Human-animal conflict claims three lives on a single day in State
Context: In a sign of human-animal conflict situation only escalating, in Karnataka.
- Kudremukh Wildlife Division in Sringeri taluk of Chikkamagaluru.
- Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Saragur taluk in Mysuru district.
About:
Kudremukha National park
- Derives its name from the highest hill peak known as the Kudremukha Peak having an altitude of 1892 meters from sea level.
- Is spread across 600.57 sq km. in Chikkamagaluru and Dakshina Kannada districts.
- Houses a variety of wildlife such as the leopard, Malabar giant squirrel, sloth bear, gaur, sambar, jackal, mongoose, tiger, wild dog, common langur, porcupine, spotted deer, barking deer and giant flying squirrel.
- The park is home to a variety of birds such as the Malabar trogon, Malabar whistling thrush, and the imperial pigeon.
- At 1892 meters, Kuduremukh is the second highest peak in Karnataka (after Mullayyanagiri). Kuduremukh is declared one of 34 biological hotspots of the world because of its tropical biological richness.
- Kudremukh Township was primarily developed as an iron ore mining town where the Government ran Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd., (KIOCL)
Bandipur Tiger Reserve
- The Bandipur Tiger Reserve is situated in the Mysore and Chamarajanagar revenue districts of southern Karnataka. Geographically, it is an “ecological confluence” as the western and Eastern Ghats meet.
- Tiger Status: The Bandipur tiger reserve has a high density of tiger in the Western ghats landscape, bounded by other important tiger habitats, namely Mudumalai, Waynad, Nagarahole and BRT. As per the 2010 tiger assessment, the tiger density is 11 per 100 sq.km
- India, U.S. sign pact to boost defence ties
Context: Framework outlines a 10-year road map for strategic collaboration; both sides reaffirm commitment to advance cooperation in defence industry.
- India and the United States have unveiled a 10-year defence framework, marking a new phase in their strategic cooperation aimed at “advancing peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific”.
- The “Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership” was signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The development came amid strained ties due to Washington’s slapping of 50% tariffs on Indian goods.
- According to the Ministry of Defence, both sides appreciated the continuing momentum in bilateral defence cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the partnership.
- They reviewed ongoing defence engagements, addressed emerging challenges, and discussed progress in defence industry and technology collaborations, the Ministry said.
- Building on the 2013 Joint Principles for Defence Cooperation and the 2016 recognition of India as a Major Defence Partner (MDP), the new framework charts a 10-year road map to deepen collaboration across all defence domains — land, maritime, air, space, and cyberspace, a senior Defence Ministry.
- The framework focuses on maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, enhancing interoperability, and strengthening maritime security to ensure the free flow of commerce. It also seeks to expand cooperation with like-minded partners through mechanisms such as the Quad, prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and bolster defence industrial innovation through advanced technology partnerships, the official said.
- Both sides had already launched the COMPACT initiative (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology) to drive transformative changes in key areas of defence cooperation.
- The new framework underscores a shared intent to respond jointly to common security threats, deter conflict, and uphold the sovereignty and autonomy of regional partners, while laying the foundation for collective peace and prosperity in the region.
- The U.S. Secretary of War reiterated that India remains a priority partner for Washington in defence cooperation.
- In a post, Mr. Hegseth stated that the framework advances the bilateral defence partnership, a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence. “We’re enhancing our coordination, info sharing, and tech cooperation. Our defense ties have never been stronger,” he wrote.
- The defence framework is expected to provide unified policy direction to transform and expand the partnership between the two countries over the next decade, the Ministry added.
- Ministry of Mines recognises IISc as CoEto expedite India’s critical mineral mission
Context: The Ministry of Mines recognised the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, as one of the Centres of Excellence (CoE) under the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM).
- The NCMM was launched with a budget of ₹16,300 crore, and the mission aims to strengthen India’s self-reliance in critical minerals vital for clean energy, defence, and advanced technology sectors.
- The newly established CoE at IISc will set up an Integrated Critical Minerals Research and Development Facility covering the entire value chain right from exploration and extraction to processing and recycling. It will design modular pilot-scale plants using indigenous process and equipment technologies to reduce import dependence and drive sustainable growth.
Industrial solutions
- The CoE will also collaborate with industry partners through IISc’s Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development (FSID) to translate research into scalable industrial solutions, according to the IISc.
- Under this programme, the IISc would pioneer a greener lithium-ion battery recycling process, offering a sustainable alternative to the conventional black-mass route currently exported due to inefficient recovery systems. To support India’s Green Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Mission, the IISc would also recycle platinum group elements (PGEs) from spent auto catalysts, targeting up to 90% recovery efficiency through high-throughput systems integrated with PGE separation and purification technologies.
- Given the volatility in global supply chains, India’s reliance on imported rare earths and strategic minerals highlights the urgency of indigenous R&D. From toys to satellites, critical minerals underpin modern manufacturing and innovation.
Strong capabilities
- While India has built strong capabilities in semiconductors, digital infrastructure, and mobility, sustained progress depends on developing core material technologies at home.
- Omprakash Subbarao, CEO, FSID CORE at IISc, said, “This milestone marks a decisive step toward building India’s indigenous capabilities in the critical-mineral value chain right from exploration to processing and recycling.”
- ‘Govt. committed to providing 1% quota to nomadic communities’’
Context: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the State government was committed to providing 1% reservation to nomadic communities as part of social justice.
- “The government will review and take action on how the reservation can be given. The government does not have any intention to cause injustice to the community, and the government intends to compensate everyone,” the Chief Minister told a delegation of the nomadic community that met him here.
- He said that the government has made efforts to provide internal reservation, and that the confusion around the issue will be sorted out.
- The government did not accept the recommendation of the one-man commission headed by retired judge H.N. Nagamohan Das that had recommended 1% reservation to 59 communities, including 49 microscopic communities, that are most backward. Instead, these communities were clubbed with backward communities of Lambani, Korama, Koracha, and Bhovi for a reservation matrix of 5%.
- However, the communities have argued that competition for reservation benefits is among unequals, and the nomadic communities may not be able to compete with relatively better off Lambanis and others.
- The community leaders petitioned the Chief Minister seeking a separate 1% reservation for their communities, whose numbers are about 5.2 lakh, a special financial package, and the setting up of a separate development corporation for the nomadic and semi nomadic communities.
- Centre allocates routes for seaplane project in Kerala
Context: The Union government has awarded 48 seaplane routes, including in Kerala, under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN.
- Speaking, a government officer said the Centre directed Kerala to prepare a detailed project report for starting seaplane services from the Idukki dam, Malampuzha dam, Banasura Sagar dam, Mattupetty/Chenkulam dam, and Bekal. “The routes will be clear once the Centre issues a detailed government order,”.
- Union Health Ministry sets3 Guinness World Records
Context: The Union Health Ministry has achieved three Guinness World Records titles under the nationwide Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA) campaign, according to a release issued by the Ministry.
- The records include — the most people to register for a healthcare platform in one month (over 3.21 crore), the most people to sign up for a breast cancer screening online in one week (over 9.94 lakh), and the most people to sign up for vital signs screening online in one week at the State level (over 1.25 lakh). The campaign was launched on September 17 in conjunction with Poshan Maah.
- ‘Probe agencies cannot force lawyers to reveal client info’
Context: The CJI-led Bench of the SC records that lawyers were not at the beck-and-call of probe agencies; it says their ability to protect their clients without fear was part of their fundamental rights.
- The Supreme Court in a judgment on Friday held that investigating agencies cannot summon lawyers and coerce them to disclose any professional communication made in confidence with their clients.
- A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai said compelling a lawyer to prejudice his or her own client, without the latter’s consent or knowledge, amounted to an “outrageous” infringement of the client’s constitutional right against self-incrimination under Article 20(3) of the Constitution.
- “The facts and circumstances of a crime committed, or an FIR registered, is not to be elicited from the advocate who represents the accused, which again is a reflection of the abject failure of the investigating agency.
- It is for the investigator to obtain independent evidence of the culpability of the accused. The position of trust the advocate occupies vis-à-vis his client cannot be put to test by an attempt to breach the professional confidence, conferred with a solemn privilege under Section 132; which has reflections of the constitutional protection against self-incrimination,” Justice K. Vinod Chandran, who authored the judgment for the Bench also comprising Justice N.V. Anjaria, observed.
Lawyer-client privilege
- The judgment recorded that lawyers were not at the beck-and-call of probe agencies. Their ability to protect their clients without fear was part of their fundamental rights under Article 19(1)(g) and Article 21 of the Constitution, coupled with the provisions of the Advocates Act, 1961.
- The court said lawyer-client privilege was protected in Section 132 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) of 2023, which mandates that an advocate cannot be coerced into revealing any information with respect to the client he represents or the cause he is engaged to prosecute or defend. The exceptions to this rule are clear. The confidentiality of the lawyer-client communication can be waived only with the consent of the client or if it was in furtherance of an illegal purpose or a if a crime or fraud is committed as a result.
- The judgment was based on a suo motu case registered by the Supreme Court after two senior advocates were summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for legal advice they gave their clients. The Bar had risen up in unison against the ED, which had quickly withdrawn the summons. In fact, even the Attorney-General and the Solicitor-General had highlighted that the such summons by investigative agencies affect a large body of advocates in the country “whose voice is the voice of the victim, the accused, the marginalised and the downtrodden”.
- The court held that investigating or prosecuting agencies or the police cannot directly summon a lawyer to elicit the details of the case, unless there was something the investigating officer had knowledge of, which fell under the exceptions [of Section 132]. In such cases, the exception had to be specifically mentioned in the summons.
- The court made it clear that summons issued against a lawyer by a probe officer should be approved by a superior officer not below the rank of a Superintendent of Police, whose satisfaction has to be recorded in writing.
- ‘Navy monitors every Chinese ship entering Indian Ocean Region’
Context: The Indian Navy is keeping a close and continuous watch on every Chinese vessel that enters the Indian Ocean Region, including naval and research ships, Vice-Chief of the Naval Staff Vice-Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan.
- “We are aware of what they are doing, when they come in, and when they go out,” he said, underscoring the Navy’s continuous surveillance of extra-regional powers operating in the region.
- In September, reports emerged of the Chinese tracking vessel Yuan Wang-5 operating in the Indian Ocean Region. The officer emphasised that the Navy remains fully alert and operationally prepared to meet any contingency.
- “At any given point of time, there are between 40 and 50 foreign ships operating in the Indian Ocean. We are aware of what they are doing, what they are likely to do, when do they come in, when they go out, etc. Challenges remain but the bottom line remains that the Indian Ocean is the main source of transit of goods and oil as far as the world is concerned,” he said.
- Vice-Admiral Vatsayan was speaking at a curtain raiser for three major international maritime events — the International Fleet Review 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium Conclave of Chiefs — to be held at Visakhapatnam from February 17 to 25.
- He said 55 countries, including the U.S. and Russia, have confirmed their attendance, making it one of the largest maritime gatherings in the region. “These events align with the MAHASAGAR vision of inclusive maritime growth,” he noted.
- He said the Navy continues to operate under Operation Sindoor and maintains flexible deployment based on threat assessment and operational needs.
- Indian Railways to patronise ‘Aabhar’ online store in a bid to encourage local artisans
Context: In a bid to promote local talent, the Indian Railways will patronise the newly launched ‘Aabhar’ online store that will showcase a range of exquisite gift items manufactured by indigenous tribes, handloom weavers and others coming under the ambit of One District One Product (ODOP) and Geographical Indication (GI) products.
- The online store hosted by the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) sources gift items exclusively from the Central Cottage Industries Emporium (CCIE), Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), and various Central and State Handicraft and Handloom Emporiums.
- Promoted with the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, the store would offer a variety of articles and hampers that could be used in official events, ceremonies, and functions. The objective is to promote social inclusion and encourage local artisans and traditional industries.
Promote rich heritage
- Sharing details of the website and liaison officers to facilitate the purchase, the Railway Board referred to a note issued by the Chief Executive Officer, GeM, which stated that the purpose of the initiative was also to promote India’s rich heritage through handlooms, handicrafts, artisanal goods, etc., by providing market access to local artisans, rural entrepreneurs and women-led enterprises. The GeM is aimed at supporting a sustainable and inclusive economic development.
- To provide a market for local/ indigenous products and create additional income opportunities for the marginalised sections of society, the railways launched ‘One Station One Product’ (OSOP) scheme over its network a few years ago where articles, like artefacts made by indigenous tribes, handlooms by local weavers, and handicrafts like chikankari were showcased.
- After 3 month outflows, FPIs net buy ₹14,610-cr. equities
Context: While FPIs’ equity buying was a marginal increase compared with the overall selling in the calendar year, they bought debt securities worth ₹3,507 crore in the month of October.
- Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) net bought equities worth ₹14,610 crore in October after three consecutive months of selling, the strongest inflow since July this year.
- As of October 31, FPIs sold Indian equities worth ₹1.39 lakh crore, the worst number in three years. FPIs sold about ₹1.68 lakh crore in the 10-month period in calendar year (CY) 2022. The current year continues to be worse than CY2024, when global funds still net bought a marginal ₹6,593 crore. On a year-on-year basis, however, October 2025, is better than the same month last year when FPIs sold record ₹94,017 crore.
- While FPIs’ equity buying was a marginal rise vis a vis overall selling in the calendar year, they bought debt securities worth ₹3,507 crore in October, making it the third consecutive month of buying.
- “The pressure on India dedicated flows continues from long-only funds, which saw a euphoric rise in flows and AUM in 2023-24. This week, long-only funds saw outflows of $260 million and ETFs inflows of $98 million,” said Sunil Jain, VP, Elara Capital.
- ‘H1 fiscal deficit stands at 36.5% of full-year goal’
Context: The Centre’s fiscal deficit stood at 36.5% of the full-year target at the end of the first half of FY26, according to data released by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA).
- The fiscal deficit was 29% of the Budget Estimates (BE) of 2024-25 in the first six months of the previous financial year.
- In absolute terms, the fiscal deficit, or gap between the government’s expenditure and revenue, was ₹5,73,123 crore in the April-September period of 2025-26. The Centre estimates the fiscal deficit during 2025-26 at 4.4% of GDP, or ₹15.69 lakh crore.
- The government has received ₹17.3 lakh crore, or 49.5% of the corresponding BE 2025-26, of total receipts up to September.
- According to the CGA data, more than ₹6.31 lakh crore has been transferred to State governments as devolution of share of taxes by the Central government during the period. The total expenditure incurred by the Central government stood at about ₹23 lakh crore (45.5% of the corresponding BE 2025-26).
Spike in capex
- Aditi Nayar, chief economist at Icra, said a welcome 40% spike in capital expenditure widened the Government of India’s fiscal deficit to ₹5.7 lakh crore or about 37% of the BE during the first half of the fiscal from ₹4.7 lakh crore in the year-ago period.
