Latest News

Researchers from the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) conducted a year-long (2022–2023) study measuring Non-Methane Hydrocarbons (NMHCs) at Munsyari (Uttarakhand) to understand their role in air quality, ozone formation, and climate change.

About Non-Methane Hydrocarbons (NMHCs)

• Non-Methane Hydrocarbons (NMHCs) are a group of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that exclude methane (CH₄).

• They are present in trace amounts in the atmosphere but play a crucial role in atmospheric chemistry, particularly in the formation of ground-level ozone and secondary organic aerosols (SOAs).

• Common NMHCs include ethane, ethene, propane, propene, butane, pentane, benzene, toluene, xylene, and isoprene.

Sources of NMHCs

Natural Sources

NMHCs are naturally released from forests, vegetation, wetlands, oceans, and soil microorganisms. Plants emit isoprene and terpenes, especially during warm weather, making forests one of the largest natural sources of NMHCs.

Anthropogenic (Human-Made) Sources

Human activities contribute significantly to NMHC emissions through the combustion of fossil fuels, vehicular exhaust, industrial emissions, oil refineries, petrochemical industries, biomass burning, solvent use, paint industries, waste burning, and fuel evaporation from petrol stations.

Formation and Atmospheric Behaviour

NMHCs react rapidly with hydroxyl (OH) radicals, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sunlight, initiating a series of photochemical reactions.

These reactions produce tropospheric (ground-level) ozone, secondary organic aerosols (SOAs), and other oxidants that influence air quality, visibility, and climate.

Major Atmospheric Functions

Formation of Tropospheric Ozone

NMHCs are among the most important precursors of ground-level ozone, which is a harmful air pollutant and a greenhouse gas.

Unlike stratospheric ozone, which protects Earth from ultraviolet radiation, tropospheric ozone damages crops, forests, ecosystems, and human health.

Formation of Secondary Organic Aerosols (SOAs)

NMHCs undergo oxidation in the atmosphere, producing secondary organic aerosols, which form a major component of PM₂.₅ (fine particulate matter).

These aerosols reduce visibility, influence cloud formation, and contribute to respiratory diseases.

Consumption of Hydroxyl (OH) Radicals

NMHCs react readily with hydroxyl radicals (OH), which are known as the "detergent of the atmosphere" because they remove many atmospheric pollutants.

By consuming OH radicals, high NMHC concentrations can reduce the atmosphere's ability to cleanse itself, allowing other pollutants to persist for longer periods.

Environmental and Health Impacts

• High concentrations of NMHCs contribute to photochemical smog, reduce air quality, increase ground-level ozone, and enhance the formation of fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅).

• Long-term exposure can cause respiratory diseases, eye irritation, cardiovascular problems, and increase the risk of certain cancers, especially in the case of aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene.

• NMHCs also indirectly influence climate change by contributing to ozone formation and aerosol production.

Importance of Monitoring NMHCs

Monitoring NMHCs helps scientists understand the sources of air pollution, assess regional atmospheric chemistry, improve air-quality forecasting, and evaluate the effectiveness of pollution-control measures.

Continuous observations also support climate models, help identify pollution transport pathways, and strengthen environmental policy formulation.

ARIES Study at Munsyari

The Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) conducted continuous measurements of NMHCs at Munsyari, Uttarakhand, from 2022 to 2023.

The study aimed to analyse the seasonal variation of NMHCs in the Central Himalayan region, understand their contribution to ozone formation, and evaluate their impact on regional air quality and human health.

Latest News

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 through its flagship initiative "Yoga Sangam 2026". Yoga sessions were organised simultaneously across Coast Guard ships, air stations, district headquarters, and coastal establishments, highlighting the importance of physical fitness, mental resilience, and operational preparedness among maritime personnel.

Introduction

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is India's maritime armed force responsible for ensuring the security, safety, and protection of the country's maritime interests. Functioning under the Ministry of Defence,

it serves as the nation's primary agency for maritime law enforcement, coastal surveillance, search and rescue, environmental protection, and maritime safety.

Evolution of the Indian Coast Guard

• The rapid increase in smuggling, illegal fishing, maritime crime, and offshore economic activities during the 1970s created the need for a specialised maritime force separate from the Navy.

• Acting on the recommendations of the Rustamji Committee (1974), the Government of India established the Indian Coast Guard as an independent maritime force.

• The organisation received statutory status through the Coast Guard Act, 1978, and officially came into existence on 18 August 1978. Since then, it has evolved into one of the world's largest coast guard organisations with responsibilities extending across India's vast maritime domain.

Administrative Structure

• The Headquarters of the Indian Coast Guard is located in New Delhi and is headed by the Director General Indian Coast Guard (DGICG), who is the highest-ranking officer of the force.

• To ensure efficient administration and operational control, the organisation functions through Regional Headquarters, District Headquarters, Coast Guard Stations, Air Stations, and Air Enclaves strategically located along India's coastline and island territories.

• The Coast Guard's official motto is "Vayam Rakshamah", which translates as "We Protect." This motto reflects the organisation's commitment to protecting India's maritime frontiers, marine resources, and lives at sea.

Objectives and Mission

• The principal mission of the Indian Coast Guard is to safeguard India's maritime sovereignty, offshore wealth, and marine environment while ensuring the safety of life at sea.

• It protects valuable offshore assets such as oil and natural gas installations, fisheries, marine minerals, and other ocean resources, thereby contributing significantly to the country's Blue Economy.

• The organisation also provides assistance to ships, fishermen, and aircraft in distress, ensuring prompt search and rescue operations throughout India's maritime zones.

• Another important responsibility is the enforcement of maritime laws, including the prevention of smuggling, illegal fishing, piracy, narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, and other transnational maritime crimes.

• The Coast Guard further plays a crucial role in protecting marine ecology, preventing and responding to oil spills, conserving endangered marine species, and collecting scientific and oceanographic data for research institutions.

• During periods of war or national emergencies, it operates alongside the Indian Navy, strengthening India's overall maritime defence capability.

Jurisdiction and Operational Area

The Indian Coast Guard exercises jurisdiction over India's entire maritime domain, including the Territorial Waters, Contiguous Zone, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and designated Search and Rescue (SAR) Region in the Indian Ocean.

Its responsibility extends over India's 7,516-kilometre-long coastline, nearly 1,380 islands, and an Exclusive Economic Zone of approximately 2.37 million square kilometres, making it one of the largest maritime security organisations in the Indo-Pacific region.

Major Functions of the Indian Coast Guard

Maritime Security

The foremost responsibility of the Coast Guard is ensuring the security of India's maritime borders through continuous surveillance, intelligence gathering, and patrol operations. It prevents illegal activities occurring within India's maritime zones and safeguards national maritime interests.

Search and Rescue Operations

The Indian Coast Guard functions as the country's primary Search and Rescue (SAR) agency. It coordinates rescue missions for ships, fishermen, aircraft, and individuals facing distress at sea, often operating under extreme weather conditions to save lives.

Maritime Law Enforcement

The organisation enforces various national and international maritime laws by combating smuggling, narcotics trafficking, illegal immigration, arms trafficking, poaching, and piracy. It works in close coordination with the Indian Navy, Customs Department, Marine Police, Fisheries Department, and Intelligence Agencies.

Protection of Offshore Assets

India possesses extensive offshore oil fields, gas platforms, and other marine installations that are critical to the nation's energy security. The Coast Guard provides continuous surveillance and protection to these strategic assets against both natural and human-induced threats.

Marine Environmental Protection

The Indian Coast Guard serves as the National Authority for Marine Pollution Response. It monitors marine pollution, controls oil spills, and implements the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP) to minimise environmental damage and protect marine biodiversity.

Scientific Support

Besides security functions, the Coast Guard assists various scientific institutions by collecting oceanographic, hydrographic, and meteorological data, supporting climate research, marine studies, and navigation safety.

Assets of the Indian Coast Guard

The Indian Coast Guard possesses a modern fleet comprising Offshore Patrol Vessels, Fast Patrol Vessels, Interceptor Boats, Pollution Control Vessels, Hovercraft, Maritime Surveillance Aircraft, Dornier Do-228 aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH Dhruv), and Chetak helicopters.

These assets enable the organisation to perform surveillance, rescue, pollution response, coastal security, and maritime law enforcement operations across vast oceanic areas.

Legal Framework

The functioning of the Indian Coast Guard is governed primarily by the Coast Guard Act, 1978, which defines its powers, responsibilities, and organisational structure.

Its operations are also supported by the Maritime Zones of India Act, 1976, the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and various Marine Fishing Regulation Acts enacted by coastal states.

Significance of the Indian Coast Guard

• The Indian Coast Guard has become one of the most important pillars of India's maritime security architecture. As nearly 95% of India's international trade by volume and around 70% by value move through sea routes, ensuring maritime security has become vital for the country's economic growth.

• The organisation contributes significantly to the success of India's Blue Economy by protecting marine resources, facilitating safe navigation, preserving marine biodiversity, and ensuring uninterrupted maritime commerce.

• Its role has expanded further under India's maritime vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), where it actively promotes regional cooperation, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and maritime capacity building among Indian Ocean countries.

Difference Between the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy

• Although both organisations operate under the Ministry of Defence, their primary responsibilities differ significantly.

• The Indian Coast Guard focuses mainly on maritime law enforcement, coastal security, environmental protection, search and rescue operations, anti-smuggling activities, and maritime safety during peacetime.

• In contrast, the Indian Navy is responsible for national defence, naval warfare, strategic deterrence, and protection of India's maritime interests during conflict and war. During hostilities, however, the Coast Guard functions in close coordination with the Navy, providing operational support and strengthening coastal defence.

UPSC Prelims Facts

The Indian Coast Guard was established on 18 August 1978 under the Coast Guard Act, 1978 and functions under the Ministry of Defence. Its Headquarters is located in New Delhi, and it is headed by the Director General Indian Coast Guard. The organisation's motto is "Vayam Rakshamah" (We Protect). It is responsible for protecting India's Territorial Waters, Contiguous Zone, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), offshore assets, marine environment, and lives at sea, while also supporting the Indian Navy during war and national emergencies.

Conclusion

The Indian Coast Guard has evolved from a force primarily created to curb smuggling into a multi-dimensional maritime security organisation safeguarding India's extensive maritime interests. Through its responsibilities in coastal surveillance, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, environmental protection, disaster response, and offshore security, it plays a pivotal role in strengthening India's maritime governance.

Latest News

Norway has announced a near ban on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools by elementary school students while restricting their use in secondary education. The decision aims to protect children's learning, critical thinking, creativity, and cognitive development, ensuring that AI supplements education rather than replacing fundamental learning skills.

Introduction

Norway is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe, occupying the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Known for its dramatic fjords, glaciers, mountains, and extensive coastline, Norway consistently ranks among the world's most developed, prosperous, and environmentally sustainable nations. It is also one of the world's largest exporters of oil and natural gas, despite being a global leader in renewable energy and climate action.

Location and Boundaries

• Norway is situated on the western half of the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. It shares land borders with Sweden to the east, Finland to the northeast, and Russia in the far northeast.

• Its long coastline opens into several important water bodies. The Barents Sea lies to the north, the Norwegian Sea to the west, the North Sea to the southwest, and the Skagerrak Strait separates Norway from Denmark in the south. These waters together connect Norway to the North Atlantic Ocean, making it one of Europe's most important maritime nations.

• The capital city of Norway is Oslo, which is also its largest city and the country's political, economic, and cultural centre.

Physical Geography

Mountainous Landscape

Nearly two-thirds of Norway is covered by mountains, making it one of the most rugged countries in Europe. The landscape has been extensively shaped by glacial activity, giving rise to spectacular valleys and deep coastal inlets.

The highest peak is Galdhøpiggen, which rises to 2,469 metres, making it the highest mountain in Northern Europe.

Fjords

Norway is internationally famous for its fjords, which are long, narrow, and deep sea inlets carved by glaciers during the Ice Age. These fjords extend far inland and represent one of the country's most distinctive geographical features.

Some of the world's best-known fjords include Sognefjord (Norway's longest and deepest fjord), Geirangerfjord, and Nærøyfjord.

Rivers

Norway possesses numerous fast-flowing rivers originating from glaciers and mountain snowfields. The Glåma (Glomma) is the country's longest river, while other important rivers include the Dramselva, Lågen, and the Tana River, which forms part of the border with Finland.

These rivers provide abundant hydroelectric power, making Norway one of the world's leading producers of renewable electricity.

Lakes

The largest lake in Norway is Lake Mjøsa, which plays an important role in freshwater supply, transportation, fisheries, and recreation.

Climate

Norway experiences a predominantly temperate maritime climate along its western coast due to the warming influence of the North Atlantic Drift, an extension of the Gulf Stream. Consequently, coastal regions enjoy relatively mild winters despite their high latitude.

The interior and northern regions experience a subarctic and Arctic climate, characterised by long, cold winters and short, cool summers.

Large parts of northern Norway lie within the Arctic Circle, where the Midnight Sun occurs during summer and the Polar Night during winter.

Natural Resources

Norway possesses abundant natural resources that have contributed significantly to its economic prosperity. The country has major offshore reserves of petroleum and natural gas beneath the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and Barents Sea, making it one of the world's largest energy exporters.

In addition, Norway possesses valuable mineral resources including iron ore, copper, titanium, zinc, lead, nickel, coal, and pyrite. Its extensive river systems also provide enormous hydropower potential, with nearly all domestic electricity generated from renewable hydroelectric sources.

Economy

Norway has one of the world's highest per capita incomes and maintains a highly diversified economy based on energy production, shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, manufacturing, tourism, and advanced technology.

The country manages its petroleum revenues through the Government Pension Fund Global (Sovereign Wealth Fund), which is the largest sovereign wealth fund in the world, ensuring long-term financial stability for future generations.

Political System

Norway is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. The King serves as the constitutional Head of State, while executive authority rests with the Prime Minister and the elected government.

The country's legislature is known as the Storting, a unicameral parliament responsible for law-making and national governance.

International Organisations

Norway is a founding member of NATO and actively participates in the United Nations, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Arctic Council, and the Council of Europe.

Although geographically part of Europe, Norway is not a member of the European Union (EU). Instead, it participates in the European Single Market through the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement.

India–Norway Relations

India and Norway enjoy cordial bilateral relations based on cooperation in maritime affairs, renewable energy, climate change, fisheries, the Blue Economy, polar research, and sustainable development.

Norway is an important partner in offshore wind energy, green shipping, Arctic research, carbon capture technologies, and ocean governance. Both countries also cooperate under the India–Nordic Summit framework.

UPSC Prelims Facts

Norway is located on the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula and shares borders with Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Its capital is Oslo. The country is bounded by the Barents Sea, Norwegian Sea, North Sea, and Skagerrak Strait. The highest peak is Galdhøpiggen (2,469 m), the longest river is the Glåma (Glomma), and the largest lake is Lake Mjøsa. Norway is famous for its glacial fjords, offshore petroleum and natural gas reserves, hydroelectric power, and the world's largest sovereign wealth fund. It is a constitutional monarchy, a member of NATO, but not a member of the European Union, although it participates in the European Economic Area (EEA).

Conclusion

Norway is a country where rich natural resources, high human development, and strong environmental stewardship coexist. Its unique geography of fjords, mountains, glaciers, and Arctic landscapes, combined with prudent management of oil wealth and leadership in renewable energy, has made it one of the world's most prosperous and sustainable nations.

Latest News

Recently, the President of India reaffirmed the country's commitment to eliminating Sickle Cell Anaemia before the national target of 2047. The announcement strengthens the Government's resolve under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, which seeks to reduce the disease burden through early screening, timely diagnosis, genetic counselling, and comprehensive healthcare, particularly among tribal populations, where the disease is most prevalent.

Introduction

Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA), also known as Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), is an inherited genetic blood disorder that affects haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein present in red blood cells (RBCs). Because of an abnormal form of haemoglobin called Haemoglobin S (HbS), red blood cells lose their normal flexible shape and become rigid, sickle-shaped (crescent-shaped). These abnormal cells obstruct blood flow, reduce oxygen delivery to tissues, and cause repeated episodes of pain, anaemia, infections, and damage to vital organs.

How Sickle Cell Anaemia Affects Blood Flow

• Under normal conditions, red blood cells are disc-shaped, flexible, and elastic, enabling them to move smoothly through even the smallest blood vessels and efficiently transport oxygen throughout the body.

• In individuals with Sickle Cell Disease, the presence of Haemoglobin S causes red blood cells to become hard, sticky, and sickle-shaped, especially under conditions such as low oxygen levels, dehydration, infection, or physical stress.

• These sickle-shaped cells cannot bend easily and frequently become trapped inside narrow blood vessels. The resulting blockage reduces or completely stops blood circulation to different organs, leading to severe pain, tissue damage, and repeated episodes of vaso-occlusive crises. Their shortened lifespan also causes chronic anaemia, as sickled red blood cells survive only about 10–20 days, compared to 120 days for normal red blood cells.

Cause of Sickle Cell Anaemia

• Sickle Cell Anaemia is caused by a mutation in the HBB gene, which provides instructions for producing the beta-globin protein, a major component of haemoglobin.

• The disease follows an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance, meaning that a child develops the disease only when both parents pass on the defective sickle-cell gene.

• Individuals inheriting one normal gene and one defective gene are said to have the Sickle Cell Trait (SCT). Although such individuals generally remain healthy and show no major symptoms, they can transmit the abnormal gene to their offspring.

   

Signs and Symptoms

• The symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease generally begin during early childhood, usually after six months of age when fetal haemoglobin is replaced by adult haemoglobin.

• In the early stages, affected children commonly experience severe anaemia, persistent tiredness, swelling of the hands and feet (dactylitis), irritability, delayed growth, and jaundice due to rapid destruction of red blood cells.

• As the disease progresses, patients suffer from recurrent episodes of severe pain, repeated infections, delayed physical development, damage to organs such as the brain, kidneys, lungs, spleen, liver, and heart, vision problems, and an increased risk of stroke.

Diagnosis

• Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in preventing complications.

• Diagnosis is primarily carried out through newborn screening, blood tests, haemoglobin electrophoresis, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and genetic testing, which help identify the presence of abnormal haemoglobin.

• Screening programmes are especially important in regions where the disease is highly prevalent.

Treatment and Management

• Although Sickle Cell Disease is a lifelong condition, appropriate medical care can significantly improve both quality of life and life expectancy.

• Treatment mainly focuses on pain management, prevention of infections through vaccination and antibiotics, blood transfusions to manage severe anaemia, adequate hydration, nutritional support, and medicines such as Hydroxyurea, which increases fetal haemoglobin levels and reduces painful crises.

• A Bone Marrow Transplant (Stem Cell Transplant) currently remains the only established curative treatment, although it is suitable for only a limited number of patients with compatible donors.

Distribution in India

• India has the second-highest burden of Sickle Cell Disease in the world, after Africa.

• The disease is particularly prevalent among Scheduled Tribes (STs) and certain Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) living in central, western, and southern India.

• High-prevalence states include Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Odisha, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and parts of Uttar Pradesh.

National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (2023)

• The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission was launched by the Government of India in July 2023 with the ambitious objective of eliminating Sickle Cell Disease as a public health problem by 2047.

• The mission seeks to screen nearly seven crore individuals aged 0–40 years in affected tribal regions, provide universal access to diagnosis and treatment, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, promote genetic counselling, create public awareness, and establish a comprehensive digital registry of patients.

• It is implemented through the combined efforts of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, state governments, and various healthcare institutions.

Importance of Eliminating Sickle Cell Disease

Eliminating Sickle Cell Disease will substantially reduce child mortality, improve maternal and child health, lower healthcare expenditure, and enhance the quality of life of millions of vulnerable individuals.

The programme also contributes to achieving Universal Health Coverage, improving tribal health outcomes, reducing social inequalities, and advancing the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 relating to Good Health and Well-being.

Challenges

Despite significant policy initiatives, several challenges continue to hinder effective disease control.

Limited awareness, delayed diagnosis, inadequate access to specialised healthcare facilities in remote tribal regions, shortage of trained healthcare personnel, social stigma, poor genetic counselling services, and the high cost of advanced therapies such as bone marrow transplantation and gene therapy remain major obstacles.

UPSC Prelims Facts

Sickle Cell Anaemia is an autosomal recessive inherited blood disorder caused by a mutation in the HBB gene, resulting in the production of Haemoglobin S (HbS). It causes crescent-shaped red blood cells, chronic anaemia, painful vaso-occlusive crises, and organ damage. Individuals with one defective gene have the Sickle Cell Trait and usually remain asymptomatic. Bone marrow transplantation is the only established cure, while gene therapy is an emerging treatment. India launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (2023) with the target of eliminating the disease as a public health problem by 2047, focusing particularly on tribal populations.

Conclusion

Sickle Cell Anaemia remains one of India's most significant genetic public health challenges, particularly among vulnerable tribal communities. While advances in screening, diagnosis, treatment, and gene therapy offer new hope, achieving elimination requires sustained political commitment, strong healthcare systems, community awareness, and widespread genetic counselling.

Latest News

Recently, the Union Home Minister launched the Abhigyan App in New Delhi to strengthen technology-driven policing and improve access to crime-related data.

About Abhigyan App

The Abhigyan App is a centralised mobile platform developed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It enables field police personnel to access criminal records and identify suspects quickly using their smartphones.

Key Features

The application provides secure access to a vast repository of criminal records through two-step authentication. It is integrated with the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), enabling real-time fingerprint identification within about 35 seconds. The app is designed to offer fast identification, portability, and access to millions of fingerprint records, thereby improving field investigations.

Significance

The Abhigyan App enhances digital policing, strengthens crime investigation, improves inter-state coordination, and supports evidence-based law enforcement by providing instant access to verified criminal information.

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)

About

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) was established in 1986 as the national repository of crime and criminal information. It functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and is headquartered in New Delhi.

Functions

The NCRB maintains national crime databases, publishes the annual Crime in India Report, manages the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) and NAFIS, and provides technological support to law enforcement agencies across the country.

Latest News

India’s candidate, Professor Bimal N. Patel, has been elected as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026–2035 term.

About International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)

The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) is an independent judicial body established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, and adjudicates disputes relating to the interpretation and application of UNCLOS.

Composition

The Tribunal consists of 21 independent judges elected by secret ballot by the States Parties to UNCLOS. Each State Party may nominate up to two candidates. Judges are elected for a nine-year term and are eligible for re-election, with one-third of the members retiring every three years. Members are chosen from persons of high moral character, fairness, integrity, and recognised expertise in the law of the sea.

Jurisdiction

The ITLOS has jurisdiction over disputes concerning the interpretation or application of UNCLOS and matters specifically assigned to it under other international agreements. Its jurisdiction covers issues relating to maritime boundary delimitation, navigation, conservation and management of marine living resources, protection and preservation of the marine environment, and marine scientific research.

Who Can Approach ITLOS?

The Tribunal is open to States Parties to UNCLOS, including States and international organisations that are parties to the Convention. It may also hear cases involving non-party States, intergovernmental organisations, State enterprises, and private entities, where permitted under the Convention or relevant agreements.

Latest News

India and Canada are witnessing a renewed phase of bilateral engagement following the India–Canada Joint Leaders’ Statement, with both countries prioritising cooperation in defence, critical minerals, space technology, innovation, and the Indo-Pacific amid the evolving global security landscape.

About India–Canada Relations

Strategic Partnership

• India and Canada share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership founded on democratic values, the rule of law, people-to-people ties, and expanding economic cooperation.

• The recent Joint Leaders’ Statement reaffirmed cooperation in trade, clean energy, defence, critical minerals, innovation, and the Indo-Pacific, while also restoring high-level political engagement between the two countries.

• Canada considers India an important partner in promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, whereas India regards Canada as a significant source of technology, investment, higher education, and strategic resources. Both nations also cooperate in multilateral forums such as the G20, United Nations, Commonwealth, and World Trade Organization (WTO).

India–Canada Defence Cooperation

Military Cooperation

To strengthen military engagement, India and Canada have reaccredited Defence Advisers in New Delhi and Ottawa. Both countries have also agreed to institutionalise a Defence Dialogue to identify priority areas and improve long-term strategic coordination.

The Indian Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy regularly participate together in multinational military exercises such as RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific Exercise) and Exercise Talisman Sabre. In addition, a delegation from India’s National Defence College is scheduled to visit Canada in 2026 to promote professional military education and strengthen defence exchanges.

Defence Technology and Industrial Collaboration

Modern warfare increasingly depends on drones, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence (AI), cyber capabilities, and advanced aerospace technologies, creating new opportunities for bilateral collaboration.

Canada has invested nearly $500 million in next-generation aerospace technologies, including drone innovation, and has established Defence Investment and Industrial Agencies to streamline procurement and diversify defence supply chains. These advanced research ecosystems complement India's Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives aimed at expanding indigenous defence manufacturing.

Space Cooperation

Strategic Space Partnership

India and Canada possess significant potential for cooperation in satellite technology, space robotics, Earth observation, maritime domain awareness, and space-based security applications.

Canada’s RADARSAT satellite constellation can strengthen India's maritime surveillance capabilities, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, thereby improving naval security and strategic situational awareness.

Critical Minerals Partnership

Strengthening Strategic Supply Chains

• Critical minerals have become indispensable for defence manufacturing, semiconductors, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and advanced electronics.

• Canada possesses the world's tenth-largest reserves of critical minerals, the third-largest recoverable uranium resources, approximately 5% of global tungsten reserves, nearly 24% of global uranium production (2024), and identified reserves of 31 critical minerals.

• To strengthen resilient supply chains, India and Canada signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Critical Minerals Value Chain in 2026. The agreement supports Canada's objective of diversifying exports towards trusted partners while helping India secure reliable access to strategic minerals essential for its industrial and energy transition.

Challenges in India–Canada Relations

Diplomatic and Strategic Concerns

Despite renewed engagement, legacy diplomatic tensions continue to affect political trust and bilateral cooperation. Differences regarding security issues and law enforcement matters require sustained dialogue and confidence-building measures.

Defence cooperation remains at an early stage, with relatively limited institutional mechanisms. Additionally, global competition for critical minerals, technology transfer restrictions, differing procurement systems, and regulatory barriers may slow defence-industrial collaboration. Continuing geopolitical instability in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia also presents strategic uncertainties for both countries.

Way Forward

Deepening the Strategic Partnership

• The proposed India–Canada Defence Dialogue should be institutionalised through regular ministerial and military consultations to ensure sustained strategic engagement. Expanding joint naval exercises, military training, and officer exchange programmes will enhance interoperability between the armed forces.

• Both countries should actively promote co-development and co-production in areas such as aerospace, drones, AI-enabled defence systems, cyber technologies, and advanced manufacturing. The Critical Minerals Value Chain MoU should be operationalised through long-term investments and resilient supply-chain partnerships.

• Greater collaboration in space technology, satellite applications, maritime domain awareness, research institutions, start-ups, and defence industries will further strengthen bilateral ties. Expanding cooperation in trade, technology, investment, and innovation can transform India–Canada relations into a comprehensive strategic partnership suited to the emerging global order.

Conclusion

The renewed engagement between India and Canada marks an important opportunity to rebuild mutual trust and deepen strategic cooperation. As global geopolitics increasingly revolves around critical minerals, advanced technologies, defence manufacturing, and secure supply chains, stronger collaboration between the two democracies can enhance economic resilience, regional stability, and Indo-Pacific security, while supporting their shared vision of sustainable and inclusive growth.