Context: The Prime Minister of India inaugurated the new Pamban railway bridge which connects the Rameswaram island of the Tamil Nadu coastwith Ramanathapuram on the mainland.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Location of Pamban rail bridge.
Key Facts about Pamban Railway Bridge
Connects: Rameswaram or Pamban island on Tamil Nadu coast with Ramanathapuram on the mainland Tamil Nadu.
Length: 2.08 km
India’s first vertical lift sea bridge. The bridge features a 72.5-meter vertical lift span that can be raised by 17 meters, allowing for ship movement beneath the bridge.
Old Pamban Bridge
The 2.05-km long Pamban bridge served as the sole transportation link between mainland Ramanathapuram and Rameswaram Island for over 70 years.
It was completed in 1914, and featured aScherzer rolling lift span,allowing ships to pass underneath.
Pamban Island
Pamban or Rameswaram Island is located between peninsular India and Sri Lanka.
It is the largest island in Tamil Nadu by area and hosts the pilgrimage centre Rameswaram.
At the eastern tip of the island lies Dhanushkodi, a harbour and a pilgrimage centre.
Context: The Kathiranur Veeran Theyyam was performed at the Chulayadu Aduvapuram Vyail Kavu Kaliyattam (festival) in Kannur, Kerala.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Theyyam.
About Theyyam
Theyyam, also referred to as Kaliyattom, is a traditional folk-dance ritual that is practiced in northern Kerala and certain parts of Karnataka.
A similar practice known as Bhuta Kola is followed in the Tulunadu region of neighbouring Karnataka.
Over time, it has evolved into a socio-religious ceremony with its roots in the worship of divinities and heroes.
Villages were obligated to organize Theyyam as an act of appeasement towards gods, goddesses, and the spirits of departed heroes. As a result, it was also known as Thirayattom, signifying the dance of the village.
Notably, a significant number of Theyyam deities originated from individuals belonging to the lower castes of Kerala's caste system.
Theyyam is performed by individuals from castes and tribes such as Pulayar, Vannan, Malayan, Velan, and Kalanaadi.
There are approximately 456 documented types of Theyyams, and it is primarily a male performance tradition, except for the Devakkoothu Theyyam, which is the only Theyyam ritual performed by women.
Ritual Performance
The first segment of the performance is commonly referred to as Vellattam or Thottam.
This ceremonial dance is accompanied by a chorus and the use of musical instruments like Chenda, Elathalam, Kurumkuzal, and Veekkuchenda.
Context: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has stepped up efforts by expanding its NAFTA division (which handles India’s bilateral trade with the United States, Canada, and Mexico) to strike an early trade deal with the US, and potentially sidestep the 26% reciprocal tariffs.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Impacts of Reciprocal Tariffs on India; India-US Trade deal- challenges.
US Reciprocal Tariffs on India
Recently, the US has imposed 26% reciprocal tariffs on all Indian exports to the US.
The US goods trade deficit with India was $45 billion in 2024.
India's main exports to the US: Drug formulations and biologicals, telecom instruments, precious and semi-precious stones, petroleum products, gold and other metal jewellery, ready-made garments of cotton, and products of iron and steel.
India’s Imports from the US: Crude oil, petroleum products, coal, coke, cut and polished diamonds, electric machinery, aircraft, spacecraft and parts, and gold.
Impacts ofReciprocal Tariffs over India
1. Potential Negative Impacts:
The sectors expected to be most impacted include: Electronics and smart phones, Marine products, gold and other metal jewellery, electrical machinery, textiles.
Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) estimates that India’s exports to the US might decline by over 6% or around $5.7 billion in 2025.
2. Window of Opportunity: Relative Tariff Advantage
India has a relative advantage over other countries, as the tariffs over India (26%) are lower than that in other countries, like, China (34%), Thailand (36%), Bangladesh (37%), Vietnam (46%) etc. This differential could encourage the US firms to diversify supply chains away from high-tariff economies towards India.
Certain sectors can benefit, particularly electronics manufacturing, Textiles and apparel etc.
India’s Options
Selective Tariff Reductions: Identify sectors where tariff reductions would have minimal domestic impact and could accommodate U.S. interests. India is considering slashing tariffs on 55% of the US exports to India, worth about $23 billion.
Negotiating bilateral trade agreement: India can push towards negotiating a bilateral trade deal with the US. If India delays, it could risk losing market share in the US to countries (like Vietnam, Cambodia) which are aggressively pursuing trade deals with the US.
Trade diversification with other countries and regional groups, like the UK, European Union, African countries, ASEAN countries etc. to reduce the reliance on the US markets.
Bottlenecks in negotiating bilateral trade agreement
Limited progress on Trade Agreements: India has not yet signed a comprehensive trade agreement with any major Western country, including the US, UK or EU. The major hurdle is India's resistance to incorporating labour and environmental standards, which are often prerequisites for Western trade deals.
Data localisation norms: The US has raised objections to India’s data localisation requirements for payment service providers, which restrict foreign firms from freely transferring user data abroad.
Weak Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection: India remains on the US 'Priority Watch List’ due to delays in patent approvals and the absence of strong laws for trade secret protection.This deters American innovators and firms from entering the Indian market.
Non-tarriff barriers: E.g., The US is critical of India’s price caps on coronary stents and knee implants. These controls are viewed as non-tariff barriers that hinder US companies’ ability to operate profitably in India.
Context: India’s cotton economy is not in great shape. India has no surplus in cotton and its yield at 450-kilogram per hectare is one of the lowest, against a global average of 800- kilogram plus.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Cotton production in India- challenges and opportunities.
Current Status of Cotton Production in India
Declining Output: India's cotton production for 2024–25 is projected at 294 lakh bales (lb)- the lowest since 2008–09. This marks a fall from a peak of 398 lb in 2013–14, representing a nearly 100 lb drop in a decade.
Net negative Exports: Once a major exporter, India cotton imports (30 lb) now exceed exports (17 lb). This shift raises concerns for India's textile and spinning industries.
Global Trade Context and Comparative Advantage:
Favorable US Tariffs on Indian Textiles: Under the US’s reciprocal tariff policy, Indian textiles face a relatively lower import duty (27%) compared to China (54%), Vietnam (46%), Bangladesh, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.Despite these favourable trade terms, India’s declining output limits its ability to capitalise on global export markets.
Fall in Cotton Production- Pink Bollworm (PBW) Crisis:
Cotton lint yields rose from 302 kg/ha in 2002–03 to 566 kg/ha in 2013–14, due to Bt cotton adoption. However, since the PBW resurgence, yields have declined to around 436–437 kg/ha over the last two years.
PBW is a monophagous pest that feeds exclusively on cotton bolls, damaging seeds and lint leading to yield loss and fibre discolouration.
Resistance to GM Bt Cotton: Bt hybrids carry two genes- cry1Ac and cry2Ab- originally effective against multiple pests. However, PBW developed resistance by 2014, making these genes ineffective.
Why did PBW adapt faster? Its exclusive diet (cotton only) allowed faster genetic resistance. A short life cycle (25-35 days) enabled 3-4 generations per crop season, speeding up resistance evolution.
Regulatory Process for GM Crop Approval: Stages of GM crop trials in India:
Event Selection Trial: Initial screening of gene effectiveness.
BRL-1 (2 years): Confined field trials on <1 acre plots.
BRL-2 (1 year): Expanded trials on up to 2.5 acres.
GEAC Clearance: Post-trial approval needed from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC).
State Government Approval: Necessary for field trial permissions.
Efforts to increase Cotton Production
Development of New GM Hybrids: Indian seed companies are developing hybrids using new Bt genes to combat PBW resistance. These include testing cry8Ea1 gene hybrids (Bioseed Research India); synthetic cry1c gene; chimeric Bt protein etc. However, the challenges include:
Bureaucratic delays in regulatory clearances.
Opposition from environmental groups.
No GM crop commercialised since 2006 in India (after Monsanto’s Bollgard-2 Bt cotton).
Government Mission for Cotton Productivity: The 2025-26 Union Budget has announced an ambitious Rs 500 crore five-year plan to boost cotton production, promote extra-long staple cotton varieties, and promote scientific and technological support for cotton farmers.
Pink Ballworm has created an emergency-like situation in India’s cotton sector. The Central Government needs to adopt a more proactive approach with regard to new GM crop development and extending policy support.
Context: Several NATO member countries bordering Russia have recently announced plans to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Convention, which bans the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines.
Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Ottawa Convention on Landmines.
About Ottawa Convention (1997)
The Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction of 1997 is informally known as the Ottawa Treaty or Mine Ban Treaty.
The post-Cold War disarmament treaty aims at eliminating anti-personnel landmines (APLs) around the world.
Mandates:
Total Prohibition on use, production, stockpiling and transfer of anti-personnel landmines.
Destruction of existing stockpiles within four years of joining the treaty.
Victim assistance and mine clearance obligations.
By March 2025, 165 states had ratified or acceded to the treaty.
Non-signatories: United States, China, Russia, India and Pakistan.
Countries Announcing Withdrawal
Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have announced intent to withdraw from the treaty. Norway is the only NATO border nation maintaining its commitment.
Reason: Rising military threats from Russia, especially amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Countries argue the need to match Russian capabilities, as Russia is not a signatory.
Implications of Withdrawal
Return to Stockpiling and Production: With exit, countries regain legal ability to produce, use, and stockpile landmines. Poland has explicitly expressed intentions to resume production.
Reversal of Global Disarmament gains: Undermines decades of activism aimed at creating a mine-free world. Erodes the normative stigma associated with landmine use.
Potential Expansion to Other Treaties: Some nations (E.g., Lithuania) are considering withdrawal from the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions. These weapons disperse smaller bombs over a wide area, compounding humanitarian risks.
Landmines cause indiscriminate harm. 80% of victims are civilians, many of whom suffer permanent disabilities. Ukraine was declared the most mined country in the world in 2024.
Context: CAPTCHA has changed the way websites keep user accounts safe and their data protected. From simple text-based challenges to the advanced reCAPTCHA systems we use today, CAPTCHA has made a big difference in online security.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to CAPTCHA.
About CAPTCHA
CAPTCHA stands for Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart.
Introduced in the early 2000s, when the internet was flooded with automated bots. These bots made fake accounts, spammed websites, and stole data. CAPTCHA helps keep websites safe from automated attacks and makes online services more user-friendly.
How does CAPTCHA work?
CAPTCHA works by a challenge that is easy for humans but hard for bots. By using these challenges, CAPTCHA helps websites tell real users apart from bots. E.g., Task to read distorted text; select pictures with specific objects, like cars or traffic lights.
Uses of CAPTCHA
CAPTCHA keeps the internet safe by making sure that only real people can access certain parts of websites.
It can be used in: contact forms, comment sections, registration pages to stop bots from spamming, during sign-ups, logins, or purchases.
Limitations of CAPTCHA
AI bots are trained to solve problems like human users would. As bots improve with machine learning, they can trick or bypass CAPTCHA systems.
CAPTCHA can be difficult for people with disabilities.
Context: The growing redundancy of the multilateral institutions like the United Nations and its affiliates is indicating the shift from globalism to regionalism and minilateralism. As globalism recedes, regional groupings will emerge as new power blocs in the future.
Relevance of the Topic : Mains: Is global multilateralism being replaced by regional and minilateral groupings?
Shift from Globalism to Regionalism
After the Second World War, the dream of a globally governed world began to take shape. Institutions like the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were created to ensure peace, economic cooperation, and global governance.
However, the 21st century is witnessing a visible decline in the influence and relevance of these global institutions. In place of globalism, regionalism and minilateralism are emerging as the defining features of the new world order.
Several recent events underscore the decline of globalism:
Protectionist Policies: E.g., Trump’s recent reciprocal tariff policy, and the consequent tariffs imposition by other countries, marks a clear departure from globalism and further strengthens protectionist, inward-looking economic nationalism.
Russia-Ukraine War: The inability of the UN to stop or effectively manage the Russia-Ukraine conflict has exposed the limitations of global diplomacy. Instead, NATO — a regional military alliance — emerged as the key player, expanding its influence and support to Ukraine.
West Asia Tensions: The Israel-Hamas war shows the failure of global institutions to ensure peace and security in volatile regions. In contrast, regional players like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are asserting themselves more actively, often outside global frameworks.
COVID-19 Pandemic: During the pandemic, countries prioritised their own needs, closing borders and hoarding vaccines. Global coordination, as expected from the WHO and other agencies, was minimal, while regional cooperation like the EU’s joint vaccine procurement worked better.
The Rise of Regional Blocs
Even in the last century, despite tall claims, the real geopolitics revolved around groups and regions. These groupings are based on geography, shared culture, economic interests, and strategic alignment.
European Union (EU): Originally a post-war economic pact, the EU has evolved into a major political and economic power bloc. It now leads on issues like climate change, data protection, and trade regulation.
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations): A group of 11 Asian nations, ASEAN has grown into a key player in Asia-Pacific affairs. It plays a central role in regional diplomacy and trade frameworks like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
BIMSTEC & IORA: In South Asia and the Indian Ocean Region, India is pushing for regional integration through groupings like BIMSTEC and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). While still underperforming, these platforms offer immense potential for future cooperation.
Quad and BRICS: Minilateral platforms like the Quad (India, US, Japan, Australia) and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) are now shaping geopolitical strategies outside the framework of global institutions.
India’s Stance in Regionalism:
India has historically approached geopolitics with idealistic notions like Non-Alignment and global justice. However, the limitations of such an approach have become evident. Today, the Indian government is trying to reinvigorate India’s regional leadership. This can be seen by India’s emphasis on the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) diplomacy, active participation in QUAD and BIMSTEC, and efforts to deepen ties with Africa and Southeast Asia. This shows a shift toward strategic realism.
South Asia remains the least integrated despite being the most contiguous geographically and culturally. Half-hearted efforts have been made to build regional alliances.
SAARC, despite early promises, is dysfunctional due to India-Pakistan tensions.
In 28-years of BIMSTEC existence, its leaders have met only six times, once virtually. It grapples with challenges like a lack of resources and manpower.
Greater integration of the IOR through minilaterals like BIMSTEC, the Western Indian Ocean initiative involving Mauritius and other island countries, and India-East Africa cooperation, must be a priority for the Indian leadership.
Conclusion: As the global order transitions into a multipolar, multi-regional world, countries that understand and invest in regional alliances will be better positioned to secure their interests. India, with its strategic location and growing economy, has both the opportunity and responsibility to lead regional integration in South Asia and the Indian Ocean Region.
Context: The 6th BIMSTEC Summit was held in Bangkok, Thailand in April 2025. BIMSTEC serves as a vital bridge between South and Southeast Asia, and is emerging as a powerful platform for advancing regional connectivity, cooperation and shared prosperity.
Relevance of the topic:
Prelims: Key facts about BIMSTEC.
Mains: Significance of Regional groupings: BIMSTEC.
About BIMSTEC
Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organisation comprising seven member states around the Bay of Bengal region.
BIMSTEC constitutes a unique link between South and South-East Asia, with:
five members from South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka)
two from South-East Asia (Myanmar and Thailand).
The organisation came into being in 1997 through the 'Bangkok Declaration'.
Permanent Secretariat: Dhaka (operational since 2014)
BIMSTEC Summit Meetings are held once every two years, preceded by the Ministerial Meeting, and hosted by the Member State holding the BIMSTEC Chairmanship.
All decisions of the Summit Meetings are made on the basis of consensus.
Evolution of BIMSTEC
1997: The economic bloc was formed with four members with the acronym 'BIST-EC' (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand Economic Cooperation).
1997: Later, in the same year, following inclusion of Myanmar, the group was renamed 'BIMST-EC' (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand Economic Cooperation).
2004: With the admission of Nepal and Bhutan, the group was renamed to 'Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation' (BIMSTEC).
BIMSTEC Charter
The BIMSTEC Charter, which lays the institutional and legal foundation of the grouping, officially came into force in 2023.
This formalises BIMSTEC as a regional organisation with a defined structure and working mechanism. It provides a clear framework for cooperation among its member states.
Salient features of the BIMSTEC Charter include
Legal Personality: The Charter grants BIMSTEC legal status as an international organisation. This enables it to engage formally with other entities, enter agreements, admit new members or observers, and expand its influence globally.
Objectives: BIMSTEC’s core goals:
To promote economic growth and social progress in the region.
To enhance collaboration across diverse sectors such as trade, technology, energy, connectivity, and security.
To address common challenges like poverty eradication, climate change, terrorism, and organised crime.
Guiding principles: BIMSTEC operates based on universally accepted principles:
Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Non-interference in internal affairs of member states.
Peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit in all cooperative efforts.
Institutional Structure: The Charter establishes a hierarchical structure for decision-making:
Summit Meetings: Heads of State or Government meet periodically to set strategic direction.
Ministerial Meetings: Ministers oversee specific areas of cooperation.
Senior Officials’ Meetings: High-ranking officials implement decisions and monitor progress.
Sectoral Division: To streamline cooperation, BIMSTEC divides its focus into six priority sectors (trade & investment, energy, technology etc.). Each sector is led by a designated member state to ensure effective coordination.
Dispute Resolution Mechanism: A provision is included for resolving disputes amicably among member states to ensure smooth functioning of the organisation.
Key updates from the 6th BIMSTEC Summit (2025) held in Bangkok:
1. Institutional and Strategic Developments:
Adoption of the Bangkok Vision 2030: The Vision aims to build a prosperous, secure, and inclusive Bay of Bengal region. Reflects shared goals for deeper regional integration, sustainable development, and economic prosperity.
Emphasis on Collective Progress: PM Modi reiterated the motto of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas" to underline India’s commitment to inclusive development and regional cooperation.
2. Security and Institutional Cooperation:
Institutionalisation of Home Ministers' Mechanism: BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ meeting is being institutionalised as a permanent mechanism. Areas of cooperation include:
Counter-terrorism
Cybersecurity
Combating drug and human trafficking.
3. Connectivity: Physical, Digital, and Energy:
Physical and Energy Connectivity: PM Modi stressed that physical infrastructure must be complemented with digital and energy linkages. He called for accelerating efforts towards electric grid interconnection across BIMSTEC countries.
Digital Connectivity: Proposed integration of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the digital payment systems of other BIMSTEC member states.
4. Economic and Trade Cooperation:
BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce: Proposal to establish a regional chamber of commerce to foster business-to-business ties.
Annual BIMSTEC Business Summit India suggested the institution of a yearly summit to bring together regional business leaders and policymakers.
Local Currency Trade: India proposed a feasibility study on the possibility of conducting trade within the BIMSTEC region using local currencies to reduce dependency on external currencies.
5. Connectivity:
Establishment of Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in India to work to enhance coordination in capacity building, research, innovation and maritime policies.
6. Disaster Preparedness and Management:
Establishing the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India to cooperate in disaster management, relief and rehabilitation.
BIMSTEC Joint Disaster Management Exercise: The 4th joint exercise of BIMSTEC Disaster Management Authorities will be held in India later in 2025.
7. Space:
India proposed initiatives- setting up ground stations for manpower training for BIMSTEC countries, manufacturing and launch of Nano Satellites, and use of remote sensing data.
8. Agriculture:
Centre of Excellence in Agriculture which aim is to enhance:Best practice exchange, Research collaboration and capacity building among farmers in the region
9. Education, Skilling, and Youth Exchange:
BODHI Initiative (BIMSTEC for Organised Development of Human Resource Infrastructure): Under this initiative, 300 youth from BIMSTEC countries will be trained in India annually.
Scholarships to be provided at Forest Research Institute and Nalanda University.
An annual training programme for young diplomats from BIMSTEC countries will be organised.
Context: The Supreme Court has directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to conduct an extensive survey of the entire tropical forest ecosystems of the Agasthyamalai landscape in the southernmost Western Ghats to identify non-forestry activities and encroachments.
Relevance of the Topic Prelims: Key facts related to Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.
Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
The Biosphere Reserve is a protected area in the southern Western Ghats, spanning parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
It covers a combined area of 3500 sq. km. in both the states and is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems,
Declared as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Not to scale
Key Facts about Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve:
Protected Areas: It encompasses:
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala)
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala)
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala)
Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu)
Flora & Fauna:
Home to many endemic species like lion-tailed macaque, slender loris, and great pied hornbill.
Contains evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist-deciduous, tropical forests, and grasslands.
Referred to as the cradle of traditional Indian medicine.
Tribes: The reserve is home to Kani tribes from both Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Major rivers originating from here: Thamirabarani, Karamana, and Neyyar.
Cultural Significance: Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is named after Sage Agastya, a revered figure in Indian mythology.
What is a Biosphere Reserve?
Biosphere reserves are large areas of Protected land for conservation of wildlife, plants and animal resources.
It also conserves the traditional life of the people living in that area.
Divided into Three Zones:
Core zone: Strictly protected for conservation.
Buffer zone: Activities like environmental education, tourism, and research permitted.
Transition zone: Sustainable economic and human activities allowed.
Three main functions of Biosphere Reserve:
Conservation of Biodiversity and Cultural diversity.
Ecological development that is socio, culturally and environmentally sustainable.
Logistic support, underpinning development through research, monitoring, education and training
Biosphere Reserves in India:
There are 18 Biosphere reserves in India. 12 Biosphere Reserves are recognised under Man & Biosphere Reserve Program.
Source: Mapsofindia.com, (not to scale)
UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme:
Launched in 1971.
Aim: To improve the relationship between people and their environments.
Encourages interdisciplinary research, conservation, and sustainable development.
As of now, over 700 biosphere reserves in over 130 countries are part of the network.
Context: Fram2 mission, a private space mission led by a cryptocurrency billionaire, has returned after completing a journey of three and a half days.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Mission Fram2.
Overview of Fram2 Mission
Name: Fram2 (named after the 20th-century Norwegian South Pole exploration ship "Fram")
Type: Private mission launched by SpaceX
Launch Vehicle: Falcon 9 rocket
Spacecraft: SpaceX Dragon capsule.
Launch Site: NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Launch Date: March 31, 2025
Funded by: Chun Wang, a cryptocurrency entrepreneur from Malta
Duration of mission: 3.5 days
Crew Members: Chun Wang (Malta) – Cryptocurrency entrepreneur and his three guests.
Key facts about Fram2 Mission:
First human mission to fly in polar orbit (over both the North and South Poles)
First SpaceX human crew to return via Pacific Ocean splashdown.
Scientific Objectives:
The crew conducted 22 microgravity experiments before safely returning to Earth. They include-
First X-ray of the human body in orbit.
Studying radiation exposure in polar orbits.
Testing advanced space communication via the Starlink network.
Conducting biomedical research on the human body’s adaptation to polar orbital conditions.
Growing mushrooms in space—a first in space agriculture.
Polar Orbit Significance
A polar orbit is where a spacecraft orbits Earth by passing over the North and South Poles. Instead of moving around the equator like many satellites, it travels from top to bottom (north to south) and then back up.
Common for satellites, but unprecedented for humans.
Requires higher energy and modifications due to the flight path over less populated regions.
Software modifications made to ensure emergency safety during southward launch.
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the second phase of Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II), which envisages comprehensive development of select villages located along international borders.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Government Schemes- Vibrant Villages Programme.
About Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)
Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2023.
Objectives:
Comprehensive development of the select villages in 46 blocks in 19 districts in the northern border in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and UT Ladakh.
Improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages and reverse the outmigration adding to improved security of the border.
Key Focus Areas:
Livelihood Generation:
Skill development and entrepreneurship support.
Promotion of agriculture, horticulture, medicinal plants and herbs.
Establishment of cooperative societies to manage agriculture and allied activities
Tourism and Cultural Promotion:
Development of tourism infrastructure, support for community-managed homestays.
Organisation of local fairs and festivals. Encouragement of local cuisines and traditional crafts.
Promotion of eco-tourism, agro-tourism, wellness, wildlife, spiritual and adventure tourism.
Infrastructure and Connectivity:
Development of road connectivity, housing, village infrastructure.
Access to renewable energy sources, television and telecom services.
Outcome-Oriented Approach: VVP has been conceived as anoutcome oriented programme with outcome indicatorsat three levels-village, household & individual beneficiary.
Vibrant Villages Programme Phase 2 (VVP-II)
Type: Central Sector Scheme (100% Centre funding).
Aim: Comprehensive development of the villages located in the blocks abutting international land borders (ILBs), other than the northern border already covered under VVP-1.
Implementation:
Total outlay: Rs. 6839 crores till the FY 2028-29.
Programme shall be implemented in select strategic villages in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, J&K (UT), Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
Objectives:
Create better living conditions and adequate livelihood opportunities to ensure prosperous and safe borders.
Control trans-border crime.
Assimilate border population with the nation and inculcate them as ‘eyes and ears of the border guarding forces’.
Key Focus Areas
VVP-II will provide funds for:
Infrastructure development within the village or a cluster of villages.
Value chain development (through cooperatives, SHGs, etc.)
Border specific outreach activity.
Education infrastructure like SMART classes.
Development of tourism circuits.
Works/projects to create diverse & sustainable livelihood opportunities in the border areas.
The interventions would be border-specific, state and village specific, based on Village Action Plans prepared in a collaborative approach.
All-weather road connectivity for these villages shall be undertaken under the already approved PMGSY-IV under the MoRD.
VVP-II along with VVP-I is a transformative initiative to make the border villages self-reliant and vibrant. It promotes inclusive development in difficult terrains and aligns with the vision of "Last Mile Delivery" and "Viksit Bharat by 2047".
Context: Recently, the Prime Minster of India met the Prime Minister of Thailand in Bangkok prior to the 6th BIMSTEC summit. The two countries have agreed to upgrade their relations to a ‘strategic partnership’. This move reflects India’s broader Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: India-Thailand Relations.
Historical and Cultural Linkages
India and Thailand share civilisational ties rooted in history, culture, and religion.
Buddhism as a bridge: Spread of Buddhism from India to Thailand has fostered spiritual and philosophical exchanges for centuries.
Cultural Linkages:
Ramayana has inspired Thailand’s national epic Ramakien.
Sanskrit and Pali influence the Thai language and rituals.
Exchange of scholars from Ayutthaya (Thailand) and Nalanda (India) in ancient times.
Indian influence is visible in Thai architecture, traditional medicine, and performing arts.
An Indian Cultural Centre now known as the Swami Vivekananda Culture Centre was established in Bangkok in 2009.
Thailand has reaffirmed the ties by the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp based on the Ramayana mural paintings during PM Modi’s 2025 visit.
Political Relations between India and Thailand:
The relationship gained momentum after India launched its 'Look East Policy' in the early 1990s, which has evolved into the 'Act East Policy'.
Thailand, in turn, has embraced its 'Act West Policy', seeking deeper engagement with South Asia.
Both nations support multilateralism and collaborate closely in regional forums like ASEAN, BIMSTEC, ADMM-Plus, and the East Asia Summit.
Economic Relations
India and Thailand are important economic partners within Southeast Asia.
During FY 2023-24, Thailand was the 21st largest trading partner of India with total bilateral trade of around USD 14.94 Billion.
Thailand is part of India’s regional trade ambitions through ASEAN and BIMSTEC.
Bilateral Pacts signed:
MoU on Digital Technologies.
Collaboration on MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises).
Agreement on National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.
Trade & Investment:
Focuson boosting trade and business exchanges.
Potential seen in sectors like defence, tourism, culture, and education.
Connectivity: Northeast India-Thailand linkages:
Emphasis on increasing connectivity, cultural exchange, and trade with India’s northeastern states. E.g., India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway.
Indo-Pacific Vision and Strategic Significance
Shared Maritime Concerns: Both countries support a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Opposition to unilateral actions and expansionism (especially China’s maritime misadventurism).
India’s Strategic Positioning:
Thailand is a key partner in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
Reinforcement of ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership.
Defence Cooperation:
The bilateral defence engagements have expanded over time and include high-level visits, capacity-building and training programs, and the annual joint military exercises.
Defence Exercises:
Exercise MAITREE (Army).
Exercise SIAM BHARAT (Air Force).
India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Navy).
Indian Diaspora in Thailand:
The Indian community in Thailand is estimated at over 250,000, including both historical and recent migrants. They are primarily engaged in trade, jewellery business, hospitality, and various service sectors.
Prominent Indian-origin associations and Buddhist spiritual networks further bridge societal connections between the two nations.
India-Thailand Strategic Partnership:
In the recent visit in 2025, the Indian Prime Minister announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a "Strategic Partnership" following delegation-level talks with the Thai PM.
This development signifies a deepening of ties in security, trade, and regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Enhancing Security Cooperation:
Establishment of a Strategic Dialogue between Security Agencies.
Joint efforts to tackle maritime security, cybercrime, human trafficking, and illegal migration.
