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  • Integral Humanism: The Philosophy of Deendayal Upadhyay

    Why in the News?

    A mainstream political party is celebrating 60 years of Integral Humanism (Ekatm Manav-vad), a political philosophy introduced by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.

    About Deendayal Upadhyaya and His Contributions:

    • Birth and Legacy: Born on September 25, 1916, in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh; his birth anniversary is marked as Antyodaya Diwas since 2014.
    • RSS and BJS Roles: He was a pracharak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and co-founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS).
    • Leadership: Served as President of BJS, laying its ideological foundation.
    • Antyodaya Concept: Coined “Antyodaya”, meaning upliftment of the last person, central to several welfare schemes.
    • Advocated Ideas: Promoted Swadeshi (self-reliance) and decentralization of power for inclusive development.
    • Inspired Schemes:
    • Mysterious Death: Found dead on February 11, 1968, near Mughalsarai railway station, now renamed Deendayal Nagar. The case remains unresolved.

    His Philosophy of Integral Humanism:

    • Introduction: Proposed in 1965 through four lectures in Mumbai, promoting Indian values over foreign ideologies.
    • Core Idea: Aims for holistic development — body, mind, intellect, and soul — grounded in cultural and spiritual ethics.
    • Chiti and Dharma: Defined ‘Chiti’ as the soul of the nation and ‘Dharma’ as the ethical base of national integrity.
    • Six Economic Objectives:
      1. Minimum living standard for all citizens.
      2. Global welfare through Indian values.
      3. Employment for all able-bodied individuals.
      4. No wastage of natural resources.
      5. Promotion of indigenous technology.
      6. Flexible industrial ownership based on practicality.
    • Further Influence: Expanded by Dattopant Thengdi, founder of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS).
    • Intellectual Roots: Drew inspiration from Daishik Shastra (1923), a text respected by Gandhi and Tilak; studied during a visit to Almora in 1958–59.
    [UPSC 2020] One common agreement between Gandhism and Marxism is:

    Options: (a) the final goal of a stateless society * (b) class struggle. (c) abolition of private property. (d) economic determinism.

     

  • IISc develops Nanozyme to prevent Abnormal Blood Clotting

    Why in the News?

    Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have created an artificial metal-based nanozyme that can help prevent dangerous blood clotting, especially in conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and COVID-19.

    What is Blood Clotting?

    • About: When we get a cut or injury, our body quickly stops the bleeding by forming a blood clot. This is done by special blood cells called platelets that stick together and seal the wound.
    • Control mechanism: This natural process is called blood clotting or haemostasis and is controlled by certain chemicals in our body like collagen and thrombin.
    • Post covid issues: But in some illnesses like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) or COVID-19, the body sends too many signals to make clots, even when there is no injury.
    • Oxidative Stress: This creates a problem called oxidative stress, where harmful molecules called Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) build up in the blood. These ROS molecules over-activate the platelets, causing them to make too many clots inside blood vessels.
    • Hazards: This can block blood flow, leading to serious health issues like heart attacks, strokes, or lung problems. This condition is called thrombosis, and it can be life-threatening.

    Vanadium-Based Nanozyme and Its Features:

    • Purpose and Design: Scientists at IISc developed vanadium-based nanozymes to mimic natural antioxidant enzymes that reduce ROS levels.
    • How they work: The nanozymes control oxidative stress by copying glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that removes ROS and protects platelets.
    • Optimal Structure: Spherical-shaped vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) nanozymes were found to be the most effective.
    • Test Results in Mice: These nanozymes reduced blood clots and improved survival in PTE-affected mice with no toxicity signs over five days.
    • Next Steps: Scientists plan to test the nanozyme in ischemic stroke and are optimistic about human clinical trials after promising lab results with human platelets.
    [UPSC 2015] With reference to the use of nano-technology in health sector, consider the following statements:

    1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.

    2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.

    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

     

  • Appointment and Removal of High Court Judges

    Why in the News?

    The Centre will bring a motion of removal against a Judge of the Allahabad High Court and has initiated the process of building an all-party consensus for this action.

    Qualifications of Judges of High Court:

    • Article 217(2) of the Constitution states that a person is qualified if:
      • They have held judicial office in India for at least 10 years, or
      • Have been an advocate in a High Court (or more than one in succession) for at least 10 years.
    • Tenure: As per Article 217(1), a High Court judge holds office till the age of 62 years.
    • Disputes over Age: Under Article 217(3), if a question arises regarding a judge’s age, the President, in consultation with the CJI, makes the final decision.

    Appointment Process of High Court Judges:

    • Constitutional Basis: The Article 217 of the Constitution provides that High Court judges are appointed by the President of India after consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI), the Governor of the state, and, in the case of judges (not Chief Justices), the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned.
    • Role of the Collegium System: The Collegium, comprising the CJI and 2 senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, plays a key role in recommending names for appointments. It ensures collaborative decision-making and maintains the independence of the judiciary.
    • Procedure:
      1. The Chief Justice of the High Court initiates the recommendation.
      2. The proposal is forwarded to the Chief Minister, who advises the Governor.
      3. The Governor sends it to the Union Law Minister, who places it before the Prime Minister, and then the President for final approval.
    • Policy for Chief Justices: To prevent local bias, Chief Justices of High Courts are generally appointed from outside the state.
    • Appointments and Transfers: The CJI and senior judges of the Supreme Court also decide on transfers of High Court judges, ensuring judicial autonomy and minimizing executive influence.

    Removal:

    • Process: Judges of the High Court (and Supreme Court) can only be removed through removal, not by executive action.
      • Requires a motion signed by at least 100 Lok Sabha MPs or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs.
      • The motion is examined by a three-member committee.
      • If the committee finds grounds, the motion is debated and must be passed by a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.
    • Legal Framework: The Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 outlines the detailed procedure for investigating and acting upon misconduct by judges.
    • In-House Inquiry Mechanism: For internal disciplinary matters:
      • The CJI may order a preliminary inquiry based on credible complaints.
      • A three-judge panel is constituted if allegations are serious.
      • If the committee confirms misconduct, the CJI may ask the judge to resign.
      • If the judge refuses, the judicial work is withdrawn, and removal may be considered.

    Historical Removal Efforts:

    • No judge has been impeached in India, though attempts have been made, including the failed motions against Justice V Ramaswami (1993) and Justice Soumitra Sen (2011).
    • Justice V Ramaswami (1993): Faced removal for financial misconduct, but the motion failed in the Lok Sabha.
    • Justice Soumitra Sen (2011): Resigned after removal proceedings for misappropriating funds.
    • Justice K Veeraswamy: Chief Justice of Madras HC, investigated for corruption but challenged the investigation. The case remained unresolved until his death in 2010.
    • Justice Shamit Mukherjee (2003), Justice Nirmal Yadav (2008), and Justice SN Shukla (2017): Faced criminal charges for corruption after in-house inquiries found substantial evidence against them.

     

    [UPSC 2007] Consider the following statements:

    1. The mode of removal of a Judge of a High Court in India is the same as that of the removal of a Judge of the Supreme Court. 2. After retirement from office, a permanent Judge of a High Court cannot plead or act in any court or before any authority in India.

    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

     

  • Making a Law cannot amount to Contempt of Court: Supreme Court

    Why in the News?

    The Hon’ble Supreme Court has ruled that any law passed by Parliament or a State Legislature cannot be considered an act of contempt of court.

    Supreme Court’s Verdict on the Issue:

    • Context: The Court heard a 2012 contempt plea, alleging that the Chhattisgarh government violated its 2011 ruling against supporting Salwa Judum and arming tribals as SPOs.
    • Disputed Law: Petitioners argued the Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Force Act, 2011 violated the earlier ruling.
    • Court’s Clarification: Passing a new law is within the plenary powers of legislatures and cannot be treated as contempt unless declared unconstitutional.
    • Proper Remedy: The correct approach is to challenge the law’s validity, not to file for contempt.
    • Separation of Powers: The Court upheld that legislature can modify or override judgments through new laws, if they respect constitutional boundaries.

    About Contempt of Court:

    • Purpose: Contempt of court refers to actions or behaviors that are disrespectful to, or that obstruct or interfere with, the administration of justice by a court. It protects the authority and dignity of the judiciary from acts that obstruct or interfere with justice.
    • Constitutional Basis:
      • Article 129 allows the Supreme Court to punish for its own contempt.
      • Article 215 grants the same power to High Courts.
      • Article 19(2) permits reasonable speech restrictions for contempt cases.
    • Legal Definition: The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 defines contempt; the 2006 amendment allows truth and good faith as defences.
    • Types:
      • Civil Contempt is the wilful disobedience of court orders.
      • Criminal Contempt involves actions that scandalise the court, interfere with proceedings, or obstruct justice.
    • Punishment: Offenders may face up to 6 months imprisonment, or a ₹2,000 fine, or both.
    • What Is Not Contempt: Fair reporting and genuine criticism of judgments after disposal are not considered contempt.
    [UPSC 2022] Consider the following statements:

    1. Pursuant to the report of H.N. Sanyal Committee, the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 was passed.

    2. The Constitution of India empowers the Supreme Court and the High Courts to punish for contempt of themselves.

    3. The Constitution of India defines Civil Contempt and Criminal Contempt.

    4. In India, the Parliament is vested with the powers to make laws on Contempt of Court.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 4* (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 3 only

     

  • National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN)

    Why in the News?

    The Indian government has proposed a phased winding down of the National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN), a WHO-established network critical to tracking and eliminating polio in India.

    About National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN):

    • Launch : The NPSN was established in 1997 as a collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India.
    • Objective: Its main goal is to detect and monitor the poliovirus in India to enable quick response and containment.
    • Operational Structure: The network functions under the National Polio Surveillance Project (NPSP) and includes over 200 field surveillance units across the country.
    • Methodology: The core method is Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance, which tracks sudden paralysis in children under 15 — a key indicator of polio.
    • Environmental Surveillance: The NPSN also tests sewage and water samples to detect silent circulation of the virus.
    • Laboratory Support: A network of WHO-accredited laboratories confirms virus presence through testing of stool and water samples.
    • Rapid Response: Every suspected case is quickly investigated, and public health teams are deployed for control and containment.
    • Expanded Role: Over time, NPSN has also supported surveillance for measles, rubella, DPT, and helped train health workers on new vaccines.

    Polio and Its Eradication in India:

    • About: Polio is a highly infectious viral disease primarily affecting children under 5, potentially causing paralysis or death.
    • Transmission: The disease spreads via the faecal-oral route, mostly through contaminated water or food.
    • Types of Polioviruses:
      • WPV1 still exists in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
      • WPV2 and WPV3 have been eradicated globally.
    • Infection Mechanism: Once inside the body, the virus multiplies in the intestines and may attack the nervous system, causing permanent paralysis.
    • Prevention through Vaccination:
      • Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is given at birth, 6, 10, and 14 weeks, with a booster at 16–24 months.
      • Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV) is administered with the third DPT dose under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
    • Pulse Polio Campaign (1995): India launched the Pulse Polio Immunization Campaign, providing oral polio drops to all children under 5.
    • Eradication Milestones: The last wild polio case in India was reported in 2011, and in 2014, WHO officially declared India polio-free.
    • Role of NPSN: The success was enabled by strong surveillance, mass immunization, and dedicated work by NPSN and its partners.
    [UPSC 2016] ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to:

    (a) Immunization of children and pregnant women*

    (b) Construction of smart cities across the country

    (c) India’s own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

    (d) New Educational Policy

     

  • Thermophilic Bacteria in Rajgir Hot Spring could help fight Deadly Infections

    Why in the News?

    Researchers from the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) have discovered antibiotic-producing bacteria in the Rajgir hot spring in Nalanda, Bihar.

    What are Thermophilic Bacteria?

    • About: Thermophilic bacteria, or thermophiles (meaning “heat lovers”), are microorganisms that thrive in high-temperature environments ranging from 45°C to 70°C.
    • Adaptation: These temperatures can cause third-degree burns in humans, but thermophiles are biologically adapted to survive and grow in such conditions.
    • Habitats: They are commonly found in hot springs, deep-sea hydrothermal vents, and compost piles, which are mineral-rich and have low microbial competition.
    • Advantages: Some thermophiles produce potent antibiotics to outcompete other microbes and dominate their niche.
    • Global Example: Thermophiles from hot springs in Saudi Arabia have shown antibacterial activity against gram-positive pathogens.

    Key Findings from India:

    • Sampling Challenge: Samples were collected from water and soil at 43°C–45°C, making fieldwork difficult.
    • Microbial Analysis: In the sample, Actinobacteria made up 40–43% of the microbial population, double the typical amount in hot springs.
    • Significance: Actinobacteria are well known for producing key antibiotics like streptomycin and tetracycline.
    • AMR Context: The findings are crucial in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which could cost $1 trillion globally by 2050, according to the WHO.
    • Antibiotic Potential:
      • Lab Testing: Seven Actinobacteria strains were found to inhibit pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus aureus.
      • Compound Discovery: Scientists identified diethyl phthalate using GC-MS, which showed effectiveness against Listeria monocytogenes, a deadly foodborne pathogen.
      • Future Scope: The compound has potential for antibiotic development, but not all thermophiles produce antibiotics, so screening is essential.
    • Uses:
      • Industrial Use: The enzyme Taq polymerase, used in PCR tests (including during COVID-19), is derived from a thermophile called Thermus aquaticus.
      • Agricultural Use: A 2018 BHU study showed thermophiles from Chumathang hot springs (Leh) promote plant growth, revealing wider industrial and ecological value.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:

    1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water.

    2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature below the freezing point of water.

    3. Some microorganisms can grow in highly acidic environment with a pH below 3. How many of the above statements are correct?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three* (d) All four

     

  • Expert Committee recommends ending mandatory Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) 

    Why in the News?

    A high-powered committee chaired by Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) Ajay Sood has proposed that India should discontinue the mandatory use of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units in most coal-fired Thermal Power Plants (TPPs).

    Why mandatory FGDs are opposed?

    • Low SO₂ Levels: India’s SO₂ levels (10–20 µg/m³) are already below the permissible limit of 80 µg/m³.
    • Low Sulphur Coal: Indian coal naturally has low sulphur content.
    • Minimal Impact: Studies show no major air quality difference between plants with and without FGDs.
    • Limited PM Reduction: FGDs have minimal effect on particulate matter levels.
    • Environmental Trade-Offs:
      • CO₂ Increase: Installing FGDs would add 69 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions (2025–2030).
      • SO₂ Reduction: Emissions would fall by 17 million tonnes, but the climate cost outweighs the benefit.

    About Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD):

    • Purpose: FGD is a technology used to remove sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from flue gases produced by burning coal and oil, especially in thermal power plants.
    • Environmental Benefit: It helps prevent acid rain, which harms crops, buildings, soils, and aquatic ecosystems.
    • Chemicals Used: Common absorbents include limestone (CaCO₃), lime (CaO), and ammonia (NH₃).
    • Types of Systems:
      1. Dry Sorbent Injection: Cost-effective, but less efficient.
      2. Wet Limestone-Based: Effective and used in large plants, produces gypsum.
      3. Seawater-Based: Uses alkaline seawater, ideal for coastal areas.

    FGD Mandate in India:

    • Current Status: FGD units are being installed in 537 coal-based thermal power units, but 92% of India’s 600 plants still lack them.
    • Committee Recommendation: An expert panel advised exempting 80% of plants from FGD requirements due to feasibility issues.
    • Implementation Barriers: Limited vendors available; High costs and risk of increased electricity tariffs.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following:

    1. Carbon monoxide 2. Nitrogen oxide 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain?

    Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 4 only* (c) 4 only (d) 1, 3 and 4

     

  • PM to launch Aravalli Green Wall Project

    Why in the News?

    On June 5, World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to launch the Aravalli Green Wall Project.

    PM to launch Aravalli Green Wall Project

    About the Aravallis:

    • Geology: The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, formed during the Proterozoic era.
    • Spread: It stretches for about 692 km, from Gujarat to Delhi, passing through Rajasthan and Haryana.
    • State-Wise Coverage: Around 80% of the range lies in Rajasthan, with the rest spread across Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat.
    • Highest Peak: The tallest point is Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, with an elevation of 1,722 meters.
    • Natural Barrier Function: Acts as a green wall, preventing the spread of the Thar Desert into eastern Rajasthan and the Gangetic plains.
    • River Origins: Important rivers such as the Banas, Sahibi and Luni originate from the Aravallis.
    • Minerals: Rich in minerals like copper, zinc, lead, and marble.
    • Biodiversity: Home to 300+ bird species and key wildlife such as leopards, hyenas, jackals, wolves, civets, and Nilgai.
    • Prehistoric Significance: Contains cave art and tools from the Lower Palaeolithic period.

    What is the Aravalli Green Wall Project?

    • Project Goal: To build a green corridor from Delhi to Gujarat combating desertification and ecological degradation.
    • States Involved: Includes Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat, focusing on restoring degraded landscapes.
    • Vegetation Strategy: Focus on removing Prosopis juliflora (invasive species) and planting native trees like:
      • Khair (Indian Gum Arabic)
      • Ronjh (White-barked Acacia)
      • Dhau (Axlewood)
      • Salai (Indian Frankincense)
      • Pilkhan, Neem, Amaltas, Goolar, Peepal
    • Buffer Zone Creation: A 6.45 million hectare buffer zone will be established around the Aravallis.
    • Phase 1 Focus:
      • Delhi: 3,010 ha in South Delhi
      • Haryana: 25,000 ha in Gurugram, Faridabad, Mahendragarh
    • Global Commitments supported:
      • Paris Agreement: Target to create 2.5–3 billion tonnes CO₂ sink
      • Bonn Challenge: Restore 26 million hectares of land by 2030
    [UPSC 2001] The approximate age of the Aravallis range is.

    Options: (a) 370 million years (b) 470 million years (c) 570 million years* (d) 670 million years

     

  • [3rd June 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Strengthening the U.S.-India subsea cable agenda 

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2024] The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples.

    Linkage: The strategic imperative of countering China’s influence and building alternative supply chains and alliances, which is a primary reason why strengthening the U.S.-India subsea cable agenda is crucial.

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  The strategic and commercial engagement between India and the United States is being deepened, with subsea cables emerging as a frontline asset in this collaboration. Subsea cables, which carry over 95% of international data and form the backbone of global internet infrastructure, are being recognized for their critical geostrategic value. Efforts are being made by India to diversify its digital infrastructure under the proposed TRUST framework (Technology for Resilient, Open and Unified Security and Trust).

     Today’s editorial will discuss the problems related to subsea cable systems and the actions taken by the Indian Government. This information will be useful for GS Paper II (International Relations) and GS Paper III (Science & Technology).

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The urgency to secure and expand subsea cable systems is rising, particularly in light of disruptions like the Red Sea cable sabotage by Houthi rebels in 2024.

    Why are Subsea Cables crucial in India-U.S. strategic cooperation?

    • Foundation of Global Digital Connectivity: Subsea cables carry over 95% of international data traffic, forming the physical backbone of the internet and digital economy. Securing these is vital for protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted communication between nations. Eg: The U.S. and India are focusing on trusted subsea cable systems under the TRUST framework to reduce reliance on Chinese-controlled infrastructure.
    • Strategic Response to China’s Digital Expansion: China’s Digital Silk Road is rapidly laying subsea cables across the Indo-Pacific, posing geopolitical and cybersecurity concerns. India-U.S. cooperation on secure cable networks counters this influence and promotes trusted alternatives. Eg: The upcoming India-U.S. trade agreement includes provisions for enhancing digital infrastructure as a counter to China’s presence in the Indo-Pacific.
    • Enabling Regional Digital Resilience and Trade: Joint efforts in building resilient cable systems support broader technology cooperation and secure trade flows, particularly as India emerges as a digital hub in Asia. Eg: Meta’s investment in a 50,000-km undersea cable project connecting five continents is backed by U.S.-India cooperation, reinforcing digital ties and strategic alignment.

    What is the role of the TRUST framework in securing digital supply chains?

    • Promotes Resilient and Secure Digital Infrastructure: The TRUST (Technology for Resilient, Open and Unified Security and Trust) framework aims to build trusted digital ecosystems by reducing dependence on untrusted vendors and creating secure, interoperable technology supply chains. Eg: TRUST supports investments in secure subsea cables that avoid reliance on Chinese-controlled infrastructure.
    • Strengthens India’s Role as a Regional Security Provider: The framework acknowledges India’s potential as a net security provider in the Indo-Pacific, aligning with U.S. efforts to de-risk strategic technologies and build redundancy in digital connectivity. Eg: TRUST initiatives encourage India to lead regional subsea cable projects using trusted suppliers.
    • Facilitates U.S. Investment and Technical Cooperation: TRUST enables concessional finance, cybersecurity assistance, and encourages American companies to anchor digital infrastructure projects in India and the region. Eg: Under TRUST, Meta’s multi-year undersea cable investment project aligns with U.S.-India strategic digital cooperation.

    How can India become a regional hub for subsea connectivity?

    • Leverage Strategic Geographic Location: India is centrally positioned between Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia, near key maritime choke points like the Strait of Hormuz, Strait of Malacca, and Bab-el-Mandeb, making it ideal for global cable routes. Eg: India can serve as a transit junction for Africa-Asia and Europe-Asia subsea cables.
    • Expand and Diversify Cable Landing Infrastructure: India must increase the number of landing stations beyond existing clusters to reduce regional risk and build redundancy in the network. Eg: Most of India’s 17 cables land in Mumbai; expanding to ports along the east and west coasts can distribute traffic load.
    • Streamline Regulatory and Clearance Processes: Simplifying India’s licensing regime and enabling faster cable repair operations will attract more international projects and reduce downtime risks. Eg: Reducing the current requirement of over 50 clearances can boost investor confidence and facilitate timely repairs.

    What challenges hinder India’s subsea cable infrastructure?

    • Complex and Burdensome Licensing Regime: Deploying subsea cables in India requires navigating a maze of over 50 clearances across multiple ministries, discouraging investment and delaying projects.
      Eg: Lengthy approvals from customs, naval authorities, and telecom departments hinder timely cable deployments.
    • Overconcentration of Landing Stations: Most cables land in a narrow stretch in Mumbai, making the network vulnerable to disruption from natural disasters or sabotage. Eg: 15 of 17 subsea cables land in Mumbai, despite India’s 11,098 km coastline, limiting redundancy and resilience.
    • Lack of Domestic Repair Capabilities: India depends on foreign-flagged ships for cable repairs, which take 3–5 months to respond due to long travel times and clearance delays. Eg: Repair vessels from Singapore or Dubai face delays due to India’s slow customs and naval permissions process.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian Government? 

    • Policy push for TRUST framework: India is partnering with the U.S. to implement the Technology for Resilient, Open and Unified Security and Trust (TRUST) framework, focusing on trusted digital infrastructure and secure supply chains. Eg: TRUST includes collaboration on regional subsea cable investments and cybersecurity standards.
    • Expansion of Subsea Cable Projects: The government has supported large-scale undersea cable initiatives to expand India’s role in global connectivity. Eg: The India-U.S. backed Meta project, spanning 50,000 km, aims to connect five continents, enhancing India’s digital footprint.

    Way forward: 

    • Accelerate Regulatory Reforms: Simplify and streamline the complex licensing and clearance processes to attract greater investments and enable faster deployment and repair of subsea cables.
    • Build Domestic Repair and Infrastructure Ecosystem: Develop Indian-flagged cable repair vessels and expand cable landing stations along the coast to enhance network resilience, reduce downtime, and establish India as a reliable regional connectivity hub.

  • ​Monsoon woes: On the southwest monsoon and the northeast

    Why in the News?

    In 2025, the Southwest Monsoon, which plays a vital role in India’s farming economy, brought heavy and destructive rains. Instead of simply starting the farming season, it has caused widespread damage across the northeastern states.

    Why is the northeastern region particularly vulnerable to monsoon-related disasters?

    • Geographical Terrain and River Systems: The Northeast has a complex topography of steep hills and fast-flowing rivers like the Brahmaputra and Barak. These rivers often overflow during monsoon, causing floods and erosion. Eg: In Assam, over 10 major rivers flowed above danger level in June 2025, affecting over 3 lakh people across 19 districts.
    • High and Prolonged Rainfall: The region receives one of the highest average monsoon rainfalls in India, making even a “below normal” monsoondestructive. Eg: Despite IMD predicting lower-than-normal rainfall, Assam, Tripura, and Sikkim faced flash floods and landslidesin May–June 2025.
    • Dual Monsoon Exposure and Fragile Ecology: The region experiences both the southwest monsoon (June–September) and a retreating monsoon (October–December), increasing disaster exposure. The fragile ecology, including deforestation and slope instability, worsens risks. Eg: In North Sikkim, landslides in early June 2025 marooned 1,500 tourists and blocked arterial roads due to incessant rain.

    What is the Dual Monsoon Pattern? 

    Dual Monsoon Pattern refers to the occurrence of two distinct monsoon phases in a year that affect a region, particularly the Northeastern States of India. These are:

    • Southwest Monsoon (June to September):
      This is the primary monsoon season for most of India. The Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall to the Northeastern States like Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh.
    • Retreating/Post-Monsoon (October to December):
      This secondary phase brings additional rainfall, especially to Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura (NMMT region). This is often accompanied by cyclonic storms originating from the Bay of Bengal.

    How does the dual monsoon pattern affect the disaster preparedness of northeastern States?

    • Extended Vulnerability Period: The presence of both the southwest monsoon (June–September) and the retreating/post-monsoon (October–December) leads to a prolonged rainy season, increasing the duration for which states must stay alert and prepared. Eg: In 2023, flash floods affected parts of Meghalaya in both July and November, stretching disaster response capacities.
    • Recurring Strain on Resources: The back-to-back monsoon cycles put continuous pressure on relief infrastructure, emergency services, and budgetary resources, often without adequate recovery time between events. Eg: In Assam, flood shelters and boats used during June floods had to be reactivated again during October rains, delaying repairs and replenishment.
    • Challenges in Long-term Planning: The dual monsoon system makes it harder to plan and execute infrastructure repair, agricultural recovery, and resettlement efforts, as damage may recur within months. Eg: In Arunachal Pradesh, roads repaired after July landslides were again washed away during October rains in 2022, disrupting connectivity repeatedly.

    Why has infrastructure development lagged in the northeastern States compared to the rest of India?

    • Challenging Geographical Terrain: The region is dominated by mountainous landscapes, dense forests, and seismic zones, which make construction of roads, bridges, and railways technically difficult and cost-intensive. Eg: In Sikkim, frequent landslides and narrow mountain roads delay road-widening and highway projects.
    • Security and Strategic Concerns: The presence of international borders with countries like China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh and historical instances of insurgency have led to delays in project execution due to security concerns and administrative restrictions. Eg: The construction of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway through Manipur has faced repeated delays due to local unrest and law-and-order issues.
    • Low Political and Economic Prioritisation: Compared to other regions, the Northeast has received less investment in infrastructure due to lower population density, limited industrial base, and less political influence at the national level. Eg: States like Nagaland and Mizoram have limited railway connectivity even today, unlike the rapid expansion seen in western and southern India.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian government? 

    • Strengthened Disaster Response and Early Warnings: The government has deployed NDRF units across the Northeast and enhanced IMD’s region-specific alerts for floods and landslides in states like Assam, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
    • Infrastructure Development in Vulnerable Areas: Schemes like NESIDS support critical infrastructure such as flood protection embankments and all-weather roads in remote regions of Manipur and Mizoram.
    • Integration into National Disaster Management Frameworks: NDMA conducts capacity building, mock drills, and implements region-specific guidelines for urban flooding and landslide risk in cities like Gangtok and Guwahati.

    What long-term measures are needed to ensure sustainable disaster management in the Northeast? (Way forward)

    • Region-Specific Infrastructure Planning and Investment: Develop climate-resilient infrastructure suited to the region’s fragile ecology, such as landslide-resistant roads, flood-resistant housing, and robust early warning systems. Eg: The installation of a real-time flood monitoring system in the Brahmaputra basin has improved early evacuation in parts of Assam.
    • Integrated Inter-State and Central Coordination Mechanism: Establish a permanent regional disaster coordination body with participation from all Northeast states and the Centre to plan, share resources, and respond collectively to disasters. Eg: A joint task force involving Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya could improve flood response across shared river systems like the Barak and Brahmaputra.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2024] Flooding in urban areas is an emerging climate-induced disaster. Discuss the causes of this disaster. Mention the features of two such major floods in the last two decades in India. Describe the policies and frameworks in India that aim at tackling such floods.

    Linkage: The Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon reaches the northeastern States first. These areas usually get a lot of rain during the monsoon, even in years when rainfall is lower than normal. Because of this, the region is naturally more prone to problems like flooding, which often comes with such heavy rain. 

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