Organization's First  Ever Pandemic Agreement

 

Introduction and About 

• Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) unanimously adopted the world’s first Pandemic Agreement at the 78th World Health Assembly in 2024.
• This decision comes after over three years of negotiations, initiated in response to the COVID19 pandemic.
• It's a legally binding agreement that aims to bolster global preparedness, response, and fairness in addressing future pandemics.
• The full implementation of this agreement awaits the finalisation of key mechanisms by May 2026, after which it needs ratification by at least 60 countries to become effective.

 

Understanding the World Health Assembly (WHA)

• The WHA is the decisionmaking body of the WHO, consisting of delegates from all WHO Member States.
• It yearly assembly sets policies and priorities, appoints the WHO director general, approves budgets and work programmes, and adopts international treaties and agreements under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution.
• The assembly is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland.

 

Noteworthy Achievements of the WHA

• Adoption of the International Health Regulations, a legal framework for global health security.
• Eradication of Smallpox declared by WHA in 1980.
• Launched the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2003, the first international health treaty.
• Initiation of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework in 2011.
• Adoption of the unprecedented WHO Pandemic Agreement in 2025.

 

Recent Areas of Focus

The assembly has recently been focused on COVID19 response and pandemic preparedness, Universal Health Coverage, Antimicrobial resistance, health equity and access to essential medicines, as well as noncommunicable diseases and mental health.

 

Key Highlights of WHO Pandemic Agreement

• The legal framework and historical significance of the pandemic agreement is essential as it is only the second international legal agreement under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, after the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2003.
• This agreement aims to strengthen global pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. It foregrounds the principles of equity, solidarity, transparency, and scientific evidence while respecting the sovereign rights of states.
• The agreement marks a milestone in global health governance and pandemic resilience.

 

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Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS)

 

Introduction and Overview 

• The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) is an initiative by the Indian government to modernise over 1,300 railway stations across the country.
• The scheme is focused on enhancing passenger amenities and incorporating elements of regional architectural styles.
• An estimated ?1,100 crore has been allocated for the redevelopment of these stations, with PM Narendra Modi inaugurating 103 such redeveloped stations across 18 states and union territories.

 

Current Developments under ABSS

• PM Narendra Modi recently inaugurated 103 redeveloped railway stations virtually.
• These stations are located across 18 states and union territories, covering 86 districts, and include locations such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
• The redevelopment of these stations was completed at a cost of around ?1,100 crore.

 

PM Modi's Rajasthan Visit and New Developments

• During PM Modi's visit to Rajasthan, he flagged off a new express train between Bikaner and Mumbai. 
• Additionally, he inaugurated the newly redeveloped Deshnok station.

 

Importance of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

• The ABSS initiative reflects the government's commitment to enhancing passenger convenience and experience.
• By incorporating elements of regional architectural styles, the scheme also promotes regional culture and heritage.
• The scheme is a step towards modernising India's railway infrastructure, which is crucial for the country's economic growth and development.

 

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India’s First Vistadome Jungle Safari Train

 

Introduction and Current News

• India’s first Vistadome jungle safari train was launched on May 26, 2025.
• The service links Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, promoting ecotourism and raising conservation awareness.

 

Key Highlights of the Safari Train Launch

• The initiative aims to blend ecotourism, wildlife education, and railbased travel.
• This service has been launched under the “One Destination, Three Forests” scheme by the Uttar Pradesh EcoTourism Board.
• The prime goal of this venture is to offer an ecoluxury travel experience, raising biodiversity awareness and supporting local employment.

 

About Dudhwa Tiger Reserve

• Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, located on the IndoNepal border in LakhimpurKheri, Uttar Pradesh,
• comprises of Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur and Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuaries, and other forest areas.
• This region represents the TaraiBhabar ecosystem of the upper Gangetic plains.
• Sharda River, Geruwa River, Suheli and Mohana Streams, which are tributaries of the Ghagra River, pass through this area.
• The biodiversity in this reserve is dominated by North Indian Moist Deciduous forests, with Sal as the primary species.

 

About Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS)

• KWS is located in the Upper Gangetic plain, Uttar Pradesh.
• Since 1987, it has formed a part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger, along with Kishanpur and Dudhwa National Park.
• The sanctuary covers 400.09 sq. km, forming part of the reserve's core zone.
• It acts as a key wildlife corridor between Dudhwa, Kishanpur, and Bardia National Park in Nepal.

 

Ecosystem and Biodiversity of KWS

• KWS is a Terai landscape rich with Sal and Teak forests, grasslands, swamps, and wetlands.
• It hosts endangered species like the Tiger, Gharial, Rhino, Swamp Deer, Hispid Hare, Bengal Florican, and vultures.
• The Gairwa River present here is a protected habitat for Mugger and Gharial.
• The area witnesses a significant population of rare turtles, freshwater fish, and the Gangetic dolphin in their natural habitat.

 

Operation Hawk  An AntiCybercrime Initiative by CBI

 

Introduction to Operation Hawk

• Operation Hawk is a dedicated anticybercrime mission launched by India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2025.
• The objective of the operation is to identify and prosecute individuals engaged in online child sexual exploitation, particularly those with international digital footprints.
• This initiative was launched by the International Operations Division of the CBI. 

 

Aims of Operation Hawk

• Operation Hawk aims to dismantle organised cyber networks that target minors online.
• It seeks to strengthen international collaboration in combating cyber pedophilia and child abuse.
• The operation also ensures a swift response to foreign complaints involving Indian citizens.
• Enhancing digital forensics and crossborder evidence collection is another primary objective of Operation Hawk.

 

 Key Features of Operation Hawk

• Operation Hawk collaborates with international agencies such as the FBI, Interpol and local cybersecurity units to ensure crossborder coordination.
• The operation is specifically focused on dealing with child sexual abuse material (CSAM) trafficking, sexual extortion, commonly known as sextortion and intimidation of minors.
• It involves robust investigation techniques such as multilocation raids, digital seizures, and legal action under the Indian Penal Code, IT Act, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
• The strategy for Operation Hawk is based on precedents set by earlier antiCSAM operations carried out by the CBI.

 

History of Similar Operations by CBI

• CBI has previously conducted other operations to target cybercrime. Operation CARBON, launched in 2021, targeted dark web users sharing CSAM across global platforms.
• Operation MEGH CHAKRA was executed in 2022. Based on inputs from Interpol, it included panIndia raids, resulting in a largescale digital seizure and multiple arrests.

 

Operation Hawk in Recent News

The operation gained attention when the CBI arrested two individuals from Mumbai and Delhi under Operation Hawk. These arrests mark a significant stride in targeting international cybercrime networks involved in online child sexual exploitation.

 

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Inauguration of Vizhinjam International Seaport by Prime Minister 

 

Introduction and Overview

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport (VIS) in Kerala, a significant development for India's maritime infrastructure.
• Vizhinjam International Seaport is India's first deepwater transshipment port designed specifically for processing container and multipurpose cargo.
• The seaport is developed under the PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) model, following the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) method.

 

Geographical Significance and Technological Advancements 

• VIS's location is strategic as it is just 10 nautical miles away from major international shipping routes connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf, and the Far East which enhances its accessibility for large vessels.
• Technologically, Vizhinjam seaport stands as India's first semiautomated port, facilitated with an AIpowered control room and the country's first Indigenous Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS).
• The VTMS enhances the port's capacity to handle large ships, optimises traffic flow and reduces vessel turnaround times by providing realtime updates.

 

 Economic Impact and Future Developments 

• The primary objective of VIS is to reduce India's economic dependence on international facilities. Currently, about 75% of transshipment cargo is processed abroad.
• Vizhinjam port's capacity to handle transshipment domestically can potentially save India approximately USD 200220 million in annual revenue loss.
• Future development plans for Vizhinjam port includes phases two and three, which would boost the port's capacity to 3 million TEUs annually by 2028 from the current 1 million TEUs.

 

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Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured WeatherBased Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS)

• General Understanding of PMFBY and RWBCIS
• PMFBY and RWBCIS are centrally administered schemes initiated in 2016 to provide financial protection to farmers in India against crop losses.
• As per the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, approximately 97% of all claims under these two schemes have been settled throughout India. Complete claim settlement has been achieved in Goa, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.

 

Detailed Insight into PMFBY

•  PMFBY offers insurance against crop losses due to natural calamities, pests, or diseases.
•  It became the world's largest crop insurance scheme in terms of the number of farmers enrolled and land area covered by 2023–24.
•  Eligibility extends to all farmers, including sharecroppers and tenant farmers, growing notified crops in notified areas.
•  The scheme offers coverage against natural disasters, pest infestations and diseases, postharvest losses on an individual farm basis, and localised calamities. 
• It also provides indemnification for 'Prevented Sowing' on a notified area basis.
• Farmers have to pay affordable premiums, with farmers in the Northeast, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh receiving full government subsidies.
• Technological integration is prominent in the scheme through the use of satellite imagery, drones, and other digitised tools for estimation, dispute resolution, and assessment purposes. 
• Under PMFBY, the aim is to process claims within two months of harvest, offering timely financial support to farmers and potentially preventing them from falling into financial distress.

 

Knowledge on RWBCIS

• The primary objective of launching RWBCIS was to secure farmers from financial losses due to unfavourable weather conditions.
• This scheme offers compensation based on deviations from predefined weather indicators, such as rainfall, temperature, humidity, and wind speed, which serve as proxies for crop loss without necessitating fieldlevel evaluations. 

 

Comparing PMFBY and RWBCIS

• While both schemes are aimed at protecting farmers against crop losses, they work on different principles and cover different types of risks.
• PMFBY provides compensation based on actual crop loss assessments caused by natural disasters, pests, or diseases, whereas RWBCIS provides compensation based on deviations in weather indicators. 

 

Recent Developments and Statistics

• According to a recent report, all claims under PMFBY and RWBCIS have been fully settled in Goa, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
• Other states like Tripura, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, and Sikkim have reported settlement rates ranging from 51% to 91%.
• The success of these schemes highlights the government's commitment to safeguarding the interests of farmers and its ability to meet insurance claim settlements promptly and efficiently.

 

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Operation Sankalp

 

Introduction and About

• Operation Sankalp is an extensive antiNaxal operation conducted at the border between Chhattisgarh and Telangana. 
• The operation is currently in its third week, with reported casualties on the Maoist side and strategic advantages for the security forces.
• The mission was launched by combined forces from Chhattisgarh Police, Telangana Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and CoBRA.
• The area of operation spans from Karregutta hills and Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh to Mulugu district in Telangana.

 

Objective of Operation

• The primary goals of Operation Sankalp are to flush out top Maoist leaders, especially Battalion 1 of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army, which is the armed wing of CPIMaoist.
• In addition, the operation aims to dismantle fortified hideouts of the Maoists and destroy their bases and bunkers used for logistics supply. 

 

Key Features and Strategies

• The operation involves a largescale troop mobilisation comprising over 24,000 personnel from various security forces including Indian Air Force. 
• It adopts an approach of precision strikes, utilising air surveillance and intelligencebased operations in tough terrains.
• Significant recoveries have been made to date, including over 1,000 kg of explosives, ration stockpiles, detonators, medical kits, and electronic equipment from the Maoist hideouts.

 

Strategic Significance 

• Operation Sankalp marks the largest interstate operation in history and embodies unprecedented joint coordination between central and state forces.
• By targeting the top leadership, the operation seeks to disrupt the Maoist chain of command within the core forest zones.
• The operation also serves to enhance civil governance by clearing a path for infrastructure development and welfare initiatives in the Naxalaffected tribal belts.

 

Impact on National Security

• Execution of Operation Sankalp aligns with the Centre’s policy of zerotolerance towards Left Wing Extremism, thereby strengthening national security.
• By affirming state dominance in areas previously considered inaccessible, the operation plays a crucial role in restoring civilian confidence and improving the morale of the security forces.

 

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The Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI)

 

Introduction and Overview

• The Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI) is an initiative launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) as part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
• The main aim is to create a solid framework for certifying green hydrogen production and to ensure transparency, traceability, and credibility in the market.

 

Purpose and Goals 

• The objective of the scheme is to promote a Green Hydrogen market in India that is sourced from renewables in order to reduce carbon emissions.
• It also aims to drive exports and encourage energy-intensive sectors to adopt the fuel.
• Designated international port cities including Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin have been selected as primary centres for the production of green hydrogen for export.
• By implementing this scheme, it will help in curtailing greenwashing, a practice where companies falsely or exaggeratedly depict themselves as ecofriendly.

 

Certification Process

• The certification process will be verified by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Accredited Carbon Verification (ACV) Agency in order to ensure compliance.
• The certificate awarded is nontransferable and nontradeable and cannot be utilised to claim emission reduction credits.
• BEE's Announcement and Applicability of the Scheme
• The BEE also announced an offset mechanism for hardtoabate sectors (such as cement), allowing them to earn and trade credit by using green hydrogen under Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS).
• The scheme applies solely to the production of green hydrogen via electrolysis or conversion of biomass. 

 

 Contribution to Sustainable Development

• The certification scheme paves way for a sustainable future, strongly aligning with global efforts in combatting detrimental climate change effects.
•  Boosting sectors to adopt green hydrogen also promotes the broad transition towards renewable energy sources.
• Overall, India's GHCI introduces a much needed policy backing for the promotion of green hydrogen use and production across the nation.

 

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AI Enabled Haryana Water Resource Atlas 2025

 

Introduction and About 

• The Haryana government has rolled out the Haryana Water Resource Atlas 2025, a state of the art, AI driven geospatial platform. 
• This platform is targeted at monitoring, managing, and conserving the state's receding water reserves.

 

Functionality and Features 

• The platform equips realtime insight into multiple key water metrics like groundwater level, aquifers, surface water bodies, recharge zones, and canal systems. 
• Additionally, comprehensive information on cropping patterns is also available.
• It effectively amalgamates data from different sources comprising satellite data, GPS surveys, IMD meteorological inputs, and data from Central Groundwater Board (CGWB), Irrigation, and Agriculture Departments.

 

Application and Importance 

• This atlas brings realtime data support to the fore, enhancing the effectiveness of water conservation drives, sustainable farming practices, and infrastructure planning.
• AI is significantly interweaving into India's water management strategies. 
• Adding to the list of recent advancements, an AIbased prediction model to detect Arsenic pollution in drinking water has been fabricated by researchers at IIT Kharagpur.

 

 Current  Scenario and Future Prospects 

• This launch underscores the state's commitment to implementing cuttingedge technologies to address environmental challenges. 
• With the successful execution reaffirming the potential of the AI foundation in environmental conservation, the prospects look promising for future endeavours in this direction. 
• Given the current pressures on water resources and the urgency to adopt effective conservation strategies, the integration of AI could produce game changing results for water management in India.

 

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New Digital Platforms Introduced by Department of Posts

 

 Introduction and Overview 

• The Department of Posts (DoP) has rolled out two digital platforms: 'Know Your DIGIPIN' and 'Know Your PIN Code'. 
• Part of modernising India’s address system and geospatial governance, these platforms are launched under the framework of the National Geospatial Policy 2022. 

 

Know Your DIGIPIN 

• DIGIPIN, meaning Digital Postal Index Number, is an opensource, geocoded, gridbased digital addressing system. 
• Developed to aid exact location identification, it uses latitude and longitude coordinates. 
• DIGIPIN ties up addresses to precise latitude longitude coordinates, which enables high resolution geospatial identification. 
• It offers AddressasaService (AaaS) providing secure, standardised digital address solutions. 
• It utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to enhance logistics, emergency response, and digital governance. 
• Provides digital address access in remote and underserved areas. 

 

Know Your PIN Code 

• Digitally determines boundaries of over 150,000 PIN Codes. 
• Enhances location accuracy by enabling geofencing of PIN zones. 
• Users can find the correct PIN Code using realtime GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) location data. 
• Contains a public feedback system for optimising the PIN Code database. 
• Boosts delivery networks, emergency services, and postal logistics, especially catering to ecommerce and rural areas. 

 

 Significance and Impact 

• These digital platforms offer a considerable leap in India's geospatial governance capabilities. 
• They cater to a crucial need for accurate geolocation data in various sectors, including logistics, governance, emergency response, and ecommerce. 
• The 'Know Your PIN Code' system enhances postal services, specifically in underserved or rural areas.
• The platforms align with the National Geospatial Policy 2022, providing a comprehensive geospatial database for improved accuracy and efficient management of geospatial resources.

 

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Sagar Mein Samman Initiative 

 

 Introduction 

• The Sagar Mein Samman (SMS) initiative is a project initiated by the Government of India, introduced on the International Day for Women in Maritime. 
• The primary focus of the programme is the advancement of women's participation in the shipping industry, in alignment with India's aspirations of becoming a leading global maritime power. 

 

Recognition and Observance 

• The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) acknowledges the significance of women in maritime by celebrating the International Day for Women in Maritime annually on 18th May. 
• The theme for the year 2025 has been established as "An Ocean of Opportunities for Women", reflecting the growth opportunities for women in the maritime sector. 

 

About Sagar Mein Samman 

• The core purpose of the SMS initiative is to create a maritime workforce that is balanced in terms of gender. 
• It further aims at enhancing safety measures, skill development, leadership opportunities, and equal opportunities for women involved in maritime operations. 
• The programme is designed to align with the broader vision of UN SDG5, which endorses gender equality, and the IMO mission that encourages greater gender inclusion. 

 

Impact and Targets 

• India experienced a remarkable 649% increase in women seafarers, growing from 341 in 2014 to 2,557 in 2024. 
• The initiative has already provided financial assistance to nearly 3,000 women. 
• The SMS programme targets to augment the representation of women in technical maritime roles to 12% by 2030. 

 

Curating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Agenda 

The SMS initiative is consistent with India's DEI agenda and the Maritime India Vision 2030, covering several areas such as training, planning, research, governance, and multiple other facets of operation outreach. 

 

India’s Initiatives in the Maritime Sector 

Additional key initiatives in the maritime sector include the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and the Maritime Amritkaal Vision 2047, which aspire to further promote India’s maritime sector.

 

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KVIC’s Honey Mission and Importance of Beekeeping

 

Introduction to KVIC’s Honey Mission

• The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) initiated the Honey Mission in the fiscal year of 201718.
• The mission falls under the umbrella of the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and encourages beekeeping.
• The primary objective of the Honey Mission is to create selfemployment opportunities in rural and remote areas.

 

World Bee Day Celebrations 2025

• World Bee Day, established by the UN in 2018, is observed on 20th May every year.
• In 2025, KVIC joined in the global celebrations of World Bee Day with the theme “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all.”
• The celebration aimed to emphasise the transformative impact of the Honey Mission and the pivotal role of bees in maintaining the ecosystem and human health.

 

 Achievements and Impact of Honey Mission 

• The KVIC has distributed more than 2.29 lakh bee boxes till 2025.
• The distribution of these boxes has resulted in the production of 20,000 metric tonnes of honey.
• The honey production has generated an income of Rs 325 crore for the beekeepers.
• In the fiscal year of 202425, KVIC reported that honey exports amounted to Rs 25 crore. 

 

 Other Initiatives to Enhance Beekeeping 

• Other initiatives complementing the Honey Mission include the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) and the National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM). 
• SFURTI and NBHM focus on supporting traditional beekeepers by forming clusters and offering training along with modern machinery for sustainable employment.
• Furthermore, NBHM aims to realise the vision of a ‘Sweet Revolution’ as a part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, thereby reinforcing the nation's selfreliance drive. 

Importance of Beekeeping

• Beekeeping offers numerous benefits, from supplementing income to enhancing agricultural productivity via pollination.
• Honey bees contribute to maintaining balance and harmony in nature by assisting in the pollination process.
• Keeping bees allows for the sustainable harvesting of honey and other bee products, thus supporting biodiversity and ecological health. 
• In India, honey also holds significant medicinal and cultural value, extending beyond its business potential.

 

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eZero FIR Initiative in India

 

Introduction and About

• The eZero FIR is a pilot project launched by the Union Home Minister, under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
• This initiative is designed to enhance the efficiency in investigating cyber financial frauds, ultimately contributing to a Cyber Secure Bharat vision.
• It is essentially an electronic version of the traditional Zero FIR, activated under Section 173(1) and 1(ii) of the BNSS.

 

Understanding Zero FIR

• A Zero FIR can be lodged at any police station, irrespective of its jurisdiction, for a cognisable offence.
• After filing, it is then transferred to the appropriate jurisdiction for official investigation.

 

Key Features of eZero FIR

• Automatic FIR Registration: Any cyber financial fraud complaint that crosses Rs 10 lakh, reported via the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or the Helpline 1930, will be automatically escalated to Zero FIR.
• Complainants have a 3day window to visit the targeted police station to get the Zero FIR converted into a conventional FIR.
• Systems Integration: It connects three systems  the I4C’s NCRP system, the Delhi Police’s eFIR system, and the NCRB’s Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) into a singular, amalgamated cybercrime reporting and investigation framework.

 

 FIR (First Information Report)

• An FIR signifies the initial formal report of a cognisable offence (an offence where the police has the authority to arrest without a warrant and begin investigation without magistrate approval), submitted by an individual and documented by the police.
• The FIR initiates the criminal justice process.
•  FIRs are administered under Section 173 of the BNSS, 2023. 

 

 eZero FIR and Significance

• The eZero FIR brings forward a significant revolution in the reporting of cyber financial frauds in India, providing a streamlined, efficient, and unified framework for reporting and investigating such crimes.
• The initiative furthers India's commitment to creating a cybersecure environment, thereby enhancing trust in digitisation and online transactions. 
• By including concepts like automatic FIR registration and system integration, it ensures a faster and more effective response time to the crimes reported, leading to prompt actions and minimising potential losses.