List of Chief Economic Advisors of India Till Today, Check the Complete List

The Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) is one of the most important economic experts in the Government of India. This official helps the government understand the country’s economic situation and gives advice on major financial matters. The CEA plays a key role in shaping economic thinking and preparing important reports that guide policy decisions. Though the post has no direct executive power, its influence is widely felt in economic planning.

Who is the Chief Economic Adviser?

The Chief Economic Adviser is a senior official in the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. The CEA holds the rank of a Secretary to the Government of India and works under the Department of Economic Affairs. The adviser is also the head of the Economic Division and controls the Indian Economic Service as its cadre authority.

List of Chief Economic Advisor of India

The Chief Economic Adviser of India is an important expert who guides the government on economic matters. Since independence, many respected economists have held this post and helped shape India’s economic policies.

Here is the complete list of Chief Economic Advisor of India:

S. No.	Name	Tenure
S. No.	Name	From	To
1.	JJ Anjaria	1956	1961
2.	IG Patel	1961	1964
2.	IG Patel	1964	1966
3.	V. K. Ramaswamy	1967	1969
4.	Ashok Mitra	1970	1972
5.	Manmohan Singh	1972	1976
6.	R. M. Honavar	1977	1979
7.	Bimal Jalan	1981	1984
7.	Bimal Jalan	1984	1988
8.	Nitin Desai	1988	1988
8.	Nitin Desai	1988	1989
9.	Deepak Nayyar	1989	1990
		1990	1991
		1991	1991
10.	Shankar Acharya	1993	1996
		1996	1997
		1997	1998
		1998	2001
11.	Rakesh Mohan	2001	2002
12.	Ashok K Lahiri	2002	2004
12.	Ashok K Lahiri	2004	2007
13.	Arvind Virmani	2007	2009
14.	Kaushik Basu	2009	2012
15.	Raghuram Rajan	10 August 2012	4 September 2013
16.	Arvind Subramanian	16 October 2014	20 June 2018
17.	Krishnamurthy Subramanian	7 December 2018	7 December 2021
18.	V Anantha Nageswaran	21 January 2022	Incumbent

Appointment and Background of Chief Economic Advisor of India

Before 2009, the post of CEA was filled through the Union Public Service Commission. Earlier, most Chief Economic Advisers came from the Indian Economic Service. Over time, the position has become more open, with economists from academic and international backgrounds also being appointed.

Main Duties of the CEA

Prepares and presents the Economic Survey of India before the Union Budget
Heads the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs
Provides analysis on growth, inflation, employment, trade, and fiscal policy
Acts as the cadre-controlling authority of the Indian Economic Service
Supports policy planning through research, data analysis, and expert opinion

Nature of the Role of CEA

The role of the CEA is advisory in nature. This means the adviser does not take final decisions or run departments. How much the government follows the advice depends on the situation and leadership. Former CEA Arvind Subramanian explained that the job mainly involves analysis, ideas, and the Economic Survey, not executive authority.

Agni-V vs DF-41: India vs China in Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Power

In today’s strategic environment, Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) represent the highest level of land-based military deterrence. These missiles can travel thousands of kilometers and deliver nuclear warheads with high precision.

Two major Asian powers — India and China — have developed advanced long-range missile systems to strengthen their nuclear deterrence capabilities. India’s Agni-V and China’s Dongfeng-41 (DF-41) are among the most powerful missiles in their respective arsenals. Understanding the differences between them is important for students preparing for defence, international relations, and security-related exams.

What Is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)?

An ICBM is a long-range ballistic missile designed to carry nuclear warheads over distances greater than 5,500 km. It travels in a high arc, briefly exiting the Earth’s atmosphere before re-entering to strike its target.

ICBMs form a crucial part of a country’s nuclear triad, which includes:

Land-based missiles
Submarine-launched missiles
Strategic bombers

This triad ensures a second-strike capability, meaning a country can retaliate even after facing a nuclear attack.

Agni-V: India’s Long-Range Strategic Missile

The Agni-V is India’s most advanced long-range ballistic missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It significantly strengthens India’s land-based nuclear deterrent.

Key Features of Agni-V

Type: Three-stage, solid-fuel ballistic missile
Range: Approximately 5,000–8,000 km
Payload: Around 1.5 tonnes, nuclear capable
Launch System: Canisterised road-mobile launcher
Guidance: Advanced navigation and guidance system for improved accuracy
MIRV Capability: Designed to carry Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs)

Why Agni-V Is Important

The missile allows India to cover most of Asia and parts of Europe, including strategic regions deep inside potential adversary territory. Its canister launch system improves mobility, reduces launch preparation time, and enhances survivability.

For India, Agni-V supports its doctrine of credible minimum deterrence and No First Use (NFU) policy.

DF-41: China’s Most Powerful ICBM

The DF-41 (Dongfeng-41) is one of the most advanced and longest-range ICBMs in the world. It represents a key pillar of China’s rapidly modernizing nuclear forces.

Key Features of DF-41

Type: Three-stage, solid-fuel ICBM
Range: Approximately 12,000–15,000 km
Payload: Can carry multiple nuclear warheads
MIRV Capability: Yes, capable of deploying several warheads on different targets
Launch Options: Road-mobile, rail-mobile, and silo-based
Accuracy: High precision with modern guidance systems

Why DF-41 Is Important

The DF-41 gives China the ability to reach targets across continents, including North America and Europe. Its mobility and multiple deployment modes make it harder to detect and destroy, increasing its survivability during conflict.

Agni-V vs DF-41: Direct Comparison

Feature	Agni-V (India)	DF-41 (China)
Range	5,000–8,000 km	12,000–15,000 km
Type	Solid-fuel, 3-stage	Solid-fuel, 3-stage
MIRV	Yes	Yes (higher capacity)
Mobility	Road-mobile, canisterised	Road, rail, and silo
Payload	~1.5 tonnes	Larger payload capacity
Strategic Reach	Primarily regional	Global reach

Strategic Role in National Security

India’s Perspective

For India, the Agni-V is mainly aimed at strengthening deterrence against regional adversaries, particularly China. It ensures India can respond effectively to threats across Asia. The focus is on credible deterrence, not arms racing.

China’s Perspective

China’s DF-41 reflects its ambition for global strategic deterrence. With longer range and higher MIRV capacity, it is designed to maintain nuclear balance with major global powers and enhance second-strike capability.

Key Takeaways for Exam Preparation

Agni-V is India’s longest-range operational missile and supports regional deterrence.
DF-41 has intercontinental global reach, making it one of the world’s most powerful ICBMs.
Both missiles use solid fuel, which allows faster launch readiness.
MIRV technology increases strike effectiveness by allowing multiple warheads from a single missile.
The comparison highlights the difference between India’s regional security focus and China’s global deterrence strategy.

Which Indian City is known as the City of Embroidery?

Across the world, certain cities become famous for a single craft that defines their cultural identity. One such Indian city is especially known for its fine needlework, delicate patterns, and hand-crafted designs passed down through generations. This traditional art reflects elegance, patience, and creativity, and has gained national as well as international recognition for its beauty and skilled craftsmanship.

Which City is known as the City of Embroidery?

Lucknow is known as the City of Embroidery. It is famous for Chikankari, a beautiful and delicate hand embroidery style. This traditional art began during the Mughal period and grew under royal support. Skilled artisans in Lucknow create fine designs on light fabrics using detailed handwork. Because of its rich embroidery heritage and global popularity, Lucknow proudly holds this title.

Why is Lucknow known as the City of Embroidery?

Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is famous all over the world for its beautiful hand embroidery. For hundreds of years, this city has been a centre of fine needlework and artistic skills. Because of its strong connection with Chikankari embroidery, Lucknow is proudly called the City of Embroidery.

The Birthplace of Chikankari Embroidery

Lucknow is the home of Chikankari, a delicate and elegant form of hand embroidery. This art started during the Mughal period and grew under the support of Nawabs. Over time, it became the identity of the city. Even today, authentic Chikankari is closely linked with Lucknow.

What is Chikankari Embroidery?

Chikankari is a traditional embroidery done using white thread on light-coloured fabrics. It is known for its fine designs, soft patterns, and neat stitches. Artisans use techniques like murri, phanda, jaali, and shadow work. Each piece is made by hand and requires great care and patience.

Royal Influence and Cultural Heritage

During the Mughal era, Chikankari was worn by royal families and nobles. The Nawabs of Awadh encouraged this craft, which gave it a royal touch. This rich history makes Lucknow’s embroidery more special and culturally important.

Skilled Artisans of Lucknow

Lucknow has thousands of skilled artisans who have learned this art from their elders. Many Chikankari garments take several days or even weeks to complete. The work demands concentration, experience, and steady hands.

Importance of Embroidery in Lucknow’s Economy

Chikankari is not just an art but also a major source of income for the city. It provides employment to many people, especially women. Chikankari clothes are sold across India and exported to many countries.

Global Recognition and GI Tag

Lucknow Chikankari has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which protects its originality. Today, fashion designers and celebrities across the world wear Chikankari outfits, increasing its global demand.

Microsoft Unveils Maia 200 AI Chip, Challenges Nvidia’s Dominance

In a major development in the global technology and artificial intelligence race, Microsoft has unveiled the next generation of its in-house AI chip, Maia 200. The announcement signals Microsoft’s intent to reduce dependence on external chipmakers and directly challenge Nvidia, which currently dominates the AI hardware and software ecosystem.

Why in News?

Microsoft has launched its Maia 200 AI chip along with a new software stack, positioning it as a competitor to Nvidia’s AI chips and its widely used CUDA software platform.

What Is the Maia 200 AI Chip?

The Maia 200 is Microsoft’s second-generation custom-built artificial intelligence chip, following the original Maia introduced in 2023.
The chip has gone live in a Microsoft data centre in Iowa, with plans for deployment in Arizona.
Designed for large-scale AI workloads such as chatbots and generative AI systems, Maia 200 aims to improve performance, reduce costs, and enhance control over Microsoft’s cloud-based AI infrastructure.

Advanced Manufacturing and Technical Features

Maia 200 is manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) using cutting-edge 3-nanometer chipmaking technology, similar to Nvidia’s upcoming flagship Vera Rubin chips.
It uses high-bandwidth memory (HBM), though from an older generation than Nvidia’s latest designs.
A key differentiator is the chip’s large SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) capacity, which boosts speed and efficiency when handling large volumes of AI queries simultaneously.

Software Push: Taking Aim at Nvidia’s CUDA

One of Nvidia’s biggest strengths lies in its proprietary CUDA software ecosystem, which is deeply embedded among developers.
To counter this, Microsoft announced it will bundle open-source software tools with Maia 200, including Triton, a programming framework with significant contributions from OpenAI.
Triton is designed to perform similar tasks to CUDA, helping developers optimise AI workloads without being locked into Nvidia’s platform.

Growing Trend of In-House AI Chips

Microsoft’s move aligns with a broader industry trend. Major cloud players like Google and Amazon Web Services are also developing their own AI chips to compete with Nvidia.
Google has attracted interest from companies such as Meta Platforms, which is collaborating to narrow the software gap with Nvidia.
This reflects a shift toward vertical integration in cloud computing and AI.

Question

Q. The Maia 200 AI chip, recently in news, has been developed by which company?

A. Google
B. Amazon
C. Microsoft
D. Nvidia

Adani–Embraer Pact to Manufacture Aircraft in India: Explained

India has taken another step towards becoming a global aviation manufacturing hub as the Adani Group and Embraer of Brazil signed a key agreement to manufacture aircraft in India. The partnership marks Adani’s entry into commercial aircraft manufacturing and aligns with India’s long-term goal of building indigenous capabilities across the aerospace value chain.

Why in News?

The Adani Group and Embraer have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore cooperation in aircraft manufacturing, supply chains, training, and maintenance services in India.

What Is the Adani–Embraer Agreement About?

The agreement focuses on setting up a regional transport aircraft venture in India, covering aircraft manufacturing, component production, aftermarket services, and pilot training.
While financial details were not disclosed, the partnership signals a strategic move to localise aircraft production.
For Adani, it marks its formal entry into commercial aviation manufacturing, complementing its existing presence in airports, defence, and aerospace.
For Embraer, India offers a fast-growing aviation market and a strong industrial base to expand beyond Brazil.

Who Is Embraer and Why Is It Important?

Embraer is the world’s third-largest aircraft manufacturer, after Airbus and Boeing.
It specialises in regional jets carrying 70 to 140 passengers, mainly through its E2 family of aircraft.
These jets are widely used for short- and medium-haul routes.
Embraer’s aircraft compete with Airbus A220 but do not overlap with larger wide-body aircraft, making them ideal for India’s regional connectivity needs.

Why India Is a Strategic Choice for This Venture

India is among the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, with rising demand for regional air connectivity under schemes like UDAN.
The government is also pushing to increase India’s share in global aircraft manufacturing, moving beyond assembly to full-scale component and systems production.
Embraer has already shown interest in India by partnering with Mahindra earlier on the C-390 military transport aircraft, indicating long-term commitment.

Supports Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat

The partnership strengthens the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat missions by promoting domestic manufacturing of high-value aerospace products.
Aircraft manufacturing creates skilled jobs, boosts technology transfer, and strengthens supply chains involving MSMEs.
It also reduces India’s dependence on imports for aircraft and components, which is critical for both civil aviation and strategic autonomy.

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Companies Involved	Adani Group, Embraer
Country Partners	India – Brazil
Agreement Type	Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Focus Areas	Aircraft manufacturing, supply chain, MRO, training
Aircraft Segment	Regional jets (70–140 seats)
Strategic Goal	Boost India’s aviation manufacturing

Question

Q. Embraer, recently in news for its partnership with Adani Group, is headquartered in which country?

A. USA
B. France
C. Brazil
D. Germany

DRDO’s Hypersonic Glide Missile Makes Republic Day Debut

India’s defense modernisation was on full display at the 77th Republic Day parade with the debut of an advanced hypersonic missile system. Developed indigenously, the new weapon reflects India’s growing technological depth in high-speed precision warfare and highlights the emphasis on strengthening maritime security in an evolving strategic environment.

Why in News?

At the 77th Republic Day parade, Defence Research and Development Organisation showcased its hypersonic glide missile system, the LR-AShM, along with its launcher, marking its first public appearance.

What Is the LR-AShM Missile System?

The Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-AShM) is a hypersonic glide missile developed to meet the coastal battery requirements of the Indian Navy.
Hypersonic glide vehicles travel at speeds greater than Mach 5, following a low and manoeuvrable trajectory that makes detection and interception extremely difficult.
The system is designed for land-based deployment, allowing rapid response against hostile naval assets approaching India’s coastline.

Key Features of the Hypersonic Glide Missile

The LR-AShM combines high speed, precision, and survivability.
Its hypersonic speed drastically reduces reaction time for adversaries.
The glide vehicle’s manoeuvrability enables it to evade modern air defence systems.
The missile is optimised for anti-ship roles, capable of engaging high-value naval targets with high accuracy.
Being indigenously developed, it strengthens self-reliance under India’s defence indigenisation push.

Strategic Significance for the Indian Navy

The induction of the LR-AShM will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s coastal defence and sea-denial capabilities.
It provides the Navy with a powerful tool to deter hostile naval movements in the Indian Ocean Region.
Deployed as part of coastal batteries, the system strengthens India’s ability to protect critical maritime infrastructure, ports, and sea lanes while reinforcing deterrence against technologically advanced adversaries.

Hypersonic Weapons and Modern Warfare

Hypersonic weapons represent a transformative shift in modern warfare due to their speed, unpredictability, and precision.
Only a handful of countries currently possess operational hypersonic capabilities.
India’s progress in this domain places it among a select group of advanced military powers and signals a strong commitment to future-ready defence technologies.

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	First public display at Republic Day
Missile System	LR-AShM
Type	Hypersonic glide missile
Developer	DRDO
Primary User	Indian Navy

Question

Q. The LR-AShM displayed at the Republic Day parade is developed for which primary role?

A. Air-to-air combat
B. Ballistic missile defence
C. Anti-ship coastal defence
D. Satellite launch

What Makes Nirmala Sitharaman’s Ninth Budget Historic?

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present a record ninth consecutive Budget on February 1, 2026, making history as she continues to hold the distinction of presenting the most Budgets on the trot in independent India. This unprecedented achievement reflects her consistent tenure as India’s first full-time woman Finance Minister under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.

A Historic Milestone

When Sitharaman presents the Budget on February 1, 2026, she will be making her ninth straight budget presentation. This remarkable streak began in 2019 when she was appointed as India’s first full-time woman Finance Minister after Prime Minister Modi secured a decisive second term. Despite political changes, she has retained her finance portfolio after Modi won the 2024 elections for a third consecutive term.

So far, she has presented a total of eight straight Budgets, including an interim one in February 2024. The ninth consecutive Budget will further cement her position as a record-breaker in Indian financial history.

Approaching the All-Time Record

While Sitharaman’s achievement is remarkable, she remains one budget short of the all-time record. Former Prime Minister Morarji Desai holds the record for presenting the largest number of Budgets overall, with a total of 10 Budgets presented during his tenure as Finance Minister under Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Lal Bahadur Shastri.

However, Sitharaman’s record is distinctive because her nine consecutive Budgets under a single Prime Minister (Modi) surpasses the achievements of other notable Finance Ministers:

Morarji Desai: 10 Budgets total, but not all consecutive
P. Chidambaram: 9 Budgets under different Prime Ministers
Pranab Mukherjee: 8 Budgets under different Prime Ministers
Manmohan Singh: 5 consecutive Budgets (1991-1995)

Budget Expected to Focus on Economic Growth

The Budget expected on February 1 is anticipated to contain reform measures aimed at shoring up economic growth amid a volatile geopolitical situation. This comes at a time when India faces several economic headwinds, including a steep 50% U.S. tariff on shipments from India and broader geopolitical uncertainties.

The presentation will require strategic fiscal and monetary measures to maintain India’s growth trajectory while addressing these external challenges.

Historical Facts About Budget Presentations in Independent India

The First Budget of Independent India

The first-ever Union Budget of independent India was presented on November 26, 1947, by the nation’s first Finance Minister, R.K. Shanmukham Chetty. This historic budget laid the foundation for India’s financial management as a sovereign nation.

Budget Records and Achievements

Longest Budget Speech

Nirmala Sitharaman holds the record for the longest Budget speech in independent India. Her presentation on February 1, 2020, lasted an impressive two hours and 40 minutes. Notably, she had to cut short her speech with two pages remaining, highlighting the exhaustive nature of budget presentations and the extensive reforms she outlined.

This lengthy speech demonstrated the depth and complexity of modern budget proposals, covering numerous policy changes and economic measures.

Shortest Budget Speech

In contrast, Hirubhai Mulljibhai Patel’s interim Budget speech in 1977 holds the record for being the shortest, consisting of just 800 words. This reflects how budget speeches have evolved significantly in length and detail over the decades.

Evolution of Budget Timing

The time at which the Budget is presented has undergone significant changes since independence.

Traditional Timing (Colonial Era Practice)

The Budget was traditionally presented on the last day of February at 5 p.m. This timing followed a colonial era practice dating back to British rule. The specific timing was chosen because India is 4 hours and 30 minutes ahead of British Summer Time. Presenting the budget at 5 p.m. in India ensured that announcements could be made simultaneously in London and India, allowing British financial markets to respond appropriately.

This practice continued even after independence as a legacy of colonial administration.

Change in Timing (1999)

The timing was changed in 1999 when then Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha, serving in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, presented the budget at 11 a.m. instead of 5 p.m.

Since this change, all Budgets have been presented at 11 a.m., making the morning presentation the standard practice in modern India.

Budget Presentation Date

The budget presentation date underwent another significant change in 2017. It was shifted to February 1 instead of the last day of February.

Reason for the Change

This change was introduced to allow the government to:

Complete the Parliamentary approval process by March-end
Enable budget implementation from the start of the fiscal year (April 1)

When budgets were presented on February 29, implementation could not begin before May or June, after accounting for 2-3 months of the parliamentary approval process. By moving the presentation to February 1, the government gained additional time for parliamentary discussions and procedures, allowing full implementation from the fiscal year’s start.

Budget Records: Most Number of Budgets Presented

1. Morarji Desai – 10 Budgets (Record Holder)

Former Prime Minister Morarji Desai holds the record for presenting the largest number of Budgets in independent India. He presented 10 Budgets total during his tenure as Finance Minister under Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Lal Bahadur Shastri.

Timeline:

First Budget: February 28, 1959
Two full Budgets in the following two years
One interim Budget in 1962
Two full Budgets following
One interim Budget in 1967 (after a four-year gap)
Three full Budgets in 1967, 1968, and 1969
Total: 10 Budgets

2. P. Chidambaram – 9 Budgets (Second Highest)

Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram presented the Budget on nine occasions across different governments.

Timeline:

First Budget: March 19, 1996 (United Front government under PM H.D. Deve Gowda)
Another Budget under the same government the next year
Five Budgets between 2004 and 2008 (Congress-led UPA government)
Two more Budgets in 2013 and 2014 (after returning as Finance Minister from Home Ministry tenure)
Total: 9 Budgets

3. Pranab Mukherjee – 8 Budgets (Third Highest)

Former Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee presented 8 Budgets during his tenure.

Timeline:

Three Budgets in 1982, 1983, and 1984
Five consecutive Budgets between February 2009 and March 2012 (Congress-led UPA government)
Total: 8 Budgets

4. Manmohan Singh – 5 Budgets (Consecutive Record)

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh presented 5 consecutive Budgets between 1991 and 1995 when he was Finance Minister in the P.V. Narasimha Rao government. These consecutive budgets were crucial during India’s economic liberalization period.

Significance of Sitharaman’s Achievement

Nirmala Sitharaman’s ninth consecutive budget represents several significant milestones:

First Full-Time Woman Finance Minister: She broke the glass ceiling in Indian finance ministry, becoming the first woman to hold the position full-time.
Continuous Tenure: Her nine consecutive budgets under PM Modi demonstrate political stability and consistent economic stewardship.
Economic Stewardship: Despite global uncertainties, including the 2020 pandemic, economic slowdowns, and geopolitical tensions, she has maintained continuity in India’s fiscal policy.
Approach to Diverse Challenges: Her budgets have addressed multiple economic challenges—from pandemic recovery to managing inflation, handling geopolitical tensions, and maintaining growth.
Reform Focus: Each budget has contained significant reform measures, reflecting her commitment to economic modernization.

What to Expect from Budget 2026

The Budget to be presented on February 1, 2026, is expected to:

Focus on maintaining India’s economic growth momentum amid global uncertainties
Address challenges posed by U.S. tariffs and geopolitical risks
Introduce reform measures to strengthen India’s economic fundamentals
Continue focus on infrastructure development, social welfare, and fiscal sustainability
Balance growth aspirations with fiscal prudence

France Moves Bill to Ban Social Media for Under-15s to Protect Mental Health

List of Chief Economic Advisors of India Till Today, Check the Complete List_11.1

France has taken a decisive step to regulate children’s digital exposure. The country’s National Assembly has approved legislation to ban children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms. The move reflects growing concerns over online bullying, mental health issues and the impact of excessive screen time on young people.

Why in News?

France’s National Assembly has voted to approve a bill banning children below 15 years from social media platforms, with the government aiming to implement the law before the next academic year.

Key Features of the Proposed Ban

The legislation introduces strict limits on minors access to social networking platforms.

Bans under-15s from social media and embedded social networking features
Applies to platforms such as Meta Platforms Inc (Facebook, Instagram), Alphabet Inc (YouTube), TikTok and Snapchat
Requires age-verification systems compliant with EU laws
Extends existing smartphone bans in schools to include high schools
The bill was passed by 116 votes to 23 and now moves to the Senate.

Government’s Rationale Behind the Decision

French leaders argue that social media poses serious risks to children’s well-being.

President Emmanuel Macron has linked social media to youth violence and mental stress
Lawmakers cited reduced reading habits, poor sleep and unhealthy self-comparison
Online bullying and anxiety among minors were major concerns
The government wants to set “clear boundaries” on children’s digital exposure.

Inspired by Australia’s Precedent

France’s move closely follows a global trend.

Australia introduced a world-first ban on social media for under-16s in December
Macron has urged France to adopt similar protections
Countries like Britain, Spain, Denmark and Greece are studying the Australian model
France aims to enforce the ban by September, before schools reopen.

Public and Political Response in France

The proposal has received strong domestic backing.

A 2024 Harris Interactive survey showed 73% public support for the ban
Centrist and far-right lawmakers alike described it as a “health emergency”
Teenagers expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting safety measures and others calling the ban excessive
Despite challenges in enforcement, political consensus remains strong.

About Social Media Regulation in Europe

Across Europe, governments are rethinking digital safety for minors.

The European Parliament has urged the EU to consider minimum age limits
Enforcement remains the responsibility of individual member states
Concerns include mental health, cyberbullying, misinformation and addiction
France’s proposal could influence broader EU-level action.

Question

Q. France’s proposed social media ban applies to children below which age?

A) 12 years
B) 13 years
C) 15 years
D) 16 years

Republic Day Parade Sees Bhairav Battalion, Suryastra — What’s New?

India’s 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path sent a strong message of transformation. Beyond ceremonial splendour, the parade highlighted the Indian Army’s evolving combat doctrine. The first public appearance of the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion and the indigenous Suryastra rocket system reflected a clear shift towards agility, realism and self-reliant military capability.

Why in News?

During the 77th Republic Day Parade, the Indian Army showcased new combat formations and indigenous weapon systems for the first time, marking a strategic transition from symbolic display to operational realism.

Bhairav Light Commando Battalio

The Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, raised in October 2025, made its maiden public appearance at the parade.

The 4 Bhairav Battalion belongs to the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment
It is designed to bridge the gap between conventional infantry and special forces
Focuses on swift, high-intensity missions in difficult terrains
Enhances India’s ability for agile and flexible combat operations
This formation reflects the Indian Army’s shift towards a lean, rapid-response force structure suited for future conflicts.

Suryastra Rocket System

A major highlight of the parade was the first-ever display of the Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLLS) – Suryastra.

India’s first indigenous universal multi-calibre rocket launcher
Capable of precision surface-to-surface strikes
Strike ranges of 150 km and 300 km
Can integrate multiple rocket and missile variants on a single platform
Unlike traditional artillery systems, Suryastra offers operational flexibility, underlining India’s progress in Atmanirbhar defence manufacturing.

Operational Realism Replaces Ceremonial Tradition

The parade showcased a distinct focus on battlefield realism rather than ceremonial aesthetics.

Scouts contingent appeared in heavy thermal combat gear
Led by Lieutenant Amit Choudhary of the 2 Arunachal Scouts
Highlighted India’s focus on high-altitude surveillance and border reconnaissance
The 61 Cavalry appeared in full combat gear for the first time, breaking tradition
Army columns advanced in phased battle array formations, replicating real operational movement from reconnaissance to logistics and combat.

Republic Day Ceremony and Global Attention

The celebrations began with a cultural performance themed “Vishwaguru Bharat – Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”.

President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the National Flag
A 21-gun salute was fired using indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns
The event was attended by Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa
Their presence added global significance to India’s display of military modernisation.

Question

Q. The Bhairav Light Commando Battalion belongs to which regiment?

A) Gorkha Rifles
B) Sikh Light Infantry
C) Rajput Regiment
D) Assam Rifles

What Makes the Bactrian Camels’ Republic Day Appearance Historic?

In a unique and symbolic moment during the 77th Republic Day Parade, India showcased an extraordinary element of its natural and strategic heritage. For the first time ever, double-humped Bactrian camels from Ladakh marched down Kartavya Path, drawing national attention. Named Galwan and Nubra, these camels represented not just tradition, but resilience, biodiversity, and India’s evolving high-altitude defence preparedness.

Why in News?

Bactrian camels from Ladakh made their historic debut at the Republic Day Parade 2026, highlighting their rarity, ecological importance, and emerging role in India’s high-altitude military logistics.

Ladakh’s Rare Double-Humped Camels

Bactrian camels, locally called Mundri camels, are native to the cold desert ecosystem of Ladakh.
India has only about 365 Bactrian camels, with the majority found in the Nubra Valley.
These camels are uniquely adapted to survive in one of the harshest climates on Earth, where temperatures fall below –30°C, oxygen levels are low, and vegetation is sparse.
In such conditions, mechanical transport often fails, making these animals invaluable.

Biological Adaptations for Extreme Altitudes

Bactrian camels are biologically designed for high-altitude and arid terrain.
They can carry loads of 150–170 kilograms and travel 10–12 kilometres daily at altitudes of 14,000–15,000 feet.
Their two humps store fat-based energy, allowing survival without food for two to three weeks
. As the fat is consumed, the humps shrink.
Remarkably, they can withstand temperatures as low as –40°C and even consume snow for hydration during winter months.

Military Trials and Strategic Importance

Recognising their potential, extensive trials were conducted by the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Tests at altitudes of around 17,000 feet confirmed that Bactrian camels outperform mules and ponies in extreme cold terrain.
As a result, standard operating procedures have been developed for feeding, healthcare, breeding, and load management to support their operational deployment in border areas.

From the Silk Route to Modern Border Strategy

Historically, Bactrian camels were the backbone of the ancient Silk Route, a 6,400-kilometre trade network connecting Central Asia, China, Mongolia, and India.
They transported silk, tea, spices, and metals across hostile landscapes.
Their appearance at the Republic Day Parade symbolised this ancient legacy while underscoring modern relevance.
Along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), animals remain silent, non-jammable, fuel-independent, and reliable, reinforcing India’s strategy of blending traditional resilience with modern military planning.

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Species	Bactrian Camel (Double-humped)
Local Name	Mundri Camel
First Parade Appearance	Republic Day 2026
Native Region	Nubra Valley, Ladakh
Estimated Population in India	365
Strategic Role	High-altitude logistics

Question

Q. Bactrian camels, recently seen in the Republic Day Parade, are native to which Indian region?

A. Thar Desert
B. Rann of Kutch
C. Nubra Valley
D. Spiti Valley