Content
- Why ADR is Crucial for India’s Courts
- How AI is Transforming Teaching and Learning in Indian Classrooms
- Philippines Pioneers Coral Larvae Cryobank to Protect Threatened Reefs
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in India
- Sir Creek Dispute Between India and Pakistan
- Darjeeling Disaster 2025
Why is ADR crucial for India’s courts?
Context and Background
- Recent Developments:
- Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal reaffirmed India’s commitment to legal reforms rooted in civilisational ethos, citing the Panch Parmeshwar doctrine (collective consensus in dispute resolution).
- Emphasis on global cooperation to strengthen ADR mechanisms.
- Current Challenges in India’s Justice System:
- Pending cases: 4.57 crore overall; Supreme Court: 81,768; High Courts: ~62.9 lakh.
- Vacancy rates: High Courts 33%, district courts 21%.
- Judicial workloads: Over 4,000 cases per judge in UP, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala.
- Delays in case disposal, inter-State disparities, and accountability gaps undermine access to justice.
Relevance
- GS II – Polity & Governance:
- Constitutional provisions: Article 39A, Sixth Schedule of CPC.
- Legal reforms, access to justice, rule of law, accountability.
- GS II & III – Governance & Economy:
- Court efficiency impacts business and commerce.
- ADR reduces litigation costs, fostering economic growth.
Constitutional and Legal Basis of ADR
- Article 39A, Constitution of India:
- Mandates the State to provide free legal aid and ensure equal justice.
- Forms the foundation for pre-litigation dispute resolution mechanisms.
- Legal Provisions Governing ADR:
- Section 89, Civil Procedure Code (CPC), 1908: Courts can refer cases to arbitration, conciliation, mediation, or Lok Adalat.
- Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 & 2021 Amendment:
- Civil and compoundable criminal disputes can be resolved via binding awards.
- Indian Arbitration Council established to oversee arbitration.
- Maximum dispute resolution period: 180 days.
- Parties dissatisfied can exit after two mediation sessions.
- Lok Adalats:
- Governed by Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987; inspired by Article 39A.
- Variants: Permanent Lok Adalat, National Lok Adalat, e-Lok Adalat.
- Features:
- Decisions are final; no appeal, as disputes are resolved pre-litigation.
- Emphasis on socially inclusive, accessible, and language-appropriate dispute resolution.
Rationale for Strengthening ADR
- Reduce Court Pendency:
- Pre-litigation mediation prevents inflow into regular courts.
- Ensures faster disposal of cases, particularly in high-backlog States (Andhra Pradesh, UP, Bihar).
- Increase Access and Equity:
- ADR is cost-effective and socially inclusive, reducing barriers for marginalized communities.
- Supports constitutional mandate of equal justice.
- Promote Social Harmony:
- Mediation encourages dialogue, consensus-building, and reconciliation.
- Protects social relationships while resolving disputes.
- Enhance Accountability:
- Real-time data through National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) improves monitoring of case pendency and judicial performance.
Mechanisms of ADR
- Arbitration:
- Parties submit disputes to a neutral arbitrator; award is legally binding.
- Speedy resolution; maximum period capped at 180 days.
- Mediation & Conciliation:
- Voluntary exchange of views under neutral facilitation.
- Focus on social norms aligned with constitutional values (D.Y. Chandrachud).
- Lok Adalats:
- Resolve disputes before litigation.
- Include e-Lok Adalats for wider accessibility.
- Decisions are final and enforceable, minimizing litigation fatigue.
Challenges in the Justice System
- High Case Pendency: 4.57 crore cases; backlog >10 years in many High Courts and subordinate courts.
- Judicial Vacancies: Over 30% in High Courts; delays exacerbate access to justice issues.
- Inter-State Disparities: States like UP, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar lag significantly.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Court infrastructure and digitization uneven across States.
- Public Awareness: ADR mechanisms underutilized due to lack of awareness.
Strategic Importance and Reforms Needed
- Integrate ADR in Judicial Policy:
- Mandatory pre-litigation mediation for civil and commercial disputes.
- Expand Lok Adalats and e-Lok Adalats for rural and urban populations.
- Institutional Strengthening:
- Empower Indian Arbitration Council and legal aid bodies.
- Real-time monitoring via NJDG and data analytics.
- Capacity Building:
- Train mediators, conciliators, and judicial officers in ADR principles.
- Promote ADR as part of legal education and civil awareness campaigns.
- Global Cooperation:
- Learn best practices from international ADR systems.
- Encourage cross-border arbitration for commercial disputes.
How is AI transforming teaching and learning practices in Indian classrooms?
Why It’s in the News
- OpenAI’s First Office in India:
- ChatGPT (U.S.-based) opened its first Indian office in 2025.
- AI Collaborations & Investments:
- NVIDIA partnered with Reliance Industries in 2023 for AI computing.
- Global tech giants like Google and Microsoft have invested in AI manufacturing, marketing, and research in India.
- India AI Mission:
- Aims to create a trusted, inclusive AI ecosystem.
- Focus on Centres of Excellence (CoE), AI compute capacity, skills development, and future applications.
Relevance
- GS III – Science & Technology:
- AI as an emerging technology; India’s role in AI innovation and global collaborations.
- Public-private partnerships (OpenAI, NVIDIA, Reliance, Google, Microsoft).
- GS II – Governance:
- Policy initiatives: India AI Mission, Centres of Excellence.
- Digital inclusion and equitable access to technology in education.
- GS I & II – Social Issues & Education:
- Ethical, cultural, and philosophical implications of AI in pedagogy.
- Bridging the digital divide and enhancing teacher-student interaction.
Basics of AI Integration in Education
- Tech-Savvy Teachers:
- About 70% of Indian school teachers are comfortable using digital tools and AI.
- AI is used to design pedagogy, curricula, and assessment tools.
- Digital Divide:
- NSS report indicates disparity not just in access, but in quality of use and meaningful engagement.
- Inclusion is measured by effective participation, not mere internet use.
Opportunities of AI in Education
- Enhanced Pedagogy:
- Supports personalized learning, adaptive assessments, and interactive content.
- Can improve digital literacy and tech skills for both teachers and students.
- AI Infrastructure & Training:
- Centres of Excellence (CoE) aim to provide cloud-based tools for education.
- Training for teachers can enhance ethical understanding and critical evaluation of AI tools.
- Large-Scale Socio-Economic Impact:
- AI has potential for transformative, inclusive education.
- Application Development Initiatives can create context-sensitive AI solutions for classrooms.
Challenges and Risks
- Philosophical Concerns:
- Pedagogy emphasizes humanistic dialogue, empathy, trust, and emancipatory learning.
- Over-reliance on AI risks reducing education to information accumulation, ignoring critical thinking and creativity.
- Ethical Issues:
- Teachers: AI often used to meet technical requirements rather than enhance dialogue.
- Students: Use of ChatGPT in exams has led CBSE to issue advisories against unfair AI use.
- Risks digital inequity if AI is implemented without attention to social, ethical, and cultural contexts.
- Superficial Use of Technology:
- Use of audio-visuals or apps is misconstrued as pedagogic innovation.
- True pedagogic smartness requires transformative teaching and meaningful integration of AI.
Recommendations for Ethical AI Integration
- Teacher Training:
- In-service programs to develop critical, ethical, and context-sensitive AI literacy.
- Encourage independence, creativity, and imagination for both teachers and students.
- Curricular Integration:
- AI should complement humanistic pedagogy, not replace it.
- Design AI tools that support social equality and minimize digital inequities.
- Policy and Mission Alignment:
- India AI Mission pillars:
- AI Compute Capacity: Infrastructure to support AI education.
- Skills Development: Equip teachers for tech-savvy, meaningful AI integration.
- Future Application Development: AI solutions for large-scale socio-economic transformation.
- Ensure ethical, social, and political anchorage in AI educational policies.
- India AI Mission pillars:
Philippines pioneers coral larvae cryobank to protect threatened reefs
Why It’s in the News
- First Coral Larvae Cryobank in Southeast Asia:
- The Philippines is setting up a cryobank to preserve coral larvae.
- Part of a regional initiative linking research institutions across the Coral Triangle (Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand).
- Objective:
- Protect genetic diversity of corals threatened by climate change, pollution, and destructive fishing.
- Support research and reef restoration in one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems.
Relevance
- GS III – Environment & Biodiversity:
- Coral Triangle conservation, coral bleaching, climate change impact, and marine biodiversity.
- GS II – Governance & International Cooperation:
- Regional collaboration between Southeast Asian nations for biodiversity conservation.
- Role of research institutions and government-backed platforms in marine conservation.
Coral Triangle and Its Importance
- Geography & Biodiversity:
- Covers 5.7 million sq. km across tropical waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste.
- Known as the “Amazon of the Seas”; richest marine ecosystem globally.
- Hosts >75% of the world’s coral species, 1/3 of reef fish, vast mangrove forests, and 6 of 7 marine turtle species.
- Sustains food security and livelihoods for >120 million people.
- Threats:
- Climate change, ocean warming, and coral bleaching.
- Destructive fishing practices, pollution, and habitat loss.
- Potential loss of 70–90% of live coral cover by 2050 without limiting warming to 1.5°C.
Coral Larvae Cryopreservation: Process & Science
- Cryobanks:
- Freeze coral larvae at –196°C in liquid nitrogen (vitrification).
- Larvae enter a glass-like state, avoiding ice crystal formation that can damage cells.
- Thawed using lasers, then rehydrated in seawater for revival.
- Species Focus:
- Start with model species like Pocillopora, Acropora, and Galaxsia.
- Technique ensures all coral species, not just endangered ones, can be preserved.
- Cryopreservation as Genetic Insurance:
- Protects coral genetic diversity and Symbiodiniaceae (algae living in corals).
- Allows future reef restoration and research, potentially mitigating biodiversity loss.
Regional & Collaborative Significance
- Regional Collaboration:
- Cryobanks across Southeast Asia aim to share expertise and facilities.
- Supported by Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform and Marine Environment & Resources Foundation.
- Capacity Building:
- Guidance from experts like Dr. Chiahsin Lin (Taiwan) and Preeyanuch Thongpoo (Thailand).
- Focus on developing coral husbandry protocols, larval collection, and cryopreservation methods.
- Community Involvement:
- Coral-dependent communities often lack awareness of reef value.
- Conservation requires active participation to address tourism, waste, and destructive fishing.
Scientific and Conservation Relevance
- Climate Adaptation:
- Provides resilience against ocean warming and habitat degradation.
- Helps maintain marine biodiversity and ecological balance.
- Research Benefits:
- Cryobanks serve as a living seed bank for experimentation and restoration.
- Ensures long-term preservation of coral genetic material.
- Long-Term Warning:
- Without proactive measures, cryobanks may become repositories for extinct coral species.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in India
Why It’s in News
- The Indian government is opening up Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for private sector participation.
- Companies like Reliance Industries, Tata Power, and Adani Power have expressed interest in developing SMR-based projects.
- This comes amid legislative and regulatory tweaks to facilitate private investment in nuclear energy.
- The initiative is aimed at boosting India’s nuclear manufacturing ecosystem, ensuring energy security, and reducing reliance on conventional fossil fuels.
Relevance :
- GS II – Governance & Policy: Regulatory frameworks for private sector participation in strategic sectors, legislative reforms enabling nuclear investment, and international cooperation in nuclear technology.
- GS III – Energy & Infrastructure: Nuclear energy policy, SMR deployment, integration with renewables, and energy security through low-carbon electricity.
- GS III – Environment & Climate Change: Contribution of SMRs to low-carbon energy, reduction of fossil fuel dependence, and alignment with climate goals.
- GS III – Science & Technology: Advanced nuclear reactor technologies (PHWR, LWR, SMR), R&D initiatives, and pilot projects in collaboration with domestic and international institutions.
SMRs and Nuclear Power in India
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs):
- Nuclear reactors with capacity ≤300 MW per unit.
- Modular and scalable; can be deployed in industrial clusters or remote areas.
- Offer lower upfront capital costs compared to large reactors and provide flexible electricity generation.
- Advantages of SMRs:
- Compact and modular design allows faster construction.
- Can tap energy-intensive industries like steel, aluminium, and cement.
- Provide reliable, low-carbon, and clean electricity, complementing renewables.
- Can be deployed near industrial hubs or off-grid areas to address local power deficits.
- Indian Nuclear Context:
- Traditionally dominated by public sector units: Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), and heavy water reactors.
- Conventional reactors are large, expensive, and time-consuming to set up.
- SMRs present an alternative pathway for domestic nuclear expansion, leveraging private sector efficiencies.
Key Players in India
- Private Sector:
- Reliance Industries Ltd.
- Tata Power
- Adani Power
- Public Sector/Research Support:
- BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre) – developing SMR prototypes.
- NPCIL – overseeing regulatory and safety frameworks.
- International Technology Partnerships:
- India is engaging with US, Russia, and other advanced nuclear technology countries.
Policy & Legislative Developments
- Current legal hurdles:
- Private companies previously could not operate nuclear plants, as NPCIL had exclusive rights.
- Liability, safety, and regulatory frameworks limited private participation.
- Planned legislative tweaks:
- Allow private companies to construct, own, and operate SMRs under NPCIL supervision.
- Ensure safety, liability, and regulatory compliance while granting operational freedom.
- Provide legal certainty for long-term SMR investment and technology deployment.
Technical & Operational Aspects
- Technology:
- SMRs can utilize pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs), light-water reactors, or advanced nuclear designs.
- Can be installed in smaller footprints, suited for industrial clusters and remote regions.
- Deployment Timeline:
- NPCIL’s SMR pilot projects already operational in China and other countries serve as models for India.
- Government expects private sector to speed up commercialization of SMRs domestically.
- Complement to Renewables:
- SMRs provide baseload power, addressing intermittency of solar and wind energy.
Strategic & Economic Implications
- Energy Security:
- Reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels and large-scale centralized energy projects.
- Enhances regional power availability for industrial growth.
- Economic & Industrial Boost:
- SMRs can power energy-intensive industries like steel, aluminium, and cement.
- Private sector participation can catalyze domestic manufacturing of reactors, fuel, and components.
- Global Positioning:
- Helps India establish leadership in next-generation nuclear technology.
- Opportunity for technology exports and international partnerships.
- Environmental Impact:
- Promotes low-carbon electricity, aligning with India’s climate goals.
Challenges
- Technology Readiness:
- Many SMR designs are still under testing or demonstration worldwide.
- India must adapt foreign designs or develop indigenous models.
- Regulatory & Liability Issues:
- Ensuring safety, waste management, and emergency preparedness for private operators is critical.
- Legal frameworks must balance risk management with investment incentives.
- Public Acceptance & Awareness:
- Nuclear energy faces public skepticism due to safety and waste concerns.
- Community engagement is needed for smooth deployment.
Key Takeaways
- SMRs represent a transformative opportunity for India’s nuclear energy landscape.
- Private sector involvement is expected to accelerate deployment, reduce costs, and expand industrial applications.
- Legislative and policy tweaks are crucial for operational and legal clarity.
- SMRs will complement renewable energy, support climate targets, and enhance energy security.
- Regional and global collaboration will boost India’s technological and strategic positioning in nuclear energy.
Sir Creek Dispute between India and Pakistan
Why It’s in News
- Recent statements by India’s Defence Minister emphasized a “symmetrical response” to any threats near Sir Creek, highlighting heightened security concerns.
- Reports indicate increased surveillance, military presence, and infrastructure upgrades by both India and Pakistan in the region.
- The long-standing unresolved border dispute continues to affect bilateral relations, maritime boundary negotiations, and the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities.
- The dispute is emblematic of broader India-Pakistan tensions and remains a recurring point in policy and security discussions.
Relevance
- GS II – International Relations & Polity: India-Pakistan border disputes, maritime law, diplomacy, and bilateral security.
- GS III – Security & Geography: Strategic maritime locations, naval operations, and border infrastructure.
Basics of the Sir Creek Dispute
- Location: Marshy estuary in the Rann of Kutch, separating Gujarat (India) from Sindh (Pakistan).
- Nature: Tidal, fluctuating estuary; its course changes seasonally due to sedimentation and soil erosion, complicating demarcation.
- Strategic Significance:
- Proximity to Karachi, a critical Pakistani economic and military hub.
- Essential for coastal surveillance, naval operations, and offshore security.
- Potential access to offshore oil, gas, and other maritime resources.
- Implications for Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf claims.
Overview
- Geopolitical Relevance:
- Boundary disagreement affects maritime rights and economic zones in the Arabian Sea.
- India asserts the eastern bank as the boundary; Pakistan claims the creek’s midline.
- Historical Background:
- Dispute traces back to colonial-era maps and ambiguous agreements.
- Partition-era arbitration attempts failed due to inconsistent documentation and natural shifts in the creek.
- Economic Impact:
- Rich fishing grounds and potential hydrocarbon resources.
- Fishermen frequently arrested by both sides due to unclear demarcation, affecting livelihoods.
- Security Dimension:
- Regular patrols, surveillance posts, and infrastructure developments by both nations.
- Strategic control of Sir Creek ensures dominance over adjoining maritime corridors.
- Diplomatic Engagement:
- Multiple rounds of talks under Joint Working Groups; agreements remain elusive.
- Reflects persistent difficulties in broader India-Pakistan boundary resolution mechanisms.
- Legal and Environmental Challenges:
- Shifting terrain complicates physical demarcation and treaty enforcement.
- International law (UNCLOS) implications for maritime boundaries and resource entitlements.
- Environmental sensitivity of the Rann ecosystem demands careful management of development or military activity.
Conclusion
- Sir Creek remains a critical flashpoint in India-Pakistan relations due to overlapping strategic, economic, and diplomatic stakes.
- The dispute affects national security, maritime boundary clarity, and livelihoods of local fishing communities, keeping it consistently relevant in policy, security, and current affairs discourse.
- Resolution requires a balanced approach combining diplomacy, security preparedness, legal clarity, and environmental stewardship.
Darjeeling Disaster 2025
Why is Darjeeling in News
- Darjeeling witnessed heavy rainfall starting 3 October 2025, exceeding IMD warnings, leading to:
- Massive landslides and floods
- Destruction of Dudhipa bridge (Balason river), cutting off connectivity between Siliguri and Mirik
- Disruption of national and state highways
- Loss of human lives and property
- Highlights climate vulnerability of the region and raises questions about disaster preparedness and sustainable development.
Relevance
- GS III – Environment & Ecology: Climate change-induced disasters, landslide and flood vulnerability, Himalayan ecosystem fragility, and biodiversity loss.
- GS III – Disaster Management & Risk Reduction: Early warning systems, municipal/panchayat preparedness, Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) mitigation, and capacity-building for rescue and relief operations.
Geography and Vulnerability
- Darjeeling, known as the “Queen of Hills”, is a fragile mountainous region in the Eastern Himalayas.
- Key vulnerabilities:
- Steep slopes prone to landslides
- Unpredictable rivers and streams (Jhoras) that can erode settlements
- High rainfall variability due to climate change (intense downpours in short periods)
- Historical disasters:
- Landslides: 1899, 1950, 1968, 1975, 1980, 1981, 2011, 2015
- 1968 floods: ~1000 human casualties
- Cloudbursts in Teesta Valley (1902–1978): 9 occurrences
Key Causes of Current Disaster
- Climate Change
- Altered rainfall patterns: concentrated, intense, intermittent rainfall (“murkhua dharsyi” and “smooth sislanyay jhar” locally)
- Increased unpredictability of rivers, leading to sudden flooding and erosion
- Unsustainable Development
- Unchecked construction of hydro-power projects, highways, railways, townships
- Infrastructure often built without proper geo-hazard assessment
- Encroachment on fragile slopes, increasing landslide risks
- Population Pressure
- Influx from plains and neighboring countries
- Expansion of land/property demand over decades
- Institutional Failures
- Weak disaster management frameworks at municipal/panchayat levels
- Lack of funds, manpower, technology, and skills
- Inefficient waste management aggravates disaster risks
- Water crisis remains unresolved post-GLOF events
- Historical Neglect
- Despite past disasters, proactive mitigation, planning, and early-warning systems are limited
- LandSlide Atlas of India (ISRO): Darjeeling ranked 35th most exposed among 147 districts
Consequences
- Human and Social
- Deaths, injuries, displacement
- Flooded habitations and disrupted basic services
- Economic
- Damage to tea cultivation, tourism, medicinal plant cultivation
- Destruction of transport infrastructure affecting trade and livelihoods
- Loss of revenue in foreign exchange earnings from hill products and tourism
- Environmental
- Degradation of slopes and river basins
- Loss of biodiversity
- Altered hydrological flows and increased sedimentation downstream
- National Security Implications
- Fragile Eastern Himalayan border areas exposed to climate-induced risks
- Impact on regional cooperation with Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar
- Necessitates disaster-resilient infrastructure to protect strategic and economic interests
Comparative Reference
- Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in Sikkim, Oct 2023
- Destroyed 1200 MW Chungthang Hydro Project
- Damages over ₹25,000 crore (~6% of Sikkim GDP)
- Demonstrates the catastrophic potential of Himalayan water bodies
Action Needed
- Disaster Preparedness
- Strengthen municipal and panchayat disaster response
- Build early-warning systems for rainfall, landslides, floods
- Sustainable Development
- Enforce land-use planning, regulate hydro-power, roads, and townships
- Promote eco-sensitive construction
- Institutional Strengthening
- Capacity-building in rescue, relief, and mitigation
- Establish dedicated funds for climate disasters (e.g., Teesta River Flood Insurance Fund)
- Integrate climate change studies with planning
- Community Awareness
- Educate locals on risk management and evacuation protocols
- Support NGOs like Save the Hills for awareness campaigns
- Regional Cooperation
- Work with neighboring Himalayan states and countries to manage transboundary river hazards
Key Takeaways
- Darjeeling is a climate hotspot and highly vulnerable to natural disasters.
- Anthropogenic factors (unsustainable development, population pressure) exacerbate natural hazards.
- Institutional failure is a critical concern, threatening both local livelihoods and national interests.
- Urgent need for comprehensive disaster management, sustainable planning, and climate adaptation strategies.
