Current Affairs for 27 November 2025

Operation Pawan: India’s First Major Overseas Military Intervention

Why in the News?

For the first time, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) has formally paid homage to the soldiers who lost their lives during Operation Pawan, the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) mission undertaken in Sri Lanka in 1987. This marks a long-awaited official recognition of the operation and its martyrs.

What is Operation Pawan?

About

• Operation Pawan was initiated in 1987 by the Rajiv Gandhi government to deploy the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka.
• It was India’s first major overseas military expedition after Independence.
• The operation was carried out under the Indo–Sri Lanka Accord (1987), aimed at stabilizing the civil conflict between Tamil militant groups and Sinhala forces.
• The IPKF was mandated to disarm Tamil militant organisations, including the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), and help restore peace.

Objectives of Operation Pawan

• Enforce the disarmament of LTTE and other militant groups.
• Support implementation of the Indo–Sri Lanka Accord.
• Restore law, order, and civilian administration in affected regions.
• Prevent escalation of the civil war and humanitarian crisis.

Key Features / Course of Operation

• Indian troops undertook counter-insurgency, peacekeeping, and stabilization missions across northern and eastern Sri Lanka.
• The operation faced fierce resistance from the LTTE, turning into a prolonged conflict.
• Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran, who displayed exceptional bravery during this mission, was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
• The operation formally concluded in 1990 with the withdrawal of the IPKF.

Significance

• It remains a major chapter in India’s military and diplomatic history, reflecting complexities in regional peacekeeping.
• Highlighted challenges of intervention in intra-state conflicts.
• Despite Sri Lanka building a memorial honouring IPKF soldiers, the operation received no formal recognition at India’s National War Memorial for decades.
• In 2025, the Indian Army finally acknowledged the contributions and sacrifices of IPKF soldiers, addressing a longstanding demand from veterans and families.

India Launches Rare Earth Magnet Scheme to Build Strategic Domestic Supply Chain

Why in the News ?

The Union Cabinet has cleared a ₹7,280-crore Rare Earth Magnet Scheme to establish India’s first integrated manufacturing ecosystem for Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPMs)—critical components used in EVs, wind turbines, defence systems and advanced electronics.

Rationale Behind the Rare Earth Magnet Scheme

• India imports nearly 100% of its rare earth permanent magnets (~900 tonnes annually) despite having the 5th largest global rare earth reserves.
• REPMs are essential for:
  • EV traction motors, power steering, braking, wipers
  • Wind turbine generators
  • Consumer electronics & industrial machinery
  • Aerospace & defence systems
• Demand is projected to double by 2030, driven by growth in EVs and renewable energy.
• Chinese export controls (2024–25) and supply disruptions highlighted the risks of over-dependence on external value chains.
• A domestic REPM ecosystem is vital for economic security, technological sovereignty, and energy transition goals.

Key Features of the Approved Scheme

1. ₹7,280-Crore Outlay with Dual Incentive System

• ₹6,450 crore – Sales-linked incentives (over 5 years)
• ₹750 crore – Capital subsidy for setting up manufacturing units
• Scheme Duration: 7 years (2 years for establishment + 5 years for incentives)

2. Selection of 5 Global Manufacturers

• Total capacity: 6,000 MTPA
• Each selected manufacturer may receive up to 1,200 MTPA
• Selected through international competitive bidding

3. End-to-End Integrated REPM Manufacturing

Beneficiaries must create full value-chain facilities:

• Rare earth oxides → metals → alloys → finished magnets
• This reduces reliance not only on imported magnets but also on upstream processed materials.

Strategic Importance for India’s Energy & Defence Ecosystem

A. Supporting EV & Renewable Energy Transition

• NdFeB magnets improve efficiency and performance of EV motors.
• Domestic production ensures stable supply, reduces import costs, and prevents EV price volatility.

B. Strengthening Defence & Aerospace Capacities

• REPMs are used in:
  • Precision-guided weapons
  • UAVs and unmanned systems
  • Radar systems and avionics
• Local manufacturing enhances national security and decreases dependence on foreign-controlled supply chains.

C. Alignment with Net Zero & Critical Minerals Strategy

• Supports India’s Net Zero by 2070 target.
• Complements the National Critical Minerals Mission, which identifies REPMs as strategic for clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

Industry Response & Global Context

Automotive Sector Reaction

• Auto industry hailed it as crucial for:
  • Reducing import reliance
  • Mitigating risks from Chinese export restrictions
  • Attracting investments into EV & advanced mobility technologies

China’s Dominance

• China controls 80%+ of global REPM processing.
• Recent export controls slowed global supply chains, impacting EV and electronics sectors.
• Indian companies faced delays due to Chinese approval processes requiring end-user licenses.

Geostrategic Dimension

India’s scheme is not just economic—it is a strategic shield against external supply shocks.

Implementation Challenges

Experts highlight that success depends on:

• Access to advanced sintering & processing technologies
• Building high-purity oxide-to-metal conversion abilities
• Ensuring responsible mining, ESG compliance
• Meeting global quality and performance benchmarks
• Efficient execution across mining, processing, manufacturing, and R&D ecosystems

India-Georgia Textile and Silk Cooperation

India participated in the 11th BACSA International Conference – CULTUSERI 2025 held in Georgia, where India showcased its progress, research, and innovation in the silk sector.

11th BACSA International Conference - CULTUSERI 2025

• Venue: Tbilisi, Georgia
• Date: November 16 to 21, 2025
• Theme: Traditional knowledge on harnessing silk best practices for cultural, creative industries, and tourism purposes
• Organizer: Jointly organized by the Black, Caspian Seas and Central Asia Silk Association (BACSA), EU Horizon Project ARACNE, the Georgian State Silk Museum, the Agricultural University of Georgia, and the Georgian Scientific Research Center for Agriculture.

India-Georgia Cooperation: Key Points

• The delegation, led by Mr. P. Shivakumar, Secretary General of India's Central Silk Board (CSB) and International Sericulture Commission (ISC), met with several institutions, laboratories, universities, and industries.
• Special emphasis was placed on the following issues during these meetings:
• Increasing bilateral textile trade
• Joint research in sericulture
• Technical cooperation and skill development
• Diversification into high-value carpet and textile products
• Improving market access

5-in-1 Silk Stall: India's Innovation

• It showcased a comprehensive display of India's five major silk varieties – mulberry, oak tussar, tropical tussar, muga, and eri.
• This product represents India's rich silk heritage and has great potential in global markets.

Volcanic Eruption in Ethiopia

Context

Recently, a massive cloud of ash from the Hayli Gubbi volcano eruption in Ethiopia reached northwestern India due to strong winds. This ash cloud disrupted flights in Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Punjab for several hours.

About Hayli Gubbi Volcano

• Introduction: It is a dormant volcano located in Ethiopia.
• ​​Eruption: It erupted for the first time in approximately 10,000 years, spewing a large amount of volcanic ash into the atmosphere and reaching India across the Red Sea.
• Location: This volcano is located in the Horn of Africa, specifically in the Afar Region of Ethiopia. This location is part of the East African Rift System.
• Seismic Zone: The Afar Region of Ethiopia is part of the East African Rift Valley, a highly seismic and volcanic zone. Tectonic plates are moving apart here, causing frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Composition of Volcanic Ash

• Volcanic ash is primarily composed of silica, fine glass particles, minerals (feldspar, quartz), sulfur dioxide, and other gases.
• This ash is fine-grained and can damage airplane engines, so it is considered a serious hazard to air travel.

Damage and Impacts

• Ashfall in areas near Ethiopia caused temporary health problems for the local population.
• Changes in air routes and worsening conditions led to the cancellation or diversion of several international flights.
• Aviation activities around the Red Sea have been affected.

Impact on India

• The ash cloud was no more than 10 km high, so surface-level air quality was not significantly affected. However, the ash cloud entered the Indian region via Central Asia.
• According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), its impact in India was very limited and short-lived.
• This caused flights of various national and international airlines (IndiGo, Akasa Air, KLM) to be cancelled or delayed for several hours. Reduced visibility prompted increased caution in aviation operations.

Causes of Volcanic Eruptions

• Temperature increases as one moves deeper into the Earth's core. The geothermal gradient refers to the heat flowing from the Earth's hot interior to its surface, with the Earth's temperature increasing with depth.
• At a certain depth, this heat becomes so intense that it melts rocks. These molten rocks are called magma.
• Magma is lighter than solid rock, so it rises and collects in magma chambers. These chambers are found at shallow depths of six to ten kilometers below the Earth's surface.
• Magma collected in these chambers is ejected through vents and cracks toward the Earth's crust, which is called volcanic eruption. The magma that reaches the Earth's surface is called lava.

Eruption Intensity

• Volcanic eruptions vary in intensity and explosiveness depending on the composition of the magma. Runny magma is less explosive and often less dangerous.
• Gases in runny magma are able to escape, and lava flows steadily and relatively slowly from the volcano's mouth.
• Because lava flows slowly, surrounding areas have sufficient time to take protective measures.
• If magma is thick and viscous, it makes it difficult for gases to escape continuously. These gases build up pressure to reach the mouth and are released all at once. This causes the lava to explode into the air and break into fragments called tephra. These fragments can range in size from small particles to massive boulders, which are extremely dangerous.
• The Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) is a scale used to measure a volcano's explosivity. It ranges from 1 to 8.

Types of Volcanoes Based on Eruption

• Active Volcano: A volcano that has erupted within the Holocene (the last 11,650 years) is considered active.
• Dormant Volcano: An active volcano that is not currently erupting but has the potential to erupt in the future. Mauna Loa has been dormant for the past 38 years.
• Extinct Volcano: There is no possibility of any future volcanic activity. Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, is a dead volcano.

Custodial Violence in India: Gaps in Accountability & Urgent Reforms

Why in the News ?

The Supreme Court has revisited the issue of custodial torture after noting poor compliance with its 2020 directive mandating installation of CCTV cameras in police stations and central investigative agencies. The concern has intensified following 11 custodial deaths in Rajasthan within eight months.

Note: In Paramvir Singh Saini vs. Baljit Singh (2020), the SC ordered CCTV installation in all police stations, later extending it to agencies such as CBI, NIA, ED, NCB, DRI, and others empowered to arrest and interrogate individuals. The Court emphasized that these safeguards are vital to protect the right to dignity and life.

What is Custodial Violence ?

About

• The term is not defined in Indian law, but refers broadly to physical or psychological harm inflicted on persons in police or judicial custody.
• Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, custody is classified as:
  • Police Custody – for interrogation (up to 15 days)
  • Judicial Custody – detention in prison till bail or completion of sentence
• Custodial violence includes torture, assault, humiliation, rape, extortion, harassment, and even custodial deaths.

Historical Background of Custodial Violence in India

• Ancient India: Arthashastra prescribed harsh punishments including mutilation and burning.
• Medieval India: Mughal-era Shariat and corporal punishments remained widespread.
• Colonial Period:
  • The Police Act, 1861 created a force designed for control and coercion.
  • Colonial prisons routinely used beatings, starvation, forced labour, and torture.
  • The Prisons Act, 1894 still shapes modern prison administration.
• Post-Independence:
  • Legacy policing structures continued with minimal reform.
  • Outdated laws, weak oversight, and a coercive policing culture allowed custodial violence to persist.

Data: NHRC recorded 2,346 judicial custody deaths and 160 police custody deaths in 2023–24.

How is Custodial Violence Regulated in India ?

A. Constitutional Provisions

• Article 21: Ensures the right to life, dignity, and freedom from cruel, degrading treatment.
• Article 20(1): Prohibits excessive or retrospective punishment.
• Article 20(3): Protects against self-incrimination and coerced confessions.

B. Statutory Provisions

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023): Criminalises causing hurt or grievous hurt for extracting confessions.
• BNSS (2023): Mandates transparency in arrests and detentions.
• Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (2023): Invalidates confessions obtained through threats, inducement, or coercion.

C. International Safeguards

• UN Charter (1945): Ensures dignity and rights of detained individuals.
• UDHR (1948): Prohibits torture and inhuman treatment.
• ICCPR (ratified by India in 1979): Protects against torture, cruelty, and arbitrary detention.
• UNCAT: India has signed (1997) but not ratified the convention.

D. Judicial Directives

• DK Basu vs. State of West Bengal (1997): Landmark arrest & detention guidelines; barred third-degree methods; ensured state liability.
• Nambi Narayanan Case (2018): Compensation awarded for humiliation due to wrongful arrest, emphasizing psychological impacts of custodial abuse.

Challenges in Addressing Custodial Violence

1. Weak Legal Framework

• No statutory definition of torture.
• The Prevention of Torture Bill failed to become law.
• Colonial laws like the Police Act, 1861 and Prisons Act, 1894 still govern policing and prisons.

2. Poor Accountability

• BNSS requires government sanction before prosecuting officials.
• Investigations are often delayed; evidence deteriorates; inquiries lack independence.
• Conviction rates remain extremely low.

3. Colonial Policing Culture

• Force-based methods continue due to colonial legacy.
• Third-degree methods normalized within police subculture.
• Political pressure and societal acceptance of “tough policing” reinforce abuse.

4. Capacity Gaps & Corruption

• Limited access to forensic technology and scientific investigation tools.
• Officers rely on physical coercion for quick results.
• Torture is often used for extortion within SHO-dominated hierarchies.

5. Weak Oversight Mechanisms

• NHRC recommendations are advisory and frequently ignored.
• Magisterial inquiries and judicial processes are slow.
• Poor compliance with CCTV installation reduces transparency.

What Measures Can Reduce Custodial Violence ?

1. Define Custodial Violence & Ratify CAT

• Enact a comprehensive anti-torture law defining custodial violence.
• Ratify UNCAT, establishing binding anti-torture obligations.
• Create strong accountability and reporting mechanisms.

2. Use Technology for Transparency

• Nationwide implementation of CCTV in police stations.
• Digital arrest records and integrated reporting on CCTNS.
• Video-recorded questioning to prevent coercion.

3. Build Professional Capacity

• Training in:
  • Non-coercive interrogation
  • Forensic tools
  • Human rights sensitivity
  • Ethical policing
• Invest in modern investigative infrastructure.

4. Strengthen Human Rights Institutions

• Give NHRC binding authority.
• Ensure mandatory reporting of custodial deaths within 24 hours.
• Penalise non-compliance by police units.

5. Expand Public Awareness

• Increase citizen awareness about arrest rights.
• Use civil society, media, and legal literacy campaigns to discourage acceptance of violent policing.

SC to Re-Examine Anonymous Political Donations & Funding Loopholes

Why in the News ?

The Supreme Court has agreed to review a petition challenging the rule that allows political parties to accept anonymous cash donations below ₹2,000. Petitioners argue that this provision enables opaque and untraceable political funding, undermining transparency and citizens’ right to information.

What Concern Has the Petition Highlighted ?

Total Ban on Cash Donations

• The plea seeks to abolish cash donations permitted under Section 13A(d) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, which currently allows contributions below ₹2,000 without donor disclosure.
• It calls for complete transparency by mandating full donor identification.

Violation of Fundamental Rights

• Section 13A(d) is claimed to violate Article 19(1)(a) by denying citizens the Right to Information on political funding—critical for informed voting.

Directions Sought for Oversight of Form 24A

• Requests the Supreme Court to direct the Election Commission of India (ECI) to strictly scrutinize Form 24A, ensuring parties disclose contributor details such as address and PAN.
• Also seeks action under Paragraph 16A of the Election Symbols Order, 1968, including suspension or withdrawal of party symbols for non-compliance.

Suggested Reforms

• Independent auditors appointed by the ECI to audit party accounts.
• Stronger mechanisms for timely filing of contribution reports and audit statements.

What Rules Govern Political Donations in India ?

Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951

• Section 29B allows political parties to receive contributions from individuals and companies (except foreign sources or government companies).

Companies Act, 2013

• Companies older than three years can donate up to 7.5% of their average net profits from the last three years.

Income Tax Act, 1961

• Donations made to political parties or electoral trusts qualify for tax deductions under Sections 80GGB and 80GGC.

Foreign Contributions Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010

• Foreign donations are generally banned.
• But amendments allow Indian companies with foreign shareholding beyond 50% to donate, subject to FEMA sectoral caps.

Electoral Trusts Scheme, 2013

• Trusts can collect donations and distribute 95% of funds to political parties.
• Cash donations are prohibited.

Why Transparency in Political Funding is Essential?

Informed Political Choice

• Voters must know who funds political parties.
• The SC (2024) struck down the Electoral Bond Scheme for violating RTI under Article 19(1)(a).

Institutional Probity

• Transparency reduces quid pro quo, checks corruption, and ensures unbiased policy-making.

National Security

• Anonymous donations can enable foreign influence, affecting defence procurement and strategic policymaking.

Preventing Market Distortion

• Hidden corporate funding fuels crony capitalism, harming economic fairness and competition.

Preserving Egalitarian Democracy

• Opaque funding risks creating a plutocracy, undermining equality in political participation.

Aligning with Global Standards

• Many democracies—including the U.S. since 1910—mandate transparent reporting of political contributions.

What Reforms are Needed for Transparent Political Funding ?

1. End Anonymous Cash Donations

• Amend Section 13A(d) by removing or reducing the ₹2,000 cash limit.
• Shift fully to digital transactions for a verifiable audit trail.

2. Enforce Transparent Accounting

• Implement recommendations of the 170th Law Commission Report, including removal of Section 77 Explanation 1 (RPA) to ensure all expenditure is accounted for.

3. Strengthen Institutional Enforcement

• Empower the ECI to de-register non-compliant parties.
• Independent auditors should assess party accounts.
• RBI and SEBI must strengthen oversight of corporate political donations.

4. Real-Time Disclosure Mechanisms

• Political parties must upload donor details on a central ECI portal.
• Integrate with the Income Tax Department to verify donations and detect irregularities automatically.

5. Systemic & Long-Term Reforms

• Consider partial state funding (e.g., public airtime, limited campaign resources) as recommended by:
  • Indrajit Gupta Committee (1998)
  • Law Commission Report (1999)
• Introduce national expenditure limits and real-time monitoring.

Exercise SURYAKIRAN: Strengthening Indo-Nepal Military Cooperation

Why in the News ?

The 19th edition of Exercise SURYAKIRAN (SURYAKIRAN XIX – 2025) has officially begun at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, marking the continuation of one of the largest Indo–Nepal joint military initiatives.

What is Exercise SURYAKIRAN ?

About

• Exercise SURYAKIRAN is a bilateral military exercise conducted between India and Nepal.
• The ASSAM Regiment represents the Indian Army in the current edition.
• It is held annually, with hosting duties alternating between the two nations.
• The primary objective is to enable both armies to jointly rehearse sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the UN mandate.

Objectives of the Exercise

• Enhance coordination and interoperability between Indian and Nepali forces.
• Strengthen preparedness for mountain warfare and counter-terror operations.
• Improve the capacity for humanitarian relief and disaster response.
• Share best practices, operational experiences, and training standards.

Key Features of SURYAKIRAN XIX

• Operational Scope: Includes battalion-level training in:
  • Jungle warfare
  • Counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain
  • Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR)
  • Environmental protection measures
  • Integrated ground–air operations
• Technology Integration: Focus on incorporating modern and emerging technologies such as:
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
  • Drone-based ISR systems
  • AI-enabled decision-support tools
  • Autonomous logistics vehicles
  • Armoured protection platforms
    Enabling both forces to refine tactics and improve response strategies.
• Joint Military Learning: Both sides will share expertise across a broad spectrum of combat skills and operational procedures.

Significance

• Reinforces the long-standing defence partnership between India and Nepal.
• Enhances combined operational readiness and disaster response capability.
• Strengthens mutual trust, inter-operability, and regional security cooperation.