The Hindu

WHO’s ‘3 by 35’ Initiative

Context: World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched the “3 by 35” Initiative calling on countries to raise ‘Health tax' or ‘Sin tax’ on tobacco, alcohol, sugary drinks by at least 50% by the year 2035.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: About the 3 by 35 Initiative.

WHO’s 3 by 35 Initiative

It is a global effort to increase the real prices of any or all of three unhealthy products – tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035 through tax increases, while taking into account each country’s unique context.

Key action areas of the Initiative:

Cutting harmful consumption by reducing affordability: Increase or introduce excise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks to raise prices and reduce consumption, cutting future health costs and preventable deaths.
Raising revenue to fund health and development: Mobilise domestic public resources to fund essential health and development programmes, including universal health coverage. The initiative aims to raise $1 trillion over the next 10 years.
Building broad political support across ministries, civil society, and academia: Strengthen multi sectoral alliances by engaging ministries of finance and health, parliamentarians, civil society, and researchers to design and implement effective policies.

Significance of Health Tax/ Sin Tax:

Prevent global NCD burden: Consumption of tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks is fuelling the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) epidemic which accounts for over 75% of all deaths worldwide. A recent report shows that a one-time 50% price increase on these products could prevent 50 million premature deaths over the next 50 years.
Augment shrinking development aid and growing public debt: These taxes cut the consumption of harmful products and create revenue governments can reinvest in healthcare, education and social protection.

India's Efforts

India has implemented tobacco taxation under the GST framework, with 28% GST and an additional compensation cess on cigarettes and select products.
However, bidis (smoked by low-income groups) and smokeless tobacco (SLT) (used by over two-thirds of tobacco users) remain under-taxed.

India’s current approach to taxing tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages represent a fragmented, revenue-centric model that lacks a coherent public health framework.

India unveils Aluminium and Copper Vision Documents

Context: India unveiled the Aluminium and Copper Vision documents at the international conference of World Mining Congress (WMC). The conference was hosted by the Indian National Committee of the WMC in Hyderabad, India.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key features of Aluminium and Copper Vision Document, Production targets and strategies.

These documents outline the long-term roadmaps to build a globally competitive and environmentally responsible aluminium industry and a sustainable, resilient and future-ready copper ecosystem, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Aluminium Vision Document

Status: India has an untapped potential in the aluminium sector. Despite being the world’s second-largest producer, India contributes only 6% to global output.
Key Targets:
- Scale up aluminium production six-fold by 2047
- Expand bauxite production capacity to 150 million tonnes per annum (MTPA)
- Double National aluminium recycling rate
- Adopt low-carbon technologies for sustainable production
- Strengthen raw material security through targeted policy reforms and institutional frameworks.
Significance: Support India’s shift towards clean energy, electric mobility (EVs), and sustainable infrastructure development.
Key Facts:
- Bauxite (a sedimentary rock) is the primary ore of Aluminium. Odisha is India's largest bauxite-producing state and has the largest bauxite reserves.
- In FY23, Odisha produced 17.4 million tonnes of Bauxite which accounts for ~73% of the nation’s share.

Copper Vision Document:

Copper has a vital role in India’s energy transition, infrastructure growth, and green technology. It is an essential input in solar panels, EVs, turbines, electricity grids, semiconductors, undersea cables, and munitions.
The vision document anticipates a six-fold increase in the demand of Copper by 2047.
Key Targets:
- Addition of 5 million tonnes per annum of smelting and refining capacity by 2030.
- Scaling up secondary refining and enhance domestic recycling
- Reduce dependence on open-market imports by securing overseas mineral assets through global partnerships.
Key Facts:
- Copper ore is typically found in the Earth's crust in the form of copper minerals, such as chalcopyrite, bornite, malachite, chalcocite etc.
- Copper was added to India’s 30 critical minerals list in 2023 and is supported by the National Critical Mineral Mission.
- Domestic ore production in FY24 was 3.78 million tonnes. India’s copper reserves are mainly located in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand.
- India is reliant on imports to meet its demand. India imported raw copper ores and concentrates worth US$ 3.3 billion in FY23, largely from Chile, Indonesia, Australia, and Peru.

India curbs Jute and Flax Imports from Bangladesh

Context: India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has restricted the import of select jute and flax products from Bangladesh to a single entry point, Nhava Sheva Seaport (JNPT) near Mumbai. The directive has added a new layer of complexity to an already delicate trade relationship between the two South Asian neighbours.

Relevance of the Topic :Prelims: Key facts related to India-Bangladesh trade.

Mains: Impact of India’s Restriction on Jute and Flax Imports from Bangladesh.

The official notification cites quality control, traceability, and inspection uniformity as the primary reasons behind this move.

India - Bangladesh Trade Relations:

In FY24, Indian exports to Bangladesh stood at $13.3 billion, while imports were approximately $2.7 billion, highlighting the strategic leverage India holds.
Jute trade has long been a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s exports to India.
Under regional frameworks like the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) and India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Bangladesh has enjoyed near-complete duty-free access to the Indian market.
The import value of raw jute from Bangladesh surged from $3.26 million in 2020 to $9.43 million in 2022, stabilising around $8.64 million in 2024.
Imports of jute yarn increased from $2.06 million in 2020 to $3.82 million in 2023, underscoring Bangladesh’s dominance in natural fibre supply chains.
The import of single flax yarn spiked from $95,107 in 2020 to $3.88 million in 2021.

However, this sharp growth also raised concerns within Indian regulatory bodies over potential misclassification, under-invoicing, and exploitation of less-monitored land ports.

These inconsistencies raise valid concerns about compliance and origin, particularly when routed through smaller land ports lacking the digital and logistical infrastructure of seaports like Nhava Sheva.

Key Implications:

Economic Impact on Bangladesh:

This move blocks access through traditional land ports like Petrapole and Gede, which were commonly used for cross-border trade between India and Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s small and medium exporters rely heavily on land routes for cost-effective transportation, redirection to a seaport increases logistics costs and delays, affecting their competitiveness.

Impact on Bilateral Relations:

While regulatory vigilance is justifiable, the unilateral nature of such actions risks denting bilateral trust. It may dampen investor confidence, harm small exporters, and strain the goodwill that has defined India-Bangladesh trade for decades.
Sudden port restrictions or policy shifts risk unsettling an otherwise growing and mutually beneficial trade relationship.

Way Forward

Trade regulation must be accompanied by diplomatic engagement and institutional transparency.
Formalise Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to expand bilateral trade and investment.
Build shared inspection infrastructure.
Engage in bilateral consultations to ensure that trade flows remain not just regulated but resilient.

After pursuing an open door policy for decades, recent measures by India suggest a shift from trade liberalisation to trade management- to protect domestic interests, plug revenue leakages, and assert regulatory sovereignty. While the rationale may be economically sound, the execution must be diplomatically sensitive.

Also Read: India restricts Bangladeshi Exports via all Land Ports

Endocrine Disruptors in Plastic Waste

Context: Plastic pollution is no longer a distant environmental concern but has become a biological invasion with profound implications for human health. Infiltration of microplastics and plastic-derived endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) into our bodies is triggering hormonal disruption, reproductive dysfunction and chronic diseases.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Basics of Microplastics, EDCs, Plastic Waste Management Rules. Mains: Issues related to Plastic Pollution.

Impact of Microplastics on Human Health

Microplastics are plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter. Once considered inert pollutants, microplastics are now recognised as biologically active.

Microplastics have been found in human lungs, hearts, placentas, breast milk, ovarian follicular fluid, and semen.
A 2024 study reported the presence of microplastics in nearly 89% of blood samples in India, with an average concentration of 4.2 particles per milliliter.
Animal studies (Food and Chemical Toxicology 2023) found:
- Low-dose polystyrene microplastics disrupted testosterone, impaired sperm, and damaged the blood-testis barrier.
- Similar effects in ovaries included- reduced anti-Müllerian hormone, oxidative stress, and cell death.
A 2025 study found microplastics in 14 of 18 follicular fluid samples from women undergoing fertility treatment in Italy, linking them to poor egg quality, menstrual irregularities, low estradiol levels, and higher miscarriage.

What are Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)?

EDCs are chemicals that interfere with our hormonal systems- damaging reproductive health and increasing our susceptibility to chronic diseases, including cancer.
EDCs are commonly used as additives in plastic manufacturing to enhance flexibility, durability, or heat resistance. Over time, these chemicals leach out of plastic products into food, water, air, and the human body.

Plastics contain EDCs such as:

Bisphenol A (BPA) and BPS used in water bottles, food containers, and thermal paper.
Phthalates (E.g., DEHP, DBP) used to soften plastics and found in cosmetics, toys and IV tubing.
PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) found in food packaging and non-stick cookware.

Impact of EDCs on Human Health:

Disrupt Hormonal Function:
- These chemicals mimic or block natural hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol.
- They interfere with receptor binding, disrupt gene expression in reproductive organs, and induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis (cell death).
- Exposure to BPA and phthalates has been associated with lower testosterone levels and elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) levels- both indicators of endocrine disruption.
Reproductive and Gynecological disorders: Epidemiological studies have also linked exposure to phthalates and BPA with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and spontaneous abortions.
Carcinogenic potential: Studies from India have shown that women with elevated levels of DEHP in their urine face nearly a threefold increased risk of breast cancer. Exposure to BPA and phthalates has also been linked to higher incidences of prostate, uterine, and testicular cancers.
Chronic and Metabolic disorders: PFAS exposure has been associated with metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and thyroid dysfunction, as reported in a 2024 study. EDCs mimic cortisol, disrupt insulin sensitivity, and promote fat storage, contributing to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

India - Epicentre of Plastic Health Crisis:

India, now the world’s largest generator of plastic waste, stands at the epicentre of this escalating public health emergency.

India generates over 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste each year. Of this, approximately 5.8 million tonnes are incinerated, releasing toxic gases, while 3.5 million tonnes end up polluting the environment.
Studies have shown that residents in cities like Mumbai are exposed to between 382 and 2,012 microplastic particles daily through air, food, and water.
Health burden associated with EDCs in India is staggering, costing over ₹25,000 crore annually due to increased healthcare spending and lost productivity.
Case study: In Nagpur, doctors are reporting an increase in cases of early puberty, respiratory problems, obesity, and learning disorders in children, conditions increasingly linked to plastic pollution.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) detected phthalate concentrations in drinking water samples from Delhi, Jabalpur, and Chennai that exceeded European Union safety limits.

Policy Gaps and Challenges:

Despite progressive policies like the Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016, updated in 2022 and 2024), enforcement remains inconsistent.
Current regulations do not account for low-dose effects or the complex interactions of EDCs, nor do they address the specific vulnerabilities of children and pregnant women.

Way Forward

Biomonitoring and surveillance are crucial for establishing national programmes that measure EDC levels in blood, urine, and breast milk.
Fund longitudinal studies to assess the health impacts of EDC exposure on fertility, neurodevelopment, and chronic diseases.
Spread public awareness and educate people on the risks of microwaving food in plastic containers and promoting the use of glass, stainless steel, and EDC-free alternatives.
Encourage antioxidant-rich diets to oxidative stress.
Enforce plastic segregation, recycling, and safe disposal, and invest in microplastic filtration systems for water treatment plants.
Incentivise the development of biodegradable, non-toxic materials.

Can the Supreme Court halt an Act passed by a State?

Context: The Supreme Court held that Chhattisgarh’s law on auxiliary forces did not violate its 2011 order banning Special Police Officers (SPOs), clarifying that valid legislation cannot be treated as contempt of Court.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Concept of Separation of powers.

Mains: Nandini Sundar and Others vs State of Chhattisgarh case judgement and Doctrine of Separation of powers.

In the Nandini Sundar and Others vs State of Chhattisgarh case, the Supreme Court dismissed a contempt petition against the State of Chhattisgarh for enacting the Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Forces Act, 2011.

The petitioners alleged that the State violated the Supreme Court’s 2011 order that prohibited the use of Special Police Officers (SPOs) in anti-Maoist operations.

Background: The 2011 Supreme Court Order

The Supreme Court in July 2011 issued an order stating that :

The State of Chhattisgarh shall cease and desist from using Special Police Officers (SPOs) in any activities, directly or indirectly, aimed at controlling, countering, mitigating or otherwise eliminating Maoist activities.
The State was directed to prevent the operation of groups like Salwa Judum and Koya Commandos.
The Court also directed the Union of India to cease and desist from using any of its funds in supporting, directly or indirectly, the recruitment of SPOs for the purposes of engaging in any form of counter-insurgency activities against Maoists.
The Court concluded that the appointment of inadequately paid and ill-trained SPOs engaged in checking Maoism was violative of Article 14 and Article 21 of the Constitution

Consequent to the Supreme Court order of July 2011, the State of Chhattisgarh enacted the Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Forces Act, 2011.

Key Provisions of Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Forces Act 2011:

Section 4(1) of the Act provides that an auxiliary force shall be constituted ‘to aid and assist the security forces’ in the maintenance of public order and preventing, controlling and combatting Maoist/Naxal violence and insurgency, etc.
The members of the auxiliary force shall not be deployed in the front-line positions of an operation and shall always work under supervision of the security forces.
The provision of compulsory training for a period not less than six months, is also prescribed under the Act.
Only those SPOs, who would be eligible as per these prescribed yardsticks, were to be inducted into the auxiliary force (by screening committee).

A petition was filed claiming that the enactment was not in consonance with the Court’s order and therefore amounted to contempt of Court.

The Supreme Court rejected the Contempt petition stating that:

The state of Chhattisgarh had complied with all directives from the 2011 ruling.
Every State legislature has plenary powers to pass an enactment so long as the said enactment was not declared to be ultra vires of the Constitution.
Any law made by Parliament or a State Legislature cannot be held as an act of contempt.
The Court clarified that a legislature has the power to pass a law, to remove the basis of a judgment or validate a law which has been struck down by a Constitutional Court. This is the core of the doctrine of separation of powers and must always be acknowledged in a constitutional democracy.
The judiciary cannot invalidate legislation on contempt grounds unless the law is proven to be beyond legislative competence, or violative of the Constitution.

In Indian Aluminium Co. versus State of Kerala (1996), the Supreme Court observed that Courts must maintain the delicate balance devised by the Constitution between the three sovereign functionaries (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary).

Moon Dust is less harmful than Earth's Dust

Context: According to a study, published recently in Space Research, moondust is less harmful than the particulates found on the Earth.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: About the key findings of the study.

In the study, the researchers used two laboratory-generated versions of lunar dust called LMS-1 and LHS-1, mimicking dust from the moon’s mare and highland regions, respectively in their experiments.

Key Findings of the Study

Moondust is less toxic than PM2.5: Laboratory-simulated moondust particles (LMS-1 and LHS-1) were found to be less harmful to bronchial lung cells than fine particulate matter (PM2.5) commonly found in urban pollution on Earth.
Larger moondust particles are toxic at high concentrations: Large particles from both lunar simulants (LMS-1 and LHS-1) caused toxicity and inflammation, but only at very high exposure levels.
Small moondust particles are less toxic to bronchial cells: The smaller particles in both dust types that a human could breathe deep into the lungs were found to be less toxic to bronchial cells than PM2.5 particles on the earth are known to be.
Both lunar dust and Earth dust have potential health risks: Both the moondust simulants and earth dust caused alveolar cells to die. Despite being less toxic to bronchial cells, both large and small moondust particles caused the death of alveolar cells, similar to or worse than PM2.5. Alveoli are critical for oxygen exchange, making this a serious concern for prolonged exposure.

The findings resonate with the experiences of Apollo astronauts between 1969 and 1972, who frequently reported lunar dust clinging to their spacesuits and causing irritation to their eyes and respiratory systems. Lunar dust is known to be statically charged, contributing to its pervasive nature and ability to adhere to surfaces.

Significance of the findings:

The study helps us understand how breathing in moondust might affect astronauts' lungs, especially when they live and work on the Moon for longer periods.
This knowledge can be used to make dust-proof suits, helmets, and air filters to protect astronauts from inhaling harmful particles.
As missions like NASA’s Artemis II (2026) and future lunar bases are being planned, this study gives early warnings about possible health risks.

Indian Navy commissions stealth frigate INS Tamal

Context: Recently, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Tamal (F71), a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about INS Tamal; Project 1135.6.

Krivak-class Frigates

Krivak-class frigates are a series of multi-role warships originally designed by Russia. India operates its variant called the Talwar-class frigates, customised for the Indian Navy.
The ship is eighth in the series of Project 1135.6 (Talwar class) and the second of the follow-on Tushil-class frigates. All seven previous ships of the class are part of the Navy’s Western Fleet under the Western Naval Command.
In 2016, under Project 1135.6 (Talwar-class) Follow-on Frigates, India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement to procure four additional Krivak-class frigates.
- Two were to be imported from Russia, while two were to be built in India at GSL, Goa under technology transfer.
- Built in Russia: INS Tushil (commissioned 2024), INS Tamal (commissioned in 2025).
- Built in India: INS Triput (launched 2024), INS Tavasya (launched 2025).

About INS Tamal:

INS Tamal is an upgraded Krivak III class frigate.
Specification: 125-metre-long, 3900-tonne ship.
Achieve speeds exceeding 30 knots (55 km/h).
Operational capabilities: Designed for blue water operations with multi-dimensional attack capabilities in all four dimensions- air, surface, underwater and electromagnetic.
Armament and Technology: It is armed with a range of advanced weapons, including:
- Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles (jointly developed by India-Russia)
- Vertically-launched Shtil Surface-to-Air missiles with enhanced ranges
- Medium-range anti-air and surface gun with advanced stealth features
- Optically-controlled close-range rapid fire gun system
- Anti-submarine torpedoes and rockets
- Advanced electronic warfare and communication suite
It is also capable of embarking upgraded anti-submarine and airborne early warning helicopters, the Kamov 28 and Kamov 31.
Speed: Powered by an advanced gas turbine propulsion plant with state-of-the-art controls, it is capable of achieving speeds in exceeding 30 knots.

Strategic Importance:

Strengthening India’s Naval Power: These stealth frigates enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Push for Self-Reliance: Technology transfer from Russia helps develop India's shipbuilding industry.
India-Russia Defence Ties: Despite geopolitical shifts (Russia-Ukraine war, US sanctions on Russia), India continues its strong defence cooperation with Russia.
Strategic Importance: The frigates are crucial for India’s maritime security, countering China’s presence in the Indo-Pacific and reinforces the Indian Navy’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.

The commissioning of Tamal marked a key milestone in India’s maritime defence capability and bilateral ties with Russia.

Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme, a flagship initiative under the Union Budget 2024-25, aimed at addressing the challenges of unemployment and jobless growth.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Key Highlights of Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme.

Mains: Significance of Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme.

Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme

With an outlay of ₹99,446 crore, ELI Scheme aims to incentivise the creation of more than 3.5 crore jobs over two years.
ELI Scheme is a part of the Prime Minister’s package of five schemes to facilitate employment, skilling, and other opportunities for 4.1 crore youth.
Objectives:
- Create additional employment in the formal sector and sustain it.
- Promote employability and formalisation of the workforce.
- Complement National Manufacturing mission.
- Enhance social security of the workforce.

Key Highlights of the Scheme:

Benefits for first-time workers:

ELI scheme will benefit individuals entering the workforce for the first time and registered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
Eligible employees, those earning up to ₹1 lakh/month, will receive an EPF-based wage incentive of up to INR 15,000 disbursed in two stages.
The first half will be paid after six months of continuous service, while the second half will be released upon completing one year of service and a financial literacy program.

Incentives for employers generating jobs:

Companies registered with EPFO that hire additional staff earning up to ₹100,000 per month will receive a monthly incentive of up to ₹3,000 per employee for a period of two years.
For manufacturing units, this support will continue through the third and fourth years as well.
Eligibility criteria include the hiring of at least two new employees by establishments with fewer than 50 employees, and a minimum of five new hires for those with 50 or more employees.
All new hires must remain continuously employed for at least six months to qualify.
Coverage Period: Valid for jobs created between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027.

Significance of the Scheme:

Addresses the challenge of jobless growth by directly linking fiscal incentives to net employment generation.
Encourages a shift from informal to formal employment, thereby enhancing social security coverage, tax base, and compliance with labour laws.
Targets first-time entrants, helping reduce structural unemployment and leveraging demographic dividend in the economy.
Encourage employers to create sustained new employment, particularly in the manufacturing sector.
Boosts aggregate demand via higher household income and consumption.
Supports labour-intensive manufacturing, enhancing employment elasticity.

Dalai Lama

Context: India raised a strong objection to China's demand that Beijing must approve the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, asserting that no one except the Tibetan spiritual leader himself has the authority to decide on his successor.

Relevance of the Topic Prelims- Key facts about Dalai Lama.

Who is Dalai Lama?

“Dalai Lama” is a title which is a combination of the Mongolic word dalai ('ocean') and the Tibetan word lama ('master, guru').
This title was first conferred in 1578 upon Sonam Gyatso, the leader of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, by Altan Khan, the first Shunyi King of Ming China.
The first two Dalai Lamas were offered this title posthumously. The Third Dalai Lama was a living leader to receive this title (Sonam Gyatso).

The Dalai Lama Lineage:

The institution of the Dalai Lama is part of the tulku concept in Tibetan Buddhism, in which spiritual masters are reincarnated upon their death, so that their teachings can be preserved and carried forward.
All tulkus in the lineage of the Dalai Lamas are considered manifestations of the Buddha Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion.
The 14^th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) escaped from Lhasa in 1959 during the Tibetan diaspora and lives in exile in Dharamsala, India. He was recognised as the reincarnation of the previous 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso at the age of two. Bodhisattvas are persons who are on the path to becoming a Buddha, but who put the liberation of other sentient beings ahead of entering nirvana themselves.
The first Dalai Lama, Gedun Drupa, was born in 1391. Beginning with Lobsang Gyatso (1617-82), the fifth of the line, the Dalai Lama became both the spiritual and political leader of Tibetan Buddhists.

Significance:

The Dalai Lama is the symbol of unification of Tibet.
He represents Buddhist values and traditions not tied to a specific school.
From the 5th Dalai Lama onwards, the lineage was enjoined with the secular role of governing Tibet.

14th Dalai Lama and Tibetan government-in-exile

The 14th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) was born in the hamlet of Taktser in north-eastern Tibet, now Qinghai province of China, on July 6, 1935. He was identified at age 2 as the reincarnation of Thubten Gyatso, the 13th Dalai Lama.
1951: Tibet was annexed by China.
1959: Tibetan national uprising was crushed by Chinese troops. The 14th Dalai Lama escaped from Lhasa along with a group of his followers, and crossed into India at Khenzimane in Arunachal Pradesh.
1960: Jawaharlal Nehru’s government settled him in McLeodganj, Dharamshala, where the Tibetan government-in-exile was established.
2011: Dalai Lama wrote to the Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies, known as the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, asking to be relieved of his temporal authority. Formal transfer of political power to the democratically elected leader of Tibetans living in exile took place, ending a 368-year-old tradition in which the Dalai Lama was both the spiritual and political head of Tibetans.

Dalai Lama & China:

China denounces the 14th Dalai Lama as a “splittist”, “traitor”, and an exile with “no right to represent the Tibetan people”, and prohibits any public show of devotion towards him.
In his 2011 statement, the Dalai Lama had said that his reincarnation should be found in a free country, not under Chinese control. No recognition should be given to a reincarnation selected for political purposes by the Chinese government.
Tibetans fear that as the Dalai Lama grows older, Beijing could announce a successor of its choice, and use it to tighten its control over the Tibetan Buddhist religion and culture.

15th Dalai Lama:

2025: 14th Dalai Lama announced that the 600-year-old institution of the Dalai Lama would continue and the Gaden Phodrang Trust (the official office of the Dalai Lama) shall be the sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation.

Gaden Phodrang:

Gaden Phodrang refers to the residential quarters of the Dalai Lama lineage from the second Dalai Lama onward at Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, Tibet.
After the Potala Palace was built (by a decree of the fifth Dalai Lama), the Dalai Lamas moved away from these quarters, and stayed at Potala Palace in winter and Norbulingka (built by the seventh Dalai Lama about 100 years after Potala) in summer. This tradition was followed until the 14th Dalai Lama’s escape from Lhasa to India in March 1959.

There are three institutions associated with Dalai Lama:

1. Gaden Phodrang Trust:

Registered in 2011 in Dharamshala with the aim of recognising the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.
It is based in the office of the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama heads the trust, whose members include some other aides of the spiritual leader.

2. Gaden Phodrang Foundation:

Tax-exempt Swiss nonprofit with its registered office in Zurich, and is supervised by the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs.
It is funded by charitable contributions made by the founder and the public.
The Dalai Lama is the founder and president of the foundation.
Aim: To maintain and support the tradition and institution of the Dalai Lama, preserve Tibetan culture, promote basic human values, mutual understanding among religions, peace and non-violence, and protection of the environment.

3. Dalai Lama Trust:

Non-profit charitable organisation founded by the 14th Dalai Lama in 2009, headquartered in New Delhi.

Aim: To support the welfare of the Tibetan people and to promote human values, interfaith harmony, and world peace. Support Tibetan students and scholars and fund schools and educational institutions.

Key Facts:

The 14th Dalai Lama was conferred the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.
Books authored by him: Freedom in Exile (autobiography); Voice for the Voiceless.

Using Technology to Empower Women and Children

Context: Over the past decade, the Ministry of Women and Child development has integrated technology into its programmes to ensure that the benefits reach the last mile swiftly, transparently, and efficiently.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Key technological initiatives for women and children.

Mains: Role of technology in women and children development.

Leveraging Technology for Women’s Rights and Well-being

1. Saksham Anganwadi Initiative:

Designed to modernise and empower over 2 lakh Anganwadi centres across India. These centres are being upgraded with smart infrastructure, digital devices, and innovative learning tools, enabling more effective delivery of nutrition, healthcare, and pre-school education services.
The integration of services provided by 14 lakh Anganwadi centres across the nation with the Poshan Tracker has enabled real-time data entry, performance monitoring, and evidence-based policy interventions.

2. Poshan Tracker:

Over 10.14 crore beneficiaries, including pregnant women, lactating mothers, children under six, and adolescent girls, are now registered on Poshan Tracker.
At its core, Poshan Tracker is driving the national vision of a Swasth Bharat, Suposhit Bharat. By equipping Anganwadi workers with smartphones and comprehensive training, the initiative ensures quality service delivery at the last mile.
It reimagines Anganwadi centres as digitally empowered community hubs that bridge the urban-rural divide.
Recognised with the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2025), it also supports Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi, providing digital training modules to Anganwadi workers for early childhood education.

3. Facial Recognition and Leak-Proof Nutrition Delivery:

To plug leakages in the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP), a facial recognition system has been introduced. This ensures that only eligible beneficiaries receive nutrition support.

4. DBT under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana:

Under the PMMVY Rules, 2022, pregnant women receive ₹5,000 for the first child, and an enhanced ₹6,000 for the second child if it is a girl, promoting positive reinforcement for daughters.
Delivered through a paperless Direct Benefit Transfer system, about ₹19,000 crore has reached over 4 crore women beneficiaries since its inception.
It is a fully digital programme leveraging Aadhaar-based authentication, mobile-based registration, doorstep assistance from Anganwadi/ASHA workers, and real-time dashboards.
A dedicated grievance redressal module and citizen-facing portal ensure transparency, trust, and accountability, strengthening the government’s commitment to Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.

4. Tech-Led Women’s Safety Platforms

Beyond nutrition, the Ministry is ensuring safety and support for women through technology-led platforms.

SHe-Box Portal: A single-window platform to lodge complaints under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. It enables both online submission and tracking of complaints.
Mission Shakti Dashboard and Mobile App: It provides integrated assistance to women in distress, connecting them to the nearest one-stop centre, now operational in nearly every district. These interventions exemplify how technology is being used not just for efficiency, but for justice, dignity, and empowerment.

Tangible outcomes of Welfare Schemes:

These targeted efforts are delivering tangible outcomes. The latest reports from the Health Management Information System of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) reveal that:

Sex Ratio at Birth has increased from 918 (2014-15) to 930 (2023-24).
Maternal Mortality Rate has declined to 97 per 1,000 births (2018-20) from 130 per 1,000 births (2014-16).

Leveraging Technology for Child Protection and Welfare:

Digital transformation has played a key role in child protection and welfare.

Under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, digital tools are being used to protect and support children:

CARINGS Portal (Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System) streamlines and digitises the adoption process, making it more transparent and accessible.
Digitisation has also improved monitoring of child care institutions, foster care placements, and statutory support structures under the Act.
Platforms developed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights are tracking violations of child rights.
Mission Vatsalya dashboard strengthens convergence and coordination among various child welfare stakeholders.

Cabinet approves National Sports Policy 2025

Context: The Cabinet has approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, which focuses on developing India as a strong contender for excellence in international sporting events, including the 2036 Olympic Games.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025.

Sports Sector in India- Govt. Initiatives and Policies

Sports is a ‘State’ subject in the Indian Constitution.

1951: India hosted the first Asian Games in New Delhi.
1954: Government set up the All-India Council of Sports to advise on sports matters, support federations, and fund elite athletes.
1984: India unveiled its first National Sports Policy. The NSP aimed to improve infrastructure, promote mass participation, and raise standards in elite sports. It also stressed the importance of integrating sports with education, which was formalised in the 1986 National Education Policy.
2000: India created a dedicated Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
2001: A revised National Sports Policy was launched in 2001, setting clearer goals for mass participation and international excellence.
2011: National Sports Development Code was introduced, aiming to regulate and professionalise National Sports Federations. It addressed governance, anti-doping, age fraud, betting, gender issues etc. but implementation remained the hurdle.
2014: Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) provided elite athletes with coaching, nutrition, and infrastructure support.
2017: Khelo India conducted youth talent identification across schools and universities
2019: Fit India Movement promoted physical activity and fitness as a public health priority.
2025: NSP 2025 was announced as Khelo Bharat Niti - 2025.

National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025:

The new policy will replace the existing framework of National Sports Policy, 2001, with an objective to make India among the top five sporting nations by 2047.

The policy is anchored on Five Key Pillars:

1. Excellence on Global Stage:

Strengthen sports programs from the grassroots to elite levels, including early identification and nurturing of talent.
Promote establishment of competitive leagues, and develop sports infrastructure in rural and urban areas.
Build world-class systems for training, coaching, and holistic athlete support.
Enhance the capacity and governance of National Sports Federations.
Encourage the adoption of sports science, sports science, medicine, and technology to boost athletic performance.
Train and develop sports personnel, including coaches, technical officials, and support staff.

2. Sports for Economic Development:

NSP 2025 recognises the economic potential of sports and seeks to:

Promote sports tourism and attract major international events to India.
Strengthen sports manufacturing ecosystem, and promote startups and entrepreneurship in the sector.
Encourage private-sector participation through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and innovative funding initiatives.

3. Sports for Social Development:

The policy emphasises the role of sports in driving social inclusion by:

Promoting participation among women, economically-weaker sections, tribal communities, and persons with disabilities through focused programs.
Revitalising and promoting indigenous and traditional games.
Positioning sports as a viable career option by integrating it into education, encouraging volunteering, and facilitating dual-career pathways.
Engaging Indian diaspora through sports.

4. Sports as People’s Movement:

To make sports a national movement, the policy aims to:

Drive mass-participation and a culture of fitness through nationwide campaigns and community-based events.
Launch fitness indices for schools, colleges, and workplaces etc.
Enhance universal access to sports facilities.

5. Integration with Education (NEP 2020):

In alignment with the National Education Policy 2020, the NSP 2025 proposes to:

Integrate sports into school curricula.
Equip educators and physical education teachers with specialised training to promote sports education and awareness.

Strategic Framework of National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025:

NSP 2025 lays down a comprehensive implementation strategy encompassing:

Governance: Establish a robust regulatory framework for sports governance, including legal framework.
Private Sector Funding & support: Develop innovative financing mechanisms and engage private sector participation through PPPs and CSR.
Technology & Innovation: Leverage emerging technologies, including AI and data analytics, for performance tracking, research, and program implementation.
National Monitoring Framework: Create a national framework with well-defined benchmarks, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and time-bound targets.
Model Policy for States: NSP 2025 will serve as a model for States and Union Territories, encouraging them to revise or formulate their own policies.

NSP 2025 vision document aims not just to raise India's global sporting profile but also to create a healthier, fitter, and socially inclusive society. India also needs to codify measures like the Draft National Code for Good Governance in Sports, 2017 to enforce reforms for the larger good of sport.

Congo and Rwanda sign a US-mediated Peace Deal

Context: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed a peace deal facilitated by the U.S. to help end the decades-long deadly conflict in eastern Congo. The agreement helps the U.S. government and American companies gain access to critical minerals in the region.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: About Rwanda-DRC Conflict and Peace Deal.

Background of the Conflict

Rwanda has two major ethnic groups: Hutu (majority) and Tutsi (minority, traditionally elite class).
Under Belgian colonial rule, the Tutsis were favored, creating deep resentment among Hutus. This set the stage for ethnic strife, culminating in the 1994 genocide.

1994 Genocide

In 1994, after the assassination of Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana (a Hutu), radical Hutu militias launched a mass slaughter. Over 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed in 100 days.

Spillover into the DRC

Following the genocide, Hutu perpetrators and civilians fled to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Among them were members of the Interahamwe, a brutal paramilitary force responsible for much of the genocide.
These elements later reorganised into an armed group known as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). Based in eastern DRC, the FDLR has continued to carry out cross-border attacks against Rwanda, seeking to destabilise the Tutsi-led government in Rwanda.
Rwanda considers the FDLR a serious national security threat. It has conducted multiple cross-border military operations inside Congolese territory, often justifying them as pre-emptive self-defence.
Rwanda is frequently accused of violating Congolese sovereignty and of arming proxy rebel groups like M23 to counter the FDLR and maintain influence over eastern DRC, especially due to its mineral wealth.

Key Provisions of the Rwanda-DRC Peace Agreement:

Signed in Washington D.C. under the mediation of the United States.
The peace deal aims to restore stability in eastern DRC and prevent further cross-border conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Both Rwanda and the DRC agreed to immediately cease all hostilities and armed operations against each other.
Both sides pledged to withdraw any direct or indirect support to armed militias operating in eastern DRC, including M23 and FDLR.
The deal emphasises the use of diplomatic dialogue and regional cooperation to resolve future disputes. The agreement reaffirmed respect for national borders, stressing the importance of non-intervention in internal affairs.

Why did the US mediate the Rwanda-DRC Peace Deal?

Eastern DRC is rich in minerals like cobalt, coltan, lithium, and rare earth elements essential for Electric vehicles (EVs), Semiconductors, and Renewable energy technologies.
Peace in eastern DRC opens the door for the US companies to invest in mining and infrastructure.
By stabilising the region, the US creates an opportunity to reduce dependence on China, which currently dominates global supply chains for these minerals.

The mediation reflects the US’s intent to project soft power and reclaim its image as a global peace broker.