The article discusses India's delicate balancing act following President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to Delhi. Despite Western pressure and ICC warrants against Putin, India maintains its decades-old strategic partnership with Russia, emphasizing "strategic autonomy." Key outcomes include a labor mobility agreement, a joint urea plant MoU, and an economic roadmap. However, India remains sensitive to Western concerns by avoiding new strategic agreements in defense or nuclear power. The goal is to reach $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 while managing ties with both Russia and the West without shifting like a pendulum.
India continues to engage Russia economically despite Western sanctions and the Ukraine conflict.
The visit resulted in a labor mobility agreement and an MoU for a joint urea plant in Russia.
India is cautious about strategic defense and nuclear deals to avoid upsetting relations with the U.S. and EU.
Exam Points
Target bilateral trade of $100 billion by 2030.
President Putin's visit in December 2025 was his first since the 2022 Ukraine invasion.
Mention of the 'Dhruv Tara' (lode star) metaphor for Russia-India ties.
This article critiques the increasing reliance on digital surveillance tools like the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) and Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) in welfare programs. While intended to ensure accountability and prevent leaks in schemes like MGNREGA and the Poshan Tracker, these "tech-fixes" often lead to exclusion. Issues include poor connectivity, technical glitches, and the potential for "fudged" data through irrelevant photographs. The author argues that these tools demotivate sincere workers and fail to address the root causes of poor governance, suggesting that accountability requires more than just digital monitoring.
The NMMS requires MGNREGA workers to upload geotagged photos twice daily, often leading to technical hurdles.
Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) is now compulsory for Take Home Rations (THR) under the Poshan Tracker.
Tech-fixes can lead to 'agnotology'—the culturally cultivated ignorance of systemic failures and exclusion.
Exam Points
NMMS (National Mobile Monitoring System) introduced for MGNREGA attendance.
Poshan Tracker uses FRT for monitoring THR distribution.
Mention of Jean Drèze and Amartya Sen's views on accountability.
The article examines the government's directive to preload the 'Sanchar Saathi' app on new smartphones to combat cyberfraud. While the intent is to protect users from identity theft, critics argue that such mandates create privacy risks and expand state surveillance capabilities. The government eventually withdrew the directive following backlash. The author advocates for a shift from state-mandated tech solutions to a 'three pillars' approach: obligations on financial firms, functional reporting mechanisms, and sustained public education to improve digital literacy and empower citizens against sophisticated online scams.
Mandatory preloading of apps like Sanchar Saathi raises concerns about privacy and state surveillance.
The Supreme Court's 'test of proportionality' from the K.S. Puttaswamy judgment is a key legal benchmark.
Online financial fraud cost victims over $1 trillion worldwide in 2023 according to Interpol.
Exam Points
K.S. Puttaswamy (2017) judgment on the right to privacy.
Interpol estimate of $1 trillion global loss to online financial fraud in 2023.
RBI's 'e-BAAT' sessions for digital banking awareness.
India is facing a demographic shift with a rapidly aging population, necessitating robust pension reforms. The article traces the transition from welfare-based assistance to participatory inclusion frameworks. Key schemes include the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) for the informal sector, and the National Pension System (NPS). Despite these initiatives, a significant portion of the elderly remains unaware of their eligibility. The e-SHRAM portal serves as a critical database for informal workers, but challenges like digital literacy and administrative hurdles persist in ensuring universal social security.
India's elderly population is projected to reach 347 million by 2050.
The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) provides a guaranteed minimum pension for informal sector workers aged 18-40.
The e-SHRAM portal aims to integrate informal workers into the national social security framework.
Exam Points
APY targets workers aged 18-40.
347 million projected elderly in India by 2050.
e-SHRAM portal acts as a national database for unorganized workers.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated 125 infrastructure projects executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) across Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, and seven other states. The projects, valued at approximately ₹5,000 crore, include 28 roads and 93 bridges. A major highlight is the 920-metre Shyok Tunnel, designed to provide all-weather connectivity in challenging terrains. These initiatives aim to improve military mobility, rapid deployment capabilities, and socio-economic development in border regions. The government has significantly increased the BRO's budget, reflecting a commitment to national security and the 'Viksit Bharat' vision.
The 125 projects span Ladakh, J&K, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and other border states.
The Shyok Tunnel is a 920-metre long project providing all-weather access to strategic areas.
BRO's expenditure reached ₹16,690 crore in FY 2024-25.
In the first week of December 2025, Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) pulled out ₹11,820 crore from Indian equities. This trend is primarily attributed to the sharp depreciation of the Indian rupee. This follows a net outflow of ₹3,765 crore in November. While October saw a brief pause with inflows, the preceding months witnessed massive withdrawals. Total FPI outflows for the year 2025 have reached ₹1.55 lakh crore. This sustained selling pressure by foreign investors reflects global economic uncertainties and currency volatility affecting the Indian market.
FPIs withdrew ₹11,820 crore in the first week of December 2025.
The primary driver for the withdrawal is the depreciation of the Indian rupee.
Total FPI outflow for the year 2025 stands at ₹1.55 lakh crore.
Exam Points
₹11,820 crore withdrawn in early December.
Total 2025 FPI outflow: ₹1.55 lakh crore.
Data sourced from NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited).
This article highlights the ecological importance of grasslands, often misclassified as 'wastelands' since the colonial era. Unlike forests, where biomass is above ground, grasslands store significant carbon in their deep, fibrous root systems and soil. Restoring degraded grasslands, such as the Banni Grassland in Gujarat, significantly increases Soil Organic Carbon (SOC). Grasslands support millions of pastoralists and diverse biodiversity. The study emphasizes that grassland restoration is a cost-effective strategy for India to meet its climate goals and improve soil health, moisture retention, and erosion control.
Grasslands store more carbon below ground in roots and soil compared to forests.
The Banni Grassland stores 27 metric tonnes of carbon up to 30 cm depth.
Restored grassland sites showed a 50% increase in Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) compared to untreated sites.
Exam Points
Banni Grassland (Gujarat) carbon density: 120 tonnes per hectare.
CAMPA funds used for restoration of degraded grasslands.
Livestock economy in Maharashtra valued at ₹59,000 crore.
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