1.Judicial Corruption 2.India’s New Standards for Cloud, Data Centre, and Ethical AI 3.Shtil Missiles 4. WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) 5. Operation Sankalp

1.Judicial Corruption

Why in News?

• The Supreme Court recently imposed a blanket ban on an NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook due to a controversial section titled “Corruption in the Judiciary.”
• The Court observed that the content could create bias among students regarding the judicial system.
• The incident has triggered a wider debate about judicial accountability, transparency, and the balance between protecting institutional dignity and allowing constructive criticism.

What is Judicial Corruption?

• Judicial corruption refers to the misuse of judicial authority for personal or institutional gain, undermining the fairness and integrity of the justice system.
• It can manifest in various forms such as bribery, favoritism, manipulation of case listings, nepotism in appointments, and external political influence on judicial decisions.
• In a constitutional democracy, such practices threaten the rule of law, equality before law, and public trust in the judiciary.
• Since the judiciary is the guardian of constitutional rights, any erosion of its integrity directly weakens democratic governance.

Indicators and Data on Judicial Corruption

• Case Pendency as a Structural Catalyst: According to the National Judicial Data Grid (March 2026), more than 5.2 crore cases are pending across Indian courts, with over 62% pending for more than one year, creating opportunities for bribery to expedite hearings or listings.
• Global Governance Indicators: In the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index (2025), India ranks around 77–79 among 142 countries, scoring below the global median in the indicator measuring absence of corruption in the judiciary.
• Transparency International Survey (2025): Around 20–25% of litigants in district and sessions courts reported paying bribes or using influence to process legal paperwork or speed up procedures.
• Administrative Complaints: The Central Vigilance Commission Annual Report (2025) recorded a 15% increase in complaints against court registry staff regarding illegal gratification related to case filing and numbering.
• Bench Hunting Scandal: A High Court vigilance investigation in 2025 revealed a network where lawyers and registry officials manipulated listing systems to route cases to favorable benches.
• Disciplinary Actions: Several judicial officers across states were suspended or compulsorily retired in 2025 following inquiries into disproportionate assets and questionable bail orders.

These indicators highlight both structural weaknesses and governance challenges within the justice system.

Constitutional Provisions and Legal Framework

Constitutional Articles

• Article 124(4) and Article 217: Provide procedures for the removal of Supreme Court and High Court judges on grounds of proven misbehavior or incapacity through the process of impeachment.
• Article 235: Grants High Courts administrative control over subordinate courts, enabling disciplinary action against lower judicial officers.
• Article 50: Directs the state to separate the judiciary from the executive, ensuring independence and preventing political interference.
• Article 227: Empowers High Courts with supervisory jurisdiction over subordinate courts to maintain discipline and proper functioning.

Relevant Laws

• Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968: Provides the procedure for investigating allegations of misconduct against judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
• Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988: Treats judicial officers as public servants under anti-corruption laws. However, the Veeraswami v. Union of India (1991) judgment requires prior sanction from the Chief Justice of India before an FIR can be filed against a judge of a superior court.

These provisions aim to balance judicial independence with accountability mechanisms.

Challenges Affecting Judicial Integrity

• Opacity in the Collegium System: The process of judicial appointments through the collegium system often lacks transparency, leading to allegations of nepotism or the “uncle judge syndrome.”
• Lack of an Institutional Accountability Mechanism: India lacks a statutory body specifically tasked with investigating complaints against higher judiciary judges, leaving impeachment as the only formal remedy.
• Post-Retirement Appointments: Appointment of retired judges to government posts such as governors, tribunals, or legislative bodies raises concerns about possible conflict of interest and institutional independence.
• Administrative Corruption in Court Registries: Manipulation of case listings, filing processes, and administrative procedures by middlemen or clerical staff undermines the efficiency of the judicial process.
• Use of Contempt of Court Powers: Critics argue that strict application of contempt laws sometimes discourages legitimate criticism and whistleblowing regarding judicial misconduct.

These challenges highlight the complex relationship between judicial independence and transparency.

Reform Measures and Way Forward

• Judicial Accountability Legislation: Enacting a comprehensive Judicial Standards and Accountability law could create an independent mechanism to investigate complaints against judges while safeguarding judicial independence.
• Expansion of E-Courts and Digital Systems: Full digitization of case filing, listing, and management under the E-Courts Phase III programme can reduce human discretion and limit opportunities for corruption.
• Reforming the Appointment Process: Establishing a transparent and balanced judicial appointments mechanism that ensures both independence and accountability.
• Cooling-Off Period for Judges: Introducing a mandatory cooling-off period before retired judges can accept government positions to avoid perceptions of favoritism.
• Mandatory Asset Disclosure: Public declaration of assets and liabilities by judges could improve transparency and public trust.
• Strengthening Ethical Guidelines: Institutionalizing and enforcing judicial codes of conduct to maintain integrity within the judiciary.

Conclusion

Judicial corruption undermines the very foundation of democratic governance by weakening public trust in the rule of law. While safeguarding the dignity and independence of the judiciary remains crucial, institutional reforms promoting transparency, accountability, and technological modernization are equally necessary. Strengthening these mechanisms will ensure that the judiciary continues to function as an impartial guardian of constitutional values.

UPSC Prelims Question

Q.With reference to judicial accountability in India, consider the following statements:

1. Article 124(4) of the Constitution provides the procedure for removal of a Supreme Court judge.
2. Under the Prevention of Corruption Act, a judge of the Supreme Court can be prosecuted without any prior sanction.
3. Article 235 gives High Courts administrative control over subordinate courts.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 2 only(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

UPSC Mains Question

Q.Judicial corruption poses a serious challenge to the rule of law and democratic governance. Discuss the causes of corruption in the Indian judiciary and suggest institutional reforms to strengthen transparency and accountability.

2.India’s New Standards for Cloud, Data Centre, and Ethical AI

Why in News?

• The Government of India, through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), has notified the country’s first standards for cloud computing, data centre performance, and ethical AI deployment.
• The notification has been issued under the BIS Rules, 2018 to provide a structured framework for digital infrastructure and emerging technologies.
• These standards aim to align India’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem with global benchmarks while ensuring responsible AI deployment and efficient data centre operations.

What are India’s New Standards for Cloud, Data Centres and Ethical AI

• The standards establish a formal framework for digital infrastructure governance, covering cloud architecture, operational efficiency of data centres, and ethical guidelines for artificial intelligence systems.
• They aim to ensure interoperability, sustainability, and trustworthiness in India’s expanding digital economy.
• The standards have been aligned with global technical frameworks developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• Although the framework is currently voluntary, the government can make compliance mandatory through the issuance of Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
• The initiative supports India’s broader digital strategy as the country seeks to expand its data centre capacity from about 1.5 GW in 2025 to nearly 8–10 GW by 2030, as projected by NITI Aayog.

Key Features of the New Standards

• International Alignment: The BIS standards are based on internationally accepted ISO–IEC guidelines to ensure global compatibility and facilitate cross-border digital operations.
• Standardised Cloud Terminology: The framework introduces common definitions and technical standards for cloud computing systems used across sectors such as healthcare, finance, and government services.
• Cooling Efficiency Ratio (CER): A formal metric has been introduced to evaluate the efficiency of cooling systems in data centres relative to the electrical energy consumed.
• Adoption of Global Efficiency Metrics: The standards confirm continued use of internationally recognized metrics such as Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE), and Carbon Usage Effectiveness (CUE) for measuring environmental impact.
• Ethical AI Design Principles: The guidelines integrate ethical considerations such as algorithmic transparency, fairness, and bias mitigation into the design and deployment phases of AI systems.
• Voluntary Compliance Framework: While the standards are currently optional, they provide a foundation for future regulatory enforcement if required.

Need for Standards in Cloud Infrastructure and Ethical AI

• Interoperability in Critical Sectors: Standardized cloud frameworks ensure seamless data exchange across platforms used in sectors such as healthcare, governance, and finance. For instance, digital health initiatives like national health data platforms require interoperable cloud systems.
• Energy and Thermal Management: AI-driven computing workloads generate large amounts of heat and require substantial electricity. Standardized efficiency metrics help prevent infrastructure failures and reduce environmental impact.
• Building Digital Trust: Ethical AI standards aim to ensure that automated decision-making systems remain transparent, accountable, and free from algorithmic bias, particularly in governance and public service delivery.
• Attracting Global Investment: Alignment with international standards enhances India’s credibility as a global destination for technology investments and data centre infrastructure.

Thus, the standards serve both technological and governance objectives in India’s digital transformation.

Challenges in Implementing the Standards

• Rapid Technological Change: Artificial intelligence and cloud technologies evolve faster than regulatory frameworks, making it difficult for standard-setting institutions to keep pace.
• Compliance Burden for Startups: Meeting international-level performance and ethical standards may increase operational costs for small technology firms and startups.
• Cybersecurity Concerns: While the standards address infrastructure performance and ethics, cybersecurity threats such as ransomware and data breaches remain major risks.
• Resource Consumption: Data centres require substantial electricity and water resources, especially for cooling systems, which may strain infrastructure in water-scarce or energy-deficient regions.
• Implementation Capacity: Ensuring compliance requires trained auditors, monitoring mechanisms, and institutional capacity that are still evolving in India’s digital governance ecosystem.

Way Forward

• Selective Mandatory Implementation: The government may issue Quality Control Orders for critical sectors such as finance, defence, and public services to ensure mandatory compliance.

Conclusion

India’s introduction of standards for cloud computing, data centre performance, and ethical AI marks a significant step toward building a trusted, efficient, and globally competitive digital ecosystem.

By aligning domestic frameworks with international benchmarks while integrating ethical safeguards, these standards can strengthen India’s position as a major digital infrastructure hub while ensuring responsible and sustainable technological development.

UPSC Prelims Question

Q.With reference to the new standards notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for cloud computing, data centres and ethical AI, consider the following statements:

1. The standards are aligned with international frameworks developed by ISO and IEC.
2. Compliance with these standards is currently voluntary but can become mandatory through a Quality Control Order.
3. The standards include global efficiency metrics such as PUE, WUE, and CUE for evaluating data centre performance.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

UPSC Mains Question

Q.Rapid growth in cloud computing and artificial intelligence requires robust governance frameworks. Discuss the significance of India’s new standards for cloud infrastructure, data centre performance and ethical AI in promoting a secure and responsible digital ecosystem.

3.Shtil Missiles

Why in News?

• The Ministry of Defence signed defence contracts worth ₹5,083 crore to strengthen India’s maritime security capabilities.
• The contracts include procurement of Shtil surface-to-air missile systems for Indian Navy warships and Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH Mk-III) for the Indian Coast Guard.
• The Shtil missile contract worth about ₹2,182 crore has been signed with Russia’s JSC Rosoboronexport.
• The acquisition aims to enhance the air defence capability and survivability of frontline Indian Navy warships in contested maritime environments.

What are Shtil Missiles?

• Shtil is a ship-based medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system designed to intercept aerial threats targeting naval vessels.
• The missile system can engage aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and anti-ship missiles approaching naval platforms.
• It is deployed on frontline warships to provide defensive protection against hostile aerial attacks during maritime operations.
• The system is derived from the Russian Buk missile family, a widely used air defence platform.

Development and System Architecture

• The Shtil missile system was developed by Russian defence industries, with exports managed by JSC Rosoboronexport.
• It represents a naval adaptation of the Buk air defence system, modified for deployment on warships.
• The system integrates with ship-based radar, fire-control systems, and combat management systems for detecting and tracking targets.
• This network-centric integration allows naval forces to identify, track, and intercept incoming threats quickly and accurately.

Key Features of the Shtil Missile System

• Medium-range interception capability enabling engagement of aircraft, UAVs and anti-ship missiles.
• Vertical Launch System (VLS) that allows missiles to be fired rapidly in multiple directions without rotating launchers.
• Rapid reaction capability, enabling quick interception of incoming aerial threats.
• All-weather operational capability, allowing engagements during day or night and in adverse maritime conditions.
• Advanced radar integration, enabling precise target tracking and engagement of multiple threats simultaneously.

Role in India’s Maritime Defence Architecture

• The Shtil missile system forms an important component of India’s layered naval air defence strategy.
• It provides medium-range protection for warships, forming a defensive layer against hostile aerial threats.
• The system complements other naval defence systems such as Barak-8, which provides longer-range air defence capabilities.
• Together with close-range defence systems, these missiles create a multi-layered defensive shield for naval fleets.

Strategic Significance for India

• The deployment of Shtil missiles enhances the defensive capability of Indian Navy warships operating in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• It improves the survivability of naval platforms against advanced missile and drone attacks.
• The system strengthens India’s ability to protect sea lines of communication (SLOCs) and strategic maritime interests.
• Enhanced naval air defence also improves operational readiness during maritime conflicts or security operations.

Broader Defence Procurement Context

• Along with Shtil missiles, the government also signed a ₹2,901-crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH Mk-III) for the Indian Coast Guard.
• These helicopters are capable of performing missions such as maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, and protection of offshore installations.
• Together, these procurements aim to enhance maritime security, operational capability, and defence preparedness.

Conclusion

The induction of Shtil surface-to-air missile systems represents a major step toward strengthening India’s naval defence capabilities. By providing rapid-reaction, all-weather protection against aerial threats, the system enhances the survivability and operational effectiveness of Indian warships. Combined with other advanced defence systems, Shtil contributes to building a robust layered air defence architecture for India’s maritime forces.

UPSC Prelims Question

Q.With reference to the Shtil missile system, consider the following statements:

1. It is a ship-based surface-to-air missile system designed for naval air defence.
2. It is derived from the Russian Buk missile family.
3. It uses a vertical launch system allowing missiles to be fired in multiple directions.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

UPSC Mains Question

Q.Modern naval warfare increasingly depends on layered air defence systems. Discuss the role of ship-based surface-to-air missile systems such as Shtil in strengthening India’s maritime security and naval defence architecture.

4. WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14)

Why in News?

• India has submitted a set of proposals for the World Trade Organization’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14).
• The proposals focus on securing a permanent solution for food security programmes and protecting the livelihoods of traditional and small-scale fishermen.
• The conference is expected to address long-standing global trade issues including fisheries subsidies, agricultural support, dispute settlement reforms, and digital trade rules.

What is the WTO Ministerial Conference

• The Ministerial Conference is the highest decision-making body of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
• It brings together trade ministers from all WTO member countries to negotiate agreements, review global trade policies, and decide the future direction of the multilateral trading system.
• Decisions taken at the Ministerial Conference shape international trade rules and often lead to major global trade agreements.
• The conference also serves as a platform to resolve disputes and build consensus among developed and developing countries on key economic issues.

Origin and Institutional Framework

• The Ministerial Conference was established under the Marrakesh Agreement (1994) which created the WTO.
• The WTO itself replaced the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) framework that had governed global trade since 1947.
• According to WTO rules, the Ministerial Conference must meet at least once every two years.
• It acts as the supreme authority within the WTO structure, capable of making decisions on all matters under the multilateral trade agreements.

Key Details of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14)

• Location: Yaoundé, Cameroon
• Dates: 26–29 March 2026
• Chairperson: Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, Cameroon’s Minister of Trade

Major issues expected to dominate the conference include

• Negotiations on a permanent solution for public stockholding and food security programmes in developing countries.
• Finalisation of Phase II of the fisheries subsidies agreement, which aims to address overcapacity and overfishing while protecting small-scale fishers.
• Discussions on restoring the WTO Appellate Body, which has remained non-functional due to disagreements among member states.
• Decision on whether to extend or terminate the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, an important issue for digital trade.

India’s Key Concerns and Proposals at MC14

• Permanent Solution for Food Security: India seeks a permanent mechanism allowing developing countries to provide subsidies for public stockholding programmes without breaching WTO limits.
• Protection of Traditional Fishermen: India is advocating special and differential treatment to ensure that small-scale and artisanal fishermen are not adversely affected by restrictions on fisheries subsidies.
• Policy Space for Development: India has emphasized the need to preserve the policy flexibility of developing countries in sectors such as agriculture and fisheries.
• Reform of WTO Dispute Settlement: India supports restoring the Appellate Body to maintain a credible and rules-based dispute settlement mechanism.

These proposals reflect India’s broader objective of ensuring that global trade rules remain fair and development-oriented.

Important WTO Ministerial Conferences and Their Outcomes

Singapore Ministerial Conference (1996)

• The first WTO Ministerial Conference introduced the “Singapore Issues”, including trade and investment, competition policy, transparency in government procurement, and trade facilitation.
• These issues generated controversy as many developing countries feared that they would benefit multinational corporations disproportionately.

Doha Ministerial Conference (2001)

• Launched the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) aimed at making the global trading system more inclusive for developing nations.
• Produced the TRIPS and Public Health Declaration, allowing countries to bypass patent protections for essential medicines during health emergencies.

Bali Ministerial Conference (2013)

• Produced the Bali Package, the first multilateral agreement since the WTO’s establishment.
• Included the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) to simplify customs procedures and improve trade efficiency.
• Introduced the Peace Clause, protecting developing countries from legal challenges over food subsidy programmes.

Nairobi Ministerial Conference (2015)

• Adopted the Nairobi Package, which included a historic decision to eliminate agricultural export subsidies.
• Provided special support measures for Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Geneva Ministerial Conference (2022)

• Known as the Geneva Package, addressing global crises such as the pandemic and fisheries depletion.
• Achieved a landmark agreement to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing subsidies.
• Approved a TRIPS waiver for COVID-19 vaccines and extended the moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions.

Abu Dhabi Ministerial Conference (2024)

• Focused on regulatory reforms and expansion of WTO membership.
• Comoros and Timor-Leste were admitted as new WTO members.
• Advanced negotiations on investment facilitation and domestic regulation of services.

Significance of MC14 for Global Trade Governance

• MC14 comes at a time when the multilateral trading system faces increasing challenges, including protectionism, geopolitical tensions, and disputes among major economies.
• Resolving issues such as food security subsidies and fisheries governance will have significant implications for developing countries.
• Discussions on digital trade and dispute settlement reform will shape the future structure of global trade governance.
• For countries like India, the conference provides an opportunity to push for a more equitable and development-focused trade framework.

Conclusion

The WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference represents a crucial moment for the future of the multilateral trading system. With issues such as agricultural subsidies, fisheries management, dispute settlement reform, and digital trade on the agenda, the outcomes of MC14 will influence global trade governance for years to come. For developing countries, the conference remains a critical platform to ensure that international trade rules support inclusive growth and economic development.

UPSC Prelims Question

Q.With reference to the Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO), consider the following statements:

1. It is the highest decision-making body of the WTO.
2. It must meet at least once every two years according to WTO rules.
3. It was created under the Marrakesh Agreement that established the WTO.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

UPSC Mains Question

Q.The WTO Ministerial Conferences play a crucial role in shaping global trade governance. Discuss the significance of the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) and analyse India’s key concerns regarding food security and fisheries subsidies in the WTO framework.

5. Operation Sankalp

Why in News?

• Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Indian Navy warships deployed under Operation Sankalp have been placed on standby for potential Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
• The deployment highlights India’s preparedness to protect maritime interests and respond to emergencies in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and adjoining strategic waterways.
• The operation continues to play a crucial role in ensuring safe navigation for merchant vessels in areas affected by geopolitical instability.

What is Operation Sankalp

• Operation Sankalp is a maritime security initiative launched by the Indian Navy to ensure the safety of Indian-flagged merchant vessels and maintain stability in critical sea lanes.
• The operation was launched on 19 June 2019 following attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz.
• It represents India’s proactive approach to securing maritime trade routes that are essential for national economic and energy security.
• The initiative reflects India’s commitment to safeguarding global maritime commons and protecting its merchant fleet from piracy, terrorism, and regional conflicts.

Background and Strategic Context

• The launch of Operation Sankalp was triggered by a series of attacks on oil tankers and commercial vessels in the Gulf region in 2019, which raised serious concerns about maritime security.
• The Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and Gulf of Aden are among the world’s most important shipping routes for energy transportation.
• Any disruption in these regions directly affects global energy supply chains and international trade.
• As India depends heavily on maritime imports for energy resources, the Indian Navy initiated continuous patrols to ensure the safe passage of merchant ships.

Objectives of Operation Sankalp

• Ensure the safe passage of Indian-flagged merchant vessels through high-risk maritime zones such as the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and Gulf of Aden.
• Protect India’s energy supply routes, particularly oil shipments from the Persian Gulf region.
• Counter threats such as piracy, maritime terrorism, and attacks on commercial shipping.
• Maintain stability and maritime security in the wider Indian Ocean Region.
• Demonstrate India’s commitment to being a net security provider in regional waters.

Key Operational Features

• The operation maintains a continuous deployment of Indian Navy warships, including frigates and destroyers, in strategically important sea lanes.
• Naval vessels escort merchant ships passing through high-risk areas to ensure their safety.
• Maritime surveillance aircraft conduct aerial monitoring of sea lanes to detect suspicious activities.
• Special forces units such as MARCOS (Marine Commandos) are deployed for rapid-response operations during emergencies.
• The operation is supported by legal frameworks such as the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, 2022, which provides provisions for prosecuting piracy-related crimes.
• Since its launch, Indian naval forces have escorted hundreds of merchant vessels carrying millions of tonnes of cargo safely through these waters.

Strategic Significance for India

• The operation protects vital sea lines of communication (SLOCs) that are crucial for India’s international trade and energy imports.
• Nearly 60–62% of India’s crude oil imports originate from the Persian Gulf, making maritime security in this region extremely important.
• It strengthens India’s position as a reliable maritime security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
• The operation also enhances India’s capability to undertake Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations during crises.
• Continuous naval deployment improves India’s blue-water naval capability, allowing it to project power and protect national interests far from its coastline.

Conclusion

Operation Sankalp reflects India’s proactive maritime security strategy aimed at protecting commercial shipping and ensuring stability in vital sea routes. By maintaining continuous naval deployments and escort missions in high-risk maritime zones, the operation safeguards India’s energy security and trade interests. It also reinforces India’s role as a responsible maritime power and a preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region.

UPSC Prelims Question

Q.With reference to Operation Sankalp, consider the following statements:

1. It is a maritime security initiative launched by the Indian Navy to protect merchant vessels in the Gulf region.
2. The operation was launched in response to attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz.
3. It primarily focuses on anti-piracy operations in the Strait of Malacca.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

UPSC Mains Question

Q.Operation Sankalp reflects India’s evolving maritime security strategy in the Indian Ocean Region. Discuss the objectives, operational features, and strategic significance of Operation Sankalp in protecting India’s maritime trade and energy security