Articles on 10 July 2025

by Vajiram & Ravi - 10 July 2025

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily articles for 10 July 2025, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Indian Coast Guard Day 2025, Theme, Significance, History, Objectives

July 10, 2025
Indian Coast Guard Day 2025

Indian Coast Guard Day 2025 is celebrated annually on February 1st to mark the establishment of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The Indian Coast Guard was formally established on August 18, 1978, under the Indian Coast Guard Act, 1978, as a paramilitary force under the Ministry of Defence. The ICG plays a crucial role in coastal security, search and rescue operations, environmental protection, and maritime law enforcement. It collaborates with the Indian Navy, Customs, and other agencies to safeguard India’s vast coastline and maritime borders.

Indian Coast Guard Day 2025

On February 1, 2025, India celebrates Indian Coast Guard Day which showcases the exemplary service of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The ICG has remained forward in its mission to ensure maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. This day serves as a tribute to the dedication of the ICG in safeguarding India’s coastal and offshore interests, for showcasing its critical role in national maritime defense.

Indian Coast Guard Day 2025 Overview

Indian Coast Guard has been focusing on coastal defense, search and rescue operations, environmental protection, and law enforcement since the establishment. The table below provides Indian Coast Guard Day 2025 Overview.

Indian Coast Guard Day 2025 Overview
Aspect Information

Date

February 1, 2025

Occasion

Indian Coast Guard Day

Establishment Year

1977 (ICG founded)

Theme

“Indian Coast Guard: Innovating, Protecting, and Serving with Valor”

Significance

Commemorates ICG’s commitment to maritime safety and security, and its role in protecting India’s interests.

Call to Action

Encouraging public awareness, recognizing ICG’s history, and inspiring youth to join maritime security efforts.

Indian Coast Guard Day 2025 History

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was formed to address growing concerns about maritime security, particularly sea-borne smuggling that posed economic risks in the 1960s. The Indian Navy and the Customs Department worked together on anti-smuggling efforts, but the need for a dedicated maritime force became evident.

In 1971, the Nagchaudhuri Committee recommended creating a coastal security force, and by 1974, the Rustamji Committee introduced this idea. As a result, the Indian Coast Guard was officially established on February 1, 1977, under the Ministry of Defence, initially operating with vessels transferred from the Indian Navy. Its duties were formally defined in the Coast Guard Act of 1978.

Over the years, the ICG has expanded its role beyond security to law enforcement, environmental protection, and disaster response. One of its most known operations was the recapture of MV Alondra Rainbow in 1999, showcasing its growing efficiency. After the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the ICG strengthened its surveillance capabilities, showcased India’s maritime defense.

Indian Coast Guard Day 2025 Theme

The Indian Coast Guard Day 2025 Theme is “Indian Coast Guard: Innovating, Protecting, and Serving with Valor.” This theme highlights the ICG’s commitment to technological advancements, ensuring enhanced maritime security and operational efficiency. It reflects the Indian Coast Guard dedication to safeguarding India’s coastal and offshore interests while serving the nation with courage, vigilance, and integrity.

Indian Coast Guard Day 2025 Objectives

  1. The Indian Coast Guard Day 2025 pays tribute to the rich history and contributions of the Indian Coast Guard in protecting India’s maritime frontiers.
  2. It highlights the diverse roles of the ICG, including maritime safety, security, and environmental protection, to enhance public understanding of its significance.
  3. The Indian Coast Guard Day 2025 inspires young individuals to consider a career in the Coast Guard, fostering a new generation committed to safeguarding India’s waters.

Indian Coast Guards Role and Responsibilities

Since its establishment, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has expanded its operations for diverse range of maritime missions to ensure security and law enforcement along India’s coastline. Indian Coast Guard's Role and Responsibilities include:

  1. To conduct rescue operations to assist vessels and individuals in tough situations within India’s maritime zones.
  2. To prevent smuggling, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes, while enforcing maritime regulations.
  3. To protect the coastline of India from threats such as terrorism, piracy, and illegal incursions.
  4. To Safeguard offshore assets, including oil rigs, fishing zones, and maritime infrastructure.
  5. To prevent marine pollution, enforcing environmental laws, and responding to ecological emergencies to preserve India’s coastal ecosystems.

Indian Coast Guard Day 2025 Significance

Indian Coast Guard Day holds great importance as it highlights the contributions of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in protecting India’s maritime interests. The Indian Coast Guard Day 2025 Significance includes:

  1. Acknowledges the Indian Coast Guard’s efforts in maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
  2. Pays tribute to the dedication and sacrifices of coast guard officers who safeguard India’s waters.
  3. Provides information to the people about the ICG’s diverse responsibilities and key achievements.
  4. Encourages young individuals to consider this domain as a career option and contribute to maritime security.

Indian Coast Guard Day 2025 FAQs

Q1: What is the date of Indian Coast Guard Day?

Ans: 1st february 2025 is theIndian Coast Guard Day 2025.

Q2: Who is the father of Indian Coast Guard?

Ans: Shri Morarji Desai is considered as father of ICG’s.

Q3: What is the motto of the Indian Coast Guard 2024?

Ans: The Indian Coast Guard's motto is "वयम रक्षामः" (Vayam Rakshamah), which translates from Sanskrit as "We Protect".

Q4: Where is the venue of Indian Coast Guard Day 2024?

Ans: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) celebrated its 48th Raising Day on February 1, 2024, in New Delhi.

Q5: Who is the current chief of ICG?

Ans: Director General Paramesh Sivamani, AVSM, PTM, TM is the 26th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, Objectives, Achievements

July 10, 2025
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture

The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) was launched in 2014-15 as part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) to ensure sustainable agricultural practices and adapt according to the climate changes. This scheme majorly focused on integrating farming, water use efficiency, soil health management, and resource conservation to enhance agricultural productivity, especially in areas where irrigation is less than or equal to 30% of the total area used for cultivation. NMSA aims to improve agricultural productivity while promoting sustainability and environmental conservation. 

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture Objectives

  1. To promote agricultural practices that enhance productivity while being sustainable.
  2. To make agriculture adaptive to climatic variations and extreme weather conditions.
  3. To encourage location-specific integrated and composite farming systems.
  4. To improve soil health, conserve moisture, and promote efficient water management practices.
  5. To strengthen rainfed agriculture through appropriate technologies and systems.

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture Benefits

  1. Integrated farming and water management techniques to boost overall farm productivity.
  2. Helps farmers in managing risks from extreme weather events like droughts or floods.
  3. Provides income opportunities through activities that are related to agriculture but are not traditional crop cultivation.
  4. Promotes efficient and effective use of water, soil, and fertilizers, reducing wastage and ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability.
  5. Initiatives like the Soil Health Card Scheme empower farmers with actionable insights to optimize agricultural practices.

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture Achievements

  1. Water conservation and micro-irrigation techniques have significantly reduced water wastage while increasing productivity.
  2. Integrated farming systems have created diversified income sources, mitigating risks associated with monoculture.
  3. The Soil Health Card Scheme has helped many farmers related to balanced fertilizer usage, improving crop yields and soil fertility.

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture FAQs

Q1: What is the National Mission for sustainable agriculture Scheme?

Ans: The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) was launched to ensure sustainable agricultural practices and adapt according to the climate changes.

Q2: Who is the father of sustainable farming?

Ans: The British botanist Sir Albert Howard is referred to as the father of modern organic agriculture. 

Q3: What is the national system for sustainable agriculture?

Ans: The National System for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) aims to enhance farm efficiency, ensure food self-sufficiency, and create new opportunities to position Indian agriculture as a global leader in sustainability and resilience.

Q4: What is the main objective of sustainable agriculture?

Ans: To improve soil health, conserve moisture, and promote efficient water management practices.

Q5: Which is the first organic state in India?

Ans: Sikkim

Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, Launch Date, Features

July 10, 2025
Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission

The National Solar Mission, also known as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) was launched by the Indian government in January 2010 which aims to install 100 GW of solar power capacity by 2022, comprising 60 GW from utility-scale projects and 40 GW from rooftop solar installations. As part of India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), the National Solar Mission aims to reduce the impacts of climate change while promoting energy security and economic growth.

Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission Features

  1. The mission has set a target to generate 100 GW of solar power by 2022, including 40 GW from rooftop solar and 60 GW from large-scale grid-connected solar projects.
  2. Achieve 20 million square meters of solar thermal collector area by 2022 for applications like water heating and industrial processes.
  3. Arrangement of 20 million solar lighting systems in rural areas to provide clean, sustainable lighting were made.

Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission Implementation Phases

  1. Phase 1 (2010-2013): This phase majorly focused on creating a foundation with 1,000 MW of grid-connected solar power and small-scale off-grid applications.
  2. Phase 2 (2013-2017): This phase ramped up solar power generation capacity and focused on expanding grid-connected projects and rooftop systems.
  3. Phase 3 (2017-2022): This phase aimed the development of solar energy, with increased funding and technological advancements.

Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission Target and Achievement

The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), initiated by the Government of India, aims to promote solar energy usage through various schemes and projects. The key schemes and their targets, achievements, and financial allocations for Phase-I are detailed below:

Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission Target and Achievement
Segment Target for Phase I (2010-13) Achievement for Phase I

Grid Solar Power (large plants, rooftop, and distribution grid plants)

1,100 MW

1,684.44 MW (including state initiatives)

Off-Grid Solar Applications (allotment)

200 MW

252.5 MW

Solar Thermal Collectors (SWHs, solar cooking, cooling, etc.)

7 million sq. meters

7.001 million sq. meters

Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission Challenges

The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) faces several challenges during the implementation:

  1. A significant portion of the solar photovoltaic (PV) modules in India are of substandard quality, leading to reduced efficiency and durability.
  2. The absence of funds and policies for technological R&D limits innovation in the solar manufacturing sector.
  3. The delay in passing through the 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) for solar equipment creates financial burdens on developers. Developers face challenges in recovering these additional costs, leading to project delays and financial uncertainty in the solar industry.

Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission FAQs

Q1: When was the National Solar Mission launched?

Ans: 11 January 2010

Q2: What is the mission of Jawaharlal Nehru?

Ans: To promote solar power in India

Q3: What is the target of UPSC National Solar Mission?

Ans: UPSC National Solar Mission aims to install 100 GW of solar power capacity by 2022, comprising 60 GW from utility-scale projects and 40 GW from rooftop solar installations. 

Q4: Who launched the solar park scheme?

Ans: The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy launched the solar park scheme.

Q5: What is the first solar mission of India?

Ans: Aditya-L1 is the first solar mission of India.

Scheme for Adolescent Girls, Benefits, Eligibility, Objective

July 10, 2025
Scheme for Adolescent Girls

The Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) is a government initiative aimed at promoting the well-being of adolescent girls in India between the age of 11-14 to address malnutrition, Non-Nutritional Support including education, awareness, and health welfare. The original Scheme for Adolescent Girls was discontinued on March 31, 2022 and subsumed under Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 which focuses on adolescent girls having the age between 14-18 years, particularly in Aspirational Districts (economically and socially backward areas), including regions in Assam and the Northeast States.

Scheme for Adolescent Girls Significance

  1. Adolescent girls led the foundation of a healthy and empowered society. Ensuring their well-being has a major effect on families, society and future generations.
  2. These schemes address barriers to growth such as malnutrition, lack of menstrual hygiene, and anaemia, which often lead to poor educational outcomes.

Scheme for Adolescent Girls Benefits

The Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) has both Nutrition and Non-Nutrition Components to address which are discussed below:

Nutrition Component

The Nutrition Component considers the concerns which include malnutrition and ensures adequate intake of nutrients such as calories, protein, and micronutrients to meet the daily diet requirements of adolescent girls.

  • Providing Take-Home Rations (THR) or Hot Cooked Meals to out-of-school girls, delivering 600 calories, 18-20 grams of protein, and essential micronutrients daily for 300 days a year. 
  • Finances allocated of ₹9.50 per day per beneficiary, which includes the cost of micronutrient to complete the dietary deficiencies effectively.

Non-Nutrition Component

The Non-Nutrition Component focuses on improving the health, education, and life skills of adolescent girls and delivers a wide range of supportive services. 

  • Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplements to control anaemia, regular health check-ups.
  • Nutrition and Health Education (NHE) programs promote awareness about balanced diets, hygiene, and disease prevention, while counselling and guidance provide essential knowledge on family welfare, Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health (ARSH), and childcare practices.
  • Life skill education enhances decision-making, communication, and self-confidence, empowering girls to navigate challenges and build better futures. 

Scheme for Adolescent Girls Eligibility

  • The applicant must be a female
  • The age of the applicant must be between 11-14 years.

Scheme for Adolescent Girls FAQs

Q1: What is the government scheme for adolescent girls?

Ans: The Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) is a government initiative aimed at promoting the well-being of adolescent girls in India between the age of 11-14.

Q2: What is the program for adolescent girls?

Ans: The Adolescent Girls (AG) Scheme, implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development under Umbrella Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).

Q3: What are the government schemes for girls?

Ans: Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Balika Samriddhi Yojana CBSE Udaan Scheme National Scheme for Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education Mukhyamantri Kanya Suraksha Yojana

Q4: What is the funding pattern for schemes for adolescent girls?

Ans: 9.5/- per beneficiary per day for 300 days in a year. 

Q5: Who is eligible for the SAG scheme?

Ans: Adolescent girls in India between the age of 11-14.

Pragyata Scheme, Guidelines, Features, Challenges

July 10, 2025
Pragyata Scheme

The Pragyata Scheme is a significant scheme which aims to integrate digital education with India’s learning ecosystem which was launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (now the Ministry of Education) in collaboration with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), the guidelines aim to provide structured digital learning solutions. These guidelines were relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic when schools had to adapt to remote learning. This article explores the Pragyata Scheme, its components, and its implications for the future of education.

Pragyata Scheme Need

The COVID-19 pandemic became a barrier to traditional education systems globally, forcing millions of students to stay home. In India, a huge number of students were impacted as schools shut down in March 2020. This situation highlighted the need for digital education:

  1. Access to Technology: Students across the country had various modes to access digital tools:
    1. Some had computers or smartphones with internet connectivity.
    2. Others had limited or no internet access.
    3. Many relied on television, radio, or basic phones with FM radio.
    4. A significant portion had no access to any digital devices.
  2. Challenges of Transition: While some schools transitioned to online teaching, the lack of uniform digital infrastructure and teacher training created difficulties.
  3. Health and Cyber Safety Concerns: Increased screen time and unmonitored digital exposure raised concerns about physical and mental health as well as cybersecurity.

Pragyata Scheme Features

The Pragyata Scheme provides a roadmap for schools, teachers, and parents to implement digital education effectively. Its core components include:

Eight-Step Framework

The guidelines includes eight steps for digital learning:

  1. Plan: Teachers prepare structured study plans for students' needs and available resources.
  2. Review: Schools conduct surveys to understand the digital infrastructure available for students and teachers.
  3. Arrange: Based on survey results, arrangements are made to resolve the digital divide, such as sharing resources.
  4. Guide: Teachers and parents are guided on their roles in digital learning, ensuring effective collaboration.
  5. Yak (Talk): Dedicated sessions are created for interactive discussions, doubt-clearing, and feedback.
  6. Assign: Creative assignments, projects, and self-study activities are given to students.
  7. Track: Continuous tracking of students' progress helps identify learning gaps and areas for improvement.
  8. Appreciate: Acknowledging students' efforts for their active participation.

Digital Learning Duration

The guidelines set age-appropriate limits on screen time to minimize health risks:

  1. Kindergarten and preschool: 30 minutes per day (interaction with parents).
  2. Classes 1-8: 1.5 hours per day (live online classes).
  3. Classes 9-12: 3 hours per day (live online classes).

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Learning

  1. Synchronous Learning: Real-time interaction between teachers and students through softwares such as google meet, zoom and other conferencing tools.
  2. Asynchronous Learning: Flexible learning using pre-recorded lessons, radio/TV programs, WhatsApp groups, and creative offline activities.

Convergence with Existing Initiatives

Pragyata Scheme also complements existing government programs such as:

  1. DIKSHA: A platform providing e-content for school education.
  2. SWAYAM and SWAYAM Prabha: Digital and TV-based learning channels.
  3. Radio Vahini and Shiksha Vani: Radio-based learning initiatives.

Pragyata Scheme Challenges

Despite its seamless framework, implementing the Pragyata Scheme guidelines faced several challenges:

Digital Divide

India's vast socio-economic diversity leads to unequal access to technology. Many rural and underprivileged students lack devices or internet connectivity.

Teacher Training

Transitioning to digital platforms requires teachers to be trained in using technology effectively. 

Parental Involvement

For younger students, parents play a crucial role in digital learning. However, many parents, especially in rural areas, didn't know how to assist their children.

Infrastructure Gaps

The availability of constant electricity, internet connectivity, and digital devices remains inconsistent across the country.

Pragyata Scheme FAQs

Q1: Who launched Pragyata?

Ans: The Ministry of Human Resource Development

Q2: What is the new education scheme?

Ans: The New Education Policy (NEP) mandates compulsory schooling from ages 3 to 18.

Q3: What is the teacher training scheme in India?

Ans: NISHTHA is the teacher training scheme in India.

Q4: What are the schemes implemented by Ncert?

Ans: National Curriculum Framework (NCF) are the schemes implemented by Ncert.

National Urban Digital Mission, Launch Date, Objectives

July 10, 2025
National Urban Digital Mission

The National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM) was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in February 2021 with the goal of delivering the municipal services to citizens across towns and cities in India. It aims to leverage digital infrastructure to facilitate better delivery of municipal services, promoting maximum governance with minimum government, reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision.

National Urban Digital Mission Objectives

  1. National Urban Digital Mission creates an institutional approach where citizens are at the center of urban governance, improving services through digital solutions.
  2. National Urban Digital Mission will create a shared digital infrastructure for cities and towns, uniting various digital initiatives across the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
  3. The National Urban Digital Mission intends to enhance the capacity of all Urban Local Bodies, from the largest to the smallest, to serve citizens and build partnerships for addressing local challenges.

National Urban Digital Mission Significance

  1. National Urban Digital Mission provides support for existing digital initiatives from MoHUA to offer diverse support to cities and towns, addressing local needs and challenges.
  2. NUDM follows the National Urban Innovation Stack (NUIS), ensuring technology design principles are followed for urban governance. This includes setting standards, specifications, and certifications for people, processes, and platforms.
  3. NUDM aims to strengthen the urban ecosystem by unlocking the power of urban data, enabling cities to tackle complex problems quickly and effectively.

National Urban Digital Mission Initiatives

  • India Urban Data Exchange (IUDX): Developed in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), IUDX secure sharing of urban data across cities and local bodies.
  • SmartCode Platform: A platform designed to provide open-source code for urban governance applications, helping Urban Local Bodies to leverage existing digital solutions and customize them for local needs.
  • New Smart Cities Website 2.0 and Geospatial Management Information System (GMIS): The updated website serves as a central hub for all Smart Cities initiatives, offering easy access to resources, updates, and information related to the mission.

National Urban Digital Mission FAQs

Q1: What is the National Urban Digital Mission Scheme?

Ans: The National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM) was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) with the goal of delivering the municipal services to citizens across towns and cities in India.

Q2: What is the National Urban Mission?

Ans: The National Urban Health Mission delivers comprehensive and inclusive healthcare services, ensuring quality care for all segments of the urban population.

Q3: What is the aim of the Digital India mission?

Ans: The vision of Digital India is to transform the country into a society empowered by digital technology.

Q4: What is the budget of the National Urban Digital Mission?

Ans: The Union Budget for 2024-25 allocated ₹1,450 crore for the programme.

Q5: What is the slogan of the Digital India mission?

Ans: The motto of the Digital India Mission is 'Power to Empower'.

Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), Launch Date, Vision

July 10, 2025
Accessible India Campaign

The Accessible India Campaign is also known as Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan which was launched on 3rd December 2015 by the Prime Minister of India on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The Accessible India Campaign (AIC) aims to create a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities (PwDs). This initiative was promoted by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment focusing on three critical areas: built infrastructure, transportation, and ICT ecosystems.

Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan Vision

The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan Vision is to create a society where PwDs can live independently, safely, and with dignity, free from any physical, social, or infrastructural barriers. The guiding statement is "Accessible India. Empowered India."

Accessible India Campaign Features

  1. Accessibility features provided to 1,630 government buildings, including 1,030 central government facilities. Access audits completed for 1,671 buildings.
  2. 90 airports equipped with accessibility features; 12 have Ambulifts. measures introduced in 709 major railway stations. 29.05% of buses are partially and 5.73% fully accessible.
  3. Television programs are increasingly accessible, with subtitled/sign-language broadcasts on private news and entertainment channels. 627 government websites made accessible.
  4. 71% of government and aided schools (8.33 lakh) are equipped with ramps, handrails, and accessible toilets.
  5. Development of guidebooks on accessibility, including "ACCESS - The Photo Digest" series for public buildings and airports. Sugamya Bharat App launched for accessibility-related grievances, awareness creation, and COVID-19-related support for Divyangjan.

Accessible India Campaign Components

  1. The campaign seeks to make physical environments accessible for all, particularly in indoor and outdoor spaces like schools, healthcare facilities, and workplaces which includes features like ramps, accessible entrances, emergency exits, signage, and proper parking.
  2. The campaign focuses on accessibility across various modes of transportation such as air travel, buses, trains, and taxis. Key objectives include making airports, railway stations, and buses accessible for the disabled people to live with dignity and freedom.
  3. Access to information is an integral part of this campaign which aims to remove barriers to accessing public documents making government documents, railway schedules, healthcare information, and digital content accessible to PwDs.

Accessible India Campaign FAQS

Q1: Who launched the Accessible India Campaign?

Ans: The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) launched the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan).

Q2: What are the objectives of the Accessible India Campaign?

Ans: The objective is to enhance accessibility in government buildings by providing features such as staircases, ramps, double-height handrails, tactile paths, wide entry gates, reserved parking, disabled-friendly toilets, and accessible elevators.

Q3: What is the vision of the Accessible India Campaign launched in 2015?

Ans: The Accessible India Campaign aims to create an accessible physical environment for all by eliminating obstacles and barriers in indoor and outdoor facilities, including schools, medical centers, and workplaces.

Q4: Which ministry is responsible for implementing the Accessible India Campaign?

Ans: DEPwD is responsible for implementing the Accessible India Campaign.

Q5: What is the logo of accessible India?

Ans: The Logo of Accessible India Campaign depicts a person on a wheelchair and is designed with the theme of colours of the Indian Flag.

Admiralty (Jurisdiction & Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017

July 10, 2025
Admiralty (Jurisdiction & Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017

Admiralty (Jurisdiction & Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017 Latest News

The Kerala High Court recently ordered the conditional “arrest” of Liberian container ship MSC Akiteta II, after the Kerala government filed an admiralty suit in the court under Section 4 of the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017.

About Admiralty (Jurisdiction & Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017

  • The Act consolidates the existing laws relating to the admiralty jurisdiction, legal proceedings in connection with the vessels, arrest, detention and sale of the vessel and other matters that are connected or incidental to the admiralty jurisdiction.
  • The Act repeals the following British-era admiralty laws on civil matters:
    • The Admiralty Court Act, 1861;
    • The Colonial Courts of Admiralty Act, 1890;
    • The Colonial Courts of Admiralty (India) Act, 1891; and
    • The provisions of the Letters Patent, 1865, insofar as it applies to the admiralty jurisdiction of the Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras High Courts.

Applicability of the Act

  • The Act applies to every vessel, irrespective of the place of residence or domicile of the owner.
  • Exception to the Applicability: The Act shall not apply to the following vessels-
    • Inland vessel defined in clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Inland Vessels Act, 1917;
    • A vessel under construction that has not been launched unless it is notified by the Central Government to be a vessel for the purposes of the Act;
    • A warship, naval auxiliary, or other vessel owned or operated by the Central or a State Government and used for any non-commercial purpose; and
    • Foreign vessel which is used for any non-commercial purpose as may be notified by the Central Government.

Admiralty Jurisdiction

  • The Act conferred admiralty jurisdiction to eight High including the High Court of Calcutta, Bombay, Madras, Karnataka, Gujarat, Orissa, Kerala and Hyderabad. 
  • The jurisdiction of the High Courts in respect of all maritime claims be exercisable over the waters up to and including the territorial waters of their respective jurisdictions.

Maritime Claims

  • The High Court having admiralty jurisdiction is empowered to determine any question against any vessel relating to a maritime claim arising out of any
    • dispute regarding possession or ownership of a vessel;
    • loss or damage caused by the operation of a vessel;
    • loss of life or personal injury occurring whether on land or on water, in direct connection with the operation of a vessel;
    • loss or damage to or in connection with any goods;
    • agreement relating to the carriage of goods or passengers on board a vessel, whether contained in a charter party or otherwise;
    • agreement relating to the use or hire of the vessel, whether contained in a charter party or otherwise, etc.

Jurisdiction over Vessels (Arrest of Vessels) and Persons

  • Courts with admiralty jurisdiction exercise their authority over both vessels within their territorial waters (jurisdiction in rem) and persons within their territory (jurisdiction in personam). 
  • The usual practice followed by the courts having admiralty jurisdiction to secure the maritime claim is to arrest the vessel. 
  • The main purpose for the arrest of the vessel is to obtain the security for the satisfaction of the judgment.
  • Thus, the High Court having admiralty jurisdiction may order arrest of any vessel if the High Court is satisfied that
    • the owner of the vessel at the time when maritime claim arose is liable for the claim;
    • the claim is based on a mortgage or a charge of the vessel;
    • the claim is related to the possession or ownership of the vessel, etc.
  • Further, a claimant seeking the arrest of a vessel may be required to furnish an unconditional undertaking on the terms determined by the High Court to secure the defendant from any loss or damage that may result due to such arrest (for example, if the arrest is wrongful or unjustified).
  • The Act also provides that the High Court ordering the sale of a vessel can determine any questions relating to the title to the proceeds of the sale.

Source: IE

Admiralty (Jurisdiction & Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017 FAQs

Q1: The Admiralty (Jurisdiction & Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017 primarily deals with:

Ans: Jurisdiction and legal proceedings related to vessels

Q2: The Admiralty jurisdiction under the Admiralty (Jurisdiction & Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017 has been conferred to how many High Courts?

Ans: Eight High Courts including the High Court of Calcutta, Bombay, Madras, Karnataka, Gujarat, Orissa, Kerala and Hyderabad.

Q3: Why is the arrest of a vessel under the Admiralty (Jurisdiction & Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017, primarily done?

Ans: The main purpose for the arrest of the vessel is to obtain the security for the satisfaction of the judgment.

Daily Editorial Analysis 10 July 2025

July 10, 2025
Daily Editorial Analysis

End Custodial Brutality, Begin Criminal Justice Reform

Context

  • In the shadowy corners of Tamil Nadu’s police stations, a quiet horror unfolds, custodial deaths that puncture the very soul of justice.
  • The recent death of Ajith Kumar, a 27-year-old temple guard in Sivaganga, is not an isolated tragedy but a recurring symptom of systemic dysfunction.
  • His haunting last words, ‘I didn’t steal,’ now echo in a society teetering on the edge of moral collapse.
  • Now, it is important to examine the normalisation of custodial violence, the systemic flaws enabling it, and the urgent reforms required to humanise law enforcement and restore the moral contract between the state and its citizens.

The Pattern and Normalisation of Force

  • The Pattern of Violence: Beyond Isolated Incidents
    • Ajith Kumar’s death is part of a distressing continuum of custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu between 2021 and 2025.
    • Vignesh, a 25-year-old in Chennai, died under suspicious circumstances in 2022.
    • Raja, a Dalit cook from Villupuram, succumbed in custody in 2024 after being accused of a petty theft.
    • A 30-year-old autorickshaw driver died in Tiruchi in 2023, and Ajith’s autopsy revealed 44 wounds, cigarette burns, and drug exposure.
    • These are not unfortunate exceptions, they are a grim pattern of state violence met with impunity.
    • They point to a system where brutality has become institutionalised and silence, complicit.
  • Normalisation of Force: Structural Violence Masquerading as Law
    • The repeated occurrence of custodial deaths highlights a deeper issue: the normalisation of force within the policing system.
    • Enforcement has been prioritised over reform.
    • The Tamil Nadu government invests heavily in police infrastructure, but very little in officer welfare, training, or psychological care. Police officers, dealing daily with trauma and stress, are unequipped emotionally to process their realities.
    • This neglect leads to burnout, which often manifests as brutality.
    • When officers become both victims and perpetrators of a broken system, the line between justice and violence disappears.

Urgent Reforms Required to Humanise Law Enforcement

  • Systemic Reforms: Rebalancing the Policing Budget
    • A structural overhaul of the policing budget is overdue. Redirecting even a small percentage, just 5%, towards establishing mental health units, routine counselling, and trauma-informed training could radically transform outcomes for both detainees and officers.
    • Current spending favours equipment and surveillance, but neglects the human beings enforcing the law.
    • Officers are tasked with managing everything from domestic abuse to gang crime, often without the emotional tools to cope.
    • Without intervention, the baton becomes a conduit of unaddressed trauma.
  • Training and Accountability: From Cosmetic to Core Reform
    • The police training curriculum in India remains outdated and inadequate. Designed in a pre-liberalisation context, it fails to address the socio-political complexity of modern India.
    • What is required is a complete revamp that prioritises ethics, human rights, community policing, and trauma-sensitive methods.
    • Moreover, accountability mechanisms remain weak. Suspending a few constables after a death is not justice, it is damage control.
    • India needs a dedicated anti-custodial violence law, one that mandates time-bound investigations, video-recorded interrogations, and oversight by civil society.
  • Reimagining Policing: A Vision of Empathy and Service
    • At the heart of reform lies the need to reimagine the role of the police.
    • The uniform must cease to be a symbol of unyielding authority and instead represent restraint, compassion, and public service.
    • The deaths of Ajith, Vignesh, and Raja are not merely individual tragedies; they are manifestations of a state that has forsaken its responsibility to protect the vulnerable.
    • To uphold the dignity of every citizen, India must shift from reactive punishment to proactive reform.

The Role of Technology: Surveillance as Safeguard

  • Technology can be a powerful ally in the fight against custodial violence, but only if implemented with integrity.
  • CCTV cameras in custody areas should be tamper-proof and subject to real-time audits. Too often, footage is missing or inaccessible when deaths occur.
  • Surveillance must not become a silent spectator to abuse; it must serve as a sentinel of justice, holding both detainees and officers to account.

Conclusion

  • The call for justice cannot be answered posthumously. It must be woven into the policies, training, and ethos of the institutions meant to safeguard democracy.
  • Custodial deaths are not just the failure of law enforcement; they represent the collapse of the state’s moral duty.
  • As Ajith Kumar’s final cry, I didn’t steal, fades into the nation’s conscience, it must become a rallying call for transformation and the time for reform is not tomorrow. It is now.

End Custodial Brutality, Begin Criminal Justice Reform FAQs

Q1. What event did Israel nickname the "Red Wedding"?
Ans. Israel nicknamed its June 2025 strike on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure the "Red Wedding."

Q2. What was Israel’s main goal in attacking Iran?
Ans. Israel’s main goal was to cripple Iran’s nuclear programme and eliminate its top military leadership.

Q3. How did Iran respond to the Israeli attacks?
 Ans. Iran responded with a swift counterattack using drones and ballistic missiles, demonstrating its military resilience.

Q4. What role did the U.S. play in the conflict?
Ans. The United States, under President Trump, launched limited airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and then pushed for a ceasefire.

Q5. Did the war destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities?
Ans.  No, the war did not destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities but only caused a temporary setback.

Source: The Hindu

Israel Has Failed to Solve the Persian Puzzle

Context

  • In the turbulent landscape of West Asian geopolitics, metaphor and reality often merge and the most recent and explosive example of this was the Israeli military strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure in June 2025, which Israeli generals reportedly dubbed the ‘Red Wedding.’
  • This deliberate reference to the infamous massacre from Game of Thrones was not merely rhetorical flair, it signified a calculated attempt to decapitate Iran’s military command and cripple its nuclear capabilities in one swift operation.
  • However, despite the initial operational success, the strike fell short of achieving Israel’s strategic objectives.
  • Instead, it revealed the limits of Israeli power, the resilience of the Iranian state, and the complicated dynamics of global intervention, most notably by the United States.

The Red Wedding Parallel: A Metaphor of Betrayal and Overreach

  • The Red Wedding in Game of Thrones is etched in memory as a treacherous slaughter disguised as a wedding feast, a cunning strike that annihilated House Stark’s military leadership and aspirations for independence.
  • Israel’s naming of its June 2025 attack as the ‘Red Wedding’ was symbolic of its aspiration to pull off a similarly devastating surprise against Iran.
  • Israel aimed to decimate Iran’s nuclear facilities, eliminate its top scientists, and neutralise its military leadership in one brutal stroke.
  • The strategy drew from historical precedent. In 1967, Israel had launched a pre-emptive strike against Egypt’s air force that brought about a rapid and overwhelming victory.
  • The hope was that a similar tactic would lead to Iran’s military paralysis, a weakening of its regional influence, and possibly, regime change.

An Analysis of Operational Success and the Trump Factor

  • Operational Success vs. Strategic Failure
    • Tactically, the Israeli strike was a feat of coordination and precision.
    • Iran's nuclear sites in Natanz and Isfahan were hit, top nuclear scientists were assassinated, and many high-ranking commanders were killed.
    • The attack reflected years of preparation, intensified after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which had plunged Israel into a prolonged regional conflict involving Hezbollah and Iranian proxies across Syria and Lebanon.
    • However, this operational success belied a deeper strategic failure. Unlike Egypt in 1967, Iran proved far more resilient.
    • The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps swiftly reorganised and launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes that exposed vulnerabilities in Israel’s multi-layered, U.S.-supported defence systems.
    • Israel’s illusion of total control was shattered as its reliance on American backing became unmistakable.
  • The Trump Factor and the Limits of U.S. Involvement
    • President Donald Trump’s return to office in 2025 altered the geopolitical calculation.
    • Although Trump ordered U.S. air strikes on Iran’s fortified nuclear facilities, including Fordow, his intervention was brief and heavily politicised.
    • Declaring victory after the strikes, Trump announced a ceasefire, cutting short Israeli aspirations for a longer campaign that might have resulted in regime change.
    • Trump’s reluctance to escalate mirrored a broader American hesitancy to be drawn into another protracted Middle Eastern conflict.

The Resilience of Iran and the Paradox of Deterrence

  • Iran emerged from the 12-day war bloodied but unbroken.
  • Despite severe blows, its leadership and military apparatus survived, and it rapidly began rebuilding.
  • Intelligence reports suggested Iran had pre-emptively dispersed its enriched uranium, and experts like IAEA chief Rafael Grossi acknowledged that Iran retained the industrial capacity to resume enrichment within months.
  • This resilience poses a paradox for Israel.
  • Far from destroying Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the war may have accelerated them.
  • Many in Iran now argue more forcefully for the acquisition of a nuclear weapon, seeing it as the only credible deterrent against future aggression.

The Geopolitical Fallout: Israel in a Strategic Labyrinth

  • For Israel, the aftermath of the conflict has revealed a grim strategic labyrinth.
  • The Red Wedding-style operation failed to eliminate the Iranian regime or its nuclear programme.
  • It exposed Israel’s military dependence on the United States and demonstrated that its conventional deterrence, while effective against Arab states, falters against Iran’s asymmetric and deeply entrenched defence strategies.
  • The Israeli leadership now faces the daunting task of rethinking its long-term strategy toward Iran, caught between the desire to eliminate a perceived existential threat and the reality of limited options.

Conclusion

  • In Game of Thrones, the Red Wedding did not mark the end of House Stark and Arya Stark’s revenge against House Frey served as a reminder of the dangers of incomplete victories.
  • Israel, too, must reckon with this lesson and its inability to rip out Iran’s nuclear and military apparatus root and stem means that the Islamic Republic remains a formidable adversary.
  • The war may have ended on paper with a ceasefire, but the ideological and strategic conflict between Israel and Iran is far from over.
  • With Iran rebuilding its capabilities and potentially drawing closer to a nuclear threshold, Israel’s Red Wedding has morphed from a decisive blow into a cautionary tale, a symbol of hubris, overreach, and the enduring strength of a determined opponent.

Israel Has Failed to Solve the Persian Puzzle FAQs

Q1. What event did Israel nickname the "Red Wedding"?
Ans. Israel nicknamed its June 2025 strike on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure the "Red Wedding."

Q2. What was Israel’s main goal in attacking Iran?
Ans. Israel’s main goal was to cripple Iran’s nuclear programme and eliminate its top military leadership.

Q3. How did Iran respond to the Israeli attacks?
Ans. Iran responded with a swift counterattack using drones and ballistic missiles, demonstrating its military resilience.

Q4. What role did the U.S. play in the conflict?
Ans. The United States, under President Trump, launched limited airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and then pushed for a ceasefire.

Q5. Did the war destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities?
Ans. No, the war did not destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities but only caused a temporary setback.

Source: The Hindu

India’s Critical Minerals Diplomacy - Strategic Engagement through Minilateral ‘Clubs’

Context:

  • India’s participation in global mini-lateral groupings or clubs like the Quad (India, Japan, Australia and the US) and the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) marks a strategic pivot in its mineral diplomacy.
  • This is particularly crucial amid the green energy transition and growing dependency on China for critical minerals.
  • Recently, the Quad foreign ministers launched the Critical Minerals Initiative to secure and diversify mineral supply chains vital for clean technologies.

The Importance of Critical Minerals:

  • Critical minerals are those deemed essential for economic prosperity and national security, and whose supply chains are vulnerable to disruption.
  • Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earths are essential for green technologies — electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels, batteries, and semiconductors.
  • India’s over-reliance on China poses strategic and economic risks, as seen during Beijing’s recent export control on rare earth magnets.

The Need for Strategic Mineral Partnerships in India:

  • Weak domestic ecosystem:
    • Underexplored reserves and a late start in global exploration.
    • Indian firms lack capital and advanced extraction technology.
    • Political risks abroad deter private investment in resource-rich but unstable nations.
  • Bilateral agreements - Scope and shortcomings:
    • Agreements with countries like Argentina and Zambia target exploration and mining, while deals with UAE, UK, and US focus on processing and recycling.
    • Without secure mineral inputs, processing units risk becoming stranded assets.

Mini-lateral 'Clubs' - Strategic Value for India:

  • Role of mini-laterals:
    • Mini-lateral groupings (e.g., Quad, MSP) pool technical, financial, and diplomatic resources.
    • Enable blended finance, export credit access, and co-development of value chain projects.
  • Leveraging foreign expertise:
    • Australia and Japan bring cutting-edge know-how in exploration and refining.
    • Joint efforts help de-risk Indian investments and accelerate clean-tech innovation.

 Risks and Safeguards for India:

  • Avoiding unequal value distribution:
    • India risks being seen as merely a processing or transit hub, while value-added activities shift to developed countries.
    • Must negotiate for technology transfer, IPR sharing, and R&D investment clauses.
  • Guarding against protectionism:
    • Political changes (e.g., Trump’s policies) can disrupt trade and resource-sharing.
    • India must ensure transparent governance, reciprocal obligations, and robust access terms.

Alignment with Domestic Goals and Global Standards:

  • “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”:
    • Aim to build self-reliance in critical minerals and export-driven green industries.
    • Participation in clubs enables compliance with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards and global competitiveness.
  • Championing the Global South:
    • India’s diaspora and historic ties with Africa and Southeast Asia make it a credible bridge between Global North and South.
    • India can push for inclusive development, scientific sovereignty, and fair global norms.

Conclusion:

  • India’s engagement in mineral mini-laterals like the Quad and MSP is essential to secure critical mineral supply chains, reduce dependence on China, and achieve green technology ambitions.
  • As India seeks to become a global green power, it must balance strategic partnerships with national interests, negotiate equitable value chains, and ensure capacity building, in line with its developmental ethos.
  • India should achieve this without becoming extractive or overly reliant on great power blocs.

India’s Critical Minerals Diplomacy - Strategic Engagement through Minilateral ‘Clubs’ FAQs

Q1. Discuss the strategic significance of India’s participation in minilateral groupings such as the Quad and the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) in securing critical mineral supply chains.

Ans. India’s engagement in minilateral forums like the Quad and MSP enables it to secure diversified mineral supply chains through collaborative financing, technological access, and strategic project development, reducing dependence on China.

Q2. Critically evaluate the challenges faced by India in domestic and overseas critical mineral ventures and suggest possible policy interventions.

Ans. India faces challenges such as limited domestic exploration, lack of extraction technology, and investment risks abroad, which require policy support in the form of concessional finance, de-risking mechanisms, and public-private partnerships.

Q3. How can India balance its participation in mineral “clubs” with its national interest and developmental priorities?

Ans. India must negotiate for technology transfer, R&D investment, and equitable value addition while ensuring that foreign collaborations do not undermine domestic capacity building or strategic autonomy.

Q4. Examine the role of critical minerals in India's green transition and its alignment with the objectives of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

Ans. Critical minerals are essential for clean technologies like EVs and solar panels, aligning with India's goals of self-reliant manufacturing and export-driven growth under ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

Q5. In the context of global ESG norms, how can India leverage its leadership in the Global South to shape a more inclusive mineral governance framework?

Ans. India can champion developmental sovereignty and advocate for fair ESG standards by leveraging its partnerships, diaspora ties, and leadership role in the Global South to promote inclusive and balanced mineral governance.

Source: IE

Daily Editorial Analysis 10 July 2025 FAQs

Q1: What is editorial analysis?

Ans: Editorial analysis is the critical examination and interpretation of newspaper editorials to extract key insights, arguments, and perspectives relevant to UPSC preparation.

Q2: What is an editorial analyst?

Ans: An editorial analyst is someone who studies and breaks down editorials to highlight their relevance, structure, and usefulness for competitive exams like the UPSC.

Q3: What is an editorial for UPSC?

Ans: For UPSC, an editorial refers to opinion-based articles in reputed newspapers that provide analysis on current affairs, governance, policy, and socio-economic issues.

Q4: What are the sources of UPSC Editorial Analysis?

Ans: Key sources include editorials from The Hindu and Indian Express.

Q5: Can Editorial Analysis help in Mains Answer Writing?

Ans: Yes, editorial analysis enhances content quality, analytical depth, and structure in Mains answer writing.

Bulgaria

July 10, 2025
Bulgaria

Bulgaria Latest News

European Union ministers gave the final green light for Bulgaria to adopt the euro on January 1, 2026, making it the single currency area’s 21st member.

About Bulgaria

  • It is located in the south eastern region of the European continent, occupying the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula.
  • Bordered by: It is bordered by 5 countries: by Romania in the north; by Turkey and Greece in the south; by North Macedonia in the southwest and by Serbia in the west. It is bounded by the Black Sea in the east.
  • Mountain Ranges: The Balkan Mountains cut across the central part of the country, while the Rhodope Mountains run through southern Bulgaria, along its border with Greece.
  • The highest point in the country, located in the Rila Mountains, is Musala Mt (at 9,594 ft.)
  • Rivers: Major rivers include the Danube River, as it forms the northern border with Romania, and the Iskur, Maritsa, Struma, Tundzha and Yantra rivers.
  • Climate: Most of Bulgaria has a moderate continental climate, which is tempered by Mediterranean influences in the south. 
  • Capital: Sofia

Source: TH

Bulgaria FAQs

Q1: What kind of country is Bulgaria?

Ans: Parliamentary republic

Q2: Does Bulgaria share a border with Ukraine?

Ans: Bulgaria does not share a border with Ukraine.

Q3: What currency does Bulgaria use?

Ans: Bulgarian Lev

Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Dating

July 10, 2025
Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Dating

Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Dating Latest News

The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) has dispatched 23 charcoal samples to the Beta Analytic laboratory in the United States for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) dating.

About Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Dating

  • It is a precise method for measuring the radioactive isotope values of Carbon-14 (C-14). 
  • It involves accelerating the ions to extraordinarily high kinetic energies followed by mass analysis.
  • It is used primarily in determining carbon 14 content of archaeological artifacts and geological samples.
  • It detects atoms of specific elements according to their atomic weights. 
  • There are essentially two parts in the process of radiocarbon dating through accelerator mass spectrometry.
  • The first part involves accelerating the ions to extraordinarily high kinetic energies, and the subsequent step involves mass analysis.
  • Applications: It is most widely used for isotope studies of 14C, which has applications in a variety of fields such as radiocarbon dating, climate studies, and biomedical analysis.

Advantages of Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Dating

  • Sample size: Accelerator mass spectrometers need only as little as 20 milligrams and as high as 500 milligrams for certain samples whereas conventional methods need at least 10 grams in samples.
  • Time: It takes less time to analyze samples for carbon 14 content compared to radiometric dating methods that can take one or two days. 
  • AMS measurements usually achieve higher precision than radiometric dating methods.

Source: TH

Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Dating FAQs

Q1: What does AMS accelerator mass spectrometry do?

Ans: In general, AMS separates a rare radioisotope from stable isotopes and molecular ions of the same mass using a variety of standard nuclear physics techniques.

Q2: What are the three types of radioactive dating?

Ans: Methods used for radiometric dating are uranium-lead dating, potassium-argon dating, rubidium-strontium dating, and radiocarbon dating.

Coartem Baby

July 10, 2025
Coartem Baby

Coartem Baby Latest News

In a major milestone, Swiss authorities have approved Coartem Baby, the first-ever malaria treatment specifically designed for babies and very young children.

About Coartem Baby

  • It is a new drug specifically designed for infants weighing 2–5 kg (newborns to under 6 months) which has formulation of artemether and lumefantrine — that work together to fight the malaria parasite. 
  • It is developed by Novartis, in collaboration with Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and the governments of Britain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the World Bank, and the Rockefeller Foundation.
  • Previously, infants have used formulations meant for older children, increasing the risk of overdose.
  • Eight African countries—Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda—participated in the assessment and clinical trials of Coartem Baby. 
  • Advantages of Coartem Baby: The formulation is designed to dissolve easily, including in breast milk, has a sweet cherry flavour to ease administration.

Key Facts about Malaria

  • It is a life-threatening febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
  • The disease is not contagious, but can be spread through infected blood or contaminated needles.
  • The most dangerous species are Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax.

Symptoms and Risks

  • Symptoms appear 10–15 days after infection and include fever, chills, and headache
  • Severe symptoms can include seizures, difficulty breathing, jaundice, dark urine, and death if untreated.
  • Partial immunity can develop in endemic regions, making diagnosis difficult in some patients.

Source: IE

Coartem Baby FAQs

Q1: What is Coartem syrup used for?

Ans: Coartem is commonly used to treat malaria.

Q2: Which is the first drug ever used to treat malaria?

Ans: Quinine

Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) Scheme

July 10, 2025
Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Developmen

Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) Scheme Latest News

The Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme aims to provide financial support to Prasar Bharati (All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD) for expenses related to expansion and upgradation of its broadcasting infrastructure.

Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) Scheme

The central government will establish Akashvani kendra in Ujjain under the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme.

About Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) Scheme

  • It is a Central Sector Scheme.
  • It aims to provide financial support to Prasar Bharati (All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD) for expenses related to expansion and upgradation of its broadcasting infrastructure, content development and civil work related to the organization.
  • It enable the public broadcaster to undertake a major upgradation of its facilities with better infrastructure which will widen its reach, including in the LWE, border and strategic areas and provide high-quality content to the viewers. 
  • It also focuses on development of high-quality content for both domestic and international audiences.
  • It ensures the availability of diverse content to the viewers by upgradation of the capacity of the DTH platform to accommodate more channels. 

Significance of the Scheme

  • It has potential to generate indirect employment by way of manufacturing and services related to the supply and installation of broadcast equipment.
  • The Scheme will increase coverage of AIR FM transmitters in the country to 66% by geographical area and 80% by population up from 59% and 68% respectively.

Source: PIB

Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme FAQs

Q1: What are the three types of broadcasting?

Ans: Broadcasting can be done via television, radio or the internet.

Q2: Is Prasar Bharati owned by the Indian government?

Ans: Prasar Bharati is an autonomous statutory body established by an Act of Parliament.

SEPECAT Jaguar

July 10, 2025
SEPECAT Jaguar

SEPECAT Jaguar Latest News

Two pilots were killed after a SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed near Churu in Rajasthan recently.

About SEPECAT Jaguar

  • The SEPECAT Jaguar, fondly called 'Shamsher' (Sword of Justice), was a joint venture between the British Aircraft Corporation and the French Breguet Company (now part of Dassault).
  • First introduced in 1968, it is a twin-engine, ground-attack aircraft primarily designed for deep penetration strike missions, especially against high-value ground targets in contested airspace.

SEPECAT Jaguar Features

  • It can carry up to 4,500 kg of payload.
  • The Jaguar can fly at a maximum speed of 1,699 km/h. 
  • It can fly 850 km on its internal fuel tanks, and with an external drop tank, the combat range is increased to 1400 km.
  • It has a max service ceiling of 46,000 ft. 
  • The Jaguar is of monoplane design with an aluminium airframe. 
  • The aircraft is equipped with an in-flight refuelling probe at the starboard side of the front fuselage to execute air refuelling missions even under the worst weather conditions. 
  • It is equipped with spoilers, air brakes, rudder, double-slotted flaps, slats, critical systems, and a bulletproof windscreen.
  • It features an all-digital cockpit enclosed within a glass canopy. The cockpit is equipped with a head-up display, multifunctional display, night vision, and GPS.
  • Other features include a helmet-mounted display, radar altimeters, inertial navigation system, automatic direction finder, information friend or foe, weapon aiming computer and digital data bus.

India’s Jaguar Fleet

  • The first batch of 40 Jaguars was inducted into the IAF in fly-away condition beginning in 1979 and delivered in 1981. 
  • Another 100 were license-built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in 2008.
  • Overall, the IAF has inducted about 160 Jaguars of different variants over the years. 
  • These include the single-seat strike fighter Jaguar IS, the two-seat trainer Jaguar IB, and the naval version Jaguar IM. 
  • The IAF is the world's only air force still flying these low-flying fighter bombers. Today, the IAF operates approximately 120 Jaguar jets in six squadrons.

Source: LMINT

SEPECAT Jaguar FAQs

Q1: What is SEPECAT Jaguar?

Ans: It is a twin-engine, ground-attack aircraft primarily designed for deep penetration strike missions

Q2: SEPECAT Jaguar was a joint venture between which two countries?

Ans: UK and France

Q3: What is the maximum speed of the SEPECAT Jaguar?

Ans: 1,699 km/h

Q4: How many Sepecat Jaguars does India have?

Ans: IAF currently operates approximately 120 Jaguar jets in six squadrons.

India’s “Battery Passport” System

July 10, 2025
India’s "Battery Passport" System

India’s "Battery Passport" System Latest News

India is set to roll out a "Battery Passport" system to give electric vehicle (EV) owners detailed digital information about the batteries in use.

About India’s "Battery Passport" System

  • It is a system to give electric vehicle (EV) owners detailed digital information about the batteries in use.
  • The system will digitally record each battery’s specifications — including its source, composition, performance, lifecycle, and supply chain — and embed this data in a QR code.
  • A battery passport serves as an Aadhaar identity of sorts, with every battery having a unique ID that provides all information on the product.
  • The initiative is expected to enhance safety and quality benchmarks while also boosting India's EV export potential. 
  • The system will also play a key role in the upcoming battery-swapping policy, enabling users to retrieve battery details by scanning the QR code printed on them.
  • Once the battery passport system is implemented, it will be possible to ensure that cells in any battery are manufactured in the same year.
  • Through it, users will get to know about the lifecycle and performance of batteries, which is key considering they account for nearly 40% of the costs of EVs.

Source: ET

India’s "Battery Passport" System FAQs

Q1: What is the primary purpose of India's "Battery Passport" system?

Ans: To digitally record battery specifications and performance.

Q2: What data is embedded in the QR code of a battery under the Battery Passport system?

Ans: Battery’s source, composition, performance, and lifecycle.

Q3: What analogy is often used to describe the role of a Battery Passport?

Ans: Approximately what percentage of an electric vehicle's (EVs) cost is attributed to its battery?

Nistar

July 10, 2025
Nistar

Nistar Latest News

Recently, the ‘Nistar’ vessel was delivered by Hindustan Shipyard Limited to the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam.

About Nistar

  • It is the first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel.
  • The ship’s name, ‘Nistar’, originates from Sanskrit and means liberation, rescue or salvation. 
  • The warship has been designed and built as per classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
  • The ship is highly specialised and can undertake Deep Sea Diving and Rescue Operations – a capability with select Navies across the globe.

Features of Nistar

  • The ship, measuring 118 m with a tonnage of nearly 10,000 tons, is installed with state-of-the-art Diving Equipment and has the capability to undertake Deep Sea Saturation Diving up to 300 m depth.
  • The ship also has a Side Diving Stage for undertaking Diving Operations up to 75 m depth.
  • The ship will also serve as the ‘Mother Ship’ for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), to rescue and evacuate personnel, in case of an emergency in a submarine underwater.
  • The ship is equipped with a combination of Remotely Operated Vehicles to undertake Diver Monitoring and Salvage Operations up to a depth of 1000 m.
  • It contains nearly 75% indigenous content, is yet another milestone in the Indian Navy’s quest for indigenous construction and is in line with the GoI’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make in India campaign.

Source: PIB

Nistar FAQs

Q1: What does the Indian Register of Shipping do?

Ans: IRS carries out statutory design appraisal, surveys and certification work on behalf of Flag States, when so authorised by the Governments of such states via the International Maritime Organisation Conventions and Codes .

Q2: Where is the headquarter of Indian Register of Shipping?

Ans: Powai, Mumbai.

Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS)

July 10, 2025
Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS)

Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System Latest News

Indigenously made Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) will replace the vintage and smaller calibre guns, with the Defence Ministry recently calling the project an "exemplary mission mode success".

About Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System

  • It is a large-calibre gun system with the capability to program and fire future Long Range Guided Munitions (LRGM) to achieve precision and deep strike.
  • It has been indigenously designed and developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), the Pune-based laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  • The production partners of these ATAGS are two private sector companies–Pune-based Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems.
  • It will replace the vintage and smaller-calibre guns and enhance the artillery capabilities of the Indian Army.

Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System Features

  • This 155 mm, 52-calibre gun system boasts an impressive range of over 40 km, placing it among the longest-range towed artillery systems globally. 
  • The gun can fire all types of 155 mm ammunition, including high-explosive, precision-guided, smoke, and illumination shells. 
  • It boasts an enhanced firing rate of five rounds per minute and can sustain 60 rounds per hour.
  • It also has the shoot-and-scoot capability and is also the first of its kind gun which is capable of achieving the shortest minimum range at a high angle.
  • The gun is towed by a 6×6 platform, providing excellent mobility across varied terrains. 
  • Its all-electric drive system ensures higher reliability and reduces wear and tear compared to traditional hydraulic systems.
  • The ATAGS is also designed to operate in extreme temperatures.

Source: BS

Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System FAQs

Q1: The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) has been developed by which organization?

Ans: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

Q2: What is the calibre of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS)?

Ans: 155 mm

Q3: What is the maximum range of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS)?

Ans: Over 40 km

Q4: Which two private sector companies are involved in the production of Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS)?

Ans: Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems

Catastrophe Bonds – Innovative Financial Tools for Disaster Resilience in India

July 10, 2025
Catastrophe Bonds

Catastrophe Bonds Latest News

India is exploring the use of catastrophe bonds as an innovative financial instrument to strengthen disaster risk financing and enhance climate resilience amid the rising frequency of natural disasters.

Introduction

  • As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of natural disasters, countries like India are increasingly vulnerable to financial shocks arising from catastrophic events such as cyclones, floods, and earthquakes. 
  • While traditional insurance coverage remains sparse, especially for individuals and small businesses, innovative financial tools such as catastrophe bonds or cat bonds offer a promising solution for governments to transfer disaster risk to global capital markets and ensure quicker post-disaster recovery.

Understanding Catastrophe Bonds

  • Catastrophe bonds are hybrid financial instruments that combine features of insurance and debt. They allow at-risk entities, usually sovereign states, to transfer defined disaster risks to investors. 
  • In the event of a predefined natural disaster, investors lose a part or all of their principal, which is then used for post-disaster relief and reconstruction. 
  • If no disaster occurs during the bond's tenure, investors receive their principal back along with a relatively high coupon (interest) rate.
  • These bonds effectively turn a country’s hazard exposure into a tradable security, opening access to a wider pool of capital beyond traditional insurers and reinsurers. 
  • This reduces counterparty risk and enables faster payouts, essential in times of crisis.

Key Stakeholders and Mechanism

  • Cat bonds are typically:
    • Sponsored by sovereign governments, who pay premiums.
    • Issued through intermediaries, such as the World Bank or Asian Development Bank, to reduce issuance risks.
    • Purchased by global investors, including pension funds, hedge funds, and family offices, who are attracted by high returns and the diversification benefits of non-market correlated risks.
  • The risk level and frequency of disaster occurrence directly influence coupon rates. For instance, earthquake-related bonds often offer lower premiums (1-2%) compared to those covering cyclones or hurricanes.

Global Adoption and Profitability

  • Since their inception in the late 1990s following major hurricanes in the U.S., catastrophe bonds have seen over $180 billion in issuances globally, with approximately $50 billion currently outstanding. 
  • Their appeal lies in diversification: natural hazard risks are statistically independent of traditional financial risks, making cat bonds valuable for risk-averse portfolios.
  • Moreover, Nobel laureate Harry Markowitz’s emphasis on diversification aligns with the strategic rationale for including cat bonds in investment portfolios. 
  • Their unique risk-return profile complements conventional assets, especially during market downturns.

India’s Need for Cat Bonds

  • India faces an increasingly precarious climate future with rising occurrences of floods, cyclones, forest fires, and earthquakes. 
  • Yet, disaster insurance coverage remains low. This exposes vast segments of the population to irreversible economic loss, while placing a significant burden on public finances for reconstruction.
  • Sponsoring cat bonds could help India:
    • Ring-fence public expenditure for disaster recovery.
    • Leverage its strong sovereign credit profile to negotiate favourable terms.
    • Transfer risk away from the government to global investors, ensuring immediate access to relief funds when needed.
  • India’s proactive disaster management steps, including an annual allocation of Rs. 15,000 crore ($1.8 billion) for mitigation and capacity building, could further lower bond premiums.

Regional Collaboration through South Asian Cat Bonds

  • India is well-positioned to lead the creation of a regional catastrophe bond framework for South Asia. This could:
    • Spread risk across multiple countries
    • Reduce overall premium costs
    • Foster financial preparedness across the region
  • Such a bond could cover high-impact hazards like:
    • Earthquakes across India, Nepal, and Bhutan
    • Cyclones and tsunamis are affecting India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka
  • By pooling diverse risks across geographies, a South Asian cat bond would be more attractive to investors and more robust in coverage.

Challenges and Considerations

  • Despite their promise, cat bonds are not without drawbacks:
    • Poorly designed bonds may miss payouts due to rigid trigger conditions. For example, a bond triggered only by earthquakes above 6.6 magnitude may not activate for a 6.5 event, even if damage is severe.
    • Governments may question the cost-benefit ratio if no disasters occur during the bond period, leading to a perception of wasted premium payments.
  • Therefore, India must evaluate:
    • Transparent cost comparisons with historical disaster recovery expenditures.
    • Carefully calibrated payout thresholds and coverage areas.
    • Engagement with credible intermediaries and risk modellers.

Source: TH

Catastrophe Bonds FAQs

Q1: What is a catastrophe bond?

Ans: A catastrophe bond is a financial instrument that transfers disaster risk from a sponsor, like a government, to investors.

Q2: Who typically invests in cat bonds?

Ans: Investors include pension funds, hedge funds, and family offices seeking high returns and portfolio diversification.

Q3: Why should India consider sponsoring a cat bond?

Ans: Cat bonds can help India secure rapid post-disaster funds, reduce insurance burden, and protect public finances.

Q4: How do cat bonds compare to traditional insurance?

Ans: Cat bonds offer faster payouts, lower counterparty risks, and access to global capital markets, unlike conventional insurance.

Q5: Can cat bonds be used at a regional level in South Asia?

Ans: Yes, India could lead a South Asian cat bond covering regional hazards, improving risk-sharing and financial resilience.

India’s Global South Strategy: Balancing Leadership, Leverage & Diplomacy

July 10, 2025
India Global South Strategy

India Global South Strategy Latest News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's July 2–9 visit to Brazil for the BRICS summit was his longest in 11 years, including four additional stops—Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, and Namibia—underscoring India’s strategic outreach to the Global South.

Global South

  • The Global South refers to countries primarily in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania that are often characterized by lower levels of economic development, colonial histories, and a shared interest in reforming global governance to be more equitable. 
  • While not a strictly geographical term, it contrasts with the "Global North," which includes wealthier, industrialized nations like those in North America and Western Europe.
    • Australia and New Zealand, both in the southern hemisphere, are not in the Global South.
  • The term has gained currency in international relations and diplomacy to signify a collective identity among developing countries, especially in forums like the BRICS, G77, and the Non-Aligned Movement. 
  • These countries often advocate for fairer trade terms, technology transfer, climate justice, and a multipolar world order.
  • India has positioned itself as a key voice of the Global South, especially through initiatives like the Voice of Global South Summit, aiming to amplify the concerns of developing nations on global platforms such as the G20.

India as the Leader of the Global South

  • India has been actively working to project itself as a bridge between the developed and developing worlds, and to emerge as the voice and leader of the Global South.
  • Hosting the Voice of Global South Summits
    • In 2023 and 2024, India hosted the Voice of Global South Summits, bringing together over 120 developing countries to discuss common concerns such as climate change, debt crisis, food and energy insecurity, and digital divide.
  • Leveraging G20 Presidency (2023)
    • India used its G20 presidency to champion the cause of the Global South, advocating for inclusive growth, equitable development, and debt relief for poor nations.
    • It succeeded in pushing for the African Union's permanent membership in G20 — a significant diplomatic move that cemented India's leadership credentials.
  • Development Partnerships
    • India continues to expand its development assistance and capacity-building programs in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
  • Countering China's Influence
    • India seeks to offer an alternative model of development to China's Belt and Road Initiative — one that is less debt-driven and more transparent.
  • Moral and Historical Positioning
    • Drawing from its non-aligned legacy and role in founding the NAM (Non-Aligned Movement), India invokes its history of anti-colonial solidarity to align with the aspirations of the Global South.

India’s Gaza Stance Strains Ties with Global South

  • India’s pro-Israel position during the Gaza war post-October 7, 2023, has led to concerns among Global South nations. 
  • This shift was reflected in India’s defeat to Pakistan in the UNESCO Executive Board vice-chair election, and reduced high-level participation in India’s Second Voice of the Global South summit. 
  • Many developing countries now perceive India as aligning with major powers and not speaking out against Israel’s actions in Gaza.

India Shifts Tone on Israel to Safeguard Global South Ties

  • At the BRICS foreign ministers’ meet in June 2024 and again at the July 2025 BRICS summit, India joined in sharply criticising Israel's actions in Gaza, marking its strongest multilateral rebuke yet. 
  • These statements also condemned strikes on Iran, signalling India’s strategic balancing between its ties with Israel and its aspirations for leadership within the Global South. 
  • While Israel remains a key defence partner, many Global South nations view its actions in Gaza critically — pushing India to recalibrate its stance to maintain influence in the bloc.

India Secures BRICS Support on Terror, Balances Gains Amid Gaza-Iran Trade-off

  • During the BRICS summit in Rio, India achieved a diplomatic win by getting the grouping — including China — to strongly condemn the Pahalgam terror attack and affirm support against cross-border terrorism and terror financing. 
  • This came despite prior skepticism from several Global South nations over India’s Operation Sindoor strikes in Pakistan. 
  • To counter that narrative, India sent multi-party delegations to explain its stance. 
  • While New Delhi gained crucial language on terrorism in the BRICS declaration, it had to accommodate concessions on Gaza and Iran-related paragraphs.

Source: IE | ToI

India Global South Strategy FAQs

Q1: What is India’s Global South strategy?

Ans: India seeks to lead the Global South by bridging North-South gaps, promoting equity, and building diplomatic partnerships.

Q2: What role did India’s G20 presidency play?

Ans: India used its G20 presidency to advocate for debt relief, equitable growth, and secured AU’s permanent G20 membership.

Q3: Why did India recalibrate its Gaza stance?

Ans: To regain support from Global South nations, India criticized Israel's Gaza actions in BRICS multilateral forums.

Q4: How does India counter China’s influence?

Ans: India offers transparent development models and assistance, challenging China’s debt-heavy Belt and Road Initiative.

Q5: How did India secure BRICS support on terrorism?

Ans: Despite prior skepticism, India got BRICS to condemn cross-border terror and support anti-terror financing measures.

Reforming the UNFCCC Process – Challenges, Criticisms, and Proposals

July 10, 2025
UNFCCC

UNFCCC Latest News

  • The article discusses the ongoing credibility crisis in international climate negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). 
  • Despite repeated conferences and global commitments, progress on climate action has been limited, especially regarding climate justice for developing nations. 
  • The article evaluates the structural inefficiencies of the UNFCCC, highlights reform demands, and outlines Brazil’s efforts to revive confidence in the process ahead of COP30.

About the UNFCCC

  • The UNFCCC is the UN process for negotiating an agreement to limit dangerous climate change. 
  • It is an international treaty among countries to combat dangerous human interference with the climate system. The main way to do this is limiting the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
  • It was signed in 1992 by 154 states at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), informally known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro. The treaty entered into force on 21 March 1994.
  • "UNFCCC" is also the name of the Secretariat charged with supporting the operation of the convention, with offices on the UN Campus in Bonn, Germany.
  • By 2022, the UNFCCC had 198 parties, and its supreme decision-making body, the Conference of the Parties (COP), meets every year. 

Background - The UNFCCC Credibility Crisis

  • Failure to deliver climate justice:
    • Developed countries have failed to meet emission targets and financial commitments.
    • Developing nations, especially small islands and vulnerable states, feel ignored in negotiations. Complaints include being left out of decision-making and lack of accountability for developed nations.
  • US withdrawal impact:
    • The withdrawal of the United States under Trump’s administration eroded trust in climate negotiations.
    • Led to a perception that the process of climate negotiations is ineffective and increasingly irrelevant.

Bonn Climate Meeting and the Road to COP30

  • Bonn (Germany) climate meet (June 2025):
    • It is held annually to prepare for COP summits.
    • This year’s focus is on rebuilding confidence in the process before COP30 in Brazil.
  • Brazil’s leadership role: As COP30 host, Brazil is proactively seeking reforms by floating a 30-point ideas list, aiming to make negotiations more inclusive and efficient.

Key Reform Proposals

  • Structural streamlining: To - 
    • Eliminate overlapping agenda items.
    • Shorten negotiation time.
    • Limit delegation sizes to avoid crowding and dominance by wealthier nations.
  • Limit on host countries:
    • Proposals to bar countries with poor climate action records (like fossil fuel dependency) from hosting COPs.
    • Backlash against hosting COPs in oil-dependent states like the UAE (Dubai, COP28) and Azerbaijan (Baku, COP29).
  • Mainstreaming UNFCCC:
    • Brazil’s idea to hold discussions in other multilateral forums (e.g., UN agencies, financial institutions).
    • Proposal for alternate mechanisms that complement UNFCCC and speed up implementation.

Developing Nations’ Demand - More Climate Finance

  • Finance deficit:
    • The biggest hurdle for developing countries is the lack of adequate climate finance.
    • To fulfill the 2015 Paris Agreement, developed countries are required to collectively mobilize at least $100 billion annually to assist developing nations in climate action. 
    • However, their recent pledge at the Baku meeting fell short, offering only $300 billion per year starting from 2035, while the actual needs of developing countries are estimated at $1.3 trillion annually. 
  • Bonn meeting outcome:
    • Developing nations (like BRICS) have demanded more urgent and increased financial support, calling on developed countries to honor their UNFCCC and Paris Agreement financial commitments.
    • They demanded a decision on a new climate finance goal, emphasizing the urgent need for accessible, predictable, and sustained finance flows.

Civil Society and Observers’ Role

  • Civil society groups must push for more transparent, inclusive negotiations.
  • Demand for a restructured format of the COP meetings that limits the influence of fossil-fuel-dependent entities/ companies.

Conclusion

  • Despite strong proposals and Brazil’s leadership, major structural reforms to the UNFCCC process are unlikely to be adopted soon due to lack of consensus and entrenched interests.
  • However, these efforts represent an important push to make global climate governance more accountable, inclusive, and action-oriented.

Source: IE

UNFCCC FAQs

Q1: Examine the major structural limitations of the UNFCCC process that have hindered effective global climate action.

Ans: The UNFCCC process suffers from overlapping agenda items, lack of accountability for developed countries, limited participation of smaller delegations, and an absence of enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with climate commitments.

Q2: Discuss the significance of Brazil’s role as the host of COP30 in pushing for UNFCCC reforms.

Ans: As the COP30 host, Brazil has taken a proactive role by floating a 30-point reform proposal aimed at streamlining negotiations, mainstreaming climate action, and enhancing participation from developing nations.

Q3: How has the issue of climate finance emerged as a critical point of contention between developed and developing countries in global climate negotiations?

Ans: Developing countries have consistently highlighted the lack of adequate and predictable climate finance as a key barrier to implementing mitigation and adaptation actions, while developed countries have failed to fulfill their financial commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Q4: Critically analyze the proposal to bar fossil fuel–dependent countries from hosting COP meetings.

Ans: The proposal aims to prevent countries with poor climate action records from hosting COPs to avoid legitimacy issues, but it also raises concerns over inclusivity and geopolitical fairness in climate governance.

Q5: Evaluate the role of civil society and observer groups in advocating for reforms within the UNFCCC framework.

Ans: Civil society and observer groups have demanded greater transparency, inclusivity, and restrictions on the fossil fuel lobby’s influence, contributing significantly to the push for more equitable and accountable climate negotiations.

India’s Gini Index Debate: Measuring Inequality the Right Way

July 10, 2025
Gini Index India Inequality

Gini Index India Inequality Latest News

  • A government release claimed that India is now the world's fourth most equal country, citing a Gini Index of 25.5 from the World Bank’s Poverty and Equity Brief. 
  • This, it said, reflects that the benefits of economic growth are being shared more evenly. 
  • However, this claim—ranking India just behind Slovak Republic, Slovenia, and Belarus—has been contested by academics and observers, many of whom regard India as a country with high inequality. 
  • The Gini Index measures income inequality on a scale from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality).

Data Discrepancy and Omitted Caveats

  • The government's claim citing the World Bank’s Gini Index of 25.5 omits critical qualifiers from the World Bank’s Poverty and Equity Brief. 
  • The brief notes that inequality may be underestimated due to data limitations. 
  • In contrast, the World Inequality Database indicates that income inequality in India has risen, with the Gini Index increasing from 52 in 2004 to 62 in 2023. 
  • It also highlights high wage disparity, with the top 10% earning 13 times more than the bottom 10% in 2023–24. 
  • Thus, the official narrative fails to capture the full and accurate picture of inequality.

Why Consumption-Based Gini Understates Inequality

  • The consumption-based Gini Index shows lower inequality because it measures variations in spending, not earnings or wealth. 
  • Income inequality reflects broader disparities, as higher earners often save more, reducing their consumption gap with others. 
  • Consequently, using consumption data underestimates real inequality.
  • Experts caution against comparing India’s consumption-based Gini with other countries that use income-based measures, calling such comparisons misleading and inaccurate.

Why Survey Data Fails to Reflect True Inequality in India

  • Despite a general improvement in overall economic indicators, the gap between India’s richest 1% and the bottom 10% is widening. 
  • However, most surveys fail to reflect this rising inequality due to two key limitations:
    • Differential Non-Response: The richest sections of society are far less likely to respond to surveys, leading to underrepresentation.
    • Sampling Bias: Standard survey methodologies rarely capture members of the top 1%, whose wealth significantly skews inequality data.
  • Because of these issues, survey-based Gini Index values systematically underestimate inequality. 
  • To address this, researchers often integrate survey data with tax records, especially income tax data, to more accurately estimate the wealth of the top 1%. 
  • This approach is used in the World Inequality Database, which shows that inequality in India has increased sharply over the years, contradicting the government’s claims of being one of the most equal societies.

Problems with Gini Index

  • The Gini Index, while widely used, has notable limitations in capturing the full scope of inequality. 
  • It is less sensitive to changes at the extreme ends — the very rich and very poor — and is more responsive to variations in the middle-income groups. 
  • This makes it an incomplete measure, especially in societies with stark disparities.
  • Experts have, for decades, advocated for the use of additional indicators alongside the Gini to get a fuller picture of inequality. 
  • Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee has noted that while the Gini is hard to interpret, its global trend signals a rise in income inequality across all countries.

The Need for Broader Measures to Gauge Inequality

  • To truly understand and address rising inequality, governments must move beyond consumption-based Gini indices. 
  • Relying solely on these can create a misleading picture of declining inequality, even when income and wealth disparities are actually growing. 
  • A comprehensive approach using income tax and wealth data is essential for accurately capturing inequality and crafting effective policy responses.

Source: IE

Gini Index India Inequality FAQs

Q1: What is India’s Gini Index as per the government?

Ans: The government claims a Gini Index of 25.5, making India one of the most equal societies globally.

Q2: Why is consumption-based Gini misleading?

Ans: It underestimates inequality by ignoring income and wealth gaps, especially among top earners.

Q3: How does survey data fail to capture inequality?

Ans: Surveys miss the top 1% due to non-response and sampling bias, underrepresenting true wealth distribution.

Q4: What do experts say about the Gini Index?

Ans: Experts like Abhijit Banerjee find the Gini Index hard to interpret and insensitive to extreme inequality.

Q5: What’s a better way to measure inequality?

Ans: Combining survey data with income tax records gives a clearer picture of top earners’ income and wealth.

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