Pakistan’s Arm Diplomacy

Why in News?

Recently, Pakistan has reportedly finalised a deal to supply Pakistani arms worth $4.6 billion – the largest such deal ever by Islamabad – to the Benghazi-based Libyan National Army (LNA).

What are Pakistan’s significant defence export agreements?

• Historic Arms Deal with Libya – The deal includes 16 JF-17 fighter jets(built in Pakistan with Chinese assistance, a Russian engine & some Turkish missiles) and 12 Super Mushak trainers over 30 months.
• Some reports indicate that the deal is being funded by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has long supported Haftar.
• Negotiations with Sudan – Pakistan is negotiating a $1.5–4 billion worth of defence equipment deal with Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF).
• Package may include Karakorum-8 aircraft, drones, advanced air defence systems, and JF-17 fighter jets.
• There are hints that Saudi Arabia may finance this transfer through loan waivers.
• Diplomatic Boosts – Recent developments has enabled Pakistan to accelerate its defence exports, such as
  • Claimed successes in May 2025 India‑Pakistan conflict,
  • Trump’s White House welcome for Gen. Asim Munir,
  • Signing of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia,
  • UAE President’s visit to Islamabad.
• Expanding Export Footprint – Pakistan claims to have supplied JF-17s to Azerbaijan, Myanmar, Nigeria & Bangladesh.
• If Pakistan’s claimed and potential deals are cumulated, they reach $13 billion.

What factors could limit or weaken Pakistan’s arms push?

• Production Capacity – Pakistan’s capacity to produce the JF-17 is limited to about 25 units/year, shared between domestic requirements and exports.
• Industrial Dependence – Lacking an industrial base of its own, it largely assembles these fighters from foreign-sourced components (China, Russia, Turkey), creating dependencies.
• Financing Fragility – The transactions are often made to recipients dependent on third-party financing, a pinch point.
• That is, the buyers (Libya, Sudan) rely on third‑party Gulf financing (UAE, Saudi Arabia).
• Legal & Geopolitical issues – Both Libya and Sudan are currently under United Nations arms embargoes, and the two megadeals are buffeted by the Saudi-UAE rivalry, making balancing alliances tricky.
• The possibility of supplying Pakistani arms to RSF (supported by the UAE), meaning both Sudanese factions could be using its weapons.
• Quality & Reputation – The hype about the combat-proven JF‑17s success against India may eventually wear out, revealing shoddy, incompetent products, and result in a reversal.
• U.S. Factor – Munir’s close ties with Trump could be both helpful and risky - Trump may support his deals but oppose him channeling Chinese weapons into a region Washington sees as its own.

How has the approach to Gulf security changed, and what benefits has Pakistan gained?

• Past & Current approach – Washington often relied on Pakistan to manage Gulf security, effectively subcontracting the role.
• The current episode seemed different, with the Gulf monarchies using the same subcontractor to fortify their respective regional proxies, rather than depending on U.S. direction.
• Gains for Rawalpindi – Pakistan’s military headquarters (GHQ Rawalpindi) benefits by gets hard cash, earns brownie points from the cash-rich Gulf monarchies and expands its outreach to regional hotspots for future security aggregation.
• Changed Role – Unlike in the past, Pakistanis are only supplying hardware and training, without putting boots on the ground.

What issues should India be concerned about regarding Pakistan?

• Pakistan’s Expanding Role – Pakistan is emerging as a net security provider to the Gulf and beyond should concern New Delhi.
• This challenges India, which has deeper economic ties with the Gulf but less defence leverage.
• Strategic challenge – Pakistan’s success in forging a regional security and defence role would be a force multiplier, enabling it to reclaim parity with India in that region & position itself as a military‑industrial hub.
• Image Makeover – The Gulf’s security dependence on Pakistan helps Islamabad shed its reputation for terrorism, dodgy financial practices and drug running, earning it recognitions from Beijing and Washington.
• All these developments may embolden Rawalpindi to revive terrorism in India, notwithstanding New Delhi’s threat of retaliation, while spinning false narratives of military success.
• Defence Economics – Pakistan’s economy and manufacturing are far smaller than India’s (one‑tenth and one‑thirteenth).
• Yet, through joint ventures with China and Türkiye, its annual defence production has reached $7 billion, compared to India’s $18 billion.
• Its sales pitch has been sophisticated and multi-pronged – leveraging Islamic solidarity, military-to-military links, and aggressive pricing.
• Integrated Approach – Unlike India, Pakistan’s defence exports and military establishment do not work in silos.
• Examples – Gen. Munir personally visited Benghazi to finalize the Libya deal, PAF chief led talks with Saudi Arabia and Sudan, Islamabad supplied $400 million of ammunition to Ukraine.
• Despite moral/legal concerns, Rawalpindi pursues these deals single‑mindedly.
• Strategic Tilt – Pakistan’s gains may not be India’s loss in material terms, but these, nevertheless, tilt the geopolitics in its favour.

What steps must India pursue?

• India’s Current Position – Defence exports have grown to $2.8 billion (2024–25), Pakistan shows that rapid surges are possible with greater endeavour and passion.
• Not replicate Pakistan – As a more responsible and self-respecting country adhering to international law, India cannot replicate Pakistani tactics.
• Yet, India can leverage its indigenous defence industry more effectively for exports.
• Strategic Priorities – India should prioritise defence exports for their financial and political spin-offs, focusing particularly on its friends in the neighbourhood and the Global South.
• As the world’s third-largest crude importer, India can leverage its buying power to persuade its oil suppliers to redress the huge trade imbalance by procuring Indian weapon systems.
• Financing Tools – India has sizable aid programmes and credit lines with several countries, which could be utilised to lubricate such arms deals.
• Institutional Reform – India could create a dedicated defence export promotion organisation embedded with the stakeholders concerned, such as the public/private defence producers, IT & AI experts, ministries, and funding institutions.
• Such an organisation should aggressively market its defence products at various international exhibitions & bilateral events.
• Should be empowered to negotiate and conclude deals autonomously with minimum bureaucratic controls.
• Closing the Gap – India is currently the world’s second-largest arms importer and ranks low among the top 25 defence exporters.
• This gap needs to be bridged to tilt the defence trade balance in India’s favour.

Reference

The Hindu | Pakistan’s arms sales drive calls for India’s attention

Pakistan’s Arm Diplomacy

Why in News?

Recently, Pakistan has reportedly finalised a deal to supply Pakistani arms worth $4.6 billion – the largest such deal ever by Islamabad – to the Benghazi-based Libyan National Army (LNA).

What are Pakistan’s significant defence export agreements?

• Historic Arms Deal with Libya – The deal includes 16 JF-17 fighter jets(built in Pakistan with Chinese assistance, a Russian engine & some Turkish missiles) and 12 Super Mushak trainers over 30 months.
• Some reports indicate that the deal is being funded by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has long supported Haftar.
• Negotiations with Sudan – Pakistan is negotiating a $1.5–4 billion worth of defence equipment deal with Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF).
• Package may include Karakorum-8 aircraft, drones, advanced air defence systems, and JF-17 fighter jets.
• There are hints that Saudi Arabia may finance this transfer through loan waivers.
• Diplomatic Boosts – Recent developments has enabled Pakistan to accelerate its defence exports, such as
  • Claimed successes in May 2025 India‑Pakistan conflict,
  • Trump’s White House welcome for Gen. Asim Munir,
  • Signing of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia,
  • UAE President’s visit to Islamabad.
• Expanding Export Footprint – Pakistan claims to have supplied JF-17s to Azerbaijan, Myanmar, Nigeria & Bangladesh.
• If Pakistan’s claimed and potential deals are cumulated, they reach $13 billion.

What factors could limit or weaken Pakistan’s arms push?

• Production Capacity – Pakistan’s capacity to produce the JF-17 is limited to about 25 units/year, shared between domestic requirements and exports.
• Industrial Dependence – Lacking an industrial base of its own, it largely assembles these fighters from foreign-sourced components (China, Russia, Turkey), creating dependencies.
• Financing Fragility – The transactions are often made to recipients dependent on third-party financing, a pinch point.
• That is, the buyers (Libya, Sudan) rely on third‑party Gulf financing (UAE, Saudi Arabia).
• Legal & Geopolitical issues – Both Libya and Sudan are currently under United Nations arms embargoes, and the two megadeals are buffeted by the Saudi-UAE rivalry, making balancing alliances tricky.
• The possibility of supplying Pakistani arms to RSF (supported by the UAE), meaning both Sudanese factions could be using its weapons.
• Quality & Reputation – The hype about the combat-proven JF‑17s success against India may eventually wear out, revealing shoddy, incompetent products, and result in a reversal.
• U.S. Factor – Munir’s close ties with Trump could be both helpful and risky - Trump may support his deals but oppose him channeling Chinese weapons into a region Washington sees as its own.

How has the approach to Gulf security changed, and what benefits has Pakistan gained?

• Past & Current approach – Washington often relied on Pakistan to manage Gulf security, effectively subcontracting the role.
• The current episode seemed different, with the Gulf monarchies using the same subcontractor to fortify their respective regional proxies, rather than depending on U.S. direction.
• Gains for Rawalpindi – Pakistan’s military headquarters (GHQ Rawalpindi) benefits by gets hard cash, earns brownie points from the cash-rich Gulf monarchies and expands its outreach to regional hotspots for future security aggregation.
• Changed Role – Unlike in the past, Pakistanis are only supplying hardware and training, without putting boots on the ground.

What issues should India be concerned about regarding Pakistan?

• Pakistan’s Expanding Role – Pakistan is emerging as a net security provider to the Gulf and beyond should concern New Delhi.
• This challenges India, which has deeper economic ties with the Gulf but less defence leverage.
• Strategic challenge – Pakistan’s success in forging a regional security and defence role would be a force multiplier, enabling it to reclaim parity with India in that region & position itself as a military‑industrial hub.
• Image Makeover – The Gulf’s security dependence on Pakistan helps Islamabad shed its reputation for terrorism, dodgy financial practices and drug running, earning it recognitions from Beijing and Washington.
• All these developments may embolden Rawalpindi to revive terrorism in India, notwithstanding New Delhi’s threat of retaliation, while spinning false narratives of military success.
• Defence Economics – Pakistan’s economy and manufacturing are far smaller than India’s (one‑tenth and one‑thirteenth).
• Yet, through joint ventures with China and Türkiye, its annual defence production has reached $7 billion, compared to India’s $18 billion.
• Its sales pitch has been sophisticated and multi-pronged – leveraging Islamic solidarity, military-to-military links, and aggressive pricing.
• Integrated Approach – Unlike India, Pakistan’s defence exports and military establishment do not work in silos.
• Examples – Gen. Munir personally visited Benghazi to finalize the Libya deal, PAF chief led talks with Saudi Arabia and Sudan, Islamabad supplied $400 million of ammunition to Ukraine.
• Despite moral/legal concerns, Rawalpindi pursues these deals single‑mindedly.
• Strategic Tilt – Pakistan’s gains may not be India’s loss in material terms, but these, nevertheless, tilt the geopolitics in its favour.

What steps must India pursue?

• India’s Current Position – Defence exports have grown to $2.8 billion (2024–25), Pakistan shows that rapid surges are possible with greater endeavour and passion.
• Not replicate Pakistan – As a more responsible and self-respecting country adhering to international law, India cannot replicate Pakistani tactics.
• Yet, India can leverage its indigenous defence industry more effectively for exports.
• Strategic Priorities – India should prioritise defence exports for their financial and political spin-offs, focusing particularly on its friends in the neighbourhood and the Global South.
• As the world’s third-largest crude importer, India can leverage its buying power to persuade its oil suppliers to redress the huge trade imbalance by procuring Indian weapon systems.
• Financing Tools – India has sizable aid programmes and credit lines with several countries, which could be utilised to lubricate such arms deals.
• Institutional Reform – India could create a dedicated defence export promotion organisation embedded with the stakeholders concerned, such as the public/private defence producers, IT & AI experts, ministries, and funding institutions.
• Such an organisation should aggressively market its defence products at various international exhibitions & bilateral events.
• Should be empowered to negotiate and conclude deals autonomously with minimum bureaucratic controls.
• Closing the Gap – India is currently the world’s second-largest arms importer and ranks low among the top 25 defence exporters.
• This gap needs to be bridged to tilt the defence trade balance in India’s favour.

Reference

The Hindu | Pakistan’s arms sales drive calls for India’s attention

Climate Change and Water Governance

Why in News?

Rapid urbanisation, encroachment of water bodies, extreme heat, and recurring water shortages have pushed several Indian cities towards ‘Day Zero’–like situations.

What is the current issue and developments?

• UN recognition of Water – Water, a United Nations-recognised human right, is under unprecedented stress globally due to rising demand, deteriorating quality, and depletion of renewable sources.
• Acknowledgement of Water scarcity – The urgency of reforming water governance has been highlighted by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH).
• The UNU – INWEH termed the present global condition as ‘Water Bankruptcy’—a stage where water withdrawals exceed renewable replenishment, making terms like “water stress” inadequate.
• Response from India – India has responded with technological interventions such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in water management and renewed attention to traditional systems like baravs (stepwells). However, structural and governance reforms remain imperative.

What are the extent and implications of global water crisis?

• Limited Freshwater Availability – Only 0.5% of total global water is readily available as usable freshwater.
• Of this:
  • 70% is used in agriculture
  • The rest is shared between industry and domestic consumption.
• Nearly half of the global population faces at least one month of water scarcity annually, with many experiencing “extremely high” water stress.
• Ecosystem Degradation and Economic Loss – Over the last 50 years:
  • Approximately 410 million hectares of natural wetlands have been lost.
  • Ecosystem service losses exceed $5.1 trillion.
• Declining surface and groundwater resources in major food-producing regions have resulted in:
  • Soil salinity and desertification
  • Reduced soil moisture retention
  • Degradation of agricultural lands
• Groundwater over-extraction has caused land subsidence, affecting nearly 5% of global land area, with implications for food security and infrastructure stability.

What are the impacts of climate change on water system?

• Cryospheric Loss and Sea-Level Rise – Around 2 billion people depend on mountain glaciers and seasonal snowmelt for water.
• The World Meteorological Organization reported the largest glacier mass loss in 50 years, amounting to 600 gigatons of water.
• According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global sea levels are now approximately 20 cm higher than in 1900, driven in part by glacier melt.
• Extreme Weather Events – Since 2000:
  • Asia has recorded the highest flood-related deaths and economic losses.
  • Africa has seen the highest drought-related deaths.
• Water-related vulnerabilities directly affect livelihoods, public health, gender equity, and socio-economic development.

To accelerate conservation efforts, the UN declared 2018–2028 as the International Decade for Action: “Water for Sustainable Development.”

What is India’s surface water status?

• Hydrological Dependence – India’s surface water availability depends on precipitation, evaporation, seepage, storage capacity, temperature, soil permeability, and runoff patterns.
• More than two-thirds of India’s water originates from three Himalayan transboundary river systems:
  • Indus
  • Ganga
  • Brahmaputra
• The Central Water Commission estimates average annual water availability at 2116 BCM (1985–2023), with major contributions from:
  • Brahmaputra basin – 592.32 BCM
  • Ganga basin – 581.75 BCM
  • Godavari basin – 129.17 BCM
• Water Bodies Census – India’s first census of water bodies (2023) reported:
  • 24,24,540 water bodies, of which 97.1% are in rural areas
  • Only 3.1% have a water spread area greater than 5 hectares
  • Only 12.7% have storage capacity exceeding 10,000 cubic metres

• State-wise distribution:
  • West Bengal leads in ponds and reservoirs
  • Andhra Pradesh in tanks
  • Tamil Nadu in lakes
  • Maharashtra in water conservation schemes
• Per Capita Water Stress – According to the Falkenmark Index:
  • <1700 m³ per capita/year = Water stress
  • <1000 m³ per capita/year = Water scarcity
• As per NITI Aayog, India’s per capita water availability is projected to decline to 1140 m³ by 2050.
• Around 820 million people already face availability close to or below 1000 m³, intensifying pressure on urban centres.
• Urban Water Crisis & Day Zero’ Scenarios – Rapid and unplanned urbanisation has led to encroachment of lakes and wetlands, increased impermeable surfaces, and rising demand.
• Cities that faced ‘Day Zero’–like conditions:
  • Shimla (2018)
  • Chennai (2019)
  • Bengaluru (2024)
• Case Study: Chennai (2019) – Chennai experienced nearly 200 days without rain.
• Its four major reservoirs:
  • Red Hills
  • Cholavaram
  • Poondi
• Chembarambakkam, all together met 60% of the city’s demand—fell below 1% capacity.
• Out of 6,000 lakes and reservoirs that once existed in Chennai, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur (the “Yeri districts”), 2,104 have disappeared.
• Case Study: Delhi – Delhi faces a demand-supply gap of 344 million gallons per day (mgd).
• Nearly half its water is non-revenue water (NRW) due to:
  • Leakages
  • Illegal connections
  • Ageing infrastructure
  • Poor maintenance
• Moreover, about 70% of India’s surface water is contaminated, although treated wastewater reuse remains an underutilised opportunity.
• Emerging Hydro-Political Challenges – Global water governance has largely focused on WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) and SDG-6.
• However, broader concerns such as groundwater depletion, ecological degradation, agricultural overuse, and transboundary conflicts require urgent attention.
• Recent South Asian hydro-political developments include:
  • China’s proposed mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra)
  • Expiration of the Ganga Water Treaty
• The upcoming UN Water Conference (2026), co-hosted by UAE and Senegal, has prioritised:
  • “Water in Multilateral Processes”
  • “Water for Cooperation”

What measures can be taken?

• Integrated Basin Management
  • Strengthening inter-state river basin authorities.
  • Promoting data transparency and ecological monitoring
• Urban Water Budgeting
  • City-level water accounting
  • Reducing non-revenue water
  • Mandating wastewater recycling
• Sponge-City Infrastructure
  • Increasing green spaces
  • Promoting permeable pavements
  • Enhancing rainwater harvesting
  • Recharging urban aquifers
• Reviving Traditional Systems
  • Restoration of tanks, stepwells, wetlands
  • Community-based water governance
• Expanding Global Water Governance
  • Moving beyond WASH to include groundwater, ecosystem restoration, desertification, and climate adaptation

What lies ahead?

• The world is entering an era of ‘Water Bankruptcy’, where demand exceeds renewable supply.
• In India, shrinking per capita availability, urban mismanagement, ecological degradation, and climate variability are converging into a systemic crisis.
• A shift from crisis-response to climate-resilient, integrated water governance—combining technology, traditional knowledge, basin-level planning, and international cooperation—is essential to secure water for future generations.

Reference

The Hindu| Water Governance and Climate Change

Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) Telescope

Why in News?

Recently, astronomers have released the largest-ever ALMA image of the Milky Way’s central region under the ACES – ALMA Central Molecular Zone Exploration Survey.

• Location – It is located in the Atacama Desert, Chile.
• Located at an altitude of about 5,000 metres on the Chajnantor Plateau.
• The location is ideal for radio astronomy due to high altitude and extremely dry conditions.
• Purpose – Formation of stars and planets, Molecular clouds and protoplanetary disks, Early galaxies in the universe and Chemical composition of space.
• Operational Since – 2013.
• Collaboration – ALMA is a joint international venture–
  • Led by European Southern Observatory (Europe)
  • U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
  • National Institutes of Natural Sciences (Japan)
  • In cooperation with the Republic of Chile
• Core Specifications - It is not a single telescope but an interferometer—a network of 66 high-precision antennas that work together as one giant instrument.

• Technique - It uses a technique called interferometry. By combining the signals from multiple antennas, it mimics a single telescope with a diameter equal to the distance between the furthest antennas.

Key Findings Using ALMA

• Largest-Ever High-Resolution Map – First time the entire Central Molecular Zone (CMZ) has been mapped in such detail.
• Area Covered – Over 650 light-years across the CMZ.
• Size – Mosaic equivalent to 3 full Moons side-by-side in sky coverage.
• Discovery of Filamentary Gas Network – Long, thin streams of cold molecular gas detected.
• Gas flows along filaments feeding star-forming regions.
• Reveals how matter moves toward dense star-forming clumps.
• Hidden Astrochemistry Uncovered – Detection of dozens of molecules, including –
  • Simple molecules – Silicon monoxide (SiO)
  • Complex organic molecules – Methanol, Ethanol, Acetone.
• Indicates rich chemical complexity in extreme environments.
• Star Formation Paradox – Despite having very high gas density, the CMZ of the Milky Way forms stars at a much lower rate than predicted by standard star-formation models.

References

1. The Guardian | ALMA Telescope
2. ESO | Largest image of the heart of the Milky Way

World Wildlife Day, 2026

Why in News?

Recently, the National Zoological Park celebrated World Wildlife Day 2026 by organising awareness and outreach activities within the zoo premises.

• Observed on – 3^rd March, every year.
• Origin – In 2013, by the United Nations General Assembly.
• Commemoration – The signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in 1973.
• Objective – To celebrate wild animals & plants, recognise their unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet.

Key Highlights, 2026

• Theme, 2026 – “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods”  
• Focus - It highlighted the critical role of wild plants in global healthcare, traditional knowledge, and sustainable economies.
• Global Dependence - An estimated 50,000 to 70,000 wild species are harvested for their healing properties, with 70–95% of people in developing countries relying on traditional plant-based medicine.
• Conservation Urgency - Over 20% of these plant species are currently threatened with extinction due to habitat loss, overharvesting, and climate change.
• Initiatives - The UN Postal Administration launched the 2026 Endangered Species Stamp Series during the official celebration.
• Global Virtual Celebration - The UN held a high-level virtual event on March 3rd featuring "Lightning Talks" on species like Frankincense, Jatamansi, and Chamomile.
• Youth Art Contest - 15-year-old Jia Yoo from South Korea was announced as the Grand Prize Winner of the International Youth Art Contest, which saw over 4,200 entries from 117 countries.
• National Observances -
  • India - Celebrated its "Green Wealth" by highlighting the National Medicinal Plants Board's work in the Himalayas and Western Ghats.
  • PM reaffirmed India's commitment to wildlife conservation, specifically highlighting the importance of traditional systems like Ayurveda and the protection of rare herbs in national parks like the Valley of Flowers and Periyar Tiger Reserve.
  • Australia - Focused on protecting native species like the Waddy-wood tree and Davidson’s plum, which are culturally significant to First Nations peoples.

References

1. PIB | National Zoological Park, New Delhi celebrates World Wildlife Day 2026
2. PIB | World Wildlife Day 2026

Study on Breast Cancer Genetic Risk

Why in News?

Recently, a study conducted and published by IIT-M reported that 1 in 4 Indian breast cancer patients carries inherited genetic risk variants, most of them outside the well-known BRCA1/2 genes.

• Cancer – It is a disease caused by uncontrolled cell division due to genetic mutations that disrupt normal growth-regulating genes.
• These mutations may be –
  • Somatic – Acquired during lifetime.
  • Germline – Inherited and present in all cells (with increase lifetime risk).
• Breast Cancer – It is a disease where abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably.

India reports around 1.9 lakh new breast cancer cases annually, and over 10% of breast cancers are linked to inherited germline mutations.

• Types – Most common are
  • Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (starts in ducts) and
  • Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (starts in glands).
• Other types - Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (non-invasive) and less common inflammatory or Paget's disease.
• Key Symptoms – Includes a new lump in the breast/armpit, skin changes like dimpling (like small pits), or nipple discharge.
• Key Genetic Risk Factors – BRCA1 and BRCA2 – They normally help repair serious DNA damage through a process called homologous recombination repair (HRR).
• When these genes are mutated, the body cannot properly fix broken DNA, leading to unstable cells that can turn cancerous.
• Other DNA Repair Genes – Genes like ATM, PALB2 and CHEK2 also help repair damaged DNA.
• If they do not function properly, DNA errors build up over time, increasing cancer risk.
• Tumour Suppressor and Cell-Control Genes – Genes such as MLH1, NF1, TP53, and RB1 normally control cell growth, repair DNA mistakes, and remove damaged cells.
• When they’re defective and fail to repair DNA properly, they avoid natural cell death, ultimately leading to cancer development.
• Treatment – Surgery – Ranges from removing the tumour to removing the entire breast.
• Radiation Therapy – High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells.
• Systemic Therapy – Includes chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies (e.g., HER2 inhibitors). 

Key Findings of the Study

• Inherited Risk – Study found that about 1 in 4 breast cancer patients (24.6%) carried an inherited genetic change that increases cancer risk
• Risks beyond BRCA Genes – Although BRCA1 and BRCA2 are widely known breast cancer genes, only 8.35% of patients had mutations in these genes, showing that most inherited risk (67%) was due to other genes beyond BRCA.
• Important Non-BRCA Genes Were Identified – Several other genes were found to be commonly affected:
  • MLH1 (3.5%)
  • NF1 (2.7%)
  • TP53 (1.5%)
  • RB1 (1.5%)
• This means breast cancer risk in Indian patients is more genetically complex than previously believed.

The Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA), led by IIT Madras, is an open-access database that maps the unique genetic patterns of cancers in Indians, aims to improve diagnosis and treatment through precision medicine.

• Role of DNA Repair Genes – Many mutations were found in genes involved in the Homologous Recombination Repair (HRR) pathway.
  • HRR normally helps repair damaged DNA. When this repair system fails, cells accumulate damage and can turn cancerous.
• Unique or Rare Globally – The study found 31 HRR variants and 41 other variants that were absent in global databases but present in Indian patients.
• Hence, some genetic risks may be specific or more common in the Indian population.
• RECQL, an Emerging Risk Gene – Two RECQL gene variants were found in 1.7% of patients.
• Some of these showed higher frequency in South Asians, indicating possible population-specific risk patterns.
• Testing shift – Need to re-examine current genetic testing strategies in India, which continue to rely heavily on BRCA-only.
  • Shift to broader multi-gene panel or exome-based germline testing.

Reference

TH | New Breast Cancer Genetic Risk Study

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

Why in News?

Recently, an adult male tiger was found dead in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR), marking the 27^th tiger death in the reserve since 2012.

• Location – Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh, Lies along the Indo–Nepal border.
• It is part of the Terai Arc Landscape in the upper Gangetic Plain.
• Established in – 2008.
• Under – Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Approved by – National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) responsible for tiger conservation in India.
• It was designated as India's 46^th Tiger Reserve.

Once declared, the state cannot de-notify a tiger reserve without the approval of the NTCA and the National Board for Wildlife.

• Rivers & Water Bodies – The river Gomti originates from the reserve, which is also the catchment of several others, like Sharda, Chuka, and Mala Khannot.
• Vegetation & Flora – The habitat is characterised by the North Indian moist deciduous type, having the sal forests, tall grasslands and swamps, maintained by periodic flooding from rivers.
• It is unique because it is one of the few "alluvial" grasslands in the world, similar to the Kaziranga ecosystem.
• Fauna – Tiger, leopard, fishing cat, swamp deer, spotted deer, hog deer, sambar, sloth bear, Bengal florican, gharial, etc.
• Corridor Connectivity – Directly linking Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary to the southeast and Shuklaphanta National Park (Nepal) via the Lagga-Bagga corridor to the northeast.
• It also connects the Terai forests to Uttarakhand’s Nandaur and Corbett landscapes, ensuring a continuous path for tigers, elephants, and rhinos across the Indo-Nepal border.
• Special Significance - One of the best examples of Terai ecosystem in India.
• Won the TX2 Award (2020) for doubling its tiger population

References

1. ToI | Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
2. UP Gov | Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

Attukal Pongala

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Home Minister extended greetings on the occasion of Attukal Pongala.

• Deity – Dedicated to Attukal Amma, an incarnation of Goddess Bhadrakali.

• Held in – It is an annual Hindu festival held at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).
• Considered the world’s largest congregation of women for a religious festival (over 3 million participants).
• Ritual Duration – A 10-day festival commencing on the Karthigai star in the Malayalam month of Makaram or Kumbham.
• The main ritual, Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam, is held on the 9th day.
• The festival concludes with the ritual sacrifice known as Kuruthitharpanam at night.
• Belief – The presiding deity, Attukal Bhagavathy, is believed to be an incarnation of Kannaki, the central character of the Tamil epic Silappathikaaram.
• It is believed that after burning Madurai, Kannaki (Kannagi) travelled to Kerala and passed through the Attukal area on her way to Kodungallur.
• Significance – Recognised globally for its massive women's participation.
• Popularly known as the “Sabarimala of Women.”

Reference

PIB | Attukal Pongala