Current Affairs

Inauguration of the International Search Authority (ISA) Building in Dwarka

On 14 August 2025, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal inaugurated the new International Search Authority (ISA) Building at the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) campus in Dwarka, New Delhi.

The purpose of this facility is to strengthen India’s patent infrastructure, speed up the patent search process, and improve transparency in intellectual property services. As an ISA recognised by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), India will now be able to conduct faster and more accurate prior art searches and issue “search reports” and “written opinions” for domestic and global applicants.

Why in News

• The number of patent filings in India has risen sharply over the past five years, driven by the innovation boom in start‑ups, research institutes, and manufacturing companies.
• Earlier, the capacity for international patent searches was limited, leading to delays. This new ISA facility expands manpower, technology, and processing capacity, reducing backlogs and supporting innovators with quicker results.

Key Features

• State‑of‑the‑art infrastructure with digital databases and AI‑assisted search tools.
• Expanded expert team — nearly double the previous number of patent examiners.
• 24/7 Patent e‑Search facility open to researchers, start‑ups, and foreign applicants.
• Integrated training centres for patent professionals.

Importance in Policy and Economy

• Support to National Innovation Policy – Links directly with Make in India, Startup India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Global Competitiveness – Strengthens India’s position in the global IP ecosystem.
• Ease of Doing Business – Quicker patent approvals help businesses commercialise technology faster.

Broader Significance for Exams

• Falls under topics in economics (innovation and industrial policy) and international relations (India’s role in WIPO).
• Relevant for intellectual property law under the Patents Act, 1970.
• Demonstrates how institutional reforms can directly support economic and technological self‑reliance.

In summary, the Dwarka ISA building is not just an infrastructure upgrade — it is a milestone in India’s journey to becoming a global hub for research, innovation, and intellectual property services. It will cut delays, improve quality, and give Indian innovators a stronger platform on the world stage.

Restructuring of Naxal-Affected Districts to Combat Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)

The Indian government has made significant strides in reducing the footprint of Naxalism, also known as Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), which has been a long-standing internal security challenge. As of early 2025, the number of districts most severely affected by Naxal violence has been reduced from 12 to 6, with the overall number of affected districts down to 18. This marks a major achievement in the government’s efforts to establish a Naxal-free India by the target year 2026.

Why is this in the news?

• The Ministry of Home Affairs has officially confirmed that sustained security operations, development initiatives, and community engagement have led to the shrinkage of the “Red Corridor,” the region most impacted by extremist violence.
• Financial assistance through the Special Central Assistance (SCA) scheme has been allocated—₹30 crore annually for the most affected districts and ₹10 crore for districts of concern—to shore up public infrastructure and fill development gaps.
• This restructuring reflects not only a decrease in violence but also a shift in strategy to consolidate progress and channel resources more effectively.

Details of the restructured Naxal-affected districts

• Most Affected Districts (6 total):
  • Chhattisgarh: Bijapur, Kanker, Narayanpur, Sukma
  • Jharkhand: West Singhbhum
  • Maharashtra: Gadchiroli
• Districts of Concern (6 total):
  • Andhra Pradesh: Alluri Sitarama Raju
  • Madhya Pradesh: Balaghat
  • Odisha: Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Malkangiri
  • Telangana: Bhadradri-Kothagudem
• Other LWE-Affected Districts (6 total):
  • Chhattisgarh: Dantewada, Gariaband, Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki
  • Jharkhand: Latehar
  • Odisha: Nuapada
  • Telangana: Mulugu

Reasons for improvement

• The success in curtailing LWE violence is attributed to a multi-pronged approach that combines enhanced police and paramilitary camps in core areas, robust intelligence operations, and coordinated development efforts.
• Infrastructure projects such as road expansion, improved transportation, water, electricity, healthcare, and education have increased governance accessibility, reducing the appeal of extremist groups.
• Psychological operations and surrender-and-rehabilitation schemes have resulted in the neutralization or surrender of many Naxal cadres.

Exam relevance and importance

• Internal security: This topic is significant for understanding India’s counter-insurgency strategies and evolving security architecture.
• Centre-State relations: The cooperation between the central government and affected states in resource allocation demonstrates federal collaboration.
• Development policies: It highlights the importance of inclusive growth and infrastructure development in conflict resolution.
• Social impact: Understanding the effects on tribal populations and efforts at their upliftment is essential for governance and social justice studies.

Conclusion

The marked reduction in Naxal-affected districts from over a hundred in the peak years to just 18 today is a testament to India’s determined strategic and policy response. Continued focus on both security and socio-economic development remains critical to fully eradicate Left-Wing Extremism. This subject offers comprehensive insights into the complexities of India’s internal security challenges and the role of development in peacebuilding, making it highly relevant for competitive exams covering governance, security, and social issues.

India’s First Commercial Earth Observation (EO) Satellite Constellation by Private Consortium

On 14 August 2025, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) announced the selection of a four-member private consortium—PixxelSpace, Piersight Space, Satsure Analytics, and Dhruva Space—to develop India’s inaugural fully commercial Earth Observation (EO) satellite constellation. This landmark decision marks a new chapter in India’s space sector, opening critical data services to the market and strengthening the nation’s position in global geospatial intelligence.

Why is this in the news?

• The consortium will deploy 12 small satellites equipped with multispectral, hyperspectral, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors.
• These satellites aim to provide timely, high-resolution imagery for agriculture monitoring, disaster response, urban planning, natural resource management, and defence applications.
• Government-backed financing and policy support under the Spacepreneurship Initiative have reduced entry barriers for private firms.

Consortium Members and Their Roles

• PixxelSpace: Specialises in hyperspectral imaging, capturing data across 400–2,500 nm bands to analyse crop health, mineral deposits, and environmental changes.
• Piersight Space: Focuses on SAR technology, offering all-weather, day-night imaging capabilities critical for flood mapping and maritime surveillance.
• Satsure Analytics: Provides geospatial analytics platforms that transform raw satellite data into actionable insights for financial institutions, government agencies, and agribusinesses.
• Dhruva Space: Brings expertise in small satellite design, integration, and manufacturing, ensuring mission reliability and cost efficiency.

Key Technological Features

• Hyperspectral imaging for precise vegetation indices and mineral exploration.
• Dual-band SAR sensors capable of penetrating cloud cover and capturing surface movement data.
• On-board AI processors for edge computing, enabling preliminary data analysis before ground reception.
• Inter-satellite crosslink communication to reduce latency and ensure near-real-time data delivery.

Strategic and Economic Significance

• Agriculture: Farmers and policymakers can access detailed crop-yield predictions and stress-monitoring alerts, potentially increasing productivity by up to 20%.
• Disaster Management: Rapid damage assessment for floods, cyclones, and landslides will improve relief coordination and resource allocation.
• Urban Planning: City planners will use high-frequency imagery to monitor infrastructure development, traffic patterns, and environmental compliance.
• National Security: Secure data channels for defence applications, including border surveillance and coastal monitoring.

Project Timeline and Infrastructure

• Phase I (Q1 2026): Launch of the first two satellites aboard PSLV.
• Phase II (2026–27): Deployment of two additional batches of four satellites each.
• Ground Segment: Establishment of two processing centres in Noida and Visakhapatnam, featuring data reception antennas, analytics workstations, and cloud-based distribution networks.

Policy and Regulatory Framework

• IN-SPACe acts as the single-window regulator for private space ventures, issuing launch and spectrum licences.
• Data-sharing norms ensure that critical defence data remain secure, while commercial customers benefit from open-access licensing for non-sensitive applications.
• Public-private partnerships under the Space Innovation Programme encourage technology transfer and co-development with academic institutions.

Exam Relevance

• Space Policy and Governance: Illustrates India’s shift towards a liberalised space economy.
• Science & Technology: Demonstrates advances in remote sensing and satellite technology.
• Economic Impact: Ties into ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’ initiatives, highlighting high-tech manufacturing and data services.

Parliamentary Committee Report: Evaluation of India’s Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Strategy

The strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has increased significantly due to geopolitical, economic, and security considerations. In August 2025, a report was presented by the Parliamentary Standing Committee reviewing India’s current IOR strategy and recommending a comprehensive approach to enhance India’s maritime influence.

Why is this in the news?

• The committee proposed expanding the scope of the government’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in Region) initiative into a broader MAHASAGAR vision, emphasizing multilateral cooperation and maritime safety.
• The report recommends stronger implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for safeguarding maritime boundaries and free trade routes.
• It outlines measures to counter piracy, maritime terrorism, and enhance coastal security through improved information sharing across agencies and countries.
• The committee stressed economic cooperation, promoting blue economy sectors like fisheries, marine tourism, and maritime infrastructure development.

Key Highlights of the Report

• Maritime Cooperation and Security: It encouraged increased joint naval exercises, information exchange mechanisms, and coordinated surveillance with regional countries, especially island nations and littoral states.
• Legal and Regulatory Framework: Special emphasis was placed on harmonizing regional maritime laws and protocols under UNCLOS and establishing an “Inter-Agency Maritime Coordination Platform.”
• Economic and Infrastructure Development: The development of deep-sea ports such as Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, and Chabahar was prioritized. Enhancement of multimodal connectivity linking ports with inland logistics hubs was recommended to boost trade efficiency.
• Environmental Protection: It recommended creation of protected marine zones and combating pollution through regional cooperation to preserve biodiversity, coral reefs, and mangroves.
• Digital and Technological Initiatives: Integration of satellite-based maritime domain awareness (MDA), Big Data analytics, automatic identification systems (AIS), and maritime cyber resilience frameworks were proposed.

Importance from Exam Perspective

• This report ties into India’s maritime diplomacy, foreign policy, and defence strategies, which are increasingly significant in UPSC’s General Studies papers.
• Understanding UNCLOS and India’s adherence to international maritime law is crucial for questions related to international relations and law of the sea.
• The focus on blue economy and environmental sustainability reflects current global development trends included in environment and economy sections.

Conclusion

The Parliamentary Committee’s evaluation sets a roadmap for consolidating India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean, balancing strategic defence imperatives with economic and ecological priorities. The recommendations point to an integrated maritime approach essential for regional stability and India’s long-term national interests.

Ocean Security and Economic Significance for India

India’s geographical location makes it a crucial player in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which plays a pivotal role in global maritime trade and energy security. The Indian coastline stretches approximately 7,500 km and encompasses over 1,300 islands. Roughly 90% of the world’s maritime trade passes through the IOR, including about 70% of the global oil shipments, making it strategically vital for India’s economic and security interests.

Why is this in the news?

• Increased Chinese naval presence and infrastructural projects in the IOR have raised strategic challenges for India.
• Piracy, maritime terrorism, and other illegal activities along key trade routes have heightened the need for enhanced maritime security cooperation.
• India is strengthening bilateral and multilateral maritime partnerships, such as with France and Japan, to jointly address security and disaster management in the region.
• Blue economy initiatives aimed at sustainable exploitation of marine resources are gaining momentum.

Strategic and Economic Importance

• Maritime Security: India has invested heavily in building surveillance infrastructure and fleet capabilities to protect sea lanes vital for energy supply and trade. The Malacca Strait, a critical chokepoint, remains a security focus. India’s Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) enhances maritime domain awareness through data sharing with regional partners.
• Energy and Trade Security: Ports like Mumbai, Kandla, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam are being upscaled with deep-sea facilities and improved logistics to handle increasing volumes of energy imports and exports. Securing oil tankers and natural gas pipelines against threats is a priority for economic stability.
• Blue Economy Growth:
  • Fisheries contribute significantly to India’s economy—India produces about 1.4 million tonnes of fish annually. Remote sensing and satellite technology improve resource management and conservation efforts.
  • Marine tourism, especially in Goa, Kerala, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is expanding, contributing to regional employment.
  • Smart ports enabled by digital technologies and multimodal transport connectivity reduce costs and improve efficiency.
• Disaster Response and Environmental Protection: Satellite-based early warning systems (for cyclones, tsunamis) and disaster risk reduction frameworks limit loss of life and property. Efforts to protect coral reefs, mangroves, and control marine pollution have been reinforced through regional cooperation.
• Multilateral Cooperation and Legal Frameworks: India actively supports UNCLOS implementation and regional cooperation platforms like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Tripartite agreements with neighbours like Sri Lanka and Maldives facilitate resource sharing and joint security measures.

Exam Relevance

• This topic is critical for understanding India’s maritime strategy, foreign policy, and sustainable development goals.
• Questions on blue economy, maritime law, regional security dynamics, and disaster management often appear in competitive exams.
• Knowledge of India’s role in regional forums and capability-building initiatives is relevant for governance and international relations papers.

Conclusion

India’s ocean security and economic interests in the Indian Ocean Region are at the heart of its strategic ambitions to secure trade routes, harness marine resources responsibly, and maintain regional stability. The challenge lies in balancing defence preparedness, economic development, and ecological sustainability. Mastery of this topic provides insights into India’s holistic maritime approach in a complex geopolitical environment.

Slow Progress of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) in Delhi

Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) were established to ensure speedy trial and disposal of sexual offence cases, including crimes against women and children. However, a recent review by the Delhi High Court, as of June 2025, shows that these courts have managed to dispose of only about 43% of cases filed so far, reflecting significant delays that impact victims and justice delivery.

Why has this become a news issue?

• The Indian government enacted amendments in 2013 and introduced National Judicial Policy guidelines in 2015 to fast-track justice in sexual offence cases.
• Delhi established 20 FTSCs dedicated to handling cases related to sexual harassment, child sexual abuse, and crimes against Dalit women.
• Despite these efforts, the courts face critical hurdles, including:
  • Insufficient number of judges leading to heavy caseloads.
  • Lack of specialised training for judicial officers, police investigators, and prosecutors.
  • Frequent delays due to absence of witnesses and non-cooperation.
  • High number of anticipatory bail pleas crippling trial progress.

Key challenges identified

• Only 38 out of the intended 60 judges were appointed in these special courts.
• Inadequate infrastructure and lack of support staff affects timely functioning.
• Handling confidential witness protection is cumbersome, causing further delay.
• Courts struggle with backlog while balancing sensitivity required in sexual offence cases.

Importance from exam perspective

• Judicial reforms: Understanding the role and efficacy of specialized courts in reducing pendency.
• Gender justice: Explores issues affecting victims’ access to timely justice.
• Policy evaluation: Analyses gaps between legislative intent and ground realities.
• Public administration: Highlights challenges in resource allocation, training, and system efficiency.

Proposed measures for speeding up trials

• Enhanced capacity building with specialised training modules for judges and police.
• Use of technology like digital evidence management and video testimonies to ease process.
• Increased victim witness protection and witness assistance programs.
• Systematic monthly progress monitoring and transparent reporting to identify bottlenecks.

Social and legal implications

• Delay in justice delivery leads to trauma and disillusionment among victims.
• Perpetrators remain free longer, potentially escalating repeated crimes.
• Public confidence in the criminal justice system suffers, affecting societal stability.

Conclusion

While Fast Track Special Courts show promise as an institutional mechanism for expediting justice, systemic challenges hamper their effectiveness. Addressing judicial capacity, infrastructure, and victim support will be vital for the courts to fulfill their mandate. This topic is crucial for understanding judicial processes, gender justice frameworks, and public policy outcomes, making it highly relevant for competitive exams focusing on governance and social issues.

Supreme Court Quashes Reservation for Women in Army’s Judge Advocate General (JAG) Branch

On 14 August 2025, the Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment striking down the reservation policy that allocated 10% of posts in the Army’s Judge Advocate General (JAG) branch specifically for women officers. The apex court mandated that recruitment and promotions in the JAG branch must follow a single merit list without any partial reservations based on gender.

Background of the Case

The JAG branch is an essential part of the Indian Armed Forces that provides legal advice, prosecution services, and judicial support during court-martials. In 2018, the Ministry of Defence had introduced a policy reserving 10% of JAG slots for women officers, aiming to increase female representation in the military legal services. However, a few officers challenged this policy in court, arguing that it compromised the merit-based promotion system critical to the armed forces’ operational efficiency and discipline.

Court’s Reasoning and Decision

• The Supreme Court upheld the principle of a single merit list, emphasizing that all appointments should be based solely on competence, qualification, and performance.
• It held that the military operates under unique conditions where unit cohesion, chain of command, and operational readiness require strict adherence to meritocracy.
• The court acknowledged the constitutional provision of equality under Article 16, but noted that the armed forces have special exemptions under Article 33 of the Constitution that allow for distinct personnel policies.
• The judges raised concerns that reserving quotas based on gender might inadvertently weaken command structures and affect collective discipline.
• It concluded that merit-based selection ensures not only fairness but also enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of the armed services.

Implications of the Judgment

• The Ministry of Defence was directed to revise recruitment and promotion rules for the JAG branch, removing any gender-based reservations.
• All appointments henceforth will be made strictly on a merit basis, ensuring fair competition among all candidates.
• The ruling underlines the importance of balancing gender inclusivity goals with the unique operational demands of the armed forces.
• This judgment sets a precedent for handling affirmative action policies within defence services, potentially influencing future debates on reservation in various military branches.

Importance for Exams

• This case highlights the interplay between constitutional rights (equality and reservation) and special provisions for the armed forces, a key topic in Polity and Governance.
• It brings forth the role of judiciary in interpreting and balancing competing interests relating to affirmative action and operational necessity.
• Understanding this judgment contributes to discussions on civil-military relations, gender justice, and administrative law in the context of Indian defence services.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s decision to annul the reservation policy for women in the JAG branch underscores the principle that in certain critical institutions like the armed forces, meritocracy and operational cohesion must guide selection processes. While the judgment affirms gender equality, it also recognizes the distinctive requirements of military service, emphasizing a pragmatic approach to affirmative action within defence frameworks.

Government Approves Four New Semiconductor Manufacturing Plants in India

On 12 August 2025, the Indian government, under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), approved four new semiconductor manufacturing projects with a total investment of approximately ₹4,600 crore (about US$524 million). These projects will be located across three states—Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh—and together are expected to create over 2,000 skilled jobs while significantly strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Background and Importance

The global semiconductor shortage experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted India’s heavy reliance on imports for chip requirements, with domestic production accounting for a negligible share. Recognizing semiconductors as vital components for electronics, automobiles, telecommunications, defence, and advanced technologies such as AI and IoT, the Indian government launched the ISM to boost self-reliance and develop a robust domestic chip manufacturing industry. Approving these new projects is a critical step toward reducing import dependence and positioning India as a competitive player in the global semiconductor value chain.

Details of the New Projects

• SiCSem Private Limited (Odisha): This project will establish the country’s first commercial compound semiconductor fabrication plant focused on Silicon Carbide (SiC) devices. SiC semiconductors are crucial for high-performance applications in electric vehicles, defence equipment, fast chargers, and renewable energy systems. The facility, located in Info Valley, Bhubaneswar, will have an annual capacity of 60,000 wafers and packaging capacity of 96 million units.
• 3D Glass Solutions Inc. (Odisha): Also based in Bhubaneswar, this company will establish an advanced packaging and embedded glass substrate manufacturing facility, enabling superior semiconductor device integration.
• Continental Device India Private Limited (Punjab): The firm will expand its discrete semiconductor manufacturing operations in Mohali, Punjab. The focus will be on producing high-power devices such as MOSFETs, IGBTs, and Schottky diodes using Silicon and Silicon Carbide technologies with an annual production capacity exceeding 158 million units.
• ASIP Technologies (Andhra Pradesh): In partnership with South Korea’s APACT Co. Ltd., ASIP will set up a manufacturing plant in Andhra Pradesh with an annual capacity of 96 million units. The chips produced will cater to applications in mobile phones, automotive electronics, set-top boxes, and other consumer devices.

Strategic and Economic Impact

• These new plants complement six previously sanctioned projects under ISM, bringing the total number of semiconductor manufacturing projects to ten, with combined investments of around ₹1.60 lakh crore (US$18.23 billion).
• The initiatives are expected to generate a wave of direct and indirect employment opportunities, skill development, and deepen India’s participation in critical global supply chains.
• The establishment of a compound semiconductor fab and advanced packaging facility addresses gaps in high-value chip manufacturing, supporting industries like electric vehicles, renewable energy, aerospace, and defence.
• Strengthening the domestic semiconductor supply chain contributes to national security by ensuring availability of trusted chips for sensitive applications.

Timeline and Implementation

• Production from these new units is expected to begin within the next two to three years, adding to India’s growing manufacturing base.
• Infrastructure development, machinery installation, and preparatory validation will be conducted in phases during this period.
• Government support includes financial incentives, design infrastructure facilities for startups and academic institutions, and regulatory facilitation by authorities like MeitY and IN-SPACe.

Exam Relevance

• Highlights India’s push for technological self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in strategic sectors.
• Connects with topics on industrial policy, Make in India, and public-private partnerships.
• Reflects the integration of science and technology with economic growth and national security.
• Demonstrates the role of government missions in shaping sectoral ecosystems and innovation capabilities.

Conclusion

The approval of these four semiconductor plants is a significant milestone in India’s semiconductor journey. By expanding manufacturing capabilities across key states and focusing on advanced technologies like Silicon Carbide semiconductors and advanced packaging, India is laying the groundwork for a resilient and competitive semiconductor industry. This progress will reduce import dependence, generate skilled jobs, and enhance technological sovereignty, all of which are critical as India steps into a new frontier of digital and industrial transformation.