Current Affairs

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Need for 10-Digit HSN in India’s Trade Policy

Context: The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has drafted the 2027 HSN update, revising the 2022 version. India aims for a $2 trillion export target by 2030, making trade efficiency and compliance critical. Transitioning to a 10-digit Harmonised System of Nomenclature (HSN) is essential for better trade tracking, enhanced policy interventions and stronger global competitiveness. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about 10-digit Harmonised System of Nomenclature (HSN).  

Harmonised System Nomenclature code

  • HSN code is a standardised system of names and numbers used to classify traded products internationally developed by the World Customs Organisation (WCO). It allows countries to identify goods during import and export, and apply duties and taxes accordingly.
  • India has been a member of the WCO since 1971. It initially employed six-digit HSN codes to classify merchandise for Customs as well as Central Excise duties. To make the codes more precise, the Customs and Central Excise authorities added two more digits. This resulted in an eight-digit HSN classification.
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Benefits of 10-Digit HSN in India

1. Trade Transparency & Policy Efficiency

  • India's 8-digit HSN lacks precision in capturing product details.
  • A 10-digit system will :
    • Prevent misclassification of goods.
    • Ensure accurate tariff application.
    • Facilitate smoother trade negotiations and preferential market access
    • Align India with WTO standards, enhancing Brand India.

2. Supporting Organic & Geographical Indication (GI) Products

  • Organic and GI products (E.g., Basmati Rice, Darjeeling Tea, Pashmina, Kanjeevaram Silk) face classification challenges under the 8-digit system.
  • A 10-digit HSN will:
    • Classify GI products by sector (agriculture, handicrafts, textiles, food).
    • Improve traceability, preventing counterfeiting.
    • Strengthen India’s position in e-commerce and blockchain-based supply chains.
    • Enhance sustainability in organic agricultural exports.

3. Strengthening Brand India & Export Growth: 

  • Helps promote India's heritage products under One District One Product (ODOP).
  • Prevents misclassification of ethnic crafts like: Desi Ghee, Channapatna Toys, Kanjeevaram Silk Sarees, Gur and Desi Khand. 
  • Supports India’s cultural and artisanal legacy in global markets.

4. Compliance with Global Regulations: 

  • The EU Deforestation Regulations require accurate classification for agri-exports.
  • A 10-digit HSN will:
    • Ensure precise documentation for ‘transaction certificates’.
    • Reduce confusion in customs clearance and regulatory approvals.
    • Prevent invoice mismatching, improving orderly trade engagements.

5. Improved Revenue Collection & GST Compliance: 

  • Luxury goods, high-end watches, premium cosmetics, and automobiles often face mis-declaration in GST and Customs.
  • A granular classification under a 10-digit HSN will:
    • Improve tax collection and reduce evasion.
    • Enable progressive taxation based on value, brand, and end use.
    • Strengthen policy planning for tariff applications.

6. Counter Trade Disruptions & Dumping: 

  • India’s rice export policy struggled post-Russia-Ukraine conflict, leading to:
    • Confusion in minimum export price (Basmati).
    • Export duty issues on parboiled rice.
    • Export licensing and quotas for non-Basmati rice.
    • Loopholes allowing broken rice exports.
  • A 10-digit HSN will ensure:
    • Better categorisation of rice and other essential commodities.
    • Effective control over trade instruments like duties, quotas, and licensing.

7. Strengthening Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs): 

  • A 10-digit HSN helps India strategically use:
    • Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures.
    • Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT).
    • Other regulatory tools to prevent unfair trade practices.
  • Allows strategic use of non-tariff measures for industries facing dumping from: Steel, electronics, semiconductors, chemicals, lead, and metallurgical products.
  • Helps India negotiate better sectoral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with key partners like: US, EU, UK, and Israel.

By refining classification, India can counter unfair trade practices, protect domestic industries, and navigate the evolving global trade landscape more effectively.

Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project

Context: Concerns over the Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project were raised in Rajya Sabha. The project faces criticism from environmentalists and tribal rights activists over potential displacement and ecological damage in the Great Nicobar Island. 

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Key facts about the Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project.

Mains: Development vs. Conservation Debate, Biodiversity loss, inadequate EIA etc. 

About Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project: 

  • Strategic development initiative aimed at transforming Great Nicobar Island into a key economic and security hub. 
  • Spearheaded by: NITI Aayog and Andaman & Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO). 
  • The project includes: Transshipment port, an airport, a power plant, and a township, aligning with India’s vision for economic growth, regional connectivity, and national security in Indian Ocean Region (IOR). 

Location and Strategic Importance: 

  • Great Nicobar Island is the southernmost island of the Andaman & Nicobar group.
  • Lies close to the Malacca Strait, a critical global trade route.
  • Enhances India’s maritime presence amid rising Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific.
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Economic & Geopolitical Significance of the Project: 

  • Strengthens Blue Economy, promoting shipping, tourism, and fisheries.
  • Enhances National Security by ensuring naval dominance in the Indian Ocean. 
  • Boosts India’s Act East Policy by improving connectivity with ASEAN countries.

Environmental & Tribal Concerns of the Project: 

  • Ecological Impact: Great Nicobar Islands hosts the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, recognised by UNESCO in 2013. The infrastructure project entails felling of over 1 million trees and poses risks to endemic species (E.g., Nicobar megapode, leatherback turtles).
  • Tribal Rights: Affects Shompen (PVTG) and Nicobarese tribes by disrupting their traditional lifestyle and exposing them to external influence and diseases. Requires compliance with the Forest Rights Act, 2006.  

While the project strengthens India's maritime influence and economic resilience, balancing development with ecological and tribal concerns is essential. 

India-Sri Lanka Fishing Dispute

Context: There is recent debate around the issue of illegal fishing by Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Location- Palk Bay; Katchatheevu

Mains: Issues impacting India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations. 

Background of the dispute

image 56
  • The dispute primarily concerns fishing rights in the Palk Bay region between India and Sri Lanka, where both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen depend on marine resources for their livelihood.
  • Indian fishermen, particularly from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, often cross the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) into Sri Lankan waters in search of better fishing grounds.
  • The issue has intensified after India ceded Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka under the 1974 Indo-Lanka Maritime Agreement, which led to the restriction of traditional fishing rights for Indian fishermen.

Key Issues in the dispute

1. Illegal fishing and Bottom Trawling:

  • Indian fishermen have been accused of bottom trawling in Sri Lankan waters.
    • It is a fishing method that is considered highly destructive as it damages the seabed and depletes fish stocks and marine biodiversity.
  • Sri Lankan Navy has taken strict measures, including patrolling, arresting 146 Indian fishermen, and seizing 18 boats in 2024 alone, to prevent illegal fishing activities.
  • Indian fishermen argue that limited fishing zones in India’s coastal waters due to coral reefs and rocks force them to venture into Sri Lankan waters.
image 57

2. Livelihood Concerns:

  • Economic disparity: Indian fishermen, who are relatively wealthier, use mechanised boats, while Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen, still recovering from the civil war, depend on traditional fishing methods.
  • Indian fishermen face legal restrictions: The Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1983, restricts fishing activities along the Tamil Nadu coastline, which makes deep-sea fishing the only alternative.
  • Joint deep-sea fishing schemes initiated in 2017 by the Indian government have not been widely adopted due to high investment costs and the reluctance of fishermen to shift from their traditional practices.

3. Diplomatic issues: Sri Lanka’s legal claims under international law: 

  • The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) supports Sri Lanka’s right to regulate its waters.
    • Article 19 of UNCLOS considers unauthorised fishing in another country’s territorial waters a security threat.
    • Article 21 of UNCLOS allows Sri Lanka to implement laws to prevent violations of its fisheries regulations.
  • The lack of direct involvement of the Tamil Nadu government in diplomatic talks has weakened India's negotiation position and led to concerns over the federal structure being overlooked.

Implications of Indo-Sri Lanka Fishing Conflict

  • Humanitarian concerns: Frequent arrests of Indian fishermen lead to prolonged detentions, legal complications, and financial hardship for affected families. Psychological impact on fishing communities due to persistent fear of arrests and violence.
  • Security implications: Increased coast guard deployments and surveillance in the Palk Bay region divert resources from other emerging maritime security threats. Concerns over piracy and drug trafficking, with reports of narcotics being transported through the Palk Strait.
  • Political tensions: Allegations against the Sri Lanka Navy’s actions in the Palk Bay have fueled diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Political tensions have influenced India’s support for UN resolutions on Sri Lanka’s human rights record.
  • Environmental degradation: Bottom trawling harms fish breeding grounds, depletes the stock, and damages the seafloor for a foreseeable future. Coral reef destruction disrupts marine ecosystems, impacting fish breeding and coastal protection.
  • Economic Consequences: Overfishing has reduced fishery resources and fishers' income. Sri Lanka alleges that it loses around USD 730 million annually due to Indian poaching while Indian fishermen face declining incomes due to resource depletion and frequent arrests.

Way Forward

  • Diplomatic Measures: 
    • Resume fishermen-level talks, which were last held in 2016, to build consensus and address concerns from both sides.
    • Ensure Tamil Nadu’s participation in bilateral discussions to reflect the concerns of affected fishing communities.
    • Utilise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Sri Lanka (April 2025) as an opportunity for high-level discussions on fisheries cooperation.
  • Enforcing Maritime Regulations: 
    • Enhanced patrolling and surveillance of IMBL can help prevent illegal fishing activities.
    • A dedicated Joint Working Group (JWG) should be established to ensure continuous dialogue and problem-solving mechanisms.
  • Sustainable Fisheries Management: 
    • Enforce a ban on bottom trawling and promote eco-friendly fishing techniques to protect marine ecosystems.
    • Provide financial support and training for deep-sea fishing to enable fishermen to transition to sustainable methods.
    • Sustainable fishing like catch limits and quotas can ensure fish populations recover quickly and release fish fingerlings to compensate for depleting resources.
    • Joint Marine Resource Management: A regional fisheries management authority should be established to regulate fishing activities and prevent overexploitation of marine ecosystems.
  • Alternative Livelihood Programs: 
    • Tamil Nadu should offer alternative livelihoods and skill development in areas of marine tourism, seaweed farming, and inland aquaculture for fishers facing restrictions.
  • Technology and Governance: 
    • Implement real-time satellite monitoring to track fishing activities and prevent violations of the IMBL.
    • Enhance coast guard coordination and create a structured dispute resolution framework to address conflicts effectively.
    • Promote regional cooperation through SAARC and BIMSTEC to develop a joint framework for sustainable marine resource management.

The countries need to focus on long-term resolution of the disputes to secure the livelihood security of both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen, while maintaining maritime peace, ecological balance, and economic cooperation.

World Air Quality Report 2024 

Context: The World Air Quality Report 2024 by IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company, highlights severe air pollution levels globally. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key Facts about World Air Quality Report 2024. 

Key Findings of World Air Quality Report 2024

1. Most Polluted Countries (PM2.5 levels in µg/m³)

  • India ranks as the 5th most polluted country, with 13 of the 20 most polluted cities located in India.
  • India’s PM2.5 concentration in 2024 was 50.6 µg/m³, a 7% decrease from 2023 (54.4 µg/m³).
  • Only 12 countries worldwide met WHO’s PM2.5 guideline of 5 µg/m³.

2. Most Polluted Cities in the World

  • Byrnihat (Assam-Meghalaya border; a regional industrial hub) is the most polluted city globally, with a PM2.5 level of 128.2 µg/m³. 
  • Delhi is the most polluted capital city globally for the sixth consecutive year (PM2.5: 108.3 µg/m³ in 2024).
  • Six Indian cities are in the top 10 most polluted cities worldwide.
world air quality report 2024

Causes of Air Pollution in India

Anthropogenic Factors: 

  • Crop Stubble Burning:
    • Major source in Punjab, Haryana, UP, and Delhi NCR.
    • 60% contribution to PM2.5 levels during peak pollution periods.
  • Vehicular Emissions:
    • Rapid urbanisation and increase in automobiles.
    • Use of diesel and older vehicles worsens pollution.
  • Industrial Discharges: Thermal power plants, cement, and steel industries emit SO₂, NO₂, and PM.
  • Construction & Demolition Dust: Metro projects, real estate boom, lack of dust control measures.
  • Firecrackers: Diwali and winter festivals aggravate pollution levels.

Natural & Meteorological Factors: 

  • Winter Temperature Inversion: Cold air traps pollutants, worsening air quality.
  • Low Wind Speeds: Stagnant air prevents dispersal of pollutants.
  • Geographical Factors: The Indo-Gangetic Plain traps pollutants due to Himalayan barrier effect.

Impacts of Air Pollution: 

(A) Health Effects

  • Respiratory diseases (asthma, lung infections, COPD).
  • Cardiovascular issues (stroke, heart attacks).
  • Chronic illnesses (kidney disease, cancer).
  • Reduced life expectancy.

(B) Economic Impact

  • Increased healthcare costs.
  • Loss of workforce productivity.
  • Impact on agriculture (pollutants affect crop yield).

(C) Environmental Impact

  • Smog formation affecting visibility.
  • Acid rain affecting soil and water bodies.
  • Impact on biodiversity.

Government Measures to Control Air Pollution: 

(A) Policy & Action Plans: 

  • National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) (2019): Targets 40% reduction in PM2.5 & PM10 levels by 2026 in non-attainment cities.
  • Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) (2017): Temporary measures in Delhi-NCR based on AQI levels.
  • Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) (2021): Permanent body to coordinate air pollution control in Delhi-NCR.
  • State-Specific Action Plans: Punjab & Haryana promoting Happy Seeder machines & Pusa bio-decomposers for stubble management.

(B) Technological & Infrastructural Measures:

1. BS-VI Fuel Standards (2020): Stricter emission norms for vehicles

2. Faster Adoption of Electric Vehicles (FAME-II): Encouraging EVs & public transport

3. Odd-Even Scheme (Delhi): Reducing vehicular congestion

(C) Judicial & Legislative Interventions: 

1. Supreme Court Ban on Firecrackers: Promoting green firecrackers.

2. NGT & EPCA Regulations: Ban on diesel generators in Delhi.

Challenges & Way Forward:

Challenges: 

  • Poor enforcement of environmental laws.
  • Dependence on crop residue burning in agriculture.
  • Limited public transport & clean energy alternatives.

Way Forward:

  • Strict implementation of NCAP & GRAP.
  • Investment in public transport, metro networks & EVs.
  • Use of alternative stubble disposal methods.
  • Cross-state coordination for pollution control.

IT Bill proposes Government Override of Online Access Codes

Context: The proposed Income Tax Bill, 2025 has raised privacy concerns among digital rights activists and many tax consultancy firms — since the bill allows the government to break open, or override access controls, such as passwords, set up by users for their digital communication on social media platforms, email services, and possibly even communication on encrypted platforms such as WhatsApp. 

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Government Override Powers in the Proposed IT Bill; Virtual Digital Space.

Mains: GS II : Privacy vs. state surveillance; role of judiciary in safeguarding rights.

GS III : Cybersecurity challenges, ethical governance in tech policies.

Essay/Ethics : Balancing security and liberty; ethics of mass data collection.

Government Override Powers in the Proposed IT Bill

  • Empowers authorities to access virtual digital environments during search and seizure operations.
  • Allows government agencies to bypass encryption/access codes of computer systems, or virtual digital spaces. 
  • Mandates tech companies to provide decrypted data or backdoor access upon request. E.g., WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption for national security, law enforcement, or public order.
  • Scope: Applies to social media platforms, messaging apps, and internet service providers.
  • Legal Framework: Proposed as an amendment to the IT Act, 2000, replacing older provisions on data interception.  

Key Changes in Search and Seizure Provisions: 

ProvisionsExisting Income Tax ActProposed Income Tax Bill 2025
Power to enter premises & searchPresentRetained 
Forcibly opening physical locksPresent Retained
Overriding digital access codes (passwords, encryption)Not present New addition 
Access to virtual digital spaces Limited Expanded definition included

Definition of "Virtual Digital Space" in the Bill

The proposed bill defines Virtual Digital Space as a digital environment created and experienced using computer technology. It includes:

  • Email servers
  • Social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
  • Online investment/trading/banking accounts
  • Websites storing asset ownership details
  • Remote/cloud servers
  • Digital application platforms

Arguments in Favour of the Amendment: 

  • Helps curb tax evasion by accessing hidden financial records. 
  • Digital transactions are increasing; thus, tax authorities require updated investigative tools. 
  • Aligns with global best practices in tax enforcement.

Privacy Concerns Highlighted: 

  • Mass Surveillance Risks: Potential misuse for unauthorised surveillance, undermining citizens’ Right to Privacy (Article 21, Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India  judgment, 2017).  
  • Encryption Weakness: Backdoors could expose systems to hackers and foreign adversaries.  
  • Chilling Effect: Fear of surveillance may deter free speech and dissent.  
  • Global Precedents: Critics cite concerns similar to the 2016 Apple-FBI dispute in the U.S. and the EU’s strict GDPR norms.  

Way Forward Suggestions:

  • Judicial Oversight: Require court-approved warrants for decryption requests
  • Transparency:  Publish annual reports on interception requests
  • Multi-stakeholder Dialogue: Involve tech experts, civil society, and lawmakers to refine the bill
  • Balanced Approach: Align with international best practices (E.g., UK’s Investigatory Powers Act with oversight bodies)

While the Income Tax Bill, 2025, aims to modernise tax enforcement, the inclusion of overriding access codes to digital spaces has sparked concerns over privacy and digital rights. Balancing tax compliance and privacy rights will be crucial in the legislative process. 

Baloch insurgents behind Pakistan Train Hijacking

Context: Insurgents of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) stopped a long-distance train in Quetta region and took passengers hostage on March 11, 2025. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Location: Balochistan; Balochistan Liberation Army (Key Facts)

About Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA):

image 53
  • Who is the BLA?
    • It is a Baloch ethnonationalist group advocating for an independent Balochistan.
    • It has been banned in Pakistan (2006) and designated as a global terrorist organization by the U.S. (2019).
  • BLA’s role in the attack:
    • The attack was led by BLA’s Majeed Brigade, a suicide squad (Fidayeen unit) active since 2011.
    • Other specialised BLA units (STOS, Fatah Squad, and Zirab Units) were also involved.
    • Earlier, it has carried out attacks on Pakistani establishments and projects, especially in Baluchistan region.
      • March 2024: Attack on a security complex near Gwadar port.
      • October 2024: Suicide bombing killed two Chinese nationals working on CPEC projects.
Balochistan

Brief background of the Baloch Insurgency

  • Economic and Political Issues:
    • Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest but least developed province, rich in oil, gas, gold, and copper.
    • Ethnic Baloch leaders accuse the Federal government (dominated by Punjab) of economic exploitation.
  • Historical Background:
    • Post-Partition (1947-48):
      • Balochistan remained independent until March 1948 under a friendship treaty with Pakistan.
      • The Khan of Kalat initially resisted joining Pakistan but was pressured into signing the accession.
      • Many Baloch continued to support independence, leading to decades of insurgency.
  • Insurgency and its Impact:
    • Tens of thousands have been killed in Baloch insurgencies over the years.
    • Pakistan often accuses India of supporting Baloch insurgents, an allegation which India denies.
    • Insurgents frequently target Chinese personnel & CPEC projects, fearing they would not benefit. 

India's Data Center capacity to surge to 2 GW by 2027: ICRA

Context: ICRA Limited, Indian Credit Rating firm, has forecasted that India’s data center operational capacity will go up to 2,000-2,100 MW by March 2027, from over 1,150 MW in December 2024. This would require an investment of ₹40,000-45,000 crore in the next two years. 

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: India’s Computing & AI infrastructure- Data centers; Government Initiatives

What are Data Centers?

  • Data centers are highly specialised facilities designed to house computing systems and their related components, such as, physical hardware, servers, networking equipment and storage systems. 
  • Utility: 
    • Process, store, and distribute data for various applications and services, such as websites, cloud computing, and enterprise operations.
    • Empower organisations to handle large volumes of data securely and efficiently, and enable cloud computing to function seamlessly.
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Potential of Data Centers in India:

  • India aims to become a global hub for AI innovation and data center development. 
  • Current capacity: 
    • India's data center capacity is approximately 1,255 MW at present (March 2025).
    • India holds 20% of global data but only 3% of data center capacity.
  • Expansion potential of data center in future, due to:
    • Increasing digitalisation and data consumption. 
    • Rise in demand for AI and generative AI projects.
    • Nationwide roll-out of 5G. 
    • Need for edge computing to allow data processing on devices.
    • Data localisation initiatives (store data within National borders).  
  • Concentration of data center in India: 
    • About 95% of the existing data center capacity is in metros cities (Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad). 
    • Mumbai has >50% of current capacity due to its central location, reliable power and cable landing stations. 

Government Initiatives in this Regard

1. Data Localisation Rules: India’s laws mandate that certain data be stored locally, such as:

  • Reserve Bank of India's Directive (2018) mandates payment system providers to store entire payment data (transaction details, customer information and related data) within India. 
  • IRDAI (Maintenance of Insurance Records) Regulation, 2015 requires covered organisations to store insurance data within India.
  • The draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules focus on targeted data localisation, addressing children's online age verification challenges, and data protection.
    • Digital Personal Data Protection Act permits cross-border data transfers to all countries, unless restricted by the Central Government by notification.

2. Digital India Mission:

  • Digital India campaign launched in 2015, aims at the development of secure and stable digital infrastructure (including data centers), delivering government services digitally, and universal digital literacy.

3. IndiaAI Mission:

  • The Rs 10,370 croreIndiaAI Mission aims to:
    • establish a computing capacity of more than 10,000 GPUs.
    • help develop foundational models with a capacity of more than 100 billion parameters trained on datasets covering major Indian languages for priority sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and governance. 
  • The idea is that if such an infrastructure exists in the country, start-ups could plug into it for developing AI systems. 
  • Of the total outlay, Rs 4,564 crore has been earmarked for building computing infrastructure. 

Generative AI-led high computing requirements present a new wave of demand for data center capacity. Favourable regulatory policies coupled with an infrastructure status for the data center sector would support strong growth prospects in India. 

How WHO names a new Disease?

Context: Recently, dermatologists from India and 13 other counties objected to the region-specific nomenclature given to a novel species of fungus — Trichophyton (T.) indotineae. 

The name of the fungus is prejudicial and ignores the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO). These names often lead to considerable misinformation, stigma, and racial prejudice. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Trichophyton indotineae; How are diseases named?

About Trichophyton indotineae

  • The fungus was spotted in patients from India and Nepal in 2020. It was considered a new species and named Trichophyton indotineae.
    • However, the origin of the fungus is not clearly known.
    • Subsequently, it has been reported from more than 40 countries.
  • It causes widespread and hard-to-treat skin infections (often appearing as red, itchy, and scaly patches), and is resistant to most anti-fungal medicines (first-line drugs). 
image 51

How are diseases named?

  • Assigning names to new diseases and to existing diseases (in rare cases) is the responsibility of the WHO under the International Classification of Diseases.
  • It is done through a consultative process which includes WHO member states, following the 2015 guidelines by WHO. 
  • Terms that should be avoided in disease names include:
    • Geographic locations (E.g., Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, Spanish Flu, Rift Valley fever)
    • People’s names (E.g., Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Chagas disease)
    • Species of animal or food (E.g., Swine flu, bird flu, monkey pox)
    • Cultural, population, industry or occupational references (E.g., legionnaires)
    • Terms that incite undue fear (E.g., unknown, fatal, epidemic).
  • The disease name should consist of generic descriptive terms, based on the symptoms that the disease causes (E.g., respiratory disease, neurologic syndrome, watery diarrhoea). 

Former Philippine President arrested on ICC warrant

Context: Police arrested former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte at Manila's international airport following directives from the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding a case of crime against humanity. 

Relevance of the topic: Prelims: International Criminal Court; Crimes against Humanity. 

Major Highlights: 

  • Duterte faces a charge of “the crime against humanity of murder” committed during his “war on drugs”.
    • He ran a brutal anti-drugs drive during his time in office from 2016 to 2022. 
    • Drug suspects were deprived of “due process under the law” and the crackdown allegedly killed around 30,000 people, including children.  
  • The Philippines had quit the ICC in 2019, but the ICC maintains that it had jurisdiction over killings before the country’s pullout from ICC. 

International Criminal Court

  • ICC is an international tribunal to address impunity for the gravest crimes threatening the global community. 
  • It was established under the Rome Statute, a multilateral treaty adopted in 1998. Rome Statute entered into force on 1 July 2002 after ratification by 60 countries.
  • ICC is an independent international organisation and is not part of the United Nations. 
  • ICC has 18 judges who are elected by the Assembly of State Parties and have non-renewable 9-year terms.
  • The seat of ICC is in The Hague, Netherlands.

Jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court:

  • ICC investigates and prosecutes individuals accused of the gravest crimes of international concern, as defined under the Rome Statute:
    1. Genocide
    2. War Crimes
    3. Crimes against Humanity
    4. Crime of Aggression

What are Crimes Against Humanity?

  • The Rome Statute of the ICC includes the most extensive list of crimes against humanity. These can include:
    • Murder, extermination, enslavement, deportation or forcible transfer of population, imprisonment, torture, rape, sexual slavery.
    • Persecution against any identifiable group or collectivity on political, national, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender or other grounds.
    • Enforced disappearance of persons, apartheid, other inhumane acts involving serious harm to physical or mental health.

Conditions for Exercising Jurisdiction: 

The ICC can exercise jurisdiction only under specific conditions:

  1. Territorial or National Jurisdiction:
    • If the alleged crime occurred on the territory of a State Party.
    • If the alleged crime was committed by a national of a State Party.
  2. UN Security Council (UNSC) Referral:
    • The UNSC can refer cases to the ICC, even if the crime occurred in a non-State Party.
  3. Declaration of Acceptance:
    • A non-State Party can accept the ICC's jurisdiction by making a formal declaration.

Principle of Complementarity: 

  • The ICC operates under the principle of complementarity, i.e., it acts as a court of last resort (seeks to complement, not replace, national courts). 
  • The ICC can intervene only if the national judicial systems are unwilling or unable to investigate or prosecute crimes.
image 50

Parties to International Criminal Court: 

  • As of March 2025, ICC has 125 member states. 
  • However, countries such as India, China, USA, Russia etc. have not ratified the Rome Statute and are not members of ICC. Reasons for non-membership include concerns about sovereignty, potential misuse of the court, and conflicts with domestic laws. 

Kisan Credit Card bad loans rise by 42% in four years: RBI

Context: Recently, in an Right to Information (RTI) request reply, the Reserve Bank of India informed that the outstanding NPA amount in the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) segment surged to Rs 97,543 crore as at end of December 2024. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Kisan Credit Card; Non-Performing Assets in KCC segment. 

Major Highlights:

  • Among all other agriculture loans offered by banks, such as tractor or food and agri-processing loans, the highest amount of delinquencies are seen in the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) segment.
    • Scheduled commercial banks, excluding regional rural banks, have seen a sharp increase of 42% in bad loans in KCC accounts, during FY21-FY25. 
    • Outstanding NPA amount surged to Rs 97,543 crore at the end of December 2024, compared to Rs 68,547 crore at the end of March 2021. 
  • Amount outstanding in operative KCC accounts across all banks (SCBs, cooperative banks and RRBs), has risen from Rs 4.76 lakh crore in FY22 to Rs 5.91 lakh crore as of December 2024. This reflects stress in the agriculture sector. 

NPA classification in the KCC segment

  • In case of a retail loan, an account becomes an NPA if interest and instalment of principal remain overdue for more than 90 days. 
  • The repayment period for KCC loans is as per the crop season (short or long) and marketing period for the crop.
    • The crop season for states is decided by the respective State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC). 
    • For short duration crops, the crop season is 12 months and for long duration crops it is 18 months in most states.
  • If a KCC loan is not paid within three years of disbursal, it is classified as NPA.

Factors for rise in defaults in KCC segment: 

  • Inability of farmers to repay loans due to weather-related damages to crops.
  • Lack of awareness among farmers about repayment timelines.
  • Delay in payments due to exigencies related to personal household requirements.
  • Weak loan recovery mechanism for banks.
  • Expectations of farm loan waiver; Borrowers choose to default strategically in anticipation of future bailouts.

Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme

  • Introduced in 1998, KCC scheme provides timely access to institutional credit to small and marginal farmers for agricultural and allied activities. 
  • KCC offers credit support for:
    • Cultivation and post-harvest activities.
    • Working capital for essential farming equipment. 
    • Investment credit for allied activities (animal husbandry, dairying, fisheries, and other agricultural extensions). 
    • Meet household consumption expenses. 
  • Key Features:
    • Banks provide collateral-free loans up to Rs 2 lakhs under KCC scheme. 
    • KCC offers a revolving cash credit facility, allowing farmers to withdraw and deposit funds multiple times, without any restrictions.
    • KCC loans come under the priority sector lending (PSL) for banks. Of the overall PSL target of 40%, banks are mandated by RBI to allocate 18% of their funds towards agriculture lending. 
image 49

Modified Interest Subvention Scheme under KCC

  • Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) offers concessional Short-term Agri-loans to farmers through KCC, up to Rs 3 lakh at a concessional interest rate of 7% per annum. 
  • An additional 3% subvention is provided for timely repayment, reducing the effective rate to 4%. 
  • MISS also includes post-harvest loans against Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (NWRs) for small farmers with KCCs.
  • In the Budget 2025-26, the government announced to increase the loan limit under the MISS from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.

A 2019 report of an RBI working group to ‘Review Agriculture Credit’ cited that loan waivers impact the credit flow to agriculture due to moral hazard among both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. This essentially leads to banks reallocating lending to lower risk borrower segments, and thus reducing credit availability for the agriculture sector. 

India is the second largest arms importer after Ukraine: SIPRI

Context: Ukraine, involved in a war with Russia for the past 4 years, has surpassed India to become the world’s largest arms importer as per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Report: Key Trends.

About SIPRI

  • Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is an independent international institute dedicated to research on conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament established in 1966.
  • It publishes reports on global arms transfers, tracking trends in arms imports and exports.
  • It aims to provide data-driven insights for policy-making in global security and military affairs.
image 48

Major Highlights of the SIPRI Report (2025):

  • Ukraine became the largest importer of major arms in 2020-24, with a nearly 100-fold increase compared to 2015-19, due to the ongoing war with Russia.
  • India ranked as the second-largest importer of major arms, accounting for 8.3% of global imports. Indian arms imports declined by 9.3% from 2015-19 to 2020-24, primarily due to increasing domestic production.
  • Russia’s arms exports fell by 64%, reducing its share to 7.8%, making it the third-largest exporter after the US (43%) and France (9.6%).
  • Four Asian countries—India, Pakistan, Japan, and Australia—ranked among the top 10 importers of arms globally.
  • The US and French arms exports increased, while Russia, China, and Germany’s exports declined.
  • China dropped out of the top 10 arms importers for the first time since 1990-94, showcasing its growing domestic industrial base.

India’s position in global Arms Trade:

  • India was the top destination for arms exports from both Russia and France.
  • The largest share of Indian arms imports (36%) came from Russia. The share of Russian arms imports in India has declined significantly:
    • 2010-14: 72%
    • 2015-19: 55%
    • 2020-24: 36%
  • India’s shift in suppliers is evident with increasing arms procurements from France, Israel, and the US.
  • Major defence deals with France:
    • 36 Rafale jets (delivered)
    • 6 Scorpene-class conventional submarines (P-75; all six submarines launched)
    • 26 Rafale-M jets and 3 submarines (pending finalisation)
image 5

India’s Self-Reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in defence:

  • India’s defence production reached a record ₹1.27 trillion in 2023-24, marking a 17.25% growth—a seven-year high.
  • Since 2020-21, a large share of the capital acquisition budget has been allocated to domestic procurement.
  • 2025-26 budget: ₹1.115 trillion (75% of total ₹1.49 trillion) earmarked for domestic acquisitions.
  • Increasing ability to design and produce indigenous weapons reduces reliance on imports.

The SIPRI report points to India reducing dependency on Russian arms, and France gaining prominence as India’s key supplier. Simultaneously, the rise of indigenous defence production in India aligns with the government’s push for self-reliance.

Tackling Obesity and Regulating Ultra-Processed Foods in India

Context: India's rising obesity and diabetes rates have raised concerns about the role of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in public health.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Government policies and interventions to regulate processed food. 

Mains: Health policies and regulatory frameworks; Role of food processing industry in public health. 

Major Highlights: 

  • As per the latest edition of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 1 in 4 adults in India are either obese or diabetic (NFHS-5). Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) contribute significantly to this health crisis. 
  • The 2025 Economic Survey recommends a ‘health tax’ on UPFs, while the Indian Prime Minister has called for tackling obesity. However, weak and industry-friendly food regulations undermine these efforts, allowing misleading advertisements and lack of proper labeling. 

Challenges in Regulating Ultra-Processed Foods

1. Ambiguous and Ineffective Laws:

  • Consumer Protection Act, 2019 lacks clear guidelines on nutritional information disclosure.
  • FSSAI rules have no definition of High Fat, Sugar, and Salt (HFSS) foods or UPFs. 
  • Multiple laws exist but are not harmonised, leading to weak enforcement.  

2. Industry Influence on Policy: 

  • FSSAI’s regulatory framework has been criticised to favour large food corporations over public health. Industry representatives dominate stakeholder meetings, sidelining scientific experts.
  • FSSAI proposed Indian Nutrition Rating (INR) in 2022, modeled after Australia’s failed ‘health star’ system.
    • The system allows even unhealthy foods to get misleading star ratings, rather than clear warning labels. 
    • FSSAI ignored its 2021 proposal for a ‘traffic light’ colour-coded warning system due to industry lobbying. 

3. Delayed Implementation of Front-of-Pack Labels (FOPL):

  • Despite recommendations since 2017, India still lacks mandatory warning labels. E.g., 
    • No mandatory requirement to disclose sugar, salt, or fat content in ads.
    • Cola drinks and processed foods freely target children and youth, without clear health warnings. 
  • The 2025 Economic Survey calls for urgent reforms, but no clear roadmap exists.  

4. Global Best Practices Ignored: 

  • Chile’s easily recognisable hexagonal ‘high in’ warning labels reduced UPF consumption by 24%.
  • Most countries with effective front-of-pack labels (FOPL) use clear warnings rather than stars.  

5. Public Awareness Deficit:  

  • Lack of mass campaigns educating people about the risks of UPFs. Children and youth are the most vulnerable to misleading advertisements.  

Government Initiatives

1. National Multisectoral Action Plan (2017) for Prevention and Control of Common Non-Communicable Diseases: 

  • Recommended amendments to laws regulating junk food advertisements. However, there has been limited enforcement in implementing these recommendations.

2. FSSAI’s Initiatives:

  • FSSAI launched a movement: India@75: Freedom from Trans-fats by 2022 with the aim of eliminating TFA from India.
  • Eat Right India campaign by FSSAI to protect the health of the people and transform the country's food system. It is based on three key themes- Eat Safe, Eat Healthy, and Eat Sustainable.
  • FSSAI’s Indian Nutrition Rating (INR) (2022): Introduced a star rating system, but criticised for being industry-friendly. 
  • Mandatory fortification of salt (iodine and iron), edible oil (vitamins A and D), and wheat flour (iron, folic acid, vitamin B12) as per the FSSAI standards. FSSAI has set up the ‘Food Fortification Resource Centre’ as a nodal point to provide required support to stakeholders.

3. Economic Survey 2025 Recommendations: 

  • ‘Health tax’ on ultra-processed foods to curb consumption.  
  • Stringent front-of-pack labels replacing misleading star ratings.  
  • Advertising restrictions on HFSS foods targeting children. 

Way Forward

  • Replace Star Ratings with Warning Labels: Adopt ‘high in’ labels based on WHO or NIN guidelines. 
  • Define HFSS and UPFs Clearly: Set scientific thresholds for sugar, salt, and fat content in processed foods. 
  • Strict Advertisement Regulations: Amend existing laws to prohibit misleading ads and mandate nutritional disclosures. 
  • Public Awareness Campaign: Nationwide campaigns in regional languages on the health risks of UPFs. 
  • Health Tax Implementation: Levy higher taxes on HFSS foods and subsidize healthier alternatives 

Value Addition:  

Quote: "It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver." (Mahatma Gandhi) 

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