1. International Day for Biological Diversity 2025

Context: Observed every year on 22 May, the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) marks the global commitment to preserving life in all its forms. The date commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. This day serves to raise awareness about the significance of biodiversity and the urgent need to protect the variety of life on Earth.

Theme for 2025: “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development”

The 2025 theme underscores the inseparable link between biodiversity and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It calls for balancing human development with ecological preservation, reminding us that progress must not come at the cost of nature.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): A Global Commitment

• Origin: Signed during the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Rio Earth Summit.
• Entry into Force: 29 December 1993.
• Headquarters: Montreal, Canada.
• Ratified by: 196 countries, making it one of the most universally supported environmental treaties.
• Note: The United States is the only UN member that has not ratified the CBD.

CBD’s Three Core Objectives:

1. Conservation of biological diversity
2. Sustainable use of biodiversity components
3. Equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources

The Conference of the Parties (COP) serves as the governing body and meets biennially to track progress and set new agendas.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022):

Adopted during COP15 in Montreal, this historic agreement aims to address the worsening biodiversity crisis with:

• 23 ambitious global targets for 2030
• 4 long-term goals for 2050 focused on living in harmony with nature
• Acknowledges the urgency, though it remains non-binding

India: A Mega-Diverse Powerhouse:

India is recognized as one of the 17 mega-diverse countries of the world.

• Geographical area: 329 million hectares
• Species richness: Over 1,00,000 animal species and 55,000 plant species
• Spread across ten distinct bio-geographic zones, from the Himalayas to the Western Ghats.

India’s Conservation Framework and Achievements:

• National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP): Launched in 2008 and updated in 2014, it is India’s main policy to meet CBD commitments.
• Biological Diversity Act, 2002:
  • Established the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).
  • Regulates access to biological resources and promotes the protection of traditional knowledge.
  • Promotes People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs)—community-led documentation of local ecosystems and practices.
• Ramsar Sites (2025): India has designated 89 wetlands of international importance, covering over 1.35 million hectares.
• Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS): 49 sites have been notified to preserve unique ecosystems and cultural values.

Extra Insights: Did You Know?

• Wetlands, often referred to as the “kidneys of the Earth,” are vital for flood control, water purification, and biodiversity support.
• Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and bats are crucial for over 75% of global food crops—yet many are threatened by habitat loss and pesticides.
• Traditional farming practices, especially in India, are biodiversity-friendly and conserve both crop diversity and local ecosystems.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The International Day for Biological Diversity is more than a celebration—it is a global wake-up call. As the planet faces accelerating species loss, climate change, and habitat degradation, collective and immediate action is vital. The 2025 theme reminds us that human well-being is rooted in ecological well-being.With its rich biodiversity, deep ecological traditions, and active policy framework, India is uniquely positioned to lead the global charge toward sustainable and inclusive conservation.

2. Gallantry Awards of India: Honouring Courage, Sacrifice, and Selfless Duty

Context: President Droupadi Murmu recently conferred the prestigious Kirti Chakras and Shaurya Chakras upon brave personnel from the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and State/Union Territory Police. The honours were bestowed during Phase-I of the Defence Investiture Ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, recognising extraordinary acts of bravery in the line of duty.

About Gallantry Awards:

The Ministry of Defence, in coordination with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, invites recommendations twice a year for conferring gallantry awards. These accolades are awarded to individuals for showing exceptional bravery, unwavering courage, and complete disregard for personal safety, often in perilous circumstances such as:

• Counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir and the North-East
• Anti-piracy operations at sea
• Firefighting and rescue missions under extreme conditions

Wartime Gallantry Awards:

Param Vir Chakra (PVC) – India’s Highest Military Honour

• Instituted: 26 January 1950
• Awarded For: Supreme acts of valour in the face of the enemy, on land, sea, or air
• Eligibility: All ranks of the Armed Forces, including Reserve Forces, Nursing Services, and civilians under military command
• Allowance: 3,000 per month, plus 3,000 per bar for additional acts of gallantry
• Interesting Fact: Only 21 individuals have been awarded the PVC to date, many posthumously.

Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) – Second-Highest Wartime Honour

• Instituted: 26 January 1950
• Awarded For: Acts of conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy
• Allowance: 2,400 per month
• Note: ‘Maha Vir’ translates to ‘Great Warrior‘

Vir Chakra – Third in Wartime Gallantry Order

• Established: 26 January 1950 (effective from 15 August 1947)
• Awarded For: Gallantry in the presence of the enemy
• Eligibility: All Armed Forces personnel including Reserves
• Allowance: 1,700 per month

Peacetime Gallantry Awards:

Ashoka Chakra – India’s Highest Peacetime Gallantry Award

• Instituted: 1952, renamed in 1967
• Awarded For: “Most conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield”
• Peacetime equivalent of: Param Vir Chakra
• Eligibility: Military, police, paramilitary forces, civilians, and nursing personnel
• Allowance: 2,800 per month
• Extra Insight: Ashoka Chakra recipients are often honoured during Republic Day celebrations.

Kirti Chakra – Second Highest Peacetime Award

• Instituted: 1952 as Ashoka Chakra Class-II, renamed in 1967
• Awarded For: Valour and self-sacrifice away from combat zones
• Peacetime equivalent of: Maha Vir Chakra
• Eligibility: Both civilians and military personnel, including posthumous recipients
• Allowance: 2,100 per month

Shaurya Chakra – Third in Peacetime Gallantry

• Established: 4 January 1952 as Ashoka Chakra Class-III, renamed in 1967
• Awarded For: Courageous action not involving enemy combat
• Peacetime equivalent of: Vir Chakra
• Eligibility: All Armed Forces, including Territorial Army, Reserve Forces, and legally constituted forces
• Allowance: 1,500 per month

Additional Facts You Should Know:

• Gallantry awards can be conferred posthumously, and are often awarded during Independence Day and Republic Day.
• Bars can be awarded for multiple acts of bravery, each carrying the same monetary reward.
• These decorations are not just symbols of honour, but a testament to the highest standards of duty and sacrifice expected from those who wear the uniform.
• Some recipients have also gone on to serve the country in public service, sports, and humanitarian efforts.

Conclusion: Gallantry awards are a tribute to the courage and dedication of India’s brave hearts. From the icy heights of the Himalayas to the high seas and the dense jungles of the Northeast, our heroes continue to inspire us with their unflinching bravery. These awards are more than medals—they are stories of valor, sacrifice, and an unbreakable spirit that defines the soul of the nation.

3. Net FDI Plummets by 96% in FY25 to Just $353 Million

Context: In a startling shift, Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India plummeted by over 96% in FY2024-25, standing at a mere $353 million, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This sharp fall comes after net FDI had already slipped to $10.1 billion in 2023-24, down from $44 billion in 2020-21—highlighting a consistent downward trend over the last few years.

Gross FDI Inflows Remain Strong:

Interestingly, gross FDI inflows remain robust. In FY25, India witnessed a 13.7% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) increase, recording $81 billion in foreign investment inflows. These were diversified across multiple sectors, with over 60% of investments directed toward manufacturing, financial services, energy, and communication services.

Top contributing nations included:

• Singapore
• Mauritius
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Netherlands
• United States (US)

Together, these five countries accounted for over 75% of total gross FDI.

Why Is Net FDI Declining Despite Strong Inflows?

The sharp drop in net FDI is largely due to two major outflows:

1. Repatriation by Foreign Firms: Many global companies are pulling profits or disinvesting assets, sending capital back to their home countries.
2. Surge in Outward FDI by Indian Firms: Indian companies are increasingly investing abroad—a sign of growing global ambitions. In FY25, outward FDI soared to $29.2 billion, marking a 75% increase from the previous year.

Understanding Net FDI:

Net FDI is the balance of foreign investment, calculated as: Net FDI = Gross FDI Inflows − (Repatriation by Foreign Firms + Outward FDI by Indian Firms)

Components Explained:

• Gross FDI Inflows: New investments by foreign companies (e.g., setting up factories, acquisitions, JV partnerships).
• Repatriation/Disinvestment: Profits or capital taken out of India by foreign firms.
• Outward FDI: Investments made by Indian businesses in overseas ventures (subsidiaries, M&As, joint ventures).

Why Net FDI Still Matters:

• A positive net FDI reflects greater investor confidence, suggesting more money is entering the economy than exiting.
• A low or negative net FDI, while not always alarming, can point to capital being redirected abroad or lower reinvestment by foreign firms.

Important to Note: Low net FDI doesn’t always indicate a weak investment climate—it could also signify:

• Economic diversification by domestic firms
• Higher corporate maturity and strategic international expansion

Additional Insight: Global Context

• Countries like China and Brazil have also experienced similar dips in net FDI due to increased globalization of domestic corporations.
• In a globalized economy, outward investments often signify confidence in international competitiveness, not necessarily domestic weakness.

Conclusion: A Mixed Signal

India’s net FDI slump in FY25 raises important questions about the investment environment. However, rising outward FDI and strong gross inflows suggest a more complex economic narrative—one where Indian firms are asserting their global presence, even as foreign investors remain engaged in key sectors.

The challenge ahead lies in converting gross inflows into long-term commitments and ensuring that India remains a magnet for foreign capital while supporting the global rise of Indian enterprises.

4. Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI): A New Shield Against Digital Scams

5. Nagarhole Tiger Reserve: A Jewel of Karnataka’s Wild Heart

Context: In a significant assertion of indigenous rights, 52 Jenu Kuruba tribal families residing within the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve (NTR) in Ponnampet taluk, Kodagu district, have recently installed a board in their haadi (hamlet). The board proclaims their entitlement to land under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, bringing to light the ongoing tension between conservation and indigenous habitation in protected areas.

About Nagarhole Tiger Reserve:

The Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is one of India’s premier wildlife habitats, renowned for its thriving tiger and elephant population. It is located in the districts of Mysore and Kodagu in the southern Indian state of Karnataka.

Strategic Location

• Positioned near the tri-junction of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, making it ecologically and politically significant.
• It forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site.
• Flanked by:
  • Bandipur Tiger Reserve (southeast)
  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (southwest)

Geographical & Hydrological Significance:

• Named after the Nagarahole River (meaning “serpent stream” in Kannada), which winds through the reserve before merging with the Kabini River.
• Rivers:
  • Kabini River forms the northern boundary
  • Moyar River borders it to the south

A Unique Ecological Confluence:

Nagarhole lies at the junction of the Western and Eastern Ghats, creating a transition zone rich in biodiversity and endemic species.

Vegetation Profile

• Eastern part: Dominated by dry deciduous forests
• Western region: Receives more rainfall and features tropical moist and semi-evergreen forests
• Swampy meadows (‘Hadlu’) within the forest are lush with grasses and sedges, attracting numerous herbivores

Floral Diversity:

The forest hosts a wide array of plant species, including:

• Rosewood
• Indian Kino Tree
• Sandalwood

• Indian Laurel
• Clumping Bamboo
• Giant Clumping Bamboo

Faunal Richness: Sanctuary of Giants

Nagarhole is a critical habitat for large mammals, particularly:

• Bengal Tigers
• Asian Elephants – Nagarhole boasts the largest population of wild Asian elephants in South Asia
• Gaurs (Indian bison)
• Sloth Bears
• Golden Jackals
• Dholes (Indian wild dogs)
• Four-horned Antelopes

It is also home to over 250 species of birds, many of which are endemic or migratory, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Human-Wildlife Coexistence: A Complex Reality

While Nagarhole is globally celebrated for its wildlife, it is also home to tribal communities such as the Jenu Kurubas, who have lived in these forests for generations.

• The Forest Rights Act, 2006, recognizes their traditional forest dwelling and livelihood rights.
• However, conservation efforts and increasing tourism often clash with the tribes’ rights and access to forest resources.

Conclusion: Balancing Conservation and Community Rights

The Nagarhole Tiger Reserve stands as a symbol of India’s ecological wealth, but also as a test case for inclusive conservation. The recent move by the Jenu Kuruba families underscores the importance of harmonizing wildlife protection with tribal empowerment.

As India continues to lead in biodiversity conservation, respecting and integrating indigenous wisdom and rights will be crucial in ensuring that these protected landscapes thrive not just for wildlife, but for all life.

6. Keezhadi Excavations: Unveiling the Hidden Legacy of Ancient Tamil Civilizatio

Context: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently directed archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishna—the former lead of the Keezhadi excavations—to resubmit his excavation report after incorporating necessary revisions and clarifications. This move comes as part of ASI’s ongoing scrutiny to ensure that the findings from Keezhadi are accurately documented and scientifically validated.

About Keezhadi: A Window into Ancient Urban Tamil Culture

Located near Madurai in Tamil Nadu, along the Vaigai River, the Keezhadi excavation site has emerged as one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries in South India in recent times.

Historical Significance:

• The site is believed to date back to between the 5th century BCE and the 3rd century CE, aligning it with the Sangam Age.
• Keezhadi offers compelling evidence of an urbanized, literate, and industrial society that thrived in Tamil Nadu long before many classical civilizations.

Key Discoveries:

• Brick structures, pottery inscribed with Tamil-Brahmi script, iron tools, beads, and artisan workshops.
• The findings point to advanced water management systems, textile dyeing, metalworking, and a high degree of social organization.

Urbanization Beyond the North: A Paradigm Shift

• Keezhadi has challenged the conventional belief that urban civilization in India originated exclusively from the Indo-Gangetic plains. The site suggests that southern India experienced independent urban growth, marking an early phase of Dravidian civilization development.

Understanding the Sangam Era

The Sangam Period is a culturally rich and historically vital phase in Tamil history, roughly spanning from 300 BCE to 300 CE.

What is Sangam?

• The term ‘Sangam’, derived from the Sanskrit word Sangha (meaning “assembly”), refers to the literary academies that were believed to be established under the patronage of the Pandya kings. These assemblies produced a wealth of classical Tamil literature.

Major Literary Works of the Sangam Age:

• Tolkappiyam – The oldest Tamil grammar text, covering phonology, grammar, and poetics.
• Pattupattu – A collection of Ten Idylls, celebrating love, valor, and devotion.
• Ettuthogai – The Eight Anthologies, which provide insight into social and political life.
• Padinenkilkanakku – Eighteen Minor Works focused on ethics and morality.
• Three Great Epics –
  • Silappadikaram (The Tale of the Anklet)
  • Manimekalai (Sequel to Silappadikaram)
  • Civaka Cintamani (A Jain romantic epic)

Cultural and Academic Impact of Keezhadi:

• The site strengthens the historical roots of the Tamil language, showing its use in inscriptions as early as 6th century BCE.
• It provides physical validation to the rich descriptions found in Sangam literature.
• Keezhadi bridges the gap between literary and archaeological history, confirming that urban culture thrived in the South parallel to or even before similar developments in the North.

Conclusion: A Tamil Legacy Rising from the Earth

Keezhadi is more than just an archaeological site—it is a testament to Tamil Nadu’s ancient sophistication, literacy, and craftsmanship. As scholars continue to piece together the story through ongoing excavations and research, Keezhadi is reshaping Indian historiography by showcasing a vibrant and independent urban culture of the South that deserves global recognition.