06 MAY 2025

Supreme Court Mandates Public Declaration of Judges’ Assets: A Landmark Step for Transparency

In a historic move aimed at boosting transparency and public confidence in the Indian judiciary, the Supreme Court of India has now made it mandatory for its judges to publicly declare their assets and liabilities on the court’s official website.

This significant decision was taken during a Full Court meeting (a meeting of all judges of the Supreme Court) on April 1, 2025, presided over by the Chief Justice of India (CJI), Sanjiv Khanna. Following this, the asset declarations of 21 out of the 33 serving Supreme Court judges, including CJI Khanna and other senior judges in line for the CJI’s office, were uploaded on the court’s website on May 6, 2025. The court has stated that the asset details of the remaining judges will be uploaded as they are received.

Key Highlights of the Development:

• Mandatory Disclosure: Unlike the previous system where judges submitted their asset details confidentially to the CJI, this information will now be accessible to the public.
• Scope of Declaration: The declarations include details of various assets such as real estate (flats, ancestral property, agricultural land), financial investments (Fixed Deposits, Public Provident Fund, shares, mutual funds), vehicles, jewellery, and loans. The assets of the judges’ spouses and dependents are also part of the disclosure.
• Driving Force: This move is seen as a proactive step by the judiciary to enhance transparency, especially in light of recent controversies, such as the inquiry related to the alleged recovery of cash from the official residence of a High Court judge.

Evolution of Asset Declaration for Judges:

The journey towards public disclosure of judges’ assets has been gradual:

• 1997 Resolution: A Full Court Resolution on May 7, 1997, first required judges to declare their assets to the Chief Justice of India. However, this was an internal mechanism and the information was not public.
• 2009 Voluntary Disclosure: Over a decade later, in 2009, another Full Court Resolution decided to put the asset details of judges on the Supreme Court website, but this was on a voluntary basis.
• Role of RTI:
  • In 2009, the Delhi High Court ruled that the asset declarations made by Supreme Court judges under the 1997 resolution constituted “information” under Section 2(f) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
  • In 2019, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court upheld this, stating that disclosing judges’ assets would not infringe upon their personal information or right to privacy if it served a larger public interest. Notably, the current CJI, Sanjiv Khanna (then a Justice), had authored the main judgment for this Bench.

Details from Disclosed Assets:

The publicly available information provides insights into the financial holdings of the judges. For instance:

• CJI Sanjiv Khanna has declared a DDA flat, a share in an ancestral property, investments, and a car.
• CJI-designate Justice B.R. Gavai has disclosed inherited property, apartments, agricultural lands, and various investments.
• Other judges have declared assets ranging from residential properties and vehicle loans to significant investments reflecting their careers, including those elevated directly from the Bar like Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice K.V. Viswanathan.

This mandatory public declaration of assets by Supreme Court judges marks a new chapter in India’s judicial landscape, reinforcing the commitment to transparency and accountability, which are cornerstones of a robust democracy.

World Asthma Day 2025: Focusing on Accessible Inhaled Treatments for All

World Asthma Day is observed globally every year on the second Tuesday of May. In 2025, it falls on May 6th. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about asthma, a long-term respiratory condition that affects millions worldwide, and highlighting the need for better care and control.

The theme for World Asthma Day 2025, chosen by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), is “Make inhaled treatments accessible for ALL”. This theme underscores the critical importance of ensuring that everyone diagnosed with asthma has access to essential inhaled medications. These medications are vital for both managing the disease daily and treating sudden asthma attacks.

Understanding Asthma:

• Asthma is a chronic (long-term) respiratory disease.
• It causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways in the lungs.
• The airways can also swell and produce extra mucus.
• This makes it difficult to breathe, leading to symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
• While asthma is manageable with proper treatment, it can significantly impact quality of life and can even be fatal if not controlled.

Global Burden of Asthma:

• According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and GINA, asthma affects over 260 million people globally.
• In 2019 alone, asthma was responsible for an estimated 455,000 deaths worldwide.
• A significant portion of these deaths are preventable with proper management and access to treatment.
• Asthma is one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

History and Significance of World Asthma Day:

• The first World Asthma Day was observed in 1998.
• It was an initiative by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) in conjunction with the first World Asthma Meeting in Barcelona, Spain, and was celebrated in over 35 countries.
• Since then, participation has grown significantly, making it one of the most important global asthma awareness and education events.
• Significance of the Day:
  • Raises public awareness about asthma, its triggers, prevention, and management.
  • Advocates for better government and healthcare policies to improve access to essential asthma medicines and care.
  • Promotes community engagement through various activities like free screening clinics, educational programs in schools, and awareness campaigns.
  • Empowers patients with knowledge to manage their condition effectively.

The 2025 Theme: “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for ALL”

This year’s theme is particularly relevant as access to essential inhaled medicines remains a major challenge globally:

• Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are crucial for controlling the underlying inflammation in asthma and preventing attacks.
• Reliever medications are necessary for treating acute asthma attacks.
• Disparities in Access:
  • In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the lack of availability or high cost of inhaled medicines (especially ICS-containing inhalers) is a major factor contributing to the high burden of asthma-related deaths. GINA notes that 96% of global asthma deaths occur in these countries.
  • Even in high-income countries, high costs can limit access for many individuals, leading to poorly controlled asthma and preventable deaths.
• Call to Action: GINA calls upon policymakers, governments, healthcare payers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and suppliers to increase efforts to make these essential inhaled treatments available and affordable for everyone with asthma, irrespective of their geographical location or socio-economic status.

Relevance for India:

• India faces a significant burden of asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases. Studies have indicated that India contributes substantially to global asthma cases and deaths.
• Challenges in India include underdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, lack of awareness, social stigma associated with asthma and inhaler use, and issues with accessibility and affordability of sustained medication.
• The theme of accessible treatment is crucial for India to reduce its asthma-related morbidity and mortality, aligning with national health goals to tackle NCDs.

India on Track to Become World’s 4th Largest Economy in 2025, Surpassing Japan: IMF

India is set to achieve a major economic milestone by becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy in 2025, overtaking Japan, according to the latest projections from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its April 2025 World Economic Outlook report. This ascent highlights India’s robust growth trajectory amidst a shifting global economic landscape.

Key Projections & Rankings:

• India’s Rise to 4th Position: The IMF forecasts India’s nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to reach approximately $4.187 trillion in 2025. This would place it marginally ahead of Japan, whose nominal GDP is projected to be around $4.186 trillion.
  • In 2024, India was the fifth-largest economy with a GDP of $3.9 trillion, while Japan stood at $4.1 trillion.
• Future Growth: India is expected to continue its upward climb. By 2028, its GDP is projected to reach $5.58 trillion, making it the third-largest economy globally by surpassing Germany.
  • By 2030, India’s economy is anticipated to be 20% larger than Germany’s (at $6.8 trillion) and over 33% larger than Japan’s.
• Top Economies: The United States is projected to remain the world’s largest economy with a GDP of around $30.5 trillion in 2025, followed by China at approximately $19.2 trillion.
• Germany’s Outlook: Germany, currently the fourth-largest (soon to be overtaken by India for this spot before India targets its 3rd spot position), is expected to have a nominal GDP of about $4.74 trillion in 2025. The IMF projects zero growth for Germany in 2025, with its GDP estimated to reach $5.25 trillion by 2028.

What’s Driving India’s Growth?

• Fastest-Growing Major Economy: India is projected to remain the fastest-growing major economy, with a growth rate expected to be above 6% (around 6.2% to 6.3%) in 2025 and 2026.
  • This is despite a slight downward revision of 0.3% for 2025 from the IMF’s January 2025 estimates, attributed to higher trade tensions and global uncertainty.
• Strong Domestic Demand: Robust private consumption, particularly in rural areas, is a significant contributor to this growth.
• Favourable Demographics (Demographic Dividend): India’s relatively younger population provides a larger workforce compared to ageing economies like Japan. This “population age equation” offers a distinct advantage.
• Structural Reforms: Ongoing reforms aimed at boosting productivity and improving the investment climate are also underpinning India’s economic potential.

Contrasting Fortunes: Challenges for Other Major Economies

• Japan: Japan’s economy is expected to see muted growth of just 0.6% in 2025 and 2026. This is attributed to:
  • A slowdown in global trade impacting its export-driven economy.
  • Ageing population and a shrinking workforce, posing long-term structural challenges.
  • The IMF recently downgraded Japan’s 2025 growth projection from 1.1% (January forecast) due to the negative impact of increased tariffs.
• Germany & Euro Area: Germany is anticipated to be among the worst-affected European economies due to trade tensions, with zero growth projected for 2025, followed by a modest 0.9% recovery in 2026. The wider Euro Area is also likely to see sluggish growth of around 0.8% in 2025, picking up slightly to 1.2% in 2026.
• United States: While remaining the largest economy, the US is showing signs of a slowdown, with growth forecast to dip to 1.8% this year and 1.7% in 2026.

Boost to Naval Might: India Successfully Tests Indigenous Underwater Mine

In a significant demonstration of its growing indigenous defence capabilities, India has successfully conducted a combat firing trial of an indigenously designed and developed underwater Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM). The test was jointly carried out by the Indian Navy and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

This successful trial marks a crucial step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in the critical area of underwater defence technology and significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s underwater combat capabilities and operational preparedness.

What is a Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM)?

• A ground mine is an underwater explosive weapon that is placed on the seabed in strategically important areas like enemy harbours, approaches to naval bases, or critical sea routes.
• It is designed to detect and destroy enemy naval assets such as submarines and ships.
• The “Multi-Influence” aspect is key to its advanced nature. This means the mine is equipped with multiple sophisticated sensors that can detect various signatures or characteristics of a passing vessel. These can include:
  • Acoustic signature: The noise generated by a ship’s propellers and machinery.
  • Magnetic signature: The metallic hull of a vessel creates a magnetic disturbance.
  • Pressure signature: A vessel passing overhead causes changes in water pressure.
  • It may also include sensors for other influences like UEP/ELFE (Underwater Electric Potential/Extra Low-Frequency Electromagnetic) signatures.
• By using multiple triggers, MIGMs are more difficult to counter or sweep compared to older generation mines that might rely on a single trigger (like direct contact). They offer enhanced stealth, precision, and autonomous response.

Key Details of the Test and Development:

• The successful test firing validated the mine’s effectiveness in a simulated combat scenario.
• The MIGM has been designed and developed by DRDO, with the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam being the lead laboratory. Other DRDO labs like the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune, and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh, also contributed.
• Production partners for the system include Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Visakhapatnam, and Apollo Microsystems Limited, Hyderabad, showcasing a collaborative effort between public and private sector industries.

Centre Greenlights New Airports for Puri and Kota, Boosting Connectivity & Development

In a significant move to enhance air connectivity and foster regional development, the Central Government has granted site clearance approval for the establishment of two new Greenfield airports – one in Puri, Odisha, and another in Kota, Rajasthan. This decision, announced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on May 6, 2025, is expected to provide a major fillip to tourism, industry, and overall economic growth in these regions.

Understanding Greenfield Airports:

A Greenfield airport is an aviation facility built from scratch on a new, undeveloped site. This is in contrast to a “Brownfield” project, which involves renovating or expanding an existing airport. Greenfield projects allow for modern planning and design from the outset, incorporating the latest technology and infrastructure standards. The development of such airports in India is guided by the Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy, 2008, which outlines a two-stage approval process: ‘Site Clearance’ followed by ‘In-Principle’ approval.

Puri International Airport: A Boost for Pilgrim Tourism in Odisha

• Objective: The proposed international airport in Puri aims to cater to the massive influx of pilgrims and tourists visiting the Shree Jagannath Puri Temple, one of India’s Char Dhams, as well as the region’s popular beaches. It is envisioned to significantly enhance direct connectivity to this spiritual and cultural hub.
• Development & Investment:
  • The Government of Odisha will be responsible for developing the airport.
  • Approximately 1164 acres of land have been identified for the project.
  • The estimated cost for the first phase of development is around ₹2,203 crore.
• Significance for Odisha: This project is a landmark development for Odisha, promising to transform Puri into a global spiritual destination, generate employment, and stimulate economic activities in the surrounding areas.

Kota Airport: Enhancing Connectivity for an Industrial & Educational Hub

• Need for a New Airport: The existing airport in Kota has limitations, including a restricted runway length and surrounding habitations, making expansion difficult and rendering it unsuitable for larger aircraft operations.
• Objective: The new Greenfield airport will provide much-needed air connectivity to Kota, a major industrial centre and a renowned coaching hub for students across India. It is expected to cater to Code ‘C’ type aircraft, such as the Airbus A-320.
• Development: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will develop the new airport in Kota.
• Significance for Rajasthan: This development will improve business travel, support the educational ecosystem, and contribute to the economic growth of the Hadoti region.

Gaganyaan Mission in Final Stretch: India Eyes First Human Spaceflight by Early 2027

India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission, the country’s maiden human spaceflight program, has entered its crucial final phase, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) targeting the first quarter of 2027 for launching Indian astronauts into orbit. This was confirmed by ISRO Chairman S. Somanath and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, highlighting significant progress in this prestigious national endeavour.

About the Gaganyaan Mission:

• Objective: The primary goal of Gaganyaan is to demonstrate India’s capability to send a human crew of up to three members to a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) of 400 km for a mission lasting up to three days, and then safely bring them back to Earth, landing in Indian sea waters.
• Key Technologies: The mission involves several critical indigenous technologies, including:
  • A human-rated LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark 3), which is ISRO’s heavy-lift rocket, modified for human safety standards.
  • An Orbital Module comprising a Crew Module (CM) where the astronauts will be housed, and a Service Module (SM) providing necessary support.
  • A reliable Crew Escape System (CES) to ensure astronaut safety in case of any launch anomalies.
  • Advanced Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) to maintain habitable conditions within the Crew Module.

Current Status and Preparations:

• Final Phase: The mission is currently in its final leg of preparations, with various systems undergoing rigorous testing and integration.
• Test Flights are Key: Before the actual human flight (H1 mission), ISRO is conducting a series of uncrewed test flights to validate all systems.
  • The Test Vehicle Demonstration 1 (TV-D1) mission, an uncrewed test flight for the Crew Escape System, was successfully conducted earlier this year.
  • The second Test Vehicle mission (TV-D2) is slated for later in 2025.
  • These will be followed by uncrewed Gaganyaan orbital flights (like G1 and G2). One of these uncrewed missions will carry ‘Vyommitra’, a female half-humanoid robot developed by ISRO, to simulate human functions and test system performance in space.
• Astronaut Training: The four astronaut-designates, Indian Air Force pilots Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu1 Shukla, have completed their generic spaceflight training in Russia and are currently undergoing mission-specific training in India at ISRO’s facilities.

India Acts to Halt Hong Kong Auction of Sacred Buddhist Relics

The Government of India has taken swift action to prevent the auction of highly revered Buddhist relics by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong, scheduled for May 7, 2025. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) are actively working to stop the sale and seek the return of these sacred items.

What are the Relics in Question?

• The auction lot, reportedly titled “The Sakyamuni Buddha — Seven Sacred Relics and an Imperial Edict Scroll,” includes seven bone fragments claimed to be from the mortal remains of Buddha Sakyamuni.
• These relics are considered to be of immense spiritual and historical significance to Buddhists worldwide.
• The lot also contains other artifacts, including an imperial edict scroll by Chinese Emperor Qianlong dating back to 1757.
• The collection was expected to fetch between HK$40 million and HK$60 million.

India’s Concerns and Actions:

• Sacred Nature: India strongly objects to the commercialization of items that are of profound religious importance. These are not mere artifacts but are viewed as sacred body relics of the Buddha.
• Provenance and Ownership: The relics were reportedly excavated in 1898 by British colonial landowner William Claxton Peppé from a stupa at Piprahwa, in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India (a site widely identified with ancient Kapilavastu). While a portion of the original find was gifted to the King of Siam (Thailand) and some are in the Indian Museum, Kolkata (classified as ‘AA’ antiquities, making their sale or removal from India illegal), the items up for auction were reportedly retained by Peppé’s descendants, now a Japanese private collector. India is questioning the authority of the current possessor to sell these items.
• Legal and Diplomatic Measures:
  • The Ministry of Culture has issued a legal notice to Sotheby’s Hong Kong and the family of William Claxton Peppé, demanding an immediate halt to the auction and the repatriation of the relics to India.
  • The ASI has formally requested the Consulate General of India in Hong Kong to take up the matter with local authorities.
  • The MEA is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts. The Union Culture Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, reportedly raised the issue with his UK counterpart, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, during a bilateral meeting.
  • The Financial Investigation Unit (FIU) has also been asked to coordinate with its counterpart in Hong Kong to highlight the illegality of the auction.
• Violation of Laws and Conventions: India contends that the auction violates Indian and international laws, as well as United Nations conventions concerning cultural heritage.

Why is this Intervention Significant?

• Protection of Cultural and Religious Heritage: This action underscores India’s unwavering commitment to protecting its invaluable cultural and religious heritage, which has a global significance, especially in the context of Buddhism.
• Ethical Stance: It highlights the ethical concerns surrounding the trade and commodification of sacred objects that hold deep spiritual meaning for millions.
• Custodianship of Buddhist Legacy: India, as the birthplace of Buddhism, sees itself as a custodian of Buddhist traditions and heritage. This intervention reinforces that role.
• International Cooperation: The issue brings to the forefront the need for international cooperation in preventing the illicit trafficking of cultural property and ensuring the respectful treatment of such items. While specific conventions might not be explicitly cited in initial reports, the spirit of UNESCO’s 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural1 Property often guides such interventions.

Sotheby’s has reportedly acknowledged the legal notice and assured that the matter is receiving their full attention. The Indian government remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure these sacred relics are not auctioned and are returned to their rightful context, preserving their sanctity and historical value.

WHO Report: Health Inequities Slash Lifespans by Over 30 Years in Poorer Nations

A stark new report from the World Health Organization (WHO), titled the “World report on social determinants of health equity” and launched on May 6, 2025, reveals a grim reality: health inequities are drastically shortening lives in poorer countries. People in low-income nations live, on average, 33 years less than their counterparts in high-income countries. This significant gap underscores the profound impact of social and economic factors on global health outcomes.

Key Findings Highlighting Global Disparities:

The WHO report paints a sobering picture of these inequities:

• Life Expectancy Chasm: A staggering 33-year difference in average life expectancy exists between people born in the country with the highest life expectancy and those in the country with the lowest.
• Child Mortality: Children born in low-income countries are 13 times more likely to die before reaching the age of five compared to children in high-income countries. The WHO estimates that if wealth-related inequality within low-and-middle-income countries were eliminated, the lives of 1.8 million children could potentially be saved annually.
• Maternal Mortality: Despite a 40% global decline in maternal mortality between 2000 and 2023, an overwhelming 94% of maternal deaths still occur in low and lower-middle-income countries.
• Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): These diseases, often associated with lifestyle, disproportionately affect poorer populations who may lack access to preventative care and treatment.
• Road Traffic Injuries: These are a leading cause of death among youth, particularly in low-income countries.
• Mental Health: Higher rates of depression and other mental health conditions are often observed in poorer populations, exacerbated by stress, lack of opportunity, and inadequate access to mental healthcare.
• Social Protection Gap: An estimated 3.8 billion people worldwide lack adequate social protection coverage, such as child benefits or paid sick leave, directly impacting their health.
• Debt Burden: The report notes that the total value of interest payments made by the world’s 75 poorest countries has quadrupled over the past decade, crippling their capacity to invest in essential social determinants of health.

What are Health Inequities and Their Root Causes?

Health inequities refer to unfair, avoidable, and remediable differences in health status observed both within and between countries. These are not random but are systematically produced by differences in socioeconomic position and other factors.

The WHO report emphasizes that our health and well-being depend on much more than just genetics and access to healthcare. The social determinants of health play a crucial role. These include:

• Economic Stability: Poverty, income inequality, lack of employment opportunities.
• Education Access and Quality: Lower levels of education are linked to poorer health outcomes.
• Healthcare Access and Quality: Unequal access to affordable, quality healthcare services, including preventative care and treatment.
• Neighborhood and Built Environment: Lack of safe housing, clean water, sanitation, and exposure to pollution.
• Social and Community Context: Discrimination (based on race, gender, etc.), social isolation, conflict, and lack of social support.

 

 

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