Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting
Syllabus: GS2/IR
Context
- India has refused to sign a joint declaration at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China.
About
- India is not satisfied with the language of the joint document and there was no mention of cross-border terrorist activities specially recent Pahalgam Terror attack.
- The refusal to endorse the document resulted in the conclave ending without a joint communique.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
- Shanghai Five emerged in 1996 from a series of border demarcation and demilitarization talks between 4 former USSR republics and China.
- Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan were members of the Shanghai Five.
- With the accession of Uzbekistan to the group in 2001, the Shanghai Five was renamed the SCO.
- Objective: To enhance regional cooperation for efforts to curb terrorism, separatism, and extremism in the Central Asian region.
- Members: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus and the four Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.
- India became a full member in 2017 and assumed the rotating chairmanship in 2023.
- Member countries contribute around 30 per cent of the global GDP and about 40 percent of the world’s population.
- Observer status: Afghanistan and Mongolia.
- Language: The SCO’s official languages are Russian and Chinese.
- Structure: The supreme decision-making body of the SCO is the Council of Heads of States (CHS) which meets once a year.
- The Organization has 2 standing bodies — the Secretariat in Beijing and the Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent.
Significance for India
- Regional Security: The SCO serves as a platform for addressing security concerns, including terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which are critical issues for India.
- Through SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), India collaborates on intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism efforts.
- Balancing China and Pakistan: While both are SCO members, the forum allows India to assert its position and prevent the formation of anti-India narratives.
- Energy Security: Central Asia is rich in oil, gas, and uranium. SCO membership allows India to strengthen energy ties with these countries.
- Economic Cooperation: The organization facilitates economic collaboration among member states, which enhance trade and investment opportunities for India, particularly with Central Asian countries.
- Central Asia: The SCO is especially important for India because its membership and focus emphasize Central Asia—a region where India is keen to ramp up ties but faces an inherent constraint with its outreach.
Challenges
- China-Pakistan Axis: The strong partnership between China and Pakistan within the SCO complicates India’s strategic positioning, as at times it limits India’s influence in regional security discussions.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Ongoing border disputes and geopolitical tensions with China and Pakistan spill over into SCO discussions, making it difficult for India to engage constructively.
- Focus on Security over Economic Development: The SCO’s primary focus on security issues sometimes overshadow economic and developmental cooperation, which are crucial for India’s interests in the region.
- Institutional limitations: Decision-making within SCO is consensus-based, slowing progress on key issues.
Conclusion
- SCO is a strategic platform for India to engage with Eurasian powers, promote regional stability, secure economic and energy interests, and enhance counter-terrorism cooperation.
- Despite challenges, India uses SCO to promote its vision of “Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)” and as a counterbalance to Western alliances.
Centenary Celebration of Historic Dialogue Between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi
Syllabus: GS1/ Modern History
Context
- PM Modi inaugurated the centenary celebration of the historic conversation between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
- The dialogue was held on March 12, 1925, at Sivagiri Mutt in Kerala.
About
- The conversation between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi is remembered for its deep engagement with key issues of the time;
- Vaikom Satyagraha,
- the question of religious conversions,
- the principle of non-violence,
- the abolition of untouchability, and
- the upliftment of marginalised communities.
Views of Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi
| Issue | Sree Narayana Guru | Mahatma Gandhi |
| Religious Conversions | Opposed conversions; stressed reform within Hinduism. | Opposed conversions; promoted staying within Hindu fold. |
| Non-Violence | Practical approach; supported it but not absolute. | Treated non-violence as a core, universal principle. |
| Untouchability | Denied any religious basis; demanded total abolition. | Called it a sin; sought gradual reform from within. |
| Upliftment of Marginalised | Emphasized education and economic self-reliance. | Focused on moral upliftment and spiritual dignity. |
| About Vaikom Satyagraha – Cause: The movement was initiated against the practice of untouchability. 1. In Vaikom in the erstwhile Travancore princely State, members of the lower castes, particularly Dalits, were denied the right to walk on roads leading to the Vaikom Shiva Temple. – Leadership: It was led by T.K. Madhavan, K. Kelappan, and other prominent leaders. 1. Mahatma Gandhi also supported the cause, sending his advice, although he did not physically participate in the protests initially. 2. E.V. Ramasamy Periyar, a prominent social reformer and leader of the Self-Respect Movement, also lent support to the movement. |
About Sree Narayana Guru
- Sree Narayana Guru was a philosopher, spiritual leader and social reformer in India.
- He led a reform movement against the injustice in the caste-ridden society of Kerala in order to promote spiritual enlightenment and social equality.
- He founded institutions like the Sharada Mutt at Sivagiri to promote education, spirituality, and social upliftment.
- His slogan, “One Caste, One Religion, One God for All,” is a cornerstone of his philosophy and a widely recognized saying in Kerala.
- Important work: Daiva Dasakam, Nivritti Panchakam, and Atmopadesa Satakam.
Legacy of the Dialogue
- The Gurus’ decisive stance spurred Gandhi to prioritize the Harijan mission in India’s freedom struggle.
- Their meeting reinforced the principle that true social upliftment demands peaceful protest.
- The emphasis on education and economic progress became central to both reformers’ visions.
Indian Astronaut in Space After 41-Year Gap
Syllabus: GS3/Science & Technology; Space
Context
- Recently, an Indian Astronaut with three others from the USA, Hungry and Poland, soared into space aboard the Axiom-4 mission (NASA’s fourth all-private astronaut mission).
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS) and only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission.
| International Space Station (ISS) – It serves as a permanently crewed orbital laboratory where astronauts from around the world live and work while orbiting Earth approximately every 90 minutes. – It is located about 400 km from the Earth and moving at 28,000 kmph. Key Facts About the ISS – Launched: The first module was launched in 1998; it has been continuously inhabited since 2000. – Partnership: Operated by an international coalition of space agencies—NASA (USA), Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and CSA (Canada). – Purpose: ISS program unites international flight crews, various launch vehicles, worldwide operations and training facilities, communication networks, and the global scientific research community. |
How the Axiom-4 Mission Boosts India’s Future Space Programme?
- Critical Inputs for Gaganyaan: Axiom-4 involves scientific experiments, team coordination, and real-time problem-solving — skills essential for Gaganyaan, India’s first indigenous crewed mission.
- Scientific Collaboration and Innovation: The Ax-4 mission includes over 60 experiments from 31 countries, with India contributing to studies on muscle atrophy and stem cell behavior in microgravity.
- These align with ISRO’s growing interest in space medicine and long-duration missions, including diabetes management, muscle health, and cancer research
- It is vital for understanding human physiology in space and preparing for future lunar or Martian expeditions.
- Strengthening Global Partnerships: The mission underscores India’s deepening ties with international space agencies.
- Axiom-4 demonstrates India’s readiness to engage in commercial and scientific space diplomacy, coordinated with NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space.
RBI’s Revised PSL Guidelines for Small Finance Banks
Syllabus: GS 3/Economy
In News
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has relaxed priority sector lending (PSL) norms for Small Finance Banks (SFBs).
| Do you know? – Priority sector lending (PSL) is an RBI-mandated policy requiring banks to allocate a fixed portion of their loans to key sectors that face credit shortages but are crucial for inclusive economic growth. – It comprises loans to agriculture, MSMEs, export credit, education, housing, social infrastructure, renewable energy, weaker sections and other segments. 1. In March 2025, the RBI had issued revised PSL guidelines for banks, enhancing limits for loans such as housing and education, even as the PSL target for urban cooperative banks (UCBs) was brought down from 75 per cent to 60 per cent. |
Small Finance Banks (SFBs)
- About: They are operational under the regulation of the RBI in India, under the purview of the apex bank’s Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 2006, as amended from time to time.
- SFBs are registered as public limited companies under the Companies Act, 2013 and governed by Banking Regulations Act, 1949; RBI Act, 1934.
- They are subject to RBI’s prudential norms for commercial banks, including CRR and SLR.
- Objectives: SFBs aim to provide savings vehicles and credit to underserved sectors like small businesses, farmers, micro-industries, and the unorganized sector through cost-effective, technology-driven operations.
- Eligibility: Eligible promoters include resident individuals with 10 years of banking/finance experience, resident-owned companies/societies, and existing NBFCs, MFIs, and LABs. Promoters must have a strong track record (5+ years).
- Scope: Small Finance Banks offer basic banking services such as Savings Accounts, Current Accounts, Fixed Deposits, Recurring Deposits, Loans, etc.
- Capital Requirements: Minimum paid-up equity capital is INR 100 crore, with promoters contributing at least 40% initially (reducing to 26% within 12 years). Foreign shareholding follows the FDI policy for private sector banks.
Key Changes announced by RBI
- PSL loans target for SFBs has been lowered to 60 per cent of their loans from 75 per cent earlier from the current financial year.
- The additional component (35 per cent) of PSL will be reduced to 20 per cent, thereby making the overall PSL target as 60 per cent of ANBC (adjusted net bank credit) or Credit Equivalent of Off-Balance Sheet Exposures (CEOBE), whichever is higher from financial year 2025-26 onwards.
- SFBs will continue to allocate 40 per cent of their ANBC or CEOBE, whichever is higher, to different sub-sectors under PSL as per the extant PSL prescriptions, while the balance 20 per cent can be allocated to any one or more sub-sectors under the PSL where the bank has competitive advantage.
Bihar to Get its First Nuclear Power Plant
Syllabus: GS3/ Energy
Context
- Bihar is set to host its first nuclear power plant, making it one of the first six states to benefit from the Government of India’s National Nuclear Energy Mission.
About
- The announcement comes as part of a broader push to diversify India’s energy mix, strengthen regional energy security, and integrate advanced technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
- The Government has also approved a 1,000 MW battery storage capacity project in Bihar, aimed at enhancing grid stability and supporting renewable energy integration.
- The government will provide viability gap funding of Rs 18 lakh per MW for this initiative.
| What is Nuclear Energy? – Nuclear energy is the energy released during nuclear reactions, either through fission (splitting of atomic nuclei) or fusion (merging of atomic nuclei). – In nuclear fission, heavy atomic nuclei, such as those of uranium or plutonium, are split into lighter nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. 1. This process is utilized in nuclear power plants to generate electricity. |
What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?
- Small modular reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, roughly one-third the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power plants.
- Small – physically a fraction of the size of a conventional nuclear power reactor.
- Modular – making it possible for systems and components to be factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation.
- Reactors – harnessing nuclear fission to generate heat to produce energy.
- There are four four main types of SMR i.e., light water, high temperature gas, liquid metal, and molten salt.
Advantages of SMR
- Enhanced Safety Features: SMRs utilize passive safety mechanisms, such as natural convection and gravity-driven cooling, which help prevent overheating without relying on external power or human intervention.
- Flexibility: The modular nature of SMRs allows for incremental power additions, which is ideal for growing energy needs.
- Suitability for Remote and Off-Grid Areas: SMRs compact design makes them adaptable for smaller grid systems and applications like district heating and water desalination.
- Cost-Effective Construction: Prefabrication in controlled environments reduces on-site construction time and costs.
Government Initiatives for Enhancing India’s Nuclear Capacity
- India aims to increase its nuclear installed capacity from the present 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031–32.
- Construction and commissioning of 10 Reactors with a total capacity of 8,000 MW is ongoing across the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
- International Collaboration: In-principle approval has been granted for setting up 6 × 1,208 MW nuclear power reactors in Kovvada, Andhra Pradesh, in cooperation with the United States.
Recent Developments in Nuclear Energy in India
- A significant new uranium deposit was discovered around India’s oldest uranium mine in Jaduguda (Jharkhand).
- Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP-7) Achieves Criticality: On September 19, 2024, Unit-7 of RAPP reached criticality, a key milestone in nuclear reactor operations, indicating the start of a self-sustained fission chain reaction.
- This is the third indigenous nuclear reactor to achieve this status.
- The Kakrapar Atomic Power Station Units 3 & 4, each of 700 MWe, started commercial operation in FY 2023–24.
- These are among the first indigenously designed Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) of this scale.
- India’s first 500 MWe PFBR at Kalpakkam achieved key milestones in 2024, including primary sodium filling, commissioning of sodium pumps, and core loading.
| Nuclear Energy Mission – Capacity Target: 100 GW by 2047 (Current capacity: 8 GW). – Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): ₹20,000 crore allocation for R&D and indigenous SMR development. 1. Goal: Five operational SMRs by 2033. – Private Sector Participation: Proposed amendments to key legislations: 1. Atomic Energy Act, 1962: Framework for nuclear energy development and regulation. 2. Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010: Ensuring compensation mechanisms for nuclear incidents. – Capacity Expansion: 10 new reactors (totaling 8 GW) under construction across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. 1. Approval for a 6×1208 MW nuclear plant in Andhra Pradesh in collaboration with the USA. – Nuclear Partnerships: Collaboration with the private sector to develop Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) and Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs). |
