The Study IAS

Month: June 2025

  • Discovery of Portulaca bharat in Aravali Hills

    Discovery of Portulaca bharat in Aravali Hills

    New flowering plant species discovered in Aravali hills landscape near Jaipur

    Context: A new species of flowering plant, Portulaca bharat, has been discovered in the rocky and semi-arid landscape of the Aravali Hills near Jaipur, Rajasthan. 

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    • The plant was found growing from a rock crevice near the historic Galtaji temple, located on the outskirts of Jaipur.
    • First spotted by Nishant Chauhan, researcher and committee member of Satpura Biodiversity Conservation Society (SBCS).

     

     

    Taxonomy and Classification

    • Portulaca bharat belongs to the genus Portulaca, which includes about 153 species globally, mostly found in tropical and subtropical regions.
    • In India, 11 species of Portulaca are known, with four being endemic to the country.
    • The species has been formally described in the international journal Phytotaxa, following detailed studies and comparisons with herbarium specimens from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and other institutions.

    Morphological Characteristics of Portulaca bharat

    • Leaves: Opposite and slightly concave
    • Flowers: Pale yellow becoming creamish-white at the apex
    • Filaments: Presence of glandular hairs on stamen filaments
    • Roots: Thick and well-developed
    • Displays morphological stability across different environments, observed under controlled conditions in Hamirpur (Himachal Pradesh) and Lucknow.

    Conservation Status and Concerns

    • Currently classified as “Data Deficient” under IUCN Red List guidelines.
    • Only 10 individuals of the species were observed in the wild.
    • The species is narrowly endemic to a single location in the Galtaji hills, making it highly vulnerable to habitat degradation and climate change.
    • Researchers emphasises the need for enhanced field surveys, habitat protection, and ex situ conservation, especially in underexplored dry zones like the Aravalis.

    Ecological and Scientific Significance

    • The Aravali Range, one of the oldest geological formations on Earth, hosts a wealth of micro-endemic species and dry deciduous ecosystems.
    • The discovery underscores the hidden biodiversity of the Aravalis and the urgency of its protection.
    • Naming the species Portulaca bharat symbolises India’s rich and still-unfolding natural heritage.
    • The new species opens new avenues for research in phytogeography, ecology, and evolutionary biology.

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    About Aravalli Range

    • The Aravalli Range is located in northwestern India, stretching for 430 miles.
    • Geographical Spread: From Delhi through Haryana, Rajasthan, to Gujarat.
    • Oldest Fold Mountain Range in India. Formed during the Precambrian era, in an event called the Aravalli-Delhi Orogen.
    • Originated when the Indian Plate and Eurasian Plate were separated by an ocean.
    • The range is a southwest-northeast trending orogen.
    • Merges two segments of the Indian craton: Aravalli Craton, Bundelkhand Craton.
    • Highest Peak: Guru Shikhar (5,650 ft) on Mount Arbuda
    • Rivers Originating from Aravallis: 
      • Luni River: Flows from Pushkar Valley to Rann of Kutch.
      • Sahibi River: Originates near Manoharpur, flows through Haryana and Delhi, joins the Yamuna.
      • Chambal River: Originates in Rajasthan, flows east into the Yamuna.

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  • A Sperm-Whale Tooth Unearthed in Copper-Age Spain

    A Sperm-Whale Tooth Unearthed in Copper-Age Spain

    A whale tooth’s journey from the sea to a Copper Age pit

     

     

     

    Context:  In 2018, archaeologists excavating a new library site at Valencina de la Concepción in southwest Spain uncovered an half of a large sperm-whale tooth buried in a 4,000-year-old pit. This discovery is unique—no other sperm-whale teeth have been found in Copper-Age Iberia before.

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    Copper-Age Iberia refers to the period between roughly 3250 and 2200 BCE on the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal) when communities began using copper tools and ornaments alongside stone implements. This era, also known as the Chalcolithic or Eneolithic, marked a major cultural and technological shift from the Neolithic.

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    Unravelling the Tooth’s Journey

    • The tooth was analysed extensively using advanced imaging techniques, including overlapping photography to build a 3D model and digital microscopy to examine surface scratches, drill holes, and tiny biological borings.
    • Four types of small tunnels and grooves were identified, caused by sponges, marine worms, grazing snails, and burrowing barnacles.
    • Bite marks from sharks were also mapped, indicating the tooth originated from a sperm whale carcass scavenged on the seabed.
    • The tooth’s root shape and enamel characteristics matched those of contemporary adult sperm whales, estimated to be 20–25 cm in length.

     

     

     

    Timeline and Environmental History

    • Radiocarbon dating of animal bones and pottery from the pit indicated it was dug around 2500-2400 BC.
    • After the whale’s death, the tooth rested on the seabed long enough to be colonised by marine organisms and scavenged by sharks.
    • Ocean currents rolled and partially buried the tooth in sand before a storm or high tide eventually washed it ashore.
    • While buried in beach sand, plant roots etched channels on the tooth, and a limestone crust formed on its surface.

    Human Use and Cultural Significance

    • Copper-Age humans likely collected the tooth due to its exotic nature and value.
    • Evidence shows they pressed chisels or awls into its broken edge, possibly to fashion ornaments.
    • The tooth was placed in a pit about one meter wide and deep, along with broken pottery, stone tools, and animal bones.
    • The absence of human remains led archaeologists to interpret the pit as a “structured deposition”—a deliberate act of removing precious objects from daily use.

    Broader Archaeological Importance

    • This tooth is the only sperm-whale tooth found in Copper-Age Spain and just the second in the Western Mediterranean from this period.
    • Its discovery broadens the known range of rare and prized materials at Valencina, which included elephant ivory, ostrich eggshells, and rock crystals.
    • The burial demonstrates that coastal objects, even from massive sea creatures never seen alive by inland communities, held symbolic and cultural importance for predominantly farming societies.

     

     

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  • Bonn Climate Change Conference 2024

    Context: The Bonn Climate Change Conference 2024 officially began on Monday, June 16, drawing over 5,000 government delegates, scientists, and stakeholders to Bonn, Germany. 

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    • Scheduled to run until June 26, this mid-year climate summit plays a pivotal role in shaping the global climate action agenda and preparing ground for COP29, scheduled for later this year.

    What Is the Bonn Climate Change Conference?

      • The Bonn Climate Change Conference is an annual meeting held under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). 
      • Officially referred to as the Sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies (SBs), this conference complements the more well-known Conference of the Parties (COP), serving as the second major regular event in the UNFCCC calendar.
      • First established in 1992, the UNFCCC is the foundational international agreement that guides global climate negotiations and action.
      • Unlike the high-profile COP summits, the Bonn Conference is more technical in nature, focusing on the scientific and policy groundwork necessary for effective climate action. The conference hosts:
        • Government representatives from UNFCCC member countries
        • Indigenous leaders and local community advocates
        • Scientific experts and research organisations
        • Civil society and environmental NGOs

    Why Does the Bonn Climate Conference Matters?

    • The primary objective of the Bonn summit is to advance technical discussions and shape the negotiation agenda for COP. 
      • According to the Harvard Kennedy School, the outcomes of these meetings often become the foundation for decisions taken at the annual COP events.
    • Additionally, the conference provides a platform to review the progress on climate goals, evaluate scientific findings, and assess the implementation of agreements from the previous COP—in this case, COP28 held in Dubai.

    Who Leads the Bonn Conference?

    The Bonn sessions are spearheaded by the UNFCCC’s two key Subsidiary Bodies:

    • Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI): 
        • Reviews how climate decisions are being put into action
        • Addresses finance, capacity-building, and technical assistance for developing countries
    • Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA):
      • Provides expert scientific advice to UNFCCC members
      • Serves as a key link between the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and COP negotiators
      • Together, these bodies play a crucial role in aligning climate science with policy implementation.

    Key Issues on the Bonn 2024 Agenda

      • A central theme for this year’s discussions is the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA). 
        • Unlike mitigation goals, such as limiting global warming to 1.5°C, GGA aims to define a common global objective for climate adaptation.
      • Although the Paris Agreement of 2015 introduced the GGA, concrete frameworks were lacking—until COP28 in Dubai, where member states agreed on a foundational framework for adaptation goals.
    • At Bonn 2024, countries will work on:
      • Defining indicators and targets under the GGA framework
      • Securing climate finance for adaptation efforts
      • Ensuring equity and inclusion in climate adaptation across regions

    The Bonn Climate Change Conference is essential in laying the groundwork for COP29, where formal decisions on adaptation, mitigation, and climate finance will be finalised. The technical outcomes and draft recommendations from Bonn will directly influence the policy negotiations at COP29, expected later this year.

  • India’s Bay of Bengal Strategy and Bangladesh

    India’s Bay of Bengal Strategy and Bangladesh

    India’s uneasy balancing act in the Bay of Bengal

    Context: India’s economic and strategic engagement in the Bay of Bengal region is undergoing a pivotal shift. 

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    • With increasing trade volumes and infrastructural upgrades across its eastern ports, New Delhi appears to be positioning itself as a key regional trade hub. 
    • However, recent diplomatic tensions—especially with Bangladesh—have cast a shadow over India’s efforts to promote regional integration through initiatives like BIMSTEC.

     

     

     

    India’s Eastern Ports Power Trade Surge

    • India’s east coast is seeing robust growth in maritime trade. 
      • Cargo throughput at major ports like Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Paradip (Odisha), and Haldia (West Bengal) has steadily increased. 
      • This surge is supported by government initiatives such as the Sagarmala Programme, which focuses on boosting port-led development and improving coastal connectivity. 
      • Additionally, policy incentives such as GST cuts on bunker fuel and support for coastal shipping have further stimulated maritime logistics.
    • Earlier this year, the signing of the BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Cooperation Agreement raised hopes for reduced port costs and harmonised customs procedures across the Bay of Bengal region, long plagued by fragmented trade flows and minimal economic integration.

    Transshipment Facility Withdrawal Sparks Diplomatic Fallout

    • However, India’s decision in April to withdraw the transshipment facility granted to Bangladesh has disrupted this trajectory. 
      • The facility allowed Dhaka to use Indian ports to export goods to third countries—a crucial logistical lifeline for its booming ready-made garment (RMG) industry, which accounts for over 85% of Bangladesh’s export earnings.
    • While New Delhi cited congestion and logistical delays at its terminals, many in Bangladesh interpreted the move as a geopolitical message, especially after Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser described India’s Northeast as “landlocked” and presented Bangladesh as a maritime gateway during a speech in Beijing. 
      • This narrative clashed with India’s strategic vision, which views the Northeast as a critical node for regional connectivity—not as a region dependent on others.

    Strategic Connectivity and India’s Maritime Vision

    • India has consistently emphasised the strategic and economic significance of its Northeastern states, investing in multimodal infrastructure to integrate them into regional supply chains. 
      • The doubling of cargo movement along India’s east coast in the past decade reflects this commitment.
    • At the regional level, India is working to revitalise BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation). 
      • The recent maritime transport agreement is a key pillar of this vision, designed to foster seamless multimodal linkages and reduce trade friction across member countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar, which rely heavily on Indian ports for access to global markets.

    Trade Retaliation and Eroding Trust

    • Tensions escalated in May when India imposed restrictions on seven categories of Bangladeshi imports—including garments, processed foods, and plastics—through land ports in the Northeast. 
      • These products can now only be imported via seaports such as Kolkata or Nhava Sheva, increasing logistical costs. 
      • Indian officials cited Bangladesh’s earlier restrictions on yarn imports as justification, but critics argue that India’s actions came first and seem disproportionate.
    • The perception in Dhaka is that India is using trade access as political leverage, in response to Bangladesh’s growing ties with China and resumed maritime engagement with Pakistan. 
      • While strategic balancing is a reality in geopolitics, using economic connectivity to express political displeasure risks undermining the very regionalism India seeks to champion.

    Implications for Regional Integration in the Bay of Bengal

    • Countries like Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka are watching closely. 
      • The concern isn’t that India is asserting influence—that’s expected of a regional power—but that it is doing so in economic domains previously shielded from geopolitical contests.
    • Maritime trade corridors, once promoted as shared infrastructure for regional prosperity, are beginning to feel more transactional. 
      • This not only weakens the credibility of India’s leadership but could also slow progress on initiatives like the proposed BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement, which has the potential to transform intra-regional commerce.

    Balancing Strategic Interests with Regional Trust

    • India remains the dominant maritime power in the Bay of Bengal, with the most advanced port infrastructure and growing cargo-handling capacity. 
      • However, infrastructure strength must be matched with credibility. 
      • If regional partners perceive Indian trade facilitation as subject to political fluctuations, they may begin to hedge by diversifying trade routes—potentially toward China or ASEAN economies.
    • To regain confidence, India should consider reinstating the Bangladesh transshipment facility under a clear, rules-based mechanism that insulates trade from political turbulence. 
      • Doing so would send a strong message to all BIMSTEC members that India remains committed to fair, predictable, and cooperative economic engagement.

     

     

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  • Green Arabia

    Green Arabia

    Arabian desert once had a lush and bountiful chapter known as Green Arabia

    Context: The vast expanse of the Arabian Peninsula, now known for its arid deserts and scorching heat, may have once been a Green Arabia, life-sustaining corridor that facilitated the migration of early humans and animals out of Africa. 

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    • New research published in Nature provides compelling evidence that Arabia experienced multiple humid phases over the last eight million years, transforming it from a formidable biogeographical barrier into a lush, green landscape.

     

     

    Arabia: From Arid Barrier to Migration Bridge

    • Stretching from Africa’s Sahara Desert in the west to India’s Thar Desert in the east, the Saharo-Arabian region has long been viewed as one of the planet’s largest and most inhospitable arid zones. 
    • For decades, scientists believed that this dry belt effectively blocked the movement of wildlife and hominins between Africa and Eurasia. 
      • However, new fossil and mineral evidence is challenging that assumption.
    • Discoveries of water-dependent species such as hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and horses in Arabia dating back to the late Miocene and Pleistocene epochs suggest that the region supported vibrant ecosystems as recently as 74,000 years ago.

    ‘Green Arabia’ Hypothesis Gains Ground

    • An international team of researchers, led by Dr. Michael Petraglia, director of the Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution, is behind the groundbreaking “Green Arabia” project. 
    • Supported by Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission, the team’s findings show that intermittent periods of rainfall transformed the Arabian Peninsula into fertile grasslands crisscrossed by rivers and lakes.
    • One such location is the Jubbah Oasis, a remnant of an ancient lake in northern Saudi Arabia, which offered immediate archaeological evidence of past human occupation.

    Speleothems: Tracing Ancient Rainfall Through Cave Formations

    • To understand Arabia’s climatic history, the researchers analysed speleothems—mineral formations such as stalagmites and stalactites—in seven cave systems across central Saudi Arabia. 
      • These formations only develop under specific conditions: substantial rainfall, active vegetation, and the presence of carbonic acid to dissolve limestone.
    • The team collected and radiometrically dated 22 speleothem samples using uranium-thorium and uranium-lead dating techniques. Their analysis revealed a series of humid phases in the region, occurring at:
      • 7.44 to 6.25 million years ago
      • 530,000 to 60,000 years ago
    • These wetter intervals were relatively short, lasting thousands to tens of thousands of years, but they significantly reshaped Arabia’s ecosystem, allowing flora, fauna, and humans to thrive.

    A Changing Climate and Human Expansion

    • Lead author Monika Markowska noted that precipitation patterns became increasingly erratic over time, influenced by shifting monsoon systems and growing ice cover in the Northern Hemisphere during the Pleistocene. 
      • These climatic shifts had profound effects on human and animal migration.
    • This emerging narrative recasts the Arabian Peninsula as a critical hub in human evolution, linking populations across continents and influencing migration paths during climatic shifts.

    Lessons for a Warming World

    • The implications of the Green Arabia project extend beyond ancient history. For over 15 years, Petraglia’s team has documented thousands of ancient lakes and archaeological sites, offering a long-term view of how ecosystems and human societies responded to changing environments.
    • Technological advancements today, such as air conditioning and urban infrastructure, may delay migration from increasingly uninhabitable regions. Still, the fossil record reminds us that climatic shifts have long determined where humans could survive and thrive.

     

     

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  • India’s Digital Divide

    India’s Digital Divide

    Analysing Internet access and digital skills in India

    Context: India, One of the central targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4) is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education. 

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    • Two critical sub-targets under this goal—Target 4.4.1 and Target 4.4.2—emphasise the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills and digital proficiency among youth and adults. 
      • To achieve this, access to digital infrastructure and a comprehensive assessment of digital skills are essential.
    • For the first time, India has access to robust nationwide data on digital access and skills, thanks to the National Sample Survey Office’s (NSSO) Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey (CAMS), conducted between July 2022 and June 2023. 
    • Covering 3.02 lakh households and 12.99 lakh individuals, CAMS is the country’s first large-scale survey focusing on digital technology usage across demographics.

     

     

     

    Broadband Access in India: A Growing but Uneven Landscape

    • National: At a national level, 76.3% of Indian households now have broadband Internet. 
    • Urban-Rural: While urban India boasts 86.5% connectivity, rural areas are not far behind with 71.2%—signalling widespread Internet penetration. 
      • However, this digital expansion is marked by stark inequalities across states, castes, income groups, and genders.

    State-Level Disparities

    • States like Delhi, Goa, Mizoram, Manipur, Sikkim, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh lead with over 90% of households having broadband access. 
    • In contrast, West Bengal (69.3%), Andhra Pradesh (66.5%), Odisha (65.3%), and Arunachal Pradesh (60.2%) lag behind.

    Caste and Class Divide in Broadband Connectivity

    • General category households: 84.1% have broadband access
    • OBCs: 77.5%
    • Scheduled Castes (SCs): 69.1%
    • Scheduled Tribes (STs): 64.8%

     

     

     

     

    Income and the Digital Divide

    The CAMS report highlights a strong correlation between monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) and broadband access:

    • In the lowest income decile, 71.6% households lack broadband.
    • In the top decile, only 1.9% lack access.
    • Even in the second-lowest decile, 56.2% of households are connected.
    • These findings affirm that economic status is a major determinant of digital inclusion. 
    • To bridge this gap, the government could consider broadband subsidies for lower-income households, positioning Internet access as a basic utility alongside water and electricity, as advocated by the Digital India initiative.

    Mobile Connectivity: High Reach, Low Empowerment

    While 94.2% of rural and 97.1% of urban households have mobile or telephone connections, individual access and usage paint a different picture.

    • Mobile phone usage (15+ age group):
      • Urban: 92.4%
      • Rural: 83.9%
    • However, when focusing on exclusive mobile usage with active SIMs for calls or Internet, the gender and caste gaps become apparent:
      • General category rural women: Only 25.3%
      • General category urban women: 51.2%
      • SCs, STs, and OBCs fare worse across both genders and regions.

    India’s Struggle with 4G and 5G Adoption

    Despite widespread buzz about 5G networks, CAMS data shows that:

    • Just over half of rural India uses 4G connectivity
    • Over 70% of urban users rely on 4G
    • 40.4% of the population still uses outdated mobile technology
    • 5G adoption remains negligible
    • This digital infrastructure gap poses a serious challenge to achieving equitable digital empowerment.

    Moving Toward Inclusive Digital Literacy

    • Digital literacy needs to go beyond mere access to focus on functional usage.
    • Subsidised broadband for low-income groups could significantly reduce the access gap.
    • Special programs for women and socially disadvantaged groups can foster inclusive digital participation.

     

     

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  • Sri Lanka-India Relations Under the NPP

    Sri Lanka-India Relations Under the NPP

    Context: The evolving India–Sri Lanka bilateral relationship has entered a new chapter under Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s National People’s Power (NPP) government, reflecting a pragmatic shift in its foreign policy as it moves away from historical ideological positions, especially in its recalibrated approach toward New Delhi.

    From China Leanings to India Outreach

    • Traditionally, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), the main force behind the NPP, has had ideological leanings towards China. 
      • However, contrary to early expectations, the NPP-led administration has prioritised diplomatic engagement with India, adopting a strategic and mature approach to regional diplomacy. 
      • This transition underlines the party’s departure from a normative anti-India stance to a more realist and policy-driven foreign policy.
    • The transformation was influenced by India’s robust support during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis, when New Delhi extended currency swaps, essential supplies, and lines of credit. 
      • Recognising this goodwill, the NPP has acknowledged India as a key economic and strategic partner. 
    • India, too, has reciprocated with proactive engagement—inviting NPP representatives to meet top Indian diplomatic and security leaders ahead of Sri Lanka’s 2024 presidential elections. 
      • This bilateral warmth signals a broader reset in India-Sri Lanka ties, rooted in political realism and mutual interests.

    Realism Over Rhetoric: A Small State Strategy

    • Sri Lanka’s foreign policy under the NPP reflects a classic small-state strategy, defined by balancing between major powers and seeking security, economic support, and political autonomy. 
      • Small states like Sri Lanka often lack military strength, rely heavily on global trade, and face power asymmetries with larger neighbours. 
      • As such, they pursue non-alignment, multilateral cooperation, and selective engagement to safeguard sovereignty while leveraging strategic geography.
    • The NPP’s tilt towards India can be interpreted as an effort to seek economic and geopolitical ‘shelter’, building on the foundations laid by former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. 
      • The previous government also walked a tightrope between India, China, and the West, engaging all stakeholders while cautiously managing regional sensitivities.
    • A case in point: during the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration, the Jaffna Islands renewable energy project was awarded to a Chinese firm, triggering Indian objections. The project was later reassigned to India under a grant—a clear indication of Sri Lanka’s willingness to accommodate India’s strategic interests.

    Strengthening Economic and Energy Ties

    In recent years, India and Sri Lanka have signed multiple MoUs, reflecting deeper cooperation in defence, energy, and economic connectivity. Key agreements include:

    • A bilateral defence MoU signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Colombo in April 2025.
    • An electricity grid interconnection pact, aiming to link Sri Lanka to India’s national grid via an undersea transmission line.
    • A solar rooftop supply initiative for religious centres.
    • A tripartite agreement with the UAE to establish an energy hub at the Trincomalee port.
    • These initiatives reflect Sri Lanka’s growing integration into India’s regional infrastructure and strategic networks.
      • However, questions have emerged about the transparency, scope, and strategic implications of some of these projects, particularly the defence agreement.

    Rising Concerns Over Dependency and Sovereignty

    • Despite the growing cooperation, there are growing apprehensions within Sri Lanka about the potential power imbalance in Indo-Sri Lanka ties. 
    • Critics argue that the lack of public information on high-level agreements could erode national sovereignty and tilt the balance disproportionately in India’s favour.
    • The grid interconnectivity plan, for example, though aimed at lowering energy costs and improving regional stability, has triggered concerns over long-term energy dependency on India. 
    • Sri Lanka’s limited production capacity could struggle to compete with India’s vast and diversified energy sector, potentially affecting local industries.
    • Historical memories of Indian interventionism and fears of domination remain alive in public discourse. While New Delhi has tried to present itself as a stabilizing regional power, past grievances linger in parts of Sri Lankan society.

    Contentious Kachchatheevu Fishing Dispute

    • Among the most pressing unresolved issues is the fishermen’s dispute in the Palk Strait, particularly around Kachchatheevu Island. 
    • Allegations of Indian bottom trawlers trespassing into Sri Lankan waters have intensified tensions, with concerns over marine resource depletion and economic losses for local fishing communities.
    • Simultaneously, Indian fishermen have voiced complaints about detention and alleged mistreatment by the Sri Lankan navy. 
    • Although the NPP’s manifesto mentioned discouraging illegal fishing, there is limited clarity on enforcement or conflict-resolution mechanisms moving forward.

    Domestic Challenges and Political Setbacks

    • Despite the government’s proactive diplomacy, public scepticism persists, particularly among sections that view the NPP as inexperienced in handling complex foreign affairs. 
    • This has manifested in lacklustre performance during the recent local council elections, especially in the Northeast, where traditional political parties regained ground after setbacks in the 2024 parliamentary elections.
    • These results suggest that the NPP’s initial honeymoon period is over. Voters are now shifting focus from emotional support to policy outcomes and governance delivery, setting the stage for more critical scrutiny of the regime’s domestic and foreign policies.

     

     

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  • India’s AI-Biotech Ambition

    India’s AI-Biotech Ambition

    AI and biomanufacturing: can India’s policies match its ambitions?

    Context: India is aiming to become a global leader in AI-driven biotechnology, backed by bold initiatives like the BioE3 Policy (2024) and the IndiaAI Mission.

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    • Biomanufacturing is moving from traditional systems to AI-augmented environments featuring robotics, biosensors, and predictive analytics.
    • AI optimises complex processes like fermentation, quality control, and drug design, resulting in higher efficiency, lower costs, and better compliance with global standards.

    Biomanufacturing: AI Transforming the Sector

    • India has traditionally led in generic medicines and vaccines due to its scale, cost, and reliability. Now, AI is transforming the biomanufacturing landscape:
      • Biocon uses AI for drug screening and biologics production; enhancing fermentation efficiency and cost control.
      • Strand Life Sciences applies AI in genomics and personalised medicine, enabling faster drug discovery and diagnostics.
    • AI systems optimise everything from fermentation to packaging using:
      • Real-time data from biosensors
      • Digital twins to simulate and optimise entire production lines

    Why It Matters?

    • India has long been the world’s pharmacy, producing 60% of global vaccines and excelling in generic medicines.
    • AI integration can:
      • Cut down production costs
      • Reduce batch failure and waste
      • Ensure consistent, high-quality output
      • Accelerate drug development
      • Improve rural healthcare through personalised diagnostics

    Government-Led Initiatives

    • The BioE3 Policy, launched in 2024, envisions state-of-the-art biofoundries and “Bio-AI Hubs” to unite India’s scientific, engineering, and AI talent.
    • The IndiaAI Mission champions ethical and explainable AI, funding projects that address algorithmic bias and develop “machine unlearning” protocols. 
    • Funding mechanisms are in place for both startups and established companies to scale AI applications from labs to markets.

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    AI Applications Beyond Manufacturing

    • AI is transforming the entire biotech and healthcare value chain:

      • Drug discovery: In silico compound screening
      • Molecular design: Precision optimisation of drug candidates
      • Clinical trials: Faster patient recruitment, better trial designs
      • Supply chains: Predictive maintenance, demand forecasting

    • Notable Indian players:

      • Wipro: AI for reducing drug candidate discovery time
      • TCS: Advanced Drug Development platform for clinical trials and outcome prediction

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    What Are the Challenges?

    • Regulatory Vacuum: Existing drug laws not suited for AI-based tools or automated manufacturing. No clear norms for model validation, risk stratification, or dataset diversity.
    • Data Governance Gaps: The 2023 Data Protection Act doesn’t address AI-specific concerns in biomanufacturing. Need for clean, diverse, and unbiased datasets across regions.
    • IPR Uncertainties: Legal confusion over ownership of AI-invented drugs, molecules, and algorithms.
    • Urban Bias Risk: AI tools trained on urban data may fail in rural contexts (e.g., differences in temperature, water quality, infrastructure).

    What Are Global Best Practices India Can Learn From?

    • Internationally, the regulatory landscape is evolving fast. 
      • The EU AI Act, effective since August 2024, classifies AI applications into four risk tiers, imposing strict requirements on high-risk tools such as those used in genetic editing. 
      • In the U.S., the FDA’s 2025 guidance outlines a seven-step framework for evaluating AI tools, with key provisions like “Predetermined Change Control Plans” enabling iterative updates to critical AI systems — vital for dynamic fields like cancer treatment.
    • India, by contrast, lacks a risk-based, context-aware regulatory framework. This gap could have serious consequences. 
      • Example: An Indian startup creates an AI tool for enzyme production based on urban plant data.
        • Tool fails in semi-urban/rural areas due to unaccounted factors (e.g., water quality, temperature).
        • Consequences: Failed batches, economic loss, and reputational damage
      • Lesson: Regulatory frameworks must require diverse, representative datasets and clear use-context evaluation.

    Way Forward

    • To realise its vision, India must act on three fronts:
      • Build a risk-based, adaptive regulatory framework — Define AI’s context of use, set standards for data and validation, and allow for iterative system improvements, especially in high-risk applications.
      • Invest in decentralised infrastructure and talent — AI innovation must not remain confined to metro hubs; rural and tier-2 cities must also benefit and contribute.
      • Foster collaborative ecosystems — Government, academia, industry, and global partners must co-create best practices and share lessons.

     

     

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  • Long COVID and the FOXP4 Gene

    How a lung gene is linked to post-COVID symptoms as per genetics study

    Context: A recent breakthrough study published in Nature Genetics now offers new insight into why some people develop long COVID while others recover quickly — and the answers may lie in their DNA.

    Landmark Genetic Study

    • Conducted by the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative at Germans Trias i Pujol Institute, Spain.
    • Used Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) to identify genetic variations that may predispose individuals to long COVID.
    • Analysed data from 33 groups in 19 countries, covering over 6,450 cases and 1 million controls in the discovery phase.
    • Findings were validated in a separate replication cohort of 9,500+ cases and nearly 800,000 controls.

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    What is Long COVID?

    • Long COVID (technically post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection or PASC) refers to persistent symptoms weeks or months after recovering from COVID-19.
    • The World Health Organisation defines it as symptoms beginning within 3 months of infection and lasting at least 2 months with no other explanation.
    • Common symptoms include fatigue, breathing problems, and cognitive difficulties.

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    Key Finding: FOXP4 Gene Association

    • The strongest association was found near the FOXP4 gene. Individuals carrying the “C” variant of the SNP rs9367106 were approximately 63% more likely to develop long COVID symptoms than those without it.
    • Importantly, this association held even among individuals who were not hospitalised, suggesting that the gene’s impact is independent of initial disease severity.
    • The variant’s frequency also varied significantly across populations — from just 1.6% in non-Finnish Europeans to as high as 36% in East Asians — highlighting the need for diverse representation in genomic studies.

    FOXP4’s Biological Role: From Lungs to Immunity

    • Gene activity insights: The variant lies in DNA regions highly active in lung tissue.
    • Expression correlation: Nearby linked variant rs12660421 increases FOXP4 expression in lung tissue.
    • Cellular focus: FOXP4 is strongly expressed in type 2 alveolar cells, which:
      • Maintain open air sacs.
      • Clear fluids.
      • Repair lung tissue damage.
      • Coordinate immune response to respiratory viruses.
    • Additional links: FOXP4 has been implicated in lung cancer, suggesting shared biological pathways affecting lung health.
    • Long-term association: Individuals with higher FOXP4 levels in blood samples post-COVID had more than twice the odds of developing Long COVID.
    • Genetic confirmation: Co-localisation analysis indicates a 91% probability that the same genetic signal affects both FOXP4 activity and Long COVID risk.

    Relevance and Challenges for India

    • High burden: India’s large, genetically diverse population faces ongoing impacts from multiple COVID-19 waves and uneven healthcare access.
    • Reported prevalence: Indian studies report wide-ranging Long COVID rates from 45% to nearly 80%, depending on study design.
    • Example study: A multicentre investigation (Hyderabad, Vellore, Mumbai, Thiruvalla) found 16.5% of hospitalised patients had persistent symptoms a year post-discharge.
    • Data gaps: Although the GWAS included six ancestries, most data came from European populations; South Asian representation was limited or unclear.
    • Uncertainty remains: The frequency and impact of the FOXP4 variant in Indian populations is unknown, especially given unique environmental factors like air pollution and healthcare variability.
    • India’s genomic initiatives: Projects like GenomeIndia, cataloguing genetic diversity in over 10,000 individuals, offer foundational resources for future India-specific Long COVID genetic studies.

    Limitations of the Study and Future Directions

    • Timing of data: Most data predates widespread vaccination and newer variants (e.g., Omicron), so applicability to current strains/populations may vary.
    • Long COVID definitions: Evolving clinical definitions may have caused misclassification in some datasets.
    • Modest genetic impact: Genetics is only part of the story—immunity, pre-existing health conditions, and other factors also influence Long COVID risk.
    • Need for diversity: Inclusion of more South Asian and underrepresented populations is critical for globally relevant findings.

  • ‘Schwarzman Scholars’ Programme for India

    More ‘mind space’ for India in the American imagination

    Context: Despite being one of the world’s most populous nations, an ancient civilisation, and a rising global power, India still lacks a dedicated global leadership programme like the Schwarzman Scholars initiative in China.

    More on News

    • This absence is not just a policy oversight — it reflects deeper issues of global perception, narrative dominance, and the persistent marginalisation of India in elite Western academic and strategic thinking.

    What is the Schwarzman Scholars Programme?

    • Launched in 2016 at Tsinghua University in Beijing, the Schwarzman Scholars programme was inspired by the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. 
    • It aims to shape future global leaders by immersing them in China’s governance systems, cultural ethos, and geopolitical vision. 
    • Backed by robust state and philanthropic support, it has become a symbol of China’s strategic soft power and global educational pull.

    Why not in India?

      • India — home to 1.4 billion people, a dynamic tech-driven economy, and a growing strategic footprint in the Indo-Pacific — remains oddly underrepresented in elite Western academic initiatives. 
        • The root of this problem lies in a complex mix of outdated narratives, soft power inertia, and intellectual neglect by the West.
      • This imbalance was explored as early as 1958 by Harold R. Isaacs in Scratches on Our Minds: American Images of China and India. 
        • Isaacs observed how China was seen by Americans as revolutionary, mysterious, and geopolitically urgent, while India was often relegated to being spiritual, chaotic, and peripheral — viewed through colonial and orientalist filters.

    • Decades later, these “scratches” remain. 

      • China dominates global academic funding, think-tank interest, and university partnerships. 
      • India, despite being the world’s largest democracy and a hub of innovation, still struggles to claim space in global strategic imagination.

    How China Outpaced India in Soft Power?

    • China has been remarkably effective in projecting a cohesive and seductive narrative to the West — one of transformation, economic miracle, and disciplined governance. 
      • Western elites, ready to believe in China’s “rise”, have heavily invested in understanding it. 
      • From Confucius Institutes and think tanks to university exchanges and tech diplomacy, China’s state-led soft power efforts have borne fruit.
    • India’s global engagement, by contrast, has been sporadic and hampered by bureaucratic constraints. 
      • While it champions democracy, diversity, and culture, these values have not been leveraged strategically to create compelling academic or policy programmes that attract global talent and attention.

    India in American Academia: A Fragmented Focus

    • China Studies enjoys institutional depth across Ivy League campuses. 
    • India, when studied, is often buried under broader “South Asian” or “Postcolonial” labels. 
      • While these are vital disciplines, they rarely engage with modern India as a civilisational power influencing global tech, climate, security, and space policy.
    • As a result, future American and global leaders are not being trained to understand India in its full complexity. 
      • Misperceptions persist — such as the outdated “India-Pakistan” hyphenation — which distort strategic thinking and policy design.

    Way Forward

    • An academic institution with global appeal: India has excellent institutions like the IITs, IIMs, and newer liberal arts universities such as Ashoka and Krea. 
      • Yet none currently possess the international brand recognition, strategic policy links, and philanthropic backing necessary to host a transformative global fellowship.
    • Government and private sector collaboration: As seen with Tsinghua University’s backing of Schwarzman Scholars, success depends on sustained collaboration between the state, academic leadership, and global capital.
    • A bold narrative: India must invest in telling its story. 
      • Strategic ambiguity has served its diplomacy in the past, but silence can often be misread as insignificance. 
      • Leadership today is as much about perception as it is about power or GDP.
    • Reframing India’s Global Narrative: India must proactively challenge outdated narratives, call out reductive frameworks, and assert itself in global knowledge circuits — not just as a counterweight to China, but as a thought leader in its own right.
  • War in Middle East Escalates: Iran and Israel

    War in Middle East Escalates: Iran and Israel

    War in Middle East Intensifies: Dangerous Fallout for Regional Stability

    Context: In the recent War in Middle East, Israel – Iran exchanged 4 rounds of airstrikes in response to Israel’s  full-scale air offensive dubbed “Operation Rising Lion” targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure. 

     

     

     

    What Are Israel’s Objectives?

    • Degrade Iranian air-defence and command infrastructure to ease future strikes on sites like Fordow or Khondab. 
    • Decapitate leadership of the IRGC and its Axis of Resistance (Hezbollah, Houthis, Iraqi militias) to undermine Iran’s power projection. 
    • Shape U.S. bargaining leverage by demonstrating Iran’s weaknesses, while avoiding a full-scale conflict or a global oil shock.

    What are the possible impacts on Iran?

    • Leadership attrition: At least four senior IRGC commanders, including IRGC chief Hossein Salami, are dead, disrupting operational continuity.
    • Economic strain: Damage to refineries, power grids and defence plants compounds U.S. sanctions; the rial hit a 16‑month low on 14 June.
    • Domestic politics: Hard‑liners in parliament argue that reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian cannot protect national security, narrowing diplomatic space.
    • Regional optics: Gulf Arab capitals—including Riyadh—publicly condemned the Israeli raids, signalling a rare uptick in sympathy for Tehran. 

    What are India’s Choices?

    • Energy security: Roughly 40 % of India’s crude imports pass the Strait of Hormuz. Delhi will lobby all parties (including Oman, Qatar) to keep the waterway open and may tap strategic reserves if premiums spike.
    • Diaspora safety: Over 8 million Indians live across the Gulf and Israel; contingency plans for evacuation (similar to Operation Kaveri in Sudan, 2023) are being reviewed.

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    Role of Washington

    • Leveraged restraint: Trump signals readiness to intervene if U.S. forces are attacked but prefers diplomacy over war.
    • Back‑channel facilitation: U.S. officials work with Muscat and Doha to pursue a “freeze-for-freeze” — Iran halts strikes and enrichment while Israel pauses raids.
    • Sanctions & incentives: Conditional sanctions relief is offered if Iran stands down, with a snap-back option if escalation occurs.
    • Domestic consideration: Ahead of the November 2025 elections, the administration seeks a foreign policy win without putting U.S. lives at risk.

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    • Strategic autonomy: India enjoys strong defence ties with Israel (air‑defence, UAVs) yet cannot alienate Iran, critical for Chabahar port and access to Central Asia. Expect calibrated diplomacy: condemn civilian harm, urge restraint, avoid picking sides.
    • Economic hedging: Diversify crude contracts toward Russia, Guyana and Brazil; fast‑track rupee‑dirham settlement to cushion forex shocks.

    What are the Possible Endgame Scenarios?

    • Managed de‑escalation – Qatari‑Omani shuttle diplomacy pauses strikes; U.S. & EU restart JCPOA‑plus talks; status quo ante minus lost IRGC leaders.
    • Prolonged shadow war – Low‑intensity tit‑for‑tat inside Syria/Iraq, cyber‑hits, occasional missile flurries; nuclear issue unresolved.Regional spiral – Hezbollah or Houthis draw in Saudi‑led coalition and U.S. naval assets; oil at $150; global recession risk.
    • Nuclear threshold – Iran rushes to ≥90 % enrichment, Israel considers bunker‑buster campaign; U.N. Security Council emergency session.

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    Background of the Recent Iran–Israel Conflict (2025)

    The Iran–Israel conflict in mid-2025 marks a dangerous escalation from their longstanding shadow war, triggered by unprecedented Israeli airstrikes on Iran on June 13, 2025 — fueling fears of a full-blown regional conflict.

    Immediate Trigger: The assassination of key Iranian leaders, most notably Ali Shamkhani — a senior political adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and former lead negotiator in US–Iran nuclear talks — along with several high-ranking members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), marks a significant decapitation strike against Iran’s security and diplomatic leadership.

    Longstanding Strategic Hostility: The conflict rests on three key fault lines–

    1. Iran’s Nuclear Programme: Israel sees Iran’s growing capabilities as an existencial threat, marking a shift from covert operations to overt conflict.
    2. Proxy Wars: Iran’s support for groups like (Lebanon), Hamas (Gaza), Houthis (Yemen), and the Hashd al-Shaabi (Iraq) fuels a regional cold war that’s now turning into a direct showdown.
    3. Trump’s Pressure Strategy: The escalation aligns with President Trump’s aim to increase pressure on Iran to return to negotiations — while avoiding direct U.S. military involvement.

    [/stextbox]

     

     

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  • Aircraft Accident Probes Boost Aviation Safety

    Aircraft Accident Probes Boost Aviation Safety

    Aircraft Accident Investigation Must Prioritise Truth to Improve Public Trust

    Context : Flight AI‑171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (VT‑ANB) bound for London‑Gatwick, crashed 30 seconds after take‑off from Ahmedabad, slamming into the B.J. Medical College hostel and killing 279 people (241 on board, 38 on the ground); only one passenger survived in this Aircraft Accident . 

    More in News:

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    About the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)

    • Established under Rule 8 of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017, the AAIB is India’s designated accident‑investigation authority 
    • In practice, it remains an attached office of the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), and its Director General reports to the Civil Aviation Secretary.

    Objective per Rule 3: “prevention of accidents… not to apportion blame or liability.” 

    [/stextbox]

    • Preliminary data point to a possible dual‑engine power loss linked to electrical failure in the 787’s “more‑electric” architecture, an exceptionally rare scenario now under a multi‑national probe The tragedy is the first fatal full loss of a Dreamliner worldwide and has reignited India’s aviation‑safety debate.

    What is the present institutional arrangement for aircraft‑accident investigation in India? 

    • Statutory design – The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate‑General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are both subordinate offices of the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). Their heads are appointed, transferred and funded by the same Ministry that frames policy and supervises the airlines they may have to investigate.
    • Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024 – although it repeals the 1934 Act, it retains MoCA’s “superintendence” over AAIB and DGCA and permits the Centre to review or modify their orders. Thus, structural dependence continues.
    • ICAO Annex 13 mandate – international practice requires the investigating body to be “functionally independent” of the regulator and service providers it investigates. India’s model therefore falls short of the global norm.

    Expected Mandate of the High‑Level Committee (HLC) on AI‑171 

    Formed on 14 June 2025 and chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, the HLC must

    • Ascertain root cause(s) – mechanical, human, weather, regulatory or cybersecurity.
    • Audit existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across operators, ATC, airports, MROs.
    • Review emergency response coordination between Union, State & local bodies.
    • Benchmark international best practices and draft a new national SOP within 3 months.
    • Recommend policy, training and legislative changes and lay out an implementation timeline.

    Aviation‑Safety Architecture in India

    • J.K. Seth Committee Report (1997)

      • Warned that the DGCA “cannot be prosecutor, jury and judge” in cases involving its own oversight; advocated a fully independent investigation bureau with its own cadre and budget 
      • Called for unified flight‑safety data‑sharing, crew‑resource‑management training, and active stakeholder consultation—recommendations largely shelved.

    • Aircraft Rules 2017 – Key Provisions

      • Codify ICAO Annex 13 principles: independence, no‑blame, and time‑bound reporting (ideally within 12 months).
      • Empower AAIB to issue safety recommendations, maintain a public database, and publish bulletins 
      • Yet Rule 8(2) keeps AAIB within MoCA, compromising actual autonomy.

    What are the Major Lacunae in India’s Investigation Ecosystem

    • Institutional dependency: AAIB/DGCA personnel and budgets controlled by MoCA, diluting impartiality.
    • Resource deficits: < 50 full‑time investigators for one of the world’s fastest‑growing markets; limited labs and flight‑data decoding capacity.
    • Delayed & contradictory reports: many exceed the 12‑month ICAO timeline; inconsistencies (e.g., “entered cloud” vs. clear weather) erode credibility.
    • Judicial misuse: AAIB’s technical findings are often treated as legal verdicts, leading to quick “pilot‑error” blame; inhibits a just culture.
    • Poor follow‑up: Only a fraction of AAIB safety recommendations achieve “closed‑acceptable action” status.

     

     

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  • Oil Palm Revolution in India

    Oil Palm Revolution in India

    The crop that is raising farm incomes — and eyebrows

    Context: Once a marginal crop, oil palm has become a key part of Telangana’s rural economy, offering farmers steady income through strong government support. However, concerns over water use, price drops, and ecological impact raise questions about the long-term sustainability of this boom.

    What is Oil Palm?

    • Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is the world’s most efficient oil-yielding crop. 
    • Native to West and Central Africa and widely cultivated in Malaysia and Indonesia, it provides two valuable products — palm oil from the fruit pulp and palm kernel oil from the seed. 
    • These oils are used across sectors: from food to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications.

    Global and Domestic Overview

    • India, the world’s second-largest consumer of edible oil, is undergoing a strategic agricultural transformation — the Palm Oil Revolution. 
    • India consumes approximately 8.15 million metric tonnes (MMT) of palm oil, accounting for about 10% of global demand. However, domestic production is negligible — just 0.3 MMT — compelling India to import nearly 9.79 MMT (2022–23), primarily from Indonesia and Malaysia, countries often criticised for unsustainable production practices.
    • Palm oil makes up a whopping 56% of India’s total edible oil imports, followed by soybean (27%) and sunflower oil (16%). The government now aims to reverse this imbalance by expanding oil palm cultivation within the country.

    Policy Landscape: A Journey from 1986 to 2021

    • India’s journey towards palm oil self-reliance spans several decades and missions:
    • 1986 – Technology Mission on Oilseeds (TMO): Initiated to boost domestic oilseed production.
    • 1999 – Oil Palm Development Project (OPDP): Focused on area expansion in states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
    • 2004–05 – ISOPOM: Supported oil palm in 12 states via subsidies on saplings, irrigation, and demonstrations.
    • 2011–12 – Oil Palm Area Expansion (OPAE) under RKVY: Linked expansion to the proximity of processing mills.
    • 2014–15 – National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP): Set ambitious targets to increase vegetable oil production to 9.51 million tonnes by 2016–17.
    • 2020–21 – National Food Security Mission – Oil Palm (NFSM-OP): Focused on productivity and technology dissemination across 12 states.
    • 2021 – National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP): A ₹11,040 crore mission with the vision to make India self-sufficient in palm oil.

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    NMEO-OP: The Flagship Reform

    • Launched in August 2021, NMEO-OP aims to:
      • Expand oil palm area from 3.7 lakh hectares to 10 lakh hectares by 2025–26, and 16.71 lakh hectares by 2029–30.
      • Raise fruiting area to 8.5 lakh hectares by 2029–30 (currently at 1.89 lakh ha).
      • Increase FFB (Fresh Fruit Bunches) production to 170 lakh tonnes and crude palm oil (CPO) production to 28.11 lakh tonnes by 2029–30.
      • Introduce a Viability Price (VP) mechanism, ensuring minimum returns to farmers by compensating the gap between market price and viability price, encouraging long-term investments in the crop.
    • The mission prioritises states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Northeastern states with favorable agro-climatic conditions.

    [/stextbox]

    Ground Reality: Promise vs Pitfalls

      • While policies on paper look promising, field-level implementation presents serious concerns, especially in palm-growing districts like Khammam in Telangana, which alone accounts for nearly half of the state’s 1.2 lakh hectares under cultivation.

    • Farmer Concerns:

      • Poor Quality Saplings: Farmers from the Telangana Oil Fed Aswaraopet Oil Palm Growers Society reported receiving defective plants, with 10–50% either yielding poorly or not at all. In some cases, plants produced only male flowers, rendering them commercially useless.
      • Delayed Yielding Cycle: Unlike other crops with a 3–4 month lifecycle, oil palm takes up to 4 years to produce fruit. If the plant turns out to be defective after this period, the economic loss is devastating for smallholders.
      • Price Instability: Due to a 10% cut in import duties on crude edible oils, the price of FFBs fell to ₹18,700/tonne, with predictions of further drops. Farmers argue that this move severely impacts their income and undermines domestic production incentives.
      • Lack of Local Processing Facilities: Several plantation zones lack nearby refineries, increasing logistical costs and reducing margins for farmers.

    • Farmer Demands: Telangana Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao has called for:

      • A Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹25,000/tonne for oil palm.
      • Reconsideration of import duty reductions.
      • Empanelment of global suppliers for high-quality seed material to ensure plant viability.

     

     

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  • India–France Strategic Partnership Gains Fresh Momentum in Key Sectors: Defence, Space, and Nuclear

    India–France Strategic Partnership Gains Fresh Momentum in Key Sectors: Defence, Space, and Nuclear

    India–France Strategic Partnership Surges Ahead: Major Boost to Defence, Space and N-Cooperation

    Context: Recently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and French Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot met in Marseille and agreed to “intensify” cooperation across defence, space and civilian nuclear energy, while also aligning positions on counter‑terrorism, the Indo‑Pacific and the India‑Middle East‑Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).

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    Background of this visit : From 1998 to Horizon 2047

    • 1998 – First Indo‑French Strategic Partnership (India’s very first).
    • 2008 – Bilateral civil‑nuclear agreement opened the door to technology transfers after the India‑US nuclear waiver.
    • July 2023 – Horizon 2047 Roadmap adopted during PM Modi’s Bastille‑Day visit, building three pillars: Security & Sovereignty, Planet, People. 
    • 2026 has been designated the India–France Year of Innovation, providing a thematic driver for AI, deep‑tech and academic mobility.

    [/stextbox]

    What is the Broader geopolitical significance of this visit?

    • Indo‑Pacific balancing – France is the only EU state with territories and a naval presence in both the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The convergence on freedom of navigation and joint patrols complements QUAD mechanisms without provoking bloc politics. 
    • European defence diversification – With the Ukraine war stretching NATO industry, France sees India as a key long‑term market and partner in supply‑chain resilience, evidenced by the Hyderabad Rafale fuselage line. 
    • Energy transition leadership – Civil‑nuclear collaboration (EPR + SMR) and joint climate satellites align with India’s net‑zero 2070 pathway and France’s low‑carbon diplomacy.

    What are the Key take‑aways from the Marseille dialogue?

     

    What are the challenges ahead ?

    • Financing & liability – Jaitapur costs and India’s 2010 Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act remain sticking points.
    • Technology‑transfer depth – While the Rafale fuselage line is a start, engine IP, AIP modules for submarines and advanced propulsion remain protected.

     

     

     

    • Geostrategic headwinds – Middle‑East turbulence (Gaza, Red‑Sea) could slow IMEEC timelines; rising India‑Pakistan tensions post‑Pahalgam demand crisis management mechanisms. 

     

     

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  • Monitoring space Surveillance Threats

    Monitoring space Surveillance Threats

    $15-million satellite map to bolster national security

    Context: In a significant move to strengthen national security, the Ministry of Defence is finalising a multi-year contract to develop and deploy a constellation of satellites that will track and monitor foreign surveillance satellites targeting India. 

    More on News

    • According to top sources familiar with the matter, the initiative is slated for completion by the end of 2026 and carries an annual contract value of ₹150 crore.
    • The project aims to create an indigenous satellite mapping network designed to detect and analyse hostile space-based surveillance activities. 
    • It will complement the existing capabilities of ISRO’s Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis (Netra), which primarily monitors space debris and satellite positioning.

    Project NETRA (Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis) 

    This is ISRO’s indigenous initiative to monitor and safeguard India’s space assets by addressing threats from orbital debris and other hazards. Launched in 2019 with an initial budget of ₹400 crore, it marks India’s entry into advanced space situational awareness (SSA) capabilities, reducing reliance on foreign data sources like the U.S. Space Command.

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    Key Components and Capabilities:

    • Observational Infrastructure:

        • A network of phased-array radars, optical telescopes, and data processing units.
        • Detects objects as small as 10 cm in low-Earth orbits (up to 2,000 km) and geostationary orbits (36,000 km).
        • Multi-Object Tracking Radar (MOTR) at Sriharikota serves as a precursor system.

    • Control Centre:

        • Located at ISRO Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC), Bengaluru.
        • Processes data for collision alerts, atmospheric re-entry predictions, and compliance with international debris mitigation guidelines.

    • Strategic Significance:

        • National Security: Enhances defense against potential threats to satellites, including anti-satellite weapons and space-based militarisation.
        • International Collaboration: Aligns with global efforts like the UN’s Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines and Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC).
        • Economic Protection: Safeguards satellites worth billions, such as communication and remote-sensing assets, from debris collisions.

    • Recent Developments:

      • Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM): Aims for all Indian space missions to be debris-free by 2030.
      • SSA Expansion: Construction of a dedicated debris-tracking phased-array radar in Assam (2025) and publication of the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (2024).

    • Operational Impact:

      • Collision Avoidance: Conducted 19 collision-avoidance maneuvers in 2021, up from 3 in 2015.
      • Global Standing: Positions India among spacefaring nations with autonomous SSA capabilities, alongside the U.S. and Russia.

    [/stextbox]

    India’s Next Leap in Space Surveillance

    • Tracking Threats: Unlike Netra, which focuses on ensuring the safety of India’s space assets, this new constellation will be explicitly dedicated to tracking potential surveillance threats from adversarial satellites. 
      • The new surveillance satellites will be interconnected and will relay data to ground-based stations through a real-time communication network.
    • Indigenous: This constellation will be completely designed, developed, and deployed within India. 
      • A private Indian space startup—likely Bengaluru-based Digantara—is expected to lead the technical operations under government oversight. 
      • A specialised team of technical experts will be formed to monitor the satellite system once it becomes operational.

    Strengthening National Security Through Space Technology

    • Experts believe this project marks a major advancement in integrating space assets with defence strategy. 
      • Dr. Chaitanya Giri, space policy fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, noted that while India has had limited satellite- and telescope-based surveillance capabilities through ISRO, this new initiative will significantly expand its scope.

    SBS-3 Project Acceleration

    • The Defence Ministry, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology, is also accelerating the rollout of the Space-Based Surveillance (SBS)-3 project. 
    • On May 12, it was reported that three private space companies had been asked to expedite their development timelines for the SBS-3 program, which will deploy additional surveillance satellites into Earth’s orbit.

     

     

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