MANGROVES A GLOBAL PRIORITY
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
On World Mangrove Day (July 26), the legacy of M.S. Swaminathan in making mangroves central to climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and ecological conservation is being highlighted. His efforts helped change global attitudes towards mangroves from neglected lands to vital ecosystems.
M.S. Swaminathan’s Role in Mangrove Conservation
- M.S. Swaminathan, a pioneer in agricultural and environmental science, pushed for integrating mangroves into climate change and coastal protection policies as early as 1989.
- He suggested using mangrove genes to develop salt-tolerant crop varieties, enhancing both food security and climate resilience.
Global Advocacy and Institution Building
- He played a key role in the establishment of the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME) in Japan in 1990 and served as its first president.
- Contributed to drafting the Mangrove Charter, which became part of the UN’s World Charter for Nature (1992), guiding international conservation efforts.
- ISME initiatives included: Economic valuation of mangrove ecosystems. Global workshops and training. Publishing the World Mangrove Atlas and manuals for mangrove restoration.
Contributions to Mangrove Policy in India
- India historically cleared mangrove forests, particularly in the Sundarbans, for agriculture and settlements.
- Swaminathan’s team showed that the major cause of mangrove degradation was poor forest management practices like clear-felling — not local communities.
Scientific Solutions and Community Participation
- The Fishbone Canal Method was developed to restore natural water flow and revive degraded mangrove ecosystems.
- This method was successfully tested in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal.
- Evolved into the Joint Mangrove Management Programme, supported and promoted by India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests from 2000 onward.
Role in Disaster Mitigation
- Research after the 1999 Odisha cyclone and 2004 tsunami proved mangroves reduce destruction from natural disasters.
- This led to increased national and international investments in mangrove restoration.
Benefits of mangrove
- Increase in Mangrove Cover: As per the India State of Forest Report 2023, India now has 4,991.68 sq. km of mangrove cover.
- Coastal Protection and Disaster Mitigation: Mangroves act as natural barriers against cyclones, storm surges, and coastal erosion.
- High Biodiversity Zones: Mangrove ecosystems are rich in biodiversity, serving as nurseries for fish, crustaceans, and migratory birds.
- Carbon Sequestration and Climate Regulation: Mangroves are highly effective carbon sinks, storing 3–5 times more carbon per hectare than terrestrial forests.
- Water Filtration and Soil Stabilization: They filter pollutants, trap sediments, and prevent coastal salinization of soil and groundwater.
WHAT ARE MANGROVES?
Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in the intertidal zones (where land meets sea) of tropical and subtropical coastal regions.
Key Characteristics:
- Halophytes: They can survive in salty and brackish water.
- Unique root systems: Such as stilt roots, pneumatophores (breathing roots) help them grow in waterlogged and oxygen-poor soils.
- Live in harsh conditions: Adapted to high salinity, strong tidal waves, and low oxygen levels.
Conclusion:
Thanks to M.S. Swaminathan’s vision and scientific leadership, mangroves have transformed from ignored swamps into global assets for climate, biodiversity, and livelihoods. His legacy continues to shape mangrove conservation in India and worldwide.
SUPREME COURT ON DELIMITATION
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Supreme Court ruled that States like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana cannot demand delimitation before the post-2026 Census by citing the example of Jammu & Kashmir, as the Constitution imposes a specific restriction on such exercises for States.
About the issue:
- A petition sought delimitation of Assembly constituencies in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, claiming discrimination since J&K underwent delimitation in 2022.
- The Supreme Court clarified the legal and constitutional differences between States and Union Territories regarding this issue.
Supreme Court’s Key Observations
- The SC Bench of Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh dismissed the plea, clarifying that States and Union Territories operate under different constitutional rules for delimitation.
- The Court explained that the delimitation in J&K was done under specific provisions and cannot be used as a reference for States.
Constitutional Embargo under Article 170
- According to Article 170(3) of the Constitution: Delimitation of State Assemblies is frozen until after the first Census conducted post-2026.
- Therefore, no delimitation for States is allowed before the post-2026 Census.
- The freeze aims to ensure uniformity across all States and avoid political imbalance. Equal representation for equal no of people
J&K’s Special Case
- Jammu & Kashmir, being a Union Territory, is not bound by Article 170(3).
- The delimitation in J&K was conducted using the 2011 Census, under the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019.
- The Court emphasized that Union Territories follow different constitutional procedures, so comparisons with States are invalid.
Risks of Allowing Delimitation for Select States
- Allowing delimitation for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana now would:
- Violate constitutional rules.
- Encourage similar demands from other States, particularly the Northeast States (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland), which were excluded from delimitation under a 2021 notification.
- Disturb the uniform electoral system and lead to inequality.
WHAT IS DELIMITATION?
Delimitation is the act of redrawing the boundaries of electoral constituencies (both parliamentary and assembly) based on population data — to ensure equal representation.
It ensures that each constituency has roughly equal population, which is key to fair elections in a representative democracy like India.
What is a Delimitation Commission?
The Delimitation Commission is a high-powered, independent body set up by the Government of India under the Delimitation Act.
Key Features:
- It is a statutory body.
- Its decisions have the force of law and cannot be challenged in court.
- The orders of the Commission come into effect immediately once the President of India notifies them.
Composition of the Delimitation Commission:
- Retired Supreme Court Judge – Chairperson
- Chief Election Commissioner of India – Ex-officio Member
- Respective State Election Commissioners – Ex-officio Members (for the states concerned)
Objectives of Delimitation:
- Provide equal representation to equal segments of the population.
- Ensure fairness in the value of each vote.
- Reflect changes in population (as per the latest Census).
- Maintain the integrity of administrative units.
Conclusion:
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional restriction on delimitation for States, clarifying that Union Territories like J&K cannot be used as a basis for such demands. Any premature exercise would violate the legal framework and disrupt electoral fairness across India.
SC ON POCSO ACT
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
Senior advocate Indira Jaising, appointed as amicus curiae by the Supreme Court, has argued that consensual sexual relations between adolescents aged 16 to 18 should not be treated as sexual abuse under the POCSO Act.
Key Arguments by Amicus Curiae
- Indira Jaising, appointed by the SC, argued that consensual sex between teens aged 16–18 should not be seen as abuse or a criminal act.
- The current law treats even mutual relationships between teenagers as criminal, which may not align with the intent of child protection laws.
Suggested Legal Interpretation
- The term ‘child’ in POCSO should be interpreted to exclude 16–18-year-olds in consensual situations.
- A “close-in-age” exemption should be added to protect consensual relationships between adolescents.
- This interpretation could be applied to:
- POCSO Act provisions,
- IPC Section 375 (rape), and
- Section 63 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Challenge to the Age of Consent Hike
- The age of consent was 16 years for eight decades, and was increased to 18 in 2013.
- Jaising argued that no evidence or social data supported the change, and the BNS retained the same age threshold without reevaluation.
POCSO ACT (PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL OFFENCES ACT), 2012
- The Act safeguards children (boys and girls) below 18 years from sexual abuse, harassment, and exploitation.
- Defines a Range of Offences: It clearly defines offences like sexual assault, harassment, and pornography involving minors.
- Child-Friendly Process: Special procedures are followed during investigation and trial to reduce trauma for child victims (e.g., no face-to-face with the accused, female officers, speedy trials).
- Strict Punishments: The law provides for strong punishment, including life imprisonment or even death for aggravated sexual assault.
Conclusion:
The case raises important questions about how laws should treat consensual adolescent relationships, balancing protection from abuse with respect for teenage autonomy. A legal exception may be key to avoiding misuse of protective laws like POCSO.
FRANCE TO RECOGNISE PALESTINE AS A STATE
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September 2025, drawing global attention and mixed reactions from various countries.
France’s Position and Macron’s Statement
- France’s decision comes amid growing global support for Palestinian statehood, especially after the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
- Over 140 countries have already recognised Palestine, but this move by France marks a significant shift due to its global influence and permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
- French President Emmanuel Macron stated that recognising Palestine is essential to end the Gaza conflict and protect civilians.
- He added that the future Palestinian state should be demilitarised, viable, and support peaceful coexistence with Israel.
- Macron aims to make the formal declaration at the UN General Assembly in September 2025.
Global Response
- Palestinian Authority welcomed the announcement, calling it a step in support of international law and Palestinian self-determination.
- Israel strongly opposed the move. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed it would reward terrorism and pose a threat to Israeli security.
- The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticised the decision, calling it reckless and favouring Hamas narratives.
Other Countries Supporting Palestine
- Several countries, including Norway, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia, recently recognised Palestine after the Gaza war.
- Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez backed France’s step, stating the two-state solution is the only path to peace in the region.
PALESTINE’S NATIONALITY ISSUE (WITH CONFLICT CONTEXT):
- Loss of Territory and Sovereignty Over Time
In 1947, the UN proposed a two-state solution (separate Jewish and Arab states), but after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, Israel was formed, and Palestinians lost large parts of their land.
Today, Palestine has no control over its borders, airspace, or even many of its cities, especially in the West Bank and Gaza. - Israeli Settlements Undermine Palestinian Claims
Israel has built settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem — land claimed by Palestinians for their future state.
These settlements are considered illegal under international law, but they continue to expand, weakening the territorial integrity of a future Palestine. - Lack of a Unified Palestinian Government
Palestine has two major factions: Fatah (controls the West Bank) and Hamas (controls Gaza).
Their rivalry and lack of coordination have weakened the Palestinian political position, making it harder to negotiate statehood or gain full global recognition.
Conclusion:
France’s recognition of Palestine marks a major shift in Europe’s diplomatic stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, with growing calls for a two-state solution as a long-term resolution.
INDIA’S CHANGING SECURITY STRATEGY
TOPIC: (GS3) SECURITY: THE HINDU
On the 26th anniversary of the Kargil War, India’s strong military response to the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack has highlighted how the country’s security strategy has evolved significantly since 1999.
Lessons from Kargil War
- Kargil War (May–July 1999) was India’s first conflict under nuclear shadow, following nuclear tests by both India and Pakistan in 1998.
- Exposed key gaps in intelligence gathering, logistics, and high-altitude warfare preparedness.
- Led to creation of institutions like:
- Defence Intelligence Agency (2002)
- National Technical Research Organisation (2004)
- Emphasised the need for jointness among armed forces, resulting in:
- Permanent National Security Adviser (NSA) role
- Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) appointment in 2019
- Progress toward integrated theatre commands
Military Reforms and Modernisation
- Triggered the development of the Cold Start Doctrine—for swift, limited responses below the nuclear threshold.
- Boosted mountain warfare capacity, including formation of a Mountain Strike Corps.
- Shift towards self-reliance in defence production:
- Induction of Rafale, Apache, Chinook, S-400 systems
- Indigenous platforms like BrahMos, artillery, and drones
Shift in Counter-Terrorism Strategy
- For years, India showed restraint after major terror attacks (IC-814 hijack, Parliament attack, 26/11).
- Change came post-Uri attack (2016) with surgical strikes and Balakot airstrikes (2019) after Pulwama.
- Pahalgam attack (April 2025) marked a bold shift—India hit terror camps and military bases deep inside Pakistan within 96 hours.
Conclusion:
India’s response to terror has moved from passive diplomacy to proactive military action. From the challenges of Kargil to the assertive retaliation post-Pahalgam, India has redefined its defence posture with better coordination, modern technology, and a no-tolerance approach to cross-border terror.
INDIA-UK COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC TRADE AGREEMENT (CETA), 2025
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: INDIAN EXPRESS
India and the United Kingdom signed the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) during PM Modi’s visit to the UK, marking a major milestone in bilateral trade ties after years of negotiations.
Background of this agreement:
- The CETA is India’s first major Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in over a decade and the UK’s fourth FTA since Brexit.
- With bilateral trade already at $56 billion, both nations aim to double this figure by 2030. The deal will become effective once ratified by both parliaments.
Benefits for India:
- Duty-free access to UK market for 99% of Indian goods – a big win for: Textiles, Footwear, Gems and jewellery, Engineering products
- Ease for Indian professionals like: IT specialists, chefs, yoga instructors to work temporarily in the UK.
- Social security exemption: Indian workers in the UK for up to 3 years won’t pay social security, saving costs for both employees and companies.
- Boost to manufacturing sectors such as: Pharmaceuticals, electronics, plastics, food processing.
- Agriculture and fisheries gain better market access in the UK with zero tariffs on many products.
Key Gains for the UK:
- Reduced tariffs on 90% of UK goods entering India, making them cheaper for Indian buyers.
- Alcohol duty cuts: Tariffs on British whisky and gin to drop from 150% to 75%, and gradually to 40% in 10 years.
- Lower import duties on British cars, benefiting UK auto manufacturers.
- UK firms can now bid for large Indian government tenders.
- More opportunities in services like: Finance, consulting, IT, and engineering.
Vision 2035 Roadmap
- The India–UK Vision 2035 builds on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- Sets long-term goals in trade, innovation, security, education, and sustainability.
Free Trade Agreement (FTA)?
- A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a pact between two or more countries to reduce or eliminate tariffs (import duties), quotas, and trade barriers to make trade easier and faster.
- It encourages the flow of goods, services, investment, and sometimes people between countries.
Benefits of an FTA
- Cheaper Products for Consumers: Imported goods become cheaper due to low or zero taxes.
- Boost to Exports and Economy: Indian products get easier access to foreign markets, increasing exports and generating jobs.
- Foreign Investment Growth: Foreign companies find it easier to invest in India due to stable trade rules.
- Improved Bilateral Relations: Strengthens political and economic ties between the countries involved.
- Technology and Skill Sharin: FTAs often promote technology transfer, joint ventures, and better services trade like IT, health, etc.
Different Layers/Types of FTAs (with Examples):
Type Full Form Scope Example
PTA Preferential Trade Agreement Limited tariff cuts on select items India–Afghanistan PTA
FTA Free Trade Agreement Removes tariffs on most goods & services India–ASEAN FTA
CECA Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement Broader: includes trade, investment, and services India–Singapore CECA
CEPA Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Even deeper: adds dispute resolution, movement of professionals India–UAE CEPA
CETA Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement Full-scale agreement covering trade, investment, services, public procurement, etc. India–UK CETA (2025)*
Conclusion:
CETA reflects a modern, balanced FTA that benefits both India and the UK. It will boost trade, ease mobility, and strengthen strategic cooperation—making it a key driver for the India-UK Vision 2035 and the journey toward a more self-reliant India.
DECLINE IN CORAL COVER IN LAKSHADWEEP
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: PIB
A new study has revealed that coral reef cover in Lakshadweep has declined by nearly 50% over the last 24 years, falling from 37.24% in 1998 to just 19.6% in 2022.
Context in Brief:
- This major decline highlights the vulnerability of coral ecosystems to climate change, pollution, and human activities.
- The findings stress the urgent need to protect coral reefs, which are crucial for biodiversity and livelihoods in coastal areas.
What are Corals?
- Corals are marine invertebrates from the Cnidaria group.
- They live in colonies of tiny organisms called polyps, which secrete calcium carbonate to form hard skeletons.
- Together, these polyps create coral reefs, large limestone structures under the sea.
Types & Locations:
- Types of Coral Reefs:
- Fringing reefs – close to the shore
- Barrier reefs – located farther offshore
- Atolls – ring-shaped reefs around sunken volcanic islands
- India’s Coral Reefs: Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands, Malvan (Maharashtra)
Why Are Coral Reefs Important?
- Support 25% of marine species – act as nurseries and habitats.
- Offer livelihood, food, and protection to coastal communities.
- Act as natural barriers against storms and coastal erosion.
- Promote marine tourism and biodiversity.
Reasons for Coral Bleaching and Decline:
- Rising Sea Temperatures: Heatwaves and global warming cause bleaching, where corals lose algae (zooxanthellae) and their color.
- Ocean Acidification: More CO₂ in oceans lowers pH, making it hard for corals to build skeletons.
- Water Pollution: Runoff from farms and cities carries chemicals and heavy metals that damage corals.
- Physical Damage: Activities like construction, fishing, and mining harm reefs.
- Overfishing: Reduces helpful species that control algae overgrowth, affecting coral health.
Can Corals Recover?
- Yes, but conditionally – corals can bounce back if temperatures normalize and human pressures reduce.
- Restoration efforts can help but long-term resilience depends on climate action and conservation.
Conclusion:
The rapid decline of coral reefs in Lakshadweep is alarming, showing the impact of climate and human stress. Urgent conservation and climate mitigation measures are essential to preserve these vital ecosystems.
NATIONAL COOPERATIVE POLICY, 2025 – A PUSH FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: PIB
The Ministry of Cooperation recently launched the National Cooperative Policy, 2025, with a focus on making cooperatives more efficient, inclusive, and future-ready to boost their role in India’s economy.
This is India’s second national cooperative policy after 2002. The new policy aims to triple the cooperative sector’s share in GDP by 2034 and promote cooperatives as key drivers of rural development, self-reliance, and inclusive growth.
Key Goals of the 2025 Policy
- Increase the number of cooperative societies by 30%, from the current 8.3 lakh.
- Bring 50 crore people (including inactive members) into active participation.
- Triple the sector’s contribution to GDP by the year 2034.
- Establish one cooperative society in every village and five model cooperative villages in every tehsil.
- Expand Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to every panchayat.
Six Main Pillars of the Policy
- Strengthening the base of existing cooperatives.
- Infusing dynamism through better operations and management.
- Future-proofing cooperatives with technology and innovation.
- Widening participation, especially among youth and women.
- Expanding into new sectors beyond agriculture and dairy.
- Engaging the next generation with education and training.
What Are Cooperatives?
- A cooperative is a member-owned organisation where profits and decisions are shared equally.
- They aim to serve the economic and social needs of members, not just profit-making.
- Examples: Amul (dairy), PACS (credit), fishing, artisans, and self-help groups.
Reforms & Government Initiatives
- 97th Constitutional Amendment (2011) gave the right to form cooperatives and added Part IX-B for cooperative governance.
- Launched ‘Tribhuvan Sahkari University’ in Gujarat – India’s first national-level cooperative university.
- Rolled out Model Cooperative Village Programme through NABARD.
- Empowered Scheduled Cooperative Banks, treated at par with commercial banks.
- Introduced innovative projects like ‘Sahkar Taxi’ and White Revolution 2.0 with a focus on women.
- Diversified PACS into healthcare, LPG delivery, and rural infrastructure services.
Conclusion:
The National Cooperative Policy, 2025 envisions a stronger and more inclusive cooperative sector that can empower rural communities, reduce inequalities, and contribute to the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by 2047.