ASEAN Latest News

The 14th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts' Working Group on Counter-Terrorism (EWG on CT) was recently held in New Delhi.

About the Meeting

• Table-top counter-terrorism exercise to be held in Malaysia (2026) and a field training exercise in India (2027) under the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts’ Working Group on Counter-Terrorism (EWG on CT).
• India and Malaysia have assumed co-chairmanship of EWG on CT (2024-2027).
• The European Union (EU) hosted a workshop in New Delhi on preventing and countering violent extremism, emphasising India-EU counterterrorism cooperation.

What is ASEAN?

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organisation aimed at political, economic, and security cooperation.
• Established: August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
• Motto: "One Vision, One Identity, One Community."
• Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia.
• Member States (10 Nations):
  • Founding Members (1967): Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand.
  • Later Additions: Brunei (1984), Vietnam (1995), Laos & Myanmar (1997), Cambodia (1999).
• Economic & Demographic Strength:
  • Total Population: 662 million (2022).
  • Combined GDP: $3.2 trillion (2022).

Institutional Mechanism of ASEAN

• ASEAN Summit: Meets annually to discuss regional issues and set policy directions. Chaired by a rotating presidency.
• ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC): Oversees implementation of ASEAN agreements and decisions.
• ASEAN Secretariat: Supports and facilitates ASEAN’s activities and initiatives.
• ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF): Platform for dialogue on political and security issues among ASEAN members and their dialogue partners. India joined in 1996.
• Decision-Making Process: Based on consultation and consensus.

ASEAN-India Relations

• India became a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in 1992 and a Full Dialogue Partner in 1996.
• Joined the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in 1996.
• India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed in 2009 (Goods) and 2014 (Services & Investments).
• ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership was established in 2012.
• India actively participates in ADMM-Plus (ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus).

ASEAN Future Forum

• Proposed by Vietnam in 2023 (43rd ASEAN Summit).
• A common platform for ASEAN member states and partners to share ideas and policy recommendations.
• India is a founding member.

ASEAN FAQs

Q1. What is ASEAN?

Ans. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organization formed to promote economic, political, and security cooperation among Southeast Asian countries.

Q2. When and where was ASEAN founded?

Ans. ASEAN was founded on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration.

Q3. How many member countries are in ASEAN?

Ans. ASEAN has 10 member countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Q4. Does India have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with ASEAN?

Ans. Yes, India and ASEAN signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Goods in 2009, which was expanded to Services and Investments in 2014.

Source: TH

Life under the Antarctic Ice Shelf Latest News

Scientists have discovered dozens of new species on the newly exposed seafloor left behind by the A-84 iceberg, which broke away from the George VI Ice Shelf on January 13, 2025.

What is an Ice Shelf?

• An ice shelf is a floating mass of glacial ice, fed from land by tributary glaciers, and extending over the sea above an ice shelf cavity.
• Key Ice Sheets:
  • Antarctica and Greenland Ice Sheets hold two-thirds of Earth’s freshwater.
  • The West Antarctic Ice Sheet is one of the largest.
• Role in Sea Level Changes:
  • When ice sheets gain mass, global sea levels fall.
  • When ice sheets lose mass, global sea levels rise.

Scientific Discoveries Under George VI Ice Shelf

• Expedition: Conducted as part of Challenger 150, a UNESCO-endorsed global deep-sea research initiative.
• Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) SuBastian explored the seabed 1,300 meters deep.
• Key findings:
  • Diverse ecosystem: Found icefish, giant sea spiders, corals, sponges, and octopi.
  • New species: Scientists believe they discovered previously unknown marine species.
  • Jellyfish discovery: A giant phantom jelly was recorded, growing up to a meter wide.
  • Unusual nutrient supply: Despite being cut off from surface nutrients for centuries, life thrives—possibly due to ocean currents or glacial meltwater transporting essential nutrients.

About George VI Ice Shelf

• Location: Lies between Alexander Island and the Antarctic Peninsula.
• Size: Covers 24,000 sq. km, making it the second-largest ice shelf in the region.
• Ice flow: Receives ice from both the Antarctic Peninsula and Alexander Island.
• Unlike most ice shelves, it is laterally constrained (trapped between landmasses) instead of freely flowing into the ocean.
• It blocks epishelf lakes (trapped freshwater bodies between ice shelves and land).
• Situated at the -9°C mean annual air temperature isotherm, a critical threshold beyond which ice shelves are prone to collapse.
• Susceptible to melting from both atmospheric warming and warm ocean currents.

Life under the Antarctic Ice Shelf FAQs

Q1. What is an Antarctic Ice Shelf?

Ans. An ice shelf is a floating extension of a glacier or ice sheet that forms where the ice flows from the land into the ocean. These shelves are attached to the continent but extend over the sea.

Q2. Why are Antarctic Ice Shelves important?

Ans. Ice shelves act as barriers, slowing the flow of glaciers into the ocean. Their stability is crucial for maintaining sea levels and regulating ocean currents.

Q3. What is the impact of ice shelf collapse on sea levels?

Ans. Ice shelves themselves do not raise sea levels when they melt since they are already floating. However, their collapse can speed up glacier movement, leading to a rise in global sea levels.

Q4. What are some major Antarctic Ice Shelves?

Ans. Ross Ice Shelf (largest in Antarctica), Ronne Ice Shelf, Larsen Ice Shelf (Larsen A, B, and C have experienced major collapses), Filchner Ice Shelf and Amery Ice Shelf.

Source: IE

Section 79 of the IT Act Latest News

Elon Musk-Owned X Challenges Government Over IT Act Provisions

What is the IT Act, 2000?

• The Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 is India’s primary law governing cyber activities, digital transactions, and electronic governance.
• It provides a legal framework for:
  • Cybersecurity and protection against cybercrimes.
  • Digital signatures and electronic authentication.
  • Data protection and regulation of intermediaries (social media platforms, search engines, etc.).
• The Act was amended in 2008 and 2015 to address evolving cyber challenges.

Legal Framework: IT Act, 2000 & Key Provisions

Section 69A – Content Blocking Power

• Empowers the government to block access to online information in the interest of sovereignty, security, and public order, or to prevent incitement to an offence.
• Requires written orders and procedural safeguards before action is taken.
• Upheld by the Supreme Court in Shreya Singhal vs Union of India (2015), which recognized its safeguards against misuse.

Section 79 – Intermediary Liability ("Safe Harbour" Provision)

• Grants immunity to digital platforms (intermediaries) from liability for third-party content, provided they act as neutral hosts.
• Section 79(3)(b): Intermediaries lose immunity if they fail to remove unlawful content upon government notification.
• Shreya Singhal Ruling (2015): The SC clarified that intermediaries must comply with court or government orders based on Article 19(2) restrictions (such as national security, defamation, incitement to violence, etc.).

About Sahyog Portal

• An online platform developed for automating the issuance of content removal notices to intermediaries under the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000.
• Ministry involved: Managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Objectives:
  • Ensure swift and coordinated action against unlawful digital content.
  • Enhance monitoring and compliance with cyber laws.
  • Create a secure digital environment for Indian citizens.
• Key functions:
  • Brings together government agencies and digital intermediaries on a single platform.
  • Facilitates issuance, tracking, and monitoring of content removal notices.
  • Enhances transparency and accountability in digital content regulation.

Section 79 of the IT Act FAQs

Q1. What is Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000?

Ans. Section 79 of the IT Act provides a safe harbour to intermediaries (such as social media platforms, e-commerce websites, and internet service providers) by exempting them from liability for third-party content, provided they follow legal due diligence.

Q2. Who qualifies as an intermediary under Section 79?

Ans. An intermediary is any entity that stores, transmits, or provides access to information on behalf of others, including search engines, telecom networks, online marketplaces, and social media platforms.

Q3. Does Section 79 protect intermediaries in all cases?

Ans. No. Immunity is revoked if the intermediary actively participates in content creation, does not follow government orders, or fails to remove illegal content after receiving notice.

Source: IE

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme News

India’s $23 billion PLI scheme to rival China factories to lapse after it disappoints.

Why in the News?

• The $23 billion Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, launched in 2020 to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on China, is set to lapse as many firms failed to meet production targets.
• The scheme was aimed at increasing manufacturing’s share in India’s GDP to 25% by 2025, but it has declined from 15.4% to 14.3% instead.
• Only 37% of the expected production target was achieved, with $151.93 billion worth of goods manufactured by October 2024.
• Delays in subsidy payouts and excessive bureaucracy hampered the scheme’s effectiveness.

About the PLI Scheme

• The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme was launched in March 2020 to boost domestic manufacturing, increase import substitution, and generate employment.
• The scheme initially targeted three industries: Mobile and Allied Component Manufacturing, Electrical Component Manufacturing and Medical devices.
• Later, it was expanded to 14 key sectors.
• Under this scheme, Domestic and Foreign companies receive financial incentives based on a percentage of their incremental revenue for up to five years.

PLI Scheme Performance 

• Mobile Phones: Major success – Production rose 63% from 2020-24, reaching $49 billion. Apple and Samsung dominate exports.
• Pharmaceuticals: Strong growth – Exports nearly doubled to $27.85 billion (2023-24).
• Food Processing: Exceeded production targets, but some firms missed subsidy eligibility due to investment non-compliance.
• Steel & Solar Panels: Lagging sectors – 14 out of 58 approved steel projects withdrawn, 8 out of 12 solar firms unlikely to meet targets.
• Textiles & IT Hardware: Slow growth, struggling to compete with China's lower production costs.
• 94% of the $620 million incentives disbursed (April-Oct 2024) went to pharmaceuticals and mobile phones, highlighting uneven sectoral success.

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme FAQs

Q1. What is the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme?

Ans. The PLI scheme is a government initiative that provides financial incentives to companies based on their production output in specific sectors to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependency.

Q2. When was the PLI scheme launched?

Ans. The PLI scheme was first announced in March 2020 as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Q3. How does the PLI scheme work?

Ans. Under the scheme, eligible companies receive financial incentives based on incremental sales of manufactured goods over a base year. The incentive percentage varies by sector.

Source: TH

Demands For Grants Latest News

Lok Sabha Approves ₹50 Lakh Crore in Demands for Grants for 2025-26.

What are Demands for Grants?

• Definition: Demands for Grants refer to expenditure estimates that require Lok Sabha approval under Article 113 of the Constitution.
• Scope:
  • Covers revenue & capital expenditure, grants to states/UTs, and loans & advances.
  • Each ministry/department presents its own Demand; large ministries may have multiple Demands.
• Types of Expenditures:
  • Voted expenditure: Requires approval from the Lok Sabha.
  • Charged expenditure: Includes President’s salary, judges' salaries, debt servicing, and does not require voting.

Constitutional Provisions on Demands for Grants

• Article 113: No demand for a grant can be made without the President’s recommendation.
• Article 114: Money cannot be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India without Parliamentary approval.
• Article 115: Allows for supplementary, additional, or excess grants when the original budget allocation is insufficient.
• Article 116: Provides for Vote on Account, Vote of Credit, and Exceptional Grants if the budget is not passed before the financial year begins.

Voting on Demands for Grants

• Exclusive power of Lok Sabha (Rajya Sabha cannot vote).
• Voting applies only to the votable part of the budget.
• Each Demand is voted on separately, allowing for discussion.
• If all demands are not discussed within the allocated time, the Speaker applies the Guillotine, approving all remaining Demands without discussion.

Demands for Grants FAQs

Q1. What are the Demands for Grants?

Ans. Demands for Grants are requests for funds presented by various ministries and departments in the Union Budget to meet their expenditure needs for the financial year.

Q2. Who presents the Demands for Grants?

Ans. The finance minister presents the Demands for Grants on behalf of the Union Government, detailing the expenditure for various ministries.

Q3. Under which article are Demands for Grants presented?

Ans. Article 113 of the Indian Constitution mandates that all government expenditure requires parliamentary approval through Demands for Grants.

Q4. How many Demands for Grants are presented in the Union Budget?

Ans. The number varies yearly, but there are usually around 100 Demands for Grants, each corresponding to a specific ministry or department.

Source: TH

Eurasian Goshawk Latest News

A Eurasian goshawk, a medium-large raptor, was recently spotted at Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary by a forest guard.

About Eurasian Goshawk

• It is a large, powerful bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family, which also includes other extant diurnal raptors, such as eagles, buzzards and harriers.
• Scientific Name: Accipiter gentilis
• It is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and parts of North America (where it is simply called the Northern Goshawk). 
• Habitat: Found in dense forests, particularly coniferous and mixed woodlands.

Eurasian Goshawk Features

• It has relatively short, broad wings and a long tail.
• It is blue-grey above or brownish-grey with dark barring or streaking over a grey or white base color below, but Asian subspecies in particular range from nearly white overall to nearly black above.
• Females are significantly larger than males.

Key Facts about Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is located in the Thane District of Maharashtra, 90 km northeast of Mumbai in the foothills of the Western Ghats.
• The sanctuary is spread over an area of 320 sq. km. 
• It has two rivers, the Tansa and Vaitarna, and the sanctuary gets its name from the former, which divides the sanctuary into two parts.
• The sanctuary forms the catchment area of Tansa Lake, along with the surrounding forests of Khardi, Vaitarna, Wada, and Shahapur ranges.
• Tansa reservoir, along with Vaitarna and Bhatsa reservoirs, is the major source of water for the cities of Mumbai and Thane. 
• Within Tansa Sanctuary is a fort at Mahuli, situated on a 762 m high hilltop.
• Vegetation: The Sanctuary has Southern Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest, with a few patches of Evergreen forest. 
• Flora: It consists of trees like Kalamb, Bibla, Khair, Hed, Teak, and Bamboo.
• Fauna:
  • At least 54 species of animals and 200 species of birds exist in the sanctuary.
  • Major wild animals are Panther, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Hyena, Wild boar, etc.
  • Two Critically Endangered Gyps species of vultures, the Vulnerable Pallas’s Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus, are also seen here.
• Eurasian Goshawk Conservation Status: Least Concerned under the IUCN Red List. 

Eurasian Goshawk FAQs

Q1. In which state is Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Ans. Maharashtra 

Q2. Which two rivers flow through Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans. Tansa and Vaitarna

Q3. What type of forest is predominantly found in Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans. Southern Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest

Source: MSN

Exercise Sea Dragon 2025 Latest News

The Indian Navy recently participated in the Sea Dragon 2025 exercise.

About Exercise Sea Dragon

• It is a multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) drill conducted annually to strengthen maritime security and cooperation among allied nations in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Hosted by the United States Navy’s 7th Fleet at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, this exercise focuses on detecting, tracking, and countering submarine threats, a crucial capability given the rising tensions in the region.
• It is an intensive, highly technical military drill that involves both theoretical and practical ASW training. 
• Participating nations deploy their maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft (MPRA), which are equipped with advanced sensors and sonobuoys designed to track submarines. 
• The training includes mock drills, tactical discussions, and live submarine detection exercises, allowing crews to sharpen their ability to locate and neutralise enemy submarines in real-world scenarios.
• Originally a bilateral naval drill between the US and Australia in 2019, the Sea Dragon exercise has expanded to include key allies, including India – which joined in 2021.
• Sea Dragon 2025:
• This year the exercise focused on improving ASW tactics, interoperability, and multinational coordination in the Indo-Pacific region. The exercise included:
  • Mobile ASW training target drills using the MK-30 ‘SLED’.
  • A live ASWEX exercise, where participants tracked a US Navy submarine.
  • A competitive phase, where aircrews were graded on ASW effectiveness.
• It included Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the United States, with India participating for the fourth consecutive year.

Exercise Sea Dragon 2025 FAQs

Q1. What is the primary focus of Exercise Sea Dragon?

Ans. Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) drills

Q2. When did India join the Exercise Sea Dragon?

Ans. 2021

Q3. Which countries participated in Sea Dragon 2025?

Ans. US, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and India.

Source: BS

Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act Latest News

At a review meeting chaired by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs recently, the Army sought the inclusion of additional police station limits in Manipur Valley under the ambit of the Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act (AFSPA).

About Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act 

• It is a law enacted by the Parliament in 1958 which gives the armed forces special powers and immunity to maintain public order in “disturbed areas”. 
• When is it applied? It can be applied only after an area has been declared “disturbed” under section 2 of the Act.
• Jurisdiction:
  • Both the state and Union governments can issue notifications declaring certain areas as “disturbed”,granting the armed forces the authority under AFSPA.
  • For Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issues periodic notifications.
• Disturbed Areas under AFSPA: Defined under Section 3 of the Act, a “disturbed area” is where the use of armed forces is deemed necessary to support civil authorities in maintaining law and order.
• Declaration of Disturbed Areas:
  • An area can be declared disturbed due to conflicts or disputes between various religious, racial, linguistic, regional, or caste-based communities.
  • The central government, Governor of the state, or the administrator of the Union Territory can declare the whole or part of a state or union territory as a disturbed area.
  • Once declared, the region is maintained as disturbed for at least three months under The Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act, 1976.
  • The scope and duration of AFSPA can vary depending on the region’s security situation. 
• The ‘special powers’ of armed forces under AFSPA are: 
  • They have the authority to prohibit a gathering of five or more persons in an area, can use force or even open fire after giving due warning if they feel a person is in contravention of the law. 
  • If reasonable suspicion exists, the army can also arrest a person without a warrant, enter or search a premises without a warrant, and ban the possession of firearms.
  • Any person arrested or taken into custody may be handed over to the officer in charge of the nearest police station along with a report detailing the circumstances that led to the arrest.
  • These armed forces are immune from prosecution unless the Union Government provides sanction to the prosecuting agencies.
  • Where is AFSPA in force now? Apart from Nagaland, the AFSPA is currently in force in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and Manipur except in Imphal, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act FAQs

Q1. When was the Armed Forces Special Powers Act passed?

Ans. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Bill was passed by both the Houses of Parliament and it received the assent of the President on 11th September, 1958.

Q2. Who has the authority to declare an area as “disturbed” under AFSPA?

Ans. The Central Government, Governor of the State, or Administrator of a Union Territory.

Q3. What legal immunity do armed forces enjoy under AFSPA?

Ans. They cannot be prosecuted unless sanctioned by the Union Government.

Source: TH

Gambhir River Latest News

Rajasthan High Court recently sought a reply from chief secretary, divisional commissioner, Bharatpur, principal revenue secretary, district collector, Karauli, and SP, Karauli, in a case of alleged encroachment on the floodplain of Gambhiri river which supplies water to Ghana Bird Sanctuary. 

About Gambhir River

• The Gambhir River, also known as the Utangan River, is a significant watercourse in Rajasthan.
• It is a seasonal river and flows only in the rainy season.
• The Gambhir River Basin is located in the northeastern portion of Rajasthan. 
• It is bounded by the Banganga river basin in the north, the Banas river basin in the southwest, Chambal and Parbati in the southeast; Uttar Pradesh state constitutes part of the boundary in the northeast. 
• Course: 
  • Originating in the Aravalli Hills near Hindaun, the river flows through several districts before joining the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh. 
  • The river flows in a south-to-north direction, eventually forming the boundary between Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Its total length is approximately 288 kilometres.
• The river is ephemeral, but becomes perennial after its confluence with the Parbati, outside Dhoulpur District. 
• It supplies water to the Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its bird sanctuary. 
• The important tributaries of the Gambhir River are Sesa, Kher, and Parbati. 

Gambhir River FAQs

Q1. In which Indian state is the Gambhir River primarily located?

Ans. Rajasthan

Q2. What is the approximate total length of the Gambhir River?

Ans. 288 km

Q3. Which major river does the Gambhir River ultimately join?

Ans. Yamuna

Source: TOI

World Happiness Index Latest News

India ranked 118th in the World Happiness Report 2025 published recently.

About World Happiness Index

• It is an annual report published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in partnership with Gallup, the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
• The rankings are based on people’s self-assessed life evaluations.
• The World Happiness Index 2025ranked countries according to self-assessed life evaluations averaged over 2022-2024 and answers to the Cantril ladder question in the Gallup World Poll.
• It asks respondents to think of a ladder with the best possible life for them being a 10 and the worst being a zero. 
• They are then asked to rate their current lives on that scale.
• The study considers 6 explanatory factors for happiness: social support, GDP per capita, health life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perception of corruption.
• The study also maps whether responses indicated positive or negative emotions about the country.

Highlights of World Happiness Index 2025

• Finland is ranked as the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year, and other Nordic countries – Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden, continued to remain in the top four, in that order. 
• The United Kingdom is in the 23rd position, the US is 24th, and China stands at the 68th position in the list of 147 countries this year. 
• While Western countries dominated the top 20, especially European nations, Costa Rica and Mexico entered the top 10 for the first time, ranking at 6th and 10th respectively.
• Afghanistan is again ranked as the unhappiest country in the world; this year 147th against last year's 143rd rank (last).
• The State of Palestine is ranked 108th (103 in 2024), while Ukraine is at 111 rank (105 in 2024). 
• India ranked 118 out of 147 countries.
• Among India's neighbouring countries, Sri Lanka was ranked at 133, Bangladesh at 134,Pakistan at 109, Nepal at 92, and China at 68.

World Happiness Index FAQs

Q1. Which country was ranked as the happiest in the world in the 2025 report?

Ans. Finland

Q2. What was India's rank in the World Happiness Index 2025?

Ans. India ranked 118 out of 147 countries.

Q3. Which country was ranked as the least happy in the 2025 report?

Ans. Afghanistan

Source: DH