About Joint Crediting Mechanism:

• It was first proposed by the Government of Japan and was officially launched in 2013.
• Aim: It is a Japanese initiative that aims to facilitate diffusion of leading decarbonizing technologies and infrastructure through investment by Japanese entities and contributes to sustainable development of partner countries.
• It’s a bilateral mechanism which is being implemented in accordance with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
  • The JCM contributes to the achievement of both countries’ NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) by evaluating Japan’s contributions in a quantitative manner and acquiring the part of credit.
• It operates under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• It complements other existing mechanisms, such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI).
• India is one of the 31 partner countries of the Joint Crediting Mechanism.
• Focus Area of Joint Crediting Mechanism:
  • This mechanism focuses on priority sectors which includes renewable energy with storage, sustainable aviation fuel, compressed biogas, green hydrogen and green ammonia, and in hard-to-abate sectors.

About Pharmacogenomics:

• It is the study of how an individual's genetic inheritance affects the body's response to drugs.
• Origin of the Word: The term comes from the words pharmacology and genomics and is thus the intersection of pharmaceuticals and genetics.
• It is part of the growing medical areas of genomic medicine and precision medicine(also called personalized medicine).
• This is a treatment that’s personalized based on your genes, environment and lifestyle.
• Pharmacogenomics is currently used in:
  • Oncology: Tailoring cancer therapies based on tumour genetics and patient DNA.
  • Cardiology: Adjusting blood thinner dosages based on genetic variants.
  • Psychiatry: Selecting the right antidepressant with minimal side effects.
  • Infectious Diseases: Predicting patient response to antiviral treatments.
• Importance of Pharmacogenomics
  • Improving safety: It improves drug safety, enhances therapeutic outcomes, and reduces healthcare costs associated with adverse drug reactions.
  • Targeted drug development: Some conditions are caused by specific changes in a gene. Pharmacogenomics can help researchers discover new medications that directly target the gene change.

About Seychelles:

• Location: It is an archipelagic island country located in the western Indian Ocean.
• It is located to the northeast of Madagascar and east of mainland Africa.
• Other major islands near Seychelles include Comoros and Mauritius to the south, and Maldives to the east.
• It consists of an archipelago of 115 islands (only 8 are permanently inhabited).
• Geographical Features of Seychelles
  • It is composed of two main island groups: the Mahé group which are mountainous granitic islands and a second group are coralline islands.
  • Mahe Group is volcanic with a narrow coastal strip and rocky, hilly interior; others are relatively flat coral atolls, or elevated reefs; sits atop the submarine Mascarene Plateau.
  • Highest Point: The highest point in Seychelles is Morne Seychellois.
  • Climate: The climate is tropical oceanic, with little temperature variation during the year.
  • Capital City: Victoria

What is Colombo Security Conclave?

• It is a regional security grouping comprising India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles.
• Objective: To promote regional security by addressing transnational threats and challenges of common concern to the member states.
• CSC brings together National Security Advisors (NSAs) and Deputy NSAs of the member countries.
• Secretariat: Colombo, Sri Lanka.

About Interstellar Objects:

• Interstellar objects are celestial bodies that originate outside the solar system, and travel through it.
• These objects are not gravitationally bound to a star.
• They can come from other solar systems and be thrown into interstellar space (the area between the stars) due to collisions or be slingshotted by a planet’s or star’s gravity.
  • 1I/ʻOumuamua(2017), 2I/Borisov (2019) and Comet 3I/Atlas are the recently known interstellar objects.
• Characteristics of Interstellar Objects:
  • Origin: They originate from outside our solar system, often from other star systems or the interstellar medium.
  • Hyperbolic Orbit: They basically move in an open-ended hyperbolic orbit, where there is a perihelion point but no aphelion.
  • Speed: These objects move at such great speeds that the Sun’s gravitational pull is not able to slow them down enough during their outbound leg.
• Significance of Interstellar Objects:
  • Insights into other star systems: Interstellar objects can provide clues about the formation and evolution of other star systems.
  • Understanding planetary formation: They can help us understand how planets form and evolve in different environments.

About India Pond Heron:

• Indian Pond Heron or paddybird (Ardeola grayii) is a small heron of Old World origins belonging to the family Ardeidae.
• It acquires maroon hair like plumes on back and a long occipital crest during breeding season.
• Appearance:
  • They appear stocky with a short neck, short thick bill and buff-brown back. 
  • During the breeding season, its plumage exhibits shades of chestnut, while in non-breeding periods, it adopts a more subdued appearance with greyish-brown feathers.
• Habitat: It prefers many types of shallow aquatic habitats, fresh of salt, natural or human made.
• Distribution:  It is mainly found in Iran and east to Pakistan, India, Burma, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. 
• Behavior:
  • They are semi-colonial breeders and sometimes form communal roosts, often in avenue trees over busy urban areas.
  • They are known for their solitary and secretive nature,
  • They are often saw standing motionless at the water’s edge, patiently waiting to ambush their prey. 
• Diet: The primary food of these birds includes crustaceans, aquatic insects, fishes, tadpoles and sometimes leeches.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern.
  • Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule IV.

Why in news?

The Union Government has appointed the CISF as the security regulator for more than 250 seaports to strengthen coastal security.

The move aims to bring private cargo-handling ports under a single, sovereign security framework and ensure a uniform, standardised security architecture across India’s maritime infrastructure.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Seaport Security in India: A Brief Overview
• Centre Brings All Seaports Under Uniform Security Oversight
• Why the Change Matters

Seaport Security in India: A Brief Overview

• Seaport security in India is a critical component of national security, economic stability, and international trade, particularly as the ports handle a vast majority of the country's international trade.
• Key Framework and Organisation
  • International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code: India's port security measures are largely compliant with the mandatory ISPS Code, a global framework established after 9/11 to safeguard ships and port facilities from terrorism and other threats.
  • Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) - The New Regulator: In a significant recent reform, the Government of India has designated CISF as the Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) for ports.
• Challenges to Port Security
  • The security environment in the maritime domain presents several ongoing challenges:
    • Non-standardised Security: Historically, security arrangements at many non-major ports lacked uniformity and expert oversight, which the new CISF mandate aims to address.
    • Transnational Threats: Ports remain vulnerable to non-traditional threats, including:
      • Maritime Terrorism
      • Smuggling and Drug Trafficking (Ports are often routes for large hauls of narcotics).
      • Cyberattacks on port IT infrastructure and systems.
    • Infrastructure Gaps: Ensuring uniform, high-quality infrastructure and sufficient skilled manpower across over 250 ports remains an operational challenge.

Centre Brings All Seaports Under Uniform Security Oversight

• To strengthen coastal security, the Union Government has appointed the CISF as the central security regulator for more than 250 seaports, including private cargo-handling ports. This brings all ports under a unified security architecture.
• In the first phase, 80 export-import (EXIM) ports will be placed under CISF control for access management, cargo screening, and waterfront patrolling.
• CISF will function as a “sovereign security force” at these sites.
• CISF to Conduct New Security Assessments
  • For all EXIM ports CISF will carry out:
    • Port Facility Security Assessments (PFSA)
    • Port Facility Security Plans (PFSP)
  • This will ensure compliance with global standards and eliminate vulnerabilities.
• Hybrid Security Model for Port Operations
  • A new multi-layered model has been proposed:
    • CISF → core security roles (access control, patrolling, screening)
    • State Police / SISF / Private Security → non-core duties (traffic, gate operations)
  • This ensures uniformity while optimising manpower across port ecosystems.
• Mandatory CISF-Led Training for Private Port Security
  • A structured training programme—modeled on aviation security—will be implemented.
  • CISF will train and certify all private security staff deployed at EXIM ports.
  • The government plans to create a specialised Port Security Training Institute to build long-term capacity, standardise certifications, and professionalise the port security workforce.

Why the Change Matters?

• India has over 250 seaports, including 80 EXIM ports that handle international trade through customs clearance, cargo movement, storage and logistics.
• Until now, security across non-major ports was fragmented and inconsistent.
• Many ports currently rely on private security agencies or local police, resulting in uneven security standards.
  • CISF already secures the 13 major ports across multiple coastal states.
• By expanding CISF’s mandate to regulation, assessment, planning and training, India aims to build secure, efficient and globally compliant EXIM gateways, boosting economic competitiveness and supporting its growing maritime footprint.

Context:

• At the 2025 Tianjin SCO Summit, a striking photo of Putin, Modi, and Xi engaged in an animated discussion signalled increasing alignment among major Asian powers — a dynamic often seen in G-7 meetings.
• A month later, at the Busan “G2” summit, a contrasting image of a visibly uneasy U.S. President Donald Trump beside a calm Xi Jinping further highlighted the shifting global balance toward Asia.
• Acknowledging this shift, the U.S. Secretary of State told the Senate that the 21st century will be shaped in Asia.
• Yet, U.S. priorities—articulated by Ambassador Sergio Gor—focused on pulling India closer to Washington and discouraging its cheap Russian oil imports.
• Prime Minister Modi later underscored that India’s decisions and future trajectory cannot be dictated by external powers.
• This article highlights India’s evolving foreign policy landscape at a time of major geopolitical shifts toward Asia.

A Critical Turning Point in India’s Foreign Policy

• India is at a foreign policy crossroads as it approaches major economic power status.
• At the same time, U.S. actions — weakening multilateralism and narrowing India’s strategic space — coincide with India’s improving ties with China and strengthened relations with Russia.
• Balancing China and Russia: A Non-Binary Choice
  • India should not fall into the U.S.-framed binary of choosing either Washington or Beijing.
  • With China, India should adopt a “trust but verify” approach as border negotiations in Ladakh progress, potentially influencing broader issues such as Kashmir and future investments.
  • Russia remains a long-standing, dependable partner, demonstrated recently through the role of the S-400 system in “Operation Sindoor.”
  • Western arguments that India must tilt fully toward the U.S. or China ignore India’s multi-vector interests.
• India’s Strategic Pivot Toward Asia
  • The emerging path for India lies in deeper engagement with Asia, whose combined market will soon surpass that of the U.S.
  • Asian integration is evolving on the basis of shared value-chain interests, not colonial legacies or fixed global rules.
  • Many regional powers seek closer ties with India due to its technological strength and economic weight capable of balancing China.
• Asia’s Centrality in Global Power
  • Asia, home to two-thirds of global population and wealth, is returning to the world’s centre stage.
  • Key regional groupings — BRICS, SCO, and ASEAN — will increasingly overlap and interlink.
  • India should also reconsider joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), where trade arrangements can be negotiated outside WTO constraints, including a pragmatic working arrangement with China to diversify markets away from the U.S.

India’s Shift Toward Hard Strategic Choices

• India has shed earlier hesitation and now behaves like an emerging power capable of making tough decisions.
• Growing U.S. pressure has also contributed to forming a new national consensus on strategic assertiveness.
• Redefining Strategic Autonomy for a Unique Dual Agenda
  • India’s strategic autonomy must reflect its distinctive position —
    • fastest-growing major economy
    • long-term demographic advantage
    • largest labour force; yet the highest number of poor.
  • India’s core sustainable development interests align with the Global South.
  • Therefore, partnerships must be shaped carefully so India strengthens value chains without being pulled into frameworks that dilute its priorities.
• New Global Rules Driven by Technology, Not Traditional Diplomacy
  • The future will not resemble the past where Europe dominated through military and economic leverage.
  • Technological interdependence now determines power — economic, political, and military.
  • Innovation capacity is becoming the key driver of influence.
  • For India, certain areas are non-negotiable:
    • protection of national data
    • domestic technological innovation
    • local defence manufacturing
    • inclusive growth
  • These must guide foreign, security, and technology policies.
• Cyber Warfare and Tech-Led Defence Must Take Centre Stage
  • Cyber warfare should become the backbone of India’s national security — not traditional theatre commands — because land-based threats have changed.

Geopolitical Shifts Influencing India’s Security Outlook

• China has scaled back from the CPEC; Pakistan is turning to expensive ADB loans.
• The U.S. has expanded its influence in Bangladesh and has a mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia.
• The U.S. is eyeing Afghanistan’s Bagram base again.
• India secured a six-month U.S. sanctions waiver for Chabahar Port, maintaining strategic access to Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia and Russia.

Need for Defence Reorientation

• The changing neighbourhood and technological landscape require a national debate on reforming defence allocations:
  • Consider reducing army size
  • Limit large, imported platforms
  • Invest heavily in domestic AI, missiles, drones, air defence, and space technologies
• These sectors can drive both security strength and broader economic innovation.

India’s AI Sovereignty: The Next Big Imperative

• India must shape its own AI future to achieve sustained double-digit, inclusive growth.
• A Bernstein report warns that India’s ₹10,372-crore AI Mission risks becoming irrelevant globally, with U.S. companies poised to dominate the field.
• A Parliamentary Committee has stressed the urgent need for indigenous foundational AI research to secure sovereign capability.
• Experts argue that India must increase funding at least twenty-fold to build national AI collaboration networks, high-end computing infrastructure, proprietary models, and a strong talent ecosystem — all coordinated at the highest level.
• Achieving AI sovereignty is now essential for India to become a true global power by 2047.

Why in the News?

• The Union government has proposed new guidelines defining “obscenity” and other prohibited content for digital platforms under the Information Technology Rules, 2021.
• The proposal aims to introduce explicit definitions and expand the Code of Ethics to cover social media platforms, OTT streaming services, and digital news platforms.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Proposed Amendments (Background, Key Features, Criticism, Implications, etc.)

Background of the Proposed Amendment

• The Supreme Court, while hearing a case arising from a controversy surrounding comedian Samay Raina and content featuring an explicit joke, had asked the government to devise guidelines that balance free speech under Article 19(1)(a) with reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2).
• In response, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting submitted a detailed note proposing new regulatory measures.
• These proposals come amid rising concerns over sexual content, deepfakes, harmful speech, and digital misinformation, prompting the government to strengthen oversight of online platforms.

Key Features of the Proposed Obscenity Guidelines

• Introducing a New Definition of “Obscene Digital Content”
  • The amendment seeks to explicitly define obscenity for the first time within the IT Rules. The definition incorporates elements from:

• Section 67 of the IT Act,
• Cable TV Programme Code,
• Indian Penal Code (now Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita).
• This would mark one of the most sweeping shifts in online content regulation, extending traditional broadcast-like restrictions to digital spaces.

• Expansion of the Code of Ethics
  • The proposal adds a comprehensive “Obscenity” chapter under the Code of Ethics applicable to curated content (OTT platforms) and digital news platforms. Online platforms would be required to avoid content that:

• Offends “good taste or decency”,
• Depicts indecent, vulgar, suggestive, repulsive, or offensive themes,
• Presents criminality as appealing,
• Shows visuals or words reflecting a snobbish or slandering attitude toward regional, ethnic, or linguistic groups.
• A total of 17 such restrictions are proposed.

• Alignment with Cable Television Standards
  • Digital rights advocates note that the government has transposed the Cable TV Programme Code, originally meant for regulated broadcast TV, onto digital platforms.
• Requirement for OTT Compliance with the Cinematograph Act
  • OTT platforms may be required to ensure content is fit for “public exhibition”, similar to films certified under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
  • Although officials claim this applies only to OTTs, the draft amendment does not explicitly make this distinction.
• Revival of IT Rules 9(1) and 9(3)
  • Rules 9(1) and 9(3), which enforce the Code of Ethics, were stayed by the Bombay High Court.
  • Despite this, the note seeks to revive and expand these rules, raising constitutional concerns.
• Application of the “Community Standards Test”
  • Supreme Court’s test from Aveek Sarkar v. State of West Bengal would be used to assess obscenity. Content would pass this test if:

• A reasonable person with contemporary community standards does not find that it appeals to lustful or voyeuristic interests, and
• The content has literary, scientific, artistic, or political value.
• Digital rights advocates, however, warn that the broad nature of the proposed rules could lead to overreach and arbitrary censorship.

Criticism

• Digital rights organisations have flagged several risks:

• Overbroad Definitions: The proposed language could classify a wide range of content as obscenity.
• Executive Overreach: Critics argue that the government is attempting to expand its regulatory powers through the IT Rules rather than parliamentary amendments.
• Impact on Free Speech: Ambiguous standards like “good taste” may violate free speech protections.
• Overlap with Pending Court Cases: Several parts of the IT Rules are already stayed or under judicial scrutiny.

Implications for Digital Platforms

• If approved by the Court:

• Platforms will need stricter content moderation and compliance processes.
• OTT platforms may face film-like certification requirements.
• Social media platforms may need to filter content deemed indecent, vulgar, or objectionable proactively.
• Digital publishers could face increased regulatory oversight affecting news and commentary.

• The amendment could sharply reshape India’s digital content ecosystem, bringing it closer to a broadcast-style regulatory framework.

Why in News?

• The Government of India notified all Four Labour Codes, consolidating 29 Central labour laws into a simplified, modern regulatory framework.
• This marks one of the most significant labour reforms since Independence, aimed at improving labour welfare, social security, workplace safety, and ease of doing business. 

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Background
• Key Features of the Four Labour Codes
• Stakeholder Responses
• Challenges and Concerns
• Way Forward
• Conclusion

Background:

• Four labour codes: Code on Wages, 2019; Industrial Relations (IR) Code, 2020; Code on Social Security, 2020; and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code, 2020.
• Pending implementation: These codes were pending implementation due to protests by Central Trade Unions (CTUs). Despite resistance, the Centre has now operationalised them
• Systemic reforms introduced:
  • Gender-neutral work policies
  • Uniform safety standards
  • Streamlined contract labour regulation
  • India-wide ESIC and EPFO coverage
  • National floor wages
  • Move towards formalisation of labour market

Key Features of the Four Labour Codes:

• Universal social security and expanded coverage:
  • First-time statutory recognition of gig workers, platform workers, and aggregators.
  • ESIC expanded to all districts, including hazardous units.
  • Aadhaar-linked Universal Account Number (UAN) - fully portable benefits for migrant workers.
  • Accident compensation extended to commuting accidents.
  • Social security contributions - aggregators to contribute 1–2% of annual turnover (capped at 5%).
• Wages, minimum pay and timely payment:
  • National Floor Wage
  • Mandatory timely wage payments across establishments.
  • Wage structure redefined to increase basic pay component, enhancing provident fund and gratuity provisioning.
• Women workers’ rights and safety:
  • Women allowed to work night shifts, underground mines, heavy machinery operations—with consent and safety conditions.
  • Equal pay for equal work
  • Free annual health check-up for workers aged over 40.
• Fixed term employment (FTE):
  • Workers can be hired for a fixed duration without compromising benefits.
  • FTE employees get - same wages as permanent workers; medical, leave, and social security benefits; and gratuity eligibility after one year (earlier 5 years).
• Simplifying compliance and improving Ease of Doing Business:
  • Single registration, licence and return system.
  • Inspector-cum-facilitator model for supportive compliance.
  • Two-member tribunals for faster dispute resolution.
  • National OSH Board to harmonise safety standards.

Stakeholder Responses:

• Government:
  • Most comprehensive labour-oriented reform since Independence.
  • Codes will formalise employment, ensure global alignment, and improve worker protections.
• Industry: CII welcomed the Codes as a “historic milestone," aiding a predictable labour regime and boosting economic growth.
• Trade unions (CTUs):
  • Termed the Codes: “Anti-worker, pro-employer”, “Declaration of war on working masses”
  • Concern areas - FTE misuse, restrictions on the right to strike, retrenchment norms.
  • Nationwide protests planned for 26 November.
• Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS): Partially supportive - backs Codes on Wages & Social Security but wants changes in OSHWC and IR Codes.

Challenges and Concerns:

• CTUs: Oppose curtailment of strike rights, retrenchment rules, and fear dilution of worker protections.
• Implementation capacity: Labour is a Concurrent Subject—requires State cooperation. Many States are still finalising rules; implementation asymmetry is likely.
• Risk of FTE misuse: Fear that employers may replace permanent jobs with fixed-term contracts.
• Gig worker social security: Turning provisions into effective schemes remains a challenge. Past initiatives like e-Shram saw poor follow-through.
• Clarity on wage floor: National Floor Wage requires new methodology and agreements across States.

Way Forward:

• Strengthening consultation mechanisms: Revive the Indian Labour Conference (ILC) for consensus-building. Continuous dialogue with unions, employers and States.
• Capacity building for States: Technical and financial support to implement new digital compliance systems.
• Clear scheme design for gig workers: Transparent rules for aggregator contribution. Seamless portability using UAN.
• Monitoring and preventing misuse of FTE: Strong checks to avoid replacing permanent jobs with FTE roles.
• Awareness campaigns: Workers, especially in informal sectors, need awareness of new rights.

Conclusion:

• The implementation of the Four Labour Codes represents a historic restructuring of India’s labour governance framework.
• By consolidating 29 outdated laws, the Codes aim to create a future-ready labour ecosystem that promotes worker welfare, social security, gender equality, and ease of doing business.
• However, implementation challenges, trade union resistance, and risks of misapplication remain significant.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and transparent rule-making will be crucial for the Codes to fulfil their objective of creating an inclusive, formalised, and equitable labour market in India.