G7 Evian Summit: Global Leadership and the Crisis of Trust

General Studies Paper – II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.

Context

The recently concluded G7 Summit in Evian, France, has emerged as a significant milestone in the history of global diplomacy. The central theme of this summit was "Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity." At a time when the global economy is grappling with uncertainties amid inflation and regional conflicts, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sparked a new conceptual debate by raising the issue of a 'shortage of trust' on the global stage.

An Overview of the G7

The G7 is an influential group consisting of seven of the world's most advanced economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This group provides direction to global economic policies and security agendas. India's presence at this year's Evian summit was as a 'strategic partner,' which underlines India's growing stature on the world stage.

• History: It started in 1975 as the G6. With the addition of Canada in 1976, it became the G7, and with the inclusion of Russia in 1997, it became the G8. However, after Russia's suspension in 2014 due to the Crimea crisis, it reverted to the G7.
• Structure: It has no permanent headquarters, charter, or secretariat. Its presidency and summit are hosted on a rotating basis among member countries every year.
• India's Status: India is not an official member of the G7, but as a major global power, it is often invited as a 'guest country.' India's active participation in issues like global supply chains, climate change, and digital security has made India's importance in the G7 globally indispensable.

Key Discussion Points: The Crisis of Trust

In his address, Prime Minister Modi made it clear that the world today faces a crisis not of resources, but of 'trust.'

• Trust as a Strategic Asset: The Prime Minister described it as the most important strategic asset of the current era.
• Aspirations of the Global South: India has established itself as the vocal voice of the 'Global South' (developing nations). India's message was clear: developing nations seek equal 'partnership,' not just 'aid.'
• India’s Africa Model: India presented its development experiences—specifically capacity building in the sectors of training, water management, agriculture, and energy—as a 'win-win' model.

Bilateral Diplomacy: Expanding Relations

On the sidelines of the summit, Prime Minister Modi held several important meetings:

• Canada: In talks with Prime Minister Mark Carney, an agreement was reached to finalize a concrete trade deal before the end of the year.
• United Kingdom: Emphasis was placed on exploring new areas of cooperation with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
• UAE: The meeting with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan further strengthened India's strategic and economic ties with the Gulf region.

India-US Relations: A Test of Diplomatic Balance

A significant focus of the summit was the shifting equation between India and the United States. In their first face-to-face talks since February 2025, several points of tension were highlighted:

• Issues such as the death of Indian sailors off the coast of Oman and visa restrictions became challenges in the relationship.
• President Trump’s claim regarding a 'ceasefire' during the India-Pakistan conflict in May 2025 and delays in trade deals complicated relations. However, this meeting was a necessary step toward resolving differences and bringing bilateral talks back on track.

India's Independent Stance

India proved at the summit that it supports global agendas on its own terms. While India cooperated on humanitarian efforts such as fighting the Ebola outbreak and cancer, it did not sign the manifesto regarding the restructuring of the 'development finance ecosystem' that was not in line with its policies. This demonstrates India’s 'strategic autonomy.'

Way Forward

The Evian summit is evidence that the future global order must move beyond the old 'donor-recipient' framework and be based on the principles of 'equal partnership.'

• Institutional Reform: International institutions like the World Bank must adapt to the economic realities of the Global South.
• Trust Building: G7 countries should focus on knowledge transfer and a shared financial agenda rather than just loans.
• Strategic Resilience: India must maintain a balance between cooperation on shared interests (health, environment) and its own economic goals (Make in India).

Conclusion

Prime Minister Modi's message that "the world seeks partnership, not aid" will be the new mantra for global diplomacy in the coming decade. India is not merely an emerging power but a power ready to provide direction to global solutions and play a decisive role in building a multipolar world.

Geopolitical Challenges and Canada’s Membership: An Analysis of Indo-Pacific Security and IORA

General Studies Paper – II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.

Context:

As part of efforts to enhance its strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Canada has applied to become a 'Dialogue Partner' in the 'Indian Ocean Rim Association' (IORA). Recently, this proposal was reviewed at the 28th meeting of the IORA 'Committee of Senior Officials' (CSO) held in New Delhi on June 15–16, 2026.

What is IORA?

• Introduction: It is an inter-governmental organization of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean, established in 1997. Its secretariat is located in Ebène, Mauritius.

• Objective: It provides a platform to promote 'regional cooperation' and 'sustainable development'.
• Membership: It includes 23 member states and several 'Dialogue Partners' including the USA, China, Japan, Germany, Britain, the European Union, etc.
• Scope (6 Priority Areas and 2 Cross-Cutting Themes):
  5. 6 Pillars:

• Maritime Safety and Security,
• Trade and Investment Facilitation,
• Fisheries Management,
• Disaster Risk Management,
• Academic, Science and Technology Cooperation,
• Tourism and Cultural Exchanges.
  5. Cross-Cutting Themes:

• Blue Economy
• Women’s Economic Empowerment.

Reasons for Discussion:

• Canada’s application was reviewed during the 28th CSO meeting in New Delhi and has now been placed for consideration among member states.

• IORA has welcomed the efforts to de-escalate tensions and ensure the security of maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz region.

Statement of Mr. Sanjiv Ranjan: I

ORA Secretary-General Sanjiv Ranjan clarified that Canada's inclusion could be beneficial for member states. He noted that Canada is a major maritime power due to its vast coastal zones and expertise in maritime safety, security, and connectivity, from which other member states could benefit.

Importance of IORA and India’s Perspective:

• SAGAR Vision: It reinforces India’s vision of “Security and Growth for All in the Region.”

• Rules-Based Order: Amidst China’s increasing activity in the Indo-Pacific, this is a platform to establish an important 'rules-based maritime order.'
• Blue Economy: A shared framework for the sustainable exploitation of marine resources.

Other Important Points:

• Canada's engagement will expand IORA's global reach.

• Canada's expertise in issues like maritime security, Arctic-Indian Ocean connectivity, and climate change could prove valuable for IORA.

Analysis:

Canada joining IORA reflects the growing interest of non-regional powers in the Indian Ocean region. Despite China's presence in IORA, this platform is a powerful medium for countries like India to promote a rules-based order, where member states take decisions based on consensus.

Way Forward:

• IORA should utilize the expertise of Dialogue Partners like Canada in sharing 'maritime security data' and in technical training.

• Strengthening an 'integrated disaster response mechanism' is mandatory to build resilience against climate change.

Conclusion:

The expansion of IORA reflects its commitment to peace, stability, and inclusive development in the Indian Ocean region. The inclusion of partners like Canada will provide new energy and technical efficiency to the organization's functionality. In the current era of geopolitical instability, this effort by IORA is an effective step towards establishing the Indian Ocean as a 'free, open, and secure region.'

Telegram Ban: NEET (UG) Re-examination and Digital Security

General Studies Paper – II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.

Context

With the objective of ensuring the integrity of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the Central Government has decided to impose a temporary ban on the 'Telegram' app in India. This decision has been taken as an administrative 'stop-gap' measure in response to the widespread misuse of the platform by cheating rackets to facilitate exam malpractice and propagate rumors of paper leaks.

Telegram: Nature and Technical Usage

Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging, VoIP, and file-sharing service. It is popular for the rapid exchange of information due to its end-to-end encryption (Secret Chat) and massive group/channel creation capacity; however, these same features make it a convenient platform for undesirable activities.

Key Reasons for the Ban

• Paper Leaks and Fraud: Recent investigations revealed that 80-90% of criminal activities related to paper leaks were concentrated on this platform.

• Anonymous Activities: Telegram provides features that allow users to hide their identity, making it challenging for security agencies to track criminals.
• Lack of Moderation: Compared to other social media platforms, Telegram's content moderation system and its mechanism for cooperation with security agencies are considered relatively weak.
• Large File Sharing: Due to the app's capacity, it is very easy to spread leaked documents to thousands of people simultaneously.

Legal and Constitutional Framework Constitutional Position:

• Article 19(1)(a): Grants citizens the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression.

• Article 19(2): Empowers the State to impose 'reasonable restrictions' on this freedom in the interest of the 'sovereignty, integrity, security of India, and public order.'
• Article 21: It is the State's obligation to maintain a balance between the right to privacy and public order.

Legal Provisions (IT Laws):

• IT Act, 2000 (Section 69A): Grants the government the power to block any app or online content in the public interest.

• IT Rules, 2021:
  • Rule 3 (Due Diligence): Mandatory for platforms to appoint a Grievance Officer.
  • Cooperation: During investigations into serious crimes (like paper leaks), it is the legal obligation of these entities to share data upon valid government orders and maintain a 24x7 nodal contact point.
  • Safe Harbour (Section 79): Intermediaries receive 'Safe Harbour' protection only as long as they are not actively involved in illegal activities themselves.
• Delhi High Court: According to recent developments (June 18, 2026), the Delhi High Court has upheld the government's decision, deeming it 'proportionate' and 'necessary.'

Criticism

• According to Telegram founder Pavel Durov, this ban collectively punishes 15 crore Indian users. Critics argue that banning just one app does not end the problem, as activities simply shift to other platforms (WhatsApp/Signal). Furthermore, it causes significant inconvenience to users relying on the app for legitimate services.

Impact

• Negative: Hindrance to the digital economy, limitation of the right to information, and contraction of democratic means of communication.
• Positive: A check on the spread of information regarding paper leaks, which reduces anxiety among candidates.

Analysis: A 'Stop-Gap' Arrangement

• This ban is an immediate solution amidst technical and administrative challenges. It is an attempt to strike a complex balance between freedom of expression and the accountability of technical entities. It is clear that a ban alone cannot be a permanent solution to technical crimes.

Way Forward

• Stronger Cyber Surveillance: Instead of just banning apps, the government should enhance the monitoring capacity of its cyber security agencies.

• Platform Accountability: Telegram must comply with India's data security rules and improve its 'no-log' policies to assist in criminal investigations.
• Technical Security: To prevent paper leaks, the implementation of 'Digital Watermarking,' a secure question paper distribution system, and responsible use of end-to-end encryption are mandatory.

Conclusion

The temporary ban on Telegram was a difficult but necessary administrative decision to secure the future of lakhs of students. Constitutionally, the State has the right to regulate internet services in the public interest; however, for a long-term solution, cooperation between the government and technical platforms, stringent regulatory laws, and the development of a more transparent digital infrastructure for examinations are essential. To ensure such bans are not required in the future, the foundation of digital security must be further strengthened.

Nipah Virus: Emergence, Challenges, and Future Strategy

General Studies Paper – II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.

General Studies Paper – III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management.

Context

The recent recurrence of Nipah virus cases in Kerala and West Bengal has once again underlined the alertness of public health systems and the need for a 'One Health' approach.

Nipah Virus: Nature and Spread

• What is it: Nipah virus is a high mortality zoonotic RNA virus, belonging to the Henipavirus genus and Paramyxoviridae family, with fruit bats as its natural reservoir.

• Spread: It primarily spreads through fruit bats. Transmission occurs through the consumption of contaminated fruits (especially date palm sap), contact with infected animals (especially pigs), or direct person-to-person contact.
• Symptoms: Its symptoms include fever, headache, respiratory distress, cough, and in severe cases, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and coma.

Reasons for Discussion

• Recent Case in Kerala (June 2026): After confirmation of Nipah in a 43-year-old man in Kozhikode, the state's vulnerability during the monsoon and the readiness of the health system are under discussion again.

• Successful Control: Due to the health department's swift 'contact tracing' and screening, the infection was contained at the primary level, preventing any new cases.
• West Bengal Incident (January 2026): The confirmation of infection among health workers in West Bengal at the beginning of the year highlighted the need for 'bio-safety' protocols and alertness within medical institutions.
• Integrated Need: These incidents have made the 'One Health' approach mandatory, as integrated surveillance is the only effective measure to prevent pandemics amidst the increasing pressure on the human-wildlife interface.

WHO and Nipah Virus

The World Health Organization (WHO) has included Nipah in its 'Blueprint Priority Pathogen' list. This means it has a high potential to cause a pandemic and currently, there is no specific medicine or vaccine available for it, making it a major threat to global health security.

History of Nipah Virus

Nipah was first identified in 1998 in Kampung Sungai Nipah, Malaysia. In India, its first outbreak was recorded in Siliguri, West Bengal, in 2001. Since then, sporadic outbreaks have been seen in various parts of India, with the 2018 Kerala outbreak being the most discussed.

Why is Nipah deadly?

The mortality rate of the Nipah virus is very high, which can range from 40% to 75%. Furthermore, its long incubation period and the possibility of asymptomatic infection make it extremely challenging to control.

Government Initiatives

• One Health Approach: Emphasis is being laid on early detection and prevention of zoonotic diseases by establishing coordination between human, animal, and environmental health institutions.

• Strengthening of Pathogen Surveillance Mechanism: In collaboration with NCDC, ICMR, and WHO, surveillance and early warning systems for high-risk pathogens including Nipah have been strengthened.
• ICMR's Research Network: Research related to diagnosis, testing capacity, potential treatments, and vaccine development for Nipah virus is being encouraged.
• Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP): Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been arranged for disease surveillance and quick response at the state and district levels.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness programs are conducted regarding hygiene of fruits, avoidance of contact with bats, and early reporting of suspected infections.

Analysis

The recurring emergence of Nipah is a direct result of anthropogenic environmental intervention, which is disturbing the ecological balance. Kerala's successful management proves that a strong primary health infrastructure and active surveillance system are the most effective shields against pandemics. In the future, instead of just treating symptoms, we will have to focus on the conservation of the ecosystem.

Way Forward

• One Health Approach: Integrated surveillance between animal, environmental, and human health is mandatory.

• Research and Development: Increase global investment in the development of vaccines and anti-viral drugs.
• Community Awareness: Educate people living near bat habitats about diet and hygiene.
• Capacity Building: Empower laboratories and rapid response teams at the local level.

Conclusion

Nipah virus is not just a health challenge, but a sign of ecological imbalance. Sustainable development and integrated health policies are the only path to prevent future pandemics. A harmony of alertness, scientific research, and community cooperation is the key to controlling this virus.