About MXene:

• MXenes are a group of two-dimensional materials first discovered in 2011.
• They are made from a bulk crystal called MAX.
  • They have the general formula of Mn+1XnTx, where M is an early transition metal, X is carbon and/or nitrogen, and T is a functional group on the surface of an MXene (typically O, OH, and F).
• Among various types of MXenes, titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) is the most widely used. 
• Properties of MXenes: They show high electrical conductivity, excellent mechanical strength, good chemical stability, remarkable hydrophilicity, and tunable surface chemistry.
• Applications of MXenes:
  • Energy Storage Devices: MXene could be used in energy storage devices such as electrodes of Li-ion batteries, pseudo capacitors, etc. 
  • Desalination and waste-water treatment: These can be used in in water desalination and wastewater treatment.
  • Separation and Filtration Applications: Because of remarkable properties such as hydrophilicity, conductivity, and high flexibility these can be used in separation and filtration process in industries.

About Melanoma:

• Melanoma is a kind of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes.
• Melanocytes are cells that make the pigment that gives skin its color. The pigment is called melanin.
• It typically starts on skin that's often exposed to the sun. This includes the skin on the arms, back, face and legs.
• Rarely, it can happen inside the body, such as in the nose or throat.
• Cause
  • The exact cause of all melanomas isn't clear.
  • Most melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light, also called UV light, comes from sunlight or tanning lamps and beds.
• Symptoms of Melanoma
  • The first melanoma signs and symptoms often are:
    • A change in an existing mole.
    • The development of a new pigmented or unusual-looking growth on the skin.
    • It doesn't always begin as a mole. It also can happen on otherwise healthy skin.
  • Treatments for melanoma
    • Melanoma Surgery: In the early stages, surgery has a high probability of being able to cure melanoma.
    • Lymphadenectomy: In cases where melanoma has spread, removal of the lymph nodes near the primary diagnosis site may be required.
    • Metastasectomy: It is used to remove small melanoma bits from organs.

About Floating LiDAR Buoy System:

• It is a high-tech ocean-based instrument used to measure wind conditions over the sea.
• It combines a floating platform (buoy) with LiDAR technology, short for Light Detection and Ranging.
• It uses laser pulses to measure atmospheric conditions with high precision.
• Purpose: It is designed to measure wind profiles and atmospheric conditions over the ocean. It can track wind speed and direction and changes in wind at different heights.
• Working of Floating LiDAR Buoy System:
  • The system uses LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology.
  • The buoy in this floats on the ocean surface and emits laser pulses into the atmosphere.
  • These pulses bounce back after hitting particles in the air and the returned signals are analysed to measure wind movement and patterns.
  • This allows scientists to gather highly accurate, real-time data from areas where traditional instruments may struggle.
  • Unlike traditional instruments, this buoy can capture detailed wind data up to 300 metres above sea level.
• Significance: Better weather prediction, improved storm and cyclone tracking and understanding climate change impact will help scientists to know how sea works.

About Ladakh Magmatic Arc:

• It is a belt of igneous rocks in the Trans-Himalaya formed in the period Jurassic to Eocene.
• The LMA is a long-extinct volcanic system evolved through three major phases of geological activity over tens of millions of years.
• Process of Formation:
  • Millions of years before the region that is now called Ladakh lay above an ocean called the Neo-Tethys Ocean.
  • Below that ancient sea, giant slabs of Earth’s crust slowly plunged into the mantle in a process known as subduction leading to the formation of the Ladakh Magmatic Arc (LMA).
• Phases of Formation
  • Island Arc Formation: In its earliest stage, Ladakh resembled a chain of volcanic islands rising from the Neo-Tethys Ocean.
    • Represented by the Dras–Nidar Island Arc Complex (DNIAC)
    • Magma primarily originated from the mantle
    • Minimal contribution from subducted sediments
  • Crustal Enrichment and Batholith Formation: As tectonic plates converged, the system evolved:
    • Formation of large granite bodies known as the Ladakh Batholith (LB)
    • Increased input from continental crust and recycled sediments
    • Chemical signatures indicate deep crustal processes and magma mixing
    • This phase coincides with the approaching collision between India and Eurasia.
  • Post-Collision Magmatism: After the plates collided and the Neo-Tethys Ocean closed, tectonic activity continued:
    • Formation of mafic dykes—vertical sheets of volcanic rock
    • Magma derived from a previously enriched mantle source
    • Indicates lingering tectonic and magmatic activity even after collision.

Why in news?

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, introduced in Parliament, proposes significant changes to the 2019 law governing transgender rights.

The most contentious provision is the removal of the right to self-identify one’s gender, which was recognised by the Supreme Court in the landmark NALSA v. Union of India (2014) judgment. Instead, the Bill introduces a requirement for medical certification for legal gender recognition.

This shift has triggered widespread criticism from transgender and LGBTQ+ groups, who argue that it undermines dignity, autonomy, and hard-won legal rights, marking a rollback of progressive jurisprudence in India.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Definitions of Sex, Gender, and Transgender
• NALSA Judgment (2014) and Its Impact on Transgender Rights
• Key Changes Proposed in the Transgender Rights Amendment Bill, 2026
• Criticism of the Transgender Rights Amendment Bill, 2026

Definitions of Sex, Gender, and Transgender

• The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 defines a transgender person as someone whose gender does not match the gender assigned at birth.
• It includes a wide range of identities such as:
  • Trans men and trans women (irrespective of medical procedures)
  • Persons with intersex variations
  • Genderqueer and non-binary individuals
  • Sociocultural identities like kinner, hijra, aravani, and jogta
• The Act’s definition aligns with the United Nations’ view, which treats transgender as an umbrella term for individuals whose gender identity differs from their assigned sex at birth.
• The framework highlights that biological sex and social gender are distinct, and recognizing this distinction is central to understanding transgender identities.
• Distinction Between Sex and Gender
  • Sex: Refers to biological characteristics; Determined by anatomy, chromosomes, and hormones; Categorised as male or female.
  • Gender: A social and cultural construct; Defines roles, behaviours, and expectations; Varies across societies and time.
• Concept of Gender Identity
  • Gender identity is a person’s internal sense of self and gender.
  • It may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth.
  • Forms the basis of transgender identity.

NALSA Judgment (2014) and Its Impact on Transgender Rights

• The Supreme Court in NALSA v. Union of India (2014) delivered a landmark ruling that transformed transgender rights in India.
• It recognised transgender persons as a “third gender” and affirmed that they are entitled to all fundamental rights under the Constitution.
• A key aspect of the judgment was the right to self-identification of gender, allowing individuals to identify as male, female, or third gender without mandatory medical intervention.
• The Court also directed the government to create laws and welfare measures for the transgender community.
• This led to the enactment of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, which institutionalised legal recognition through:
  • Inclusion of “third gender” in official documents
  • Issuance of transgender identity cards
  • Creation of welfare mechanisms, including Transgender Welfare Boards
• These identity cards enabled access to government schemes, with over 32,000 cards issued so far, improving legal recognition and social inclusion of transgender persons.

Key Changes Proposed in the Transgender Rights Amendment Bill, 2026

• Shift in Approach: From Identity to Biology
  • The Bill focuses on protecting only those facing biological-based exclusion.
  • It marks a shift back to a pre-2014 understanding, prioritising biological traits over self-identified gender.
• Narrower Definition of Transgender
  • Restricts recognition to:
    • Sociocultural identities (kinner, hijra, aravani, jogta, eunuch)
    • Persons with specific congenital biological variations
    • Replaces the broader 2019 definition with a medicalised and limited list (genitalia, chromosomes, hormones, etc.).
  • New Category Introduced: Includes persons forced into transgender identity through coercion, surgery, or manipulation.
• Removal of Self-Identification
  • Deletes the provision allowing self-identification of gender.
  • Argues earlier definition was “vague” and made it difficult to identify genuine beneficiaries.
  • Excludes gender-fluid and self-perceived identities from legal recognition.
• Medical Board for Certification
  • Replaces the earlier administrative process with a medical evaluation system.
  • A Medical Board (headed by CMO/DCMO) will assess applicants and advise the District Magistrate.
  • Introduces clinical gatekeeping in identity recognition.
  • Institutional Change: Members representing states/UTs must now be senior officials (Director rank or above).
• Stricter Penal Provisions
  • Expands punishments for crimes against transgender persons.
  • New Offences & Penalties:
    • Forcing transgender identity (adult): 10 years to life imprisonment + ₹2 lakh fine
    • Forcing transgender identity (child): Life imprisonment + ₹5 lakh fine
    • Forced begging/servitude (adult): 5–10 years imprisonment + ₹1 lakh fine
    • Forced begging/servitude (child): 10–14 years imprisonment + ₹3 lakh fine
  • The Bill introduces a restrictive, medicalised framework, reduces autonomy, and strengthens punitive measures, significantly altering the rights-based approach of the 2019 Act.

Criticism of the Transgender Rights Amendment Bill, 2026

• Violation of Self-Determination
  • Activists argue the Bill removes the fundamental right to self-identify gender.
  • Seen as a serious human rights violation, undermining dignity and autonomy.
  • Critics emphasise that gender identity is personal and lived, not subject to external approval.
• Burden of Proof on Individuals
  • The amendment requires individuals to prove their identity through medical certification.
  • Activists argue identity should not require validation by authorities.
  • Raises concerns about institutional barriers and discrimination.
• Challenges Due to Social Stigma
  • Requirement of medical documentation may be difficult due to prevailing transphobia in healthcare systems.
  • Trans persons may face bias, exclusion, and lack of access in hospitals and institutions.
• Exclusionary Definition of Transgender Identity
  • Recognition limited to certain socio-cultural groups.
  • Excludes individuals who identify as transgender outside traditional community structures.
  • Critics say this ignores the diversity of transgender experiences.
• Concerns Over Socio-Cultural Gatekeeping
  • The focus on traditional systems (like guru-chela networks) may:
    • Reinforce power hierarchies and exploitation
    • Marginalise those who transition independently

Why in news?

Rising global energy shocks, driven by geopolitical conflicts and disruptions like the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, are putting pressure on India’s rupee, inflation, and overall economic stability.

As a result, India’s Goldilocks phase (stable growth + low inflation) is under threat from external energy shocks, underscoring the need for energy diversification and macroeconomic resilience.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• India’s Structural Energy Vulnerability
• India’s Goldilocks Growth–Inflation Balance Under Threat
• Rising Oil Prices Threaten Growth and Inflation Stability
• Who Bears the Cost of Rising Fuel Prices

India’s Structural Energy Vulnerability

• India remains heavily dependent on imported energy, making it highly exposed to global price shocks.
• Recent crises — Russia–Ukraine war and West Asia conflict — highlight that not just financial markets, but the entire economy is vulnerable.
• Pressure on the Rupee
  • The rupee is weakening due to:
    • Weak FDI inflows
    • Portfolio outflows: $11.8 billion (2025); $4 billion (2026 so far).
  • Exchange rate trends:
    • Fell below ₹90–91 per dollar (Dec)
    • Breached ₹92 per dollar recently
  • If crude prices stay high, the rupee may approach ₹100 per dollar.
  • At $120+/barrel:
    • Oil trade deficit could reach $220 billion
    • Current Account Deficit (CAD) may exceed 3.1% of GDP
  • High deficits may trigger:
    • Sharp rupee depreciation (10%+ historically)
    • Rising inflation
    • Liquidity crunch in the economy

India’s Goldilocks Growth–Inflation Balance Under Threat

• India has recently enjoyed a “Goldilocks” phase of strong growth and low inflation:
  • GDP growth rose from 6.7% (Q1 2025–26) to 8.4% (Q2), then 7.8% (Q3)
  • Inflation dropped to 2.75% (Jan, new CPI series), below RBI’s 4% target
• However, this favourable macroeconomic balance is now at risk due to rising crude oil prices and fuel supply disruptions, which could disrupt both growth and inflation stability.

Rising Oil Prices Threaten Growth and Inflation Stability

• Crude oil prices, after briefly crossing $100/barrel, remain volatile and above $90/barrel despite efforts like potential IEA reserve releases.
• Iran has warned of further escalation, even suggesting prices could reach $200/barrel.
• India received a 30-day waiver to import Russian oil, but its impact is limited.
• Domestic Impact: Fuel Shortages and Policy Response
  • Gas shortages have forced the government to:
    • Prioritise key sectors for supply
    • Increase LPG prices by ₹60 per cylinder
    • Extend refill waiting period from 21 to 25 days
  • Though petrol/diesel prices remain unchanged, household inflation pressures are rising.
• Inflation Risks Intensifying
  • Nomura raised CPI inflation forecast (2026–27) to 4.5% (+70 bps).
  • UBS estimates inflation could cross 5% if crude hits $100/barrel with full pass-through.
  • Rising fuel costs are expected to push up overall price levels.
• Growth Outlook Weakening
  • RBI projects GDP growth at 6.9–7% in early 2026–27.
  • Economists see downside risks emerging:
    • Nomura cut forecast to 7%
    • UBS & DBS estimate 40 bps reduction if oil stays at $100/barrel

Who Bears the Cost of Rising Fuel Prices?

• If retail fuel prices are not increased, the burden shifts to:
  • Government finances
  • Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs)
• Political considerations (elections in early 2026) may delay price hikes, with OMCs initially absorbing the shock.
• Government may also cut excise duties instead of raising fuel prices.
• However, both options lead to revenue losses or financial stress.
• Fiscal Targets Under Pressure
  • Budget targets for 2026–27 at risk:
    • Fiscal deficit: 4.3% of GDP
    • Debt-to-GDP ratio: 55.6%
  • Revised GDP estimates (3–4% lower) already made targets harder to achieve.
  • Elevated oil prices could increase fiscal deficit by ~30 basis points (bps).
  • A ₹2 excise cut may cost ₹32,000 crore annually.
  • Additional pressures: Fertiliser subsidy increase (₹19,230 crore extra in 2025–26).
• Government Response Measures
  • Creation of an Economic Stabilisation Fund (₹1 lakh crore) to manage shocks from global volatility.
  • The situation remains highly fluid. If the conflict ends and supply stabilises, the economic impact may be limited.

Context:

• India’s West Asia policy has sparked domestic debate, prompting the need for an objective assessment focused on key trends, given the significant national interests involved.
• This article highlights India’s evolving West Asia policy, examining key geopolitical trends, strategic recalibration, domestic criticism, and emerging opportunities shaping India’s diplomatic, economic, and security interests in the region.

Two Key Trends Shaping India’s West Asia Policy

1. Rising Diplomatic Engagement with West Asia

• Over the past decade, India has significantly deepened engagement with West Asia. PM Modi made 15 visits to GCC countries, along with visits to Israel (twice), Iran, and Palestine.
• India signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) with the UAE and Oman, and is negotiating similar deals with the GCC and Israel.
• The GCC is India’s largest socio-economic partner, with:
  • $160+ billion bilateral trade
  • 10 million Indian diaspora
• Key outcomes
  • De-hyphenation with Pakistan in West Asia policy
  • Stronger defence and security ties
  • India’s image as a responsible status quo power
  • However, promised investments from the region have lagged.

1. Changing Security Dynamics in the Gulf

• Gulf monarchies prioritise external partners based on their ability to ensure: regime security → state stability → regional balance.
• Since October 2023, escalating conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, along with Iranian drone and missile threats, have intensified insecurity.
• This has led GCC countries to reconsider reliance on the traditional U.S.-led “Pax Americana” and search for alternative security partnerships.

India’s Diplomatic Reset in West Asia

• India’s recent policy shift reflects recognition of both trends.
• Focus on strategic alignment with key West Asian countries.
• Key initiatives:
  • PM Modi’s visit to Israel
  • Direct outreach to GCC leaders during early conflict phase
  • Engagement with Iran as well
• Signals:
  • India’s support for regional security and stability
  • Prioritisation of core national interests

Features of the New Diplomatic Doctrine

• Shift towards “hard diplomacy” and realism
• Departure from traditional balancing:
  • No reiteration of “please-all” positions
    • India refrained from adopting a balancing stance on sensitive issues such as the two-state solution and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
  • No reliance on third-party narratives
• Reflects greater strategic confidence and autonomy in foreign policy

Domestic Criticism of the Policy Reset

• Key concerns raised:
  • Timing of Israel visit (just before conflict escalation)
  • Perceived dilution of support for Palestine and Iran
  • Alleged alignment with Western interests
  • Risk of strategic overreach and security exposure
• Government’s Defence of the Approach
  • Visit timing likely pre-scheduled, without foreknowledge of conflict escalation
  • West Asia’s volatile environment makes retrospective criticism (hindsight bias) easier
  • The visit was primarily bilateral, not linked to impending military developments

Global Responses and Selective Criticism

• Criticism of India’s policy “immorality” is misplaced; other powers show greater inconsistency:
  • China imported nearly 90% of sanctioned Iranian oil, offering only rhetorical support.
  • Russia, despite a 20-year strategic pact with Iran, has underdelivered.
  • Pakistan shifted from aggressive rhetoric to aligning with the U.S.
• Many Arab and Muslim countries remained largely silent during the Gaza conflict.

India’s Policy Reset: Gains and Risks

• Recognition of Geopolitical Shifts
  • India’s reset reflects changing power dynamics in West Asia.
  • However, the shift may have tilted excessively, requiring recalibration toward balanced national interests.
• Need for Strategic Flexibility
  • West Asia remains highly volatile (mercurial).
  • India must keep diplomatic options open rather than over-aligning with any one side.
• Importance of Key Regional Relationships
  • The Palestine issue remains politically and diplomatically significant.
  • Iran remains crucial for India:
    • Key oil supplier
    • Potential market for trade, reconstruction, and services
    • Strategic location bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan
• Emerging Regional Fault Lines
• Growing Arab discomfort with U.S.-Israel actions
• Saudi–UAE tensions
• Iraq–Iran estrangement
• Increasingly assertive roles of Pakistan and Türkiye
• These trends require a more nuanced and inclusive Indian approach.
• Gaps in India’s Response
  • Delayed and Limited Engagement - India could have responded faster to key developments like:
    • Assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader
    • Leadership transition in Iran
  • Need for Diplomatic Assertiveness
    • India should avoid excessive political correctness and silence.
    • Diplomatic flexibility allows disagreement without damaging ties with the U.S. or Israel.
• • Expanding Relief Efforts
    • India could have provided greater humanitarian assistance to populations affected by the conflict.

Strategic Opportunities for India in West Asia

• Erosion of the “Oil-for-Security” Model
  • The U.S.-led “Oil-for-Security” arrangement with GCC states is weakening amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
  • The U.S. acted without consulting GCC countries, ignoring their concerns.
  • American military bases in the Gulf became targets of Iranian retaliation, exposing regional vulnerabilities. GCC states now fear U.S. unpredictability and possible withdrawal.
  • This may push them to diversify security partnerships, potentially including India.
• Economic Realignment and “GCC+1” Strategy
  • Iranian attacks have disrupted supply chains and business activity in the Gulf.
  • The GCC’s image as a stable economic hub has been weakened.
  • There is growing interest in a “GCC+1” diversification strategy.
  • India can position itself as a reliable economic and investment destination, attracting: Capital; Talent.
  • This presents a historic opportunity to reclaim economic advantages previously lost to Gulf economies.
• Need for a Realist and Dynamic Foreign Policy
  • India’s foreign policy must be:
    • Realistic and interest-driven
    • Flexible and adaptive
    • Consistent yet responsive to change
  • As India’s West Asia policy evolves, it must prioritise national interest over fixed alignments, echoing the principle:
    • Nations have no permanent allies or enemies—only permanent interests.

Why in the News?

• A Parliamentary Standing Committee has criticised financial planning by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Planning for persistent underutilisation of budgetary allocations.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• NITI Aayog (Functions, Role in Governance, etc.)
• Parliamentary Committee’s Report (Key Observations, Recommendations by Committee, Broader Implications, etc.)

Role of NITI Aayog in India’s Governance

• NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) serves as the government’s premier policy think tank.
• Established in 2015, it replaced the Planning Commission with the objective of promoting cooperative federalism and evidence-based policymaking.
• Its key functions include:

• Designing long-term policy frameworks
• Monitoring and evaluating government schemes
• Providing strategic and technical advice to the Centre and States
• Facilitating innovation and development initiatives

• Although NITI Aayog does not directly allocate funds like the erstwhile Planning Commission, it plays a crucial role in shaping development priorities and ensuring efficient utilisation of public resources.

Parliamentary Committee’s Observations

• The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has raised serious concerns regarding financial management by the Ministry of Planning and NITI Aayog.
• The Committee found that the Ministry consistently spent significantly less than the budget allocated to it. Key findings include:

• In 2023-24, actual expenditure was about Rs. 290.81 crore against a Budget Estimate (BE) of Rs. 824.39 crore (around 35%).
• In 2024-25, expenditure stood at Rs. 282.61 crore against a BE of Rs. 837.26 crore (around 34%).

• This pattern indicates a structural issue in planning and execution, where funds remain idle instead of being effectively utilised.
• Rising Budget Allocations Despite Low Spending
  • Despite the low utilisation rates, the Ministry continued to seek higher allocations.
  • The Ministry requested 1,203.38 crore for 2026-27, which is about 22% higher than the previous year’s allocation.
• The Committee questioned this trend, noting that increasing allocations without proper utilisation reflects poor fiscal discipline.

Weak Implementation and Planning Gaps

• The Committee highlighted that the problem is not merely financial but also administrative.

• There is dismal implementation of planned activities on the ground.
• The Quarterly Expenditure Plan (QEP) shows persistent gaps between planned and actual spending.

• This indicates that schemes and initiatives are either delayed or inadequately executed.

Issues in Expenditure Management

• One major concern raised by the Committee is the tendency to spend large amounts in the final quarter of the financial year.
• In 2025-26, a significant portion of spending was projected in the fourth quarter.
• This creates a “rush to exhaust funds,” which can compromise the quality of expenditure.
• Such practices may also violate government norms that aim to distribute spending evenly throughout the year.

Violation of Fiscal Discipline Norms

• The Central government has guidelines to ensure balanced expenditure patterns, including limits on monthly spending.
• The Committee warned that excessive spending in the last quarter may breach these norms, leading to:

• Inefficient allocation of resources
• Reduced accountability
• Poor outcomes from public expenditure

Recommendations by the Committee

• The Parliamentary panel has made several recommendations to improve financial management.
• Realistic Budgeting
  • Accurate estimation of expenditure
  • Avoiding inflated budget demands
  • Aligning allocations with actual requirements
• Strengthening Monitoring Mechanisms
  • Conduct regular internal reviews
  • Ensure timely administrative approvals
  • Synchronise planning with expenditure targets
• Better Utilisation of Funds
  • Avoid idle funds and resource blocking
  • Ensure the timely implementation of schemes
  • Improve coordination between planning and execution

Broader Implications for Governance

• The issue of underutilisation of funds reflects deeper challenges in public financial management in India.
• Impact on Development Outcomes - Inefficient use of funds can delay development projects and reduce the effectiveness of government programmes. This ultimately affects service delivery and economic growth.
• Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability - Proper financial planning is essential for maintaining fiscal discipline. Persistent underutilisation, coupled with rising allocations, undermines accountability in public spending.