In News:

Marine scientists have identified a new species of deep-sea coral, named Iridogorgiachewbacca, after the iconic Star Wars character Chewbacca. The name was inspired by the coral’s long, curly, and “hairy” branches resembling the furry appearance of the Wookiee warrior from the franchise.

Discovery and Habitat

• The coral was first observed in 2006 off the coast of Moloka?i (Hawaii) and later near the Mariana Trench in 2016, within the tropical western Pacific Ocean.
• It has now been officially described and classified as a new species in the genus Iridogorgia, following extensive research and genetic testing conducted by an international team of scientists, including Professor Les Watling from the University of Hawai?i at M?noa.
• The discovery was formally published in the scientific journal Zootaxa, highlighting its contribution to deep-sea biodiversity research.

About Iridogorgiachewbacca

• Taxonomy: Belongs to the genus Iridogorgia under the class Anthozoa, a group of deep-sea soft corals.
• Physical Features:Characterised by long, flexible, spiral-like branches with a shiny surface that reflects light in unique ways. These hair-like branches give it a distinct “furry” appearance.
• Growth Pattern: The coral grows upright and solitary on deep-sea rocky substrates, often hundreds to thousands of metres below sea level.
• Colony Structure: Each coral colony is made up of thousands of small polyps working together as a single organism.

Scientific Significance

The identification of Iridogorgiachewbacca underscores the vast biodiversity of the deep ocean, much of which remains unexplored. Even in relatively well-studied regions such as the western Pacific, new species continue to be discovered, highlighting the importance of deep-sea research and conservation.

Understanding Corals

• Biological Nature: Corals are marine animals, not plants, and remain sessile (attached to the seabed).
• Symbiotic Relationship: They coexist with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae, which provide nutrients through photosynthesis.
• Feeding: Corals also use their tiny, tentacle-like structures to capture food particles from the surrounding water.
• Ecological Role: Coral ecosystems support immense marine biodiversity, acting as habitats, breeding grounds, and protection zones for numerous marine species.

Why It Matters

• Expands scientific understanding of deep-sea ecosystems and their unique biodiversity.
• Reinforces the need for marine conservation amid increasing threats from deep-sea mining, climate change, and ocean acidification.
• Demonstrates how popular culture references can enhance public engagement with scientific discoveries, making marine science more accessible.

In News:

Launched in 2015, the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) is a flagship financial inclusion initiative of the Government of India. The scheme seeks to provide affordable credit to micro and small enterprises (MSEs) engaged in non-farm income-generating activities, thereby integrating them into the formal financial ecosystem.

Objective

• PMMY aims to “fund the unfunded” by facilitating access to institutional credit for small entrepreneurs who traditionally lack collateral or formal financial history.
• The scheme empowers these enterprises through loans provided by Public Sector Banks (PSBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Cooperative Banks, Private Banks, Foreign Banks, Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs), and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).

Key Features and Loan Details

• Loan Amount: Up to ?10 lakh for non-farm income-generating activities across sectors such as manufacturing, processing, trading, and services.
• Eligibility: Any Indian citizen with a viable business plan for such activities can apply for a MUDRA loan through approved institutions.
• Subsidy: PMMY does not directly offer subsidies; however, if linked to other government schemes with capital subsidies, those benefits can be availed concurrently.

Categories of MUDRA Loans

Achievements under MUDRA 1.0

• Credit Outreach: Over ?27.75 lakh crore has been disbursed to nearly 47 crore beneficiaries, expanding access to formal credit for small entrepreneurs.
• Social Inclusion: Around 69% of loan accounts are held by women, while 51% belong to SC, ST, and OBC categories — strengthening financial inclusion and social equity.
• Employment Generation: The scheme has spurred job creation and self-employment, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, fostering local entrepreneurship and economic decentralisation.

Vision for MUDRA 2.0

To further enhance the scheme’s reach and impact, the proposed MUDRA 2.0 envisions the following reforms:

• Wider Outreach: Greater focus on underserved rural and semi-urban regions through digital platforms and community-level facilitation.
• Financial Literacy & Mentorship: National-level programmes to improve awareness about budgeting, savings, digital transactions, and credit management to ensure sustainable enterprise growth.
• Enhanced Credit Guarantee Scheme (ECGS): A robust guarantee mechanism to minimise lender risk and encourage more credit flow to micro enterprises.
• Real-Time Monitoring Framework: Technology-driven systems for tracking disbursal, utilisation, and repayment to ensure transparency and reduce misuse.
• Impact Evaluation: Periodic socio-economic assessments to measure outcomes on income generation, employment, and business viability.

In News:

The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Adamya, the first in a new series of eight Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), was commissioned at Paradip Port, Odisha. The vessel, designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), marks another step forward in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector.

About ICGS Adamya

• Meaning: “Adamya” translates to indomitable, symbolizing the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) resolve to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests.
• Operational Base: The ship will be based at Paradip, Odisha, under the administrative control of the Commander, ICG Region (North East).
• Crew Strength: The vessel is manned by five officers and 34 personnel.
• Primary Role: Coastal surveillance, anti-smuggling operations, anti-poaching patrols, and search and rescue missions within India’s maritime zones.

Key Specifications

Technological Highlights

• First-of-its-kind Propulsion:The Adamya is the first Indian vessel fitted with indigenously developed Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPPs) and gearboxes, enhancing manoeuvrability and fuel efficiency.
• Advanced Systems:Equipped with an Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), and Automated Power Management System (APMS) to improve operational efficiency and automation.
• Weaponry:Armed with a 30 mm CRN 91 gun and two 12.7 mm stabilized remote-controlled machine guns, supported by advanced fire-control systems.

About Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs)

Fast Patrol Vessels are medium-sized, high-speed ships used by the Indian Coast Guard for surveillance, policing, and search and rescue operations in coastal areas. They play a vital role in maintaining maritime safety, enforcing laws, and preventing smuggling and infiltration.

In News:

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘SwasthNari, SashaktParivar (SNSP) Abhiyaan’ and the 8thRashtriyaPoshanMaah from Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, marking one of India’s largest-ever health outreach campaigns for women and children. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to promoting women-led development and holistic family well-being through accessible and equitable healthcare.

About the SwasthNari, SashaktParivarAbhiyaan

• The SNSP Abhiyaan is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Ministry of Women & Child Development (MoWCD).
• It aims to provide preventive, promotive, and curative health services to women and children, particularly in underserved regions.
• The campaign will organize over 10 lakh health camps between 17th September and 2nd October 2025 at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Community Health Centres (CHCs), District Hospitals, and other public health facilities across the country.
• This mass mobilisation aligns with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), where “Nari Shakti” (women power) forms the foundation of national progress.

Key Objectives

• Enhance Women’s Health through Screening and Care:Regular health check-ups for women, focusing on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, anaemia, tuberculosis, and sickle cell disease.
• Promote Maternal and Child Well-being:Strengthening antenatal care, immunisation, nutrition counselling, menstrual hygiene awareness, and adolescent health initiatives.
• Foster Behavioural Change and Health Education:Conducting awareness drives on healthy lifestyle practices, mental health, obesity prevention, and voluntary blood donation.
• Encourage Community Participation:Mobilisation through ASHAs, ANMs, Anganwadi workers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), MY Bharat volunteers, and youth networks.
• Integrate Digital and Media Outreach:Real-time monitoring through the SASHAKT Portal, along with mass awareness via Doordarshan, All India Radio (AIR), and social media platforms.

Implementation Framework

• Nationwide Health Camps:Health facilities at all levels — from Ayushman Arogya Mandirs to tertiary hospitals — will provide free diagnostic tests, medicines, and specialist consultations.
• Specialist Services:Departments such as Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Dental, Dermatology, and Psychiatry will extend services through AIIMS, ESIC hospitals, Railway and Defence hospitals, and Institutes of National Importance (INIs).
• Public–Private Collaboration:Private hospitals and medical institutions have been encouraged to contribute to the outreach, ensuring broader reach and continuity of care.
• Community Health Monitoring:Volunteer initiatives like Nikshay Mitra will support tuberculosis prevention, while local youth networks promote healthy practices at the grassroots level.

Focus on Sickle Cell Anaemia

• During the launch, the Prime Minister handed over the 1 croreth Sickle Cell Card, underscoring the government’s National Sickle Cell Anaemia Mission. Over 5 crore individuals have been screened so far, especially in tribal-dominated regions, where the disease burden is highest. The mission aims at eliminating Sickle Cell Anaemia by 2047, ensuring improved tribal health outcomes.

Institutional and Grassroots Coordination

• Chief Ministers, Governors, Union Ministers, and local representatives across states participated in the launch events simultaneously. Ground-level implementation is being led by health workers, SHGs, PRIs, and community volunteers, ensuring last-mile outreach and inclusive participation.

Significance

• Largest Health Outreach in India: Over 10 lakh health camps make it the widest public health drive for women and children.
• Women-Centric Development: Strengthens India’s shift toward women-led welfare models under the vision of Viksit Bharat.
• Integrated Governance Model: Combines health, nutrition, and social empowerment across multiple ministries.
• Public Health Transformation: Promotes preventive healthcare, early detection, and equitable access to medical services.
• Focus on Tribal and Rural Health: Addresses critical health challenges in vulnerable and remote regions.

In News:

Defying prohibitory orders, members of the Kurmi community in Jharkhand launched a rail blockade across several stations to demand Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and the inclusion of the Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The agitation, organized under the banner of the Adivasi KurmiSamaj (AKS), disrupted train services across the South Eastern and East Central Railway divisions.

About the Kurmi Community

• Origins and Identity:The Kurmis (also known as Kunbi in some regions) are traditionally an agricultural community, predominantly Hindu, found across eastern Uttar Pradesh, southern Awadh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Odisha.The name “Kurmi” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Krishi” (agriculture), symbolizing their deep connection with farming.
• Historical Background:Historically, Kurmis are believed to be descendants of Kshatriya warriors who took to agriculture. Renowned for their hard work, soil management, and egalitarian culture, the community was lauded by both Mughal and British administrators for its agrarian contributions.
• Social Status:Currently, Kurmis are classified as Other Backward Class (OBC) in most Indian states. However, the community contends that their socio-cultural roots align more closely with tribal heritage, warranting ST recognition.
• Sub-Groups and Culture:The community is divided into several gotras (clans), including Chandel, Chauhan, Solanki, Tomar, Baghel, and Sengar. They are known for maintaining strong community networks and gender-inclusive social practices.

About the Kurmali Language

• Linguistic Affiliation:Kurmali belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family and is primarily spoken in Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha.
• Cultural Significance:It serves as a marker of Kurmi identity and is used in folk traditions, oral histories, and local communication.
• Demand for Recognition:Inclusion in the Eighth Schedule would ensure state-supported promotion, education, and preservation of the language, similar to other recognized regional languages.

Government Response and Implications

The Jharkhand administration has maintained a cautious approach, emphasizing the need for maintaining law and order while acknowledging the sensitivity of the community’s demands.The demand for ST status involves constitutional and demographic considerations, requiring evaluation by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and approval by Parliament under Article 342 of the Constitution.