06 OCTOBER 2025

• Syria conducted its first parliamentary elections on Sunday, nearly a year after the rebel-led coalition removed President Bashar al-Assad, ending over a decade of autocratic rule.
• The elections mark a transitional political phase towards forming a new constitution and electoral law.
• The People’s Assembly (210 members) will serve as a legislative body for 30 months during Syria’s political restructuring.
• Voting was conducted indirectly through electoral colleges, with some regions — notably Sweida and Kurdish-held territories — excluded due to instability.

Key Points

• Election System: No direct popular vote; two- thirds of seats (140) through electoral colleges, one-third (70) appointed by Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
• Voter Base: About 7,000 electoral college members across 60 districts eligible to vote.
• Security Measures: Heavy deployment of security forces to prevent violence during polling.
• Political Mandate: The Assembly’s primary role is to draft a new constitution and electoral law leading to a democratic transition.
• Regional Exclusions: Voting postponed in areas under Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Sweida province.
• Symbolic Significance: Marks an attempt to restore institutional legitimacy and governance structures post-Assad.

Static Linkages

• Forms of Government: Parliamentary vs Presidential systems; indirect vs direct democracy.
• Political Transitions: Role of constituent assemblies in constitution-making (e.g., India’s 1946–49 Constituent Assembly).
• Separation of Powers: Legislature’s role in transitional regimes.
• Post-Conflict Reconstruction: UN frameworks for nation- building and democratic institution revival.
• International Law: UN Charter principles on  sovereignty and non-interference during internal political transitions.

Critical Analysis Pros:

• Potential to initiate democratic reconstruction in a war-torn nation.
• May attract international recognition and humanitarian support for stabilization.
• Institutional framework could devolve power from military to civilian rule.

Cons / Challenges:

• Exclusion of Kurdish regions weakens representational legitimacy.
• Interim presidential appointments dilute the democratic mandate.
• Persistent sectarian divisions and foreign interference (Russia, Iran, Turkey) threaten stability.
• Absence of popular vote may erode trust in democratic reform.

Stakeholder Perspectives:

• Domestic factions: Divided over legitimacy and inclusiveness.
• Regional powers: Concerned over balance of power in post-Assad Syria.
• UN & global community: Watchful of genuine democratization vs cosmetic reform.

Way Forward

• Inclusive Political Dialogue involving Kurds, civil society, and minority groups.
• UN-supervised electoral reforms ensuring transparency and voter participation.
• Constitutional safeguards for fundamental rights and decentralization.
• Gradual demilitarization and strengthening of rule-of-law institutions.
• Reintegration programs for ex-combatants under transitional justice framework.

INDIA,UK WARSHIPS START KONKAN NAVAL EXERCISE

• The United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by HMS Prince of Wales, began Exercise Konkan with the Indian Navy in the Western Indian Ocean.
• The four-day bilateral maritime exercise aims to strengthen joint maritime and air operations capabilities.
• This edition marks the first-ever participation of carrier groups from both nations — the U.K.’s HMS Prince of Wales and India’s INS Vikrant.
• The U.K. CSG is on an eight-month global deployment, Operation Highmast, engaging with 12 nations for joint maritime security cooperation.

Key Points

• Duration: Four days; held in the Western Indian Ocean.
• First Edition: 2004; usually biennial.
• Unique Feature (2025): First involving carrier strike groups of both nations.
• Operations Covered:
  • Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)  Cross-deck flying operations
  • Air defence and maritime interdiction drills  Post-Exercise Engagements:
• Port calls in Mumbai and Goa
  • Aerial defence exercises with the Indian Air Force
• Diplomatic Significance:
  • Part of U.K.–India Vision 2035 for a modern defence and security partnership.
  • Reinforces commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

Static Linkages

• India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) (2019) emphasizes maritime security and economic cooperation. The U.K. Integrated Review (2021) identifies the Indo-Pacific as a “priority theatre” for British engagement.
• The Indian Navy’s doctrine of Sea Control and Sea Denial underpins India’s maritime power projection. UNCLOS 1982 ensures freedom of navigation and supports a rules-based maritime order.
• Exercise Konkan complements India’s broader naval exercises such as MALABAR (with U.S., Japan, Australia) and VARUNA (with France).

Critical Analysis Positive Aspects

• Strengthens India–U.K. defence interoperability in multi-domain warfare.
• Reinforces India’s Act East & Indo-Pacific strategy, enhancing credibility among Quad and AUKUS partners.
• Provides strategic signalling to China’s maritime assertiveness in the Indian Ocean.
• Promotes defence industrial cooperation and joint R&D opportunities.

Challenges & Concerns

• India’s traditional strategic autonomy requires careful balancing amid competing power blocs.
• Operational interoperability limited by non- aligned procurement systems and classified technology restrictions.
• Ensuring sustained maritime domain awareness (MDA) and logistical support in the Western Indian Ocean remains complex.

Way Forward

• Institutionalise trilateral or multilateral versions of Exercise Konkan with like-minded Indo-Pacific partners.
• Deepen technology and intelligence-sharing under secure communication channels.
• Enhance cooperation through Blue Economy and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) initiatives.
• Foster joint shipbuilding and logistics support frameworks under Make in India–Defence.
• Integrate Coast Guard and Air Force components into future iterations for holistic maritime synergy.

TRUMP’S GAZA CEASEFIRE PLAN:THE ROAD AHEAD

• Recent Development:
  • Ahead of the second anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point plan aimed at achieving a ceasefire and stabilisation in Gaza.
  • Hamas has reacted conditionally positive, seeking renegotiations; Israel has opposed clauses that limit its military flexibility.
• Background:
  • The plan follows the collapse of a January 2025 U.S.-brokered ceasefire when Israel unilaterally withdrew after stage one.
  • Framed as the “last chance for peace in Gaza”, it seeks to blend security, governance, and economic reconstruction under international oversight.

Key Points

• Main Provisions:
  • Hostages: Israeli hostages to be released within 72 hours of ceasefire.
  • Hamas: Must disarm and/or withdraw from Gaza.
  • Palestinian Authority (PA): To reform or dissolve under new international oversight.
  • Governance: A technocratic administration under an International Board of Peace, chaired by Trump.
• Security: An International Stabilisation Force (ISF) to maintain demilitarisation.
• Israel’s Commitments:
  • No clear timeline for IDF withdrawal or cessation of fighting.
  • Silent on the West Bank and future of settlements.
• Prisoner Swap Clause:
  • 250 Palestinian life-term prisoners + 1,700 detainees to be released in exchange for Israeli hostages.
• Economic Component:
  • Gaza’s reconstruction via a “Riviera- style” development model and foreign investment.
• Major Gaps:
  • No monitoring or enforcement mechanism.
  • Vague sequencing of steps.
  • No provision for Palestinian statehood or elections.

Static Linkages

• UN Charter – Chapter VI & VII: Mechanisms for conflict resolution and enforcement of peace.
• UNSC Resolution 242 (1967): “Land for peace” principle – basis for Arab-Israel negotiations.
• Geneva Conventions: Civilian protection and conduct in occupied territories.
• Oslo Accords (1993): Creation of the Palestinian Legislative Council and interim self-governance.
• Camp David Accords (1978): Egypt-Israel peace precedent — U.S.-brokered model for regional diplomacy.

Critical Analysis Positives

• Potential to end hostilities and initiate reconstruction.
• Scope for international oversight and humanitarian relief.
• Opportunity for multilateral diplomacy involving Gulf and Western nations.

Challenges

• No timeline for Israeli withdrawal → undermines credibility.
• Absence of statehood pathway → violates UNSC & ICJ precedents.
• Burden shifted to Hamas, easing pressure on Israel.
• No UN-backed monitoring mechanism.
• Risk of legitimising long-term Israeli control over Gaza.

Stakeholder Positions

• U.S. – Aims to assert diplomatic influence in West Asia.
• Israel – Seeks to retain military dominance.
• Hamas/Palestinians – Reject plan as partial surrender.
• Arab States – Prioritise stability, Abraham Accords, and Iran containment over Palestinian issue.

Way Forward

• Involve UN, EU, and OIC to ensure neutrality.
• Establish time-bound, verifiable milestones for withdrawal and reconstruction.
• Create a UN-supervised humanitarian & security monitoring body.
• Link ceasefire to revival of two-state negotiations.
• Encourage regional cooperation via Gulf, Egypt, and India’s mediation diplomacy

TREAT EMPLOYMENT AS A NATIONAL PRIORTY

• Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) projects India will add 133 million to its working-age population (15–64 yrs) in the next 25 years — about 18% of the global workforce addition.
• India’s working-age population peaks around 2043, indicating a limited window to leverage its demographic dividend.
• CII calls for an Integrated National Employment Policy (INEP) to generate quality jobs and ensure equitable growth.

Key Points

• India is the most populous and among the youngest countries globally.
• Employment generation vital for growth, inclusion, and consumption-led stability.
• Need for coordinated Centre–State policy aligning trade, industry, labour, and education.
• Empowered Group of Secretaries to oversee governance; District Committees for local implementation.
• Focus sectors: textiles, tourism, agro- processing, real estate, health, MSMEs.
• Gig economy: currently employs 0.8–1.8 crore; can grow to 9 crore by 2030.
• Four Labour Codes implementation critical for formalisation.
• Data gap: need for real-time, high-quality employment data and inclusion of informal sector.

Static Linkages

• Demographic dividend concept (UN Population Fund; Economic Survey).
• Directive Principles: Article 41 – Right to work, Article 39 – Equal livelihood opportunity.
• Labour Codes (2020): Consolidate 29 laws into 4 codes – wages, social security, industrial relations, OSH.
• NITI Aayog’s “Strategy for New India @75” – target of 8% growth with job creation.
• ILO Employment Policy Convention (C122) – national commitment to full, productive employment

Critical Analysis  Pros:

• Enhances productivity and equity.
• Promotes regional balance and female workforce participation.
• Unlocks gig and MSME job potential.

Cons/Challenges:

• Skill mismatch and outdated education system.
• Fragmented labour data systems.
• Poor coordination among ministries.
• Informal sector vulnerabilities and gender barriers.

Way Forward

• Formulate Integrated National Employment Policy with clear time-bound targets.
• Prioritise labour-intensive sectors and urban employment guarantee pilot.
• Strengthen skills–industry linkages and modernise curricula.
• Fast-track Labour Codes with business transition support.
• Promote women’s workforce inclusion via childcare and social incentives.
• Establish real-time national employment database.

• Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan over activity near Sir Creek.
• Recalled 1965 war; emphasised strong response to aggression.
• Area: disputed marshland between Gujarat and Sindh, strategically close to Kandla & Mundra ports.
• Linked to Pakistan’s Operation Sindoor (400 drones from Leh to Sir Creek).
• Concern over China-backed projects in Pakistan’s Rann of Kutch.

Key Points

• 96-km estuary; dispute from 1914 Bombay Resolution.
• Uninhabited, difficult terrain, high security presence.
• Importance: oil, gas, fishing rights, maritime boundary.
• Kutch Tribunal (1968) resolved part, Sir Creek unresolved.
• India favours dialogue-based resolution.

Static Linkages

• International boundary disputes are governed by principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• Maritime boundary demarcation includes territorial waters (12 nm), contiguous zone (24 nm), and exclusive economic zone (200 nm).
• Defence preparedness and civil-military coordination fall under India’s national security architecture.
• Historical Precedent: Kutch Arbitration Tribunal (1968) settled parts of the Rann dispute but Sir Creek remained unresolved.
• Geopolitical linkage: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connects to the Gwadar Port, part of China’s String of Pearls strategy.

Critical Analysis Pros:

• Heightened surveillance deters cross-border infiltration and drone attacks.
• Reinforces India’s strategic dominance in the Arabian Sea.
• Strengthens inter-agency coordination across armed forces.

Cons / Challenges:

• Rising militarisation risks escalation in an ecologically fragile zone.
• Lack of diplomatic engagement sustains strategic ambiguity.
• Chinese involvement in Pakistan-administered projects may complicate threat perception.
• Environmental and livelihood risks for local fishing communities.

Stakeholder Perspectives:

• India – Seeks security, territorial integrity, and maritime resource rights.
• Pakistan – Aims to assert claims and test India’s deterrence threshold.
• China – May leverage economic projects for strategic depth in the Arabian Sea.

GOVT PLANS MISSION TO REVERSE FALLING CAMEL COUNT

Context

• The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying plans to launch a National Camel Sustainability Initiative (NCSI).
• Aim: Reverse the steep decline in India’s camel population.
• Draft policy paper prepared with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); circulated on September 29 for public comments.

Background & Rationale

• Camel population decline:
  • 1977: ~11 lakh
  • 2013: ~4 lakh
  • 2019 (20th Livestock Census): 2.52 lakh → ~77% fall since 1977.
• Concentration: Nearly 90% of India’s camels are in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
• Once a symbol of desert resilience, now facing crisis of survival.
• Decline threatens:
  • Pastoral livelihoods
  • Ecological balance of arid and semi-arid regions
  • Cultural heritage of desert communities

Policy Gaps Identified

• Current policies are fragmented, reactive, and underfunded.
• Mainstream livestock programmes (e.g., cattle, buffalo, poultry) overshadow camels.
• The National Livestock Mission (NLM) includes camels but implementation limited to small- scale breeding and entrepreneurship.

Proposed Institutional Mechanism

• Inter-ministerial coordination among:
• Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
• Ministries of Environment, Rural Development, Tourism
• State governments (esp. Rajasthan, Gujarat)
• Aim: Multi-dimensional and coordinated strategy.

Major Proposals in the Draft

• Rajasthan Camel Act review – to balance conservation with livelihood rights.
• Safe, traceable inter-state trade in camels – with:
• Improved transport infrastructure  E-market platforms
• National camel awareness & education campaign:
• Integrate camel-related themes in school textbooks
• Promote awareness through public campaigns and rural fairs
• FAO partnership for sustainable camel-rearing models.

Analytical Angle

• Decline factors: mechanization of transport, reduced grazing land, policy neglect.
• Significance: ecological (seed dispersal, resilience in arid regions), economic (milk, tourism, draught power), cultural (symbol of Rajasthan’s heritage).
• Way forward: dedicated funding, camel value- chain development, integration with eco- tourism and organic desert economy

DRAWING A LARGER CIRCLE

• The Ministry of Education’s ULLAS Programme (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society), launched in 2022, has shown significant literacy gains by 2024.
• Recent data (2023–24) shows rural literacy rising from 67.7% (2011) to 77.5%, and female literacy from 65.4% to 74.6%.
• Several states — Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, and Himachal Pradesh — have declared themselves fully literate.
• In August 2024, the Government formalised a new definition of literacy, expanding it beyond reading and writing to include digital, financial, and computational skills.

Key Points

• Launched: 2022 under Ministry of Education, aligned with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Target Group: Adults aged 15+ who missed formal education.
• Vision: Transform schools into Samajik Chetna Kendras (community learning centres).
• Volunteers: 45 lakh+; Learners enrolled: over 2.8 crore.
• Digital Focus: ULLAS app with content in 26 Indian languages; enables online learning and volunteer coordination.
• International Linkage: Complies with UN SDG 4.6 – universal literacy and numeracy by 2030.
• Concept: Driven by Kartavyabodh — sense of civic duty and social participation.

Static Linkages

•  Constitutional Basis: Article 21A (Right to Education), Directive Principles under Article 41 & 45 (education for citizens).
• Historical Roots: National Literacy Mission (1988) and Saakshar Bharat Mission (2009).
• Economic Correlation: Literacy linked with higher per capita GDP and labour productivity (Economic Survey 2023–24).
• Institutional Framework: NEP 2020 emphasis on Adult and Lifelong Learning under Section 21.

Critical Analysis Pros:

• Promotes social inclusion through literacy and digital empowerment.
• Encourages citizen-led participation via volunteerism (Kartavyabodh).
• Enhances economic participation, particularly of women.
• Reduces digital divide; aligns with Digital India mission.

Cons / Challenges:

• Quality of teaching and learning outcomes remain uneven.
• Limited access to digital infrastructure in remote areas.
• Volunteer motivation and retention over time uncertain.
• Risk of quantitative over qualitative literacy reporting.

Way Forward

• Strengthen monitoring: Learning outcome-based assessment instead of mere enrolment.
• Integrate with skilling: Link ULLAS graduates to PMKVY or Skill India programmes.
• Expand digital reach: Improve broadband and smartphone access in rural regions.
• Gender-focus: Tailor flexible modules for women learners and working adults.
• Public-Private Collaboration: Encourage CSR participation in adult literacy infrastructure

NEXT STEPS,WAY OUT

• Israel-Hamas January ceasefire collapsed; Israel launched ground offensive in Gaza.
• Trump proposed a 20-point plan agreed by Israel & key Arab states.
• Plan: ceasefire, hostages exchange, phased Israeli withdrawal, aid, reconstruction, Hamas disarmament, Palestinian self-determination.
• Hamas accepted parts (hostage release) but is deliberating on other clauses.

Key Points

• Israel hasn’t yet stopped bombing despite Trump’s directive.
• Palestinians not forced to leave Gaza (unlike earlier proposals).
• Unclear areas: Hamas’ political role, technocratic committee composition, timeline for PA elections.
• Conflict toll: 2,000 Israelis & 66,000 Palestinians killed.
• Global support including PM Modi; focus on humanitarian relief & peace.

Static Linkages

• UN Charter, Geneva Conventions, peacebuilding principles.
• History of Israel-Palestine conflict & West Asia geopolitics.
• Technocratic governance in post-conflict administration.

Critical Analysis

• Pros:
  • Potential immediate ceasefire reduces civilian casualties.
  • Provides a framework for reconstruction and Palestinian self-determination.
  • Includes multilateral involvement to ensure implementation.
• Cons/Challenges:
  • Hamas’ partial acceptance could stall full implementation.
  • Israeli political interventions (Netanyahu) may jeopardize progress.
  • Unclear governance framework in Gaza may lead to administrative vacuum.
  • Social media pressures can distract from sustained diplomacy.
•  Stakeholder Perspectives:
  • Palestinians: Conditional acceptance; concerns over sovereignty.
  • Israelis: Security and political interests under Netanyahu.
  • International Community: Push for humanitarian relief and lasting peace.

Way Forward

• Ensure phased implementation with robust monitoring by neutral international bodies.
• Engage Hamas and Israel in continuous dialogue to clarify grey areas in governance and elections.
• Integrate humanitarian aid with reconstruction programs for Gaza.
• Strengthen multilateral mechanisms for enforcing disarmament and peace commitments.
• Promote ethical diplomacy, minimizing external political and media pressures.