Current Affairs

All (4265)Current Affairs (4243)Mains Practice (77)Mains PYQs by Subjects (40)

Sir Creek Dispute, Area, Significance

Context: India’s Defence Minister recently cautioned Pakistan against military activities near Sir Creek and referred to Operation Sindoor, highlighting India’s preparedness to secure its maritime boundaries.

About Sir Creek

  • Geography: Sir Creek is a 96 km long tidal estuary located in the Rann of Kutch, separating Pakistan’s Sindh province and Gujarat’s Kutch region.
  • History: Originally called Ban Ganga, it was renamed Sir Creek after a British surveyor during colonial mapping.
  • Strategic Importance:
    • Rich fishing grounds and potential oil & gas reserves.
    • Decides maritime boundary, influencing the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
    • Proximity to Karachi port makes it critical for naval security.
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Map not to scale

The Dispute

  • The dispute stems from colonial-era demarcation between Kutch (India) and Sindh (Pakistan) under the Bombay Presidency.

India’s Claim:

  • Boundary should follow the mid-channel (Thalweg Principle).
  • Seeks resolution only through bilateral talks under the 1972 Simla Agreement.

Pakistan’s Claim:

  • Boundary lies along the eastern bank (Green Line) as per the 1914 Bombay Government Resolution, giving Pakistan control of the creek.
  • Argues Thalweg Principle doesn’t apply since Sir Creek is not navigable.

Key Concepts

  • Thalweg Principle: In international law, boundaries in a navigable water body should follow its deepest channel, ensuring equal access.
  • Simla Agreement (1972): Peace treaty post-1971 India-Pakistan War; stresses bilateralism, mutual respect, and LoC recognition.

Significance for India

  • Ensures sovereignty over maritime resources and security in the Arabian Sea.
  • Prevents encroachment into India’s EEZ, vital for energy and fisheries.
  • Safeguards national security against Pakistan’s naval activities.

Way Forward

A negotiated settlement, balancing international law and bilateral agreements, is essential to prevent conflict and promote stability in the Arabian Sea region.

Govt Raises MSP for Six Rabi Crops

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved significant hikes in the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for six rabi crops for the 2026–27 marketing season, aimed at ensuring remunerative prices to farmers and promoting crop diversification.

What is MSP?

  • MSP is the minimum guaranteed price at which the government procures crops from farmers, protecting them from distress sales.
  • It currently covers 23 crops: 7 cereals, 5 pulses, 7 oilseeds, and 4 commercial crops.
  • The policy serves as a tool for ensuring food security, farmer welfare, and market stability.

Key Highlights of the Hike

  • Crops Covered: Wheat, barley, jowar, gram, lentil, and safflower.
  • Wheat: MSP increased by ₹160 per quintal to ₹2,585/quintal (6.6% rise), offering the highest gain over cost of production (109%).
  • Safflower: Witnessed the highest absolute and percentage increase (₹600 per quintal), reflecting government emphasis on oilseed cultivation and crop diversification.
  • The hikes align with the government’s aim to double farmers’ income and reduce dependence on imported edible oils.
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How MSP is Determined

  • Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP):
    • A statutory body set up in 1965 under the Ministry of Agriculture.
    • Recommends MSPs twice a year (for kharif and rabi crops).
    • Recommendations are not binding; final approval rests with the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
  • Factors Considered:
    • Cost of cultivation (A2, A2+FL, C2).
    • Demand-supply situation.
    • Price trends and inter-crop parity.
    • Terms of trade for farmers.
    • Global prices and food security concerns.
  • Cost Concepts:
    • A2: Actual paid-out costs (seeds, fertilizers, etc.).
    • A2+FL: A2 + imputed family labour.
    • C2: Comprehensive cost (A2+FL + rental value of land + interest on capital).
  • MSPs are generally fixed at A2+FL + 50% margin, ensuring fair returns.

Significance

  • Enhances farmers’ income security and incentivizes crop production.
  • Encourages oilseed production, reducing edible oil import bills.
  • Balances inflation control with farmer welfare.
  • Strengthens food security by ensuring procurement at fair prices.

Challenges Ahead

  • Procurement is still concentrated in wheat and rice, limiting benefits for other crops.
  • Rising MSPs can strain the fiscal burden.
  • Market reforms and diversification efforts need to complement MSP to achieve sustainable outcomes.

Conclusion

The recent MSP hike reflects the government’s continued focus on farmer welfare, crop diversification, and self-reliance in agriculture. However, structural reforms in procurement, storage, and marketing remain crucial to ensure that the benefits of MSP reach all farmers equitably.

Health Ministry Advisory on Cough Syrups for Children

Context: The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a fresh advisory to all States and Union Territories on the rational use of cough syrups in children. The move comes after reports of child deaths in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, allegedly linked to syrups containing Dextromethorphan.

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About Dextromethorphan

  • Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant used in many over-the-counter syrups.
  • It acts on the brain’s cough centre to reduce coughing but can cause serious side effects in children — such as drowsiness, breathing difficulty, and accidental overdose.
  • Long-term effects on the developing brain remain unclear, making it unsafe for paediatric use.

Key Guidelines Issued by DGHS

  • Avoid Routine Use: Most coughs in children are self-limiting and do not require medication.
  • Age Restriction: Cough syrups must not be prescribed for children below two years.
  • Clinical Evaluation: For older children, use only after proper medical evaluation — with accurate dosage and for the shortest possible duration.
  • Avoid Polypharmacy: Syrups containing multiple drug combinations should be avoided.
  • Non-Drug Remedies: Encourage hydration, steam inhalation, and rest as safer alternatives.
  • Pharma Compliance: Manufacturers must strictly follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and use pharmaceutical-grade excipients.

Contamination and Safety Investigations

  • The Health Ministry clarified that syrups linked to the incidents were free from diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG) — two highly toxic industrial chemicals responsible for several global poisoning incidents.
  • In Rajasthan, the formulation in question contained Dextromethorphan, which is not recommended for children under national and WHO safety standards.

Chemical Toxicity Explained

  • Diethylene Glycol (DEG): Used in antifreeze; causes kidney failure, neurological damage, and death.
  • Ethylene Glycol (EG): Another toxic antifreeze component that leads to acute kidney injury if ingested.

Significance

  • Reinforces paediatric drug safety and the need for rational prescription practices.
  • Aims to prevent avoidable child fatalities from inappropriate or contaminated medicines.
  • Strengthens pharmaceutical quality control and public health accountability.

Conclusion:

The DGHS advisory highlights India’s growing vigilance in paediatric pharmacovigilance. Rational use of medicines, strict enforcement of safety standards, and public awareness are key to protecting children from preventable drug-related tragedies.

Monument Conservation Opens to the Private Sector

Context: In a landmark move, the Government of India is opening the conservation of protected monuments to private participation for the first time, ending the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) exclusive control. The initiative will work through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, inviting corporates, PSUs, and private organisations to contribute.

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Implementation Framework

  • Funding Mechanism: All contributions will flow through the National Culture Fund (NCF), set up in 1996.
    • NCF offers 100% tax exemption for donations.
    • Till now, NCF has mobilised around ₹140 crore from corporates/PSUs.
  • Operational Model:
    • Donors may select empanelled conservation architects (shortlisted by the Ministry of Culture).
    • External implementing agencies can be hired for execution.
    • Each project must follow the National Policy for Conservation of Ancient Monuments (2014).
    • Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) require ASI’s approval.
  • Pilot Phase: A list of 250 monuments will be opened for donor participation.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) – At a Glance

  • Founded: 1861 by Alexander Cunningham.
  • Headquarters: New Delhi.
  • Parent Ministry: Ministry of Culture.
  • Mandate: Archaeological explorations, excavations, conservation, site museums, and epigraphical research.
  • Current Role: Manages conservation of ~3,700 protected monuments.

Significance of the Move

  • Resource Mobilisation: Expands conservation funding beyond limited government budgets.
  • Efficiency: Brings in professional expertise and corporate accountability.
  • Heritage Protection: Ensures faster preservation of monuments that face neglect due to resource crunch.
  • Public Engagement: Encourages wider participation in safeguarding cultural heritage.

Way Forward

Successful implementation will depend on robust regulatory oversight by ASI to maintain authenticity and prevent over-commercialisation of heritage sites.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

Context: The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), established under the ANRF Act, 2023, has recently launched SARAL (Simplified and Automated Research Amplification and Learning) — an AI-driven tool to make scientific research more accessible and comprehensible to the public.

About ANRF

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation is a statutory body functioning under the Department of Science & Technology (DST). It replaces and subsumes the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), serving as the apex body to provide strategic direction to research and development (R&D) across the country.

Core Objectives:

  • To seed, grow, and promote R&D across universities, colleges, and research institutions.
  • To foster innovation and interdisciplinary research aligned with India’s developmental priorities.
  • To encourage private sector participation, with an ambitious funding target of ₹50,000 crore (2023–2028) — about 70% expected from non-government sources.
  • To act as a single-window system for funding and supporting R&D activities nationwide.
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Alignment with NEP 2020:

The ANRF plays a key role in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes research-driven higher education. By supporting university-based research and collaboration between academia and industry, ANRF aims to transform India into a global research and innovation hub.

Strategic Vision:

The foundation seeks to advance India’s capabilities in emerging fields through initiatives such as the AI Science & Engineering Open India Stack — a framework envisioned to revolutionize research in:

  • Drug and chemical discovery
  • Aerospace design
  • Advanced materials
  • Climate and weather prediction

SARAL Initiative:

The newly launched SARAL tool represents a major leap toward democratizing science communication.

Using Artificial Intelligence, SARAL can generate summaries of complex research papers in easily understandable formats such as videos, podcasts, posters, and presentations, making scientific knowledge more accessible to students, policymakers, and the general public.

Conclusion

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) marks a transformative step in India’s journey toward becoming a knowledge-driven economy. Through funding, innovation, and the integration of AI tools like SARAL, ANRF aims to bridge the gap between research and society — ensuring that science becomes both inclusive and impactful.

150 Years of the National Song - Vande Mataram

Context: The Union Cabinet has announced a year-long celebration marking 150 years of India’s national song, Vande Mataram, to honour its historical and cultural significance in the nation’s freedom struggle.

About Vande Mataram

Composed in Sanskrit by Bankimchandra Chatterji in 1875, Vande Mataram first appeared in his patriotic novel Anand Math (1882). The song became a rallying cry for freedom fighters, symbolizing devotion to the motherland and inspiring countless Indians during the national movement.

On January 24, 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, declared Vande Mataram as the National Song of India, granting it equal status with the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana.

Although the Constitution of India, under Article 51A(a), enjoins citizens to respect the Constitution, its ideals, institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem, it does not specifically mention the National Song.

Nevertheless, Vande Mataram remains deeply revered as a symbol of India’s unity, sacrifice, and spirit of independence.

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Significance:

The 150th anniversary celebration aims to rekindle the spirit of patriotism and pay tribute to Vande Mataram—a song that continues to evoke pride and remind citizens of India’s collective struggle for freedom.

UPSC DigiLocker & “My UPSC Interview” Portal

Context: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced that caste, income, and disability certificates of candidates will now be verified through DigiLocker to prevent forged submissions. As part of its centenary celebrations, UPSC has also launched the “My UPSC Interview” anecdote portal for serving and retired officers.

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About DigiLocker

  • What is it?
    A flagship initiative under the Digital India Mission offering citizens a secure, cloud-based platform for accessing and sharing authentic digital documents.
  • Launched by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
  • Aim: Digital empowerment, paperless governance, and faster service delivery through legally valid digital documents.

Key Features

  • Digital Document Wallet: Stores Aadhaar, PAN, driving license, caste, and educational certificates in digital format.
  • Legally Recognised: Equivalent to originals under Rule 9A of IT Rules, 2016.
  • Citizen-Centric: Anytime, anywhere access with user consent for sharing.
  • Real-Time Verification: Documents are fetched directly from issuing authorities, ensuring authenticity.
  • Eco-Friendly: Reduces paperwork and administrative burden.

UPSC’s “My UPSC Interview” Portal

  • What is it? A digital platform launched during UPSC’s centenary year (2026) inviting serving and retired civil servants to share their interview experiences.
  • Objective:
    • Build a repository of real-life anecdotes for aspirants.
    • Enhance transparency in recruitment.
    • Preserve institutional memory.
  • Outcome: Selected entries will be compiled and published in 2026 as part of centenary celebrations.

Significance

  • For Candidates: Ensures authenticity of submitted documents and prevents fraudulent claims.
  • For UPSC: Improves efficiency, transparency, and trust in the recruitment process.
  • For Governance: Promotes paperless, sustainable practices in line with Digital India goals.

New Definition of Pandemic Emergency

Context: The amended International Health Regulations (IHR) came into effect in September 2025, introducing a new legal category — Pandemic Emergency. These amendments were adopted by consensus at the 77th World Health Assembly in June 2024 through Resolution WHA77.17.

New Definition of Pandemic Emergency

What is a Pandemic Emergency?

A pandemic emergency is a newly defined sub-category of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). It applies when a communicable disease:

  • Spreads widely across regions and countries,
  • Overloads health systems,
  • Causes significant social and economic disruption, and
  • Requires rapid, coordinated international action.

Thus, it represents a higher threshold built upon the PHEIC framework.

Key Amendments under IHR (2024):

  • Decision-making: WHO Director-General can determine if a PHEIC amounts to a pandemic emergency (Article 12).
  • National IHR Authorities: Every country must designate an authority to coordinate across ministries.
  • Financial Mechanism: A global financing facility is introduced to support developing countries in pandemic preparedness.
  • States Parties Committee: A non-punitive oversight body to assist and guide implementation.

Features of Pandemic Emergency:

  • Tiered Alert System: Pandemic emergency is a higher tier beyond PHEIC.
  • Broader Triggers: Based on health overload, socioeconomic disruption, and whole-of-society response needs.
  • Equity & Solidarity: Focus on fair access to vaccines, medicines, and financial support.
  • Respect for Sovereignty: WHO cannot impose domestic measures such as lockdowns; national governments retain control.
  • Integration: Enriches the PHEIC mechanism, avoiding duplication of procedures.

Significance:

  1. Legal Certainty: Establishes clear criteria for when a global pandemic can be declared.
  2. Faster Response: Enables quicker mobilization of international resources and expertise.
  3. Equity in Support: Developing nations gain access to dedicated financial and technical assistance.
  4. Global Coordination: Reinforces international cooperation while respecting state sovereignty.

Conclusion

The creation of a pandemic emergency category strengthens global health governance by bridging the gap between national sovereignty and international solidarity. It ensures clarity, faster response, and fairer distribution of resources, making the world better prepared for future health crises.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

Context: India has been re-elected to Part II of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This reaffirms India’s growing role in shaping global civil aviation standards and policies.

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About ICAO

  • Established: 1944 under the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention).
  • Type: Specialized agency of the United Nations.
  • Headquarters: Montreal, Canada.
  • Members: 193 States.
  • Mandate: To ensure safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable international civil aviation.

Governance of ICAO

  • Assembly:
    • Sovereign body of ICAO.
    • Meets once every 3 years.
    • Comprises all 193 member states.
  • Council:
    • Governing body, elected by the Assembly.
    • 36 member states serve a three-year term.
    • India elected under Part II (states making the largest contribution to international civil aviation).

Functions of ICAO

  • Standard-Setting: Develops global aviation standards for safety, security, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
  • Policy Platform: Provides a forum for discussion and cooperation among states on civil aviation issues.
  • Legal Frameworks: Helps establish rules of international aviation law, ensuring peaceful and safe use of airspace.
  • Economic & Environmental Role: Promotes liberalization of air transport markets and reduction of aviation’s environmental footprint.

Significance for India

  • Reinforces India’s standing as a key aviation hub and market.
  • Provides India with greater influence in shaping global aviation policies.
  • Aligns with India’s domestic aviation growth, projected to become the third-largest aviation market by 2030.

RoDTEP Scheme Extended till March 2026

Context: The Government of India has extended the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme until March 31, 2026, ensuring continued support to exporters amidst global trade challenges.

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About the RoDTEP Scheme

  • Launched: January 1, 2021 (through amendment in Foreign Trade Policy 2015–20).
  • Objective: To neutralize the impact of non-refundable taxes, duties, and levies embedded in exported goods.
  • Why Needed: Exporters incur costs such as state levies, power duties, mandi taxes, and embedded central taxes, which were not refunded earlier.
  • WTO-Compliant: Replaced the Merchandise Export Incentive Scheme (MEIS) after it was challenged by the US at WTO.
  • Administered By: Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.

Key Features

  1. Coverage:
    • All sectors eligible.
    • Priority given to labour-intensive sectors (textiles, agriculture, leather, etc.).
    • Applies to manufacturer exporters, merchant exporters (traders), SEZ units, EOUs, and e-commerce exports.
  2. Exclusions:
    • Re-exported products not eligible.
  3. Reimbursement Mechanism:
    • Provided as a percentage of FOB (Freight on Board) value of exports.
    • Issued in the form of transferable e-scrips (maintained in CBIC’s electronic credit ledger).
    • e-scrips can be used for paying basic customs duty or transferred to other importers.
  4. Digital Implementation:
    • Entirely IT-driven to ensure transparency, speedy clearance, and minimal human intervention.
    • Monitored via IT-based risk management system with audit provisions.

Significance

  • Reduces hidden tax burden on exporters.
  • Enhances global competitiveness of Indian goods.
  • Encourages manufacturing and promotes “Make in India” exports.
  • Helps India remain aligned with WTO norms while protecting domestic industry.

Way Forward

  • With the scheme extended till 2026, exporters now have policy certainty.
  • Government focus is likely to remain on simplification of refunds, expansion of product coverage, and ensuring quick digital disbursements to sustain India’s export momentum.

India Welcomes the US’s Plan for Gaza Peace

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing Israel–Hamas conflict in Gaza. India, which advocates a two-state solution and peaceful coexistence, reiterated its support for all diplomatic efforts towards regional stability.

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Key Provisions of the Peace Plan

  • Deradicalisation of Gaza: Transforming Gaza into a terror-free zone without threats to neighbouring countries.
  • Immediate Ceasefire: Suspension of all military operations between Israel and Hamas.
  • Hostage Release: All hostages (living or deceased) to be returned within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance.
  • Interfaith Dialogue: A global platform for tolerance and reconciliation among Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
  • Economic Revival: Establishment of a special economic zone, investment initiatives, and large-scale job creation.

Background of the Israel–Hamas Conflict

  • Historical Roots: The conflict traces back to the 1947 UN Partition Plan, which proposed separate Jewish and Arab states. Arabs rejected the plan, while Jews declared Israel’s independence in 1948, leading to successive wars.
  • Oslo Accords (1993): Signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to establish peace. Hamas opposed the agreement, continuing armed resistance.
  • Recent Escalation: In October 2023, Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, killing over 1,200 Israelis. Israel retaliated with extensive military operations, resulting in 64,000+ casualties in Gaza, creating a severe humanitarian crisis.

India’s Stand

  • India supports a sovereign, independent Palestine living peacefully alongside Israel.
  • It maintains balanced relations with both Israel and Palestine, providing humanitarian aid to Gaza while also strengthening defence cooperation with Israel.
  • Welcoming the US initiative aligns with India’s long-standing call for dialogue, non-violence, and respect for international law.

Significance

  • For West Asia: If successful, the plan could end one of the most intractable conflicts in modern history.
  • For India: Stability in the region secures energy supplies, ensures diaspora safety, and strengthens India’s diplomatic footprint as a responsible global actor.

India’s Bid for Fully Reusable Rockets

Context: Chennai-based spacetech startup Agnikul Cosmos has announced that its upcoming rockets will be fully reusable, ensuring no component is discarded. This aligns with the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025 theme: “Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth.”

Key Highlights

  • Agnikul’s Vision: To offer globally competitive small-satellite launch services with complete reusability.
  • Technology Achievements:
    • Successfully tested 3D-printed sub-orbital rocket Agnibaan SOrTeD (2024).
    • Plans for orbital launches with reusability.
  • Support Mechanism: Backed by IN-SPACe, which provides policy and technical support.
  • Focus Areas: Cost efficiency, scalability, and compliance with space debris mitigation.
India’s Bid for Fully Reusable Rockets

Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs)

  • Definition: A rocket system that can be launched, recovered, and reused multiple times. Unlike expendable rockets, RLVs ensure controlled re-entry and reduce space junk.
  • Advantages:
    • Cuts down launch costs.
    • Minimizes space debris, mitigating risks like the Kessler Syndrome (cascading orbital collisions).
    • Enhances sustainability of global space missions.

India’s Efforts in RLVs

  • ISRO Milestones:
    • RLV-TD HEX-01 (2016): Demonstrator flight for re-entry.
    • RLV LEX Series (2024): Autonomous landing tests.
    • PUSHPAK Mission: Ongoing experimental reusability projects.
  • Agnikul’s Initiative: Complements ISRO’s programmes by targeting commercial small-satellite launches.

Global Context

  • SpaceX (USA): Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy — world leaders in reusable rockets.
  • China: Long March 8 with partial reusability.
  • India’s Entry: Aims to position itself as a sustainable, affordable, and competitive space launch hub.

Significance

  • Strengthens India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision in space technology.
  • Encourages startups–ISRO collaboration, expanding the private space ecosystem.
  • Demonstrates India’s commitment to sustainable space exploration and debris-free orbits.