1. India’s Strategic Shift at the UN: Rising Abstentions Reflect New Diplomatic Approach
Context: India’s voting behavior at the United Nations has undergone a notable transformation over the decades. A recent analysis of over 5,500 UN resolutions from 1946 to June 2025 reveals a striking trend: the percentage of ‘yes’ votes by India has dropped to just 56%—the lowest since 1955—while abstentions have reached an all-time high of 44%.
This marked shift is more than a statistical anomaly; it signals a strategic recalibration of India’s foreign policy in response to an increasingly polarised global order and the complexities of modern multilateral diplomacy.
Historical Evolution of India’s UN Voting Patterns:
India’s voting trajectory at the UN can be traced across four distinct eras:
- 1946 to Late 1960s: A volatile phase, with ‘yes’ votes ranging from 20% to 100%. Abstentions remained between 0% and 40%.
- 1970 to 1994: A period of greater consistency, with India supporting 74% to 96% of resolutions. Abstentions were relatively low, at 8% to 19%.
- Mid-1990s to 2019: The country adopted a stable voting stance, maintaining ‘yes’ votes in the range of 75% to 83%, and abstentions between 10% and 17%.
- Post-2019: A dramatic shift began, culminating in 2025 with a record 44% abstention rate and a significant fall in ‘yes’ votes.
Why Is India Abstaining More Often?
- The Rise of Global Polarisation: As geopolitical tensions escalate—particularly among the United States, China, and Russia—India faces mounting pressure to take sides. However, as a nation committed to strategic autonomy, India increasingly opts for abstention to maintain a neutral, independent posture.
- Complexity of Modern Resolutions: Former Indian diplomats describe today’s resolutions as “Christmas trees”—laden with multiple provisions, some of which may conflict with India’s interests or principles. This structural ambiguity makes outright support or opposition difficult, rendering abstention a pragmatic alternative.
- Assertion of Sovereign Judgment: Abstention is no longer seen as indecision. For a country positioning itself as a responsible middle power, abstaining can be a diplomatic signal—a way to express reservations without burning bridges or aligning with controversial stances.
Strategic Abstention in Action:
Although the analysis doesn’t cite specific resolutions, India’s recent abstentions have commonly occurred on issues like:
- The Russia–Ukraine conflict, where India has abstained to preserve ties with both the West and Moscow
- Human rights resolutions on Myanmar or China, where abstention helps avoid direct confrontation
- The Israel–Palestine question, where abstention reflects India’s attempt to balance its historic support for Palestine with growing ties with Israel
Each instance reflects a careful balance between principle and pragmatism.
Global Implications of India’s Voting Shift:
- Reinforcing Strategic Autonomy: By abstaining more frequently, India is reasserting its non-aligned identity, distancing itself from the rigid blocs of the Cold War era while embracing a multi-aligned approach suited for the 21st century.
- Potential Diplomatic Tensions: This strategy, however, is not without risks. Allies—especially in the West—may view India’s abstentions on value-based issues as a lack of moral clarity or political commitment.
- Balancing Influence and Credibility: India must strike a fine balance: using abstention to preserve diplomatic room to manoeuvre, while also projecting itself as a credible, responsible global actor.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for India’s Global Ambitions
India’s increasing reliance on abstention aligns with its broader ambition to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). As India seeks to play a greater role in global governance, its approach to voting reflects a desire to be seen as a balancer, not a follower.
In an age of multipolarity and fractured alliances, abstention gives India the space to:
- Preserve critical bilateral relationships
- Avoid entanglement in power struggles
- Express nuanced foreign policy positions
Extra Insight: How India Compares Globally
- China also often abstains, particularly on humanitarian interventions.
- Brazil and South Africa, like India, use abstention as a tool of strategic flexibility.
- Western nations, in contrast, generally have lower abstention rates and higher ‘yes’ votes, reflecting alliance-based voting.
Conclusion: A Recalibration, Not a Retreat
India’s record number of abstentions in 2025 is not a sign of retreat from international responsibility. Rather, it reflects a more mature, strategic diplomatic posture in a world where clarity is often elusive and stakes are high.
2. Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary Under Threat: Legal Breach Sparks Conservation Concerns
Context: The Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka is at the center of a major environmental controversy. The Karnataka state government has allegedly violated provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and Supreme Court directives by approving a proposal to denotify nearly 300 sq. km of this ecologically sensitive area.
Shockingly, the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) failed to uphold its responsibility by not ensuring that the lost forest area is compensated through equivalent protected land, as required by legal and conservation norms.
A Sanctuary Rich in Biodiversity:
Declared a wildlife sanctuary on 23rd November 1974, Shettihalli spans a diverse and ecologically vital region in Shimoga (Shivamogga) district of Karnataka, covering an area of 395.6 square kilometres. It is home to a unique blend of flora and fauna, water bodies, and bird habitats.
One of its most notable features is the Tunga Anicut Dam, located within the sanctuary, which serves as a refuge for otters and numerous species of water birds.
The sanctuary also encompasses the Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary, situated on a small island in the River Tunga, a haven for migratory and resident bird species.
Ecology and Vegetation:
The forest type in Shettihalli includes:
- Dry deciduous
- Moist deciduous
- Semi-evergreen forests
These forest types together support a wide array of plant biodiversity. Prominent species include:
- Teak (Tectona grandis)
- Silver Oak
- Indian Thorny Bamboo
- Calcutta Bamboo
- Asan
- Amla (Indian gooseberry)
- Sweet Indrajao, among others
Home to Diverse Wildlife:
Shettihalli is known for its rich wildlife population, playing host to several flagship and endangered species.
Mammals Found in the Sanctuary:
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Sloth Bear
- Gaur (Indian Bison)
- Asian Elephant
- Sambar Deer
- Spotted Deer
- Wild Dogs (Dhole)
- Jackal
- Bonnet Macaque
- Common Langur
- Wild Pig
Avian Diversity:
The sanctuary is a paradise for bird lovers, sheltering species like:
- Hornbills
- Peafowl
- Kingfishers
- Parakeets
- Junglefowl
- Bulbuls
- Doves and Pigeons
- Flycatchers
- Swallows
- Woodpeckers
- Partridges
- Babblers
- Munias
Human Settlements and Historical Context:
Interestingly, Shettihalli also accommodates numerous human settlements, many of which consist of families displaced during the construction of the Sharavathi Dam in the 1960s. These communities have coexisted with the sanctuary ecosystem for decades, though pressures of human activity remain a challenge to conservation efforts.
Conservation Concerns and Future Risks:
The proposed denotification of 300 sq. km could significantly damage the sanctuary’s ecological balance, especially at a time when biodiversity loss and climate change are accelerating.
Experts warn that such reductions can:
- Fragment animal corridors
- Threaten the survival of keystone species
- Reduce the sanctuary’s climate resilience
- Open doors to illegal encroachments and developmental pressures
Moreover, failure to provide compensatory afforestation or alternate protected areas violates the principle of “no net loss” in biodiversity.
Why Shettihalli Matters More Than Ever:
As India faces increasing environmental challenges, protected areas like Shettihalli are crucial not just for wildlife, but for the ecological security of the region. They support:
- Carbon sequestration
- Soil and water conservation
- Livelihoods through eco-tourism
- Flood regulation and microclimatic stability
Conclusion: A Call for Stronger ActionThe developments surrounding Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary underline the need for stronger environmental governance and accountable decision-making. The sanctuary is not just a forest—it is a living ecosystem, a biodiversity hotspot, and a natural heritage site that deserves protection.
3. Lyriothemis abrahami: A Stunning New Dragonfly Species Discovered in Kerala
Context: A remarkable discovery has enriched India’s biodiversity records: a new species of dragonfly, named Lyriothemis abrahami, has been officially identified in the forests of Kerala. Previously mistaken for the closely resembling Lyriothemis flava, this species has now been correctly distinguished and documented, showcasing the importance of detailed taxonomic studies in understanding our ecosystems.
Where Nature Hides Her Secrets:
Lyriothemis abrahami was found breeding in small, water-filled tree holes, a rare microhabitat in the dense tropical forests of Kerala. The species thrives across various forest zones—ranging from lowland rainforests to mid-elevation evergreen and deciduous forests, at altitudes between 50 m and 1,100 m above sea level.
This dragonfly’s ability to inhabit such specific and often overlooked habitats highlights the rich yet fragile biodiversity of the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.
A Dragonfly with Striking Features:
This species stands out not only for its ecological uniqueness but also for its distinct physical traits:
- Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females exhibit marked physical differences—a rare feature in many dragonfly species.
- Males: Noted for their uniquely shaped hamules (secondary genitalia used in mating).
- Females: Feature jet-black bodies adorned with striking yellow triangular spots, offering a visual treat and easy identification in the wild.
Boosting Kerala’s Biodiversity Count:
With the discovery of Lyriothemis abrahami, Kerala’s total odonate species count has risen to 191, of which a significant 78 species are endemic to the region. This highlights Kerala’s crucial role in conserving India’s dragonfly and damselfly diversity and underscores the need to continue biodiversity research in lesser-known forest habitats.
Ecological Importance of Dragonflies:
Dragonflies, such as Lyriothemis abrahami, are key ecological indicators. Their presence signals the health of forest and freshwater ecosystems. Here’s why they’re vital:
- They are apex insect predators, feeding on mosquitoes, flies, and other pest insects.
- They play a role in controlling vector-borne diseases by keeping mosquito populations in check.
- Their sensitivity to environmental changes makes them excellent bioindicators of climate shifts, pollution, and habitat degradation.
In short, when dragonflies thrive, it often means the ecosystem is thriving too.More Than Just a Beautiful Insect: The discovery of Lyriothemis abrahami is a reminder of the hidden wonders of the forest and the importance of continued field research and conservation. As we uncover more such species, it becomes clearer that protecting habitats like the Western Ghats is not just about saving wildlife—it’s about preserving ecological balance, human health, and the natural heritage of future generations.
4. INVICTUS Programme: Pioneering Europe’s Hypersonic Flight Future
Context: The European Space Agency (ESA), in collaboration with UK-based Frazer-Nash Consultancy, has officially launched the INVICTUS research programme—a visionary project aiming to develop cutting-edge hypersonic flight technologies for the next generation of reusable aerospace vehicles.
This initiative marks a significant step toward creating horizontal launch platforms capable of operating at extreme speeds, redefining the future of space access and high-speed atmospheric travel.
What is the INVICTUS Programme?
The INVICTUS programme is designed to develop and demonstrate advanced hypersonic technologies. At its core is a fully reusable experimental aerospace vehicle capable of flying at Mach 5—that’s five times the speed of sound.
The programme is funded through ESA’s General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) and Technology Development Element (TDE), both of which support strategic innovation in European space technology.
Key Features of the Hypersonic Vehicle:
- Horizontal Take-Off Capability: Unlike traditional rockets, the INVICTUS vehicle will launch and land like an aircraft, making it more versatile and reusable.
- Mach 5 Speed: Designed to sustain speeds exceeding 6,000 km/h, the vehicle will operate in the hypersonic regime, significantly reducing travel and launch times.
- Modular Design: The vehicle will be upgradable, allowing for the interchange of propulsion systems, materials, and software across various flight test campaigns.
- Sustained Atmospheric Flight: Aimed at mastering long-duration flight at hypersonic speeds within Earth’s atmosphere—essential for both spaceplane concepts and high-speed air travel.
Propulsion Breakthrough: Hydrogen-Fuelled Innovation
One of the most transformative aspects of the INVICTUS programme is its focus on a hydrogen-fuelled, precooled air-breathing propulsion system. This technology is:
- Eco-friendly: Hydrogen combustion produces zero carbon emissions, making it a sustainable alternative to conventional jet fuels.
- Highly Efficient: Air-breathing systems reduce the need for onboard oxidisers, increasing fuel efficiency and payload capacity.
- Scalable for Future Applications: Suitable for a variety of missions, from hypersonic transport to orbital launch platforms.
This propulsion approach could revolutionize aerospace engineering by bridging the gap between traditional aircraft and space vehicles.
Building on ESA’s Past Innovations:
The INVICTUS initiative builds upon a foundation of previous ESA-led technology demonstrations, integrating lessons from earlier high-speed flight experiments. It will provide a testbed for European industry, academia, and agencies to validate and refine emerging hypersonic systems in real-world conditions.
Why INVICTUS Matters: Strategic and Technological Impact
- Boosting Europe’s Aerospace Competitiveness: INVICTUS positions Europe as a global leader in hypersonic technology, alongside powers like the US, China, and Russia.
- Dual-Use Potential: Technologies developed could have both civilian and defence applications, including rapid global mobility and spaceplane operations.
- Advancing Reusability: With the space industry shifting towards cost-effective, reusable platforms, INVICTUS aligns with the vision of sustainable space access.
Did You Know?
Mach 5 speed means travelling over 1.6 kilometres per second—fast enough to cross the Atlantic in under an hour. Mastering such speeds with reusable, air-breathing vehicles could revolutionize space tourism, satellite launches, and even intercontinental travel.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter in Aerospace Exploration
The INVICTUS programme isn’t just a research effort—it’s a bold technological leap toward the future of aerospace mobility. By blending reusability, sustainability, and speed, INVICTUS is set to reshape how we think about spaceflight and high-speed atmospheric travel in the decades to come.
5. Why Food Inflation Is Set to Stay Low in India
Context: In a positive economic development, India’s consumer price index (CPI) inflation eased to 2.1% in June 2025, placing it below inflation rates in the US (2.7%) and the UK (3.6%). Even more striking was the trend in food inflation, which contracted by 1.1% in India, while food prices rose by 3% in the US and 4.5% in the UK.
This marks India’s lowest food and retail inflation since January 2019, offering much-needed relief to households and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which grappled with stubborn inflation during 2023–2024.
What Is Food Inflation and Why It Matters:
Food inflation tracks the year-on-year increase in prices of essential food items and forms a significant component of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). In India, CPI is calculated by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) and directly impacts:
- Household budgets, especially for low- and middle-income families
- Monetary policy decisions by the RBI
- Consumer confidence and economic stability
It covers staples such as cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruits, milk, eggs, meat, and edible oils.
Abundant Monsoon Spurs Record Harvests:
The turnaround in food inflation is largely due to the exceptionally strong 2024 monsoon, which delivered 7.6% above-normal rainfall. This surplus boosted kharif and rabi crop yields, improving supply and easing pressure on food prices by early 2025.
The 2025 monsoon has continued the trend, arriving early over Kerala on May 24 and delivering 7.1% above the long-period average (LPA) by July 20. Except for a few regions—including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Marathwada, Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh—most parts of India have received above-normal rainfall.
Cereal Stocks Surge: Wheat and Rice Supply Stabilized
One of the strongest indicators of food inflation control has been the rebound in wheat stocks:
- Wheat inventories in government godowns rose to 358.78 lakh tonnes (lt) as of July 1, 2025—a four-year high, up from 282.61 lt a year earlier.
- Procurement increased to 300.35 lt in April–June 2025, compared to 266.05 lt in 2024 and 187.92 lt in 2022.
- Rice stocks are also at record highs, ensuring sufficient supply for the Public Distribution System (PDS).
This robust stockpile allows the government to intervene in markets if prices rise, something that wasn’t possible during the previous inflationary spikes.
Shift in Cropping Patterns: A Strategic Realignment: While crops like pigeon pea (arhar), soyabean, and cotton saw reduced sowing due to price volatility and pest threats, farmers have increasingly shifted to maize, which has become more lucrative thanks to demand from:
- Ethanol blending programmes
- Animal feed
- Starch and food processing industries
Despite the dip in some oilseeds and pulses, India is mitigating shortages with record imports.
Imports and Duty Cuts Keep Prices in Check:
To stabilise the domestic market, the government has:
- Imported 72.56 lt of pulses and 164.13 lt of vegetable oils in 2024–25
- Extended zero-duty imports on key pulses till March 2026
- Reduced import duties on major edible oils
These steps ensure ample domestic availability, helping control prices even amid minor supply disruptions.
Fertiliser Shortages Pose a Lingering Risk:
Despite a promising start to the cropping season, a fertiliser shortfall has emerged as a concern. The strong monsoon has driven up demand, but stock levels have dropped:
- Urea stocks fell from 103 lt to 61.22 lt
- DAP (Di-ammonium phosphate) reduced from 19.18 lt to 12.98 lt
This decline is primarily due to reduced imports from China, which imposed export restrictions. For instance:
- China’s urea exports to India fell from 21.48 lt to just 1.04 lt
- DAP exports dropped from 22.87 lt to 8.43 lt
These constraints have driven DAP prices up sharply, from $525 to $810 per tonne, raising concerns over input costs and potential yield losses if the shortfall persists.
Did You Know?
India is the second-largest producer of rice and wheat globally, but it is also the largest importer of edible oils. Hence, global commodity prices and trade flows play a critical role in domestic food inflation trends.
Conclusion: Outlook Remains Positive but Watchful
India’s food inflation outlook remains optimistic, supported by:
- Record harvests
- High buffer stocks
- Strategic imports
- Duty reductions
However, fertiliser shortages and future monsoon patterns remain uncertain variables. Vigilant policy support, timely imports, and responsive market interventions will be essential to keep food inflation in check and ensure price stability through the rest of 2025 and beyond.
6. Slovenia: A Picturesque Alpine Nation Embracing Progressive Values
Context: In a significant and sensitive policy shift, Slovenia has become one of the latest countries to legalise assisted dying, granting terminally ill adults the right to end their lives if they are suffering from unbearable pain. This progressive legislation reflects Slovenia’s alignment with a growing number of nations embracing individual dignity and choice in end-of-life care.
Where Is Slovenia? A Crossroads of Europe
Slovenia is a small yet stunning country located at the intersection of Central and Southeastern Europe. It shares borders with:
- Austria to the north
- Hungary to the northeast
- Italy to the west
- Croatia to the southeast
In addition to its land borders, Slovenia also enjoys a short but scenic coastline along the Adriatic Sea, offering both Alpine charm and coastal allure.
Geography and Natural Beauty:
More than 40% of Slovenia’s landscape is mountainous, making it a haven for hikers, nature lovers, and winter sports enthusiasts. The country is shaped by four major European geographic zones:
- The majestic European Alps, including the Julian Alps
- The karstic Dinaric Alps, known for their caves and limestone formations
- The fertile Pannonian and Danubian plains and rolling hills
- A narrow but stunning Mediterranean coastline
Its highest peak, Mount Triglav (2,864 metres), is not only a natural landmark but also a national symbol proudly featured on the country’s flag and coat of arms.
Climate: Diversity Across a Small Nation
Slovenia’s climate is surprisingly varied for its size:
- Mediterranean climate along the coast with mild winters and hot summers
- Continental climate inland, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters in the valleys and plateaus
This climatic diversity supports a rich biodiversity and varied agricultural output.
Natural Resources and Rivers:
Slovenia is endowed with several natural resources, including:
- Lignite (a type of coal)
- Lead and zinc
- Forests and building stone
- Significant hydropower potential from its many rivers
Major rivers include the Sava and the Drava, both of which play crucial roles in hydroelectric generation and irrigation.
Economy: A Modern, High-Income Market
Despite its small size, Slovenia boasts a well-developed market economy. It is one of the most prosperous nations in Eastern Europe, with strengths in:
- Services and international trade
- Automotive parts manufacturing
- Pharmaceutical production
- Electrical appliances and precision engineering
The country is a member of the European Union, the Schengen Area, and the Eurozone, which has helped boost trade and investment.
Ljubljana: Slovenia’s Cultural and Political Heart
The capital city, Ljubljana, is a charming blend of Baroque architecture, modern urban design, and green public spaces. It’s known for:
- A vibrant cultural scene
- Historic castle and riverfront cafés
- Strong focus on sustainability and environmental planning—Ljubljana was named the European Green Capital in 2016
Did You Know?
Slovenia is home to over 10,000 caves, with Postojna Cave and Škocjan Caves being world-famous attractions. The Škocjan Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the largest known underground canyons in the world.
Conclusion: A Nation of Natural Wonder and Progressive Spirit
From its Alpine peaks to its Adriatic shores, Slovenia is a country that blends natural splendour with a forward-thinking society. Whether it’s promoting sustainable urban living, fostering a strong industrial base, or taking bold steps in social legislation, Slovenia continues to make a mark on Europe—not just as a travel destination, but as a modern, compassionate, and innovative nation.
