In News:

Launched in August 2018 by the Ministry of Culture, the SevaBhoj Yojana is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at supporting charitable and religious institutions that provide free food (langar, prasad, bhandara) to the public without discrimination.

Key Highlights:

• The scheme provides reimbursement of the Central Government’s share of Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) paid on the purchase of specific raw food items used in preparing meals.
• Objectives of the Scheme
  • Reduce the financial burden on charitable/religious institutions engaged in feeding the public.
  • Encourage the tradition of community kitchens and public service across diverse religious institutions.
  • Promote inclusive religious philanthropy while ensuring transparency and accountability in public spending.

Key Features

Feature                                                              Details

Launched By                                                   Ministry of Culture, Government of India

Year of Launch                                               August 2018

Target Beneficiaries                                  Temples, Gurudwaras, Mosques, Churches, Ashrams, Monasteries, etc.

Reimbursed Taxes                                      CGST and Central Share of IGST

Scope of Benefit                                             Raw food items used for free food distribution

Coverage Threshold                                   Institutions must serve free food to at least 5000 people/month

Required Duration of Operation         Minimum 3 years of continuous food service

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the scheme, institutions must:

• Serve free food to a minimum of 5,000 people per month.
• Be in operation for at least three years prior to application.
• Be registered under:
  • Section 10 or 12AA of the Income Tax Act, or
  • Societies Registration Act, or
  • Relevant public trust laws, or
  • Statutory religious bodies constituted under law.
• Possess a District Magistrate’s certificate confirming their ongoing food distribution service.

Implementation Mechanism

The scheme ensures transparency and streamlined reimbursement through a digital and multi-tier process:

• Institutions register on the NGO Darpan Portal of NITI Aayog.
• Apply through the Central Sector Monitoring System (CSMS) Portal of the Ministry of Culture.
• Submit relevant documents to the Nodal Central Tax Officer in their State/UT.
• On verification, a Unique Identity Number (UIN) is issued.
• Verified tax claims are forwarded by the concerned GST Authority to the Ministry.
• The Ministry releases the sanctioned amount to the GST Authority, which reimburses the institution.

Governance and Outreach

• The Ministry promotes the scheme through official websites and social media platforms.
• Efforts are made to ensure equitable representation of all religions and communities.
• As of January 2025, several institutions across states have benefited from the scheme, though individual beneficiary counts are not collected.

In News:

In a significant stride toward sustainable healthcare and waste management, India launched its first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Plant, named S?janam, on April 13, 2025, at AIIMS, New Delhi.

Developed by the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, under the Ministry of Science & Technology, this innovative rig marks a paradigm shift in handling biomedical waste, moving away from conventional, polluting incineration techniques.

Why this matter?

India generates approximately 743 tonnes of biomedical waste daily (CPCB, 2023). Safe disposal has been a persistent challenge due to limited infrastructure, high costs, and environmental concerns. The launch of S?janam aligns with the government’s push for “Waste to Wealth” and environmentally responsible healthcare infrastructure, as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Swachh Bharat initiatives.

What is S?janam?

• An automated, eco-friendly biomedical waste treatment rig.
• Designed to disinfect pathogenic waste like blood, urine, sputum, and lab disposables.
• Does not use incinerators, which release toxic emissions such as dioxins and furans.

Key Features & Capacity

Feature                                                 Details

Disinfection Process                    Non-incineration, antimicrobial treatment

Daily Treatment Capacity       400 kg of total biomedical waste

Organic Waste Handling           Initially handles 10 kg/day of degradable medical waste

Environmental Safety                   Neutralizes foul odor; releases pleasant fragrance

Health Safety                                       Minimizes human exposure and risk of contamination

Validation                                               Third-party tested; treated material safer than organic vermicompost

Significance for Public Health and Environment

• Reduces dependency on expensive, energy-intensive incinerators.
• Eco-friendly solution that prevents toxic emissions and groundwater contamination.
• Aligns with Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, which mandate safe segregation, treatment, and disposal.
• Enhances India’s capability to respond to health crises (e.g., pandemics), where waste generation spikes.

Strategic Implications

• Promotes indigenous technological innovation under “Make in India.”
• Offers a scalable solution for both urban and rural healthcare setups.
• Contributes to India’s climate commitments by cutting healthcare-related emissions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In News:

• The Chinar Boat Race 2024 was successfully organized in Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Highlights:

• Organizers:The event was hosted by the Indian Army in collaboration with White Globe NGO and the Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA).
• Purpose:The race aimed to celebrate Kashmir’s culture and traditions while promoting conservation of Dal Lake.The event emphasized the ecological importance of Dal Lake and the need for its protection.
• Cultural Impact:The race attracted a large crowd of both locals and tourists, highlighting the vibrant culture of Kashmir.The event fostered a sense of community and unity, with people cheering for the participants.
• Military Engagement:The Army organizes sports and cultural events in the region to strengthen Army-public relationships, engage local youth, and promote an honourable profession in the military.

Dal Lake Overview:

• Location: Situated in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, surrounded by the PirPanjal mountains.
• Area: 18 sq. km (lake); part of a 21.1 sq. km wetland.
• Islands: Includes 3 islands, two marked by Chinar trees: Roph Lank (Silver Island) and Sone Lank (Gold Island).
• Significance: Known as the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel”.
• Floating Market: Famous for its floating market where vendors use wooden boats (Shikaras) to sell goods.
• Temperature: Can drop to −11°C in winter, sometimes freezing the lake.

In News:

The 11th ADMM-Plus held in Vientiane, Laos saw Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engage in discussions with his counterparts from the United States, Japan, and the Philippines.

Focus: The talks centered on strengthening defence partnerships, regional security, and enhancing cooperation among Indo-Pacific nations.

ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus):

• Platform for Dialogue: The ADMM-Plus is a key platform for ASEAN and its eight Dialogue Partners—Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States.
• Establishment: The inaugural ADMM-Plus was held in HàN?i, Vietnam on 12 October 2010.
• Annual Meetings: Since 2017, the ADMM-Plus has met annually to enhance dialogue and cooperation amidst an increasingly complex regional security environment.

Objectives:

• Capacity Building: To aid ASEAN members in addressing shared security challenges.
• Promote Trust and Transparency: Enhance mutual trust and confidence between ASEAN and partner nations.
• Regional Peace and Stability: Focus on cooperation in defence and security to counter transnational security challenges.
• ASEAN Security Community: Contribute to realizing the ASEAN Security Community, as per the Bali Concord II, aiming for peace, stability, democracy, and prosperity in the region.
• Vientiane Action Programme: Facilitate ASEAN's efforts towards a peaceful, secure, and prosperous ASEAN with outward-looking relations with Dialogue Partners.

In News:

The Ministry of Science and Technologyrecently launched India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) data bank that is aimed at propelling innovation and boosting the country’s national securityat the 7th Edition of the ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024.

• • The event theme: “AI for India: Advancing India’s AI Development – Innovation, Ethics, and Governance”.

Key Highlights:

• Objective:
  • Propel innovation and enhance national security.
  • Provide access to diverse, high-quality datasets for creating scalable and inclusive AI solutions.
• Key Features of the AI Data Bank:
  • Target Audience: Researchers, startups, and developers.
  • Data Types: Satellite, drone, and IoT data.
  • Purpose:
    • To enhance national security through real-time analytics.
    • Enable predictive analytics for disaster management and cybersecurity.

Strategic Importance of AI in India:

• National Security: AI to strengthen national security by providing real-time analytics from satellite, drone, and IoT data.
• AI for Development:
  • AI’s role in reshaping sectors like governance, business, healthcare, education, and space exploration.
  • AI as a tool for economic growth, addressing climate change, improving public service delivery, and ensuring national security.
• Ethics and Governance:
  • Ensuring responsible AI use with optimal handling.
  • Addressing algorithmic bias and data privacy through robust governance frameworks.
  • Commitment to transparent and fair AI systems that empower people rather than replace them.
• AI in Disaster Management and Cybersecurity:
  • Aligning with India’s goals to use AI for predictive analytics in disaster management.
  • Enhancing cybersecurity through AI technologies.

Government’s Vision on AI:

• Empowering Citizens: AI must bridge divides and ensure equitable access to its benefits.
• AI as Backbone for Future Development: India’s focus on making AI an integral part of its future economic and technological growth.

In News:

• From November 10 to 18, 2024, the Indian Army is conducting a high-intensity tri-services exercise named PoorviPrahar in the forward areas of Arunachal Pradesh.
• The exercise aims to enhance the combat effectiveness and coordination between the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, focusing on integrated joint operations in the challenging mountainous terrain of the region.

About Exercise PoorviPrahar

Objective: The primary goal of Exercise PoorviPrahar is to hone the combat readiness and synergy across the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces. It is designed to improve their ability to conduct integrated joint operations, especially in the difficult terrain of Arunachal Pradesh, which is crucial due to the region's strategic location along India's eastern frontier.

Key Features of the Exercise:

• Multidomain Integration:The exercise involves land, air, and sea operations, demonstrating India's capability to conduct multi-domain operations. This showcases the Indian Armed Forces' preparedness to tackle threats across all three domains simultaneously.
• Advanced Military Platforms:
  • Aircraft: Advanced fighter jets, reconnaissance aircraft.
  • Helicopters: Including Chinook heavy-lift helicopters and Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH Rudra).
  • Artillery: The exercise makes use of the M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers, which provide mobility and precision firepower in rugged terrains.
  • Swarm Drones and Loitering Munitions: These cutting-edge technologies enable precision strikes and enhanced situational awareness, contributing to more flexible and adaptive operations.
• Technological Integration:
  • The exercise integrates next-generation technologies like Swarm Drones, Loitering Munitions, and First-Person View (FPV) Drones. These tools enhance operational flexibility, improve situational awareness, and enable precision in strike capabilities, marking a significant advancement in India's military technology.
• Operational Coordination:A core component of the exercise is the development of a Common Operating Picture (COP). This system integrates real-time data from land, air, and sea operations, improving coordination and decision-making. The system relies on AI-driven analytics and satellite communications, enabling rapid information sharing and quicker response times.
• Tactical Focus on Mountain Warfare:Arunachal Pradesh, with its mountainous and rugged terrain, is the perfect setting for honing skills required for mountain warfare. The region’s proximity to India’s border with China makes it a critical area for India’s defense strategy.

Key Takeaways:

• Integrated Joint Operations: The exercise focuses on improving the coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force to execute seamless operations across land, air, and sea.
• Advanced Technology Integration: The exercise features the use of Swarm Drones, Loitering Munitions, and AI-driven systems to enhance precision, situational awareness, and overall operational flexibility.
• Mountain Warfare Expertise: Conducted in the mountainous terrain of Arunachal Pradesh, the exercise is crucial for preparing the Indian Armed Forces to operate effectively in such challenging landscapes.
• Strategic Posture: The exercise reaffirms India’s ability to defend its Eastern frontier and maintain a robust defense posture in the face of potential threats in the region.

Why is it in the News?

NITI Aayog recently unveiled the Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry (GROW) report and portal, aiming to bolster efforts in environmental conservation and sustainable land use across India.

About the Greening India's Wastelands with Agroforestry (GROW) Portal:

• The "Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry (GROW)-Suitability Mapping" portal offers universal access to state and district-level data.
• Hosted on the Bhuvan website, the GROW initiative aligns with national commitments to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 and create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
• Led by NITI Aayog, the initiative involved collaboration from various institutions and utilized advanced technologies like remote sensing and GIS to assess agroforestry suitability across all Indian districts.
• Through thematic datasets, the project developed an Agroforestry Suitability Index (ASI) for national-level prioritization of greening and restoration projects.
• Based on analysis of five remote sensing-derived thematic layers - land use, wasteland, slope, water proximity, and soil organic content - the system provides information on areas suitable for agroforestry across India.
• It classifies areas as highly suitable, moderately suitable, and less suitable for agroforestry.
• Key features include generating district-level information on wasteland areas suitable for agroforestry, area prioritization regimes, live maps, area analysis-statistic reports, and an interactive mode/tool for flexibility in handling weights based on local conditions/needs.

Government Emphasis on Agroforestry in Budget Allocation:

• The Union Budget for the fiscal year 2022-23 has underscored the promotion of agroforestry and private forestry as a priority.
• Recognizing the critical goods and services provided by agroforestry, the budget aligns with the country's commitment to sustainable land use practices.

India's Agroforestry Leadership and Global Alignments:

• As the seventh-largest country globally, India faces challenges such as increased build-up areas, degraded land, and imbalanced resources.
• Approximately 16.96% of the Total Geographical Area (TGA) is a wasteland, necessitating transformation for productive use.
• India's pioneering National Agroforestry Policy, initiated in 2014, aims to enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability through agroecological land use systems.
• Agroforestry aligns with global commitments, including the Paris Agreement, Bonn Challenge, UN Sustainable Development Goals, United Nations Convention on Combating Desertification (UNCCD), Doubling Farmers Income, Green India Mission, and more.
• India's proactive stance in promoting agroforestry contributes significantly to these international efforts, fostering a sustainable and resilient future.

Why is it in the News?

Recently, India announced a new alliance for global good, gender equity, and equality at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting.

About Global Alliance for Global Good- Gender Equity and Equality:

• It primary aims to unite global best practices, promote knowledge-sharing, and invest in women's health, education, and enterprise.
• It follows the initiatives of the G20 framework, including the Business 20, Women 20, and G20 EMPOWER, building on the commitments of G20 leaders for the global community's benefit.
• Aligned with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality and Empowerment (SDG 5), and Global Partnership for Development (SDG 17), this initiative underscores India's dedication to gender equality in global development.
• Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, anchored by the CII Centre for Women Leadership, and with partnerships from the World Economic Forum and Invest India, the alliance reflects India's commitment to addressing gender-related issues within G20 nations under the principles of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Prayaas.'

About the World Economic Forum:

• The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation.
• The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.
• It was established in 1971 by German engineer and economist Klaus Schwab.
• It is a not-for-profit foundation and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
• The Forum strives in all its efforts to demonstrate entrepreneurship in the global public interest while upholding the highest standards of governance.

Reports released by WEF:  

• • Global Gender Gap Index 
  • Global Risks Report 
  • Fostering Effective Energy Transition Report 
  • Global Cyber Security Outlook 
  • Global Competitiveness Report
  • Travel and Tourism Development Index

Why is it in the News?

India’s first multi-wavelength space-based observatory, AstroSat, has detected intense sub-second X-ray bursts emanating from a neutron star with an ultrahigh magnetic field, known as a magnetar.

What is X-ray Bursts?

• X-ray bursts manifest in low-mass X-ray binary systems featuring a neutron star and a low-mass main sequence star orbiting each other.
• The occurrence of these bursts is intricately linked to the gravitational dynamics of the neutron star and its companion.
• In this system, the proximity and intense gravitational forces of the neutron star cause the companion star to exceed its Roche-lobe, leading to the formation of an accretion disk around the neutron star.
• This disk becomes a repository for hydrogen drawn from the overflowing companion star.
• As hydrogen accumulates on the neutron star's surface, the extreme temperatures and pressures prevailing there catalyze its transformation into helium.
• This ongoing process results in the formation of a thin surface layer of helium.
• When this helium layer reaches a critical mass, a sudden explosive ignition occurs, elevating the entire neutron star's surface temperature to several tens of millions of degrees and releasing a burst of X-rays.
• Following the outburst, the binary system returns temporarily to a quiescent state, allowing the neutron star to reaccumulate the helium surface layer gradually.
• This cyclic process leads to the recurrence of X-ray bursts, typically unfolding at regular intervals separated by several hours or days.

About Indias’ AstroSat:

• AstroSat stands as India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory, pioneering a mission focused on the simultaneous study of celestial sources across X-ray, optical, and UV spectral bands.
• Launched with a lift-off mass of 1515 kg, AstroSat took flight aboard the Indian launch vehicle PSLV from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on September 28, 2015.
• It entered a 650 km orbit, inclined at an angle of 6 degrees to the equator.
• The Mission Operations Complex (MOX) at ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru oversees the satellite throughout its mission life.
• With a minimum useful life of around 5 years, AstroSat is dedicated to achieving the following scientific objectives:
  • Understanding high-energy processes in binary star systems housing neutron stars and black holes.
  • Estimating magnetic fields associated with neutron stars.
  • Investigating star birth regions and high-energy processes in star systems beyond our galaxy.
  • Detecting new, briefly bright X-ray sources in the celestial sphere.
  • Conducting a limited deep-field survey of the Universe in the Ultraviolet region.

What is the Green Rising Initiative?

• The "Green Rising" initiative focuses on engaging youth for impactful environmental actions at the grassroots level, aligning with the global effort to address the severe impacts of climate change.
• This initiative encompasses both the global "Green Rising" initiative and the "Green Rising India Alliance," a collaborative endeavor that brings together UNICEF, Generation Unlimited, and a diverse network of public, private, and youth partners.
• The primary objective is to mobilize millions of young individuals globally, encouraging their active engagement in green initiatives aimed at addressing and adapting to the profound impacts of climate change within their communities.
• In India, this effort is channelled through the YuWaah campaign, which specifically focuses on harnessing the energy and commitment of the youth to drive impactful environmental actions at the grassroots level.

About UNICEF:

UNICEF, or the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, is a specialized agency of the United Nations committed to promoting the well-being and rights of every child globally.

• Foundation and Establishment: Established in 1946 by the United Nations General Assembly, UNICEF was originally designed to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries devastated by World War II.
  • Over time, UNICEF's scope evolved to include long-term developmental programs, focusing on education, healthcare, nutrition, clean water, sanitation, and protection for children in need.
• UNICEF is governed by an Executive Board consisting of 36 members who are elected to terms of three years by the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
• Universal Presence: UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories worldwide, making it one of the most extensive and widely recognized humanitarian organizations globally.
• Child Rights Advocacy: UNICEF is a leading advocate for children's rights, working to ensure that every child has the right to survive, thrive, and reach their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.
• Emergency Response: In times of crises, including natural disasters, conflicts, and pandemics, UNICEF plays a crucial role in providing immediate and life-saving assistance to affected children and communities.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: UNICEF collaborates with governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), other UN agencies, and the private sector to implement its programs and maximize its impact.
• Funding Mechanism: UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from governments, private donors, businesses, and the general public. It relies on these funds to carry out its programs and respond to emergencies.
• Focus on Equality and Inclusion: UNICEF emphasizes the importance of equality and inclusion, working to address disparities and ensure that the most vulnerable children, including those with disabilities or from marginalized communities, are not left behind.
• Global Campaigns: UNICEF spearheads global campaigns to address critical issues affecting children, such as vaccination drives, education initiatives, and efforts to eliminate child labour and violence against children. These campaigns aim to rally public support and create awareness about the challenges faced by children worldwide.
• It was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1965 for the “promotion of brotherhood among the nations”.
• Headquarters: New York City