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THE ROAD FROM PAHALGAM

TOPIC: (GS3) SEQURITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

A deadly terrorist attack near Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir led to the killing of 26 people, including tourists and a local. This event has disrupted a long-standing unwritten rule of avoiding violence against tourists in the region.

Change in Terrorist Strategy

  • Historically, militants in Jammu & Kashmir avoided targeting tourists to protect the region’s tourism-driven economy.
  • Even during peak militancy in the 1990s and early 2000s, this informal rule was mostly followed.
  • The recent attack at Baisaran breaks this pattern, indicating a major deviation in operational tactics.

Effect on Tourism and Security

  • The attack is expected to cause a short-term drop in tourist arrivals and heightened security presence.
  • However, this does not represent a major shift in the broader terror strategy in Kashmir.
  • Such incidents often lead to brief instability, followed by security adjustments and recovery of tourism.

Jammu: No Major Strategic Shift

  • Recent violence in Jammu (e.g., June-July 2024 Reasi attacks) was seen as a shift in militant focus.
  • However, 2023 data shows Jammu also had consistent violence with 59 deaths.
  • The uptick in attacks was likely due to temporary security lapses rather than a long-term change in militant objectives.
  • Once security was reinforced, the Valley remained the primary focus of terror operations.

Myth of “Zero Terrorism” Post Article 370

  • The government promoted a narrative of peace after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.
  • Record tourist visits (23 million in 2024) were used as evidence of normalcy.
  • The Pahalgam attack undermines this perception, revealing ongoing risks and vulnerabilities.

What ‘Normalcy’ Really Means

  • Despite a sharp fall in violence (from 4,011 deaths in 2001 to 127 in 2024), complete peace is still far away.
  • Reduced violence reflects better control, not the total end of conflict.
  • Long-term peace needs more than a fall in statistics — it requires political and social resolution too.

Drop in Local Militant Strength

  • Only 76 active militants remain, out of which just 17 are local — showing reduced local recruitment.
  • Strong surveillance and counter-insurgency have limited foreign terrorist influence.

Pakistan’s Role and TRF Link

  • The Resistance Front (TRF), blamed for the attack, is seen as a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba, backed by Pakistan.
  • Pakistan’s denials lack credibility due to evidence linking the group to cross-border support.

India’s Response: Caution over Drama

  • Calls for visible military retaliation are rising, but past actions like surgical strikes had limited long-term impact.
  • The article favors smart, covert operations over open military action.
  • A calculated strategy helps prevent escalation while ensuring effective deterrence.

Conclusion:

The Pahalgam attack highlights that while violence in J&K has decreased, the situation remains fragile. Rather than relying on symbolic military actions, India must adopt well-thought-out, long-term security strategies to maintain stability in the region.

INDUS WATERS TREATY SUSPENDED: STRATEGIC SHIFT IN INDIA-PAKISTAN WATER DIPLOMACY

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. This marks the first time since 1960 that India has put the treaty on hold, citing Pakistan’s ongoing support for cross-border terrorism.

Background of the Indus Waters Treaty

  • Signed in 1960 with World Bank mediation between India and Pakistan.
  • Allocates:
  • Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India.
  • Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan, with limited use allowed for India.
  • Created the Permanent Indus Commission for resolving disputes and data exchange.
  • Despite wars, the treaty remained functional for over six decades.

Recent Developments (April 2025)

  • After the Pahalgam terror attack, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) led by PM Modi suspended the treaty.
  • Other steps: closing the Attari-Wagah border, cancelling SAARC visa privileges for Pakistanis, and reducing diplomatic presence.

Impacts of the Suspension

Geopolitical Repercussions

  • First suspension ever—sets a strong precedent in India’s foreign policy.
  • Might attract intervention attempts by the World Bank or United Nations.
  • Could push Pakistan to seek closer ties with China or the Islamic bloc.

Strategic and National Security Significance

  • Water used as a tool of pressure, especially for Pakistan’s water-dependent farming.
  • Indicates a policy shift where water sharing is linked to national security concerns.

Legal and Diplomatic Challenges

  • IWT has no exit or suspension clause, so legal questions may arise.
  • May damage India’s reputation as a rule-abiding global actor.
  • Could encourage other nations to exit treaties unilaterally.

Technical and Environmental Concerns

  • Diverting western rivers needs dams or diversions, which are expensive and time-consuming.
  • Improper handling could lead to flooding in Indian areas.
  • Any construction may trigger international water disputes.

Way Forward

  • India may use this move as a temporary warning, not a complete exit.
  • Infrastructure must be built to fully utilize India’s share under the treaty.
  • May lead to IWT reforms, linking cooperation to national security.
  • A balanced approach is needed—combining strategic assertiveness with international responsibility.

CONCLUSION:

The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty marks a bold shift in India’s diplomatic stance, using water as a strategic tool. While it strengthens national security signalling, India must tread carefully to uphold its global image and legal commitments.

Mains Practice Question:

Q. The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) has been a key agreement for water-sharing between India and Pakistan. Analyze the implications of India suspending the treaty. Should national security take priority over international treaty obligations? (150 WORDS)

JUDICIAL DESPOTISM IN INDIA – A GROWING CONCERN

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

A recent article raises concerns about the increasing influence of the executive over the judiciary, post-retirement positions for judges, and delayed hearings in key constitutional cases, which together indicate signs of judicial overreach and lack of accountability.

About Judicial Despotism

  • Meaning: It refers to a condition where the judiciary acts beyond its role (overreach) or becomes too close to the executive, losing its independence.
  • Why it matters: When judges act like lawmakers or seem influenced by political powers, the balance between organs of government is disturbed.

Judiciary’s Position in the Constitution

  • No strict separation: India’s Constitution allows some overlap in functions between organs.
  • Article 50: Advises separation of judiciary from the executive.
  • Articles 124–147: Ensure judicial independence through fixed tenure, financial security, and protection from legislative criticism.

Concerns Indicating Judicial Despotism

  • Post-Retirement Roles: Judges getting nominated to political or executive posts shortly after retirement. Creates doubts about judicial neutrality during their term. Example: Former CJI Ranjan Gogoi was nominated to Rajya Sabha.
  • Delayed Constitutional Hearings: Slow action on vital public interest matters like Article 370, electoral bonds, or CAA. Seen as judicial inaction on key democratic issues.
  • Judicial Overreach: Courts making policy-like decisions not suited for them. Example: Banning diesel vehicles older than 10 years in Delhi-NCR.
  • Close Executive Ties: Joint events and public praise for the executive by judges weaken the image of independence.
  • Weak Internal Checks: No strong or transparent process to handle complaints against judges. In-house mechanisms are mostly informal and controlled by the Chief Justice.

Impact on Democracy

  • Erodes checks and balances that are essential for a healthy democracy.
  • Undermines public trust in fair justice delivery.
  • Threatens the Rule of Law, which depends on an unbiased and independent judiciary.

Challenges and Justifications

  • Delay in cases may stem from overburdened courts, not bias.
  • Some recent rulings show the judiciary still acts independently in environment and electoral reforms.

Way Forward

  • Collegium Reform: Make judicial appointments more open and accountable.
  • Mandatory Cooling-Off Period: Judges should wait 2 years before accepting government or political roles.
  • Revive Judicial Appointments Commission: A transparent, multi-stakeholder mechanism like NJAC with proper safeguards.
  • Strengthen Internal Accountability: Create clear and independent guidelines for handling complaints against judges.
  • Prioritise Pending Constitutional Cases: Constitution Bench should proactively take up important delayed matters.

Conclusion

To preserve the spirit of democracy, India’s judiciary must remain both independent and accountable. A transparent and fair justice system is the cornerstone of public trust and constitutional values.

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

  1. “In the Indian context, critically analyse the idea of ‘judicial despotism’. What steps can be taken to strengthen judicial accountability without compromising its independence?” (150 WORDS)

INDIA’S RIVERS AND THE RISING THREAT OF ANTIBIOTIC POLLUTION

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

A recent global study published in PNAS Nexus has found that over 80% of India’s river stretches are polluted with antibiotic residues, creating serious risks to both human health and the environment.

Background of the Issue

  • Antibiotics, while used to fight infections, don’t get completely broken down in the human body.
  • These leftover medicines end up in sewage and are not effectively removed by conventional treatment systems.
  • When released into rivers, they pollute water bodies, impacting ecosystems and increasing the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Key Findings of the Study

  • The study covered 21 antibiotics across 877 river locations globally.
  • India is among the worst-affected nations, alongside Nigeria, Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Pakistan.
  • Around 315 million Indians may be exposed to unsafe antibiotic levels in rivers.

Major Concerns

Health Hazards

  • Prolonged exposure to antibiotic-contaminated water can lead to antibiotic resistance in humans.
  • AMR makes common infections harder to treat, raising the risk of serious health crises.

Environmental Risks

  • Continuous pollution affects aquatic life and disrupts natural ecosystems.
  • Residual antibiotics can damage beneficial bacteria in the water.

Reasons Behind the Problem

  • Incomplete metabolism: Human bodies do not fully absorb antibiotics.
  • Inefficient wastewater systems: Current sewage treatment plants cannot filter out drug residues effectively.
  • Overuse of antibiotics: Easy access without prescriptions and self-medication lead to overuse.
  • Lack of strict regulation on production, sale, and disposal of antibiotics.

What Needs to Be Done

  • Upgrade Wastewater Infrastructure: Modernize treatment plants with advanced filtration systems.
  • Stronger Drug Regulations: Enforce strict control on antibiotic sales and prescriptions. Monitor and regulate pharmaceutical waste disposal.
  • Public Awareness: Educate people on the dangers of antibiotic misuse and promote responsible consumption.

What is AMR?

AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance) happens when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites stop responding to medicines that once killed them.

Why It Happens:
Overuse and misuse of antibiotics (like taking them without prescription or not finishing the course) help germs become stronger and resistant.

Conclusion

Unchecked antibiotic pollution in rivers is not just an environmental issue but a major public health risk. India must act quickly by improving wastewater systems and strengthening laws to control this growing crisis.

SEPARATION OF POWERS AND SC’S STAND ON MINISTER SENTHILBALAJI

TOPIC: (GS2) GOVERNANCE: THE HINDU

Why in News

The Supreme Court questioned Tamil Nadu Minister Senthilbalaji’s decision to stay in office despite being out on bail in a money laundering case. It warned that his ministerial post could affect the fairness of the ongoing trial.

Background of the Issue:

  • The Supreme Court granted bail to Minister Senthilbalaji only on personal liberty grounds.
  • The court expressed concern that continuing in office might influence witnesses or compromise trial integrity.
  • The case brings attention to the ethical responsibilities of public officials and the principle of separation of powers.

What is Separation of Powers?

  • Based on Montesquieu’s principle of dividing government roles into three branches: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
  • Purpose: Prevents power concentration. Encourages checks and balances between organs.
  • Constitutional Basis in India:
  • Not directly mentioned but reflected in the structure.
  • Article 50 advises judicial independence from the executive.
  • Articles 121/211 and 122/212 limit mutual interference.
  • Judicial Tools: Judiciary empowered through Articles 32 and 226 to review laws and executive actions.

Key Judgments:

  • Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): Identified separation of powers as part of the basic structure.
  • Minerva Mills Case (1980) and Indira Gandhi Case (1975): Emphasized balance between state organs.

Current Challenges to Separation:

  • Judicial Activism: Courts are often accused of stepping into policy areas.
  • Executive Ordinances: Increasing use of Article 123 to bypass legislatures.
  • Legislative Weakness: Poor scrutiny of bills and laws by legislatures.

Way Forward:

  • Promote mutual respect among organs of government.
  • Encourage responsible governance with accountability.
  • Reinforce judicial independence and ethical leadership.

The Representation of the People Act (RPA) 1951

The Representation of the People Act (RPA) 1951 sets the legal framework for elections and the eligibility of candidates. A significant provision under the Act deals with the disqualification of

elected representatives, including Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), if they are convicted and sentenced to imprisonment.

Key Provisions under the RPA Act 1951:

  • Disqualification of Convicted MLAs: Under Section 8 of the RPA Act 1951, an MLA is disqualified from their position if convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more.
  • Impact on Voting Rights: Section 62 of the RPA Act states that an MLA in prison loses the right to vote in elections, further impacting their eligibility in future elections.

Vacating the Seat: If an MLA is imprisoned for a disqualifying offense, they automatically vacate their seat, and a by-election is held to fill the vacancy.

Conclusion

The court’s observation highlights the need for ethical conduct in public office. Upholding separation of powers is key to ensuring justice and maintaining public trust in democracy.

SUNRISE INDUSTRIES

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently announced India’s plan to increase the share of the manufacturing sector from 12% to 23% over the next two decades, with a focus on sunrise industries. This strategic push aims to enhance economic growth and employment in emerging sectors.

About Sunrise Industries:

  • Sunrise industries refer to sectors that are in the early stages of growth and development, showing significant potential for rapid expansion. These industries often experience high growth rates and attract numerous startups and investments.

Key Features:

  • High Growth Potential: These sectors exhibit rapid growth and technological innovation.
  • Start-up Friendly: The industry environment is conducive to the establishment of new businesses.
  • Investment Driven: They attract significant funding, both domestic and international.
  • Disruption to Declining Sectors: Their rise often coincides with the decline of older industries, known as sunset industries.

Examples of Sunrise Industries:

  • Alternative Energy: Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower.
  • Information Technology: Software, services, and IT solutions.
  • Blockchain and Cryptocurrency: Technologies that emerged in the last decade.
  • Clean Energy: Industries focused on sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

Life Cycle of a Sunrise Industry:

  • Growth Phase: Characterized by innovation, rapid adoption, and increasing competition.
  • Maturity Phase: The industry reaches its peak with stable growth and consolidation.
  • Sunset Phase: Eventually, industries may decline due to technological advances or the emergence of new alternatives (e.g., the compact disc industry).

Significance For India’s Economy:

  • The government’s focus on sunrise industries aims to boost India’s manufacturing sector, creating jobs and increasing its global economic presence.
  • Transitioning to sunrise sectors will help India diversify its economy and reduce reliance on traditional industries, ensuring long-term sustainability and competitiveness.

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH INSTITUTE (NEERI)

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

The Supreme Court has directed the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to assess the impact of nearby glass industries on the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. This highlights the institute’s role in addressing environmental concerns and preserving heritage sites.

About NEERI:

  • Establishment and Purpose: NEERI, a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), was founded in 1958 in Nagpur. The institute primarily focuses on environmental science, pollution control, and sustainable development.

Key Areas of Focus:

  • Environmental Management: NEERI conducts research on various aspects of environmental management, including water supply, sewage disposal, and pollution control.
  • Pollution Control: It has a significant role in addressing industrial pollution, including monitoring and managing environmental hazards caused by industries.
  • Health and Occupational Diseases: The institute studies diseases associated with environmental pollution, especially those impacting workers in industrial sectors.
  • Research and Development: NEERI leads the way in applied research in environmental engineering, contributing to innovations in pollution control technologies, sustainable resource management, and environmental policies.

Organizational Structure:

  • Headquarters: The main office is located in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
  • Zonal Laboratories: NEERI has five zonal laboratories in major cities: Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai. These centers play a crucial role in conducting region-specific research and fieldwork.

Expertise and Role:

  • Climate and Environmental Research: NEERI’s work covers climate change, environmental health, and policy development aimed at sustainable urbanization.
  • Monitoring and Testing: It is involved in extensive field testing and monitoring, ensuring that environmental standards are met, and helping to develop policies and technologies for pollution control.

Conclusion:

NEERI plays a critical role in advancing India’s environmental protection efforts, especially in safeguarding cultural heritage sites like the Taj Mahal. Its multidisciplinary approach in research, testing, and policy development is key to solving complex environmental challenges in the country.

POÁS VOLCANO

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: THE HINDU

Poás Volcano, located in Costa Rica, is among the country’s most visited and active volcanoes. It recently erupted, drawing attention due to its environmental and tourism impact.

Location and Structure:

  • Situated in Poás Volcano National Park.
  • It is a composite stratovolcano with a height of 2,708 meters above sea level.
  • Covers a base area of around 400 sq.km with multiple eruption centers.
  • Features a large main crater, approximately 1.5 km wide and 300 meters deep.

Volcanic Activity:

  • Known for frequent gas emissions and acid rain, harming local plants and agriculture since 1989.
  • In 2024, the crater lake began drying up, causing ash eruptions and gas releases.
  • Small rock explosions have also been observed recently.