1. Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS)
Context:
Debates have intensified globally around Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS), which can identify and engage targets without human control.
Key Details:
- LAWS lack a universally agreed definition.
- Operate independently, raising accountability concerns.
- May increase precision and reduce human casualties.
- Critics highlight the loss of moral agency and lack of human judgment.
- Risks include automation bias, moral buffering, and psychological distancing from violence.
Significance:
- Raises fundamental ethical and legal dilemmas in warfare.
- Impacts International Humanitarian Law and accountability norms.
- Relevant to India’s defense modernization and diplomacy in multilateral forums (UN CCW, Geneva Convention debates).
2. India’s First Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant – Tehri
Context:
Tehri Hydro Development Corporation India Ltd. (THDCIL) began operations of India’s first variable-speed pumped storage unit.
Key Details:
- Located on the Bhagirathi River, Uttarakhand.
- 250 MW unit (of 1 GW total).
- Uses variable speed turbines for flexibility and efficiency.
- Works by storing excess renewable energy during low demand and releasing it during peak hours.
Significance:
- Supports India’s transition to renewables by enabling grid stability.
- Offers lessons for hydro-based long-duration energy storage.
- Critical for meeting peak electricity demand sustainably and economically.
3. Crowd Management and Stampede Prevention
Context:
A tragic stampede during RCB’s IPL trophy parade in Bengaluru reignited concerns over mass crowd safety in India.
Key Details:
- NDMA Guidelines emphasize capacity planning, stakeholder coordination, and use of AI tools.
- Causes include poor infrastructure, panic behavior, fire hazards, poor exit design, and administrative lapses.
- Recommend early warning systems, FMEA-based planning, and real-time crowd flow monitoring.
Significance:
- Reinforces the importance of disaster risk reduction (Sendai Framework).
- Critical for urban planning, smart cities, and governance reforms.
- Calls for tech-driven solutions for crowd-heavy events like Kumbh Mela, elections, yatras.
4. Ramsar Sites – Khichan and Menar Declared in Rajasthan
Context:
On World Environment Day 2025, two wetlands — Khichan and Menar — in Rajasthan were designated as Ramsar Sites.
Key Details:
- Ramsar Convention: global treaty on wetland conservation (adopted in 1971).
- India now has 91 Ramsar Sites — the highest in Asia.
- Rajasthan now has 4 designated wetlands.
Significance:
- Enhances waterbird and biodiversity conservation in arid zones.
- Supports climate resilience, water recharge, and ecotourism.
- Showcases India’s commitment under global environmental treaties (CBD, SDGs).
5. Population Census 2027 and Caste Enumeration
Context:
The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the next census will be held in two phases and include caste data — the first such exercise since 1931.
Key Details:
- Phase I: House listing; Phase II: Population enumeration.
- Reference date: Oct 1, 2026 (Himalayan states); Mar 1, 2027 (rest of India).
- First-ever digital census using handheld devices.
- Legal basis: Census Act 1948; Article 246 (Union List, Entry 69).
Significance:
- Enables evidence-based welfare targeting and policy.
- Supports debate on caste-based reservations and social justice.
- Raises questions on data privacy, federalism, and political representation.
6. India Elected to UN ECOSOC (2026–28)
Context:
India has been elected as a member of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) from the Asia-Pacific group.
Key Details:
- ECOSOC is one of six main UN organs.
- Coordinates UN bodies in areas like sustainable development, social justice, health, and education.
- India elected alongside China, Lebanon, and Turkmenistan.
Significance:
- Enhances India’s voice in global development debates.
- Helps push reforms in education, gender equality, and SDG financing.
- Strengthens India’s multilateral diplomacy credentials.
7. ECINET App by the Election Commission
Context:
The Election Commission launched ECINET to improve real-time voter turnout reporting.
Key Details:
- Integrates 40+ existing apps and databases.
- Presiding Officers will input turnout data every two hours on polling day.
- Aims to replace paper-based lag in Form 17C submission.
Significance:
- Boosts transparency and efficiency in electoral processes.
- Critical for data integrity and digital governance.
- Supports reforms under the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.
8. ISSCA by ICRISAT and RIS
Context:
ICRISAT launched the Centre for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA) with support from RIS and under India’s DAKSHIN initiative.
Key Details:
- Focus on knowledge sharing, climate-resilient crops, and dryland farming.
- Enhances food and nutrition security across Global South.
- Headquartered at ICRISAT, Hyderabad.
Significance:
- Promotes India’s leadership in agri-diplomacy.
- Key to Africa–India and Asia–India cooperation under the Vishwa Mitra (Global Partner) vision.
- Aligns with India’s climate goals and SDG-2 (Zero Hunger).
9. Taliban Sanctions Committee – Pakistan to Chair
Context:
Pakistan has been appointed to chair the UN’s Taliban Sanctions Committee and will vice-chair the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC).
Key Details:
- Taliban Sanctions Committee enforces UN Resolution 1988 (2011) – travel bans, asset freezes.
- CTC enforces post-9/11 Resolution 1373.
Significance:
- Raises concerns for India over Pakistan’s dual role in counter-terrorism and Taliban politics.
- Impacts regional stability in Afghanistan.
- Important for UN Security Council reform debates.
10. Clean Plant Programme (CPP)
Context:
The Ministry of Agriculture launched the CPP for crops like grapes, pomegranates, and oranges.
Key Details:
- Establishes Clean Plant Centers (CPCs) for virus-free plant material.
- Certification backed by Seeds Act, 1966.
- Implemented by NHB and ICAR.
Significance:
- Enhances productivity and disease resistance in horticulture.
- Supports Doubling Farmers’ Income goal and Agri-export potential.
- Integrates biotechnology into mainstream agriculture.
11. India Opposes ADB’s $800M Loan to Pakistan
Context:
India opposed ADB’s loan under the Resource Mobilisation Reform Programme meant for Pakistan.
Key Details:
- India is a founding member of ADB (1966).
- ADB has 69 members; HQ in Manila.
- Loan aims to assist Pakistan in fiscal reform.
Significance:
- Reflects geopolitical concerns and India’s stance on cross-border terrorism.
- Raises questions on ADB’s neutrality and regional diplomacy.
12. Science & Tech Updates – Muons and Exposomics
a. Muons
- Heavier cousins of electrons; affected by all forces except strong nuclear.
- Experiments show deviation from Standard Model predictions.
- May lead to breakthroughs in particle physics.
b. Exposomics
- Study of all life-long environmental exposures affecting health.
- Integrates genomics, metabolomics, and pollution mapping.
- Helps in disease prevention and targeted health policy.
Significance:
- Advances India’s research in preventive health, epidemiology, and precision medicine.
- Relevant for GS3 (Science & Tech) and Essay (Health & Innovation).