Manipur Ethnic Conflict and UAPA Power Expansion

For Prelims: Manipur, Meitei,  Kuki-Zo and Naga communities, Scheduled Tribes 

For Mains: Internal security challenges in North-East India, Role and misuse of anti-terror laws (UAPA), Balance between national security and civil liberties 

Source: TH 

Why in News?

The Home Department of Manipur issued a notification implementing Section 43A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. This directive allows lower-ranked law enforcement officers to conduct arrests, searches, and seizures across the state.

• The move has faced strong opposition from rights groups, citing risks of misuse in a volatile region where peace remains fragile despite administrative and security efforts.

Summary

• The Manipur government invoked Section 43A of the UAPA, allowing lower-ranked police officers to arrest, search, and seize based on “reason to believe,” raising concerns about misuse, weak safeguards, and potential targeting of civilians in a conflict-prone region. 
• The broader Manipur crisis stems from ethnic, geographic, and political divides (Meitei vs Kuki-Zo), ST status demands, land and resource conflicts, and external factors like Myanmar influx—requiring balanced legal safeguards, dialogue, and structural reforms for lasting peace. 

What are the Key Provisions of UAPA, 1967 Notification in Manipur? 

• Empowerment of Lower-Ranked Officers: The notification allows officers not below the rank of Head Constable or Havildar in civil and armed police to exercise wide anti-terror powers, citing heavy First Information Report (FIR) workload and a shortage of senior officers during ongoing unrest.  
  • Under UAPA, such powers are usually limited to senior officers like Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) or Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) as a safeguard due to the law’s stringent nature.  
• Appointment of "Designated Authority": The state's Secretary (Home) is appointed as the official “designated authority” to oversee actions against offenses related to unlawful and anti-national activities under this provision. 
• The "Reason to Believe" Standard: Empowered officials can make arrests or conduct searches merely if they have a "reason to believe" that a UAPA-related offense has been committed or may be committed.  
  • This also applies to cases involving the suspected possession of evidence or property linked to unlawful activities. 
• Unrestricted Search and Seizure: The directive authorizes the designated officers to conduct searches of buildings, vehicles, and other premises at any time, including at night.  
  • It also permits the seizure of any documents or assets considered relevant to the investigation.
• Indefinite Timeline: The notification was implemented with immediate effect and, will remain in force until further notice to improve operational response times on the ground.

What are the Concerns Regarding the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in Manipur?

• High Risk of Misuse: UAPA is an anti-terror law characterized by stringent bail conditions and extended periods of pre-charge detention (up to 180 days).  
  • Rights groups argue that lower-ranked officers may lack the specialized training, legal acumen, or neutrality required to handle such sensitive cases, leading to arbitrary arrests. 
  • Under UAPA, it is nearly impossible for an accused to get bail if the court believes the police accusations are prima facie true.  
    • Because the burden of proof is heavily skewed against the accused, even a wrongful arrest by a lower-ranked officer can result in an innocent citizen languishing in prison for years without a trial. 
  • Without senior oversight, the “reason to believe” threshold risks misuse, enabling personal vendettas, extortion, or harassment under the guise of national security.  
• Deepening the Trust Deficit: In a deeply polarized environment where state police forces have faced allegations of ethnic bias, granting sweeping anti-terror powers to local inspectors risks worsening the alienation of marginalized communities. 
• Violation of Legislative Intent: The Supreme Court has historically emphasized that the requirement for higher-ranking investigating officers under UAPA is not a mere procedural formality, but a substantive safeguard against state overreach. 
• Criminalizing Peaceful Dissent: Rights bodies like the fear the law is being used to create a "climate of psychological fear." 
  • There are grave concerns that the UAPA will be disproportionately used against unarmed civilians such as the women's groups in the Imphal Valley protesting the Tronglaobi killings effectively treating civil unrest and demands for justice as "anti-national" terrorist activities.

Manipur Violence Crisis

Core Triggers of the Conflict 

• The Scheduled Tribe (ST) Status Demand: The immediate catalyst was an April 2023 Manipur High Court order directing the state government to recommend ST status for the Meitei community.  
  • Meiteis were recognised as a tribe before the merger of Manipur with the Union of India in 1949. 
  • The Kuki-Zo tribes strongly opposed this, fearing that granting ST status to the politically dominant Meiteis would allow them to acquire land in the hills and monopolize government jobs and educational quotas. 
• Forest Evictions and the "War on Drugs": Leading up to the clashes, the state government conducted eviction drives in protected forest areas and initiated an aggressive campaign against illegal poppy cultivation.  
  • Kuki groups alleged these drives selectively targeted their historical settlements and villainised their entire community as "narco-terrorists."  
    • This is sensitive because Manipur sits on the edge of the “Golden Triangle”, an area in Southeast Asia covering civil war-torn Myanmar, and one of the biggest drug trafficking corridors in the world, featuring heroin, opium, and synthetic drugs like methamphetamine. 
• Myanmar Influx: Following the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, thousands of Chin refugees crossed the porous border into Manipur.  
  • The Meiteis raised alarms that this unchecked influx of people who share strong ethnic ties with the Kuki-Zo was unnaturally altering the state's demography and encroaching on limited valley resources. 
  • Weapon proliferation, community segregation via buffer zones, and expanded UAPA powers have sustained tensions and public mistrust.  

Geographic, Demographic  and Political Fault Lines 

• Geographic and Demographic Fault Lines: The root of the conflict lies in the severe geographical and demographic divide within Manipur, which dictates land ownership and resource distribution: 
  • Imphal Valley: Accounting for only about 10% of the state's total land area, the valley is densely populated.  
    • It is predominantly inhabited by the non-tribal Meitei community, who make up approximately 53% of the state's total population (per the 2011 Census). 
  • Hill Districts: Surrounding the valley, the hills make up 90% of the geographical area.  
    • These areas are home to various recognized Scheduled Tribes (ST), primarily the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities. 
  • Land Law Disparity: Under existing laws, the tribal hill areas are constitutionally protected. Non-tribals cannot purchase land there. However, tribal populations are free to settle and buy land in the Imphal Valley.  
    • This has created a profound sense of geographical confinement among the Meiteis. 
• Political Asymmetry: 
  • Valley Dominance in the Assembly: The Imphal Valley yields 40 of the state’s 60 Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs).  
    • This gives the Meitei community overwhelming political and legislative leverage in the state government. 
  • Marginalization of the Hills: The expansive hill districts send only 20 MLAs to the Assembly.  
    • Tribal communities have long alleged that this severe political imbalance translates into systemic developmental disparities. 

Way Forward

• Evaluate the Criteria for ST status (to Meities): The demand for granting ST status to Meiteis needs careful evaluation based on established committee criteria. The Lokur Committee (1965) laid down five indicators (primitive traits, distinct culture, geographical isolation, shyness of contact, and backwardness).  
  • Further, the Virginius Xaxa Committee (2013) highlighted key concerns such as livelihood, education, health, displacement, and legal safeguards, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and balanced assessment.  
• Legal Safeguards: The state government must reconsider the delegation of UAPA powers to lower-ranked officers. If manpower is an issue, special investigative teams (SITs) led by senior, impartial officers from outside the immediate conflict zones should be constituted. 
• Prioritizing Political Dialogue: The reliance on heavy-handed security measures and stringent laws is a symptom of administrative failure.  
  • A credible, multi-stakeholder peace committee involving civil society leaders from both communities must be initiated to bridge the trust deficit. 
• Disarmament and Rehabilitation: A systematic, transparent, and non-partisan operation to recover looted weapons is a prerequisite for any meaningful de-escalation, followed by the secure rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). 
• Address structural disparities: Ensure fair resource distribution, development in Hill districts, and resolve land/ST issues through a balanced constitutional approach. 
• Manage borders effectively: Strengthen Indo-Myanmar border control while adopting a humane, regulated approach for refugees to address demographic concerns. 

Conclusion

The situation in Manipur reflects a complex intersection of security challenges and human rights concerns. While strong legal tools like UAPA may be necessary in conflict zones, their use must remain proportionate, accountable, and constitutionally sound to ensure lasting peace and stability. 

Drishti Mains Question:

“Stringent anti-terror laws often raise concerns of misuse in conflict zones.”Discuss.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the key provision of the recent UAPA notification in Manipur?
It allowsHead Constable/Havildar rank officers to conduct arrests, searches, and seizures under anti-terror laws. 

2. Why is the move controversial?
It risksmisuse due to lack of senior oversight, leading to arbitrary arrests and human rights violations. 

3. What is the “reason to believe” standard under UAPA?
It allows action based on suspicion of unlawful activity, which can besubjective and prone to misuse. 

4. What are the major causes of the Manipur conflict?
Key factors includeethnic divide (Meitei vs Kuki-Zo), land rights, ST status demand, and refugee influx from Myanmar. 

5. What measures are suggested to resolve the crisis?
Solutions includedialogue, disarmament, equitable development, legal safeguards, and better border management.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year’s Question (PYQs) 

Prelims:

1. Consider the following pairs: (2018)

	Tradition	State
1.	Chapchar Kut festival	Mizoram
2.	Khongjom Parba ballad	Manipur
3.	Thang-Ta dance	Sikkim

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only 
(b) 1 and 2 only 
(c) 3 only 
(d) 2 and 3 only 

Ans: (b) 

2. If a particular area is brought under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which one of the following statements best reflects the consequence of it? (2022)

(a) This would prevent the transfer of land of tribal people to non-tribal people. 
(b) This would create a local self-governing body in that area. 
(c) This would convert that area into a Union Territory. 
(d) The State having such areas would be declared a Special Category State. 

Ans: (a) 

---

Mains 

Q. What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? (2017)

India’s Ethanol Blending Programme and the Path to E100

For Prelims: Ethanol blending, E10 and E20,   Internal combustion engines, Flex-fuel vehicles, Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) III emission Norms 

For Mains: Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) and National Biofuel Policy, 2018, Energy, Security and Import Dependence of India, Environmental Sustainability vs Economic Growth (Food vs Fuel Debate), Role of Biofuels in India’s Climate Commitments

Source: TH

Why in News?  

The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways advocated for India to move towards 100% ethanol blending (E100) in the near future to achieve energy self-reliance and insulate the country from global oil supply shocks. 

What is India's Ethanol Blending Programme?

About 

• Ethanol: Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is a biofuel naturally produced by the fermentation of sugars by yeasts or via petrochemical processes.  
  • In India, it is primarily derived from sugarcane molasses, but increasingly from maize, surplus rice, and damaged foodgrains. 
  • Ethanol is classified into 1G, 2G, and 3G based on the type of feedstock used and the production technology. 
• Blending: It involves mixing ethanol with motor fuel (petrol) to reduce the consumption of imported crude oil and curb carbon emissions.  
  • E10 and E20 petrol blended with 10%, 20% ethanol respectively, with higher blends reducing crude oil use and emissions.  
    • E100 means using pure ethanol as fuel, instead of mixing it with petrol.  
  • While E10 works in most vehicles, E20 requires compatible engines with a slight efficiency loss, and E100 needs flex-fuel vehicles that can run on varying ethanol blends.  
    • These vehicles use corrosion-resistant components, modified engines, and advanced sensors, and while countries like Brazil have widely adopted them, India is still at an early stage. 

Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme 

• EBP Programme: The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme aimed at mixing ethanol with standard motor petrol. Operating under the ambit of the National Biofuel Policy (NBP) 2018, the program is driven by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.  
  • Its primary goals are to reduce India's heavy reliance on imported crude oil, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and boost farmers' incomes by creating a lucrative alternate market for agricultural produce. 
  • The program achieved a monumental milestone when India successfully hit its 20% ethanol blending target (E20) in 2025, a full five years ahead of its original 2030 deadline. 
  • As of April 2026, all petrol sold across India must contain 20% ethanol (E20) and meet a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95. 
    • India’s ethanol production capacity has skyrocketed from under 2 billion liters in 2014 to nearly 20 billion liters, far exceeding the 11 billion liters required for the E20 mandate. 
  • The National Biofuel Coordination Committee (NBCC) oversees feedstock use based on surplus declarations.  
• Infrastructure and Pricing Reforms:  
  • Ethanol Interest Subvention Schemes (EISS): Financial support (2018–2022) to set up molasses- and grain-based ethanol plants.  
  • Long-Term Offtake Agreements (LTOAs): The LTOAs signed by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) ensured steady demand, timely payments, and market stability for Dedicated Ethanol Plants (DEPs).  
  • Administered Pricing Mechanism: Assured pricing for ethanol under the EBP Programme, encouraging private participation.  
  • GST Reduction: Reduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on ethanol from 18% to 5% helped lower production costs and encouraged higher ethanol production and blending.  
  • Amendments to Industries (Development & Regulation) Act,1953: Facilitated smooth interstate and intrastate movement of ethanol. 
• Impact of the EBP Programme: 
  • Forex Savings & Energy Security: By replacing imported crude oil with domestic biofuel, India has saved well over Rs. 1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange since 2014.  
    • It acts as a critical buffer against global oil price shocks. 
  • Agrarian Empowerment: Ethanol procurement till 2025 earned farmers Rs 1.18 lakh crore and distilleries Rs 1.96 lakh crore.   
    • By providing a guaranteed industrial market for surplus crops, it has effectively turned India's farmers from Annadatas (food providers) into Urjadaatas (energy providers). 
    • New agro-processing and distillery jobs boosted rural employment in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar. 
  • Climate Action: Ethanol is an oxygenated fuel that ensures complete combustion.  
    • E20 blending has resulted in a net reduction of approximately 832 lakh metric tonnes of CO2 emissions, significantly advancing India toward its Net-Zero by 2070 goal. 
    • Moving to E30 or E100 will further align with India’s Panchamrit goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070. 
  • Waste-to-Wealth (Co-Products): Grain-based ethanol production yields Dried Distillers Grain with Solubles (DDGS), a highly nutritious byproduct used as premium cattle feed, reducing fodder shortages, aligns with circular economy principles.

Ethanol Generation	Feedstock	Characteristics
First Generation (1G)	Edible biomass (Sugarcane, Corn, Wheat)	Competes with food security; technologically mature but ecologically taxing
Second Generation (2G)	Non-edible biomass (Agri-residue, Paddy Stubble, Bamboo)	Helps address crop burning (Punjab/Haryana); complex and costly conversion
Third Generation (3G)	Algae-based	High yield; no need for arable land or freshwater; still in R&D stage in India
Fourth Generation (4G)	Genetically modified crops/organisms	Designed for higher carbon capture; largely theoretical at present

Why Must India Accelerate Its Ethanol Strategy Towards E100? 

• Energy Security Amid Global Crises: India imports nearly 89% of its crude oil and 60% of its LPG.  
  • The world has faced massive oil price spikes during crises, such as the 2008 surge to USD 147.5 per barrel and the 2022 peak during the Russia-Ukraine war at USD 139.13.  
  • The West Asian conflict highlights the strategic vulnerability of relying on the Strait of Hormuz. Scaling up ethanol acts as a buffer against volatile international crude prices. 
  • With domestic commercial LPG supplies taking a hit due to import disruptions, the oil industry is actively pitching ethanol-based. 
• Ethanol as a Pragmatic "Drop-in" Fuel: India cannot replace its entire internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle fleet immediately, making ethanol a practical transition fuel. 
  • Ethanol acts as a “drop-in” fuel that works with existing engines. Adoption of E20, E30, E100 and Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) enables immediate decarbonization of transport while reducing crude oil imports. 
• Solving the Stubble Burning Crisis: To avoid the "Food vs. Fuel" debate, India must accelerate its ethanol strategy to make 2G and 3G ethanol commercially viable. Scaling up the EBP creates the demand necessary to justify massive investments in 2G and 3G biorefineries, which will directly help solve the winter air pollution crisis in North India. 
• Energy Security via Decentralization: Unlike centralized coastal oil refineries, ethanol distilleries are decentralized and located closer to agricultural hinterlands. 
  • This creates a dispersed, resilient domestic energy infrastructure less susceptible to single-point geopolitical failures. 
• Circular Economy: India is the second-largest contributor to food waste globally, trailing only China, generating approximately 78.2 million tonnes of food waste annually. 
  • Utilizing damaged food grains and agricultural residue (stubble) for fuel generation promotes waste-to-wealth creation. 

What are the Challenges in Scaling Beyond E20? 

• Vehicle Compatibility: Pure ethanol delivers 45–55% less energy per litre compared to petrol. This directly impacts a vehicle's mileage, raising consumer concerns over higher running costs.  
  • While most modern vehicles can handle E20, higher blends like E30 or E100 can corrode traditional internal combustion engines (ICE). 
  • India lacks a widespread market for FFVs (vehicles designed to run on any blend of petrol and ethanol). 
• Taxation Discrepancies: Currently, ethanol used for blending attracts a 5% GST, but petrol remains outside the GST regime (attracting Central Excise and State VAT). 
  • Pure petrol and ethanol-blended fuels are treated identically for taxation, removing the financial incentive for consumers to choose higher ethanol blends. 
• Food vs. Fuel Debate: Aggressively diverting maize and FCI (Food Corporation of India) rice stocks toward fuel production raises concerns about food inflation and nutritional security, especially during years of erratic monsoons or El Niño effects. 
• High Water Footprint: While ethanol is a "green" fuel at the tailpipe, its lifecycle analysis (LCA) reveals ecological stress.  
  • Sugarcane is a highly water-intensive crop. It is estimated that producing one litre of ethanol from sugarcane requires approximately 2,800 to 3,000 litres of water. 
  • Over-incentivizing sugarcane-based ethanol in water-stressed states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh threatens long-term groundwater sustainability. 
• Infrastructure Bottlenecks: The cost of producing ethanol remains comparable to or higher than petrol. Without sustained government subsidies or climate finance, scaling to 100% adoption is economically difficult for Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and consumers. 
  • Moreover, fuel stations require separate, specialized dispensing units and underground storage tanks to offer E30 or E100 alongside standard fuels. 

How can India Scale to  E100 while Ensuring Sustainability? 

• Replicating the Brazil Model: Following the 1970s oil shocks, Brazil built an ecosystem where FFVs make up over 80% of the market. India must incentivize automakers to manufacture FFVs and develop affordable conversion kits for older vehicles. 
  • In response to the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran (the second oil crisis), Brazil introduced vehicles capable of running on 100% hydrous alcohol (E100). By 1985, fuel stations featured dual pumps for blended petrol and E100. 
    • In 2003, Brazil pioneered commercial flex-fuel vehicles equipped with electronic sensors to automatically adjust engine settings based on the specific ethanol-petrol blend in the tank. 
  • Currently, Brazil mandates a 30% ethanol blend in its standard petrol (Gasoline C). Remarkably, alcohol now constitutes 51.8% of the total fuel powering the country’s light-duty vehicle fleet. 
• Incentivize Flex-Fuel Technology: The government should link ethanol targets with the upcoming Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) III emission norms (2027) to push automakers toward producing affordable Flex-Fuel engines. 
  • Promote flex-fuel vehicles under the Make in India initiative by incentivising automakers to develop vehicles with corrosion-resistant components and modified engines capable of running on any ethanol blend. 
• Rationalizing Taxation: The government should consider bringing all ethanol-blended fuels (E20, E30, E100) under a uniform, lower GST slab. Passing the cost benefit to the consumer is crucial for driving demand. 
• Promoting 2G and 3G Biofuels: To mitigate the "Food vs. Fuel" risk, India must accelerate commercial production of of Second-Generation (2G) ethanol (from agricultural residue like stubble, bamboo, and wheat straw) and Third-Generation (3G) ethanol (from algae).  
• Expanding Use Cases: Expediting R&D (via IITs and LPG Equipment Research Centres) to commercialize ethanol-powered cooking stoves and exploring ethanol blending in diesel (which constitutes a larger share of India's fuel consumption than petrol). 
• Diversified Energy Basket: Recognizing that E100 is not a universal solution. The policy should focus on an optimal mix of E20/E85 blending, alongside the aggressive expansion of Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure and Green Hydrogen adoption for commercial freight. 

Conclusion 

India’s push towards E100 ethanol blending reflects a strong intent to achieve energy independence and cleaner mobility. However, success depends on balancing technological readiness, environmental sustainability, and economic feasibility. Without scaling second-generation ethanol and building supporting infrastructure, the transition may face serious roadblocks. 

Drishti Mains Question:

Discuss the significance of the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme in achieving India’s energy security and environmental goals. What are the key impediments to scaling up ethanol blending beyond the current mandates?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP)?
It is a government initiative to mix ethanol with petrol to reduce crude oil imports, lower emissions, and support farmers. 

2. What is the difference between E20 and E100 fuel?
E20 contains 20% ethanol, while E100 is pure ethanol requiring flex-fuel vehicles for operation. 

3. What are Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs)?
Vehicles designed to run on any ethanol-petrol blend using corrosion-resistant engines and adaptive sensors. 

4. What is the ‘Food vs Fuel’ debate in ethanol production?
It refers to the diversion of food crops like sugarcane and maize for fuel, raising concerns about food security and inflation. 

5. Why is second-generation (2G) ethanol important?
It uses agricultural residues like stubble, reducing pollution and avoiding pressure on food crops and water resources.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims:

Q. According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels? (2020)

1. Cassava 
2. Damaged wheat grains 
3. Groundnut seeds 
4. Horse gram 
5. Rotten potatoes 
6. Sugar beet 

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1, 2, 5 and 6 only 

(b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only 

(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only 

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 

Answer: (a) 

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Mains:

Q. “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (2018)

CAR-T Therapy Breakthrough For Solid Tumours

Source: TH 

Why in News?  

A study published in Science reports a breakthrough in CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy, showing that engineered immune cells can detect and eliminate previously “hidden” cancer cells in solid tumours. 

What are the Key Findings of the Study on Solid Tumours? 

• Limitations of Conventional CAR-T Cells: Conventional CAR-T therapy, though effective in blood cancers, struggles in solid tumours because it requires strong antigen signals for activation.  
  • Due to antigen heterogeneity (variation in expression of surface antigens among cells), many tumour cells express very low levels of target proteins or appear negative, allowing them to evade immune attack and later cause tumour relapse. 
• Pseudo-Heterogeneity in Solid Tumours: The study found that tumour cells are not truly antigen-negative but express the target protein at very low levels, a condition termed pseudo-heterogeneity.  
  • Scientists noted that cancer cells likely retain small amounts of the protein because it is necessary for their survival. 
  • Researchers identified that the enzyme EZH2 suppresses CD70 (a protein found in 70-80% of kidney and ovarian cancers, and about 25% of pancreatic cancers) expression by modifying chromatin structure, reducing protein levels and making tumour cells appear invisible to conventional therapies. 
  • Around 80–90% of tumour cells previously labelled CD70-negative were found to still carry detectable levels, indicating most tumour cells remain targetable with improved sensitivity. 
• Enhanced Sensitivity through HIT Receptor: To overcome this limitation, scientists developed the HLA-independent T-cell (HIT) receptor, which directly links antigen detection to the T-cell’s natural activation pathway.  
  • Researchers explained that this design allows T-cells to respond to much lower antigen densities, improving their ability to identify hidden tumour cells. 
  • In xenograft models (human tumours grown in mice), conventional CAR-T reduced tumours but failed due to low-antigen (weak target signal) cells, while HIT T-cells eliminated them and achieved complete, lasting tumour removal.  
• Safety Concerns and Scientific Caution: Scientists warned that higher sensitivity may attack normal cells , but CD70 is mostly absent in vital organs, side effects were temporary, and safety switches can reduce risks.

What is CAR-T Cell Therapy?

• About: It is a  form of immunotherapy (a treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer). 
• The Process: 
  • Extraction: T-cells (a type of white blood cell responsible for fighting infections) are extracted from the patient's blood. 
  • Genetic Engineering: In a laboratory, these T-cells are genetically modified to produce special receptors on their surface called Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs). 
  • Multiplication & Infusion: These modified, "supercharged" T-cells are multiplied by the millions and infused back into the patient's bloodstream. 
  • Action: The CARs act like heat-seeking missiles, enabling the T-cells to specifically recognize, bind to, and destroy cancer cells bearing a specific antigen (protein). 
• Success in Blood Cancers: CAR-T therapy has been highly successful against "liquid" or hematological cancers like Leukemia and Lymphoma.  
  • This is because blood cancer cells typically possess a high and uniform density of target antigens (like CD19). 
• Limitations of CAR-T Therapy: 
  • Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): This is a severe, potentially life-threatening side effect where the activated T-cells release a massive amount of inflammatory cytokines, leading to high fever, dangerous drops in blood pressure, and organ dysfunction. 
  • Neurotoxicity: Patients can experience neurological issues like confusion, delirium, or seizures (known as ICANS). 
  • High Cost: CAR-T therapy is highly customized for each patient (autologous). Globally, it costs hundreds of thousands of dollars, making it largely inaccessible. 
  • Manufacturing Time: The process of extracting, engineering, and multiplying cells takes several weeks, during which aggressive cancers can progress. 

India’s Progress in CAR-T Therapy 

• In October 2023, India approved NexCAR19, the country’s first indigenously developed CAR-T cell therapy. 
  • Developed collaboratively by ImmunoACT, IIT Bombay, and Tata Memorial Hospital, it is designed to treat B-cell lymphomas and B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 
• Significance: NexCAR19 has drastically brought down the cost of this therapy from approximately Rs 3-4 crores (imported) to around Rs 40 lakhs, democratizing access to cutting-edge cancer care in India. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is CAR-T cell therapy?
It is an immunotherapy where a patient’s T-cells are genetically modified to target and destroy cancer cells. 

2. Why is CAR-T therapy less effective in solid tumours? 
Due to antigen heterogeneity and low antigen expression, many tumour cells escape immune detection. 

3. What is the HIT receptor innovation? 
It is a modified receptor that allows T-cells to detect very low antigen levels, improving tumour targeting. 

4. What is NexCAR19? 
It is India’s first indigenous CAR-T therapy approved by CDSCO for treating B-cell cancers at a lower cost. 

5. What are the major risks of CAR-T therapy? 
Key risks include Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), neurotoxicity, high cost, and long manufacturing time. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims 

Q. Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body? (2022)

(a) They protect the environmental allergens. body   

(b) They alleviate the body’s pain and inflammation.   

(c) They act as immunosuppressants in the body.   

(d) They protect the body from diseases caused by pathogens.  

Ans: (d)

1st India-Japan AI Strategic Dialogue 2026

Source:MEA 

The inaugural India-Japan Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategic Dialogue convened in Mumbai in April 2026, marking a crucial step towards fostering a robust, innovative, and trustworthy bilateral AI ecosystem. 

• Leadership and Participation: The dialogue was co-chaired by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India (Cyber Diplomacy Division) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan (Cyber Security Division), bringing together government agencies and AI industry representatives from both nations. 
  • Discussions focused on strategic cooperation across the entire AI stack, promoting policy convergence, co-creation, and development of AI solutions for industrial domains. 
• Talent and Innovation: Both sides explored mechanisms to strengthen the international mobility of AI talent and expand joint research through collaborative technological projects. 
  • The Dialogue also emphasized international cooperation in AI governance, ethical policy formulation, and engagement in multilateral fora. 
• Strategic Alignment: India-Japan AI Strategic Dialogue 2026 actively advances the India-Japan AI Cooperation Initiative, which was officially announced by the Prime Ministers in August 2025. 
• Long-Term Strategic Vision: AI cooperation is a central pillar of the India–Japan Joint Vision for the Next Decade, with both countries reaffirming commitment to long-term collaboration. 

Read more: Revisiting India-Japan Relations 

New Prehistoric Rock Art Site Discovered in Nilgiris

Source: TH 

Recently, the Yaakai Heritage Trust reported the rediscovery of a prehistoric rock painting site called Oor Pare in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, highlighting its cultural and archaeological significance. 

• Location: The site is located near Vellarikombai village in the Kotagiri region and lies at an altitude of around 1100 meters above sea level. The rock shelter is traditionally used by indigenous Irula and Kurumba communities, especially during honey collection activities. 
• Composition: Around 30 identifiable figures, along with several faint forms, are recorded, all executed in red ochre forming a monochrome composition. 
• Style: The paintings are classified into fine line drawings, thick stroke figures, and geometric composite forms. 
• Depictions: The artwork features anthropomorphic figures with conical headdresses, elongated human forms, ladder-like body structures, and ritual symbols like dot-filled rectangular patterns, indicating links to prehistoric ritual practices and supernatural beliefs. 
• Chronology: Evidence of repainting and superimposition points to multi-phase artistic activity across different cultural periods. 
• Other Sites: Nearby important rock art sites include Eluthuparai and Tholikkiparai, known for similar multi-layered chronological painting traditions.  

Read More: Mesolithic Rock Paintings Unearthed in Andhra Pradesh 

CITU Approaches ILO Over Alleged Violation of Workers’ Rights

Source:TH 

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has formally petitioned the International Labour Organization (ILO), alleging systemic violations of workers’ fundamental rights by the Union Government and the Uttar Pradesh Government in Noida and Greater Noida. 

• Violations Alleged: The complaint was filed before the ILO’s Committee on Freedom of Association, citing “grave, widespread and systematic” violations of freedom of association, right to organise, collective bargaining and peaceful assembly. 
  • CITU cited coercive measures such as mass arrests, use of force, and the criminalization of peaceful labour protests during worker mobilisations in April 2026. 
  • CITU has called for an independent judicial inquiry into police excesses, the withdrawal of criminal cases against protesters, and the restoration of collective bargaining mechanisms. 
• Economic Triggers: The protests were driven by stagnant real wages, rising cost of living, and concerns over Labour Codes, with minimum wages in Uttar Pradesh cited as below subsistence levels.  
• International Standards: The petition urges the ILO to ensure India complies with ILO Convention No. 98  and the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles. 
  • ILO Convention 98 sets basic principles for making collective bargaining work for workers, employers and society. 
  • The ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, adopted in 1998 and amended in 2022, is a global commitment by governments, employers, and workers to uphold basic human values in the workplace.  
    • It mandates that all ILO member states respect and promote five core categories of principles, regardless of ratification. 
  • The five core labour standards of the International Labour Organization include: 
    • Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. 
    • Elimination of forced or compulsory labour. 
    • Abolition of child labour. 
    • Elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation. 
    • Safe and healthy working environment. 

Read more: Workers Unrest and Labour Reforms , International Labour Organization 

Narcotics Control Bureau and Operation Global-Hunt

Source: PIB 

The Narcotics Control Bureau(NCB) secured the return of drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola from Türkiye under Operation Global-Hunt, marking the first success under the initiative and a major step in India’s crackdown on international narcotics networks.  

Operation Global-Hunt 

• About: Operation Global-Hunt is a three-year strategic initiative to dismantle around 100 international drug networks run by Indian fugitives, targeting traffickers dealing in heroin, cocaine, fentanyl and synthetic drugs through tools like INTERPOL notices and asset freezing. 
• Coordination: It involves coordinated action among Indian agencies such as NCB, Mumbai Police, Gujarat ATS and international authorities, strengthening cross-border enforcement capabilities. 
• Policy Framework: The initiative is part of India’s broader “zero tolerance” anti-narcotics policy, strengthened through the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) and a planned nationwide anti-drug campaign with defined targets and monitoring up to 2029. 

Narcotics Control Bureau(NCB) 

• About: Headquartered in New Delhi, NCB is the apex drug law enforcement and intelligence agency in India, constituted in 1986 under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. 
• Functions and Powers of NCB: Operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and coordinates with various central and state agencies for enforcement and policy implementation. 
• Major Legislation Governing Drugs: Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and Prevention of Illicit Traffic in NDPS Act, 1988, National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. 
• Global Efforts: India is a signatory to key international conventions like Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 (as amended by 1972 Protocol), Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971, and UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.

Read More: Drug Trafficking and Threat to Security