1. Plastic Parks in India: A Step Towards Sustainable Industrial Growth

Context: India’s Plastic Parks Scheme is playing a transformative role in promoting industrial development and ensuring environmental sustainability within the nation’s plastics sector.

What is a Plastic Park?

A Plastic Park is a specially developed industrial zone dedicated to plastic-based industries. These parks aim to:

• Synergize and consolidate the capacities of the domestic plastic processing industry
• Attract investments and boost production and exports
• Generate employment opportunities
• Promote sustainable growth through effective waste management and recycling systems

Why Plastic Parks Matter:

Plastic Parks are central to India’s mission of:

• Efficiently managing plastic waste
• Encouraging recycling and reuse
• Strengthening the chemical and plastic processing industries

India is now the 12th largest plastic exporter globally, with exports rising significantly from $8.2 billion in 2014 to $27 billion in 2022, thanks to strategic initiatives like the Plastic Parks Scheme.

Current Status:

So far, 10 Plastic Parks have received approval across various states, acting as special plastic-industrial hubs that cater to the growing needs of the industry.

Challenges in the Sector:

Despite being one of the largest industries, India’s plastics sector remains highly fragmented, largely composed of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This fragmentation limits the ability to leverage large-scale opportunities in the global market.

Government’s Role and Support:

To address these challenges, the Government of India has introduced a robust scheme through the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals. Key highlights include:

• Development of need-based Plastic Parks with modern infrastructure
• Provision of common facilities through a cluster development approach
• Financial support covering up to 50% of the project cost, with a ceiling of ₹40 crore per park

This approach aims to boost domestic capabilities, increase private investment, enhance exports, and encourage innovation in the plastics sector.

Conclusion: A Vision for the FutureThe Plastic Parks Scheme represents a pioneering initiative to revamp the infrastructure of plastic processing in India. By promoting innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness, the scheme is ensuring that India’s growth in the plastic trade is inclusive, responsible, and future-ready.

2. India Ends Transshipment Facility for Bangladesh Exports

Context: India has officially withdrawn the transshipment facility that previously allowed Bangladesh to export goods to third countries via Indian ports, airports, and land customs stations (LCSs). This move is poised to have considerable implications for Bangladesh’s export logistics and regional trade dynamics.

What Was the Transshipment Agreement?

Introduced in 2020 by India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), the transshipment agreement was designed to:

• Strengthen regional trade connectivity
• Allow Bangladeshi cargo to move through Indian LCSs to international ports and airports
• Facilitate seamless exports from Bangladesh to destinations like Europe, West Asia, and beyond

Why Was It Revoked?

India cited logistical bottlenecks as the main reason behind this decision. Key concerns included:

• Severe congestion at Indian ports and airports
• Resulting delays and increased operational costs
• Negative impact on India’s own export timelines and efficiency

The suspension of this facility is likely to raise costs and complicate trade logistics for Bangladesh, especially for shipments to Western markets.

India-Bangladesh Relations: A Snapshot

Historical Ties:

• 1971 Liberation War: India played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan, cementing a foundation of strong bilateral ties.

Land Boundary Agreement (LBA):

• Signed in 2015, this historic agreement:
  • Resolved decades-old border disputes
  • Enabled the exchange of enclaves
  • Simplified the international boundary

Connectivity and Infrastructure:

• Five pre-1965 rail links have been restored.
• Operational trains include:
  • Maitri Express
  • Bandhan Express
  • Mitali Express
• The Akhaura-Agartala rail link has significantly improved connectivity between northeastern India and Bangladesh.

Economic Ties:

• Bangladesh is India’s largest trading partner in South Asia.
• In FY24, bilateral trade reached US$ 12.90 billion.
  • India’s exports: US$ 11.06 billion
• Both countries participate in multiple trade agreements:
  • Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA)
  • SAARC Preferential Trade Agreement (SAPTA)
  • South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)

Strategic and Regional Cooperation:

• Active membership in SAARC and BIMSTEC.
• Regular joint military exercises:
  • Sampriti (Army)
  • Milan (Navy)
• Bangladesh imports approximately 2,000 MW of electricity from India, highlighting energy interdependence.

Challenges in the Bilateral Relationship:

1. Border Issues: Despite the LBA, sporadic border security incidents and illegal crossings continue to pose challenges.
2. Water Sharing Disputes: Teesta River sharing remains unresolved, causing diplomatic strain.
3. Trade Imbalance: A persistent trade surplus in India’s favor has triggered calls for a more balanced trade structure.
4. Cross-Border Migration:  Undocumented migration into Indian states like Assam and West Bengal remains a politically sensitive topic.
5. Security Concerns: Issues like smuggling, extremist activities, and border vulnerabilities demand constant vigilance.
6. China’s Influence: China’s growing footprint in Bangladesh, especially in infrastructure and defense, is viewed by India as a strategic challenge.

The Way Forward:

India and Bangladesh share not just a border, but a deep-rooted bond forged by history, culture, and geographical proximity. With the longest land boundary between any of India’s neighbors, Bangladesh remains a key partner in regional stability and growth.

Moving forward, both nations should focus on:

• Strengthening dialogue
• Enhancing inclusivity in trade
• Balancing strategic partnerships

3. Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan: From Red Zones to Growth Corridors

Context: India has made remarkable progress in countering Left Wing Extremism (LWE), with a significant decline in violence, reduction in affected districts, and a visible shrinking of Naxalite influence across the country.

What is the Naxalite Movement?

Origins:

• Began in 1967 in Naxalbari, West Bengal.
• Initiated as a radical leftist uprising, advocating for the rights of tribals and landless farmers.

Geographical Spread:

• Expanded across the so-called Red Corridor, including:
  • Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala.

Tactics Used:

• Operate through guerrilla warfare, targeting state institutions.
• Engage in extortion, child recruitment, and violence in the name of justice for the marginalized.

Consequences of Naxalism:

Political Impact:

• Undermines state authority and disrupts democratic processes.
• Creates administrative vacuums and weakens law enforcement.

Economic Impact:

• Disrupts agriculture, mining, and infrastructure projects.
• Leads to higher security spending, reducing focus on development.
• Deters private investment in affected regions.

Social Impact:

• Spreads fear and alienation among local communities.
• Interrupts education and healthcare, causing long-term human development setbacks.

India’s Progress in Combating Naxalism:

• Reduction in Affected Districts: From 126 in 2010 to just 38 in 2024.
• Violence Down by 81%: From 1,936 incidents in 2010 to 374 in 2024.
• Over 8,000 Naxalites Surrendered: In the last 10 years.
• Mainstream Integration: Improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and governance in previously LWE-dominated areas.

Key Government Initiatives:

1. Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme:

• Part of the ‘Modernization of Police Forces’ umbrella.
• Central government reimburses security expenses in LWE-affected districts.

2. SAMADHAN Strategy:

A comprehensive 8-point approach:

• Smart Leadership
• Aggressive Strategy
• Motivation and Training
• Actionable Intelligence
• Dashboard-based KPIs & KRAs
• Harnessing Technology
• Action Plans for Each Theatre
• No Access to Financing

3. Fortified Police Stations: 612 police stations constructed in vulnerable districts over the past decade.
4. Aspirational Districts Programme:  35 LWE-affected districts included for focused development monitoring under Ministry of Home Affairs.
5. Special Central Assistance (SCA):

• 30 crore annually for the most affected districts.
• 10 crore for Districts of Concern to bridge infrastructure and development gaps.

The Way Ahead:

1. Community Participation

• Implement confidence-building initiatives.
• Strengthen tribal governance and grassroots institutions.

2. Education & Employment: Offer vocational training, job opportunities, and educational access to youth in remote areas.
3. Tech-Driven Security: Leverage modern surveillance, communication, and intelligence tools to monitor and counter threats efficiently.

Conclusion:

The Government of India is committed to achieving a Naxalism-free India by 31st March 2026, recognizing extremism as a major obstacle to tribal and rural development.

The success of Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan lies in a balanced approach that combines strong security measures with inclusive development. With political determination, administrative efficiency, and community engagement, a peaceful and prosperous future free from Left-Wing Extremism is not only possible—it is within reach.

4. India–Italy: Strengthening Strategic Ties for a Future-Ready Partnership

5. Reviving Roots: Preserving Traditional Seed Varieties for a Sustainable Future

Context: In the aftermath of the Green Revolution and the expansion of modern agricultural practices, traditional seed varieties are rapidly vanishing. These native seeds, which once thrived in diverse ecological and cultural settings, are now being replaced by high-yielding hybrid varieties.

What are Traditional Seeds?

Also known as indigenous or heirloom seeds, these are naturally evolved over generations and passed down through farming communities. Their unique features include:

• Open-pollinated and reusable by farmers
• Rich in genetic diversity
• Well-adapted to local climatic and soil conditions
• Deeply rooted in traditional knowledge systems and culture

Benefits of Traditional Seeds:

1. Climate Resilience:

• Naturally tolerant to droughts, floods, and extreme weather conditions
• Require less irrigation and fewer chemical inputs

2. Biodiversity Conservation: Help preserve agro-biodiversity, which is essential for ecosystem health and future crop improvement
3. Nutritional Value: Traditional grains like millets and pulses are rich in fiber, protein, and micronutrients, offering healthier alternatives to polished grains
4. Economic Sustainability:

• Lower input costs due to seed saving practices
• Reduce dependency on commercial seed markets and agrochemicals

5. Cultural & Heritage Significance:

• Integral to local festivals, rituals, and culinary traditions
• Example: Navara rice from Kerala, used in Ayurvedic medicine and temple offerings

Why Are Traditional Seeds Declining?

1. Policy Prioritization of HYVs:

• The Green Revolution emphasized high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice
• Government incentives, MSP, and procurement programs mainly support HYVs

2. Market and Consumer Bias:

• Public distribution systems and urban markets focus on polished grains
• Low consumer awareness limits demand for indigenous varieties

3. Weak Institutional Support:

• Limited presence of community seed banks and conservation efforts

• Inadequate research and development for traditional seed improvement

4. Commercialization of Agriculture:

• Rise of agribusinesses and input-heavy farming has pushed GM and hybrid seeds
• Mechanization and intensive input use have displaced low-input traditional practices

Key Initiatives and Success Stories:

1. Odisha Millet Mission:

• Focuses on reviving millets in tribal districts
• Ensures nutritional security, market access, and farmer empowerment

2. Community Seed Banks:

• Active in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Karnataka
• Facilitate seed conservation, exchange, and revival of native crops

3. M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation: The Tribal Agrobiodiversity Centre in Jeypore, Odisha conserves over 1,200 rice varieties
4. Global Contributions: FAO and Bioversity International lead efforts to document and protect agricultural biodiversity
5. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Promotes organic farming based on traditional seed systems and local wisdom

The Road Ahead:

1. Policy Shift:

• Integrate traditional grains into MSP, PDS, and midday meal schemes
• Include climate-resilient crops in the National Food Security Mission

2. Strengthen Seed Sovereignty:

• Scale up community seed banks and regional conservation hubs
• Encourage Participatory Plant Breeding (PPB) involving farmers and scientists

3. Branding & Market Access:

• Launch awareness campaigns promoting health and environmental benefits
• Promote GI tags, organic certification, and online marketplaces for indigenous crops

4. Education and Research:

• Revamp agricultural education to include traditional ecological knowledge
• Allocate research funding for improving yields and resilience of native varieties

Conclusion: Saving traditional seeds is not just about preserving the past—it’s about securing the future. These seeds embody resilience, nutrition, and sustainability, offering solutions to climate challenges and food security. A holistic approach blending policy, community participation, innovation, and awareness can bring traditional seeds back to the heart of India’s agricultural landscape.

6. Phawngpui National Park: Jewel of the Blue Mountains

Context: In a concerning development, forest fires have recently ravaged parts of Phawngpui National Park in Mizoram, impacting nearly one-ninth of the park’s total area. According to state forest officials, the fires have posed a serious threat to the region’s rich biodiversity and ecological balance. Rapid response efforts are underway to control the damage and prevent further destruction.

About Phawngpui National Park:

Also known as the Blue Mountain National Park, Phawngpui is a breathtaking natural sanctuary nestled in the southeastern corner of Mizoram, close to the India-Myanmar border. With its stunning elevation of 2,157 meters above sea level, it is the highest peak in Mizoram, offering panoramic views of the Chhimtuipui River and distant Myanmar hill ranges.

Size and Significance:

• Area: 50 sq. km
• Cultural Importance: Regarded as a sacred site by the Mizo community, who believe it is inhabited by the spirits of their ancestors.
• Often shrouded in mist, the park appears blue from afar, lending it its poetic name.

Rich Flora: A Montane Marvel

Phawngpui is a treasure trove of Montane Subtropical forests, featuring:

• Lush oak and rhododendron forests
• Rare and endemic species of bamboo
• Picturesque grassy glades adding to its scenic beauty

Incredible Fauna: A Wildlife Haven

The park supports a remarkable array of wildlife, including:

• Birds:
  • Blyth’s Tragopan (rare)
  • Dark-rumped Swift
  • Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant – the state bird of Mizoram
• Mammals:
  • Endangered species such as the Slow Loris, Tiger, and Leopard
  • Leopard Cat, Serow, Goral, Asiatic Black Bear
  • Primates like the Stump-tailed Macaque and Capped Langur

Did You Know? – Fascinating Facts

• Phawngpui is part of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, one of the most biologically rich but threatened ecosystems in the world.
• The park is a hotspot for birdwatchers, particularly during the migratory season.

• It falls under the Eastern Himalaya Endemic Bird Area, attracting ornithologists from across the globe.
• The region’s high-altitude climate and varied elevation provide unique microhabitats for flora and fauna.

Call to Action: With climate change and human activity increasing the frequency of forest fires, it’s crucial to support conservation efforts and promote sustainable tourism to protect this ecological and cultural treasure.