In News:

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj recently held a two-day national write-shop in New Delhi to roll out the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) Version 2.0 for the financial year 2023–24. This updated version marks a significant stride toward enabling evidence-based, participatory local governance in India.

What is Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI)?

The PAI is a multi-domain, multi-sectoral index designed to assess the developmental progress, performance, and governance efficiency of Gram Panchayats. It aligns with the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) and India's broader commitment to the 2030 SDG Agenda.

Key Features of PAI 2.0

• Framework: Based on 435 unique local indicators (331 mandatory, 104 optional), drawn from 566 data points across 9 LSDG themes, aligned with the National Indicator Framework (NIF) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• Purpose:
  • Measures holistic development and well-being at the grassroots level.
  • Helps identify developmental gaps and supports data-driven planning for Panchayats.
  • Encourages bottom-up planning and governance.
• Performance Classification:
  • Achiever: 90 and above
  • Front Runner: 75 to <90
  • Performer: 60 to <75
  • Aspirant: 40 to <60
  • Beginner: Below 40

Evolution from PAI 1.0 to 2.0

• PAI 1.0 established the baseline, covering 2.16 lakh Gram Panchayats across 29 States/UTs.
• PAI 2.0 offers enhanced functionality, efficiency, and user-friendliness, with refined indicators and improved data usability, while maintaining thematic comprehensiveness.

Recent Developments

• Launch of the PAI 2.0 Portal and a comprehensive PAI 2.0 Booklet for FY 2023–24 to guide implementation.
• According to the Ministry, PAI 2.0 now contains over 100 indicators that collectively offer a robust picture of social and economic development at the Panchayat level.

In News:

A newly discovered genus and species of sauropod dinosaur, Jinchuanloong niedu, has been identified from fossil remains found in the Xinhe Formation near Jinchang city in Gansu Province, northwestern China. This discovery adds to the growing diversity of early-diverging sauropods from the Middle Jurassic period, dating back approximately 165 million years.

About Jinchuanloong niedu

• Jinchuanloong niedu belongs to the group Eusauropoda, which comprises early-diverging, strictly herbivorous, long-necked, quadrupedal dinosaurs.
• The fossil specimen includes a nearly complete skull with mandible, five cervical vertebrae, and 29 articulated caudal vertebrae.
• The skull measures approximately 31 cm in length and 12.5 cm in height. Notably, complete skulls are rare in non-neosauropod eusauropods due to their fragile nature.
• The skull is well-preserved, although slightly deformed due to compression. Most cranial sutures remain distinctly visible, aiding paleontological study.

Paleontological Significance

• This species is the earliest sauropod identified from Gansu Province, enriching the diversity of known early-diverging sauropods in East Asia.
• The discovery contributes valuable insights into sauropod evolution in northwest China, particularly during the Middle Jurassic.
• The presence of Jinchuanloong niedu helps trace lineage continuity in the aftermath of a global warming event during the late Early Jurassic, which led to the extinction of other sauropod groups, leaving only eusauropods.

Eusauropoda and Sauropod Evolution

• Sauropods, which existed from the Early Jurassic to the Late Cretaceous, were the largest land animals to have ever lived and were found on all continents.
• Characterized by massive size, long necks and tails, and a herbivorous diet, sauropods include both neosauropods and non-neosauropods.
• During the Middle and Late Jurassic, non-neosauropod eusauropods like Shunosaurus, Omeisaurus, and Mamenchisaurus-like taxa became dominant.

In News:

Kumbakonam Vetrilai, a traditional betel (paan) leaf variety cultivated in Tamil Nadu, was recently granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India. This recognition was published in the Government Gazette in November 2024 and officially announced in April 2025, taking Tamil Nadu’s total GI products to 62.

Geographical and Agricultural Context

Kumbakonam Vetrilai is predominantly grown in the Cauvery river basin in Thanjavur district, covering areas like Kumbakonam, Ayyampettai, Swamimalai, Rajagiri, Thiruvaiyaru, and Papanasam. The region's fertile soil gives the leaves a distinct taste and aroma.

The oblong, heart-shaped leaves, ranging from dark to light green, are known for their pungent flavour and are a staple in South Asian households, used primarily in preparing paan—a post-meal chew with cultural and ceremonial value.

Cultivation and Harvest

The cultivation cycle begins with planting during March–May and August–October. Banana suckers are commonly used to provide shade for the vines. The first leaves, called kolundhu vetrilai, appear 20–25 days after planting.

• Maaruvethalai (1st year harvest): Yields larger leaves with a shelf life of 6–7 days and fetches premium market prices.
• Kelavethalai and Kattavethalai (2nd and 3rd year harvests): Smaller leaves with reduced yield.

The cultivation is labour- and capital-intensive, with most farmers operating on less than one acre. Adverse weather, soil issues, and labour shortages frequently impact profitability.

Cultural and Medicinal Value

Apart from its ritual and culinary use, betel leaf is valued for medicinal properties. Rich in antioxidants and chavicol (an anti-inflammatory compound), it aids digestion and is believed to help manage oxidative stress and diabetes-related conditions.

Economic and Export Potential

The leaves are sold at Rs. 80–180 per 100 leaves and are also exported. However, only about 10 out of 100 days are considered profitable due to market and climatic fluctuations.

GI Tag Benefits and Challenges

The GI tag:

• Confirms the authenticity and regional uniqueness of Kumbakonam Vetrilai.
• Helps curb misuse of the name and ensures only genuine, high-quality products are marketed.
• Boosts export potential and preserves agro-cultural heritage.

Despite this recognition, many farmers and sellers remain unaware of the GI tag. As per Sanjai Gandhi, the IP attorney behind the GI application, there's a pressing need for awareness, capacity-building, and marketing support to help stakeholders leverage the tag effectively.

Efforts are underway through outreach programs and school and college awareness initiatives. This GI tag is also notable as Thanjavur’s first agricultural GI recognition, adding to the region’s rich cultural profile.

In News:

Recently, the 38th Meeting of the Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC), chaired by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), recommended a 36% increase in stipends under two key skilling initiatives—National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS). This move aims to enhance apprenticeship attractiveness, reduce dropout rates, and improve youth employability across India.

About NAPS (Launched: 19 August 2016)

• Objective: To build industry-relevant skilled manpower by promoting on-the-job training and bridging the gap between education and employment.
• Administered by: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
• Key Features:
  • Provides financial support to establishments for engaging apprentices.
  • Encourages MSME participation and focuses on aspirational districts and the North-East.
  • Offers partial stipend reimbursement under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
  • Apprentices receive a certificate from NAPS, enhancing employability.
  • Over 43.47 lakh apprentices engaged across 36 States/UTs till May 2025.
  • Female participation reached 20%, with efforts to boost inclusion.

About NATS

• Target Group: Graduates, Diploma holders, and Vocational certificate holders.
• Provisions:
  • Offers 6–12 months of practical, hands-on training.
  • Employers receive 50% stipend reimbursement.
  • Apprentices are issued a Government of India Certificate of Proficiency, valid across employment exchanges.
• FY 2024–25 Stats: Over 5.23 lakh apprentices enrolled.

Key Reforms Recommended by CAC (2025)

• Stipend Enhancement:
  • Proposed increase from ?5,000–?9,000 to ?6,800–?12,300.
  • To be adjusted biennially based on Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• Inclusive Skilling Framework:
  • Definition of “Person with Benchmark Disability” to be added under the Apprenticeship Rules.
  • Trades must indicate suitability for PwBDs with reserved training slots.
• Curricular Integration:
  • Push for Degree Apprenticeships and Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDP).
  • Definitions added for "Institution", "UGC", and "Contractual Staff".
• Flexible Training Modes: Employers may provide Basic and Practical Training through online, virtual, or blended modes, adhering to standard curricula.
• Decentralized Administration: Proposal to establish Regional Boards to improve scheme outreach and governance.
• Sectoral Expansion:
  • Adoption of NIC Code 2008 to replace outdated 1987 list.
  • Brings emerging sectors like IT, software, telecom, biotech, and renewable energy under apprenticeship coverage.
• Operational Improvements:
  • Align CTS (Craftsmen Training Scheme) courses with apprenticeship notification timelines.
  • Consideration of location-based stipend rationalization based on cost of living.
  • Proposal for insurance coverage for apprentices during contract periods.

Governance and Stakeholder Involvement

The Central Apprenticeship Council includes representatives from:

• Ministries: Education, Labour, MSME, Railways, Textiles.
• Industry: BHEL, Indian Oil, Tata, Maruti, Reliance.
• Institutions: NSDC, UGC, AICTE.
• State advisors and domain experts from labour and education fields.

In News:

Researchers at IIT Bombay have developed an advanced semi-transparent perovskite solar cell (PSC) layered over a traditional silicon solar cell. This results in a 4-terminal (4T) tandem solar cell that significantly boosts power conversion efficiency (PCE) to ~30%, compared to the current average of ~20% in conventional solar panels.

Key Features and Technology

• Structure: Tandem architecture using a bottom silicon sub-cell and a top layer of indigenously developed halide perovskite semiconductor.
• Material Efficiency: Halide perovskite is one of the most efficient light-absorbing materials and can be locally produced using available chemical resources.
• Cost & Efficiency Gains:
  • Potential to reduce solar power cost to ?1/kWh, down from ?2.5–4/kWh.
  • Offers 25–30% more efficiency compared to standard solar panels.
• Stability Improvements: Previously, PSCs degraded quickly. The new configuration extends lifespan up to 10 years, enhancing durability under heat and low-light conditions.

Strategic Significance for India

• Indigenous Manufacturing: Reduces dependence on imported raw materials, especially those dominated by China.
• Commercialization Plan:
  • Maharashtra government and MAHAGENCO exploring large-scale implementation.
  • ART-PV India Pvt. Ltd., a start-up from IIT Bombay's SINE, aims to deliver a commercial wafer-size solution by December 2027 using indigenous equipment.
• Applications:
  • Rooftop solar installations
  • Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)
  • Vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV)

Clean Energy Linkage: IIT Bombay is also working with the Maharashtra government to develop green hydrogen solutions. The PSC’s high open-circuit voltage makes it suitable for solar-to-hydrogen (STH) applications, offering performance comparable to costly compound semiconductors but at lower cost and with locally accessible materials.