1. Gandhian Principles & Cross-Border Terrorism
Context:
The relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy was emphasized by an all-party delegation amid India’s proactive response to terrorism in Pahalagam (Operation Sindoor).
Key Ideas:
- Gandhiji believed non-violence (Ahimsa) is universal and rooted in all religions. Violence is only a last resort in dire necessity, not a creed.
- In ‘Doctrine of the Sword’, he said: “Where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence.”
Application Today:
- Operation Sindoor exemplifies India’s right to retaliate without escalating.
- India’s updated security doctrine:
- Decisive retaliation on India’s terms
- Zero tolerance for nuclear blackmail
- No distinction between terrorists and their sponsors
- Gandhian ideals are reflected in diplomatic outreach and doctrines like Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, No First Use, and pursuit of global peace.
2. India-Japan Maritime Cooperation
Context:
India and Japan have agreed to deepen maritime ties amid strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Initiatives:
- Smart Islands Project: Development of Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshadweep with green infrastructure, renewable energy, digital connectivity.
- Economic Cooperation: Over ₹3 lakh crore investment target by 2027; includes Imabari Shipbuilding in Andhra Pradesh.
- Cultural Ties: Collaboration on National Maritime Heritage Museum in Lothal, Gujarat.
Strategic Importance:
- Energy and Trade Security: Over 97% of India’s trade is sea-based.
- Check on China: Both nations seek to maintain maritime balance in the Indo-Pacific.
- Frameworks Strengthened: Quad, SCRI, AAGC, ISA, CDRI, LeadIT.
- Supports India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Act East Policy.
3. India’s Aviation Sector Boom
Context:
India’s rapid aviation growth highlighted at the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting.
Key Developments:
- Women in Aviation: 15% of Indian pilots are women (global avg: 5%).
- Infrastructure Growth: Airports increased from 74 (2014) to 157 (2024), target of 350–400 by 2047.
- Digital Push: Digi Yatra app enables contactless travel.
- Legislation: Aircraft Objects Bill aligns Indian law with ICAO, ensuring compliance with global norms.
Strategic Position:
- India as a global aviation hub, focusing on:
- MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul)
- “Design in India” under Make in India
4. BharatGen Summit & Indigenous AI Development
Context:
India launched BharatGen, the nation’s first indigenous Multimodal LLM at the BharatGen Summit.
Objectives:
- Public-Private Model, funded by DST under NM-ICPS.
- Implemented through TIH at IIT Bombay.
- Four Pillars:
- Development of India-centric LLMs
- Creation of Bharat Data Sagar
- Support for AI-based startups
- Skilling programs: fellowships, hackathons, courses
Importance:
- Addresses linguistic diversity in AI
- Positions India as a global AI innovation hub
- Promotes ethical AI rooted in Indian values
5. Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Cars (SPMEPCI)
Context:
A new scheme notified by the Ministry of Heavy Industries to boost electric vehicle manufacturing.
Salient Features:
- Eligibility:
- Global Group revenue ≥ ₹10,000 crore
- Investment ≥ ₹3,000 crore
- Benefits:
- Customs duty concessions (up to 5 years)
- Controlled imports of built-up EVs (CBUs)
- Conditions:
- Facility must be operational in 3 years
- 25% DVA in 3 years, 50% in 5 years
- Backed by a mandatory bank guarantee
Broader Ecosystem:
- Linked with PLI-Auto, PLI-ACC, FAME, and State EV Policies
- Aims to make India a global EV manufacturing hub
6. World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector
Context:
Scheme review meeting held to implement decentralized grain storage via cooperatives.
Highlights:
- Implementing bodies: NCDC, NABARD, FCI, CWC
- Target: Enhance food security and create rural jobs.
- Storage at PACS level:
- Reduces post-harvest losses
- Enables farmers to secure loans using stored produce
Significance:
- Decentralized system reduces transport cost
- Empowers rural cooperatives and supports MSP regime
7. ECOWAS at 50 Years
Context:
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) celebrated its 50th anniversary.
About ECOWAS:
- Formed: 1975 (Lagos Treaty)
- Members: 15 West African countries
- HQ: Abuja, Nigeria
Objectives:
- Foster economic integration
- Maintain peace and stability
- Promote collective development in West Africa
Relevance for India:
- India’s engagement with Africa Rising
- ECOWAS as a model regional bloc for integration
8. Geography in News: Paraguay
Context:
Paraguay featured for its unique geographical and energy profile.
Key Points:
- Landlocked in south-central South America
- Bordered by Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia
- Important rivers: Paraguay, Paraná, Pilcomayo
- Crucial for hydropower and trade
- Tropic of Capricorn passes through
- Highest point: Cerro Pero
Importance:
- One of the world’s top exporters of hydroelectric power
- Geostrategic importance in regional energy diplomacy
9. National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR)
Context:
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is scaling efforts to combat substance abuse.
Overview:
- Tenure: 2018–2025
- Centrally sponsored scheme
- Components:
- Awareness and education
- Treatment and rehab
- Capacity building
- Funded institutions include:
- NGOs/VOs (for IRCAs, DDACs, ODICs)
- Govt hospitals (for ATFs)
Importance:
- Promotes community-based rehabilitation
- Strengthens India’s response to public health and addiction
10. Mount Etna Volcanic Eruption
Context:
Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, erupted recently.
Details:
- Type: Stratovolcano (explosive due to viscous magma)
- Location: Sicily, Italy
- Features: Summit craters, lava flows, Valle del Bove
- Historic activity: 2,700+ years
Global Relevance:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Aids in studying tectonics and volcanic hazards
- Volcanic aerosols can impact climate systems
11. Phytoplankton Blooms & Ocean Ecology
Context:
A study found iron addition causes massive phytoplankton blooms but rapid nutrient depletion.
What are Phytoplankton?
- Microscopic, photosynthetic organisms in aquatic ecosystems
- Types: Diatoms, cyanobacteria, green algae
Ecological Role:
- Primary producers, feed marine life
- Carbon sequestration via biological carbon pump
- Contribute over 50% of Earth’s oxygen
Emerging Concerns:
- Excess iron → harmful algal blooms (HABs)
- Toxins affect marine and human life (e.g., red tides)
- Disrupts marine ecosystems and fisheries
12. Kheer Bhawani Temple & Festival
Context:
Annual Jyeshta Ashtami festival celebrated at Kheer Bhawani Temple in J&K.
Key Facts:
- Location: Ganderbal, near Srinagar
- Deity: Goddess Ragnya Devi, an incarnation of Durga
- Noted for hexagonal sacred spring
- Built by Maharaja Pratap Singh; later renovated by Hari Singh
Cultural Significance:
- Symbol of Kashmiri Hindu devotion
- Reflects syncretic traditions and regional identity
13. India’s Role in UN Peacekeeping
Context:
25 BSF women deployed in Congo under UN Peacekeeping mission.
About UN Peacekeeping:
- Began in 1948 (UNTSO in Middle East)
- Principles:
- Consent of parties
- Impartiality
- Non-use of force (except in self-defence)
India’s Role:
- Largest contributor: Over 290,000 personnel since 1950s
- Involved in 50+ missions worldwide
Significance:
- Enhances India’s soft power
- Aligns with India’s UN reform agenda and global peace efforts
14. Shangri-La Dialogue – Strategic Security Summit
Context:
The annual Shangri-La Dialogue was held in Singapore.
Key Features:
- Started in 2002, organized by IISS, London
- Format: Track 1.5 dialogue (official + think tank participation)
- Venue: Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
Purpose:
- Platform for defence ministers and experts from Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America
- Focuses on:
- Maritime security
- Indo-Pacific strategies
- Regional defence policies
Relevance to India:
- Important for strategic dialogue in Indo-Pacific
- Opportunity to shape multilateral responses to China’s assertiveness