Context Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO): A KeyTropical PhenomenonThe Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is an equatorial, eastward-moving system ofatmospheric disturbances characterized by alternating wet and dry phases. It influences globalweather and oceanic patterns, particularly across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, withoccasional reach into the Atlantic. Low Pressure over Arabian Sea:o A developing cyclonic system led to heavy pre-monsoon showers andaccelerated the monsoon’s northward advance. Active MJO (Phase 4):o High amplitude phase 4 created ideal conditions for rain enhancement over theIndian Ocean and western Pacific.o Southwest India benefited from a significant rainfall boost. Strong Cross-Equatorial Moisture Flow:o Intensified moisture transport across the equator fueled cloud formation.

Context The Pulse & Oilseed Conundrum: Why Indian FarmersLose OutIndia’s agricultural policy has long been praised for its grain revolution—robust MSPprocurement, buffer stocks, and assured offtake for rice and wheat. Yet, pulses and oilseeds—crops tailor-made for large swaths of central and peninsular India—remain on the sidelines.The data paints a stark picture: Which global best practices (e.g., Brazil’s soyabean auctions or Canada’s pulse‐procurement schemes) can be tailored for India? Should India establish a National Oilseed & Pulse Board—mirroring the Wheat &Rice Board—to oversee procurement, R&D, and trade policy? How can farmer‐producer organizations (FPOs) be galvanized to aggregate andmarket these crops collectively?

Context ILatest News: Estimates Committee Platinum JubileeConference Inauguration & VenueLok Sabha Speaker Om Birla opened the two-day national conference marking 75 years ofthe Parliamentary Estimates Committee at Mumbai’s Vidhan Bhavan on June 23, 2025.Key Messages by The Speaker About the Estimates Committee Constitution & Composition India’s Parliament relies on a robust network of parliamentary committees to ensuredetailed scrutiny of legislation, executive accountability, and policy oversight. Here are someof the most important ones:Financial CommitteesThese are crucial for budgetary and fiscal oversight: Select Committees: Examine particular bills in detail. Public Accounts Committee (PAC): Examines government expenditures and auditsconducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). Estimates Committee: Suggests improvements in efficiency and economy in publicadministration. Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU): Reviews the performance of PublicSector Enterprises.Department-Related Standing Committees (DRSCs)There are 24 DRSCs, each aligned with specific ministries (e.g., Defence, Health, Education).They: Examine bills and budgets of ministries. Review policy implementation and performance.Other Key Committees Business Advisory Committee: Schedules and allocates time for parliamentarybusiness. Committee on Petitions: Considers petitions from the public and recommendsaction. Committee on Subordinate Legislation: Scrutinizes rules and regulations made bythe executive. Committee on Government Assurances: Tracks promises made by ministers on thefloor of the House. Committee on Privileges: Deals with breaches of parliamentary privilege. Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes: Ensureswelfare measures are implemented effectively. Committee on Empowerment of Women: Focuses on gender equity and womencentric policies.Ad Hoc CommitteesFormed for specific purposes and dissolved after completing their task: Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs): Investigate specific issues (e.g., telecomscams, pesticide residues).

Context IQ. In light of diminishing strategic relevance of NATO, it has become an imperativefor the Indo-Pacific to seek new and independent security strategies. Analyse. 10 MNATO is a collective defence organization formed in 1949. The organization whichwas once central to the security strategy of the West against a communist USSRnow faces a diminishing strategic relevance as can be seen from: The diminishing relevance of NATO is also clarion call for the Indo-Pacific tocultivate new and independent security strategies such as : Regional Maritime Cooperation-Security strategy in Indo-Pacific shouldrevolve around the maritime cooperation between the littoral states. E.g.,Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS); SAGAR strategy of India tobecome a net security provider and ‘preferred responder’ in crisis.In the era of complex interdependence, it is peremptory that the shared interestsshould gain preference over bilateral disputes. In this light, it is an imperative for thelittoral countries to ensure a free, open, sustainable, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Inclusive, rather than exclusive, vision for Indo-Pacific to promotesecurity cooperation. E.g., Indian vision for Indo-Pacific, inclusive of bothRussia and China augurs well for the stability and growth in the region. Centralizing connectivity and economic growth as a marker forsecurity cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. E.g., India-MyanmarThailand trilateral highway creating a new axis of economic activity inthe region. Prioritizing political dialogue. E.g., revival of Russia India China (RIC)grouping to promote dialogue and diplomacy for resolving disputes in IndoPacific. Regional groupings to mainstream the conventional as well as the human-centric security issues. E.g., leveraging Forum for Indo-Pacific IslandsCooperation (FIPIC) to understand, adapt, and mitigate the challenges in theregion such as climate change, piracy etc.

Context IntroductionBegin with a crisp context-setting line and a hook:“In an era where the currency of influence is shifting from coercion to consensus, India’scivilizational ethos and digital prowess have become its most potent instruments of statecraft.”Then define soft power:Soft power is the ability to shape preferences through attraction and appeal rather than coercion,a term coined by Joseph Nye in the 1980s. Why India’s Soft Power Matters o Partnerships like G20 SDG Learning Hubs project Indian expertise acrosscontinents. Next Steps for You Reflect: How might India’s soft power strategy evolve if digital public goods falterdomestically? Try drafting your introduction using a real-life anecdote (e.g., a yoga event at the UN). Map each pillar to current affairs news items you’ve read this week.

Context On August 5, 2019, Article 370 was revoked and Jammu & Kashmir was reorganised into a Union Territory. The move aimed at national integration, development, and peace. Six yearson, progress across politics, security, economy, and tourism is mixed, with enduring structural and governance challenges. Political Developments – Democratic Revival with Limited Authority Resumption of Electoral Politics Security – Progress Undone by Pahalgam AttackDecline in Terrorism and MilitancyYear Terrorists Neutralised Local Militant Recruits2019 104 1292024 67 152025 28 1Militancy-related violence has dropped sharply. There have been no recent stone-pelting incidents, hartals, or abductions. Pahalgam Attack Economy – Investment and Revenue Surges Industrial Investments Economic Growth Trends – A Disappointing Performance HTTPS://THECIVILWAY.CO.IN/ 9935082255, 9214077678 Employment and Industrial Slowdown Capital Formation and Investment Reality Fiscal Health and Rising Debt Credit Constraints and Capital Scarcity Inflation and Wage Dynamics HTTPS://THECIVILWAY.CO.IN/ 9935082255, 9214077678 Tourism – High Growth Amid Security Fragility Structural Constraints and Future Outlook ConclusionSix years after Article 370’s abrogation, Jammu & Kashmir displays gains in security andinvestment but continues to face restricted political authority, fiscal fragility, and private-sectorhesitancy. The Pahalgam attack underscores that peace and prosperity must advance in tandem.Addressing structural weaknesses and catalysing private investment are imperative to fulfil thepromise of integration and lasting development.

Executive SummaryThe India–U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) reorients India’s intellectual property (IP) policy by elevating voluntary licensing over compulsory licensing.This shift, enshrined in Chapter 13, Article 13.6, risks undermining India’s hard-won safeguards for affordable medicines and weakens its leverage on technology transfer—both vital for public health and sustainable development. Context CETA’s Chapter 13 governs IP rights and includes Article 13.6: “The Parties recognise the preferable and optimal route to promote and ensure access to medicines is through voluntary mechanisms, such as voluntary licensing which may include technology transfer on mutually agreed terms.” India’s acquiescence marks a departure from its historical advocacy for compulsory licensing to curb high drug prices and enforce patent “working” requirements. Dilution of Compulsory Licensing Erosion of Policy Safeguards Problems with Voluntary Licensing Broader Implications: Technology Transfer RecommendationsStakeholder Action ItemMinistry of Commerce & Industry Reaffirm compulsory licensing as a primary tool forpublic health safeguards.Department of Pharmaceuticals Maintain annual patent working reports to preservetransparency and trigger mechanisms.Ministry of External Affairs Renegotiate Article 13.6 to balance voluntary licenseswith compulsory licensing rights.Ministry of Environment, Forest &Climate ChangeLeverage CETA negotiations to safeguard demands fortechnology transfer on favourable terms. Conclusion CETA’s tilt toward voluntary licensing and relaxed IP reporting undermines India’s capacity to secure affordable medicines and essential technology. Safeguarding compulsory licensing and robust patent “working” requirements is imperative to protect public health, uphold India’s leadership among developing nations, and maintain leverage in climate and technologynegotiations.