In News:

A flock of Northern Pintail ducks was recently sighted at an unprecedented altitude of 13,500 feet in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh—far above their typical wintering habitats. This rare event has sparked interest in their migration behavior and adaptability to high altitudes.

About Northern Pintail Duck

• Scientific Name:Anas acuta
• Type: Migratory waterfowl known for elegance and long-range migration
• Common Nickname: Northern nomads

Distribution & Migration

• Found across every continent except Antarctica
• Breed in northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America
• Migrate southward in winter to regions including the Indian subcontinent
• Typically observed in low-lying wetlands; rarely at high altitudes
• Do not breed or reside south of the equator

• Seen in the high-altitude region of Arunachal Pradesh during winter, raising questions about changing migration patterns and climate adaptability

Key Features

• Size: Around 60 cm in length, over 1 kg in weight
• Wingspan: Up to 91 cm
• Speed: Capable of flying at 48 miles per hour due to aerodynamic build
• Male Appearance: Buff-gray body, chocolate-brown head, broad white stripe on chest, black back patterns
• Female Appearance: Mottled brown body, lighter chest and neck

Conservation Status

• Listed as “Least Concern” under the IUCN Red List
• Despite being widespread, their migratory nature warrants regular monitoring to track habitat changes and population health

In News:

The 21st AARDO Conference recently concluded in New Delhi, reaffirming the commitment to community-led rural development, local knowledge sharing, and South-South cooperation.

About AARDO

• Full Form: African-Asian Rural Development Organization
• Nature: Intergovernmental, autonomous organization
• Established:March 31, 1962
• Headquarters:New Delhi, India
• Origin:
  • Conceptualized at the 1955 East Asian Rural Reconstruction Conference (Tokyo)
  • Formalized after the 1961 Afro-Asian Conference on Rural Reconstruction (New Delhi)
  • Permanent HQ established in 1966 in India

Membership

• Full Members:32 countries from Asia and Africa (e.g., India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Zambia, Malaysia)
• Associate Members:3 entities (e.g., Korea Rural Community Corporation, Agricultural Bank of Sudan)
• Eligibility: Open to Afro-Asian countries that are full or associate members of the UN or its specialized agencies focused on rural development

Observer Status with International Organizations

AARDO has observer status with:

• FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization
• IFAD – International Fund for Agricultural Development
• UNDP – United Nations Development Programme
• UNESCO – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
• UNCTAD – United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

Objectives & Aims

• South-South Cooperation: Enhance technical and economic collaboration in rural development between Asia and Africa
• Sustainable Rural Development: Promote poverty alleviation, food security, and climate-resilient agriculture
• Capacity Building & Knowledge Sharing: Encourage exchange of best practices, innovations, and research

Functions

• Policy & Dialogue Platform: Facilitates discussions among member countries on rural development strategies
• Training & Capacity Building: Organizes international, regional, and national training programs to strengthen rural institutions
• Research & Action Studies: Initiates and disseminates research on shared challenges in agriculture and rural livelihoods
• Pilot Projects: Offers technical and financial assistance for pilot projects to serve as replicable models
• International Collaboration: Partners with UN agencies, regional bodies, and NGOs for integrated rural development
• Data Sharing: Provides members with disaggregated statistics and information for informed decision-making

In News:

In the 119th edition of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Soliga tribe of the BiligiriRanganathaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve in Karnataka for their significant role in tiger conservation and sustainable forest practices.

Who are the Soligas?

• Location: Indigenous, forest-dwelling tribe residing primarily in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, and parts of Tamil Nadu, especially around Biligiri Rangana Hills and Male Mahadeshwara Hills.
• Meaning of the Name: "Soliga" translates to “children of bamboo”, symbolizing their deep ecological ties.
• Language: They speak Sholaga (a Dravidian language), along with Kannada and Tamil.
• Lifestyle:Soligas live in bamboo-and-mud huts, practice shifting cultivation, and depend on non-timber forest produce (NTFP) for sustenance.
• Diet & Livelihood:Honey is a staple in their diet; they extensively forage and harvest forest produce like amla, gooseberries, and medicinal herbs, leaving a portion for wildlife—a reflection of their conservation ethos.

Religious and Cultural Practices:

• Soligasworship wildlife, especially the tiger, locally called “DoddaNayi” (Great Dog). They have even built temples dedicated to tigers.
• Their belief system includes Hindu customs, animism, and naturism, highlighting their spiritual connection with nature.
• They produce eco-friendly artifacts like ‘jottai’ (leaf cups), showcasing sustainable craftsmanship.

Recognition of Forest Rights:

• In 2011, Soligas became the first tribal community in India to receive legal recognition of their forest rights within a tiger reserve, under the Forest Rights Act (FRA).
• This ruling allowed them to reside within the BRT Tiger Reserve and sustainably collect forest produce without displacing wildlife.

Role in Tiger Conservation:

• Soligas’ traditional knowledge of forest ecology helps them coexist peacefully with wildlife, minimizing human-animal conflict.
• They assist the Forest Department in fire prevention, wildlife tracking, and ecological management.
• Their cultural practices ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife. For instance, during harvest, they intentionally leave 25–33% of the produce in the forest for animals.

BiligiriRanganathaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve:

• Location: Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka; lies at the confluence of the Western and Eastern Ghats, forming a critical wildlife corridor.
• Ecosystem: Rich in biodiversity with forest types including:
  • Southern Tropical Evergreen
  • Semi-Evergreen
  • Moist Deciduous
• Flora:Axlewood, Rosewood, Terminalia spp., Indian Gooseberry, Ceylon Oak, Golden Shower Tree.
• Fauna: Tigers, Wild Dogs, Sloth Bears, Sambars, Bison, and endangered species like the Icthyophisghytinosus (Caecilian).
• Cultural Site: Named after Lord Rangaswamy, the reserve houses the Biligiri Temple atop mist-covered hills.

In News:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced its largest-ever USD-INR Buy/Sell Swap Auction worth $10 billionfor a tenor of three years. This strategic move is aimed at addressing the persistent liquidity deficit in the banking system and stabilizing the Rupee-Dollar exchange rate.

What is a USD-INR Buy/Sell Swap Auction?

A Dollar/Rupee Buy-Sell Swap Auction is a foreign exchange (forex) tool used by RBI to manage domestic liquidity and curb currency volatility. It is a two-leg transaction:

• First Leg (Buy Phase):Banks sell US dollars to the RBI and receive rupee liquidity.
• Reverse Leg (Sell Phase):RBI sells back the same amount of US dollars to banks at a future date (here, after 3 years), along with a swap premium.

Key Features of the February 2025 Swap Auction:

• Auction Size: USD 10 billion
• Tenor: 3 years (long-term)
• Rupee Liquidity Injected: Approx. ?86,000 crore
• Auction Date: 28 February 2025
• Spot Settlement Date: 4 March 2025
• Far-leg Settlement Date: 6 March 2028
• Reference Rate: Based on FBIL (Financial Benchmarks India Pvt Ltd) benchmark

Objectives and Benefits:

• Liquidity Management:
  • Addresses durable liquidity needs; helps ease banking system deficit (estimated at ?1.7 lakh crore).
  • Supports credit flow to businesses, aiding economic growth.
• Exchange Rate Stability:
  • Reduces volatility in the USD/INR rate (expected to stabilize around ?86.30).
  • Mitigates pressure from foreign fund outflows.
• Efficient Forex Reserve Utilization:
  • Uses RBI’s reserves productively to manage monetary conditions.
• Enhances Policy Transmission:
  • Aligns money market interest rates with RBI’s monetary policy stance.
• Supports Inflation Control:
  • Infuses liquidity without directly adding to inflationary pressures.

Challenges and Limitations:

• Impact on Forex Reserves:Large-scale swaps temporarily tie up reserves.
• Global Dependencies:Effectiveness may be affected by global interest rate differentials, capital flows, and external shocks.
• Market Speculation Risks:Poor timing or execution could trigger speculative activity in the forex market.
• Temporary Measure:Swap auctions offer short- to medium-term relief; structural reforms are needed for long-term liquidity management.

In News:

Launched under the Create in India Challenge Season 1, the Bharat Tech Triumph Program (TTP) is a flagship initiative aimed at promoting India’s gaming and interactive entertainment ecosystem on the global stage.

Key Highlights

• Launch Year: 2025
• Ministry Involved: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB)
• Organizing Partner: Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC)

Objectives:

• Identify and showcase Indian gaming talent internationally.
• Support the growth of the gaming, animation, visual effects, and immersive technology (AR/VR/Metaverse) sectors.
• Boost the 'Create in India' initiative in the media and entertainment domain.
• Enable Indian developers and startups to create globally competitive digital products.

Program Features:

• Eligibility:
  Open to developers, studios, startups, and tech companies with working prototypes in:
  • Game development
  • Esports
  • Business solutions for gaming ecosystem
• Selection Process:
  • Game Submission
  • Expert Evaluation – Based on product, pitch, and team viability
  • Final Showcase – Winners selected by a jury

Global Exposure Platforms:

• Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025
  • Location: San Francisco
  • Dates: March 17–21, 2025
• World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025
  • Location: Mumbai
  • Dates: May 1–4, 2025
  • Venue: Jio World Convention Centre &Jio World Gardens
  • Focus Areas: Broadcasting, AVGC-XR, Digital Media, Innovation, and Films

Relevance of WAVES Summit:

• WAVES acts as a global convergence point for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector.
• AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics + AR/VR/Metaverse) is a central pillar, aligning with TTP’s goals.

Significance for India:

• Positions India as a global hub for innovation in digital entertainment.
• Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in the tech and creative economy sectors.
• Encourages cross-border collaborations and export of Indian intellectual property in the gaming domain.

In News:

The Quality of Public Expenditure (QPE) Index, developed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), measures how efficiently public funds are allocated and utilized by the Central and State governments. Unlike traditional fiscal measures that focus on total expenditure, the QPE Index assesses the composition and developmental impact of government spending, emphasizing long-term economic growth and social development.

Key Components of the QPE Index

 Indicator                                                                                      What it Measures                                        Significance 

Capital Outlay to GDP Ratio    -   Share of GDP spent on physical infrastructure   -   Higher ratio = better quality of expenditure

Revenue Expenditure to Capital Outlay Ratio  - Relative spending on salaries, pensions vs. asset creation  - Lower ratio = better efficiency

Development Expenditure to GDP Ratio   -  Spending on education, healthcare, R&D, infrastructure   -  Higher ratio = enhanced productivity

Development Expenditure as % of Total Expenditure  - Proportion of total expenditure directed to development sectors   -  Higher share = improved allocation

Interest Payments to Total Expenditure Ratio   -     Financial burden from past borrowings    -    Lower ratio = better fiscal health

Evolution of Public Expenditure (1991–2025)

• 1991–1997(Early liberalization):
  • Slight improvement at Centre; states faced fiscal pressure.
  • Public investment declined due to focus on fiscal deficit reduction.
• 1997–2003:Decline in QPE due to Fifth Pay Commission, rising interest burden, dominance of revenue expenditure.
• 2003–2008(FRBM Era):
  • Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003 improved fiscal discipline.
  • States gained from higher tax devolution; capital spending rose.
  • Growth momentum sustained until the 2008 Global Financial Crisis (GFC).
• 2008–2013(GFC response):
  • Stimulus spending initially boosted development but later widened fiscal deficits.
  • Spending quality eroded over time.
• 2013–2019(GST & 14th Finance Commission):
  • 14th Finance Commission (2015) increased states' tax share to 42%, improving state-level development spending.
  • GST rollout (2017) benefited states more than Centre initially, stressing Centre’s finances.
• 2019–2025(COVID-19 & Recovery):
  • Pandemic-induced fiscal stimulus reduced QPE temporarily.
  • Post-pandemic recovery led by record capital expenditure boosted infrastructure, improving QPE.
  • By FY 2024–25, India's QPE reached its highest level since 1991 reforms.

Recent Trends in Public Expenditure (as per Economic Survey 2024–25 & Budget 2025–26)

• Capital expenditure (Capex) rose 8.2% YoY.
• Revenue expenditure (primarily by states) increased 12% YoY.
• FY 2025–26 Budget allocated ?11.21 lakh crore for Capex (3.1% of GDP).
• Capex to GDP ratio increased from 1.5% in 2000 to 2.5% in 2023.
• Revenue expenditure to Capex ratio improved from 8:1 in 2000 to 5:1 in 2023.
• Development expenditure rose from 6% to 8% of GDP between 2000–2023.
• Interest payments declined from 25% to 20% of total expenditure in the same period.

Why Quality of Public Expenditure Matters

• Governments use citizens’ money (via taxes or borrowing). Efficient use ensures better socio-economic outcomes.
• High QPE means greater focus on productive investment over populist spending (freebies, subsidies).
• Better QPE leads to:
  • Higher GDP growth (average 6.5% annually since 2000).
  • Improved infrastructure and service delivery.
  • Enhanced social indicators like literacy (77.7% in 2023) and life expectancy (70 years).

Challenges Affecting Public Expenditure Quality

• Persistent revenue deficits (3.3% of GDP in 2023) limit fiscal space for Capex.
• Rising populism: Loan waivers, cash handouts, free electricity.
• Welfare scheme inefficiencies: Leakages in MGNREGA, PDS.
• Debt servicing: High interest payments constrain spending.
• Inter-state disparities: Unequal fiscal capacity hampers balanced development.

Way Forward

• Boost Capex to over 3% of GDP to enhance infrastructure-led growth.
• Rationalize subsidies via Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT).
• Strengthen fiscal federalism through equitable devolution and performance-based grants.
• Leverage technology for transparent and outcome-based expenditure tracking.
• Reform FRBM Act:
  • Focus on debt-to-GDP targets.
  • Introduce flexibility in deficit norms during crises.

In News:

The North Eastern Region (NER) of India, endowed with rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and indigenous knowledge, is undergoing a transformation through biotechnology-led initiatives. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology is spearheading this change to harness the region’s biological resources for inclusive and sustainable development.

Biotechnology: Definition and Types

Biotechnology involves the use of biological systems or organisms to develop products and technologies that improve healthcare, agriculture, industry, and the environment.

Types of Biotechnology:

• Medical Biotechnology – Vaccines, gene therapy, diagnostics.
• Agricultural Biotechnology – Pest-resistant crops, high-yield seeds, and sustainable agriculture.
• Industrial Biotechnology – Biofuels, biodegradable plastics, enzyme-based processes.
• Environmental Biotechnology – Waste treatment, pollution control, and bioremediation.

Why North East India is Ideal for Biotech Development

• Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to 8,000+ plant species, including 850+ medicinal plants and agro-climatic diversity.
• Indigenous Knowledge: Rich traditional practices in herbal medicine and organic farming.
• Agri-Biotech Potential: Ideal for medicinal crops, essential oils, and organic produce.
• Industrial Opportunity: Scope for biofuel production, value-added food processing, and pharmaceutical industries.

Key DBT Programmes and Initiatives in the North East

• DBT North Eastern Programme
  • Since 2010, 10% of DBT’s annual budget is dedicated to NER.
  • Focus: R&D, education, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and employment generation in biotechnology.
• Twinning R&D Programme (2010–11)
  • Promotes collaborative biotech research between NER and national institutes.
  • Over 65 institutional partnerships, supporting 650+ projects and benefiting ~2,500 researchers/students.
• Biotech Hubs Network (Since 2011)
  • 126 Biotech Hubs established across universities and colleges.
  • Phase II supports 54 hubs for focused research on local issues.
• BLiSS (Biotech Labs in Senior Secondary Schools): Started in 2014 to introduce biotechnology at the school level.
• Visiting Research Professorship (VRP) Programme:Launched in 2015 to utilize the expertise of top scientists for NER biotechnology development.
• Chemical Ecology Programme (2015): Collaborative training by NCBS, UAS, and IISc for Ph.D. scholars in the field of chemical ecology.
• Genomics Training Programme (2016):Conducted by DBT-NIBMG, Kalyani, for biomedical researchers in the region.

Agri-Biotech and Livelihood-Oriented Initiatives

• DBT-NECAB (Phase III): Enhancing biotech applications in agriculture.
• Citrus Research: Disease-free scion material of Khasi mandarin and sweet orange developed at IHT, Assam.
• Medicinal Crop Cultivation: 64.1 acres under Curcuma caesia and lemongrass cultivation; 649 farmers trained.
• Essential Oil Distillation: Facility set up in Mudoi village, Arunachal Pradesh, for revenue support.
• Value-Addition in Wild Fruits: Docynia indica (Assam apple) processed into products like jam, pickles, and candy.

Technology-Driven Achievements

• Bacterial Blight-Resistant Rice (Patkai): Developed by Assam Agricultural University; notified by CVRC.
• Brucellosis Detection Kit: Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) to detect anti-Brucella antibodies in livestock.
• Pig Disease Diagnosis Expert System (PDDES): Mobile app for livestock disease detection and management (available on Google Play Store).

Challenges in NER’s Biotech Growth

• Limited infrastructure for biotech R&D and production.
• High cost of commercial biotech projects.
• Shortage of trained professionals in advanced biotech fields.
• Vulnerability to climate change and poor connectivity with markets.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Infrastructure: Develop biotech parks, R&D centers, and incubators.
• Skill Development: Train local youth, researchers, and farmers.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Foster industrial collaboration for startups and innovation.
• Eco-friendly Technologies: Promote sustainable and low-impact biotech industries.
• Digital Integration: Use AI and data analytics for agricultural and healthcare biotech solutions.

In News:

The Northern White Rhino (NWR) is on the brink of extinction, with only two females—Najin and Fatu—remaining at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. However, a breakthrough in In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has rekindled hope for reviving this subspecies, with 36 lab-created embryos ready for implantation. This effort is part of an international project named BioRescue.

About the White Rhino

• Scientific Name: Ceratotherium simum
• Common Name: Square-lipped rhinoceros (due to broad upper lip)
• Subspecies:
  • Northern White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum cottoni)
  • Southern White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum)
• Habitat:
  • Southern White Rhino: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya
  • Northern White Rhino: Historically central and eastern Africa; now only in captivity
• IUCN Status:
  • White Rhino (overall): Near Threatened
  • Northern White Rhino: Critically Endangered
  • Southern White Rhino: Near Threatened

Biological Features

• Second-largest land mammal after elephants
• Square upper lip adapted for grazing on short grasses
• Two horns, with the front horn being larger
• No actual color difference between black and white rhinos

Social & Dietary Behavior

• Diet: Pure herbivores; feed almost exclusively on short grasses
• Behavior:
  • Semi-social and territorial
  • Males mark territories with dung
  • SWRs form larger social herds; NWRs were found in smaller groups

Threats to Survival

• Poaching for horns
• Habitat loss due to human encroachment
• Civil unrest, particularly in their native range
• Low genetic diversity, especially critical in the NWR
• Climate change, affecting habitat and water sources

Conservation Through Reproductive Technology

BioRescue Initiative

• An international scientific effort launched in 2015 to save the NWR using advanced reproductive technologies.
• Uses frozen sperm from deceased males and eggs from Najin and Fatu to create embryos in the lab.
• 36 embryos have been successfully created and are stored for future implantation.

IVF and Surrogacy

• First-ever rhino pregnancy via lab-made embryo announced recently.
• Southern white rhinos are used as surrogate mothers due to genetic similarity and higher population.
• IVF and embryo transfers are the only options since the last male NWR, Sudan, died in 2018, and both remaining females are non-reproductive due to age and health.

Challenges & Concerns

• Limited gene pool restricts genetic variability.
• Loss of unique traits if crossbred with southern white rhinos.
• Behavioral imprinting: IVF calves must learn from remaining NWR females before they pass away.
• Ethical and ecological concerns: Critics argue conservation must also address root causes like poaching, habitat destruction, and lack of genetic diversity, not just focus on “test-tube” solutions.

Indian Rhinoceros

• Scientific Name: Rhinoceros unicornis (Greater One-Horned Rhino)
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable
• Habitat: Indian subcontinent (Assam, West Bengal, UP, Nepal)
• It is distinct from African rhinos, both genetically and ecologically.

In News:

India has launched the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots, becoming the second country globally, after China, to implement this advanced digital licensing system.

What is EPL?

• Electronic Personnel License (EPL) is a digital version of pilot licenses, replacing the traditional physical cards.
• Pilots can securely access their EPL via the eGCA Mobile Application developed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
• It ensures real-time verification, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and security in licensing procedures.

Significance of EPL

• Aligns with:
  • Digital India and Ease of Doing Business initiatives.
  • ICAO’s Amendment 178 to Annex 1 on Personnel Licensing, promoting digital transformation.
• Enhances:
  • Safety and efficiency in civil aviation operations.
  • Environmental sustainability by reducing the use of plastic and paper.
  • Global employability of Indian pilots through instant international credential verification.

Implementation & Governance

• Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
• Executing Agency: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
• EPL implementation positions India as a leader in aviation innovation and modern governance.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO):

• Established: 1947 under the Chicago Convention (1944).
• Headquarters: Montreal, Canada.
• Nature: A specialized intergovernmental agency affiliated with the United Nations (UN).
• Functions:
  • Sets standards and regulations for aviation safety, security, efficiency, and environmental performance.
  • Promotes peaceful and efficient international air transport.
  • Facilitates global cooperation and market liberalization in aviation.

In News:

The Prime Minister of India is set to attend the Jhumoir Binandini (Mega Jhumoir) 2025, a grand cultural event featuring around 8,600 performers showcasing the traditional Jhumur dance. This event highlights the rich cultural contributions of the tea tribe community of Assam.

About Jhumoir (Jhumur) Dance

• Jhumur, also known as Jhumoir, is a traditional folk dance performed predominantly by the Adivasi tea tribes of Assam.
• It is typically showcased during the harvest season, as well as on occasions like weddings and community festivals.
• The dance was introduced to Assam by the tea garden workers, who originally migrated from regions like Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal in the 19th century under British colonial rule.

Cultural Origins and Community

• The dance traces its roots to the Sadan ethnolinguistic group from the Chotanagpur plateau (present-day Jharkhand).
• The tea tribe community is a multi-ethnic group comprising descendants of migrant tea garden laborers.
• These communities have significantly shaped Assam’s socio-cultural landscape.

Performance Style and Attire

• Jhumur is performed in a circular formation, with dancers often holding each other's waists.
• The performance features rhythmic footwork, swaying movements, and energetic music.
• Women typically wear colorful sarees, often in red and white, while men dress in dhotis and kurtas.
• The musical accompaniment includes traditional instruments like the Madal, Dhol, Dhak, Taal (cymbals), and Flute.

Themes and Social Significance

• Jhumur songs blend liveliness with social commentary, often highlighting the struggles, exploitation, and migration experiences of the tea plantation workers.
• Major tea garden festivals where Jhumur is performed include Tushu Puja and Karam Puja, both celebrating the harvest.
• The dance fosters community bonding, promotes cultural pride, and represents Assam’s syncretic cultural heritage.
• It stands as a symbol of inclusivity, unity, and the resilience of the tea tribe community.

In News:

Indian wildlife biologist Dr. Purnima Devi Barman has been named among TIME Magazine’s Women of the Year 2025, recognizing her as one of 13 global leaders working toward a more equitable and sustainable world. She is the only Indian woman on the list.

Key Contributions:

• Known for her pioneering conservation work with the greater adjutant stork (locally called Hargila), once critically endangered and culturally stigmatized in Assam.
• Founded the Hargila Army, a women-led grassroots movement focused on protecting the stork’s habitat and changing negative local perceptions.
• Her model uniquely blends wildlife conservation with women’s empowerment, engaging thousands of rural women in ecological and livelihood activities.

Impact:

• Due to her efforts, the greater adjutant stork’s population in Assam has significantly recovered, leading to its status being upgraded from “endangered” to “near threatened” by IUCN.
• The Hargila Army, with over 10,000 members, participates in bird rescue, awareness campaigns, tree planting, and embroidery-based income generation.
• Her approach has become a global model for community-based conservation.

Background:

• Hails from the Kamrup region of Assam.
• Holds a Master’s degree in Zoology from Gauhati University.
• Inspired by her early life near the Brahmaputra and her grandmother’s teachings on biodiversity.

Awards & Recognition:

• Nari Shakti Puraskar (2017) – India’s highest civilian award for women.
• UN Champions of the Earth Award (2022) – For entrepreneurial vision in conservation.
• Whitley Gold Award (2017, 2024) – Often called the "Green Oscar".

Other Roles:

• Director of Women in Nature Network (YNN) – India chapter.
• Member of IUCN’s Stork, Ibis, and Spoonbill Specialist Group.

About TIME Magazine:

• Founded in 1923, USA.
• Known for its global recognitions like Person of the Year and Women of the Year.
• Now operates as a multimedia platform covering politics, science, and culture.

In News:

Microsoft has unveiled Majorana 1, a new quantum chip that marks a significant advancement in quantum computing, suggesting that scalable quantum systems could be achieved in years rather than decades.

What is Majorana 1?

• It is the world’s first quantum chip built on a topological architecture, using Majorana fermions, exotic subatomic particles that are both particles and antiparticles.
• The chip is designed to be more stable and error-resistant than current quantum technologies developed by competitors like Google and IBM.

Core Technology & Innovation:

• Material Composition: Made from indium arsenide (a semiconductor) and aluminum (a superconductor).
• Topological Superconductivity: When cooled near absolute zero and exposed to magnetic fields, it enables the formation of Majorana Zero Modes, which serve as building blocks for stable qubits.
• Topoconductor Architecture: A new class of materials creating a topological state, offering enhanced fault tolerance.

Quantum Advantage:

• Qubit Efficiency: Majorana 1 reduces the number of physical qubits needed to generate logical (error-corrected) qubits.
• Error-Resistance: Its design addresses two major quantum computing limitations — qubit instability (decoherence) and high error rates.
• Scalability Potential: The chip includes eight topological qubits, with future potential to scale up to a million-qubit system.

Why This Matters:

• Improved Reliability: Lower error rates enhance the practical applicability of quantum systems.
• Accelerated Development: Brings the world closer to realizing commercially viable quantum computers.
• Wide Applications: Potential use in drug discovery, material science, clean energy solutions, and more.
• AI Integration: May combine with artificial intelligence to tackle global challenges like microplastic degradation.

Quantum Computing in Brief:

• Quantum Computers use qubits and properties like superposition and entanglement to perform highly complex calculations.
• Major Challenges: Qubit instability and error correction.
• Significance: Quantum computing could revolutionize fields by solving problems beyond the reach of classical computers.

In News:

IN-SPACe, India’s space sector regulator under the Department of Space, has launched the Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) to accelerate the commercialization of indigenous space technologies.

About TAF:

• Objective: To bridge the gap between early-stage innovation and market-ready space solutions developed by Indian startups, MSMEs, and industries.
• Goal: Reduce dependence on imported technologies and strengthen India's position in the global space sector.

Key Features:

• Financial Support:
  • Startups/MSMEs: Up to 60% of project cost.
  • Larger industries: Up to 40%.
  • Funding cap: ?25 crore per project.
• Eligibility: Open to all non-government entities (NGEs) with commercially viable space innovations.
• Support Provided:
  • Partial funding for development and commercialization.
  • Technical mentoring and guidance.
• Focus Areas: Launch vehicles, satellites, space-based applications, and related services.
• Outcomes Expected:
  • Development of new space products.
  • Intellectual property generation.
  • Enhanced production capabilities.
  • Economic growth and job creation.

About IN-SPACe:

• Established: 2020
• Ministry: Department of Space
• Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
• Role: Single-window agency promoting private participation in India's space ecosystem.
• Functions:
  • Authorizes and monitors private sector space activities.
  • Facilitates access to ISRO infrastructure.
  • Collaborates with academia, industry, and research bodies.

Significance:

• Encourages private innovation in space tech.
• Aligns with the larger vision of making India a hub for space entrepreneurship.
• Strengthens India’s self-reliance and competitiveness in global space technology.

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:

• Remission ≠ Pardon: 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.

Brazil Joins OPEC+

Source: Times of India

In News:

In February 2025, Brazil officially joined OPEC+, a coalition of oil-producing nations. This development comes ahead of Brazil hosting COP30, the annual UN climate summit.

About OPEC and OPEC+

• OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries):
  • A permanent intergovernmental organization established in 1960 at the Baghdad Conference.
  • Aims to coordinate and unify petroleum policies to ensure stable prices and regular supply.
  • Headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
  • Current members include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, UAE, Nigeria, Libya, Algeria, and others.

• OPEC+ Formation:
  • Created in 2016 to stabilize oil markets, particularly in response to rising U.S. shale oil production.
  • Includes 12 OPEC members plus 11 non-OPEC countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, Mexico, and now Brazil (2025).
  • Functions as a forum for strategic discussions but not all members are bound by production quotas.

Brazil’s Role and Strategic Significance

• Oil Production Status:
  • Seventh-largest oil producer globally, with around 4.3 million barrels/day.
  • In 2024, crude oil became Brazil’s top export, overtaking soybeans.
• OPEC+ Membership:
  • Brazil joins the Charter of Cooperation but retains autonomy in production decisions.
  • It seeks to influence global oil policy while protecting its energy interests.
• Balancing Act:
  • While focusing on oil revenue for economic growth and energy transition funding, Brazil also pursues renewable energy through agencies like IRENA.
  • This dual approach reflects an attempt to align development with environmental commitments.

Environmental Concerns and Criticism

• Brazil’s decision to expand oil exploration—especially near sensitive ecosystems like the Amazon—has drawn criticism.
• Environmentalists argue it contradicts climate goals, particularly as Brazil prepares to host COP30.

Note:

• OPEC+ is not a formal organization but a strategic alliance.
• Brazil is part of OPEC+ but is not bound by production quotas.
• OPEC’s headquarters is in Vienna, Austria (Austria is not an OPEC member).
• India is not a member of OPEC or OPEC+.

In News:

The Mising tribe, Assam’s largest tribal community, celebrated Ali Ai Ligang in Shankarpur, Jorhat, on the first Wednesday of the Fagun month.

About the Mising Tribe

• Region: Indigenous tribe from Northeast India; primarily reside in Upper Assam and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, with some presence in South Tibet (China).
• Population: As per Census 2011, there are 6,80,424 Mising people in Assam.
• Ethnolinguistic Group: Belong to the Tani group, speak Tibeto-Burmese languages.
• Referred as: Called “Lhobhas” (southerners) by Tibetans.
• Unique Feature: Known as the only riparian tribe of Northeast India, with livelihoods closely linked to rivers like the Brahmaputra.
• Habitat: Construct stilt houses known as Chang Ghar to withstand seasonal floods.

Cultural and Religious Practices

• Religion: Practice Donyi-Poloism – worship of the Sun (Donyi) and the Moon (Polo) as supreme deities.
• Traditional Economy:
  • Traditionally practiced Jhum (slash and burn) cultivation.
  • Now settled cultivators skilled in wet paddy cultivation.
  • Engage in fishing, weaving, and vegetable farming.
  • Women are proficient in weaving traditional Mising textiles.

Ali Ai Ligang Festival

• Main Festival of the Mising community.
• Timing: Celebrated in February, on the first Wednesday of Fagun month (as per the Assamese calendar).
• Name Meaning:
  • Ali – edible root
  • Ai – seed
  • Ligang – sowing

Signifies the beginning of the agricultural cycle – first sowing of seeds and roots.

Significance and Rituals

• Purpose: Marks the start of cultivation, invokes blessings from Donyi-Polo to protect crops from pests and natural calamities.
• Community Importance: Strengthens communal ties and preserves agrarian traditions.
• Ritual Practices:
  • Morung Okum (Morung Ghar) – youth dormitory where offerings like Apong (rice beer), dry meat, and fish are made.
  • Gumrag Dance – performed by men and women to signify joy, unity, and prosperity.
  • Feast and Dress – Traditional Mising delicacies are prepared, and people wear colorful ethnic attire.

Modern Celebrations

• Originally village-based, now also celebrated in urban centers like Jorhat.
• Includes stage performances, cultural competitions, and large community gatherings.
• In Jorhat, it has been celebrated for the past 40 years, organized annually by Mising Agom Kebang (Mising apex literary and cultural body).

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.

In News:

Recently, over 150 false killer whales were found stranded on a remote beach near Arthur River on the northwest coast of Tasmania, Australia. The incident is one of several mass strandings reported in the region in recent years.

The event echoes earlier mass strandings:

• In 2022, 230 pilot whales stranded at Macquarie Harbor.
• In 2020, 470 long-finned pilot whales were stranded at the same site—the largest mass stranding in Australian history.

Possible Causes of Whale Strandings

Although the precise cause remains uncertain, potential factors include:

• Disorientation from loud underwater noises (e.g., naval exercises, seismic surveys)
• Illness, old age, injury
• Fleeing predators
• Severe weather events
• Geomagnetic anomalies

About False Killer Whales

• False killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) are not true killer whales but belong to the Delphinidae family, which also includes dolphins and pilot whales.
• They are large, social cetaceans, often found in warm, deep oceanic waters.
• These whales are highly vocal and social, forming strong social bonds within pods.
• Like other cetaceans, they rely on echolocation (underwater sound) for communication, hunting, and navigation.

About Killer Whales (Orcas)

• Although not involved in the stranding, killer whales (Orcinus orca) are relevant as close relatives within the same family (Delphinidae).
• Known for their distinct black and white markings, orcas are the largest members of the dolphin family.
• They are globally distributed in both open oceans and coastal waters.
• Killer whales live in stable matrilineal pods and use complex vocalizations.

Conservation Status

• The IUCN Red List classifies false killer whales and killer whales as Data Deficient, indicating that there is insufficient information to assess their risk of extinction.

In News:

The WEST Tokamak reactor in southern France has set a new world record by sustaining a nuclear fusion plasma for 1,337 seconds (22 minutes and 17 seconds), surpassing the previous record of 1,066 seconds held by China’s EAST reactor by 25%. This achievement is a major milestone in the global quest for clean, limitless energy through nuclear fusion.

About Nuclear Fusion

• Nuclear Fusion is the process of combining two light atomic nuclei (typically deuterium and tritium) to form a heavier nucleus, releasing vast amounts of energy.
• The mass defect (loss of mass) in the fusion process converts into energy, as per Einstein’s equation E=mc2E = mc^2E=mc2.
• This reaction occurs in the plasma state—a hot, ionized gas consisting of free electrons and atomic nuclei.

How Tokamak Reactors Work

• A Tokamak is a doughnut-shaped (toroidal) magnetic confinement device that replicates the Sun’s fusion process.
• It uses superconducting magnetic coils to confine and heat the plasma to temperatures exceeding 50 million°C, about three times hotter than the Sun's core.
• Fusion reactors inject external power (WEST used 2 MW) to maintain the plasma and prevent it from touching reactor walls.

WEST Reactor: Key Highlights

• Operated by the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA).
• Aims to simulate long-duration, high-temperature plasma conditions.
• Reached a plasma state sustained for over 22 minutes at 50 million°C.
• Contributes critical insights and validation to the ongoing ITER project, the world’s largest nuclear fusion experiment also based in southern France.

Significance of the Achievement

To make fusion viable for electricity generation, three key conditions must be met:

1. High temperature – to overcome electrostatic repulsion between nuclei.
2. Sustained confinement time – achieved by WEST.
3. Sufficient plasma density – to ensure high collision rates.

Maintaining plasma for extended durations is crucial for transitioning from experimental reactors to commercial fusion energy systems.

Advantages of Nuclear Fusion

• High Energy Output: Produces 4x more energy per kg of fuel than fission, and nearly 4 million times more than fossil fuels.
• Environmentally Clean: Emits no greenhouse gases or long-lived radioactive waste. Only byproducts are inert helium and neutrons.
• Abundant Fuel Supply: Fusion uses deuterium (from seawater) and tritium, eliminating the need for uranium mining.
• Inherent Safety: Fusion reactions are inherently safe as they cannot trigger uncontrolled chain reactions, unlike fission.

Fusion vs. Fission: A Comparison

Aspect                                            Nuclear Fusion                                       Nuclear Fission

Process                                  Combines light nuclei                   Splits heavy nuclei

Fuel                                         Deuterium and Tritium                  Uranium or Plutonium

Energy Output                      Extremely high                                 Moderate

Waste                                     Minimal and short-lived                Long-lived radioactive waste

Emissions                              No greenhouse gases                    Potential radiation hazards

Safety                                     No risk of meltdown                        Risk of runaway reactions/meltdowns

Global Perspective

• Over 200 tokamaks are operational globally.
• The ITER project is set to become the centerpiece of global fusion research.
• Recent breakthroughs like those at WEST provide a technical roadmap for future commercial reactors.

In News:

Nvidia, in collaboration with the Arc Institute and Stanford University, has launched Evo 2 — the world’s largest publicly available AI model for genomic data — aiming to revolutionize genetic research and biomedical innovation.

About Evo 2

• Type: Foundation AI model for genomics.
• Function: Understands and designs genetic code across all domains of life.
• Scale: Trained on ~9 trillion nucleotides from 128,000+ organisms, including bacteria, plants, animals, and humans.
• Platform: Built using 2,000 Nvidia H100 processors on Amazon Cloud, through the NVIDIA DGX Cloud platform.
• Access: Freely available on Nvidia’s BioNeMo research platform.

Key Features

• Accuracy in Mutation Detection:Accurately identified 90% of harmful mutations in BRCA1 — a gene linked to breast cancer.
• Speed and Efficiency:Enables rapid pattern recognition in vast genomic datasets — research that would otherwise take years.
• Collaborative Development:Created by Nvidia in partnership with Arc Institute (nonprofit research body founded in 2021 with $650 million funding) and Stanford University.

Applications

• Healthcare & Medicine:
  • Predicts form and function of proteins.
  • Identifies gene mutations and their impact.
  • Facilitates precision medicine and gene therapy development.
• Agricultural Biotechnology:
  • Aids in designing climate-resilient crops.
• Industrial & Environmental Science:
  • Assists in creating enzymes to break down pollutants.
  • Supports development of new bio-materials.

Significance for India & Global Science

• Accelerates biomolecular research and biotech innovation.
• Contributes to scientific self-reliance and the bioeconomy.
• Enhances capability in combating diseases like cancer and improving food security.

In News:

Meta has launched Project Waterworth, its most ambitious subsea cable initiative to date, aimed at enhancing global digital connectivity. The project involves the deployment of AI-driven subsea cable infrastructure, with India being a key beneficiary.

Key Features:

• Massive Scale:A multi-billion dollar, multi-year global initiative, the project will lay over 50,000 km of undersea cables, connecting five continents, including India, the USA, Brazil, South Africa, and others.
• AI Integration:The project leverages advanced machine learning models to predict and mitigate network disruptions, ensuring greater resilience and reliability of global internet infrastructure.
• Deep Water Deployment:The cable will operate at depths reaching 7,000 meters, using enhanced burial techniques in high-risk areas to prevent damage from ship anchors and other maritime hazards.
• Digital Backbone:Subsea cables like those in Project Waterworth currently carry over 95% of global internet traffic, forming the backbone of international digital communication, video streaming, e-commerce, and cloud-based AI services.

Strategic Relevance for India:

• India’s Digital Push:The project supports India’s growing digital economy by ensuring faster, more reliable internet connectivity and fostering digital inclusion and innovation.
• AI and Infrastructure Synergy:With AI-driven maintenance and deployment, the initiative complements India's vision of becoming a global hub for AI, data centers, and digital services.
• Economic and Strategic Benefits:Enhanced connectivity is expected to boost economic cooperation, cross-border trade, and participation in global digital platforms.

In News:

In February 2025, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of Qatar, paid a State Visit to India, during which India and Qatar elevated their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership.

Major Outcomes of the 2025 Summit

• Strategic Partnership Agreement:Formalized multifaceted cooperation across sectors—trade, investment, energy, security, technology, and people-to-people ties.
• Trade and Economic Engagement:
  • Target set to double bilateral trade to $30 billion by 2030 (from $14 billion in FY 2023–24).
  • Joint Commission on Trade and Commerce established to monitor economic ties.
  • Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) pledged $10 billion in Indian infrastructure, green energy, and startups.
  • Revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement signed.
• Energy Cooperation:
  • A landmark 20-year LNG supply deal (2028–2048) between QatarEnergy and Petronet LNG.
  • Collaboration in renewable energy including green hydrogen, solar energy, and AI-based efficiency solutions.
• Investment and Digital Integration:
  • QIA to open an office in India; Qatar National Bank to set up presence in GIFT City.
  • India’s UPI system operationalized in Qatar's POS infrastructure; nationwide rollout planned.
• Technology and Innovation:
  • Cooperation in AI, semiconductors, IoT, robotics and digital governance.
  • Indian startups to participate in Web Summits in Doha (2024–25).

People-to-People and Cultural Ties

• Over 830,000 Indians reside in Qatar, forming the largest expatriate community.
• MoUs signed on youth, sports, education, archives, and cultural cooperation.
• Agreement to celebrate India-Qatar Year of Culture, Friendship and Sports.

Security and Counter-Terrorism

• Strong condemnation of terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism.
• Commitment to enhanced cooperation in intelligence sharing, cybercrime, anti-money laundering, and countering transnational crimes.
• Emphasis on regular meetings of the Joint Committee on Security and Law Enforcement.

Labour and Health Cooperation

• Agreement to hold regular Joint Working Group on Labour and Employment to address expatriate welfare and mobility.
• Collaboration in the health sector, including pharma exports, device registration, and pandemic response mechanisms.

Geopolitical and Multilateral Cooperation

• Exchange of views on Middle East stability, UN reforms, and India-GCC engagement.
• Appreciation for Qatar’s Chairmanship of the India-GCC Strategic Dialogue (Sept 2024).
• Agreement on UN Security Council reform and advancing SDG goals through multilateralism.

Challenges Ahead

• Trade Imbalance: Imports of LNG/LPG ($12B) far exceed exports (<$2B).
• Labour Rights Concerns: Working conditions of Indian laborers in Qatar remain under scrutiny.
• Legal and Judicial Issues: Over 600 Indians in Qatari jails; need for agreement on transfer of sentenced persons.
• Geopolitical Complexities: Qatar’s involvement in West Asian diplomacy presents nuanced challenges.
• Naval Veterans Case: Pending resolution affects diplomatic sentiment.

Way Forward

• Boost Indian exports in pharmaceuticals, IT, engineering goods.
• Expedite India-Qatar Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) to streamline FDI.
• Expand collaboration in green hydrogen, carbon capture, and energy diversification.
• Strengthen ministerial-level engagements, labor welfare frameworks, and regional security dialogue.

In News:

The Union Ministry of Rural Development has launched a pilot project titled NAKSHA(National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations) in 152 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 26 States and 3 Union Territories, with the inauguration taking place in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh.

Key Highlights:

Objective of NAKSHA

The NAKSHA initiative aims to:

• Create and update urban land records for accurate, reliable documentation of property ownership.
• Empower citizens by improving ease of access to land records.
• Facilitate urban planning and reduce land-related disputes.
• Promote transparency, efficiency, and sustainable development through an IT-based system.

Key Features

• Technical Partner: The Survey of India will carry out aerial surveys and provide orthorectified imagery via third-party vendors.
• Implementation Partners:
  • Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation (MPSEDC) will develop a web-based GIS platform.
  • National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI) will provide data storage facilities.
• Execution at State Level: States and UTs will conduct field surveys and ground truthing, leading to the final publication of urban and semi-urban land records.

In News:

In January–February 2025, Karnataka's property registration portal, Kaveri 2.0, faced major disruptions due to a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack, severely affecting property registrations and revenue generation. The portal, launched in 2023, is a key component of the state's e-governance infrastructure.

What is a DDoS Attack?

A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack aims to disrupt a server, service, or network by flooding it with excessive traffic, rendering it inaccessible to legitimate users.

How it works:

• Botnet Formation: Hackers compromise multiple devices using malware, turning them into bots.
• Traffic Overload: These bots generate huge volumes of fake traffic directed at the target system.
• Service Disruption: The targeted service slows down or crashes, affecting user access.

Types of DDoS Attacks:

• Bandwidth Saturation – Exhausting the target's internet capacity.
• Protocol Exploitation – Abusing vulnerabilities in network protocols.
• Application Targeting – Crashing specific applications or services.

Kaveri 2.0 Case: AI-Based DDoS Attack

• The Stamps and Registration Department (SRD) of Karnataka confirmed that the portal was targeted using AI tools that generated over 20 lakh fake search queries per day—far beyond its capacity of 2.5 lakh.
• These queries mainly targeted services like Encumbrance Certificate (EC) searches, causing widespread slowdown and outages.
• On February 1, only 556 property registrations occurred, compared to the usual 8,000–9,000 daily, with revenue dipping to ?15.18 crore from an average of over ?62 crore.
• After mitigation, services were restored by February 7, returning to normal levels of 7,225 registrations and ?62.59 crore in revenue.

Impact of DDoS Attacks on Public Services

• Operational Disruption: Essential citizen services are halted, creating public inconvenience.
• Financial Loss: Delayed transactions and reduced revenue, as seen in the Kaveri 2.0 case.
• Reputational Damage: Public trust in digital governance platforms may erode.
• Cybersecurity Risks: DDoS attacks can mask more sophisticated intrusions.

Preventive Measures

• Traffic Filtering: Using AI tools to detect and block abnormal traffic.
• Rate Limiting: Restricting the number of queries per user/IP.
• Bot Detection: Implementing CAPTCHAs and behavior analysis.
• Robust Authentication: Enhancing security for administrative access.
• Incident Response Teams: Dedicated cybersecurity units to respond to threats promptly.

In News:

Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, becoming the first to be selected under the new legislative framework — The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023. He succeeds Rajiv Kumar. Simultaneously, Dr. Vivek Joshi, former Haryana Chief Secretary, was appointed as an Election Commissioner.

Constitutional Basis

• Article 324 of the Indian Constitution provides for the Election Commission of India (ECI), consisting of the CEC and such other Election Commissioners as the President may determine.
• It vests the superintendence, direction, and control of elections in the ECI for conducting elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and for the offices of the President and Vice President.

Earlier Appointment Process

• Governed by convention and the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991.
• The CEC was appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister, with no formal selection mechanism defined in law.

New Appointment Process (2023 Act)

The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023 introduced a formal selection process:

• Selection Committee:
  • Prime Minister (Chairperson)
  • A Union Cabinet Minister (nominated by the PM)
  • Leader of Opposition (or largest opposition party leader) in the Lok Sabha
• Search Committee:
  • Headed by the Cabinet Secretary, this body shortlists eligible candidates.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Must be a person of integrity
  • Must have experience in election management
  • Must be or have been a Secretary (or equivalent) to the Government of India

Service Conditions (As per 2023 Act)

• Salary & Status: Equivalent to that of a Cabinet Secretary (earlier: Supreme Court judge).
• Tenure: 6 years or till the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
• Reappointment: Not permitted.

Removal Process

• CEC: Can only be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court judge (i.e., by Parliament through impeachment).
• Election Commissioners: Can only be removed on the recommendation of the CEC.

Functions & Powers of CEC

• Conducts elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Assemblies, and offices of the President & Vice President.
• Regulates political parties and election funding.
• Enforces the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
• Maintains and updates electoral rolls and supervises the voter registration process.
• Has the authority to disqualify candidates and cancel elections in case of serious irregularities.
• Advises the President and Governors on election-related matters.

Judicial Context & Controversy

• In the Anoop Baranwal vs Union of India case, the Supreme Court ruled that the independence of the ECI must be preserved and directed that a law be enacted to define the appointment process.
• Until such legislation was passed, the Court had prescribed a selection committee comprising:
  • The Prime Minister
  • The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha
  • The Chief Justice of India (CJI)
• However, the 2023 Act excluded the CJI, replacing the judiciary with another executive appointee, raising concerns about executive dominance.
• Multiple petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Act are pending before the Supreme Court.

In News:

Context:
The Government of India has approved the continuation of the PM-AASHA Scheme till 2025–26, aligning with the 15th Finance Commission cycle, to strengthen farmer income security and achieve self-sufficiency in pulses production.

Overview of PM-AASHA Scheme

• Launched by: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
• Objective: To ensure remunerative prices to farmers and stabilize market prices of key crops.
• Type: Umbrella scheme combining various price support mechanisms.

Key Components

• Price Support Scheme (PSS)
  • Procurement of pulses, oilseeds, and copra at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) through NAFED and NCCF.
  • Covers 25% of national production, except for 100% procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masur during 2024–25 and extended for the next four years.
  • Procurement is done from pre-registered farmers through State-level agencies.
• Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS)
  • Farmers receive direct payments for the shortfall between the MSP and market price.
  • Covers 40% of oilseed production for a duration of four months.
• Price Stabilization Fund (PSF)
  • Maintains buffer stocks of pulses and onions.
  • Aims to stabilize prices, prevent hoarding, and ensure affordable supply for consumers.
• Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)
  • Provides price support for perishable horticultural crops.
  • Covers 25% of production with direct financial transfers to farmers, not physical procurement.

Recent Developments (2025)

• Procurement Commitment:The Union Government announced 100% procurement of Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Masur under PSS for 2024–25, extended for four years, to reduce import dependence and promote self-sufficiency.
• Tur Procurement Approval:Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan approved procurement of 13.22 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of Tur for Kharif 2024–25 in 9 states:
  Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Procurement Progress(as of 15 Feb 2025):
  • 0.15 LMT of Tur procured from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana.
  • 12,006 farmers have benefited so far.
  • Procurement in remaining states will commence shortly.
  • Central procurement is conducted by NAFED and NCCF.

In News:

On February 11, 2025, to mark the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, UNESCO, with support from Canada’s International Development Centre (IDRC), launched the global campaign titled “Imagine a World with More Women in Science.”

Campaign Highlights

• Objective: Promote gender equality in science and innovation by encouraging the active participation and leadership of women in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine).
• Social Media Drive: The campaign uses the hashtag #EveryVoiceInScience to amplify diverse voices and encourage global engagement.
• Focus: Emphasizes the real-world impact of gender disparities in science, including missed innovations, biased artificial intelligence, and inequitable scientific opportunities.

Background

• The UN General Assembly (UNGA) declared February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2015 to foster female participation in scientific research and innovation globally.

Current Status of Women in Science

Global Trends

• Representation: Women comprise only one-third of the global scientific workforce.
• Leadership Gap: Merely 10% of STEM leadership positions are held by women.

India-Specific Data

• STEMM Enrolment: Women account for 43% of enrolment in STEMM disciplines.
• Women Scientists: Only 18.6% of scientists in India are women.
• R&D Projects: About 25% of R&D projects are led by women researchers.

Challenges Faced by Women in Science

Challenge                                            Description

Restrictive Social Norms         Traditional gender roles hinder women’s

                                                       scientific pursuits.

Lack of Role Models                      Few visible female leaders discourage young women from

                                                       aspiring to scientific careers.

Workplace Inequality                 Gender biases, hostile work environments, and lack of inclusive

                                                       policies create barriers.

Educational Gaps                          Gender-biased teaching content and insufficient support systems

                                                       limit girls’ access to science education.

Recommended Measures

Dismantle Gender Stereotypes

• Remove gender biases from teaching and learning materials.
• Include contributions of female scientists in textbooks with visuals.
• Promote equitable representation of women in boards, panels, and decision-making bodies.

Enhance Visibility of Women Role Models

• Highlight discoveries by female scientists.
• Increase media and curriculum exposure to successful women in science.

Open Educational Pathways

• Promote inclusive teaching practices and gender-neutral curricula.
• Encourage CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives to support girls in science education.

Create Inclusive Work Environments

• Enforce policies for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Take strong action against gender-based violence, including sexism and harassment in the workplace.
• Advance women into leadership roles in scientific institutions.

In News:

Russia has announced the development of an mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccine, expected to be available free of cost to patients by early 2025. It is being developed under the Russian Ministry of Health, with pre-clinical trials showing promising results in suppressing tumour growth and metastasis.

What is an mRNA-Based Cancer Vaccine?

• mRNA (Messenger RNA) vaccines deliver genetic instructions to the body’s cells to produce antigens—proteins that trigger an immune response.
• In the case of cancer, these vaccines train the immune system to recognize and destroy tumor-specific antigens, thereby attacking cancer cells.
• Unlike conventional vaccines, these are therapeutic, not preventive, and are used in existing cancer patients.

How Does It Work?

• The vaccine prompts the body to produce proteins that mimic tumor markers.
• These markers stimulate the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells.
• The treatment is personalized, with the mRNA sequence tailored to match the unique antigens of a patient’s tumour, enhancing precision and efficacy.
• It can potentially target multiple antigens simultaneously, unlike standard mRNA vaccines such as those for COVID-19.

Advantages Over Conventional Therapies

• Selective Action: Targets only cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
• Fewer Side Effects: Compared to chemotherapy, the side effects are significantly reduced.
• Customizable: Can be adapted to target various cancers through tumor-specific markers.
• Boosts Immunity: Enhances the body’s natural defense mechanisms for long-term protection.

mRNA Technology – Core Concepts

• mRNA is a single-stranded RNA transcribed from DNA.
• It delivers genetic instructions to ribosomes (protein factories) in cells to produce specific proteins.
• In mRNA vaccines, this mechanism is harnessed to make the body generate target antigens, which the immune system learns to combat.

India and mRNA Vaccines

• India has approved two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines developed by Gennova Biopharmaceuticals with DBT-BIRAC support:
  • GEMCOVAC-OM(Omicron-specific)
  • GEMCOVAC-19
• Features include needle-free delivery and thermostability, marking India’s entry into mRNA-based immunotherapy platforms.

Cautions and Limitations

• Not Preventive: These are not preventive like HPV or Hepatitis B vaccines, which protect against cancers linked to viruses.
• Limited Data: Russian vaccine data is not yet publicly available; clinical validation is pending.
• Not Universally Effective: Immunotherapy may not work for all types or stages of cancer.
• Time-Consuming Trials: New treatments must undergo phased trials, often spanning years, before general approval.

In News:

The Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha has seen a significant drop in poaching activities following the deployment of TrailGuard AI-enabled surveillance cameras. These advanced systems are helping protect both forest personnel and wildlife by providing real-time alerts and enhancing enforcement actions.

About TrailGuard AI System

• Developed by: Nightjar Technologies, Gurgaon.
• Design:
  • Two-part system: a pen-sized camera unit and a notepad-sized battery/communication unit connected via a 2-metre cable.
  • Camouflaged and compact, reducing chances of being detected or stolen.
• Operation:
  • Operates in low-power mode by default, switches to high-power mode upon sensing movement.
  • Uses on-device AI inference to identify object classes (e.g., humans, animals, vehicles).
  • Sends alerts via cellular network within 30–40 seconds to a central control room.
  • Battery life: 6 months to 1 year.
  • Cost: ?50,000–53,000 per unit.

Impact and Achievements

• Installed: 100–150 AI-enabled cameras in Similipal.
• In 10 months, led to:
  • 96 poachers arrested
  • 86+ country-made guns seized
  • 40+ arrests in December 2024 alone
• Enabled quick house raids and identifications using photographic evidence.
• Enabled one conviction within six months, with more expected.