The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) recently issued a show cause notice to the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS). The notice asks CSDS to disclose the source of funding for its studies related to the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and the Maharashtra Assembly polls.

About the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)

The ICSSR is the apex body of the Government of India for research in the social and human sciences. Established in 1969, it was set up on the recommendations of the Prof. V. K. R. V. Rao Committee. ICSSR operates as an autonomous organization under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Key Functions of ICSSR:

1. Research Projects: Promoting and supporting research in social sciences across a wide range of disciplines.
2. Fellowships: Offering doctoral, postdoctoral, senior, and national fellowships to support research careers.
3. Training & Capacity Building: Facilitating research internships, and training early career researchers to enhance their skills.
4. Seminars & Conferences: Organizing national and international seminars, conferences, and workshops to facilitate dialogue and knowledge exchange.
5. Publications: Supporting the publication of cutting-edge research and disseminating social science knowledge through various platforms.
6. International Collaboration: Encouraging national and international collaboration to advance social science research.
7. Documentation and Data Services: Maintaining the National Social Science Documentation Centre (NASSDOC) and promoting data sharing among the social science community through the ICSSR Data Service.

ICSSR has built a nationwide network of 24 research institutes and six regional centres that play a vital role in promoting research and providing resources to social science researchers in India.

ICSSR's Role in Social Science Research

The ICSSR plays a pivotal role in advancing knowledge on various social issues and challenges. By providing research-based solutions, it helps inform policymakers and stakeholders in the development of the nation. The council aims to ensure that social science research is rigorous, relevant, and able to meet the evolving needs of India’s social, economic, and political landscape.

Additionally, ICSSR promotes the promotion of social science research through recognized institutes and provides library and information support through NASSDOC, enabling researchers to access critical resources.

Recent Developments

The Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), a prominent think tank in India, has been conducting studies related to the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

In this context, ICSSR raised concerns regarding the funding sources of these studies and requested CSDS to clarify the origins of its financial backing. This issue points to the growing scrutiny of research funding, especially when it pertains to sensitive areas like electoral processes and political studies.

Conclusion

ICSSR plays a significant role in the development of social sciences research in India, fostering national collaboration and international engagement. As it continues to oversee and guide research in various social sectors, issues like funding transparency will likely become more prominent, ensuring that research is not only credible but also aligned with the highest standards of ethical governance.

The Union and State Governments have yet to include Huntington's Disease (HD) in the rare disease category under the National Policy for Rare Diseases, a demand that was raised by patients and caregivers in 2024..

About Huntington's Disease (HD)

Huntington's Disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative condition that primarily affects the brain cells. It is a progressive disease, meaning its symptoms worsen over time. HD is inherited, which means that it can be passed down from parent to child.

Cause of Huntington’s Disease:

• HD is caused by a genetic mutation in the HTT gene.
• The HTT gene produces a protein called huntingtin. This protein is crucial for the proper functioning of nerve cells (neurons).
• In individuals with HD, the huntingtin protein forms in an abnormal shape, causing damage to neurons.
• The basal ganglia, a region of the brain responsible for movement regulation, is primarily affected.
• The brain cortex, which is involved in thinking, decision-making, and memory, is also impacted.

Genetic Inheritance:

• HD is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. This means that if one parent has HD, there is a 50% chance that the child will inherit the disease.

Symptoms of Huntington's Disease

Symptoms of HD usually develop between the ages of 30 and 50. Common symptoms include:

• Chorea: Uncontrollable, dance-like movements.
• Abnormal body postures.
• Cognitive issues: Problems with thinking, decision-making, and memory.
• Behavioral and emotional changes: Personality changes and mood swings.
• Tremors: Unintentional back-and-forth movements of the muscles.
• Unusual eye movements: These may appear early in the disease.

As the disease progresses, individuals may require constant assistance and supervision due to the debilitating nature of the symptoms. Over time, the disease leads to a decline in motor function, and people often die from HD within 15 to 20 years of developing symptoms.

Prevalence of Huntington's Disease

• HD affects an estimated 3 to 7 out of every 100,000 people globally.
• It is most commonly seen in people of European ancestry.

Current Situation in India

In 2024, there was a demand from patients and caregivers for Huntington’s disease to be included in the National Policy for Rare Diseases. Currently, the Indian government has not added it to the list, despite its significant impact on affected families.

Treatment Options

At present, there is no cure for Huntington’s Disease, and there is no treatment to stop or reverse the progression of the disease. However, medications can be prescribed to manage some symptoms, such as:

• Medications to reduce chorea (involuntary movements).
• Antidepressants or antipsychotics for mood and behavioral changes.
• Physical therapy and occupational therapy to assist with motor skills and daily activities.

Supportive care and early interventions can help improve the quality of life for patients and assist families in managing the disease.

Conclusion

As awareness grows around Huntington's Disease, the need for government action becomes more pressing. By including HD in the National Policy for Rare Diseases, the government would help ensure better support, funding, and access to treatments for the affected individuals and families

The iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, recently hosted the first-ever races in rowing, kayaking, and canoeing as part of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival..

About Dal Lake

Location:
Dal Lake is a mid-altitude urban lake located in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is surrounded by the Pir Panjal mountains and is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir.

Significance:

• Often referred to as the “Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel”, Dal Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in the world.
• It is also known as the “Lake of Flowers” due to the stunning presence of water lilies and lotus flowers that adorn the surface of the water.

Physical Features:

• The shoreline of the lake is lined with Mughal-era gardens, parks, houseboats, and hotels, making it a popular tourist destination.
• The lake is divided into four basins by causeways: Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, and Nagin (with Nagin often considered an independent lake).
• Two islands are located in the lake:
  • Rup Lank (Char Chinari) in Lokut Dal.
  • Sona Lank in Bod Dal.
• The lake is famous for its floating market, where vendors use Shikaras (wooden boats) to sell goods and interact with tourists.

Khelo India Water Sports Festival

The Khelo India Water Sports Festival is a significant event organized by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the J&K Sports Council. It is part of the government’s ‘Khelo Bharat’ initiative, aimed at boosting grassroots sports and providing a platform for local athletes.

Key Facts:

• Goal: The festival aims to generate livelihoods, promote sports at the grassroots level, and revitalize local infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Olympic Events: The festival features all 14 kayaking and canoeing events and 10 rowing events, all of which are Olympic disciplines. This makes the event a unique opportunity for athletes in the region to showcase their talents on a prominent stage.
• Categories: The festival is also the first consolidated open-age category championships in the region for water sports.

Significance of Hosting Water Sports at Dal Lake

• Boost to Tourism: Hosting the festival at Dal Lake will not only increase awareness of the region’s beauty but also attract tourists interested in water sports and recreational activities.
• Infrastructure Development: The event aims to provide a much-needed boost to the region’s sports infrastructure, which is essential for the long-term growth of sports in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Local Impact: By promoting water sports and providing a platform for young athletes, the event could potentially change the sports culture in the region, providing local talent with the opportunity to compete at national and international levels.

Conclusion

Dal Lake, with its rich history and scenic beauty, continues to be a key part of Kashmir's cultural and tourism identity. The Khelo India Water Sports Festival has opened new avenues for sports development in the region and highlighted Dal Lake as a promising venue for international sports events, strengthening the area’s position as a hub for both tourism and sports

A powerful earthquake measuring magnitude 7.5 recently struck the Drake Passage, triggering a brief tsunami alert. The quake’s epicenter was located in this turbulent waterway between the southern tip of South America and Antarctica.

About Drake Passage

• The Drake Passage lies between South America’s Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica.

• Named after Sir Francis Drake, the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe.

• It is a deep, wide waterway connecting the southwestern Atlantic Ocean and the southeastern Pacific Ocean.

• Known as one of the roughest waterways worldwide due to the clash of cold southern and warm northern seawater layers creating powerful eddies, combined with strong winds and storms.

• It spans roughly 800 km, making it the narrowest stretch in the Southern Ocean.

• Acts as a climatic boundary between the cool, humid subpolar climate of Tierra del Fuego and the frigid polar climate of Antarctica.

• Winds here blow predominantly from the west, especially strong near Cape Horn.

• Historically significant for 19th- and early 20th-century trade before the Panama Canal opened.

Context

• Amid China’s assertiveness, US strategic shifts, and Indo-Pacific uncertainties, ASEAN's role has become pivotal.

• For India, ASEAN is central to its Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision, emphasizing a free, open, inclusive, and resilient regional order (highlighted in 2018 Shangri-La Dialogue).

• ASEAN comprises 10 Southeast Asian countries, focused on economic growth, stability, and cooperation.

• India-ASEAN engagement evolved from Sectoral Dialogue Partner (1992) to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2022).

Opportunities for India in ASEAN

1. Economic & Trade

   • ASEAN’s population: 650 million; GDP: USD 3.2 trillion.

   • India-ASEAN trade: USD 122.67 billion (2023–24), constituting 11% of India's global trade.

   • Singapore is India’s largest ASEAN trade and top FDI source (USD 14.94 billion).

   • Leveraging ASEAN-India FTA (AIFTA) and finalizing Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) can boost trade and investment.

2. Defence Cooperation

   • India emerging as a reliable defence partner (e.g., BrahMos missile sale to the Philippines).

   • Provides training and technical support to modernize ASEAN armed forces, promoting self-reliance.

3. Strategic & Security Engagement

   • ASEAN acts as a strategic counterbalance amid regional tensions.

   • India participates in East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEAN Maritime Forum, and joint exercises (e.g., ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise, 2023).

   • Cooperation in anti-piracy, disaster management, and upholding rules-based order (aligned with India’s SAGAR doctrine).

4. Connectivity & Infrastructure

   • India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit projects enhance regional integration and Northeast India’s development.

   • Digital initiatives (5G, cybersecurity, ASEAN Smart Cities Network) deepen technological linkages.

   • Provides a regional alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

5. Tech & Energy Cooperation

   • Collaboration in IT, fintech, AI, start-ups (ASEAN-India Start-up Festival), and renewable energy (highlighted in 2022 Renewable Energy Conference).

   • Strengthens energy security and sustainability.

6. Cultural & People-to-People Ties

   • Shared historical-cultural links promote soft power (Artists’ Camp, Music Festival, University Networks).

   • 2025 designated ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, fostering youth engagement and cultural exchange.

Challenges and Areas of Friction

1. Trade Imbalance & RCEP Withdrawal

   • India’s trade deficit with ASEAN surged from USD 9.66 billion (2016–17) to USD 45.2 billion (2024–25).

   • Concerns over market access and tariff asymmetry have slowed trade agreement renegotiations.

   • India exited RCEP in 2019 to shield from Chinese imports via ASEAN.

2. Delays in Connectivity Projects

   • Funding, security, and bureaucratic hurdles stall projects like IMT Highway and Kaladan, affecting regional credibility.

3. Limited Defence Cooperation & Divergent Political Strategies

   • ASEAN’s economic dependence on China (ASEAN-China trade USD 702 billion) limits defence collaboration with India.

   • Mixed political stances within ASEAN on Indo-Pacific vision and Myanmar crisis create strategic friction.

4. Digital Trade & Data Governance Challenges

   • Regulatory mismatches slow cooperation; ASEAN favors liberal digital trade, India insists on data sovereignty (Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023).

Strategic Recommendations for India

1. Enhance Physical & Digital Connectivity

   • Accelerate IMT Highway and Kaladan projects, develop maritime and air corridors.

   • Foster interoperable digital platforms, mutual recognition agreements balancing data sovereignty and digital trade liberalization.

   • Expand bilateral digital initiatives like India-Singapore UPI into regional frameworks.

2. Deepen Maritime Security & Blue Economy Cooperation

   • Enhance underwater domain awareness, logistics support, and address non-traditional maritime threats.

   • Joint initiatives on marine technology, offshore renewable energy, and sustainable fisheries to tackle illegal fishing and food security.

3. Promote Sustainability, Resilience & Development Partnerships

   • Collaborate on climate change, renewable energy, disaster management, food security, and digital skilling.

   • Diversify supply chains in critical technologies and co-develop green energy corridors.

4. Strengthen Institutional and People-Centric Engagement

   • Leverage platforms like EAS, ARF, ADMM-Plus for strategic dialogue.

   • Institutionalize Track-1.5 dialogues, scholarships, and cultural exchanges.

   • Utilize 2025 ASEAN-India Year of Tourism for enhanced people-to-people ties.

5. Advance Space Collaboration: "Space for Sustainability"

   • Build on GSAT-9 success by launching a dedicated Regional Satellite for Sustainability for crop monitoring, marine pollution, and disaster alerts.

   • Position India as a trusted, low-cost space partner in Southeast Asia.

Conclusion

India-ASEAN relations underpin India’s Act East and Indo-Pacific vision, grounded in shared prosperity, strategic trust, and cultural bonds. By strengthening cooperation across connectivity, maritime security, digital innovation, and sustainability, India can help craft an inclusive, rules-based, and resilient regional architecture—balancing emerging geopolitical challenges and economic opportunities.