Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) technology

  • 02 Jul 2025

In News:

India has recently introduced Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) technology, marking a significant advancement in non-invasive neurological treatment. This technique is now being offered in select hospitals, providing new hope for patients suffering from Essential Tremor (ET) and Tremor-Dominant Parkinson’s Disease (TD-PD) — two common but debilitating neurological disorders.

What is MRgFUS?

MRgFUS is a non-surgical, incisionless medical intervention that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound energy, guided by real-time MRI, to target and ablate precise regions of brain tissue responsible for tremors, especially in the thalamus, a key brain relay centre.

Unlike traditional procedures like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) that require surgery and implants, MRgFUS is performed without any cuts or anaesthesia and allows immediate symptom relief with minimal recovery time.

Key Features of MRgFUS

  • Incisionless procedure: No need for surgical opening of the skull
  • MRI-guided precision: Real-time monitoring and adjustment
  • Rapid recovery: Hospital stay of 1–2 days
  • No implants or batteries: One-time treatment
  • Immediate results: Visible tremor relief during the procedure itself

Medical Significance

Essential Tremor (ET):

  • Affects ~1% of global population
  • Incidence increases with age: ~5% of people over 60
  • Not life-threatening but impairs daily life — eating, writing, speaking
  • Leads to social isolation, anxiety, and functional disability

MRgFUS offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive solution for patients who are unwilling or unfit for brain surgery.

Availability in India

MRgFUS has been introduced in several advanced medical centres:

  • Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi – First private hospital in North India to offer the procedure
  • AIIMS, Delhi – First government institution to adopt it
  • Royal Care Super Speciality Hospital, Coimbatore – Pioneer centre in India
  • KIMS Hospitals, Telangana

As of mid-2025, over 200 patients in India have undergone the procedure successfully, with more than 25,000 globally.

Cost and Duration

  • Procedure Cost: ?19–23 lakh
  • Duration: 1–3 hours
  • Performed by: A multidisciplinary team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neuroradiologists

Global Context and Technological Backing

  • Insightec, a global leader in MRgFUS technology, is facilitating its expansion in India.
  • The company is also exploring new clinical applications for the same technology in other neurological disorders beyond ET and Parkinson’s.

India Energy Stack (IES)

  • 02 Jul 2025

In News:

In a transformative move aimed at digitising India’s power sector, the Ministry of Power has announced the conception of the India Energy Stack (IES) — a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative designed to build a unified, secure, and interoperable digital ecosystem across the energy value chain.

This effort aligns with India’s goals of achieving a $5 trillion economy and meeting its Net Zero commitments, while addressing the growing complexities of a rapidly evolving energy landscape marked by renewables, electric vehicles, and consumer-centric markets.

What is India Energy Stack (IES)?

The India Energy Stack is envisioned as a standardised, open, and secure digital infrastructure to:

  • Streamline operations in the power sector
  • Empower consumers with access to real-time, consent-based data
  • Integrate renewable energy into the national grid
  • Enhance the efficiency of Distribution Companies (DISCOMs)

The initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Power, drawing inspiration from successful DPI models like Aadhaar (identity) and UPI (digital payments).

Core Features of IES

  • Unique IDs: Assigned to consumers, assets, and energy transactions
  • Real-time Data Sharing: Consent-based access for secure and accountable data exchange
  • Open APIs: Enabling seamless integration across utility systems and third-party applications
  • Consumer Empowerment Tools: Market access platforms, billing transparency, demand response options, and innovation support
  • Interoperability: Standardised protocols for all stakeholders in the electricity ecosystem

Implementation Strategy

1. Proof of Concept (PoC) – 12 Months

A year-long pilot phase will test the India Energy Stack using real-world scenarios in partnership with selected utilities and DISCOMs.

2. Utility Intelligence Platform (UIP)

The UIP is a modular, analytics-driven application built on the India Energy Stack. It aims to:

  • Provide real-time insights to utilities, policymakers, and regulators
  • Enable smart energy management
  • Enhance decision-making for grid operations and consumer services

3. Pilot Regions

The PoC will be conducted in collaboration with DISCOMs in:

  • Mumbai
  • Gujarat
  • Delhi

Institutional Framework

  • A dedicated Task Force has been established by the Ministry of Power.
  • It includes experts from:
    • Technology domain
    • Power sector operations
    • Regulatory bodies
  • The Task Force will guide:
    • System architecture design
    • Pilot implementation
    • National scale-up strategy

Expected Outcomes

  • India Energy Stack White Paper for public consultation
  • UIP deployment in pilot cities
  • National roadmap for phased rollout of IES across all states and UTs
  • Improved grid stability, energy access, and transparency in service delivery
  • Enhanced integration of renewable energy sources into the mainstream grid

Significance for India’s Power Sector

The India Energy Stack has the potential to be a game-changer for the power sector, enabling:

  • Modernisation of legacy systems
  • Digital empowerment of consumers
  • Efficient energy trading and billing
  • Decentralised and democratised power governance

As India undergoes its green energy transition, IES will serve as the digital spine supporting clean, accountable, and consumer-centric power distribution.

At Sea Observer Mission

  • 02 Jul 2025

In News:

In a major milestone for regional security, the QUAD nationsIndia, Japan, the United States, and Australia — have launched their first-ever 'At Sea Observer Mission'. This cross-embarkation initiative, conducted under the Wilmington Declaration, seeks to deepen maritime interoperability, operational coordination, and domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific region.

This move signifies the QUAD’s growing shift from diplomatic coordination to practical maritime collaboration, in line with the vision outlined at the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in September 2024.

Key Features of the At Sea Observer Mission

  • Participating Nations: India, Japan, USA, and Australia — the four QUAD countries.
  • Agencies Involved:
    • Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
    • Japan Coast Guard (JCG)
    • United States Coast Guard (USCG)
    • Australian Border Force (ABF)
  • Vessel Involved:USCGC Stratton (US Coast Guard Cutter) currently en route to Guam.
  • Observer Teams: Two officers from each country, including women officers, embarked for the mission.
  • Format:Cross-embarkation, where officers from different countries are hosted on board a partner nation's ship to enable firsthand operational learning.

Objectives and Strategic Relevance

  • Strengthening Maritime Security
    • Promotes collective surveillance, intelligence sharing, and maritime law enforcement.
    • Enhances preparedness against common threats such as illegal fishing, piracy, smuggling, and disaster response.
  • Boosting Interoperability and Coordination
    • Lays groundwork for real-time joint operations and coordinated patrols.
    • Encourages standardization of practices and communication protocols across QUAD navies and coast guards.
  • Upholding the Rules-Based Order: Reinforces commitment to a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific, countering unilateral actions and grey-zone threats in the region.

Indian Perspective: SAGAR and IPOI

India’s participation in the mission reflects its broader strategic vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). It also aligns with India’s leadership in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), particularly in the pillars of:

  • Maritime Security
  • Capacity Building and Resource Sharing
  • Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
  • Maritime Ecology and Maritime Resources

India's active role demonstrates its commitment to multilateral maritime cooperation, gender inclusivity, and regional stability.

Long-Term Implications: Toward a 'QUAD Coast Guard Handshake'

The ‘At Sea Observer Mission’ represents a foundation for the future institutionalisation of QUAD maritime security cooperation, informally dubbed the ‘QUAD Coast Guard Handshake.’ This aims to:

  • Foster trust and operational familiarity
  • Improve collective resilience against emerging maritime challenges
  • Create a responsive, inclusive, and rule-abiding Indo-Pacific maritime domain

Space-Based Surveillance-III Programme

  • 02 Jul 2025

In News:

Building on critical lessons from Operation Sindoor, where satellite surveillance played a pivotal role in precision military responses, the Union Government has decided to fast-track the launch of 52 dedicated surveillance satellites. The move is aimed at enhancing real-time, all-weather, and round-the-clock monitoring of India’s land and maritime borders, particularly with China and Pakistan.

The decision comes amid growing emphasis on space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to counter modern threats, including drones and hypersonic weapons.

SBS-III Programme: Overview

The Space-Based Surveillance-III (SBS-III) programme was approved in October 2023 by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by the Prime Minister. It is India’s most ambitious defence space project to date.

Key Features of SBS-III:

  • Total Satellites: 52 dedicated military satellites
    • ISRO: Will build and launch 21 satellites
    • Private Sector: Will develop 31 satellites
  • Launch Timeline:
    • First launch by April 2026
    • Full constellation targeted by end of 2029
  • Project Cost: ?26,968 crore (approx. $3.2 billion)
  • Supervising Agency:Defence Space Agency (DSA) under the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), Ministry of Defence

Strategic Objectives and Capabilities

  • Surveillance Reach and Coverage
    • Wider coverage of China, Pakistan, and Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
    • Reduced revisit times: Faster and more frequent imaging of sensitive areas
    • Capability to monitor airfields, military bases, and staging grounds deep inside adversary territory
  • Operational Orbits
    • Satellites to operate in both Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) for layered coverage
    • Designed to counter China’s anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities including kinetic and electronic warfare systems

Technology and Innovations

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration
    • Satellites will use AI-powered decision-making to enhance image processing, target detection, and threat identification
    • Ability to interact with each other and form a Geo-Intelligence (GeoInt) network for real-time intelligence sharing
  • Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV)
    • ISRO to transfer SSLV technology to private players
    • Enables rapid satellite deployment during emergencies, ensuring strategic agility and resilience

Lessons from Operation Sindoor

During Operation Sindoor, Indian defence forces used satellite-based surveillance to track drone and missile trajectories, providing precise actionable intelligence. This success underscored the need for:

  • High-resolution radar imaging
  • Day-night and all-weather capabilities
  • Faster intelligence turnaround time

These operational insights directly influenced the SBS-III mission design and its urgency.

Defence Space Agency (DSA)

  • Established in 2019, replacing the Integrated Space Cell
  • Operates under the Ministry of Defence’s Integrated Defence Staff (IDS)
  • Coordinates with ISRO, DRDO, and Armed Forces on:
    • Space warfare strategy
    • Protection of Indian space assets
    • Integration of ISR data with battlefield operations

Eight Years of GST

  • 02 Jul 2025

In News:

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was implemented on 1st July 2017, aiming to unify India’s fragmented indirect tax system into a single, nation-wide tax. It replaced multiple central and state levies such as excise duty, service tax, VAT, and others.

By simplifying the tax structure and improving transparency, GST aimed to enhance compliance, remove tax cascading, and create a common national market. As of 1st July 2025, GST has completed eight years.

Key Highlights of 2024–25

  • In the financial year 2024–25, GST collections reached an all-time high of ?22.08 lakh crore, representing a growth of 9.4% over the previous year. The average monthly collection was ?1.84 lakh crore. The number of active GST taxpayers crossed 1.51 crore.
  • According to the Deloitte GST@8 survey, 85% of respondents across industries reported a positive experience with GST, highlighting improvements in compliance, transparency, and ease of doing business.

Structure of the GST System

Components of GST

GST operates under a dual model:

  • Central GST (CGST) and State GST (SGST) for intra-state transactions.
  • Integrated GST (IGST) for inter-state transactions and imports.

Rate Structure

The GST Council has approved a multi-tier rate structure:

  • Standard slabs of 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% apply to most goods and services.
  • Special lower rates include 0.25% on rough diamonds, 1.5% on cut and polished diamonds, and 3% on gold, silver, and jewellery.
  • A Compensation Cess is levied on select goods such as tobacco, aerated drinks, and luxury cars to compensate states for revenue loss during the transition.

Key Features of GST

  • Destination-Based Tax: GST is levied at the place of consumption, rather than origin. This ensures equitable revenue distribution and smooth credit flow across the supply chain.
  • Input Tax Credit (ITC): Businesses can claim credit for taxes paid on inputs. This eliminates the cascading effect of taxes and reduces overall costs.
  • Threshold Exemption: Small businesses with turnover below ?40 lakh for goods and ?20 lakh for services are exempt from GST, reducing the compliance burden on micro-enterprises.
  • Composition Scheme: Businesses with turnover up to ?1.5 crore (goods) and ?50 lakh (services) can opt for a simplified tax scheme with fixed rates and minimal paperwork.
  • Digital Compliance: All processes—from registration to return filing and payments—are conducted online through the GSTN portal. This digital-first approach enhances transparency and efficiency.
  • Sector-Specific Exemptions: Essential sectors such as healthcare and education are either exempt or taxed at concessional rates to ensure affordability.
  • Revenue Sharing: GST enables seamless credit transfers and transparent revenue sharing between the Centre and States, strengthening cooperative fiscal federalism.

Impact of GST

On MSMEs

  • GST has provided major relief to micro, small, and medium enterprises by raising exemption thresholds and simplifying compliance. The introduction of the composition scheme allows them to pay tax at a flat rate with simplified filing.
  • The Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) has also expanded access to credit. As of May 2024, four digital platforms were operational, with over 5,000 buyers and 53 banks and 13 NBFCs registered as financiers.
  • Other initiatives include quarterly return filing for businesses with turnover up to ?5 crore and SMS-based NIL return filing, reducing administrative hassle for small taxpayers.

On Consumers

  • GST has benefited consumers by lowering tax rates on essential goods such as cereals, edible oils, sugar, and snacks. A study by the Finance Ministry found that GST led to an average household saving of 4% in monthly expenses.
  • The expansion of the tax base from 60 lakh registered taxpayers in 2017 to over 1.51 crore in 2025 has enabled the government to rationalize rates further.

On the Logistics Sector

  • The removal of inter-state check posts and the introduction of e-way bills have significantly improved logistics efficiency. Transport time has reduced by over 33%, and businesses no longer need to maintain warehouses in every state. This has facilitated the creation of centralized, tech-enabled supply chains.

Revenue Performance Over Time

Since its launch, GST collections have shown consistent growth. In 2020–21, collections stood at ?11.37 lakh crore. They rose to ?14.83 lakh crore in 2021–22, ?18.08 lakh crore in 2022–23, ?20.18 lakh crore in 2023–24, and finally to ?22.08 lakh crore in 2024–25. This reflects improved compliance, economic recovery, and digital enforcement.

GST Council and Its Role

Constitutional Basis: The GST Council was constituted under Article 279A of the Constitution following the passage of the 122nd Constitutional Amendment Act. The Council was formally set up after Presidential assent on 8th September 2016.

Composition: The Council includes:

  • Union Finance Minister as Chairperson
  • Union Minister of State (Finance/Revenue)
  • State Finance Ministers
  • Special representation in case of constitutional emergency (Article 356)

Major Decisions: Since its inception, the GST Council has met 55 times and taken several reform-oriented decisions:

  • Introduced e-way bills, e-invoicing, and the QRMP scheme
  • Reduced GST on under-construction affordable housing from 8% to 1%
  • Lowered GST on electric vehicles from 12% to 5%, and exempted large EV buses
  • Streamlined compliance through auto-populated returns and QR codes
  • Rationalized GST slabs, reducing items in the 28% slab from 227 to 35
  • Set up GST Appellate Tribunals with Principal Bench in New Delhi
  • Rolled out Aadhaar-based biometric authentication and clarified rules for vouchers
  • Recommended full GST exemption on gene therapy and a legal framework for Invoice Management System

Skills for the Future

  • 01 Jul 2025

In News:

Recently, theUnion Minister Jayant Chaudhary (MoS, Independent Charge – Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and MoS – Ministry of Education) unveiled the report "Skills for the Future: Transforming India’s Workforce Landscape", prepared by the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC). This data-driven report critically analyses India’s skilling ecosystem using PLFS 2023–24 and other datasets.

Significance of Skilling for India’s Development

  • Demographic Dividend: India has one of the world’s youngest populations. Skilling is crucial to leverage this before population ageing sets in (by 2047).
  • Economic Growth: A 1% rise in Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at the tertiary level increases GDP by 0.511% (Parika, 2020).
  • Employment Creation: India needs to create 5 lakh non-farm jobs annually till 2030 (Economic Survey 2023–24).
  • Global Competitiveness: Leadership in EVs, AI, biotechnology, and green energy demands a future-ready workforce.

Key Findings from the Report (PLFS 2023–24 Based)

1. Skill Distribution

  • 88% of India’s workforce is in low-competency jobs (Skill Levels 1 & 2).
  • Only 10–12% are employed in high-skill roles (Skill Levels 3 & 4).
  • Only 4.5% of the workforce has received formal vocational training.

2. Education-Skill Mismatch

  • Only 8.25% of graduates are in roles matching their skill level.
  • Over 50% of graduates are employed in lower-skill jobs.
  • Severe case of overqualification and underutilization of educational capital.

3. TVET and Sectoral Gaps

  • Top 5 Sectors (66% of vocational enrolment):
    1. Electronics
    2. IT & ITeS
    3. Textiles & Apparel
    4. Healthcare & Life Sciences
    5. Beauty & Wellness
  • Skill Deficits are critical in high-growth sectors like green tech, AI, biotech, and EVs.

4. Wage Inequality by Skill Level

Skill Level          Avg. Annual Wage

Level 1               Rs.98,835

Level 2              Rs.1.26 lakh

Level 3              Rs.2.81 lakh

Level 4              Rs.3.94 lakh

46% of the workforce earns less than ?1 lakh/year, highlighting a major economic disparity.

5. Regional Disparities

  • Low-Skilled States: Bihar, Assam (95% in Skill Levels 1 & 2)
  • Higher-Skill States: Kerala, Chandigarh
  • Migration and brain drain observed in low-skill, low-growth regions

Challenges Identified

  • Skill-Education Mismatch: Graduates in low-skill jobs; vocational roles filled by underqualified informal workers.
  • Weak TVET-Industry Linkage: Existing courses not aligned with Industry 4.0 or green economy needs.
  • Low GER and Transition Dropout: Higher secondary GER at 57.56%, tertiary GER still below 30%.
  • Gender & Social Exclusion: Low skilling access for women, SC/STs, rural youth.
  • Data & Outcome Gaps: No central skill repository or real-time job-skill tracking.

Recommendations from the Report

  • Institutional Reforms
    • Launch a National Skill Gap Survey
    • Establish a Central Skill Data Repository for real-time, evidence-based policymaking
  • Curriculum & TVET Overhaul
    • Update NCO codes (National Classification of Occupations)
    • Integrate vocational training in schools
    • Scale up PMKVY, NAPS, and credit-linked certifications
  • Industry & Market Linkages
    • Incentivise hiring of certified skilled labour
    • Link industry wage structures to skill certifications
    • Encourage industry-led training programs
  • Targeted Inclusion & Regional Empowerment
    • Empower State Skill Missions
    • Prioritise high-potential regions and sectors
    • Target women, SC/STs, informal sector workers
  • Education Pipeline Strengthening
    • Raise GER at higher secondary and tertiary levels
    • Promote flexible, modular skilling programs for working populations and school dropouts

Digital Initiatives for Maritime Sector

  • 01 Jul 2025

In News:

Recently, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, launched a series of digital and sustainability-driven initiatives aimed at modernising India’s maritime sector. These reforms are aligned with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Major Digital and Policy Initiatives Launched

1. Digital Centre of Excellence (DCoE)

  • MoU signed between: MoPSW and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC)
  • Objective: Accelerate digital transformation across Indian ports
  • Key Features:
    • Application of AI, IoT, Blockchain to optimize maritime logistics
    • Drive real-time operational upgrades
    • Support green and sustainable port operations
  • Strategic Alignment: Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat, Viksit Bharat @2047

2. SAGAR SETU Platform

  • Type: Unified digital interface for maritime trade and EXIM operations
  • Go-Live Date: 26th June 2025
  • Integration: Connects 80+ ports and 40+ stakeholders
  • Objective:
    • Streamline cargo and vessel documentation
    • Enable paperless, seamless, and transparent logistics
    • Improve Ease of Doing Business (EoDB)
  • Linked with: PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan

3. DRISHTI Framework

  • Full Form: Data-driven Review Institutional System for Tracking Implementation
  • Purpose: Real-time monitoring of projects under Maritime India Vision 2030
  • Key Pillars:
    • KPI Monitoring
    • Progress & Achievements Tracking
    • Organisational Oversight
    • Functional Cell Coordination
  • Strategic Value: Informed decision-making, faster project delivery

4. Standardised Scale of Rates (SOR) Template for Major Ports

  • Objective: Standardise port tariffs to remove inconsistencies and improve transparency
  • Features:
    • Uniform structure for port tariffs
    • Digitally comparable rates across ports
    • Ports retain flexibility for local economic conditions
  • Expected Impact:
    • Enhances investor confidence
    • Improves user experience
    • Aligns with global maritime practices

Sustainability & Clean Energy: Hydrogen Transition Roadmap

Gateway to Green Report

Title: Gateway to Green — Assessing Port Readiness for Green Hydrogen Transition in India

  • Released by: Ministry of Ports in collaboration with the Indian Ports Association (IPA)
  • Objective: Transform Indian ports into green hydrogen hubs by 2030
  • Strategic Goals:
    • Produce 5 million tonnes of Green Hydrogen by 2030
    • Develop infrastructure for production, storage, and export
    • Leverage India’s maritime geography for clean energy leadership
  • Targeted Ports for Hydrogen Transition:
  • V.O. Chidambaranar Port
  • Paradip Port
  • Deendayal Port
  • Jawaharlal Nehru Port
  • Mumbai Port
  • Cochin Port
  • Key Action Areas:
    • Land allocation for hydrogen projects
    • Demand stimulation and investor facilitation
    • International collaborations for knowledge and finance
    • Shared infrastructure models

Strategic Relevance for India

  • Economic Impact:
    • Enhances trade competitiveness and reduces logistics cost
    • Modernises infrastructure to global benchmarks
    • Boosts Make in India and port-led development
  • Digital Governance:
    • Promotes data-driven decision-making
    • Enables real-time monitoring and performance tracking
  • Environmental Sustainability:
    • Aligns with India’s National Hydrogen Mission
    • Ports act as catalysts for clean energy transition

International Potato Research Center

  • 01 Jul 2025

In News:

  • On June 25, 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the CIP-South Asia Regional Center (CSARC) in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
  • The center will function as a regional wing of the International Potato Center (CIP) headquartered in Lima, Peru.

About CIP

  • Founded: 1971
  • Headquarters: Lima, Peru
  • Focus Crops: Potato, Sweet Potato, and Andean roots & tubers
  • Global Presence: South America, Africa, Asia
  • India Operations: Since 1975, through partnership with ICAR

About CIP-South Asia Regional Center (CSARC)

  • Location: Singna, Agra district, Uttar Pradesh
  • Land Provided: 10 hectares (by UP Government)
  • Total Project Cost: ?171 crore
    • Indian Contribution: ?111.5 crore
    • CIP Contribution: ?60 crore
  • Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare

Objectives of the Center

  • Improve productivity of potato and sweet potato
  • Promote climate-resilient, disease-free varieties
  • Enhance post-harvest management and value addition
  • Boost domestic seed production
  • Support exports and food processing industries
  • Increase farmer income, employment, and nutritional security

Why is this Significant?

  • Potato is the 3rd most consumed crop globally (after rice and wheat)
  • Sweet potato ranks 6th globally (after maize and cassava)
  • India is the 2nd largest producer and consumer of potato
  • Current average yield in India:
    • Potato: ~25 tonnes/ha (Potential: >50 tonnes/ha)
    • Sweet Potato: ~11.5 tonnes/ha (Potential: ~30 tonnes/ha)
  • Establishment of CSARC will:
    • Reduce dependency on seed imports
    • Improve access to global germplasm
    • Help bridge the yield gap

Global and National Context

  • China is the largest potato producer (78.24 million tonnes, 2020)
  • India is second (51.3 million tonnes, 2020)
  • Top Potato-Producing States in India (2020–21):
    • Uttar Pradesh (~15 million tonnes)
    • West Bengal (~15 million tonnes)
    • Bihar (~9 million tonnes)

Related Agricultural Research Institutions in India

  • ICAR-CPRI, Shimla – Potato research
  • ICAR-CTCRI, Thiruvananthapuram – Sweet potato and tuber crops
  • IRRI-SARC, Varanasi – Regional center of International Rice Research Institute

CIP Centers Outside Peru

  • China Center for Asia-Pacific (CCCAP) – Established in 2017 in Beijing, China
  • India's CSARC (Agra) will be the second major CIP center outside Peru

Operation Bihali

  • 01 Jul 2025

In News:

A Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist was neutralized and three others were cornered in Operation Bihali, a high-risk counter-terror operation conducted in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district, Jammu & Kashmir.

About Operation Bihali

Aspect                                                Details

Type of Operation                     Counter-terrorism

Objective                                          Neutralize a group of 4 JeM terrorists and prevent cross-border attacks

Location                                             Basantgarh region, Udhampur district, J&K

Launched by                                   Jointly by Indian Army Para Commandos and J&K Police

Operational Command          Under the White Knight Corps

Intelligence Basis                        Based on 12 months of surveillance identifying the terrorist group

Key Significance

  • Neutralization of JeM Threat: Thwarted potential attacks and ensured regional stability.
  • Intelligence-Led Operation: Reflects enhanced surveillance and coordination between civil and military forces.
  • Strategic Impact:
    • Disrupted terror infiltration routes along sensitive zones.
    • Reinforced India's proactive counter-insurgency posture in Jammu & Kashmir.
    • Strengthened local security infrastructure in vulnerable border districts.

19th National Statistics Day

  • 01 Jul 2025

In News:

MoSPI celebrates 19th Statistics Day honouring Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis and 75 years of National Sample Survey.

Key Highlights:

June 29 is observed as National Statistics Day in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis (1893–1972), widely regarded as the Father of Indian Statistics. The 2025 theme is "75 Years of National Sample Survey (NSS)".

The day is dedicated to promoting the role of statistics in nation-building and policy formulation, especially among the youth.

Key Contributions of P.C. Mahalanobis

1. Architect of India’s National Sample Survey (NSS)

  • In 1950, Prof. Mahalanobis pioneered the National Sample Survey, India's first scientific and large-scale household data collection system.
  • NSS is a large-scale, nationwide socio-economic data collection initiative conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
  • Key Objectives of the NSS: Generate high-quality data to inform public policy, planning, and developmental programs.Conduct household surveys on:
  • Consumption expenditure
  • Employment & unemployment
  • Health and education
  • Migration and the informal sector
  • Undertake the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) to evaluate industrial performance.
  • Support the agricultural sector by supervising crop area and yield estimation.
  • Provide price statistics for rural and urban India to monitor inflation and cost-of-living changes.
  • Key Features of the NSS
    • All-India Scientific Coverage: Surveys conducted in both rural and urban areas using stratified multi-stage sampling methods.
  • Organizational Structure – Four Major Divisions

Division                                                                                              Function

Survey Design & Research Division (SDRD)            Survey planning, design, and methodology (HQ: Kolkata)

Field Operations Division (FOD)                                        Data collection via 170+ regional offices (HQ: Delhi/Faridabad)

Data Processing Division (DPD)                                        Data validation, tabulation, processing for surveys like PLFS & ASI

Survey Coordination Division (SCD)                             Coordinates survey activities and publishes Sarvekshana journal

  • Multi-Thematic and Integrated Surveys
  • Consumption patterns
  • Employment trends (via Periodic Labour Force Survey - PLFS)
  • Health and morbidity
  • Education, migration, and social welfare indicators
  • Support for Agriculture and Industry: Strengthens crop statistics and supports the ASI Web Portal for industrial data validation.
  • Digital Integration & Real-Time Processing:Modernization efforts include urban sampling frame maintenance, tablet-based data collection, and real-time monitoring tools.

2. Mahalanobis Distance (1936)

  • A multivariate statistical measure used to identify outliers and data anomalies.
  • It quantifies the distance of a data point from a distribution, factoring in correlations between variables.
  • Widely applied in fields such as public health, market research, and machine learning.

3. Flood Control and Environmental Planning

  • In the 1920s, Mahalanobis used historical data to guide flood mitigation in Bengal and Odisha.
  • His studies disproved incorrect assumptions (e.g., rising river beds) and recommended drainage improvements and dam construction.
  • His early estimates contributed to the Hirakud Hydroelectric Project, inaugurated in 1957.

4. Institution Building: Founder of ISI & Sankhya Journal

  • Founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata in 1931, a premier research institute for statistics and mathematics.
  • Launched ‘Sankhya’, India’s first statistical journal, fostering academic and applied research.

5. Role in National Planning & Technology Advocacy

  • Chief architect of the Second Five-Year Plan, which introduced the Mahalanobis Model — emphasizing heavy industries and public sector-led growth.
  • Advocated for digital computing in India. However, during the Cold War, the U.S. denied India access to the UNIVAC computer, fearing Mahalanobis’s pro-Soviet leanings.

Biographical Snapshot

Attribute                                            Details

Born                                                      29 June 1893, Kolkata (then Calcutta)

Education                                          Presidency College; King's College, Cambridge

Field                                                       Statistics, Economic Planning, Data Science

Key Institutions                             Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), NSS, Planning Commission

Died                                                        28 June 1972

Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)

  • 30 Jun 2025

In News:

India marked a historic moment in space exploration as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission.

Organizations Involved:

  • Axiom Space – Mission organizer
  • NASA – ISS host and operations support
  • SpaceX – Provided Falcon 9 launch vehicle and Dragon capsule

Launch Details:

  • Launch Date: June 25, 2025
  • Launch Site: Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
  • Mission Duration: ~14 days aboard the ISS

Mission Objectives:

1. Scientific Research in Microgravity:

  • Over 60 research experiments conducted across:
    • Life sciences
    • Material sciences
    • Human physiology
    • Earth observation

2. International Space Cooperation:

  • Promotes global collaboration in low-Earth orbit science.
  • Supports capacity-building for emerging space nations, including India, Poland, and Hungary.

3. National Space Program Development:

  • Enables participating nations to strengthen human spaceflight capabilities.
  • Acts as a stepping stone for India’s Gaganyaan and future space station plans.

Significance for India:

  • Revival of Human Spaceflight:
    • Marks India’s return to human space missions after four decades.
    • Reinforces India's presence in international human space exploration.
  • Boost to Gaganyaan Mission:
    • Offers valuable operational experience and technical collaboration.
    • Supports India’s vision to launch Gaganyaan, its first indigenous human spaceflight mission.
  • Long-Term Space Ambitions:
    • Aids India’s goal to establish its own space station by 2035.
    • Positions India as a partner in space science diplomacy and global research.
  • Scientific Prestige:India contributes to key microgravity experiments, enhancing its global research footprint in space.

Banakacherla Reservoir Project Dispute

  • 30 Jun 2025

In News:

A fresh inter-state water dispute has surfaced between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, with Telangana accusing Andhra Pradesh of violating provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 through its proposed Banakacherla Reservoir Project.

About the Banakacherla Reservoir Project

  • Location: Banakacherla, Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh
  • Implementing State: Andhra Pradesh
  • Objecting State: Telangana
  • Purpose: To divert surplus Godavari river water to the drought-prone Rayalaseema region via the Krishna river system.

Key Features of the Project:

River Diversion and Infrastructure Upgrades:

  • Polavaram Right Main Canal capacity to be increased from 17,500 to 38,000 cusecs.
  • Thatipudi Lift Canal capacity to be enhanced from 1,400 to 10,000 cusecs.
  • New reservoir at Bollapalli, with a tunnel through the Nallamala forest to transfer water to Banakacherla.

Lift Irrigation Points:

Five major lift stations planned:

  1. Harischandrapuram
  2. Lingapuram
  3. Vyyandana
  4. Gangireddypalem
  5. Nakirekallu

Inter-Basin Linkage:

  • Connects Godavari Krishna Penna rivers.
  • Aims to ensure water availability in Rayalaseema and address regional droughts.

Telangana’s Objections

1. Violation of the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014:Telangana alleges the project bypasses the statutory requirement of prior approval for new inter-basin water projects between the successor states.

2. Absence of Statutory Clearances:

  • The project has not been cleared by:
    • Krishna River Management Board (KRMB)
    • Godavari River Management Board (GRMB)
    • Central Water Commission (CWC)

3. Godavari Tribunal Allocation Overlooked:

  • Telangana cites the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal award which allocated 968 TMCft to the state out of 1,486 TMCft.
  • Telangana argues that “surplus water” claims lack formal quantification or agreement.

4. Potential Impact on Telangana Projects:Telangana fears that Andhra’s diversion plan will affect its own irrigation schemes and reservoirs dependent on Godavari inflows.

Broader Implications

  • This dispute underscores the growing tensions over inter-basin water transfers in India, especially in the context of climate variability and regional water stress.
  • It highlights the need for:
    • Transparent interstate coordination
    • Functioning river boards
    • Expedited dispute resolution mechanisms

RBI Eases Priority Sector Lending (PSL) Norms for Small Finance Banks (SFBs)

  • 30 Jun 2025

In News:

In a major policy shift aimed at enhancing financial flexibility, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reduced the Priority Sector Lending (PSL) target for Small Finance Banks (SFBs) from 75% to 60% of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC).

What Has Changed?

Previous Norms:

  • SFBs were required to allocate 75% of ANBC towards PSL.
  • An additional 35% PSL requirement applied beyond the standard 40% applicable to universal banks.
  • These strict targets led to:
    • Difficulty in sourcing quality borrowers.
    • Compressed profit margins.
    • Limited portfolio diversification.

Revised Norms (2024):

  • Overall PSL target reduced to 60% of ANBC.
  • Additional PSL requirement brought down from 35% to 20%.
  • Sub-sector allocation remains: SFBs must continue to dedicate 40% of ANBC to core PSL sectors such as agriculture, MSMEs, and weaker sections.

Objective of the Reform

  • Enhance lending flexibility for SFBs.
  • Improve asset quality and profitability by allowing portfolio diversification.
  • Align SFB regulations more closely with those of other banks, without compromising on financial inclusion goals.

About Small Finance Banks (SFBs)

Origin and Mandate:

  • Conceptualised by the NachiketMor Committee (2013).
  • Regulated under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
  • Created to expand financial inclusion by targeting:
    • Small and marginal farmers,
    • Micro and small enterprises (MSMEs),
    • Unbanked and underserved populations.

Key Features:

  • Offer basic banking services, including all deposit and small-ticket loan products.
  • Operate on a localised model with strong rural and semi-urban outreach.
  • Permitted to distribute non-risk sharing financial products like mutual funds and insurance.

Regulatory Requirements:

  • At least 25% of branches in rural areas.
  • Minimum 50% of loan portfolio must serve the MSME sector.
  • Minimum net worth: ?100 crore at inception, to be raised to ?200 crore within 5 years.
  • Maintain a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 15% on risk-weighted assets.

Significance of the Move

  • Offers SFBs greater operational autonomy and room to grow sustainably.
  • Aims to balance developmental goals with commercial viability.
  • Expected to promote credit flow to priority sectors while ensuring sound financial health of these institutions.

UN80 Initiative

  • 30 Jun 2025

In News:

In a significant move towards institutional transformation, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has launched the UN80 Initiative, aimed at overhauling the United Nations system in the run-up to the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter.

What is the UN80 Initiative?

The UN80 Initiative is a system-wide reform agenda designed to align the UN's structures, mandates, and operations with contemporary global challenges, including peacebuilding, sustainable development, and human rights.

Objectives:

  • Modernize the UN architecture to improve responsiveness.
  • Enhance accountability and reduce inefficiencies.
  • Ensure effective delivery of core mandates in peace, development, and human rights.

Key Features of the UN80 Initiative:

1. Three Core Workstreams:

  • Efficiency & Cost Reduction: Streamlining operations, eliminating overlaps, cutting administrative costs, and automating services.
  • Mandate Implementation Review: Assessing the execution (not content) of over 3,600 UN mandates for effectiveness.
  • Structural Reforms: Reorganizing departments and programs, especially in high-cost duty stations.

2. Formation of Thematic UN80 Clusters:

Seven thematic clusters focus on:

  • Peace & Security
  • Development (UN Secretariat and UN System)
  • Humanitarian Affairs
  • Human Rights
  • Training & Research
  • Specialized Agencies

3. Relocation and Rationalization:

  • Proposes shifting operations from expensive cities like New York and Geneva.
  • Seeks to abolish underperforming and redundant functions.

4. Budget Integration Timeline:

  • Initial reforms to be reflected in the 2026 Revised Budget.
  • Major structural reforms to be integrated into the 2027 Programme Budget.

Significance of the UN80 Initiative:

  • Revitalizes Multilateralism: Supports the broader goals of the Pact for the Future and ensures the UN remains relevant.
  • Boosts Operational Efficiency: Reduces waste, overlap, and underutilization of resources.
  • Focuses on Results: Transitions from output-heavy reporting to impact-driven outcomes.

India’s Burden of Zero-Dose Children in 2023

  • 30 Jun 2025

In News:

According to a recent Lancet study based on Global Burden of Disease data, India ranked second globally in terms of the number of unvaccinated or “zero-dose” children in 2023, trailing only Nigeria.

What Are Zero-Dose Children?

  • The term “zero-dose children” refers to those who have not received even a single dose of any routine childhood vaccine.
  • In 2023, 1.44 million children in India were identified as zero-dose, highlighting significant immunisation gaps.

Global and National Trends:

  • Nigeria topped the list with approximately 2.5 million zero-dose children.
  • Eight countries, including India and Nigeria, together accounted for over 50% of the global zero-dose burden.
  • Globally, the number of zero-dose children dropped from 58.8 million in 1980 to 14.7 million in 2019, reflecting long-term progress.

Challenges in India:

  • Despite the Universal ImmunisationProgramme (UIP) covering 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, several challenges persist:
    • COVID-19 pandemic led to significant disruptions in routine immunisation.
    • Vaccine hesitancy continues to undermine public health efforts.
    • Geographical and socio-economic inequalities limit access to health services in certain regions.
  • Between 2010 and 2019, measles vaccine coverage declined in over 100 countries, including India, further exacerbating public health risks.

Sree Narayana Guru

  • 29 Jun 2025

In News:

The Prime Minister recently attended the centenary celebrations of the historic 1925 conversation between Mahatma Gandhi and Sree Narayana Guru, held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event marked the enduring relevance of Guru's message of social equality, spiritual unity, and reform.

Who was Sree Narayana Guru?

  • Born: 20 August 1856, in a backward Ezhava community in Kerala
  • Died: 20 September 1928
  • Role: Spiritual leader, philosopher, poet, yogi, and one of India’s foremost social reformers from Kerala

Historical Context:

  • During the 19th century, Kerala society was deeply caste-ridden, and the Ezhava community was subjected to systemic social exclusion.
  • Guru revolted against caste oppression, advocating for spiritual liberation without ritual orthodoxy.

Core Philosophy:

  • Message of Universal Unity:“OruJathi, OruMatham, OruDaivam, Manushyanu”
    (One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind) — a powerful call for social harmony, inclusivity, and humanism.
  • Non-violent transformation:Unlike many radical reform movements, Guru’s approach was inclusive and reformative, rejecting social division without inciting confrontation.

Key Contributions:

  • Religious and Spiritual Reforms:
    • Aruvippuram Movement (1888):
      • Consecrated a Shiva idol at Aruvippuram — a direct challenge to Brahmanical dominance and the exclusion of lower castes from temple worship.
      • Established over 40 temples in Kerala, allowing unrestricted worship by the marginalized.
      • Promoted yoga and meditation, and spent years in hermitage to attain spiritual depth.
  • Social Reforms:
    • Founded the Sivagiri Mutt (1904) near Varkala — a centre for spiritual and social awakening.
    • SNDP Yogam (1903):
        • Full form: Sri Narayana Guru Dharma ParipalanaYogam
        • Aimed at securing education, government access, and political rights for the Ezhavas.
        • Guru was the permanent chairman; Kumaran Asan, his disciple, became general secretary.
    • Vaikom Satyagraha:Played a pivotal role in the anti-untouchability movement, alongside leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Periyar.
    • Promoted free education, ashrams, and vocational training for underprivileged children and communities.
  • Sivagiri Foundation and Pilgrimage:
    • Founded in 1924 to promote values like:Cleanliness, education, devotion, agriculture, handicrafts, and trade
    • SivagiriTheerthadanam (pilgrimage):Initiated by his followers to reinforce values of purity, education, and organization

Literary Contributions:

  • Guru was a Vedantic scholar and philosopher-poet. His notable works include:
    • Advaitha Deepika
    • Atmavilasam
    • DaivaDasakam
    • BrahmavidyaPanchakam

These texts reflected Advaita (non-dualist) philosophy, spiritual self-realization, and social ethics.

Legacy and Recognition:

  • Revered as “Gurudevan”by his followers
  • His birth and death anniversaries are observed as public holidays in Kerala and some other states
  • Celebrated as Sri Narayana Jayanthi

Candida tropicalis

  • 29 Jun 2025

In News:

A recent study published in PLoS Biology by researchers from Fudan University, China, has uncovered a disturbing link between the agricultural use of a common fungicide and the emergence of azole-resistant Candida tropicalis, a fungal pathogen responsible for high-mortality infections, especially in India and other tropical regions.

Candida tropicalis and Public Health Risk

  • Candida tropicalis is a major fungal pathogen, particularly prevalent in India, associated with mortality rates of 55–60%.
  • Azole-class antifungal drugs, such as fluconazole and voriconazole, are frontline treatments.
  • Growing drug resistance is being reported in clinics globally, raising serious concerns for treatment efficacy and public health.

Fungicide Link to Drug Resistance

  • Tebuconazole, a triazole-based fungicide, widely used in agriculture and gardening, has been found to be the primary driver of cross-resistance to clinical azoles in C. tropicalis.
  • Tebuconazole accumulates and persists in the environment, exerting selective pressure on fungal strains.
  • Clinical strains exposed to tebuconazole showed cross-resistance to both fluconazole and voriconazole.

Mechanism of Resistance: Ploidy Plasticity and Aneuploidy

  • Resistant strains exhibit aneuploidy – a deviation in chromosome number, often with duplications or deletions of chromosome segments.
  • This phenomenon, termed ploidy plasticity, is rare in most organisms due to its detrimental effects, but in C. tropicalis, it enables adaptive resistance.

Genetic Changes Observed:

  • Duplication of TAC1 gene segment led to overexpression of ABC-transporters, proteins that pump out azoles and reduce their effectiveness.
  • Deletion of HMG1 gene segment increased the synthesis of ergosterol, a compound crucial to fungal membranes, thus enhancing azole resistance.
  • These adaptations allowed the resistant strains to trade growth rate for survival under antifungal pressure.

Emergence of Stable Haploid Strains

  • The study unexpectedly identified haploid strains of C. tropicalis among resistant isolates.
  • These haploids were found to be mating-competent, raising concerns over the genetic transfer of resistance traits.
  • Further genomic analysis confirmed that naturally occurring haploid strains also exist, such as two clinical isolates from Spain.

Virulence and Resistance in Animal Models

  • In mouse models, strains with altered ploidy exhibited greater virulence than their progenitor strains when treated with fluconazole.
  • This finding suggests a dual threat: enhanced resistance and increased disease severity.

Implications and Concerns

  • The unregulated and widespread use of triazole fungicides like tebuconazole in agriculture is unintentionally selecting for clinically significant drug resistance.
  • These resistant fungal strains pose a direct threat to human health, particularly in immunocompromised patients and in settings with limited alternative antifungal therapies.
  • Resistant strains can potentially spread and recombine through mating, complicating containment efforts.

State of the Climate in Asia 2024 Report

  • 29 Jun 2025

In News:

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released its annual State of the Climate in Asia 2024report, highlighting alarming trends in climate change impacts across the Asian continent. The report confirms that Asia is warming at nearly twice the global average, causing severe socio-economic and environmental consequences.

Key Climate Trends and Indicators in Asia (2024)

  • Record Heat:The year 2024 was the warmest year in Asia’s history, marked by prolonged and widespread heatwaves across land and oceanic areas.
  • Global Comparison:The global mean temperature in 2024 was the highest on record (1850–2024), surpassing the previous record of 1.45°C set in 2023. Each year between 2015 and 2024 ranks among the 10 warmest globally.
  • Sea Surface Temperatures & Marine Heatwaves:Sea surface temperatures reached record highs,with Asian waters warming nearly twice as fast as the global average. Most Asian ocean areas experienced strong to extreme marine heatwaves, especially in the northern Indian Ocean, East China Sea, Yellow Sea, and waters near Japan.
  • Sea Level Rise:Sea levels rose faster than the global average on both Pacific and Indian Ocean coasts of Asia, exacerbating risks for low-lying coastal areas.

Cryospheric Changes and Glacier Loss

  • In Central Himalayas and Tian Shan ranges, 23 out of 24 monitored glaciers experienced mass loss in 2024.
  • Consequences included increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides, and long-term threats to water security.

Scientific Warnings and Observations

The report highlights that the warming trend from 1991 to 2024 in Asia is nearly twice as fast as that between 1961 and 1990, underlining the acceleration of climate risks.

Implications for Asia

  • Environmental:Rapid glacier melt, rising sea levels, and extreme weather are disrupting ecosystems, causing habitat loss and biodiversity decline.
  • Economic:Agriculture, fisheries, and coastal infrastructure are suffering massive losses due to droughts, floods, and storms.
  • Social:Heatwaves, displacements, and disaster-related fatalities are disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including the poor and elderly.

Digital Public Infrastructure for Fraud Risk Management

  • 29 Jun 2025

In News:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to develop a Digital Public Infrastructure for Fraud Risk Management (DPIP) under its supervision to curb rising instances of banking frauds in India. This aligns with broader efforts to enhance security and transparency in India’s financial ecosystem.

What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?

  • Definition: DPI refers to foundational digital systems that are accessible, secure, interoperable, and designed to deliver essential public services.
  • Examples in India:
    • Aadhaar (Digital ID)
    • Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
    • DigiLocker, CoWIN, etc.

About DPIP

  • Objective:To enhance fraud risk management through real-time intelligence sharing, data gathering, and interbank coordination using advanced technologies.
  • Key Features:
    • Will strengthen existing fraud detection systems in the banking ecosystem.
    • Enables interoperable intelligence sharing between banks and financial institutions.
    • Leverages AI/ML tools and data analytics for better predictive fraud detection.
  • Institutional Mechanism:
    • A committee under Shri A.P. Hota has been constituted to examine various aspects of DPIP’s implementation.
    • RBI Innovation Hub (RBIH) is tasked with developing a prototype, in consultation with 5–10 public and private sector banks.

Need for DPIP

  • Rise in Bank Frauds:
    • As per RBI’s Annual Report:
      • FY 2024: ?12,230 crore in frauds
      • FY 2025: ?36,014 crore — almost 3x increase
    • Increasing sophistication of cyber threats and fraud techniques necessitates robust preventive digital infrastructure.

Other RBI Initiatives to Combat Bank Frauds

Initiative                                                                         Description

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)           Mandatory for all digital/electronic payments to ensure

                                                                            secure transactions.

Zero Liability Framework                                   Customers are not liable for losses arising from bank’s

                                                                            negligence or third-party breaches.

bank.in and fin.in domains                               Reserved for verified bank websites to help customers

                                                                            avoid phishing and fake sites.

Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW)

  • 29 Jun 2025

In News:

Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) is emerging as a novel nature-based carbon removal strategy, gaining global traction from Brazil’s sugar plantations to tea estates in India. It is being explored as a scalable solution to climate change through natural carbon capture mechanisms.

What is Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW)?

  • Definition: ERW is a geoengineering technique that accelerates the natural chemical process of rock weathering to capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO?).
  • Scientific Basis:
    • Natural weathering involves the breakdown of silicate rocks through carbonic acid, formed when CO? dissolves in water, eventually locking the carbon in stable forms like bicarbonate or limestone.
    • ERW accelerates this process using fast-weathering rocks like basalt, ground into fine particles to maximize surface area and reactivity.

Effectiveness and Challenges

  • Potential Carbon Removal:
    • A US-based study found that 50 tonnes of basalt/hectare/year could potentially remove up to 10.5 tonnes of CO?/hectare over four years.
    • However, field trials in Malaysia (oil palm) and Australia (sugarcane) have shown lower than expected carbon capture rates.
  • Key Variables Affecting Effectiveness:
    • Rock type and mineralogy
    • Soil characteristics
    • Temperature and rainfall patterns
    • Land management practices
  • Measurement Difficulties:
    • Current techniques often overestimate CO? capture due to detection of cations that form even in the absence of carbonic acid reactions.
    • Risk: This can lead to inaccurate carbon credit claims, undermining offset integrity.

Co-Benefits of ERW

  • Soil Health Improvement:
    • Increases soil alkalinity Improves nutrient availability and crop productivity.
    • Contributes to soil formation and resilience.
  • Resource Efficiency:Basalt is abundant and often a quarrying by-product, lowering costs and emissions associated with mining.
  • Ocean Acidification Mitigation:Even if CO? isn't sequestered directly, rock in the soil can neutralize acidic runoff, preventing CO? release from aquatic systems downstream.

Risks and Concerns

  • Health & Safety:
    • Finely crushed rock may contain toxic heavy metals (depending on composition).
    • Protective equipment is necessary during application.
  • Carbon Credit Integrity:Overestimated CO? removal may allow companies to offset emissions inaccurately, leading to net increase in atmospheric carbon.

Global Adoption and Projects

  • Countries Involved:Brazil, India, USA, Europe, and Latin America are trialing or implementing ERW.
  • India Focus:Trials underway in Darjeeling tea plantations and other agricultural regions through startups like Mati Carbon.
  • Global Milestones:
    • First verified ERW carbon removal credits issued from a Brazilian project.
    • Google signed the largest ERW deal for 200,000 tonnes of CO? removal credits (to be delivered by early 2030s).
    • Terradot, an ERW company, sold 90,000 tonnes of carbon credits for $27 million, backed by firms like H&M.

Investor Interest and Innovation Push

  • Private Sector Engagement:ERW has attracted big tech, fast fashion, and aviation sectors seeking nature-based offset solutions.
  • Prize Recognition:Mati Carbon won the $50 million X Prize for carbon removal, recognizing the potential scalability and innovation of ERW.

India’s Coffee Exports

  • 28 Jun 2025

In News:

India has emerged as a significant player in the global coffee trade, with its exports witnessing a sharp rise of 125% in the past 11 years, increasing from $800 million in 2014–15 to $1.8 billion in 2023–24, and continuing the momentum with over 25% growth in FY2025–26. This export surge highlights India's expanding footprint in the global premium coffee market, driven by a blend of policy support, sustainable cultivation practices, and global demand for specialty coffee.

Key Drivers of Export Growth

The Coffee Board of India, under the Ministry of Commerce, has played a pivotal role in this transformation through:

  • Digitalisation of export permits, RCMC, and certificates of origin.
  • Export incentives like freight and transit assistance—?3/kg for value-added exports and ?2/kg for green coffee to distant markets (e.g., US, Canada, Japan, Nordic countries).
  • Subsidy support of 40% (up to ?15 lakh) for processing units (roasting, grinding, packaging).
  • Global market intelligence and regular industry engagement to remove bottlenecks.
  • Promotion via GI tags and digital branding campaigns.

These efforts have enhanced India’s readiness to meet stringent import regulations (e.g., EU deforestation norms) while enabling access to new and emerging markets.

Production and Cultivation

India is the 7th largest producer of coffee globally, accounting for about 3.5% of world production and ranks 5th in global coffee exports with a 5% share. The country produces 3.5–4 lakh tonnes of coffee annually, with Karnataka (70%), Kerala, and Tamil Nadu being major contributors.

  • Arabica varieties: Kents, S.795, Cauvery, Selection 9.
  • Robusta: High-yielding selections suited to Indian climate.

Climatic Features:

  • Grown under two-tier shade canopies with over 50 native tree species.
  • Arabica thrives at 1000–1500m, Robusta at 500–1000m altitudes.
  • Requires 1600–2500 mm rainfall and 15°C–25°C temperature.

India is unique as the only country that cultivates 100% shade-grown coffee, which promotes biodiversity, soil and water conservation, and ensures a sustainable income for 2 million people, including small and marginal farmers.

Specialty and GI-Tagged Coffee

India’s coffee is known for its mild acidity, full-bodied flavour, and fine aroma. Intercropping with spices like pepper, cardamom, and vanilla further enhances its appeal. The country also boasts five regional and two specialty coffees with Geographical Indication (GI) tags, strengthening brand value in global markets.

The historic legacy of Indian coffee dates back over 400 years to the planting of coffee beans by Baba Budan in Karnataka, making it one of the oldest coffee traditions in Asia.

The Emergency in India (1975–1977)

  • 28 Jun 2025

In News:

The declaration of Emergency in India from 25 June 1975 to 21 March 1977 marks one of the most debated and transformative chapters in the country’s post-independence history. Proclaimed under Article 352 of the Constitution citing “internal disturbance”, this period had far-reaching legal, political, and social consequences. It served as a stress test for India’s democratic institutions and led to significant constitutional reforms.

Background:

  • The early 1970s were marked by growing political discontent. Nationwide protests, especially in Bihar and Gujarat, were spearheaded by Jayaprakash Narayan against issues such as rising unemployment, inflation, corruption, and misuse of political power.
  • The immediate provocation came from the Allahabad High Court’s judgment on 12 June 1975, which found Prime Minister Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractice in her 1971 Lok Sabha campaign. The Court disqualified her from contesting elections for six years under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
  • Though the Supreme Court granted a conditional stay, political pressure intensified, with mass movements demanding her resignation.

Proclamation of Emergency

On 25 June 1975, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, on the advice of the Prime Minister, declared a national Emergency under Article 352, citing internal disturbance. This was the third Emergency in India — the first two being during external wars (1962 with China and 1971 with Pakistan). However, this was the first peacetime Emergency.

Constitutional Basis

At that time, Article 352 allowed Emergency on three grounds:

  • War
  • External Aggression
  • Internal Disturbance (later amended to “armed rebellion” by the 44th Amendment, 1978)

Suspension of Fundamental Rights

Two days later, on 27 June 1975, the government invoked:

  • Article 358: Automatically suspended the freedoms under Article 19 (freedom of speech, assembly, movement, etc.)
  • Article 359: Allowed suspension of Articles 14, 21, and 22, stripping protections related to equality before law, life and personal liberty, and protection against preventive detention.

Citizens lost access to courts for constitutional remedies. Prominent opposition leaders, including Jayaprakash Narayan, Morarji Desai, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and L.K. Advani, were arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA). According to the Shah Commission, around 35,000 individuals were detained without trial.

Censorship and Media Suppression

From 26 June 1975, press censorship was imposed. Newspapers were mandated to get clearance from government-appointed censors before publication. International news coverage was also tightly controlled, with telex messages of foreign correspondents placed under surveillance.

Key developments:

  • On 20 July 1975, the Board of Film Censors was restructured to impose stricter control over cinema.
  • On 1 February 1976, the four national news agencies — PTI, UNI, Samachar Bharati, and Hindustan Samachar — were merged into ‘Samachar’.
  • The Press Council of India was dissolved.

Constitutional Amendments and Legislative Overreach

Several constitutional amendments were enacted to consolidate power:

  • 38th Amendment (1975): Made the President’s Emergency declaration non-justiciable.
  • 39th Amendment (1975): Excluded Prime Minister’s election from judicial review.
  • 42nd Amendment (1976) (termed “Mini-Constitution”):
    • Gave primacy to Directive Principles over Fundamental Rights
    • Extended Lok Sabha and State Assembly terms from 5 to 6 years
    • Limited judicial review, centralised authority
    • Empowered Parliament to amend the Constitution without court scrutiny

Sterilisation Campaign

One of the most controversial aspects was the forced sterilisationprogramme led by Sanjay Gandhi. While aimed at population control, it resulted in widespread coercion and human rights violations.

  • 1975–76: 26.42 lakh sterilisation procedures
  • 1976–77: 81.32 lakh
  • Total over two years: 1.07 crore
  • Many were linked to access to ration cards, housing, loans, and employment

End of Emergency and Democratic Reversal

The Emergency was revoked on 21 March 1977. In the subsequent general elections (March 1977), the Congress party was defeated, and the Janata Party under Morarji Desai assumed power. This marked the first non-Congress government at the Centre

Post-Emergency Reforms: The Shah Commission and 44th Amendment

The Shah Commission (1977–79)

Set up in May 1977, chaired by Justice J.C. Shah, it investigated:

  • Illegal arrests and detentions
  • Press censorship
  • Forced sterilisation
  • Bureaucratic misuse and political excesses

44th Constitutional Amendment (1978)

To prevent future misuse:

  • Replaced “internal disturbance” with “armed rebellion” as a ground for Emergency
  • Restored judicial review of Emergency proclamations
  • Safeguarded Fundamental Rights, particularly Articles 20 and 21
  • Ensured Cabinet approval was mandatory before Emergency declaration

Dharti AabaJanbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA)

  • 28 Jun 2025

In News:

In a landmark initiative for tribal inclusion, the Government of India has launched the Dharti AabaJanbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA)—India’s largest-ever tribal outreach and empowerment campaign. The programme aims to ensure saturation of welfare schemes and promote tribal pride and participation, covering over 1 lakh tribal villages and PVTG habitations across 31 States and Union Territories.

What is DAJA?

  • Full Name: Dharti AabaJanbhagidari Abhiyan — named in honour of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a revered tribal freedom fighter.
  • Launched by: Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
  • Nature: A people-centric campaign focused on participatory governance and last-mile delivery of services among Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

Objectives of DAJA

  • Saturate government welfare schemes across all tribal settlements.
  • Empower over 5.5 crore tribal citizens through Janbhagidari (people’s participation).
  • Preserve and promote tribal identity and cultural heritage, invoking the legacy of Birsa Munda.
  • Strengthen last-mile governance through technological and administrative convergence.

Key Features:

Feature                                        Description

Geographic Coverage    -    1 lakh+ tribal villages, including remote PVTG habitations, across 31 States/UTs.

Scheme Integration    -     Converges services such as Aadhaar, Ayushman Bharat, PM Kisan, PM

                                              Ujjwala, Jan Dhan, pension schemes, and Forest Rights Act (FRA) claims.

Five Foundational Pillars        -

  • Janbhagidari (people’s participation)
  • Saturation of welfare benefits
  • Cultural inclusion
  • Convergence of schemes
  • Last-mile delivery

Technology-Driven Monitoring       -     Use of real-time dashboards and data analytics for

                                                                        transparent tracking and reporting.

Cultural Revival                      -                            Celebrates tribal cuisines, folk arts, handicrafts, and oral traditions

                                                                        during outreach camps to reaffirm cultural identity.

Significance:

  • Governance: Represents a shift toward targeted and integrated tribal welfare, reducing administrative fragmentation.
  • Inclusion: PrioritisesPVTGs, often the most marginalised and underserved groups.
  • Empowerment: Embeds a participatory model, aligning with the spirit of democratic decentralisation.
  • Cultural Reaffirmation: Bridges the gap between development and cultural identity, crucial for tribal dignity and preservation.

India’s Data Imperative – The Pivot Towards Quality

  • 28 Jun 2025

In News:

In a significant policy intervention, NITI Aayog has released the report titled “India’s Data Imperative: The Pivot Towards Quality”, calling for urgent reforms to enhance the integrity, interoperability, and usability of India’s public data systems. The report underscores the critical role of data in governance, welfare delivery, and digital innovation.

Understanding India’s Public Data Ecosystem

India's data ecosystem constitutes a vast digital public infrastructure that powers governance and service delivery across sectors. It integrates identity, finance, health, and welfare through data-centric platforms:

  • Aadhaar: Over 27 billion authentications in FY 2024–25; foundational for identity-linked services.
  • UPI: Handles transactions worth ?23.9 trillion monthly — the world’s largest real-time digital payment system.
  • Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: 369 million health IDs issued; enhancing interoperability in healthcare.
  • Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): ?5.47 lakh crore transferred in FY 2024–25 across 330+ schemes.
  • Aadhaar e-KYC: 1.8 billion transactions, significantly reducing onboarding costs and time.
  • Digital Inclusion: Over 1.2 billion mobile subscribers and 800 million internet users reflect the scale of India’s digital penetration.

Why India Needs a Quality-Driven Data Ecosystem

  • Curb Fiscal Leakage:Inaccurate or duplicate data inflates welfare expenditure by 4–7% annually.
  • Enable Evidence-Based Governance:Data-driven insights power AI-led service delivery, improve beneficiary targeting, and strengthen accountability.
  • Foster Public Trust:The legitimacy of digital governance depends on accurate, timely, and reliable data systems.
  • Strengthen India’s AI & Innovation Ecosystem:Clean, validated data is essential for building AI applications in healthcare, agriculture, and citizen services.
  • Enhance Cross-Ministerial Coordination:Interoperable data frameworks help break silos and improve policy coherence across ministries.

Key Challenges in India’s Data Governance Landscape

Challenge                           Description

Fragmentation              Departmental silos with non-standardised data formats hinder seamless integration.

Lack of Ownership       Absence of clear data custodians leads to accountability gaps.

Legacy Systems             Outdated IT systems impede real-time updates and data sharing.

Incentive Mismatch     Existing frameworks reward speed over accuracy, eroding data quality.

Poor Quality Culture     A prevailing acceptance of “80% accuracy is good enough” weakens long-term integrity.

NITI Aayog’s Recommendations for Reform

  • Institutionalise Data Ownership:Designate dedicated data custodians at national, state, and district levels to oversee quality.
  • Incentivise Accuracy:Incorporate data quality metrics into performance appraisals and financial allocations.
  • Promote Interoperability:Adopt standards like IndEA (India Enterprise Architecture) and NDGFP (National Data Governance Framework Policy) to ensure consistency.
  • Use Practical Tools:Implement tools like the Data Quality Scorecard and Maturity Framework for ongoing assessment.
  • Build Capacity:Train field-level personnel and managers to prioritise data fidelity as a core administrative function.

Significance of the Report

This report arrives at a critical juncture when India is rapidly expanding its digital public infrastructure but faces risks from data inaccuracy, siloed systems, and erosion of trust. By shifting focus from quantity to quality, NITI Aayog envisions a resilient, inclusive, and innovation-friendly data regime—essential for achieving Digital India goals and Sustainable Development Objectives.

Total Revolution

  • 28 Jun 2025

In News:

India commemorates the 51st anniversary of Jayaprakash Narayan’s (JP) historic call for “Sampoorna Kranti” or Total Revolution, first proclaimed on June 5, 1974, at Gandhi Maidan, Patna. The movement remains a landmark in India's democratic evolution, reflecting enduring concerns over governance, democracy, and civic empowerment.

What is Total Revolution?

  • Concept: A holistic, non-violent movement rooted in Gandhian ideals, aimed at comprehensive transformation—political, economic, social, cultural, and spiritual.
  • Vision: Building a just and equitable society through decentralised democracy, moral rejuvenation, and participatory governance.
  • Leadership: Spearheaded by Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), advocating a “party-less democracy” blending Gandhian ethics, Sarvodaya ideals, and Marxist critique.

Underlying Causes of the Movement

  • Electoral Legitimacy Crisis:The 1975 Allahabad High Court judgment disqualified Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for electoral malpractices, eroding her authority and galvanising mass opposition.
  • Youth Unrest:Movements like Navnirman Andolan (Gujarat) and Bihar student protests reflected mounting youth dissatisfaction over unemployment and poor governance.
  • Economic Distress:The early 1970s saw inflation exceeding 20%, acute unemployment, and food shortages, leading to widespread discontent.
  • Democratic Backsliding:Use of draconian laws like MISA, increased centralisation, and suppression of dissent led to civil society mobilisation.
  • Charismatic Mobilisation:JP’s appeal for non-violent civic awakening and his ability to unify diverse ideological streams helped launch a broad-based national movement.

Core Components of the Total Revolution

Domain                                  Focus

Political                                Advocated bottom-up governance, decentralisation, and accountability

                                         to counter bureaucratic authoritarianism.

Economic                            Promoted land reforms and people-centric development to address inequality.

Social                                     Called for eradication of casteism, gender bias, and dowry to foster egalitarianism.

Educational                       Suggested reforms emphasisingethics, rural upliftment, and vocational training.

Cultural-Spiritual         Encouraged self-discipline, national unity, and moral regeneration.

Impact of Total Revolution

On Society and Citizenry

  • Youth Mobilisation: Inspired a generation of political leaders—Lalu Prasad Yadav, Nitish Kumar, Sushil Modi—who reshaped regional politics.
  • Civic Engagement: Fostered a deeper culture of public accountability and democratic participation.
  • Non-Violent Resistance: Reinforced the efficacy of peaceful protest, a legacy echoed in later movements like Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption crusade.

On Governance and Policy

  • Collapse of Congress Monopoly: Led to the formation of the Janata Party, marking a historic electoral defeat for the Congress in 1977.
  • Constitutional Safeguards: Triggered the 44th Constitutional Amendment, curbing emergency powers and restoring judicial oversight.
  • Democratic Deepening: Inspired Panchayati Raj reforms through the 73rd and 74th Amendments, enhancing grassroots democracy.

Significance and Contemporary Relevance

  • Democratic Dissent: Reinvigorated the right to protest as a fundamental democratic tool.
  • Leadership Incubation: Nurtured mass-based political leadership, altering India’s political landscape.
  • Institutional Vigilance: Exposed systemic vulnerabilities, prompting long-term institutional reforms.
  • Civic Awakening: Broadened the role of civil society in governance beyond electoral cycles.
  • Modern-Day Lessons: Offers vital insights for addressing centralisation of power, youth alienation, and democratic backsliding in contemporary India.

Haemophilia A

  • 27 Jun 2025

In News:

The National Institute of Immunohaematology (NIIH) has indigenously developed a simple, affordable, and rapid point-of-care test kit for the early diagnosis of Haemophilia A and Von Willebrand Disease (VWD). This development marks a significant step in improving accessible healthcare diagnostics for genetic bleeding disorders in India.

Significance of the Innovation:

  • Affordable and accessible: Enables early diagnosis at primary health centres and in low-resource settings.
  • Supports Universal Health Coverage: Improves detection and timely treatment, reducing morbidity.
  • Make in India in Health Sector: A boost to indigenous biomedical research and diagnostics.

About Haemophilia A

What is it?

  • A hereditary bleeding disorder caused by insufficient levels of Factor VIII, a protein essential for blood clotting.
  • Part of the broader group of genetic conditions known as inherited coagulopathies.

Causes:

  • Deficiency or dysfunction of coagulation Factor VIII in the coagulation cascade.
  • Usually inherited through an altered gene passed from parents.

Genetic Transmission:

  • X-linked recessive inheritance:
    • Males with the defective gene express the disease.
    • Females are typically carriers, though they may show mild symptoms.

Symptoms:

  • Prolonged bleeding, often seen after circumcision or minor injuries.
  • Internal bleeding, particularly into joints, causing pain and swelling.
  • Other signs include:
    • Nosebleeds
    • Blood in stool/urine
    • Bruising
    • Bleeding after surgery or dental procedures

Treatment:

  • Factor VIII replacement therapy: Intravenous infusion of the missing clotting factor.
  • Preventive therapy (prophylaxis) to reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes.

About Von Willebrand Disease (VWD)

What is it?

  • A genetic bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor (VWF), which helps platelets stick together to form blood clots.

Causes:

  • Inherited from one or both parents.
  • People with VWD have:
    • Low levels of VWF, or
    • VWF that does not function properly.

Symptoms:

  • Often asymptomatic unless triggered by injury or surgery.
  • Common symptoms include:
    • Easy bruising
    • Frequent nosebleeds
    • Bleeding gums
    • Heavy or prolonged menstruation (menorrhagia)
    • Post-operative bleeding
  • Severe cases may show:
    • Internal joint bleeding
    • Blood in urine (hematuria)
    • Blood in stool (melena)

Treatment:

  • No cure, but manageable with:
    • Desmopressin (DDAVP) to release stored VWF.
    • VWF and Factor VIII concentrates.
    • Self-care measures to reduce bleeding risks.

Household Income Survey in 2026

  • 27 Jun 2025

In News:

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has announced that India will conduct its first nationwide Household Income Survey in 2026, marking a major milestone in the country’s data-driven policymaking framework.

What is the Household Income Survey?

  • A comprehensive, nationwide survey aimed at collecting reliable and robust data on household income distribution across India.
  • It is the first standalone survey focused specifically on income estimation, unlike earlier efforts that focused primarily on consumption and employment.

Key Implementing Bodies:

  • Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
  • National Sample Survey (NSS)
  • Technical Expert Group (TEG)

Historical Background:

  • 1950: National Sample Survey (NSS) established to conduct large-scale household surveys.
  • 1955–1970: Income data attempted in the 9th, 14th, 19th, and 24th NSS rounds but faced challenges such as underreporting.
  • 1983–84: A pilot income study failed to produce scalable data due to low income estimates relative to consumption and savings.
  • Past difficulties deterred the launch of a dedicated income survey—until now.

Key Features of the 2026 Survey:

  • First of its kind: India’s first survey exclusively focused on household income distribution.
  • Methodologically robust: Designed by the TEG, incorporating international best practices in conceptual design, sampling, and estimation.
  • Use of digital tools: Integration of technology-driven data collection methods to improve precision, timeliness, and reflect the role of digital economy in income generation.
  • Built on recent statistical reforms by MoSPI in areas like:
    • Unincorporated enterprise surveys
    • Services sector data
    • Private capital expenditure
    • Tourism satellite accounts

Significance of the Survey:

  • Addresses a critical data gap in understanding income inequality, disparities, and growth trends.
  • Supports evidence-based welfare policies, including targeted subsidies, social protection, and fiscal redistribution.
  • Enhances India’s capacity for inclusive growth assessment and SDG tracking.
  • Strengthens the country's statistical infrastructure, aligning it with global standards.

Training of Trainers (ToT)Programme

  • 27 Jun 2025

In News:

In a significant move to strengthen grassroots governance and fiscal autonomy, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has launched a Training of Trainers (ToT)programme in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad and the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA). The initiative aims to enhance the capacity of Panchayats to generate Own Source Revenue (OSR) under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).

Key Objectives:

  • Enhance financial self-reliance of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
  • Build a cadre of Master Trainers equipped to train Panchayat-level functionaries.
  • Shift local governance from a compliance-based model to proactive planning, innovation, and community engagement.
  • Promote a culture of fiscal accountability, transparency, and efficient public service delivery at the grassroots level.

Core Focus Areas of Training

  • Fundamentals of Own Source Revenue (OSR)
  • Revenue enhancement strategiestailored to rural contexts
  • Behavioural insights in tax collectionand compliance
  • Revenue utilization for development and service delivery
  • Village-level financial planningand Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs)
  • Innovative financing mechanisms
  • Project management and accountability tools

The training emphasized field orientation, peer learning, and evidence-based practices to ensure real-world applicability and long-term impact.

Institutional Reforms and Digital Integration

As part of the broader reform agenda:

  • Model OSR Rules Framework is under development based on state-level legislative reviews.
  • A Digital Tax Collection Portal is being created to facilitate:
    • Simplified and accountable revenue collection,
    • Digital integration with Panchayat-level financial systems.

Case Studies & Best Practices

The training showcased successful Panchayat-level revenue generation models from:Odisha, Gujarat, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, highlighting scalable models of local innovation.

Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA): Background

A Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) launched in 2018 and revamped for 2022–2026, aimed at developing and strengthening the Panchayati Raj System across rural India.

Key Objectives:

  • Build governance capacity of PRIs to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Empower Panchayat representatives for effective leadership and participatory governance.
  • Enhance OSR generation and financial planning at the Panchayat level.
  • Promote inclusive development and convergence of schemes.
  • Strengthen Gram Sabhas as platforms for citizen engagement.

Salient Features:

  • Emphasis on capacity-building and leadership training.
  • Promotes decentralisation and compliance with the PESA Act, 1996.
  • Encourages use of technology-driven solutions for governance.
  • Recognises and incentiviseshigh-performing Panchayats.
  • Facilitates collaboration with international and national institutions.

Ambubachi Mela 2025

  • 27 Jun 2025

In News:

Thousands of devotees have congregated at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam, to participate in the annual Ambubachi Mela—one of the largest and most significant religious gatherings in Northeast India.

About Ambubachi Mela

  • Timing: Celebrated annually during the monsoon season, typically in June.
  • Location: Held at the Kamakhya Temple, situated atop Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam.
  • Religious Significance:
    • Marks the menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya, symbolising the fertility of Mother Earth.
    • During this period, the sanctum sanctorum is closed for three days, after which it is ceremonially reopened for darshan.
  • Cultural Symbolism:
    • Reflects ancient beliefs that associate the Earth with feminine fertility.
    • The word ‘Ambubachi’ translates to ‘water flowing’, indicative of both the monsoon rains and the goddess’s fertility.

Kamakhya Temple: Key Facts

  • Spiritual Importance:
    • Dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, an incarnation of Shakti.
    • Considered one of the most revered sites of Tantric Shaktism in India.
    • Recognised as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where the yoni (womb) of Sati is believed to have fallen.
  • Geographical Location:Located on Nilachal Hill, overlooking the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River.

Architectural Features of Kamakhya Temple

  • Architectural Style:
    • Combines traditional Nagara style with Saracenic (Mughal) architectural elements, known as the Nilachala Style of Architecture.
  • Temple Layout:
    • Only temple in Assam with a fully developed ground plan.
    • Comprises five main sections:
      1. Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum)
      2. Antarala (vestibule)
      3. Jaganmohan (assembly hall)
      4. Bhogmandir (offering hall)
      5. Natmandir (performance hall)
  • Distinctive Structural Elements:
    • Main dome: Modified Saracenic style.
    • Antarala: Features a two-roofed structure.
    • Bhogmandir: Crowned with five domes, echoing the central shrine.
    • Natmandir: Designed with a shell-shaped roof and apsidal end, similar to the namghars (prayer halls) of Assam.

SDG Index 2025

  • 27 Jun 2025

In News:

India has ranked 99th out of 193 countries in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index 2025, marking the first time it has entered the top 100. India scored 67 in the index, as per the Sustainable Development Report 2025 released by the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

About the Sustainable Development Report 2025

  • Publisher: U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
  • Objective: Tracks annual progress on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by all UN member states in 2015.
  • Coverage: 193 countries.
  • Relevance: Assesses national performance across economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainability.

Key Highlights of the 2025 Report

Global Trends

  • SDG Progress Stalled Globally: Only 17% of the SDG targets are projected to be met by 2030.
  • Barriers to Progress: Conflicts, structural vulnerabilities, and constrained fiscal space are key impediments.
  • Top Performers:
    • Finland ranks 1st, followed by Sweden (2nd) and Denmark (3rd).
    • However, many European nations face serious challenges related to climate change and biodiversity loss, due to unsustainable consumption patterns.

Regional Insights

  • East and South Asia have shown the fastest progress since 2015, attributed to rapid socioeconomic development.
  • India’s Achievement: Ranked 99th, entering the top 100 for the first time.

Sectoral Progress and Setbacks

  • Areas of Strong Progress Globally:
    • Access to electricity (SDG 7)
    • Use of mobile broadband and internet (SDG 9)
    • Reduction in child and neonatal mortality (SDG 3)
  • Areas of Reversal Since 2015:
    • Rising obesity rates (SDG 2)
    • Decline in press freedom (SDG 16)
    • Poor sustainable nitrogen management (SDG 2)
    • Worsening Red List Index (biodiversity loss – SDG 15)
    • Weakening Corruption Perceptions Index (SDG 16)

Commitment to Multilateralism

  • Top 3 Countries Committed to UN Multilateralism:
    1. Barbados
    2. Jamaica
    3. Trinidad and Tobago

Notable National Rankings

  • Brazil (25): Highest among G20 nations.
  • Chile (7): Highest among OECD countries.

NAVYA Initiative

  • 26 Jun 2025

In News:

In line with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and the government’s focus on women-led development, the Government of India has launched NAVYA—a pilot initiative aimed at vocationally skilling adolescent girls to empower them with future-ready skills and opportunities.

The programme was officially launched in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

About Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls (NAVYA):

  • Objective:To provide vocational training to adolescent girls aged 16–18 years (with a minimum qualification of Class 10) in non-traditional job roles.
  • Target Areas:Implemented as a pilot project in 27 districts across 19 States, including:
    • Aspirational districts
    • Districts in the North-Eastern States

This reflects the government's commitment to inclusive development and reaching underserved and vulnerable populations.

  • Institutional Collaboration:
    • Both ministries will formalize convergence to streamline and institutionalize skilling efforts for adolescent girls.
    • NAVYA draws upon existing frameworks like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and other flagship skill development schemes.

Significance of NAVYA:

Aspect                                               Importance

Empowerment              -           Enhances skills, confidence, and self-reliance among young girls

Gender Inclusion             -       Supports women-led development and economic participation

Employment Readiness   -  Equips girls with job-oriented skills in non-traditional sectors

Regional Equity         -               Targets backward and underserved regions to reduce disparities

Demographic Dividend    -   Harnesses the potential of India’s adolescent population in national development

“NAVYA represents a transformative step in ensuring that every adolescent girl becomes a catalyst for change in India’s journey towards an inclusive, skilled, and developed future.”

Rising Evaporative Demand and Thirstwaves

  • 26 Jun 2025

In News:

The rising evaporative demand—a measure of how thirsty the atmosphere is—is spotlighting India’s significant data and research gaps related to climate extremes, water stress, and agricultural vulnerability. While global studies are increasingly focusing on "thirstwaves", India lacks adequate research and monitoring frameworks on this critical issue.

What is Evaporative Demand?

  • Evaporative demand indicates the near-maximum amount of water that would evaporate from land or vegetation if enough water is available.
  • It is not equivalent to actual evaporation, which also depends on water availability.
  • Driven by atmospheric factors:
    • Temperature
    • Wind speed
    • Solar radiation
    • Humidity
    • Cloud cover

High evaporative demand leads to quicker drying of soil and vegetation, increasing drought risk, crop stress, and wildfire susceptibility.

What is a Thirstwave?

  • Coined by MeetpalKukal (University of Idaho) and Mike Hobbins (NOAA/University of Colorado).
  • Definition: Three or more consecutive days of abnormally high evaporative demand.
  • Drivers: Combination of high temperature, low humidity, high solar radiation, and wind speed.
  • Impacts:
    • Reduces water availability for crops.
    • Stresses vegetation.
    • Increases fire danger.
    • Accelerates drought onset and intensification.

Unlike heatwaves driven by temperature alone, thirstwaves are multi-dimensional and can be more damaging to crops and ecosystems.

Scientific Findings & India-Specific Observations

Global Evidence:

  • Kukal& Hobbins’ study (published in Earth’s Future) noted:
    • Increased frequency, intensity, and duration of thirstwaves in the U.S.
    • Reduced likelihood of zero-thirstwave periods during growing seasons.

India’s Research Gap:

  • Chronic shortage of real-time data on evaporative demand and extreme events.
  • 1997 Study (Chattopadhyay &Hulme):
    • Analyzed 30 years of IMD data.
    • Found declining evaporation and potential evapotranspiration, likely due to increased humidity, despite warming.
    • Projected future temperature rise would eventually override humidity effects, increasing evaporative demand.

Recent Developments in India:

  • IIT Roorkee, NIH & European collaborators (2022):
    • Studied 100 river sub-basins.
    • Found highest rise in actual evapotranspiration in Northern India, Western Himalayas, and Eastern Himalayan regions.
    • Interpreted as signs of increased vegetation or agricultural expansion.

Measurement Techniques:

  • Standardised Short-Crop Evapotranspiration:
    • A simplified metric to measure water demand of a 12 cm tall, healthy grass under ideal moisture conditions.
    • Recommended for crop irrigation planning.
    • Rising values signal increasing atmospheric demand and need for adaptive water management.

Implications for India:

  • Agriculture and Food Security:
    • India’s irrigated crops, especially rice and wheat, are vulnerable to atmospheric water demand.
    • Rising thirstwaves threaten to decrease productivity even in well-irrigated regions.
  • Water Resource Management:
    • Increases soil moisture stress and reduces groundwater recharge.
    • Calls for real-time tracking systems for evaporative stress.
  • Disaster Preparedness:
    • Thirstwaves may precede or exacerbate droughts and wildfires.
    • Regions not traditionally drought-prone may still suffer from evaporative shocks.
  • Research and Monitoring Needs:
    • Lack of indigenous data on thirstwaves.
    • Current efforts:Ongoing Indo-U.S. collaboration (University of Idaho & NIT Jalandhar) aims to map South Asian thirstwaves under the Water Advanced Research and Innovation Program.

Way Forward:

  • Integrate evaporative demand and thirstwave parameters into IMD's early warning systems.
  • Promote region-specific studies on crop sensitivity to evaporative demand.
  • Develop adaptive irrigation protocols based on short-crop evapotranspiration trends.
  • Sensitise farmers, water managers, and policymakers on atmospheric water demand risks.
  • Invest in climate-resilient agriculture and data-driven water governance.

UK’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

  • 26 Jun 2025

In News:

In a landmark decision, the UK House of Commons has passed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legaliseassisted dying for terminally ill individuals in England and Wales. The Bill passed with a narrow margin of 314 to 291 votes, and will now proceed to the House of Lords for further deliberation.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

  • Applicability: England and Wales.
  • Eligibility: Only for patients diagnosed with less than six months to live.
  • Safeguards:
    • The patient must be mentally competent.
    • Approval is required from two doctors, a psychiatrist, a senior lawyer, and a social worker.
    • The process ensures the patient’s choice is informed and voluntary.

Understanding Euthanasia:

  • Etymology: From Greek “eu” (good) + “thanatos” (death) = “good death”.
  • Definition: Intentional act of ending a person’s life to relieve suffering from terminal illness or unbearable pain.

Types of Euthanasia:

Type                                         Description                                                   Example

Active                                     Deliberate action to end life            Lethal injection

Passive                                  Withdrawal of treatment                  Removing life support

Voluntary                             With patient’s consent                      Terminally ill requesting euthanasia

Involuntary                          Without consent                                Considered illegal

Ethical Dimensions:

Arguments in favour

  • Right to Autonomy: Upholds personal freedom in deciding life and death.
  • Compassionate Exit: Eases intractable suffering.
  • Dignity in Death: Ensures control over one’s final moments.
  • Relief for Families: Reduces emotional and financial strain.
  • Medical Resource Optimization: Redirects care to patients with curable conditions.

Arguments Against

  • Sanctity of Life: Human life is sacred and must not be intentionally ended.
  • Risk of Coercion: Vulnerable groups may be pressured into opting for death.
  • Existence of Palliative Alternatives: Modern hospice care offers non-lethal relief.
  • Slippery Slope: May lead to misuse or extension to non-terminal cases.
  • Erosion of Medical Ethics: Challenges the healer role of doctors.

Indian Legal Perspective:

India has grappled with the euthanasia debate in various judicial pronouncements:

  • Gian Kaur v. State of Punjab (1996): Right to die not included under Article 21.
  • Aruna Shanbaug Case (2011): Allowed passive euthanasia under strict conditions.
  • Common Cause v. Union of India (2018):Recognised the right to die with dignity and permitted Advance Medical Directives.

UNEP’s NDC Cooling Guidelines 2025

  • 26 Jun 2025

In News:

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released the NDC Cooling Guidelines 2025, aimed at supporting countries in integrating sustainable cooling strategies into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. The initiative addresses both climate mitigation and adaptation challenges posed by rising global temperatures and energy demand.

About the NDC Cooling Guidelines 2025

  • Purpose:Provides a structured global framework for countries to incorporate sustainable cooling into national climate action plans, balancing mitigation, adaptation, and developmental needs.
  • Developed by:UNEP’s Cool Coalition NDC Working Group, in collaboration with partners like UNDP.
  • Primary Objectives:
    • Mainstream sustainable cooling in national NDCs.
    • Reduce sectoral emissions by 60% by 2050.
    • Improve access to cooling for 1.1 billion vulnerable people.
    • Establish robust Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) mechanisms.
    • Align with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and the Global Cooling Pledge.

Global Cooling Landscape: Key Data Points

  • Current Impact:
    • Cooling accounts for nearly 7% of global GHG emissions, projected to exceed 10% by 2050.
    • Cooling consumes 20% of global building electricity, and up to 50% in countries like UAE.
  • Access Challenges:1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to efficient and affordable cooling, threatening lives, food security, and healthcare.
  • Efficiency Potential:By doubling appliance efficiency, access can expand sixfold without proportionate emission growth.

Challenges in the Cooling Sector

  • Rising Emissions:Without immediate policy interventions, emissions from cooling are expected to double by mid-century, increasing climate and energy pressures.
  • Access Inequality:Many low-income and rural populations remain exposed to extreme heat due to lack of sustainable cooling.
  • Policy Gaps:Only 27% of updated NDCs currently include specific energy efficiency targets related to cooling.
  • Gendered Impacts:Women, especially in vulnerable communities, face greater health risks from inadequate cooling and heat stress.
  • Reinforcing Heat-Cooling Loop:Increasing temperatures escalate cooling demand, which if met with inefficient systems, leads to more emissions, exacerbating global warming—a vicious cycle.

Six-Step Framework in the Guidelines

  • Baseline Assessment:Measure current energy use and refrigerant emissions in the cooling sector.
  • Target Setting:Define clear, time-bound targets aligned with national climate priorities.
  • Monitoring, Reporting, Verification (MRV):Develop transparent systems to track and report progress.
  • Policy Tools:
    • Introduce Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS)
    • Phase down high-GWP refrigerants
    • Promote urban greening and passive cooling techniques
  • Governance & Institutional Support:Establish cross-sectoral coordination, incorporating gender-sensitive planning.
  • Financing & Equity:Mobilize investments and develop policies to enable equitable access to sustainable cooling technologies.

Country-Level Initiatives

  • Nigeria:Integrated National Cooling Action Plan (NCAP) into its NDC, with a focus on heat-resilient rural infrastructure.
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE):Adopted district cooling systems and high-efficiency air conditioning in its updated climate roadmap (NDC 3.0).
  • Grenada:Committed to becoming the first HFC-free nation, aiming for complete refrigerant phase-down.

INS Nilgiri

  • 26 Jun 2025

In News:

INS Nilgiri, the first stealth frigate of the indigenously developed Project 17A series, has recently been inducted into the Eastern Naval Command. It will play a crucial role in the Eastern Sword-Sunrise Fleet.

Key Facts:

  • Class and Design:INS Nilgiri belongs to the Nilgiri-class frigates under Project 17A, an advanced stealth warship initiative. It is an improved version of the earlier Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigates.
  • Design and Construction:The vessel has been designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.
  • Sister Ships Under Construction:Six other frigates of the same class—Himgiri, Taragiri, Udaygiri, Dunagiri, Vindhyagiri, and Mahendragiri—are currently being built at MDL, Mumbai and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.

Technical Specifications & Capabilities:

  • Dimensions & Displacement:
    • Length: 149 meters
    • Displacement: Approximately 6,670 tonnes
  • Propulsion:
    • Equipped with a CODAG (Combined Diesel and Gas) propulsion system
    • Maximum speed: Up to 28 knots
  • Combat Capability:
    • Anti-Air Warfare: Armed with 16 Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles
    • Surface Warfare: Equipped with 8 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for anti-ship and land-attack roles
  • Surveillance & Targeting Systems:
    • MF-STAR Radar: Offers 360-degree situational awareness
    • 3D AESA Radar: Enables tracking of multiple targets simultaneously
    • Nishant Radar: Enhances fire control and targeting precision
  • Network-Centric Warfare:The onboard Combat Management System (CMS) seamlessly integrates various sensors and weapons, allowing for coordinated operations with other naval platforms.

Significance:
The induction of INS Nilgiri marks a major milestone in India’s pursuit of a modern, self-reliant naval fleet. It enhances the Indian Navy’s blue-water capabilities, contributing to maritime dominance and regional security in the Indo-Pacific.

Tomahawk Missiles

  • 25 Jun 2025

In News:

In a major escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict, the United States has reportedly launched precision strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, targeting key sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. These attacks were carried out using Tomahawk cruise missiles and GBU-57 bunker busters, marking a critical intervention by the US in the unfolding regional crisis. President Donald Trump termed the strikes a “clear warning” to Iran, signalling the potential for intensified military action if diplomatic overtures are rejected.

What Are Tomahawk Missiles?

The Tomahawk missile is a long-range, subsonic, all-weather cruise missile primarily operated by the United States Navy and Royal Navy. It is designed for precision strikes on high-value or heavily defended targets, including hardened or buried infrastructure such as nuclear sites.

  • Launch platforms: Ships and submarines
  • Flight path: Low-altitude terrain-following flight to evade radar
  • Use case: Strategic, surgical strikes in contested or defended environments

Design and Capabilities

  • Length: ~5.6 meters (without booster)
  • Weight: Up to 1,600 kg
  • Speed: ~880 km/h (subsonic)
  • Range: Over 1,600 km (varies by variant)
  • Flight altitude: As low as 30–50 meters
  • Warheads:
    • Unitary high-explosive
    • Cluster munitions
    • Nuclear warheads (retired from use)

Navigation and Guidance Systems

Tomahawk missiles are known for pinpoint accuracy, achieved through a multi-layered guidance system:

  • GPS (Global Positioning System) and INS (Inertial Navigation System) for real-time course tracking
  • TERCOM (Terrain Contour Matching): Compares terrain under flight path with stored maps
  • DSMAC (Digital Scene Matching Area Correlation): Matches live terrain imagery with onboard target data
  • Data-link capability: Allows for in-flight re-targeting, mission abort, or loitering over areas

Variants and Modern Upgrades

  • Tomahawk Block IV (TLAM-E): Most modern variant, featuring:
    • In-flight reprogramming
    • Target loitering
    • Real-time battle damage assessment
    • Two-way satellite communication

Historical Combat Usage

Tomahawk missiles have been extensively used in US military operations:

  • Gulf War (1991): ~280 missiles used in the opening strikes
  • Operation Infinite Reach (1998): Targeted terrorist camps in Sudan and Afghanistan
  • Iraq War (2003): Hundreds used during the initial “shock and awe” campaign
  • Libya Intervention (2011): Destroyed air defence infrastructure
  • Syria (2017): 59 Tomahawks used against Shayrat Airbase in retaliation for chemical attacks

INS Tamal

  • 25 Jun 2025

In News:

In a landmark development for India's maritime defence, the Indian Navy is set to commission its latest stealth multi-role frigate, INS Tamal, on 1st July 2025 at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia

Overview:

  • Class & Series: INS Tamal is the second ship of the Tushil-class, an upgraded variant of the Talwar and Teg class frigates, forming part of the Krivak class series built under Indo-Russian cooperation.
  • Total Induction: With Tamal’s addition, India will operate ten ships with common capabilities across four related classes.
  • Construction: Built at Yantar Shipyard with oversight from Indian specialists under the Warship Overseeing Team (WOT), Kaliningrad, under the Embassy of India, Moscow.

Symbolism and Identity

  • The name ‘Tamal’ represents the mythical sword of Indra, the King of Gods.
  • The ship’s mascot blends India’s Jambavant, the immortal bear king of mythology, with Russia’s Eurasian Brown Bear, symbolising Indo-Russian defence cooperation.
  • The ship’s motto: ‘Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya’ (Victorious Always Everywhere).

Make in India & Indigenous Content

  • INS Tamal is the last warship to be inducted from a foreign source, aligning with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
  • 26% indigenous content, including:
    • BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (anti-ship & land attack roles)
    • HUMSA NG Mk II sonar, Indian radars, and communication systems
  • Indian OEMs involved: BrahMos Aerospace, BEL, Keltron, Nova Integrated Systems (Tata), Elcome Marine, Johnson Controls India, among others.
  • Indigenous components have more than doubled to 33 systems compared to previous imports.

Key Features & Capabilities

  • Displacement: 3,900 tonnes | Length: 125 metres
  • Top speed: Over 30 knots
  • Armament & Combat Systems:
    • Vertically Launched Surface-to-Air Missiles (VL-SAM)
    • Improved 100 mm main gun, 30 mm CIWS
    • Heavyweight torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets
    • EO/IR system, fire control radars
  • Aviation Support: Flight deck for Air Early Warning & Multi-Role helicopters
  • Sensors & Network:
    • Surface Surveillance Radar
    • Advanced Electronic Warfare suite
    • Network Centric Warfare capabilities
  • Trials: Successfully completed 3-month sea trials, validating systems and weapons in challenging winter conditions (St. Petersburg & Kaliningrad).

Strategic Importance

  • Upon commissioning, INS Tamal will join the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet—the 'Sword Arm' of the Navy under Western Naval Command.
  • Reinforces India’s blue water naval ambitions, enhancing operational readiness in multi-threat maritime environments.
  • Embodies two decades of Indo-Russian naval cooperation and represents a transition towards domestic warship production.

Gwada Negative

  • 25 Jun 2025

In News:

In a landmark discovery for transfusion science, France’s national blood agency (Établissement Français du Sang – EFS), in June 2025, identified a completely new blood group system. Officially recognized by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) as the 48th blood group system, it is termed EMM-negative and is informally called “Gwada Negative”, after Guadeloupe, the origin of the only known individual with this blood type.

What is Gwada Negative (EMM-negative)?

  • EMM-negative is defined by the absence of the EMM antigen, a high-incidence antigen normally present on red blood cells in nearly all humans.
  • High-incidence antigens are so common that individuals lacking them are considered extremely rare and face critical challenges in blood transfusion compatibility.
  • The ISBT registered this as ISBT042, making it the latest addition to global blood group systems.

Discovery Timeline

  • 2011: A 54-year-old woman from Guadeloupe, living in Paris, underwent pre-surgical blood testing. Her blood showed unidentified antibodies that did not match any known blood group systems.
  • 2019: With advancements in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), researchers led by Dr. Thierry Peyrard (EFS) identified the unique genetic mutation responsible for the absence of the EMM antigen.
  • 2025: After peer-reviewed validation, the ISBT officially recognised the EMM-negative system during its Milan meeting.

Why is it So Rare?

  • This woman is the only known person in the world with the EMM-negative blood type.
  • She inherited the rare gene mutation from both parents, leading to a complete absence of the EMM antigen in her red blood cells.
  • Since the EMM antigen is nearly universal, her blood is compatible only with itself, making transfusions extremely high-risk unless a genetically identical donor is found.

Clinical Significance

  • Individuals lacking high-incidence antigens like EMM may develop alloantibodies — immune responses against transfused red cells containing those antigens.
  • Transfusion of EMM-positive blood into such individuals can cause hemolytic reactions, including life-threatening hemolysis (premature red blood cell breakdown).
  • In this case, no donor blood currently available is safe for transfusion into the patient.

Implications for Transfusion Medicine

  • Highlights the need for rare blood donor registries, international cooperation, and advanced genetic screening technologies to identify such rare phenotypes.
  • Encourages development of precision-matching protocols in complex clinical and emergency situations.
  • Expands the understanding of human immunohematological diversity and redefines transfusion compatibility standards.

Kounis Syndrome

  • 25 Jun 2025

In News:

The recent sudden death of Indian industrialist Sanjay Kapur during a polo match in London has drawn national attention to Kounis Syndrome, a rare but serious medical condition. Reports suggest he may have inhaled a bee, which stung him inside the throat—leading to a cardiac arrest, potentially triggered by an acute allergic reaction. This tragic incident has raised awareness about the interaction between allergic reactions and cardiac emergencies, especially in seemingly healthy individuals.

What is Kounis Syndrome?

Kounis Syndrome is a rare medical condition in which a severe allergic or hypersensitivity reaction triggers a coronary event, such as a heart attack. It is often termed “allergic angina” or “allergic myocardial infarction.”

Mechanism

  • Triggered by allergens such as insect stings, drugs, or foods.
  • Leads to the activation of mast cells, which release histamine and cytokines.
  • These chemicals cause spasms, plaque rupture, or clot formation in coronary arteries.
  • Result: Reduced blood flow to the heart, causing ischemia or infarction.

Types of Kounis Syndrome

  1. Type I: In individuals with normal coronary arteries – allergic reaction causes artery spasm and possible heart attack.
  2. Type II: In those with existing coronary artery disease – allergic reaction destabilizes plaques, causing infarction.
  3. Type III: In patients with coronary stents – hypersensitivity leads to thrombosis within stents.

Triggers of Kounis Syndrome

  • Insect stings (bee, wasp)
  • Medications (NSAIDs, antibiotics)
  • Foods (nuts, shellfish, kiwi)
  • Environmental allergens (latex, contrast dyes)
  • Underlying health conditions (e.g., mastocytosis)

Symptoms

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath or wheezing
  • Swelling (angioedema), hives, or rash
  • Low blood pressure
  • ECG changes: ST-segment elevation or depression

Diagnosis and Treatment

  • Diagnosis: Clinical history, ECG, cardiac enzymes, allergy tests.
  • Treatment includes:
    • For allergy: Antihistamines, corticosteroids, epinephrine
    • For cardiac care: Oxygen, nitrates, antiplatelet drugs, beta-blockers

Why Mouth/Throat Bee Stings Are Dangerous

  • Immediate airway swelling
  • Increased absorption of venom into bloodstream
  • Enhanced risk of anaphylaxis and cardiac arrest

Even people without a history of allergy can experience severe reactions if stung inside the mouth or throat.

Warning Signs After a Bee Sting

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swollen lips, tongue, or throat
  • Rash or itching
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Rapid or weak heartbeat
  • Nausea or unconsciousness

Immediate emergency care is essential.

Himalayan Brown Bear

  • 25 Jun 2025

In News:

In a significant development for Himalayan biodiversity, a rare sighting of a Himalayan Brown Bear with its family has been reported for the first time in the Dumka region between Nelang and Bhairon Ghati, within Gangotri National Park, Uttarakhand. The sighting has enthused wildlife experts and is viewed as a positive indicator of range expansion and ecosystem resilience in this fragile high-altitude region.

Significance of the Sighting

  • This marks the first recorded presence of a brown bear in this specific stretch of the park.
  • Previously, sightings were limited to Gomukh (6 bears) and Kedartal (3 bears), both located above 3,000 m.

About the Himalayan Brown Bear

  • Scientific Name: Ursus arctos isabellinus
  • Common Names: Himalayan Red Bear, Isabelline Bear; known as Denmo in Ladakhi.
  • It is believed to be one of the most ancient brown bear lineages and may have inspired the Yeti legend due to its upright gait.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in the northwestern and central Himalayas: India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and China (Tibet).
  • In India: Exists in fragmented populations in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
  • Inhabits elevations between 3,000 and 5,500 meters, usually above the timberline in alpine meadows and snow-clad regions.

Ecological Features

  • Size: Males average 1.9 m and 135 kg; females 1.6 m and 70 kg.
  • Fur: Sandy or reddish-brown; thick to endure high-altitude cold.
  • Diet: Omnivorous – consumes roots, berries, nuts, small mammals, fish, and insects.
  • Behavior: Solitary, except during mating or a mother with cubs; hibernates during winter in dens.
  • Lifespan: 20–30 years in the wild.

Conservation Status

  • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (India): Schedule I
  • CITES: Appendix I

Subarnarekha River

  • 24 Jun 2025

In News:

A flash flood in the Subarnarekha River affected over 50,000 people in Balasore district, Odisha. The flooding was triggered by heavy rainfall and the release of water from Chandil Dam in Jharkhand.

About Subarnarekha River

Origin:

  • Arises near Piska/Nagri, close to Ranchi, in Jharkhand.
  • The name "Subarnarekha" means “Streak of Gold”, referring to traces of gold once found in the river’s origin area.

Geographical Course:

  • States Covered: Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha.
  • Mouth: Empties into the Bay of Bengal near Talsari, in Odisha.
  • Total Length: Approx. 395 km.
  • Drainage Basin Area: 18,951 sq. km, making it a relatively small multi-state river basin.
  • Course Details: Flows through Paschim Medinipur (WB) and Balasore (Odisha) after originating in Jharkhand.

Key Features:

  • Hundru Falls: A well-known waterfall on Subarnarekha, located in Jharkhand, with a drop of 98 metres.
  • The river system is independent, not a tributary of any larger river.
  • Known for its historical and cultural significance due to gold particles in its sands.

Major Tributaries:

  • Kharkai (joins at Jamshedpur)
  • Kanchi, Roro, Harmu Nadi, Dulunga, Karru, Karakari, Singaduba, Kodia, Dhamra

About Chandil Dam

Location:

  • Situated in Chandil, Seraikela Kharsawan district, Jharkhand.
  • Built near the confluence of the Subarnarekha River and Karkori River (originating from Hundru Falls).

Purpose:

  • Multi-purpose project serving irrigation, flood control, and tourism.
  • Plays a significant role in managing water flow in the Subarnarekha basin.

Estimates Committee

  • 24 Jun 2025

In News:

The Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurated the National Conference of Estimates Committees in Mumbai to mark 75 years of the Parliamentary Estimates Committee.

About the Estimates Committee:

  • Type: Parliamentary Financial Standing Committee (Lok Sabha).
  • Established in: 1950, under the Rules of Procedure of Lok Sabha, after the adoption of the Constitution.
  • Purpose: To examine how public funds are allocated and utilized, and recommend improvements in economy, efficiency, and accountability.

Composition:

  • Total Members: 30 Lok Sabha MPs.
  • Exclusion: Ministers are not eligible to be members.
  • Chairperson: Appointed by the Speaker of Lok Sabha.
  • Term: One year, renewable annually.

Selection Process:

  • Members are elected annually by the Lok Sabha through proportional representation using the single transferable vote system.

Key Functions:

  • Examine budget estimates of various ministries and departments.
  • Suggest reforms for better economy and efficiency in public expenditure.
  • Recommend alternative policies for improved governance and financial management.
  • Evaluate effectiveness of spending aligned with policy objectives.
  • Suggest improvements in the presentation of budget estimates to Parliament.

Exclusions: Does not examine Public Sector Undertakings — these are dealt with by the Committee on Public Undertakings.

Working Mechanism:

  • Selects specific departments or statutory bodies for scrutiny.
  • Seeks inputs from government officials and external experts.
  • Undertakes study visits and on-ground assessments (with prior approval).
  • Holds formal evidence sessions in Parliament.
  • Submits findings and recommendations through reports to the Lok Sabha.
  • The Government must submit Action Taken Reports (ATR) within six months.

Achievements (as of 2025):

  • Total Reports Presented: 1,184
    • 656 Original Reports
    • 528 Action Taken Reports
  • Covered nearly all major ministries and departments.
  • Contributed to strengthening Parliamentary financial oversight and ensuring fiscal discipline.

Operation Midnight Hammer

  • 24 Jun 2025

In News:

The United States launched a classified military operation named Operation Midnight Hammer, targeting Iran’s major nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, claiming significant damage to its nuclear infrastructure.

About Operation Midnight Hammer:

  • A covert US airstrike intended to degrade Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
  • Launched by: US Department of Defense.
  • Objective: Destruction of fortified nuclear facilities and demonstration of US strategic air power.

Key Assets Deployed:

  • B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers equipped with GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) – “bunker-buster” bombs designed to penetrate over 200 feet of reinforced concrete.
  • Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles launched from US submarines.
  • Support aircraft and decoys for air defence suppression.

B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber:

  • Type: Long-range strategic stealth bomber of the US Air Force.
  • Developed by: Northrop Grumman (1980s).
  • Cost: Approx. $2.1 billion per unit – one of the most expensive aircraft in the world.
  • Range: Over 6,000 nautical miles without refuelling.
  • Crew: Operated by two pilots.

Weapons and Capabilities:

  • Payload Capacity: Over 40,000 pounds.
  • Armament Options:
    • 2 × GBU-57A/B MOPs
    • 16 × B83 nuclear bombs (part of US nuclear triad)
    • Precision-guided weapons: JDAM, JSOW, JASSM-ER.
  • Stealth Features: Radar cross-section as small as a bird – allows evasion of sophisticated air defences.

Strategic Significance:

  • Enhances the US’s global precision strike capabilities.
  • Reinforces the deterrence role of the B-2 in both conventional and nuclear domains.
  • Capable of targeting heavily fortified underground facilities.
  • Proven operational effectiveness in Afghanistan, Libya, and now Iran.

SSLV Technology Transfer

  • 24 Jun 2025

In News:

In a historic development for India's space sector, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will, for the first time, completely transfer rocket technology to a domestic firm. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has secured the Transfer of Technology (ToT) for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) through a competitive process facilitated by IN-SPACe, marking a new era of private-sector participation in space.

What is the SSLV Technology Transfer?

  • Nature of ToT: Complete technology handover of ISRO’s SSLV to HAL.
  • Awarded By: Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) after a two-stage national selection.
  • Winning Bid: HAL won the bid with a ?511 crore offer — the highest among the contenders.
  • Other Bidders: Consortia led by Alpha Design (Bengaluru) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (Hyderabad).
  • Objective: To empower the private sector to build, market, and launch rockets independently, thus reducing reliance on ISRO for small satellite missions.

Key Features of the SSLV ToT

Parameter                          Details

Ownership     - HAL will own and operate the SSLV, with rights to modify its design and choose commercial partners.

Production Capability -    HAL aims to produce 6–10 SSLVs annually, based on demand.

ToT Duration - 2 years of technology handholding by ISRO, during which HAL will manufacture at least two SSLV prototypes.

Post-ToT -     HAL will operate independently post-ToT and may enter contracts for commercial launch services.

Contractual Roles -     ISRO (technical), IN-SPACe (regulatory + ToT coordination), NSIL (commercial interface), HAL (execution).

About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

  • Established: 23 December 1940 (as Hindustan Aircraft Limited).
  • HQ: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
  • Ministry: Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
  • Core Role: India’s largest defence and aerospace PSU involved in aircraft, helicopters, engines, and now space systems.
  • Key Contributions:
    • Manufactured MiG-21, SU-30MKI, LCA Tejas.
    • Supplied components for GSLV Mk-III, Mars Orbiter Mission, and Gaganyaan.
    • Collaborated with ISRO on cryogenic engines and launch vehicle structures.
  • Publicly Listed: On BSE and NSE since 2018.

Significance:

  • First Full Rocket ToT in India: Unlike earlier manufacturing contracts (e.g., PSLV), SSLV is entirely owned and operated by HAL.
  • Boosts Private Sector Role: Aligns with India’s space sector reforms to commercialize launch services.
  • Fosters Innovation & Autonomy: HAL can redesign the SSLV and partner globally, making India more competitive in the small satellite launch market.
  • Strategic Diversification: HAL adds space systems to its portfolio, without affecting defence operations.

Green Hydrogen Production

  • 24 Jun 2025

In News:

In a significant scientific milestone, Indian researchers have developed a next-generation, scalable solar-driven device for producing green hydrogen—offering a major boost to clean energy innovation and India’s energy transition goals.

Key Highlights:

  • Developed By: Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru — an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
  • Publication: The findings were published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A (Royal Society of Chemistry).

What Is Green Hydrogen?

Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water molecules using renewable energy sources, especially solar and wind, without any greenhouse gas emissions. It is a clean energy carrier with the potential to decarbonize heavy industries, power vehicles, and store energy.

The Innovation: Solar-Driven Water Splitting Device

  • The device uses only solar energy to split water and produce hydrogen.
  • It employs a silicon-based photoanode with an n-i-p heterojunction structure:
    • n-type TiO?, intrinsic (undoped) Si, and p-type NiO layers.
    • This structure enhances charge separation and transport efficiency.
  • Fabrication via magnetron sputtering, a scalable, industry-compatible process.

Key Performance Metrics

  • Surface photovoltage: 600 millivolts (mV)
  • Low onset potential: ~0.11 VRHE
  • Stability: Operated continuously for over 10 hours in alkaline medium with only ~4% performance degradation.
  • Successfully scaled to a 25 cm² photoanode, showing strong solar-to-hydrogen conversion.

Advantages of the Device

Feature                                                                       Benefit

Pure solar operation                              No external power or fossil fuel input

High energy efficiency                         Better light absorption, reduced recombination loss

Material use                                              Low-cost, earth-abundant materials

Durability                                                   Stable under alkaline conditions

Scalability                                                 Demonstrated potential for industrial-scale production

Strategic Significance

  • Accelerates India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and hydrogen-based economy.
  • Supports India’s net-zero emission commitments and climate action.
  • Offers a cost-effective, clean energy alternative to fossil fuels in:
    • Hard-to-abate sectors like steel and cement
    • Clean transport solutions
    • Renewable energy storage systems

B-2 Spirit Bomber

  • 23 Jun 2025

In News:

In a major escalation of the ongoing US–Iran tensions, the United States deployed the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber to strike Iran’s fortified nuclear infrastructure, including the heavily guarded Fordow enrichment facility, which was described by President Donald Trump as the “crown jewel” of Iran’s nuclear programme. The strikes signal a new phase in the geopolitical standoff, showcasing advanced US airpower and precision capabilities.

What is the B-2 Spirit Bomber?

The B-2 Spirit, developed by Northrop Grumman during the Cold War, is one of the most advanced strategic bombers in the world. Originally built for penetrating heavily defended Soviet airspace, it remains a key asset in the US Air Force due to its stealth capabilities, long range, and precision payload delivery.

Only 21 B-2 bombers were built, each costing an estimated $2.1 billion, making it one of the most expensive aircraft ever developed. Its bat-wing design and radar-absorbent coating significantly reduce its radar cross-section, making it almost invisible to radar and ideal for deep penetration missions in hostile territory. It is operated by a two-person crew and extensively automated to reduce pilot workload.

Why was it used in the Iran strikes?

The B-2 Spirit was chosen for the Iran mission because of its unique combination of stealth, range, and payload capacity. The Fordow facility, built deep within a mountain and protected by sophisticated air defences, required a bomber that could both evade detection and deliver a bunker-busting payload with high precision.

During the mission, the B-2s were reportedly equipped with the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) — a 30,000-pound bomb specifically designed to destroy deeply buried and fortified targets like Fordow. Due to the weapon’s size and weight, a B-2 can carry only one or two MOPs per sortie. Reports indicate that six MOPs were dropped on Fordow, demonstrating the operational effectiveness of the B-2 for such critical missions.

Capabilities and Strategic Role

The B-2 has an unrefueled range of over 6,000 nautical miles (approximately 11,000 km), enabling it to undertake intercontinental missions directly from the United States. Past missions have seen the B-2 operate from Missouri to targets in Afghanistan, Libya, and now Iran, demonstrating its global strike capability.

With a total payload capacity exceeding 40,000 pounds (18,000 kg), the B-2 can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons. It forms a crucial part of the US nuclear triad, capable of delivering up to 16 B83 nuclear bombs. Its ability to carry nuclear and precision-guided munitions gives it unmatched strategic versatility.

Weapon Systems Compatible with the B-2

Beyond the MOP, the B-2 can be armed with a variety of precision and standoff weapons, including:

  • JDAMs (Joint Direct Attack Munitions): GPS-guided bombs used for high-accuracy strikes on fixed targets.
  • JSOW (Joint Standoff Weapons): Glide bombs launched from a distance, allowing engagement of targets outside enemy air defence range.
  • JASSM and JASSM-ER (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles): Long-range cruise missiles, with the extended-range variant capable of striking targets up to 500 miles (805 km) away.

This versatility allows the B-2 to adapt to multiple mission profiles, from conventional warfare to nuclear deterrence.

Strategic and Geopolitical Implications

The deployment of the B-2 in this mission has both tactical and symbolic implications. Tactically, it underscores the US military’s ability to deliver precision strikes on highly protected strategic infrastructure. Strategically, it sends a strong signal to adversaries about the technological edge and operational reach of American military power.

From a geopolitical perspective, the strikes could exacerbate tensions in the already volatile West Asian region, heighten concerns about nuclear proliferation, and potentially provoke retaliatory actions by Iran and its regional allies. It also raises questions about the future of US-Iran relations and the fragility of nuclear diplomacy in the region.

Lenacapavir

  • 23 Jun 2025

In News:

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday approved Lenacapavir (LEN), the most promising HIV prevention medicine to be made so far.

What is Lenacapavir (LEN)?

  • Type: Antiretroviral drug used as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention.
  • Mechanism: Prevents HIV infection in HIV-negative individuals at high risk.
  • Efficacy: Clinical trials show it prevents 99.9% of HIV transmissions.
  • Dosage: Injectable form, administered twice a year.

Recent Development

  • Approved by: United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) – June 2025.
  • Brand name: To be marketed as Yeztugo by Gilead Sciences.
  • Described as the most promising HIV prevention drug to date.

Global and Indian Context

Global Need

  • LEN could be a game-changer in ending the global HIV/AIDS epidemic.
  • However, cost remains a barrier—initially priced at over $40,000 per person/year, now reduced to $28,218.

Indian Reality

  • Despite India's 92% contribution to global ART supply, PrEP is yet to be rolled out under India’s National AIDS Control Programme (NACP).
  • The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) has not yet integrated PrEP or LEN into national policy.

India’s Role in Equitable Access

Expert View:

  • India must take the lead in making LEN accessible, affordable, and timely.
  • Equitable distribution is critical to preventing new infections and achieving AIDS elimination targets.
  • Urges Indian regulators and generic companies to fast-track licensing and manufacturing.

Why this matter?

Public Health Impact

  • LEN could stop HIV transmission at scale if made widely available in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
  • Its twice-a-year injectable nature increases adherence, especially in vulnerable populations.

Cost Savings

  • Prevention through PrEP like LEN is more cost-effective than providing lifelong ART after infection.

India’s Strategic Position

  • India already serves as the global hub for HIV treatment through its generic pharmaceutical capacity.
  • India’s leadership is central to global HIV prevention strategies including:
    • Treatment as Prevention (TasP)
    • Test and Treat
    • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
    • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

Policy Recommendations

  • Fast-track regulatory approvals for generic LEN in India.
  • Integrate PrEP and injectable LEN into NACO guidelines.
  • Ensure price transparency and accessibility through public-private collaboration.
  • Collaborate with global health bodies (WHO, UNAIDS, Global Fund) to position India as the equitable access leader.

Samson Option

  • 23 Jun 2025

In News:

The Samson Option, Israel’s controversial and undeclared nuclear deterrence doctrine, has returned to global focus amid escalating military strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure under Operation Rising Lion (June 2025). The rising risk of a multi-front conflict involving Iran, Hezbollah, and Houthi actors has revived global concerns over nuclear escalation in the volatile Middle East.

What is the Samson Option?

  • Definition: Israel’s nuclear annihilation doctrine of last resort, based on the principle of massive retaliation in case of an existential threat to the state.
  • Doctrine Type: Deterrence-by-retaliation, not first use.
  • Strategic Intent: Not to deter routine threats, but to ensure mutual destruction if Israel faces annihilation.
  • Named After: Samson, a biblical warrior who destroyed himself and his enemies in a final act of vengeance (Judges 13–16).

Key Features

Feature                                                      Details

Ambiguity (Amimut)           Israel neither confirms nor denies its nuclear arsenal.

Nuclear Capability               Estimated 80–400 nuclear warheads, with delivery via land (Jericho missiles), air, and sea.

Indigenous Development  Secret nuclear program began in the 1950s under Ben-Gurion with aid from France & Norway.

Delivery Platforms                         Multi-platform: land-based missiles (Jericho series), aircraft, and submarines.

Psychological Warfare             Operates as a psychological deterrent, not an openly declared policy.

Policy Origin                      Popularized by Seymour Hersh’s 1991 book, built upon disclosures by whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu (1986).

Historical Evolution

  • 1950s–60s: Nuclear ambitions began under PM David Ben-Gurion.
  • 1967: Believed to have assembled first nuclear weapon by Six-Day War.
  • Public Position: “We will not be the first to introduce nuclear weapons in the Middle East” – Shimon Peres to JFK.
  • Doctrinal Continuity: Israel remains outside the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) and follows the policy of opacity to this day.

Why It’s in Focus Now: Operation Rising Lion & 2025 Escalations

  • Operation Rising Lion (June 2025): Israel’s largest campaign against Iran’s nuclear sites since the 1981 Osirak raid.
  • Iran’s Response: Ballistic missile and drone counterstrikes tested Israel’s air defences (Iron Dome, Arrow-3).
  • Multi-Front Threats: Escalations from Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthi threats in the Red Sea, and tension in Gaza heighten risks of a regional conflagration.
  • Red Lines: Any mass-casualty attack involving WMDs (chemical/radiological) may activate Israel’s last-resort nuclear doctrine.

Implications for the Region and the World

  • Security and Strategic Balance
    • Israel’s nuclear ambiguity complicates strategic planning for adversaries.
    • Shapes arms acquisition strategies of regional players like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE.
  • Geoeconomic and Business Fallout
    • Oil Market Volatility: Brent crude hit $102/barrel after Israeli strike on Natanz.
    • Defence Sector Boom: Surge in defence procurement by Gulf States; U.S. firms like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin benefit.
    • Investor Uncertainty: Rising nuclear rhetoric rattles financial markets and international investors.
  • Nuclear Non-Proliferation Challenges
    • Israel’s position outside the NPT undermines the credibility of global arms control.
    • Inspires double standards debate and pressures nations like Iran to pursue deterrent paths.
  • Cyber Deterrence and Intelligence Warfare
    • Past cyber ops like Stuxnet (U.S.–Israel malware attack on Iran’s nuclear centrifuges) re-emerging.
    • Cyber warfare now considered part of the extended nuclear deterrent architecture.

BSNL Soft Launches Quantum 5G FWA

  • 23 Jun 2025

In News:

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) announced in Hyderabad, the soft launch of BSNL Quantum 5G FWA. This indigenous, SIM-less fixed-wireless-access solution delivers fibre-like speeds over 5G radio.

What is Quantum 5G FWA?

Quantum 5G FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) is an indigenous, SIM-less, 5G broadband solution that offers fibre-like speeds using wireless 5G radio—eliminating the need for traditional fibre connections.

Key Technical Features:

  • SIM-less Connectivity: Uses BSNL’s Direct-to-Device (D2D) platform; Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) auto-authenticates without a SIM card.
  • Fully Indigenous Tech Stack: Core network, RAN (Radio Access Network), and CPE developed under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
  • High-Speed Performance:
    • Download: Up to 980 Mbps
    • Upload: 140 Mbps
    • Latency: Under 10 milliseconds
  • Plug-and-Play Installation:
    • No trenching or fibre required.
    • Covers over 85% of Hyderabad households via existing BSNL tower grid.

Significance of the Launch

  • India’s First SIM-less 5G FWA solution.
  • Marks BSNL as a 5G pioneer in offering 100% made-in-India wireless broadband.
  • Showcases Indian R&D strength and self-reliance in advanced telecom under Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Ideal for UHD streaming, cloud gaming, remote work, and smart home services.
  • Bridges the digital divide by enabling affordable gigabit-speed internet, even in rural and underserved regions.

Roadmap and Future Expansion

  • Pilot Rollouts (By September 2025): Target Cities: Bengaluru, Pondicherry, Visakhapatnam, Pune, Gwalior, Chandigarh
  • Tariff Plans:
    • ?999/month for 100 Mbps
    • ?1499/month for 300 Mbps
  • Enterprise Applications: Will support network-sliced, SLA-backed links for MSMEs and smart manufacturing through edge-cloud architecture.

World Investment Report 2025

  • 23 Jun 2025

In News:

The World Investment Report 2025, released recently by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), highlights critical trends in global foreign direct investment (FDI).

Key Details:

Purpose of the Report:

  • To track global trends in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and international production.
  • To guide policymakers and investors on aligning investment flows with sustainable development objectives.
  • To monitor progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Global Digital Compact through investment trends.

Major Global Trends Identified (2024 Data)

  • Overall Decline in Global FDI: FDI declined by 11%, reaching $1.5 trillion, marking the second consecutive year of contraction.
  • Digital Economy as a Growth Engine
    • Value of digital-sector projects doubled, becoming the primary driver of FDI growth.
    • Key growth areas: AI, data centres, cloud computing, semiconductors.
  • SDG Investment Crisis: Investment in critical SDG sectors such as renewable energy, water, sanitation, and agrifood fell by 25–33%.
  • Regional Divergence
    • Africa: FDI surged by 75%, led by Egypt’s $35 billion megaproject.
    • ASEAN: Moderate growth of 10% driven by realigned supply chains.
    • China: FDI inflows fell by 29%, affected by geopolitical tensions.
    • South America: Registered an 18% drop in FDI.
  • Collapse in Infrastructure Finance: International Project Finance (IPF) declined by 26%, deepening the infrastructure gap in least developed countries (LDCs).
  • Geopolitical Fragmentation
    • Rising trade tensions, tariff barriers, and political risks are reshaping FDI flows.
    • Emergence of near-shoring and regionalisation as firms relocate to reduce dependence on global supply chains.

Country-Specific Focus: India

  • India received $28 billion in FDI inflows in 2024, retaining its rank among top global destinations.
  • Key sectors: semiconductors, EV components, digital infrastructure.
  • India ranked among top 5 global hubs for greenfield projects.
  • Outbound FDI by Indian firms increased by 20%, showing strong outward investment intent.

Assessment of Positive and Negative Trends

Positive Trends:

  • Digital FDI Boom: Reflects a global pivot towards a knowledge and tech-driven economy.
  • Africa’s Rise: Significant confidence in Africa despite global slowdown.
  • Resilient ASEAN & India: Benefitting from global supply chain realignment.

Negative Trends:

  • Fall in SDG-Aligned Investments: Threatens progress towards global sustainability targets.
  • Infrastructure Finance Crisis: Severely affects LDCs dependent on project finance.
  • China’s FDI Decline: Raises concerns about the future of global investment flows amid US-China tensions.
  • Geopolitical Fragmentation: Reduces investor appetite for long-term cross-border projects.

Strategic Recommendations

  • Strengthen Digital Infrastructure: Scale up investments in broadband, cloud infrastructure, and data hubs through public-private partnerships.
  • Bridge SDG Investment Gap: Mobilize development banks, sovereign wealth funds, and climate finance to support SDG sectors.
  • Policy Coherence: Align digital, industrial, and sustainability policies at national and international levels.
  • De-risking Private Investment: Promote blended finance models to attract global capital to emerging markets.
  • Enhance Innovation Governance: Improve IPR frameworks and cross-border data regulations to boost investor confidence in innovation sectors.
  • Boost Regional Integration: Strengthen regional trade agreements and infrastructure connectivity to counter global fragmentation.

e-Rakt Kosh

  • 22 Jun 2025

In News:

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is set to integrate India’s Rare Donor Registry with e-Rakt Kosh, a centralized national blood bank management platform under the National Health Mission (NHM). This move aims to improve access to rare blood types, enhance donor coordination, and save lives by ensuring timely availability of rare blood groups.

About the Integration

  • e-Rakt Kosh: A digital platform developed under NHM for real-time information on blood availability, donation camps, and blood bank locations.
  • Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI): Developed by the ICMR–National Institute of Immunohaematology (NIIH) with four partner institutes. Maintains a database of 4,000 carefully screened rare blood donors, tested for over 300 rare blood markers.
  • Objective: To provide a centralized, accessible system for patients needing rare blood and to assist blood banks in managing inventory and donors efficiently.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Life-saving Access: Enables patients and hospitals to locate rare blood types like Bombay blood group, Rh-null, and P-null efficiently.
  • Safe Transfusions: Helps match blood for patients with multiple antigen deficiencies, common in disorders like thalassemia and sickle cell disease, thus reducing transfusion complications.
  • Technological Advancements:
    • Use of Multiplex PCR-based DNA testing for rapid identification of rare blood groups.
    • Development of a customized blood screening kit tailored for Indian patients.
  • Donor Engagement: Aims to ensure a steady, motivated pool of rare blood donors who remain connected to blood banks.

ICMR’s Parallel Work on Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Diseases

  • Point-of-Care (POC) Tests Developed For:
    • Sickle Cell Disease
    • Hemophilia A
    • Von Willebrand Disease
  • Impact of Innovation:
    • Sickle Cell Test Kits cost reduced from ?350 to under ?50 per test through Health Technology Assessment (HTA) led by DHR, ICMR–CRMCH, and NIIH.
    • Estimated savings: ?1,857 crore for the government.
    • New rapid testing device enables diagnosis even at PHC level.
  • International Interest: World Federation for Hemophilia has shown interest in procuring India-developed diagnostic kits for global deployment.
  • Commercialization: Technology transferred to Bhat Biotech, which launched the product under the brand Bio-Scan in August 2023.

Significance

  • Enhances India’s healthcare infrastructure and emergency response for rare blood groups.
  • Aligns with the goals of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Atmanirbhar Bharat in the field of indigenous diagnostics.
  • Showcases India’s growing biotech innovation ecosystem with both national and international relevance.

11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) – 2025

  • 22 Jun 2025

In News:

The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) will be observed on June 21, 2025, under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”. The theme emphasizes the connection between individual well-being and planetary health, aligned with India’s G20 vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”

About the International Day of Yoga

  • What it is: An annual global observance promoting yoga as a holistic health practice for physical, mental, and emotional well-being in harmony with nature.
  • Adoption: Declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) through Resolution 69/131 on December 11, 2014, following India's proposal.
  • First Observed: June 21, 2015
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India

Theme for 2025: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”

  • Focuses on the interdependence between human health and environmental sustainability.
  • Reinforces yoga’s role in achieving sustainable lifestyles and climate consciousness.

Key Objectives

  • Promote mind-body balance, emotional stability, and overall well-being through yoga.
  • Raise global awareness on yoga’s health and ecological benefits.
  • Encourage adoption of yoga as part of daily life for sustainable living.
  • Strengthen India’s soft power and global leadership in wellness traditions.

Highlights and Participation

  • Global Reach: Adopted by 175 UN Member States. Global participation has grown from 9 crore in 2018 to 24.53 crore in 2024.
  • Mass Events: Celebrated across countries with support from state governments, Indian embassies, UN bodies, and civil society.
  • Inclusive Message: Yoga Day’s logo and themes emphasize unity, well-being, and coexistence with nature.

Significance

  • Public Health Tool: Promotes a low-cost, accessible, preventive healthcare practice.
  • Sustainability Alignment: Advocates for climate-sensitive living and ecological harmony.
  • Cultural Diplomacy: Enhances India’s global stature as the birthplace of yoga and a leader in wellness diplomacy.
  • Soft Power Projection: Reflects India’s cultural values and promotes its influence through global well-being initiatives.

QS World University Rankings 2026

  • 22 Jun 2025

In News:

India has recorded its highest representation to date in the QS World University Rankings 2026, with 54 institutions featured—up from 11 in 2015. This marks a five-fold increase in a decade, making India the fourth most represented country, after the US, UK, and China.

Key Highlights

  • Total Indian Institutions Ranked (2026): 54
  • New Entrants from India: 8
  • Top-performing Indian Institution: IIT Delhi (Rank 123)
  • Fastest Rising Indian Institution: IIT Madras, up 47 places (from 227 in 2025 to 180 in 2026)
  • Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) Featured: 12
  • Debut Institutions in 2026:
    • IIT Gandhinagar
    • Lovely Professional University (LPU)
    • Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT)
    • Ashoka University
    • Galgotias University
    • Shiv Nadar University
    • CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru
    • Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS)

Significant Trends and Insights

  • Global Standing:
    • India now ranks 4th globally in terms of number of institutions in the QS Rankings.
    • Only the US (192), UK (90), and China (72) rank higher.
  • Improvements and Recognition:
    • 48% of India’s ranked institutions have improved their positions over last year.
    • 6 institutions are in the global top 250.
    • 5 Indian universities are among the top 100 globally for Employer Reputation, showing high industry trust.
    • 8 institutions rank in the top 100 for Citations per Faculty, with an average score of 43.7—higher than the UK, US, and Germany.
  • Diverse Representation:
    • Includes central universities, deemed-to-be universities, technical institutions, and private universities, reflecting a balanced and diversified higher education landscape.

QS Ranking Methodology: Key Indicators

Performance Lens                        Weightage         Indicators                                  Weightage

Research & Discovery               50%                      Academic Reputation             30%

                                                                                       Citations per Faculty                 20%

Employability & Outcomes     20%                     Employer Reputation                  15%

                                                                                     Employment Outcomes              5%

Global Engagement                  15%                   International Faculty Ratio          5%

                                                                               International Research Network     5%

                                                                               International Student Ratio              5%

Learning Experience                 10%               Faculty-Student Ratio                         10%

 

Sustainability                              5%                   Sustainability                                        5%

  • New Indicator in 2026: International Student Diversity (tracks number and diversity of international students; non-weighted this cycle)

Significance for India

  • The consistent rise highlights the impact of reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with greater emphasis on research, global collaboration, academic excellence, and employer integration.
  • India’s progress makes it the fastest-rising G20 nation in QS rankings.
  • Reflects increasing global trust and recognition of India’s higher education system.

Revised Green India Mission (GIM)

  • 22 Jun 2025

In News:

Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released the revised roadmap for the National Mission for a Green India (GIM). The updated strategy focuses on restoring degraded ecosystems, enhancing forest cover, and addressing climate impacts, especially in vulnerable landscapes like the Aravallis, Western Ghats, Himalayas, and mangroves.

About Green India Mission (GIM)

  • Launched in: 2014
  • Under: National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
  • Core Objectives:
    • Increase forest/tree cover by 5 million hectares.
    • Improve the quality of forest cover on another 5 million hectares.
    • Restore degraded ecosystems and enhance biodiversity.
    • Improve the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.

Achievements So Far

  • Afforestation Activities: 11.22 million hectares covered (2015–16 to 2020–21) through central and state schemes.
  • Funding: ?624.71 crore released (2019–24) to 18 states; ?575.55 crore utilized.
  • Target Areas: Selected based on ecological vulnerability, sequestration potential, and restoration needs.

Key Features of the Revised Roadmap

  • Landscape-Specific Restoration:
    • Prioritizes Aravalli ranges, Western Ghats, Himalayas, and mangrove ecosystems.
    • Emphasizes regionally adapted best practices for ecosystem restoration.
  • Integration with Aravalli Green Wall Project:
    • Aims to combat desertification and sandstorm risks in northern India.
    • Initial restoration planned across 8 lakh hectares in 29 districts of 4 states.
    • Estimated cost: ?16,053 crore.
    • Aims to develop a 5 km buffer zone covering 6.45 million hectares around the Aravallis.
  • Western Ghats Focus:
    • Tackling deforestation, illegal mining, and degradation.
    • Measures include afforestation, groundwater recharge, and mining site restoration.

Combating Land Degradation and Climate Change

  • Land Degradation (2018–19): Affected 97.85 million hectares (~1/3rd of India’s land), per ISRO data.
  • India’s Climate Targets (2030):
    • Create an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO? equivalent via forest/tree cover.
    • Restore 26 million hectares of degraded land.
  • Carbon Sequestration Potential (FSI Estimates):
    • Restoration of open forests can sequester 1.89 billion tonnes of CO? over 15 million hectares.
    • With intensified afforestation and aligned schemes, forest cover could reach 24.7 million hectares—achieving a carbon sink of 3.39 billion tonnes CO? equivalent by 2030.

Significance of the Revised Mission

  • Aligns with India’s NDCs under the Paris Agreement.
  • Supports goals under UNCCD and UNFCCC.
  • Helps mitigate climate change impacts by creating natural buffers and carbon sinks.
  • Promotes ecological sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and community livelihood enhancement.

Bhashini

  • 22 Jun 2025

In News:

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhashini, the National Language Translation Mission (NLTM), to integrate AI-enabled multilingual tools into rural e-governance platforms.

About Bhashini

  • Developed by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
  • Purpose: Acts as a digital public infrastructure for real-time, AI-powered translation across Indian languages.

Objective of the MoU

  • To build an inclusive, multilingual e-governance ecosystem for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
  • To bridge language barriers in rural governance and foster participatory democracy.

Key Features of the Initiative

  • AI-Driven Language Translation: Offers real-time speech-to-text and text-to-text translation in major Indian languages.
  • Platform Integration: Bhashini tools to be integrated with MoPR’s digital platforms like eGramSwaraj, ensuring multilingual access to rural governance services.
  • Citizen-Centric Approach: Enables rural citizens to interact with digital governance platforms in their native language, enhancing accessibility and inclusion.
  • Promotes Digital Inclusion: Supports rural digital literacy by making digital interfaces linguistically accessible.
  • Enhances Transparency and Trust: Facilitates better information dissemination, increasing trust and engagement in local self-governance.

Significance

  • Aligns with Digital India goals.
  • Empowers Gram Panchayats by ensuring language is not a barrier to governance.
  • Sets a precedent for AI-driven, citizen-centric governance reforms.

 

Predatory Pricing and Competition Law Reform

  • 21 Jun 2025

In News:

  • The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has recently proposed the Determination of Cost of Production (DCOP) Regulations, 2025 to replace the older 2009 norms. A major reform introduced is the use of Average Total Cost (ATC) as a key metric to determine pricing in predatory pricing cases, while excluding ‘market value’ as a cost measure in such assessments.
  • This development is significant in the context of India's broader competition law landscape, where concerns around market dominance and fair pricing are central to protecting consumer interest and ensuring a level playing field.

Understanding Predatory Pricing

  • Predatory pricing refers to the practice of setting prices below cost to eliminate competitors from the market. Although consumers may benefit from low prices in the short term, the long-term consequence is often the emergence of monopolies, leading to higher prices and fewer choices. Due to its anti-competitive nature, this pricing strategy is banned in most jurisdictions globally.
  • In India, predatory pricing is classified under ‘abuse of dominance’ as per the Competition Act, 2002, specifically under the broader category of unfair pricing or exclusionary conduct.

Legal Criteria for Establishing Predatory Pricing in India

For any allegation of predatory pricing to hold, three conditions must be satisfied:

  • Dominance in the Market: The firm accused must hold a dominant position in the relevant market.
  • Pricing Below Cost: The firm must have engaged in below-cost pricing, though defining “cost” has remained contentious. This raises the question—should cost mean fixed, variable, or total?
    1. Fixed costs are those independent of output (e.g., rent, IT systems).
    2. Variable costs change with production (e.g., raw materials, logistics).
    3. Total cost is the sum of fixed and variable costs.
  • Intent to Eliminate Competition: There must be clear evidence that the pricing strategy was intended to exclude competitors from the market.

While dominance is usually straightforward to assess, determining what constitutes “cost” and proving anti-competitive intent remain legally complex.

Regulatory Evolution: From AVC to ATC

  • Under existing regulations, the CCI had discretion to choose the cost metric on a case-by-case basis. The norm was to justify the use of any metric other than Average Variable Cost (AVC).
  • A notable application was in the MCX vs. NSE case, where the Commission adopted the Long Run Average Incremental Cost (LRAIC) due to the network externalities inherent in stock exchange services, justifying inclusion of fixed costs.
  • The new 2025 draft regulations now explicitly include Average Total Cost (ATC) as a valid benchmark for cost evaluation. ATC is widely accepted in industrial economics as a realistic representation of firm cost efficiency. By allowing ATC as a formal benchmark and excluding ‘market value’, the CCI aims to bring clarity and consistency in below-cost pricing investigations.

Why this Reform Matters

This proposed change holds importance for several reasons:

  • It allows for a more holistic and realistic cost assessment, especially in industries where fixed costs form a significant part of the cost structure.
  • It improves regulatory certainty and empowers the CCI to address anti-competitive practices in both legacy sectors (e.g., oil & gas) and emerging sectors (e.g., artificial intelligence and digital platforms).
  • The reform is crucial at a time when the CCI’s budget has been declining year-on-year, limiting its enforcement capability. Simplified legal frameworks can enhance effectiveness without overburdening institutional resources.

Strengthening Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities in India

  • 21 Jun 2025

In News:

In a major step towards inclusive education, the Government of India signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2025 between the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), and National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The MoU aims to enhance curriculum reform, institutional coordination, and accessibility for children with disabilities across India’s education system.

What is Inclusive Education?

Inclusive education refers to a model where children with and without disabilities learn together in mainstream classrooms. It is supported by adapted curricula, accessible infrastructure, and individualised support mechanisms. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016 legally mandates inclusive education environments in India.

Why Inclusive Education Matters

Inclusive education is not merely a policy choice but a constitutional, social, and developmental imperative:

  • Right to Education: Under Article 21A of the Constitution and the RTE Act, 2009, every child aged 6–14 has the right to free and compulsory education. This includes children with special needs (CWSN).
  • Equity and Access: Reports by UNESCO highlight that 29 million children are out of school in South Asia, many of them with disabilities. Ensuring their inclusion addresses systemic exclusion.
  • Social Transformation: Inclusive classrooms reduce stigma, promote empathy, and facilitate social acceptance of persons with disabilities.
  • Human Capital Development: Educating CWSN enhances their ability to participate in the economy, contributing to innovation, productivity, and nation-building.
  • Global Commitments: India has ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD, 2007) and is committed to SDG 4, which seeks inclusive and equitable quality education for all by 2030. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 also stresses disability inclusion at all education levels.

Key Data Points Highlighting the Need for Intervention

  • According to the 2011 Census, around 7% of Indian children (0–19 years) have disabilities. However, data from UDISE+ 2019–20 reveals that less than 1% of children enrolled at the primary level are children with disabilities.
  • In 2018–19, around 21 lakh CWSN were covered under Samagra Shiksha, supported by only 27,774 special/resource teachers across the country. This highlights the urgent need for both greater coverage and trained human resources.

Government Initiatives Promoting Inclusive Education

  • The 2025 MoU between DEPwD, NIOS, and NCERT is aimed at reforming the curriculum to accommodate diverse learners. It also recognises special schools run under the Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) as SAIEDs (Schools for Accessible and Inclusive Education for Disabled), expanding academic options for CWSN.
  • The National Education Policy 2020 mandates the integration of children with disabilities in regular classrooms and promotes universal access and equity.
  • Under Samagra Shiksha, the government provides financial support of ?3,500 per CWSN annually. Additional provisions include stipends for girls (up to Class XII), appointment of special educators, resource rooms, and home-based education for children with severe disabilities.
  • NCERT’s Barkha Series, based on the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, offers accessible reading materials in both print and digital formats, tailored to the diverse needs of learners.
  • The RPWD Act 2016 mandates the creation of inclusive learning environments, with accessible buildings, assistive devices, and necessary support services.

 

UN Oceans Conference 2025

  • 21 Jun 2025

In News:

The third United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC) was recently held in France, witnessing major developments in international marine conservation. One of the most significant outcomes was the near-finalisation of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, also referred to as the High Seas Treaty.

As of now, 56 countries have ratified the treaty out of the required 60, bringing it close to the threshold for becoming legally binding. Notably, India and the United States have not yet ratified the agreement, although India has officially stated it is in the process of doing so.

About the BBNJ Treaty

  • The BBNJ Treaty is a legally binding agreement developed under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
  • Its aim is to regulate the use and protection of biodiversity in areas of the ocean that lie beyond national jurisdictions, also known as the high seas.
  • The core objectives of the BBNJ Treaty include the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs) in international waters, regulation of marine genetic resources, enforcement of environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for activities in these regions, and capacity-building and technology transfer to support developing countries.
  • The treaty is crucial because the high seas cover about 64% of the ocean’s surface and are largely unregulated.
  • The BBNJ aligns with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) target of conserving 30% of marine and coastal areas by 2030. Once the treaty secures the required number of 60 ratifications, it will enter into force after a 120-day waiting period. This will pave the way for the first Conference of Parties (COP) under the BBNJ to be held by late 2026.

Challenges to Implementation

  • A major hurdle to the implementation of the BBNJ is the equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources found in the high seas. These resources include unique life forms from deep-sea ecosystems that could have commercial applications in fields like pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
  • Since the high seas are global commons and not owned by any single nation, there is no clear consensus on how benefits should be shared.
  • Environmental groups have also raised concerns that without a strong ban on resource extraction, the treaty may fall short of its conservation goals and could lead to unchecked exploitation of oceanic biodiversity.

Key Outcomes and Commitments from UNOC 2025

While the treaty itself is still awaiting full ratification, the conference saw a number of voluntary national and institutional commitments toward marine protection and sustainable ocean governance:

  • The European Commission pledged €1 billion to support ocean conservation, marine science, and sustainable fisheries.
  • French Polynesia committed to creating the world’s largest marine protected area, covering approximately five million square kilometres, equivalent to its entire exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
  • New Zealand announced a contribution of $52 million to enhance ocean governance, science, and management in the Pacific Islands region.
  • Germany launched an immediate action programme worth €100 million for the recovery and clearance of legacy munitions in the Baltic and North Seas.
  • A coalition of 37 countries, led by Panama and Canada, initiated the High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean, the first global initiative to address ocean noise pollution.
  • Italy committed €6.5 million to strengthen surveillance by the Coast Guard in marine protected areas and around oil platforms.
  • Canada contributed $9 million to the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance, aiming to help Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and coastal countries build resilience against climate change using nature-based solutions.
  • Spain pledged to establish five new marine protected areas, increasing its protected marine territory to 25%.
  • A group of UN agencies introduced the One Ocean Finance initiative, which aims to mobilize investment from blue economy sectors to fund ocean sustainability.

Operation Sindhu

  • 21 Jun 2025

In News:

As tensions escalate in West Asia due to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, the Government of India has launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals, particularly students, stranded in conflict-affected regions of Iran.

  • The first flight under Operation Sindhu, carrying 110 Indian students, successfully landed in New Delhi, marking the beginning of the evacuation process.

What is Operation Sindhu?

Operation Sindhu is a government-led evacuation mission launched in 2025 to ensure the safe repatriation of Indian citizens from war-hit Iran.

  • Launched by: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India
  • Assisted by: Indian Embassies in Iran and Armenia

Objectives:

  • To safely evacuate Indian citizens, particularly students, from volatile zones in Iran.
  • To coordinate safe land-based exit routes through Armenia, due to restricted or dangerous air routes over Iran.

Key Features of the Operation:

Feature                                          Details

Evacuation Route             Northern Iran Yerevan (Armenia) New Delhi

Monitoring                             Real-time updates and continuous monitoring by Indian missions

Coordination                       Close coordination with governments of Iran and Armenia

Control Room                      24/7 MEA Control Room operational in New Delhi

India’s Major Air Evacuation Missions (Chronological Overview):

Mission Name                                  Year                Objective

Vande Bharat Mission             2020            Evacuation of Indians stranded abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic

Operation Devi Shakti             2021              Evacuation from Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover

Operation Ganga                        2022             Evacuation from Ukraine amid Russia-Ukraine war

Operation Kaveri                        2023              Rescue of Indian nationals from conflict-hit Sudan

Operation Ajay                            2023               Repatriation of Indians from Israel amid regional conflict

Operation Sindhu                     2025               Ongoing evacuation from Iran amid Iran–Israel escalation

Significance for India

  • Diaspora Safety: Reinforces India’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
  • Diplomatic Efficiency: Reflects India’s growing capabilities in executing rapid and complex evacuation logistics in volatile geopolitical environments.
  • Soft Power and Foreign Policy: Enhances India’s global image as a responsible nation ensuring citizen welfare, even beyond borders.

Fattah Hypersonic Missile

  • 21 Jun 2025

In News:

In light of intensifying hostilities between Iran and Israel, Iran has deployed its advanced Fattah hypersonic ballistic missile, marking a significant shift in regional military capabilities and raising concerns over existing air defence systems such as Israel’s Iron Dome.

About Fattah Hypersonic Missile

  • Developed by: Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran
  • Unveiled: November 2022 (on the 11th death anniversary of missile scientist Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam)
  • Inducted: 2023
  • Name Meaning: “Fattah” translates to “victor” or “conqueror”

Key Capabilities:

Feature                          Specification

Speed                             Mach 13–15 (approx. 15,000 km/h)

Range                            1,400 km (planned upgrade to 2,000 km)

Mobility                       Capable of mid-air directional changes

Stealth                         Forms a plasma shield that blinds radar & blocks radio signals

Deployment           Used in attacks against Israeli territory

  • A more advanced version, Fattah-2, with a range of 1,500 km, is reportedly under development.

Strategic Significance

  • The missile’s ability to evade modern air defence systems—such as Iron Dome and David’s Sling—makes it a potential game-changer.
  • Iran claims Fattah is capable of operating within the upper atmosphere with unpredictable trajectory, making interception extremely difficult.
  • This hypersonic manoeuvrability marks a leap over traditional ballistic missiles that follow a predictable parabolic trajectory.

Comparative Global Context

Iran claims to be the fourth country globally to possess operational hypersonic missiles, after:

  • Russia
  • China
  • India

Other nations like the USA and North Korea are developing or testing hypersonic systems but have not fielded them in combat as Iran reportedly has.

Operational History

  • October 2024: Fattah missiles were reportedly used by Iran in a prior attack on Israeli targets.
  • 2025 Escalation: The missile was deployed during “Operation Honest Promise 3,” marking the 11th wave of retaliatory attacks by Iran on Israeli territory.

Iran’s Broader Ballistic Missile Arsenal

In addition to Fattah, Iran possesses a wide range of short-to-long range missiles, including:

  • Fateh Series: Short-range solid-fuel missiles (Fateh-110, Fateh-313)
  • Zolfaghar and Qasem: Extended versions of Fateh series
  • Emad: Long-range liquid-fuel missile with 1,700 km range
  • Sejjil: Solid-fuel missile with 2,500 km range, speeds up to 17,000 km/h
  • Others: Kheibar, Ghadr-110, Fajr-3, Shahab-3, Ashoura, Haj Qasem, Basir

Implications for India and the Region

  • Regional Arms Race: Iran’s hypersonic capability may trigger further military build-up in the Middle East.
  • India’s Position: As one of the few nations with hypersonic R&D, India must monitor evolving doctrines and maintain strategic balance.
  • Global Security: The usage of such missiles in conflict zones raises concerns over escalation, proliferation, and undermining of existing missile defence systems.

FASTag Annual Pass

  • 20 Jun 2025

In News:

Recently, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the launch of a FASTag-based Annual Pass, offering a simplified and cost-effective tolling solution for private vehicle users on National Highways. The initiative is set to be rolled out from August 15, 2025, and aims to improve traffic flow, reduce toll disputes, and enhance ease of travel.

What is the FASTag Annual Pass?

  • Cost: ?3,000
  • Validity: 1 year from activation or 200 highway trips (whichever comes earlier)
  • Eligibility: Only for non-commercial private vehicles (cars, jeeps, vans)
  • Coverage: Valid across all National Highways in India

Key Objectives

  • Hassle-free highway travel by eliminating repeated toll payments
  • Reduce congestion and waiting time at toll plazas
  • Simplify toll management with a one-time, prepaid model
  • Address concerns regarding toll plazas located in close proximity (within 60 km)

How It Works

  • Integrated with the existing FASTag system (uses RFID technology)
  • Annual pass will be linked to the user's FASTag account
  • Activation and renewal through:
    • Rajmarg Yatra App
    • NHAI website
    • Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) website

Part of a Broader Reform in Tolling

The Annual Pass complements ongoing toll reforms:

  • Introduction of ANPR-FASTag hybrid tolling system:
    • Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras
    • RFID-based FASTag readers
  • Enables barrier-less tolling, where vehicles are charged without stopping
  • Non-compliance may result in:
    • e-notices
    • Penalties, including FASTag suspension or VAHAN database sanctions

Gharial Conservation

  • 20 Jun 2025

In News:

On World Crocodile Day (June 17, 2025), Etawah district in Uttar Pradesh marked the 50th anniversary of India’s pioneering Gharial Conservation Programme, commemorating five decades of sustained efforts to protect the endangered gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) along the Chambal River.

About the Gharial Conservation Programme

  • Launched in: 1975
  • Initiated by: Forest Department of Uttar Pradesh and Society for Conservation of Nature (SCON)
  • Supported by: UNDP, FAO, and Government of India
  • Location: Primarily focused on Chambal River in Etawah district, Uttar Pradesh
  • Breeding Facility: Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Centre, Lucknow

Why Gharial Conservation Matters

  • Species: Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) — endemic, freshwater crocodilian
  • Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List)
  • Habitat: Prefers deep, fast-flowing rivers with sandy banks and minimal human interference
  • Threats: Habitat destruction, sand mining, illegal fishing, entanglement in nets, and declining fish stocks

Programme Objectives

  • Protect wild gharial populations in natural river habitats.
  • Enhance population through captive breeding and release.
  • Study habitat biology and gharial behaviour to inform scientific conservation.
  • Promote coexistence between gharials and local fishing communities.
  • Create awareness and engage local populations in conservation.

Key Features of the Programme

  • Egg Collection: Gharial eggs are safely collected from natural nests on riverbanks.
  • Artificial Incubation: Maintained under controlled temperature and humidity to improve hatching success.
  • Captive Rearing: Hatchlings are reared for 3–5 years at Kukrail Centre until they are strong enough for survival in the wild.
  • Release Strategy: Tagged juveniles are released in protected stretches of the Chambal River.
  • Community Involvement: Local fishermen and villagers are involved in conservation-linked livelihoods to reduce human-wildlife conflict.

Impact and Legacy (1975–2025)

  • One of India’s earliest species-specific conservation programmes.
  • Created a successful model of “rear-and-release” conservation.
  • Helped stabilize the gharial population in Chambal, now one of the last strongholds for the species.
  • Promoted community-based conservation and scientific habitat management.

Sakura Science High School Programme 2025

  • 20 Jun 2025

In News:

  • In June 2025, 20 Indian school students were officially flagged off by Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), to participate in the prestigious Sakura Science High School Programme 2025 in Japan.
  • The initiative reflects India's growing focus on international educational exposure, scientific collaboration, and experiential learning, in alignment with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

About the Sakura Science Programme

  • Launched by: Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) in 2014.
  • Objective: To promote science, technology, and innovation through Asia-wide youth exchanges.
  • India’s Participation: Since 2016; over 619 students and 91 supervisors have participated till 2025.
  • Participants (2025 batch):
    • 20 students (7 boys, 13 girls) from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and government schools in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Ladakh, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.
    • Accompanied by 2 supervisors.
    • Programme duration: 15–21 June 2025.
    • Participating countries (2025): India, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Ukraine.

Key Features of the Programme

  • Hands-on Learning: Visits to advanced scientific labs, tech demonstration centres, and universities in Japan.
  • Cultural Exposure: Insight into Japanese traditions, societal values, and innovation ecosystem.
  • International Peer Exchange: Interaction with students from other Asian nations to foster global scientific thinking.

Relevance to NEP 2020

The NEP 2020 advocates experiential, holistic, and integrated learning. It highlights:

  • The need for educational excursions to places of scientific, cultural, and technological relevance.
  • Promoting international collaborations that broaden the intellectual horizons of learners.
  • Encouraging innovation through interdisciplinary exposure and real-world learning.

The Sakura Programme complements NEP 2020’s goals by offering Indian students a unique platform to explore global advancements in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

Strategic Importance

  • Science Diplomacy: Strengthens Indo-Japanese relations in education and technology.
  • Youth Empowerment: Builds future-ready, globally aware scientific talent.
  • Inclusivity: Focuses on students from remote and underserved regions, aligning with India’s equity-focused educational reforms.

Global Drought Outlook 2025

  • 20 Jun 2025

In News:

  • The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released the “Global Drought Outlook 2025”, presenting a stark warning about the increasing frequency, severity, and impact of droughts worldwide.
  • The report, titled “Global Drought Outlook: Trends, Impacts and Policies to Adapt to a Drier World”, offers a comprehensive assessment of drought patterns, consequences, and adaptation strategies, making it crucial for policymakers and global environmental governance.

Understanding Drought:

Drought is defined as a hydrological imbalance, characterised by prolonged periods of “drier-than-normal” conditions that deplete soil moisture, surface water, and groundwater. The report identifies three main types:

  • Meteorological Drought: Caused by significantly below-average rainfall over an extended period.
  • Agricultural Drought: Occurs when soil moisture becomes insufficient for crops and vegetation.
  • Hydrological Drought: Involves declining water levels in rivers, lakes, and aquifers, affecting supply for human and ecological needs.

Global Trends and Projections

  • Drought-Affected Land: The share of global land experiencing drought has doubled since 1900, driven by climate change and unsustainable land use.
  • Current Impact (2023): Nearly 48% of the world’s land experienced at least one month of extreme drought.
  • Regional Hotspots: Western USA, South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia are increasingly vulnerable.
  • Groundwater Stress: Around 62% of monitored aquifers show declining trends.
  • Future Risk: At +4°C global warming, droughts could become 7 times more frequent and severe by 2100, posing systemic global threats to food, water, and economic security.

Multidimensional Impacts of Drought

Ecological:

  • 37% of global soils have dried significantly since 1980.
  • River and groundwater depletion are threatening biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Economic:

  • Drought-related losses are increasing by 3–7.5% annually.
  • Modern droughts are twice as costly as in 2000; costs may rise 35% by 2035.
  • Agriculture is most affected: crop yields drop up to 22% in drought years.
  • Drought causes a 40% drop in river-based trade and a 25% decline in hydropower output.

Social:

  • Droughts account for 34% of disaster-related deaths, though only 6% of disasters are droughts.
  • It is a major driver of food insecurity, internal displacement, and climate migration, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Political instability and conflict often correlate with drought-induced resource scarcity.

Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies

The OECD emphasizes a multi-sectoral approach to manage drought risks:

  • Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM):
    • Balancing water use and renewal.
    • Promoting efficient and equitable water allocation.
  • Nature-based Solutions (NbS):
    • Urban de-sealing to enhance groundwater recharge.
    • Landscape restoration to improve water retention and ecosystem resilience.
  • Sustainable Agriculture:
    • Adoption of drought-resistant crops and micro-irrigation systems.
    • Can reduce water use by up to 76%.
  • Urban Planning: Permeable infrastructure restores aquifers (e.g., US examples show 780 million m³/year recovery).
  • Early Warning Systems: Enhanced drought monitoring, forecasting, and risk mapping.
  • Policy Integration: Embedding climate resilience into national water and land-use policies.
  • Cross-Sector Coordination: Engaging sectors like agriculture, energy, transport, construction, and health.
  • Economic Benefits: Every $1 invested in drought resilience yields $2–$10 in benefits.

Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0

  • 20 Jun 2025

In News:

The Ministry of Education released the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 for the years 2022–23 and 2023–24, offering a comprehensive assessment of school education across States and Union Territories (UTs). This index, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4), serves as a critical evidence-based framework for benchmarking educational performance in India.

About PGI 2.0

  • Launched: 2017 (PGI 2.0 is the revised version)
  • Published by: Ministry of Education, Government of India
  • Purpose: Measures performance in school education using a data-driven approach
  • Total Indicators: 73 across 6 domains
  • Scoring: Out of 1000 points; graded into 10 performance bands:
    • Daksh (951–1000) – Top
    • Akanshi-3 (401–460) – Lowest

Domains Assessed

  1. Learning Outcomes and Quality
  2. Access to Education
  3. Infrastructure and Facilities
  4. Equity
  5. Governance Processes
  6. Teacher Education and Training

Key Highlights of PGI 2.0 (2022–24)

  • Top Performer: Chandigarh with a score of 703, placed in the fifth band – Prachesta-1.
  • Lowest Performer: Meghalaya, with 417 points, in the tenth and lowest band – Akanshi-3.
  • No State/UT reached the top four bands (Daksh, Utkarsh, Ati Uttam, Uttam), indicating a national gap in quality education.

State-Wise Band Distribution

  • Band 5 (Prachesta-1: 701–760): Chandigarh
  • Band 7 (581–640): Punjab, Delhi, Gujarat, Odisha, Kerala, Haryana, Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu
  • Band 8 (521–580): 14 States/UTs
  • Band 9 (461–520): 10 States/UTs
  • Band 10 (Akanshi-3: 401–460): Meghalaya (only State in this band)

Performance by Domains

  • Learning Outcomes: No State achieved the top four bands. Chandigarh, Punjab, and Puducherry performed relatively better (Prachesta-2).
  • Access to Education: Odisha alone achieved the highest band (Daksh), while Bihar and Jharkhand showed notable progress.
  • Infrastructure: Only Chandigarh featured in the third band (Ati Uttam), with Delhi and Dadra & Nagar Haveli in the next.
  • Equity: All States placed in the top three bands, indicating relatively balanced access among social groups.
  • Governance & Monitoring: Chandigarh excelled through digital governance and transparent fund utilization.

Significance for Policy and NEP 2020

  • PGI 2.0 is pivotal in monitoring NEP 2020 implementation, especially for early-grade learning, infrastructure enhancement, equity, and governance.
  • It identifies strengths and challenges, enabling targeted policy interventions.
  • Despite infrastructure and access gains, quality of learning remains the most critical challenge.

PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Initiatives

  • 19 Jun 2025

In News:

  • The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched a nationwide outreach campaign targeting over 500 districts and 1 lakh tribal-dominated villages and habitations.
  • The campaign aims to ensure benefit saturation and last-mile delivery of welfare schemes under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.
  • This initiative is part of the ongoing Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh (Tribal Pride Year), a year-long celebration started on November 15, 2024 — the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a revered anti-colonial tribal icon.

Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN)

  • Launched: 2023 on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas
  • Focus: Holistic development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
  • Type: Includes both Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes
  • Objectives:
    • Safe housing (via PMAY)
    • Clean drinking water
    • Health, nutrition, and education access
    • Road and telecom connectivity
    • Electrification of unelectrified households
    • Sustainable livelihood opportunities
  • Time Frame: 3-year targeted implementation
  • Vision: Supports Viksit Gaon, Viksit Bharat, and inclusive development with social justice

Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan

  • Launched: October 2, 2024, by PM Modi in Jharkhand
  • Named After: Birsa Munda, also known as Dharti Aaba (Father of the Earth)
  • Aim: Transform tribal villages into centres of opportunity and dignity
  • Approach:
    • Multi-sectoral convergence with 17 line ministries
    • 25 targeted interventions for integrated rural development
    • Welfare activities include: hostel construction, rural electrification, livestock and fisheries support, housing under PMAY, etc.
  • Budget Allocation (Union Budget 2025–26):
    • Total: ?79,156 crore over 5 years
    • Central Share: ?56,333 crore
    • State Share: ?22,823 crore

Outreach Campaign (June 2025) Highlights

  • Duration: Fortnight-long outreach starting June 15, 2025
  • Coverage: 1 lakh tribal villages and habitations across 500+ districts
  • Services at Doorstep:
    • Aadhaar and Ayushman Bharat card enrollment
    • Forest Rights Act (FRA) land title distribution
    • Opening of pension and Jan Dhan accounts
  • Goal: Awareness generation and saturation of benefits at block and hamlet levels
  • Strategy: On-ground ‘benefit saturation camps’ to popularize uptake of the schemes

Significance

  • Focus on PVTGs, who are the most marginalized among tribal communities
  • Promotes digital inclusion, financial inclusion, and documentation access
  • Demonstrates convergent governance through coordination across ministries
  • Reinforces India’s tribal empowerment narrative and acknowledges historical contributions through Birsa Munda's legacy

‘Samarth’ Incubation Program

  • 19 Jun 2025

In News:

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), an autonomous R&D institution under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, has launched ‘Samarth’, a cutting-edge incubation program for startups in the Telecom and ICT sectors. In June 2025, C-DOT formally initiated Cohort-I of the program, selecting 18 startups through a competitive national process.

About the Samarth Program

  • Objective: To nurture sustainable and scalable startups from ideation to commercialization in high-tech domains.
  • Focus Areas:
    • Telecom applications
    • Cybersecurity
    • 5G/6G technologies
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
    • Internet of Things (IoT)
    • Quantum technologies

Key Features

Feature                                                   Details

Financial Support                         Grant of up to ?5 lakh per startup

Infrastructure                                  Fully furnished office space at C-DOT campuses in Delhi and Bengaluru for 6 months

Technical Access                         Use of C-DOT’s lab facilities

Mentorship                                       Guidance from C-DOT technologists and external domain experts

Format                                                 Hybrid (online + physical) delivery

Program Structure                   Two cohorts per year, each supporting up to 18 startups (max 36 annually)

Further Opportunities      Eligible for extended collaboration and funding under C-DOT Collaborative Research Program (CCRP)

Implementation and Partnerships

  • Implementation Partners:
    • Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)
    • TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) – Delhi NCR Chapter
  • Evaluation Criteria: Startups were selected based on innovation, team strength, execution capability, problem-solution relevance, and commercialization potential.
  • A distinguished Selection Committee from academia, industry, and government oversaw the evaluation.

Significance

  • Boosts indigenous R&D in critical emerging tech sectors aligned with national priorities.
  • Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat by encouraging homegrown innovation.
  • Builds a robust startup ecosystem in the strategic telecom and ICT domains.
  • Encourages public-private partnerships and collaboration between startups and research institutions.

Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III

  • 19 Jun 2025

In News:

During his official visit to Cyprus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the highest civilian honour of Cyprus. This visit marked the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Mediterranean island nation.

About the Order of Makarios III

  • Institution: Established in 1991.
  • Named After: Archbishop Makarios III, the first President of the Republic of Cyprus.
  • Nature: Cyprus’s highest merit-based honour, awarded to heads of state and individuals of significant global stature.
  • Awarded By: The President of Cyprus.
  • Grades:
    • Grand Collar (highest)
    • Grand Cross
    • Grand Commander
    • Commander
    • Officer
    • Knight

PM Modi received the Grand Cross, making him one of the few global leaders to be honoured at this level. The Prime Minister dedicated the award to the friendship between India and Cyprus, highlighting shared values and diplomatic ties.

Diplomatic and Economic Significance

  • A roundtable interaction with top CEOs from both nations was held, focusing on deepening commercial and strategic engagement.
  • Key sectors discussed:
    • Innovation
    • Energy
    • Technology
    • Trade and Investment
  • PM Modi highlighted India's reform trajectory over the last decade, reinforcing India’s position as a growing economic partner.

Cyprus acknowledged this partnership, stating it was entering a "new era of strategic cooperation" with India, rooted in trust, shared values, and innovation.

Geographical Snapshot: Cyprus

  • Region: Eastern Mediterranean
  • Status: Eurasian island nation
  • Capital: Nicosia
  • Major Cities: Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta, Paphos
  • Highest Point: Mount Olympus (1,952 m)
  • Size: Third-largest Mediterranean island after Sicily and Sardinia

Rinderpest

  • 19 Jun 2025

In News:

  • India has been officially designated as a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility (RHF) by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
  • The recognition was conferred to the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal during the 92nd General Session of WOAH held in Paris.
  • This makes India one of only six countries globally entrusted with this vital responsibility, marking a major milestone in India’s global leadership in animal health and biosecurity.

What is Rinderpest?

  • Also Known As: Cattle Plague
  • Pathogen: Caused by a virus from the Paramyxoviridae family, genus Morbillivirus.
  • Affected Species: Mainly cattle and buffalo, but also zebus, giraffes, eland, wildebeest, warthogs, and some antelope species.
  • Symptoms in Cattle:
    • High fever, nasal and eye discharge
    • Erosive mouth lesions
    • Severe diarrhoea and dehydration
    • Death typically within 10–15 days in susceptible herds
  • Transmission: Through direct contact; virus present in nasal secretions even before clinical symptoms appear.
  • Public Health Risk: None – the virus does not affect humans.
  • Geographical Spread: Historically affected Europe, Africa, and Asia.
  • Eradication: Officially declared eradicated in 2011, making it the second disease in history to be eradicated after smallpox.

Significance of the Category A RHF Designation

  • Background:
    • Despite eradication, Rinderpest Virus-Containing Material (RVCM) remains in select laboratories.
    • FAO and WOAH limit storage of RVCM to ensure global biosecurity and prevent accidental or intentional release.
  • India’s Preparedness:
    • In 2012, ICAR-NIHSAD was designated as India’s national repository for RVCM.
    • It is a Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) facility and a WOAH reference laboratory for avian influenza.
  • Recent Developments:
    • India submitted its RHF application in 2019.
    • In March 2025, FAO-WOAH appointed international experts to inspect the facility.
    • Based on strong biosafety, inventory control, and emergency preparedness, ICAR-NIHSAD has now received Category A RHF status for one year.

Implications for India

  • Global Recognition: Reinforces India’s commitment to the One Health framework and global biosecurity norms.
  • Leadership Role: Positions India among a select global group of only six RHFs, enabling it to contribute to future efforts in disease surveillance, vaccine research, and emergency preparedness.
  • Future Prospects:
    • Encouraged by WOAH-FAO to contribute to vaccine seed material discussions.
    • Paves the way for Category B designation, which allows broader collaborative work on RVCM.

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

  • 19 Jun 2025

In News:

Recently, NASA said the NASA-ISRO SAR mission had arrived at ISRO’s spaceport in Sriharikota

What is Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)?

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is an advanced remote sensing technology used to generate high-resolution images of Earth's surface, irrespective of weather or lighting conditions.

  • Unlike optical sensors that rely on visible light, SAR systems emit microwave pulses and measure the reflected signals (echoes) from the ground, ocean, ice, or structures.
  • These echoes are then processed to create detailed images using advanced signal processing techniques.

How SAR Works

  • Antenna System: Traditionally, larger antennas yield better resolution, but they are impractical for satellites. SAR overcomes this by using a small antenna mounted on a moving platform (like a satellite), capturing echoes from different positions.
  • Through precise timing and phase information, the system simulates a much larger "synthetic" antenna, enhancing image resolution without the need for large hardware.

Advantages of SAR

  • All-Weather, All-Time Imaging: SAR can operate day and night and penetrate clouds, smoke, and light rain, ensuring uninterrupted data collection.
  • Material Differentiation: Various materials (soil, water, vegetation, buildings) reflect microwaves differently, enabling SAR to detect subtle changes not visible through optical imagery.
  • Large Area Mapping: Mounted on satellites, SAR can map swaths of land hundreds of kilometres wide in a single pass.

NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) Mission

  • Joint Collaboration: A flagship Earth-observing mission between NASA and ISRO.
  • On June 12, 2025, NASA confirmed that the NISAR satellite had arrived at ISRO’s spaceport in Sriharikota for its scheduled launch.

Mission Objectives

  • NISAR will map nearly all of Earth's land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days.
  • It aims to provide unprecedented data on Earth’s environment, including:
    • Ecosystem disturbances
    • Land use changes
    • Ice sheet dynamics
    • Natural disasters (earthquakes, landslides, floods)

Significance

  • Will support climate change monitoring, disaster response, and agricultural planning.
  • It represents a major step in India’s and the U.S.'s scientific diplomacy and technological cooperation.

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

  • 18 Jun 2025

In News:

The first General Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was held in New Delhi, marking a significant moment in global biodiversity governance. Chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, who was unanimously elected President of the IBCA, the event underscored India’s leadership in international wildlife conservation diplomacy.

What is IBCA?

  • The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a multinational initiative launched by India in March 2024 to conserve the world’s seven major big cat species—Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma—through collective action, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.
  • It is coordinated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
  • The Alliance was conceptualized following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement during the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger in April 2023.

Objectives of IBCA

  • Promote global collaboration for the protection and conservation of big cats.
  • Replicate successful conservation practices across member nations.
  • Create a common pool of financial, technical, and institutional resources.
  • Address gaps in capacity building, financing, and data sharing.
  • Link conservation efforts with livelihood enhancement and climate resilience in big cat habitats.
  • Strengthen efforts against poaching and illegal wildlife trade through joint surveillance and data exchange.

Membership

  • 95 Range Countries (where the species naturally occur) are eligible to join.
  • By September 2024, 25 countries including Bangladesh, Nigeria, Peru, and Ecuador had joined.
  • Membership is open to all UN member states through a Note Verbale.
  • The IBCA attained legal status after five countriesNicaragua, Eswatini, India, Somalia, and Liberia—signed the Framework Agreement.

Key Functions of IBCA

  • Shared Repository: Compilation of proven conservation strategies for scalable, science-based solutions.
  • Training and Capacity Building: Organizes technical workshops and institutional exchanges.
  • Scientific and Policy Support: Funds research, drives policy reforms, and raises awareness.
  • Technological Innovation: Introduces advanced tools to tackle habitat degradation and prey base decline.
  • Sustainable Livelihoods: Integrates conservation with community-based development models.
  • Anti-Poaching Collaboration: Facilitates real-time data sharing and joint actions against wildlife trafficking.

Highlights from the 2025 General Assembly

  • Venue: New Delhi, India
  • Participating Nations: Ministerial delegations from nine countries including Bhutan, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Liberia, Suriname, Somalia, Republic of Guinea, Eswatini, and India.
  • Institutional Milestones:
    • India ratified as the permanent headquarters of IBCA.
    • The Headquarters Agreement was formally ratified, enabling the establishment of IBCA offices in India.
  • Leadership: Bhupender Yadav, India’s Environment Minister, was elected as the first President of IBCA.
  • Funding Commitment: India pledged ?150 crore (2023–28) to support IBCA’s establishment, coordination, and conservation activities.

Significance for India and the Global South

  • Reinforces India’s role as a conservation leader and soft power in environmental diplomacy.
  • Positions India as the epicentre for global big cat conservation, akin to its leadership in tiger conservation under Project Tiger.
  • Encourages South-South cooperation in biodiversity preservation.
  • Aligns with global commitments like CBD, CITES, and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025

  • 18 Jun 2025

In News:

The Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025 began in Bonn, Germany, with over 5,000 delegates from governments, international organisations, civil society, and scientific bodies. It serves as a crucial platform for setting the technical and political groundwork ahead of COP29.

What is the Bonn Climate Conference?

  • A mid-year climate summit held annually under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
  • Also referred to as the Sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SBs).
  • First held in 1995, after the UNFCCC was signed in 1992.
  • Hosted in: Bonn, Germany (home of the UNFCCC headquarters).
  • Organised by: The UNFCCC Secretariat.

Main Objectives

  • Prepare for COP Summits: Provides a platform for technical discussions that shape the COP agenda (COP29 in this case).
  • Review of Commitments: Tracks implementation of earlier climate agreements like the Paris Agreement.
  • Science–Policy Integration: Connects IPCC research with policymaking processes.
  • Support for Developing Nations: Discusses climate finance and technology transfer mechanisms.
  • Inclusive Participation: Engages Indigenous communities, NGOs, experts, and private stakeholders.

Subsidiary Bodies of the UNFCCC

  • SBI (Subsidiary Body for Implementation):
    • Reviews how climate commitments are implemented.
    • Facilitates support for developing countries.
  • SBSTA (Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice):
    • Provides scientific guidance.
    • Bridges IPCC reports with UNFCCC decision-making.

Key Focus in 2025

Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA)

  • Originally mentioned in the Paris Agreement (2015).
  • Received major progress only during COP28 (Dubai).
  • Aim: Establish a global, measurable, and equitable adaptation framework, similar to the 1.5°C target for mitigation.
  • Bonn 2025 focuses on operationalising this goal, especially for climate-vulnerable nations.

Importance of the Bonn Conference

  • Pre-COP Platform: Decisions taken here set the tone and agenda for COP summits.
  • Technical + Political Dialogue: Encourages cooperation between scientists, policymakers, and climate negotiators.
  • Influences Global Climate Action: Outcomes impact the direction of global climate governance.

SIPRI Yearbook 2025

  • 18 Jun 2025

In News:

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released its 2025 Yearbook, detailing global nuclear trends, armament expansions, and security concerns. The report highlights growing nuclear arsenals and modernisation efforts by all nine nuclear-armed states, including India, which increased its nuclear warhead stockpile in 2024.

India’s Nuclear Arsenal: Key Facts

  • Warhead Count (Jan 2025): 180 (up from 172 in Jan 2024)
  • India is expanding its nuclear delivery systems, including canisterised missiles that may carry mated or multiple warheads.
  • India continues to invest in new-generation weapons and submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

Pakistan and China: Regional Dynamics

  • Pakistan: Maintains ~170 warheads; developing new delivery systems and accumulating fissile material.
  • China:
    • Warheads (2025): 600 (24 deployed).
    • Adding ~100 warheads annually since 2023.
    • Constructing ~350 new ICBM silos.
    • Expected to reach 1,000 warheads by 2032–33, possibly 1,500 by 2035.

Global Nuclear Overview (2025)

  • Total nuclear warheads: 12,241
  • Military stockpiles (available for use): 9,614
  • Deployed warheads (with missiles/aircraft): 3,912
  • High-alert warheads (on ballistic missiles): ~2,100 (mostly U.S. & Russia)

Country-wise Inventory Snapshot (2025):

  • USA: 5,177 (1,770 deployed, 1,930 stored)
  • Russia: 5,459 (1,718 deployed, 2,591 stored)
  • China: 600
  • India: 180
  • Pakistan: 170
  • Others: UK, France, Israel, North Korea

Emerging Concerns

  • Arms Control Breakdown:
    • No major nuclear power is showing full commitment to disarmament.
    • New START Treaty (USA-Russia) expires in Feb 2026; no successor yet in sight.
    • Potential for increase in deployed strategic warheads post-2026.
  • Rising Crisis Risks:
    • 2025 saw India-Pakistan tensions escalate to limited armed conflict.
    • Strikes on nuclear-related military sites and disinformation increased nuclear risk.
  • New Technologies & Doctrines:
    • Countries are integrating MIRVs, canisterisation, and AI-based command systems.
    • China may now keep warheads mounted during peacetime, like U.S. and Russia.

Military Spending and Arms Trade (2024)

  • Global defence spending: $2.7 trillion (↑ 9.4%)
  • Top military spenders:
    • USA: $997 billion
    • China: $314 billion
  • Top arms importers: Ukraine, India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan
  • Top arms exporters:
    • USA: 43%
    • France: 9.6%
    • Russia: 7.8%

About SIPRI

  • Founded: 1966, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Focus: Independent research on conflict, arms control, nuclear disarmament, and security.
  • Funded by: Swedish Parliament (core grant), plus support from global research bodies.

Cyprus & India-EU FTA

  • 18 Jun 2025

In News:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his five-day, three-nation tour with a historic visit to Cyprus—the first by an Indian PM in over 20 years. His visit focused on strengthening economic ties and pushing forward the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Key Highlights of the Visit

  • India-EU FTA Commitment: PM Modi announced that India and the EU are committed to concluding a Free Trade Agreement by the end of 2025. Negotiations have gained momentum.
  • India–Cyprus Economic Engagement:
    • Addressed the India-Cyprus CEO Forum in Limassol, pitching India as a hub for digital innovation and infrastructure.
    • Highlighted India’s digital growth: Over 50% of global digital transactions via UPI originate from India. Talks are ongoing to onboard Cyprus into UPI.
    • Announced a new shipbuilding policy and noted an annual investment of USD 100 billion in infrastructure.
    • Supported the launch of the India–Cyprus–Greece Business and Investment Council, promoting trilateral cooperation.
    • Welcomed the NSE–Cyprus Stock Exchange partnership in GIFT City, Gujarat.
  • Startup and Innovation Focus: Emphasised India's vibrant startup ecosystem with over 1 lakh startups offering innovative, scalable solutions.

About Cyprus – Key Facts for Prelims

  • Location: Eurasian island in the northeastern Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey and southeast of Greece.
  • Capital: Nicosia
  • Area: 9,251 sq. km (3rd largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia)
  • Climate: Mediterranean – dry summers and wet winters
  • Highest Point: Mount Olympus (1,952 m)

Geopolitical Context

  • Divided Island:
    • Since 1974, Cyprus has been partitioned between a Turkish-controlled north and a Greek-Cypriot-controlled south.
    • Only Turkey recognises Northern Cyprus as an independent state.
    • A UN-patrolled Green Line separates the two regions.
  • Political System: Presidential republic – the President is both head of state and government.
  • Official Languages: Greek and Turkish
  • EU Membership: Joined the European Union on May 1, 2004
  • Major Cities: Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta, Paphos

UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

  • 18 Jun 2025

In News:

Lucknow has officially submitted its nomination to be recognised as a “City of Gastronomy” under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), aiming to join Hyderabad as the only other Indian city to hold this title in the gastronomy category.

About the UCCN

  • Established: 2004
  • Purpose: To promote international cooperation among cities that use creativity as a key element for sustainable urban development.
  • Focus Areas: Literature, Music, Crafts & Folk Arts, Design, Film, Media Arts, and Gastronomy.
  • Key Goals:
    • Leverage the creative economy for sustainable development.
    • Encourage cultural diversity and resilience against urban challenges like climate change and inequality.
    • Promote collaboration across public, private, and civil society sectors.

UCCN and Sustainable Development

  • UCCN supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by positioning culture and creativity at the heart of local development policies and planning.
  • Member cities are expected to create innovation hubs, support local artists, and preserve cultural heritage.

India and the UCCN

As of 2023, 10 Indian cities are part of the network:

  • Hyderabad – Gastronomy
  • Jaipur – Crafts and Folk Arts
  • Varanasi – Music
  • Chennai – Music
  • Mumbai – Film
  • Srinagar – Crafts and Folk Arts
  • Kozhikode – Literature
  • Gwalior – Music (Recent entries include Kozhikode and Gwalior)

Lucknow’s Nomination: Highlights

  • Nominated Title: City of Gastronomy
  • Coordinated by: Department of Tourism and Culture, Lucknow
  • Culinary Heritage: Awadhi cuisine, including dishes like nihari, kebabs, biryani, khasta, kulfi, jalebi, and puri-sabzi.
  • Cultural Value: The city’s food is not just a tradition but a living culinary ecosystem, passed down through generations and practiced by diverse communities.
  • Dossier Preparation: By renowned heritage conservationist Abha Narain Lambah.
  • Verification: A field visit by UNESCO is expected as part of the evaluation process.

Global Cities of Gastronomy (Examples)

  • Alba (Italy)
  • Arequipa (Peru)
  • Bergen (Norway)
  • Belem (Brazil)
  • Bendigo (Australia)

These cities, like Hyderabad, are recognised for their distinctive and sustainable culinary traditions.

Cyber Suraksha Exercise

  • 17 Jun 2025

In News:

A comprehensive national-level cyber security exercise, Cyber Suraksha, was launched by the Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA) under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS).

About Cyber Suraksha

  • Type: Multi-phased cybersecurity drill.
  • Organised by: Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA) under the aegis of HQ IDS.
  • Duration: From 17–27 June 2025.
  • Participants: Over 100 experts from national agencies and defence domains.
  • Environment: High-paced, gamified simulation of real-world cyber threats.

Objectives

  • Enhance national cyber resilience.
  • Train personnel in handling advanced cyberattacks.
  • Promote a security-first culture across defence institutions.
  • Integrate technical proficiency with strategic leadership.

Key Features

  • Training capsules: Technical + leadership components.
  • CISOs Conclave: Sessions by cybersecurity leaders, culminating in a table-top simulation.
  • Hands-on exercises: Real-time attack simulations to test response capabilities.
  • Focus on joint operations and decision-making under crisis.

About Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA)

Background

  • Established: Announced in 2018, operational from November 2019.
  • Origin: Recommended by Naresh Chandra Committee (2012).
  • Part of India’s tri-service defence transformation, alongside proposed Aerospace and Special Operations Commands.

Role & Mandate

  • Parent Ministry: Ministry of Defence (MoD).
  • Reports to: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) through Integrated Defence Staff (IDS).
  • Location: Based in New Delhi.

Functions

  • Conducts cyber defence operations for the armed forces.
  • Coordinates incident response, cyber intelligence, and audits.
  • Develops capabilities in cyber warfare, AI-driven cyber tools, and joint operations.
  • Supports capacity building, certification, and training within the military.

Radio Nellikka

  • 17 Jun 2025

In News:

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated Radio Nellikka, an internet radio for children launched by the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KeSCPCR) on June 2025.

What is Radio Nellikka?

  • A child-centric internet radio platform launched by KeSCPCR.
  • Aims to promote child rights, awareness, and safety through audio content.
  • Accessible globally, with 4 hours of programming from Monday to Friday (new content), and repeats on weekends.
  • Launch included unveiling of the radio's logo and theme song.

Objectives

  • Create a child-friendly Kerala through rights-based literacy.
  • Spread awareness on child protection laws, mental health, substance abuse, and cyber safety.
  • Empower children with knowledge and build resilience against social challenges.
  • Promote responsible parenting and community involvement in child welfare.

Significance

  • Addresses rising challenges: social media addiction, cyber threats, child suicides, and mental health issues.
  • Provides accessible, engaging content to both children and guardians.
  • Acts as a preventive and educational tool against misinformation related to child rights.
  • Supports emotional and legal literacy in a format suited for young audiences.

AI and Biomanufacturing in India

  • 17 Jun 2025

In News:

The integration of Artificial Intelligence into India's biomanufacturing sector is gaining momentum with the launch of the BioE3 Policy and the IndiaAI Mission.

What is Biomanufacturing?

  • Biomanufacturing involves the use of living cells, enzymes, or biological systems to produce commercial goods such as vaccines, biologics, biofuels, specialty chemicals, biodegradable plastics, and advanced materials.
  • The convergence of synthetic biology, industrial biotechnology, and artificial intelligence (AI) has expanded its scope across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, energy, and materials science.
  • India, often called the “Pharmacy of the World”, produces over 60% of global vaccines, underlining its industrial strength in biomanufacturing.

Role of Artificial Intelligence in Biomanufacturing

AI is revolutionizing biomanufacturing by making it predictive, efficient, and scalable:

  • AI-Powered Process Optimization: Machine learning tools adjust variables like temperature, pH, and nutrient supply in real time to enhance fermentation and reduce batch failure.
  • Digital Twins: Virtual replicas of biomanufacturing plants allow engineers to simulate operations, test changes, and foresee potential disruptions without real-world risks.
  • Accelerated Drug Discovery: AI expedites molecular modeling and screening of drug candidates, reducing time and cost of development.
  • Predictive Maintenance: AI forecasts machinery failures, improving equipment reliability and reducing downtime.
  • Smart Supply Chains: AI-driven logistics optimize cold-chain storage and forecast medicine demand, ensuring timely distribution.

Indian Examples and Industrial Applications

  • Biocon uses AI to enhance drug screening and fermentation quality.
  • Strand Life Sciences applies machine learning in genomics for faster diagnostics.
  • Wipro and TCS are developing AI platforms for clinical trials, molecule screening, and treatment prediction.
  • AI is also being explored in rural healthcare, using region-specific data for localized diagnostics and advisories.

Key Government Initiatives

  • BioE3 Policy (2024):
    • Envisions Bio-AI hubs, biofoundries, and next-gen biomanufacturing infrastructure.
    • Supports startups with funding and incentives.
  • IndiaAI Mission:
    • Promotes ethical, explainable AI in sectors like health and biotech.
    • Supports bias reduction, machine unlearning, and transparency in AI models.
  • Biomanufacturing Mission (2023): Aims to promote R&D and domestic production in bio-based sectors.
  • PLI Scheme for Biotech: Incentivizes local production of enzymes, fermentation inputs, and biologics.
  • Digital Personal Data Protection Act (2023): Lays down principles for lawful data processing, though not tailored for AI-biotech intersection yet.

Challenges in Policy and Regulation

Regulatory Gaps:

  • India’s existing drug and biotech laws were designed before the AI era.
  • No clear mechanism exists to audit, certify, or govern AI-operated bioreactors or predictive drug systems.

Data and Model Risks:

  • AI systems trained on urban datasets may fail in rural or semi-urban manufacturing due to variable water quality, temperature, or power conditions.
  • Lack of norms on dataset diversity and model validation raises risk of system failure and reputational damage.
  • Intellectual Property Issues: Traditional IP laws do not clarify ownership of AI-generated inventions, molecules, or production protocols.

Workforce and Infrastructure:

  • Biomanufacturing needs a workforce skilled in both computational biology and automation.
  • India’s AI-bio talent gap and limited high-tech infrastructure outside metro cities hinders inclusive growth.

Ethical & Safety Concerns:

  • Without context-specific oversight, AI errors can threaten public safety and product integrity.
  • Trust in AI systems requires clear guidelines on explainability, accountability, and redress mechanisms.

Global Best Practices

  • EU’s AI Act (2024): Classifies AI applications based on risk levels. High-risk applications (e.g., genetic editing) are subject to strict audits.
  • US FDA Guidance (2025):
    • Introduces seven-step credibility frameworks for AI in healthcare.
    • Predetermined Change Control Plans (PCCPs) allow iterative AI updates while ensuring safety.

India lacks similar risk-based, adaptive oversight.

Policy Recommendations

  • Establish AI-Biomanufacturing Regulatory Framework:
    • Introduce tiered regulation based on context and risk.
    • Define use-cases, audit mechanisms, and model validation standards.
  • Mandate Dataset Diversity & Safety Audits:
    • Ensure AI tools are trained on representative, unbiased, clean data.
    • Create regulatory sandboxes to test AI systems in controlled environments.
  • Strengthen Public–Private Partnerships:
    • Boost industry-academia collaborations.
    • Incentivize private investment through R&D credits and de-risking instruments.
  • Modernize IP and Licensing Laws:
    • Establish clarity on ownership of AI-generated discoveries.
    • Develop licensing frameworks for bio-AI algorithms and training data.
  • Upskill the Workforce: Promote interdisciplinary training across life sciences, data science, and industrial robotics.

AviList

  • 17 Jun 2025

In News:

Recently, the global ornithological and conservation community witnessed a landmark development with the launch of AviList, the first-ever unified global checklist of bird species. This effort is the culmination of four years of work by the Working Group on Avian Checklists, representing leading ornithological and conservation institutions.

About AviList:

  • What is it? AviList is a comprehensive, standardized, and freely accessible global bird species checklist.
  • Total Entries (2025 Edition):
    • Species: 11,131
    • Subspecies: 19,879
    • Genera: 2,376
    • Families: 252
    • Orders: 46
  • Replacing Previous Lists:
    • International Ornithological Committee (IOC) List
    • Clements Checklist
  • Update Mechanism: To be updated annually
  • Access and Formats:
    • Available freely at www.avilist.org
    • Downloadable in full or short versions in .xlsx and .csv formats.

Developed By:

Working Group on Avian Checklists, comprising representatives from:

  • BirdLife International
  • Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  • American Ornithologists' Society
  • International Ornithologists’ Union
  • Avibase (Global Bird Database)

Significance and Benefits:

  • Conservation and Research Clarity:
    • A unified taxonomy helps prioritize conservation efforts by eliminating taxonomic inconsistencies.
    • Scientists can now communicate uniformly on species classification and distribution.
  • Global Standardization: Replaces multiple competing checklists, reducing confusion and ensuring consistency across countries and platforms.
  • Interdisciplinary Use: Supports birdwatchers, scientists, policymakers, and conservationists in sharing data, linking platforms, and enhancing global collaborations.
  • Improved Policy and Decision-Making: Aids in aligning biodiversity policies across nations by ensuring a standardized species concept.
  • Technological Integration: Enables harmonization of databases and online tools like eBird, Avibase, and global biodiversity monitoring platforms.

DNA Identification in Mass Fatality Events

  • 17 Jun 2025

In News:

Following the tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick (June 2025), authorities have initiated DNA-based identification to match the remains of victims. In mass fatality incidents where bodies are mutilated or decomposed, DNA analysis becomes the gold standard for establishing identity.

What is DNA Identification?

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is a unique genetic code present in almost every cell of the human body, with the exception of identical twins. It is widely used in forensic science for accurate identification, particularly in disasters where visual identification is impossible.

Sample Collection and Preservation:

  • DNA begins degrading post-mortem, and the rate of degradation is influenced by:
    • Type of tissue (soft vs hard)
    • Environmental conditions (humidity, temperature)
  • Hard tissues such as bones and teeth are preferred due to better preservation against decomposition.
  • Soft tissues (like skin and muscle) degrade faster and, if used, must be stored in 95% ethanol or frozen at -20°C.
  • In large-scale accidents, sample collection from wreckage can take weeks or even months (e.g., 9/11 took 10 months).

Reference Samples:

To match unidentified remains, reference DNA is taken from biological relatives—preferably parents or children of the victims, who share about 50% of their DNA.

Methods of DNA Analysis:

1. Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Analysis:

  • Evaluates short, repeating DNA sequences that vary among individuals.
  • Requires nuclear DNA, hence not suitable if the DNA is highly degraded.
  • Analysis of 15+ hyper-variable STR regions can confirm family relationships with high accuracy.

2. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Analysis:

  • Used when nuclear DNA is not recoverable.
  • mtDNA is inherited exclusively from the mother and is present in multiple copies per cell.
  • Effective for matching with maternal relatives (e.g., mother, maternal uncles/aunts, siblings).

3. Y-Chromosome Analysis:

  • Targets male-specific genetic material.
  • Useful for identifying remains using DNA from paternal male relatives (father, brothers, paternal uncles).
  • Helpful when direct relatives are unavailable but male-line relatives exist.

4. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) Analysis:

  • Suitable when DNA is highly degraded.
  • Analyzes variations at single base-pair locations in DNA.
  • Can also match DNA with personal items like a toothbrush or hairbrush.
  • However, less accurate than STR analysis.

Significance for Disaster Management and Forensics:

  • DNA-based victim identification ensures scientific accuracy, aiding in closure for families, and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations.
  • Modern forensic genetics has become an essential tool in mass disaster response protocols worldwide.

Gyan Post

  • 15 Jun 2025

In News:

The Department of Posts, under the Ministry of Communications, launched a new service called ‘Gyan Post’ to facilitate affordable delivery of educational and cultural books across India.

Key Highlights:

Objective:

  • To bridge the educational divide by improving access to printed educational materials, especially in rural and remote regions.
  • Aligned with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) to promote inclusive education.

Salient Features:

  • Service Availability: All Departmental Post Offices across India.
  • Type of Material:
    • Only non-commercial printed educational, cultural, social, and religious books.
    • Books must not contain advertisements or promotional content.
    • Must bear the name of the printer or publisher.
  • Delivery Mode: Surface mail (traceable) – enhances transparency and reliability.
  • Tariff Structure:
    • ?20 for packets up to 300 grams
    • ?100 for packets up to 5 kilograms (excluding applicable taxes)
  • Tracking: Available to ensure accountability and customer confidence.

Significance:

  • Promotes educational equity by supporting learners in under-served areas.
  • Complements Digital India and NEP 2020 by reinforcing multi-modal education access (print + digital).
  • Encourages the circulation of knowledge, especially in regions with poor digital penetration.

Servants of India Society

  • 15 Jun 2025

In News:

Tensions have resurfaced between Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) and the Servants of India Society (SIS) over control of a joint bank account and allegations of financial misconduct. This has brought attention back to the legacy and functioning of the historic SIS.

About Servants of India Society (SIS)

  • Founded: June 12, 1905
  • Founder: Gopal Krishna Gokhale, with G.K. Devadhar, A.V. Patwardhan, and N.A. Dravid
  • Location: Fergusson Hill, Pune, Maharashtra
  • Headquarters: Pune, with branches in Chennai, Mumbai, Nagpur, Allahabad, etc.

Objectives:

  • To train a dedicated cadre of national workers for selfless service to the nation.
  • Promote political education, social reform, and public service.
  • Work towards upliftment of underprivileged communities, including rural and tribal populations.
  • Achieve social change through constitutional and moderate means, not violent agitation.

Membership and Structure:

  • Members undergo a five-year training period and vow to serve on modest salaries.
  • Considered “young missionaries of Indian nationalism.”
  • Notable Members:
    • V.S. Srinivasa Sastri (later president after Gokhale’s death in 1915)
    • Hriday Nath Kunzru
    • A.V. Thakkar

Ideological Basis:

  • Strong emphasis on constitutionalism, moderation, and liberalism.
  • Aimed to create a disciplined, morally upright civil society to complement political struggle.

About Gopal Krishna Gokhale:

  • Born: May 9, 1866 | Died: February 19, 1915
  • Moderate leader of the Indian National Congress and a liberal reformer.
  • Influenced by Justice M.G. Ranade and Western political thought.
  • Advocated for gradual self-governance and saw value in British-initiated modernization.
  • Played a pivotal role in the Morley-Minto Reforms (1909).
  • Mentor to Mahatma Gandhi and known for his economic insight and powerful oratory.

Step-and-Shoot Spot-Scanning Proton Arc Therapy (SPArc)

  • 15 Jun 2025

In News:

In a significant medical advancement, a team at the Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in the U.S. has successfully administered Step-and-Shoot Spot-Scanning Proton Arc Therapy (SPArc) to treat adenoid cystic carcinoma—a cancer originating in the parotid gland. This marked the first-ever clinical application of this technology. The findings were published in the International Journal of Particle Therapy in June 2025.

What is SPArc Therapy?

SPArc (Spot-Scanning Proton Arc Therapy) is an advanced form of proton beam therapy where proton particles are delivered in a controlled arc across the tumor. It includes two primary modalities:

  • Step-and-Shoot SPArc: Follows a pre-programmed dose delivery path.
  • Dynamic SPArc: Simulated version where energy levels and targeting points are adjusted in real-time. (Still under regulatory review)

Comparison with Existing Techniques

The study compared three techniques:

  1. SFO-IMPT (Single-Field Optimized Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy – current standard)
  2. Step-and-Shoot SPArc (clinical)
  3. Dynamic SPArc (simulated)

SPArc showed reduced radiation exposure to key organs when compared with SFO-IMPT:

  • Brainstem: ↓ 10%
  • Optical chiasm: ↓ 56%
  • Oral cavity: ↓ 72%
  • Spinal canal: ↓ 90%

Treatment Case Study

The first patient treated was a 46-year-old woman with a tumor extending from her parotid gland to the base of her skull. She underwent 33 sessions of SPArc therapy from June to August 2024, reporting only minor skin irritation and no disruptions to eating or daily functioning.

Process & Technology Used:

  • Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) was used for real-time imaging before each session.
  • A machine learning model converted CBCT to synthetic CT, allowing accurate dose tracking.
  • As the patient lost weight, the dose plan was adjusted after two weeks to maintain precision.
  • Nine beam angles spanning a 180º arc were used, delivering radiation at 20º intervals.

Each session lasted about 15–18 minutes, enabling nearly continuous dose delivery.

Working Mechanism

  • The therapy operates by 'painting' the tumor in energy layers.
  • Each energy level targets a specific tissue depth, ensuring maximum precision.
  • The system scans dozens of spots in each layer before moving to the next one with increased penetration.

Advantages

  • High precision in delivering radiation to deep and complex anatomical regions like the skull base.
  • Limits collateral damage to vital organs.
  • Effective in large or invasive tumours.
  • Better quality of life during treatment (reduced side effects such as fatigue or swallowing issues).

Limitations & Concerns

  • Geographical miss risk: Tiny tumors may be missed due to breathing motion or tumor shrinkage over time.
  • Cost: High installation and operational costs, making it suitable for a limited patient base.
  • Potential for overuse in non-indicated cases, leading to inequitable healthcare delivery.
  • Dynamic SPArc still awaits regulatory clearance and integration into oncology systems.

Significance for India

SPArc therapy can be transformative for cancers in anatomically intricate regions and may serve as a benchmark for future precision cancer therapies. However, adoption in India requires cost-reduction, infrastructure investment, and regulatory frameworks.

Spartaeus karigiri

  • 15 Jun 2025

In News:

A team of researchers has identified a new species of jumping spiders of the Spartaeinae subfamily in southern India, known for their intelligent hunting skills and web-invasion tactics.

Source: European Journal of Taxonomy (June 2025)

Key Facts:

  • Species Name: Spartaeus karigiri
  • Taxonomy:
    • Family: Salticidae (Jumping Spiders)
    • Subfamily: Spartaeinae
    • Genus: Spartaeus
  • Named After: Karigiri (Elephant Hill) in Devarayanadurga, Karnataka.

Significance:

  • First recorded presence of Spartaeus and Sonoita genera in India.
    • These genera were previously known only from Southeast Asia and Africa.
  • Discovery expands India’s Spartaeinae spider fauna to 15 species across 10 genera.

Features of Spartaeus karigiri:

  • Noted for intelligent hunting and web-invasion tactics.
  • Possesses keen eyesight and mimics prey to deceive other spiders.
  • Males were found in rocky crevices; females guarding egg clutches.
  • Found in Karnataka and Villupuram, Tamil Nadu.

Other Findings:

  • Sonoita cf. lightfooti, previously known from Africa, was also found in Karnataka.
  • A taxonomic correction: Marpissa gangasagarensis (2005) is the same as Phaeacius fimbriatus (1900).

Conservation and Research Insight:

  • India's arachnid diversity remains under-studied.
  • New discoveries indicate rich but undocumented biodiversity in Indian terrains.

Rudrastra

  • 15 Jun 2025

In News:

India's Rudrastra, a homegrown VTOL drone, has been successfully tested by the Indian Army, marking a significant advancement in battlefield technology. Developed by Solar Aerospace and Defence Limited, this drone can perform precision strikes across borders without endangering soldiers.

Overview:

  • Rudrastra is a hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) combat drone developed indigenously by Solar Aerospace and Defence Limited (SDAL).
  • Successfully tested by the Indian Army in June 2025.

Key Features:

  • Hybrid VTOL Capability:
    • Takes off like a helicopter and cruises like a fixed-wing aircraft.
    • Increases versatility, maneuverability, and stealth.
  • Combat Role:
    • Equipped with smart anti-personnel warheads.
    • Capable of deep-strike missions against targets like artillery guns or terrorist hideouts.
    • Deployed as a “stand-off weapon”—engages targets from a safe distance.
  • Performance Parameters:
    • Range: Full range of 170 km.
    • Strike Capability: Targets more than 50 km away.
    • Flight Endurance: Nearly 90 minutes.
    • Navigation: Autonomous return capability.
    • Surveillance: Real-time video feed for reconnaissance.
    • Payload: Capable of deploying airburst munitions—detonates low to the ground to cause area damage.

Strategic Importance:

  • Reduces risk to soldiers in hostile territory.
  • Enhances India's unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) arsenal.

Useful in anti-terror operations, border surveillance, and precision strikes.

Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2025

  • 16 Jun 2025

In News:

The Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2025, published by UNESCO, reveals an alarming surge in the global out-of-school population, now estimated at 272 million—an increase of over 21 million from previous estimates. This setback highlights that by 2025, countries will collectively fall short of their national education targets by 75 million children.

About the GEM Report

  • An annual UNESCO publication, originally launched as the Education for All Global Monitoring Report in 2002 and renamed in 2016.
  • Provides an evidence-based global assessment of education progress, challenges, and trends.
  • Aims to guide policy decisions and strengthen efforts toward achieving SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Key Findings

  • The out-of-school population includes:
    • 78 million primary school-age children (11%)
    • 64 million lower secondary adolescents (15%)
    • 130 million upper secondary youth (31%)
  • The rise of 21 million in out-of-school children since the last estimate is attributed to:
    1. New enrolment and attendance data (+8 million): Includes factors like the 2021 ban on girls' education in Afghanistan, which alone accounts for 1.4 million girls.
    2. Updated UN population projections (+13 million): The 2024 World Population Prospects estimate a 49 million increase in the global school-age population (6–17 years) by 2025.
  • The report warns that conflict zones severely hamper data collection, likely underestimating the true number of out-of-school children.

Challenges with Data and Methodology

  • The GEM model draws from administrative data, surveys, and census records to estimate schooling trends.
  • However, during emergencies and crises, such models may fail to capture sudden drops in attendance, leading to an underreporting of affected populations.
  • Conflict-ridden regions face poor data reliability, impacting planning and resource allocation.

Off-Track from Global Targets

  • By 2025, countries will be off-track by:
    • 4 percentage points for primary and lower secondary levels
    • 6 percentage points for upper secondary level
  • Even if national targets are met, the world will still have 107 million children out of school by 2030. The GEM report projects a reduction of 165 million if all targets are achieved—but current trajectories suggest this is unlikely.

Kruti and BharatGPT Mini

  • 16 Jun 2025

In News:

India is witnessing a significant leap in artificial intelligence innovation with the launch of two indigenous AI models — Kruti by Krutrim and BharatGPT Mini by CoRover. These developments aim to democratize AI access across the country by addressing local needs, multilingual capabilities, and infrastructure limitations.

Kruti: India’s First Agentic AI Assistant

Developed by Krutrim, the AI startup co-founded by Bhavish Aggarwal (of Ola fame), Kruti is positioned as India’s first agentic AI, going beyond conventional chatbots. Launched in 2025, Kruti integrates task execution capabilities such as:

  • Cab booking
  • Food ordering
  • Bill payments
  • Image generation
  • Research assistance

Kruti is powered by Krutrim V2, a locally trained large language model (LLM), and combines open-source AI systems to deliver scalable, cost-effective, and contextualised solutions.

Key Features of Kruti

  • Multilingual Support: Understands voice and text in 13 Indian languages
  • Personalised AI: Learns user preferences, adapts tone and content
  • Human-Centric Design: Supports read-aloud responses, summarised answers, stories, and tables
  • SDK for Developers: Offers embeddable tools for LLM orchestration and task automation
  • Integrated Assistant: Eliminates app-switching fatigue through contextual task handling

Aggarwal highlighted that Kruti is built for “how Indians live”—mobile-first, intuitive, and multilingual—offering free access to advanced AI tools.

Strategic Investment and Open AI Ecosystem

Krutrim has committed ?12,000 crore in investment (?2,000 crore already, ?10,000 crore by next year), launched Krutrim AI Lab, and published technical resources, with contributions to the open-source community. The company is positioning itself as a competitive force against global giants like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic, and local firms like Sarvam AI.

BharatGPT Mini: Small Language Model for Bharat

On the same day, CoRover, a conversational AI firm, unveiled BharatGPT Mini, a small language model (SLM) with 534 million parameters trained on its proprietary conversational dataset.

  • Supports 14 Indian languages
  • Designed for low-compute, low-infrastructure environments
  • Enables offline and edge deployments for fast, privacy-centric performance
  • Ideal for underserved and rural regions with limited internet or device capacity

SLMs like BharatGPT Mini are emerging as viable tools for domain-specific, lightweight, and privacy-respecting AI in India, complementing the role of LLMs in more complex tasks.

Ocean Darkening

  • 16 Jun 2025

In News:

A recent study titled "Darkening of the Global Ocean", led by researchers from the University of Plymouth, has revealed that over 21% of the global ocean has darkened between 2003 and 2022, marking a significant environmental concern. The phenomenon, known as ocean darkening, is increasingly disrupting marine ecosystems and global climate regulation.

What is Ocean Darkening?

Ocean darkening refers to the reduction in the photic zone — the upper layer of the ocean (up to ~200 meters deep) where sunlight penetrates to support photosynthesis. This zone is foundational to:

  • ~90% of marine biodiversity
  • Climate regulation
  • Ocean productivity
  • Global fisheries

The study used satellite data and modeling based on the Diffuse Attenuation Coefficient (Kd 490), which measures how rapidly light fades through seawater. It found:

  • 21% of global oceans experienced darkening in two decades.
  • 9% saw photic depth decline by over 50 meters.
  • 2.6% saw a reduction exceeding 100 meters — an area roughly equal to the size of Africa.

Geographic Distribution

  • High darkening: Arctic, Antarctic, Gulf Stream, North Sea, eastern UK coast.
  • Lesser darkening or even brightening: Some parts of the English Channel.
  • The open ocean and climate-sensitive zones have witnessed the most pronounced declines.

Causes of Ocean Darkening

  • Coastal Zones:
    • Runoff of agricultural nutrients, organic matter, and sediments.
    • Leads to algal blooms that block sunlight.
  • Open Ocean:
    • Shifts in plankton dynamics
    • Rising sea surface temperatures
    • Altered ocean circulation patterns

These changes may be linked to climate change, land-use modifications, and increased rainfall-driven erosion.

Impact on Marine Ecosystems

Ocean darkening leads to:

  • Shrinking habitats for light-sensitive species like Calanus copepods (key zooplankton and food web base).
  • Disrupted feeding, migration, and reproduction cycles due to reduced solar and lunar light cues.
  • Increased crowding in shallower waters, intensifying competition and predation.
  • Collapse of marine food chains, even in areas with minimal fishing pressure.

Experts warn that this could represent one of the largest habitat losses in recent history, with implications for:

  • Biodiversity
  • Carbon cycling
  • Oxygen production
  • Ocean buffering against climate change

SEBI’s Verified UPI ID System

  • 16 Jun 2025

In News:

To combat rising cyber frauds and impersonation in the securities market, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has announced a verified Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ID system for all SEBI-registered market intermediaries. This mechanism, developed in coordination with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), will be effective from October 1, 2025, and is part of SEBI’s broader agenda to enhance investor security and transparency.

Key Features:

  • Exclusive UPI IDs: Only SEBI-registered intermediaries will be issued validated UPI IDs featuring a structured format: username.category@validBank. For example, a broker ABC Ltd using XYZ Bank would have the UPI ID: abc.brk@validXYZ.
  • Category-Specific Suffixes:
    • .brk for stock brokers
    • .mf for mutual funds
  • Authentication Visual Cue: Transactions with verified UPI IDs will display a “thumbs-up inside a green triangle” icon for easy identification by investors.

Role of NPCI

NPCI, which owns and operates the UPI platform, will exclusively allocate the “@valid” handles for payment collection by SEBI-registered intermediaries. This move ensures only authorised entities can use these UPI IDs, significantly reducing risks of fund misdirection.

SEBI Check Tool

To supplement the system, SEBI is also launching ‘SEBI Check’, a verification tool allowing investors to:

  • Scan a QR code or enter UPI ID manually to confirm its legitimacy.
  • Verify bank details, including account number and IFSC, of registered entities.

Investor and Intermediary Compliance

  • Mandatory for Intermediaries: All SEBI-registered intermediaries must adopt the new verified UPI handles and educate investors about them.
  • Optional for Investors: While the structured UPI handle is optional, investors must use only the new IDs if opting to pay via UPI.
  • Discontinuation of Old IDs: Existing UPI IDs will be discontinued after October 1, 2025, except for ongoing SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans). New and renewed SIPs must use the verified UPI IDs.

Benefits

  • Prevents Fraud: Eliminates payments to unauthorised or impersonating entities.
  • Enhances Transparency: Clearly distinguishes registered entities from fraudulent ones.
  • Boosts Investor Confidence: Assures secure transactions through verified payment channels.
  • Supports Cybersecurity: Clamps down on fake UPI handles used for digital scams.

SEBI’s verified UPI ID initiative and the upcoming ‘SEBI Check’ tool are significant steps toward ensuring secure, transparent, and trustworthy digital transactions in India’s securities market. It reflects the regulator’s proactive stance in protecting investor interests in an increasingly digitised financial environment.

Black Boxes in Aviation

  • 16 Jun 2025

In News:

The tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on June 12, 2025, has spotlighted the critical role of black boxes—a key component in aviation safety and accident investigations. Despite their name, these devices are painted bright orange for easy visibility at crash sites.

What are Black Boxes?

Modern aircraft are equipped with two essential flight recorders:

  • Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR): Captures pilot and co-pilot conversations, ambient cockpit sounds, alarms, and radio transmissions.
  • Flight Data Recorder (FDR): Records up to 25 hours of technical flight data including altitude, speed, engine parameters, flight path, and over 3,500 variables.

These devices operate continuously without interruption, storing vital information that can reconstruct the events leading up to an air crash.

Design and Durability

Black boxes are built to withstand extreme conditions:

  • Casing: Made from crash-resistant materials like titanium or steel.
  • Survivability: Can endure temperatures up to 1,100°C, high-impact G-forces, and remain underwater for up to 30 days.
  • Locator Beacon: Emit signals to help recovery teams locate them, especially in underwater crashes.

Why Are They Called 'Black' Boxes?

The term “black box” originated from early film-based recorders stored in light-tight boxes. However, modern units are painted bright orange with reflective strips to aid visual detection after accidents.

Evolution of Flight Recorders

  • 1930s: François Hussenot in France developed early photographic film-based recorders.
  • 1953-54: Dr. David Warren in Australia invented the modern FDR while investigating unexplained crashes of the de Havilland Comet.
  • 1960: Mandatory installation of CVRs and FDRs in commercial aircraft.
  • 1965: Regulators required recorders to be painted in visible colours.
  • 1990: Solid-state memory replaced magnetic tapes, increasing durability and storage capacity.

India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, oversees accident probes. In April 2025, it established a dedicated flight recorder laboratory in New Delhi to improve investigation efficiency.

Technological Advancements

  • Combined Recorders: Modern systems often integrate CVR and FDR in a single unit to meet ICAO norms for extended recording.
  • Deployable Recorders: Automatically ejected during a crash, float on water, and transmit their location using an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT).
  • Satellite-Based Data Streaming: Future technologies aim to stream flight data in real time, minimizing data loss during oceanic crashes.

Black boxes serve as the backbone of aviation accident investigations by providing critical insight into aircraft performance and crew actions before a crash. Their development reflects ongoing efforts to enhance air travel safety and accountability. The Ahmedabad crash investigation led by the AAIB will heavily rely on these devices to determine the exact sequence of events and prevent future tragedies.

RBI Infuses Rs.23,856 Crore into Banking System via Government Securities Buyback

  • 14 Jun 2025

In News:

In a significant move to bolster liquidity in the financial system, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has infused ?23,856 crore into the banking system through a buyback of government securities (G-Secs) on June 5, 2025. This marks the second such bond buyback by the central bank in the current financial year (FY 2025–26).

What is a Bond Buyback?

A bond buyback refers to the RBI repurchasing existing government securities before their maturity. Conducted on behalf of the central government, such operations aim to inject durable liquidity into the banking system, improve the liquidity position of banks, and influence interest rates. It is part of the RBI's broader Open Market Operations (OMOs) toolkit.

Broader Liquidity Context

The RBI’s intervention is part of a broader liquidity management strategy, aimed at ensuring stable and surplus liquidity conditions. The central bank has employed various tools in recent months:

  • Open Market Operations (OMOs)
  • USD/INR Buy/Sell swap auctions
  • Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auctions

These tools were especially crucial after the banking system faced a liquidity deficit in late 2024. Since then, the RBI’s operations have restored liquidity, with the system now in surplus mode—estimated at around ?3 lakh crore.

Significance

  • Monetary Stability: Enhances the transmission of monetary policy by ensuring banks have sufficient funds to lend.
  • Market Functioning: Eases pressure in the bond markets, improves demand for new issuances, and helps manage interest rates.
  • Fiscal Management: Supports the government's borrowing program by managing the maturity profile of debt and yields.

India’s First INTERPOL Silver Notice

  • 14 Jun 2025

In News:

In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has secured India’s first-ever ‘Silver Notice’ from INTERPOL to track the global assets of Shubham Shokeen, a former French Embassy official implicated in a visa fraud case. This move underscores India's enhanced use of international law enforcement mechanisms to combat transnational crimes, particularly financial crimes involving asset concealment abroad.

What is a Silver Notice?

While INTERPOL is globally known for its Red Notice (to arrest or detain fugitives), the Silver Notice is a newer tool designed to help locate, identify, monitor, or seize the criminal assets of individuals or entities under investigation. Issued at the request of India’s National Central Bureau (NCB), the Silver Notice for Shokeen seeks to trace proceeds of crime potentially parked across multiple countries, marking a new phase in India’s international criminal cooperation.

About INTERPOL

INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization) is the world’s largest international police organization, comprising 196 member countries, with India being one of the founding members. It facilitates cross-border police cooperation and crime control across jurisdictions. Its genesis lies in the 2nd International Police Congress held in Vienna in 1923, when it was established as the International Criminal Police Commission (ICPC). It adopted the name INTERPOL in 1956 with the adoption of its Constitution during the 25th General Assembly.

  • Headquarters: Lyon, France
  • National Central Bureau (NCB): Each member state has an NCB that coordinates with INTERPOL. CBI serves as India’s NCB.
  • Key Bodies:
    • General Assembly: Supreme decision-making body; meets annually.
    • Executive Committee: Supervises execution of General Assembly's decisions.
    • General Secretariat: Handles operational activities on a daily basis.

INTERPOL Colour-Coded Notices

INTERPOL issues a series of colour-coded notices that serve as international alerts or cooperation requests:

  • Red Notice: Request to locate and provisionally arrest a wanted person.
  • Blue Notice: To collect additional information about a person’s identity, location or activities.
  • Yellow Notice: For locating missing persons.
  • Black Notice: To identify unidentified bodies.
  • Silver Notice: To trace, monitor, and seize assets related to criminal proceeds.

These notices are issued by INTERPOL’s General Secretariat upon request from NCBs and are accessible to all member countries, enabling swift global action.

India’s Technological Integration: The BHARATPOL Portal

To streamline international cooperation, the CBI has developed the BHARATPOL portal, a digital interface that connects all Indian law enforcement agencies with INTERPOL. It allows seamless communication and data exchange for tracking fugitives, assets, and criminal networks, thereby enhancing India’s capabilities in combating cross-border financial and cyber crimes.

Significance for India

  • Asset Recovery: The Silver Notice is a critical step in tracing and recovering illicit assets abroad, aligning with India’s broader efforts under anti-money laundering frameworks.
  • Global Cooperation: Reflects India’s increasing reliance on international institutions for law enforcement, including the UN Convention against Corruption and FATF recommendations.
  • Strengthening CBI's International Role: As India’s NCB, the CBI’s proactive role showcases its growing competence in global criminal investigations.

Exercise Shakti 2025

  • 14 Jun 2025

In News:

The 8th edition of Exercise Shakti, a bilateral joint military exercise between India and France, is being held from 18 June to 1 July 2025 at La Cavalerie, France.

About Exercise Shakti

  • Type: Joint military exercise between the Indian Army and French Army.
  • Edition: 8th edition. The previous edition was hosted by India, as the exercise is biennial and conducted alternately in both countries.
  • Venue (2025): La Cavalerie, France.

Objective and Significance

  • Primary Aim: To enhance the joint military capability of both nations to conduct Multi-Domain Operations in sub-conventional conflict scenarios.
  • Focus Areas:
    • Developing interoperability in operations.
    • Sharing best practices, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
    • Strengthening military-to-military cooperation.
    • Fostering bonhomie and camaraderie between the two armies.

Strategic Importance

  • Exercise Shakti is part of the broader defence partnership between India and France, encompassing counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and multi-domain coordination.
  • It reflects India’s growing strategic engagements with like-minded global partners to address emerging security challenges.

Other India–France Joint Exercises

Name                    Domain          Participants

Garuda                 Air                   Indian Air Force – French Air and Space Force

Varuna                Naval               Indian Navy – French Navy

Desert Knight        Air                 Indo-French air warfare cooperation

Global Gender Gap Report 2025

  • 14 Jun 2025

In News:

The 19th edition of Global Gender Gap Report 2025 was released by World Economic Forum (WEF).

Key Highlights:

Countries Covered: 148

Global Parity Status:

  • Overall Gender Gap Closed: 68.8%
  • Estimated Time to Full Parity: 123 years (at current pace)

Assessment Criteria (Four Dimensions):

  1. Economic Participation and Opportunity
  2. Educational Attainment
  3. Health and Survival
  4. Political Empowerment

The index uses a parity score (0–100%) to quantify gender equality, where 100% indicates full parity.

India’s Performance (Rank: 131/148)

  • Parity Score: 64.1%
  • South Asia Rank: Among the lowest; only Maldives (138) and Pakistan (148) rank below
  • India’s 2024 Rank: 129 (slipped 2 positions in 2025)

Domain-wise Performance:

  • Economic Participation and Opportunity
    • Improved: Score increased by 0.9 percentage points to 40.7%
    • Earned Income Parity: Rose from 28.6% to 29.9%
    • Labour Force Participation: Stagnant at 45.9%
    • Insight: Despite income parity gains, the gap in actual earnings and participation remains wide.
  • Educational Attainment
    • Near Parity Achieved: 97.1%
    • Driven by rising female literacy and higher tertiary enrolment
    • Challenge: Translating education into workforce participation remains limited.
  • Health and Survival
    • Marginal Gains: Improved parity in sex ratio at birth and healthy life expectancy
    • However, overall life expectancy declined for both genders, muting the parity effect.
  • Political Empowerment
    • Significant Decline:
      • Women MPs fell from 14.7% to 13.8%
      • Women ministers dropped from 6.5% to 5.6%
    • Trend: Continued decline from the 2019 peak of 30% female political representation

South Asia and Global Comparison

  • Bangladesh: Best performer in South Asia, ranked 24th globally (up by 75 positions)
  • Other Neighbours:
    • Bhutan (119),
    • Nepal (125),
    • Sri Lanka (130),
    • Maldives (138),
    • Pakistan (148 – last)
  • Global Top 5 Countries:
    1. Iceland (Top for 16th year in a row)
    2. Finland
    3. Norway
    4. United Kingdom
    5. New Zealand

Key Global Insights

  • Women in Workforce: 41.2% of global workforce
  • Leadership Representation: Only 28.8% of leadership roles are held by women
  • Despite post-pandemic recovery in gender parity, leadership gaps and decision-making roles remain major bottlenecks.

Implications for India

  • The report underscores that gender parity is not just a social imperative, but also crucial for inclusive and resilient economic growth.
  • India’s sluggish progress in political empowerment and gender wage gap highlight the need for institutional reforms, affirmative actions, and gender-sensitive policies in governance, employment, and leadership.

State of World Marine Fishery Resources 2025

  • 14 Jun 2025

In News:

The Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) 2025 Report on the State of World Marine Fishery Resources, released during the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, offers a comprehensive assessment of global fish stock sustainability, regional disparities, and governance challenges.

Key Findings:

  • Global Sustainability: 64.5% of marine fishery stocks are fished within biologically sustainable levels, indicating modest improvement. However, 35.5% remain overexploited.
  • Deep-Sea Species Vulnerability: Only 29% of deep-sea species are sustainably harvested, largely due to biological traits like slow growth, delayed maturity, and low reproductive rates. These characteristics impair recovery from overfishing.
  • Migratory Shark Concerns: Of the 23 shark stocks assessed, 43.5% are overfished, especially in the tropical Indo-Pacific where they frequently become bycatch in tuna fisheries.
  • Tuna Success Story: 87% of evaluated tuna and tuna-like species are sustainably fished, a result of effective regulation by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs).
  • Regional Disparities: The northeast and southwest Pacific show high sustainability levels, while areas such as the Mediterranean and Black Sea lag, with only 35.1% of stocks sustainably managed.
  • Data Gaps: Despite high reported sustainability (72.7%) in the eastern Indian Ocean, concerns remain due to insufficient species-specific stock assessments.

Governance and Policy Challenges:

  • Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: Continues to threaten stock sustainability. IUU encompasses:
    • Illegal: Breaches of domestic or international laws.
    • Unreported: Failure to report or misreport catches.
    • Unregulated: Conducted by vessels operating beyond jurisdictional authority, undermining conservation efforts.
  • Subsidy Prohibitions (WTO Agreement):
  • Bans financial support to vessels engaging in IUU fishing.
  • Restricts subsidies for overfished stocks unless recovery measures are implemented.
  • Prohibits aid for fishing in unregulated high seas zones.

Critical Analysis:

Positives:

  • The rise in sustainable stocks signifies improved management awareness, particularly in regulated regions like the Pacific.
  • Tuna fisheries demonstrate successful use of scientific tools—catch reporting and onboard observers—under RFMOs.
  • The global survey included over 600 experts across 90 nations, lending credibility and robustness.

Negatives:

  • Deep-sea stocks remain acutely overfished and biologically vulnerable.
  • Shark species, integral to marine food webs, continue to suffer from bycatch and poor regulatory coverage.
  • Monitoring shortfalls in Southeast Asia and African coasts prevent precise biomass estimation and conservation action.
  • Weaker implementation and unregulated artisanal practices challenge sustainability in Mediterranean and Black Sea regions.

Recommendations for Sustainable Fisheries Governance:

  • Empower RFMOs with real-time monitoring systems, electronic catch reporting, and observer programs.
  • Adopt Ecosystem-Based Approaches that integrate climate resilience and biodiversity objectives.
  • Strengthen Data Infrastructure in data-deficient regions with support from international bodies like the FAO and World Bank.
  • Curtail Harmful Subsidies as per WTO protocols to reduce economic incentives driving overfishing.
  • Promote Community Participation through co-management strategies and the development of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Lokpal of India adopts new motto

  • 13 Jun 2025

In News:

The Full Bench of the Lokpal of India has officially adopted a new motto“Empower Citizens, Expose Corruption” — replacing the earlier Sanskrit phrase:

Old Motto: Ma Gridhah Kasyasvid Dhanam (Do not be greedy for anyone’s wealth)

The change aims to improve institutional visibility, enhance public engagement, and reaffirm the Lokpal’s mission to fight corruption by empowering the people.

About Lokpal of India

  • Established under: Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013
  • Came into force: 16 January 2014
  • Headquarters: Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
  • Nature: Independent statutory anti-corruption body

Composition

  • Chairperson: Former Chief Justice of India or SC Judge
  • Members: Up to 8 members
    • 4 Judicial
    • 4 Non-Judicial
  • Appointed by: President of India on recommendation of a high-level Selection Committee

Jurisdiction

Lokpal can investigate allegations of corruption against:

  • Prime Minister, Union Ministers, and Members of Parliament
  • Central Government employees (Group A to D)
  • Officials of organizations receiving govt. funding (full/partial)
  • Entities receiving foreign donations over ?1 crore annually

Functions & Powers

  • Investigates complaints under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
  • Can:
    • Sanction prosecution
    • Order attachment of properties
    • Recommend suspension or transfer of officials
  • Possesses powers of a civil court:
    • Summon witnesses
    • Seize documents
  • Can supervise the CBI in referred cases
  • Collaborates with other investigative and enforcement agencies

Why the New Motto Matters

The new motto, “Empower Citizens, Expose Corruption”, reflects:

  • A citizen-centric approach to governance
  • A renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional trust
  • The evolving role of Lokpal in aligning public participation with anti-corruption efforts

Exercise KHAAN QUEST 2025

  • 13 Jun 2025

In News:

The Indian Army contingent has arrived in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to take part in the 22nd edition of the Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise KHAAN QUEST, scheduled from 14 to 28 June 2025.

About Exercise KHAAN QUEST

  • Origin: Launched in 2003 as a bilateral exercise between the USA and Mongolian Armed Forces.
  • Multinational Format: Expanded in 2006 to include multiple countries, now recognized as a major UN peacekeeping readiness exercise.
  • 2024 Edition: Held from 27 July to 9 August in Mongolia.
  • India’s Participation: Contingent Strength: 40 personnel, primarily from a Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, supported by members from other arms and services.

Aim and Objectives

  • Enhance readiness for UN peacekeeping operations under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
  • Promote interoperability, joint tactical planning, and multinational cooperation.
  • Share best practices in peace support operations.

Key Tactical Drills

  • Static and Mobile Checkpoint Setup
  • Cordon and Search Operations
  • Patrolling and Evacuation of Civilians from conflict zones
  • Counter-IED procedures
  • Combat First Aid and Casualty Evacuation

Significance

Exercise KHAAN QUEST serves as a critical platform for building military-to-military cooperation, strengthening international partnerships, and improving operational cohesion among troops from around the world.

 

International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA)

  • 13 Jun 2025

In News:

India, as the Vice President of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA), actively participated in the 2nd Session of the IALA Council, held in Nice, France.

What is IALA?

The International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) is a global intergovernmental technical body responsible for:

  • Standardizing marine navigation aids (AtoN)
  • Enhancing maritime safety
  • Promoting environmental protection in marine navigation

Key Facts:

  • Established: 1957 (as an NGO; became an IGO in 2024)
  • Headquarters: Saint-Germain-en-Laye, near Paris, France
  • Members: 39 countries
  • Status: Transitioned to an Intergovernmental Organization in August 2024 after ratification by 30 states

India’s Role in IALA

India has been a Council Member since 1980, and was elected Vice President (2023–2027) during the 1st General Assembly in Singapore in 2023 — a significant recognition of India’s leadership in maritime affairs.

Major Indian Contributions:

  • Development of Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) across 12 major ports
  • Leadership in digital navigation aids and maritime innovation
  • Promoting lighthouse heritage tourism
  • Launching global training programs at the Kolkata Marine Navigation Training Institute

Highlights from the 2nd IALA Council Session

  • Keynote: Outlined India’s achievements in integrating marine AtoN and future roadmap
  • Technical Discussions:
    • Standardization of AtoN and VTS systems
    • Harmonized IoT protocols for visual AtoN
    • Maritime Service Registry development
    • Lighthouse heritage conservation
    • Planning IALA’s global activity schedule for 2025–2026

India to Host Key IALA Events

  • 3rd IALA General Assembly – December 2025, Mumbai
  • 21st IALA Conference – 2027, Mumbai

This reflects global confidence in India’s technical capabilities and strategic importance in the maritime domain.

Significance:

  • Strategic Leadership: Reinforces India’s influence in international maritime governance.
  • Digital Maritime Innovation: India is contributing to cutting-edge technologies like IoT protocols and digital AtoN.
  • Global Capacity Building: Hosting and training initiatives bolster the global maritime workforce.
  • Cultural Diplomacy: Lighthouse tourism and heritage preservation align technology with history.

India’s Social Security coverage reaches 64.3% in 2025

  • 13 Jun 2025

In News:

According to the latest data from the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) ILOSTAT database, India’s social security coverage has increased from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, an unprecedented 45 percentage point surge over the past decade.

What is Social Security?

Social security (or social protection) refers to systems and policies that protect individuals and households from:

  • Income loss (e.g. old age, unemployment, disability)
  • High healthcare costs
  • Social vulnerability (e.g. poverty, maternity, sickness)

It is built on three pillars:

  • Social Assistance – Non-contributory support (e.g. food, housing)
  • Social Insurance – Contributory programs (e.g. pensions, health insurance)
  • Labour Market Programs – Employment schemes to build self-reliance

Key Highlights from ILOSTAT 2025

  • India’s social security coverage jumped to 64.3%, up from 19% in 2015 – a 45 percentage point increase in 10 years.
  • This means over 94 crore (940 million) people are now covered under at least one form of social protection.
  • India now ranks 2nd globally in terms of population covered by social security.
  • It is also the first country to update its 2025 social protection data in the ILOSTAT global database, showcasing its progress in digital governance and transparency.

Major Social Protection Initiatives Driving the Surge

India’s massive expansion in social coverage is due to a wide range of targeted schemes, including:

Pension & Insurance Schemes

  • Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Pension of ?1,000–?5,000/month for informal workers aged 18–40.
  • PM Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-SYM): Contributory pension for unorganized workers with 50% government support.
  • PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY): ?2 lakh life insurance for people aged 18–50.
  • PM Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY): Accident insurance of ?2 lakh for ages 18–70.

Healthcare & Nutrition

  • Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY: ?5 lakh health cover for low-income families.
  • Janani Suraksha Yojana: Maternity care for pregnant women.
  • PM POSHAN (formerly Mid-Day Meal Scheme): Nutritional support to schoolchildren.

Income, Housing & Food Security

  • MGNREGA: Guaranteed 100 days of wage employment annually in rural areas.
  • PM Kisan Samman Nidhi: ?6,000/year income support to small and marginal farmers.
  • Public Distribution System (PDS) under NFSA: Subsidized food grains to eligible households.
  • PM Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G): Pucca homes with basic amenities for rural poor.

Significance

  • Poverty Reduction: Enhanced safety net for vulnerable populations.
  • Inclusive Growth: Formal inclusion of informal sector workers.
  • Digital Governance: Use of technology for efficient delivery (e.g., Aadhaar, DBT).
  • Resilience Building: Helps households withstand economic shocks (e.g., pandemics, job loss).

CROPIC: A New AI-Driven Crop Study Scheme

  • 13 Jun 2025

In News:

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare plans to launch CROPIC, a study to gather crop information using field photographs and AI-based models.

What is CROPIC?

CROPIC stands for Collection of Real Time Observations & Photo of Crops. It is a new initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare aimed at studying crops through photographs and artificial intelligence (AI). The core objective is to monitor crop health and assess mid-season losses using images captured at multiple stages of the crop cycle.

Why is CROPIC significant?

CROPIC plays a pivotal role in modernizing and digitizing crop monitoring under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), India’s flagship crop insurance scheme.

Significance:

  • Improved Loss Assessment: Traditional methods of crop loss assessment are time-consuming and subjective. CROPIC introduces AI-based analysis for faster and more objective decision-making.
  • Automation of Compensation: It will help automate claim processes, ensuring faster payments to farmers in case of crop failure.
  • Rich Crop Signature Database: Repeated field observations will build a valuable dataset of crop images over time, useful for future agricultural planning and risk management.
  • Farmer Involvement: By crowdsourcing photographs directly from farmers, CROPIC also encourages their direct participation in data collection.

How will CROPIC work on the ground?

  • Data Collection via App:
    • A mobile app developed by the ministry will be used.
    • Farmers and officials will take photos of crops 4–5 times during a crop’s life cycle.
  • AI-Based Analysis:
    • Photos will be processed on a cloud-based AI platform.
    • The model will identify crop type, growth stage, health condition, damage, and loss extent.
  • Visualization and Monitoring:
    • A web-based dashboard will visualize crop status and damage patterns for stakeholders.
  • Use in Insurance Claims:
    • The app will also be used by officials to collect photo evidence for PMFBY claims, helping streamline compensation payouts.

Project Timeline:

  • Pilot Phase:
    • Begins with Kharif 2025 and Rabi 2025-26.
    • Will cover at least 50 districts per season, spanning various agro-climatic zones and major crops.
  • Full Roll-Out: After initial R&D, nationwide implementation is planned from 2026 onwards.

Funding and Support:

  • Funded through the Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) under PMFBY.
  • FIAT has a total allocation of ?825 crore for various tech-driven agricultural initiatives.

Understanding Tourette Syndrome

  • 12 Jun 2025

In News:

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically begins in early childhood, often between the ages of 2 and 15, with an average onset around six years. Affecting approximately 0.3% to 1% of the global population, TS is more prevalent among boys than girls. Despite its neurological basis, it remains poorly understood and frequently misdiagnosed, particularly in school settings where symptoms are mistaken for behavioural issues.

Nature and Classification of Tics

Tourette Syndrome is characterised by tics—sudden, repetitive, and involuntary movements or vocalisations. These are classified as:

  • Simple tics, such as eye blinking, facial grimacing, throat clearing, or sniffing, involve a single muscle group or sound.
  • Complex tics are more coordinated, involving actions like hopping, touching objects, or uttering phrases. Rarely, individuals may display coprolalia, the involuntary use of obscene language.

Tics often intensify with stress or excitement, diminish during calm periods, and usually disappear in deep sleep. External stimuli such as excessive screen exposure have also been linked to an increase in tics, particularly in children.

Causes and Co-morbidities

While the exact cause of TS remains unknown, researchers point to a combination of genetic predisposition and neurobiological factors, including abnormalities in brain regions such as the basal ganglia and frontal lobes. Environmental triggers—like low birth weight, perinatal complications, and post-infectious conditions (e.g., streptococcal infections)—may also contribute.

Tourette’s often coexists with other conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities. The presence of these co-morbidities complicates diagnosis and management.

Management and Treatment Approaches

Treatment is individualised and not always pharmacological. Many children with mild, non-disruptive tics do not require medication. Instead, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and behavioural interventions have shown significant efficacy. These therapies help children manage their symptoms while also training families to provide supportive environments that reduce stress and tic frequency.

Medications may be considered in severe cases where tics hinder daily functioning. Importantly, suppression or punishment of tics is counterproductive, often exacerbating symptoms due to built-up tension.

Social Stigma and the Need for Awareness

The primary challenge in managing TS lies not in the disorder itself, but in the societal misunderstanding surrounding it. Children with TS are often labelled as attention-seeking or disruptive, leading to social isolation and emotional distress. As seen in the case of a child from Kochi, delayed diagnosis and stigma worsened his condition until it was recognised as Tourette’s.

Educating teachers, parents, and peers is crucial. Early diagnosis, empathetic engagement, and inclusive school environments are essential to ensuring that children with TS are treated with dignity and compassion.

Rediscovery of the Eurasian Otter in Kashmir

  • 12 Jun 2025

In News:

After being presumed extinct in the Kashmir Valley for nearly three decades, the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) has been spotted again in the Lidder River in Srigufwara, South Kashmir. This rare sighting rekindles hope for the revival of the Valley’s aquatic biodiversity.

About Eurasian Otter:

  • Common Names: Eurasian otter, European otter, Common otter, Old-World otter
  • Local Name in Kashmir: Vuder
  • Type: Semi-aquatic carnivorous mammal
  • Distribution:
    • Widely spread across Europe, the Middle East, Northern Africa, and Asia (from Eastern Russia to China).
    • In India, found in northern, northeastern, and southern regions.
    • In Kashmir, historically abundant in Dal Lake, Dachigam streams, Rambiara stream, and the Lidder River.

Habitat & Features:

  • Habitat:
    • Occupies diverse freshwater and coastal ecosystems—lakes, rivers, marshes, swamp forests, and mountain streams.
    • In the Indian subcontinent, prefers cold hill and mountain waters.
  • Physical Traits & Adaptations:
    • Sleek brown fur (lighter underneath), long streamlined body, short legs, and thick tail.
    • Aquatic adaptations:
      • Webbed feet
      • Ability to close ears and nostrils underwater
      • Dense fur trapping air for insulation
    • Excellent vision, hearing, and olfactory senses.
  • Behavior: Elusive, solitary, and primarily nocturnal.

Conservation Concerns:

  • Primary Threats:
    • Water pollution degrading habitats
    • Hunting for fur, historically significant in Kashmir
  • Conservation Status:
    • IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India): Schedule II
    • CITES: Appendix I

Sant Kabirdas

  • 12 Jun 2025

In News:

11th June 2025 marked the 648th birth anniversary of Sant Kabirdas, one of India’s most revered 15th-century Bhakti saints.

Place of Birth: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Birth Period: Circa 1440 CE, raised in a Muslim weaver family

Philosophy and Teachings

  • Nirguna Bhakti: Kabir rejected idol worship and sectarian divisions, instead preaching devotion to a formless, universal God (Nirguna Brahman).
  • Social Reform: He denounced casteism, rituals, and blind faith, stressing ethical conduct, humility, and self-realization.
  • Inner Divinity: He believed God resides within and taught seekers to seek truth through introspection (Antar-drishti) rather than temple rituals.
  • Language and Style:
    • Composed in Sant Bhasha, a blend of local dialects understood across religions.
    • Created Ulatbansi verses — paradoxical or "upside-down sayings" — challenging conventional wisdom.

Literary Legacy

  • Major Works: Bijak, Sakhi Granth, Kabir Granthavali, Anurag Sagar
  • Scriptural Inclusion:
    • His verses appear prominently in the Adi Granth Sahib compiled by Guru Arjan Dev.
    • Adopted by various traditions:
      • Kabir Bijak (Kabirpanth, UP)
      • Kabir Granthavali (Dadupanth, Rajasthan)

Impact and Influence

  • Kabir Panth: A spiritual sect founded on his teachings, still active in North India.
  • Sikhism: Deeply influenced Guru Nanak; Kabir’s dohas are integrated into Guru Granth Sahib.
  • Cross-Religious Appeal: Respected by both Hindus and Muslims, he is a symbol of India’s syncretic spiritual culture.
  • Other Sects: Influenced Dadu Panthis and Nirguna Bhakti traditions across India.

Contemporary Relevance

  • Religious Harmony: In a climate of polarization, Kabir’s teachings offer a path of unity and spiritual inclusivity.
  • Social Justice: His resistance to caste hierarchy echoes India’s constitutional values of equality and dignity.
  • Sustainable Living: His emphasis on simplicity and contentment aligns with ecological and minimalist principles.
  • Spiritual Humanism: He stressed conduct over ritual, making his message resonate across belief systems in today’s pluralistic society.

State of the World Population Report 2025

  • 12 Jun 2025

In News:

According to the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) State of the World Population Report 2025, India’s population has reached 146.39 crore as of April 2025, surpassing China (141.61 crore) to remain the world’s most populous country. Importantly, India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined to 1.9, falling below the replacement level of 2.1.

Key Highlights:

Population Growth and Future Projections

  • Current population (2025): 146.39 crore
  • Projected peak: 170 crore in the next 40 years, after which population will begin to decline.
  • Working-age population (15–64 years): 68%
  • Youth population:
    • 0–14 years: 24%
    • 10–19 years: 17%
    • 10–24 years: 26%
  • Elderly population (65+ years): 7% (expected to rise steadily)

Fertility Trends and the Real Crisis

What is TFR?

  • Total Fertility Rate measures the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime.
  • Replacement level TFR: 2.1 (to maintain population size across generations)
  • India’s TFR in 2025: 1.9, marking a demographic shift toward stabilization.

Fertility Divergence Across States:

  • High TFR states: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand
  • Low TFR states: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi – already below replacement level

The Real Fertility Crisis (UNFPA View):

  • The true concern is unmet fertility goals, not overpopulation or underpopulation.
  • Barriers to achieving desired family size:
    • Financial constraints (40%)
    • Job insecurity (21%) and housing issues (22%)
    • Lack of childcare (18%)
    • Social/family pressures (19%)
    • Modern concerns like climate change and shifting gender norms

Structural & Social Challenges

  • Persisting inequalities in access to reproductive health across caste, income, and regional lines
  • Youth bulge in LMICs (including India) offers demographic dividend but needs skill-building and employment opportunities
  • Ageing population calls for future-proof policies on healthcare, pensions, and social security

Life Expectancy & Data Reliability

  • Life expectancy (2025):
    • Men: 71 years
    • Women: 74 years
  • Data drawn from: DHS, MICS, World Population Prospects 2024, Family Planning Indicators (2024)
  • India’s decennial Census delayed to 2027, limiting official data updates since 2011

UNFPA Recommendations for India:

  • Expand SRH (Sexual & Reproductive Health) Services: Universal access to contraception, safe abortion, and infertility care
  • Tackle Structural Barriers: Affordable housing, childcare, flexible work policies, and women’s education
  • Promote Reproductive Agency: Ensure informed choices on family planning for all, including LGBTQIA+ and unmarried individuals
  • Balance Youth & Elderly Policies: Invest in youth employability while preparing for ageing-related challenges

Blue NDC Challenge

  • 12 Jun 2025

In News:

At the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held in Nice, France (June 9–13, 2025), Brazil and France launched the Blue NDC Challenge — a major international initiative to integrate ocean-based climate solutions into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, in the lead-up to UNFCCC COP30, to be held in Belem, Brazil.

What is the Blue NDC Challenge?

The Blue NDC Challenge is a multilateral climate action initiative urging countries to incorporate ocean-centric measures into their updated NDCs. It aims to enhance climate mitigation and adaptation by recognizing the vital role of oceans and coastal ecosystems in addressing the climate crisis.

  • Launched by: Brazil and France
  • Platform: UNOC3 (June 2025)
  • Target: Updated NDCs due for 2035 (deadline: February 10, 2025)

Participating Countries (as of June 2025):

  • Founding: Brazil, France
  • Joined: Australia, Fiji, Kenya, Mexico, Palau, Seychelles

Objectives and Key Features:

  • Ocean-Integrated NDCs
    • Include marine ecosystems, coastal zones, mangroves, coral reefs, and salt marshes in national climate plans.
    • Integrate Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM).
  • Sustainable Blue Economy
    • Promote climate-resilient fisheries and carbon-smart aquaculture.
    • Expand clean ocean energy: offshore wind, wave, and tidal power.
  • Decarbonization and Adaptation
    • Phase out offshore oil and gas projects.
    • Reduce emissions in shipping, seafood value chains, and coastal infrastructure.
    • Boost resilience in maritime sectors vulnerable to climate risks.
  • Restoration and Conservation
    • Focus on the restoration of mangroves, salt marshes, and coral reefs—which are effective carbon sinks and natural buffers against sea-level rise.
  • Global Partnerships and Support Mechanisms
    • Supported by:
      • Global Mangrove Alliance
      • UN High-Level Climate Champions
      • World Resources Institute (WRI)
      • Ocean Breakthroughs (Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action)

Significance and Leadership:

  • Brazil’s Climate Leadership
    • Brazil’s 2035 NDC (submitted in November 2024) includes, for the first time, a dedicated Ocean and Coastal Zones component.
    • Brazil is also investing in marine conservation, supported by a $6.8 million fund from Bloomberg Philanthropies (June 8, 2025).
  • Expert Insights:
    • Mangroves sequester carbon 10 times faster than terrestrial forests.
    • Including oceans in NDCs can unlock greater political and financial support, according to Conservation International and WRI.
  • Emission Reduction Potential:
    • According to WRI, ocean-based solutions can contribute up to 35% of the global emissions reduction needed to stay within the 1.5°C limit.

Relevance for India and the World:

  • With India’s vast coastline and diverse marine ecosystems, incorporating ocean-based climate actions into its NDCs could enhance climate resilience, especially for coastal communities.
  • Global focus on oceans marks a shift towards holistic climate policy, integrating land, sea, and people-centric approaches.

Discovery of Spathaspina noohi

  • 11 Jun 2025

In News:

A significant addition to India's rich biodiversity has emerged from the forests of Meghalaya with the discovery of a new beetle species, Spathaspina noohi. This unique species not only adds to the biological inventory of the region but also necessitated the creation of an entirely new genus, highlighting the ecological and taxonomic uniqueness of the organism.

Location of Discovery

  • The beetle was found in the Umran area of Ri Bhoi district, Meghalaya.
  • Elevation: 781 metres above sea level.
  • The discovery was made by S. S. Anooj, entomologist from Kerala Agricultural University, and formally described by B. Ramesha in the international journal Zootaxa.

Taxonomic Significance

  • Spathaspina noohi belongs to the Curculionidae family, commonly known as weevils, which includes over 60,000 species globally.
  • Due to a highly distinctive sword-like spine on its back, it was classified under a new genusSpathaspina, a name derived from Latin:
    • Spatha = sword
    • Spina = spine

Subfamily and Tribe Characteristics

  • The beetle falls under the Ceutorhynchinae subfamily, which includes about 1,300 species worldwide.
  • The subfamily is characterized by:
    • Compact, robust body
    • Ability to tuck their snout (rostrum) between the front legs when resting
    • A visible back structure (mesanepimera)
  • Within this subfamily, the beetle is linked to the tribe Mecysmoderini, comprising 8 genera and 107 species. This tribe is noted for its thoracic spines and specialized antenna structures, mostly found in South and Southeast Asia.

Ecological Role of Weevils

While many weevils are considered agricultural pests, others, including Spathaspina noohi, play vital ecological roles such as:

  • Controlling invasive plant species
  • Maintaining ecosystem balance

Geographical Distribution of Ceutorhynchinae

  • These beetles are present across most continents except:
    • New Zealand
    • Oceania
    • Antarctica
    • Southern parts of South America
  • Their highest diversity is noted in the Palaearctic Region (Europe, North Africa, parts of Asia), followed by the Oriental Region (South and Southeast Asia).

Commemorative Naming

The species is named in honour of P. B. Nooh, IAS, Director of Tourism, Government of Kerala. This acknowledges his contribution to eco-tourism and sustainable development, symbolizing the interconnection between biodiversity conservation and responsible tourism.

SEZ Reforms to Promote Semiconductor & Electronics Manufacturing

  • 11 Jun 2025

In News:

Recently, the Department of Commerce notified key amendments to the SEZ Rules, 2006, to boost semiconductor and electronics component manufacturing. These reforms address the high capital intensity and import dependency of the sector and aim to attract pioneering investments.

Key Rule Amendments:

Rule 5: Minimum Land Requirement Relaxed

  • What Changed: Minimum land required for SEZs dedicated to semiconductor/electronics manufacturing reduced from 50 hectares to 10 hectares.
  • Why it matters
    • Eases land acquisition
    • Makes SEZs more feasible, especially in smaller industrial clusters
    • Encourages pioneering investments in land-scarce regions

Rule 7: Encumbrance-Free Land Norm Relaxed

  • What Changed: SEZ land no longer required to be entirely encumbrance-free, if it is mortgaged/leased to the Central or State Government or authorized agencies.
  • Why it matters
    • Removes a major legal hurdle in land approvals
    • Accelerates SEZ project clearance and development timelines

Rule 18: Domestic Supply Allowed from SEZ Units

  • What Changed: Semiconductor/electronics SEZ units can now sell products in the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) after paying applicable duties.
  • Why it matters
    • Greater market access
    • Enhances revenue and profitability
    • Breaks away from traditional export-only SEZ model

Rule 53: Clarity on Free-of-Cost Goods in NFE Calculation

  • What Changed: Free-of-cost goods received or supplied will now be included in Net Foreign Exchange (NFE) calculations, using customs valuation rules.
  • Why it matters
    • Encourages R&D and contract manufacturing
    • Promotes transparent reporting of value addition
    • Aligns with global manufacturing practices

Significance of Reforms:

  • Tailored for High-Tech Sectors: Recognises the long gestation and capital-intensive nature of semiconductor and electronic component industries.
  • Encourages Domestic and Global Investment: Makes India an attractive destination for global electronics giants.
  • Enables Domestic Market Integration: By allowing DTA sales, it expands market access for SEZ-based units.
  • Supports India's Semiconductor Mission: Complements existing initiatives like the Semicon India Programme.

National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)

  • 11 Jun 2025

In News:

Union Finance Minister chaired the 6th Governing Council (GC) meeting of NIIF in New Delhi. The Council urged NIIF to enhance its global presence, diversify funding sources, and attract international investors by leveraging its sovereign-backed model.

About National Investment and Infrastructure Fund

  • A government-anchored investment platform to mobilize long-term institutional capital for infrastructure and strategic sectors.
  • Operates as a sovereign wealth fund (SWF)-linked asset manager with independent governance.
  • Established: 2015 (Union Budget 2015–16)
  • Headquarters: Mumbai
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs)

Functions & Objectives:

  • Capital Mobilization: Attract domestic & global institutional investors.
  • Investment Management: Deploy equity in commercially viable infrastructure.
  • Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with global sovereign wealth & pension funds.
  • Policy Alignment: Support national initiatives like Make in India, green energy, and digital infrastructure.

Key Features:

  • Public-Private Structure:
    • 49% Government of India
    • 51% Global and domestic institutional investors (e.g., ADIA, Temasek, CPPIB)
  • SEBI-Registered AIF: Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF)
  • Assets Under Management (AUM): ?30,000+ crore
  • Capital Catalysed: ?1.17 lakh crore
  • CEO & MD: Sanjiv Aggarwal (since Feb 2024)

Funds under NIIF:

  • Master Fund: Core infrastructure (ports, airports, data centres, logistics)
  • Private Markets Fund (PMF): Fund of funds model
  • India-Japan Fund: Focused on climate action and sustainability
  • Strategic Opportunities Fund: Growth equity in strategic sectors

Governing Council (GC) of NIIF:

  • Chair: Union Finance Minister (currently Nirmala Sitharaman)
  • Members include Finance Secretary, DEA/DFS officials, SBI Chairman, private sector leaders.
  • Provides strategic guidance on:
    • Fundraising
    • Global positioning
    • Operationalisation of new funds
    • Annual review of performance

Key Outcomes of the 6th GC Meeting (2024–25):

  • Proactive Global Outreach: GC urged NIIF to enhance its global presence and professionalise international engagement.
  • Diversified Fundraising: Encouraged exploring multiple funding sources beyond traditional sovereign investors.
  • Private Markets Fund II (PMF II): Target corpus: $1 billion; first closing imminent.
  • Bilateral Fund with the USA: Under discussion to foster cross-border infrastructure investments.
  • Greenfield Investment Success: Master Fund investments directed toward ports, logistics, airports, data centres.
  • Strong Global Partnerships: Includes ADIA, Temasek, Ontario Teachers', CPPIB, AIIB, ADB, JBIC, and NDB.
  • Annual Meetings: GC to convene once every year to review and guide NIIF’s evolving role.

Bhagwan Birsa Munda

  • 11 Jun 2025

In News:

On his 125th death anniversary (Balidan Diwas), the Prime Minister of India paid tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, hailing his pioneering role in tribal empowerment and anti-colonial resistance.

Early Life and Identity

  • Born: 15 November 1875, Ulihatu, Chotanagpur Plateau (now in Jharkhand).
  • Tribe: Munda.
  • Title: Revered as “Dharti Aaba” (Father of the Earth).
  • Education: Attended Christian missionary schools in Chaibasa; later rejected colonial influence and converted to Vaishnavism, blending it with tribal spirituality.
  • Founder of: The Birsait sect, advocating moral reform and cultural awakening among Adivasis.

Role in Freedom Struggle & Tribal Mobilisation

Resistance Against Exploitation:

  • Zamindari System: Opposed British-imposed land systems that dismantled the Khuntkatti tribal land tenure, dispossessing tribals and reducing them to bonded labourers.
  • Beth Begari: Led resistance against forced labour and revenue policies.
  • Forest Rights: Fought against British encroachment and resource extraction in forests.

Cultural and Spiritual Renaissance:

  • Condemned social evils like black magic and alcoholism.
  • Mobilised tribals using tribal songs, attire, drums, and community gatherings.
  • Advocated tribal self-rule and cultural pride against the oppression by Dikus (outsiders).

Ulgulan Movement (1895–1900): The Great Tumult

  • Nature: A widespread anti-colonial rebellion across present-day Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bengal.
  • Strategy: Guerrilla warfare, targeting British outposts, churches, and police stations.
  • Slogan: “Abua Raj setar jana, Maharani Raj tundu jana” (Let the rule of our people begin, let the Queen’s rule end).
  • Emphasized a vision of egalitarian tribal raj rooted in indigenous governance systems.

Arrest, Martyrdom, and Legacy

  • Arrested: 1895; Died: 9 June 1900 in Ranchi Jail under mysterious circumstances.
  • Though the rebellion was crushed, it led to the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908, securing tribal land rights.

Recognition and Legacy

  • Declared as “Bhagwan” (Lord) by tribal communities for his cultural leadership and resistance.
  • Institutions named in his honour: Birsa Agricultural University, Birsa Institute of Technology, etc.
  • November 15 (birth anniversary) declared Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day) in 2021 by the Government of India.
  • Symbol of tribal assertion, indigenous identity, and early resistance to colonialism in India.

India’s Breakthrough in Heeng Cultivation

  • 11 Jun 2025

In News:

CSIR-IHBT reported the first flowering and seed setting of heeng in Palampur (1,300 m above sea level). This confirmed the successful acclimatisation and domestication of Ferula assa-foetida in Indian agro-climatic conditions.

This milestone is significant because:

  • It proves India’s capability to cultivate heeng domestically.
  • It completes the reproductive cycle—a prerequisite for long-term commercial production and sustainability.
  • It expands the scope of cold-arid agriculture beyond traditional zones.

Background:

  • Heeng or asafoetida (Ferula assa-foetida) is a perennial herb, long revered in Indian culinary and medicinal traditions.
  • It is widely mentioned in ancient texts such as the Mahabharata, Charaka Samhita, Pippalada Samhita, and the works of Panini, known for its digestive, aromatic, and therapeutic properties.
  • Despite being the world’s largest consumer of heeng, India was entirely import-dependent until the early 2010s, sourcing it mainly from Afghanistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan.
    • This was because the species Ferula assa-foetida, the true source of asafoetida, was not found in India—only related species like Ferula jaeschkeana (Himachal Pradesh) and Ferula narthex (Kashmir and Ladakh) existed, which do not yield the culinary resin.

Botanical & Climatic Requirements:

  • Plant Type: Perennial, takes about 5 years to mature and flower.
  • Soil: Prefers sandy, well-drained soil with low moisture.
  • Climate: Thrives in cold, arid environments, requires annual rainfall below 200–300 mm.
  • Temperature Range: Grows best in 10–20°C, tolerates up to 40°C, and survives winter lows of –4°C.
  • Propagation: The oleo-gum resin (asafoetida) is extracted by making incisions in the plant’s fleshy taproot and rhizome, yielding a latex that hardens into a gum, which is dried into powder or crystal form.

The Indigenous Cultivation Effort:

In a major step toward self-reliance, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, initiated India’s first project for indigenous heeng cultivation.

  • Seed Procurement: Between 2018–2020, IHBT coordinated with agencies and suppliers in Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and South Africa. Seeds were finally procured from Iran and Afghanistan with import approvals and quarantine protocols handled by ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR).
  • Research and Trials: Researchers developed germination protocols for seeds with low viability and conducted trials at IHBT Palampur and Ribling in Lahaul-Spiti to determine altitude-specific suitability and agronomic practices.
  • Milestone Event: On October 15, 2020, the first heeng sapling was planted in a farmer’s field in Kwaring village, Lahaul Valley—marking the start of India’s heeng cultivation journey.

Expansion and Institutional Support:

  • New Cultivation Zones: From cold desert areas, cultivation extended to mid-hill regions such as Janjheli in Mandi. Demonstration plots and farmer training programmes were established across Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba.
  • Early Adopter Villages:
    • Lahaul & Spiti: Madgran, Salgran, Beeling, Keylong
    • Mandi: Janjehli, Kataru, Majhakhal, Karsog
    • Kinnaur: Kalpa, Hango, Reckong Peo, Maling
    • Kullu: Kotla–Banjar, Bagsaid, Dhaugi–Sainj
    • Chamba: Pangi, Bharmour, Tooh, Mahala
  • Heeng Germplasm Resource Centre: Established at IHBT Palampur in March 2022, this national hub oversees research, conservation, seed production, and propagation of heeng.
  • Tissue Culture Innovation: A dedicated lab was developed to scale up propagation using modern techniques, supported by the Government of Himachal Pradesh. Ecological niche modelling using GPS and climate data helped map ideal cultivation areas.

Myotis himalaicus

  • 10 Jun 2025

In News:

A new bat species, the Himalayan Long-Tailed Myotis (Myotis himalaicus), has been described based on fieldwork in Uttarakhand and historical specimens from Pakistan. Published in Zootaxa journal by a team of Indian and international scientists.

Key Findings of the Study

  • Study Area: Western Himalayas – Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand (2017–2021).
  • Total Bat Species Documented: 29, including new records and confirmations.
  • Raises India's bat species count to 135.

About Himalayan Long-Tailed Myotis (Myotis himalaicus)

Feature                    Description

Family/Genus         Belongs to the Myotis frater complex

Habitat                    Deodar, pine, and cedar forests on southern Himalayan slopes

Distribution            Found in Uttarakhand (India) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan)

Size                          Medium-sized (~3.5 inches, <1 oz)

Morphology           Delicate feet, long thumbs with short claws, short ears, fine teeth

Conservation Status  Recently described; appears rare

Other Major Additions/Clarifications

  • East Asian Free-Tailed Bat (Tadarida insignis):
    • First confirmed record in India.
    • Extends known range eastward by 2,500 km.
    • Earlier misidentified as Tadarida teniotis.
  • Babu’s Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus babu):
    • Revalidated as a distinct species, not a synonym of Javan pipistrelle.
    • Distribution: Pakistan, India, Nepal.
  • First specimen-based confirmations in India for:
    • Savi’s pipistrelle (Hypsugo savii)
    • Japanese greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus nippon)

Ecological Importance of Bats

  • Insect Control: Consume pests and mosquitoes.
  • Pollination & Seed Dispersal: Important for forest regeneration.
  • Fertilizer Contribution: Bat guano rich in Nitrogen & Phosphorous; boosts crop yield.

NASA's Mars Odyssey captures volcano piercing ice cloud belt

  • 10 Jun 2025

In News:

  • Recently, NASA’s 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter captured a stunning image of Arsia Mons, a giant Martian volcano, rising through a morning belt of water-ice clouds.
  • First such astronaut-like horizon view of Tharsis Montes volcanoes on Mars.

About Arsia Mons

  • Part of Tharsis Montes, a trio of volcanoes near Mars' equator.
  • Height: ~20 km (12 miles) – twice the height of Mauna Loa, Earth’s tallest volcano.
  • Cloudiest of the Tharsis volcanoes.
  • Cloud formation due to orographic uplift and cooling during Mars’ aphelion (farthest point from Sun).
  • Featured in the aphelion cloud belt — a seasonal band of water-ice clouds.

Mission Evolution

  • Mars Odyssey, launched in 2001, is the longest-operating Mars orbiter.
  • In 2023, began a new imaging mode: rotating its THEMIS camera to capture horizon views of Mars’ upper atmosphere.
  • These angled images help study seasonal changes in dust and water-ice cloud layers.

Scientific Significance

  • Helps track Martian atmospheric evolution, especially cloud behavior and dust storms.
  • Valuable for future human missions:
    • Assists landing site safety planning.
    • THEMIS also detects subsurface water ice, key for astronaut resource use.

Instruments and Collaborators

  • THEMIS: Thermal Emission Imaging System, captures both visible and infrared light.
  • Managed by NASA’s JPL, designed by Arizona State University, built by Lockheed Martin.

Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI)

  • 10 Jun 2025

In News:

A study recently published in the journal Earth’s Future offered an innovative approach to SAI technique that could reduce its costs but also bring it closer to fruition despite the opposition to it.

What is Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI)?

  • SAI is a proposed solar geoengineering technique to cool the Earth by injecting reflective aerosols (e.g. sulphur dioxide) into the stratosphere to reflect sunlight and reduce surface temperatures.
  • Inspired by volcanic eruptions, like Mount Pinatubo (1991), which naturally cooled the Earth by emitting aerosols.

Recent Study Highlights (June 2025)

  • Published in Earth’s Future journal.
  • Led by Alistair Duffey, University College London.
  • Used UK Earth System Model 1 (UKESM1) for climate simulations.

Key Findings

  • Injecting 12 million tonnes of sulphur dioxide annually at 13 km altitude (spring/summer in each hemisphere) could cool the Earth by ~0.6°C.
  • To cool by 1°C, ~21 million tonnes/year are needed at that altitude.
  • Only 7.6 million tonnes/year are needed at higher altitudes (subtropics) for the same cooling.

Innovative Proposal

  • Low-altitude SAI using modified existing aircraft (e.g. Boeing 777F) instead of specially designed high-altitude aircraft:
    • Stratosphere is lower near poles (12–13 km), so current aircraft can reach it.
    • Cost-effective and faster to deploy than high-altitude (~20 km) methods.
    • Could begin within years, rather than a decade-long wait for new aircraft.

Risks and Concerns

  • Tripling aerosol quantity (in low-altitude strategy) raises:
    • Ozone depletion
    • Acid rain
    • Altered weather patterns
    • Uneven global effects (benefits poles more, tropics less)
    • Moral hazard: may reduce incentives to cut emissions.
  • Governance challenge: One country’s action impacts all nations → risk of geopolitical conflict.

Why it matters

  • Global GHG emissions are still rising.
  • Climate mitigation through decarbonisation is slow and politically vulnerable.
  • Technologies like SAI offer a stopgap, but not a substitute for emission cuts.

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

  • 10 Jun 2025

In News:

Current Global Progress

  • As of May 2025, 56 countries have eliminated at least one NTD, aligned with WHO’s 2030 target (100 countries).
  • Between Jan 2023 – May 2025, 17 countries were officially acknowledged by WHO for NTD elimination.
  • World NTD Day: Observed annually on 30th January.

What Are NTDs?

  • NTDs are a group of infectious diseases affecting over 1 billion people, mainly in tropical and poor regions.
  • Caused by parasites, bacteria, viruses, fungi, or toxins.
  • Common NTDs include:
    • Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis)
    • Onchocerciasis (River Blindness)
    • Schistosomiasis
    • Soil-transmitted helminths
    • Trachoma, Dengue, Kala-azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis)

Impact of Official Development Assistance (ODA) Cuts  

  • Major donors like the US and UK have withdrawn NTD funding:
    • USAID previously provided US$ 1.4 billion, supporting 3.3 billion treatments across 26 countries, helping 14 of them eliminate at least one NTD.
    • UK ended its ‘Ascend’ NTD programme in 2021.

WHO Warning:

  • On 10 April 2025, WHO cautioned that over 70% of country offices reported health service disruptions due to ODA cuts.
  • NTD services have been disrupted at levels similar to peak COVID-19.

Climate Change & Emerging Threats

  • Climate change is worsening the NTD burden:
    • Dengue declared a Grade 3 Emergency in 2024:
      • 14 million cases, 10,000 deaths across 107 countries.
      • Geographical expansion of vector-borne NTDs continues.

Public-Private Partnerships

  • Pharma companies have donated US$ 12 billion+ worth of drugs (2011–2025), including: GSK, Pfizer, Sanofi, Merck, Bayer, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, among others.

Recent Global Action

  • At the 78th World Health Assembly (May 2025):
    • Two NTD-related resolutions adopted:
      1. Eradication of Dracunculiasis (Guinea Worm)
      2. Control of Skin-related NTDs

Way Forward

  • Strengthen nationally owned, sustainable NTD programmes.
  • Ensure alternative funding and service delivery mechanisms.
  • Prevent reversal of hard-won gains and protect vulnerable communities from deeper health inequities.

Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary

  • 10 Jun 2025

In News:

The Maharashtra Forest Department partnered with Microsoft and Pune-based CYDA (Centre for Youth Development and Activities) to address the eco-restoration project in the Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary.

Location & Geography:

  • Situated in the Western Ghats, about 70 km from Pune, Maharashtra.
  • Notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary in January 2013.
  • Spread over 49.62 sq. km, comprising:
    • 12 forest compartments from Paund and Sinhgad ranges (Pune forest division).
    • 8 compartments from Mangaon range (Roha division, Thane).

Vegetation Types:

  • Dominated by evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests.
  • Rich floral diversity including teak, bamboo, Ain, Shisham, mango, and jamun.

Biodiversity Highlights:

  • Mammals (28 species):
    • Includes the Indian Giant Squirrel (Shekaru) – state animal of Maharashtra.
    • Also hosts Indian pangolin, barking deer, Indian civet, and wild boar.
    • Home to the Kondana Soft-furred Rat (Millardia kondana) – an endangered species.
  • Birds (150 species):
    • Notable species: Malabar whistling thrush, golden oriole, crested serpent eagle, Indian pitta, grey junglefowl.
    • Includes 12 species endemic to India.
  • Insects & Others:
    • 72 species of butterflies, 18 reptile species, and 33 invertebrate species.

Ecological Importance:

  • Part of the Western Ghats, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot.
  • Habitat for rare, endemic, and threatened species.
  • Supports vital ecosystem services, aiding in climate regulation, water conservation, and pollination.

Recent Conservation Initiative:

  • A collaborative eco-restoration project was launched by the Maharashtra Forest Department, Microsoft, and CYDA (Centre for Youth Development and Activities), Pune.
  • Aim: Address socio-ecological challenges, promote community engagement, and leverage technology in conservation.

Eco-tourism Potential:

  • Features popular trekking and nature spots like Andharban forest, Plus Valley, and Devkund.
  • Attracts high tourist footfall, especially during monsoon, including bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.

Raja Bhabhut Singh Honoured

  • 09 Jun 2025

In News:

In June 2025, the Madhya Pradesh Government held a special Cabinet meeting at Pachmarhi, renaming the Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary after Raja Bhabhut Singh, a lesser-known but formidable tribal freedom fighter of the 1857 revolt.

About Raja Bhabhut Singh

  • Lineage: Belonged to the Jagirdar family of Harrakot Raikheri, descended from Thakur Ajit Singh. His grandfather, Thakur Mohan Singh, had allied with Peshwa Appa Saheb Bhonsle of Nagpur during the 1819–20 resistance against the British.
  • Role in 1857 Revolt:
    • A key Gond tribal leader with control over Jabalpur and the Satpura hills.
    • Employed guerrilla warfare tactics in the Satpura forests, using deep geographical knowledge to harass British forces.
    • Maintained close ties with Tatya Tope, a prominent national leader.
  • Martyrdom:
    • British deployed the Madras Infantry to capture him.
    • He was executed in 1860, and is remembered in Korku tribal folklore.
    • Known as the "Shivaji of Narmadachal" for his resistance strategies.

Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary (Now Raja Bhabhut Singh Sanctuary)

  • Located in the Satpura mountain range, central Madhya Pradesh, within the Deccan Peninsula biogeographic zone.
  • Highest point: Dhoopgarh (1,352 m).
  • Forms part of the Satpura Tiger Reserve, along with:
    • Satpura National Park
    • Bori Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Key Biodiversity Zone in Central India.

Korku Tribe Overview

  • Region: Mainly in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Melghat (Maharashtra).
  • Occupation: Traditionally agriculturalists; introduced potato and coffee cultivation.
  • Society: Patrilineal communities led by traditional headmen.
  • Culture:
    • Practice ancestral worship through memorial stones called Munda.
    • Rich in oral traditions, which preserve the memory of tribal icons like Raja Bhabhut Singh.

Starlink receives DoT licence to launch Satellite Internet in India

  • 09 Jun 2025

In News:

  • The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has granted a licence to Elon Musk’s Starlink to provide satellite-based internet services in India.
  • Starlink becomes the third company, after Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications, to receive such approval. A fourth contender, Amazon’s Kuiper, is still awaiting clearance.

What is Starlink?

  • Developer: Starlink is a satellite internet system by SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk in 2002.
  • Objective: Deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband globally, especially targeting rural and remote areas with limited connectivity.
  • Technology:
    • Operates a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites (~550 km altitude).
    • Satellites communicate via laser links for inter-satellite data relay, forming a global mesh.
    • Ground stations transmit data to satellites, which then beam it to user terminals.

Key Features of Starlink

  • Speed: Up to 150 Mbps, with future plans to increase it.
  • Latency: As low as 20–25 milliseconds — ideal for video calls and streaming.
  • Tech Stack:
    • Flat-panel antennas for easy user access.
    • Argon-powered ion thrusters for satellite positioning.
    • Space lasers for fast inter-satellite communication.
  • Deployment: Satellites launched via Falcon 9 rockets with regular updates.
  • Scale: Plans to deploy up to 42,000 satellites globally.

Significance for India

  • Bridging the Digital Divide: Ensures internet access in rural, remote, and disaster-prone regions.
  • Reduced Infrastructure Dependency: Less reliance on fibre optics and mobile towers in hard-to-reach areas.
  • Boost to Digital Economy: Enhances competition in India’s broadband sector, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
  • Security Compliance: Starlink must adhere to India’s security norms, including lawful interception requirements, before commercial rollout.
  • Next Steps: Will receive trial spectrum within 15–20 days post-application.

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

  • 09 Jun 2025

In News:

The Supreme Court of India has recently ordered the Rajasthan government to impose an immediate ban on all mining activities within the core area of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, citing concerns over wildlife protection and habitat preservation.

About Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

  • Location: Sawai Madhopur district, southeastern Rajasthan.
  • Named After: Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located within the reserve.
  • Geographical Boundaries:
    • North: Bounded by the Banas River
    • South: Bounded by the Chambal River
  • Terrain: High rocky plateaus, valleys, rivers, lakes, and historic ruins including forts and mosques.
  • Total Area: ~1,411 sq.km, making it one of the largest tiger reserves in northern India.
  • Surrounding Ranges: Located at the confluence of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges.

Ecology and Biodiversity

Vegetation: Dominated by dry deciduous forests and open grassy meadows.

  • Flora:
    • Predominantly Dhok tree (Anogeissus pendula).
    • Other species: Acacia, Capparis, Zizyphus, Prosopis, etc.

Water Bodies:

  • Important lakes include:
    • Padam Talab
    • Raj Bagh Talab
    • Malik Talab

Fauna:

  • Apex predator: Royal Bengal Tiger
  • Other mammals:
    • Leopard, Caracal, Jungle Cat
    • Sambar, Chital, Chinkara, Wild Boar

Historical Significance: Previously served as the royal hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur.

RBI Revises LTV Ratio for Gold-Backed Loans

  • 09 Jun 2025

In News:

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced revised guidelines to enhance formal sector lending and ease credit access for small-ticket gold loan borrowers, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
  • The new norms focus on raising the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio for gold-backed loans up to ?5 lakh and simplifying appraisal norms for such loans.

What is the Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio?

  • Definition: The LTV ratio is the percentage of a collateral’s value that a lender offers as a loan.
  • Formula:

LTV Ratio= (Loan Amount / Appraised Value of Asset) × 100

  • A higher LTV indicates greater credit against the same asset but also entails higher risk for the lender.
  • Assets like gold, with a stable value and liquid secondary market, are more "desirable" as collateral, often attracting higher LTVs.

Revised RBI Guidelines (June 2025): LTV Ratio for Gold Loans

Loan Amount            Revised LTV Ratio              Previous LTV (Draft April 2025)

Up to ?2.5 lakh              85%                                       75%

?2.5 lakh – ?5 lakh        80%                                       75%

Above ?5 lakh               75%                                       75%

  • The interest component is included in the LTV calculation.
  • The move reverses the uniform 75% LTV cap proposed in the April 2025 draft norms.

Additional Key Features

  • No credit appraisal required for loans up to ?2.5 lakh.
  • End-use monitoring is necessary only if the borrower wishes to qualify the loan under priority sector lending.
  • The average ticket size of gold loans (~?1.2 lakh) is expected to increase due to relaxed norms.
  • These loans are crucial for middle-class, lower middle-class, self-employed, and small businesses, often lacking formal income proof.

Rationale and Impact

  • The revised norms aim to:
    • Enhance credit accessibility.
    • Prevent migration of borrowers to informal lenders.
    • Boost financial inclusion and formalize rural credit ecosystems.
  • Industry experts and NBFCs like Muthoot FinCorp and Shriram Finance have welcomed the move, noting it would benefit women, rural borrowers, and small traders.
  • Shares of leading gold loan NBFCs like Muthoot Finance, Manappuram Finance, and IIFL Finance witnessed a sharp increase following the announcement.

Index Cards

  • 09 Jun 2025

In News:

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recently upgraded the mechanism for generating Index Cards, making it more technology-driven and automated. Index Cards are a non-statutory, post-election statistical reporting format developed suo moto by the ECI to enhance transparency and accessibility of electoral data at the constituency level.

Purpose and Utility

Index Cards are designed to compile and disseminate election-related data for use by:

  • Researchers
  • Academia
  • Journalists
  • Policymakers
  • The general public

Scope of Information

The Index Cards provide a wide range of data, including:

  • Candidate-wise and party-wise vote share
  • Electors and votes polled/counted
  • Gender-based voting patterns
  • Regional variations in voter turnout
  • Performance of:
    • National and State parties
    • Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)
  • Participation of women voters
  • Winning candidates' analyses
  • State/PC/AC-wise elector details and number of polling stations

Technological Upgrade

Earlier, data was manually filled into physical Index Cards at the constituency level using various statutory formats. These were later digitized for statistical reporting, resulting in delays and inefficiencies.

The 2025 upgrade has:

  • Replaced the manual system with an automated, data-integrated mechanism
  • Ensured faster and more reliable reporting
  • Improved the timeliness of data dissemination

Nature of Data

  • Index Cards are based on secondary data used exclusively for academic and research purposes.
  • Primary and final electoral data is maintained in statutory forms by the respective Returning Officers.

INS Arnala

  • 08 Jun 2025

In News:

The Indian Navy is set to commission 'Arnala', the first warship under the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) series at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The commissioning will be presided over by Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan.

About INS Arnala

  • Type: First in the series of 16 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWC)
  • Builder:
    • Primary: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata
    • Partner: L&T Shipbuilders
  • Delivery Date: May 8, 2025
  • Indigenous Content: Over 80%
  • Partners Involved:
    • BEL, L&T, Mahindra Defence, MEIL
    • 55+ MSMEs involved in the supply chain

Capabilities & Features

  • Length: 77 meters
  • Displacement: 1,490+ tonnes
  • Propulsion: Diesel engine-waterjet system (a first for a warship of this size in India)
  • Roles:
    • Anti-submarine operations in coastal/shallow waters
    • Subsurface surveillance
    • Search and Rescue (SAR)
    • Low-intensity maritime operations

Significance

  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat Milestone: Highlights indigenous shipbuilding and defence manufacturing capabilities
  • Boost to Coastal Defence: Enhances the Navy’s reach in shallow and strategic coastal zones
  • Employment & Industrial Growth: Significant MSME and domestic defence industry involvement

Heritage & Symbolism

  • Name Origin: Inspired by Arnala Fort, near Vasai, Maharashtra
    • Built by the Marathas in 1737 under Chimaji Appa
    • Historically guarded the Vaitarna River mouth and northern Konkan coast
  • Design Symbolism:
    • Armoured hull reflects the resilient walls of Arnala Fort
    • Advanced sensors and weapons echo the fort’s cannons
  • Crest:
    • Stylised auger shell – precision, strength, vigilance
    • Motto: Arnave Shauryam — “Valour in the Ocean

Rediscovery of Losgna Genus in India

  • 08 Jun 2025

In News:

At a time when habitat loss and climate change threaten countless species, the discovery of a new species of parasitic wasp - named ‘Losgna Occidentalis’ from Chandigarh has drawn attention to the unexplored richness of India’s biodiversity.

Location of Discovery

  • Place: Chandigarh, Union Territory of India
  • Habitat: Urban dry scrub forest
  • Time: Winter of 2023–24
  • Significance: First formal description of any insect species from Chandigarh

Species Description

  • Name: Losgna occidentalis
  • Genus: Losgna (Ichneumonidae family – Parasitic wasps)
  • Group Role: Parasitic wasps known for laying eggs inside/on arthropod hosts
  • Ecological Role: Pollinators and biological control agents (important in ecosystems)

Historical Context

  • Losgna genus was last recorded in India in 1965, in Heinrich’s monograph
  • No Indian records or specimens existed post-1965 in any institution
  • Only known specimens (of other Losgna species) are preserved in:
    • Natural History Museum, London
    • The Hope Collection, Oxford University
    • Zoologische Staatssammlung München, Germany

Naming Rationale

  • "Occidentalis" (Latin for "Western")
  • Signifies the westernmost known range of the genus
  • Earlier Losgna records were only from:
    • Northeast India
    • Southeast Asia (tropical forests)
  • Published in Zootaxa (peer-reviewed journal for animal taxonomy)

Importance & Implications

  • Rediscovery highlights India’s hidden and threatened biodiversity
  • Emphasizes the critical role of taxonomy in conservation
  • Shows potential for citizen-led discoveries and backyard biodiversity
  • Demonstrates the need for:
    • Responsible specimen collection
    • International scientific collaboration
    • Support for underfunded taxonomy sectors

Discovery of 800-Year-Old Pandya-Era Shiva Temple

  • 08 Jun 2025

In News:

An 800-year-old Shiva temple of the later Pandya period has been unearthed at Udampatti, a village in Melur taluk, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu.

Key Highlights:

  • Discovery: Foundation of a later Pandya period Shiva temple (dated to 1217–1218 CE) unearthed accidentally by children.

Architectural Insights:

  • Only the stone base of the temple (north and south sides) survives.
  • Identified as a Shaivite temple using foundation engravings and reference to Silpa Sastram.

Inscriptions & Historical Significance:

  • Inscriptions deciphered by C. Santhalingam (Pandya Nadu Centre for Historical Research).
  • Temple identified as Thennavanisvaram, located in ancient Attur (present-day Udampatti).
  • Thennavan” was a Pandya royal title, suggesting direct patronage.

Key Inscriptions (1217–18 CE):

  • A sale deed records the transfer of a waterbody named Nagankudi along with wet/dry land.
  • Seller: Alagaperumal, chieftain of Kalavalinadu
  • Buyer: Nambi Perambala Kuthan alias Kangeyan
  • Sale amount: 64 kasu (coins)
  • Tax revenue from the land assigned to the temple for daily expenses, indicating its financial independence.

Archaeological Relevance:

  • Confirms ancient village name (Attur), showcasing socio-economic practices during the Later Pandya period.
  • Highlights temple economy, land-water rights, and administrative structures.

Pandya Dynasty

  • One of the Three Crowned Tamil Dynasties (alongside Cholas and Cheras).
  • Capital: Initially Korkai, later Madurai.
  • Early Pandyas active since 4th century BCE; Later Pandyas (1216–1345 CE) saw a golden age under Maravarman Sundara Pandyan.
  • Controlled parts of Sri Lanka, Telugu regions, and had trade links with Rome & Southeast Asia.
  • Symbol: Fish

Cultural Contributions:

  • Patronage of Sangam literature, Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Jainism.
  • Temples: Meenakshi Temple (Madurai), Nellaiappar Temple (Tirunelveli).
  • Promoted Tamil arts, Bharatanatyam, and education.

Decline:

  • Succumbed to Chola, Hoysala conflicts and Delhi Sultanate invasions.
  • Madurai Sultanate (1335) and later Madurai Nayak dynasty (1529) succeeded their rule.

National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)

  • 08 Jun 2025

In News:

Union Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan will inaugurate the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) for the Puducherry Legislative Assembly.

What is NeVA?

  • Full Form: National e-Vidhan Application
  • Launched by: Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA)
  • Aim: Make legislative functioning paperless across all 37 State/UT legislatures under the idea of “One Nation – One Application.”

Key Features:

  • Unified digital platform for legislative work
  • Enables real-time document access, online notices, and session management
  • Integrates AI/ML-based real-time translation (via partnership with BHASHINI, MeitY)
  • Promotes transparency, efficiency, and environmental sustainability

Funding & Implementation:

  • Approved by: Public Investment Board (PIB) on 15 January 2020
  • Budget: ?673.94 crore
  • Model: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS)

Significance:

  • Digital transformation of legislative processes
  • Creation of a central data repository
  • Enhanced inter-legislature connectivity
  • Boosts Digital India and Good Governance goals

4th India–Central Asia Dialogue (2024)

  • 08 Jun 2025

In News:

India hosted the 4th edition of the India–Central Asia Dialogue in New Delhi, chaired by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. The event emphasized regional security, connectivity, critical minerals, counter-terrorism, and economic integration.

What is the India–Central Asia Dialogue?

  • Type: Multilateral forum for structured engagement between India and Central Asian republics.
  • Initiated in: 2019, Samarkand (Uzbekistan).
  • Participants: India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.

Key Objectives:

  • Strengthen cooperation in trade, connectivity, security, energy, health, and technology.
  • Promote regional stability, counter-terrorism collaboration, and sustainable development.
  • Enhance people-to-people ties and institutional coordination.

Major Outcomes of the 4th Dialogue:

  • Security Cooperation:
    • Condemned terror attacks (e.g., Pahalgam).
    • Called for early adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
  • Critical Minerals & Rare Earths:
    • Joint intent for collaboration in exploration and investment.
    • Decision to hold the 2nd India–Central Asia Rare Earth Forum soon.
  • Connectivity & Trade:
    • Focus on using the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Chabahar Port.
    • Supported Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan's inclusion in INSTC.
  • Digital & Financial Integration: Agreement to boost digital payments, interbank ties, and trade in local currencies.
  • Health and Traditional Medicine: Shared commitment to Universal Health Coverage, medical tourism, and integration of AYUSH systems.
  • Clean Energy & Technology: Cooperation on platforms like India Stack, International Solar Alliance, and biofuels.
  • Multilateral Support: Reiterated support for India’s permanent seat in UNSC and active role in SCO and UN.

Indian Giant Flying Squirrel

  • 13 Apr 2025

In News:

A rare sighting of the Indian Giant Flying Squirrel (Petauristaphilippensis) has been reported in Ranikhet, a hill station in Uttarakhand, highlighting the ecological richness of the region.

About Indian Giant Flying Squirrel

Feature                                         Description

Scientific Name                      Petauristaphilippensis

Size                                                   Body length: 30–45 cm; Tail length: up to 60 cm

Appearance                               Rufous coat, grey underparts, large eyes, and a gliding membrane from wrist

                                                to ankle

Locomotion                                Glides up to 60 meters between trees using patagium (gliding membrane)

Habitat and Distribution

  • Found in tropical and subtropical forests across central and southern India
  • Inhabits evergreen, semi-evergreen, and deciduous forests, especially near forest edges
  • Recent sighting in Uttarakhand indicates possible range expansion or overlooked presence

Ecological Role

  • Diet: Fruits, nuts, leaves, and bark
  • Acts as a seed disperser, supporting forest regeneration
  • Considered a keystone species due to its ecological significance

Behavioural Traits

  • Nocturnal and arboreal
  • Emits alarm calls upon detecting predators like owls
  • Active at night, gliding from tree to tree in search of food

Conservation Status

Category                                                   Status

IUCN Red List (Global)                     Least Concern

IUCN Status (India)                           Near Threatened (due to habitat loss)

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972       Schedule II

Threats

  • Habitat loss and fragmentation
  • Deforestation and degradation of forest corridors
  • Increasing human encroachment in forested landscapes

IISc Develops Nanozyme to Prevent Excessive Blood Clotting

  • 07 Jun 2025

In News:

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru have developed a novel vanadium-based nanozyme that effectively controls abnormal blood clotting by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). This innovation holds promise for managing life-threatening conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and ischemic stroke.

Scientific Background:

  • Normal Blood Clotting: Platelets are specialized blood cells that form clots at injury sites through a process called haemostasis, involving activation by physiological chemicals like collagen and thrombin.
  • Problem of Abnormal Clotting: In conditions like COVID-19 and PTE, oxidative stress increases, leading to elevated ROS levels. This causes hyperactivation of platelets, resulting in excessive clot formation (thrombosis) — a leading cause of death globally.

Nanozyme Innovation by IISc:

  • What is a Nanozyme?

An engineered nanomaterial that mimics the action of natural enzymes, in this case, glutathione peroxidase, which neutralizes ROS.

  • Material Used: Vanadium pentoxide (V?O?) nanozymes, particularly those with spherical morphology, were found to be the most efficient.
  • Mechanism: The redox-active surface of vanadium nanozymes catalytically reduces ROS, preventing unwanted platelet aggregation.

Testing and Results:

  • In vitro testing: Human blood platelets were activated with physiological agonists. Nanozymes were tested for their ability to curb excessive aggregation.
  • In vivo testing (mouse model of PTE):
    • Nanozyme injection led to reduced thrombosis.
    • Improved survival rates without observable toxicity.
    • Animals were monitored for 5 days post-treatment for health parameters.

Future Prospects:

  • Researchers aim to test the nanozyme's potential against ischemic strokes, which also result from vascular blockages.
  • Encouraging results with human platelets indicate the possibility of clinical trials in the near future.

Kerch Strait and Recent Developments

  • 07 Jun 2025

In News:

Ukraine has claimed responsibility for a recent underwater explosion that damaged the Kerch Bridge, a critical transport link connecting mainland Russia to occupied Crimea. The attack underscores the strategic importance of the Kerch Strait in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Kerch Strait: Geographical and Strategic Overview

  • Location: The Kerch Strait forms the only maritime passage between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
  • Geographical Boundaries:
    • West: Kerch Peninsula (Crimea)
    • East: Taman Peninsula (Russia)
  • Width: Narrows to 3–5 km at its tightest point near the Chushka Spit.
  • Nearby City: Kerch, located on the Crimean side, lies near the strait’s midsection.
  • Strategic Importance:
    • A vital shipping lane for transporting goods and military supplies.
    • Gained heightened geopolitical importance after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.
    • Frequently features in Russia–Ukraine maritime tensions.

Kerch Strait Bridge (Crimean Bridge)

  • Length: 19 km, making it the longest bridge in Europe.
  • Completed: In 2018
  • Connectivity: Includes dual road and railway tracks, linking the Russian mainland to Crimea.
  • Symbolism: Considered a symbol of Russia’s control over Crimea post-2014 annexation.
  • Strategic Use: Facilitates military logistics and civilian transit; crucial for sustaining Russian presence in Crimea.

Diphtheria Outbreak in Western Europe – 2022 Onwards

  • 07 Jun 2025

In News:

Western Europe is experiencing its largest diphtheria outbreak in 70 years, with cases predominantly among vulnerable groups such as migrants and the homeless. The outbreak, which began in 2022, has raised concerns over disease surveillance, migrant healthcare, and immunisation coverage.

Key Facts from the Outbreak

  • As per a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, 536 cases and three deaths have been reported across Europe since 2022.
  • Most cases were found among young males (average age: 18) who had recently migrated, particularly from Afghanistan and Syria.
  • 98% of strains exhibited close genetic similarities, suggesting a common transmission point during migration journeys or in accommodation facilities, not in the countries of origin.
  • A genetic match between the 2022 strains and a recent 2025 case in Germany indicates that the bacteria is still circulating silently in the region.

Recommendations from Health Experts

  • Enhance vaccination drives, particularly among high-risk and underserved populations.
  • Improve awareness among healthcare providers, especially those working with migrants and the homeless.
  • Ensure better access to antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxins.
  • Strengthen disease surveillance and contact tracing mechanisms.

About Diphtheria

Feature                           Details

Cause                           Corynebacterium diphtheriae (produces a potent toxin)

Mode of Spread          Respiratory droplets, contact with infected sores or ulcers

Affected Areas            Primarily the respiratory tract, but also the skin in some cases

Symptoms                  Sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, weakness; grey membrane in throat

Severe Impact           Can lead to breathing difficulties, heart and kidney damage, and neurological issues if untreated

Treatment                  Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT), antibiotics, and supportive care

Fatality Rate            Up to 30% in unvaccinated individuals; higher in children

Prevention               Vaccination (DPT/DTP) is the most effective preventive measure

Greater Flamingo Sanctuary

  • 07 Jun 2025

In News:

On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, the Tamil Nadu government officially declared the Greater Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi, Ramanathapuram district, aiming to protect a vital stopover site for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway.

Key Highlights

What is it?

A newly notified wildlife sanctuary dedicated to safeguarding migratory wetland birds, especially the greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), in their natural resting and breeding habitat.

Location and Area:

  • Located in Rameshwaram taluk, Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu.
  • Covers approximately 524.7 hectares of revenue and forest land.
  • Lies within the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, a globally recognized marine ecosystem.

Ecological Significance

  • Functions as a critical site along the Central Asian Flyway, one of the key migratory bird routes.
  • As per the 2023–24 Wetland Bird Survey, the region hosts 10,700+ wetland birds representing 128 species, including:
    • Flamingos (greater and lesser)
    • Herons, egrets, sandpipers, etc.
  • The sanctuary harbours diverse ecosystems, such as:
    • Mangroves (Avicennia, Rhizophora)
    • Mudflats, marshes, sand dunes, and lagoons
    • Nesting grounds for sea turtles and marine biodiversity

Conservation and Socioeconomic Benefits

  • Strengthens coastal resilience by preventing erosion through natural mangrove buffers.
  • Promotes responsible ecotourism, raising awareness of wetland and avian conservation.
  • Supports local livelihoods via employment in conservation and tourism activities.

About the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)

Attribute                                Details

Size                                       90–150 cm tall, long necks and legs

Coloration                            Pink hue from carotenoid-rich diet

Feeding                                 Uses specialized downward-curved bill for filter feeding in shallow waters

Reproduction                        Builds cone-shaped mud nests, lays 1–2 eggs, both parents incubate

Chick Rearing                      Chicks are white and fed through regurgitation

Social Traits                          Highly gregarious, breeds in large colonies and flies in V-formations

Behavioral Note                   Often seen standing on one leg, possibly to conserve body heat

 

SEBI’s Operational Framework for ESG Debt Securities

  • 07 Jun 2025

In News:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced a comprehensive operational framework for the issuance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) debt securities. This includes instruments such as social bonds, sustainability bonds, and sustainability-linked bonds, aiming to boost responsible financing in India.

Understanding ESG Debt Securities

Definition:
ESG debt securities are financial tools designed to raise capital specifically for projects that yield positive environmental, social, or governance (ESG) outcomes. These instruments are a key part of sustainable finance, with categories including:

  • Social Bonds: Focused on projects with direct social impact (e.g., affordable housing, education).
  • Sustainability Bonds: Target projects with both environmental and social objectives.
  • Sustainability-Linked Bonds: Tied to specific ESG performance indicators or targets.

Salient Features:

  • Funds raised must be used exclusively for eligible ESG-aligned projects.
  • Bonds must be clearly labelled in line with the project's primary focus.
  • Compliance with global ESG norms and standards is mandatory.
  • Verification or certification by an independent third-party is required.
  • The framework applies to both public and private debt offerings.

Highlights of SEBI’s Framework

1. Classification Guidelines: Issuers are required to categorize their bonds—green, social, or sustainability—based on the core objective of the projects being financed. This ensures transparent communication of the bond's intended impact.

2. Disclosure Norms:

  • At the Issuance Stage: Offer documents must detail project eligibility, selection methodology, and a tentative allocation between financing new initiatives and refinancing existing ones.
  • Post-Issuance: Issuers must provide annual updates on fund deployment and report impact metrics to demonstrate accountability and transparency.

3. Independent Assurance: Issuers must engage accredited third-party entities to validate the alignment of bonds with ESG principles, thereby enhancing investor confidence and market integrity.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation: There is an obligation for ongoing impact assessment. Issuers must ensure the projects funded effectively contribute to reducing environmental degradation or addressing social challenges.

5. Scope and Enforcement: The framework will come into effect from June 5, 2025, and is aligned with international ESG standards to facilitate greater inflow of sustainable and ethical investments.

Significance for India: This move marks a significant step in mainstreaming ESG finance in India. It aims to improve transparency, attract climate-conscious capital, and reinforce India’s commitment to sustainable development.

Waste Picker Enumeration App

  • 06 Jun 2025

In News:

On World Environment Day 2025, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) launched the Waste Picker Enumeration App under the NAMASTE Scheme, reaffirming the government’s commitment to environmental justice and the dignity of sanitation workers.

What is the NAMASTE Scheme?

  • Full Form: National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem
  • Type: Central Sector Scheme (CSS)
  • Launched: July 2023
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE)
  • Partner Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
  • Implementing Agency: National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC)
  • Objective: To formalize and rehabilitate sanitation workers and integrate them into formal systems through skilling, social security, and mechanization of hazardous cleaning work.
  • Inclusion of Waste Pickers (From June 2024): The NAMASTE Scheme expanded its scope in June 2024 to include Waste Pickers, recognizing their critical role in the circular economy and solid waste management.

Waste Picker Enumeration App – Key Highlights

  • Purpose: Digital platform for profiling 2.5 lakh waste pickers across India.
  • Recognition: Provides occupational photo ID cards and formal identity to waste pickers.
  • Social Security:
    • Health coverage under Ayushman Bharat–PM-JAY
    • Distribution of PPE kits and seasonal safety gear
  • Livelihood & Skilling:
    • Skill development programs
    • Capital subsidies for waste collection vehicles
  • Empowerment:
    • Strengthening of Waste Picker Collectives
    • Management of 750 Dry Waste Collection Centres (DWCCs) in urban areas

Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL)

  • 06 Jun 2025

In News:

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is a transformative 272-km railway project aimed at connecting the Kashmir Valley to the Indian Railways network. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the Chenab Rail Bridge and flagging off Vande Bharat trains in June 2025, the project nears full operationalization.

Key Details:

Chenab Rail Bridge – World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge

  • Height: 359 metres above riverbed (taller than the Eiffel Tower).
  • Length: 1,315 metres; Arch span: 467 metres.
  • Status: Highest railway arch bridge in the world.
  • Engineering feat in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir.

Strategic All-Weather Connectivity

  • Reduces dependency on the Srinagar-Jammu highway, which is prone to closure due to snow and landslides.
  • Ensures year-round transportation and supply lines.

Enhanced Military Mobility

  • Enables rapid movement of troops and equipment to border regions.
  • Crucial for national security due to the region's proximity to international borders.
  • Designed to withstand blasts and harsh weather.

Anji Bridge – India’s First Cable-Stayed Rail Bridge

  • Length: 473 metres; Height: 331 metres.
  • Located on the Katra-Banihal section.
  • Supported by 48 cables, suitable for rugged Himalayan terrain.

Vande Bharat Connectivity

  • High-speed trains introduced on Katra–Srinagar route.
  • Improves passenger comfort and reduces travel time.

Economic Boost via Trade

  • Improves market access for Kashmiri products: apples, saffron, handicrafts, and dry fruits.
  • Facilitates faster freight movement, integrating the region into national trade networks.

Tourism Promotion

  • Easier access to religious and scenic sites.
  • Expected to boost tourism post disruptions (e.g., Pahalgam incident).
  • Cheaper and faster rail travel enhances domestic footfall.

Engineering Resilience

  • Chenab Bridge:
    • Blast-resistant (withstands up to 40 kg TNT).
    • Wind resistant (up to 260 kmph).
    • Seismic-resilient with a 120-year design life.
  • Symbol of India’s capability in building infrastructure in high-risk zones.

Time Efficiency

  • Travel time between Jammu and Srinagar will reduce from 6 hours (by road) to 3–3.5 hours (by rail).
  • Facilitates emergency services, logistics, and routine travel.

National Integration and Inclusion

  • 943 bridges, 36 tunnels covering 119 km — overcoming Himalayan terrain challenges.
  • Integrates remote districts of Jammu & Kashmir into India's railway grid.
  • Promotes inclusive development and better governance outreach.

Ayush Nivesh Saarthi

  • 06 Jun 2025

In News:

Recently, the Government of India launched the ‘Ayush Nivesh Saarthi’ portal—a digital initiative aimed at positioning India as a global hub for traditional medicine investment. The launch took place during the Ayush Stakeholder/Industry Interaction Meet held at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.

  • Developed by: Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with Invest India

Objective of the Portal

  • To facilitate investment in India’s Ayush sector through a dedicated digital interface.
  • To bring together policy frameworks, incentives, investment-ready projects, and real-time facilitation.
  • To strengthen India’s position as a global investment destination for traditional systems of medicine.

Portal Features

  • Investor-centric platform integrating:
    • Investment promotion schemes
    • Real-time data and policy information
    • Single-window facilitation
  • Supports both domestic and foreign investors
  • Offers transparency, ease of access, and sectoral insights

Sectoral Significance

  • Growth Rate: The Ayush sector recorded an annual growth rate of 17% (2014–2020).
  • Medicinal Wealth: India is home to 8,000+ medicinal plant species.
  • Global Recognition: Ayush is among the top five health services in India and contributes significantly to the USD 13 billion Medical Value Travel (MVT) sector.

Investment Facilitation

  • 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is permitted in the Ayush sector through the automatic route.
  • The portal aims to attract FDI and empower entrepreneurs through digital governance and investment transparency.

EnviStats India 2025

  • 06 Jun 2025

In News:

India's annual mean temperature rise up from 25.05°C in 2001 to 25.74°C in 2024, Electricity generation from renewable sources increased more than three times in 10 years.

  • Released by: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on June 5, 2025, on the occasion of World Environment Day
  • Framework Used: UN's Framework for the Development of Environment Statistics (FDES 2013)

Key Highlights:

Climate Trends

  • Annual Mean Temperature rose from 25.05°C (2001) to 25.74°C (2024).
  • 2024 recorded as India’s hottest year since 1901; also, globally the hottest year in 175 years.
  • Annual Minimum and Maximum Temperatures (2021–24):
    • Minimum: 19.32°C → 20.24°C
    • Maximum: 30.78°C → 31.25°C

Rainfall Patterns

  • Rainfall shows seasonal concentration between June–September, with signs of shifting patterns such as late onset or extended rains into October.
  • No clear long-term trend, reflecting erratic monsoonal behaviour.

Energy Generation

Thermal & Renewable Power (2013–14 to 2023–24)

  • Thermal: 7.92 lakh GWh → 13.26 lakh GWh
  • Renewable: 65,520 GWh → 2.25 lakh GWh, over 3x increase in renewable energy output in a decade.

Biodiversity and Faunal Statistics

Faunal Diversity

  • Global Faunal Species: 16,73,627
    • India's Share: 1,04,561 species
  • Habitat-specific Species in India:
    • Soil Ecosystem: 22,404
    • Freshwater Ecosystem: 9,436
    • Mangrove System: 5,023
    • Estuarine Ecosystem: 3,383
    • Marine Fauna (India): 20,613 out of global 2,47,605

Fisheries Production

Inland vs. Marine Fish (2013–14 to 2023–24)

  • Inland Fish Production: 61 lakh tonnes → 139 lakh tonnes
  • Marine Fish Production: 34 lakh tonnes → 45 lakh tonnes

Public Expenditure (2021–22)

  • Environment Sustainability Sector: ?2,433 crore (highest among sectors)
  • Conservation of Natural Resources: Increasing trend
  • Agro-Forestry: Lowest allocation

New Data indicators introduced

  • Ramsar sites
  • Access to sanitation
  • Transport infrastructure
  • Electricity access

Bar Council of India permits Foreign Lawyers in India

  • 06 Jun 2025

In News:

Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai lauded the Bar Council of India (BCI) for amending rules to allow foreign legal professionals and law firms to advise on non-litigious matters in India.

Key Features of BCI’s Reform (2024 Update to 2022 Rules):

  • Scope of Practice for Foreign Lawyers:
    • Permitted: Advisory roles in foreign law, international law, and arbitration.
    • Prohibited: Appearing in Indian courts/tribunals or advising on Indian law.
  • Nature of Work Allowed: Only non-litigious activities.

Rationale Behind the Reform:

  • Boosting Arbitration Quality:
    • India ranks 5th globally in arbitration case volume (ICC 2024 Report).
    • Reform aimed at enhancing arbitration standards via foreign expertise.
  • Facilitating Legal Reciprocity:
    • Enables Indian lawyers to access international legal markets.
    • Promotes mutual recognition and cooperation with foreign bar associations.
  • Supporting Institutional Arbitration:
    • Benefits centres like:
      • Mumbai Centre for International Arbitration (MCIA)
      • Delhi International Arbitration Centre (DIAC)
      • India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC)
  • Filling Talent Gaps:
    • Expertise needed in fields such as:
      • Climate litigation
      • Technology and data law
      • Cross-border commercial arbitration

Challenges and Concerns:

  • Market Displacement Fears: Indian lawyers worry about reduced share in arbitration and consultancy services.
  • Reciprocity Barriers: Unequal treatment in countries with restrictive legal entry norms.
  • Uneven Playing Field: Foreign firms possess larger capital, advanced tech, and international clientele.
  • Regulatory Oversight Needed: BCI must ensure strict compliance to maintain sovereignty of Indian legal framework.

Significance of the Reform:

  • Positioning India as an Arbitration Hub: Enhances India's global legal profile, especially in infrastructure and trade.
  • Strengthening Indo-UK Legal Cooperation: Reform highlighted during Indo-UK Arbitration Conference, deepening bilateral ties.
  • Modernizing Legal Sector: Brings global legal best practices and innovation to India.
  • Upholding Indian Legal Integrity: Complies with the Advocates Act, 1961 – no foreign practice in Indian law.
  • Opportunities for Indian Lawyers Abroad: Reciprocity clause allows dual practice in India and foreign jurisdictions.

C CARES Version 2.0

  • 05 Jun 2025

In News:

The Ministry of Coal recently launched C CARES Version 2.0, a significant upgrade to the Coal Mines Provident Fund Organization’s (CMPFO) digital platform. The new system aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in provident fund (PF) and pension disbursement for coal sector workers.

Key Features of C CARES Version 2.0

  • Developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in collaboration with the State Bank of India (SBI).
  • Provides a unified digital interface for coal workers, coal companies, and CMPFO.
  • Enables real-time claim tracking, automated ledger updates, and direct benefit transfers to workers’ bank accounts.
  • Includes a mobile application for CMPF members, offering:
    • PF balance checks
    • Profile viewing
    • Grievance redressal
    • Claim status tracking
    • A chatbot assistant for easy navigation

Benefits to Stakeholders

  • For Workers: Faster claim settlement, improved access, and reduced delays in PF/pension disbursement.
  • For Coal Companies and CMPFO:
    • A prescriptive dashboard to generate custom reports.
    • Analytics to track settlement trends.
    • Support for data-driven decision-making.

About CMPFO

  • Full Form: Coal Mines Provident Fund Organization
  • Established: 1948
  • Parent Ministry: Ministry of Coal
  • Function: Administration of PF and pension schemes for coal sector employees.
  • Coverage:
    • Serves around 3.3 lakh PF subscribers
    • Supports over 6.3 lakh pensioners

Significance

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy launched the portal on June 4, 2025, stating that it aligns with the Government's vision of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” under the Digital India initiative. The platform strengthens social security delivery for coal workers and brings administrative reform to a critical sector of the economy.

International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS)

  • 05 Jun 2025

In News:

India has secured the Presidency of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) for the term 2025–2028, marking a historic first for the country since becoming a member in 1998. The victory affirms India’s growing influence in the field of global public administration.

About IIAS

  • Established: 1930
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
  • Nature: A global federation of 31 Member States, 20 National Sections, and 15 Academic Research Centres, dedicated to collaborative scientific research in public administration.
  • Core Objectives:
    • Promote collaboration on public governance solutions.
    • Accredit academic and professional training programs in public management.
    • Disseminate research and best practices in administrative sciences.

Although not formally affiliated with the United Nations, IIAS actively participates in UN mechanisms like the Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) and the UN Public Administration Network (UNPAN).

India’s Role and Election to Presidency

  • India has been a Member State of IIAS since 1998, represented by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
  • For the 2025–2028 term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi nominated V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG, as India's candidate in November 2024.
  • Election Process:
    • Hearings were held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi in February 2025.
    • Four countries—India, South Africa, Austria, and Bahrain—submitted nominations.
    • The final vote on June 3, 2025, saw India and Austria advance to the final round.
    • Out of 141 votes, India secured 87 votes (61.7%), while Austria received 54 votes (38.3%).

Significance for India

  • This marks India’s first Presidency of IIAS.
  • The victory enhances India's position in global governance and showcases its administrative capabilities on an international platform.
  • It also aligns with India’s focus on reforming and modernizing public administration through digital governance and institutional capacity-building.

Kichan and Menar Wetlands

  • 05 Jun 2025

In News:

Recently, the Union Ministry of Environment announced that Kichan (Phalodi) and Menar (Udaipur) wetlands in Rajasthan have been recognized as Ramsar Sites, bringing India’s total to 91 Ramsar-designated wetlands—the highest in Asia.

About Menar Wetland:

  • A freshwater monsoon wetland complex in Udaipur district, Rajasthan.
  • Formed by three primary ponds: Braham Talab, Dhand Talab, and Kheroda Talab; the latter two are connected by flooded agricultural land during the monsoon.
  • Habitat for endangered and migratory birds such as:
    • Critically Endangered: White-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Long-billed vulture (Gyps indicus)
    • Other species: Himalayan griffon, Egyptian vulture, Dalmatian pelican, Ferruginous pochard, Black-tailed godwit
  • Home to over 70 plant species, including mango trees (Mangifera indica) that host colonies of Indian flying foxes (Pteropus giganteus).
  • Community-led conservation: Menar village residents prevent poaching and fishing, earning it the title "Bird Village".

About Kichan Wetland:

  • Located in Phalodi, Jodhpur, in the northern Thar Desert of Rajasthan.
  • Comprises:
    • Ratri Nadi (river)
    • Vijaysagar Talab (pond)
    • Riparian and scrub habitats
  • Notable for supporting drought-resistant flora and over 150 bird species.
  • Globally known for hosting over 22,000 migratory demoiselle cranes (Anthropoides virgo) each winter.
  • A hub for birdwatchers, tourists, scientists, and students.

Ramsar Convention Overview:

  • An intergovernmental treaty for the conservation of wetlands, signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
  • Headquartered in Gland, Switzerland.
  • Wetlands listed under the convention are known as Ramsar Sites—of international importance.
  • Member countries (Contracting Parties) commit to identifying and protecting these wetlands.

World Wealth Report 2025

  • 05 Jun 2025

In News:

The World Wealth Report 2025, released by the Capgemini Research Institute, highlights a significant surge in global and Indian high-net-worth individual (HNWI) wealth. The report covers 71 countries, representing over 98% of global Gross National Income (GNI) and 99% of world stock market capitalization.

India’s HNWI Landscape in 2024

  • HNWI Wealth Growth: India witnessed an 8.8% increase in HNWI wealth in 2024.
  • Total Millionaires: The country had 378,810 HNWIs by the end of 2024, with a cumulative wealth of $1.5 trillion.
  • Millionaires Next Door: Among them, 333,340 individuals fell under the "Millionaires Next Door" category (investable assets between $1M–$5M), holding $628.93 billion in wealth.
  • Ultra HNWIs: India was home to 4,290 Ultra-HNWIs (assets ≥ $30M), with combined assets worth $534.77 billion.

Global Trends in HNWI Wealth

  • Global Growth: HNWI population worldwide rose by 2.6%, driven largely by a 6.2% rise in Ultra-HNWI numbers.
  • Investment Trends: Alternative investments (private equity, cryptocurrencies) formed 15% of HNWI portfolios, signaling diversification beyond traditional assets.
  • Top Contributors:
    • United States added 562,000 millionaires, recording a 7.6% rise, reaching a total of 7.9 million HNWIs.
    • The U.S. also holds 36% of centi-millionaires (net worth ≥ $100M) and 33% of the world's billionaires.
    • India and Japan saw 5.6% growth, while China recorded a 1.0% decline in HNWI population.

Shifting Dynamics in Wealth Management

  • A massive “great wealth transfer” is underway globally.
    • 81% of global next-gen HNWIs and 85% of Indian next-gen HNWIs plan to switch wealth management (WM) firms within 1–2 years of inheritance.
    • Key reasons include:
      • Lack of preferred channel services (51%)
      • Ineffective digital transaction tools (41%)
  • Digital Transformation Need: The evolving expectations of next-gen clients are pushing firms toward AI-enabled advisory models and advanced digital infrastructure.

Offshore Wealth Allocation

  • By 2030, 98% of Indian next-gen HNWIs plan to increase their offshore assets by over 10%.
    • Motivations include:
      • Superior investment options (55%)
      • Better wealth management services (65%)
      • Improved market connectivity (54%)
      • Tax efficiency and political-economic stability (49%)

World Environment Day 2025

  • 05 Jun 2025

In News:

Every year on June 5, people across the globe unite to celebrate World Environment Day, an initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Key Highlights:

  • Observed on: June 5 annually
  • Initiated by: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
  • First celebrated: 1973 (following the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment)
  • Objective: Promote global awareness and action for environmental protection

Theme for 2025: "Beat Plastic Pollution"

  • Focuses on the escalating crisis of plastic pollution and its adverse impact on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.
  • Highlights the need to transition away from single-use plastics, promote sustainable consumption, and adopt eco-friendly alternatives.

Key Statistics:

  • Plastic production: Increased from 2 million tonnes (1950) to 430 million tonnes (2025)
  • Marine pollution:19–23 million tonnes of plastic enter aquatic ecosystems annually
  • Microplastics detected in oceans, mountains, and the human body

Host Country for 2025: Republic of Korea

  • Chosen for its leadership in green innovation and sustainable practices.
  • Initiatives include:
    • Advanced waste segregation and recycling systems
    • Bans on single-use plastics in major outlets
    • Promotion of tech-driven eco-solutions

By hosting, South Korea aims to showcase scalable models for combating plastic pollution globally.

Historical Background

  • Stockholm Conference 1972 laid the foundation for modern environmental governance.
  • UNEP assigns a theme and host country annually to align global action.
  • Over 150 countries now participate through:
    • Clean-up drives
    • Tree plantation campaigns
    • Policy forums
    • Environmental education programs

Significance

World Environment Day plays a vital role in:

  • Raising awareness on climate change, pollution, deforestation, and sustainability
  • Encouraging individual and community-level action
  • Facilitating policy dialogue and regulatory reform
  • Mobilizing youth leadership in environmental movements

UMEED Portal and Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025

  • 04 Jun 2025

In News:

The Government of India will launch the UMEED Portal to digitize and streamline the registration and management of Waqf properties under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

What is the UMEED Portal?

  • Full Form: Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development
  • Purpose: A centralized digital platform to register, regulate, and monitor Waqf properties nationwide.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs, in collaboration with State Waqf Boards and judicial authorities.

Objectives:

  • Ensure transparent, efficient, and time-bound registration of Waqf assets.
  • Digitally empower stakeholders with access to legal rights, obligations, and procedural information.
  • Resolve long-pending disputes and enhance accountability in Waqf administration.
  • Provide real-time data, including geo-tagged property mapping, to support policymaking.

Key Features:

  • Time-Bound Registration:All Waqf properties must be registered within six months of the portal's launch.
  • Geo-Tagging and Digital Mapping:Properties must be geo-tagged and include precise dimensions for registration.
  • Dispute Resolution Mechanism:Properties not registered by the deadline will be automatically flagged as disputed and referred to Waqf Tribunals for adjudication.
  • Legal Support Services:The portal offers awareness tools regarding the amended Act and clarifies legal entitlements.
  • Women-Centric Provision:Properties solely in women’s names cannot be declared as Waqf. However, women, children, and the economically weaker sections (EWS) remain eligible beneficiaries.

About Waqf and Recent Legal Reforms:

  • What is Waqf?

A Waqf is a permanent charitable endowment under Islamic law, where assets (usually land) are donated for religious or public welfare purposes. Such property is inalienable and cannot be sold, inherited, or transferred.

  • Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025:
    • Digital Mandate: Mandatory online registration of all Waqf properties within 6 months.
    • Judicial Oversight:Introduced provision for appealing Waqf Tribunal decisions in the High Court within 90 days.
    • Tribunal Empowerment:Unregistered properties after the deadline will be treated as disputed and decided by Waqf Tribunals.
    • Government Monitoring:Enhanced role of State Waqf Boards in ensuring compliance, registration, and dispute handling.

Significance:

  • Aims to reduce litigation, encroachments, and opacity in Waqf land management.
  • Bridges the gap between community welfare and digital governance.
  • Strengthens institutional mechanisms for protecting religious endowments and improves access to justice.

Seva Se Seekhen Campaign

  • 04 Jun 2025

In News:

The Government of India has launched the ‘Seva Se Seekhen’ (Learn by Doing) campaign to empower youth through hands-on experience at Jan AushadhiKendras (JAKs). Starting from June 1, 2025, this initiative aims to blend experiential learning with public health outreach.

About the Campaign:

  • Launched in: 2025
  • Nodal Ministries:
    • Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
    • Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
  • Framework:Part of the National Youth Development Framework, aligning youth engagement with grassroots service.

Objectives:

  • Provide experiential learning opportunities in real-world public service settings.
  • Raise awareness about generic medicines and enhance health literacy.
  • Equip youth with technical and soft skills in areas such as inventory, logistics, customer service, and communication.
  • Foster values such as discipline, empathy, and civic responsibility among the youth.

Key Features:

  • Nationwide Implementation:
    • Five youth volunteers per district will be placed across five Jan AushadhiKendras.
    • Covers all states and Union Territories.
  • Volunteer Sources:Participants are selected from:
    • MY Bharat
    • National Service Scheme (NSS)
    • Pharmacy colleges
    • Other youth-focused platforms
  • Duration:15-day structured engagement, including guided tasks and learning outcomes.

Roles and Responsibilities of Volunteers:

  • Support daily functioning and customer services at JAKs.
  • Assist in medicine inventory and logistics management.
  • Promote generic medicine awareness among the public.
  • Participate in community health outreach activities.
  • Observe backend processes like supply chains and stock maintenance.

Key Benefits for Youth:

  • Practical exposure to pharmacy operations and public health service.
  • Skills in record-keeping, inventory handling, and basic operations.
  • Development of employability and customer interaction skills.
  • Insights into affordable healthcare delivery under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya JanaushadhiPariyojana (PMBJP).

Operation Spider’s Web

  • 04 Jun 2025

In News:

On June 1, 2025, Ukraine executed Operation Spider’s Web, its most extensive drone-based military strike against Russia to date. The attack destroyed an estimated $7 billion worth of Russian aircraft, including approximately 34% of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet. The operation occurred just before the second round of peace talks between the two countries in Istanbul.

Key Highlights:

  • Nature of Operation:A high-precision, long-range drone strike aimed at crippling Russia’s strategic air power, especially bombers capable of launching cruise missiles and nuclear warheads.
  • Planning and Execution:
    • Orchestrated over 18 months by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
    • 117 explosive-laden drones were deployed simultaneously.
    • Drones were concealed in wooden sheds on civilian trucks, enabling stealth transport across vast distances.
    • Once positioned, they were remotely launched, surprising Russian air defences.
  • Airbases Targeted:The operation struck five major Russian airbases:
    • Belaya (Irkutsk)
    • Dyagilevo (Ryazan)
    • Ivanovo Severny
    • Olenya (Murmansk)
    • Ukrainka
  • Geographic Reach:Some drone targets were over 4,300 km from the front lines, marking the deepest Ukrainian strike inside Russian territory.

Strategic and Political Context:

  • The drone strike came hours after Russia's Iskander-M missile attack on a Ukrainian military training centre in Dnipropetrovsk, which killed 12 soldiers and injured over 60.
  • Ukrainian Major General MykhailoDrapatyi resigned, accepting personal responsibility for the missile casualties.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed Operation Spider’s Web as a “brilliant success,” showcasing Ukraine’s evolving tactical capabilities.
  • The operation served to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position ahead of the June 2 Istanbul peace talks.

Peace Negotiation Backdrop:

  • The Istanbul talks followed an earlier round that resulted in the largest prisoner exchange since the start of the war but lacked a concrete ceasefire plan.
  • Ukraine is expected to propose:
    • A 30-day ceasefire
    • Mutual prisoner release
    • A high-level summit between Presidents Zelenskyy and Putin
  • However, Russia has reportedly rejected all ceasefire proposals and has not submitted a formal response.

Wider Conflict Situation:

  • As of late May 2025, Ukraine has lost around 18% of its territory to Russian control.
  • Meanwhile, Russian forces continue their advance, recently capturing a village in Ukraine’s northern Sumy region.

Caspian Gull (Laruscachinnans)

  • 04 Jun 2025

In News:

In a significant ornithological development, the Caspian Gull, one of the rarest gull species to be recorded in India, was positively identified five years after being sighted at Kappad Beach, Kozhikode, Kerala. This marks the first confirmed sighting of the species in Kerala, and only the second in southern India.

Discovery and Identification:

  • Ornithologist Abdulla Paleri first spotted the bird in February 2020 but took five years to confirm its identity due to its close resemblance to the more commonly seen Steppe Gull.
  • The Caspian Gull differs subtly in features such as head and beak shape, posture, wing pattern, and leg morphology.
  • Images were shared with international experts and on the eBird platform, where ornithologists Oscar Campbell and Hans Larsson confirmed the identification. The sighting has remained unchallenged since.

About Caspian Gull (Laruscachinnans):

  • A monotypic, large, white-headed gull species, considered rare in India.
  • Regularly breeds in Central Asia, particularly in steppe and semi-desert habitats with lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.
  • Nesting usually occurs on flat, low-lying areas near water bodies, often surrounded by reedbeds.
  • The species feeds on fish, insects, molluscs, and other invertebrates.

Migration Pattern:

  • It migrates from the Black Sea and Caspian Sea region to southern and eastern Kazakhstan, western China, and parts of South Asia during winter.
  • Traditionally winters in the eastern Mediterranean, Persian Gulf, and western India (like Gujarat).
  • Increasingly, small populations are dispersing into Europe, including Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
  • The Kozhikode gull is believed to be a straggler—a bird that deviates from its usual migratory route.

Conservation Status:

  • IUCN Red List:Least Concern, Despite its rarity in India, the species is not globally threatened.

BharatGen

  • 04 Jun 2025

In News:

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched BharatGen, India’s first indigenously developed, government-funded Multimodal Large Language Model (LLM) at the BharatGen Summit 2025, marking a significant step in India’s AI innovation landscape.

About BharatGen:

  • BharatGen is a Multimodal LLM designed to support 22 Indian languages and various content formats—text, speech, and image.
  • Developed under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) and implemented by the TIH Foundation for IoT and IoE at IIT Bombay.
  • Supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), it is a collaborative effort involving premier academic institutions, researchers, and innovators.

Key Features:

  • Multilingual and multimodal capabilities (text, voice, image inputs).
  • Open-source platform to encourage accessible innovation.
  • Trained on Indian datasets to reflect Indian linguistic and cultural diversity.
  • Integrated applications across critical sectors like healthcare, education, governance, and agriculture.
  • Aims to deliver region-specific AI solutions rooted in Indian values and societal contexts.

Implementation Mechanism:

  • Executed through 25 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) across India.
  • Four of these TIHs have been upgraded to Technology Translational Research Parks (TTRPs) for real-world deployment.
  • Guided by four pillars: technology development, entrepreneurship, human resource development, and international collaboration.

First-Person View (FPV) Drones

  • 03 Jun 2025

In News:

Recently, Ukraine conducted a major drone strike on Russia, reportedly destroying over 40 aircraft using First-Person View (FPV) drones—marking one of the deepest strikes into Russian territory since the start of the conflict in 2022. This highlights the growing role of FPV drones in modern asymmetric warfare.

What are FPV Drones?

First-Person View (FPV) drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that allow remote pilots to view the drone’s surroundings through a camera mounted on the drone. The live feed can be transmitted to:

  • Specialized goggles
  • Smartphones
  • Other display screens

This immersive view enables highly precise navigation and control.

Key Features and Technologies

  • GPS-Independent Navigation: Operates effectively even when GPS signals are jammed or unavailable.
  • SmartPilot System: Uses visual-inertial navigation by interpreting camera data to assess the drone's position and orientation.
  • LiDAR Integration: Enhances terrain mapping and obstacle detection in complex environments.
  • Low Cost: A functional FPV drone can cost as little as $500, making them highly affordable compared to traditional weapon systems.

Operational Use in Combat

  • Reconnaissance First: Typically, a long-range reconnaissance drone is used to identify the target area before deploying FPV drones for strikes.
  • Deep Strike Capability: Despite having a short range (a few kilometres), FPV drones offer stealth and precision to strike deeply into enemy territory.
  • Combat Strategy: Their agility and affordability make FPV drones a key component of attrition warfare, especially for resource-constrained nations.

Advantages in Warfare

  • Cost-effectiveness: Offers high-impact capability at a fraction of the cost of conventional weapons.
  • Reduced Human Risk: Limits the need for manned missions in hostile territory.
  • Stealth: Smaller size and low acoustic footprint make them harder to detect and intercept.
  • High Destructiveness: Able to carry payloads such as explosives, effectively targeting tanks, aircraft, and installations.

Challenges and Limitations

  • Limited Range: Operates within a few kilometres, requiring deployment close to target zones.
  • Reduced Situational Awareness: Pilots rely solely on camera feed, which may not provide full spatial context.
  • Need for Visual Observers: In complex environments, an additional observer may be needed to guide the operator safely.

Ukraine’s Use of FPV Drones

Ukraine has effectively integrated FPV drones into its military strategy:

  • In November 2023, FPVs were credited as a low-cost, high-impact method of resisting Russian advances.
  • NATO sources indicated that over two-thirds of Russian tanks destroyed recently were hit by FPV drones.
  • Ukrainian drone manufacturer Vyriy Drone delivered 1,000 indigenous FPVs in March 2025.
  • Ukraine is projected to produce over 4 million drones in 2025, reflecting a significant scaling of domestic capabilities.

Geopolitical and Strategic Implications

  • Technological Self-Reliance: Domestic production protects nations from geopolitical supply chain disruptions (e.g., China’s chip exports).
  • Global Proliferation: Countries like Israel and Iran have also developed drone systems, including HAROP and Shahed drones respectively.

Jharkhand’s First Tiger Safari

  • 03 Jun 2025

In News:

The Jharkhand government has proposed setting up its first-ever tiger safari in the fringe area of the Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR), located in Latehar district. This initiative aims to promote wildlife education, conservation awareness, and eco-tourism, while also creating employment opportunities.

What is a Tiger Safari?

A tiger safari refers to a tourism model where rescued, conflict-prone, or orphaned tigers are housed in naturalistic enclosures, ensuring sightings for visitors. It differs from traditional wild safaris, where sightings are not guaranteed. The concept was first proposed in the NTCA's 2012 tourism guidelines, refined in 2016, and later aligned with the Supreme Court’s 2024 directive, which mandates that such safaris be located outside core and buffer zones of tiger reserves.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

  • Governed by:
    • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
    • National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Guidelines (2012, 2016)
    • Central Zoo Authority (CZA) for animal welfare, enclosure design, and project compliance
  • Supreme Court Ruling (March 2024):
    • Tiger safaris must not be located inside core or buffer zones.
    • Intended to protect natural habitats and uphold conservation goals.

About Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR)

  • Established: 1974 under Project Tiger
  • Location: Chhotanagpur Plateau, Jharkhand
  • Rivers: North Koel, Burha (perennial), Auranga
  • Vegetation: Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous forest (Sal-dominated)
  • Key Fauna: Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Indian Pangolin, Otter
  • Historical Note: Site of the world’s first pugmark-based tiger census (1932)

Project Details

  • Location: Barwadih Western Forest Range (fringe of PTR, outside core/buffer zones)
  • Size: Approx. 150 hectares
  • Animals Housed: Only rescued, conflict-prone, or orphaned tigers from reserves/zoos (not wild or zoo-bred tigers unless approved)
  • Objectives:
    • Promote tourism and conservation education
    • Create an experiential learning space for visitors
    • Generate employment (~200 local jobs)

The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) will assess the site and species selection. Post Forest Department clearance, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be submitted to NTCA and CZA. Approvals may take 5–6 months, followed by a construction period of ~18 months.

Concerns and Challenges

  • Tribal and Community Rights:Activists caution that such projects may marginalize forest-dwelling communities and restrict access to traditional forest-based livelihoods (grazing, NTFP collection).
  • Consent of Local Communities:As per the Forest Rights Act, projects on forest land must involve Gram Sabha consultation. Activists argue this has yet to be fully addressed.
  • State's Clarification:Officials maintain that the site lies on forest land under state management, with no expected displacement.

RBI’s Draft Guidelines on Gold Loans

  • 03 Jun 2025

Why is the RBI proposing changes to gold loan regulations?

In April 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released draft guidelines on loans against gold to harmonise regulations across banks and NBFCs and to address irregularities. The move follows an extraordinary surge in gold-backed loans during FY24:

  • Gold loan portfolios grew over 50% across banks and NBFCs.
  • For banks, the portfolio more than doubled (104% growth).

This rapid growth, amid rising gold prices and lax lending standards, raised regulatory concerns.

What are the key proposals in the draft guidelines?

  • LTV Norms:
    • The Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio remains capped at 75%.
    • For bullet repayment loans for consumption, accrued interest must be included in the LTV calculation, effectively lowering the loan amount disbursed.
  • Ownership Proof:Borrowers must furnish proof of ownership for the gold pledged.
  • Valuation Standards:
    • Gold should be valued based on 22-carat price.
    • Uniform procedures must be followed to assess the purity and weight.
  • Loan Renewal & Fresh Sanctions:
    • Renewals or top-ups are permitted only if:
      • The existing loan is standard, and
      • It complies with the LTV limit.
    • Concurrent loans for both consumption and income-generation are disallowed.
    • A fresh loan can only be granted after full repayment (principal + interest) of the previous loan.
  • Collateral Return Timeline:If the gold is not returned within 7 working days after repayment, the lender must compensate the borrower at ?5,000/day for each day of delay.

Likely Impact on Borrowers and Lenders

Borrowers:

  • May face reduced loan amounts and higher documentation requirements.
  • Small and rural borrowers, dependent on gold loans for agriculture and allied sectors, may experience reduced accessibility.

NBFCs and Banks:

  • NBFCs that frequently renew or top-up gold loans could lose flexibility.
  • Compliance costs will rise due to stringent documentation, valuation, and reporting norms.
  • Smaller NBFCs relying on re-pledging of gold may face liquidity issues.
  • Interest rates may rise to offset higher operational expenses.

Is a uniform policy suitable?

A one-size-fits-all policy may not be practical. Gold loans are a lifeline for rural households with limited access to formal credit. Experts suggest:

  • Differentiated norms for micro gold loans (small-ticket loans) and high-value loans.
  • Consideration for the informal nature of ownership in many rural households.

Krishi Nivesh Portal

  • 03 Jun 2025

In News:

In an effort to streamline and accelerate investments in India’s agriculture and allied sectors, the Government of India has launched the Krishi Nivesh Portal, developed by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

The initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of promoting the ease of doing business in agriculture by integrating schemes from multiple Central ministries and State governments into a single digital platform.

Key Features of the Portal

  • One-Stop Solution: The portal acts as a centralized hub providing real-time access to information on agricultural schemes from various government departments and ministries.
  • Multi-Stakeholder Access: It is designed to cater to farmers, entrepreneurs, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), industries, and agri-startups.
  • Scheme Integration: As of now, the portal integrates 17 flagship schemes spanning seven Union Ministries, including:
    • Agriculture Infrastructure Fund
    • Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund
    • PM KisanSampada Yojana
    • PM-KUSUM
  • Technological Features: It offers a user-friendly interface, chatbot support, and interactive dashboards for data-driven insights and monitoring.
  • Investment Tracking: Users can track application status, explore investment opportunities based on geographical spread, and gain assistance with loan disbursal.

Institutional Integration

  • Currently, 14 Union ministries/departments and 9 state government departments are involved in implementing schemes related to agriculture and allied sectors.
  • Ministries already integrated include:
    • Ministry of Agriculture
    • Ministry of Food Processing Industries
    • Ministry of Rural Development
    • Ministry of Jal Shakti
    • Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
    • Ministry of Fertilisers

Efforts are underway to onboard over 300 schemes from various ministries and states, including those related to credit-linked initiatives, PPP models, venture capital projects, and startups.

Significance for Agricultural Sector

  • The portal addresses key challenges such as fragmented scheme information, siloed departmental operations, and delays in loan processing.
  • It aims to unlock the investment potential of India’s agri-sector, especially for private investors, by offering a consolidated, transparent, and accessible interface.
  • According to official estimates:
    • The revised budget allocation for FY 2024–25 for agricultural investment schemes stands at ?1.31 lakh crore.
    • In FY 2021–22, private sector investment in agriculture amounted to ?2.79 lakh crore.

Sabine’s Gull Spotted at Nalsarovar

  • 03 Jun 2025

In News:

In a remarkable ornithological event, the Sabine’s Gull — a rare Arctic seabird — has been observed at Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary in Gujarat. This marks the species’ first recorded appearance in India since 2013, when it was last sighted in Kerala, underlining the dynamic migratory patterns affecting India’s wetland ecosystems.

About Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary

  • Located nearly 64 km west of Ahmedabad, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is one of Gujarat’s most prominent wetland ecosystems. Encompassing an area of 120.82 sq km, it comprises a shallow, seasonal lake interspersed with around 360 islets, creating a rich mosaic of aquatic habitats.
  • This natural lake traces its origin to the 15th century, following the construction of a check dam on the Sabarmati River. Initially designed to serve irrigation and drinking water needs of nearby villages, the lake gradually evolved into a crucial habitat for avifauna. Recognition of its ecological significance grew over time, prompting colonial authorities in the early 20th century to take protective measures.
  • Eventually, in 1969, the Government of Gujarat declared Nalsarovar a bird sanctuary, and it was further accorded the status of a Ramsar wetland site in 2012, signifying its global importance under the Ramsar Convention.
  • Flora: The sanctuary supports a wide variety of aquatic and wetland plant life, with 48 algae species and 72 flowering plant species recorded. Common plant species include Cyperus, Scirpus, Typha ungustata, Eleocharis palustris, Ruppia, Potamogeton, Vallisneria, Naias, and Chara.
  • Fauna:Nalsarovar is home to nearly 250 bird species, making it a haven for bird watchers. Regular sightings include both greater and lesser flamingos, pelicans, ducks, geese, coots, rails, cranes, and a variety of wading and aquatic birds like herons, egrets, storks, spoonbills, and sarus cranes.
    • Beyond birds, the sanctuary also supports mammalian fauna. On its southern and southwestern peripheries, species such as the Indian wild ass, mongoose, jungle cat, Indian fox, jackal, wolf, and striped hyena are found.

Sabine’s Gull: Profile

  • The Sabine’s Gull (Xemasabini), also known as the fork-tailed gull or xeme, is a small gull species notable for its elegant flight and distinctive wing markings. Adults can be recognized by their pale grey backs, black wingtips, white secondary feathers, and forked white tails.
  • This gull breeds in high Arctic and subarctic zones across North America, Russia, Greenland, and Svalbard, and is a rare migrant in South Asia.
  • According to the IUCN Red List, it is currently categorized as a species of Least Concern, although sightings in India are extremely uncommon.

ULLAS – Nav Bharat SaakshartaKaryakram and Goa’s Milestone in Literacy

  • 02 Jun 2025

In News:

Recently, Goa became the second state in India to achieve full functional literacy under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat SaakshartaKaryakram (New India Literacy Programme), marking a key achievement in India’s goal of attaining full literacy by 2030, as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

About ULLAS

  • ULLAS stands for Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society.
  • It is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented by the Ministry of Education from 2022 to 2027.
  • Target Group: Adults aged 15 years and above who missed formal schooling.
  • Alignment: The scheme is aligned with NEP 2020, emphasizing inclusive and equitable education.
  • Implementation Basis: The programme is built on the spirit of volunteerism and Kartavya Bodh (sense of duty).

Five Components of the ULLAS Scheme:

  1. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
  2. Critical Life Skills
  3. Basic Education
  4. Vocational Skills Development
  5. Continuing Education

Digital Outreach

  • The ULLAS mobile app facilitates registration of learners and volunteers.
  • It also provides access to learning resources through the DIKSHA portal of NCERT.
  • So far, over 2.40 crore learners and 41 lakh volunteer teachers have been registered on the app.
  • Over 1.77 crore learners have taken the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT).

Goa Achieves Full Literacy

  • Declared Fully Literate: On May 30, 2025, during the 39th Goa Statehood Day celebrations at Panaji, Goa was declared fully literate.
  • Reported Literacy Rate: As per PLFS 2023–24, Goa had a literacy rate of 93.60%, among the highest in India.
  • State Survey Update: A state-led survey confirmed that Goa had crossed the 95% benchmark, qualifying it as fully literate under ULLAS.

Key Factors Behind Goa’s Success

  • Adopted a Whole-of-Government approach, involving departments such as:
    • Directorate of Panchayats
    • Municipal Administration
    • Social Welfare
    • Planning & Statistics
    • Women & Child Development
  • Engaged SwayampurnaMitras for grassroots awareness and learning support.
  • Played an active role in certification and inclusion of learners into the literacy programme.
  • Strong collaboration between SCERT, local administration, school heads, volunteers, and field workers ensured last-mile delivery.

Significance for India

  • Goa's achievement underscores the effectiveness of decentralized, people-driven literacy campaigns.
  • Demonstrates the potential of tech-enabled platforms, volunteerism, and inter-departmental coordination.
  • Sets a model for other states in achieving India’s literacy goal by 2030.
  • Reinforces the broader national vision of “Jan-Jan Saakshar” and a Viksit Bharat.

Kawal Tiger Reserve and KumramBheem Conservation Reserve

  • 02 Jun 2025

In News:

In a recent development, the Telangana government has designated the tiger corridor connecting the Kawal Tiger Reserve (Telangana) with the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) as the KumramBheem Conservation Reserve, under Section 36(A) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This move is aimed at preserving critical wildlife corridors in the Central Indian Landscape.

Kawal Tiger Reserve:

  • Location: Situated in Telangana, along the Godavari River, forming part of the Deccan Peninsula – Central Highlands.
  • Biogeographic Zone: Lies at the southern tip of the Central Indian Tiger Landscape.
  • Connectivity: Links with Tadoba-Andhari (Maharashtra), Indravati (Chhattisgarh), and other reserves like Tipeshwar, Chaprala, and Kanhargaon.
  • Vegetation Type: Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests.
  • Flora: Dominated by teak, bamboo, and species like Anogeissuslatifolia, Terminalia arjuna, Boswellia serrata, etc.
  • Fauna: Hosts tiger, leopard, nilgai, chinkara, sambar, blackbuck, wild dog, wolf, and jungle cat.

KumramBheem Conservation Reserve: Newly Notified Area

  • Legal Basis: Declared under Section 36(A), Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which allows states to notify government-owned land adjacent to or connecting protected areas as conservation reserves.
  • Total Area: 1,492.88 sq km (149,288.48 hectares)
  • District &Mandals Covered: Spread across KumramBheemAsifabad district, covering parts of Kerameri, Wankidi, Asifabad, Sirpur, Koutala, Bejjur, Kagaznagar, Rebbana, Dahegaon, and Tiryanimandals.
  • Forest Blocks Included: 78 blocks including Garlapet, Ada, Manikgarh East & West, Danora, Gudem, Bejjur, Kadamba, and Girali.

Ecological Significance

  • Tiger Movement: Over the last decade, more than 45 unique tigers (mostly transient) have been documented in this corridor through camera trapping and surveys.
  • Breeding Evidence: Since 2015, 17 tiger cubs born from 3 tigresses have been recorded. The 2022 Tiger Census confirmed 4 adult tigers and 3 cubs in the area.
  • Leopard Presence: 8 leopards were recorded during the All India Leopard Estimation, 2022.
  • Other Carnivores: Includes sloth bear, hyena, wild dog, wolf, honey badger, and jungle cat.
  • Herbivore Diversity: Rich prey base such as gaur, sambar, nilgai, chital, muntjac, four-horned antelope, and Indian gazelle.
  • Avifauna: Home to 240+ bird species, including rare species like the Malabar Pied Hornbill and Long-billed Vulture, the latter using the reserve as a nesting site.
  • Elephant Movement: Occasional elephant presence has also been reported.

Governance

A Conservation Reserve Management Committee has been established. Members include:

  • District Forest Officer (DFO) of KumramBheemAsifabad (Convenor)
  • Sarpanches of local panchayats (e.g., Karji, Motlaguda, Murliguda)
  • Representatives from NGOs like Hyderabad Tiger Conservation Society, WWF-India, and Wildlife Conservation Trust
  • Officials from Veterinary, Agriculture, and Forest Divisions

Ghatampur Thermal Power Project

  • 02 Jun 2025

In News:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently dedicated Unit-1 (660 MW) of the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project, located in Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, marking a major step forward in India’s thermal power capacity and energy security goals.

Project Overview

  • Location: Ghatampur, Kanpur Nagar District, Uttar Pradesh
  • Implementing Agency: Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Ltd (NUPPL) — a joint venture between
    • NLC India Ltd (51% share)
    • Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (UPRVUNL) (49% share)
  • Total Capacity: 3 units × 660 MW = 1,980 MW
  • Project Cost: ?21,780.94 crore

Commissioning Timeline

  • Unit-1 (660 MW): Commissioned in December 2024, dedicated in May 2025
  • Remaining Units: Expected to be operational by December 2025

Power Distribution Agreement

  • Uttar Pradesh: Receives 75.12% (1,487.28 MW) of the total power
  • Assam: Allocated 24.88% (492.72 MW), subject to transfer of 20% equity from UPRVUNL to Assam Government

Technological and Environmental Features

  • Efficient Supercritical Technology:Utilizes supercritical boilers with 88.81% efficiency, reducing fuel usage and emissions.
  • Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD):Ensures no industrial wastewater release, protecting surrounding land and water bodies.
  • Air Pollution Control:Equipped with modern pollution mitigation systems:
    • Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) – Controls NOx emissions
    • Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) – Reduces SOx emissions
    • Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) and Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AAQMS) – Ensure real-time pollution tracking
  • Water Conservation Measures:
    • 288 km of canal lining saves approx. 195 million litres/day
    • Raw water storage capacity of 46 lakh cubic meters

Fuel Security

  • The plant sources coal from its own captive mine, producing 9 million tonnes annually.
  • It maintains a 30-day coal stockpile, equivalent to 10.165 lakh tonnes, ensuring uninterrupted operation.

IndiaAI Mission

  • 02 Jun 2025

In News:

India has taken a major step toward self-reliance in Artificial Intelligence with the expansion of its national AI compute infrastructure and the selection of three new startups to build indigenous foundation models under the IndiaAI Mission.

Key Highlights

  • Compute Infrastructure Boost:India’s total GPU capacity has now surpassed 34,000 units, up from the initial 10,000-target. A fresh addition of 15,916 GPUs to the existing 18,417 empanelled GPUs brings the total to 34,333 GPUs, now available through the IndiaAI Compute Portal (operational since March 2025).
  • Subsidised Access:These GPUs are made available at a subsidised rate of ?67/hour, well below the global average of ?115/hour. This has been made possible through private sector empanelment instead of government-built data centres. Service providers receive up to 40% capital subsidy, enabling rapid infrastructure rollout.
  • Empanelled Providers:Seven private companies were empanelled for compute provisioning:
    • Cyfuture India Pvt. Ltd.
    • Ishan Infotech Ltd.
    • Locuz Enterprise Solutions Ltd.
    • Netmagic IT Services Pvt. Ltd.
    • Sify Digital Services Ltd.
    • Vensysco Technologies Ltd.
    • Yotta Data Services Pvt. Ltd.

Foundation Model Development

Under the IndiaAI Foundation Model initiative, three new startups have joined Sarvam AI (selected earlier in April 2025) to build India-specific Large Language Models (LLMs):

  • Soket AI: Will develop a 120-billion parameter open-source model focused on Indian languages and use cases in defence, healthcare, and education.
  • Gnani AI: Building a 14-billion parameter Voice AI model for real-time, multilingual speech recognition and reasoning.
  • Gan AI: Developing a 70-billion parameter multilingual TTS (text-to-speech) model aiming for "superhuman" capabilities surpassing global benchmarks.
  • Sarvam AI: Previously selected to create a 120-billion parameter Sovereign AI model, following the release of Sarvam-1 (2B parameters) and Sarvam-M (24B parameters).

These foundation models will be trained on Indian datasets and tailored for governance, public service delivery, and regional language support.

AI Kosh& Innovation Initiatives

  • AI Kosh: A public dataset platform with 367 datasets uploaded, enabling research and model training using India-relevant data.
  • IndiaAI I4C CyberGuard Hackathon: In collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, AI models were developed for identifying cybercrime patterns from complex inputs like handwritten FIRs and audio calls on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
  • Startup Innovation & Skill Development: Funding support, AI labs in Tier-II cities, and talent development programs are part of a broader push to promote innovation and reverse brain drain.

About IndiaAI Mission

  • Launched by: Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)
  • Cabinet Approval: March 2024 with a budget of over ?10,000 crore
  • Objectives:
    • Develop indigenous AI capabilities and infrastructure
    • Democratize AI access for governance, startups, and citizens
    • Promote ethical and safe AI use
    • Position India among the global AI leaders

India Develops its first indigenous Mechanical Thrombectomy Device for Stroke Treatment

  • 02 Jun 2025

In News:

In a significant milestone for India’s medical technology sector, the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has extended support for the development of the country’s first indigenously manufactured mechanical thrombectomy device for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

What is a Mechanical Thrombectomy Device?

The device is a minimally invasive medical tool designed to treat acute ischemic stroke, which occurs due to a blockage in a large blood vessel in the brain. Unlike conventional thrombolytic drugs that dissolve clots chemically, this device physically extracts the clot, thereby restoring blood flow swiftly and reducing the risk of severe brain damage or paralysis.

Development and Manufacturing

This pathbreaking innovation was developed by S3V Vascular Technologies Ltd, based in Mysuru, with financial backing from the TDB. The manufacturing takes place at an advanced, high-precision production facility within the Medical Devices Park in Oragadam, Tamil Nadu.

Key Features and Technological Highlights

  • Indigenous Design: S3V is the first Indian company to conceptualize and produce stroke-intervention tools such as microcatheters, aspiration catheters, guidewires, and stent retrievers.
  • R&D and Patents: The company has filed multiple patents, particularly for innovations in clot retriever head design and advanced catheter structures.
  • Training and Capacity Building: A simulator-based training program has been initiated to train young medical professionals, with a focus on outreach in Tier-II cities.
  • Global Compliance: The device aims to meet CE and USFDA standards, paving the way for international exports and aligning with global quality benchmarks.

Significance for India

  • Reduces Import Dependency: The device addresses India’s reliance on expensive, imported stroke-care equipment.
  • Cost-Effective Healthcare: By making stroke treatment more affordable, it enhances access to quality care for economically weaker sections.
  • Supports Public Health Initiatives: It is expected to be integrated into government schemes like Ayushman Bharat, strengthening the country’s universal healthcare mission.
  • Boosts MedTech Ecosystem: This innovation is a major stride in positioning India as a global player in the high-end medical devices sector.

DHRUVA(Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address)

  • 01 Jun 2025

In News:

In May 2025, the Department of Posts, under the Ministry of Communications, released the policy framework for DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address) — a key initiative aimed at creating a standardized, geo-coded digital address infrastructure across India.

What is DHRUVA?

DHRUVA is a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative that conceptualizes Address-as-a-Service (AaaS) — a secure, consent-based, and interoperable system for managing and sharing address data. It builds upon the earlier DIGIPIN (Digital Postal Index Number) system, which created a national-level, geo-tagged addressing grid for improved governance and service delivery.

Objectives of DHRUVA

  • Transform address information into a digital public good.
  • Enable secure, standardized, and interoperable access to address data across sectors.
  • Empower users with control and consent over how their address data is shared.
  • Promote public-private collaboration in areas like logistics, e-governance, and financial inclusion.

Key Features

  • DIGIPIN Backbone: Utilizes the Digital Postal Index Number system, allowing logical and directional naming of addresses with precise geolocation.
  • Address-as-a-Service (AaaS): Facilitates seamless address validation, authentication, and sharing across government and private platforms.
  • User Autonomy: Individuals can manage and consent to how their address data is used, ensuring privacy and user-centric governance.
  • Open & Inclusive Access: The infrastructure is freely accessible, promoting innovation and broad-based adoption.
  • Consent Framework: Address data sharing will be user-approved, ensuring a secure and trusted digital ecosystem.

Significance of DHRUVA

  • Geospatial Governance: Enhances planning, disaster management, and delivery of public services through precise address mapping.
  • Improved Logistics & E-Commerce: Enables more efficient last-mile delivery, reducing ambiguity in address identification.
  • Financial Inclusion: Facilitates smoother KYC, subsidy disbursement, and service access in rural and underserved areas.
  • Ease of Living & Digital India: Aligns with broader national goals by supporting smart governance and digital transformation.
  • Public-Private Synergy: Encourages co-creation of solutions by government bodies and private enterprises based on shared, trusted digital address data.

India’s Provisional GDP Estimates for FY 2024–25

  • 01 Jun 2025

In News:

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Provisional Estimates (PEs) of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross Value Added (GVA) for the financial year 2024–25 (FY25), providing a comprehensive picture of the country's economic performance.

Understanding GDP and GVA

  • GDP (Gross Domestic Product) measures the total expenditure in the economy, including consumption, investment, government spending, and net exports — representing the demand side.
  • GVA (Gross Value Added) evaluates the income generated from the production of goods and services in different sectors — representing the supply side.
  • The two are related by the formula:GDP = GVA + Taxes – Subsidies
  • Both are reported in nominal terms (current prices) and real terms (adjusted for inflation).

Nature of Provisional Estimates

  • The estimates are termed provisional because they include data from all four quarters but are subject to revision:
    • First Advance Estimates (FAE): January
    • Second Advance Estimates (SAE): February
    • Provisional Estimates (PE): May
    • Revised Estimates: Finalized over the next two years (in 2026 and 2027 for FY25)

Key Economic Indicators for FY 2024–25

  • Nominal GDP
    • Estimated at ?330.68 lakh crore, showing a 9.8% growth over FY24.
    • In dollar terms (?85.559/USD), India’s economy reached $3.87 trillion.
    • However, this 9.8% nominal growth marks the third-slowest since 2014.
  • Real GDP
    • Rose by 6.5%, reaching ?187.97 lakh crore.
    • The real GDP growth slowed from 9.2% in FY24, indicating reduced economic momentum.
  • Sectoral GVA Performance
    • Overall GVA grew by 6.4%, down from 8.6% in FY24.
    • Sector-wise real GVA growth:
      • Agriculture & Allied Activities: 4.4% (up from 2.7% last year)
      • Industry (including Manufacturing & Construction): 6.1%
      • Services: 7.5% (notable growth in public admin, trade, and finance)
  • Q4 FY25 Trends
    • Real GDP growth: 7.4%
    • Nominal GDP growth: 10.8%
    • Indicates a strong end-of-year performance.

Structural Insights and Concerns

  • Manufacturing Weakness:Since FY20, manufacturing GVA CAGR (4.04%) lags behind agriculture (4.72%), signaling industrial stagnation.
  • Employment Implications:Manufacturing’s sluggishness contributes to high urban unemployment and labour migration to rural/agricultural sectors.
  • Consumption and Investment Revival:
    • Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) grew by 7.2%.
    • Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) increased by 7.1%, indicating investment momentum.

Significance for Policymaking

  • The GDP data serves as a basis for fiscal planning, monetary policy decisions, and public investment.
  • It highlights India’s position as one of the fastest-growing major economies, while also revealing structural vulnerabilities — particularly in manufacturing.
  • For international comparison, real GDP is crucial as it neutralizes inflationary differences across countries.

Zangezur Corridor

  • 01 Jun 2025

In News:

The Zangezur Corridor gained renewed attention following the visit of Armenia’s Security Council Secretary to New Delhi, where he held discussions with India’s National Security Advisor, AjitDoval.

What is the Zangezur Corridor?

The Zangezur Corridor is a proposed transport and transit route that aims to connect mainland Azerbaijan with its exclave, the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, by bypassing Armenia’s Syunik Province. The corridor passes through the Zangezur region, which is currently part of southern Armenia and has been a historically disputed territory since World War I.

Geographical and Strategic Linkages

  • On the Azerbaijani side, the corridor integrates with the Horadiz-Agbend highway and railway infrastructure.
  • On the Turkish side, it connects with the Nakhchivan-Igdir-Kars railway and highway, creating a direct land route from Azerbaijan to Turkey, and further west to Anatolia and Europe.
  • The corridor, therefore, would serve as a critical land bridge across the South Caucasus, improving connectivity between Europe and Asia.

Economic and Strategic Significance

  • The corridor is envisioned to:
    • Boost regional trade and connectivity across Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia, and Central Asia.
    • Reduce transportation time and costs between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan.
    • Improve logistics infrastructure and increase supply chain efficiency across the region.
  • It has implications for wider Eurasian integration, especially as global trade seeks alternatives to vulnerable chokepoints like the Suez Canal.

India’s Strategic Interest

India's engagement with the Zangezur Corridor gained attention after a meeting between India’s National Security Advisor and Armenia’s Security Council Secretary in New Delhi.

India’s interests in the region include:

  • Chabahar Port in Iran: India’s investment here aims to create a secure route to Central Asia and Europe.
  • Engagement with Armenia: India has been increasing strategic and defence cooperation with Armenia.
  • Alternative Connectivity: The Zangezur Corridor challenges India’s north-south connectivity vision, as it could marginalize the Chabahar route if dominated by Turkish-Azerbaijani interests.
  • Geopolitical Balance: India's presence helps counterbalance Turkish-Pakistani influence in the South Caucasus.

Boothapandi Rock Grooves

  • 01 Jun 2025

In News:

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently unearthed one of the first known Neolithic rock grooves in Kanniyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, specifically near Boothapandi village. These grooves—estimated to be around 4,000 years old—were likely created by Neolithic people to sharpen tools and weapons used for hunting, agriculture, and digging.

The discovery was made during a field study conducted by K. Hari Gopalakrishnan, ASI Officer (Tirunelveli &Kanniyakumari), and M. Faisal of the Sembavalam Research Centre. The grooves vary in size:

  • Length: 8 cm to 15 cm
  • Width: 3 cm to 4 cm

Such grooves have also been previously documented in Krishnagiri, Tiruvannamalai, and Villupuram districts of Tamil Nadu. The find strongly suggests the presence of Neolithic human activity in southernmost India and adds a significant layer to our understanding of prehistoric settlements in the region.

Neolithic Age

The Neolithic Age (New Stone Age) marks the final stage of prehistoric human evolution before the emergence of metal tools. Beginning around 10,000 BCE, it coincides with the Holocene Epoch and follows the Paleolithic Age (chipped-stone tools) and precedes the Bronze Age.

Key Features of the Neolithic Age

  • Lifestyle Shift: Transition from hunting-gathering to agriculture and animal domestication.
  • Permanent Settlements: Emergence of village communities with mud-and-reed houses, both rectangular and circular in design.
  • Toolmaking: Development of polished and ground stone tools.
  • Crafts and Culture: Rise of pottery, weaving, alcohol production, and early architecture.
  • Burial Practices: Use of status objects (e.g., jade, pottery) in burials indicates belief in afterlife and emerging social hierarchies.
  • By the end of the Neolithic era, copper metallurgy began, marking the Chalcolithic (Copper-Stone) Age. Eventually, bronze tools replaced stone ones, signaling the end of the Stone Age and the dawn of early civilizations.

Major Neolithic Sites in India

  • Burzahom – Kashmir
  • Chirand (Chiron) – Bihar
  • Uttarapalli – Andhra Pradesh
  • Edakkal Caves – Kerala
  • Boothapandi (newly identified) – Tamil Nadu

Perito Moreno Glacier

  • 01 Jun 2025

In News:

  • The Perito Moreno Glacier, often referred to as the ‘White Giant’, is Argentina’s most iconic glacier, located in the Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Situated in the Andes Mountains, near El Calafate in Santa Cruz province, this glacier spans approximately 250 sq km—about the size of Patna, Bihar—and stretches 30 km in length, with ice walls rising 60 meters above water.
  • Formed during the last Ice Age (~18,000 years ago), Perito Moreno has historically remained unusually stable, defying the global trend of rapid glacier retreat. However, this stability changed around 2020, raising alarms among scientists.

Recent Developments and Ice Calving Events

  • Perito Moreno is globally renowned for its ice calving events, where massive blocks of ice break off into the lake with thunderous crashes. These events, though natural due to the glacier’s forward motion, have recently become more intense.
  • On April 21, 2025, a colossal ice chunk the size of a 20-story building plunged 70 meters into the water—an increasingly frequent occurrence in the past 4–6 years.
  • According to local experts and a 2024 government-backed report, the glacier has been retreating steadily since 2015, with an average mass loss of 0.85 meters annually—the fastest in nearly five decades.
  • Between 2020 and 2023, the glacier lost over 700 meters of mass, equivalent to around seven large ice blocks.

Causes: Global Warming & Climate Impact

  • The primary cause behind this dramatic retreat is climate change. Scientists from IANIGLA (Argentine Institute of Glaciology and Environmental Sciences) and CONICET state that the region has experienced an air temperature rise of 0.06°C per decade and reduced precipitation, leading to less snow accumulation and thinning of the glacier.

Global Perspective on Glacier Retreat

Perito Moreno is now part of a larger, alarming global trend.

  • A 2024 study in Nature estimates that glaciers worldwide are losing 273 billion tonnes of ice annually, contributing to a 2 cm rise in global sea levels this century alone.
  • A UNESCO report (March 2025) highlighted that glaciers (excluding Greenland and Antarctica) have shed over 9,000 billion tonnes of ice since 1975—comparable to an ice block the size of Germany with 25 meters thickness.

Environmental Significance

  • Freshwater Source: Perito Moreno is a major reservoir of freshwater in Argentina.
  • Tourism: The glacier attracts global tourists, boosting the local economy.
  • Climate Indicator: Its recent retreat reflects the delayed but accelerating impact of global warming, making it a critical environmental bellwether.

World’s First 3D-Printed Train Station unveiled in Japan

  • 10 Apr 2025

In News:

Japan’s West Japan Railway Company has unveiled the world’s first 3D-printed train station — Hatsushima Station in Arida city. Notably, the station was constructed in less than six hours, highlighting a major advancement in construction technology.

Understanding 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing)

What is 3D Printing?

3D Printing, or Additive Manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects by layering material based on a digital design. Unlike traditional (subtractive) manufacturing, which removes material, this method adds material layer by layer, ensuring reduced waste and the ability to produce complex geometries.

How 3D Printing Works:

  • Design Phase: A 3D digital model is created using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software and saved in formats like .STL or .OBJ.
  • Slicing: The model is sliced into horizontal layers using specialized software.
  • Printing: The printer deposits material layer-by-layer according to the sliced file. Each layer solidifies to form the final shape.
  • Post-Processing: The object is finished through processes such as curing, sanding, or painting.

Major 3D Printing Technologies:

  • Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM): Uses melted thermoplastic filaments to build objects layer-by-layer.
  • Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): Uses lasers to fuse powdered plastics or metals into solid forms.
  • Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS): Employs a laser to fuse metal powders — widely used in aerospace and medical sectors.
  • Material Jetting: Deposits photopolymer droplets, cured with UV light — ideal for high-precision and colorful prototypes.

Limitations of 3D Printing:

  • Material Restrictions: Only specific plastics, metals, and composites are compatible with given printers.
  • Size Constraints: Limited build volume necessitates assembling larger items from smaller parts.
  • Structural Weakness: Objects may have weak joints due to the layered structure, reducing suitability for high-stress uses.
  • IP Challenges: Digital design files can be easily shared, posing risks of counterfeiting and intellectual property theft.

Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)

  • 10 Apr 2025

In News:

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has notified the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) in April 2025. It marks a strategic step in India’s ambition to become a global electronics manufacturing hub.

Key Highlights of ECMS

  • Objective: To incentivize domestic production of passive electronic components and capital equipment, thus deepening India's electronics manufacturing value chain.
  • Scheme Tenure: Valid for 6 years, with a 1-year gestation period.
  • Focus Components: Includes resistors, capacitors, relays, switches, speakers, connectors, inductors, special ceramics, and other passive components.
    • Active components are supported separately under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
  • Incentive Structure:
    • Turnover-linked incentive (based on incremental revenue).
    • Capex-linked incentive (for investments in plant and machinery).
    • Hybrid model (combining turnover and capex benefits).

Incentive rates range between 1–10%, varying by year and component type.

  • Employment Mandate: All applicants—whether component manufacturers or capital equipment makers—must commit to job creation, ensuring broader socio-economic benefits.

Strategic Importance

  • Horizontal Sectoral Impact: The scheme is designed to support multiple sectors including automotive, consumer electronics, medical devices, power electronics, and electrical grids, promoting cross-industry multiplier effects.
  • Support for Tooling & Capital Equipment Industry: Encourages design and manufacture of capital tools and machinery required for electronics production, in line with models seen under the India Semiconductor Mission.
    • Global firms like Linde have begun operations, with more in pipeline.

India’s Electronics Growth Trajectory

  • Export Milestone (FY 2024–25):
    • Total smartphone exports: ?2 lakh crore
    • iPhone exports alone: ?1.5 lakh crore
  • Sectoral Growth (Last Decade):
    • 5x growth in production.
    • 6x growth in exports.
    • Export CAGR: >20%
    • Production CAGR: >17%
  • Manufacturing Base Expansion: Over 400 production units (large and small) now manufacture a wide range of electronic components domestically.
  • Value Chain Evolution: India has transitioned from assembling finished goods → sub-assemblies → deep component manufacturing, now entering a value-added, self-reliant phase in electronics

One State, One RRB Policy

  • 10 Apr 2025

In News:

The Government of India, through the Ministry of Finance, has implemented the "One State, One RRB" policy effective from May 1, 2025, aimed at consolidating 26 Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) across 10 states and 1 Union Territory, thereby reducing the total number of RRBs to 28. This move follows the recommendation of the Dr. Vyas Committee and is intended to enhance the performance and outreach of RRBs.

Objectives of the Policy

  • Improve operational efficiency and governance.
  • Rationalize costs and optimize resources (human and technological).
  • Eliminate intra-state competition among sponsor banks.
  • Promote uniform service delivery through technological integration.

About Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)

  • Established: 1975 under the Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976.
  • Recommended by: Narasimham Committee (1975).
  • Ownership Pattern:
    • Government of India – 50%
    • State Government – 15%
    • Sponsor Bank – 35%

Regulatory Structure

  • Regulated by: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
  • Supervised by: NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development)

Role and Objectives

  • Provide institutional credit to rural India.
  • Support priority sectors like agriculture, MSMEs, and rural artisans.
  • Ensure financial inclusion among farmers, labourers, and small entrepreneurs.

Impact of the Reform

  • Operational Scale: Enhanced credit delivery across wider geographies.
  • Technological Standardization: Easier integration of IT infrastructure.
  • Unified Governance: One sponsor bank per state improves accountability.
  • Performance: RRBs recorded an all-time high net profit of ?7,571 crore in FY 2023–24.
  • Asset Quality: GNPA (Gross Non-Performing Assets) stood at 6.1%, the lowest in a decade.

Poshan Pakhwada 2025 and Palna Scheme

  • 10 Apr 2025

In News:

The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) is spearheading a dual approach to address malnutrition and childcare challenges in India through two flagship initiatives—Poshan Pakhwada 2025 and the Palna Scheme under Mission Shakti.

Poshan Pakhwada 2025

  • 7th edition observed from April 8–22, 2025, under Poshan Abhiyaan.
  • Focuses on four key themes:
    • Nutrition in the first 1,000 days (conception to age two).
    • Promotion of the Poshan Tracker digital platform.
    • Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM).
    • Encouraging a healthy lifestyle to reduce childhood obesity.
  • Poshan Tracker App (AI-enabled; launched in 2021):
    • Registers all Anganwadi Centres (AWCs).
    • Enables real-time monitoring of beneficiaries, meal distribution, and health data.
    • Allows family self-registration via web.
  • CMAM protocol (introduced in 2023): Empowers Anganwadi workers to detect and manage malnutrition at the grassroots.
  • Special focus on tribal and remote areas, promoting awareness on breastfeeding, balanced diets, and early stimulation.
  • Campaign supported by 18 partner ministries, with outreach via village camps, home visits, and awareness drives.

Palna Scheme under Mission Shakti

  • Centrally sponsored scheme launched in 2022, succeeding the National Crèche Scheme.
  • Operates under the Samarthya sub-scheme of Mission Shakti.
  • Aims to provide quality crèche services for children aged 6 months to 6 years, especially for working mothers.

Key Features:

  • Implemented by: Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD).
  • Funding Ratio:
    • 60:40 (Centre: State),
    • 90:10 for NE and special category states.
  • Two crèche models:
  • Standalone Crèches near homes/workplaces.
  • Anganwadi-cum-Crèches (AWCCs) integrated within Anganwadi Centres.
  • Facilities Provided:
    • Nutritional meals, growth monitoring, immunization.
    • Early stimulation and pre-school education.
    • Support for continued breastfeeding.
  • Crèche Capacity: Each unit supports up to 25 children.
  • As of March 2025:
    • 11,395 AWCCs approved across 34 States/UTs; 1,761 operational, catering to ~28,783 children.
    • 1,284 Standalone Crèches operational with ~23,368 children enrolled.
    • 17,000 new AWCCs planned for 2024–25.
  • Legal Backing: Mandated in workplaces with 50+ employees under the Maternity Benefit Act (amended).

Significance for India

Together, Poshan Pakhwada and Palna contribute to achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by ensuring a lifecycle approach to nutrition and holistic early childhood care. They reflect the government's commitment to digital governance, gender empowerment, and inclusive development.

Niveshak Didi

  • 10 Apr 2025

In News:

In a significant push toward inclusive financial literacy, the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, and the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to launch Phase 2 of the “Niveshak Didi” initiative in April 2025.

Objective:

The Niveshak Didi initiative, launched in 2023, is a women-led, community-driven financial literacy program designed to empower rural and underserved populations by fostering responsible financial behavior, promoting digital banking, and spreading fraud awareness.

Key Highlights:

  • Target Group: Rural women and semi-urban communities.
  • Approach: Local women, especially postal workers, are trained as financial educators (Niveshak Didis).
  • Impact of Phase 1:
    • Over 55,000 beneficiaries reached, with 60% women, predominantly from deep rural areas.
    • Most beneficiaries belonged to the youth and economically active age groups.

Phase 2 (2025 Onward):

  • Deployment of 4,000+ financial literacy camps across rural, tribal, and semi-urban areas.
  • Training of 40,000 women postal workers to serve as grassroots financial educators.
  • Curriculum Focus:
    • Savings and budgeting.
    • Responsible investing and fraud prevention.
    • Digital tools and services provided by IPPB.
  • Digital Inclusion: Leveraging India Stack for paperless and presence-less banking; training delivered in 13 regional languages.

About Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA)

  • Statutory Body: Functions under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India.
  • Objective: Ensures informed and protected investors across India.
  • Key Role:
    • Promotes financial literacy to aid budgeting, saving, and investment decisions.
    • Empowers citizens to make sound financial choices.
  • Focus Areas:
    • Educates citizens on investor rights and responsibilities.
    • Special outreach to rural and underserved areas to bridge financial knowledge gaps.
  • Vision: To build a financially aware and confident India, where every citizen has the tools to secure their financial future.

About India Post Payments Bank (IPPB)

  • Established: On September 1, 2018 under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications.
  • Ownership: 100% equity owned by the Government of India.
  • Mission: To be the most accessible, affordable, and trusted bank for the common man.
  • Mandate:
    • Bridge financial inclusion gaps for the unbanked and underbanked.
    • Leverage the vast postal network of approx. 1.65 lakh post offices (1.4 lakh in rural areas) and 3 lakh postal employees.
  • Technology Backbone:
    • Based on India Stack: Paperless, Cashless, and Presence-less banking.
    • Uses CBS-integrated smartphones and biometric devices.
  • Commitment:
    • Promotes a less-cash economy.
    • Supports the vision of Digital India.
    • Motto: Every customer is important, every transaction is significant, every deposit is valuable.

India Skills Accelerator Initiative (2025)

  • 09 Apr 2025

In News:

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to launch the India Skills Accelerator—a national-level public-private collaboration platform aimed at fostering a future-ready and inclusive workforce.

Key Features:

  • Purpose: To act as a systemic change enabler in India's skilling ecosystem through a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral approach.
  • Core Objectives:
    • Enhance awareness and shift mindsets about the need for future skills.
    • Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing between government, industry, and academia.
    • Reform policies and institutional structures for an agile and responsive skilling framework.
  • Sectoral Priorities:
    • Focus on high-growth areas: AI, robotics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, energy, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
    • Emphasis on formalizing the informal workforce.
  • Lifelong Learning: Mobilize investments in upskilling and reskilling across various life stages to support agile career transitions.
  • Data-Driven Governance: Use surveys, mapping tools, and the WEF’s Global Learning Network for peer benchmarking and progress tracking.
  • Implementation Strategy:
    • Identify 10–12 high-impact priorities with measurable outcomes.
    • Establish thematic working groups to ensure coordinated execution.
    • Align initiative with the WEF’s Future of Jobs Report 2025.

Significance

  • Addresses the fact that 65% of organizations cite skill gaps as a major barrier to growth.
  • Positions India to leverage its demographic dividend and become the "Skill Capital of the World".
  • Supports India's goal of skilling not just for domestic needs but also for global workforce demand.
  • Reinforces federal cooperation, involving institutions like NSDC, NCVET, DGT, UGC, AICTE, NCERT, and CBSE.

Quantum Supremacy Demonstrated via Simple Game

  • 09 Apr 2025

In News:

Researchers from the University of Oxford and Universidad de Sevilla have demonstrated quantum supremacy using a simple mathematical game based on the odd-cycle graph colouring problem. The study, published in Physical Review Letters, marks a significant milestone in quantum computing.

What is Quantum Supremacy?

Quantum supremacy refers to the ability of a quantum computer to perform a task that is practically impossible for classical computers to solve efficiently. This advancement showcases the unique capabilities of qubits, which leverage two core principles:

  • Superposition: Qubits can represent both 0 and 1 simultaneously.
  • Entanglement: Measurement of one qubit instantly affects another, even over a distance.

These principles enable exponential scaling of computational power. For instance, a 50-qubit quantum computer could potentially outperform the most powerful classical supercomputers.

The Odd-Cycle Game: A Novel Approach

The team implemented a game inspired by graph theory:

  • Players (Alice and Bob) are tasked with colouring an odd-numbered cycle (e.g., triangle) using only two colours such that adjacent points differ in colour.
  • Mathematically, this is impossible in classical terms for odd cycles due to inevitable repetition of colours.

In the experiment:

  • Two strontium atoms placed 2 meters apart were entangled using lasers.
  • A referee sent each atom a "question" (mapped to a point on the cycle).
  • Players performed quantum operations based on the questions and returned either 0 or 1 (representing colours).

The experiment was repeated 101,000 times, covering circles from 3 to 27 points.

Results and Significance

  • Classical win rate: 83.3% for 3-point cycles.
  • Quantum win rate: 97.8%, clearly surpassing classical limits.
  • Quantum supremacy was evident up to 19-point circles.
  • The entanglement correlation was the strongest ever recorded between two separated quantum systems.

Comparison with Previous Demonstrations

  • Google’s Sycamore (2019): Used 53 superconducting qubits for a complex problem called random circuit sampling.
  • China’s Jiuzhang: Used Gaussian boson sampling.
  • In contrast, this new approach used just two entangled qubits, making it simpler, efficient, and easier to verify.

Practical Implications

This simplified game-based model of quantum advantage could have real-world applications in problems where coordination is needed without communication—such as the "rendezvous problem". Quantum systems can dramatically reduce search steps compared to classical ones (e.g., Grover’s algorithm can reduce 1 million steps to 1,000).

ESA Biomass Satellite Mission

  • 09 Apr 2025

In News:

The Biomass Mission is a new Earth observation mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) aimed at enhancing our understanding of the global carbon cycle through accurate forest biomass measurements.

Launch Details:

  • Rocket: Vega-C
  • Launch Site: Europe’s Spaceport, French Guiana
  • Orbit: Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) at an altitude of ~666 km
  • Scheduled Launch Date: 29 April 2025 (subject to final checks)

Key Features:

  • First satellite to use P-band radar (long-wavelength synthetic aperture radar).
  • Capable of penetrating dense forest canopies to scan tree trunks, branches, and stems — where most of a tree’s carbon is stored.
  • Will generate 3D maps of the world’s tropical forests.

Mission Objectives:

  • Measure above-ground forest biomass and forest height.
  • Create five global biomass maps over its five-year mission.
  • Monitor changes in forests to assess their role in carbon sequestration and climate regulation.

Scientific Importance:

  • Forests absorb ~8 billion tonnes of CO? annually and are often referred to as "Earth’s green lungs."
  • By analyzing forest carbon storage and changes, the mission will contribute significantly to:
    • Monitoring climate change
    • Supporting carbon accounting
    • Improving air quality assessments

Phases of the Mission:

  1. Initial Phase: Produces detailed 3D forest maps globally.
  2. Second Phase: Generates global estimates of forest height and biomass.

Relevance to Climate Action:

  • Helps in quantifying carbon uptake and release.
  • Supports global climate models and carbon budgeting.
  • Aids in policy-making for sustainable forest management.

Theobaldius konkanensis

  • 09 Apr 2025

In News:

A new species of land snail, Theobaldius konkanensis, has been discovered by a collaborative team of Indian and UK researchers from the Konkan region of Maharashtra. This species adds to the growing biodiversity records of the northern Western Ghats, a globally recognized but under-explored biodiversity hotspot.

Key Facts at a Glance

  • Scientific Name: Theobaldius konkanensis
  • Discovered in: Ratnagiri and Raigad districts, Maharashtra (Dev Gireshwar Temple, Uttamrao Patil Biodiversity Garden, Kesharnath Vishnu Temple, and Phansad Sanctuary)
  • Elevation: 80–240 metres above sea level
  • Habitat: Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests
  • Active Months: June to September (monsoon); only shells visible in other months
  • Habits: Active both day and night, often under forest canopy in shaded, moist leaf litter

Morphological Features

  • Shell Characteristics:
    • Slightly flattened with a raised centre and deep triangular notch near the aperture
    • Operculum (protective cover) has raised whorl edges and short spines
    • Corneous yellow with brown striations
    • Thick, conoidally depressed, and widely umbilicated
  • Body: Stout and rounded

Taxonomic Context

  • Family: Cyclophoridae (Caenogastropoda)
  • Genus: Theobaldius
    • Now includes 20 species: 9 in India, 11 in Sri Lanka, and 1 in Sumatra (Indonesia)
    • In India, 6 species are endemic to the Western Ghats
    • Only T. annulatus is found in both Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats

Ecological and Conservation Significance

  • Bioindicators: Land snails are sensitive to climatic changes and environmental disturbances
  • Endemism: T. konkanensis is restricted to specific forest patches in the Konkan, highlighting the ecological uniqueness of the region
  • Threats: Increasing anthropogenic pressures and habitat degradation threaten snail species with restricted distribution

Reproductive Biology (General Traits of Land Snails)

  • Breeding mainly in monsoon
  • Reproduce through both cross- and self-fertilisation
  • Courtship includes dart-shooting behavior; mating may last hours
  • Eggs laid in moist soil or leaf litter; hatch in 2–4 weeks
  • Lifespan: 2 to 7 years

De-Extinction

  • 09 Apr 2025

In News:

A US biotech company, Colossal Biosciences, claims to have genetically engineered three grey wolf pups to carry traits of the extinct dire wolf, calling it a de-extinction.

What is De-Extinction?

De-extinction is the process of reviving extinct species using advanced biotechnological methods such as:

  • Gene editing (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9),
  • Cloning (e.g., somatic cell nuclear transfer),
  • Ancient DNA sequencing and genome reconstruction,
  • Synthetic biology to reintroduce key traits of extinct organisms.

Colossal Biosciences and the Dire Wolf Project

In late 2024, a U.S.-based biotechnology firm, Colossal Biosciences, announced the birth of three genetically engineered wolf pups—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—claimed to be the world’s first successful case of "functional de-extinction."

About the Dire Wolf

  • Scientific name: Aenocyon dirus
  • Habitat: Grasslands and forests of North America during the Pleistocene Epoch
  • Extinction: ~12,500–13,000 years ago
  • Characteristics: 25% larger than modern grey wolves; strong jaws to hunt megafauna like bison and horses; light-colored dense fur; social, pack-hunting predators.

Scientific Process Involved

  • DNA Extraction: Ancient DNA was recovered from dire wolf fossils (13,000 to 72,000 years old).
  • Genome Reconstruction: Sequencing and comparative analysis showed ~99.5% similarity between dire wolves and modern grey wolves.
  • Gene Editing: Scientists edited 20 genes in grey wolves to replicate dire wolf traits like:
    • White, thick fur
    • Increased body mass
    • Enhanced musculature and coat pattern
  • Cloning: Modified DNA was used to create embryos via somatic cell nuclear transfer.
  • Surrogacy: Embryos were implanted in large domestic dogs. Of several attempts, three pups survived.

Scientific and Ethical Concerns

  • Experts argue these are not true dire wolves but genetically edited grey wolves with some dire wolf-like traits.
  • Critics highlight the absence of peer-reviewed publication, limited understanding of epigenetic and behavioral factors, and the artificial environment in which the pups are raised.
  • Colossal terms the process "functional de-extinction", meaning re-creating genetically and ecologically similar organisms, not exact replicas.

Ecological and Conservation Relevance

  • Colossal claims the technology could help endangered species like the red wolf (native to the southeastern U.S.), threatened by habitat loss and hybridization with coyotes.
  • Four clones of red wolf–coyote hybrids have been produced with potential use in restoring genetic diversity.
  • The company aims to democratize conservation biotechnology, pledging to share tools with global conservationists and working with Native American communities.

Contemporary Debates

  • Over 60 environmental groups have protested proposed U.S. legislation to delist grey wolves from the Endangered Species Act, warning of ecological consequences.
  • Scientists urge caution, stressing that true resurrection of extinct species requires more than gene editing, as behavior, evolutionary context, and environmental adaptation cannot be synthetically replicated.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

  • 08 Apr 2025

In News:

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has launched two major global initiatives to advance inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems:

  • “Four Betters Courses” Initiative – To revolutionize agrifood systems education
  • “Commit to Grow Equality” Initiative – To bridge the gender gap in agrifood sectors

1. Four Betters Courses Initiative

  • Launched: October 2024 during the World Food Forum
  • Objective: To integrate FAO’s expertise into global agrifood systems education through partnerships with universities and academic networks.
  • Alignment: Anchored in the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–2031

Core Philosophy – The “Four Betters” Approach:

  1. Better Production – Promote efficient, inclusive, and resilient food systems
  2. Better Nutrition – Ensure access to safe, nutritious, and affordable diets
  3. Better Environment – Address climate change and protect ecosystems
  4. Better Life – Improve rural livelihoods and reduce inequalities
  • Delivery Platform: Implemented through the FAO eLearning Academy, which provides over 600 multilingual, certified courses.

2. Commit to Grow Equality (CGE) Initiative

  • Launched: 2024 on the platform of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
  • Objective: To narrow the gender gap in agrifood systems and enhance women’s empowerment, especially in rural areas.

Key Highlights:

  • Aims to benefit over 54 million women worldwide
  • Mobilizes $1 billion in investments toward gender-responsive agrifood initiatives
  • Provides strategic tools for tracking gender equality outcomes in public and private sectors
  • Promotes gender-aligned national agricultural policies
  • Facilitates evidence-based policymaking and fosters collaboration across governments, NGOs, and the private sector

Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY)

  • 08 Apr 2025

In News:

The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), a flagship initiative aimed at providing financial support to unfunded micro and small enterprises, has completed 10 years since its launch in 2015.

Overview of PMMY

  • Objective: To offer collateral-free institutional credit to non-corporate, non-farm micro and small enterprises.

 

  • Loan Limit: Up to ?20 lakh without any collateral.
  • Implementing Institutions (MLIs):
    • Scheduled Commercial Banks
    • Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
    • Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)
    • Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs)

Categories of MUDRA Loans

Loan Category         Loan Amount Range

Shishu                      Up to ?50,000

Kishor                      ?50,000 to ?5 lakh

Tarun                       ?5 lakh to ?10 lakh

Tarun Plus               ?10 lakh to ?20 lakh

Key Achievements (2015–2025)

  • Boost to Entrepreneurship: PMMY has sanctioned over 52 crore loans amounting to ?32.61 lakh crore, catalyzing a grassroots entrepreneurship revolution.
  • MSME Sector Financing: Lending to MSMEs increased significantly:
    • From ?8.51 lakh crore in FY14
    • To ?27.25 lakh crore in FY24
    • Projected to exceed ?30 lakh crore in FY25
  • Women Empowerment: 68% of Mudra beneficiaries are women, highlighting the scheme’s impact in fostering women-led enterprises.
  • Social Inclusion:
    • 50% of loan accounts are held by SC, ST, and OBC entrepreneurs.
    • 11% of beneficiaries belong to minority communities, showcasing PMMY’s contribution to inclusive growth.

Woolly Flying Squirrel

  • 08 Apr 2025

In News:

The Wildlife Wing of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) has recently documented the first-ever photographic evidence of the Woolly Flying Squirrel in Miyar Valley, located in the Lahaul and Spiti district. This marks a significant discovery, as the species is extremely elusive and rarely sighted.

About Woolly Flying Squirrel

  • Common Name: Woolly Flying Squirrel / Western Woolly Flying Squirrel
  • Scientific Name: Eupetaurus cinereus
  • Taxonomy: The only known species under the genus Eupetaurus
  • Conservation Status: Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List

Habitat and Distribution

  • Endemism: Confined to the northwestern Himalayas
  • Countries Found: Northern Pakistan and northwestern India
  • Habitat Type: Inhabits a narrow elevational range within dry coniferous forests, typically in fragmented habitats
  • Historical Records:
    • Rediscovered in 1994, nearly 70 years after it was presumed extinct
    • Since then, reported from Sai Valley, Gorabad, and Balti Gali in northern Pakistan

Key Characteristics

  • Equipped with patagium (elastic skin membrane) that connects the forelimbs and hind limbs, enabling gliding—typical of flying squirrels
  • Fur: Dense, straight, and silky
    • Dorsal side: Blue-gray
    • Ventral side: Pale gray
    • Throat and ears: Covered in creamy white hairs
    • Feet soles: Dense black fur, except for bare pinkish-brown toe pads

World Health Day 2025

  • 08 Apr 2025

In News:

World Health Day, observed annually on 7 April, highlights pressing global health issues and mobilises action to improve public health outcomes.

  • Established by: World Health Organization (WHO)
  • First celebrated: 1950

Overview and Significance

World Health Day is commemorated to mark the founding of the WHO in 1948. It serves to raise awareness about global health issues and mobilize efforts to improve public health outcomes.

The 2025 theme, Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures, emphasizes maternal and newborn health, calling for coordinated efforts to eliminate preventable deaths and support long-term well-being of women and children.

This year’s observance launches a year-long global campaign aimed at:

  • Promoting safe pregnancies and institutional deliveries
  • Supporting maternal nutrition and postnatal care
  • Encouraging healthcare equity for women and newborns

India’s Progress in Maternal and Child Health

India has made significant strides through initiatives under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, particularly via Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Mission (NHM).

Key Health Indicators (India vs Global, 1990–2020)

Indicator                                  India Reduction (%)         Global Reduction (%)

Maternal Mortality Ratio          83%                                      42%

Neonatal Mortality Rate           65%                                      51%

Infant Mortality Rate                69%                                      55%

Under-5 Mortality Rate            75%                                      58%

Recent National Data:

  • MMR reduced from 130 (2014–16) to 97 (2018–20) per 1,00,000 live births
  • IMR dropped from 39 (2014) to 28 (2020)
  • NMR reduced from 26 (2014) to 20 (2020)
  • U5MR declined from 45 (2014) to 32 (2020)

Major Initiatives for Maternal and Child Health

  • Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR): Tracks maternal deaths and implements corrective measures.
  • Mother and Child Protection (MCP) Card: Educates women on nutrition, rest, and health entitlements.
  • Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Portal: Tracks maternal and child health services.
  • Anaemia Mukt Bharat: Focuses on anaemia reduction under POSHAN Abhiyan.
  • Birth Waiting Homes: Ensures institutional deliveries in remote areas.
  • VHSNDs and Outreach Camps: Deliver maternal and child services in rural and tribal areas.

Healthcare Access and Infrastructure

  • Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (HWCs): 1.76 lakh active centers
    • 107.10 crore screenings for hypertension
    • 94.56 crore screenings for diabetes
    • 5.06 crore wellness sessions (e.g., yoga) conducted
  • 17,000+ health facilities certified under National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS)

Digital Health Ecosystem

  • Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM):
    • 76+ crore ABHA IDs
    • 5.95 lakh verified healthcare professionals
    • 52+ crore linked health records
  • U-WIN Platform:
    • 7.90 crore beneficiaries
    • 1.32 crore vaccination sessions
    • 29.22 crore vaccine doses administered
  • eSanjeevani Telemedicine:
    • Over 36 crore consultations
    • World's largest primary telehealth platform
    • 130+ specialities, 131,793 spokes, and 17,051 hubs

Disease Elimination Success

  • The WHO World Malaria Report 2024 highlights India’s major strides in malaria elimination, with a 69% drop in cases and 68% reduction in deaths between 2017 and 2023.
    • Contributing just 0.8% of global cases in 2023, India’s exit from WHO's High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024 marks a significant public health achievement.
  • The Government of India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem in 2024, a feat recognised by the WHO.
  • The Government of India’s proactive Measles-Rubella vaccination drive, strong surveillance, and public awareness efforts have greatly improved public health.
  • According to WHO’s Global TB Report, India has made strong progress in tuberculosis control.
    • Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), TB incidence fell by 17.7%, from 237 to 195 cases per lakh population between 2015 and 2023.
    • TB-related deaths also declined from 28 to 22 per lakh.
    • Notably, missing TB cases dropped by 83%, from 15 lakh in 2015 to 2.5 lakh in 2023.
  • As of 6th April, 2025, the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, launched in September 2022, has registered over 2.5 lakh Ni-kshay Mitra volunteers supporting over 15 lakh TB patients. This initiative has further been expanded to include family members of TB patients.
  • Kala-azar Elimination: India has successfully achieved Kala-azar elimination as of October 2024, with 100% of endemic blocks reaching the target of less than one case per 10,000 population by the end of 2023.

INS Varsha

  • 08 Apr 2025

In News:

India is set to operationalise INS Varsha, its first dedicated base for nuclear-powered submarines, by 2026. Located near Rambilli, about 50 km south of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, this high-security facility is part of the classified Project Varsha, aimed at strengthening India’s maritime and nuclear deterrence capabilities in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Key Features:

  • Strategic Location: Near deep waters of the Bay of Bengal, facilitating stealthy submarine movement and minimizing detection.
  • Infrastructure:
    • Underground pens and tunnel systems to conceal and protect nuclear submarines.
    • Inner and outer harbour facilities; inner harbour completed, work ongoing on breakwaters and jetties.
    • 20 sq. km area, capacity to house at least 10–12 nuclear submarines.
  • Stealth Capabilities: Similar to China’s Hainan base, it offers satellite-evasion advantages, crucial for the survivability of SSBNs (nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines).
  • Support Facilities: Proximity to BARC Atchutapuram for nuclear infrastructure, enabling swift integration and maintenance of strategic assets.
  • Geopolitical Role: Counters Chinese dual-use naval infrastructure at Hambantota (Sri Lanka) and BNS Sheikh Hasina (Bangladesh).

Strategic Significance:

  • Enhances second-strike capability, vital for nuclear deterrence under India's nuclear triad.
  • Enables undetected deterrent patrols by SSBNs, ensuring survivability in case of counterforce attacks.
  • Facilitates rapid access to key chokepoints, especially the Strait of Malacca.

India’s Expanding Nuclear Submarine Fleet

INS Aridhaman – Third SSBN:

  • Scheduled for commissioning in 2025.
  • 7,000-tonne displacement, more capable than predecessors INS Arihant and INS Arighat.
  • Equipped with K-4 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) with a range of 3,500 km.
  • Built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project by Shipbuilding Centre, Visakhapatnam, with BARC and DRDO support.
  • Designed for long-duration deterrent patrols in deep sea.

Future Developments:

  • India launched its fourth SSBN in November 2024, with ~75% indigenous content.
  • Plans underway for even larger SSBNs and the construction of six nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs), starting with two approved 9,800-tonne SSNs for conventional strike and escort roles.

Related Naval Expansion – Project Seabird (Karwar Base):

  • Located on the western coast, expanding to accommodate 50 warships and submarines, plus 40 auxiliary vessels.
  • Will include a dual-use air station, new dockyard, and multiple dry berths.

Ayush Suraksha Portal

  • 31 May 2025

In News:

The Ayush Suraksha Portal was launched in May 2025 by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, in compliance with the Supreme Court's directive. The portal marks a major step in enhancing regulatory oversight, public safety, and pharmacovigilance within the Ayush sector.

Objective

The portal aims to:

  • Monitor and act on misleading advertisements.
  • Track and respond to adverse drug reactions (ADRs).
  • Promote transparency, accountability, and public participation in the regulation of traditional medicine systems.

Key Features

  • Centralised digital platform for real-time reporting and analysis of misleading advertisements and ADRs.
  • Accessible to the general public, healthcare professionals, and regulatory authorities.
  • Ensures direct citizen participation by allowing users to report issues and track action taken.
  • Developed with technical support from the Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS).
  • Integrated with the National Pharmacovigilance Program for Ayush.

Institutional Integration

The portal coordinates with multiple regulatory and enforcement bodies:

  • Ayush vertical under CDSCO
  • Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MoI&B)
  • Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)
  • National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM)
  • National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH)
  • Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)
  • Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
  • State Licensing Authorities (SLAs)

Significance

  • Meets the Supreme Court’s deadline ahead of time, reinforcing legal compliance.
  • Enables real-time regulatory action, inter-state coordination, and data-driven governance.
  • Enhances public trust and safety in the use of traditional medicines.
  • Reflects the Ministry of Ayush’s commitment to evidence-based practices and responsible governance.

National Florence Nightingale Award 2025

  • 31 May 2025

In News:

The President of India recently conferred the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2025 to exemplary nursing professionals in a formal ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

About the National Florence Nightingale Awards

  • Established: 1973
  • Administered by: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
  • Purpose: To honour exceptional contributions of nursing personnel across India in recognition of their meritorious service to society.

The award is open to nurses working in government, private, and voluntary healthcare settings, including hospitals, community health centres, educational institutions, and administrative roles.

Award Components

  • Certificate of Merit
  • Cash Prize: ?1,00,000
  • Medal of Honour

About Florence Nightingale

  • Florence Nightingale (1820–1910) was a pioneering English nurse, social reformer, and statistician, widely considered the founder of modern nursing.
  • She gained recognition during the Crimean War for organizing the care of wounded soldiers in Constantinople (now Istanbul).

She also revolutionized nursing education by establishing the Nightingale School of Nursing at St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, the first institution based on scientific nursing principles.

Ahilyabai Holkar

  • 31 May 2025

In News:

On the 300th birth anniversary of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, the Prime Minister will participate in the Mahila Sashaktikaran Maha Sammelan in Bhopal to honour her enduring legacy.

Historical Background

  • Born: 31 May 1725
  • Ruled: Malwa region (1767–1795) as part of the Maratha Confederacy
  • Dynasty: Holkar
  • Capital: Maheshwar (now in Madhya Pradesh)

Initially serving as a regent, Ahilyabai Holkar became the sovereign ruler after her husband and father-in-law’s deaths. Her rule is widely regarded as the golden age of the Holkar dynasty.

Governance and Administrative Reforms

  • Ahilyabai was known for her equitable justice system, exemplified by the sentencing of her own son for a capital crime.
  • She abolished discriminatory practices, such as the law confiscating property from childless widows.
  • Courts for dispute resolution were established, and she remained accessible to the public, holding daily audiences.
  • She broke gender norms by not observing purdah, a rare move for female rulers of the time.

Military Leadership

  • Trained under Malhar Rao Holkar, she led her forces in battle.
  • Appointed Tukoji Rao Holkar (Malhar Rao’s adopted son) as army commander.
  • In 1792, she engaged a French officer, Chevalier Dudrenec, to modernize her army by establishing four battalions.

Cultural and Architectural Contributions

  • A patron of literature and arts, she invited scholars like Moropant, Ananta Gandhi, and Khushali Ram to her court.
  • Promoted craft and industry, notably founding the Maheshwar textile industry—famous today for Maheshwari sarees.
  • Commissioned the construction and restoration of hundreds of Hindu temples and dharamshalas across India.
  • Her most iconic act was the renovation of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi in 1780.
  • Also contributed to infrastructure development, including roads, wells, forts, and rest houses.

Titles and Recognition

  • Referred to as ‘Punyashlok’, meaning one as pure as sacred chants.
  • British historian John Keay called her the ‘Philosopher Queen’.

Demise and Succession

Ahilyabai passed away on 13 August 1795 at the age of 70. She was succeeded by Tukoji Rao Holkar, who later abdicated in favour of Jaswant Rao Holkar. Jaswant Rao remained the last Holkar to rule independently until 1804.

Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) 2025

  • 31 May 2025

In News:

The Union Minister of Jal Shakti recently launched Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) 2025, India’s largest rural sanitation survey, conducted by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Objective and Scope:

SSG 2025 is designed to evaluate the impact and sustainability of rural sanitation outcomes achieved under the Swachh Bharat Mission – Gramin (SBM-G) Phase II, particularly focusing on the Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus Model.

  • The survey aims to rank all States, Union Territories, and Districts based on both quantitative and qualitative sanitation indicators.
  • 21,000 villages across 761 districts in 34 States/UTs will be covered.

Key Assessment Components:

The evaluation follows a structured framework with four major components:

  • Service-Level Progress (SLP): Based on data from district self-assessments and verification of ODF Plus Model villages.
  • Direct Observation of Sanitation Status: Field-based observations in sampled villages, households, and public places such as schools and Common Service Centers (CSCs).
  • Infrastructure Functionality Check: Includes assessment of:
    • Plastic Waste Management Units (PWMUs)
    • Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) plants
    • GOBARdhan plants
    • Swachhata Green Leaf Rating (SGLR) sites
  • Citizen Feedback: Collected through a dedicated mobile application and direct interviews, ensuring community participation and transparency.

Key Innovations in SSG 2025:

  • Geo-fencing for data authenticity and integrity.
  • Emphasis on Jan Bhagidari (public participation) to sustain and validate sanitation achievements.
  • Engagement of an independent agency for unbiased survey implementation.
  • Launch of Swachhata Chronicles Volume III and a compendium of best practices from States to promote knowledge sharing.

Significance:

  • Reinforces India’s commitment to sustainable sanitation and rural development.
  • Encourages evidence-based policy interventions and fosters competitive federalism.
  • Highlights sanitation as a continuous developmental journey, not a one-time target.

Calotes zolaiking

  • 31 May 2025

In News:

The rare lizard species Calotes zolaiking has been recorded for the first time in Meghalaya, marking a significant extension of its known habitat and triggering grassroots conservation efforts.

About Calotes zolaiking

  • Scientific Classification: Belongs to the Calotes genus under the Agamidae family.
  • First Described: In 2019 from Aizawl district, Mizoram.
  • Appearance: About 5 inches in length; green body with dark patches and strongly keeled scales (scales with a raised ridge).
  • Behaviour: Arboreal (tree-dwelling), diurnal, fast runners, and capable swimmers.
  • Diet: Insectivorous—feeds on insects and small invertebrates.

Distribution and Habitat

  • New Sighting: Mawmluh village, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, April 2024.
  • Range Extension: Approx. 172 km aerially from the original Mizoram locality.
  • Genus Distribution: Found across India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and parts of Oceania.
  • India's Richness: 14 known Calotes species in India; 9 recorded in the Northeast region.

Conservation Significance

  • Community Role: Local residents Goldenstar Thongni and Banyllashisha Wankhar played a key role in identifying and collecting specimens.
  • Catalyst for Conservation: The species' discovery has motivated the local community in Mawmluh and Sohra (Cherrapunji) to strengthen forest protection amidst threats from limestone mining and industrial activities.
  • Sacred Groves: Traditional conservation spaces like sacred groves are being revitalized in light of the new biodiversity significance.
  • Scientific Impact: The find was featured in Zootaxa, a peer-reviewed taxonomy journal, adding global recognition.

Broader Ecological Relevance

  • Biodiversity Surveys: The discovery underscores the need for continuous herpetofaunal surveys in the Khasi Hills due to forest degradation.
  • Historical Context: Cited alongside Stoliczkia khasiensis, a snake species last seen in 1870, highlighting the risk of species being lost without systematic documentation.

India and the United Nations Peacekeeping

  • 30 May 2025

In News:

Two Indian peacekeepers—Brigadier General Amitabh Jha (UNDOF) and Havildar Sanjay Singh (MONUSCO)—are being posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal by the United Nations. Their sacrifice will be honoured at the U.N. Headquarters during the International Day of U.N. Peacekeepers on May 29, 2025.

Overview:

  • Instituted: 1997
  • Purpose: Posthumous honour to U.N. peacekeepers who die in service under U.N. authority.
  • Awarded on: Peacekeepers' Day (May 29) annually.
  • Named after: Dag Hammarskjöld, the 2nd U.N. Secretary-General, who died in a 1961 plane crash during a peace mission in Congo.
  • First award (1998): Dag Hammarskjöld and Commandant René de Labarrière (first peacekeeper to die in a U.N. mission, 1948).

Other UN Peacekeeping Awards

  • Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage: Recognizes U.N. personnel displaying exceptional bravery.
  • UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award: Recognizes peacekeepers promoting gender equality under UNSC Resolution 1325.
    • 2023 recipient: Major Radhika Sen (India, MONUSCO).
    • 2024 recipients: Sqn. Ldr. Sharon Syme (Ghana) and Superintendent Zainab Gbla (Sierra Leone), both serving in UNISFA.

India’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping

  • Total personnel deployed (2025): Over 5,300 Indian troops in missions in: Abyei, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Lebanon, Somalia, South Sudan, and Western Sahara.
  • Historical role:
    • Since 1950s, India has contributed over 290,000 personnel to 50+ peacekeeping missions.
    • India is among the top four contributors of uniformed personnel.
    • Engagement includes training, capacity building, and technology support for U.N. missions.

UN Peacekeeping: Global Overview

  • Established: 1948 (First mission: United Nations Truce Supervision Organization in the Middle East).
  • Cumulative personnel served: Over 2 million in 71 operations.
  • Current strength (2025): Around 68,000 personnel from 119 countries in 11 missions across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
  • Peacekeepers who have died since 1948: Over 4,400.

Theme 2025: ‘The Future of Peacekeeping’

  • Linked to: Pact for the Future adopted in 2024 by global leaders.
  • Aim: To reform peacekeeping for modern challenges.
  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for a peacekeeping force ready to face "increasingly complex" global situations.

Stromatolites in India

  • 30 May 2025

In News:

600-million-year-old stromatolites in the Himalayas tell the story of an ocean lost and Earth’s first breath.

What are Stromatolites?

Stromatolites are organo-sedimentary structures formed by the entrapment of calcium carbonate precipitates by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in shallow marine environments. These layered, dome-shaped mounds represent some of the earliest evidence of life on Earth, with their formation driven by photosynthetic microbial mats.

  • Composition: Typically found in limestone, shale, and sandstone.
  • Structure: Characterized by laminated layers that may appear flat, dome-shaped, or columnar.
  • Habitat (Ancient & Modern): Mostly marine; some ancient forms inhabited freshwater and intertidal zones. Today, living stromatolites survive in limited saline lagoons and bays.

Latest Discovery: Chambaghat, Himachal Pradesh

A major stromatolite outcrop, dating back 600 million years, was recently found in Chambaghat, Solan district, Himachal Pradesh. These structures lie within the Krol Group of sedimentary rocks — a part of the ancient Tethys Sea that existed before the Indian plate collided with Eurasia.

  • Elevation: Found at 5,000–6,000 ft above sea level, showcasing tectonic uplift.
  • Age Significance: Though not the oldest globally or in India, these are among the younger but well-preserved stromatolites, possibly from the Precambrian-Cambrian boundary (~543–548 million years ago).

Scientific Importance

  • Geological Record: Stromatolites document Earth's atmospheric shift from a greenhouse gas-rich to an oxygen-rich environment — a transformation driven by photosynthetic cyanobacteria.
  • The Great Oxidation Event (GOE): Occurred ~2.4 billion years ago, when oxygen produced by cyanobacteria began accumulating in the atmosphere, enabling the evolution of multicellular life.
  • Tectonic History: Their presence in the Himalayas illustrates the story of the Gondwana supercontinent, India’s northward drift, and the closure of the Tethys Sea.

Global and Indian Context

  • Oldest Stromatolites (Global): ~3.6 billion years old from Western Australia.
  • Oldest in India: ~2.5 billion years old in the Dharwar Supergroup, Karnataka.

Prominent Stromatolite Sites in India:

Region                                                      Geological Feature

Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh                    Columnar stromatolites in Vindhyan limestones

Morni Hills, Haryana                            Preserved stromatolites in dolomite

Mussoorie & Nainital, Uttarakhand    Precambrian marine stromatolites in Krol Belt

Jaisalmer Fossil Park, Rajasthan         Protected Mesozoic marine fossil site

Dharwar Supergroup, Karnataka        Neoarchean stromatolites (~2.6 billion years old)

Bhima Basin, Karnataka                      Precambrian stromatolites in shallow marine limestones

Preservation and Geoheritage

Geologists and experts advocate for declaring Chambaghat as a Geoheritage Park, involving local communities and schools to foster awareness. The goal is to integrate science with tourism, conservation, and education.

  • Challenge: Many stromatolitic sites across India face neglect or risk from mining and construction, despite their scientific and educational potential.
  • Appeal: Proposal for UNESCO Geoheritage status to protect and promote this prehistoric legacy.

Pedicularis rajeshiana

  • 30 May 2025

In News:

Researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), have discovered a new plant species — Pedicularis rajeshiana — in the high-altitude regions of Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh.

Key Facts:

Taxonomy and Classification

  • Scientific Name: Pedicularis rajeshiana
  • Family: Orobanchaceae
  • Common Group: Louseworts (Hemiparasitic plants – partially dependent on host plants for nutrients, but also photosynthetic)
  • Named by: Botanist Dr. Arti Garg, formerly of BSI Prayagraj, now with BSI Dehradun
  • Publication: Officially recorded in the international journal Phytotaxa (Mongolia)

Habitat and Discovery

  • Location: Rohtang Pass, Pir Panjal range, Western Himalayas
  • Altitude: ~4,390 metres (14,400 feet)
  • Habitat: Shaded rocky slopes in scattered patches
  • Discovery Project: "Flora of India" initiative by MoEF&CC and BSI

Unique Botanical Characteristics

  • Size: Smaller than related species like P. porrecta and P. heydei
  • Floral Features:
    • Deeply cut lower labium (lip)
    • Stamens positioned at three distinct levels inside the flower
    • Rare pollen morphology with croton-like surface texture
    • Two flowers observed with twin galea (hood-like structures) — a first in the genus, possibly an evolutionary trait to enhance pollination

Ecological Significance

  • Endemicity: Many Pedicularis species are habitat-specific and endemic to certain Himalayan regions
  • India's Diversity: Home to 83 known species of Pedicularis, with 36 in the western Himalayas
  • Conservation Value: The specificity of habitat and rarity suggest potential threat status; conservation is crucial.

India’s First Gene-Edited Sheep

  • 30 May 2025

In News:

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-Kashmir) has successfully developed India’s first gene-edited sheep, marking a significant breakthrough in the field of animal biotechnology.

Key Highlights:

  • Institution Involved: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Srinagar.
  • Technology Used:
    • CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing — a precision genome editing tool that won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
    • Gene editing was conducted without insertion of foreign DNA, thus the sheep is non-transgenic and differs from traditional GMOs.
  • Gene Targeted: The myostatin gene, which regulates muscle growth, was edited to enhance muscle mass.
  • Result: Muscle mass increased by 30%, a trait absent in Indian sheep breeds but seen in select European breeds like the Texel.
  • Significance:
    • Improved meat yield and quality in sheep.
    • Potential for disease-resistant and higher-reproduction-rate livestock in the future.
    • Supports India’s evolving biotech policy by promoting non-transgenic, gene-edited organisms that are more likely to receive regulatory acceptance.
    • Aligns with goals of sustainability and food security by enhancing productivity per animal.
  • Regulatory & Safety Aspects:
    • Research adhered to international biosafety protocols.
    • Sponsored by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
  • Legacy & Research Background:
    • Developed after 4 years of dedicated research.
    • Led by Prof. Riaz Ahmad Shah, also known for creating India’s first cloned Pashmina goat, Noori, in 2012, and contributing to the world’s first cloned buffalo at NDRI, Karnal.

Implications for the Future:

  • Opens doors for precision breeding in livestock to boost India’s animal husbandry sector.
  • Strengthens India’s position in advanced genomic research and supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in biotechnology.
  • Awaits comprehensive regulatory framework for gene-edited animals, currently under government consideration.

WMO Climate Forecast 2025–2029

  • 30 May 2025

In News:

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released its latest decadal climate forecast (2025–2029), warning of a continued trend of record-breaking global temperatures. This projection raises serious concerns about climate risks, sustainable development, and international climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Key Projections:

  • Annual Global Temperature Rise: Each year from 2025–2029 is projected to be 1.2°C to 1.9°C above pre-industrial levels (1850–1900).
  • Record Heat Likelihood:
    • 80% chance that at least one year will surpass 2024, currently the warmest year on record.
    • 86% probability that one year will exceed the 1.5°C threshold.
  • Five-Year Mean Warming: 70% chance that the 2025–2029 average will be above 1.5°C, a sharp rise from 47% (2024–2028) and 32% (2023–2027).

Note: The Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C limit refers to long-term (20-year) averages, but short-term overshoots are now increasingly probable.

Regional and Thematic Insights:

1. Arctic Amplification: Arctic winters (Nov–Mar) are projected to be 2.4°C warmer than the 1991–2020 average—3.5× faster than the global rate.

2. Sea Ice Decline: Continued sea ice reduction is expected in the Barents Sea, Bering Sea, and Sea of Okhotsk, impacting marine biodiversity and indigenous livelihoods.

3. Precipitation Variability:

  • Wetter-than-average conditions likely in:
    • Sahel region
    • Northern Europe
    • Alaska and Northern Siberia
  • Drier conditions expected over:
    • Amazon Basin
    • Parts of South Asia

South Asia may witness generally wet years, though seasonal variability will persist.

Impact and Implications:

  • Extreme Weather Events: Increased warming will fuel more intense heatwaves, extreme rainfall, droughts, and floods, stressing both urban systems and agriculture.
  • Cryosphere and Ocean Changes:
    • Accelerated glacier and sea ice melt will raise sea levels.
    • Ocean heating contributes to acidification and marine biodiversity loss.
  • Threat to Sustainable Development: Progress on SDGs, particularly food security, water availability, and health, is at risk in vulnerable regions.

Way Forward:

  • Revise NDCs at COP30: Strengthen and align Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with the 1.5°C goal.
  • Accelerate Clean Energy Transition: Promote renewables, energy efficiency, and net-zero strategies to reduce GHG emissions.
  • Adaptation and Resilience: Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems.
  • Climate Monitoring & Forecasting: Enhance WMO-led regional forecasts and risk assessment tools.
  • Preserve Natural Carbon Sinks: Protect forests, wetlands, and oceans to mitigate atmospheric CO?.

India’s Sharp Decline in Poverty

  • 29 May 2025

In News:

Recent Household Consumption Expenditure Surveys (2022–23 and 2023–24) by the National Statistical Office (NSO), alongside a World Bank Poverty & Equity Brief, highlight a historic decline in poverty in India. This achievement is largely attributed to sustained GDP growth and declining inequality.

Key Findings:

Poverty Reduction Trends (2011–12 to 2023–24)

  • All-India Poverty Ratio: Fell from 29.5% (2011–12) → 9.5% (2022–23) → 4.9% (2023–24).
  • Extreme Poverty (<$2.15/day, PPP): Declined from 16.2%2.3% (2011–12 to 2022–23).
  • Lower-Middle Income Poverty (<$3.65/day): Declined from 61.8%28.1%.

Updated Poverty Lines (Rangarajan Committee Methodology):

Area            2011–12           2022–23         2023–24

Rural           ?972                 ?1,837            ?1,940

Urban         ?1,407               ?2,603            ?2,736

  • For a 5-member urban household, the 2023–24 poverty threshold is ?13,680/month.

Factors Driving Poverty Reduction:

  • High GDP Growth: Rose from 7.6% (2022–23) to 9.2% (2023–24).
  • Moderating Inflation: Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation dropped from 6.7% to 5.4%, enhancing real incomes. However, food inflation rose to 7.5%, affecting poor households disproportionately.
  • Inequality Decline:
    • Gini Coefficient fell from 0.310 (2011–12) → 0.282 (2022–23) → 0.253 (2023–24).
    • Urban areas saw faster decline in consumption inequality.

Nature and Depth of Poverty:

  • Poverty Near the Threshold:
    • Over 50% of the poor lie between 75–100% of the poverty line.
    • Large share of non-poor lie just above the line (115–125%), making them vulnerable.
  • Depth Analysis (Raised Cut-Offs): Even at 125% of the poverty line, poverty fell by 34.2 percentage points (2011–24), showing broad-based gains.

Regional & Structural Challenges:

  • Persisting Regional Disparities: States like Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha still report higher poverty levels.
  • Urban Informality & Data Gaps: Recent surveys underrepresent informal workers and migrants, skewing urban poverty estimates.
  • Vulnerability to Shocks: Health crises, climate events, or inflation could push the near-poor back into poverty.
  • Gaps in Welfare Coverage: Urban poor and migrant populations face limited access to PDS and safety nets.

Policy Imperatives:

  • Targeted Cash Transfers: Scale up schemes like PM-GKAY, DBT for LPG, and tailor transfers to those just above the poverty line.
  • Strengthen Rural Employment: Enhance MGNREGA funding and integrate climate-resilient jobs.
  • Build Urban Safety Nets: Develop a comprehensive urban social protection framework for gig and informal sector workers.
  • Education & Nutrition Investments: Bridge human capital gaps via PM POSHAN, Saksham Anganwadi.
  • Continuous Poverty Monitoring: Institutionalize annual poverty tracking using real-time and multidimensional indicators.

Menstrual Hygiene in India: Insights from the 2025 Survey

  • 29 May 2025

In News:

Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed annually on May 28, raises awareness about safe menstrual practices and their role in ensuring health, dignity, and equality for women and girls. Ahead of the day, the everteen Menstrual Hygiene Survey 2025 has highlighted growing concerns around misinformation, stigma, and access to menstrual products in India.

Key Findings from the Survey:

  • Social Media & Misinformation:
    • 71.6% of women find social media informative on menstruation.
    • However, only 11.5% trust it during emergencies.
    • 1 in 4 women reported that misinformation online negatively affected their menstrual health.
  • Examples of Misinformation:
    • Harmful remedies such as applying menstrual blood for skincare, or drinking coffee/lemonade for cramps.
    • Myths like avoiding exercise, temple visits, or not washing hair during periods.
    • Misleading claims linking light flow to infertility or tampon use to anatomical changes.
  • Menstrual Pain & Remedies:
    • 82.7% of respondents experience menstrual pain.
    • Only 14.2% use painkillers; 41.5% use no remedy at all.
    • Cramps roll-ons used by just 5.5%.
  • Menstrual Products Usage:
    • 87.8% use sanitary pads (most common).
    • Disposable period panties (5.7%) are more popular than menstrual cups (4.7%) or tampons (1.6%).
    • 35.4% purchase menstrual products online citing convenience and discounts.
    • A significant number of offline buyers report discomfort at physical stores.
  • Online Discourse:
    • 34% of women shared personal menstrual experiences online.
    • Yet, 37.6% feared privacy breaches and 11.4% feared social judgment.

Menstrual Hygiene: Broader Context

  • Definition: Safe and hygienic management of menstruation, including the use of clean products, proper disposal, access to sanitation, and health education.
  • Global Concern: According to UNICEF, 500 million women globally lack access to adequate menstrual hygiene facilities.

Challenges in India:

  • Digital Myths & Stigma: Despite digital access, online spaces are rife with misinformation and taboo-laden content.
  • Access Inequality: Significant urban-rural divide in menstrual health services, infrastructure, and product availability.
  • Awareness Gaps: Cultural silence and lack of comprehensive health education still persist.

Policy Interventions & Governance:

  • Relevant Government Initiatives:
    • SUVIDHA Scheme: Affordable biodegradable sanitary napkins at Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
    • Swachh Bharat Mission: Incorporates Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) into sanitation programs.
  • Global Frameworks: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 – Right to clean water and sanitation, encompassing menstrual hygiene.

Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) – FY 2025–26

  • 29 May 2025

In News:

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Interest Subvention (IS) component under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) for the financial year 2025–26, retaining the existing structure and interest rates.

About the Scheme:

  • Type: Central Sector Scheme
  • Objective: To provide short-term agricultural credit to farmers at affordable interest rates through Kisan Credit Cards (KCC).

Key Features:

  • Loan Coverage:
    • Short-term crop loans up to ?3 lakh per farmer through KCC.
    • For loans exclusively for animal husbandry or fisheries, the benefit applies up to ?2 lakh.
  • Interest Rates:
    • Base interest rate: 7%
    • 1.5% interest subvention to lending institutions
    • 3% Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI) for timely repayment
    • Effective interest rate for prompt payers: 4%
  • Implementing & Monitoring Agencies:
    • Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
    • National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
    • Operated via Public Sector Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Cooperative Banks, and Private Banks in rural/semi-urban areas.

Recent Updates and Rationale:

  • No structural changes have been introduced in the scheme for FY 2025–26.
  • The scheme continues amidst rising lending costs, with stable repo rates and MCLR trends.
  • It ensures credit access for small and marginal farmers, critical for financial inclusion and agricultural productivity.

Impact on Agricultural Credit:

  • KCC Accounts: Over 7.75 crore active accounts across India.
  • Institutional Credit Growth:
    • Disbursement via KCC increased from ?4.26 lakh crore (2014) to ?10.05 lakh crore (Dec 2024).
    • Total agricultural credit rose from ?7.3 lakh crore (FY 2013–14) to ?25.49 lakh crore (FY 2023–24).
  • Digital Reform: Kisan Rin Portal (KRP) launched in August 2023 has improved transparency and efficiency in claim processing.

Significance:

  • Helps ensure timely and affordable institutional credit to the farming sector.
  • Supports the government's goal of doubling farmers’ income.
  • Strengthens the rural credit delivery system and promotes inclusive growth in agriculture.

Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)

  • 29 May 2025

In News:

In 2025, the early onset of the southwest monsoon in Kerala (May 24) and Mumbai (May 26—the earliest on record) was significantly influenced by the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

What is the MJO?

  • The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is a large-scale atmospheric phenomenon observed in the tropical belt (30°N to 30°S).
  • It is an eastward-moving disturbance involving winds, clouds, pressure, and rainfall that circles the globe every 30 to 60 days (occasionally up to 90 days).
  • Identified in 1971 by Roland Madden and Paul Julian, it differs from ENSO (El Niño–Southern Oscillation) in being intra-seasonal and transient.

Phases of MJO:

  • Enhanced Convective Phase:
    • Associated with increased cloudiness, low pressure, and above-normal rainfall.
    • Characterized by rising air and moisture convergence.
  • Suppressed Convective Phase:
    • Brings clearer skies and reduced rainfall due to subsiding dry air.
  • These phases shift eastward and influence weather globally, including India.

 

Formation and Movement:

  • Triggered by surface wind convergence that causes upward motion, cloud formation, and upper-level wind divergence.
  • Travels at 4–8 m/s, completing a global circuit roughly every 30–60 days.

MJO’s Impact on Indian Monsoon:

  • MJO in active phase over the Indian Ocean can:
    • Trigger early monsoon onset, as seen in 2024 and 2025.
    • Enhance cyclogenesis and monsoon depressions.
    • Improve intra-seasonal rainfall variability.
  • May 2025 Event:
    • The MJO was in Phase 4 with amplitude >1, indicating strong activity conducive to rainfall.
    • This condition, along with favorable local and oceanic factors, supported early monsoon advancement in India.

Global Influence of MJO:

  • Cyclone Modulation: Alters frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones.
  • Weather Extremes: Affects jet streams, triggering cold surges, heatwaves, or floods in mid-latitudes (e.g., U.S., Europe, Australia).
  • Interaction with ENSO: While not always directly linked, MJO can amplify or be influenced by El Niño conditions.

Dark Patterns and India’s Regulatory Response

  • 29 May 2025

In News:

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution has initiated a robust crackdown on Dark Patterns—deceptive design practices used on digital platforms to manipulate consumer behavior. A recent high-level stakeholder meeting in Delhi, chaired by Union Minister Prahlad Joshi, brought together representatives from major e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, and Ola, along with consumer organizations and law institutions, to address the growing concern.

What are Dark Patterns?

Dark Patterns are user interface designs that intentionally mislead or coerce consumers into making decisions they would not have otherwise made. These manipulative tactics exploit psychological principles and cognitive biases to serve the commercial interests of platforms—often at the cost of consumer autonomy.

Types of Dark Patterns Identified by the Government:

The Department of Consumer Affairs has officially recognized 13 types of dark patterns in its November 2023 guidelines. Prominent among them are:

  • False Urgency: Creating artificial time pressure (e.g., “Only 1 seat left!”).
  • Basket Sneaking: Adding items to the cart without user consent.
  • Confirm Shaming: Using guilt-driven language to influence decisions.
  • Subscription Trap: Making subscription easy but cancellation difficult.
  • Interface Interference: Hiding crucial information or options.
  • Bait and Switch: Advertising one offer and switching to another.
  • Hidden Costs: Revealing extra charges only at checkout.
  • Forced Action: Making users complete unrelated tasks to proceed.
  • Disguised Ads, Trick Questions, Nagging, SAAS Billing Abuse, and Rogue Malware Links are other examples.

These practices have been found across multiple digital sectors including e-commerce, travel, OTT platforms, edtech, online banking, and quick commerce.

Consumer Impact and Rising Complaints:

The National Consumer Helpline has witnessed a significant increase in grievances related to dark patterns. Platforms are accused of eroding consumer trust, causing financial harm, breaching privacy, and distorting fair market practices.

According to LocalCircles, based on a survey conducted across 392 districts with feedback from 2.30 lakh consumers, the worst offenders include edtech, airline, and taxi app services. Notably, companies like Uber and Rapido were recently issued notices by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) for coercing users into paying tips in advance.

Regulatory Measures in India:

  • Consumer Protection Act, 2019: While it prohibits unfair trade practices, it lacks explicit provisions targeting dark patterns, making enforcement challenging.
  • 2023 Guidelines on Dark Patterns: Released by the Department of Consumer Affairs, these guidelines define deceptive interfaces as violations of consumer rights and misleading advertisements.
  • Self-Audit Mandate: E-commerce companies have been instructed to conduct internal audits and eliminate dark patterns from their platforms.
  • Proposed Joint Working Group: A mechanism is being considered to increase industry awareness and enforce compliance.
  • Voluntary and Legal Enforcement: The government has urged digital firms to integrate the guidelines into internal policies and consumer grievance redressal systems.

Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0

  • 28 May 2025

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.

Jinchuanloong niedu

  • 28 May 2025

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.

Kumbakonam Vetrilai (Betel Leaf)

  • 28 May 2025

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.

National Apprenticeship Promotion and Training Schemes

  • 28 May 2025

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.

Semi-Transparent Perovskite Solar Cell Technology

  • 28 May 2025

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.

Alicella gigantea

  • 27 May 2025

In News:

Rare giant shrimp is more widespread than previously believed; new findings reveal.

About the Species:

  • Alicella gigantea is a giant deep-sea amphipod crustacean, growing up to 34 cm in length, making it one of the largest known amphipods.
  • Amphipods are shrimp-like organisms; over 10,000 species are known globally, inhabiting a wide range of aquatic environments.

Habitat and Depth Range:

  • Inhabits the abyssal (3,000–6,000 m) and hadal zones (>6,000 m) of the ocean.
  • Notable sightings include:
    • A 28 cm specimen observed at 5,304 m in the North Pacific.
    • Captures from 6,746 m depth in the Murray Fracture Zone (North Pacific).

Global Distribution:

  • Contrary to earlier beliefs, A. gigantea is not rare but is among the most widely distributed deep-sea species.
  • Recent analysis compiled 195 records from 75 locations across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, covering 15 different seafloor features.
  • Found in 59% of the world’s oceans.
  • The Pacific Ocean is its most significant habitat, with 75% of the seafloor in its suitable depth range.

Genetic Insights:

  • Genetic analyses (16S, COI, 28S genes) show low genetic divergence across populations.
  • This suggests A. gigantea represents a single, globally distributed species with strong genetic conservation.
  • A shared haplotype network across regions indicates minimal genetic differentiation, supporting global connectivity among populations.

Conservation and Research Significance:

  • Despite its wide range, A. gigantea remains poorly understood, particularly in terms of population size, ecology, and evolutionary history.
  • Only seven studies have sequenced its DNA to date.
  • The findings are a significant step toward understanding deep-sea biodiversity, biogeography, and conservation priorities in abyssal ecosystems.

RBI Dividend Transfer to Government (FY 2024–25)

  • 27 May 2025

In News:

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a record dividend transfer of ?2.69 lakh crore to the Government of India for FY 2024–25.
  • This amount is 27% higher than the ?2.10 lakh crore transferred in the previous year (2023–24).
  • The transfer follows the Revised Economic Capital Framework (ECF), approved on May 15, 2025.

What is a Dividend in Public Finance?

  • A dividend is the non-tax revenue received by the government as the sole shareholder of the RBI.
  • It helps bridge the fiscal deficit.
  • RBI dividend distribution is governed by the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
  • Unlike corporate dividends that require shareholder approval, RBI transfers are governed by policy mechanisms set by the Central Board.

Economic Capital Framework (ECF) and Risk Buffer

  • The Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) has been raised to 7.5% of the RBI’s balance sheet for FY 2024–25.
  • Earlier CRB levels:
    • 5.5% (2018–22)
    • 6% (2022–23)
    • 6.5% (2023–24)
  • The CRB helps ensure the RBI maintains sufficient capital to absorb financial shocks.

Reasons for Higher Surplus in 2024–25

  • Robust foreign exchange (forex) sales, especially in January 2025, with RBI being the top seller among Asian central banks.
  • Increased interest income from government securities and foreign investments.
  • Gains from forex transactions during high market volatility.
  • Forex reserves had peaked at $704 billion in September 2024, from which large volumes of dollars were sold to stabilise the rupee.

Implications for the Union Budget 2025–26

  • The Budget had projected ?2.56 lakh crore as dividend income from RBI and PSUs; the actual RBI dividend itself exceeds this estimate.
  • Experts expect the fiscal deficit to reduce by 20 basis points (bps) from the budgeted 4.4% to ~4.2% of GDP.
  • The surplus provides a non-tax revenue cushion, helping offset shortfalls in tax or disinvestment receipts and manage additional spending.

Expert Views

  • Surplus driven by prudent RBI policy, forex gains, and high interest income. CRB increase reduced the possible surplus, otherwise it could have exceeded ?3.5 lakh crore.
  • The surplus equals 0.4–0.5 trillion (?40,000–?50,000 crore) or 11–14 bps of GDP, offering fiscal flexibility.
  • Market expected ?3 lakh crore; disappointment due to higher risk buffer provisioning.

 

Massive Solar Eruption: The ‘Bird-Wing’ Event

  • 27 May 2025

In News:

In May 2025, astronomers observed a dramatic solar eruption, dubbed the “Bird-Wing” event, due to its unique wing-like plasma structure. Originating from the Sun’s northern hemisphere, the eruption stretched over 1 million kilometers—more than twice the Earth-Moon distance.

Key Components of the Event

  • Solar Flare:
    • A sudden, intense burst of electromagnetic radiation caused by magnetic field realignment on the Sun.
    • Classified from A to X (increasing order of X-ray brightness).
    • Travels at light speed, reaching Earth in about 8 minutes.
    • Can disrupt radio communication and GPS systems by affecting the ionosphere.
  • Coronal Mass Ejection (CME):
    • A massive release of charged solar plasma and magnetic fields into space.
    • Travels at 250–3000 km/s, reaching Earth in 18 hours to 3 days.
    • Can cause geomagnetic storms, impacting power grids, satellites, navigation, and inducing auroras.

The “Bird-Wing” event involved both phenomena, but Earth narrowly avoided a direct hit, experiencing only a glancing blow. The impact was minimal and did not cause significant technological disruptions.

Associated Geomagnetic Effects

  • A filament eruption, distinct from solar flares, was responsible for the minor geomagnetic activity observed. These are cooler plasma structures held by magnetic fields and appear as dark strands on solar imagery. When destabilized, they erupt and emit charged particles.
  • Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) were expected to be visible over parts of the UK, particularly Scotland, as the trailing edge of the CME brushed past Earth.

Space Weather Risks from Solar Storms

According to the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA:

  • Solar flares can disrupt radio signals and satellite communication.
  • Solar particles, including high-energy protons, may arrive hours later, posing risks to astronauts and electronics.
  • Geomagnetic storms can:
    • Disturb Earth's magnetic field.
    • Affect power lines, pipelines, and satellites.
    • Expand the upper atmosphere, increasing drag on low-orbit satellites, potentially altering their trajectory.
    • Temporarily reduce the number of cosmic rays reaching Earth by deflecting them.

Sagarmatha Sambaad 2025

  • 27 May 2025

In News:

Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav represented India at the 1st Sagarmatha Sambaad in Kathmandu, Nepal, a high-level biennial global dialogue convened under the theme “Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity.”

The forum, held during the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025, focused on mountain ecosystems, climate resilience, and transboundary conservation.

India’s Key Proposals and Commitments

Reaffirmed India’s climate leadership and proposed a five-point call for global action to protect mountain ecosystems:

  • Enhanced Scientific Cooperation: Promote joint research on cryospheric changes, biodiversity, and hydrological cycles.
  • Building Climate Resilience: Develop early warning systems for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure in mountainous areas.
  • Empowering Mountain Communities: Center policies on local welfare, integrate traditional ecological knowledge, and promote green livelihoods such as eco-tourism.
  • Providing Green Finance: Ensure adequate and predictable climate finance for adaptation and mitigation in mountain nations, in line with the Paris Agreement.
  • Recognizing Mountain Perspectives: Integrate mountain-specific issues into global climate negotiations and sustainable development agendas.

India’s Initiatives and Regional Cooperation

India highlighted the ecological value of the Himalayas and called for enhanced transboundary conservation among Himalayan nations under the International Big Cats Alliance. This alliance promotes joint protection of species like snow leopards, tigers, and leopards.

  • Under Project Snow Leopard, India conducted its first comprehensive snow leopard assessment (2019–2023), recording 718 snow leopards, comprising 10–15% of the global population.

Significance of the Himalayan Ecosystem

  • Hydrological Role: The Himalayas are the "Water Towers of Asia", feeding rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus, and supplying around 1.2 trillion cubic meters of freshwater annually.
  • Ecological Richness: A biodiversity hotspot, home to over 10,000 vascular plant species, 979 bird species, and 300 mammals such as the red panda and Himalayan tahr.
  • Cultural Importance: Sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism, the Himalayas house pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Mount Kailash.
  • Economic Value: Support tourism, agriculture, forestry, and renewable energy. States like Uttarakhand, Assam, and West Bengal derive over 10% of state GDP from tourism.
    The Lohit Basin project in Arunachal Pradesh (13,000 MW) exemplifies hydropower potential.
  • Climate Regulation: The range blocks cold Central Asian winds and influences monsoon patterns, ensuring rainfall for agriculture. Himalayan forests are major carbon sinks, mitigating global warming.

Key Challenges in the Himalayan Region

  • Climate Disasters: Rising temperatures and glacier melt cause avalanches, landslides, and cloudbursts. E.g., 2025 Uttarakhand avalanche; 2023 Sikkim GLOF.
  • Unsustainable Development: Slope cutting, deforestation, and seismic vulnerability threaten settlements (e.g., Joshimath subsidence linked to infrastructure projects).
  • Glacier Retreat:
    • Gangotri glacier has retreated over 850 meters in 25 years.
    • Hindu Kush glaciers may lose 75% of volume by 2100.
  • Biodiversity Loss: Invasive species and habitat loss displace native flora and fauna; 90% of endemic species in Sikkim Himalayas displaced.
  • Unregulated Tourism: Littering and plastic waste—92.7% of Himalayan waste is plastic, 72% non-recyclable (2022 audit).

Recommendations for Sustainable Development

  • Eco-sensitive Infrastructure: Mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), bioengineering, and electric mobility in high-altitude towns.
  • Regulated Tourism: Introduce carrying capacity limits, permit-based entry, and promote low-impact tourism models.
  • Glacier Monitoring & Water Management: Use remote sensing and GIS for glacier health; adopt ice stupas, rainwater harvesting, and efficient irrigation.
  • Afforestation & Forest Conservation: Launch community-driven forestry projects (e.g., Van Andolan in Uttarakhand) to restore degraded ecosystems.
  • Climate Adaptation Strategies: Expand early warning systems for GLOFs; promote climate-resilient crops and agricultural practices.
  • Sustainable Livelihoods: Encourage organic farming, herbal industries, and eco-handicrafts to diversify mountain economies.

Bharat Seva Kendra (BSK)

  • 27 May 2025

In News:

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (CCI India) has highlighted the role of Bharat Seva Kendra (BSK) in enhancing last-mile service delivery and addressing the urban-rural service gap.

About Bharat Seva Kendra (BSK):

  • Launched by: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (CCI India).
  • Objective: To provide essential government services and welfare benefits directly to rural citizens.
  • Nature: A grassroots, nationwide service delivery initiative focused on creating self-reliant rural communities.

Key Features:

  • Single-window access to schemes in sectors like healthcare, education, employment, agriculture, financial inclusion, and digital empowerment.
  • Digital Inclusion: Modern infrastructure and digital literacy programs to help villagers use e-governance tools effectively.
  • Human Network: Backed by a large cadre of 2.5 lakh sarpanches and 6.5 lakh BSK Sarthis, who act as facilitators between government schemes and rural beneficiaries.
  • Goal: Reduce bureaucratic delays, enhance transparency, and ensure timely access to welfare schemes.

CCI India’s Role:

  • Type: A national-level autonomous business body.
  • Functions: Policy advocacy, business facilitation, and supporting domestic and foreign investment.
  • Engagement: Represents diverse industries and collaborates with stakeholders including policymakers, industry, and civil society.

Significance for Governance:

  • Promotes last-mile delivery of public services.
  • Acts as a catalyst for rural digital transformation and inclusive development.
  • Enhances administrative efficiency and citizen empowerment in rural India.

Turtle Conservation in Assam’s Temple Ponds

  • 26 May 2025

In News:

On World Turtle Day (May 23, 2025), Assam’s Nagshankar Temple was officially declared a model temple for turtle conservation, highlighting the ecological role of temple ponds in preserving India’s turtle biodiversity.

Key Highlights

Nagshankar Temple – A Model for Turtle Conservation

  • Location: Sootea town, Biswanath district, ~70 km from Tezpur, Assam.
  • Established: Believed to be built in the 4th century AD by King Nagashankar of the Nagakha dynasty.
  • Religious Importance: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, but turtles are revered as incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
  • Ecological Value: Functions as a micro-wildlife sanctuary — home to 250–300 turtles, along with peacocks, pythons, and deer.

Turtle Conservation Initiatives

Species Conserved:

  • Black Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia nigricans) – Critically Endangered
  • Indian Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia gangetica)
  • Malayan Softshell Turtle

These species thrive in the temple pond, which is fed by the Brahmaputra River basin, offering a suitable natural habitat.

Community & Scientific Collaboration:

  • Key Stakeholders:
    • Nagshankar Temple Committee
    • Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) India
    • Help Earth (NGO)
    • Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve
    • Assam Forest Department
  • Conservation Methods:
    • Artificial egg incubation and wild release of hatchlings.
    • Dried-fish diet introduced for temple turtles, replacing harmful offerings (e.g., biscuits, puffed rice).
    • Capacity-building workshops for forest staff and students to aid in turtle surveys.

Result: 486 hatchlings of the black softshell turtle have been released into the wild from the Nagshankar Temple pond.

Statewide Turtle Conservation Model

  • Assam houses ~25 temple ponds actively involved in turtle conservation.
  • Notable site: Hayagriva Madhav Temple in Hajo (Kamrup district).
  • State Zoo in Guwahati has a dedicated breeding facility (established 2010) for the Assam Roofed Turtle (Pangshura sylhetensis, "Asomi Dura").

Google’s AI Matryoshka Strategy

  • 26 May 2025

In News:

At its 2025 I/O Developer Conference, Google unveiled AI Matryoshka, a multi-layered artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem powered by its latest Gemini 2.5 models. This marks a fundamental restructuring of Google’s platforms around AI, affecting users, developers, and enterprises.

What is AI Matryoshka?

  • Concept: Named after the Russian nesting dolls, AI Matryoshka is a layered AI architecture where each outer application or interface draws intelligence from a core AI “brain.”
  • Objective: To embed AI deeply and uniformly across Google’s services, enabling agentic, intelligent, and autonomous interactions.

Core AI Models: Gemini 2.5

  • Gemini 2.5 Pro:
    • Advanced reasoning and mathematics capabilities.
    • Achieved high scores on USAMO 2025 (a premier U.S. math olympiad).
    • Features a mode called Deep Think for complex problem-solving.
  • Gemini 2.5 Flash:
    • A more efficient, lightweight model using 20–30% fewer tokens.
    • Supports natural audio output and multi-speaker TTS in 24 languages.
    • Set to become the default model in Gemini applications.

Foundational Hardware: Ironwood TPUs

  • Ironwood (7th Gen TPUs):
    • Delivers 42.5 exaFLOPS of compute power per pod.
    • Offers 10x performance boost over previous TPUs.
    • Supports large-scale training and deployment of generative AI models.

Generative Media Models

  • Imagen 4: Advanced image generation.
  • Veo 3: High-quality video generation.
  • Lyria 2: Music creation using AI.
  • Copyright Tools:
    • SynthID (watermarking) and SynthID Detector (verification) aim to address copyright concerns over the training data.

Developer Ecosystem

  • Gemini API & Vertex AI:
    • Model Context Protocol (MCP): Enables agent-to-agent communication.
    • Thinking Budgets: Let developers allocate compute resources wisely.
    • Project Mariner: Tool for automating complex tasks.
    • Thought Summaries: Improves transparency of AI decisions.
  • Coding Agent – Jules:
    • Beta launched globally.
    • Integrates with code repositories to write tests, build features, and fix bugs using Gemini 2.5 Pro.

User-Centric Features

  • Search Integration (AI Mode):
    • Rolls out first in the U.S. with Deep Search generating cited, multimodal answers.
    • Offers virtual shopping try-ons and agentic checkout, raising privacy and data security concerns.
  • Gemini App:
    • Available on Android and iOS with Live and image generation features.
    • Deep Research allows analysis of private documents and images, necessitating strong data protection protocols.
    • Integrated into Chrome (for Pro and Ultra users) for webpage summarization.
  • Canvas Feature: A creative workspace for interactive infographics, quizzes, and audio content in 45 languages.

Subscription Tiers and Privacy Concerns

  • Google AI Ultra Tier:
    • Offers premium access to advanced capabilities, including video generation with native audio.
    • Raises questions about "privacy premium" – whether better AI safety features will be available only to paying users.

India’s Coastline Redefined

  • 26 May 2025

In News:

The Ministry of Home Affairs, in its 2023–24 annual report (Dec 2024), announced a significant update to India’s coastline length — revised from 7,516.6 km to 11,098.8 km. This change was not due to any new territorial acquisition or geological activity but resulted from improved measurement techniques, reflecting the "coastline paradox" in geography.

What Is the Coastline Paradox?

The coastline paradox, first explained by British mathematician Lewis Fry Richardson and later expanded by Benoît Mandelbrot, shows that the length of a coastline increases with finer measurement scales. This is because coastlines, like fractals, reveal more detail (creeks, estuaries, inlets) the more closely they are examined.

  • Using large-scale maps (e.g., 1:4,500,000), previous estimates missed finer details.
  • Modern tools allow capturing every tidal creek, sandbar, and estuarine curve, dramatically increasing measured length.

Measurement Methodology (2024 Update)

Aspect                                              Details

Agencies Involved                          National Hydrographic Office (NHO), Survey of India

Previous Map Scale                        1:4,500,000 (1970s)

New Map Scale                               1:250,000 (electronic navigation charts)

Key Technologies                            GIS, LIDAR-GPS, satellite altimetry, drone imaging

Reference Line Used                       Highwater Line (based on 2011 data)

Mapped Features Included            Tidal creeks, sandbars, estuaries, low-tide islands

Review Frequency                           Every 10 years from 2024–25

Geographical and Strategic Overview

  • India’s New Coastline Length: 11,098.8 km
  • No New Land Added: No change in land boundaries or annexation.
  • Coastal States & UTs: 11 coastal States + 2 UTs (Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep)
  • State with Longest Coastline: Gujarat (~1,600 km)

Why This Matters

1. Maritime Security

  • Longer coast = More area to monitor and protect.
  • Post-26/11, India enhanced coastal surveillance (radar grid, coastal police).
  • Navy and Coast Guard deployment strategies need updates.

2. Disaster Management

  • Accurate coastline data helps in cyclone, tsunami early warning systems (e.g., Odisha).
  • Supports better Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) mapping.

3. Economic and Strategic Planning

  • Affects Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and fishing rights.
  • Informs infrastructure development: ports, shipping, Sagarmala, tourism.
  • Boosts India’s aspirations in the Blue Economy.

Schistura densiclava

  • 26 May 2025

In News:

A newly discovered species of cave-dwelling loach, Schistura densiclava, has been recorded from the Krem Mawjymbuin cave in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India. This species becomes the sixth known cave-dwelling fish from the state, emphasizing Meghalaya’s rich subterranean biodiversity.

Taxonomy and Classification

  • Family: Nemacheilidae (bottom-dwelling freshwater fishes)
  • Type: Troglophile — adapted to live in caves but can survive and reproduce in surface (epigean) waters.
  • Distinct Feature: Unlike typical cave fishes, S. densiclava retains pigmentation and functional eyes, indicating adaptability to both subterranean and overground aquatic environments.

Habitat and Environment

  • Found 60 meters inside the Krem Mawjymbuin, a limestone cave with a surveyed length of 1.6 km and an altitude of 206 meters.
  • The species inhabits a cool, fast-flowing stream with a temperature of 18°C and low oxygen levels.
  • The cave is ecologically sensitive and was previously in the news due to a local ban on worship at a Shivalinga-like formation within it.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Coloration: Pale yellow-green body with 14–20 greyish to faint black vertical bars.
  • Named densiclava due to the thick dark stripe near the dorsal fin ("densiclava" = Latin for "thick stripe").
  • Sexual Dimorphism:
    • Males: Slimmer with irregular patterns and puffier cheeks.
    • Females: Sturdier with more consistent markings.

Scientific Significance

  • Genetic testing confirmed Schistura densiclava as a distinct and previously unrecorded species.
  • Its endemic distribution, limited to a single cave system, marks it as a species of high conservation concern.
  • The discovery was published in the Journal of Fish Biology by a team led by Kangkan Sarma from Gauhati University, along with other Indian ichthyologists.

Tamil Nadu’s Space Industrial Policy and IN-SPACe

  • 26 May 2025

In News:

Recently, the Tamil Nadu Cabinet approved its Space Industrial Policy, becoming the third state after Karnataka and Gujarat to adopt a dedicated strategy to stimulate investments and innovation in the space sector. This move aligns with the national framework set by the Indian Space Policy 2023 and supports India's growing space economy.

IN-SPACe and its Role:

  • IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) is an autonomous, single-window agency under the Department of Space (DoS).
  • Created as part of India’s space sector reforms, it promotes and authorises the participation of Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) in space activities.
  • Functions include:
    • Supporting private entities in the development of launch vehicles, satellites, and space-based services.
    • Facilitating access to ISRO infrastructure and co-development initiatives.
    • Providing support for research, innovation, and educational collaboration.
  • Headquartered at Bopal, Ahmedabad, it serves as the bridge between ISRO and private sector stakeholders.
  • IN-SPACe encouraged Tamil Nadu to formulate the Space Industrial Policy to promote the state’s role in India’s space mission.

Tamil Nadu’s Strategic Space Assets:

  • ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri (Tirunelveli): Engaged in testing cryogenic engines, liquid propulsion systems, and R&D activities.
  • Second Spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam (Thoothukudi): Enhances satellite launch capacity, especially for small satellites and polar launches.
  • Presence of space-tech startups in areas like:
    • Reusable launch vehicles
    • In-space manufacturing
    • In-orbit refuelling
    • Satellite data analytics
  • Space Technology Incubation Centre (STIC) at NIT Trichy supports southern-region ISRO projects and academia-industry collaboration.
  • Over 250 ISRO vendors operate in the state, creating a robust supply chain ecosystem.

Objectives of Tamil Nadu's Space Industrial Policy:

  • Target investment: ?10,000 crore over the next 5 years.
  • Employment generation: Estimated 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.
  • Strengthens Tamil Nadu’s capabilities in:
    • Electronics and precision manufacturing
    • Strategic electronics and space-grade components
  • Promotes integration of space technologies in governance (e.g., disaster management, fisheries, agriculture, health, transport).

Policy Incentives:

  • Payroll subsidy for companies engaged in R&D or setting up Global Capability Centres.
  • Space Bays: Select regions will be designated to offer structured incentive packages for investments below ?300 crore.
  • Industrial housing incentive: 10% subsidy (capped at ?10 crore) for building residential facilities in space industrial parks.
  • Green initiatives: 25% capital subsidy (capped at ?5 crore) for environmentally sustainable developments.

Institutional Support:

  • TIDCO (Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation) signed an MoU with IN-SPACe to facilitate:
    • Manufacturing activities
    • Strategic collaborations with private companies
    • R&D and design-based projects in the space domain

 

Technology and Innovation Report 2025

  • 07 Apr 2025

In News:

India has been ranked 10th globally in terms of private sector investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 2023, according to the Technology and Innovation Report 2025, released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The report highlights the evolving global AI landscape and underscores India's growing role in frontier technologies.

About the Technology and Innovation Report

  • Published by: UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development).
  • Objective: To provide policy-relevant insights on emerging issues in science, technology, and innovation (STI), especially from the perspective of developing countries.
  • Theme of the 2025 Edition: “Inclusive Artificial Intelligence for Development”.
  • Purpose: Aims to assist policymakers in formulating inclusive and equitable STI policies amid the rapid expansion of AI technologies.

Key Highlights of the 2025 Report

  • India’s Position:
    • Ranked 10th globally for private AI investments, amounting to $1.4 billion in 2023.
    • Among developing countries, only India and China feature prominently in global AI investments.
    • India’s growing prominence reflects its rising technological capacity and startup ecosystem.
  • Global Investment Trends:
    • The United States led global AI investment with $67 billion (70% of global private investment).
    • China ranked second with $7.8 billion.
    • The report reveals that just 100 companies, mainly from the US and China, account for 40% of global private R&D investment in AI, signifying a concentration of technological power.
  • AI and Global Employment:
    • The report warns that up to 40% of global jobs could be influenced by AI-driven automation, necessitating adaptive policies, especially in the Global South.
  • Governance Gaps:
    • 118 countries, mostly from the Global South, are not participating meaningfully in global AI governance dialogues, highlighting a digital divide in international policy spaces.
  • Recommendations for Developing Countries:
    UNCTAD urges developing nations to strengthen three critical areas, termed “key leverage points”:
    • Infrastructure: Improve digital and physical infrastructure.
    • Data Ecosystems: Ensure data accessibility, quality, and sovereignty.
    • Human Capital and Skills: Invest in AI-related education and skilling.
  • India’s Broader Performance:
    • Ranked 36th out of 170 countries on the Readiness for Frontier Technologies Index 2024, an improvement from 48th in 2022.

Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products (DMISP) Policy – 2025

  • 06 Apr 2025

In News:

To address the rising steel imports and strengthen domestic industry under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Government of India has notified the DMISP Policy – 2025, mandating the exclusive use of Indian steel in government procurement and incorporating a reciprocity clause against non-cooperative foreign countries.

About the DMISP Policy – 2025

  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Steel
  • Aim:To promote the use of domestically produced iron and steel in government-funded projects, thereby reducing import dependence, enhancing self-reliance, and safeguarding the interests of the Indian steel industry.
  • Key Objectives
  • Promote Self-Reliance: Advance the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by boosting domestic steel production and consumption.
  • Curb Imports: Mitigate the adverse impact of rising steel imports on Indian steelmakers.
  • Support Domestic Industry: Provide a level playing field to Indian steel manufacturers in public procurement.
  • Encourage Value Addition: Increase domestic sourcing and manufacturing of capital goods used in steel production.

Salient Features of the Policy

  • Mandatory Use of Indian Steel:
    • Applicable across all Union Ministries, PSUs, statutory bodies, and trusts.
    • Covers products such as flat-rolled steel, rods, bars, and rails.
    • Steel must meet the “Melt and Pour” condition — i.e., must be melted and solidified in India.
  • Reciprocity Clause:
    • Nations that restrict Indian firms from participating in their public procurement (e.g., China) are barred from Indian government tenders.
    • Exceptions can be made only with the approval of the Ministry of Steel.
  • Ban on Global Tenders (GTE):
    • GTEs for steel products are prohibited.
    • GTEs for capital goods (e.g., furnaces, rolling mills) are permitted only for contracts above ?200 crore, with prior clearance.
  • Domestic Value Addition Requirement:
    • Capital goods used in steel production must have at least 50% local value addition.
    • Certification by statutory or cost auditors is mandatory.
  • Procurement Applicability:
    • Mandatory for all government procurement above ?5 lakh.
    • Also extends to centrally funded but state-executed projects.
  • Monitoring and Enforcement:
    • A Standing Committee chaired by the Secretary (Steel) will:
      • Oversee compliance and redress grievances.
      • Grant exemptions in case of non-availability of Indian products.
  • Penalties for Non-Compliance:False declarations may result in blacklisting of suppliers and forfeiture of earnest money deposits.

Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025

  • 04 Apr 2025

In News:

The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, recently passed by the Rajya Sabha, aims to implement two key international agreements in India’s legal framework:

  • Cape Town Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment (2001)
  • Protocol to the Convention on Matters Specific to Aircraft Equipment

Objective:

To provide legal clarity and security to stakeholders in the aviation leasing industry by integrating global standards into Indian law.

Background:

  • India became a signatory in 2008 after Cabinet ratification in 2007.
  • The Cape Town Convention addresses complex issues of cross-border leasing and financing of high-value mobile assets like aircraft, helicopters, and engines.
  • With over 86.4% of India's 840 commercial aircraft under leasing arrangements, there was an urgent need for a dedicated legal framework.

Key Provisions:

  • Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is designated as the registry authority.
    • Responsible for registration and deregistration of aircraft.
  • Creditors must notify the DGCA prior to initiating recovery actions in case of defaults.
  • In case of default by airlines:
    • Creditors can reclaim aircraft or related equipment within two months, or as per a mutually agreed period.
  • Lessors and airlines are required to regularly inform the DGCA about dues and lease activities.
  • The central government is empowered to make rules for the implementation of the convention and protocol.

Expected Benefits:

  • Enhances legal protection for creditors and lessors.
  • Reduces leasing costs by an estimated 8–10%, potentially lowering airfares for consumers.
  • Encourages the growth of a domestic aircraft leasing industry, reducing dependence on foreign jurisdictions like Ireland, Singapore, and Dubai.

Civil Aviation Minister’s Remarks:

  • The Bill addresses a long-standing legislative vacuum.
  • It will bolster investor confidence and attract leasing businesses to India.
  • Airfare regulation remains complex and is influenced by multiple factors including fuel prices, leasing charges, and maintenance costs.

Exercise Tiger Triumph 2025

  • 03 Apr 2025

In News:

  • India and the United States have commenced the fourth edition of their major tri-service military exercise ‘Tiger Triumph’ in the Bay of Bengal, beginning April 1, 2025.
  • The two-week-long drill focuses on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and crisis response, marking a significant step in the growing strategic defence partnership between the two nations.

Key Objectives:

  • Enhance interoperability between the Indian and U.S. armed forces for joint HADR operations.
  • Formulate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for establishing a Combined Coordination Centre (CCC) for joint response during natural disasters and contingency operations.
  • Conduct massive maritime and amphibious operations off the coast of Kakinada, following a harbour phase at Visakhapatnam.

Participating Forces and Assets:

India:

  • Indian Navy:
    • Ships: INS Jalashwa, INS Gharial, INS Mumbai, and INS Shakti
    • Aircraft: P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft
    • Support: Integral helicopters and landing crafts
  • Indian Army:
    • Troops from 91 Infantry Brigade
    • 12 Mechanised Infantry Battalion
  • Indian Air Force (IAF):
    • Aircraft: C-130J ‘Super Hercules’
    • Helicopters: Mi-17
    • Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT)

United States:

  • U.S. Navy:
    • USS Comstock (amphibious warship)
    • USS Ralph Johnson (guided-missile destroyer)
  • U.S. Marine Corps:
    • Marine division troops onboard naval vessels
    • Medical personnel to collaborate with Indian RAMT

Additional Activities:

  • Establishment of a Joint Command and Control Centre at the Kakinada naval enclave by the Indian Army and U.S. Marines.
  • Setting up of a Joint Medical Camp for humanitarian aid by IAF, Indian RAMT, and U.S. Navy medical teams.
  • Training exchanges, sports events, and social interactions between personnel to foster mutual understanding and cooperation.

Strategic Significance:

Exercise Tiger Triumph is part of the broader India-U.S. defence cooperation, which includes:

  • Army exercises:YudhAbhyas, Vajra Prahar
  • Naval drills:Malabar Exercise (with Australia and Japan)

The growing frequency and complexity of such joint drills underline the strategic convergence between India and the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in strengthening maritime security and disaster response mechanisms.

State of the World’s Animal Health Report 2025

  • 25 May 2025

In News:

Infectious animal diseases are spreading to previously unaffected regions and species, with nearly half (47 per cent) capable of zoonotic transmission or spreading between animals, according to the inaugural State of the World’s Animal Health report released by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

Key Details:

Published by:

  • World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), formerly OIE (Office International des Epizooties), founded in 1924, headquartered in Paris.
  • Recognized by the WTO for setting global standards on animal health and zoonotic disease control.

Objective of the Report:

  • To provide a comprehensive global assessment of animal health trends, risks, and disease outbreaks.
  • To promote a One Health approach, linking animal health with human health and environmental sustainability.

Major Findings:

1. Rising Zoonotic Threats:

  • 47% of animal diseases reported between 2005–2023 have zoonotic potential (can spread from animals to humans).
  • These include avian influenza, African swine fever (ASF), foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).

2. Geographic Expansion of Diseases:

  • Diseases are emerging in new regions and species due to climate change, global trade, and ecosystem disruptions.
  • Example: ASF jumped over 1,800 km to reach Sri Lanka in 2024, marking the year's most significant disease leap.
  • PPR re-emerged in Europe, traditionally limited to developing regions.

3. Avian Influenza Evolution:

  • Over 630 million birds culled or lost in 20 years.
  • In 2024, more outbreaks were reported in non-poultry species (55 countries) than poultry (42 countries).
  • Mammal infections doubled, raising concerns of cross-species transmission.

4. Other Notable Disease Events:

  • Germany faced its first FMD outbreak since 1988.
  • New World Screwworm, a parasitic fly, re-emerged in Mexico and Nicaragua.
  • Bluetongue virus reported in 23 countries with over 3,500 cases in 2024.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): A Global Threat

Key Data:

  • By 2050, AMR may cause:
    • Loss of livestock threatening food security for 2 billion people.
    • $100 trillion global economic loss.

Drivers:

  • Indiscriminate use of antibiotics in livestock, aquaculture, and agriculture.
  • Around 20% of countries still use antimicrobials as growth promoters, including high-priority drugs like colistin and enrofloxacin.

Trends:

  • Global antibiotic use in animals fell by 5% (2020–2022).
    • Europe: 23% decline.
    • Africa: 20% decline.

Recommendations by WOAH:

  • Enhance vaccine access and distribution, especially in low-income countries.
  • Strengthen Veterinary Services, surveillance, and biosecurity.
  • Improve hygiene and disease prevention to reduce antibiotic dependence.
  • Promote international cooperation under the One Health framework.
  • Ban or regulate the use of antibiotics as growth promoters.

About WOAH:

  • Intergovernmental organization with 183 member countries, including India.
  • Monitors, controls, and reports on animal diseases to ensure safe trade, public health, and food security.
  • Partner in Global Action Plan on AMR with WHO and FAO.

Indian Initiatives on AMR & Animal Health:

  • National Action Plan on AMR (2017–2021) – Focus on awareness, surveillance, infection control, and R&D.
  • FSSAI guidelines to regulate antibiotic residues in food of animal origin.
  • National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) – Focus on vaccination against FMD and Brucellosis.

International Booker Prize 2025

  • 23 May 2025

In News:

In a historic win, Banu Mushtaq, a prominent Kannada writer, advocate, and activist, became the first Indian author writing in Kannada to win the International Booker Prize 2025 for her short story collection Heart Lamp. The book was translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi, who also became the first Indian translator to win this prestigious award.

About the International Booker Prize

  • Established: 2005 by the Booker Prize Foundation, UK.
  • Awarded: Annually.
  • Purpose: To honour the best work of fiction translated into English, regardless of the original language or nationality of the author.
  • Prize Amount: £50,000, shared equally between the author and the translator.
  • Shortlisted nominees (authors and translators) receive £2,500 each.
  • Focus: Unlike the Booker Prize, which honours original English-language works, the International Booker Prize exclusively celebrates translated fiction, highlighting the importance of translators in global literature.

Key Features

  • Celebrates literary excellence, cultural richness, and the art of translation.
  • Initially biennial (2005–2015), it became an annual award in 2016.
  • Books must be translated into English and published in the UK or Ireland.

India and the International Booker Prize

Year                    Author                              Work                          Language               Translator

2022                Geetanjali Shree      Tomb of Sand     Hindi                     Daisy Rockwell

2025                Banu Mushtaq          Heart Lamp         Kannada             Deepa Bhasthi

About Banu Mushtaq

  • Born: April 3, 1948, in Hassan, Karnataka.
  • Professions: Advocate, journalist, feminist writer, women’s rights activist, and former municipal councillor.
  • Affiliation: Prominent figure in the Bandaya movement, known for protest literature in Kannada addressing social injustices.
  • Journalistic Background: Reported for LankeshPatrike (1981–1990) under the mentorship of P. Lankesh.

Literary Contributions

  • Started writing: In 1974; first story published in Prajamatha.
  • Themes: Focuses on gender justice, religious identity, caste oppression, and female autonomy.

Heart Lamp: The 2025 Winning Work

  • Genre: Short story collection comprising 12 stories written between 1990 and 2023.
  • Content: Explores the lives of ordinary South Indian Muslim women, addressing themes like patriarchy, faith, family roles, and self-determination.
  • Significance:
    • First short story collection to win the International Booker Prize.
    • First Kannada-language work to win.
    • First win for Indian translator Deepa Bhasthi.

Other Notable Works by Banu Mushtaq

  • Benki Male (1999): Awarded the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award.
  • HaseenaMattuItaraKathegalu (2015): Translated into English as Haseena and Other Stories.
  • Black Cobra (Short Story): Adapted into the award-winning film Hasina by Girish Kasaravalli.

Asiatic Lion Census 2025

  • 22 May 2025

In News:

According to the 16th Asiatic Lion Census (2025) conducted by the Gujarat Forest Department, the Asiatic lion (Panthera leopersica) population has grown from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025, marking a 32.2% increase in five years.

Key Highlights:

  • Core Areas (Protected Forests & Sanctuaries): 384 lions
  • Non-Forest Areas: 507 lions (up from 340 in 2020)
  • 44.22% of the total population now lives outside traditional protected zones.
  • Gir National Park, along with Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and Pania Wildlife Sanctuary, holds 394 lions—the core population.
  • Amreli district leads with 257 lions, while Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary has seen its count double to 32.
  • Barda Wildlife Sanctuary near Porbandar recorded 17 lions, marking a population return since 1879.
  • New satellite populations identified near Jetpur and Babra-Jasdan.
  • Adult Females: 330 recorded—a 27% increase since 2020, indicating strong reproductive potential.

Census Methodology

The 2025 census employed direct beat verification, a statistically rigorous method:

  • The landscape was divided into zones and sub-zones.
  • Personnel included officials, enumerators, supervisors, and volunteers.
  • Unlike the tiger census (which spans 2 years), the lion census was completed in just 3 days.

Project Lion (Launched in 2020)

Aimed at ensuring the long-term conservation of Asiatic lions, Project Lion focuses on:

  • Habitat restoration
  • Strengthening the prey base
  • Human-wildlife conflict mitigation
  • Monitoring via advanced technology, including:
    • Radio-collars
    • Camera traps
    • Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking
    • GIS-based real-time surveillance
    • AI-driven tools likeSIMBA, e-GujForest, andAlert Generation System
    • Automated sensor grids (magnetic, motion, infrared)

Habitat and Legal Status

  • Natural Habitat: Grasslands, open woodlands, savannas, and scrublands.
  • Main Range: Gir Forests in Gujarat; Barda Wildlife Sanctuary emerging as a second habitat.
  • Legal Protection:
    • Schedule I and IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
    • Appendix I of CITES
    • IUCN Status: Vulnerable

Distinctive Traits

  • Smaller in size compared to African lions.
  • Males have a moderate mane allowing visible ears.
  • A distinct belly fold—rare in African lions.
  • No fixed breeding season.

Global Conservation Context

India is a founding member of the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA), launched in 2023 to enhance global cooperation on big cat conservation, including lions.

Additionally, the IUCN’s Green Status of Species (2025) introduced a recovery-based conservation framework. Lions are currently classified as "Largely Depleted", highlighting the need for sustained and collaborative conservation actions.

World Food Prize 2025

  • 19 May 2025

Latest Winner

  • Recipient: Mariangela Hungria, a microbiologist from Brazil.
  • Achievement: Recognized for her groundbreaking research in biological seed and soil treatments that improve crop nutrition and yields.
  • Her innovations reduce the dependency on chemical fertilizers by helping crops derive nutrients through soil microbes, enhancing sustainable agricultural practices.

About the World Food Prize

  • Nature of the Award: A prestigious international honour for outstanding contributions to the global food system.
  • Often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture.”

Objectives

  • Recognizes exceptional efforts in improving the quality, quantity, and accessibility of food worldwide.
  • Contributions can come from fields such as:
    • Agricultural science & technology
    • Food production and nutrition
    • Economics, policy, marketing
    • Poverty reduction & social science
    • Leadership in food security initiatives

Establishment

  • Founded in: 1986 by Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, Nobel Peace Prize laureate (1970) and father of the Green Revolution.
  • Administered by: The World Food Prize Foundation, with support from public and private sector partners.

Award Details

  • Prize Amount: $500,000
  • Award Ceremony: Held annually in Des Moines, Iowa, USA, during the Borlaug Dialogue and around World Food Day (October 16).

Historical Note

  • India’s Contribution: Renowned agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan was the first recipient of the World Food Prize in 1987.
  • Honoured for introducing high-yielding wheat and rice varieties in India during the 1960s, contributing to food self-sufficiency.

Golden Dragon 2025

  • 16 May 2025

In News:

In May 2025, Cambodia and China launched their largest-ever edition of the annual Golden Dragon military exercise, featuring coordinated land, sea, and air operations. This drill underscores deepening military and strategic cooperation between the two countries amidst shifting geopolitical alignments in Southeast Asia.

About Golden Dragon Exercise:

  • Inception: Initiated in 2016, Golden Dragon is a bilateral military exercise between China and Cambodia.
  • Objective: Strengthens defence ties, capacity building, and joint operational readiness.
  • 2025 Theme: Focuses on joint counter-terrorism operations and humanitarian relief efforts, projecting it as a peace-oriented and technologically advanced drill.

Key Highlights

  • Venue: Conducted at Ream Naval Base, located on Cambodia’s southern coast near Sihanoukville.
  • Military Domains: Involves exercises across land, sea, and air.
  • Technological Showcase:
    • Reconnaissance and attack drones
    • Surgical robots
    • Robot dogs
  • These technologies highlight an evolution toward AI-driven and robotic warfare capabilities.

Strategic and Geopolitical Significance:

  • Ream Naval Base Expansion:
    • China has funded upgrades to this naval base, raising concerns about possible dual-use military capabilities and Beijing's expanding naval footprint in the Gulf of Thailand.
    • Cambodia denies hosting any exclusive foreign military presence but allows docking of ships from friendly nations, including recent arrivals from Japan, Vietnam, and China.
  • China-Cambodia Relations:
    • Cambodia is considered China’s closest ally in Southeast Asia.
    • China is a major economic and military benefactor, with growing influence in Cambodian infrastructure and defence.
  • Counterbalance to U.S. Influence:
    • The drill coincides with the U.S.-led Balikatan exercise, which includes forces from the U.S., Philippines, Australia, and Japan.
    • Reflects the strategic competition between China and the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • “String of Pearls” Strategy:
    • China’s involvement in ports like Ream (Cambodia), Hambantota (Sri Lanka), and Gwadar (Pakistan) reflects its strategy to establish logistical and strategic outposts across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

State of the World’s Nursing 2025

  • 14 May 2025

In News:

The World Health Organization’s upcoming “State of the World’s Nursing 2025” report raises an urgent alarm over the deepening global nursing shortage. It projects that by 2030, 70% of the global shortfall will be concentrated in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean regions, underscoring the need for immediate and strategic workforce interventions.

Nursing in India: Current Status and Challenges

India is grappling with a critical shortage of nursing professionals, falling short of global standards in several key areas:

  • Nurse-to-Population Ratio:India currently has approximately 30 nurses per 10,000 people, which is below the WHO-recommended threshold of 44.5 health workers per 10,000.
  • Nursing Education:While the country has significantly increased the number of nursing graduates, quality concerns, infrastructure limitations, and faculty shortages persist across institutions.
  • Migration Trends:India remains one of the leading exporters of trained nurses, especially to countries like the UK, Gulf nations, and Australia, contributing to a domestic workforce drain.
  • Workforce Retention:Persistent issues such as low wages, limited opportunities for career advancement, and unsafe or stressful working environments contribute to high attrition rates.

Key Issues in India's Nursing Sector

  • Inadequate Workforce Availability:India does not meet the WHO’s benchmark for health worker density, with rural areas facing the most severe shortages.
  • Urban-Rural Imbalance:A large concentration of nurses in urban private hospitals severely restricts healthcare access in Primary and Community Health Centres (PHCs and CHCs) in rural regions.
  • Poor Working Conditions:Nurses frequently endure long working hours, delayed salaries, insufficient mental health support, and unsafe work environments, which discourage long-term retention.
  • Lack of Leadership Representation:The absence of Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) at both state and national levels weakens the profession’s influence in health policy and governance.
  • Limited Public Investment:Constraints in fiscal capacity and inadequate infrastructure hinder both the training and employment of nursing professionals.
  • International Migration Without Compensation:The high rate of nurse outmigration is not matched by equitable bilateral agreements, leaving India's healthcare system vulnerable and under-resourced.

Strategic Recommendations:

  • Expand Training Infrastructure:Increase the number of nursing colleges with a focus on faculty recruitment and clinical infrastructure, in line with the National Education Policy’s emphasis on vocational education.
  • Strengthen Leadership and Governance:Establish Chief Nursing Officers at state and national levels, and bolster the role of nursing councils to advocate for reforms and oversee standards.
  • Enhance Retention Strategies:Improve remuneration, ensure workplace safety, offer mental health support, and create clear career progression pathways to retain talent.
  • Promote Rural Deployment:Introduce bonded scholarships, financial incentives, and housing support to encourage nursing professionals to serve in underserved rural regions.
  • Leverage Technology and AI:Incorporate blended learning models, train nurses in electronic health record systems, and integrate AI-driven modules into nursing curricula for future-ready skills.
  • Foster Fair International Cooperation:Develop bilateral agreements (e.g., India–UK healthcare MoUs) that ensure reciprocal benefits and support domestic capacity-building when nurses migrate abroad.

International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2025

  • 10 May 2025

In News:

The International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia is a leading biennial maritime and defence event in the Asia-Pacific region, held since 1997 in Singapore at the Changi Exhibition Centre. It serves as a key global platform for navies, coast guards, and maritime defence industries to showcase advanced naval platforms, cutting-edge technologies, and engage in strategic dialogue.

Indian Navy’s Participation

  • In May 2025, the Indian Naval Ship INS Kiltan arrived in Singapore to participate in IMDEX Asia 2025.
  • This deployment forms part of the Indian Navy’s operational commitments and highlights the strong maritime partnership between India and Singapore.
  • During the exhibition, the Indian Navy crew engaged in multiple bilateral and multilateral activities, including professional exchanges with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and other participating navies.
  • Activities included guided tours for schoolchildren, cross-deck visits with other navies, and curated visits for defence industry representatives to promote awareness of maritime security and India’s naval heritage.

Key Features of IMDEX Asia

  • Platform for Defence Collaboration: IMDEX Asia facilitates showcasing of naval systems and debut of advanced maritime technologies.
  • Strategic Dialogue: The event hosts high-level policy discussions and strategic dialogues on maritime security.
  • International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC):
    • Established in 2009, IMSC is a crucial component of IMDEX.
    • Jointly organised by the Republic of Singapore Navy and the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).
    • It convenes navy chiefs, coast guard leaders, policymakers, and strategic analysts.
    • The conference aims to enhance mutual maritime security, improve maritime domain awareness, and foster cooperative responses to challenges in the global maritime commons.

Significance

  • The Indian Navy’s participation in IMDEX Asia underlines its commitment to regional maritime security and stability.
  • It also reinforces the longstanding friendly ties between India and Singapore and highlights the importance of naval interoperability and defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025

  • 09 May 2025

In News:

The Government of India has recently introduced the Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025, aimed at providing immediate, hassle-free medical care to individuals injured in road accidents. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to strengthening the emergency healthcare response system and reducing fatalities due to delays in treatment.

Key Features of the Scheme:

  • Universal Eligibility: Any person injured in a road accident involving a motor vehicle on a public road anywhere in India is eligible for cashless treatment.
  • Financial Coverage: The scheme offers a maximum coverage of ?1.5 lakh per accident victim, valid for up to seven days from the date of the accident.
  • Designated Hospital Network: Victims can avail full cashless treatment only at empanelled hospitals under the scheme. In non-designated hospitals, treatment will be restricted to initial stabilisation, as per official guidelines.

Implementation Mechanism:

  • National Health Authority (NHA): The NHA is the central coordinating body for scheme implementation. It will work closely with state health agencies, police, and hospital networks.
  • State-Level Execution: In each state and Union Territory, the State Road Safety Council serves as the nodal agency, responsible for:
    • Coordinating the onboarding of designated hospitals.
    • Managing treatment procedures and claim settlements.
    • Facilitating real-time communication through a dedicated online portal.
  • Monitoring Framework: A 17-member Steering Committee, chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, has been constituted to oversee and monitor implementation and address policy-level concerns.

Significance and Impact:

  • Addresses Financial Barriers: By offering cashless access to emergency care, the scheme reduces the out-of-pocket burden on accident victims and their families.
  • Improves Emergency Response: Ensures timely medical intervention, a critical factor in saving lives during the "golden hour" after a road accident.
  • Promotes Inter-Agency Coordination: Brings together multiple stakeholders—healthcare, law enforcement, and road safety agencies—on a unified digital platform for better service delivery.
  • Nationwide Coverage: Marks a paradigm shift in accident response policy, aiming to make quality trauma care accessible across both urban and rural India.

Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX) 2025

  • 09 May 2025

In News:

India is set to host the 12th edition of the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX) 2025 from 7th to 9th May 2025 in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in the nation's emergence as a key global player in space exploration.

Key Highlights of GLEX 2025:

  • Theme: “Reaching New Worlds: A Space Exploration Renaissance”
    • The conference theme underscores a renewed global commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and international collaboration in space science and technology.
  • Organisers:
    • International Astronautical Federation (IAF) – The world’s foremost space advocacy organisation.
    • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) – Serving as the primary host, reflecting India’s growing stature in the global space ecosystem.
    • Astronautical Society of India (ASI) – Acting as the co-host and supporting India's role in global space diplomacy.

GLEX 2025 is expected to bring together global experts, policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders to discuss cutting-edge advancements, collaborative missions, and the future of space exploration. It will also highlight India's evolution from a regional space power to a central figure in the international space community.

About the International Astronautical Federation (IAF):

  • Established: 1951
  • Membership: Over 500 organisations from 78 countries, including major space agencies, private companies, academic institutions, and research bodies.
  • Vision: “A space-faring world cooperating for the benefit of humanity”
  • Motto: “Connecting @ll Space People”
    • The IAF promotes global space cooperation and knowledge exchange. Through platforms like GLEX, it fosters dialogue on programmatic, technical, and policy aspects of space missions.

Significance for India:

GLEX 2025 reflects India’s growing prominence in the global space domain, reaffirming its commitment to peaceful space exploration and international collaboration. The event offers a valuable opportunity for India to showcase its achievements, build new partnerships, and contribute to shaping the future of global space policy and science.

Khelo India Youth Games 2025

  • 06 May 2025

In News:

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the 7th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) on May 4, 2025, marking Bihar’s first time hosting a national-level multi-sport event.
  • The event will be held across five cities in Bihar: Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai from May 4–15, 2025.

About Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG)

Feature                                     Details

Launch Year                          2018

Nodal Ministry                     Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

Target Group                        Youth athletes under 17 and 21 years of age

Objective                                 Promote grassroots sports, mass participation, and talent

                                             development for global competition

Host Cities in 2025            Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Begusarai

Total Athletes (2025)     Over 6,000 participants

Special Highlights of KIYG 2025

  • Medal Events: Competitions held in 27 sporting disciplines.
  • New Inclusions:
    • Sepaktakraw included as a medal sport for the first time.
    • Esports introduced as a demonstration event, reflecting the rise of digital-age sports.
  • Support for Athletes: Winners eligible for scholarships under the Khelo India Scheme to pursue professional training.

Significance

  • PM Modi emphasized the role of regular tournaments like KIYG in shaping India’s sports ecosystem.
  • Cited Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old cricketer who scored a 38-ball century in IPL 2025, as a symbol of emerging youth talent.
  • Highlighted that platforms like Khelo India events (youth, para, winter, and senior levels) help identify, nurture and promote talent, building confidence among young athletes.

Previous Editions of KIYG

Edition                    Host City

1st (2018)            New Delhi

2nd (2019)          Pune

3rd (2020)          Guwahati

4th (2021)            Panchkula

5th (2022)           Bhopal

6th (2023)           Chennai

7th (2025)           Bihar (multiple cities)

Global Wind Energy Report 2025

  • 05 May 2025

In News:

The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), in its Global Wind Report 2025, has warned that current global wind energy growth is insufficient to meet the targets aligned with the Paris Agreement and net-zero emissions by 2050. As per the report, at current trends, only 77% of the wind capacity required by 2030 will be achieved — putting the 1.5°C global warming limit at serious risk.

Global Wind Energy Landscape (as of 2024)

  • New Capacity Added: 117 GW (up from 116.6 GW in 2023)
  • Total Global Capacity: 1,136 GW
  • Leading Countries:
    • China: 70% of new installations
    • USA, Brazil, India, and Germany followed.
  • Emerging Markets: Uzbekistan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia showed significant growth.
  • Regional Progress:
    • Africa and Middle East: Onshore wind capacity doubled compared to previous years.
    • Offshore Wind: Only 8 GW added (down 26% from 2023), the lowest since 2021.

Key Challenges Identified by GWEC

  • Policy Uncertainty: Regulatory delays and instability in key markets.
  • Grid Infrastructure Deficits: Underinvestment in transmission and distribution systems.
  • Financial Constraints: Inflation, high interest rates, trade protectionism.
  • Market Inefficiencies: Weak renewable energy auction systems.

Global Commitments & Urgency

  • At COP28 (Dubai), countries pledged to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.
  • To align with this goal, annual wind installations must rise to 320 GW by 2030.
  • Failure to scale up urgently risks missing a vital climate mitigation window.

Wind Energy in India – Status and Prospects (as of March 2025)

  • Total Installed Capacity: 50.04 GW
  • Capacity Added (FY 2024–25): 4.15 GW
    • (Up from 3.25 GW in FY 2023–24)
  • Global Rank: 4th largest wind power producer (after China, USA, Germany)
  • Top States:
    • Gujarat
    • Tamil Nadu
    • Karnataka
  • Manufacturing Strength: Domestic wind turbine manufacturing capacity is ~18,000 MW/year.
  • Offshore Wind Potential:
    • Gujarat: 36 GW
    • Tamil Nadu: 35 GW

Operation Hawk 2025

  • 04 May 2025

In News:

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched Operation Hawk in 2025 to combat international cybercrime networks involved in online child sexual exploitation (OCSE). The operation led to arrests in Delhi and Mumbai, following inputs from foreign agencies including the United States.

About Operation Hawk

Feature                         Details

Launched By            CBI’s International Operations Division

Year of Launch       2025

Main Objective       Target and dismantle cybercriminal networks engaged in OCSE

Scope                             International cooperation, digital forensics, and prosecution

Key Objectives

  • Disrupt organized cyber-pedophile networks.
  • Enhance coordination with agencies like Interpol, FBI, and foreign governments.
  • Strengthen legal action under IPC, IT Act, and POCSO Act.
  • Address complaints involving Indian nationals from foreign jurisdictions.
  • Boost cross-border digital evidence collection and swift response systems.

Previous Related Operations

  • Operation CARBON (2021):Targeted dark web CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) users globally.
  • Operation MEGH CHAKRA (2022):Pan-India action based on Interpol alerts; resulted in large-scale arrests and digital data seizures.

WAVES 2025 & WAM!

  • 01 May 2025

In News:

In line with the vision of “Create in India, Create for the World,” the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in partnership with the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), is hosting WAVES 2025—India’s largest summit for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector. A major highlight of this summit is the WAM! (WAVES Anime & Manga Contest)—India’s first national initiative to promote original Indian IPs in anime, manga, webtoons, and cosplay.

What is WAM!?

  • Full Form: WAVES Anime & Manga Contest.
  • Nature: India’s first national initiative focused on discovering and nurturing original Indian creative intellectual properties (IPs) in:Anime, Manga, Webtoons&Cosplay
  • Organisers: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in collaboration with MEAI.
  • Finale: To be held at WAVES 2025, from May 1–4, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
  • Participants: Finalists from 11 cities selected through regional contests.

Global Support & Incentives

  • Crunchyroll, a global anime platform (a joint venture of Sony Pictures Entertainment and Aniplex, Japan), is the Title Sponsor of WAM! 2025.
  • It has introduced a Creator Development Grant to support Indian talent and foster global-ready original content.

Grant Details

Category       Student (INR)       Professional (INR)

Manga          25,000                    25,000

Webtoon      25,000                    25,000

Anime           50,000                    50,000

  • Winners of WAM! 2025 will represent India at Anime Japan 2026 in Tokyo—one of the world's leading anime conventions—marking India’s presence on the global animation stage.

About WAVES 2025

  • Full Form: World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit.
  • Objective: Showcase India's capabilities in content creation, technological innovation, and media & entertainment IP development.
  • Hosted by: Government of India.
  • Venue: Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai

Key Pillars of WAVES 2025

  • AVGC-XR Sector Focus:Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics&Extended Reality (XR) including AR, VR, and Mixed Reality.
  • "Create in India" Challenges (CIC):
    • Season 1 witnessed over 1 lakh registrations, including 1,100 international participants.
    • 750+ finalists selected through 32 unique creative challenges.
  • Thematic Focus Areas:
    • Broadcasting, Films, Television, Radio
    • Print & Digital Media, Advertising, Social Media Platforms
    • Sound & Music
    • Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Extended Reality (XR)
  • Target Audience: Content creators, industry professionals, investors, technology innovators, and global studios.

USCIRF’s 2025 Report

  • 30 Mar 2025

In News:

In its 2025 Annual Report, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommended designating India as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC), citing alleged systemic violations of religious freedom.

Key USCIRF Recommendations:

  • Label India as a CPC under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), 1998.
  • Impose targeted sanctions on Indian institutions, including the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), and individuals such as Vikash Yadav.
  • Review bilateral defence agreements, including drone deals.
  • Prioritise religious freedom in diplomatic dialogues with India.
  • Reintroduce the Transnational Repression Reporting Act, 2024 to monitor global religious freedom violations.

About USCIRF:

  • Established by: U.S. Congress (1998) under IRFA.
  • Nature: Independent, bipartisan federal agency.
  • Not affiliated with: U.S. State Department (but works in coordination).
  • Structure: 9 Commissioners appointed by the U.S. President and Congressional leaders.
  • Mandate: Monitor global religious freedom (FoRB), advise U.S. leadership, recommend sanctions, and publish annual reports.

Core Functions:

  • Track global trends in freedom of religion or belief.
  • Recommend policy actions including CPC designation.
  • Advocate for religious prisoners of conscience.
  • Maintain a FoRB Victims List and issue thematic reports.

India’s Official Response:

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) firmly rejected USCIRF’s report, calling it “biased and politically motivated.”

  • MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticized the report for misrepresenting isolated incidents and ignoring India’s multicultural and pluralistic society.
  • Highlighted India’s 1.4 billion diverse population, representing all major religions.
  • Emphasized that USCIRF’s assessments reflect a deliberate narrative rather than genuine concern for religious rights.
  • Asserted that such reports would not affect India’s image as a democratic and tolerant nation.
  • Called for USCIRF itself to be recognized as an “entity of concern.”

IEA Global Energy Review 2025

  • 28 Mar 2025

In News:

The world's energy demand grew at 2.2% in 2024, a pace described as "faster than average" by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in its Global Energy Review.

Key Highlights:

Global Energy Demand

  • Global energy demand grew by 2.2% in 2024, faster than the average of the past decade.
  • Emerging and developing economies accounted for over 80% of the increase, with Asia leading the growth.
  • Electricity demand rose 4.3%, nearly double the past decade's average.

Rise of Renewables

  • Renewables were the fastest-growing energy source, contributing 38% of global energy growth.
  • A record 700 GW of renewable power capacity was added globally in 2024 (22nd consecutive annual record).
  • Low-emission sources (renewables + nuclear) accounted for 80% of the increase in electricity generation.

Key Country Contributions:

  • China added:340 GW solar and 80 GW wind (≈ two-thirds of global additions).
  • India added:30 GW solar, triple the previous year's addition.

Global Renewable Generation (2024):

  • Solar: +480 TWh
  • Wind: +180 TWh
  • Hydropower: +190 TWh (mainly due to favorable weather, not capacity increase)

Coal Trends:

  • Coal demand rose 1%, reaching a record high in 2024.
  • China derives 60% of its electricity from coal; India, about 75%.
  • Coal’s global electricity share dropped to 35% – the lowest since the IEA's inception in 1974.
  • The seaborne coal market is shrinking as top consumers are also top producers with domestic-use policies.

Natural Gas Outlook

  • Natural gas demand rose 2.7%, hitting a record 115 billion cubic metres in 2024.
  • Driven by:
    • China's adoption of LNG trucks
    • Heatwaves increasing power demand
  • However, demand fell in late 2024 due to rising LNG spot prices, indicating price sensitivity in Asia.

Crude Oil Demand Slows

  • Oil demand grew just 0.8%, mainly from the petrochemical sector.
  • Transport-related oil use declined due to:
    • Growth in electric vehicles (EVs) (especially in China)
    • Expansion of LNG trucks and high-speed rail networks

About the International Energy Agency (IEA)

  • Founded: 1974 (post-1973 oil crisis) by OECD nations.
  • HQ: Paris, France.
  • Members: 31 countries (only OECD nations can be full members); India is an association country.
  • Mandate: Energy security, sustainability, and global cooperation.
  • Key Reports: World Energy Outlook, India Energy Outlook, World Energy Investment Report, Global Energy Review.

India to Host FATF Private Sector Collaborative Forum 2025 in Mumbai

  • 25 Mar 2025

In News:

  • India will host the FATF Private Sector Collaborative Forum (PSCF) 2025 in Mumbai from March 25-27, 2025. This event will focus on global priorities such as payment transparency, financial inclusion, and the digital transformation of financial systems.
  • The forum will be a critical platform for addressing the evolving challenges of money laundering and terrorist financing through the use of digital tools and enhanced transparency.

Key Agenda

The discussions at PSCF 2025 will revolve around tackling contemporary financial crimes, including those linked to cryptocurrency-related laundering. Key topics will include:

  • Strengthening Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT) compliance mechanisms.
  • Promoting financial inclusion through risk-based supervision of regulated entities.
  • Enhancing transparency in beneficial ownership and using digital tools to bolster AML/CFT measures.
  • Addressing emerging risks, including terrorist financing and proliferation financing.

The forum will also assess how the private sector can enhance information-sharing practices to address these threats more effectively.

About FATF

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), established in 1989 during the G7 Summit in Paris, is an intergovernmental body that sets international standards to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The FATF’s mission is to develop policies, establish guidelines, and promote global cooperation to mitigate the financial risks associated with these crimes.

  • Headquarters: Paris, France.
  • Membership: FATF has 39 member countries, including major economies such as the United States, India, China, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and theEuropean Union.
  • Regional Bodies: In addition to its direct members, FATF affiliates over 180 countries through FATF-Style Regional Bodies (FSRBs) like the Asia Pacific Group (APG) and the Eurasian Group.
  • FATF Recommendations are recognized as the global standard for AML/CFT measures.

FATF evaluates countries' efforts to comply with these standards, providing assessments and promoting policy changes to counteract financial crimes. Countries that fail to comply may be placed on the grey list or blacklist.

FATF Grey and Black Lists

Countries that fail to meet FATF standards are placed on one of two lists:

  • Black List: Countries known as Non-Cooperative Countries or Territories (NCCTs), which directly support terrorist financing and money laundering. North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar are currently on this list.
  • Grey List: Countries considered at risk of supporting financial crimes but not yet fully engaging in those activities. Being on the grey list serves as a warning, with the risk of moving to the blacklist if improvements are not made.

Countries on the blacklist face severe international sanctions, including restrictions on financial aid and economic interactions from organizations like the IMF, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank.

India's Role in FATF

India became a member of FATF in 2010 and has made significant strides in improving its AML/CFT frameworks. In 2024, FATF acknowledged India’s efforts towards anti-money laundering and countering terrorist financing, placing it in the "regular follow-up" category for continued compliance.

The upcoming PSCF 2025 will be a milestone in India’s ongoing commitment to global financial security, as it seeks to enhance international collaboration and discuss innovative ways to address evolving threats in financial crimes.

World Water Day 2025

  • 25 Mar 2025

In News:

Marking World Water Day, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and the Government of Haryana, launched the much-anticipated sixth edition of Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain - 2025 in Panchkula, Haryana.

World Water Day 2025

  • Observed On: 22nd March 2025
  • 2025 Theme: ‘Glacier Preservation’
  • Global Context: Declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, conceptualized at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.
  • Linked SDG: Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6) – Clean Water and Sanitation for All by 2030.
  • Purpose: To raise global awareness on water conservation and promote sustainable water use.

India's Observance: Launch of Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain 2025

  • Launched by: Ministry of Jal Shakti, in collaboration with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and Government of Haryana.
  • Launch Venue: Panchkula, Haryana (first time outside Delhi).
  • Theme: “????????????????: ??????????????” (People’s Action for Water Conservation – Towards Intensified Community Connect).
  • Focus Areas:
    • Rainwater harvesting
    • Groundwater recharge
    • Community-led water conservation
    • Ecological restoration (forests, rivers, springs)

Key Campaigns & Initiatives

Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2025 (JSA:CTR)

  • Targeted Districts: 148 water-stressed districts across India.
  • Tagline: “Catch the Rain where it falls, when it falls.”
  • Objective: Promote localized water conservation through people’s participation and decentralized planning.

“Jal-Jangal-Jan” Abhiyan

  • Aim: Restore ecological connectivity between water, forests, and communities.
  • Collaborators: MoEFCC and Jal Shakti Ministry.
  • Tools Used: Awareness videos, AV content, best practice compilations.

State-Level Innovations: Haryana Model

  • Launched:
    • Mukhyamantri Jal Sanchay Yojana – Enhancing water harvesting through community participation.
    • Water Resources Atlas – Scientific mapping of water availability.
    • Online Canal Water Management System – Real-time irrigation data for efficiency.
    • E-booklet on Integrated Water Resources Management.
  • Infrastructure Projects under SBM-G & JSA:
    • Community Sanitary Complexes
    • Solid & Liquid Waste Management
    • Gobardhan (Biogas) Projects
    • Borewell Recharge Systems
    • Micro-irrigation and Rainwater Harvesting Projects

Key Government Schemes Related to Water

  • Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) – Time-bound, mission-mode campaign for water conservation.
  • Atal Bhujal Yojana – Participatory groundwater management in critical areas.
  • AMRUT 2.0 – Urban water supply and sewerage services improvement.

World Happiness Report 2025

  • 23 Mar 2025

In News:

The World Happiness Report (WHR) 2025 was released on 20th March (World Happiness Day) by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, in collaboration with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN).

India’s Performance:

  • India’s Rank (2025):118th out of 147 countries (Improved from 126th in 2024).
    • Sub-Indicator Performance:
      • Donations: 57th
      • Volunteering: 10th
      • Helping a Stranger: 74th
      • Wallet Return Probability:
        • 115th (by neighbor)
        • 86th (by stranger)
        • 93rd (by police)
  • Happiness Score: Increased from 4.054 (2021–23) to 4.389 (2022–24).
  • Rank among Neighbors:
    • Nepal: 92nd
    • Pakistan: 109th
    • Myanmar: 126th
    • Sri Lanka: 133rd
    • Bangladesh: 134th

Top 10 Happiest Countries (2025):

  1. Finland (8th consecutive year)
  2. Denmark
  3. Iceland
  4. Sweden
  5. Israel
  6. Costa Rica (new entrant)
  7. Netherlands
  8. Norway
  9. Luxembourg
  10. Mexico(new entrant)

Least Happy Countries (Bottom 5):

  • 147th: Afghanistan (4th consecutive year as lowest)
  • 146th: Sierra Leone
  • 145th: Lebanon
  • 144th: Malawi
  • 143rd: Zimbabwe

About the Report:

  • Purpose: Measures global well-being through life evaluations and promotes policy focus on happiness, mental health, and quality of life over mere economic growth.
  • Methodology:
    • Based on Gallup World Poll (2022–2024 data).
    • Uses Cantril Ladder Scale (0–10) for life evaluation.
    • Six Key Indicators:
      1. GDP per capita
      2. Healthy life expectancy
      3. Social support
      4. Freedom to make life choices
      5. Generosity
      6. Perception of corruption

Global Trends in Happiness (2025):

  • Nordic Dominance: Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden occupy top ranks.
  • Decline in Western Countries:
    • USA: 24th (down from 11th in 2012)
    • UK: 23rd (lowest since 2017)
    • Rising loneliness and social isolation major causes.
  • Israel (5th): Maintained high rank despite ongoing conflict.
  • Social Support Decline: 19% of young adults globally report having no one to rely on.

Special Focus: India vs Pakistan – The Paradox

Despite India’s:

  • Higher GDP per capita ($2,480.8 vs Pakistan’s $1,365.3),
  • Better health indicators (life expectancy: 58.1 vs 56.9),
  • Better corruption perception rank (India: 96th, Pakistan: 135th),

India still ranks lower in happiness.

Reason: Low scores in perceived freedom and individual life satisfaction.

World Happiness Day:

  • Observed on: 20th March
  • Initiated by: Bhutan, which pioneered the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH).
  • Adopted by UNGA: July 2012
  • Theme 2025:"Caring and Sharing"

Exercise Sea Dragon 2025

  • 22 Mar 2025

In News:

India successfully concluded its participation in Exercise Sea Dragon 2025, a two-week multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) drill conducted in the Indo-Pacific region, hosted by the United States Navy’s 7th Fleet.

About Exercise Sea Dragon 2025

  • Type: Annual Multinational Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Exercise
  • Duration: Two weeks
  • Location:Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Western Pacific
  • Host: U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet
  • Inception: Started as a bilateral US-Australia exercise in 2019; expanded to include more Indo-Pacific allies.
  • India’s Participation: Since 2021; SD25 marks India’s 4th consecutive participation.

Objectives of Sea Dragon 2025

  • Enhance Maritime Security and regional naval cooperation
  • Strengthen anti-submarine warfare capabilities
  • Improve interoperability and coordination among Indo-Pacific allies
  • Promote a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific
  • Address undersea threats, particularly in light of China’s growing maritime presence

Key Features of Sea Dragon 2025

  • Live ASWEX: Tracking of real U.S. Navy submarines
  • Mobile Drills: Use of MK-30 ‘SLED’ (Submarine Launch Expendable Device) as training targets
  • Competitive Phase: Crews evaluated and graded based on ASW tactics and effectiveness
  • Theoretical + Practical Training: Included tactical discussions, submarine detection, and neutralization scenarios
  • Deployment of Advanced MPRA (Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft): Equipped with sonobuoys and sensors for submarine tracking

Significance for India

  • Improves ASW Readiness and operational capabilities of the Indian Navy
  • Strengthens ties with Quad members (U.S., Australia, Japan) and other Indo-Pacific partners
  • Supports India’s broader strategy of naval modernization
  • Aligns with India’s efforts to safeguard its interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and maintain regional stability.

Outcome

  • RAAF (Australia) emerged as the top-performing team in the competitive phase.
  • India successfully demonstrated its capabilities and reaffirmed commitment to Indo-Pacific security cooperation.

WEF UpLink Annual Impact Report 2025

  • 21 Mar 2025

In News:

The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) UpLink Annual Impact Report 2025 underscores the significant contributions of early-stage start-ups in tackling climate and sustainability challenges globally.

About UpLink:

  • Launched: 2020 at Davos by WEF in collaboration with Deloitte and Salesforce.
  • Objective: Open innovation platform to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by connecting entrepreneurs with experts, investors, and stakeholders.

Key Environmental and Social Impacts (2023–2024):

Category                                                                   Impact

Carbon Emissions                                                142,400 tonnes of CO? prevented (equal to emissions

                                                                         of ~30,000 cars)

Ecosystem Protection                                       140 million hectares of land and water safeguarded

Water Management                                           2.5 billion litres of hazardous wastewater treated

Waste Management                                           28 million tonnes of waste tracked

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)    2.7 million people gained improved access

Job Creation                                                             30,000+ new jobs generated

Livelihood Support                                               ~500,000 smallholder farmers and fishers experienced

                                                                           income growth

Waste Collector Empowerment                  18,000 collectors integrated into formal markets

Notable Indian Contributions:

  • Indra Water: Processed 1.2 billion litres of wastewater in 2024 (243% rise from 2022).
  • S4S Technologies: Reduced 60,000 tonnes of food waste — enough to feed 2.7 million people for a month.

Global Innovations Highlighted:

  • EnviCore (Canada): Uses mining waste in construction to cut emissions.
  • Umgrauemeio (Brazil): AI-based wildfire monitoring across 6.7 million hectares of forests.
  • SHAYP: Saved 7 billion litres of water in 2024 using leakage detection; aims for 100 billion litres by 2027.
  • GreenPlat (Brazil): Tracked 12.3 million tonnes more waste in 2024 than the previous year.

Investment and Innovation Trends:

  • Total Funds Raised by UpLink Ventures in 2024: $633 million (up by $196 million from 2023).
  • Customer Base Growth: Nearly 50% of ventures reported over 40% increase in customers.
  • Circular Economy Focus: 13 ventures supported under the Traceability for Circularity Challenge to promote ethical and waste-reducing value chains.

Future Focus Areas (Planned by UpLink):

  • Sustainable mining
  • Carbon capture technologies
  • AI-driven environmental monitoring

Maritime Security Belt 2025

  • 16 Mar 2025

In News:

Amid rising tensions over Iran’s expanding nuclear program and threats from Yemen's Houthi rebels, China, Iran, and Russia conducted the Maritime Security Belt 2025 naval exercise in the Gulf of Oman, strategically located near the Strait of Hormuz. This region is of global significance as it serves as a major maritime route, through which a fifth of the world’s crude oil is transported daily.

Key Highlights of the Exercise

  • Location: Gulf of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz, connecting the Persian Gulf to the open seas. This waterway is crucial for global energy supplies and trade.
  • Participating Navies:
    • Iran: State-run media highlighted the drills as a show of strength, particularly after Israeli strikes targeted Iran’s defense and missile programs.
    • Russia: Participated with corvettes Rezky and Aldar Tsydenzhapov as well as the tanker Pechenega. Russia continues to rely on Iran for drone supplies, particularly in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
    • China: Sent guided-missile destroyer Baotou and supply ship Gaoyouhu. China maintains deep ties with Iran, especially in the oil sector, despite facing Western sanctions.
  • Operational Objectives:
    • The exercise aimed to enhance coordination and operational synergy between the three nations, with a focus on maritime security, countering threats to shipping lanes, and addressing global security challenges.
    • It featured live-fire drills, night operations, and complex naval maneuvers, ensuring the readiness of all three navies to respond to maritime threats.
  • Regional Significance: The Gulf of Oman serves as the only maritime access for Iran to the open seas, making it critical for global trade. The Strait of Hormuz is particularly significant as it handles a significant portion of the world’s oil trade.

Strategic Context and Implications

  • Nuclear Tensions: Iran's nuclear program, which has drawn concerns from both Israel and the U.S., remains a central issue in the region. The exercises coincide with the growing concerns over Iran’s stockpiling of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels, despite Tehran's assertions that its nuclear ambitions are peaceful.
  • Impact of Drills: These joint naval exercises highlight the growing influence of China and Russia in the Middle East, both of which have strategic ties with Iran. While these countries do not patrol the wider Middle East region, their naval presence in the Gulf signals their deepening involvement in the region’s security dynamics, particularly in opposition to the U.S.-led presence.
  • Yemen's Role: The Houthi rebels in Yemen have previously targeted international shipping in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and have threatened to resume attacks unless humanitarian aid is allowed into Gaza. The instability in the region further complicates security, as seen in the potential for maritime disruptions.

Geopolitical Dimensions

  • China’s Interests: China, as a major consumer of Iranian crude oil, continues to engage with Iran despite facing Western sanctions. These drills serve as a symbol of China’s increasing military presence and its growing role in the Middle East, particularly in energy security.
  • Russia’s Involvement: Russia's reliance on Iran for bomb-carrying drones in the Ukraine conflict further deepens the military relationship between the two nations. The maritime drills highlight Russia’s interest in securing its position in the Middle East amidst growing tensions with the West.
  • U.S. Interests: The U.S., which monitors the region through its 5th Fleet based in Bahrain, remains cautious of the growing military cooperation between China, Russia, and Iran. The drills, especially the interference with GPS systems, have raised concerns about regional stability and the ability to ensure free navigation through critical maritime chokepoints.

Bongosagar 2025 Naval Exercise

  • 16 Mar 2025

In News:

India and Bangladesh conducted the Bongosagar 2025 naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal, aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation, operational interoperability, and regional security. This joint exercise aligns with India's maritime foreign policy doctrine — SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

Key Highlights

  • Participants:
    • Indian Navy: INS Ranvir, a Rajput-class guided missile destroyer, commissioned in 1986.
    • Bangladesh Navy: BNS Abu Ubaidah.
  • Objectives:
    • Strengthen tactical planning, information sharing, and coordinated response capabilities.
    • Enhance interoperability for seamless maritime operations.
    • Reinforce regional trust and cooperation under the SAGAR framework.
  • Exercise Components:
    • Surface firing drills
    • Tactical manoeuvres
    • Underway replenishment
    • VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure) operations
    • Cross-deck boarding exercises
    • Communication drills
    • Professional knowledge quizzes and steam past ceremonies

Strategic Significance

  • Supports India’s SAGAR initiative (2015), promoting security and growth in the Indian Ocean region.
  • Aligns with the broader MAHASAGAR (2025) vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions — targeting deeper engagement with the Global South.
  • Enhances the ability of both navies to counter maritime threats, uphold freedom of navigation, and ensure regional maritime stability.

India-Bangladesh Defence Cooperation

  • Army-level: Exercise Sampriti
  • Navy-level: Exercises Bongosagar and Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT)

Raisina Dialogue 2025

  • 15 Mar 2025

In News:

The 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, is scheduled to be held in New Delhi from March 17–19, 2025.

About Raisina Dialogue:

  • Launched: 2016
  • Organisers: Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
  • Format: Multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral conference bringing together global leaders in politics, business, media, academia, and civil society
  • Modelled On: Munich Security Conference (Germany) and Shangri-La Dialogue (Singapore)
  • Annual Venue: New Delhi
  • 2025 Theme: Kalachakra: People. Peace. Planet.

Significance for India and the World:

  • Provides a platform for dialogue on global strategic and security issues
  • Enhances India’s image as a thought leader in international diplomacy
  • Fosters multilateral cooperation on contemporary global challenges such as conflict resolution, climate change, technological disruption, and global governance
  • Reflects India’s growing role as a bridge between the Global North and Global South

World Wildlife Day 2025

  • 05 Mar 2025

In News:

World Wildlife Day is observed on March 3 every year, and in 2025, it will be observed under the theme of “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.”

Key Details:

  • Declared by: United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
  • First Observed: 2014
  • Occasion: Commemorates the signing of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) in 1973.
  • Theme 2025:“Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet”

Purpose and Significance

World Wildlife Day is an annual UN-recognized global event aimed at:

  • Raising awareness about wild fauna and flora.
  • Highlighting threats such as climate change, poaching, habitat destruction, and illegal wildlife trade.
  • Encouraging global cooperation for wildlife protection.
  • Promoting innovative financing models to bridge the estimated $824 billion global biodiversity funding gap.

2025 Theme Focus: Conservation Finance

The 2025 theme calls for sustainable financial strategies, emphasizing:

  • Wildlife Conservation Bonds
  • Debt-for-Nature Swaps
  • Green Bonds and Carbon Credits
  • Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES)
  • Public-Private Partnerships

These mechanisms aim to support conservation while fostering economic opportunities for local communities.

Timeline of Key Events

  • 1973: CITES adopted.
  • 2013: UNGA designates March 3 as World Wildlife Day.
  • 2014: First official celebration.
  • 2021: Theme – Forests and Livelihoods.
  • 2025: Theme – Finance for Conservation.

Wildlife Status in India

  • Protected Areas: 1,014 total (as of 2024), including:
    • 106 National Parks
    • 573 Wildlife Sanctuaries
    • 115 Conservation Reserves
    • 220 Community Reserves
      (Covers ~5.32% of India’s total area)
  • Tiger Population (2022): 3,682 – ~75% of global wild tigers
  • Asiatic Lion Population (2020): ~674 (only in Gujarat's Gir Forest)
  • India's Biodiversity Share:
    • 7.6% of global mammal species
    • 14.7% of amphibians
    • 6% of birds and reptiles
    • 6% of flowering plants

Major Causes of Wildlife Decline

  • Habitat loss & fragmentation
  • Illegal wildlife trade and poaching
  • Climate change and pollution
  • Invasive species
  • Industrialization & urban expansion

Conservation Measures in India

  • Project Tiger (1973): Boosted tiger numbers significantly.
  • Project Elephant (1992): Focuses on elephant corridors and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
  • Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Key legal framework to safeguard endangered species.
  • Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs): Buffer areas around protected habitats.
  • Community Initiatives: Ecotourism, local participation in conservation.

Exercise Desert Hunt 2025

  • 04 Mar 2025

In News:

Exercise Desert Hunt 2025 was a high-intensity Tri-Service Special Forces military drill conducted by the Indian Air Force at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from 24 to 28 February 2025.

Participating Forces

  • Indian Army: Para (Special Forces)
  • Indian Navy: Marine Commandos (MARCOS)
  • Indian Air Force: Garud Special Forces

Objective

  • To enhance interoperability, coordination, and operational synergy among the Special Forces of the three services.
  • To ensure swift and effective responses to emerging security threats through joint operations.

Key Activities

  • Airborne insertion and combat free-fall
  • Precision strikes and counter-terrorism drills
  • Hostage rescue operations
  • Urban warfare simulations
  • Validation of joint operational doctrines under realistic combat conditions

Significance

  • Strengthens tri-service integration and fosters inter-service cooperation.
  • Reinforces the commitment of the Indian Armed Forces to national security.
  • Provides a platform for doctrinal validation and operational readiness.

State of India’s Digital Economy Report 2025

  • 04 Mar 2025

In News:

The Indian digital economy is growing twice as fast as the overall economy and is projected to contribute 20% of India’s GDP by 2029, according to the State of India’s Digital Economy (SIDE) 2025 Report released by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) and its Prosus Centre for Internet and Digital Economy (CIDE).

Key Highlights:

  • Global Standing:
    • India is the 3rd largest economy globally.
    • However, it ranks only 28th in digital user spending, reflecting a significant per capita digital adoption gap.
    • In terms of a combined ranking of economic size and digital user economy, India stands 8th globally.
  • CHIPS Framework for Digitalisation:The report uses the CHIPS framework to assess digital development:
    • Connect: Internet access, affordability, and quality.
    • Harness: Usage intensity, fintech adoption.
    • Innovate: Start-up ecosystem, AI readiness.
    • Protect: Cybersecurity and digital rights.
    • Sustain: Green energy investments in the digital sector.

Strengths:

  • Harnessing Digital Potential:
    • India performs strongly in ICT service exports.
    • The Indian IT sector has the third-highest global market capitalisation, after the U.S. and China.
    • High levels of fintech usage and a robust start-up ecosystem contribute to digital growth.
  • Digital Growth Rate:
    • The digital economy is expanding at twice the pace of the broader economy.

Challenges:

  • Low Per Capita Spending:Despite high internet penetration, digital service usage and spending are low, particularly among the average user.
  • Regional Digital Divide:Southern and Western states are significantly ahead in digital adoption compared to Northern and Eastern states, pointing to the need for region-specific policy support.
  • Weakness in Emerging Technologies:
    • India ranks 11th in AI research and 16th in AI infrastructure.
    • It lags behind countries like the U.S., China, Singapore, South Korea, and the Netherlands in AI and advanced tech innovation.
    • Adoption of Consumer IoT and the metaverse remains well below global medians.

Way Forward:

To bridge the digital usage gap and fully harness the potential of the digital economy:

  • Policies must focus on increasing affordability, especially in under-served regions.
  • There is a need to strengthen AI infrastructure and research.
  • Investment in emerging technologies, decentralised finance, and digital skilling is vital.
  • A targeted approach to address regional disparities will ensure inclusive digital growth.

National Science Day 2025

  • 01 Mar 2025

In News:

National Science Day to be celebrated with theme ‘Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat’.

Key Details:

  • Observed On: February 28 annually
  • Purpose: To commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman in 1928. The day highlights the importance of science and promotes scientific temper among the public.
  • Theme 2025:“Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat”
    • This theme reflects the vision of building a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by nurturing youth-led scientific innovation and aligning with India’s S&T ambitions for 2047.

About Sir C.V. Raman and Raman Effect:

  • Born: 7 November 1888, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
  • Major Contributions:
    • Discovered the Raman Effect (1928), for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, becoming the first Asian Nobel Laureate in science.
    • Founded: Indian Journal of Physics (1926), Indian Academy of Sciences (1934), Raman Research Institute (1948).
    • First Indian Director of IISc, Bangalore (1933).
    • Awarded Bharat Ratna in 1954.

Raman Effect:A phenomenon where light passing through a substance changes in wavelength due to interaction with molecular vibrations. This principle is used in Raman Spectroscopy, widely applied in material science, chemistry, forensics, and even nuclear waste analysis.

National Science Day – History & Celebrations:

  • Established: 1986 by the Government of India
  • First Observed: 1987
  • Organisedby:National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST).
  • Celebrations include lectures, open labs, science fairs, and awareness drives across the country, especially for students.

Key Developments in Science & Technology (2024-25):

  • Innovation & IP Rankings:
    • 39th in Global Innovation Index 2024 (WIPO)
    • 6th in Global IP Filings
  • Major Initiatives:
    • Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF): Boosts R&D and supports innovation in EVs, materials, and emerging technologies.
    • National Quantum Mission (NQM): ?6003.65 crore mission to advance quantum computing, communication, and sensing.
    • National Supercomputing Mission (NSM):
      • Deployed 33 supercomputers, capacity: 32 PetaFlops.
      • Target: 77 PetaFlops using indigenous technology.
  • Artificial Intelligence:
    • BharatGen: India’s first multilingual, multimodal Large Language Model (LLM) for Generative AI.
  • STEM Inclusivity:
    • Programs like WISE-KIRAN support women in science.
    • PM Early Career Research Grant nurtures young researchers.
    • INSPIRE continues to attract school and college students to science careers.
  • Geospatial & Climate Research:
    • Expansion of spatial thinking programs in schools (116 schools across 7 states).
    • Establishment of 4 Centres of Excellence for climate risk mapping to enhance disaster preparedness.

PRAKRITI 2025

  • 28 Feb 2025

In News:

  • The International Conference on Carbon Markets – PRAKRITI 2025 was inaugurated by the Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs.
  • Organized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, the event served as a major platform for global dialogue on carbon markets, climate finance, and sustainability strategies.

Key Highlights:

PRAKRITI 2025 (Promoting Resilience, Awareness, Knowledge, and Resources for Integrating Transformational Initiatives) aimed to:

  • Understand the functioning of Indian and global carbon markets.
  • Discuss challenges, dynamics, and opportunities in carbon trading.
  • Strengthen carbon credits, offset mechanisms, and compliance systems.
  • Promote renewable energy, green innovations, and ecosystem-based interventions.
  • Foster collaboration between governments, industries, and citizens.

Insights from PRAKRITI 2025

  • Global Linkages:India’s carbon market will increasingly be influenced by global policies such as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which imposes carbon pricing on imports like steel and aluminium. Indian industries must prepare to maintain competitiveness.
  • Carbon Market Mechanisms:
    • Under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, carbon trading allows entities to buy carbon credits to offset emissions.
    • Carbon credit = reduction of 1 metric ton of CO? or equivalent GHGs.
  • India’s Progress:
    • India ranks second globally in Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project registrations.
    • The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, regulated by BEE, has saved over 106 million tonnes of CO? since 2015.
    • Development of a domestic carbon market is a priority to align with global standards and leverage international finance.
  • Challenges Highlighted:
    • Need for robust Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) frameworks.
    • Ensuring fair benefit distribution among stakeholders.
    • Developing policies tailored to India’s economic and social realities.
    • Increasing private sector engagement and incentivizing renewable energy developers.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

  • Established: 1 March 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
  • Mandate: Develop policies and programmes to promote energy efficiency, coordinate with stakeholders, and promote self-regulation within market principles to reduce India's energy intensity.
  • Role in Carbon Market: BEE is the nodal agency regulating India’s carbon trading schemes and energy conservation initiatives.

Remission and the Supreme Court’s 2025 Ruling

  • 24 Feb 2025

In News:

Recently, the Supreme Court directed states with remission policies to consider the premature release of prisoners even if they don’t apply for remission beforehand.

What is Remission?

  • Remission refers to the reduction of a convict's sentence by the government before the term is completed. It does not nullify the conviction, but shortens imprisonment.
  • It is governed by:
    • Section 473 of BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 432 of CrPC, 1973) – empowers state governments to grant remission.
    • Articles 72 and 161 of the Constitution – empower the President and Governors respectively to remit sentences.
    • Section 475 of BNSS (earlier Section 433A CrPC) – restricts remission for life convicts found guilty of offences punishable by death until 14 years of imprisonment are completed.

Background: SC’s Suo Motu Intervention

  • The Supreme Court in 2025, in the suomotu case In Re: Policy Strategy for Grant of Bail, altered the interpretation of remission rules to address prison overcrowding.
  • The Court held that states must consider remission for eligible convicts even without a formal application, if a remission policy exists.

Shift in Judicial Interpretation

  • Earlier rulings (Sangeet v. Haryana and Mohinder Singh v. Punjab, 2013) required a convict's application for remission.
  • The 2025 judgment acknowledges that many state prison manuals already mandate prison authorities to initiate remission review.
  • It recognized that failing to consider remission proactively could lead to arbitrary discrimination, violating Article 14 (Right to Equality).

Key Guidelines Issued by the Supreme Court

  • Suo motu Remission:States must automatically assess eligibility under remission policies—no application needed.
  • Mandatory Remission Policy:States without existing remission policies must formulate a comprehensive one within two months.
  • Conditions for Remission Must Be:
    • Reasonable, non-oppressive, and clearly defined.
    • Based on factors like motive, criminal background, and public safety.
    • Aimed at rehabilitation and prevention of recurrence.
  • Safeguards Against Arbitrary Cancellation:
    • Minor breaches shouldn’t lead to automatic cancellation.
    • Notice and hearing must be given before cancellation.
  • Transparency:
    • Legal aid bodies must monitor remission cases.
    • States to maintain real-time digital data on remission.

Significance and Implications

  • The ruling helps streamline remission processes and could contribute to decongesting Indian prisons, which are heavily overcrowded.
  • It ensures uniformity and fairness in the exercise of executive powers related to sentencing.
  • Reinforces constitutional values of equality and procedural fairness for prisoners.

Note:

  • RemissionPardon: Remission reduces sentence, doesn’t erase conviction.
  • Articles 72 & 161: Concern constitutional remission powers (President & Governor).
  • BNSS Sections 473 & 475: Replace CrPC Sections 432 & 433A, relevant for state remission powers.
  • Suo motu action by SC: Taken to address systemic prison overcrowding.
  • Article 14 invoked: To ensure equitable treatment of eligible prisoners.

SWARBICA Executive Body Meeting 2025

  • 23 Feb 2025

In News:

  • The Executive Body Meeting of the South and West Asian Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (SWARBICA) was held on 20–21 February 2025 at the India International Centre, New Delhi.
  • It was inaugurated by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and hosted by the National Archives of India.
  • This is the second time India has hosted the SWARBICA meeting, the last being in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in 2017.

Key Highlights

  • The event marked the first SWARBICA Executive Meeting in eight years.
  • Participating nations included Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
  • Pakistan joined the meeting virtually, while Iran could not attend due to visa-related issues.
  • The meeting provided a platform for regional cooperation in archival development, emphasizing shared cultural and religious heritage.

Agenda and Focus Areas

  • Digital Preservation & Archives Digitization:
    • Arun Singhal, Director General of the National Archives of India (NAI) and Treasurer of SWARBICA, presented NAI’s ongoing efforts in the digitization of archival records.
    • Emphasis was placed on training programs, technical exchange, and conservation practices.
  • AI in Digital Archiving:
    • Aseminar titled "Using AI for Digital Preservation in Archives" was organized.
    • Experts from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and SAMHiTA (India International Centre) discussed the potential of artificial intelligence in archival science.

About SWARBICA

  • It functions as a regional arm of the International Council on Archives (ICA), fostering collaboration among archival institutions in South and West Asia.
  • Established: The idea was proposed in 1973 at an ICA meeting in Brussels and officially launched on 11th December 1976 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
  • SWARBICA promotes professional networking, training, resource sharing, and advancement in archival practices among member countries.

Significance for India

  • Reflects India’s leadership in regional cultural cooperation.
  • Aligns with national goals of digital governance, knowledge preservation, and heritage conservation.
  • Strengthens India's cultural diplomacy in South and West Asia.

Prime Minister’s Yoga Awards 2025

  • 20 Feb 2025

In News:

The Ministry of Ayush has officially opened nominations for the Prime Minister’s Yoga Awards 2025, which will be conferred on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025. These prestigious awards aim to honour individuals and organizations that have made exceptional and sustained contributions to the promotion and development of Yoga at both national and international levels.

Background and Objective

Instituted by the Government of India and endorsed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the awards recognize Yoga’s vital role in:

  • Health promotion
  • Disease prevention
  • Management of lifestyle-related disorders

The initiative reflects the government’s broader vision to acknowledge and encourage meaningful contributions in advancing Yoga as a holistic system of well-being and preventive healthcare.

Award Categories and Benefits

The awards will be presented in the following four categories:

  1. National Individual
  2. National Organization
  3. International Individual
  4. International Organization

Each awardee will receive:

  • A Trophy
  • A Certificate of Recognition
  • A Cash Prize of ?25 lakh

Eligibility Criteria

  • Individual applicants must be 40 years or older.
  • They should possess a minimum of 20 years of committed work in promoting Yoga.
  • Organizations must have a proven track record in the field of Yoga development and outreach.

Applicants or nominees can apply for only one category (either National or International) in a given year. Applications can be submitted directly by individuals/entities or through nominations made by recognized Yoga institutions.

Application and Submission Process

  • Nominations and applications are to be submitted through the MyGov platform:
    https://innovateindia.mygov.in/pm-yoga-awards-2025/
  • The link is also accessible on the Ministry of Ayush website and those of its autonomous bodies.
  • The deadline for submission is March 31, 2025.

Selection Procedure

The award process involves two key stages:

  1. A Screening Committee formed by the Ministry of Ayush will evaluate all entries and recommend a maximum of 50 nominations per category.
  2. These shortlisted names will be reviewed by a high-level Evaluation Jury comprising eminent personalities from diverse fields, which will serve as the final decision-making body.

Significance of the Initiative

The Prime Minister’s Yoga Awards not only celebrate excellence in Yoga but also further the objectives of initiatives like Fit India Movement, Ayushman Bharat, and the mainstreaming of traditional Indian wellness systems.

The awards are a key element of the Ministry of Ayush’s broader mandate to integrate traditional systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy into the healthcare ecosystem of India.

Exercise Dharma Guardian 2025

  • 20 Feb 2025

In News:

The 6th edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian, a joint annual military exercisealternately hosted in India and Japan since 2018is scheduled from February 25 to March 9, 2025, at Mount Fuji, Japan.

Key Highlights:

Objectives:

  • Strengthen Bilateral Defence Relations: Enhances military diplomacy under the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
  • Promote Interoperability: Develops joint operational capabilities and tactical synergy in line with UN peacekeeping mandates (Chapter VII).
  • Urban and Semi-Desert Warfare: Trains troops in counter-terrorism operations and urban combat scenarios.
  • Regional Stability: Supports the Indo-Pacific security architecture and complements Quad defence objectives (India, Japan, US, Australia).

Key Features of Dharma Guardian 2025

  • Advanced Tactical Training: Close-quarter battle drills, live-fire exercises, battlefield medical evacuation.
  • Joint Counter-Terror Operations: Conducted under UN charter guidelines for multinational cooperation.
  • 48-hour Validation Exercise: Simulated real-time combat for assessing operational readiness and coordination.
  • ISR and Tactical Mobility Drills: Involves establishing temporary operating bases, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) grids, mobile vehicle checkpoints, and heliborne insertions.
  • House Intervention & Search Operations: Practical training for securing urban areas against militant threats.
  • Weapons & Equipment Display: Demonstrates India’s growing defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Mount Fuji – Host Site

  • Geographical Significance: Japan’s highest peak at 3,776.24 meters, located 100 km southwest of Tokyo.
  • Cultural Importance: Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2013) and revered as one of Japan’s “Three Holy Mountains.”
  • Training Terrain: Its stratovolcanic landscape provides a realistic backdrop for high-altitude and rugged terrain operations.

Related India-Japan Military Exercises

India and Japan conduct a wide spectrum of bilateral and multilateral defense exercises across all services:

Exercise Name                                   Service Branch                            Focus Area         

Dharma Guardian                            Army                                         Land-based counter-terror and urban warfare

JIMEX                                                         Navy                                          Naval interoperability and maritime security

Malabar (Quad)                          Navy (Multilateral)                 Naval drills with US and Australia

Veer Guardian                                    Air Force                                    Air combat tactics and coordination

ShinyuuMaitri                                     Air Force                                    Air mobility and humanitarian operations

 

Aero India 2025

  • 20 Feb 2025

In News:

Aero India 2025, the 15th edition of Asia's largest biennial airshow, is scheduled to take place from February 10 to 14, 2025, at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka, in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Organized by the Defence Exhibition Organisation under the Ministry of Defence, with support from HAL, DRDO, and the Indian Air Force, the event showcases India's growing prowess in aerospace, aviation, and defense technologies.

Key Highlights:

Edition: 15th (First held in 1996; originally Avia India in 1993)

Theme: “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities”

Conclave Theme: “BRIDGE – Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement”

Objectives and Significance

  • Promote Indigenous Manufacturing: In alignment with ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, the show promotes domestic aerospace and defense production.
  • Showcase Technological Advancements: Cutting-edge systems including fighter jets, helicopters, UAVs, and AI-integrated defense solutions will be exhibited.
  • Encourage Global Partnerships: Facilitates joint ventures, MoUs, and technology transfers between Indian and foreign defense firms.
  • Boost Strategic Diplomacy: A platform for global defense ministers, CEOs, and military leaders to foster bilateral and multilateral defense ties.
  • Stimulate Investment: Attracts FDI and international contracts in India’s defense sector.

Key Events

  • Live Aerial Displays: Aerobatic performances by combat aircraft, helicopters, and elite teams like Surya Kiran.
  • Defense Ministers’ Conclave: Deliberations on enhancing international defense cooperation.
  • CEO Roundtable: Industry leaders discuss emerging trends and investment prospects.
  • Manthan/iDEX Pavilion: Showcasing start-up innovations in defense and aerospace.
  • India Pavilion: A dedicated zone for indigenous defense production and capabilities.
  • International Seminar (Feb 8–9): Focused on Futuristic Aerospace Technologies and related R&D challenges.

Strategic Role of Aero India

Aero India plays a pivotal role in:

  • Supporting Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) procurements.
  • Demonstrating India's readiness as a global defense manufacturing hub.
  • Enhancing India’s geopolitical standing by fostering defense diplomacy through multilateral engagement.

Climate Risk Index 2025

  • 19 Feb 2025

In News:

  • The Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025, published by the international environmental think tank Germanwatch, ranks countries based on their vulnerability to extreme weather events, assessing both human and economic losses due to climate-induced disasters.
  • The index, which has been released annually since 2006, covers a 30-year period, evaluating the impact of extreme weather events in terms of economic losses, fatalities, and the number of affected people.

Key Findings:

  • Global Impact: From 1993 to 2022, more than 9,400 extreme weather events occurred globally, resulting in 765,000 fatalities and USD 4.2 trillion in economic losses. Heatwaves, droughts, and floods were the leading causes of fatalities and displacement, with heatwaves alone claiming 61,778 lives (83% of fatalities) in 2022. Droughts affected the largest number of people, with 59% of the global population impacted during the past three decades.
  • India's Position: India ranks as the 6th most affected country in the world by climate change between 1993 and 2022, suffering significant losses. During this period, the country experienced over 400 extreme weather events, including floods, heatwaves, cyclones, and droughts, causing a loss of USD 180 billion in economic damages and leading to at least 80,000 fatalities (10% of global deaths).

Some notable extreme weather events include:

    • Cyclones: Gujarat (1998), Odisha (1999), Hudhud (2014), and Amphan (2020).
    • Floods: Uttarakhand (2013), Jammu and Kashmir (2014), and Kerala (2018).
    • Heatwaves: Intense temperatures exceeding 50°C in 1998, 2002, 2003, and 2015.

Methodology of the Climate Risk Index

The CRI assesses the impact of extreme weather events across three hazard categories:

  1. Hydrological (floods, landslides),
  2. Meteorological (storms, cyclones),
  3. Climatological (heatwaves, droughts).

The six key indicators used for the ranking are:

  • Economic loss
  • Fatalities
  • Affecting population, assessed in both absolute and relative terms.

Climate Risk and Its Implications for India

India’s vulnerability to climate change is highlighted by frequent and intense extreme weather events. The country faces risks from:

  • Floods: Regular heavy monsoons lead to significant displacement and damage to infrastructure and agriculture.
  • Cyclones: Rising sea levels and warming oceans increase the frequency and intensity of cyclones.
  • Heatwaves: India experiences rising temperatures, with heatwaves becoming more intense, contributing to health crises.
  • Droughts: A growing concern, affecting agriculture and water resources.

Additionally, the Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2024 projects that India may face a 24.7% GDP loss by 2070 due to climate change impacts, driven by rising sea levels and decreasing labor productivity.

Global Challenges in Climate Change Mitigation

  • Historical Responsibility vs. Future Emissions: Developed nations, despite having contributed more to global emissions historically, are pressuring emerging economies like India to take greater responsibility for climate action. This has led to tensions over burden-sharing and the need for climate finance.
  • Global Temperature Breach: In 2024, the world breached the 1.5°C threshold for a full year, highlighting the inadequacy of current mitigation efforts. Projections indicate a global temperature increase of 2.6-3.1°C by 2100 if current trends continue.
  • Weak Commitments and Insufficient Finance: Many countries have not updated their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the USD 300 billion annual funding promised for developing nations is insufficient to meet climate adaptation and mitigation needs.

India's Climate Adaptation Challenges and Suggestions

India faces several climate adaptation challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding, and a lack of robust policy frameworks for disaster risk management. To enhance adaptation efforts, the following measures are suggested:

  • Enhanced Climate Finance: Developing countries need greater financial and technical support to manage and adapt to climate-induced losses.
  • Strengthening Mitigation Efforts: Nations, including India, must scale up their NDCs to restrict global warming to 1.5°C or lower.
  • Accountability of High-Income Countries: Developed nations must expedite mitigation actions and increase financial contributions to support climate-vulnerable countries like India.

Mount Etna Eruption 2025

  • 18 Feb 2025

In News:

On February 12, 2025, Mount Etna, Europe's tallest and most active volcano, erupted once again, spewing lava flows and dense ash clouds into the atmosphere. The event drew attention not just due to its visual spectacle, but also because of the geological, environmental, and socio-economic implications it carries.

About Mount Etna

  • Location: Eastern coast of Sicily, Italy — the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Type:Active stratovolcano, known for frequent eruptions.
  • Height & Size: Highest peak south of the Alps and tallest active volcano in Europe; rises over 3,300 meters and covers 1,190 sq. km with a basal circumference of 140 km.
  • Tectonic Setting: Lies above the convergent boundary of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it a hotspot for seismic and volcanic activity.
  • Eruption History: Recorded to have erupted over 200 times since 1500 BCE, with persistent volcanic activity.
  • UNESCO Recognition: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 for its exceptional geological features, cultural relevance, and continuous scientific monitoring.
  • Decade Volcano Status: Designated a Decade Volcano by the United Nations due to its proximity to densely populated areas, including the city of Catania, and the potential risk it poses, warranting special scientific attention.

Income-tax Bill, 2025

  • 16 Feb 2025

In News:

The Income-tax Bill, 2025, tabled in Parliament on February 13, 2025, seeks to repeal and replace the Income-tax Act, 1961, marking a landmark step in tax law simplification.

It reflects the government's commitment to ease of doing business, legal clarity, and tax compliance, without altering the core tax policy or rate structure.

Guiding Principles

  1. Textual and structural simplification for better clarity.
  2. Policy continuity—no major tax policy changes.
  3. Preservation of existing tax rates for predictability.

Approach and Methodology

  • Three-pronged strategy:
    • Simplify language and eliminate legalese.
    • Remove obsolete, redundant, and repetitive provisions.
    • Reorganize the Act for logical and easier navigation.
  • Consultative process:
    • 20,976 online suggestions received.
    • Stakeholder consultations with taxpayers, professionals, and industry bodies.
    • International best practices reviewed, notably from Australia and the UK.

Quantitative Simplification

Parameter               Income-tax Act, 1961                  Income-tax Bill, 2025                      Change

Words                     5,12,535                                        2,59,676                                            2,52,859

Chapters                47                                                  23                                                      24

Sections                  819                                                 536                                                  283

Tables                      18                                                    57                                                     39

Formulae                 6                                                     46                                                     40

Key Features and Improvements

  • Qualitative Enhancements:
    • Use of simplified and accessible language.
    • Consolidation of amendments to reduce fragmentation.
    • Enhanced readability via structured use of tables and formulae.
    • Elimination of outdated provisions.
  • Introduction of "Tax Year":Defined as the 12-month period beginning April 1, providing better uniformity.
  • Crypto as Capital Asset:Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) such as cryptocurrencies included in the definition of "property", now taxable as capital assets.
  • Dispute Resolution Clarity:Improved transparency in Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP) procedures by including points of determination and reasoning—addressing a key criticism of ambiguity in the earlier framework.
  • Removal of Obsolete Exemptions:Section 54E, providing capital gain exemptions for transfers before April 1992, has been scrapped.
  • Expected Timeline:Once enacted, the Income-tax Act, 2025 is proposed to come into effect from April 1, 2026.

Exercise Cyclone 2025

  • 13 Feb 2025

In News:

  • The third edition of the India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise CYCLONE is being conducted from February 10–23, 2025 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan.
  • The previous edition (2nd) was held in Egypt in January 2024, and the first edition was conducted in India in 2023.

About Exercise CYCLONE

  • It is a bilateral joint special forces military exercise between India and Egypt.
  • Annual exercise, held alternatively in India and Egypt.
  • The 2025 edition is focused on:
    • Counter-terrorism operations
    • High-intensity combat training
    • Survival techniques in desert/semi-desert terrain
    • Tactical drills and real-world combat scenarios
  • Motto of the exercise: “Together we train, together we excel.”

Objectives

  • Enhance military-to-military cooperation.
  • Strengthen interoperability and joint operational capabilities.
  • Exchange of special warfare tactics and combat strategies.
  • Operate under frameworks aligned with Chapter VII of the UN Charter (pertaining to threats to peace, breaches of peace, and acts of aggression).

Strategic Importance

  • The exercise reflects deepening India-Egypt defence cooperation.
  • Aimed at enhancing readiness for evolving security challenges in the region.
  • Enables both forces to operate together in simulated combat situations, improving coordination and adaptability.

India-Egypt Relations: Defence and Beyond

  • Strategic Partnership established in 2023, covering:
    • Political, defence, security, energy, and economic cooperation.
  • Bilateral Trade Agreement (1978): Based on Most Favored Nation (MFN) clause.
  • India is one of Egypt’s key trading partners in Africa.

Tribal Welfare in Union Budget 2025–26

  • 09 Feb 2025

In News:

India is home to over 10.45 crore Scheduled Tribe (ST) individuals, comprising 8.6% of the population. Concentrated largely in remote and underdeveloped regions, ST communities face persistent challenges such as land alienation, limited access to quality education, healthcare deficits, and socio-economic exclusion. The Union Budget 2025–26 signals a paradigm shift in tribal welfare, in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Budgetary Commitment

The total allocation for tribal welfare has risen to ?14,925.81 crore in 2025–26—a 45.79% jump from the previous year and a staggering 231.83% increase from 2014–15 levels. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has witnessed a consistent rise in budget: from ?7,511.64 crore (2023–24) to ?10,237.33 crore (2024–25), and now ?14,925.81 crore.

Flagship Schemes and Initiatives

  • Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) received ?7,088.60 crore, up from ?4,748 crore, to provide quality residential education to ST students. EMDBS, a pilot initiative in high-density tribal areas, enhances outreach.
  • Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) saw a sharp rise to ?380.40 crore. It promotes tribal entrepreneurship, sustainable Minor Forest Produce (MFP) use, and value chain development.
  • Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY) was allocated ?335.97 crore (163% increase). It aims to convert tribal-majority villages into model habitations by ensuring convergence of development schemes.
  • PM-JANMAN Multi-Purpose Centers (MPCs) received ?300 crore, targeting Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) with essential services and institutional support.
  • Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), launched in 2024, envisions the holistic development of 63,843 tribal villages. With an outlay of ?79,156 crore over five years, it integrates 17 ministries and 25 interventions. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has allocated ?2,000 crore for 2025–26 alone.

Persistent Challenges

Despite constitutional safeguards (Articles 15(4), 46, 244, 275(1), etc.), tribal communities face significant hurdles:

  • Land and Resource Rights: Only 50% of 42.76 lakh Forest Rights Act (FRA) claims have been approved (MoTA, 2022). Displacement from mining and infrastructure projects persists.
  • Education: ST literacy stands at 59% (Census 2011) with high dropout rates due to poverty and language gaps.
  • Health: Malnutrition, maternal mortality, and diseases like Sickle Cell remain endemic.
  • Marginalization: Tribals face economic deprivation, exploitation (bonded labor, trafficking), and erosion of cultural identity.
  • Underrepresentation: Despite reserved seats, policy influence remains limited.

The Way Forward

  • Land Rights: Effective implementation of FRA and safeguards against forced displacement.
  • Education: Expand EMRS/EMDBS and promote bilingual, culturally relevant curricula.
  • Health: Improve rural health infrastructure and target tribal-specific diseases.
  • Women’s Empowerment: Support SHGs and skill-based livelihood through schemes like Adivasi Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojana.
  • Cultural Continuity: Support tribal art, festivals, and language preservation through digital and educational platforms.
  • Inclusive Governance: Strengthen Gram Sabhas and tribal representation in policymaking.

Dunki Routes

  • 09 Feb 2025

In News:

Recently, a US military aircraft carrying 104 deported Indian nationals landed at Amritsar Airport. These deportees had entered the United States through the illegal “Dunki” route, paying between ?30 lakh and ?1 crore to agents and human traffickers.

Since 2009, over 15,000 Indians have been deported from the US for illegal entry, with India now figuring among the top non-Latin American countries in deportation rankings.

What is the ‘Dunki Route’?

  • The “Dunki” or “Donkey” route refers to an unauthorised, arduous journey that migrants undertake through multiple countries to reach destinations like the United States, bypassing legal immigration processes.
  • Routes often begin in countries with visa-on-arrival access or easy tourist visa policies for Indians:
    • Latin America: Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Brazil, Venezuela
    • Europe/Central Asia: Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kazakhstan
    • Southeast Asia: Malaysia (via Bangkok)
  • Migrants often transit through Mexico, Guatemala, or Costa Rica before crossing into the US through illegal land borders.

How the Network Operates:

  • Human trafficking syndicates use fake or manipulated visas (e.g., Schengen visas) to move migrants across Europe, Central Asia, and Latin America.
  • Indian passport holders are sent to countries with lenient visa regimes, followed by overland or sea routes to US borders.
  • Delhi Police (IGI unit) revealed that many migrants travel to Turkey or Kazakhstan and then cross to Russia or Latin America before attempting US entry.

Reasons Behind Illegal Migration:

  • Economic Opportunities: Low wages in India drive migration to higher-paying economies.
  • Limited Legal Avenues: Long, uncertain visa approval processes discourage legal pathways.
  • Cultural Pressures: In communities like the Patels of Gujarat, migration to the US is tied to social prestige, often compelling families to sell land or take loans.
  • Success Stories: Stories of successful illegal migrants inspire others to follow suit.
  • Thriving Smuggling Rackets: Demand for migration has led to lucrative smuggling networks.

Consequences and Risks:

  • Human Cost: Migrants risk robbery, assault, rape, and death, with bodies often unrecovered.
  • Economic Loss: Families face financial ruin due to heavy agent fees.
  • Legal Repercussions: Deportation, detention, and blacklisting from future visas.
  • Geopolitical Sensitivity: Damages bilateral ties with countries like the US and strains consular systems.

Government Response and Policy Measures:

Proposed Legislation:

  • India is considering the Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024 to:
    • Promote safe, orderly, and regular migration
    • Replace the outdated Emigration Act, 1983
    • Establish comprehensive mechanisms for migrant protection and regulation

Awareness Campaigns:

  • Indian embassies and consulates regularly issue:
    • Advisories on fraudulent agents
    • Guidance on safe migration
    • Lists of registered recruiting agencies

Migration Trends and Global Standing:

  • World Migration Report 2024 (IOM):
    • India received $111 billion in remittances in 2022highest globally
    • India is the largest country of origin for international migrants, with large diasporas in the UAE, US, and Saudi Arabia

H-1B Visa: The Legal Face of Indian Migration to the US

  • H-1B Program: Allows US employers to hire foreign workers in high-skill occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree.
  • Duration: Maximum of six years, renewable under certain conditions, or convertible into a Green Card.
  • Indian Dominance:
    • Indians have accounted for over 70% of all H-1B visa approvals since 2015
    • Chinese applicants make up the second-largest group (~12–13%)

Political Challenges:

  • Immigration, including H-1B, is a polarising issue in US politics.
  • Rising anti-immigration sentiment, especially under administrations like Trump 2.0, affects policy and visa quotas.

Hotspot States and Migration Routes in India:

  • Major source states of illegal migrants: Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana
  • These regions are hubs for agents who facilitate illegal migration using Dunki routes and exploit aspirational youth.

 

Ranikhet Disease in India

  • 09 Feb 2025

In News:

Recent outbreaks of suspected Ranikhet disease (Newcastle Disease) have caused the death of approximately 1.5 lakh chickens in poultry farms across Andhra Pradesh (Eluru, Guntur, Prakasam, and the Godavari districts) and Haryana (Barwala and Raipur Rani in Panchkula). These outbreaks have raised alarms about biosecurity measures, especially in regions that are major poultry producers.

About Ranikhet Disease:

  • Also known as: Newcastle Disease (ND)
  • Causative Agent: Avian avulavirus 1 (also called Avian Paramyxovirus-1 or APMV-1)
  • Affected Species: Primarily chickens, but also turkeys, ducks, pigeons, crows, geese, guinea fowls, partridges, doves, and even hedgehogs (suspected reservoirs).
  • Nature of Disease: Highly contagious and fatal viral disease.
  • Transmission:
    • Direct contact with infected bird secretions (especially feces)
    • Contaminated feed, water, equipment, clothing, and environment
    • ND virus can survive for weeks in cool environments, increasing risk in winter.

Symptoms and Impact:

  • In Birds:
    • Respiratory issues: Sneezing, gasping
    • Nervous symptoms: Droopiness, loss of coordination
    • Digestive symptoms: Diarrhea
    • Mortality rate: Ranges from 50% to 100%
    • Production impact: Drop in egg production and fertility
  • In Humans:
    • Mild zoonotic effect, primarily conjunctivitis in people handling infected birds or lab samples.
    • Usually self-limiting and non-fatal.

Recent Outbreaks and Investigations:

Andhra Pradesh:

  • Approximately 1.5 lakh birds have died across multiple districts.
  • Suspected cause: Highly virulent strain of Ranikhet Disease.

Haryana (Barwala–Raipur Rani belt):

  • This belt houses around 115 poultry farms and is the second-largest poultry producer in Asia.
  • Previously affected by bird flu outbreaks in 2006 and 2014.
  • Northern Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (NRDDL), Jalandhar collected 40 new samples from affected farms after being unsatisfied with earlier ones.
  • Preliminary suspicion points toward Ranikhet Disease; however, cold wave conditions and the presence of older birds (not replaced due to COVID-19 restrictions) may have also contributed.
  • The region falls in the path of migratory birds, whose droppings can spread avian flu viruses, complicating disease identification.

Current Challenges:

  • Lack of effective treatment: No curative treatment exists. Management relies on preventive vaccination, biosecurity measures, and good poultry housing practices.
  • Diagnostic delays: Require reliable sampling and laboratory testing to confirm the cause.
  • Climate sensitivity: Poultry are vulnerable to extreme cold, especially if housing and care are inadequate.
  • Pandemic aftershocks: COVID-19 disruptions prevented the routine replacement of older birds, increasing vulnerability.

PRASHAD Scheme

  • 09 Feb 2025

In News:

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture has raised concerns over delays in the completion of projects under the Spiritual Tourism Circuits and the PRASHAD Scheme.

It has recommended the establishment of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and emphasized obtaining prior clearances to ensure timely execution of future projects.

About PRASHAD Scheme

  • Full Form: Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive.
  • Launched: 2014–15 by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
  • Objective: To promote, develop, and enhance spiritual tourism infrastructure at important pilgrimage sites across India.

Aims and Objectives:

  • Improve infrastructure (roads, water supply, sanitation, waste management).
  • Enhance connectivity (road, rail, and air) to pilgrimage destinations.
  • Preserve and conserve religious and cultural heritage sites.
  • Promote eco-friendly and sustainable tourism practices.
  • Increase domestic and international tourist footfall through spiritual tourism.
  • Generate local employment through skill development and livelihood programmes.

Funding Model:

  • 100% centrally funded for eligible components.
  • Also includes voluntary contributions through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives.

Implementation Challenges and Parliamentary Findings

Spiritual Tourism Circuits under Swadesh Darshan Scheme:

  • Launched to promote thematic tourism circuits, including 23 Spiritual Circuits across India.
  • Of these, five circuits remain incomplete, with two key circuits in Kerala
    1. Sabarimala–Erumeli–Pampa–Sannidhanam Circuit
    2. Sivagiri Sree Narayana Guru Ashram Circuit
  • Progress Status (as of September 2023):
    • Sabarimala Circuit: 76% complete
    • Sivagiri Circuit: 51% complete
  • Original target completion dates: June 2023 and October 2023, respectively.

Reasons for Delay:

  • Lack of timely clearances from Temple Authorities.
  • Administrative and coordination issues across agencies.

Committee Recommendations:

  • Formulate a clear-cut SOP for the execution of spiritual tourism projects.
  • Ensure pre-approval and coordination with all concerned stakeholders before initiating construction.
  • Strengthen planning at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage to anticipate implementation challenges and avoid delays and cost overruns.

PRASHAD Scheme Performance:

  • Out of 45 sanctioned projects, only 21 have been completed as of the latest report.
  • The committee noted this performance as unsatisfactory, even accounting for disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicle

  • 09 Feb 2025

In News:

India-U.S. defence cooperation is advancing with the proposed co-production of the Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV). This deal represents a significant leap in bilateral defence industrial collaboration and aligns with India's strategic goal of military modernization and indigenisation under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

About Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV):

  • Origin: Jointly developed by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) Canada and U.S., it is the first new military vehicle inducted into U.S. Army service since the 1980s.
  • Type: Eight-wheeled armoured infantry combat vehicle designed for rapid deployment and battlefield mobility.
  • Variants: Includes Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV), Mobile Gun System (MGS), reconnaissance vehicle, medical evacuation vehicle, fire support vehicle, and Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) carrier.

Key Features:

  • Mobility: Top speed of ~100 km/h and an operational range of 483 km. Can be airlifted using C-17 and C-130 aircraft (both in IAF’s fleet) or Chinook helicopters, enhancing deployment in remote terrains.
  • Firepower: Equipped with a 30 mm cannon and a 105 mm mobile gun.
  • Protection: V-hull structure for blast protection; composite armour reinforced with ceramic tiles offers increased survivability against IEDs and small arms.
  • Capacity: Operated by a 2-member crew and can transport a 9-member infantry squad.

Operational Evaluation in India:

  • High-Altitude Trials: Conducted in Ladakh (13,000–18,000 feet) during September–October 2024. Evaluation reports were shared with Army Headquarters for further review.
  • Javelin ATGM Demonstration: Conducted alongside Stryker trials; however, the performance was sub-optimal due to the vintage system used. Repeat trials have been requested by India.

Strategic Importance for India:

  • Tactical Advantage: Enhanced mobility and survivability in high-altitude warfare make it suitable for regions like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Border Security: Bolsters India's defence posture along sensitive frontiers with China and Pakistan.
  • Force Modernization: Meets the Indian Army’s requirement for ICVs with integrated ATGM capabilities.
  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat Push: The proposed model includes initial direct imports followed by large-scale license production in India, potentially by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML).

Defence Diplomacy and Industrial Cooperation:

  • The deal is being advanced under the India-U.S. Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, focusing on co-development and co-production.
  • In November 2023, Indian Defence Secretary confirmed discussions under this framework.
  • The U.S. has reiterated the importance of India enhancing procurement of U.S.-made defence equipment, aiming at a balanced trade partnership.
  • The Stryker deal is expected to feature in high-level bilateral dialogues, including the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Washington DC and during engagements at Aero India.

Challenges and Reservations:

  • Some Indian defence officials have flagged concerns, noting that similar ICVs have been developed by Indian private companies.
  • Delays in previous U.S. defence exports (e.g., F-404 jet engines for LCA-Mk1A) have also raised caution regarding timelines and reliability.

Fort William Renamed Vijay Durg

  • 08 Feb 2025

In News:

In a significant step towards decolonising the Indian Armed Forces and aligning with indigenous historical consciousness, Fort William, the headquarters of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army in Kolkata, has been renamed Vijay Durg. This renaming is part of a broader initiative to remove colonial-era symbols and practices and restore Indian military heritage.

Historical Background of Fort William

  • Construction: The original Fort William was constructed in 1696 by the English East India Company. It was later attacked and captured by Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, in 1756.
  • The Black Hole Incident: The original fort had an inner bastion used for imprisoning captives, leading to the infamous “Black Hole of Calcutta” narrative.
  • Reconstruction: After the Battle of Plassey (1757) and the defeat of Siraj-ud-Daulah, Robert Clive initiated the construction of a new fort, which was completed in 1773 or 1781 (sources differ).
  • Naming: It was named Fort William in honour of King William III of England.

Architectural Features

  • Design: The fort is octagonal in shape with a massive structure made of brick and mortar.
  • Area: Spread across 70.9 acres on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, it features hundreds of arched windows and lush green surroundings.
  • Aesthetics: Its walls are adorned with intricate stonework, reflecting colonial military architecture.

Recent Changes and Renaming

  • New Name: Vijay Durg – Inspired by Vijaydurg Fort in Maharashtra, a prominent naval base of the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
  • Other Changes:
    • Kitchener House has been renamed Manekshaw House, after Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.
    • St. George’s Gate has been renamed Shivaji Gate.
  • Implementation: According to the Defence Public Relations Office in Kolkata, the name change was decided in mid-December 2024, and internal communications have already adopted the new nomenclature, though an official notification is awaited.

Broader De-Colonisation Drive in Indian Defence

The renaming of Fort William is part of a larger movement initiated by the Government of India to eliminate colonial vestiges in the armed forces. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a 2022 speech at Kevadia, Gujarat, urged the forces to discard “legacy systems” and move towards “freedom from the mentality of slavery (gulami ki mansikta se mukti)”.

Key Initiatives:

  • Indianisation of military music during the Beating Retreat ceremony.
  • Adoption of a new naval ensign (2022) inspired by the seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, moving away from British colonial symbols.
  • Renaming of military establishments and symbols rooted in colonial heritage.
  • Review publication (2024) titled “Colonial Practices and the Armed Forces – A Review”, released at the Joint Commanders’ Conference in Lucknow by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Mount Taranaki

  • 08 Feb 2025

In News:

In a significant legal and environmental development, Mount Taranaki—officially now known by its M?ori name Taranaki Maunga—has been granted legal personhood by the government of New Zealand.

This move marks it as the third natural feature in the country to receive such status, following the Te Urewera National Park (2014) and the Whanganui River (2017).

This recognition reflects an increasing global trend toward acknowledging the intrinsic rights of natural entities and respecting the spiritual beliefs of indigenous communities.

About Taranaki Maunga

  • Location: Situated in Egmont National Park, North Island, New Zealand.
  • Dual Naming: Historically known as Mount Egmont, it is now officially referred to by its indigenous name, Taranaki Maunga, as part of decolonization and cultural revival efforts.
  • Elevation: Stands at 8,261 feet, making it the second-highest peak in the North Island of New Zealand.
  • Geological Type: It is a stratovolcano (composite cone) with a nearly perfect symmetrical shape—one of the most symmetrical volcanic cones in the world.
  • Formation: Formed due to the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Australian Plate. The magma source lies deeper than that of the Taupo Volcanic Zone volcanoes.
  • Topography: Surrounded by a circular ring plain formed from lahars (volcanic mudflows) and landslides.
  • Status: A snow-capped dormant volcano and culturally revered natural landmark.
  • Cultural Significance: The M?ori, indigenous people of New Zealand, regard Taranaki Maunga as a sacred ancestor, embedding it deeply in their oral traditions and spirituality.

Legal Personhood and Its Significance

Granting legal personhood to Taranaki Maunga means it now holds rights, duties, and liabilities akin to a legal human being, and its interests will be represented by appointed guardians—often including indigenous representatives.

This legal framework recognizes:

  • The spiritual and cultural relationship that the M?ori have with the mountain.
  • The need to protect natural ecosystems not merely for utility but as living entities deserving of rights and dignity.

Comparative Insights: India’s Legal Approach to Natural Entities

India has witnessed similar developments:

  • Uttarakhand High Court (2017–18): Granted legal personhood to the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, along with the Gangotri and Yamunotri glaciers. However, the Supreme Court later stayed this ruling.
  • Punjab and Haryana High Court (2020): Recognized Sukhna Lake (Chandigarh) as a living entity for environmental protection.
  • These decisions stem from the Doctrine of Parens Patriae, which allows the state to act as a guardian for those who cannot protect themselves—extending this protection to natural entities such as rivers, forests, and wildlife.

Iskander-M

  • 08 Feb 2025

In News:

In a significant defense development with wide-ranging geopolitical implications, the Russian Federation is preparing to mass-produce the Iskander-M tactical ballistic missile, a new-generation weapon system with enhanced range and destructive capabilities. This move is part of Russia’s broader strategy to upgrade its missile arsenal amid ongoing tensions with NATO, especially in the context of the Ukraine conflict.

Key Features and Strategic Purpose

The 9K720 Iskander-M, developed by the Machine-Building Design Bureau (Kolomna), is a medium-range tactical ballistic missile with an effective range of up to 1,000 kilometers. It is capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear warheads, making it a versatile and high-impact weapon in regional conflict scenarios.

  • The missile is precision-targeted and designed to neutralize high-value enemy assets, including NATO’s military infrastructure in Eastern Europe, especially in Ukraine.
  • The production of the upgraded missile, unofficially referred to as the Iskander-1000, is expected to begin in full swing by 2025.
  • The missile is reported to be highly destructive, with the ability to conduct deep strikes with minimal detection, offering Russia a tactical advantage in asymmetric warfare.

Deployment of Oreshnik Missile Systems in Belarus

In a parallel development, Russia has confirmed the deployment of Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile systems in Belarus, a strategic ally. This decision follows agreements between the Russian and Belarusian leadership, reinforcing the military integration under their collective defense pact.

  • The Oreshnik system, though less publicly detailed than the Iskander, is designed for tactical use and contributes to enhancing Russia’s regional defense shield.
  • According to Russian foreign ministry officials, Belarus already hosts a joint Regional Forces Group, non-strategic nuclear weapons, and modern Russian defense systems.
  • The positioning of these systems near NATO’s eastern borders heightens tensions with Western powers, particularly the United States, Poland, the Baltic States, and the European Union.

Geopolitical Ramifications

The Iskander-M and Oreshnik missile programs are part of Russia’s strategic doctrine to deter NATO's influence and reassert its military dominance in Eastern Europe. These deployments are:

  • Likely to escalate NATO-Russia tensions, increasing the risk of a regional arms race.
  • Expected to complicate European security dynamics, especially in Poland, Ukraine, and the Baltic states, which are seen as potential frontlines.
  • Raising the prospect of further military escalation in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
  • Prompting NATO countermeasures, including deployment of missile defense systems and increased troop presence near Eastern borders.

Brucellosis Outbreak in Kerala

  • 08 Feb 2025

In News:

An eight-year-old girl, Shasa Fathima, from Kottakkal in Malappuram district, Kerala, recently died after undergoing nearly two months of treatment for brucellosis at the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode. This tragic incident has renewed public health concerns regarding zoonotic infections in India.

What is Brucellosis?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), brucellosis is a bacterial disease caused by various species of the genus Brucella. The bacteria primarily infect: cattle, swine, goats, sheep & dogs.

Humans typically contract the infection through:

  • Direct contact with infected animals or their secretions (blood, placenta, fetus, uterine fluids)
  • Ingestion of contaminated animal products, especially unpasteurised milk and cheese
  • Inhalation of airborne bacteria (e.g., in lab or farm environments)

Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare, as per WHO guidelines.

Symptoms and Incubation Period

  • The disease presents a wide spectrum of symptoms: fever, weakness, weight loss, general discomfort or malaise.
  • In many cases, symptoms may be mild or go undiagnosed. The incubation period ranges from one week to two months, most commonly between two to four weeks.

At-Risk Populations

  • Brucellosis can affect individuals of all age groups. However, certain occupational groups are at higher risk, including: farmers and dairy workers, butchers, hunters, veterinarians, laboratory personnel. These individuals are often exposed to animal blood and reproductive fluids, which are primary modes of transmission.

Status in Kerala

Kerala has reported sporadic cases of brucellosis in recent years. In 2023, cases emerged from Kollam (July) and Thiruvananthapuram (October). While the disease is not new to the state, fatalities remain rare.

In response, the Department of Animal Husbandry has initiated awareness campaigns for dairy farmers and conducted milk sample testing across cooperative societies to monitor possible sources of infection.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics:

  • Doxycycline (100 mg, twice daily for 45 days)
  • Streptomycin (1 g daily for 15 days)

Effective preventive measures include:

  • Vaccination of livestock (cattle, goats, sheep)
  • Pasteurisation of milk and dairy products before human consumption
  • Public awareness campaigns on the dangers of consuming unpasteurised animal products
  • Regulatory policies on the sale of raw milk

Bryospilus Bharaticus

  • 08 Feb 2025

In News:

A new species of water flea, Bryospilus (Indobryospilus) bharaticus n. sp., was recently discovered from moss growth on the walls of the Korigad Fort near Pune, Maharashtra.

This marks the first recorded discovery of the genus Bryospilus in Tropical Asia, underscoring the ecological uniqueness of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage biodiversity hotspot.

Taxonomic and Morphological Highlights

  • It belongs to the genus Bryospilus, a group of tiny crustaceans known as water fleas, which typically inhabit rivers, ponds, and pools.
  • The species displays adaptations for semi-terrestrial life, notably using its antennae with large spines for crawling through thick, debris-laden water films on moss surfaces.
  • It lacks a main eye—an evolutionary adaptation to low-light habitats where color vision is unnecessary for foraging.

Ecological and Evolutionary Significance

  • The genus Bryospilus includes species found in semi-terrestrial habitats in rainforests of West Africa, South and Central America, and New Zealand, making this Indian discovery a significant biogeographical addition.
  • The organism’s relatives are typically found in littoral (vegetated) zones of water bodies, whereas some occur in open waters.
  • The researchers suggest that ancestors of this species existed on the Indian subcontinent prior to the breakup of Gondwanaland, around 200 million years ago, hinting at Bryospilus bharaticus as a potential Gondwanan relict species.
  • Each known Bryospilus species has been isolated to a specific former Gondwanan continent, reinforcing the evolutionary legacy of this find.

Research and Conservation Implications

  • The discovery was part of an ongoing survey of underexplored crustacean taxa in the Western Ghats, led by Sameer Padhye and Kan Van Damme, and published in the Journal of Crustacean Biology (Oxford Academic, Sept 2024).
  • The species was found in pristine, undisturbed moss habitats on Deccan Plateau hill forts, highlighting the importance of conserving such microhabitats.
  • Zooplankton like water fleas are highly sensitive to environmental changes and serve as bioindicators of ecological health. The presence of B. bharaticus indicates low human disturbance in its habitat.
  • The authors warn that air pollution and habitat disturbance could threaten these fragile ecosystems and stress the urgency of habitat protection, especially for organisms invisible to the naked eye.

Shatavari

  • 07 Feb 2025

In News:

The Ministry of Ayush has launched a nationwide campaign titled “Shatavari – For Better Health” to raise public awareness on the health benefits of Asparagus racemosus (commonly known as Shatavari), especially in the context of women’s health and the broader objective of holistic well-being.

About Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

  • Family: Asparagaceae (formerly Liliaceae)
  • Common Names: Satawar, Satamuli
  • Ayurvedic Significance: Known as the “Queen of Herbs”, Shatavari is praised in classical Ayurvedic texts like Charak Samhita and Ashtang Hridayam for treating women’s reproductive health disorders.
  • Name Meaning: ‘Shatavari’ translates to “acceptable to many”, signifying its diverse benefits.
  • Botanical Description: It is a woody climber (1–2 meters tall), with pine-needle-like leaves and small white flowers.
  • Habitat and Distribution: Found in tropical climates at low altitudes across Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Medicinal Uses

  • The dried roots of Shatavari are used medicinally.
  • Acts as a tonic, diuretic, galactagogue (promotes lactation), and has ulcer-healing properties.
  • Strengthens mucosal resistance and provides cytoprotection.
  • Widely used for addressing female reproductive health issues, immunity enhancement, and promoting overall vitality.

The Campaign: “Shatavari – For Better Health”

  • Launched by: Shri Prataprao Jadhav, MoS (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush.
  • Organized by: National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB).
  • This campaign follows successful species-specific initiatives on Amla, Moringa, Giloe, and Ashwagandha.
  • Shatavari is being positioned as a crucial resource in advancing women’s health, supporting the Panch Pran Goals set by the Prime Minister for a Developed India by 2047.
  • Focus on achieving holistic well-being and integrating traditional medicine with public health awareness.

Policy and Financial Support

  • Under the Central Sector Scheme for Conservation, Development, and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants, the Ministry promotes the cultivation and sustainable use of Shatavari.
  • Financial assistance of ?18.9 lakhs will be provided to eligible organizations to support awareness and adoption.

National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 2.0

  • 07 Feb 2025

In News:

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has recently provided updates in the Rajya Sabha on the National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 2.0, emphasizing its role in fostering democratic values, constitutional awareness, and active citizenship among Indian youth.

About NYPS 2.0

Launched by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, NYPS 2.0 aims to strengthen the roots of democracy and enhance understanding of parliamentary practices and government functioning among citizens, especially students.

Objectives

  • Instill discipline, tolerance for diverse views, and democratic ethos among youth.
  • Educate students about the procedures of Parliament, constitutional values, and functioning of the government.
  • Encourage a democratic way of life through civic engagement.

Participation Modes via NYPS 2.0 Web Portal

The dedicated web-portal enables inclusive citizen participation in three formats:

  • Institutional Participation:
    • Open to all educational institutions.
    • Institutions can organize Youth Parliament sittings as per portal guidelines.
    • Two sub-categories:
      • Kishore Sabha: For students of Class VI to XII.
      • Tarun Sabha: For undergraduate and postgraduate students.
  • Group Participation: Open to any group of citizens willing to conduct Youth Parliament sittings under defined norms.
  • Individual Participation: Citizens can individually engage by taking a quiz on the theme ‘Bhartiya Democracy in Action’.

Training and Educational Resources

To support participants, the portal offers comprehensive e-training material, including:

  • Literature on Youth Parliament
  • Model Debates, Questions, and List of Business
  • Model Scripts
  • Video tutorials and other interactive resources

National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021

  • 07 Feb 2025

In News:

Patient advocacy groups across India have raised serious concerns over delays in implementing the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021, which has left many rare disease patients — especially children — in life-threatening situations. They have urged the government for immediate intervention to resume life-saving treatments and release stalled funds under the policy.

Rare Diseases:

  • Rare diseases are severe, often genetic, life-threatening disorders that impact a small percentage of the population.
  • They disproportionately affect children, with 30% of diagnosed patients not surviving beyond age five without timely treatment.
  • Examples include Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs) such as Gaucher, Pompe, Fabry, and MPS I & II.

About NPRD 2021

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare launched the National Policy for Rare Diseases in March 2021 to streamline the diagnosis, research, and treatment of rare diseases in India.

Key Features of NPRD 2021:

  • 63 rare diseases currently included under the policy (as recommended by the Central Technical Committee for Rare Diseases (CTCRD)).
  • Categorization of diseases into three groups:
    • Group 1: Diseases amenable to one-time curative treatment.
    • Group 2: Diseases requiring long-term/lifelong treatment with relatively lower cost.
    • Group 3: Diseases requiring very high-cost lifelong therapy where patient selection is critical.

Institutional Support:

  • 12 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) identified at premier government hospitals to provide diagnosis and treatment.
  • Nidan Kendras established to provide genetic testing and counselling services.
  • National Consortium for Research and Development on Therapeutics for Rare Diseases (NCRDTRD) set up to coordinate R&D and promote indigenous drug manufacturing.
  • Tax exemptions (on GST and Customs Duty) granted for imported drugs for individual and institutional use.

Financial Provisions:

  • Financial assistance of up to ?50 lakh per patient for treatment at CoEs.
  • Patients must register at CoEs to receive diagnosis and initiate treatment.

Challenges and Crisis

Despite policy provisions, implementation has been stalled, leading to a healthcare emergency for rare disease patients.

Key Issues Raised:      

  • Insufficient funding: The ?50 lakh cap is inadequate for chronic and ultra-rare diseases that need lifelong therapy.
  • Administrative delays: Fund disbursement to CoEs has been slow, disrupting continuity of treatment.
  • Impact on Patients:
    • Patients like Alishba Khan, Ashok Kumar, Imran Ghoshi, and Adrija Mudy with Gaucher or MPS I have exhausted their funding.
    • Patients who had previously stabilized are now regressing due to interrupted therapy at leading hospitals like AIIMS Delhi, IGICH Bangalore, and IPGMER Kolkata.

Legal Developments:

  • On October 4, 2024, the Delhi High Court directed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to:
    • Release additional funds beyond the ?50 lakh limit.
    • Create a ?974 crore National Fund for FY 2024–25 and 2025–26.
  • Months later, no concrete action has been taken, further eroding trust in the policy's effectiveness.

Demands by Advocacy Groups

  • Sustainable, long-term funding model for lifelong treatment of rare and ultra-rare diseases.
  • Immediate fund release to CoEs and simplification of administrative processes.
  • Ensure uninterrupted access to essential therapies and expand the scope of financial support.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

  • 07 Feb 2025

In News:

Researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed an innovative “self-actuating” drug delivery system that targets rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by delivering therapeutic agents only when needed. This approach offers a revolutionary alternative to conventional systemic treatments.

About Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

  • Definition: RA is a chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, particularly the joints, causing inflammation and tissue damage.
  • Commonly Affected Areas: Hands, wrists, and knees — often multiple joints simultaneously.
  • Symptoms:
    • Inflammation of joint lining
    • Chronic pain and joint deformity
    • Unsteadiness or balance issues
    • May affect lungs, heart, and eyes
  • Cause: The exact cause remains unknown, but it involves an immune response attacking the body’s own tissues.
  • Traditional Treatment:
    • Involves Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate
    • Requires frequent dosing
    • May lead to systemic side effects and inefficient drug retention

Breakthrough: Self-Actuating Drug Delivery System

Key Features:

  • Targeted Drug Release: Releases medication only in response to biochemical signals in the inflamed synovial environment of RA-affected joints.
  • Precision and Safety: Reduces side effects by limiting drug release to flare-ups, minimizing exposure to unaffected areas.
  • Main Drug Used: Methotrexate, a widely used anti-rheumatic drug.

Mechanism:

  • Microspheres are engineered using polymer-lipid hybrid micro-composites:
    • Lipid Component (Soya Lecithin): Ensures high drug encapsulation efficiency.
    • Polymer Component (Gelatin): Reacts to Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) — enzymes present during RA inflammation.
  • Action:
    • Enzymes like MMP-2 and MMP-9 increase during RA flare-ups.
    • These enzymes cleave the gelatin, triggering controlled, pulsatile release of methotrexate.
  • Outcome in Animal Studies:
    • Reduced joint swelling and cartilage damage
    • Promoted joint repair
    • Improved drug bioavailability and retention in joints

Significance

  • Improved Patient Outcomes:
    • Long-lasting relief with fewer doses
    • Reduced systemic toxicity
    • Personalized therapy based on inflammation levels
    • Enhanced joint function and slower disease progression
  • Research Publication: The findings were published in the journal Biomaterial Advances.

Wider Applications

  • Potential Use in:
    • Other inflammatory conditions like synovitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
    • Veterinary medicine for arthritis in animals
    • Regenerative medicine and personalized drug delivery

Extremely Large Telescope (ELT)

  • 07 Feb 2025

In News:

As of early 2025, 60% of the construction of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) is complete. The telescope is expected to begin its first scientific observations by the end of 2028.

About ELT

The Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) is poised to become the world’s most powerful ground-based optical and infrared telescope, with revolutionary capabilities to explore the universe.

  • Location: Cerro Armazones, Atacama Desert, northern Chile
  • Altitude: 3,046 meters above sea level
  • Managing Body: European Southern Observatory (ESO)
  • Project Cost: Approximately $1.51 billion (around 1.3 billion euros)
  • Completion Target: Late 2020s
  • Primary Mirror: Diameter of 39 meters (128 feet) — the largest of its kind
    • Constructed from 798 hexagonal segments, each 1.5 m across and 5 cm thick

Key Scientific Objectives

  • Exoplanet Exploration
    • Direct imaging of Earth-like exoplanets in habitable zones of nearby stars
    • Analysis of atmospheric biosignatures such as oxygen, water vapor, and methane, aiding the search for extraterrestrial life
  • Understanding the Early Universe
    • Observation of the first stars and galaxies formed post-Big Bang
    • Investigation of dark matter and dark energy, crucial for understanding cosmic expansion and the universe’s fate
  • Detailed Study of Stars and Galaxies
    • Identification and characterization of individual stars in distant galaxies
    • Analysis of the formation, evolution, and structure of galaxies over cosmic time
  • Black Holes and Cosmic Structures
    • Study of supermassive black holes at galactic centers
    • Understanding their role in galaxy dynamics and structure

Why Chile’s Atacama Desert?

  • Dry Climate: Very low humidity and cloud cover, ensuring clearer skies
  • High Altitude: Thin atmosphere reduces atmospheric interference with incoming light
  • Minimal Light Pollution: Remote location offers dark skies critical for deep-space observation
  • Dome Structure: Protects sensitive instruments from harsh desert conditions

About the European Southern Observatory (ESO)

  • Nature: Leading intergovernmental science and technology organization in the field of astronomy
  • Headquarters: Garching, Germany
  • Members: 16 countries including Austria, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom
  • Facilities in Chile:
    • La Silla
    • Paranal
    • Chajnantor
  • Mandate: Design, construction, and operation of advanced ground-based telescopes to promote international collaboration and facilitate path-breaking astronomical research

Dhimsa Dance

  • 06 Feb 2025

In News:

In a significant development, tribal families from Neelabandha, a remote hilltop hamlet in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh, received electricity for the first time since Independence. In celebration, they performed the Dhimsa dance, a vibrant expression of tribal culture.

About Dhimsa Dance:

  • Origin & Region:
    • Dhimsa is a traditional tribal dance predominantly performed in Andhra Pradesh, especially in the tribal belts of the Eastern Ghats.
    • Its origin can be traced to the Koraput region (present-day Odisha and bordering Andhra Pradesh), primarily home to the Gond tribe.
  • Communities Performing Dhimsa:
    • Tribes such as Bagata, Valmiki, Poraja, Khond, Gadaba, Kondadora, Mukadora, and Kotia actively perform this dance.
  • Occasions:
    • Commonly performed during festivals, weddings, and the hunting festival in April.
    • Celebratory, spiritual, and social in nature, symbolizing unity and joy.
  • Dance Formation and Movements:
    • Performed in circular formations with dancers holding each other's arms.
    • Emphasis on synchronized hand and leg movements.
    • Troupes usually consist of 20 or more dancers.
  • Themes:
    • Dhimsa is a narrative dance that expresses tribal mythologies, folktales, cultural mores, economic activities, kinship, and marital life.
  • Musical Instruments Used:
    • Dappu, Tudumu, Mori, Kidgi, Gilka, and Jodukommulu.
    • A combination of percussion and wind instruments drives the rhythm and variation in the dance.
  • Varieties:
    • There are 12 known types of Dhimsa dances, each varying in pace, rhythm, and purpose.

Rural Electrification of Neelabandha Village:

  • Background:
    • Neelabandha is located in Arla Panchayat of Rolugunta Mandal in Anakapalli district.
    • Consists of four households (approximately 20 individuals) who had been living without electricity since Independence.
  • Implementation:
    • The electrification was part of the Andhra Pradesh government’s rural development drive to provide basic infrastructure to underdeveloped tribal villages.
    • Under the directions of District Collector Vijaya Krishnan, and CMD of APEPDCL, Prithvi Tej, the Eastern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh (EPDCL) carried out the electrification.
  • Challenges Overcome:
    • The hamlet lacked motorable roads, making it difficult to transport materials.
    • Electricity poles had to be carried manually for over 6 km to reach the village.
  • Outcome:
    • Free electricity was provided to the villagers, marking a major milestone in tribal welfare.
    • In a heartfelt celebration, the villagers performed Dhimsa under electric lights for the first time.

Issues Still Persisting:

  • Infrastructure Deficits:
    • The village still lacks road connectivity, educational access, and healthcare facilities.
    • These gaps hinder children's ability to attend school and access essential services.
  • Community Response:
    • Local leaders, including CPI(M) district committee member K. Govind, welcomed the electrification but urged the government to address remaining developmental needs.

Makhana Board

  • 06 Feb 2025

In News:

In the Union Budget 2025–26, Finance Minister announced the establishment of a Makhana Board in Bihar with a dedicated budget of ?100 crore to boost the production, processing, and export of Makhana (Fox Nuts).

About Makhana (Fox Nuts):

  • Botanical Name: Euryale ferox
  • Family: Nymphaeaceae (Water lily family)
  • Description:
    • Makhana is the dried edible seed of the prickly water lily.
    • Grown in freshwater bodies across South and East Asia.
    • The plant is known for its violet and white flowers and large, round, prickly leaves.
    • Due to its black outer covering, Makhana is nicknamed the "Black Diamond."

Nutritional and Medicinal Value:

  • Low in fat, rich in carbohydrates, and a good source of protein and minerals.
  • Widely used in:
    • Traditional medicine
    • Health and wellness products
    • Culinary preparations such as popped Makhana (‘Lava’)

Major Producing Regions:

  • India:
    • Bihar produces 90% of India’s total Makhana, especially in the Mithilanchal region.
      • Key districts: Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Sitamarhi.
      • The first four districts contribute 80% of Bihar’s Makhana output.
  • Other Indian states: Assam, Manipur, West Bengal, Tripura, Odisha.
  • Other countries: Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Japan, Korea.
  • GI Tag: Mithila Makhana received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2022.

Climatic Conditions for Cultivation:

  • Type: Aquatic crop; grows in stagnant water bodies (ponds, lakes, wetlands).
  • Ideal Conditions:
    • Water Depth: 4–6 feet
    • Temperature: 20°C – 35°C
    • Relative Humidity: 50% – 90%
    • Annual Rainfall: 100 – 250 cm

About the Makhana Board:

  • Allocated Budget: ?100 crore
  • Objectives:
    • Train farmers in advanced cultivation techniques.
    • Support processing and value addition in the Makhana supply chain.
    • Facilitate financial aid and access to government schemes.
    • Develop export infrastructure and promote branding and marketing.

Makhana under ODOP Scheme:

  • Recognized as a One District One Product (ODOP) commodity for Bihar.
  • Under ODOP, the Union Government provides subsidies to processors for:
    • Infrastructure development
    • Branding and marketing

About ODOP Scheme:

  • Launched by: Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI)
  • Objective: Promote district-level economic specialization and turn each district into an export hub.
  • Origin: First launched in Uttar Pradesh (2018); adopted as a national initiative under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
  • Implementation:
    • In coordination with the ‘Districts as Export Hubs’ (DEH) initiative.
    • Managed by DGFT, Department of Commerce, and DPIIT.
  • Significance:
    • Encourages rural entrepreneurship, local employment, and global trade linkages.
    • Strengthens district economies by scaling up traditional and unique products.

Gyan Bharatam Mission

  • 06 Feb 2025

In News:

The Union Budget 2025–26 announced the launch of the Gyan Bharatam Mission, a significant cultural initiative aimed at the survey, documentation, digitization, and conservation of over one crore manuscripts across India.

Key Details:

  • A special national mission focusing on India’s manuscript heritage preserved in:
    • Academic institutions
    • Libraries
    • Museums
    • Private collections
  • Objective:
    To document and conserve more than one crore manuscripts, centralize them into a national digital repository, and make them accessible to researchers, students, and institutions globally.
  • Significance:
    • Facilitates knowledge-sharing through digitization.
    • Promotes India's traditional knowledge systems.
    • Enhances academic and historical research in the Indian knowledge domain.

What is a Manuscript?

  • A manuscript is a handwritten composition on materials such as:
    • Palm leaf, paper, cloth, bark, or metal.
  • Must be at least 75 years old and possess scientific, historical, or aesthetic value.
  • Printed texts and lithographs are not considered manuscripts.
  • Manuscripts may exist in hundreds of languages and scripts, e.g.:
    • Sanskrit manuscripts written in Devanagari, Grantha, Oriya, and other scripts.
  • Unlike epigraphs or official records (firmans, revenue documents), manuscripts hold knowledge content, not just historical data.

National Manuscripts Mission (NMM)

  • Launched in 2003 under the Ministry of Culture, operated through the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).
  • Mandate: Identify, preserve, and make accessible India's manuscript wealth.
  • Revival: The 2025–26 Budget seeks to rejuvenate NMM to implement the Gyan Bharatam Mission effectively.

Budgetary Provisions

  • NMM allocation increased from ?3.5 crore to ?60 crore for FY 2025–26.
  • Culture Ministry overall allocation:
    • ?3,360.96 crore, up from a revised estimate of ?3,260.93 crore.
  • Other Key Allocations:
    • Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): ?1,278.49 crore
    • National Libraries and Archives: ?156.55 crore
    • Museums (National Museum, NGMA): ?126.63 crore
  • Note: Allocations for centenary events, cultural collaborations have been reduced.

Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton

  • 06 Feb 2025

In News:

In the Union Budget 2025–26, the Union Finance Minister announced a five-year Cotton Mission to boost productivity, sustainability, and promotion of Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton in India, aiming to reduce import dependency and strengthen the high-end textile sector.

What is Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton?

  • Definition: ELS cotton refers to cotton varieties with fibre lengths of 30 mm or more, renowned for their superior softness, strength, durability, and premium quality.
  • Botanical Origin: Derived primarily from the species Gossypium barbadense, commonly known as Egyptian or Pima cotton.

Distinguishing Cotton Types by Fibre Length

Type                      Fibre Length        Species                          Quality                 Uses                Yield per Acre   

Short Staple             < 25 mm             Gossypium hirsutum      Coarser         Low-cost textiles        High

Medium Staple       25–28.6 mm         Gossypium hirsutum     Moderate       Everyday fabrics       10–12 quintals

Extra-Long          30 mm & above   Gossypium barbadense  Superior     Luxury textiles        7–8 quintals

Staple (ELS)

Special Characteristics of ELS Cotton

  • Softer & Smoother: Ideal for premium, luxury clothing.
  • Stronger & More Durable: Resistant to wear and tear.
  • Resistant to Pilling: Maintains smoothness over time.
  • Luxurious Finish: Produces fine yarns with a natural sheen.
  • Minimal Finishing Required: Retains natural texture and quality.

Global and Indian Production Landscape

  • Origin: Native to South America.
  • Globally Grown In:
    • Egypt, China, Australia, Peru – leading producers.
  • In India:
    • Cultivated in Atpadi Taluka (Sangli, Maharashtra), around Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), and in parts of Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.
    • Grown mostly in rain-fed areas with warm climates and fertile soil, aiding fibre quality.

Challenges in ELS Cotton Cultivation in India

  • Low Yield: ELS cotton yields 7–8 quintals/acre, significantly lower than medium staple varieties (10–12 quintals/acre).
  • Market Linkage Deficit: Farmers struggle to fetch premium prices for ELS cotton due to weak market access and lack of dedicated procurement infrastructure.
  • Technological Gaps: Limited access to improved seed varieties, agronomic practices, and technologies like HtBT (Herbicide-tolerant Bt) cotton.
  • Import Dependency: India imports 20–25 lakh bales annually, accounting for ~90% of its ELS cotton requirements, to meet demand from the premium textile industry.

Significance of the Five-Year Cotton Mission

  • Aimed at:
    • Enhancing productivity and sustainability of ELS cotton.
    • Reducing import dependence through indigenous development.
    • Strengthening high-value textile exports by ensuring reliable ELS supply.
  • Supports:
    • Farmer income enhancement through value-added cultivation.
    • Research and development in ELS cotton seed technology.
    • Improved extension services, supply chain development, and market support mechanisms.

Kolleru Lake

  • 06 Feb 2025

In News:

The Southern Zonal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently restrained the Andhra Pradesh government from proceeding with six proposed infrastructure projects in the Kolleru wetland area, citing violations of environmental protocols and lack of statutory clearances.

About Kolleru Lake

  • Location: Northeastern Andhra Pradesh, between the Krishna and Godavari river deltas, near Eluru city.
  • Type: One of Asia’s largest shallow freshwater lakes, covering an area of 308 sq. km.
  • Hydrology:
    • Fed by Budameru and Tammileru rivers.
    • Drains into the Bay of Bengal via Upputeru river (a tidal water channel).
    • Acts as a natural flood-balancing reservoir for the Krishna and Godavari river systems.
  • Ecological Importance:
    • Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1999 and a Ramsar Site in 2002.
    • Designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) due to the presence of over 50,000 waterfowl annually.
    • Lies on the Central Asian Flyway (CAF), a major migratory bird route.
  • Key Avian Species:
    • Grey Pelican (indicator species), Siberian Cranes, Glossy Ibis, Open-billed Stork, Purple Moorhen, Painted Storks.

Kolleru Bird Sanctuary

  • A protected wetland marsh habitat within the Kolleru Lake region.
  • Supports diverse aquatic flora and fauna, serving as a crucial ecosystem for migratory and resident bird species.

Infrastructure Projects and Legal Challenges

  • The projects were proposed under the entity "A.P. Krishna – Kolleru Salinity Mitigation Projects Corporation Limited" with a total capital outlay of approximately ?2,952 crore.
  • The plans included construction of three regulators-cum-roads across the Upputeru river and other barrages, regulators, and sluices, falling within the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ).
  • The Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Department (WRD) issued G.O. Ms. No. 63 (dated 2nd December 2020) authorizing the project.

Grounds for NGT Intervention

  • Key objections included:
    • Absence of scientific or ecological studies.
    • Lack of consultations with wetland experts, wildlife conservationists, and hydrologists.
    • No clearances obtained from:
      • Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
      • A.P. Coastal Zone Management Authority (CZMA)
      • A.P. Pollution Control Board (PCB)
      • National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)

NGT Observations and Ruling

  • The tribunal emphasized the need for comprehensive evaluation of ecological and hydrological impacts before proceeding.
  • It cited potential threats to the lake’s ecosystem, including:
    • Disruption to natural hydrology.
    • Loss of biodiversity and eco-sensitive habitats.
  • The NGT ruled that the projects should not proceed unless fully compliant with environmental laws and backed by appropriate expert assessments.
  • The ruling reinforced India's obligations under the Ramsar Convention and domestic environmental legislation, stressing the urgent need to protect the integrity of the Kolleru ecosystem.

Henipavirus

  • 05 Feb 2025

In News:

A henipavirus, specifically the Camp Hill virus, has been detected in North America for the first time. This discovery in northern short-tailed shrews—a small mammal species found commonly in Canada and the U.S.—raises concerns over a potential zoonotic disease outbreak.

About Henipavirus

  • Virus Type: Henipaviruses are zoonotic, negative-sense RNA viruses.
  • Family: Paramyxoviridae.
  • Natural Hosts: Pteropid fruit bats (commonly known as flying foxes).
  • Other Hosts: Capable of infecting various mammals, including humans, horses, pigs, and shrews.

Notable Henipaviruses:

  • Hendra virus (HeV):
    • First identified in Australia.
    • Mortality rate: Up to 70%.
  • Nipah virus (NiV):
    • Found in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Bangladesh.
    • Case fatality rate ranges from 40% to 75%, depending on surveillance and clinical care.

Symptoms and Disease Progression

  • Initial symptoms: Fever, dizziness, headache, and muscle pain (myalgias).
  • Advanced symptoms: Respiratory issues, encephalitis (brain inflammation), confusion, abnormal reflexes, seizures, and coma.
  • Relapsing encephalitis may occur months or years after apparent recovery.
  • Fatality Risk: High, primarily due to encephalitis and multi-organ failure caused by damage to small blood vessels (microinfarction) in organs like the brain, liver, and kidney.

Why are Henipaviruses so dangerous?

  • Henipaviruses produce proteins that:
    • Suppress the innate immune system.
    • Block interferon-stimulated antiviral responses, aiding viral replication.
    • Act as virulence factors, allowing widespread infection and severe outcomes.

Modes of Transmission

  • Animal-to-human:
    • Direct contact with infected animals (e.g., fruit bats, pigs, horses, shrews).
    • Consumption of contaminated food or water (e.g., raw date palm sap in Nipah outbreaks).
  • Human-to-human: Via bodily fluids, close contact, or respiratory droplets during caregiving.

Treatment and Prevention

  • Treatment:
    • No specific vaccine or antiviral currently exists.
    • Management is symptomatic and supportive (respiratory support, ICU care).
  • Prevention:
    • Vaccination of horses (in HeV-risk regions like Australia).
    • Avoiding contact with fruit bats and sick animals.
    • Isolating infected individuals and animals to prevent spread.

India-Maldives Joint Military Exercise ‘Ekuverin’

  • 05 Feb 2025

In News:

The 13th edition of Exercise Ekuverin, a bilateral joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), commenced in the Maldives on February 4, 2025. The exercise continues to reinforce defence and strategic ties between the two nations.

About Exercise Ekuverin

  • Name Meaning: “Ekuverin” means ‘Friends’ in Dhivehi, the official language of the Maldives—symbolizing the deep and friendly defence partnership between India and the Maldives.
  • First Conducted: The exercise was initiated in 2009 as part of annual bilateral defence cooperation.
  • Venue Alternation: It is held alternatively in India and the Maldives every year.
    • 2023 Edition: Conducted at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand from June 11 to 24.
    • 2025 Edition: Being hosted in the Maldives.

Key Objectives and Features

  • Military Interoperability: Enhances coordination and operational synergy between Indian and Maldivian armed forces.
  • Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism (CI/CT): Focuses on joint tactical drills to counter modern asymmetric threats.
  • Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): Equips forces to respond effectively to natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
  • Strengthening IOR Security: Reinforces regional maritime and strategic stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), a key area of India’s strategic interest.

Significance for India-Maldives Relations

  • Strategic Partnership: Builds mutual trust and defence preparedness, aligning with India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy.
  • Capacity Building: Helps enhance the capability of the MNDF through joint training with a larger and more experienced Indian Army.
  • Regional Security Cooperation: Plays a crucial role in maintaining peace, security, and freedom of navigation in the IOR.

India’s Defence Engagement with Southeast Asia

India actively conducts multiple bilateral and multilateral defence exercises with Southeast Asian countries to enhance defence diplomacy and promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.

Key Defence Exercises with Southeast Asian Nations:

  • Garuda Shakti: Special Forces exercise with Indonesia (Nov 2022, Sangga Buana Training Area).
  • Mitra Shakti: Annual exercise with Sri Lanka, last held in 2022.
  • VINBAX: India-Vietnam bilateral exercise; 3rd edition held in 2022.
  • IMBEX: India-Myanmar bilateral exercise (last noted in 2017–18).
  • Maitree: Joint annual military exercise with Thailand, conducted since 2006.
  • CORPAT: Coordinated Patrols with Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia for maritime domain awareness and security.
  • AIME 2023: The first ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise, conducted in May 2023, involving navies from India and ASEAN nations (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam).

Golden-headed Cisticola

  • 05 Feb 2025

In News:

In a remarkable ornithological development, the Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis) has been sighted in the Mathikettan Shola National Park, Idukki district, Kerala, marking its first recorded presence in the southern Western Ghats after a significant gap.

The finding underscores the ecological richness of the region and highlights the need for intensified avian research in the Western Ghats.

About Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis)

  • Also known as the bright-capped cisticola, it is a small warbler belonging to the family Cisticolidae.
  • It is an omnivorous bird, feeding primarily on invertebrates such as insects and small slugs, along with grass seeds.
  • The species is typically found in grassland habitats within mountain ranges, and has been previously recorded in parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and northern Kerala, notably in Banasura Hills, Wayanad. However, this is the first confirmed sighting in the southern part of the Palakkad Gap.

Physical features of breeding males include:

  • Golden-orange plumage on the head, neck, and chest
  • Pinkish beaks
  • Black streaks on the back
  • A distinctive call that aids identification

Habitat and Distribution

  • It is widely distributed across Australia and several Asian countries.
  • In India, its presence had been limited to select regions of the Western Ghats, making its recent sighting in Mathikettan Shola both rare and ecologically significant.

Conservation Status

  • According to the IUCN Red List, the Golden-headed Cisticola is classified as Least Concern. Despite this, the new finding calls for further research into its habitat preferences and conservation needs within India.

About Mathikettan Shola National Park

Located in the southern part of the Palakkad Gap in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Mathikettan Shola is a vital biodiversity hotspot.

  • It comprises evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, shola grasslands, and semi-evergreen vegetation.
  • The park hosts three major streams: Uchillkuthi Puzha, Mathikettan Puzha, and Njandar, which are tributaries of the Panniyar River.
  • Its highest point is Kattumala, located at the eastern border adjoining Tamil Nadu.
  • The Muthavan tribal community resides near the park’s northeastern boundary, reflecting the intricate human-nature interface in the region.

Scientific and Conservation Importance

The rediscovery has been documented in the journal Malabar Trogon by the Malabar Natural History Society, bringing attention to the importance of long-term monitoring and baseline studies in underexplored ecosystems.

It emphasizes:

  • The ecological richness of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • The importance of citizen science, as local birdwatchers played a key role in the finding.
  • The need for enhanced habitat protection and ornithological research in grassland ecosystems of high-altitude regions.

RBI Digital Payments Index (DPI)

  • 05 Feb 2025

In News:

The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Digital Payments Index (DPI) rose to 465.33 as of September 2024, up from 445.5 in March 2024, indicating a sustained increase in the adoption and penetration of digital payments across India.

About the RBI-DPI

  • Launched: January 2021
  • Constructed by: Reserve Bank of India
  • Purpose: To measure the extent and progress of digitisation of payments in India.
  • Base Period: March 2018 (DPI Score = 100)
  • Frequency of Publication: Semi-annually (March and September)

Significance of the Index

  • Acts as a quantitative tool to monitor India’s progress in achieving a less-cash economy.
  • Provides stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers a composite view of digital payment trends.
  • Helps identify policy focus areas and gaps in digital infrastructure and adoption.
  • Supports the goals of financial inclusion, innovation, and digital public infrastructure.

Recent Trends

  • September 2024 DPI Score: 465.33
  • March 2024 DPI Score: 445.5
  • Implication: Demonstrates continued momentum in digital payment adoption, driven by improved payment infrastructure and payment performance nationwide.

Structure of the RBI-DPI

The index is composed of five broad parameters, each with defined weightages and sub-indicators:

Parameter                                                               Weightage         Description

1. Payment Enablers                                              25%                   Internet/mobile penetration, bank account ownership, Aadhaar usage.

2. Payment Infrastructure – Demand Side          10%                  Number of debit/credit cards, user demand for digital options.

3. Payment Infrastructure – Supply Side            15%                  Availability of POS machines, ATMs, bank branches, QR codes.

4. Payment Performance                                      45%                  Actual volume and value of digital transactions, currency usage trends.

5. Consumer Centricity                                        5%                    Digital payment awareness, fraud prevention, grievance redressal.

Each parameter is further broken down into measurable sub-indicators, offering a comprehensive framework for assessment.

Why RBI-DPI Matters for India

  • Digital Transformation: Encourages the shift from cash to digital payments, aligning with the goals of Digital India.
  • Policy Impact Assessment: Evaluates the effectiveness of regulatory and policy interventions in the payment ecosystem.
  • Infrastructure Development: Reflects the outreach of digital payment infrastructure, aiding targeted investments.
  • Financial Inclusion: Helps assess how digital modes are reaching the underserved and unbanked populations.
  • Data-Driven Governance: Facilitates evidence-based decision-making in financial sector reforms.

SwaRail SuperApp

  • 05 Feb 2025

In News:

The Ministry of Railways has launched a unified mobile application, SwaRail, currently in beta testing as of January 31, 2025.

This initiative aims to streamline access to Indian Railways services and enhance user experience by consolidating various apps into a single digital platform.

Key Highlights

What is SwaRail?

  • SwaRail is a SuperApp developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS).
  • It serves as a comprehensive, one-stop solution for a wide range of Indian Railways services.
  • The app is currently in beta testing and is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Objective

  • To integrate multiple railway-related services under a unified platform.
  • To reduce app clutter and device storage consumption.
  • To improve user experience through a seamless and intuitive interface.

Developed By: Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS)

  • CRIS is an organization under the Ministry of Railways.
  • It combines IT expertise with railway operational experience.
  • CRIS is responsible for developing and maintaining software for core railway functions.

Services Offered via SwaRail

The SuperApp merges functionalities of multiple existing apps, offering:

  1. Ticketing Services
    • Reserved ticket booking
    • Unreserved and platform ticket booking
  2. Freight & Parcel Enquiries
    • Parcel booking status
    • Freight services information
  3. Passenger Enquiries
    • Real-time train status
    • PNR enquiry (along with associated train details)
    • Train schedules
  4. Onboard Services
    • Food ordering while traveling
    • Complaint redressal via Rail Madad

Notable Features of the SuperApp

Feature                                  Description

Single Sign-On                    Access all services using a single set of credentials

Unified App                         Combines multiple previously separate apps (e.g., IRCTC RailConnect, UTS)

Integrated Interface            Displays consolidated data like PNR + train info on the same screen

Easy Onboarding                Existing users can log in with RailConnect/UTS credentials

Multiple Login Modes        Supports m-PIN, biometric authentication, and OTP-based guest login

Smart Wallet Integration   Auto-linking of R-Wallets from UTS App for ticket booking transactions

User-Centric Approach

  • The app is being actively tested, and users are encouraged to provide feedback during the beta phase.
  • CRIS is monitoring performance and issues for improvement before the final public release.
  • The government envisions technological integration to ensure efficient, smarter, and citizen-friendly rail services.

GARBH-INi-DRISHTI

  • 04 Feb 2025

In News:

India has made a significant stride in biomedical research and public health with three major developments led by the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in Faridabad, Haryana.

Key Highlights:

India’s First Ferret Research Facility

  • Inaugurated by: Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology.
  • Location: NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad.
  • Purpose: To bolster India's capacity in:
    • Vaccine development
    • Therapeutic testing
    • Research on emerging infectious diseases like influenza, COVID-19, and tuberculosis.
  • Significance:
    • Strengthens India’s pandemic preparedness.
    • Positions India among the select nations with advanced biosafety labs using ferrets—ideal models due to respiratory systems similar to humans.

Launch of GARBH-INi-DRISHTI Data Repository

  • Platform: DBT Data Repository and Information Sharing Hub under the GARBH-INi program.
  • Dataset Size: Over 12,000 pregnant women, newborns, and postpartum mothers.
  • Developed by: THSTI with collaboration from top Indian research institutions and hospitals.
  • Features:
    • Comprehensive clinical data, medical images, and biospecimens.
    • Secure, controlled access promoting ethical research.
    • Facilitates predictive tools for preterm birth and maternal health complications.
  • Utility:
    • Empowers both national and global researchers.
    • Informs maternal and neonatal health interventions.
    • Supports evidence-based policymaking in public health.
  • Program Genesis:
    • GARBH-INi (2014): Interdisciplinary initiative to understand preterm birth risks—biological and non-biological.
    • Part of: Atal Jai Anusandhan Biotech Mission under the UNaTI initiative.

Technology Transfer Agreement with Industry

  • Agreement Between: THSTI and Sundyota Numandis Probioceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
  • Technology Transferred:
    • Lactobacillus crispatus, a genetically defined synthetic microbial consortium.
    • Isolated from reproductive tracts of Indian women enrolled in GARBH-INi.
  • Applications:
    • Nutraceuticals and probiotics for reproductive health.
    • Potential treatments for vaginal infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  • Significance:
    • Promotes microbiome-based interventions.
    • Bridges lab-to-market gap, boosting the biomanufacturing ecosystem.

Strategic Implications for India

  • Scientific Diplomacy & Global Standing: With cutting-edge facilities and open data-sharing platforms, India emerges as a key player in global biomedical research.
  • Public Health Impact: Supports targeted, data-driven maternal health policies and pandemic response frameworks.
  • Innovation Ecosystem: Reflects the convergence of academic research, industry collaboration, and translational science.

World Wetlands Day 2025

  • 04 Feb 2025

In News:

World Wetlands Day is observed every year on 2nd February to commemorate the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.

India has been a signatory to the Convention since 1982 and has actively worked towards the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands—critical ecosystems that serve as biodiversity hotspots, natural flood buffers, and carbon sinks.

Theme 2025: "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future"

The 2025 theme emphasizes collaborative efforts to protect wetlands to ensure ecological sustainability, biodiversity preservation, and long-term human well-being. It highlights the need for integrated management and foresight in conservation strategies.

Key Event: Parvati Arga Ramsar Site, Gonda, Uttar Pradesh

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) organized the national-level celebrations of World Wetlands Day 2025 at the Parvati Arga Ramsar Site in Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh.

Significance of the Site

  • Comprises two rain-fed oxbow lakes—Parvati and Arga—located in the terai region of the Gangetic plains.
  • Supports endangered and critically endangered species like the white-rumped vulture, Indian vulture, and Egyptian vulture.
  • Attracts migratory birds such as Eurasian coots, greylag geese, northern pintails, and red-crested pochards.
  • Threatened by invasive species, notably the common water hyacinth.
  • The nearby Tikri Forest is being developed as an eco-tourism site, and a nature-culture tourism corridor is planned between Ayodhya and Devi Patan.

Cultural and Economic Value

  • The area includes heritage sites such as the birthplaces of Maharishi Patanjali and Goswami Tulsidas, enhancing its potential as a religious and cultural tourism hub.
  • A MoU between Amazon and ARGA (UP Government initiative) aims to empower women entrepreneurs through digital training and market access under Amazon’s Saheli programme.

India's Wetland Landscape and New Ramsar Sites (2025 Update)

India’s tally of Ramsar Sites has risen to 89, with four new additions:

  1. Udhwa Lake – Jharkhand (first Ramsar site for the state)
  2. Theerthangal – Tamil Nadu
  3. Sakkarakottai – Tamil Nadu
  4. Khecheopalri – Sikkim (first Ramsar site for the state)
  • Tamil Nadu leads with 20 Ramsar Sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10 sites.
  • Total area under Ramsar protection in India is now approximately 1.358 million hectares.

Amrit Dharohar Initiative

Launched in June 2023, the Amrit Dharohar initiative promotes conservation and sustainable use of Ramsar Sites over three years. It aligns with Budget 2023–24 announcements and focuses on:

  1. Species and Habitat Conservation
  2. Nature Tourism
  3. Wetlands-based Livelihoods
  4. Wetlands and Carbon Mitigation

The initiative encourages convergence among central ministries, state authorities, and community stakeholders.

Workshops and Public Engagement

A regional workshop for Northern States was organized on 1st February 2025, with participants from nine states and UTs, highlighting collaborative models in wetland management. The main event also included:

  • Exhibitions on eco-friendly products, wetland conservation, and green skills.
  • Launch of publications like the Integrated Management Plan for Parvati Arga, Factbook of India’s 85 Ramsar Sites, and Development of Van Taungya Villages.
  • Felicitation of painting, quiz, and Nukkad Natak competition winners, promoting grassroots awareness.

Significance of Wetlands in India

Wetlands are water-covered ecosystems, either permanently or seasonally flooded. They:

  • Support rich biodiversity, including migratory birds and aquatic species.
  • Recharge groundwater and regulate floods.
  • Provide livelihoods through fisheries and tourism.
  • Act as natural carbon sinks, aiding in climate change mitigation.

Major Threats

  • Pollution from industrial and domestic effluents
  • Encroachment and urbanization
  • Invasive species

PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SYM)

  • 04 Feb 2025

In News:

The Union Budget 2025–26 has accorded the highest-ever allocation of ?32,646 crore to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, representing an 80% increase over the previous year's Revised Estimates.

The enhanced funding reflects the government's strategic focus on employment generation and strengthening social security mechanisms for unorganised workers and gig economy participants.

Key Budgetary Highlights:

1. Employment Generation Scheme:

  • ?20,000 crore has been allocated to the new Employment Generation Scheme, double the previous year’s allocation.
  • The scheme is aimed at fostering large-scale employment opportunities and skilling across various sectors.

2. Employees’ Pension Scheme:

  • Allocation increased by ?300 crore, strengthening retirement security for formal sector workers.

3. PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SYM):

  • Allocation increased by 37% compared to last year.
  • The scheme provides old-age social security to unorganised workers through a voluntary, contributory pension model.

About Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SYM)

Objective:

To provide minimum assured pension and social security to unorganised sector workers, including street vendors, construction workers, agriculture laborers, domestic workers, etc.

Eligibility:

  • Indian citizen aged 18–40 years
  • Monthly income below ?15,000
  • Not a member of EPFO, ESIC, or NPS

Key Features:

  • Minimum Assured Pension: ?3,000 per month after 60 years of age.
  • Voluntary and Contributory Scheme:
    • Contributions made via auto-debit from bank accounts.
    • 50:50 matching contribution by the Central Government.
  • Pension Fund Management:
    • Administered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
    • Implemented by LIC and CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd.
    • LIC acts as the Pension Fund Manager.

Family Pension Provision:

  • In case of subscriber's death:
    • Spouse receives 50% of the pension amount as family pension.
    • If death occurs before 60 years, the spouse may continue contributions or exit the scheme as per norms.

Exit Provisions:

  • Exit before 10 years: Subscriber's share with accrued interest is returned.
  • Exit after 10 years but before 60 years: Entire contribution with interest returned to the subscriber.

Social Security for Gig Workers

Recognising the gig economy as a critical pillar of India’s modern workforce, the government has taken key steps to enhance their social security:

  • e-Shram registration
  • Provision of unique identity cards
  • Access to healthcare benefits under PM Jan Arogya Yojana
  • Expected to benefit around 1 crore gig workers

Iran’s Missile Advancements

  • 04 Feb 2025

In News:

In a significant military development, Iran has successfully test-fired the Ghadr-380, an advanced anti-warship cruise missile with a range of 1,000 kilometers (600 miles).

This capability allows it to target U.S. Navy warships deployed in critical maritime regions like the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. The missile test was launched from an underground missile facility and was broadcast on Iranian state television, underscoring its strategic messaging.

Key Missiles Unveiled by Iran:

1. Ghadr-380 Cruise Missile:

  • Type: Anti-warship cruise missile
  • Range: Over 1,000 km
  • Features:
    • Anti-jamming capability
    • Quick-launch readiness (operable by one person in less than 5 minutes)
  • Launch Details:
    • Fired from an underground missile base in central Iran
    • Targeted the Sea of Oman
    • Specific test timing and warhead specifications were not disclosed

2. Etemad Ballistic Missile:

  • Name Meaning: Etemad means "trust" in Persian
  • Type: Precision-guided ballistic missile
  • Range: 1,700 km (1,056 miles)
  • Specifications:
    • Length: 16 meters
    • Diameter: 1.25 meters
    • Equipped with precision-guided warhead
  • Built by: Iranian Ministry of Defence

Ballistic vs. Cruise Missiles: Understanding the Distinction

Feature                           Ballistic Missile                                                         Cruise Missile

Propulsion                Rocket-propelled at launch; unpowered descent             Jet engine-powered throughout flight

Flight Path              Arched trajectory (leaves and re-enters atmosphere)        Straight, low-altitude flight within atmosphere

Detection                 Easier to track via radar once launched                            Difficult to detect due to low-altitude flight

Launch Platforms   Ground-based, silo, mobile launchers                             Ground, air, or sea platforms

Warhead Capability   Can carry conventional or nuclear warheads              Usually conventional, but may carry nuclear in advanced forms

Iran’s Strategic Missile Doctrine

Underground Missile Facilities:

  • Iran maintains extensive underground missile bases, especially in southern Iran near the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint for global oil trade.
  • Such facilities enhance survivability and rapid response capabilities.

Missile Development Drivers:

  • Iran's missile program evolved as a strategic deterrent post the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988), where both countries used missiles to target civilian areas.
  • UN arms embargoes led Iran to focus on domestic development of missile systems, including both cruise and ballistic types.

Capabilities:

  • Iran now claims to possess missiles with ranges up to 2,000 kilometers, capable of reaching parts of the Middle East, including Israel.
  • The Ghadr-380 and Etemad missiles are examples of technological diversification—from ballistic to precision cruise systems.

Implications for Regional and Global Security

  • Deterrence Posture: Iran’s missile advancements strengthen its deterrence, especially amid strained relations with the U.S. and its allies.
  • Threat to Maritime Security: The Ghadr-380, with its anti-warship focus, poses a direct threat to U.S. naval assets in the Persian Gulf and adjacent waters.
  • Escalation Risks: Enhanced missile capabilities could escalate regional tensions, particularly in flashpoints like the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Western Concerns: The U.S. and European nations remain wary of Iran’s dual-track approach involving missile and nuclear program developments.

Shubhanshu Shukla

  • 04 Feb 2025

In News:

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to become the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) on a private mission, marking a significant milestone in India’s space diplomacy and international collaboration in human spaceflight.

Mission Details:

  • Mission Name: Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)
  • Launch Vehicle: SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft
  • Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA
  • Tentative Timeline: Spring 2025
  • Duration on ISS: Up to 14 days
  • Mission Objectives: Conduct scientific experiments, educational outreach, and commercial activities, in collaboration with NASA and ISRO.

International Collaboration:

  • The mission includes astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary—the first such trilateral collaboration in over four decades.
  • Marks the return of human spaceflight for Poland and Hungary after a hiatus of more than 40 years.
  • Demonstrates Axiom Space’s emerging role in redefining access to low-Earth orbit and supporting national space programs through private missions.

About Shubhanshu Shukla:

  • Born: October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
  • Commissioned into IAF: June 2006, Fighter Wing
  • Promoted to Group Captain: March 2024
  • Current Role: Astronaut-designate for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission
  • Flight Experience: Over 2,000 hours across multiple aircraft including Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32
  • Astronaut Training: Trained at Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, Star City, Moscow (1-year program)

Historical Context:

  • Rakesh Sharma remains the first Indian to travel to space (1984) aboard Soviet Soyuz T-11, under the Interkosmos program.
  • Shukla’s upcoming mission marks a new era of Indian participation in international human space missions, particularly through private partnerships.

National Geospatial Mission

  • 03 Feb 2025

In News:

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the launch of a National Geospatial Mission in the Budget 2025-26.

Key Highlights:

Objective: To modernize land records, enhance urban planning, and create a robust geospatial infrastructure to support India’s broader development goals, including sustainable growth, efficient governance, and improved public service delivery.

Key Features of the Mission:

  • Modernization of Land Records:
    • Digitization and updation of land records using geospatial technology.
    • Aim to reduce land disputes and promote efficient and transparent land use.
  • Urban and Infrastructure Planning:
    • Provides high-resolution geospatial data for informed urban planning.
    • Supports better design and execution of infrastructure through integration with the PM Gati Shakti framework.
  • Development of National Geospatial Data Infrastructure (NGDI):
    • Integrates geospatial data from multiple departments and ministries.
    • Enables seamless access and interoperability for users across sectors.
  • Open Geospatial Data Policy:
    • Encourages private sector participation by allowing access to non-sensitive, high-resolution data.
    • Reduces reliance on foreign geospatial data providers.
  • Sectoral Impact:
    • Agriculture: Precision farming, resource mapping, and yield optimization.
    • Disaster Management: Enhances early warning systems and response planning.
    • Environmental Monitoring: Facilitates conservation, deforestation tracking, and ecosystem health analysis.
    • Transportation: Improves logistics, routing, and infrastructure placement.
    • Climate Monitoring: Aids in data-driven climate action and adaptation planning.
  • Technological Integration:
    • Utilizes emerging technologies such as AI, drones, and quantum computing for spatial data collection and analysis.
    • Promotes research and development in geospatial science to drive innovation.
  • Support to Private Sector:
    • Anticipated growth in demand for services from geospatial startups, drone companies, and mapping enterprises.
    • Strengthens India’s indigenous geospatial capability aligned with the booming global geospatial market (projected to reach $1,064 million by 2030).

Significance and Alignment with National Goals:

  • Enhances transparency and efficiency in land governance.
  • Contributes to sustainable urban development.
  • Aligns with Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat by reducing data dependency on foreign sources.
  • Acts as a foundational enabler for India’s development agenda, particularly in areas of resource management, climate resilience, and national security.

PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana

  • 03 Feb 2025

In News:

  • Recently, the Union Government has introduced the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana which aims at enhancing agricultural productivity.
  • Objective: To boost agricultural productivity, modernize farming practices, and enhance rural prosperity by addressing region-specific challenges in backward agricultural districts.

Key Features:

  • Integrated Approach:
    • Consolidates multiple existing agricultural schemes under one umbrella for greater synergy and implementation efficiency.
    • Draws inspiration from the Aspirational Districts Programme, which has improved socio-economic outcomes in backward regions.
  • District-Specific Interventions:
    • Focuses on districts with:
      • Low crop productivity
      • Moderate crop intensity
      • Limited institutional credit access
    • Implements customized strategies based on the unique challenges of each region.
  • Core Focus Areas:
    • Enhancing farm productivity through modern technology.
    • Improving irrigation infrastructure.
    • Increasing formal credit availability to reduce dependence on informal moneylenders.
    • Promoting crop diversification and sustainable agriculture.
    • Strengthening post-harvest infrastructure like storage at Panchayat and block levels.
  • Technology-Driven Solutions:
    • Encourages adoption of climate-resilient and precision farming.
    • Supports digital access to credit and advisory services.
  • Financial Inclusion:
    • Strengthens linkages with government financial programs, microfinance institutions, and banks.
    • Aims to reduce rural indebtedness and promote formal financial participation.
  • State and Centre Collaboration: Implementation will involve both central and state governments, ensuring localized solutions with national support.
  • Reducing Distress Migration: By improving rural livelihoods and opportunities, the scheme aims to make migration a choice rather than a compulsion.

Onchocerciasis

  • 03 Feb 2025

In News:

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially verified Niger as the first country in the African Region and the fifth globally to eliminate onchocerciasis (river blindness) by interrupting the transmission of the parasite Onchocerca volvulus.

What is Onchocerciasis (River Blindness)?

  • A parasitic disease caused by the worm Onchocerca volvulus.
  • Transmitted by infective blackflies, primarily found in riverine areas.
  • Causes severe itching, disfiguring skin conditions, and irreversible blindness.
  • It is the second leading infectious cause of blindness globally (after trachoma).
  • Predominantly affects rural populations in sub-Saharan Africa, Yemen, and parts of Latin America.

Niger’s Elimination Strategy and Achievements:

Historical Background:

  • 1976–1989: Under the WHO Onchocerciasis Control Programme (OCP), Niger used vector control via insecticide spraying, reducing disease transmission.
  • 2008–2019: Mass Drug Administration (MDA) with ivermectin and albendazole was carried out, primarily for lymphatic filariasis (LF), but also effectively interrupted onchocerciasis transmission in co-endemic areas.

Assessment and Surveillance:

  • 2014: Niger began preliminary assessments following the end of LF MDA.
  • Entomological and epidemiological surveys confirmed disease elimination:
    • Prevalence dropped from 60% to 0.02%.
    • No ongoing transmission of O. volvulus.

Key Contributors to Success:

  • Partnerships: Collaborative efforts between the Government of Niger, WHO, Merck Sharpe & Dohme (MSD), and various NGOs.
  • Medicine Donation: MSD’s donation of ivermectin.
  • Surveillance & Flexibility: Continuous monitoring allowed strategic adaptation.
  • Previous Success: Niger was certified free of Guinea-worm disease in 2013.

Global and Regional Significance:

  • Niger becomes the fifth country globally to eliminate onchocerciasis:
    • Other four countries:
      • Colombia (2013)
      • Ecuador (2014)
      • Mexico (2015)
      • Guatemala (2016) (All from the WHO Region of the Americas)
  • WHO African Region:
    • 21 countries have eliminated at least one Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD).
    • Onchocerciasis is the second NTD eliminated in Niger after Guinea-worm.

Guneri Inland Mangrove

  • 03 Feb 2025

In News:

In 2024, the Gujarat government declared the Inland Mangrove of Guneri, located in Kutch district, as the first Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) of the state under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The declaration followed a recommendation by the Gujarat Biodiversity Board.

Key Features of Guneri Inland Mangroves:

  • Location: Guneri village, Lakhtar tehsil, Kutch district, Gujarat.
  • Area: 32.78 hectares.
  • Distance from Sea: ~45 km from the Arabian Sea; ~4 km from Kori Creek.
  • Nature: Inland (non-coastal) mangrove ecosystem — one of only eight such sites globally and the last remaining in India.
  • Terrain: Flat land resembling a forest; no tidal influence or sludge typically seen in coastal mangroves.
  • Water Source: Sustained by groundwater retained in limestone deposits; no direct contact with seawater.

Ecological and Geological Significance:

  • Possibly originated from:
    • Miocene marine transgression, or
    • Along the ancient Saraswati River, believed to have flowed in the Great Rann of Kutch around 3000–4000 BCE.
  • Limestone formations in western Kutch provide continuous subsurface water flow, enabling survival of this unique mangrove system.

Biodiversity:

  • Habitat to:
    • 20 migratory bird species
    • 25 resident migratory avifaunal species
  • Acts as a vital ecosystem for local and seasonal wildlife.

Mangroves in India – 2024 Snapshot:

  • As per the “Red List of Mangrove Ecosystems” (May 22, 2024):
    • India has 3% of South Asia’s mangrove cover.
    • Total mangrove area: 4,975 sq km (0.15% of India's land area).
    • Increase: 54 sq km (1.10%) since last assessment.
    • State-wise share:
      • West Bengal: 42.45% (notably South 24 Parganas & Sundarbans)
      • Gujarat: 23.66% (with highest increase: 37 sq km)
      • Andaman & Nicobar Islands: 12.39%

Legal Framework:

  • Declared under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, which empowers state governments to notify BHS after consulting local self-government bodies.
  • A local Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC), including representatives from self-governance institutions, will oversee protection and conservation.
  • This provides a formal structure for site management, previously absent.

Conservation Measures:

  • Training programs for local and tribal communities along with forest officials.
  • A management plan will be implemented to preserve the unique flora and fauna.

National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID)

  • 03 Feb 2025

In News:

In the Union Budget 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) will set up a partial credit enhancement facility to promote corporate bond issuance in the infrastructure sector.

Need for Credit Enhancement:

  • Pension and insurance funds in India, as per regulatory norms, can invest only in AA-rated or higher securities.
  • Most infrastructure firms issue bonds rated below this threshold (often "A" rated).
  • Partial credit enhancement will elevate such bonds to AA ratings, enabling large-scale participation from long-term institutional investors.

Significance:

  • Currently, pension and insurance funds prefer government bonds. However, with the government's ongoing fiscal consolidation, sovereign bond issuance is expected to decline.
  • This measure provides alternative, long-term investment avenues for these funds.
  • Enhances liquidity in the corporate bond market, especially for infrastructure players.
  • Helps in reducing infrastructure companies' dependence on banks for funding.

About NaBFID:

  • Established: 2021 under The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Act, 2021.
  • Type: Development Finance Institution (DFI).
  • Regulator: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as an All-India Financial Institution (AIFI).
  • Purpose: Bridge gaps in long-term, non-recourse infrastructure financing and promote bond and derivatives markets in India.

Development Finance Institutions (DFIs):

  • Government-owned or public sector-backed institutions that finance large-scale, long-gestation projects.
  • Provide medium (1–5 years) and long-term (>5 years) financing.
  • Raise funds via sovereign borrowings, insurance companies, pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds.
  • Offer both financial support (loans, guarantees) and technical support (project viability, consultancy).
  • Do not accept public deposits.

Benefits of Partial Credit Enhancement:

  • Democratizes access to the corporate bond market for sub-AA-rated firms.
  • Attracts long-term capital into infrastructure through safer, credit-enhanced instruments.
  • Promotes diversification and deepening of India's debt markets.
  • Makes infrastructure financing more cost-efficient and sustainable over the long term.

Challenges Ahead:

  • Regulatory streamlining is essential.
  • Guarantee fees need optimization to ensure cost competitiveness against traditional bank lending.

National Manufacturing Mission

  • 02 Feb 2025

In News:

  • The National Manufacturing Mission (NMM) has been launched to accelerate India’s transition into a global manufacturing hub.
  • This mission is a key component of the Make in India initiative and aims to raise the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP from 17% to 25% by 2025.

Scope & Coverage

  • Targets small, medium, and large industries across sectors.
  • Provides a comprehensive support framework involving policy guidance, execution roadmaps, and governance structures for central ministries and state governments.

Five Core Focus Areas:

  • Ease and cost of doing business
  • Skilling for future-ready jobs
  • Support for a dynamic MSME sector
  • Technology availability and innovation
  • Enhancement of product quality

Clean Tech Manufacturing Focus

In line with India's sustainable development goals, the mission will promote domestic value addition and build robust manufacturing ecosystems for:

  • Solar PV cells
  • Electric vehicle (EV) batteries
  • Motors and controllers
  • Electrolyzers
  • Wind turbines
  • Very high-voltage transmission equipment
  • Grid-scale batteries

Strategic Objective: Reduce reliance on Chinese imports and integrate India into global clean tech supply chains.

MSME Sector Support

  • Credit Guarantee Cover for MSMEs increased from ?5 crore to ?10 crore.
  • Revised Classification Criteria: Investment and turnover limits enhanced by 2.5x and 2x, respectively.
  • Aims to empower MSMEs with greater access to credit and growth incentives.

Sector-Specific Measures

1. Footwear & Leather Sector

  • A new Focus Product Scheme will support:
    • Design capacity
    • Component manufacturing
    • Machinery for non-leather and leather footwear
  • Expected Impact:
    • Employment for 22 lakh persons
    • Turnover of ?4 lakh crore
    • Exports over ?1.1 lakh crore

2. Toy Manufacturing – National Action Plan for Toys

  • Objective: Make India a global hub for innovative and sustainable toys.
  • Strategy:
    • Develop manufacturing clusters
    • Promote skilling and innovation
    • Strengthen the ‘Made in India’ brand in the global toy market

3. Food Processing – ‘Purvodaya’ Focus

  • Establishment of a National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management in Bihar.
  • Purpose:
    • Boost food processing in Eastern India
    • Enhance value addition for farmers
    • Create employment and entrepreneurial opportunities

Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme

  • 02 Feb 2025

In News:

Announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme is a major initiative to provide digital textbooks and learning materials in multiple Indian languages for school and university students.

Key Features:

  • Digital Access: Study resources will be made available in digital formats via platforms such as DIKSHA, e-PG Pathshala, and the National Digital Library of India.
  • Target Groups: Students in schools, colleges, and universities affiliated with UGC, AICTE, and other regulatory bodies.
  • Focus Areas: STEM, social sciences, humanities, and commerce; with a special emphasis on technical education in Indian languages.
  • Use of Technology: AI-based tools will support automated translation, voice-assisted learning, and customized content.
  • Alignment with NEP 2020: Promotes multilingualism and regional language education, as envisioned in the National Education Policy.

Complementary Initiative – ASMITA (Augmenting Study Materials in Indian Languages)

  • Aims to develop 22,000 textbooks in Indian languages over the next five years.
  • Jointly led by UGC and the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti under the Ministry of Education.
  • Thirteen nodal universities will coordinate content development, supported by regional institutions.
  • SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) have been developed for translation, writing, editing, review, plagiarism checks, and publication.

Budgetary Allocations and Educational Infrastructure

Highest-Ever Allocation for School Education: ?78,572 crore

  • 16.28% rise over revised estimates of 2024–25.
  • ?9,503 crore allocated to Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (?776 crore hike).
  • Plan to set up 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in government schools to foster innovation and scientific thinking.
  • BharatNet Project to ensure broadband access in all government secondary schools within three years.

Higher Education Allocation: ?50,077.95 crore

  • Covers central universities, IITs, and centrally sponsored schemes.
  • Budget for centrally sponsored schemes like PM-USHA and RUSA increased to ?1,815 crore.
  • Student financial aid raised to ?2,160 crore.

Boost to IIT Infrastructure:

  • Additional infrastructure for five IITs established after 2014, accommodating 6,500 more students.
  • Expansion of hostel and academic facilities at IIT Patna.

Artificial Intelligence in Education

  • Announcement of a Centre of Excellence in AI for Education with an outlay of ?500 crore.
  • Objective: Reduce disparities, improve efficiency, and ensure equitable access to high-quality education using AI technologies.

Microplastics detected in Delhi’s Groundwater

  • 02 Feb 2025

In News:

A first-of-its-kind study, commissioned by the Delhi government and conducted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), has revealed the presence of microplastics in groundwater across all 11 districts of Delhi. The interim findings, submitted in November 2024, also reported microplastics in Yamuna River water and soil samples along its banks.

Key Findings:

  • Widespread Contamination: Microplastics were found in groundwater samples across Delhi, indicating potential contamination due to leaching from the Yamuna River.
  • Additional Contamination: Microplastics were also detected in the Yamuna's water and riverbank soil, suggesting environmental pervasiveness.
  • Water Usage Impact: Since Delhi relies on borewells and treated groundwater for drinking and domestic purposes, this contamination raises serious public health concerns.
  • No Objection by Authorities: The Delhi government has not disputed the study’s interim findings; further post-monsoon analysis is underway, and a final report is expected later in 2025.

What Are Microplastics?

According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP):

  • Definition: Plastic particles less than 5 mm in size
  • Types:
    • Primary Microplastics: Manufactured for use in cosmetics (e.g., microbeads) and textiles (e.g., microfibers from clothing, nets)
    • Secondary Microplastics: Result from breakdown of larger plastics (e.g., bottles) due to sunlight, abrasion, and ocean waves

Environmental & Health Impacts:

  • Persistence: Microplastics are non-biodegradable, mobile, and difficult to eliminate from natural ecosystems.
  • Toxicity:
    • Can adsorb harmful chemicals, making them more toxic
    • Known to bioaccumulate in aquatic food chains
  • Human Exposure: Microplastics can enter the human body via:
    • Inhalation (air)
    • Ingestion (water and seafood)
    • Dermal absorption (through skin)
  • Health Risks (UNEP Report – From Pollution to Solution, 2021):
    • Potential effects on genetics, brain development, respiration, and placental health in newborns
    • No global standard exists for safe microplastic limits in drinking water

Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM)

  • 02 Feb 2025

In News:

Recently, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (UNESCO-IOC) announced the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) enabling the creation of the Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM).

What is the Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM)?

  • It is a collaborative governance initiative aimed at the sustainable management of marine resources in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf region.
  • Conceived under the 10-year CLME+ Strategic Action Programme (SAP)—endorsed in 2014—it represents a transformative step toward integrated ocean governance.

Key Objectives of OCM:

  • Promote sustainable fisheries
  • Advance ecosystem restoration and marine spatial planning
  • Establish marine protected areas (MPAs)
  • Encourage pollution control and blue carbon development
  • Foster cross-country and cross-institutional cooperation

It builds on lessons from earlier efforts like the Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Policy (PIROP), aiming to avoid past pitfalls such as vague targets, lack of integration, and funding shortfalls.

Significance of the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Region:

  • Coral reefs and fisheries contribute ~$610 million annually to local economies
  • The North Brazil Shelf is home to over 500 fish species
  • Acts as a natural barrier against storms, crucial for climate resilience

Blue Carbon and Climate Action:

The OCM promotes blue carbon projects that utilize coastal ecosystems (like mangroves and seagrasses) for carbon storage, enhancing climate resilience and providing livelihoods to local communities.

Funding Details:

  • $15 million from Global Environment Facility (GEF) via the UNDP/GEF PROCARIBE+ Project (2024–2028)
  • Additional $126.02 million in co-financing mobilized
  • However, the funding is modest compared to initiatives like the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (targeting $3 billion by 2030), raising concerns about OCM's long-term financial sustainability.

Role of IOC-UNESCO:

Established in 1961, the IOC of UNESCO promotes international cooperation in ocean science and policy. Key functions include:

  • Marine scientific research (climate, biodiversity, sustainability)
  • Tsunami warning systems
  • Oceanographic data collection and dissemination
  • Leading the UN Ocean Decade (2021–2030) for global marine conservation

Why OCM Matters:

  • Addresses the Ocean–Climate–Biodiversity nexus
  • Aims to ensure equitable access to marine resources
  • Prioritizes local and vulnerable communities
  • Integrates traditional knowledge with scientific research for culturally inclusive conservation

Saffron Reedtail Damselfly

  • 02 Feb 2025

In News:

For the first time, the Saffron Reedtail Damselfly, a rare and endemic species of the Western Ghats, has been recorded in Karnataka.

This significant discovery was made in Madhugundi village, Chikkamagaluru district, along the Nethravati River. The findings were published in the journal Entomon.

Key Facts:

  • Scientific Name: Indosticta deccanensis
  • Common Name: Saffron Reedtail
  • Family: Platystictidae (commonly known as shadow damselflies)
  • Appearance: Slender, delicate body with a characteristic saffron coloration
  • Habitat: Prefers slow-moving forest streams surrounded by thick vegetation; requires pristine water quality

Ecological Significance:

  • Indicator Species: Highly sensitive to environmental changes and pollution, indicating a healthy, undisturbed ecosystem.
  • Biodiversity Implication:
    • Previously recorded only in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
    • The first sighting in Karnataka (northern Western Ghats) extends the known range of the species, suggesting it may be more widely distributed than earlier believed.

Conservation Relevance:

  • The discovery underscores the ecological richness of the Madhugundi forests, which were severely affected by floods and landslides in 2019.
  • Highlights the urgency to protect fragile ecosystems from deforestation, water pollution, and climate change, especially in biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats.

About Damselflies (Order: Odonata):

  • General Features:
    • Predatory, aerial insects
    • Slender bodies with net-veined wings
    • Fly weakly compared to dragonflies
    • Mostly inhabit freshwater habitats

Rusty-Spotted Cat

  • 01 Feb 2025

In News:

For the first time, the Rusty-Spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus) has been spotted in the forests of Purulia district, West Bengal, captured on a camera trap set up by the NGO HEAL during pangolin poaching surveillance. This marks a significant range extension and has excited conservationists and forest officials.

Key Features

  • World’s smallest and lightest wild cat: Weighs between 900 grams to 1.5 kg
  • Length: Approx. 1.5 feet, with a 1-foot-long tail
  • Appearance:
    • Fawn-grey coat with rusty red spots on back and flanks
    • Short, rounded head with two white facial streaks
    • Large eyes with greyish-brown to amber irises – an adaptation to nocturnal behavior
    • Short legs, black-soled feet, and an unmarked rusty tail
  • Behavior:
    • Nocturnal and elusive
    • Uses scent marking to establish territory
    • Gestation period: 66–70 days

Habitat and Distribution

  • Found in dry deciduous and semi-deciduous forests, including:
    • Northern & Central India, Western Ghats, Rajasthan, Kachchh, and Peninsular India
    • Also present in Sri Lanka and Nepal
  • India hosts 80% of the global population

Conservation Status

  • IUCN Red List: Near Threatened, due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and human-wildlife conflict
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I species (highest protection)

Significance of Purulia Sighting

  • Located on the eastern edge of the Chota Nagpur Plateau
  • Forests are interconnected with neighboring regions like Jharkhand and Odisha
  • Notified as reserved forests, not protected forests
  • Threats: Hunting by local communities, habitat degradation

Impact of Conservation Efforts

  • Post-COVID, the forest ecosystem in Purulia has improved due to reduced human disturbance
  • Past sightings of leopards, bears, jackals, and foxes indicate a thriving ecosystem
  • HEAL and the Forest Department have launched livestock compensation programs to reduce retaliatory killings of carnivores

Kurdistan Region

  • 01 Feb 2025

In News:

India recently dispatched a humanitarian shipment of medical supplies to the Kurdistan Region in Iraq, reflecting its commitment to global cooperation and humanitarian diplomacy.

About the Kurdistan Region

  • Geographical Spread: The Kurdistan Region is a culturally and geographically distinct area predominantly inhabited by ethnic Kurds, spread across:
    • Northern Iraq (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk, Halabja)
    • Eastern Turkey
    • Western Iran
    • Northern Syria and parts of Armenia
  • Capital: Erbil (Iraq)
  • Terrain: Dominated by the Zagros and Taurus mountain systems
  • Major Rivers: Tigris River and Greater Zab River, crucial for agriculture and settlement

Ethnic and Political Context

  • Kurds: An ethnic group of 25–30 million people, mostly Sunni Muslims, with no official nation-state. They seek autonomy or independence through the Kurdish nationalist movement.
  • Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG): An autonomous administration in northern Iraq, managing the Kurd-majority areas with limited sovereignty under Iraq’s federal system.
  • Geopolitical Significance:
    • Rich in oil and natural gas, especially in Iraqi Kurdistan
    • Strategically located, controlling key border regions and trade routes
    • Kurdish militia (Peshmerga) played a critical role in the fight against ISIS

Ongoing Political Disputes

  • Kurdish Independence Movement:
    • The 2017 independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan was rejected by Baghdad, followed by economic and military backlash.
    • Kurds face resistance from Iraq, Turkey, Iran, and Syria, which fear territorial fragmentation.
    • Turkey regularly conducts military operations against Kurdish groups, labeling them as threats to national security.

India-Kurdistan Relations

  • Diplomatic Presence: India established a Consulate in Erbil in August 2016 to deepen ties with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
  • Economic and Workforce Engagement:
    • Indian companies have participated in trade fairs in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah.
    • A growing number of Indian workers are employed in sectors like:
      • Steel mills
      • Oil companies
      • Construction projects
    • Indian workers are valued for their skills and reliability in these industries.

Financialisation

  • 01 Feb 2025

In News:

The Economic Survey 2024–25 cautions against the risks of excessive financialisation in India, emphasizing that while finance is a crucial enabler of economic growth, unchecked expansion of the financial sector can pose systemic risks, increase inequality, and divert resources from the real economy.

What is Financialisation?

Financialisation refers to the growing dominance of financial markets, institutions, and motives in shaping economic policies, business decisions, and resource allocation. It involves:

  • A shift from productive (real sector) activities like manufacturing to financial activities, including trading, speculation, and asset management.
  • Increasing reliance on asset price growth (e.g., stocks, real estate) to stimulate the economy.
  • Deep influence of financial motives in corporate governance, economic policies, and household behavior.

Key Drivers of Financialisation in India

  • Increased household savings funneled into stock markets.
  • Growing retail investor participation in equities and mutual funds.
  • Policy and regulation increasingly influenced by financial market considerations.
  • Rising public and private sector debt to leverage economic growth.

Risks Highlighted by the Economic Survey

  • Real Sector Crowding Out: Over-expansion of the financial sector may compete with the real economy for scarce resources like skilled labour and capital, potentially depriving productive sectors.
  • Unsustainable Booms: Rapid financial growth often favours high-collateral, low-productivity investments (e.g., construction) over innovation and manufacturing, creating unsustainable financial booms.
  • Complex Financial Products: Proliferation of opaque and complex financial instruments can increase consumer risk exposure and the probability of a financial crisis, as seen during the 2008 global financial meltdown.
  • Increased Inequality: Financialisation tends to transfer income from the real sector to the financial sector, worsening income inequality and contributing to wage stagnation.
  • Debt Dependency: Over-reliance on financial leverage (debt) increases macro-financial vulnerabilities, especially if credit growth outpaces productive investment.

Global Lessons and Historical Context

  • 2008 Global Financial Crisis: Reckless lending and financial engineering, including mortgage-backed securities, led to a global economic collapse. India was impacted indirectly, prompting RBI intervention to stabilise the economy.
  • Examples from Ireland & Thailand: Rapid growth of private credit in these countries led to reduced productivity and economic distortions, serving as cautionary tales.

Balanced View on Finance

The Survey recognizes that a well-regulated financial system plays a vital role in:

  • Channeling capital to innovative and high-risk ventures.
  • Reducing transaction costs and improving price discovery.
  • Alleviating poverty and inequality by enabling shock absorption for households and firms.
  • Smoothing consumption across economic cycles.

However, the Survey emphasizes that there is a tipping point beyond which financial development becomes counterproductive.

Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs)

  • 01 Feb 2025

In News:

The Economic Survey 2024–25 underscores the adverse impact of Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) on public health, particularly among children and youth, and calls for urgent regulatory intervention.

Key Recommendations

  • Stringent Front-of-the-Pack Labelling (FOPL): The Survey advocates for clear, enforceable FOPL rules to inform consumers, curb misleading nutrition claims, and restrict aggressive marketing, especially those targeted at children and adolescents.
  • Stronger Role for FSSAI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is advised to:
    • Define UPFs clearly in regulation.
    • Establish labelling standards.
    • Monitor compliance of branded products.
  • ‘Health Tax’ Proposal: The Survey proposes higher taxes on UPFs, especially brands engaging in excessive advertising, to act as a deterrent and promote healthier food choices.
  • Awareness and Education: It recommends targeted awareness campaigns in schools and colleges, integrated with broader health and lifestyle campaigns, to reduce the rising consumption of UPFs.

Why this matter

  • Rising Consumption: According to a 2023 WHO report, India’s UPF consumption grew from $900 million (2006) to over $37.9 billion (2019).
  • Long-term National Impact: India's ?2,50,000 crore UPF industry is built on hyper-palatability and is a threat to India’s demographic dividend, productivity, and future economic growth.

Health Risks of UPFs

  • Directly linked to:
    • Obesity
    • Cardiovascular diseases
    • Colorectal cancer
    • Respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders
    • Mental health issues, especially among youth
  • Poor dietary intake due to UPFs contributes to micronutrient deficiencies, while synthetic additives may have long-term biological impacts.

What are Ultra-Processed Foods?

UPFs are industrial formulations that undergo extensive processing and typically include:

  • Artificial flavours, colours, preservatives, emulsifiers, sweeteners, and other cosmetic additives.
  • High sugar, salt, and fat content for taste enhancement.
  • Low in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
  • Designed for convenience and high palatability, often leading to overconsumption.

Examples of Ultra-Processed Foods

(As per Indian Council of Medical Research - ICMR):

  • Commercial bakery items: bread, cakes, biscuits, breakfast cereals
  • Snack foods: chips, fries
  • Condiments: sauces, jams, mayonnaise
  • Dairy & protein products: processed cheese, butter, protein powders, soy chunks, tofu
  • Frozen and ready-to-eat foods with additives
  • Beverages: energy drinks, health drinks, sweetened fruit juices
  • Refined flours of cereals, millets, legumes
  • Culinary ingredients containing cosmetic additives like artificial colours or emulsifiers

India adds 4 new Ramsar Sites

  • 01 Feb 2025

In News:

The Government of India has added four new Ramsar sites, increasing the total to 89, the highest in Asia and third globally. The newly designated wetlands include:

  • Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
  • Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
  • Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim)
  • Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand)

This marks a significant milestone as Sikkim and Jharkhand have received their first Ramsar recognitions, while Tamil Nadu strengthens its lead with 20 Ramsar sites, the most among Indian states.

About the Ramsar Convention

  • Adopted: 1971 in Ramsar, Iran
  • Objective: Conservation and wise use of wetlands through local, national, and international cooperation.
  • World Wetlands Day: Celebrated on 2nd February to promote awareness.

Key Highlights:

Therthangal Bird Sanctuary – Tamil Nadu

  • Notified in 2010; covers 29.29 ha.
  • Crucial breeding and foraging site for waterbirds like Spot-billed Pelican, Black-headed Ibis, and Oriental Darter.
  • Aids groundwater recharge and climate regulation.
  • Part of the Central Asian Flyway.

Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary – Tamil Nadu

  • Notified in 2012; spans 230.49 ha.
  • Located near Gulf of Mannar; significant stopover for migratory birds.
  • Hosts endemic species and near-threatened fauna like Lion-tailed Macaque and Giant Squirrel.

Khecheopalri Wetland – Sikkim

  • Sacred lake revered by Buddhists and Hindus; called Sho Dzo Sho locally.
  • Known as a wish-fulfilling lake.
  • Birds prevent leaves from settling on the surface.
  • Rich in avifauna: fishing eagles, Brahminy kites.
  • Integral to ecotourism and biodiversity conservation.

Udhwa Lake – Jharkhand

  • Comprises Pataura Jheel (155 ha) and Brahma Jamalpur Jheel (410 ha).
  • First Ramsar site of Jharkhand; near Ganga River.
  • Declared a bird sanctuary in 1991; attracts migratory birds from September onwards.
    Falls under the Gangetic Plains biogeographic zone.

MSME Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) Initiative

  • 31 Jan 2025

In News:

The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), in collaboration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), has launched the Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) Initiative. It aims to promote digital commerce among micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in India.

Key Features of TEAM Initiative

  • Scheme Under: Raising and Accelerating MSME Productivity (RAMP) Programme
    • RAMP is a World Bank-supported Central Sector Scheme implemented from 2022–2027 to enhance market access, technology upgradation, and financial inclusion for MSMEs.
  • Objective:
    • To empower MSEs through digital commerce integration using ONDC.
    • To formalize operations, reduce the cost of doing business, and expand market access.
    • To ensure inclusivity with 50% of beneficiaries being women-led enterprises.
  • Budget & Duration:
    • ?277.35 crore over three years (FY 2024–25 to FY 2026–27).
  • Target Beneficiaries:
    • 5 lakh MSEs (50% women-led).
    • Eligibility: Registered MSEs in manufacturing or service sectors with valid Udyam Registration. Medium enterprises are excluded from most benefits.
  • Implementing Agency:
    • National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC)

Operational Strategy

  • ONDC Integration: MSMEs will be onboarded onto the ONDC network, enabling them to operate digital storefronts with access to interoperable platforms, seamless payment solutions, and logistics services.
  • Workshops & Outreach:
    • Over 150 workshops will be organized across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, especially targeting SC/ST-led and women-led enterprises.
    • Workshops will provide training on creating digital catalogues, understanding digital platforms, and maximizing ONDC's benefits.
  • Supportive Infrastructure: A dedicated digital portal will offer services including workshop registration, access to finance, grievance redressal, catalogue tools, and account management assistance.
  • Financial Assistance: Support to Seller Network Participants for onboarding MSEs and assisting in operational and digital transition needs.

About ONDC:

An initiative of the DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce, ONDC is an open, interoperable network that allows buyers and sellers to transact across multiple digital platforms, aiming to democratize digital commerce and reduce platform monopolies.

National Critical Mineral Mission

  • 31 Jan 2025

In News:

The Union Cabinet has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) with a total outlay of ?34,300 crore over seven years, including ?16,300 crore government expenditure and ?18,000 crore investment from PSUs and private players.

Key Highlights:

Objectives of NCMM

  • Reduce import dependence on critical minerals vital for clean energy, electronics, defence, and high-tech industries.
  • Promote domestic exploration, mining, processing, and recycling of critical minerals.
  • Facilitate overseas acquisition of mineral assets.
  • Strengthen India’s mineral security and ensure self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat).

Key Features

  • Value Chain Coverage: Exploration → Mining → Beneficiation → Processing → Recycling of end-of-life products.
  • Fast-track regulatory approvals for mining projects.
  • Creation of mineral processing parks and promotion of sustainable extraction technologies.
  • Establishing a strategic stockpile of critical minerals.
  • Development of a Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals to support R&D.
  • Expansion of PRISM initiative to fund startups and MSMEs in the sector.
  • Whole-of-government approach: Collaboration among ministries, PSUs, private sector, and research institutions.

Why Critical Minerals Matter

Critical minerals are essential inputs for:

  • Green energy: EV batteries, solar panels, wind turbines.
  • Electronics: Semiconductors, fiber optics.
  • Defence: Aircraft, missile guidance systems.
  • Medical technologies: MRI machines, pacemakers.

India’s clean energy transition and manufacturing competitiveness hinge on a steady and secure supply of these minerals.

India’s Import Dependence

India is dependent on imports, especially from China, for several critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, titanium, graphite, and tellurium. This exposes India to supply chain vulnerabilities amid shifting global geopolitics.

List of 30 Critical Minerals for India

Includes: Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, Graphite, Rare Earth Elements (REEs), Beryllium, Titanium, Tungsten, Gallium, Indium, Selenium, Cadmium, etc.

Strategic and Legislative Initiatives

  • Amendment to MMDR Act (1957) in 2023: Enabled auction of 24 critical mineral blocks.
  • OAMDR Act (2002) amendment: Introduced transparent offshore mineral exploration.
  • Duty waivers in Union Budget 2024–25: Customs duties removed on key critical minerals to promote domestic processing.
  • Exploration by GSI: 368 projects in last 3 years; 227 more planned for FY 2025–26.
  • KABIL: Acquired 15,703 ha in Argentina for lithium mining.

Global Context

  • Global powers (US, EU, Japan) are pursuing strategies for critical mineral security.
  • China dominates refining of lithium, cobalt, and REEs.
  • India is part of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) to diversify global mineral supply chains.

Significance for India

  • Ensures long-term resource security for clean technologies.
  • Supports EV and renewable energy manufacturing goals.
  • Enhances strategic autonomy in defence and electronics.
  • Makes India an attractive hub for foreign investment in green technologies.

Challenges and the Way Forward

  • Geopolitical risks in overseas asset acquisition.
  • Environmental impacts of large-scale mining.
  • Need for strong R&D ecosystem, financial incentives, and public-private partnerships.
  • Sustainable mining practices and global collaboration are essential for long-term success.

Contract Farming in India

  • 31 Jan 2025

In News:

Contract farming has emerged as a significant model in India's agricultural landscape, especially with its success in processed potato cultivation and the recent rise in French fry exports. As the country transitions from being an importer to a major exporter in sectors like frozen French fries, the contract farming model underpins the structural transformation of Indian agriculture.

Understanding Contract Farming

Contract farming is an agricultural production system where farmers and buyers (agribusinesses, processors, exporters, or retailers) enter into a pre-harvest agreement. This contract outlines key parameters including price, quality, quantity, delivery schedules, and in many cases, input provision and technical assistance.

Types of Contract Farming Arrangements

  • Direct Input Provision by the Company: Firms supply seeds, fertilizers, and support services, deducting costs from the final payment to farmers.
  • Partnership with Local Input Dealers: A hybrid model balancing company control with third-party services, chosen based on crop complexity, local support availability, and firm capabilities.

Advantages of Contract Farming

  • Stable and Enhanced Income: Contracts assure farmers of a fixed price and market access, shielding them from volatile markets. RBI data shows farmers typically receive only 31%–43% of consumer prices; contract farming can significantly improve this share.
  • Access to Inputs and Technology: Companies provide high-quality seeds, fertilizers, training, and modern farming practices, leading to improved yields and quality.
  • Post-Harvest Efficiency: Streamlined procurement reduces wastage of perishables and post-harvest losses, ensuring efficient supply chain management.
  • Credit and Financial Support: Assured incomes help farmers access institutional credit, reducing dependency on informal lenders.
  • Food Safety and Export Standards: Training on pesticide use and residue limits ensures compliance with international standards like Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), boosting export potential.
  • Consumer Benefits: Direct procurement reduces intermediaries, enabling competitive pricing and higher quality products.
  • Technology Transfer: Farmers benefit from the introduction of new, high-efficiency production techniques.

Concerns and Challenges

  • Power Imbalance: Small and marginal farmers often lack bargaining power. This dependency may lead to exploitative contracts or one-sided terms, especially where firms demand investments in crop-specific infrastructure.
  • Market Risk and Default: Price volatility can lead to side-selling by farmers or contract breaches by firms when market prices crash.
  • Delayed Payments and Inputs: Contractual delays in payment or input delivery can severely affect crop cycles and farmer finances.
  • Exclusion of Marginal Farmers: For economies of scale, firms often prefer large landholders, sidelining smallholders.
  • Environmental Impact: Monocropping, overuse of water and agrochemicals, and soil degradation threaten long-term sustainability.
  • Food Security Trade-offs: A shift to high-value crops under contracts may reduce acreage for food crops, impacting local food security.
  • Loss of Autonomy: Farmers may lose control over farming decisions, with firms determining most aspects of cultivation, leading to indirect control over land use.

Case Study: Contract Farming in Potato Sector

India is the second-largest potato producer globally, with Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Bihar as leading states. The Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla developed several high-yielding Kufri varieties to support commercial cultivation.

The success of processed potato farming is best illustrated by India’s emergence as an exporter of frozen French fries, driven by contract-based procurement from farmers. However, issues such as the PepsiCo vs. Indian farmers legal dispute over unauthorized cultivation of the FL 2027 variety underline ongoing concerns around intellectual property rights and farmers’ autonomy.

Policy and Legal Framework

  • Model APMC Act, 2003: Introduced contract registration, dispute resolution, and exempted market fees while protecting land ownership.
  • Model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Contract Farming Act, 2018: Proposed institutional frameworks, insurance provisions, and promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
  • e-NAM Integration: Supports transparent pricing and contract enforcement.
  • National Agriculture Policy: Endorses contract farming as a tool for enhancing productivity and rural incomes.

Bharat Sovereign Wealth Fund (BSWF)

  • 31 Jan 2025

In News:

India is actively exploring the creation of a Bharat Sovereign Wealth Fund (BSWF) or The Bharat Fund (TBF) to harness the untapped wealth embedded within its public sector ecosystem. This fund aims to unlock and strategically manage dormant capital, estimated at ?40 lakh crore ($450–500 billion), primarily held in equity stakes of around 80 listed public sector enterprises (PSEs) and banks.

What is a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF)?

A Sovereign Wealth Fund is a state-owned investment vehicle that manages national savings or surplus revenues—often derived from foreign exchange reserves, natural resource exports, or trade surpluses.

According to the Santiago Principles (2008), SWFs:

  • Are owned by the general government (central or sub-national),
  • Invest primarily in foreign financial assets, and
  • Aim to achieve financial objectives rather than monetary policy.

Types of SWFs include:

  • Stabilization Funds: Cushion fiscal shocks from revenue volatility.
  • Future Generation Funds: Preserve wealth for long-term national benefit.
  • Strategic Development Funds: Support priority sectors and national growth.
  • Reserve Investment Funds: Enhance returns on foreign currency reserves.

Examples include:

  • Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global ($1.7 trillion),
  • China Investment Corporation ($1.35 trillion),
  • Abu Dhabi Investment Authority ($993 billion).

India’s SWF Landscape and the BSWF Proposal

India previously explored SWF models in 2007–08 and again in 2010–11. While the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) was launched in 2015, it remains sector-specific and limited in scale. The proposed BSWF envisions a comprehensive and transformational fund akin to global best practices.

Key features of the BSWF proposal:

  • Consolidation of government equity in PSEs and PSU banks under a professionally managed umbrella.
  • Strategic divestment—e.g., reducing government stake from 51% to 40%—without losing operational control.
  • Leveraging this pooled equity to attract global co-investors, potentially unlocking tens or hundreds of billions in foreign capital.

Why India Needs the Bharat SWF

  • Wealth Unlocking: Potential monetization of over ?40 lakh crore in dormant government equity assets.
  • Fiscal Prudence: Even a modest 2% annual divestment could yield $10+ billion, narrowing the fiscal deficit from 4.9% to ~4.6% of GDP.
  • Strategic Sector Investment: Deployment into high-potential sectors—AI, semiconductors, electric vehicles, hydrogen energy, biotechnology—to drive innovation and economic leadership.
  • Attracting Global Capital: Enhanced investor confidence, especially from established SWFs like those of Singapore, Norway, and Abu Dhabi, which are already increasing exposure in Indian equities and infrastructure.
  • Social Sector Funding: Generate non-debt financial resources for welfare programs and national development missions.
  • Soft Power Projection: Fund ventures, disaster relief, and advocacy efforts, strengthening India’s international standing.

Governance and Reform Imperatives

For the BSWF to succeed, it must:

  • Be governed by a clear legal and regulatory framework aligned with Santiago Principles.
  • Operate independently, with professional asset managers, market-based remuneration, and arm’s length oversight.
  • Transition PSEs to function with autonomy and efficiency, reducing bureaucratic delays and enabling innovation.
  • Foster joint ventures to turn around non-performing PSEs—among the 1,830 PSEs, around 400 remain non-functional, demanding nearly ?9 lakh crore annually in budgetary support.

Challenges and Concerns

  • Macroeconomic Constraints: India faces a current account deficit and substantial fiscal pressures—conditions unlike traditional SWF-rich nations.
  • Geopolitical and Market Risks: Global uncertainty and decoupling trends could impact cross-border investment strategies.
  • Environmental and Technological Vulnerabilities: Investment risks in carbon-heavy sectors and exposure to data fraud or tech disruptions.
  • Institutional Resistance: Political and bureaucratic inertia may delay implementation unless national interest is prioritized.

SWF Investments in India: A Growing Trend

Foreign SWFs are already deepening their footprint in India:

  • $6.7 billion in direct investments in 2022 (up from $4.3 billion in 2021).
  • Preferred sectors: healthcare, entertainment, renewables, infrastructure.
  • Beneficiaries of tax exemptions on direct infrastructure investments via InVITS (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) and AIFs (Alternative Investment Funds), valid for investments made before March 31, 2024.

These incentives have encouraged foreign SWFs to explore establishing physical presence in India’s financial hubs, especially GIFT City, Gandhinagar.

Environment Protection (End-of-Life Vehicles) Rules, 2025

  • 31 Jan 2025

In News:

MoEFCC Notifies Rules for End-of-Life Vehicles to Minimize Waste and Pollution.

Key Highlights:

Notified by: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
Effective from: April 1, 2025
Legal Basis: Environment Protection Act, 1986
Objective: To promote environmentally sound management of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), enable recycling and reuse of vehicle components, and reduce resource extraction, pollution, and waste generation.

Key Features of the ELV Rules, 2025

1. Scope and Coverage

  • Applicable to all vehicle categories including electric vehicles (EVs), e-rickshaws, and e-carts.
  • Exempted vehicles: Agricultural tractors, trailers, combine harvesters, and power tillers.
  • Exempted waste types: Batteries, plastics, tyres, used oil, and e-waste (governed under separate waste management rules).

2. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

  • Vehicle producers are mandated to meet annual scrapping targets based on the age of vehicles:
    • Transport vehicles: 15 years
    • Non-transport vehicles: 20 years
  • Producers must fulfill their EPR obligations for all vehicles introduced into the domestic market, including those used internally.
  • Annual EPR declarations must be submitted to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) by April 30 each year.
  • Producers must promote ELV deposition at designated collection centres or Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs).

3. Responsibilities of Stakeholders

  • Registered Owners & Bulk Consumers: Required to deposit ELVs at designated centres or RVSFs within 180 days of becoming unfit.
  • Collection Centres:
    • Handle ELVs in an environmentally responsible manner.
    • Maintain records and ensure safe storage and transfer to RVSFs.
  • Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs):
    • Undertake depollution, dismantling, segregation, and recycling.
    • Ensure environmentally sound disposal of non-recyclables via authorized TSDFs.
    • Issue EPR certificates based on the volume of steel processed; valid for 5 years.

4. Monitoring, Compliance, and Penalties

  • CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) are responsible for:
    • Registration, inspection, and audit of producers, RVSFs, and bulk consumers.
    • Taking action against non-compliance, including suspension or cancellation of registration.
    • Levying environmental compensation for violations that cause harm to public health or the environment.

5. Registration & Certification

  • Producers register with CPCB; RVSFs and bulk consumers with respective SPCBs.
  • Registration certificates are issued within 15 days of application via a centralized online portal.
  • EPR certificates are non-transferable and allow adjustment of both current and backlog obligations.

Related Policy and Incentives by MoRTH

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) supports the ELV Rules through:

  • Vehicle Scrapping Policy: Targets voluntary phasing out of unfit and polluting vehicles.
  • Motor Vehicles (Registration and Functions of Vehicle Scrapping Facility) Rules, 2021: Provides operational criteria for RVSFs.
  • Central Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2021:
    • Waiver of registration fee for buyers submitting ELV Certificates of Deposit.
    • Concession in motor vehicle tax: 25% for non-transport, 15% for transport vehicles.

Electric Mobility Push

  • MoRTH has issued several notifications promoting EVs, including:
    • Permit exemptions for battery-operated and ethanol/methanol-fueled vehicles.
    • Fee exemptions for registration and renewals.
    • Tourist permit benefits for EVs and distinct registration marks for visibility.

PM E-DRIVE Scheme

  • Launched by Ministry of Heavy Industries on 29th September 2024 with a ?10,900 crore outlay.
  • Aims to support electric 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, ambulances, trucks, and buses with ?3,679 crore in demand incentives.
  • Targets subsidization of over 28 lakh EVs.

F11 Bacteria

  • 30 Jan 2025

In News:

A recent scientific study has identified a bacterial strain, Labrys portucalensis F11 (commonly referred to as F11), capable of degrading per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — popularly known as “forever chemicals” — by breaking their strong carbon-fluorine (C-F) bonds.

About F11 Bacteria:

  • Scientific Name: Labrys portucalensis F11
  • Family: Xanthobacteraceae
  • Nature: Aerobic and pollutant-resistant bacterium
  • Origin: Isolated from industrially contaminated soil in Portugal
  • Significance:
    • Adapted to thrive in toxic environments
    • Uses environmental contaminants as an energy source
    • Capable of degrading at least three types of PFAS and certain toxic byproducts

What Are Forever Chemicals (PFAS)?

  • Definition: A group of synthetic, man-made chemicals known for their extremely strong C-F bonds, making them persistent and non-biodegradable.
  • Why Called 'Forever':
    • Resistant to natural breakdown
    • Found in air, rainwater, and soil for decades or longer
  • Health & Environmental Hazards:
    • Linked to cancer, hormonal disorders, immune dysfunction, and environmental toxicity
    • Migrate into soil, water, and air during production and use
  • Regulation: Certain PFAS are listed under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

Relevance for India and the World:

  • Global Impact:
    • PFAS are used in a wide range of consumer products such as non-stick cookware, firefighting foams, and food packaging.
    • Their persistence poses long-term risks to public health, groundwater contamination, and biodiversity.
  • India's Concern:
    • Increasing industrialization and waste mismanagement heighten PFAS exposure risks.
    • No comprehensive PFAS regulation in place yet; calls for adopting stringent environmental safety norms.

WHO Guidelines on Lower-Sodium Salt Substitutes (LSSS)

  • 30 Jan 2025

In News:

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued new guidelines promoting the use of Lower-Sodium Salt Substitutes (LSSS) to tackle the global burden of hypertension, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and stroke, which are largely driven by excessive sodium consumption. This is especially relevant for countries like India, with a high prevalence of high blood pressure and salt consumption.

What Are Lower-Sodium Salt Substitutes (LSSS)?

  • LSSS are alternatives to regular table salt, where sodium chloride (NaCl) is partially replaced by potassium chloride (KCl), magnesium sulphate, or calcium chloride.
  • They are designed to retain the taste of regular salt while significantly reducing sodium intake and improving heart health.
  • LSSS can help lower blood pressure, thanks to the potassium content, which helps balance fluid levels and offset sodium’s harmful effects.

Key WHO Recommendations:

  • Daily sodium intake should be restricted to less than 2 grams per day, equivalent to about 5 grams of salt.
  • Avoid regular table salt, and replace it, wherever safe, with LSSS for household use.
  • LSSS use is not recommended for:
    1. Pregnant women
    2. Children
    3. Individuals with kidney impairments or those requiring low-potassium diets
  • The guidelines do not apply to packaged or restaurant foods, which are major contributors to overall sodium intake.

Why Is This Important or India?

  • Salt Intake in India: Average salt consumption is 10.4 grams/day, over double the WHO recommendation.
  • Hypertension Prevalence: Over 35.5% of India’s population (approx. 315 million people) suffers from hypertension (INDIAB Study).
  • CVD Burden: Cardiovascular diseases accounted for 28.1% of all deaths in India (2016) – Global Burden of Disease Study.
  • Dietary Impact: Globally, 8 million deaths annually are diet-related, with 1.9 million directly linked to high sodium intake.

Implementation and Policy Measures:

  • India’s Response:
    • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated sodium reduction policies.
    • Edible salt must contain 97% sodium chloride, with anticaking agents limited to 2.2%.
    • New labelling norms enforce accurate “low sodium” and “sodium-free” claims.

Public Health and Safety Considerations:

  • While LSSS are safe and beneficial for most adults, excess potassium can cause hyperkalemia, especially dangerous for those with kidney disease.
  • WHO guidelines aim to maximize benefits and minimize risks by promoting regulated, evidence-based usage.
  • Governments, policymakers, and health professionals are urged to integrate LSSS into public health strategies, especially in high-risk populations.

About WHO:

  • Established in 1948, the World Health Organization is the UN agency dedicated to promoting global health, preventing disease, and coordinating international health responses.
  • It leads efforts for universal health coverage and responds to global health emergencies.

Aroma Mission

  • 30 Jan 2025

In News:

The Aroma Mission, also known as the Lavender Revolution, is emerging as a transformative initiative for regions like Jammu & Kashmir and the North East, prioritised under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for inclusive development.

It aims to harness the untapped potential of India’s biodiverse regions through the scientific cultivation of aromatic crops and production of essential oils, with the dual goals of economic upliftment and sustainable innovation.

Key Objectives and Features:

  • Launched By: Ministry of Science & Technology
  • Nodal Agency: CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow
  • Started In: Jammu & Kashmir, now extended to the North East
  • Known As: Lavender Revolution
  • Purpose: Boost India’s aroma industry by promoting the cultivation of high-value aromatic crops and increasing the production of essential oils.

Major Focus Areas:

  • Crops Cultivated: Lavender, lemongrass, citronella, palmarosa, vetiver, patchouli, rose, peppermint, and chamomile
  • Target Sectors: Cosmetics, aromatherapy, pharmaceuticals, and food flavouring industries

Impact and Achievements:

  • Over 5,000 hectares brought under aromatic crop cultivation in the North East.
  • Establishment of 39 essential oil distillation units.
  • Distribution of 1 lakh agarwood saplings planned to boost the region's share in global aromatic plant trade.
  • Expected annual essential oil production: 2,000 tonnes, valued at over ?300 crores.
  • Estimated to generate 60 lakh man-days of rural employment.
  • Projected increase in farmers’ income by ?60,000–?70,000 per hectare annually.

Institutional Support: IICON – Incubation and Innovation Complex

  • Location: CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, Assam
  • Launched By: Dr. Jitendra Singh (Minister of Science & Technology)
  • Purpose: Provide technical assistance, advanced facilities, and business incubation support for startups, MSMEs, and SHGs.
  • Facilities: Access to 27 cutting-edge technologies for up to two years to help refine production and marketing strategies.

Integrated Development Approach:

The Aroma Mission exemplifies the “whole-of-government” approach, aligning with various flagship programmes such as:

  • Start-Up India
  • MSME Development
  • Doubling Farmers’ Income
  • Women Empowerment (e.g., through Rural Women Technology Parks)
  • Act East Policy (enhancing North East's connectivity and trade potential)

Over 25 startups and self-help groups have already been empowered through access to facilities and entrepreneurial training at IICON, contributing to local innovation ecosystems.

Strategic Significance:

  • Regional Empowerment: Converts underutilised natural resources into economic assets, especially in remote regions like J&K and the North East.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Encourages eco-friendly cultivation and reduces pressure on traditional farming.
  • Economic Diversification: Supports India’s transition to a bio-economy, with aromatic plant industries offering export potential and rural employment.
  • Vision India@2047: Positions the North East as a hub for biotechnology, essential oils, innovation, and trade, aligning with long-term national growth goals.

Olive Ridley Turtles

  • 30 Jan 2025

In News:

The Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha is witnessing the anticipated mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles — a critical event for the survival of this vulnerable marine species. This phenomenon, known as arribada, highlights the ecological significance of India’s coastal biodiversity and the urgent need for marine conservation.

About Olive Ridley Turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea)

  • Taxonomy:
    • Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea
    • Class: Reptilia
    • Family: Cheloniidae
  • Physical Features: These turtles are the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtle species. They are recognized by their olive or grayish-green heart-shaped carapace. Males and females are similar in size, though females have slightly rounder shells.
  • Habitat and Distribution: Olive Ridleys are found in warm, tropical waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, inhabiting both open ocean (pelagic) and coastal waters.

Mass Nesting: The Arribada Phenomenon

  • Arribada (Spanish for "arrival") refers to the synchronized mass nesting behavior where thousands of females gather on a single beach to lay eggs.
  • Nesting occurs annually between December and March, after long migrations of up to 9,000 km. Each female may lay 90–120 eggs, 1 to 3 times per season.
  • Temperature-dependent sex determination influences hatchling sex ratios.
  • After nesting, females return to the sea, leaving eggs buried in sand.

Major Nesting Sites in India

  • Odisha Coast is the most significant nesting ground in India and globally:
    • Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary: World’s largest mass nesting site.
    • Rushikulya River Mouth: Second-largest nesting beach in India.
    • Devi River Mouth: Another key nesting site in Odisha.
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands have recently emerged as a new mass nesting area, with over 5,000 nests reported in one season.

Ecological Role and Behavior

  • Diet: Omnivorous — they feed on jellyfish, crabs, snails, prawns, molluscs, algae, and small fish.
  • Behavior: These turtles undertake long migrations annually between feeding and breeding grounds, spending most of their lives at sea.

Protection Status

  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (India): Schedule I (highest protection)

Threats to Survival

  • Bycatch in Fishing Gear: Accidental entanglement in trawls, gillnets, and longlines.
  • Habitat Loss: Coastal development for ports, tourism, and industry disrupts nesting beaches.
  • Poaching: Turtles and their eggs are harvested for meat, shell, and leather.
  • Pollution: Plastic ingestion and marine debris pose severe health risks.
  • Climate Change: Rising sea levels and increased sand temperatures impact nesting and hatchling sex ratios.

Conservation Initiatives

  • Operation Olivia: Initiated by the Indian Coast Guard in the 1980s to protect turtles during nesting and prevent illegal fishing.
  • Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs): Mandated by the Odisha government in trawl nets; allow turtles to escape while retaining fish catch.
  • Tagging Programs: Use of non-corrosive metal tags to study migration patterns and inform conservation strategies.

Global Investment Trends and India’s FDI Outlook

  • 30 Jan 2025

In News:

The Global Investment Trends Monitor Report 2024, released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), highlights a concerning decline in international project finance and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), particularly in developing economies. This has significant implications for sustainable development, especially in emerging economies like India.

Key Findings from the UNCTAD Report (2024)

Global FDI Trends:

  • Global FDI flows, after adjusting for conduit economies, fell by 8% in 2024, despite a nominal increase to USD 1.4 trillion.
  • Developed economies witnessed a 15% drop in FDI (excluding conduit economies like Ireland and Luxembourg), while developing economies saw a 2% decline.
  • The decline threatens long-term investment in infrastructure, renewable energy, and other SDG-aligned sectors.

Project Finance and Greenfield Investment:

  • International project finance declined by 29% in developed and 23% in developing economies.
  • In terms of value, developing economies faced a sharper fall of 33%.
  • Key countries like India, China, Brazil, Indonesia, and Mexico reported steeper declines than the global average.
  • Greenfield investments fell 6% in developing regions, with Africa and Asia being worst affected.

Sectoral Impacts:

  • Investments in SDG-related sectors (e.g., water, sanitation, agrifood systems, and infrastructure) declined by 11%.
  • International renewable energy finance fell 16%, with North America (-22%) and developing Asia (-18%) seeing notable contractions.
  • Africa was the only region to witness an 8% increase in renewable energy project finance.

India’s FDI Landscape: Trends, Opportunities, and Challenges

Recent Performance:

  • Between April 2000 and September 2024, India received over USD 1 trillion in cumulative FDI.
  • From 2014 to 2024, India attracted USD 667.4 billion, a 119% increase over the previous decade.
  • In 2024, India’s greenfield projects grew, but international project finance fell 23% in number and 33% in value.

Regulatory Framework:

  • FDI is regulated under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, administered by DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
  • Prohibited sectors: Atomic energy, betting, lotteries, chit funds, tobacco, and real estate (excluding construction development).

Outlook for 2025 and Strategic Opportunities

Global FDI Projections:

  • UNCTAD anticipates moderate global FDI growth in 2025.
  • Regions like ASEAN, Eastern Europe, and Central America may benefit from supply chain realignments.
  • India is projected to see a moderate rise in FDI, aided by:
    • Improved financing conditions,
    • Mergers and acquisitions,
    • Ongoing policy reforms.

Key Growth Sectors:

  • High potential in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, electric vehicles, and green hydrogen.
  • FDI will be influenced by geopolitical dynamics, interest rates, GDP growth, and technological transitions.

FDI in India: Opportunities and Challenges

Opportunities:

  • Large consumer base (1.4 billion population) and young workforce (65% under 35).
  • Government schemes like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat incentivize foreign investment.
  • Strategic location positions India as a gateway to South Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Challenges:

  • Regulatory complexity, including retrospective taxation and bureaucratic delays.
  • Infrastructure deficits, particularly outside urban hubs.
  • Rigid labour laws and inconsistent policy enforcement.

Investor Expectations:

  • Technology transfer in priority sectors.
  • Employment generation to absorb India’s growing labor force.
  • Sustainable investments in line with India’s climate commitments under the National Action Plan on Climate Change.

 

Asian Waterbird Census 2025

  • 29 Jan 2025

In News:

As per the Asian Waterbird Census-2025, a record number of 39,725 birds belonging to 106 species have been sighted in the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining wetlands.

Asian Waterbird Census (AWC): An Overview

  • AWC is an annual citizen-science programme that supports the conservation of wetlands and waterbirds across Asia.
  • Initiated in 1987 in the Indian subcontinent, it now covers extensive regions of East and Southeast Asia, Japan, Australasia, and parts of the Central Asian and East Asian–Australasian Flyways.
  • AWC is the Asian chapter of the global International Waterbird Census (IWC).
  • In India, it is coordinated by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) every January.

About BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society)

  • An Indian NGO engaged in biodiversity research and conservation.
  • Recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO) by the Department of Science and Technology.
  • Official partner of BirdLife International in India.

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary (Andhra Pradesh): Census Findings 2025

  • The Asian Waterbird Census 2025 recorded a record 39,725 birds representing 106 species in the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) and adjoining Godavari estuary wetlands.
  • Of these, nearly 70 species are migratory, using the site as a key winter feeding ground.

Species of Conservation Concern

  • Endangered species sighted:
    • Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis) – ~450 individuals sighted
    • Black-bellied Tern (Sterna acuticauda)
    • Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris)
  • Vulnerable species: Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)
  • Near Threatened species: 11 species identified

Migratory Pathways and Monitoring

  • Migrants such as the Great Knot travel from Russia, Siberia, China, and Mongolia to the Godavari estuary.
  • A tagged Great Knot, tracked from Russia, was recorded after a 7,500 km journey, seen in Bhairavapalem mudflat and Etimoga wetland in successive winters (2024 and 2025).
  • Data sharing with global avian research groups aids in tracking migratory patterns and supports conservation of endangered species.

Ecological and Ramsar Significance

  • The Godavari estuary supports feeding grounds for nearly 90,000 birds, as observed by CWS authorities.
  • Avian diversity is a key criterion for Ramsar Site designation, and experts advocate for Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and its surroundings to be recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

Resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

  • 29 Jan 2025

In News:

After a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, India and China have agreed to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in June 2025, along with other confidence-building measures.

This decision aligns with the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations, symbolizing an attempt to stabilize and recalibrate bilateral ties through people-centric initiatives.

Key Highlights:

Key announcements include:

  • Resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
  • Restoration of direct air services
  • Visa issuance for journalists and think tanks
  • Hydrological data sharing and cooperation on trans-border rivers
  • Enhanced people-to-people exchanges and academic/media dialogues

About the Yatra

  • The Yatra involves a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (Xizang).
  • Organised by India’s Ministry of External Affairs between June–September, via two routes:
    • Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand)
    • Nathu La Pass (Sikkim)
  • Supported by the state governments of Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Delhi, and coordinated with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.
  • Open only to Indian citizens with valid passports; no financial subsidy is provided by the Government of India.

Geographical and Religious Significance:

  • Mount Kailash, located in the Kailash Range (Transhimalaya), is the source of four major rivers: Sutlej, Brahmaputra, Indus, and Karnali.
  • Revered across religions:
    • Hindus consider it the abode of Lord Shiva; Mansarovar is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths.
    • Buddhists and Tibetans regard it as the ‘Stairway to Heaven’.
    • Jains believe Rishabhanatha attained enlightenment here—referred to as Ashtapada.

Diplomatic Interpretations and Differences

  • India’s Position: Emphasized a step-by-step, cautious approach focusing on rebuilding trust and resolving contentious issues, particularly the border situation. India sought policy predictability and transparency in trade, and reaffirmed the importance of mutual respect and interests.
  • China’s Position: Took a more optimistic and strategic stance, stressing the need to avoid "mutual suspicion" and to advance cooperation based on long-term national interests. It emphasized early action, including the swift resumption of the Yatra and flights.

Ongoing Concerns in Bilateral Relations

  • Unresolved Border Disputes:
    • Tensions persist along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)—notably in Galwan (2020) and Tawang (2022).
    • India and China have made limited progress in resolving issues in Depsang and Demchok.
  • Trade Imbalance:
    • Bilateral trade in 2023–24 stood at USD 118.4 billion, with India facing a trade deficit of USD 85 billion.
    • India raised concerns on market access and non-tariff barriers.
  • China-Pakistan Axis:
    • The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) runs through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, violating India’s territorial sovereignty.
    • China’s support for Pakistan in multilateral forums remains a thorn in bilateral ties.
  • China’s Regional Assertiveness:
    • Expanding influence in South Asia and the Indian Ocean through the String of Pearls, strategic presence in Maldives, Sri Lanka, and strong claims in the South China Sea, contribute to regional unease.

Significance of the Current Diplomatic Thaw

  • The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra reflects a symbolic softening in ties, emphasizing religious diplomacy and people-to-people connection.
  • Restoration of direct flights and journalistic presence can aid in reducing mistrust.
  • Hydrological cooperation, particularly over the Brahmaputra River, is essential for India’s water security, especially with China constructing mega-dams upstream.

Way Forward

  • Rebuild Trust Through Engagement: Maintain diplomatic dialogues via platforms like BRICS, SCO, and G20, while holding to core national interests.
  • Resolve Border Disputes: Pursue early finalization of the LAC through confidence-building agreements and military disengagement.
  • Diversify Economic Strategy: Reduce dependency on Chinese imports by strengthening domestic manufacturing and regional trade alternatives.
  • Enhance Cultural Diplomacy: Use platforms like the Kailash Yatra to foster mutual understanding rooted in shared civilizational values.
  • Promote Transparency and Reciprocity: Especially in media, trade, and information sharing, to ensure balanced bilateral engagement.

DeepSeek AI

  • 29 Jan 2025

In News:

DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup based in Hangzhou, has emerged as a major player in the global AI race with the release of its models DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1.

These models are designed to rival top-tier Western counterparts such as OpenAI’s GPT-4, Google’s Bard, and Meta’s LLaMA, but at a fraction of the cost.

Key Developments and Technological Edge

  • Cost Efficiency: DeepSeek-V3 was trained at a cost of under $6 million, using older Nvidia H800 chips, compared to the estimated $100 million cost of GPT-4. Its subscription fee is significantly lower—$0.50/month versus $20/month for ChatGPT.
  • Model Performance:
    • DeepSeek-R1, a “reasoning model,” reportedly matches OpenAI’s o1 model in mathematics, coding, and contextual processing, while using fewer resources through incremental reasoning.
    • Models use Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) architecture, reinforcement learning, and self-improvement loops, making them more memory-efficient and scalable.
  • Advanced Models Released:
    • DeepSeek Coder / Coder-V2 (for coding tasks).
    • DeepSeek LLM (67B parameters), V2, V3 (671B parameters), and R1-Distill (fine-tuned using synthetic data).

Global Impact and Market Disruption

  • App Success & Outages: The DeepSeek AI app topped the U.S. App Store, surpassing ChatGPT. This success triggered large-scale cyberattacks and caused temporary service disruptions.
  • Market Reaction: The launch reportedly led to a historic $600 billion drop in Nvidia's market value, highlighting the disruptive potential of cost-efficient AI innovation.
  • Geopolitical Ramifications: The rise of DeepSeek is seen as a technological parallel to the 1957 Sputnik moment, which shocked the U.S. and triggered the space race.
    DeepSeek has reignited US-China AI rivalry, intensifying great-power competition in frontier technologies.

Strategic Lessons for India

  • Bipolar AI Landscape: The U.S. and China dominate AI due to massive investment and infrastructure. Middle powers like India and France face the challenge of staying relevant without matching this scale.
  • Doing More with Less: DeepSeek’s success underscores how innovation with limited resources can be effective—providing a model for India to emulate via Small Language Models (SLMs) and cost-efficient AI strategies.
  • Sovereign AI & Global Governance:
    • India advocates for “Sovereign AI”, balancing independence and strategic alliances, especially with France and the U.S.
    • Future cooperation between U.S. and China on AI governance, similar to Cold War-era nuclear agreements, is a possibility.
    • India must learn from past exclusions (e.g., nuclear governance) and proactively shape global AI governance frameworks.
  • Policy Implications:
    • DeepSeek's rise may lead to stricter U.S. chip export restrictions to China.
    • It presents both security risks (censorship, pro-China bias) and opportunities (cost-effective models, domestic self-reliance).

Ethical Concerns and Limitations

  • Censorship: DeepSeek complies with Chinese state censorship, refusing responses on politically sensitive topics (e.g., Tiananmen Square), raising concerns about bias and lack of transparency.

Security & Privacy: Experts have flagged potential data privacy and AI ethics issues, emphasizing the need for robust global standards and accountability mechanisms.

Indian Squid

  • 29 Jan 2025

In News:

Researchers at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, have successfully decoded the gene expression pattern of the Indian squid (Uroteuthis duvaucelii), marking a major scientific advancement with wide-ranging implications for neuroscience, environmental studies, and sustainable marine resource management.

About Indian Squid

  • Common Name: Indian Calamari
  • Scientific Classification: Cephalopod
  • Size: Typically 20–30 cm; can grow up to 50 cm
  • Appearance: Light pinkish-grey body with two large fins, eight arms, and two longer tentacles used for capturing prey
  • Key Abilities:
    • Camouflage
    • Jet propulsion for rapid movement
    • Advanced nervous system
    • Problem-solving skills and behavioral intelligence

Habitat & Distribution

  • Preferred Habitat: Coastal and open sea regions of the Indian Ocean
    • Found at depths ranging from 100 to 500 meters, some even up to 1,500 meters
    • Requires high dissolved oxygen levels for respiration
  • Geographic Distribution:
    • Widely distributed in the Indo-West Pacific
    • Found in Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, from Mozambique to the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, and northward to Taiwan
  • Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Scientific Significance of Genetic Research

  • Key Findings:
    • Revealed genetic similarities with higher vertebrates like fish and humans, suggesting deep evolutionary links
    • Indicates that Indian squid could serve as a model organism to study brain evolution, intelligence, and neurobiological functions
    • Potential to inform research in neural circuits, memory, learning, and even neurological diseases
    • Findings may also explain squid's adaptive success, such as evading predators and fishing pressures due to high cognitive ability

Institutional Background: CMFRI

  • Established: 1947
  • Affiliation: Part of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) since 1967
  • Headquarters: Kochi, Kerala
  • Mandate: Research on sustainable marine fisheries and ecosystem conservation

CMFRI’s Broader Recommendations for Sustainable Marine Management

  • Enactment of Sea Fishing Act to regulate fishing beyond territorial waters
  • Institutionalization of ecological stock assessments for sustainable exploitation
  • Simplification and promotion of open mariculture with focus on environmental sustainability
  • Use of AI-based systems to estimate landings and monitor fishing vessels
  • Deep-sea resource exploration and alternative fishing methods
  • Institutional mechanism for supervising deep-sea fishing
  • Strengthening insurance coverage for marine fishers

RBI Payment System Report 2024

  • 29 Jan 2025

In News:

The Payment System Report – December 2024 is a bi-annual publication by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

It analyses trends in digital and retail payment systems over the last five calendar years (up to CY-2024) and highlights India's transformation into a global leader in payment innovation and inclusion.

Growth in Digital Transactions

  • Exponential Growth: Digital payment transactions rose 94 times in volume (from 222 crore in 2013 to 20,787 crore in 2024) and 3.5 times in value (from ?772 lakh crore to ?2,758 lakh crore).
  • Recent CAGR (2019–2024):
    • Volume: 45.9% CAGR
    • Value: 10.2% CAGR
  • Retail Digital Payments: From 162 crore transactions in FY13 to 16,416 crore in FY24 — a 100-fold increase in 12 years.
  • Digital Payments Index (DPI): Surged from a base of 100 in March 2018 to 445.50 in March 2024, indicating massive digital adoption.

UPI: A Game-Changer

  • Launched in 2016 by NPCI, UPI has revolutionized mobile-based payments.
  • CAGR (Last 5 Years):
    • Volume: 74.03%
    • Value: 68.14%
  • Monthly Transactions: UPI processes over 16 billion transactions monthly, ranking among the largest globally.
  • Inclusive Innovations:
    • UPI Lite & UPI Lite X: For offline/small-value payments.
    • UPI123Pay: For feature phone users.
    • UPI 2.0: Includes auto-debit and recurring payment functionalities.

Credit and Debit Card Trends

  • Credit Cards:
    • Growth: More than doubled from 5.53 crore (Dec 2019) to 10.80 crore (Dec 2024).
  • Debit Cards:
    • Stable Usage: Marginal increase from 80.53 crore to 99.09 crore in the same period.

Cross-Border Payment Integration

  • RBI is actively enhancing cross-border payments by integrating India's UPI with international Fast Payment Systems (FPSs), addressing high costs, delays, and limited access.
  • Key Developments:
    • UPI-PayNow Linkage (Feb 2023): India-Singapore real-time cross-border payments.
    • UPI-enabled QR Payments: Available in Bhutan, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, UAE.
  • Project Nexus:
    • A BIS-conceptualized multilateral project.
    • Aims to interlink FPSs of India, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand for seamless retail payments.

Institutional and Legal Framework

  • Legal Backbone: Payments and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act) empowers RBI to:
    • Regulate, supervise, and license payment system operators.
    • Authorize systems like NPCI, card networks, ATM operators, etc.
  • Governing Body:
    • Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems (BPSS) under RBI.
    • Chairperson: RBI Governor; Vice-Chairperson: Deputy Governor (in charge of DPSS).
  • Payment Ecosystem Entities:
    • RBI-regulated: RTGS, NEFT, Cheques (CTS).
    • NPCI-managed: UPI, IMPS, AePS, BBPS, NETC, NACH, Cards.
    • Other PSOs: TReDS, PPIs.

Strategic Significance

  • Financial Inclusion: Payment systems are critical tools for promoting inclusive growth by ensuring last-mile delivery of services and direct benefit transfers.
  • Global Competitiveness: RBI’s regulatory foresight and innovation have placed India among the global frontrunners in digital payments.

Libia Lobo Sardesai

  • 28 Jan 2025

In News:

In 2024, at the age of 100, Libia Lobo Sardesai was awarded the Padma Shri for her pivotal role in Goa’s liberation struggle from Portuguese colonial rule.

About Libia Lobo Sardesai

  • Born: 25 May 1924, in Portuguese-ruled Goa; raised in Mumbai.
  • Profession: Freedom fighter, broadcaster, and Goa’s first Director of Tourism post-liberation.
  • Legacy: Symbol of courage and resistance, known as the “voice of Goa’s liberation.”

Role in Goa’s Liberation Movement

  • Involvement: Joined the Goan nationalist movement during her college years.
  • Underground Radio:
    • From 1955 to 1961, Libia, along with her husband Vaman Sardesai and Nicolau Menezes, ran an underground radio station – initially called ‘Q’, later named:
      • Goenche Sodvonecho Awaz (Voice of Freedom of Goa) – Konkani
      • Voz de Liberdade – Portuguese
    • Operated from Amboli (Maharashtra) and Castle Rock (Karnataka) in the Western Ghats.
    • Purpose: Counter Portuguese censorship and propaganda; broadcast news, updates, and morale-boosting messages to Goans.
  • Final Broadcast:
    • On 19 December 1961, Libia flew over Panaji in an IAF plane, announcing Goa’s liberation with the message:

“Rejoice brothers and sisters, Rejoice! Today, after 451 years of alien rule, Goa is free and united with the Motherland.”

Goa Liberation Movement: Background

  • Colonial Rule: Goa was under Portuguese rule for over 451 years (from 1510 to 1961).
  • Key Phases:
    • 1954: India imposed an economic blockade after Portuguese crackdown on satyagrahis.
    • August 1955: Mass satyagraha met with violent repression by Portuguese forces.
    • Censorship: Portuguese regime enforced total censorship; only official Portuguese narratives were allowed.
    • 1961 – Operation Vijay:
      • Initiated on 17 December 1961 by the Indian Army under Lt. Gen. J.N. Chaudhuri.
      • Portuguese forces surrendered by 19 December 1961, marking Goa’s official liberation.

Notable Leaders of the Movement

  • Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia: Sparked initial resistance against Portuguese rule.
  • Libia Lobo Sardesai: Voice of the resistance via underground broadcasting.
  • Lt. Gen. J.N. Chaudhuri: Led military operations during Operation Vijay.

Significance

  • Libia Lobo Sardesai represents the unsung contributions of civil resistance and communication warfare in India’s decolonization.
  • Her work sustained nationalist morale, informed citizens under censorship, and shaped the narrative of a liberated Goa.

Aero India 2025

  • 28 Jan 2025

In News:

Aero India 2025, the 15th edition of India’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition, is scheduled from February 10–14, 2025, at the Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru.

Organised by the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Exhibition Organisation (DEO), the event continues to be a vital forum for promoting India's indigenous defence capabilities and fostering international collaboration.

Evolution of Aero India: From Showcase to Strategic Asset

  • Inception (1996): Launched as a modest exhibition to attract foreign investments and highlight India’s aerospace potential.
  • Growth Phase (2005–2015): Marked by the entry of global giants like Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Dassault Aviation. Indigenous platforms like LCA Tejas began gaining prominence.
  • Current Phase (2015–Present): Aligned with ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Aero India has become a symbol of India's defence self-reliance and a magnet for global partnerships.

Aero India 2025 Highlights

1. International Participation and Strategic Displays

  • Participation from 15+ countries and major OEMs.
  • Russia’s Su-57 and USA’s F-35—two of the world’s most advanced 5th-generation fighters—will be showcased together, reflecting India’s growing strategic importance.
  • Other prominent platforms: KC-135 Stratotanker, Embraer C-390, and Light Combat Helicopter Prachand.

2. Indigenous Innovation

  • Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA): India’s 5th-generation stealth fighter, developed by HAL and ADA, will be unveiled.
  • Indigenous platforms like LCA Mk2, LUH, HTT-40, ALH, and Naval Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter will also be featured.

3. Start-Up Integration via 'Manthan'

  • Through the iDEX initiative, Aero India is promoting start-ups working in AI, unmanned systems, cybersecurity, and electronic warfare.
  • Start-ups will showcase innovations including jetpack suits, robotics, and defence software tools.

4. Business & Public Engagement

  • Business Days: February 10–12, 2025
  • Public Days: February 13–14, 2025
  • Over 7 lakh visitors expected; the event offers aerial displays, seminars, tech expos, and networking forums.

5. Defence Diplomacy and Deals

  • Aero India 2023 had seen over ?80,000 crore worth of MoUs. A similar or higher scale of defence agreements is expected in 2025.
  • High-level participation from defence ministers, air chiefs, and CEOs of OEMs, signalling deepening international defence cooperation.

Strategic Significance for India

  • Geopolitical Leverage: Participation of both US and Russian defence firms signals India’s strategic autonomy and balanced defence diplomacy.
  • Self-Reliance Boost: The event enhances domestic manufacturing by integrating MSMEs, promoting co-development and co-production with foreign partners.
  • Global Recognition: Positions India as an emerging aerospace hub in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Technological Edge: Demonstrates advancements in stealth technology, avionics, and unmanned systems.

Theme of Aero India 2025: “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities” — highlighting India’s expanding defence manufacturing capabilities and its aim to integrate with the global supply chain.

Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand

  • 28 Jan 2025

In News:

On January 27, 2025, Uttarakhand became the first Indian state to formally implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) after Independence. The legislation was passed by the State Assembly on February 7, 2024, and received Presidential assent on March 12, 2024.

Historical Background:

  • A five-member expert committee chaired by Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Prakash Desai was constituted to draft the UCC report.
  • The committee submitted its report on October 18, 2023.
  • Though initially scheduled for implementation by November 9, 2024 (Uttarakhand's Foundation Day), the rollout was delayed due to administrative preparedness and staff training.

Scope and Applicability:

  • Applicable to all residents of Uttarakhand, including those in live-in relationships outside the state.
  • Scheduled Tribes (as per Article 342) and migrated natives have been exempted to safeguard cultural rights.

Key Provisions of the UCC:

1. Marriage, Divorce & Live-in Relationships

  • Legal marriage age: 21 years (men), 18 years (women).
  • Mandatory registration of marriages, divorces, and live-in relationships.
  • Prohibited practices: Triple talaq, halala, iddat, polygamy, and child marriage.
  • Live-in Relationships:
    • Mandatory registration for couples aged 21 and above.
    • Parental consent required if under 21.
    • Termination of live-in relationships requires mutual consent.
    • Mandatory reporting of pregnancy within 30 days of childbirth.
    • Landlords cannot deny housing to registered live-in couples.

2. Inheritance & Property Rights

  • Equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters.
  • Children born to live-in couples recognized as legitimate, eligible for inheritance.

3. Wills and Succession

  • Wills can be:
    • Submitted online.
    • Uploaded as handwritten/typed documents.
    • Recorded as a 3-minute video.

Digital Infrastructure – UCC Portal (ucc.uk.gov.in):

  • Aadhaar-based verification for authenticity.
  • AI-based multilingual translation in 22 Indian languages.
  • Tatkal service for expedited registrations with a nominal fee.
  • Integrated with 13+ departments, including police, civic bodies, and courts.
  • Disaster recovery systems and cloud-based architecture ensure secure data management.
  • Access to:
    • Online registration of marriages, divorces, live-in relationships.
    • Upload and registration of wills.
    • Grievance redressal and appeal mechanisms.

Administrative Framework:

  • Village Panchayat Development Officers appointed as sub-registrars in rural areas.
  • Common Service Centres (CSCs) enabled to facilitate registration, especially in remote and mountainous areas.
  • Registration applications processed within 15 days, or 3 days in emergencies.
  • Appeals must be filed within 30 days of rejection, resolved within 60 days.

Penalties:

  • Initial warnings for non-compliance.
  • Fines imposed for repeated violations.

Significance:

  • The UCC aims to promote gender equality, legal uniformity, and women's empowerment.
  • Represents a constitutional vision under Article 44, reinforcing the idea of a common civil law for all citizens.
  • Seen as a potential model for other states in India.

Himachal Pradesh: Statehood Day

  • 28 Jan 2025

In News:

The Prime Minister greeted the people of Himachal Pradesh (HP) on the occasion of Statehood Day (25th January).

Key Highlights:

Statehood Day: Celebrated annually on 25th January, marking the day Himachal Pradesh attained full statehood in 1971.

Historical Timeline:

  • 15 April 1948: Formation of Chief Commissioner’s Province of Himachal Pradesh through the merger of 30 princely hill states.
  • 26 January 1950: Became a Part C State with the commencement of the Indian Constitution. (Part C states comprised former Chief Commissioner’s provinces and some princely states.)
  • 1 November 1956: Reconstituted as a Union Territory based on the recommendations of the States Reorganisation Commission.
  • 1 November 1966: Kangra district and other hilly areas of Punjab merged into Himachal Pradesh, yet it remained a Union Territory.
  • 18 December 1970: The State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament.
  • 25 January 1971: Himachal Pradesh became the 18th state of the Indian Union.

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority

  • 28 Jan 2025

In News:

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai is set to become India’s first port to enter top global ports with 10 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) by 2027.

Overview:

  • Location: Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Commissioned: 1989
  • Significance: India’s first Landlord Major Port, fully adopting the landlord port model.

Performance & Capacity Expansion:

  • In 2024, JNPA handled a record 7.05 million TEUs, operating at over 90% capacity, with an 11% year-on-year growth.
  • By 2027, JNPA is projected to become India’s first port to handle 10 million TEUs annually, marking its entry into the global top ports list.
  • Current container handling capacity: 7.6 million TEUs
  • Projected capacity by 2027: 10.4 million TEUs

Infrastructure Developments:

  • Commissioning of Phase II of Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal (BMCT) to add 2.4 million TEUs.
  • Upgradation of Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal expected in 2025.
  • Five operational container terminals, including:
    • BMCT
    • Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal (NSICT)
    • Gateway Terminals India Pvt Ltd (GTIPL)

Key Projects & Investments (2024):

  • ?2,000 crore worth of capacity enhancement projects launched.
  • Solar-powered boat, two indigenously developed 70T tugs, and three fire tenders commissioned for safety and efficiency.
  • Agro-processing facility (?284 crore) on 27 acres within port complex to handle 1.2 million tonnes annually – includes processing, sorting, packing, and food safety labs.
  • Warehousing and CFS infrastructure (?300 crore investment) to generate 1,20,000 TEUs/year through ambient and temperature-controlled facilities.

Vadhavan Port Project:

  • Proposed as India’s 13th major port (under construction).
  • MoU with Reliance Industries Ltd: Development of liquid jetty and 50 acres of land under PPP model (investment: ?645 crore; operational by 2030).
  • MoU with DBKKVD Dapoli: For integrated agri-horticultural development in Dahanu and Palghar.
  • MoU with HUDCO: Funding commitment of ?25,000 crore for port infrastructure under PPP mode.

Strategic Importance:

  • JNPA is central to India’s maritime trade, which accounts for 95% of trade by volume and 70% by value.
  • Satellite and dry ports at Vadhavan, Jalna, and Wardha to improve hinterland connectivity and trade logistics.

Paraquat Poisoning

  • 27 Jan 2025

In News:

  • In a landmark ruling, a Thiruvananthapuram court sentenced a 24-year-old woman to death for the murder of her boyfriend by poisoning him with paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide.
  • The incident, which occurred in 2022, has brought the spotlight back on paraquat's widespread availability, extreme toxicity, and the lack of regulatory enforcement in India.

What is Paraquat?

  • Paraquat, chemically known as paraquat dichloride or methyl viologen, is one of the most widely used herbicides globally.
  • It is primarily used for:
    • Weed control
    • Crop desiccation, especially in crops like cotton before harvest
  • Despite its toxicity, India and the United States continue to permit its usage, unlike over 70 countries, including China, Brazil, and the European Union, which have banned it.

WHO Classification

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies paraquat as a Category 2 chemical, meaning it is moderately hazardous and irritating to the skin and eyes.
  • It has a narrow margin between a safe and lethal dose, making accidental or intentional poisoning common and often fatal.

Routes and Effects of Exposure

  • Ingestion is the most common method of poisoning.
  • It may also occur through inhalation or skin contact, especially if the exposure is prolonged or the skin is broken.

Symptoms Vary by Dosage and Exposure Time:

Exposure Level                        Symptoms and Organ Damage

Small Quantity                       Gradual damage to lungs, liver, kidneys, and heart over days/weeks

Large Quantity                       Immediate symptoms such as:

  • Acute kidney failure
  • Liver and heart failure
  • Seizures
  • Respiratory failure
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Mouth and throat swelling |

Treatment and Challenges

  • No known antidote exists for paraquat poisoning.
  • Treatment options include:
    • Immunosuppressive therapy
    • Charcoal hemoperfusion (a blood-purification technique)
  • However, these treatments offer limited efficacy, especially in cases of large-dose ingestion.

Regulatory and Public Health Implications in India

  • Despite paraquat’s well-documented toxicity, it remains:
    • Legally available in India
    • Easily accessible in rural markets
  • The lack of regulation increases the risks of:
    • Occupational exposure
    • Accidental poisoning
    • Use in crimes or suicides

Whip System in Indian Parliament

  • 27 Jan 2025

In News:

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar recently criticized the party whip system, arguing that it curtails the freedom of expression of Members of Parliament (MPs) and enforces servility by mandating strict adherence to the party line. His remarks have sparked a renewed debate on the balance between party discipline and individual autonomy in a parliamentary democracy.

What is a Party Whip?

A whip in parliamentary parlance is both a directive and a designated official of a political party. The directive instructs legislators on voting behavior on specific issues such as bills, motions, or resolutions. The designated whip ensures attendance, adherence, and discipline within the party ranks.

  • The term “whip” originated from England’s hunting tradition, where a “whipper-in” kept hounds within the pack.
  • The political usage dates back to Edmund Burke in the British Parliament.
  • In India, the whip system has been in place since the start of parliamentary governance.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

  • The whip system is not mentioned in the Constitution, Rules of Procedure, or any statute, but functions through parliamentary conventions.
  • The Anti-Defection Law (52nd Amendment, 1985) enforces the whip by allowing disqualification of MPs/MLAs for defying it, thus preserving political stability and party integrity.

Quorum Requirement: As per Article 100 of the Constitution, quorum in Parliament is one-tenth of the total membership:

  • Lok Sabha: 55 members
  • Rajya Sabha: 25 members

Types of Whips

  • One-Line Whip: Informational—members may abstain.
  • Two-Line Whip: Requires presence but does not dictate voting.
  • Three-Line Whip: Strictest—mandates attendance and voting as directed.
    • Violation can lead to disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law, unless two-thirds of the party members dissent together.

Functions and Significance

  • Ensures Attendance: Maintains quorum during critical votes.
  • Secures Support: Helps pass or oppose legislation.
  • Maintains Discipline: Prevents cross-voting or defection.
  • Internal Monitoring: Identifies discontent among MPs and informs party leadership.
  • Party Cohesion: Acts as a channel between MPs and party high command.
  • Democratic Functioning: Ensures government stability, especially during division voting, where numbers decide the fate of motions like the No-Confidence Motion.

For ruling coalitions, a united stance during such votes is crucial to showcase majority strength.

Chief Whip and Institutional Structure

  • The Chief Whip is the most critical functionary in enforcing the whip.
  • In the Lok Sabha, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs usually acts as the government’s chief whip.
  • In the Rajya Sabha, it is the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs.
  • Whips also coordinate which MPs speak, when, and on what issues.

The All-India Whips Conference, held since 1952, allows whips from all parties to discuss coordination strategies and share parliamentary practices.

Criticism and Contemporary Debate

  • Critics, including the Vice President, argue that whips limit deliberative democracy, reduce MPs to mere rubber stamps, and suppress individual judgment.
  • However, supporters claim that whips are essential to prevent chaos, ensure smooth functioning, and uphold mandated party ideologies, especially in a system where governments often hinge on narrow majorities.

Former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan defended the whip, stating that MPs elected on a party ticket must uphold the party’s collective ideology and decisions, even if personal disagreement exists.

India’s Journey of Fiscal Consolidation

  • 27 Jan 2025

In News:

Fiscal Consolidation refers to the strategic management of government finances aimed at reducing fiscal deficits, controlling public debt, and ensuring macroeconomic stability. India’s recent journey in this regard has been marked by a significant transformation, particularly in the post-2014 era.

Background:

In 2013-14, India was labelled as one of the "Fragile Five", largely due to its ballooning fiscal deficit (touching 5% of GDP in a quarter), high inflation, and weakening currency. This tag underscored the urgency of restoring fiscal health.

Post-2014 Measures:

  • FRBM Act Revamp: The government recommitted to the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003, revising fiscal targets and focusing on fiscal discipline.
  • Deficit Reduction: Fiscal deficit was reduced from 4.5% of GDP in FY 2013-14 to 3.4% in FY 2018-19.
  • Revenue Boost: Digitization and broader tax reforms helped increase tax receipts from 10% of GDP (FY 2014-15) to 11.8% (FY 2023-24).
  • Capex Focus: Capital expenditure nearly doubled from 1.6% of GDP in FY 2014-15 to 3.2% in FY 2023-24, emphasizing infrastructure over consumption.

Pandemic Impact and Recovery:

  • During COVID-19, India’s fiscal deficit soared to 9.2% of GDP (FY 2020-21) due to emergency spending.
  • Unlike blanket stimulus in some countries, India opted for targeted support (MSMEs, displaced populations, healthcare) while continuing infrastructure investment.
  • This strategy avoided long-term inflationary pressure and built long-term productive capacity.

Structural Reforms:

  • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes aimed at reducing import dependence and boosting domestic manufacturing.
  • Enhanced export competitiveness due to fiscal prudence and macroeconomic stability.

Current Scenario:

  • Fiscal deficit reduced to 5.6% of GDP in FY 2023-24, with a target of 4.9% in FY 2024-25, and further narrowing to 4.5% by FY 2025-26.
  • States remain a concern: their deficits exceed the 3% of GSDP limit, averaging 3.2% in FY 2023-24, with rising debt levels and declining capex.

FRBM Act & N.K. Singh Committee:

  • FRBM Act (2003) aims to cap the fiscal deficit at 3% of GDP.
  • The N.K. Singh Committee (2016) recommended:
    • Shift from rigid deficit targets to debt as the primary anchor.
    • Set up an autonomous Fiscal Council.
    • Flexibility via an “escape clause” (up to 0.5% extra deficit during crises).
    • Limit borrowings from RBI to specific emergency conditions.

Significance of Fiscal Consolidation:

  • Macroeconomic Stability: Controls inflation and keeps currency stable.
  • Investment Magnet: Low deficits improve investor confidence.
  • Reduced Debt Burden: Less borrowing means less stress on future generations.
  • Efficient Governance: Ensures better resource allocation and economic resilience.

Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA)

  • 27 Jan 2025

In News:

A recent study conducted by Assam Medical College and Hospital has revealed a high prevalence of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) among tuberculosis (TB) survivors in Assam’s tea garden communities. Published in the PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases journal, the research underscores a significant public health concern in a region already burdened by TB.

What is Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA)?

  • CPA is a severe, life-threatening fungal infection caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, a filamentous fungus commonly found in soil, decaying vegetation, and humid organic matter.
  • It predominantly affects individuals with weakened immune systems or pre-existing lung conditions, especially those who have recovered from or are currently battling TB.
  • CPA is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person.

Symptoms and Clinical Presentation:

CPA shares many clinical features with TB, making diagnosis challenging:

  • Chronic cough
  • Haemoptysis (coughing up blood)
  • Persistent respiratory symptoms
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing

Key Findings from Assam:

  • Study Area: Conducted in Dibrugarh district, covering tea workers and their dependents from four major tea estates.
  • Sample Size: 128 patients with prolonged respiratory symptoms (>3 months).
  • Prevalence:
    • CPA prevalence: 17.18% overall
    • Seropositivity in active TB patients: 18.5%
    • Seropositivity in post-TB patients: Spiked to 48.9%, indicating a strong link between CPA and previous TB infections.
  • Demographic Insights:
    • Mean age: 41.9 years
    • Higher incidence among middle-aged male workers
  • Comparison with Global Trends:
    • Assam’s CPA prevalence (60 per 1,00,000) exceeds the global average (42 per 1,00,000)
    • Worse than several African nations including Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (20–50 per 1,00,000)

Contributing Risk Factors in Assam’s Tea Belt:

  • High TB burden: 217 per 1,00,000 (National TB Prevalence Survey 2019–2021)
  • Poverty and malnutrition
  • Kitchen smoke exposure
  • Congested living conditions
  • Delayed or inadequate TB treatment

Diagnosis and Treatment:

  • Diagnosis:
    • Serological testing for Aspergillus antibodies
    • Radiological imaging to identify fungal growth in lung cavities
  • Treatment:
    • Antifungal therapy (e.g., itraconazole or voriconazole)
    • Surgical removal in severe cases with fungal mass

Public Health Recommendations:

  • Routine screening of post-TB patients for CPA in high-risk zones like tea estates
  • Awareness campaigns targeting healthcare providers and workers to improve recognition and response
  • Education on nutrition, respiratory hygiene, and early symptom detection
  • Inclusion of fungal diseases like CPA in broader national TB and occupational health programs

Additional Context: Epidemic Dropsy in Assam’s Tea Belt

  • A 2019 study had previously flagged the prevalence of epidemic dropsy, a condition caused by contaminated edible oils with Argemone mexicana oil, adding to the health risks in tea-growing regions.

Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

  • 27 Jan 2025

In News:

The Ministry of Finance has notified the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) as an option under the National Pension System (NPS) for Central Government employees, effective April 1, 2025. This reform addresses long-standing concerns about the unpredictability of pension returns under the NPS.

Key Highlights:

  • Applicability: Applies to Central Government employees currently under the NPS, including those recruited on or after January 1, 2004, who opt for the UPS.
  • Objective: To provide guaranteed post-retirement financial security, addressing grievances regarding the market-linked returns of the NPS.
  • Regulatory Framework: The scheme will be regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), which will issue detailed operational guidelines.

Pension and Benefit Structure

  • Guaranteed Monthly Pension:
    • 50% of the average basic pay drawn in the last 12 months prior to retirement.
    • Requires completion of 25 years of service.
    • Those with 10–25 years of service will receive a proportionate pension.
  • Dearness Relief (DR): Periodic adjustments based on inflation trends to maintain pension value.
  • Family Pension: In case of death, 60% of the employee's pension will be paid to eligible family members.
  • Minimum Pension: Assured ?10,000 per month for those completing at least 10 years of service.
  • Superannuation Benefits: Includes a lump sum payout and gratuity at retirement.

Contribution Mechanism

  • Employee Contribution: 10% of basic pay.
  • Government Contribution: 5% of basic pay (subject to revision based on actuarial evaluations).

Background and Policy Evolution

  • The Union Cabinet approved the UPS on August 24, 2024, benefiting nearly 2.3 million Central Government employees.
  • The move followed demands from staff unions for guaranteed pensions, and political pressure after several states reverted to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
  • A high-level committee, led by T.V. Somanathan (then Finance Secretary), was formed in April 2023 to review the NPS framework and design an equitable alternative.

ISRO’s NVS-02 Satellite Launch

  • 25 Jan 2025

In News:

ISRO successfully launched the NVS-02 satellite aboard GSLV-F15, placing it into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). This marks ISRO’s 100th mission, reinforcing India’s space and navigation capabilities under the NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) program.

What is NavIC?

  • NavIC is India’s indigenous regional satellite navigation system, developed for both civilian and strategic use.
  • Offers accurate positioning over India and up to 1,500 km beyond its borders.
  • Comparable to GPS (USA), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (EU), and BeiDou (China).

About NVS-02 Satellite:

Feature                 Description

Series                   Second satellite in the next-gen NVS series (after NVS-01 in 2023)

Mission Role       Replaces aging IRNSS-1E satellite

Mass                    2,250 kg

Power Capacity   ~3 kW

Orbit                    Final orbital slot at 111.75°E in geosynchronous orbit (~36,000 km)

Life Span             12 years

Developed by      URSC (U R Rao Satellite Centre), Bengaluru

Technological Advancements:

  • Equipped with navigation payloads across L1, L5, and S-bands for enhanced accuracy and broader coverage.
  • Features the Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (RAFS) – an indigenously developed atomic clock for precision timekeeping.
  • Includes C-band ranging payload, similar to NVS-01.

Significance of NVS-02:

  • Enhances NavIC’s positioning accuracy for civilian, commercial, and strategic applications:
    • Disaster management
    • Fleet tracking
    • Precision agriculture
    • Emergency response
    • Mobile navigation
  • L1 signal inclusion makes NavIC-compatible with international GNSS systems, improving global device integration.
  • Demonstrates India’s technological self-reliance, particularly in atomic clock development.

ISRO’s Launch Vehicles

Vehicle         First Flight         Notable Use

SLV              1980                     Launched Rohini satellite

ASLV           1987                     Five-stage solid rocket, retired in 1990s

PSLV           1994                     Reliable, used for Mars Orbiter, LEO missions

GSLV          2001                      Used for heavier payloads, INSAT/GSAT

GSLV         2014                       Heavy-lift, Chandrayaan-2/3, Gaganyaan crew module

Mk III (LVM3)

SSLV          2022                      Affordable launches for nano/micro satellites

PKC-ERCP: Rajasthan’s River-Linking Project

  • 25 Jan 2025

In News:

The Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal-Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (PKC-ERCP), part of the National Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) programme, aims to address water scarcity in 23 districts of Rajasthan, potentially benefiting 3.45 crore people. However, it has raised serious concerns over its ecological impact, particularly on the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

About the PKC-ERCP Project:

Aspect                     Details

Objective                To channel surplus water from the Chambal basin for irrigation, drinking, and industrial use in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh

Estimated Cost       ?72,000 crore (90% funded by the Central Government)

Water Allocation      4,100 MCM to Rajasthan and 3,000 MCM to Madhya Pradesh

Rivers Involved          Chambal, Parbati, Kalisindh, Banas, and tributaries

Major Structure        39 m high, 1.6 km long dam across the Banas River, a Chambal tributary, near Doongri village, ~30 km from Sawai Madhopur

Submergence and Environmental Concerns:

  • Total Submergence: ~408.86 sq km in Rajasthan.
  • Reservoir Impact: 227 sq km to be submerged under the proposed dam across Banas River.
  • Impact on Tiger Reserve:
    • 37.03 sq km of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (total area: 1,133 sq km) to be submerged.
    • This includes parts of Ranthambore National Park (392 sq km) and Keladevi Wildlife Sanctuary (674 sq km).
    • May fragment the reserve, disrupting wildlife corridors and tiger movement.
  • Ranthambore’s Significance:
    • Home to ~57 tigers, it is one of India’s most prominent conservation areas.
    • Situated at the Aravalli-Vindhya junction, with rich biodiversity, including leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, and iconic flora like Dhok trees.
    • Encompasses the UNESCO-listed Ranthambore Fort and the Great Boundary Fault.

Arguments For the Project:

  • Addresses chronic water scarcity in eastern Rajasthan.
  • Promotes agricultural productivity, drinking water security, and industrial development.
  • Aims to optimize water use by diverting surplus flows.

Arguments Against the Project:

  • Biodiversity loss due to habitat submergence and reserve fragmentation.
  • Risks to tiger conservation efforts.
  • Potential violation of environmental safeguards under the Wildlife Protection Act and Forest Conservation norms.

Long-term ecological costs may outweigh short-term developmental gains.

SEBI’s Sachetisation of Mutual Funds

  • 25 Jan 2025

In News:

In January 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposed the “sachetisation” of mutual fund investments to promote financial inclusion, especially among low-income and first-time investors.

What is Sachetisation?

  • Originating from the FMCG sector (e.g., shampoo sachets), sachetisation refers to offering financial products in small, affordable units, enhancing accessibility and affordability.
  • In capital markets, it implies micro-level investment options, particularly through low-ticket SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans).

Objectives:

  • Promote financial inclusion and empower economically underserved sections.
  • Expand mutual fund penetration to semi-urban and rural areas.
  • Encourage long-term savings and wealth creation among new investors.
  • Reduce dependency on large institutional or foreign investors by broadening the domestic retail base.

Key Features of SEBI’s Sachet SIP Proposal:

Feature                                            Details

Minimum SIP Amount                  ?250 per month

Eligibility                                        Only for new mutual fund investors

Investment Limit                           Up to 3 sachet SIPs across different AMCs

Excluded Schemes                         Debt funds, sectoral/thematic, small-cap, mid-cap equity funds (due to higher risk)

Commitment Period                     Encouraged to commit for 5 years (60 SIPs), but premature withdrawal allowed

Payment Modes                            Only via auto-pay mechanisms such as UPI Autopay and NACH

Cost Incentives                             AMCs to receive subsidies from SEBI’s Investor Education and Awareness Fund

Distributor Incentive                   ?500 per investor after completion of 24 monthly SIPs

Significance:

  • Democratizes investment access by lowering the entry barrier for mutual funds.
  • Encourages behavioral shift towards long-term financial planning and discipline.
  • Stabilizes domestic markets by broadening and diversifying the retail investor base.

Supports SEBI’s vision of making capital markets inclusive, tech-enabled, and accessible.

Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025

  • 25 Jan 2025

In News:

NITI Aayog launched the inaugural Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025 on 24 January 2025 in the presence of the 16th Finance Commission Chairman, Dr. Arvind Panagariya. The index evaluates the fiscal performance of 18 major Indian states using FY 2022–23 as the base year.

Key Highlights:

  • Objective: To assess, monitor, and improve the fiscal health of Indian states and foster balanced regional development, economic resilience, and fiscal transparency. It aims to support the national goal of Viksit Bharat @2047.
  • Developed by:
    • NITI Aayog, with data sourced from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
    • Designed as an annual publication to promote informed and targeted state-level policy reforms.
  • Evaluation Parameters:

The index comprises five sub-indices that collectively offer a holistic picture of fiscal health:

  • Quality of Expenditure – Efficiency in developmental and social sector spending (e.g., health, education).
  • Revenue Mobilization – Tax and non-tax revenue generation capacity.
  • Fiscal Prudence – Adherence to fiscal deficit targets and sound financial management.
  • Debt Index – Absolute level of public debt.
  • Debt Sustainability – Debt-to-GSDP ratio and interest burden on revenues.

Key Highlights from FHI 2025:

Top Performing States (Achievers):

Rank     State             FHI Score        Strengths

1.          Odisha               67.8               Low fiscal deficit, strong debt management, effective capital expenditure

2.         Chhattisgarh    55.2                Revenue growth from mining, fiscal prudence

3.         Goa                   53.6                High tax efficiency and non-tax revenue

Aspirational States (Facing Challenges):

  • Punjab, West Bengal, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh
  • Issues: High debt-to-GSDP ratios, revenue deficits, poor revenue mobilization

Sub-Index Insights:

  • Revenue Mobilization: Odisha, Goa, and Chhattisgarh excelled; Bihar and West Bengal lagged due to low own-tax revenues.
  • Quality of Expenditure: Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh prioritized social sectors; Punjab and Rajasthan underperformed in capital investment.
  • Debt Management: Maharashtra and Gujarat maintained robust practices; Punjab and Haryana faced rising interest burdens.
  • Debt Sustainability: Odisha and Chhattisgarh displayed strong sustainability; West Bengal and Punjab showed fiscal stress.
  • Fiscal Prudence: Odisha and Jharkhand maintained low deficits, enabling better public investment.

Significance for Policy & Governance:

  • Encourages healthy interstate competition and promotes cooperative federalism.
  • Provides data-driven insights for targeted fiscal reforms.
  • Reinforces the need for decentralized and transparent financial governance.
  • Offers a benchmark for fiscal performance aligned with national transformation goals.

Recommendations:

  • Enhance revenue base via tax reforms and tapping into non-tax sources.
  • Boost capital expenditure in infrastructure, health, and education.
  • Strengthen debt sustainability frameworks and reporting mechanisms.
  • Institutionalize fiscal responsibility through better compliance and accountability.

Sanjay Battlefield Surveillance System

  • 25 Jan 2025

In News:

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently flagged off Sanjay, an indigenously developed Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS), to be inducted into the Indian Army in phased manner from March to October 2025, designated as the ‘Year of Reforms’ by the Ministry of Defence.

Overview:

  • Nature: Automated surveillance system
  • Purpose: To integrate real-time data from ground and aerial sensors, enabling swift, informed decision-making in conventional and sub-conventional warfare scenarios.

Key Features:

  • Common Surveillance Picture (CSP): Fuses verified sensor data to generate a real-time surveillance image of the battlefield.
  • Real-time Integration & Analytics: Processes inputs using advanced analytics to eliminate duplication and enhance situational awareness.
  • Secure Networks: Operates over the Indian Army’s Data Network and Satellite Communication Network, ensuring reliable and secure data flow.
  • Centralized Web Application: Provides integrated inputs to Command Headquarters and Army HQ through a unified platform, supporting the Indian Army's Decision Support System.
  • Indigenous Development: Jointly developed by the Indian Army and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) under the Buy (Indian) category, promoting Aatmanirbharta in defense.

Operational Significance:

  • Enhances battlefield transparency, situational awareness, and surveillance capabilities along vast and sensitive land borders.
  • Functions as a force multiplier in Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
  • Enables network-centric warfare, marking a shift towards data-driven military operations.

Deployment:

  • To be inducted into all Brigades, Divisions, and Corps of the Army in three phases (March–October 2025).

 

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

  • 24 Jan 2025

In News:

The Pune Health Department has reported a surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases, prompting concern due to its severe neurological impact and association with prior infections or immune responses.

What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

  • Nature of Disorder: A rare autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system, affecting voluntary muscle control and sensory signals (e.g., pain, temperature, and touch).
  • Medical Term: Also known as Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP).
  • System Affected: Peripheral nerves, i.e., nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

Epidemiology:

  • Prevalence: Rare but potentially life-threatening.
  • Age Group Affected: Can occur at any age but is most common between 30 to 50 years.
  • Non-contagious: GBS is not transmitted from person to person.

Causes and Triggers:

  • Exact Cause: Unknown, but usually follows an immune response to:
    • Infections: Campylobacter jejuni (foodborne bacteria), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), respiratory or urinary tract infections.
    • Vaccinations: Rarely observed post-immunisation.
    • Surgery or trauma: Can act as physical stressors that trigger the syndrome.

Symptoms:

  • Initial Signs: Tingling and weakness starting in the legs, progressing upwards.
  • Progression:
    • Weakness in arms, facial muscles.
    • Difficulty walking or balancing.
    • In severe cases, respiratory paralysis, requiring ventilator support.
  • Onset: Can escalate within hours, days, or weeks.
  • Range: Varies from mild muscle weakness to complete paralysis.

Impact:

  • Neurological Disruption: Affects communication between the brain and muscles.
  • Temporary but Debilitating: Most patients recover over weeks to months, though rehabilitation may be prolonged.
  • Critical Care: May require intensive medical and respiratory support in acute stages.

Diagnosis & Treatment:

  • No definitive cure, but early intervention improves outcomes.
  • Main Treatments:
  • Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG):
    • Contains healthy antibodies from donated blood.
    • Helps suppress the immune attack on nerves.
  • Plasmapheresis (Plasma Exchange): Filters harmful antibodies from the blood.
  • Supportive Therapy:
    • Mechanical ventilation in case of respiratory failure.
    • Physiotherapy for muscle recovery and mobility.

Ad Hoc High Court Judges

  • 24 Jan 2025

In News:

To address the mounting pendency of criminal cases in several High Courts, the Supreme Court of India has suggested invoking Article 224A of the Constitution, which allows the appointment of retired High Court judges on an ad hoc basis.

Constitutional Provision: Article 224A

  • Title: Appointment of Retired Judges at Sittings of High Courts.
  • Key Provision: The Chief Justice of a High Court, with the consent of the President, may invite retired judges of the same or other High Courts to act as judges temporarily.
  • Status: These judges enjoy the powers, jurisdiction, and privileges of regular High Court judges, but are not deemed permanent judges.

Why the Provision is Being Invoked Now:

  • Backlog of Cases: Over 40% vacancy rate in High Courts; huge pendency, especially of criminal cases.
  • Delays in Regular Appointments: Slow process of regular judicial appointments prompted the Supreme Court to consider alternative mechanisms.
  • Underuse of Article 224A: Only three recorded instances of ad hoc appointments since Independence:
    • Justice Suraj Bhan – MP High Court (1972)
    • Justice P. Venugopal – Madras High Court (1982–83)
    • Justice O.P. Srivastava – Allahabad High Court (2007, Ayodhya case)

Judicial Interpretation – Lok Prahari v. Union of India (2021):

  • The Supreme Court laid down guidelines for invoking Article 224A.
  • The process must be routed through the SC collegium (CJI + 2 senior-most judges).
  • Trigger Point for Appointment:
    • High Court vacancies exceed 20% of sanctioned strength (excluding pending proposals).
    • More than 10% of pending cases are over 5 years old.

Procedure for Appointment:

  • Consent: Retired judge must agree to serve again.
  • Initiation: Chief Justice of the High Court forwards the name.
  • State and Centre: Proposal routed through State CM → Union Law Ministry.
  • SC Collegium: Must review and approve the name.
  • Executive Clearance: Law Ministry → PM → President for final approval.

Term & Allowances:

  • Duration: Typically 2–3 years, renewable if required.
  • Number of Judges: Suggested 2–5 ad hoc judges per High Court.
  • Remuneration: Entitled to allowances as per Presidential order.
  • Status: Have full judicial powers during tenure.

Concerns & Safeguards:

  • Fear of using ad hoc appointments as a substitute for regular appointments.
  • Therefore, SC mandates that regular appointment process must be underway before invoking Article 224A.
  • Periodic review and panel creation of eligible retired judges recommended.

M23 Armed Group

  • 24 Jan 2025

In News:

The March 23 Movement (M23), a rebel group active in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has intensified its insurgency in North Kivu province, capturing key areas like Minova and threatening the provincial capital, Goma.

About M23 Armed Group:

  • Full Form: March 23 Movement
  • Formation: 2012, by mutineers from the Congolese army protesting a failed 2009 peace deal.
  • Base of Operations: Eastern DRC, primarily in North Kivu province.
  • Activities: Armed rebellion, territorial control, ethnic conflict, disruption of state authority.

External Support:

  • Rwandan Involvement:
    • UN Reports (2023): Estimated 3,000–4,000 Rwandan troops operating alongside M23.
    • Rwanda alleged to have “de facto control” over M23 operations.
    • Kigali denies direct territorial aggression claims.
  • International Concerns: The group’s resurgence reflects broader regional instability and transnational military dynamics.

Recent Developments (2024):

  • Territorial Gains: Capture of Minova; encroachment on Goma, a strategic and densely populated city.
  • Humanitarian Crisis:
    • Over 2,30,000 displaced since January 2024.
    • Influx of injured civilians in hospitals; risk of further displacement and violence.
  • Congolese Military Weakness:
    • Internal instability and operational setbacks have contributed to M23’s advances.
    • The Congolese army acknowledged a “breakthrough” by M23 with external backing.

Geographical Significance of the Region:

  • DRC Capital: Kinshasa
  • Strategic Location: Borders 9 countries—Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo.
  • Topography:
    • Rwenzori & Virunga Mountains: Includes active volcanoes (e.g., Mount Nyiragongo).
    • Congo River: Vital for transport, hydroelectric power, and biodiversity.
  • Natural Resources:
    • Rich in cobalt, coltan, gold, and other rare minerals—critical to the global tech industry.
    • The mineral wealth of North Kivu is a major driver of prolonged conflict.

India’s Deep Ocean Mission

  • 24 Jan 2025

In News:

India is set to deploy its first human-operated deep-sea submersible as part of the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM), marking a significant leap in the country’s marine research and technological capability.

Key Highlights:

  • Submersible Deployment (2024):
    • India will operate its first human submersible at a depth of 500 meters this year.
    • The goal is to reach a depth of 6,000 meters by 2025.
    • The project aligns with the timelines of Gaganyaan, India’s first human space mission—showcasing parallel progress in marine and space technology.
  • Indigenous Technology:
    • The mission is powered by 100% indigenous technology, underlining India’s growing self-reliance in high-end scientific infrastructure.

About Deep Ocean Mission (DOM):

  • Launched: 2021
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
  • Budget: ?4,077 crore over five years
  • Framework: One of nine key missions under PM-STIAC (Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council)

Core Objectives:

  • Develop deep-sea technologies, including a manned submersible for ocean exploration.
  • Explore and harness ocean resources such as: Polymetallic nodules, Hydrothermal sulphides & Rare earth metals
  • Study marine biodiversity for sustainable fisheries and conservation.
  • Support India’s blue economy through innovation and research.
  • Monitor ocean climate change and develop advisory services.
  • Promote marine biology and biotechnology via dedicated marine research stations.
  • Harvest renewable energy and freshwater from ocean sources.

Key Components and Technologies:

Matsya6000 Submersible:

  • India’s first manned deep-sea vehicle.
  • Designed to reach 6,000 meters depth.
  • Crew Capacity: Three members
  • Developed by: National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai
  • Structure: Made of titanium alloy, withstanding 6,000 bar pressure
  • Equipped with: Scientific sensors, tools for sampling, viewports, propellers, and acoustic communication systems.
  • Combines capabilities of ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) and AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles).

Varaha Deep-Ocean Mining System:

  • Developed by NIOT
  • Successfully conducted trials at 5,270 meters
  • Key to India’s future in deep-sea mining of critical minerals

Strategic Importance:

  • Scientific Advancement: DOM places India among a select group of nations (USA, Russia, China, France, Japan) with human-crewed deep-ocean exploration capacity.
  • Economic Potential: Unlocks access to underwater mineral wealth, critical for electronics, defense, and energy sectors.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Supports marine biodiversity conservation and promotes sustainable use of oceanic resources.
  • Geopolitical Significance: Enhances India’s presence and influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • Technological Leap: Strengthens India’s capabilities in underwater robotics, materials engineering, and ocean sciences.

Is Poverty Being Underestimated in India?

  • 24 Jan 2025

In News:

The recent 2023-24 Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) showed a decline in poverty across rural and urban India. However, questions have emerged about whether poverty is being underestimated, due to changes in methodologies, definitions, and data availability.

Evolution of Poverty Measurement in India

  • 1970s to 2005: Poverty was defined based on minimum calorie intake; updated every 5 years using NSSO data.
  • Tendulkar Committee introduced in response to divergence between NSSO and National Accounts data.
  • Post-2011-12: No official poverty estimates or surveys; alternative indices like Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) were used.

Current Data Issues

  • Different recall periods in surveys (7-day, 30-day, 365-day) create non-comparability.
  • Modified Mixed Recall Period (MMRP) introduced in 2017-18 and improved upon in recent years with three household visits, enhancing recall and thus raising reported expenditures.
  • Result: Using older poverty lines on newer, higher expenditure data underestimates poverty.

Diverging Poverty Estimates

  • Dr. C. Rangarajan (2022-23): Estimated poverty at around 10%.
  • Recent factsheet (2023-24) suggests poverty may have declined to single digits.
  • A paper using Rangarajan’s methodology on 2022-23 HCES data estimated 25% poverty, but this is debated.

Reasons for Poverty Reduction

  • High GDP growth, increased public expenditure, and improved public delivery systems.
  • National Food Security Act covers nearly 80 crore people.
  • Broadened definition of poverty now includes non-food items and essential services.
  • Decline in poverty estimated around 17-18% between 2011-12 and 2023-24.

Rural-Urban Trends

  • Consumption gap between rural and urban areas is narrowing.
  • Rural consumption patterns becoming more urban-like.
  • 2011 Census definitions outdated — many rural areas are peri-urban in character.

Need for Poverty Line Revision

  • Lack of consensus and official backing on methodology hinders creation of a new poverty line suited to current data.
  • UNDP’s global poverty line is $2.15/day; India’s poverty was 12.9% in 2019 by that metric.
  • NITI Aayog’s estimates do not support 25% poverty claim.

Debate on Multidimensional Poverty Index

  • India’s MPI (12 indicators) differs from UNDP’s 10-indicator framework.
  • Additions like bank accounts and maternal health are India-specific.
  • Criticism: Once indicators (e.g., electricity, bank accounts) are met, they remain met — poverty appears to decline permanently, while income vulnerability is not captured.

Estimation and Measurement of India’s Digital Economy – MeitY Report (2025)

  • 23 Jan 2025

In News:

Release of Report ‘Estimation and Measurement of India’s Digital Economy’ by Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology.

Key Highlights:

  • Released by: Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)
  • Prepared by: Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER)
  • Significance: First credible and current estimate of the digital economy using international frameworks (OECD & ADB).
  • India is the first developing country to adopt the OECD framework for measuring the digital economy.

Key Findings (2022–23)

Indicator                                                Details

Size                                                  ?31.64 lakh crore (~USD 402 billion), 11.74% of national income (GVA)

Employment                                   14.67 million workers (2.55% of the workforce)

Projected Share by 2029–30          Nearly 20% of GDP (surpassing agriculture & manufacturing)

Structure of India’s Digital Economy

  • Digitally Enabling Industries (7.83% of GVA): ICT services, telecom, manufacturing of digital hardware
  • New Digital Industries (2%): Big Tech, digital platforms, intermediaries (e.g., e-commerce, ride-sharing)
  • Digitalization of Traditional Sectors (2%): BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, Insurance), trade, education
    • Insight: Digital transformation is spreading beyond ICT into traditional sectors.

Frameworks Used

Framework                     Purpose

OECD                             Estimating core digital and enabling sectors

ADB Input-Output       Broader economic impact via inter-industry linkages

India’s Expansion         Includes digital share in BFSI, trade, education – not covered under OECD

Key Drivers of India’s Digital Economy

  • Widespread mobile use: 1.14 billion subscribers in India
  • High internet traffic: 3rd globally, with avg. 16.9 GB/month
  • 5G leadership: 2nd largest 5G smartphone market in 2024
  • Aadhaar success: 1.3+ billion biometric IDs issued
  • Digital payments boom: 1,644 billion transactions in FY24
  • ICT service exports: USD 162 billion (2nd highest globally)
  • AI leadership: India leads GitHub AI contributions (23%)
  • Startup ecosystem: 3rd highest number of unicorns globally

Future Projections (By 2030)

  • Digital economy to reach ~20% of national income
  • Growth drivers:
    • Expansion of digital platforms & intermediaries
    • Deepening digitalization in all sectors
    • Greater internet & broadband access

Challenges in Measuring Digital Economy

  • Difficulty in defining digital sectors due to their integrated nature
  • Conventional national accounting systems are inadequate
  • Lack of data from:
    • Informal sector digitalization
    • Smaller platforms and startups
    • Digital shifts in healthcare, logistics, etc.

Importance of This Report

  • Policy Formulation: Enables targeted strategies for digital growth
  • Business Strategy: Helps identify trends, plan investments
  • Global Standing: Puts India among early adopters of robust measurement frameworks

Mission SCOT

  • 23 Jan 2025

In News:

The Prime Minister of India praised Indian space startup Digantara for the successful launch of Mission SCOT (Space Camera for Object Tracking) — the world’s first commercial SSA satellite, launched via SpaceX’s Transporter-12 rideshare mission.

What is Mission SCOT?

Feature                            Description

Developer                       Digantara (Indian space startup), supported by Aditya Birla Ventures & SIDBI

Launched on                  SpaceX Transporter-12 mission (rideshare platform)

Type                                First commercial Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellite

Orbit                             Sun-Synchronous Orbit – ideal for consistent Earth observation

Function                       Tracks Resident Space Objects (RSOs) as small as 5 cm in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

What is Space Situational Awareness (SSA)?

  • SSA involves the detection, tracking, cataloging, and prediction of natural and man-made objects in Earth's orbit (like satellites, debris, etc.).
  • Ensures safe and sustainable operations by minimizing collision risks.
  • Critical due to increasing congestion in LEO, especially with rising numbers of small satellites and mega-constellations.

Key Features of Mission SCOT

Feature                                       Advantage

High Revisit Rate                          More frequent observations of objects in orbit

Precision Tracking                        Can track debris ≥ 5 cm in size

All-Weather Monitoring               Overcomes limitations of ground-based systems like cloud cover, FoV

Space-based System                      Unhindered by geography, providing continuous global surveillance

Supports SSA Infrastructure       Aids in collision avoidance, space traffic management, and defence preparedness

???????? India’s SSA Ecosystem

Initiative                                                                     Role

ISRO’s IS4OM                                                          Provides Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR); enables safe & sustainable space operations

NETRA Project                                                 Network for Space Objects Tracking & Analysis – aims to build a dedicated SST (Space Surveillance & Tracking) network using radars & optical telescopes

Multi-Object Tracking Radar                                Operated at Sriharikota – limited range, being augmented

Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres (CAMs)           Regularly performed by ISRO to protect its satellites from debris threats

Global Context: Transporter-12 Rideshare

  • A SpaceX program providing low-cost access to space by allowing multiple customers to launch small payloads on a single rocket.
  • Enhances global commercial space activity, democratizes space access.

Significance for India

Strategic:

  • Strengthens national space defence by enabling indigenous tracking of space threats.
  • Reduces reliance on foreign SSA data (e.g., NORAD/US Space Command).

Technological:

  • Demonstrates India’s capability in space-based surveillance tech.
  • Positions India as a global contributor in the emerging SSA domain.

Economic:

  • Boosts private sector space innovation aligned with India’s NewSpace Policy.
  • Attracts venture capital and international collaboration.

LID-568

  • 23 Jan 2025

In News:

In 2024, an international team of astronomers using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Chandra X-ray Observatory discovered a low-mass supermassive black hole, LID-568, showing super-Eddington accretion—a rare and extreme feeding process—just 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang.

About LID-568

Feature                     Description

Type                          Low-mass supermassive black hole

Age                          Formed ~1.5 billion years after Big Bang (Universe’s “youth”)

Discovery                Observed via Chandra (X-ray) & JWST (infrared)

Location                  In a distant galaxy with very low star formation

Feeding Rate          Accreting at ~40× the Eddington limit (super-Eddington accretion)

Key Concepts

Eddington Limit

  • Theoretical upper limit on how fast matter can fall into a black hole before radiation pressure balances gravitational pull.
  • Exceeding this limit (super-Eddington) is thought to be unstable and short-lived.

Super-Eddington Accretion

  • Observed in LID-568, feeding at 40× Eddington rate.
  • Suggests rapid, short bursts of black hole growth, not the slow, steady model previously assumed.

Why is LID-568 Important?

Challenges Current Theories

  • Traditional black hole growth models require:
    • Long periods (hundreds of millions of years).
    • Seed black holes formed from:
      • Death of first stars (light seeds: 10–100 solar masses).
      • Collapse of primordial gas clouds (heavy seeds: 1,000–100,000 solar masses).
  • LID-568 suggests brief, intense growth spurts could create supermassive black holes faster than previously thought.

Impact on Host Galaxy

  • Powerful outflows prevent gas accumulation → suppresses star formation.
  • Indicates black holes can regulate galaxy evolution, even when young.

Scramjet & Hypersonic Technology

  • 23 Jan 2025

In News:

On 21 January 2025, DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) successfully conducted a 120-second ground test of an indigenously developed Scramjet (Supersonic Combustion Ramjet) engine, marking a major milestone in India’s journey towards hypersonic missile technology.

What is Scramjet Technology?

Definition

A Scramjet is an air-breathing engine that sustains combustion at supersonic speeds—optimized for speeds above Mach 5 (hypersonic range).

Working Principle

  • Utilizes vehicle’s forward motion to compress incoming air—no onboard oxidizer needed.
  • Injects fuel into the compressed supersonic airflow → ignition → high-speed thrust.
  • Operates without moving parts, making it lightweight, efficient, and reliable.

Key Indigenous Innovations

Feature                                        Description

Active-Cooled Combustor        Stable combustion achieved at 1.5 km/s airflow, comparable to "keeping a candle lit in a hurricane."

Endothermic Scramjet Fuel     First-time development in India; offers cooling + ignition efficiency.

Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC)   Jointly developed with DST; withstands temperatures beyond melting point of steel using advanced ceramic coating.

CFD Simulations                         Used for design optimization and performance validation of flame-holding techniques.

Significance of Scramjet Test

  • Stable Combustion: A major challenge in hypersonic propulsion, now successfully demonstrated.
  • Hypersonic Missiles:
    • Speeds >Mach 5 (~5400 km/h).
    • Bypass air defence systems due to speed and maneuverability.
    • Enable rapid, high-impact delivery.
  • Reusable Launch Vehicles:
    • Cuts satellite launch costs via air-breathing propulsion.
  • Strategic Edge:
    • India joins elite group: USA, Russia, China.
    • Strengthens defence deterrence & technological sovereignty.
  • Technology Spillover: Advancements in CFD, materials science, flame stabilization, and fuel chemistry.

Global Hypersonic Race

  • China (2021): Tested nuclear-capable hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) that orbited Earth before hitting target.
  • USA & Russia: Advanced programs with operational hypersonic systems (e.g., Avangard, Zircon, ARRW).
  • India: Now developing indigenous hypersonic missile platform.

Scramjet & Hypersonic Technology

  • 23 Jan 2025

In News:

On 21 January 2025, DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) successfully conducted a 120-second ground test of an indigenously developed Scramjet (Supersonic Combustion Ramjet) engine, marking a major milestone in India’s journey towards hypersonic missile technology.

What is Scramjet Technology?

Definition

A Scramjet is an air-breathing engine that sustains combustion at supersonic speeds—optimized for speeds above Mach 5 (hypersonic range).

Working Principle

  • Utilizes vehicle’s forward motion to compress incoming air—no onboard oxidizer needed.
  • Injects fuel into the compressed supersonic airflow → ignition → high-speed thrust.
  • Operates without moving parts, making it lightweight, efficient, and reliable.

Key Indigenous Innovations

Feature                                        Description

Active-Cooled Combustor        Stable combustion achieved at 1.5 km/s airflow, comparable to "keeping a candle lit in a hurricane."

Endothermic Scramjet Fuel     First-time development in India; offers cooling + ignition efficiency.

Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC)   Jointly developed with DST; withstands temperatures beyond melting point of steel using advanced ceramic coating.

CFD Simulations                         Used for design optimization and performance validation of flame-holding techniques.

Significance of Scramjet Test

  • Stable Combustion: A major challenge in hypersonic propulsion, now successfully demonstrated.
  • Hypersonic Missiles:
    • Speeds >Mach 5 (~5400 km/h).
    • Bypass air defence systems due to speed and maneuverability.
    • Enable rapid, high-impact delivery.
  • Reusable Launch Vehicles:
    • Cuts satellite launch costs via air-breathing propulsion.
  • Strategic Edge:
    • India joins elite group: USA, Russia, China.
    • Strengthens defence deterrence & technological sovereignty.
  • Technology Spillover: Advancements in CFD, materials science, flame stabilization, and fuel chemistry.

Global Hypersonic Race

  • China (2021): Tested nuclear-capable hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) that orbited Earth before hitting target.
  • USA & Russia: Advanced programs with operational hypersonic systems (e.g., Avangard, Zircon, ARRW).
  • India: Now developing indigenous hypersonic missile platform.

10 years of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)

  • 23 Jan 2025

In News:

Launched on 22nd January 2015 in Panipat, Haryana, BBBP was initiated in response to the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR), which stood at 918 girls per 1000 boys (Census 2011). It marked a key step towards gender equality, aiming to curb gender-biased sex-selective elimination and improve the status of the girl child.

Key Highlights:

Core Objectives

  • Improve Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) by two points annually.
  • Sustain institutional delivery rate at ≥95%.
  • Increase 1st trimester ANC registration and girls' enrollment in secondary education by 1% annually.
  • Reduce dropout rates among girls.
  • Promote safe menstrual hygiene management (MHM).

Target Groups

  • Primary: Young couples, expecting parents, adolescents, households, communities.
  • Secondary: Schools, AWCs, health professionals, PRIs, ULBs, NGOs, SHGs, media, and religious leaders.

Implementation Structure

  • Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) with 100% Central funding.
  • Ministries Involved:
    • Women and Child Development
    • Health and Family Welfare
    • Education
  • Financial Assistance (Per District/Year):
    • Rs. 40 lakh (SRB ≤918)
    • Rs. 30 lakh (SRB 919–952)
    • Rs. 20 lakh (SRB >952)

Integration with Mission Shakti (2021–2026)

BBBP now functions under Mission Shakti, which comprises two verticals:

  • Sambal (Safety & Security):
    • One Stop Centres (OSCs)
    • Women Helpline (181)
    • Nari Adalat: Alternative dispute resolution
  • Samarthya (Empowerment):
    • Sakhi Niwas, Palna Creches
    • Shakti Sadans (rehabilitation)
    • PM Matru Vandana Yojana: Extended support for a second girl child
    • SANKALP-HEW: District-level single-window system for all women-centric schemes

Achievements in 10 Years (2015–2025)

  • SRB: Improved from 918 (2014-15) to 930 (2023-24)
  • Girls’ GER: Rose from 75.5% (2014-15) to 78% (2023-24) in secondary education
  • Institutional Deliveries: Increased from 61% to 97.3%
  • Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav: Re-enrolled over 1 lakh out-of-school girls
  • Economic Empowerment: Integration with skilling initiatives and 70% of PM Mudra loans disbursed to women
  • Awareness Campaigns:
    • Selfie with Daughter
    • Beti Janmotsav
    • Yashaswini Bike Expedition
    • "Betiyan Bane Kushal" Skill Conference

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) – A Financial Tool for Empowerment

Launched under BBBP, SSY is a small savings scheme to ensure the financial security of girl children.

Key Features

  • Eligibility: Indian girl child below 10 years.
  • Account: Max 2 per family (exceptions for twins/triplets).
  • Deposit Limit: ?250 to ?1.5 lakh/year (15 years).
  • Tenure: Account matures 21 years after opening.
  • Withdrawals: Up to 50% for higher education after 18 years.
  • Tax Benefits: Exempt under Section 80C (EEE status).

Impact

  • Over 4.1 crore accounts opened by Nov 2024.
  • Promotes long-term savings and financial inclusion.
  • Complements BBBP by addressing economic empowerment of girls.

Mission Vatsalya

  • Formerly ICPS (2009), then Child Protection Services (2017).
  • Merged into Mission Vatsalya in 2021.
  • Focuses on:
    • Juvenile justice
    • Child protection
    • Advocacy and rehabilitation
  • Ensures “no child is left behind” principle aligned with SDGs.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

  • Supports pregnant and lactating mothers:
    • ?5,000 in 3 installments + ?1,000 (JSY)
  • Now extended to second girl child to promote gender equity.

Targets wage compensation, safe delivery, maternal nutrition, and reduced MMR/IMR.

Mount McKinley

  • 22 Jan 2025

In News:

In a controversial move, President Donald Trump (2025) signed an executive order to rename Denali (North America’s highest peak) back to Mount McKinley, and also proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, citing the need to "honor American greatness."

About Denali / Mount McKinley:

Feature                              Description

Location                           Alaska Range, South-Central Alaska, USA

Height                              20,310 feet (6,190 meters) – Highest in North America

Geology                            Giant granite block uplifted by tectonic activity ~60 million years ago

Glaciers                            Feeds major glaciers: Kahiltna, Muldrow, Peters, Ruth, Traleika

Tectonics                          Lies along the Denali Fault, a major right-lateral strike-slip fault

National Park                  Forms the core of Denali National Park and Preserve

Historical Background of the Name:

  • Original Name: Denali, meaning “The High One” in the Athabascan language of the Koyukon people.
  • 1897: Renamed Mount McKinley by a gold prospector in honor of President William McKinley (1897–1901).
  • 1917: Official federal recognition with the creation of Mount McKinley National Park.
  • 1980: Park renamed Denali National Park and Preserve; mountain's name remained McKinley federally.
  • 2015: Obama administration officially renamed the peak Denali through the U.S. Department of the Interior.
  • 2025: Trump issued executive order to revert the name to Mount McKinley, stating McKinley “deserves” the honor.

Rationale Behind Trump’s Renaming Order:

  • Claims it honors McKinley’s legacy: economic growth, leadership in Spanish-American War, and tariff reforms.
  • Declares Obama’s 2015 decision an “affront” to American heritage.
  • Connects the move to his broader theme of “Restoring Names that Honor American Greatness.”

Opposition & Cultural Sensitivity:

  • Alaska’s bipartisan leadership, including Senators Lisa Murkowski (R) and Scott Kawasaki (D), oppose the move.
  • Indigenous groups maintain that Denali is the rightful and culturally authentic name.
  • Critics argue it undermines native heritage and local identity.

Renaming the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America”:

  • Also part of Trump’s 2025 executive order.
  • Geographic Facts:
    • Borders the US, Mexico, and Cuba.
    • Crucial to the US energy sector:
      • 14% of US crude oil
      • 5% of US natural gas
      • 48% of refining capacity
  • International Validity: The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) allows local name usage but retains “Gulf of Mexico” in global records.
  • Not binding on Mexico or Cuba.

International & Historical Parallels in Naming Disputes:

  • Persian Gulf vs. Arabian Gulf (Iran vs. Arab states)
  • Sea of Japan vs. East Sea (Japan vs. South Korea)
  • South China Sea: Multiple nations claim different names and areas.

About the Denali Fault:

  • Major strike-slip fault running through Alaska.
  • Responsible for extensive tectonic movement and uplift of Denali.
  • Evidence of horizontal displacement (~483 km) over millions of years.
  • Marked the final suturing of tectonic plates in North American geological history.

Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme

  • 22 Jan 2025

In News:

The Union Government, under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, has introduced the Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme to enhance India’s competitiveness in the global diamond trade, promote exports, and protect employment, especially in the MSME sector.

Key Highlights:

Objectives:

  • Boost value addition and export growth in the diamond sector.
  • Support MSME exporters to compete globally.
  • Retain India’s position as a global hub for diamond processing and exports.
  • Mitigate recent challenges like export decline, job losses, and global demand shifts.

Key Features of the Scheme:

Feature                                                              Details

Type of Diamonds Allowed                             Natural cut and polished diamonds less than ¼ carat (25 cents)

Eligibility                                                          Exporters with Two Star Export House status and minimum $15 million annual exports

Export Obligation                                            10% value addition on imported diamonds

Duty Exemptions                                             Exempts Basic Customs Duty, Anti-dumping Duty, Countervailing Duty, etc.

Effective Date                                                  April 1, 2025

Exclusion                                                         Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGDs) not covered

Monitoring Agency                                         Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)

Why the Scheme Was Introduced:

Challenges in the Diamond Sector:

  • Global: Falling demand in US, Europe, China; rise in lab-grown diamonds.
  • Domestic: High unsold inventory, rising operational costs, reduced credit flow, and high corporate tax.
  • Employment Impact: Job losses in the diamond cutting and polishing segment.

International Context:

  • Inspired by beneficiation policies in diamond-producing countries like Botswana and Namibia, which mandate local value addition.

Significance:

  • Enhances India’s role in the global diamond value chain.
  • Provides ease of doing business through duty relief.
  • Promotes employment generation, especially for diamond assorters and processors.
  • Facilitates inclusive growth by supporting MSMEs in a traditionally export-driven industry.

Way Forward:

  • Regulate Lab-Grown Diamonds to prevent market distortion.
  • Extend export credit period and consider tax exemptions for foreign diamond sellers.
  • Ensure technology upgradation and skill training to sustain global leadership.

Closing the Women’s Health Gap

  • 22 Jan 2025

In News:

The World Economic Forum (WEF), in collaboration with the McKinsey Health Institute, released the report titled “Blueprint to Close the Women’s Health Gap”, highlighting the economic and social benefits of addressing gender-based health disparities.

Key Insights from the Report:

Economic Potential:

  • Closing the women’s health gap could contribute $400 billion to global GDP by 2040.
  • Focusing on just three conditions—menopause, PMS, and migraine—could unlock $315 billion in productivity.

Health Disparity:

  • Women experience 25% more years of poor health than men.
  • Root causes include underrepresentation in research and sex-neutral clinical guidelines.
  • Only 10% of trials on major conditions like ischemic heart disease and migraine include sex-disaggregated data.

Key Health Conditions Identified:

Lifespan Conditions:

  • Maternal hypertensive disorders
  • Postpartum hemorrhage
  • Ischemic heart disease
  • Cervical cancer
  • Breast cancer

Health Span Conditions:

  • Endometriosis
  • Menopause
  • Migraine
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Addressing these can add 2.5 healthy days per woman per year globally.

Women’s Health Impact Tracking (WHIT):

  • A public digital platform by WEF and McKinsey.
  • Tracks global health disparities.
  • Offers data-driven insights to guide investment and policy decisions, especially for low- and middle-income countries which face 54% of the global women's health burden, yet host only 23% of related clinical trials.

Five Strategic Actions for Stakeholders:

  • Count Women – Improve data collection specific to women’s health.
  • Study Women – Boost research funding on women-centric health conditions.
  • Care for Women – Create tailored clinical guidelines and protocols.
  • Include All Women – Ensure equity for marginalized groups.
  • Invest in Women – Finance innovative healthcare solutions and service delivery models.

One Nation, One Legislative Platform

  • 22 Jan 2025

In News:

  • The 85th AIPOC, held in Patna, Bihar, emphasized enhancing the effectiveness of legislative institutions through reforms in decorum, digitization, and public participation.
  • A major outcome was the announcement of the One Nation, One Legislative Platform to digitally integrate legislative bodies across India.

All India Presiding Officers’ Conference (AIPOC):

  • Established: 1921; first session held in Shimla.
  • Role: Apex platform bringing together Presiding Officers of Parliament and State Legislatures.
  • Objective: Strengthen democratic institutions by fostering cooperative federalism, legislative accountability, and improved law-making processes.

2025 Conference Highlights:

  • Venue: Historic Bihar Legislature Premises, Patna.
  • Key Themes:
    • Reducing disruptions and maintaining decorum in legislative houses.
    • Promoting qualitative debate and discussion.
    • Observing the 75th year of the Constitution with participatory democratic celebrations.
  • Resolutions Adopted:
    • Formulation of internal code of conduct by political parties.
    • Nationwide campaigns involving PRIs, urban bodies, students, NGOs, media, and more to celebrate democratic values.

One Nation, One Legislative Platform (ONOLP):

What It Is:

A national mission to create a unified digital ecosystem integrating the Parliament, state legislatures, and local bodies for better legislative coordination and public access.

Key Objectives:

  • Real-Time Data Sharing: Seamless, up-to-date legislative information across institutions—proceedings, bills, debates, etc.
  • Transparency & Accountability: Open access to deliberations enables citizen oversight and institutional accountability.
  • Public Participation: User-friendly access encourages civic engagement in law-making and governance.
  • AI & Tech Integration: Use of Artificial Intelligence for data analysis, decision support, and enhanced efficiency.
  • Paperless Legislatures: Digitization of records to promote sustainability and reduce bureaucratic delays.

Implementation Support:

  • Spearheaded by the Lok Sabha, with Speaker Om Birla announcing its completion by 2025.
  • Includes the creation of a central portal for public and institutional use.

Chinar Trees

  • 22 Jan 2025

In News:

The J&K Forest Department, in collaboration with the J&K Forest Research Institute (JKFRI), has launched a pioneering conservation initiative to digitally preserve the iconic Chinar trees (Platanus orientalis)—a vital part of Kashmir’s ecological and cultural heritage.

Significance of Chinar Trees:

  • Locally known as Boonyi or Boueen, Chinar trees are deeply embedded in Kashmir’s cultural identity.
  • These deciduous trees can grow up to 30 meters tall with a girth of 10–15 meters, and can live for over 600 years.
  • They are known for their seasonal leaf color transformation—from green in summer to red, amber, and yellow in autumn.
  • Notable specimens include Asia’s largest Chinar in Ganderbal and the oldest known Chinar (647 years) in Chattergam, Budgam.

Challenges to Chinar Survival:

  • Urban expansion and habitat encroachment.
  • Climate change, altering precipitation and temperature patterns.
  • Illegal felling and timber exploitation.
  • Increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.

Tree Aadhaar & Geo-Tagging Initiative:

  • Over 28,500 Chinar trees have been geo-tagged and assigned unique Tree Aadhaar numbers from 2021 to 2023.
  • Each tree is fitted with a QR-coded digital plate, enabling real-time access to:
    • Tree location, height, girth, canopy dimensions
    • Health status, ecological threats, and pest presence
  • These plates are spring-mounted metal tags to prevent damage to the trees.

Conservation Goals & Future Plans:

  • Digital Protection: Enables proactive monitoring and protection through a centralized database.
  • Chinar Atlas: A comprehensive mapping of all Chinar trees in the region.
  • Public Access Website: A dedicated digital portal is planned for broader access to Chinar data.
  • Risk Assessment: Use of USG-based, non-invasive surveys to identify trees at risk without human interference.
  • Emphasis on covering remote and restricted areas in future phases to ensure inclusivity in conservation.

Takers, Not Makers

  • 21 Jan 2025

In News:

Report “Takers not makers: The unjust poverty and unearned wealth of colonialism” published by Oxfam.

Key Highlights:

  • Released by: Oxfam International at the World Economic Forum 2025
  • Core Focus: The report explores historical colonial wealth extraction, especially from India, and connects it to contemporary global inequalities.

Colonial Wealth Drain – India:

  • $64.82 trillion extracted from India by Britain (1765–1900), adjusted to today’s value.
    • $33.8 trillion (52%) enriched the UK’s richest 10%
    • 32% benefited the British middle class
  • India's industrial output dropped from 25% in 1750 to 2% in 1900 due to:
    • British protectionist policies (especially targeting Asian textiles)
    • High taxation, home charges, currency manipulation, and profit repatriation

Conceptual Framework:

  • "Drain of Wealth" Theory by Dadabhai Naoroji forms the report’s foundation.
  • Colonialism framed as both:
    • Historical phenomenon: Loot, repression, forced de-industrialization
    • Modern structure (Neo-colonialism): Corporate dominance, digital colonization, and unjust global governance

Neo-Colonial Parallels Today:

  • Wages in Global South: 87–95% lower than for same work in Global North
  • Multinational corporations:
    • Descendants of colonial entities like the East India Company
    • Extract resources & exploit labor under unequal terms of trade
  • Global institutions like WTO and World Bank perpetuate inequity through imbalanced power dynamics

Ongoing Consequences in Global South:

  • Poor public services, education, and healthcare
  • Caste, religion, and language divisions institutionalized during colonial rule
    • E.g., Only 0.14% of Indian languages used as medium of instruction
  • Bengal Famine (1943): Caused by wartime policies & racist attitudes, ~3 million deaths
  • Biopiracy cases (e.g., neem) reflect continued exploitation

Wealth Disparity & Inequality:

  • Billionaire wealth tripled in growth rate in 2024 (vs. 2023)
  • Top 1% own more than 95% of global wealth
  • Over 3.5 billion people survive on less than $6.85/day

ILO Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers – 2022

  • 21 Jan 2025

In New:

By addressing labour market shortages in host nations and contributing remittances to home countries, International Migrants (IM) continue to make contributions to world economic growth, the fourth edition of ‘Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers’, released by the International Labour Organization (ILO), stated.

Key Findings:

Global Representation:

  • International Migrants (IMs) = 4.7% of global labour force - 167.7 million total:
    • Employed: 155.6 million
    • Unemployed (but seeking work): 12.1 million
  • Increase of 30+ million migrant workers since 2013
  • Growth rate dropped below 1% annually (2019–2022) due to COVID-19

Gender Composition:

  • Male IMs: 61.3% (102.7 million)
  • Female IMs: 38.7% (64.9 million)
  • Lower female participation attributed to:
    • Lower female migration rates globally
    • Gender-based barriers in labour markets
    • Over-representation in informal and unpaid sectors

Age Distribution:

  • Prime working age (25–54 yrs): 74.9%
  • Youth (15–24 yrs): 9.3%
  • Older adults (55–64 yrs): 12.5%
  • Seniors (65+ yrs): 3.4%

Sector-wise Employment:

Sector             Share of IMs                Notes

Services           68.4%                           Highest; women dominate (80.7%)

Industry          24.3%                            On par with non-migrants

Agriculture    7.4%                               Far lower than non-migrants (24.3%)    

Care economy in high-income countries is a major pull for female migrants.

Host Country Distribution: 

Region/Income Group                     % of IMs            Notes

High-income countries           68.4% (114 million)       Majorly Europe & North America

Upper-middle-income            17.4% (29.2 million)

Arab States                              13.3%                              Declined since 2013

Europe (23.3%) and North America (22.6%) are top destinations. Arab states saw a 3% decline over the decade.

Definition: International Migrants (IMs)

As per the UN: Persons residing in a country different from their place of usual residence for at least one year, regardless of reason or legal status. Includes refugees, asylum seekers, etc.

Role & Contributions of IMs:

  • Economic Drivers: Fill labour shortages (healthcare, construction, care work).
  • Remittances: Boost home country economies.
  • Demographic Support: Help address aging populations in developed nations.

Cultural Exchange: Promote diversity and global connectivity.

Mount Ibu Eruption

  • 21 Jan 2025

In News:

Indonesia’s Mount Ibu erupted 1,000 times this month.

Overview:

  • Location: Mount Ibu, Halmahera Island, North Maluku province, Indonesia.
  • Volcano Type: Stratovolcano (composite volcano) – steep-sided, conical structure formed by successive layers of lava, ash, and pyroclastic material.
  • Tectonic Setting: Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a major area of subduction zones with high volcanic and seismic activity.

Volcanic Context – Indonesia:

  • Pacific Ring of Fire: Indonesia's location makes it one of the most volcanically active regions globally.
  • Other Recent Eruptions:
    • Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki (twin-peaked volcano)
    • Mount Ruang
    • Both have shown heightened activity, triggering mass evacuations.

Indian Coffee Sector

  • 21 Jan 2025

In News:

India is now the seventh-largest coffee producer globally with exports reaching $1.29 billion in FY 2023-24, almost double the $719.42 million in 2020-21.

Historical Background

  • Origin: Coffee was introduced to India in the 17th century by Baba Budan, a Sufi saint, who brought seven Mocha beans from Yemen and planted them in Baba Budan Giri hills, Karnataka.
  • This act laid the foundation for India’s coffee cultivation, which has since evolved into a robust agro-industry.

India’s Global Coffee Status

  • 7th largest coffee producer globally (FY 2023–24).
  • Exports: Reached $1.29 billion in FY 2023–24, nearly double the $719.42 million in FY 2020–21.
  • Major export destinations: Italy, Belgium, Russia.
  • Export Share: Over 70% of India's coffee is exported, mostly in unroasted (green bean) form.

Types of Coffee Cultivated

  • Arabica: Mild flavor, higher market value.
  • Robusta: Strong flavor, more robust; often used in instant coffee.
  • India's production: Around 75% is a mix of Arabica and Robusta.

Geographical Distribution

  • Major Coffee-Growing Regions:
    • Karnataka: Leads with over 70% of national production (~248,020 MT in 2022–23).
    • Kerala and Tamil Nadu follow.
    • Other contributors: Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and parts of Northeast India

 

  • Agro-climatic Conditions:
    • Altitude: 600–1600 meters
    • Temperature: 15°C–28°C
    • Rainfall: 150–250 cm annually
    • Soil: Well-drained, loamy, rich in humus and minerals

Economic & Environmental Significance

  • Coffee is largely grown in the Western and Eastern Ghats, biodiversity-rich zones with shade-grown plantations.
  • These plantations:
    • Conserve ecology and biodiversity
    • Support sustainable agriculture
    • Contribute to rural livelihoods

Domestic Trends

  • Rising café culture, urbanization, and higher disposable incomes have led to increased coffee consumption.
  • Domestic consumption rose from 84,000 tonnes (2012) to 91,000 tonnes (2023).
  • Preference for coffee over tea is growing, especially in urban and semi-urban India.

Government Initiatives

  • Coffee Board of India initiatives under the Integrated Coffee Development Project (ICDP) aim to:
    • Enhance yields
    • Expand to non-traditional areas
    • Promote sustainable practices
  • Araku Valley Model:
    • Involves 150,000 tribal families
    • 20% increase in production
    • Backed by Girijan Co-operative Corporation (GCC) and Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA)
    • Aligned with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and rural empowerment

Current Challenges and Future Outlook

  • Challenges: Climate change impacts, pest attacks, price volatility in global markets.
  • Opportunities:
    • Rising global demand for value-added products (roasted & instant coffee)
    • Export incentives and improved logistics
    • Potential for agri-tourism and organic branding

Entity Locker

  • 21 Jan 2025

In News:

The National eGovernance Division (NeGD), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has developed Entity Locker, a cutting-edge digital platform designed to transform the management and verification of business/organisation documents.

Key Highlights:

What is Entity Locker?

A secure, cloud-based platform that allows real-time access, encrypted storage, and authenticated sharing of business-related documents.

Who can use it?

Large corporations, MSMEs, startups, trusts, societies, and other organizational entities.

  • Key Features:
    • 10 GB Encrypted Cloud Storage: Ensures secure document management.
    • Real-Time Document Access & Verification: Integrated with government databases.
    • Consent-Based Sharing: Ensures data privacy during information exchange.
    • Digital Signature Authentication: Enables legally valid and secure transactions.
    • Aadhaar-Authenticated Role-Based Access: Promotes accountability in document handling.
  • Integration with Government Systems: Linked with entities like:
    • Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
    • Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN)
    • Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)

Benefits:

  • Reduces administrative burden and document processing time.
  • Enhances compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
  • Enables faster processes like vendor verification, loan applications, and FSSAI compliance.
  • Promotes transparency and secure collaboration among stakeholders.

Significance:

Entity Locker is a pivotal component of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, reflecting the Union Budget 2024–25 vision of promoting digital governance. It supports the broader goals of the Digital India Programme, aiming for a digitally empowered and efficient economy.

ILO World Employment and Social Outlook 2025

  • 20 Jan 2025

In News:

The global economy is slowing down, making it harder for labour markets to recover fully since the outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic, according to the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) report, World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2025, released in Geneva

Global Employment Trends

  • Unemployment Rate (2024): Remained steady at 5%.
  • Youth Unemployment: High at 12.6%, particularly severe in upper-middle-income countries (16%).
  • Global Jobs Gap:
    • 402 million people want work but are jobless (2024):
      • 186 million unemployed
      • 137 million temporarily unavailable
      • 79 million discouraged workers
  • NEET Population (2024):
    • 259.1 million globally:
      • 173.3 million young women (28.2%)
      • 85.8 million young men (13.1%)

Economic Growth and Labour Recovery

  • Global Growth (2024): 3.2% (↓ from 3.3% in 2023 and 3.6% in 2022)
  • Forecast (2025): Similar growth expected, with gradual deceleration ahead.
  • Recovery Remains Uneven:
    • High-income countries see rise in labour force participation.
    • Low-income countries (LICs) face challenges creating decent jobs, with informal work returning to pre-pandemic levels.
  • India’s GDP Growth:
    • 6.9% in 2024, forecast at 6.4% in 2025
    • Driven by monetary easing, domestic demand, and public investment
  • Southern Asia: Growth pegged at 6.2% in 2024, 5.8% in 2025, mainly due to India.
  • Labour Participation:
    • Significant increase in female labour force participation, especially in India.

Key Labour Market Challenges

  • Geopolitical Tensions
  • Climate Change Costs
  • Unresolved Debt Issues
    • ~70 countries at risk of debt distress
    • Many LICs spend more on debt servicing than on education/health
  • Stagnant Real Wages
    • Post-pandemic wage recovery mostly in advanced economies
  • Vulnerable Jobs in Developing Regions
    • Sub-Saharan Africa: 62.6% households live on <USD 3.65/day
    • Employment is mainly informal, lacking security

Green and Digital Transitions

  • Green Jobs Growth:
    • Employment in renewables rose from 13.7 million (2022) to 16.2 million (2023)
    • 46% of green energy jobs are in China
  • Digital Economy:
    • Offers promise, but infrastructure and skills gap limit benefits in many countries.

ILO Recommendations for Social Justice & SDG 2030 Goals

  • Boost Productivity & Job Creation: Invest in skills training, education, and infrastructure
  • Expand Social Protection: Better access to social security and safe work conditions
  • Leverage Private Capital: LICs should channel remittances and diaspora funds into development
  • Structural Transformation: Focus on modern services and manufacturing for quality jobs
  • Youth Skill Development: Promote education for emerging sectors like green tech and digital economy
  • Global Collaboration: Foster inclusive fiscal and monetary policies for equitable recovery

About ILO

  • Established: 1919 | UN Agency
  • Members: 187 countries
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
  • Unique Tripartite Structure: Brings together governments, employers, and workers to set labour standards and promote decent work for all.

Dark Oxygen

  • 20 Jan 2025

In News:

Scientists who recently discovered that metal lumps on the dark seabed make oxygen, have announced plans to study the deepest parts of Earth's oceans in order to understand the strange phenomenon.

What is Dark Oxygen?

Dark Oxygen refers to oxygen produced deep under the ocean without sunlight or photosynthesis.
Discovered in July 2024, this challenges the long-standing belief that photosynthesis is the sole natural source of oxygen.

Where was it discovered?

  • Location: Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), 13,100 feet deep in the North Pacific Ocean, between Hawaii and Mexico.
  • Zone Significance: Rich in polymetallic nodules containing manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and lithium — crucial for green technologies.

Mechanism of Oxygen Production

  • Polymetallic nodules on the seafloor generate oxygen via electrochemical reactions.
  • These nodules split seawater (H?O) molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, without any light.
  • This process is non-biological and independent of photosynthesis.

Why is this Discovery Important?

  • Scientific Paradigm Shift: Challenges the idea that photosynthesis is the only natural pathway for oxygen generation.
  • Origins of Life: Suggests that oxygen production may have existed before photosynthetic organisms, reshaping theories of early Earth’s evolution.
  • Astrobiological Implications: Indicates the possibility of oxygen-rich environments on other planets, even without sunlight — enhancing the search for extraterrestrial life.
  • Environmental Tech Potential: Could lead to innovations in renewable energy and carbon-neutral technologies, using metal-based catalysis.

About the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ)

  • Geographic span: Between Hawaii and Mexico in the North Pacific Ocean.
  • Resources: Contains vast reserves of critical minerals like manganese, nickel, cobalt — essential for electric vehicles and solar technology.
  • A focus area for deep-sea mining and sustainability studies.

National Panchayat Awards 2024

  • 20 Jan 2025

In News:

The President of India conferred the National Panchayat Awards 2024 on 45 outstanding Panchayats for their contributions to inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and rural development. The event was held on 11th December 2024 (postponed from 24th April due to General Elections).

About the Awards

  • Launched to commemorate: 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which gave constitutional status to Panchayats as institutions of local self-governance.
  • Usual celebration date: 24th April — observed as National Panchayati Raj Day.
  • Revamped in 2022 to align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) via Localization of SDGs (LSDGs).

Objectives

  • Recognize best practices in rural governance.
  • Encourage healthy competition among Panchayats.
  • Promote effective implementation of LSDGs and quality service delivery.

Evaluation Structure

  • Multi-level assessment: Block → District → State/UT → National level.
  • Evaluation based on 9 LSDG themes, including:
    1. Poverty-Free & Enhanced Livelihoods
    2. Healthy Panchayat
    3. Child-Friendly Panchayat
    4. Water-Sufficient Panchayat
    5. Clean & Green Panchayat
    6. Self-Sufficient Infrastructure
    7. Socially Just & Secured Panchayat
    8. Panchayat with Good Governance
    9. Women-Friendly Panchayat

Award Categories

Award Category                                                                                                                        Focus Area

Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (DDUPSVP)          Top 3 GPs under each LSDG theme

Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar             Top 3 GPs, Block Panchayats & District Panchayats with highest scores across all themes

Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar                                           GPs promoting renewable energy adoption

Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar                                                GPs achieving net-zero carbon emissions

Panchayat Kshamta Nirmaan Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar                      Institutions providing exemplary support to PRIs in implementing LSDGs

Key Highlights of 2024:

  • Total Awards: 45 Panchayats
  • Women Leadership: 42% of award-winning Panchayats led by women.
  • Participation: 1.94 lakh Gram Panchayats competed.
  • Prize Money: ?46 crore transferred digitally to awardees.
  • Booklet Released: Best Practices of Awardee Panchayats.
  • Film Showcased: Highlighting success stories and capacity-building.

State-wise Recognition

  • Notable awardees from: Odisha, Tripura, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, Assam, etc.
  • Tripura & Odisha stood out in total recognitions.
  • GPs from Maharashtra, Odisha, and Tripura received special awards for energy and carbon neutrality.

Other Key Initiatives for PRIs

Initiative                                            Purpose

SVAMITVA Scheme (2020)            Mapping rural property to provide Record of Rights.

e-Gram Swaraj (e-FMS)                Work-based accounting to promote transparency.

mActionSoft                                     Geo-tagging Panchayat assets via GPS-enabled photos.

Citizen Charter Portal                    Meri Panchayat Mera Adhikaar” – Service delivery assurance to citizens.

India–Singapore Semiconductor Cooperation

  • 20 Jan 2025

In News:

During his 2025 visit to India, Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam announced plans to collaborate with India on semiconductor manufacturing and the creation of a semiconductor ecosystem, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Singapore’s Semiconductor Landscape

  • Contribution to Economy: Accounts for ~8% of Singapore’s GDP.
  • Global Standing:
    • Produces 10% of global semiconductor output.
    • 5% of global wafer fabrication capacity.
    • 20% of global semiconductor equipment production.
  • Comprehensive Ecosystem: End-to-end capabilities from IC design to packaging and testing.
  • Infrastructure: Four wafer fabrication parks with advanced facilities.
  • Current Limitation: Focused on mature-node chips (28 nm+); lacks high-end logic chip manufacturing (7 nm or below).

India’s Semiconductor Sector

  • Market Size (2024): Valued at USD 52 billion; projected to reach USD 103.4 billion by 2030.
  • Import Dependency: ~85% of semiconductor needs met through imports.
  • Export-Import Gap (2022): USD 5.36 billion (imports) vs. USD 0.52 billion (exports).

India's Advantages:

  • Skilled Talent Pool: Large number of STEM graduates.
  • Cost Efficiency: Lower manufacturing and operational costs.
  • Geopolitical Opportunity: Global supply chain diversification away from China.

Government Initiatives:

  • India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
  • Semicon India Programme
  • Display & Semiconductor Fab Schemes
  • SPECS (Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors)

Foreign Collaborations:

  • MoUs with US, Japan, and European Commission.
  • Tata–Powerchip (Taiwan) collaboration for a fab in Dholera, Gujarat.

How Singapore Can Support India’s Semiconductor Vision

  • Manufacturing Partnerships:
    • Collaborations with Singaporean firms for assembly and testing services.
    • Access to Singapore's advanced manufacturing technologies.
  • Talent Development:
    • Academic exchanges in microelectronics and semiconductor engineering.
    • Joint research and PhD programs.
  • Infrastructure Development:
    • Replication of Singapore-style wafer fab parks in India.
    • Joint ventures to build specialized semiconductor industrial zones.
  • Technology Access & Innovation:
    • Transfer of advanced technologies and critical semiconductor materials.
    • Collaboration on new-generation tech solutions (e.g., AI chips, advanced computing).

Additional Areas of Bilateral Cooperation

  • Digital Economy: Exploring data corridor between GIFT City (India) and Singapore.
  • Sustainability: Cooperation on green hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, and renewable energy.

Strategic Partnership: Upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024.

Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building (IGICB) Scheme

  • 20 Jan 2025

In News:

The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) announced the launch of its Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme. This program aims to build awareness and develop expertise in internet governance (IG) among Indian citizens.

Key Highlights:

Objective:

To develop awareness and build a skilled pool of professionals in Internet Governance (IG) in India, enabling active Indian participation in global digital policy platforms.

Key Features:

  • Internship Format:
    • Bi-annual internship with two tracks: 3-month and 6-month durations
    • Mentorship by experts from:
      • International bodies (e.g., ICANN, APNIC, APTLD)
      • Academic institutions and retired officials
  • Stipend: ?20,000/month
  • Outreach Component: Mandatory awareness programs to be conducted by interns

Focus Areas:

  • Engagement with I-Star organizations, such as:
    • ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers)
    • ISOC (Internet Society)
    • IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
    • IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force)
  • Exposure to global best practices and policy mechanisms in digital governance
  • Capacity building for inclusive participation in emerging internet issues

Significance:

  • Promotes digital policy leadership among Indian youth
  • Enhances India’s representation in global internet governance dialogues
  • Fosters a tech-savvy and policy-aware workforce for digital India initiatives

About NIXI (National Internet Exchange of India):

  • Established: 19 June 2003
  • Type: Not-for-profit (Section 8 company)
  • Parent Ministry: MeitY
  • Mandate:
    • Enhance internet adoption and digital infrastructure in India
  • Key Services:
  • Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): Facilitate domestic internet traffic exchange
  • .IN Registry: Manage India’s country code top-level domain (.in)
  • IRINN: Allocate IPv4 and IPv6 resources within India

Capacity Building & Training: Promote internet-related knowledge and skills

Ratnagiri Buddhist Site

  • 19 Jan 2025

In News:

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has resumed excavations at the ancient Buddhist site of Ratnagiri in Odisha’s Jajpur district, unveiling monumental discoveries that underline its rich religious, cultural, and maritime legacy. This renewed effort comes more than 60 years after the site was first excavated between 1958 and 1961.

About Ratnagiri

  • Meaning: Ratnagiri translates to “Hill of Jewels.”
  • Location: Situated on a hill between the Brahmani and Birupa rivers, northeast of Bhubaneswar.
  • Part of the Diamond Triangle: Along with Lalitgiri and Udaygiri, Ratnagiri forms Odisha’s famed “Diamond Triangle” of Buddhist heritage sites.
  • Historical Period: Flourished between the 5th and 13th centuries CE, peaking under the Bhauma-Kara dynasty (8th–10th century CE).
  • Buddhist School: An important centre for Mahayana and especially Vajrayana (Tantrayana) Buddhism.
  • It possibly rivalled Nalanda in prominence as a Buddhist learning centre.
  • The monastery complex at Ratnagiri is the only one in India with a curvilinear roof, once housing about 500 monks.

Recent Discoveries by ASI

  • Three colossal Buddha heads, each measuring 3–4 feet.
  • A massive palm sculpture, 5 feet in size.
  • Hundreds of votive stupas, sculptures of Buddhist deities.
  • A monolithic elephant statue, 5 feet long and 3.5 feet tall.
  • Pottery, inscribed stones, beads, stone pillars, and a brick wall believed to be part of a larger structure.
  • Rich ceramic assemblages, which may shed light on the region’s cultural and technological evolution.

These artefacts are estimated to date back to the 8th and 9th centuries CE and are believed to enhance understanding of Buddhism’s evolution in Odisha and its linkages with other cultures.

Buddhism in Odisha & Southeast Asian Links

  • Buddhism gained a strong foothold in Odisha after Emperor Ashoka’s conquest of Kalinga (modern-day Odisha) in 261 BCE, a turning point that led him to embrace Buddhism.
  • Though Buddha never visited Odisha, the region became instrumental in spreading Buddhism to Southeast Asia, especially during the Bhauma-Kara period.
  • The state maintained robust maritime trade and cultural links with regions like Java, Bali, Sumatra, Borneo, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
  • Baliyatra Festival: A vibrant annual event held in Cuttack, commemorating Odisha’s ancient seafaring ties with Bali and other Southeast Asian regions.
  • According to some studies, Chinese monk Hiuen Tsang may have visited Ratnagiri during his travels in India (638–639 CE).

Significance of the Renewed Excavations

  • The ASI aims to uncover partially visible structures, complete the site’s mapping, and contextualize the findings within the broader Buddhist history of India and Southeast Asia.
  • Researchers hope to discover signs of foreign architectural or cultural influences, further confirming ancient Odisha’s global Buddhist and trade connections.
  • The discoveries reaffirm Ratnagiri’s importance as a cornerstone of Buddhist learning and art, potentially on par with other renowned ancient centres like Nalanda and Vikramashila.

Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES)

  • 19 Jan 2025

In News:

  • Launched in April 2015, the Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES) offers subsidised interest rates on pre- and post-shipment export credit to Indian exporters, particularly MSMEs.
  • The Commerce Ministry has sought a Rs 3,000 crore extension of the scheme beyond December 2024, with emphasis on supporting MSME exporters amidst global economic challenges.

Objectives of IES:

  • Reduce Cost of Credit: Offers 3% to 5% interest subvention to make export credit affordable.
  • Boost Export Competitiveness: Enables Indian exporters, especially MSMEs, to match international pricing.
  • Encourage Export Diversification: Supports MSMEs in exploring new markets and products.
  • Enhance Financial Inclusion: Promotes access to formal credit systems for small exporters.

Key Features:

  • Interest Subsidy:
    • 3% for MSME manufacturer exporters.
    • 2% for merchant and manufacturer exporters of 410 specified tariff lines.
  • Coverage: Initially limited to select products, later extended to all MSME exporters.
  • Implementation:
    • Managed by the RBI, in coordination with DGFT and authorized banks.
    • Subsidy reimbursed to banks offering export credit at reduced rates.
    • Banks exceeding Repo Rate + 4% are excluded.

Need for Extension:

  • The scheme expired in December 2024, but exporters are demanding continuation due to:
    • Rising global inflation and logistics disruptions (e.g., Red Sea crisis).
    • Increase in credit duration demands from foreign buyers (120–150 days).
    • Decline in export credit availability despite higher demand.
    • FIEO reports a drop in outstanding export credit from ?2.27 lakh crore (2023) to ?2.17 lakh crore (2024).
    • MSMEs operate on thin margins, and the subvention can make or break deals.

Significance for MSMEs:

  • MSMEs contribute ~45% to India’s total exports and often struggle with high borrowing costs and limited financial access.
  • Affordable credit via IES allows MSMEs to:
    • Remain price competitive.
    • Take larger and longer-term orders.
    • Invest in product innovation and value addition.
    • Improve market diversification and resilience.

Challenges in Accessing Credit:

  • Stringent eligibility norms and collateral requirements.
  • Complex administrative procedures for availing benefits.
  • Limited awareness among small enterprises about the scheme.
  • Slow disbursal and inconsistent application by banks.

Policy Implications and the Way Forward:

  • A revamped, MSME-focused IES can ensure inclusive growth and boost India’s export-led development.
  • Calls for:
    • Simplification of procedural norms.
    • Higher interest subvention limits or removal of caps (e.g., ?50 lakh per IEC holder).
    • Longer validity (multi-year horizon) for predictability and planning.
  • Aligns with the broader goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and achieving $1 trillion in exports by 2030.

Exercise La Perouse 2025

  • 19 Jan 2025

In News:

India is participating in the fourth edition of the multinational naval exercise La Perouse, hosted by France in key maritime straits—Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok. The Indian Navy's INS Mumbai, an indigenously built guided-missile destroyer, represents India.

Key Highlights:

  • Participating Countries: Navies from India, France, Australia, USA, UK, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Canada.
  • Objectives:
    • Enhance maritime situational awareness.
    • Promote tactical interoperability through joint training.
    • Conduct surface warfare, anti-air warfare, air defence, and VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure) operations.
    • Strengthen cooperation on maritime surveillance, air operations, and information sharing.
  • Significance:
    • Demonstrates commitment to a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific.
    • Reflects India’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
    • Counters increasing presence of Chinese naval forces in the Indo-Pacific.

Strategic Location: Key Straits in Focus

  • Strait of Malacca
    • Connects: Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean) to South China Sea (Pacific Ocean).
    • Geography: Lies between Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra, near Singapore.
    • Significance: One of the world’s busiest trade routes.
    • Choke Point: Narrowest part (Philips Channel) is only 2.8 km wide.
  • Sunda Strait
    • Connects: Java Sea (Pacific) to the Indian Ocean.
    • Between: Java and Sumatra (Indonesia).
    • Challenges: Volcanic islands (e.g., Krakatoa), shallow depths (20–100 m).
    • Importance: Secondary maritime route, strategic in times of congestion in Malacca.
  • Lombok Strait
    • Connects: Java Sea to the Indian Ocean.
    • Between: Bali and Lombok islands.
    • Depth: 250–1,300 meters – suitable for large vessels.
    • Unique Feature: Part of the Wallace Line, a major ecological boundary.

Sanchar Saathi App

  • 19 Jan 2025

In News:

In a landmark move to enhance telecom accessibility, security, and empowerment across India, the Union Minister of Communications launched a suite of citizen-focused initiatives. Key highlights of the event included the launch of the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App, National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 and the inauguration of the Intra Circle Roaming facility at DBN Funded 4G Mobile Sites.

Sanchar Saathi Mobile App

  • Launched by: Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications.
  • Platforms: Available on Android and iOS.
  • Objective: Strengthen telecom security, empower citizens, and combat telecom fraud.
  • Key Features:
    • Chakshu (SFC): Report suspected fraud communications (calls/SMS).
    • Know Your Mobile Connections: Identify and manage all mobile numbers issued in one’s name.
    • Block Lost/Stolen Devices: Swiftly block, trace, and recover lost/stolen mobile phones.
    • Verify Handset Genuineness: Confirm the authenticity of mobile handsets before purchase.

Impact so far (via Sanchar Saathi Portal, launched May 2023):

  • 2.75 crore fraudulent connections disconnected.
  • 25+ lakh lost/stolen devices blocked.
  • 12.38 lakh WhatsApp accounts linked to cybercrimes disengaged.
  • 11.6 lakh mule bank accounts frozen.
  • 90% spoofed international calls blocked within 2 months of new prevention system.

National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0

  • Launched by: Union Minister of Communications, builds upon NBM 1.0 (2019–2024).
  • Part of: National Digital Communications Policy, 2018.
  • Aim: Digitally empower citizens and bridge the digital divide to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Key Targets (by 2030):

  • 2.70 lakh villages to be connected with OFC (from ~50,000 now).
  • 90% broadband connectivity to anchor institutions (schools, PHCs, Panchayats, Anganwadis).
  • Fixed broadband speed: Increase national average from 63.55 Mbps (2024) to 100 Mbps.
  • Right of Way (RoW) disposal time: Reduce from 60 days to 30 days.
  • Rural internet subscribers: Increase from 45 to 60 per 100 population.
  • 30% of mobile towers to be powered by sustainable energy.
  • 100% mapping of PSU fiber networks on PM GatiShakti National Master Plan by 2026.
  • Enhanced use of “Call Before u Dig (CBuD)” app to protect underground telecom infrastructure.
  • Facilitate 5G rollout, and prepare infrastructure for 6G and common telecom ducts in all linear projects.
  • Leverage power sector (e.g. Optical Ground Wire - OPGW) for broadband in remote/hilly areas.

Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) at DBN-Funded 4G Sites

  • Launched by: Ministry of Communications.
  • Implemented under: Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), formerly USOF.
  • Objective: Allow subscribers of multiple telecom service providers (TSPs) (e.g., BSNL, Airtel, Reliance) to access 4G services from a single DBN-funded tower.
  • Impact:
    • Eliminates need for duplicate towers.
    • Covers 27,000+ towers across 35,400 remote villages.
    • Enhances user choice, reduces cost, and ensures efficient infrastructure use.

Nigeria admitted as BRICS Partner Country

  • 19 Jan 2025

In News:

  • Nigeria has been admitted as the 9th "Partner Country" of the BRICS grouping under Brazil’s presidency in 2025.
  • Other BRICS partner countries include Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
  • A "partner country" in BRICS is allowed to attend summits, ministerial meetings, and participate in joint initiatives, but does not have formal membership or decision-making power.

About Nigeria’s Role

  • Nigeria has the 6th largest population globally and the largest in Africa.
  • It is the 4th largest economy in Africa, often termed the "Giant of Africa".
  • Nigeria plays a significant role in South-South cooperation and reform of global governance structures, aligning with BRICS' strategic objectives.

About BRICS

  • Founded: 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China; South Africa joined in 2010.
  • New Full Members (as of 2023): Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, UAE, and Indonesia (effective Jan 2025).
  • Membership Invitations: Saudi Arabia has been invited but not yet accepted.
  • Applicants: Turkey, Azerbaijan, Malaysia have formally applied.
  • Three Pillars of Cooperation:
    1. Political and Security
    2. Economic and Financial
    3. Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges
  • Represents ~40% of global population and ~37.3% of global GDP.

India has hosted BRICS Summits in 2012 (4th), 2016 (8th), and 2021 (13th).

Binding DDT-Infused Soil with Biochar

  • 18 Jan 2025

In News:

A three-year study was conducted on a 23-hectare DDT-contaminated former tree nursery in southern Sweden. Researchers mixed biochar into sections of the contaminated soil and planted different crops, including pumpkins, legumes, grasses, and willows.

Key findings:

  • Reduction of DDT Uptake: The presence of biochar reduced DDT absorption by soil organisms, cutting the toxin uptake by earthworms in half.
  • Enhanced Soil Health: Biochar improved soil structure, fertility, and microbial activity.
  • Cost-Effective Alternative: Unlike traditional soil removal methods, which are expensive and labor-intensive, biochar treatment offers a sustainable and economical approach.
  • Support for Renewable Energy: The method allows for the growth of bioenergy crops such as willow trees, further contributing to environmental benefits.

Implications for Future Agricultural Practices

This breakthrough provides a viable approach to rehabilitate contaminated lands worldwide. Many regions, including India, still grapple with DDT contamination. While India banned agricultural use of DDT in 1972, it continues to be used for disease control under strict regulations. The application of biochar could significantly aid in soil restoration and sustainable land management

About DDT

  • Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a synthetic insecticide first introduced in 1939. It was widely used in agriculture and public health initiatives to control vector-borne diseases like malaria.
  • However, despite its effectiveness against pests, DDT’s persistence in the environment led to severe ecological and health concerns.
  • It degrades slowly, accumulates in fatty tissues, and disrupts ecosystems by affecting soil fertility, harming wildlife, and posing potential human health risks, including endocrine disruption and carcinogenic effects.

Challenges Posed by DDT-Contaminated Soils

The prolonged use of DDT has resulted in extensive soil contamination, making land infertile and unsuitable for cultivation. Conventional methods of decontamination, such as soil excavation and disposal, are expensive and environmentally unsustainable.

Biochar as a Solution

Researchers at Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology have developed an innovative method to restore DDT-contaminated soils by integrating biochar.

What is Biochar?

Biochar is a charcoal-like material produced by burning organic waste in a controlled oxygen-limited environment (pyrolysis). It is known for its ability to enhance soil quality, bind contaminants, and store carbon for extended periods.

Kuka Rebellion and Namdhari Sect

  • 18 Jan 2025

In News:

On January 17, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann paid tribute at the Namdhari Shaheed Smarak in Malerkotla to commemorate Kuka Martyrs’ Day. The event marks the execution of 66 Namdhari Sikhs by the British in January 1872.

Kuka Rebellion: An Overview

The Kuka Rebellion was an anti-British movement led by the Namdhari sect in Punjab. It combined religious reform with resistance to colonial rule, reaching its peak in January 1872.

Key Events:

  • January 13, 1872: Kukas, led by Hira Singh and Lehna Singh, protested against cow slaughter in Malerkotla.
  • January 15, 1872: Clashes occurred between Kukas and government officials. A contingent attacked Malaudh Fort but was repulsed.
  • January 17-18, 1872: 66 Kukas were executed by being blown up with cannons under orders of British official John Lambert Cowan.

Reasons Behind the Movement:

  • Religious Reform: Opposed meat consumption, alcohol, and social vices.
  • Colonial Oppression: Protested against British rule and native collaborators.
  • Cow Protection: Strongly opposed cow slaughter, leading to confrontations with British authorities.

Impact and Aftermath:

  • Suppression: The British crushed the movement with extreme brutality.
  • Exile of Leaders: Satguru Ram Singh and other key leaders were exiled to Rangoon, Burma.
  • Legacy of Martyrdom: The sacrifice of young Namdharis like 12-year-old Bishan Singh and Waryam Singh inspired future resistance movements in India.

Who are the Namdharis?

The Namdharis, also called Kukas, are a Sikh sect founded by Satguru Ram Singh in 1857 in Ludhiana. Their distinctive practices include:

  • High-pitched recitation of Gurbani (hence the name ‘Kuka’ meaning ‘crying’ or ‘screaming’ in Punjabi).
  • Wearing white attire as a sign of mourning for their exiled leader.
  • Early adoption of Swadeshi principles, boycotting British goods and services.

Current Status of Namdhari Sect:

  • The Namdharis, numbering around 2 lakh in Punjab today, have faced internal divisions since the death of Satguru Jagjit Singh in 2012.
  • Two major factions exist:
    • One led by Thakur Dilip Singh, headquartered in Sirsa, Haryana.
    • Another led by Sangrur Uday Singh, headquartered at Bhaini Sahib, Ludhiana.
  • A core belief remains that Satguru Ram Singh is still alive and will return one day.

Significance:

The Kuka Rebellion, though localized, was an important precursor to later national movements against British rule. It showcased the early spirit of resistance, long before organized freedom movements gained momentum in the 20th century.

Global Risks Report 2025

  • 18 Jan 2025

In News:

  • The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released the 20th edition of the Global Risks Report 2025, outlining the most pressing global risks over short-term (1-2 years) and long-term (10 years) horizons.
  • The report, based on the Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS) 2024-2025, categorizes risks across economic, environmental, geopolitical, societal, and technological domains.

Key Findings of the Report

Short-Term Risks (1-2 Years)

  • Misinformation and Disinformation – Undermines trust in governance and institutions, complicating global cooperation.
  • Extreme Weather Events – Rising costs and frequency due to climate change.
  • State-Based Armed Conflict – Geopolitical tensions, including conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war.

Long-Term Risks (10 Years)

  • Extreme Weather Events – Ranked as the most significant long-term risk.
  • Biodiversity Loss & Ecosystem Collapse – Drastic impact on food security and natural systems.
  • Critical Changes to Earth Systems – Irreversible environmental shifts.

Evolving Global Risk Landscape

The risk landscape is shaped by four structural forces:

  • Technological Acceleration – Rapid advancements in AI and digital platforms.
  • Geostrategic Shifts – Increasing global polarization and armed conflicts.
  • Climate Change – Rising environmental hazards.
  • Demographic Bifurcation – Aging populations and labor shortages.

Specific Risks and Trends

Environmental Risks

  • Pollution: Increasing air, water, and land contamination due to unsustainable production.
  • Natural Disasters: Wildfires in the U.S. projected to cause over $200 billion in damages.
  • Water Supply Shortages: A major concern for countries like India.

Economic and Trade Risks

  • Escalating Trade Protectionism: Increase in tariffs and restrictions (e.g., Make in India, U.S. Inflation Reduction Act).
  • Economic Uncertainty: Global inflation projected to decrease to 3.5% by 2025, but trade tensions may reignite financial instability.
  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Decline: A 10% drop in 2023 due to trade fragmentation.

Technological Risks

  • Misinformation & Disinformation: AI-generated content fuels societal polarization.
  • Cybersecurity Threats: AI-driven cyberattacks and algorithmic biases in governance.
  • Surveillance & Censorship: Increased digital monitoring with inadequate legal safeguards.

Geopolitical and Societal Risks

  • Erosion of Human Rights: Increasing authoritarian surveillance and control.
  • Migration & Resource Shortages: Climate-induced migration is a rising global concern.
  • Pension Crisis: Aging populations in countries like Japan and Germany threaten economic stability.

India-Specific Risks

  1. Water Shortages – Critical impact on agriculture and urban development.
  2. Misinformation & Disinformation – Threatens democratic institutions and governance.
  3. Pollution (Air, Water, Soil) – Major environmental and health hazard.
  4. Labor & Talent Shortages – Workforce challenges due to demographic shifts.
  5. Erosion of Civic Freedoms – Concerns over digital surveillance and censorship.

Policy Recommendations

Global and Domestic Strategies

  • Strengthen Multilateral Cooperation: WTO reforms and global trade dispute resolutions.
  • Boost Domestic Resilience: Investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
  • Combat Pollution: Stricter regulations on air and water pollutants.
  • Address Algorithmic Bias: Global standards for AI governance and accountability.
  • Ethical Oversight for Biotech: WHO-led regulations for human genome editing.

Long-Term Sustainability Measures

  • Flexible Work Policies: Encouraging non-linear career paths.
  • Pre-Retirement Health Programs: Improving lifestyle choices to reduce healthcare costs.
  • Pension System Reforms: Raising retirement ages and ensuring financial security for retirees.

Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025

  • 18 Jan 2025

In News:

The World Economic Forum (WEF) recently released the Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 report. The report examines cybersecurity trends, key challenges, and necessary strategies to enhance global cyber resilience.

About Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025

Produced in collaboration with Accenture, the report highlights major cybersecurity issues influenced by geopolitical tensions, emerging technologies, supply chain complexities, and cybercrime advancements.

Key Issues Highlighted

  • Geopolitical Conflicts:
  • Ongoing conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, have increased cyber vulnerabilities in critical sectors like energy, telecommunications, and nuclear power.
  • Nearly 60% of organizations state that geopolitical tensions have impacted their cybersecurity strategies.
  • Cybersecurity Readiness:
  • Two-thirds of organizations foresee AI impacting cybersecurity, yet only one-third have the tools to assess AI-related risks.
  • Smaller organizations face significant challenges in adopting AI-driven security measures.
  • Cyber Skills Gap:
  • As of 2024, there is a shortage of 4.8 million cybersecurity professionals globally.
  • Only 14% of organizations have a skilled workforce to manage current cybersecurity threats.
  • Public-sector organizations are notably impacted, with 49% reporting a shortage in cybersecurity talent.
  • Supply Chain Interdependencies:
  • Over 50% of large organizations identify supply chain complexity as a barrier to cyber resilience.
  • Vulnerabilities in third-party software, cyberattacks, and enforcement issues in security standards are key concerns.
  • Cybercrime Sophistication:
  • Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging generative AI tools for automated and personalized attacks, including phishing and social engineering.
  • In 2024, 42% of organizations experienced phishing and deepfake attacks.
  • Regulatory Challenges: 70% of organizations reported that complex cybersecurity regulations cause compliance issues.

 

Impacts

  • Critical Infrastructure:
    • Cyberattacks on essential infrastructure, such as water utilities, satellites, and power grids, pose severe risks to public safety.
    • Example: A 2024 cyberattack on a U.S. water utility disrupted operations, highlighting vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure systems.
  • Biosecurity Risks:
    • Advancements in AI, cyberattacks, and genetic engineering create risks for bio-laboratories and research institutions.
    • Incidents in South Africa and the UK underscore these threats.
  • Economic Disparities: Developed regions like Europe and North America demonstrate stronger cyber resilience compared to emerging economies such as Africa and Latin America.
  • Transition Issues to Renewable Energy (RE): The shift to renewable energy introduces new cybersecurity risks, making power grids attractive targets for cybercriminals.

Factors Increasing Cybersecurity Complexity

  • Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Increasingly complex supply chains create risks with limited oversight, enabling cyberattacks to spread across interconnected systems.
  • Geopolitical Tensions: Conflicts have driven advanced cyber strategies targeting critical infrastructure.
  • AI-Driven Threats: Generative AI enables scalable malware deployment and sophisticated multilingual social engineering attacks.
  • Cyber Skills Gap: A growing 8% skills gap leaves two-thirds of organizations unable to meet cybersecurity demands.
  • Convergence of Cybercrime and Organized Crime: Rising cyber-enabled fraud has attracted organized crime groups, amplifying social impact.
  • Climate-Linked Cyber Risks: Energy grids are increasingly targeted due to their reliance on evolving energy systems.
  • Quantum Vulnerabilities: Quantum computing poses risks to public-key encryption, which is essential for securing digital systems.

Way Forward

Strategic Investment:

  • Cybersecurity must be viewed as a strategic investment rather than a technical expense.
  • Governments are encouraged to modernize legacy systems and upgrade operational technologies to protect critical sectors.

Public-Private Collaboration:

  • Collaboration between business and cybersecurity leaders is essential for sharing threat intelligence and enhancing resilience.
  • Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) may require government incentives to enhance cybersecurity.

Skills Development: Expanding specialized training programs, certifications, and incentives is crucial to addressing the cybersecurity skills gap.

Focus on Resilience Over Prevention: Nations must prioritize resilience by enhancing response mechanisms, crisis management frameworks, and ensuring continuity of services.

International Cooperation:

  • Collaborative efforts through forums like the United Nations (UN) and G20 can strengthen global cybersecurity frameworks.
  • Developed nations should assist emerging economies in improving cyber resilience.

Current Framework for Cybersecurity in India

  • Legislative Measures:
    • Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act)
    • Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
  • Institutional Framework:
    • Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)
    • National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC)
    • Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
    • Cyber Swachhta Kendra
  • Strategic Initiatives:
    • Bharat National Cybersecurity Exercise 2024
    • National Cyber Security Policy, 2013
  • Sector-Specific Regulations:
    • Cybersecurity Framework for SEBI Regulated Entities
    • Telecommunications (Critical Telecommunication Infrastructure) Rules, 2024

Rupee Depreciation

  • 18 Jan 2025

In News:

The Indian rupee has recently experienced sharp devaluation against the US dollar after a period of relative stability. This shift is attributed to several factors, including capital outflows, rising import costs, and RBI’s evolving policy stance.

Understanding Exchange Rate Regimes

Exchange rates are classified into:

  • Fixed Exchange Rate: The central bank maintains a constant exchange rate by actively managing reserves.
  • Floating Exchange Rate: Market-driven rates with minimal intervention.
  • Managed-Floating Exchange Rate: A blend of market forces and central bank intervention.

India has largely pursued a managed-floating exchange rate regime. The RBI has historically responded to excess demand by depreciating the rupee while selling forex reserves and, under excess supply conditions, resisted rupee appreciation to maintain export competitiveness.

Post-COVID Exchange Rate Shift

Between 2022 and November 2024, the RBI temporarily adopted a strategy resembling a fixed exchange rate regime to stabilize the rupee. However, amid rising capital outflows and increased import costs, the RBI recently reverted to its managed-float approach, allowing the rupee to depreciate.

Causes of Rupee Depreciation

  • Internal Factors:
    • Rising inflation reduced the rupee's real value and increased production costs.
    • A widening trade deficit due to higher crude oil imports heightened demand for foreign currency.
    • Persistent fiscal imbalances further pressured the rupee.
    • Policy ambiguity in the RBI’s stance added market uncertainty.
  • External Factors:
    • Capital outflows driven by global uncertainties and rising US interest rates.
    • Geopolitical tensions (e.g., Russia-Ukraine war) increased India’s import bill.
    • The US dollar's strength amid aggressive Federal Reserve rate hikes further weakened the rupee.

Implications of Rupee Devaluation

  • Positive Effects:
    • Boost to Exports: A weaker rupee makes Indian goods cheaper, enhancing export competitiveness if supported by real exchange rate depreciation.
  • Adverse Effects:
    • Inflationary Pressures: Higher import costs increase consumer prices.
    • Reduced Purchasing Power: Increased costs are often passed on to consumers.
    • Foreign Debt Servicing: A depreciated rupee raises debt repayment costs for Indian firms and the government.
    • Investor Sentiment: Currency instability diminishes foreign investor confidence, triggering further capital outflows.

Structural Constraints in the Indian Economy

  • Divergence between NEER and REER:
    • Since the mid-2010s, India's Nominal Effective Exchange Rate (NEER) depreciated while the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) appreciated. This divergence undermines export competitiveness, as rising domestic prices offset nominal depreciation benefits.
  • Rising Markups:
    • Non-financial firms increased their markups on variable costs, contributing to inflation and nullifying the advantages of currency depreciation for exports.

Policy Responses and Recommendations

  • RBI Interventions:
    • Forex market interventions to manage demand-supply imbalances.
    • Interest rate adjustments to attract capital inflows and stabilize the rupee.
    • Enhanced forex reserve management to mitigate excessive volatility.
  • Fiscal Strategies:
    • Reducing Import Dependency: Boost domestic production of high-demand goods like crude oil substitutes.
    • Export Incentives: Strengthen export sectors through subsidies, incentives, and improved infrastructure.
    • Encouraging Long-Term FDI: Promoting stable investment environments for sustained capital inflows.
  • Structural Reforms:
    • Policies that enhance domestic production, reduce reliance on volatile foreign portfolio investments (FPIs), and maximize remittances can stabilize the rupee in the long term.

Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan

  • 17 Jan 2025

In News:

The Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative, launched by Defence Minister coinciding with the 77th Army Day celebrations, is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Tourism.

Key Highlights:

  • This initiative is designed to promote battlefield and border tourism by providing citizens with access to historically significant battlefields and military sites.

Objectives

  • Promote Battlefield and Border Tourism: Encourage citizens and tourists to explore India's military history.
  • Enhance Awareness: Educate visitors about India’s historic battles and military valor.
  • Socio-Economic Development: Boost infrastructure, connectivity, and local economies in border regions.

Features of Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan

  • Virtual Tours and Interactive Content: The platform offers historical narratives, virtual tours, and interactive multimedia to provide a detailed account of each battlefield.
  • Travel Planning Assistance: Visitors can access information regarding permits, travel routes, and accommodations.
  • Integration with the Incredible India Campaign: The initiative is part of the government’s broader tourism strategy, ensuring widespread promotion.
  • Collaborative Infrastructure Development: The Indian Army is working with local civil authorities to facilitate safe tourism without compromising operational preparedness.

Key Locations Covered

  • Galwan Valley (Ladakh): Site of the 2020 India-China clash.
  • Doklam: A tri-junction between India, Bhutan, and China.
  • Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC) Sites:
    • Nathu La Pass (Sikkim): Significant in the 1967 Indo-China clashes.
    • Longewala (Rajasthan): Site of a key battle during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
    • Other Sites: Locations of the 1962 war with China and various Indo-Pak conflicts.

Significance

  • Historical and Patriotic Engagement: Provides citizens firsthand insights into the challenges faced by soldiers in remote, strategic locations.
  • Tourism Development in Border Areas: Previously restricted areas now open for visitors, leading to economic benefits for local communities.
  • National Security Awareness: Encourages greater appreciation of India's defense forces and their contributions.

Implementation

The first phase of the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan project includes key battlefields and border sites across seven major regions. Future phases will expand coverage to additional historical military locations.

Fast Track Immigration FTI-TTP

  • 17 Jan 2025

In News:

The Government of India is launching the Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) to streamline immigration at seven major airports.

Key Highlights:

  • The initiative, inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, aims to enhance the travel experience for Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders.
  • This comes seven months after the programme was first introduced at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, New Delhi. The airports included in this initial phase are: Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin and Ahmedabad

Objectives of FTI-TTP

  • Provide seamless and secure immigration services.
  • Reduce human intervention using automated e-gates.
  • Align with the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision for modern infrastructure.

How the Programme Works

The FTI-TTP simplifies immigration with automated e-gates. Travellers must complete a one-time online registration to enroll. The process involves:

  • Online Registration: Submit personal details and upload necessary documents via the official portal (https://ftittp.mha.gov.in).
  • Biometric Submission: Fingerprints and facial images must be submitted at an airport or Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
  • Immigration Clearance via E-Gates:
    • Passengers scan their boarding passes and passports at e-gates.
    • Biometrics are automatically verified.
    • Upon authentication, the e-gate opens, granting clearance.

Validity: Registration is valid for five years or until the registered passport expires, whichever comes first.

Who is Eligible?

The first phase of the FTI-TTP is open to:

  • Indian nationals.
  • OCI cardholders aged between 12 and 70 years.
  • Children aged 12-18 can register using their parents’ email/phone number.
  • ECR (Emigration Check Required) passport holders are not eligible.

Documents Required for Registration

  • Passport-sized photograph (as per Indian passport specifications).
  • Scanned copy of passport (front and back pages).
  • Proof of current address.
  • OCI card details (if applicable).

Key Points to Note

  • Registration may take up to a month due to verification by field agencies.
  • Applications with incorrect or outdated information may be rejected.
  • In case of passport loss or expiry, travellers must reapply and submit fresh biometrics.
  • Passports must have at least six months’ validity at the time of applying.
  • For support, travellers can reach out via email at india.ftittp-boi@mha.gov.in.

Implementation Phases

The FTI-TTP will be implemented in two phases:

  • Phase 1: Covers Indian citizens and OCI cardholders.
  • Phase 2: Will extend to foreign travellers.
  • The programme will be expanded to 21 major airports across the country.

Comparison with Similar Global Programmes

Several countries have implemented similar fast-track immigration systems:

United States: Global Entry

  • Introduced in 2008.
  • Offers self-service kiosks for pre-approved travellers.
  • Requires background checks and in-person interviews.

United Kingdom: Registered Traveller Service

  • Launched in 2015.
  • Allows frequent visitors from select countries, including India, to use e-gates.
  • Requires visa eligibility or multiple prior visits.

European Union: Smart Borders Initiative

  • Implemented in 2016, with full deployment expected by 2024.
  • Pre-registers biometric data for faster processing at Schengen Area borders.

Australia: SmartGate

  • Started in 2007 for Australian and New Zealand passport holders.
  • Uses automated kiosks for identity verification via passport scans and photos.

Saudi Arabia: Smart Travel System

  • Launched in 2019.
  • Uses automated e-gates for faster immigration clearance.
  • Expanding as part of Vision 2030 to improve travel experience, particularly for Hajj pilgrims.

QS World Future Skills Index 2025

  • 17 Jan 2025

In News:

The QS World Future Skills Index 2025, released by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), evaluates countries' readiness to meet the evolving demands of the global job market. It assesses nations based on skill development, education, and economic transformation, highlighting their preparedness for emerging technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainability.

India’s Performance in the Index:

  • Overall Ranking: India is ranked 25th globally, categorizing it as a “Future Skills Contender.”
  • Future of Work Category: India ranked 2nd, only behind the United States, reflecting its preparedness for AI, digital, and green jobs.
  • Economic Transformation: India scored 58.3, the lowest among the top 30 countries, reflecting challenges in innovation and sustainability.
  • Skills Fit: India received a score of 59.1, the weakest among the top 30 nations, indicating a gap between workforce skills and industry requirements.
  • Academic Readiness: India’s education system is struggling to keep pace with employer demands, necessitating curriculum reforms and stronger academia-industry collaboration.

Key Findings from the Report:

Strengths:

  • Digital Readiness: India has demonstrated strong capabilities in integrating digital talent into the workforce.
  • Youth Advantage: A large, young population provides a demographic dividend for sustained economic growth.
  • Startup Ecosystem: India’s startup culture and government initiatives support technological advancement and innovation.

Weaknesses:

  • Higher Education-Industry Gap: Mismatch between education and employer requirements, particularly in AI, green skills, and entrepreneurship.
  • Limited R&D Investment: India’s research and development spending is 0.6% of GDP, far below the global average of 2.7%.
  • Low Innovation in Sustainability: India scored 15.6 out of 100, ranking poorly in future-oriented innovation for sustainability.

Challenges and Concerns:

  • Skilled Workforce Shortage: The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) estimates a 29 million skilled workforce gap in critical sectors such as healthcare, semiconductor manufacturing, and AI.
  • Low Employability Rates: Only 25% of management professionals, 20% of engineers, and 10% of graduates meet global employability standards.
  • Higher Education Accessibility: Many students face difficulties in accessing quality tertiary education, particularly in skill-intensive fields.

Opportunities for Growth:

  • Leverage Demographic Dividend: India can capitalize on its young workforce to dominate skill-based industries while other nations struggle with aging populations.
  • Policy Support:
    • National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Focuses on modular education and reskilling initiatives.
    • ULLAS Program: Aims to expand lifelong learning and skill development.
  • Technological Integration: Advancements in AI and digital learning can help modernize academic curricula and improve job readiness.

Recommendations for Improvement:

  • Enhancing Academia-Industry Collaboration: Universities should prioritize problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and creativity to align education with employer needs.
  • Increasing R&D Investment: Raising spending on research and development to promote innovation and sustainability.
  • Expanding Access to Education: Bridging regional disparities in tertiary education through flexible and modular learning.
  • Strengthening Policy Implementation: Ensuring effective execution of skilling programs to reduce the workforce-employability gap.

Eighth Pay Commission

  • 17 Jan 2025

In News:

The Union government has approved the constitution of the Eighth Pay Commission, benefiting 50 lakh central government employees and 65 lakh pensioners, including serving and retired defence personnel. The decision, taken ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, aims to address long-standing demands from trade unions and employee organizations.

Key Features of the 8th Pay Commission

  • Early Constitution: Although the Seventh Pay Commission's term ends in 2026, the early establishment of the Eighth Pay Commission ensures timely recommendations and implementation.
  • Composition: The commission will have a Chairperson and two members, typically led by a retired Supreme Court judge.
  • Terms of Reference (ToR):
    • Revision of Pay: Recommend updates to salary structures and allowances.
    • Addressing Pay Disparities: Resolve wage differences across various cadres.
    • Market Parity: Align pay structures with industry standards.
    • Pension and Retirement Benefits: Improve pension schemes and adjust them for inflation.
    • Economic Impact Analysis: Assess how salary hikes contribute to economic growth.
    • Stakeholder Consultations: Engage with governments and other stakeholders before finalizing recommendations.

Economic Implications of the 8th Pay Commission

  • Employee Well-being: Higher wages will enhance the quality of life for government employees.
  • Boost to Consumption: Increased salaries are expected to stimulate demand and support economic expansion.
  • Ripple Effect on PSUs & States: Many public sector undertakings and state governments follow the central pay commission’s recommendations, potentially leading to wider economic benefits.
  • Fiscal Considerations: The implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission in 2016-17 led to an expenditure increase of ?1 lakh crore. A similar rise in 2026-27 could impact fiscal space for capital expenditures.

Challenges and Concerns

  • Implementation Delays: Past commissions have taken two years to submit recommendations, which could push implementation beyond 2027.
  • Living Wage & Pension Issues: Existing formulas for minimum wage and pension calculations may need revision to reflect rising healthcare, education, and digital access costs.
  • Financial Burden on the Exchequer: A significant increase in revenue expenditure could limit the government’s ability to invest in infrastructure and development projects.

Global Economic Prospects (GEP) Report 2025

  • 17 Jan 2025

In News:

The World Bank has released its Global Economic Prospects (GEP) report for 2025, a flagship biannual publication analyzing trends and projections in the global economy, with a focus on emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). The report highlights economic growth forecasts, trade dynamics, and the challenges and opportunities shaping the global economic landscape.

Global Economic Outlook

  • The world economy is projected to expand at a steady yet subdued rate of 2.7% in both 2025 and 2026, maintaining the pace of 2024.
  • Inflation, which peaked above 8% in recent years, is expected to stabilize at an average rate of 2.7% in 2025 and 2026, aligning with central bank targets.
  • Despite growth, the global economy remains 0.4 percentage points below the 2010-2019 average, raising concerns about its ability to tackle poverty effectively.

Challenges and Risks

  • Trade Restrictions: New trade restrictions imposed in 2024 were five times higher than the 2010-19 average, contributing to a slowdown in global trade and economic growth.
  • Rising Protectionism: Increased fragmentation in global trade policies is limiting exports and hampering economic integration.
  • Policy Uncertainty: Adverse policy shifts, sluggish progress in reducing inflation, and weaker performance in major economies pose downside risks to global recovery.
  • Debt and Investment Concerns: Developing economies are experiencing sluggish investment growth and high debt levels, exacerbated by climate change-related costs.

Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs)

  • EMDEs have significantly evolved since 2000, now contributing about 45% of global GDP, compared to 25% at the start of the century.
  • The three largest EMDEs—India, China, and Brazil—have accounted for approximately 60% of annual global growth over the past two decades.
  • Growth in low- and middle-income developing countries is expected at 4.1% in 2025 and 4% in 2026, with a notable slowdown compared to the early 2000s.
  • Low-income countries are projected to rebound to 5.7% in 2025 and 5.9% in 2026, aided by easing conflicts in some regions.
  • The world's poorest nations, with annual per capita incomes below USD 1,145, recorded growth of 3.6% in 2024, impacted by conflicts in regions like Gaza and Sudan, alongside lingering effects of COVID-19 and geopolitical tensions.

India-Specific Highlights

  • Fastest-Growing Major Economy: India is expected to maintain its position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with a projected growth rate of 6.7% in both 2025 and 2026.
  • Sectoral Growth: The services sector will remain robust, while manufacturing activity is expected to strengthen.
  • Investment Growth: Supported by rising private investment, improved corporate balance sheets, and favorable financing conditions, investment growth in India is expected to remain steady.
  • Key Growth Drivers:
    • Infrastructure development under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
    • Innovation-driven initiatives like Startup India and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme.
    • Expansion of the digital economy and financial inclusion efforts.
  • Rural Demand and Consumption: Growth in rural demand and a recovery in farm production have bolstered consumer spending, although urban consumption remains affected by inflation and slow credit growth.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

  • 16 Jan 2025

In News:

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and the focus on this month underscores the critical importance of preventing cervical cancer, a disease responsible for significant mortality among women in India. At the heart of this prevention is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which is recognized as the most effective measure to prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. Despite its potential, the HPV vaccine remains out of reach for many due to its high cost and the need for greater awareness.

HPV and its Impact in India

HPV is responsible for 99.7% of cervical cancers worldwide, making it one of the primary causes of cancer in women. In India, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women, accounting for about 6-29% of all cancers in women. As of GLOBOCAN 2020, India alone has 20% of the global burden of cervical cancer, with over 123,000 cases and a 9.1% mortality rate.

Additionally, HPV can lead to several other cancers, including anal, vulvar, vaginal, penile, and throat cancers, making its vaccination vital for overall cancer prevention.

The HPV Vaccine: A Game-Changer

The HPV vaccine is the most effective tool to prevent infections caused by the virus and reduce the incidence of associated cancers. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that neutralize the virus before it can cause damage. There are different types of vaccines authorized in India, including:

  • Gardasil (protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18)
  • Cervarix (a bivalent vaccine targeting HPV 16 and 18)
  • Cervavac (India's first HPV vaccine, developed by the Serum Institute of India)

The vaccine is recommended for both males and females between 9 and 26 years, with a special focus on children aged 12 to 13 years, as the vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to the virus. It’s also suitable for people who are immunocompromised or HIV-infected.

Challenges to HPV Vaccination in India

Despite the obvious benefits, the uptake of the HPV vaccine in India faces several barriers:

  • High Costs: The price of the vaccine remains prohibitively high. For example:
    • Gardasil 9 costs ?10,850 per dose.
    • Gardasil 4 is priced between ?2,000 to ?4,000 per dose.
    • Cervavac, the Indian-made vaccine, costs around ?2,000 per dose, which is more affordable but still out of reach for many.
  • Awareness and Cultural Perceptions: There is a lack of awareness about HPV and its link to cervical cancer. Cultural factors, particularly around reproductive health, can also create reluctance to vaccinate, especially in rural or conservative areas.
  • Limited Access: Currently, the vaccine is available through private practitioners and is not part of the National Immunisation Programme (NIP), limiting access to the broader population.

The Way Forward: National Immunisation and Awareness Campaigns

The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) has recommended that the HPV vaccine be included in India’s National Immunisation Programme (NIP). This would enable broader access and affordability, especially for girls aged 9–14 years and ensure that a routine vaccination schedule is implemented at the age of 9 years. Some states like Punjab and Sikkim have already taken steps to introduce the vaccine in their state-level immunization programs.

Additionally, a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign could raise awareness about the vaccine and its benefits, helping to overcome the challenges of cost, safety concerns, and cultural perceptions. Regular cervical cancer screenings (such as Pap smears and HPV tests) should also be encouraged to identify precancerous changes early.

Cabinet Approves Establishment of ‘Third Launch Pad’ at ISRO's Sriharikota Facility

  • 16 Jan 2025

In News:

The Union Cabinet, has approved the establishment of a Third Launch Pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), located at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This project marks a significant step in enhancing India’s space capabilities and will support the Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) for ISRO’s evolving space exploration programs.

Key Features of the Third Launch Pad

The TLP will be built with an adaptable design, capable of supporting NGLV and LVM3 vehicles with semi-cryogenic propulsion. The launch pad will also serve as a standby for the Second Launch Pad (SLP) at Sriharikota. This addition will help ISRO meet its growing launch capacity needs, particularly for future human spaceflight missions and space exploration projects. It will facilitate higher launch frequencies, thus boosting the Indian space ecosystem.

Implementation Strategy and Timeline

The Third Launch Pad is planned to be developed within 48 months (4 years), with the total cost pegged at ?3984.86 Crore. The development will involve maximized industry participation and will utilize existing infrastructure at the launch complex. The project will also leverage ISRO’s experience gained from establishing the earlier launch pads.

The Importance of the Third Launch Pad

The TLP is designed to support the Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV), a key part of ISRO’s vision for space exploration. The facility will not only accommodate heavier vehicles but will also ensure standby capacity for the Second Launch Pad (SLP). Its strategic location at Sriharikota ensures several advantages:

  • Proximity to the Equator: This offers a substantial increase in payload capacity due to the additional push provided by the Earth's rotation.
  • Safety and Accessibility: The site is free from major international maritime or airline routes, ensuring a safe flight path.
  • Geographical Advantage: The launch pad is situated on the eastern coast, enabling launches in an easterly direction, maximizing the benefits of Earth’s rotational speed.

Future Plans for Indian Space Exploration

The establishment of the Third Launch Pad is crucial for the expanded vision of India’s space program, particularly in line with the Amrit Kaal period. ISRO aims to achieve ambitious milestones, such as the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035 and an Indian Crewed Lunar Landing by 2040. The NGLV will play a pivotal role in these plans, with features like:

  • A three-stage vehicle and reusable first stage.
  • Semi-cryogenic propulsion, using refined kerosene and liquid oxygen, which will increase payload capacity by three times at 1.5 times the cost of current vehicles.

The Role of Sriharikota in India’s Space Program

Sriharikota, the hub of ISRO’s launch operations, has been integral to India’s space exploration. Currently, the Indian Space Transportation Systems rely on two operational launch pads:

  • First Launch Pad (FLP): Established over 30 years ago for PSLV and SSLV missions, FLP continues to support Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) launches.
  • Second Launch Pad (SLP): Built primarily for GSLV and LVM3 vehicles, SLP also serves as a standby for PSLV. Over its 20 years of operation, SLP has supported several national missions, including Chandrayaan-3, and is preparing for the Gaganyaan missions.

Does ‘Blood Money’ Have a Legal Standing?

  • 16 Jan 2025

In News:

The concept of ‘blood money’ has come under scrutiny recently, especially in the context of the death sentence awarded to Indian nurse Nimisha Priya from Kerala in Yemen. This case, where the focus is on monetary compensation paid to the victim’s family, has sparked renewed discussions on the practice of blood money.

What is ‘Blood Money’?

‘Blood money’ or diya is a term used in Islamic Sharia law and refers to a sum of money that the perpetrator of a crime must pay to the victim or the victim’s family, typically in cases of unintentional murder or homicide. The custom is designed to offer compensation to the family for the loss of income and alleviate their suffering, rather than placing a price on human life. This practice allows the victim’s family to forgive the accused and avoid retribution, called qisas, under the Sharia.

However, even when blood money is paid, the community or state retains the authority to impose a penalty or punishment, which could include imprisonment or other penalties, based on the seriousness of the crime.

How Does Blood Money Figure in Islamic Sharia Law?

In Islamic law, the amount of blood money varies based on several factors such as the victim’s gender, religion, and nationality. The following examples demonstrate the application of blood money in different Islamic countries:

  • Saudi Arabia: In Saudi Arabia, blood money is part of traffic regulations, where the perpetrator must pay compensation to the heirs of victims who die in road accidents. While a Sharia court determines the amount of compensation, the police handle the determination of the guilty party. In workplace accidents, a special committee sets the amount. Saudi Arabia has considered reforming its laws to ensure equal compensation for men and women, Muslims and non-Muslims. However, efforts to amend the laws have not yet been fully implemented.
  • Iran: In Iran, blood money differs based on the gender and religion of the victim. A woman’s compensation is typically set at half of that of a man’s. While the Supreme Court of Iran upheld a law to equalize compensation for all individuals in 2019, full implementation of the law has yet to be realized.
  • Pakistan: Pakistan has incorporated provisions for diya and qisas in its legal system through the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 1991, aligning its practices with those of Islamic law.
  • Yemen: In Yemen, parties involved can negotiate compensation, with judicial oversight ensuring fairness.

India’s Stand on ‘Diya’ and Blood Money

India does not include the provision for blood money in its formal legal framework. However, a similar concept exists in the form of plea bargaining, which allows the accused to negotiate with the prosecution in exchange for a reduced sentence or charge. Plea bargaining involves the defendant pleading guilty to a lesser offense in return for a concession, either in terms of the charges or the sentence.

Plea Bargaining in India:

Introduced under the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2005, plea bargaining was added to the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. While it bears some resemblance to blood money in that it allows for compensation to the victim, it has significant limitations:

  • It can only be applied to crimes punishable by imprisonment of less than seven years.
  • It is not applicable to heinous crimes such as murder or rape, or offenses involving women or children under 14.
  • The accused must voluntarily agree to plead guilty, with no coercion involved.

While plea bargaining may include compensation under Section 265E of the Code, discussions continue to refine this provision to make it more inclusive, similar to the reforms seen in Islamic countries regarding blood money.

Historical Practices Similar to Blood Money

Throughout history, various cultures have had practices similar to blood money. These include:

  • Brehon Law (Ireland): In the 7th century, Brehon law established the concept of Éraic (body price) and Log nEnech (honor price). These were compensation systems that allowed for the amicable resolution of crimes, avoiding capital punishment.
  • Galanas (Wales): Galanas in Welsh law determined compensation based on the victim's social status, where a blood fine was required in cases of murder, unless the killing was justified.
  • Wergeld (Germany): The Wergeld system in early medieval Germany required compensation for homicide or grave offenses, often in monetary terms.
  • Other Medieval States: Several medieval states established a standard payment for the victims’ families in the event of homicide or serious crimes, much like blood money.

Cases of Indians Pardoned with Blood Money

India has witnessed instances where blood money has been invoked for Indian nationals facing death sentences abroad:

  • Arjunan Athimuthu (Kuwait, 2019): Arjunan’s death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment after his family paid ?30 lakh in blood money.
  • Abdul Rahim (Saudi Arabia): Abdul Rahim, convicted for the murder of a Saudi boy in 2006, was pardoned after ?34 crore in blood money was paid. However, he has not been released from prison yet.
  • UAE Cases:
    • In 2017, 10 Indians were pardoned after paying 200,000 dirhams as blood money.

In 2009, 17 Indians on death row for the murder of a Pakistani national were pardoned after a blood money amount of nearly ?4 crore was paid.

US AI Hardware Export Restrictions and Impact on India

  • 16 Jan 2025

In News:

Days before demitting office, the Joe Biden administration has released an expansive regulatory framework on the export of artificial intelligence (AI) hardware such as graphics processing units (GPUs), which could have far-reaching consequences for India’s AI ambitions.

Three-Tier Framework for AI Hardware Export Restrictions

  • Tier 1: Closest US Allies
    • Countries: Australia, Belgium, Canada, South Korea, UK, etc.
    • No restrictions on computing power deployment.
    • Minimal security requirements.
    • Impact: Free access to AI technology for these nations.
  • Tier 2: Majority of Countries (Including India)
    • Countries: India, Brazil, South Africa, etc.
    • Restrictions: Limited to importing approximately 50,000 advanced AI chips (around $1 billion) through 2027.
    • Potential to Double Cap: If countries sign agreements to uphold strict security standards.
    • Impact on India:
      • Short-Term: Likely to fulfill current demand for 10,000 GPUs for the IndiaAI Mission.
      • Long-Term: Challenges in scaling AI infrastructure, with possible delays in large AI data centers and difficulty acquiring large-scale GPUs.
  • Tier 3: Countries of Concern (Restricted Nations)
    • Countries: Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, etc.
    • No Access to US AI Technology: Nearly total prohibition of AI tech exports.

Special Provisions for India and China

  • General Validated End User (GVEU) status for India and China:
    • India: Authorisation for civilian and military use, excluding nuclear applications.
    • China: Only civilian use permitted under similar conditions.

Why the US Imposed These Restrictions?

  • National Security: Prevent adversaries (China, Iran, Russia) from acquiring advanced AI technologies.
  • US Technological Leadership: To protect US AI leadership and prevent loss of competitive edge.
  • Trusted Ecosystem: Build secure and trusted AI environments for allied nations.

Impact on India

  • Short-Term:
    • IndiaAI Mission: Current procurement of 10,000 GPUs unlikely to be affected.
    • Subsidized GPUs: Available for startups, academia, and researchers.
  • Long-Term Concerns:
    • Licensing Uncertainties: Possible delays in large-scale AI deployments and AI data centers.
    • Impact on Large Firms: Companies like Reliance and Yotta may face challenges scaling up AI compute infrastructure.
    • National AI Mission Challenges: Difficulty in acquiring enough GPUs for large-scale AI projects beyond 2027.
    • Strategic Leverage: US could use AI export restrictions to negotiate trade deals or tariff adjustments.

Nvidia’s Criticism of the AI Diffusion Rules

  • Overreach and Bureaucratic: Nvidia criticized the 200+ page regulatory framework as excessive, secretive, and bureaucratic.
  • Harming US Competitiveness: Claims that the rules would hinder US innovation and global leadership, weakening the competitiveness of the US semiconductor and software industries.
  • Contrast with Trump’s Approach: Praises the earlier Trump administration for fostering AI growth through industry competition without compromising national security.

Enforcement of the Rules

  • Regulatory Control: Managed by the US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) under the Department of Commerce.
  • Technology Access: Ensures AI chips and models do not reach adversaries or nations posing security risks.

Potential Impact on India’s AI Strategy

  • AI Hardware Infrastructure: Challenges in large-scale AI hardware deployment.
  • Competitive Disadvantage: Potential delays or downsizing of AI data centers could affect India’s competitiveness in AI technology.
  • Strategic Partnerships: India may need to secure General National Validated End User authorizations to ensure uninterrupted access to advanced chips.
  • AI Market Growth: India’s AI market projected to grow to $17 billion by 2027, with an annual growth rate of 25%-35%.

Nine Years of Startup India

  • 16 Jan 2025

In News:

On January 16, 2025, India marks nine years of Startup India, a transformative journey that began in 2016. Designated as National Startup Day, this occasion celebrates the nation’s strides in fostering a robust and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Current Status (as of Jan 2025)

 Over 1.59 lakh startups recognized by DPIIT, making India the 3rd largest startup ecosystem globally.

  • More than 100 unicorns (startups valued over $1 billion).
  • Key hubs: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR; growing contribution from smaller cities.

Key Sectors

  • Major sectors: Fintech, Edtech, Health-tech, E-commerce.
  • Notable companies: Zomato, Nykaa, Ola exemplify India's shift from job seekers to job creators.

Key Milestones (2016–2025)

  • Startups grew from around 500 in 2016 to 1.59 lakh in 2025.
  • 73,151 startups with at least one-woman director as of 2024, showcasing rise in women entrepreneurship.
  • Over 16.6 lakh jobs created by DPIIT-recognized startups by 2024.

Core Features of Startup India

  • Ease of Doing Business: Simplified compliance, self-certification, and single-window clearances.
  • Tax Benefits: Three-year tax exemptions for eligible startups.
  • Funding Support: ?10,000 crore Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) supports early-stage funding.
  • Sector-Specific Policies: Policies focusing on sectors like biotechnology, agriculture, and renewable energy.

Industry-wise Jobs Created

  • IT Services: 2.04 lakh jobs.
  • Healthcare & Lifesciences: 1.47 lakh jobs.
  • Professional & Commercial Services: 94,000 jobs.
  • Total direct jobs created: 16.6 lakh (as of Oct 2024).

Flagship Schemes

  • Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS).
  • Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS).
  • Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) Scheme.

Other Key Initiatives

  • Capacity Building & Handholding: Workshops for regional ecosystems, especially in non-metro cities.
  • Outreach & Awareness: Initiatives to facilitate funding, incubation, and mentorship opportunities.
  • Ecosystem Development: National-level events like Startup Mahakumbh to bring together key stakeholders.
  • International Linkages: India’s G20 Presidency institutionalized Startup20 to enhance global collaborations.

BHASKAR Platform (Launched in Sept 2024)

  • Objective: Centralize and streamline interactions within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
  • Key Features:
    • Networking: Connects startups, investors, mentors, and government bodies.
    • Resources: Provides quick access to essential tools and knowledge for scaling startups.
    • Global Outreach: Promotes India as a global innovation hub.

Startup Mahakumbh

  • 2024 Edition: Hosted 1,300 exhibitors, 48,000 visitors, and 392 speakers, including unicorn founders and policymakers.
  • 2025 Edition (3-5 April, New Delhi): Theme - “Startup India @ 2047 – Unfolding the Bharat Story.”

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)

  • 15 Jan 2025

In News:

Odisha has become the 34th state to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). The National Health Authority (NHA) of the Union Ministry of Health signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha to onboard the state under the scheme.

Key Highlights:

  • The scheme will be implemented alongside the existing Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana in Odisha.
  • It provides health coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family per annum, with an additional Rs. 5 lakh for women members.
  • Approximately 1.03 crore families will be covered under the scheme.
  • Shri JP Nadda, Union Health Minister, emphasized that the scheme is the world’s largest and fastest-growing health coverage initiative.
  • Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha, highlighted that people will now have access to cashless treatment in over 29,000 empaneled hospitals.

About Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY:

  • Launched in 2018 under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW).
  • Targets 12 crore families (~55 crore beneficiaries).
  • Provides cashless hospital coverage for secondary and tertiary care.
  • Fully funded by the government, with cost-sharing between the Centre and states.
  • Covers nearly 2,000 medical procedures, including major surgeries.

Since its inception, over 8.19 crore hospital admissions have been recorded, with ?1.13 lakh crore spent on healthcare for marginalized sections.

Cyclone Dikeledi

  • 15 Jan 2025

Cyclone Dikeledi struck Mayotte, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, located in the Mozambique Channel. The cyclone caused severe flooding and damage, following closely after Cyclone Chido, which had hit the region in December 2024.

About Mayotte:

  • Comprises two islands from the Comoros archipelago: Mayotte (Grande Terre) and Pamandzi (Petite Terre).
  • It is the poorest region in both France and the European Union.
  • Colonized by France in 1843 and annexed along with the Comoros in 1904.
  • In a 1974 referendum, while 95% of Comoros opted for independence, 63% of Mayotte voted to remain French.
  • While Comoros declared independence in 1975, Mayotte continues to be governed by France.

Cyclone Chido, which struck in December 2024, was recorded as the most severe storm to hit Mayotte in 90 years.

Commissioning of Three Indian Naval Combatants

  • 15 Jan 2025

In News:

In a major boost to India’s maritime defense capabilities, three frontline warships—INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer—were commissioned into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. This marks a significant step in India's self-reliance in defense manufacturing and strengthens its presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

INS Nilgiri: Project 17A Stealth Frigate

INS Nilgiri is the lead ship of the Project 17A class, an advanced version of the Shivalik-class frigates, designed for multi-mission capabilities in blue-water operations.

Key Features:

  • Advanced stealth technology reducing radar and infrared signatures.
  • Equipped with supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM), upgraded 76 mm guns, and rapid-fire close-in weapon systems.
  • Versatile roles in anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare.
  • Constructed using integrated modular design for faster assembly.
  • Other ships in this class—Himgiri, Taragiri, Udaygiri, Dunagiri, and Vindhyagiri—are under construction at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).

INS Surat: Project 15B Stealth Destroyer

INS Surat is the fourth and final guided missile destroyer under Project 15B, following INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, and INS Imphal. It represents an upgraded version of the Kolkata-class destroyers.

Key Features:

  • AI-Enabled Operations: First Indian warship integrated with artificial intelligence solutions for enhanced combat efficiency.
  • High-Speed Capability: Can exceed speeds of 30 knots (56 km/h).
  • Advanced Armament: Equipped with modern surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and sophisticated network-centric warfare sensors.
  • Strategic Role: Acts as a high-speed, maneuverable warship with increased strike capability and endurance.

Project 15B was initiated in 2011, with ships named after major Indian cities to symbolize national unity. These destroyers serve as critical assets in naval operations, ensuring dominance in maritime warfare.

INS Vaghsheer: Project 75 Scorpene-Class Submarine

INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and final Kalvari-class submarine built under Project 75, designed for stealth and versatile naval operations.

Key Features:

  • Scorpene-Class Design: Developed in collaboration with the French Naval Group.
  • Diesel-Electric Propulsion: Silent and highly maneuverable, making it one of the world’s most advanced attack submarines.
  • Mission Capabilities: Specializes in anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and special operations.
  • Weapons Systems: Armed with wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and state-of-the-art sonar systems.

The Kalvari-class submarines continue India's legacy of submarine warfare, named after decommissioned Soviet-origin Foxtrot-class submarines post-Independence.

Iran's Capital Relocation

  • 15 Jan 2025

In News:

Iran has announced plans to relocate its capital from Tehran to the Makran coastal region due to economic and environmental concerns.

Reasons Behind Relocation

  • Overcrowding and Resource Constraints: Tehran, the capital for over 200 years since the Qajar dynasty (1794-1925), faces overpopulation, air pollution, water scarcity, and energy shortages.
  • Strategic Importance of Makran: Located in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Makran’s proximity to the Gulf of Oman enhances its potential for economic development.
  • Economic and Maritime Significance: Home to key ports like Chabahar, Makran is vital for Iran’s petroleum reserves and coastal trade.
  • Geopolitical Considerations: The development of Makran as an international trade hub could strengthen Iran’s economic ties with Central Asia and the Indian Ocean region.

About Makran

  • Geographical Overview: A semi-desert coastal plateau shared by Pakistan and Iran, bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.
  • Key Ports and Trade Routes: Gwadar (Pakistan) and Chabahar (Iran) serve as critical gateways to the Strait of Hormuz, a global oil supply route.

Alexander’s Invasion and Makran’s Historical Significance

Background of Alexander’s Invasion (327–325 BCE)

  • Entry into India: Alexander, King of Macedonia (336-323 BCE), entered India via the Khyber Pass after conquering Kabul.
  • Key Battles:
    • Battle of Hydaspes (Jhelum): Faced and defeated King Porus, later reinstating him as an ally.
    • Retreat at Hyphasis (Beas River): His army, exhausted and wary of the Nanda Empire’s strength, refused to march further east.

The Gedrosian Desert March

  • Extreme Hardships: While retreating through the Makran Desert, Alexander lost a third of his army to dehydration, starvation, and exhaustion.
  • Comparison with Cyrus the Great: Unlike Cyrus II, who failed to cross the desert, Alexander’s army endured the harsh terrain, albeit with heavy casualties.

Impact of Alexander’s Invasion on India

  • Cultural and Trade Exchanges: Facilitated early Indo-Greek interactions and opened key trade routes linking South Asia and Europe.
  • Greek Settlements: Established cities like Alexandria (Kabul) and Boukephala (Jhelum), influencing local governance and trade.
  • Mauryan Expansion: Weakened regional rulers enabled Chandragupta Maurya to establish the Mauryan Empire.
  • Influence on Art and Culture: Indo-Greek fusion led to the Gandhara School of Art, integrating Greek and Indian artistic traditions.

Makaravilakku festival

  • 15 Jan 2025

In News:

Kerala police deploy 5,000 personnel at Sabarimala ahead of Makaravilakku festival.

Key Highlights:

  • Makaravilakku is a prominent annual Hindu festival held at the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
  • It marks the celestial event of the Sun entering Capricorn (Makaram Rashi) on Makara Sankranti.
  • The festival is a culmination of the 41-day pilgrimage to Sabarimala, celebrated with devotion, discipline, and spiritual purification.
  • Sabarimala is one of the largest pilgrimage sites globally, drawing 10-15 million devotees annually.

Location:

  • The Sabarimala Temple is located on the Sabarimala hill in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, within the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
  • It is surrounded by 18 hills and is located along the banks of the Pamba River.

Key Rituals:

  • 41-Day Pilgrimage (Vratham): Devotees observe strict practices like celibacy, fasting, and wearing black or saffron attire to purify the body and soul.
  • Makaravilakku (Makara Jyothi): A celestial light appears on Makara Sankranti, believed to be a divine manifestation of Lord Ayyappa.
  • Thiruvabharanam Procession: On Makaravilakku day, sacred royal ornaments (Thiruvabharanam) are carried in a procession from the Pandalam Palace to the temple.
  • Aarti at Ponnambalamedu: The Makaravilakku light is believed to emanate from camphor lit during the Aarti ritual at Ponnambalamedu, viewed three times from Sabarimala.

Festival Duration:

  • The Makaravilakku festival lasts for seven days, starting on Makara Sankranti and concluding with the Guruthi offering, which propitiates the gods of the wilderness.

Significance of Makaravilakku:

  • The festival symbolizes the merging of celestial and spiritual energies, highlighting devotion, purity, and self-discipline.
  • Devotees chant the mantra "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa," seeking blessings and protection from Lord Ayyappa.
  • The event promotes equality, as all devotees wear simple black or blue attire and carry the sacred bundle, “Irumudi Kettu.”

Cultural and Religious Aspects:

  • The festival is an important cultural and religious observance for millions of Hindus.
  • Though previously believed to be a supernatural event, Makaravilakku now involves a ritual performed by the Malayaraya tribe, overseen by the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Prohibition on Women:

  • The temple traditionally restricts women aged 10-50 from entering. This was challenged in 2018 when the Supreme Court ruled to lift the prohibition, although it remains a contentious issue.

 

Purulia Observatory

  • 14 Jan 2025

In News:

New observatory at remote Purulia district West Bengal is expected to contribute significantly to Astrophysics.

Key Highlights:

Location and Significance:

  • Established by: S.N. Bose Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBCBS), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India.
  • Location: The observatory is situated at Panchet Hill, in the Garpanchakot area of Purulia district, West Bengal, at an elevation of 600 meters above ground level.
  • Longitude Gap: Positioned at a longitude of approximately 86° E, this observatory fills a critical longitudinal gap in global astronomical observation networks. There are very few observatories along this longitude, making it strategically important for observing transient astronomical phenomena that last from minutes to hours.
  • Global Impact: This location will allow for unique contributions to global astrophysical research, especially in observing transient events, which require observatories spread across all global longitudes.

Technological and Educational Role:

  • The observatory is equipped with a 14-inch telescope for scientific observations.
  • It will serve as a training ground for students and researchers, helping them to handle telescopes, record astronomical data, and engage in research.
  • The observatory aims to foster national and international collaborations in astronomical research, furthering India’s contributions to the field.

Collaborations and Ecosystem Development:

  • MOU with Sidhu Kanu Birsa University: The observatory will be run jointly with Sidhu Kanu Birsa University, sharing resources and responsibilities. The collaboration promises to bring scientific and educational advancements to Purulia, a district traditionally considered backward.
  • The establishment of the observatory is expected to boost the local ecosystem, creating a space for scientific engagement and inspiring students in the region.

Research and Contributions:

  • The research team, from the Department of Astrophysics at SNBCBS, contributed to the conceptualization, site characterization, and installation of the telescope.
  • Their efforts ensure the observatory will be capable of high-quality scientific observations, especially with regard to weather parameters and astronomical seeing conditions.

Future Prospects:

  • Scientists emphasized that the observatory will significantly contribute to the global body of knowledge in observational astronomy.
  • Also highlighted the potential of the observatory to create a scientific ecosystem in the region.
  • The observatory will also serve as a source of inspiration for students in Purulia and provide a much-needed boost to local education in the fields of science and astrophysics.

Konkan Region’s Sada and Biodiversity

  • 14 Jan 2025

In News:

A Konkan secret, the flat-top sada is a freshwater paradise.

Key Highlights:

Geography of Sada:

  • The Konkan region lies between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats.
  • Sada refers to flat-topped hills, formed by centuries of erosion, and is a prominent feature in the Ratnagiri district.
  • These areas are typically barren except during the monsoon season when they come alive with flora and fauna.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services:

  • A biodiversity survey between 2022-2024 recorded 459 plant species, with 105 being endemic to the Konkan region.
  • The survey also identified 31 species of reptiles, 13 species of amphibians, 169 species of birds, and 41 species of mammals.
  • These ecosystems play a vital role in water conservation. The lateritic soil layer atop the Sada acts as a catchment for rainwater, recharging the groundwater and providing freshwater to local communities year-round.

Traditional Land Use and Agriculture:

  • Local Farming: During monsoons, the Sada is used by locals for growing traditional crops like rice and millets (e.g., nanchani), using sustainable farming practices without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
  • Water Management: The locals rely on open wells, springs, and perennial streams for freshwater, which are carefully maintained through cultural rituals and community hygiene practices.

Conservation and Cultural Importance:

  • The region is home to geoglyphs, ancient artworks estimated to be 10,000 years old, adding to its cultural and historical significance.
  • Waterbodies on the Sada serve as habitats for species like the Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata) and provide water for other wildlife, including leopards, jackals, hyenas, barking deer, and migratory birds.

Environmental Threats:

  • Land-use Change: Increasing conversion of open land and croplands into orchards and residential areas, along with various developmental projects, threatens the region's biodiversity.
  • Mining: Extraction of laterite stones for construction purposes is another environmental risk.
  • Wasteland Classification: The region is often classified as a ‘wasteland’ in the Wasteland Atlas, further complicating conservation efforts.

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Hostage Release Deal

  • 14 Jan 2025

In News:

Israel and Hamas have agreed on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal after 15 months of war.

Key Highlights:

Ceasefire Agreement Details:

  • Location: The deal was brokered in Doha, Qatar.
  • Approval Process: The deal must be approved by Israel’s Cabinet to take effect.
  • Mediators: The agreement was negotiated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, with their involvement ensuring the implementation of the deal.

Phases of the Deal:

  • First Phase (42 Days):
    • Release of 33 hostages by Hamas, including women, children, and elderly people.
    • Hostage Exchange: Hostages will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
    • Gaza Ceasefire and Withdrawal: Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from Central Gaza and move to the borders.
    • Return of Displaced Palestinians: Displaced Palestinians will be allowed to return to Northern Gaza.
    • Humanitarian Aid: 600 humanitarian aid trucks will be allowed into Gaza daily.
  • Second Phase:
    • Hostage Release: Negotiations will begin for the release of remaining hostages.
    • Full Israeli Troop Withdrawal: Israel will fully withdraw its forces.
  • Third Phase:
    • Reconstruction of Gaza: Overseen by Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.
    • Reopening of Border Crossings: For movement in and out of Gaza.
    • Return of Hostage Bodies: Return of any bodies of hostages who died.

Background of the Israel-Hamas Conflict:

  • Start: On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, called Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, causing significant casualties.
  • Israeli Response: Israel launched Operation Iron Sword in retaliation.
  • Casualties: The conflict resulted in 46,707 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, and 1,210 Israeli deaths.

About Gaza Strip:

  • Location: A Palestinian enclave on the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Israel and Egypt.
  • Administration: The Gaza Strip is governed by Hamas since 2006.
  • Movement Restrictions: Israel controls air space and shoreline, imposing restrictions. Egypt controls one border and also restricts movement.

Gaza Truce Deal:

  • Nature: A proposed ceasefire to end the ongoing conflict.
  • Primary Parties: Israel and Hamas.
  • Supporting Nations: United States, Qatar, and Egypt.
  • Significance:
    • Aims to stop fighting and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
    • Potential to influence regional stability and Israeli politics.
    • Marks an important moment in U.S. diplomacy under the Biden administration.

Nag Mark-2

  • 14 Jan 2025

In News:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted field evaluation trials of India's indigenous Anti-Tank Missile - Nag Mark 2 at the Pokhran Field Range in Rajasthan.

Overview of Nag Mk-2:

  • Type: Third-generation, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM).
  • Development: Indigenous development by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
  • Functionality: Designed to neutralize modern armored threats, including those with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA), using advanced fire-and-forget technology.

Technological Features:

  • Fire-and-Forget Technology: Operators lock onto targets before launch, allowing the missile to autonomously track and engage targets, ensuring precision strikes.
  • Lock-on After Launch: The missile can lock onto the target post-launch, providing flexibility in complex battlefield environments.
  • Advanced Guidance System: Equipped with Imaging Infrared (IIR) seekers for enhanced accuracy, both during the day and at night.

Performance and Range:

  • Effective Range: The missile has a range of 7 to 10 kilometers, a significant improvement over its predecessor, Nag Mk-1, which had a range of only 4 kilometers.
  • Test Trials: Successfully destroyed all targets at both maximum and minimum ranges during the field evaluation trials at Pokhran Field Range, Rajasthan.
  • Attack Mode: Includes a top-attack capability to target the vulnerable upper surfaces of armored vehicles, enhancing its effectiveness.

Platform and Integration:

  • Launch Platform: The missile is launched from the NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier) Version 2, a tank destroyer vehicle used by the Indian Army to launch anti-tank missiles.
  • Versatility: Designed for integration with multiple platforms, enhancing operational flexibility in different combat scenarios.

Strategic and Operational Significance:

  • Indigenous Defence Capability: Reduces India's dependence on foreign weapons systems, strengthening self-reliance in defense technology.
  • Enhanced Battlefield Readiness: Provides the Indian Army with a cutting-edge weapon to counter modern armored vehicles, improving tactical advantages.
  • Operational Effectiveness: The missile’s precision and ability to neutralize targets with minimal collateral damage make it an essential tool in modern warfare.
  • Strategic Deterrence: Demonstrates India’s technological advancements in missile systems, signaling strength and deterrence to adversaries.

Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform

  • 14 Jan 2025

In News:

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal launches Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform.

Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform:

  • Objective: Strengthen India's cleantech value chains, especially in solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery storage sectors.
  • Platform Features:
    • Aims to promote collaboration, co-innovation, and knowledge-sharing among Indian firms.
    • Focus on scaling up manufacturing, sharing ideas, technologies, and resources.
    • Acts as a financing platform for the cleantech sector.
    • Designed to position India as a global leader in sustainability and cleantech innovation.

India's Clean Energy Commitment:

  • Target: 500 GW of clean energy capacity by 2030.
  • India has been a front-runner in fulfilling its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and UNFCCC.
  • Early Achievement: India achieved its 2022 renewable energy target of 200 GW, 8 years ahead of schedule.
  • Largest Interconnected Grid: India boasts the world’s largest interconnected power grid, enhancing its renewable energy distribution capacity.
  • Gujarat is a pioneer in solar power adoption in India.

Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal's Views:

  • On Product-Linked Incentives (PLIs):
    • PLIs and subsidies are seen as short-term aids; long-term growth of the clean energy sector depends on it becoming self-sustaining.
    • Urged Indian firms to innovate and scale up manufacturing within the country.
  • On Clean Energy and Sustainability:
    • Stressed the importance of innovation and collaboration to achieve sustainability goals.
    • India aims to attract international investors by creating a compelling business case for cleantech investments.
  • 3S Approach (Speed, Scale, and Skill): Key to implementing India's renewable energy program, emphasizing rapid deployment, large-scale adoption, and skill development in the sector.

Bharat Climate Forum 2025:

  • Event Objective: A platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to discuss climate action, clean energy, and India’s role in global climate goals.
  • Key Focus Areas:
    • Aligning India’s clean energy initiatives with global climate goals (UNFCCC, Paris Agreement).
    • Emphasizing India’s early achievements in clean energy adoption.
    • Promoting sustainable development and clean energy solutions.

India's Performance in Renewable Energy:

  • India’s progress has been commendable in meeting its climate targets and setting up clean energy capacity ahead of schedule.
  • The government’s initiatives, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have made solar power affordable and scalable through transparency in auctions, competitive bidding, and speed in project implementation.

World’s First Cryo-Born Baby Corals

  • 13 Jan 2025

In News:

World’s First Cryo-Born Baby Corals Successfully Settled on the Great Barrier Reef.

Introduction to Cryo-Born Corals

  • Cryo-born corals are created using cryopreservation techniques, which involve freezing coral cells and tissues at very low temperatures.
  • The process preserves coral cells by preventing the formation of ice crystals that would otherwise damage them.
  • Cryopreservation involves adding cryoprotectants to remove water from cells, enabling their survival during freezing and thawing.

Significance of the Breakthrough

  • Climate Change Resilience: The initiative aims to create heat-tolerant corals, which are crucial in combating the impact of rising ocean temperatures due to climate change.
  • Selective Breeding Advantage: Cryopreservation allows for controlled breeding and bypasses the limitations of natural coral spawning, which occurs only once a year. This enables multiple reproduction cycles without disturbing wild populations.

The Process of Cryo-Born Coral Production

  • Sperm Collection: During coral spawning events, sperm from various coral species is collected and frozen at -196°C using liquid nitrogen, halting metabolic processes.
  • Coral Egg Fertilization: Cryopreserved sperm is used to fertilize fresh coral eggs, which are grown in a specialized research facility called the National Sea Simulator.
  • Coral Cradles: After growth, the cryo-born corals are carefully transported and settled into specially designed "coral cradles" placed in the Great Barrier Reef, where their growth is monitored during their critical first year.

Importance of Cryo-Born Corals in Reef Restoration

  • The primary aim is to introduce millions of heat-tolerant corals annually to restore reefs affected by climate change.
  • The Taronga CryoDiversity Bank houses the world’s largest frozen coral sperm collection from 32 coral species, collected annually since 2011, providing a resource for future restoration efforts.

Coral Reefs: An Overview

  • Corals are marine invertebrates from the class Anthozoa, phylum Cnidaria.
  • Reefs are built by colonies of coral polyps that secrete limestone skeletons and rely on symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) for nutrition.
  • Coral reefs are typically found in shallow, sunlit waters with a temperature range of 16-32°C and depths less than 50 meters.

Global and Indian Coral Conservation Efforts

  • India:
    • The National Committee on Wetlands, Mangroves, and Coral Reefs (1986) advises on conservation measures.
    • The Environment (Protection) Act (1986) prohibits the use of coral and sand in construction.
    • Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) uses Biorock technology for coral restoration.
  • Global Efforts:
    • CITES lists coral species in Appendix II, regulating coral trade.
    • The World Heritage Convention designates coral reefs as protected sites.

Global Impact and Future Directions

  • The innovative work by Australian scientists opens the door for large-scale restoration efforts by allowing more controlled breeding and genetic diversity, making corals more resilient to climate change.
  • This breakthrough could revolutionize coral restoration, scaling up efforts to introduce millions of resilient corals to reefs worldwide, building long-term resilience against climate change.

Sovereign Artificial Intelligence

  • 13 Jan 2025

In News:

  • The growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been remarkable in recent years. In 2018, a 340-million-parameter AI model was considered large, whereas models like ChatGPT now have 1.8 trillion parameters.
  • As part of its ambition to make the digital economy worth USD 1 trillion by 2028, India is focusing on AI sovereignty and investing in semiconductors and AI technologies to achieve this goal.

What is Sovereign AI?

Definition

  • Sovereign AI refers to a nation’s ability to develop, control, and deploy AI using its own resources, including infrastructure, data, workforce, and business networks.
  • This involves not just developing AI models but also creating infrastructure and nurturing homegrown talent to lead AI advancements within the country.

Key Aspects of Sovereign AI

  • National Control: Ensures AI technologies align with a country's laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
  • Data Sovereignty: Emphasizes control of data within the country’s borders, protecting privacy, security, and national interests.
  • AI in Governance: Generative AI is transforming industries, markets, and governance, with AI-powered tools assisting professionals and governments.
  • Ethical Considerations: Countries define security protocols and ethical frameworks to govern the use of AI technologies.
  • Strategic Autonomy: Reduces reliance on foreign technologies, encouraging domestic development in AI to achieve strategic independence.
  • Economic Competitiveness: AI is crucial for industrial innovation. Without it, nations risk falling behind in the global economy.

Growth and Importance of AI

Evolution of AI Models

  • In 2018, a 340-million-parameter model was considered a significant achievement.
  • Today, ChatGPT uses 1.8 trillion parameters, and Google’s Gemini uses 1.5 trillion parameters. In comparison, China’s DeepSeek has a model with 240 billion parameters.
  • Parameters are the internal variables of AI models, adjusted during training to improve their performance and accuracy.

Strategic Applications

  • Sovereign AI plays a pivotal role in critical sectors such as:
    • Defense
    • Healthcare
    • Transportation
    • Governance
  • It helps redefine industries, boost innovation, and streamline operations across various sectors.

India’s Position in Sovereign AI

AI Infrastructure Development

  • Tata Group and Reliance are building AI infrastructure in India, including the development of Large Language Models (LLMs).
  • India has allocated USD 1.2 billion for a sovereign AI project under the IndiaAI Mission, which includes creating an AI supercomputer with thousands of chips.

Government Initiatives

  • The IndiaAI Mission is designed to boost India’s AI capabilities by building infrastructure, fostering talent, and supporting innovation within the country.

Global AI Compact

  • A Global AI Compact has been proposed to ensure equitable access to AI technologies across nations.
  • The compact advocates for sharing AI resources globally while promoting cooperation and addressing challenges associated with AI governance.

Pink Fire Retardant

  • 13 Jan 2025

In News:

As wildfires continue to rage across Southern California, authorities are deploying pink fire retardant from aircraft to help combat the blazes. Despite its widespread use, concerns over its effectiveness and environmental risks have surfaced in recent years.

What is Pink Fire Retardant?

  • Fire retardant is a chemical mixture designed to slow down or extinguish wildfires. The most commonly used product in the U.S. is Phos-Chek, a brand of retardant.
  • Phos-Chek primarily contains ammonium phosphate-based slurry (salts like ammonium polyphosphate), which helps the retardant stay longer and resist evaporation, unlike water.

Purpose and Visibility

  • Fire retardants are sprayed ahead of fires to coat vegetation, reducing oxygen and preventing flames from spreading.
  • Color is added to the fire retardant, often bright pink, to improve visibility. This ensures firefighters can track its spread and create effective fire lines, helping protect lives and property.

Manufacturer

  • Perimeter Solutions manufactures Phos-Chek, which is used for aerial fire suppression efforts.

Effectiveness of Pink Fire Retardant

Limited Effectiveness

  • The use of fire retardants like Phos-Chek is not always effective across different wildfire conditions.
    • Aerial retardants depend on environmental conditions like terrain, slope, and weather for optimal effectiveness.
    • Researchers, including Forest Service scientists, suggest that retardant effectiveness is more limited under changing climate conditions.
    • Climate change is narrowing the window of opportunity for using aerial retardants, reducing their impact.

Uncertainty in Impact

  • The effectiveness of fire retardants is hard to quantify. Multiple firefighting methods are used simultaneously, making it difficult to attribute wildfire suppression success solely to the retardant.

Environmental Concerns of Pink Fire Retardant

Toxicity and Pollution

  • Phos-Chek contains toxic metals such as chromium and cadmium, both of which are harmful to humans and the environment.
    • Chromium and cadmium are linked to serious health issues, including cancer and liver/kidney diseases.
    • Aquatic life is particularly vulnerable to these toxins, as the chemicals can enter waterways, causing extensive damage to ecosystems.

Impact on Rivers and Streams

  • The use of pink fire retardant has raised concerns regarding the contamination of rivers and streams.
    • A study by the University of Southern California (USC) in 2024 estimated that 850,000 pounds of toxic chemicals have been released into the environment since 2009 due to fire retardant use.

Growing Use and Pollution

  • From 2009 to 2021, over 440 million gallons of retardant were applied across U.S. lands.
    • During this period, an estimated 400 tons of heavy metals were introduced into the environment, further exacerbating the pollution levels.

Financial and Practical Concerns

High Cost and Inefficiency

  • The cost of deploying fire retardant is significant. Aerial firefighting operations require substantial resources, including planes, helicopters, and large quantities of retardant.
  • Environmental experts argue that using fire retardant from planes is ineffective and expensive, especially in light of the growing environmental concerns.

India Joins the UN-CEBD

  • 13 Jan 2025

In News:

  • India has recently joined the United Nations Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD), marking a significant step in strengthening its role in global statistical frameworks.
  • The inclusion is a result of India's recent membership in the United Nations Statistical Council (UNSC), signaling the nation's growing influence in global data governance.

Key Highlights

  • India's Growing Influence: India’s entry into the UN-CEBD highlights its growing stature in the international statistical community, emphasizing its commitment to utilizing big data and data science for informed decision-making.
  • Strategic Opportunity: This membership allows India to contribute to shaping global standards in leveraging big data for official statistical purposes, especially in tracking Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What is UN-CEBD?

  • UN-CEBD is a specialized body under the United Nations, formed in 2014 to explore the benefits and challenges of using big data and data science to strengthen global statistical systems.
  • It was established under the United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC).
  • Members: The committee consists of 31 member states (including India) and 16 international organizations.

Key Objectives

  • Monitor SDGs: Use big data to track progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Address Data Challenges: Overcome challenges in utilizing non-traditional data sources, such as satellite imagery, Internet of Things (IoT), and private sector data.
  • Promote Big Data Use: Encourage practical applications of big data across borders while addressing associated challenges.

Governance and Functions

  • Advisory Board: Provides strategic direction, convening four times a year.
  • UN Bureau: Manages day-to-day operations.
  • Key Functions:
    • Strategic Coordination: Vision and direction for utilizing big data in global official statistics.
    • Capacity Building: Enhance capabilities through training, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing.
    • Public Trust: Establish confidence in using big data for official statistics.

Big Data: Definition and Importance

What is Big Data?

  • Big data refers to vast, complex datasets that cannot be processed by traditional data management systems.
  • It enables enhanced decision-making and improved processes for policy formulation, product development, and governance.

India's Big Data Initiatives

  • National Data & Analytics Platform (NDAP): Facilitates data-driven decision-making.
  • Big Data Management Policy: Defines strategies for managing large datasets within government agencies.
  • National Data Warehouse on Official Statistics: Centralizes official data for better access and analysis.

The 6Vs of Big Data

  • Volume: Large amounts of data.
  • Velocity: Speed of data generation and processing.
  • Variety: Different types of data.
  • Veracity: Accuracy of data.
  • Value: Significance of the data.
  • Variability: Fluctuations in data.

India’s Role in the UN-CEBD

Contribution to Global Standards

  • India's initiatives such as the Data Innovation Lab and the use of satellite imagery and machine learning will be shared with other members, fostering global collaboration in statistical innovations.
  • India will contribute to shaping international standards for the use of big data in monitoring SDGs.

Enhancing Statistical Processes

  • Modernization of Data: India aims to modernize its statistical processes by incorporating IoT, satellite data, and private-sector data.
  • Real-time Insights: Providing policymakers with timely and accurate data to address key socio-economic issues.
  • Improving Estimates: Using big data to enhance the accuracy of official statistics, improving governance and policymaking.

Strategic Goals of India's Engagement

  • Streamline Statistical Production: Innovation in data collection, processing, and analysis to reduce delays in data availability.
  • Improve Decision-Making: Provide real-time, evidence-based insights to policymakers.
  • Foster International Collaboration: Share India’s expertise and learn from global best practices to build future-ready statistical systems.

National Youth Day 2025

  • 13 Jan 2025

In News:

On January 12, 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025, an event aimed at empowering India's youth and charting a roadmap for the nation's development. This occasion also coincided with the celebration of National Youth Day, marking the 163rd birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, a renowned spiritual leader and social reformer who strongly believed in the transformative potential of India's youth.

Significance of National Youth Day

  • Purpose:
    • National Youth Day is celebrated to honor Swami Vivekananda's contributions, emphasizing the role of youth in nation-building.
    • It promotes empowerment, leadership, and innovation among the youth.
  • Year of First Celebration: 1985
  • Key Theme (2025): "Arise, Awake, and Realize the Power You Hold"

Key Highlights from the Dialogue

  • Goal of the Dialogue:
    • Engaging youth in the decision-making process for a developed India by 2047.
    • Empowering youth through platforms like quizzes, essay competitions, and thematic presentations.
  • Ten Key Themes Discussed:
    • Technology & Innovation
    • Sustainability
    • Women Empowerment
    • Manufacturing & Agriculture
    • Education and Skill Development

India’s Roadmap for 2047 (Viksit Bharat)

  • Vision:
    • Economic Power: India is moving toward becoming the third-largest economy.
    • Strategic and Cultural Strength: India will have a robust economic, strategic, social, and cultural framework.
    • Youth's Role: Innovation in technology, digital economy, space, and manufacturing will drive India’s growth.
  • Key Projects and Targets:
    • Target: Generating 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
    • Net Zero Emissions for Railways: Set for 2030.
    • Olympics: India aims to host the Olympics in the next decade.
    • Space Power: Plans for a space station by 2035.

Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Challenge

  • Objective:
    • Engage youth in shaping ideas for a developed India.
    • The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue is part of the Viksit Bharat Challenge.
  • Stages of the Challenge:
    • Viksit Bharat Quiz: Participation by 30 lakh youth.
    • Essay Writing: Over 2 lakh essays on key developmental themes.
    • State Rounds: Rigorous in-person competition to identify the top young leaders.
  • Participant Categories:
    • 1,500 from Viksit Bharat Challenge Track.
    • 1,000 from Traditional Track (cultural and science innovation).
    • 500 Pathbreakers (leaders in diverse sectors).

Achievements Under Government Benefiting Youth

  • Educational Reforms:
    • Increase in IITs, IIITs, IIMs, and AIIMS.
    • Growth in the number of higher education institutions and their global rankings.
  • Economic Growth:
    • India's economy has grown to nearly $4 trillion.
    • Infrastructure Investments: More than ?11 lakh crore allocated for infrastructure development.
  • Employment Opportunities for Youth:
    • Mudra Loans: ?23 lakh crore distributed to youth entrepreneurs.
    • Startup Ecosystem: India is among the top three in global startups.
    • PM Gati Shakti Mission: Facilitating logistics and infrastructure development, creating employment opportunities.

Future Outlook

  • Youth as the Future Leaders of India:
    • India’s Youth Power: Vital to achieving a developed nation by 2047.
    • The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue is a platform for youth to voice their opinions and engage with policymakers.
  • Role of Youth in India’s Transformation:
    • Collective Responsibility: Every citizen's effort is essential for national goals.
    • The vision of a Viksit Bharat hinges on the innovative contributions and ownership by young minds.

EmpowHER Biz – Sapno Ki Udaan

  • 12 Jan 2025

In News:

The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of NITI Aayog, in partnership with New Shop (India’s largest 24/7 convenience retail chain), launched the initiative EmpowHER Biz – Sapno Ki Udaan under the Award to Reward (ATR) program. This program aims to empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with the skills, resources, and mentorship needed to succeed in the organized retail sector. The collaboration seeks to create a robust retail ecosystem that supports women in overcoming barriers such as societal biases, limited access to financing, and a lack of mentorship.

Key Features of the Initiative:

  • Target Participants: The program will select 50 women aged 18-35 through an online application process. Women from Delhi NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat will be considered.
  • Top 20 Participants: The 20 best candidates will receive a 100% waiver on New Shop franchise fees, enabling them to operate their own retail businesses with reduced financial barriers.
  • Program Objective: Equip women entrepreneurs with skills such as retail management, digital tools, financial literacy, and business development. Participants will also receive valuable mentorship to help them grow and scale their businesses.
  • Focus on Retail: The initiative focuses on empowering women within the organized retail sector, creating a sustainable ecosystem that fosters growth and development for female entrepreneurs.

About Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP):

  • Incubation & Transition: Established in 2018, WEP was incubated within NITI Aayog and transitioned into a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in 2022.
  • Purpose: WEP aims to empower women entrepreneurs by addressing challenges like information asymmetry and providing essential support in key areas such as:
    • Access to Finance
    • Market Linkages
    • Training & Skilling
    • Mentoring & Networking
    • Compliance & Legal Assistance
    • Business Development Services
  • Collaboration: WEP partners with over 30 public and private sector organizations to develop scalable and impactful programs. Since 2023, the Award to Reward initiative offers a framework for stakeholders to create impactful programs for women entrepreneurs.

About New Shop:

  • Business Model: New Shop operates over 200 round-the-clock convenience retail stores in high-density areas, including highways and gas stations. The company plans to expand into airports, railway stations, and other mass transit hubs.
  • Franchising Vision: By 2030, New Shop aims to empower over 10,000 entrepreneurs in India through its franchising model. The partnership with WEP seeks to help women entrepreneurs access this growth opportunity.

Program Outcomes:

  • Mentorship & Training: Participants will be mentored and trained on key aspects such as retail management, business development, and digital tools.
  • Franchise Opportunity: Top participants will gain access to New Shop’s franchising ecosystem, providing them a ready-made business opportunity with lower entry barriers.
  • Financial Assistance: The program will also provide financial resources to the women, helping them build their businesses with greater ease.

Future of Jobs Report 2025

  • 12 Jan 2025

In News:

The World Economic Forum's latest "Future of Jobs Report 2025" has highlighted significant trends and predictions for the global labor market by 2030.

Key Highlights:

Fastest Growing Jobs by 2030

The report identified the following jobs as the fastest-growing by 2030:

  • Big Data Specialists
  • FinTech Engineers
  • AI and Machine Learning Specialists
  • Software and Applications Developers
  • Security Management Specialists
  • Data Warehousing Specialists
  • Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Specialists
  • UI/UX Designers
  • Delivery Drivers
  • Internet of Things (IoT) Specialists

Job Disruption and Creation

  • 22% of jobs globally will be disrupted by 2030 due to automation and technological advancements.
  • 170 million new jobs are expected to be created, resulting in a net increase of 78 million jobs.
  • Technological shifts, economic uncertainty, and demographic changes are expected to play significant roles in this transformation.

Skills in High Demand

  • AI, Big Data, Cybersecurity: Skills related to artificial intelligence and big data are expected to see an 87% rise, while networks and cybersecurity skills are projected to increase by 70%.
  • Creative Thinking, Flexibility: Skills like creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, and agility are also expected to see a significant rise, emphasizing the importance of soft skills in a technology-driven world.

Declining Jobs

The report lists the following positions as expected to decline by 2030:

  • Postal Service Clerks
  • Bank Tellers
  • Data Entry Clerks
  • Cashiers and Ticket Clerks
  • Telemarketers
  • Printing Workers
  • Accounting and Bookkeeping Clerks

These roles are being replaced or transformed by automation and AI, which are reshaping traditional job functions.

Technological Advancements

  • Digital Access: 60% of employers believe that expanding digital access will be the most transformative trend for businesses.
  • AI and Robotics: Employers are investing heavily in AI, robotics, and energy technologies, creating a demand for skilled workers in these sectors.
  • Energy Technologies: Jobs related to the green transition, including renewable energy and environmental engineering, will see an uptick as countries strive to meet climate goals.

Key Drivers of Change

  • Technological Change: AI, machine learning, and automation will continue to reshape industries.
  • Geoeconomic Fragmentation: Geopolitical tensions and economic shifts are prompting businesses to transform their models, leading to a greater demand for cybersecurity and security management roles.
  • Aging Populations: The growing demand for healthcare services, especially in high-income economies, will result in more jobs in the care economy (e.g., nursing professionals, social workers).
  • Green Transition: The global shift toward clean energy and environmental sustainability will create numerous opportunities for jobs in renewable energy and climate change mitigation.

Implications for India

  • AI and Robotics Investment: Indian companies are leading the way in investing in AI, robotics, and autonomous systems.
  • Growth Sectors: India’s rapidly developing tech sector will see a rising demand for AI, machine learning, and big data specialists.
  • Disruptions in Traditional Jobs: Roles like postal clerks, cashiers, and data entry clerks in India are also expected to face significant reductions due to automation.

Challenges for Employment in India

  • Skill Mismatch: There is a significant skill gap, with many workers lacking expertise in emerging fields like AI, cybersecurity, and data science.
  • Digital Divide: Urban areas are adapting to new technologies faster than rural areas, which may widen employment disparities.
  • Informal Sector: India’s large informal workforce faces challenges in transitioning to technology-driven jobs due to limited access to training and education.

Reskilling and Upskilling

  • The WEF report emphasizes that 59% of the global workforce will need reskilling or upskilling by 2030 to remain competitive.
  • Workers must adapt to new roles, especially in technology and the green transition, to meet the evolving demands of the job market.

GEAPP and ISA Sign $100 Million Agreement for Solar Projects

  • 12 Jan 2025

In News:

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) signed a Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) agreement with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to mobilize $100 million for funding high-impact solar energy projects. This collaboration is part of a wider effort to accelerate India's clean energy transition, bridge financing gaps, and enhance the country's energy systems. Along with this agreement, two other key initiatives were announced:

  • DUET (Digitalization of Utilities for Energy Transition)
  • ENTICE 2.0 (Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge)

These programs aim to address energy transition challenges by fostering scalable, cost-efficient solutions, digitalizing utilities, and supporting innovations for sustainable energy.

Key Features:

  • Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF):
    • The MDTF aims to raise and deploy $100 million to finance impactful solar energy projects, with ISA driving the strategic direction.
    • GEAPP’s Project Management Unit will provide governance, fundraising, and technical expertise to ensure project success.
    • The collaboration emphasizes the importance of solar energy in achieving India's clean energy goals.
  • DUET (Digitalization of Utilities for Energy Transition):
    • Focuses on transforming grid systems by digitalizing grid assets and integrating them with smart sensors.
    • Real-time data will help reduce transmission losses and facilitate Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) deployment, assisting in the integration of Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) into the grid.
  • ENTICE 2.0 (Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge):
    • A platform for identifying and scaling innovative solutions to accelerate the clean energy transition, especially within India's growing startup ecosystem.
    • Focuses on supporting investable opportunities for energy transition solutions, building on the earlier success of ENTICE 1.0.

Global Impact of GEAPP:

GEAPP, launched with an initial commitment of $464 million, has already funded 130 projects across 40 countries. These projects have impacted over 50 million people, helping reduce 43 million tons of CO2 emissions. The collaboration with ISA is expected to deepen GEAPP's efforts in mobilizing capital to foster clean energy access and tackle climate change.

India’s Clean Energy Transition:

India has already extended electricity access to over 800 million people, but about 2.5% of households still remain unelectrified. Distributed renewable energy, especially solar energy, will play a pivotal role in reaching these underserved populations. India aims for 47 GW of battery energy storage systems by 2032, which will support grid stability and energy access.

Additional Initiatives and Impact:

  • Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS):
    • GEAPP has also supported India’s first commercial standalone BESS project, which will provide 24/7 power to over 12,000 low-income customers.
    • The project is set to lower electricity tariffs by 55%, benefiting economically disadvantaged communities.
  • Strategic Alliances:
    • The partnership with ISA and the strategic initiatives like DUET and ENTICE 2.0 aim to further India’s climate and energy goals, bringing renewable energy solutions to underserved regions, and supporting the country's energy security.

Role of GEAPP and ISA:

  • GEAPP works to mobilize financing, provide technical expertise, and ensure effective implementation of renewable energy projects globally.
  • ISA focuses on solar energy solutions, and with this agreement, it seeks to enhance the solar energy capacity in its member countries, aligning with climate targets.

About GEAPP:

GEAPP is a multi-stakeholder alliance comprising governments, philanthropy, technology partners, and financial institutions. Its goal is to transition developing economies to clean energy while enhancing economic growth. It aims to:

  • Reduce 4 gigatons of carbon emissions.
  • Provide clean energy access to 1 billion people.
  • Create 150 million new jobs globally.

Twigstats

  • 12 Jan 2025

In News:

The tracing of genetic ancestry remains a challenging task due to the statistical similarity among populations across geographical regions. However, recent advances in genetic analysis, particularly the development of the Twigstats tool, are significantly enhancing our ability to reconstruct genetic histories at a very high resolution.

Key Insights from Genetic Research:

  • Ancient DNA (aDNA): Prehistoric human ceremonial burials, mass grave mounds, and war graves are rich sources of ancient genetic material, offering key insights into population dynamics. These samples help us understand past migrations, cultural transitions, and the genetic legacy of ancient groups.
  • Challenges in Ancestry Tracing:
    • Populations often share many genetic similarities, complicating the task of tracing ancestry across regions.
    • Ancient DNA samples are typically of lower quality compared to modern samples, limiting the precision of past genetic studies.
    • The movement of genes across time and space, through processes like gene flow, adds complexity to the understanding of population ancestry.

Traditional Genetic Techniques:

  • Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs): Used to identify natural genetic variations, SNP analysis has been central to reconstructing genetic histories. However, it is limited by its reliance on high-quality samples and struggles with closely related groups.
  • Haplotypes and Genealogical Trees: By analyzing shared DNA segments (haplotypes) and rare variants, researchers gain a more comprehensive understanding of population structure and ancestry, which can reveal shifts in population over time.

The Emergence of Twigstats:

  • What is Twigstats?
    • Twigstats is an advanced analytical tool that enhances the precision of ancestry analysis through time-stratified ancestry analysis, a method that allows for a more fine-grained look at genetic data.
    • It is designed to address the limitations of traditional methods by integrating SNPs, haplotypes, and rare genetic variants, providing a more holistic view of ancestry.
    • The tool is powered by statistical languages R and C++, which help researchers better manage and analyze complex genetic data.
  • How It Works: Twigstats builds family trees by analyzing shared genetic mutations, identifying recent mutations that offer a clearer understanding of historical periods and events. It helps trace the evolution of populations and offers insights into their migrations, mixing, and cultural shifts.

Key Features and Impact of Twigstats:

  • Time-Stratified Ancestry Analysis: Allows researchers to study how populations evolved over time, with a focus on specific historical periods.
  • Enhanced Precision: Reduces statistical errors and enhances the precision of individual-level ancestry reconstruction.
  • Higher-Resolution Mapping: Provides high-resolution genetic maps of migration patterns and admixture events across centuries.

Applications of Twigstats:

  • Historical Case Studies: The tool has been used to study ancient genomes from Europe, particularly the Iron, Roman, and Viking Ages (500 BC to 1000 AD). It revealed the fine-scale genetic history of populations in regions like northern and central Europe, including the movement of Germanic and Scandinavian peoples.
    • Viking Age Insights: Researchers were able to trace the early presence of Scandinavian-like ancestry in regions such as Britain and the Baltic before the traditionally believed start of the Viking Age. This suggests earlier interactions and migrations from Scandinavia, which aligns with historical records of Anglo-Saxon and Viking movements.
    • Cultural Transitions: The analysis identified shifts in population genetics corresponding to cultural changes, such as the shift from the Corded Ware culture to the Bronze Age and the influence of the Wielbark culture.

Genetic Methods Used in the Study:

  • Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs): Commonly used to trace ancestry but requires high-quality samples.
  • Haplotypes and Rare Variants: Offer more nuanced insights into population movements by considering combinations of genetic markers inherited together.
  • Genealogical Tree Inference: Applied to both ancient and modern genomes, it provides detailed demographic and ancestry information, supporting the reconstruction of high-resolution genetic histories.

Case Study: India’s Genetic History (2009 Study)

  • Researchers used SNP analysis to trace the genetic history of India, revealing two major ancestral groups:
    • Ancestral North Indians (ANI): Genetically closer to Central Asian, European, and Middle Eastern populations.
    • Ancestral South Indians (ASI): A distinct genetic group, showcasing India’s diverse population structure.

India’s First Organic Fisheries Cluster

  • 12 Jan 2025

In News:

The Union Minister, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurated and laid the foundation for 50 key projects worth Rs. 50 crores under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) covering all North East Region States Except Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.

Key Highlights:

  • Initiative: India’s first Organic Fisheries Cluster, launched under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The cluster focuses on sustainable aquaculture, promoting the production of antibiotic, chemical, and pesticide-free organic fish.
  • Target Markets: Eco-conscious domestic and global markets.

Sikkim's Role as India’s First Organic State:

  • Sikkim's Organic Commitment: Sikkim is the first Indian state to embrace 100% organic farming, covering 75,000 hectares of land.
  • Vision: The Organic Fisheries Cluster aligns with Sikkim’s broader goal of promoting organic, sustainable agricultural practices.

Objective of Organic Fisheries Cluster:

  • To prevent pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems by using ecologically healthy practices.
  • Promotes sustainable fish farming methods, reducing environmental damage.
  • Focus on species like amur carp and other carp varieties, aligning with the state’s success in organic farming.

Support from NABARD:

  • The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) will provide financial and technical assistance.
  • Key support includes:
    • Infrastructure development.
    • Formation of Fisheries-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs).
    • Capacity building of local fishers and farmers.

PMMSY: A Comprehensive Fisheries Development Scheme:

  • Investment: ?20,050 crore under PMMSY.
  • Objective: To revolutionize India’s fisheries sector by promoting sustainable growth, enhancing fish production, and improving infrastructure.
  • Implementation Period: FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.
  • Key Goals:
    • Boosting fish production and exports.
    • Enhancing welfare of fishers and farmers.
    • Promoting cluster-based development for better efficiency and competitiveness.

Cluster-Based Approach in Fisheries:

  • Objective: To bring together geographically connected enterprises to enhance economies of scale.
  • Impact: This approach improves financial viability, strengthens the fisheries value chain, and creates new business and livelihood opportunities.
  • Types of Clusters: Includes Pearl, Seaweed, Ornamental Fisheries, Cold Water Fisheries, Organic Fisheries, and more.

Fisheries Focus in the North Eastern Region (NER):

  • Fisheries Potential: The North Eastern Region (NER) has abundant freshwater resources and is a biodiversity hotspot.
  • Growth: Inland fish production in the NER surged from 4.03 lakh tonnes (2014-15) to 6.41 lakh tonnes (2023-24), marking an impressive 5% annual growth.
  • Investment in NER: Over ?2,114 crore invested through schemes like Blue Revolution and PMMSY.
  • Key Projects:
    • 50 projects worth ?50 crore to boost the region’s fisheries infrastructure, generating over 4,500 jobs.
    • Projects include hatcheries, cold storage units, aquaculture parks, and fish kiosks.

India’s Global Fisheries Standing:

  • India is the second-largest fish producer in the world, contributing 8% to global fish production.
  • Top Rankings:
    • Second in aquaculture production.
    • Leading in shrimp production and exports.
    • Third in capture fisheries.

Government Commitments and Schemes:

  • Total Investment: Since 2015, the government has committed ?38,572 crore to fisheries development through key schemes like:
    • Blue Revolution.
    • Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).
    • PMMSY.
    • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY).
  • These initiatives aim to promote sustainable growth, create jobs, and enhance infrastructure in the fisheries sector.

Economic, Environmental, and Social Benefits:

  • Economic Impact:
    • Higher incomes for fishers and farmers through better production and export.
    • Employment generation through infrastructure development.
  • Environmental Impact: Reduced pollution and protection of aquatic ecosystems.
  • Social Impact: Empowerment of local communities, fostering sustainable livelihoods.

UJALA Scheme

  • 10 Jan 2025

In News:

UJALA scheme completes 10 years, saves ?19,153 crore annually

UJALA Scheme (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All)

  • Launch Date: 5th January 2015 by PM Narendra Modi
  • Objective:
    • To promote energy-efficient LED lighting across India
    • To reduce energy consumption, lower electricity bills, and decrease carbon emissions
  • Implementing Body: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), Ministry of Power
  • Scheme Relevance: Aims to provide affordable LED bulbs, tube lights, and fans to every household
  • Global Recognition: World’s largest zero-subsidy domestic lighting scheme

Key Features:

  • Affordability: Subsidized LED bulbs (?70-80), reducing the cost of electricity for households
  • Energy Efficiency: LEDs consume 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs, 50% less than CFLs
  • Environmental Impact: Significant reduction in CO? emissions by avoiding millions of tonnes annually
  • Market Transformation: Over 36.87 crore LED bulbs distributed, saving approximately ?19,153 crore on electricity bills each year
  • Consumer Benefit:
    • On-Bill Financing: LED bulbs available for purchase through deferred payment via electricity bills
    • Targeted low-income communities through Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

Achievements:

  • Energy Savings: 47.9 billion kWh annually
  • Cost Savings: ?19,153 crore saved on electricity bills
  • Carbon Emission Reduction: 38.7 million tonnes of CO? avoided per year
  • Peak Demand Reduction: 9,586 MW reduction in peak electricity demand
  • Street Lighting: Over 1.34 crore LED streetlights installed, saving 9,001 million units annually

Key Initiatives:

  • GRAM UJALA Scheme (March 2021): Aimed at rural households, providing LED bulbs at ?10 each
  • Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP): Aimed at reducing public lighting costs with energy-efficient streetlights
  • Encouraging Domestic Manufacturing: Stimulated local LED production, aligning with the "Make in India" mission
  • E-Procurement Transparency: Real-time procurement ensuring price reductions and maintaining quality

Impact on Environment:

  • Energy Savings & Carbon Footprint: The scheme significantly reduced the carbon footprint by promoting energy-efficient appliances
  • Reduction in Household Consumption: Consumers benefit from reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills

New Method to Improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE)

  • 10 Jan 2025

In News:

A recent breakthrough in agricultural research offers a promising solution to improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) in crops, particularly in rice and Arabidopsis, by reducing nitric oxide (NO) levels in plants. This innovative approach provides an environmentally sustainable way to enhance crop yields while minimizing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which have significant ecological and economic drawbacks.

Key Findings and Research Overview:

  • Reducing NO Levels: The study, conducted by researchers at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), demonstrated that by reducing nitric oxide (NO) levels in plants, nitrogen uptake could be significantly improved. This leads to a better NUE, a crucial factor for enhancing crop yield sustainably.
  • NUE and Its Importance: NUE refers to the efficiency with which plants use nitrogen for biomass production. Improving NUE allows for higher crop yields with less fertilizer input, reducing costs and minimizing nitrogen-related environmental pollution.
  • Traditional Approaches and Their Limitations: Current techniques to improve NUE primarily rely on the use of inorganic nitrogen fertilizers. These methods, though effective, have several downsides:
    • They involve high operational costs for farmers.
    • Excessive fertilizer use contributes to the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other pollutants.
    • The production of these fertilizers also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

In contrast, the new study proposes a genetic and pharmacological manipulation of NO levels, offering a sustainable alternative to these traditional, resource-heavy methods.

Study Methodology:

The research team employed both genetic and pharmacological approaches to regulate NO levels in plants:

  • Phytoglobin Overexpression: By overexpressing phytoglobin (a natural NO scavenger), the researchers increased the expression of high-affinity nitrate transporters (HATs) like NRT2.1 and NRT2.4. These transporters are essential for efficient nitrogen uptake.
  • NO Donor and Scavenger Treatments: Plants were treated with NO donor (SNAP) and NO scavenger (cPTIO) to monitor the effects on NUE.
  • Results: The treatment led to more efficient nitrogen uptake, especially under low NO conditions, by enhancing the expression of HATs. This method could increase plant growth and nitrogen utilization without relying on excessive fertilizer use.

Significance and Impact:

This research provides a pathway to enhance crop yield sustainably by addressing one of the most critical challenges in modern agriculturereducing the reliance on nitrogen fertilizers. By modulating NO levels to regulate nitrogen uptake, this approach offers:

  • Reduced need for synthetic fertilizers, lowering farmers' operational costs.
  • Minimized environmental impact, including lower nitrogen oxide emissions and less nitrogen runoff.
  • Improved nitrogen uptake efficiency, ensuring better crop yields, especially under conditions with limited nitrogen availability.

Broader Implications:

  • Global Nitrogen Challenges:
    • The overuse of nitrogen fertilizers has been a major driver of nitrogen pollution, leading to issues like eutrophication, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
    • According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), excessive nitrogen use has worsened environmental conditions globally, while many regions, particularly in low-income countries, suffer from nitrogen depletion, which reduces crop productivity.
  • Health and Environmental Risks:
    • Nitrogen pollution contributes to health issues like methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) and various long-term diseases.
    • Nitrogen compounds also play a role in greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating climate change.
  • Future Directions for Sustainable Agriculture:
    • This study highlights the need for innovative nitrogen management strategies, integrating both biological and genetic approaches to optimize nitrogen use.
    • Research is underway to develop NO scavenging formulations and identify bacteria that could be used in soil to enhance NUE in plants.
  • Policy Recommendations:
    • Governments should focus on reducing the environmental and health impacts of nitrogen fertilizer production and usage by promoting sustainable farming practices.
    • Encouraging biological nitrogen fixation through crops like soybeans and alfalfa, and investing in low-emission fertilizers, can help mitigate nitrogen pollution.

Dr. V. Narayanan Takes Over as ISRO Chairman

  • 10 Jan 2025

In News:

Dr. V. Narayanan has been appointed as the new Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space (DoS), effective from January 14, 2025, succeeding Dr. S. Somanath.

Background and Career of Dr. V. Narayanan:

Dr. Narayanan, currently the Director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, has been a key figure in ISRO since joining in 1984. With a focus on cryogenic propulsion, he has played an instrumental role in developing critical technologies for ISRO's launch vehicles. Notably, his work has contributed to India becoming the sixth country globally capable of building and operationalizing cryogenic engines.

Dr. Narayanan’s career highlights include:

  • Cryogenic Technology: Leading the development of cryogenic engines for LVM3 (India's heaviest launch vehicle) and PSLV, which are central to missions like Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan.
  • Chandrayaan-2 & Chandrayaan-3: As part of ISRO’s missions to the moon, his contributions were pivotal in rectifying the propulsion system issues post-Chandrayaan-2's hard landing, leading to the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 in August 2023.
  • Gaganyaan Mission: Overseeing the development of the propulsion systems for crew and service modules, critical for India’s ambitious human spaceflight program.

Dr. S. Somanath's Legacy:

Dr. S. Somanath, who served as ISRO Chairman and DoS Secretary spearheaded multiple landmark missions, including:

  • Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and INSAT missions.
  • The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), Re-usable Launch Vehicle (RLV-LEX), and Gaganyaan abort missions.
  • National Space Policy 2023 and fostering partnerships between ISRO and private ventures.

Dr. Somanath’s tenure significantly elevated India’s space capabilities, with Chandrayaan-3 marking a historic milestone in India’s lunar exploration.

Dr. Narayanan’s Role in Upcoming ISRO Missions:

As ISRO Chairman, Dr. Narayanan will oversee several ambitious space missions, including:

  • NVS-02: The launch of India's navigation satellite as part of the IRNSS constellation.
  • Unmanned Gaganyaan Mission: Leading the uncrewed G-1 flight, a precursor to India's first human spaceflight.
  • Indo-US NISAR Satellite: A significant collaborative launch with NASA for earth observation.

Additionally, high-profile projects such as Chandrayaan-4, India’s own space station, and future missions to Mars and Venus are in the pipeline, although not all may occur during his tenure.

Vision for ISRO Under Dr. Narayanan:

Dr. Narayanan aims to expand India’s presence in space, targeting increased global market share, particularly in the space economy, which currently holds 2% of the global space sector. His leadership will focus on:

  • Increasing Satellite Capacity: Expanding India’s satellite fleet, which currently stands at 53, to meet growing demands for communication, navigation, and earth observation.
  • Private Sector Involvement: Leveraging space sector reforms and collaborating with private players to drive innovation and meet burgeoning satellite needs.
  • Global Collaboration: Strengthening ties with other space agencies, as ISRO continues to build respect on the global stage.

Upcoming Space Missions and ISRO's Agenda for 2025:

Under Dr. Narayanan's leadership, ISRO has a packed agenda for 2025:

  • GSLV Mk-II/IRNSS-1K Mission
  • Gaganyaan G-1 Mission (uncrewed flight)
  • Chandrayaan-4, Bharatiya Antariksha Station, and Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) preparations.

Dr. Narayanan’s vision aligns with India's broader goals of becoming a dominant player in the global space economy, aspiring to increase its space market share from 2% to 10%.

Indonesia Becomes 10th Member of BRICS

  • 10 Jan 2025

In News:

In January 2025, Indonesia officially joined the BRICS group as its 10th member, signaling the expansion of this influential coalition of emerging economies. The addition of Indonesia, a Southeast Asian powerhouse, strengthens BRICS' global position and highlights the group's evolving dynamics.

BRICS Overview:

BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) is an informal intergovernmental group that fosters cooperation among major emerging economies. Initially coined as BRIC by economist Jim O'Neill in 2001, the group became BRICS in 2010 with the inclusion of South Africa. The bloc has grown steadily, with Indonesia now joining as its 10th member.

Recent Expansion:

  • In 2023, invitations were extended to Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Argentina.
  • By 2024, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and UAE had joined as permanent members.
  • Indonesia's membership was finalized in 2025, following its presidential elections and government formation.

Key Objectives of BRICS:

  • Economic Growth: Promote trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
  • Global Governance Reform: Advocate for equitable representation in global institutions like the UN and IMF.
  • Cultural Exchange: Strengthen people-to-people connections and cultural ties.
  • South-South Cooperation: Foster collaboration among developing nations.

BRICS Structure and Mechanisms:

  • New Development Bank (NDB): Established in 2014, the NDB finances sustainable development projects in BRICS countries.
  • Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA): A $100 billion safety net for financial crises.
  • BRICS Academic Forum: Encourages academic collaboration across member states.

Global Influence and Economic Impact:

  • Global Share: BRICS+ represents over 45% of the world’s population and 35% of global GDP (PPP-based).
  • Strategic Position: The group acts as a counterbalance to the G7, challenging Western-dominated global financial systems.
  • Financial Independence: BRICS aims to reduce dependence on the US dollar by facilitating local currency transactions and exploring a common currency.
  • Technology Collaboration: Member countries, such as India and China, collaborate on digital payments and renewable energy technologies.

Indonesia’s Entry into BRICS:

Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most populous nation, strengthens BRICS’ representation in Southeast Asia. The country brings a robust economy and extensive trade networks, boosting the group's negotiating power. Indonesia’s membership was approved during the 2023 BRICS Summit and finalized in January 2025.

  • Strategic Importance for Indonesia: The membership aligns with Indonesia's goals to enhance global cooperation, particularly with the Global South. It also reflects Indonesia's growing influence in international trade and geopolitics.

BRICS Challenges:

  • Diverse Interests: Differences in economic priorities, such as India's ties with the US and Russia-China’s geopolitical rivalry, complicate consensus-building.
  • Geopolitical Tensions: Disputes like the China-India border issue and Russia’s sanctions limit BRICS' ability to present a unified stance.
  • Economic Sanctions and Internal Challenges: Countries like Russia face Western sanctions, while domestic issues in Brazil and South Africa divert attention from regional collaboration.

Significance of BRICS’ Expansion:

The expansion of BRICS marks a pivotal shift in global power dynamics, with a focus on South-South cooperation and equitable global governance. Indonesia’s membership further solidifies the group’s influence in Southeast Asia and adds to its efforts to challenge the dominance of Western-led financial institutions.

  • Local Currency Use: The group promotes the use of local currencies for trade to reduce reliance on the US dollar.
  • Global South Advocacy: BRICS champions the cause of developing nations, ensuring that emerging economies have a voice in global governance.

Recent and Upcoming BRICS Summits:

  • 16th BRICS Summit (2024): Held in Kazan, Russia, with a focus on strengthening local currencies and promoting non-dollar transactions.
  • 17th BRICS Summit (2025): Scheduled for July 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, under the theme "Global South," with an emphasis on payment gateways to facilitate intra-BRICS trade.

Flamingo Festival 2025

  • 10 Jan 2025

In News:

The Flamingo Festival 2025 took place at Sullurpeta, in Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh. It celebrates the arrival of migratory birds, with a focus on flamingos, to the region's key bird habitats, including Pulicat Lake and Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary.

Key Highlights:

  • Birdwatching: Over 200 bird species, including flamingos, are expected to flock to the region during this festival.
  • Locations: The event spans across five locations:
    • Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
    • B.V. Palem (Pulicat Lake)
    • Atakanithippa
    • Sri City
    • Sullurpeta (site for cultural programs and stalls)
  • Collaborations: In association with organizations like the Bombay Natural History Society.
  • Focus on Local Community: Local residents of the eco-sensitive zone will be prioritized and supported.

Key Facts on Local Wildlife and Significance:

  • Pulicat Lake:
    • Location: On the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border, with 96% of the lake in Andhra Pradesh.
    • Significance: The second-largest brackish water lake in India (after Chilika Lake in Odisha).
    • Biodiversity: Critical habitat for migratory birds, including flamingos, and home to diverse flora and fauna.
    • Economic Importance: Supports local fisheries and provides livelihood to nearby communities.
  • Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary:
    • Location: 20 km north of Pulicat Lake.
    • Ecological Role: Largest breeding site in Southeast Asia for spot-billed pelicans.
    • Biodiversity: 189 bird species, including painted storks and glossy ibises.
    • Flora and Fauna: Features Barringtonia swamp forests and southern dry evergreen scrub, critical for biodiversity conservation.
    • Symbiotic Relationship with Locals: Guano (bird droppings) from pelicans serves as a natural fertilizer for local agriculture, benefiting the farmers.

Flamingo Facts:

  • Species: India hosts two flamingo species:
    • Greater Flamingo (larger size, pale pink)
    • Lesser Flamingo (smaller size, bright pink)
  • Behavior: Nomadic and social birds, found in large flocks.
  • Coloration: Flamingos' pink color comes from carotenoids in their diet, which are broken down and absorbed into their bodies.

Environmental & Economic Impact: The festival, apart from being a celebration of migratory birds, plays a vital role in:

  • Eco-tourism development
  • Biodiversity conservation

Local community engagement by highlighting sustainable tourism practices and supporting local livelihoods through eco-friendly initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

Bharatpol

  • 11 Jan 2025

In News:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the ‘Bharatpol’ portal, which aims to streamline international cooperation for law investigating agencies.

Key Highlights:

Bharatpol is a newly launched portal developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India to facilitate faster and more efficient international cooperation between Indian law enforcement agencies and Interpol. It was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, to streamline the process of sharing criminal intelligence and coordinating efforts in transnational crimes like cybercrime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, financial fraud, and organized crime.

The portal aims to address the current challenges in international collaboration, which previously relied on slower communication methods such as letters, emails, and faxes, often leading to delays in investigations.

Key Features and Functions of Bharatpol:

  • Unified Platform: Bharatpol integrates CBI as the National Central Bureau (NCB-New Delhi) with all Indian law enforcement agencies, from state police forces to higher authorities. This allows better coordination and quicker access to international resources.
  • Simplified Request Mechanism: The portal provides a standardized method for frontline police officers to request international assistance from Interpol member countries, using templates for efficiency.
  • Rapid Information Dissemination: Bharatpol enables the CBI to quickly share criminal intelligence and other pertinent information with law enforcement agencies across India, helping to tackle international criminal activities in real-time.
  • Increase in Utilization of Interpol Notices: The portal makes it easier for Indian law enforcement agencies to issue and manage Red Corner Notices and other Interpol notices, which are essential tools in tracking criminals globally.
  • Capacity Building and Training: Bharatpol includes resources for training law enforcement personnel, improving their ability to conduct investigations abroad and seek foreign assistance via Interpol.

How Bharatpol Works:

  • Key Modules of Bharatpol:
    • Connect: Facilitates the integration of Indian agencies with the Interpol NCB-New Delhi, creating a seamless communication channel.
    • INTERPOL Notices: Supports the rapid issuance and processing of Interpol Notices like Red Corner Notices to locate criminals globally.
    • References: Enables Indian agencies to seek and offer international assistance for investigations.
    • Broadcast: Ensures quick availability of assistance requests from Interpol member countries, facilitating faster responses.
    • Resources: Manages document exchanges and training materials to support the capacity-building efforts of law enforcement agencies.

Potential Benefits of Bharatpol:

  • Enhanced Coordination: Bharatpol facilitates better collaboration between central, state, and Union Territory agencies, allowing for a more structured and efficient approach to international crime investigations.
  • Faster Investigation: Real-time sharing of information and the use of Interpol notices will help in tracking criminals and criminal activities both in India and abroad.
  • Simplified Extradition Process: By streamlining international communication, Bharatpol will assist in expediting the extradition of criminals to India for prosecution.
  • Support for Transnational Crime Prevention: It will help address growing threats such as cybercrime, human trafficking, and organized crime by improving the ability of Indian law enforcement to collaborate globally.

 

National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP)

  • 11 Jan 2025

In News:

  • Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan urges states to accelerate efforts under the National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) to enhance domestic production of edible oils and reduce reliance on imports.

Key Facts Regarding the NMEO-OP Scheme:

About the Scheme:

  • Objective: Enhance domestic production of crude palm oil (CPO) and reduce India's dependence on edible oil imports.
  • Centrally Sponsored Scheme: Focuses on expanding oil palm cultivation in India.

Key Targets:

  • Area Expansion: Aim to cover an additional 6.5 lakh hectares by 2025-26, reaching a total of 10 lakh hectares.
  • Production Increase: CPO production is targeted to rise from 0.27 lakh tonnes (2019-20) to 11.20 lakh tonnes by 2025-26, and further to 28 lakh tonnes by 2029-30.
  • Per-Capita Consumption: Maintain a consumption level of 19 kg/person/annum until 2025-26.

Focus Regions:

  • Special Focus: North-Eastern States and Andaman & Nicobar Islands for oil palm cultivation and CPO production.

Key Features:

  • Viability Price (VP) Mechanism: Aims to protect farmers from market volatility by providing price assurance. Payments are made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
  • Increased Assistance:
    • Assistance for planting material increased from Rs 12,000/ha to Rs 29,000/ha.
    • Special assistance of Rs 250 per plant for rejuvenating old gardens.
  • Regional Support:
    • For North-East and Andaman, an additional 2% of the CPO price is borne by the government to ensure fair payments to farmers.
    • Special provisions for half-moon terrace cultivation, bio-fencing, and land clearance for integrated farming.

Oil Palm Cultivation:

  • Origin: Native to the tropical rainforests of West Africa, oil palm is a new crop in India with high oil-yielding potential.
  • Oil Yield: Oil palm produces five times the yield of traditional oilseeds per hectare.
  • Types of Oil Produced:
    • Palm Oil: Extracted from the mesocarp (fruit's fleshy part), containing 45-55% oil.
    • Palm Kernel Oil: Derived from the kernel, used in lauric oils.
  • Major States for Cultivation: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala (98% of total production).
  • Other Key States: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Gujarat, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland.

India's Oil Palm Potential:

  • Cultivated Area: India currently has 3.70 lakh hectares under oil palm cultivation.
  • Total Potential Area: Around 28 lakh hectares.
  • Imports: India is the world's largest palm oil importer, with imports of 9.2 million tonnes in 2023-24, accounting for 60% of total edible oil imports. The country primarily imports from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Emergency Declared in Trinidad and Tobago

  • 11 Jan 2025

In News:

  • Trinidad and Tobago declared a state of emergency, in response to a surge in gang violence, which raised the annual death toll to the highest since 2013.

Trinidad and Tobago:

  • Location: An island nation in the southern Caribbean, near Venezuela and Guyana.
  • Capital: Port of Spain.
  • Population: Approximately 1.5 million.
  • Ethnic Composition: African (36.3%), Indian (35.4%), Mixed (22.8%), and others.
  • Religions: Christianity (64%), Hinduism (18%), Islam (5%), and others.
  • Independence: Gained from the UK on August 31, 1962, and became a republic in 1976.
  • Member of: Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Commonwealth of Nations, and the United Nations.
  • Major Rivers: Ortoire and Caroni.
  • Geography:
    • Total Land Area: 5,128 sq. km (Trinidad: 4,768 sq. km, Tobago: 300 sq. km).
    • Climate: Tropical, with dry and rainy seasons.
    • Highest Point: Mount Aripo.
    • Natural Resource: Pitch Lake, the world’s largest asphalt reservoir.
    • Mountain Range: Northern Range, part of the Andes extension.

Economic and Cultural Significance

  • Exports: Major exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, ammonia, and petrochemicals.
  • Culture: Known for Carnival, Calypso music, Soca, and the Steelpan (the only musical instrument invented in the 20th century).
  • Infrastructure:
    • Ports: Port of Spain, Point Lisas, Scarborough.
    • Airports: Piarco International Airport (Trinidad) and A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (Tobago).

Engagement with India

  • Trinidad and Tobago became the first Caribbean country to adopt India’s UPI platform.
  • Both countries granted each other Most Favored Nation (MFN) status in 1997.
  • Bilateral trade reached USD 368.96 million in FY 2023-24.
  • The Indian diaspora constitutes about 42% of the population.

Past Emergency Declarations:

  • 2014: State of emergency declared in response to gang violence.
  • 2021: Emergency declared for Covid-19 restrictions.
  • 2011: Limited state of emergency for drug-related crimes.

Toda Tribe

  • 11 Jan 2025

In News:

  • The Toda tribe, one of the oldest Dravidian ethnic groups in the Nilgiris Hills of Tamil Nadu, celebrated their traditional Modhweth festival marking the New Year.

What is the Modhweth Festival?

  • About:
    • Celebrated annually on the last Sunday of December or the first Sunday of January.
    • Held at the Moonpo temple in Muthanadu Mund village, Nilgiri district.
    • The Moonpo temple features a unique vertical spire with a thatched roof and a flat stone on top, making it one of the last Toda temples of its kind in the Nilgiris.
  • Rituals and Celebrations:
    • Prayers are offered to the deity, Thenkish Amman, for good health, rains, and bountiful harvest.
    • Participants perform a traditional dance outside the temple.
  • Unique Customs:
    • Toda youth showcase their strength and masculinity by lifting a greased boulder weighing around 80 kg.
    • Women are not part of the celebrations as per traditional customs.

What is the Toda Tribe?

  • About:
    • A pastoral tribe native to the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu.
    • Classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Tamil Nadu.
    • The Toda language is Dravidian but stands out for its uniqueness among Dravidian languages.
  • Significance:
    • Toda lands are part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve.
    • Their territory is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Religion and Beliefs:
    • Their religious practices are based on a pantheon of gods, with Tökisy (goddess) and Ön (god of the underworld) as central deities.

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR)

  • About:
    • Established in 1986 as India’s first Biosphere Reserve.
    • Located across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.
    • India’s first biosphere reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme.
  • Tribal Groups in NBR:
    • Home to several groups such as Adiyan, Aranadan, Kader, Kurichian, Kuruman, and Kurumbas.
  • Ecological Significance:
    • Represents the confluence of Afro-tropical and Indo-Malayan biotic zones.
  • Fauna:
    • Home to species like Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur, gaur, Indian elephant, Nilgiri danio (freshwater fish), and Nilgiri barbare.
  • Protected Areas in NBR:
    • Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Mukurthi National Park, and Silent Valley.

Z-Morh Tunnel

  • 11 Jan 2025

In News:

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel at Sonamarg, which has now been renamed the Sonamarg Tunnel.

Key Takeaways:

  • A 6.4-km bi-directional tunnel with an approach road of 5.6 km, Z-Morh connects the Sonamarg health resort with Kangan town in the Ganderbal district of central Kashmir.
  • The tunnel has acquired its name for the Z-shaped road stretch that was previously at the place where the tunnel is being constructed.
  • The Z-Morh project was initiated by the Border Roads Organisation in 2012. Although the BRO awarded the construction contract to Tunnelway Ltd, the project was subsequently taken over by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).

Significance

Strategic Importance

  • Connectivity: Provides all-weather connectivity from Srinagar to Ladakh, ensuring year-round access.
  • Military Significance:
    • Critical for rapid deployment of Indian Armed Forces to Ladakh’s border areas, particularly in the context of tensions with Pakistan and China.
    • Reduces dependence on air transport, lowering costs and increasing the longevity of the Indian Air Force’s aircraft.
  • Adjacent Projects:
    • Zojila Tunnel: An even more crucial project connecting Sonamarg to Drass in Ladakh, with an expected completion by December 2026 (extended to 2030). This will bypass the avalanche-prone Zojila Pass.
    • Srinagar-Leh Highway: The Z-Morh Tunnel supports the key Srinagar-Leh route, which is important for defence logistics and trade.

Economic Significance

  • Tourism:
    • Sonamarg, known as the "Meadow of Gold," will benefit from year-round accessibility, boosting tourism.
    • Local businesses that rely on seasonal tourist traffic will have consistent revenue flow.
  • Trade and Agriculture:
    • Reduced travel time and improved road safety will benefit farmers and traders, especially for those transporting goods between Kashmir and Ladakh.
    • Facilitates increased investment and economic growth in the region.

Broader Infrastructure Projects in Jammu & Kashmir

Several key infrastructure projects are contributing to regional development:

  • Zojila Tunnel
    • Cost: ?6,800 crore
    • Length: 13 km tunnel, bypassing Zojila Pass.
    • Completion: Expected by 2030.
    • Strategic Importance: Provides all-weather connectivity to Ladakh.
  • Srinagar Semi-Ring Road
    • Cost: ?2,919 crore
    • Objective: Relieve traffic congestion in five districts, including Srinagar.
    • Delay: New completion date is June 2025.
  • Hydroelectric Power Projects:
    • Ratle HE Project: 850 MW, on Chenab River, Kishtwar district.
    • Kwar HE Project: 540 MW, in Kishtwar.
    • Pakal Dul HE Project: 1,000 MW, on the Marusudar River, Kishtwar.
    • Kiru HE Project: 624 MW, on Chenab River, Kishtwar.
    • Strategic Relevance: These projects will enhance energy security and contribute to the region’s power grid.

India’s Recalculated Coastline

  • 09 Jan 2025

In News:

India’s coastline has grown significantly over the past five decades, now extending 11,098 km in 2023-24, compared to 7,516 km in 1970. This marks an increase of 47.6% in just over five decades, attributed to a more precise methodology for measuring coastlines.

Key Factors Behind the Growth:

New Methodology for Measuring Coastlines:

  • The old methodology used straight-line distances to measure the coastline, a method that didn't capture the complexity of India’s coastlines.
  • The updated approach incorporates bays, estuaries, inlets, and other geomorphological features, offering a more accurate and detailed representation of the coastline.
  • Advanced technologies like geospatial mapping have been used to ensure greater precision.

State-wise Recalculated Coastline Changes:

  • Gujarat:
    • Old coastline (1970): 1,214 km
    • New coastline (2023-24): 2,340 km
    • Growth: The largest absolute increase in coastline, nearly doubling its size.
  • West Bengal:
    • Old coastline: 157 km
    • New coastline: 721 km
    • Growth: A dramatic 357% increase, marking the highest percentage rise.
  • Tamil Nadu:
    • Old coastline: 906 km
    • New coastline: 1,068 km
    • Growth: Revised length now exceeds Andhra Pradesh’s coastline, which was 1,053 km.
  • Puducherry:
    • Old coastline: No major shift, but the updated data shows a contraction of 4.9 km (-10.4%), due to erosion and recalculations.
  • Kerala:
    • Old coastline: Relatively small increase of 30 km (5%), the smallest among the states.

Notable Observations:

  • Andhra Pradesh is developing new ports like Ramayapatnam, Krishnapatnam, and Kakinada Gateway, aiming to boost economic growth and employment by leveraging its expanding coastline.
  • The recalculated coastline helps in better maritime planning, focusing on port development, tourism, biodiversity conservation, and coastal erosion.

Impact of Coastline Expansion:

  • Economic Growth:
    • Coastal states, particularly Gujarat and West Bengal, benefit from an expanded coastline that improves maritime trade, port infrastructure, and tourism.
    • The expansion supports industrialization, with growing logistics and transportation activities along the coast.
  • Environmental Considerations:
    • The new data aids biodiversity conservation, helping to track coastal erosion and accretion (land buildup), especially in areas like the West Coast.
    • Understanding these changes is essential for disaster preparedness and sustainable coastal management.
  • Coastlines of Emergence and Submergence:
    • Emerging Coastlines: Land rising due to uplift or falling sea levels, such as along the Tamil Nadu Coast.
    • Submerged Coastlines: Land that has sunk or been submerged due to rising sea levels, particularly noticeable along parts of Kerala’s coast.

Geographical Significance of the Expanded Coastline:

  • India’s coast touches three major bodies of water: the Bay of Bengal (east), the Indian Ocean (south), and the Arabian Sea (west).
  • The expansion reflects more than just geography—accurate coastline data is crucial for policy planning, maritime security, and resource management.

Bhashini Initiative

  • 09 Jan 2025

In News:

e-Shram Portal, which aims to provide social security benefits to unorganised workers, has been upgraded with multilingual functionality for all 22 scheduled languages of India. This development, supported by the Bhashini Initiative, ensures that unorganised workers from diverse linguistic backgrounds can access the portal more easily and benefit from government welfare schemes.

About Bhashini Initiative:

  • Launched in: July 2022
  • Developed by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
  • Aim: To eliminate language barriers in accessing digital services by making AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools publicly available.

Key Features:

  • Local Language Translation: Bhashini offers AI-powered translation services in 22 scheduled Indian languages to ensure that digital platforms like e-Shram are accessible to everyone in their native languages.
  • Open AI and NLP Resources: These tools are made available to Indian MSMEs, startups, and innovators to create a more inclusive digital ecosystem.
  • Crowdsourcing Platform (Bhashadaan): A platform for people to contribute to building linguistic datasets through initiatives like Suno India, Likho India, Bolo India, and Dekho India, furthering language diversity in digital services.
  • National Digital Public Platform: Aimed at providing universal access to digital content in all Indian languages, facilitating smoother communication across regions.

e-Shram Portal: A One-Stop Solution for Unorganised Workers

  • Purpose: The e-Shram portal was created to provide unorganised workers with access to social security benefits and welfare schemes.

Recent Upgrade:

  • Multilingual Functionality: The portal has now been upgraded to support 22 scheduled languages, making it more inclusive and user-friendly for workers who speak various regional languages.
  • Previous Version: Previously, the portal was only available in English, Hindi, Kannada, and Marathi. The integration of 22 languages is a significant improvement, enabling broader participation.

Importance of the e-Shram Portal for Unorganised Workers:

  • Welfare Access: The portal provides access to government schemes designed for the welfare, livelihood, and well-being of unorganised workers, including gig and platform workers and building and construction workers.
  • Integration of Social Security Schemes:
    • As of now, the portal facilitates access to 12 government schemes, with plans to integrate even more, including state-level programs.
    • Future plans include launching a mobile app, a single application form, and the integration of payment gateways for faster disbursement of benefits.

AI-Driven Inclusive Development and Economic Transformation

  • 09 Jan 2025

In News:

IndiaAI, under the Digital India Corporation, has partnered with Microsoft to advance AI adoption in India for inclusive development and economic transformation. The collaboration focuses on skilling, innovation, AI safety, and responsible AI development, with a goal of fostering AI innovation across India, particularly in underserved rural and urban areas.

Key Highlights:

  • Training 500,000 Individuals by 2026:
    • Target Audience: Students, educators, developers, government officials, and women entrepreneurs.
    • Goal: Empower these groups with foundational and advanced AI skills for economic opportunities and digital transformation.
  • AI Catalysts (Centers of Excellence):
    • Establishment of AI hubs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to foster rural AI innovation.
    • Objective to equip 100,000 AI innovators and developers through hackathons, community building, and creating an AI marketplace.
  • AI Productivity Labs:
    • Set up in 20 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) across 10 states.
    • Focus on training 20,000 educators and providing AI education to 100,000 students in 200 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
  • Support for Startups:
    • Microsoft’s Founders Hub program will provide Azure credits, business resources, and mentorship to 1,000 AI startups in India, boosting innovation and growth in the Indian startup ecosystem.
  • Development of Indic Language Models:
    • Work on creating foundational AI models with support for Indic languages to address India’s linguistic diversity and cultural needs.
  • AI Safety Institute:
    • Focus on building frameworks, standards, and evaluation metrics for responsible AI development.
    • Support for the creation of an AI Safety Institute in India to promote ethical and safe AI practices.
  • Infrastructure & Research:
    • Microsoft will also focus on enhancing cloud infrastructure and support for AI research through Microsoft Research India.
    • AI-driven solutions will be developed for critical sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture.

Investment and Strategic Goals:

  • $3 Billion Investment:
    • Microsoft has pledged $3 billion to expand AI and cloud infrastructure in India over the next 2 years. This investment will focus on:
      • Building scalable infrastructure for AI applications.
      • Enhancing cloud services and AI capabilities.
      • Establishing new data centers across India, supporting the AI-first agenda.
  • AI Skill Development:
    • 10 million people will be trained over the next five years in AI skills, empowering the Indian workforce to adapt to AI technologies, driving job creation and economic growth.
  • AI in India’s Economy:
    • India aims to become a global leader in AI, with AI-powered solutions contributing to diverse sectors like finance, e-commerce, and manufacturing.
    • Focus on economic growth through AI-powered industries and fostering entrepreneurship in underserved communities.

AI Technologies and Applications:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) involves machines performing tasks that require human intelligence like decision-making, problem-solving, and learning from data.
    • Machine Learning (ML): AI systems improve through data without being explicitly programmed.
    • Natural Language Processing (NLP): AI systems understand and respond to human language.
    • Computer Vision: AI systems analyze and interpret visual information.
    • Robotics: AI powers automated tasks through robots in industries like manufacturing and healthcare.
  • Cloud Infrastructure enables the scaling of AI systems:
    • Cloud Computing provides on-demand access to computing power, essential for AI tasks requiring large amounts of data and processing power.
    • Data Centers host AI models and data, and cloud services such as Microsoft Azure will support AI startups and businesses.

Expected Impact and Benefits:

  • Inclusive AI Development: Focus on empowering women, students, and rural innovators to bridge the digital divide and promote economic empowerment.
  • Startup Ecosystem: The collaboration will foster a robust AI startup ecosystem, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship through AI tools, Azure credits, and mentorship.
  • Skill Development & Education: AI-driven skill training initiatives will prepare millions of individuals for the jobs of the future, particularly in the AI-driven economy, and support education reform.
  • AI for Critical Sectors: Development of AI-enabled solutions to address challenges in sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture, driving social impact and economic growth.

Miyawaki Technique

  • 09 Jan 2025

In News:

  • Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has successfully transformed over 56,000 square meters of garbage dumps and barren lands into lush green forests using the Miyawaki Technique over the past two years, as part of environmental conservation efforts in preparation for Mahakumbh 2025.

About Miyawaki Technique:

  • Origin: Developed by Akira Miyawaki, a Japanese botanist, in the 1970s to create dense and fast-growing forests.
  • Key Features:
    • Dense Planting: Trees and shrubs are planted close together, often using native species.
    • Accelerated Growth: Trees grow 10 times faster than in traditional forests.
    • Soil Restoration: Improves soil fertility and promotes natural regeneration.
    • Biodiversity Boost: Supports a variety of flora and fauna by mimicking natural ecosystems.
  • Significance:
    • Urban Reforestation: Converts barren or polluted lands into green spaces.
    • Environmental Benefits:
      • Reduces air and water pollution.
      • Absorbs carbon and helps combat climate change.
      • Lowers temperatures by 4-7°C.
    • Sustainability: Prevents soil erosion and promotes long-term ecological balance.

Miyawaki Forests in Prayagraj:

  • Achievements:
    • Over 56,000 square meters of land converted into dense forests using the Miyawaki technique over the last two years.
    • The project aims to create oxygen banks in preparation for the Mahakumbh 2025 and enhance air quality for millions of expected visitors.
  • Plantations:
    • 55,800 square meters of area developed across 10+ locations in Prayagraj.
    • Largest plantation: 1.2 lakh trees in Naini industrial area.
    • 27,000 trees planted in Baswar after cleaning the city's largest garbage dump.
  • Environmental Impact:
    • The plantations are helping to reduce dust, dirt, and foul odors, thus improving air quality.
    • Temperature regulation: The dense forests can lower temperatures by 4 to 7 degrees Celsius.
    • Biodiversity and Soil Fertility: Accelerated growth of trees boosts biodiversity and improves soil fertility.
  • Tree Species Planted:
    • Mango, Mahua, Neem, Peepal, Tamarind, Arjuna, Teak, Amla.
    • Ornamental and medicinal plants like Hibiscus, Kadamba, Gulmohar, etc.
    • Other species include Sheesham, Bamboo, Lemon, Drumstick (Sahjan), and Tecoma.

Benefits of Miyawaki Forests:

  • Air and Water Pollution Reduction: Trees absorb carbon, purify air, and improve water quality.
  • Temperature Control: The forests help in reducing urban heat islands, lowering the temperature during hot months.
  • Soil Conservation: The dense forests prevent soil erosion and promote the regeneration of the natural ecosystem.
  • Enhanced Biodiversity: The technique supports a rich variety of species, improving ecological balance.

AnemiaPhone

  • 09 Jan 2025

In News:

AnemiaPhone, a technology developed by Cornell University researchers to accurately, quickly, and cheaply, assess iron deficiency, has been transferred to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for integration into its programmes for anaemia, women’s health, and maternal and child health throughout the country.

Key Highlights:

  • Technology Features:
    • Portable, Rapid, and Affordable: AnemiaPhone is designed to detect iron deficiency efficiently at low cost.
    • Requires a fingerstick (small blood sample).
    • Results are available within minutes.
    • Wireless: Data uploaded to a clinical database via mobile, tablet, or computer.
    • Can be used by healthcare workers to assess iron deficiency on the spot and take action (guidance, triage, referral).
  • Working Mechanism:
    • A drop of blood is placed on a test strip.
    • The reader processes the sample.
    • Data is uploaded for immediate diagnosis and action.
    • Test results assist in on-the-spot intervention by healthcare workers.

Anaemia and Iron Deficiency:

  • Prevalence in India:
    • Iron deficiency is a leading cause of anaemia.
    • 50%-70% of pregnant women in India suffer from anaemia.
    • 59% of women and 47% of children (6-59 months) in India suffer from anaemia (NFHS data).
  • Consequences of Anaemia:
    • Fatigue, dizziness, organ failure, complications in childbirth, and in severe cases, death.
    • Contributes to higher maternal and child mortality rates in India.
  • Impact on Health in India:
    • India has one of the highest rates of anaemia in the world.
    • Iron deficiency is a significant contributor to maternal deaths.

ICMR's Role and Integration into National Programs:

  • ICMR and AnemiaPhone:
    • The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has integrated AnemiaPhone into its Anaemia Mukt Bharat (Anaemia-Free India) program.
    • The program focuses on eliminating anaemia by 2025 through screening, diagnosis, and treatment in women and children, especially in remote areas.
  • Transfer of Technology:
    • In November 2024, Cornell University transferred the technology to ICMR for free.
    • This collaboration aims to improve health outcomes by sharing innovative health technologies.

Advantages of AnemiaPhone:

  • Cost-Effective and Portable:
    • Low-cost compared to traditional lab tests.
    • Portable and can be used in remote and underserved areas.
  • Quick Diagnosis: Results are processed in minutes, allowing healthcare workers to act without delay.
  • No Need for Expensive Labs:
    • Can be used at primary health centers or in door-to-door health surveys.
    • Facilitates healthcare in rural or difficult-to-reach areas.
  • Wireless and Easy to Use: The device is user-friendly and does not require extensive training.

Impact on Healthcare System:

  • Improvement in Accessibility:
    • Helps reduce the need for people to travel long distances for diagnosis, especially in rural areas.
    • Ensures early diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and anaemia.
  • Enhancing Maternal and Child Health: AnemiaPhone will contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality rates linked to anaemia.

Technology Testing and Development:

  • Testing in India:
    • AnemiaPhone has been tested in India and has shown accurate results in diagnosing iron deficiency.
    • Single-use test strips help ensure accuracy and prevent contamination.

Global Health Context:

  • Global Prevalence of Anaemia: More than 2 billion people worldwide suffer from anaemia, particularly pregnant women and young children.
  • WHO’s Role: The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies anaemia as a major global health issue.

India-Malaysia Cooperation in Critical Minerals and Rare Earth Elements

  • 08 Jan 2025

In News:

  • On January 7, 2025, during the inaugural India-Malaysia Security Dialogue in New Delhi, both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in critical minerals and rare earth elements (REEs).
  • The meeting was co-chaired by India's National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval, and Malaysia’s Director General of the National Security Council, Raja Dato Nushirwan Bin Zainal Abidin.
  • The agreement follows the upgrade of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to India in August 2024.
  • The dialogue also focused on other security aspects such as counter-terrorism, cyber security, and maritime security.

Importance of Critical Minerals and REEs:

    • Critical Minerals: These are essential for a variety of industries like IT, energy, and defense. They are integral to manufacturing electric vehicle batteries, solar cells, and advanced electronics.
    • Rare Earth Elements (REEs): Used in high-tech applications such as wind turbines, electric vehicle engines, and high-powered magnets. While their extraction is not rare, it is technically difficult due to their complex nature.

Strategic Relevance:

    • Global Demand: The global demand for critical minerals is rising, and both countries see it as a strategic necessity to ensure a stable supply of these materials.
    • Malaysia's Resources: Malaysia possesses significant deposits of non-rare radioactive earth ores, including essential REEs like Neodymium (Nd), Dysprosium (Dy), and Praseodymium (Pr). These elements are crucial in today’s technological innovations.
    • India’s Dependence on Imports: India, which currently imports a substantial portion of its critical minerals, aims to diversify its supply chain by collaborating with Malaysia.

Sustainability and Ecological Accountability:

    • Both countries recognize the environmental challenges of mining these critical resources. Malaysia aims to adopt responsible mining practices that minimize ecological harm.
    • India seeks to ensure a supply chain that aligns with sustainable development goals, balancing economic needs with environmental responsibilities.

Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience:

    • Diversification of Supply Chain: This partnership aims to reduce India’s dependency on a limited number of countries for critical minerals, enhancing resilience against global supply chain disruptions.
    • Collaboration in Extraction and Processing: Both nations are exploring joint ventures in the exploration, extraction, and processing of critical minerals to boost their technological and economic standing globally.

Future Prospects:

    • The institutionalization of this dialogue through annual meetings is expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the critical minerals sector.
    • Increased cooperation is likely to enhance economic growth for both countries, aligning them strategically in the global minerals market as demand for these resources continues to soar.

Broader Security Cooperation:

    • Beyond critical minerals, the India-Malaysia Security Dialogue explored enhanced collaboration in areas like counter-terrorism, cyber security, maritime security, and defense industries.
    • This broadening of security cooperation complements the strategic minerals partnership, further solidifying the bilateral ties between the two nations.

Anji Khad Bridge

  • 08 Jan 2025

In News:

The Indian Railways has unveiled a monumental engineering achievement with the completion of the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge.

Overview:

  • The Anji Khad Bridge is India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district.
  • It is a key part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project aimed at enhancing connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India.
  • The bridge crosses the Anji River, a tributary of the Chenab River, and is expected to transform regional transport, boost tourism, and promote economic growth.

Key Features:

  • Dimensions:
    • Total length: 725.5 meters.
    • Main Pylon Height: 193 meters from the foundation, standing 331 meters above the riverbed.
    • The bridge is designed for train speeds of up to 100 km/h and can withstand wind speeds of up to 213 km/h.
  • Structure and Design:
    • Asymmetrical cable-stayed design supported by 96 cables with varying lengths (82 to 295 meters).
    • The structure includes:
      • A 120-meter approach viaduct on the Reasi side.
      • A 38-meter approach bridge on the Katra side.
      • A 473.25-meter cable-stayed portion crossing the valley.
      • A 94.25-meter central embankment linking the main bridge to the approach viaduct.
  • Construction Techniques:
    • Used advanced construction techniques such as DOKA Jump Form Shuttering, Pump Concreting, and Tower Crane Technique to enhance safety and reduce construction time by 30%.
    • A 40-ton tower crane imported from Spain was employed for operations at great heights.
    • The project utilized site-specific investigations by IIT Roorkee and IIT Delhi due to the region’s complex geological and seismic conditions.
  • Engineering Challenges:
    • The bridge had to be constructed in the difficult Himalayan terrain, with fragile geological features such as faults and thrusts.
    • Seismic activity in the region required additional precautions in the design and construction process.
  • Safety and Monitoring:
    • Equipped with an integrated monitoring system that includes multiple sensors to ensure the structural health of the bridge during operation.

Importance and Impact:

  • Connectivity: The bridge will significantly improve connectivity between Katra and Reasi, ensuring faster rail travel and linking the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India.
  • Tourism and Economic Growth: Expected to boost tourism and economic development by improving access to the region, attracting visitors, and facilitating smoother transportation of goods and services.
  • Sustainability: The bridge's design ensures it remains safe under extreme weather conditions, offering long-term reliability for the Indian Railways network.

Collaboration and International Expertise:

  • The design and supervision were handled by ITALFERR (Italy), with proof-checking conducted by COWI (UK).
  • The project combines Indian engineering codes with Eurocodes, adhering to international standards for structural integrity.

Section 479 of the BNSS 2023

  • 08 Jan 2025

In News:

Centre urges states, UTs to ensure undertrial prisoner relief in jails.

Key Highlights:

  • Objective: The MHA has urged states and Union Territories (UTs) to implement provisions of Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 to provide relief to undertrial prisoners (UTPs) in jails. This initiative aims to address issues such as long detention and overcrowding in prisons.

Key Provisions of Section 479 of BNSS, 2023

  • Purpose: To offer relief to undertrial prisoners by mandating their release on bail or bond under specific conditions.
  • Key Provisions:
    • Subsection (1):
      • Release on Bail: UTPs who have served half the maximum sentence for their offense (except offenses punishable by death or life imprisonment) are eligible for release on bail.
      • Release on Bond for First-Time Offenders: First-time offenders, who have served one-third of the maximum sentence, are eligible for release on bond by the court.
    • Subsection (3):
      • Mandatory Application: It is the responsibility of the prison superintendent to apply to the concerned court for the release of eligible prisoners on bail or bond.
  • Superintendent’s Role:
    • Prison superintendents are mandated to ensure timely applications for bail or bond are filed for eligible UTPs.

Implementation and Reporting

  • MHA’s Advisory:
    • On January 1, the MHA issued a letter to the Chief Secretaries, Director Generals, and Inspectors General of prisons in all states and UTs to ensure compliance with the provisions of Section 479 of BNSS.
    • States and UTs were instructed to report the status of implementation in a prescribed format starting from January 1, 2025.
  • Data to be Reported:
    • First-Time UTPs: Number of first-time UTPs who have served one-third of their maximum sentence.
    • Court Applications: Number of applications for bail filed by jail superintendents.
    • Release on Bail: Number of UTPs released on bond or bail after meeting the eligibility criteria.
    • Other UTPs: Number of UTPs who have completed half of their sentence, and the number of applications filed for their release.
  • MHA’s Campaign:
    • Launched on Constitution Day (November 26), this campaign encouraged states and UTs to identify eligible prisoners and file their bail applications, thus helping to reduce overcrowding in prisons and mitigate long-term detention.

Background and Context

  • Why Section 479?
    • Section 479 aims to reduce the prolonged detention of undertrials, some of whom may have already served significant portions of their maximum sentences. This will not only alleviate overcrowding in prisons but also expedite justice for prisoners who have spent extended periods in jail awaiting trial.
  • Earlier MHA Initiatives:
    • Prior to this directive, the MHA had issued an advisory on October 16, 2024, encouraging states and UTs to implement Section 479. A special push was also made during Constitution Day to move applications for the release of eligible prisoners.
  • Expected Outcome:
    • The measures are expected to significantly ease the challenges of overcrowded jails and provide timely relief to undertrials, especially first-time offenders. By enforcing these provisions, the government seeks to improve the judicial process for UTPs and contribute to a more effective and humane criminal justice system.

Sonobuoys

  • 08 Jan 2025

In News:

India and the U.S. have announced cooperation on the co-production of U.S. sonobuoys to enhance Undersea Domain Awareness (UDA) for the Indian Navy. This technology is vital for tracking submarines and strengthening defense capabilities, particularly in the Indian Ocean region amidst growing Chinese naval presence.

This partnership is a key step in deepening defense cooperation under the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), launched in May 2022, and will contribute to strengthening both countries’ defense industrial bases.

About Sonobuoys

  • What They Are:
    • Sonobuoys are expendable sonar devices used for anti-submarine warfare and underwater acoustic research.
    • Typically, small (13 cm in diameter and 91 cm in length), they are designed for deployment from aircraft or ships to detect submarines in deep waters.
  • Working Principles:
    • Deployment: Dropped from aircraft or ships, they activate upon water impact.
    • Surface Float: Equipped with inflatable floats and radio transmitters to communicate with tracking platforms on the surface.
    • Sensors: Hydrophones descend to selected depths, capturing underwater acoustic signals.
    • Data Communication: Transmit acoustic data via Very High Frequency (VHF) or Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radios to operators on aircraft or ships.
  • Types of Sonobuoys:
    • Active Sonobuoys: Emit sound energy and receive echoes, transmitting the data back to operators.
    • Passive Sonobuoys: Only listen for underwater sounds from submarines or ships and relay the information back.
    • Special Purpose Sonobuoys: Measure environmental data like water temperature and ambient noise.
  • Other Applications:
    • Beyond anti-submarine warfare, sonobuoys are used for environmental research, including studying marine life such as whales.

Co-production of Sonobuoys: India-U.S. Collaboration

  • Manufacturing Agreement:
    • Ultra Maritime (U.S.) and Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (BDL) have entered into discussions to co-produce U.S. sonobuoys, in line with India’s "Make in India" initiative.
    • The production will follow U.S. Navy standards, with manufacturing split between the U.S. and India.
    • The focus will also be on developing bespoke technologies to optimize sonobuoy performance in the unique acoustic environment of the Indian Ocean.
  • Interoperability:
    • The sonobuoys co-produced in India will be interoperable between U.S. Navy, Indian Navy, and allied aircraft such as P-8, MH-60R, and MQ-9B Sea Guardian.
    • This ensures seamless integration and compatibility with naval assets from the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia, especially given the Quad's strategic naval exercises like Malabar.
  • Production Location:
    • The sonobuoys will be manufactured at BDL's facilities in Visakhapatnam, with a focus on meeting the Indian Navy’s operational demands.

Strategic and Defense Context

  • U.S. and Indian Naval Cooperation:
    • India has increasingly acquired military platforms from the U.S., such as the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, MH-60R helicopters, and MQ-9 drones. These assets are also used by other Quad nations like Australia and Japan, highlighting the importance of interoperability and shared defense capabilities in the region.
  • Enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness:
    • With China’s growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean, the cooperation on sonobuoys aligns with India’s strategic priority of enhancing maritime domain awareness (MDA) and Undersea Domain Awareness (UDA), which are critical for national security.
  • Future Plans:
    • India has also signed a $3.5 billion contract for 31 MQ-9B drones, enhancing its surveillance capabilities for maritime and other defense applications. Deliveries of these drones will begin in 2029, further boosting India’s defense readiness in the region.

Homo juluensis

  • 08 Jan 2025

In News:

A significant discovery in paleoanthropology has unveiled a new species of ancient humans, Homo juluensis. This species, characterized by its unusually large skulls, lived in eastern Asia between 300,000 to 50,000 years ago. The discovery adds to our understanding of human evolution, particularly during the Middle to Late Pleistocene epoch.

Key Characteristics

  • Name Origin: Homo juluensis is named after "julu," meaning "big head," reflecting the species' large cranium.
  • Geographical Range: This species inhabited regions of eastern Asia, including parts of China, Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
  • Fossil Evidence: Fossils have been discovered in Xujiayao and Xuchang (northern and central China), dating from 220,000 to 100,000 years ago.
  • Physical Traits:
    • Homo juluensis had large braincases, up to 30% larger than modern humans.
    • They had thick skulls and facial features reminiscent of both Neanderthals and Denisovans.
    • Their dental and jaw features show strong similarities to Neanderthals.
  • Cultural Practices:
    • They lived in small groups and were hunter-gatherers, hunting wild horses and potentially processing animal hides.
    • Their tool-making and survival strategies indicate a complex level of social organization and resource use.

Relationship with Other Ancient Human Species

  • Coexistence with Other Species: Homo juluensis coexisted with Neanderthals and Denisovans, potentially interacting and interbreeding with these species.
  • Genetic Exchange: Studies suggest hybridization between Neanderthals, Denisovans, and early Homo sapiens played a significant role in shaping the genetic makeup of modern humans, especially in Asia.
  • Evolutionary Significance: The species' relationship with other Pleistocene hominins is complex, involving shared ancestry with Homo sapiens, Neanderthals, and Denisovans. The genetic exchange among these populations likely influenced the course of human evolution in eastern Asia.

Neanderthals and Denisovans

  • Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis):
    • Lived between 400,000 to 40,000 years ago, primarily in Europe and parts of Asia.
    • Neanderthals contributed significantly to the modern human gene pool, especially among non-African populations.
    • Evidence of Neanderthal DNA is present in living humans, indicating past interbreeding with early human species.
  • Denisovans:
    • Identified through DNA analysis in 2010, based on fossils found in a Siberian cave.
    • Closely related to Neanderthals, Denisovans inhabited diverse environments ranging from Siberian mountains to Southeast Asia’s jungles.
    • Like Neanderthals, Denisovans interbred with both Homo sapiens and Neanderthals, influencing the genetic structure of modern populations, especially in Asia.

Implications for Human Evolution

  • Complex Evolutionary Web:
    • The discovery of Homo juluensis highlights the complex web of interrelated ancient human species during the Pleistocene epoch. These species did not live in isolation but likely interacted, competed, and interbred, shaping the evolutionary history of humans in Asia.
  • Broader Understanding of Human Development:
    • By expanding our knowledge of species like Homo juluensis, we gain a better understanding of the genetic diversity and cultural complexity in ancient human populations. This also provides insights into the environmental and social conditions that shaped early human survival strategies.
  • Impact on Modern Genetics:
    • The interbreeding between these ancient species has left a lasting imprint on the genetic makeup of modern humans, especially in regions like Asia, where Denisovan genes are still present in the DNA of some populations.

18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)

  • 07 Jan 2025

In News:

The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention will be held from January 8-10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Key Highlights:

  • Theme 2025:
    • The theme is "Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat", highlighting the vital role of the Indian diaspora in India's development into a prosperous and developed nation.
  • Exhibitions:
    • The convention will feature four major themed exhibitions:
      • Vishwaroop Ram – The Universal Legacy of Ramayana: Showcasing the Ramayana’s influence through traditional and contemporary art forms.
      • Diaspora’s Contribution to Technology and Viksit Bharat: Highlighting the global technological impact of the Indian diaspora.
      • Spread and Evolution of the Indian Diaspora: Focused on the migration of Indians from Mandvi (Gujarat) to Muscat (Oman).
      • Heritage and Culture of Odisha: A look into Odisha’s rich cultural traditions.
  • Key Initiatives:
    • Pravasi Bharatiya Express: PM Modi will flag off this special tourist train for the diaspora, covering key religious and tourist sites in India under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana.
    • Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards (PBSA): Recognizing significant contributions by members of the Indian diaspora in various fields.

About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD):

  • Origins:
    • Celebrated on January 9 each year, marking Mahatma Gandhi's return to India from South Africa in 1915, symbolizing the contributions of migrants.
    • First held in 2003, the event became biennial in 2015.
  • Objectives:
    • Recognizes the contributions of the Indian diaspora to India’s growth.
    • Fosters engagement between India and its global diaspora.
    • Strengthens India’s relations with host countries and promotes understanding of India’s culture and achievements.

Contributions of the Indian Diaspora to a Viksit Bharat:

  • Economic Growth:
    • The diaspora plays a pivotal role through remittances, investments, and connecting Indian businesses to global markets.
    • Example: The development of a thorium-based fuel by a U.S.-based NRI is a significant step toward clean nuclear energy in India.
  • Global Trade Linkages:
    • Facilitating partnerships, investments, and knowledge exchange to expand India’s trade base and global market presence.
  • Supporting Innovation: Diaspora-driven collaborations in emerging markets boost India’s entry into high-growth sectors, enhancing the country's development prospects.
  • Cultural Contributions: Indian diaspora members serve as cultural ambassadors, promoting Indian traditions, art, and heritage globally (e.g., Diwali recognized as a public holiday in several U.S. states).

Challenges Faced by the Indian Diaspora:

  • Cultural Integration: Struggles with balancing cultural identity and integrating into host societies can lead to alienation.
  • Political and Religious Issues: Increasing politicization and religious biases, especially against Hindus and Sikhs, in countries like the USA and Europe.
  • Legal and Citizenship Issues: Complicated visa statuses, restrictive immigration laws, and issues like the H-1B visa challenge the diaspora, despite their significant contributions.
  • Remittance Challenges: Economic instability, exchange rate fluctuations, and banking hurdles affect the regular flow of remittances to India, impacting families dependent on them.

Government Initiatives for the Diaspora:

  • National Pension Scheme for NRIs
  • Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Card Scheme
  • Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra
  • Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)

ISRO's Cowpea Seed Germination Experiment in Space

  • 07 Jan 2025

In News:

ISRO successfully germinated cowpea seeds (Vigna unguiculata) in microgravity conditions during the PSLV-C60 POEM-4 mission. This experiment, conducted using the Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS), marks a significant advancement in space-based agricultural research.

Details of the Experiment:

  • Mission Overview:
    • The experiment took place aboard the PSLV-C60 POEM-4 mission, which included 24 sophisticated payloads.
    • The CROPS payload, developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), is an automated system designed to study seed germination and plant survival in microgravity environments.
  • Methodology:
    • Eight cowpea seeds were placed in a controlled, closed-box system, equipped with temperature regulation and advanced monitoring tools.
    • The system tracked plant development using high-definition cameras, sensors for oxygen, carbon dioxide, humidity, temperature, and soil moisture levels.
  • Significance:
    • The cowpea seeds successfully germinated within four days, with leaf development expected soon.
    • This breakthrough in space agriculture is vital for the development of sustainable farming techniques in space, especially for long-term space missions and human settlements on other celestial bodies.

Broader Implications:

  • Space Agriculture:
    • The successful germination of cowpea seeds sets the foundation for growing crops in space, essential for self-sufficient habitats in space.
    • This experiment is a significant step towards sustainable space agriculture, reducing the need for Earth-based resources in extraterrestrial environments.
  • Future Missions:
    • The experiment's success is pivotal for future missions aimed at Moon or Mars exploration, where space-grown crops will be necessary to support human life.
    • ISRO’s achievement reinforces its growing expertise in space research and highlights the potential for international collaboration in space exploration and agricultural science.

About Cowpea Seeds:

  • Cowpea (also known as lobia in Hindi) is a robust, nutrient-rich legume, ideal for agricultural research due to its adaptability and resilience in varied environments.
  • The successful experiment with cowpea seeds holds promise for future extraterrestrial agriculture, ensuring food security for astronauts on long-duration missions.

NCC Republic Day Camp 2025

  • 07 Jan 2025

In News:

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Address at NCC Republic Day Camp 2025.

Key Highlights

  • PanchPran as the Foundation of India’s Transformation:
    • PanchPran (Five Resolutions) were outlined by Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar as the guiding principles for India’s future development.
    • These principles are fundamental to India’s national progress, ensuring a balanced approach to development and societal transformation.

The Five Principles of PanchPran:

  • Social Harmony:
    • Aims to strengthen unity by leveraging India’s diverse cultures and traditions as sources of national strength.
    • Promotes inclusiveness and national integration.
  • Family Enlightenment:
    • Emphasizes the importance of families in nurturing patriotic and moral values.
    • Acts as a foundation for creating a cohesive, enlightened society that respects traditions.
  • Environmental Consciousness:
    • Advocates for sustainable development and conservation of nature.
    • Focuses on protecting natural resources for future generations.
  • Swadeshi (Self-reliance):
    • Encourages promoting indigenous products as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
    • Strengthens India’s self-reliance by focusing on domestic production and consumption.
  • Civic Duties:
    • Instills responsibility among citizens to actively contribute to the nation’s growth.
    • Encourages participation in community and national development activities.

National Cadet Corps (NCC)

  • The National Cadet Corps (NCC) is the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces, established in 1948.
  • It is open to school and college students on a voluntary basis and is a Tri-Services organization, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
  • Purpose and Training:
    • Cadets undergo basic military training in small arms and drills.
    • Officers and cadets have no obligation for active military service after completing their courses.
  • Historical Background:
    • Traces its origins back to the ‘University Corps’ formed under the Indian Defence Act of 1917 to address shortages in Army personnel.
  • Structure and Leadership:
    • The NCC is headed by a Director General (DG), a senior officer with a 3-star rank.
    • Its headquarters are located in New Delhi.

Disposal of Toxic Waste from Union Carbide Factory (Bhopal)

  • 07 Jan 2025

In News:

The Madhya Pradesh government has begun disposing of the 337 tonnes of toxic waste from the premises of Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) in Bhopal, 40 years after the gas tragedy.

Key Highlights:

  • Packing and Transportation:
    • Waste is packed in airtight containers under the supervision of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB).
    • 12 specially designed airtight containers are being used for packing, and each container will be loaded onto trucks for transport.
    • The waste movement will be escorted with a green corridor of about 250 kilometers.
  • Incineration Process:
    • The waste will undergo incineration in Pithampur, with residue stored in a two-layer membrane landfill to prevent contamination.
    • A trial incineration of 10 tonnes of the waste was done in 2015 with no harmful effects, and results were submitted to the High Court.

Bhopal Gas Tragedy: A Historical Overview

  • About the Tragedy:
    • In 1984, a chemical leak at the Union Carbide pesticide plant released methyl isocyanate (MIC), leading to one of the worst industrial disasters in history.
    • The leak was caused by a failed maintenance attempt and malfunctioning safety systems.
    • Immediate effects included respiratory issues, eye problems, and abdominal pain, while long-term effects included chronic lung conditions, genetic abnormalities, and higher infant mortality rates.
  • Legal and Government Response:
    • In 1985, the Indian government passed the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster Act to represent victims in legal claims.
    • UCIL initially offered USD 5 million, while the Indian government demanded USD 3.3 billion. The case was settled in 1989 for USD 470 million.
    • In 2010, seven Indian nationals were convicted for causing death by negligence, but were released on bail.

Hazardous Waste Management in India

  • Definition and Types:
    • Hazardous waste refers to waste that poses significant risks due to toxicity, reactivity, or corrosiveness.
    • Common sources include chemical production, outdated technologies, and wastewater treatment.
  • Regulations and Disposal Methods:
    • The Environment Protection Act (1986) and the Basel Convention (1992) govern hazardous waste management in India.
    • India generates about 7.66 million tonnes of hazardous waste annually, with the majority being landfillable (44.3%) and recyclable (47.2%).
    • Disposal methods include incineration, co-processing in cement plants, and material/energy recovery.
  • Challenges in Hazardous Waste Management:
    • Inadequate treatment technologies, especially in small and medium industries.
    • The need for stricter compliance with waste management laws and more efficient remediation of hazardous sites like Bhopal.

Pig-Butchering Scam

  • 07 Jan 2025

In News:

In its annual report, the Union Home Ministry has warned the public against getting trapped in organised 'pig-butchering scams'.

Key Highlights:

  • What is it?
    • The Pig-Butchering Scam is a sophisticated form of cybercrime in which fraudsters deceive victims into investing in fake online trading platforms. The term "pig-butchering" is derived from the analogy of "fattening up" victims before stealing their money, much like preparing a pig for slaughter.
  • How it works:
    • Initial Contact: Scammers typically reach out to victims through social media platforms, dating apps, or deceptive ads on websites like Google and Facebook.
    • Building Trust: Fraudsters create false friendships, using these connections to lure victims into investing in fake online trading apps. Cryptocurrency investments are often involved due to the ambiguity in the crypto market.
    • The Scam: Victims are shown fabricated profits to encourage further investment. However, when they try to withdraw their funds, the money is stolen, and they realize the trading platform was fake.
  • Features of the Scam:
    • Use of fraudulent online trading platforms
    • Fabricated blockchain transactions, making fund recovery nearly impossible
    • Reliance on victims’ desire for quick financial gains
    • Linked to money laundering and cyber slavery in some cases
  • Origin of the Scam:
    • The scam first appeared in China in 2016, where it was referred to as “sha zhu pan” (translated as "killing pig game").
    • It is a form of Ponzi scheme, wherein organized scammers exploit victims by using fake online identities and offering false investment opportunities.
  • How Cybercriminals Lure Victims:
    • The scammer (host) contacts potential victims via social media, dating apps, or deceptive online advertisements.
    • They build trust with the victim, enticing them into exploring online investments and cryptocurrency trading, often capitalizing on the lack of clarity in the crypto space.
    • The victim is then persuaded to invest larger amounts in fake trades, believing they are making real profits.
  • How the Scam is Executed:
    • The scammer uses fake online trading platforms to create the illusion of profit.
    • After building the victim’s confidence, the fraudster encourages larger investments.
    • When victims try to withdraw their funds, they realize their money is gone, often with blockchain transactions making it nearly impossible to trace or recover the funds.
  • Statistics on Cybercrime in India:
    • In March 2024, the National Cybercrime Threat Analytical Unit recorded over 37,500 complaints related to cybercrime.
    • The highest number of complaints (42%) were associated with WhatsApp (14,746), followed by Telegram (7,651), Instagram (7,152), Facebook (7,051), and YouTube (1,135).
  • Union Home Ministry’s Response:
    • The MHA has flagged pig-butchering scams as a global phenomenon that could involve large-scale money laundering and cyber slavery.
    • The Ministry is collaborating with Google for intelligence sharing to flag suspicious digital lending apps and other forms of fraud.
    • The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre is working on capacity building to combat such scams and improve the response to cybercrimes.

Great Nicobar Island Development Project

  • 06 Jan 2025

In News:

An international cruise terminal to facilitate a “global” port-led city, “high-end” tourism infrastructure, and a ship-breaking yard are among the new additions to the ?72,000 crore mega-infrastructure project in Great Nicobar Island proposed by the Union Shipping Ministry.

Overview of the Project:

  • The Great Nicobar Island Development Project is a ?72,000-crore initiative to transform the southernmost island of India into a hub for defense, logistics, commerce, eco-tourism, and infrastructure development.
  • It is being implemented by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Ltd (ANIIDCO) over 16,610 hectares of land.
  • The project includes multiple components like an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), an international airport, greenfield cities, a mass rapid transport system, and a free trade zone.

Key Proposed Developments:

  • International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT): To make Great Nicobar a key player in global maritime trade.
  • Greenfield International Airport: To improve connectivity and serve as a strategic airport.
  • Greenfield Cities: New urban settlements to support the infrastructure.
  • Coastal Mass Rapid Transport System: An advanced transportation network along the coast.
  • Free Trade Zone: To facilitate international trade activities.
  • International Cruise Terminal (new addition): To attract global tourists and facilitate cruise tourism.
  • Ship Breaking Yard (new addition): To establish a facility for ship building and breaking.

Geographical and Ecological Context:

  • Great Nicobar Island is the largest island in the Nicobar group, located at the southern tip of India. It is covered in rainforests and hosts diverse species, including endangered ones like the leatherback turtle and the Nicobar megapode.
  • The island's ecosystem is rich in biodiversity, with extensive mangroves, coral reefs, and rainforests.

Significance of the Project:

  • Geo-strategic Importance: The island’s location near the Malacca Strait offers a strategic maritime advantage, enhancing India’s global maritime presence.
  • National Security: With increasing Chinese influence in the region, the project aims to strengthen India's maritime security.
  • Economic Growth: The ICTT and other infrastructure will boost economic activities, making the region a vital trade hub.
  • Job Creation: The development will lead to numerous job opportunities for locals, especially in sectors like tourism, ports, and transport.
  • Tourism Development: With eco-tourism at its core, the project is expected to generate substantial income through tourism, improving the local economy.
  • Social Infrastructure: It will lead to improvements in healthcare, education, and digital services through initiatives like telemedicine and tele-education.

Chhattisgarh’s Link between Forest Ecosystem and Green GDP

  • 06 Jan 2025

In News:

In a first, the Chhattisgarh state has introduced an innovative plan that connects the ecosystem services of its forests with the Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP).

Key Highlights:

Chhattisgarh's Green GDP Initiative:

  • First State in India to link forest ecosystem services with Green GDP.
  • Forests cover 44% of Chhattisgarh's land area, playing a vital role in climate change mitigation.
  • Key forest products (tendu leaves, lac, honey, medicinal plants) contribute significantly to the rural economy.

Green GDP:

  • Definition: An adjustment of traditional GDP that accounts for environmental costs like resource depletion and ecosystem degradation.
  • Formula:
    • Green GDP = Net Domestic Product (NDP)(Cost of Resource Depletion + Ecosystem Degradation)
    • NDP = GDP − Depreciation of Produced Assets.

Importance of Green GDP:

  • Traditional GDP overlooks the environmental cost, treating activities like deforestation as economic gains.
  • Green GDP adjusts for sustainability, ensuring long-term economic growth aligns with environmental preservation.

Global Context & Initiatives:

  • SEEA (System of Environmental-Economic Accounting): Developed by the UN to track economic-environment relationships.
  • WAVES: World Bank initiative integrating natural capital into national economic accounts.
  • Bhutan’s GNH: Emphasizes ecological sustainability in development.

Benefits of Green GDP for Chhattisgarh:

  • Promotes sustainable development by integrating economic and environmental goals.
  • Climate Change Mitigation: Forests help absorb CO2, playing a key role in carbon sequestration.
  • Biodiversity Conservation: Supports sustainable use of resources, preserving ecosystems.
  • Cultural Integration: Acknowledges forests' cultural and spiritual importance to local tribal communities (e.g., sacred groves).

Key Features of the Initiative:

  • Valuing Ecosystem Services: Includes clean air (CO? absorption), water conservation, and biodiversity.
  • Eco-tourism Promotion: Developing jungle safaris and national parks, boosting local employment.
  • Scientific Assessments: Employing experts to quantify forest contributions to the economy.

Challenges of Green GDP Framework:

  • Valuation Complexity: Difficult to assign monetary value to non-market environmental benefits like biodiversity.
  • Data Gaps: Lack of comprehensive data on environmental degradation and resource usage.
  • Implementation: Requires significant changes in accounting systems and policymaking.
  • Forest Definition: Plantations like oil palm may be counted as forests, misleading environmental assessments.
  • Political Resistance: States may manipulate data to secure funding, prioritizing plantations over natural forests.
  • Local Integration: Difficulties in involving local bodies like Panchayats due to literacy and awareness gaps.

Future of Green GDP:

  • Sustainable Resource Use: Encourages responsible consumption and production, aligning with SDG 12.
  • Climate Action: Contributes to the reduction of fossil fuel reliance and promotes renewable energy, aligning with SDG 13.
  • Green Investments: Stimulates green technologies and industries, fostering sustainable economic growth (SDG 8).

LEADS 2024 Report

  • 06 Jan 2025

In News:

  • Launch of the Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2024 report and the Logistics Excellence, Advancement, and Performance Shield (LEAPS) 2024 awards in New Delhi.

Key Highlights:

  • Objective of LEADS 2024 Report:
    • Evaluate logistics performance across Indian states and union territories.
    • Provide actionable insights for logistics reforms to foster competitive federalism.
    • Assess logistics infrastructure, services, regulatory environment, and sustainability efforts.
  • Performance Evaluation:

Region                                Achievers                                                                              Fast Movers                                                                                         Aspirers

Coastal States                    Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu        Andhra Pradesh, Goa                                                                             Kerala, West Bengal

Landlocked States             Haryana, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand                Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan            Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand

North-Eastern States        Assam, Arunachal Pradesh                                                   Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura                                 Manipur

Union Territories               Chandigarh, Delhi                                                               Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir,         Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ladakh

                                                                                                                                          Lakshadweep, Puducherry

  • Key Remarks:
    • Action Plans for Better Logistics: States should develop regional and city-level logistics plans, including for last-mile connectivity, to attract investments.
    • Green Logistics: Advocate for sustainable logistics practices to ensure environmentally responsible growth.
    • Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Encourage PPPs to promote multi-modal hubs and streamline logistics infrastructure.
    • Technological Integration: Push for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Analytics to enhance efficiency in logistics operations.
    • Skill Development & Gender Inclusivity: Focus on workforce inclusivity and skill development to boost sectoral growth. Promote gender diversity in logistics.
    • LEAD Framework: Urge logistics sectors to embrace the LEAD framework (Longevity, Efficiency, Accessibility, Digitalisation) for transformation.
  • LEAD Framework and Recommendations:
    • Longevity, Efficiency, and Effectiveness: Improve long-term logistics strategies.
    • Accessibility and Accountability: Ensure better reach and transparent logistics practices.
    • Digitalisation: Enhance digital transformation across logistics processes.
  • About LEADS:
    • Full Form: Logistics Ease Across Different States.
    • Launched: 2018 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
    • Purpose: To assess and improve logistics infrastructure and services across Indian states and UTs.
    • Methodology: Based on over 7,300 responses from a pan-India survey and inputs from over 750 stakeholder consultations.
  • LEAPS 2024 Awards: Recognized excellence in the logistics sector across categories such as air, rail, road, maritime freight service providers, startups, MSMEs, and educational institutions.
  • PM GatiShakti Course: Launched a 15-hour online course on “PM GatiShakti Concept for Efficient Infrastructure Planning and National Development”, hosted on iGOT Karmayogi platform and UGC SWAYAM portal.
  • Logistics Cost Framework Report: Unveiled a report on the logistics cost framework, aiming to accurately estimate logistics costs in India through a hybrid methodology, incorporating both EXIM and domestic cargo data.
  • Significance of LEADS:
    • Provides critical insights into logistics performance, helping States and UTs to improve infrastructure, services, and regulatory practices.
    • Plays a key role in India's vision of becoming a $32 trillion economy by 2047 by improving logistics efficiency, sustainability, and global competitiveness.

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

  • 06 Jan 2025

In News:

Five years after the COVID pandemic, China is experiencing a surge in HMPV cases, particularly in children under 14 years of age

Key Highlights:

  • What is HMPV?
    • A respiratory virus from the Pneumoviridae family, discovered in 2001.
    • Causes both upper and lower respiratory tract infections, similar to the common cold or flu.
  • Origin and Discovery:
    • Identified in the Netherlands in 2001 through genomic sequencing of respiratory samples.
  • Risk Groups:
    • Children under 5 years, especially infants.
    • Elderly individuals (65+).
    • Immunocompromised persons and those with chronic respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma).
  • Symptoms:
    • Common: Cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat.
    • Severe: Wheezing, shortness of breath, potentially leading to bronchitis or pneumonia.
  • Incubation Period: 3-6 days.
  • Transmission:
    • Spread via droplets from coughing or sneezing.
    • Close contact (e.g., handshakes, hugs).
    • Contaminated surfaces, touching face after contact.
  • Treatment:
    • No specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available.
    • Symptom management: hydration, rest, OTC medications for fever and congestion.
    • Severe cases may require hospitalization (oxygen therapy, IV fluids).
  • Diagnosis:
    • NAATs (Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests): Detect viral genetic material.
    • Antigen-based immunoassays: For severe cases or outbreaks.
  • Complications:
    • Can lead to bronchiolitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, or COPD flare-ups.
    • Risk of ear infections (otitis media) in some cases.
  • Prevention:
    • Hygiene: Regular handwashing, covering coughs/sneezes, maintaining personal hygiene.
    • Physical Distancing: Avoid close contact, wear masks in crowded settings.
    • Caution for Vulnerable Groups: Extra care for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions.

Global Situation:

  • China: Experiencing a rise in HMPV cases, particularly among children under 14 years.
  • India: No reported cases yet, but monitoring the situation closely.

Key Facts:

  • HMPV is a winter virus commonly seen in colder months (winter and early spring).
  • Estimated 10%-12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV.
  • The virus is part of the Pneumoviridae family, alongside respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), measles, and mumps.

No specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV; antibiotics are ineffective.

National Sports Awards 2024

  • 06 Jan 2025

In News:

The National Sports Awards 2024 were recently announced by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports to celebrate excellence in Indian sports.

Key Highlights:

Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award

  • This is India's highest sporting honor, renamed in 2021 after hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
  • It’s awarded for exceptional performance in sports over a four-year period.
  • 2024 Winners:
    • Gukesh D (Chess)
    • Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey)
    • Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics)
    • Manu Bhaker (Shooting)
  • The award includes a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh.

Arjuna Award

  • Recognizes outstanding performance in sports over the previous four years and attributes like leadership, discipline, and sportsmanship.
  • 2024 Winners: Various athletes across multiple disciplines received this honor.

Arjuna Award (Lifetime)

  • Given to retired athletes who have not only excelled during their careers but also contributed to the promotion of sports post-retirement.
  • 2024 Winners:
    • Shri Sucha Singh (Athletics)
    • Shri Murlikant Rajaram Petkar (Para-Swimming)

Dronacharya Award

  • Given to coaches who have made a consistent and significant contribution by guiding sportspersons to excel at international events.
  • The award includes a bronze statue of Dronacharya, a certificate, and a cash prize.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy

  • Awarded to the top-performing university in the Khelo India University Games.
  • 2024 Winner: Chandigarh University.

Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar

  • Recognizes individuals or organizations for their contribution to the promotion and development of sports.
  • 2024 Winner: Physical Education Foundation of India.

These awards were selected by a committee led by Justice (Retd.) V. Ramasubramanian and include eminent sportspersons, journalists, and sports administrators. The winners will receive their awards from the President of India, marking a prestigious moment in Indian sports.

Saint Narahari Tirtha

  • 05 Jan 2025

In News:

In a remarkable discovery, a member of the Team of Research on Culture and Heritage (TORCH) has hit upon a three-foot idol of the 13th Century saint, Narahari T?rtha recently.

Key Highlights:

Birth and Early Life:

  • Born circa 1243 CE in Chikakolu (modern-day Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh).
  • Hailing from an aristocratic family in the Gajapati Empire of Odisha.

Philosophical Influence:

  • A prominent disciple of Madhvacharya, the founder of Dvaita philosophy (dualism).
  • Narahari Tirtha played a key role in propagating Madhva's Vaishnavism in Eastern India, particularly in the Kalinga region (modern-day Odisha and Andhra Pradesh).

Role in Eastern Ganga Dynasty:

  • Served as a minister in the Eastern Ganga Dynasty for over 30 years.
  • Guided kings to align their governance with Sanatana Dharma and reformed temple administration.
  • His contributions are documented in inscriptions at the Simhachalam and Srikurmam temples.

Religious and Cultural Contributions:

  • Played a key role in spreading Vaishnavism and Dvaita philosophy.
  • First to compose Devaranamas in Kannada, marking a significant cultural contribution.
  • Contributed to the development of Yakshagana Bayalata (a dance-drama) and the classical dance form that evolved into Kuchipudi.

Writings and Intellectual Legacy:

  • Authored 15 works, with two surviving texts: Gita Bhasya and Bhavaprakasika.
  • His teachings and writings significantly impacted the Madhva tradition and regional literature.

Discovery of the Idol:

  • A three-foot idol of Narahari Tirtha was discovered at Simhachalam Temple in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
  • The idol depicts Narahari Tirtha holding a script on palm leaves, flanked by devotees.

Contributions to Temple and Education:

  • Transformed the Simhachalam Temple into a renowned center for Vaishnavism.
  • Played a crucial role in safeguarding sacred idols like Moolarama and Moola Sita for Madhvacharya.

Cultural and Artistic Legacy:

  • Promoted regional art forms, helping establish Kuchipudi as a classical dance style in Andhra Pradesh.
  • Advocated for Yakshagana Bayalata, a form of dance-drama popular in coastal Karnataka.

Honors and Recognition:

  • Bestowed titles such as "Loka Surak?a?a Ati Nipu?a?" and "Yo Avati Kalinga Bhu Sambhav?n" for his contributions to philosophy and governance.

Final Resting Place:

  • Narahari Tirtha was consecrated near Chakratirtha at Hampi on the banks of the Tungabhadra River after his death.
  • His legacy continues to influence the temple traditions, especially in Puri Jagannath, strengthening the Madhva influence in Odisha.

Year of Artificial Intelligence

  • 05 Jan 2025

In News:

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has declared 2025 as the "Year of Artificial Intelligence" (AI), aiming to empower over 14,000 AICTE-approved colleges and benefit 40 million students. This initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision to make India a global leader in AI and technology.

Key Objectives and Features of the AICTE AI Initiative:

  • Positioning India as a Global AI Leader:
    • Empowering students with AI skills to drive innovation and lead in the emerging AI-driven economy.
    • Preparing India’s workforce for the technological advancements of the future.
  • Core Elements of the AICTE AI Initiative:
    • AI Affirmation Pledge: Institutions will adopt and display an AI Affirmation Pledge, focusing on innovation, ethics, and education in AI.
    • Comprehensive AI Integration:
      • Introducing interdisciplinary AI courses and research programs.
      • Setting up AI labs in collaboration with industries to meet global standards.
      • Promoting ethical AI practices with societal benefits in focus.
    • AI Awareness Campaign:
      • “AI for All: The Future Begins Here” campaign includes workshops, hackathons, and guest lectures.
      • Formation of student-driven AI chapters to foster innovation and research.
    • Faculty Development & Industry Partnerships:
      • Workshops and certification programs for faculty to improve AI teaching.
      • Collaboration with companies like Adobe, CISCO, and IBM for student exposure through internships and mentorships.
    • Recognition of Excellence: Institutions excelling in AI integration will be recognized, serving as role models for others.
  • Action Plan for Institutions:
    • All institutions are required to submit AI Implementation Plans by December 31, 2024. These plans will be evaluated by the AICTE Approval Bureau and exemplary submissions will be highlighted as benchmarks.
  • Shaping India as a Global AI Leader:
    • AICTE aims to revolutionize India’s education system and enhance its position in the global AI race, focusing on building a self-reliant workforce.

Additional Context on AICTE and its Role:

  • AICTE Overview:
    • A statutory body and national-level council under the Ministry of Education.
    • Established in November 1945 as a national-level apex advisory body for technical education in India.

Government Initiatives to Support AI and Consumer Protection:

  • AI and Consumer Protection:
    • AI-driven tools launched to enhance consumer protection, such as the National Consumer Helpline, e-MAAP Portal, and Jago Grahak Jago mobile application.
    • New guidelines for regulating deceptive marketing in e-commerce to ensure consumer confidence in the digital market.
    • Tools like the e-Daakhil Portal for online complaint filing.

Impact:

  • This initiative will have a far-reaching impact, involving more than 14,000 institutions and 40 million students nationwide, preparing them for leadership roles in AI and technology, and helping India secure its future in the global AI-driven economy.

Translocation of Tigers from Madhya Pradesh

  • 05 Jan 2025

In News:

Madhya Pradesh to translocate 15 Tigers to Rajasthan, Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

Key Highlights of the Translocation:

  • Scale of Translocation: Largest relocation of big cats from a single state in India.
  • Approval: NTCA has approved the translocation of 15 tigers from Madhya Pradesh to Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
  • Source Reserves:
    • Bandhavgarh, Panna, Kanha, and Pench Tiger Reserves in Madhya Pradesh.
  • Distribution Plan:
    • Rajasthan: 4 tigresses.
    • Chhattisgarh: 2 male tigers and 6 tigresses.
    • Odisha: 1 male tiger and 2 tigresses.
  • Funding: States receiving tigers will bear all expenses related to translocation.

Objectives of the Translocation:

  • Enhance Tiger Conservation: Reintroduce and bolster tiger populations in recipient states.
  • Population Management: Relocate tigers to areas with suitable habitats to alleviate territorial disputes in overpopulated reserves.
  • Genetic Diversity: Introduce new individuals to isolated tiger groups to prevent inbreeding and support long-term species survival.

About Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench Tiger Reserves:

  • Kanha Tiger Reserve:
    • Location: Maikal range of the Satpura Mountains.
    • Significance: Largest national park in Madhya Pradesh.
    • Distinct Feature: First tiger reserve in India with an official mascot, ‘Bhoorsingh the Barasingha’.
    • Flora and Fauna: Rich biodiversity with Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, and the IUCN Vulnerable species, Barasingha.
  • Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve:
    • Location: Between Vindhyan and Satpura ranges in Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh.
    • Significance: Known for one of the highest densities of Royal Bengal Tigers in India.
    • Historical Link: The ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, linked to the legend of Lord Rama and Lakshmana.
  • Pench Tiger Reserve:
    • Location: Spans Seoni and Chhindwara districts in Madhya Pradesh, extends into Maharashtra.
    • Significance: Inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.
    • Flora and Fauna: Includes teak, saag, mahua forests; tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and gaur are key species.

Tiger Translocation Project Overview:

  • First Project:
    • Initiated in 2018, two tigers relocated from Kanha and Bandhavgarh to Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha.
  • Main Objectives:
    • Reintroduce Tigers: In areas where they have been extirpated or extinct.
    • Alleviate Territorial Disputes: Overpopulated reserves need additional tigers to reduce human-animal conflict.

Benefits of Translocation:

  • Ecological Balance: Restores predator-prey dynamics in underpopulated reserves.
  • Human-Animal Conflict Mitigation: Reduces conflict in overcrowded reserves.
  • Rewilding Landscapes: Revives areas where tigers were locally extinct.

Concerns Associated with Translocation:

  • Local Community Protests: Villagers fear tigers will pose a threat to their safety.
  • Territorial Disputes: New tigers may face conflict with resident tigers.
  • Poor Forest Management: Inadequate prey augmentation and habitat management may hinder success.

Madhya Pradesh’s Role in Tiger Conservation:

  • Largest Tiger Population: Madhya Pradesh hosts the largest number of tigers in India, with 785 tigers as per NTCA’s 2022 report.
  • Tiger Reserves: The state is home to nine tiger reserves, including the newly notified Madhav Tiger Reserve in Shivpuri.
  • Translocation Strategy: Madhya Pradesh’s involvement helps reduce local tiger population pressure and contributes to broader conservation efforts across India.

Inter-State Tiger Translocation Goals:

  • Reinforcement and Reintroduction: Introduce tigers into areas historically part of their range but from which they have been extirpated or extinct.
  • Genetic Diversity: Introduce new tigers to isolated populations to maintain long-term population health.

Thanthai Periyar Memorial

  • 05 Jan 2025

In News:

In a significant event for both Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin are set to reunite at Vaikom, to inaugurate the extensively renovated memorial dedicated to Tamil reformist E.V. Ramasami Naicker, popularly known as Thanthai Periyar. This marks a historic occasion over a year and a half after they jointly inaugurated the centenary celebrations of the Vaikom Satyagraha.

Key Highlights:

Memorial History and Significance:

  • Established: January 1994
  • Location: 70-cent property near Valiyakavala Junction, Vaikom
  • Ownership: Tamil Nadu Government
  • Periyar Statue: Installed in 1985 on 84 cents of land provided by Kerala government; remains the centerpiece.
  • Historical Neglect: The memorial suffered from years of neglect before the renovation.

Role of Periyar in Vaikom Satyagraha:

  • Vaikom Satyagraha (1924–1925):
    • First organized movement for the rights of the ‘untouchable’ communities in India.
    • Led by prominent leaders like T.K. Madhavan, K.P. Kesava Menon, and K. Kelappan.
    • Periyar, alongside his wife Nagamma, joined the movement, seeking access to public roads leading to the Sri Mahadeva Temple in Vaikom.
    • Periyar’s Contribution:
      • Was imprisoned twice for his participation in the movement.
      • Honored with the title Vaikom Veeran for his leadership.
  • Impact: The movement played a crucial role in securing social equality for all sections of society.

Periyar’s Legacy:

  • Self-Respect Movement: Founded by Periyar to promote social equality and eliminate caste-based discrimination.
  • Dravidar Kazhagam: A political and social organization founded by Periyar, advocating for the rights of the Dravidian people.
  • Father of the Dravidian Movement: Periyar’s philosophy and activism laid the foundation for the Dravidian political ideology and social reforms in Tamil Nadu.

Rabbit Fever

  • 05 Jan 2025

In News:

Tularemia, commonly known as "rabbit fever," is a rare but highly infectious bacterial disease caused by Francisella tularensis. Though uncommon, it can lead to severe health complications if left untreated. Over recent years, cases of tularemia have been on the rise in the United States, drawing attention to the broader environmental and epidemiological factors influencing the disease’s spread.

Rising Incidence of Tularemia

Between 2011 and 2022, the United States saw a 56% increase in the annual average incidence of tularemia infections compared to the previous decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Vulnerable populations include children aged 5 to 9, older men, and individuals of American Indian or Alaska Native descent. The increasing number of reported cases highlights the growing concern over this disease, despite its rarity.

Transmission Pathways

Tularemia is primarily transmitted through:

  • Direct Contact with Infected Animals: Common carriers include rabbits, hares, and rodents, particularly those infected with Francisella tularensis. This presents a risk for individuals working closely with wildlife, such as hunters.
  • Insect Bites: Ticks, especially in regions with high tick populations, and deer flies can spread the disease.
  • Contaminated Food or Water: Consuming undercooked meat from infected animals or untreated water can lead to infection.
  • Inhalation of Contaminated Dust or Droplets: This is a potential risk in agricultural or laboratory settings and can result in pulmonary tularemia.

Contributing Factors to the Rise in Cases

Several factors contribute to the increasing prevalence of tularemia:

  • Climate Change: Rising temperatures are increasing tick activity and extending breeding seasons, allowing the bacteria to spread more easily.
  • Habitat Encroachment: Deforestation and increased human interaction with wildlife are amplifying exposure to infected animals.
  • Improved Diagnostic Tools: Advances in surveillance and testing methods have made it easier to detect tularemia, leading to more reported cases.

Early Symptoms and Diagnosis

Tularemia symptoms can vary depending on the route of infection. Symptoms typically appear 3 to 5 days post-exposure and may include:

  • Sudden high fever (up to 104°F or 40°C)
  • Chills, fatigue, and body aches
  • Swollen lymph nodes, especially near the site of infection (e.g., under the arms or in the groin)

There are four primary forms of tularemia:

  • Ulceroglandular: Characterized by skin ulcers and swollen lymph nodes.
  • Glandular: Swollen lymph nodes without ulcers.
  • Pneumonic: Lung infection, often resulting from inhalation.
  • Typhoidal: A more systemic form, with symptoms like fever and abdominal pain.

Differentiating tularemia from other conditions such as flu, pneumonia, or lymphadenitis is key for diagnosis. A skin ulcer or swollen lymph nodes in individuals with recent exposure to wildlife or ticks is a critical diagnostic clue.

Treatment and Prognosis

Tularemia is treatable with antibiotics. First-line treatment includes streptomycin or gentamicin, while doxycycline or ciprofloxacin may be used for milder cases. Treatment typically lasts 10 to 21 days, and when initiated promptly, the disease has a high recovery rate and minimal complications. However, untreated cases can lead to chronic infections, lung abscesses, pneumonia, or severe sepsis, with mortality rates of 1-2% under treatment. Untreated severe cases can result in mortality rates between 30% and 60%.

Tularemia in India: A Potential Concern?

Tularemia is extremely rare in India, mainly due to the country's differing ecological conditions and limited interaction with the primary reservoirs of Francisella tularensis. However, awareness remains crucial, especially for individuals traveling to endemic regions or working in wildlife settings. Despite its rarity in India, the rising global incidence and changing environmental factors warrant continued vigilance.

Torrijos-Carter Treaties

  • 04 Jan 2025

In News:

Recently, Donald Trump threatened to take back the Panama Canal, calling the transfer treaty “foolish”.

Why Trump Called the Panama Canal Transfer 'Foolish'?

  • Transit Fees:
    • Trump expressed frustration over high transit fees imposed by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) on U.S. vessels.
    • In 2023, due to droughts affecting Lakes Gatun and Alhajuela (which are crucial for canal operations), the ACP reduced crossing slots by 36%, leading to an increase in transit fees for ships.
  • Chinese Presence:
    • Trump is also concerned about the growing Chinese influence in the Panama Canal region.
    • In 2017, Panama became the first Latin American country to sign a Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) agreement with China, increasing Chinese investments.
    • Hutchison Ports PPC, a subsidiary of a Hong Kong-based company, operates ports near the canal, raising concerns over China's influence on logistical operations and potential surveillance capabilities.

The Torrijos-Carter Treaties and Canal Transfer:

  • Panama Canal Treaty (1977):
    • The treaty transferred control of the Panama Canal from the U.S. to Panama by December 31, 1999.
    • The U.S. would no longer control the canal, and Panama would assume full responsibility for its operation and defense.
  • Permanent Neutrality Treaty (1977):
    • Declared the canal to be neutral and open to vessels of all nations.
    • U.S. Right to Defense: The U.S. retained the right to defend the neutrality of the canal and had priority passage in case of military emergencies.

Panama’s Response to Trump’s Criticisms:

  • Defense of Transit Rates:
    • President José Raúl Mulino rejected Trump’s claims, defending the transit fees as being in line with international standards and based on a transparent procedure.
  • Sovereignty:
    • Mulino emphasized Panama’s sovereignty over the canal, asserting that Panama’s control over the canal was non-negotiable. He categorically denied the presence of Chinese soldiers in the canal, stating that there would never be any.

China’s Response:

  • China's Position:
    • China's Foreign Ministry responded by emphasizing that the Panama Canal is a neutral passageway, a vital infrastructure for Panama and the global trade system.
    • China affirmed its respect for Panama's sovereignty and denied any military presence in the canal area.

Implications and Future:

  • Diplomatic Tensions:
    • The issue of transit fees and foreign influence, particularly China's presence in the region, is likely to remain a point of diplomatic negotiation.
    • Panama is expected to assert its sovereignty and seek international support to prevent any external interference in the canal’s operations.
  • U.S. Influence:
    • The U.S. might attempt to renegotiate terms related to the Panama Canal's operations, especially concerning transit fees and military rights, although Panama remains firm on maintaining control.

Torrijos-Carter Treaties:

  • Significance:
    • Panama Canal Treaty and Permanent Neutrality Treaty marked a major shift in U.S.-Latin America relations, ending U.S. control and restoring Panamanian sovereignty.
    • The treaties also ensured the neutrality of the canal while maintaining U.S. military access in emergencies.
  • Impact:
    • The treaties were a symbol of Panama’s regained sovereignty and played a key role in stabilizing relations between the U.S. and Panama, as well as resolving tensions over control of the canal.

Centralized Pension Payments System (CPPS)

  • 04 Jan 2025

In News:

  • The CPPS aims to enhance pension accessibility and simplify the disbursement process for over 7.85 million pensioners in India.
  • Key Benefit: Pensioners can now receive their pension from any bank or branch across India, eliminating the need for physical verifications and providing seamless nationwide pension disbursement.

Key Highlights:

  • Key Features:
    • No need for physical verification: Pensioners do not have to visit the bank for verification at the time of pension commencement.
    • Seamless pension disbursement: Upon release, the pension amount is credited immediately.
    • Nationwide access: Pensioners can withdraw their pension from any bank or branch, without needing to transfer Pension Payment Orders (PPO) when relocating or changing banks.
  • Significance:
    • Eliminates the decentralised pension system, where each regional office maintained separate agreements with a few banks.
    • Ensures pension portability, especially for pensioners who move or change banks.

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO):

  • Overview:
    • EPFO is a statutory body under the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Act, 1952, and works under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
  • Structure:
    • Administered by a tripartite board called the Central Board of Trustees, consisting of representatives from:
      • Government (Central & State)
      • Employers
      • Employees
    • The Central Board of Trustees is chaired by the Union Minister of Labour and Employment.
  • Key Schemes Operated by EPFO:
    • Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 1952 (EPF): A savings scheme for workers.
    • Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 (EPS): A pension scheme for employees after retirement.
    • Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, 1976 (EDLI): Provides life insurance coverage to workers.
  • Global Coverage: EPFO is also the nodal agency for implementing Bilateral Social Security Agreements with other countries, offering reciprocal social security benefits to international workers from countries with such agreements.
  • Impact: The EPFO schemes cover Indian workers and international workers from countries with which EPFO has signed bilateral agreements.

Key Facts:

  • CPPS improves the convenience and accessibility of pension services for millions of pensioners across India by simplifying the pension disbursement process and providing nationwide access without the need for physical verifications.
  • EPFO, a statutory body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, plays a crucial role in managing provident funds, pensions, and insurance schemes for both domestic and international workers, fostering social security across India.

Open Data Kit (ODK) Toolkit

  • 04 Jan 2025

In News:

  • The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has deployed the Open Data Kit (ODK) platform to enhance transparency in government spending and improve accountability in the delivery of government schemes.
  • The toolkit is being used for designing, collecting, and managing data relevant to audits.

Key Highlights:

Objective:

  • Enhance transparency in public spending.
  • Improve accountability in government schemes and projects.
  • Collect real-time beneficiary feedback to aid audit planning and identify areas needing additional review.

Key Features:

  • End-to-end encryption: Ensures secure data management.
  • Integration with CAG’s Operating System (OIOS): Facilitates seamless analysis and management of data.
  • Multi-language support: Allows for surveys in multiple languages, making it more accessible to diverse beneficiaries.
  • User-friendly interface: Simplifies the design and management of data collection processes for auditors.

Usage and Applications:

  • Beneficiary surveys are a key tool for gathering data, helping CAG identify problem areas in government schemes.
  • The ODK toolkit was recently deployed in audits of AIIMS institutions in Mangalagiri (Guntur) and Bibinagar (Hyderabad) to assess patient satisfaction and gather evidence for performance reviews.

Working Process:

  • Surveys are designed on the ODK platform and deployed to beneficiaries.
  • Data is collected in real-time and analyzed using the OIOS system to generate actionable insights for audits.
  • Beneficiary feedback is used to evaluate scheme delivery and improve efficiency.

Significance:

  • Facilitates data-driven decision-making in audits, ensuring that audits are more transparent and evidence-based.
  • Improves the citizen-centric evaluation of government schemes by gathering direct feedback from beneficiaries.
  • Enhances the performance review of key institutions like AIIMS, contributing to better service delivery.
  • The introduction of the ODK toolkit is part of the CAG’s efforts to use digital tools for better governance and accountability in the public sector. This also aligns with the growing trend of using technology for governance and auditing.

Project VISTAAR

  • 04 Jan 2025

In News:

IIT Madras has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare on Project VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources). MoU signed between the Ministry and IIT Madras to integrate information about agricultural start-ups into the VISTAAR platform.

Key Highlights:

Project Objectives:

  • Digitalisation of Agricultural Extension: To enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the agricultural extension system through digital platforms.
  • Access to Start-Up Innovations: Provide farmers easy access to over 12,000 start-ups in agriculture and allied sectors, connecting them to technological solutions and innovations.
  • Support for Sustainable Agriculture: Focus on making farming more sustainable and climate-resilient by promoting adoption of innovative technologies.

Key Features of VISTAAR:

  • Integration of start-up data via IIT Madras' startup information platform and its incubatee, YNOS Venture Engine.
  • Advisory services covering:
    • Crop production
    • Marketing
    • Value addition
    • Supply chain management
  • Information on government schemes for agriculture, allied sectors, and rural development.
  • Real-time, contextual, and accurate information to enhance decision-making and improve farming practices.

Significance of the Project:

  • The platform will expand the outreach of agricultural extension services, providing support to farmers across India.
  • It will ensure farmers access high-quality advisory services that are critical for improving productivity and income.
  • Integration of start-up-driven innovations will aid in the adoption of climate-resilient farming practices.
  • Timely and accurate information will empower farmers to make informed decisions and improve the efficiency of agricultural processes.

Impact on Farmers:

  • Digitalisation will provide farmers with easier access to expert advice and resources, enhancing productivity.
  • Improved access to government schemes ensures farmers can avail themselves of financial and technical support for development.
  • The project aligns with national objectives of enhancing agriculture’s contribution to India’s economy and ensuring food security.

Air India In-Flight Wi-Fi Connectivity

  • 04 Jan 2025

In News:

  • Tata Group’s Air India launched free Wi-Fi connectivity on select domestic and international flights.
  • First Indian airline to offer Internet connectivity on domestic flights.
  • The service is free for a limited introductory period on select domestic flights.
  • Gradual expansion of Wi-Fi availability to more aircraft in the fleet.

Key Highlights:

Aircraft with Wi-Fi:

  • Available on Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and select Airbus A321neo aircraft.
  • Aircraft equipped with special hardware for Internet connectivity.
  • Some aircraft, previously operated by Vistara, now part of Air India after the merger in November.

Technology Partner:

  • Vistara’s in-flight Wi-Fi was facilitated by Tata Group’s Nelco, in collaboration with Panasonic Avionics.
  • This service is now extended to select Air India domestic flights.

How to Access Wi-Fi:

  • Passengers enable Wi-Fi on their devices and connect to the "Air India Wi-Fi" network.
  • Redirected to an Air India portal where they enter details (PNR and last name) for access.

Connectivity Technologies:

  • Air-to-Ground (ATG) Technology:
    • Uses ground-based cellular towers to provide internet.
    • Antenna on the aircraft’s belly picks up signals from nearby towers.
    • Limited by tower availability, works best over land with dense coverage.
  • Satellite-Based Connectivity:
    • Uses satellites to provide internet by transmitting signals from ground stations to the aircraft.
    • Provides wider coverage, particularly effective over oceans and sparsely populated areas.

In-Flight Wi-Fi Operation:

  • Multiple in-cabin antennas collect signals from passengers’ devices.
  • Signals are sent to an onboard server.
  • For satellite-based systems, signals are transmitted via an antenna to satellites and then relayed to ground stations.
  • For ATG systems, signals are sent directly to ground towers.
  • In-flight Wi-Fi is slower compared to ground-based internet, though newer technologies are improving speed.

 

Cost Considerations:

  • Airlines incur high initial costs for equipping aircraft with Wi-Fi technology (antennas and hardware).
  • Air India is investing in a $400 million retrofit program for its fleet, which could include installing internet connectivity.
  • Some airlines install Wi-Fi on new planes, while others retro-fit older models.

Revenue Model:

  • Airlines often charge for Wi-Fi after offering a small volume of free internet.
  • Some airlines provide free Wi-Fi for loyalty program members or premium passengers (business/first class).
  • Air India is offering free Wi-Fi for now, but plans to introduce charges at a later date.

Future Outlook:

  • In-flight internet is expected to become a significant source of ancillary revenue.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi for economy class passengers is unlikely in the near-to-medium term due to high costs involved in installation and operation.

Global Context:

  • In-flight connectivity is becoming standard on major full-service carriers (FSCs) worldwide.
  • Air India's move aligns with global trends, as it aims to be among the world’s leading airlines.

 

Ramesh Chand Panel

  • 03 Jan 2025

In News:

The Government of India has formed an 18-member panel, headed by Ramesh Chand, a member of NITI Aayog, to revise the base year of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) to 2022-23 from the current base year of 2011-12. The panel will also work on a roadmap for transitioning from WPI to the Producer Price Index (PPI).

Key Highlights:

Role and Mandates of the Panel:

  • Revised Commodity Basket: The panel will recommend a new commodity basket for both WPI and PPI, reflecting structural changes in the economy.
  • Review of Price Collection System: The panel will evaluate the current system for price collection and propose improvements.
  • Computational Methodology: It will determine the computational methodology for both WPI and PPI to ensure accuracy in tracking price changes.
  • The panel has been tasked with submitting its final report to the Office of the Economic Adviser at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIT) within 18 months.

Understanding WPI vs. PPI:

  • WPI (Wholesale Price Index) tracks the price of goods at the wholesale stage (i.e., goods sold in bulk to businesses), and excludes the service sector.
    • Key Characteristics of WPI:
      • Does not consider consumer-facing prices.
      • Excludes services (about 55% of GDP).
      • Can have double-counting bias due to multiple transactions before the final sale.
      • Does not account for indirect taxes and may include export/import prices.
    • Use: WPI helps in tracking bulk price movements between businesses, but doesn't fully represent consumer price inflation.
  • PPI (Producer Price Index) tracks prices at various stages of production, considering both goods and services, and measures the average change in prices received by domestic producers.
    • Key Characteristics of PPI:
      • Excludes indirect taxes (making it more accurate for price movement tracking).
      • Includes services, unlike WPI, giving a broader view of price trends across the economy.
      • More aligned with international standards (System of National Accounts).
      • Reflects prices before consumer consumption, providing a business-oriented perspective of price trends.

Why the Transition to PPI?

  • The PPI is already used by major economies like the US, China, Germany, and Japan as it provides a more comprehensive measure of inflation from a producer’s perspective.
  • It is expected to be a better indicator of inflationary trends in the overall economy, including both goods and services.

Challenges and Roadmap:

  • The switch to PPI is complex, and the panel will need to ensure that the transition does not disrupt the current data collection and reporting systems. Both WPI and PPI will run concurrently until PPI stabilizes.

CGWB Report on Groundwater Contamination

  • 03 Jan 2025

In News:

The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) report on groundwater quality reveals alarming levels of contamination in India's groundwater, with a focus on nitrate, fluoride, arsenic, and uranium. The report highlights the impact of agricultural practices, poor waste management, and urbanisation on water quality.

Key Highlights:

Nitrate Contamination:

  • 440 districts in India report excessive nitrate levels in groundwater, with 20% of samples exceeding the permissible nitrate limit of 45 mg/L (WHO and BIS standards).
  • High-risk regions: Rajasthan (49%), Karnataka (48%), and Tamil Nadu (37%) are the top states with high nitrate levels. Other affected states include Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
  • Causes: Nitrate contamination is mainly due to excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, over-irrigation, and poor management of animal waste. Urbanisation and improper sewage systems exacerbate the problem.

Other Groundwater Contaminants:

  • Fluoride contamination: A significant concern in Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
  • Arsenic contamination: Elevated arsenic levels found in several states, especially in floodplains of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers (West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Manipur).
  • Uranium contamination: 42% of uranium-contaminated samples are from Rajasthan, and 30% from Punjab. Chronic exposure to uranium leads to kidney damage.

Groundwater Extraction and Availability:

  • 60.4% of groundwater is being extracted across India.
  • 73% of groundwater blocks are classified as in the ‘safe’ zone, an improvement from 67.4% in 2022.

Monsoon Impact:

  • Nitrate contamination increases post-monsoon, with 32.66% of samples exceeding safe limits during the rainy season.

Health Implications:

  • High nitrate levels, particularly dangerous for infants, can cause blue baby syndrome (methemoglobinemia).
  • Long-term exposure to contaminants like fluoride and arsenic can lead to fluorosis and increase the risk of cancers and skin lesions.

Sources of Contamination:

  • Agricultural practices: Excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, and improper irrigation.
  • Waste disposal: Leaking septic systems, sewage, and hazardous waste sites contribute to contamination.
  • Urbanisation: Increased wastewater and sewage, along with poor waste management, worsen the issue.

Measures to Address Contamination:

  • Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) and Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY) aim to conserve and manage groundwater resources.
  • National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program (NAQUIM) to assess and map aquifer systems.
  • Pollution control programs: Under the Water (Prevention & Control) Act, 1974, and initiatives like sewage treatment plants and effluent treatment plants to manage wastewater.
  • Public awareness: Campaigns like Swachh Bharat Mission and Catch the Rain educate communities on the importance of groundwater conservation.

Key Statistics:

  • 56% of districts in India report groundwater nitrate levels exceeding the safe limit of 45 mg/L.
  • Monsoon effects: Post-monsoon data shows a significant increase in contamination levels (32.66% vs. 30.77% pre-monsoon).

National e-Governance Awards (NAeG) Scheme 2025

  • 03 Jan 2025

In News:

  • The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) has issued the guidelines for the 28th National e-Governance Awards (NAeG) 2025.
  • Nominations for the awards can be submitted online via the official portal: www.nceg.gov.in.

Key Highlights:

  • Award Categories: Nominations for the awards can be submitted under the following six categories:
    • Government Process Re-engineering: Digital transformation through the use of technology to improve government processes.
    • Innovation by Use of AI and New Age Technologies: Fostering citizen-centric services via artificial intelligence and other modern technologies.
    • Best e-Gov Practices in Cyber Security: Recognizing excellence in e-Governance practices focused on cybersecurity.
    • Grassroot Level Initiatives: Initiatives at the Districts, ULBs (Urban Local Bodies), or Gram Panchayats that deepen service delivery.
    • Replication and Scaling Up of Successful Projects: Projects awarded in the past (such as NAeG or Prime Minister’s Awards) that have been successfully replicated or scaled.
    • Digital Transformation using Data Analytics: Projects that leverage data analytics on digital platforms for enhancing governance.
  • Eligibility: The awards are open to Central Ministries/Departments, State Governments, District Collectors, Research Institutions, and other relevant entities.
  • Award Details:
    • The NAeG 2025 will feature 16 awards:
      • 10 Gold Awards.
      • 6 Silver Awards.
  • Incentives:
    • Gold Award winners will receive a Trophy, Certificate, and an incentive of Rs 10 lakh.
    • Silver Award winners will receive a Trophy, Certificate, and an incentive of Rs 5 lakh.
    • The incentive will be used for further implementation of the awarded projects or bridging resource gaps in public welfare.
  • Objective: The goal of the National Awards for e-Governance is to recognize and promote excellence in the implementation of e-Governance initiatives and digital transformation efforts across India.

Tinnitus

  • 03 Jan 2025

In News:

Researchers at IIT Bombay have created an affordable device to diagnose and manage tinnitus, a condition involving persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears. The device offers personalized treatment solutions and a comprehensive approach to managing tinnitus.

What is Tinnitus?

  • Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of external noise, meaning only the affected individual hears it. It is often caused by underlying conditions such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury, or circulatory system problems.
  • It affects over 740 million adults globally, with 120 million experiencing severe symptoms (JAMA Neurology, 2022).
  • Common symptoms include sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, irritability, and significant impacts on mental health and social life.
  • Treatment may include: Hearing aids, sound-masking devices, medications, and coping techniques to manage the noise.

Device Features:

  • Precise Tinnitus Matching: Identifies the exact nature and frequency of sounds experienced by the patient.
  • Customizable Treatment: Provides a tailored, multimodal approach to treatment, ensuring each patient gets a unique experience.
  • Tracking Progress: Includes tools to monitor disease progression and patient improvement over time.

Affordability and Accessibility:

  • The device is cost-effective, addressing the issue of high costs associated with current tinnitus management solutions.
  • This breakthrough is especially beneficial for low-income regions, where access to expensive tinnitus treatment is limited.

Impact on Healthcare:

  • The device empowers doctors with precise diagnostic tools, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and the efficacy of treatment.
  • It aims to enhance patient quality of life by offering an affordable and accessible solution to tinnitus management.

Funding and Development:

  • The project has received funding from Tata Centre for Technology and Design (TCTD), IIT Bombay, and Wadhwani Research Centre for Bioengineering (WRCB).

Significance:

  • This development represents a technological advancement in tinnitus care, with the potential to greatly reduce the burden of the condition and improve the well-being of affected individuals worldwide.

Quad 20th Anniversary

  • 03 Jan 2025

In News:

Quad Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and peaceful Indo-Pacific. Marked the 20th anniversary of Quad cooperation, originally formed to respond to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

Key Highlights:

  • What is the Quad?
    • A strategic forum of the US, Japan, India, and Australia aimed at regional security and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
    • Founded on shared principles of democracy, human rights, rule of law, and countering China's influence.
  • Origins:
    • Quad traces its origins to the 2004 Tsunami relief efforts.
    • Formed formally in 2007, but Australia withdrew in 2008 due to regional tensions. It rejoined in 2017 following strengthened US-Australia ties.
  • Commitment to Regional Security:
    • Focus on countering China’s assertive behavior in the Indo-Pacific.
    • Ensuring maritime security, countering illegal fishing, promoting infrastructure, and advancing economic cooperation.
  • Key Initiatives:
    • IPMDA: Real-time monitoring of maritime activities.
    • MAITRI: Capacity-building for maritime security.
    • Quad Fellowship: Funds graduate-level STEM education in member countries.
    • Open RAN: Promoting secure 5G infrastructure.
    • Cancer Moonshot: Focus on cervical cancer prevention.
  • Military and Naval Cooperation:
    • Malabar Exercises: Joint naval drills between India, Japan, the US, and Australia.
  • ASEAN and Regional Cooperation:
    • Emphasis on ASEAN's central role in the Indo-Pacific region.
    • Support for the Pacific Islands Forum and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
  • Future Developments:
    • India to host the next Quad Summit in 2025.
    • Continued focus on sustainable regional development, scientific collaboration, and disaster relief efforts.
  • Significance of the Quad for India:
  • Strategic Importance:
    • Provides a platform to counter China's assertive policies, especially in the South China Sea and the "String of Pearls" strategy.
    • Aligns with India’s Act East Policy, enhancing ties with East and Southeast Asia.
  • Maritime Security: Ensures freedom of navigation and counters illegal activities like piracy and illegal fishing in India’s maritime domain.
  • Economic Opportunities:
    • Strengthens cooperation on infrastructure projects and trade initiatives, such as the Blue Dot Network.
    • Post-COVID, Quad may aid India in attracting manufacturing units shifting from China.
  • Scientific and People-to-People Collaboration: Supports STEM education and enhances soft power diplomacy through academic and cultural exchanges.

Rapid Chess Championship

  • 02 Jan 2025

In News:

In a monumental achievement, Koneru Humpy from Vijayawada, India, claimed the 2024 FIDE Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship in New York. This victory marks her second World Rapid Chess title, five years after her first win in 2019 in Georgia, making her the first Indian and only the second player after China’s Ju Wenjun to win the title multiple times.

Key Highlights of Humpy’s Victory:

  • Final Score: Humpy finished with an impressive 8.5 points from 11 rounds, securing the top spot by defeating Irene Sukandar of Indonesia in the final round.
  • Strong Finish: Humpy surged ahead of the other joint leaders to clinch the title, with D. Harika, another Indian chess star, securing 5th place with 8 points.

World Rapid Chess Championship

  • The World Rapid Chess Championship is a chess tournament that determines the world's top rapid chess player. The tournament is held annually by FIDE, the International Chess Federation.
  • How it works
    • The tournament uses a Swiss system, where players are paired with opponents of similar scores in each round.
    • Players are not eliminated after losses.
    • The player with the highest score at the end of the tournament wins.
  • Time controls
    • Players are given a set amount of time per move, plus an increment for each move.
    • In the World Rapid Championship, players have 15 minutes per move, plus a 10-second increment for each move.

A Historic Year for Indian Chess:

  • 2024 has been a remarkable year for Indian chess, with D. Gukesh becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion after his victory over Ding Liren (China) at the World Chess Championship in Singapore.
  • India also made history by winning both the open and women’s sections at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest.

H-1B Visa

  • 02 Jan 2025

In News:

In the weeks leading up to his return as US President, Donald Trump’s supporters are embroiled in a public dispute over skilled immigration and H-1B visas.

What is the H-1B Visa Program?

  • Purpose and Overview:
    • The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa allowing U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialized occupations like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and IT, which require at least a bachelor’s degree.
    • Introduced in 1990 to help U.S. employers fill positions when there’s a shortage of qualified domestic workers.
    • It allows workers to stay in the U.S. for a maximum of six years, with the option to apply for permanent residence (Green Card) or leave for 12 months before reapplying.
  • Annual Cap and Exemptions:
    • 65,000 new visas are issued annually, with an additional 20,000 for those with a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. university.
    • Certain petitions, such as for continuing employment or positions in higher education or nonprofit research, are exempt from the cap.
  • Dominance of Indian Beneficiaries:
    • Indians are the largest beneficiaries, accounting for over 70% of H-1B visa approvals annually since 2015, with China coming second at around 12-13%.

The Current Controversy

  • Trigger for Debate:
    • The controversy was sparked by Sriram Krishnan, a Chennai-born tech entrepreneur appointed as Donald Trump’s top AI adviser. His post on X (formerly Twitter) in November 2024, advocating for unlocking skilled immigration, led to backlash within Trump’s anti-immigration base.
  • The Political Divide:
    • Trump’s supporters, particularly from the MAGA (Make America Great Again) faction, voiced opposition to the H-1B visa program, arguing it undermines American workers and wages.
    • This prompted pushback from pro-H-1B advocates like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who argue that the program is crucial for addressing the U.S.'s STEM talent shortages.
  • Economic and Political Context:
    • Immigration is a polarizing issue in the U.S., with a focus on low-skilled labor migration and its alleged effects on wages and job opportunities for American workers.
    • Trump’s stance against low-skilled immigration echoes similar critiques about H-1B workers being employed at lower salaries in tech companies, which some claim depresses wages and reduces job opportunities for U.S. workers.

Criticisms of the H-1B Program

  • Abuse of the System:
    • Critics argue that companies exploit the H-1B program by hiring foreign workers, especially from India, at lower wages than American employees, particularly in tech industries.
    • Elon Musk suggests that the program is “broken” and needs reform, proposing raising the minimum salary for H-1B workers to make it more expensive to hire overseas talent.
  • Salary Disparities:
    • Data from USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) shows that 70% of H-1B petitions for Indian professionals in 2023 were for salaries below $100,000, while the median salary for U.S. IT professionals was $104,420.
  • Impact on American Jobs:
    • Critics argue that companies prefer to hire foreign workers at lower wages to save costs, despite the availability of qualified U.S. talent, thus taking away opportunities for American workers.

Support for the H-1B Program

  • Filling the STEM Gap:
    • Proponents, including Musk and Ramaswamy, argue that the H-1B visa is essential for filling the STEM skills gap in the U.S., given the global dominance of India and China in STEM fields.
      • India and China lead the world in STEM graduates, with 2.55 million and 3.57 million, respectively, compared to the U.S. with 820,000.
  • Economic Benefits:
    • The H-1B program helps U.S. companies access top global talent, boosting innovation and economic growth, especially in high-tech industries.
    • Tech companies argue that without access to skilled foreign workers, they would struggle to fill critical positions in the technology sector.

Tamil Nadu's First Glass Bridge in Kanyakumari

  • 02 Jan 2025

In News:

  • The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu inaugurated India’s first glass bridge over the sea in Kanyakumari, connecting the Thiruvalluvar Statue and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
  • The bridge provides a safe and scenic walking route between these two iconic landmarks, eliminating the need for ferry trips.

Key Highlights:

  • Dimensions and Design
    • The bridge is 77 meters long and 10 meters wide, offering uninterrupted views of the sea from a unique vantage point.
    • Designed to withstand marine conditions like corrosion and strong winds, ensuring durability and safety for visitors.
  • Tourism Investment
    • The bridge was built at a cost of ?37 crore, marking a significant investment in tourism infrastructure for Kanyakumari.
    • This project aligns with the state’s vision to boost tourism and modernize amenities in the region.
  • Significance as a Tourist Attraction
    • The bridge is set to become a landmark tourist attraction, enhancing the visitor experience by providing a direct, scenic route between the two monuments.
    • It is expected to play a pivotal role in boosting tourist footfall and the local economy.

About Thiruvalluvar Statue

  • Location and Design
    • The Thiruvalluvar Statue stands on a rock near the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari.
    • It is a symbol of wisdom, officially named the Statue of Wisdom by the Tamil Nadu government.
  • Physical Specifications
    • The statue stands at a total height of 133 feet (41 meters), with the statue itself measuring 95 feet (29 meters) and the pedestal adding 38 feet (12 meters).
    • Weight: The statue weighs approximately 7000 tonnes and is designed in a hollow structure.

About Vivekananda Rock Memorial

  • Location and Significance
    • Situated on a rock in the Laccadive Sea, around 500 meters from the mainland in Kanyakumari.
    • The memorial commemorates Swami Vivekananda, who represented India’s spiritual legacy at the 1893 Parliament of World’s Religions in Chicago.
  • Historical and Religious Importance
    • The rock is believed to be the site where Swami Vivekananda attained enlightenment.
    • It is also associated with goddess Kanyakumari, who is said to have prayed to Lord Shiva on this rock, with an imprint of her feet preserved there.
  • Architectural Features
    • The memorial incorporates diverse architectural styles, including the Sripada Mandapam and the Vivekananda Mandapam.
    • A life-sized bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda is located at the memorial.
    • The rock is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea, where these three water bodies converge.

Business Ready (B-READY) Report 2024

  • 02 Jan 2025

In News:

  • The B-READY report, launched by the World Bank in 2024, replaces the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) index.
  • Focus: It evaluates the global business environment to foster inclusive private sector growth, assessing 10 core topics covering a firm's lifecycle, such as business entry, taxation, labor, and international trade.

India’s Potential Challenges

  • Business Entry: India faces multiple steps and incomplete digital integration, making it slower compared to benchmarks like Singapore, which achieves one-day registration at minimal cost.
  • Labor Regulations: While India has introduced four labor codes, the implementation remains slow and inconsistent, affecting labor flexibility and compliance.
  • International Trade: India struggles with customs delays, inconsistent enforcement, and high logistics costs, unlike countries like Germany and Singapore, which promote trade efficiently.
  • Business Location: Regulatory delays and inconsistent approvals hinder the establishment of business facilities, affecting investment decisions.
  • Public Services Gap: While regulations may be strong, there is often a gap in the provision of public services that support their effective implementation, leading to inefficiencies.

Key Strengths for India

  • India is expected to score well in the areas of Quality of Regulations, Effectiveness of Public Services, and Operational Efficiency.
  • The country shows promise in promoting digital adoption and aligning with global environmental sustainability practices, though gender-sensitive regulations need more emphasis.

Significance

  • The B-READY report serves as an essential benchmark for assessing India's business environment, offering insights into regulatory reforms and operational efficiency.
  • Key policy implications for India include the need to:
    • Streamline business operations by digitizing registration and regulatory approval processes.
    • Improve logistics and trade efficiency by reducing customs delays.
    • Address labor market inefficiencies through better implementation of labor codes.
    • Invest in public services and promote digital transformation for better compliance and operational ease.
    • Focus on sustainability and inclusivity, ensuring gender-sensitive policies and fostering green business practices.

Global Findings from the B-READY Report

  • Economies with strong regulatory frameworks and digital tools (e.g., Rwanda, Georgia) show that even countries with varying income levels can achieve high scores.
  • High-income countries like Estonia and Singapore still have room for improvement, especially in areas like taxation and dispute resolution.

Comparison of B-READY with Ease of Doing Business (EoDB)

  • Scope: B-READY is broader, covering a firm’s lifecycle and social benefits, while EoDB focused mainly on regulatory burdens.
  • Indicators: B-READY uses 1,200 indicators from expert consultations and firm-level surveys, offering more comprehensive insights compared to the EoDB's limited metrics.
  • Focus on Public Services: Unlike EoDB, which provided limited attention to public services, B-READY explicitly evaluates public service efficiency and operational effectiveness.

Policy Recommendations

  • Streamline Business Operations: Inspired by countries like Singapore, India should simplify business registration and reduce delays in customs and regulatory approvals.
  • Strengthen Public Services: Focus on improving tax portals, utility access, and dispute resolution systems through digital tools.
  • Promote Sustainability: Encourage environmentally sustainable business practices and adopt gender-sensitive regulations to ensure inclusive growth.
  • Peer Learning and Global Collaboration: Encourage India to learn from best practices in countries like Singapore and Estonia for effective reforms.
  • Tailored Reforms: India must design policies addressing unique local challenges while adhering to global standards.

Stellaria bengalensis

  • 02 Jan 2025

In News:

After a plant species of the genus Stellaria (family Caryophyllaceae) was reported from Kerala earlier this year, researchers have identified another member of the same genus at Kalimpong district in West Bengal.

Key Highlights:

Discovery and Identification:

  • Published: The discovery was published in Phytotaxa.
  • Location: Found in Kalimpong district, West Bengal, at altitudes of 2,245-2,450 metres in the Sangser forest.
  • Named: The species is named Stellaria bengalensis after the state of West Bengal.

Taxonomy and Characteristics:

  • Family: Caryophyllaceae.
  • Type: Annual herb.
  • Size: Grows to a height of 8 to 10.5 cm.
  • Flowers: White in color, with shorter petals, often included within the sepal, and absence of bracts.
  • Seeds: Sharp and pointed.
  • Flowering and Fruiting: Occurs from May to September.

Distribution:

  • Region: Primarily found in the Himalayan region.
  • Similar Species: Stellaria mcclintockiae, identified earlier in Kerala (Nelliyampathy Hills).
  • Both species grow in muddy soil slopes and are annuals.

Conservation Status:

  • Under IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) criteria, the species is assessed as "data deficient", pending further studies.
  • Potential Habitat: There is a possibility of finding more populations in the western Himalayas.

Significance:

  • Stellaria bengalensis is the second Stellaria species reported in India in 2025.
  • India is home to about 22 Stellaria species, predominantly found in the Himalayan region.
  • The discovery adds to biodiversity knowledge in India and underscores the importance of studying plant species in the region.

World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025

  • 30 Dec 2024

In News:

India to Host World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025.

Key Highlights:

  • Purpose: The summit aims to bolster India's media and entertainment (M&E) industry, expand its global influence, and foster innovation and collaboration within the sector.
  • Significance: First-ever global summit to cover the entire media and entertainment industry spectrum.
  • Objective:
    • Foster Dialogue and Trade: WAVES aims to be a premier platform for industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators to engage in meaningful discussions, explore opportunities, and tackle challenges in the M&E sector.
    • Promote India's M&E Industry: Attract trade and investment to India, highlighting its strengths in animation, gaming, entertainment technology, and cinema (both regional and mainstream).
  • Focus Areas:
    • Industry Advancements: Discussions will revolve around India’s progress in animation, visual effects, gaming, and cinema.
    • Global Positioning: Establish India as a global powerhouse in the M&E sector, setting new standards for creativity, innovation, and global influence.

WAVES India - Vision and Mission:

  • Vision: Position India as a Global Powerhouse: Enhance India’s standing in the dynamic M&E sector, making it a hub of creativity and innovation worldwide.
  • Mission:
    • Provide exclusive investment opportunities for global M&E leaders through WAVES.
    • Drive India’s Creative Economy through Intellectual Property (IP) Creation for both domestic and international markets.
    • Develop M&E Infrastructure: Strengthen industry infrastructure and create a skilled workforce to meet global demands.
    • Adapt to New Trends: Embrace emerging technologies and transformations in the M&E landscape.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Global Collaboration: Engage global M&E leaders in discussions that provoke ideas and facilitate collaborations.
  • Attract Investment: Promote India as a business-friendly investment destination in the M&E sector.
  • Skills and Capacity Building: Build capacity in the M&E industry and develop skilled human resources to support international needs.

MahaKumbh Mela 2025

  • 03 Dec 2024

In News:

  • On December 1, 2024, the Uttar Pradesh government declared the MahaKumbh Mela area as a temporary district for four months.
  • The new district will be known as the MahaKumbh Mela District, to streamline management for the 2025 MahaKumbh.
  • Over 5,000 hectares of land will be part of this district, including 66 revenue villages from four tehsils: Sadar, Sorav, Phulpur, and Karchana.

Key Administrative Changes:

  • Mela Adhikari (Kumbh Mela Officer) will act as the District Magistrate (DM) and will hold powers of Executive Magistrate, District Magistrate, and Additional District Magistrate.
  • The Mela Adhikari will have authority under the Indian Civil Defense Code, 2023, and the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code, 2006.
  • The Mela Adhikari can appoint an Additional Collector for the district.

MahaKumbh Mela Overview:

  • The Kumbh Mela is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
  • It is the largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims, with participants bathing in sacred rivers at locations including Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.
  • The PrayagrajKumbh takes place at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
  • The event spans over a month and includes religious, cultural, and social activities, along with massive infrastructural setup including tented townships, civic facilities, and security measures.

Climate Change Performance (CCPI 2025)

  • 22 Nov 2024

In News:

Recently, the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI 2025) report was released at the annual UN climate conference in Baku.

Key Highlights:

  • It is published by think tanks German watch, New Climate Institute, and Climate Action Network International.It was first published in 2005.
  • It tracks the progress of the world’s largest emitters in terms of emissions, renewables, and climate policy.

India's Ranking in Climate Change Performance (CCPI 2025)

  • India's Rank: 10th (Dropped two places from the previous year).
  • Key Factors for India's High Rank:
    • Low per capita emissions: 2.9 tons of CO2 equivalent (global average: 6.6 tons).
    • Rapid deployment of renewables: India is a leader in solar energy projects, including large-scale solar and rooftop solar schemes.
    • Renewable energy targets: Aims for 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
    • Energy efficiency standards: Introduced, but coverage remains inadequate.
    • Electric vehicle (EV) deployment: Significant progress, especially in two-wheelers.
  • Challenges for India:
    • Heavy reliance on coal: India remains one of the top 10 countries with the largest developed coal reserves.
    • Growth-oriented approach: Economic growth and energy demand continue to drive climate action, with limited change in climate policy expected.
  • Future Pledges:
    • Net-zero emissions by 2070.
    • Global leadership in green energy.

CCPI 2025 Rankings Overview

Rank

Country

Key Points

1-3

Empty

No country performed well enough to achieve a "very high" rating.

4

Denmark

Leading climate actions but ranks 4th technically.

5

Netherlands

Strong climate performance, follows Denmark.

6

U.K.

Notable improvement due to coal phase-out and halting new fossil fuel licenses.

10

India

High performer, despite challenges like reliance on coal.

55

China

Largest emitter, heavily reliant on coal, ranks 55th despite promising plans.

57

U.S.

Second-largest emitter, ranks 57th with insufficient climate targets.

59

Argentina

Major climate policy setbacks, including potential exit from Paris Agreement.

64-67

Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Russia

Lowest-ranked, major oil and gas producers with weak climate policies.

General Findings of the Report

  • CCPI Methodology: Assesses 63 countries (plus the EU) responsible for 90% of global emissions based on their emissions, renewable energy efforts, and climate policies.
  • Global Trends:
    • No country has been able to secure a "very high" rating across all categories.
    • Denmark and Netherlands are among the top performers.
    • The U.K. shows significant progress with its coal phase-out and fossil fuel policies.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

  • 07 Nov 2024

In News:

  • The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will be held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26.
  • The event is a sacred pilgrimage that draws millions of pilgrims to bathe in the holy waters of the Triveni Sangam (the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati rivers) for spiritual purification and liberation.

Significance and Spiritual Importance

  • Sacred Rituals:
    • The central ritual is the act of bathing in the holy waters of the confluence, believed to cleanse one’s sins and bring spiritual liberation (Moksha).
    • Pilgrims also engage in worship, spiritual discourses, and seek blessings from revered sadhus and saints.
  • Auspicious Dates:
    • The event includes Shahi Snan (Royal Bath), where prominent saints and their followers bathe on specific dates, marking the beginning of the Mela.
    • Paush Purnima marks the start of the auspicious bathing period.
  • Cultural Ceremonies:
    • The Mela features a grand procession (Peshwai) with Akharas (spiritual orders) on elephants, horses, and chariots.
    • Cultural performances, traditional music, dance, and art are also part of the festivities, showcasing India’s vibrant cultural diversity.

Mythological and Historical Roots

  • Mythology:
    • The Kumbh Mela is deeply embedded in Hindu mythology, symbolizing humanity’s quest for spiritual unity and enlightenment.
    • The timing of the event is based on astrological positions of celestial bodies, particularly the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter.
  • Historical Significance:
    • The origins of the Kumbh Mela trace back over 2,000 years, with references found in the Maurya and Gupta periods.
    • Royal Patronage: Emperors like Akbar supported the Mela, symbolizing unity among different religions and cultures.
    • British Colonial Era: British officials documented the Mela, fascinated by its scale and ritualistic practices.
  • Modern Recognition:
    • In 2017, the UNESCO recognized the Kumbh Mela as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, underscoring its global significance.

Cultural Celebration and Unity

  • Cultural Diversity:
    • The Maha Kumbh Mela is a celebration of India's rich cultural heritage, where pilgrims experience traditional crafts, art, music, and dance, alongside spiritual practices.
  • International Participation:
    • Pilgrims from across the globe attend the Mela, drawn by its message of unity, tolerance, and the universal quest for spiritual growth and peace.
  • Message of Unity:
    • The Mela serves as a reminder of humanity’s shared desire for self-realization and spiritual fulfillment, transcending national, cultural, and religious boundaries.

Melting Glaciers Threaten Gulf Stream Collapse by 2025 (India Today)

  • 16 Feb 2024

Why is it in the News?

As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, a recent study has sounded the alarm on the potential collapse of the Gulf Stream by 2025.

What is the Gulf Stream?

  • The Gulf Stream is a strong ocean current that brings warm water from the Gulf of Mexico into the Atlantic Ocean.
  • It extends all the way up the eastern coast of the United States and Canada.

What Causes the Gulf Stream?

  • The Gulf Stream is caused by a large system of circular currents and powerful winds, called an oceanic gyre.
    • There are five oceanic gyres on Earth.
  • The Gulf Stream is part of the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre.
    • The ocean is constantly in motion, moving water from place to place via currents.
  • The Gulf Stream brings warm water from the Gulf of Mexico all the way up to the Norwegian Sea.
  • As the warm water comes in, colder, denser water sinks and begins moving south—eventually flowing along the bottom of the ocean all the way to Antarctica.

How Does the Gulf Stream Impact Weather and Climate?

  • This strong current of warm water influences the climate of the east coast of Florida, keeping temperatures there warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer than the other southeastern states.
  • Since the Gulf Stream also extends toward Europe, it warms Western European countries as well.
  • In fact, England is about the same distance from the equator as the cold regions of Canada, yet England enjoys a much warmer climate.
  • If it weren’t for the warm water of the Gulf Stream, England would have a much colder climate.

How Long Have We Known About the Gulf Stream?

  • We’ve known about the Gulf Stream for more than 500 years.
  • In 1513, Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon noted that there was a strong current in this location.
  • A few years later, Ponce de Leon’s ship pilot realized that the Gulf Stream could help speed up the sailing trip from Mexico to Spain.
  • In the late 18th century, Benjamin Franklin became the first to chart out the path of the Gulf Stream on a map.