Security Camps – The Game-Changer in the Maoist Fight

Why in News?

Recenlty, Maoism in India has been significantly curbed and the dip in Maoist-related violence, especially over the last two years, has restricted the insurgency to few pockets in the Bastar division of Chhattisgarh.

What is Maoism?

• Maoism – It is a form of communism developed by Mao Tse Tung.
• Principle – It is a doctrine to capture State power through a combination of armed insurgency, mass mobilization and strategic alliances.
• Mechanisms – The Maoists also use propaganda and disinformation against State institutions as other components of their insurgency doctrine.

What is the status of Maoism in India?

• Sharp reduction in violence – Maoist-related incidents have dropped significantly, with government data showing a 90% decline from 2010 to 2025.
• Decline of LWE-affected districts – The Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts fell from 126 in 2018 to 11 in October 2025.
• Cadre surrenders – Many Maoist leaders and cadres have surrendered, weakening organizational strength.
• Current hotspots – Only three districts - Bijapur, Narayanpur and Sukma, in south Bastar — are categorised as most affected.

To know more about Maoism in India, click here

What are the factors responsible for expansion of Maoism?

• Geographical remoteness – Maoism thrived in inaccessible forested and hilly areas, away from state presence.
• Rugged terrain – Dense forests and difficult landscapes provided natural cover and safe havens for guerrilla warfare.
  • Example – The dense forests, difficult terrain, and location spanning Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Telangana made the Dandakaranya Region (DKR) an ideal base for the Maoists, with Bastar as their main hub.
• Marginalised tribal inhabitants – Tribals faced poverty, displacement, and lack of basic services, making them vulnerable to Maoist mobilization.
• Exclusive tribal belts policy – Official restrictions on outside intervention reinforced isolation, limiting development and governance outreach.
• Governance deficit – It was the most crucial factor that enabled the Maoists to expand and establish their parallel government.
• Political & structural factors – Land alienation, corruption, and stalled reforms deepened discontent and widened the governance vacuum.

What are the key factors contributing to the decline of Maoism?

• Civil administration inroads – The setback to Maoism is linked to the civil administration entering remote areas once controlled by Maoists.
• Establishment of security camps – The game-changing initiative of the government has been the establishment of security camps in the remote areas, regions of erstwhile Maoist domination.
• Resistance & Acceptance – Initial attempts to establish camps did face local resistance, however, local resistance subsided following the benefits (security, services, development) that accrued to the local population.

What are advantages of establishing security camps in affected areas?

• Enhanced the security footprint – Security camps increased police presence in remote areas, a boost in police to population ratio prevented the Maoists from operating with impunity.
• Reduced reaction time – The security forces can now respond to emergencies much faster, forcing the Maoists onto the defensive and boosting the forces’ confidence and higher motivation morale.
• Psychological advantage – The local population witnessed the security forces gaining an upper hand, which was also a psychological setback to the Maoists.
• The local population is more assured now that the wherewithal for their welfare and development is with the government and not with the Maoists.
• Improved Human Intelligence (HUMINT) – The cascading effect of the advantages gained by security forces improved the HUMINT scenario for the forces in a zero-sum manner.
• Infrastructure development – The camps have also seen the construction of roads, and erection of mobile towers, thereby transforming the local lifestyle.
• Civil administration support – The governance has expanded by relying on security camps in remote areas.
• Direct outreach – Local people is now seeing officials (collector, tehsildar, patwari) reaching out to them.
• Consolidated progress – Security camps have enabled sustained development and administration, making the future promising.

• Outcome – Maoist influence has weakened considerably, with their capacity to recruit, acquire arms, and secure funding greatly diminished.
• Numerous cadres and leaders have surrendered or been neutralised by security forces, suggesting that the physical presence of Maoism is nearing its end.

What are the challenges in addressing Maoism?

• Structural issues – Sustainable resolution requires tackling deep-rooted socio-economic and governance deficits.
• Emergence of rights-based issues – As local communities come out of isolation, issues of land, livelihood, and tribal rights will gain prominence.
• Shift in Maoist leaders’ approach – Several surrendered leaders, declaring their intent to continue the tribal struggle through democratic means.
• Government’s responsibility – The state faces a complex task that demands transparent, sensitive, and mature handling to prevent resurgence.

What lies ahead?

• Implementation of Constitutional guarantees – The acts like the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) and Forest Rights Act (FRA) should form the basis of future policy.
• Strengthening civil administration – Civil administration, in most of the areas that had minimal governance, has to start from scratch.
• Long-term planning (Vision 2047) – Establish a dedicated task force with a roadmap till 2047 under the Viksit Bharat vision.
• Acknowledging role of security forces – They have worked, made sacrifices and managed the conflict well, giving a platform to the government to carry forward the mission for sustainable peace.

References

1. The Hindu | Security camps, the game-changer in the Maoist fight
2. PIB | Naxalmukt Bharat Abhiyan

Acid Attacks in India – A Growing Crisis and the Struggle for Justice

Why in News?

Acid attacks in India continue to be a horrific form of gender-based violence that leaves victims physically and psychologically scarred.

What are Acid Attacks?

• Definition – An acid attack is a violent assault in which a corrosive substance, typically sulphuric, hydrochloric, or nitric acid, is thrown onto a person, often targeting the face.
• Effects – These attacks can cause devastating physical injuries, including severe burns, scarring, blindness, and permanent disfigurement.
• The victims often endure not only physical suffering but also intense psychological trauma and social stigma.
• Motivation for such attacks – Acid attacks are frequently motivated by personal grievances such as rejection of romantic or sexual advances, dowry disputes, suspicions of infidelity, or domestic abuse.
• While women and young girls remain the primary victims, men are not exempt from these attacks.
• Vulnerability – The attacks disproportionately affect those from disadvantaged backgrounds, as they may lack the resources to seek medical treatment or legal recourse.

What is status of  prevalence of acid attacks in India?

• NCRB report – According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), India saw 207 reported acid attack cases in 2023, marking an increase from 202 in 2022.
• Additionally, 65 cases of acid attack attempts were recorded.
• Despite the high number of reported cases, experts believe the actual number of incidents is significantly higher, with many going unreported due to societal stigma and fear of retaliation.
• Geographical variations – Acid attacks are particularly prevalent in certain regions of India, including West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, where industries using acid are located.
• The geographical spread of acid attacks is linked to the easy availability of acid in areas where industries such as textiles and rubber are prevalent.
• This raises concerns about the implementation of regulations on acid sales.
• A Comparative Perspective – In contrast to India, neighboring Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in reducing acid attacks through stringent laws and proactive measures.
• Since the passage of a comprehensive law in 2002, which includes a complete ban on the open sale of acid, and public awareness campaigns, the number of acid attacks has drastically reduced.
• From 494 recorded attacks in 2002, Bangladesh reported only 13 attacks in 2024.

What are the legal framework and judicial challenges?

• Laxmi vs Union of India – The ruling resulted in amendments to the Indian Penal Code (IPC), criminalizing acid attacks and moving the crime out of general injury sections.
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita of 2023 – Acid attacks are punishable by a minimum of ten years to life imprisonment and a fine to cover the victim’s medical expenses.
• The law also mandates that all hospitals provide free medical treatment to acid attack survivors, and the sale of acid must be regulated by requiring photo identification for buyers and maintaining records by sellers.
• Weak implementation – However, the implementation of these provisions is often weak, with cases of illegal acid sales and lenient enforcement of regulations remaining widespread.
• Institutional delays – Despite these legal provisions, survivors like Shaheen Malik continue to face long delays in trials, lack of judicial sensitivity, and an overreliance on out-of-court settlements.
• The case against her assailants dragged on for 16 years, and even after her personal fight for justice, she has yet to see a conviction.

What are the struggles faced by survivors?

• Struggle for survival – Survivors of acid attacks often find themselves in a battle not only for justice but also for survival.
• Legal battles – The legal process is slow, and victims frequently encounter shoddy investigations, insensitive judicial treatment, and insufficient legal support.
  • For instance, in 2023, the NCRB reported that of the 113 acid attack cases under investigation, only 16 resulted in convictions, and 27 were acquitted.
• Other concerns – The system is burdened by judicial delays, poorly handled cases, and a culture of victim-blaming that only worsens the plight of survivors.

What are the steps needed to combat acid attacks and support survivors?

• Strengthening Acid Sale Regulations – The sale of acid must be better regulated, and more stringent penalties should be imposed for illegal sales.
• Local authorities should be held accountable for failing to enforce these regulations, as is the case in Bangladesh, where swift action is taken against shops selling acid without proper documentation.
• Judicial Reforms and Fast-Track Courts – To ensure timely justice, the government must establish fast-track courts for acid attack cases and introduce harsher penalties for judicial delays.
• Judges should be sensitized to the unique challenges faced by survivors, and prosecutors must be trained to handle such cases with the seriousness they deserve.
• Support and Rehabilitation for Survivors –Survivors need access to prompt compensation, medical treatment, and psychological support.
• The Justice J.S. Verma Committee’s recommendation for a national fund to cover lifelong medical, psychological, educational, and vocational rehabilitation for survivors must be implemented immediately.
• Public Awareness and Education – Public awareness campaigns are essential to changing societal attitudes toward acid attack survivors and reducing the stigma they face.
• Education about gender-based violence and the severe consequences of acid attacks must be integrated into school curricula and public discourse.
• Legal Aid and Counseling – Survivors should have access to free legal aid, counseling services, and shelters where they can find refuge.
• This support will empower victims to seek justice without fear of reprisal or social isolation.

What lies ahead?

• The battle against acid attacks in India is far from over. While legal reforms have made strides, the implementation of these laws remains inadequate.
• The persistence of acid attacks and the low conviction rates are a testament to the deep-rooted challenges faced by survivors and the systemic failures of the justice system.
• A comprehensive, multi-pronged approach is needed, combining stringent regulations on acid sales, judicial reforms, victim support, and public education.
• Only then can India hope to reduce the incidence of acid attacks and ensure justice for its survivors, like Shaheen Malik, who continue to fight for their rights.

Reference

The Hindu| Acid Attacks in India

Orinoco Belt & Guiana Shield

Why in News?  

The United States has recently turned its attention to Venezuela’s vast mineral reserves, particularly in the Orinoco Belt and the Guiana Shield.

Orinoco Belt

• The Orinoco Belt (Faja Petrolífera del Orinoco) in Venezuela holds the world's largest petroleum deposits, primarily extra-heavy crude oil.

20% of the world’s proven reserves of heavy and extra-heavy crude oil or a quarter of the reserves of all nations within OPEC lie within Venezuela’s Orinoco Belt.

• Location - Located in the southern part of Venezuela's Orinoco River basin (third largest river in the world).
• It stretches across 5 Venezuelan states Guárico, Anzoátegui, Monagas, Delta Amacuro and northern Bolívar.
• Divided Areas - The belt is categorized into 4 main production areas- Boyacá, Junín, Ayacucho, and Carabobo.
• Extra-Heavy Crude - The oil is very dense (low API gravity), similar to liquid asphalt, and often requires blending with diluents (lighter liquids) to flow through pipelines.

Guiana Shield

• The Guiana Shield is a 1.7- to 2-billion-year-old Precambrian geological formation in northeast South America, representing one of the oldest stable cratons on Earth.
• It is recognized as the "greenhouse of the world" for housing the largest remaining block of pristine tropical forest.
• Geography and Political Divisions -
  • The Shield underlies 6 countries and territories
  • The Guianas - Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
  • Southern Venezuela - Including the Bolivar and Amazonas states.
  • Northeastern Brazil -Primarily the states of Roraima, Pará, and Amapá.
  • Southeastern Colombia- Parts of the Guainía and Vaupés departments.

• The region is characterized by dramatic elevations known as the Guiana Highlands, home to unique "table-top" mountains called tepuis.
• Mount Roraima - A massive tepui at the borders of Guyana, Brazil, and Venezuela; it famously inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World.
• Pico da Neblina - The highest point in the Shield and in Brazil, reaching 2,995 meters.
• Angel Falls - Located in Venezuela, it is the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, originating from the Auyán-tepui.

The Guiana Shield holds approximately 20% of the world's fresh water and stores about 18% of the world's tropical forest carbon.

• Minerals - It contains massive deposits of gold, diamonds, bauxite, and iron ore.

References

Down to Earth | Orinoco belt & Guiana Shield

Pesticides Management Bill, 2025

Why in News?

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has released the Draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025, for consultation with all stakeholders and the public.

• Aim - To modernise and replace the outdated Insecticides Act, 1968 and its rules.
• To ensure the supply of quality and safe pesticides for farmers.
• To decriminalize petty offences for Ease of Living as well as Ease of Doing Business.
• Key provisions - Comprehensive regulation - Covers the full life cycle of pesticides manufacture, import, labelling, sale, transport, use and disposal under a unified framework.
• Centralized authority - Establishment of a Central Pesticides Board (advisory) and a Registration Committee (executive) to scrutinize and approve pesticide registrations.
• Mandatory registration - No pesticide can be manufactured or imported without prior registration, with time-bound decisions (12–18 months).
• Digital governance - Use of digital platforms for registration, licensing, inspections and record-keeping to streamline compliance and reduce delays.
• Quality assurance - Mandatory accreditation of pesticide testing laboratories to ensure only quality-certified products are available to farmers.
• Control on spurious products - Stricter penalties and controls to deter fake, substandard or banned pesticides, including provisions for compounding of offences.
• State role - State authorities can define enhanced penalties within the framework, balancing enforcement with local needs.
• Institutional Framework - Central Pesticides Board- An advisory body including representatives from Health, Environment, and Agriculture ministries to set safety and disposal standards.
• Registration Committee- The executive authority responsible for evaluating pesticide applications via mandatory digital modes based on safety and efficacy.
• Pesticide Inspectors - Empowered to enter premises, seize stocks, and stop the sale of unsafe products for up to 60 days pending laboratory results.

References

1. PIB | Draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025
2. The Week | Pesticides Management Bill, 2025

Somnath Temple

Why in News?

Somnath Swabhiman Parv marks 1,000 years of resilience since the first attack on the Somnath Temple, celebrating its enduring faith and revival.

• Location – Situated in India’s western coast at Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, at the confluence of the Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati rivers.
• Deity – It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. (Somnath – “Protector of the Moon”).
• It is revered as the first Jyotirling among the 12 mentioned in the Dwadasha Jyotirling Stotram.
• Mythical origins – It was built first by Somraj (Moon God) in gold, was later rebuilt by Ravana in silver, by Krishna in wood, and by Bhimdev in stone.
• History –Under the patronage of Bhima I, ruler of the Chalukya (Solanki) Dynasty the temple is reconstructed, after its destruction by Maḥmud of Ghazni in 1025–1026 CE.
• Invasion – It was first attacked in January 1026 by Mahmud of Ghazni.
• It was again destroyed in 1297 CE by Alauddin Khilji’s forces, in 1546 by Portuguese and in 1706 by Aurangzeb.
• Modern Structure – The temple was reconstructed in May 1951 under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
• Reopened in 1951 in the presence of Dr Rajendra Prasad.
• Architecture – It is built in the Chaulukya (Solanki) style, a type of Nagara style.
  • Key Components - Garbhagriha (sanctum), Sabha Mandapa and Nritya Mandapa.
  • The main shikhara (spire) is around 50m high. 
  • It is constructed in sandstone facing east to align with the sunrise.
• Resilience –Despite continuous destruction, the temple was rebuilt again and again by successive generations.
• Cultural Relevance – It is an important pilgrimage site associated with the Triveni Sangam of Kapila, Hiran and Saraswati rivers.
• The Temple is known as “the Shrine Eternal,” symbolizing India’s civilizational continuity, spiritual strength, and national spirit.
• Visited and reflected upon by figures like Swami Vivekananda.
• Historical Accounts - Al-Biruni (a Persian scholar) gave a detailed description of the temple in his historical accounts.

Reference

The New Indian Express | Somnath Swabhiman Parv

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR)

Why in News?

Sterilisation of stray dogs undertaken in areas around Tadoba tiger reserve, recently.

• Location - Chandrapur district, Maharashtra.
• Area - ~1,727 km² (core + buffer zones).
• It is one of Maharashtra’s oldest and largest tiger reserves, known for its high density of wild tigers.
• Establishment & Composition- While the Tadoba National Park was established in 1955, it was later merged with the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary (created in 1986) to form the unified Tiger Reserve in 1995.
• Etymology
  • Tadoba - Derived from the tribal deity "Taru" or "Tadoba," a village chief who, according to local Gond legend, was killed in a battle with a tiger.
  • A shrine dedicated to him exists on the banks of Tadoba Lake.
  • Andhari - Named after the Andhari River, which meanders through the forest.
• Flora - Dry deciduous forests dominated by teak, bamboo, and bamboo associates.
• Fauna -
  • Big cats- Bengal tiger, leopard.
  • Herbivores- Indian bison (gaur), chital, sambar, wild boar
  • Birds- Malabar pied hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, etc.
  • Reptiles- Indian cobra, monitor lizard
• Rivers & Water Bodies - Tadoba and Andhari rivers, several small streams aiding wildlife survival.
• Wildlife Corridors - The reserve maintains vital corridor linkages with other major habitats in Maharashtra, specifically the Nagzira-Navegaon and Pench Tiger Reserves.

Reference

The week | Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR)

First Advance Estimates of GDP for 2025-26

Why in News?

The government has estimated that real growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country will stand at 7.4% in the current financial year 2025-26.

• Released by - The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

Key Economic Indicators

• Real GDP - According to the estimates, real GDP growth is projected at 7.4 % in 2025-26, up from 6.5 % in FY 2024-25.
• Nominal GDP - Nominal GDP (growth not adjusted for inflation) is expected to grow at about 8 % in the same period.
• Gross Value Added (GVA) - The Gross Value Added (GVA) for FY 2025-26 is projected to expand by around 7.3 %.

Sector-Wise Performance (GVA at Constant Prices)

• Services Sector - The primary driver, with Financial, Real Estate, and Professional Services and Public Administration both expected to grow by 9.9%.
• Manufacturing and Construction- Both sectors are projected to grow by 7.0%. This reflects a rebound for manufacturing, which grew at 4.5% the previous year.
• Agriculture & Allied Sectors - Expected to slow to 3.1% from 4.6% in the previous fiscal year.
• Mining & Quarrying - Estimated to contract by 0.7%.

Demand-Side Highlights

• Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) - Estimated to grow by 7.0%, slightly down from 7.2% in FY 2024-25.
• Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)- A proxy for investment, projected to rise by 7.8%, up from 7.1% last year.

• These estimates are based on data available up to November 2025, and will be revised as more information becomes available in the Second Advance Estimates (usually released in February).

Reference

The Hindu | First Advance Estimates of GDP for 2025-26