1. Powering Cities Through Architecture: India’s Opportunity with Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)

Context: India’s rapid urbanisation, coupled with a strong solar manufacturing base, is opening up massive potential for the adoption of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)—a technology that blends solar energy generation directly into building architecture. With a push for sustainability and clean energy, experts believe that BIPV could transform how India powers its cities.

What Is BIPV?

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) involve the seamless incorporation of photovoltaic (solar) cells into the structural elements of buildings. Unlike traditional rooftop solar panels, BIPV becomes a functional part of the building envelope, replacing materials like glass, concrete, or tiles.

These integrated systems are installed on:

• Façades
• Glass panels and skylights
• Balconies and railings
• Roofs and shading elements
• Cladding and curtain walls

Key Advantages of BIPV Technology:

• Design Versatility: BIPV can be custom-designed to match the aesthetics of any structure — with choices in color, transparency, and shape, allowing architectural creativity and energy efficiency to go hand in hand.
• Thermal Performance: Semi-transparent BIPV panels reduce heat gain, decreasing the load on air conditioning systems and improving overall energy efficiency.
• Space-Efficient Energy Generation: In dense urban environments where rooftop space is limited, BIPV enables power generation from vertical surfaces like walls and balconies. For instance, a south-facing façade can generate up to four times more electricity than a conventional rooftop installation.
• Integrated Energy Supply: Electricity generated is directly connected to the building’s power system, reducing dependence on grid power and cutting electricity costs.
• Why BIPV Matters for India:  India’s future urban growth demands energy-smart infrastructure. With its fast-growing population, vertical expansion of buildings, and commitment to net-zero goals, BIPV presents a critical solution for sustainable cities.

• The urban housing boom, especially in Tier-I and Tier-II cities, presents a golden opportunity for BIPV in high-rise residential and commercial complexes.
• BIPV can also empower renters and apartment dwellers without rooftop access — a concept already successful in Germany through balcony solar units.
• BIPV supports India’s National Solar Mission and the broader climate action goals under the Paris Agreement.

Barriers to Adoption in India:

Despite the promise, BIPV penetration remains low due to:

• High upfront installation costs
• Low public awareness and lack of market education
• Absence of dedicated policies and standardised technical guidelines
• Dependence on imported components
• Minimal inclusion in current building codes

Unlocking the Potential: The Way Ahead

India has an estimated 309 GW potential from BIPV in existing urban structures alone. Here’s how the country can accelerate its BIPV journey:

Policy and Regulatory Support:

• Include mandatory BIPV provisions in building bye-laws and smart city planning.
• Extend existing schemes like PM-KUSUM and Solar Rooftop Yojana to include BIPV systems.
• Adopt incentive models like South Korea, which offers up to 80% subsidy support for BIPV installations.

Demonstration Projects:

• Launch pilot BIPV projects in metro cities, public buildings, and transport hubs.
• Showcase real-time cost savings and energy efficiency through case studies.

Boost Domestic Manufacturing:

• Incentivise local BIPV module and component production under PLI schemes.
• Encourage R&D in building materials that integrate photovoltaic capabilities.

Financial Innovation:

• Promote Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) models for BIPV.
• Introduce long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) tailored for building owners.

Did You Know?

• Singapore’s Zero-Energy Building (ZEB) has used BIPV extensively to meet all its power needs sustainably.
• BIPV modules can last 20–30 years, with minimal maintenance and high reliability.
• With India’s vast construction market (third-largest globally), integrating solar into building materials could reduce carbon emissions significantly.

Conclusion: The Future of Urban Energy Lies in the Walls and Windows

BIPV is more than just solar—it is architecture fused with innovation. For a country like India, with expanding skylines and rising energy demands, the integration of renewable power into every square foot of urban space is not just a futuristic idea—it’s a necessity.

By pushing policy, innovation, and awareness, India can turn its buildings into clean energy assets, ushering in a revolution in sustainable urban living.

2. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary: A Mangrove Haven for Endangered Wildlife

Context: In a significant breakthrough, experts from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, have successfully collared three endangered Fishing Cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) — a first-of-its-kind effort in India. This initiative aims to monitor the species’ habitat range, behavioural patterns, breeding habits, and prey preferences, providing vital insights for future conservatin strategies.

About Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary:

Nestled in the Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary forms an integral part of the Godavari estuarine ecosystem, where the Coringa River merges into the Bay of Bengal. This sanctuary is a unique blend of mangrove swamps, tidal creeks, and sea backwaters, with about 40% of the area submerged under backwaters and tidal influence.

Vegetation and Forest Types:

Coringa boasts India’s second-largest expanse of mangrove forests, characterized by a mix of mangroves and dry deciduous tropical forests.

• Dominant Mangrove Flora: Species such as Rhizophora spp., Avicennia spp., and Sonnertia spp. flourish here, forming a dense green barrier between land and sea.

Diverse Wildlife at Coringa:

This biodiversity-rich zone supports an array of endangered and endemic wildlife species:

• Mammals: The sanctuary shelters endangered species like the Smooth-coated Otter, Fishing Cat, and Indian Jackal.
• Birds: Coringa is a paradise for birdwatchers. Black-capped Kingfishers, Brahminy Kites, Reef Herons, Sandpipers, and Sea Gulls are common sights among the mangroves.
• Marine Life: Its coastline serves as a crucial nesting site for Olive Ridley Turtles, a globally threatened marine species.

Spotlight: The Fishing Cat

Physical Traits

The Fishing Cat is a medium-sized wild cat with a robust, muscular build, short limbs, and a rounded but elongated face. Females are typically smaller than males.

Habitat Preferences:

Fishing cats thrive in wetland ecosystems, including:

• Mangrove forests
• Swamps and marshlands
• Reed beds and tidal creeks
• Oxbow lakes and river deltas

Their strong swimming skills allow them to pursue aquatic prey such as fish, frogs, and even small crustaceans.

Behavioural Characteristics:

They are solitary, nocturnal hunters who prefer to rest in thick vegetation during the day. At night, they become active near water bodies in search of food.

Geographical Distribution of Fishing Cats:

• India: Found predominantly in the Sundarbans mangroves, foothills of the Himalayas, Ganga-Brahmaputra floodplains, and parts of the Western Ghats.
• International Range: Extends across Southeast Asia, including Sri Lanka, southern China, Java, Sumatra, and even some regions of Pakistan and Western India.

Conservation Status of the Fishing Cat:

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• CITES: Appendix II
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India): Schedule I (highest level of protection)

Additional Insight: Why This Matters

The collaring of Fishing Cats at Coringa is a landmark achievement because:

• It enhances our understanding of rare wetland species in mangrove ecosystems.
• It helps develop species-specific conservation action plans.
• It promotes the importance of urban-wetland coexistence, especially in regions vulnerable to climate change and habitat degradation.

3. World Environment Day 2025: A Global Call to End Plastic Pollution

Context: World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5, is the United Nations’ flagship initiative for promoting worldwide awareness and action to protect the environment. With participation from over 150 countries, it is the largest international platform for public outreach on environmental issues.

Spearheaded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the day inspires governments, businesses, communities, and individuals to engage in efforts that safeguard nature and ensure a more sustainable future.

A Look Back: Origins of World Environment Day

• The idea for World Environment Day was born in 1972 during the historic United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm. That same year marked the creation of UNEP, setting the stage for global environmental governance.
• Later in 1972, the UN General Assembly officially designated June 5 as World Environment Day. The first celebration took place in 1973 with the theme “Only One Earth”, launching a global tradition of annual environmental advocacy.

Since then, every year a different country hosts the event and highlights a pressing environmental issue through campaigns, discussions, and grassroots action.

World Environment Day 2025: United Against Plastic Pollution

Host Country: Republic of Korea

Theme: Beat Plastic Pollution

For 2025, the Republic of Korea is leading the global campaign with a powerful and timely message: “Beat Plastic Pollution.” The focus is on addressing one of the most urgent challenges of our time—plastic waste and its devastating impact on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.

Why Plastic Pollution Is a Global Crisis:

• Over 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, and a significant portion ends up as waste in landfills, rivers, and oceans.
• Microplastics—tiny plastic particles—have been found in air, water, and even human blood, posing serious health risks.
• Marine species such as sea turtles, seabirds, and whales suffer injuries or death due to ingestion or entanglement in plastic debris.
• By 2050, it is estimated that plastic in oceans could outweigh fish if current trends continue.

What You Can Do:

• Reduce single-use plastics like bags, straws, and cutlery.
• Reuse and repurpose plastic products whenever possible.
• Recycle responsibly and support businesses that use sustainable packaging.
• Participate in clean-up drives, educational campaigns, and environmental volunteering.

Extra Insight: Turning the Tide on Plastic

Innovations are emerging to combat plastic pollution:

• Biodegradable alternatives to plastic made from plant starches, seaweed, and fungi.
• Plastic-eating enzymes and microbes are being developed to break down plastic waste.
• Circular economy models encourage redesigning products to minimize waste and extend their life cycle.

Inspiring Action for a Greener Future:

World Environment Day 2025 is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a reminder of our shared responsibility. By joining the movement to eliminate plastic pollution, we protect our planet for future generations and honor the theme of sustainable living.

Let this year be a turning point where we not only speak about change—but become part of it.

Together, we can beat plastic pollution—one step at a time.

4. Ice Breaker Missile: A New Era in Precision Strike Capability

5. India’s 2027 Digital Census: Caste Data, Delimitation, and a New Political Landscape

Context: After a gap of 16 years, India is preparing to conduct its next population census by March 1, 2027. This will be a landmark event, not only because it will be the first-ever digital census, but also because, for the first time since Independence, it will include caste-based enumeration—a move that could reshape political, social, and economic planning in the country.

Next National Census to Begin in 2026:

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the nationwide census operation will begin on April 1, 2026, and will be completed by February 28, 2027.

Key Highlights of the 2027 Census:

• India’s First Fully Digital Census
• Inclusion of Caste Enumeration
• Two-Phase Operation:
  • Phase 1: House Listing and Housing Schedule
  • Phase 2: Population Enumeration (including caste data)

Reference Dates:

• March 1, 2027 – for most states
• October 1, 2026 – for snow-bound regions in Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand

Legal Framework:

The census will be carried out under the Census Act, 1948, and Census Rules, 1990. An official Gazette Notification under Section 3 of the Census Act is expected soon to formalize the process.

The Political Ripple Effect: Delimitation After 2027

One of the most significant consequences of the 2027 Census will be the initiation of Delimitation—the redrawing of Lok Sabha and State Assembly constituencies—based on the new population figures.

Constitutional Basis for Delimitation:

• Governed by Articles 81 and 82 of the Constitution
• Requires a Delimitation Act to be passed by Parliament
• A new Delimitation Commission will be set up to recommend changes

Composition of the Commission:

• Chairperson: Retired Supreme Court Judge
• Members: Chief Election Commissioner and State Election Commissioners
• Associate Members: Selected MPs and MLAs (non-voting members)

Historical Context: Freeze on Seat Changes:

• 1951, 1961, 1971: Delimitation conducted post-census
• 42nd Amendment (1976): Froze the number of parliamentary seats until post-2001 Census
• 84th Amendment (2002): Extended the freeze until after the 2026 Census

As of now, the 543 Lok Sabha seats are still based on the 1971 Census. The Delimitation Act of 2002 allowed only boundary adjustments—not an increase in total seats.

To increase seats, a constitutional amendment is necessary, requiring a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

Women’s Reservation and the Census Link:

• The Women’s Reservation Act, which provides 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, will also come into force only after the 2027 Census and delimitation process. This ties the act’s implementation directly to the release of updated demographic data and new constituency maps.

Population-Based Challenges: North vs. South

• A likely political flashpoint is the redistribution of seats based on population. Southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, which have effectively managed population control, fear losing political representation compared to more populous northern states.

If the current cap of 550 seats (as per Article 81) remains unchanged and only the boundaries are redrawn, southern states may lose relative influence in the Lok Sabha.

No Mention of NPR:

Interestingly, there was no update regarding the National Population Register (NPR) in the recent announcement. As per the Citizenship Rules, 2003, the NPR is the first step towards creating a National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC/NRC)—a politically sensitive issue.

Why the 2027 Census Is Historic:

• It marks the first digital enumeration across India, possibly through mobile apps and self-enumeration portals.
• Caste data will provide the first official figures on caste distribution since British times, impacting affirmative action policies, resource allocation, and political representation.
• The process could lead to a constitutional reshaping of India’s federal balance, especially through delimitation and the redrawing of parliamentary power dynamics.

Conclusion: A Census That Will Reshape India

The 2027 Census is not just about counting people—it will redefine representation, policy planning, and the political future of India. From digital transformation to caste-based data collection and new parliamentary boundaries, this exercise will influence everything from social justice laws to the 2029 General Elections.

6. Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and Draft Rules, 2025

Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has recently invited public feedback on the Draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025. These rules are crucial for the implementation of the DPDP Act, 2023, India’s landmark data protection legislation. The rules are currently under stakeholder review and are expected to come into effect soon.

Understanding the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023:

A Landmark Reform in Data Privacy:

The DPDP Act, 2023 marks India’s first comprehensive legal framework to regulate the use of digital personal data, aiming to safeguard individual privacy while enabling legitimate data processing.

It was enacted six years after the Supreme Court’s 2017 Puttaswamy Judgment, which declared privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Act takes cues from global privacy laws such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Scope and Applicability:

• Applies to digital personal data processed in India or outside India, if it involves the offering of goods or services within India.
• Exemptions include personal data used for private purposes or already made public by the individual (Data Principal) or under legal obligations.

Consent and Children’s Data Protection:

• Personal data can only be processed for a lawful purpose with the consent of the Data Principal.
• Consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and revocable at any time.
• For individuals under 18, verifiable parental or guardian consent is mandatory.
• Section 9 prohibits harmful processing or targeted advertising towards minors.

Rights of Data Principals:

Individuals have the right to:

• Access their data
• Correct or delete inaccurate data
• Grievance redressal
• Appoint a nominee in case of death or incapacity

However, filing false complaints or misinformation is punishable with a fine of up to ₹10,000.

Duties of Data Fiduciaries:

Entities that process data (Data Fiduciaries) must:

• Ensure accuracy of data
• Implement strong security safeguards
• Notify individuals and the Data Protection Board of India (DPBI) in the event of a data breach
• Delete data when no longer necessary for legal or business purposes

Significant Data Fiduciaries (SDF):

The Central Government may classify certain organizations as Significant Data Fiduciaries based on:

• Volume and sensitivity of data processed
• Risk to individual rights
• Implications for national security or public order

SDFs have extra obligations such as:

• Appointing a Data Protection Officer
• Conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments
• Undergoing independent audits

Exemptions Under the DPDP Act:

The Act exempts certain entities and use cases:

• Government agencies for security, sovereignty, or public order
• Statistical, archival, and research purposes
• Startups and small businesses, under certain conditions
• Legal claims, investigations, judicial or regulatory functions
• Processing data of non-residents under international contracts

Data Protection Board of India (DPBI):

The DPBI, to be set up by the Central Government, will:

• Oversee compliance
• Investigate breaches
• Impose penalties
• Resolve grievances and appeals

It is designed to be a digital-first body with streamlined, tech-enabled operations.

Key Draft Rules of 2025: What’s New?

1. Cross-Border Data Transfers:

• Certain categories of personal data may be transferred abroad—based on government approvals.
• Ensures global data flow with sovereign oversight.

2. Data Erasure Rules:

• Data may be retained up to 3 years from last interaction or from the rules’ effective date.
• Data Fiduciaries must provide 48-hour advance notice before erasure.

3. Digital Consent and Redressal:

• Digital-by-design systems for consent management and grievance resolution via the DPBI.
• Faster processing through online platforms and interfaces.

4. Graded Compliance:

• Startups and MSMEs have lighter compliance requirements.
• Tech giants like Facebook, Amazon, YouTube, and Netflix fall under the Significant Data Fiduciary category with stricter rules.

5. Consent Managers:

• Consent can also be managed through registered Consent Managers, who must:
  • Be an Indian company
  • Have a minimum net worth of ₹2 crore
  • Ensure secure and transparent collection, storage, and withdrawal of user consent

Key Concerns and Criticisms:

1. Broad State Exemptions: The Act provides the government with sweeping powers to bypass privacy safeguards, citing national interests—raising concerns over potential privacy infringement.
2. Missing Data Rights:  Unlike global standards, the Act lacks provisions for:

• Data portability
• Right to be forgotten
• Profiling protection

3. Vague Cross-Border Data Rules: Permitting unrestricted data transfer to most countries (unless otherwise notified) creates ambiguity in ensuring data sovereignty and security.
4. Inadequate Harm Prevention: The law does not clearly address risks like identity theft, financial fraud, or discriminatory profiling, leaving data principals vulnerable.

How Can the DPDP Act Be Strengthened?

• Clarify exemption clauses and define terms like sovereignty and public order precisely.
• Promote bilateral/multilateral data agreements for secure cross-border flows.
• Adopt a flexible, evolving regulatory framework aligned with emerging technologies like AI.
• Create a specialized AI-data protection task force to address new risks.
• Learn from international models like the EU-US Data Privacy Framework to build trust and transparency.

A Controversial Clause: Section 44(3)

The Act amends Section 8(1)(j) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, removing the larger public interest test. Now, public authorities can deny access to personal data under RTI without evaluating whether disclosure serves a greater public good—potentially curbing transparency.

Conclusion: A Critical Step Toward a Privacy-First Digital India

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and its Draft Rules of 2025, mark a major milestone in India’s journey toward responsible data governance. While the framework seeks to balance privacy rights and innovation, concerns about state overreach, missing rights, and data security need urgent attention.

If implemented effectively with robust oversight, this law can pave the way for a secure, transparent, and user-centric digital ecosystem, aligned with global privacy standards and India’s democratic values.