International Relation 

India, Maldives to review implementation of economic, maritime security partnership - The Hindu 

The Maldivian Foreign Minister has arrived in New Delhi to head the Maldivian delegation for the second meeting of the High-Level Core Group (HLCG).

Key Highlights of the Vision Document 

• Strategic Commitment: India reaffirmed its support under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ and Vision SAGAR policies, highlighting shared regional priorities.
• Financial Assistance: India extended emergency aid, including a $100 million T-bill rollover, a $400 million currency swap, and ₹30 billion in budgetary support.
• Comprehensive Partnership: A new framework for a people-centric, future-oriented Economic and Maritime Security Partnership was launched to promote regional stability in the Indian Ocean.
• Development Cooperation: Focus on key infrastructure projects—ports, airports, roads, schools, hospitals, and housing.
• Trade & Economic Ties: Both sides will explore an FTA, promote local currency trade, boost investment, and support economic diversification through the blue economy and fisheries.
• Digital & Fintech Collaboration: Focus on integrating UPI, Digital ID, Gati Shakti, expanding RuPay, and advancing fintech governance.
• Energy Partnership: Emphasis on renewables, support for the One Sun One World One Grid, and joint research collaboration.
• Health Sector Cooperation: Includes access to Indian healthcare, recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia, and possible adoption of the Jan Aushadhi model.
• Multilateral Engagement: Joint efforts in the Colombo Security Conclave and other regional fora and focus on maritime security and regional peace
• Implementation: Formation of a High-Level Core Group (HLCG) with senior officials from both nations to monitor implementation and progress of all initiatives.

Maldives is a key maritime neighbour and a vital partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
By addressing emerging challenges, both nations can strengthen a resilient and mutually beneficial partnership for the future.

What Donald Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ aims to do - Indian Express 

The Bill includes both tax cuts and increased spending, which, combined with a higher debt ceiling, may further strain US government finances. Additionally, the Bill’s redistributive measures raise concerns.

Economy

India overtakes Japan to become the fourth-largest economy: NITI Aayog CEO - Indian Express

NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam recently stated that India has overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP and is likely to surpass Germany within the next 2.5 to 3 years.

The IMF projects India to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028, with a GDP of $5.5 trillion, surpassing Germany. Meanwhile, Germany’s GDP growth is expected to remain low at 0% in 2025 and 0.9% in 2026 due to global trade tensions.

To ensure sustained growth, India should diversify its trade partnerships to reduce reliance on volatile global markets and strengthen domestic manufacturing through focused initiatives. Investing in digital transformation will enhance financial inclusion and governance, while adopting sustainable policies will balance economic progress with environmental concerns.

Greenko, Adani, JSW to build bulk of India’s 51 GW pumped storage pipeline- Indian Express

Greenko, Adani Green, and JSW Energy will develop nearly two-thirds of India’s planned 51 GW pumped storage capacity by 2032, mainly in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Pumped storage and battery systems will be key to balancing the grid with rising solar and wind power.

What is Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH)?

Pumped storage hydropower is a form of hydroelectric energy storage used by power grids to balance load. It uses two reservoirs at different heights: during periods of low demand, excess renewable energy (mainly solar) pumps water from the lower reservoir to the upper one. When demand peaks, the stored water is released to generate electricity, effectively acting like a battery.

Significance of Pumped Storage in India

• Grid Stability for Renewables: PSH offers flexible, dispatchable power essential for integrating variable solar and wind energy, ensuring a stable grid.
• Better Economic Returns: The Internal Rate of Return (IRR) for PSH is marginally higher compared to standalone solar or wind projects.

Modi inaugurates 9,000 hp Made in India locomotive in Dahod - Indian Express 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 9,000 horsepower D9 locomotive at the Dahod workshop, making it the second most powerful engine in Indian Railways after the WAG-12B. Once considered a backward district, Dahod will now export these "Made in India" locomotives globally, boosting employment and supporting local industries in the tribal region.

About 9,000 HP 'Made in India' Locomotives

1. Global Export Reach:
   • India has emerged as a major exporter of railway products.
   • Metro coaches made in Gujarat are exported to Australia.
   • Indian railway products are also used in UK (London), France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Mexico, etc.
   • Passenger coaches exported to Mozambique, Sri Lanka, and other countries.
2. Usage on Dedicated Freight Corridors:
   • 9,000 HP locomotives will primarily operate on the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC).
   • Aim: Increase average train speed to 50–60 kmph, from the current 20–25 kmph.
3. Technical Features:
   • Can haul 4,500 tonnes of cargo in double-stack configuration.
   • Maximum speed: 75 kmph.
   • Equipped with AC cabin and toilet for loco pilots.
   • Includes regenerative braking system to improve energy efficiency.
4. Skill Development & Collaboration:
   • Ministry of Railways is partnering with local engineering colleges to train a skilled workforce for operating and maintaining these advanced locomotives.
5. Significance for India:
   Boosts Make in India, exports, and tribal-region employment (especially in Dahod, Gujarat).
   • Enhances logistics infrastructure and supports green, energy-efficient freight movement.

Science and Technology 

In a first, how a customised gene-editing tool was used to treat 9-month-old boy- Indian Express 

A nine-month-old boy with a rare genetic disorder, CPS1 deficiency, has become the first known patient to receive a successful custom gene-editing treatment. 

What is CRISPR?

CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a microbial immune system that defends against viruses. When a virus infects a bacterium, the bacterium stores a fragment of the viral DNA in its own genome. This DNA is later used to create a guide RNA, which identifies the same virus during future infections. The guide RNA then directs the Cas9 enzyme to cut and destroy the viral DNA, acting like molecular scissors.

How Does CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing Work?
CRISPR-Cas9 functions like a "cut-copy-paste" tool for DNA. It targets and corrects faulty genetic sequences responsible for diseases.

DNA is made up of four bases—A (adenine), T (thymine), C (cytosine), and G (guanine)—that pair as A-T and C-G. Genetic disorders can arise from mispairings in this code.

1. Identify the Faulty DNA: Scientists first locate the abnormal DNA sequence causing the disorder.
2. Design the Editing Tool: A guide RNA is created to match the faulty sequence and is attached to the Cas9 enzyme.
3. Cut the DNA: The guide RNA leads Cas9 to the faulty sequence, where Cas9 makes a double-strand cut.
4. Replace the Sequence: A corrected DNA segment is supplied, which binds to the broken strands during natural repair, fixing the mutation.

Advancements like base editing have made this process more accurate and less disruptive by altering DNA without breaking both strands.