of Work:
- Dr. Srivastava studied how to break down complex mathematical functions into simpler parts using advanced math tools.
- She worked on finding how close certain numbers can get to specific points on curved shapes in higher dimensions.
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About the Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize:
- Purpose: Recognises early-career women mathematicians (within two years of PhD completion) for outstanding research contributions.
- Named After: Maryam Mirzakhani — first woman and first Iranian to win the Fields Medal; known for her work on geometry and Riemann surfaces.
- Objective: To honour Mirzakhani’s legacy, encourage more women in mathematics, and elevate early-career contributions.
- Established: November 2019 by the Breakthrough Prize Foundation.
- Prize Amount: $50,000, may be shared by multiple recipients in a year.
- Eligibility: Women mathematicians who have:
- Recently completed their PhD (within 2 years)
- Shown exceptional promise and innovation in mathematical research.
Other Important Prizes in Mathematics:
- Fields Medal: Awarded every four years to mathematicians under 40, the Fields Medal is the most prestigious global mathematics award, established in 1936, and presented by the International Mathematical Union to recognize outstanding contributions to the field.
- Abel Prize: Instituted by the King of Norway in 2001, the Abel Prize is an annual international award recognizing lifetime achievement in mathematics, often considered the closest equivalent to the Nobel Prize in the discipline.
- Wolf Prize in Mathematics: Awarded annually since 1978 by the Wolf Foundation in Israel, the Wolf Prize honours exceptional achievements across all branches of mathematics and is ranked just below the Fields and Abel Prizes in prestige.
| [UPSC 2016] A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of
Options: (a) S. Ramanujan* (b) S. Chandhrashekhar (c) S. N. Bose (d) C. V. Raman |
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