Category: ENVIRONMENT

Context: Scientists from ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research (ICAR-DFR), Pune have discovered a new blossom midge species named Contarinia icardiflores sp. nov., affecting jasmine crops in India.

• Contarinia icardiflores sp. nov. is a newly identified blossom midge species.
• It infests flower buds of Jasminum sambac (jasmine).
• Named in honour of ICAR-DFR for its contributions to floriculture research.
• Identified using integrative taxonomy (morphological and molecular analysis).
• Distinct from previously known jasmine-infesting midge species.
• Short life cycle (around 2–3 weeks) enables rapid multiplication.
• Discovery has significance for pest management in jasmine cultivation.

Source: ICAR

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Context: The first scientific assessment has identified Kaziranga National Park as a major stronghold of the endangered fishing cat in India.

• Study establishes Kaziranga as one of the most significant habitats for the fishing cat.
• Fishing cat is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
• The species prefers wetlands, marshes and riverine ecosystems.
• Kaziranga’s floodplain grasslands and wetlands provide ideal habitat conditions.
• The assessment used systematic field surveys and camera trapping.
• Findings highlight the importance of wetland conservation for lesser-known carnivores.
• Reinforces Kaziranga’s ecological value beyond its iconic one-horned rhinoceros.

Learning Corner:

Kaziranga National Park 

• Located in Assam, along the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River.
• Declared a National Park in 1974.
• Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985).
• Famous for hosting the largest population of the Great One-Horned Rhinoceros.
• Also home to elephants, wild buffalo, swamp deer and Royal Bengal tiger.
• Designated as a Tiger Reserve (2006).
• Characterised by tall elephant grass, marshlands and tropical moist broadleaf forests.
• Experiences annual flooding, which maintains ecological productivity and habitat diversity.

Source:  THE HINDU

Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Zimbabwe has launched the rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention, marking a major step in expanding pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) options in Africa.

• Zimbabwe becomes one of the first African countries to introduce Lenacapavir for HIV prevention.
• Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable drug used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
• It is administered twice a year, improving adherence compared to daily oral pills.
• The drug works by inhibiting the HIV capsid, preventing viral replication.
• The rollout targets high-risk populations, including adolescent girls and young women.
• The initiative aims to reduce new HIV infections in a region heavily burdened by HIV/AIDS.
• Marks progress toward global HIV prevention and epidemic control goals.

Learning Corner:

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) 

• HIV is a retrovirus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically CD4 (T-helper) cells.
• It weakens immunity, making the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers.
• If untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
• The virus is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, infected blood transfusion, shared needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
• HIV primarily targets immune cells and integrates its genetic material into the host genome.
• There is no cure, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) allows people with HIV to live long and healthy lives.
• Preventive measures include safe sex practices, screening of blood, needle safety, PrEP, and ART for viral suppression.

Source: DTE

Category: POLITY

Context: The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has crossed 30 lakh rooftop solar installations, marking a major milestone in India’s push for decentralised renewable energy adoption.

Learning Corner:

• The scheme aims to promote rooftop solar systems for residential households.
• It targets installation of rooftop solar in 1 crore households.
• Beneficiaries receive central financial assistance (CFA)/subsidy support.
• Objective includes providing up to 300 units of free electricity per month to eligible households.
• Promotes reduction in electricity bills and enhances energy self-sufficiency.
• Contributes to India’s renewable energy and climate commitments.
• Encourages domestic solar manufacturing and green job creation.

Source: THE HINDU

Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: The Union Health Ministry is set to roll out a nationwide free HPV vaccination programme targeting 14-year-old girls to prevent cervical cancer.

• Programme will provide free and voluntary HPV vaccination to girls aged 14 years.
• India will use Gardasil (quadrivalent vaccine) covering HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18.
• A single-dose schedule will be adopted based on scientific evidence.
• Vaccination will be conducted at designated government health facilities.
• HPV types 16 and 18 account for over 80% of cervical cancer cases in India.
• Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India.
• Vaccination sessions will include trained medical supervision and post-vaccination monitoring.
• Vaccine procurement is supported through partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
• HPV vaccine is non-live and has a strong global safety record.

Learning Corner:

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) 

• HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, transmitted mainly through skin-to-skin or sexual contact.
• It infects epithelial cells of the skin and mucous membranes.
• HPV is broadly classified into low-risk types (cause warts) and high-risk types (cause cancers).
• High-risk types, especially HPV 16 and 18, are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases.
• HPV is also associated with cancers of the anus, penis, vulva, vagina, and oropharynx.
• Most HPV infections are asymptomatic and self-limiting, cleared by the immune system.
• HPV vaccines (non-live recombinant vaccines) provide protection against major high-risk and some low-risk types.
• Regular screening (Pap smear, HPV testing) is essential for early detection of cervical cancer.

Source: THE HINDU

(UPSC GS Paper II – International Relations: India and its neighbourhood; Bilateral, regional and global groupings affecting India’s interests)

Context (Introduction)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s February 2026 standalone visit to Israel occurs amid escalating West Asian instability—U.S.–Iran tensions, fragile Gaza ceasefire, and emerging regional blocs. The visit signals consolidation of India–Israel ties beyond symbolism, with strategic, economic and geopolitical implications.

Main Arguments

1. Deepening Strategic and Defence Convergence

India and Israel face common security threats—terrorism, hostile neighbourhoods, and missile/drone warfare. According to SIPRI, India accounted for nearly 34% of Israel’s arms exports (2020–24), making it Israel’s largest defence customer. Cooperation has shifted from buyer–seller to joint development and co-production.

• Barak-8 missile defence system exemplifies co-development success.
• “India–Israel Vision on Defence Cooperation” (2022) emphasised futuristic technologies.
• Reports indicate focus on the Iron Beam laser-based air defence system, aligned with India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra for integrated air and anti-drone defence.
• Growing private-sector collaboration (e.g., surveillance and sensor-based systems).

For India, lessons from Operation Sindoor (May 2025) underline the urgency of layered air and missile defence architecture.

2. Science, Technology and Innovation Linkages

Israel’s technological ecosystem complements India’s development needs.

• Over 35 Centres of Excellence (CoE) across Indian states support high-density horticulture (mango, citrus, pomegranate, date palm, beekeeping).
• MASHAV agreements with Haryana (2022) and Rajasthan (2024) enhance integrated water management—critical amid India’s rising water stress.
• Emerging focus areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI), agritech, electronics, medical equipment.

This cooperation aligns with India’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat and tech-led growth.

3. Expanding Economic and Trade Architecture

While security dominates headlines, trade is substantial. Bilateral trade reached $3.75 billion in FY 2024–25, with diversification beyond diamonds and chemicals into high-tech sectors.

Recent developments:

• Bilateral Investment Agreement (September 2025)
• Terms of Reference for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) (November 2025)

An FTA could integrate Israel into India’s recent trade momentum (EU, Oman, UAE agreements). Additionally, proposals on infrastructure cooperation and human mobility could deepen interdependence.

4. India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)

Announced at the G-20 Summit (Delhi, 2023), IMEC aims to provide a shorter and secure route linking India to Europe via West Asia. With the Suez Canal vulnerable to disruptions, IMEC offers strategic diversification.

However, Gaza stability remains crucial. The visit may revive momentum amid renewed geopolitical urgency.

5. Gaza Peace Process and Regional Balancing

India attended the February 2026 “Board of Peace” Summit as an observer. With strong ties to Israel, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Oman, India maintains strategic balance.

Netanyahu’s proposal of a “hexagon alliance” reflects bloc politics. However, India’s foreign policy doctrine emphasises strategic autonomy, avoiding entanglement in sectarian axes (Shia–Sunni rivalry).

India’s energy security—given dependence on Gulf imports—necessitates cautious engagement regarding Iran and broader regional tensions.

Criticisms / Challenges

• Risk of Over-Securitisation: Excessive defence focus may overshadow balanced diplomacy.
• Palestinian Sensitivities: Standalone Israel visit could attract criticism domestically and internationally.
• Regional Bloc Politics: Joining or appearing aligned with anti-Iran blocs could complicate India’s West Asia balancing strategy.
• IMEC’s Fragility: Corridor viability depends on durable regional peace.
• Energy Security Concerns: Escalation involving Iran could disrupt oil supplies and increase import bills.

Way Forward

• Maintain De-hyphenation Policy: Engage Israel and Palestine independently while supporting a two-state solution.
• Strengthen Co-Production: Move from arms imports to joint R&D and defence manufacturing in India.
• Fast-Track FTA Negotiations: Expand high-tech trade and innovation ecosystems.
• Promote IMEC Diplomatically: Integrate Gulf partners to stabilise connectivity initiatives.
• Leverage Balanced Diplomacy: Use ties with Gulf states and Israel to contribute constructively to peace-building efforts.

Conclusion

The visit underscores India’s calibrated West Asia strategy—deepening strategic ties with Israel while preserving regional balance. If managed prudently, the engagement could enhance India’s defence preparedness, technological modernisation and connectivity ambitions without compromising strategic autonomy.

Mains Question

1. In the context of emerging regional fault lines in West Asia, examine the strategic, economic and geopolitical significance of India–Israel relations. (250 words, 15 marks)

(UPSC GS Paper II – Polity and Governance: Federal Structure, Centre–State Relations, Issues and Challenges)

Context (Introduction)

Amid rising centralisation and debates around “One Nation–One X” initiatives, Yogendra Yadav calls for a structural reset of Indian federalism. He argues for a new federal compact grounded in the principle of non-domination—political, cultural and economic.

Main Arguments

1. Historical Bias Towards Centralisation

The Constitution’s original design tilted towards a strong Centre due to post-Partition anxieties. Though coalition politics in the 1990s strengthened cooperative federalism, this political consensus was not constitutionally institutionalised. The past decade has witnessed renewed centralisation in constitutional practice, institutional behaviour and sectoral governance.

2. Federation Based on Consent, Not Command

The author emphasises that a true “Union of States” must:

• Trust states and respect subsidiarity.
• Empower local governments.
• Accommodate linguistic and cultural heterogeneity.

Unity should emerge from negotiated accommodation rather than enforced uniformity. Federalism deepens democracy instead of weakening sovereignty.

3. Constitutional Reset Proposals

• Curtail the Centre’s power to unilaterally redraw state boundaries.
• Reduce central primacy in constitutional amendments affecting states.
• Restore subjects like education to the State List.
• Check central encroachment into health and agriculture.

These aim to rebalance legislative federalism and revive the spirit of cooperative federalism.

4. Political and Institutional Reset

• Establish a constitutional code to limit arbitrariness of Governors.
• Strengthen anti-defection law to eliminate loopholes.
• Transfer responsibility for Assembly elections to State Election Commissions.

The author, however, cautions that institutional redesign must avoid unintended distortions.

5. Representation and Delimitation Debate

The report rejects “One Nation, One Election” and advocates continuation of the freeze on delimitation based on the 1971 Census. This can be reframed as preserving inter-regional balance of power, particularly between Hindi and non-Hindi states.

6. Fiscal Federal Reset

It calls for GST restructuring and equitable fiscal devolution. Southern and western states may agree to resource transfers to poorer Hindi heartland states, while Hindi states guarantee non-imposition of language and representation freeze—ensuring mutual non-domination.

7. Cultural Federalism and Linguistic Balance

The report challenges the notion that national unity requires linguistic uniformity. While opposing Hindi hegemony, the author critiques the suggestion of English uniformity, advocating instead equal respect for all Indian languages.

8. Civilisational Logic of Federalism

India is a “holding together” federation, unlike the U.S. model of “coming together.” Its unity resembles a “salad bowl,” not a melting pot. Historically, empires—from Mauryan to Mughal—sustained rule by respecting diversity. Centralisation contradicts India’s compositional and plural character.

Criticisms / Challenges

• Practical Feasibility: Curtailing Parliament’s amendment powers may face constitutional and political resistance.
• Administrative Coordination: Excessive decentralisation may weaken national coordination in sectors like health or disaster management.
• Fiscal Strains: Redistribution debates may intensify tensions between donor and recipient states.
• Language Sensitivities: Balancing linguistic equality without promoting new hierarchies requires nuanced policy design.

Way Forward

• Institutionalise cooperative federalism through Inter-State Council revitalisation.
• Revisit fiscal devolution formulas balancing equity and efficiency.
• Guarantee linguistic pluralism constitutionally and administratively.
• Ensure delimitation reforms protect demographic justice without undermining federal balance.
• Anchor reforms in the principle of political, cultural and economic non-domination.

Conclusion

A renewed federal compact must move beyond administrative pragmatism to ethical reasoning rooted in India’s plural civilisational ethos. Durable unity will rest not on uniformity or concentration of power, but on a principled distribution that prevents domination across regions, languages and economic blocs.

Mains Question

1. In light of recent debates on centralisation and state autonomy, critically examine the need for a new federal compact in India. (250 words, 15 marks)