1.BRICS 2.Hydrogen-Powered Shuttle Buses in Central Vista 3.Court Shows the Way, Law Must Follow 4.How AI-Focused GCCs are Challenging Traditional IT Services 5.From PCOS to PMOS: Understanding the Reasons for the Name Change

BRICS

Why in News?

At the BRICS meeting, member countries discussed the escalating conflict in West Asia, rising tensions in the Persian Gulf, and concerns over the possible disruption of maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz amid growing Iran-UAE distrust.

Key Highlights

• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that all Indian crew members were safe following attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Persian Gulf.
• Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi urged BRICS nations to condemn alleged violations of international law by the United States and Israel.
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the serious risks posed to maritime traffic and global energy infrastructure due to the ongoing tensions and the threat of closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
• India emphasized that uninterrupted maritime flows through international waterways are essential for global economic stability and energy security.
• India reiterated its support for a two-state solution to the Palestine issue and called for:
  • An immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza,
  • Unhindered humanitarian assistance,
  • A credible and peaceful long-term resolution to the conflict.
• BRICS members collectively stressed the need to:
  • Prevent the politicization of international institutions,
  • Avoid escalation and warmongering,
  • Promote dialogue and diplomatic engagement.

Detailed Insights

• Tensions between Iran and the UAE intensified after Iran accused the UAE of allowing the presence of US military personnel on its territory.
• India adopted a balanced diplomatic approach by maintaining engagement with both Iran and the UAE while expressing concerns regarding:
  • Energy supply disruptions,
  • Maritime insecurity,
  • Impact of unilateral sanctions on regional stability.
• Iran stated that it does not seek war but remains prepared to defend its sovereignty and retaliate against any aggression.
• The conflict in Gaza continues to create severe humanitarian consequences, increasing the urgency for a durable political settlement in West Asia.
• The Strait of Hormuz remains strategically significant as a major global oil transit chokepoint, making regional instability a major concern for the world economy.

Evolution and Membership

• The concept of BRIC (without South Africa) was coined in 2001 by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill. The first BRIC summit was held in 2009. South Africa joined in 2010, making it BRICS.
• Current Status and Membership (as of April 2026)
• BRICS has significantly expanded, now comprising 11 full members and several partner countries.

 Core Objectives of BRICS

BRICS aims to foster cooperation and address global challenges from the perspective of emerging economies.

• Economic Cooperation: Promote trade, investment, and financial collaboration among members.
• Global Governance Reform: Advocate for a more representative and equitable international system.
• Sustainable Development: Address issues like climate change, energy security, and food security.
• People-to-People Exchanges: Enhance cultural, educational, and sports ties.
• Financial Stability: Create alternative financial mechanisms to reduce reliance on traditional Western-dominated institutions.

 Key Initiatives and Institutions

BRICS has established several important institutions and initiatives to achieve its goals.

• New Development Bank (NDB):
  • Established in 2014 with headquarters in Shanghai.
  • Provides funding for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other developing countries.
  • Seen as an alternative to the World Bank and IMF.
• Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA):
  • A framework for providing protection against global liquidity pressures.
  • Aims to strengthen financial stability among member countries.
• BRICS Payment System:
  • Discussions are ongoing to create an independent payment system.
  • Aims to reduce reliance on the US dollar and SWIFT.

🇮🇳 India’s 2026 Chairmanship

India holds the BRICS chairmanship from January 1, 2026, and will host the 18th BRICS Summit in September 2026.

Theme and Approach

• Theme: “BRICS: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
• Approach: Guided by a “Humanity First” principle, emphasizing consensus-building.

Major Focus: CBDC Interoperability

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed including the interoperability of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) on the summit agenda.
• Objective: To facilitate faster, more efficient cross-border payments for trade and financial transactions.
• Impact: Aims to reduce reliance on traditional systems like SWIFT and the dominance of the US dollar.

Significance :

• Multilateral Grouping: Understand its role in global geopolitics and economy.
• India’s Role: Focus on India’s contributions, leadership, and specific initiatives (like CBDC interoperability).
• Global South: BRICS is a key platform for the “Global South” to advocate for its interests.
• Economic Impact: Analyze its potential to reshape global trade and financial systems.

2.Hydrogen-Powered Shuttle Buses in Central Vista

Why in News?

Hydrogen-powered shuttle buses are being launched in the Central Vista area of Delhi to promote clean mobility and strengthen green public transportation infrastructure.

Key Highlights

• The hydrogen-powered shuttle bus service will begin operations in Central Vista from Friday.
• The initiative is being implemented by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation in collaboration with Union Ministries.
• The service will provide last-mile connectivity between:
  • Central Secretariat Metro Station, and
  • Seva Teerth Metro Station.
• The project aims to:
  • Reduce dependence on private vehicles,
  • Promote sustainable urban transport,
  • Support India’s clean energy transition

National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)

The National Green Hydrogen Mission is a flagship initiative of India aimed at making the country a global hub for the production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.

Mission Objectives

• Promote clean and sustainable energy.
• Decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors such as:
  • Steel,
  • Refining,
  • Fertilizers,
  • Heavy transport,
  • Shipping.
• Reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports.
• Achieve:
  • Energy Independence by 2047,
  • Net Zero emissions by 2070.

Strategic Targets by 2030

Category	Target
Green Hydrogen Production	At least 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) annually
Renewable Energy Capacity	Around 125 GW dedicated capacity
Investments	Over ₹8 lakh crore
Employment Generation	More than 6 lakh jobs
GHG Emission Reduction	Nearly 50 MMT annually
Fossil Fuel Import Reduction	More than ₹1 lakh crore

Financial Outlay

The mission has an approved budget of ₹19,744 crore up to FY 2029–30.

Major Components

• SIGHT Programme (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition):
  • ₹17,490 crore for incentives related to:
    • Electrolyzer manufacturing,
    • Green hydrogen production.
• Pilot Projects:
  • ₹1,466 crore.
• Research & Development (R&D):
  • ₹400 crore.
• Other Components:
  • ₹388 crore.

Key Policy Measures

• Waiver of interstate transmission charges for renewable energy used in hydrogen production.
• Easier grid connectivity and renewable energy banking.
• Development of dedicated Green Hydrogen Hubs.
• Promotion of pilot projects in transport and industrial sectors.

Recent Developments

• Around 8,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) of green hydrogen production capacity has been commissioned.
• SECI launched a tender for production of green methanol under the SIGHT scheme.
• Pilot projects are progressing in ports and heavy-mobility transport sectors.
• India operationalized the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (2025).
• MNRE initiated skill development and workforce training programmes related to hydrogen technologies.

Hydrogen Fuel:

What is Hydrogen Fuel?Hydrogen is an energy carrier that stores and delivers energy rather than being a primary source of energy.Working MechanismIn a fuel cell, hydrogen reacts electrochemically with oxygen to produce electricity.ByproductsWater vapour,Heat.Thus, hydrogen fuel technology is considered a zero-emission technology at the point of useTypes of HydrogenAdvantages of Hydrogen Fuel

Challenges Associated with Hydrogen Fuel

Challenges	Explanation
High Cost	Production and transportation remain expensive
Infrastructure Gap	Requires new pipelines, storage systems, and refuelling stations
Storage Difficulties	Needs high-pressure or cryogenic storage
Safety Concerns	Highly flammable and requires specialized handling

Significance for India

• Supports India’s transition towards a green economy.
• Helps reduce crude oil and LNG imports.
• Enhances energy security.
• Promotes indigenous clean technology manufacturing.
• Contributes to climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
• Encourages sustainable urban mobility through initiatives such as hydrogen-powered buses.

3.Court Shows the Way, Law Must Follow

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India recently allowed abortions beyond the 24-week limit in two cases, emphasizing women’s reproductive autonomy and the need to revisit the provisions of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act.

Key Highlights

• The Supreme Court permitted late-term abortions beyond 24 weeks in two separate cases this year.
• In one case, a 15-year-old girl sought termination of pregnancy at 27 weeks after conceiving through a consensual relationship.
• The Court overturned a decision of the Delhi High Court, which had denied permission based on the recommendation of an AIIMS medical board.
• The Court held that:
  • Women cannot be forced to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term,
  • Reproductive autonomy and dignity are integral to personal liberty.
• The judgment prioritized the mental and physical well-being of the mother over concerns relating to the unborn fetus.

Supreme Court’s Observations

• Reproductive choice is part of a woman’s fundamental rights under Article 21.
• Medical institutions should respect informed decisions instead of imposing their own views.
• Psychological distress and mental anguish are valid grounds for abortion.
• Forced adoption cannot be considered a fair alternative because:
  • Adoption rates in India remain low,
  • Giving up a child can cause severe emotional trauma.

Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 legalized abortion under specific conditions to reduce unsafe abortions and maternal mortality.

Grounds for Abortion

• Risk to the life or physical/mental health of the woman.
• Pregnancy due to rape.
• Contraceptive failure.
• Serious fetal abnormalities.

Gestational Limits

Pregnancy Duration	Requirement
Up to 20 weeks	Permitted under medical opinion
Up to 24 weeks (2021 Amendment)	Allowed for specified categories of women
Beyond 24 weeks	Usually requires court approval or severe fetal abnormality

Issues in the Current Framework

• Women seeking abortions beyond 24 weeks often need court intervention.
• Medical Board procedures can delay urgent decisions.
• Psychological anguish is not adequately recognized in practice.
• Social stigma and limited healthcare access continue to affect women, especially in rural areas.

Significance of the Judgment

• Reinforces reproductive autonomy as a constitutional right.
• Expands the interpretation of mental health within abortion law.
• Highlights the need for a more rights-based and compassionate legal framework.
• Calls for legislative reform to reduce dependence on courts in time-sensitive cases.

Way Forward

• Amend the MTP Act to better incorporate reproductive autonomy and psychological distress.
• Simplify procedures for late-term abortions in exceptional cases.
• Strengthen safe abortion services and awareness.
• Ensure timely, accessible, and non-judgmental reproductive healthcare for women

4.How AI-Focused GCCs are Challenging Traditional IT Services

Why in News?

India’s Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are increasingly transforming into AI-driven innovation hubs. According to the Nasscom–Zinnov report “The GCC Value Orbit”, GCCs are moving beyond traditional outsourcing functions and becoming strategic enterprise centers for multinational corporations.

Key Highlights

• India hosts around 2,117 GCCs employing nearly 2.36 million professionals and generating about $98.4 billion in revenue in FY26.
• The GCC sector has expanded by 32% in the last five years with over 500 new GCCs and around 1,000 additional operating units.
• More than 1,200 GCCs in India possess AI and Machine Learning capabilities, while over 250 operate dedicated AI/ML Centers of Excellence.
• India’s GCC ecosystem employs over 250,000 AI professionals, making it the second-largest AI talent base after the United States.

What is a Global Capability Center (GCC)?

A GCC is a wholly owned subsidiary established by a multinational corporation in a talent-rich country such as India. It functions as an internal extension of the parent company and helps manage technology, engineering, operations, research, and business transformation activities while maintaining control over intellectual property and strategic functions.

Evolution of GCCs in India

Initially, GCCs primarily handled back-office operations, IT maintenance, customer support, finance, and HR services with the objective of reducing operational costs. However, India’s GCC ecosystem has now evolved into a high-value innovation and engineering network.

Modern GCCs are increasingly involved in:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning,
• Cybersecurity,
• Cloud engineering,
• Product development,
• Semiconductor and chip design,
• Enterprise transformation and digital strategy.

This marks a shift from labour-based outsourcing to innovation-driven value creation.

AI-Led Transformation

AI-focused GCCs are now developing enterprise AI solutions, automation systems, predictive analytics models, and data governance frameworks for their parent organizations. Many GCCs are responsible for deploying production-grade AI systems across global operations.

Dedicated AI/ML Centers of Excellence are helping companies accelerate innovation, improve productivity, and strengthen digital capabilities. Some advanced GCCs have evolved into “transformation hubs” with CXO-level leadership roles and strategic ownership of products and platforms.

Why India is Emerging as a GCC Hub?

India’s dominance in the GCC ecosystem is driven by:

• A large pool of skilled technology professionals,
• Strong AI and software engineering capabilities,
• Lower operational costs,
• Expanding digital infrastructure,
• Growth of cloud computing and startup ecosystems.

There is also a growing trend of GCC expansion into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities such as Jaipur, Coimbatore, and Nagpur due to lower costs and improved talent retention.

Traditional IT Services vs Modern GCCs

Traditional IT Services Model	Modern AI-Focused GCC Model
Cost reduction and outsourcing	Innovation and strategic value creation
Routine support functions	Product ownership and enterprise transformation
Labour-intensive operations	AI-driven and specialization-focused
Execution support	Strategic decision-making role
Focus on scale	Focus on capability and innovation

Challenges

Despite rapid growth, several challenges remain:

• Intense competition for AI and advanced technology talent,
• Need for stronger research and innovation ecosystems,
• Limited presence of global decision-making roles,
• Concerns regarding cybersecurity and data governance.

Significance

The rise of AI-focused GCCs is strengthening India’s position as a global technology and innovation hub. It is generating high-skilled employment, boosting digital transformation, and helping India transition from a low-cost outsourcing destination to a strategic technology partner for multinational corporations.

5.From PCOS to PMOS: Understanding the Reasons for the Name Change

Why in News?

The Endocrine Society has proposed renaming Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) to better reflect the broader hormonal and metabolic nature of the disorder.

Key Highlights

• PCOS will now be referred to as PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome).
• The change aims to:
  • Broaden diagnostic understanding,
  • Reduce stigma and confusion,
  • Improve treatment and healthcare outcomes.
• PCOS affects nearly 170 million women globally during their reproductive years.
• The revised terminology is expected to be incorporated into international medical guidelines by 2028.

Why the Name Change?

The term “Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome” was considered misleading because:

• Not all women with PCOS develop ovarian cysts,
• The condition involves multiple hormonal and metabolic abnormalities beyond the ovaries.

The new term “PMOS” highlights:

• Endocrine dysfunction,
• Metabolic disturbances,
• Ovarian involvement,thereby providing a more comprehensive understanding of the condition.

Experts believe the new nomenclature may help reduce:

• Misdiagnosis,
• Overdiagnosis,
• Self-diagnosis based only on ovarian cysts

What is PCOS/PMOS?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), now proposed as PMOS, is a hormonal and metabolic disorder commonly affecting women of reproductive age.

It is characterized by:

• Irregular ovulation,
• Excess androgen (male hormone) levels,
• Metabolic disturbances,
• Polycystic ovaries in some cases.

Major Symptoms and Features

Feature	Description
Irregular Menstrual Cycles	Infrequent or prolonged periods
Excess Androgens	Acne, facial hair growth, hair thinning
Polycystic Ovaries	Multiple small follicles visible on ultrasound
Insulin Resistance	Reduced response to insulin leading to higher blood sugar
Weight Gain	Commonly around the abdominal region
Mood and Fatigue Issues	Anxiety, depression, tiredness

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause remains uncertain, but important contributing factors include:

• Genetic predisposition,
• Insulin resistance,
• Hormonal imbalance,
• Low-grade chronic inflammation,
• Elevated androgen levels.

Health Complications

If untreated, PCOS/PMOS can lead to:

• Infertility,
• Type-2 Diabetes,
• Obesity,
• Cardiovascular diseases,
• Sleep apnea,
• Endometrial cancer,
• Mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression

Management and Treatment

Lifestyle Measures

• Balanced diet,
• Regular exercise,
• Weight management.

Medical Treatment

• Hormonal contraceptives for menstrual regulation,
• Metformin for insulin resistance,
• Anti-androgen medicines,
• Fertility treatments for conception support.

Significance of the New Terminology

The shift from PCOS to PMOS reflects a more scientific and holistic understanding of the disorder. It recognizes that the syndrome is not merely an ovarian condition but a complex endocrine-metabolic disorder requiring multidisciplinary care and early diagnosis.