Durand Line Dispute
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INTERNATIONAL
Why in News:
The Durand Line, the disputed border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, has recently witnessed frequent clashes between Afghan Taliban forces and Pakistani troops.
The tensions are linked to border fencing, the presence of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and deportation of Afghan refugees.
The conflict has escalated into direct military confrontation, including a cross-border retaliatory operation by Pakistan called “Ghazab Lil Haq.”
Background
What is the Durand Line?
• The Durand Line is a 2,640 km long porous border separating Pakistan and Afghanistan.
• It extends from the Karakoram Range near China in the northeast to the Registan Desert near Iran in the southwest.
• The boundary passes through important geographical areas such as the Khyber Pass and the Spīn Ghar (White Mountains).
Origin of the Durand Line
• The boundary was established in 1893.
• It was created through an agreement between Sir Mortimer Durand, a British colonial administrator, and Abdur Rahman Khan, the then Emir of Afghanistan.
Reasons for the Dispute
Non-Recognition and the Pashtun Issue
• The Durand Line divides the Pashtun and Baloch ethnic tribes living on both sides of the border.
• It separates families, tribal lands and traditional migration routes.
• Afghanistan has historically not fully recognized the Durand Line and has supported the idea of a unified “Pashtunistan.”
Border Fencing by Pakistan
• In 2017, Pakistan began fencing the Durand Line to control terrorism, smuggling and illegal cross-border movement.
• The Afghan Taliban oppose the fencing, considering it an attempt to formalize an illegitimate border and divide the Pashtun population.
• Afghan forces have removed border fences several times, leading to violent clashes with Pakistani troops.
UPSC/BPSC
Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
The Karnataka High Court directed the State government to formally include an omitted 55 sq. km reserve forest area into the Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gadag district, Karnataka, restoring it to its originally approved size.
Background
Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary
Ecosystem and Landscape
• The sanctuary is often called the “Western Ghats of North Karnataka” because of its rich biodiversity and ecological importance.
Hydrological Significance
• The region acts as an important watershed area.
• It serves as a major catchment for the Tungabhadra River, supporting water resources and ecosystems in the surrounding region.
UPSC/BPSC
Income Mobility in India (2014–2025)
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
Recent data on India’s income mobility trends (2014–2025) show a concerning pattern where more households are moving down the income ladder than moving up.
Income mobility refers to the movement of households between income groups over time. It can be:
• Upward mobility – moving to a higher income group
• Downward mobility – moving to a lower income group
• No change – remaining in the same income group
Key Highlights
Doubling of Downward Mobility
• The share of households experiencing downward mobility nearly doubled, rising from 14% in 2015 to 26.8% in 2025.
• By 2025, more than 1 in 4 Indian households were worse off than in 2014.
Lagging Upward Mobility
• Upward mobility increased from 14.1% to 23.5%.
• However, the rate of upward movement remains lower than downward mobility.
Shrinking Middle
• The share of households remaining in the same income group fell sharply.
• It declined from over 70% earlier to below 50% by 2025.
Rural Vulnerability
• In 2025, about 29% of rural households moved down the income ladder compared to 2014.
• Downward mobility in rural areas has been higher than upward movement.
Urban Areas
• Urban households performed relatively better.
• Cities experienced higher upward mobility compared to rural areas.
UPSC/BPSC
Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and Syphilis
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INTERNATIONAL
Why in News:
Denmark has been certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the first country in the European Union to eliminate mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis.
Key Highlights
WHO Criteria for EMTCT
• WHO defines elimination as reducing mother-to-child transmission to fewer than 50 cases per 100,000 live births.
• It also requires that more than 95% of pregnant women receive testing and treatment for HIV and syphilis.
Global Context
• Denmark joins more than 20 countries and territories worldwide that have been validated by WHO for EMTCT or are progressing toward certification.
• These include countries from different regions:
• Caribbean: Anguilla, Antigua
• South America: Brazil
• Africa: Botswana
• Asia: Malaysia, Maldives
Background
HIV
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the body’s immune system, especially CD4 cells.
• If untreated, it can weaken immunity and lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Syphilis
• Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum.
• It spreads mainly through sexual contact and can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.
UPSC/BPSC
India–Japan CEPA Joint Committee Meeting
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
The 7th Joint Committee Meeting under the India–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was held in Tokyo to review the implementation and progress of the agreement.
Key Highlights
India–Japan CEPA
• The India–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came into force in August 2011.
• It aims to enhance trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Background
India–Japan Economic Relations
Bilateral Trade
• Total bilateral trade between India and Japan stood at USD 22.85 billion in 2023–24.
• Japan’s exports to India: USD 17.69 billion.
• India’s exports to Japan: USD 5.15 billion.
• This reflects a significant trade deficit for India.
Trade Share Rankings
• India ranks 18th in Japan’s total trade, accounting for about 1.4% share.
• Japan ranks 17th in India’s total trade, with about 2.1% share.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
• Cumulative Japanese FDI in India from 2000 to December 2024 is around USD 43.2 billion.
• Japan is the 5th largest source of FDI for India.
Major Sectors of Japanese Investment
• Automobile industry
• Electrical equipment
• Telecommunications
• Chemicals
• Financial services (insurance)
• Pharmaceuticals
UPSC/BPSC
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
On Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2026 (7 March), celebrated under the theme “Janaushadhi Sasti Bhi, Bharosemand Bhi, Sehat Ki Baat, Bachat Ke Saath,” the Prime Minister highlighted the role of PMBJP in making medicines affordable for millions of citizens.
Background
About PMBJP
• Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a flagship scheme of the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.
• The scheme aims to provide quality generic medicines and surgical items at affordable prices.
• Medicines are available at 50–80% lower cost compared to branded medicines.
Origin of the Scheme
• The scheme was originally launched in 2008 as the Jan Aushadhi Scheme.
• It was restructured and renamed PMBJP in 2016 to expand its reach.
Quality Assurance
• Medicines are procured only from WHO-GMP (World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices) certified manufacturers.
• They are tested in laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
• This ensures that quality standards are maintained along with affordability.
Citizen-Centric Initiatives
Janaushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins
• Introduced in 2019.
• These oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins are sold at ₹1 per pad.
• The initiative aims to promote menstrual hygiene among women.
Jan Aushadhi Sugam App
• Launched in 2019.
• It helps users locate nearby Jan Aushadhi Kendras through geo-location.
• Provides information on medicine availability.
• Includes a price comparison feature to show savings compared to branded medicines.
UPSC/BPSC
Essential Commodities Act, 1955
NATIONAL
Why in News:
Amid rising global energy uncertainty due to the US–Israel–Iran conflict and disruptions in West Asian oil supply routes, India has directed refiners to increase Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) production under the Essential Commodities (EC) Act, 1955.
At the same time, the United States has temporarily allowed India to purchase Russian crude oil for 30 days to help stabilize global energy markets.
Key Highlights
• Petroleum products, including LPG, are classified as essential commodities under the Act.
• The measure aims to prevent shortages and stabilize domestic energy supply.
Background
Essential Commodities Act, 1955
• The Essential Commodities Act, 1955 was enacted to ensure the availability of essential goods at fair prices.
• It also aims to prevent hoarding, black marketing and artificial shortages.
• The Act has historically been used to control inflation and maintain food and supply security.
Powers of the Government
Section 3
• The Central Government can regulate production, supply and distribution of essential commodities.
• It can impose stock limits, regulate trade, fix prices and restrict hoarding.
Section 5
• The Central Government can delegate its powers to State Governments or authorized officers.
• This allows faster and more effective enforcement at the local level.
2020 Amendment
• In 2020, Parliament amended the Act to limit the government’s power to regulate certain food commodities.
• Commodities such as cereals, pulses, potatoes, onions, edible oilseeds and oils can now be regulated only under extraordinary circumstances, such as:
• War
• Famine
• Extraordinary price rise
• Natural calamities of a grave nature
UPSC/BPSC
Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0
NATIONAL
Why in News:
The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) till December 2028 with an enhanced outlay of ₹8.69 lakh crore. A major reform under JJM 2.0 is the introduction of a national digital framework called “Sujalam Bharat.”
Key Highlights
Vision of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0
• The mission aims to provide functional tap water connections to all 19.36 crore rural households by December 2028.
• It also aims to move toward a 24×7 rural drinking water supply system through improved governance and operational reforms.
• The programme supports the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Sujalam Bharat Digital Framework
• Sujalam Bharat is a uniform national digital system for rural water supply management.
• It will digitally map the entire rural drinking water supply chain.
• Under this framework, every village will receive a unique “Sujal Gaon” or Service Area ID.
• The digital platform will track the water supply network from the source to the household tap connection.
Background of Jal Jeevan Mission
• When the mission was launched in 2019, only 3.23 crore rural households (about 17%) had tap water connections.
• Since then, the government has provided more than 12.56 crore additional tap water connections.
• Out of 19.36 crore rural households, about 15.80 crore households (81.61%) now have tap water access.
UPSC/BPSC
FDI Policy Changes
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
The Union Cabinet has approved changes in India’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy for countries that share a land border with India.
Under the revised framework, the government has introduced a clear approval timeline of 60 days for investments that require scrutiny under the Press Note 3 (PN3) rules.
Background
Press Note 3 (PN3)
• Press Note 3 was introduced on 17 April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The policy requires prior government approval for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from countries that share a land border with India.
Countries Covered under PN3
The rule applies to investments from countries sharing a land border with India, including:
• China
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Nepal
• Myanmar
• Bhutan
• Afghanistan
UPSC/BPSC
Places in the News
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What is the Gulf of Hormuz?
The Gulf of Hormuz is a narrow strait located between Iran and Oman that connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea. It serves as the primary export route for oil produced in the Middle East.
Key Facts
What is the Strait of Malacca?
The Strait of Malacca is located between Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore and connects the Indian Ocean with the South China Sea.
Key Facts
UPSC/BPSC
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