Falkland Islands (Malvinas Islands)
Overview:
•    Status: An internally self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom.
•    Location: Situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 500 km east of mainland South America.
•    Composition: The archipelago includes two large islands (East Falkland and West Falkland) and several hundred smaller ones.
Geography:
•    Falkland Sound: Separates the two main islands.
•    Positioned in both the southern and western hemispheres.
•    Area: 12,173 sq. km (4,700 sq. miles).
Climate:
•    Cool temperate oceanic climate, characterized by mild temperatures and minimal extremes.
Capital:
•    Stanley (Port Stanley), located on East Falkland Island.
Demographics:
•    Predominantly English-speaking population, mostly of African-Irish descent (88%).
Economy:
•    Primarily sheep farming dominates the rural areas.
Currency:
•    The Falkland pound, on par with the
British pound.
Government:
•    Executive authority vested in the British crown.
•    Governed by a British-appointed governor.

•    Self-governing, with the UK managing foreign affairs and defence.

Prelims Question
Which of the following statements about the Falkland Islands is correct?
1.    The Falkland Islands are an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean.
2.    The Falkland Islands are an internally self- governing territory of the United Kingdom.
3.    The official currency of the Falkland Islands is the US dollar.
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    2 and 3 only Answer: B) 2 only

Mains Question
Discuss the geopolitical significance of the Falkland Islands in relation to the South Atlantic and the ongoing territorial disputes involving the United Kingdom and Argentina.

2. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: Cervavac
Context:
•    Cervavac, developed by the Serum Institute of India (SII), has received market authorization from the Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI).
•    This is India's first Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccination (qHPV) designed to prevent cervical cancer.
Cervical Cancer Overview:
•    Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina. 
•    It is primarily caused by long-term infection with Human Papillomavirus

health issue with a comprehensive approach.

(HPV), a sexually transmitted infection.         

•    Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women globally and in India.
•    India accounts for one-fifth of the global burden, with around 1.23 lakh cases and 67,000 deaths annually (WHO data).
Significance of Cervavac:
•    Based on Virus-Like Particles (VLP), similar to the Hepatitis B vaccine.
•    Effective against four strains of HPV: Type 6, 11, 16, and 18.
•    Quadrivalent vaccine: stimulates an immune response against four different virus strains.

Prelims Question:
Which of the following statements about Cervical Cancer and the HPV vaccine are correct?
1.    Cervical cancer is primarily caused by a bacterial infection.
2.    The Cervavac vaccine is a quadrivalent vaccine.
3.    Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer globally among women.
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only

•    Cervavac holds potential to reduce         

cervical cancer cases and would be cost- effective, enabling inclusion in India's national HPV vaccination program.
•    Aimed to vaccinate 50 million girls aged 9-14.
Current HPV Vaccines in India:
•    Two vaccines are globally licensed and available in India:
1.    Gardasil (quadrivalent, Merck)
2.    Cervarix (bivalent, GlaxoSmithKline)
•    Both vaccines are costly and not part of India's national immunization program.
Why Cervical Cancer Prevention is Critical:
•    99% of cervical cancer cases are linked to high-risk HPV transmitted through sexual contact.
•    Early diagnosis and prevention via vaccination and screening can eliminate most cervical cancer cases.
•    The new vaccine could potentially
eliminate cervical cancer as a public

Mains Question:
Discuss the significance of HPV vaccines in reducing cervical cancer cases in India. How can inclusion in the national immunization program enhance the public health landscape?

3.    GST Appellate Tribunal May Be Headed by a Former Supreme Court Judge
Context:
•    Amendments to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) laws are expected to be introduced in the Lok Sabha to facilitate the constitution of the GST Appellate Tribunal.
•    The tribunal is likely to be headed by a former Supreme Court judge or a former Chief Justice of a High Court.
What is Goods and Services Tax (GST)?
•    GST is an indirect tax implemented on 1 July 2017 through the 101st Amendment to the Indian Constitution. 
•    It replaced various indirect taxes like VAT, service tax, excise, etc.
•    GST is levied on the manufacturer, seller

•    It ensures uniformity in the redressal of disputes and in the implementation of GST across India.

of goods, and providers of services.         

•    The tax is divided into five slabs: 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%.
Types of GST:
1.    State GST (SGST): Collected by the State Government.
2.    Central GST (CGST): Collected by the Central Government.
3.    Integrated GST (IGST): Applied on interstate trade, exports, and imports.
What is the GST Council?
•    The GST Council is constituted under Article 279A of the Indian Constitution, consisting of:
o Union Finance Minister as Chairperson.

Prelims Question:
Which of the following statements regarding the GST Appellate Tribunal is correct?
1.    The GST Appellate Tribunal is the first level of appeal in GST dispute resolution.
2.    The tribunal is a common forum for dispute resolution between the Centre and States.
3.    The tribunal's head must be a sitting Supreme Court judge.
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    2 and 3 only Answer: B) 2 only

o    Union Minister of State (in charge         

of Revenue or Finance).
o    State Finance Ministers or Ministers nominated by the State Governments.
•    It is an apex body responsible for making recommendations on GST laws, tax rates, exemptions, and reconciliation between the Centre and States.
What is the GST Appellate Tribunal?
•    The GST Appellate Tribunal is established under the CGST Act on the recommendation of the GST Council.
•    It serves as the second appellate forum under GST laws and is the first common forum for dispute resolution between the Centre and States.
•    Appeals against orders by the Appellate Authority under GST Acts can be taken to the tribunal.

Mains Question:
Discuss the significance of the GST Appellate Tribunal in ensuring uniformity in GST dispute resolution across India. How does its role contribute to the effective implementation of the GST framework?

4.    Central Water Commission (CWC)
Overview:
•    The Central Water Commission (CWC) is a premier technical organization in India, operating under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation.
Functions:
•    Water Resource Management: Responsible for initiating, coordinating, and advancing water resource management schemes across India in consultation with state governments.

•    Focus Areas: The schemes are aimed at flood control, irrigation, navigation, drinking water supply, and water power development.
•    Investigations and Execution: CWC also undertakes the investigation, construction, and execution of various water-related schemes when required.
Structure:
•    The CWC is headed by a Chairman, who holds the rank of Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government of India.

have formal National Security Strategies or Policies.
India’s Previous Efforts
•    Kargil Review Committee Report (2000): Led to defense reforms but did not yield a formal NSS.
•    Naresh Chandra Task Force on Security (2012): Suggested reforms but no formal NSS was adopted.
•    National Security Advisory Board (NSAB): Drafted multiple versions of an NSS, but none materialized formally.

•    The Commission is divided into three         

wings:
1.    Designs and Research (D&R) Wing.
2.    River Management (RM) Wing.
3.    Water Planning and Projects (WP&P) Wing.
•    Each wing is managed by a full-time Member, with the status of Ex-Officio Additional Secretary to the Government of India.

5.    India’s National Security Strategy (NSS)
What is a National Security Strategy (NSS)?
•    A National Security Strategy (NSS) outlines a country's security objectives and approaches to address them.
•    It covers both traditional (state-centric) and non-traditional threats (affecting individuals and humanity).
•    The strategy typically addresses potential threats, resource allocation, diplomatic and military actions, and policies related to intelligence and defense.
Countries with NSS
•    Nations like the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, China, and Pakistan

Key Components of an NSS
1.    National Security Objectives: Defining what constitutes security for India.
2.    Security Environment Assessment: Considering the geopolitical changes and potential risks.
3.    National Strengths and Weaknesses: Evaluating resources and capabilities.
4.    Resource Needs: Identifying military, economic, and diplomatic resources to address challenges.

Need for an NSS in India
•    Era of Strategic Uncertainty: Post-Cold War dynamics have created a complex global landscape with rising threats like terrorism and extremism.
•    Nuclear Security: Addressing nuclear deterrence amidst threats from China and Pakistan.
•    Emerging Indo-Pacific Security: The Indo- Pacific is becoming a strategic focal point with new security frameworks.
•    Domestic Stability Threats: Challenges like left-wing extremism and internal unrest.
•    Technological Advancements: Addressing
cybersecurity and technology's dual role

in enhancing and endangering national security.
•    Climate Change: Environmental concerns, like glacial melting and sea-level rise, affect national security.

Benefits of a Formal NSS
1.    Comprehensive Approach: Covers all security threats, both external and internal.
2.    Clear Objectives: Defines security priorities and threats.
3.    Guides Policy: Provides direction for
government policies and decision-making.
4.    Resource Allocation: Assists in prioritizing resources for security concerns.
5.    Deterrence: Signals clear intent to potential adversaries, enhancing deterrence.
6.    Coordination: Ensures inter-agency cooperation within the government.
7.    Public Awareness: Raises public consciousness of national security issues.
8.    International Relations: Guides India's
global engagement on security matters.

•    Evolving Threats: Adapting the NSS to new and evolving threats like cyberterrorism.
•    Reactive Approach: Historically, India's approach to security has been reactive rather than proactive.

Way Forward
•    Developing a robust, forward-looking National Security Strategy can help India navigate the changing global landscape, address evolving threats, and secure its futureChallenges in Developing an NSS
•    Political Reluctance: Hesitation due to concerns about commitment traps or criticism.
•    Achieving Consensus: Reaching political agreement on national security priorities is difficult.
•    Legal Frameworks: Ensuring compliance with international and domestic laws.
•    Resource Constraints: Allocatingadequate financial and human resources.
•    Divergence in Leadership: Differences between military and political leaders on priorities.