Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context:  Majorana Particles and Quantum Computing

What Are Majorana Particles?

• Majoranas are quantum entities that act as their own antiparticles.
• In certain superconductors, electrons can split into two Majorana modes that store information across separated locations.

How Majoranas Protect Quantum Information

• Conventional quantum computers fight errors by combining many physical qubits into one logical qubit.
• Majorana qubits can store information non-locally, making them inherently resistant to noise.
• When Majoranas are “braided,” their quantum state changes in a way that depends on the entire sequence of swaps, providing fault-tolerance.

Promise and Challenges

• Quantum operations could be performed by braiding Majoranas, making robustness a feature of physics rather than engineering.
• Challenges remain: environmental errors and the difficulty of demonstrating scalable Majorana braiding.

Why This Matters

• Majorana-based quantum computers may need fewer physical qubits, making them more practical and error-resistant.
• Early experiments suggest Majoranas exist, but large-scale implementation is still an open goal.

Learning Corner:

Quantum Computing 

• Definition: Quantum computing is an advanced form of computation that uses the principles of quantum mechanics—mainly superposition and entanglement—to process information.
• Qubits vs. Classical Bits:
  • Classical computers use bits (0 or 1).
  • Quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in a superposition of 0 and 1 simultaneously, enabling parallel computations.
• Key Features:
  • Superposition: A qubit can represent multiple states at once, allowing massive computational power.
  • Entanglement: Qubits can be correlated in such a way that the state of one instantly influences another, enabling powerful information processing.
  • Quantum Interference: Ensures the correct probability amplitudes are amplified while wrong answers cancel out.
• Applications:
  • Cryptography (breaking or creating secure codes)
  • Drug discovery and materials science
  • Optimization problems (logistics, finance, AI training)
  • Simulation of complex systems (climate, physics, chemistry).
• Challenges:
  • Qubits are fragile and prone to decoherence (loss of quantum state).
  • Requires error correction and highly stable environments (extreme cooling, shielding).
  • Scaling up to practical, large systems remains an experimental frontier.

Source: THE HINDU

Category: DEFENCE

Context : Represents a major shift to make India’s armed forces more agile, unified, and future-ready.

What is a Theatre Command?

• A unified command where Army, Navy, and Air Force resources operate together under a single structure for a region.
• Replaces service-specific commands with joint, theatre-based commands.

Rationale and Benefits

• Modern warfare is multi-domain (land, sea, air, cyber, space).
• Enables integrated use of advanced platforms, better logistics, and joint planning.
• Reduces duplication, improves efficiency, and enhances coordination.

Global Context

• Countries like the US, China, Russia, UK, and France already use theatre/joint commands (e.g., US CENTCOM).

Progress and Debate

• Support exists, but differences remain among services on structure and roles.
• Air Force stresses careful planning, Navy highlights integrating maritime strengths.
• Some single-service roles may be retained for flexibility.

Challenges

• Inter-service rivalry, overlapping structures, and integration of diverse doctrines.
• Disputes over HQ locations and command coverage.

Implementation

• Department of Military Affairs (DMA) oversees phased rollout, procurement, and integration.
• Studies and exercises are shaping the final structure.

Source:  THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Category: POLITY

Context: The Delhi High Court denied bail to several accused under UAPA in the 2020 Delhi riots case, citing that the accused had orchestrated a premeditated conspiracy and that there was enough evidence to support the charges at the bail stage

Reasons for Bail Denial

• Court found prima facie evidence supporting charges under UAPA, which sets a low threshold for denying bail.
• Evidence included WhatsApp chats, secret meetings, and witness testimony indicating planned violence.
• Detailed scrutiny of evidence was deferred to the trial stage.

Charges and Prosecution

• Accused charged with premeditated conspiracy leading to deaths and property damage.
• Section 15 of UAPA covers acts threatening India’s unity, integrity, or security.
• Witnesses confirmed planning and instigation through meetings and social media groups.

Judicial Reasoning

• Bail in UAPA cases is restrictive; granted only if accusations are not prima facie true.
• Bail orders for co-accused are not precedents for others, as each case is specific.

Liberty Concerns

• Accused have spent over five years in jail without trial starting.
• SC guidance allows bail if trial is unreasonably delayed, but depends on case facts.

Significance

• Highlights UAPA’s stringent bail provisions and the judiciary’s cautious approach in terror-related cases.

Learning Corner:

Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 

Background

• Enacted in 1967 to curb unlawful activities threatening India’s sovereignty and integrity.
• Strengthened multiple times, especially post-2004, 2008 (26/11 Mumbai attacks), and 2019 amendments.
• Considered India’s primary anti-terror law.

Key Provisions

1. Definition of Terrorist Act (Section 15):
   • Includes acts intended to threaten India’s unity, integrity, security, or strike terror in people.
2. Terrorist Organisation (Section 35 & 36):
   • Central Government can designate organisations as “terrorist organisations” and ban them.
3. Individual Terrorist Tag (2019 Amendment):
   • Government can designate individuals as terrorists (without judicial oversight).
4. Extended Detention & Bail Restrictions (Section 43D(5)):
   • Allows detention up to 180 days without filing a charge sheet.
   • Bail can be denied if court believes accusations are prima facie true, setting a low threshold.
5. National Investigation Agency (NIA) Powers:
   • Empowered to investigate UAPA cases across India without state consent.
6. Search, Seizure & Property Attachment:
   • Government can seize property suspected to be linked with terrorism.

Contentious Issues

• Overbreadth & Vagueness: Broad definitions risk misuse against activists, journalists, and dissenters.
• Bail Provisions: Section 43D(5) makes bail extremely difficult, leading to long pre-trial incarceration.
• Designation of Individuals: Lack of judicial checks; government decision can stigmatize without trial.
• Federalism Concerns: NIA powers dilute state police jurisdiction.
• Civil Liberties: Extended detention and restricted bail seen as undermining personal liberty under Article 21.

Judicial Stance

• Courts stress that UAPA must balance national security with constitutional rights.
• SC in Union of India v. K.A. Najeeb (2021) held that prolonged incarceration and trial delays can justify bail despite Section 43D(5).

Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Context The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEFCC) to review affidavits from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on declaring the Higher Himalayas as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ).

Key Points

• Aim: Protect fragile Himalayan ecosystems from disasters and unsustainable development.
• Recommended measures: Restrict large construction projects, monitor glaciers and river flows, curb biodiversity threats, strengthen disaster response, and improve waste management.
• Context: Frequent floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods are worsening with climate change.
• Next steps: States have sought more time citing ongoing crises; NGT expects detailed responses, with a hearing due in late November 2025.

Learning Corner:

National Green Tribunal (NGT)

• Establishment: Formed in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
• Objective: Provides speedy and specialized adjudication of cases relating to environmental protection, forest conservation, and enforcement of legal rights connected to the environment.

Key Features

1. Jurisdiction:
   • Handles civil cases under laws such as the Environment Protection Act (1986), Forest Conservation Act (1980), Air Act (1981), Water Act (1974), Biological Diversity Act (2002), etc.
   • Excludes Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Indian Forest Act, 1927.
2. Composition:
   • Chairperson (a retired Supreme Court judge or Chief Justice of a High Court).
   • Judicial Members and Expert Members (environmental experts/scientists).
3. Powers:
   • Same powers as a Civil Court under CPC.
   • Can grant relief, compensation, and order restoration of damaged ecology.
4. Principles Applied:
   • Polluter Pays Principle.
   • Precautionary Principle.
   • Sustainable Development.
5. Speedy Disposal:
   • Mandated to dispose of cases within 6 months of filing.
6. Benches:
   • Principal Bench: New Delhi.
   • Regional Benches: Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai.

Significance

• Provides accessible and specialized justice in environmental matters.
• Acts as a check on unsustainable development projects.
• Ensures accountability of both State and private entities in ecological protection.

Challenges

• Limited jurisdiction (cannot take up wildlife/forest rights cases directly).
• Enforcement of its orders sometimes weak.
• Burden of increasing environmental disputes vs limited benches.

Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Category: INTERNATIONAL

Context: The 21st edition of the India–US joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas is being held from 1st–14th September 2025 at Fort Wainwright, Alaska

Key Highlights

• Participants: Indian Army’s Madras Regiment battalion and US Army’s 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment “Bobcats” of the Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division.
• Objectives: Enhance interoperability, tactical proficiency, and operational synergy; focus on high-altitude warfare, integrated operations, and UN peacekeeping readiness.
• Activities: Heliborne operations, mountain warfare, UAS and counter-UAS use, casualty evacuation, combat medical aid, and combined use of artillery, aviation, and electronic warfare systems.
• Expert Exchanges: Working groups on UAS operations, communications, logistics, and information warfare.
• Strategic Importance: Strengthens India–US defence partnership, improves multi-domain joint capabilities, and builds preparedness for operations in extreme terrain and weather conditions.

Learning Corner:

India’s Joint Military Exercises

Army-to-Army Exercises

• Yudh Abhyas – with the United States
• Vajra Prahar – Special forces drills with the United States
• Shakti – with France
• Dharma Guardian – with Japan
• Maitree – with Thailand
• Sampriti – with Bangladesh
• Mitra Shakti – with Sri Lanka
• Nomadic Elephant – with Mongolia
• Prabal Dostyk (also Kazind) – with Kazakhstan
• Khanjar – with Kyrgyzstan
• Ekuverin – with Maldives
• Surya Kiran – with Nepal
• Hand in Hand – with China
• Garuda Shakti – with Indonesia
• Bold Kurukshetra – with Singapore
• Austra Hind – with Australia
• Lamitiye – with Seychelles
• Vinbax – with Vietnam
• Indra – with Russia
• Ajeiya Warrior – with the United Kingdom
• Al Nagah – with Oman
• Dustlik – with Uzbekistan

Navy-to-Navy and Naval Exercises

• Malabar – trilateral exercise with the US, Japan (and sometimes Australia)
• Varuna – with France
• SLINEX – with Sri Lanka
• IND-Indo CORPAT and Samudra Shakti – with Indonesia
• Simbex – with Singapore
• Konkan – with the United Kingdom
• Ausindex – with Australia
• Naseem Al Bahr – with Oman
• IBSAMAR – multilateral, with India, Brazil & South Africa
• ADMM+ / Komodo – multilateral HOA in Southeast Asia

Air Force-to-Air Force Exercises

• Garuda – with France
• Indradhanush – with the United Kingdom
• Red Flag – with the United States
• Eastern Bridge – with Oman
• AviaindrA – with Russia
• Siam Bharat – with Thailand
• Desert Eagle – with the UAE

Multilateral and Multiservice Exercises

• Tiger Triumph – India–USA tri-service humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HADR) exercise
• Malabar – naval exercise with India, US, Japan (and Australia)
• RIMPAC, Cobragold, Force 18, IBSAMAR, etc. – involving multiple countries and services in broader regional settings

Source: PIB

Introduction (Context)

India’s maritime sector has long been governed by colonial-era and fragmented laws. Recently, the Rajya Sabha has passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, marking a major overhaul in India’s maritime legislative framework.

Along with the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025, the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, and the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, this legislative package seeks to replace colonial-era laws (notably the Act of 1908) and align India’s maritime sector with global best practices.

However, concerns have emerged regarding federalism, ownership safeguards, regulatory overreach, and impacts on smaller players.

Indian Ports Bill, 2025

• The act will modernise India’s port governance, enhance trade efficiency, and solidify India’s position as a global maritime leader. 
• The legislation also emphasises sustainability, incorporating green initiatives, pollution control, and disaster management protocols for sustainable port development. 
• It aims to simplify port procedures & digitalise operations to enhance ease of doing business (EODB).
• For ports themselves, the bill provides greater autonomy with accountability, allowing ports to set competitive tariffs within a transparent framework.

Criticism

• The Ports Act, 2025 has been criticised for centralising powers in the hands of the Union government, thereby weakening the role of States and diluting safeguards meant to protect Indian sovereignty.
• A key feature of the Act is the creation of the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC), chaired by the Union Minister of Ports. This body acts as a centralised policy-making authority, empowered to direct States to follow central guidelines.
• Critics argue that this design does not reflect cooperative federalism but instead shows federal subordination, where States are compelled to align their port development policies with central schemes such as Sagarmala (port-led development programme) and PM Gati Shakti (national master plan for integrated infrastructure).
• Under this framework, State maritime boards cannot revise or adapt their port-related policies without central approval, thereby stripping coastal States of fiscal autonomy and administrative flexibility.
• Further experts warn that the Act introduces vague and discretionary regulatory powers, meaning authorities can interpret rules broadly, potentially creating compliance burdens that are difficult for smaller port operators to manage.
• Clause 17 of the Act bars civil courts from hearing port-related disputes, and instead channels such disputes to internal resolution committees set up by the same authorities whose actions are being challenged.

Merchant Shipping Act, 2025

• The law seeks to modernise registration systems, ownership norms, safety standards, environmental obligations, and liability frameworks in the shipping sector.
• It expands the definition of vessels to include offshore drilling units and non-displacement crafts (vessels that move above water like hovercrafts, not by displacing water like traditional ships).
• It strengthens oversight of maritime training institutes, ensuring better quality control in seafarer education and skill development.
• It aligns India’s liability and insurance rules with global conventions, making them consistent with international standards to improve investor and operator confidence.

Criticism

• Under the older Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, Indian-flagged vessels had to be 100% Indian-owned. The new law allows “partial” Indian ownership, including by Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and foreign entities. The exact threshold is left to government notification, raising fears of excessive executive discretion.
• This dilution of ownership requirements creates a risk of India turning into a flag-of-convenience jurisdiction (where foreign owners control ships under India’s flag, often to exploit regulatory leniency).
• The Act introduces Bareboat Charter-Cum-Demise (BBCD) registration, a system where Indian operators can lease foreign vessels with an option of eventual ownership. While globally accepted, without strict enforcement, lessors (foreign owners) may retain effective control indefinitely, weakening India’s maritime autonomy.
• The law mandates registration of all vessels, irrespective of size or propulsion. This may impose heavy bureaucratic and financial burdens on small coastal and fishing operators.
• By allowing the executive unchecked power to dilute ownership norms “whenever convenient,” the Act hands over a blank cheque to the government, raising concerns of arbitrariness and loss of long-term sovereignty.

Coastal Shipping Act, 2025

• It introduces a simplified licensing system for coastal shipping and lays down the framework for regulating foreign vessels engaged in coasting trade. 
• The Bill mandates the formulation of a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan to guide future infrastructure development and policy direction.
• The legislation also provides for the creation of a National Database for Coastal Shipping, enabling real-time access to authentic and regularly updated data, promoting transparency and confidence.

Criticism

• The Act’s primary objective is to protect cabotage (the rule that only Indian-flagged ships can carry goods along India’s coast). 
• While this appears to strengthen domestic trade, the Act gives the Director General of Shipping (DG Shipping) wide discretion to permit foreign vessels in domestic routes.
• Such permissions may be granted on vague grounds like “national security” or “alignment with strategic plans.” These open-ended clauses invite subjective interpretation and selective application.
• Compliance requirements such as mandatory reporting of voyage and cargo details create disproportionate burdens for small operators, especially in the fishing sector, who may lack the capacity to handle complex paperwork and digital tracking systems.
• The Act also mandates a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan to be centrally framed, which States must follow, undermining the principle of decentralised planning for local needs.

Way Forward

• Maritime State Development Council should be redesigned to ensure equal say for States.
• Define ownership thresholds and licensing conditions clearly in legislation. Avoid leaving critical decisions to executive discretion.
• Establish independent maritime tribunals or empower High Courts for maritime disputes.
• Introduce exemptions or simplified compliance mechanisms for fishing vessels and small-scale operators.
• Safeguard cabotage rules to protect domestic coastal shipping from unfair competition.

Conclusion

India’s maritime reforms are undoubtedly necessary to bring its laws in line with global standards and unlock the potential of its 7,500 km coastline. Yet, modernisation should not come at the cost of federal balance, fair competition, and sovereignty safeguards. A balanced approach that respects States’ autonomy, judicial independence, and protection for small operators will ensure that maritime reforms truly strengthen India’s long-term maritime security and economic growth.

Mains Practice Question

Q India’s recent maritime reforms have been hailed as a step towards modernisation, but they also raise concerns of federal imbalance and regulatory overreach. Critically examine. (250 words, 15 marks)

Source: India’s recent maritime reforms need course correction – The Hindu

Introduction (Context)

The Government of India has issued revised guidelines under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016.

The guidelines provide a framework for assessing disability in individuals with two copies of the sickle cell gene, or with sickle cell plus beta thalassaemia/Hb D.

However, the exclusion of sickle cell disease (SCD) from the 4% reservation quota has triggered criticism and demands for reform.

What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?

• SCD is a genetic blood disorder caused by an abnormal form of haemoglobin (HbS).
• Red blood cells, instead of being round and flexible, take the shape of a sickle (crescent).
• This makes them sticky and fragile, leading to:

• Anaemia: Shortage of healthy red blood cells.
• Severe pain episodes (crises): Due to blocked blood flow.
• Organ damage: Heart, kidney, spleen, and brain may be affected.
• Frequent hospitalisation from childhood.

• Beyond health issues, stigma and discrimination deepen the barriers to education, employment, and social mobility.

Salient features of Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016

• The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 was passed to safeguard the dignity and equality of persons with disabilities and to ensure they are protected from any form of discrimination.
• The 2016 Act expanded the scope to 21 types of disabilities. These include conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, specific learning disabilities, and survivors of acid attacks, among others.

Benefits

• Discrimination in recruitment, promotion, training, or pay on the basis of disability is not allowed.
• Persons with disabilities must be treated equally in the workplace.
• At least 4% of vacancies in government jobs are reserved for candidates with benchmark disabilities (40% or more impairment).
• Employees who acquire a disability during service cannot be removed from their job.
• Such employees can be shifted to another suitable post without any cut in pay or benefits.
• Employers must provide necessary adjustments or assistive devices to help employees perform their duties.
• Workplaces should have accessible infrastructure like ramps, adapted furniture, supportive technology, and suitable toilets.
• Policies must be in place to prevent harassment, bullying, or discrimination related to disability.
• Persons with disabilities should have equal access to training, reskilling, and promotional opportunities.

RPWD Act, 2016 and Benchmark disability

• The RPWD Act widened the meaning of disability and gave special rights to those with benchmark disabilities.
• A benchmark disability means a person has at least 40% or more impairment, as per Section 2(r) of the Act.
• People with benchmark disabilities can get free school education, reservations in higher studies, benefits under government schemes, and job reservations.
• The 40% rule leaves out many who still suffer as the percentage system is not uniform. Different doctors or medical boards may give different results for the same person.
• Because of this, many disabling conditions that affect daily life do not get officially recognised.
• Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) may not always look like a disability but causes severe problems.
• People with SCD face repeated episodes of pain, weakness, anaemia, organ damage, and frequent hospital visits, often from childhood.
• These health issues disturb schooling, reduce job chances, and shorten life expectancy.
• The problem is worse for Adivasi and Dalit communities, who also face stigma and discrimination along with the disease.

The continual reliance on biomedical scoring and exclusion of people with SCD from full protections undermines the very purpose of recognising the condition under the Act.

Issue of burden of proof

• In India, many government schemes give special benefits to people who have an official disability certificate.
• Some states like Odisha and Himachal Pradesh provide higher pension amounts for people with severe disabilities.
• Under Section 80U of the Income Tax Act, 1961, a person with a certified disability can get a tax deduction of ₹75,000, which goes up to ₹1.25 lakh in cases of severe disability.
• To claim these benefits, a person must get a disability certificate, issued by a medical authority as per Section 58 of the RPwD Act.
• The certificate is issued after evaluation by a medical board, usually led by the Chief Medical Officer.
• Confirmatory test reports must come from a government-approved or standard lab.
• Disability beyond the basic 40% benchmark is calculated through a scoring system that gives points for issues like pain, frequent blood transfusions, or neurological problems.
• This scoring system often ignores the real impact of the disease, especially when symptoms are invisible or occur only sometimes.
• As a result, people with serious challenges may not qualify for a higher score.
• The certification process itself is difficult for marginalised groups. Adivasi and Dalit patients in rural or remote areas face big hurdles in arranging medical tests or travelling long distances to district hospitals for evaluation.

Way forward

• Extend job reservations under the 4% quota to individuals with SCD and related blood disorders.
• Reform certification process, move beyond biomedical scoring to consider fluctuating, invisible, and social impacts.
• Introduce decentralise certification ensure accessibility in rural/tribal areas with mobile medical boards.
• Adopt rights-based approach, treat disability as a lived experience shaped by health, social exclusion, and structural barriers.
• Combat stigma within healthcare, education, and workplaces by increasing awareness.

Conclusion

The RPWD Act promised inclusion and dignity but continues to rely on narrow biomedical frameworks. Unless sickle cell disease is recognised as a genuine, lifelong disability with real entitlements and protections, India risks reducing inclusion to mere tokenism.

Mains Practice Question

Q Critically examine the challenges faced by individuals with sickle cell disease in accessing disability rights under the RPWD Act, 2016. Suggest reforms to ensure their full inclusion. (250 words, 15 marks)

Source: Sickle cell: The battle for disability justice – The Hindu