DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

Soft matter is a sub-field of Condensed Matter Physics that studies materials which can be easily deformed by small external forces, thermal fluctuations, or environmental changes. These materials behave like solids at rest but can flow like liquids when stress is applied, making them extremely useful in everyday life and industrial applications.

What is Soft Matter?

Soft matter refers to materials whose structure and properties change easily under minor forces or temperature variations.
Unlike rigid materials such as metals or ceramics, the building blocks of soft matter are held together by weak intermolecular forces, which makes them flexible and adaptable.

These materials often exist at the mesoscopic scale, meaning their structures lie between microscopic (atomic) and macroscopic (visible) scales. The interaction of these structures determines the overall behaviour and properties of the material.

Types of Soft Matter

Soft matter includes a wide variety of materials, such as:

• Colloids – mixtures where tiny particles are dispersed in another substance.

• Polymers – long-chain molecules found in plastics, rubber, and biological materials.

• Foams – substances formed by trapping gas bubbles in liquids or solids.

• Gels – semi-solid materials consisting of a liquid trapped within a network.

• Liquid crystals – materials that exhibit properties between liquids and solids.

• Biomaterials – biological substances such as proteins, membranes, and cells.

Everyday Examples

Soft matter is present in many common substances used in daily life, including:

• Toothpaste

• Shampoo

• Curd

• Soap bubbles

• Creams and lotions

• Living cells

For example, toothpaste flows easily when squeezed from a tube but retains its shape on a toothbrush, demonstrating the unique behaviour of soft materials.

Key Characteristics of Soft Matter

1. Easy Deformation

Soft materials change shape under small stresses compared to hard materials like metals or glass.

2. Mesoscopic Structure

Their physical structure exists at the mesoscopic scale, which plays a key role in determining their behaviour.

3. Weak Intermolecular Forces

The particles in soft matter are held together by weak forces such as van der Waals interactions or hydrogen bonding.

4. Sensitivity to Environment

Their properties can change significantly due to temperature, pressure, time, or environmental conditions.

Applications of Soft Matter

Soft matter has wide applications across multiple industries:

• Food industry: dairy products, emulsions, sauces

• Medical sector: drug delivery systems, biomaterials, tissue engineering

• Cosmetics: creams, gels, shampoos

• Automotive and manufacturing: lubricants and polymers

• Electronics: liquid crystal displays (LCDs)

Conclusion

Soft matter represents an important area of modern physics and materials science because of its unique ability to combine fluidity with structural stability. Its widespread presence in daily life, industry, and biological systems makes the study of soft matter crucial for developing advanced materials, medical technologies, and innovative industrial products.

Recently, Indian Coast Guard Ship Sankalp visited Port Louis as part of its overseas deployment in the Indian Ocean Region. Such deployments strengthen maritime cooperation, security coordination, and diplomatic ties between India and friendly nations in the region.

About ICGS Sankalp

ICGS Sankalp is an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) of the Indian Coast Guard that was commissioned in 2008.
It was indigenously built by Goa Shipyard Limited, reflecting India’s growing capabilities in indigenous shipbuilding.

The vessel is equipped with advanced navigation and communication systems, enabling it to operate efficiently during long maritime patrol missions.

Key Functions of ICGS Sankalp

1. Maritime Surveillance

The ship conducts extended patrols to monitor activities in India’s maritime areas and ensure security.

2. EEZ Protection

It safeguards India’s Exclusive Economic Zone, protecting marine resources and preventing illegal activities such as poaching or smuggling.

3. Search and Rescue Operations

The vessel plays a crucial role in search and rescue (SAR) missions, assisting ships and fishermen during emergencies at sea.

4. Enforcement of Maritime Laws

It helps enforce maritime regulations and international laws within India’s oceanic jurisdiction.

Features of ICGS Sankalp

1. Size and Endurance

• Length: 105 meters

• Range/Endurance: Approximately 6,500 nautical miles, allowing long-duration missions.

2. Displacement Capacity

• Around 2,325 tonnes at full load, enabling stable and efficient offshore operations.

3. Aviation Capability

The ship carries a HAL Chetak rotary-wing helicopter, which enhances aerial surveillance and search-and-rescue capabilities.

4. Armaments

The vessel is equipped with two 30 mm CRN-91 twin-barrel naval guns, supported by an integrated fire control system for surface engagement.

5. Interceptor Boat Deployment

It has davits capable of deploying up to five high-speed interceptor boats, which are used for rapid response and interception missions.

Significance of the Deployment

The deployment of ICGS Sankalp to Mauritius highlights India’s commitment to maritime security, regional cooperation, and capacity building in the Indian Ocean Region. It also supports India’s broader vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)

Recently, an outbreak of Guillain?Barré Syndrome (GBS) was reported in Neemuch district, with two deaths in Manasa. The disease is a rare but serious neurological disorder that can lead to muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis.

About Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the Peripheral Nervous System.
This system includes all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord and is responsible for controlling muscle movement and sensory signals such as pain, temperature, and touch.

GBS is also known medically as Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP).
Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly seen among people between 30 and 50 years of age.

Causes of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

The exact cause of GBS is still not clearly known. However, it is often triggered after events that activate the immune system, such as:

• Viral or bacterial infections

• Vaccinations

• Major surgery

In such situations, the immune system becomes overactive and begins attacking the protective covering of nerves, leading to nerve damage and weakness.

Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Symptoms of GBS usually develop rapidly and worsen over time. Key symptoms include:

• Initial fever or infection-like symptoms

• Weakness or tingling sensations, usually beginning in the legs

• Gradual spread of weakness to the arms and upper body

• Loss of muscle control in severe cases

• Difficulty breathing if respiratory muscles are affected

Symptoms may worsen over hours, days, or weeks, and in severe cases the patient may experience temporary paralysis.

Treatment of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Currently, there is no complete cure for GBS. However, early medical treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

Treatment generally includes:

• Hospital monitoring, especially for breathing problems

• Therapies that reduce immune system attack on nerves

• Supportive care and rehabilitation therapy

Most patients recover gradually, though recovery may take several months to a few years.
Many people are able to walk again within six months, but some may experience long-term effects such as weakness, fatigue, or numbness.

Conclusion

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening neurological condition. Early diagnosis and prompt medical care are crucial to prevent complications and improve recovery outcomes. Increased awareness and timely treatment can significantly reduce the severity of the disease.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has released India’s first national guidelines titled “National Disaster Management Guidelines on Comprehensive Disaster Victim Identification and Management.” The document was released to mark 25 years of the 2001 Gujarat earthquake and aims to establish scientific procedures for identifying disaster victims and ensuring dignified handling of human remains during mass fatality incidents.

Need for Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Guidelines

The need for standardized DVI guidelines became evident after several disasters where identification of victims proved extremely difficult. These include incidents such as the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, the Sangareddy chemical factory explosion in Telangana, flash floods in Uttarakhand, and the car bomb blast near the Red Fort in Delhi.

In many of these cases, authorities faced challenges due to the absence of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), shortage of trained forensic personnel, inadequate infrastructure, and reliance on traditional identification methods. These issues highlighted the urgent need for advanced forensic techniques and institutional mechanisms. Additionally, the guidelines emphasise the humanitarian and legal responsibility to ensure dignity of the deceased and provide emotional and legal closure to families.

Key Provisions of NDMA Guidelines

1. Four-Stage Disaster Victim Identification Process

The guidelines introduce a systematic four-stage identification process to ensure accuracy and avoid misidentification.

• Systematic Recovery: Human remains must be carefully retrieved from the disaster site while maintaining proper documentation and preserving evidence.

• Post-Mortem Data Collection: Scientific data such as DNA samples, fingerprints, dental records, and physical characteristics are collected from the recovered remains.

• Ante-Mortem Data Collection: Authorities gather relevant information from families of missing persons, including medical records, dental history, photographs, and physical descriptions.

• Reconciliation: Experts compare ante-mortem and post-mortem data to confirm the identity before releasing the body to the family.

2. National Dental Data Registry

The guidelines recommend establishing a National Dental Data Registry. Dental records are considered extremely reliable because teeth and jaw structures are highly durable and can survive fires, explosions, and decomposition, making them a crucial tool for victim identification.

3. Adoption of Advanced Forensic Techniques

The guidelines incorporate modern scientific approaches including:

• Forensic Odontology, which uses dental records to identify victims.

• Forensic Archaeology, which helps recover and analyse human remains even months or years after a disaster.

• DNA profiling and biometric identification to enhance accuracy.

These practices are aligned with global standards followed by INTERPOL for Disaster Victim Identification.

4. No Mass Autopsies Policy

In mass fatality events, the guidelines recommend avoiding autopsies for every victim unless legally required. This approach helps reduce delays in identification and ensures quicker and dignified handover of bodies to families.

5. Cultural Sensitivity and Humanitarian Approach

The identification and handover process must respect cultural and religious customs of victims and their families. The guidelines also stress the importance of providing psychological support and counseling to affected families during the identification process.

6. Institutional Implementation

To ensure effective implementation, NDMA proposes:

• Creation of specialised state-level forensic teams dedicated to disaster victim identification.

• Training of experts in forensic sciences, archaeology, odontology, and disaster management.

• Improved coordination among police, medical authorities, disaster response forces, and forensic laboratories.

Significance of the Guidelines

The NDMA’s DVI guidelines represent a major step toward strengthening disaster management and forensic preparedness in India. By integrating scientific methods, standardized procedures, and humanitarian principles, the guidelines aim to ensure accurate victim identification, uphold the dignity of the deceased, and provide legal and emotional closure to affected families.

They also address India-specific challenges posed by climate-related disasters, urban accidents, and industrial hazards, thereby strengthening the overall disaster governance framework.

The NITI Aayog launched three thematic reports on enhancing the circular economy in End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), waste tyres, e-waste, and lithium-ion batteries at the International Material Recycling Conference organised by the Material Recycling Association of India in Jaipur.

These reports highlight the growing waste challenge arising from rapid urbanisation, expansion of electric vehicles, and increasing digitalisation, and propose policy pathways to strengthen India’s circular economy ecosystem.

Key Highlights of NITI Aayog Reports

1. End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs)

Rapid urbanisation and increasing vehicle ownership are leading to a sharp rise in ageing vehicles in India. The growth of electric vehicles (EVs) is further expected to accelerate the generation of ELVs in the coming years.

• EV sales increased from 50,000 in 2016 to about 2.08 million in 2024, and the government aims to achieve 30% EV share in total vehicle sales by 2030.

• The number of End-of-Life Vehicles is projected to increase from 23 million in 2025 to around 50 million by 2030.

• However, the circular economy potential is limited due to insufficient Automated Testing Stations (ATS) and Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs).

• The weak financial viability of scrappage facilities, procedural delays, and low consumer awareness continue to encourage informal dismantling of vehicles.

2. Circular Economy of Waste Tyres

Increasing vehicle ownership and EV adoption are also driving a surge in End-of-Life Tyres (ELTs).

• The tyre recycling ecosystem remains fragmented and largely dominated by informal recyclers.

• There is poor traceability and absence of strong quality standards in tyre recycling.

• High-value recycling opportunities, such as production of Recovered Carbon Black (rCB) and tyre retreading, remain underutilised.

• Much of the tyre waste is downcycled into low-value products, resulting in lost economic opportunities and missed potential for import substitution and green job creation.

3. E-Waste and Lithium-Ion Batteries

The rapid expansion of digital technologies and clean energy systems is generating large quantities of electronic waste and lithium-ion battery waste.

• India’s e-waste generation is expected to increase from 6.19 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2024 to about 14 MMT by 2030.

• Demand for lithium-ion batteries is projected to grow from 29 GWh in 2025 to 248 GWh by 2035, mainly due to EV adoption and energy storage requirements.

• Recycling activities are largely informal and involve unsafe processes, which create environmental pollution and health risks.

• The current Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework covers only a limited number of metals, and weak monitoring enables fake recyclers and fraudulent certifications.

• Inefficient recycling increases India’s dependence on imported critical minerals, affecting long-term resource security.

Circular Economy: Concept

A Circular Economy is an economic model aimed at minimising waste and maximising the reuse of resources. Unlike the linear economy (take–make–dispose), it focuses on extending the lifecycle of materials.

The circular economy is based on the 6R principles:

• Reduce

• Reuse

• Recycle

• Refurbish

• Recover

• Repair

This approach ensures efficient resource use, reduced waste generation, and sustainable production systems.

Importance of Circular Economy for India

1. Resource Constraints

India has 18% of the global population but only about 7% of mineral resources and around 4% of freshwater resources. Therefore, a linear consumption model is economically unsustainable, and circular practices can reduce dependence on imported raw materials.

2. Rapid Growth of Waste

India generates around 1.68 lakh tonnes of municipal solid waste per day, which may reach 436 million tonnes annually by 2050 if current trends continue.

3. Low Waste Processing Levels

Only 55–60% of waste is processed, while the rest becomes residual waste that is dumped or landfilled, resulting in the loss of valuable recyclable materials.

4. Land and Urban Challenges

India has over 2,100 dumpsites occupying more than 10,000 hectares of urban land, which could be reclaimed through circular waste management practices.

5. Climate Change Impact

Greenhouse gas emissions from municipal waste are projected to reach around 41 million tonnes of CO? equivalent by 2030, largely due to methane emissions from landfills.

6. Employment Generation

Circular economy activities such as recycling, repair services, and bio-methanation can generate significant employment opportunities, particularly in the informal sector.

India’s Initiatives Supporting Circular Economy

India has undertaken several initiatives to promote circular economic practices, including:

• Swachh Bharat Mission

• Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016

• Plastic Waste Management Rules 2022

• Ban on Single-Use Plastics

• Swachh Survekshan

• E-Waste Management Rules 2022

• Mission LiFE

India is also a member of the Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (GACERE), which promotes global cooperation for circular economic practices.

Measures to Strengthen Circular Economy in Mobility

1. End-of-Life Vehicles

• Expand Automated Testing Stations and Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities across the country.

• Link vehicle deregistration with a valid Certificate of Deposit (CoD) to ensure vehicles are scrapped in authorised facilities.

• Integrate informal dismantlers into the formal sector through training and regulatory support.

2. Waste Tyres

• Restrict the use of Tyre Pyrolysis Oil (TPO) to approved industrial or refinery uses.

• Establish national standards for recovered Carbon Black and TPO.

• Formalise informal recyclers through financial assistance and simplified registration mechanisms.

3. E-Waste and Lithium-Ion Batteries

• Expand Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to include additional high-value and critical minerals.

• Update Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulations for lithium-ion battery composition and recycling standards.

• Develop modern shared recycling facilities and strengthen collection systems through urban local bodies and PPP models.

Conclusion

The reports by NITI Aayog highlight that India’s waste challenge is not merely a sanitation issue but also a resource security, climate, and economic concern. By adopting a robust circular economy framework, India can transform waste into a valuable resource, generate green employment, reduce import dependence, and strengthen environmental sustainability, thereby aligning its development strategy with global sustainability goals.

The Neighbourhood First Policy (NFP) has been a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy since 2014. It emphasizes building a stable, secure, and prosperous neighbourhood, recognizing that India’s growth is closely linked with the development of its immediate neighbours such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. After a decade, debates have emerged regarding whether the policy has strengthened India’s regional leadership or faced structural and geopolitical limitations.

Achievements of the Neighbourhood First Policy

1. Strengthening India’s Role as a First Responder

India has consistently acted as a reliable partner during crises in the region. During the 2022 economic crisis in Sri Lanka, India extended approximately $4 billion in financial assistance, including fuel, food, and credit support. Similarly, India played a crucial role in rescue and relief operations following the 2015 Nepal Earthquake, demonstrating humanitarian leadership.

2. Vaccine Diplomacy and Health Cooperation

Through the Vaccine Maitri initiative, India supplied COVID-19 vaccines to several neighbouring countries such as Bhutan, Maldives, and Nepal. This strengthened India’s soft power and goodwill in the region.

3. Regional Energy Integration

India has promoted cross-border electricity trade to enhance regional energy security. A landmark step was the 2024 agreement allowing Bangladesh to import hydropower from Nepal through Indian transmission grids, which laid the foundation for a regional power market.

4. Connectivity and Trade Expansion

Improved connectivity has strengthened economic integration in South Asia. Access for India to Mongla Port and Chattogram Port has reduced logistics costs and improved trade connectivity for India’s North-Eastern states.

Limitations and Criticism of the Policy

1. Perception of Intervention in Domestic Politics

India is often perceived as interfering in the internal affairs of neighbouring countries. For instance, the 2015 Nepal Blockade created significant resentment among the people of Nepal and damaged bilateral trust.

2. Rise of Anti-India Sentiments

Domestic political actors in neighbouring countries increasingly use anti-India narratives to mobilize public opinion. The “India Out” campaign in Maldives under President Mohamed Muizzu resulted in the withdrawal of Indian military personnel.

3. Impact of India’s Domestic Political Issues

India’s domestic policies sometimes create diplomatic friction with neighbours. Concerns related to the Citizenship Amendment Act and the proposed National Register of Citizens raised apprehensions in Bangladesh regarding potential migration pressures.

4. Strategic Competition from China

China’s growing influence through the Belt and Road Initiative has intensified strategic competition in South Asia. Chinese investments often appear more attractive due to faster project execution and large-scale financing, challenging India’s influence.

5. Delays in Infrastructure Projects

Many Indian-funded infrastructure projects face bureaucratic delays and slow implementation. The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project in Myanmar has experienced prolonged delays, which has affected India’s credibility as a development partner.

6. Trust Deficit in Regional Economic Engagement

Some neighbouring countries perceive inconsistencies in India’s economic approach, particularly when India discourages them from engaging with China while itself maintaining significant trade with China. This has contributed to a trust deficit in countries like Nepal and Bangladesh.

Emerging Regional Dynamics

1. Political Transitions in Neighbouring Countries

India’s reliance on specific political leaders, such as Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh, has sometimes created challenges when political leadership changes, requiring India to rebuild relationships with new regimes.

2. Rise of Youth-Driven Politics

Political movements in countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal indicate the emergence of a younger electorate that demands greater transparency and may view India as aligned with traditional political elites.

Way Forward: Towards “Neighbourhood First 2.0”

1. Institutionalized Engagement

India should build long-term relations with governments, opposition parties, civil society, and youth groups to ensure continuity in bilateral relations despite political transitions.

2. Faster Implementation of Development Projects

Reducing bureaucratic delays and prioritizing efficient execution of infrastructure projects will enhance India’s credibility and competitiveness.

3. Revival of Non-Reciprocal Cooperation

India can adopt principles similar to the Gujral Doctrine, offering asymmetric economic concessions to smaller neighbouring countries.

4. Strengthening Cultural and People-to-People Diplomacy

Promoting shared cultural heritage, educational exchanges, and tourism can deepen societal ties across South Asia.

5. Digital Public Infrastructure Cooperation

India can export its digital innovations such as the Unified Payments Interface to neighbouring countries to build a shared regional digital ecosystem.

Conclusion

After a decade, the Neighbourhood First Policy has produced notable achievements in humanitarian assistance, connectivity, and regional cooperation. However, persistent challenges such as perceptions of interventionism, Chinese strategic competition, and slow project implementation have limited its full potential. Moving forward, India must prioritize trust-building, faster delivery of projects, and broader people-centric engagement to strengthen its leadership in the South Asian region.