Mains Enrichment • Mains Question “The U.S. boycott of the Johannesburg G-20 Summit exposes the fragility of multilateralism. In this context, critically analyse the significance of the 2024 G-20 Summit for the Global South and evaluate India’s role in strengthening Global South leadership.” (150 words)
INS Mahe Commissioned: First Mahe-Class ASW Shallow Watercraft | Defence & Maritime Security UPSC
Context • INS Mahe, India’s first Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare (ASW) shallow watercraft, has been commissioned.• It is 80% indigenous, built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, and strengthens India’s coastal and near-sea anti-submarine capability.• Part of India’s push for self-reliance and modernisation of maritime security infrastructure. Is this India’s first anti-submarine ship? No. It is not India’s first anti-submarine ship.India already operates multiple classes of anti-submarine warfare vessels: India already has ASW Ships (Examples):• Kamorta-class (P-28) ASW Corvettes → INS Kamorta, Kadmatt, Kiltan, Kavaratti• Abhay-class ASW CorvettesSo India has a strong ASW fleet.What is “first” about INS Mahe?• First of the Mahe-class shallow water ASW craft• It is the lead ship of 8 vessels planned in this new Mahe-class series.
GAVI–UNICEF Deal for Easy Malaria Vaccine Access | Health & S&T UPSC Current Affairs
1. Context • Gavi + UNICEF sign deal to make R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine cheaper and widely accessible.• Expected savings: $90 million; vaccination for ~7 million children.• Price to drop to $2.99 per dose. 2. Malaria Cause: • Plasmodium parasite (P. falciparum most lethal). Transmission: • Bite of infected female Anopheles mosquito. Disease: • Fever, chills, anaemia; severe cases → organ failure, death.• Major burden in sub-Saharan Africa. 3. Gavi – The Vaccine Alliance (Crisp) • Global public–private vaccine partnership (est. 2000).• Expands immunisation in low-income nations.• Partners: WHO, UNICEF, World Bank, governments, Gates Foundation.• Key driver of vaccine access in the Global South. 4. Malaria Vaccines Mentioned 1. R21/Matrix-M • Developed by Oxford + Serum Institute of India.• Cheaper, scalable; main vaccine in new deal. 2. RTS,S/AS01 • Developed by GSK + PATH.• First malaria vaccine (approved 2021).• Moderate efficacy; used in several African nations.
G-20 Summit Boycott by U.S.: Understanding the ‘Ubuntu’ Issue | International Relations UPSC
Context • Editorial discusses the U.S. boycott of the G-20 Summit at Johannesburg.• Highlights implications for Global South solidarity, multilateralism, and future G-20 leadership. Key Points 1. Significance of the Summit • First G-20 summit held in Africa.• African Union participated as a new G-20 member (announced in India’s 2023 Presidency).• Focus on Global South issues: conflicts, inequality, economic uncertainty. 2. India’s Role India proposed six initiatives:• Traditional Knowledge Repository• G20–Africa Skills Multiplier• Global Healthcare Response Team• Anti Drug-Terror Nexus initiative• Open Satellite Data Partnership• Critical Minerals Circularity InitiativeShows India projecting itself as a leader of Global South. 3. U.S. Boycott • President Donald Trump skipped the summit.• The U.S. government boycotted, sending only an observer.• First such boycott of a G-20 summit by the U.S. 4. Implications of U.S. Absence • Questions the U.S.’s commitment to the G-20, especially as it takes 2026 Presidency.• Undermines G-20’s push toward a more democratic global order.• Contradiction: U.S. justifies tensions with South Africa but chooses to boycott an Africa-hosted summit. 5. Editorial Argument • U.S. decision weakens multilateral cooperation at a time global challenges need unity.• Violates the spirit of “Ubuntu” (“I am because we are”).• Collective values must be upheld by big powers, not sidelined.
Trial in Absentia Explained: BNSS Section 356 & Proclaimed Offenders | Polity & Criminal Justice UPSC
Trial in Absentia (BNSS)Trial conducted without the accused being present.Allowed under Section 356, BNSS only when the accused has been declared a Proclaimed Offender. Proclaimed OffenderA person who evades arrest and fails to appear despite court notice, and is therefore formally declared by the court as an absconder.This declaration enables trial in absentia.
SC Hearing on Stopping Cash Donations to Political Parties | Political Funding UPSC Current Affairs
Context • SC agrees to examine a petition seeking ban on all cash donations to political parties, including those below ₹2,000.• Aim: strengthen transparency and close loopholes used for routing unaccounted money.• Notice issued to Election Commission, Union Govt, CBDT, and major national parties. Legal Provision Involved Section 13A – Income Tax Act, 1961 A special provision granting tax exemption to political parties subject to conditions like maintaining audited accounts. Clause (d) of Section 13A • Allows parties to accept cash donations up to ₹2,000.• No mandatory disclosure of donor identity for these small donations.• Petition challenges its legality and transparency deficit.
Natural Farming in India
Why Natural Farming Matters Government Push for Natural Farming Key Challenges and What India Must Do Way Forward: Promote region-specific agroecology research and digital monitoring.
Childcare Workers
Evolution of Childcare Policy in India Challenges Faced by Childcare and Anganwadi Workers Recent Initiatives to Recognize Childcare Workers Policy Measures and the Way Forward Conclusion Investing in childcare workers and early childhood systems is essential for social equity, women’s empowerment, human capital formation, and inclusive growth. Recognising childcare as a public good, not an informal service, can transform the lives of millions of children and caregivers, strengthening India’s long-term development trajectory.
Abraham Accords
Overview Key Elements Strategic Significance in West Asia Opportunities for India Challenges
Tribunals in India
Key Features Constitutional & Legal Framework Major Types of Tribunals Issues and Challenges Reforms Needed
