1) Sahyog Portal: India’s Cybersecurity Initiative

GS 3: Internal Security: Concern over censorship

Why is it in the news?

• The Indian government has strongly countered claims by Elon Musk-owned X (formerly Twitter) that the ‘Sahyog’ portal is a “censorship portal.” In response to X Corp’s petition challenging India’s content moderation framework, the Centre told the Karnataka High Court that such claims were “unfortunate” and “condemnable.”
• The case revolves around the use of Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, which enables the government to regulate online content.

Purpose and Functioning of Sahyog Portal

• Launched in 2024 by the Union Home Ministry, the Sahyog portal is managed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). It was designed to streamline the process of blocking unlawful content by enabling swift communication between law enforcement agencies, IT intermediaries, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
• The portal allows government-authorized agencies to issue content removal notices under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, facilitating the disabling of access to objectionable material.

Cybersecurity Measures and Impact

• According to Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, I4C has proactively blocked over 3,962 Skype IDs and 83,668 WhatsApp accounts used for cybercrimes like digital arrests.
• Additionally, by February 28, authorities had blocked over 7.81 lakh SIM cards and 2,08,469 IMEIs based on reports from law enforcement agencies. These efforts are aimed at ensuring safer digital spaces in India by restricting access to platforms misused for illegal activities.

Process of Flagging and Blocking Content

• The Sahyog portal provides a centralized system for authorized agencies, state police, and law enforcement bodies to flag and request the blocking of unlawful content. Once a request is submitted, IT intermediaries and ISPs receive notifications to remove the content.
• For social media intermediaries, the request is sent directly to them, while for ISPs, it is routed through the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The national dashboard of the portal enables stakeholders to track action taken on flagged content, and intermediaries can seek additional evidence if needed.

Judicial Backing and Mandated Compliance

• The Delhi High Court, in the Shabana vs Govt of NCT Delhi case, underscored the importance of the Sahyog portal for removing unlawful content. The court directed IT intermediaries to integrate with the portal and report their compliance in subsequent hearings.
• As of now, 15 IT intermediaries, including Google, Apple, Amazon, Telegram, Quora, and YouTube, have onboarded the platform. Additionally, 31 states and Union Territories have notified officers under Section 79(3)(b) to use the portal.

Role of IT Intermediaries in Content Moderation

• With the Sahyog portal in place, major digital platforms have specific roles in content moderation. Google can block Play Store apps, Firebase domains, YouTube videos, and Google Drive links. WhatsApp can block user accounts, groups, and channels, while Facebook and Instagram are responsible for removing objectionable content, profiles, and advertisements.
• Microsoft has also joined the initiative, allowing for the blocking of email IDs, Skype accounts, and OneDrive links. These measures are part of the broader framework to maintain cybersecurity and prevent the misuse of digital platforms.

2) Arctic Tensions: Geopolitical Rivalries and Resource Competition in a Melting Region

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Escalating tensions in the Arctic

Why is it in the news?

• International observers have expressed concerns about escalating tensions in the Arctic, warning that if left unchecked, they could lead to conflict. The region, once isolated, is now a focal point due to climate change, resource extraction, and geopolitical rivalries.

Strategic Importance of the Arctic

• The Arctic is rich in untapped natural resources, including fossil fuels, rare earth elements, phosphates, and copper, along with lucrative fishing grounds. However, year-round ice barriers have kept these resources inaccessible. As climate change accelerates ice melt, new trade routes and economic opportunities are emerging.
• Unlike the Antarctic, which is protected by an international treaty, the Arctic is primarily governed by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), allowing nations to claim territories and deploy military infrastructure. Overlapping maritime claims and increasing military presence have intensified tensions.

Control and Governance of the Arctic

• The Arctic region is controlled by eight countries—Canada, Denmark (via Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the U.S.—which together form the Arctic Council.
• This international body oversees environmental protection, scientific research, and indigenous rights. These nations exercise sovereignty over Arctic lands and exploit resources within their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). Waters between these territories remain under international jurisdiction, allowing freedom of navigation.
• Under UNCLOS, nations can extend seabed claims beyond the 200-nautical-mile EEZ by proving a natural extension of their continental shelf. Canada, Denmark, and Russia have submitted overlapping claims to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.
• Despite these claims, Arctic infrastructure remains limited, with Russia being the only country possessing a significant fleet of icebreakers, including a nuclear-powered one.

Rising Geopolitical Tensions

• The U.S. has shown renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, with former President Donald Trump calling it a matter of national security and questioning Denmark’s sovereignty over the island. Greenland, under Danish rule for over 300 years, hosts the U.S. Pituffik military base. In response to Trump’s interest, Denmark has pledged to bolster Greenland’s security and seek European support.
• Tensions have also emerged between the U.S. and Canada over the Northwest Passage, a potential Arctic trade route through Canada’s Arctic Archipelago. Canada claims it as internal waters, while the U.S. insists it falls under international jurisdiction, allowing free navigation.
• Additionally, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has strained relations within the Arctic Council, as all members except Russia belong to NATO. Russian officials have suggested that Norway’s Arctic island of Svalbard should be under Russian control.
• NATO, in turn, has focused on the Greenland-Iceland-U.K. (GIUK) gap, a crucial route for Russian submarines accessing the Atlantic, making it a key area for Western military planning.

Resource Competition and Economic Interests

• The Arctic’s economic potential has drawn global interest, especially after a 2009 U.S. Geological Survey estimated that the region holds 13% of the world’s undiscovered oil and 30% of its untapped natural gas. These resources lie beneath the seabed, making maritime claims highly significant.
• Greenland also has some of the world’s richest rare earth deposits, attracting Chinese investment in the early 2020s. However, many of these projects were halted due to environmental concerns and U.S. political pressure.
• Melting sea ice has also opened new trade routes, particularly the Northeast Passage along Russia’s Arctic coast, which is crucial for Chinese trade. This route shortens the maritime distance between East Asia and Europe by 8,000 kilometers compared to the Suez Canal route, potentially saving China billions in transportation costs.
• However, China’s use of this “Polar Silk Road” depends on Russia granting access to its Arctic ports, a decision Moscow has approached cautiously.

Russia’s Arctic Strategy

• Russia has actively demonstrated its Arctic ambitions. In 2007, it sent the MIR-1 submarine to plant a Russian flag on the Arctic seabed, symbolizing its claim over the region. Moscow has maintained several military bases in the Arctic, many from the Soviet era, and in 2022, it conducted joint naval exercises with China in the East China Sea, signaling strategic cooperation.
• China has also increased its Arctic involvement, declaring itself a “Near-Arctic State” in 2018 and planning its first nuclear-powered icebreaker. NATO has responded by strengthening its military presence in the region, especially after Sweden and Finland joined the alliance following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• Large-scale NATO exercises near the Russian border in Finland in 2024 highlights growing tensions. Analysts warn that NATO has limited operational capabilities in the Arctic, raising concerns about strategic imbalances. As temperatures rise and ice continues to melt, the Arctic’s geopolitical landscape is shifting rapidly, bringing new risks of conflict.

3) Trump’s Third-Term Controversy: Can He Run Again?

GS 2: International Relations: Challenging the Constitutional Limit 

Why is it in the news?

• Donald Trump recently stated that he is “not joking” about pursuing a third term as US President, a significant claim given the two-term limit set by the US Constitution.
• Although he has hinted at this idea for months, his statement during an NBC interview provides the clearest indication yet that he may be considering ways to breach this constitutional restriction.
• Trump, 78, served as President from 2017 to 2021 and was re-elected last year. His current term is set to end in January 2029.

The Constitutional Limit

• The 22nd Amendment of the US Constitution specifically states that no person can be elected President more than twice. However, the amendment also allows for a Vice President who takes over mid-term to serve two full terms, provided they enter office with less than half of their predecessor’s remaining term.
• The closest instance of this happening was in 1968, when Lyndon B. Johnson, after serving the final 14 months of John F. Kennedy’s term following Kennedy’s assassination, also served a full term of his own.
• The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, was a response to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four consecutive terms from 1933 to 1945, raising concerns over one person consolidating too much power.

Historical Context of Term Limits

• Interestingly, the framers of the US Constitution initially debated the concept of term limits but ultimately decided against them. Proposals to introduce term limits were repeatedly defeated in Congress in 1803, 1824, and 1826.
• However, a strong tradition developed after George Washington’s decision to not seek a third term in 1796, setting a precedent that lasted until Franklin D. Roosevelt broke it during World War II.
• Washington’s decision was seen as so important that it became almost a sacred unwritten law, and no president served a third term until FDR’s fourth term in 1940.

The Impossibility of an Amendment

• One clear way Trump could potentially seek a third term is through a constitutional amendment, which would require a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
• However, the current political climate makes this highly improbable. With Republicans holding only 53 of 100 Senate seats and 218 of 435 House seats, Trump lacks the necessary support for a constitutional amendment.
• Additionally, a proposed amendment would need to be ratified by three-fourths of the states, which is another significant hurdle. Given the political landscape, pushing through such an amendment seems virtually impossible.

A Loophole?

• During his interview, Trump suggested that one way to bypass the term limit could involve Vice President J.D. Vance running for president and then “passing the baton” to him. This would require Vance to win the 2028 election, with Trump as his running mate, after which Vance would resign and Trump would take over as President. However, constitutional law experts argue that this idea would not work.
• The 12th Amendment prohibits anyone who is constitutionally ineligible to be President from becoming Vice President. Since the 22nd Amendment renders Trump ineligible to run for President in 2028, it would also prevent him from serving as Vice President. Experts emphasize that circumventing the term limit would still require a constitutional amendment, making this loophole improbable.

The Road Ahead

• Despite Trump’s claims, experts and constitutional law scholars agree that there is no feasible way around the two-term limit without a constitutional amendment—something that appears highly unlikely in the current political environment.
• Trump’s talk of a third term, while provocative, faces insurmountable legal challenges that seem almost impossible to overcome.

4) Over 1,000 Fungi Species Face Extinction: IUCN Report

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Risk of species extinction

Why is it in the news?

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List has now recorded 1,300 fungi species, with 1,000 species at risk of extinction due to environmental threats. Factors such as habitat destruction, pollution, and changing fire patterns are driving these species toward decline.

Threatened Fungi Species

• Among the vulnerable species, the Fibrous Waxcap (Hygrocybe intermedia) is particularly at risk due to habitat loss and land-use changes in Europe.
• In total, 279 species face threats from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urbanization, leading to a loss of their natural habitats. Additionally, 91 species are endangered due to pollution, especially from nitrogen and ammonia runoff caused by fertilizers and industrial waste.
• Furthermore, over 50 species are affected by shifts in fire patterns, particularly in the USA, where changes in wildfire cycles disrupt forest ecosystems.

Fungi: An Overview

• Fungi belong to the kingdom Fungi, distinct from plants, animals, and bacteria. These eukaryotic organisms include moulds, yeasts, mushrooms, and mildews. Unlike plants, they do not produce their own food through photosynthesis but instead absorb nutrients from organic material.

Key Characteristics

• Fungi have chitin-based cell walls and form hyphae, thread-like structures that create a network called mycelium. They reproduce both sexually and asexually through spores, which spread through air or water.

Types of Fungi

Fungi exist in different forms, including:

• Molds – Multicellular fungi that often appear as fuzzy growths.
• Yeasts – Unicellular fungi used in fermentation processes.
• Mushrooms – Fruiting bodies of fungi, some of which are edible.

Ecological and Economic Importance

• Fungi play a crucial role in ecosystem balance by decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients. Many fungi, such as mycorrhizal fungi, form symbiotic relationships with plants, aiding in nutrient absorption and soil health.

Uses of Fungi

• Fungi have significant applications in medicine, food, and beverages. Antibiotics like penicillin have transformed modern medicine. Edible fungi, such as mushrooms and truffles, are widely consumed.
• Additionally, yeasts are essential in bread-making, brewing, and winemaking, making fungi vital to several industries.

Conclusion

• The growing threats to fungi highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts. As key contributors to ecosystems, agriculture, and human industries, their decline could have far-reaching consequences.
• Protecting these species requires sustainable land management, pollution control, and improved wildfire mitigation strategies.

5) Tribhuvandas Patel: The Father of the Cooperative Movement

GS 3: Economy: India’s cooperative dairy farming 

Why is it in the news?

• The Lok Sabha recently passed a Bill to establish Tribhuvan Sahkari University in Anand, Gujarat, to honor Tribhuvandas Kishibhai Patel, a visionary leader regarded as the father of the cooperative movement in India, particularly in dairy farming.
• His efforts laid the foundation for India’s cooperative dairy revolution, significantly impacting rural livelihoods and the economy.

Who Was Tribhuvandas Patel?

• Born in 1903 in Anand, Gujarat, Tribhuvandas Patel was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and studied at Gujarat Vidyapith. A committed freedom fighter, he actively participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement, campaigns against untouchability, and the Salt Satyagraha.
• In 1930, he was imprisoned for his role in the Salt Movement. Patel’s greatest contribution, however, was in revolutionizing India’s dairy industry through cooperative farming, earning him the title of the “father of the cooperative movement.”

Patel’s Contribution to the Cooperative Movement

• In 1946, Patel founded the Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Limited (KDCMPUL), later known as Amul, to empower dairy farmers and break the monopoly of Polson Dairy in Anand, Gujarat. Recognizing the need for modern technology, he collaborated with Verghese Kurien, a mechanical engineer, to enhance dairy production, an effort that led to India’s White Revolution.
• Patel was instrumental in establishing key cooperative institutions such as the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA).
• These institutions played a pivotal role in rural development and cooperative dairy farming across India. After his retirement, Patel used cooperative funds to set up the Tribhuvandas Foundation, focusing on community health and welfare.

The Cooperative Movement in India

Pre-Independence Era

• The cooperative movement in India emerged through local initiatives like Chit Funds and Mutual Loan Associations in regions such as the Madras Presidency and Punjab. The 1904 Cooperative Credit Societies Act provided formal recognition to cooperatives, allowing them to operate legally.
• Later, the Government of India Act, 1919 granted provinces the power to legislate on cooperatives, leading to the passage of the Bombay Cooperative Society Act of 1925, which laid a strong foundation for cooperative governance.

Post-Independence Developments

• After independence, cooperatives became central to India’s rural development and economic planning. The government established key institutions such as the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) in 1963 and NABARD in 1982, which provided financial and technical support to rural cooperatives. The 97th Constitutional Amendment (2011) granted citizens the right to form cooperatives under Article 19, further strengthening the movement.
• In 2021, the government formed the Ministry of Cooperation to streamline and strengthen cooperative institutions. More recently, the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Amendment Act 2023 was introduced to improve governance and operational efficiency within the cooperative sector.

Types of Cooperatives in India

Cooperatives in India serve different economic purposes and are classified into key categories:

• Consumers’ Cooperatives – These cooperatives provide essential goods at affordable prices by eliminating intermediaries (e.g., Kendriya Bhandar).
• Producers’ Cooperatives – They support small-scale producers by ensuring a steady supply of raw materials and essential resources.
• Cooperative Marketing Societies – These societies help farmers and small producers collectively market their products for better pricing and wider distribution (e.g., Amul).

Conclusion

• Tribhuvandas Patel’s vision transformed India’s dairy sector and empowered millions of rural farmers through cooperative models. His contributions laid the groundwork for self-sufficiency in milk production, ultimately leading to the White Revolution.
• Today, cooperatives remain crucial to India’s economic and social development, requiring sustained policy support, technological advancements, and better governance to continue benefiting millions.

6) Supreme Court Raises Concerns Over ‘1 Person, 1 Family’ Culture

GS 2: Society: Shift in family culture

Why is it in the news?

• The Supreme Court of India has raised concerns over the shift from traditional family values toward an emerging ‘1 Person, 1 Family’ culture.
• This trend stands in contrast to India’s longstanding philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — ‘the world is one family’—which emphasizes collective well-being and interconnectedness.

Understanding Family as a Social Unit

• A family is a fundamental social institution marked by shared residence, economic cooperation, and socialization. In Indian society, families have traditionally provided emotional security, intergenerational wisdom, and social discipline. The joint family system has long been the foundation of social stability, reinforcing moral values and collective responsibility.

The Rise of ‘1 Person, 1 Family’ Culture

• India is witnessing a gradual decline of joint families and a shift toward nuclear and single-person households. This transformation is most visible in urban areas, where individuals—particularly young professionals, entrepreneurs, and even the elderly—are opting for independent living or micro-family structures instead of large, interdependent households.

Factors Driving This Shift

Urbanization and Economic Independence

• Rapid urbanization has transformed India’s metropolitan cities into global economic hubs. Professionals migrating to these cities increasingly prefer living alone, driven by work demands and economic self-sufficiency. Cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi have recorded the highest increase in single-person households.

Changing Aspirations and Rise of Individualism

• Modern youth increasingly prioritize personal growth, career ambitions, and self-development over family responsibilities. The shift toward individualism challenges traditional family hierarchies, where duty to family once took precedence over personal aspirations.

Delayed Marriages and Evolving Social Norms

• Marriage and family structures are undergoing significant change. Many urban Indians are delaying marriage, while live-in relationships, single parenting, and choosing to remain unmarried are becoming widely accepted. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has dropped to 2.0, below the replacement level, reflecting a broader shift in family dynamics.

Economic Constraints and Cost of Living

• With rising expenses in urban centers, joint family living is becoming financially impractical. The high cost of housing, utilities, and daily necessities often makes nuclear and single-person households a more feasible choice.

Western Influences and Global Lifestyles

• Global exposure through social media, international education, and employment abroad has significantly influenced lifestyle preferences. Many individuals now prioritize personal space, privacy, and a lifestyle modeled after Western societies.

Decline in Moral and Ethical Values

• Materialism and increasing self-interest have weakened traditional family virtues such as empathy, sacrifice, and respect for elders. This has led to a reduction in familial obligations and collective decision-making within households.

Challenges Posed by This Social Shift

Impact on Mental Health

• Living alone can result in loneliness and social isolation, especially among elderly individuals and remote-working professionals. The absence of strong family support can contribute to stress and mental health issues.

Financial Burden

• Managing household expenses independently, including rent, utilities, and food, places greater financial strain on single individuals compared to those in shared family structures.

Weakening of Family Bonds

• The decline of intergenerational relationships reduces collective responsibility within families. The shift toward independent lifestyles weakens the cultural tradition of shared caregiving, leading to less interaction between younger and older generations.

Conclusion

• The Supreme Court’s concerns over the ‘1 Person, 1 Family’ trend highlight the need for societal introspection. While legal measures can regulate familial disputes, preserving traditional values of compassion, unity, and respect is essential to maintaining India’s social fabric.
• Balancing modern aspirations with collective familial responsibilities will be key to sustaining strong and cohesive communities in the future.

7) Second National Gene Bank: Expanding Genetic Conservation

GS 3: Science and Technology: Genetic resource conservation

Why is it in the news?

• The Indian government has announced the establishment of a second National Gene Bank (NGB) under the Union Budget 2025-26, focusing on “Investing in Innovations.”
• This initiative aims to strengthen genetic resource conservation for future agricultural advancements.

What is a Gene Bank?

• A Gene Bank is a facility that preserves the genetic material of plants, animals, and microbes to maintain biodiversity. It stores seeds, tissues, and DNA under controlled conditions to ensure long-term viability for research and crop improvement.

Types of Gene Banks

Why is a Second National Gene Bank Important?

• The new NGB aims to preserve 10 lakh crop germplasm, ensuring the availability of diverse genetic material.
• It will be equipped with advanced infrastructure to enhance India’s conservation and storage capacity.
• Safeguarding genetic diversity is crucial for sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and food security.