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President’s Rule

Category: POLITY

Context: A delegation of 10 MLAs from the Manipur Assembly met the Governor of the State and pressed for the formation of a viable government in Manipur that has been under President’s Rule since February 2025.

Learning Corner:

How is President’s Rule Imposed in India?

President’s Rule refers to the suspension of a state government and the imposition of direct central (Union) government rule in a state. This is governed by Article 356 of the Indian Constitution.

Grounds for Imposition

President’s Rule can be imposed under the following circumstances:

The President is satisfied that the state government cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. This satisfaction can arise from:
- A report from the state’s Governor, or
- Other reliable sources of information.
The state legislature fails to elect a Chief Minister within the time prescribed by the Governor.
Breakdown of a coalition government, leading to the Chief Minister losing majority support and failing to prove majority in the Assembly.
Loss of majority in the Assembly due to a vote of no-confidence.
Elections cannot be held due to war, epidemic, or natural disaster.
Failure of the state government to comply with directions from the Union government (Article 365).

Procedure

Proclamation: The President issues a proclamation imposing President’s Rule in the state.
Parliamentary Approval: The proclamation must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within two months by a simple majority.
Duration: Once approved, President’s Rule lasts for six months and can be extended every six months up to a maximum of three years, with each extension requiring fresh parliamentary approval.
- Extension beyond one year is permitted only if:
  - A national emergency is in operation, or
  - The Election Commission certifies that elections cannot be held in the state.
Administration: The state’s Council of Ministers is dissolved, and the Governor administers the state on behalf of the President, often with the help of appointed administrators.
Revocation: The President can revoke President’s Rule at any time without parliamentary approval.

Key Points

The President cannot assume the powers of the High Court during President’s Rule.
The Supreme Court’s judgment in S. R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) placed restrictions on arbitrary imposition of President’s Rule.
The state legislative assembly may be suspended or dissolved, and Parliament may assume legislative functions for the state.

In summary, President’s Rule is a constitutional mechanism for the central government to take over a state’s administration when its constitutional machinery fails, following a detailed process with parliamentary oversight and judicial safeguards.

Source : the hindu

3 soldiers killed, 6 missing in Sikkim landslide

Category: GEOGRAPHY

Context A devastating landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, struck an Indian Army military camp at Chhaten near Lachen in North Sikkim

The incident resulted in the tragic deaths of three Army personnel:

Rescue Efforts

The Army launched immediate rescue operations, but weather and rugged terrain have severely hampered progress.
Four personnel with minor injuries have been rescued.
Senior military officials, including the Commander of the 33 Corps, visited the site to supervise the ongoing operations.

Broader Impact

The landslide has triggered widespread disruption across North Sikkim.
Over 1,600 tourists were stranded due to associated landslides and flash floods.
Evacuation efforts are ongoing, but certain regions remain inaccessible.

Summary

This tragic event highlights the vulnerability of high-altitude regions like North Sikkim to climate-related disasters, particularly during the monsoon season. The incident also underscores the challenges faced by rescue teams in remote, weather-impacted terrain.

Learning Corner:

India faces a wide variety of natural and human-induced disasters due to its vast geography, diverse climate zones, dense population, and rapid urbanization. Below is a categorized overview of different types of disasters in India, along with examples:

Natural Disasters

Earthquakes

Common in: Himalayan belt, Northeast India, Kutch region (Gujarat), parts of Gangetic plains
Example: 2001 Bhuj Earthquake (Gujarat) – over 20,000 dead

Floods

Frequent in: Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala
Causes: Heavy rainfall, river overflow, poor drainage
Example: 2018 Kerala Floods – devastating impact on infrastructure and life

Cyclones

Common in: Eastern coast (Bay of Bengal) and Western coast (Arabian Sea)
Example: Cyclone Amphan (2020) – hit Odisha and West Bengal
Example: Cyclone Biparjoy (2023) – impacted Gujarat coast

Landslides

Occur in: Himalayan region, Northeast, Western Ghats
Triggered by: Heavy rainfall, deforestation, earthquakes
Example: 2023 Sikkim landslide – military casualties and widespread disruption

Droughts

Frequent in: Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
Causes: Monsoon failure, groundwater depletion
Impact: Crop loss, water scarcity, migration

Heatwaves

Rising in frequency due to climate change
Common in: North and Central India (e.g., Delhi, Rajasthan, Bihar)
Example: 2015 Heatwave – over 2,000 deaths reported

Tsunamis

Rare but possible due to proximity to seismic zones
Example: 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami – massive impact in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Cold Waves

- Occur in: North India (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar)

Impact: Deaths due to hypothermia, especially among vulnerable populations

Source : the hindu

2025 Lion Census

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Context : 2025 Lion Census : 32% Population Rise

Learning Corner:

The 2025 Asiatic lion census in Gujarat recorded a 32% population increase, rising from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025. This is a significant conservation milestone, reflecting decades of dedicated efforts. However, experts warn that numerical growth alone does not ensure the long-term survival of the species.

Key Findings from the 2025 Census

Total Population: 891 lions (up 32.2%)
Distribution: 44% now live outside protected forests (in farmlands, wastelands, human-dominated areas)
Range Expansion: Lions now inhabit 35,000 sq km across 11 districts (17% increase in range)
New Satellite Populations: Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Jetpur, Babra-Jasdan
Core Area: Gir National Park and adjacent sanctuaries remain central but are near capacity

Why Numbers Alone Aren’t Enough

Habitat Limitations

Over 40% of lions live outside forest zones with less prey and higher risk.
Fragmented and degraded habitats can’t sustain stable populations long-term.

Rising Human-Lion Conflict

Increasing encounters in farms and near human settlements raise chances of conflict.
Railways, highways, and urban infrastructure fragment wildlife corridors and increase accidental deaths.

Single Population Risk

All wild Asiatic lions live in and around the Gir landscape.
Makes them vulnerable to disease outbreaks, floods, or forest fires—one event could decimate the population.

Genetic Concerns

Low genetic diversity due to inbreeding reduces resilience to disease and climate stress.
A genetic bottleneck limits evolutionary adaptability.

No Second Wild Population

Despite longstanding expert consensus, no viable second free-ranging population exists outside Gujarat.
Plans to relocate lions (e.g., to Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh) remain stalled.

Conservation Experts Recommend:

Expand and Connect Habitats: Create ecological corridors and expand protected areas beyond Gir.
Establish a Second Population: Translocate lions to a genetically and ecologically suitable area to reduce the single-population risk.
Minimize Human-Wildlife Conflict: Implement better compensation, awareness programs, and wildlife-friendly infrastructure like underpasses.
Improve Scientific Monitoring: Strengthen population estimates, disease surveillance, and genetic studies.

Conclusion

While the 2025 lion census is a conservation success story, it must not breed complacency. True security for the Asiatic lion requires strategic, science-driven action—habitat expansion, conflict mitigation, genetic management, and the long-pending creation of a second wild population. The focus now must shift from counting lions to securing their future.

Asiatic Lion – A Brief Overview

The Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) is a critically important subspecies of the lion, found only in India and distinct from its African counterpart.

🔹 Key Facts:

Attribute	Details
Scientific Name	Panthera leo persica
Habitat	Gir Forest, Gujarat, India
Current Population	891 (2025 Census)
IUCN Status	Endangered
Global Range	Exclusive to India (only wild population)
Main Threats	Habitat loss, inbreeding, human conflict, disease

Distinct Features:

Smaller and leaner than African lions
Less developed mane (especially in males)
Prominent skin fold along the belly
Live in smaller groups (prides)

Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Operation Spider’s Web

Category: INTERNATIONAL

Context : On June 1, 2025, Ukraine launched its most daring drone offensive, Operation Spider’s Web, representing a major leap in asymmetric warfare.

Decoding the context: This operation showcased how low-cost, high-tech tactics can inflict serious damage on a militarily superior adversary.

Learning Corner:

Operation Spider’s Web: A Game-Changer in Drone Warfare

On June 1, 2025, Ukraine launched its most daring drone offensive, Operation Spider’s Web, representing a major leap in asymmetric warfare. After 18 months of covert planning, Ukraine smuggled 117 FPV drones into Russian territory using trucks with hidden compartments. These drones were remotely activated to strike at least five high-security Russian airbases, some as far as 4,000 km into Siberia.

Damage Reported:

41 Russian military aircraft destroyed or damaged
Estimated $7 billion in losses to Russia’s air assets
Key Targeted Assets: Strategic bombers, surveillance aircraft, radar systems
This operation showcased how low-cost, high-tech tactics can inflict serious damage on a militarily superior adversary. It exposed the vulnerability of critical military infrastructure, regardless of distance or security.

Diplomacy Overshadowed: The Second Round of Talks

Just hours after the strikes, Russian and Ukrainian officials met in Istanbul for the second round of peace talks. The talks:
Lasted less than an hour
Yielded no major breakthroughs except for discussions on another prisoner swap
Reflected deep mistrust and hardened positions on both sides
The timing of the drone strikes added a layer of tension, with Russia labeling the attack as a “terror act” and vowing retaliation.

Drones vs Diplomacy: The Shifting Battlefield Reality

The dual developments of a groundbreaking drone strike and stalled diplomacy symbolize the new face of modern conflict:
Technology-Driven Warfare: Ukraine has demonstrated that innovation and stealth can level the battlefield even against larger militaries.
Diplomatic Paralysis: Ongoing hostilities and escalation tactics make genuine negotiations nearly impossible.
Narrative War: While Ukraine frames the drone strikes as leverage for peace, Russia sees it as provocation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the operation as a historic milestone, hoping it would force Russia to the table. Yet, most analysts believe the attacks may harden Russia’s stance rather than soften it.

Key Takeaways

Asymmetric tactics like drones are reshaping the landscape of warfare.
Diplomacy is increasingly fragile amid strategic escalations and mutual suspicion.
Ukraine’s operation reaffirms how non-conventional methods can yield strategic wins—but may also escalate geopolitical risks.

Conclusion

Operation Spider’s Web marks a turning point—not just in how wars are fought, but in how difficult it is to reconcile military innovation with diplomatic resolution. As drones dominate the skies, the path to peace becomes ever more complicated on the ground.

Source : the Indian express

President of India Hosts President of Paraguay

Category: INTERNATIONAL

Context : President Droupadi Murmu is hosting President Santiago Peña Palacios of Paraguay on a historic State Visit to India from June 2 to 4, 2025

Learning Corner:

This marks President Peña’s first-ever visit to India and only the second time a Paraguayan head of state has visited, underscoring the deepening relationship between the two countries.

Key Highlights

High-Level Engagements

President Peña is accompanied by a high-level delegation including ministers, officials, and business leaders.
He is holding delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance cooperation across political, economic, and cultural domains.

Ceremonial Welcome

The visit commenced with a Guard of Honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
President Murmu is hosting a State Banquet in his honour.
Meetings are scheduled with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.

Focus Areas for Cooperation

Sectors Discussed: Trade, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and information technology.
Global Issues: Shared perspectives on UN reforms, climate change, renewable energy, and counter-terrorism.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling cybercrime, drug trafficking, and organised crime.

Global South Solidarity

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the strategic partnership within the Global South, noting common development goals and challenges.

Mumbai Leg

In Mumbai, President Peña will engage with state leaders, startup ecosystems, business communities, and tech innovators—aiming to strengthen bilateral economic and innovation partnerships.

Significance of the Visit

President Peña referred to India as an “admirable partner, respected friend, and source of inspiration.”
This visit:

Reinforces the growing diplomatic warmth between India and Paraguay
Paves the way for expanded economic and strategic engagement
Reflects mutual interest in shaping a more balanced and representative global order

This State Visit marks a milestone in India–Paraguay ties, laying a strong foundation for a deeper, diversified, and future-focused partnership.

Source: PIB

(MAINS Focus)

President Rule in Manipur

Date: 3-06-2025		Mainspedia
TOPIC: President Rule in Manipur		GS Paper II – Polity
Introduction (Context) A delegation of 10 MLAs from the Manipur Assembly met the Governor of the State and pressed for the formation of a viable government in Manipur that has been under President’s Rule since February 2025. This development rekindles the debate on the use and misuse of Article 356 of the Indian Constitution.
What is President Rule?	Under Article 356, President’s Rule can be imposed in a state when the state machinery fails to function in accordance with the Constitution. It can be imposed on the recommendation of the Governor or otherwise (including under Article 365, when a state fails to comply with Union directions). Reasons: No party gets a majority in state elections (hung assembly). Breakdown of law and order or failure of constitutional machinery. Non-compliance with union directives under Article 365. Requires approval of both Houses of Parliament within 2 months. Once approved, it lasts for 6 months and can be extended up to 3 years with periodic parliamentary approval.
Impact	The State Assembly is either dissolved or kept in suspended animation. MLAs lose their legislative powers temporarily; laws are made by Parliament on behalf of the state. Central government controls state administration through the Governor. Article 357 allows Parliament to confer legislative power on the President and authorise delegation to another authority while also giving the President power to sanction expenditure from the State’s Consolidated Fund.
President rule in Manipur	This is the eleventh instance of President’s Rule being imposed in Manipur since 1967, when it was imposed for the first time for eight days (from March 12 to March 19). President rule was imposed on Manipur in February 2025 due to continued ethnic unrest, breakdown in law and order, and political instability. Governance Impact: Administrative decisions are being taken centrally. Representation and accountability through elected bodies are paused. Demands for an inclusive, confidence-based political resolution are rising.
Misuse of President rule	Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during the Constituent Assembly debates wished that Article 356 would never be called into operation and that it would remain a dead letter. However, it has been a travesty that Article 356 was misused on several occasions, removing elected governments that enjoyed majority in the States, violating constitutional principles and federalism. Since 1950, the President’s Rule has been imposed on more than 125 occasions. On several occasions, the President’s Rule has been imposed arbitrarily for political or personal reasons. After the Janata Party came to power post-Emergency, it dismissed 9 Congress-ruled state governments. No constitutional breakdown occurred, action was politically motivated.
S.R Bommai case	The S.R. Bommai v. Union of India case is a constitutional landmark that placed judicial restrictions on the misuse of Article 356 (President’s Rule). The Supreme Court ruled that: President’s Rule is subject to judicial review. It can only be imposed in case of a breakdown of constitutional machinery, not just law and order. The Legislative Assembly cannot be dissolved before Parliament approves the imposition. Floor test in the Assembly is the only valid method to test majority, not the Governor’s subjective opinion. It curbed arbitrary dismissal of state governments, thus strengthening federalism and democracy.
Value Addition	Since 1967, Manipur has spent a cumulative six and a half years under President’s Rule. Among all the States and Union Territories, Manipur ranks fourth when it comes to the total time spent under President’s Rule. Jammu and Kashmir (the then State and now Union Territory) rank first as President’s Rule was imposed, cumulatively, for almost 15 years.
Conclusion President’s Rule is a constitutional mechanism designed for rare and exceptional breakdowns in governance however; its historical misuse has often raised concerns about political motives and erosion of federal values. In Manipur’s case, restoring an inclusive, democratically-elected government is critical not just for governance, but for rebuilding trust in constitutional processes.

Mains Practice Question

Q “The imposition of President’s Rule must be an exception, not the norm.” Critically analyse (250 words, 15 marks)

FPV Drones in Modern Warfare

Date: 3-06-2025		Mainspedia
TOPIC: FPV Drones in Modern Warfare		GS Paper III – Science and Technology
Introduction (Context) In a landmark drone operation dubbed “Operation Spider’s Web,” Ukraine recently launched FPV (First-Person View) drones deep into Russian territory, reportedly destroying over 40 aircraft across five locations, some nearly 4,000 km from the Ukraine-Russia border. This marks the most extensive drone strike since the onset of the war in 2022.
What are FPV Drones?	FPV (First-Person View) drones are remotely piloted drones equipped with cameras, transmitting live footage to the pilot’s goggles or screen, allowing for real-time navigation as if the pilot is “inside” the drone. Initially used in racing and filming, they have been weaponised with explosives for military use due to their agility, precision, and low cost. FPV drones are low-cost (around $500) but capable of deep strikes with high precision, making them efficient tools for asymmetrical warfare. Countries like Israel (with HAROP drones) and Iran (Shahed drones) also deploy similar drone technologies. Drones are rapidly becoming essential in military arsenals due to increasing autonomy, affordability, and strategic effectiveness.
How Are They Used in Combat?	A typical operation involves a reconnaissance drone surveying the area, followed by FPV drones flying in to hit specific targets. The live video can be seen through specialised goggles, or on smartphones and other kinds of screens, and the drone can be manoeuvred remotely. Before FPV drones are deployed, a reconnaissance drone with a larger range first goes to survey the area and zero in on a specific region that needs to be targeted. FPV drones have a much smaller range, of a few kilometres.
Advantages	FPV drones avoid heavy radar detection due to their small size and low-altitude flight. They can be programmed or piloted to target tanks, bunkers, radars, and aircraft. They lower risk to human life, reduce the need for traditional air support, and cause significant damage at low financial cost.
Disadvantages	Most FPV drones operate for 5–20 minutes only. Short range limits deep or long-duration missions Operate using radio frequency and GPS signals. Can be easily jammed or spoofed by enemy electronic warfare systems. Needs real-time manual control using goggles or screens. Poor performance in rain, strong winds, or fog. Pilot can only see what the camera sees (usually front-facing).
Value Addition	Reconnaissance drone A reconnaissance drone, also known as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or drone, is used for gathering information, primarily for military or surveillance purposes. Reconnaissance drones are remotely controlled, allowing them to access areas that may be dangerous or inaccessible for manned aircraft. They provide real-time data, including imagery, video, and other sensor information, which helps in decision-making and strategic planning. Drones can monitor specific locations, track movements, or identify potential threats. They are used for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations. Drones are also employed for infrastructure inspections, environmental monitoring, disaster response, and search and rescue operations. They transmit collected data back to ground stations for analysis and decision-making.
Conclusion The Ukraine-Russia war underscores the rise of drones, especially FPV drones, as game-changing tools in modern warfare. Their low cost, high precision, and minimal risk to human lives have made them indispensable. As more nations race to integrate drones into their defence strategies, the future battlefield will likely be shaped by code, cameras, and controllers more than conventional boots on the ground.

Mains Practice Question

Q Discuss the role of First-Person View (FPV) drones in modern warfare with reference to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Examine the implications of increasing drone proliferation on India’s national security and defence preparedness. (250 words, 15 marks)

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