Daily News Analysis – 10 June 2025
Daily News Analysis – 10 June 2025
amithgnair Bhagwan Birsa Munda
On his martyrdom day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a revered tribal freedom fighter and spiritual leader from the Munda tribe of Jharkhand. Born on 15 November 1875 in Ulihatu, Munda grew into a powerful symbol of indigenous resistance against British colonial rule. His movement, famously known as the Ulgulan or “Great Tumult,” challenged oppressive policies such as the Zamindari system and forced labor practices that stripped tribal communities of their land and dignity. Munda’s call for Munda Raj and socio-religious reform through the Birsait sect marked a unique blend of political resistance and cultural revival. He encouraged monotheism, abstention from British religious conversion practices, and tribal unity. Arrested multiple times, he eventually died in custody in 1900 at the age of 25, reportedly due to cholera. His legacy influenced the introduction of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act in 1908, which restricted tribal land transfers. The government now celebrates his birth anniversary as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and continues tribal development initiatives like the PM-JANMAN scheme. Birsa Munda remains a timeless icon of indigenous empowerment and resistance.
NHAI Releases First-Ever Asset Monetisation Strategy Document
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has unveiled its inaugural “Asset Monetisation Strategy for the Road Sector,” setting a new benchmark for infrastructure funding. Through models like Toll-Operate-Transfer (ToT), Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), and securitisation, NHAI has mobilized over ₹1.4 lakh crore across 6,100 km of highways under the National Monetisation Pipeline. Asset monetisation, often referred to as capital recycling, allows the government to lease operational infrastructure to private players for a defined term while retaining ownership. This enables funds from existing assets to be reinvested into new ones. The strategy revolves around three pillars: value maximization, transparency, and market development. InvITs pool investor funds into trust structures earning returns from tolls, while ToT allows private players to buy toll rights with an upfront payment and maintain highways. Securitisation, exemplified by the ₹40,000 crore Delhi-Mumbai Expressway SPV, leverages future toll income. With a growing need for infrastructure financing, the NHAI’s initiative aims to build investor confidence and scale up monetisation while upholding governance standards.
First State/UT Engagement Workshop Under the National One Health Mission
The Government of India held the first State/UT Engagement Workshop under the National One Health Mission (NOHM), spearheaded by the Principal Scientific Adviser. It marked a pivotal step toward integrating human, animal, and environmental health policies. States like Gujarat and Kerala showcased advancements in biosurveillance and capacity building. A youth engagement program and a centralized One Health Dashboard were also launched to monitor and map real-time developments. The One Health approach, endorsed by WHO, acknowledges the interdependency of ecosystems, animals, and human health. NOHM focuses on technology-enabled surveillance, cross-sectoral research, BSL-3 labs, and inter-ministerial collaboration. Challenges include institutional silos, lack of trained professionals, inconsistent surveillance infrastructure, and data sharing barriers. Experts recommend state-specific One Health Cells, public awareness campaigns, and convergence with State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs). As zoonotic diseases rise, the integrated approach becomes vital to safeguard public health and ensure long-term ecological resilience.
Hate Speech
The Rajya Sabha is considering forming a panel to investigate hate speech allegations against a sitting High Court judge, reigniting national debates on the limits of free expression. Hate speech, though not clearly defined in Indian law, is broadly understood as expressions that promote enmity, violence, or discrimination against specific communities. Sections 153A and 505 of the IPC (now Section 196 and 353 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) penalize speech that incites public disorder or religious hatred. However, enforcement is inconsistent and often politically biased. The Law Commission has proposed Sections 153C and 505A to directly criminalize hate speech. The rise of social media and encrypted messaging apps complicates surveillance, while the judiciary treads cautiously between safeguarding free speech and curbing societal harm. Stronger legal provisions, digital accountability, and public education are needed to strike a balance between constitutional freedoms and communal harmony.
Monaco Marine Conference
India and Norway reaffirmed their strategic marine partnership at the Monaco Marine Conference. Emphasis was placed on Marine Spatial Planning (MSP)—a scientific method to allocate marine resources while preserving ecosystems. India’s pilot MSP programs in Puducherry and Lakshadweep demonstrated early success. The SAHAV Portal, a GIS-based decision support tool, was launched as a Digital Public Good. Bilateral agreements cover Arctic research, polar cooperation, sustainable fisheries, and marine innovation. India’s Polar Research Station “Himadri” in Norway highlights long-standing ties. Norway’s recent export surge to India (up 48% YoY) reflects robust trade in metals and chemicals. The Blue Economy, centered on sustainable ocean-based development, underpins this cooperation. Initiatives like the National Blue Economy Policy Framework and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana promote fisheries, tourism, and marine biotech. With a coastline of 11,098 km and an EEZ of 2.02 million sq km, India’s maritime potential is enormous and strategic alignment with Arctic states like Norway is geopolitically significant.
Govt Notifies SEZ Reforms to Boost Semiconductor, Electronics Manufacturing
India’s Special Economic Zones (SEZ) regulations have been revised to catalyze growth in semiconductor and electronics component manufacturing. The minimum land requirement has been reduced from 50 to 10 hectares under Rule 5, encouraging MSMEs to enter the market. Rule 7 now permits SEZs on encumbered land, easing acquisition issues. The amended Rule 53 includes free-of-cost goods in Net Foreign Exchange (NFE) calculations, improving export incentives. SEZs, governed by the 2005 Act, promote investment and employment via tax incentives and streamlined approvals. The reforms align with India’s semiconductor push under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme, and PLI schemes for large-scale electronics. Mohali’s Semiconductor Lab is also undergoing upgrades. These measures, along with the proposed DESH Bill to replace the SEZ Act, aim to position India as a global electronics manufacturing hub while ensuring WTO compatibility and trade facilitation.
Poson Poya Festival
Sri Lanka celebrated Poson Poya, a sacred Buddhist festival marking the arrival of Buddhism over 2,000 years ago. Observed on the June full moon, it commemorates Arahat Mahinda’s sermon to King Devanampiyatissa at Mihintale. The festival draws thousands to sacred sites like Anuradhapura. Emphasizing the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence), Poson Poya is a call for peace in a world facing escalating conflict. Rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, the festival also reflects Indo-Sri Lankan spiritual heritage and civilizational exchanges dating back to Emperor Ashoka’s reign. It serves as a reminder of Buddhism’s ethical teachings and cultural continuity in South Asia.
Heat Dome
A recent study revealed that nearly 76% of India’s population is vulnerable to extreme heat caused by a “heat dome” phenomenon—a high-pressure system that traps hot air over a region. These domes intensify due to climate change, jet stream anomalies, and urban heat island effects. Cities like Ahmedabad have adopted Heat Action Plans (HAPs), supported by the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). IMD’s early warnings and adaptive infrastructure are crucial. However, policy fragmentation and urban design challenges hinder preparedness. Addressing heat domes requires integrating urban planning, energy-efficient housing, green spaces, and water management into a unified climate resilience strategy.
World Accreditation Day 2025
Celebrated on June 9th, World Accreditation Day 2025 focused on “Accreditation: Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).” The Quality Council of India (QCI) launched an upgraded NABL portal for digital access and unveiled the “Gunvatta Samarpan” initiative to foster public quality commitments. QCI, established in 1997 under DPIIT, promotes conformity assessments via boards like NABCB and NABL. Accreditation assures compliance with standards in health, education, manufacturing, and environmental testing. For SMEs, it reduces market entry barriers, boosts exports, and ensures product credibility. With India’s global trade ambitions and innovation drive, strengthening accreditation frameworks is central to quality assurance and competitiveness.
Heeng or Asafoetida (Ferula assa-foetida)
The CSIR-IHBT’s successful cultivation of heeng (asafoetida) in Himachal Pradesh represents a breakthrough in reducing India’s import dependence. Traditionally sourced from Iran and Afghanistan, heeng thrives in arid, cold climates and takes 5 years to mature. Used in Indian cuisine and Ayurveda for digestive benefits, heeng’s cultivation is gaining momentum in Lahaul Valley. In May 2025, the first seed set in Palampur validated its adaptability to Indian soil. Tissue culture methods are now being used to scale propagation. This aligns with the government’s efforts to localize spice cultivation, conserve biodiversity, and boost farmer income in Himalayan regions.
Extracting and Production of Nickel
The Max Planck Institute’s study on hydrogen plasma-based nickel extraction from laterite ores offers a green alternative to conventional methods. Nickel is vital for EV batteries, steel alloys, and clean energy. Traditionally carbon-intensive, nickel production emits over 20 tons of CO₂ per ton. The new process reduces emissions by 84% and energy use by 18%. Laterite ores—common in Odisha—have been underutilized due to processing challenges. This breakthrough supports India’s climate targets and strategic minerals policy by unlocking domestic reserves while cutting reliance on imports. It also aligns with the global shift toward sustainable mining and material science innovation.
Tardigrades
ISRO is sending tardigrades, microscopic extremophiles, to the ISS as part of the Voyager Tardigrades experiment under the Axiom-4 mission. Known as “water bears,” tardigrades can survive radiation, vacuum, and extreme temperatures due to cryptobiosis and CAHS proteins that form a glass-like cellular matrix. They offer insights into life’s resilience and potential space colonization. First discovered in 1773, tardigrades are between 0.3 and 0.5 mm long. Their inclusion in space missions underscores India’s expanding astrobiology research and Gaganyaan preparation. Studying their DNA repair and survival mechanisms can also lead to breakthroughs in medicine and biotechnology.
Climate-Resilient Farm Ponds Project
In Rajasthan’s Amber block, climate-resilient farm ponds are conserving 10 crore liters of monsoon runoff to ensure sustainable irrigation. These 10-foot-deep, plastic-lined ponds occupy 5% of individual farmland and support groundwater recharge. The initiative aligns with Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Atal Bhujal Yojana, and SDGs 6 and 13. It offers a low-cost, decentralized solution to erratic rainfall, climate shocks, and water scarcity. Combined with community training and satellite monitoring, farm ponds can transform dryland agriculture, enhance productivity, and build climate resilience—key to doubling farmer incomes and achieving water security in semi-arid regions.
Project Cheetah
Project Cheetah, India’s landmark carnivore reintroduction program, continues to face scrutiny but retains strong scientific and administrative support. Launched in 2022, it introduced cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa into Kuno National Park. Critics cite habitat mismatch and cub mortality, but officials highlight successes: cub births, successful acclimatization, and community involvement. Over 350 ‘Cheetah Mitras’ have been trained for awareness and monitoring. The project aligns with the National Biodiversity Action Plan and aims to restore grassland ecosystems. Despite setbacks, Project Cheetah remains a pioneering global experiment in intercontinental species revival and ecosystem engineering.