1. Public Accounts Committee

Context

• Public Account Committee tells DGCA to hold a complete safety audit of all aircrafts.

About Public Accounts Committee

• The PAC is the oldest parliamentary committee in Indian legislative affairs and has been crucial in upholding the principle of accountability as it exercises oversight of public expenditure.
• First set up in 1921 in the wake of the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms.
• Members: The Public Accounts Committee consists of 22 members elected according to the principle of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote: 
  • Fifteen members elected by Lok Sabha every year from amongst its members.
  • Seven members of Rajya Sabha elected by that House in like manner are associated with the Committee. 
• Representation: This system of election ensures that each Party/Group is represented on the Committee in proportion to its respective strength in the two Houses.
• Process of Election: In April, each year, a motion is moved in Lok Sabha by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs or Chairperson of the Committee, if in office, calling upon members of  House to elect from amongst themselves 15 members to the Public Accounts Committee. 
• Appointment of Chairperson: The Chairperson of the Committee is appointed by the Speaker from amongst the members of Lok Sabha elected to the Committee.
• As a convention, starting from the Public Accounts Committee of 1967-68, a member of the Committee belonging to the main opposition party/group in the House is appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee.

Roles and Functions

• Check on the government especially with respect to its expenditure bill.
• Examines the audit report of C&AG after it is laid in the Parliament.
• PAC promotes the basic principle that parliament embodies the will of the people by exercising check over the executive.
• Keeps a check on the money spent on any service during a financial year.
• It examines the accounts of State corporations, Trading concerns and Manufacturing projects.

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2. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee

Context

• The Ministry of Culture announced a two-year official commemoration of the 125th birth anniversary of Bharat Kesari Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, honouring the legacy of the visionary leader who shaped India’s political, cultural, educational, and industrial journey.

About Shyama Prasad Mookerjee

• Born on 6 July, 1901 in Calcutta, Syama Prasad inherited a rich tradition ‘of erudite Scholarship, fervent nationalism and fearlessness from his father, who as the Vice-Chancellor of the Calcutta University and a Judge of the Calcutta High Court occupied a unique position in the life of Bengal.
• He was a great patriot, educationist, parliamentarian, statesman, humanitarian and above all, a campaigner for national unity and integrity. 
• Youngest Vice-Chancellor: In 1934, Syama Prasad became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University, which gave him the opportunity to put his aims and ideals regarding education of his people in practice. 
• Views on Kashmir issue: Was opposed to India’s policy of autonomy to Jammu & Kashmir; arrested during Jana Sangh’s agitation against Kashmir policy; died during detention.
• In his manifesto, the declaration to abrogate the temporary Article 370 was affirmed.

As a founder of Jan Sangh

• Syama Prasad concentrated his energies on creating a political platform through which the ideology and policies he stood for could be projected. 
• He had already left the Hindu Mahasabha which refused to accept his suggestion to open its door to all Indians irrespective of caste and creed. 
• Syama Prasad decided to give shape to a new national leadership in opposition. 
• As a result of his efforts the All India Bharatiya  Jana Sangh was formally launched in October 1950. 
• He was elected to lead the new organisation as its first All-India President.

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3. SEPECAT Jaguar

Context

• Recently, two pilots were killed after a SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed near Churu in Rajasthan recently.

About

• The SEPECAT Jaguar, fondly called 'Shamsher' (Sword of Justice), is a twin-engine, ground-attack aircraft primarily designed for deep penetration strike missions.
• The SEPECAT Jaguar, fondly called ‘Shamsher’ (Sword of Justice), was a joint venture between the British Aircraft Corporation and the French Breguet Company (now part of Dassault).
• First introduced in 1968, it is a twin-engine, ground-attack aircraft primarily designed for deep penetration strike missions, especially against high-value ground targets in contested airspace.

Features of Jaguar

• It consists of Twin Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour turbojet engines.
• The Jaguar can fly upto maximum speed of 1699 km/hr.
• It is equipped with cannons, bombs, air-to-ground missiles and laser guided bombs.
• The aircraft is equipped with an in-flight refuelling probe at the starboard side of the front fuselage to execute air refuelling missions even under the worst weather conditions.
• It is equipped with spoilers, air brakes, rudder, double-slotted flaps, slats, critical systems, and a bulletproof windscreen.
• It features an all-digital cockpit enclosed within a glass canopy. The cockpit is equipped with a head-up display, multifunctional display, night vision, and GPS.

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4. PM visit to Namibia

Context

• Prime Minister is on a State visit to Namibia, becoming first Prime Minister to visit Namibia after Atal Vihari Bajpayee in 1999.

About the Visit

• The President of Namibia, H.E. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah conferred on Prime Minister the highest civilian award of Namibia - Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis.
• Prime Minister addressed the Joint Session of Parliament of Namibia.
• He is the first Indian leader to be given this award.

List of Outcomes of the Visit

• Both Nations signed Memorandum of Understanding on Entrepreneurship Development Center in Namibia, strengthening educational ties.
• They also signed MOU in field of health and science showing India’s commitment towards health and scientific development in African continent.
• Namibia submitted letter for accepting for joining Coalition for Disaster Resilient infrastructure(CDRI)
• Namibia submitted letter of acceptance for joining of Global Biofuels Alliance.
• Namibia becomes the first country globally to sign licensing agreement to adopt UPI technology.

India-Namibia Relations

• India and Namibia share a long history rooted in their colonial pasts and liberation struggles.
• India also provided military training and material aid to Namibian freedom fighters battling apartheid South Africa.
• Namibia also supports India’s bid for a permanent United Nations Security Council seat.
• Strategic and Economic Cooperation:  Bilateral trade surged 178% in 2023, reaching $654 million.
• India exports pharmaceuticals, machinery, and cereals to Namibia and imports mineral oil and minerals.
• Indian investments in Namibia total around $800 million, focusing on mining and diamond processing.
• Capacity-building efforts include defence training, public health cooperation, and educational grants such as the ‘India Wing’ at the University of Namibia.

Capacity Building and Humanitarian Assistance 

• India’s technical and economic cooperation with Namibia includes training defence personnel, diplomats, and health workers.
• India provided Covid-19 vaccines and humanitarian aid during droughts and floods. 
• The ITEC programme remains a flagship initiative for skill development.
• Defence collaborations include joint exercises such as AF-INDEX. Such efforts strengthen bilateral ties beyond trade, focusing on human development and security cooperation.
• Environment and Conservation:The translocation of cheetahs from Namibia to India in 2022 was a landmark conservation project.
• It was the first intercontinental relocation of a major carnivore species.

India’s Africa Policy and Regional Context

• India ranks as Africa’s fourth largest trading partner and tenth largest foreign direct investor.
• India views Africa as a key partner, emphasising sustainable South-South cooperation based on capacity-building and mutual respect.
• India has completed over 200 infrastructure projects across 43 African countries. 
• The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has expanded India-Africa trade.

About Namibia

• Location: It is located on the southwestern coast of the African continent in the Southern and Eastern Hemispheres of Earth.
• Namibia shares a border with the surrounding countries of South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Angola. The Atlantic Ocean borders it to the west. 
• It has a diverse environment that is home to deserts, marshlands, savannas, mountains, and river valleys.
• Rivers :The only permanent rivers are the Kunene, the Okavango, the Mashi and the Zambezi on the northern border and the Orange on the southern.
• Mountain: Brandberg, also known as Mount Brand is Namibia’s highest mountain and is located along the plateau’s western escarpment.

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5. India and the Global South: Championing the Cause

Context

• Indian Prime Minister five-nation tour across Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia marked a strategic outreach to the Global South, strengthening India’s leadership in the developing world.

The term Global South

• The Global South refers to a grouping of developing and emerging countries—mostly in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania—that share similar developmental challenges and seek greater representation in global decision-making platforms.
• The term has gained currency in international relations and diplomacy to signify a collective identity among developing countries, especially in forums like the BRICS, G77, and the Non-Aligned Movement.
• India has positioned itself as a key voice of the Global South, especially through initiatives like the Voice of Global South Summit, aiming to amplify the concerns of developing nations on global platforms such as the G20.

Key Characteristics

• The nations are not strictly southern as it includes nations like India and China which are in northern hemisphere.
• Economic and Political Marginalisation which leads to limited voice in global institutions like WTO, World Bank, IMF
• The countries are more focused on poverty reduction, food and energy security, climate justice and equitable trade.
• They are more represented by G77, Non-alligned-Movement and India led platform of Voice of Global South.

India as a leader of Global South

• India has been actively working to project itself as a bridge between the developed and developing worlds, and to emerge as the voice and leader of the Global South.
• Hosting the voice of Global South Summit: In 2023 and 2024, India hosted the Voice of Global South Summits, bringing together over 120 developing countries to discuss common concerns such as climate change, debt crisis, food and energy insecurity, and digital divide.
• G20 Presidency: India used its G20 presidency to champion the cause of the Global South, advocating for inclusive growth, equitable development, and debt relief for poor nations.
• It succeeded in pushing for the African Union’s permanent membership in G20 — a significant diplomatic move that cemented India’s leadership credentials.
• India continues to support Developmental Projects in Africa, Latin America and South Asia through ITEC, INDEX and Line of Credits.

Key Challenges in Global South

• Developing nations are prone and Vulnerable to climate change despite low per capita emission.
• Many nations face external debt crisis worsened by Covid pandemic and Global recession.
• Strategic minerals like lithium and rare earth like China controls 70% of rare earth processing globally leads to resource monopolization.
• Lack of Digital Infrastructure and Digital Inequality in AI and Fintech sectors.

Steps Recommended for India for Strengthening Global South

• India should focus and champion the reform of multilateral bodies like WTO, IMF and World Bank and efforts for reform of UNSC.
• India should de-risk mineral supply chains through strategic investments in Africa and Latin America.
• India can use institutions like BRICS bank and International Solar alliance to finance clean energy.
• India should emphasising on creating a permanent forum for Global South.

Conclusion

India’s renewed outreach signals its transition from aid receiver to agenda setter in the Global South. Through strategic diplomacy, economic cooperation, and cultural leadership, India is positioning itself as a trusted partner in a multipolar world. This momentum must now translate into lasting institutions and inclusive governance reforms.

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6. Mahisagar River

Context

• 11 people were killed and several vehicles fell into the Mahisagar (Mahi) River after a section of the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge in Padra taluka of Gujarat’s Vadodara collapsed recently.

About the River

• It is one of the major west-flowing interstate rivers of India.
• It flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
• The river is popularly described as “Mahisagar” due to its vastness
• Origin: It originates in the northern slope of the Vindhya Mountain Range in Madhya Pradesh, at an average altitude of about 500 m above mean sea level.
• Length: The length of river is 583 KM with total Basin area of 34,842 KM.
• Tributaries: The main tributaries of the river are Eru, Nori, Chap, Som, Jakham, Moran, Anas, Panam, and Bhadar.
• Dams: Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam (Rajasthan), Kadana Dam (Gujarat), and Wanakbori Weir.
• The River also intersects the tropic of cancer twice making the river Unique.
• The river finally flows in Gulf Of Khambat in Arabian Sea.

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7. Melting Glaciers and Volcanic Eruptions

Context

• A new study presented at the 2025 Goldschmidt Conference in Prague has warned of a potentially dangerous feedback loop between climate change and increased volcanic activity.

How Melting Glaciers can lead to Volcanic Eruptions

• Pressure Release on Magma Chambers: Glaciers and ice caps exert immense pressure on Earth’s crust. This pressure suppresses the movement of magma and gases within underground chambers.
• When glaciers melt, this pressure is lifted, a process known as glacial isostatic adjustment. The sudden release allows gases to expand and magma to rise more easily, increasing the likelihood of eruptions.
• Historical Precedent: During Iceland’s last deglaciation phase (15,000–10,000 years ago), volcanic activity surged to rates 30–50 times higher than present levels.
• Increased Groundwater Infiltration: Climate change also affects precipitation patterns. Greater rainfall or snowmelt can seep underground and interact with hot magma systems. Hydrothermal interactions can trigger eruptions, especially in already destabilized systems.

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8. Kharai Camels

Context

• The rare Kharai camels caught in sea tide rescued off Gujarat coast.

About Kharai Camels

• Kharai Camels are a rare and unique breed of camel indigenous to the coastal regions of Kutch, Gujarat, India. 
• They are often called the “swimming camel” due to their remarkable ability to swim long distances—up to 3 kilometers—in seawater to reach mangrove islands for grazing.
• The name “Kharai” comes from the Gujarati word “Khara,” meaning saline, reflecting their adaptation to both saline desert and coastal ecosystems. 
• The breed has been maintained for over 400 years by Rabari and Fakirani Jat tribes.

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9. Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Dating

Context

• The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) has dispatched 23 charcoal samples to the Beta Analytic laboratory in the United States for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) dating.

About

• It is a precise method for measuring the radioactive isotope values of Carbon-14 (C-14). 
• It involves accelerating the ions to extraordinarily high kinetic energies followed by mass analysis.
• It is used primarily in determining carbon 14 content of archaeological artifacts and geological samples.
• It detects atoms of specific elements according to their atomic weights. 
• There are essentially two parts in the process of radiocarbon dating through accelerator mass spectrometry.
• The first part involves accelerating the ions to extraordinarily high kinetic energies, and the subsequent step involves mass analysis.
• Applications: It is most widely used for isotope studies of 14C, which has applications in a variety of fields such as radiocarbon dating, climate studies, and biomedical analysis.

Advantages

• Sample size: Accelerator mass spectrometers need only as little as 20 milligrams and as high as 500 milligrams for certain samples whereas conventional methods need at least 10 grams in samples.
• Time: It takes less time to analyze samples for carbon 14 content compared to radiometric dating methods that can take one or two days. 
• AMS measurements usually achieve higher precision than radiometric dating methods.

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10. Parakh Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024

Context

• Recently, the Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development Rashtriya Sarvekshan (PARAKH RS), formerly known as the National Achievement Survey (NAS), released its 2025 findings.

About Parakh RS

• PARAKH is a national assessment body set up under the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and mandated by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Objective: To standardize assessment practices across the states and to provide reliable data on students’ learning outcomes.
• 2025 Survey Coverage:
  • Assessed over 21 lakh students from 74,229 schools across 781 districts.
  • Subjects included language and mathematics for all grades, “The World Around Us” for Grades 3 and 6, and science and social science for Grade 9.
  • 2.7 lakh teachers and school leaders also participated through questionnaires.

Main Findings of the Survey

• Top Performing States/UTs: Punjab, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Chandigarh.
• Low Performing Districts:
• Grade 3: Sahebganj (Jharkhand), Reasi and Rajouri (J&K)
• Grade 6: North, South, and South West Garo Hills (Meghalaya)
• Grade 9: Shi Yomi (Arunachal Pradesh), South West and North Garo Hills (Meghalaya).
• Grade-Wise Learning Outcomes:
• Grade 3: Only 55% could order numbers up to 99; 54% understood basic multiplication/division.
• Grade 6: 44% identified environmental/social elements; 38% made predictions based on patterns.
• Grade 9: 45% understood the Constitution and national movement; 54% extracted key points from texts.

Concerns Arising from Survey

• Declining Competency with Advancing Grades: There is a notable drop in learning outcomes from Grade 3 to Grade 9, especially in conceptual understanding and application.
• Urban-Rural and Regional Inequities: Northeastern states like Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh continue to lag in foundational literacy and numeracy skills.
• Public School Challenges: Government-aided and state schools underperform in mathematics and sciences, particularly in middle and high school levels.

Government Initiatives

• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Focus on foundational literacy and numeracy by Grade 3; promotes experiential, competency-based learning, and equitable access to education.
• NIPUN Bharat Mission: Aims for all children to achieve foundational literacy and numeracy by 2026–27 through activity-based learning, teacher training, and parental engagement.
• Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: Integrated school education scheme aimed at improving quality, access, and equity from pre-primary to Class 12, with emphasis on inclusive education and gender parity.
• Digital Initiatives: DIKSHA portal, PM e-Vidya, and SWAYAM for content dissemination, e-learning modules, and teacher training.
• TALA (Technology-Assisted Learning and Assessment): Encourages the use of AI, adaptive assessments, and digital tools for improving learning and tracking student progress.

Way Forward

• Focused Remedial Education: Introduce targeted bridge programs and customised teaching-learning materials for underperforming regions and schools.
• Teacher Training and Accountability: Regular capacity-building workshops and learning outcome-based appraisals for teachers are essential.
• Strengthening Foundational Learning: Ensure rigorous implementation of NIPUN Bharat, particularly in low-performing districts.
• Leverage Data for Local Action: District-level data from PARAKH should be used by local education officers for context-specific policy measures.
• Strengthening Assessment Systems: Move beyond rote-based evaluations to competency-based assessments, as envisioned by NEP 2020.

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11. Electronic Vehicle Sector

Context

• As per Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA), sale of EV’S in India rose to 28.6% in month of June.

About Electronic Vehicles in India

• The Indian EV market is witnessing rapid growth, with EV sales surging by over 45% in 2024 despite regulatory changes.
• Total EV registrations surpassed 1.5 million units by the end of 2023, a significant increase from just over 1 million in the previous year.
• The growth in EV registrations has elevated India's overall EV market penetration to 6.3%, indicating significant progress in EV adoption.
• Indian automakers are making substantial investments in electrification, encouraged by the government's plan to eventually phase out subsidies.

Need/Requirement of the E-mobility in the Country

• Environment Sustainability: Transport sector contributes estimated 142 Million Tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, out of which 123 million tonnes is contributed by the road transport segment alone.
• Also, there will be reduction in emission of particulate matter and NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) emission which are a major cause of respiratory ailments.
• Alignment with global commitments such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) and Panchamrit climate action plan, presented at COP26 (Glasgow) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). 
• Reducing Import Dependence: Transport sector accounts for 18% of total energy consumption in India.  This demand is being met mostly through imported crude oil.
• Transition to EVs will reduce the vulnerability to the volatile International crude oil prices.
• Export Potential:  India is the world's third-largest Automobile market. This strength and capability can be channelized in the direction of Export of EVs.
• Other: Job creation (create 10 million direct jobs and 50 million indirect jobs), lower maintenance cost etc. 

Challenges

• Higher Cost: EVs tend to have a higher upfront cost compared to conventional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles.
  • Expensive batteries contribute to the higher initial cost of EVs. 
• Charging Infrastructure: There are around 2000 charging stations in India. (NITI Aayog Report, 2021). The scarcity of charging stations lead to issues like range anxiety. 
  • Range anxiety is a term commonly used to explain the anxiety that EV owners or drivers may feel regarding the distance their vehicle may be able to cover with the charging, whether it be full or partial. 
• Lack of Clean Energy: The transition to EV is not fully sustainable if the electricity used to charge them is generated from fossil fuels.
  • Coal (including lignite) contributes about 50% of total electricity generation in India (Ministry of Power). 
• Lack of Standardisation: Different manufacturers adopt varying battery chemistries, charging connectors, and powertrain configurations.
• E-Waste Management: About 90% of used batteries are either processed by unorganized industry or end up in landfills and garbage dumps. 
  • India ranks third in e-waste generation after China and the USA. (Global e-waste monitor, 2024)
• Complex/Vulnerable Supply Chain: E-mobility value chain heavily depend on imports of key elements such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel.
  • Lithium resources are mainly concentrated in the Lithium Triangle (encompasses region of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile)

Government Initiatives

• Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (EMPS 2024): Launched by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI). 
• PLI Schemes: Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components Industry in India to boost domestic manufacturing of Advanced Automotive Technology products.
• PLI Scheme for manufacturing of Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) to bring down prices of battery in the country.
• Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles (FAME) India: Under FAME India Scheme Phase-II, Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP) has been introduced.
• Rationalization of Goods and Services Tax (GST): on electric vehicles from 12% to 5%;  on chargers/charging stations for electric vehicles from 18% to 5%.

Way Forward

• Standardisation: All stakeholder shall come together to adopt common standard in the sphere of charging port, etc. to ensure interoperability. 
• Focus on Infrastructure: 
• Setting up of charging stations should be incentivised for individual investors, women self-help groups and cooperative societies by offering an assured return.
• Setting up dedicated manufacturing hubs and industrial parks for manufacturing batteries, cells, and EV auto components.
• Finance Availability: EVs should be bought under the priority sector lending.
• Public Transport: Allocate more funds towards developing such public transport system which rely on e-buses. 
• Vibrant Supply Chain Mechanism: Government should take initiatives to accelerate the extraction of lithium.

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