1. Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) Clears Indigenous Proposals Worth ₹67,000 Crore
Syllabus: GS-3/Defence, Internal Security, Science & Technology
In News: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals amounting to approximately ₹67,000 crore. A significant aspect of these approvals is the unwavering focus on indigenous development and procurement, in line with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.
Detailed Breakdown of Acquisitions:
- Indian Army: The proposals include the procurement of Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sight for the BMP infantry combat vehicles. This is a critical upgrade to enhance the night-fighting capability and mobility of the mechanized infantry on the battlefield.
- Indian Navy: The Navy’s arsenal will be bolstered by the acquisition of Compact Autonomous Surface Craft for anti-submarine warfare (ASW). These unmanned vessels will be used for the detection, classification, and neutralization of underwater threats, significantly reducing risk to personnel. Additionally, the DAC approved the procurement of BrahMos Fire Control System & Launchers and the Upgradation of the BARAK-1 Point Defence Missile System.
- Indian Air Force (IAF): The IAF received AoN for procuring Mountain Radars to improve air surveillance capabilities in challenging mountainous terrains along India’s borders. An important decision was also made to upgrade the SAKSHAM/SPYDER Weapon System, integrating it with the existing Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) for a more cohesive air defence network.
- Tri-Service: In a move to enhance jointness, the DAC also cleared the procurement of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) for all three services. These RPAs, with their ability to carry multiple payloads and operate for long durations, will provide 24/7 surveillance and combat capabilities.
Significance & Way Forward:
- Defence Indigenisation: The proposals underscore the government’s push for self-reliance in the defence sector. By prioritizing indigenous systems, India is reducing its dependency on foreign suppliers and bolstering its domestic defence industry.
- Modernisation: These acquisitions address critical gaps in military hardware and technology, ensuring that India’s armed forces are equipped to handle contemporary and future threats.
- Geopolitical Context: The enhancement of surveillance and combat capabilities, particularly with mountain radars and MALE RPAs, is a direct response to the ongoing geopolitical challenges along India’s northern and western borders.
- Economic Impact: The ‘Make in India’ mandate will stimulate domestic manufacturing, create jobs, and foster a robust ecosystem of ancillary industries and MSMEs, contributing to economic growth.
Source: PIB
2. India-Philippines Forge Strategic Partnership, Emphasize Indo-Pacific Cooperation
Syllabus: GS-2/International Relations, India and its Neighbourhood, Bilateral Relations
In News: During the state visit of Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to India, a new era of cooperation was formalized with the establishment of a strategic partnership. This builds upon seven decades of diplomatic relations and is a key component of India’s “Act East Policy” and its broader vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Key Outcomes of the Partnership:
- Defence and Security: Both nations have agreed to expand cooperation in defence, including joint naval drills, training, and defence equipment procurement. The Philippines has already become the first country to purchase India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, with a second batch on the way.
- Economic and Trade Relations: The leaders aim to boost bilateral trade, which has already seen significant growth, from $2.03 billion in 2020-21 to $3.53 billion in 2023-24. Discussions focused on sectors like pharmaceuticals, digital technology, and agriculture.
- Maritime Cooperation: A crucial aspect of the partnership is joint cooperation on maritime domain awareness, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. This is particularly significant given the Philippines’ territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
- Solidarity on Terrorism: The Philippines’ President strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, demonstrating mutual resolve to combat terrorism.
Significance for India:
- Act East Policy: The Philippines is a central pillar of India’s “Act East Policy,” which aims to strengthen relationships with Southeast Asian nations.
- Counterbalancing China: The strategic partnership, particularly in the defence and maritime domains, is seen as a way for both nations to counterbalance China’s growing influence and assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region and the South China Sea.
- Multilateralism: The collaboration reinforces a commitment to a rules-based international order, a principle shared by both nations and crucial for regional stability.
Source: PIB, DD News
3. Supreme Court Upholds Power of PCBs to Impose ‘Restitutionary Damages’
Syllabus: GS-2/Polity & Governance; GS-3/Environment, Conservation
In News: In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India ruled that Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) have the statutory power to impose “restitutionary damages” on polluting entities, even in cases where a formal pollution threshold has not been breached. The ruling reinforces the “Polluter Pays Principle” and gives more teeth to environmental regulators.
Detailed Analysis of the Judgment:
- Legal Basis: The court’s decision is rooted in the powers granted to PCBs under Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and Section 31A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. These sections give PCBs wide-ranging powers to issue directions to protect the environment.
- Restitution vs. Penalty: The court clearly distinguished between restitutionary damages and punitive penalties. Restitutionary damages are a remedial measure intended to compensate for the harm done to the environment and restore it to its original state. Punitive penalties, on the other hand, are meant to punish violations and can only be imposed through a judicial process.
- Precedent: The judgment drew on the principles laid down in landmark cases like the
Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India (1996), which first articulated the idea of environmental restitution as a constitutional obligation. - Implications: This ruling is a game-changer for environmental governance. It empowers PCBs to take a more proactive and effective role, not just in punishing violations, but also in ensuring that environmental harm is rectified, which is often a more critical step.
Source: The Hindu, Live Law
4. Uttarkashi Cloudburst: Alarming Reminder of Himalayan Vulnerability
Syllabus: GS-1/Geography; GS-3/Disaster Management
In News: A severe cloudburst in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand has resulted in significant loss of life and property, triggering flash floods and landslides. This event has once again brought to the forefront the issue of climate change-induced extreme weather events and the need for robust disaster management strategies in the fragile Himalayan region.
Causes and Context:
- Cloudbursts: These are highly localized and intense rainfall events, a phenomenon becoming more frequent in the Himalayas due to changes in weather patterns linked to global warming.
- Fragile Ecology: The Himalayan states are ecologically sensitive and seismically active. Unplanned infrastructure development, deforestation, and unregulated mining have further exacerbated the region’s vulnerability to landslides and flash floods.
- Vulnerability of Bageshwar: A recent expert panel report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) warned that unregulated mining in Uttarakhand’s Bageshwar district is creating conditions similar to the subsidence crisis in Joshimath. The report highlighted dangers from unsafe mining practices and waste dumping, which destabilize slopes and block natural drainage channels.
Way Forward:
- Disaster Preparedness: There is an urgent need for an advanced early warning system, especially for cloudbursts and landslides. Community-level disaster management teams should be trained and equipped.
- Sustainable Development: Development projects in the Himalayas must adhere to strict environmental norms. There is a need for a shift towards climate-resilient infrastructure and a ban on unregulated activities like mining and construction in geologically sensitive areas.
- Climate Change Adaptation: India’s disaster management plans must be updated to specifically address the increasing frequency of climate-change-induced disasters in vulnerable regions.
Source: The Hindu, Economic Times
5. India-US Trade Tensions: Trump’s Tariff Threat and India’s Strategic Autonomy
Syllabus: GS-2/International Relations, GS-3/Economy
In News: Tensions in India-US trade relations have escalated after President Donald Trump announced a “very substantial” 25% tariff on Indian goods if he is re-elected. He also threatened a penalty on India for purchasing Russian oil, citing the Ukraine conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded by reiterating that India’s foreign and economic policies are guided by its national interest.
Core Issues & Analysis:
- Trump’s “America First” Policy: Trump’s tariff threat is consistent with his past stance on trade, where he has consistently accused countries of having high tariffs and unfair trade practices.
- Energy Security vs. Geopolitics: The primary flashpoint is India’s decision to continue purchasing discounted Russian crude oil. India’s argument is rooted in its need to secure affordable energy for its vast population, a matter of economic necessity and national security. The MEA also pointed out the hypocrisy of European nations continuing to trade with Russia while pressuring India.
- Strategic Autonomy: The incident is a test of India’s strategic autonomy, a cornerstone of its foreign policy. India maintains that its decisions on trade, defence, and energy are independent and not subject to external pressure.
- Implications: A full-blown trade war with the US could severely impact India’s exports and economic growth. However, India’s measured response indicates its resolve to negotiate from a position of strength, while also signalling its willingness to explore retaliatory measures if necessary.
Source: Indian Express, Times of India
6. India’s Battery Waste Management Rules: Gaps in the EV Ecosystem
Syllabus: GS-3/Environment, Science and Technology, Infrastructure
In News: While India is rapidly pushing for electric vehicle (EV) adoption, an analysis has highlighted critical gaps in the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022. The rules, while a step in the right direction, fail to create a viable economic ecosystem for safe and efficient recycling of lithium-ion batteries.
Challenges in Implementation:
- Inadequate Incentives: The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework lacks clear guidelines on the budget that manufacturers should allocate for recycling. This ambiguity can lead to low rates paid to recyclers, making formal recycling unprofitable and unable to compete with the informal sector.
- Informal Sector: The informal sector, which often handles battery waste without safety protocols, poses a significant risk of environmental contamination and fire hazards due to the toxic and volatile nature of lithium-ion batteries.
- Lack of Standardization: The lack of standardization in battery pack design and chemical composition makes disassembly and material recovery a complex and costly process for recyclers.
- Labeling and Information: Many batteries lack comprehensive information on their chemical composition, making it difficult for recyclers to efficiently recover valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
Way Forward:
- Strengthening EPR: The government needs to define a clear and transparent mechanism for calculating EPR obligations and ensuring fair compensation for recyclers.
- Formal Sector Integration: Incentives should be provided to integrate the informal sector into the formal recycling value chain, providing them with training and safety equipment.
- R&D and Innovation: The government should promote research and development into new, cost-effective recycling technologies and encourage manufacturers to adopt “design for recycling” principles.
Source: The Hindu
7. India’s Stance on the Global Plastics Treaty
Syllabus: GS-3/Environment, International Relations
In News: As countries convene in Geneva for the final round of negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty, India’s position is being closely watched. While India is a key advocate for a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution, its stance at the negotiations has been to push for a consensus-based approach that does not hinder the developmental needs of developing countries.
Key Points of India’s Position:
- “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities” (CBDR): India, along with other developing nations, is pushing for the principle of CBDR, arguing that developed countries have a greater historical responsibility for plastic pollution and should provide technical and financial assistance to developing nations.
- Focus on Waste Management: India’s official stance is to prioritize the downstream aspects of plastic pollution, such as waste management and recycling, rather than imposing mandatory production caps on the manufacturing of plastics. This is driven by its ambition to become a major hub for petrochemical manufacturing.
- Multilateral Fund: India is advocating for a standalone multilateral fund to support the transition of developing countries to a circular plastic economy, arguing that this is necessary to meet the treaty’s obligations.
Challenges for India:
- India is both a growing economy reliant on the petrochemical industry and a significant plastic polluter. This dual identity presents a “pro-plastics dilemma” at the international forum.
- Striking a balance between its economic interests and its environmental commitments will be a key challenge for India in the coming years.
Source: The Hindu, The Tribune
8. Ministry of Textiles’ Initiatives for National Handloom Day
Syllabus: GS-1/Indian Art Forms; GS-3/Economy
In News: The Ministry of Textiles launched several new schemes on the occasion of the 11th National Handloom Day to provide a boost to the handloom sector. These initiatives are designed to improve the livelihoods of weavers, preserve India’s cultural heritage, and promote the country’s unique handloom products globally.
Key Initiatives & Their Significance:
- “Haat on Wheels”: This innovative scheme will provide mobile marketplaces for artisans, allowing them to sell their products directly to urban consumers. It bypasses middlemen and provides a direct channel for income generation.
- Special Scholarship for Research: This initiative will encourage academic and design research in the handloom sector, helping to preserve traditional designs while also innovating with new materials and techniques.
- Promotion of GI-tagged Textiles: The focus on promoting GI-tagged products like Banarasi sarees, Kanchipuram silk, and Pochampally Ikat will help in protecting the authenticity of these products and preventing their commercial imitation.
- Handloom Revival Programs: The ministry will provide financial and technical assistance to handloom clusters, focusing on skills development and technology upgradation.
Impact on the Economy and Culture:
- Economic Empowerment: The handloom sector is the second-largest rural employer in India after agriculture. These initiatives will directly support the livelihoods of millions of weavers, particularly women, and contribute to inclusive growth.
- Cultural Preservation: By promoting traditional crafts and GI tags, the government is ensuring the preservation of India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
- Global Recognition: The initiatives aim to increase the global footprint of Indian handloom products, aligning with the “Vocal for Local” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” campaigns.
Source: PIB
9. India and Philippines Conduct Joint Naval Drills in the South China Sea
Syllabus: GS-2/International Relations, GS-3/Internal Security
In News: In a clear signal of their deepening strategic ties, the Indian and Philippine navies conducted their first-ever bilateral naval exercise in the South China Sea. The joint drills, which involved ships from the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, took place in waters near the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Strategic Implications:
- Maritime Cooperation: The exercise enhances interoperability and mutual trust between the two navies, paving the way for future joint operations and capacity-building.
- Indo-Pacific Strategy: The drills are a key component of India’s Indo-Pacific strategy, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring a free, open, and rules-based order in the region.
- Counterbalancing China: The exercise is widely seen as a message to China, which has been increasingly assertive in the South China Sea, a region where it has expansive territorial claims. The Philippines has been at the forefront of opposing China’s actions.
- Bilateral Relations: The naval exercise coincides with the state visit of the Philippine President to India, underscoring the growing importance of defence and security cooperation in the bilateral relationship.
Source: Indian Express,
10. Ethanol Blending: Government Clarifies on Mileage & Engine Concerns
Syllabus: GS-3/Environment, Economy, Science & Technology
In News: Amid rising consumer complaints about a drop in mileage and potential engine damage from E20 petrol (20% ethanol blend), the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a detailed clarification. While acknowledging a marginal reduction in fuel efficiency, the ministry dismissed claims of significant engine damage as “factually incorrect.”
Government’s Stance:
- Marginal Mileage Drop: The ministry stated that the mileage drop is a modest 1-2% for E20-compliant vehicles and up to 3-6% for others. It attributed this to ethanol’s lower energy density compared to petrol.
- Corrosion Concerns are Overstated: On the issue of engine damage, the ministry emphasized that E20 fuel is governed by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications and that all new vehicles manufactured since April 2023 are E20-compliant, with improved materials that resist corrosion. Minor part replacements in older vehicles are considered a part of routine maintenance.
- Performance Benefits: The ministry highlighted that ethanol has a higher octane rating, which can improve engine performance and combustion efficiency.
- Economic and Environmental Gains: The government reiterated the significant benefits of ethanol blending, including a saving of over ₹1.40 lakh crore in crude oil imports since 2014-15 and a reduction of over 700 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
UPSC Relevance:
- This news item presents a classic policy dilemma for UPSC aspirants: how to balance national energy security and environmental goals with potential consumer-level costs and technical challenges.
- The issue requires an understanding of biofuels, the role of government agencies like the Ministry of Petroleum, and the importance of consumer awareness and industry standards.
Source: Economic Times, The Hindu
11. Project Rhisotope: A Nuclear Solution to Rhino Poaching
Syllabus: GS-3/Environment and Ecology, Science and Technology
In News: “Project Rhisotope,” a novel anti-poaching initiative, has made a significant breakthrough by successfully injecting non-lethal, low-dose radioactive isotopes into rhino horns to deter poachers. The project, led by the University of the Witwatersrand with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), aims to make horns easily traceable and a health hazard for anyone who handles or consumes them.
Methodology and Rationale:
- Radioactive Tagging: A small amount of a radioactive isotope is inserted into the horn. The radiation level is harmless to the rhino but is strong enough to be detected by radiation portal monitors (RPMs) that are already in use at ports and border crossings worldwide to detect illicit nuclear material.
- Deterrence: The project aims to reduce the demand for rhino horns by making them useless for illegal trade. The horns would be flagged by international security infrastructure, and their radioactive nature would pose a health risk to poachers and traders.
- Ethical Debate: The project, while innovative, has raised ethical questions about using radioactive substances on animals. However, extensive trials have shown no adverse health effects on the rhinos.
Relevance for India:
- India, home to the one-horned rhino, faces similar poaching threats in its national parks, particularly Kaziranga and Manas.
- This project could serve as a model for India to explore technology-driven solutions for wildlife conservation, complementing existing measures like armed patrols and habitat protection.
Source: Indian Express
12. Centre Clarifies on Atomic Mineral Mining, Rejects Private Sector Entry
Syllabus: GS-3/Economy, Science & Technology, Internal Security
In News: The Ministry of Mines, through a press release, clarified that media reports suggesting the government has opened up the exploration and mining of atomic minerals from offshore regions to the private sector are “misleading and factually incorrect.” This clarification came after reports of new rules that were misinterpreted.
Policy and Legal Framework:
- Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Rights Rules, 2025: The ministry stated that these newly notified rules explicitly specify that operating rights for atomic minerals will only be granted to the Government, Government companies, or corporations.
- No Private Role: The press release reiterated that private entities are barred from exploring or mining atomic minerals like uranium and thorium, which are strategically vital for India’s nuclear energy program and national security.
- Constitutional and Legislative Basis: The clarification referenced the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) (Amendment) Act, 2023, which exclusively restricts the grant of exploration and mining licenses for atomic minerals to government-owned entities.
- State vs. Centre: The clarification also addresses the concerns of states like Kerala, which have significant atomic mineral deposits along their coastlines. The central government maintains its exclusive constitutional authority over the regulation and development of these minerals.
Significance:
- This news is important for understanding the government’s policy on strategic resources. The exclusive control over atomic mineral mining is a critical aspect of India’s national security and its commitment to a public sector-led nuclear program.
Source: PIB, Times of India
