Caste-based enumeration
Context: PM Modi supported caste enumeration during an NDA conclave as a step to identify and uplift marginalised communities.
Why Caste Enumeration?
- Tool for inclusive development and targeted welfare delivery.
- Helps identify social, educational, and economic backwardness.
- Supports evidence-based policymaking.
NDA’s Official Stand:
- Not caste politics, but developmental utility.
- Proposed earlier by NDA govt in Bihar under CM Nitish Kumar.
Relevant Constitutional & Legal Provisions:
- Articles 15 & 16: Affirmative action for backward classes.
- Caste data can guide reservation and welfare policies.
Recent Precedents & Data:
- Bihar Caste Survey 2023: ~63% population OBC/EBC.
- No caste data collected since the 1931 Census (except for SC/ST).
- India to integrate caste count into decennial Census.
India’s coastline lengthened
Context: India’s coastline length has been officially revised from 7,516.6 km to 11,099 km (as of Dec 2024), without any territorial change, due to better mapping techniques.
What is the Coastline Paradox?
- Identified by Lewis Fry Richardson; expanded by Benoît Mandelbrot.
- Coastline length varies depending on measurement scale — the smaller the unit, the longer the measured length.
- Coastlines show fractal-like properties: complex, jagged structures with more detail at smaller scales.
Why India’s Coastline Length Increased
- Old measurement (1970s): ~7,516.6 km, at 1:4,500,000 scale — missed small features.
- New measurement (2024): ~11,098.8 km, using 1:250,000 scale with advanced tools like:
- Satellite altimetry
- LIDAR-GPS
- Drone imaging
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Islands, estuaries, creeks, and tidal zones now better mapped.
- Used highwater line and closed off river mouths at fixed thresholds.
Institutional Role
- Survey conducted by:
- Survey of India
- National Hydrographic Office (NHO)
- Data based on 2011 electronic navigation charts.
- Coastline to be revised every 10 years from 2024–2025.
Implications of the Revised Coastline
- Maritime security: More area to patrol and protect.
- Disaster management: Better cyclone/tsunami planning.
- Climate modelling: Accurate sea-level rise impact studies.
- Coastal zoning: Helps regulate coastal land use.
- Fisheries and economic zones: The Extended Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) affects resource rights.
Coastal States in India
- 11 coastal States: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal + UTs like Puducherry and island groups (Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep).
- Last coastal state to join India: Goa in 1961.
Key Data/Facts:
| Item | Details |
| Old Coastline Length | 7,516.6 km |
| New Coastline Length | 11,098.8 km |
| Difference | +3,582.2 km |
| Scale Used (Old vs New) | 1:4,500,000 vs 1:250,000 |
| Coastline to be Revised Every | 10 years (from 2024–25) |
| Tools Used | GIS, Satellite, LIDAR, Drone, ENCs |
| Concept | Coastline Paradox (Fractal-like structures) |
Bangladesh as civil administration officials
Context: Protests have erupted in Bangladesh’s civil administration, revenue services, and business sector against the interim government’s proposed ordinances, threatening economic and administrative paralysis.
Why the Protests?
- Triggered by the Government Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, seen as a “black law” by officials.
- The law allegedly eases punitive actions and terminations of government employees without due process.
- Protesters demand complete withdrawal of the ordinance.
Key Groups Involved
- Civil servants: Protesting at the Bangladesh Secretariat for 2 days.
- National Board of Revenue (NBR): Declared an indefinite halt to import-export operations.
- Dhaka South City Corporation staff: Locked offices in protest.
- Primary school teachers: Announced indefinite strike from Monday over pay scale revision demands.
Business Sector Response
- Business leaders, including Showkat Aziz Russell (BTMA President), raised alarm:
- No FDI in the past 8 months via Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).
- Claimed famine-like conditions due to job losses and production stagnation.
- Expressed concern over inability to pay salaries and Eid bonuses.
Government’s Interim Response
- Statement issued promising stakeholder consultations before implementing the new laws.
- Ordinances approved by interim cabinet under Muhammad Yunus, awaiting presidential assent.
Short Selling and Risk Factor
Context: Short selling is a high-risk trading strategy where an investor sells stocks they don’t own, betting on a future price fall, commonly used in bearish markets.
Definition
- Short Selling (or Shorting): Selling a stock you do not own, to buy it later at a lower price to make a profit.
Key Characteristics
- Involves borrowing shares (typically from a broker).
- Profits are made when stock prices fall after the sale.
- If the price rises, the trader incurs a loss while squaring off.
Mechanism
| Step | Action |
| 1. Sell stock (borrowed) | At the current price |
| 2. Wait for a price drop | Expect stock to fall |
| 3. Buy the same stock later | At a lower price to square off |
| 4. Return stock to the broker | Profit = Sell Price – Buy Price |
Types of Shorting
- Spot Market (Cash Segment)
- Intraday only (must square off before 3:30 p.m. same day)
- Risk of Short Delivery if unable to buy back
- Heavy penalties via exchange auction if default
- Futures Market
- Can hold short positions overnight or roll over
- Requires higher margin deposits
- Suitable for experienced or institutional traders
Risk Factors
- Highly speculative; losses can be unlimited if stock prices rise.
- Illiquid stocks may make it impossible to square off before the market closes.
- Short Delivery results in exchange penalties through auction mechanism.
- Price prediction must be accurate, especially in cash segment.
Legal & Regulatory Aspects (India)
- Short selling is permitted in both cash and derivatives markets.
- Regulated by SEBI and respective stock exchanges.
- Retail investors face restrictions in naked short selling (i.e., without broker-arranged delivery).
Important Terms for Exams
| Term | Meaning |
| Short Delivery | Failure to deliver stocks sold short within a stipulated time |
| Square-off | Closing an existing trade with an opposite transaction |
| Intraday Trading | Buying and selling on the same day |
| Futures Market | Derivatives-based trading allowing carry-forward |
| Auction Penalty | A fee is imposed for failure to deliver shorted shares on time |
New India-Africa digital compact
Context
- Africa Day (May 25) commemorates the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (1963), symbolizing the continent’s unity and developmental aspirations.
- Africa is prioritizing digital innovation under its Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030).
- India is aligning its development diplomacy with Africa’s digital goals.
India-Africa Digital Partnership
- Pan-African e-Network (2009): Tele-medicine & tele-education initiative via satellite/fibre-optic network.
- Implemented by TCIL (Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd.).
Current Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Sharing
India’s DPI ecosystem includes:
| DPI Tool | Purpose |
| Aadhaar | Digital identity |
| UPI | Real-time payments |
| CoWIN | Vaccination tracking |
| DIKSHA | Digital learning platform |
-India is promoting DPI as open-source, public-oriented, affordable, and scalable.
Bilateral Digital MoUs with African Nations:
| Country | Year | Partnership |
| Togo | 2021 | MoU with IIIT-B for Modular Open-Source ID system |
| Zambia | 2023 | MoU with Centre for DPI (IIIT-B) for Smart Zambia |
| Namibia | 2024 | Pact with NPCI to develop UPI-like payment system |
| Ghana | Ongoing | Integrating its payment system with UPI |
Why Africa Is Interested in India’s DPI?
- DPI is viewed as a digital public good.
- India’s approach offers:
- Open-source architecture
- Local adaptability
- Lower cost vs proprietary (e.g., U.S./EU tech) or surveillance-heavy (e.g., China) models.
Comparative Digital Diplomacy in Africa
| Country/Bloc | Key Advantage |
| China | State-backed infra loans; fast implementation |
| EU & U.S. | High-end technology; private sector dominance |
| India | Affordable, open-source DPI; capacity-building |
African countries prioritize practical needs over ideology in choosing digital partners.
Strategic Education Investment
- IIT-Madras campus in Zanzibar (2023):
- Offers AI and Data Science programs.
- Backed by private sector scholarships.
- Aims at technical capacity-building and socio-economic development.
Challenges to Africa’s Digital Transformation
| Challenge | Details |
| Digital Divide | High cost of devices/data, rural-urban gap, gender inequality |
| Energy Deficit | Digital infrastructure needs reliable power — a bottleneck in many nations |
| Limited Digital Literacy | Affects the adoption of platforms and services |
Opportunities for a New India-Africa Digital Compact
- Anchor it in co-development, mutual respect, and institutional collaboration.
- Focus on interoperability, inclusion, and local adaptability.
- Coordinate with Africa’s regional digital frameworks:
- AU’s Digital Transformation Strategy
- Smart Africa Alliance
- PRIDA (Policy and Regulatory Initiative for Digital Africa)
Tamil Nadu adopted a space sector policy
Why Did Tamil Nadu Adopt the Policy?
| Reason | Details |
| Central Push | IN-SPACe (under DoS) advised TN to draft a space sector policy. |
| Pre-existing Base | TN already had an Aerospace & Defence Policy (2021) identifying space as a key priority. |
| Vendor Ecosystem | Over 250 vendors in TN supply components to ISRO. |
| Strategic Locations | Presence of ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tirunelveli, and the upcoming Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport in Thoothukudi. |
| R&D and Startups | Active space-tech startups and a Space Technology Incubation Centre (STIC) at NIT Tiruchi. |
Objectives of the Policy
| Goal | Target |
| Investment Goal | ₹10,000 crore in 5 years |
| Employment Generation | ~10,000 direct & indirect jobs |
| Industry Focus | Attract startups & firms in satellite making, launch services, and allied services |
| Research Promotion | Support R&D and Global Capability Centres |
| Governance Integration | Apply space tech in disaster management, agriculture, fisheries, health, etc. |
Key Incentives & Support Measures
| Category | Incentive |
| Payroll Subsidy | For R&D companies or global capability centres |
| Space Bays | Special zones for firms with < ₹300 crore investment to receive structured incentives |
| Industrial Housing | 10% subsidy (max ₹10 crore) for housing in space parks |
| Green Initiatives | 25% subsidy (max ₹5 crore) for sustainable projects |
Tamil Nadu’s Strategic Space Infrastructure
| Location | Institution/Project |
| Mahendragiri (Tirunelveli) | ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) – engine testing, cryogenic systems |
| Thoothukudi | Second national spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam |
| Tiruchirapalli | NIT-Trichy STIC – ISRO development projects |
Significance
- Strengthens Make-in-India in space technology.
- Aligns with the national Indian Space Policy 2023.
- Encourages private sector participation in India’s expanding space economy.
- Boosts Tamil Nadu’s image as an emerging space-tech hub, alongside Karnataka and Gujarat.
CDS Strategic Review – Northern & Western Commands
- Who: General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
- Purpose: Strategic review of Indian Army’s Northern and Western Commands post Operation Sindoor.
Operation Sindoor:
- A significant joint operation involving kinetic and non-kinetic actions.
- Aimed at enhancing operational readiness along sensitive border regions (Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab).
- Focus areas: Counter-terrorism, synergy, logistics, and technological upgrades.
Key Points Highlighted by General Chauhan
- Commended the synergy, precision, and discipline of Army units.
- Emphasised the need for continued vigilance and joint coordination across tri-services.
- Paid tribute to fallen soldiers (bravehearts) of Operation Sindoor.
- Acknowledged the “operational excellence” of formations guarding J&K and Punjab borders.
Exam-Oriented Pointers:
| Theme | Details |
| CDS Role | Strategic oversight and inter-service coordination |
| Operation Name | Operation Sindoor |
| States involved | Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab |
| Commands Reviewed | Northern Command (Udhampur) & Western Command (Chandimandir) |
| Technology Focus | Tech infusion and enhanced logistics capability |
| Objective | Ensure high combat readiness and operational efficiency |
India-Maldives Strategic Partnership Review
Highlights of the Visit:
| Point | Details |
| Delegation | Mr. Khaleel led a high-level Maldivian delegation |
| Visit Purpose | Attend the 2nd High Level Core Group (HLCG) meeting to review progress on the vision document |
| Vision Document Origin | Adopted in October 2023 by PM Narendra Modi and President Mohamed Muizzu |
| Scope | Focuses on economic cooperation and maritime security collaboration |
Strategic Importance of Maldives
- Key Maritime Neighbour of India in the Indian Ocean
- Integral to:
- India’s Neighbourhood First Policy
- India’s MAHASAGAR Vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions)
Geopolitical Context
- Relations strained post-November 2023 after President Muizzu took office and demanded withdrawal of Indian military personnel.
- October 2024 thaw: Muizzu visited India and reaffirmed commitment to strengthen bilateral ties.
Exam-Oriented Points
| Theme | Details |
| Foreign Minister (Maldives) | Abdulla Khaleel |
| Strategic Document | Vision Document on Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership |
| Bilateral Mechanism | High Level Core Group (HLCG) |
| First Adopted | October 2023 |
| Policy Linkage | ‘Neighbourhood First’ and MAHASAGAR Vision |
| Geopolitical Factor | Maldives’ tilt towards China post-2023 elections; India recalibrating strategy |
India’s Defence Priorities – U.S. DIA Worldwide Threat Assessment 2025
Context: India’s Security Posture
| Issue | Details |
| Primary adversary | China – Focus on countering its regional and global influence |
| Ancillary threat | Pakistan – Security problem to be “managed”, despite occasional cross-border military incidents |
| Recent example | India’s counter-strikes under Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack (April 22, 2025) |
Defence & Strategic Objectives
| Focus Area | Key Points |
| Military Strategy | Demonstrating global leadership, deterring China, and advancing military modernisation |
| Indo-Pacific Engagement | India intensifying bilateral & trilateral partnerships, multilateral participation in QUAD, BRICS, SCO, ASEAN |
| Military Modernisation | Testing Agni-I Prime MRBM, Agni-V MIRV, commissioning 2nd nuclear-powered submarine (strengthening nuclear triad) |
| ‘Made in India’ Initiative | Boosting domestic defence industry and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, esp. in critical sectors |
India’s Defence Ties
| Country | Relation |
| Russia | India continues strategic defence ties despite reduced procurement; depends on Russian spares for existing tanks & aircraft |
| China | Partial disengagement at Depsang & Demchok (Oct 2024), but no resolution on LAC dispute |
| Pakistan | Pakistan sees India as “existential threat”; continues to modernise conventional & battlefield nuclear weapons |
Exam-Oriented Facts
| Theme | Details |
| Main security concern for India | China |
| U.S. DIA’s report title | Worldwide Threat Assessment 2025 |
| India’s strategic doctrine | Enhancing military power, countering China, and building defence self-reliance |
| Recent India-China development | Disengagement at Depsang and Demchok, Oct 2024 (tensions persist) |
| India’s 2nd nuclear sub | Commissioned in 2024, strengthens the nuclear triad |
| India’s missile tests | Agni-I Prime MRBM, Agni-V MIRV (2024) |
New Cave Fish Discovered in Meghalaya – Schistura densiclava
Key Information:
| Aspect | Details |
| Species Name | Schistura densiclava |
| Type | Troglophile loach (a cave-dwelling species that can also live aboveground) |
| Discovered in | Krem Mawjymbuin Cave, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya |
| Research Team | Led by Kangkan Sarma, Gauhati University |
| Published in | Journal of Fish Biology |
| Named After | Latin “densiclava” meaning “thick stripe”, referring to the thick dorsal stripe |
Biological & Ecological Features
| Feature | Description |
| Habitat | Found 60 m inside the cave in a cool, fast-flowing stream |
| Temperature | ~18°C inside cave |
| Oxygen Level | Low |
| Adaptation | Retains pigment and eyesight (unlike typical cave fish) |
| Family | Nemacheilidae |
| Appearance | Pale yellow-green body, 14–20 greyish to faint black bars, thick stripe near dorsal fin |
| Sexual Dimorphism | Males: slimmer, irregular patterns, puffier cheeks; Females: sturdier, consistent markings |
Conservation & Scientific Significance
| Parameter | Details |
| Adaptability | Survives both underground (subterranean) and surface (epigean) waters |
| Genetic Status | Confirmed as a completely new species through genetic testing |
| Distribution | Endemic to the specific cave system (Krem Mawjymbuin), indicating limited distribution |
India-Bangladesh Strategic Geography
Context: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded to perceived threats to India’s Siliguri Corridor from Bangladesh-based commentators.
Key Geographic Concepts
| Feature | Details |
| Siliguri Corridor (India) | A ~22 km wide strip of land in West Bengal connecting mainland India to the northeastern states, flanked by Bangladesh and Nepal; often called India’s “chicken neck” |
| North Bangladesh Corridor (Bangladesh) | ~80 km stretch from Dakhin Dinajpur (WB, India) to South West Garo Hills (Meghalaya); disruption could isolate Bangladesh’s Rangpur Division |
| Chittagong Corridor (Bangladesh) | ~28 km stretch from South Tripura to the Bay of Bengal; the only land link between Chittagong (economic capital) and Dhaka (political capital) |
Internal Actions in Assam
| Item | Details |
| Police Drive | Assam Police launched operations to identify and detain illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. |
| Location | Guwahati and the surrounding areas. |
| Instructions From | Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) – gave states/UTs a 30-day deadline for identifying & deporting undocumented foreigners. |