Context: Recently, Ethiopia has inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Africa’s biggest dam, despite protest from downstream Egypt.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
Africa’s largest hydroelectric project (largest dam by power capacity).
GERD is built on Blue Nile (spreads over 2 kms), a tributary of the River Nile.
Location: Benishangul-Gumuz Region of Ethiopia, near the Sudanese border.
Height: 145 m. It is designed to hold 74 billion cubic metres of water and generate 5150 megawatts (~5 GW) of electricity.
Construction began in 2011, and completed in 2025.
Significance: Electricity generation; Ethiopia can earn revenue by electricity export to neighbouring countries.
Associated Concerns
Threat to water security: Downstream countries like Egypt (dependent on the Nile for 97% of its water),and Sudan fear that the dam would adversely impact agriculture and undermine water supplies.
Risk of Military confrontation: Successive Egyptian presidents have even threatened military action if an agreement is not reached between the countries on fair water usage.
Key facts about Nile River:
The Nile is the longest river in the world. It rises south of the Equator and flows northwards through north-eastern Africa to drain into the Mediterranean Sea.
Length: ~6650 kms
The Nile has two major tributaries:
White Nile: begins at Lake Victoria and flows through Uganda and South Sudan.
Blue Nile: begins at Lake Tana in Ethiopia and flows into Sudan from the southeast.
The two rivers meet at the Sudanese capital (Khartoum).
The Nile River basin spreads in 11 African countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
Context: In recent years, the concepts of strategic autonomy and multipolarity have become central to India’s foreign policy discourse.
Relevance of the Topic : Mains: India’s pursuit of Strategic Autonomy: Opportunities and Challenges
Meaning of Strategic Autonomy:
Strategic autonomy refers to a nation’s ability to make sovereign decisions in foreign policy and defence without being constrained by external pressures or alliance obligations.
It does not mean isolationism or neutrality but implies flexibility, independence, and the capacity to engage with multiple powers on one’s own terms.
From non-alignment policy during the Cold War to present-day multi-alignment, strategic autonomy has remained the guiding thread of Indian diplomacy.
Meaning of Multipolarity:
Multipolarity refers to a world order where several states possess roughly comparable levels of power, as opposed to unipolarity (one superpower) or bipolarity (two dominant powers).
India has long sought multipolarity hoping it would ensure greater fluidity and options in external relations.
Scholars have cautioned that multipolar systems are less stable than bipolar ones, as multiple great powers lead to unpredictable alliances and constant recalibration of interests.
India’s Practice of Strategic Autonomy in a Multipolar World:
Relations with the United States:
India participates with the US in initiatives such as the Quad, Indo-Pacific dialogues, I2U2, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
The friction exists as seen in Trump-era tariffs and the pressure on India to reduce energy and defence links with Russia.
India has responded by maintaining engagement with the US, while asserting its right to pursue independent positions. This is an example of strategic autonomy in practice.
Relations with China:
China is India’s biggest trading partner but also its primary security challenge. The 2020 border clashes widened the existing fault-lines, yet India has engaged with China in BRICS and SCO.
Strategic autonomy means resisting both confrontation and capitulation (surrender). India balances deterrence through Indo-Pacific partnerships with cautious dialogue.
Relations with Russia:
India’s relationship with Russia is rooted in Cold War solidarity, defence cooperation, and shared strategic interests.
Despite Russia’s growing alignment with China and its global isolation after the Ukraine war, India continues to buy oil, import defence equipment, and engage diplomatically.
India faces Western criticism but upholds its independent stand, treating the partnership as multidimensional. Strategic autonomy means diversifying partnerships without abandoning old allies.
Challenges of Multipolarity for India:
Uncertainty and Risk of Isolation: In a multipolar world, multiple big powers constantly shift their alliances and policies. Multi-alignment sounds positive in theory, but in practice they may leave India alone in times of crisis, since no power can be fully relied upon.
Weakening of Multilateralism: India hoped multipolarity would strengthen global rules and institutions. Instead, many countries are acting unilaterally or making transactional deals, reducing the effectiveness of multilateral forums.
Secondary Power Status: In the emerging multipolar world, India is still behind the US and China in terms of economic and military power. This reduces its ability to influence major global decisions.
Economic and Technological Dependence: India depends on other major powers for defence equipment, advanced technology, energy, and supply chains. This dependence limits the extent of true autonomy.
Opportunities for India:
Strategic autonomy allows India to engage flexibly with multiple powers without rigid bloc politics.
Multipolarity provides India space to assert itself as an independent pole in the Global South, championing issues like development, climate change, and equitable trade.
India’s balancing role between the West, Russia, and China enhances its diplomatic importance.
The pursuit of indigenous defence production, digital sovereignty, and economic resilience strengthens India’s long-term autonomy.
Way Forward
India must invest in economic growth, technological advancement, and defence modernisation to underpin genuine autonomy.
Strategic partnerships should be pursued without dependence, ensuring resilience against sudden shifts in global alignments.
Multilateral institutions should be strengthened.
Autonomy must extend beyond traditional military and diplomatic domains to include data sovereignty, digital infrastructure, and critical supply chains.
India should continue to project itself as the “voice of the Global South,” balancing great power rivalries while asserting its independent agency.
India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy in a multipolar world would involve building economic and technological strength, diversifying partnerships, and asserting its role as an independent pole in global affairs.
Context: Mr. CP Radhakrishnan has been elected as the 15th Vice President of India.
Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about the office of Vice President of India.
Vice President of India
The Vice-President occupies the second highest office in the country (next the President of India). This office is modelled on the lines of the American Vice-President.
Article 63 provides that there shall be a Vice-President of India.
Tenure: Five years. He can be re-elected any number of times.
Election of Vice President:
The Vice-President is elected by the method of indirect election. He is elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament.
This electoral college:
Consists of both elected and nominated members of the Parliament (in the case of the President, only elected members).
Does not include the members of the state legislative assemblies (in the case of the President, the elected members of the state legislative assemblies are included).
Qualifications for Election as Vice-President:
The candidate should fulfil the following qualifications:
He should be a citizen of India.
He should have completed 35 years of age.
He should be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
He should not hold any office of profit under the Union government or any state government or any local authority or any other public authority.
Conditions of Office:
He should not be a member of either House of Parliament or a House of the state legislature.
He should not hold any other office of profit.
Note: A sitting President or Vice-President of the Union, Governor of any state and a Minister for the Union or any State is not deemed to hold any office of profit, and hence qualified for being a candidate for Vice-President.
Method of Voting
The nomination of a candidate for election to the office of Vice-President must be subscribed by at least 20 electors as proposers and 20 electors as seconders.
Voting is held in Parliament House in New Delhi by secret ballot, using the system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote.
Each Member of Parliament (MP) casts a vote by ranking candidates in order of preference. All votes carry equal value.
To be declared elected, a candidate must reach a required minimum number of votes- called the quota. This is calculated by dividing the total number of valid votes by two and adding one (fractions, if any, are ignored).
If no candidate crosses the quota in the first round, the one with the fewest first-preference votes is eliminated, and their votes are transferred to the remaining candidates based on second preferences. The process continues until one candidate crosses the quota.
Removal of Vice President
Resignation: He can resign from his office by addressing the resignation to the President.
Removal before completion of his term: Formal impeachment is not required for his removal. He can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha and agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
The resolution should be passed in the Rajya Sabha by an effective majority and in the Lok Sabha by a simple majority.
The resolution can be introduced only in the Rajya Sabha and not in the Lok Sabha.
No such resolution can be moved unless at least 14 days' advance notice has been given.
No ground has been mentioned in the Constitution for his/her removal.
Powers and Functions of the Vice-President
He acts as the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha. In this capacity, his powers and functions are similar to those of the Speaker of Lok Sabha.
He acts as President when a vacancy occurs in the office of the President due to his resignation, impeachment, death or otherwise.
He can act as President only for a maximum period of 6 months within which a new President has to be elected.
While discharging the functions of President, the Vice-President does not perform the duties of the office of the chairman of Rajya Sabha.
Context: Punjab, often described as the “land of five rivers” and the “food bowl of India,” faces recurrent floods that devastate lives, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Factors responsible for recurrent floods in Punjab.
Historical records show that Punjab has faced major floods in 1955, 1988, 1993, 2019, 2023. In 2025, all 23 districts of the state have been declared flood-hit with more than 3.8 lakh people affected and over 11.7 lakh hectares of farmland destroyed.
Factors responsible for Floods
Geographical and Natural Factors: Punjab has three perennial rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) and seasonal rivers like the Ghaggar, numerous hill streams and seasonal streams which make it naturally flood-prone. Heavy monsoon rainfall in Punjab and upstream states like Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir causes rivers to swell beyond capacity.
Failures of Flood Protection Infrastructure: Floods are aggravated by poor upkeep of barrages. Poor maintenance and lack of periodic strengthening of Earthen embankments (dhussi bundhs) reduce their effectiveness during extreme events. E.g., Madhopur Barrage gate failure in 2025.
Role of Dams and Barrages:
Bhakra Dam (Sutlej), Pong Dam (Beas), and Thein/Ranjit Sagar Dam (Ravi) are managed mainly for irrigation and power, not flood control. Excessive rainfall forces dam authorities to release large volumes of water suddenly to prevent overtopping which floods downstream areas.
Punjab alleges that the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) keeps reservoir levels high in July-August to secure irrigation and hydropower needs, leaving little flood cushion for late monsoon rains.
Governance and Institutional Problems:
Punjab has limited say in the decision-making of the BBMB, especially after the 2022 amendment that allowed officers from across India (not just Punjab and Haryana) to hold top posts.
Lack of coordination and delayed warnings between dam operators and state authorities worsen the damage.
Governments typically adopt a reactive rather than preventive approach, focusing on relief after disasters instead of long-term mitigation measures like desilting rivers and strengthening embankments.
Border and Strategic Dimensions: Ravi river partly flows through Pakistan, where the military has built strong embankments and flood-control structures, altering the river’s behaviour and increasing risks for India’s side.
Climate Change Factor: Monsoons in South Asia have become more volatile, with 2025 witnessing 15-30% above-normal rainfall in Himachal, J&K, and Punjab. Extreme rainfall events are reducing the effectiveness of traditional dam rule curves and embankment defences.
Socio-Economic Consequences of Floods:
Floods devastate Agriculture, destroying standing crops like paddy and delaying wheat sowing, directly impacting national food security.
Farmers lose not just crops but face costs of de-silting fields, repairing tube wells, and restoring soil health.
Agricultural labourers (dependent on seasonal employment) face joblessness and social insecurity after floods.
Rural economies collapse temporarily with large-scale distress migration possible in worst-hit areas.
Way Forward
Scientific Dam Management: Reservoirs should maintain a flood cushion during monsoon months with real-time monitoring and transparent release protocols.
Strengthening Embankments: Earthen dhussi bundhs must be reinforced, illegal sand mining curbed, and concrete structures built in vulnerable stretches, especially along border rivers.
Desilting and River Training: Rivers should be regularly desilted and trained to remove bottlenecks and increase their carrying capacity.
Integrated Early Warning Systems: A coordinated early warning system should link IMD, dam authorities, irrigation departments, and district administrations.
Reform of Indus Waters Treaty: The treaty should be updated to incorporate adaptive management and climate change resilience.
Comprehensive Relief Mechanism: Direct Benefit Transfers should be expanded to provide quick and targeted relief to farmers and agricultural labourers
Without structural reforms in dam governance, embankment strengthening, and adaptive water-sharing policies, Punjab will continue to face devastation. Effective flood management is critical not only for the state’s security and economy but also for India’s national food security and border stability.
Context: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is set to organise the first-ever Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) in November 2025. ESTIC may ‘replace’ the Indian Science Congress (the oldest congregation of scientists in India).
Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave
Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) is India's premier STI platform bringing together ministries, innovators, and global visionaries.
Inaugural ESTIC will be held at the Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi in November.
ESTIC will showcase cutting-edge research, deep-tech breakthroughs, and thought-provoking discussions. There will be 11 thematic technical sessions and 75 exhibition stalls by ‘deep tech’ startups at the event.
It would involve all the science-related Ministries and Departments (including that of Atomic energy, Space, Biotechnology, Earth Sciences and Information Technology etc.)
It is expected to host various dignitaries like Nobel Laureate Andre Geim (2010, Physics), Jean-Yves Le Gall (former President of the French Space Agency) etc.
Indian Science Congress
ISC is the oldest congregation of scientists in India. It is organised annually in the first week of January. The 108th (the last edition of ISC) was held in 2023.
Organised by: Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA), Kolkata
Context: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has requested the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RGI) to consider enumerating particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) separately in the upcoming Census.
Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. Mains: Challenges faced by PVTGs & significance of Separate Enumeration.
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
PVTGs are a sub-category of Scheduled Tribes (STs) created based on the recommendations of the Dhebar Commission (1960-61) which had investigated the various issues faced by STs, and in consultation with state governments.
The Commission identified the disparity in socio-economic and living conditions between different tribal groups, and said that some tribal groups were more vulnerable than others. They are characterised by:
either a declining or stagnant population
geographical isolation
use of pre-agrarian practices (such as hunting and gathering)
economic backwardness
relatively low literacy
75 PTVGs have been identified across the country, spread over 18 states and 1 Union Territory (Andaman & Nicobar). Among the 75 listed PVTGs, the highest number are found in Odisha (13), followed by Andhra Pradesh (12).
Challenges Faced by PVTGs:
Outdated List: Baseline survey has not been conducted in States and UT’s which is impacting the implementation of welfare programmes designed for PVTGs. Moreover, regular census does not comprehensively capture data of PVTGs. The criteria for identifying PVTGs is questionable, especially the marker of geographical isolation.
Land Alienation: A mounting pressure from external groups who seize their lands for various purposes such as mining, industrialisation, and other uses, leading to the displacement and forfeiture of traditional livelihoods for numerous PVTGs.
Lack of Access to basic services: Due to a dearth of infrastructure and resources in their remote regions, as well as discriminatory and neglectful treatment by government officials, PVTGs frequently encounter impediments to obtaining basic amenities such as healthcare, education, and clean water.
Exploitation: PVTGs are often subject to exploitation and discrimination by more powerful groups, including non-tribal populations and the government. They are often denied their rights to resources, participation in decision-making processes, and representation in government bodies.
Socio-Cultural: PVTGs have a unique culture and way of life, but they are increasingly under threat of assimilation into mainstream society. This is due to factors like education, urbanisation, and migration, which can erode traditional knowledge and practices. Impact of
Climate Change: PVTGs are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which can impact their livelihoods and access to natural resources. This includes changes in rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and increased frequency of natural disasters like floods and droughts.
Way Forward
Conducting a Baseline Survey: A comprehensive survey should be conducted to identify PVTGs living in different parts of the country to capture critical information about PVTGs, such as their population size, geographical location, economic conditions, social and cultural practices, and access to basic amenities like health care, education, and livelihood opportunities.
Developing a Vulnerability Index: A vulnerability index should be developed for each PVTG based on factors such as health, education, livelihood, and social protection, among others. It will enable policymakers to tailor interventions that are targeted and effective.
Rights-based Approach: Suitable measures should be taken for protection and promotion of their rights (especially to their land rights and customary habitats). Strict controls need to be imposed so that no development can take place on PVTGs land and habitats without their free, prior, and informed consent.
Livelihood strategies: Development of livelihood strategies for PVTGs should factor in their often nomadic lifestyle and their unique skills and indigenous knowledge. Focus should be on conservation and enhancement of their traditional skills. E.g., Todas in dairy and horticulture.
Governance: There is a need to develop a comprehensive framework to assist the PVTGs in a manner that empowers them to determine their own development path at their own pace.
Service Delivery: Service providers need to be well incentivised to perform their duties and remain stationed in the areas where PVTGs reside. Residential clusters should be created where government officials of different categories and different departments can be accommodated.
Accountability Mechanism for officials: Ensure the accountability of government officials working in the areas of PVTGs.
Significance of Separate Enumeration of PVTGs
PVTGs have never been enumerated separately in any census, till date.
Separate Enumeration of PVTGs would accurately capture the number of PVTG households, individuals, and their distinctive demographic, cultural and socio-economic features, and issues.
Such information would help in the better implementation of targeted schemes for PVTGs, such as the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), and other government schemes, especially in health and education. It will help in understanding if the PVTG classification criteria is still relevant.
Context: The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has signed a contract with an Israeli spyware company to access a powerful hacking software known as Graphite.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Spyware Graphite.
Spyware Graphite
Graphite is a powerful hacking software which can hack mobile phones and encrypted messaging applications.
The spyware is designed to gain remote accessto a mobile phone and essentially take control of it.
The user of the spyware can not only access the mobile user’s photos, read their messages, and track their whereabouts, but also monitor encrypted messages sent on platforms such as WhatsApp and Signal.
The spyware also enables the phone to be used as a listening device by manipulating its recorder.
Utility:
Can be used to crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
Concerns:
Can be used to facilitate the surveillance of activists and journalists. Can pose a profound threat to free speech and privacy.
Can be used to violate people’s due process rights.
However, the firm claims that it sells its products to only governments and law enforcement agencies for the purposes of fighting serious crime. It has a zero-tolerance policy for governments that use the technology to target members of civil society.
Context: The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to frame guidelines to regulate conduct on social media. The SC noted that influencers often commercialise free speech in ways that may offend the sentiments of vulnerable groups.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Freedom of Speech and Expression in Digital Era.
Form Guidelines to regulate Conduct on Social Media: SC
The guidelines to regulate conduct on social media, including online shows such as podcasts, should be framed in consultation with the National Broadcasters and Digital Association.
Rationale: To balance free speech with the equally important right of varied communities to live in society with dignity, and sensitisation of social media users.
Article 19 of Indian Constitution: Right to Free Speech & Expression
Article 19 outlines the fundamental rights of Indian citizens related to freedom of speech and expression.
When can limits be imposed on Free Speech?
Article 19(2) specifies the grounds for reasonable restrictions on Article 19. These include:
Sovereignty and integrity of India
Security of the State
Friendly relations with foreign states
Public order
Decency or Morality
Contempt of Court
Defamation
Incitement to an offence
However, the Supreme Court has consistently held that the state cannot impose restrictions beyond these constitutionally prescribed limits.
Regulation of Commercial Speech:
The Supreme Court’s jurisprudence has consistently recognised that even commercial speech falls within the ambit of Article 19(1)(a).
Sakal Papers v. Union of India (1962):
The government sought to limit the number of pages a newspaper could publish. The SC struck this down as unconstitutional as such a measure curtailed both the dissemination of news and the circulation of newspapers.
It affirmed that the freedom to publish any number of pages and to reach as many readers as possible is an essential component of the right to free speech under Article 19(1)(a). The same logic extends to other forms of expression.
Tata Press Ltd. v. MTNL (1995): The SC ruled that advertising, as a form of commercial speech, also comes under the ambit of freedom of speech and expression Article 19(1)(a).
The fact that speech is commercial or perceived to be driven by profit cannot in itself justify its regulation.
Associated Criticism and Concerns:
1. Legal Mechanisms for Prosecution already Exist:
Digital media is already governed by a robust statutory framework. Social media companies are bound by the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 under the IT Act, 2000 which require them to prevent their platforms from being used to disseminate obscene, pornographic, or otherwise harmful content.
The IT Act 2000 further establishes a censorship framework that permits the removal of online content pursuant to court orders or executive directions.
Social media influencers can be held accountable for what they say online under the ordinary criminal law. The existing takedown regime under Section 69A of the IT Act and the Blocking Rules, 2009, is already opaque. Aggrieved individuals are often not given notice before their content is removed.
In practice, the legal mechanisms are frequently invoked without adequate adherence to principles of natural justice. Thus, the court’s apprehension appears misplaced.
2. Reasonable Restrictions already exist under Article 19(2):
The reasonable restrictions on free speech under Article 19(2) of the Constitution are already exhaustive. The SC has consistently held that the state cannot impose restrictions beyond these constitutionally prescribed limits. Any additional regulation could impinge upon the fundamental right to freedom of expression.
3. Framing legal definition of Dignity and risk of Expansive Censorship:
Reasonable restrictions on free speech under Article 19(2) do not include the protection of individual dignity. But, it is challenging to legally define the amorphous concept such as dignity.
To treat dignity as an independent ground for restricting speech, particularly when invoked on the basis of individual sensibilities, risks inviting expansive censorship. Such regulations are likely to exert a chilling effect on speech.
Associated Court Cases:
Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015):
The SC struck down Section 66A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, holding that vague grounds such as “annoyance,” “insult,” or “hatred” cannot justify the criminalisation of speech.
The ruling affirmed that speech which “offends, shocks, or disturbs” remains constitutionally protected, and restrictions on free speech must satisfy the test of reasonableness under Article 19(2).
Rehana Fathima case (2021): The Supreme Court overturned a Kerala High Court order that prohibited activist Rehana Fathima from posting her views on social media, citing free speech concerns.
Mohammed Zubair’s bail case (2021): The Uttar Pradesh government sought to ban Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair from tweeting while he was out on bail. The SC rejected the request holding that such restrictions would create a "chilling effect" on free speech. The restriction was an unjustified violation of his right to practice his profession.
Kaushal Kishore v. State of Uttar Pradesh (2023): The Constitution Bench held that the grounds enumerated in Article 19(2) are exhaustive and cannot be expanded, however well-intentioned the attempt. The judges underscored that no one can either be taxed or penalised for holding an opinion which is not in conformity with the constitutional values.
Imran Pratapgadhi Case (2025): The SC emphasised that Article 19(1)(a) protects not only agreeable speech but also views that may offend or disturb. It remains the court’s “duty to uphold” and “zealously protect” the fundamental freedom to free speech guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a).
Arguments in Favour of Comprehensive Guidelines:
Uphold dignity and do complete justice: The concerns regarding the participation of differently-abled persons in public life and the preservation of their dignity are legitimate. The SC possesses inherent jurisdiction under the Constitution to do “complete justice” to account for the wider social ramifications of online speech.
In the Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India (2016), the SC upheld the constitutionality of criminal defamation, recognising individual dignity as one of the bases for sustaining the remedy.
However, any limitation on the freedom of speech and expression must be imposed through a duly enacted law, and such restrictions must also withstand the test of proportionality.
Context: The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to include Aadhaar as the 12th “indicative” document, in addition to the 11 documents permitted for identification in order to be included in the final electoral roll during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar ahead of Assembly elections.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key developments: SIR controversy in Bihar.
Accept Aadhaar as Identity Proof: SC
The SC has directed the EC to accept Aadhaar as a valid proof of identity or residence from persons filing claims or objections to final electoral roll during the SIR.
The bench clarified that the use of Aadhaar would strictly be as proof of identity, and not as evidence of Indian citizenship.
The authorities concerned should verify the genuineness of Aadhaar cards, just the way they would do in the case of the other 11 documents.
SIR controversy in Bihar: Expulsion of Voters
The SIR's findings reduced the total number of registered voters in Bihar from 7.89 crore prior to the exercise to 7.24 crore after conducting it. Approximately 65 lakh voters were excluded from the draft rolls published on August 1.
The deadline for filing claims to include names and file objections to exclude names for reasons such as death, permanent shifting, and duplication, was September 1.
The EC has clarified that the claims and objections were welcome even beyond the deadline.
Context: Recently, the Ministry of Education has announced the NIRF India rankings 2025. NIRF India rankings 2025 covered 7692 institutions (the highest ever) across 17 categories including a newly added Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) category.
Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about NIRF Rankings 2025.
National Institutional Ranking Framework
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is an annual ranking framework to rank various educational institutions across the country since 2016.
Released by: Ministry of Education
Categories: NIRF ranks different educational institutes in the 17 categories: Engineering; Management; Pharmacy; Law; Medical; Dental; Architecture and Planning; Agriculture and allied sectors; Colleges; University; Research; Innovation; Overall; Open Universities; Skill Universities; State Public Universities; Sustainable Development Goals.
Institutions are evaluated based on five key parameters: Teaching, learning, and resources (30%), research and professional practice (30%), graduation outcomes (20%), outreach and inclusivity (10%), and peer perception (10%).
Key Highlights of NIRF India Rankings 2025:
Indian Institute of Technology Madras retains its 1st position in Overall Category for the seventh consecutive year, and in Engineering for tenth consecutive year.
University: Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
Management: IIM Ahmedabad
Medical: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
Colleges: Hindu College
Law: National Law School of India University, Bengaluru.
Indian Institute of Technology Madras tops the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) category introduced for the first time in 2025.
Associated Challenges:
Risk of False Data: While the rankings claim to rely on verifiable metrics and third-party audits of research, it depends heavily on bibliometric data and self-declared inputs from institutions.
Peer Perception Parameter: It is the feedback gathered from subject experts and employers. It can be subjective and prone to influence and prejudice, as it relies more on an institution’s reputation than its actual reputability. This can be often to the disadvantage of suburban or State-run higher education institutions. As it accounts for 10% of the total weight, it can skew the rankings.
Outreach and Inclusivity Parameter (OI): The NIRF focuses only on outcomes related to regional and gender diversity. It conspicuously omits data on students who are economically and socially disadvantaged and with disabilities, despite these factors each having a 20% weightage within the OI component.
Context: Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 1500 crore Incentive Schemeto develop recycling capacity in the country for the separation and production of critical minerals from secondary sources.
Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about Incentive Scheme for Critical Mineral Recycling.
Incentive Scheme for Critical Mineral Recycling
Aim: To develop capacity to recycle battery waste and e-waste for extraction of critical minerals.
This scheme is part of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) which is aimed at building the domestic capacity of and supply chain resilience in critical minerals.
Tenure: 6 years from FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31.
Key Highlights of the Scheme:
Eligible feedstock: e-waste, Lithium Ion Battery (LIB) scrap, and scrap other than e-waste & LIB scrap (E.g., catalytic convertors in end-of-life vehicles).
Expected beneficiaries: Both large established recyclers and small new recyclers (including start-ups), for whom one-third of the scheme outlay has been earmarked.
The scheme will be applicable to investments in new units as well as expansion of capacity / modernisation and diversification of existing units.
Incentive Structure
Capex subsidy: 20% on plant, machinery, and utilities for units that start production within a set timeframe. Delays will attract lower subsidies.
Opex subsidy: Linked to incremental sales over the FY 2025-26 base year. Firms can claim 40% of eligible Opex in the second year, and 60% in the fifth year, subject to meeting sales thresholds.
Subsidy limits: Maximum Rs 50 crore per large entity and Rs 25 crore per small entity, with ceilings on Opex support at Rs 10 crore and Rs 5 crore respectively.
Expected Outcomes:
Expected to develop at least 270 kilo ton of annual recycling capacity resulting in around 40 kilo ton annual critical mineral production.
Bringing in about Rs 8000 crore of investment and creating close to 70,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Context: Recently, the Prime Minister of Singapore was on his official visit to India. India and Singapore marked 60 years of diplomatic ties by adopting a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Roadmap.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Significance of India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Roadmap.
Both countries agreed on a forward-looking roadmap for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) covering eight priority areas.
Key Elements of the Roadmap towards Comprehensive Strategic Partnership:
1. Economic Cooperation:
Deepen bilateral trade and market access by Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and initiate the review of CECA in 2025.
Substantial review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).
Semiconductor ecosystem collaboration through policy dialogues, resilient supply chains, R&D partnerships, workforce training, and business-to-business cooperation.
Jointly develop sustainable and next-generation industrial parks with advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Enhance capital market connectivity through NSE-IFSC-SGX GIFT Connect.
2. Skills Development:
The National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Advanced Manufacturing will be established in Chennai with Singapore’s support.
Both sides will promote cooperation in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), curriculum development, certification frameworks, internships, and teacher training.
State-level initiatives (such as Singapore-Assam Nursing Talent Skills Cooperation) will be scaled up.
3. Digitalisation and Technology:
Strengthening digital finance and fintech cooperation, cyber security, and capital market linkages.
The Joint Working Group on Digital Technologies will explore opportunities in AI, quantum computing, critical and emerging technologies.
Specific AI collaboration will involve AI-ready datasets and sectoral applications in agriculture, healthcare, and education.
The UPI-PayNow linkage will be expanded to maximise paperless, secure, cross-border payments.
4. Sustainability:
Collaborate on green hydrogen and ammonia production and trade. Explore cooperation in urban water management and civil nuclear energy.
Joint work will continue in multilateral platforms such as the International Solar Alliance and Global Biofuels Alliance.
Food security cooperation will include export promotion and accreditation frameworks for agricultural products.
Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) will be developed to strengthen maritime connectivity and promote green maritime fuels.
5. Connectivity:
Maritime connectivity will be expanded through the Green & Digital Shipping Corridor.
Aviation connectivity will be expanded through partnerships in aviation and aerospace Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO).
Cooperation in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) will be promoted.
6. Healthcare and Medicine:
The MoU on Health Cooperation will be implemented to cover digital health, disease surveillance, maternal and child health, access to medicines, and combating communicable and non-communicable diseases..
7. People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges:
Student exchanges, including ITI students and Singapore-India Partnership Foundation's immersion programmes will be expanded.
Internships for Singaporean students in Indian companies under the India Ready Talent (IRT) programme will be encouraged.
8. Defence and Security:
Deepen defence technology cooperation in AI, quantum computing, automation, and unmanned vessels.
Maritime cooperation will include maritime security, submarine rescue, and Maritime Domain Awareness. Singapore acknowledged India’s interest in the Malacca Straits Patrol highlighting shared maritime security interests.
The Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty will be used to strengthen cooperation in criminal investigations.
Institutional Mechanisms:
India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable will be institutionalised as the foremost mechanism to monitor the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership roadmap annually. Regular Foreign Office Consultations will review bilateral relations.
Strategic Significance
The roadmap reflects India’s Act East Policy and positions Singapore as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
The focus on semiconductors, digital economy, and green shipping aligns with India’s strategic priorities for self-reliance and sustainable growth.
Cooperation in maritime security and the Malacca Straits Patrol enhances India’s strategic presence in one of the world’s busiest sea lanes.
Skill development initiatives and the National Centre of Excellence in Chennai will strengthen India’s human capital and industry-readiness.
Expansion of UPI-PayNow and fintech linkages highlights India’s global leadership in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
Counter-terrorism coordination deepens India’s regional and global security partnerships.
