Daily Current Affairs for UPSC 7th Oct 2025

Index
S.No	Topic	Page No
Daily Hindu Analysis (YouTube)
1.	Calling out the criticism of the Indian judiciary
2.	Crimes against children surge in Assam, Rajasthan, and Kerala
3.	Medicine Nobel for scientists who demystified the immune system
4.	India, Australia to sign joint defence and security cooperation declaration
5.	Deliberations continue on proposed nuclear Bill
6.	Jaishankar says India’s interests are best secured by strategic autonomy
Daily Current Affairs
7.	PM-SETU Scheme
8.	IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025
9.	NATPOLREX-X 2025 and Exercise KONKAN-25
10.	Tikhir Tribe

Calling out the criticism of the Indian judiciary Syllabus Mapping

• GS Paper II – Polity & Governance
• Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Judiciary
• Separation of Powers between various organs
• Role of Judiciary in upholding Rule of Law and Judicial Accountability
• Issues relating to Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Context The Indian judiciary is facing increasing criticism from certain quarters, including policymakers and members of the executive, who allege that judicial delays and overreach are major impediments to India’s economic growth and to achieving Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.

What the Article is All About

• Recent comments by Sanjeev Sanyal, member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, portrayed the judiciary as the “single biggest hurdle” to India’s development.
• The author counters this by asserting that:
• The judiciary’s issues are symptomatic of deeper administrative failures.
• Criticising courts without understanding structural constraints and executive inefficiencies is misplaced.
• Blaming courts for delays ignores the role of government departments, tendering processes, and legislative vagueness.

Detailed Analysis 1. Misinformed Criticism

• Labeling the judiciary as a “hurdle to growth” reduces complex institutional problems to mere caricature.
• Courts are indeed overburdened, but much of this burden arises from government inefficiency — the State is the largest litigant in India.
• The “99-to-1 problem”— referring to difficulties in enforcing contracts—reflects not judicial apathy, but poor drafting of laws, bureaucratic red-tape, and lack of accountability within the executive.

2. Administrative & Legal Malaise

• The root cause lies in imprecise law-making, ambiguous regulations, and vague drafting by legislatures and ministries.
• Routine governmental actions—like tender contracts—are often arbitrary, leading to endless litigation.
• Tax authorities and ministries routinely appeal against judicial orders even when cases are weak, overburdening courts.
• This shows a lack of a litigation policy or self-restraint within the executive.

3. Systemic & Structural Issues

• Much of the judicial delay results from vacancies, infrastructure gaps, and colonial work patterns (e.g., long court vacations).
• However, these vacations are not for luxury—they’re needed for judges to write judgments, research, and review pending cases.
• India’s judicial system is under-resourced: the judge-to-population ratio is among the lowest in the world (about 21 judges per million population).

4. Burden of Archaic Laws and Government Litigation

• Many outdated colonial laws still remain, creating contradictions and confusion.
• The government’s law reform initiatives often rename laws without addressing core problems.
• A large chunk of judicial backlog is due to government departments filing appeals against their own decisions, clogging the system.

5. Need for Systemic Reforms

• Judiciary cannot function in isolation — reforms must be collaborative, involving the legislature and executive.
• The National Litigation Policy, if implemented seriously, could curb unnecessary government litigation.
• Strengthening drafting standards, digital courts, alternative dispute resolution, and filling judicial vacancies are key to systemic improvement.

6. Author’s Central Argument

• Criticism of the judiciary as the “biggest hurdle” is misleading and counterproductive.
• True reform requires:
• Addressing executive inefficiency,
• Improving legal drafting quality,
• Reducing frivolous government litigation, and
• Enhancing judicial infrastructure.
• Without these, simply blaming the judiciary clouds constructive debate and weakens democratic accountability.

Way Forward

• Judicial Strengthening: Increase judge strength, fill vacancies, and improve case management through AI-based docket systems.
• Executive Accountability: Implement a National Litigation Policy and penalize departments filing unnecessary appeals.
• Legislative Clarity: Draft clear and concise laws to minimize interpretation disputes.
• Technology Adoption: Promote e-courts and digital filings to reduce procedural delays.
• Collaborative Reform: Judiciary, legislature, and executive must engage in dialogue for systemic improvements, not blame-shifting.

UPSC Mains Q: “Frequent criticism of the judiciary as a hurdle to India’s development reflects a misunderstanding of the systemic roots of delay and inefficiency.” Discuss.

Crimes against children surge in Assam, Rajasthan, and Kerala Syllabus Mapping GS Paper II – Governance, Social Justice

• Issues relating to development and management of social sector/services relating to children and vulnerable sections.
• Mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections.
• Government policies and interventions for child protection.

Context

• The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2023 reveals a sharp rise in crimes against children in three states — Assam, Rajasthan, and Kerala.
• These states recorded the highest surge in registered cases compared to the average between 2018 and 2022.
• The rise may indicate both — a genuine increase in child-related crimes and improved reporting due to awareness and better law enforcement mechanisms.

What the Article is All About

• The data highlights Assam (≈100% increase), Kerala (≈106%), and Rajasthan (≈70%) as the top three states showing major increases in reported crimes against children in 2023.
• Crimes under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, have significantly increased.
• Importantly, this rise must not automatically be seen as worsening crime; in many cases, it reflects better reporting and classification of offences by state police forces.

Detailed Analysis 1. Key Findings from NCRB Data

State	Average cases (2018–22)	Cases in 2023	% Increase
Assam	~5,100	>10,000	99.5%
Kerala	~2,800	>5,900	105.9%
Rajasthan	~6,200	>10,500	70.1%

• Overall cases of crimes against children in India increased by 25% in 2023 compared to the previous five-year average.
• However, these three states accounted for the sharpest relative growth.

2. Offence Categories Driving the Increase 1. POCSO Act, 2012 o In 2022–23, more than 7,000 cases in the three states were registered under Sections 4 & 6 (sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault). o POCSO has become a dominant category in crimes against children, reflecting heightened awareness and legal enforcement. 2. Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 o In Assam, cases under this Act rose dramatically: from 138 in 2022 to 5,267 in 2023, forming over 51% of all child-related crimes in the state. o The steep rise was linked to the Assam government’s crackdown on child marriage, leading to widespread arrests in early 2023. 3. Kidnapping and Abduction o In Rajasthan, kidnapping and abduction accounted for nearly 54% of total crimes against children in 2023. o Many cases involved elopement or child trafficking, highlighting socio-economic vulnerabilities. 4. IPC Provisions (Section 376 & others) o In earlier years, many sexual offences were filed under IPC rather than POCSO. o In 2023, categorization improved, and most such cases were appropriately recorded under POCSO—showing better legal compliance. 3. Interpreting the Data: Rising Crimes or Better Reporting?

• Improved awareness and mandatory reporting provisions under POCSO have led to a statistical surge.
• States like Assam and Kerala have strengthened Women and Child Protection Units, leading to better recording.
• However, NCRB notes that data may not always reflect an actual increase in crimes, but rather:
• Expansion of the definition of child-related offences;
• Digitisation and police sensitisation programmes;
• Public awareness campaigns encouraging victims to report.

4. Legal and Policy Framework

Law / Institution	Key Provisions
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012	Comprehensive law to protect children from sexual assault, harassment, and pornography; mandates child-friendly trial process.
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015	Defines “child in need of care and protection” and establishes Child Welfare Committees (CWCs).
Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006	Declares marriages below 18 years as voidable; penalises parents and officiants.
Article 15(3)	Permits special laws for children and women.
Article 39(e) & (f) (Directive Principles)	Mandates State to protect children from abuse and ensure development in conditions of freedom and dignity.
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)	Monitors implementation of child protection laws.

5. Broader Social Dimensions

• Child Protection Ecosystem Weaknesses: Despite multiple laws, coordination between police, judiciary, CWCs, and NGOs remains weak.
• Socio-Cultural Factors: High rates in Assam and Rajasthan reflect persistence of child marriage, poverty, and gender norms.
• Urban Reporting Bias: States with better literacy and digital policing (like Kerala) show higher reporting but may not necessarily have higher actual crime incidence.
• Judicial Backlog: Delays in POCSO courts undermine deterrence; many survivors face secondary victimisation during trial.

6. Comparative Trend (India-Wide)

• According to NCRB, total crimes against children rose from 1.62 lakh in 2021 to 1.77 lakh in 2023.
• POCSO-related cases constitute around 45–50% of all child crimes.
• States like UP, MP, Maharashtra, and West Bengal have large absolute numbers, but the rate of increase is highest in Assam, Kerala, and Rajasthan.

Way Forward 1. Strengthen Preventive Mechanisms: o Scale up Child Protection Units, Village Child Protection Committees, and anganwadi-led awareness. 2. Improve Reporting and Sensitisation: o Continuous gender and child sensitivity training for police and teachers. 3. Faster Justice Delivery: o Increase special POCSO courts; integrate digital testimony systems for minors. 4. Data Transparency: o Regular state-level NCRB dashboards to distinguish between “new offences” and “reclassification of old cases.” 5. Community Engagement: o Leverage self-help groups, NGOs, and religious/community leaders to reduce child marriage and trafficking. UPSC Mains Q: “The recent surge in crimes against children in several Indian states reflects both systemic failures and improved reporting. Analyse in the context of India’s legal and institutional child protection framework.”

Medicine Nobel for scientists who demystified the immune system Syllabus Mapping GS Paper III – Science & Technology

• Developments and their applications in everyday life
• Biotechnology and issues relating to health and medicine
• Awareness in the fields of science and Nobel-winning discoveries

Context

• The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell (USA), and Shimon Sakaguchi (Japan).
• The trio was recognised for their groundbreaking discoveries on the immune system’s regulatory mechanisms, particularly the concept of peripheral immune tolerance — how the body prevents immune cells from attacking its own healthy cells.
• Their findings have paved the way for new treatments for autoimmune diseases, cancer, and organ transplantation.

What the Discovery is About

• The human immune system defends the body against pathogens through B cells, T cells, and macrophages.
• However, sometimes immune cells mistakenly attack the body’s own tissues — a phenomenon called autoimmunity (e.g., Type 1 diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis).
• The laureates discovered “regulatory T cells (Tregs)” — a special class of T cells that act as security guards, preventing other immune cells from attacking healthy body cells.
• They identified a key gene, Foxp3, which controls the development and functioning of these regulatory T cells.

Detailed Analysis 1. Key Discovery: Immune Tolerance

• Immune tolerance is the body’s ability to distinguish between its own cells (self) and foreign cells (non-self).
• Previously, scientists believed tolerance was maintained only during early immune cell development — called central tolerance.
• The Nobel laureates showed that tolerance is also maintained later in life by peripheral immune tolerance, where regulatory T cells (Tregs) suppress immune attacks on healthy tissues.

2. The Foxp3 Gene

• Discovered by Mary Brunkow and Fred Ramsdell, Foxp3 was found to be a master regulator gene for Treg cell development.
• Shimon Sakaguchi later proved that Foxp3 mutations in humans lead to severe autoimmune disorders, such as IPEX syndrome (Immune dysregulation, Polyendocrinopathy, Enteropathy, X-linked).
• Understanding this gene provided a molecular basis for how autoimmunity develops and how it can be controlled.

3. Significance of Their Work

• Their discoveries have redefined immunology and created new medical possibilities:
• Autoimmune Disease Treatment: Targeting Tregs can help manage diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Cancer Therapy: Modulating immune tolerance can help the immune system attack cancer cells more effectively.
• Organ Transplantation: Enhancing peripheral tolerance could prevent organ rejection, reducing dependence on immunosuppressants.

4. Broader Scientific Relevance

• The discovery integrates molecular biology, genetics, and immunotherapy, fields that have become central to 21st-century medicine.
• It connects with ongoing research in CAR-T cell therapy, gene editing (CRISPR-Cas9), and personalised medicine, showing how immune system manipulation is key to future healthcare.

India’s Relevance

• India faces a rising burden of autoimmune disorders (e.g., Type 1 diabetes, thyroiditis) — understanding Treg mechanisms can inform local research.
• The discovery aligns with India’s National Health Policy 2017 goal of integrating biomedical research into public health innovation.
• It also complements India’s initiatives in biotechnology (DBT) and immunology research centres such as NIBMG and NII.

UPSC Prelims Q. The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded for discoveries related to: (a) The development of mRNA vaccine technology for viral infections
(b) The identification of genes responsible for cancer metastasis
(c) The discovery of regulatory T cells and mechanisms of peripheral immune tolerance
(d) The invention of monoclonal antibody therapy for autoimmune diseases Answer: (c)

India, Australia to sign joint defence and security cooperation declaration Syllabus Mapping

• GS Paper II:
• Bilateral relations, Regional groupings, India–Australia ties, QUAD
• GS Paper III:
• Defence technology, Maritime security, Strategic partnerships

Context

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Australia (October 9–10, 2025) to sign a Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles.
• This declaration seeks to institutionalise and expand defence collaboration, especially in maritime security, air-to-air refuelling, and defence industry partnerships.
• The move signifies Australia’s recognition of India’s growing defence-manufacturing capabilities and the strengthening of their Indo-Pacific strategic partnership.

What It’s All About

• India and Australia are working toward a Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation to provide a long-term strategic framework for future engagements.
• The partnership aims to:
• Enhance maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean.
• Deepen defence technology and industry collaboration.
• Strengthen coordination on regional security issues, especially in the Indo-Pacific.

Detailed Analysis 1. Growing Strategic Convergence

• The visit reflects the growing momentum in the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) signed in 2020.
• Both nations share interests in ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, countering China’s assertive behaviour.
• Defence cooperation activities have tripled in the past decade — from 11 in 2014 to 33 in 2024.

2. Key Defence Components

• Air-to-Air Refuelling Arrangement:
• India’s first such agreement with any partner — to be conducted with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) KC-30A multi-role tanker.
• Enhances interoperability of Indian Air Force assets during joint operations.
• Maritime Security Road Map:
• Ongoing work on a Maritime Security Road Map to boost coordination on sea lane protection, information sharing, and joint patrols.
• Focus on maritime domain awareness (MDA) in the Indian Ocean — crucial for deterring piracy, illegal fishing, and grey-zone threats.

3. Defence Industrial Collaboration

• Australia has acknowledged India’s Make in India–led defence production capabilities, signalling potential for future joint manufacturing and technology sharing.
• Areas of synergy include:
• Aerospace systems
• Naval platforms
• Cybersecurity and space defence
• The partnership complements India’s efforts to emerge as a reliable defence supplier in the Global South.

4. Strategic Significance

• The cooperation strengthens both countries’ positions within broader Indo-Pacific frameworks like:
• QUAD (India–Australia–Japan–US)
• Malabar Naval Exercise
• Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
• Enhances regional deterrence and contributes to collective maritime security architecture.
• Supports India’s ambition of being a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

5. Broader Areas of Cooperation

• The relationship now spans trade, education, sports, renewable energy, and strategic minerals.
• Australia remains a strong supporter of India’s defence industry ambitions and autonomous strategic posture.

Relevance for India

• Expands India’s strategic depth beyond its western and northern fronts.
• Strengthens supply chain resilience and technology access through trusted partners.
• Supports India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) pillars — particularly on maritime security and defence cooperation.

UPSC Prelims Q. With reference to India–Australia relations, consider the following statements: 1. India and Australia are part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) along with Japan and the United States. 2. The “Air-to-Air Refuelling Implementing Arrangement” between India and Australia is India’s first such agreement with any country. 3. India and Australia have signed a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” that includes cooperation in defence, maritime security, and cyber domains. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (d)

Deliberations continue on proposed nuclear Bill Syllabus Mapping GS Paper III – Science & Technology / Energy Security / Internal Security

• Developments and their applications in nuclear technology
• Energy policy and infrastructure
• Government policies on atomic energy, public sector and private participation

Context

• The Government of India is deliberating on new legislation that would allow private sector participation in the operation of nuclear power plants.
• The proposed law would involve amendments to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 (CLND Act).
• The move aims to boost nuclear energy capacity to 100 GW by 2047, but questions remain over radioactive waste management, liability in case of accidents, and private involvement in core nuclear research.

What It’s All About

• The Finance Minister announced in her 2024–25 Budget speech the government’s intent to enable private and foreign participation in nuclear projects by amending the two key Acts.
• Currently, only three PSUs can build and operate nuclear power plants in India:

1. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) 2. Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd. (BHAVINI) 3. Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd. (ASHVINI) – a joint venture between NPCIL and NTPC

• The upcoming Bill seeks to open the sector to private participation and joint ventures while maintaining state control over nuclear materials and safety.

Detailed Analysis 1. Existing Legal Framework

Act	Key Provisions	Current Limitation
Atomic Energy Act, 1962	Empowers Central Govt. to produce, use, and dispose of nuclear energy; restricts nuclear activities to government entities	Bars private sector from direct participation in nuclear power generation
Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 (CLND)	Provides compensation mechanism in case of nuclear accidents; establishes operator liability	Imposes absolute liability on operators (i.e., PSUs) — deters private and foreign investors

2. Why Reforms Are Needed

• Energy Goals: India aims to install 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, up from ~7 GW currently, to meet clean energy targets under Net Zero by 2070.
• Private Sector Involvement: Needed for capital infusion, advanced technology, and faster project execution.
• Foreign Collaboration: The 2010 CLND Act discouraged global reactor suppliers (from the U.S., France, Japan) due to supplier liability provisions. Aligning Indian laws with international norms (e.g., CSC – Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage) can attract investment.

3. Key Challenges in the Draft Bill

• Liability Ambiguity: Who will be responsible in case of an accident — the private operator or the government?
• Radioactive Waste Disposal: No clear national policy yet on long-term nuclear waste management.
• Regulatory Oversight: Private entry demands a strengthened Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) to ensure safety and transparency.
• Public Opposition: Safety concerns following Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima (2011) have created political sensitivity around private control of nuclear facilities.

4. Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs)

• India is developing 220 MW Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) — Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) suitable for smaller grids and industrial use.
• BSRs are aimed at decarbonising industries such as steel and aluminium by supplying captive power.
• The proposed framework will enable private industries to invest in and operate such reactors in collaboration with PSUs like NPCIL.

5. Alignment with Global Conventions

• India’s 2010 Liability Act includes supplier liability — a clause not found in global conventions like CSC, which shifts liability entirely to the operator.
• Aligning with CSC will boost investor confidence and facilitate import of advanced nuclear technologies from the U.S., France, and Russia.

Strategic Significance

• Expanding nuclear energy aligns with India’s goals of:
• Energy diversification and reduced fossil fuel dependence.
• Climate commitments under Paris Agreement (2015).
• Strategic autonomy through indigenous reactor design and fuel cycle control.
• Enhances India’s position as a responsible nuclear energy state and a member of key export control regimes like the Wassenaar Arrangement and Australia Group.

UPSC Prelims Q. With reference to nuclear energy in India, consider the following statements: 1. At present, only government-owned entities are permitted to construct and operate nuclear power plants in India. 2. The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 imposes liability on both the operator and the foreign supplier in case of an accident. 3. India is a member of the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC). Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (d)

Jaishankar says India’s interests are best secured by strategic autonomy Syllabus Mapping GS Paper II – International Relations

• India’s foreign policy — determinants and evolution
• Bilateral, regional, and global groupings affecting India’s interests
• Role of India and its strategic partnerships in changing global order

Context

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at the Aravalli Summit 2025 at Jawaharlal Nehru University, reiterated that India’s national interests are best secured through strategic autonomy rather than rigid alignment with any one power bloc.
• Referring to India’s 1971 Treaty of Friendship with the Soviet Union, he said it was a “necessary” choice given the U.S.–China–Pakistan triangle threatening India at the time.
• His remarks come amid rising global volatility, trade tensions with the U.S., and realignments among major powers like China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, underscoring the relevance of India’s multi-alignment policy in a multipolar world.

What It’s All About

• Strategic Autonomy means pursuing an independent foreign policy that serves India’s national interests without being subordinated to any external alliance or bloc.
• Jaishankar emphasized that the purpose of Indian foreign policy is not to “solve all global problems,” but to “manage relationships to national advantage.”
• India’s diplomacy aims to maximize options and maintain freedom of choices while engaging with all major powers — the U.S., Russia, China, EU, and Global South nations.

Detailed Analysis 1. Evolution of Strategic Autonomy

• Rooted in Nehru’s Non-Alignment Policy (NAM) during the Cold War, which sought to keep India independent of U.S. or Soviet blocs.
• Over the decades, it evolved into “multi-alignment” — engaging with all sides based on issue-specific cooperation.
• Example:
• India participates in QUAD (with the U.S., Japan, and Australia) to ensure a free Indo-Pacific.
• Simultaneously, India remains a member of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) alongside Russia and China.

2. Strategic Autonomy in Practice

• 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty: Signed amid U.S.–China–Pakistan coordination; helped India secure support during the Bangladesh Liberation War.
• Contemporary Example (2022–25):
• India continued importing Russian oil despite Western sanctions — guided by energy security and national interest, not bloc politics.
• Maintained trade partnerships with the U.S. and EU, showing policy independence.

3. Core Tenets of Jaishankar’s Doctrine

• “India First” Foreign Policy: All diplomatic decisions must enhance India’s economic and strategic strength.
• Pragmatism over Ideology: Engage with all partners — “multi-alignment” rather than “non-alignment.”
• Neighbourhood-First with Sensitivity: India must be the “go-to partner” for its neighbours through infrastructure and connectivity projects.
• Crisis-Responsive Diplomacy: Ability to recalibrate policy amid regional tensions (e.g., China border standoff, Pakistan instability, West Asia flux).

4. Global and Regional Context

• Changing World Order:
• U.S.–China rivalry, Ukraine war, and disruptions in global trade and supply chains are pushing the world towards multipolarity.
• India seeks to balance relationships with all poles — ensuring strategic leverage.
• Regional Diplomacy:
• India focuses on developmental partnerships (energy, connectivity, railways, digital payments) with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
• At the same time, India avoids “re-hyphenation” with Pakistan — i.e., being seen through a sub-continental lens rather than a global one.

5. Managing Neighbourhood Relations

• Jaishankar noted that “every country has problematic neighbours”, but India’s approach should be to turn challenges into opportunities.
• India’s ongoing infrastructure projects (e.g., Chabahar Port, Kaladan Corridor, BBIN connectivity) are examples of transformational diplomacy in South Asia.
• Emphasized that India should not “underwrite the entire regional infrastructure”, but act as a dependable partner when neighbours face crises.

Strategic Significance

• Reinforces India’s autonomous decision-making capacity in a volatile global environment.
• Enhances India’s credibility as a balancer and bridge-builder in a fragmented world order.
• Supports India’s vision for Viksit Bharat @2047, aligning foreign policy with long-term national development goals.

UPSC Prelims Q. With reference to India’s foreign policy, the term “Strategic Autonomy” refers to: (a) India’s refusal to join any regional or international grouping
(b) The pursuit of an independent foreign policy based on national interests rather than alignment with any power bloc
(c) India’s policy of economic self-reliance without international cooperation
(d) The prioritization of neighbourhood relations over global partnerships Answer: (b)
PM-SETU Scheme Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Government Schemes & Policies (Skill Development and Employment) Context: During the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, the Prime Minister launched the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme to modernize and align ITIs with industry needs. Key Points:

• Type of Scheme: Centrally Sponsored Scheme with an investment of ₹60,000 crore.
  
  
• Objective: To transform 1,000 Government ITIs across India into modern, industry-aligned training institutions.
  
  
• Model: Based on a Hub-and-Spoke structure, with 200 hub ITIs connected to 800 spoke ITIs.
  
  
• Hub Features: Each hub will include advanced infrastructure, innovation & incubation centres, production units, trainer training, and placement services.
  
  
• Spoke Role: The spoke ITIs will ensure wider access and outreach of training programs.
  
  
• Industry Collaboration:
  
  
• New demand-driven courses to be introduced in partnership with industry.
  
  
• Formation of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) with Anchor Industry Partners for managing clusters and ensuring outcome-based training.
  
  
  
• Training Pathways: Will include long-term diplomas, short-term skill courses, and executive programs.
  
  
• Centres of Excellence:
  5 National Skill Training Institutes to be upgraded —
  Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Ludhiana — with global partnerships.
  
  
• Global Co-Financing: Supported by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB).
  
  
• Phase 1 Focus: Implementation begins with Patna and Darbhanga ITIs.
  
  
  

Source: News on Air (NOA)
IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Environment & Ecology (Biodiversity Conservation and International Summits) Context: India will unveil its first-ever Red List of Endangered Species at the IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC) 2025 to be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Key Points:

• About: The IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC) is a quadrennial global summit organized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
  
  
• Purpose: It unites governments, civil society, scientists, indigenous groups, and the private sector to set global priorities for nature conservation, climate action, and sustainable development.
  
  
• Significance: Recognized as the world’s largest and most influential conservation policy forum.
  
  
• Host Country (2025): United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi).
  
  
• History:
  
  
• The first Congress was held in 1948, soon after IUCN’s founding.
  
  
• India became an IUCN State Member in 1969.
  
  
• The previous Congress (2021) was held in Marseille, France, focusing on post-COVID recovery, biodiversity loss, and the climate emergency.
  
  
  
• Themes of 2025 Congress:
  
  
• Scaling Up Resilient Conservation Action – Expanding restoration and species protection.
  
  
• Reducing Climate Overshoot Risks – Strengthening mitigation to avoid ecological tipping points.
  
  
• Delivering on Equity – Promoting inclusive and community-driven conservation.
  
  
• Transitioning to Nature-Positive Economies – Encouraging sustainable production and green finance.
  
  
• Disruptive Innovation & Leadership – Using technology, AI, and youth leadership for conservation.
  
  
  
• Participants: Over 9,000 global delegates, including heads of state, scientists, and policy experts, along with representation from CBD, UNFCCC, Ramsar Convention, and UNEP.
  
  
  
• Key Features:
  
  
  
• Global Voting Forum: 1,400+ IUCN member organisations vote on conservation resolutions.
  
  
• Marketplace for Innovation: Platform for research, technology, and nature-based solutions.
  
  
  
• Networking Hub: Connects scientists, NGOs, policymakers, and corporations for collaboration.
  
  
• Public Outreach: Exhibitions, film screenings, and educational events for awareness.
  
  
• Outcome Document: Global Conservation Declaration guiding 2030 biodiversity targets.
  
  
  

Source: Down To Earth (DTE)
NATPOLREX-X 2025 and Exercise KONKAN-25 Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Security & Defence (Maritime Security and Disaster Management) Context: The Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy are conducting two major maritime exercises — NATPOLREX-X (2025) off Chennai and Exercise Konkan-25 off the western coast — to enhance India’s maritime preparedness and coordination. Key Points: NATPOLREX-X 2025

• Host & Organiser: Conducted by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) from October 5–6, 2025, off Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
  
  
• Participants: Involvement of central ministries, coastal state governments, major ports, oil-handling agencies, maritime organisations, and 40 foreign observers from 32 countries.
  
  
• Aim: To assess and enhance national capability in responding to marine oil spills and test inter-agency coordination under the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP).
  
  
• Features:
  
  
• Deployment of ships and aircraft with pollution-control technology.
  
  
• Demonstration of India’s multi-tiered pollution response strategy.
  
  
• Focus on sustainable maritime practices and environmental protection.
  
  
  

Exercise KONKAN-25

• Host & Nations Involved: Bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy (United Kingdom), conducted from October 5–12, 2025, off India’s western coast.
  
  
• Aim: To enhance interoperability, maritime domain awareness, and joint operational readiness between the two navies.
  
  
  
• Features:
  
  
• Conducted in two phases — Harbour Phase and Sea Phase.
  
  
• Activities include professional exchanges, joint working groups, and complex maritime drills.
  
  
• Focus Areas: Anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine warfare, flying operations, and seamanship evolutions.
  
  
• Assets Deployed: INS Vikrant (India’s aircraft carrier) and HMS Prince of Wales (UK Carrier Strike Group 25), with participation from Norway and Japan.
  
  
  

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
Tikhir Tribe Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Indian Society & Culture (Tribes of India) Context: The Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) has urged the Nagaland Director General of Police to include aspirants from the Tikhir tribe residing in Noklak district in the ongoing Nagaland Police constable recruitment process. Key Points:

• Indigenous Naga Tribe: The Tikhir tribe is one of the indigenous Naga tribes of Nagaland, mainly inhabiting the Noklak district.
  
  
• Population: As per the 2011 Census, the Tikhir population in Nagaland stands at 7,537.
  
  
• Geographical Spread: Some members of the tribe also live across the border in Myanmar.
  
  
• Scheduled Tribe Status: The Tikhir are officially recognized as a Scheduled Tribe under the Census of India.
  
  
• Language: They speak Naga Yimchungru, a Tibeto-Burman language, similar to other Naga dialects.
  
  
• Traditional Practices: Historically, the Tikhirs were headhunters, where a man’s prestige was linked to the number of enemies he had slain.
  
  
• Livelihood: The tribe is primarily agricultural, depending on cultivation for livelihood.
  
  
  
• Social Issues: Being a small tribe, the Tikhirs often face harassment from some larger tribes in the region.
  
  
• Religion: With the arrival of Christian missionaries, most Tikhirs converted to Christianity, though some still blend folk beliefs with Christian practices.
  
  
• Festival: “Tsonglaknyi”, the main festival of the Tikhir tribe, is celebrated annually from 9th to 12th October. It is observed as a festival of the sanctification of the shield.
  
  
  

Source: Eastern Mirror (EM)