Operation Amistad: India’s Expanding Humanitarian Diplomacy Green Transition Board: Mobilising Green Capital for India’s Low-Carbon Future Drug Trafficking through Myanmar and Emerging Internal Security Challenges Proposed Amendments to the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 CBSE Three-Language Formula and NEP 2020

1.Operation Amistad: India’s Expanding Humanitarian Diplomacy

Why in News?

India launched Operation Amistad to provide humanitarian assistance to Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes (Magnitude 7.2 and 7.5) struck the country on 24 June 2026. The mission involved deployment of two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, a 41-member Army medical team, over 35 tonnes of relief material, and two indigenous BHISHM Cubes, reflecting India’s growing capability in global Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

Operation Amistad

• Operation Amistad is India’s latest overseas humanitarian relief mission aimed at providing immediate medical assistance and disaster relief to earthquake-affected Venezuela.
• The operation is one of the Indian Air Force’s longest strategic airlift missions, covering nearly 15,000 km, and demonstrates India’s ability to rapidly project humanitarian assistance beyond its immediate neighbourhood.
• The medical contingent from the 60 Para Field Hospital is equipped for emergency surgeries, trauma management, intensive care and disaster medicine, enabling treatment of nearly 200 critically injured patients.

BHISHM Cube: India’s Portable Disaster Hospital

• One of the major highlights of the mission is the deployment of the BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri) Cube, developed under Project Aarogya Maitri.
• It is a rapidly deployable modular medical facility containing emergency medicines, surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment and critical-care support.
• Designed for disaster-hit regions and humanitarian crises, the system can be transported by aircraft and operational within a short period, making it a significant addition to India’s disaster-response capabilities.

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)

• HADR refers to civilian and military operations undertaken to provide immediate relief during natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies or conflicts.
• These operations generally include emergency healthcare, evacuation, search and rescue, supply of food and medicines, temporary shelters and restoration of essential services.
• Over the past decade, HADR has emerged as an important pillar of India’s foreign policy.
• Operations such as Maitri (Nepal Earthquake, 2015), Dost (Türkiye-Syria Earthquake, 2023), Kaveri (Sudan Evacuation, 2023) and now Amistad demonstrate India’s evolution as a reliable ‘First Responder’ during international disasters.

Significance

• Operation Amistad reinforces India’s humanitarian diplomacy and its vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ by extending timely assistance far beyond its geographical neighbourhood.
• The mission also showcases India’s expanding strategic airlift capability, indigenous medical innovations such as the BHISHM Cube, and growing military-medical preparedness for global emergencies.
• From a geopolitical perspective, the operation strengthens India’s engagement with Latin America, expands South-South cooperation, and enhances India’s soft power by combining diplomacy with humanitarian assistance.

Challenges

• Long-distance humanitarian assistance operations involve complex logistical planning, sustained supply chains, and effective coordination with local authorities in disaster-affected regions.
• Ensuring continuity of medical assistance beyond the immediate relief phase and strengthening last-mile delivery remain significant challenges.
• Integrating advanced technologies for rapid deployment, real-time assessment, and efficient resource management is essential to enhance the effectiveness of future Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.

Conclusion

Operation Amistad illustrates India’s transition from being a regional disaster responder to an emerging global humanitarian partner. By combining military logistics, indigenous healthcare innovation and humanitarian diplomacy, the mission reinforces India’s image as a responsible global power committed to assisting nations in times of crisis.

UPSC Prelims MCQQ. With reference to the BHISHM Cube, consider the following statements:It is an indigenously developed modular medical facility for disaster response.It has been developed under Project Aarogya Maitri.It is designed for rapid deployment during humanitarian emergencies.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: (d)UPSC Mains Question“Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations have become an important instrument of India’s foreign policy and strategic outreach. Discuss with suitable examples.” (15 Marks)

2.Green Transition Board: Mobilising Green Capital for India’s Low-Carbon Future

Why in News?

The Green Transition Board (GTB) held its inaugural meeting during the London Climate Action Week 2026 at the London School of Economics (LSE). Chaired by N.K. Singh, the Board seeks to develop strategies for mobilising green capital and accelerating India’s transition towards its Net Zero by 2070 and Viksit Bharat 2047 goals.

Green Transition Board (GTB)

• The Green Transition Board is a high-level advisory platform announced during the Raisina Dialogue 2026 to recommend policy measures for financing and implementing India’s green transition.
• The Board’s secretariat is housed at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Middle East, and its recommendations are expected to benefit not only India but also other emerging and developing economies facing similar climate-finance challenges.

Objectives

• Mobilise green finance at scale for clean energy transition.
• Recommend reforms in Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs).
• Increase private sector participation in climate investments.
• Improve climate finance architecture for developing countries.
• Convert climate commitments into bankable and investable projects.
• Support an orderly, inclusive and equitable energy transition.

Why Green Capital Matters?

Green transition requires massive investments in renewable energy, transmission networks, battery storage, electric mobility, green hydrogen and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Although global clean energy investment has reached record levels, developing countries receive only a small share due to:

• High financing costs and investment risks.
• Limited access to affordable long-term capital.
• Weak project preparation and bankability.
• Inadequate transmission and grid infrastructure.

Consequently, mobilising affordable green capital remains one of the biggest barriers to achieving global climate goals.

Key Areas of Focus

• Climate Finance: Expand concessional & blended finance; promote green bonds, sustainability-linked bonds and blended finance.
• MDB Reforms: Enhance lending by World Bank, ADB & NDB; reduce borrowing costs and simplify climate finance access.
• Private Capital: De-risk investments through guarantees, VGF and first-loss mechanisms; promote ESG-based investments.
• Power System Integration: Invest in transmission corridors, smart grids, BESS, green hydrogen infrastructure and flexible distribution networks.

India’s Green Transition Targets

Target	Timeline
Net Zero Emissions	2070
Clean Energy Capacity	2,500 GW by 2047
Non-fossil Electricity Capacity	500 GW by 2030
Reduce Emissions Intensity of GDP	45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels)
About 50% installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources	2030

Challenges

• Huge financing requirement for energy transition.
• High cost of capital compared to developed economies.
• Limited private investment in emerging markets.
• Delays in transmission and grid modernisation.
• Lack of bankable climate projects.
• Technology dependence in sectors such as batteries, critical minerals and green hydrogen.

Way Forward

• Strengthen domestic carbon and green finance markets.
• Expand sovereign and municipal green bond issuances.
• Accelerate MDB reforms for affordable climate finance.
• Promote blended finance and risk-sharing mechanisms.
• Develop robust project pipelines to attract global investors.
• Enhance public-private partnerships in renewable energy, storage and transmission infrastructure.

UPSC Prelims MCQQ. With reference to climate finance, consider the following statements:Green Transition Board was announced during the Raisina Dialogue. The Board primarily focuses on reforming Multilateral Development Banks and mobilising private green capital. The secretariat of the Green Transition Board is housed at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Middle East. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: (d)UPSC Mains Question (15 Marks)“Mobilising affordable climate finance has emerged as the biggest challenge for achieving energy transition in developing economies. Discuss in the context of India’s Net Zero commitments and the role of Multilateral Development Banks.”

3.Drug Trafficking through Myanmar and Emerging Internal Security Challenges

Why in News?

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in its Annual Report 2026, highlighted that the sharp rise in opium cultivation and synthetic drug production in Myanmar has significantly increased drug trafficking along India’s eastern borders. Simultaneously, drone-based smuggling from Pakistan has emerged as a major security concern, posing multidimensional challenges to India’s internal security.

Key Highlights

• Myanmar has emerged as the world’s leading opium producer following the Taliban’s 2022 crackdown on opium cultivation in Afghanistan.
• Opium cultivation in Myanmar increased by 56% between 2021 and 2023, reaching nearly 45,200 hectares.
• India’s eastern states—Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland—have become major transit corridors for heroin and methamphetamine.
• Drone-assisted narcotics smuggling from Pakistan into Punjab increased five-fold, with 305 drone incidents reported in 2025.
• Punjab accounted for 58% of India’s total drug seizures in 2025.

Why is Myanmar Emerging as a Major Drug Source?

• The Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos and Thailand) has re-emerged as a global hub for illicit narcotics.
• Besides opium and heroin, Myanmar has become a major producer of methamphetamine (Yaba tablets) and other synthetic drugs.
• Political instability following the 2021 military coup has weakened law enforcement, enabling organised criminal networks.

Major Drug Trafficking Routes into India

• Eastern Route (Myanmar): Manipur (NH-102) is the main entry point for heroin and methamphetamine; Champhai (Mizoram) is another key corridor. Porous borders enable trafficking through informal crossing points.
• Western Route (Pakistan): Heroin enters via Punjab and Rajasthan, while maritime trafficking occurs through the Gujarat and Maharashtra coasts. Increasing use of drones/UAVs helps bypass border security.

Government Measures

• Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) coordinates anti-drug operations.
• Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 provides the legal framework for controlling narcotic drugs.
• NCORD (Narco Coordination Centre) improves inter-agency coordination.
• NIDAAN Portal for national database on narcotics offenders.
• Deployment of anti-drone technologies along the western border.
• Enhanced cooperation with neighbouring countries and international agencies under UNODC initiatives.

Way Forward

• Strengthen surveillance along the India-Myanmar border through smart fencing, drones and integrated check posts.
• Accelerate implementation of comprehensive border management and review vulnerabilities under the Free Movement Regime.
• Enhance intelligence sharing with Myanmar and ASEAN countries.
• Expand anti-drone capabilities along the western border.
• Adopt a whole-of-government approach integrating law enforcement, financial intelligence, border management and de-addiction programmes.
• Promote livelihood opportunities in vulnerable border districts to reduce dependence on illicit economies.

UPSC Prelims MCQQ. With reference to drug trafficking in India, consider the following statements:The Golden Triangle comprises Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. The Free Movement Regime (FMR) operates along the India-Myanmar border. The Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) functions under the Narcotics Control Bureau. 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 3Answer: (a)(NCORD is a multi-agency coordination mechanism under the Ministry of Home Affairs, not under the NCB.)UPSC Mains Question (15 Marks)“Drug trafficking has evolved from a law-and-order issue into a multidimensional internal security challenge for India.” Discuss with reference to emerging trafficking routes, cross-border linkages and technological innovations used by drug cartels.

4.Proposed Amendments to the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013

Why in News?

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has released draft amendments to the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, proposing a revised foodgrain entitlement for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries. The proposal aims to rationalise foodgrain distribution but has generated concerns over reduced allocations for small households and possible regional disparities.

What are the Proposed Amendments?

Revised Entitlement for AAY Households

• Every eligible individual in an AAY household will receive 7 kg of foodgrains per month.
• The maximum entitlement per household will remain 35 kg per month, provided free of cost.
• Public comments on the draft have been invited until 13 July.

Existing vs Proposed System

Existing Provision	Proposed Amendment
Every AAY household receives 35 kg/month, irrespective of family size.	7 kg/person/month, subject to a maximum of 35 kg per household.

Government’s Rationale

The amendment seeks to remove inequities in the existing system.

• Ensures per-capita-based allocation instead of a uniform household allocation.
• Larger families receive proportionately higher benefits.
• Better aligns foodgrain distribution with nutritional requirements.
• Improves efficiency and equity in the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Concerns Raised

• Impact on Small Households: Families with fewer than five members may receive less than the current 35 kg allocation, affecting states with smaller household sizes (e.g., Kerala).
• North–South Divide: Smaller average family sizes in southern states could lead to lower allocations, potentially creating regional disparities.
• Outdated Beneficiary Coverage: Absence of updated Census data has prevented revision of AAY beneficiaries, excluding many eligible households.
• Nutritional Concerns: Experts advocate expanding NFSA beyond cereals by including pulses and edible oil and increasing per-capita allocations for the poorest households

About the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013

The National Food Security Act, 2013 provides a legal framework for ensuring food and nutritional security through subsidised foodgrains under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).CoverageCovers up to 75% of the rural population. Covers up to 50% of the urban population. Overall coverage is about 67% of India’s population. Foodgrain EntitlementPriority Households (PHH)5 kg of foodgrains per person per month. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)Identifies the poorest of the poor households. Currently receives 35 kg of foodgrains per household per month. Other Key ProvisionsNutritional support to pregnant women, lactating mothers and children through ICDS and Mid-Day Meal (PM POSHAN). Maternity benefit of at least ₹6,000. Grievance redressal mechanisms and transparency provisions.

Conclusion

The proposed NFSA amendment represents a shift from household-based to per-capita foodgrain allocation for AAY beneficiaries. While it seeks to improve equity in food distribution, its success will depend on updating beneficiary databases, addressing interstate demographic differences and strengthening nutritional security beyond cereal distribution.

UPSC Prelims MCQQ. With reference to the National Food Security Act (NFSA), consider the following statements:Priority Households are entitled to 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) is intended for the poorest households. The proposed amendment to the NFSA seeks to replace the fixed household entitlement for AAY with a per-capita entitlement, subject to a maximum household limit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: (d)UPSC Mains Question (15 Marks)“Food security in India requires balancing equity, nutritional adequacy and fiscal sustainability.” Discuss in the context of the proposed amendments to the National Food Security Act, 2013.Top of FormBottom of Form

5.CBSE Three-Language Formula and NEP 2020

Why in News?

The Ministry of Education (MoE) clarified that students currently studying in Classes 7, 8 and 9 can continue learning foreign languages (such as French, German and Spanish) until Class 10. The clarification relaxes the earlier CBSE circular (15 May 2026) and ensures a phased implementation of the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.

What is the Latest Decision?

• Students already studying foreign languages can continue them until Class 10.
• The earlier CBSE directive requiring two Indian languages from Class 9 (2026-27) will not apply immediately.
• The three-language policy will now be implemented gradually over five academic years (2026–2031).
• The revised framework is expected to apply first to students entering Class 6, avoiding disruption for existing students.

Why was the Earlier Circular Controversial?

The May 2026 CBSE circular required Class 9 students to study:

• Three languages, with
• At least two languages native to India.

This led to:

• Students being asked to discontinue foreign languages midway.
• Opposition from parents, teachers and schools.
• Diplomatic concerns raised by countries such as France and Germany.
• Petitions before the Supreme Court challenging abrupt implementation.

Three-Language Formula

The Three-Language Formula is India’s language education policy aimed at promoting multilingualism, national integration and linguistic diversity.

Under NEP 2020

• Students will learn three languages during school education.
• At least two languages must be native to India.

The choice of languages rests with States, schools and students.

• No language is imposed on any State.
• Wherever possible, the medium of instruction till at least Grade 5 (preferably Grade 8) should be the mother tongue/local language.

Objectives

• Promote multilingual proficiency.
• Preserve Indian languages and cultural diversity.
• Improve cognitive development and learning outcomes.
• Encourage national integration while respecting linguistic federalism.
• Provide flexibility to learn foreign languages at appropriate stages.

Constitutional and Policy Basis

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 29: Protection of linguistic and cultural rights.
• Article 30: Rights of minorities to establish educational institutions.
• Article 350A: Instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage.
• Eighth Schedule: Recognises 22 scheduled languages.

Policy Evolution

• Kothari Commission (1964–66): Recommended the Three-Language Formula.
• National Policy on Education, 1968: First adopted the formula.
• Reaffirmed in NPE 1986.
• Retained with greater flexibility under NEP 2020.

Conclusion

The Ministry’s clarification reflects a balanced approach between implementing the NEP 2020 and protecting the academic interests of students already studying foreign languages. A gradual rollout of the three-language formula can promote multilingualism while avoiding disruption and respecting India’s linguistic diversity.

UPSC Prelims MCQQ. With reference to the Three-Language Formula under the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, consider the following statements:At least two of the three languages studied by students should be native to India. NEP 2020 mandates Hindi as one of the compulsory languages across all States. The Three-Language Formula was originally recommended by the Kothari Commission. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 and 3 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 2 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: (a)UPSC Mains Question (15 Marks)“India’s Three-Language Formula seeks to balance national integration with linguistic diversity. Discuss its evolution, constitutional basis and implementation challenges in the context of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.”Top of FormBottom of Form