Source: The hindu

Relevant to: Governance

Why in News

    • The crash of Air India flight AI187 at Ahmedabad airport on June 2, 2025, shortly after takeoff to London Gatwick, has reignited concerns about aviation safety standards in India.
    • The incident is being seen as a wake-up call for India’s aviation sector, pointing to a deeper rot within the institutions responsible for regulation, accountability, and safety enforcement.

Historical Pattern of Crashes

    • Past crashes (e.g., Indian Airlines A320 in 1990, Alliance Air in 2000, Mangalore in 2010, Kozhikode in 2020) reflect a pattern of negligence and weak enforcement of safety standards.

 Institutional Complacency

    • Statements issued by MoCA and DGCA often defend infrastructure without acknowledging ICAO violations.
    • Investigators are allegedly hand-picked and investigations lack independence.

 Data Disregard

    • Visual and flight data (e.g., CCTV footage, FDR, CVR) often not adequately used or disclosed.
    • In the Ahmedabad case, video clearly shows the aircraft scraping runway edges, suggesting poor alignment or lift-off issues.

 Technical Anomalies Ignored

    • Past international crashes (e.g., Air France Concorde 2000) had clear technical causes.
    • In India, bird ingestion or vague reasons are cited without thorough root cause analysis.

Concerns Raised

    • Lack of professional leadership in DGCA and MoCA – posts filled politically, not based on expertise.
    • Failure to act on safety audits or acknowledge known risks.
    • India’s weak judicial system fails to ensure accountability (even Pakistani courts are shown to have better record in aviation cases).
    • System allows cover-ups and resists structural reforms.
    • Accidents result in loss of experienced crew and passengers, yet no major shift in policy occurs.

Suggestions & Way Forward

  1. Independent Investigation Body:
    • Establish an independent air crash investigation authority, similar to NTSB (USA) or AAIB (UK).
  2. Transparency in Reporting:
    • Make crash reports, including FDR & CVR findings, public and transparent.
  3. Professionals in Leadership:
    • Appoint experienced aviation experts, not bureaucrats or generalists, to top roles in DGCA/MoCA.
  4. Strict ICAO Compliance:
    • Ensure strict adherence to international safety protocols and routine audit publication.
  5. Airfield Infrastructure Audit:
    • Conduct thorough checks on runway geometry, light markers, and obstacle clearance zones.
  6. Pilot & ATC Training:
    • Improve training for emergency scenarios, cockpit decision-making, and crisis communication.

 India, despite being one of the fastest-growing aviation markets, has seen a series of major air crashes over the years with repeated systemic failures.

This tragedy has raised questions about:

    • The effectiveness of DGCA, Airports Authority of India (AAI), and Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).
    • Accountability deficits and lack of transparency in crash investigations.
    • Poor compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) norms.

MCQ:

Consider the following bodies:

  1. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
  2. Airports Authority of India (AAI)
  3. Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA)
  4. Indian Air Safety Investigation Board (IASIB)

Which of the above is/are responsible for ensuring aviation safety in India?

A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. All of the above

Answer: D
 Explanation: IASIB is a wing under DGCA tasked with probing accidents. All play a role in aviation safety.

 

Source: The hindu 

Relevant to: IR (International Relations)

Why in News

    • Israel launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, notably the Natanz nuclear enrichment center, amidst ongoing U.S.-Iran diplomatic talks, escalating tensions in West Asia (Middle East).
    • The attacks have increased fears of a broader regional conflict, with spillover potential into Syria, Lebanon, and even the Gulf region, threatening global oil markets and India’s interests.
    • Israel has repeatedly targeted Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.
    • Iran responded with a drone attack, while vowing further retaliation.
    • Israel’s actions risk derailing any diplomatic resolution to Iran’s nuclear issue and have internationalized the conflict.

Escalation of Military Hostilities

    • Israel’s attack on Natanz and missile factories, as well as Iran’s military command, marks a deliberate provocation.
    • Iran’s Supreme Leader vowed a response, with threats of missile retaliation.

 Iran’s Nuclear Program

    • Iran has enriched uranium to 60% purity, short of weapons-grade but alarming.
    • No conclusive proof yet that Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapon, but trust deficit remains.

 Collapse of Diplomatic Channels

    • The 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA) was derailed by the Trump administration, which led to Iran resuming enrichment.
    • Current Israeli actions undermine any potential diplomatic engagement under Biden’s presidency.

Broader Geopolitical Implications

    • Israel’s actions risk drawing in Lebanon (Hezbollah), Syria, and potentially U.S. military assets, leading to a wider war.
    • India’s energy security and expatriate workforce could be severely affected if the Gulf destabilizes.

India’s Stakes

    • Energy Imports: Over 60% of India’s oil comes from the Gulf.
    • Diaspora: Millions of Indian workers reside in West Asia.
    • Trade: Disruptions would affect bilateral trade, shipping routes, and global prices.

Way Forward

  1. Revive Diplomacy:
    • Urgent need to resurrect JCPOA or a similar framework under international oversight.
  2. Role of Global Powers:
    • U.S., EU, Russia, and China must act as mediators, not military backers.
  3. De-escalation Channels:
    • Backchannel diplomacy between Iran, Israel, and Gulf states needed.
  4. India’s Role:
    • Should push for non-alignment, stability, and diplomatic restraint via multilateral forums like UN, SCO, and NAM.

MCQ:

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is related to:

A. Israel-Palestine peace process
B. Syria’s chemical weapons disarmament
C. Iran’s nuclear development program
D. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms

Answer: C
Explanation: JCPOA was signed in 2015 between Iran and P5+1 to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief.

 

Source: The Hindu 

Relevant to: Governance 

Why in News

    • India abstained from a UN General Assembly resolution (June 2025) calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, where over 55,000 people have died due to Israeli military actions.
    • This marks India’s fourth abstention in three years and a notable shift from its earlier vote in favor of a ceasefire resolution in December 2024.

Context & Background

    • The UNGA resolution, led by Spain and co-sponsored by over 80 nations, called for:
      • Ceasefire
      • Unhindered humanitarian aid
      • Compliance with international law by both Israel and Hamas
    • India had previously supported such resolutions, indicating a policy shift toward a more cautious, strategic neutrality.

Reasons Behind India’s Abstention

  1. Consistency with Previous Abstentions:
    • India abstained from UNGA resolutions on Gaza in 2021, 2022, and 2023, citing “balanced and neutral” approaches.
  2. Diplomatic Balancing Act:
    • India seeks to maintain strong ties with Israel, especially in defense and tech.
    • Simultaneously, it has traditional support for the Palestinian cause.
  3. External Pressure:
    • Reports suggest U.S. pressure may have influenced India’s choice.
    • India is among 147 nations that recognize Palestine (since 1988).

Implications for India

    • Diplomatic Tightrope:
      • India must carefully balance between strategic interests with Israel and its historic support for Palestine.
    • Global Perception:
      • Abstention could be seen as hedging or diplomatic ambiguity.
      • Raises questions on India’s credibility as a voice for the Global South.
    • Humanitarian Concerns vs. Realpolitik:
      • The abstention comes despite UN reports of malnutrition, starvation, and death in Gaza.

MCQ:

India’s position on the 2025 UNGA resolution for a Gaza ceasefire can be best described as:

A. Voted in favor of the resolution
B. Opposed the resolution citing national interest
C. Abstained from voting on the resolution
D. Sponsored the resolution along with France and Spain

Answer: C

 

Source: The Hindu

Relevant to: Environment

Why in News

    • For the first time since 2006, the Central Government has sanctioned and funded the creation of 324 Forest Rights Act (FRA) cells across 18 States and Union Territories.
    • This initiative, under the Dharti Aba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJUGA), marks a structural and financial intervention by the Centre to facilitate forest rights for Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs).
    • The Forest Rights Act, 2006 seeks to recognize and vest forest rights in forest-dwelling tribal communities.
    • Till now, implementation responsibility rested primarily with States.
    • Slow progress and bureaucratic hurdles have plagued the implementation.
      • Of the 51.11 lakh claims filed, 28 lakh cases are still pending.
      • Only 42% of claims have been disposed of.

Key Features of the Move

  1. Establishment of FRA Cells:
    • 324 district-level and State-level FRA Cells sanctioned.
    • Objective: Support claimants, streamline procedures, and aid with data and documentation.
    • These cells will assist but not interfere with statutory decision-making bodies like Gram Sabhas or DLCs.
  2. Budgetary Support:
    • ₹8.67 lakh for each district-level FRA cell.
    • ₹25.85 lakh for each State-level FRA cell.
  3. High-Focus States:
    • Madhya Pradesh leads with 55 sanctioned cells.
    • Others: Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Assam.
  4. Implementation Gap:
    • Example: In Assam, over 60% of FRA claims were rejected without due legal basis.

Concerns & Criticism

    • Activists’ Concerns:
      • Fear of the FRA cells being used to create a parallel structure outside FRA’s legal framework.
      • Suspicion of central overreach in a domain primarily under state control.
    • Accountability Gap:
      • Questions about whether these cells will ensure actual community empowerment or just expedite administrative targets.

Way Forward 

  1. Ensure Role Clarity:
    • FRA cells must play a facilitative, not controlling, role.
  2. Capacity Building:
    • Train FRA cell staff, especially in tribal rights, customary law, and forest governance.
  3. Decentralized Decision-Making:
    • Strengthen Gram Sabhas, Forest Rights Committees, and avoid centralised bureaucracy.
  4. Transparency & Monitoring:
    • Regular public reporting of FRA progress and disposal rates.
    • Use of digital platforms for tracking claims.

MCQ:

With reference to the recent establishment of FRA cells by the Central Government, consider the following statements:

  1. The FRA cells will function as decision-making bodies for approving individual forest rights claims.
  2. These FRA cells have been established under the Dharti Aba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJUGA).
  3. The Forest Rights Act, 2006 recognizes the rights of only Scheduled Tribes over forest land.
  4. FRA implementation has so far been primarily the responsibility of State Governments.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 2 and 4 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, and 3 only
D. 2, 3, and 4 only

Answer: A. 2 and 4 only

Explanation:

    • Statement 1 – Incorrect: FRA cells are not decision-making bodies; they are facilitative mechanisms to help with paperwork, awareness, and support. Decision-making rests with Gram Sabhas and other statutory bodies like DLCs and SDLCs.
    • Statement 2 – Correct: The cells have been launched under the Dharti Aba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJUGA).
    • Statement 3 – Incorrect: The FRA, 2006 recognizes the rights of both Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs).
    • Statement 4 – Correct: Till now, implementation responsibility of FRA has primarily rested with State Governments.

 

Source: The Hindu 

Relevant to: International relation 

Why in News

    • The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict has led to an 8% spike in global crude oil prices in a single day.
    • India, which imports nearly 80% of its crude oil, faces significant risks in the form of:
      • Curtailed supply of oil
      • Escalated import and export costs
      • Geopolitical risks in West Asia – a key source of India’s energy needs.

Energy Security Risks

    • Strategic chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, through which ~20% of global oil passes, are vulnerable.
    • Any military disruption or naval blockade here could severely affect India’s crude oil supplies.

Spike in Export Costs

    • Disruptions in the Suez Canal and Red Sea routes will result in Indian exporters:
      • Paying 15–20 additional days for shipping via the Cape of Good Hope.
      • Facing a $500–1,000 per container hike, translating to a 40–50% cost rise.

 Inflation & Domestic Economic Pressures

    • Oil is a key input in transport, logistics, and industrial sectors.
    • Higher oil prices may:
      • Push retail inflation higher.
      • Hurt household budgets, business costs, and India’s trade balance.
    • Could also impact interest rate decisions by the RBI to curb inflation.

Strategic Insights

    • India’s crude oil imports are largely from:
      • Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait.
    • Even if Iran is not a direct source currently, regional instability threatens supply chains and freight logistics.
    • India’s energy security is inextricably linked to stability in the Gulf and West Asia.

Way Forward

  1. Diversification of Energy Sources:
    • Expand ties with Russia, USA, Latin America, and Africa.
    • Increase strategic petroleum reserves (SPR).
  2. Investment in Renewable Energy:
    • Accelerate shift to solar, wind, and hydrogen.
  3. Diplomatic Balancing:
    • Maintain neutrality and engage in back-channel diplomacy in West Asia.
  4. Boost Indigenous Production:
    • Encourage domestic oil exploration and energy efficiency measures.

MCQ:

Consider the following statements regarding the impact of the Israel-Iran conflict on India:

  1. Over 80% of India’s crude oil requirements are met through domestic production.
  2. The Strait of Hormuz is a key transit route for global oil trade and its disruption could affect India’s oil imports.
  3. Escalation in the region may lead to increased shipping costs and delays for Indian exports.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

    • Statement 1 is incorrect: India imports over 80% of its crude oil; domestic production is not the major source.
    • Statement 2 is correct: The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial oil transit chokepoint; any disruption can hit India’s supplies.
    • Statement 3 is correct: Export costs may rise due to re-routing via the Cape of Good Hope, increasing both costs and transit time.

 

Source: The Hindu

Relevant to: Economy, International Trade 

Why in News: India has instructed state-run IREL (Indian Rare Earths Limited) to suspend its 13-year-old rare earth export agreement with Japan. The objective is to prioritize domestic demand and reduce dependence on

Chinese imports by boosting India’s own processing and manufacturing capabilities.

  1. Strategic Importance of Rare Earth Elements (REEs): Used in high-tech sectors: electronics, renewable energy, defense, electric vehicles. Critical for manufacturing permanent magnets used in wind turbines, EVs, and missiles. 
  2. Geopolitical Angle: China dominates over 80% of global rare earth processing. Rare earths are increasingly seen as a strategic weapon in trade wars, especially amidst US-China tensions.
  3. India’s Dependence & Security Concerns: India has rare earth resources but lacks large-scale processing facilities. Exporting raw material while importing processed products leads to value loss.
  4. Policy Shift: India is now emphasizing “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in critical sectors. Government aims to develop domestic processing capacity and value chains for rare earths.
  5. International Trade Dynamics: Japan, a major rare earth importer, is affected as it seeks to diversify away from Chinese supplies. India’s decision may impact global rare earth supply chains.
  6. Institutional Role: Decision involves IREL, Department of Atomic Energy, Ministry of Commerce. Reflects inter-ministerial coordination in strategic economic decisions. 

MCQ:

With reference to Rare Earth Elements (REEs), consider the following statements: 

  1. Rare earth elements are essential for the production of permanent magnets used in electric vehicles and wind turbines.
  2. India is a leading exporter of processed rare earth elements globally. 
  3. China dominates the global rare earth processing industry. Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only 

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only 

D) 1, 2 and 3 

Correct Answer: C) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Permanent magnets, vital for EVs and turbines, require REEs like neodymium.

 Statement 2 is incorrect: India mainly exports raw rare earths; it lacks significant processing capacity.

Statement 3 is correct: China controls over 80% of the rare earth processing market. 



Source: The Hindu

Topic: Sports | Women Empowerment | Youth in Sports | International Relations (Soft Power)

Why in News

    • Suruchi Phogat, a 19-year-old Indian shooter, clinched her third consecutive gold medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the ISSF Shooting World Cup 2025 in Munich, Germany.

Facts

    • Age: 19 years
    • Event: Women’s 10m Air Pistol
    • Tournament: ISSF World Cup 2025
    • Location: Munich, Germany
    • Achievement: 3rd consecutive gold medal in World Cup events

Mains Relevance & Analysis

  1. Emergence of Young Sporting Talent in India
    • Suruchi Phogat exemplifies how youth from India are excelling globally in sports.
    • Shows increasing grassroots participation and elite-level success due to better exposure and coaching.
  1. Women Empowerment through Sports
    • Marks growing female representation in elite sports.
    • Reflects success of gender-inclusive policies in sports like Khelo India and special women’s coaching initiatives.
  1. India’s Rising Profile in Olympic Disciplines
    • Shooting is one of India’s best-performing Olympic sports.
    • Athletes like Abhinav Bindra, Gagan Narang, and now Suruchi Phogat highlight consistent international performances.
  1. Soft Power and Global Image
    • Sporting victories act as soft power tools, enhancing India’s image as a rising power.
    • Aligns with India’s foreign policy goal of increasing cultural and diplomatic influence.
  1. Government Schemes Supporting Athletes
    • Khelo India, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) have been critical in grooming elite shooters.
    • Institutional support has improved sports science, psychological training, and international exposure.

Relevant Schemes and Bodies

    • Khelo India Scheme
    • Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
    • Sports Authority of India (SAI)
    • ISSF – International Shooting Sport Federation

MCQ:

With reference to India’s performance in international shooting events, consider the following statements:

  • Suruchi Phogat recently won her third consecutive World Cup gold medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event.
  • The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) conducts the Shooting World Cup.
  • India has never won an Olympic medal in shooting.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

    • Statement 1 is correct: Suruchi Phogat won her third consecutive World Cup gold.
    • Statement 2 is correct: ISSF conducts the Shooting World Cup.
    • Statement 3 is incorrect: India has multiple Olympic shooting medals (e.g., Abhinav Bindra – 2008 Gold).

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