Prelims Nuggets

Flesh-eating New World Screwworm

Context: Recently, the US reported its first human case of New World screwworm infestation, a flesh-eating parasite once eradicated in 1966 through the Sterile Insect Technique.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about New World Screwworm.

What is the New World Screwworm?

The New World screwworm is a type of blue-grey blowfly, scientifically called Cochliomyia hominivorax. The parasite’s Latin name (hominivorax) literally means man-eater, reflecting its destructive nature.
It is mainly found in South America and the Caribbean though outbreaks have occurred in other regions.
Female screwworms are attracted to open wounds or natural entry points like the nasal cavity of warm-blooded animals and rarely humans.
A single female can lay up to 300 eggs at once, and nearly 3000 eggs during her lifespan of 10-30 days. These eggs hatch into larvae (maggots) that burrow into living flesh in a screw-like manner, feeding on tissue.
After feeding, the larvae fall to the ground, burrow into the soil, and later emerge as adult flies.

Deadly threat of New World Screwworm Infestations:

New World screwworm infestations can be extremely painful, especially in humans, with a high mortality rate if left untreated.
Once an infestation starts, it often attracts more flies that lay more eggs and depending on where the wound is, the maggots can make their way into vulnerable tissue like the brain, or enlarge the wound to the point of causing severe infection and sepsis.

Symptoms of Infestation include:

Wounds or sores that do not heal
Bleeding from open sores
Feeling larvae movement within a skin wound or sore
A foul-smelling odour from the site of the infestation.

Reasons for the recent spread of New World screwworms:

The US eradicated screwworms in 1966 using the sterile insect technique, where billions of sterile males were released to prevent reproduction.
This method was later used to eliminate screwworms in Mexico (1970s), Central America (early 2000s), and to contain a Florida outbreak in 2017. Despite eradication efforts, new cases have recently been reported in Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras.
Experts suggest movement of infested cattle across borders as possible reasons for the recent spread of New World screwworms.

Income Tax Act 2025

Context: The Income Tax Act 2025 has received the President’s assent. The new law will come into force from 1st of April 2026. The landmark reform replaces the Income Tax Act of 1961 and ushers in a simpler, transparent and compliance-friendly direct tax regime.

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Key Features of Income Tax Act 2025.

Income Tax Act 2025

The Income Tax Act 2025 will replace the Income Tax Act of 1961.
The Act introduces a simpler, transparent and compliance-friendly direct tax regime.
The new law will come into force from the next financial year starting April 1 2026.

Key Features of the Income Tax Act 2025

Simplification of the Law:

The number of sections has been reduced from 819 to 536, chapters from 47 to 23, and the overall word count from 5.12 lakh to 2.6 lakh.
It introduces 39 new tables and 40 formulas, making tax computations easier and more transparent.
Redundant provisions and archaic language have been removed, ensuring that the law is simpler to read, understand, and implement.

Refunds and Return Filing:

Earlier draft had restricted refund claims only to returns filed within the due date. In the new Act, this provision has been removed, and taxpayers can now claim refunds even in the case of belated returns.

TCS on Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS):

The Act clarifies that no Tax Collected at Source (TCS) will be applicable on education-related remittances made under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), if such payments are financed by banks or financial institutions.

Corporate Taxation Provisions:

Drafting errors relating to inter-corporate dividend deductions for companies under concessional tax regimes have been corrected.
The provisions for Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) and Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT) have been clearly separated:
- MAT will continue to apply to companies.
- AMT will apply only to non-corporates who claim tax deductions.
- LLPs earning only capital gains and not availing deductions will not be liable to AMT.
Taxpayers who have no tax liability can now obtain a nil-TDS certificate, reducing procedural hassles.
Ambiguities related to transfer pricing and carry-forward and set-off of losses have been removed for greater clarity.
For house property income, the Act specifies that the 30% standard deduction will be calculated after deducting municipal taxes.

Relief for Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs):

Earlier, exemption was allowed for only 5% of anonymous donations. Under the new law, exemption is allowed for 5% of total donations, providing greater flexibility to NPOs.
The benefit has also been extended to mixed-object registered organisations, broadening the scope of relief for charitable and non-profit bodies.

Retirement and Family Benefits:

The Act provides explicit relief by allowing deductions on commuted pensions and gratuity payments received by family members. This ensures better financial support for dependents in cases of retirement or death of the primary earner.

Introduction of the Tax Year:

The concept of a “Tax Year” has been formally introduced and defined as a 12-month period beginning April 1 each year. This codifies an already existing practice, reducing ambiguity in interpretation.

Digital Searches and Virtual Digital Space:

The Act retains the definition of “Virtual Digital Space”, bringing digital transactions and platforms firmly within the tax net.
Tax authorities are empowered to access information during surveys and searches from : Email servers, Social media accounts, Online banking, trading, and investment platforms, Cloud and remote servers, Other digital applications.
To safeguard taxpayer privacy, the government has announced that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be issued for handling personal digital data during such searches.

Salwa Judum Judgement

Context: Recently, the Union Home Minister of India accused Opposition’s Vice-Presidential candidate Justice B Sudershan Reddy (retd) of aiding Naxalism by delivering the landmark Supreme Court judgment that banned Salwa Judum in 2011.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Salwa Judum; Salwa Judum Judgement.

Mains: Government approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE.

Justice B Sudershan Reddy, a retired judge of the Supreme Court, headed the Bench that in 2011 delivered the landmark ruling in Nandini Sundar v State of Chhattisgarh, which ended Salwa Judum.

What was Salwa Judum in Chhattisgarh?

Salwa Judum was a state-backed vigilante movement launched to counter Maoist insurgency in Chhattisgarh. Tribal youth were recruited as Special Police Officers (SPOs), popularly called Koya Commandos.
Recruitment was voluntary for those 18 and above, with character verification and preferably Class 5 education. Preference was given to victims of Maoist violence who wished to resist them.
Recruitment was done under the Chhattisgarh Police Act, 2007, which gave wide powers to the Superintendent of Police.
Most SPOs were young tribal men from Naxal-affected villages. They were armed for self-defence but also used in counter-insurgency operations with police and paramilitary forces.
Their duties included guiding forces in forests, translating, gathering intelligence, and spotting Maoist movements. Each SPO received about ₹3,000 per month as honorarium.
The government justified Salwa Judum as both a security measure and a livelihood source for local youth.

In 2007, sociologist Nandini Sundar, historian Ramachandra Guha, and former IAS officer EAS Sarma filed a petition before the Supreme Court challenging the practice of Salwa Judum.

Salwa Judum Judgement 2011:

In Nandini Sundar v. State of Chhattisgarh (2011), the Supreme Court held that Salwa Judum violated Articles 14 (equality) and 21 (right to life with dignity), and therefore ordered its disbandment.
The SC found that SPOs were poorly educated and inadequately trained, yet expected to perform duties of regular police, making it discriminatory. Arming such youth exposed them to life-threatening risks, which could not be justified as livelihood.
The SC criticised the state for treating citizens as expendable instruments of counter-insurgency, undermining their dignity. It directed that only trained police and paramilitary forces should conduct such operations.

Gopal ‘Paantha’ Mukherjee and Direct Action Day

Context: As ‘Bengal Files’ Film brings the Great Calcutta Killing back into debate, the figure of Gopal ‘Paantha’ Mukherjee re-enters the spotlight.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: About Gopal ‘Paantha’ Mukherjee and his role in Direct Action Day.

Who Was Gopal ‘Paantha’ Mukherjee?

Born in 1916 in Kolkata’s Bowbazar area, Gopal Mukherjee was part of a middle-class Bengali Hindu family.
His family ran a meat shop on College Street, which earned him the nickname Paantha (goat, in Bangla).
Known for his fearless personality, long hair, and commanding presence, he led a local gang that grew into one of the city’s most formidable street organisations by the mid-1940s.
When Direct Action Day violence broke out, Gopal and his group of over 800 young men mobilised to protect Hindu neighbourhoods from Muslim League mobs. In his own later words, he took up arms “to save the women of his area, to save the people.”
Family members describe him as inspired by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, involved in revolutionary groups like the Atma Unnati Samiti, and determined to resist what he saw as the forced incorporation of Bengal into Pakistan.
However, critics point out that Gopal’s “army” was not a patriotic militia but an extension of Calcutta’s underworld sustained by wrestlers, gamblers, and street enforcers.

In 1947, Mahatma Gandhi visited Calcutta to restore peace and asked people to surrender their arms. Gopal Mukherjee was summoned to meet him. Though he eventually went, he refused to surrender his weapons, telling Gandhi’s aides: “With these arms I saved the women of my area, I saved the people. I will not surrender them.”

Direct Action Day:

On 16 August 1946, the All-India Muslim League called for “direct action” to push their demand for Pakistan, after the British exit from India.
In Bengal, where the League was in power under the Chief Minister H. S. Suhrawardy, the call took a violent turn (the Great Calcutta killings).
What began as a hartal and rally at the Ochterlony Monument (today’s Shahid Minar) spiralled into four days of riots across Calcutta. Between 5,000 and 10,000 people were killed, and thousands more injured.

ISRO holds Air Drop Test for Gaganyaan Mission

Context: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully carried out its first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-1) at Sriharikota, a critical milestone in preparations for Gaganyaan Mission- the country’s maiden human spaceflight programme.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about Gaganyaan Mission.

Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT)

The first Integrated Air Drop Test was conducted for an end-to-end demonstration of the parachute-based deceleration system for the Gaganyaan Mission.
The IADT is a specialised trial to ensure the parachute system designed for the Gaganyaan crew module performs reliably in real-world conditions.
- During the test, a dummy crew capsule weighing around 5 tonnes was lifted up through the air by a Chinook helicopter, and then dropped.
- As it descended through a few kms, its main parachutes had to open in a specific sequence to decelerate the capsule to a safe splashdown speed.
During an actual flight with astronauts, the main parachutes will have to deploy after the capsule has re-entered the atmosphere and has been slowed first by the heat shields and drogue parachutes.

Significance:

The ascent, descent, and post-splashdown phases of the Gaganyaan mission are expected to be the most risky for the astronauts. The successful conduction of the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) is vital to ensure the safety of astronauts in the upcoming Gaganyaan Mission.

Gaganyaan Mission

ISRO’s ambitious human spaceflight mission which will carry 3 astronauts (Vyomanauts) to Low Earth Orbit (400 kilometres) for a 3-days mission, and bring them back safely to Earth by landing in Indian sea-waters.
Expected launch: Crewed launch is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
Launch Vehicle: Human Rated LVM3.
Human Space Flight Centre will coordinate the programme, and will be responsible for the implementation of the project.
Once completed, India will become the world's fourth nation to conduct independent human spaceflight after Russia, United States and China.

Components of Gaganyaan Mission:

Crew Module: A crew module and service module. The crew members have been shortlisted by the IAF and ISRO. The crew will perform micro-gravity and other scientific experiments.
Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE):
- Gaganyaan would return back to Earth. While re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, the spacecraft needs to withstand very high temperatures created due to atmospheric friction.
- A prior critical experiment was carried out in 2014 along with LVM3, when the CARE capsule successfully demonstrated that it could survive atmospheric re-entry.
Crew Escape System- PAT: Crew Escape System is an emergency accident avoidance measure. In 2018, ISRO completed the first successful flight ‘pad abort test’ or Crew Escape System.
Environmental Control & Life Support System ECLSS: ECLSS will:
- Maintain steady cabin pressure and air composition
- Remove carbon dioxide and other harmful gases
- Control temperature and humidity
- Manage parameters like fire detection and suppression
Vyom Mitra: ISRO’s female humanoid robot that will test-flight Gaganyaan.

Preparatory work for Gaganyaan Mission:

The major preparatory work for Gaganyaan had already been completed.

Propulsion systems for the crew module and service module have been developed and tested.
Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) engineering model has been realised.
Crew Escape System (CES): five types of motors developed and static tested.
Infrastructure had been established for the orbital module preparation facility, Gaganyaan Control Centre, Gaganyaan control facility, crew training facility, and second launch pad modifications.
After successful execution of IADT-01, ISRO will conduct two critical trials before the actual Gaganyaan Mission carrying astronauts. It includes-
- Second Test Vehicle Mission (TV-D2): will put to test the crew escape system (CES) under critical conditions.
- Uncrewed Gaganyaan-1 (G1) flight: The unmanned spacecraft will be launched aboard a human-rated LVM3 rocket. The mission will also have on board Vyommitra, the humanoid robot developed by the ISRO.

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) plays major role:

VSSC had a major role in IADT-01, being responsible for 90% of the activities alongside the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) and SDSC-SHAR.

IADT-01 successfully demonstrated the parachute-based crew module deceleration system for Gaganyaan Mission.

Stealth Frigates Udaygiri and Himgiri Commissioned

Context: Indian Navy commissioned two Project 17-A stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, in Visakhapatnam. This marks the Navy's first-ever simultaneous induction of two frontline warships.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Project 17-A; INS Udaygiri; INS Himgiri.

What are Stealth Frigates?

Frigate is a medium-sized warship used by the Navy for escorting larger vessels, patrolling, and combat operations.
Stealth frigate is designed with advanced stealth technology to minimise its radar cross-section and overall visibility to enemy detection systems making it harder to detect by radar, visual, sonar, and infrared methods.

Project 17-A Stealth Frigates:

Project 17-A class (Nilgiri-class frigate) is the successor of the currently-operational Project 17 or the Shivalik-class stealth frigates.
The stealth frigates have advanced weaponry, modern sensor systems designed to execute a full spectrum of maritime operations in blue-water conditions.
The project will have 7 frigates. INS Nilgiri is the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class. Other six ships of this class include- INS Udaygiri, Himgiri, Taragiri, Dunagiri, Vindhyagiriand Mahendragiri.
- INS Udaygiri (second ship of Project 17A) is built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. in Mumbai.
- INS Himgiri is constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.

INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri

Enhanced capability: Both vessels are follow-on variants of the Shivalik-class frigates. They feature enhanced stealth capabilities, advanced weaponry, and modern sensor systems.
Propulsion: Both frigates are powered with combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion using diesel engines and gas turbines that drive controllable-pitch propellers, and are managed through an integrated platform management system.
The frigates are capable of dealing with both conventional and non-conventional threats. The frigates are fitted with:
- Supersonic Surface-to-Surface Missile system
- Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) system
- 76 millimetre (mm) upgraded gun
- Combination of 30 mm and 12.7 mm rapid-fire close-in weapon systems
- Anti-submarine underwater weapon systems.
Sensors suite include MF-STAR AESA radar, BEL’s HUMSA-NG sonar, the Ajanta electronic warfare system and the CMS-17A combat management system.
Protective systems include the Kavach anti-missile decoy and the Maareech torpedo decoy.
Enhanced stealth features: Radar cross-section is reduced through angled surfaces and flush-mounted weapons. Heat emissions are cut using infrared suppression systems. Noise is lowered with improved acoustic dampening. Use of composite materials contributes to making these ships less visible and less audible at sea.
Each ship can support aircraft such as the MH-60 Romeo, ALH Dhruv Mk-III or Sea King.

Significance:

Force-multiplier: With their versatile weapons and capabilities, these ships can play a crucial role in anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare. With their range and helicopter integration, they can patrol waters stretching from the Strait of Malacca to Africa, keeping sea trade routes secure.
Indigenous development: With nearly 75% indigenous content, supported by several MSMEs, the frigates advance the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision in defence manufacturing.
Employment generation: The project reflects the scale of India’s defence industrial ecosystem, involving over 200 MSMEs and generating nearly 14,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The ships will be deployed with the Eastern Fleet, significantly boosting the Navy’s combat readiness and reinforcing India’s ability to protect its strategic and economic interests in the Indian Ocean Region.

No Nod to Riverbed Mining without study on Sand Replenishment: SC

Context: In a major decision to curb environmental damage from sand mining, the Supreme Court ruled that no approval for riverbed mining can be granted without a scientific replenishment study.

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Legal Framework for Sand Mining in India.

Background:

The ruling came in the backdrop of a case concerning sand and gravel extraction from the Shaliganga Nallah in Jammu & Kashmir, where mining was permitted to supply raw material for the construction of a four-lane Srinagar bypass project.
The J&K Expert Appraisal Committee had initially rejected the proposal citing over-exploitation and absence of replenishment data in the District Survey Report (DSR). However, environmental clearance was later granted despite these deficiencies, subject to shallow mining restrictions.
This clearance was challenged before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) by environmental activists who argued that the approval violated the Sustainable Sand Mining Guidelines.
The NGT in 2022 quashed the clearance, holding it to be environmentally unsound and procedurally defective.
The Union Territory of J&K, NHAI, and the private project proponent appealed against this order, but the Supreme Court upheld the NGT’s decision, affirming that replenishment studies are a mandatory requirement for granting mining approvals.

What is Replenishment Study?

A replenishment study is a scientific assessment of the rate at which sand, gravel, and other riverbed materials are naturally replaced in a given stretch of a river or stream.

It determines how much sand is deposited annually by the natural processes of erosion, weathering, sediment transport, and deposition.
It determines the maximum permissible extraction limits so that mining does not exceed natural recovery.

Recent Ruling of Supreme Court:

The Supreme Court has described replenishment study as a mandatory requirement before giving clearance for sand mining.
The court stated- "Just as forest conservation requires assessment of tree growth rate before permitting timber harvesting, a replenishment study enables us to take an informed decision as to whether sand mining can be permitted without degrading the river’s natural balance.”
The absence of replenishment studies makes a District Survey Report (which identifies potential areas for sustainable mining of minor minerals like sand, gravel, and stones ) as fundamentally defective.

Legal Framework for Sand Mining in India

Constitutional Provisions:
- Union List (Seventh Schedule) empowers Parliament to regulate mines and mineral development.
- State List allows states to regulate mines and minerals, subject to Union control.
Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act 1957 (MMDR Act):
- Provides the overarching legislative framework for mineral development in India.
- Section 15 empowers state governments to frame rules for minor minerals, which include sand.
Environment Protection Act 1986 (EPA): Provides the basis for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notifications regulating sand mining activities.
EIA Notification 2006 and Amendments:
- Made prior environmental clearance mandatory for all mining projects.
- The Supreme Court in Deepak Kumar v. State of Haryana (2012) clarified that this requirement applies even to minor minerals irrespective of lease size.
- The 2016 Amendment introduced the concept of District Survey Reports (DSRs) for scientific identification of mining sites, making them mandatory before granting ECs.
Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines 2016:
- Issued under the EPA, these guidelines were the first comprehensive attempt to regulate sand mining sustainably.
- They mandate the calculation of the annual rate of replenishment before any clearance is issued.
- They also recommend restrictions on mining during monsoon season, cluster-based approaches for small leases, and the promotion of alternatives such as manufactured sand (M-sand).
Enforcement and Monitoring Guidelines for Sand Mining, 2020
- These guidelines focus on strengthening compliance and monitoring. They recommend IT-enabled systems such as e-challans, GPS tracking of vehicles, drone surveillance, and satellite monitoring.
- They direct states to constitute dedicated task forces and involve district-level authorities in enforcement.

Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)

Context: DRDO has conducted the maiden flight test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Features of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS).

Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)

IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system comprising:

Indigenous Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM)
Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles
A high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW)

Three components of IADWS

Indigenous Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM):

QRSAM is a short-range Surface to Air Missile (SAM) system. It is primarily designed to provide a protective shield to moving armoured columns of the Army from enemy aerial attacks.
The entire weapon system is configured on highly mobile platforms. It has search and track capability and can fire on short halts. The system has an operation range of 3 to 30 kilometers.
The QRSAM weapon ensemble consists of a fully automated command and control system, two radars (Active Array Battery Surveillance Radar and Active Array Battery Multifunction Radar) and one launcher. Both the radars have a 360-degree coverage with ‘search on move’ and ‘track on move’ capabilities.

Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) Missiles:

VSHORADS is a fourth-generation, technically advanced miniaturised Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD).

The weapon system can neutralise targets between the range of 300 meters and six kilometers, including drones and other classes of aerial threats.
Effective against drones, UAVs, and low-flying aircraft. Designed for all three services: Army, Navy, Air Force.

Directed Energy Weapon (DEW):

High-power laser-based weapon (range < 3 km).
Neutralises UAVs, swarm drones by structural damage & disabling sensors.
Places India in the exclusive group of nations with operational DEWs.

While QRSAM has been designed and developed by the DRDO, VSHORADS and DEW have been developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) respectively, both Hyderabad-based facilities of the DRDO.

Centralised Command and Control Centre:

The integrated operation of all these weapon system components is controlled by a Centralised Command and Control Centre, developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad.

Strategic Significance of IADWS

Enhanced Air Defence: Provides a multi-layered shield against UAVs, drones, and short-range missiles up to 30 km, strengthening national security.
Indigenous Capability: Showcases India’s self-reliance in defence technology, reducing dependence on foreign imports.
Network-Centric Warfare: Will integrate with IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) and Army’s Akashteer, improving jointness and real-time coordination.
Counter to Modern Threats: Combines missiles with Directed Energy Weapons, enabling defence against drone swarms and asymmetric aerial attacks.
Strategic Deterrence: Enhances India’s credibility to deter Pakistan’s drone incursions and China’s UAV warfare capabilities.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra: Marks an important step towards developing a indigenous nationwide security shield from multi-dominary enemy attacks under Mission Sudarshan Chakra by 2035.

Role of Decoys in Contemporary Warfare

Context: In contemporary warfare, as jets, tanks, and warships have become more sophisticated; the methods used to shield them from detection and attack have greatly evolved. Decoys have emerged as vital tools to protect assets through deception.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims & Mains: Decoys - working, applications, examples; Role of Decoys in Contemporary warfare.

What are Decoys ?

A decoy in warfare is a deliberately created false target (physical or electronic) that imitates real military assets with the objective of misleading enemy sensors and weapons, thereby protecting actual platforms, wasting adversary munitions, and buying time for counteraction.

Types of Decoys in Modern Warfare

Airborne Decoys:
- Fibre-Optic Towed Decoys (FOTD): E.g., Rafael’s X-Guard, Raytheon’s AN/ALE-50/55.
- Expendable Active Decoys (EAD): E.g., Leonardo’s BriteCloud, that imitate aircraft signatures.
- Stand-in Decoys: E.g., US MALD series, acting as mini-jammers or fake aircraft.
Land-Based Decoys: Inflatable tanks, artillery, or missile batteries with radar/thermal emissions. E.g., Russia’s Inflatech, Ukraine’s wooden/3D-printed systems, US Army’s fake vehicles.
Naval Decoys: Chaff, acoustic emitters, and self-propelled active decoys. E.g.,
- Nulka (Australia-US), mimicking large vessels to mislead anti-ship missiles.
- India: Kavach (chaff decoy) & Maareech (anti-torpedo system).

India’s Deployment of Decoys

X-Guard Fibre-Optic Towed Decoy (FOTD):
- During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force reportedly deployed the X-Guard Fibre-Optic Towed Decoy (FOTD) on its Rafale jets.
- These decoys are believed to have misled Pakistan’s J-10C fighters and their PL-15E beyond-visual-range missiles, resulting in false kill claims by the adversary.
- Integrated with the SPECTRA Electronic Warfare (EW) suite, the X-Guard provided an additional protective layer, enhancing the survivability of Rafales.
- Following the operation, the Ministry of Defence began fast-tracking the emergency procurement of additional X-Guard units to strengthen the Air Force’s defensive capabilities.
T-90 Tank Decoys: In 2025, the Indian Army issued a Request for Information (RFI) to domestic vendors for the development of T-90 tank decoys. These decoys are required to replicate not only the physical dimensions but also the thermal and acoustic signatures of real tanks.
Kavach Decoy System: Indian Navy has inducted the Kavach decoy system, designed to protect warships by diverting radar-guided anti-ship missiles.
Maareech Advanced Torpedo Defence System (ATDS): Indian Navy has also operationalised the Maareech Advanced Torpedo Defence System (ATDS), jointly developed by DRDO and BEL, which detects incoming torpedoes and deploys decoys to neutralise them effectively.

Role of Decoys in Contemporary Warfare:

Protection of High-Value Assets: Decoys act as the first line of defence for expensive platforms like fighter jets, tanks, and warships. E.g., Indian Air Force reportedly used X-Guard Fibre-Optic Towed Decoys on Rafales during Operation Sindoor to protect jets from Pakistan’s J-10C fighters and PL-15E missiles.
Confusing and Misleading Enemy Sensors: They replicate radar, thermal, and acoustic signatures to misguide surveillance and targeting systems. E.g., X-Guard mimics a Rafale’s radar cross-section and Doppler velocity, making it hard for missiles to distinguish between real and fake targets.
Wastage of Enemy Munitions: By drawing enemy fire onto false targets, decoys force adversaries to expend costly missiles and bombs. E.g., Ukraine has used wooden and 3D-printed decoys of artillery and missile systems to make Russia waste drones and precision strikes.
Buying Time for Counteraction: Decoys delay enemy decision-making and create windows for evasion or retaliation. E.g., In naval warfare, Australia-US Nulka active decoy draws incoming missiles away from warships, giving them time to maneuver or launch countermeasures.
Force Multiplication in Ground Warfare: Ground decoys simulate massed formations, creating the illusion of greater strength. E.g., Russia’s Inflatech decoys can quickly create fake tank or artillery formations; Indian Army in 2025 issued an RFI for T-90 tank decoys with thermal and acoustic signatures to deceive drones.
Multi-Layered Defence Systems: Decoys work in tandem with Electronic Warfare (EW) suites to form a layered shield. E.g.,
- On Rafales, SPECTRA EW suite + X-Guard FOTD together provide both onboard jamming and an external trailing shield.
- Indian Navy’s Kavach chaff system and Maareech ATDS provide similar protection against radar-guided missiles and torpedoes.
Psychological and Strategic Impact: Decoys undermine the enemy’s confidence in their own sensors and kill claims, adding to the fog of war.

Decoys, across air, land, and sea, have become indispensable to modern war fighting. For a relatively low investment, they deliver high-impact protection.

How Haryana’s new ‘dictionary meaning of forest’ will affect the Aravallis?

Context: While following the directive of the Supreme Court to identify forests, the state government of Haryana has notified new definition of forest in the state. However, the environmental activists express concern that the new definition of forest would exclude most of the state’s remaining Aravalli forests from legal protection under the Forest Conservation Act.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Definition of Forest; Forest Conservation Act 1980; T.N. Godavarman judgment.

Mains: Issues in defining forests; challenges in balancing conservation with development.

Supreme Court Directive

The Supreme Court, while hearing challenges to the 2023 amendment to the Forest (Conservation) Act in the Ashok Kumar Sharma vs Union of India case, directed all States and Union Territories to define what constitutes a “forest” and begin surveys to identify such areas.
It mandated the formation of expert committees within one month to map “forest-like areas,” “unclassified forests,” and “community forests,” and required these reports to be submitted to the Centre within six months.

Haryana’s definition of Forests

In a recent notification, Haryana’s Environment, Forest and Wildlife department stated: A patch of land shall be deemed to be ‘forest as per dictionary meaning’, if it fulfils following conditions:
- It has a minimum area of five hectares (if it is in isolation).
- It has a minimum area of two hectares (if it is in contiguity with the government notified forests); and
- It has a canopy density of 0.4 (40%) or more.
All linear/ compact / agro-forestry plantations and orchards situated outside the government notified forests shall not be treated as forests under the above definition.

Criticism of Haryana’s Definition:

High Canopy Density Threshold (40%):
- Environmentalists argue that Haryana’s definition creates an unreasonably high threshold for recognising land as forest.
- The requirement of a minimum canopy density of 40% is seen as problematic because the Aravallis naturally consist of scrub and thorn forests adapted to low rainfall conditions of 300-600 millimetres annually.
- These ecosystems, though ecologically valuable, would fail to meet the high canopy density criterion and thus risk exclusion from legal protection under the FCA.
Large Minimum Area Requirement (2-5 hectares): In a dry state like Haryana, smaller forest patches are ecologically significant. The threshold of 2-5 hectares is unreasonably high and risks ignoring these smaller but vital ecosystems.
Exclusion of Plantations and Orchards: Excluding plantations and orchards from the definition of forests undermines their ecological contributions such as soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and micro-climate regulation.

By setting such restrictive thresholds, Haryana’s definition risks excluding large portions of the Aravallis from legal protection under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA).

Forest Conservation Act 1980:

Enacted in 1980 to check rapid deforestation. Aimed at maintaining ecological balance, preserving biodiversity, and preventing indiscriminate diversion of forests for non-forests produce without the prior approval of the Centre.

Definition of Forest

In 1996, the Supreme Court in T.N. Godavarman v. The Union of India ruled that the word “forest” under the Forest Conservation Act 1980 must be understood in its dictionary meaning, covering all statutorily recognised forests i.e., reserved, protected, or otherwise. This landmark judgment meant that any forested land irrespective of size, ownership, or official status could be deemed a forest, thereby expanding the scope of the FCA.
Criticism: This broad interpretation of forest was later criticised for obstructing even small-scale developmental and public utility projects.
Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023: To address this, the 2023 amendment to the FCA restricted its applicability only to:
- Notified forests, and
- Lands recorded as “forest” in government documents.

The amendment was challenged by retired IFS officers and NGOs like Vanashakti and Goa Foundation, who argued it diluted the Act and weakened protections.

Gender Disparity in Organ Transplants in India

Context: The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) recently issued a direction stating that women patients and relatives of deceased donors will receive priority in organ allocation. This is part of a 10-point advisory aimed at addressing gender disparity in organ transplants and encouraging donations.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: State of Organ Donation in India and world.Mains: Gender Disparity in Organ Transplants in India.

India’s Organ Transplant Paradox

A study in the British Medical Journal titled “India’s organ transplant paradox: women donate the most and receive the least” highlighted striking imbalances:

Between 2019 and 2023, 63.8% of all living organ donors in India were women. In the same period, men accounted for 69.8% of all organ recipients, showing a stark gender gap.
Out of 56,509 living organ donations made in the last five years, 36,038 donations came from women. However, only 17,041 transplants were performed on women, while 39,447 transplants went to men.

This indicates that women form the majority of donors but remain a minority among recipients.

Legal Framework for Organ Donation in India:

The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA) 1994 provides the basic legal framework for organ donation and transplantation in India.
The Act permits organ donation by both living donors and deceased (brain-stem dead) donors, subject to strict medical and ethical conditions.
It prohibits commercial trade in human organs, making buying or selling of organs a punishable offence with stringent financial and judicial penalties.
An amendment in 2011 expanded the scope of the law to include the donation of human tissues.

The Act has established the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) as the apex body to oversee Organ donation. All hospitals engaged in organ retrieval or transplantation be registered and linked with NOTTO.

Status of Organ Donation:

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) around 1,30,000 solid organ transplants are performed worldwide each year, but this meets only about 10% of the global demand.
Countries with streamlined donor systems and higher public awareness, such as Spain and the U.S., have achieved much better organ donation rates.
In India, the demand-supply gap is severe. Every year, nearly 1.8 lakh people develop end-stage kidney disease, but only around 12,000 kidney transplants are performed. Due to this shortage, a large number of patients are forced to remain on dialysis or face premature death.
An organ donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and can help many more through tissue donation such as corneas, skin, and bones.

However, lack of awareness, cultural myths, and hesitation to discuss organ donation within families remain the biggest obstacles in organ donation.

Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025

Context: The President of India has given assent to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The Act encourages e-sports and online social games, while prohibiting harmful online money gaming services, advertisements, and financial transactions related to them.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Online Gaming in India, provisions of Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025.

Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025

The Act imposes a complete ban on online money games which applies to games of chance, games of skill, and those that combine both. Advertising and promotion of such games is strictly prohibited. Financial transactions related to these platforms cannot be processed by banks or payment systems. Authorities will be empowered to block access to unlawful platforms under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Offences and Penalties:
- Offering or facilitating online money games can lead to imprisonment of up to 3 years and a fine of up to 1crore rupees. Financial transactions linked to these games are also punishable with similar penalties.
- Advertising such games can attract a jail term of up to 2 years and a fine of up to 50 lakh rupees.
- Repeat offenders face harsher punishments, including imprisonment of up to 5 years and fines of up to 2 crore rupees.
- Offences under key provisions will be cognisable and non-bailable (police can arrest without a warrant and bail is not a right). Central Government may authorise officers to investigate, search and seize both digital and physical property linked to offences.
- Corporate and Institutional Liability: Companies and their officers will be held accountable for offences.
Promotion and Recognition of E-Sports:
- E-sports have been recognised as a legitimate competitive sport in India. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will prepare guidelines and standards for tournaments.
- Training academies, research centres and technology platforms will be set up to advance the sector, along with providing incentive.
Establishment of Online Gaming Authority: A national-level regulatory authority will be established, or an existing one may be designated for oversight. Its functions will include categorising and registering online games, deciding whether a game qualifies as a money game, and addressing public grievances. The Authority will issue guidelines, codes of practice and directions to ensure compliance.

Online Gaming Sector in India

Online gaming has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of India’s digital economy, driven by cheap data, smartphone penetration, and a young demographic.
India is among the largest online gaming markets by users, though the industry remains dominated by Real Money Gaming (RMG) platforms.

Market Size & Growth:

India had over 500 million gamers in 2023 expected to cross 650 million by 2025.
Online gaming revenue stood at around ₹16,000 crore in 2023, projected to grow rapidly.
Composition: RMG constitutes nearly 80-86% of gaming revenues (fantasy sports, rummy, poker, etc.). Non-monetary games (casual, educational, e-sports) form a smaller share but growing base.
The RMG sector currently contributes ₹20,000 crore in annual GST, alongside ₹25,000 crore in investments, 2 lakh jobs, and 400 companies are at stake.

Why is the Ban Imposed?

Addiction and Massive Financial Loss: Online money games encourage compulsive playing. It is estimated that roughly 45 crore Indians collectively lose about ₹20,000 crore each year on real-money gaming platforms.
Mental Health and Suicide: Rising Suicide cases linked to gambling debts. E.g., Karnataka police records attribute 32 suicides in just 31 months to online gambling debt spirals.
Distorted Industry Structure: In 2024, 86% of online gaming revenues came from Real Money Gaming (RMG) platforms, overshadowing creative and educational games.
Regulatory challenges: The “skill vs chance” legal loophole allowed quasi-gambling to flourish unchecked.
Fragile growth model: The 28% GST imposition in 2023 caused huge losses, layoffs, and investor exits. The business model relied on tax loopholes and user losses, not on real innovation.
Threat to National Security: Investigations have shown that some gaming platforms were being used for terror financing and illegal messaging, which compromise the country’s security.
Closing Legal Loopholes: Gambling and betting are already restricted under Indian laws such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and by various state legislations. But the online domain remained largely unregulated. The Bill ensures that the same standards apply in both physical and digital spaces.

Significance of the Ban:

Protects Vulnerable Populations: Prevents gambling addiction, debt spirals, and suicides linked to persistent small-value losses.
Correct Market Distortion: Shifts India’s gaming sector away from Real Money Gaming (86% revenues) towards building creative, export-oriented games instead of quasi-gambling apps.
Regulatory Clarity: A blanket ban ends the legal ambiguity of “skill vs chance” and simplifies enforcement.

Consumer Welfare and Social Stability: Safeguards household savings, reduces predatory advertising, and curbs associated crimes.
Encouraging Healthy Alternatives: E-sports will be promoted as a legitimate sport, while social and educational games that build skills and cultural values will receive government support.

Regulations for Online Gaming Sector in India

1. Information Technology Act, 2000 and Related Rules:

The IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 laid down norms for online gaming platforms.

Online gaming intermediaries must ensure unlawful or illegal content is not shared on their networks.
Intermediaries offering money games are required to register with self-regulatory bodies (SRBs) which verify whether a game is permissible.
Section 69A of the IT Act empowers the Government to block access to illegal websites or links. E.g., Over 1500 betting and gambling websites and mobile apps have been blocked between 2022 and 2025 (till date).

2. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023:

Section 111 penalises unlawful economic activities and cybercrimes.
Section 112 prescribes punishment for unauthorised betting and gambling. Offenders face a minimum of one year imprisonment, extendable up to seven years and fine.

3. Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act 2017:

Illegal and offshore gaming platforms are regulated under the IGST Act.
Online money gaming suppliers must register under the Simplified Registration Scheme.
Directorate General of GST Intelligence is authorised to direct intermediaries to block access to unregistered or non-compliant gaming platforms. This ensures digital entities follow the same taxation rules as physical businesses.

4. Consumer Protection Act 2019:

Prohibits misleading and surrogate advertisements.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has powers to investigate, penalise and take criminal action against offenders. CCPA has issued advisories to prevent celebrities and influencers from endorsing betting platforms.

Global Lessons

Finland, despite its small population, has built a globally competitive gaming ecosystem. It hosts over 250 gaming studios, generates more than €3 billion in turnover, and has produced multiple global hits through companies like Supercell and Rovio.
Its ecosystem is export-led, talent-dense, resilient, and achieved entirely without money-based apps.

India should take inspiration from Finland’s experience. Rather than letting its industry be dominated by real-money apps that erode savings, it must shift towards a creative, export-oriented ecosystem that nurtures world-class intellectual property.