Current Affairs – June 18, 2025

{GS2 – Governance – Welfare} Inclusive Pension System for India

Context (TH): India faces a looming demographic challenge as the old-age dependency ratio is projected to reach 30% by 2050, making an inclusive pension system a critical policy need.

State of India’s Pension Coverage

Low Pension Coverage: India’s pension assets account for only 17% of its GDP, significantly lower than the 80% in advanced economies.
Skewed Benefits: Benefits are heavily concentrated in the public and organised private sectors.
Limited Formal Sector Reach: Only about 12% of the workforce is covered by formal pension schemes. The vast informal sector, i.e. 85% of the labour force, over half of GDP, is largely excluded from pension coverage.
Limited Uptake of Voluntary Schemes: Voluntary schemes like the National Pension System (NPS) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) covered only 5.3% of the total population in FY24.
Risk of Future Financial Crisis: The widespread exclusion of informal workers is a significant policy failure that could lead to a future financial crisis.

Recent Initiatives

Unified Pension Scheme: Combines features of the old and new pension schemes, offering family pensions, minimum guaranteed amounts, and a pension equal to 50% of their last drawn salary.
Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan: It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme for the unorganised sector. It offers a minimum monthly pension of ₹3,000 after the age of 60 for workers.
Atal Pension Yojana: Focuses on unorganized sector workers. It offers a guaranteed pension of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per month after age 60 based on contribution.
National Pension System (NPS): It is a voluntary, defined-contribution retirement savings scheme regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

Key Challenges of the Pension System

Fragmentation: The pension system is fragmented with overlapping schemes, especially for informal and gig workers. This adds complexity and limits scalability.
Low & Unstable Incomes: Make it difficult for many workers to contribute regularly to pension schemes.
Low Awareness: Financial literacy remains low. Voluntary pension schemes require awareness and trust, both of which are lacking in rural and unorganized sectors.
Sustainability Issues: The Mercer CFA Global Pension Index 2024 rated India’s pension system at 44%, with significant concerns around adequacy and long-term liquidity.
Exclusion of Women & Marginalized Groups: Gender disparities in workforce participation and income limit women’s access to pension benefits. Similar exclusion exists for tribal populations and migrant workers.
Administrative and Technical Hurdles: Enrolment, KYC, and digital access barriers prevent seamless onboarding and management of pension accounts.

Way Forward

Conduct financial literacy campaigns in schools and colleges, focusing on retirement planning.
Develop user-friendly digital platforms for enrolment, contribution tracking, and disclosures (leveraging UPI’s success).
Mandate regular and transparent annual disclosures of pension entitlements.
Implement strong investment regulations and oversight to monitor fund performance and ensure liquidity.
Unified Three-Tier Pension System to overcome structural issues:
- Tier I: Mandatory basic flat-rate contributory pension for all, irrespective of job status.
- Tier II: Employer-based occupational pensions with auto-enrolment.
- Tier III: Voluntary pension savings incentivized through tax rebates, market-linked returns etc.

Global Best Practices

Japan: Operates a mandatory flat-rate contributory scheme for all residents aged 20 to 59 years, covering diverse employment statuses.
New Zealand: Offers a universal, flat-rate public pension to residents aged 65 and over, with a 10-year residency requirement.
Australia: Integrates superannuation planning into its school curriculum, promoting early financial literacy.

{GS2 – IR – Asia} India’s Balancing Act in the Bay of Bengal

Context (TH): India’s maritime ambitions in Bay of Bengal faces challenges despite progress in the relations in near neighbourhood.

Significance of Bay of Bengal for India

Trade & Connectivity: Vital maritime corridor linking South Asia & Southeast Asia. Enables port development & regional integration through logistics & infrastructure.
Geopolitical Influence: Enhances India’s leadership role in regional platforms like BIMSTEC. Counters external influence, particularly China’s maritime footprint.
Energy: Rich in oil, gas & fisheries are essential for India’s economic & energy security.
Security & Stability: India plays a central role in tackling piracy, trafficking, illegal fishing & other maritime threats.
Environmental Importance: Coastal biodiversity & ecosystems are critical for disaster resilience given the vulnerability of Bay of Bengal to cyclones, rising sea levels & erosion.

Challenges

Geopolitical Competition: China’s ports in Kyaukpyu (Myanmar), Hambantota (Sri Lanka), Chittagong (Bangladesh) challenge Indian dominance.
Maritime Threats: Rising threats from piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing & arms/drug trafficking.
Policy Inconsistency: India’s withdrawal of transshipment facilities to Bangladesh highlights unpredictable trade policies.
Vulnerabilities: Prone to climate change, cyclones, erosion, affecting regional stability & livelihoods.

India’s Balancing Act

Security Architecture: Eastern Naval Command & Andaman Tri-Service Command bolster India’s eastern maritime defense.
- MILAN Naval Exercises enhance interoperability with Southeast Asian & Western navies.
- IORA: Promotes cooperative maritime governance and environmental protection.
- QUAD: Reinforces India’s commitment to freedom of navigation and rule-based maritime order.
Economic Engagement:
- Act East Policy: Boosts trade, investment, and infrastructure with Southeast Asian countries.
- SAGAR Initiative: Focus on security, economic development & cooperation in Indian Ocean Region.
Regional Connectivity & Trade:
- BBIN & BIMSTEC frameworks: Boost economic corridors, energy, and transport connectivity.
- BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Agreement: Enhances port-led growth and shipping integration.
- Projects like Kaladan Multimodal Transit (India-Myanmar) & India-Bangladesh coastal shipping strengthen linkages.
- Sagarmala: Modernises ports, improves logistics, boosts coastal economic zones.
Environmental Diplomacy: Promotes Blue Economy, sustainable development & disaster resilience. Support for green shipping corridors, renewable energy, especially in Maldives and island nations.

Way Forward

Multilateralism: Promote rules-based regional order to enhance India’s credibility.
Trade Policies: Ensure consistent engagement with neighbours like Bangladesh & Myanmar.
Joint Infrastructure: Collaborate on ports, digital connectivity & energy grids.
Climate Resilience: Invest in shared infrastructure for early warning systems, sustainable fisheries & coastal protection.
Balanced Cooperation: Promote joint patrols & exercises without infringing on partners’ sovereignty.

{GS2 – IR – USA} Golden ‘Trump Card’

Context (IE): The Trump Card offers U.S. residency to wealthy foreigners, aiming to replace EB-5 visa.

Introduced by President Trump, the Gold Card offers U.S. citizenship & residency for a $5 million payment, replacing the EB-5 visa.
Difference with EB-5: Unlike EB-5, it does not require job creation or business investment, making it a passive route to immigration.
Benefits: Aims to attract ultra-rich individuals, boost luxury & real estate sectors.
Impact on Indians: With 1+ million Indians already in visa backlogs, it may worsen wait times for others.

{GS2 – Polity – IC – Judiciary} Role of AI in Criminal justice

Context (IE): AI’s growing role in India’s criminal justice system risks deepening existing social biases. Without safeguards, it may worsen marginalisation & violate human rights.

AI’s Role in Criminal Justice

India is using AI-based tools like CCTNS, ICJS & AFRS to modernize policing & justice delivery.
Goals: These systems aim to enhance governance, transparency & efficiency in criminal justice processes.
Biased Datasets: AI tools are trained on socially skewed data reflecting caste, class, gender and regional inequalities.
Rights Impact: With 66% of prisoners from Dalit, Adivasi or OBC groups (NCRB 2018), AI risks reinforcing existing systemic bias.
- E.g. A 2018 MIT study showed that facial recognition systems had just 0.8% error for White men but 34.7% for dark-skinned women.
Warning Signs: Use of ChatGPT in judicial decisions & global examples like the COMPAS algorithm show how AI can deepen discrimination.

Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS): A nationwide database connecting police stations to digitize FIRs, track criminals & investigation efficiency.
Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS): Integrates police, courts, prisons, prosecution & forensics for seamless data sharing across justice institutions.
Automated Facial Recognition System (AFRS): AI-based system to identify suspects & missing persons using facial image databases from CCTV & official records.

Challenges Associated

Vacuum: India lacks a dedicated AI law, deployment in system occurs without legal safeguards.
Ethical Risks: Predictive policing & facial recognition may criminalize poverty or social identity, reinforcing stereotypes.
Surveillance: Marginalised groups face heightened algorithmic profiling & monitoring, threatening civil liberties.
Institutional Weaknesses: AI systems are developed & controlled by elite actors, with minimal public oversight, ethical review.

Way Forward

Regulation: Enact laws ensuring transparency, data protection, ethical standards & grievance redressal.
Data Representation: Ensure datasets include diverse social realities like caste, gender, rural voices.
Human-in-the-loop systems: AI should assist, not replace, human judicial decision-making.
Rights-Centric Design: AI must be developed with focus on the marginalised to promote equity & access to justice.

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

Context (PIB): The 1^st assembly of the IBCA convened in New Delhi, endorsed the India’s Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change as the President of IBCA.

The Assembly is the apex body of the IBCA.
IBCA is a multi-country, multi-agency coalition of 95 big cat range countries, non-range countries interested in big cat conservation – Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, & Puma.

{GS3 – S&T – BioTech} Step-and-Shoot Spot-Scanning Proton Arc Therapy

Context (TH): Recently, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, U.S. used SPArc to treat a patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC).

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare type of cancer which develops in salivary glands or regions of head and neck.

Step-and-shoot Photon Arc (SPArc)

It is a radiation therapy which uses protons for precise tumor targeting with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
It uses a computer programme that carefully targets tumors with proton beams.

Advantage

Precision in Treatment: SPArc targets tumors with protons. Reduces damage to critical organs.
Reduced Side Effects: Unlike conventional radiation therapy’s side effects, it showed minor skin irritation.
Large Tumours: It is likely to be valuable in large or extensive tumours.

Challenges

Geographical Miss: Small tumours can be missed.
High cost: Expensive technology, may burden healthcare systems.
Limited scope: Limited to specific cancers, raising concerns about overuse or misuse.
Errors: Movements as subtle as breathing can change their position.

About Cancer

Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in body grow out of control. These cells can invade nearby tissues and sometimes spread to other parts of the body.
In the South-East Asia-region, India ranks 3^rd in terms of cancer incidence, 2^nd for mortality.

Cancer Curing Techniques

Photon-Based (Conventional): Uses X-rays but affects healthy tissues, causing side effects like xerostomia (dry mouth).
Proton Therapy (e.g., SPArc, SFO-IMPT): Delivers precise radiation with protons, targeting at the tumor and spare healthy tissue. SPArc enhances this with arc-based delivery.
Chemotherapy: Limited effectiveness for adenoid cystic carcinoma but used in advanced cases.
CAR-T Cell Therapy: India’s NexCAR19 (launched 2024) targets blood cancers, showing promise for personalized treatments.

India’s Efforts to Fight Cancer

National Cancer Program (2010): Focuses on screening people for cancer early, catching it before it spreads, and building better cancer treatment facilities.
Ayushman Bharat Yojana: Helps families who can’t afford treatment by covering costs for chemotherapy, radiation, and cancer surgeries.
NexCAR19: India’s indigenous CAR-T cell therapy, this treatment targets blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.
Cancer Genomics Repository: It is a database that collects genetic information about cancers in India to help doctors create better, personalized treatments.
National Cancer Grid: Set up in 2012 to connects cancer centers across India to ensure consistent, high-quality care.
Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund: Provides financial help of up to ₹5 lakh for cancer treatment, with a maximum of ₹15 lakh.

Global Breast Cancer Initiative

Launched by WHO in 2021.
Target: To reduce breast cancer mortality rates by 2.5% per year, which could prevent 2.5 million deaths by 2040.

{GS3 – S&T – Defence} ‘Achal’ Fast Patrol Vessel

Context (PIB): Fifth Fast Petrol Vessel ‘Achal’ launched for the Indian Coast Guard.

Credit: PIB

Achal is fifth of eight Adamya-class FPVs being built by Goa Shipyard Ltd.
Dual Certification: Certified by the American Bureau of Shipping and the Indian Register of Shipping.
Indigenous content: Features over 60% indigenous components.
Length and Beam: Measures 52 m in length and 8 m in width.
Speed: Achieves a maximum speed of 27 knots.
Operational Range: Range of 1,500 nautical miles at 14 knots.
Main Armament: Fitted with CRN-91 30 mm naval gun.
Primary Roles: EEZ patrol, anti-smuggling, piracy control, surveillance.

Key Terms Explained

Fast Patrol Vessel: Small, high-speed coastal patrol ship.
Adamya-Class: Indigenous FPV series by Goa Shipyard Ltd.
Knots: Speed unit; 1 knot = 1.852 km/h.
Nautical Miles: Distance unit; 1 nm = 1.852 km.
CRN-91: Indigenous 30 mm naval gun for close defence.

{GS3 – S&T – Defence} SIPRI Yearbook 2025

Context (TOI): The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) warned about the growing risk of nuclear arm race in its SIPRI Yearbook 2025.

Established in 1966, SIPRI is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament.

Key Findings

Decline of Global Nuclear Stockpile: Since the Cold War’s end, global nuclear stockpiles declined as dismantlement outpaced deployment.
Global Stockpile: There are 12,241 nuke warheads globally of which 9,614 warheads are in military stockpiles for potential use while 3,912 have been deployed.
- Russia and USA together possess around 90% of all nuclear weapons. If no new agreement is made, deployed strategic warheads may increase after the New START Treaty expires in February 2026.
Nuclear Expansion: Nearly all of the 9 nuclear-armed states continued intensive nuclear modernisation programmes in 2024, upgrading existing weapons and adding newer versions.
- Nine nuclear-armed states: US, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea & Israel.
China and Pakistan: China’s nuclear arsenal growing faster than any other country’s. It rose from 500 to 600 warheads, adding ~100 annually. Pakistan also continued to develop new delivery systems and accumulate fissile material in 2024.
Threat of Nuclear Crisis: The combination of strikes on nuclear-related military infrastructure and third-party disinformation risked turning a conventional conflict into a nuclear crisis.

India Specific Findings

India is believed to have once again slightly expanded its nuclear arsenal in 2024 and continued to develop new types of nuclear delivery system.
India’s Stored Warheads: Increased to 180 in January 2025, from 172 in January 2024.
India’s rapid investment in diversifying capabilities across air, sea and land, offering the country a more credible and survivable second-strike capability in comparison to Pakistan.

Global Initiatives to Contain Nuclear Proliferation

Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), 1968: Aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, promoting nuclear disarmament, and facilitating the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
- India is not a signatory of NPT.
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), 1996: Prohibits all nuclear explosions, whether for military or civilian purposes. However it has not entered into force. India is not member of CTBT.
Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (2017): Includes a comprehensive set of prohibitions on participating in any nuclear weapon activities. It was adopted by the UN and entered into force in 2021. India didn’t signed it.
New START Treaty (2010): Arms control treaty between the Russia and USA. It limits the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems.

{GS3 – S&T – Tech} Quantum Communication

Context (TH): IIT-Delhi together with DRDO demonstrated quantum communication by showcasing Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over a distance of more than 1 km in free-space.

Performance Metrics: Achieved 240 bits/s secure key rate with <7% Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER).
China built the first 4,600 km space-to-ground quantum network in 2021, using the Micius satellite.

Secure Key Rate: Bits per second of secure keys generated.
Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER): Percentage of mismatched photon measurements.

What is Quantum Communication?

It is an umbrella term for schemes using quantum physics, especially entanglement, for leak-proof communication.
Photon Encoding: Encodes data in photon states, unlike classical bits.
Entanglement-Based: Uses entangled photons, i.e. Paired photons with linked states, instantly affecting each other, for secure channels.
QKD Focus: Employs Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) for unbreakable encryption keys.
Superposition Use: Leverages superposition for enhanced data security.

Quantum Mechanics: Physics of subatomic particles, enabling entanglement, superposition.
Photon Quantum States: Properties like polarisation (light wave orientation) encode data.
Superposition: Particles in multiple states until measured.

Quantum Entanglement

Paired photons where one’s measurement instantly determines the other’s state, despite distance.
Shared States: Entangled particles share properties, e.g., polarisation.
Non-Locality: Immediate influence between distant particles (instant correlations), defying classical physics.
Parametric Down-Conversion: Creates entangled photon pairs using crystal interaction.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)

Specialised quantum communication to create identical secret keys for secure messaging.
Key Exchange: Provides keys for AES encryption, securing the exchange without encrypting data.
Photon Use: Transmits qubits via photons for secure keys.

Qubits: Quantum bits carrying data via photon states, e.g., polarisation.
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES): Symmetric algorithm securing data with a single key, used in banking, e.g., UPI.

Types of QKD

Aspect	Prepare-and-Measure QKD	Entanglement-Based QKD
Photon Source	The sender prepares single photons.	The source generates entangled pairs.
Security	Relies on a trusted source.	Offers device-independent security.
Implementation	Simpler, no entanglement needed.	Complex, requires entanglement.
Error Sensitivity	Vulnerable to device imperfections.	Less sensitive to side-channel attacks.
Scalability	Easier with current technology.	Harder due to entanglement challenges.

Applications of Quantum Communication

Military uses: Secures data for precision strikes, protects UAV communications, Safeguards sensor data.
Digital Payments: Secures UPI transactions, protects financial transaction from cyberattacks.
Healthcare Data: Protects telemedicine records, e.g., hospital networks.
Smart Grids: Safeguard power distribution.
E-Governance: Ensures secure citizen data, e.g., Digital India portals.
IoT Security: Shields smart city devices.

Advantages of Quantum Communication

Unbreakable Security: Detects eavesdropping instantly, ensuring hack-proof communication.
Global Connectivity: Enables secure satellite-based networks.
Data Integrity: Ensures transmitted data remains unaltered, vital for banking.
Quantum-Proof Encryption: Resists quantum computer attacks, unlike classical methods.
Future Scalability: Supports quantum internet, enhancing connectivity.

Challenges of Quantum Communication

Range Limitation: Photon loss limits range.
High Costs: Expensive detectors hinder adoption.
Integration Issues: Incompatible with existing telecom infrastructure.
Standardisation Gap: Lacks global protocols, e.g., China vs. India systems.
Error Rates: High QBER impacts efficiency.

Photon Loss: Photons dissipate or scatter during transmission, limiting quantum communication range.

{Prelims – PIN India} Shipki La

Context (TH): Himachal Pradesh has opened the Shipki La mountain pass to Indian tourists to boost border tourism and revive ties with Tibet.

Shipki La is a motorable mountain pass at 3,930 m in Himachal Pradesh.
Lies on the India-China border in Kinnaur district.
Earlier known as Pema La or Shared Gate; renamed Shipki La by Indo-Tibetan Border Police post-1962.
Declared part of the Line of Actual Control after the 1962 war.
Lies on National Highway 5, among India’s highest roads.
River Sutlej enters India through Shipki La.
One of 3 official India–Tibet trade routes (with Nathu La, Lipulekh).
Served as a key India–Tibet trade route since the 15th century.

{Prelims – PIN World – Europe} Cyprus

Context (IE): Prime Minister Modi became the 1^st Indian PM in 23 years to visit Cyprus and was honoured with Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III.

Credit: Britannica

Cyprus is a Eurasian island in the eastern Mediterranean, south of Turkey & southeast of Greece. It is the 3^rd largest Mediterranean island after Sicily & Sardinia.
Geographically in Asia, Cyprus is politically aligned with Europe & a member of the European Union.
Maritime neighbours: Turkey (North), Syria (East) & Lebanon (Southeast).
Mountain Ranges: Kyrenia & Troodos Mountains with highest Point as Mount Olympus.
Since 1974, it has been divided into the Turkish-controlled north & the Greek Cypriot-controlled south, known as the Cyprus problem.
India supports a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation based on UN Resolutions to resolve the Cyprus issue.

Significance of Cyprus for India

Counterbalance: Helps counter the Turkey-Pakistan axis, especially after Turkey backed Pakistan on Kashmir & during Operation Sindoor.
Gateway to Europe: Part of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), enhancing East-West connectivity & access to European markets.
FDI: Among India’s top 10 FDI sources with cumulative investments of USD 14.65 billion (2000–2025).
India-EU Engagement: As Cyprus will hold the EU Council Presidency in 2026, it can advocate for India’s interests in EU policy.
Multilateral Support: Endorses India’s bid for UNSC permanent membership, NSG entry & participation in global governance platforms.

Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III

Highest Civilian Honour: It is one of the highest distinctions awarded by Cyprus, named after its first President, Archbishop Makarios III.
Established in 1991, the award recognises exceptional contributions to Cyprus or the international community, especially in diplomacy, peace & human values.
Awarded typically to Heads of State & dignitaries for outstanding service or leadership.
Symbolises commitment: To independence, integrity & cooperation through diplomatic recognition.

{Prelims – S&T – Defence – Exercises} Exercise Shakti

Context (PIB): Exercise Shakti will be conducted at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie, France.

Exercise Shakti is a biennial training engagement between the Indian and French Armies, aimed at enhancing interoperability, operational coordination, and military to military connect.
It will focus on joint operations in a sub-conventional environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, with training being conducted in semi-urban terrain.

{Prelims – Sci – Bio – Diseases} Albinism

Context (TH): International Albinism Awareness Day is observed on June 13 to highlight the health, social, and legal challenges of people with albinism.

What is Albinism?

Albinism is a rare inherited condition caused by gene mutations affecting melanin production.
Caused by defective genes affecting melanin biosynthesis leading to reduced or absent melanin in the skin, eyes, and hair.
Non-contagious: Albinism does not spread and is purely genetic.
Visual impairments: Most individuals face significant vision problems from birth.
Skin cancer risk: Absence of melanin leads to a high risk of squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
Lifelong condition: No cure exists, but symptoms can be managed with early care.

Melanin

Melanin gives colour to the skin, hair, and eyes.
UV protection: Acts as a natural barrier against harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Eye development: Essential for the development of the retina and optic nerves.
Skin health: Reduces DNA damage and lowers the risk of skin cancer.
Temperature effect: Melanin also helps in thermoregulation in high UV environments.

Prevalence of Albinism

Global range: Found in 1 in 20,000 to 40,000 individuals globally.
India has approx. 1,00,000 individuals affected with albinism. India lacks any focused national programme for albinism.
Albinism is not explicitly listed under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.

{Prelims – Sci – Bio – Diseases} Rinderpest

Context (PIB): ICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal is designated as Category-A Rinderpest Holding Facility by WOAH and FAO.

Rinderpest Virus (Cattle plague)

Contagious viral disease caused by a Morbillivirus from the Paramyxoviridae family.
Host Species: Affects cattle, buffalo, and wild cloven-hoofed animals.
Transmission: Spreads via direct contact and nasal secretions. Does not infect or spread to humans.
Symptoms: Causes fever, mouth ulcers, and diarrhoea.
Mortality Rate: Can kill up to 100% in previously unexposed cattle.
It is the 2^nd infectious disease to be declared eradicated in 2011 after smallpox.

Morbillivirus: A genus of viruses causing rinderpest, measles, and canine distemper.
Paramyxoviridae: Virus family that includes respiratory and systemic animal and human pathogens.

ICAR-NIHSAD: National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases

High-containment animal disease research facility.
Serves as WOAH reference lab for avian influenza.
Supports zoonotic disease surveillance under India’s One Health framework.

World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)

Global authority that sets international animal health and welfare standards since 1924.
Comprises 183 countries; headquartered in Paris, France.
Virus Custody: Restricts virus storage to select high-security labs globally.
FAO Collaboration: Works with FAO on surveillance and virus containment strategies