The Hindu

Revamped Multi Agency Centre: AI-Powered Intelligence Grid

Context: The Ministry of Home Affairs launched the revamped Multi Agency Centre (MAC), a common counter-terrorism grid under the Intelligence Bureau (IB). It has been enhanced with AI/ML capabilities to improve data analytics and integration across intelligence agencies.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to Multi agency centre (MAC)

Multi Agency Centre

MAC serves as India’s centralised intelligence-sharing platform aimed at ensuring coordination among multiple security and intelligence agencies.
It was conceptualised in 2001, post the Kargil War.
MAC has been technologically upgraded at a cost of Rs 500 crore to add more nodes for sourcing information from even remote areas in island territories, insurgency-affected areas and high-altitude terrains. It is to ensure last-mile connectivity down to the level of district SPs in the remotest areas through a fast, secure, and stand-alone system.
The new MAC network securely connects all police districts in the country. 28 organisations, including the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), armed forces and State police, are part of the platform, and various security agencies share real-time intelligence inputs in the MAC.
The revamped MAC is integrated with cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Geographic Information System (GIS) capabilities to enhance predictive analysis and real-time intelligence sharing.

Significance of Multi Agency Centre

Integrated National Security Architecture: Synergise the efforts of all security agencies through a seamless and integrated platform. This will enhance India’s capacity to address complex and interconnected national security challenges such as terrorism, extremism, organised crime, and cyberattacks.
Enhances real time intelligence sharing and accelerates response mechanisms.
Elevate the quality of data analytics- enabling accurate trend analysis, hotspot mapping and timeline analysis to give predictive and operational outcomes.

The revamped MAC strengthens India’s tech-enabled security architecture. In the face of a potential 2.5 front war, external threats from China and Pakistan, and internal challenges like terrorism, it enables real-time intelligence sharing and a unified response.

India’s WPI Inflation falls to 13-month Low

Context: As per the data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India’s wholesale inflation fell to a 13-month low of 0.85% in April 2025. It is down from 2.05% in March and 2.38% in February.

The decline in inflation was largely due to a decline in prices in the fuel & power and primary articles segments, although the manufacturing sector continued to show resilience.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Wholesale Price Index (WPI).

Wholesale Price Index:

WPI is an economic indicator that measures inflation at the wholesale level i.e., the average change in price of goods and commodities before they reach the retail or consumer market.
It reflects price movements of basket of goods, including primary articles (food, oilseeds, minerals), fuel and power, and manufactured products.
Compiled by: Office of Economic Advisor, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Base year: 2011-12
Unlike CPI, WPI does not include services. WPI is used to monitor supply-side inflation and is a critical input for industry pricing, taxation and policy making.

WPI Food Index

Sub-index of WPI. It is a combination of the food articles from the Primary Articles basket, and the food products from the Manufactured Products basket.

Measurement of Inflation in India:

Criteria	Wholesale Price Index (WPI)	Consumer Price Index (CPI)
Level	Measures Inflation at Wholesale level	Measures Inflation at Retail Level
Who Calculates?	Office of Economic Advisor, Ministry of Commerce and Industry	National Statistical Office, Ministry of Statistics and programme Implementation
Base year	2011-12	2012
Categories	Primary Articles, Manufactured products, Fuel and Power	Food and beverages, Tobacco and Intoxicants, Clothing and Footwear,Housing,Fuel,Miscellaneous- Education, Healthcare, Transportation etc.
Highest Weightage	Manufactured products > Primary Articles > Fuel and Power	Food and Beverages
Impact of increase in Food items	Less impact on WPI as compared to CPI, since WPI provides higher weightage to manufactured products and lower weightage to Food items.	Larger impact on CPI as compared to WPI since it gives more weightage to food products.
Services included	No	Yes
Indirect Taxes Included?	No	Yes
Targeted by RBI?	No	Yes. The RBI is required to maintain CPI rate of inflation of 4% with a deviation of 2%.

Cabinet approves India's Sixth Semiconductor Unit

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved India's sixth semiconductor unit- a ₹3,706 crore project to be set up in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to India’s efforts towards semiconductor self-reliance.

India's Sixth Semiconductor Unit

The chip manufacturing unit will be a joint venture by Indian firm HCL and Foxconn (Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant). This is the first semiconductor plant in Uttar Pradesh.
The plant is designed for 20,000 wafers per month. The design output capacity is 36 million units per month.
The facility will manufacture display driver chips for a wide range of devices, including mobile phones, laptops, personal computers (PCs), automobiles and other display-enabled technologies.
The unit will attract investments worth ₹3,700 crore. It will fulfill about 40% of India’s chip needs and boost chances of bringing display panel manufacturing to India.
This semiconductor unit is the sixth to be supported under the ₹76,000 crore first phase of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).

India Semiconductor Mission

Strategic initiative aimed at establishing a robust semiconductor and display ecosystem in the country. It seeks to position India as a global hub for electronics manufacturing and chip design.
Launched: 2021
Implemented by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) called the India Semiconductor Mission.
Budget outlay: The total outlay for ISM under the Semicon India Programme is ₹76,000 crore.
Incentives: Financial incentives up to 50% of the project cost are provided to companies involved in Semiconductor Fabs, Display Fabs, Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP/OSAT) units, Semiconductor Design.

Project approved under India Semiconductor Mission:

As of 2025, six major projects have been approved under the India Semiconductor Mission. Already five semiconductor units are in advanced stages of construction.

Company / Joint Venture	Location
Micron	Sanand, Gujarat
Tata Electronics + PSMC (Taiwan)	Dholera, Gujarat
Tata Semiconductor Assembly & Test (TSAT)	Morigaon, Assam
CG Power + Renesas (Japan) + Stars Microelectronics (Thailand)	Sanand, Gujarat
Suchi Semicon	Surat, Gujarat
HCL + Foxconn (Taiwan)	Jewar, Uttar Pradesh

Also Read: India’s push for Semiconductor Chip Production amid Rising Imports

India ranks among top six nations globally in 6G patent filings

Context: India ranks among the top six countries globally in terms of 6G patent filings. Indigenous 6G development will ensure secure communications, developed and managed within India, and further strengthen the nation's position in the global technology landscape.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims & Mains: 5G Technology vs 6G Technology.

India’s Rising Role in 6G Technology:

At the recent Bharat 6G 2025 Conference, the government revealed India’s growing achievements in the 6G space.
- India now ranks among the top six countries globally in terms of 6G patent filings.
- Over 111 research projects have been funded with a sanctioned amount of ₹300 crore.
Bharat 6G Vision Document was released in 2023 by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It is a roadmap for India to become a global leader in 6G through indigenous research, international collaboration, and ecosystem development.

Evolution of Mobile Networks

What is 6G?

6G stands for the sixth generation of wireless mobile communication technology, expected to be rolled out around 2030.
It will be far more advanced than 5G in terms of speed, latency, intelligence, and applications.

How is 6G different from 5G ?

Parameter	5G	6G
Deployment	Commercial rollout started globally around 2020	Expected rollout around 2030 (currently in R&D phase)
Speed & Latency	Peak data speeds up to 10 Gbps.Latency as low as 1 millisecond.Enabling real-time applications- autonomous vehicles and remote surgeries.	Expected to be 100 times faster, with speeds up to 1 terabit per second (Tbps).Latency below 0.1 milliseconds, enabling near-instantaneous communication.
Frequency & Spectrum	5G operates on sub-6 GHz and millimeter wave (mmWave) bands up to 100 GHz.	6G will operate in the Terahertz (THz) frequency band (100 GHz to 10 THz), allowing it to carry exponentially more data.But it also demands advanced infrastructure due to short-range and high signal loss.
Connectivity density	Supports up to 1 million connected devices per square kilometer.	Aims to connect over 10 million devices per square kilometer, enabling an Internet of Everything- where humans, machines, sensors, and the environment are interconnected in real time.
Security and Privacy	Improved cybersecurity through advanced encryption and network segmentation.	Address emerging threats through quantum-resistant cryptography, zero-trust architecture, and enhanced privacy protections, crucial for applications like e-governance and digital identity.
Applications and Use Cases	Enables smart cities, high-speed broadband, autonomous vehicles, remote healthcare, and industrial automation.	Support immersive applications like holographic communication, digital twins, tactile internet, precision agriculture, and even space-terrestrial communication.
AI / ML Integration	Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are used externally to assist in managing traffic, optimising performance, and detecting faults.However, the network itself is not AI-native. E.g., AI might help predict network congestion or suggest optimal routes for data, but human operators still make many decisions.	AI and ML will be deeply embedded into the network architecture from the beginning.AI will make real-time decisions about routing, security, load balancing, and fault repair without human intervention. E.g., 6G network can detect a cyberattack, isolate it, and reroute traffic instantly, all through AI-driven responses.

Adoption of 6G Technology is expected to create entirely new industries and revolutionise existing ones, and is expected to contribute Rs 85,37,000 crore (USD 1 trillion) to India's economy by 2035.

Researchers unlock Indian Yak’s genetic secrets

Context: Specialists from four institutions of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have successfully assembled the first-ever chromosome-level genome of the Indian Yak.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about chromosome-level assembly of genes; Indian Yak.

Chromosome-level genome of Indian Yak

Researchers have assembled the first-ever chromosome-level genome of Indian Yak (Bos grunniens) i.e., not only the entire Yak genome was sequenced (decoded), rather the genes were also accurately mapped to their physical locations on the chromosomes.
Technologies used: Long-read sequencing technology and bioinformatics tools to generate the chromosome-level assembly.

Genome Sequencing:

Genome sequencing is the decoding of the entire DNA present in the human cell. In simple words, it is reading the entire book of genome letter by letter (base by base). It determines the precise order of the four nucleotide bases (A,T,C,G) in DNA.
Long-read sequencing (LRS) technology is a third-generation DNA sequencing method that can sequence longer fragments of nucleotides compared to traditional short-read methods. E.g., LRS can read thousands to even millions of DNA bases in a single read, as compared to short-read methods which can only read 100-300 at a time.

Significance:

The research marks a leap for yak genomic science that can help in:

Understanding of the genetic complexities of the species. E.g., identifying genetic markers for traits like cold tolerance, disease resistance, and milk production.
Revolutionising yak breeding programmes.
Conservation efforts- how to sustain yak populations across the Himalayan belt.

A comparative genomics between other bovine species with the generated data will open up allele mining for useful genes contributing to biotic and abiotic stresses and quality traits.

Indian Yak:

In India, yaks are found above 7,000 feet in Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh.
Often called the ‘ship of the Himalayas’, domestic yaks are an integral to the economy of high-altitude dwellers- reared for meat, milk, and transportation.
They face numerous challenges, including reduced grazing area, climate change, disease, and genetic erosion.
Conservation status:
- Domestic Yaks are not categorised in the IUCN Red data list.
- However, the IUCN status of wild yaks is Vulnerable. Wild Yaks are protected under the Schedule i of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Also Read: Genome Sequencing and the Genome India Project

The research will ensure the long-term sustainability of yak populations and ultimately lead to the socio-economic uplift of yak herders.

India notifies WTO of plan to impose retaliatory tariffs on US imports

Context: India has notified the World Trade Organisation (WTO) that it plans to impose $7.6 billion in retaliatory tariffs on import of the selected US goods. This is in retaliation for the US increasing duties on steel and aluminium imports to 25%.

The US stance at the WTO is that the tariffs on Indian goods were imposed on national security grounds and should not be regarded as safeguard measures.

Relevance of the Topic : Prelims: Key facts related to GATT, WTO Agreement on Safeguards (AoS).

India’s Response

India maintains that the measures taken by the US are not consistent with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994, and the Agreement on Safeguards (AoS). The US failed to notify the WTO and did not conduct the mandatory consultations under Article 12.3 of the WTO Agreement on Safeguards. Hence, India has the right to retaliate.
India has the right to impose reciprocal measures under WTO rules due to adverse trade effects, after the expiration of thirty days from the date of this notification.
The US tariffs have affected $7.6 billion worth of Indian exports, leading to an estimated $1.91 billion in additional duties. India aims to recover this equivalent amount by suspending concessions or increasing tariffs on the US goods.

WTO Agreement on Safeguards

WTO AoS allows the countries to temporarily restrict imports (E.g., through higher tariffs or quotas) to protect a domestic industry from serious injury caused by a sudden surge in imports.
Safeguard measures must be applied to imports from all countries equally. No selective targeting of countries is allowed, unlike anti-dumping measures.
Countries must notify the WTO about the proposed safeguard measures and must provide evidence of injury and details of the proposed action.
As per Article 12.3, Countries imposing safeguards must hold consultations with affected countries before applying the measure. Failure to do so allows the affected countries to take retaliatory measures.
Safeguard measures are temporary. Maximum initial duration is 4 years, extendable up to 8 years under strict conditions. Measures must be progressively liberalised (i.e., reduced in severity) over time.
Countries affected by the measure can seek compensation. If not provided, they can take countermeasures (retaliatory tariffs), as India is planning.

If India does go ahead with its retaliatory measures, it would not be the first time. In June 2019, India imposed higher tariffs on 28 products from the US, after the U.S. removed India from its Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) and refused to discontinue its 2018 steel and aluminium tariffs. The duties, covering $240 million in trade value, were withdrawn in 2023.

Gaps in India’s Irrigation System

Context: The recent suicide of a Young Farmer Award recipient from Maharashtra highlights the contentious issue of irrigation in India. It points towards the inequity in water distribution, social inequalities and issues in water governance.

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Agriculture: Irrigation Challenges in India.

State of Irrigation in India

Agriculture accounts for almost 80% of the water withdrawal in India. Annually, 688 billion cubic metres of water is consumed by the farm sector.
Irrigation is an inevitable input for increasing agricultural production, however, access to water for irrigation remains a contentious issue.

Irrigation Challenges in India:

Poor Irrigation coverage: 52% of net sown area is still completely dependent on rainfall. Over-reliance on traditional sources like wells, tube wells, canals for flood irrigation.
Uneven rainfall: Irrigation is impacted by substantial spatial and temporal rainfall variation, exacerbated by climate change.
Outdated off-farm and on-farm infrastructure and poor maintenance reduce irrigation efficiency. E.g., Unlined canals and channels.
Lack of adoption of smart irrigation solutions like micro-irrigation, drip agriculture. E.g., Total area covered under micro-irrigation is 10.3 mha against potential of 69.5 mha.
Aggressive groundwater extraction for irrigation- Due to over extraction, almost 17% of India’s groundwater assessment units are deemed ‘over-exploited’ while 3.9% are in a ‘critical’ state. Intensive pumping has resulted in massive energy consumption resulting in excessive carbon emissions.
- Misaligned cropping patterns: Rampant cultivation of water-intensive crops (sugarcane, paddy, cotton) across water-stressed regions exhausts groundwater, thus requiring irrigation solutions. E.g., Sugarcane cultivation in water-stressed Maharashtra.
- Loose regulation: The Easement Act, 1882, provides every landowner with the right to collect and dispose of all water under the land/over surface, i.e., the owner can dig wells and extract water based on his discretion. Additionally, landowners are not legally liable for any damage caused to water resources because of over-extraction.
- Gap between potential created and utilised: Despite heavy public expenditure on canals, governments have not been able to reduce groundwater depletion. E.g., Irrigation Potential Utilised (IPU) is 80 million hectares against Irrigation Potential Created (IPC) of 109 mha presently.
Inordinate delay in completion of irrigation projects due to delayed tendering, contract management, land acquisition etc. The operating efficiency and water use efficiency has also remained sub-optimal in Indian agriculture. While irrigation systems in India report an operating efficiency of 38%, in developed countries it is 55%.

Marginalised groups, especially women, are disproportionately affected by increasing deprivation and decline of water tables with climate change intensifying disparities.

Way Forward

Enhancing water efficiency:
- In irrigated areas by reducing the difference between IPC and IPU through proper maintenance of canals and rationalisation of water tariffs/power subsidies.
- In rain-fed areas by rainwater harvesting, creating check dams, convergence between MGNREGA and water conservation, desilting ponds and water bodies.
Adoption of Model Bill to control and regulate extraction of groundwater, setting up of Groundwater Regulating Authority, compulsory registration of borewell-owners etc.
Policy-led shift in cropping patterns towards crops suiting regional agro-climatic conditions, less water-intensive crops and crop-diversification.
Participatory irrigation management involving farmers in planning, design, development, and management of water resources schemes and capacity building.
Promotion of micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation.
Alternative water management technologies such as alternate wetting and drying, which can result in significant water saving and reduced emissions, may be popularised.

It is imperative for India to redesign its irrigation policy to ensure irrigation efficiency and rationalise the use of its limited water resources. This is pertinent to ensure food security to the growing population amidst climate change.

Also Read: Irrigation

IMO’s Net Zero Framework for Global Shipping Industry

Context: Recently, at its 83rd session, the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MERC) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has approved a draft legal text for a Market-Based Measure (MBM) framework aimed at decarbonising the international shipping industry and promoting green shipping.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: MEPC-83, MARPOL Convention, Green fuels, CBDR-RC principle.

Mains: Need for green shipping, steps taken and implementation challenges.

Why does Green Shipping Matter?

Shipping plays an outsized role in global emissions:

The sector emits approximately one billion metric tonnes of GHG each year, representing about 2.8% of total global emissions.
If ranked as a country, international shipping would be the sixth-largest emitter in the world, between Germany and Japan. Without intervention, shipping emissions could increase by 50–250% by 2050 due to growing global trade.

Given its international nature, shipping is uniquely positioned for global regulation, making the IMO's action a significant precedent.

International Maritime Organisation:

IMO is the United Nations specialised agency responsible for regulating maritime transport, ensuring the safety and security of shipping, and preventing marine pollution.
Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.
IMO measures cover all aspects of international shipping- including ship design, construction, equipment, manning, operation and disposal.
Established in1948 (under the UN Convention), came into force in 1958.
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Members: 175 Member States including India.

For over ten years, IMO has been working to decarbonise the maritime industry. It undertook various strategies such as:

Initial GHG Strategy (2018) and its Updated GHG Strategy (2023).
Technical and operational measures under Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention, including: Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), Mandatory fuel oil consumption reporting.

However, without a binding economic mechanism, these efforts had limited impact. This led to a shift in focus toward Market-Based Measures (MBMs) to internalise the environmental cost of emissions.

Key Highlights of MEPC-83

At the 83rd session, IMO adopted Singapore’s Hybrid Model as the IMO Net Zero Framework- making shipping the first global industry with a binding emissions levy. It aims to help the shipping industry reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by or around 2050.

Features of Singapore’s Hybrid Model (IMO Net Zero Framework):

GHG Fuel Standard: Sets a greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity benchmark for marine fuels. Encourages the use of Zero or Near-Zero emission fuels- such as green hydrogen, ammonia, or methanol. Ships are required to meet a specified carbon intensity target per megajoule (MJ) of fuel.
Tiered Credit and Penalty System: Ships exceeding performance targets (i.e., using cleaner fuels than the standard) receive surplus emission credits. Ships underperforming (i.e., emitting more than the threshold) must purchase remedial credits or units to offset their excess emissions.
Progressive Benchmarks: The GHG intensity thresholds become stricter over time, driving innovation and investment in greener technologies. E.g., IMO rewards fuels under 19.0 g CO₂e/MJ until 2034, and under 14.0 g CO₂e/MJ thereafter.
Global but Differentiated Incentives: While the framework is universally applicable, it is designed to provide economic flexibility for developing countries.

Challenges to the IMO Net Zero Framework

1. Legal and Procedural Hurdles:

The draft Net Zero Framework was approved with 63 votes in favour, 16 against, and 24 abstentions. To implement the Net Zero Framework, IMO needs to amend Annex VI of the MARPOL convention, which governs air pollution from ships.

The amendment will undergo a six-month circulation period among all contracting parties to MARPOL. For final adoption, it requires a two-thirds majority of votes from members present and voting.
Even if the amendment is adopted, it can still be blocked if one-third of the parties, representing at least 50% of the global shipping tonnage, submit formal written objections.

2. Geopolitical Resistance:

The US boycotted the IMO deliberations and warned of reciprocal measures, if a global levy (especially one aligned with the EU proposal) was adopted.
Major fossil fuel exporters (like Saudi Arabia) and large shipping nations (like China) are resistant to aggressive emission controls.
Shipowners, especially from traditional maritime powers like Greece, are sceptical about the economic feasibility and compliance costs.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) demanded high levies to fund climate adaptation.
Norway and Scandinavian nations pushed for reward mechanisms to acknowledge early investments in green tech.
Brazil advocated for methanol as a transitional marine fuel.

3. Erosion of the CBDR-RC principle:

CBDR-RC is a core principle enshrined in climate agreements like UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement which acknowledges that all nations must address climate change but recognise historical responsibility and unequal capacities. Developed nations, with their longer industrial histories, are expected to bear greater burdens.
However, recent IMO proceedings reflect an effort by wealthier nations to shift responsibility onto developing economies, despite stark differences in income and consumption.

Impacts on India

While some short-term cost burdens are expected, India stands to benefit significantly in the long run:

Minimal Near-Term Impact: India’s logistics costs are projected to increase by 4.98-7.29% (imports) and 5.92-8.09% (exports) by 2030.
Limited Exposure: India currently operates nearly 236 ships over 5,000 gross tonnage, with only 135 involved in international voyages. Since MBMs apply only to international shipping, India’s coastal fleet remains unaffected.
Green Hydrogen Export Potential: Under the National Hydrogen Mission, India is developing a competitive green hydrogen sector. Indian green hydrogen, with a GHG intensity of about 16.7 gCO₂e/MJ, is well below the IMO’s threshold of 19.0 gCO₂e/MJ (till 2034) and 14.0 gCO₂e/MJ (thereafter), making it a viable export for green fuel bunkering globally.
Port Infrastructure: At least three Indian ports are gearing up to offer green hydrogen bunkering, positioning India as a future clean fuel hub.

Despite persistent disagreements, the adoption of a MBM by the IMO represents a milestone in the journey toward decarbonisation. If successful, this framework could make shipping the first truly global sector to operate under binding climate goals, setting a powerful precedent for others to follow.

Right to Repair Movement in India

Context: Recently, the Department of Consumer Affairs announced that a report for a “Framework on Repairability Index (RI) in Mobile and Electronic Sector” had been submitted to the government.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Right to Repair Movement in India; Repairability Index.

Framework on Repairability Index (RI) in Mobile and Electronic Sector

Under the Repairability Index, consumer electronics and electronic appliances would be assigned a score depending on how easy they are to repair.
This will be done by evaluating products under criteria- availability of spare parts, cost of repair, software updates, and availability of information.

Right to Repair Movement in India:

Right to Repair refers to the right of end users to repair devices they own or service without any manufacturer or technical restrictions. It will give consumers a chance to repair their products at an optimal cost instead of buying new products altogether.
The Union government had set up the Nidhi Khare Committee in 2022 to develop a comprehensive framework on the Right to Repair. The sectors identified include Farming Equipment, Mobile Phones/ Tablets, Consumer Durables and Automobiles/Automobile Equipment.
India's Department of Consumer Affairs launched the Right to Repair Portal in December 2022. In the Portal, the companies will provide information on self-repair manuals, authorised & third-party repairers for companies and products.

Significance:

Prolonging the life of an appliance ties into other priorities, like-

Promoting e-waste recycling (circular economy- where parts and metals go back into a value chain, a long-held but inadequately achieved aim)
Regulating the demand for “virgin” metals that have been freshly mined. India is a net importer of metals, and has an increasing pressure to maintain existing electronic products.
End-consumer benefit of having longer-lasting products, or at least products that can be repaired cheaply and quickly.
Serve as a catalyst for employment generation by allowing third-party repairs.

Also Read: Electronics Repair Services Outsourcing Pilot Initiative (ERSO)

The aim of developing a framework on Right to Repair in India is to empower consumers, harmonise trade between the original equipment manufacturers and the third-party buyers and sellers and emphasise on sustainable consumption of products and reduction in e-waste.

IMF’s Loan to Pakistan

Context: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) allowed an immediate disbursement of $1 billion (around Rs 8,500 crore) under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) to Pakistan.

The IMF Executive Board also approved Pakistan’s request for an arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) of about US$1.4 billion. India abstained from voting in the IMF.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to Extended Fund Facility (EEF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).

Extended Fund Facility of IMF

Extended Fund Facility (EFF) provides financial assistance to countries facing serious medium-term balance of payments problems because of structural weaknesses that require time to address.

The IMF provides assistance under the EFF to countries that do not have enough money to pay their bills to the rest of the world for the goods and services they import.
The reason for inability to pay is the “structural weaknesses” in their economy, i.e., fundamental problems in an economy that hold back growth and development. This includes:
- Inadequate physical infrastructure
- Lack of an educated workforce
- Underdeveloped financial and banking system
- Inadequate capital required for businesses.
Such assistance is in the form of a loan that has to be paid back, and not in the form of a grant or aid.
Extended means that these countries need more time than usual to pay back the money because they need to bring about “structural” changes.

Key details of Extended Fund Facility of IMF

Eligibility: All member countries facing actual or potential external financing needs.
Conditionality:
- Countries’ policy commitments are expected to focus on structural reforms and policies to maintain macroeconomic stability.
- Disbursements are conditional on the observance of quantitative performance criteria.
Review Modalities: Periodic reviews of policies and program implementation, as access to IMF resources occurs in tranches (phasing). The IMF’s Executive Board regularly assesses program performance and can adjust the program to adapt to economic developments.
Duration: Typically approved for periods of 3 years, but may be approved for periods as long as 4 years to implement deep and sustained structural reforms.
Repayment: Over 4.5 - 10 years in 12 equal semiannual installments.
Access limits: Normal access: A member can currently borrow up to 145% of its quota annually and 435% cumulatively.
Interest rate: Basic rate of charge + Surcharges
- Basic rate of charge: The market-determined Special Drawing Rights (SDR) interest rate and a margin (currently 100 basis points).

Resilience and Sustainability Facility:

RSF provides affordable longer-term financing to support low-income and vulnerable middle-income countries undertaking macro-critical reforms to reduce the risks to prospective balance of payments (BoP) stability, including those related to climate change and pandemic preparedness.
Eligible Countries:
- All Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT) eligible low-income countries.
- Small states (population under 1.5 million) with per capita GNI below 25 times the 2021 IDA operational cutoff.
- All middle-income countries with per capita GNI below 10 times the 2021 IDA operational cutoff.
Interest Rate: Very low, often close to the SDR interest rate, with no surcharge.
Duration:
- It runs together with another IMF program (like SBA or EFF).
- It must last at least 18 months.
- Expires when all amounts available are disbursed. Automatically ends upon the termination, cancellation, or expiry of the concurrent IMF-supported program.
Repayment: 20-year maturity and a 10.5 year grace period during which no principal is repaid.

India’s Response

India has conveyed its strong dissent to the IMF’s decision. India highlighted Pakistan’s poor track record using IMF’s funds, pointing to the possibility of misuse of debt financing funds for state-sponsored cross-border terrorism.
India abstained from voting in the meeting, as there is no option with member countries to vote against such a decision.

Over the past 35 years, Pakistan has entered 28 IMF programmes, including four in the last five years, with negligible structural reforms or lasting economic stability.

Indian Grey Wolves heading towards Extinction

Context: Indian grey wolf population in Maharashtra’s Kadbanwadi grassland is declining due to threats from feral dogs, disease, habitat changes, and conservation challenges.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to Kadbanwadi grasslands; Indian grey wolf.

Declining population of Indian grey wolf:

In the Kadbanwadi grasslands of Pune district (Maharashtra), the Indian grey wolf, a crucial top predator, is rapidly disappearing. About 10 years ago, there were around 70 adult wolves, but now only 6 have been spotted.
This sharp decline is alarming because wolves are crucial for maintaining ecological balance by regulating the populations of smaller predators and herbivores, which in turn helps sustain the overall health of the ecosystem.

Kadbanwadi grasslands

Location: Indapur tehsil, Pune district, Maharashtra.
Area: 2000 hectares
Fauna: In addition to the Indian grey wolf, Kadbanwadi is home to other species such as the Bengal fox, striped hyena, and Brahminy kite.

Indian Grey Wolves in Kadbanwadi

Indian Grey wolf is the apex predator in Kadbanwadi grasslands.
It is brown in colour with black-and-white markings on their backs.
It was considered as the grassland’s guardians as they ensure a healthy ecosystem by regulating the numbers of smaller predators and herbivores.
Conservation Status:
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
- IUCN Status: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
Significant threats: Attacks by feral dogs, the spread of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) from stray dogs, genetic dilution due to crossbreeding with feral dogs, a shrinking prey base caused by the decline in shepherding practices, and habitat disruption from urban waste and encroachment.

First Pangenome of Asian Rice

Context: An international team of scientists have assembled a first of its kind ‘pangenome’ of Asian rice. It was developed by integrating key parts of genomes from 144 varieties of rice, including wild and cultivated varieties of rice from Asia.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Key concepts: Pangenome.

Mains: Achievements of biotechnology to address climate change.

What is a Pangenome?

The pangenome refers to the entire set of genes present in a species, including both the core genome (genes present in all individuals) and the accessory genome (genes present in only some individuals or strains).
A pangenome map typically involves the identification and annotation of genes and their genomic locations within a species. It provides insights into the genetic diversity and variability within a species, as well as the presence of specific genes or gene variants in different individuals or populations.

First Pangenome of Asian Rice:

Pangenome is the comprehensive collection of the common genes as well as the unique genes found in the individual rice varieties. It presents a complete understanding of the genetic variation present in rice.
‘PacBio high-fidelity’(HiFi) sequencing technology and computational methods were used to create the pangenome.
The study identified 69,531 genes collectively spanning the pangenome, with 28,907 core genes and 13,728 wild-rice-specific genes. Of the 69,531 genes identified, about 20% were specific to wild rice.

Significance:

Evolutionary Insights: This study reinforced support for the hypothesis that all Asian cultivated rice has an evolutionary origin from a wild variety called Or-IIIa, the ancestor of japonica.
The rice pangenome allows researchers to:
- Develop new rice cultivars with high yield capacity
- Introduce new traits for disease-tolerance.
- Provides resilience against climate shocks.
- Develop region-specific varieties suited to local agroclimate.

These genetic resources can improve understanding of rice environmental adaptation, phenotypic plasticity and regeneration potential.

Rice: Staple Crop in India

Rice is a staple crop for nearly two-thirds of the globe. It is the primary crop grown in India over the monsoon months of June-September. In 2024-25, India produced a record 220 million tonnes of rice over 51,000 ha with an average yield of 4.2 tonnes/ha.
Threats impacting production of rice: India’s average temperature has increased by 0.7º C since 1901. 2024 was the hottest year on record, with the average minimum temperature 0.9º C above the long-term average. Studies have warned that rising temperatures due to climate change would not only affect yields but also increase arsenic uptake among several rice varieties.
Gene-edited Rice: Recently, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) announced the development of two varieties of genome-edited rice, Samba Mahsuri and MTU 1010, that reportedly promise higher yields and better drought resistance. These, however, are yet to be released into farmer fields.

Also Read: Understanding a human pangenome map

The ‘pangenome’ is the most comprehensive reference of the rice genome till date. It could potentially provide avenues for developing superior and more productive rice varieties, and enhancing the resilience to rapid environmental changes.