In News:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently released the Financial Stability Report for June 2025.

What is the Financial Stability Report (FSR)?

• The Financial Stability Report (FSR) is a biannual publication by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• It presents the collective assessment of the Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC-SC) regarding:
  • Resilience of the Indian financial system
  • Emerging systemic risks
  • Outlook for macro-financial stability

Key Highlights – FSR June 2025

Macroeconomic & Global Outlook

• India remains a key driver of global growth, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals and prudent policies.
• Risks to growth include:
  • Prolonged geopolitical tensions
  • Trade and supply chain disruptions
  • Weather-related uncertainties impacting agricultural output

Banking Sector Performance

• Gross Non-Performing Asset (GNPA) ratio:
  • Stands at 2.3% as of March 2025, a multi-decadal low
  • May rise modestly to 2.5% in baseline and 2.6% under adverse conditions by March 2027 (based on stress tests on 46 banks covering 98% of SCB assets)
• Capital Adequacy Ratios (CAR):
  • Remain well above regulatory thresholds across the sector
  • Even under severe stress scenarios, banks maintain adequate buffers — indicating robust financial health

Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)

• NBFCs are in good financial health with:
  • Strong capital buffers
  • Robust earnings
  • Improving asset quality
• Continued financial resilience contributes to the overall stability of the financial system

Domestic Demand and Inflation Outlook

• Growth remains domestically driven
• Food inflation outlook favorable:
  • Price moderation observed
  • Crop output at record levels, supporting price stability

Significance for Financial Policy

• The report signals that India’s financial institutions are resilient and well-equipped to absorb economic shocks
• RBI's stress-testing framework confirms systemic soundness
• Reinforces India's investor confidence, especially in volatile global conditions

In News:

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

Organizations Involved:

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

Launch Details:

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

Mission Objectives:

1. Scientific Research in Microgravity:

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

2. International Space Cooperation:

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

3. National Space Program Development:

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

Significance for India:

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

In News:

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

About the Banakacherla Reservoir Project

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

Key Features of the Project:

River Diversion and Infrastructure Upgrades:

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

Lift Irrigation Points:

Five major lift stations planned:

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

Inter-Basin Linkage:

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

Telangana’s Objections

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

2. Absence of Statutory Clearances:

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

3. Godavari Tribunal Allocation Overlooked:

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

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

Broader Implications

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

In News:

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

What Has Changed?

Previous Norms:

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

Revised Norms (2024):

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

Objective of the Reform

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

About Small Finance Banks (SFBs)

Origin and Mandate:

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

Key Features:

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

Regulatory Requirements:

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

Significance of the Move

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

In News:

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

What is the UN80 Initiative?

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

Objectives:

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

Key Features of the UN80 Initiative:

1. Three Core Workstreams:

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

2. Formation of Thematic UN80 Clusters:

Seven thematic clusters focus on:

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

3. Relocation and Rationalization:

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

4. Budget Integration Timeline:

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

Significance of the UN80 Initiative:

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

In News:

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

What Are Zero-Dose Children?

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

Global and National Trends:

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

Challenges in India:

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

In News:

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

Who was Sree Narayana Guru?

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

Historical Context:

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

Core Philosophy:

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

Key Contributions:

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

Literary Contributions:

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

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

Legacy and Recognition:

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

In News:

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

Candida tropicalis and Public Health Risk

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

Fungicide Link to Drug Resistance

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

Mechanism of Resistance: Ploidy Plasticity and Aneuploidy

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

Genetic Changes Observed:

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

Emergence of Stable Haploid Strains

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

Virulence and Resistance in Animal Models

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

Implications and Concerns

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

In News:

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

Key Climate Trends and Indicators in Asia (2024)

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

Cryospheric Changes and Glacier Loss

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

Scientific Warnings and Observations

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

Implications for Asia

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

In News:

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

What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?

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

About DPIP

• Objective:To enhance fraud risk management through real-time intelligence sharing, data gathering, and interbank coordination using advanced technologies.

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

Need for DPIP

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

Other RBI Initiatives to Combat Bank Frauds

Initiative                                                                         Description

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

                                                                            secure transactions.

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

                                                                            negligence or third-party breaches.

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

                                                                            avoid phishing and fake sites.

In News:

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

What is Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW)?

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

Effectiveness and Challenges

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

Co-Benefits of ERW

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

Risks and Concerns

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

Global Adoption and Projects

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

Investor Interest and Innovation Push

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

In News:

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

Key Drivers of Export Growth

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

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

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

Production and Cultivation

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

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

Climatic Features:

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

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

Specialty and GI-Tagged Coffee

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

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

In News:

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

Background:

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

Proclamation of Emergency

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

Constitutional Basis

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

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

Suspension of Fundamental Rights

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

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

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

Censorship and Media Suppression

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

Key developments:

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

Constitutional Amendments and Legislative Overreach

Several constitutional amendments were enacted to consolidate power:

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

Sterilisation Campaign

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

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

End of Emergency and Democratic Reversal

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

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

The Shah Commission (1977–79)

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

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

44th Constitutional Amendment (1978)

To prevent future misuse:

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

In News:

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

What is DAJA?

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

Objectives of DAJA

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

Key Features:

Feature                                        Description

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

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

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

Five Foundational Pillars        -

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

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

                                                                        transparent tracking and reporting.

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

                                                                        during outreach camps to reaffirm cultural identity.

Significance:

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

In News:

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

Understanding India’s Public Data Ecosystem

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

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

Why India Needs a Quality-Driven Data Ecosystem

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

Key Challenges in India’s Data Governance Landscape

Challenge                           Description

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

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

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

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

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

NITI Aayog’s Recommendations for Reform

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

Significance of the Report

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

In News:

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

What is Total Revolution?

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

Underlying Causes of the Movement

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

Core Components of the Total Revolution

Domain                                  Focus

Political                                Advocated bottom-up governance, decentralisation, and accountability

                                         to counter bureaucratic authoritarianism.

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

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

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

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

Impact of Total Revolution

On Society and Citizenry

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

On Governance and Policy

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

Significance and Contemporary Relevance

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

In News:

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

Significance of the Innovation:

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

About Haemophilia A

What is it?

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

Causes:

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

Genetic Transmission:

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

Symptoms:

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

Treatment:

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

About Von Willebrand Disease (VWD)

What is it?

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

Causes:

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

Symptoms:

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

Treatment:

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

In News:

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

What is the Household Income Survey?

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

Key Implementing Bodies:

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

Historical Background:

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

Key Features of the 2026 Survey:

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

Significance of the Survey:

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

In News:

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

Key Objectives:

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

Core Focus Areas of Training

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

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

Institutional Reforms and Digital Integration

As part of the broader reform agenda:

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

Case Studies & Best Practices

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

Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA): Background

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

Key Objectives:

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

Salient Features:

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

In News:

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

About Ambubachi Mela

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

Kamakhya Temple: Key Facts

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

Architectural Features of Kamakhya Temple

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

In News:

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

About the Sustainable Development Report 2025

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

Key Highlights of the 2025 Report

Global Trends

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

Regional Insights

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

Sectoral Progress and Setbacks

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

Commitment to Multilateralism

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

Notable National Rankings

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

In News:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Significance of NAVYA:

Aspect                                               Importance

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

Gender Inclusion             -       Supports women-led development and economic participation

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

Regional Equity         -               Targets backward and underserved regions to reduce disparities

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

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

In News:

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

What is Evaporative Demand?

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

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

What is a Thirstwave?

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

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

Scientific Findings & India-Specific Observations

Global Evidence:

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

India’s Research Gap:

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

Recent Developments in India:

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

Measurement Techniques:

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

Implications for India:

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

Way Forward:

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

In News:

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

Key Provisions of the Bill:

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