GS Paper 2

National Students’ Day – Honouring Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

Context: India observes National Students’ Day on October 15 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam — former President, eminent scientist, and one of India’s most inspiring teachers. The day celebrates his deep commitment to education, youth empowerment, and nation-building.

About National Students’ Day:

Date: October 15
Declared by: Government of India in 2010
Objective: To inspire students to pursue knowledge, innovation, and leadership — values that Dr. Kalam championed throughout his life.
The day is marked by seminars, workshops, lectures, and various educational initiatives across schools and universities.

About Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam:

Full Name: Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam
Born: 15 October 1931, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
Profession: Aerospace Scientist, 11th President of India (2002–2007)
Known as: “People’s President” & “Missile Man of India”
Played a key role in India’s missile and nuclear programmes, including Pokhran-II nuclear tests.
A passionate advocate for education, Dr. Kalam inspired millions through his books, including “Wings of Fire” and “Ignited Minds.”
He believed, “Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.”

Legacy and Relevance:

Dr. Kalam viewed students as the foundation of national progress.
He emphasized scientific temperament, innovation, and moral values.
His teachings continue to inspire educational reforms and youth-led initiatives in India.
The day serves as a reminder of the transformative power of education in shaping a self-reliant and developed nation.

Government & Institutional Celebrations:

Educational institutions organize interactive sessions on leadership and innovation.
Scholarships and student innovation challenges are launched to encourage young talent.
Inspirational talks highlight Dr. Kalam’s vision of “Developed India 2020.”

Conclusion

National Students’ Day is more than just a tribute — it is a call to action for students to dream big and contribute to building a progressive India. Honouring Dr. Kalam’s vision, the day reinforces the role of youth as changemakers and future leaders.

📌 Did You Know?
Dr. Kalam spent his last moments addressing students at IIM Shillong in 2015 — a testament to his lifelong dedication to education.

Supreme Court Allows Direct Recruitment for District Judges

In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India has permitted serving judicial officers to apply for the post of District Judge through the direct recruitment channel. This ruling marks a significant reinterpretation of Article 233(2) of the Constitution, which deals with the appointment of District Judges.

Background:

Traditionally, District Judges have been appointed through two distinct routes:

Direct recruitment from practising advocates (Bar quota), and
Promotion from the subordinate judiciary.

The controversy arose after a Kerala judicial officer was disqualified from applying under the advocate quota based on the Supreme Court’s Dheeraj Mor vs. High Court of Delhi (2020) judgment. The Court had earlier held that a person serving as a judicial officer could not be considered an “advocate” under Article 233(2).

However, recognising the evolving nature of judicial service and the need to widen talent pools, a five-judge Constitution Bench revisited the issue to harmonise merit-based selection with judicial experience.

Key Directions Issued:

Eligibility Expansion: Serving judicial officers can now apply for District Judge posts under the direct recruitment quota.
Experience Requirement: Applicants must have a minimum of 7 years of continuous professional experience — either as an advocate, a judicial officer, or a combination of both.
Age Limit: Minimum 35 years of age is required for all candidates.
Eligibility Timeline: Eligibility shall be determined at the time of application, not at the time of appointment.

Significance of the Ruling:

Widened Talent Pool: Ensures merit and experience from both bar and bench can contribute to higher judicial positions.
Judicial Efficiency: Brings practical courtroom and administrative experience together.
Constitutional Clarity: Provides a definitive interpretation of Article 233(2), resolving ambiguity from earlier rulings.
Institutional Impact: Strengthens the independence and inclusiveness of the judiciary.

Way Forward:

The judgment paves the way for more transparent and inclusive recruitment in the higher judiciary. It aligns with the larger constitutional goal of ensuring efficiency, independence, and accessibility in India’s judicial system.

India to Host UNTCC 2025

Context: India will host the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries’ (UNTCC) Chiefs’ Conclave 2025 in New Delhi from October 14–16, 2025. The event, organized by the Indian Army in collaboration with the UN Department of Peace Operations (UNDPO), will bring together senior military leaders from 32 nations contributing troops to UN Peacekeeping missions worldwide.

About the UNTCC Conclave

The United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Conclave serves as a global platform to:

Facilitate dialogue among nations contributing troops and police personnel to UN peacekeeping.
Discuss operational challenges, such as logistics, technology, and safety in mission areas.
Enhance interoperability among multinational contingents.
Promote inclusivity and transparency in UN peace operations’ decision-making processes.

The conclave also provides an opportunity to strengthen coordination between the UN Secretariat and troop-contributing countries, ensuring that field challenges and national perspectives are effectively represented.

India’s Leadership in UN Peacekeeping

Legacy of Service: Since the first UN mission in 1948, India has been one of the largest and most consistent contributors to UN peacekeeping.
Contribution Scale: Over 2,70,000 Indian troops have served in 50 UN missions across continents.
High-Risk Deployments: Indian forces have operated in some of the most volatile conflict zones—Congo, Lebanon, Sudan, and Somalia, among others.
Humanitarian and Gender Leadership:
- India deployed the first all-women peacekeeping contingent to South Sudan in 2023, setting a global example for gender equality in peace operations.
- Indian peacekeepers are widely recognized for their discipline, compassion, and commitment to protecting civilians and supporting local communities.

Significance of Hosting UNTCC 2025

Strategic Diplomacy: Reinforces India’s image as a responsible global stakeholder and a credible voice for the Global South in UN affairs.
Operational Influence: Enables India to shape future UN peacekeeping reforms, including discussions on technology, training, and equitable burden-sharing.
Soft Power Projection: Highlights India’s values of peace, cooperation, and inclusivity, aligning with its commitment to “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future.”

Way Forward

India advocates for:

Greater representation of troop-contributing nations in UN decision-making.
Enhanced safety, technology integration, and gender balance in peacekeeping missions.
Continued focus on capacity-building and training through platforms like the Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK), New Delhi.

DRAVYA Portal: Digitising India’s Ayurvedic Knowledge Base

Context: The Ministry of Ayush, through the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), has launched the DRAVYA Portal — Digitized Retrieval Application for Versatile Yardstick of AYUSH Substances. The portal serves as India’s largest digital repository of Ayurvedic ingredients and products, aimed at modernising and standardising traditional medicinal knowledge.

In its first phase, the DRAVYA Portal will catalogue information on 100 key medicinal substances, integrating both classical Ayurvedic knowledge and modern scientific validation.

About DRAVYA Portal

Full Form: Digitized Retrieval Application for Versatile Yardstick of AYUSH Substances (DRAVYA)
Developed by: Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush.
Objective: To create a comprehensive and dynamic database on Ayurvedic raw materials, formulations, and therapeutic properties.
Coverage: Combines information from classical Ayurvedic texts, scientific literature, and field studies.

Key Features:

AI-Ready Framework: Designed to integrate with the Ayush Grid and upcoming digital health initiatives for evidence-based research.
Comprehensive Search: Users can explore medicinal substances used across Ayurveda and other AYUSH systems.
Multi-Domain Data: Each entry includes details on pharmacotherapeutics, botany, chemistry, pharmacology, and safety.
QR Code Integration: Enables standardised information display in medicinal plant gardens, herbariums, and research repositories.
Dynamic and Open Access: The portal continuously evolves with verified data from modern research and classical sources.

Significance:

Knowledge Preservation: Bridges traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern scientific validation.
Standardisation: Facilitates evidence-based policymaking and quality assurance in herbal drugs.
Research & Innovation: Supports AI-driven drug discovery and formulation development.
Global Collaboration: Positions India as a leader in digital traditional medicine data architecture under the One Health framework.

Way Forward

Integration with Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) for standard drug codification.

Expansion to cover 5000+ medicinal substances over subsequent phases.
Promotion of interdisciplinary research between Ayurveda, biotechnology, and pharmacology sectors.

E-Cigarettes and the Rising Health Risks

Context: According to WHO’s first global estimate of e-cigarette use (2024), teenagers are nine times more likely to vape than adults, raising major public health concerns worldwide.

About E-Cigarettes:

E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid into an inhalable aerosol.
The liquid typically contains nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, flavouring agents, and other chemicals.
Known as vape pens, ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems), or ENNDS (Electronic Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems).
Though they may not contain tobacco, they often deliver addictive nicotine doses similar to conventional cigarettes.

WHO’s Key Findings (2024):

15 million teenagers (13–15 yrs) use e-cigarettes globally.
Youth are 9× more likely to vape than adults.
Total vapers: over 100 million, including 86 million adults (mostly in high-income nations).
Tobacco use declined from 1.38 billion (2000) → 1.2 billion (2024).
Regional trends:
- Southeast Asia: Male tobacco use fell from 70% → 37% (2000–2024).
- Europe: Now the highest tobacco prevalence (24.1%) globally.

Legal Framework in India:

The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019

Complete Ban: Prohibits production, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of e-cigarettes.
Penalties:
- Manufacture/sale/advertisement → Imprisonment up to 1 year or ₹1 lakh fine (first offence); up to 3 years or ₹5 lakh (repeat offence).
- Storage → Up to 6 months jail or ₹50,000 fine.
Exemption: Permitted only for research and testing purposes.

Implementation Challenges in India:

Online Accessibility: Over 60% of e-cigarette products remain available on e-commerce platforms (Voluntary Health Association of India, 2023).
Youth Appeal: Flavoured variants and influencer marketing target adolescents.
Lack of Support Systems: Only 1 in 5 tobacco users has access to quitting support or therapy (GATS 2022).
Product Evasion: New disposable or flavoured devices enter India through unregulated channels.

Way Forward:

Digital Surveillance: Deploy AI-based systems to monitor illegal online sales (like the EU’s Track & Trace model).

Youth Awareness: Launch anti-vaping campaigns under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP)—similar to New Zealand’s Vape-Free Schools.
Quit Support Expansion: Strengthen helplines like mCessation, which has helped over 3 million users attempt quitting.

Inter-Agency Coordination: Form a Nicotine Product Enforcement Task Force involving MoHFW, IT Ministry, and Customs.

Port of Pasni: Pakistan’s New Geostrategic Maritime Gambit

Context: In a significant geopolitical development, Pakistan has proposed allowing the United States to build and operate a commercial deep-water port at Pasni, Balochistan. The move is aimed at exporting critical minerals such as copper and rare earths, marking a strategic shift in Pakistan’s foreign and economic policy posture.

About the Port of Pasni

The Port of Pasni is a small but strategic deep-water harbour located in the Gwadar district of Balochistan. It houses a fish harbour, a cargo jetty, and a Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) base.

Originally designed for fisheries and coastal trade, it has now gained attention as a potential mineral export terminal under Pakistan’s new proposal to the US.

Location and Strategic Setting

Situated on the Arabian Sea, approximately 70 miles east of the China-operated Gwadar Port and 100 miles from the Iran-Pakistan border.
Roughly 300 km from India’s Chabahar Port in Iran, forming part of an emerging maritime triangle:
- Chabahar (India–Iran)
- Gwadar (China–Pakistan)
- Pasni (US–Pakistan)

This triangle could redefine power dynamics in the North Arabian Sea, where regional and global interests intersect.

Aim of the Proposal

Reduce dependence on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by engaging US investment.
Promote commercial cooperation in the extraction and export of critical minerals like copper, antimony, and neodymium, which are essential for green technologies, electronics, and defence applications.
Position Pakistan as a critical-mineral transit hub, diversifying its economic partnerships beyond China and Gulf economies.

Key Features

Estimated investment: $1.2 billion through joint funding by the Pakistani government and US private investors.
Infrastructure plans: Rail and road connectivity to the Reko Diq mineral belt, along with modern cargo-handling terminals and logistics facilities.
Official stance: The project is described as purely commercial and non-military, intended to promote economic growth and regional trade.

Strategic and Economic Implications

For Pakistan: Offers a potential economic boost and strategic balance vis-à-vis China by attracting Western investment.
For the United States: Provides a foothold near China’s Gwadar and Iran’s Chabahar, enhancing its presence in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
For India: Raises strategic and maritime concerns, as Pasni’s proximity to Chabahar could influence surveillance, logistics, and regional trade routes.
For the Region: Adds a new dimension to the Indo-Pacific strategic framework, where economic and security interests overlap.

Significance

If operationalised, the Port of Pasni could transform into a key node in global critical mineral supply chains, while also intensifying great-power competition in South Asia’s maritime sphere.

UAE Introduces Sugar Tax to Promote Public Health

Context: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced that it will implement a sugar tax on sweetened beverages starting January 1, 2026. The move aims to reduce high sugar consumption and associated health risks such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. This initiative aligns with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)’s regional framework for a tiered excise on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs).

About the Sugar Tax

A sugar tax is a fiscal measure that increases the retail price of sugary drinks through taxation to discourage excessive sugar intake and encourage healthier choices among consumers.
Globally, countries like the UK, Mexico, and South Africa have introduced similar taxes with measurable declines in sugary drink consumption.

Objectives:

Reduce sugar-related health issues.
Encourage product reformulation by beverage companies.
Generate revenue for public health and awareness programs.

In the UAE, this step forms part of a broader “Healthier UAE Vision”, which also targets smoking and trans-fat consumption.

India’s Approach

India already imposes one of the world’s highest tax burdens on sugary drinks, including:

28% GST,
40% Sin Tax, and
12% Compensation Cess.

Together, these aim to discourage consumption and offset healthcare costs linked to lifestyle diseases. India’s measures align with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation to use fiscal tools for improving public health outcomes.

About the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

The GCC is a regional political and economic alliance formed in 1981 to strengthen political, financial, and security cooperation among its six members — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Security Arm: Peninsula Shield Force (established 1984).
Regional Policy: Increasingly focused on economic diversification, health, and sustainability.

India–GCC Relations

Trade: Reached $178.56 billion in FY2025, forming 15.4% of India’s global trade.
Energy Security: GCC supplies ~35% of India’s crude oil and ~70% of its imported natural gas.
Diaspora: Over 8.9 million Indians live in GCC nations, contributing 38% of India’s total remittances (FY2024).

Thus, UAE’s fiscal and health policies have indirect implications for India’s trade, employment, and economic engagement in the Gulf.

Significance

The UAE’s sugar tax reflects a growing global shift towards preventive healthcare through economic policy. For India and other developing nations, it underscores the importance of integrating fiscal instruments with public health strategies to curb non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and reduce healthcare costs.

Health Ministry Advisory on Cough Syrups for Children

Context: The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a fresh advisory to all States and Union Territories on the rational use of cough syrups in children. The move comes after reports of child deaths in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, allegedly linked to syrups containing Dextromethorphan.

About Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant used in many over-the-counter syrups.
It acts on the brain’s cough centre to reduce coughing but can cause serious side effects in children — such as drowsiness, breathing difficulty, and accidental overdose.
Long-term effects on the developing brain remain unclear, making it unsafe for paediatric use.

Key Guidelines Issued by DGHS

Avoid Routine Use: Most coughs in children are self-limiting and do not require medication.
Age Restriction: Cough syrups must not be prescribed for children below two years.
Clinical Evaluation: For older children, use only after proper medical evaluation — with accurate dosage and for the shortest possible duration.
Avoid Polypharmacy: Syrups containing multiple drug combinations should be avoided.
Non-Drug Remedies: Encourage hydration, steam inhalation, and rest as safer alternatives.
Pharma Compliance: Manufacturers must strictly follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and use pharmaceutical-grade excipients.

Contamination and Safety Investigations

The Health Ministry clarified that syrups linked to the incidents were free from diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG) — two highly toxic industrial chemicals responsible for several global poisoning incidents.
In Rajasthan, the formulation in question contained Dextromethorphan, which is not recommended for children under national and WHO safety standards.

Chemical Toxicity Explained

Diethylene Glycol (DEG): Used in antifreeze; causes kidney failure, neurological damage, and death.
Ethylene Glycol (EG): Another toxic antifreeze component that leads to acute kidney injury if ingested.

Significance

Reinforces paediatric drug safety and the need for rational prescription practices.
Aims to prevent avoidable child fatalities from inappropriate or contaminated medicines.
Strengthens pharmaceutical quality control and public health accountability.

Conclusion:

The DGHS advisory highlights India’s growing vigilance in paediatric pharmacovigilance. Rational use of medicines, strict enforcement of safety standards, and public awareness are key to protecting children from preventable drug-related tragedies.

150 Years of the National Song - Vande Mataram

Context: The Union Cabinet has announced a year-long celebration marking 150 years of India’s national song, Vande Mataram, to honour its historical and cultural significance in the nation’s freedom struggle.

About Vande Mataram

Composed in Sanskrit by Bankimchandra Chatterji in 1875, Vande Mataram first appeared in his patriotic novel Anand Math (1882). The song became a rallying cry for freedom fighters, symbolizing devotion to the motherland and inspiring countless Indians during the national movement.

On January 24, 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, declared Vande Mataram as the National Song of India, granting it equal status with the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana.

Although the Constitution of India, under Article 51A(a), enjoins citizens to respect the Constitution, its ideals, institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem, it does not specifically mention the National Song.

Nevertheless, Vande Mataram remains deeply revered as a symbol of India’s unity, sacrifice, and spirit of independence.

Significance:

The 150th anniversary celebration aims to rekindle the spirit of patriotism and pay tribute to Vande Mataram—a song that continues to evoke pride and remind citizens of India’s collective struggle for freedom.

UPSC DigiLocker & “My UPSC Interview” Portal

Context: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced that caste, income, and disability certificates of candidates will now be verified through DigiLocker to prevent forged submissions. As part of its centenary celebrations, UPSC has also launched the “My UPSC Interview” anecdote portal for serving and retired officers.

About DigiLocker

What is it?
A flagship initiative under the Digital India Mission offering citizens a secure, cloud-based platform for accessing and sharing authentic digital documents.
Launched by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Aim: Digital empowerment, paperless governance, and faster service delivery through legally valid digital documents.

Key Features

Digital Document Wallet: Stores Aadhaar, PAN, driving license, caste, and educational certificates in digital format.
Legally Recognised: Equivalent to originals under Rule 9A of IT Rules, 2016.
Citizen-Centric: Anytime, anywhere access with user consent for sharing.
Real-Time Verification: Documents are fetched directly from issuing authorities, ensuring authenticity.
Eco-Friendly: Reduces paperwork and administrative burden.

UPSC’s “My UPSC Interview” Portal

What is it? A digital platform launched during UPSC’s centenary year (2026) inviting serving and retired civil servants to share their interview experiences.
Objective:
- Build a repository of real-life anecdotes for aspirants.
- Enhance transparency in recruitment.
- Preserve institutional memory.
Outcome: Selected entries will be compiled and published in 2026 as part of centenary celebrations.

Significance

For Candidates: Ensures authenticity of submitted documents and prevents fraudulent claims.
For UPSC: Improves efficiency, transparency, and trust in the recruitment process.
For Governance: Promotes paperless, sustainable practices in line with Digital India goals.

New Definition of Pandemic Emergency

Context: The amended International Health Regulations (IHR) came into effect in September 2025, introducing a new legal category — Pandemic Emergency. These amendments were adopted by consensus at the 77th World Health Assembly in June 2024 through Resolution WHA77.17.

What is a Pandemic Emergency?

A pandemic emergency is a newly defined sub-category of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). It applies when a communicable disease:

Spreads widely across regions and countries,
Overloads health systems,
Causes significant social and economic disruption, and
Requires rapid, coordinated international action.

Thus, it represents a higher threshold built upon the PHEIC framework.

Key Amendments under IHR (2024):

Decision-making: WHO Director-General can determine if a PHEIC amounts to a pandemic emergency (Article 12).
National IHR Authorities: Every country must designate an authority to coordinate across ministries.
Financial Mechanism: A global financing facility is introduced to support developing countries in pandemic preparedness.
States Parties Committee: A non-punitive oversight body to assist and guide implementation.

Features of Pandemic Emergency:

Tiered Alert System: Pandemic emergency is a higher tier beyond PHEIC.
Broader Triggers: Based on health overload, socioeconomic disruption, and whole-of-society response needs.
Equity & Solidarity: Focus on fair access to vaccines, medicines, and financial support.
Respect for Sovereignty: WHO cannot impose domestic measures such as lockdowns; national governments retain control.
Integration: Enriches the PHEIC mechanism, avoiding duplication of procedures.

Significance:

Legal Certainty: Establishes clear criteria for when a global pandemic can be declared.
Faster Response: Enables quicker mobilization of international resources and expertise.
Equity in Support: Developing nations gain access to dedicated financial and technical assistance.
Global Coordination: Reinforces international cooperation while respecting state sovereignty.

Conclusion

The creation of a pandemic emergency category strengthens global health governance by bridging the gap between national sovereignty and international solidarity. It ensures clarity, faster response, and fairer distribution of resources, making the world better prepared for future health crises.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

Context: India has been re-elected to Part II of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This reaffirms India’s growing role in shaping global civil aviation standards and policies.

About ICAO

Established: 1944 under the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention).
Type: Specialized agency of the United Nations.
Headquarters: Montreal, Canada.
Members: 193 States.
Mandate: To ensure safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable international civil aviation.

Governance of ICAO

Assembly:
- Sovereign body of ICAO.
- Meets once every 3 years.
- Comprises all 193 member states.
Council:
- Governing body, elected by the Assembly.
- 36 member states serve a three-year term.
- India elected under Part II (states making the largest contribution to international civil aviation).

Functions of ICAO

Standard-Setting: Develops global aviation standards for safety, security, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
Policy Platform: Provides a forum for discussion and cooperation among states on civil aviation issues.
Legal Frameworks: Helps establish rules of international aviation law, ensuring peaceful and safe use of airspace.
Economic & Environmental Role: Promotes liberalization of air transport markets and reduction of aviation’s environmental footprint.

Significance for India

Reinforces India’s standing as a key aviation hub and market.
Provides India with greater influence in shaping global aviation policies.
Aligns with India’s domestic aviation growth, projected to become the third-largest aviation market by 2030.