GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

The Government has highlighted the North East as a beacon of peace and progress, with significant strides in connectivity, peace accords, industrial schemes, and social development over the past decade.

Peace and Security: Foundation for Development

• Decline in Insurgency: Sharp reduction in extremist incidents and casualties since 2014.
• Peace Accords: Framework Agreement with NSCN (IM) 2015, Bodo Accord 2020, Karbi-Anglong Accord 2021, Adivasi Assam Accord 2022, ULFA Accord 2023, among others.
• Boundary Resolutions: Assam-Meghalaya (2022), Assam-Arunachal (2023).
• AFSPA Rollback: Gradual reduction of AFSPA coverage, signalling improved law and order.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

• Industrial Promotion: Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI-2024) and PM-DevINE scheme (?6,600 crore, 2022–26).
• Transport:
  • Bogibeel Bridge (Assam, 2018).
  • Rail expansion: first passenger train trial run in Mizoram since independence.
  • 10 new Greenfield airports in the past decade.
  • Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry services on Brahmaputra.
• Hydropower Development: Scheme (?4,136 crore) to support 15,000 MW hydro projects (2024–2032).

Economic Development

• Externally Aided Projects (EAPs): 126 projects worth ?1.35 lakh crore (2017–2023).
• Investments: Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 attracted ?4.3 lakh crore in investment interest.
• Sectoral High-Level Task Forces: On corridors, tourism, agriculture, handicrafts, and sports.
• NEDFi’s Role: Financing industries, infrastructure, and microenterprises.

Agriculture and Rural Economy

• Organic Farming: Sikkim—first 100% organic State; scaling across NER.
• NERAMAC: Strengthening agri-value chains; expanded product basket to 78.
• GI Tagging: 13 Agri-Horti products of NER registered.
• FPOs and SHGs: 434 FPCs and 19,155 SHGs created under schemes like Van Dhan Vikas Yojana.
• Special Products: Bamboo (boosted by National Bamboo Mission), Agarwood (6-fold increase in export quota).

Social Development

• Healthcare: South Asia’s largest cancer care network in Assam (15 hospitals, 8 functional).
• Education: Mizoram declared first fully literate State (2025).
• SDG Index: First district-level SDG index prepared for 103 districts in NER (2021–22).

Culture, Heritage, and Tourism

• World Heritage Recognition: Moidams of Ahom Dynasty inscribed in 2024.
• Commemoration of Heroes: 400th birth anniversary of LachitBorphukan (2022).
• Handlooms & Handicrafts: NEHHDC initiatives like com and Eri Silk Spinning Plant (Assam).
• Tourism Development: One iconic site in each State identified; Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav (2024) showcased textiles, tourism, GI products.

Comprehensive Analysis

• Integration into Mainstream: Northeast is no longer a periphery but a focal point of India’s Act East Policy.
• Peace–Development Nexus: Security reforms and peace accords paved the way for growth.
• Connectivity as Catalyst: Roads, bridges, railways, and airports reduced isolation.
• Economic Diversification: From agriculture and bamboo to hydro and tourism, multiple growth drivers are emerging.
• Soft Power & Culture: Promotion of textiles, crafts, and heritage boosts global visibility.

Challenges

• Ethnic sensitivities and insurgency remnants.
• Infrastructure gaps in remote areas.
• Climate vulnerability (floods, landslides).
• Migration and unemployment among youth.

Way Forward

• Deepen Peace Accords – ensure rehabilitation of ex-insurgents, strengthen local governance.
• Balanced Industrialization – focus on sustainable energy, eco-tourism, agro-processing.
• Skill Development – align youth with new opportunities in IT, green economy, and services.
• Cross-Border Trade – leverage NER’s strategic location for trade with ASEAN under Act East Policy.
• Climate Resilience – integrate flood-control, sustainable forestry, and disaster preparedness.

Several European nations, including Spain, Ireland, and Norway, have formally recognized the state of Palestine, signaling a shift in geopolitical and moral stances.

Drivers, Implications, and Challenges of European Recognition of Palestine

Geopolitical and Humanitarian Drivers

• War in Gaza:
  • The attacks and subsequent Israeli military operations caused widespread destruction and humanitarian crises.
  • The intensity of the response triggered European nations to reconsider the previous diplomatic status quo.
• Rejection of Two-State Solution:
  • Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government has rejected the two-state solution, undermining decades of international diplomacy.
  • Legal actions at the International Court of Justice (e.g., South Africa accusing Israel of Genocide Convention violations) added pressure.
• Consistency in Foreign Policy Post-Ukraine:
  • Russia’s invasion of Ukraine highlighted Europe’s commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • Europe’s inaction on Palestinian territories now represents a “consistency gap,” prompting moral and strategic recalibration.

Domestic Political Pressures

• Public Opinion and Electoral Considerations:
  • European Parliament’s Eurobarometer survey (2023) revealed 72% of Europeans support upholding international law in all conflicts.
  • Mass protests, youth activism, and advocacy by human rights organisations have created pressure for governments to act.
  • Ruling parties, especially centre-left and green parties, perceive recognition as aligning with voter expectations and moral consensus.
• Electoral Imperatives:
  • Governments face rising political costs of perceived inaction or passivity on Palestine, making recognition a tool to maintain domestic legitimacy.

Historical and Political Fault Lines

• Countries Leading Recognition:
  • Spain, Ireland, and Norway have a history of sympathy for Palestinian struggles rooted in social democratic values or national liberation experiences.
  • Norway hosted the 1993 Oslo Accords, giving it historical credibility in Palestinian negotiations.
• Reluctant Nations:
  • Germany and Austria, due to historical responsibility from the Holocaust, maintain a strong commitment to Israel’s security.
  • Eastern European nations like Poland and Hungary, which recognized Palestine under Soviet influence, now align closely with U.S. policies.

European Union (EU) Dynamics

• Institutional Constraints:
  • EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy requires unanimity among 27 member states for a collective stance, which is currently unattainable.
• State-Level Coordination:
  • “Like-minded group” strategy: Spain, Ireland, and Norway coordinate recognition to amplify political impact.
  • While a unified EU position remains distant, these individual actions signal a gradual de facto shift.

Implications of Recognition

• Symbolic and Strategic Shift:
  • Recognition is symbolic but signals Europe’s refusal to remain passive in the erosion of the two-state solution.
  • Encourages diplomatic and moral leadership in the Middle East.

Ten Maoists, including central committee member Manoj, were killed in an anti-Maoist operation in Gariaband, Chhattisgarh, marking a significant blow to the banned CPI (Maoist).

India’s Strategy and Success Against Left Wing Extremism

Background: Left Wing Extremism in India

• Origins and Ideology:
  • Emerged from the Naxalbari Movement (1967, West Bengal).
  • Rooted in socio-economic inequalities and Maoist ideology; targets marginalized tribal and rural populations.
  • Methods: Armed rebellion, extortion, destruction of infrastructure, recruitment of civilians and children.
• Affected Regions – Red Corridor:
  • States: Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana.
  • Historical impact: Hindrance to education, healthcare, banking, postal services, and overall development.

               

Trends in LWE Violence

• Reduction in Affected Districts:
  • From 126 districts in 2018 ? 90 in 2021 ? 38 in 2024.
  • Most affected districts reduced from 12 ? 6 (Chhattisgarh: Bijapur, Kanker, Narayanpur, Sukma; Jharkhand: West Singhbhum; Maharashtra: Gadchiroli).
  • Districts of Concern: Reduced from 9 ? 6.
  • Other affected districts: Reduced from 17 ? 6.
• Decline in Violence:
  • Incidents:1936 in 2010 ? 374 in 2024 (81% reduction).
  • Deaths:1005 in 2010 ? 150 in 2024 (85% reduction).
• State-wise trend (2022–2024):
  • Chhattisgarh: Highest casualties (267 in 2024)
  • Other states: Significant decline, with zero deaths in Kerala and West Bengal in 2024

Government Strategy: National Policy and Action Plan (2015)

Core Principles:

• Zero tolerance for violence: Establish law and order in LWE regions.
• Inclusive development: Rapidly bridge developmental deficits caused by decades of Maoist insurgency.

Multi-pronged Approach:

• Security Measures:
  • Deployment of CAPFs, India Reserve (IR) battalions, Joint Task Forces, CRPF battalions.
  • Construction of 612 Fortified Police Stations (FPS) and 302 new security camps.
  • Helicopters, night landing helipads, modernised intelligence infrastructure.
  • Offensive operations with NIA and Enforcement Directorate to choke finances.
• Development Measures:
  • Road connectivity:17,589 km sanctioned under RRP-I and RCPLWE schemes.
  • Telecom: 7,768 towers commissioned; full mobile connectivity by Dec 2025.
  • Financial inclusion: 1,007 bank branches, 937 ATMs, 5,731 post offices in LWE districts.
  • Skill development & education: 48 ITIs, 61 SDCs, 178 EMRSs.
• Community Engagement:
  • Civic Action Programmes (CAP), media awareness campaigns, tribal youth programs.
  • Emphasis on participatory governance and empowerment of locals.
• Special Financial Assistance:
  • SCA (Special Central Assistance): 30 crore for most affected districts; Rs. 10 crore for districts of concern.
  • SIS (Special Infrastructure Scheme): 1,741 crore sanctioned for intelligence and operational strengthening.
  • SRE Scheme: 3,260 crore released for security-related expenditure.

Success Stories and Achievements

• Operational Success:
  • Neutralisation of key Naxal leaders: 15 top leaders in recent years.
  • 2024–2025 operations: Hundreds of Naxalites killed, arrested, or surrendered (e.g., 50 surrendered in Bijapur, 237 killed in Chhattisgarh since Jan 2024).
  • Substantial reduction in Naxal-affected police stations: 330 ? 104.
  • Reduction in affected areas: 18,000 km² ? 4,200 km².
• Developmental Gains:
  • Effective implementation of welfare schemes reaching marginalized communities.
  • “DhartiAabaJanjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan” launched in 2024: Over 15,000 villages benefiting ~1.5 crore people.
  • Significant increase in budget allocation for LWE-affected areas (300% increase).
• Statistical Highlights:
  • 85% of LWE cadre strength in Chhattisgarh eliminated.
  • Reduction of violent incidents by 53% (2014–2024).
  • Casualties among security forces decreased by 73% (1,851 ? 509).

               

Challenges Remaining:

• Residual insurgent presence in core districts (Bijapur, Sukma, Gadchiroli).
• Sustaining development momentum and infrastructure maintenance.
• Preventing recruitment of new cadres due to socio-economic disparities.

Way Forward:

• Complete saturation of connectivity (road, mobile, financial) by 2026.
• Continued focus on skill development and tribal education for long-term integration.
• Enhanced coordination between central and state security agencies for residual LWE hotspots.
• Monitoring and evaluation of welfare schemes to ensure last-mile delivery.
• Strengthening legal and financial measures to prevent resurgence and financing of Naxalism.

India is operationalisingits Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) and voluntary carbon crediting methodologies under the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022, marking a decisive step towards regulated carbon pricing.

Concept of Carbon Pricing

• A tool to assign a monetary value to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• Encourages industries to internalise environmental costs and shift to cleaner energy.
• Implemented via Carbon Taxes or Emissions Trading Systems (ETS).

India’s Approach – Rate-Based ETS

• Unlike cap-based ETS (e.g., EU, Brazil), India’s ETS is rate-based.
• Focuses on emission intensity benchmarks instead of absolute emission caps.
• Provides flexibility to balance decarbonisation with developmental growth.

Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) – 2024

• Covers 9 energy-intensive industrial sectors
• Credit Certificates awarded for outperforming emission benchmarks.
• Two mechanisms:
  • Compliance ? Obligated entities in energy-intensive sectors.
  • Voluntary ? Renewable energy, green hydrogen, afforestation, etc.

Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM)

• Targeted at non-ETS sectors: agriculture, clean cooking, mangrove afforestation.
• Mobilisesprivate capital for climate-positive projects.
• Supported by 8 approved crediting methodologies (2025), including Green Hydrogen Production and Renewable Energy.

Institutional Architecture

• Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022 ? Legal basis.
• Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) ? Nodal agency for implementation.
• National Steering Committee for Indian Carbon Market (NSCICM) ? Policy oversight, guidelines, and targets.

Supporting Initiatives

• Mission LiFE (2022, COP-27): Lifestyle-based demand-side decarbonisation.
• Green Credit Programme (2023): Incentivises plantation on degraded forest land through tradable green credits.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission: Backed by carbon crediting methodologies.
• Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme: Precursor to CCTS, achieved 15–25% emission intensity reduction.

Comparative Global Context

• China: Rate-based ETS (power, cement, steel).
• Brazil: Cap-based ETS (law passed 2024).
• Indonesia: Rate-based ETS with power sector coverage.
• India: Rate-based ETS in regulatory stage ? regional leadership in carbon markets.

Declining vulture populations in India threaten biodiversity and public health, highlighting the need to integrate vulture conservation with pandemic preparedness.

Role of Vultures in Biodiversity and Public Health

Ecological and Public Health Significance of Vultures

• Efficient Scavengers:
  • Vultures are nature’s most efficient waste managers, consuming carcasses that could otherwise harbor pathogens.
  • Key pathogens prevented from spreading include anthrax, Clostridium botulinum, and rabies.
• Population Decline:
  • India’s vulture population dropped by over 95% since the 1990s, primarily due to diclofenac use in livestock.
  • From 40 million in the 1980s, numbers have sharply declined, creating a slow-burning public health risk linked to potential zoonotic disease spillover.

Central Asian Flyway (CAF) and Regional Importance

• Migratory Corridor:
  • CAF connects breeding grounds in Central Asia to wintering areas across South Asia, spanning over 30 countries.
  • Vultures and other raptors link ecosystems and disease risks across borders, making carcass management a regional health priority.
• Public Health Linkage:
  • Poorly managed carcass dumps or landfills can become spillover hotspots for zoonotic diseases.
  • Conservation aligns with global One Health principles and strengthens pandemic prevention frameworks.

Current Challenges in Vulture Conservation

• Structural and Financial Gaps: Vulture conservation programs remain underfunded and fragmented, limiting integration with national pandemic preparedness strategies.
• Infrastructure Risks: Threats include electrocution from power lines and poisoning from veterinary drugs.
• Community Engagement: Local communities, especially women and youth, remain underutilized in surveillance and conservation efforts.

National Action Plan for Vulture Conservation (2016–25)

• Role in Pandemic Preparedness:
  • Vultures remove carcasses that could fuel zoonotic spillover, acting as frontline ecological surveillance agents.
  • Contribution has not been formalized in public health policy or financial planning.
• Opportunity for Integration Post-2025:
  • Conservation strategies can embed health security dimensions to move from species recovery to systemic resilience.

Proposed Post-2025 National Strategy (Five Pillars)

• Nationwide Satellite Telemetry: Map habitats, carcass dumps, and spillover hotspots.
• Decision Support System (DSS): Integrate wildlife, livestock, and human health data for real-time risk analysis, aligned with International Health Regulations.
• One Health Coordination: Strengthen cross-sector collaboration among environment, veterinary, and public health agencies.
• Transboundary Collaboration: Work through CAF and the Convention on Migratory Species to enhance regional disease preparedness.
• Community Stewardship: Empower local groups, women, and youth in surveillance, awareness, and conservation efforts.

NASA’s Perseverance rover has found strong signs suggesting potential biosignatures on Mars, indicating the possibility of past or present life.

Perseverance Rover and its Mission:

• Launched by NASA in 2020, Perseverance has been exploring the Martian surface since February 2021.
• Its key objective is to search for “potential biosignatures,” which are chemical or structural indicators of past or present life.

Chevrons and Rock Samples:

• Researchers found a rock formation named “Chevra Falls” showing potential microbial signatures.
• These formations may contain structures that were shaped by biological processes, though confirmation requires more study.

Scientific Methodology:

• Observations included examination of chemical composition, structures, and rock layering.
• Techniques involved imaging and analysis of drilled rock cores to detect organic matter.

Findings and Uncertainties:

• While signs suggest past life, scientists emphasize that non-biological processes could produce similar structures.
• Analysis is ongoing to differentiate between biological and non-biological origins of the observed minerals.
• Perseverance collected samples with potential for further study on Earth, aiming to confirm or refute these preliminary findings.

Significance for Space Science:

• Could transform understanding of Mars’ habitability.
• Helps in planning future Mars missions and sample-return initiatives.
• Advances knowledge in astrobiology and exoplanet research.

JNTBGRI researchers have developed an innovative nanomaterial-based wound-healing pad using acteoside extracted from red ivy.

Scientific Innovation & R&D:

• The development combines traditional medicinal knowledge with modern nanotechnology (electrospunnanofibres) to create a multifunctional wound-healing pad.

Phytochemical Significance:

• Acteoside, a bioactive molecule newly linked to red ivy, exhibits high therapeutic efficacy even at low concentrations (0.2%).

Nanotechnology Application:

• Electrospunnano-fibre layers facilitate gas exchange, enhance wound healing, and are biodegradable and non-toxic.

Pharmaceutical Integration:

• The pad incorporates neomycin sulfate with FDA-approved polymers, showing a fusion of plant-based and conventional medicine.

Healthcare Implications:

• Potential for cost-effective, efficient, and eco-friendly wound care solutions, especially in rural and urban healthcare systems.

Raksha Mantri flagged off Samudra Pradakshina, the world’s first tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, from Mumbai on 11 September 2025.

About the Expedition:

• Samudra Pradakshina is the first-ever global circumnavigation by an all-women tri-service crew.
• 10 women officers will sail 26,000 nautical miles on IASV Triveni for nine months, crossing the Equator twice and rounding Capes Leeuwin, Horn, and Good Hope.
• The expedition follows World Sailing Speed Record Council norms, using sail alone without canals or powered transit.

Significance:

• Symbol of Nari Shakti, jointness of the Armed Forces, and Atmanirbhar Bharat with indigenous 50-foot yacht IASV Triveni (built in Puducherry).
• Strengthens India’s maritime diplomacy with port calls at Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa.
• Includes scientific research on microplastics, ocean life, and marine health in collaboration with the National Institute of Oceanography.

Background & Previous Expeditions:

• Builds upon India’s legacy: Capt. DilipDonde (2009–10, first solo circumnavigation), Cmde. Abhilash Tomy (2012–13, first Indian solo non-stop), and Navika Sagar Parikrama (INSV Tarini, 2017–18 and 2024–25).
• Demonstrates India’s growing strength in adventure seamanship, women-led expeditions, and oceanic research.
• Reinforces India’s global maritime vision aligned with SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

Across the world, democracies are witnessing discontent, political stagnation, and declining public faith, raising concerns about the future of democratic governance.

Democratic Malaise

• Declining Trust:Many democracies, from Nepal to France and the US, face a pervasive sense of youth disillusionment, as political systems are unable to meet their expectations.
• Corruption and Governance Crisis:Widespread corruption, economic fragility, and poor governance fuel the perception that democratic institutions serve elites rather than citizens.
• Cyclical Weakness:Democratic systems often follow a pattern of expansion and disillusionment, where initial hope eventually gives way to stagnation and crisis.

Structural Challenges

• Excessive Mobilisation:Populist movements create unrealistic expectations, leading to policy deadlock and further weakening democratic institutions.
• Policy and Consensus Deficit:Democracies struggle to build consensus for reforms, with protests and dissatisfaction reflecting gaps between governance and popular demands.
• Fragile Institutions:Cases like Chile show how fragile democratic approval can be, as public trust in institutional strength weakens under socio-economic stress.

The Way Forward

• Rethinking Participation:Democracy must find ways to include youth aspirations meaningfully, as the current model often alienates younger generations.
• Intellectual Renewal:Revitalising democracy requires addressing intellectual stagnation, moving beyond cynicism, and fostering constructive public discourse.
• Shared Agency:The central challenge lies in recreating a sense of shared democratic purpose, where political participation translates into genuine agency for citizens.

Practice Question:

The global crisis of democracy is increasingly described as one of stagnation, disillusionment, and loss of public trust. Critically analyse the structural and normative challenges facing democracies worldwide, and suggest measures to strengthen democratic resilience in the 21st century.     (250 words)

The Government of India has introduced GST reforms in September 2025 to make healthcare, insurance, medicines, and preventive services more affordable and accessible.

Direct Relief to Households

• Insurance Premium Exemption:GST on individual health and life insurance premiums has been removed, making insurance 18% cheaper and directly reducing financial burden on families.
• Hospital Room Charges:Non-ICU rooms above ?5,000 per day continue to attract 5% GST, while ICU, CCU, ICCU, and NICU services remain fully exempt to ensure critical care is untaxed.
• Core Medical Services:Treatment services by hospitals, doctors, and paramedics remain GST-exempt, ensuring that essential medical care continues to be tax-free.

Business and Medical Infrastructure Impact

• Medicines and Drugs:GST on most medicines is reduced to 5%, while life-saving drugs are placed under zero tax, reducing patient costs and simplifying compliance.
• Medical Devices:Diagnostic equipment like CT scan machines are now taxed at 5% instead of 18%, lowering procurement costs for hospitals and potentially reducing patient charges.
• Laboratory Services:While laboratory services are GST-exempt, their inputs now attract lower GST, enabling cost reductions in common tests such as X-rays, MRIs, and blood tests.

Preventive Health and Public Welfare

• Preventive Services:GST on gyms, fitness centres, yoga studios, salons, and wellness services has been reduced from 18% to 5%, encouraging preventive healthcare practices.
• Sin Goods Taxation:Sugary drinks have been shifted to a new 40% GST slab, while cigarettes remain heavily taxed at 28% GST plus cess, discouraging unhealthy consumption.
• Personal Care Products:GST on daily use items like soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, and shaving products has been cut to 5%, making healthier living more affordable for households.

Practice Question:

The GST reforms of 2025 are being projected as a major step towards universal health coverage in India. Critically evaluate their potential to balance affordability for households, sustainability for healthcare providers, and revenue generation for the government.   (250 words)

The Government of India has approved the multi-phase Great Nicobar Island Project, integrating strategic infrastructure with environmental and tribal safeguards

Strategic and Developmental Importance

• Maritime Connectivity:The project includes an International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT) with a capacity of 14.2 million TEU, positioning India as a key hub in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Aviation Infrastructure:A greenfield international airport is planned, enhancing passenger and cargo connectivity between India and global destinations.
• Energy and Township:A 450 MVA gas and solar-based power plant and a 16,610-hectare township are envisaged to support economic and social development.

Environmental and Tribal Safeguards

• Environmental Compliance:The project received clearance after detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), preparation of Environmental Management Plan (EMP), and prescribed statutory procedures.
• Tribal Protection:The Nicobarese and Shompen tribes will not be displaced, and a monitoring committee has been mandated to oversee their welfare during project implementation.
• Tribal Reserve Management:Of the 84.10 sq. km tribal reserve affected, 73.07 sq. km is being de-notified and compensated by re-notification of 76.98 sq. km, resulting in a net addition of 3.912 sq. km.

Ecological Mitigation and Institutional Oversight

• Forest Diversion and Afforestation:Out of 130.75 sq. km of diverted forest, only 7.11 lakh trees will be felled, while 65.99 sq. km will remain green; compensatory afforestation will be carried out in Haryana.
• Wildlife Corridors:Eight viaduct-based wildlife corridors are planned to ensure safe movement of species, including arboreal animals, snakes, crabs, and crocodiles.
• Scientific Studies:Institutions such as the Zoological Survey of India, Botanical Survey of India, SACON, and WII have conducted detailed ecological studies, ensuring scientific oversight.

Practice Question:

The Great Nicobar Island Project is being described as a model where economy and ecology complement each other. Critically examine this statement in the context of India’s strategic, environmental, and tribal welfare commitments.        (250 words)