NEWS:U.S. adds TRF to terror list for Pahalgam strike

GS-2 international relation

In response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the United States designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), affirming India-U.S. counter-terrorism cooperation.

• The TRF, a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has been designated as an FTO and SDGT by the U.S. State Department.
• TRF had claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.
• The U.S. termed the Pahalgam incident the deadliest attack since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
• India launched Operation Sindoor and an international diplomatic campaign to push for TRF’s global designation.
• UNSC resolution condemned the attack but stopped short of naming TRF.
• India’s External Affairs Minister hailed the move as a “strong affirmation” of Indo-U.S. anti-terror ties.
• Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting also condemned the Pahalgam attack

NEWS:Indian inequality and the World Bank’s claims

A recent World Bank report claims a reduction in consumption inequality and near-eradication of extreme poverty in India, triggering debate over the accuracy and interpretation of inequality statistics.

• World Bank report (“India Poverty and Equity Brief: April 2025”) states India has nearly eradicated extreme poverty and reduced consumption inequality.
• Gini coefficient based on consumption fell from 28.8 (2011-12) to 25.5 (2022-23).
• Improved diet quality observed among bottom 20% of population, with higher access to fruits, milk, eggs.
• Rural asset growth: Vehicle ownership in poorest 20% rose from 6% to 40% (2011–23).
• Post-tax, post-transfer income estimates show further reduction in inequality

 World Bank?

• About:
  • It was created in 1944, as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) along with the IMF. The IBRD later became the World Bank.
  • The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions working for sustainable solutions that reduce poverty and build shared prosperity in developing countries.
  • The World Bank is one of the United Nations’ specialized agencies.
• Members:
  • It has 189 member countries.
  • India is also a member country.
• Major Reports:
  • Ease of Doing Business (Stopped publishing).
  • Human Capital Index.
  • World Development Report.
• Its Five Development Institutions:
  • International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
  • International Development Association (IDA)
  • International Finance Corporation (IFC).
  • Multilateral Guarantee Agency (MIGA)
  • International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)
    • India is not a member of ICSID.

NEWS:Nistar, first indigenous diving support vessel, commissioned into Navy

GS-3 internal security

Indian Navy commissioned INS Nistar, the first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV).

INS Nistar 

• Technical Specifications: It measures approximately 120 metres in length with a displacement of around 10,000 tonnes.
  • It has an endurance of over 60 days at sea, is capable of supporting helicopter operations, and is equipped with a 15-tonne subsea crane to facilitate deep-sea recovery missions.
• Operational Capabilities: INS Nistar functions as the Mother Ship for Deep Submergence Rescue Vessels (DSRV) for submarine rescue, features a Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) for precise station-keeping, Side-Scan SONAR for seabed mapping, and supports search, recovery, diving, and salvage operations.
  • Upon commissioning, the vessel will be inducted into the Eastern Naval Command to enhance capabilities in deep-sea diving and submarine rescue operations.
    • The Indian Navy is organized into 3 major commands: Western, Eastern, and Southern Naval Commands.
• Legacy and Significance: INS Nistar continues the legacy of the original vessel acquired from the USSR in 1969 (decommissioned in 1989), significantly enhancing India’s submarine rescue capability, reinforcing strategic maritime autonomy, and strengthening India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which supports India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative.

NEWS:The Union Cabinet has approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), 

GS-2 governance

• PMDDKY announced in Union Budget 2025–26 with a ₹24,000 crore annual outlay for six years.
• 36 schemes across 11 ministries merged under a unified agriculture-focused program.
• Scheme to benefit 1.7 crore farmers across at least one district per State/UT.
• 100 districts will be selected based on low productivity, low cropping intensity, and low credit disbursement.
• Aims to improve post-harvest storage, irrigation facilities, and access to farm credit.
• Modeled on the Aspirational District Programme and includes local planning committees.
• Monthly monitoring with alignment to national goals like natural farming, crop diversification, and soil-water conservation.
• The PMDDKY is positioned as a convergent framework addressing productivity, sustainability, and self-sufficiency in agriculture.
• District-level plans will be created by Dhan Dhaanya Samitis, including progressive farmers, ensuring localised planning.
• Focus includes natural/organic farming, soil health, water conservation, and crop diversification.
• The consolidation of schemes aims to reduce duplication, streamline delivery, and enhance governance efficiency in rural and agricultural policy.
• Private sector partnerships and State scheme convergence are embedded for integrated development.
• Experts like Abhishek Jain (CEEW) suggest that district selection criteria should emphasize net agricultural income per hectare, not just credit flow.
• Emphasizes a shift from credit-dependent farming towards diversified income models and resilience-building.

MAINS MOCK QUESTION

Explain the necessity of establishment of world bank . comment  whether it had done its duty well