Context:

• The state of Punjab has recently garnered national acclaim by winning the Best State Award in the Centre for Science and Environment's (CSE) Green Schools Programme (GSP) for 2024.

Key Points:

• This prestigious accolade highlights the state's unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and also sets a benchmark for educational institutions across India.
• The recognition comes as a result of Punjab's proactive measures in integrating environmental education into the school curriculum and fostering a culture of sustainability among students and educators alike.
• The Green Schools Programme, initiated by the CSE nearly two decades ago, aims to instill environmental consciousness within school communities.
• The 2024 edition of the GSP witnessed an unprecedented level of engagement, with over 5,300 schools from 29 states and Union territories participating in a comprehensive environmental audit. This initiative serves as a platform for schools to assess their environmental impact and implement sustainable practices.

The scale of participation in the GSP is indicative of the growing awareness and commitment towards environmental education in Punjab. Key statistics from the program include:

• Total school registrations: Initially, 7,200 schools registered for the program.
• Audit Report submissions: Out of these, 4,734 schools submitted detailed green audit reports, showcasing their environmental practices and initiatives.
• Green School Certifications: A remarkable 70 schools from Punjab received the coveted 'green' rating, which signifies their adherence to sustainable practices.
• Percentage of National Green Schools: Schools from Punjab constitute 35% of the 199 nationally recognized green schools, underscoring the state's leadership in this domain.

Evaluation criteria

The Green School certification is based on a rigorous assessment across six key environmental domains:

1. Air quality
2. Energy conservation
3. Food practices
4. Land management
5. Water conservation
6. Waste management

These criteria ensure that schools not only focus on theoretical knowledge but also engage in practical measures that contribute to environmental sustainability.

Notable Green School characteristics

Schools that achieved the 'green' rating exhibited several commendable practices, including:

• Adoption of sustainable transport modes
• Implementation of energy-efficient lighting systems
• Development of green campus cover
• Installation of rainwater harvesting systems
• Effective waste segregation and recycling practices
• Promotion of healthy food policies

The inflow of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) has registered an increase of 26 percent during the first half of the current fiscal year when compared to the same period the previous year.

• The FDI inflow reached 42.1 billion US dollars till September last year, the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, informed the Lok Sabha in a written answer.
• He said that the inflow of FDIs has come down a little during 2022-23, and the inflow began increasing during the first half of the current fiscal.
• He added that 29 thousand 790 million US dollars in foreign investment had flown in during the same time.

Karshanbhai Solanki, the BJP MLA from the Kadi constituency in North Gujarat, passed away following a prolonged illness at his residence early Tuesday( 5 February). He was 68. 

• A senior BJP leader said Solanki, who had been battling cancer for the last six months, collapsed around 4 am Tuesday.
• Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Paril, Union Minister and Gujarat BJP President C R Paatil, and other leader expressed their condolences at the demise of Solanki.
• Solanki,was elected from the Kadi constituency for the first time in 2017, and again in 2022.
• He was probably the only MLA who regularly commuted on state-run buses. 

India has paid USD 37.64 million dollars to the United Nations Regular Budget for 2025, joining the “honour roll” of 35 member states who have paid their regular budget assessments in full and on time to the UN.

• According to the UN Committee on Contributions, as of January 31 2025, thirty-five member states have paid their regular budget assessments in full within the 30-day due period specified in UN financial regulations.
• India contributed USD 37.64 million to the 2025 United Nations Regular Budget and made the payment on January 31, 2025.
• UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang, who is scheduled to visit India from today( 4 February) to the 8th of this month also praised India’s reliability in a recent interview.

Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Nurlan Yermekbayev, arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday ( 4 February ), on his first official visit to India.

• During his visit, Yermekbayev will meet External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar at South Block and Minster of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh at Hyderabad House, as per an official statement.
• He will also address the Indian Council of World Affairs at Sapru House. He will lay a wreath at Rajghat upon his arrival.
• Earlier, EAM S Jaishkanar signed eight outcome documents highlighting India’s contributions during the 23rd SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad on October 16, 2024.
• Jaishankar had brought to attention India’s own global initiatives and national endeavours which are “strongly relevant for the SCO”.
• He also highlighted the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Mission LiFE, practising Yoga and promoting millets to Global Biofuel Alliance and the International Big Cat Alliance along with the value of digital public infrastructure, and women-led development.
• The EAM also reaffirmed the need for fair and balanced connectivity projects that comply with international law and align with the goals of the UN Charter and the SCO Charter.

About Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, international security and defence organization established by China and Russia in 2001. It is the world's largest regional organization in terms of geographic scope and population, covering approximately 24% of the area of world (65% of Eurasia)[3] and 42% of the world population.

The government yesterday said the Ayush visas are being issued for a year with a maximum of three entries for persons of foreign origin.

• Minister of State for AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, informed this in the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.
• He further said the visa can be extended on a yearly basis up to a maximum period of five years from the date of issuance of the Ayush Visa by the concerned Foreign Regional Registration Office.
• He added that this will be on producing a medical certificate or advice from a recognised hospital in the country.
• The minister further said a foreigner will be granted an Ayush visa on producing evidence of bearing the expenses of their own for the required treatment.