Security Dilemma – The Concept and the Iran Conflict

Why in News?

The recent war dynamics between Iran and US-Israel illustrates the concept of the security dilemma, a key theory in international relations used to explain the persistence of conflicts and arms races.

What is the Security Dilemma?

• The security dilemma – It refers to a situation in which actions taken by a state to increase its own security inadvertently threaten other states, prompting them to respond with similar measures.
• Effects & Results – Security dilemma results, in a cycle of mutual suspicion, military build-ups, and potentially conflict, even when none of the states initially intends aggression.
• Origin of concept – The concept emerged in the 1950s and is associated with the works of scholars such as John Herz, Herbert Butterfield, and later Robert Jervis.
• John Herz – In his influential 1950 article Idealist Internationalism and the Security Dilemma, Herz argued that the security dilemma arises from the anarchic nature of the international system, where there is no central authority to enforce rules or guarantee protection.
• As a result, states seek to enhance their security by accumulating power—primarily military power.
• However, these actions make other states feel insecure, leading them to strengthen their own capabilities.
• This creates a vicious cycle of security competition.
• Robert Jervis – In his article Cooperation under the Security Dilemma (1978), Jervis explained that the dilemma arises when:
  • “Many of the means by which a state tries to increase its security decrease the security of others.”
• According to Jervis, the intensity of the security dilemma depends on two key variables:
• Offense–Defense Balance – This refers to whether military technology and strategy favour offensive operations or defensive protection.

• If offensive capabilities dominate, states are more likely to fear surprise attacks, intensifying the security dilemma.
• If defensive capabilities dominate, the likelihood of conflict decreases.
• Offense–Defense Differentiation – This refers to whether offensive and defensive military capabilities can be distinguished from each other.
• If weapons designed for defense can easily be used for offense, mistrust increases.
• Jervis illustrated this dynamic with the example of naval rivalry before the World War I.
• When Germany began building a powerful navy, United Kingdom perceived it as an offensive threat, despite already possessing superior naval power.
• This mutual suspicion contributed to escalating tensions.

What is the role of anarchy in international politics?

• Argument of realists – The concept of the security dilemma is closely linked to the realist school of international relations.
• Realists argue that the international system is anarchic, meaning there is no overarching authority above sovereign states.
• This lack of central authority creates an environment of uncertainty and mistrust, where states cannot be sure of the intentions of others.
• As a result, they prioritize self-help strategies, including military build-ups, alliances, and deterrence measures.
• These actions often trigger arms races, proxy conflicts, and wars.
• The Role of Identity – While realism emphasizes structural factors such as anarchy and power competition, constructivist scholars highlight the role of identity, ideas, and perceptions in shaping the security dilemma.
  • For instance, Mohamed Bin Huwaidin, in his article The Security Dilemma in Saudi-Iranian Relations (2015), argues that the way states perceive each other’s identity and intentions significantly influences their security policies.
• He explains that the absence of shared identity and trust between Saudi Arabia and Iran contributes to Riyadh’s strong concerns over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
• In contrast, Saudi Arabia does not perceive the nuclear capability of Pakistan as an equivalent threat, largely due to closer political and ideological ties.

How security dilemma works in the Iran–US–Israel context?

• Recent pressures – The tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States demonstrate the workings of the security dilemma in contemporary geopolitics.
• Iran’s strategy – Following the Iranian Revolution of 1979, Iran adopted a strongly anti-Western foreign policy and challenged the regional order supported by the United States and its allies.
• This shift in identity and strategic orientation intensified mistrust, leading to:
  • Military build-ups
  • Proxy conflicts across the Middle East
  • Escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme
• Countermeasures to Iran – If Iran seeks to strengthen its nuclear deterrent in response to external threats, rival states may adopt countermeasures, including advanced defense systems or nuclear capabilities.
• Such reactions could further deepen insecurity and escalate conflict dynamics, reflecting Herz’s “vicious circle” of the security dilemma.
• New global discussion – The ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States has renewed global debate over nuclear deterrence and regional security.
• Experts suggest that a weakened Iran may emerge from the conflict more determined to weaponise its nuclear capabilities to prevent future attacks.
• Such a development could trigger countermeasures from rival states, intensifying regional insecurity.

What lies ahead?

• The concept of the security dilemma provides a powerful framework for understanding the persistence of conflict in international politics.
• Rooted in the anarchic structure of the global system, it highlights how defensive actions by one state can inadvertently threaten others, triggering cycles of mistrust and militarization.
• In the context of current tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, the security dilemma underscores how attempts to achieve security can paradoxically lead to greater insecurity, reinforcing the complex and fragile nature of global peace.

Reference

The Indian Express| Security Dilemma

Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 – Proposed Amendments

Why in News?

Recently, The Union government introduced the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha proposing significant changes to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

What is the 2019 act and the NALSA judgment?

• The NALSA (2014) judgment – It was a historic ruling by the Supreme Court, that recognised transgender persons as a “third gender” beyond male and female.
• Observations by the court:
  • Self-determination of gender identity is a fundamental right.
  • Gender identity forms part of personal autonomy, dignity, and self-expression.
  • The right falls within the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21.
  • Individuals should not be forced to undergo medical procedures such as Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS), sterilisation, or hormonal therapy for legal gender recognition.
• Enactment of the Act – Based on these principles, Parliament enacted the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, which sought to prohibit discrimination and guarantee rights to transgender persons, including the right to self-perceived gender identity.

What are the key changes proposed in the amendment bill, 2026?

• Removal of the right to self-perceived gender identity – One of the most significant changes proposed is the omission of Section 4(2) of the 2019 Act, which states that a person recognised as transgender has the right to self-perceived gender identity.
• The removal of this provision would effectively take away the statutory recognition of gender self-identification.
• Redefinition of “transgender person” – The Amendment Bill proposes a narrower and more specific definition of transgender persons.
• Under the proposed definition, a transgender person includes:
  • Individuals with socio-cultural identities such as hijra, kinner, aravani, jogta, or eunuch.
  • Persons with intersex variations or congenital variations in biological characteristics such as genitalia, chromosomes, hormones, or gonadal development.
  • Individuals forced to assume a transgender identity due to procedures such as mutilation, emasculation, or castration.
• However, the proposed definition explicitly excludes persons with different sexual orientations and self-perceived sexual identities.
• This differs from the current definition in the 2019 Act, which broadly includes anyone whose gender does not match the gender assigned at birth, including trans-men, trans-women, genderqueer individuals, and socio-cultural identities.
• Introduction of a medical authority for certification – The amendment introduces the concept of an “authority”, defined as a medical board headed by a Chief Medical Officer or Deputy Chief Medical Officer.
• Under the proposed changes:
  • The District Magistrate (DM) will examine the recommendation of this medical authority before issuing a transgender certificate.
  • The DM may also consult additional medical experts before making a decision.
• This significantly increases the medical scrutiny involved in gender recognition.
• Changes in gender certificate and SRS provisions – The amendment also modifies provisions related to gender certificates:
  • A transgender person will be required to apply for a revised certificate after undergoing Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS).
  • Medical institutions performing SRS must submit procedural details to the District Magistrate.
• Under the current law, undergoing SRS is not mandatory for legal recognition of gender identity.
• Right to change first name in official documents – A new provision allows transgender persons to change their first name in birth certificates and other official documents.
• However, this benefit applies only to those recognised as transgender under the new definition.
• Expanded offences and penalties – The amendment significantly expands the offences and penalties related to crimes against transgender persons and children.
  The proposed punishments include:
  • Rigorous imprisonment
  • Life imprisonment in severe cases
  • Fines up to ₹5 lakh
• This expansion aims to strengthen legal protection against violence and discrimination.

What are the concerns raised by the transgender community?

• Violation of the NALSA judgment – Activists argue that removing the right to self-perceived gender identity directly contradicts the NALSA (2014) judgment, which recognised self-identification as a fundamental right.
• Narrow and exclusionary definition – The new definition is criticised for being restrictive and biologically oriented, excluding many individuals who identify as transgender but may not fall under socio-cultural or medical categories.
• This has raised fears that many transgender individuals may lose legal recognition and protection.
• Medicalisation of gender identity – Requiring medical board recommendations for certification is seen as medicalising gender identity, undermining the principle that gender identity is self-determined rather than medically certified.
• Potential divisions within the community – Activists have also warned that the new definition may create internal divisions within the transgender community, determining who is considered a “legitimate” transgender person.
• Lack of consultation – Many activists have stated that the amendments were introduced without meaningful consultation with transgender community representatives.
• Government’s justification for the amendments – The government has argued that the current definition of transgender persons in the 2019 Act is vague and difficult to implement.
• According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons:
  • The broad definition makes it difficult to identify genuine beneficiaries of the law.
  • It creates challenges in implementing criminal, civil, and personal laws.
  • The legislation was intended primarily to protect individuals facing severe social exclusion due to biological reasons, rather than all forms of gender identities or gender fluidity.
• The government therefore argues for a more precise and restricted definition to ensure targeted benefits.

What lies ahead?

• The proposed amendments to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 have sparked a major debate on the balance between administrative clarity and constitutional rights.
• The government argues that the changes aim to address implementation challenges and better target protections.
• Critics contend that they undermine the fundamental principle of self-identification of gender, which lies at the heart of the NALSA judgment and the constitutional guarantee of dignity and personal liberty.
• The outcome of this legislative process will have significant implications for transgender rights, constitutional jurisprudence, and the broader discourse on gender identity in India.

Reference

The Hindu| Transgender bill amendment

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme

Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) Scheme

Why in News?

As of February 2026, 48 projects have been sanctioned under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region.

• Aim – It is designed to accelerate development in the 8 North Eastern States.
• Type of Scheme – Central Sector Scheme (100% funded by the Union Government).
• Launched in –2022 to implement for (2022–23 to 2025–26).
• Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER).
• Implementing Agencies – North Eastern Council (NEC), Central Ministries / agencies and State Governments of the North Eastern Region.

North Eastern Council (NEC) is established under the North Eastern Council Act, 1971, functions as the regional planning body for the North Eastern Region.

• Objectives – Spirit of PM GatiShakti - Infrastructure development projects aligned with PM GatiShakti.
• Social Development- Social development projects based on regional needs.
• Livelihood Generation - Enhancement of livelihood opportunities for youth and women.
• Gap Filling - Filling developmental gaps in various sectors of the North Eastern Region.
• Identification Criteria –Projects are selected based on “Felt needs” of the region, Developmental gaps in infrastructure and social sectors and Alignment with PM GatiShakti planning framework.
• Eligible Regions – The scheme covers all 8 states of the North Eastern Region (NER) - Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura.
• Key Projects Under the Scheme - Sikkim- Passenger Ropeway System from Pelling to Sanga-Choeling (Completed). 
• Assam - Transformation of 20 schools into Centres of Excellence in Kamrup district.
• Multi-State - Livelihood improvement projects focusing on Banana Pseudo Stem utilization for value-added products.
• Tripura - Establishment of a Solar Micro Grid for reliable power in remote habitations.
• Manipur- Infrastructure development for the Manipur Technical University (MTU).

Reference

PIB | PM-DevINE scheme

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

Why in News?

Wildlife Institute of India (WII) conducting a feasibility study on launching turtle tourism in Kerala.

• It is one of the smallest and most abundant sea turtles, closely resembles the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, the other smallest sea turtle species.
• Scientific Name – Lepidochelys olivacea.
• Genus – Lepidochelys.
• Habitat – Olive Ridley turtles inhabit warm tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean. 
• They are primarily pelagic (open-ocean dwellers) but forage in coastal bays and estuaries and return to sandy beaches for nesting.

Rookery is a breeding or nesting ground where large numbers of animals gather to reproduce, commonly used for turtle nesting beaches.

• Nesting –They exhibit a unique mass nesting behaviour known as Arribada Nesting (Spanish for “arrival”).
• Thousands of females come ashore simultaneously to lay eggs.
• This behaviour is found only in turtles of the Genus Lepidochelys.
• Many females also practice solitary nesting.
• These turtles undertake long-distance migrations between feeding grounds and nesting beaches.
  • Nesting Season in India - November – May, Peak mass nesting: (February – March)
• Morphology – Shell - Heart-shaped olive-green carapace,
• Male turtles can be identified by longer tails extending beyond the shell (carapace). 
• Diet – They are omnivorous, feeding on Algae, crustaceans, mollusks, tunicates, jellyfish.
• Major Threats - Bycatch in fishing gear, Illegal harvesting of eggs and turtles, Marine pollution and plastic debris, Habitat loss and coastal development, Predation of eggs and hatchlings, Vessel strikes.
• Conservation Status – IUCN – Vulnerable.
• CITES - Appendix I (international trade prohibited).
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Schedule I.
• Bio Indicator Species –Population trends serve as indicators of ocean health and marine ecosystem changes.

Quick facts

• Operation Olivia – Conducted by the Indian Coast Guard.
• Protects them during nesting season along the Odisha coast.
• Focuses on preventing illegal fishing and protecting nesting sites.
• Turtle Excluder Device – It is fitted in trawl fishing nets to allow trapped turtles to escape while retaining fish catch. Helps reduce accidental bycatch.
• Promoted in turtle nesting regions of India.

Reference

New Indian Express | Olive Ridley Turtles

JOHA RICE

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA facilitated the first export consignment of Joha Rice from Assam to the United Kingdom and Italy.

• It is a premium short-grain aromatic rice variety indigenous to the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam.
• It is known as Joha/Jaha rice or Mi Jaha and is often referred to as “scented gold” due to its distinctive natural fragrance.
• Historical Background - Historical evidence indicate that Joha rice has been cultivated in Assam for over 600 years.
• During the Ahom dynasty (13^th-19^th centuries), Joha rice was considered a regal food and used as a staple energy source for soldiers during battles with the Mughal Empire.
• Aroma and Taste – Joha rice is known for its mild floral fragrance and soft texture.
• Aroma is often compared to popcorn or sandalwood.
• The fragrance is caused by the aromatic compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline.
• Characteristics – Grain Type-Short-grain rice.
• Cultivation method- Paddy field farming.
• Growing season- Sali (winter) or Kharif crop.
• Crop duration- 120–160 days.
• Yield- Low productivity (about 1–1.5 tonnes per hectare)
• Resilience - Some varieties such as White Joha show drought tolerance.
• Soil and Climate –Thrives in fertile rain-fed lowlands and floodplains of the Brahmaputra valley.
• Requires cool temperatures during flowering stage.
• Nutritional and Health Benefits - Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
• Rich in polyphenols and flavonoids (antioxidants)
• High in protein and amino acids
• Contains oryzanol and multivitamins
• Naturally low in sodium and cholesterol-free
• Studies indicate potential benefits for blood glucose regulation and heart health.
• Major Producing Regions – Primarily Cultivated in Assam (Upper and Central Assam).
• It is also traditionally grown in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya.
• Geographical Indication (GI) Tag – Joha rice received GI Tag in 2017.
• Major Export Destinations –Europe - (United Kingdom, Italy)
• Southeast Asia - (Vietnam).
• Middle East - (Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia).

Reference

1. PIB | Joha Rice
2. Ministry of Science and Technology | Joha rice