The Indian Navy has commissioned its first Tata-made Spanish 3D Air Surveillance Radar (Lanza-N) aboard a warship, marking a significant milestone in defence self-reliance. The radar, jointly developed by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Spanish firm Indra, enhances maritime situational awareness and will be installed on 19 more vessels in the coming years.

Key Points:

• The Lanza-N 3D radar, built under a 2020 contract, has been successfully commissioned on an Indian Navy warship after extensive sea trials.
• Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) produced the radar in collaboration with Spain’s Indra, making TASL the first Indian company to integrate such advanced naval radar.
• A new radar assembly, integration, and testing facility has been set up in Karnataka to support the delivery of 20 more radars.
• The system provides long-range, 3D detection of aerial and surface threats, including drones, supersonic aircraft, and missiles, even in high-humidity and extreme-heat conditions.
• This development strengthens India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by reducing reliance on foreign imports and enhancing the Navy’s strategic edge in the Indian Ocean region.

The All India Thal Sainik Camp (AITSC) 2025 concluded in New Delhi, bringing together cadets from across India for a display of discipline, leadership, and physical prowess. The camp fosters camaraderie, military skills, and national integration among cadets.

Key Points:

• AITSC 2025 was held in New Delhi, hosting cadets from all states and union territories.
• The camp showcased activities including drill competitions, obstacle courses, cultural programs, and leadership exercises.
• Cadets had the opportunity to interact with senior military officers, enhancing their understanding of defense and leadership.
• The camp emphasized discipline, physical fitness, and teamwork as core values for cadets.
• AITSC serves as a platform to promote national integration and prepare cadets for future roles in defense and civil services.

AIIMS Delhi has created history by becoming the first government medical college in India to offer advanced training on the da Vinci Surgical Robot. Installed at its Skills, E-Learning & Telemedicine (SET) facility, the system will enhance surgical education and provide hands-on training to medical students and professionals across specialities.

Key Points:

• AIIMS Delhi is the first government medical college in India to introduce training on the da Vinci Surgical Robot at its SET facility.
• The training initiative is being conducted under a collaboration with Intuitive Surgical, the developer of the da Vinci system.
• AIIMS already uses the Hugo robotic trainer by Medtronic, making it the only institute with two robotic training platforms dedicated to education.
• The training will cover multiple specialities including urology, gynaecology, surgical oncology, general surgery, and head & neck surgery.
• The move eliminates the need for Indian surgeons to travel abroad for such robotic training, offering world-class skill development within the country.

India has launched the world’s first digital tribal university, ‘Adi Sanskriti’, in its beta version at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, aims to preserve tribal heritage, promote traditional knowledge systems, and provide education and livelihood opportunities to tribal communities. It integrates cultural documentation with an online marketplace to support tribal artisans.

Key Points:

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the beta version of ‘Adi Sanskriti’ at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• It is described as the world’s first digital tribal university dedicated to tribal culture and knowledge systems.
• The platform will document tribal art, crafts, and heritage while offering education modules.
• It also includes livelihood components such as Adi Haat for promoting tribal products and artisans.
• The initiative supports the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 by empowering tribal communities through digital means.

Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel inaugurated the National Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory Conclave in New Delhi. The event highlighted India’s efforts to strengthen virus research, diagnostic capabilities, and preparedness for emerging infectious diseases.

Key Points:

• The conclave was inaugurated by MoS Health Anupriya Patel in New Delhi, focusing on virus research and diagnostic advancements.
• It brought together experts, researchers, and institutions to discuss strategies for combating viral diseases and improving laboratory networks.
• The event emphasized enhancing India’s surveillance, preparedness, and rapid response capabilities against future health emergencies.
• Discussions included capacity building, collaboration, and adoption of advanced technologies for viral diagnostics.
• The conclave aims to support India’s broader health security framework and strengthen its role in global health research.

AIIMS Delhi has launched an AI-powered mental health program called ‘Never Alone’ to provide 24×7 support for students struggling with stress, anxiety, and depression. The initiative, introduced on World Suicide Prevention Day, aims to tackle student suicides and reduce stigma around mental health.

Key Points:

• The ‘Never Alone’ program was launched at AIIMS Delhi on World Suicide Prevention Day to support student mental health.
• It provides round-the-clock screening, counselling, intervention, and follow-up care through a secured web-based app.
• The service is free for all AIIMS institutes, while non-AIIMS institutions can access it for 70 paise per student per day.
• The platform is accessible via WhatsApp, QR code, and offline consultations, making it widely available.
• Initially, the program has been rolled out at AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and IHBAS Shahdara.

India celebrated a major literacy milestone on International Literacy Day on 8 September 2025, themed “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era.” Himachal Pradesh became the fifth State/UT to achieve full functional literacy, following Tripura, Mizoram, Goa, and Ladakh, highlighting India’s rising literacy rate and the evolving definition of literacy.

India’s literacy rate reached 80.9% in 2023–24, up from 74% in 2011, thanks to initiatives like the ULLAS Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram. The programme engaged over 3 crore learners and 42 lakh volunteers, focusing on foundational literacy and numeracy. Several states have now achieved full functional literacy.

Key Points:

• The ULLAS Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram has been instrumental in improving literacy, assessing 1.83 crore learners for foundational literacy and numeracy.
• Himachal Pradesh achieved a 99.3% literacy rate, joining Mizoram, Tripura, Goa, and Ladakh in attaining full functional literacy.
• The Ministry of Education emphasized digital literacy, in line with the International Literacy Day theme: “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era.”
• Youth and students are encouraged to participate in literacy drives, with academic credits linked to engagement to boost participation.
• India’s literacy has grown from 12% at Independence (with Himachal Pradesh at 7%) to 80.9% in 2023–24, marking a significant milestone in educational development.

International Literacy Day is observed every year on September 8, established by UNESCO in 1966 to highlight literacy as a fundamental human right and a key driver of sustainable development.

The 2025 theme, “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace,” emphasizes the importance of inclusive and multilingual approaches to education.

The day serves as a reminder to governments, educators, and communities worldwide to work collectively towards reducing illiteracy and building a more informed and empowered society.

Key Points

• International Literacy Day was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1966 and first celebrated in 1967.
• The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of literacy as a tool for empowerment and social progress.
• The 2025 theme focuses on multilingual education, promoting peace and mutual understanding.
• Governments, NGOs, and educational institutions organize workshops, book drives, and awareness campaigns to mark the day.
• Despite progress, millions of people globally still lack basic literacy skills, making continued efforts crucial.

India’s retail inflation (CPI) rose slightly to 2.07% in August 2025, up from 1.61% in July. Despite the uptick, inflation remains comfortably below the Reserve Bank of India’s 4% target, giving policymakers room to support growth if needed. The moderation in food price declines played a key role in the increase.

Key Points:

• Retail inflation (CPI) for August 2025 stood at 2.07%, compared to 1.61% recorded in July.
• Food inflation eased by 0.69% year-on-year, showing a slower decline than July’s 1.76%.
• Vegetable prices fell by 15.92% in August, moderating from a sharper 20.69% drop in July.
• Core inflation, which excludes food and fuel, was estimated at around 4.1%, indicating steady demand pressures.
• Inflation remains well below RBI’s medium-term target of 4% and within its tolerance band of 2–6%, keeping the possibility of future rate cuts alive.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bairabi-Sairang Railway Line, Mizoram’s first broad-gauge connection, on September 13, 2025. Built at a cost of over ?8,000 crore, the 51.38 km project marks Aizawl’s first direct rail link with India’s national network, enhancing connectivity and regional development.

Key Points:

• The Bairabi-Sairang Railway Line spans 51.38 km and was constructed at an estimated cost of over Rs.8,000 crore.
• The project features 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 87 minor bridges, showcasing advanced engineering in difficult terrain.
• With this line, Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, is now connected to the Indian Railways network for the first time.
• New train services, including a Rajdhani Express to New Delhi and trains to Guwahati and Kolkata, were also flagged off.
• The railway line is expected to reduce travel costs, improve trade and tourism, and accelerate socio-economic growth in Mizoram and the Northeast.

Senior BJP leader CP Radhakrishnan was sworn in as the 15th Vice President of India on 12 September 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu, marking the beginning of his tenure as both Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Key Points:

• CP Radhakrishnan secured victory in the Vice Presidential election with 452 votes, defeating opposition candidate B. Sudershan Reddy by a margin of 152 votes.
• The oath-taking ceremony was conducted at Rashtrapati Bhavan, with President Droupadi Murmu administering the oath.
• As Vice President, Radhakrishnan automatically assumes the constitutional role of Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
• He has previously served as Governor of Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Telangana, and was a two-time Member of Parliament from Coimbatore.
• After the oath, he paid tributes at memorials of Mahatma Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Chaudhary Charan Singh.

On September 9, 2025, CP Radhakrishnan, the NDA-backed candidate and former Governor of Maharashtra and Jharkhand, was elected as India’s 15th Vice President. He secured 452 votes, defeating opposition nominee B Sudershan Reddy, who received 300 votes, with a voter turnout of 98.2%. His election is expected to bring a non-confrontational approach to the Vice President’s office.

Key Points:

• CP Radhakrishnan won the Vice Presidential election with 452 votes, while B Sudershan Reddy received 300 votes.
• A total of 767 Members of Parliament voted, with 752 valid ballots and 15 invalid votes recorded.
• The opposition raised concerns over cross-voting, questioning the unity of the INDIA bloc.
• Radhakrishnan has strong roots in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and has held key positions in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.
• His election is seen as a significant development in Indian politics, with expectations of a balanced and non-confrontational tenure as Vice President.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the ‘Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ on September 17, an initiative aimed at improving women’s health and empowering families through better healthcare awareness and services. The program reflects the government’s focus on women-centric policies and holistic family well-being.

Key Points:

• PM Modi will officially launch the ‘Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ on September 17.
• The initiative focuses on enhancing women’s health, which is directly linked to the well-being of families.
• It aims to provide preventive healthcare measures, awareness campaigns, and access to essential services.
• The program aligns with the government’s broader vision of women empowerment and inclusive development.
• By addressing women’s health needs, the initiative seeks to strengthen family health outcomes and promote social progress.

Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been sworn in as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister following violent youth-led protests that left dozens dead. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated her and reaffirmed India’s commitment to Nepal’s peace, progress, and prosperity.

Key Points:

• Sushila Karki, Nepal’s former Chief Justice, has been appointed as the country’s first woman interim Prime Minister.
• The appointment follows weeks of GenZ-led protests over governance issues and a controversial social media ban.
• The violent unrest claimed at least 51 lives, injured over a thousand, and saw government buildings torched.
• PM Modi congratulated Karki in Nepali and Hindi, expressing India’s support for Nepal’s stability and development.
• The interim government is tasked with restoring order, investigating violence, and preparing for elections scheduled on March 5, 2026.

Albania has made history by appointing Diella, an AI-generated virtual assistant, as the world’s first artificial intelligence minister to oversee public procurement and curb corruption. This move aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in governance while also supporting Albania’s aspirations for EU membership.

Key Points:

1. Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the appointment of Diella, an AI system, as a virtual minister responsible for managing public procurement processes.

2. Diella was first launched in early 2025 as an AI assistant on Albania’s e-Albania platform, helping citizens access government services.

3. The government intends to make public tenders “100% corruption-free” by shifting decision-making power from human officials to the AI system.

4. The initiative is seen as both symbolic and practical, showcasing Albania’s commitment to anti-corruption reforms and aligning with European Union standards.

5. While innovative, the move has raised concerns over accountability, constitutional validity, algorithmic bias, and cybersecurity risks in governance.

The proposed US HIRE (Halting International Relocation of Employment) Act seeks to impose heavy taxes on outsourcing, which could severely impact India’s IT industry that depends heavily on the American market. The move is aimed at boosting domestic employment in the US but raises serious concerns for Indian IT companies’ revenue, competitiveness, and long-term growth.

Key Points:

• The HIRE Act proposes a 25% excise tax on payments made by US firms to foreign entities for services benefitting US customers.
• The bill also aims to disallow tax deductions on outsourcing expenses, making offshore services less attractive to US businesses.
• India’s IT sector, with companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and HCLTech, derives over 50% of its revenues from the US market.
• The legislation threatens to reduce India’s cost advantage, pressure profit margins, and lead to contract renegotiations or reduced outsourcing demand.
• Experts suggest diversification of markets, AI-driven innovation, and strengthening of nearshore presence as possible strategies to mitigate the risks.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the first overseas Atal Incubation Centre at IIT Delhi’s Abu Dhabi campus. The centre is designed to boost start-ups, research, and innovation in areas of mutual interest for India and the UAE, strengthening educational and entrepreneurial collaboration.

Key Points:

• The Atal Incubation Centre at IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi is the first of its kind established outside India.
• The initiative aims to nurture start-ups and foster joint ventures between innovators from India and the UAE.
• Focus sectors for innovation include deep technology, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and healthcare.
• The centre will provide world-class facilities to entrepreneurs and serve as a gateway for Indian innovators to access Middle East markets.
• The move reflects a broader India-UAE effort to deepen cooperation in education, innovation, and knowledge exchange.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam in Kashi to review bilateral ties. The discussions focused on deepening cooperation in cultural, economic, and strategic sectors, reflecting the historic bonds shared between India and Mauritius.

Key Points:

1. PM Modi and PM Navin Ramgoolam of Mauritius met in Kashi to review and strengthen bilateral relations.

2. The leaders discussed expanding collaboration in trade, infrastructure, education, and maritime security.

3. Cultural and civilizational ties, especially rooted in Kashi’s spiritual significance, were highlighted during the visit.

4. Both sides reiterated commitment to enhancing India–Mauritius partnership in line with shared democratic values.

5. The meeting underscored Mauritius’s role as a key partner for India in the Indian Ocean region.

India and Singapore convened a Joint Working Group meeting in New Delhi focused on strengthening cooperation in public administration and personnel management. The meeting featured exchanges on digital governance platforms, public grievance redressal, and citizen service delivery, aiming to improve transparency, responsiveness, and efficiency in government services in both countries.

Key Points:

• The meeting was held in New Delhi, with India represented by V. Srinivas, Secretary of DARPG, and Singapore’s side represented by Sze Ling Lim, CEO of Service SG under PSD. 
• India shared details about its CPGRAMS (Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System) and NeSDA (National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment) portals. 
• Singapore showcased Life SG, its digital platform integrating government services for citizens during key life events. 
• The goal of the cooperation is to enhance efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in public service delivery for citizens in both nations. 
• Both sides agreed to continue collaboration and technology sharing in governance reforms, personnel management, and public administration. 

India and the European Union held their 15th Joint Working Group meeting on Counter Terrorism in Brussels to strengthen cooperation against global security threats. The discussions focused on terror financing, online radicalisation, emerging technologies, and information sharing on terrorist designations. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to work together through multilateral platforms like the UN, FATF, and GCTF.

Key Points:

• The 15th Joint Working Group meeting on Counter Terrorism between India and the EU was held in Brussels.
• The meeting was co-chaired by Maciej Stadejek from the EEAS and K.D. Dewal from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
• Discussions covered global and regional terrorist threats, terror financing, and preventing online radicalisation.
• Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation on designating terrorists and addressing security challenges from emerging technologies.
• The EU expressed condolences over the Pahalgam attack, while both parties reaffirmed collaboration through the UN, FATF, and GCTF.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy in New Delhi on 10 September 2025. The discussions focused on strengthening the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across sectors including trade, energy, defence, and education, while also reviewing outcomes of recent high-level visits. Both sides also exchanged views on pressing global and regional issues.

Key Points:

• Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met UAE’s Reem Al Hashimy in New Delhi to advance bilateral ties.
• The meeting reviewed progress under the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
• Key areas of focus included trade, investment, energy, defence, education, and cultural exchanges.
• Both leaders discussed follow-up actions from earlier high-level visits between India and UAE.
• Regional and global issues of mutual concern were also part of the agenda.

Massive protests broke out in Nepal in early September 2025 after the government banned 26 major social media platforms, sparking outrage among digitally active youth. The demonstrations, driven largely by Gen Z, escalated into a wider movement against corruption, unemployment, and inequality.

Violent clashes left at least 17–19 people dead and hundreds injured, forcing Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign. The Nepal Army was deployed to restore order as curfews and restrictions gripped the capital.

Key Points:

• The protests began in early September 2025 after the government banned popular social media platforms such as Facebook, X, and YouTube.
• The ban, seen as a clampdown on free speech, fueled broader anger over corruption scandals and rising youth unemployment.
• Violent clashes between protesters and security forces resulted in at least 17–19 deaths and over 100 injuries.
• Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned amid mounting pressure, while the President appointed him as caretaker.
• The Nepal Army enforced curfews and patrols in Kathmandu, with talks expected between the government and protest leaders to resolve the crisis.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou was ousted after losing a parliamentary confidence vote, marking a major political shift in France. Bayrou, a centrist leader, failed to secure enough support in the National Assembly, leading to his removal from office. The development highlights growing political instability in France as parties clash over reforms and governance.

Key Points:

• French Prime Minister François Bayrou was removed from office following a failed confidence vote in Parliament.
• The confidence motion was triggered due to rising tensions over policy disagreements and governance challenges.
• Bayrou, a long-time centrist leader, struggled to maintain coalition unity in the National Assembly.
• His ousting underscores the fragility of the French government amid polarized political dynamics.
• President Emmanuel Macron is expected to appoint a new Prime Minister soon to restore stability and continuity.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation after the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) suffered a historic defeat in the July 2025 parliamentary elections. Losing its majority in both houses, the LDP faced internal pressure, prompting Ishiba to step down and pave the way for a new party leadership ahead of the October 4 leadership election.

Key Points:

• Shigeru Ishiba resigned as Japan’s Prime Minister after the LDP lost its parliamentary majority in the July 2025 elections.
• The defeat marked the first time in 70 years that the LDP failed to retain control of both houses of parliament.
• Internal party pressure from influential LDP members accelerated Ishiba’s decision to resign.
• The LDP is scheduled to elect a new leader on October 4, with candidates such as Sanae Takaichi, Shinjiro Koizumi, and Yoshimasa Hayashi expected to contest.
• Ishiba’s tenure faced economic challenges, rising living costs, and regional geopolitical tensions, including issues with China, Russia, and North Korea.

India and Israel signed a Bilateral Investment Agreement in New Delhi, aimed at strengthening trade, innovation, and mutual economic growth. The agreement focuses on enhancing investment flows, protecting investors’ interests, and fostering collaborations in key sectors like technology, defence, renewable energy, and agriculture. The pact marks a new milestone in the longstanding India-Israel partnership.

Key Points:

• India and Israel formalized a Bilateral Investment Agreement in New Delhi to enhance economic ties.
• The pact is designed to increase cross-border investment flows and safeguard investor interests.
• Key areas of cooperation under the agreement include technology, defence, renewable energy, and agriculture.
• The deal reflects both countries’ commitment to diversifying and strengthening their economic partnership.
• The agreement is expected to generate opportunities for businesses, startups, and innovation-driven industries in both nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended congratulations to Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali on his victory in the recent elections. Modi highlighted the strong ties between India and Guyana and reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

Key Points:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Guyanese President Irfaan Ali on his electoral victory.
• Modi emphasized the historic cultural ties and shared values between India and Guyana.
• Both leaders are expected to continue strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, education, and technology.
• India and Guyana share close relations due to their large Indian diaspora presence in Guyana.
• The congratulatory message reflects India’s commitment to enhancing South-South cooperation and building stronger diplomatic engagement with the Caribbean region.

Bhupender Gupta has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of NHPC Limited, India’s leading hydropower company. His appointment comes at a time when the company is accelerating its green energy transition through large-scale hydro and renewable projects. Gupta’s leadership is expected to strengthen NHPC’s role in advancing India’s clean energy goals.

Key Points:

• Bhupender Gupta has officially taken charge as the CMD of NHPC Limited.
• NHPC is India’s largest hydropower company, playing a key role in renewable and green energy expansion.
• Gupta’s appointment comes during India’s ongoing push for sustainable energy solutions.
• His leadership is expected to drive NHPC’s efforts in hydro and solar power projects.
• The move aligns with India’s target to significantly expand renewable energy capacity by 2030.

Veteran journalist and author Sankarshan Thakur, known for his incisive political reporting and commentary, passed away at the age of 63 in Gurugram. His work, particularly on Indian politics and Bihar’s socio-political landscape, earned him wide recognition in the field of journalism.

Key Points:

• Senior journalist Sankarshan Thakur passed away at the age of 63 in Gurugram.
• He was widely respected for his in-depth political analysis and reporting over several decades.
• Thakur authored books on Indian politics, including detailed works on Bihar and its leaders.
• He was associated with leading publications and was admired for his fearless journalism.
• His passing marks a significant loss to Indian media, remembered for his sharp insights and narrative style.

The 2025 Swachh Vayu Survekshan survey assessed Indian cities on their efforts to control air pollution under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Indore topped the million-plus population category, while several other cities demonstrated notable improvements in PM10 reduction and pollution management.

Key Points:

• Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2025 ranks cities based on pollution-control actions rather than only pollutant levels, with Indore reclaiming 1st place in the million-plus population category.
• Other top-ranking million-plus cities include Jabalpur (2nd) and Agra-Surat jointly in 3rd, while Navi Mumbai, Kanpur, Bhopal, and Allahabad also featured in the top ten.
• PM10 pollution trends show minor rise in Indore (~1.2%) but significant declines in metros like Mumbai (~44%), Kolkata (~37%), Bengaluru (~34%), and Chennai (~30%).
• In smaller city categories: Amravati topped the 3–10 lakh population group, and Dewas led the under-3 lakh category, followed by Jhansi, Moradabad, Parwanoo, and Angul.
• Out of 130 NCAP cities, 103 showed reductions in PM10; 64 cities achieved ≥20% reduction, 25 cities ≥40%, and some cities were recognized under the “Wetland Cities” initiative in line with the Ramsar Convention.

The Government of India has successfully completed more than 68,000 ponds under Mission Amrit Sarovar, surpassing its original target of 50,000. The scheme, launched in April 2022, aims to ensure water conservation, groundwater recharge, and sustainable management of water resources.

Key Points:

• Mission Amrit Sarovar was launched with the goal of creating or rejuvenating 75 ponds per district, totaling 50,000 ponds by August 15, 2023.
• As of March 2025, 68,842 ponds have been completed, exceeding the initial national target.
• Each Amrit Sarovar typically covers about one acre and stores nearly 10,000 cubic meters of water, with adjustments made for hilly regions.
• The scheme is being implemented through convergence with programs such as MGNREGS, PM Krishi Sinchayi Yojana, and Finance Commission grants, along with CSR and crowdfunding.
• Phase II of the scheme focuses on people’s participation, technological innovation, and long-term sustainability through outcome-based monitoring.

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, felicitated the Indian student team that represented the country at the 18th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) held in China. The event recognized the students’ achievements and highlighted India’s growing presence in global science competitions.

Key Points:

• The Indian team won 7 medals in total at the 18th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO-2025) held in Jining, China: 1 Gold, 4 Silver, and 2 Bronze. 
• Additionally, India received the 3rd Prize in the International Geoscience Youth Movement (I-GYM) Reporter category. 
• Dr. Jitendra Singh praised the achievements as reflecting a rising aspirational spirit among youth, especially from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. 
• He credited NEP-2020 with helping young minds explore diverse disciplines beyond rigid subject streams. 
• He urged students to use government initiatives like Vigyan Jyoti, scholarships, fellowships, and research grants to scale their ideas and benefit society. 

Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin moved into joint first place at the 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand after a crucial Round 7 victory over Parham Maghsoodloo. With a score of 5.5 out of 7, he now shares the lead with Germany’s Matthias Bluebaum as the race for Candidates Tournament qualification heats up.

Key Points:

• Nihal Sarin defeated Parham Maghsoodloo, ending the Iranian GM’s unbeaten run in the tournament.
• With this win, Nihal reached 5.5 points out of 7, tying for the top spot with Germany’s Matthias Bluebaum.
• Several strong contenders including Abhimanyu Mishra, Hans Niemann, and Vidit Gujrathi are close behind with 5 points each.
• The Round 7 clash was intense, with both players under time pressure before Nihal capitalised on mistakes to secure victory.
• The tournament has four rounds remaining, with top finishers earning qualification spots for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

India has unveiled a 16-member squad for the inaugural Women’s Blind T20 World Cup, scheduled from November 11 to 25, 2025. The tournament will be hosted in New Delhi and Bengaluru, with participation from seven countries. Deepika T C will lead the team as captain, while Ganga S Kadam has been named vice-captain.

Key Points:

• India announced a 16-member squad for the first-ever Women’s Blind T20 World Cup to be held from November 11 to 25, 2025.
• The matches will be hosted in New Delhi and Bengaluru after Kathmandu was dropped as a venue due to political unrest in Nepal.
• Deepika T C from Karnataka has been appointed captain, and Ganga S Kadam from Maharashtra will serve as vice-captain.
• The team was selected from 56 players through a nationwide talent hunt and training camps, with representation from multiple states.
• Four players from Odisha—Phula Soren, Basanti Hansdah, Parbati Marndi, and Jamuna Rani Tudu—earned places in the squad, marking a historic achievement for the state.

India secured a dominant 9-wicket victory against the UAE in the Asia Cup 2025, showcasing strong performances with both bat and ball. The win further strengthened India’s position in the tournament.

Key Points:

• India registered a comprehensive 9-wicket win over the UAE in the Asia Cup 2025.
• The Indian bowlers restricted the UAE to a modest total with disciplined bowling.
• Indian openers set the tone with a steady partnership to chase the target.
• The win boosted India’s net run rate and points in the tournament standings.
• This victory highlights India’s consistent form ahead of tougher matches in the Asia Cup.

India achieved a historic milestone at the World Archery Championships 2025 in Gwangju, South Korea. The men’s compound team of Aman Saini, Rishabh Yadav, and Prathamesh Bhalchandra Fuge clinched India’s first-ever gold medal in the event by defeating France 235–233. In the mixed compound team category, Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Rishabh Yadav secured a silver medal, narrowly losing to the Netherlands. This marks India’s best performance in the history of the championships.

Key Points:

• India’s men’s compound team won its first-ever gold medal at the World Archery Championships by defeating France 235–233.
• The gold-winning team consisted of Aman Saini, Rishabh Yadav, and Prathamesh Bhalchandra Fuge.
• In the mixed compound event, Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Rishabh Yadav claimed a silver medal, losing 155–157 to the Netherlands.
• India displayed resilience, overcoming early setbacks to finish strongly in the finals.
• This achievement represents India’s best-ever medal tally at the World Archery Championships, boosting its global archery standing.

India’s men’s hockey team lifted the 2025 Asia Cup after defeating defending champions South Korea 4–1 in the final at Rajgir, Bihar. The victory ended India’s eight-year title drought and secured their direct qualification for the 2026 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup.

Key Points:

• India defeated South Korea 4–1 in the final to clinch the 2025 Asia Cup title in Rajgir, Bihar.
• Goals came from Sukhjeet Singh, Amit Rohidas, and a brace from Dilpreet Singh, sealing India’s commanding win.
• This marks India’s fourth Asia Cup triumph and their first since 2017, breaking an eight-year drought.
• With the win, India also secured automatic qualification for the 2026 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.
• Captain Harmanpreet Singh dedicated the victory to the team’s hard work and set the World Cup as the next major target.

India will host the 28th Asian Table Tennis Team Championships in October 2025, marking a significant moment for the country’s sporting landscape.

The event is expected to draw top-ranked Asian players and teams, offering Indian athletes a strong competitive platform on home soil. The championship will also boost India’s global recognition in hosting major international sporting events.

Key Points:

• India has been confirmed as the host nation for the 28th Asian Table Tennis Team Championships in October 2025.
• The tournament will feature top Asian teams, including world-class players from leading table tennis nations.
• Hosting the event reflects India’s growing importance as a venue for international sports tournaments.
• The championship will provide Indian players an opportunity to compete at the highest level on home ground.
• The event is expected to enhance the popularity of table tennis in India and strengthen the country’s global sporting reputation.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defended her US Open crown by defeating Amanda Anisimova in the 2025 women’s singles final. With this victory, Sabalenka became the first woman since Serena Williams to win consecutive US Open titles, marking her fourth Grand Slam triumph.

Key Points:

• Aryna Sabalenka defeated Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6(3) in the 2025 US Open women’s singles final.
• The Belarusian star successfully defended her title, becoming the first woman since Serena Williams (2012–14) to achieve back-to-back US Open wins.
• This win marked Sabalenka’s fourth Grand Slam title, further solidifying her dominance on hard courts.
• She displayed composure with only 15 unforced errors compared to Anisimova’s 29 during the match.
• The victory reinforced her position as World No. 1 and highlighted her consistency and resilience under pressure.

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz secured his second US Open crown by defeating Italy’s Jannik Sinner in a thrilling final. The victory adds another Grand Slam to Alcaraz’s growing career achievements and further establishes him as one of the leading stars in men’s tennis.

Key Points:

• Carlos Alcaraz won his second US Open title after beating Jannik Sinner in the 2025 final.
• The Spanish sensation showcased powerful baseline play and remarkable agility to dominate key moments of the match.
• This triumph strengthens Alcaraz’s position among the world’s top-ranked tennis players.
• Jannik Sinner fought hard but could not overcome Alcaraz’s consistency and shot-making in crucial stages.
• With this victory, Alcaraz continues to build his legacy as one of the most promising young champions in men’s tennis history.

The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) celebrated the centenary birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna awardee Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, honoring his immense contributions as a legendary musician, lyricist, and cultural icon of India. The event highlighted his legacy of uniting people through music and literature.

Key Points:

• USTM organized a grand event to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.
• Dr. Hazarika, revered as the ‘Bard of Brahmaputra,’ was celebrated for his timeless songs and cultural influence in India and beyond.
• The celebration included cultural performances, discussions, and tributes that reflected his contributions to music, literature, and social causes.
• Eminent personalities, students, and faculty members participated in the program to honor his legacy.
• The centenary celebration aimed to inspire the younger generation by showcasing Dr. Hazarika’s vision of harmony, humanity, and unity through art.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) organised the 2nd National Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Conference in New Delhi on 16–17 September 2025. Inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the conference focused on building a roadmap for a drug-free India by 2047 under the theme “United Resolve, Shared Responsibility.”

Key Points:

• The two-day conference was inaugurated by Home Minister Amit Shah and organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau.
• Heads of Anti-Narcotics Task Forces from all 36 States and Union Territories participated in the event.
• The conference deliberated on issues including drug supply reduction, demand reduction, and harm reduction measures.
• Technical sessions covered emerging challenges such as synthetic drugs, dark web and crypto-related trafficking, and international cooperation.
• Key highlights included the release of the NCB Annual Report 2024 and the launch of an Online Drug Disposal Campaign.

India has been chosen to host the 5th Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS) in Chennai in 2027, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Indian Coast Guard. The summit will serve as a platform for international cooperation on maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.

Key Points:

• The decision was announced during the 4th Coast Guard Global Summit held in Rome with participation from 115 countries and global organisations.
• The 2027 summit will align with the Golden Jubilee of the Indian Coast Guard, highlighting India’s maritime achievements.
• A three-day programme will include an International Coast Guard Fleet Review and a World Coast Guard Seminar.
• The summit will focus on interoperability, combating maritime crime, pollution control, search and rescue, and environmental sustainability.
• On the sidelines, India and Italy discussed strengthening cooperation in operations, training, and information sharing under their 2025–29 Joint Strategic Action Plan.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the Environment Audit Rules, 2025 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

The rules introduce a structured system of certified auditors, a designated agency for oversight, and a two-tiered audit framework to enhance environmental governance and corporate accountability.

Key Points:

• The rules, notified on 29 August 2025, establish the Environment Audit Designated Agency (EADA) to certify, register, and monitor environmental auditors while maintaining a public registry.
• Certification can be obtained through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for experienced professionals or the National Certification Examination (NCE) for new entrants, with registration valid for five years.
• Only Registered Environment Auditors (REAs) are authorized to conduct audits, assigned via a randomized system to avoid bias, and bound by a strict code of conduct with penalties for violations.
• A two-tier audit system is introduced, combining traditional oversight by CPCB/SPCBs with independent third-party audits by REAs, supported by a MoEFCC-chaired Steering Committee.
• The framework aligns with ESG, green credit, and green finance mechanisms, aiming to boost regulatory transparency, corporate accountability, and reliable environmental data for policymaking.

Context:

The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks to automatically remove Ministers (including PM/CM) held in custody for 30 consecutive days for offences punishable by five years or more. While it claims to promote accountability, critics argue it could undermine democratic principles.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

• Scope: Applies to Union, State governments, Delhi, J&K, and Puducherry.
• Grounds for Removal:
  • Must be in custody for 30 continuous days.
  • Offence must carry a punishment of five years or more.
• Process of Removal:
  • Union Ministers: Removed by President on PM’s advice.
  • State Ministers: Removed by Governor on CM’s advice.
  • Delhi Ministers: Removed by President on CM’s advice.
  • PM/CM: Must resign by Day 31 or will automatically cease to hold office.
• Reappointment Clause:
  • Not permanently barred.
  • Can be re-appointed after release from custody.

Objectives and Concerns:

 Pros:

• Aims to uphold public trust, constitutional morality, and clean governance.

Concerns:

• Triggers removal before trial or conviction, risking misuse.
• Enables executive overreach—PM/CM advise on their own Cabinet’s removal.
• Weakens collective cabinet responsibility.
• Creates scope for political vendetta using investigative agencies (e.g. ED, CBI).
• Contradicts the principles of due process and natural justice.

Constitutional & Legal Challenges:

1. Violation of Basic Structure
   • Undermines parliamentary democracy, rule of law, and separation of powers.
   • Refer: Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).
2. Departure from Legal Precedents
   • Representation of the People Act, 1951: Disqualification only after conviction.
   • A.R. Antulay case (1988): Procedural shortcuts affecting liberty struck down.
3. Maneka Gandhi Case (1978)
   • Any restriction on liberty must be fair, just, and reasonable—not arbitrary like a 30-day threshold.

Comparative Global Perspective:

• UK: Ministers resign over moral issues (e.g., Profumo scandal) but not legally compelled until conviction.
• USA: No constitutional provision; resignations are political, not legal.
• South Africa: Removal only post-conviction or impeachment, preserving due process.

Potential Impacts:

• Governance Instability: Frequent removals may hinder policy continuity.
•  Political Weaponisation: Arrests could be used strategically to remove opponents.
•  Public Mandate Erosion: Voter choices overridden by executive decisions.
• Judicial Overload: Surge in litigation challenging removals.
• Moral Confusion: Genuine ethical standards may get diluted amid political misuse.

Suggested Way Forward:

• Link Removal to Judicial Milestones: Base it on framing of charges, not mere custody.
• Judicial Oversight: High Courts to review removal orders within 7 days.
• Preserve Cabinet Collegiality: Make removal a collective cabinet decision, not PM/CM’s alone.
• Ensure Political Neutrality: Set up an independent ethics panel (e.g., Lokpal).
• Revive Ethical Norms: Encourage voluntary resignations, as in Lal Bahadur Shastri’s 1956 example.

Conclusion:

The 130th Amendment Bill tries to instill accountability in public office by targeting Ministers facing serious charges. However, equating detention with guilt sets a dangerous precedent. Without judicial safeguards, it risks becoming a tool for executive overreach and political manipulation, rather than genuine reform.

Context:

Polling for the Vice Presidential election began on September 9, 2025, following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar.
Candidates in the fray include CP Radhakrishnan and Justice B. Sudershan Reddy. Prime Minister cast the first vote.

 Who Elects the Vice President of India?

The Vice President is elected through an indirect election by an Electoral College consisting of:

• All elected and nominated members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
• State Legislative Assemblies are not involved, unlike the Presidential election.

Voting System: Proportional Representation via Single Transferable Vote (STV)

• Proportional Representation (PR): Ensures broader support for the winning candidate.
• Single Transferable Vote (STV): Allows MPs to rank candidates in order of preference.
• Secret Ballot: Voting is confidential. MPs are not bound by party whip (anti-defection law does not apply).

 How Does the Election Process Work?

?? Ballot Paper:

• Colour: Pink
• Bilingual: Hindi & English
• MPs mark preferences using numerals (1, 2, 3...).
• Writing numbers in words or leaving blank leads to invalid vote.

?? Value of Vote:

• Each MP's vote has equal value = 1
• Unlike Presidential elections, there is no differential vote weightage.

?? Quota for Victory:

• Formula: (Total Valid Votes ÷ 2) + 1
• Example: If 780 MPs vote, the winning quota = (780 ÷ 2) + 1 = 391 votes

?? Counting & Transfer of Votes:

1. First Preference Votes are counted.
2. If no one meets the quota, the candidate with the least votes is eliminated.
3. Their votes are transferred to the second preference.
4. This continues until a candidate crosses the quota.

Why is the VP Election Process Important?

 Key Constitutional Provisions:

• Article 63: There shall be a Vice President of India.
• Article 66: Manner of election of Vice President.
• Article 64: The Vice President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Context:

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to include Aadhaar as a valid identity document—the 12th on the official list—for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
However, the Court clarified that Aadhaar proves identity, not citizenship.

This judgment holds significance for voter inclusion, especially among vulnerable populations who lack other formal identity documents.

Background: The Bihar Electoral Roll Dispute

• The ECI launched a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
• Petitions were filed in the SC challenging the SIR, alleging:
  • Arbitrary deletion of voters without due process.
  • Possible disenfranchisement of lakhs.
  • Lack of clarity on acceptable identity documents.

The ECI defended the process as essential to ensure that only genuine Indian citizens remain on the electoral rolls.

Supreme Court Directives: Key Highlights

1. Aadhaar Included as Valid Document:
   • Aadhaar is now the 12th identity document allowed for the SIR process in Bihar.
   • It can be used to challenge deletions or file inclusion claims.
2. Aadhaar ≠ Citizenship:
   • SC reiterated: Aadhaar only establishes identity and residence, not citizenship.
   • Even non-citizens residing in India may legally possess Aadhaar cards.
3. Verification Mandatory:
   • Aadhaar authenticity must be verified by the EC.
   • Individuals with genuine Aadhaar can still be excluded if citizenship is not proven.
4. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) Limited Role:
   • BLOs can verify residence and identity, but not citizenship.
   • Citizenship determination lies with the Union Government, under the Citizenship Act, 1955.

What Aadhaar Can and Cannot Do

How Citizenship Is Proven (As per SC & Citizenship Act, 1955)

Documents considered for establishing citizenship:

• Passport
• Birth certificate with parental details
• Citizenship/Naturalisation certificate
• School/govt records corroborated with supporting evidence

The Court emphasized that no single document can conclusively prove citizenship—it must be verified through multiple, corroborated records.

Other Documents Accepted in Bihar’s SIR

• Government Employee/Pensioner ID
• Documents issued by govt agencies before 1 July 1987
• Birth Certificate
• Passport
• Matriculation/Educational certificates
• Permanent Residence Certificate
• Forest Rights Certificate
• SC/ST/OBC Caste Certificates
• National Register of Citizens (where applicable)
• Family Register (by local authorities)
• Land/House allotment certificate by Government

Significance of the Verdict

Nationwide Implications

• While the ruling applies to Bihar’s SIR, it sets a precedent for upcoming nationwide voter roll revisions in 2026.
• The EC may now be compelled to include Aadhaar as a valid document in other states, particularly in border regions.
• The EC is also seeking state-wise inputs to expand the list of acceptable documents.

Unresolved Constitutional Question

A major legal question remains:

? Does the Election Commission have the authority to determine citizenship? ?

• The EC argues that excluding non-citizens is part of its mandate to ensure free and fair elections.
• Petitioners argue that citizenship determination lies exclusively with the Union Government, not the EC or its field officers.

The SC has not yet ruled on this broader issue, but it may take it up in future hearings.

Conclusion:

The Supreme Court’s judgment strikes a delicate balance between enabling greater voter inclusion through Aadhaar and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process by reiterating that citizenship cannot be assumed based on a single identity document. It sets the tone for nationwide electoral reforms and calls for better clarity on institutional roles in citizenship verification.

Context:
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the 11th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference in Bengaluru.

About Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)

• Founded:
  Established in 1911 as the Empire Parliamentary Association, it was renamed the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in 1948.
• Objectives:
  • A voluntary network of national, state, provincial, and territorial parliaments within the Commonwealth of Nations.
  • To promote parliamentary democracy across member countries.
  • To encourage good governance, transparency, and accountability in legislative processes.
• Headquarters:
  Based in London, United Kingdom.
• Membership:
  Comprises over 180 legislatures from 55 Commonwealth countries.
  India has been an active member since gaining independence.

Context:
The Union Ministry of Law and Justice has rejected the Election Commission’s (EC) proposal for a presidential order to stagger the terms of Jammu and Kashmir’s four Rajya Sabha seats, leaving the Union Territory unrepresented in the Upper House since 2021.

Background

• Vacancy: J&K’s four Rajya Sabha seats became vacant in 2021 as the terms of sitting members ended during President’s Rule.
• Assembly Elections Held (2024): Despite Legislative Assembly elections being conducted in Sept–Oct 2024, no Rajya Sabha elections have been scheduled yet.
• Political Concern: The Chief Minister of J&K has publicly raised concerns about the ongoing delay in restoring representation.

The Election Commission’s Proposal

• Proposal: Issue a presidential order to curtail the terms of some newly elected Rajya Sabha members from J&K.
• Goal: Create a staggered retirement cycle, preventing all seats from becoming vacant at once.
• Historical Reference: A similar mechanism was used in 1952 after the first Rajya Sabha elections and again in 1956 under the Seventh Constitutional Amendment.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

• Article 83:
  • Rajya Sabha is a permanent body.
  • One-third of its members retire every two years.
• Current Challenge:
  • Due to President’s Rule and administrative restructuring, J&K (since the 1990s) and Delhi (post-1991) have seen concurrent terms of members, disrupting the staggered system.

Law Ministry’s Response

• Reason for Rejection:
  • No provision in existing law allows for a presidential order to alter term lengths.
• Legal Basis:
  • Section 154 of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 fixes a six-year term for Rajya Sabha members.
  • Past presidential orders were legally valid only in 1952 and 1956 due to specific provisions and constitutional amendments.
• Implication:
  • Any new mechanism would require a statutory amendment to the RPA, 1951.
  • Such an amendment must apply uniformly across all affected States and UTs, not just J&K.

Current Status & National Impact

• No Representation:
  • J&K has had no Rajya Sabha MPs since 2021.
• Consequences:
  • J&K had no vote in the 2022 Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections.
  • It will remain unrepresented in the 2025 Vice-Presidential election (Sept 9).
• Pending Action:
  • The EC has not yet announced the schedule for Rajya Sabha elections in J&K.

Conclusion

A legislative amendment to the RPA, 1951 is the only viable path to ensure staggered Rajya Sabha representation for J&K and other similarly affected regions.
Restoring J&K’s voice in the Upper House is crucial for maintaining democratic legitimacy and reinforcing federal inclusivity in India's parliamentary system.

Source: Indian Express

Why in the News?

• Jharkhand Chief Minister took part in the Karam festival celebrations held in Ranchi.

About Karam (Karma) Festival:

Geographic and Community Reach:

• The harvest festival is celebrated by tribal populations in the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Assam, and Odisha.
• It is especially popular among the Munda, Ho, Oraon, Baiga, Kharia, and Santhal tribes.

Timing and Date:

• The festival is traditionally celebrated on the Ekadashi tithi (eleventh day) of the lunar fortnight in the month of Bhado/Bhadra (corresponding to August-September).

Central Symbol and Deity:

• The festival is named after and centers on the Karam tree.
• The tree is traditionally seen as a symbol of Karam Devta or Karamsani, the god of strength, youth, and vitality.

Rituals and Ceremonial Practices:

⇒ Preparation: About a week before the festival, young women bring clear sand from the river, in which they sow seven types of grains.

⇒ Main Ceremony: On the day of the festival, a branch of the Karam tree is planted in the courtyard or ‘akhra’.

⇒ Worship: Devotees bring jawa (hibiscus) flowers, and the pahan (priest) worships the Karm Raja or Karam Devta.

⇒ Celebration: The worship is followed by dancing and the singing of traditional Karam songs.

⇒ Conclusion: The festival concludes with the immersion of the Karam branch in a river or pond, and the jawa is distributed among the devotees.

Agricultural Linkages and Practices:

• The origin of the festival is traced to the beginning of agriculture by tribal communities.
• As the Oraon/ Kurukh community aligned cultural practices with seasonal agricultural cycles, they celebrated Karam as the festival of dhaan/ anaaj (grains) during the autumn rains.
• Branches from sal or bhelua trees are often planted in the fields after the festival, hoping Karam Raja/ Devta will protect their crops.
• The stems of Chirchitti (chaff flower) and Sindwar (chaste tree) are planted in paddy fields, acting as natural insecticides.
• The pahan (priest) prays for a good harvest during the ceremonies.

Why in the News?

• The Jharkhand Police’s Pratibimb App, developed under the initiative of Jharkhand DGP Anurag Gupta, is proving to be a key tool in the fight against cybercriminals in the country.
• IPS officers, including those from Jharkhand, were trained on using the app to catch cybercriminals during an induction course at the National Police Academy in Hyderabad.

Key Points:

About:

⇒ The Pratibimb app is a specialized GIS-based software tool developed by the CID (Crime Investigation Department) in collaboration with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

⇒ Its key purpose is to help law enforcement agencies track, map, and apprehend cyber criminals involved in fraud and related digital offenses.

⇒ The app was launched during the 1st Regional Conference of Joint Cyber Crime Coordination Teams (JCCTs)-II meeting in November 2023 at Ranchi, Jharkhand.

⇒ It facilitates data sharing and analysis among law enforcement agencies through the "Samanvaya" platform.

Features:

Real-Time Criminal Mapping:

• Pratibimb projects mobile numbers linked to cybercrimes on a GIS map, revealing their geographic locations across Jharkhand and India.
• Police utilize the app to identify hotspots, leading to successful raids and arrests, with over 200 cyber criminals apprehended in Giridih district in five months.

Database Integration:

• It compiles and analyzes data on SIM cards, mobile phones, and fraudulent accounts used by criminals, which aids the police in locating offenders quickly.

Helpline Integration:

• The app connects with the national cybercrime helpline (1930), allowing the public to report fraud and helping authorities respond rapidly.

Academic Collaboration:

• Jharkhand Police has also partnered with premier institutions (IIM Ranchi, BIT-Mesra, XLRI Jamshedpur, NIT Jamshedpur) for enhanced technology, management, and knowledge support.

Why in the News?

• The Jharkhand government will establish a special support unit to address the issues and challenges faced by transgender individuals.
• The decision was made at a meeting of the Jharkhand Transgender Welfare Board, led by the Chief Secretary.

Key Points:

About:

⇒ The new unit will help transgender individuals obtain identification, benefiting from reservations, and accessing various government welfare schemes.

⇒ This initiative is part of the state government's broader efforts to promote the socio-economic development and dignity of the transgender community.

⇒ The transgender support unit formed under the Board will address related issues, propose solutions, and make comprehensive recommendations.

District-Level Committees:

⇒ District-level committees, led by Deputy Commissioners, will be set up to address local needs.

⇒ These committees will assist in identifying transgender individuals and ensuring they receive the necessary support.

Current Population:

⇒ The 2011 Census recorded 487,803 transgender individuals nationwide, with 13,463 living in Jharkhand.

Statewide Survey:

⇒ A statewide survey will assess the status of transgender individuals, identify district-wise populations, and document their needs.

⇒ This will help the government allocate resources efficiently, implement welfare schemes, and foster inclusion in mainstream society.

Challenges:

⇒ Many transgender individuals are hesitant to disclose their identity, hindering access to identity cards, reservations, pension schemes, Ayushman cards, dignity homes, and protection against discrimination.

Note: In Bokaro, the Deputy Commissioner launched an initiative to provide transgender individuals with identity cards, moving away from the term "Kinnar" and offering them a distinct identity.

Transgender?:

About:

• According to Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, a transgender person is someone whose gender identity does not align with the gender assigned at birth.

Part of LGBTQIA+:

• Transgender individuals are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, represented by the "T" in the acronym. LGBTQIA+ is an acronym that represents lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual. The "+" represents the many other identities that are still being explored and understood. The acronym is constantly evolving and may include other terms like non-binary and pansexual.

Transgender Welfare Boards:

• Transgender Welfare Boards in India are established under the provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and its associated Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020.

Why in the News?

• The Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has been given the go-ahead to raise financial resources through the issuance of municipal bonds under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 scheme.

Key Points:

About: The Joint Secretary-cum-Deputy Director of the Urban Development and Housing Department (SUDA) has directed RMC to take renewed steps toward accessing the municipal bond market, requiring the corporation to:

• Prepare audited annual accounts up to the financial year 2024–25.
• Identify a bankable project worth at least ?125 crore.
• Appoint both a transaction advisory firm and a credit rating agency to facilitate the process.
• The PMU (Revenue Augmentation) team will extend technical and procedural support to RMC during this initiative.

Previous Attempt:

• RMC had previously explored bond issuance during 2016–17 under the earlier AMRUT scheme.
• A credit rating exercise for Jharkhand’s ULBs was conducted, in which Ranchi Municipal Corporation received a BBB rating.
• Although a transaction advisor was appointed, bonds could not be issued due to the lack of a bankable project at that time.

Municipal Bonds:

Definition: These are debt instruments issued by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to fund infrastructure and development projects.

Advantages: Reduce reliance on government funds, enhance financial autonomy, attract private investment, and enable long-term urban financing.

Challenges: Low issuance due to heavy dependence on state grants. Only a few cities like Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Hyderabad, and Lucknow have issued bonds.

Funding: The Central Government is actively encouraging urban local bodies (ULBs) across India to mobilize resources through municipal bonds, a globally recognized tool for financing infrastructure.

• Under AMRUT 2.0, a provision of ?520 crore has been allocated as incentives for municipalities that issue such bonds.

Incentive Structure:

⇒ The scheme’s incentive framework is aimed at motivating municipalities to raise funds while prioritising investments in sustainable projects, as outlined in the guidelines:

• First-time issuances: Incentives of up to ?13 crore per ?100 crore, capped at ?26 crore, will be provided.
• Subsequent issuances: An incentive of ?10 crore per ?100 crore will be extended.
• Green projects: For bonds dedicated to renewable energy or energy efficiency, an additional ?5 crore per ?100 crore will be granted.

AMRUT Scheme:

About:

⇒ AMRUT was launched on 25th June 2015 in 500 selected cities across the country, covering around 60% of the urban population.

⇒ The mission targets enhancing basic infrastructure and implementing urban reforms for selected cities, encompassing water supply, sewerage, drainage, green spaces, non-motorised transport, and capacity building.

AMRUT 2.0 Scheme:

⇒ The scheme was launched on 1st October 2021, subsuming AMRUT 1.0 for the period of 5 years, i.e., from the financial year (FY) 2021-22 to the FY 2025-26.

⇒ Its objectives are universal coverage of water supply from 500 cities to about 4,900 statutory towns in the country, and coverage of sewerage/septage management in 500 cities covered in the first phase of the AMRUT scheme.

⇒ AMRUT 2.0 aims to promote the circular economy of water through the development of a City Water Balance Plan (CWBP) by recycling/reuse of treated sewage, rejuvenation of water bodies, and water conservation.

Context:
The Union government has approved licences for five Indian companies to manufacture and market AdFalciVax — India’s first homegrown multi-stage malaria vaccine developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

About AdFalciVax

• What is it?
  India’s first indigenous recombinant chimeric multi-stage malaria vaccine aimed at preventing infection and transmission of Plasmodium falciparum, the most lethal malaria parasite.
• Developed by:
  The ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) in Bhubaneswar, supported by ICMR’s National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR) and the National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi.

Objectives

• To protect individuals from malaria infection and significantly reduce community transmission, supporting India’s goal of malaria elimination.

Key Features

• Acts before the parasite enters the bloodstream, blocking infection early.
• Affordable, scalable, and stable, maintaining effectiveness for over nine months at room temperature.
• Multi-stage action provides protection against both infection and transmission phases of malaria.
• Successfully validated in pre-clinical trials.

New Licensees (2025)

• Indian Immunologicals Ltd
• Techinvention Lifecare Pvt. Ltd
• Panacea Biotec Ltd
• Biological E Ltd
• Zydus Lifesciences

Significance

• India accounts for 1.4% of global malaria cases and 66% of the malaria burden in Southeast Asia.
• The vaccine strengthens the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by promoting indigenous health research and vaccine development.
• Reduces reliance on imported malaria vaccines and supports India’s Malaria Elimination Goal for 2030.

Context:

India's pharmaceutical exports—especially generics—are under pressure due to rising U.S. tariffs and intellectual property (IP) demands. Despite this, Indian generics continue to play a critical role in global public health, saving billions in healthcare costs worldwide.

Current Status of Indian Pharma:

• India is the largest supplier of generic medicines to over 200 countries.
• The U.S. is the largest importer, accounting for 31.35% of India’s pharma exports and sourcing 47% of its generics from India.
• In 2022, Indian generics saved the U.S. $219 billion in healthcare costs.
• Global generics market expected to reach $614 billion by 2030, with India as a key player.
• Major challenges:
  • U.S. tariffs and IP pressures
  • API dependence on China
  • Rising global competition from China, Brazil, Eastern Europe

Significance of Indian Generics:

• Affordable Medicines:
  • Priced at 20–25% of branded drugs.
  • Crucial for access to treatment for cancer, HIV, diabetes, etc.
• Global Public Health Impact:
  • Over 90% of prescriptions in the U.S. are generics.
  • Lifeline for developing nations and humanitarian aid.
• Economic Contribution:
  • Pharma exports generate ~$25 billion annually and create millions of jobs.
• Soft Power & Strategic Leverage:
  • Initiatives like Vaccine Maitri boosted India’s image as the Pharmacy of the Global South.
• Innovation Potential:
  • Rapid growth in biosimilars, vaccines, and low-cost R&D-based solutions.

Key Challenges:

• Trade Barriers:
  • U.S. imposing 26% tariffs + 25% penalty on pharma imports.
  • Pressure for zero tariffs in FTAs without reciprocal gains.
• IPR Pressures:
  • Push for TRIPS-plus norms: data exclusivity, patent evergreening, delayed generic entry.
• Domestic Constraints:
  • Heavy reliance on Chinese APIs.
  • Regulatory hurdles and a fragmented R&D ecosystem.
• Global Competition:
  • Emerging manufacturing hubs in Brazil, China, Eastern Europe.
• Public Health Risk:
  • Stricter IP regimes threaten affordability and access to medicines globally.

Key Initiatives by India:

• TRIPS Flexibilities:
  • Upholding compulsory licensing to ensure affordable drug access.
• India–US TRUST Initiative:
  • Promotes collaboration in biotech, pharma, and health technologies.
• Make in India & PLI for Pharma:
  • Focus on API self-reliance and boosting domestic manufacturing.
• South–South Cooperation:
  • Joint ventures with Africa, Latin America, ASEAN for pharma production.
• Health-Tech Diplomacy:
  • Sharing vaccine tech, generics know-how with developing countries.

Strategic Roadmap Ahead:

1. Reposition Generics as Global Public Good

• Link pharma diplomacy to SDG-3: Health for All.
• Advocate for recognition of generics as essential for global health security.

2. Assertive Trade Strategy

• Reject TRIPS-plus demands in FTAs.
• Demand technology transfer in return for market access or pricing concessions.

3. Diversify Export Markets

• Reduce dependence on U.S.; target Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, ASEAN.
• Leverage South–South partnerships for co-manufacturing and tech sharing.

4. Strengthen Domestic Ecosystem

• Invest in API production, R&D hubs, and regulatory reform.
• Support innovation in biosimilars and new delivery mechanisms.

5. Use Pharma as Soft Power

• Build on success of Vaccine Maitri for broader health diplomacy.
• Use platforms like WTO, WHO, BRICS to advocate equitable access to medicines.

6. Promote Joint Ventures

• Encourage public–private and international R&D partnerships.
• Align with EU/US firms for co-development of drugs and vaccines.

Conclusion:

Indian generics are not just a commercial success—they are a global public good, critical to equitable healthcare. India must now reframe its trade strategy, resist IP monopolies, and diversify partnerships to strengthen its role as the Pharmacy of the Global South, ensuring both economic resilience and public health equity worldwide.

Source: The Hindu

Context:
The Chhattisgarh government has launched a reformative initiative by introducing Yoga and Sudarshan Kriya in all district jails. The aim is to foster mental well-being, emotional balance, and positive transformation among inmates.

What is the Initiative?

• Yoga:
  An ancient Indian discipline that integrates physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and meditation, promoting holistic health.
• Sudarshan Kriya:
  A structured rhythmic breathing technique developed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of the Art of Living Foundation, designed to align body, mind, and emotions.
• Implementation:
  Rolled out under the “Prison Course” in collaboration with the Art of Living Foundation, targeting behavioral and psychological rehabilitation of inmates.

Significance of the Initiative:

• Promotes Reformative Justice:
  Shifts the prison environment from punitive to reformative, focusing on healing rather than punishment.
• Mental and Emotional Rehabilitation:
  Helps inmates overcome past trauma, aggression, and emotional instability, especially in conflict-affected areas.
• Improved Prison Discipline:
  Reduces instances of violence, stress, and indiscipline, thereby easing administrative burdens on prison staff.
• Fosters Positive Traits:
  Encourages self-control, hope, empathy, and discipline, aiding the reintegration of inmates into society post-release.
• Symbol of Peace in Conflict Zones:
  Especially relevant in Naxal-affected regions, sending a powerful message of healing and reconciliation.

Conclusion:

The use of Yoga and Sudarshan Kriya in prisons represents a progressive shift towards humanizing the criminal justice system. By focusing on inner transformation, it aligns with India's rich cultural wisdom while addressing modern challenges of prison overcrowding, recidivism, and rehabilitation. Such initiatives exemplify how governance rooted in compassion can drive real reform.

Context:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that mpox is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to a consistent global decline in cases and fatalities.

What is Mpox?

• Mpox (formerly Monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the Monkeypox virus (MPXV).
• Belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus under the Poxviridae family, which also includes:
  • Variola virus (causes smallpox)
  • Cowpox virus
  • Vaccinia virus (used in smallpox vaccine)

Origin and Discovery:

• First identified in 1958 in monkeys kept for research in Denmark.
• First human case reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
• The natural reservoir remains unknown, but rodents and small mammals are believed to be the primary carriers.

Transmission Pathways:

1. Animal to Human:

• Through bites, scratches, or contact during hunting and consumption of infected animals (mainly rodents and primates).

2. Human to Human:

• Direct contact with skin lesions, body fluids, or respiratory droplets.
• Sexual contact or close skin-to-skin contact.
• Through contaminated objects like bedding, clothing, needles.
• Vertical transmission (mother to fetus) during pregnancy or childbirth.

Geographical Spread:

• Endemic in Central and West Africa, but outbreaks have occurred globally in recent years.
• 2022 saw a multi-country outbreak, mainly among men who have sex with men (MSM), prompting the WHO to declare it a PHEIC (now lifted).

Clinical Symptoms:

• Incubation period: 5 to 21 days
• Initial symptoms:
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle and back pain
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fatigue
• Rash development:
  • Begins on face or genitals, then spreads to other parts (including palms and soles)
  • Lesions evolve from macules → papules → vesicles → pustules → scabs
• Vulnerable groups:
  • Children
  • Pregnant women
  • Immunocompromised individuals (especially HIV patients)

Treatment & Management:

• No specific antiviral treatment approved for mpox yet.
• Supportive care remains the mainstay:
  • Hydration and nutrition
  • Pain management
  • Wound and skin care
  • Prevention of secondary infections
• In severe cases, antivirals like tecovirimat (used under investigational protocols) may be considered.

Conclusion:

The global decline in mpox cases is a significant public health achievement. However, vigilance remains critical, especially in endemic areas. Strengthening zoonotic surveillance, community awareness, and health system preparedness is key to preventing future outbreaks and safeguarding vulnerable populations.

Source: DD News