CURRENT-AFFAIRS

Context

According to a recent report, a major concern regarding Delhi's environment and health has come to light. In a first-of-its-kind study conducted by 'The Energy and Resources Institute' (TERI), traces of microplastics have been found in Delhi's groundwater. TERI submitted its interim report to the Delhi government last November, which has now become a subject of public discussion.  

What is Microplastic?

Microplastics are extremely minute particles of plastic that are less than 5 millimeters in size. They are of two types:

• Primary Microplastics: Which are specifically manufactured in small sizes for cosmetics (such as microbeads in face wash) or industrial processes.
• Secondary Microplastics: Which are generated due to the breaking, wearing down, or natural degradation of large plastic objects (bottles, tires, clothes).  

Why is it in the news?

• For the first time, the presence of microplastics has been confirmed in groundwater samples from all 11 districts of Delhi.
• According to the study, plastic is seeping from the soil along the banks of the Yamuna River and from the river water into the underground water sources.
• This report indicates that our water purification system is not capable of filtering these microscopic particles.  

Impact of Microplastics

Microplastics are not only damaging the environment but are also hollowing out the human body from within:

• Health Impact: These particles have been found in blood, lungs, and even the placenta. They pose a risk of causing cancer, reduced fertility, hormonal imbalance, and serious respiratory diseases (such as fibrosis).
• Type of Pollution: This is a 'Bio-magnification' process, where small organisms consume it, and it reaches the human body through the food chain.
• Soil Fertility: These particles spoil the structure of the soil, thereby reducing the water-absorbing capacity of the land.  

Previous Tests and Results in India

Even before Delhi, such frightening signs have been found in various parts of India:

• Pune (Mula River): Extremely high amounts of microplastics were found here in the water before the monsoon.
• Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board confirmed their presence in the groundwater near landfill sites.
• Nagpur: Recent research has found these particles in lakes and bottled water here as well.
• Ocean: Large-scale plastic traces have been found inside fish and marine organisms in the coastal areas of the Indian Ocean.  

Government Steps and Constitutional Provisions

The following legal framework exists in India to control plastic pollution:

• Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016 & 2021 Amendment): Under this, a ban was imposed on single-use plastic, and the thickness of plastic bags was increased to 120 microns.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Manufacturers have been given the responsibility for recycling the plastic waste produced by them.
• Constitutional Provisions: Article 48A of the Indian Constitution directs the State to protect the environment, and Article 51A (g) states it is a fundamental duty of citizens to protect the natural environment.  

International Provisions

• UNEA Resolution 5/14: In 2022, 175 countries at the United Nations Environment Assembly agreed on a legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution.
• Basel Convention: It regulates the transboundary movement and disposal of hazardous waste, including plastic waste.
• MARPOL Treaty: It prohibits ships from dumping plastic into the sea.  

Analysis

This report from Delhi points towards a 'system failure'. If groundwater, which is the basis of life, has become contaminated, it means our waste management system has completely failed. The non-degradability of plastic and its mixing into the water cycle in microscopic form is creating a health emergency situation for future generations.  

Way Forward

• Advanced Purification Technology: Use of modern technologies like nano-filtration and membrane bio-reactors in water treatment plants.
• Promoting Alternatives: Making the use of bio-plastics and sustainable alternatives (like jute, cloth, bamboo) mandatory.
• Strict Implementation: Strict adherence to EPR and single-use plastic bans.
• Public Awareness: Making citizens aware of the microscopic dangers of plastic so that they segregate waste at the source.  

Conclusion

In conclusion, the presence of microplastics in Delhi's groundwater is not just environmental news, but a serious warning. It raises a question mark on our model of development. If scientific solutions and strict legal provisions are not implemented in time, 'clean water' will be limited only to books in the future.

Context

Historically, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been a complex neuro-developmental condition for which there is no definitive 'cure'. Over the last decade, 'Stem Cell Therapy' (SCT) has been promoted as a "miracle solution" across the world, including India. Many private clinics started selling it as a commercial service without scientific evidence. In August 2023, the Delhi High Court permitted it to continue by prioritizing parental autonomy, but recently on January 30, 2026, the Supreme Court took a tough stand and termed it 'unethical'.  

What is Stem Cell?

Stem cells are the undifferentiated cells of the body, which possess the unique properties of self-renewal and pluripotency/multi-potency. These cells have the potential to develop into any specific functional cell of the body (such as neurons, muscles, or blood cells), and are also called 'master cells'. They are mainly divided into two classes:

• Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs): These are derived from the 'blastocyst' stage and are pluripotent, meaning they can take the form of any cell in the body.
• Adult or Somatic Stem Cells: These are found in specific tissues (such as bone marrow or umbilical cord). Among these, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are primarily used in research for disorders like Autism.  

Why in News?

In the case of Yash Charitable Trust vs. Union of India, the Supreme Court made the following important observations:

• Unethical Practice: The use of stem cells for Autism without solid scientific evidence will be considered 'Professional Misconduct' (commercial malpractice).
• Validity of Consent: The court stated that if the doctor themselves lack adequate information, the 'consent' given by parents is invalid because they are unaware of the risks of the treatment.
• Ban on Commercial Service: Stem cells can only be used within 'approved clinical trials'; they cannot be sold as a 'treatment' in clinics.  

What Happens Now?

• Four Weeks' Time: The court has directed the Ministry of Health, AIIMS, and the National Medical Commission (NMC) to prepare a 'Way Forward' for those patients who are already undergoing this therapy.
• Regulatory Body: A suggestion has been made to the Centre to appoint a dedicated regulatory authority to oversee stem cell research.  

Impact of the Decision

• Patient Safety: This decision will protect the health of autistic children and their families from economic exploitation caused by unsafe and unproven treatments.
• Medical Ethics: Accountability of doctors will increase and the importance of 'Reasonable Standard of Care' will be established.
• Direction to Research: Resources will now be directed only toward scientifically valid clinical trials.  

Provisions Outside India

• USA (FDA): In America, stem cell treatment is approved only for certain blood-related diseases. For Autism, it is considered 'illegal' and 'unsafe' unless it is an FDA-approved trial.
• EU (EMA): In the European Union, strict 'Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product' (ATMP) rules are applicable to stem cell products.
• ISSCR: The 'International Society for Stem Cell Research' opposes unproven treatments globally.  

Rules and Constitutional Provisions in India

• Constitutional Provisions: * Article 21: Right to Life (which includes safe health care).
  • Article 47: It is the duty of the State to improve public health.
• Legal Framework:
  • National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research (2017): Under this, only the use of 'Hematopoietic Stem Cells' is recognized for blood disorders; all others are 'experimental'.
  • NMC Act / IMC Regulations 2002: Provision to cancel the license of doctors for unethical practices.  

Analysis

This case is a conflict between 'Hope and Science'. While parents are ready to do anything for a small ray of improvement, it is the responsibility of the State not to let unsafe medical practices flourish based on emotions. Private clinics in India were thriving by taking advantage of the 'legal vacuum'. This intervention by the Supreme Court is an attempt to rectify a 'system failure'.  

Way Forward

• Special Law: India needs a 'Stem Cell (Regulation) Act' that draws a clear line between research and treatment.
• Integrated Monitoring: Granting more powers to organizations like NAC-SCRT (National Apex Committee for Stem Cell Research and Therapy).
• Awareness: Making parents aware of evidence-based treatments (such as behavioral therapy) so that they do not fall into the trap of 'miracle cures'.

Conclusion

The decision of the Supreme Court establishes a necessary balance between 'Therapeutic Autonomy' and 'Scientific Evidence'. This order is not merely a prohibition, but a confirmation of the 'Precautionary Principle' in the medical field, which protects the health and human rights of autistic children from unregulated commercial experiments. In the future, a robust regulatory framework and evidence-based medicine alone can provide India with ethical and global leadership in the field of biotechnology.

Context:

India's Economic Survey 2025–26 has sparked a serious debate on India's global standing by citing the 'Power Gap Index' for the first time. According to the Survey, India is facing a 'Strategic Paradox'.

What is the Power Gap Index?

• It is an analytical component of the 'Asia Power Index' released by the Sydney-based Lowy Institute.
• This index measures a country’s 'Power Efficiency'. It indicates how efficiently a country can convert its resources (wealth and military) into actual regional influence (diplomacy and networks).
• Power Gap = Comprehensive Power Score – Expected Power Score
• Significance:
  • Positive (+) Score: 'Smart Power' or an overperformer relative to its capacity (e.g., Australia +8.0).
  • Negative (-) Score: 'Unrealized Potential' or an underperformer relative to its capacity.

India’s Current Status: 'Major Power' vs. 'Underperformance'

India's data in the Asia Power Index 2025 presents a mixed picture:

Strategic Paradox:

India is now a 'Major Power', but its negative score (-4.0) indicates that the nation is unable to utilize its full strategic potential.

Primary Reasons for India Lagging Behind

According to the Survey, India is strong in terms of resources but weak in terms of influence:

• Lack of Economic Connectivity (Ranked 9th): India's GDP is large, but we are not as integrated into global supply chains and trade relationships as China or Vietnam.
• Weakness in Defense Networks (Ranked 11th): Despite a massive military, India's influence in regional defense alliances and military diplomacy is still evolving.
• Decline in Soft Power: India has slipped to 32nd place in the Global Soft Power Index 2026. The reason is attributed to slow progress in governance and sustainable development indicators.

Economic Survey 2025-26: A 'Call to Action'

The Economic Survey has suggested a future roadmap for India:

• Provider of Stability: India must transition from being a mere recipient of external shocks to becoming a 'Net Security Provider' that offers stability and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Goal of Viksit Bharat: To become a developed nation by 2047, it is mandatory to integrate domestic capabilities with global production systems.
• Diplomatic Focus: Improving defense networks and economic relationships must now be India’s priority.

Conclusion

The Power Gap Index makes it clear that economic or military size alone is not enough. The real challenge for India lies in converting its 'Hard Power' (Resources) into 'Smart Power' (Influence). Until India reduces its negative gap (-4.0), it will not be able to derive the full benefit of its true strategic potential.

News

• Recently, 22 States and Union Territories, responding to suggestions from the Ministry of Education, have urged the Central Government to increase the honorarium of cooks and helpers working under the PM POSHAN Scheme.
• Currently, this honorarium has remained stagnant for a long time, and state governments argue that revising it is mandatory due to rising inflation.
• Keeping inflation in view, the government provided for a 9.5% increase in the 'material cost' for the PM POSHAN basket, which is applicable for the financial year 2025-26.
• Before the new budget session, this cost and the fund-sharing ratio between the Centre and States (60:40) were being reviewed.

Pradhan Mantri POSHAN Scheme

• Full Name and Restructuring: Its full name is 'Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman'. In September 2021, the Central Government rebranded the erstwhile 'Mid-Day Meal Scheme' by giving it a new form for the next 5 years (2021-22 to 2025-26).
• Nodal Ministry: This is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme operated by the Ministry of Education. The cost-sharing ratio between the Centre and States is 60:40 for general states and 90:10 for North-Eastern/Himalayan states.
• Beneficiaries: This scheme covers children from Classes 1 to 8 in government and government-aided schools. In the new format, children of 'Balvatika' (pre-primary classes) have also been included.
• Key Features:
  • Tithi Bhojan: Promoting community participation, where people provide additional nutritious food to children on special occasions.
  • Poshan Vatika (Nutrition Gardens): Developing small gardens in schools to grow fresh vegetables and fruits.
  • Social Audit: Mandatory auditing by external agencies has been established to ensure transparent implementation of the scheme.
  • DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer): Ensuring the payment of cooking costs and honorariums directly into the respective bank accounts.

Conclusion

The goal of the PM POSHAN scheme is not only to increase school attendance and enrollment of children but also to eradicate the problem of malnutrition among the nation's future (children) at the root. An increase in its allocation in the upcoming budget will further strengthen India's resolve of 'Saksham Bharat-Sashakt Bharat' (Capable India-Strong India).

Context

Recently, in the context of global geopolitics and maritime security, reports of China aggressively increasing its military presence in disputed waters have become a subject of intense discussion.

Current News

• According to reports from state media (CCTV), the Chinese Coast Guard has organized a total of 134 patrols around the Senkaku Islands over the past five years.
• During this period, China deployed a massive force of 550,000 vessels and 6,000 aircraft. Specifically, in the year 2025, China patrolled this area for 357 days of the year, reflecting Beijing's calculated strategy to establish dominance over this disputed territory.

Senkaku Island: Location and Administrative Status

• It is a group of uninhabited islands located in the East China Sea. It lies to the west of Japan's Okinawa and to the east of the Chinese mainland.
• These are called 'Senkaku' in Japan, while China refers to them as 'Diaoyu' and Taiwan calls them 'Diaoyutai'.
• Currently, these islands are under the administrative control of Japan. Japan argues that they have been part of its territory since 1895, whereas China has been presenting its historical claim over them since the 1970s.

Significance of the Islands

• Strategic Position: This island group is located near major maritime trade routes (Sea Lines of Communication), making it strategically extremely important.
• Natural Resources: The seas surrounding these islands are rich fishing grounds. Additionally, there is a possibility of vast reserves of oil and natural gas beneath the seabed.
• Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Control over these islands grants rights to a massive Exclusive Economic Zone, which can enhance the economic power of any nation.

India and the Senkaku Island

• Although India is not directly involved in this regional dispute, the stability of the 'Indo-Pacific' region is of paramount importance to India.
• China's 'Salami Slicing' (a strategy of gradual territorial occupation) is a matter of concern for India, as similar aggressive behavior is observed on India's Himalayan borders and in the Indian Ocean.

Conclusion

The rising tension over the Senkaku Islands is a challenge to the international rules-based maritime order. India stands for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Given India's deep strategic partnership with Japan, India supports a peaceful resolution and the maintenance of the 'Status Quo' in this region, so that global trade and security continue uninterrupted.