{"id":1942,"date":"2025-10-11T09:15:33","date_gmt":"2025-10-11T09:15:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/?p=1942"},"modified":"2025-10-21T09:55:37","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T09:55:37","slug":"current-affairs-11th-october-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/2025\/10\/11\/current-affairs-11th-october-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Affairs 11th October 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">1. India\u2013Afghanistan Relations<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>General Studies Paper II \u2013International Relations,\u00a0India and its Neighbourhood Relations<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context: <\/strong>India announced the upgrade of its \u2018technical mission\u2019 in Kabul to full embassy status in October 2025, marking a strategic shift in its diplomatic approach to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.\u200bThe upgrade was declared during the visit of Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to New Delhi.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Background <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Collapse of the Afghan Republic 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Taliban seized Kabul in August 2021; US-backed Afghan Republic fell, and foreign embassies closed for security.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Humanitarian and economic crises followed, as millions fled and India suspended its embassy, keeping only a technical team for aid delivery.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Over 1,000 Indian nationals evacuated; India sent $100 million+ humanitarian aid via the UN, pausing formal diplomatic ties.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>India\u2019s Returns (2022 Onwards)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Technical mission in Kabul coordinated food, medicine, education aid, but no recognition of Taliban.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>India resumed visas and cultural exchanges\u2014over 10,000 visas yearly for Afghans, including students.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Virtual meetings and aid continued, balancing anti-terror caution with economic aims like Chabahar access.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Current Development (2025)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>What India Announced<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Embassy status restored in Kabul, enabling full diplomatic work and staff\u2019s return after four years.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>India pledged six new Afghan health projects and support for refugees repatriated by Pakistan.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Strong condemnation of cross-border terror; urge to Taliban for regional non-interference.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Why It Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Strategic Re-engagement<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Counters Pakistan\u2019s Kabul influence; secures Central Asian routes\u2014Chabahar, INSTC, trade links.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Supports economic revival, including mining, infrastructure, and trade nearing $3 billion pre-2021 trade.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Security Concerns<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Focuses on threats from groups like TTP, ISIS-K; Jaishankar urges joint anti-terror cooperation.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>India links security to Pakistan\u2019s alleged support for cross-border terror and the recent Pahalgam attack.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Humanitarian and People-to-People Ties<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Enhances aid delivery and educational scholarships, including for Afghan women.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>India builds goodwill, issues visas for students\/families, pushing positive ties despite Taliban rights abuses.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Regional Diplomacy<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Follows \u201cneighborhood first\u201d strategy\u2014no Taliban recognition, but active engagement to steer governance.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Alignment with SCO\/Iran, balancing regional stability with China\u2019s Afghan presence.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>India\u2019s Position on the Taliban<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Non-recognition: Taliban seen as illegitimate unless reforms on women\u2019s rights and counter-terror.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Pragmatic engagement: Focus on humanitarian\/security talks, no formal endorsement.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Conditional support: Urges Taliban on human rights, inclusive rule, counter-terror assurance.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Regional and Global Implications<\/strong><\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 484px;\" width=\"841\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Aspect<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Explanation<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Regional Stability<\/td>\n<td>Boosts India-Afghan ties, reduces Pakistan\u2019s sway, and promotes cooperation\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Security Dynamics<\/td>\n<td>Pressures Taliban to address cross-border threats and stabilize frontiers\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Economic Connectivity<\/td>\n<td>Revives trade via Chabahar, countering China\u2019s BRI dominance\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Humanitarian Impact<\/td>\n<td>Expands Indian aid access for 24 million Afghans, symbolizing constructive engagement\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Global Precedent<\/td>\n<td>Models pragmatic engagement with non-state actors for US, EU, UNSC\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Geopolitical Shifts<\/td>\n<td>Balances Indo-Pacific\/Quad focus with Eurasian strategy amid new alliances<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>2. 2025 Nobel Peace Prize<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>General Studies Paper 2 :\u00a0 Governance, International Relations,<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context: <\/strong>Mar\u00eda Corina Machado awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for democratic activism and civilian courage.\u200b<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Nobel Committee cited her as a \u201ckey, unifying figure\u201d guiding Venezuela\u2019s opposition toward fair, peaceful democracy.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Background: Venezuela\u2019s Political Crisis<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Authoritarian Rule under Nicol\u00e1s Maduro<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Maduro retained power through electoral rigging and violent repression.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Regime uses food, media, and legal tools to silence dissent and crush opposition.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>2024 presidential election was widely deemed illegitimate, with opposition victory suppressed.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Opposition Struggles<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Leaders faced bans, jail, exile, and violent threats for contesting Maduro\u2019s rule.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Mar\u00eda Corina Machado was barred from elections and forced into hiding, but kept resisting in Venezuela.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Recent Events<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Post-election crackdown killed over 20 people; thousands detained.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Humanitarian crisis deepened with over 8 million Venezuelans fleeing the country.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Nobel Peace Prize Citation: Why Machado Was Chosen<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Honored \u201cfor her struggle to achieve a just, peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy\u201d.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Recognized for uniting the opposition and standing resilient against severe threats.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Her actions symbolize hope for democracy worldwide amid rising authoritarianism.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Machado\u2019s Reaction<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Machado expressed gratitude; called it recognition \u201cfor the struggle of all Venezuelans\u201d.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Dedicated the prize to the \u201csuffering people of Venezuela,\u201d emphasizing collective effort.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Stated: \u201cI am just one person. This is the achievement of a whole society\u201d.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Global Reaction<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Significance for Democracy and Human Rights<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Seen as a boost for global democratic movements under threat.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Her win signals international support for human rights and peaceful resistance to authoritarianism.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Role of Nobel Peace Prize<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Amplifies global awareness and offers legitimacy to Venezuela\u2019s pro-democracy movement.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>The committee reaffirmed democracy\u2019s fragility and peace through dialogue.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Gender Aspect<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Machado is the 20th woman and first Venezuelan woman Nobel laureate.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Her win underlines women\u2019s growing leadership in democracy struggles worldwide.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>International Politics Link<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Major democracies welcomed the win; Maduro regime called it \u201cpolitics over peace\u201d.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>The award drew global attention to Venezuela\u2019s crisis as a test for democratic values.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Conclusion: <\/strong>Machado\u2019s Nobel spotlighted democracy\u2019s fight in Venezuela and global support for human rights.\u200bThe honor is a symbol for peaceful civic resistance, inspiring democratic and women leaders everywhere.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>3. Hydropower projects on Chenab gets clearance<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>General Studies Paper 1 (GS-1)<\/strong>: Geography\u2014covers resource utilization, environmental impact, and regional development (e.g., Jammu &amp; Kashmir).<\/p>\n<p><strong>General Studies Paper 3 (GS-3)<\/strong>: Environment, Economy, and Infrastructure\u2014focuses on hydropower, energy security, and sustainable development.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Context: The<\/strong> Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project received final environmental clearance from the MoEFCC apex committee in October 2025.\u200b<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>India\u2019s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan in April 2025 accelerated the project and allowed for greater utilization of the Chenab River.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>The project\u2019s estimated cost has risen to \u20b931,380 crore due to long delays, underlining India\u2019s drive for clean energy expansion.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Project Overview<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-1943 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-11-143933-300x106.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"738\" height=\"261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-11-143933-300x106.png 300w, https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-11-143933.png 686w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 738px) 100vw, 738px\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sawalkote HEP is a run-of-the-river project located on the Chenab River spanning Ramban, Reasi, and Udhampur districts of J&amp;K.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Developed by NHPC Limited (from 2021), it seeks to produce clean energy and bolster J&amp;K\u2019s and national energy security.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>This will be the largest hydropower project in Jammu &amp; Kashmir once completed.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table style=\"height: 594px;\" width=\"1030\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"722\"><strong>Chenab River: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Origin: Formed by confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers at Tandi, Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Course: Flows through Himachal Pradesh, then Jammu &amp; Kashmir, entering Pakistani Punjab before joining the Sutlej and eventually the Indus River.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Length: Approx. 960 km (605 miles).\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Drainage Basin: Part of the greater Indus River system.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Main Tributaries: Chandra, Bhaga, Miyar Nalla, Sohal, Thirot, Marusudar, Lidrari.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Significance: Key to hydropower and irrigation; several major dams (e.g., Salal, Baglihar, Sawalkote); subject to India-Pakistan water allocations under the Indus Waters Treaty.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Elevation at Source: Bara Lacha Pass (~4,900 m).\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Flow Attributes: Cuts deep gorges in mountain stretches, ideal for hydropower; navigable only in plains.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Environmental &amp; Strategic Importance: Supports agriculture in both countries; scene of geopolitical and environmental debates about dam building and water sharing.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Historical Names: Known in ancient texts as Asikni (Rigveda), Chandrabhaga (Mahabharata), Akes\u00ednes (Greek).\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Importance<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hydropower Potential: Steep gradient and perennial flow ideal for large-scale hydropower.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Water Resource: Essential for irrigation, drinking, and industrial use in north India and Pakistan.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Geopolitical Role: Central to Indo-Pak water disputes, especially after recent policy changes.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Cultural Heritage: Mentioned in Vedic literature, Mahabharata, and Greek accounts, reflecting long-standing regional significance.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Project Details<\/strong><\/p>\n<table width=\"733\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Aspect<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Details<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Capacity<\/td>\n<td>1,856 MW (8 x 225 MW + 1 x 56 MW)\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Design Energy<\/td>\n<td>7,994.73 MU (90% dependable year)\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Estimated Cost<\/td>\n<td>\u20b931,380 crore\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Type<\/td>\n<td>Run-of-the-river\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Dam Height<\/td>\n<td>192.5 m (roller-compacted concrete dam)\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Location<\/td>\n<td>Chenab River, Ramban district, J&amp;K\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Stages<\/td>\n<td>Stage I (1,506 MW by 2028); full by 2031\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Developer<\/td>\n<td>NHPC Limited\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Project History<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Initially accorded environmental clearance in 2017, then stalled due to IWT-related water storage restrictions.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Transferred to NHPC in 2021; clearance and hearings delayed by forest approval and geopolitical challenges.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>After IWT suspension in April 2025, final clearance was granted in October 2025, overcoming previous hurdles.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>What is a Run-of-the-River Project?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Generates power using the natural river flow and drop, with minimal diversion or reservoir storage.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Diverts water through turbines, returns it downstream\u2014relies on steady river flow rather than impoundment.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Advantages<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Minimal environment impact\u2014less flooding, lower displacement, ecosystem preservation.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Lower construction cost, quicker build than reservoir dams.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Flexible operation and quick adjustment to demand.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Sustainable, renewable source with low ongoing costs.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Disadvantages<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Output varies seasonally and is flow-dependent.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Limited or no storage means power shortage during dry periods.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Ecological risk due to changes in habitat and fish migration.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Susceptible to climate change: monsoon failures and glacial shifts impact flow reliability.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Other Major Projects on Chenab River<\/strong><\/p>\n<table width=\"717\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Project Name<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Capacity (MW)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Status<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Salal HEP<\/td>\n<td>690<\/td>\n<td>Operational since 1987\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Baglihar HEP<\/td>\n<td>900<\/td>\n<td>Operational since 2008\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Pakal Dul HEP<\/td>\n<td>1,000<\/td>\n<td>Under construction (2026)\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ratle HEP<\/td>\n<td>850<\/td>\n<td>Under construction (2028)\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Kiru HEP<\/td>\n<td>624<\/td>\n<td>Under construction (2026)\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Kwar HEP<\/td>\n<td>540<\/td>\n<td>Planned\/Pre-construction\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Kirthai I HEP<\/td>\n<td>250<\/td>\n<td>Planned<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Kirthai II HEP<\/td>\n<td>990<\/td>\n<td>Planned<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>India\u2019s Hydropower Strategy<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Accelerates project approvals and surveys to reach 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030, net-zero by 2070.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Commits to 60 GW pumped storage by 2032 with major investments.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Focuses on the Northeast and Himalayas (J&amp;K) for untapped hydro potential; added 1,650 MW in FY 2025-26.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Blends hydro with solar\/wind hybrids, promotes environmental safeguards post-IWT suspension.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Uses western rivers for energy security and import reduction, leveraging IWT suspension.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Conclusion: <\/strong>Sawalkote\u2019s clearance marks a strategic milestone in India\u2019s Chenab hydropower development and green energy move.\u200bThe run-of-the-river design offers environmental benefits, but seasonal variability and ecological risk must be addressed for sustainable growth.\u200bThese initiatives strengthen regional economies and affirm India\u2019s commitment to renewable energy and energy security.\u200b<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>4. SC Exempts Pre-2022 Surrogacy Cases from Age Limits<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>GS paper II: Polity &#8211; Indian Constitution<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1944 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-11-144318.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"278\" height=\"153\" \/><br \/>\n<strong>Context: <\/strong>The Supreme Court has held that the age restrictions prescribed under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021,\u00a0cannot be applied retrospectively\u00a0to couples who had already frozen embryos and initiated the surrogacy process before the law came into effect on\u00a0January 25, 2022.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Case Background<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Petitions:\u00a0Filed by three couples who had completed IVF and embryo freezing before the Surrogacy Act\u2019s commencement.<\/li>\n<li>Issue:\u00a0They became ineligible under\u00a0Section 4(iii)(c)(I)\u00a0due to new age criteria (women 23\u201350 years; men 26\u201355 years).<\/li>\n<li>Argument:\u00a0The surrogacy process had already begun lawfully before the Act; retrospective disqualification was therefore invalid.<\/li>\n<li>Court\u2019s Finding:\u00a0Embryo freezing marked a legitimate initiation of surrogacy, making retrospective age limits unconstitutional.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Supreme Court\u2019s Key Findings<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>No Retrospective Effect:\u00a0The age criteria introduced in 2021\u00a0apply prospectively\u00a0and cannot disqualify those who initiated procedures earlier.<\/li>\n<li>Equal Protection for Assisted Conception:\u00a0Justice B.V. Nagarathna observed that couples conceiving through\u00a0ART or IVF\u00a0are entitled to the same constitutional safeguards as those conceiving naturally.<\/li>\n<li>Article 21 \u2013 Reproductive Liberty:\u00a0The Court reaffirmed that the\u00a0right to reproductive choice\u2014including IVF, ART, or surrogacy\u2014is part of\u00a0personal liberty and privacy\u00a0under Article 21.<\/li>\n<li>Article 14 \u2013 Equality Before Law:\u00a0Retrospective exclusion based on age was termed\u00a0arbitrary and unreasonable, violating constitutional equality.<\/li>\n<li>Rejecting Parenting-Age Bias:\u00a0The assumption that older parents are less fit was dismissed; the state cannot retrospectively assess parenting capability once lawful medical steps are initiated.<\/li>\n<li>Doctrine of Non-Retroactivity:\u00a0Unless stated explicitly, a law\u00a0cannot apply retroactively\u00a0to penalize or disqualify lawful past actions.<\/li>\n<li>Precedent Applied:\u00a0Relied on\u00a0<em>Suchita Srivastava v. Chandigarh Administration (2009)<\/em>\u00a0affirming autonomy and bodily integrity as constitutionally protected rights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 \u2013 Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Purpose:\u00a0To regulate surrogacy practices,\u00a0prevent commercial exploitation, and ensure ethical, altruistic surrogacy based solely on medical reasons.<\/li>\n<li>Legislative Intent:\u00a0Uphold ethical medical practices, protect surrogate mothers and children, and align with\u00a0constitutional morality\u00a0and reproductive dignity.<\/li>\n<li>Scope:\u00a0Applies to all surrogacy procedures involving Indian citizens and works in tandem with the\u00a0Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Key Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Form Allowed:\u00a0Only\u00a0altruistic surrogacy\u00a0permitted \u2013 no monetary compensation beyond medical costs.<\/li>\n<li>Couple Eligibility:\n<ul>\n<li>Married for at least five years.<\/li>\n<li>Woman: 23\u201350 years; Man: 26\u201355 years.<\/li>\n<li>Must have no living biological, adopted, or surrogate child.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Single Women:\u00a0Only\u00a0widows or divorcees (35\u201345 years)\u00a0are eligible;\u00a0unmarried women excluded, a restriction currently under challenge.<\/li>\n<li>Surrogate Mother:\u00a0Must be a\u00a0close relative, married, aged\u00a025\u201335 years, and have at least one biological child.<\/li>\n<li>Certification &amp; Procedure:\u00a0Requires medical eligibility certification, infertility proof, parentage order, and insurance coverage for the surrogate.<\/li>\n<li>Prohibitions &amp; Penalties:\u00a0Commercial surrogacy banned; violation carries\u00a0up to 10 years\u2019 imprisonment or \u20b910 lakh fine.<\/li>\n<li>Regulatory Framework:\u00a0Establishes\u00a0National and State Surrogacy Boards\u00a0for oversight and enforcement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Supreme Court\u2019s Major Concerns<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lack of Transitional Protection:\u00a0The Act omits a clause safeguarding couples whose surrogacy process began before enforcement.<\/li>\n<li>Inconsistent Parental Standards:\u00a0The Court noted\u00a0adoption laws lack upper age limits, creating unjustified disparity.<\/li>\n<li>Gender Bias:\u00a0Exclusion of\u00a0unmarried women\u00a0from surrogacy was flagged as potentially violative of\u00a0Article 14.<\/li>\n<li>Infringement of Fundamental Rights:\u00a0Retrospective disqualifications impede both\u00a0equality (Article 14)\u00a0and\u00a0reproductive freedom (Article 21).<\/li>\n<li>Excessive State Intervention:\u00a0The intention to protect child welfare\u00a0cannot override individual autonomy\u00a0or negate lawful prior actions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Significance of the Judgment<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Affirmation of Reproductive Rights:\u00a0Establishes surrogacy and ART as intrinsic to\u00a0reproductive autonomy\u00a0under the Constitution.<\/li>\n<li>Prevention of Legal Injustice:\u00a0Protects couples from punitive or discriminatory\u00a0retrospective application\u00a0of law.<\/li>\n<li>Strengthening Constitutional Doctrine:\u00a0Reinforces the judiciary\u2019s stance against retroactive nullification of\u00a0pre-existing lawful rights.<\/li>\n<li>Balanced Judicial Approach:\u00a0Harmonises\u00a0ethical oversight\u00a0of surrogacy with protection of\u00a0personal liberty.<\/li>\n<li>Expanded Relief:\u00a0Enables similarly affected couples to seek remedy through relevant\u00a0High Courts.<\/li>\n<li>Constitutional Morality Upheld:\u00a0Emphasises that legislative interpretation must align with\u00a0justice, equity, and good conscience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>5. Does India have a cough syrup problem?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>GS paper IV:\u00a0 ETHICS<\/p>\n<p><strong>CONTEXT: <\/strong>India\u2019s pharma sector, hailed as the \u201cpharmacy of the world,\u201d faces scrutiny after toxic cough syrup deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lab tests uncovered high diethylene glycol (DEG) in syrups, prompting state bans, factory probes, and debate over drug safety oversight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Recurring Cough Syrup Tragedies<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>India has a legacy of DEG-linked incidents, showing systemic regulatory failure rather than isolated error.<\/li>\n<li>Major poisonings: Chennai (1973), Bihar (1986), Jammu (2019), Gurugram (2020), The Gambia\/Uzbekistan (2022) \u2013 all caused child fatalities.<\/li>\n<li>In each case, suppliers substituted toxic industrial solvents for pharma-grade chemicals to save costs.<\/li>\n<li>Authorities usually enforce temporary bans or arrests, but deep-rooted reform remains absent.<\/li>\n<li>Underlying problem: Fragmented centre-state coordination, lab funding gaps, and reactive enforcement allow recurrences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Diethylene Glycol (DEG): The Hazard<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>DEG is a clear, sweet solvent for antifreeze, brake fluids, plastics.<\/li>\n<li>It is abused as a cheap stand-in for required medicinal excipients.<\/li>\n<li>Even tiny doses can cause fatal kidney failure, acidosis, and gastrointestinal symptoms.<\/li>\n<li>Legal drug limit is 0.1%; some samples tested over 46%, showing gross negligence.<\/li>\n<li>Notoriety goes back to the 1937 \u201cElixir Sulfanilamide\u201d tragedy in the US, which led to new global drug safety laws.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Oversight of Medicines in India<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Law: Drugs and Cosmetics Act (1940) and Rules (1945) set key standards.<\/li>\n<li>CDSCO (under Health Ministry) regulates imports, new drugs, and quality norms.<\/li>\n<li>State Drug Control Authorities license makers\/distributors and oversee local sales.<\/li>\n<li>Challenge: Fragmented roles create patchy rule enforcement and overlap.<\/li>\n<li>CDSCO issues rules, but states often lack labs, staff, or resources to monitor compliance.<\/li>\n<li>Drugs must be tested at both ingredient and finished product stages, but auditing is weak.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Gaps in Regulation and Enforcement<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lack of a central digital platform linking all regulatory agencies means poor tracking of licenses, test results, and violations.<\/li>\n<li>Many SMEs escape periodic audit or third-party inspections.<\/li>\n<li>State drug labs face funding, staffing, and equipment constraints.<\/li>\n<li>Fines and jail terms for adulteration are minimal, offering little deterrent against wrongdoers.<\/li>\n<li>Dual standards: Export drugs may meet global norms, domestic drugs often don\u2019t match WHO\/foreign benchmarks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Impact on India\u2019s Global Image<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>WHO issued global alerts after Gambian and Uzbek deaths tied to Indian syrups.<\/li>\n<li>Some countries now demand independent quality checks on Indian imports.<\/li>\n<li>Such scandals erode trust in Indian drug exports\u2014critical for $25 billion annual exports and India\u2019s global vaccine\/disease-drug supply role.<\/li>\n<li>Reputational and diplomatic costs rise, threatening future market access.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>The Way Forward<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Establish a national digital system for unified oversight\u2014linking manufacturing, testing, and regulatory action across all states.<\/li>\n<li>Mandate third-party audits for critical solvents, raw materials, and excipients.<\/li>\n<li>Sharper penalties: Make senior executives criminally liable for fatal or repeated violations.<\/li>\n<li>Every state drug lab should be modernized, properly staffed, and globally accredited.<\/li>\n<li>Require WHO-GMP certification for both exports and the domestic market to ensure uniform standards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>6. DRAVYA\u201d portal<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Context: <\/strong>The Ministry of Ayush has launched the AI-ready \u201cDRAVYA\u201d portal developed by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) to digitally catalogue 100 key Ayush medicinal substances in its first phase.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>About DRAVYA Portal <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>DRAVYA is an\u00a0AI-enabled digital repository\u00a0that compiles detailed information on Ayush medicinal substances by bringing together knowledge from classical Ayurvedic scriptures and contemporary scientific research. It functions as a\u00a0dynamic, open-access platform\u00a0aimed at making verified, evidence-based data on Ayurveda and related systems easily searchable and globally available.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Implementing Organisation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Developed by the\u00a0Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS)\u00a0under the\u00a0Ministry of Ayush.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Objectives<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Digitise and integrate traditional and modern knowledge on Ayush substances to support\u00a0evidence-based research and innovation.<\/li>\n<li>Foster\u00a0cross-disciplinary cooperation\u00a0between Ayurveda, botany, chemistry, and pharmacology.<\/li>\n<li>Guarantee the\u00a0authenticity, accessibility, and scientific validation\u00a0of traditional medicinal information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Core Features<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Extensive Catalogue:\u00a0First phase includes\u00a0100 major medicinal substances, with regular updates and future expansions.<\/li>\n<li>AI-Ready Framework:\u00a0Supports data analytics, research correlation, and links to upcoming\u00a0digital health solutions.<\/li>\n<li>QR Code Support:\u00a0Standardised, verified data display for medicinal plant gardens and drug repositories.<\/li>\n<li>Multi-Field Information:\u00a0Profiles cover pharmacotherapeutics, botany, chemistry, pharmacy, pharmacology, and safety aspects.<\/li>\n<li>Intuitive Interface:\u00a0Enables simple search, retrieval, and comparison of data across different Ayush systems.<\/li>\n<li>Integration with Ayush Grid:\u00a0Strengthens interoperability with other national-level\u00a0digital medical initiatives\u00a0and research networks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>7. &#8216;Saksham&#8217; Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) Grid<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>GS PAPER III:S&amp;T- Achievements Of Indians In S&amp;T<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1945 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-11-144413.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"226\" height=\"245\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>CONTEXT: Indian<\/strong> Army\u00a0launched procurement\u00a0of the indigenously developed\u00a0&#8216;Saksham&#8217; Counter-Unmanned Aerial\u00a0System (CUAS) Grid for advanced\u00a0airspace security\u00a0and to counter\u00a0aerial threats.\u200b<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Rollout approved\u00a0under Fast Track\u00a0Procurement,\u00a0supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat\u00a0and the Decade\u00a0of Transformation\u00a0(2023\u20132032).\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>About Saksham Counter-Unmanned Aerial\u00a0System (CUAS) Grid<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Saksham is\u00a0a counter-drone system co-developed by\u00a0the Indian Army\u00a0and BEL, Ghaziabad, for detection, tracking, identification, and neutralisation of unmanned aerial threats.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Secures the\u00a0Tactical Battlefield\u00a0Space (TBS) or\u00a0Air Littoral\u2014up to 3,000 m\u00a0altitude above\u00a0ground.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>System was conceived\u00a0after Operation\u00a0Sindoor exposed\u00a0air defence gaps.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Meaning and\u00a0Platform<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>SAKSHAM: Situational\u00a0Awareness for\u00a0Kinetic Soft\u00a0&amp; Hard Kill Assets\u00a0Management.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Works as a Command-and-Control (C2) hub integrating\u00a0sensors, countermeasures, and\u00a0AI analytics\u00a0for Recognised\u00a0UAS Picture (RUASP).\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Detection\u00a0&amp; Tracking:\u00a0Continuous surveillance\u00a0using radar,\u00a0radio-frequency, and EO\/IR sensors\u00a0for drone identification.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>AI-Enabled\u00a0Prediction:\u00a0Employs AI for\u00a0forecasting hostile\u00a0activities and\u00a0suggesting response\u00a0actions.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Sensor\u2013Weapon\u00a0Fusion:\u00a0Integrates jammers,\u00a0directed-energy\u00a0weapons, and\u00a0interceptors\u00a0for seamless\u00a0defence response.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Automated\u00a0Support:\u00a0Offers\u00a0decision aids\u00a0for threat prioritisation via a\u00a0unified, real-time command\u00a0interface.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>3-D Visualisation:\u00a0Delivers dynamic\u00a0views of friendly\u00a0and hostile assets\u00a0in airspace.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Network Integration:\u00a0Operates over\u00a0the Army Data\u00a0Network (ADN); links with\u00a0Akashteer Air\u00a0Defence Control\u00a0for complete\u00a0airspace management.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Mobility &amp;\u00a0Modularity:\u00a0Designed to be\u00a0compact, modular, deployable across\u00a0varied terrains.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Indigenous\u00a0Focus:\u00a0Fully\u00a0developed and\u00a0manufactured\u00a0in India, showcasing\u00a0high-level self-reliance.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Visual Representation<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Modular, grid-based command\u00a0structure fusing\u00a0sensor data and\u00a0automated countermeasures in unified\u00a0digital airspace\u00a0control.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Saksham represents\u00a0a major leap\u00a0for Indian battlefield\u00a0air defence,\u00a0combining indigenous\u00a0innovation, AI-enabled threat\u00a0management, and\u00a0real-time drone\u00a0neutralisation\u00a0for future-ready<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>1. India\u2013Afghanistan Relations General Studies Paper II \u2013International Relations,\u00a0India and its Neighbourhood Relations Context: India announced the upgrade<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2458,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1942","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-daily-current-affairs"],"featured_image_urls":{"full":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/generated-image-17.jpg",2048,2048,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/generated-image-17-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/generated-image-17-300x300.jpg",300,300,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/generated-image-17-768x768.jpg",640,640,true],"large":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/generated-image-17-1024x1024.jpg",640,640,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/generated-image-17-1536x1536.jpg",1536,1536,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/generated-image-17.jpg",2048,2048,false],"morenews-large":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/generated-image-17-825x575.jpg",825,575,true],"morenews-medium":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/generated-image-17-590x410.jpg",590,410,true]},"author_info":{"display_name":"Nithin DTPoperator","author_link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/author\/nithindtp\/"},"category_info":"<a href=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/category\/daily-current-affairs\/\" rel=\"category tag\">DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS<\/a>","tag_info":"DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS","comment_count":"0","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1942","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1942"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1942\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2459,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1942\/revisions\/2459"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2458"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1942"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1942"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1942"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}