1) The Shifting Dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine War

GS 2: International Relations: Russia -Ukraine war

Why is it in the news?

• The Ukraine conflict has witnessed significant shifts, particularly with the dramatic change in U.S. policy under President Donald Trump. A public disagreement between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mr. Trump in the Oval Office led to the U.S. pausing military aid to Ukraine.
• Following this, Mr. Zelenskyy expressed regret and signalled Kyiv’s willingness to seek a partial truce, aligning with Mr. Trump’s vision of achieving lasting peace. This sudden shift has left Europe unsettled as the geopolitical landscape undergoes rapid changes, with Russia closely observing the developments.

Origins of the War

• Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, expecting a swift victory. Western nations, including the U.S., initially underestimated Ukraine’s resistance, but as Ukrainian forces held their ground with U.S.-supplied weapons, the West escalated its involvement.
• The U.S., under President Biden, imposed sanctions to cripple Russia’s economy and heavily armed Ukraine. By late 2022, Ukraine achieved significant territorial gains, pushing Russian forces out of Kharkiv and Kherson.
• However, Russia responded by annexing four Ukrainian regions—Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—while shifting its economic focus towards Asian markets, reducing the impact of Western sanctions.

Current Status of the Conflict

• By 2023, Russia regained momentum, capturing key strategic locations such as Soledar, Bakhmut, and Avdiivka. Ukraine’s 2023 counteroffensive, despite advanced Western weaponry, failed to make substantial gains.
• In 2024, Ukraine managed a brief success by capturing Russian territory in the Kursk region, but Russia avoided the trap and continued its advances in eastern Ukraine.
• By early 2025, Russia had seized more ground, including Velyka Novosilka and parts of Toretsk, while Ukraine struggled to counter Moscow’s superior manpower and firepower. Although Ukraine intensified drone and missile attacks inside Russian territory, it remained on the defensive on the battlefield.

Trump’s Rationale for Policy Change

• President Trump’s approach to the war aligns with his campaign promise of ending the conflict swiftly. His administration ruled out Ukraine’s NATO membership and dismissed the idea of providing American security guarantees.
• Trump initiated direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, signalling a shift in U.S. foreign policy. His administration views China, rather than Russia, as the primary global threat. In this context, a U.S.-Russia détente serves to counterbalance China, similar to how Henry Kissinger’s diplomacy exploited the Sino-Soviet split in the 1970s.
• Ukraine, in Trump’s strategy, is seen as an obstacle rather than a priority, with Washington pushing Kyiv to accept a settlement on U.S. and Russian terms.

European Concerns and Responses

• European leaders are grappling with the repercussions of America’s strategic shift. Initially hesitant about Ukraine’s NATO membership, Germany and France had advocated diplomatic solutions like the Minsk agreements, but these were ultimately sidelined by U.S. military backing for Kyiv.
• Europe has suffered economically due to the war, particularly after the Nord Stream pipeline’s destruction, which triggered an energy crisis and rising inflation. Germany, facing its third consecutive year of recession, exemplifies Europe’s economic struggles.
• With the U.S. now directly negotiating with Russia, sidelining both Ukraine and Europe, the continent is left with limited options. Europe lacks the capacity to provide independent security guarantees to Ukraine without U.S. support, raising concerns about the future of NATO and the region’s stability.

Ukraine’s Dilemma

• Ukraine has lost over 20% of its territory, suffered massive military and civilian casualties, and witnessed a collapse in its economy and infrastructure due to relentless Russian attacks. The country remains heavily dependent on external military aid, yet its manpower on the battlefield is dwindling.
• S. officials acknowledge that Ukraine is unlikely to regain lost territories, and NATO membership is no longer on the table. Without security guarantees, Ukraine faces two bleak choices—continue the war and risk further territorial losses or negotiate peace on terms dictated by Russia and the U.S.
• As history has shown, great powers recalibrate their alliances based on strategic interests, while smaller nations bear the consequences. Ukraine is now at the mercy of geopolitical realignments beyond its control.

2) Accountability for Space Debris: Legal Gaps and the Need for Stronger Regulations

GS 3: Science and Technology: Regulating Space Debris

Why is it in the news?

• Space debris falling to Earth has become an increasing concern with the rise in space activity. In July 2023, a metal object found on an Australian beach was identified as part of an ISRO rocket.
• Similarly, on December 30, 2024, a 500 kg metal object fell in Makueni county, Kenya, suspected to be a separation ring from a rocket. While experts debated its origin, similar incidents in the U.S. and Australia highlight the growing risks of uncontrolled re-entries.
• With more rockets and satellites being launched, the question of liability for space debris crashes is more pressing than ever.

Legal Gaps in Space Debris Governance

• Despite its significance, space debris lacks a universally accepted legal definition in international treaties. The UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) defines space debris as all man-made, non-functional objects in orbit or re-entering the atmosphere.
• However, disputes arise over whether debris qualifies as a “space object” under the 1972 Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects. If an object is no longer under a state’s jurisdiction, enforcing responsibility becomes difficult.

International Liability Framework

• The 1967 Outer Space Treaty holds states responsible for national space activities, including private ventures. The 1972 Liability Convention introduces “absolute liability,” meaning a launching state is automatically responsible for any damage caused by its space objects. However, enforcement is weak.
• After the Soviet satellite Cosmos 954, carrying a nuclear reactor, crashed in Canada in 1978, Canada secured only $3 million of the $6 million clean-up cost after prolonged negotiations, exposing the gap between legal liability and practical enforcement.

Challenges in Enforcement and Attribution

• A major challenge in holding states accountable is identifying the source of debris. Advanced tracking systems can sometimes trace objects to specific launches, such as Soviet-era satellites or SpaceX components.
• However, older or fragmented debris is difficult to attribute, complicating enforcement. Additionally, if a piece of debris from a defunct satellite causes damage decades later, it remains unclear whether the original launching state can still be held liable.

Uncontrolled Re-entries and Policy Gaps

• The increasing frequency of uncontrolled re-entries exposes major governance gaps. Earlier this month, fragments from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket landed in Poland, but the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated its oversight ended once SpaceX lost control of the rocket.
• In July 2024, China’s Long March 5B rocket’s 23-tonne core stage plunged into the Pacific Ocean, marking its fourth uncontrolled re-entry since 2020.
• Unlike modern rockets designed to burn up or steer into remote areas, Long March 5B lacks disposal mechanisms, making its re-entry unpredictable. Currently, no binding international rules penalize such events unless damage occurs.

Growing Risks from Mega-Constellations

• The expansion of satellite mega-constellations like SpaceX Starlink, Amazon Kuiper, and Eutelsat OneWeb, which will add over 100,000 satellites by 2030, increases the risk of debris accumulation.
• Many older satellites lack deorbiting plans, worsening the problem. While small satellites typically burn up on re-entry, larger objects such as rocket boosters survive, posing serious risks.
• In 2022, a fragment from SpaceX’s Dragon capsule crashed in Australia. Despite UN guidelines requiring satellites to deorbit within 25 years, compliance remains low at around 30%.

Need for Stronger Regulations

• Stronger international regulations are necessary to address the growing space debris crisis. COPUOS should push for binding global rules mandating controlled re-entries and penalties for non-compliance.
• National governments must also implement stricter domestic policies, requiring companies to adopt debris mitigation strategies before receiving launch licenses.
• Additionally, mandatory disposal rules should ensure that space entities conduct controlled re-entries or move defunct satellites to graveyard orbits to prevent collisions.

Enhancing Tracking and Sustainable Practices

• Advancements in tracking systems, such as expanding the U.S. Space Fence, can improve debris monitoring and re-entry predictions. Incentivizing sustainable space practices, such as debris-neutral technologies and reusable rockets, will help reduce space clutter.
• Furthermore, the 1972 Liability Convention needs modernization to establish an independent international tribunal with binding enforcement powers.

Urgent Need for Global Action

• Without decisive action, space risks becoming a lawless frontier. The era of voluntary guidelines must end, with enforceable regulations, accountability mechanisms, and global cooperation taking precedence.
• Strengthening liability frameworks, enforcing controlled re-entries, and penalizing reckless practices are essential before the growing problem of space debris leads to more catastrophic consequences.

3) Trump’s Call to End the CHIPS Act

GS 2: International Relations: U.S. CHIPS Act

Why is it in the news?

• United States President Donald Trump, in his March 4 address to Congress, strongly criticized the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, urging lawmakers to “get rid” of it. The Act provides billions in subsidies to boost semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S.
• Trump claimed the Act is ineffective, saying, “We give hundreds of billions of dollars and it doesn’t mean a thing.” He suggested using the remaining funds to reduce national debt.
• This statement came shortly after he announced that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) would invest an additional $100 billion to build five new fabrication plants in the U.S.

What are Semiconductors?

• Semiconductors, also known as microchips or integrated circuits, are silicon-based components with millions of transistors that switch on and off to process data. They are crucial to modern life, powering everything from household appliances to advanced defense systems, mobile phones, and vehicles.
• As economic historian Chris Miller explains in Chip Wars, these microchips are foundational to globalization and technological advancement.

Understanding the CHIPS Act

• The Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act was signed into law in August 2022 to revitalize domestic semiconductor manufacturing. The U.S. once produced nearly 40% of the world’s semiconductors in 1990, but that share has declined to just 12%.
• Taiwan currently dominates semiconductor production, accounting for over 60% of global supply and more than 90% of the most advanced chips. At present, no high-end chip manufacturing occurs in the U.S.
• The CHIPS Act allocates $53 billion in federal incentives for semiconductor manufacturing and research, including $39 billion for new manufacturing sites. Companies are also eligible for a 25% tax credit.
• In recent months, the U.S. Commerce Department finalized over $33 billion in awards, distributing $4.75 billion to Samsung, up to $7.86 billion to Intel, $6.6 billion to TSMC, and $6.1 billion to Micron.

Why Does Trump Oppose the CHIPS Act?

• Trump has repeatedly criticized the CHIPS Act, arguing that it wastes government funds and that tariffs could achieve the same goals while generating revenue.
• Many Republican leaders share his opposition, claiming the Act includes unnecessary labour and environmental regulations. Some fear that Trump, if re-elected, could revoke grant agreements established under the Biden administration.
• New York Governor Kathy Hochul has warned against repealing the Act, highlighting its economic benefits. She noted that the law is responsible for Micron’s $100 billion investment and 50,000 jobs in Central New York. The future of the CHIPS Act remains uncertain, as political debates over its effectiveness and financial impact continue.

4) TRIFED’s Role in Tribal Development: From Local Artisans to Global Markets

GS 3: Economy: TRIFED in developing markets for tribal products

Context

• India is home to over 10.45 crore Scheduled Tribe (ST) individuals, constituting 8.6% of the total population and representing a rich and diverse tribal heritage. The Government of India has consistently focused on tribal socio-economic development through a multi-pronged approach.
• The budget allocation for Scheduled Tribe welfare has increased significantly from ₹10,237.33 crore in 2024-25 to ₹14,925.81 crore in 2025-26, reflecting a 45.79% rise. A long-term perspective shows an impressive 231.83% increase since 2014-15, underscoring the government’s sustained focus on tribal welfare.
• In line with this commitment, the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been actively working to improve the economic conditions of tribal communities by developing markets for their products.

Van Dhan Yojana: Transforming Tribal Livelihoods

• Launched on 14th April 2018, the Van Dhan Yojana is a flagship initiative under the Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price (MSP) & Development of Value Chain for MFP.
• Implemented by TRIFED as the nodal agency, the scheme aims to convert tribal gatherers into entrepreneurs by providing them with the means to add value to MFPs.
• Under this initiative, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKCs) have been set up in tribal-dominated districts, where Self-Help Groups (SHGs) engage in collection, value addition, and marketing of MFPs.
• Each VDVK cluster consists of 15 SHGs, benefiting around 300 tribal individuals. The scheme is fully funded by the Central Government, providing ₹15 lakh per cluster to foster tribal entrepreneurship and create a sustainable source of income for forest dwellers.
• Since its launch, the Van Dhan Yojana has positively impacted over 11.83 lakh tribal individuals, enhancing their incomes and fostering self-reliance. With a financial outlay of ₹587 crore, the scheme has provided economic opportunities and empowered forest-dependent communities.

The implementation follows a structured approach, involving:

• These steps ensure that tribal gatherers move up the value chain, transitioning from raw material suppliers to producers of high-value finished goods, leading to increased income and economic stability.

TRIBES INDIA: Connecting Tribal Products to Global Markets

• TRIFED plays a crucial role in accelerating tribal economic development by promoting the marketing of tribal products on a sustainable basis. India is home to more than 200 tribal communities that strive to preserve their traditional arts and crafts.
• To support their economic growth, TRIFED launched TRIBES INDIA in 1999, opening its first retail outlet in New Delhi. Today, TRIBES INDIA has expanded to 117 retail outlets across the country.
• TRIFED operates 15 Regional Offices to procure handicrafts, handlooms, and natural food products from tribal artisans and SHGs, distributing them through 35 showrooms, 8 consignment showrooms, and various exhibitions.
• Expanding its digital presence, TRIFED now markets tribal products globally through www.tribesindia.com, ensuring fair pricing and wider exposure for artisans.

Aadi Mahotsav: Showcasing Tribal Heritage and Entrepreneurship

Aadi Mahotsav is TRIFED’s flagship annual event celebrating tribal culture, arts, crafts, cuisine, and commerce. The 2025 edition brought together:

• 600+ tribal artisans from 30+ States and Union Territories
• 500 performing artists showcasing tribal dance forms
• 25 tribal food stalls offering indigenous cuisine
• Live painting sessions by tribal artists
• Collaborations with 20 Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and 35 training institutes
• Signing of 25+ MoUs with design institutes and corporate partners

The festival’s theme, “A Celebration of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship, Tribal Craft, Culture, Cuisine, and Commerce”, reflects the core essence of tribal life and aims to promote self-reliance and economic integration.

Building a Self-Reliant Tribal Economy

• TRIFED’s initiatives, including Van Dhan Yojana, TRIBES INDIA, and Aadi Mahotsav, are empowering tribal communities by fostering entrepreneurship, improving market access, and preserving traditional crafts.
• With strategic partnerships, retail expansion, and cultural events, these programs contribute to sustainable livelihoods and economic self-reliance for India’s tribal population, ensuring their integration into the mainstream economy while celebrating their rich heritage.

5) Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats Initiative Launched

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Model Gram Panchayats

Why is it in the news?

• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats Initiative on March 5, 2025, in New Delhi, aiming to develop at least one model Gram Panchayat in each district to be women and girl-friendly.
• The initiative was unveiled at the National Convention on Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats, which was attended by over 1,500 elected representatives and officials from Gram Panchayats across the country.

Real-Time Dashboard for Monitoring Progress

• A key highlight of the initiative is the launch of a Real-Time Monitoring Dashboard designed to track the progress of Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats. This digital platform serves as a technological intervention to measure, analyze, and enhance women’s participation and welfare at the grassroots level.
• By offering real-time insights and data-driven interventions, the dashboard aims to support women leaders in making informed decisions, ultimately strengthening the role of women in local governance.

Women’s Role in Health Initiatives at the Village Level

• Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, emphasized the importance of women’s leadership in ensuring the effective implementation of health schemes. She highlighted the role of Village Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition Committees in each Gram Panchayat, which provide a structured framework for community health.
• The Ayushman Aarogya Mandir, offering 12 essential medical services, including geriatric care, dental care, cancer screening, and telemedicine, is a crucial initiative for rural health.
• Additionally, she stressed the significance of Janani Suraksha Yojana and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, which promote maternal and child healthcare, institutional deliveries, and safe motherhood practices.
• She urged women pradhans to educate their communities about these schemes to maximize their benefits. She reiterated that Panchayat-level collaboration is essential for the success of health-related initiatives and aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sashakt Mahila, Sashakt Panchayat, Sashakt Bharat.”

Training and Leadership Development for Women Sarpanchs

• Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj announced the selection of 770 Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats (one per district), which will receive specialized training to enhance leadership skills.
• He called on women gram pradhans to spearhead the implementation of various central government schemes, including:

1) Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana

2) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana

3) Pension schemes for widows and divyangjan

4) Ayushman Bharat health initiatives

5) Awareness programs on organ donation

Advancing Women’s Participation in Governance

• The Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, highlighted that the Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat Initiative is a result-oriented intervention designed to increase women’s participation in all spheres of life. He emphasized that women are naturally capable leaders and should be provided with supportive ecosystems to unlock their potential for national growth.
• The Chief of Programmes, UNFPA, drew inspiration from successful women-friendly Gram Panchayat models in Kerala, Odisha, and Rajasthan. She cited:

1) Kerala’s Jagratha Samithi, a vigilance committee ensuring the safety of women and children.

2) Odisha’s initiatives focused on preventing child marriage and social evils.

3) Rajasthan’s partnership with UNFPA to create women-friendly and child-friendly Gram Panchayats.

Women’s Reservation Bill and Upcoming Mahila Gram Sabha

• This National Convention marks a shift from women-centric to women-led development, reflecting significant progress over the last eleven years. A key milestone in this journey has been the enactment of the Women’s Reservation Bill (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam), ensuring greater women’s participation in policymaking.
• Basic facilities such as toilets, clean cooking fuel, menstrual hygiene, education, and nutrition are being prioritized to comprehensively address women’s needs.
• As a follow-up, a nationwide Mahila Gram Sabha will be held on March 8, 2025, in all Gram Panchayats, serving as a platform to further strengthen the objectives of the Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat Initiative. This initiative is a significant step towards gender equality and sustainable rural development in India.

6) Cabinet Approves Revision of Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)

GS 3: Economy: Strengthening animal health services

Why is it in the news?

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the revision of the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP). The revised scheme aims to strengthen animal health services, prevent livestock diseases, and enhance rural livelihoods.

Key Components of LHDCP

The revised LHDCP includes three main components:

1) National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)

2) Livestock Health & Disease Control (LH&DC) – This has three sub-components:

• Critical Animal Disease Control Programme (CADCP)
• Establishment & Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries – Mobile Veterinary Units (ESVHD-MVU)
• Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD)

3) Pashu Aushadhi – A newly added component aimed at improving access to generic veterinary medicines.

Financial Allocation

• The total outlay for the scheme is ₹3,880 crore for two years (2024-25 and 2025-26). This includes a provision of ₹75 crore for the Pashu Aushadhi component, which will ensure the availability of affordable and high-quality generic veterinary medicines and provide incentives for their sale.

Disease Prevention and Control

• Livestock productivity is significantly affected by diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), and Lumpy Skin Disease.
• The revised LHDCP aims to reduce these losses through vaccination, immunization, and improved disease surveillance.

Enhancing Veterinary Services

• The scheme supports doorstep livestock healthcare services through Mobile Veterinary Units (ESVHD-MVU).
• Additionally, it ensures better availability of generic veterinary medicines under the Pashu Aushadhi component through a network of PM-Kisan Samriddhi Kendras and Cooperative Societies.

Economic and Employment Benefits

The LHDCP will contribute to:

• Improving livestock productivity
• Reducing economic losses for farmers due to disease-related impacts
• Generating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in rural areas

By enhancing livestock healthcare infrastructure and disease control mechanisms, the revised LHDCP will play a crucial role in supporting rural economies and ensuring sustainable livestock development in India.

7) DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous Life Support System for LCA Tejas

GS 3: Science and Technology: LCA Tejas

Why is it in the news?

• The Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), a Bengaluru-based lab under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has successfully conducted high-altitude trials of the Indigenous On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS)-based Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
• The trials, held on March 4, 2025, mark a significant step in enhancing pilot endurance and operational capability.

Advancement in Pilot Life Support Systems

• The OBOGS-based ILSS is a cutting-edge technology designed to generate and regulate breathable oxygen during flight. Unlike traditional liquid oxygen cylinder-based systems, this system ensures continuous oxygen supply to pilots, eliminating dependency on external refilling.
• The ILSS was rigorously tested on the LCA-Prototype Vehicle-3 of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), meeting stringent aeromedical standards across varying flight conditions.
• The system was evaluated at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet Above Mean Sea Level and during high-G manoeuvres, proving its reliability in extreme conditions.

Performance and Key Features

• The ILSS underwent comprehensive performance evaluations covering critical aspects such as oxygen concentration, demand breathing, and 100% oxygen availability during various flight phases, including taxiing, takeoff, cruise, aerobatic maneuvers, and landing.
• A key part of the trials was the functional testing of the Anti-G Valve and Breathing Oxygen System (BOS) to ensure optimal pilot safety and performance. The Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) granted flight clearance after confirming the system met all required parameters.
• Beyond the OBOGS system, ILSS integrates 10 Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), including a Low-Pressure Breathing Regulator, Emergency Oxygen System, Oxygen Sensor, and Anti-G Valve. These advanced components collectively enhance real-time oxygen generation, making pilot operations more efficient and safe.

Indigenous Manufacturing and Future Adaptation

• The ILSS has been developed and manufactured by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) as a Development cum Production Partner, reinforcing India’s self-reliance in aerospace technology.
• Notably, 90% of the system’s components are indigenous, aligning with the government’s “Make in India” initiative. This innovation not only enhances Tejas’ capabilities but also offers scope for adaptation in other fighter aircraft like the MiG-29K.