08 OCTOBER 2025

• SC reminded the Election Commission (EC) that transparency and access to information are vital for democracy.
• The Court questioned EC over large-scale additions and deletions in Bihar’s voter rolls post–Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
• Concerns over 80 lakh excluded adults and a drop in women’s voter ratio triggered judicial scrutiny.

Key Points

• Voter Data: Final list – 7.42 crore; Draft – 7.24 crore; June list – 7.89 crore.
• Deletions/Additions: 65 lakh deleted (draft), 21.5 lakh added, 3.66 lakh removed (final).   SC Queries: Sought identity of new voters, communication of deletions, and public access to deleted names under Rule 21A.
• Petitioners’ Claim: 10% adult population excluded; gender ratio dropped to 892 (17 lakh missing women); minorities disproportionately affected.
• EC Stand: No complaints received; comparison possible using published draft and final rolls.

Static Linkages

• Art. 324: EC’s powers over elections.  Art. 326: Universal adult franchise.
• RPA 1950: Electoral roll preparation and revision.
• Rule 21A (1960 Rules): Display of deleted names.
• Judicial Review: SC as guardian of electoral integrity.

Critical Analysis Pros:

• Enhances EC accountability.
• Reinforces electoral transparency.
• Strengthens voter confidence.

Cons:

• Opaque deletions risk disenfranchisement.  
• Weak grievance redressal.
• Possible bias or data errors in roll revision.

Constitutional/Moral Angle:

• Voting = democratic equality (Art. 14 spirit).
• Upholds constitutional morality and fairness.

Way Forward

• Publish real-time voter revision data.  Notify each deletion formally.
• Create independent roll audit mechanism.  Targeted inclusion of women/minorities.
• Tech-based roll verification (AI/automation).

TROI WINS NOBEL FOR QUANTUM DEVICE

• John Clarke, Michel Devoret & John Martinis win Nobel Prize in Physics 2025.
• Honoured for creating quantum electrical circuits showing tunnelling & superconductivity.
• Work lays foundation for quantum computing — manipulating quantum states for advanced computation.

Key Points

• Created circuits using two superconductors + Josephson junction (thin insulator).
• Demonstrated quantum tunnelling and collective particle behaviour acting as one quantum state.
• Enabled current flow without voltage — a hallmark of quantum mechanics.
• Application: Quantum processors, superconducting qubits, secure communication.

Static Linkages

• Quantum tunnelling: Basis for semiconductors, α-decay.
• Superconductivity: Zero resistance, Meissner effect.
• Josephson junctions: Used in SQUIDs for magnetic measurements.
• India’s NM-QTA (2020): ₹8000 crore mission for quantum tech.

Critical Analysis Pros:

• Drives quantum computing & encryption.  
• Enables energy-efficient electronics.

Challenges:

• Decoherence, high cost, limited global expertise.
• Risk of technological divide between nations.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Quantum Mission & academia– industry ties.
• Build quantum research hubs under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Promote quantum education & ethics in emerging tech.

STUDY: SRI LANKA SHIELDS SOUTH COAST

• INCOIS study finds Sri Lanka blocks long- period swell waves from the Southern Ocean, protecting India’s southeast coast.
• Using WAVEWATCH III simulations and buoy data (Kollam, Pondicherry), over 96% of swells on the west coast fail to reach the east.
• Without the Sri Lankan Land Mass (SLLM), waves impact Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh coasts.
• Vital amid sea-level rise & changing coastal topography.

Key Points

• SLLM = Natural Swell Barrier; prevents flooding/erosion on SE coast.
• Southern Ocean swells travel 1000s of km with minimal energy loss.
• Model Test: Removing SLLM exposes east coast.
• Policy Relevance: Incorporate landmass protection in hazard models.

Static Linkages

• ~7,500 km Indian coastline; east – cyclone- prone, west – swell-prone.
• INCOIS: Under Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) – ocean data & early warning.
• WAVEWATCH III: NOAA model for global wave prediction.
• NDMA Guidelines: Stress on natural coastal buffers.
• Sagarmala & Coastal Mission: Promote sustainable coastal management.

Critical Analysis Pros:

• Validates natural defences; enhances hazard prediction.
• Supports sustainable coastal planning.

Challenges:

• Sea-level rise, land-use change may reduce shield effect.
• Weak Indo–Sri Lanka coordination in coastal studies.

Way Forward

• Strengthen India–Sri Lanka ocean research cooperation.
• Integrate natural barrier mapping in CRZ rules.  Expand INCOIS buoy network.
• Promote Nature-based Solutions for coastal resilience.

TRENCHES, FENCES DEADLY FOR ELEPHANTS

• Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS) released a study in Scientific Reports showing that trenches, solar, and electric fences used in Karnataka and Kerala to prevent elephant entry are injuring and killing elephants.
• The study surveyed 507 rural households to assess how environmental and socio-economic factors drive conflict mitigation choices.

Key Points

• Elephant Fatalities:
  • Karnataka: Trenches (12.8%), solar fences (25.5%)
  • Kerala: Electric fences (38.3%)
• Main Predictors: Rainfall (28%), elevation (16.8%), land size (15.7%), and crop type.
• Findings (CART model):
  • Drier areas → 68% chance of using barriers.
  • Wetter, larger plots → 7% chance.
• Community View: 65.8% showed empathy and religious reverence (link to Lord Ganesha).

Static Linkages

• India: 60% of global Asian elephant population.
• Project Elephant (1992): MoEFCC initiative for conservation & conflict mitigation.
• Protection Status:
  • Schedule I – Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
  • Appendix I – CITES
  • Endangered – IUCN
• National Elephant Action Plan (2017–2027): Habitat connectivity & coexistence.

Critical Analysis Positive Aspects:

• First empirical study linking environmental, social, and cultural factors to community mitigation behaviour.
• Highlights rural empathy and moral values toward elephants.
• Encourages data-driven policy formulation for reducing human–elephant conflict.

Challenges:

• Poor design and maintenance of barriers cause elephant fatalities.
• Habitat fragmentation due to infrastructure and agriculture.
• Weak compensation mechanisms discourage community cooperation.
• Lack of standardized conflict mitigation frameworks across states.

Stakeholder Perspectives:

• Farmers: Demand crop protection and timely compensation.
• Forest Department: Faces financial and manpower limitations
• Conservationists: Stress on restoring elephant corridors.
• Local Communities: Value coexistence but lack institutional support.

Ethical & Constitutional Angle:

• Article 51A(g): Duty of every citizen to protect the environment and have compassion for living creatures.
• Promotes Gandhian principle of Ahimsa and environmental stewardship.

Way Forward

• Eco-Engineering Approaches: Replace deep trenches with gentle slopes and install insulated, non-lethal electric fences.
• Technology Integration: Use AI-based alert systems, drones, and SMS warning networks for real-time monitoring.
• Corridor Restoration: Reconnect fragmented habitats using eco-bridges and reforestation projects.
• Community-Based Models: Promote Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) and insurance-linked compensation.
• Research & Policy Coordination: Scale up CART- based studies for region-specific interventions.

• The October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel (killing ~1,200 people) reignited the Palestine question and disrupted regional geopolitics.
• Israel launched an all-out military campaign in Gaza and across the region targeting Hamas and Iran-linked groups.
• The conflict reversed years of U.S.-brokered normalisation efforts (Abraham Accords, I2U2, IMEEC).
• Regional powers — Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran — have reassessed security alignments amid Israel’s expansionist strikes.
• Two years later, Israel faces strategic isolation despite short-term military gains.

Key Points

• Objectives declared by Israel: Destroy Hamas and secure hostages; implicit goals include weakening Iran and reasserting Israeli primacy in West Asia.
• Regional fallout:
  • Collapse of Saudi–Israel normalisation efforts.
  • Strained U.S.–Arab relations after Israel’s bombing of Qatar (a U.S. ally).
  • Gulf states diversifying defence ties (e.g., Saudi–Pakistan defence pact).
• U.S. Initiatives impacted:
  •  I2U2 (India–Israel–UAE–U.S.) stagnates.  
  • IMEEC (India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor) unlikely to advance without Saudi participation.
• Humanitarian impact: ~67,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza (UN estimates, 2025).
• Iran’s resilience: Withstood Israeli strikes and retained nuclear capacity.

Static Linkages

• Balance of Power Theory: States seek equilibrium to prevent dominance by one actor — currently disrupted in West Asia.
• Non-Aligned Movement Principle: India’s traditional stance of supporting Palestinian self-determination.
• UN Charter (Art. 2 & 51): Prohibition on aggression; right to self-defence — both invoked by conflicting parties.
• India’s Foreign Policy Doctrine: Strategic autonomy, support for two-state solution, and engagement via multilateral platforms (UNGA, NAM).

Critical Analysis Pros / Strategic Gains (Short-Term):

• Hamas’s infrastructure severely degraded.
• Israel temporarily asserted regional military dominance.
• Disruption of Iran’s regional proxies (Syria, Hezbollah).

Cons / Challenges (Long-Term):

• Resurgence of Palestinian nationalism; Hamas evolving into insurgency.
• Israel’s diplomatic isolation; loss of moral legitimacy.
• Collapse of U.S. regional architecture (IMEEC, I2U2).
• Reorientation of Gulf alliances away from Israel and U.S. dependence.
• Humanitarian and international law violations weakening Israel’s global standing.

Stakeholder Perspectives:

•  Israel: Security and deterrence.
• Palestine: Self-determination and resistance.
• U.S.: Strategic containment of Iran and regional stability.
• India: Stability in energy supply, diaspora safety, and connectivity initiatives.

Way Forward

• Revive two-state solution framework via UN mediation.
• Establish regional security dialogue mechanism involving Iran, Israel, Gulf states, and India as observer.
• Recalibrate India’s West Asia policy focusing on neutrality, humanitarian diplomacy, and connectivity (IMEEC).
• Promote confidence-building measures (CBMs) — humanitarian corridors, ceasefire supervision, third- party mediation.
• Reinforce international humanitarian law (IHL) compliance through UN and ICJ frameworks.

A PATH TO PROGRESS THAT IS PAVED WITH GOLD

Context of the News

• India emphasizes Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) as a core philosophy and economic strategy.
• Global investment flows shrinking: 11% drop in 2024, international project finance deals fell 27%.
• India holds ~25,000 tonnes of private gold (~$2.4 trillion), yet imports 87% of demand, affecting trade deficit.
• PM Modi government prioritizes mobilizing domestic wealth, especially gold, to fund India’s growth.

Key Points:

• Gold monetisation can convert idle household gold into productive capital.
• Reimagined scheme requires: infrastructure (hallmarking/purity testing), logistics, digitalisation, and trust.
• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-registered assaying centres have doubled in 4 years.
• Potential cost of funds: 4.5%-6.5%, lower than international borrowing.
• Benefits: reduce import dependency, strengthen current account, create domestic capital for infrastructure, manufacturing, and innovation.

Static Linkages:

• India’s historical crises managed through self- reliance: Green Revolution (food security), Digital Revolution (IT sector), COVID-19 vaccine production.
• Role of gold in Indian economy and culture (Economic Survey, 2023-24).
• Domestic capital mobilisation as a driver of GDP growth (Economic Survey, Ministry of Finance).
• Government initiatives: Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme, previous Gold Monetisation Schemes.

Critical Analysis:

• Pros:
  • Mobilizes domestic wealth without external dependence.
  • Reduces gold import burden, strengthens current account.
  • Creates a low-cost capital pool for growth sectors.
• Cons:
  • Requires robust infrastructure, trust, and digital platforms.
  • Cultural attachment to physical gold may limit participation.
  • Risk of mismanagement or leakage if schemes are not transparent.
•  Stakeholder perspectives:
  • Households: secure returns, liquidity options.
  • Banks and financial institutions: new investment sources.
  • Government: fiscal sustainability, reduced import bill.

Way Forward:

• Expand hallmarking and assaying centres nationwide.
• Ensure GST and customs exemptions for gold deposits.
• Develop digital platforms for tracking gold deposits and returns.
• Incentivize households with attractive interest rates and liquidity.
• Learn from global best practices in gold monetisation (e.g., Turkey, Thailand).

RELEASE WANGCHUK

KEY HIGHLIGHTS 

Context of the News

• Sonam Wangchuk, climate activist and social reformer from Ladakh, was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) during protests demanding Statehood and Sixth Schedule status for the region.
• The detention has sparked debates over the use of preventive detention against peaceful dissenters advocating democratic and environmental causes.
• The protests in Ladakh highlight local concerns over environmental protection, livelihoods, and political representation in a sensitive border region.

Key Points

• NSA is intended for threats to “public order,” not ordinary law and order issues; peaceful protests do not meet this threshold.
• Supreme Court judgments emphasize that preventive detention requires a clear subjective satisfaction that the individual threatens public order.
• Wangchuk has historically advocated non- violent activism and sustainable development in Ladakh.
• Past misuse of preventive detention, e.g., post- Article 370 abrogation in Jammu & Kashmir, shows a pattern of curbing dissent.
• Ladakh’s demand for autonomy is rooted in environmental, cultural, and developmental concerns.

Static Linkages

• Fundamental Rights: Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1) (b) – Freedom of speech, expression, and peaceful assembly.
• National Security Act, 1980 – Preventive detention law aimed at threats to public order or national security.
• Historical ethos of non-violent protest – Gandhian principles of Satyagraha.
• Sixth Schedule provisions – Autonomous councils for tribal regions.
• Indian democracy principle – Balancing security with individual liberties.

Critical Analysis Pros:

• NSA allows the government to act quickly in genuine public order or security threats.
• Emphasizes importance of national security in sensitive border regions.

Cons:

• Misuse against peaceful dissenters undermines democratic ethos.
• Detention without adequate justification may erode trust in governance.
• Risk of conflating dissent with sedition stifles legitimate activism.

Stakeholder perspectives:

• Activists: Peaceful protest is a democratic right.
• Government: Need to maintain law and order in strategically sensitive areas.
• Local population: Seek meaningful dialogue, development, and self-governance.

Challenges:

• Balancing national security with civil liberties.
• Addressing genuine local grievances without escalating conflict.
• Ensuring legal safeguards against misuse of preventive detention.

• 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis.
• Recognized for demonstrating quantum mechanics in macroscopic circuits via Josephson junctions in the 1980s.
• Findings confirmed that entire circuits could exhibit quantum phenomena like tunnelling and discrete energy levels.
• Key relevance today: superconducting qubits for quantum computing and other advanced technologies.

Key Points

• Experiments at University of California showed current could tunnel through barriers at near absolute zero.
• Observed energy quantisation and macroscopic quantum behaviour in circuits.
• Josephson junctions: two superconductors separated by an ultra-thin insulator; foundational for superconducting qubits.
• Applications: quantum computers, ultrasensitive magnetometers, single-photon detectors, and quantum voltage standards.
• Confirmed that collective superconducting electron pairs behave as a single quantum variable.
• Modern challenge: preserving quantum states amid environmental noise; focus on low-loss materials, cryogenic control, hybrid architectures.
• Illustrates the value of curiosity-driven fundamental research with applied technological impact.

Static Linkages

• Physics: Quantum mechanics, tunnelling, superconductivity (NCERT Class 12 Physics).
• Technology & Economy: Quantum computing, emerging tech, scientific R&D policy.
• Science & Society: Role of innovation and research in national prestige and technology development.

Critical Analysis

• Pros:
  • Opens avenues for practical quantum computing and advanced sensors.
  • Boosts global scientific leadership and collaborative R&D.
  • Demonstrates benefits of fundamental research for applied technologies.
• Cons/Challenges:
  • Quantum states are fragile and difficult to maintain.
  • High cost and specialized infrastructure limit accessibility.
  • Technological dependence on developed nations in high-end quantum research.
  • Stakeholders: Scientists, tech companies, governments, global research institutions.

Way Forward

• Increase funding for quantum research and national labs in India.
• Develop skilled workforce for quantum technologies.
• Promote international collaboration in quantum computing and quantum communication.
• Encourage industry-academia partnerships for translating research into applications.

TWO YEARS ON,A FLICKER

• On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched a large-scale attack on Israel, breaching the Gaza- Israel border using explosives and bulldozers and killing 1,200 Israelis, including women and children, while abducting 251 people.
• Israel responded with Operation Iron Swords, aiming to destroy Hamas’ military capacity, rescue hostages, and secure the nation.
• The conflict was driven by both territorial grievances and geopolitical motives, including opposition to US-backed Israel-Saudi normalisation.
• The war has continued for nearly two years, defying ceasefire proposals, causing unprecedented destruction in Gaza.

Key Points

• Humanitarian impact:
  • Over 67,000 Palestinians killed, ~50% women and children.
  • 60% of homes and most civilian infrastructure (hospitals, schools) destroyed or damaged.
  • 2.3 million displaced; 82% of Gaza under militarised zones; population density >30,000/sq km in remaining habitable areas.
  • Gaza GDP contracted by over 80%; widespread unemployment; severe psychological impact.

• Israel:

  • IDF controls parts of Gaza but Hamas not fully destroyed; hostages not all released.
  • Security and intelligence failures caused domestic political challenges.
• Regional geopolitics:
  • Hezbollah weakened after Israel’s northern front offensive; Hassan Nasrallah killed; Lebanon regained partial sovereignty.
  • Collapse of Assad regime in Syria due to weakened Hezbollah support.
  • Iran’s influence in West Asia diminished; Israel attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities; UN sanctions reinstated.
• Diplomatic impact:
  • Abraham Accords and regional normalisation stalled.
  • Long-term peace prospects remain uncertain; talks ongoing in Sharm el- Sheikh.

Static Linkages

• West Asia geopolitics and role of non-state actors.
• History of Arab-Israeli conflict and previous wars (1947–2023).
• Humanitarian law, civilian protection in conflict (Geneva Conventions).
• International atomic energy regulations and sanctions mechanisms (IAEA, UN).
• Refugee crises and displacement management (UNHCR frameworks).

Critical Analysis

• Pros:
  • Israel degraded Hamas and Hezbollah military capabilities
  • Some regional actors restored sovereignty (Lebanon).
• Cons:
  • Massive civilian casualties and infrastructure loss in Gaza.
  • Regional destabilisation (Syria, Iran, West Asia).
  • Long-term humanitarian, economic, and psychological costs.
• Challenges:
  • Ensuring hostages’ safety.
  • Restoring diplomacy and regional peace.
  • Managing international criticism and sanctions compliance.

Way Forward

• Support humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza.
• Revive diplomatic channels (UN, Egypt, Qatar) to negotiate ceasefire.
• Encourage regional cooperation to prevent power vacuums.
• Implement robust conflict-resolution and post-conflict rehabilitation mechanisms.
• Monitor Iran’s nuclear activities through international oversight.