The 10-member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin adopted the Tianjin Declaration, strongly condemning terrorism and cross-border movements. Member states, including India, China, and Russia, reaffirmed their commitment to fight separatism and extremism while opposing unilateral coercive measures. India joined in condemning strikes against Iran but remained the only member not to reaffirm support for China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). PM Modi highlighted the need for coordinated action against terror financing and promoted regional connectivity projects like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
The Tianjin Declaration was signed by all 10 members, calling for an end to cross-border movements of terrorists.
Member states expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for a just settlement of the Palestinian issue.
India highlighted its role in connectivity through the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
Exam Points
Tianjin Declaration 2025
UN Security Council resolution 2231 regarding Iran
The Supreme Court has intervened in a dispute where Tamil Nadu alleged the Centre withheld over ₹3,000 crore in Samagra Shiksha scheme funds. The Centre's refusal stems from the state's reluctance to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, specifically the three-language formula. Tamil Nadu argues that linking funds to NEP compliance is arbitrary and challenges regional linguistic diversity. The court has sought a response from the Centre regarding the delinking of Right to Education (RTE) reimbursements from the state's financial obligations under the scheme.
Tamil Nadu claims the Centre refused to part with its share under the Samagra Shiksha scheme due to NEP 2020 disagreements.
The state raised concerns that the NEP's three-language policy with a premium on Hindi challenges regional linguistic diversity.
The 2009 RTE Act requires private schools to admit 25% of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Kerala has reported more deaths due to amoebic meningoencephalitis, bringing this year's toll to three with 42 cases reported. The infection, often called 'brain-eating amoeba,' primarily spreads through contaminated water in ponds or wells. Two variants are noted: Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) and Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE), with the latter currently reported in Kerala. The disease has a staggering 95% mortality rate. Symptoms include fever, headache, and nausea, appearing within 5-10 days of contact. The Health Department has initiated statewide waterbody chlorination as a precaution.
Amoebic meningoencephalitis is caused by amoebas entering the human body through the nose from contaminated water.
The two main variants are Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) and Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE).
The infection has a very high mortality rate, estimated at 95% by health officials.
India's GDP grew by 7.8% in the first quarter of the current financial year, surpassing the RBI's prediction of 6.5%. While manufacturing grew at 7.7%, other indicators like the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and vehicle sales showed signs of slowing. Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran maintained the annual growth forecast at 6.3%-6.8%, implying a expected slowdown in subsequent quarters. Concerns remain regarding the government's ability to meet fiscal deficit targets due to potential revenue hits from upcoming GST rate cuts and global economic uncertainties.
Q1 GDP growth stood at 7.8%, significantly higher than the RBI's August prediction of 6.5%.
The manufacturing sector grew by 7.7%, though the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) showed a slower growth of 3.3%.
Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran retained the annual growth forecast at 6.3%-6.8%.
State-sponsored health insurance schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and State Health Insurance Programmes (SHIPs) have expanded significantly, yet challenges to Universal Health Care (UHC) persist. These schemes are often restricted to in-patient care and rely heavily on private providers, which can lead to profit-driven motives and exclusion of the poor. Issues include low utilization rates due to lack of awareness, discrimination against insured patients by private hospitals, and delayed reimbursements. Experts argue that insurance is not a substitute for direct public investment in primary healthcare infrastructure.
PMJAY and SHIPs are modeled with a maximum cover of ₹5 lakh per household annually, but are mostly restricted to in-patient care.
Public expenditure on health in India remains low at 1.3% of GDP, compared to a world average of 6.1%.
Private hospitals often prefer uninsured patients due to higher commercial charges compared to insurance reimbursement rates.
Exam Points
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) launched in 2018
Urban noise pollution in India frequently exceeds WHO safety limits, yet regulatory enforcement remains weak. While the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000 provide a framework, they are rarely updated to reflect urban realities. The Supreme Court has interpreted Article 21 (Right to Life) to include the right to a quiet environment, noting that unchecked noise poses a serious threat to mental well-being and civic freedom. The article calls for decentralizing monitoring, empowering local bodies, and fostering a culture of 'sonic empathy' to address the ecological and health impacts of rising decibel levels.
WHO safe limits in silent zones are 50 dB(A) by day, but readings in cities like Delhi often reach 65-70 dB(A).
The Supreme Court reaffirmed in 2024 that environmental disruptions, including excessive noise, infringe upon the fundamental right to life under Article 21.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) launched the National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network (NANMN) in 2011.
Exam Points
Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000
The UK is set to implement a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (UK-CBAM) by January 2027, targeting imports like steel and aluminum. This mirrors the EU's CBAM and poses a significant challenge for Indian exporters, potentially increasing costs by 20-40%. India is developing its own Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) to mitigate these impacts. The article discusses the need for a global consensus on carbon pricing, referencing the IMF's proposal for an International Carbon Price Floor (ICPF) with tiered pricing based on a country's income level to ensure equity.
UK-CBAM will be implemented from January 2027, covering direct and indirect emissions for hard-to-abate sectors.
The IMF proposed an International Carbon Price Floor (ICPF) with tiered pricing: $25 for low-income, $50 for middle-income, and $75 for high-income countries.
India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) is a major step toward establishing a domestic carbon market.
The Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging the mandatory roll-out of E20 (20% ethanol-blended) petrol. The petitioner argued that E20 fuel causes mechanical damage to older vehicles not designed for it and violates consumer rights. The government defended the policy as a measure to boost farmer income, conserve foreign exchange, and reduce carbon emissions. The court declined to interfere with the policy, noting that E20 has been introduced gradually since 2023. However, concerns remain regarding insurance coverage for damages caused by incompatible fuel use.
E20 fuel (20% ethanol blend) is central to India's strategy to reduce carbon emissions and crude oil imports.
The NITI Aayog's 2021 report 'Roadmap for ethanol blending in India 2020-25' noted that 20% ethanol could cut fuel efficiency by 6-7%.
The petition alleged that vehicle damage from incompatible E20 fuel would not be covered by manufacturers or insurance companies.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the beta version of 'Adi Vaani,' a mobile application and website designed to translate Adivasi languages to and from Hindi and English. This initiative aims to bridge communication gaps for remote tribal communities and preserve linguistic heritage. In its initial phase, the app supports languages including Gondi, Bhili, Mundari, Santali, Kui, and Garo. The project is described as a landmark step toward digital empowerment for tribal youth and inclusive tribal development, having been in development for over a year.
Adi Vaani is a translation application and website launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
The app supports translation between Adivasi languages and Hindi/English.
Initial supported languages include Gondi, Bhili, Mundari, Santali, Kui, and Garo.
Exam Points
Adi Vaani App
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Languages: Gondi, Bhili, Mundari, Santali, Kui, Garo
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and NCERT regarding a petition to integrate transgender-inclusive comprehensive sexuality education into school curricula. The plea, filed by a 16-year-old student, highlights that despite the 2014 NALSA judgment and the Transgender Persons Act 2019, educational modules on gender identity and diversity are largely absent. The petitioner argues that these omissions violate the right to equality and Directive Principles of State Policy. A survey of textbooks across several states revealed systemic omissions, with Kerala being a partial exception.
The petition seeks the integration of transgender-inclusive sexuality education into school curricula nationwide.
It cites the 2014 NALSA v Union of India judgment which mandated such inclusion.
The plea alleges failure by NCERT and SCERTs to include modules on gender identity and diversity.
Exam Points
National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) v Union of India (2014)
Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019
Sections 2(d) and 13 of the Transgender Persons Act
The 51.38-km Bairabi-Sairang broad-gauge rail line is set to be inaugurated, connecting Mizoram to the national railway network. Constructed at an estimated cost of ₹5,021 crore, the line terminates near the state capital, Aizawl. The project features 48 tunnels and the tall Krung Bridge at Sairang. It is expected to reduce travel time from Silchar to Sairang from ten hours by road to just three hours. This project is part of a larger Indian Railways plan to connect all northeastern state capitals by 2030.
The Bairabi-Sairang line is a 51.38-km broad-gauge project costing approximately ₹5,021 crore.
The line includes 48 tunnels and the Krung Bridge, which stands 114 meters tall from its base.
It will reduce travel time between Silchar (Assam) and Sairang (Mizoram) to about three hours.
A two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court has referred the question of whether minority educational institutions are entirely exempt from the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 to a larger Bench. The reference challenges a 2014 Constitution Bench verdict (Pramati case) which exempted minority schools from providing 25% reservation for disadvantaged children under Section 12(1)(c). Justice Dipankar Datta observed that minority status has sometimes become a 'vehicle for circumventing' the mandate of universal elementary education and Article 21A, leading to fragmentation of the common schooling vision.
The court is reconsidering if minority institutions should be exempt from the 25% reservation for disadvantaged groups.
Justice Dipankar Datta noted that the 2014 Pramati judgment may have jeopardized the foundation of universal elementary education.
The reference stems from appeals against school departments insisting on TET qualification for teachers in minority schools.
Exam Points
Article 21A of the Constitution
Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act, 2009
Pramati Educational and Cultural Trust case (2014)
Supreme Court Justice B.V. Nagarathna has issued a multi-faceted dissent against the Collegium's proposal to elevate Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi to the apex court. Her dissent touched upon the criteria for elevation, including seniority and regional representation. She noted that several senior women High Court judges were overlooked and expressed concerns that the appointment might be 'counter-productive' to the administration of justice. Justice Nagarathna emphasized that judicial appointments must be free from the fear of other powers and should ensure diversity in region, gender, and community.
Justice Nagarathna's dissent is the first from a woman Supreme Court judge regarding Collegium elevations.
She highlighted that Justice Pancholi ranked 57th in all-India seniority, questioning the bypass of more senior judges.
The dissent emphasized the need for diversity in region, gender, and community within the Supreme Court.
Exam Points
Justice B.V. Nagarathna (expected first woman CJI in 2027)
National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) judgment reference
CEREBO is a novel, hand-held, non-invasive diagnostic tool developed through a collaboration between ICMR and other Indian medical institutes. It is designed to detect intracranial bleeding and edema within a minute, making it particularly useful in rural areas and ambulances where CT or MRI scans are unavailable. The device uses advanced near-infrared spectroscopy and machine learning. It is safe for infants and pregnant women and can be operated by paramedic staff. CEREBO aims to enhance early detection of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), which cause nearly 1 million deaths annually in India.
CEREBO is a portable tool for early detection of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI).
The device can detect intracranial bleeding and edema in less than a minute.
It uses near-infrared spectroscopy technology and is radiation-free.
Exam Points
CEREBO (diagnostic tool)
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
1.5 to 2 million persons injured by TBI annually in India
The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2025 report states that all of India lives in areas where particulate pollution (PM2.5) exceeds WHO safety limits. While 46% of Indians live in areas breaching India's own more lenient standards, the northern plains remain the most affected, exposing 544.4 million people to bad air. The report identifies particulate pollution as the 'greatest external threat to human life expectancy' globally. In India, meeting WHO standards could add 8.2 years to the life expectancy of Delhi residents and nearly 9.4 months even in the cleanest areas.
All of India exceeds the WHO annual average PM2.5 limit of 5 g/m³.
Particulate pollution is identified as the greatest external threat to human life expectancy in 2023.
In Bangladesh, the most polluted country in the region, air quality improved could add 5.5 years to life expectancy.
Exam Points
WHO PM2.5 limit: 5 g/m³
India's PM2.5 standard: 40 g/m³
AQLI 2025 Report
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