05 MAY 2025

India Restricts Chenab Water Flow Amid IWT Suspension

Following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians (mostly tourists), India has taken several significant steps against Pakistan. One major action involves the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and the flow of river water.

What has happened?

• India has temporarily stopped or restricted the flow of water to Pakistan from the Baglihar Dam, located on the Chenab River in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir.
• This was reportedly done by lowering the gates of the sluice spillways.
• Similar measures are also being considered for the Kishanganga Dam on the Kishanganga River (a tributary of the Jhelum River) in North Kashmir.
• Reservoir flushing operations (to remove silt) being conducted at Baglihar and Salal dams (also on Chenab), activities previously restricted under the IWT, signaling India operating outside the treaty’s constraints post-suspension.

Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT):

• Crucially, this action follows India’s decision announced on April 24, 2025, to hold the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in “abeyance” (temporary suspension).
• India stated this suspension will continue “until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.”
• Pakistan has strongly reacted, terming the suspension an “act of war” and stating it is exploring legal options.

Understanding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT):

• Signed: 1960, between India and Pakistan.
• Brokered by: The World Bank.
• Purpose: Governs the sharing and utilization of waters from the Indus River system.
• Key Provisions:
  • Allocates the Eastern Rivers (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi) to India for unrestricted use.
  • Allocates the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan.
  • India is permitted limited use of Western Rivers for specific purposes like domestic use, agriculture, and run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects (like Baglihar and Kishanganga), which have minimal storage capacity as per treaty constraints.
• Significance: The IWT has largely held for over 60 years despite conflicts, providing a framework for water sharing. Pakistan is heavily dependent on the Indus system waters allocated to it under the treaty.

Dams in Focus:

• Baglihar Dam: A 900 MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric project on the Chenab. Its design and construction were previously contested by Pakistan, leading to World Bank arbitration which largely upheld India’s right to build it with some modifications.
• Kishanganga Dam: A 330 MW run-of-the-river project on the Kishanganga tributary of the Jhelum. It involves diverting water through a tunnel. This project also faced arbitration sought by Pakistan, with the court largely ruling in India’s favour while specifying minimum flow requirements.

Broader Implications & Other Actions:

• Restricting water flow, even temporarily, marks a significant departure from established treaty norms and signals India’s hardening stance.
• While India’s current infrastructure (run-of-the-river dams) limits its ability to completely halt water flow to Pakistan immediately, the suspension of the IWT potentially allows India to pursue future projects (like building more storage or accelerating stalled projects) without adhering to treaty constraints and notification periods.
• India has also taken other punitive measures against Pakistan since the attack, including:
  • Banning all imports (direct and indirect) from Pakistan.
  • Prohibiting Pakistani-flagged ships from Indian ports and vice-versa.
  • Suspending postal services.
  • Closing its airspace to Pakistani airlines.
  • Closing the Attari-Wagah land border crossing.
  • Revoking visas for Pakistani nationals.
  • Diplomatic downgrades.

India Launches World’s First Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

India has achieved a significant global milestone in agricultural science by becoming the first country in the world to develop and launch genome-edited rice varieties. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced this achievement in New Delhi.

The Achievement:

• Two new genome-edited rice varieties, developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), were launched.
• These varieties are seen as a major step towards climate-resilient agriculture and boosting food production.
• The Minister hailed this as a “historic milestone” contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Understanding Genome Editing:

• These rice varieties were developed using genome editing technology, specifically CRISPR-Cas based tools.
• Genome editing involves making precise changes to an organism’s existing genetic material (DNA) without introducing foreign DNA.
• Crucial Distinction: This is different from traditional Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), which often involve inserting genes from other species.
• Regulatory Aspect: Because no foreign DNA is involved, these varieties fall under India’s biosafety guidelines for SDN 1 and SDN 2 (Site-Directed Nuclease) categories. This means they are often regulated similar to conventionally bred crop varieties, bypassing the stringent regulations typically applied to GMOs.

Details of the New Varieties:

1. DRR Dhan 100 Kamala (or DRR Rice 100 Kamala):
   • Developed by: ICAR-Indian Rice Research Institute (IIRR), Hyderabad.
   • Derived from: Popular variety Samba Mahsuri.
   • Key Benefits:
     • Matures 15-20 days earlier (around 130 days total).
     • Yields 25% higher production (approx.).
     • Saves irrigation water and fertilizer due to shorter duration.
     • Reduces methane emissions (a greenhouse gas).
     • Has strong stalks and retains the grain quality of Samba Mahsuri.
2. Pusa DST Rice 1:
   • Developed by: ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi.
   • Derived from: Popular variety MTU 1010.
   • Key Benefits:
     • Tolerant to salinity and alkalinity (thrives in salty/alkaline soils).
     • Yields 30% higher production under saline conditions (potential for up to 20% higher yields in challenging environments).

Significance and Potential Impact:

• Higher Yields: Cultivation on the recommended 5 million hectares could produce an additional 4.5 million tonnes of paddy.
• Climate Resilience: Addresses challenges like soil salinity and helps adapt to changing climate patterns.
• Resource Efficiency: Early maturation saves water and fertilizers.
• Environmental Benefits: Reduced water usage and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
• Farmer Welfare: Lower production costs and increased yields can contribute to doubling farmers’ income.
• Food Security: Helps meet the nutritional demands of India’s growing population.
• Second Green Revolution: ICAR believes these varieties could play a key role in ushering in a new era of agricultural productivity.

Government Strategy & Vision:

• The Agriculture Minister introduced the “Minus 5 and Plus 10” formula:
  • Aim: Reduce the area under rice cultivation by 5 million hectares.
  • Simultaneously: Increase total rice production by 10 million tonnes (using high-yield varieties like these).
  • Objective: Free up land for cultivating essential pulses and oilseeds, thereby enhancing nutritional security and reducing India’s import dependency.
• This aligns with the goal of making India Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) in agriculture and potentially the “food basket of the world”.

Target States:

• These varieties are recommended for cultivation across a wide range of states, including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Jharkhand.

DRDO Successfully Tests Stratospheric Airship for Enhanced Surveillance

ndia’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the maiden flight trial of its indigenous Stratospheric Airship Platform, marking a significant advancement in the country’s surveillance technology.

The Event:

• The first flight test took place on May 3, 2025, at the Sheopur trial site in Madhya Pradesh.
• The airship was developed by DRDO’s Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
• During the trial, the airship carried an instrumental payload and reached an altitude of approximately 17 kilometers, well into the Earth’s stratosphere.
• The flight lasted for about 62 minutes.

What is a Stratospheric Airship?

• An airship is a lighter-than-air aircraft that uses buoyant gas (like helium) to float and can be steered and propelled. Think of it as a steerable balloon.
• The stratosphere is a layer of Earth’s atmosphere extending roughly from 10 km to 50 km altitude. It lies above the troposphere (where weather occurs) and most commercial air traffic.
• A Stratospheric Airship Platform is designed to operate at these high altitudes for very long endurance periods (potentially days or weeks).
• Advantages: Operating in the stratosphere provides a stable environment (above weather) and a high vantage point, making it ideal for persistent observation and surveillance over large areas.

Details of the Trial:

• Data Collection: Sensors onboard collected data during the flight, which will be used to develop better simulation models for future high-altitude missions.
• Systems Tested: Key systems like envelope pressure control and emergency deflation mechanisms were successfully tested during the flight.
• Recovery: The trial team successfully recovered the airship after the flight for further analysis.

Significance and Strategic Importance:

• Enhanced Capabilities: This platform is expected to significantly boost India’s capabilities in:
  • Earth Observation.
  • Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) for defence purposes.
• Indigenous Achievement: This successful trial places India among a select group of countries possessing such advanced, indigenous high-altitude airship technology.
• Long Endurance Surveillance: The key benefit lies in its potential to stay airborne for extended durations, providing continuous monitoring capabilities unlike traditional aircraft or drones which have limited flight times.
• National Security: Development of such platforms enhances India’s strategic autonomy and situational awareness.

9 Years of PM Ujjwala Yojana: Impact on Clean Fuel Access & Women Empowerment

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), a flagship scheme of the Indian government, completed nine successful years on May 1, 2025. Launched in May 2016, the scheme aims to provide clean cooking fuel (LPG) to households, especially benefiting women from poor families.

Objective of PMUY:

• To provide deposit-free LPG connections to adult women from economically weaker households.
• To replace unhealthy traditional cooking fuels like firewood, coal, and cow-dung cakes with clean LPG.
• To safeguard the health of women and children by reducing indoor air pollution.
• To empower women by reducing the drudgery associated with collecting firewood.
• To contribute to environmental sustainability.

Key Achievements and Statistics (as of early 2025):

• Beneficiaries: Over 10.33 crore households have received PMUY connections.
• Total LPG Coverage: India now has 32.94 crore active domestic LPG consumers, with PMUY beneficiaries forming a significant portion.
• Sustained Usage: Over 238 crore cylinder refills have been availed by beneficiaries over the nine years, indicating sustained adoption of LPG. (Specifically, 8.34 crore out of 8.99 crore beneficiaries connected by April 2022 took at least one refill between April 2022-March 2024).
• Increased Consumption: The annual per capita consumption of LPG among PMUY beneficiaries has steadily increased, reaching 4.43 cylinders (14.2 kg) as of March 1, 2025, up from 3.01 cylinders in FY 2019-20.
• Infrastructure Boost: The LPG distributor network has significantly expanded, especially in rural areas.
  • Total distributors increased by 83% (from 13,896 in 2014 to 25,481 in 2024).
  • Rural distributors increased by 161% (from 6,724 in 2014 to 17,560 in 2024).

Expansion through Ujjwala 2.0:

• Launched in August 2021 to cover remaining households.
• Achieved initial target of 1 crore connections by Jan 2022.
• Expanded further, reaching 1.60 crore connections under Ujjwala 2.0 by Dec 2022.
• Latest phase approved release of 75 lakh more connections (target achieved July 2024).
• Special Provision: Migrant families can avail connections using simple self-declaration, without needing formal Proof of Address or Ration Card.

Impact and Benefits:

• Improved Health: Significant reduction in respiratory illnesses associated with indoor air pollution from traditional fuels.
• Women Empowerment: Reduced time and physical effort spent on collecting firewood, freeing up women’s time for education, skill development, or income-generating activities.
• Environmental Protection: Decreased reliance on firewood helps reduce deforestation and conserve the environment.
• Better Nutrition: Easier and faster cooking facilitates the preparation of more diverse and nutritious meals.

Affordability & Global Context:

• The government provides subsidies to make LPG affordable for PMUY beneficiaries. The effective price was cited as significantly lower than in neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal as of early 2025.

Top Performing States (Beneficiaries):

1. Uttar Pradesh (1.85 crore)
2. West Bengal (1.23 crore)
3. Bihar (1.16 crore)
4. Madhya Pradesh (88.4 Lakh)
5. Rajasthan (73.83 Lakh)

International Recognition:

• The scheme has received praise from international bodies like the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for its positive impact on health, environment, and women’s lives.

Bihar Hosts 7th Khelo India Youth Games: Boosting India’s Sporting Future

The 7th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conference on May 4, 2025. This marks a significant moment as Bihar is hosting this major multi-disciplinary national sporting event for the first time. The games serve as a crucial platform for young athletes and reflect the growing importance of sports in India’s development journey.

Key Highlights of KIYG 2025

• Host State: Bihar (First time)
• Host Cities: Patna, Nalanda (Rajgir), Gaya, Bhagalpur, Begusarai. (Note: Shooting, Gymnastics, and Track Cycling events are being held in New Delhi).
• Duration: May 4 to May 15, 2025.
• Participants: Over 8,500 young athletes from across India are participating.
• Sports Disciplines: The games feature 27 medal sports, including newly added Sepaktakraw. Esports is also included as a demonstration event, highlighting the inclusion of modern sports trends.

Understanding the Khelo India Initiative

• The Khelo India scheme, launched in 2017-18 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is a flagship programme aimed at achieving the twin objectives of mass participation and promotion of excellence in sports.
• It focuses on identifying and nurturing talent at the grassroots level, primarily targeting under-17 school students and under-21 college students.
• Key components include the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG), University Games, Winter Games, and Para Games, creating a year-round competitive environment.
• The scheme provides financial assistance (scholarships) and support for training to promising athletes.
• Infrastructure development is key, with over 1,000 Khelo India Centres established nationwide, including 38 centres across all districts in Bihar.

Breakthrough: Indian Scientists Create Metal-Free Catalyst for Green Hydrogen Production

In a major scientific achievement with significant implications for clean energy, researchers in India have developed a novel, metal-free catalyst capable of producing hydrogen (H₂) fuel efficiently using mechanical energy. This groundbreaking work, led by scientists at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional methods, boosting India’s push towards green energy solutions.

Context: The Importance of Green Hydrogen

• Green Hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, making it a clean fuel as its usage (e.g., in fuel cells) only produces water as a byproduct.
• It is considered crucial for decarbonizing various sectors and combating climate change.
• Recognizing its potential, the Government of India launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission, aiming to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production and export.

The Innovation: Piezocatalysis using Organic Frameworks

• The researchers developed a catalyst that uses piezocatalysis. This process converts mechanical energy (like vibrations or pressure) directly into chemical energy to split water (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂).
• Traditionally, piezocatalysis relied on expensive, metal-based materials (ferroelectrics). This new catalyst is different:
  • It is completely metal-free and organic.
  • It is a Covalent Organic Framework (COF) – a porous material built from organic molecules linked by strong covalent bonds.
  • Specifically, it uses readily available organic molecules: tris(4-aminophenyl)amine (TAPA) and pyromellitic dianhydride (PDA).
• Unique Property: This TAPA-PDA COF exhibits Ferrielectric (FiE) ordering. This specific arrangement of electric dipoles within the material’s structure is key to its high efficiency.
• Mechanism: When mechanical stress is applied, the FiE nature and porous, sponge-like structure of the COF generate and separate electrical charges (electron-hole pairs) very effectively within the material. These charges then drive the water-splitting reaction, producing hydrogen with ultra-high yields – reportedly surpassing known inorganic piezocatalysts.

Collaboration and Publication

• The research was led by Prof. Tapas K. Maji and involved theoretical contributions from Prof. Umesh V. Waghmare, both at JNCASR.
• It included collaborations with researchers from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, and Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Poland.
• The findings have been published in the prestigious scientific journal Advanced Functional Materials.

 

 

 

 

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