Mindplan Monthly Current Affairs — October 2025

1. POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1.1. Prison Reforms

Why in the News? NCRB released Prison Statistics India (PSI) 2023 Report.

Governance of Prisons in India

• Prisons/ Persons detained therein is a ‘State’ subject (Entry 4) under Schedule VII of the Constitution. Administration is the responsibility of respective State Governments/ UT administrations.
• MHA has prepared Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023 as a guiding document for States. It assimilates provisions of the Prisoners Act, 1900 and the Transfer of Prisoners Act, 1950.

Judicial Pronouncements related to Prisons

• Suhas Chakma v. Union of India & Others (2024): SC observed that establishing open prisons helps overcrowding. An open prison is penal establishment with minimal supervision and perimeter security, prisoners are not locked up in cells.
• Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar (1979): SC held right to a speedy trial is a fundamental right under Article 21.

Measures taken for Prison Reforms

• MHA amended Model Prison Manual, 2016 rules and Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023 to address caste-based discrimination. Amendments comply with SC order in Sukanya Santha vs. UoI & Others Case. Model Prison Manual 2016 aims at uniformity in laws, rules, and regulations governing administration of prisons.
• Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme: Provides financial assistance to States/UTs for extending relief to poor prisoners unable to secure bail due to financial constraints.
• E-Prison Project: Provides centralized approach for recording and managing prisoner information.
• Modernization of Prison Project: Aims to fill existing gaps in security infrastructure and provide new security equipments to jails.
• FASTER (Fast and Secured Transmission of Electronic Records) system of Supreme Court: Resolves delays in communicating bail orders.

Way Forward/ Recommendations

• Follow Supreme Court’s three Principles regarding imprisonment and custody.
• Recommendations of Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs: Utilise technology like trackable bracelets to track of prisoners on bail; Renovate colonial-era prisons for encouraging tourism; State Governments may create a Prison Development Fund for welfare of prisoners.
• Recommendations of Justice A.N. Mulla Committee: Setting up All India Service called Indian Prisons & Correctional Service; After-care, rehabilitation and probation as integral part; Undertrials in jails to be reduced to bare minimum.
• Recommendations of Justice Amitava Roy Committee: Establishment of special fast-track courts; Use of Video Conferencing for senior/sick prisoners; Establishment of exclusive women’s prisons; Mandatory segregation of undertrials, convicts, and first-time offenders.

1.1.1. Crime in India Report: 2023

Recently, National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) published the Annual Crime in India report 2023.

• Overall cases registered: Cognizable crimes saw an increase of 7.2% over 2022 (crime every 5 seconds).
• Cyber Crime: Registered cases surged by 31.2% over 2022; predominant motive was fraud.
• Crimes Against Scheduled Tribes (STs): 28.8% increase, largely due to ethnic violence in Manipur.
• Crimes Against Children: Cases increased by 9.2%; highest under Kidnapping and POCSO Act.
• Crimes Against Women: marginal increase of 0.7%.

1.1.2. Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 2023 Report

Released by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) — the Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 2023 Report.

• Rate of Suicide rate: A & N Islands (Highest) >Sikkim> Kerala.
• States with higher Percentage Share of Suicides: Maharashtra (Highest)>Tamil Nadu>Madhya Pradesh>Karnataka>West Bengal
• Male : Female Ratio: 72.8 : 27.2
• Major Causes: Family Problems (31.9%, other than marriage related problems)> Illness (19.0%)> Drug Abuse/Alcoholic Addiction (7.0%) >Marriage Related Issues (5.3%)
• Farmer Suicide: A total of 10,786 persons accounting for 6.3% of total suicides victims. Zero suicides of Farmers/Cultivators/Agricultural Labourers: West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa.
• Initiatives: National Suicide Prevention Strategy (2022), Tele-MANAS, National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), Manodarpan.

1.2. IT (Amendment) Rules, 2025

MeitY proposed amendments to Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 to check misuse of Synthetically Generated Information (SGI).

Key Features of the proposed Amendments

• Defines Synthetically Generated Information (SGI): Information artificially or algorithmically created, modified or altered using a computer resource.
• Due Diligence in Relation to SGI: Intermediaries must ensure SGI is labelled or embedded with a permanent unique metadata or identifier. For visual content, label must cover at least 10 percent of the total surface area; for audio content, it must cover initial 10 percent of the total duration. Prohibits intermediaries from removing such labels.
• Enhanced Obligations for SSMIs: Must obtain user declaration on whether uploaded information is synthetically generated; deploy reasonable and proportionate technical measures; ensure SGI is clearly and prominently displayed with appropriate label or notice. Failure means platforms may lose the legal immunity.
• Senior-level Authorisation: Removal notices can only be issued by joint secretary rank or above in central ministries; Deputy Inspector General (DIG) or higher in police forces.

Initiatives to tackle Deepfake — India: Election Commission of India (ECI) issued advisory on disclosure of SGI and Al-generated content during elections; Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023; Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C); SAHYOG Portal, National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, CERT-In. Global: EU’s AI Act; Denmark’s deepfake legislation as part of its digital copyright law; China rolled out its AI labelling rules.

1.3. Regulation of India’s Pharmaceutical Sector

WHO voiced concern over gaps in India’s drug safety following deaths of at least 20 children from contaminated cough syrups.

• The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 & Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 governs import, manufacture, distribution, and sale.
• The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of India.
• The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) enforces the Drugs (Prices Control) Order.

Challenges: Toxic Contamination or Substandard Medicines (e.g., Diethylene Glycol (DEG)); failure to adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP); Absence of Mandatory Recall Law — India lacks a binding national law for mandatory drug recall (discussed since 1976).

1.4. Tribal Governance

Special Gram Sabhas adopted the Tribal Village Vision 2030 Declaration as part of Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan.

• Declaration outlines actionable goals in education, health, livelihood, social and financial inclusion, and infrastructure.
• Establishment of Adi Sewa Kendras as single-window citizen service centres.
• Three pillars of leadership: Adi Karmayogi, Adi Sahyogi, Adi Saathi.

Key Constitutional/Legal Framework: The Panchayat (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) empowers tribal communities in self-governance. Fifth and Sixth Schedule provisions for scheduled areas.

Key Schemes: Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha AbhiyaN (PM JANMAN) for 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs); Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA); Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST); PM Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY); Van Dhan Vikas Kendras; Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED).

1.5. News in Shorts

1.5.1. Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2025 notified

Rules notified by Ministry of Electronics and IT. Categorizes games as E-Sport, Online Social Games, and Online Money Games. Prohibits all forms of online money games while only allowing “online social games” and e-sports. Establishes Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) for regulation with 3-Tiered Grievance Redressal Mechanism.

1.5.2. Postal Ballot

Allows voters to cast their votes on an electronically received postal ballot, Avoiding need to visit polling stations. Governed by Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 and Representation of People Act, 1951. Eligibility: Service voters, absentee voters (seniors above 85, persons with disabilities), election duty personnel. Special voters include President, Vice President, Governors, Cabinet Ministers.

2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

2.1. Rise of Anti-Immigration Policies

Striking surge in anti-immigration rhetoric worldwide including hike in H1B Visa fee (US), Japan’s Sanseito Party framing immigration as ‘silent invasion’, “March for Australia” against Indian migration.

Causes: Economic (job loss fears, wage depression — BREXIT); Social/Cultural (threat to national identity); Political (populist leaders exploit public fears); Security (link with terrorism); Misinformation (social media xenophobia through false narratives).

Impact: Reduce labour supply, especially in sectors dependent on migrant workers; worsens ageing population crisis in developed countries.

India’s response: Diplomatic engagement; Leveraging Diaspora Diplomacy; Strengthening domestic opportunities through Make in India, Skill India, Startup India; countering misinformation.

Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 confers Central Government powers to provide for requirement of passports or other travel documents for persons entering/exiting India.

2.2. India Afghanistan Relations: Strategic Resetting of Ties

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister visited New Delhi — first ministerial-level visit to India since Taliban took control in August 2021. UN Security Council granted special travel exemption.

Key outcomes: India restored Embassy status in Kabul; commencement of India-Afghanistan Air Freight Corridor; collaboration on hydroelectric projects; India reaffirmed support for India-Afghanistan Friendship Dam (Salma Dam) in Herat.

India’s interests: Counterterrorism (presence of Al-Qaeda, Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP), Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed); limiting Pakistan’s influence; checking China’s expansion; protecting USD 3 billion in more than 500 projects across Afghanistan.

Global context: India participated in 7th Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan. Russia formally recognized Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. China promoting China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan trilateral under Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) linked to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

2.3. India-Russia Relations

25th anniversary of Declaration of Strategic Partnership (signed 2000). 22 annual summits held since then.

Core pillars:

• Defence and Security: Russia is India’s top military supplier accounting for 36% of total defence imports during 2020-24 (SIPRI Report). Ties evolved from buyer-seller model to joint research, development and production. E.g., BrahMos Cruise Missiles.
• Energy Security: Russia is largest crude oil supplier to India at discounted prices. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, Tamil Nadu.
• Trade and Economic: Bilateral trade reached record high of USD 68.7 billion in FY 2024-25. Target: bilateral trade to $100 billion (by 2030). 90% trade in local currencies i.e. rubles and rupee.
• Connectivity: International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), Northern Sea Route and Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor.

Challenges: Trade imbalance (imports ~USD 63.84 billion vs exports USD 4.88 billion); Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs) surplus problem; sanctions risk under Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), 2017; Growing Russia-China “no limits” partnership; Russia’s rapprochement with Pakistan.

India’s Approach: Strategic Autonomy and realistic policies; bridge between Global South and competing power blocs; Internationalisation of Rupee for alternative payment mechanisms.

2.4. Gaza Peace Summit

USA and Egypt co-hosted the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Four ceasefire mediators — United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey signed declaration for Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity.

Key points: Hamas disarmament and internationally supervised reconstruction; no Palestinians will be militarily forced to leave Gaza; plan does not guarantee a two-state solution. India’s Minister of State for External Affairs attended; appreciated efforts for lasting peace in the region.

2.5. India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA)

India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), signed on 10 March 2024, came into effect 01 October 2025.

• Capital Investment: EFTA to promote investments worth USD 100 billion in India over 15 years with creation of one million direct jobs in India — a first in any FTA.
• EFTA offered 92.2% of tariff lines encompassing 99.6% of India’s exports.
• First Indian FTA to include Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) in regulated professions.
• Intellectual Property Rights: Addresses India’s interests in generic medicines and evergreening of patents.

About EFTA: Intergovernmental organisation (est. 1960). Members: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Population of 13 million and a combined GDP of more than $1 trillion. India is the EFTA’s fifth-largest trading partner. Among EFTA, Switzerland is the largest trading partner of India.

2.6. News in Shorts

• 2.6.1. India-ASEAN: 47th ASEAN Summit, Kuala Lumpur — Timor-Leste admitted as ASEAN’s 11th member. Theme: Inclusivity and Sustainability. 2026 designated as “ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.”
• 2.6.2. India-UK: Technology Security Initiative (TSI) outcomes: Connectivity & Innovation Centre for AI native network for 6G, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) with at least £24m joint funding. Establishing Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (RMSCE) under Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). Phase 2 of UK-India Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory at IIT-ISM Dhanbad.
• 2.6.3. New Strategic EU-India Agenda: Five priority pillars — Prosperity & Sustainability, Technology & Innovation, Security & Defence, Connectivity & Global Issues, Enablers. Strengthening India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and Global Gateway. Goals of finalizing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Investment Protection Agreement (IPA).
• 2.6.4. India-Mongolia: 10th anniversary of their Strategic Partnership. Mongol Oil Refinery Project with US$ 1.7 billion Line of Credit. India to send holy relics of Lord Buddha’ disciples Sariputra and Maudgalyayana to Mongolia.
• 2.6.5. Sevilla Forum on Debt: Launched at United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) to tackle entrenched debt crisis in developing countries. Led by Spain, supported by UNCTAD and UN DESA. Global public debt in 2024 reached $102 trillion; over 3.4 billion people live in nations spending more on debt than health/education. Outcomes include Debt Swaps for Development Hub and Debt “Pause Clause” Alliance. Sevilla Commitment is first inter-governmentally agreed financing for development framework since 2015.
• 2.6.6. Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA): Russia’s lower house approved withdrawal from Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA) with US. Agreement signed in 2000 commits both to dispose of at least 34 metric tons of weapons-grade plutonium.
• 2.6.7. UN Human Rights Council: India elected unopposed for seventh time; three-year term (2026–28). It is an intergovernmental body within the United Nations system that promotes and protects human rights globally. Established in 2006, replacing the Commission on Human Rights. Has 47 members serving three-year terms with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
• 2.6.8. International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism: Iran ratified. Adopted by UN General Assembly in 1999. India has also ratified it.
• 2.6.9. Areas in Conflict: Myanmar (Sagaing) — Rohingya crisis; Madagascar — Gen Z protests led to fall of the government.

3. ECONOMY

3.1. Multidimensional Poverty

2025 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) by UNDP and OPHI: 1.1 billion (18.3%) across 109 countries live in acute multidimensional poverty. Nearly half in six middle-income countries including India. Around 27.8% of all children live in multidimensional poverty.

Poverty and Climate: Nearly 8 in 10 people in multidimensional poverty are directly exposed to climate hazards. 309 million poor people exposed to three or four overlapping climate hazards — face a “triple or quadruple burden.” Most widespread hazards: high heat (608 million) and air pollution (577 million).

India: In 2005-06, 55.1% were poor → dropped to 16.4% in 2019-21; roughly 414 million people left poverty.

Methodology: Global MPI uses 10 indicators of health, education and standard of living. All indicators are equally weighted within each dimension. Person identified as multidimensionally poor if deprivation score is one third or more. India’s National MPI adds two additional indicators — Maternal Health and Bank Accounts using internationally acclaimed Alkire Foster methodology.

3.2. Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences 2025

About The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences: Established in 1968 by Sveriges Riksbank (Sweden’s central bank); not one of the five Nobel Prizes established by Alfred Nobel. Amartya Sen — first Indian, 1998, for contributions to welfare economics and social choice theory.

• Joel Mokyr: “having identified the prerequisites for sustained growth through technological progress.” Three key elements: A joint evolution of science and technology; Mechanical competence; A society open to change.
• Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt: Recognized for their mathematical model of creative destruction (1992). Creative destruction = new product enters market making older products obsolete. Companies incentivized to invest in R&D by temporary monopoly through patents.

3.3. PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) launched by Prime Minister. Announced in Union Budget 2025-26, draws inspiration from NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme. Consolidates 36 existing agricultural schemes across 11 ministries including PM-KISAN, PMFBY, PMKSY.

• Aim: Support 1.7 crore farmers, particularly small and marginal farmers (less than 2 hectares, constituting 86% of India’s farming population).
• Duration: 6 Years (2025-26 to 2030-31). Financial Outlay: Annual budget of ₹24,000 crore, totaling ₹1.44 lakh crore. Split: 40% for subsidies, 30% for infrastructure (storage, irrigation), 20% for loans, and 10% for training and market support.
• Coverage: 100 underperforming districts (minimum 1 per state); Uttar Pradesh to have maximum 12 districts.
• Structural Design: National Steering Committee; State nodal committees; District Dhan Dhaanya Samitis led by District Collectors; Use of digital dashboard, farmer app, and district ranking system (117 KPIs).

3.4. Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses

PM launched Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission).

• Aim: Achieving self-sufficiency in pulses by December 2027. Duration: 6 Years. Financial Outlay: Rs. 11,440 crore. Focus Crops: Tur/Arhar (pigeon pea); Urad (black gram) & Masoor (red lentil).
• Operational Strategy: Distribution of 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds and free provision of 88 lakh seed kits; emphasis on high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient pulses varieties; 100% procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor at MSP for four years via NAFED/NCCF under PM-AASHA; establishing 1,000 processing and packaging units with subsidies of up to ₹25 lakh per unit.
• Status: India is world’s largest producer, consumer, and importer of pulses. Top 3 producing states: Madhya Pradesh (22.11%), Maharashtra, and Rajasthan (55% combined).
• Initiatives: Bharat Dal — subsidized chickpea/lentil for retail.

3.5. WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

First WTO agreement to explicitly focus on the environment; binding multilateral agreement on ocean sustainability. Adopted at 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12), Geneva, 2022; entered into force September 15, 2025. Aligned with SDG 14.6. India has not yet ratified the Agreement.

Key Provisions: Prohibits subsidies contributing to Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, overfished stocks, and unregulated fishing activities in the high seas. Top 5 subsidizers — China, EU, U.S., South Korea, and Japan account for 58% of global subsidies. Developing and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) get a two-year transition period. WTO Fish Fund for technical assistance. Committee on Fisheries Subsidies will oversee implementation.

3.6. India’s Approach to AI and Employment

Two reports released by NITI Aayog: “Roadmap for Job Creation in the AI Economy” (positions India as global AI workforce capital) and “Roadmap on AI for Inclusive Societal Development.”

AI related risks in India:

• Operational Risks: High Job Displacement Risk: Over 60% of formal sector jobs in India susceptible to automation by 2030 in IT and BPO. Talent Migration: India has a net negative talent migration for AI professionals (-1.55 per 10,000).
• Structural Risks: Critical Talent Supply-Demand Gap: Supply meets only 50% of the existing demand; AI patents’ share fell from 8–10% in 2010 to under 5% in 2023.

Recommendations: National AI Talent Mission — Building India as a Global AI Talent Magnet with AI Talent Visa; Mission Digital ShramSetu to empower informal workers using frontier technologies such as AI, blockchain.

3.7. Incentive Scheme for the Promotion of Critical Mineral Recycling

• Aim: To incentivize the development of recycling capacity for critical minerals from eligible waste streams. Tenure: 6 years (FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31). Financial Outlay: ₹1,500 crore.
• Eligible Feedstock: E-waste, Lithium-Ion Battery (LIB) scrap, catalytic converters. Covers 27 critical minerals including Cobalt, Gallium, Graphite, Lithium, Niobium, Rare Earth Elements.
• Incentive Mechanism: Capital expenditure (capex) subsidy: upto 20%; Operational expenditure (opex) subsidy: 40% in 2nd year and 60% in 5th year. Incentive Ceilings: ₹50 crore for large entities and ₹25 crore for small entities.
• Ministry of Mines identified 30 critical minerals for India. 24 minerals included in Part D of the First Schedule of the MMDR Act.

3.8. Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2023-24

Conducted by: National Statistical Office (NSO) under MoSPI. Mandated By: Collection of Statistics (Amendment) Act, 2017.

Key Findings: Gross Value Added (GVA): Increased by 11.89%. Top 5 Industries: Basic metal, motor vehicles, chemical and chemical products, food products, pharmaceuticals. Top States: Maharashtra (16%), Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh. Employment Growth: Industrial sector added over 5.7 million jobs in last decade; 5.92% year-on-year increase.

3.9. News in Shorts

• 3.9.1. Payments Regulatory Board: 6-member Board for regulation and supervision of payment systems under Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. Replaced Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems (BPSS). Governor of RBI is ex officio Chairperson. Meets at least twice a year with Quorum of 3 members including Chairperson (or Deputy Governor in his absence) and a nominated member.
• 3.9.2. Internationalisation of Rupee: RBI measures to promote Indian Rupee (INR) for global trade and financial transactions. Loans in INR to non-residents in Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka. Financial Benchmarks India Limited (FBIL) to develop transparent reference rates for rupee against major global currencies. SRVA balances can now be invested in corporate bonds and commercial papers. Special Rupee Vostro Account: maintained by a foreign bank with an Indian bank to settle trade in INR without converting to foreign currencies.
• 3.9.3. Self-Regulatory Organisation for NBFCs: RBI granted SRO status to Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC) to oversee NBFCs. SRO set up as not-for-profit company; no entity shall hold 10% or more of paid-up share capital; at least one-third of members in Board including Chairperson shall be independent.
• 3.9.4. Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2021: Central and State Co-operative Banks now brought under its ambit. It integrated three earlier ombudsman schemes. Adopted ‘One Nation One Ombudsman’ approach — RBI Ombudsman mechanism jurisdiction neutral. Ombudsman can award up to ₹20 lakh in compensation.
• 3.9.5. New Initiatives by RBI: Unified Lending Interface (ULI) — Digital Public Infrastructure aggregating data for better credit assessment; Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) retail sandbox; pilot for tokenisation of Certificates of Deposit (CDs). Tokenization = creating a digital representation of a real-world asset like stocks on blockchain.
• 3.9.6. SWAMIH Fund: RBI exempted SWAMIH (Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing) Fund, a government-backed fund from tightened rules of Alternate investment fund (AIF). Objective: Priority debt financing for stalled housing projects. Fund Manager: SBI Ventures Limited.
• 3.9.7. Engels’ Pause: Geoffrey Hinton (2024 Nobel Prize) warned AI could trigger a modern Engels’ pause. Term coined by Oxford economist Robert Allen, based on Friedrich Engels’ observations of 19th-century Britain — paradox where industrial output rose sharply but real wages of workers stagnated. Concern: AI economy could replicate Engels’ pause where the gains are unequally distributed, leaving many behind.
• 3.9.8. Weighted Average Call Rate (WACR): RBI to continue using WACR as operating target for monetary policy. It is the average rate at which banks lend and borrow money from each other overnight.
• 3.9.9. World Economic Outlook (WEO): IMF projected India’s GDP growth at 6.6% (6.4% earlier) and 6.2% for 2026-27. Global growth to slow from 3.3% in 2024 to 3.2% in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026. Published by IMF twice a year.
• 3.9.10. Global Financial Stability Report (GFSR): Released by International Monetary Fund (IMF). Purpose: Assess global financial markets and identify potential systemic weaknesses. Tightened global financial conditions increased financial stability risks; military conflicts cause decline in stock prices and increase in sovereign risk premiums.
• 3.9.11. PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation Through Upgraded ITIs): ₹60,000 crore centrally sponsored scheme to transform 1,000 Government ITIs. Follows hub-and-spoke model, with 200 hub ITIs linked to 800 spoke ITIs.
• 3.9.12. Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme: Extended till March 2026. Launched: January 2021 by Ministry of Commerce and Industry to reimburse taxes, duties, and levies not refunded under any other mechanism, making Indian exports more competitive in global markets.
• 3.9.13. ‘We Rise’ Initiative: Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises launched by NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) under Award to Reward (ATR) initiative with DP World to help women entrepreneurs including women-led MSMEs to scale their businesses globally.
• 3.9.14. Discovery of Natural Gas in Andaman Basin: Natural gas found in Sri Vijayapuram 2 well. India’s Hydrocarbon Resource Assessment Study (HRAS) estimates hydrocarbon resources of 371 million MMTOE in Andaman-Nicobar (AN) Basin. Aligns with India’s vision of Gas Based Economy by 2030 and increasing share of natural gas in its primary energy basket to 15 percent. India’s natural gas production meets only around 50% of its demand; Qatar, US and UAE are major sources of India’s LNG imports. Key initiative: Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) 2016.
• 3.9.15. State Mining Readiness Index: Released by Ministry of Mines. State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) evaluates States on auction performance, early mine operationalization, exploration thrust, and sustainable mining practices for non-coal minerals. States classified into three categories. Top performers — A: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat; B: Goa, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam; C: Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Tripura.
• 3.9.16. Major and Minor Minerals: Ministry of Mines classified limestone as a major mineral. Under MMDR Act, 1957, The major minerals cover fuel minerals (coal, lignite, petroleum & natural gas) and metallic minerals. Minor minerals consist of marble, slate, shale etc. MMDR Act gives State Governments power to make rules for minor minerals.
• 3.9.17. Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas (MAHA) – MedTech Mission: Launched by Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), established through ANRF Act, 2023, as apex body for direction of scientific research. Aim: Accelerate innovation in medical technology, reduce reliance on high-cost imports. Milestone-linked funding of ₹5–25 crore per project (up to ₹50 crore in exceptional cases). Includes Patent Mitra, MedTech Mitra, Clinical Trial Network.

4. SECURITY

4.1. Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)

MHA informed most affected districts reduced from 6 to three (Bijapur, Sukma, Narayanpur — all in Chhattisgarh). Andhra Pradesh and Telangana delisted from LWE-affected states. Government Target: Complete elimination of Naxalism by March 31, 2026. Overall LWE-affected districts reduced from 18 to 11.

About LWE: LWE, commonly referred to as Naxalism, rooted in socio-economic inequalities and fueled by Maoist ideology. Origin: Naxalbari movement of 1967 in West Bengal. Historical Reach (Red Corridor): Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

Measures:

• Developmental initiatives (3Cs: Road, Mobile and Financial connectivity): Financial Inclusion: More than 1,000 bank branches and 900 ATMs in 30 most affected districts; 5,900 Post Offices; 178 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs); 48 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 61 Skill Development Centres (SDCs); Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan benefiting 1.5 crore people in over 15,000 villages.
• Security Initiatives: SAMADHAN Framework (2017); Financial Choking via NIA and ED under PMLA; Naxals Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy.

4.2. Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)

AFSPA extended in parts of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland for another six months. Currently in effect in parts of Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh. Lifted from Tripura in 2015, Meghalaya in 2018 and Mizoram in 1980s. Also remains in force in J&K through Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act, 1990.

Key Provisions:

• Declaration of Disturbed Area (Section 3): Governor, Administrator, or Central Government can declare area “disturbed.”
• Special Powers of the Armed Forces (Section 4): Use force, including shooting to kill; Arrest and Enter/Search premises without warrant; Prohibit assembly of 5 or more persons; Destroy any arms dump, fortified position.
• Immunity to Armed Forces personnel (Section 6): Protection from prosecution and legal suits for acts under AFSPA without Central government’s sanction.

Committee Recommendations: Jeevan Reddy Committee (2005): Repeal AFSPA; Second ARC (2007): Repeal after stakeholder consultations; Santosh Hegde Committee (2013): Investigate unlawful encounters; Justice J.S. Verma Committee (2013): immediate review of AFSPA; if officer commits sexual violence against women — dealt under ordinary criminal law.

4.3. United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime

72 of 193 member states signed in Hanoi, Vietnam. Convention was adopted by the General Assembly on 24 December 2024. Enters into force 90 days after the 40th State deposits its ratification. Signing open until 31 December 2026. India has not signed the treaty yet. UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) served as secretariat. It is the first universal legally binding framework for collection, sharing and use of electronic evidence.

Compare: Budapest Convention on Cybercrime (2001), drafted by Council of Europe, was the first international treaty focused on combating cybercrime.

Key features: Criminalize offences related to online fraud, online child sexual abuse, non-consensual dissemination of intimate images; 24/7 cooperation network; manner consistent with the principles of sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States; Cybercrime costs projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025.

4.4. News in Shorts

• 4.4.1. Anant Shastra Air Defence System: indigenous Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system. Developed by: DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). Range of around 30 km. Deployment: western and northern borders.
• 4.4.2. SAKSHAM System: SAKSHAM (Situational Awareness for Kinetic Soft and Hard Kill Assets Management) Counter-UAS Grid System. Modular, high-end Command and Control (C2) system on Army Data Network (ADN). Neutralises drones in real time. Developed with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Tactical Battlefield Space (TBS): domain up to 3,000 metres above ground.
• 4.4.3. Drone Wall: EU building a ‘drone wall’ after Russian drone incursions in Denmark. AI-based multilayered drone defence system called Eirshield. Provides early warning, real-time threat detection, and intelligence against drone incursions, GPS jamming.
• 4.4.4. Scheme for Innovation and Technology Association with Aadhaar (SITAA): Launched by UIDAI. Aim: combat emerging security threats such as deepfakes, spoofing, and presentation attacks.
• 4.4.5. INS Androth: Commissioned at Visakhapatnam. Second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) after INS Arnala. Part of 8 ASW-SWCs by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), Kolkata. Named after Androth, the northernmost island of Lakshadweep group.
• 4.4.6. Exercise in News: Exercise Pacific Reach: biennial multinational submarine rescue exercise; host Singapore. KONKAN-25 Exercise: Joint bilateral exercise between Indian Navy and United Kingdom’s Royal Navy. AUSTRAHIND 2025: India-Australia joint annual military exercise. Samudra Shakti Exercise: India-Indonesia joint bilateral maritime exercise. JAIMEX -2025: Biennial naval exercise with Japan. Exercise Ocean Sky: Multinational air exercise hosted by Spanish Air Force — first time a non-NATO country (India) participates.

5. ENVIRONMENT

5.1. 10 Years of SDGs: India’s Progress

UN Sustainable Development Goals completed ten years since adoption in September 2015. Sustainable development first defined in World Commission on Environment and Development’s 1987 Brundtland report. In 2015, all countries adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with 17 SDGs, which include 169 targets.

Global progress (SDR 2025): Finland ranked first in SDG Index (score 87). East and South Asia showed fastest progress on SDGs since 2015. Only 17% of SDG targets are on track. Most UN member states have made strong progress on access to basic services (SDG 9, SDG 7, SDG 3).

India’s progress: India ranks among top 100 in SDG Index at 99 in 2025 (score 67/100).

India’s approach: Whole-of-Government Approach — integrating SDGs vertically across the three tiers of government and horizontally across ministries. NITI Aayog acts as the central coordinating body. Data-Driven Competitive Federalism (NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index, School Education Quality Index etc.). Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) for lagging regions. NER District SDG Index influenced $825 million investment via PM-DevINE scheme.

5.2. Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO designated Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in India as part of 26 new sites in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). Brings India’s total to 13 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in a global network of 785 sites. São Tomé and Príncipe became the first State to have its entire territory designated as a biosphere reserve.

• Location: India’s first high-altitude cold desert biosphere reserve and one of the coldest and driest ecosystems in UNESCO’s WNBR. Located in Himalayas from Ladakh (Leh and Kargil) in north to Kinnaur (Spiti valley, Himachal Pradesh) in South.
• Protected Areas: Pin Valley National Park, Chandratal and Sarchu and the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Fauna: Snow Leopard (Flagship species), Himalayan Ibex, Tibetan Argali, Blue Sheep (Bharal), Red Fox, Eurasian Lynx, Himalayan Wolf.
• Flora: Caragana, Ephedra, Juniperus, Artemisia, and Seabuckthorn (important for soil stabilization, carbon sequestration, and local livelihoods).
• Human Settlements: Bhotia, Changpa, and Spiti tribes practicing pastoralism, barley and buckwheat cultivation, and yak and goat rearing.
• About WNBR: Launched in 1976, managed by Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme of UNESCO (intergovernmental scientific programme launched 1971). Each BR undergoes periodic review every 10 years.

5.3. News in Shorts

• 5.3.1. Environmental Accounting on Forest 2025 Report: Released by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). First dedicated publication on forest accounting, based on UN System of Environmental Economic Accounts (SEEA) Framework. Forest Cover (2010-11 to 2021-22): Increased by 17,444.61 sq. km (22.50%), reaching 7.15 lakh sq. km (21.76% of India’s geographical area). Growing Stock (2013-23): rose by 305.53 million cum (7.32%). Regulating Services (carbon retention): ~2.63% of GDP in 2021-22.
• 5.3.2. First Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) Target Rules: First legally binding GEI Target Rules, 2025 target four high-emission sectors i.e. aluminium, cement, pulp & paper, and chlor-alkali. Issued under Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023. Compliance by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Compliant entities reducing emissions earn tradable carbon credit certificates; issued by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). Non-compliant entities must buy certificates or pay environmental compensation equal to twice the average carbon credit price.
• 5.3.3. Ozone Pollution: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) found Delhi-NCR is the worst impacted by high Ozone (O₃) pollution. Ozone (O₃) in stratosphere (upper layer) protects from UV; in troposphere, it is an air pollutant. GLO created by reactions between oxides of nitrogen (Nox) and volatile organic compounds (VOC).
• 5.3.4. NATPOLREX-X: Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted 10th edition of National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-X). NATPOLREX is a biennial flagship exercise for India’s national preparedness for marine oil spill incidents.
• 5.3.5. New Ramsar Sites in Bihar: Gokul Reservoir and Udaipur Lake in Bihar designated as new Ramsar Sites. India now has 93 Ramsar sites covering 1,360,719 hectares. Bihar already had three Ramsar sites – Kabar Jheel (Kabar Taal) in Begusarai and Nagi and Nakti bird sanctuaries. Both new wetlands are oxbow lakes. Gokul Reservoir (Buxar) on southern edge of Ganga River. Udaipur Lake surrounded by Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary. Ramsar Convention adopted in 1971; India ratified in 1982.
• 5.3.6. Multiple Species Conservation Initiatives by MoEF&CC:
  

  Initiative	Key Facts
  Project Dolphin (Phase-II)	India home to Ganges (National Aquatic Animal) and Indus water dolphins. Status: Endangered (IUCN) and Schedule I (WPA, 1972).
  Project Sloth Bear	Mainly found in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Status: Vulnerable (IUCN) and Schedule I (WPA 1972). Unlike other bear species, carry cubs on their backs.
  Project Gharial	Mainly in Nepal and India. Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN) and Schedule I (WPA1972). Males develop ghara (bulbous growth) acting as vocal resonator.
  Tigers Outside Tiger Reserve	Landscape approach for tiger-human conflicts. Status: Endangered (IUCN), Schedule I (WPA1972).
  Centre of Excellence for Human–Wildlife Conflict Management (CoE-HWC)	Establishment of a dedicated national center at SACON.

• 5.3.7. Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025: Released every five years by FAO, published during Global Forest Observations Initiative (GFOI) Plenary in Bali, Indonesia. GFOI is a flagship programme of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO). Key findings: Forests cover 4.14 billion hectares (32% global land). Nearly half of the world’s forests are located in the tropics. Europe has the largest forest area (25%). India moved to 9th position in total forest area globally (2% of global forest area); ranks 5th in terms of rubber plantation. Forest carbon stocks: 714 gigatonnes. Fire is prevalent in subtropics; insects, diseases and severe weather affect temperate and boreal domains.
• 5.3.8. State of Finance for Forests 2025: The UN Environment Programme released the first State of Finance for Forests 2025 report. Annual forest finance gap of US$ 216 billion. Governments accounted for 91% of total flows in 2023.
• 5.3.9. IUCN World Conservation Congress: Concluded in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Held once every four years; hosts Members’ Assembly — the IUCN’s highest decision making body. Key resolutions: Abu Dhabi Call to Action across five key areas; first-ever Policy on Synthetic Biology; Crime of Ecocide recognized as international crime.
• 5.3.10. Update to IUCN Red List: Modified conservation status of 12 Indian bird species. Four species that have been uplisted: Indian Courser, Indian Roller and Rufous-tailed Lark to Near Threatened; Long-billed Grasshopper-warbler to Endangered. All depend on open natural ecosystems. More than half of bird species globally are in decline. Three species of Arctic seal moved closer to extinction. Green Sea Turtle, a keystone species, improved from Endangered to Least Concern.
• 5.3.11. First IUCN Green Status of Species Assessment for the Tiger: Tiger classified as ‘Critically Depleted.’ Current estimate: 2608-3905 mature individuals. Status of Conservation Legacy and Recovery Potential: High and Medium, respectively. IUCN Green Status launched in 2012, became optional part of Red List in 2020. Green Score (0–100%) indicates how close a species is to full recovery. Tiger: largest wild cat in the world; India has almost 75% of the world’s wild tiger population. Status: Endangered (IUCN Red List); Schedule I (WPA, 1972); CITES Appendix I.
• 5.3.12. Status of Elephants in India (SAIEE 2021-25): India’s first DNA-based count by Wildlife Institute of India under Project Elephant. Total Asian Elephant population at 22,446; India has the largest wild population (~60% of global total). Western Ghats hosts the largest population of wild elephants. Among states, Karnataka supports highest population, followed by Assam, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Threats: Habitat Shrinkage & Fragmentation; Human–Elephant Conflict (HEC); Linear Infrastructure causing fatalities via electrocution and collisions. Asian Elephants are Largest land mammal on Asian continent; organized into complex social structures led by a matriarch; have the longest gestation period of any mammal (22 months). Status: Endangered in IUCN Red List; Schedule I WPA 1972; Appendix I of CITES.
• 5.3.13. Indian Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes): IUCN for the first time evaluated Indian Wolf separately as potential distinct species within the Canis genus. Genus currently has seven species recognized by the IUCN. Habitat: Thorn forests, scrublands, arid grasslands in India. Status: Vulnerable (IUCN).
• 5.3.14. Draft Policy Paper on Camels: India’s camel population has declined by more than 75% since the 1970s. Camels primarily reared (90%) in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Pastoralist communities: Raika, Rabari, Fakirani Jat, and Manganiyar. Once revered as “Ship of the Desert,” exceptionally suited to dryland ecosystems. Camels’ humps store fats; they store water in their blood cells, not their humps. Recommendations: Launching National Camel Sustainability Initiative (NCSI).
• 5.3.15. India’s Dugong Conservation Reserve recognized by IUCN: IUCN adopted motion recognising India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay at IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025. Established in 2022 by Tamil Nadu government under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Covers 448.34 sq. km. Region has over 12,250 hectares of seagrass meadows. About Dugong: Only marine herbivorous mammals that depend on seagrass. Distribution: Palk Bay (highest), Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutch. Population: ~200. Status: Vulnerable (IUCN); Schedule I of WPA 1972.
• 5.3.16. Central Asian Mammals Initiative (CAMI): Central Asian countries united under CAMI to protect 17 shared species like Saiga, Bukhara Deer. Launched in 2014 at COP11 of Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).
• 5.3.17. Early Warnings for All (EW4All): WMO Congress calls for accelerated implementation. Aim: Ensure universal protection from hazardous events through life-saving multi-hazard early warning systems by 2027. Launched at COP27 in 2022 by UN Secretary-General. Led by WMO, UNDRR, ITU and IFRC. Expanded to 100+ participating nations. Disaster damage can be reduced by 30% if early warning issued within 24 hours. Disaster mortality is six times higher in countries with limited systems. Economic damages from extreme weather: over US$4 trillion in losses globally since 1970.
• 5.3.18. Arabian Sea Mini Warm Pool: Acts as a self-correcting mechanism helping monsoon recover from El Niño disruptions. Arabian Sea MWP is a small patch of warm sea surface temperatures in southeastern Arabian Sea (near the Kerala coast). Warm pool = sea surface temperatures exceeding 28.5°C. Duration: Forms every year during April and May, just before Indian Summer Monsoon onset.
• 5.3.19. Maitri II: India’s new research station in Eastern Antarctica approved. Will be India’s 4th research base, operational by January 2029. Will be a green research base powered by renewable energy (solar and wind). Antarctica: 5th largest continent; holds nearly 75 percent of the earth’s freshwater reserves; territorial claims and China’s dual-use critical infrastructures raise geopolitical concerns.
• 5.3.20. Mud Volcano: India’s only Mud Volcano in Baratang Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands erupts after 20 years. A geological formation where a mixture of mud, water, and gases erupts to the surface. Generally encountered in areas where natural gas is present. Eruptions caused by Earth’s tectonic forces or by accumulation of hydrocarbon gases.

6. SOCIAL ISSUES

6.1. State of Social Justice

ILO released ‘The state of social justice: A work in progress.’ Released ahead of Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha (November 2025) — 30 years after 1995 Copenhagen Summit on Social Development. That summit adopted Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and Copenhagen Programme of Action with ten key commitments.

Key Achievements Globally: Extreme Poverty declined from 39% (1995) to 10% (2025); working poverty from 28% to 7%. For the first time in history, more than half world’s population covered by at least one social protection scheme. Child Labour: Declined from 20.6% in 1995 to 7.8% in 2024.

Key Achievements in India: Extreme Poverty: 16.2% (2011-12) → 2.3% (2022-23). Female Labour Force participation: 41.7% in 2023-24 (from 23.3% in 2017-18). Social security coverage: 19% (2015) → 64.3% (2025). India ranks fourth globally in income equality with Gini score of 25.5.

Key Concerns: Wage gap: earnings ratio between men and women is 78%; gap will take 50–100 years to close. Child Labour: 138 million children. Forced Labour: from 24.9 million to 27.6 million (2016–2021). Top 1% controls 20% of income and 38% of wealth. Informal employment: approximately 58% of total. Latest ILO research: around one in four jobs will be transformed by generative AI.

6.2. Global Hunger Index

GHI 2025 ranks India under ‘serious’ category. Released by Irish humanitarian organization ‘Concern Worldwide’ and German aid agency ‘Welthungerhilfe’ (with FAO, UNICEF, WHO, IFPRI). Based on four indicators: Undernourishment; Child stunting; Child wasting; Child mortality.

• India’s Position: Ranked 102nd among the 123 countries with GHI score of 25.8 (serious). 1 in 3 Indian children is stunted. Undernourishment affects 172 million people, 13.5 million more than 2016.
• Global Findings: 2025 global GHI score is 18.3 (moderate). SDG-2 (Zero Hunger by 2030) out of reach. At least 56 countries not on track. Serious hunger in Africa, South Asia; alarming hunger in 7 countries (Somalia worst).

Initiatives: Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY); Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojna; POSHAN Abhiyan (National Nutrition Mission); Eat Right Movement; Integrated child development scheme (ICDS); National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 — recognizes the right to food as a statutory right for approximately two-thirds of India’s population.

6.3. News in Shorts

• 6.3.1. Vital Statistics of India Based on Civil Registration System (CRS) Report (2023): Compiled by Registrar General of India (RGI), Ministry of Home Affairs. Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB): 928 females per 1000 males. Highest — Arunachal Pradesh (1,085). Lowest – Jharkhand (899). Level of Registration of Births: 98.4%. Level of Registration of Deaths: 97.2%. Birth and death registrations for males was higher than females in both rural and urban areas. 21 and 19 States/UTs have achieved 100% registration of births and deaths.
• 6.3.2. Children in India 2025 Report: Released by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Decreased from 44 (2011) to 25 (2023). Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR): Declined from 30 (2022) to 29 (2023). Birth Rate: Declined to 18.4 per 1,000 population in 2023. Child Marriage (Women aged 20-24 married before 18): Reduced from 26.8% (2015-16) to 23.3% (2019-21). Gender Parity Index (GPI): Achieved parity across all education stages in 2024-25.
• 6.3.3. WHO Global Report on Trends in Prevalence of Tobacco Use 2000–2024: Global prevalence dropped from 26.2% (2010) to 19.5% (2024). India accounted for approximately 243.48 million tobacco users in 2024. India’s projected relative reduction between 2010 and 2025: 43% (WHO NCD Target was 30%). India’s steps: Cigarettes & Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003; National Tobacco Control Programme; Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019.
• 6.3.4. Swachh Shehar Jodi: Launched by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U). Structured mentorship program involving 72 mentor cities and ~200 mentee cities. Aim: Foster knowledge and experience sharing, peer learning and transforming best practices in sanitation and waste management.

7. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

7.1. Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2025

Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi have been awarded Nobel Prize for discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance.

• Central Tolerance: Happens in the thymus; removes self-reactive T cells. Some escape from the thymus into the periphery.
• Peripheral Tolerance: Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) identify self-reactive T cells and stop them from attacking tissues. Treg cells act as a security guard. Shimon Sakaguchi discovered this special class.
• Role of the FOXP3 Gene: Mary Brunkow and Fred Ramsdell discovered the FOXP3 gene, which controls the development and function of regulatory T cells. Mutation causes a rare autoimmune disease called IPEX.
• Significance: Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases; Cancer treatment — reduce or block regulatory T cells inside tumours to free the immune system to attack cancer cells. Other applications: preventing organ transplant rejection, Type 1 diabetes, Asthma.
• T cells: Cytotoxic T cells kill infected cells and tumour cells. Helper T cells send signals to coordinate immune attack. All T cells possess T-cell receptors (TCRs).

7.2. Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025

Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar M. Yaghi awarded for development of metal–organic frameworks.

What is Metal–Organic Framework (MOF)? Made of Metal ions (such as copper, zinc) (joints) and Organic molecules (carbon based molecules like coal, glucose) (bridges). Form a network structure with empty spaces or cavities, making material highly porous. One gram of MOF has internal surface area equal to two football fields. Origin of idea: studying the structure of diamond.

Key Applications: Water collection from dry air (especially in deserts); Food Processing — MOF packaging absorbs ethylene gas, extending shelf life of fruits/vegetables; Pollution control; Gas storage (hydrogen, CO₂, methane); mining rare-earth elements from wastewater.

7.3. Nobel Prize in Physics 2025

John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis have been awarded Nobel Prize in Physics 2025 for discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit.

• Quantisation of Energy: Particles absorb and emit energy in discrete packets called quanta. Particles can exist only in certain fixed energy levels.
• Quantum Tunnelling: When a particle encounters a barrier (wall), there is a finite probability it may pass through the barrier. This only occurred at the microscopic scale. Classic example: radioactive decay / alpha decay.
• The Experiment: In 1984-85, they built an electric circuit using Josephson Junction (two superconductors separated by an insulator). Demonstrated all charged particles behaved as a single quantum particle. They also demonstrated the quantisation of energy in the circuit.
• Significance: Led to creation of quantum bits (qubits) — basis of superconducting quantum computers. Advanced quantum computing, quantum cryptography and quantum sensors.
• Related: Quantum Echoes Algorithm — Google Quantum AI demonstrated on Willow quantum processor (105 qubits), achieving first verifiable quantum advantage. Performance: ~13,000× speed-up over best classical algorithms.

7.4. AstroSat

India’s first dedicated space observatory, AstroSat, completed 10 years since launch. Objective: Study celestial objects across X-ray, ultraviolet, and optical wavelengths simultaneously. Launch: September 28, 2015, aboard PSLV-C30 from Sriharikota. Orbit: Low Earth orbit at 650 km altitude. Spectral Range: 0.3 keV to 100 keV. Established India as a global leader in multi-wavelength astronomy.

Other Space Observatories: XPoSat: First dedicated ISRO satellite to measure X-ray emission from celestial sources. Aditya-L1: India’s first solar mission (launched September 2023). Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), Hanle (Ladakh); Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (Tamil Nadu).

7.5. Non-Communicable Diseases

India’s Disease Burden shifted to NCDs per Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Report by Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at World Health Summit, Berlin.

NCDs = largest contributor to global disease burden — 1.80 billion global DALYs (Disability-Adjusted Life Years) in 2023, nearly two-thirds of global DALYs. Leading NCDs: ischaemic heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Fastest growing: anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and diabetes.

Causes: Epidemiological & Demographic Transition: shifting from communicable to lifestyle-related chronic diseases; Dietary Changes (shift from fiber-rich diets to high-calorie, processed foods); Physical Inactivity; Tobacco & Alcohol use especially among youth and lower socioeconomic groups; Air Pollution (Indoor & Outdoor): High PM2.5 exposure; Stress, urban pressures, job insecurity, and social isolation.

Impact: NCDs = 63–65% of all deaths in India (2023); India may lose USD 4.58 trillion by 2030 (World Economic Forum).

Government steps: National Program for Prevention and Control of NCDs (NP-NCD); Community Screening (diabetes, hypertension, cancers); Eat Right India, Fit India Movement, and Yoga initiatives; Sin tax on high sugar products (40% Tax Slab); National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) (launched in 2007-08); National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS) (launched 2010).

7.6. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

World Health Organization (WHO) released Global Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance Report 2025. In 2023, approximately 1 in 6 bacterial infections worldwide caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic Resistance rose in more than 40% of the bacteria-drug combinations tracked (2018-2023). Gram-negative bacteria pose severe threat. AMR most frequent in Southeast Asia and Eastern Mediterranean. About 41% of bloodstream infection reports from China, India, and Pakistan combined. WHO’s Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) has increased four-fold since 2016.

AMR: Occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to withstand the drugs designed to kill them. Resistant strains called Superbugs. WHO recognized AMR as one of the top ten global health threats; often described as a silent pandemic. Bacterial AMR directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths in 2019. Could cause estimated $3 trillion in global GDP losses per year by 2030.

National Measures: National Action Plan on AMR (NAP–AMR), 2017 — One Health approach; Antibiotics in Schedule H1 of Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945; Red Line awareness campaign; Operation AMRITH (AMR Intervention for Total Health) by Kerala. Global: Global Action Plan (GAP), 2015; Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on AMR: WHO, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH); UN General Assembly Political Declaration on AMR (2024) — reduce deaths from bacterial AMR by at least 10%; World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW).

7.7. News in Shorts

• 7.7.1. Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project: PM laid foundation. Location: Banswara, Rajasthan near Mahi Dam. Capacity: 4 x 700 MWe PHWR (Indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors). Developed by Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam (ASHVINI), JV between NPCIL and NTPC. Part of India’s “fleet mode” initiative — ten identical 700 MW reactors across India. India currently has 24 reactors across 7 power plants with installed nuclear energy capacity of 8180 MW (January 30, 2025). Government plans to increase to 22,480 MW by 2031-32. India in 1st stage of three-stage Nuclear Power Programme (NPP). 1st Stage based on uranium fuelled PHWRs. 2nd Stage and 3rd stage based on Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) and Thorium, respectively.
• 7.7.2. First Fully Indigenous 4G (5G-Ready) Network: Deployed by BSNL, developed through collaboration between C-DOT, Tejas and TCS. Provides capability for fast tracking adoption of 5G and laying foundation for 6G. India now among the select five nations globally with capability to launch fully indigenous 4G services. Cloud native: enables rapid upgrades, scalability. Improves Accessibility in tribal regions, remote villages, hilly areas.
• 7.7.3. Guidelines and Special Purpose Fund (SPF) for Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme: Approved by Executive Council of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) ensuring scheme execution, effective private sector participation and long term innovation. ANRF established by Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act, 2023. Acts as apex body for strategic direction of scientific research. Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) subsumed into ANRF. RDI Scheme: ₹1 Lakh crore RDI Fund approved on July 1, 2025. Nodal Department: Department of Science & Technology (DST). Two-tiered funding: Special Purpose Fund (SPF) under ANRF as first-level custodian; Second-Level Fund Managers (Alternate Investment Funds, DFIs, NBFCs). Exclusions: Grants and short-term loans not supported. Financing up to 50% of assessed project cost for projects at Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 4 and above.

8. CULTURE

8.1. Sree Narayana Guru

President inaugurated observance of Mahasamadhi centenary of Sree Narayana Guru in Kerala.

About Sree Narayana Guru (1856–1928): Born in Chempazhanthy (near Thiruvananthapuram) to Ezhava family (a backward untouchable community). A saint, philosopher, poet, spiritual leader and social reformer; commonly known as Gurudevan.

Key Contributions:

• Emphasized “One caste, One Religion, One God for all human beings.” Considered education as the only means to human progress and prosperity. Founded the Advaita Ashram at Aluva in 1913 (dedicated to Om Sahodaryam Sarvatra).
• Temple Entry: Aruvipuram movement for equal rights. In 1888, consecrated a Sivalinga in a makeshift temple, breaking the centuries-old barriers of caste-based discrimination in worship.
• Ezhava Community: Established Sri Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (1903) based on principle of self-respect, honour and worth of individual; ideologically a protest against the Brahminical values system.
• Vaikom Satyagraha: Supported Vaikom Satyagraha for temple entry (1924-25) in Travancore against untouchability. Pioneers: T.K. Madhavan, K.P. Kesava Menon and K. Kelappan (also known as Kerala Gandhi).

8.2. News in Shorts

• 8.2.1. Vande Mataram: Union Cabinet announced nationwide celebration of 150th anniversary. Origin: Composed in Sanskrit by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, first published in Anandamath (1882). On 24th January 1950, declared equal status with the National Anthem (Jana-gana-mana). Recited by Rabindranath Tagore in 1896 at INC annual session. Jana Gana Mana originally composed in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore, adopted in Hindi by the Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950.
• 8.2.2. Bamiyan Buddhas: Located in sandstone cliffs of Bamiyan valley in central Afghanistan. Built in the 6th century. Exemplified Gandharan Buddhist art. Destroyed by Taliban in 2001. UNESCO Recognition: Bamiyan Valley declared a World Heritage Site in 2003.
• 8.2.3. Bathukamma Festival: Creates 2 Guinness World Records in Telangana. Floral festival celebrated by women folk of Telangana and some parts of Andhra Pradesh. Celebrated for nine days during Durga Navratri. Bathukamma means “come back to life-Mother” dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Declared as Telangana State Festival.
• 8.2.4. Nobel Peace Prize 2025: Awarded to Maria Corina Machado for struggle to achieve peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy’ in Venezuela. Indian citizen who won Nobel peace prize: Mother Teresa (1979); Kailash Satyarthi (2014).
• 8.2.5. World Para Athletics Championship: India won a record 22 medals including 6 Gold — best-ever performance at World Para-Athletics Championships 2025. India hosted for the first time in 2025 — India as fourth Asian nation to host. Governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). World Para Athletics Championships: Held biennially.

9. ETHICS

9.1. Inclusive Growth

Despite World Bank data showing extreme poverty at 2.3% and Gini coefficient at 25.5, a rising income-based Gini coefficient to 61 (World Inequality Database) underscores persistent disparities. This highlights the need for distributive justice and ensure universal access to basic services.

Key Ethical Principles:

• Gandhi’s Principle: Trusteeship theory — business owners must act as trustees, dedicating wealth to welfare of the community. Gandhi’s Talisman: Judge every decision by its impact on the poorest. Gandhi’s Sarvodaya: Development that uplifts all sections.
• Categorical Imperative: Kant’s principle of universal law — actions morally valid only if they can be willed as universal.
• Rawls’ difference principle: Any inequality permitted only if it benefits the least favoured. E.g., Progressive taxation and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
• Religious sanctions: Jainism: Doctrine of Aparigraha (non-possession). Islam: Principle of Zakat (mandatory charity).

Key Stakeholders:

• Government: Constitutional Duty under Directive Principles (Articles 38, 39, 46); progressive taxation, welfare schemes like MGNREGA.
• International Institutions: Reducing gap between global north and south. E.g., Global financing facility of world bank.
• Corporates: From Shareholder perspective (profit maximization, short term) to Stakeholders’ perspective (responsibility towards employees, communities, long term).

Way to Inclusive Growth: Accountability and transparency in governance (e.g., CPGRAMS); Adopting the capability approach of Amartya Sen; Promote Ethical Corporate Practices; Sustainable Development (e.g., LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) Movement at COP26); Inculcating inclusive values through schools (NEP 2020).

Case Study: District Collector balancing industrial growth with social equity — ethical issues include displacement of marginalized communities, unequal CSR benefits, tensions between corporates and administration. Measures: transparent governance, community-led solutions, linking SDGs with local development.

10. SCHEMES IN NEWS

10.1. MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act)

Centre amended Schedule-I of the MGNREGA Act, prioritising water conservation in rural blocks.

Major Amendments: Blocks classified as ‘Over-exploited’, ‘Critical’, ‘Semi-critical’, and ‘Safe’ as priority areas. Water-related works spending mandated:

• 65% in Over-exploited and Critical rural blocks
• 40% in Semi-critical rural blocks
• 30% in Safe rural blocks

Categorisation as per Dynamic Ground Water Resources Assessment Report (Central Ground Water Board).

Special Features: Additional 50 days of employment during drought/natural calamity affected notified rural areas and for ST Household in forest areas with no other private property except for the land rights provided under Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. Right to unemployment allowance within 15 days. Delay compensation at 0.05% of unpaid wages per day beyond 16th day. Special Category of Workers (Vulnerable Groups): Persons with disabilities, Primitive Tribal Groups, Women in special circumstances, Senior citizens (>65), HIV positive persons, Rehabilitated bonded labour. Wage to material ratio to be maintained at 60:40 at Gram Panchayat level. At least 1/3rd of the beneficiaries shall be women.

Key Features: GeoNREGA tracks assets by geotagging “Before”, “During” and “After.” Project ‘UNNATI’: skills MGNREGS beneficiaries for full-time employment.

Achievements: MGNREGA has become the world’s largest social welfare programme. Women’s participation rose from 48% in 2014 to 58% in 2025.

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