Category: INTERNATIONAL

Context:  Iran held nuclear talks in Istanbul with diplomats from Britain, France, and Germany (E3 countries) to resolve the deadlock over its nuclear programme.

The meeting ended with an agreement to continue discussions. The focus was on whether to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran using the “snapback” mechanism, especially if progress isn’t made by August. The E3 had warned of sanctions if Iran fails to meet its nuclear obligations. While Iran remains skeptical of Western intentions, European leaders are concerned about Iran’s lack of transparency. Both sides agreed to meet again, but tensions remain over trust and commitment.

Learning Corner:

E3 Group:

The E3 refers to a group of three major European countries: France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. They often coordinate on foreign policy, especially on global security and non-proliferation issues.

• Origin: The E3 format emerged during negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program in the early 2000s, even before the broader P5+1 (which includes the US, China, and Russia).
• Role: They act together to uphold the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal.
• Focus: Nuclear non-proliferation, diplomacy, sanctions enforcement, and maintaining international agreements.
• Current Relevance: The E3 continues to engage Iran diplomatically to prevent nuclear escalation and uphold UN resolutions.

Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Category: POLITY

Context: The Supreme Court of India has rejected a plea seeking the start of the delimitation process for constituencies in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N.K. Sinha ruled that the delimitation carried out in Jammu & Kashmir under a special provision cannot be used as a precedent for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, as J&K is a Union Territory governed by a distinct constitutional framework.

The Court emphasized:

• Article 170 (which governs State Assemblies) does not apply to Union Territories like J&K.
• Section 26 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 already provides for delimitation, but only after the first census post-2026.
• The existing notifications are not arbitrary and do not violate Article 14 (Right to Equality).

Learning Corner:

Delimitation in India 

Delimitation refers to the act of redrawing the boundaries of electoral constituencies to ensure fair representation based on population changes.

Constitutional Basis:

1. Article 82: Empowers the Parliament to enact a Delimitation Act after every census.
2. Article 170: Deals with the composition of State Legislative Assemblies and requires delimitation of constituencies based on population.
3. Delimitation Commission Act: Based on this Act, the Delimitation Commission is constituted to carry out the delimitation process.
4. Article 329(a): Bars courts from questioning the validity of delimitation once finalized by the Commission.

Key Points:

• The last delimitation was based on the 2001 Census; future delimitation is frozen until after the 2026 Census, to ensure population control is not disincentivized.
• Jammu & Kashmir underwent delimitation under a distinct constitutional framework post its reorganization as a Union Territory in 2019.
• The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 (Section 26) provides for delimitation only after the first census post-2026.

Purpose:

• Ensure equal representation.
• Maintain the principle of “one person, one vote”.
• Adjust constituencies as per population shifts.

Delimitation is thus a constitutional tool to uphold democratic fairness while balancing administrative and political considerations.

Source:  THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Category: INTERNATIONAL

Context : Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), is visiting Australia from July 26 to 28, 2025, to witness the 11th edition of Exercise Talisman Sabre (TS25).

TS25 involves 19 countries and features complex joint training across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains, including live-fire and amphibious operations.

For the first time, six Indian officers are participating as Staff Planners, marking a shift from previous observer roles in 2021 and 2023. Their involvement includes planning and coordination in joint operations. The visit reflects India’s growing role in regional defense cooperation and its commitment to strengthening military interoperability and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

Learning Corner:

Military Exercises by India

India conducts a wide range of bilateral, multilateral, and domestic military exercises aimed at strengthening military preparedness, enhancing interoperability, and fostering diplomatic ties.

Types of Military Exercises:

Bilateral Exercises:

• Garuda – With France (Air Force)
• MALABAR – Initially bilateral (India-US), now quadrilateral with Japan and Australia (Navy)
• Yudh Abhyas – With United States (Army)
• Shakti – With France (Army)
• Varuna – With France (Navy)
• Sampriti – With Bangladesh (Army)
• Hand-in-Hand – With China (Army)

Multilateral Exercises:

• RIMPAC – Rim of the Pacific (World’s largest naval exercise led by the USA)
• TSENTR / Vostok – With SCO countries and Russia
• Cobra Gold – Hosted by Thailand, includes India and several Asia-Pacific nations
• Exercise Talisman Sabre (TS25) – Multinational drill hosted by Australia and the US, with India’s increasing role

Tri-Service Exercises:

• INDRA – With Russia (All three services)
• Tiger Triumph – With USA (India’s first tri-service exercise with any country)

Domestic Exercises:

• Dakshin Shakti, Gagan Shakti, Vayu Shakti, etc., are large-scale joint or single-service readiness drills conducted within India.

Source :  PIB

Category: INTERNATIONAL

Context: Clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces near their disputed border have resulted in at least 11 deaths

The fighting has centered around contested areas near the ancient temples of Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Preah Vihear. The use of heavy artillery and fighter jets marks a major escalation. Both nations blame each other for starting the conflict and have recalled ambassadors and closed border crossings.

Over 138,000 Thai civilians and thousands of Cambodians have been displaced. International appeals for a ceasefire and diplomatic resolution have intensified amid fears of a broader regional conflict.

Learning Corner:

Preah Vihear Temple:

• An 11th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the Dangrek Mountains along the Thailand-Cambodia border.
• Built in the Khmer architectural style, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 2008).
• Known for its unique linear axial layout, symbolizing a spiritual ascent toward Mount Meru.
• Subject of a longstanding territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.
• In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded the temple to Cambodia, though tensions have continued.

Prasat Ta Muen Thom:

• A 9th to 11th-century Khmer-era temple, also dedicated to Shiva, located near the Thai-Cambodian border in the Surin Province (Thailand).
• Built along the ancient Khmer royal road linking Angkor with other sacred sites.
• Strategically located at a mountain pass, it features a sanctuary, laterite walls, and sacred lingas.
• Its borderline location has led to military and diplomatic tensions, with both Thailand and Cambodia claiming proximity rights.

Source: THE HINDU

Category: POLITY

Context: The Export Promotion Mission, launched in the Union Budget 2025–26, aims to drive export-led growth by empowering MSMEs

Key Objectives

• Boost global competitiveness of Indian exports.
• Improve MSMEs’ access to credit, infrastructure, and global markets.
• Reduce non-tariff barriers and promote ESG-aligned exports.
• Accelerate digitalisation and logistics efficiency.

Major Components

• Credit Support: Collateral-free loans, interest equalisation, trade finance tools.
• Infrastructure: Modern ports, customs digitisation, export hubs.
• Digital Trade: Unified trade portals and paperless systems.
• Market Expansion: FTAs, overseas offices, branding assistance.
• Capacity Building: Skill training and awareness on global standards.
• Green Export Incentives: Support for ESG-compliant exports to advanced markets.

Special Initiatives

• NIRYAT PROTSAHAN: Trade finance, credit cards for e-exporters, support for first-time exporters.
• NIRYAT DISHA: Helps in branding, warehousing, and compliance for global access.
• Support for Women & First-time Exporters: Dedicated funding windows and training.

Source: PIB

Introduction (Context)

Kargil war (fought between India and Pakistan) and in April, 2025, Pakistan-based terrorists launched a terror attack on innocent civilians at a popular tourist spot in Pahalgam. 

Kargil was a watershed moment for India in its conventional fighting capability, Pahalgam has set the bar against any future terror attack in India. Over two decades, India has steadily re-strategized its security policies, sending out a clear message to Pakistan and the world that India will not tolerate any future mis-adventure.

Key Events

Kargil War (May–July 1999)

• Fought between India and Pakistan in Kargil district, J&K.
• Caused by infiltration of Pakistani soldiers disguised as militants.
• India evicted Pakistani forces through Operation Vijay.
• Outcome: Restored status quo ante along LOC; highlighted intelligence gaps, lack of high-altitude warfare preparedness, and spurred military reforms.

Pahalgam Attack (April 22, 2025)

• Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir.
• In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor (May 7-10, 2025) and struck terror bases and military airbases across Pakistan.
• Outcome: Ceasefire was signed between India and Pakistan

Lessons from Kargil

• Intelligence failure

• Neither military nor civilian intelligence agencies had worked on the possibility of any large-scale military infiltration by Pakistani forces in Kargil. 
• The absence of real-time intelligence and effective aerial surveillance led to a delayed decision making and early losses. 

• Shortcomings of the system

• There were serious shortcomings in terms of equipment, logistics and the operational readiness of India’s armed forces.
•  India’s troops lacked the wherewithal to fight war in high altitude areas as they did not have specialised high-altitude gear, adequate artillery support, and real-time communications.

What changed after Kargil?

• Formation of new agencies and departments:

• New agencies such as Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) set up in 2002 and National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) established in 2004 ere set up.
• To avoid future intelligence failures like Kargil, the government improved teamwork between different intelligence agencies – RAW (external intelligence), IB (internal intelligence) and Military intelligence units
• This led to a revamp of key institutions like National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC)
• The post of National Security Adviser (NSA) was made permanent. The NSA now plays a central role in India’s security and strategic decisions, directly advising the Prime Minister.

Military Modernisation

• • Kargil war showed that India needed to modernise its army, both in terms of weapons and war strategy.

• It also became clear that India cannot always depend on other countries, so it must become self-reliant in defence.

• The acquisition and the deployment of modern weapon platforms such as Rafale fighters, Apache attack helicopters, Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, and S-400 missile defence systems, home-grown artillery and BrahMos missiles are some of the results.

Cold Start Doctrine

• India developed a new military strategy called the Cold Start Doctrine.
• It aimed at rapid mobilisation and swift, limited incursions without breaching the nuclear threshold.

Focus on Mountain Warfare

• Kargil war highlighted the importance of being prepared for high-altitude warfare.
• As a result, India raised a special Mountain Corps for operations in mountainous areas.

Joint Coordination in Armed Forces

• The war also exposed the lack of coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• To fix this India created the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in 2019.
• Steps were taken to create integrated theatre commands where all three forces can work together during operations.

Evolution of India’s Counter-Terror Strategy

• Hijacking of IC-814 – It occurred just after Kargil and India agreed to release dreaded terrorists.
• Terror attack on Parliament – led to a year-long mobilisation of Indian armed forces under ‘Operation Parakram’, but it did not result in any direct punishment to Pakistan.
• The 26/11 Mumbai terror attack (November 2008) also did not lead to any punishment for Pakistan.
• Uri Attack – changed the response mechanism and first surgical strikes occurred in Pakistan-occupied territory.
• Pulwama attack (2019) – Balakot air strikes targeting JeM camps in Pakistan.
• Pahalgam (2025) – Deep strikes on terror and military infrastructure, signalling end of strategic restraint.

Conclusion

Kargil (1999) to Pahalgam in 2025, India’s security doctrine has evolved from reactive defense to decisive deterrence. Strategic reforms, military modernisation, and political will have together redefined India’s stance on cross-border terrorism. However, the Indian political and military leadership has to remain vigilant and stay ahead of the curve. 

Mains Practice Question

1999. “From Kargil to Pahalgam, India’s national security strategy has undergone a paradigm shift.” Critically analyse the evolution of India’s conventional and counter-terrorism responses since 1999. (250 words, 15 marks)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/kargil-pahalgam-and-a-revamp-of-the-security-strategy/article69855894.ece

Introduction (Context)

Until the late 1980s, the value of mangroves was primarily understood by the communities that lived around them and relied on them for fishery resources and their livelihoods. However, mangroves now occupy a central position in the area of disaster risk reduction in coastal areas, climate adaptation through carbon sequestration, enhancement of coastal fishery resources, or the conservation of shoreline bird sanctuaries.

26th July is celebrated as World Mangrove Day which commemorates the significance of mangroves in coastal resilience and climate mitigation.

What are Mangroves?

Mangroves are salt-tolerant coastal forests that thrive in brackish water. Known for their dense root systems, mangroves provide critical ecosystem services by stabilizing coastlines, preventing soil erosion, and acting as nurseries for various marine species. 

Common mangrove species in India include Rhizophora, Avicennia, and Sonneratia.

Key Benefits of Mangroves:

• • Coastal Protection: Act s buffer against tsunamis, cyclones, storm surges, and coastal erosion.
  • Carbon Sequestration: Known as ‘blue carbon’ ecosystems, mangroves capture and store carbon at a much faster rate than terrestrial forests.
  • Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to fish, crustaceans, birds, and even endangered species.

• Livelihood Security: Support fisheries, aquaculture, and eco-tourism for local communities.

• Water Filtration: Trap sediments and pollutants, improving coastal water quality.

Status of mangroves cover in India

• Total mangrove cover: 4,992 square kilometers (4,991.68 sq km).
• Percentage of total geographical area: 0.15%.
• State with the largest mangrove cover: West Bengal.
• Second largest: Gujarat.
• Third largest: Andaman & Nicobar Islands. 
• ISFR 2019 to the ISFR 2023, there has been a significant increase, of 16.68 km2, in the country’s mangrove coverage.

How Swaminathan initiated Mangrove conservation?

• At the Climate Change and Human Responses conference in Tokyo in 1989, M.S. Swaminathan proposed a leading role for mangroves in managing the impact of climate change in coastal areas.
• He stated for sustainable management of mangrove wetlands are important because: 

• rising sea levels due to climate change would cause a salinisation of land and water resources in coastal areas, leading to the loss of food production and employment.
• further, a rise in the frequency of cyclones due to rising sea surface temperatures could cause the loss of life, livelihoods, and natural resources. 

Hence restoration of mangroves is important, based on the principles of ecology, economics, and equity as well as research on the utilisation of mangrove genetic resources to develop new saline-tolerant crops (by transferring genes for salinity tolerance from mangroves to rice and other crops). 

• • As a result, the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME) was established in 1990 in Okinawa, Japan and M.S. Swaminathan served as its Founding President till 1993.
  • He co-created the Charter for Mangroves and included it in the World Charter for Nature, prepared by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992. 
  • He has also contributed in the development of GLObal Mangrove database and Information System (GLOMIS), a searchable database on mangrove experts, research, and species, including the Mangrove Ecosystem Information Services, which focused on documenting genetic resources. 

•  In 1992, a team of scientists surveyed and evaluated 23 mangrove sites in South, Southeast Asia, and Oceania over nine countries, with scientific inputs from M.S. Swaminathan, to establish a global network of Mangrove Genetic Resource Centres. These centres are now conserved, monitored and managed as ‘Protected Areas’ by the respective governments.

Role of International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME) 

• It conducted an assessment of the economic and environmental values of mangrove forests, including those in India, as well as the current state of their conservation.
• It also organised a series of workshops on mangrove conservation and sustainable utilisation
• Published a manual of mangrove ecosystem restoration
• Produced a World Mangrove Atlas. 
• The ISME is promoting applied research, providing training to various stakeholders, and acting as a centre of knowledge products on mangroves.

Conservation of Mangroves in India

• During British rule and even after Independence, mangroves (especially in Sundarbans) were cleared for agriculture and settlements. A method called “clear-felling” (cutting down mangroves completely) was widely used until the Indian Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 was enacted.
• State Forest Departments of independent India attempted for restoration of mangroves in clear-felled areas but yielded minimal results.
• Researchers from the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) worked with forest departments starting in 1993. They founded that Biophysical changes caused by poor management practices were the main reason for mangrove degradation.
• Steps taken were:

• A scientific and eco-friendly technique was developed, called the “Fishbone Canal Method”.
• This method helped restore natural water flow and improve mangrove regeneration.
• It was pilot-tested in the mangroves of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal.

• This method later evolved into a Joint Mangrove Management programme, which the then Ministry of Environment and Forests, evaluated in 2000 through a committee and recommended for replication in all suitable areas. This resulted in more investment by the Central and State governments for mangrove restoration and conservation. 

Case study: Mangroves has played a key role during the 1999 Odisha super cyclone and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, in reducing the loss of life and damage to property and natural resources, paved the way for valuing large-scale restoration of mangroves, in India and globally.

Conclusion

Mangroves have evolved from being viewed as expendable marshy lands to becoming global symbols of ecosystem-based resilience, thanks to the pioneering efforts of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan. His vision integrated science, policy, and community participation, making mangrove conservation central to both disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.

Mains Practice Question

Q Discuss the ecological and economic significance of mangrove forests in the context of climate change and coastal resilience. Highlight India’s efforts in mangrove restoration. (250 words, 15 marks)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-scientist-who-made-mangroves-a-buzzword/article69855942.ece