A recent explosion in an illegal rat-hole mine in Meghalaya, killing 18 workers, highlights the persistent failure of governance despite a 2014 National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban. Rat-hole mining remains prevalent due to local economic dependence, fragmented ownership, and weak enforcement. The article suggests that illegal mining must become socially expensive and operationally prohibitive. Proposed solutions include mandatory GPS tracking for coal carriers, satellite and drone monitoring, and community-based monitoring. Furthermore, the state should provide alternative livelihoods in sectors like horticulture and tourism to displace illegal mining as a primary income source for the local population.
Rat-hole mining lacks engineered roofs and side-wall protections, making it prone to frequent collapses and fatal accidents.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered a cessation of rat-hole mining in 2014, but enforcement remains weak due to local patronage.
Illegal mining persists because of high local dependence on coal income and a lack of alternative employment opportunities in the region.
Exam Points
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole mining in Meghalaya in 2014.
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act provides the legal framework for preventing illegal mining.
The February 5 explosion in Meghalaya resulted in at least 18 worker fatalities.
This article critiques the current architecture of global climate governance, specifically the UNFCCC and its Conference of Parties (COP). It argues that while COPs produce numerous frameworks, they often lack binding commitments and adequate financing. The 'global mutirão' package from COP30 emphasized cooperation but failed to change the underlying politics of national interest. A significant gap exists between institutional capacity and the actual needs of developing nations, particularly regarding adaptation and loss and damage funds. The article concludes that while the COP process is flawed, it remains the only universally legitimate forum for climate action.
The COP process is criticized for producing theatrical ambition without binding obligations or sufficient financial backing for developing nations.
Global greenhouse gas emissions reached 57.4 GtCO2e in 2024, the highest in history, threatening the 1.5°C warming goal.
Developing countries require over $2.4 trillion to $3 trillion annually for climate action, but current flows are under $400 billion.
Exam Points
Global greenhouse gas emissions reached a record 57.4 GtCO2e in 2024 according to the UNEP Emissions Gap Report.
The COP30 summit focused on the 'global mutirão' package and the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund.
Estimated annual climate finance needs for developing countries range between $2.4 trillion and $3 trillion.
India and the European Union have reached a significant breakthrough in their long-elusive trade negotiations. This deal is driven by both economic interests and the need to respond to a volatile international system, including threats from China and Russia. Beyond tariffs, the agreement serves as a foundation for a broader strategic partnership covering defense, security, energy, and technology. Cooperation on semiconductors, AI, and digital infrastructure is expected to reduce mutual vulnerabilities. The deal marks a shift from tactical adjustments to a durable strategic alignment, aiming to stabilize the international order through multipolarity and shared democratic values.
The trade deal represents a strategic inflexion point to stabilize an international order marked by conflictual transitions.
High-level political engagement since 2016, including India-EU leaders' summits, was crucial in overcoming previous negotiation failures.
Strategic cooperation extends to maritime security, joint military exercises, and information sharing in the Indo-Pacific region.
Exam Points
Trade negotiations between India and the EU had been stalled or reimagined for over a quarter of a century.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Brussels in 2016 initiated the current phase of high-level engagement.
The agreement includes cooperation on critical technologies like semiconductors and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The Indian government informed Parliament that it has fully paid its $120 million commitment for the procurement of equipment for Iran's Chabahar port. This payment was completed well before the U.S. sanctions waiver is set to expire in April 2026. However, the government acknowledged that managing the port effectively remains difficult unless the U.S. withdraws sanctions. The port is a vital link for India to access Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. While the opposition criticized the government for potentially opting out due to reduced budget allocations, the Ministry of External Affairs maintains its commitment to the project's long-term viability.
India has fulfilled its financial commitment of $120 million for port equipment as per a 10-year MoU signed in May 2024.
The U.S. has issued a conditional sanctions waiver for the Chabahar project that extends until April 26, 2026.
Chabahar port is strategically essential for India to transport humanitarian aid and food supplies to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
Exam Points
India committed $120 million for the procurement of equipment for the Chabahar port in Iran.
A 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the port was signed between India and Iran in May 2024.
The current U.S. sanctions waiver for Chabahar is valid until April 26, 2026.
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has moved the Bombay High Court to challenge the constitutional validity of the Union government’s ‘Sahyog’ portal. Launched in 2024, the portal is designed to automate and streamline the issuance of content take-down notices for unlawful online content on social media. Kamra argues that the portal and Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules are unconstitutional and unreasonable assaults on freedom of speech. The petition claims the portal allows for information removal on vague grounds, profoundly impacting fundamental rights and the free flow of information in a democracy without adequate judicial oversight.
The Sahyog portal is a centralized platform used to automate the take-down of unlawful social media content.
The legal challenge argues that the portal violates fundamental rights, specifically the freedom of speech and expression under the Constitution.
The petition targets Rule 3(1)(d) of the Information Technology (IT) Rules, which were amended in October 2025.
Exam Points
The Sahyog portal was launched by the government in 2024.
The legal challenge cites Rule 3(1)(d) of the Information Technology (IT) Rules (amended Oct 2025).
The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has unanimously voted to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25% while maintaining a neutral stance. Governor Sanjay Malhotra noted that while external headwinds have intensified, domestic growth remains resilient. The inflation outlook for FY26 has been revised to 2.1%, though near-term CPI projections for Q1:FY27 and Q2:FY27 are slightly higher at 4% and 4.2% due to rising precious metal prices. Real GDP growth projections for early FY27 have been revised upwards to 6.9% and 7%. The RBI aims to remain proactive in liquidity management to ensure stability.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) kept the repo rate at 5.25% to balance inflation control with economic growth objectives.
The RBI maintained a neutral stance, indicating flexibility for future rate movements based on evolving macroeconomic data.
Inflation is expected to remain benign in the long term, though volatility in precious metals and energy prices poses upside risks.
Following the expiration of the New START treaty, the United States has urged Russia and China to enter into a new three-way nuclear arms control agreement. U.S. officials criticized the original New START for fundamental flaws, including a lack of transparency regarding China's growing nuclear arsenal. While the U.S. and Russia previously limited themselves to 1,550 warheads each, the world now finds itself without a treaty to curb the most destructive weapons for the first time in decades. China has rejected joining disarmament talks, citing its smaller arsenal, while Russia insists that any new deal must also include France and Britain.
The New START treaty, the last major arms control agreement between the U.S. and Russia, has officially lapsed.
The U.S. seeks a trilateral deal to include China, whose nuclear arsenal currently lacks international limitations or transparency.
Russia argues that future nuclear talks must involve other nuclear-armed states like France and the United Kingdom for parity.
Exam Points
The New START treaty limited the U.S. and Russia to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads each.
Thomas DiNanno is the U.S. under secretary of state for arms control.
The New START treaty was allowed to lapse in February 2026.
Read more
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.