2026 for January 1970

SCALP Missile

February 10, 2026

SCALP Missile Latest News

India and France are in discussions to finalise a major deal for the procurement of SCALP cruise missiles, following their successful use by the IAF in precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor last year.

About SCALP Missile

The SCALP missile, also known as Storm Shadow, is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile.
It was developed together by France and the United Kingdom.
It is in service with multiple NATO and allied air forces.

SCALP Missile Features

The missile has a launch weight of around 1,300 kg and a length of approximately 5.10 m.
It is powered by turbojet engines and has a range of 250 km.
The missile has a tandem warhead configuration, comprising a shaped charge for initial penetration and a secondary high-explosive charge for enhanced lethality.
Its stealth design and advanced navigation system (INS, GPS, and terrain referencing) allow it to fly low, evade detection, and strike deep into enemy territory.
On approaching the target, its onboard infrared seeker matches the target image with the stored picture to ensure a precision strike and minimal collateral damage.
Capable of night and all-weather operations, SCALP is particularly effective for penetrating hardened bunkers and ammunition stores.

Source: MC

SCALP Missile FAQs

Q1: What is the SCALP missile?

Ans: SCALP, also known as Storm Shadow, is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile.

Q2: Which countries jointly developed the SCALP (Storm Shadow) missile?

Ans: It was jointly developed by France and the United Kingdom.

Q3: What is the operational range of the SCALP missile?

Ans: The SCALP missile has a range of about 250 kilometres.

Q4: What kind of warhead configuration does the SCALP missile carry?

Ans: It carries a tandem warhead with a shaped charge for penetration and a secondary high-explosive charge.

Dragon Hole

February 10, 2026

Dragon Hole Latest News

The Sansha Yongle Blue Hole, also known as the Dragon Hole, sits in the South China Sea and has drawn scientific attention for more than a decade.

About Dragon Hole

The Dragon Hole is the popular name for the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole, a massive marine sinkhole in the South China Sea.
- Blue holes are steep-sided underwater cavities, often formed in limestone landscapes, that later flooded as sea levels rose.
It is the deepest known underwater sinkhole in the world.
It is about 25 kilometers from the Discovery Reef in the South China Sea.
The local fishermen call it the‘eye’of the South China Sea.
It is believed to be 301.19 meters deep, beating Dean's Blue Hole in the Bahamas by almost 100 meters.
The almost vertical blue hole measures 130 meters in diameter at its surface entrance and 36 meters at its very bottom, where there is literally no water flow or exchange with the rest of the ocean.
Water in the lower part of a deep blue hole like Dragon Hole is stagnant and anoxic with nearly no water circulation and thus unfavorable for most sea life, but nonetheless can support large colonies of bacteria.
However, at least 20 ocean species thrive in the upper section of the hole, where there is a unique ecosystem characterized by ample oxygen and nutrients.

Source: TOI

Dragon Hole FAQs

Q1: What is the Dragon Hole?

Ans: The Dragon Hole is the popular name for the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole, a massive marine sinkhole.

Q2: Where is the Dragon Hole located?

Ans: It is located in the South China Sea.

Q3: Why is the Dragon Hole significant globally?

Ans: It is the deepest known underwater sinkhole in the world.

Q4: What is the estimated depth of the Dragon Hole?

Ans: It is believed to be about 301.19 metres deep.

Mons Mouton

February 10, 2026

Mons Mouton Latest News

Scientists from ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC) have identified a landing zone in the rugged south polar region of the Moon called Mons Mouton for India’s first lunar sample return mission, Chandrayaan-4.

About Mons Mouton

Mons Mouton is a mountain about 6,000 meters high located near the South Pole of the Moon.
Its peak is largely flat, which is favorable for landing.
It is situated in the South Circumpolar Region (SCR) of the Moon.
It is officially named Mons Mouton after NASA mathematician and computer programmer Melba Roy Mouton.
It is believed to be positioned on the rim of the South-Pole-Aitken basin. (the largest and most ancient impact basin on the Moon).
According to scientists, this area is also important because it receives sunlight for a long time.

Importance of Mons Mouton Area

The Mons Mouton area is of particular scientific interest because it lies near permanently shadowed craters believed to contain water-ice deposits.
Studying samples from this region could help scientists better understand the Moon’s geological history and the distribution of lunar resources.
Radio communication with Earth also remains clear from this region, which prevents any major contact issues during the mission.

Source: TH

Mons Mouton FAQs

Q1: Where is Mons Mouton located?

Ans: On the Moon

Q2: Why is Mons Mouton significant?

Ans: It's a potential landing site for future lunar missions

Swavalambini Scheme

February 10, 2026

Swavalambini Scheme Latest News

Recently, the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship informed the Lok Sabha about the Swavalambini Scheme.

About Swavalambini Scheme

It is a woman Entrepreneurship Programme which empowers young women with the skills and confidence needed to establish their own businesses.
It introduces a structured, multi-stage training approach to help young women transition from ideation to successful enterprise creation.
It aims to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among female students, equipping them with awareness of available support mechanisms, schemes, resources and networks essential for pursuing entrepreneurship as a career.
It is implemented through National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), Noida and Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati.
Programme Structure

- Target group: 1200 female students from Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) and Universities
- Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP): The female students undergo an introductory programme on entrepreneurial awareness through an entrepreneurial awareness programme.
- Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP): Out of these 1200, 600 undergo this programme which covers business aspects like skilling, finance, market linkages, compliance, and networking
- This is followed by 21 weeks of mentorship and handholding support to help participants translate their ideas into sustainable enterprises.
Support: MSDE will oversee the execution, supervision, and monitoring of the programme. NITI Aayog will provide mentoring support, facilitate seed funding, and recognize successful entrepreneurs through the Award To Reward (ATR) initiative.

Source: PIB

Swavalambini Scheme FAQs

Q1: Who launched the Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme?

Ans: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)

Q2: What is the primary goal of Swavalambini Scheme?

Ans: To empower young women with entrepreneurial skills

Ethylene Glycol

February 10, 2026

Ethylene Glycol Latest News

Recently, the government of Tamil Nadu issued a public notice against a batch of Almond Kit syrup, after laboratory tests detected adulteration with ethylene glycol.

About Ethylene Glycol

It is the simplest member of the glycol family of organic compounds.
Properties:
- It is a colourless, odourless, slightly viscous liquid with a faintly sweet taste.
- It mixes easily with water and alcohol, and does not evaporate quickly.
- It remains stable over a wide temperature range, and is inexpensive to manufacture.
- Impact of Human Health: Ethylene glycol metabolism produces toxic metabolites that can cause significant morbidity and mortality if left untreated.

Applications of Ethylene Glycol

It is used to make antifreeze and de-icing solutions for cars, airplanes, and boats.
It is also used in hydraulic brake fluids and inks used in stamp pads, ballpoint pens, and print shops.
It is also used as a reagent in making polyesters, explosives, alkyd resins, and synthetic waxes.

Source: TH

Ethylene Glycol FAQ's

Q1: What is Ethylene Glycol commonly used for?

Ans: Antifreeze in vehicles

Q2: What is a common symptom of Ethylene Glycol poisoning?

Ans: Nausea and vomiting, Increased urination and Seizures

Mangrove Clam

February 10, 2026

Mangrove Clam Latest News

Recently, the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has successfully achieved captive breeding of the mangrove clam (Geloina erosa).

About Mangrove Clam

Mangrove clams, commonly known as mud clams, locally called 'Kandal Kakka' in northern Kerala.
It belongs to the genus Polymesoda or Geloina.
Habitat: They are found in muddy, brackish, and even nearly freshwater regions within mangrove swamps.
Distribution: These are widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific region.

Characteristics of Mangrove Clam

It is a burrowing bivalve inhabiting organic-rich muddy substrates in intertidal mangrove ecosystems.
This species displays remarkable tolerance, enabling them to thrive across a broad spectrum of salinity levels.
Life cycle: The life cycle of the clam consists of four distinct phases: larval stage, spat, juvenile and adult clam.
Feeding behavior: It is a filter-feeding species, primarily active during low-tide immersion stages characterized by frequent inundation.
Ecological Role: It plays a crucial ecological role by recycling nutrients, stabilising sediments and strengthening mangrove ecosystems,
It provides food security and livelihoods in coastal regions.
Threats: In India, particularly along the east coast and in island regions, wild stocks have been steadily declining due to indiscriminate harvesting, habitat degradation, pollution and coastal development.

Source: Business Line

Mangrove clam FAQs

Q1: Where are Mangrove Clams typically found?

Ans: Mangrove forests

Q2: What is a clam's primary food source?

Ans: Organic particles in the correct size range are either plankton, detritus (decaying plant material), or bacteria.

Key Facts about Eritrea

February 10, 2026

Eritrea Latest News

Recently, Ethiopia ordered neighbouring Eritrea to "immediately withdraw its troops" from Ethiopian territory.

About Eritrea

Location: It is located in the Horn of Africa.
Bordering Countries: It is bordered with Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti to the south, west, and southeast respectively.
Bordering Seas: It has an extensive coastline on the Red Sea to the north and east.
It is a member country of the African Union, COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa).
Capital City: Asmara

Geographical Features of Eritrea

Climate: The climate of Eritrea is tropical desert on the coast and the eastern plain, mild semiarid in the mountainous belt and tropical semiarid in the south-west.
Highest Peak: Mount Emba Soira is Eritrea's highest point, reaching an elevation of 3,018 meters (9,902 feet).
Major Rivers: Notable rivers in Eritrea include the Tekezé, Mereb, and Barka
Islands: It includes the Dahlak Archipelago and several of the Hanish Islands.
Natural Resources: It mainly consists of copper, potash, zinc, oil, natural gas, cement, gypsum, granite, marble, ceramics, limestone, and iron ore.

Source: TH

Eritrea FAQs

Q1: Where is Eritrea located?

Ans: East Africa

Q2: What is the capital of Eritrea?

Ans: Asmara

HbA1c Test

February 10, 2026

HbA1c Test Latest News

A new study has found that glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), a laboratory test commonly used in India for detecting type-2 diabetes, may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels.

About HbA1c Test

A hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test is a blood test that shows your average level of blood glucose, also called blood sugar, over the past two to three months.
- Glucose is a type of sugar in your blood that comes from the foods you eat. Your cells use glucose for energy.
- A hormone called insulin helps glucose get into your cells.
- If you have diabetes, your body doesn't make enough insulin, or your cells don't use it well.
- As a result, glucose can't get into your cells, so your blood glucose levels increase.
- Glucose in your blood sticks to hemoglobin, a protein in your red blood cells (RBCs).
- As your blood glucose levels increase, more of your hemoglobin will be coated with glucose.
An A1C test measures the percentage of your RBCs that have glucose-coated hemoglobin.
An A1C test can show your average glucose level for the past three months because:
- Glucose sticks to hemoglobin for as long as the RBCs are alive.
- RBCs live about three months.
High A1C levels are a sign of high blood glucose from diabetes.
Diabetes can cause serious health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
But with treatment and lifestyle changes, you can control your blood glucose levels.

Source: ET

HbA1c Test FAQs

Q1: What is the HbA1c test?

Ans: The HbA1c test is a blood test that shows the average blood glucose level over the past two to three months.

Q2: What does HbA1c stand for?

Ans: HbA1c stands for Hemoglobin A1c.

Q3: What does the HbA1c test measure?

Ans: It measures the percentage of hemoglobin in red blood cells that is coated with glucose.

Q4: What happens to HbA1c levels when blood glucose increases?

Ans: Higher blood glucose leads to higher HbA1c levels.

Kimberly Process

February 10, 2026

Kimberley Process Latest News

India has assumed the chair of the Kimberley Process (KP) for the year 2026.

About Kimberley Process

It is a coalition of governments, civil society and the diamond industry to eliminate the trade in so-called conflict diamonds.
Conflict diamonds are defined by the relevant United Nations Security Council resolution (UNSC resolution 1459) as “rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance conflict aimed at undermining legitimate governments”.
Based on a mandate from the United Nations, the Kimberley Process regulates the international trade in rough diamonds.
Participants in the scheme are required to:
- Satisfy ‘minimum requirements’ and establish national legislation, institutions and import/export controls;
- Commit to transparent practices and to the exchange of critical statistical data;
- Trade only with other participants in the Scheme;
- Certify shipments as conflict-free.
Currently it has 60 participants, representing 86 countries (with the EU as a single participant) which account for more than 99% of the global rough diamond production and trade.
The KP meets twice a year at the Intersessional and Plenary meetings. It is chaired by a participating country on an annual, rotating basis.
As a consensus-based body, the KP relies on the constructive engagement from all participants of the tripartite structure.

What is the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS)?

It is the mechanism the KP uses to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds.
Under this scheme, the Government implements safeguards on shipments of rough diamonds and certifies the diamond as conflict-free.
According to this Scheme, each rough diamond shipment must be accompanied by the Kimberley Process certificate and transported in a tamper-resistant container.
The KP certificate states the authenticity of the rough diamond.
Since 2003, India has been actively participating in the KPCS process.
- The Department of Commerce is the nodal Department.
- Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) is designated as the KPCS Importing and Exporting Authority in India.
- GJEPC is responsible for issuing KP Certificates and is also the custodian of KP Certificates received in the country.

Source: TH

Kimberley Process FAQs

Q1: What is the Kimberley Process (KP)?

Ans: It is a coalition of governments, civil society, and the diamond industry aimed at eliminating the trade in conflict diamonds.

Q2: What does the Kimberley Process regulate?

Ans: It regulates the international trade in rough diamonds.

Q3: How many participants are currently part of the Kimberley Process?

Ans: There are 60 participants representing 86 countries, with the European Union as a single participant.

Q4: What is the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS)?

Ans: It is the mechanism used by the KP to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds.

India–Seychelles Relations – Expanding Maritime Partnership to Sustainability and Strategic Cooperation

February 10, 2026

India-Seychelles Relations Latest News

The Indian Prime Minister and Seychelles President (Patrick Herminie) held bilateral talks in New Delhi, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations and coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ independence.
The visit—within 100 days of President Herminie’s victory—underscores the strategic weight Seychelles attaches to India amid evolving geopolitics in the Western Indian Ocean Region (WIOR).
The two countries adopted a Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL) and signed multiple agreements across sectors.

Strategic and Maritime Cooperation - The Core Pillar

Defence and maritime security:
- It remains the central pillar of bilateral ties, and collaboration includes -
  - Maritime surveillance
  - Defence capacity development
  - Counter-piracy operations
  - Combating international crime and maritime threats
  - Protection of critical Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs)
- The cooperation assumes greater importance given rising piracy and economic offences in the strategic Indian Ocean Region (IOR), and growing geopolitical contestation in the region.
Colombo Security Conclave (CSC):
- Seychelles was welcomed as a full member of the CSC.
- Originally formed in 2011 by India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives; CSC later expanded to include Mauritius and Bangladesh.
- The inclusion of Seychelles strengthens regional efforts towards -
  - Maritime domain awareness
  - Regional stability
  - Cooperative security architecture in the IOR
- This aligns with India’s broader SAGAR doctrine and Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

Joint Vision (SESEL) - Broadening the Partnership

The adopted Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL) expands cooperation beyond security into sustainable development.
Key areas of cooperation:
- Marine research and ocean governance: Ocean observation, maritime scientific research, data-sharing mechanisms.
- Climate action and renewable energy: Cooperation in renewable energy solutions, climate resilience initiatives for small island developing states (SIDS).
- Health cooperation: Pharmacopoeial collaboration, strengthening healthcare systems.
- Digital transformation: Support in digital governance and capacity-building, enhancing e-governance frameworks.
- Meteorological cooperation: Technical and scientific collaboration between meteorological authorities.
- Capacity-building: Training programmes for Seychelles civil servants, institutional strengthening initiatives.
- Cultural and people-to-people ties: Cultural Exchange Programme (2026–2030); tourism cooperation, with India emerging as a growing market.

Economic and Developmental Assistance

Special economic package: India announced a $175 million Special Economic Package, comprising $125 million Line of Credit (rupee-denominated) - remaining amount as grant assistance.
The package will support:
- Public housing, infrastructure, mobility, maritime security, and capacity-building.
- This reflects India’s model of development partnership without conditionalities, especially for small island nations.

Geostrategic Significance

WIOR: Critical for global trade and energy flows. Seychelles’ strategic location enhances India’s maritime reach.
Countering extra-regional influence: Strengthening ties helps balance growing external powers’ presence in the IOR. Reinforces India’s role as a net security provider.
Blue economy and SIDS diplomacy: Seychelles, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), is central to climate diplomacy, sustainable ocean governance, and blue economy initiatives.
People-centric diplomacy: Shared democratic values, historical and cultural linkages, and emphasis on inclusive development.

India-Seychelles Relations

Overview:
- Today, India-Seychelles relations embody close friendship, understanding and cooperation.
- Diplomatic ties were established with Seychelles after its independence in 1976.
- With a significant presence of Indian Diaspora in Seychelles, cultural contacts between the two countries have been primarily community-driven with support from the two governments.
Key aspects:
- Trade: India exported goods worth US$ 64.88 million and imported goods worth US$ 8.96 million from Seychelles during 2022-23.
- Energy and environment: A Blue Economy Protocol between India and Seychelles was signed in 2015.
- Development assistance: An important aspect of bilateral cooperation revolves around various development assistance programs extended to Seychelles under ITEC, ICCR and IAFS.
- Defence and security: India is a key security partner for Seychelles, helping with coastal surveillance, radar systems, and joint exercises like 'LAMITIYE'.

Challenges

Geopolitical competition in the IOR: Rising strategic competition may complicate smaller states’ balancing strategies.
Climate vulnerability of Island States: Seychelles faces existential risks from climate change, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events.
Maritime security threats: Piracy resurgence; drug trafficking; Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing
Economic dependence on tourism: Seychelles’ economy remains vulnerable to global shocks.

Way Forward

Institutionalising: Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) through real-time data-sharing.
Deepening: Blue Economy cooperation, including sustainable fisheries and marine biodiversity protection.
Expanding: Renewable energy partnerships tailored to SIDS needs.
Strengthening: Multilateral maritime frameworks, particularly through the CSC and IORA.
Enhancing: Digital and governance partnerships for resilient institutions.
Leveraging: India’s Vision MAHASAGAR and SAGAR doctrine to build a cooperative Indian Ocean architecture.

Conclusion

The India–Seychelles partnership is evolving from a traditional defence relationship into a multidimensional strategic partnership encompassing sustainability, digital transformation, climate action, and economic growth.
As maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean, their collaboration contributes not only to bilateral development but also to the broader architecture of peace, stability, and inclusive growth in the WIOR.
In the emerging geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific, Seychelles remains a key pillar of India’s maritime vision, reinforcing India’s aspiration to be a credible and responsible security and development partner in the region.

Source: IE

India–Seychelles Relations FAQs

Q1: What is the strategic significance of Seychelles in India’s Indian Ocean policy framework?

Ans: Seychelles’ strategic location in the Western Indian Ocean makes it central to India’s SAGAR and Vision MAHASAGAR initiatives.

Q2: What is the role of the Colombo Security Conclave in strengthening maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region?

Ans: It institutionalises regional maritime collaboration through maritime domain awareness, counter-piracy coordination, etc.

Q3: How does the India–Seychelles Joint Vision (SESEL) reflect a shift?

Ans: The SESEL framework expands ties beyond defence to renewable energy, climate resilience, digital transformation, health, etc.

Q4: What is the importance of India’s development partnership model in its engagement with SIDS?

Ans: India’s concessional Lines of Credit and grant-based assistance without conditionalities enhance goodwill, sustainable development, etc.

Q5: What are the major maritime security challenges in the WIOR and India’s response to them?

Ans: Rising piracy, IUU fishing, trafficking, and geopolitical competition are addressed through defence cooperation, maritime surveillance, etc.

Form 7 Controversy and Electoral Roll Revisions in India

February 10, 2026

Electoral Roll Latest News

Concerns have emerged over the alleged misuse of Form 7 applications during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, leading to large-scale deletion of voters’ names across several States.

Electoral Rolls and Their Importance in Indian Democracy

Electoral rolls form the foundation of India’s democratic process, ensuring that every eligible citizen has the right to vote.
Prepared and updated under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, these rolls are periodically revised to include new voters and remove ineligible entries.
The credibility of elections depends heavily on the accuracy, transparency, and fairness of this process.
Any large-scale error or manipulation can directly impact political representation and voter confidence in the electoral system.

Form 7 and Its Legal Framework

Form 7 is a statutory mechanism used to object to the inclusion of a person’s name in the electoral roll.
Under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, objections can be raised on specific grounds such as death, duplication of entries, shifting of residence, ineligibility due to age, or lack of citizenship.
Earlier, objections could be raised only by voters from the same polling booth.
However, a 2022 amendment expanded the scope, allowing any voter within a constituency to file objections.
While intended to improve roll accuracy, this change also increased the risk of misuse.
To prevent abuse, rules mandate verification by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), especially when an individual files more than five objections.

Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a comprehensive exercise undertaken by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to update electoral rolls in select States and Union Territories.
Phase II of the ongoing SIR has covered nearly 51 crore voters across multiple regions, including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and others.
The revision follows a compressed timeline, involving enumeration forms, objections, verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs), and hearings before final publication of the rolls.

Nature of the Form 7 Controversy

The controversy centres on the bulk filing of Form 7 applications, allegedly without the knowledge or consent of the voters concerned.
Opposition parties have accused organised actors of misusing Form 7 to systematically delete the names of eligible voters, thereby distorting the electoral process.
Reports from States such as Rajasthan and Gujarat have highlighted cases where individuals claimed that Form 7 applications were submitted in their names without their involvement.
This has raised serious concerns about impersonation, procedural lapses, and administrative oversight.

Scale of Voter Deletions

According to draft electoral rolls released during the SIR, around 6.5 crore voters were removed from the rolls across nine States and three Union Territories.
These deletions reduced the total electorate from about 51 crore to 44.4 crore in the affected regions. The removed voters were categorised as ASD (Absent, Shifted, Dead/Duplicate).
The highest number of deletions was reported from Uttar Pradesh, followed by Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
Critics argue that the sheer scale of deletions, combined with a tight revision schedule, raises questions about the adequacy of verification and grievance redressal mechanisms.

Verification Process and Safeguards

Once a Form 7 application is submitted, Booth Level Officers are required to conduct physical verification.
In cases of alleged death, confirmation from neighbours and a death certificate are necessary.
If a voter is reported absent, BLOs must conduct multiple visits to confirm relocation.
Affected voters are entitled to receive notice and attend hearings before final deletion.
Appeals against ERO decisions can be filed with the district magistrate within 15 days of the roll publication.
Despite these safeguards, concerns persist about their effective implementation under time pressure.

Concerns and the Way Forward

At the core of the controversy lies the risk of voter disenfranchisement, particularly among marginalised and economically weaker sections.
Filing a false declaration under Form 7 is a punishable offence under Section 32 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
Experts suggest stricter scrutiny of bulk applications, improved digital tracking, longer verification timelines, and enhanced transparency to restore trust in the electoral revision process.
Ensuring balance between roll accuracy and voter protection remains crucial.

Source: TH

Electoral Roll FAQs

Q1: What is Form 7 used for?

Ans: It is used to object to the inclusion of a person’s name in the electoral roll on specified legal grounds.

Q2: What triggered the current Form 7 controversy?

Ans: Allegations of bulk and fraudulent filing of Form 7 leading to mass voter deletions during the SIR.

Q3: What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?

Ans: A large-scale electoral roll revision exercise conducted by the Election Commission in select States and UTs.

Q4: How many voters were reportedly deleted during the SIR?

Ans: Around 6.5 crore voters were removed from draft electoral rolls across multiple regions.

Q5: What legal action applies to false Form 7 declarations?

Ans: Filing a false declaration is punishable under the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

PMO Directives on PM CARES: Why Lok Sabha Questions Are Not Admissible

February 10, 2026

PM CARES Latest News

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has informed the Lok Sabha Secretariat that questions or matters related to the PM CARES Fund, the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), and the National Defence Fund (NDF) are not admissible under Lok Sabha rules.
The PMO cited Rule 41(2)(viii) and Rule 41(2)(xvii) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha to state that such questions and discussions cannot be taken up in Parliament.

PM CARES Fund, PMNRF and NDF: What Are These Funds

The PM CARES Fund was set up on March 27, 2020, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was created to deal with emergency and distress situations and to provide relief during crises such as public health emergencies.
- Full name: Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund
- Legal status: Public Charitable Trust
- Registered under the Registration Act, 1908, in New Delhi
- Fund balance (March 2023): ₹6,283.7 crore (as per latest available report)

Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF)

The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund was established in January 1948, originally to assist refugees displaced from Pakistan after Partition.
Over time, its scope expanded and it is now primarily used to:
- Provide immediate relief to families affected by natural calamities such as floods, cyclones, and earthquakes
- Assist victims of major accidents and riots
The fund is financed through public contributions and is controlled by the Prime Minister’s Office.

National Defence Fund (NDF)

The National Defence Fund is dedicated to the welfare of Armed Forces personnel, including paramilitary forces, and their dependents.
It is
- Used for financial assistance and welfare measures
- Administered by an Executive Committee
- Chaired by the Prime Minister, with the Defence, Finance, and Home Ministers as members

Common Feature

All three funds:
- Are controlled or administered by the Prime Minister’s Office
- Receive voluntary public contributions
- Operate outside the Consolidated Fund of India, which has implications for parliamentary scrutiny

Government’s Stand on PM CARES Fund: Past Position Explained

Public Charitable Trust, Not a Statutory Body - In January 2023, the Union government told the Delhi High Court that the PM CARES Fund is a public charitable trust, not created under the Constitution or by any law enacted by Parliament or a State legislature.
Not ‘State’ Under Article 12 - The submission came in response to a plea seeking to declare PM CARES a “State” under Article 12 to ensure transparency.
- The Centre argued that the trust is neither owned nor controlled by the government, and that trustees holding public office do so for administrative convenience, not governmental control.
RTI Act Not Applicable - The government’s affidavit further stated that since PM CARES is not constituted under law or the Constitution, it does not qualify as a public authority under the Right to Information Act, and therefore is outside the RTI framework.

Supreme Court’s Ruling on the PM CARES Fund

In August 2020, the Supreme Court of India refused to direct the transfer of money from the PM CARES Fund to the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
The Court held that the two are “entirely different funds” with distinct objectives and purposes, leaving “no occasion” for such a direction.
The Court noted that:
- The NDRF is audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) under specific guidelines
- The PM CARES Fund, being a public charitable trust, does not fall under those guidelines, and therefore no CAG audit can be mandated

Why Lok Sabha Questions on PM CARES, PMNRF and NDF Are Not Admissible

The PMO has directed the Lok Sabha Secretariat not to admit questions or matters related to the PM CARES Fund, PMNRF, and the National Defence Fund on the ground that these funds are entirely financed through voluntary public contributions.
Since they do not receive any allocation from the Consolidated Fund of India, they fall outside the scope of parliamentary scrutiny under Lok Sabha rules.
This reasoning aligns with the Centre’s earlier position before courts that these funds are non-statutory, trust-based entities, not government funds subject to legislative oversight.

Rules Cited to Bar Lok Sabha Questions on PM CARES, PMNRF and NDF

The PMO informed the Lok Sabha Secretariat that questions or matters related to PM CARES Fund, PMNRF and the National Defence Fund are not admissible under specific provisions of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.

Rule 41(2)(viii): Not a Government Concern

This rule bars questions that do not relate primarily to the concern of the Government of India.
The PMO argued that since the three funds are financed through voluntary public contributions and are not part of the Consolidated Fund of India, they do not fall under the government’s primary administrative domain.

Rule 41(2)(xvii): Outside Government Control

This provision states that questions cannot raise matters under the control of bodies or persons not primarily responsible to the Government of India.
The PMO maintained that these funds operate as independent trusts, and hence are not directly accountable to the government in a manner that would permit parliamentary questioning.

Source: IE | IE

PM CARES FAQs

Q1: What do the PMO directives on PM CARES state?

Ans: PMO directives on PM CARES clarify that Lok Sabha questions on PM CARES, PMNRF and NDF are not admissible under Rules of Procedure governing parliamentary business.

Q2: Why are PMO directives on PM CARES linked to parliamentary rules?

Ans: PMO directives on PM CARES rely on Rule 41(2)(viii) and 41(2)(xvii), which bar questions not primarily concerning the Government of India or bodies not accountable to it.

Q3: How does funding structure justify PMO directives on PM CARES?

Ans: PMO directives on PM CARES argue these funds rely entirely on voluntary public contributions and receive no money from the Consolidated Fund of India.

Q4: What has been the government’s legal position supporting PMO directives on PM CARES?

Ans: PMO directives on PM CARES align with the Centre’s stand that PM CARES is a non-statutory public charitable trust, not a “State” under Article 12.

Q5: What is the constitutional implication of PMO directives on PM CARES?

Ans: PMO directives on PM CARES effectively limit parliamentary oversight by classifying PM CARES, PMNRF and NDF as trust-based entities beyond routine legislative questioning.

Tracing Tamil’s Centuries-Old Presence in Malaysia: History Beyond Migration

February 10, 2026

Tracing Tamil’s Centuries-Old Presence in Malaysia Latest News

During his first foreign visit of 2026 to Malaysia, PM Modi highlighted the deep-rooted presence of Tamil, underscoring that it is not just a diaspora language but a public and historical language in Malaysia.
Spoken across schools, temples, media, and cultural spaces, Tamil predates both the Malaysian nation-state and colonial rule.
Its arrival was driven by centuries of maritime trade, labour migration, settlement, and cultural continuity, rather than modern policy.
This long civilisational history explains why nearly three million people of Indian origin—predominantly Tamil—form one of Southeast Asia’s most visible and well-established diasporas.

Before Plantations, There Were Ships: Tamil Roots in the Malay World

Ancient Maritime Links - Long before British rule, maritime routes connected India’s Coromandel coast with ports along the Malay Peninsula, especially Kedah and the Strait of Malacca.
- These links date back well before the 1st century BCE, facilitating sustained contact across the seas.
Trade, Settlement, and Culture - Commerce in spices, textiles, and forest goods moved both ways—and so did people. South Indian merchant guilds formed semi-permanent settlements, built temples, and left Tamil inscriptions, embedding culture alongside trade.
Religious and Social Exchange - Cultural exchange accompanied commerce, carrying Hindu and Buddhist practices into local societies. These were durable ties, not fleeting visits, shaping local religious and social life.
Tamil Muslim Communities - Tamil Muslim traders—including Rowthers and Marakkayars—settled, intermarried locally, and remained. Place names, rituals, and customs still reflect these early arrivals.
Before the Colonial Reorganisation - As noted by historians, Tamil presence was already woven into the region’s social fabric before European powers arrived. The British later reorganised and scaled up these movements—but did not begin them.

A Century of Labour: How Plantation Migration Shaped Tamil Malaysia

Colonial Demand and Mass Migration - While early trade brought the first Tamils, British colonialism brought them in large numbers.
- Plantation capitalism in Malaya—rubber estates, railways, tin mines, and ports—created huge labour demands.
- Recruiters turned to the Madras Presidency, using the kangani system to bring bonded groups of workers.
Life on the Estates - By the early 20th century, hundreds of thousands of Tamil labourers had arrived. They cleared forests, tapped rubber, and built infrastructure, often living in cramped estate lines with low wages and limited mobility.
- Recruitment slowed by 1910 amid criticism, but a permanent community had formed.
Oppression—and Endurance - As historian Carl Vadivella Belle noted, colonial labour life was marked by oppression and brutalisation. Yet within estates, Tamil society showed resilience—temples, Tamil schools, local presses, festivals like Thaipusam, and cinema sustained cultural life.
Language as the Community’s Spine - Tamil became the anchor of continuity. Over generations, estate communities produced teachers, clerks, traders, and later professionals, enabling social mobility beyond plantations.
Post-Independence Urban Shift - After 1957, families moved to cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang for education and stable jobs. The transition expanded—rather than diluted—Tamil institutions.
A Public Language, Not a Memory - Today, Tamil schools, newspapers, television, radio, and cinema thrive in Malaysia. The language remains publicly visible, making PM Modi’s observation about Tamil in “education, media, and cultural life” a structural reality, not a sentimental nod.

The Political Moment: Diplomacy Built on a Deeper History

In his address, PM Modi framed the three million–strong Indian diaspora in Malaysia as a “living bridge” between the two nations.
He announced practical measures—social security agreements, easier visas, and the rollout of India’s digital payment interface in Malaysia—to deepen people-to-people ties.
The Cost of Migration and Settlement
- Citing historian Carl Vadivella Belle, the scale and human cost of migration is stark:
  - At Merdeka (1957), Indians numbered 858,616, with 62.1% locally born
  - Between 1860 and 1957, around 4 million Indians entered Malaya and 2.8 million left
  - Much of the 1.2 million net immigration was lost to disease, exhaustion, malnutrition, and hazards

Strategic Signalling, Cultural Resonance

Choosing Malaysia as the first foreign visit of 2026 signalled Southeast Asia’s importance to India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
Yet the most resonant note of the speech was cultural, underscoring how language and lived history continue to anchor bilateral ties more powerfully than strategy alone.

A Diaspora That Feels Local: Tamil Life in Malaysia

In parts of Kuala Lumpur where Tamil is widely spoken, the boundary between “Indian” and “Malaysian” fades.
Families rooted for five or six generations see their histories tied to local estates and neighbourhoods, not distant villages in Tamil Nadu.
Festivals and politics are distinctly local, even as the language carries echoes of the old coast across the sea.
Malaysia’s Tamil community stands apart from newer diasporas. Shaped first by maritime trade, then empire, and finally nationhood, it is a historical community.
Tamil here feels inherited rather than imported, sustained across generations.

A Bond Older Than States

The Tamil–Malaysia connection predates governments: ships before steamers, temples before treaties, schools before summits.
Long after speeches fade, this older current endures—steady, lived, and visible in everyday language and life.

Source: IE | ToI

Tracing Tamil’s Centuries-Old Presence in Malaysia FAQs

Q1: Why is tracing Tamil’s centuries-old presence in Malaysia historically important?

Ans: Tracing Tamil’s centuries-old presence in Malaysia shows Tamil arrived through ancient maritime trade, long before colonial rule, embedding language and culture deeply in local society.

Q2: How did trade shape tracing Tamil’s centuries-old presence in Malaysia?

Ans: Tracing Tamil’s centuries-old presence in Malaysia highlights Coromandel–Malacca trade routes, merchant settlements, temples and inscriptions that created durable cultural and social ties.

Q3: What role did colonialism play in tracing Tamil’s centuries-old presence in Malaysia?

Ans: Tracing Tamil’s centuries-old presence in Malaysia includes mass migration under British plantation capitalism, which expanded Tamil communities through labour systems like the kangani system.

Q4: Why did Tamil survive as a public language in Malaysia?

Ans: Tracing Tamil’s centuries-old presence in Malaysia shows continuity through schools, temples, media, cinema and festivals, preventing the language from fading into private memory.

Q5: How does diplomacy reflect tracing Tamil’s centuries-old presence in Malaysia today?

Ans: Tracing Tamil’s centuries-old presence in Malaysia explains why modern diplomacy recognises Tamil as a living cultural bridge, not merely a diaspora identity.