India-Africa Relations

Why in news?

In 2015, New Delhi hosted the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-III), which was a moment of significance, now India must “connect, build and revive” its partnership with Africa by strengthening finance, digital cooperation, and institutional mechanisms.

What is the historical progress of India–Africa ties?

• Civilizational links – India-Africa relations date back millennia, with trade between the Indus Valley Civilization and African civilizations.
• During colonial times, Indian indentured laborers (girmitiyas) in Africa strengthened socio-cultural connections.
• Political relations – It was started when M.K.Gandhi started his political career during colonization in South Africa.
• Further shaped through common experiences of colonialism, solidarity in the Non-Aligned movement and in forms of developmental diplomacy.
• India supported African liberation movements, especially in Namibia and South Africa, promoting South-South cooperation.
• Diplomatic Expansion – Now, India has established 17 new missions across Africa, strengthening its diplomatic footprint.

What are the key areas of cooperation between India and Africa?

• Economic Relations – India-Africa trade touched $98 billion in FY22–23 which is a positive economic development.
  • Bilateral trade crossed $100 billion, making India one of Africa’s top five trading partners.
  • India is among Africa’s top five investors, with $75 billion in cumulative investments.
  • India is Africa’s 3^rd largest export destination.
  • Exports to Africa - Refined petroleum, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, machinery, textiles.
  • Imports from Africa - Crude oil, gold, coal, pulses, cashew, and other raw materials.
• Financial collaboration – India’s Exim Bank recently extended a $40 million commercial credit line to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).

• Maritime cooperation – In April 2025, 1^st Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME)  was held, between India and 9 African navies.
• India-Africa Defence Dialogue was held in the sidelines of DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Military exercises includes - AFINDEX 2023, anti-piracy patrols, maritime vision via SAGAR and MAHASAGAR initiatives.
• Cultural relations - Project ‘Mausam’ is an initiative of Ministry of Culture, to explore the multi-faceted Indian Ocean ‘world’ and promote research related to maritime routes.
  • About 39 Indian Ocean countries selected for this project which contains African countries like Egypt, Kenya, Sudan, Somalia etc.,
• Education & Health – Africa is one of the beneficiaries of India’s flagship capacity building program – Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC).
  • As per National Education Policy 2020 guidelines, 1^st IIT (Madras) Campus at Zanzibar, Tanzania.
  • India supplied 'Made in India' COVID vaccines to 42 African countries under “One Earth One Health Mission”.
• Technology – Pan-African e-Network and e-VBAB projects offer tele-education and telemedicine services.
  • Promoting India Stack (UPI, Aadhaar, DigiLocker) in Africa to support financial inclusion and e-governance.
  • Some cities like Kigali (Rwanda), Nairobi (Kenya) and Lagos (Nigeria), African innovation ecosystems are growing, but the competition is global.
• Institutional Frameworks – Africa is shaping its own terms through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aiming for a unified continental market.
  • IAFS the key platform for economic diplomacy; last held in 2015, in New Delhi - welcomed representatives from all 54 African states.

IAFS is the official platform for the African Indian relations which is held once in every 3 years since 2008, that enhances relations and cooperation between India and African nations.

• Energy Cooperation – African nations partner with India under the International Solar Alliance, while collaborations in green hydrogen, EV ecosystems and blue economy corridors gain traction.
  • Indian firms like ONGC Videsh and Oil India invest in Mozambique, Nigeria, Sudan.
• Push for global representation – Beyond that, India continues to push for African representation in global institutions and contributes to United Nations peacekeeping missions on the continent.
  • Example: India’s push for membership for African Union in the G-20.

What are the opportunities in India – Africa relations?

• Demography – By 2050, one in four people on earth will be in Africa (Africa will host 25% of the global population); India will be the world’s 3^rd largest economy.
• This creates a potential growth corridor of commerce, demography, and technology.
• Evolving engagement model – Shift from aid to co-development (Build together) - ports, power lines, vaccines, digital tools.
• Human Capital – India’s most enduring export to Africa is not technology, it is human resource.
  • Nearly, 40,000 African students trained in India in the past decade, now lead in policy, innovation, and governance across Africa.
• Growing consumer base – Africa’s rapidly urbanizing population presents a large market for major Indian sectors like IT, banking, financial services, and mobile payment solutions.

What are the challenges in India – Africa relations?

• China’s dominance – India’s trade with Africa is growing, but it still lags behind China.
• Slow execution of projects – Indian firms face bureaucratic hurdles, limited capital, logistics issue, political unrest, etc.
• Loss of institutional momentum – No IAFS meeting since 2015 has diluted institutional continuity.
• Focus Diversion – India’s strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific and strengthening ties with Western powers sometimes diverts attention from Africa.
• Geopolitical challenges – Political instability and maritime insecurity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) hinder investment and long-term project viability.

What are the moves India must undertake to sustain its thrust in Africa?

• Connect finance to outcomes – Ensure every line of credit must lead to delivers visible impact; public finance must de-risk, rather than displacing private capital.
• Build a digital corridor – This collaboration should leverage not just UPI and India Stack, but also Africa’s own digital capabilities, so that we can co-develop platforms for health, education, and payments that serve the Global South.
• Move up the value chain – Both must co-investing in future-facing sectors — green hydrogen, electric mobility and digital infrastructure.
• Revive institutional dialogue – Reconvene IAFS to renew diplomatic momentum.

References

1. The Hindu | India needs to ‘connect, build and revive’ with Africa
2. Embassy of India | India-Africa Connect

Issues with Lower Judiciary

Why in news?

A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court of India has recently linked the sense of stagnation in the subordinate judicial service to prolonged litigation and the huge pendency in India’s courts.

What is the structure and role of the judicial system in India?

• Part VI of the Constitution of India, deals with the articles related to Subordinate Courts in India.
• The subordinate courts form the backbone of India's judicial system, serving as the primary point of access to justice for millions of citizens. 
• Articles 233 to 237 of the Indian Constitution establish the fundamental framework for Subordinate courts, ensuring their proper functioning, independence, and administration.
• Hierarchy of Indian Judicial System –

• Administrative Control – High Courts oversee inspections, postings, promotions, discipline and ensure uniform judicial standards across districts.
  • State Governments manage court buildings, financial outlays, personnel support, and help conduct judicial service exams through PSCs.
• Recruitments – Lower Judicial Service recruits fresh law graduates (0–7 years’ experience) appointed as Civil Judges or Judicial Magistrates.
• Higher Judicial Service recruits experienced advocates (7+ years at the bar) appointed as District Judges, bringing professional expertise to higher trial courts.

What are the issues that hinders the efficiency of lower courts?

• Pendency Crisis – Massive backlog of cases demands urgent intervention from the higher judiciary, not just procedural tweaks at lower levels.

• Archaic Laws – Outdated legal provisions hinder swift justice; legislative reform is essential to streamline procedures.
• Judicial Recruitment – Without appointing competent and experienced lawyers as judges, qualitative disposal and pendency reduction remain elusive.
• Procedural Burden – The Code of Civil Procedure & Civil Rules of Practice prescribe detailed procedures for initiating proceedings, issuing summons, and ensuring party appearances.
• Time consuming routine task – Subordinate judges are burdened with routine tasks like calling suits, issuing fresh summons, and receiving vakalathnamas, etc consume significant time of the working day.
• Lack of experienced Subordinate Judges – Many newly appointed judges lack prior courtroom experience, making it difficult for them to manage workload or pass effective judicial orders.
• Skill Deficit – Some judges are unable to issue orders due to inadequate procedural and legal preparedness.
• Unintended Consequences of Procedural Statutes – New statutory provisions are often introduced with the aim of speeding up case disposal, but in reality, they often complicate procedures, leading to delays and increased pendency.
• Procedural Misuse in Civil Litigation – Several provisions in the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), originally designed to ensure fair trial and due process, are frequently misused by litigants.
  • Despite amendments in 1976 and 2002, the CPC remains outdated in ensuring expeditious disposal, focus remains on trial and appeal conduct, not on quick termination of proceedings.
• Some of the Procedural Bottlenecks –
  • Preliminary and final rulings in partition suits delay resolution.
  • Mandatory pre-suit mediation under Section 12(a) of the Commercial Courts Act adds unnecessary delays.
  • Cooling-off period in mutual divorce cases prolongs litigation even when parties are in agreement.
  • Jurisdictional ambiguity due to lack of clarity on oral leases and possession under the Transfer of Property Act.

What need to be done to improve the working of lower judiciary?

• Structural Separation – Appoint a lowest-rank judicial officer in each district court to handle ministerial tasks for a specific cadre (e.g., senior civil judges, district munsifs) allowing judges to concentrate on merit-based disposal.
• Need for training – Mandate observational training for all newly appointed civil and senior civil judges under various High Court Benches.
• Procedural simplification – For ensuring balanced timelines, reducing delays, and enhancing the overall efficiency of civil litigation.
  • Allow a single decree in partition suits or make final decree proceedings automatic.
  • Introduce fast-track execution mechanisms with mandatory asset disclosures.
  • Impose reasonable time limits on plaintiffs for filing suits.
• Modernize CPC – Shift legislative focus from procedural formality to substantive justice and efficiency, to ensure amendments are outcome-oriented, not merely cosmetic.
• Role of higher Judiciary – Reducing pendency is not solely the responsibility of subordinate courts. Higher courts must also ensure timely disposal of appeals and revisions.

Reference

The Hindu | Lower judiciary — litigation, pendency, stagnation

India-Africa Relations

Why in news?

In 2015, New Delhi hosted the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-III), which was a moment of significance, now India must “connect, build and revive” its partnership with Africa by strengthening finance, digital cooperation, and institutional mechanisms.

What is the historical progress of India–Africa ties?

• Civilizational links – India-Africa relations date back millennia, with trade between the Indus Valley Civilization and African civilizations.
• During colonial times, Indian indentured laborers (girmitiyas) in Africa strengthened socio-cultural connections.
• Political relations – It was started when M.K.Gandhi started his political career during colonization in South Africa.
• Further shaped through common experiences of colonialism, solidarity in the Non-Aligned movement and in forms of developmental diplomacy.
• India supported African liberation movements, especially in Namibia and South Africa, promoting South-South cooperation.
• Diplomatic Expansion – Now, India has established 17 new missions across Africa, strengthening its diplomatic footprint.

What are the key areas of cooperation between India and Africa?

• Economic Relations – India-Africa trade touched $98 billion in FY22–23 which is a positive economic development.
  • Bilateral trade crossed $100 billion, making India one of Africa’s top five trading partners.
  • India is among Africa’s top five investors, with $75 billion in cumulative investments.
  • India is Africa’s 3^rd largest export destination.
  • Exports to Africa - Refined petroleum, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, machinery, textiles.
  • Imports from Africa - Crude oil, gold, coal, pulses, cashew, and other raw materials.
• Financial collaboration – India’s Exim Bank recently extended a $40 million commercial credit line to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).

• Maritime cooperation – In April 2025, 1^st Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME)  was held, between India and 9 African navies.
• India-Africa Defence Dialogue was held in the sidelines of DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Military exercises includes - AFINDEX 2023, anti-piracy patrols, maritime vision via SAGAR and MAHASAGAR initiatives.
• Cultural relations - Project ‘Mausam’ is an initiative of Ministry of Culture, to explore the multi-faceted Indian Ocean ‘world’ and promote research related to maritime routes.
  • About 39 Indian Ocean countries selected for this project which contains African countries like Egypt, Kenya, Sudan, Somalia etc.,
• Education & Health – Africa is one of the beneficiaries of India’s flagship capacity building program – Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC).
  • As per National Education Policy 2020 guidelines, 1^st IIT (Madras) Campus at Zanzibar, Tanzania.
  • India supplied 'Made in India' COVID vaccines to 42 African countries under “One Earth One Health Mission”.
• Technology – Pan-African e-Network and e-VBAB projects offer tele-education and telemedicine services.
  • Promoting India Stack (UPI, Aadhaar, DigiLocker) in Africa to support financial inclusion and e-governance.
  • Some cities like Kigali (Rwanda), Nairobi (Kenya) and Lagos (Nigeria), African innovation ecosystems are growing, but the competition is global.
• Institutional Frameworks – Africa is shaping its own terms through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aiming for a unified continental market.
  • IAFS the key platform for economic diplomacy; last held in 2015, in New Delhi - welcomed representatives from all 54 African states.

IAFS is the official platform for the African Indian relations which is held once in every 3 years since 2008, that enhances relations and cooperation between India and African nations.

• Energy Cooperation – African nations partner with India under the International Solar Alliance, while collaborations in green hydrogen, EV ecosystems and blue economy corridors gain traction.
  • Indian firms like ONGC Videsh and Oil India invest in Mozambique, Nigeria, Sudan.
• Push for global representation – Beyond that, India continues to push for African representation in global institutions and contributes to United Nations peacekeeping missions on the continent.
  • Example: India’s push for membership for African Union in the G-20.

What are the opportunities in India – Africa relations?

• Demography – By 2050, one in four people on earth will be in Africa (Africa will host 25% of the global population); India will be the world’s 3^rd largest economy.
• This creates a potential growth corridor of commerce, demography, and technology.
• Evolving engagement model – Shift from aid to co-development (Build together) - ports, power lines, vaccines, digital tools.
• Human Capital – India’s most enduring export to Africa is not technology, it is human resource.
  • Nearly, 40,000 African students trained in India in the past decade, now lead in policy, innovation, and governance across Africa.
• Growing consumer base – Africa’s rapidly urbanizing population presents a large market for major Indian sectors like IT, banking, financial services, and mobile payment solutions.

What are the challenges in India – Africa relations?

• China’s dominance – India’s trade with Africa is growing, but it still lags behind China.
• Slow execution of projects – Indian firms face bureaucratic hurdles, limited capital, logistics issue, political unrest, etc.
• Loss of institutional momentum – No IAFS meeting since 2015 has diluted institutional continuity.
• Focus Diversion – India’s strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific and strengthening ties with Western powers sometimes diverts attention from Africa.
• Geopolitical challenges – Political instability and maritime insecurity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) hinder investment and long-term project viability.

What are the moves India must undertake to sustain its thrust in Africa?

• Connect finance to outcomes – Ensure every line of credit must lead to delivers visible impact; public finance must de-risk, rather than displacing private capital.
• Build a digital corridor – This collaboration should leverage not just UPI and India Stack, but also Africa’s own digital capabilities, so that we can co-develop platforms for health, education, and payments that serve the Global South.
• Move up the value chain – Both must co-investing in future-facing sectors — green hydrogen, electric mobility and digital infrastructure.
• Revive institutional dialogue – Reconvene IAFS to renew diplomatic momentum.

References

1. The Hindu | India needs to ‘connect, build and revive’ with Africa
2. Embassy of India | India-Africa Connect

Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

Why in News?

Translocated elephant ‘Radhakrishnan’ found dead recently in Tirunelveli’s Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

• The Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) is located in Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu.
• Established in - 1976.
• Registered under - Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act 1975.
• It was declared as the “First Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu” and the 17^th Tiger Reserve of India.
• KMTR consists of two adjacent sanctuaries namely Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Mundanthurai Tiger Sanctuary in Tirunelveli District and
  • Part of Veerapuli and Kilamalai Reserve Forests in Kanyakumari District.
• Fauna - The reserve is part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.
  • Animals- The reserve is home to Bengal tigers, leopards, sambar, Indian pangolin, elephants, gaur, and mouse deer.
  • Reptiles - Species include the King Cobra, python, and pit viper.
  • Birds - Great Indian Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill, and Broad-tailed Grassbird.
• Vegetation type - This region has got vegetation types which gradually changes from dry thorn forest to dry deciduous.
• Significance - The reserve is also known as the "River Sanctuary" because 13 rivers originate from it, providing drinking water and water for agriculture to several districts.

Reference

The Hindu | Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

Separate provisions for disabled persons in Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025

Why in News?

The Electronics and Information Technology Ministry has made a Separate Section in DPDP Rules for persons with disabilities recently.

• Verifiable Consent via Lawful Guardian – The Rules mandates that when processing personal data of a person with a disability who has a lawful guardian, the data fiduciary must obtain verifiable consent from that guardian.
• The fiduciary needs to do due diligence to verify that the guardian is legally appointed either by a court, or by a “designated authority” or “local level committee” under relevant guardianship law.
• Definitions Related to Disability & Guardianship –
  • Designated authority - Defined as the authority under Section 15 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
  • Law applicable to guardianship - For individuals with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments (who cannot make legally binding decisions), the law refers to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
  • For persons with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, or multiple disabilities, it refers to the National Trust Act, 1999, and its rules.
• Definition of Data Principal in the DPDP Act - In the DPDP Act itself, the definition of “Data Principal” includes a person with disability and their lawful guardian acting on their behalf.
• This means that under the law, PwDs (who need a guardian) are explicitly recognized in the definition of whose data is being protected, in a way that considers their guardian relationship.
• Clubbing with Children - Section 9 of the DPDP Act requires verifiable consent before processing data of (a) children or (b) a person with a disability who has a lawful guardian.
• Security and Due Diligence Obligations - The DPDP Rules require data fiduciaries to take technical and organizational measures to verify the identity and legal status of the guardian.

Reference

The Hindu | Separate Section created for persons with disabilities

Precision Biotherapeutics

Why in News?

• It refers to medical interventions like drugs, therapies, or biological products that are designed and optimized based on a patient’s unique genetic, molecular, or cellular profile.
• The field draws on multiple cutting-edge technologies like
  • Genomic and proteomic analysis — Decoding a person’s genetic and protein signatures to identify mutations or dysfunctions causing disease.
  • Gene editing therapies — Directly modifying genes to correct underlying problems (e.g., CRISPR-based treatments for blood disorders).
  • mRNA and nucleic acid therapeutics — Using RNA molecules to instruct cells to produce specific proteins or suppress harmful ones.
  • Monoclonal antibodies and biologics — Laboratory-engineered molecules that bind to precise disease targets, such as cancer cells or viral proteins.
  • AI-driven drug discovery — Leveraging big data and machine learning to predict how molecules interact within the body.

Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular illness, and cancers account for nearly 65% of deaths in India.

• Status of Precision biotherapeutics in India - The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and its funding arm BIRAC have identified Precision Biotherapeutics as one of the 6 focus areas.
• It is identified under the BioE³ Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment).
• Indian research institutions such as
  • The Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB),
  • National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG), and
  • The Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) are leading efforts to map genetic diversity and disease susceptibility across populations.
• In the private sector, several biopharma companies are exploring precision therapies.
  • For example, Biocon Biologics and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories are investing in biosimilars and monoclonal antibodies.
  • Zydus LifeSciences is working on gene therapies for rare diseases.
• Other companies -
  • Immuneel Therapeutics, focused on immuno-oncology,
  • Bugworks Research, developing novel antibiotics,
  • Akrivia Biosciences, providing precision diagnostics for cancer;
  • miBiome Therapeutics, working on patient-centric healthcare solutions;
  • 4baseCare, a precision oncology firm with AI-driven tools; and
  • ImmunoACT, the first Indian company to bring CAR-T technology to India.

Reference

The Hindu | What are precision biotherapeutics?

Raulane Festival

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance 

Why in News?

Bright, colourful, and quite fascinating photos from Himachal Pradesh went viral on social media, with users discussing the unique ritual and culture of a centuries-old tradition.

• The Raulane Festival is a unique and sacred winter festival celebrated in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district.
• This ancient festival honours celestial fairies, known as Saunis, said to be radiant and gentle beings.
• Faith - Locals believe that the Saunis protect villagers during harsh winters by offering warmth and guidance.
• Symbolic Marriage - During the festival, two men symbolically "marry" and become vessels for the Saunis, embodying a divine couple, the Raula (groom) and the Raulane (bride).
• Costume & Appearance - They wear traditional woollen garments (to cope with the Himalayan cold), and masks completely cover their faces; their hands are often gloved.
• The Raulane (bride) wears elaborate headgear, jewellery, and decorative attire turning into a ritual figure rather than just a costumed person.

• Ritual Dance - They also perform a slow, meditative dance at the Nagin Narayan Temple, and the whole village joins in.
• The festival is a celebration of faith and community.
• The Raulane festival preserves ancient Himalayan culture and traditions, with villagers coming together to honour their protectors.
• Cultural Significance - Raulane is considered extremely old — local belief and some sources suggest it may be around 5,000 years old.

Reference

NDTV | Raulane Festival

YUVA AI for ALL

Why in News?

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has launched ‘YUVA AI for ALL’ recently.

• It is a first-of-its-kind free course that introduces the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to all Indians, especially the youth.
• Launched Under - The IndiaAI Mission.
• Available platforms - The course is available for free on leading learning platforms - FutureSkills Prime, iGOT Karmayogi, and other popular ed-tech portals.
• Certification - Every learner who completes the course will get an official certificate from the Government of India.
• Objective - It is a short, 4.5-hour self-paced course is designed to make students, professionals and other curious learners comfortable with the basics of AI and to show how it’s transforming the world.
• It is a simple, practical, and filled with real-life Indian examples to make learning relatable and fun.Through 6 short, engaging modules, the learners will:
  • Discover what AI really is and how it works
  • Learn how AI is changing education, creativity, and work
  • Understand how to use AI tools safely and responsibly
  • Explore cool, real-world AI use cases from India
  • Get a sneak peek into the future of AI and new opportunities ahead
• Significance of YUVA AI for All
  • Democratizing AI Education - It makes foundational AI knowledge accessible to everyone by being free and self-paced, eliminating entry barriers.
  • Bridging the Digital Divide - By targeting 10 million (1 crore) Indians, the initiative seeks to reach a wide segment of the population.
  • Promoting Responsible and Ethical AI Use - The course includes modules on how to use AI tools safely, responsibly, and ethically.
  • Enhancing Employability & Future Readiness - As AI becomes more integrated in workplaces, having foundational AI literacy can boost the employability of youth.
  • Supporting India’s National AI Strategy - The initiative aligns with the IndiaAI Mission, signaling the government’s commitment to building national capacity in AI.
  • Promoting Inclusive Growth - Encouraging widespread AI literacy helps ensure that technological benefits are shared broadly, reducing risk that only a few people or privileged groups benefit.

Reference

PIB | YUVA AI for ALL