Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context:  The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the first flight tests of the Indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha.

Key Points

• Purpose: Enhances India’s multi-layered air defense against aerial threats and protects strategic facilities.
• Components: Includes Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short-Range Air Defense System (VSHORADS), and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon, all managed via a central command system.
• Testing: Successfully destroyed three aerial targets—two high-speed UAVs and a drone—using QRSAM, VSHORADS, and the laser weapon.
• Performance: All elements including radars, missiles, communication, and command systems functioned flawlessly.

Learning Corner:

India’s Multi-Layered Air Defence System

India has developed a multi-tiered air defence shield to neutralize threats from long-range ballistic missiles to low-flying drones. The system integrates indigenous and imported platforms under centralized command and control.

1. Long-Range / Outer Layer

• S-400 Triumf (Russia) – Range up to 400 km, counters stealth aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles.
• Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Program – Includes Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) and Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptors for high and low-altitude ballistic missile interception.

2. Medium-Range Layer

• MR-SAM (Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile) – Jointly by DRDO & Israel; ~70 km range; used by Air Force, Army, and Navy.
• Akash & Akash-NG – Indigenous, ~25–70 km; protects air bases and strategic assets.

3. Short-Range / Tactical Layer

• QRSAM (Quick Reaction SAM) – 25–30 km range, mobile and radar-guided.
• SPYDER (Israel) – 15–35 km range, counters aircraft, UAVs, and precision-guided munitions.

4. Very Short Range / Point Defence

• Igla (Russia) and Indigenous VSHORADS – Man-portable missiles for last-mile defence against low-flying targets.
• Anti-Drone Systems – DRDO and private-sector developed, deployed at borders and sensitive installations.

5. Directed Energy Weapons (Emerging Layer)

• High-Power Laser Systems (DEW) under DRDO’s Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) – tested for drone and UAV neutralization.

6. Integrated Command & Control

• Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) – Nationwide radar and sensor network linking all layers for real-time surveillance, detection, and interception.

Important Air Defence Systems of the World

United States

• Patriot PAC-3: Combat-proven, medium-to-long range system against aircraft and tactical ballistic missiles.
• THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense): Intercepts ballistic missiles in the upper atmosphere.
• Aegis Combat System (Navy): Uses SM-2/SM-3/SM-6 missiles for layered defence at sea and on Aegis Ashore sites.
• Iron Dome (co-developed with Israel): Short-range, highly effective against rockets and UAVs.

Russia

• S-400 Triumf: Long-range system (up to 400 km), counters stealth aircraft and ballistic missiles.
• S-500 Prometey: Next-generation system with anti-ballistic and anti-satellite capability.
• Pantsir-S1: Short-range point defence with missiles and guns, effective against drones and low-flying aircraft.

Israel

• Iron Dome: Famous short-range system for rockets, artillery, and drones.
• David’s Sling: Medium-range defence against cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles.
• Arrow-2 & Arrow-3: Long-range interceptors developed with the US to counter ballistic missiles.

China

• HQ-9: Long-range SAM, comparable to the S-300/S-400.
• HQ-19: Designed for ballistic missile defence.
• HQ-17: Short-range, mobile SAM system.

Europe / NATO

• ASTER Missile System (France-Italy): Used on land and naval platforms, covers short to long ranges.
• NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System): Medium-range, deployed in many NATO countries and the US (for Washington, D.C. defence).
• Sky Sabre (UK): New medium-range air defence system with high accuracy.

Source: THE HINDU

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Context : A new international study shows that invasive plants and animals have caused over $2.6 trillion in global damage since 1960, with costs in India severely underreported.

Key Points

• Global Impact: Plants, arthropods, and mammals are the most damaging groups, affecting agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and infrastructure.
• India’s Blind Spot: Management costs are underreported by over 1,100%, reflecting weak documentation and funding.
• Drivers of Costs: Losses stem from both economic damage and expenses for detection, control, and eradication.
• Gaps: India lacks robust data, funding, and coordinated strategies, worsening ecological and financial risks.
• Way Forward: Experts urge stronger policies, better data systems, and global cooperation for prevention and management.

Learning Corner:

Invasive Species of India

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are non-native plants, animals, or microbes introduced—intentionally or accidentally—that spread rapidly, harm native biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems, and cause economic loss. India, with its rich biodiversity, is especially vulnerable.

Examples of Major Invasive Species in India

Plants

• Lantana camara – A hardy shrub from Central/South America; invades forests, suppresses native plants.
• Parthenium hysterophorus (Congress Grass) – From tropical America; affects agriculture, causes skin allergies and respiratory issues.
• Eichhornia crassipes (Water Hyacinth) – Aquatic weed from the Amazon; clogs water bodies, reduces oxygen, harms fisheries.
• Prosopis juliflora (Vilayati Babool) – From South America; dominates drylands, displaces native grasses.

Animals

• Common Carp & Tilapia – Non-native fishes that outcompete local species, affecting inland fisheries.
• African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) – Aggressive predator, threatens native fish diversity.
• Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata) – Damages paddy fields and aquatic vegetation.

Insects / Others

• Papaya Mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) – Destroys papaya and other crops.
• Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) – Major pest in maize, spreading rapidly in India.

Impacts

• Ecological: Displacement of native flora and fauna, habitat degradation.
• Economic: Heavy losses in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
• Health: Allergies, poisoning, and diseases linked to some species.

Management in India

• National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) monitor IAS.
• Biological control: Example – Mexican beetle introduced to control Parthenium.
• Awareness & Policy: Need for stronger prevention, early detection, and coordinated eradication strategies.

Source:  THE HINDU

Category: INTERNATIONAL

Context: The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has declared famine in parts of Gaza

Key Points

• What is IPC: An independent global hunger monitor working with UN bodies, NGOs, and governments to assess food insecurity.
• Famine Criteria: Declared when 20% of people face extreme shortages, over 30% of children are acutely malnourished, and at least 2 adults (or 4 children) per 10,000 die daily from starvation or disease.
• Precedents: Rare—previously declared only a few times in Africa and Sudan; this is the first for Gaza.
• Gaza Assessment: Around 280,000 people face catastrophic hunger, with 80% of the population in extreme food insecurity due to conflict and blockade.
• Criticism: IPC is sometimes seen as slow or underestimating crises, but its famine designations are globally recognized.

Learning Corner:

Various Hunger Indices

Hunger and malnutrition are measured globally through different indices and reports. The most prominent ones include:

Global Hunger Index (GHI)

• Published annually by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe.
• Scores countries on a 100-point scale (0 = no hunger, 100 = worst).
• Based on four indicators:
  1. Undernourishment (share of population with insufficient calorie intake).
  2. Child wasting (under-5 with low weight-for-height).
  3. Child stunting (under-5 with low height-for-age).
  4. Child mortality (under-5 mortality rate).
• India’s ranking is often poor due to high child undernutrition.

State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) Report

• Published by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, WHO.
• Tracks global hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition trends.
• Provides Prevalence of Undernourishment (PoU) and Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) data.

Global Food Security Index (GFSI)

• Released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
• Ranks countries based on food affordability, availability, quality, and sustainability.
• Reflects resilience of food systems beyond just hunger.

Zero Hunger Goal Monitoring (SDG 2)

• UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) tracks undernourishment, child stunting, wasting, and agricultural productivity.
• Helps in measuring progress towards eliminating hunger by 2030.

Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES)

• Developed by FAO.
• Household-level survey tool to directly measure food access constraints (mild, moderate, severe).

Hidden Hunger Index

• Focuses on micronutrient deficiencies (iron, vitamin A, iodine, zinc).
• Highlights “hidden” form of hunger affecting health and productivity.

Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC)

• • Introduction: The IPC is a standardized international tool developed in 2004 by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) and partners to assess the severity and magnitude of acute and chronic food insecurity across countries.

• Purpose: Provides a common scale and evidence-based approach to guide governments, NGOs, and international agencies in decision-making, targeting interventions, and mobilizing resources.

• Phases of Classification:

• 1. Phase 1 – Minimal: Households have adequate food consumption.
  2. Phase 2 – Stressed: Households have minimally adequate food but cannot afford essential non-food expenses.
  3. Phase 3 – Crisis: Households face food consumption gaps or need to deplete essential assets.
  4. Phase 4 – Emergency: Severe food consumption gaps, very high malnutrition, excess mortality risk.
  5. Phase 5 – Catastrophe/Famine: Extreme lack of food, starvation, death.
• Methodology: Uses convergence of evidence (nutrition, mortality, livelihood, coping capacity, market access) with standardized tools and global comparability.
• Global Relevance: Adopted in over 30+ countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Recognized as a key metric in UN’s Global Report on Food Crises.
• India: While India is assessed through Global Hunger Index (GHI) and national surveys (NFHS, NSSO), IPC-style methodology is increasingly used in South Asia regional food security assessments.

Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Category: GEOGRAPHY

Context: A new study finds that Arctic Sea ice melting has slowed over the past 20 years, but the change is temporary and not a sign of recovery.

Key Points

• Cause of Slowdown: Natural climate cycles like the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and Atlantic Multidecadal Variability bring colder waters, briefly reducing ice loss.
• Main Driver: Greenhouse gas emissions remain the dominant cause of long-term decline.
• Not Good News: The slowdown may last up to a decade, but models predict faster melting afterward—about 0.6 million sq. km lost per decade.
• Message: The pause is due to natural variability, not reversal of climate change, and urgent action on mitigation remains essential.

Learning Corner:

Arctic Sea and Its Associated Seas

Arctic Ocean:

• The smallest and shallowest ocean in the world, surrounding the North Pole.
• Covered by sea ice for most of the year, though shrinking due to global warming.
• Bordered by North America, Europe, and Asia.

Associated Seas of the Arctic Ocean:

• Barents Sea – located north of Norway and Russia; important for fisheries and oil & gas.
• Kara Sea – north of Siberia; receives major Russian rivers (Ob, Yenisei).
• Laptev Sea – east of the Kara Sea; source region of drifting Arctic ice.
• East Siberian Sea – shallowest sea of the Arctic Ocean; remote and icy.
• Chukchi Sea – between Alaska and Russia; gateway to the Bering Strait.
• Beaufort Sea – north of Alaska and Canada; known for oil reserves and polar bears.
• Lincoln Sea – north of Greenland; among the coldest seas.
• Greenland Sea – between Greenland and Svalbard; key to North Atlantic water circulation.

Significance:

• Rich in oil, gas, and mineral resources.
• Crucial for global climate regulation (sea ice reflects sunlight).
• Strategic shipping routes (e.g., Northern Sea Route) opening due to melting ice.
• Habitat for unique species like polar bears, walrus, seals, and Arctic fox.

Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Category: POLITY

Context: National Space Day is being celebrated across India on August 23, 2025,

Key Highlights

• Theme 2025: “Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities”, celebrating India’s journey from ancient astronomy to modern space exploration.
• Celebrations: Events nationwide with a grand ceremony at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, also streamed online.
• PM’s Address: Praised youth and scientists, highlighting achievements from satellites to upcoming missions like Gaganyaan and an indigenous space station.
• Student Engagement: ISRO is conducting competitions and educational programs to inspire the next generation.
• Significance: Showcases India’s rising leadership in space technology and commitment to future exploration.

Learning Corner:

National Space Day

• Origin: National Space Day in India was first celebrated on August 23, 2024, to mark the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 near the Moon’s south pole on August 23, 2023.
• Significance of Chandrayaan-3: This mission made India the fourth country to achieve a lunar landing (after USA, USSR, China) and the first to land near the lunar south pole, a scientifically crucial region.
• Declaration: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced August 23 as “National Space Day” during his visit to ISRO after the Chandrayaan-3 success.
• First Celebration (2024): Focused on showcasing India’s space achievements and inspiring youth through ISRO exhibitions, competitions, and outreach programs.
• Theme (2025): “Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities” – linking India’s ancient astronomical tradition to modern missions like Gaganyaan (human spaceflight) and the proposed Indian Space Station.
• Purpose:
  • To commemorate India’s space achievements.
  • To inspire students and young scientists toward careers in STEM.
  • To celebrate ISRO’s role in making India a global space leader.

Source: AIR

Introduction (Context)

The Union Government has introduced the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill, proposing automatic removal of Ministers if they are arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days in relation to certain criminal offences. 

The Bill has implications for the Council of Ministers at both Union and State levels, as well as for Union Territories like Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, and Puducherry.

The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025 was sent to a Joint Committee.

Hereby, understanding the provisions and issues associated with it.

Why the Bill Was Proposed?

• Many elected representatives in India face criminal charges, raising concerns about governance and accountability.
• Recent Trends – Ministers Under Arrest:

• Delhi: Ex-CM Arvind Kejriwal (Liquor Policy Scam, 2024) spent months in jail but continued running the government remotely.
• Tamil Nadu: Minister V. Senthil Balaji (Cash-for-Jobs Scam) was arrested, removed, and later reappointed after bail following Supreme Court intervention.
• Other States: Ministers in Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, and Jharkhand have faced jail time under money-laundering, corruption, or scam charges.

Reports by Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR):

• 46% MPs, 45% MLAs have pending criminal cases.
• Candidates with criminal records have 15.4% chance of winning vs. 4.4% for clean candidates.

Parties should avoid fielding candidates with criminal backgrounds rather than relying on legal remedies after election.

Objectives of the Bill

• Ensure that Ministers facing serious criminal charges do not continue in office while under detention.
• Strengthen public trust and accountability in executive governance.

Key provisions of the Bill

Grounds for Removal: 

• A Minister will be removed if:

• He/she is accused of an offence punishable with imprisonment of five years or more, and
• He/she has been arrested and detained in custody for 30 consecutive days.

Procedure for Removal:

• Central Government:

• The President removes the Minister on the advice of the Prime Minister.
• The advice must be tendered by the 31st day of continuous custody.
• If the PM does not advise by this time, the Minister automatically ceases to hold office from the next day.

• State Government:

• The Governor removes the Minister on the advice of the Chief Minister, following the same 30-day rule.

• National Capital Territory of Delhi:

• The President, on the advice of the Chief Minister, acts as the authority for removal.

• PM, CM, or Delhi CM:

• Must resign by the 31st day of custody.
• Failure to resign leads to automatic cessation of office from the following day.

Re-appointment:

• A Minister removed under these provisions may be re-appointed after release from custody.

Existing Legal Framework

• Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act):

• Section 8: Disqualifies individuals convicted and sentenced to 2 years or more from contesting elections and holding membership of Parliament or State Legislature.
• Section 8(4) allowed sitting MPs/MLAs to avoid immediate disqualification if an appeal was filed.
• Supreme Court in Lily Thomas case (2013) struck down Section 8(4) as unconstitutional.

• Existing law only disqualifies membership of legislature, not ministerial position.
• Election Commission Recommendations (2016) suggested that candidates facing charges for offences punishable with 5+ years imprisonment should be barred from contesting elections.

Benefits of the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill

• Prevents Ministers from exercising power while facing serious criminal charges, thereby restoring trust in governance.
• Similar to civil servants who are suspended when arrested, Ministers too will be temporarily removed.
• Sends a strong signal that the government intends to maintain zero tolerance toward corruption and serious criminal conduct.

Issues

• Firstly, it will result in elected representatives losing their position by mere police action even before the start of a trial. 
• Secondly, it undermines the principles of parliamentary democracy where the elected PM, CM enjoys the power to choose their cabinet.
• Arrest-based removal could be misused by central agencies against opposition leaders, bypassing judicial verdicts.
• Critics argue it may undermine the principle of “innocent until proven guilty”, as removal is triggered by arrest rather than conviction.
• Provisions might face legal challenges on grounds of violation of constitutional principles such as due process and separation of powers.

Conclusion

While the Bill seeks to ensure integrity in ministerial positions, it raises concerns regarding due process, democratic principles, and Centre-State balance. Addressing the root cause – criminalisation of politics – through reforms in candidate selection and party accountability may be more effective than post-facto removal.

Mains Practice Question

Q The 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill proposes removal of Ministers after arrest and 30-day detention. Critically analyse its potential impact on parliamentary democracy and Centre-State relations in India. (250 words, 15 marks)

Source: What is the new Bill to remove PM, CM and Ministers? | Explained – The Hindu

Introduction (Context)

The first 1,000 days of a child’s life (from conception to two years) are widely recognised as the critical window for nutrition and cognitive development. Recent research and government initiatives highlight the urgent need to integrate nutrition with cognitive stimulation to secure India’s demographic dividend.

Significance of first 1000 days

• By the age of two years, the brain reaches 80% of its adult size.
• During this time millions of neural connections are formed every second. Synapses (connections between brain cells) develop rapidly.
• Hence, foundations for cognitive skills (thinking, problem-solving), language, emotional regulation, and social skills are laid.
• Alongwith the brain organs, bones, and muscles also develop rapidly. Hence, adequate nutrition and stimulation are essential to ensure this process continues smoothly, helping to build a stronger immune system and reduce the risk of diseases later in life.

Lack of access to safe and nutritious food, mainly due to poverty, leads to malnutrition. This deprives the brain of essential nutrients, causes lasting damage to learning and growth, and increases the risk of chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes later in life.

Example:

• A birth-cohort study in Vellore, Tamil Nadu found that iron deficiency in early childhood hampers verbal performance, slows cognitive processing by age five, and affects language development before the age of two. 
• Research further shows that while stand-alone nutrition programmes have limited impact, combining nutrition with cognitive stimulation yields far better results. 

Current Status of malnutrition in India

• Despite progress, India still has one of the world’s highest levels of child stunting and wasting.
• At the current rate, stunting prevalence will reach 10% only by 2075; India needs to double the pace to reach the target by 2047 (Amrit Kaal).
• Challenges: Poverty, food insecurity, lack of maternal health, and weak integration of early learning with nutrition programmes.

Government initiatives

1. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)

• Launched in 1975, it is the world’s largest early childhood care programme.
• Provides a package of services including supplementary nutrition, health check-ups, immunisation, referral services, and preschool education.
• Anganwadi centres act as the primary delivery points, especially in rural and underserved areas.
• Plays a dual role of improving child nutrition and health while preparing children for formal schooling.

1. Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi (Ministry of Women and Child Development – MWCD)

• An initiative under the POSHAN 2.0 strategy to integrate nutrition with cognitive and early learning support.
• Aims to transform Anganwadis into vibrant centres of early learning and care, not just nutrition distribution points.
• Focuses on play-based, activity-driven learning, ensuring that nutrition and brain development progress hand in hand.
• Strengthens the foundation for school readiness, social skills, and emotional well-being.

1. Navchetana – National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation (0–3 years)

• Designed for the most critical age group – birth to three years.
• Provides 140 simple, play-based activities mapped to each stage of child growth, presented in a 36-month stimulation calendar.
• Activities can be practiced by parents, caregivers, Anganwadi workers, or crèche staff during home visits and childcare sessions.
• Emphasises learning through play, interaction, and emotional care rather than rote teaching.
• Helps in early development of cognitive, social, and emotional skills while complementing nutritional needs.

Implementation Gaps

• Many Anganwadi Centres lack proper buildings, safe play spaces, and basic facilities like water and toilets.
• Despite 14 lakh Anganwadi centres, quality and access remain uneven, especially in urban slums.
• Focus often remains on food distribution, while cognitive stimulation and early education get less attention.
• Anganwadi workers are overburdened with multiple duties and lack specialised training in early childhood pedagogy.
• Weak monitoring mechanisms lead to uneven quality across states.
• Limited budget allocations and delays in fund flow affect effective implementation.
• Limited use of mobile apps, AI monitoring, or digital dashboards for real-time tracking.

Steps needed

• Ensure universal coverage and improve the quality of health, nutrition, and early learning services. Special focus is needed on urban areas and underserved populations.
• Combine nutrition, cognitive stimulation, healthcare, and parental engagement to support holistic child development during the critical first 1,000 days.
• Use mobile apps, digital dashboards, and AI-based monitoring to track children’s growth, nutrition, and learning milestones, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Increase access to childcare through publicly-run, community-based, PPP, and workplace-linked centres, enabling women to participate in the workforce.
• Train Anganwadi workers and caregivers in early learning methods, cognitive stimulation, and parental counselling to ensure effective delivery of services.
• Implement regular tracking of nutrition, learning, and psychosocial well-being for children under six to identify gaps and improve programme effectiveness.

Conclusion

The first 1,000 days are a one-time opportunity. Investments in nutrition and cognition during this period determine whether India’s demographic dividend becomes a demographic disaster or advantage. What is lost in early years cannot be regained making early childhood investment not just a health imperative, but a strategic national priority.

Mains Practice Question

Q “The first 1,000 days of life are the foundation of a nation’s human capital.” Discuss the link between nutrition and cognition in this period. Evaluate India’s policy efforts and suggest measures to strengthen early childhood development. (250 words, 15 marks)

Source: Nourish to flourish, the nutrition and cognition link – The Hindu