INDIA’S RISE IN GLOBAL UNIVERSITY RANKINGS & ROLE OF NEP 2020
TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU
India has witnessed a significant rise in the QS World University Rankings 2026, up from 11 in 2014. This achievement is credited to the transformative reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aimed at revitalizing the Indian education system.
Features of NEP 2020:
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Encourages diverse and broad-based education across sciences, arts, and vocational skills.
- Skill-Based and Employment-Oriented: Emphasis on preparing students for the job market.
- Research and Innovation Focus: Boosts academic research culture in institutions.
- Integration of Traditional Knowledge: Indian heritage and indigenous knowledge are included in mainstream education.
- Holistic Development: Promotes values, character-building, and rootedness in Indian culture.
Vision for the Future – Viksit Bharat by 2047:
- Emphasis on utilizing the youth’s innovation, skills, and leadership to achieve the goal of a developed India by 2047.
- Education is seen as the foundation for India’s growth as the world’s fourth-largest economy.
- Rajasthan was praised as a symbol of India’s heritage and historical resistance in the Rajputana region.
Conclusion:
The NEP 2020 has become a catalyst for reshaping India’s higher education, aligning it with global standards. This academic transformation is key to realizing the vision of a self-reliant and developed India by 2047.
INDIA’S FDI TRENDS
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in its World Investment Report 2025, has raised concerns over the declining trend of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India. This drop, both in volume and as a share of capital formation, may weaken India’s long-term economic goals.
Observations from the Report
- FDI inflows into India in 2024 stood at $27.6 billion, showing a 1.8% drop from the previous year.
- This amount is less than 50% of the FDI received in 2020, signaling a significant contraction.
- The FDI contribution to gross capital formation decreased to 2.3% in 2024, from 8.8% in 2020.
- The FDI stock as a percentage of GDP also fell from 17.9% in 2020 to 14% in 2024.
Major Reasons Behind the Decline
- Global economic slowdown, post-pandemic uncertainty, and inflationary trends.
- Rising geopolitical tensions, especially in West Asia and Eastern Europe.
- The “China + 1” strategy, leading companies to diversify but not always choosing India.
- Domestic challenges such as policy instability, frequent regulatory changes, and complex compliance norms.
Consequences for India
- A shrinking FDI base may slow private sector investment, limiting employment generation and innovation.
- It could hinder infrastructure development, especially in sectors like energy, logistics, and urban mobility.
- Programmes like Make in India, Digital India, and the Startup ecosystem may face funding constraints and tech delays.
- India’s global competitiveness and investor confidence may suffer in the long run.
Policy Recommendations
- Ensure policy stability and transparency to build investor trust.
- Strengthen ease of doing business through faster clearances and less red tape.
- Push for comprehensive investment treaties with key economies.
- Promote sector-specific incentives in areas like semiconductors, green energy, and AI.
- Enhance coordination between Centre and States on investment facilitation.
Conclusion
FDI plays a vital role in boosting capital formation, employment, and innovation. India must address both global and domestic factors affecting investor sentiment. By adopting a balanced and targeted approach, India can regain its appeal as a preferred FDI destination.
REPATRIATION AND DIGNITY OF SRI LANKAN REFUGEES IN INDIA
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: INDIAN EXPRESS
The issue of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in India, especially in Tamil Nadu, has resurfaced due to recent legal and political developments in India and Sri Lanka. It highlights the urgent need for a humane, consistent, and rights-based refugee policy.
Sri Lankan Refugees in India:
- Nearly 90,000 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees have lived in Tamil Nadu for decades, mainly since the civil war in Sri Lanka (1983–2009).
- Many arrived between July 1983 and June 2012, and organized repatriation took place until March 1995.
- Unlike Tibetan refugees, Sri Lankan refugees have mostly been confined to Tamil Nadu and have had limited integration.
Recent Developments:
- The Supreme Court of India recently refused to interfere with a High Court judgment involving a Sri Lankan refugee convicted under the UAPA Act.
- The Court remarked that “India is not a dharamshala,” signaling a shift from India’s traditionally sympathetic approach.
- In another case, a 70-year-old refugee returning to Sri Lanka was detained despite UNHCR involvement, raising concerns over policy inconsistencies.
Policy Contrast: Sri Lankan vs. Tibetan Refugees
- Tibetan refugees are spread across various Indian states and enjoy more welfare and integration support.
- Sri Lankan refugees, however, are viewed mainly through a repatriation lens, with the Ministry of Home Affairs focusing on their return rather than integration.
- Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy (2014) ensures benefits and documents for Tibetans, while no similar framework exists for Sri Lankan Tamils.
Integration Challenges:
- Among nearly 500 youth with engineering degrees in Tamil Nadu, only 5% have found jobs.
- Private companies, especially in IT, are reluctant to hire them due to their refugee status and lack of legal clarity.
- Government schemes like MGNREGA or private-sector employment are not easily accessible for them.
Way Forward:
- A dignified solution requires combining repatriation with local integration, involving both Indian and Sri Lankan stakeholders.
- A welfare-oriented refugee policy could provide education, employment, and identity rights, ensuring basic dignity.
Conclusion:
Refugee identity should not deny individuals their right to live with honour. As the world observes World Refugee Day (June 20), India must focus on creating humane and inclusive refugee policies rooted in compassion and dignity.
RISING ISRAEL–IRAN TENSIONS
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: HINDUSTHAN TIMES
Tensions between Israel and Iran have surged following mutual military attacks. The conflict has taken a dangerous turn with Israel directly accusing Iran’s Supreme Leader of orchestrating missile strikes.
Background of the Conflict
- On June 13, 2025, Israel launched strikes targeting Iran’s suspected nuclear facilities.
- In retaliation, Iran fired ballistic missiles, one of which struck Soroka Hospital in Israel.
- Israel’s Defence Minister blamed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, for the attack, raising rhetoric to unprecedented levels.
- There are growing signs of potential U.S. military involvement in support of Israel.
Geopolitical and Regional Risks
- Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint through which 20% of global oil passes, is under threat if Iran retaliates further.
- The crisis could involve U.S. bases, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and spark a broader West Asia conflict.
- Risk of escalation includes attacks on oil tankers, cyber warfare, and disruption of regional trade routes.
Implications for India
- Energy concerns: Oil prices may rise significantly, straining India’s import bill and fiscal deficit.
- Indian diaspora: Over 8 million Indians live in the Gulf; their safety and evacuation readiness are crucial.
- A test for India’s strategic autonomy: maintaining balanced ties with both Iran and Israel, who are key to energy, defence, and regional diplomacy.
India’s Response and the Way Forward
- India has urged both nations to show restraint and return to dialogue.
- Should promote peaceful resolution through UN platforms and non-alignment forums like NAM.
- Must ensure energy diversification and strengthen strategic oil reserves to withstand global price shocks.
- Scale-up evacuation preparedness, as demonstrated in Operation Sindhu for Indian nationals in Iran.
Conclusion
India’s neutral and pragmatic approach will be tested in this crisis. With deep stakes in West Asian stability, India’s response must balance diplomacy, humanitarian concern, and national interest.
REMISSION IN BILKIS BANO CASE
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS
The Supreme Court of India, in a landmark judgment, overturned its previous directive that allowed the State of Gujarat to consider remission for 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case, terming the earlier decision as “bad in law.”
Case Background
- Bilkis Bano, a pregnant woman, was gangraped during the 2002 Gujarat riots, and several of her family members were murdered.
- The 11 convicts were sentenced to life imprisonment but were prematurely released in 2022, based on a Supreme Court direction to Gujarat to consider their remission request.
- The recent SC judgment ruled that Gujarat had no jurisdiction, as the trial took place in Maharashtra, making the earlier order legally incorrect.
Legal and Ethical Issues Raised
Legal Dimensions
- Jurisdictional Misuse: The Supreme Court clarified that only Maharashtra had the authority to decide on remission, not Gujarat.
- Constitutional Limits: Article 72 and 161 give powers of remission, but these powers must align with fairness, non-arbitrariness, and justice.
- Judicial Accountability: The Court acknowledged its own error, reinforcing the principle of judicial review and correction.
Ethical and Governance Concerns
- Victim Rights Ignored: The victim’s consent or views were not considered before granting release.
- Public Morality: The decision to release convicts in a case of mass violence and rape undermines social trust and justice.
- Rule of Law: Remission must not override the seriousness of heinous crimes.
Implications and Way Forward
- Unified Remission Policy: There is a need to standardize remission norms across states to avoid misuse.
- Victim-Centric Approach: In sensitive cases, victims should have a say in decisions regarding remission.
- Stronger Judicial Oversight: Courts must actively scrutinize executive decisions to ensure justice is not compromised.
- Public Confidence: Transparent and fair use of remission strengthens faith in the justice system.
Conclusion
The Bilkis Bano case is not just about legal procedures—it raises fundamental questions on justice, dignity, and ethics. The Supreme Court’s decision to rectify its own ruling is a powerful example of institutional self-correction and sends a strong message that rule of law must prevail over political convenience.
SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY (SMA)
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
A newborn in Kerala has become the first in India to receive pre-symptomatic treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) following prenatal genetic screening. This step could transform the future of rare disease management and genetic healthcare in India.
What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)?
- SMA is a rare genetic disorder affecting motor neurons that control muscle movement.
- It is caused by mutations in the SMN1 gene, leading to progressive muscle weakness and neuron damage.
- The disease is incurable, but early intervention with drugs like Risdiplam can delay progression and preserve motor function.
Kerala’s Initiative:
- The baby was diagnosed with SMA through prenatal testing, as the mother is an SMA patient.
- Treatment was started at SAT Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, using Risdiplam even before symptoms began.
- This early treatment reduces the risk of permanent motor neuron damage and improves future mobility.
Conclusion:
Kerala’s proactive step in early SMA treatment highlights the importance of preventive genetics and public health support in managing rare diseases. It sets a model for the rest of the country in inclusive, futuristic healthcare.
COOK ISLANDS AND THEIR GEOSTRATEGIC IMPORTANCE
TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: THE HINDU
TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: THE HINDU
The Cook Islands, a small yet strategically located group of islands in the South Pacific, have recently gained attention due to New Zealand’s suspension of financial aid over concerns about the Islands’ growing ties with China. This development holds broader implications for Indo-Pacific geopolitics, small island diplomacy, and China’s expanding footprint in Oceania.
Geography and Location
- The Cook Islands comprise 15 islands spread over a vast 2 million sq. km of ocean territory in the South Pacific.
- Located within the Polynesian Triangle, they lie midway between Hawaii and New Zealand.
- They are geographically placed east of Niue, Tonga, and Samoa, south of Kiribati, and west of French Polynesia.
- The islands are divided into:
- Northern Group: Coral atolls, flat and sparsely populated (e.g., Penrhyn, Manihiki).
- Southern Group: Volcanic, larger, more populated (e.g., Rarotonga, Aitutaki).
- Rarotonga Island is the most populous and houses the capital Avarua.
- The highest peak is Te Manga (652 m) on Rarotonga.
Political and Constitutional Setup
- The Cook Islands are a self-governing country in free association with New Zealand since 1965.
- Under this arrangement:
- Residents are New Zealand citizens.
- They enjoy free movement to New Zealand and Australia.
- The country follows a parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy.
- Currency used: New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
Current Affairs: Shift Towards China
- In June 2025, New Zealand suspended budgetary funding, expressing concerns over the Cook Islands’ increasing engagement with China, particularly in infrastructure and financial cooperation.
- This marks a strain in what was historically a close constitutional and diplomatic relationship.
- The Cook Islands has recently signed cooperation deals with China under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
- China’s aid and investment in the Pacific Islands is seen by many as a way to counter Western influence in the region.
Significance for India and the Region
- India, as part of its Act East and Indo-Pacific strategy, has begun to engage Pacific Island nations through the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).
- The shift in alliances of microstates like the Cook Islands could influence maritime security, climate finance negotiations, and regional multilateral groupings.
- The current developments highlight the strategic competition in Oceania among global powers, including China, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S..
Conclusion
Though small in size, the Cook Islands carry outsized strategic weight in the geopolitics of the Pacific. The China factor has complicated traditional ties and raised questions about sovereignty, aid dependence, and regional power balance. For UPSC aspirants, this is a classic example of geopolitical competition intersecting with microstate diplomacy.
OPERATION SINDHU
TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS
As tensions rise in West Asia due to the Israel-Iran conflict, India launched Operation Sindhu to ensure the safe evacuation of Indian citizens from Iran. This marks another instance of India’s proactive diplomatic and humanitarian response in global crises.
What is Operation Sindhu?
- Operation Sindhu is a government-led evacuation mission launched in June 2025.
- It was initiated to rescue Indian nationals stranded in Iran, fearing the outbreak of a larger military conflict involving Israel, Iran, and the United States.
- The operation reflects India’s growing crisis response capacity and commitment to protect its citizens abroad.
Features of the Operation
- Over 10,000 Indian nationals are currently in Iran, including around 6,000 students.
- In the first phase, 110 Indian students from northern Iran were moved safely by road to Yerevan, Armenia.
- The Indian embassies in Tehran and Yerevan are coordinating the evacuation, identifying high-risk areas, and shifting people to safer zones.
- A 24×7 Control Room has been set up in New Delhi to monitor developments and provide real-time support.
- The Indian Embassy in Tehran has also created a dedicated emergency helpline for citizens.
Current Relevance and Significance
- Highlights India’s diplomatic preparedness and global humanitarian engagement.
- Builds on India’s legacy of evacuation missions like Operation Ganga (Ukraine), Vande Bharat (COVID), and Operation Kaveri (Sudan).
- Demonstrates India’s strong consular network and the capability of quickly responding to geopolitical crises.
Conclusion
Operation Sindhu is a reflection of India’s responsibility towards its diaspora. In the evolving security scenario in West Asia, such missions reinforce India’s global image as a responsive and humane power that safeguards its people, regardless of the region or risk involved.