CURRENT-AFFAIRS

Context

In the social milieu of India, motherhood is often regarded as the sole identity and validation of womanhood. Infertility is not just a medical condition but a deep-seated social stigma; while scientific progress has occurred at a rapid pace, the social discourse surrounding reproductive health remains trapped in patriarchal stereotypes.

Infertility in India

The problem of infertility in India is taking the form of a silent pandemic.

• Prevalence: According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and various reports, approximately 10% to 15% of married couples in India are affected by infertility.
• Urban vs. Rural: This rate is higher in urban areas due to lifestyle, stress, and delayed marriages, whereas in rural areas, infections and malnutrition are the primary causes.
• Leading Research: Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) indicates that while men are the cause in 40% of infertility cases, more than 90% of social scrutiny remains centered solely on women.

Why in the News?

• Integration of Mental Health: There is a growing demand to make mental health counseling an 'obligatory' part rather than a 'peripheral' one in fertility care (such as IVF).
• Technical vs. Social Gap: Medical science (ART - Assisted Reproductive Technology) is advancing rapidly, but society has yet to emerge from malpractices such as considering childless women as 'ominous.'

Deep Impact: Social, Moral, and Mental Dimensions

Burden on Women and Social Malpractices:

• Social Boycott: Childless women are kept away from auspicious events, weddings, and ceremonies like baby showers. In South India, pejorative terms like 'Maladi' hurt their dignity.
• Fragmentation of Identity: Society views a woman's identity only as a 'mother,' causing her to suffer from deep shame, isolation, and an inferiority complex.

Neglect of Men's Mental Health:

• Silent Suffering: Discussing male infertility is considered a blow to 'masculinity.' Consequently, men are unable to share their mental state.
• Biological Vicious Cycle: Scientifically, stress and depression further deteriorate male fertility (sperm quality). This means the very stress for which society victimizes the woman is actually worsening the man's biological condition.

Patriarchy and Stereotyping

The patriarchal structure shifts the entire blame for the failure of conception onto the woman's womb, whereas science states that conception is a shared process.

Government Provisions and International Status

• Efforts of the Government of India: The process has been regulated through the 'Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021' (ART Act 2021) and the 'Surrogacy (Regulation) Act.' Reproductive health is also being prioritized under Ayushman Bharat.
• International Status: In developed countries, 'Infertility Counseling' is mandatory. International human rights laws recognize reproductive health as a 'human right,' which includes mental dignity.

Analysis: Pace of Science vs. Societal Thinking

The problem is that while we have expensive IVF machines, we lack the mindset to respect a childless woman. The treatment of infertility should begin not just with medicines, but by ending the 'social persecution' that drives couples toward depression.

Way Forward

• Mandatory Counseling: The presence of psychologists should be mandatory in every fertility clinic.
• Education and Awareness: Developing a scientific understanding of 'reproductive health' through school curricula and social campaigns.
• Male Participation: Making men an active part of the testing and counseling process to end the 'blame-game.'
• Legal Reforms: Strict legal provisions against mental harassment and social boycott.

Conclusion

Womanhood is not a synonym for motherhood; it is complete and independent in itself. Until we accept infertility as a 'medical condition' rather than a 'social sin,' no technology will be able to heal the wounds of society. A progressive nation is one where the advancement of science goes hand-in-hand with the development of human sensibilities and mental health.

General Studies Paper – II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations

Context

Giving a new height to India's 'Link West' policy, India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have formalized their commitment towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This step is not only important for energy security but also signals the beginning of a new 'economic era' by removing trade barriers with India's largest trading bloc.

What is the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)?

The Gulf Cooperation Council is a political and economic union of six Arab countries in the Middle East.

• Establishment: It was established on May 25, 1981, in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).
• Member Countries: It includes six countries: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.
• Headquarters: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• Objective: To promote scientific research, technical progress, and economic and industrial cooperation among member countries.
• Importance for India: GCC collectively is India's largest trading partner, fulfilling 35% of India's crude oil and 70% of its natural gas (LNG) requirements.

Current News: Key Points

On February 5, 2026, significant progress was made in the trade negotiations between India and the GCC:

• Signing of Terms of Reference (ToR): Both sides signed the 'Terms of Reference' for FTA negotiations in the presence of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
• Negotiators: The document was signed by India's chief negotiator, Additional Secretary Ajay Bhadoo, and Raja Al Marzouki representing the GCC Secretariat.
• Paving the way for FTA: The signing of the ToR is a mandatory legal and technical step for the commencement of formal negotiations.
• Trade Data: According to reports, India's total trade with the GCC has exceeded even the trade conducted with the European Union (EU) and the US. In the financial year 2024-25, this figure has crossed approximately $178 billion.
• Strategic Importance: This agreement will prepare a roadmap for extensive cooperation in the fields of goods, services, and investment.

Terms of Reference (ToR)

It is a fundamental document prepared at the beginning of any official project, negotiation, or agreement. In simple words, it is the 'rulebook' or 'blueprint' that determines how further negotiations or work will proceed.

Importance and Impact of the Agreement

• Increase in Exports: After the FTA, customs duties on Indian engineering goods, gems and jewelry, agricultural products, and textiles will decrease, leading to an increase in exports.
• Remittances (Foreign Exchange): Approximately 90 lakh to 1 crore Indians live in Gulf countries. Better economic relations will create new opportunities for the Indian workforce there.
• Energy Security: This agreement will ensure the stability of energy supply and could make long-term gas contracts cheaper.
• Investment: Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are committed to heavy investment in India's infrastructure and energy sectors.

Analysis

• This agreement reflects an ideal balance between India's 'strategic autonomy' and 'economic diplomacy.'
• While this FTA will reduce the risks of India's energy insecurity, it will also re-establish India's geo-economic influence in West Asia against China's 'Belt and Road Initiative' (BRI).
• In fact, this agreement is not just about reducing trade duties, but is a strategic bridge to connect India as a reliable hub of the global value chain with the sovereign wealth funds of the Gulf.

Way Forward

• Protection of Sensitive Sectors: It is essential to create a 'Win-Win' balance while protecting the interests of sensitive domestic sectors like dairy and agriculture during negotiations.
• Resolution of Non-Tariff Barriers: Simply reducing customs duties will not be enough; attention should be paid to streamlining technical standards like Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures and non-tariff barriers.
• Emphasis on Digital and Service Sectors: India should move beyond traditional trade and leverage its 'soft power' in emerging sectors like Fintech, Healthcare, and digital infrastructure.
• Time-bound Implementation: There is a need for continuous high-level political dialogue and bureaucratic proactivity to convert the 'Terms of Reference' (ToR) into a final agreement within a fixed timeframe.

Conclusion

The signing of the ToR for FTA negotiations between India and the GCC is not just a trade agreement, but an expansion of a strategic partnership. It will establish India as a key player in the global supply chain and help in achieving the goal of 'Developed India 2047.

Context

The Indian government has launched a centralized fund to integrate the penalties and compensation collected under the Air, Water, and Environment (Protection) Acts. Its primary objective is to enhance the transparency and effectiveness of the funds collected for pollution control across the country.

Fund Distribution Model (75:25 Ratio)

Changing the old system, all penalties will now be directly deposited into this centralized fund. The distribution will be as follows:

• States' Share (75%): 75% of the collected amount will be returned to the respective States or Union Territories. This will be kept in a secure 'Reserve Fund' under the Public Account of the State.
• Centre's Share (25%): The remaining 25% share will remain with the Central Government.

Utilization of the Fund

The government has explicitly identified 11 activities where this money can be utilized:

1. Prevention and Control of Pollution: Implementing new technologies and systems to prevent air, water, and soil pollution.
2. Remediation of Environmental Damage: Cleaning up polluted sites (such as toxic waste dumps or polluted lakes) where damage has occurred due to industrial activities.
3. Clean Technology Research: Providing research grants to scientific institutions for the development of new and affordable pollution-reducing technologies.
4. Strengthening Monitoring Mechanisms: Expanding and modernizing the network of air and water quality monitoring stations across the country.
5. Upgradation of Laboratories: Purchasing state-of-the-art equipment for environmental testing laboratories and increasing their capacity.
6. Awareness and Education: Running campaigns to educate the general public and industries regarding pollution control and environmental protection.
7. Restoration Work: Revitalizing flora and aquatic life in ecologically sensitive areas.
8. Waste Management: Developing infrastructure for the scientific disposal of hazardous waste and e-waste.
9. Capacity Building: Training officers and technical staff of Pollution Control Boards in modern technologies.
10. Special Studies and Data Management: Conducting 'Source Apportionment' studies to identify sources of pollution and creating national databases.
11. Administrative Expenses (Limited): Salaries of contractual staff, but this cannot exceed 5% of the total expenditure.

Why was Centralization Necessary?

• Underutilization of Funds: According to a 2024 report, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that 80% of the collected funds remained unspent.
• Lack of Transparency: Previously, there was no consistency in the management of funds between the States and the Centre.

Accountability and Monitoring Mechanism

The biggest feature of this new framework is the role of the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India):

• The CAG will audit the collection and disbursement of this fund.
• Its reports will be tabled in the Parliament and State Legislatures.
• This will eliminate the possibility of the fund being used for unrelated purposes.

Analysis

• This centralized fund addresses the problem of 80% unspent funds by making the 'Polluter Pays Principle' effective, ensuring transparency and accountability through the CAG audit and the 75:25 distribution model.
• Restricting expenditure outside the 11 specific activities and capping administrative expenses at 5% prevents the diversion of funds by States and prioritizes direct pollution control and environmental remediation.

Conclusion

This step is an effort to move India's pollution control mechanism from 'paperwork' to 'ground action.' It will ensure that the penalties paid by industries damaging the environment are actually spent on improving the environment.

Context

Amidst global geopolitical instability and increasing tensions on the borders, India's Union Budget 2026-27 accords top priority to national security. This budget is not merely an increase in military spending, but a clear signal of India's strategic determination amidst the collapse of the 'rules-based global order' and emerging new challenges.

India's Defense Budget: Global Comparison and Position

According to the 2025-26 report of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India continues to rank 5th globally in terms of military expenditure.

Current News: Key Announcements of Defense Budget 2026-27

The Finance Minister has announced a historic allocation of ₹7.85 lakh crore for the Ministry of Defense, which is a 15.2% increase compared to the previous budget (BE 2025-26).

• Lean Towards Modernization: A massive 22% increase has been made in capital expenditure, totaling ₹2.19 lakh crore. This will be used for new weapons, fighter aircraft, and advanced military technologies.
• Air Force and Army: The budget for the Indian Air Force has been increased by 32%, while a 30% hike has been provided for the Indian Army's heavy vehicles.
• Empowering DRDO: The allocation for Defense Research and Development has been increased to ₹29,100 crore.

Impact: Analysis

• Strategic Impact: This allocation will help India enhance its deterrent capability on its borders (especially the Northern border).
• Economic Impact (Indigenization): Approximately 75% of the budget is reserved for procurement from domestic industries. This will promote 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat,' thereby creating employment.
• Technological Impact: Investment in AI, cybersecurity, and drone technology will prepare India for future warfare.
• Challenge: A large portion of the budget (approximately 44%) still goes toward salaries and pensions, which limits the funds available for modernization.

Conclusion

Budget 2026-27 symbolizes a shift in India's defense policy from a "stabilization" phase to a "transformational" phase. This allocation of ₹7.85 lakh crore is an attempt to strike a balance between India's security needs and economic aspirations. However, the mere allocation of funds will not be enough; real success will depend on improving the complex processes of defense procurement and the timely and transparent utilization of the allocated funds.

Context

India's Union Budget 2026-27 has taken a decisive step toward the country's 'Net Zero' commitments. This budget is not merely a financial allocation but an important document reflecting India's changing perspective toward cutting-edge technologies to control industrial pollution.

Current News and Major Announcement (CCUS Project)

In the recently announced budget, the government has declared an outlay of ₹20,000 crore for a period of 5 years for Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS).

What is CCUS?

• It is an advanced technology that captures carbon dioxide generated from industrial processes or power generation before it enters the atmosphere. After this, the CO₂ is either reused industrially or safely stored underground.

Importance of CCUS

• Control over Global Warming: It directly assists in reducing the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
• Decarbonization of the Economy: It paves the way for India to reduce emissions without compromising its energy security.
• Technological Leadership: An investment of ₹20,000 crore will establish India as a major player in the global green technology market.

Heavy Industries (Hard-to-Abate Sectors)

CCUS technology is a "game-changer" for those industries where reducing emissions through renewable energy (solar or wind) is technically difficult:

• Steel and Cement: CO₂ emission is mandatory in the chemical processes of these industries, which can only be prevented by CCUS.
• Aluminium and Refinery: In these high-temperature sectors, this technology can bring emissions to zero despite increasing energy efficiency.

Challenges

The government's intentions are clear, but there are several hurdles in implementation:

• High Cost: Globally (Norway, Canada, and the U.S.), it has been observed that CCUS is an extremely expensive technology. While the amount of ₹20,000 crore is adequate for pilot projects, it may be insufficient for large-scale implementation at the industrial level.
• Cautious Allocation: Compared to "big announcements," the actual financial flow in the budget is limited and "cautious," which may put private investors in doubt.
• Infrastructure: The construction of pipelines and storage sites to transport the captured CO₂ is a major engineering challenge.

Way Forward

• PPP Model: The government should provide tax incentives and subsidies to attract private sector investment.
• International Cooperation: India should enter into bilateral agreements with countries like Norway and Canada to share technical expertise.
• Research and Development (R&D): Priority must be given to indigenous research to reduce the cost of this technology.

Conclusion

Budget 2026-27 is an ambitious chapter in India's "Green Transition" journey. Focusing on CCUS demonstrates that India understands its global responsibility toward climate change. However, financial outlay alone will not be enough; real success will depend on how efficiently the government implements these policies amidst technical challenges and global economic fluctuations.

Context and Background

Amidst global instability and increasing threats on the borders, the Government of India has taken its largest step to date toward preparing its military capability for 'future wars.' The approval granted by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for proposals worth ₹3.60 lakh crore, including 114 Rafale jets and advanced P-8I aircraft, will not only provide strength to the Air Force's depleting squadron numbers but also reinforces India's resolve for 'strategic autonomy.'

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is the apex decision-making body within India's Ministry of Defence.

• Chairmanship: It is chaired by the Union Defence Minister.
• Formation: It was formed in 2001 to reform the defence management system following the 'Kargil War.'
• Main Functions: To decide on new policies and deals for capital acquisitions for the armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force).
  • To accord Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), which is the first and mandatory step in the process of any military procurement.
  • To determine procurement priorities to promote indigenous defence production and 'Make in India.'

Reasons for Discussion: Recent Important Developments

The DAC meeting in February 2026 has set the seal on some of the largest deals in Indian defence history:

• Rafale Deal (MRFA): Approval for the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force at a cost of ₹3.25 lakh crore. A notable highlight is that their production will take place in India through 'Technology Transfer' (ToT).
• Strength of the Navy: Approval for the procurement of six P-8I reconnaissance aircraft from the United States to enhance maritime surveillance.
• State-of-the-art Technology: AoN was granted for the 'Air-Ship Based Pseudo Satellite' for the Air Force, which will bring a revolutionary change in communication and surveillance.
• Macron’s Visit: Final signatures on these agreements are likely to occur during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India (February 17).

Importance, Necessity, and Impact of the News

• Need of the Air Force: The Indian Air Force is currently struggling with a shortage of fighter aircraft (decline in squadron strength). This deal is decisive toward achieving the target of 42 squadrons.
• Context of Operation Sindoor: In view of the security threats emerged after recent defence tensions (such as Operation Sindoor), there is an urgent need for aircraft equipped with advanced radars and indigenous weapon systems.
• Strategic Balance: To prevent China's increasing footprint in the Indian Ocean, the P-8I aircraft will serve as the 'eyes' of the Navy.

Analysis

This mega-defence deal is an excellent blend of 'strategic balance' and 'indigenization.'

• Preparation for Two-Front War: Amidst increasing challenges on two fronts simultaneously (China and Pakistan), 'combat-proven' aircraft like the Rafale provide India with an aerial edge.
• Technology Transfer (ToT): The agreement for production in India with Dassault Aviation is a major step toward making India a global hub in the field of 'Defence Manufacturing.'
• Financial Management: Showing such a large approval in the final quarter of the financial year ensures that the allocated defence budget can be utilized fully and effectively.

Way Forward

• Rapid Implementation: Following the AoN, the process for approval by the 'Cabinet Committee on Security' (CCS) and the signing of the contract should be expedited so that there is no delay in the delivery of the aircraft.
• Integration: Integrating indigenous Astra missiles and Uttam radar with these foreign aircraft will be the real test of our 'self-reliance.'
• Simplification of Bureaucratic Hurdles: There is a need to further simplify the long processes of defence procurement so that 'technology' does not become obsolete by the time it is received.

Conclusion

The approval of these defence deals worth ₹3.60 lakh crore symbolizes a 'paradigm shift' in India's defence policy. It clarifies that India will not compromise on its sovereignty. The Indian version of the Rafale, with technology transfer and indigenous weapons, will not only increase the strike capability of the Air Force but also pave the way for making India a defence exporter in the future.