UPSC Mains Current Affairs for 9 July 2026

Transnational Crime – Diplomatic Reset and Global Crackdown

July 9, 2026

Transnational Crime Latest News

Nearly three years after the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar triggered a major diplomatic crisis between India and Canada, Canadian authorities have stated that no evidence currently links the Indian government to the murder.
Simultaneously, the United States has charged gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his associate Goldy Brar with orchestrating the assassination under a broader crackdown (Operation Hard Ball) on transnational organised crime.

Transnational Organised Crime

The term "organised crime" refers to illicit operations carried out by networks or groups that collaborate, frequently involving violence, corruption, or related acts in order to get material or financial advantage.
When organisations or activities operate across several nations, it is known as transnational organised crime.

Canada’s Revised Position

It clarified that investigations have not found evidence implicating Indian government officials in Nijjar’s killing.
However, the investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not closed the case.
This marks a significant shift from former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegation of a "potential link" between Indian agents and the assassination.
India had consistently rejected the allegations as baseless, leading to one of the sharpest downturns in India-Canada diplomatic relations.
Bilateral ties have gradually improved since (June) 2025, when both countries agreed to restore diplomatic engagement.

Background - The Hardeep Singh Nijjar Case

Who was Nijjar?
- Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a Canadian resident since 1997.
- He was the chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) - designated by India as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2023.
- He was also the president of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Sahib in Surrey, Canada.
- Indian authorities accused Nijjar of:
  - Recruiting and financing Khalistani extremist activities.
  - Links to attacks, including the 2021 assault on a Hindu priest in Jalandhar.
  - Supporting activities during the 2020 farm law protests.
Diplomatic fallout: Trudeau's allegations in 2023 resulted in mutual expulsion of diplomats, suspension of several bilateral engagements, and significant deterioration in political and strategic relations.

US Charges Against Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar

Federal indictment;
- A US federal court has charged Lawrence Bishnoi, currently imprisoned in Gujarat; and Goldy Brar (Satinderjeet Singh), believed to be operating from North America.
- The indictment alleges:
  - Bishnoi directed the murder from prison using smuggled mobile phones.
  - Goldy Brar coordinated operations in North America.
  - Nijjar was shot outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia in June 2023.
Operation Hard Ball:
- The charges form part of a major US-led investigation targeting Indian-origin transnational criminal syndicates involved in racketeering, extortion, kidnapping, drug trafficking, murder, and organised corruption.
- Key highlights: The FBI has announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to Goldy Brar's arrest.

India-US Security Cooperation

Strengthening intelligence sharing:
- Before Operation Hard Ball, US law enforcement agencies held multiple meetings with Indian agencies through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
- Information was exchanged regarding Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar, Rohit Godara, Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, and other associates.
India also shared:
- Evidence against overseas-based gangsters.
- Details of criminal networks operating from the US, Canada and Europe.
- Technical surveillance inputs and interrogation-based intelligence.
Cooperation intensified after the deportation of Anmol Bishnoi from the US in 2025.

Emerging Dimensions of Transnational Organised Crime

Investigations reveal increasing convergence between organised crime and cross-border security threats.
For example,
- Indian-origin gangs maintain links with Pakistan-based narcotics smugglers.
- Criminal networks finance targeted killings through drug trafficking.
- Smuggling routes increasingly utilise maritime channels, and drones along the India-Pakistan border.
Evading surveillance: Criminal groups employ Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), encrypted messaging platforms., and advanced digital communication technologies.

Broader Implications

International relations: India-Canada diplomatic relations. Managing diplomatic disputes through evidence-based investigations. India-US cooperation on law enforcement and intelligence.
Internal security:
- Cross-border narcotics trafficking, prison-based criminal operations, and cyber-enabled organised crime using encrypted technologies.
- Expansion into international organised crime following the decline of older criminal syndicates led by Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Rajan and Ravi Pujari.
Governance and legal framework: UAPA, international police cooperation, intelligence sharing for combating organised crime, challenges in extradition and prosecution of overseas fugitives.

International Efforts

The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is an international agreement that aims to prevent and combat organized crime across countries.
The Guwahati Declaration was adopted by the BRICS nations to strengthen cooperation against illicit drug trafficking and related transnational organized crime.
Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Interpol, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) are targeting the massive illicit profits generated by transnational organized crime.

Source: IE | IE

Transnational Crime FAQs

Q1: How does transnational organised crime increasingly threaten India?

Ans: By combining terrorism, narcotics trafficking, etc, these crimes pose both internal security and diplomatic challenges.

Q2: What is the significance of Canada's latest statement on the Hardeep Singh Nijjar case?

Ans: It potentially facilitates the normalisation of India–Canada diplomatic relations while investigations continue.

Q3: What is Operation Hard Ball, and why is it important?

Ans: It is a US-led investigation targeting Indian-origin transnational criminal syndicates through coordinated international law enforcement.

Q4: How has India–US cooperation evolved in combating transnational organised crime?

Ans: India and the US have strengthened intelligence sharing, evidence exchange, and coordination through agencies.

Q5: What challenges do modern organised crime syndicates pose?

Ans: They exploit encrypted communication, making detection, surveillance, and prosecution increasingly difficult.

AISHE Report – Higher Education Enrolment Reaches 4.5 Crore

July 9, 2026

AISHE Report Latest News

The Union Ministry of Education has released the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) for 2022-23 and 2023-24, showing that total student enrolment in higher education has reached 4.5 crore, with significant gains in women's participation, STEM adoption, and inclusivity.

About the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE)

The AISHE is a comprehensive annual survey conducted by the Ministry of Education, which tracks key indicators in the higher education sector. It covers:
- Student enrolment
- Faculty and teaching staff
- Infrastructure and facilities
- Programme and course offerings
- Gender and social category participation
The survey is a critical policy tool that informs decisions related to higher education planning, financial allocations, and reforms under initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Data is submitted voluntarily by registered institutions through a web-based portal and verified using built-in validation checks.
The latest AISHE covers 59,533 higher education institutions with an institutional participation rate of over 90%.

News Summary: Key Findings of AISHE 2023-24

Total Enrolment Reaches 4.5 Crore
- Total enrolment in higher education rose to 4.5 crore in 2023-24.
- This marks a 31.5% increase from 3.42 crore in 2014-15.
- Reflects growing access and demand for higher education across India.
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER)
- GER, the proportion of people aged 18-23 enrolled in higher education, has improved significantly:
  - GER in 2023-24: 30
  - GER in 2022-23: 29.5
  - GER in 2014-15: 23.7
- The rising GER shows that more young people are pursuing college education.
Women's Participation Continues to Rise
- Female enrolment in 2023-24: 2.24 crore
- Female enrolment in 2022-23: 2.18 crore
- Female enrolment in 2014-15: 1.57 crore
- This represents a 42.2% increase since 2014-15.
- The female GER stood at 31.2 in 2023-24, higher than the national average.
Gender Parity Index (GPI)
- The GPI, which compares female and male participation, stood at 1.08 in 2023-24.
- A GPI above 1 indicates that more women than men are enrolled in higher education. The GPI has remained above 1 for seven consecutive years, showing a sustained trend of female participation outpacing male participation.
Enrolment Growth Among SC, ST, and OBC Students
- The report highlights significant increases in participation among students from marginalised communities:
Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Enrolment in 2023-24: 69.72 lakh
- Increase since 2014-15: 51.4%
- GER improved from 18.9 (2014-15) to 27.8 (2023-24)
Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Enrolment in 2023-24: 28.83 lakh
- Increase since 2014-15: 75.7%
- GER improved from 13.5 (2014-15) to 22.8 (2023-24)
Other Backward Classes (OBC)
- Enrolment in 2023-24: 1.80 crore
- Increase since 2014-15: 60.2% (from 1.13 crore)
- These figures reflect the impact of affirmative action policies, expanded institutional access, and targeted government support for marginalised communities.
STEM Education Growth
- Enrolment Crosses One Crore
  - - STEM enrolment in 2023-24: 1.02 crore, the first time it has crossed the one-crore mark.
    - STEM enrolment in 2014-15: 91.5 lakh.
    - Reflects growing interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics disciplines.
- Rising Women's Share in STEM
  - - Women's share in STEM enrolment: 44% in 2023-24
    - Women's share in STEM enrolment in 2014-15: 38.4%
    - This represents a significant improvement in gender inclusivity in STEM fields, though further growth is needed to achieve full parity.
Faculty Strength Increases
- Total faculty in 2023-24: 17.32 lakh
- Female faculty in 2023-24: 7.78 lakh
- Female faculty in 2014-15: 5.69 lakh
- Rising faculty strength is important for maintaining favourable student-teacher ratios and ensuring quality education.

Significance and Implications

For Access and Inclusivity
- The rising GER reflects improved access to higher education across the country.
- Growth in enrolment among SC, ST, and OBC students demonstrates progress in social justice and equity.
- Increased women's participation reinforces India's commitment to gender equity in education.
For Economic Development
- STEM growth aligns with India's ambitions in technology, innovation, and industrial development.
- A more educated workforce supports the country's economic transformation.
- Higher women's participation in STEM contributes to a diverse talent pool for emerging sectors.
For Policy Implementation
- The findings align with the NEP 2020 targets of achieving a GER of 50% by 2035.
- Continued growth requires sustained investment in institutions, faculty, and infrastructure.
- Regional disparities and quality concerns remain areas requiring attention.

Challenges Ahead

Quality Concerns
- Access has grown faster than quality improvements in many institutions.
- Concerns persist about learning outcomes and the employability of graduates.
- Faculty shortages and infrastructure gaps in many regions.
Regional Disparities
- Uneven distribution of quality institutions across states.
- Rural-urban divide in access to premier institutions.
- Concentration of top institutions in metropolitan areas.
NEP 2020 Targets
- India needs to raise GER to 50% by 2035, requiring sustained expansion.
- Institutional capacity, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, needs strengthening.
- Balancing expansion with quality assurance remains a challenge.
Employability
- Concerns about the skill gap between higher education output and industry needs.
- Need for industry-academia partnerships to enhance relevance.
- Vocational and skill-based education requires greater integration.

Source: TH | India Today

AISHE Report FAQs

Q1: What is AISHE?

Ans: AISHE is the All India Survey on Higher Education conducted by the Ministry of Education to track enrolment, faculty, infrastructure, and other indicators across higher education institutions.

Q2: What is India's total higher education enrolment as per AISHE 2023-24?

Ans: Total enrolment in higher education reached 4.5 crore in 2023-24, a 31.5% increase since 2014-15.

Q3: What is the current Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education?

Ans: The GER stood at 30 in 2023-24, up from 29.5 in the previous year and 23.7 in 2014-15.

Q4: How has women's participation in higher education changed?

Ans: Female enrolment rose to 2.24 crore in 2023-24 from 1.57 crore in 2014-15 — a 42.2% increase, with the Gender Parity Index at 1.08.

Q5: What is India's STEM enrolment as per AISHE 2023-24?

Ans: STEM enrolment crossed 1.02 crore for the first time, with women accounting for 44% of enrolment, up from 38.4% a decade ago.

Indira Point: Protecting India’s Southernmost Landmark and Developing a Sustainable Tourism Hub

July 9, 2026

Indira Point Latest News

The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has proposed protection and development works at Indira Point and its famous lighthouse, located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Centre, through the Directorate of Lighthouses and Lightships, Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair), has sought coastal regulation zone clearance to carry out this proposed work.

Indira Point

Indira Point marks India's southernmost tip. It is located on the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
It is an important maritime landmark, lying to the south of Galathea Bay — the site where a transshipment port has been proposed under the larger GNI mega infrastructure project.
The lighthouse at Indira Point serves as a key landmark on the Singapore-Colombo international maritime route, acting as a navigational aid for mariners.
It also holds growing importance for safe navigation toward Galathea Bay, given the upcoming transshipment port planned there.
A Brief History of the Site
- Indira Point was earlier known as Pygmalion Point.
- It was renamed in 1985 in memory of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, following her death.
- The lighthouse itself was commissioned in April 1972 and stands 35 metres tall. Its tower is made of cast iron, painted in distinctive red and white bands.

What Is the Protection and Development Proposal?

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, through the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships, wants to structurally repair the lighthouse and eventually develop tourism infrastructure and facilities around it.
The stated objective is to "preserve and protect the lighthouse for its functional requirement for safety of mariners, rich legacy of region, for historic and cultural significant for future generations."

What Does the Detailed Project Report Propose

According to the detailed project report prepared by IIT Madras (IIT-M), the structural work will include:
- Repair and strengthening of the lighthouse tower's foundation
- Construction of an all-weather approach road
- Shore protection works, including breakwaters around the tower
- Development of a powerhouse, inspection facility, and staff quarters
- A compound wall and internal pathways
Separately, tourism-focused development activities have also been proposed, including eco-tourism initiatives, a convention centre, cafeteria, viewing tower, cycle tracks, an international-standard museum building, and a memorial structure.

Coastal Protection and Regulatory Clearances Needed

Since the proposed works fall within sensitive coastal habitats, they are subject to protection under the Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) Notification, 2019.
This means the project requires prior approval from both the Union Territory's Coastal Zone Management Authority and the Union Environment Ministry.
The 2019 Notification provides a regulatory framework to protect coastal stretches, marine habitats, and the livelihoods of fishing and other coastal communities across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
As per coastal zone maps and the project proposal, the works fall in the most sensitive ICRZ-IA areas, along with some portions in ICRZ-IVA:
- ICRZ-IA areas are considered environmentally the most critical. They include mangrove cover, coral and coral reefs, sand dunes, mudflats, national parks and marine parks, notified forests, salt marshes, and turtle nesting grounds.
- ICRZ-IVA covers the water area and seabed between the low tide line and up to 12 nautical miles seaward.

Why Does the Site Need Protection Works?

The lighthouse structure has weathered significantly over the years, with much of this damage traced back to the December 2004 earthquake and tsunami.
- This natural disaster had a massive impact across the entire Andaman and Nicobar island chain, causing land to rise in some areas and sink in others.
The site at Indira Point specifically experienced permanent land subsidence. Originally, the lighthouse and its associated structures stood at a height of 3.5 metres above mean sea level.
When the earthquake and tsunami struck, land sinking combined with seawater ingress engulfed the lighthouse tower and destroyed nearby quarters and huts.
Scientists and authorities estimate that the Nicobar Islands sank by approximately 2.04 metres, submerging the lighthouse's base and foundation in seawater.
An assessment by IIT-M found that geological and shoreline changes have continuously exposed the lighthouse foundation to seawater and extreme wave conditions during high tide, ever since 2004.
The lighthouse itself now shows a 3.86° tilt — though this has not been assessed as posing any risk to its structural stability or safety.
The lighthouse and its surrounding structures have grown increasingly vulnerable due to ongoing coastal erosion, wave action, and shoreline changes — making structural strengthening necessary.

Conclusion

The Indira Point project reflects the government's dual objective of preserving a historically and navigationally significant landmark while promoting tourism at India's southernmost tip.
However, given its location within ecologically fragile ICRZ-IA zones, the project underscores the recurring tension between infrastructure development and coastal ecological protection — a debate that has similarly surrounded the broader Great Nicobar Island infrastructure project.

Source: IE

Indira Point FAQ

Q1: Why is Indira Point strategically important for India?

Ans: Indira Point marks India's southernmost tip and serves as a vital navigational landmark along the Singapore-Colombo shipping route near Great Nicobar Island.

Q2: Why does Indira Point require structural protection?

Ans: Indira Point suffered land subsidence, coastal erosion and structural damage after the 2004 earthquake and tsunami, making restoration and shoreline protection essential.

Q3: What development activities are proposed at Indira Point?

Ans: The Indira Point proposal includes lighthouse restoration, shore protection, an all-weather road, eco-tourism facilities, a museum, viewing tower and visitor amenities.

Q4: Why is environmental clearance necessary for the Indira Point project?

Ans: The Indira Point project falls within ecologically sensitive ICRZ-IA and ICRZ-IVA zones, requiring approvals to protect coastal ecosystems and marine biodiversity.

Q5: What broader policy issue does the Indira Point project highlight?

Ans: The Indira Point project illustrates the challenge of balancing infrastructure development, heritage conservation, maritime interests and ecological protection in fragile island ecosystems.

Hummus Trail: Israeli Tourism, War Crimes Allegations and Legal Accountability in India

July 9, 2026

Hummus Trail Latest News

In June 2026, the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), a Brussels-based Palestinian rights organisation, filed a complaint with India's Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Bureau of Immigration, and the police.
The complaint sought the arrest of Eitan Gilboa, an Israeli soldier who was found vacationing in Himachal Pradesh. Gilboa, a member of the 271st Combat Engineering Battalion, was accused of committing war crimes in Gaza in 2024.

What Is Gilboa Accused Of?

The HRF alleged that Gilboa participated in the destruction of residential buildings and civilian infrastructure in Khan Yunis and Rafah.
He reportedly filmed himself celebrating these actions, and the videos were later posted on social media by his mother. The HRF submitted geo-located videos, social media evidence, and chain-of-command documentation along with its complaint.
By the time the complaint was filed, Gilboa had already fled India. He had been traced by pro-Palestinian activists and the HRF to Old Manali and Gondla Village in Himachal Pradesh.

How Does Indian Law Apply Here?

The HRF alleged that Gilboa's actions violated the Fourth Geneva Convention, to which India is a signatory.
Under this convention, any intentional attack known to cause loss of civilian life or injury, along with severe damage to civilian property, is considered a war crime and a "grave breach" of the convention.
India does not have a standalone law specifically criminalising war crimes. However, it has enacted the Geneva Conventions Act, 1960. Under this law:
- Any act constituting a "grave breach" under four sections of the Geneva Convention is criminalised.
- India can arrest any person, regardless of nationality, found to have committed such an offence — even if the offence occurred outside India's territory.
- If arrest is not feasible, the Home Ministry and Bureau of Immigration can facilitate deportation of the accused.
Despite this legal framework, the Union government did not issue any statement on the HRF's allegations, nor did it initiate a probe into the matter.

About Hummus Trail

The "Hummus Trail" refers to a well-known travel circuit across India that is especially popular among Israeli tourists — many of whom are young veterans recently discharged from mandatory Israeli army service.
Around 80,000 Israelis visit India every year. Many undertake what is called the Tiul Gadol — an extended trip that can last anywhere from six months to a year, largely funded by the discharge bonus soldiers receive after completing their military service.
In February 2026, the Israeli government allocated 4 million NIS (New Israeli Shekel) specifically to boost tourism collaboration with India.

Where Does This Trail Run?

The Hummus Trail spans locations across India, from north to south, including:
- Kasol (often called "mini-Israel")
- Kodaikanal and Gokarna
- Goa and Hampi
- Rishikesh, Varanasi, and Pushkar
- Almora and Dharamkot
- More recently, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
In these areas, one can observe visible cultural shifts — Hebrew-language signage, posters promoting the Israeli Defence Forces, and cafes, stores, and hostels run by Israeli nationals.
In 2015, an Israeli-run café in Himachal Pradesh faced backlash for allegedly displaying a "whites only" sign that denied entry to Indians.

Concerns Around the Trail

A 2020 study found that drug abuse and rave parties are common along the Hummus Trail, with rising cases of drug peddling in these regions.
It noted that many veterans turn to high drug consumption as a coping mechanism for mental health challenges experienced during their army service.
In response, mental health workers from Israel have reportedly been sent to India to support these reservists during their travels.

Why Is This Drawing Global Attention?

As per the analysts, India-Israel tourism is not merely about routine holidays or cultural exchange — it forms part of a broader normalisation process aimed at deepening social and economic ties between the two nations.
They noted that Israel has repeatedly thanked India for being among the few countries offering it political and moral support at a time when much of the global community has distanced itself, at least publicly.
This issue has gained added significance given the scale of the conflict in Gaza.
Israel has killed over 73,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, and currently faces a genocide case filed by South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Against this backdrop, the unrestricted entry of Israeli soldiers into India after their service in Gaza has drawn increased scrutiny.

Conclusion

The Gilboa case highlights an important gap between India's legal obligations under the Geneva Conventions Act, 1960, and its actual enforcement practice.
It also raises broader questions about how deepening India-Israel tourism ties intersect with India's stated commitments to international humanitarian law, particularly amid an ongoing genocide case at the ICJ.

Source: TH | DC

Hummus Trail FAQs

Q1: Why has the Hummus Trail attracted international attention?

Ans: The Hummus Trail gained attention after allegations against an Israeli soldier vacationing in India raised questions about war crimes, legal accountability and India's treaty obligations.

Q2: How does Indian law apply to allegations linked to the Hummus Trail?

Ans: Under the Geneva Conventions Act, 1960, India can prosecute or act against individuals accused of grave breaches, making the Hummus Trail legally significant.

Q3: What is the Hummus Trail in India?

Ans: The Hummus Trail refers to a popular travel circuit frequented by Israeli tourists across destinations such as Kasol, Goa, Hampi, Pushkar and Rishikesh.

Q4: What concerns have been associated with the Hummus Trail?

Ans: The Hummus Trail has raised concerns over drug abuse, social integration, mental health challenges among former soldiers and legal scrutiny involving international humanitarian law.

Q5: Why is the Hummus Trail important from an international law perspective?

Ans: The Hummus Trail highlights the intersection of tourism, universal jurisdiction, the Geneva Conventions and India's responsibilities under international humanitarian law.