President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto attended the 76th Republic Day of India as the Chief Guest.

Key Agreements and cooperations during the visit

• Joint Statement on South China Sea: Emphasis on a “full and effective” Code of Conduct (COC) in line with 1982 UNCLOS to maintain peace, stability, and freedom of navigation.
  • Call for peaceful resolution of disputes and unimpeded lawful maritime commerce.
  • Stressed adherence to international law amid China’s military assertions.
• Maritime Cooperation:
  • Agreement to position an Indonesian liaison officer at India’s IFC-IOR (Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region) in Gurugram, established in 2018.
  • Early establishment of bilateral maritime and cybersecurity dialogues.
  • Bilateral cooperation in hydrography and submarine search and rescue.

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• Defence and Strategic Ties:
  • Ratification of the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) for deeper defence ties.
  • Deal to export BrahMos missiles worth ₹3,800 crore to Indonesia.
  • Discussed cooperation in aircraft carrier construction and shipbuilding.
• Economic Cooperation:
  • Focus on implementing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for local currency use in bilateral transactions to enhance trade and financial integration.Agreed to the expedited conclusion of the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) by 2025.
  • Indonesia welcomes India’s invitation to join the Global Biofuels Alliance.
  • Exploration of partnerships in energy, critical minerals, and science & technology.
    • For Example: Bharat Petroleum Corp (BPCL) plans to invest $121 million to develop the Nunukan oil and gas block in Indonesia.
• Cultural and Historic Ties:
  • Recognition of Indian influence on Indonesian language, culture, and genetics.
  • MoUs signed in health, maritime, traditional medicine, digital development, and cultural exchange.
• Space Cooperation: Enables Indonesia to use India’s Biak Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TTC) Station (at Biak, Indonesia) for satellite and launch vehicle operations.
  • Collaboration between ISRO and Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
• Renewal of MoU on Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Condemnation of terrorism in all forms, with a call for global concerted action against UN-proscribed terrorist organizations and affiliates.
  • Enhancement of India-Indonesia anti-terror cooperation.

India-Indonesia Relations

Early Relations and Solidarity Against Colonialism (1940s–1950s)

• Historical and Cultural Ties: Over 2,000 years of shared cultural and commercial interactions.
  • Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam traveled to Indonesia from India.
  • Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata influence Indonesian folklore and arts.
• Shared Anti-Colonial Struggle: India strongly supported Indonesia’s independence during the Dutch colonial period (1945-49).
  • Nehru banned Dutch airlines over Indian airspace and provided humanitarian aid to Indonesian nationalists.
  • Indian pilot Biju Patnaik rescued key Indonesian leaders, Sutan Sjahrir and Mohammad Hatta, during the Indonesian revolution in 1947.
• Strengthening Diplomatic Ties: President Sukarno was the Chief Guest at India’s first Republic Day (1950).
  • Treaty of Friendship signed in 1951 aimed at “perpetual peace and unalterable friendship.”
• Non-Alignment and International Cooperation: Close coordination on global issues like anti-colonialism, apartheid, and peaceful coexistence.
  • Played key roles in the Bandung Conference (1955), which laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961.

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Decline in Relations (1960s–1970s)

• Divergence over China: While India’s ties with China soured after the 1959 Tibetan uprising, Indonesia maintained strong relations with Beijing.
• Cold War Tensions: During the 1962 Sino-Indian war, Indonesia showed little solidarity with India.
  • Indonesia aligned with Pakistan during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, even supplying weapons to Islamabad.
• Internal Shifts in Indonesia: The 1965 coup led to Sukarno’s ousting and General Suharto assuming power, marking a shift in Indonesia’s foreign policy.
  • Jakarta began mending ties with India, resulting in trade agreements in 1967.
• Stagnation in Relations: While key agreements like the 1977 maritime boundary pact were signed, the broader relationship remained limited due to Cold War alignments.

Revival and the ‘Look East’ Policy 

• Post-Cold War Recalibration: The P.V. Narasimha Rao government launched the ‘Look East’ Policy in the 1990s, targeting stronger ties with Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.
• Economic Liberalization: India’s reforms created opportunities for economic and trade partnerships.
  • Indonesia became a key partner in ASEAN for India, particularly in trade and investments.
• Comprehensive Strategic Partnership(2018): India and Indonesia elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on defense, trade, and maritime cooperation.
  • Shared Vision for Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation adopted during PM Modi’s visit to Jakarta.
• High-Level Engagements: Regular visits by leaders to strengthen ties.
  • Sukarno (1950) to Prabowo Subianto (2025) as Republic Day Chief Guests.
  • PM Modi’s visits to Indonesia in 2018 and multiple bilateral talks during ASEAN and G20 Summits.

Geostrategic Relations

• Maritime Neighbors: Shared maritime boundaries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • Strategic importance of the Straits of Malacca, a critical trade route.
• Indo-Pacific Cooperation: Adoption of a Shared Vision on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific (2018).
  • Alignment of India’s Act East Policy with Indonesia’s Global Maritime Fulcrum vision.
• Freedom of Navigation: Joint commitment to UNCLOS (1982) for a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Emphasis on maritime security, freedom of navigation, and overflight rights.
• Regional Connectivity:
  • Development of Indonesia’s Sabang Port for enhanced access to the Malacca Strait.
  • Strengthened links between the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Aceh, Indonesia.

About Strait of Malacca The Strait of Malacca is a narrow stretch of water, 800 kilometres long and from 65 to 250 km wide, between the Malay Peninsula to the northeast and the Indonesian island of Sumatra to the southwest, connecting the Andaman Sea and the South China Sea.

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Defense and Security Cooperation

• Military Collaboration: Garuda Shakti (Army) and Samudra Shakti (Navy) exercises enhance interoperability.
  • IND-INDO CORPAT (Coordinated Patrols) to secure sea lanes and combat maritime threats.
• Defense Modernization: Indonesia’s interest in Indian defense products like BrahMos missiles and Light Combat Aircraft.
  • Support for Indonesia’s defense manufacturing and modernization efforts.
• Maritime Security: Liaison officer appointed at India’s Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram.
  • Collaboration on hydrography and submarine search and rescue operations.

Economic Relations

• Trade Relations: Indonesia is India’s second-largest trading partner in ASEAN after Singapore.
  • Bilateral trade increased from $4.3 billion in 2005-06 to $38.84 billion in 2022-23 and $29.40 billion in 2023-24.
    • Indian Imports: Coal, crude palm oil, rubber, minerals.
    • Indian Exports: Refined petroleum, telecommunication equipment, agricultural products.
• Investment Cooperation: Indian investments in Indonesia exceeded $1.56 billion during 2000-2024, focusing on textiles, infrastructure, and mining.
• Local Currency Settlement (LCS): In March 2024, MoU signed between the Reserve Bank of India and Bank Indonesia for trade in Rupee and Rupiah to reduce dependency on foreign currencies and deepen financial integration.

Multilateral Engagement

• Global and Regional Forums: Active participation in ASEAN, G20, IORA, and East Asia Summit.
  • India’s support for ASEAN Centrality and Indonesia’s BRICS membership.
• Indo-Pacific Coordination: Synergizing ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
  • Cooperation on blue economy, maritime resources, and disaster resilience.
• South-South Cooperation: Collaboration under platforms like Voice of the Global South to amplify priorities of developing nations.
• Regional Security: Joint advocacy for peace and stability in the South China Sea.
  • Continued focus on combating piracy, drug trafficking, and illegal fishing in the IOR.

Cultural and Educational Collaboration

• Cultural Bonds: Influence of Ramayana and Mahabharata in Indonesian folklore.
  • Restoration and preservation of the Prambanan Temple.
  • Cultural exchanges through Indian cultural centers in Jakarta and Bali.
  • Jawaharlal Nehru Indian Cultural Centre was established in Jakarta in 1989
• Educational Cooperation: Scholarships under ITEC and ICCR programs for Indonesian students.
  • Collaboration between universities, including MoUs under the ASEAN-India Network of Universities.
• People-to-People Ties: Around 14,000 Indian Nationals (NRI) living in Indonesia including entrepreneurs, engineers, chartered accountants, IT professionals, consultants, bankers, and other professions.
  • Enhanced connectivity with direct flights and tourism promotion initiatives like Bali Jatra.
  • Joint celebration of events such as International Yoga Day.
• Skill Development: Training programs for Indonesian healthcare professionals and policymakers under Indian capacity-building initiatives.

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Recent Tensions in Bilateral Relations

• Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) & National Register of Citizens (NRC): Protests in India against the CAA and NRC affected relations with Indonesia.
  • Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country, expressed concerns over the treatment of Muslim minorities in India.
• Jammu and Kashmir Issue: India’s revocation of Article 370 (special status to Jammu and Kashmir) in August 2019, criticized by Indonesia, leading to increased tensions.
• Economic Retaliation: In response to Indonesia’s criticism on Kashmir and CAA, India increased tariffs on Indonesian palm oil, a key export for Indonesia.

Key Challenges in India-Indonesia Relations

• Trade Imbalance: India faces a significant trade deficit with Indonesia, driven by imports of crude palm oil and coal.
  • In 2022-23, India’s imports from Indonesia were valued at $20 billion, compared to exports of just $9 billion and Palm oil imports alone constitute over 50% of the trade imbalance.
• Limited Connectivity: Despite their proximity, direct air connectivity between India and Indonesia is limited, affecting tourism, trade, and people-to-people ties.
  • Flights primarily connect major hubs like Delhi, Jakarta, and Bali, but there is little outreach to secondary cities.
• Dominance of China: Indonesia has accepted substantial investments under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), including the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project.
  • China’s investments in Indonesia exceed $20 billion, dwarfing Indian investments of around $1.56 billion.
• Regulatory and Procedural Challenges: Differences in defense procurement processes have hindered deeper military collaboration.
  • Joint production initiatives, such as in defense manufacturing, face bureaucratic hurdles and acquisition delays.
• Geopolitical Divergences: Indonesia’s stance on sensitive issues like the South China Sea and Kashmir has sometimes been ambivalent.
  • Indonesia’s joint development agreements with China in areas of overlapping claims in the South China Sea raise concerns for India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
• Unrealized Economic Potential: Despite a trade value of $38.84 billion (2022-23), bilateral trade remains below its potential.
  • Both countries have set a target of US$ 50 billion in trade by 2025, with untapped opportunities in renewable energy, IT, and healthcare.
• Maritime Security and Non-Traditional Threats: Both nations face challenges from illegal fishing, piracy, and smuggling in the Indian Ocean.
  • The Straits of Malacca, a crucial maritime route, is vulnerable to non-traditional threats, requiring stronger collaboration.

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Way Forward for India-Indonesia Relations

• Strengthen Trade: Reduce dependency on imports of crude palm oil and coal by exploring trade in renewable energy, IT, and pharmaceuticals.
  • Promote Local Currency Trade: Expedite the implementation of the Local Currency Settlement (LCS) system to reduce reliance on the US dollar and enhance bilateral trade.
• Encourage Investments: Address regulatory barriers and establish a dedicated facilitation mechanism for Indian investors in Indonesia’s infrastructure and energy sectors.
• Enhance Connectivity: Expand direct flights between more cities in India and Indonesia to boost tourism and business ties.
  • Collaborate on developing Indonesia’s Sabang Port to enhance maritime connectivity with the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Deepen Defense and Security Cooperation: Strengthen cooperation under frameworks like IND-INDO CORPAT to secure sea lanes in the Straits of Malacca and combat piracy and illegal fishing.
  • Expedite the BrahMos missile deal and explore joint production of defense equipment.
• Leverage Cultural Ties: Promote shared heritage through initiatives like restoring the Prambanan Temple and celebrating cultural events like Bali Jatra.
  • Increase scholarships under ITEC and ICCR programs and facilitate academic partnerships through the ASEAN-India Network of Universities.
• Enhance Regional and Multilateral Cooperation: Work with Indonesia to uphold ASEAN’s central role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Align Indonesia’s Global Maritime Fulcrum with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) to promote a rules-based order.
• Address Strategic Challenges
  • Counterbalance China: Collaborate to ensure a balanced approach to Chinese investments in Indonesia, particularly in sensitive sectors like infrastructure.
  • Combat Non-Traditional Threats: Strengthen mechanisms to address challenges like smuggling, human trafficking, and drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean.
  • South China Sea Code of Conduct: Support Indonesia in advocating for a rules-based order and peaceful resolution of disputes under UNCLOS (1982).

Conclusion

India-Indonesia relations have evolved through historical, cultural, and strategic dimensions, with both nations working towards enhanced cooperation across defense, trade, and maritime security. While challenges like trade imbalances and geopolitical divergences persist, continued collaboration and addressing key issues can unlock the full potential of their partnership for regional stability and growth.

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Recently, the Bombay High Court directed the Maharashtra government to have an in-built mechanism to control decibel levels in loudspeakers, public address system (PAS) or any other sound-emitting gadgets used at places of worship, or institutions, irrespective of religion.

Bombay HC judgement

• Bombay HC ruled that the use of loudspeakers is not an essential part of any religion.
• Directed Maharashtra government and Mumbai Police to enforce noise pollution rules strictly.
• Suggested calibration and auto-fixation of decibel limits for loudspeakers and public address systems (PAS).

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Judicial Observations

• Health Hazards: Noise pollution is a major health hazard, affecting mental and physical well-being.
• Fundamental Rights vs. Public Interest: Courts have balanced religious freedom (Article 25) with public health and order.
  • Use of loudspeakers is not an essential religious practice.
• Enforcement Challenges: Police and authorities often fail to enforce noise pollution rules due to political or communal pressures.
  • Courts have emphasized the need for strict implementation and accountability.

Key Directives

• In-built mechanism to control decibel levels at places of worship and institutions.
  • Carry out “calibration or auto-fixation” of the decibel limit in these speakers
• Police to use decibel-measuring apps and seize equipment violating noise limits.
• Protection for complainants: Identity should not be disclosed to avoid retaliation.
• Four-step graded penalty system: 
  • First Violation: Police to issue a caution to the offender.
  • Repeat Violation: Impose fines on the concerned trusts or organizations.
    • Issue a warning of strict action for further violations.
  • Continued Violations: Police to seize loudspeakers or sound-emitting equipment.
  • Persistent Non-Compliance: Cancel the license for using loudspeakers.
    • Initiate a complaint against the offenders under relevant laws.

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About Noise Pollution

• According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), noise pollution is defined as “unwanted sound”.
• It is considered an air pollutant under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
• It is regulated by the “Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000” under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 
• Noise Pollution Norms:
  • Residential areas:
    • Daytime (6 am to 10 pm): Maximum of 55 decibels.
    • Nighttime (10 pm to 6 am): Maximum of 45 decibels.
  • Silence Zones: Areas near hospitals, schools, and courts where loudspeakers are prohibited.

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Indore and Udaipur have become the first two Indian cities to make it to the global list of accredited wetland cities under Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

About Indore and Udaipur Wetlands

• Indore:
  • Sirpur Lake: A Ramsar Site recognized for its water bird congregation.
  • It is being developed as a bird sanctuary.
• Udaipur:
  • Surrounded by five major wetlands:
    • Pichola
    • Fateh Sagar
    • Rang Sagar
    • Swaroop Sagar
    • Doodh Talai

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About Wetland City Accreditation Program

• A voluntary accreditation system that provides cities with international recognition for their efforts in conserving wetlands.
• Approved at COP12 of the Ramsar Convention (2015) in Uruguay.
• Purpose:
  • Promote the conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands.
  • Encourage cities to adopt measures for wetland conservation and restoration.
• Accreditation Criteria: To be accredited, a city must satisfy six international criteria:
  • It has one or more Ramsar Sites or significant wetlands that provide ecosystem services to the city.
  • It has adopted measures for wetland conservation.
  • It has implemented wetland restoration measures.
  • It considers integrated spatial/land-use planning for wetlands under its jurisdiction.
  • It has raised public awareness about wetland values and enabled public participation in decision-making.
  • It has established a local committee to support preparation and implementation of measures.
• Validity: Accreditation is valid for 6 years and can be renewed if the city continues to meet the criteria.
• Global List: As of now, there are 74 accredited wetland cities globally.
  • China has the highest number of accredited cities (22), followed by France (9).

Ramsar Convention and Montreux Record

• Ramsar Convention:
  • An intergovernmental treaty established in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
  • Came into force in 1975.
  • Currently, there are 172 member countries, including India.
  • India has 85 Ramsar Sites as of now.
  • Three Pillars of the Convention:
    • Work towards the wise use of all wetlands.
    • Designate suitable wetlands for the List of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar List) and ensure their effective management.
    • Cooperate internationally on transboundary wetlands, shared wetland systems, and shared species.
  • Ramsar Sites: India has 85 Ramsar Sites as of now.
    • As of January 2025, the United Kingdom has the highest number of Ramsar sites in the world with 175, followed by Mexico (142). 
    • Tamil Nadu currently holds the highest number of Ramsar sites in India, with 18 sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10 sites. 

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• Montreux Record:
  • It is a register of wetland sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are anticipated due to technological developments, pollution, or other human activities. 
  • This record is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.
  • Ramsar Sites in India under Montreux Record: Keoladeo National Park and Loktak Lake.

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The United Nations General Assembly has recently adopted the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in New York by resolution 79/243.

• Signing Ceremony: Hanoi, Viet Nam will host a formal signing ceremony for the treaty as consistent with past precedent for UN criminal justice treaties.
• Ratification and Accession by States: The Signing process will be followed by the process of Ratification by signatory states thus formally becoming States parties. 
• Entry into Force: The treaty will enter into force after Forty States have become Parties (signed and ratified)
• Conference of the States Parties: Once the treaty enters into force, a Conference of the States Parties will be held periodically to ensure cooperation between States Parties to to promote and review its implementation.

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About Cybercrime

• The Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime defines cybercrime as, 
  • A wide range of malicious activities, including the illegal interception of data, system interferences that compromise network integrity, and availability and copyright infringements
• Categories: Cybercrime is used as an umbrella term for a range of online activity with two broad categories,
  • Cyber Enabled: These are criminal activities conducted online but doesn’t require the use of a computer. 
    • Examples: It include drug and weapons trafficking, identity theft, fraud, and incitement of violence
  • Cyber Dependent: These are crimes that can be committed only through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices. 
    • Example: Hacking; Ransomware; Digital Arrest; Phishing etc.
• In India: 
  • India was the second most targeted country for cyber attacks globally in the year 2024 reporting 129 cyber crimes per lakh population.
    • Delhi was leading with 755 cases followed by Haryana (381), and Telangana (261)
  • Financial Fraud: India ranked fifth globally in the number of breached accounts in 2023, with 5.3 million leaked accounts and citizens losing close to ₹1.3 – ₹1.5 lakh to cyber criminals every minute.
• Reasons for India’s Vulnerability to Cybercrime:
  • Low Digital Literacy: Only 37% of the population was digital literate as of 2023 and a significant portion of these lacks basic knowledge about online safety and best practices too making them susceptible to cyberattacks. 
    • Example: Many people still use older devices that are more susceptible to cyber threats due to lack of updated security features.
  • Rapid Digitalization: India’s rapid adoption of digital technologies and online services due to cheap Internet services has outpaced the development of robust cybersecurity measures. 
  • Large Internet User Base: India’s Internet user base is one of the largest in the world providing with a huge potential for the cybercriminals to operate.
  • Inadequate Cybersecurity Infrastructure: India is still developing the necessary infrastructure and expertise to effectively combat cyber threats 
  • Weak Legal Framework: India still doesn’t have a Data Protection Law and the existing laws are challenging to enforce as the legal framework may not be fully equipped to address emerging cyber threats. 
  • Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Weak cybersecurity practices in the supply chain can expose businesses to cyber threats through third-party vendors. 
  • Lack of Awareness: Citizens are not well-educated about the importance of safeguarding personal information online, making them vulnerable to phishing, scams, and other fraudulent activities.
    • Example: There have been cases of mimicking well-known celebrities or an acquaintance to emotionally manipulate them into divulging their personal details 
  • Vulnerabilities in Telecom Infrastructure: The telecom infrastructure in India is often ill-prepared to handle the overwhelming volume of calls and messages from fraudsters creating  a fertile ground for cybercriminals to exploit.
• Challenges in Tackling Cybercrime:
  • Lack of Harmonised Legal Frameworks: Cybercrime being a transnational crime is difficult to investigate and trace as there is no unified approach to address it with significant differences in legal systems, cybersecurity laws and enforcement capacities.
    • Example: An act considered a cybercrime in one country might not be recognised as such in another, creating conflicts and enforcement gaps.
  • Capacity Gaps: Developing countries mostly lack the necessary infrastructure, expertise and resources to implement effective cybersecurity measures leading to a fragmented response.
  • Incoherent: Cybercrime does not have a widely accepted definition, thus disagreements over the definition of cybercrime and concerns about sovereignty could hinder cooperation in investigation and enforcement.
  • Non Reporting: Most of the cyber crime incidents go unreported due to various reasons as,  shame, guilt, emotional manipulation,illiteracy, blackmail etc.
  • Reactive Approach : India has a fragmented and reactive approach to cyber security as there is still no overarching law nor an apex institution formulated for dealing with cybercrimes. 
• Prevention from Cyber Crimes: 
  • Cyber Hygiene Practices: Encourage individuals and organizations to adopt good cyber hygiene practices, such as regular software updates, strong password management, and secure online behavior.
  • Cyber Insurance: Cyber insurance policies should be encouraged as it covers cyber-risk and helps with the costs associated with remediation, including payment for legal assistance, investigators, crisis communicators, and customer credits or refunds.
  • Implement Advanced Cybersecurity Framework: Cybersecurity frameworks offer a range of best practices, policy processes, security protocols, and other necessary tools to secure an organization’s business operations.
  • Antivirus: Invest in advanced cybersecurity technologies which will help to protect critical information systems and networks. 
  • Public Awareness and Education: Conduct widespread awareness campaigns to educate the public about common cyber threats, safe online practices, and the importance of cybersecurity. 
• Way Forward:
  • Strengthen Legal Framework: India needs a comprehensive legal framework which deals with cyber crime solely as it is still an emerging threat landscape and the IT Act (2000) is not sufficient. 
  • Cyber Security Infrastructure: Developing robust cyber security systems at all levels ie. national, state, local and individual to detect and neutralize threats
  • International Cooperation: India needs to participate actively globally both via bilateral and multilateral mechanisms to stay connected and aware. 
    • India has participated actively in formulating the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and the recent United Nations Convention on Cybercrime.
  • Training and Skill Development: The law enforcement officers need to be regularly skilled and upskilled to tackle evolving cyber threats, such as Maharashtra’s initiative to train police in cyber crime detection.
  • Public Awareness: Regular campaigns on Cyber Swachata practice should be conducted in schools, workspaces ect. Also social media campaigns and television advertisement for targeted messaging on cyber frauds are needed.

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Astronomers have discovered winds blowing at an astonishing 33,000 km/hour on WASP-127b, making them the fastest jet-stream winds ever observed on any known planet. 

• This massive gaseous planet is located about 520 light-years away in the Milky Way galaxy and orbits its star very closely.

What Are Jet Streams?

• Jet streams are narrow bands of fast-moving winds that flow from west to east in the atmosphere.
• This stream blows with winds of more than 442 km per hour, but they are not the strongest in your solar system.

• The Earth has four main jet streams:
  • Two polar jet streams near the north and south poles.
  • Two subtropical jet streams near the equator.

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Why Do Jet Streams Form?

• Jet streams are created when warm air meets cold air in the atmosphere.
• The Sun heats the Earth unevenly:
  • The equator is warmer because it gets more sunlight.
  • The poles are colder due to less sunlight.
• When warm air rises and cold air sinks, the movement of air creates strong winds high in the atmosphere, forming jet streams.

What is WASP-127b?

• WASP-127b is a type of exoplanet called a hot Jupiter, which is a gas giant orbiting very close to its star.
  • It orbits  a G-type star.
• Discovery: 2016 Composition – Mainly of hydrogen and helium.It is about 30% larger than Jupiter but has only 16% of Jupiter’s mass, making it very “puffy.”

• The planet orbits its star once every four days at a distance that is only 5% of the Earth-Sun distance. 
  • This makes it extremely hot, with temperatures around 1,127°C (2,060°F).

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Unique Features of WASP-127b

• Tidally Locked Rotation
  • Similar to how the moon always shows the same side to Earth, WASP-127b is tidally locked.
  • One side of the planet permanently faces its star, known as the day side, while the other side remains in perpetual darkness, called the night side.
• Atmospheric Composition
  • The planet’s atmosphere is primarily made up of hydrogen and helium, the lightest gases.
  • It also contains traces of more complex molecules such as water and carbon monoxide, detected through advanced research.
• Temperature Variation
  • The polar regions of WASP-127b are cooler compared to its equatorial regions, which experience intense heat due to constant exposure to the star’s radiation.

How Does WASP-127b Compare to Other Planets?

• Other Exoplanets: Higher wind speeds have been observed on two other exoplanets, but those winds typically flow from the day side to the night side.
• Unique Wind Pattern: WASP-127b’s winds are unique because they circle around the entire planet at the equator.

Why Are Winds So Fast on WASP-127b?

Several factors cause the intense wind speeds on WASP-127b:

• Intense Heat from the Host Star
  • The planet is very close to its star, receiving strong radiation that heats its atmosphere.
  • This energy creates temperature differences that drive strong winds.
• Tidal Locking
  • The day side is constantly heated, while the night side remains cool.
  • This creates a thermal imbalance, causing air to move rapidly.
• Low Mass and High Size
  • WASP-127b is very large but not very dense, making its atmosphere “fluffy.”
  • This allows wind to circulate freely and at high speeds.
• Other Dynamic Factors
  • Wind patterns are shaped by complex interactions between heat, pressure, and the planet’s rotation.

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Why Is This Discovery Important?

Understanding the extreme winds on WASP-127b helps astronomers learn more about:

• Atmospheric Dynamics: How atmospheres behave under different conditions.
• Planet Formation and Evolution: Insights into how such puffed-up planets come to exist.
• Exoplanet Habitability: Studying diverse exoplanets expands our knowledge about the potential for life elsewhere in the universe.

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The Union Ministry of Finance notified the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) which promises an assured pension.

• Applicable to employees who opt for this scheme under NPS.
• Operational from April 1, 2025.
• PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority) will issue regulations for its implementation.

Salient Features of UPS: Assured Pension

• • 50% of average basic pay drawn over the last 12 months before superannuation.
  • Minimum qualifying service: 25 years.
  • For service periods less than 25 years, pension will be proportionate (minimum 10 years of service required).
• Assured Family Pension: 60% of the employee’s pension immediately before their demise.
• Minimum Pension: ₹10,000/month on superannuation after a minimum of 10 years of service.
• Inflation Indexation: Applies to assured pension, family pension, and minimum pension.
  • Dearness Relief will be based on the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW), similar to existing service employees.
• Lump Sum Payment: At superannuation, employees will receive a lump sum payment in addition to gratuity.

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• • Gratuity: 1/10th of monthly emoluments (basic pay + DA) for every completed six months of service.
• Voluntary Retirement: UPS option available after 25 years of qualifying service.
  • Assured payout starts from the date the employee would have superannuated if they had continued in service.
• Exclusions: No assured payout in cases of removal, dismissal, or resignation.
• Contribution Structure:
  • Employee Contribution: 10% of (basic pay + DA).
  • Government Contribution:
    • Matching contribution: 10% of (basic pay + DA) to the individual corpus.
    • Additional contribution: 8.5% of (basic pay + DA) to the pool corpus (aggregate basis).
  • Total Government Contribution: 18.5% (up from 14% under NPS).

Significance

• Provides financial security to government employees post-retirement.
• Ensures inflation-adjusted pensions, protecting retirees from rising costs.
• Encourages long-term service by linking pension benefits to years of service.
• Complements the National Pension System (NPS) by offering an assured pension option.

Associated Concerns with UPS

• Market risk: The UPS incorporates market-based returns, which means that your pension could still be affected by market volatility, similar to NPS.
• Lower guaranteed pension: While the UPS offers more security than the NPS, it might not match the full guaranteed benefits of the OPS, particularly if market conditions are unfavourable.
• Limited flexibility: The hybrid nature of the UPS may limit flexibility compared to the OPS. Adapting to this new system might require a better understanding of both defined benefits and contribution-based pensions.
• Political opposition: Implementing the UPS may face political challenges, particularly from those who oppose changes to the existing pension schemes.
• Logistical challenges: There will be significant logistical challenges in implementing the UPS due to the large number of people and organisations it covers.
• Loss on taking VRS: If an employee takes a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) before completing 25 years of service, will not receive pension benefits from the date of VRS but once he reaches the age of 60.

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Differences between UPS, NPS and OPS (Old Pension Scheme)

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India’s banking system is grappling with a liquidity deficit, reaching ₹3.13 lakh crore as of January 27, 2025. To address this challenge, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiated several liquidity measures, alongside monetary policy adjustments to ensure stability and growth.

Key Actions Taken

• Bond Purchases: The RBI will conduct government bond buybacks worth ₹60,000 crore in three tranches on January 30, February 13, and February 20, 2025.
  • This involves purchasing government securities from banks, infusing cash directly into the banking system.
  • Impact:
    • Provides immediate liquidity to banks, aiding them in meeting short-term obligations and increasing lending capacity.
    • Lowers borrowing costs by reducing yields in the bond market due to increased demand.
    • Boosts market confidence by ensuring adequate cash reserves in the system.
• Repo Auction: A 56-day variable rate repo auction worth ₹50,000 crore will be conducted on February 7, 2025.
  • This allows banks to borrow funds by pledging eligible securities as collateral for a longer duration.
  • Impact:
    • Eases short-term borrowing pressures by providing predictable and sustained liquidity.
    • Stabilizes overnight and short-term lending rates, reducing elevated costs caused by the liquidity crunch.
    • Supports ongoing credit requirements, particularly in sectors facing cash flow challenges.

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• Currency Swap:
  • A USD/INR buy/sell swap auction worth $5 billion is set for January 31, 2025, with funds entering the system on February 4.
  • Mechanism:
    • RBI will buy dollars from banks, injecting an equivalent amount of rupee liquidity into the system.
    • After six months, the swap will reverse, with banks repurchasing dollars and returning rupees to the RBI.
  • Impact:
    • Injects approximately ₹43,000 crore into the banking system, alleviating liquidity pressures.
    • Stabilizes foreign exchange reserves and reduces excessive volatility in USD/INR rates.

About Liquidity Deficit

• A liquidity deficit in the banking system occurs when banks don’t have enough cash to meet customer demand for credit. 
• This can happen when banks borrow more money from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) than they lend. 

Reasons for Liquidity Deficit

• High credit demand: Increased borrowing by businesses and individuals.
• RBI’s forex interventions: Selling dollars to stabilize the rupee reduces rupee liquidity.
• Tax Outflows: Increased quarterly tax payments drain liquidity as government cash balances rise with the RBI.
• Government Borrowing: Large-scale borrowing absorbs significant liquidity, limiting available funds for banks.
• Slow Deposit Growth: Deposit growth lags behind credit demand, tightening liquidity.
• External Economic Factors: Global interest rate hikes and capital outflows add pressure on domestic liquidity.

Impacts of a liquidity deficit

• Higher interest rates: When there’s less money available in the system, banks tend to raise interest rates on loans to compensate for the scarcity, impacting borrowing costs for businesses and individuals. 
• Reduced credit availability: Banks may tighten lending, making it harder to access credit, slowing down investment and spending.
• Increased cost of borrowing: As the demand for funds exceeds supply, the cost of borrowing money in the money market rises, impacting the rates on treasury bills and other short-term instruments. 
• Slowdown in economic growth: Reduced credit availability can hinder investment and economic growth, as businesses may struggle to access necessary funds for expansion. 
• Market volatility: A liquidity deficit can lead to increased volatility in the financial markets as investors scramble to secure funds, impacting stock prices and other asset classes. 
• Impact on developmental projects: Government initiatives and infrastructure projects may face delays or funding constraints due to limited credit availability.

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Significance of RBI’s Measures

• Short-term Relief: Addresses immediate liquidity shortages in the banking system.
• Stability: Prevents spikes in short-term interest rates and supports economic activity.
• Market Confidence: Ensures banks have sufficient funds to meet credit demands.
• Currency Stability: Currency swaps help manage forex reserves and stabilize the rupee.

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Fentanyl

Context: Recently, the US President warned China to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese imports as fentanyl is being sent from China to the US via Mexico and Canada.

What is fentanyl ?

• Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used as a painkiller and anesthetic. 
• It is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin.
• Risks of Fentanyl
  • While it is a medically approved drug, fentanyl overdoses can cause:
    • Stupor
    • Changes in pupil size
    • Clammy skin
    • Blue-tinted skin (cyanosis)
    • Coma and respiratory failure, which can lead to death
• What are Opioids?
  • Opioids are substances derived from, or mimicking, natural compounds in the opium poppy plant. 
  • They are used for pain relief and produce feelings of euphoria, but they are highly addictive.
  • Some other examples of opioids include:
    • Morphine
    • Oxycodone
    • Codeine
    • Heroin

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LEZIM – Maharashtrian Folk Dance

Context: Chhaava movie maker, which is based on the life of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Sambhaji, will remove the Lezim dance scene from the movie following objections from politicians and history enthusiasts.

About Lezim Dance (Lazium)

• A traditional folk dance from Maharashtra, performed during marriage processions and cultural festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi.
• Origin: It’s said that Lezim was originally a sport played by men during the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji
• Features:
• • The lezim is a small mallet made of thin wood with metal pieces strung together that clash to produce a rhythmic sound when swung.
  • The dance is both a rigorous physical exercise and a performance art.
  • It involves formations in twos, fours, or circles and features callisthenic motions such as stepping, squatting, and jumping.
  • Typically accompanied by dhol (drums), with drum beats starting slow and gradually speeding up to match the dancers’ movements. 
    • Singing and wind or string instruments are not part of the performance.
• Modern Use: It is now used in physical education drills in schools and colleges due to its physical benefits.

Etikoppaka Toys

Context: Andhra Pradesh garnered special attention in the 76th Republic Day celebrations parade in New Delhi on 26 January with a display of the fascinating Etikoppaka toys. 

About Etikoppaka Toys

• Also known as Etikoppaka Bommalu, these wooden toys have a 400-year-old tradition of craftsmanship.
• Originates from Etikoppaka village, located on the banks of the Varaha River (tributary of the Vaigai River) in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh.
• Key Features:
  • Made from the wood of the Ankudu tree (Wrightia tinctoria), which is lightweight, soft, and suitable for intricate carvings.
  • Rounded designs with no sharp edges, ensuring safety for children.
  • Coloured with natural dyes derived from seeds, roots, leaves, bark, and lacquer.
  • Finished using a lacquer-turning technique, giving a smooth, glossy, and durable finish.
• Cultural and Historical Significance:
  • The designs harken back to ancient civilizations like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.
  • Includes mythological characters, musical instruments, household decorations, and animals, reflecting India’s rich cultural heritage.
• Recognition: Awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017.

Search Committee constituted for selection of Names for Chief Election Commissioner

Context: The Union Law Ministry has recently set up a Search Committee headed by the Law Minister to shortlist names for the post of Chief Election Commissioner.

• Members: The search committee will comprise the Law Minister and two Secretaries (of Finance and Department of Personnel and Training)
  • Eligibility:  Eligibility for the posts includes holding (or having held) a post equivalent to the Secretary to the central government.
• Legal Provision: The search committee is constituted under the, Chief Election Commissioner And Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service And Term of Office) Act, 2023.
• The Search Committee will shortlist five secretary-level officers which will be then considered by the Selection Committee.

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The Process of Appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner

• Legal Act: The Chief Election Commissioner And Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service And Term of Office) Act, 2023
• Appointment Process: The CEC and ECs will be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of a Selection Committee comprising,
  • The Prime Minister, a Cabinet Minister and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.
• Exemption to Selection Committee: 
  • Recommendations of the Selection Committee will be valid even when there is a vacancy in this Committee.   
  • The Selection Committee has the option of selecting a name from outside the search committee determined panel.
• Terms of Service: The Salary and Conditions of Service of the CEC and ECs will be equivalent to that of Cabinet Secretary. 
  • Previously it was equivalent to the salary of a Supreme Court Judge.

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