The visit of the Prime Minister of Mauritius to Varanasi marked a significant milestone in strengthening the India-Mauritius bilateral ties. Describing India as a trusted partner in Mauritius' socio-economic development, the visit highlighted India's steadfast support for the island nation.

Key Outcomes of Mauritius PM’s Visit to India:

1. Development and Economic Support:

• Special Economic Package: India announced a significant Special Economic Package for Mauritius, which includes support for the development of Port Louis, the Chagos Marine Protected Area, as well as infrastructure, employment, and healthcare projects.

• Jan Aushadhi Kendra: The first-ever Jan Aushadhi Kendra outside India was set up in Mauritius, aimed at providing affordable medicines to the public.

• AYUSH Centre of Excellence: India will also help set up an AYUSH Centre of Excellence to promote alternative and traditional healing systems.

2. Community Development and Capacity Building:

• High Impact Community Projects: An MOU was signed for Phase 2 of the High Impact Community Development Projects aimed at strengthening development partnerships between both countries.

• Civil Service Capacity Building: India will provide civil service capacity building to Mauritius, referencing India's Mission Karmayogi for leadership and governance training.

3. Energy Cooperation:

• Energy MoU: India and Mauritius signed an MoU for energy and power sector cooperation. One of the highlights includes the establishment of a 17.5 MW floating solar power plant, helping Mauritius meet its energy needs with sustainable resources.

4. Space Cooperation:

• Both countries signed an MoU to collaborate on space cooperation, covering areas such as satellite telemetry, navigation, remote sensing, and capacity building for the future.

India-Mauritius Bilateral Relations:

Diplomatic and Political Ties:

• India established diplomatic relations with Mauritius in 1948, prior to the island nation’s independence in 1968.

• The signing of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) in 2021 was a major milestone, as it was India's first-ever trade agreement with an African nation.

• In 2025, India and Mauritius elevated their relations to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, which reflects the broadening scope of their ties.

Trade and Investment:

• India is a key trading partner for Mauritius, accounting for 11% of its imports in 2024, ranking third among its top trading partners.

• Key Indian exports to Mauritius include petroleum, pharmaceuticals, cereals, cotton, shrimp, and bovine meat. On the other hand, Mauritius exports vanilla, medical devices, aluminium alloys, refined copper, and cotton shirts to India.

• Mauritius has been a major contributor to India’s foreign direct investment (FDI), with a cumulative investment of USD 180 billion from 2000 to 2025, making up 25% of India’s total FDI inflows. In FY 2023-24, Mauritius became India’s second-largest FDI source after Singapore.

Cultural and People-to-People Links:

• India has been instrumental in supporting Mauritius' healthcare, education, and cultural sectors. The Mahatma Gandhi Institute and the Indian Cultural Centre in Mauritius are key institutions.

• 26,000 Indian nationals and 13,000 Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cardholders live in Mauritius, which strengthens the cultural and historical ties between the two countries.

• India and Mauritius also share strong tourism links, with visa-free travel for Indians and free visas for Mauritians, further fostering people-to-people exchanges.

Strategic and Regional Cooperation:

• Mauritius plays an essential role in India's Neighbourhood First Policy and the MAHASAGAR vision, which focuses on the Indian Ocean's security.

• Maritime Cooperation: India has been actively engaged in enhancing Mauritius' maritime capabilities through training exercises like AIKEYME, coast guard vessel refitting, and strengthening maritime security.

Significance of the Bilateral Relationship:

For India:

• Strategic Location of Mauritius: Mauritius is strategically located in the western Indian Ocean, playing a crucial role in securing maritime routes and regional security under India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR initiatives.

• Gateway to Africa: Mauritius is India’s gateway for trade and investment into Africa as it is a member of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

For Mauritius:

• Development Partner: India has supported Mauritius with over USD 1 billion in development aid, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, disaster relief, and maritime security.

• Disaster Relief: India has consistently been the first responder to crises in Mauritius, such as the Wakashio oil spill (2020), Cyclone Chido (2024), and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Challenges in India-Mauritius Relations:

1. Dependency on Indian Assistance:

   • Mauritius remains highly dependent on Indian development aid, concessional credit, and grants, which may necessitate efforts to diversify its partnerships to avoid over-reliance on a single partner.

2. Geopolitical Competition:

   • Growing Chinese investments in Mauritius, such as the Jinfei Smart City and port projects, challenge India’s strategic influence in the region.

3. Limited Private Sector Engagement:

   • India’s public sector enterprises dominate Mauritius' economic landscape, while private sector participation remains low, limiting trade diversification and business innovation.

4. Maritime Security Concerns:

   • The western Indian Ocean faces piracy, drug trafficking, and illegal fishing, posing significant threats to regional security.

5. Trade Barriers:

   • High logistics costs and limited direct shipping routes restrict bilateral trade and economic integration.

Way Forward to Strengthen Ties:

1. Trade and Economic Partnership:

   • Expand the CECPA to include services, fintech, and digital trade.

   • Rupee–Mauritian Rupee payment system could be introduced to enhance trade and position Mauritius as India’s financial gateway to Africa.

   • Encourage private sector investments in technology, AI, and financial services.

2. Development and Sustainability:

   • Prioritize green energy, marine conservation, and climate adaptation to counter coastal degradation and oil spills that threaten Mauritius’ economy and tourism.

   • Focus on water security and the blue economy to ensure sustainable development.

3. Strategic Cooperation:

   • Enhance the infrastructure and surveillance capabilities of Agaléga Island to strengthen maritime security and India’s regional presence in the Indian Ocean.

4. Cultural and Diaspora Engagement:

   • Promote Indian culture, the Hindi language, and offer scholarships for Mauritian students.

   • Establish a Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in Mauritius to engage with the Indian diaspora effectively.

Conclusion:

The India-Mauritius partnership is characterized by its strategic, economic, and cultural depth, with both nations benefitting from each other’s cooperation. India’s ongoing support in areas such as development, disaster relief, maritime security, and cultural exchange has made Mauritius a vital ally for India in the Indian Ocean. Moving forward, both countries should focus on expanding trade, fostering sustainability, and enhancing people-to-people connections to build a resilient and mutually beneficial relationship

Karma Puja is a significant festival for India's tribal communities, primarily celebrated in regions such as Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Assam. It is a time of worship, gratitude, and hope, deeply rooted in agriculture and nature.

About Karma Puja:

• Also known as Karam or Karam Parab, this festival celebrates the Karam tree, which symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and auspiciousness in tribal culture. The tree is seen as a powerful force of nature, believed to protect crops and ensure the well-being of communities.

• Tribal Communities: The festival is particularly popular among tribes like the Munda, Ho, Oraon, Baiga, Kharia, and Santhal, who have deep cultural ties to the land and its cycles.

• Timing: Karma Puja is celebrated on Ekadashi tithi, which falls around August-September in the Gregorian calendar. It usually coincides with the harvest season, making it an occasion to thank nature and the divine for bountiful crops.

How is Karma Puja Celebrated?

1. Pre-Festival Preparations:

   • A week before the festival, young women collect clear sand from the riverbanks and sow seven types of grains. This act is a symbol of fertility and the nurturing of crops.

2. Karam Tree Worship:

   • On the day of the festival, a branch of the Karam tree is planted in the courtyard or akhra (community gathering space).

   • Devotees bring hibiscus flowers (jawa) to the site as offerings.

   • The pahan (priest) performs the worship of the Karam Raja (God of Karam), seeking blessings for a successful harvest and protection from misfortune.

3. Traditional Music and Dance:

   • The festival is marked by singing traditional Karam songs and dancing, both of which are forms of prayer and celebration. The dances are vibrant and often performed in circles, representing unity and community.

4. Immersion and Conclusion:

   • The festival concludes with the immersion of the Karam branch in a river or pond, symbolizing the release of all troubles and the return of blessings to nature.

   • The jawa flowers are then distributed among the devotees, believed to carry blessings and prosperity.

5. Post-Festival Practices:

   • As a final step, branches from sal or bhelua trees are planted in the fields with the hope that the Karam Raja will protect the crops and ensure a good yield.

The Solar Orbiter Mission has made significant strides in understanding the Sun and its influence on the solar system. A recent study has revealed fascinating insights into the origin of Solar Energetic Electrons (SEEs), which are high-energy particles emerging from the Sun.

About the Solar Orbiter Mission:

• Launched: 2020, as a joint project between the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA.

• Objective: The mission's primary goal is to study the Sun and its surrounding environment, the heliosphere, by taking detailed measurements from both close up and out of the ecliptic plane (the flat plane of Earth's orbit).

• Payload: The spacecraft carries:

  • Six remote-sensing instruments designed to observe the Sun and its outer atmosphere (the solar corona).

  • Four in-situ instruments to measure the solar wind, energetic particles, and electromagnetic fields. These instruments provide crucial data on the Sun's behavior and its effect on space weather.

What are Solar Energetic Electrons (SEE)?

• Solar Energetic Electrons (SEEs) are high-energy particles that are emitted from the Sun.

• Sources of SEEs: They can be produced during:

  1. Solar Flares: Intense bursts of energy and radiation from the Sun’s surface.

  2. Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs): Large eruptions of solar material and magnetic fields from the Sun’s outer atmosphere.

These energetic electrons are significant because they play a crucial role in shaping the cosmic environment, including their impact on space weather, which can affect satellites, communication systems, and even power grids on Earth.

Recent Findings from the Solar Orbiter Mission:

• Study Period: Between November 2020 and December 2022, the Solar Orbiter observed more than 300 bursts of SEEs.

• Key Discoveries:

  • Two Types of SEEs: The mission found that one type of SEE is linked to intense solar flares (explosive bursts of energy from small patches on the Sun’s surface), while another type is associated with Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), which are massive eruptions from the Sun’s outer layer.

• Significance of Findings:

  • These findings will help scientists better understand the dynamics of space weather and the origin of energetic particles, enhancing predictions of solar activity and its effects on Earth. This research is crucial for improving the protection of space infrastructure and for deepening our knowledge of the Sun’s behavior.

Broader Impact:

By tracking and analyzing SEEs, the Solar Orbiter mission is enhancing our understanding of space weather phenomena that can influence various systems on Earth. These energetic particles, when interacting with Earth's magnetic field, can lead to geomagnetic storms, which affect satellites, GPS systems, and communication networks. Therefore, the mission's insights are pivotal for improving space weather forecasting and preparing for its potential impacts on technology and infrastructure.

India's ambitious plan to develop a fully indigenous solar manufacturing ecosystem by 2028 is an essential step towards achieving energy security, sustainability, and enhancing its position as a global leader in solar energy.

The Solar Manufacturing Value Chain

The solar manufacturing value chain involves multiple stages of production that convert raw materials into fully functional solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, which can then be installed for generating renewable energy. The value chain is typically divided into Upstream and Downstream segments:

Upstream Manufacturing (The Core Components)

1. Polysilicon: The process begins with metallurgical-grade silicon derived from quartz sand, which is refined into polysilicon.

2. Ingots: Polysilicon is melted and crystallized into large, cylindrical blocks, called ingots.

3. Wafers: Ingots are sliced into ultra-thin, disc-shaped sheets known as wafers, the building blocks of solar cells.

4. Solar Cells: Wafers are then treated with doping to create an electric field and receive a metallic coating for electricity conduction, becoming fully functional solar cells.

Downstream Manufacturing (Assembly & Installation)

1. Module Manufacturing: Solar cells are interconnected, laminated between glass and polymer backsheets, and framed into a complete solar module.

2. System Installation & Integration: The modules are assembled into solar arrays, connected to inverters, mounting structures, and wiring, then installed on rooftops or solar farms.

Current Status of India’s Solar Industry

• India’s solar module capacity: 100 GW

• Solar cell capacity: 27 GW

• Ingot and wafer capacity: 2.2 GW
  Despite India’s impressive solar module capacity, there is still a heavy reliance on imports, especially for solar cells, ingots, and wafers. This limits domestic manufacturing and poses a threat to energy security. However, the government is working towards resolving these gaps by boosting local production, particularly for polysilicon, a crucial component.

Challenges in Developing the Indigenous Solar Value Chain (Mnemonic: HURDLE)

The challenges India faces in developing a domestic solar value chain are substantial and can be remembered using the mnemonic HURDLE:

1. H – High-Cost & Scale Issues: Indian-made solar components are initially expensive due to high manufacturing costs and lack of economies of scale.

2. U – Upstream Infrastructure Gaps: There are significant gaps in the polysilicon and wafer manufacturing sectors, which are capital-intensive and require advanced technologies.

3. R – RoW & Land Bottlenecks: Land acquisition and Right of Way (RoW) issues obstruct the development of large-scale solar projects.

4. D – Delayed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Delays in PPAs by state governments and discoms create uncertainty, hurting project timelines and financial viability.

5. L – Lack of Experience: There is limited domestic experience in advanced solar manufacturing technologies.

6. E – Export/Import Dependence: Heavy reliance on imports, especially from China, weakens India’s energy independence and exposes the sector to external risks.

Achievements in Solar Energy

India has made notable progress in renewable energy, particularly solar power:

1. Renewable Energy Capacity: India has surpassed 251.5 GW of non-fossil energy capacity, achieving over half of its 2030 target of 500 GW.

2. PM Suryaghar Yojana: Over 20 lakh rooftop solar installations have been completed, with expectations to exceed 50 lakh soon.

3. PM-KUSUM Scheme: More than 1.6 million solar pumps have been installed, reducing diesel consumption by 1.3 billion litres annually and cutting CO2 emissions by 40 million tonnes.

Steps Needed to Develop an Indigenous Solar Value Chain (Mnemonic: SHINE)

India must take targeted steps to overcome challenges and develop a fully integrated solar manufacturing ecosystem. These steps can be remembered using the mnemonic SHINE:

1. S – Sustained Policy Support:

   • Expand the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) to include solar cells, wafers, and ingots.

   • Ensure stable production-linked incentives (PLI) and clear customs duties to protect domestic manufacturing.

   • Implement technology acquisition plans to enhance local expertise.

2. H – Harness Investment:

   • Attract investments for Greenfield manufacturing facilities.

   • Provide capital support to bridge gaps in upstream production.

   • Address land and RoW issues by creating a streamlined process for land acquisition.

3. I – Innovation & R&D:

   • Invest in next-generation technologies, such as Perovskite solar cells, to increase efficiency and reduce production costs.

   • Strengthen ancillary industries that supply raw materials and components.

4. N – Navigate Coordination:

   • Streamline state-level execution to ensure alignment with national policies.

   • Strengthen the financial stability of Discoms to enable smooth procurement of solar energy.

   • Align national schemes like PM Suryaghar Yojana and PM-KUSUM to drive demand for solar manufacturing.

5. E – Expand Demand:

   • Drive domestic demand for solar manufacturing through increased policy incentives and deployment programs.

   • Encourage widespread adoption of solar through subsidies, net metering, and tax breaks.

Conclusion

To achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and meet its target of 1,800 GW renewable energy capacity by 2047, India must develop a robust, indigenous solar manufacturing ecosystem. This requires a comprehensive, integrated approach to overcome challenges like high costs, infrastructure gaps, and dependence on imports. By focusing on policy support, investment, innovation, and coordinated execution, India can strengthen its solar manufacturing sector, improve energy security, and bolster its position as a global leader in clean energy.

The Global Peace Index (GPI) for 2025 has just been released, showing some important trends in global peacefulness.

What is the Global Peace Index (GPI)?

The Global Peace Index is an annual ranking of countries and territories based on their level of peacefulness. It is produced by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), and the 2025 edition is the 19th edition of the GPI. It ranks 163 independent states and territories, covering 99.7% of the world's population.

The GPI uses 23 indicators across three major domains:

1. Societal Safety and Security: This includes factors like crime rates, political instability, and the presence of internal conflicts.

2. Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict: Measures the number of active conflicts, fatalities, and the role of the country in international disputes.

3. Degree of Militarisation: The extent to which a country has a heavily militarized society, such as high military spending or large standing armies.

Key Findings from the GPI 2025

• Global Peacefulness Declines: The GPI report highlights that global peacefulness continues to decline, with a 0.36% decrease in overall peace compared to the previous year. This marks a broader trend where the level of global conflict and militarisation is increasing.

• Rising Conflicts:

  • There are currently 59 active state-based conflicts in the world, which is the highest number since World War II.

  • 17 countries recorded over 1,000 conflict deaths in the last year.

  • The resolution of conflicts has decreased. Conflicts ending in a decisive victory or through peace agreements have significantly reduced since the 1970s.

• More Militarisation: More countries are becoming increasingly militarised, suggesting an increase in the willingness to use military force as a primary means of resolving disputes.

• Regional Trends:

  • South America was the only region that saw an improvement in peacefulness last year.

  • Western and Central Europe, though still the most peaceful region, has seen a decline in peacefulness over the past four years.

  • Middle East and North Africa (MENA) remain the least peaceful region, with ongoing conflicts and instability.

  • South Asia experienced the largest regional decline in peacefulness, contributing to its position as the second least peaceful region globally.

Top and Bottom Ranked Countries

• Iceland has retained its position as the most peaceful country for the 16th consecutive year, a position it has held since 2008.

• The Top Five:

  • Iceland (1st)

  • Ireland (2nd)

  • Austria (3rd)

  • New Zealand (4th)

  • Switzerland (5th)

• The Least Peaceful:

  • Russia is ranked as the least peaceful country for the first time, which reflects the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its impact on the region.

  • Ukraine (2nd least peaceful)

  • Sudan (3rd)

  • Democratic Republic of the Congo (4th)

  • Yemen (5th)

India's Position

• India has been ranked 115th in the GPI 2025, up one position from the previous year. While this is a slight improvement, it still indicates significant challenges in terms of domestic and international conflict, safety, and security.

• Peaceful Asian Countries:

  • Singapore (6th)

  • Japan (12th)

  • Malaysia (13th)

  • Bhutan (21st)

  • Mongolia (37th)

Global Trends

• Declining Global Peace: The overall trend of declining global peace is concerning, as rising militarisation, conflicts, and decreased conflict resolution through diplomatic means are alarming signs for the future of global stability.

• Regional Challenges: The Middle East and South Asia are experiencing particularly high levels of instability, with ongoing wars and conflicts. Meanwhile, South America has seen a relative improvement, possibly due to fewer internal conflicts or successful peace efforts.

Conclusion

The Global Peace Index 2025 paints a sobering picture of the state of peace across the globe, with more countries becoming militarised and more conflicts intensifying. Iceland, along with other peaceful nations like Ireland and Austria, continue to serve as models of stability. On the other hand, countries like Russia and Ukraine highlight the devastating effects of ongoing conflicts on global peacefulness. India’s ranking at 115th indicates that while there are improvements, challenges in security and conflict management remain.