RAMPANT DEVELOPMENT IN HIMALAYAS AND RISING DISASTER RISKS
TOPIC: (GS3) DISASTER MANAGEMENT: THE HINDU
Recent floods in Punjab, landslides in Uttarakhand, and destruction in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in August–September 2025 have highlighted the dangers of unregulated construction and deforestation in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Fragile Nature of the Himalayas
- The Himalayas are the world’s youngest mountain range, prone to instability, landslides, and erosion.
- Frequent hazards include cloudbursts, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), floods, and earthquakes.
- Increasing temperatures are causing faster glacier melt and snow reduction, creating more glacial lakes and flood risks.
Human-Induced Pressures
- Deforestation: Large-scale tree cutting for roads, hotels, and hydropower projects weakens soil stability, making slopes more vulnerable.
- Infrastructure Boom: Himachal Pradesh has over 1,100 hydropower projects, with hundreds still under construction.
- Uttarakhand operates 40 hydroelectric plants, with nearly 87 more planned. Road widening, tunnels, and highways built with heavy machinery destabilize mountains.
- Tourism Growth: Expanding hotels, homestays, and resorts increase land use change and forest loss.
Judicial Concerns
- The Supreme Court (July 2025) warned that Himachal Pradesh could face irreversible ecological collapse if current trends continue.
- Justice B.R. Gavai flagged the alarming sight of logs floating in floodwaters, showing unchecked deforestation.
- The Court has also questioned the National Highways Authority of India over tunnels turning into “death traps” during rains.
Key Issues Identified by Experts
- Development models copied from plains/cities (like Delhi or Mumbai) are unsuited for mountain ecosystems.
- Absence of proper environmental and disaster impact assessments before projects.
- Ignoring the carrying capacity of fragile Himalayan towns and valleys.
- Locating critical structures (schools, hospitals) on unsafe land increases disaster risks.
Way Forward
- Adopt nature-based solutions such as slope stabilization through native tree cover (like deodar).
- Ensure independent environmental and disaster impact studies before approving projects.
- Strengthen local governance and climate literacy among communities.
- Promote sustainable tourism without large-scale deforestation.
- Balance development with ecology through low-impact infrastructure and community participation.
GEOLOGY OF THE HIMALAYAS & THEIR FRAGILITY
Himalayas were formed about 50 million years ago when the Indian Plate collided with the Eurasian Plate.
- This ongoing tectonic collision continues to push the Himalayas upward, making them geologically young mountains.
Geological Features
- Young Fold Mountains: Rocks are not fully settled, making them unstable.
- Sedimentary Rocks: Mostly made of loose sediments, not hard rocks → easily eroded.
- High Relief & Steep Slopes: Slopes are sharp, causing frequent landslides and soil erosion.
- Seismic Zone: Located in a highly active earthquake belt due to plate movement.
Conclusion
The recent Himalayan disasters are not just natural events but the result of reckless human activity. Urgent corrective measures are required to ensure development does not endanger lives, ecology, and the long-term sustainability of the fragile Himalayan region.
A JOINT AND NEW JOURNEY ALONG THE SCO PATHWAY
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, where India and China discussed strengthening cooperation.
Significance of the SCO Tianjin Summit
- The largest SCO summit so far, attended by leaders/representatives from 23 countries and 10 global organisations.
- Adopted the SCO Development Strategy (next decade) to promote regional cooperation and sustainable growth.
Key Outcomes of the Summit
- Adoption of the Tianjin Declaration.
- Establishment of four new security centres, including: SCO Universal Centre for Countering Security Challenges. SCO Anti-Drug Centre.
- Decision to create the SCO Development Bank.
- Member-states supported multilateral trading systems and reaffirmed respect for post-World War II order.
- China announced cooperation platforms in: Energy. Green industry. Digital economy.
- Centres for scientific innovation, higher education, and vocational training to enhance capacity-building.
China-India Bilateral Engagement
- 2025 marks the 75th year of diplomatic relations.
- Leaders emphasised that India and China are partners, not rivals.
- Both sides agreed to work toward long-term stability and development of ties.
Roadmap for Better Relations
- Building Strategic Trust: Learn from past 75 years and adopt mutual respect. Resume dialogue mechanisms between governments. Prioritise peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.
- Expanding Cooperation: Focus on trade, investment, and development as common ground. Enhance ties in technology, education, culture, tourism, and poverty reduction.
- Enhancing Good-Neighbourliness: Uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Respect each other’s core interests and concerns. Manage border issues without letting them dominate overall relations.
Global Role of India and China
- As major developing nations and part of the Global South, both share responsibility in: Promoting world peace and stability. Reforming and improving global governance.
- With successive BRICS presidencies (2025–26), India and China aim to: Support each other’s leadership. Strengthen BRICS cooperation.
Conclusion
The SCO Summit highlighted both multilateral cooperation and the potential for stronger India-China relations. By focusing on trust, development partnerships, and responsible global leadership, the two neighbours can turn challenges into opportunities and jointly shape a stable, multipolar world order.
KATCHATHEEVU AND PALK STRAIT DISPUTES
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Colombo in April 2025, India and Sri Lanka revisited the long-pending issues of the Katchatheevu island and the Palk Strait fisheries dispute.
Background
- India has promoted peace in South Asia through Panchsheel, NAM, SAARC, and Neighbourhood First Policy.
- However, disputes with Sri Lanka — especially fisheries conflict and Katchatheevu sovereignty — remain unresolved.
Fisheries Dispute in the Palk Strait
- Fishing communities of Tamil Nadu and Northern Sri Lanka have shared waters for centuries.
- Tensions arose due to Indian mechanised bottom trawlers crossing into Sri Lankan waters.
- UNCLOS and the FAO Code of Conduct (1995) prohibit destructive methods like bottom trawling.
- Sri Lanka banned bottom trawling in 2017, but Indian trawlers continue, harming coral reefs, shrimp habitats, and fish stocks.
- Conflict also exists within Tamil communities: Trawler owners focus on profits. Small artisanal fishers face depleted resources and loss of livelihood.
Way Forward on Fisheries
- Distinguish between artisanal fishers (subsistence) and trawler operators (commercial).
- Allow regulated access/quotas for small fishers with Sri Lankan consent until Indian waters recover.
- Encourage community-level talks between fisher groups of both nations.
- Raise awareness about hardships of Sri Lankan Northern fishers during the civil war to build goodwill.
- Promote deep-sea fishing in India’s EEZ to reduce dependence on contested shallow waters.
GEOLOGY OF THE HIMALAYAS & THEIR FRAGILITY
Himalayas were formed about 50 million years ago when the Indian Plate collided with the Eurasian Plate.
- This ongoing tectonic collision continues to push the Himalayas upward, making them geologically young mountains.
Geological Features
- Young Fold Mountains: Rocks are not fully settled, making them unstable.
- Sedimentary Rocks: Mostly made of loose sediments, not hard rocks → easily eroded.
- High Relief & Steep Slopes: Slopes are sharp, causing frequent landslides and soil erosion.
- Seismic Zone: Located in a highly active earthquake belt due to plate movement.
Legal and Cooperative Framework
- Both countries recognise the Palk Bay as historic waters with stronger rights than normal seas.
- UNCLOS (Article 123) encourages cooperation in semi-enclosed seas.
- Examples: Baltic Sea Fisheries Convention (shared quotas).
- Possible steps: Shared quotas and fishing days. Joint marine research station on Katchatheevu. Sustainable fishing practices.
Conclusion
The Katchatheevu issue is legally settled, while the real challenge is fisheries management. A cooperative regime focusing on artisanal livelihoods and ecology can transform disputes into opportunities.
INDIA PROJECTS FIVE-FOLD GROWTH IN SPACE ECONOMY
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
India has projected that its space economy will expand from USD 8.4 billion in 2022 to USD 44 billion by 2033, with the aim of capturing 8% of the global space market.
India’s Position in the Global Space Sector
- At present, India contributes only 2–3% of the global space economy.
- This share is targeted to reach 8% by 2030 and 15% by 2047.
- India is home to over 400 space companies, ranking 5th globally in terms of number of space firms.
Rise of Private Players
- The number of Indian space start-ups grew from just 1 in 2022 to nearly 200 by 2024.
- Funding for start-ups increased from USD 67.2 million (2021) to USD 124.7 million (2023).
- Skyroot Aerospace made history by launching India’s first private rocket, Vikram-S, signalling private sector leadership in satellite launch services.
INSTITUTIONAL ROLES UNDER INDIAN SPACE POLICY 2023
IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre):
- Single-window body for approving government and private space activities.
- Promotes industry clusters, start-up incubators, and accelerators.
- Authorises technology transfer and manages launch approvals.
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation):
- Focuses on research in advanced technologies, human spaceflight, and planetary missions.
- Shifts operational tasks to industry players.
- Provides open access to remote sensing data and encourages academia–industry partnerships.
NSIL (NewSpace India Limited):
- Commercial branch of the Department of Space.
- Manufactures and procures satellites and launch systems.
- Offers space services to government and private clients.
Department of Space (DoS):
- Coordinates overall policy.
- Ensures clarity of roles among stakeholders.
- Handles international collaborations and ensures global compliance.
Key Government Initiatives
- Space Sector Reforms (2020): Opened the sector for private participation.
- ₹1,000 crore VC Fund: Approved to support start-ups and private ventures in space technology.
- ISRO’s track record: Cost-effective missions like Chandrayaan-3 and the Mars Orbiter Mission boosted India’s global credibility.
- Space Vision 2047:
- Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035.
- Human landing on Moon by 2040.
- Chandrayaan-4 (sample return) by 2027.
- Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) by 2028.
- Next-Gen Launch Vehicle by 2032.
FDI Policy in Space Sector
- 100% FDI allowed in manufacturing of components and ground systems.
- Up to 74% (automatic route) for satellite activities; beyond that, government approval needed.
- Up to 49% (automatic route) for launch vehicles and spaceports; beyond that, government route.
Challenges
- High entry costs for start-ups and dependence on imported components.
- Need for faster approvals and regulatory clarity.
- Global competition from advanced space nations.
Way Forward
- Encourage ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ through local manufacturing hubs.
- Foster integration of Indian firms into global supply chains.
- Strengthen public-private collaboration through initiatives like SpIN (SpaceTech Innovation Network).
Conclusion:
With proactive reforms, private participation, and ambitious missions, India’s space sector is set to become a global growth hub, positioning itself as a leader in affordable and innovative space solutions.
NATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT & INDEX ON WOMEN’S SAFETY (NARI) 2025
TOPIC: (GS1) SOCIAL ISSUES: THE HINDU
The National Commission for Women (NCW) released the NARI 2025 report, presenting a city-wise safety ranking for women across India. It highlights gaps in governance, social norms, and enforcement that continue to affect women’s safety.
Key Findings of NARI 2025
- Safest Cities: Kohima, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Aizawl, Gangtok, Itanagar, and Mumbai.
- Least Safe Cities: Patna, Jaipur, Faridabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Srinagar, and Ranchi.
- National Safety Score: 65% – set as the benchmark to evaluate cities.
- Harassment Trends: 7% of women reported harassment in 2024. Among women below 24 years, the figure doubled to 14%, showing young women are more vulnerable.
- Hotspots of Harassment: Neighbourhoods (38%). Public transport (29%).
- Trust Deficit: Only 25% of women believed authorities would take effective action on complaints.
Barriers to Women’s Safety
- Weak Governance: Multiple agencies work in silos → poor enforcement of safety rules.
- Judicial Delays: Slow trials and weak investigation reduce deterrence, encouraging repeat offenders.
- Transport Risks: Crowded buses, unsafe last-mile connectivity, and limited women staff in transport services.
- Under-reporting: Only 1 in 3 women report harassment due to stigma and lack of trust.
- Patriarchal Attitudes: Society often trivialises harassment or blames women instead of offenders.
Government Measures
- Nirbhaya Fund: For financing women’s safety-related projects.
- SHe-Box Portal: Online platform to report workplace sexual harassment.
- POSH Act, 2013: Mandatory Internal Committees at workplaces with 10+ employees; Local Committees for smaller setups or complaints against employers.
Way Forward
- Short-term: Integrate 24×7 women helplines with police, health, and municipal services. Conduct compliance audits of POSH guidelines and publish results.
- Medium-term: Mandate gender audits in all urban schemes, linking funding to safety performance. Modernise public transport with CCTV, grievance timelines, and operator accountability.
- Long-term: Launch continuous gender-sensitisation drives in schools, colleges, and workplaces. Train police with gender-sensitive approaches; involve men in challenging patriarchal norms.
Conclusion:
NARI 2025 underlines that ensuring women’s safety needs more than laws—it requires stronger governance, cultural change, and active community participation.
GRAND ETHIOPIAN RENAISSANCE DAM (GERD)
TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: THE HINDU
Ethiopia has officially inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s biggest hydroelectric project. While Ethiopia hailed it as a symbol of national pride, Egypt raised concerns at the UN, calling it a grave risk to its water security.
About GERD
- Type: Mega hydroelectric dam project.
- Purpose: To generate electricity for Ethiopia and promote regional energy trade.
- Location: Built on the Blue Nile River, around 30 km from Sudan’s border, in Guba, Ethiopia.
- National Importance: Considered a unifying project for Ethiopia, symbolising development and self-reliance.
Key Features of the Dam
- Height: Around 170 metres.
- Length: Nearly 2 kilometres.
- Reservoir capacity: 74 billion cubic metres, covering about 1,874 km².
- Power capacity: 5,150–6,450 MW, making it the largest hydro project in Africa.
- Sediment control: Designed to capture around a century’s worth of sediment inflow.
ABOUT THE BLUE NILE RIVER
- Importance: Provides ~70–85% of the Nile’s waters, making it geopolitically sensitive.
- Local Name: Known as the Abay River in Ethiopia.
- Length: Around 1,460 km (907 miles).
- Origin: Springs near Lake Tana in Ethiopia, at ~1,800 metres above sea level.
- Flow Path: Passes through Ethiopian highlands and deep gorges. Enters Sudan and joins the White Nile at Khartoum, forming the main Nile.
- Major Tributaries: Dinder River and Rahad River, both from Ethiopian highlands.
Significance and Disputes
- For Ethiopia: Boosts power generation, economic growth, and energy exports.
- For Egypt and Sudan: Seen as a threat to water availability, with Egypt calling it an “existential issue.”
- Geopolitical Tensions: The project highlights disputes over transboundary rivers and water-sharing rights.
Conclusion:
The GERD stands as a landmark infrastructure project for Ethiopia but remains a flashpoint in Nile Basin geopolitics, balancing national aspirations with regional water security concerns.
ENTEROMIX – MRNA CANCER VACCINE
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS
Russia has announced the launch of EnteroMix, an mRNA-based cancer vaccine, which showed 100% success in initial clinical trials. The vaccine is expected to transform cancer treatment by offering a safe and personalised therapy.
About EnteroMix
- Developed by Russia’s Federal Medical and Biological Agency (FMBA).
- Created jointly by the National Medical Research Radiology Centre (NMRRC) and the Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology under the Russian Academy of Sciences.
- Passed pre-clinical testing with positive results on both safety and efficacy.
- Designed to shrink aggressive tumours, reduce their spread, and avoid the severe side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
- It is personalised—tailored to each patient’s RNA profile.
How It Works
- Uses four harmless viruses to directly attack and kill cancer cells.
- At the same time, it stimulates the immune system to fight the tumour.
- Unlike conventional therapy, it combines precision targeting with immune protection.
VACCINES
- Vaccination: Trains the body’s immune system to recognise and fight a disease-causing agent.
- Traditional vaccines used weakened or inactivated viruses (e.g., polio, measles, yellow fever).
- With scientific advances, vaccines started using parts of viral genetic code instead of whole viruses.
- Nobel Prize (1951): Awarded to Max Theiler for developing the yellow fever vaccine.
What are mRNA Vaccines?
- The concept has existed since the 1980s, but large-scale application became viable only recently.
- Instead of using a virus, mRNA vaccines deliver genetic instructions that tell cells to make proteins which trigger immunity.
- Played a key role during COVID-19, helping create vaccines in record time.
- Safe: mRNA does not alter human DNA, stays outside the nucleus, and naturally breaks down within days.
- Now being applied to flu, cancer, and other personalised treatments.
Significance of EnteroMix
- Personalised Medicine: Each dose is customised to the patient’s tumour genetics, improving effectiveness.
- Scalable Technology: mRNA platform enables faster adaptation for multiple types of cancers.
- Global Impact: Could reduce dependency on harsh treatments, improving survival and recovery.
- For India: With rising cases of colorectal and cervical cancers, such vaccines could greatly improve healthcare—if challenges like cost, infrastructure, and regulation are addressed.
Conclusion:
EnteroMix marks a breakthrough in cancer research, combining personalised medicine and modern vaccine technology, with potential to reshape global cancer care.
EXERCISE ZAPAD 2025
TOPIC: (GS3) SEQURITY: PIB
An Indian Armed Forces team has left for Russia to take part in the multinational military exercise Zapad 2025 at the Mulino Training Ground, Nizhniy. The drill focuses on high-intensity warfare and counter-terrorism cooperation.
About the Exercise
- Meaning of Zapad: The term Zapad means West in Russian.
- Background: The exercise has Soviet-era origins; the modern format has been conducted by Russia every four years since 2009.
- Indian Participation: India had earlier joined the 2021 edition and is again part of the 2025 drills.
Objectives
- Build defence cooperation and strengthen military-to-military trust.
- Improve coordination through joint tactical manoeuvres.
- Prepare forces for both large-scale wars and counter-terrorism operations.
- Share knowledge on modern warfare and emerging defence technologies.
Key Features
- Venue: Held at Mulino Training Ground in Nizhniy, Russia.
- Forces Involved: Participation by the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy alongside Russian and partner nations.
- Nature of Training: Includes company-level operations on open terrain, tactical drills, arms handling, and specialised operations.
- Multinational Aspect: Encourages collaboration and mutual understanding in multinational combat scenarios.
Significance for India
- Enhances operational readiness in joint missions.
- Boosts interoperability with Russian forces and other countries.
- Reinforces strategic defence ties between India and Russia.
- Provides exposure to diverse combat environments and practices.
Conclusion:
Exercise Zapad 2025 is not just a military drill but also a platform for India to enhance global defence partnerships and gain experience in multinational operational settings.