1.SC Allows Euthanasia of ‘Rabid, Dangerous’ Stray Dogs 2.India–Italy Special Strategic Partnership 3.Nothing Wrong in Caste Count: SC Rejects Plea Against Census Enumeration 4.No New Hydel Projects in Upper Ganga Region 5.PRAGATI 2026 Military Exercise Begins in Meghalaya

1.SC Allows Euthanasia of ‘Rabid, Dangerous’ Stray Dogs

Source: The HinduSubject: Polity & Governance

Why in News?

The Supreme Court upheld the euthanasia of stray dogs that are rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably dangerous in accordance with existing legal provisions. The Court emphasized that citizens have a constitutional right under Article 21 to move freely in public spaces without fear of dog attacks. It also directed all districts to establish at least one fully functional Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre and ordered High Courts to monitor implementation of its directions.

Supreme Court’s Observations on Public Safety and Article 21

• The Supreme Court observed that the right to life under Article 21 includes the right of citizens to move safely in public spaces without fear of stray dog attacks. The Court stressed that public safety and animal welfare must coexist within a balanced legal framework.
• The case originated after the Court took suo motu cognizance in July 2023 following reports of fatal dog bite incidents in New Delhi.
• Earlier directions issued in 2023 calling for removal of stray dogs to shelters faced criticism because they appeared inconsistent with the Animal Birth Control Rules, which emphasize sterilization, vaccination, and release back into original territories.
• The Court subsequently modified its approach and reaffirmed the sterilization-and-release policy while permitting authorities to isolate or euthanize rabid, terminally ill, or demonstrably dangerous dogs under existing legal provisions.
• The Court also prohibited indiscriminate public feeding of stray dogs outside designated feeding zones and highlighted that poor implementation of ABC measures has contributed to rising stray dog populations and dog bite incidents.

Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023

• The Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 were notified under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and replaced the earlier ABC Rules, 2001. The Rules provide a scientific and humane framework for stray dog population management.
• The primary objective of the Rules is to control stray dog populations through sterilization and
• anti-rabies vaccination rather than culling. The Rules mandate that local bodies such as municipalities and panchayats implement sterilization programmes and ensure post-operative care before releasing dogs back into their original territories.
• The Rules permit euthanasia only in limited circumstances involving rabid, incurably ill, mortally wounded, or fatally injured dogs. Such euthanasia must be performed humanely by qualified veterinarians.
• The Rules also encourage the creation of designated feeding zones and require local authorities to establish Animal Welfare Boards for monitoring implementation. The Supreme Court directed every district to operationalize at least one functional ABC centre for effective enforcement.

Constitutional and Governance Dimensions

• The judgment highlights the constitutional balancing between animal welfare and public safety.
• While courts have repeatedly recognized compassion towards animals as part of constitutional morality under Articles 48A and 51A(g), the present ruling reaffirmed that citizens’ safety and freedom of movement remain equally important constitutional concerns.
• The issue also reflects governance challenges faced by urban local bodies in implementing sterilization programmes, vaccination drives, waste management systems, and public awareness campaigns. The Court noted that ineffective implementation of the ABC framework has weakened stray dog management efforts across many cities.
• The direction to High Courts to initiate suo motu monitoring proceedings indicates judicial concern regarding the gap between policy formulation and ground-level execution.

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960

• The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 is the principal legislation governing animal welfare in India. It aims to prevent unnecessary pain or suffering to animals and established the Animal Welfare Board of India.
• The Act provides the legal basis for framing the Animal Birth Control Rules and regulating humane treatment of stray animals.

2.India–Italy Special Strategic Partnership

Source: The HinduSubject: International Relations

Why in News?

India and Italy elevated their bilateral relationship to a “Special Strategic Partnership” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Italy. Both countries signed a Defence Industrial Road Map and agreements relating to critical minerals, economic security, and institutional cooperation. The discussions also focused on the Indo-Pacific region, maritime security, the Strait of Hormuz, Africa, and the India–EU Free Trade Agreement.

India–Italy Special Strategic Partnership

• India and Italy agreed to upgrade their ties to a Special Strategic Partnership to deepen cooperation in defence, trade, technology, clean energy, mobility of skilled workers, innovation, and strategic affairs.
• The decision reflects the growing convergence between the two countries amid changing geopolitical and economic conditions.
• The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, energy transition, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and resilient supply chains.
• Both countries also emphasized closer coordination in multilateral institutions and support for a rules-based international order.
• Italy is among India’s major European economic partners and both sides are seeking to expand bilateral trade and investments through stronger industrial and technological engagement.

Defence Cooperation and Strategic Engagement

• A major outcome of the summit was the signing of the Defence Industrial Road Map, which seeks to expand defence manufacturing cooperation, technology transfer, industrial partnerships, and co-development initiatives between the two countries.
• The agreement reflects India’s broader push towards defence indigenisation and strategic partnerships under the Atmanirbhar Bharat framework.
• It also aligns with Europe’s growing interest in expanding defence-industrial engagement with India.
• India and Italy also discussed maritime cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Both sides stressed adherence to international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), especially in relation to maritime security and freedom of navigation.
• The discussions gained significance in the context of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider West Asia crisis, which continue to affect global energy supplies, shipping routes, and economic stability.

Cooperation in Africa and Emerging Technologies

• India and Italy agreed to collaborate on trilateral development projects in Africa. The cooperation is expected to combine India’s development partnership initiatives with Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa.
• The projects are likely to focus on renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, sustainable development, agriculture, capacity building, and connectivity. The move reflects the increasing strategic importance of Africa in global geopolitics, energy security, and development cooperation.
• The two countries also signed agreements relating to critical minerals and institutional cooperation between financial enforcement agencies.
• Cooperation in critical minerals has become strategically important because of their role in semiconductors, batteries, electric mobility, defence manufacturing, and clean energy technologies.

India–EU Free Trade Agreement

The summit also highlighted Italy’s support for the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which was concluded earlier in 2026 after prolonged negotiations.The India–EU FTA aims to significantly enhance trade and investment flows between India and the European Union by reducing tariffs, improving market access, strengthening professional mobility, and promoting supply-chain resilience.The agreement is considered strategically important because it deepens economic integration between two major democratic regions and reduces dependence on concentrated global supply chains.

3.No New Hydel Projects in Upper Ganga Region

Source: The HinduSubject: Environment & Ecology

Why in News?

The Union government informed the Supreme Court that no new hydroelectric projects will be permitted in the upper reaches of the Ganga basin in Uttarakhand. The decision was communicated through a joint affidavit filed by the Ministries of Environment, Jal Shakti, and Power. The move follows growing concerns over ecological fragility, seismic vulnerability, glacier-related disasters, and the cumulative environmental impact of hydropower projects in the Himalayan region.

Government Decision on Hydroelectric Projects

• The government stated that no additional hydropower projects would be approved in the upper Ganga basin due to the region’s fragile ecology and increasing disaster risks.
• The decision comes after multiple expert committees and scientific assessments warned about the cumulative impact of dams and infrastructure activities in the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda river systems.
• The affidavit referred to major disasters such as the 2013 Kedarnath cloudburst and the 2025 Dharali flash flood, which exposed the vulnerability of the Himalayan ecosystem to extreme weather events, landslides, glacial disturbances, and unregulated construction activity.
• At the same time, the government clarified that seven hydroelectric projects already commissioned or substantially completed, with a combined capacity of more than 2,150 MW, would continue because of the large investments already made and because these projects are located outside the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone.

Supreme Court Proceedings and Expert Committees

• The Supreme Court has been monitoring the issue of hydropower development in Uttarakhand for several years following concerns raised after the 2013 Kedarnath disaster.
• In August 2024, the Court constituted a committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary to review the environmental impact and feasibility of pending hydroelectric projects in the region.
• The committee reportedly examined 21 proposed projects and initially narrowed them down to five. However, the Union government eventually decided not to proceed even with those projects because of ecological concerns.
• Earlier, the Ravi Chopra Committee constituted after the 2013 floods had also warned against indiscriminate hydropower development in the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda basins. The committee highlighted the cumulative effects of tunnelling, blasting, deforestation, slope destabilisation, and river fragmentation in the Himalayan ecosystem.
• The latest decision marks a significant policy shift because the Power Ministry had earlier supported further hydropower expansion in the region.

Ecological Concerns in the Himalayan Region

The upper Ganga basin forms part of the geologically young and seismically active Himalayan ecosystem. Experts have repeatedly warned that large hydropower projects increase environmental risks through:

• River flow alteration and ecological fragmentation
• Increased landslide vulnerability due to tunnelling and blasting
• Deforestation and slope destabilisation
• Sediment disruption affecting downstream ecology
• Greater disaster vulnerability during cloudbursts and glacial events

Climate change has further intensified concerns because rising temperatures are accelerating glacier melt, glacial lake formation, and extreme rainfall events in the Himalayan region.

The issue reflects the growing debate between infrastructure-led development and ecological sustainability in fragile mountain ecosystems.

Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (BESZ)

• The Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone was notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2012 to protect the ecologically sensitive upper Ganga region.
• The zone extends from Gaumukh to Uttarkashi along the Bhagirathi river basin in Uttarakhand and covers more than 4,000 sq km.
• The Eco-Sensitive Zone was created to regulate developmental activities and preserve the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, biodiversity, river systems, forests, and cultural significance associated with the origin of the Ganga.
• The notification restricts large hydropower projects, polluting industries, mining, and environmentally destructive activities within the region.

Hydropower in India

Hydropower is an important component of India’s renewable energy strategy because it provides low-carbon electricity generation and grid-balancing support.

However, large hydropower projects in the Himalayas face criticism because of ecological degradation, displacement, disaster vulnerability, and impacts on riverine ecosystems.

The issue has become increasingly important in the context of climate change, sustainable development, river conservation, and disaster management.

4.Nothing Wrong in Caste Count: SC Rejects Plea Against Census Enumeration

Source: The HinduSubject: Indian Polity & Governance

Why in News?

The Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging the Union government’s decision to include caste enumeration in Census 2027. The Court observed that there was nothing unconstitutional in collecting caste-related data and clarified that the issue falls within the policy domain of the government.

The decision assumes significance because the Union Cabinet had earlier approved caste enumeration as part of Census 2027, marking a major shift in India’s census policy.

Supreme Court’s Observations on Caste Enumeration

• The Supreme Court stated that collecting caste data is not inherently unconstitutional and may be necessary for welfare-oriented governance.
• The Court observed that identifying and quantifying socially and educationally backward communities is important for designing targeted welfare schemes and ensuring social justice.
• The petitioner had argued that caste data could be misused for political mobilisation, electoral polarisation, and commercial profiling. However, the Court held that such concerns cannot invalidate a policy decision taken by the government.

Caste Enumeration in Census 2027

• The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in Census 2027 during a meeting held in April 2025.

The proposed Census will include:

Census Phase	Purpose
House Listing Operation (HLO)	Collection of data regarding housing conditions, household assets, and amenities
Population Enumeration	Collection of demographic, social, economic, and caste-related information

The move is considered significant because independent India has not conducted a comprehensive caste Census after 1931, except for systematic enumeration of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Historical Background of Caste Census in India

Year	Development
1872	First non-synchronous Census conducted in British India
1881	First synchronous nationwide Census
1931	Last full caste-based Census conducted
1951 onwards	Independent India discontinued comprehensive caste enumeration except for SCs and STs
2011	Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) conducted separately from regular Census

The 1931 Census continues to remain the primary reference point for many caste-based population estimates used in policy debates today.

Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), 2011

The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was conducted in 2011 to identify socio-economic deprivation and collect caste-related information.

However, caste data from SECC was never fully released because of concerns regarding inconsistencies, classification errors, and difficulties in verification.

The SECC was conducted separately from the decennial Census and primarily aimed at improving targeting for welfare schemes.

Significance of Caste Enumeration

Supporters of caste enumeration argue that updated caste data is essential for evidence-based policymaking, welfare targeting, reservation policies, and understanding socio-economic inequalities.

The demand for caste Census has intensified because existing population estimates for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are largely based on outdated colonial-era data.

Accurate caste data may influence:

• Reservation policies
• Welfare distribution
• Political representation
• Social justice programmes
• Educational and employment planning

At the same time, critics argue that caste enumeration may reinforce caste identities and deepen social divisions.

5.PRAGATI 2026 Military Exercise Begins in Meghalaya

Source: The HinduSubject: International Relations

Why in News?

India hosted the multinational military exercise PRAGATI 2026 at the Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya with the participation of 13 countries. The exercise aims to strengthen military cooperation, interoperability, and regional security coordination among participating nations.

The exercise reflects India’s growing emphasis on defence diplomacy and strategic engagement with countries of the Indo-Pacific and neighbouring regions.

PRAGATI 2026: Key Details

The multinational military exercise commenced in Meghalaya with participation from India and 12 friendly foreign nations.

Participating Countries

Participating Nations

India

Bhutan

Cambodia

Indonesia

Laos

Malaysia

Maldives

Myanmar

Nepal

Philippines

Seychelles

Sri Lanka

Vietnam

The exercise is being conducted at the Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya, highlighting the strategic importance of Northeast India in India’s regional security architecture.

Objectives of PRAGATI 2026

The exercise aims to strengthen military cooperation and improve operational coordination among participating armed forces.

The major objectives include:

• Enhancing interoperability among participating armies
• Sharing operational experiences and best practices
• Strengthening regional military cooperation
• Improving coordination in counter-terrorism operations
• Promoting cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations
• Building mutual trust and strategic understanding among friendly nations

The exercise also provides an opportunity for participating countries to improve coordination in handling emerging regional security challenges.

Strategic Importance of the Exercise

PRAGATI 2026 reflects India’s expanding role as a regional security partner in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region.

The participation of ASEAN countries, Indian Ocean island nations, and neighbouring states demonstrates India’s efforts to strengthen defence engagement under policies such as:

• Neighbourhood First Policy
• Act East Policy
• Indo-Pacific Vision
• SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)

The exercise gains significance amid increasing geopolitical competition, maritime security concerns, transnational terrorism, and disaster management challenges in the region.

Military Diplomacy and India’s Strategic Outreach

Military diplomacy refers to the use of defence cooperation, military exchanges, and joint exercises to strengthen foreign relations and strategic partnerships without the use of force.

India increasingly uses joint military exercises as an instrument of strategic outreach and confidence-building.

Major Objectives of Military Diplomacy

Objective	Significance
Interoperability	Enables coordinated military operations among partner nations
Confidence Building	Reduces mistrust and strengthens strategic partnerships
Regional Stability	Promotes peace and security cooperation
Counter-Terrorism Cooperation	Improves preparedness against transnational threats
HADR Coordination	Enhances joint disaster response capability
Strategic Influence	Expands India’s role as a regional security provider

India’s Defence Diplomacy Initiatives

India conducts several bilateral and multilateral military exercises with partner countries.

Important Military Exercises of India

Exercise	Countries Involved	Domain
Malabar	India, USA, Japan, Australia	Naval
Yudh Abhyas	India–USA	Army
Garuda	India–France	Air Force
Surya Kiran	India–Nepal	Army
Sampriti	India–Bangladesh	Army
Milan	Multinational Naval Exercise	Naval
Hand-in-Hand	India–China	Army
SIMBEX	India–Singapore	Naval

Importance of Northeast India in Defence Cooperation

The conduct of PRAGATI 2026 in Meghalaya underlines the strategic importance of Northeast India because the region:

• Connects India with Southeast Asia
• Plays a vital role in India’s Act East Policy
• Holds importance for border management and regional security
• Serves as a gateway for military and economic connectivity with ASEAN nations