IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Analysis
Archives
(PRELIMS Focus)
Planet Mercury: Faster-Than-Expected Planetary Shrinkage
Science & Technology
Why in News?
A recent study suggests that Mercury may have contracted significantly more than previously estimated. Researchers estimate that its diameter may have reduced by up to 23 km, around 30% more than earlier estimates. The findings were published in Geophysical Research Letters.
Why is Mercury Shrinking?
Mercury has a large iron-rich core. As the planet’s interior gradually cools, the core contracts, causing the overlying mantle and crust to compress. This produces characteristic wrinkle ridges, faults and scarps on the surface.
However, Mercury’s surface is heavily affected by asteroid and meteoroid impacts. Impact debris can bury or obscure older contraction features, causing earlier estimates of planetary shrinkage to be underestimated.
BepiColombo Mission – Dynamic Link
BepiColombo is a joint ESA–JAXA mission to Mercury. It consists of:
- Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) – ESA
- Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (Mio) – JAXA
The mission was launched in 2018. Its Mercury Transfer Module separated in September 2026, beginning the final arrival phase. It is scheduled to enter Mercury orbit in November 2026, with routine scientific operations expected from April 2027.
BepiColombo’s precise measurements are expected to help determine the actual extent of Mercury’s contraction.
UPSC Prelims Angle
A likely MCQ can link Mercury’s large iron core → cooling → contraction → surface scarps/ridges. Another can test BepiColombo’s ESA–JAXA partnership and its two scientific orbiters.
Source/References:
Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple: Landmark of Dravidian Temple Architecture
Art & Culture
Why in News?
The Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is in the news amid administrative action involving the removal of street vendors around the temple ahead of a proposed consecration ceremony. The development has again brought attention to the temple’s immense religious, architectural and cultural significance.
About the Temple
- Location: Madurai, Tamil Nadu, on the banks of the Vaigai River.
- Presiding deities: Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva).
- The temple is a major centre of Shaivism, while the worship of Meenakshi reflects the prominent role of the divine feminine (Shakti) in Tamil religious traditions.
- The present temple complex developed substantially under the Nayaka rulers, particularly Tirumalai Nayak and Vishwanatha Nayak.
- It is a classic example of Dravidian temple architecture.
Architectural Features
- Famous for its numerous gopurams (gateway towers) decorated with thousands of sculpted figures.
- The complex contains mandapams, shrines, sculptural panels and extensive temple corridors.
- The Thousand Pillar Hall (Ayiram Kaal Mandapam) is noted for its elaborate sculptural work.
- The temple’s architecture reflects the Tamil temple-building tradition, in which monumental gopurams and large enclosed temple complexes became prominent.
MCQ Angle: UPSC may ask to match temple–city–river–architectural style–dynasty. Remember that the temple’s major expansion is associated with the Nayaka period, rather than attributing the entire complex to the Cholas or Pallavas.
Sources:
Tso Kar Lake: High-Altitude Wetland of Ladakh Under Stress
Geography
Why in News?
Tso Kar Lake in Ladakh is facing increasing ecological stress due to shrinking water availability. Ladakh is exploring the use of glacial water to supplement the lake and address its declining water levels.
About Tso Kar
- Location: Rupshu Plateau, Ladakh, at an altitude of about 4,500 m.
- It is a high-altitude, hypersaline wetland system consisting primarily of Tso Kar and the adjacent Startsapuk Tso.
- The name Tso Kar means “White Lake”, referring to the white salt deposits around its margins.
- The lake receives water mainly from glacial melt, springs and precipitation.
- Its shallow waters and surrounding marshes support distinctive high-altitude biodiversity.
Ramsar Site
- Designated a Ramsar Site in 2020.
- It became India’s 42nd Ramsar Site.
- It is recognised as an important habitat for migratory and resident birds.
Ecological Significance
Important species associated with the Tso Kar wetland include:
- Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis)
- Bar-headed Goose
- Kiang (Tibetan wild ass)
- Various high-altitude waterbirds.
Major Concerns
Climate change → reduced glacier/snow melt → altered hydrology → declining lake levels → habitat stress
Other pressures include increased tourism, water extraction and human disturbance.
MCQ Angle: Tso Kar is not a freshwater lake; it is associated with a hypersaline wetland system. UPSC may also test its location, Ramsar status and association with the Black-necked Crane.
Sources:
Moth Bean: Climate-Resilient Pulse of the Thar Desert
Agriculture
Why in News?
Four CAZRI-developed moth bean varieties—CAZRI Moth-4, Moth-5, Moth-6 and Moth-7—have demonstrated remarkable resilience during the 35-day dry spell of Kharif 2026, including during flowering and pod formation. The varieties were developed by ICAR–Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur, for the harsh conditions of western Rajasthan.
About Moth Bean
- Scientific name: Vigna aconitifolia
- A pulse/legume crop particularly suited to hot, arid and semi-arid regions.
- Western Rajasthan accounts for a major cultivation area; the crop covers nearly 10 lakh hectares.
- It is cultivated largely under rainfed conditions, making drought tolerance crucial.
- It can withstand low and erratic rainfall (150–250 mm) and prolonged dry spells.
CAZRI Varieties – Key Feature
The new varieties exhibit developmental plasticity—the ability to adjust growth and maturity according to available soil moisture. They begin flowering at around 30 days after sowing and can maintain reproductive development despite moisture stress.
Climate-Resilience Significance
Genetic improvement + timely sowing + moisture conservation + weed management → enhanced drought resilience → stable pulse production
This supports climate-resilient agriculture, farmer incomes and India’s goal of greater self-reliance in pulses.
MCQ Angle: Moth bean is particularly associated with arid western Rajasthan, unlike water-intensive crops such as paddy.
Sources:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2309690®=48&lang=1
INS Kulish: India–Cambodia Maritime Cooperation
International Relations
Why in News?
Indian Naval Ship INS Kulish arrived at Ream Naval Base, Cambodia, on 12 September 2026 as part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet Operational Deployment. The port call aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and professional linkages between the Indian Navy and Royal Cambodian Navy.
About INS Kulish
- INS Kulish is a Kora-class guided-missile corvette of the Indian Navy.
- It is designed primarily for anti-surface warfare, with capabilities for maritime surveillance and other naval operations.
- The ship is named after Kulisha (thunderbolt), associated with Indra in Indian mythology.
- It is part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, headquartered at Visakhapatnam.
Ream Naval Base
- Located in Cambodia, on the Gulf of Thailand.
- Its location gives it significance for maritime connectivity between the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand.
- India’s engagement with Ream reflects growing attention to Southeast Asian maritime security.
Strategic Significance
The deployment supports India’s:
- Act East Policy
- MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions
- Indo-Pacific maritime outreach
- Defence cooperation with ASEAN countries
- Vision of a free, open and inclusive maritime environment.
MCQ Angle: Distinguish Ream Naval Base (Cambodia) from India’s Eastern Naval Command (Visakhapatnam). The former is the destination of the deployment; the latter is the headquarters of India’s Eastern Naval Command.
Source/Reference:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2309659®=48&lang=1
Willingdon Island: Strategic Hub of Kochi Port
Geography
Why in News?
The revitalisation of Willingdon Island has been highlighted as important for unlocking the potential of Cochin Port, with emphasis on improving cargo-handling infrastructure, increasing capacity utilisation, revenue generation and employment.
About Willingdon Island
- Location: Kochi, Kerala, within the Vembanad Lake system.
- It is a man-made/artificial island and one of India’s largest such islands.
- It was created during the development of the modern Cochin Port by dredging and reclaiming material from Vembanad Lake.
- The island was developed in the 1930s under the direction of British harbour engineer Sir Robert Bristow.
- It was named after Lord Willingdon, the Viceroy and Governor-General of India during 1931–36.
Strategic & Economic Significance
Willingdon Island hosts several important maritime and institutional facilities, including:
- Cochin Port
- Headquarters of the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy
- Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT)
- Port-related commercial and logistics infrastructure.
The island is connected to mainland Kochi through the Venduruthy Bridge.
Geographical Significance
The development of Willingdon Island demonstrates how dredging, land reclamation and port engineering can transform coastal geography to support maritime trade.
Vembanad Lake → dredging/reclamation → Willingdon Island → Cochin Port → maritime trade & logistics
MCQ Trap: Willingdon Island is not a natural island; it was created through reclamation using dredged material associated with the development of Cochin Port.
Sources:
Celiac Disease: Gluten-Triggered Autoimmune Disorder
Science & Technology
Why in News?
A study from PGIMS, Rohtak has highlighted that celiac disease can present with atypical complications such as anaemia, infertility and neurological/nerve-related problems. More than 1,100 patients have reportedly been diagnosed with celiac disease at the institute over the past decade.
What is Celiac Disease?
- It is a chronic autoimmune disease triggered by gluten, a protein present mainly in wheat, barley and rye.
- Gluten consumption activates an abnormal immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine.
- This damage can impair absorption of iron, folate, vitamin B12 and other nutrients, resulting in malabsorption and malnutrition.
- It may occur at any age, and symptoms can be gastrointestinal or non-gastrointestinal.
Key Symptoms/Complications
- Digestive: diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating and gas.
- Nutritional: anaemia, fatigue and weight loss.
- Reproductive: abnormal periods and difficulty conceiving.
- Neurological: nerve-related symptoms can occur in some patients.
- In children, untreated disease can cause growth and developmental problems.
Treatment
- There is no definitive cure; the primary treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, which can allow intestinal damage to heal and prevent further complications.
Sources:
(MAINS Focus)
Terror's Changing Face: India's Counter-Terror Strategy
GS III – Internal Security
Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and National Security
Introduction
Twenty-five years after 9/11, the global security landscape has changed irreversibly. Terrorism has morphed from large, hierarchical groups to smaller, autonomous entities; lone-wolf attacks are becoming the norm; and technologies such as drones, cyber capabilities, and AI are being used by both terror groups and nations combating terrorism. India’s strategy has evolved from passive restraint to proactive counter-terrorism—from the 1999 IC-814 hijack and 2001 Parliament attack to the 2016 surgical strikes, 2019 Balakot airstrike, and 2025 Operation Sindoor. India has declared that the era of restraint is over, cross-border terrorism will be treated as an “act of war,” and nuclear blackmail will no longer be a restraining factor.
The Evolution of Terrorism
Changing Forms
- From Hierarchical to Decentralised: No longer large groups under leaders like Osama bin Laden or al-Baghdadi.
- Lone-Wolf Attacks: Becoming the norm.
- Technology: Drones, cyber capabilities, and AI used by terror groups and nations.
India’s Early Encounters
- Rajiv Gandhi Assassination (1991): LTTE; shook the nation.
- 1993 Mumbai Blasts: 250+ killed in 13 coordinated blasts.
- 1998 Coimbatore Blasts: Exposed inadequacies.
- IC-814 Hijack (1999): Release of terrorists (Masood Azhar, Omar Sheikh).
- 2001 Parliament Attack: JeM; led to Operation Parakram.
- 26/11 Mumbai Attacks (2008): India’s 9/11 moment; no military action.
Other Attacks
- 2000 Red Fort Attack: LeT; 3 soldiers killed.
- 2005 Delhi Serial Blasts: 60+ killed (Sarojini Nagar, Paharganj).
- 2008 Delhi Blasts: Connaught Place, Greater Kailash, Karol Bagh.
- 2011 Delhi High Court Blast: HUJI; 15 killed.
The Strategic Shift: From Restraint to Proactive Action
The Turning Point (2014)
- Change of Government: Resolve not to let terror go unpunished.
- Uri Attack (2016): Surgical strikes (Sept 28-29, 2016).
- Pulwama Attack (2019): Balakot airstrike (Feb 26, 2019)—first IAF crossing into Pakistani airspace.
- Pahalgam Attack (2025): Operation Sindoor (May 6-7, 2025)—destroyed LeT/JeM leadership and headquarters in 96 hours.
India’s Declared Intentions
- Era of Restraint Over: Pakistan will pay a direct and heavy price for any terror attack.
- Act of War: Any cross-border terrorism from Pakistan will be treated as an act of war.
- Nuclear Blackmail: No longer a restraining factor.
PRAHAAR (February 23, 2026)
- First Comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy: Whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches.
- Focus: Preventing and responding to terrorist activities and radicalisation.
The Way Forward: A Four-Fold Strategy
Hunt Down Remnants
- Kashmir: Continue to eliminate remnants of terror networks.
Pre-emptive Military Action
- Across LoC: Target potential threats, including terrorist launch pads.
- Intelligence: Deeply embedded networks enable pre-emption.
De-radicalisation
- Exhaustive Programme: Motivate youth to join mainstream; make joining terror outfits unattractive and prohibitively costly.
Cut Off Terror Financing
- International Cooperation: Close coordination with friendly countries.
Global Consensus and Diplomacy
SCO Summit (Bishkek, September 1, 2026)
- PM Modi: “We must send a strong message to countries that use terrorism as an instrument of policy and provide safe haven and support to terrorists that terrorism can never be a strategic asset for anyone.”
BRICS Summit (New Delhi, September 2026)
- Delhi Declaration: Exclusive paragraph on Pahalgam terror attack; growing global consensus on combating terrorism.
Conclusion
India’s counter-terror strategy has evolved from passive restraint to proactive action—from IC-814 and 26/11 to surgical strikes, Balakot, and Operation Sindoor. The era of restraint is over; cross-border terrorism is now treated as an act of war, and nuclear blackmail is no longer a restraining factor. PRAHAAR provides a comprehensive national framework. The way forward requires hunting down remnants, pre-emptive action, de-radicalisation, and cutting off terror financing. Globally, India has emerged as a leading voice, with growing consensus at SCO and BRICS. Twenty-five years after 9/11, terrorism has morphed, but India’s resolve to combat it has strengthened.
Practice Question
- “India’s counter-terror strategy has evolved from passive restraint to proactive action, with Operation Sindoor marking a decisive shift.” Critically examine the evolution of India’s counter-terror strategy and suggest a comprehensive approach for the future. (250 words, 15 marks)
Our Healthcare Boom Hides a Public-System Deficit
GS II – Governance / GS II – Social Justice
Public Health, Health Financing, and Universal Health Coverage
Introduction
The most revealing number in India’s healthcare story after 12 years may not be the number of hospitals built or Ayushman cards issued—it may be 1.43%. That was government health expenditure as a share of GDP in 2022-23, against the 2.5% target set by the National Health Policy 2017. India has expanded almost every visible measure of healthcare: medical colleges (818), undergraduate seats (1,28,875), AIIMS footprint, and Ayushman Bharat. Yet the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare finds a system struggling with basic capacity, affordability, and regulation.
The Expansion and Its Limits
Medical Education
- Colleges: 818; Seats: 1,28,875—extraordinary expansion.
- Problem: Not just the number of doctors, but where they practise, who can afford them, and whether the system has infrastructure to use them.
- Specialist Shortages: 70-80% at rural community health centres.
- Building-less Sub-Centres: 17,788.
- Commercialisation: Private and PPP models; medical seats as valuable commercial assets; question of “who regulates the regulator?”
Private Sector Dominance
- Hospitalisations: >60% in private sector.
- Outpatient Care: ~70% in private sector (NSSO 80th round, 2025).
- Average Hospitalisation Expenditure: ₹6,631 (government) vs. ₹50,508 (private).
- The State’s Failure: Does not have to charge ₹50,000; it only has to fail to provide a realistic public alternative.
Financial Protection Gap
- Ayushman Bharat: Helped millions; but insurance pays the bill without controlling prices.
- Missing Middle: >40 crore Indians outside comprehensive financial protection.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenditure: 43.4% of total health expenditure (2022-23), though substantially reduced.
Private Capital Entry
- Major Transactions: Manipal Health Enterprises, CARE Hospitals, KIMS, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, diagnostic chains.
- Investor Attraction: Recurring demand, consolidation opportunities, scalable chains.
- The Question: Does investment create capacity in underserved districts, make treatment cheaper, strengthen primary care—or acquire existing businesses and pursue profitable segments?
The Lancet Commission Report (2026)
Key Argument
- Citizen-Centred Health System: Stronger publicly financed and publicly provided health system as the foundation of universal healthcare.
The Ultimate Test
- Whether a family is less vulnerable when illness strikes.
- If the choice remains: Between a government hospital that may lack capacity and a private hospital it may struggle to afford—then something fundamental remains unfinished.
Weaknesses and Gaps
- Public Health Expenditure: 1.43% of GDP vs. 2.5% target.
- Rural Capacity: Specialist shortages; building-less sub-centres.
- Affordability: Private hospitalisation costs 7.6x government.
- Missing Middle: 40 crore without comprehensive protection.
- Regulation: Commercialisation of medical education; regulatory integrity.
Way Forward
- Increase Public Health Spending: Move towards 2.5% of GDP.
- Strengthen Primary Care: Build capacity in rural and underserved areas.
- Regulate Private Sector: Price control, quality standards, transparency.
- Expand Financial Protection: Cover the missing middle.
- Regulate Medical Education: Ensure integrity; prevent commercialisation.
- Public Provision: Strong publicly financed and provided system as foundation.
Conclusion
India’s healthcare boom—expanded medical colleges, Ayushman Bharat, private investment—hides a public-system deficit. Government health expenditure remains at 1.43% of GDP, against the 2.5% target. Specialist shortages (70-80%) at rural CHCs, 17,788 building-less sub-centres, and out-of-pocket expenditure at 43.4% reveal a system struggling with basic capacity and affordability. The private sector dominates (60% hospitalisations, 70% outpatient), with costs 7.6x higher than government. Insurance pays bills without controlling prices. The missing middle—40 crore Indians—remains unprotected. The Lancet Commission’s call for a stronger publicly financed and provided health system should be the ultimate test: whether a family is less vulnerable when illness strikes.
Practice Question
- India’s healthcare boom hides a public-system deficit, with government health expenditure at 1.43% of GDP against the 2.5% target. Critically examine the challenges of India’s healthcare system and suggest measures for building a citizen-centred, universal health system. (250 words, 15 marks)
