In News:

Recently, Donald Trump threatened to take back the Panama Canal, calling the transfer treaty “foolish”.

Why Trump Called the Panama Canal Transfer 'Foolish'?

• Transit Fees:
  • Trump expressed frustration over high transit fees imposed by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) on U.S. vessels.
  • In 2023, due to droughts affecting Lakes Gatun and Alhajuela (which are crucial for canal operations), the ACP reduced crossing slots by 36%, leading to an increase in transit fees for ships.
• Chinese Presence:
  • Trump is also concerned about the growing Chinese influence in the Panama Canal region.
  • In 2017, Panama became the first Latin American country to sign a Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) agreement with China, increasing Chinese investments.
  • Hutchison Ports PPC, a subsidiary of a Hong Kong-based company, operates ports near the canal, raising concerns over China's influence on logistical operations and potential surveillance capabilities.

The Torrijos-Carter Treaties and Canal Transfer:

• Panama Canal Treaty (1977):
  • The treaty transferred control of the Panama Canal from the U.S. to Panama by December 31, 1999.
  • The U.S. would no longer control the canal, and Panama would assume full responsibility for its operation and defense.
• Permanent Neutrality Treaty (1977):
  • Declared the canal to be neutral and open to vessels of all nations.
  • U.S. Right to Defense: The U.S. retained the right to defend the neutrality of the canal and had priority passage in case of military emergencies.

Panama’s Response to Trump’s Criticisms:

• Defense of Transit Rates:
  • President José Raúl Mulino rejected Trump’s claims, defending the transit fees as being in line with international standards and based on a transparent procedure.
• Sovereignty:
  • Mulino emphasized Panama’s sovereignty over the canal, asserting that Panama’s control over the canal was non-negotiable. He categorically denied the presence of Chinese soldiers in the canal, stating that there would never be any.

China’s Response:

• China's Position:
  • China's Foreign Ministry responded by emphasizing that the Panama Canal is a neutral passageway, a vital infrastructure for Panama and the global trade system.
  • China affirmed its respect for Panama's sovereignty and denied any military presence in the canal area.

Implications and Future:

• Diplomatic Tensions:
  • The issue of transit fees and foreign influence, particularly China's presence in the region, is likely to remain a point of diplomatic negotiation.
  • Panama is expected to assert its sovereignty and seek international support to prevent any external interference in the canal’s operations.
• U.S. Influence:
  • The U.S. might attempt to renegotiate terms related to the Panama Canal's operations, especially concerning transit fees and military rights, although Panama remains firm on maintaining control.

Torrijos-Carter Treaties:

• Significance:
  • Panama Canal Treaty and Permanent Neutrality Treaty marked a major shift in U.S.-Latin America relations, ending U.S. control and restoring Panamanian sovereignty.
  • The treaties also ensured the neutrality of the canal while maintaining U.S. military access in emergencies.
• Impact:
  • The treaties were a symbol of Panama’s regained sovereignty and played a key role in stabilizing relations between the U.S. and Panama, as well as resolving tensions over control of the canal.

In News:

• The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has deployed the Open Data Kit (ODK) platform to enhance transparency in government spending and improve accountability in the delivery of government schemes.
• The toolkit is being used for designing, collecting, and managing data relevant to audits.

Key Highlights:

Objective:

• Enhance transparency in public spending.
• Improve accountability in government schemes and projects.
• Collect real-time beneficiary feedback to aid audit planning and identify areas needing additional review.

Key Features:

• End-to-end encryption: Ensures secure data management.
• Integration with CAG’s Operating System (OIOS): Facilitates seamless analysis and management of data.
• Multi-language support: Allows for surveys in multiple languages, making it more accessible to diverse beneficiaries.
• User-friendly interface: Simplifies the design and management of data collection processes for auditors.

Usage and Applications:

• Beneficiary surveys are a key tool for gathering data, helping CAG identify problem areas in government schemes.
• The ODK toolkit was recently deployed in audits of AIIMS institutions in Mangalagiri (Guntur) and Bibinagar (Hyderabad) to assess patient satisfaction and gather evidence for performance reviews.

Working Process:

• Surveys are designed on the ODK platform and deployed to beneficiaries.
• Data is collected in real-time and analyzed using the OIOS system to generate actionable insights for audits.
• Beneficiary feedback is used to evaluate scheme delivery and improve efficiency.

Significance:

• Facilitates data-driven decision-making in audits, ensuring that audits are more transparent and evidence-based.
• Improves the citizen-centric evaluation of government schemes by gathering direct feedback from beneficiaries.
• Enhances the performance review of key institutions like AIIMS, contributing to better service delivery.

• The introduction of the ODK toolkit is part of the CAG’s efforts to use digital tools for better governance and accountability in the public sector. This also aligns with the growing trend of using technology for governance and auditing.

In News:

The Government of India has formed an 18-member panel, headed by Ramesh Chand, a member of NITI Aayog, to revise the base year of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) to 2022-23 from the current base year of 2011-12. The panel will also work on a roadmap for transitioning from WPI to the Producer Price Index (PPI).

Key Highlights:

Role and Mandates of the Panel:

• Revised Commodity Basket: The panel will recommend a new commodity basket for both WPI and PPI, reflecting structural changes in the economy.
• Review of Price Collection System: The panel will evaluate the current system for price collection and propose improvements.
• Computational Methodology: It will determine the computational methodology for both WPI and PPI to ensure accuracy in tracking price changes.
• The panel has been tasked with submitting its final report to the Office of the Economic Adviser at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIT) within 18 months.

Understanding WPI vs. PPI:

• WPI (Wholesale Price Index) tracks the price of goods at the wholesale stage (i.e., goods sold in bulk to businesses), and excludes the service sector.
  • Key Characteristics of WPI:
    • Does not consider consumer-facing prices.
    • Excludes services (about 55% of GDP).
    • Can have double-counting bias due to multiple transactions before the final sale.
    • Does not account for indirect taxes and may include export/import prices.
  • Use: WPI helps in tracking bulk price movements between businesses, but doesn't fully represent consumer price inflation.
• PPI (Producer Price Index) tracks prices at various stages of production, considering both goods and services, and measures the average change in prices received by domestic producers.
  • Key Characteristics of PPI:
    • Excludes indirect taxes (making it more accurate for price movement tracking).
    • Includes services, unlike WPI, giving a broader view of price trends across the economy.
    • More aligned with international standards (System of National Accounts).
    • Reflects prices before consumer consumption, providing a business-oriented perspective of price trends.

Why the Transition to PPI?

• The PPI is already used by major economies like the US, China, Germany, and Japan as it provides a more comprehensive measure of inflation from a producer’s perspective.
• It is expected to be a better indicator of inflationary trends in the overall economy, including both goods and services.

Challenges and Roadmap:

• The switch to PPI is complex, and the panel will need to ensure that the transition does not disrupt the current data collection and reporting systems. Both WPI and PPI will run concurrently until PPI stabilizes.

In News:

The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) report on groundwater quality reveals alarming levels of contamination in India's groundwater, with a focus on nitrate, fluoride, arsenic, and uranium. The report highlights the impact of agricultural practices, poor waste management, and urbanisation on water quality.

Key Highlights:

Nitrate Contamination:

• 440 districts in India report excessive nitrate levels in groundwater, with 20% of samples exceeding the permissible nitrate limit of 45 mg/L (WHO and BIS standards).
• High-risk regions: Rajasthan (49%), Karnataka (48%), and Tamil Nadu (37%) are the top states with high nitrate levels. Other affected states include Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Causes: Nitrate contamination is mainly due to excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, over-irrigation, and poor management of animal waste. Urbanisation and improper sewage systems exacerbate the problem.

Other Groundwater Contaminants:

• Fluoride contamination: A significant concern in Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
• Arsenic contamination: Elevated arsenic levels found in several states, especially in floodplains of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers (West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Manipur).
• Uranium contamination: 42% of uranium-contaminated samples are from Rajasthan, and 30% from Punjab. Chronic exposure to uranium leads to kidney damage.

Groundwater Extraction and Availability:

• 60.4% of groundwater is being extracted across India.
• 73% of groundwater blocks are classified as in the ‘safe’ zone, an improvement from 67.4% in 2022.

Monsoon Impact:

• Nitrate contamination increases post-monsoon, with 32.66% of samples exceeding safe limits during the rainy season.

Health Implications:

• High nitrate levels, particularly dangerous for infants, can cause blue baby syndrome (methemoglobinemia).
• Long-term exposure to contaminants like fluoride and arsenic can lead to fluorosis and increase the risk of cancers and skin lesions.

Sources of Contamination:

• Agricultural practices: Excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, and improper irrigation.
• Waste disposal: Leaking septic systems, sewage, and hazardous waste sites contribute to contamination.
• Urbanisation: Increased wastewater and sewage, along with poor waste management, worsen the issue.

Measures to Address Contamination:

• Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) and Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY) aim to conserve and manage groundwater resources.
• National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program (NAQUIM) to assess and map aquifer systems.
• Pollution control programs: Under the Water (Prevention & Control) Act, 1974, and initiatives like sewage treatment plants and effluent treatment plants to manage wastewater.
• Public awareness: Campaigns like Swachh Bharat Mission and Catch the Rain educate communities on the importance of groundwater conservation.

Key Statistics:

• 56% of districts in India report groundwater nitrate levels exceeding the safe limit of 45 mg/L.
• Monsoon effects: Post-monsoon data shows a significant increase in contamination levels (32.66% vs. 30.77% pre-monsoon).

In News:

• The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) has issued the guidelines for the 28th National e-Governance Awards (NAeG) 2025.
• Nominations for the awards can be submitted online via the official portal: www.nceg.gov.in.

Key Highlights:

• Award Categories: Nominations for the awards can be submitted under the following six categories:
  • Government Process Re-engineering: Digital transformation through the use of technology to improve government processes.
  • Innovation by Use of AI and New Age Technologies: Fostering citizen-centric services via artificial intelligence and other modern technologies.
  • Best e-Gov Practices in Cyber Security: Recognizing excellence in e-Governance practices focused on cybersecurity.
  • Grassroot Level Initiatives: Initiatives at the Districts, ULBs (Urban Local Bodies), or Gram Panchayats that deepen service delivery.
  • Replication and Scaling Up of Successful Projects: Projects awarded in the past (such as NAeG or Prime Minister’s Awards) that have been successfully replicated or scaled.
  • Digital Transformation using Data Analytics: Projects that leverage data analytics on digital platforms for enhancing governance.
• Eligibility: The awards are open to Central Ministries/Departments, State Governments, District Collectors, Research Institutions, and other relevant entities.
• Award Details:
  • The NAeG 2025 will feature 16 awards:
    • 10 Gold Awards.
    • 6 Silver Awards.
• Incentives:
  • Gold Award winners will receive a Trophy, Certificate, and an incentive of Rs 10 lakh.
  • Silver Award winners will receive a Trophy, Certificate, and an incentive of Rs 5 lakh.
  • The incentive will be used for further implementation of the awarded projects or bridging resource gaps in public welfare.
• Objective: The goal of the National Awards for e-Governance is to recognize and promote excellence in the implementation of e-Governance initiatives and digital transformation efforts across India.

In News:

Quad Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and peaceful Indo-Pacific. Marked the 20th anniversary of Quad cooperation, originally formed to respond to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

Key Highlights:

• What is the Quad?
  • A strategic forum of the US, Japan, India, and Australia aimed at regional security and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Founded on shared principles of democracy, human rights, rule of law, and countering China's influence.
• Origins:
  • Quad traces its origins to the 2004 Tsunami relief efforts.
  • Formed formally in 2007, but Australia withdrew in 2008 due to regional tensions. It rejoined in 2017 following strengthened US-Australia ties.
• Commitment to Regional Security:
  • Focus on countering China’s assertive behavior in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Ensuring maritime security, countering illegal fishing, promoting infrastructure, and advancing economic cooperation.
• Key Initiatives:
  • IPMDA: Real-time monitoring of maritime activities.
  • MAITRI: Capacity-building for maritime security.
  • Quad Fellowship: Funds graduate-level STEM education in member countries.
  • Open RAN: Promoting secure 5G infrastructure.
  • Cancer Moonshot: Focus on cervical cancer prevention.
• Military and Naval Cooperation:
  • Malabar Exercises: Joint naval drills between India, Japan, the US, and Australia.
• ASEAN and Regional Cooperation:
  • Emphasis on ASEAN's central role in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Support for the Pacific Islands Forum and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
• Future Developments:
  • India to host the next Quad Summit in 2025.
  • Continued focus on sustainable regional development, scientific collaboration, and disaster relief efforts.
• Significance of the Quad for India:

• Strategic Importance:
  • Provides a platform to counter China's assertive policies, especially in the South China Sea and the "String of Pearls" strategy.
  • Aligns with India’s Act East Policy, enhancing ties with East and Southeast Asia.
• Maritime Security: Ensures freedom of navigation and counters illegal activities like piracy and illegal fishing in India’s maritime domain.
• Economic Opportunities:
  • Strengthens cooperation on infrastructure projects and trade initiatives, such as the Blue Dot Network.
  • Post-COVID, Quad may aid India in attracting manufacturing units shifting from China.
• Scientific and People-to-People Collaboration: Supports STEM education and enhances soft power diplomacy through academic and cultural exchanges.

In News:

In the weeks leading up to his return as US President, Donald Trump’s supporters are embroiled in a public dispute over skilled immigration and H-1B visas.

What is the H-1B Visa Program?

• Purpose and Overview:
  • The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa allowing U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialized occupations like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and IT, which require at least a bachelor’s degree.
  • Introduced in 1990 to help U.S. employers fill positions when there’s a shortage of qualified domestic workers.
  • It allows workers to stay in the U.S. for a maximum of six years, with the option to apply for permanent residence (Green Card) or leave for 12 months before reapplying.
• Annual Cap and Exemptions:
  • 65,000 new visas are issued annually, with an additional 20,000 for those with a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. university.
  • Certain petitions, such as for continuing employment or positions in higher education or nonprofit research, are exempt from the cap.
• Dominance of Indian Beneficiaries:
  • Indians are the largest beneficiaries, accounting for over 70% of H-1B visa approvals annually since 2015, with China coming second at around 12-13%.

The Current Controversy

• Trigger for Debate:
  • The controversy was sparked by Sriram Krishnan, a Chennai-born tech entrepreneur appointed as Donald Trump’s top AI adviser. His post on X (formerly Twitter) in November 2024, advocating for unlocking skilled immigration, led to backlash within Trump’s anti-immigration base.
• The Political Divide:
  • Trump’s supporters, particularly from the MAGA (Make America Great Again) faction, voiced opposition to the H-1B visa program, arguing it undermines American workers and wages.
  • This prompted pushback from pro-H-1B advocates like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who argue that the program is crucial for addressing the U.S.'s STEM talent shortages.
• Economic and Political Context:
  • Immigration is a polarizing issue in the U.S., with a focus on low-skilled labor migration and its alleged effects on wages and job opportunities for American workers.
  • Trump’s stance against low-skilled immigration echoes similar critiques about H-1B workers being employed at lower salaries in tech companies, which some claim depresses wages and reduces job opportunities for U.S. workers.

Criticisms of the H-1B Program

• Abuse of the System:
  • Critics argue that companies exploit the H-1B program by hiring foreign workers, especially from India, at lower wages than American employees, particularly in tech industries.
  • Elon Musk suggests that the program is “broken” and needs reform, proposing raising the minimum salary for H-1B workers to make it more expensive to hire overseas talent.
• Salary Disparities:
  • Data from USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) shows that 70% of H-1B petitions for Indian professionals in 2023 were for salaries below $100,000, while the median salary for U.S. IT professionals was $104,420.
• Impact on American Jobs:
  • Critics argue that companies prefer to hire foreign workers at lower wages to save costs, despite the availability of qualified U.S. talent, thus taking away opportunities for American workers.

Support for the H-1B Program

• Filling the STEM Gap:
  • Proponents, including Musk and Ramaswamy, argue that the H-1B visa is essential for filling the STEM skills gap in the U.S., given the global dominance of India and China in STEM fields.
    • India and China lead the world in STEM graduates, with 2.55 million and 3.57 million, respectively, compared to the U.S. with 820,000.
• Economic Benefits:
  • The H-1B program helps U.S. companies access top global talent, boosting innovation and economic growth, especially in high-tech industries.
  • Tech companies argue that without access to skilled foreign workers, they would struggle to fill critical positions in the technology sector.

In News:

• The B-READY report, launched by the World Bank in 2024, replaces the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) index.
• Focus: It evaluates the global business environment to foster inclusive private sector growth, assessing 10 core topics covering a firm's lifecycle, such as business entry, taxation, labor, and international trade.

India’s Potential Challenges

• Business Entry: India faces multiple steps and incomplete digital integration, making it slower compared to benchmarks like Singapore, which achieves one-day registration at minimal cost.
• Labor Regulations: While India has introduced four labor codes, the implementation remains slow and inconsistent, affecting labor flexibility and compliance.
• International Trade: India struggles with customs delays, inconsistent enforcement, and high logistics costs, unlike countries like Germany and Singapore, which promote trade efficiently.
• Business Location: Regulatory delays and inconsistent approvals hinder the establishment of business facilities, affecting investment decisions.
• Public Services Gap: While regulations may be strong, there is often a gap in the provision of public services that support their effective implementation, leading to inefficiencies.

Key Strengths for India

• India is expected to score well in the areas of Quality of Regulations, Effectiveness of Public Services, and Operational Efficiency.
• The country shows promise in promoting digital adoption and aligning with global environmental sustainability practices, though gender-sensitive regulations need more emphasis.

Significance

• The B-READY report serves as an essential benchmark for assessing India's business environment, offering insights into regulatory reforms and operational efficiency.
• Key policy implications for India include the need to:
  • Streamline business operations by digitizing registration and regulatory approval processes.
  • Improve logistics and trade efficiency by reducing customs delays.
  • Address labor market inefficiencies through better implementation of labor codes.
  • Invest in public services and promote digital transformation for better compliance and operational ease.
  • Focus on sustainability and inclusivity, ensuring gender-sensitive policies and fostering green business practices.

Global Findings from the B-READY Report

• Economies with strong regulatory frameworks and digital tools (e.g., Rwanda, Georgia) show that even countries with varying income levels can achieve high scores.
• High-income countries like Estonia and Singapore still have room for improvement, especially in areas like taxation and dispute resolution.

Comparison of B-READY with Ease of Doing Business (EoDB)

• Scope: B-READY is broader, covering a firm’s lifecycle and social benefits, while EoDB focused mainly on regulatory burdens.
• Indicators: B-READY uses 1,200 indicators from expert consultations and firm-level surveys, offering more comprehensive insights compared to the EoDB's limited metrics.
• Focus on Public Services: Unlike EoDB, which provided limited attention to public services, B-READY explicitly evaluates public service efficiency and operational effectiveness.

Policy Recommendations

• Streamline Business Operations: Inspired by countries like Singapore, India should simplify business registration and reduce delays in customs and regulatory approvals.
• Strengthen Public Services: Focus on improving tax portals, utility access, and dispute resolution systems through digital tools.
• Promote Sustainability: Encourage environmentally sustainable business practices and adopt gender-sensitive regulations to ensure inclusive growth.
• Peer Learning and Global Collaboration: Encourage India to learn from best practices in countries like Singapore and Estonia for effective reforms.
• Tailored Reforms: India must design policies addressing unique local challenges while adhering to global standards.

In News:

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has recently been renamed MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), reflecting a shift in understanding of the disease's root causes and its broader implications.

Why the Name Change?

• The primary reason for renaming NAFLD to MASLD is to highlight the metabolic dysfunction as the primary cause of the disease.
• Previously, the term NAFLD focused on the absence of alcohol consumption, which inadvertently shifted attention away from the true contributors, like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and abnormal cholesterol levels.
• The term MASLD eliminates the stigma associated with "non-alcoholic," which may have misled people into thinking alcohol consumption was the only factor, even though metabolic issues are the central cause.
• The term MASLD shifts the focus towards metabolic dysfunction, making it easier for healthcare professionals to understand, diagnose, and treat the condition more effectively.

The Connection to Metabolic Dysfunction

• MASLD is strongly associated with metabolic issues such as abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, and high blood sugar. These metabolic problems are key contributors to liver fat accumulation.
• People with abdominal obesity are 2-3 times more likely to develop fatty liver disease. MASLD affects about 25% of the global population, and the rates increase significantly (up to 50-70%) in individuals with type 2 diabetes or obesity.
• By focusing on metabolic dysfunction, MASLD encourages addressing the root causes rather than just the symptoms, offering a more effective approach to treatment and prevention.

How is MASLD Diagnosed?

Advancements in non-invasive diagnostic methods have improved the ability to diagnose MASLD more easily and accurately, including:

• FibroScan: A non-invasive, painless test to measure liver fat and stiffness, replacing the need for liver biopsy.
• MRI and Ultrasound Techniques: Reliable methods for assessing liver fat and scarring.
• Blood Tests: Common tests like ALT, AST, and GGT assess liver function. Researchers are also exploring new markers like CK-18 fragments and the ELF score (Enhanced Liver Fibrosis) to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Implications for Patient Care

The renaming of NAFLD to MASLD has important implications for patient care:

• Targeted Treatments: By focusing on the metabolic roots, treatments such as weight loss, blood sugar management, and cholesterol control can be prioritized. These interventions help reduce the risk of long-term complications such as heart disease, liver failure, and cirrhosis.
• Earlier Diagnosis: MASLD encourages earlier recognition of the condition, which can lead to better management and improved long-term outcomes.

Prevention

Preventing MASLD involves avoiding foods that exacerbate liver fat buildup. Dr. Punit Singla, director at Marengo Asia Hospitals, emphasizes limiting or avoiding:

• Fast food, junk food, and processed foods
• Foods high in sugar, including red and processed meats

A healthier lifestyle with a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can significantly help prevent or manage MASLD.

In News:

For the first time, a court in the US has held Israel’s NSO Group liable for its intrusive spyware Pegasus, which could set up a measure of accountability for the company that it has, for long, allegedly downplayed.

Overview:

• Pegasus is a spyware developed by the Israeli company NSO Group.
• It has been used for surveillance, allegedly targeting journalists, activists, politicians, and government officials across the world, including India.

Recent Legal Developments:

• US Court Ruling (2024):
  • A US court held NSO Group liable for using Pegasus to surveil 1,400 WhatsApp users, including 300 from India.
  • NSO Group violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) and the California Computer Data Access and Fraud Act (CDAFA).
  • The ruling may revive debates on the accountability of spyware use and its implications on privacy.

Use of Pegasus in India:

• Targeted Individuals (2021):
  • 300 Indian numbers allegedly targeted, including journalists, politicians, Union Ministers, and civil society members.
  • High-profile targets included opposition leaders, constitutional authorities, and activists.
• Government Denial:
  • The Indian government denied involvement, stating allegations lacked substance.
  • In Parliament, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw rejected claims, asserting India’s surveillance laws prevent unauthorized surveillance.
• NSO Group Response:
  • NSO Group denied the allegations, calling them “false and misleading” and citing doubts about the sources.

Investigations and Legal Actions:

• Supreme Court Inquiry:
  • The Supreme Court appointed a committee of technical experts in 2021 to investigate claims.
  • August 2022 Report: Found no conclusive evidence of spyware use on examined devices but noted lack of cooperation from the government.
• State-Level Investigations:
  • West Bengal: Set up a Commission of Inquiry into Pegasus surveillance, later halted by the Supreme Court.
  • Andhra Pradesh: The issue became political, with allegations that the previous government used Pegasus to monitor opposition figures.

Pegasus Spyware Features:

• Capability: Can hack iOS and Android devices to collect data, record conversations, capture photos, and access app data.
• Exploitation Method: Uses zero-day vulnerabilities to exploit iOS and Android devices covertly.
• Invisibility: Operates without user knowledge, often only detected through signs like browser closings after phishing links are clicked.

Controversial Use of Pegasus:

• Global Use: Though intended for fighting terrorism and crime, Pegasus has been misused for spying on journalists, politicians, human rights activists, and opposition leaders.
• India Specifics:
  • Pegasus Project: Targeted Indian citizens, including activists, journalists, and politicians.
  • Amnesty International: Confirmed use of Pegasus to target Indian phones.

India's Legal Framework for Surveillance:

• Telecommunications Act (2023): Empowers the government to control telecom services during emergencies, but requires authorization for lawful interceptions.
• IT Act (2000): Allows the government to monitor, intercept, or decrypt information through computer resources under certain conditions.
• Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act (2023): Aims to protect personal data, including provisions on surveillance, data breaches, and rights of individuals over their data.

Privacy and Surveillance Concerns:

• Impact on Fundamental Rights:
  • Surveillance infringes on the right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution.
  • Freedom of speech and expression (Article 19) may be curtailed, with surveillance being used to suppress dissent.
• Lack of Transparency:
  • Surveillance often occurs without judicial or parliamentary oversight, leading to potential executive overreach.
• Inability to Seek Legal Remedies:
  • Citizens targeted by surveillance cannot challenge it due to lack of awareness, undermining constitutional rights.
• Executive Overreach and Suppression of Free Expression:
  • Pegasus revelations have raised concerns about surveillance targeting constitutional functionaries, suppressing free speech, and stifling open discourse.

In News:

The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) completes two years of remarkable success, driving mutual growth and showcasing the complementarity of both economies.

Key Achievements:

• Bilateral Merchandise Trade Surge:
  • Trade increased from USD 12.2 billion (2020-21) to USD 26 billion (2022-23).
  • Trade moderated slightly in 2023-24 to USD 24 billion, but exports from India to Australia grew by 14%.
  • From April-November 2024, bilateral trade reached USD 16.3 billion.
• Preferential Import Utilization:
  • Export utilization: 79%
  • Import utilization: 84%
• Sectoral Growth:
  • Textiles, chemicals, and agriculture sectors have seen significant growth.
  • New export products: Gold studded with diamonds, turbojets.
  • India’s imports: Metalliferous ores, cotton, wood products that fuel Indian industries.
• Geopolitical Strengthening:
  • Enhanced relations in forums like Quad, Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI).

Key Features of the Agreement:

• Tariff Reductions:
  • Australian goods: 85% tariff-free access to India (rising to 90% by 2026).
  • Indian goods: 96% tariff-free access to Australia (rising to 100% by 2026).
• Access to Key Markets:
  • India: Access to Australia's fast-growing market.
  • Australia: Access to India's labor-intensive sectors like gems, jewelry, textiles, leather, furniture, food, agriculture.
• Services and IT:
  • 135 sub-sectors covered in services.
  • India gains market access in 103 sub-sectors with Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status in 31.
  • Fast-tracked approval of medicines and elimination of double taxation for India's IT sector.
• Job Creation & Skill Exchange:
  • Expected creation of 1 million jobs in India.
  • Opportunities for Indian yoga teachers, chefs, and 100,000 students with post-study work visas.

Future Prospects:

• Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA): Builds on ECTA to advance bilateral trade, with 10 formal rounds and ongoing inter-sessional discussions.
• Trade Target: Aim to reach AUD 100 billion in trade by 2030.
• Global Economic Impact: Strengthening the partnership will contribute to a more resilient and dynamic global economy, with deeper economic integration between India and Australia.

In News:

The Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund) received Rs 912 crore in contributions during the financial year 2022-23 as donations continued to pour in even after the Covid pandemic.

Key Highlights:

Contributions Received:

• Total contributions in 2022-23: Rs 912 crore.
  • Voluntary contributions: Rs 909.64 crore.
  • Foreign contributions: Rs 2.57 crore.

Interest Income:

• Total interest income for 2022-23: Rs 170.38 crore.
  • From regular accounts: Rs 154 crore.
  • From foreign contributions account: Rs 16.07 crore.

Refunds and Additional Inflows:

• Rs 225 crore in refunds, including:
  • Rs 202 crore refund from procurement of 50,000 ventilators for government hospitals.

Disbursements:

• Total disbursed in 2022-23: Rs 439 crore:
  • Rs 346 crore for PM CARES for Children.
  • Rs 91.87 crore for procurement of 99,986 oxygen concentrators.
  • Rs 1.51 crore for refunds.
  • Rs 24,000 for legal charges, and Rs 278 for bank and SMS charges.

Cumulative Contributions (2019-23):

• Rs 13,605 crore received from 2019-20 to 2022-23.
  • Voluntary contributions: Rs 13,067 crore.
  • Foreign contributions: Rs 538 crore.
• Interest income over these years: Rs 565 crore.

About PM CARES Fund:

Formation and Purpose:

• Established: March 27, 2020, as a Public Charitable Trust under the Registration Act, 1908.
• Purpose: To address emergencies like COVID-19, natural disasters, and man-made calamities. It also supports healthcare infrastructure and essential facilities.

Governance and Structure:

• Chairperson: The Prime Minister (ex-officio).
• Trustees: Defence, Home, and Finance Ministers (ex-officio).
• Additional Trustees: Appointed by the PM, serving on a non-profit basis (e.g., Justice K T Thomas (retd.) and Kariya Munda).

Tax Exemptions:

• Donations are eligible for 100% tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• Donations qualify as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure under the Companies Act, 2013.
• The fund is exempt under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), allowing it to receive foreign donations.

In News:

• The Delhi government is reassessing the proposal to permit conjugal visits for prisoners, following the suspension of a similar initiative in Punjab.
• Delhi Chief Minister has sought further input from the Law Department and explored if similar schemes are implemented in other states.

Conjugal Visits - Definition & Context:

• Conjugal visits involve allowing prisoners to spend private time with their legal partners or spouses, including intimate relations, within prison premises.
• No national policy exists in India for conjugal rights of prisoners, leading to varied implementations across states.

Punjab’s Pilot Project - ‘Parivar Mulakat’:

• Ludhiana Central Jail introduced the 'Parivar Mulakat' programme in September 2022, allowing face-to-face meetings with family in designated rooms.
• The initiative was suspended shortly after its launch due to security concerns, particularly difficulty in conducting thorough body checks on visitors.

Challenges in Delhi:

• Overcrowded prisons in Delhi make it challenging to manage the logistical demands of conjugal visits, especially with up to 1,200 daily visitations.
• The Home Department has received proposals but no progress has been made over the past year.

Legal Precedents on Conjugal Rights:

• Punjab and Haryana High Court (2014) ruled that prisoners have a right to conjugal visits to facilitate procreation.
• Madras High Court (2018) allowed a life convict on parole for conjugal relations, and in 2023, a judge called for similar considerations for Tamil Nadu.

Human Rights Argument:

• Advocates argue that denying conjugal visits to prisoners violates basic human rights of both prisoners and their spouses, particularly those aged 21-50, who are often in sexually active years.
• Amit Sahni, a social activist, filed a PIL highlighting that most prisoners in Delhi are denied conjugal rights despite their eligibility.

Government’s Position:

• Delhi DG (Prisons) had argued that temporary leave such as parole and furlough serve the purpose of family ties, questioning the need for conjugal visits within prison.

Need for Legal Framework:

• Legal experts suggest the creation of a law and policy framework to regulate conjugal visits, ensuring clear guidelines for their implementation.
• S.D. Singh, a Supreme Court advocate, emphasized that conjugal visits should be legally recognized as a right, requiring formal legislation for consistent implementation.

Future Considerations:

• The Delhi government’s reassessment may lead to a policy that considers both human rights and security concerns in its decision on conjugal visits.

In News:

Researchers at IIT Bombay, led by Viren Menezes from the Department of Aerospace Engineering, have developed a shockwave-based, needle-free syringe to deliver drugs painlessly and safely. The research was published in the Journal of Biomedical Materials and Devices.

Key Features of Shock Syringe:

• Unlike traditional syringes, the shock syringe uses high-energy shockwaves (traveling faster than the speed of sound) to deliver drugs, without the need for needles.
• The device is designed to reduce pain, tissue damage, and infection risk.
• The shock syringe aims to eliminate the discomfort and fear associated with needles.

How the Shock Syringe Works:

• The shock syringe is slightly longer than a ballpoint pen and contains a micro shock tube with three sections: driver, driven, and drug holder.
• Pressurized nitrogen gas is applied to the driver section, which creates a microjet of liquid drug. The microjet travels at speeds nearly twice as fast as a commercial airplane.
• The drug is then delivered through the nozzle of the syringe, penetrating the skin rapidly and gently.

Design Considerations:

• The syringe's nozzle has an opening of 125 μm (approximately the width of a human hair), ensuring a balance between precision and speed.
• Continuous monitoring of pressure ensures safe and effective drug delivery with minimal skin damage.

Testing and Results:

• Lab tests were conducted on rats, injecting three types of drugs:
  • Anaesthetics (Ketamine-Xylazine): Shock syringe produced similar results to needles in terms of effect onset and duration.
  • Viscous drugs (e.g., Terbinafine): The shock syringe outperformed needles, delivering the drug more deeply into the skin layers.
  • Insulin for diabetic rats: The shock syringe lowered blood sugar levels more effectively and sustained the effect for a longer period.
• The skin analysis revealed less damage and inflammation with the shock syringe compared to traditional needles.

Advantages:

• Painless drug delivery: Patients experience little to no discomfort.
• Reduced tissue damage: The shock syringe causes less skin trauma and inflammation.
• Faster healing: Wounds from the injection heal quicker compared to traditional needles.
• Better drug absorption: Especially for viscous drugs, the shock syringe delivers more efficient and deeper drug penetration.

Potential Applications:

• The shock syringe could revolutionize immunization drives, making vaccinations faster and more efficient.
• It could significantly reduce the risk of bloodborne diseases caused by needle-stick injuries.
• The device is designed to perform over 1,000 injections, ensuring cost-effectiveness and reliability with minimal nozzle replacements.

Future Prospects:

• While promising, the future of shock syringes in clinical use depends on:
  • Further innovation for human use.
  • Obtaining regulatory approval.
  • Ensuring the device’s affordability and accessibility.

In News:

• The Delhi High Court has ordered the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Delhi Government.
• This MoU will facilitate the implementation of the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) in Delhi.

About PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM):

• Scheme Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) with some Central Sector Components (CS).
• Total Outlay: Rs. 64,180 Crores for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26.
• Objective:
  • To strengthen healthcare infrastructure across India, focusing on:
  • Building capacities in health systems at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
  • Preparing health systems to effectively respond to current and future pandemics/disasters.
• Key Focus Areas:

• Filling critical gaps in health infrastructure, surveillance, and health research in both urban and rural areas.
• Improving healthcare delivery across the entire continuum of care.

• Central Sector Components (CS) under the Scheme:

• 12 Central Institutions: To act as training and mentoring sites with 150-bedded Critical Care Hospital Blocks (CCBs).
• Strengthening NCDC: Boosting the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and establishing 5 new regional NCDCs.
• Health Surveillance: Creation of 20 metropolitan health surveillance units and expansion of Integrated Health Information Portal across all States/UTs.
• Public Health Units: Operationalization of 17 new Public Health Units and strengthening 33 existing units at Points of Entry (Airports, Seaports, Land Crossings).
• Emergency Health Infrastructure: Establishment of 15 Health Emergency Operation Centres and 2 mobile hospitals.
• Research and Virology Institutes: Setting up a national institution for One Health, 4 new National Institutes for Virology, and 9 Biosafety Level III laboratories.

• Support for States/UTs under CSS Component:

• Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs):
  • 17,788 rural HWCs: To be built in areas with populations of 5000 (plain) or 3000 (difficult terrain like hills, tribals, desert).
  • 11,024 urban HWCs: Focus on slum and vulnerable areas with a population of 15,000-20,000.
• Block Public Health Units (BPHUs): Establishment of 3,382 BPHUs at the block level to strengthen healthcare accessibility.
• Integrated Public Health Labs (IPHLs): Setting up 730 IPHLs across districts for better health monitoring.
• Critical Care Hospital Blocks (CCBs): Establishment of 602 CCBs in districts with populations exceeding 5 lakh and referral linkages in other districts.

• Overall Goal: PM-ABHIM aims to significantly enhance healthcare infrastructure in India, making healthcare more accessible and effective, especially in rural and underdeveloped areas.

In News:

• On January 19, 2024, the UN Security Council approved a new African Union (AU) force in Somalia to counter the Al-Shabaab terrorist group.
• The resolution was supported by 14 of 15 members, with the US abstaining due to concerns about funding.
• The new force will replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) after its mandate ends on December 31, 2024.

New Mission - AUSSOM:

• The new mission is named African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
• AUSSOM will continue supporting Somali forces in stabilizing the nation and combating terrorism.
• The mission's objective is to enhance security and stability in Somalia, addressing the challenges posed by Al-Shabaab and ISIL.

Mandate and Operations:

• AUSSOM allows for the deployment of up to 12,626 personnel, including 1,040 police officers, until June 2025.
• The force will focus on counterterrorism, maintaining security, and assisting the Somali government in stabilizing the country.

Financing:

• A hybrid funding approach will be used:
  • 75% of the mission’s costs will be covered by the UN, and 25% will come from African Union and partner countries.
• The US raised concerns about the UN's disproportionate funding of the mission, which led to its abstention from voting.

Contributing Countries:

• Egypt has announced its participation in the new force.
• Burundi and Ethiopia will not be contributing troops to AUSSOM.
• Ethiopia has its own ongoing disputes with Somalia, particularly regarding its maritime deal with the breakaway Somaliland region.

Background on Somalia's Challenges:

• Somalia has faced decades of civil war, an insurgency by Al-Shabaab, and recurring climate disasters.
• The country is one of the poorest in the world, and its internal conflicts are exacerbated by clannism, which has fragmented its political and social structure.

Historical Context of Peace Missions in Somalia:

• Previous UN peacekeeping missions in Somalia (1992-1995) faced significant failures, notably the Battle of Mogadishu and the failure to prevent the 1993 massacre.
• The rise of Al-Shabaab in the mid-2000s has further escalated the conflict, and the mission of AUSSOM aims to address these continuing threats.

The Role of Clannism:

• Clannism has hindered the establishment of a unified government in Somalia, with clan rivalries leading to a lack of national cohesion.
  • Clannism refers to the prevalence of clan-centric politics, where allegiance to clan and sub-clan interests often takes precedence over national cohesion. In Somalia, the major clans are Darod, Hawiye, Dir, and Rahanweyn.

Importance of AUSSOM:

• AUSSOM represents a strategic shift in the international approach to stabilizing Somalia, relying more on African-led initiatives for peace and security in the region.

Global Peacekeeping Operations:

• The UN peacekeeping mission has been active globally, with over 1 million personnel deployed across 70+ operations.
• Success stories like Sierra Leone (1999-2005) and Liberia (2003-2018) demonstrate the potential impact of well-executed peace missions, but past failures like in Somalia (1992-1995) and Rwanda (1994) underline the challenges faced.

India’s Contribution:

• India has contributed significantly to UN peacekeeping missions, deploying over 253,000 personnel in 49 operations since 1948.
• India’s contributions to missions in Somalia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Sudan reflect its active role in global peacekeeping efforts.

In News:

China approved the construction of the world's largest dam, stated to be the planet's biggest infra project, on the Brahmaputra river in Tibet close to the Indian border, raising concerns in India and Bangladesh.

Key highlights:

Overview of the Project:

• Location: Lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River (Tibetan name for Brahmaputra), where the river makes a U-turn in the Himalayan region before flowing into Arunachal Pradesh, India.
• Purpose:
  • To support China’s carbon neutrality goals.
  • To boost industrial growth and create jobs in Tibet.
  • Expected to generate 300 billion kWh of electricity annually, over three times the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam in central China.

Significance:

• Scale: The dam is poised to be the world’s largest hydropower project, surpassing the Three Gorges Dam, and becoming the biggest infrastructure project globally, with an estimated cost of USD 137 billion.
• Engineering Challenges: The site is located in a seismic zone on the Tibetan plateau, prone to earthquakes, making construction and operational stability a major engineering challenge.

Concerns:

• Environmental Impact:
  • Potential disruption to the local ecosystem and biodiversity.
  • Risk of altering the river’s flow and course, which could impact agriculture and water resources downstream, particularly in India and Bangladesh.
• Geopolitical Risks:
  • Water control: India and Bangladesh are concerned about China’s ability to control the water flow, with fears of China manipulating the flow to release excess water during conflicts, causing potential flooding in border areas.
  • The project could also disrupt the hydrological cycle, affecting the region’s water availability, especially in Assam and Bangladesh.

Background:

• The Brahmaputra River is a trans-boundary river, flowing through China, India, and Bangladesh. Known by different names in these countries, it plays a vital role in the livelihoods of millions of people.
• China has already initiated hydropower generation on the upper reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo, with plans for additional projects upstream.

India-China Cooperation:

• China and India have an Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) in place since 2006 to manage trans-boundary river issues, under which China shares hydrological data with India, especially during the flood season.
• India is also constructing its own hydropower projects on the Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh.

Potential Outcomes:

• Energy Generation: The dam could significantly contribute to China’s energy needs, providing a substantial amount of renewable energy.
• Regional Tensions: The dam’s construction may escalate tensions between China, India, and Bangladesh due to the control over water resources and environmental impact concerns.

In News:

NASA scientists announced that the Parker Solar Probe survived the closest-ever approach to the Sun. The craft was operating normally after it passed just 6.1 million km from the solar surface.

About the Parker Solar Probe:

• Launched: August 12, 2018, as part of NASA’s Living With a Star program.
• Named After: Eugene Newman Parker, a solar astrophysicist, marking the first NASA mission named after a living researcher.
• Mission Objectives:
  • To study the Sun’s corona and the solar wind, investigating why the corona is hotter than the Sun’s surface.
  • To explore the origins of solar winds and high-energy particles that impact space weather.
  • To understand the structure and dynamics of plasma and magnetic fields around the Sun.
  • To examine the mechanisms behind the acceleration and transportation of energetic particles.

Technological Feats:

• Heat Shield: Equipped with a 4.5-inch carbon-composite shield that withstands temperatures up to 1,377°C (2,500°F) while keeping the instruments cool at about 29.4°C (85°F).
• Speed: Travels at a speed of 692,000 km/h (430,000 mph), making it the fastest human-made object.
• Venus Flybys: Uses gravitational assists from Venus to gradually reduce its orbit and get closer to the Sun.

Historic Milestone:

• Closest Approach: On December 24, 2024, Parker Solar Probe reached a historic distance of 6.1 million km from the Sun's surface, the closest any human-made object has ever been.
  • Comparison: If the Earth and Sun were 1 meter apart, Parker Solar Probe would be just 4 cm from the Sun.
  • Temperature: At its closest, it endured temperatures up to 1,377°C.

Significance of the Mission:

• Scientific Contributions:
  • Solar Wind: Helps scientists understand the origins of solar winds, which affect space weather and Earth’s technological systems.
  • Corona Heating: Investigates why the Sun's corona is much hotter than its surface (a long-standing astrophysical mystery).
  • Space Weather: Provides critical data for predicting space weather events that can impact satellites, communication systems, and power grids on Earth.
• Practical Implications:
  • Improves understanding of space weather, potentially aiding in the protection of Earth’s infrastructure from solar storms.
• Technological and Engineering Marvel:
  • Demonstrates advanced spacecraft technology that can withstand extreme conditions close to the Sun.

Recent Developments:

• Data Collection: As the probe passed through the Sun’s outer atmosphere (the corona), it collected valuable data expected to answer fundamental questions about solar behavior.
• Communication: Despite the extreme proximity to the Sun, the probe sent back a signal on December 26, confirming its status.

Key Dates:

• Launch: August 12, 2018.
• Closest Approach: December 24, 2024.
• Data Expected: Detailed telemetry data on January 1, 2025.

In News:

Indian Army Contingent Departs for 18th Edition of Exercise SURYA KIRAN (India-Nepal Joint Military Exercise).

Key Highlights:

• Event Overview:

• Name: 18th Edition of Battalion-Level Joint Military Exercise SURYA KIRAN.
• Dates: 31st December 2024 to 13th January 2025.
• Location: Saljhandi, Nepal.
• Participants: Indian Army (334 personnel, led by a Battalion from the 11th Gorkha Rifles) and Nepal Army (Srijung Battalion).

• Objective of Exercise:

• Enhance interoperability in jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) under the UN Charter.
• Focus on operational preparedness, aviation training, medical aspects, and environmental conservation.

• Key Features:

• Training Focus: Improving combat skills and coordination to operate together in challenging situations.
• Exchange of Ideas: Soldiers from both nations will share best practices, enhance mutual understanding of operational procedures.
• Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Reinforces strong bonds of friendship, cultural linkages, and defense cooperation between India and Nepal.

• Significance:

• Historical Context: Exercise held alternately in India and Nepal since 2011.
• Enhances Combat Readiness: Prepares both armies to address shared security challenges and improve operational capabilities.
• Diplomatic Engagement: Fosters a productive professional environment between India and Nepal.

• Recent Developments:

• The exercise follows visits by General Upendra Dwivedi (Indian Army Chief) to Nepal and General Ashok Raj Sigdel (Nepali Army Chief) to India, strengthening military ties.

• Previous Editions:

• 17th Edition: Conducted in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand (24th Nov - 7th Dec 2023).

In News:

Lighthouse tourism in India is rapidly emerging as an exciting and profitable segment of the country's travel and tourism industry. India's coastline, stretching over 7,500 kilometers, is home to 204 lighthouses, many of which are being transformed into vibrant tourist destinations, celebrating both India's rich maritime history and its natural beauty.

Key Highlights:

• Historical and Scenic Appeal: Lighthouses in India are often located in breathtaking coastal or island locations, offering panoramic sea views and access to surrounding natural beauty. Some of these structures are centuries old and are situated near significant cultural landmarks or UNESCO World Heritage Sites, adding cultural depth to the visitor experience.
• Economic Growth: As part of the broader Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the Government of India is keen to transform these historic lighthouses into hubs of economic activity. By developing infrastructure, creating new tourism-related jobs, and fostering local entrepreneurship, lighthouse tourism aims to benefit coastal communities and boost India's tourism economy. As of 2023-24, 75 lighthouses across 10 states have been equipped with modern amenities, attracting 16 lakh visitors—a 400% increase from previous years.
• Government Initiatives:
  • Lighthouse Festivals: The annual Indian Lighthouse Festival, inaugurated in 2023, serves as a key event to promote lighthouse tourism and cultural heritage.
    • The 1st Indian Lighthouse Festival, “Bharatiya Prakash Stambh Utsav”, was inaugurated on 23rd September, 2023 by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and Goa Chief Minister, Shri Pramod Sawant at the historic Fort Aguada in Goa.
    • The 2nd Indian Lighthouse Festival was held in Odisha. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, was also joined by Odisha Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi. Shri Sonowal dedicated two new lighthouses at Chaumuck (Balasore) and Dhamra (Bhadrak) and emphasized empowering coastal communities to preserve and promote lighthouses as part of India’s rich maritime heritage.
  • Sagarmala Programme: This government initiative integrates infrastructure development with sustainable practices, ensuring that the growth of lighthouse tourism benefits local communities while preserving the environment.
  • Tourism Infrastructure: The government has invested ?60 crore in enhancing these sites, providing facilities like museums, parks, amphitheaters, and more to enrich the visitor experience.
• Sustainable Development: The Indian government places a strong emphasis on eco-friendly tourism. This includes integrating lighthouses into broader coastal circuits and launching digital awareness campaigns to attract domestic and international tourists.
• Community Empowerment and Employment: Lighthouse tourism has already created direct and indirect employment, from hospitality to transportation, local handicrafts, and artisan work, with more than 500 jobs being generated. Local communities are being trained to offer skills in hospitality and tourism services.

Future Plans:

• Skill Development: Programs are being introduced to equip local people with the necessary skills to cater to the tourism industry.
• Sustainable Practices: Eco-friendly practices will continue to be emphasized to protect coastal ecosystems.
• Integration with Coastal Circuits: Lighthouses will become key points of interest in broader coastal tourism itineraries, further enhancing their appeal to tourists.

In News:

The government’s flagship Operation Greens scheme, designed to stabilise crop prices and benefit farmers, has spent just 34 per cent of its allocated budget for 2024-25, according to a parliamentary report, even as onion farmers in Maharashtra reel from massive losses and potato shortages grip eastern states.

Key Highlights:

Overview:

• Launched: November 2018 under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana.
• Objective: Stabilize prices and improve farmers' income by enhancing the production and marketing of perishable crops, initially focusing on Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP).
• Expanded Scope (2021): Includes 22 perishable crops like mango, banana, ginger, apple, and shrimp.
• Implemented by: Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).
• Funding: Managed by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED).

Key Aims:

• Reduce price volatility in agricultural markets.
• Minimize post-harvest losses.
• Strengthen farm-to-market linkages.
• Enhance farmers’ earnings by stabilizing market prices.
• Promote value addition and food processing.

Scheme Components:

• Short-term Interventions:
  • Subsidies on transportation (50%) and storage (50%) to protect farmers from distress sales.
  • Price stabilization during periods of surplus or shortage.
• Long-term Interventions:
  • Development of farm-gate infrastructure like cold storage and processing facilities.
  • Strengthening production clusters and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
  • Building efficient agri-logistics systems.
  • Promoting food processing and value addition capacities.

Key Features:

• 50% subsidy on transportation and storage costs for eligible crops.
• Projects eligible for 50% subsidy (up to ?50 crore per project), and for FPOs, a 70% subsidy.
• Demand-driven funding based on applications, with no fixed crop or state-wise allocation.

Key Findings from Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) Report (2024):

• Underutilisation of Budget: Only 34% (?59.44 crore) of the allocated ?173.40 crore for 2024-25 spent by October 2024, leaving 65.73% unspent.
• Slow Implementation: Out of 10 targeted projects, only 3 were completed by October 2024.
• Limited Impact on Price Stabilization:
  • Onion prices fell by nearly 50% in Maharashtra, despite the scheme's intent to stabilize prices.
  • Potato shortages in states like Odisha and Jharkhand due to weather-induced production dips in West Bengal.
• Inconsistent Policies: Export bans and fluctuating export duties caused frustration among onion farmers, undermining the scheme’s effectiveness in ensuring fair prices.

Impact on Farmers:

• Price Stabilization: Despite the scheme’s aims, price fluctuations continue to affect farmers, especially in Maharashtra with the onion price crash.
• Post-Harvest Losses: The scheme aims to reduce wastage by building infrastructure like cold storage, but challenges remain in implementation.
• Market Linkages: Attempts to connect farmers and FPOs with retail markets have not yet yielded significant results.

Operational Challenges:

• The scheme faces challenges in fulfilling its dual mandate of ensuring fair prices for farmers while keeping consumer prices affordable.
• The slow utilization of funds and incomplete infrastructure projects raise concerns about the effectiveness of the program.
• Inconsistent policy decisions, like the export ban and imposition of export duties, have contributed to farmer discontent.

In News:

India possesses diverse fisheries resources that provide livelihood opportunities to approximately three crore fishers and fish farmers. The country has witnessed an 83% increase in the national fish production since 2013-14, that stands at a record 175 lakh tons in 2022-23.

Importance of Fisheries Extension Services:

• Livelihood Support: Fisheries provide livelihoods to over 3 crore fishers and fish farmers in India. The sector's growth is crucial for enhancing sustainable practices and ensuring long-term productivity.
• Growth in Fish Production: India’s fish production has seen an 83% increase since 2013-14, reaching 175 lakh tons in 2022-23, with 75% of production coming from inland fisheries. India is the second-largest fish and aquaculture producer globally.
• Role of Extension Services: Extension services bridge the gap between scientific advancements and fishers, offering guidance on:
  • Species lifecycle management
  • Water quality management
  • Disease control
  • Sustainable rearing technologies and business models.

Government Initiatives to Strengthen Fisheries Extension:

• Matsya Seva Kendras (MSKs):
  • Launched under PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana) in 2020, MSKs are one-stop centers providing comprehensive extension services.
  • Support to Fish Farmers: MSKs offer:
    • Disease testing, water, and soil analysis.
    • Training on sustainable aquaculture practices.
    • Technology infusion in seed/feed management.
  • Focus on Inclusivity: Government assistance (up to 60%) is available for women and marginalized communities to set up MSKs.
  • Examples:
    • Thrissur, Kerala: Equipped with labs for water and microbial analysis.
    • Maharashtra (Nasik and Sangli): Capacity-building efforts on seed/feed inputs.
  • Collaborations: MSKs mobilize start-ups, cooperatives, and Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) to share best practices, including regenerative and conservation management in the face of climate change.
• Sagar Mitras:
  • Role: Deployed in coastal states and union territories, Sagar Mitras act as a vital interface between the government and marine fishers.
  • Functions:
    • Collection and dissemination of daily marine catch data, price fluctuations, and market insights.
    • Dissemination of important information: weather forecasts, fishing zones, local regulations, and hygienic fish handling.
    • Provide support on disaster preparedness and natural calamities.

Enhancing Extension Services through Digital Platforms:

• AquaBazaar: A virtual learning platform initiated by the National Fisheries Development Board to provide expert guidance on:
  • Seed production and breeding of commercially important fish species.
  • Practical demonstrations to improve fishers' knowledge.
• Digital Outreach: Expanding such platforms will improve access to resources for fishers, especially in rural and remote areas.

Institutional Convergence and Capacity Building:

• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): Fisheries extension services should be integrated with the over 700 Krishi Vigyan Kendras and state-level agricultural extension services for effective outreach.
• Formalizing the Sector: The World Bank-assisted project aims to create work-based digital identities for fishers and fish farmers, enhancing their access to extension services, training, and awareness programs.

Challenges in Fisheries Extension Services:

• Fragmented Initiatives: Multiple government schemes and programs lack institutional convergence, leading to inefficiencies in reaching the grassroots level.
• Digital Divide: Many rural and coastal areas face challenges in terms of digital literacy and internet connectivity, limiting the effectiveness of online platforms.
• Impact of Climate Change: Unpredictable weather patterns and resource depletion due to overfishing demand adaptive strategies and the promotion of climate-resilient practices.

Conclusion and Way Forward:

• Institutional Convergence: Combining existing extension machinery like Krishi Vigyan Kendras with fisheries extension services to leverage established networks and knowledge.
• Expand Digital Outreach: Platforms like AquaBazaar should be expanded to ensure wider access to expert knowledge, training, and best practices.
• Private Sector Collaboration: Encouraging public-private partnerships can enhance technology dissemination, capacity building, and resource mobilization in the fisheries sector.
• Focus on Sustainability: Developing climate-resilient and sustainable fisheries practices will be essential to address challenges posed by environmental changes and overfishing.

In News:

Private aviation is releasing more than its ‘fair share’ of emissions.

Key Highlights:

• Aviation Sector's Global Emissions:
  • The aviation sector contributed 2% of global CO2 emissions in 2022, around 800 Mt CO2 (International Energy Agency).
  • If considered as a nation, aviation would rank among the top 10 emitters worldwide.
  • Emissions from aviation have grown faster than other sectors like rail, road, or shipping in recent decades.
• Private Aviation and Its Impact:
  • Private jets emit 5 to 14 times more CO2 per passenger than commercial flights and 50 times more than trains.
  • Emissions from private aviation increased by 46% between 2019 and 2023.
  • Each private flight contributes 3.6 tonnes of CO2 on average, intensifying global warming.
  • Private aviation is responsible for significant nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and the creation of vapor trails, which further amplify environmental damage.

Trends in Private Aviation Growth:

• Global Trends:
  • The number of private jets increased from 25,993 in December 2023 to 26,454 in February 2024.
  • In the U.S., 69% of private aviation activity is concentrated.
  • 8,500 more jets are expected to be delivered in the next 10 years globally.
• Private Aviation in India:
  • 112 private planes were registered in India as of March 2024, placing it among the top 20 countries for private aircraft ownership.
  • India's private aviation sector is expanding, driven by the growing billionaire and millionaire population.
  • Private aircraft ownership in India stands at 1 per 1 lakh population, which is low compared to countries like Malta (46.51 per lakh) and the U.S. (5.45 per lakh).

Emission Reduction Efforts and Solutions:

• Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs):
  • SAFs are bio-based or waste-derived fuels that can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuels.
  • Airlines like SpiceJet (2018) and AirAsia (2023) have tested SAFs, but large-scale adoption is hindered by high costs and limited production.
  • India aims to leverage its ethanol production chain, with potential to meet 15-20% of aviation fuel demand by 2050 if only surplus sugar is used.
• Hydrogen and Electric Aviation:
  • Hydrogen offers a higher energy density than kerosene and emits only water vapor, making it a clean fuel alternative. However, hydrogen faces challenges with storage, infrastructure, and aircraft redesign.
  • Battery-electric propulsion offers zero emissions but is currently limited by battery weight, energy density, and charging infrastructure.

India’s Policy and Initiatives:

• Government Initiatives:
  • UDAN Scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) aims to enhance rural connectivity.
  • NABH (Nextgen Airports for Bharat Nirman) seeks to increase airport capacity by five times.
• Sustainability Efforts:
  • Indian airlines have tested SAFs, such as a 25% jatropha oil blend by SpiceJet in 2018.
  • Ethanol for aviation fuel: India plans to use surplus sugar for ethanol, potentially fulfilling 15-20% of aviation fuel needs by 2050.
• Challenges to Decarbonisation:
  • SAFs are costly and limited in availability.
  • Hydrogen requires extensive infrastructure and aircraft redesign.
  • Battery-electric solutions are currently unsuitable for long-haul flights due to energy limitations.

In News:

On Good Governance Day, commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for various departments, launched the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative. This initiative is part of the broader ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur’ campaign, which aims to empower Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) at the grassroots level by enhancing the capacity and competence of elected representatives and officials.

Objective of the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ Initiative

The initiative seeks to strengthen PRIs by providing innovative tools and frameworks for capacity building and participatory governance. It will focus on equipping local leaders and officials with the necessary knowledge and tools to make effective decisions and implement sustainable development initiatives. Piloted in Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, it uses e-learning platforms, AI-powered chatbots, and mobile apps to address knowledge gaps and improve service delivery at the local level. This program aligns with the government's mission to decentralize governance and promote citizen-centric and equitable development across rural India.

Other Key Initiatives Launched on Good Governance Day

• iGOT Karmayogi Platform Dashboard: A new dashboard on the iGOT Karmayogi platform, which empowers ministries, departments, and state administrators to monitor progress in capacity-building efforts. The enhanced dashboard includes customizable views, robust data filtering tools, and insights to optimize decision-making, marking the introduction of the 1600th e-learning course. This development is part of the Mission Karmayogi initiative to strengthen the civil service through continuous learning.
• CPGRAMS Annual Report 2024: The CPGRAMS Annual Report provided a review of the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS). This platform has been instrumental in resolving over 25 lakh grievances annually, leveraging advanced technologies and multilingual support. The report also highlighted the implementation of the Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI), which has improved transparency, accountability, and the efficiency of public service delivery.
• Single Simplified Pension Application Form: A new digital pension system was launched, combining nine separate pension forms into a single, streamlined application. This digital transformation integrates e-HRMS with Bhavishya, reducing processing time and ensuring timely pension disbursement with real-time tracking and Aadhaar-based e-signatures. This system enhances the user experience for pensioners, making the process more efficient and transparent.
• Compendium of Pension Related Instructions 2024: Dr. Singh introduced a comprehensive Compendium of updated rules, procedures, and guidelines related to pensions. This document serves as a reference for pensioners and administrative personnel, ensuring clarity in the pension process and aligning with the government's vision of simplifying and streamlining pension systems.

Good Governance Day 2024 (Sushasan Diwas)

• Observed on: December 25 annually, marking the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1924–2018).
• Introduced in 2014: By the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Purpose: To honor Vajpayee's contribution and promote good governance practices in India.
• Objective of Good Governance Day:
  • Promote Government Accountability: Ensuring government actions and services are transparent and citizens benefit equally.
  • Instill Good Governance Values: Encourages civil servants to practice effective and responsible governance.
  • Bridge the Gap: Between citizens and the government through active participation.
• Theme for 2024: "India’s Path to a Viksit Bharat: Empowering Citizens through Good Governance and Digitalisation."

In News:

Google’s GenCast AI is an advanced weather forecasting model developed by DeepMind that uses machine learning techniques to provide more accurate and longer-term weather predictions compared to traditional forecasting methods.

How GenCast Works:

• Training on Reanalysis Data:
  • GenCast is trained on 40 years of reanalysis data (from 1979 to 2019). This data combines historical weather observations with modern weather forecasts, providing a comprehensive picture of past weather and climate conditions.
• Ensemble Forecasting with AI:
  • Unlike traditional Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models, which run simulations based on physical laws and initial conditions, GenCast uses an ensemble forecasting approach where multiple predictions are generated by an AI model, not an NWP model.
  • It produces a range of possible weather scenarios, each with different starting conditions, to reflect the uncertainty in weather forecasts.
• Neural Network and Diffusion Model:
  • GenCast uses a neural network architecture with 41,162 nodes and 240,000 edges that process weather data. Each node accepts data, manipulates it, and passes it to another node, helping to refine and improve predictions.
  • It uses a diffusion model, a type of AI model commonly used in generative AI. The model takes noisy input data, processes it through 30 refinement steps, and gradually produces a clearer forecast (de-noising the data).
  • The result is a probabilistic forecast, such as "there's a 25% chance of rain in Chennai on December 25," rather than a deterministic forecast, which would provide exact quantities like "5 mm of rain."
• Faster Processing:
  • The entire forecast process is incredibly efficient. GenCast can generate 50 ensemble forecasts at once with a spatial resolution of 0.25° x 0.25° (latitude-longitude) and temporal resolution of 12 hours.
  • Using Google's TPU v5 units, it can produce these forecasts in just 8 minutes—far faster than traditional supercomputers, which can take several hours to run NWP simulations.

Key Features of GenCast:

• Better Performance on Extreme Weather: GenCast has shown superior accuracy in predicting extreme weather events, such as tropical cyclones, compared to traditional NWP models like those from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).
• Probabilistic Forecasting: GenCast produces probabilistic forecasts, offering predictions like the likelihood of rain rather than precise measures, which helps with better preparation, especially for extreme weather events.
• Long-Term Forecasting: GenCast can generate forecasts for up to 15 days, which is longer than most traditional models, and is particularly useful for anticipating events like wind power generation and tropical cyclone tracking.
• Efficiency: GenCast's speed and resource efficiency set it apart from traditional NWP models, reducing forecast times dramatically.

Comparison with Traditional Weather Models:

• Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP): Traditional NWP models rely on solving complex physical equations to simulate the atmosphere and provide deterministic forecasts. These models require significant computational power and are typically limited to weather predictions for about a week.
• GenCast's Probabilistic Forecasts: In contrast, GenCast offers probabilistic predictions, making it better suited for providing early warnings about extreme weather, with better lead times for disaster preparation.

Future Developments:

While GenCast is impressive, Google acknowledges the importance of traditional NWP models for both supplying initial conditions and providing the foundational data needed to train AI models like GenCast. Ongoing collaboration with weather agencies is crucial to enhancing AI-based methods for weather prediction.

Overall, GenCast represents a significant leap forward in the use of AI for weather forecasting, with potential for greater accuracy, efficiency, and longer-term predictions compared to current methods.

In News

Justice V. Ramasubramanian, a retired Supreme Court judge, has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). This decision was made by President Droupadi Murmu, and it comes following the completion of Justice Arun Kumar Mishra's tenure as NHRC chairperson in June 2023. After Justice Mishra's retirement, Vijaya Bharathi Sayani served as the acting chairperson. Alongside Justice Ramasubramanian, Priyank Kanoongo and Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi (Retd.) have also been appointed as members of the commission.

Justice Ramasubramanian had been appointed a judge of the Supreme Court in September 2019 and retired in June 2023. His appointment to the NHRC is seen as a significant development for human rights advocacy and protection in India.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

Establishment and Legal Framework

• Formation Date: The NHRC was established on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993.
• Paris Principles: It was created in alignment with the Paris Principles (1991), which were endorsed by the UN General Assembly in 1993, aimed at setting standards for national human rights institutions.
• Statutory Body: NHRC is a statutory body, meaning it is established by law, with a primary function to safeguard human rights in India.

Objectives

The NHRC's primary objective is to promote and protect human rights as defined in Section 2(1)(d) of the PHRA, which include fundamental rights such as:

• Right to Life
• Right to Liberty
• Right to Equality
• Right to Dignity

These rights are guaranteed by the Indian Constitution and are essential to the protection of individuals' freedoms and welfare.

Composition of NHRC

• Chairperson: A former Chief Justice of India or a former Supreme Court judge serves as the chairperson.
• Members:
  • One former or sitting Supreme Court judge.
  • One former or sitting Chief Justice of a High Court.
  • Three members, with at least one woman, who have experience in human rights matters.
• Ex-Officio Members: The chairpersons of various National Commissions (e.g., SC/ST, Women, Minorities) and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities are also part of the NHRC.

Functions and Powers

The NHRC has several crucial functions and powers to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights:

• Inquiry into Human Rights Violations: The commission can inquire into violations of human rights by public servants or negligence in protecting rights.
• Recommendations: It can make recommendations on how to protect, promote, and effectively implement human rights within India.
• Review of Laws: NHRC assesses various laws, treaties, and international instruments related to human rights.
• Research and Awareness: It promotes research, publications, and awareness about human rights issues, including educating the public about their rights and safeguards.
• Inspection of Institutions: NHRC has the authority to visit and inspect institutions such as jails, detention centers, and other places of confinement to ensure the humane treatment of individuals.

In News:

The ‘no-detention’ policy was a significant part of India’s education reforms under the Right to Education (RTE) Act of 2009. This policy aimed to prevent the detention or expulsion of students until the completion of elementary education (Classes 1-8), with a focus on reducing dropout rates and ensuring every child receives at least basic education. However, the policy has been contentious, with arguments both for and against its implementation.

What was the ‘No-Detention’ Policy and Why Was It Introduced?

The RTE Act (2009) made education free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 14, under Article 21A of the Constitution. Section 16 of the Act specifically prohibited the detention or expulsion of students in elementary education (Classes 1-8). The rationale was to prevent the demotivation and fear of failure that might cause children to drop out of school, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. By promoting automatic progression through grades, the policy aimed to ensure that no child was left behind due to academic struggles.

Key to this system was Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE), which assessed students on a holistic basis, beyond just formal exams, encouraging learning through regular feedback and assessments.

Amendments to the RTE Act (2017 and 2019)

In 2017, a Bill was introduced to amend the RTE Act, following concerns about the effectiveness of the ‘no-detention’ policy. The amended policy allowed for regular exams in Classes 5 and 8. If students failed, they would be given a re-examination within two months. If they still did not meet promotion criteria, detention could be enforced. This amendment empowered the Centre and states to decide whether to detain students in these grades.

The amendment came after criticism of the original policy for promoting students without sufficient learning progress. States like Madhya Pradesh and Punjab argued that no-detention was leading to poor academic performance, and called for a return to the traditional system of promoting students based on examination results.

Arguments for and Against the No-Detention Policy

Arguments for No-Detention:

• Reduced Dropout Rates: The policy helped ensure students, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, continued in school without the fear of failure, leading to a drop in dropout rates.
• Holistic Development: It encouraged a child-centric learning approach where students were assessed on their overall development rather than just exam performance.
• Social Inclusivity: By promoting students regardless of performance, it was hoped that education would be more inclusive, preventing marginalization of students from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Arguments Against No-Detention:

• Decline in Learning Outcomes: The policy led to a lack of motivation for students to perform academically. Without the accountability of exams, many students became less serious about their studies.
• Low Teacher Accountability: With automatic promotion, teachers had less incentive to ensure quality learning, leading to an overall dip in teaching standards.
• Impact on Educational Standards: Data indicated a decline in learning levels in government schools, as students were passed through the system without mastering the required skills.

In 2015, the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) conducted a study suggesting that more flexibility was needed in the policy, allowing schools to retain students who were significantly behind. However, there were differing views within the committee. Some members argued that detention had no proven benefits, and that the real issue was the poor quality of the education system itself.

In 2016, the TSR Subramanian Committee on the New Education Policy suggested continuing the no-detention policy until Class 5, citing evidence of reduced dropout rates and increased enrollment. However, other states pushed for scrapping it due to concerns over declining educational standards.

The Shift Toward Scrapping the No-Detention Policy

By 2019, the RTE Act was amended to give states the discretion to hold back students in Classes 5 and 8, if they failed to meet the promotion criteria. This change came after state feedback that the no-detention policy was having adverse effects on learning outcomes and teacher accountability.

In 2024, the Ministry of Education took further steps to formalize this shift by introducing new rules under the RTE Act Amendment. Students failing to meet the promotion criteria in Classes 5 and 8 will be given additional instruction and an opportunity for a re-examination. If they still fail, they can be detained, with specialized guidance provided to help them catch up.

Which States Continue or Scrapped the No-Detention Policy?

The decision to maintain or scrap the policy varies across states and union territories:

• States Retaining No-Detention Policy: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, among others, continue to implement the no-detention policy, citing its role in minimizing dropouts and promoting inclusivity.
• States That Have Scrapped the Policy: Delhi, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Gujarat have already discarded the policy, opting for examinations and re-examinations in Classes 5 and 8 to ensure better academic accountability.

Why the Controversy?

The debate over the no-detention policy hinges on balancing academic accountability with social inclusivity. Supporters argue that it ensures children from marginalized communities receive their full elementary education, while opponents point to the decline in learning standards, especially in government schools, as a major issue.

In summary, while the no-detention policy was introduced with the noble aim of reducing school dropouts and ensuring every child completed at least elementary education, its effectiveness has been questioned due to concerns over declining learning outcomes. The recent changes represent a shift towards better accountability and quality in education, while still ensuring that children receive additional support before being detained.

In News:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission, a key milestone in India’s space capabilities. The mission will deploy two 220-kg satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), into a 740 km orbit using the PSLV-C60 rocket. SpaDeX aims to demonstrate the technology for satellite docking, a critical component for future space missions such as lunar exploration and the development of India's own space station, Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).

Key Objectives of SpaDeX Mission:

• Primary Objective: To demonstrate the rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft (SDX01 and SDX02) autonomously.
• Secondary Objectives: Include testing electric power transfer between the docked spacecraft, composite spacecraft control, and post-docking payload operations.

The mission will see the two spacecraft gradually approach each other, performing a series of maneuvers, starting at a 20 km distance and closing to millimeter-scale distances before docking. Once docked, they will execute secondary tasks, such as scientific payload operations, using advanced technologies including high-resolution cameras, multi-spectral payloads, and radiation monitors.

Technological Innovations:

• Docking Mechanism: An indigenous, motor-driven, low-impact, androgynous docking system with capture, extension/retraction, and rigidization mechanisms. Both spacecraft are equipped with identical docking systems to simplify operations.
• Advanced Sensors: The spacecraft will use a Laser Range Finder (LRF), Proximity & Docking Sensors (PDS), and Rendezvous Sensors for precise distance measurement and to guide the docking process.
• Inter-Satellite Communication: The spacecraft will employ autonomous inter-satellite links (ISL) for real-time communication and data sharing.
• RODP Processor: This system, based on GNSS, ensures accurate position and velocity determination for the spacecraft during the docking procedure.

Significance of the SpaDeX Mission:

• Technological Milestone: SpaDeX positions India as the fourth country, after the US, Russia, and China, to develop space docking technology.
• Space Exploration: The successful demonstration will facilitate future space exploration, including Chandrayaan-4 and interplanetary missions.
• Modular Space Infrastructure: Space docking is essential for building multi-modular space stations, which allows the construction of large structures in space and enhances flexibility for future missions.
• Satellite Servicing: Docking enables satellite servicing, including repairs, refueling, and upgrades, which increases the operational lifespan of satellites.

SpaDeX Mission for India’s Space Station:

The SpaDeX mission is a crucial step towards India’s plans for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). This will be India’s first modular space station, designed to conduct advanced scientific research, including in life sciences and medicine. BAS is expected to begin operations by 2035, and the development of docking technology is pivotal for its assembly and operation.

Mission Launch Details:

The PSLV-C60 rocket is set to launch the SpaDeX mission from Sriharikota. The mission is a demonstration of India's growing space capabilities and its indigenous technologies, including the Bharatiya Docking System (BDS).

Challenges and Technological Requirements:

The docking process requires extremely precise maneuvering, as the two spacecraft will be traveling at speeds of 28,800 km/h and must reduce their relative velocity to just 0.036 km/h before docking. This level of precision is crucial for future missions involving spacecraft servicing, crew transfers, and the construction of space infrastructure like BAS.

In addition to the docking demonstration, SpaDeX will carry 24 academic and startup payloads aboard the PSLV’s fourth stage, POEM (PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-4), offering a valuable platform for microgravity research.

Future Prospects:

The success of SpaDeX will pave the way for more complex missions, such as India’s lunar and Mars exploration programs, the development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, and international collaborations in satellite servicing and space infrastructure.

Overview:

The 72nd Plenary of the North Eastern Council (NEC), concluded in Agartala, Tripura, marking the second time the city hosted this significant event since 2008. The plenary featured a series of high-level discussions focused on accelerating development and addressing the socio-economic challenges of the North Eastern Region (NER), which includes Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.

Key Highlights:

• Pre-Plenary Technical Sessions: Central ministries presented their developmental agendas for the NER, charting a path forward for the region's growth and addressing key challenges.
• Main Plenary:
  • Presiding Officers: The session was chaired by the Union Home Minister and NEC Chairman, Shri Amit Shah, along with DoNER Minister, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, and Minister of State, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar.
  • Participants: Governors, Chief Ministers, Chief Secretaries, Planning Secretaries, and high-ranking officials from all eight northeastern states will engage in strategic discussions to foster regional development.
• Agartala as Host:
  • Agartala's selection as the venue signifies the evolving role of the city in regional development, as plenary sessions are usually held in Shillong and Guwahati.
• Significance of the NEC:
  • The North Eastern Council (NEC), established in 1971, plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the region. It was initially an advisory body but has evolved into a regional planning agency with a larger mandate.
  • The NEC has contributed significantly to the development of critical infrastructure in the region, such as over 11,500 kilometers of roads, power generation through NEEPCO, and educational institutions like RIMS.
• Prime Minister's Vision for the NER:
  • The Prime Minister’s vision for the region revolves around recognizing it as 'Ashta Lakshmi'—symbolizing immense potential and cultural richness. The NEC is central to realizing this vision through initiatives like the PM-DevINE scheme.