Current Affairs for 05 October 2026

Five Centres of Excellence for Classical Languages: Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit

Why in News?

• The Ministry of Education has approved the establishment of five Centres of Excellence (CoEs) for studies in Classical Languages.
• The Centres will focus on Classical Assamese, Classical Bengali, Classical Marathi, Classical Pali and Classical Prakrit.

What are Classical Languages?

• Classical Languages are languages recognised for their high antiquity, rich ancient literary heritage and significant historical and cultural contribution.
• India currently has 11 recognised Classical Languages.
• Tamil was the first Indian language to receive Classical Language status in 2004.
• In 2024, five languages - Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali were granted Classical Language status, taking the total number to 11.

India’s 11 Classical Languages

Key Features

• Number of Centres: 5
• Classical Languages Covered: Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit
• Assamese: Tezpur University, Assam
• Bengali: Visva-Bharati University, West Bengal
• Marathi: Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra
• Pali: Central University of Odisha, Odisha
• Prakrit: Central University of Gujarat, Gujarat
• Major Focus: Research, preservation, documentation, digitisation and dissemination
• Geographical Coverage: Five States
• Implementing Institutions: Designated Higher Educational Institutions

Centres of Excellence for Classical Languages

1. Classical Assamese

• The Tezpur University, Assam will house the Centre of Excellence for Classical Assamese.
• The Centre will provide institutional support for research and scholarship related to Assamese linguistic and literary traditions.
• It will also contribute to the documentation, preservation and digitisation of relevant linguistic and literary resources.

2. Classical Bengali

• The Visva-Bharati University, West Bengal will house the Centre of Excellence for Classical Bengali.
• The Centre will support advanced academic research into Bengali language and literary traditions.
• It will also facilitate wider dissemination of knowledge associated with the language.

3. Classical Marathi

• The Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra will house the Centre of Excellence for Classical Marathi.
• The Centre will strengthen research and scholarly engagement in Marathi’s linguistic and literary heritage.
• It will support the preservation and digitisation of important linguistic and textual resources.

4. Classical Pali

• The Central University of Odisha, Odisha will house the Centre of Excellence for Classical Pali.
• The Centre will provide an institutional platform for advanced research and scholarship related to Pali language and literature.
• It will contribute to documentation, preservation and wider dissemination of Pali knowledge traditions.

5. Classical Prakrit

• The Central University of Gujarat, Gujarat will house the Centre of Excellence for Classical Prakrit.
• The Centre will strengthen academic research into Prakrit language and its literary traditions.
• It will also support the preservation and digitisation of Prakrit linguistic resources.

How will the Centres of Excellence Promote Classical Languages?

The initiative will strengthen Classical Language studies through four broad areas:

1. Advanced Academic Research

• The Centres will provide dedicated platforms for advanced research, scholarly work and academic engagement.
• They will encourage systematic study of language, literature and associated knowledge traditions.

2. Documentation and Preservation

• The Centres will support the documentation and preservation of linguistic and literary resources.
• This will contribute to the long-term conservation of India’s rich textual and linguistic heritage.

3. Digitisation

• Digitisation will help preserve manuscripts, texts and other linguistic resources in digital formats.
• It can also improve access to these resources for students, researchers and academic institutions.

4. Wider Dissemination

• The Centres will facilitate wider access to linguistic, literary and knowledge traditions.
• This can expand academic engagement with Classical Languages beyond specialised research communities.

Why are the Centres of Excellence Important?

• India possesses a vast and diverse linguistic and literary heritage.
• Classical Languages preserve important traditions of literature, philosophy, history, religion and knowledge.
• Dedicated institutional platforms can strengthen specialised research and scholarship.
• Digitisation can protect valuable textual resources from physical deterioration and improve accessibility.
• The initiative can also strengthen Higher Educational Institutions as centres of research and knowledge preservation.

Classical Languages and India’s Cultural Heritage

• The Classical Languages of India represent an important part of the country’s civilisational, linguistic and literary heritage.
• Their literature and knowledge traditions provide valuable sources for understanding India’s intellectual and cultural development.
• The establishment of dedicated Centres of Excellence can help connect this heritage with modern research, higher education and digital technologies.

Institutional Framework

The initiative will involve multiple stakeholders, including:

• Ministry of Education
• Designated Higher Educational Institutions
• Universities and academic researchers
• Language and literature scholars
• Research and preservation institutions

The five designated institutions will act as specialised academic centres for their respective Classical Languages.

Significance

• Preservation of linguistic heritage: The initiative will strengthen institutional mechanisms for preserving India’s linguistic traditions.
• Promotion of research: Dedicated Centres will create opportunities for advanced academic research.
• Digitisation of resources: Digital preservation can improve the long-term accessibility of manuscripts and literary materials.
• Strengthening higher education: Universities will gain a greater role in specialised language research and scholarship.
• Regional academic development: The Centres across five States can strengthen regional ecosystems for linguistic research.
• Wider dissemination: The initiative can make Classical Language resources more accessible to students and researchers.

Challenges

• Shortage of specialised scholars: Classical Language research requires experts in linguistics, literature, manuscripts and related disciplines.
• Manuscript preservation: Ancient manuscripts often require specialised conservation infrastructure and expertise.
• Digitisation challenges: Scanning alone is insufficient; accurate transcription, translation, cataloguing and metadata creation are also required.
• Limited youth engagement: Classical Language studies need to be connected with contemporary academic and research opportunities.
• Need for interdisciplinary research: Greater integration with history, archaeology, philosophy, anthropology and digital humanities is required.

Way Forward

• Develop comprehensive programmes for digitisation and cataloguing of Classical Language resources.
• Promote interdisciplinary research linking languages with history, archaeology, philosophy and digital humanities.
• Use emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, OCR and language technologies for research and preservation, with expert validation.
• Provide scholarships and fellowships to encourage young researchers.
• Strengthen collaboration among universities, archives, museums and research institutions.
• Create accessible digital repositories for students, scholars and researchers.

Conclusion

• The establishment of five Centres of Excellence marks an important step towards strengthening the institutional ecosystem for the study and preservation of India’s Classical Languages.
• With 11 languages now recognised as Classical Languages, dedicated research institutions can play an important role in preserving manuscripts, advancing scholarship, digitising linguistic resources and disseminating traditional knowledge.
• The initiative can help connect India’s rich linguistic and literary heritage with modern higher education, research and technology, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

FAQs

Proposed Coal Mine Near Ramappa Temple Raises Heritage Concerns

Why in News?

• Opposition has intensified against the proposed PVNR Open-Cast Coal Mine at Venkatapur in Mulugu district, Telangana. 
• The Kakatiya Heritage Trust (KHT) and other heritage conservationists have expressed concern that the mining project could pose a long-term threat to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ramappa Temple and Ramappa Lake. 
• Activists have demanded the withdrawal of the project and are planning large-scale protests involving people from 15 villages after the Dasara festival. 

Key Concerns Regarding the Proposed Mining Project

• The proposed open-cast mine would be located around 5 km downstream of Ramappa Lake and the temple, with excavation planned to a depth of about 300 metres. 
• According to the Kakatiya Heritage Trust, technical reports have raised the following concerns: 
  • The water level of Ramappa Lake could influence groundwater movement. 
  • Geological lineaments and faults in the region could influence the movement of water. 
  • The absence of a cut-off trench in the lake could increase seepage due to deep excavation. 
  • Mining could alter the hydraulic gradient in the area. 
  • The sandbox foundation of the temple and surrounding geological structures could be adversely affected. 
  • Repeated vibrations caused by mining activities could have a cumulative impact on the nearly 800-year-old temple. 
  • Some parts of Ramappa Temple are already reported to show cracks and differential settlement. 
  • Mining could also affect biodiversity, the local environment, and the socio-economic interests of communities dependent on Ramappa Lake. 

About Ramappa Temple

• Ramappa Temple, also known as the Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple, is an important Kakatiya-era temple located in Mulugu district, Telangana. 
• It was constructed in 1213 CE during the reign of Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva by his general Recharla Rudra. 
• The temple is named after its chief sculptor, Ramappa. It is considered one of the rare temples in India named after its architect or chief sculptor. 
• In 2021, UNESCO inscribed the temple as a World Heritage Site under the name “Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana.” 

Major Architectural Features of Ramappa Temple

1. Star-Shaped Platform :-The temple stands on a nearly 6-foot-high star-shaped platform. Its walls, pillars and ceilings are decorated with intricate carvings.
2. Distinctive Vimana :-The temple has a distinctive pyramidal Vimana, or stepped tower, made using relatively lightweight and porous bricks.
3. Intricate Stone Carvings :-The temple features beautifully carved granite and dolerite beams and pillars, reflecting the advanced craftsmanship of the Kakatiya period.
4. Use of Lightweight Bricks :-The upper portions of the temple use lightweight and porous bricks. These bricks are traditionally described as being made using materials such as clay, acacia wood, chaff and myrobalan fruit.

What is the Sandbox Technique?

• One of the most important features of Ramappa Temple is its sandbox foundation technique. 
• In this technique, the foundation pit was filled with a mixture of sand, lime, jaggery and black myrobalan fruit. 
• This mixture acts as a cushion for the foundation and can help absorb vibrations during seismic activity. 
• This technique is one of the reasons Ramappa Temple is regarded as an important example of earthquake-resilient architecture. 

UNESCO World Heritage Status

• Ramappa Temple was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021. 
• Its official UNESCO name is Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana. 
• Heritage conservationists are concerned that geological changes, alterations in water flow and mining-related vibrations could affect the long-term stability of the temple and Ramappa Lake. 

Way Forward

• Before undertaking major mining or infrastructure projects near a World Heritage Site, there should be a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) and geological study. 
• The project should be scientifically reviewed by considering the Ramappa Lake, temple foundation, groundwater system and local biodiversity. 
• The priority should be to strike a balance between development needs and heritage conservation, while ensuring the long-term protection of Ramappa Temple and its surrounding ecosystem.

FAQs: Ramappa Temple and Proposed Coal Mine

Valid Visa Does Not Guarantee Entry into India: Delhi High Court

Why in News?

• The Delhi High Court, in an important judgment on September 30, 2026, clarified that mere possession of a valid visa does not give a foreign national an inherent or legally enforceable right to enter India.
• Justice Amit Mahajan was hearing a petition filed by a citizen of Turkmenistan. Despite holding a valid business visa, she was denied entry into India at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi.

What Was the Case About?

• The petitioner arrived in India with her husband on March 25, 2026. Both held visas of the same category. While her husband was permitted to enter India, the petitioner was denied entry and had to return to Turkmenistan on the same day.
• She approached the Delhi High Court seeking a written explanation from the authorities for denying her entry and permission to enter India on the basis of her valid business visa.
• She mainly raised two arguments:
  • She possessed a valid passport and a business visa issued by the Indian Embassy in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
  • Her husband was allowed to enter India while she was denied entry. She therefore alleged discrimination and violation of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.

Centre’s Stand

• The Centre argued that the issuance of a valid visa does not create an indefeasible right for a foreign national to enter India.
• According to the government, granting a visa and permitting entry into India are two distinct processes. Entry into India remains subject to immigration laws and the powers of competent authorities.
• The authorities also referred to “adverse inputs” concerning the petitioner. They stated that the decision was taken in the interest of national security and public order.
• The court examined the relevant material submitted by the government in a sealed cover.
• The material referred to discrepancies in the petitioner’s personal details, the absence of a business card or invitation letter, and inadequate information regarding the business or company with which she claimed to be associated. The court also considered her travel history involving medical and business visas.

Delhi High Court’s Judgment

The Delhi High Court held that a foreign national does not have an inherent or legally enforceable right to seek entry into India.

The court clarified that:

• A valid visa does not provide an absolute and unconditional guarantee of entry into India.
• Issuance of a visa, refusal of entry and immigration clearance are functions of the sovereign State.
• Such decisions may involve considerations of national security, foreign policy, public order and administrative discretion.
• There is a distinction between fulfilling the requirements for obtaining a visa and actually being admitted into India.

Court’s Observation on Article 14

• The petitioner argued that allowing her husband to enter India while denying her entry amounted to discriminatory treatment.
• The court did not accept this argument. It observed that the mere fact that the husband was allowed entry while the petitioner was denied entry does not establish that both were similarly situated in all relevant respects.
• The authorities had specifically referred to adverse inputs concerning the petitioner.

Article 226 and Writ Jurisdiction

• The Delhi High Court held that the petitioner could not establish the infringement of any legally enforceable right to enter India.
• Therefore, there was no sufficient basis under Article 226 of the Constitution for the court to issue a writ directing the authorities to admit her into India.
• Consequently, the court dismissed the petition.

Legal Framework Governing Entry of Foreigners into India

The key legislation involved in the case is the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which replaced the earlier Foreigners Act, 1946.

Section 3

• Under Section 3, a foreigner seeking to enter India is required to possess a valid passport or travel document and a valid visa.
• However, even with valid documents, a foreigner may be denied entry in certain circumstances, including where the person is considered inadmissible on grounds such as:
• Threat to national security;
  • Threat to the sovereignty and integrity of India;
  • Potential adverse impact on relations with a foreign State;
  • Public health concerns; and
  • Other grounds provided under the law.

Section 7

• Section 7 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 empowers the Central Government to make provisions for prohibiting, regulating or restricting the entry of foreigners into India, their departure from India, or their presence or continued presence in the country.
• Immigration officers may examine the passport, travel document and visa of a foreigner at the time of entry and may seek information considered necessary and appropriate.
• Therefore, a visa is a necessary entry document in the prescribed circumstances, but it does not by itself create an absolute right of admission into India.

Important Supreme Court Judgments

Hans Muller of Nurenburg v. Superintendent, Presidency Jail, 1955

• The Supreme Court held that under the Foreigners Act, 1946, the Central Government had broad powers concerning foreigners, including the power to order their expulsion from India.

Louis De Raedt v. Union of India, 1991

• The Supreme Court clarified that foreign nationals are entitled to the protection of Article 21, which guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty.
• However, the right to reside and settle in India under Article 19(1)(e) is available only to Indian citizens.
• Therefore, a foreign national does not enjoy the same fundamental right to enter, reside or settle in India as an Indian citizen.

Conclusion

• The Delhi High Court judgment makes it clear that a visa is not equivalent to permission to enter India.
• Even if a foreign national holds a valid visa, final admission into India remains subject to immigration checks, applicable laws and the decision of competent authorities.
• At the same time, the exercise of these powers must remain within the legal framework, and foreign nationals continue to enjoy the protection of Article 21 of the Constitution.

FAQs: Valid Visa Does Not Guarantee Entry into India

From Giraffes to Pandas: The Millennia-Long History of Animal Diplomacy

Why in news?

• The use of animals as instruments of diplomacy has again attracted attention in 2026, highlighting a practice that stretches from ancient royal courts to modern international relations.

What is Animal Diplomacy?

• Refers to the use of animals in relations between states or political authorities as gifts, loans, symbols, conservation partnerships or instruments of public diplomacy.
• Unlike conventional diplomacy, which generally works through negotiations, treaties and official communication, animal diplomacy can communicate directly with the public of another country.

Types of Diplomacy

Animal Diplomacy is not a Modern Phenomenon

• Historically, exotic animals were particularly valuable diplomatic gifts because transporting and maintaining them required substantial resources.
• Giving a rare animal could therefore communicate wealth, power, geographic reach, prestige and respect for recipient. 
• One famous medieval example occurred in 802 CE, when Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid sent an elephant named Abul-Abbas to Charlemagne.

The Famous Giraffe Diplomacy of the Ming Era

• One of the most fascinating examples emerged during the reign of China's Yongle Emperor. In 1414, a giraffe reached the Chinese imperial court through Bengal. The animal was associated in China with the mythical qilin, an auspicious creature linked to virtuous rule. 
• The episode was connected with the extraordinary maritime expeditions of Chinese admiral Zheng He, whose voyages extended China's diplomatic and commercial connections across the Indian Ocean and as far as East Africa. 

India and the Historic Giraffe Route

• Historical accounts describe envoys from Malindi in East Africa interacting with Admiral Zheng He in Bengal, with giraffes eventually reaching the Ming court. 
• This demonstrates the historical importance of the Indian Ocean as a diplomatic and commercial network connecting East Africa, Arabian Sea, Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and China. 

Rhinoceros Diplomacy and India

• Sultan Muzaffar II of Gujarat sent a rhinoceros to King Manuel I of Portugal. 
• German artist Albrecht Dürer subsequently created his famous Rhinoceros (1515) despite never having personally seen the animal. 
• The episode demonstrates how diplomatic animals could generate political prestige, scientific curiosity, artistic influence and public fascination. 

Mughal India and Exotic Animals

• Emperor Jahangir was particularly interested in unusual species. His memoir, the Jahangirnama, contains observations relating to animals and plants.
• Jahangir maintained channels through Goa for obtaining unusual objects and species from Portuguese trading networks. One such exotic animal reaching his court was the North American turkey. 

Elephant Diplomacy: India's Most Famous Example

• Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru famously sent a baby elephant named Indira to Japan following requests from Japanese children.
• India subsequently sent elephants to several other countries, including the United States, Soviet Union, China, Turkey and Iran. 
• The elephant carries strong associations with Indian civilisation, Cultural heritage, Strength, Intelligence, Memory and Royal traditions. This made elephants an early instrument of India's post-independence cultural and public diplomacy.

China and Panda Diplomacy

• The world's most recognisable form of animal diplomacy today is China's Panda Diplomacy. China initially gave giant pandas to friendly countries as diplomatic gifts.
• A landmark moment came after US President Richard Nixon's visit to China in 1972. Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai gifted two giant pandas Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing to the American people. They arrived at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington in April 1972. 

From Panda Gifts to Panda Loans

• China largely moved away from permanently gifting pandas and shifted towards long-term cooperative loans.
• China retains ownership → Pandas live temporarily in foreign zoos → Foreign institutions contribute financially and scientifically → Joint breeding/research programmes → Conservation cooperation.
• For example, the Smithsonian's later pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian arrived under a cooperative research and breeding arrangement rather than as permanent gifts. 

Koala Diplomacy (Australia)

• In 2015, Australia arranged for four koalas to go to Singapore on a 10-month loan to commemorate:
• Singapore's 50th anniversary of independence
• 50 years of Australia-Singapore diplomatic relations.
• Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade explicitly described the initiative as “Koala diplomacy.” 

Orangutan Diplomacy (Malaysia)

• Malaysia proposed another model in 2024 “Orangutan Diplomacy.” The initial idea involved sending orangutans to major palm-oil trading partners to demonstrate Malaysia's commitment to biodiversity and sustainable palm-oil production. 
• Instead of sending orangutans abroad, Malaysia moved towards an adoption/sponsorship model in which foreign partners could financially support orangutan conservation while the animals remained in their natural habitat. 

India's Peacock Diplomacy at the United Nations

• A contemporary Indian example came on 7 August 2026. India donated five Indian peacocks (Pavo cristatus) to the United Nations Office at Geneva. Four were blue peafowl and one was white. 
• This was not the first such gesture. India had previously presented a pair of peacocks to UNOG in 1981. 
• The 2026 donation symbolised Indian Natural Heritage, Biodiversity Conservation, India-UN Partnership, Multilateralism and International Cooperation.

Why Do Countries Use Animals in Diplomacy?

• Soft Power: Animals can create positive associations with the country they represent. 
• Emotional Connection: Foreign policy is usually abstract. Animals transform it into something visible and emotionally relatable.
• Public Diplomacy: Animal diplomacy reaches ordinary citizens rather than remaining confined to governments and diplomats. Zoo visitors, children, schools and media audiences become part of the diplomatic interaction.
• National Branding: Countries can associate themselves internationally with distinctive biodiversity.
• Political Symbolism: Giving a rare and valuable animal can communicate trust, friendship and goodwill.

Can Animals be treated as Diplomatic Gifts?

• Animals are living beings, not ordinary diplomatic objects. Transporting them across continents can involve stress, climate differences, dietary challenges, disease risks, inadequate habitats, breeding difficulties, social isolation and animal-welfare concerns.
• Historical animal exchanges occurred in periods when modern concepts of animal welfare and biodiversity conservation were much less developed.

Role of CITES

• A major turning point came with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES was adopted in 1973 and entered into force in 1975.
• Its purpose is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of species.

Animal Diplomacy vs Conservation Diplomacy

FAQs

India’s First WASH Social Bond: Key Facts, NABKISAN bond, NABKISAN-NABSAMRUDDHI Merger, Water.org, Significance and Challenges

Why in news?

NABKISAN Finance Limited, a subsidiary of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), listed India’s first Social Bond dedicated exclusively to the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Mumbai, on 2 October 2026. 

Key Facts

What is WASH?

• WASH stands for WA (Water), S (Sanitation) and H (Hygiene). 
• It refers broadly to access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation facilities and appropriate hygiene practices and services.
• WASH is closely connected with public health because inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene conditions can increase exposure to preventable diseases and impose social and economic costs on households.

What is Bond?

• It is a debt instrument used to raise money from investors.
• It may be used for general purposes, depending on the bond terms.

What is a Social Bond?

• A debt instrument through which an issuer raises money from investors and uses the proceeds for projects intended to produce positive social outcomes.
• According to the International Capital Market Association's Social Bond Principles, the proceeds or an equivalent amount of a social bond are exclusively applied towards financing or refinancing eligible social projects.
• Eligible areas can include affordable basic infrastructure (clean drinking water and sanitation), essential services (healthcare, education and financial services), affordable housing, employment generation and food security. 

How does a Social Bond work?

• Issuer identifies eligible social projects → Social Bond issued to investors →  Investors provide capital→ Issuer pays agreed interest/coupon → Bond proceeds allocated to eligible social projects → Social outcomes are monitored/reported → Principal repaid at maturity

What makes the NABKISAN bond different?

• The important feature of this issue is its exclusive WASH focus. The ₹180 crore raised is intended to expand financing for solutions involving safe water, sanitation, hygiene, rural & underserved communities, health, livelihood and quality of life. 
• This makes the instrument an example of using the capital market for social infrastructure financing, rather than relying solely on traditional public expenditure or grants. 

What is NABKISAN Finance Limited?

• A NABARD subsidiary and an RBI-notified Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). It was originally incorporated in 1997 as Agri Development Finance (Tamil Nadu) Limited. 
• NABKISAN has developed a major presence in financing the Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) ecosystem.
• Its financing activities currently extend across areas such as:
  • Farmer Producer Organisations
  • Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
  • Agricultural value chains
  • NBFCs and MFIs
  • Agri-tech enterprises
  • MSMEs and Climate initiatives
  • WASH and Rural livelihoods
  • NABKISAN states that it operates across 24 states and 5 Union Territories. 

NABKISAN-NABSAMRUDDHI Merger: Important Background

• An important development behind NABKISAN's expanded WASH role was its merger with another NABARD subsidiary, NABSAMRUDDHI Finance Limited.
• According to NABKISAN, the merger took effect on 16 December 2025. 
• Before the merger: NABKISAN (Strong presence in FPO and agricultural financing) and NABSAMRUDDHI (Significant focus on WASH and development-sector financing)
• After merger: Agriculture Finance, WASH Finance, Social Infrastructure, Climate Finance

Role of Water.org

• Water.org acted as the technical adviser and knowledge partner for the transaction. 
• Its involvement is relevant because WASH financing requires more than simply raising capital. It also involves identifying appropriate financing models and connecting financial mechanisms with water and sanitation outcomes.
• NABKISAN and Water.org had already organised a forum on “Scaling WASH Finance in India”, where NABKISAN had announced plans for a proposed Social Bond. 

Social Bond vs Green Bond vs Sustainability Bond

Significance

• New Source of WASH Financing: Social Bonds can complement Government spending, Institutional finance, Development finance and Private capital. 
• Mobilising Capital for Rural Development: The bond links capital-market financing with rural and underserved communities, consistent with NABARD and NABKISAN's development-oriented mandate. 
• Strengthens India's Sustainable Finance Market: India's sustainable-finance ecosystem has gradually expanded beyond conventional Green Bonds towards instruments targeting social and broader sustainability outcomes. 
• Investor Participation: The issue was reportedly 1.8 times oversubscribed, showing substantial demand relative to the amount offered. 
• Linking Finance with Development Outcomes: Traditional financing often measures success primarily in terms of financial repayment. Impact-oriented finance adds another dimension capital raised, social project, beneficiaries and measurable social outcome. This can encourage greater focus on the developmental impact of deployed capital.

Why WASH Financing Matters

• Access to water and sanitation is not merely an infrastructure issue. 
• It has links with Public Health (Lower exposure to water- and sanitation-related health risks), Education (Improved sanitation facilities can support school attendance and dignity), Women and Girls (Safe and accessible WASH facilities have particular implications for safety, dignity and unpaid care burdens), Productivity (Better health and reliable services can reduce time and economic losses) and Rural Development (Improved basic infrastructure strengthens quality of life). 

Challenges 

• Impact Measurement: Social outcomes may be more difficult to quantify than financial returns.
• Use-of-Proceeds Monitoring: Funds must actually reach eligible projects.
• Social-washing Risk: Social labels should correspond to genuine and measurable benefits.
• Project Identification: Suitable and financially viable social projects must be developed.
• Reporting Requirements: Investors need credible information on allocation and impact.
• Scalability: Individual successful issuances must translate into a deeper sustainable-finance market.

FAQs

Jawahar Dweep Becomes India’s First Plastic-Free Oil Terminal

Why in News?

• The Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) has declared Jawahar Dweep Marine Oil Terminal a plastic-free facility, making it the first plastic-free oil terminal in India.
• The declaration was made during Swachhata Abhiyan 2026, organised at Grey Gate, Indira Dock, Mumbai, to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
• Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal led the event. Mumbai Port Authority Chairperson Dr. M. Angamuthu and Deputy Chairman Ravish Kumar Singh were also present.

Key Objectives

The initiative aims to:

• Reduce the use of single-use plastic at the port.
• Promote clean and sustainable port operations.
• Improve waste management at port facilities.
• Encourage similar plastic-reduction measures across docks, residential colonies and coastal areas.
• Support the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission.

About Jawahar Dweep

• Jawahar Dweep is one of the important marine oil terminals of Mumbai Port. It handles oil-related port operations and is an important part of the port’s infrastructure.
• Its declaration as a plastic-free facility is part of Mumbai Port’s wider efforts to promote environmentally responsible and sustainable operations.

Swachhata Abhiyan 2026

• The programme began with a lamp-lighting ceremony and floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, followed by the Swachhata Pledge.
• A short film highlighting the port’s cleanliness and Swachh Bharat initiatives over the previous year was also screened.
• During the event, Minister Sarbananda Sonowal felicitated the port’s Safai Karmis for their contribution to maintaining cleanliness and supporting port operations.

Oil Spill Response Facilities

• During the programme, the Union Minister also dedicated the port’s Oil Spill Response (OSR) facilities to the nation.
• These facilities are important for responding to and managing oil spills in the marine environment, helping to reduce their impact on coastal and marine ecosystems.

Cleanliness Drive

A cleanliness drive was conducted at several locations of Mumbai Port, including:

• Area south of 18ID
• Oil Spill Response facilities
• BPX North Area wharf
• Sea-cleaning areas
• Mooring staff toilet facility

The activities demonstrated the port’s focus on cleanliness, waste management and environmental sustainability.

Importance

• The plastic-free status of Jawahar Dweep highlights the growing focus on sustainable port development in India.
• Mumbai Port Authority has stated that it will continue to reduce plastic use and improve waste management across its docks, residential colonies and coastal areas.

Challenges

• Complete elimination of plastic use can be difficult in large port operations.
• Proper segregation, collection and disposal of waste requires continuous monitoring.
• Oil terminals handle hazardous materials, making waste management more complex.
• Sustaining a plastic-free status requires regular compliance by workers, contractors and visitors.
• Marine plastic waste can move from port areas to surrounding coastal and marine ecosystems.

Way Forward

• Promote reusable and eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic.
• Strengthen waste segregation and recycling systems at ports.
• Conduct regular environmental audits and monitoring.
• Train port workers and contractors on sustainable waste management.
• Develop similar plastic-free initiatives at other ports.
• Integrate plastic reduction with broader sustainable and green port development.

Conclusion

The declaration of Jawahar Dweep as a plastic-free oil terminal represents an important step towards cleaner and more sustainable port operations. Expanding such initiatives, along with effective waste management and regular monitoring, can help reduce plastic pollution and support the development of environmentally responsible ports in India.

FAQs

Medicine Pricing in India: Why the Supreme Court Is Concerned About Drug Prices, MRP and Retailer Margins

Why in News?

• The Supreme Court has raised concerns over the substantial difference between the Price to Retailer (PTR) and MRP of medicines.
• The Court referred to an example of a cancer medicine supplied to retailers for around ₹2,700 but carrying an MRP of nearly ₹27,000, and questioned whether the existing 16% retailer-margin framework should be extended more broadly.

Background: How Are Medicine Prices Regulated in India?

• India regulates medicine prices primarily through the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 (DPCO), issued under the powers of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
• The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), established in 1997 under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, implements and monitors various aspects of drug-price regulation. 
• It fixes or revises ceiling prices for scheduled formulations, fixes retail prices for certain new drugs and monitors compliance with DPCO provisions.

Key Points

What Is the DPCO, 2013?

The Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 is the principal framework for controlling prices of specified medicines in India. It empowers the government to regulate the prices of essential medicines and enables the NPPA to:

• Fix ceiling prices of scheduled formulations.
• Fix or revise retail prices of certain new drugs.
• Monitor drug prices and overcharging.
• Recover amounts charged in excess of permissible prices.
• Take action in exceptional circumstances to regulate prices in the public interest.

Scheduled Formulations

These are formulations included in Schedule I of the DPCO, based on the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM). Their prices are subject to government regulation through the ceiling-price mechanism.

Non-Scheduled Formulations

These are medicines outside the scheduled list and are not subject to the same direct ceiling-price mechanism.

However, the DPCO provides that their MRP cannot be increased by more than 10% during the preceding 12 months. NPPA can also monitor such medicines and take corrective measures where warranted.

How Is the Ceiling Price Calculated?

For scheduled medicines, the NPPA uses a market-based pricing methodology.

The process broadly involves:

1. Identifying brands and generic versions of a particular formulation.
2. Considering products with at least 1% market share.
3. Taking their Price to Retailer (PTR).
4. Calculating the average price.
5. Adding a 16% retailer margin to arrive at the ceiling price.

What Is the 16% Retailer Margin?

• The 16% margin is an important component of the pricing mechanism for scheduled formulations.
• It does not mean that every medicine in India currently has a legally fixed 16% total profit margin.
• Rather, it forms part of the methodology used for determining the ceiling price of scheduled formulations.
• This distinction is important because non-scheduled medicines operate under a different pricing framework. NPPA itself states that manufacturers of non-scheduled drugs do not require price approval in the same manner, although NPPA has monitoring and corrective powers.

The Non-Scheduled Medicine Pricing Issue

• The major concern raised before the Supreme Court relates to the initial pricing of non-scheduled medicines.
• If a medicine is outside direct ceiling-price control, its manufacturer can initially determine its MRP. The subsequent 10% restriction limits increases over the existing price.

Why is this significant?

• Suppose a medicine is launched with an unusually high MRP.
• Even if future increases are restricted, the 10% rule operates on an already high base price.
• Therefore, petitioners argue that controlling subsequent annual increases does not necessarily address the problem of an excessively high launch price.
• This issue is central to the ongoing debate over whether the present framework adequately protects patients from disproportionate medicine prices.

Constitutional Dimension: Article 21 and Right to Health

• The petitions also raise the issue from the perspective of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the Right to Life.
• The Supreme Court has interpreted Article 21 broadly, including dimensions of the Right to Health within the constitutional protection of life.
• The argument before the Court is that medicines are essential to accessing healthcare and that excessively high or arbitrary prices can create barriers to treatment.
• Thus, the debate is not limited to pharmaceutical pricing; it also involves the broader question of affordable and accessible healthcare.

Role of the NPPA

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) plays a central role in India's drug-pricing system.

Its functions include:

• Fixing and revising ceiling prices.
• Fixing prices of certain new drugs.
• Monitoring prices of medicines.
• Monitoring compliance with DPCO.
• Taking corrective measures against overcharging.
• Regulating prices in extraordinary circumstances where required in the public interest.

As of 23 June 2026, NPPA reported ceiling prices for 935 formulations and retail prices fixed for 3,805 new drugs within the relevant DPCO framework.

Annual Revision of Ceiling Prices

Ceiling prices of scheduled formulations are generally revised annually based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). The purpose is to allow regulated prices to respond to changes in input and wholesale prices while maintaining the price-control framework.

Key Challenges

Limited Coverage of Direct Price Control

The present framework does not impose the same ceiling-price mechanism on every medicine. This creates an important policy debate regarding medicines outside the scheduled list.

High Launch Prices

A restriction on subsequent price increases may not fully address an unusually high price established at the time of launch.

Hospital Pharmacy Mark-ups

Large differences between procurement prices and patient-facing prices can increase healthcare expenditure, particularly when patients have limited choice of pharmacy.

Information Asymmetry

Patients generally depend on doctors, hospitals and pharmacists for information about medicines and prices.

Balancing Innovation and Affordability

Excessive price controls may affect incentives for research, development and introduction of new medicines, while inadequate regulation can increase patient costs.

Conclusion

• India has an established institutional framework for medicine-price regulation through the Essential Commodities Act, DPCO 2013 and NPPA. However, differences between scheduled and non-scheduled medicines create distinct regulatory approaches.
• The Supreme Court's recent observations have brought renewed attention to retailer margins, hospital pharmacy pricing, high launch prices and affordability of essential medicines.
• For policymakers, the key challenge is to develop a system that ensures affordable medicines and transparent pricing while maintaining incentives for pharmaceutical production and innovation.

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