Context The Madhya Pradesh government has approved the development of Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (Nauradehi, Sagar district) as the third cheetah habitat in the State, expanding India’s cheetah reintroduction programme after Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Tiger Reserve.
Indian Navy MH-60R helicopter squadron Squadron in Goa | GS3
Context The second Indian Navy squadron to operate the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter is the Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 335, also known as the “Ospreys”. The squadron is set to be officially commissioned on December 17, 2025, at INS Hansa in Goa. Key Details • Name: INAS 335 “Ospreys”.• Location: INS Hansa, Goa.• Aircraft: MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters designed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and medical evacuation.• Procurement: Part of a contract for 24 aircraft signed with the United States government in February 2020.• First Squadron: INAS 334 “Seahawks”, commissioned in March 2024 at INS Garuda, Kochi.
Thailand–Cambodia Border Tension
Overview Thailand and Cambodia have witnessed renewed military confrontations along parts of their shared land border. The clashes have involved artillery fire, rockets, drones, and limited air operations, leading to civilian displacement and military casualties on both sides. The dispute is closely linked to historical border ambiguities and contested heritage sites. Nature of the Conflict Historical Background Colonial-Era Boundary Issues (1907) Preah Vihear Temple Dispute Past Armed Clashes Key Areas Under Tension Preah Vihear Region Mekong Basin (Preah Vihear Province) Border Provinces of Thailand Border Provinces of Cambodia Conclusion The Thailand–Cambodia border tension reflects how unresolved colonial-era boundaries and symbolic heritage sites can continue to fuel modern geopolitical conflicts. Despite judicial interventions by the ICJ, differing interpretations and strategic considerations have sustained mistrust. The recent escalation underscores the need for effective bilateral dialogue, clearer demarcation mechanisms, and regional stability frameworks, particularly within Southeast Asia’s security architecture.
Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
Meaning A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a formal arrangement between two or more countries to reduce or eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers on goods and services, while also setting rules on investment, standards, and cooperation. For India, FTAs are a key instrument to integrate with global markets while advancing strategic interests. How FTAs Advance India’s Economic Interests Expanded Market Access Boost to Foreign Direct Investment Services Sector Opportunities Technology and Knowledge Transfer SME Integration into Global Value Chains Strategic and Geopolitical Benefits Major Concerns Associated with India’s FTAs Trade Deficits Non-Tariff Barriers in Developed Markets Impact on Vulnerable Sectors Environmental and Labour Standards Weak Dispute Resolution Measures to Strengthen India’s FTA Strategy Enhancing Domestic Competitiveness Improving Dispute Resolution Integrating Sustainable Trade Protecting Labour and Social Interests Diversification of Partners and Sectors Continuous Review and Adaptation Conclusion Free Trade Agreements have become a central pillar of India’s economic diplomacy, enhancing market access, attracting investment, and strengthening strategic partnerships. However, their success depends on domestic preparedness, fair enforcement, and adaptive policymaking. A balanced, outcome-oriented FTA strategy can help India maximise growth while safeguarding economic resilience and social equity.
Intangible Cultural Heritage
UNESCO treats “intangible cultural heritage” as living heritage that communities recognise as part of their identity, such as: 2003 UNESCO Convention: Core Purpose The Convention is meant to: Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage The Intergovernmental Committee is a UNESCO body created under the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). Its role is to drive implementation of the Convention by guiding States Parties, reviewing proposals, and supporting safeguarding efforts globally. The Committee works as the main operational mechanism of the Convention. It typically: Membership and Tenure Conclusion The Committee is the Convention’s key implementation engine: it shapes safeguarding standards, manages international support mechanisms, and decides which cultural elements and programmes receive global recognition, helping countries protect “living heritage” in a structured, cooperative way.
Indian Ocean Blue Economy: Strategic Opportunities for India and the Region
Core Message The Indian Ocean should emerge as the cradle of a new Blue Economy, where economic growth, ecological sustainability and regional stability advance together, with India providing leadership. Why the Indian Ocean Matters • Home to one-third of the world’s population.• Among the most climate-vulnerable ocean regions.• Threats arise more from climate change and ecosystem degradation than from military rivalry. India’s Responsibility & Opportunity • India historically upheld the ocean as a shared global commons during United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea negotiations.• Today, India must shape practice, not just principles, in ocean governance. Blueprint of a New Blue Economy 1. Stewardship • Treat the Indian Ocean as a shared space, not a contested arena.• Focus on ecosystem protection, biodiversity and sustainable fisheries. 2. Resilience • Prioritise climate adaptation, early warning systems and disaster preparedness.• Support vulnerable island and coastal nations. 3. Inclusive Growth • Use the ocean to generate broad-based prosperity.• Key areas: green shipping, offshore renewable energy, sustainable aquaculture, marine. Global Momentum • Rising global finance for ocean action through climate and development platforms.• Oceans now recognised as central to climate stability and sustainable development. India’s Way Forward • Channel global finance into Indian Ocean region priorities.• Promote cooperation over competition, and sustainability as the basis of security. Conclusion The Indian Ocean can become a model region where prosperity, sustainability and stability coexist. India’s leadership can ensure the ocean is not a zone of rivalry, but a foundation of shared future.
Nuclear Sector Private Participation: Cabinet Clears Entry, 100% FDI in Insurance
Insurance Sector Reform • Cabinet approved a Bill to raise Foreign Direct Investment limit from 74% to 100% in insurance companies.• Objective: higher capital inflow, better penetration, competition and technology transfer.• Condition: At least one among Chairman, Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer must be an Indian citizen. Nuclear Power Sector Reform • Approval of the SHANTI Bill (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India).• Enables private sector participation in nuclear power generation.• Supports India’s goal of adding 100 gigawatt nuclear capacity by 2047. Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Mission • Cabinet approved a Nuclear Energy Mission for Small Modular Reactors.• Outlay: ₹20,000 crore.• Target: At least five indigenously developed SMRs operational by 2033. What is a Small Modular Reactor (SMR)? • A compact nuclear reactor with a capacity of up to 300 megawatt electric per unit.• Factory-fabricated and transported to sites, unlike large conventional reactors. Advantages • Lower capital cost.• Shorter construction time.• Enhanced safety features.• Suitable for remote areas and grid flexibility.• Considered key for clean energy transition.
India FTAs Strategy: Why Free Trade Agreements Matter for Growth
Summary • India has signed 20 Free Trade Agreements (World Trade Organization data), excluding the recent agreements with the United Kingdom and the European Free Trade Association.• Trade negotiations are ongoing with the United States, European Union, Canada and Southern African Customs Union, accelerated by United States tariffs of up to 50% on certain Indian exports.• India exited the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in 2019 due to risks to agriculture and weak rules of origin. Problem with past FTAs • Agreements with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Japan and South Korea led to rising trade deficits.• ASEAN trade deficit increased from about 10 billion US dollars in 2017 to around 44 billion US dollars in 2023.• Imports of high-value goods grew faster than India’s exports. Reasons for weak outcomes • Poor handling of standards, certifications, non-tariff barriers and rules of origin.• FTAs not aligned with India’s export capabilities.• Limited industry consultation and low utilisation of FTA benefits. Positive signal • India–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement performed better.• Non-oil bilateral trade reached about 100 billion US dollars in Financial Year 2025 (Directorate General of Foreign Trade). Key focus areas ahead • United States: services, engineering goods, textiles, seafood.• European Union: iron, steel and cement due to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Conclusion Free Trade Agreements are only an entry point. Without strengthening export competitiveness, standards compliance and domestic support systems, they risk widening trade deficits instead of boosting growth.
MGNREGS Renaming: Govt May Rename Scheme as Pujya Bapu Gramin Rozgar Yojana
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (Originally enacted as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act – NREGA; “Mahatma Gandhi” added in 2009.) Core Provisions of the Act (2005) • Legal right to employment (demand-driven).• 100 days of unskilled manual work per rural household per year.• Employment within 15 days, else unemployment allowance.• Decentralised implementation via Gram Panchayats.• Minimum wages, DBT payments, social audit mandatory.• At least one-third women beneficiaries.• Focus on durable rural assets (water, land, livelihoods). Provisions Likely to Change Under Proposed Amendment • Name change: MGNREGA → Pujya Bapu Gramin Rozgar Yojana.• Workdays cap: Possible increase from 100 to 125 days.• Targeting approach: Shift from universal demand-driven model to selective eligibility.• Exclusion criteria based on State-level economic indices.
Maoist Elimination: MP CM Calls It Govt’s Biggest Internal Security Success
Context Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav stated that the elimination of Maoism is his government’s biggest achievement, claiming the State has become Naxal-free ahead of the March 2026 national deadline set by the Union government.
