Why in the News?

• Recently, the Bihar government faced criticism for poor performance as the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Audit Report on Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services (2016-2022) was presented to the Bihar Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council during the ongoing winter session.
• The report highlighted critical gaps in Bihar's healthcare system, including severe resource shortages, underutilized budgets, and systemic inefficiencies, underscoring the urgent need for structural reforms.

Key Points:

Human Resource Shortages in Health Services:

=> Bihar faced a 49% vacancy in key health departments, including the Directorate of Health Services, State Drug Controller, Food Safety Wing, AYUSH, and Medical Colleges and Hospitals (MCHs).

=> Against the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of 1 allopathic doctor per 1,000 people, Bihar had a ratio of 1 doctor per 2,148 people (58,144 doctors available against the required 1,24,919).

=> Shortages of staff nurses ranged from 18% in Patna to 72% in Purnea, while paramedics faced shortages of 45% in Jamui to 90% in East Champaran.

=> Recruitment for 13,340 healthcare posts out of 24,496 posts remained pending as of January 2022.

Gaps in Infrastructure and Facilities:

=> None of the four inspected Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs) had functional Operation Theatres (OT), breaching Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS).

=> Only 1% to 67% of pregnant women in 11 test-checked facilities received a full course of Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) tablets.

=> Maternal death reviews were conducted in only 1 out of 24 reported cases during 2016-22. 19% to 100% of required diagnostic facilities were unavailable in 68 healthcare facilities.

Shortages of Drugs and Equipment:

=> Essential drugs were unavailable in 21% to 65% of Outpatient Departments (OPDs) and 34% to 83% of Inpatient Departments (IPDs) during 2016-22.

=> Medical colleges reported 45% to 68% drug shortages in FYs 2019-21 due to non-supply.

Budget Utilization and Policy Gaps:

=> Bihar spent only 69% of the allocated Rs 69,790.83 crore of healthcare budget between FYs 2016-17 and 2021-22, leaving Rs 21,743.04 crore unused.

=> Healthcare expenditure against Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) ranged between 1.33% and 1.73%, and against the state budget, it ranged between 3.31% and 4.41%.

=> Bihar lacked a comprehensive health policy aligned with the National Health Policy 2017, to address infrastructure and equipment gaps.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Performance:

=> Bihar scored 66 out of 100 under SDG-3 (health sector) in NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index Report (2020-21).

=> The state’s performance on health indicators like Maternal Mortality Rate, Neonatal Mortality Rate, and Total Fertility Rate was far below the SDG targets and national averages.

Comptroller and Auditor General:

About:

• The CAG of India, as per Article 148 of the Constitution, heads the Indian Audit and Accounts Department (IA-AD).
• He/she is responsible for safeguarding the public purse and overseeing the financial system at both the central and state levels.
• The CAG upholds the Constitution and parliamentary laws in financial administration and is considered one of the key pillars of India's democratic system, alongside the Supreme Court, Election Commission, and Union Public Service Commission.
• CAG of India is governed by the Comptroller and Auditor-General's (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, with significant amendments in 1976, 1984, and 1987.

Appointment and Term:

• The CAG of India is appointed by the President of India by a warrant under his hand and seal.
• The officeholder serves a term of six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.

Independence:

• The CAG can only be removed by the President following a constitutional procedure, not at the President's pleasure.

Why In The News?

• The Bihar Cabinet has recently approved an initiative named ‘Mahila Samwad’, which aims to empower women in rural areas by informing them about government policies.
• Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and other officials will actively engage with women across districts, which allocation for this initiative is Rs 225 crore.

Programme Objectives:

=> The primary goal of ‘Mahila Samwad’ is to disseminate information about state policies, which will focus on women’s empowerment and their role in society.

=> The programme will also gather feedback on women’s expectations from the government.

=> Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will participate in several interactive sessions.

=> Ministers and senior officials will visit various districts and blocks.

=> These interactions are designed to ensure direct communication with women in rural communities.

Financial Allocation:

=> The Bihar Cabinet has sanctioned Rs 225.78 crore for the programme.

=> This funding will support the outreach efforts and related activities.

=> The Rural Development Department proposed the initiative, denoting its importance for women’s empowerment.

Expected Launch Date:

=> The ‘Mahila Samwad’ programme is set to launch next month.

=> An official circular will be issued soon to outline the details. Preparations are underway to ensure a smooth rollout.

Voter Demographics:

=> Women constitute approximately 48% of Bihar’s total electorate.

=> Engaging this demographic is crucial for the state’s political landscape.

=> The programme aims to enhance women’s participation in governance.

=> In a related decision, the Cabinet increased the ex-gratia payment for families of fallen soldiers.

=> The payment has risen from Rs 11 lakh to Rs 21 lakh.

=> This applies to soldiers from Bihar and those martyred within the state.

Why in the News?

• The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken Suo Motu cognizance of a media report about people dying due to food poisoning at a Patna shelter home.
• The shelter is funded by the Bihar government's Directorate of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

Key Points:

Human Rights Violation Concern:

=> The NHRC observed that the media report highlights a serious human rights violation concerning the victims.

=> The Shelter Home authorities are responsible for providing proper care to the inmates as their lawful custodians.

Notice to Bihar Government:

=> The NHRC issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Bihar, requesting a detailed report within two weeks.

=> The report should include the victims' health status and information on whether any compensation has been provided to the victims or their families.

=> The Chief Secretary is also asked to inform the NHRC about the steps taken or proposed to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.

Unhygienic Conditions at the Shelter Home:

=> A media report highlighted that, during an inspection, authorities found unhygienic conditions at the Shelter Home.

=> The report also mentioned that proper hygiene was not being maintained during food preparation at the Shelter.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):

About:

• It ensures the protection of rights related to life, liberty, equality, and dignity of individuals.
• Rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution and international covenants enforceable by Indian courts.

Establishment:

• Established on 12th October 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993.
• Amended by the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2006, and Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2019.
• Established in conformity with the Paris Principles, adopted for promoting and protecting human rights.

Why in the News?

• Under the Yuva Sangam initiative, 44 delegates from Bihar embarked on their journey to Karnataka and 50 delegates from Andhra Pradesh set off for Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points:

About Yuva Sangam:

=> Yuva Sangam is a flagship initiative launched by the Ministry of Education in 2023.

=> It aimed at strengthening youth connections across different States and Union Territories.

=> The program promotes unity in diversity by fostering cultural immersion, knowledge sharing, and meaningful interactions.

=> Participants, aged 18 to 30, include students, volunteers, and young professionals from various backgrounds.

=> A total of 4,795 youth have participated in 114 tours across various phases.

Phase V of Yuva Sangam:

=> For Phase V, twenty eminent institutions across India have been selected to participate.

=> Participants from these institutions will visit their paired states or UTs, led by the nodal Higher Education Institutes (HEIs).

Key Areas of Exposure:

=> During the Yuva Sangam tours, participants will receive exposure in five broad areas known as the 5 Ps:

• Paryatan (Tourism)
• Parampara (Traditions)
• Pragati (Development)
• Paraspar Sampark (People-to-people connect)
• Prodyogiki (Technology)

=> The tours last for 5-7 days, excluding travel days.

Collaborative Effort:

=> Yuva Sangam is organized through a ‘Whole of Government’ approach, with support from multiple Ministries, Departments, and State Governments.

=> Key stakeholders include the Ministries of Home Affairs, Culture, Tourism, Youth Affairs & Sports, Information & Broadcasting, Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Railways.

Why in the News?

• According to the officials, the Rajgir Sports Complex will be hosting the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup in 2025. Scheduled from 27th August to 7th September, the event will also be a qualifying event for the World Cup, 2026.

Key Points:

Preparation for Hosting a Men's Event:

=> Following the success of the women’s six-nation event, Bihar is gearing up to host the prestigious Asia Cup men’s tournament.

=> The Asia Cup, a qualifying event for the 2026 World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands, is expected to draw larger crowds and increased interest.

The Men's Hockey Asia Cup:

=> It is an event held annually by the Asian Hockey Federation since 2011 with India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and China participating in the inaugural tournament.

=> The Asian Hockey Federation is the governing body for hockey in Asia.

=> It has 33 member associations and it is affiliated to the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

=> The Asia Cup is an eight-team tournament, with the winner securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Why in the News?

• Bihar will host the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) and Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) in 2025.

Key Points:

Khelo India Youth Games:

About:

• KIYG is a national-level, multi-disciplinary sports competition for school and college students in India.
• The games are held annually in January or February and are part of the government's Khelo India initiative.
• It aims to promote sports culture and identify sporting talent at the grassroots level.
• The previous 5 editions of the Youth Games have been held in Delhi, Pune, Guwahati, Panchkula and Bhopal.

Format:

• It is held in two categories, namely under-17-year-old school students and under-21 college students.
• It operates in a team championship format, wherein the medals earned by individual athletes or teams contribute to the overall medal tally of their respective state or Union Territory (UT).
• Upon the event's conclusion, the state or UT securing the highest count of gold medals is declared the winner.

Khelo India Para Games:

=> The Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) is aimed at empowering para athletes in India.

=> It is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Sports Authority of India, and other bodies.

=> It is part of the broader Khelo India Initiative.

=> Khelo India was introduced by the Indian government in 2017.

Sports Infrastructure in Bihar:

=> Bihar has 38 Khelo India Centres and one Khelo India State Centre of Excellence, which provide facilities for athletes at various levels.

=> There are three Sports Authority of India Training Centres catering to the state’s sporting needs.

While attending a Press Conference, Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia said that  te Asthalakshmi Mahotsav will be held from 6th to 8th December at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

• The term “Ashtalakshmi” refers to the eight Northeastern states - Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.
• These states are often described as the eight forms of prosperity (Lakshmi).
• This festival, with its corresponding website, is a dedicated effort to recognize and promote the region’s unique attributes on both national and global platforms.
• The festival showcases the cultural, natural and artisanal wealth of all the eight North-East states.

The 30th edition of Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) is poised to showcase the vibrant diversity of global cinema, with a special focus on French cinema.

• The festival, scheduled from December 4 to 11, will showcase a diverse range of 175 films from 41 countries.
• A special segment is dedicated to contemporary French women filmmakers.
• Renowned directors like Caroline Vignal, Celine Rouzet, and Elise Otzenberger are expected to present their latest works.
• The festival will also screen classic French films.

The Hon’ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla, and the Hon’ble Minister of State for Law and Justice, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, officially inaugurated India’s first Constitution Museum at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) in Sonipat.

• The event was graced by the presence of Mr Naveen Jindal, Founding Chancellor of JGU and Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), along with other esteemed dignitaries.
• This museum will acquaint present and coming generations with our constitution, how it was framed and what discussions and debates took place then.
• While addressing the gathering Shri Om Birla said India's Constitution is acting as a guide to the world.
• Notably, the museum is designed to provide a deep and engaging exploration of the Constitution's essential elements and key provisions for the citizens to know demonstrating how its values and ideals have shaped the nation.

55th Edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024 concluded with a vibrant and memorable closing ceremony, leaving a lasting impression as a grand celebration of the art of cinema.

The festival not only highlighted the joy and diversity of filmmaking but also paved the way for emerging filmmakers, inspiring new creative journeys and promising an exciting future for global cinema.

Key Higlights

The closing ceremony at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium at Panaji Goa,

Golden Peacock for the Best Film: Toxic, Best Feature Film - Saule Biluvaite directorial Toxic bagged the prestigious  Golden Peacock Award for the best feature film.

Silver Peacock for the Best Director: Bogdan Muresanu, Romanian Director Bogdan Muresanu was honoured with the Best Director award for his exceptional work in the Romanian film "The New Year that Never Came."

Silver Peacock for Best Actor (Male and Female): 

Actor Clément Faveau was Awarded the Silver Peacock for Best Actor (Male) for his incredible and compelling performance in the French film Holy Cow, expressing the emotional ups and downs of the protagonist, while traversing from ages of innocence to maturity.

The Silver Peacock for Best Actor (Female) was jointly awarded to actors Vesta Matulyte and Ieva Rupeikaite for the film ‘Toxic.’

Recognising the best performances in leading roles, the awards for Best Actor (Male) and Best Actor (Female) include a Silver Peacock Trophy, a certificate, and a cash prize of Rs. 10,00,000 each.

The Indian Chemical Council (ICC) has been honoured with the 2024 OPCW-The Hague Award, marking a significant milestone for the Indian chemical industry. 

• The award was presented during the 29th Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP) to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on November 25, 2024, in The Hague. 
• Delegates from 193 member states and global chemical industry leaders witnessed the ceremony, which for the first time recognised the contributions of a chemical industry organization.
• Ambassador Fernando Arias, Director-General of the OPCW, and Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague, presented the award to ICC Director General, Mr. D. Sothi Selvam. 

The prestigious Bharat Vibhushan Puraskar 2024 awardd ceremony was held at the Delhi Legislative Assembly, under the auspices of the Institute for Social Reforms and Higher Education Charitable Trust (ISRHE). 

• This grand event celebrated exceptional contributions by individuals and organizations across diverse fields, including education, healthcare, art, culture, and social work.
• The ceremony commenced on an auspicious note with a Sarasvati Vandana, invoking the blessings of the Goddess of Knowledge, setting the tone for an inspiring and vibrant event.
• Ram Niwas Goel, Speaker of the Delhi Vidhan Sabha, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
• This year's Bharat Vibhushan Puraskar reaffirmed the ISRHE's commitment to recognizing and inspiring excellence.
• Awardees from across the nation were celebrated for their tireless dedication and impactful work in their respective domains.

India has reportedly conducted a successful test of its nuclear-capable K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the recently commissioned nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat.

• The test was conducted in the Bay of Bengal.
• The K-4 missile, which is solid-fuelled and has a strike range of 3,500 km, was launched from the 6,000-tonne submarine INS Arighaat.
• The missile was tested for the first time from INS Arighaat, which was commissioned into service on August 29.
• Previously, the K-4 missile had only been tested from submersible pontoons, making this launch from a fully operational submarine a key milestone for India’s naval capabilities.

The 13th edition of Joint Military Exercise AGNI WARRIOR (XAW-2024) between India and singapore concluded on November 2024. 

• The three-day exercise was conducted at Devlali Field Firing Ranges, Maharashtra from November 28 to November 30
• The exercise witnessed participation by the Singapore Armed Forces contingent comprising 182 personnel from the Singapore Artillery and the Indian Army contingent comprising 114 personnel from the Regiment of Artillery, the Indian Army said.
• The aim of XAW-2024 was to maximise mutual understanding of drills and procedures to achieve jointness as a multinational force under the United Nations Charter.

Pune, Maharastra is set to host the prestigious Army Day Parade for the first time on 15 January 2025, marking a historic milestone.

Key Points

• The Indian Army unveiled a promotional video for the upcoming parade during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, receiving an enthusiastic response from cinephiles, international delegates, and industry leaders.
• The Army Day Parade commemorates Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa’s appointment as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949, symbolizing India’s post-independence military leadership.
• The Parade was traditionally held in Delhi but it began rotating to different cities in 2023, starting with Bengaluru, followed by Lucknow in 2024.
• Pune’s selection for the 2025 parade highlights the city’s historic ties to the Armed Forces and its role as the headquarters of the Indian Army’s Southern Command.
• This year’s parade will take place at the Bombay Engineering Group and Centre, featuring marching contingents, mechanized columns, and technological exhibits.
• Highlights will include demonstrations of cutting-edge defense technologies such as drones and robotics, along with captivating performances like combat demonstrations and martial arts displays.

The Indian Cast Guard will conduct National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercises & Workshop (SAREX-24) under the aegis of NMSAR Board at Kochi from November 27 to 30, according to an official press statement.

• This workshop will be conducted with imperatives to validate the National M-SAR construct through 'all-inclusive' and 'collaborative' approach.
• The release added, taking cognizance of the vast 4.6 Million Sq Kms of Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR) bestowed to India, Indian Cast Guard has been a proponent of cooperative engagements not only with the resource agencies but also with littorals and friendly foreign countries.
• Response operation to large scale contingencies at sea, termed as 'Mass Rescue Operation' (MRO) will be the essence of 11th edition of SAREX-24.

The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini embarked on the second leg of the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II (NSP-II) on November 24, 2024.

Mentored by Commander Abhilash Tomy (Retd), the crew is preparing for their passage across significant maritime landmarks such as Cape Leeuwin and Tasmania.

• Navika Sagar Parikrama-II began on October 2, 2024, under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi.
• The expedition is a groundbreaking initiative featuring a dual-handed circumnavigation of the globe by two women officers of the Indian Navy, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A.
• In the first leg of the journey, they covered an impressive 4,900 nautical miles in 39 days before reaching Fremantle on November 9. 
• This phase will cover approximately 3,400 nautical miles (6,300 kilometers) over an estimated 20 days, facing challenges such as varying weather conditions and dropping temperatures.

Undergraduate students may soon get an option to shorten or extend their study durations instead of the standard duration of their degree programmes.

• The UGC has approved the SOPs to offer the Accelerated Degree Programme (ADP) and Extended Degree Programme (EDP) in a meeting this week. The draft norms will now be put in the public domain for feedback from stakeholders.
• While the degrees will mention a self-contained note that the academic requirements needed in a standard duration have been completed in a shortened or extended duration, they will be treated at par with standard duration degrees for academic and recruitment purposes.
• Top foreign universities also offer the option to students to finish their degree earlier or later than stipulated duration.

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 2024 takes place on November 29, and it is devoted to remembering the Palestinian people's persistent struggles and ambitions.

• The date was chosen because it commemorates the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 181, which proposed in 1947 the partition of Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states.
• This day, also known as Palestinian Solidarity Day, asks for global solidarity to help the Palestinian people's desire for peace, justice, and self-determination.
• The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is being observed since 1977.
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India's strong commitment to a two-state solution, which envisions the establishment of a sovereign and viable Palestinian state. 

Data released by the commerce and industry ministry showed the infrastructure sector, spanning coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity, rose an annual 3.1% in Oct, higher than the previous month's 2.4% but lower than the 12.7% in Oct last year.

• This comes after a revised 2.4% growth in September, providing a positive signal for the country’s infrastructure output.
• The core sector accounts for nearly 41% of the index of industrial production and the improvement is likely to reflect in the factory output data expected next month.
• The October growth follows a contraction to a 22-month low of 0.1% in August, highlighting signs of a gradual rebound.
• Industrial production also picked up in September, registering 3.1% growth, reinforcing hopes of recovery in the manufacturing sector.

India’s economic growth slowed downin the July-September period of FY25,  to a seven-quarter low of 5.4 per cent, surprising analysts who had projected growth to hover around 6.5 per cent in the quarter.

• The services sector remained stable and the farm segment staged a rebound.
• Data released by the National Statistics Office showed GDP grew by 5.4% in the three months to Sept, slower than the 6.7% in the April-June period and below the 8.1% recorded in the second quarter of 2023-24.
• It was also below the RBI projection of 7% for the three-month period ending Sept.
• The central bank has retained its forecast of 7.2% growth for the year 2024-25. Govt expects the economy to grow in the 6.5%-7% range. 

The Government on Thursday( 28 November 2024) highlighted the need to have a national nuclear capacity of approximately 100 gigawatts by 2047.

Minister of State for PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh said, "Several studies on India's energy transition to Net Zero by 2070 have projected the need to have a national nuclear capacity of approximately 100 gigawatts by 2047." in a reply in Rajya Sabha.

• Presently, a plan to increase the nuclear power capacity to 22480 MW by 2031-32 from the present capacity of 8180 MW is being implemented.
• Nuclear energy is a base load source of energy and does not require additional infrastructure for integration to the grid like that required for intermittent sources (renewables like wind, solar etc.).
• The minister mentioned that the installed nuclear power capacity in the country comprises of 24 reactors with a total capacity of 8180 MW. Of these, presently, one reactor (100 MW) is under extended shutdown and 3 reactors (total 540 MW) are under project mode for upgradation.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Hemant Soren took oath as Chief Minister today( 28 November), days after the INDIA bloc's decisive victory in the Assembly polls.

• Top leaders of the INDIA Opposition bloc were in Ranchi's Moradabad Ground to attend the swearing-in ceremony.
• Hemant Soren was the only one to take oath today as the Mahagathbandhan allies are still negotiating over cabinet berths.   
• The JMM-led alliance won 56 seats in the 81-member House.
• The Hemant Soren-led party, which contested 41 seats, won 34, and the Congress managed victory on 16 out of 30 seats. RJD and CPIML won six and four seats, respectively.

The Department of Consumer Affairs launched 'E-Daakhil' platform- an innexpensive, speedy and hassle-free mechanism for filing consumer complaints,  in all states and union territories.

• The platform is designed to streamline the consumer grievance redressal process, providing an efficient and convenient way for consumers to approach the relevant consumer forum, dispensing the need to travel and be physically present to file their grievances.
• This milestone is marked by the recent launch of the E-Daakhil portal in Ladakh on 22nd November 2024, making E-Daakhil a truly pan-India initiative.
• To address the new and emerging concerns affecting consumers, the Consumer Protection Act 2019, was notified and enforced on 20th July, 2020.
• E-Daakhil has been a game-changer in promoting consumer rights and ensuring timely justice.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar inaugurated the new Chancery of the Embassy of India in Rome, a few hours after he arrived in Italy on a three-day visit to attend the Outreach session of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting where India has been invited as a guest country.

• Jaishankar is also scheduled to participate in the 10th edition of the MED Mediterranean Dialogue in Rome, being organised by Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) in collaboration with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy.
• The conference will be inaugurated with a speech by Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani. 
• He is also expected to meet his counterparts from Italy and other participating nations in the G7 related engagements and hold bilateral discussions during the visit.

The Union Cabinet has officially approved the next phase of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM 2.0), under NITI Aayog, with an enhanced scope and a substantial budget of Rs. 2,750 crore allocated until March 31, 2028.

• This initiative aims to significantly strengthen India’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
• Chintan Vaishnav, the Mission Director at Atal Innovation Mission, emphasises the importance of this initiative in empowering youth through innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) 2.0

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is a flagship initiative launched by the Indian government in 2016 to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the nation. AIM 2.0 builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor, AIM 1.0, which established over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) and 69 Atal Incubation Centers (AICs). The mission’s primary goal is to create an inclusive environment that nurtures young innovators and entrepreneurs. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central cabinet approved a new scheme named 'One Nation One Subscription' for providing country-wide access to scholarly research articles and journal publications.

• As a central sector initiative, ONOS will enable nationwide access to a vast repository of high-impact research articles and journal publications.
• The scheme aims to democratize academic and scientific knowledge, creating a fertile ground for research and innovation throughout the country.
• The Union Cabinet approved a budgetary allocation of Rs 6,000 crore for three calendar years for this initiative.

India celebrated the 75th anniversary of the adoption of its Constitution on November 26, 2024, a significant milestone in the nation's history.

November 26 is commemorated as Samvidhan Divas. On this day in 1949, the Indian Constituent Assembly formally adopted the Constitution, which became effective on January 26, 1950, laying the foundation for India as a sovereign, democratic republic. In 2015, the Government of India officially designated November 26 as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) to honor this historic achievement. Since then, the nation commemorates the Constitution's adoption annually, reflecting on its significance and enduring impact.

The main function of the commemoration events was held today (26th November, 2024) in the Central Hall of SamvidhanSadan. 

Key Highlights       

• The function began with the National Anthem followed by a welcome speech by Speaker, Lok Sabha.
• The Speaker highlighted the remarkable vision of the framers of the Constitution, particularly Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and their dedication for creating a document that ensures the protection of fundamental rights for all citizens, regardless of their background.
• A short film was played, dedicated to the glory of the Indian Constitution.
• Commemorative Coin and Stamp dedicated to the 75th anniversary of adoption of Constitution of India.
• Books titled “Making of the Constitution of India: A Glimpse” and “Making of the Constitution of India & its Glorious Journey”.

Dinesh Bhatia has been officially designated as the next Ambassador of India to Brazil, according to a release by the Ministry of External Affairs.

• He is a Foreign Service officer from the 1992 batch, 
• Bhatia is currently the Ambassador of India to Argentina. He played a multifaceted role encompassing Uruguay and Paraguay till February 2022.
• His diplomatic repertoire includes previous assignments as Consul General in Toronto and Ambassador to Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, and Liberia.
• His international experience is further augmented by positions in Indian missions across Madrid, Kathmandu, and Kuwait.

Dinesh Bhatia has been officially designated as the next Ambassador of India to Brazil, according to a release by the Ministry of External Affairs.

• He is a Foreign Service officer from the 1992 batch, 
• Bhatia is currently the Ambassador of India to Argentina. He played a multifaceted role encompassing Uruguay and Paraguay till February 2022.
• His diplomatic repertoire includes previous assignments as Consul General in Toronto and Ambassador to Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, and Liberia.
• His international experience is further augmented by positions in Indian missions across Madrid, Kathmandu, and Kuwait.

The government has introduced new rules to strengthen cybersecurity in India’s telecom sector.

• Telecom operators must now report any security incidents to the government within six hours and provide detailed updates within 24 hours.
• These rules, issued under the Indian Telecommunication Act, aim to protect communication networks from cyber threats. Telecom companies are required to adopt a cybersecurity policy covering areas such as risk assessment, network testing, employee training, and rapid response to security incidents.
• A key aspect of the rules allows the government or its authorised agencies to access telecom data, excluding the content of messages, to ensure cybersecurity.
• Companies must also set up the necessary infrastructure to securely collect and store this data.

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), a Maharatna and India’s largest public sector steel producer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with John Cockerill India Limited (JCIL), the Indian arm of the global John Cockerill Group, on 28 November 2024 in Mumbai.

• This MoU aims to leverage the combined strengths of the two companies, including cutting-edge technologies, extensive industry expertise and a shared vision for innovation and sustainability.
• Mr Anil Kumar Tulsiani, Director (Finance), SAIL and Mr Michael Kotas, Managing Director-Metals Division, John Cockerill India Limited signed the MoU. 
• The focus areas of this collaboration will be Cold Rolling and Processing for Carbon Steel, Green Steel and Silicon Steel — specifically CRGO (Cold Rolled Grain Oriented) and CRNO (Cold Rolled Non-Oriented) steels.
• The partnership seeks to integrate green technologies into iron and steelmaking processes and incorporate advanced steelmaking technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Iron ore production in the country rose 4.1% to 158.4 million tonnes in the April-October period of the ongoing fiscal year, the government said on Thursday( 28 November).

 As per provisional data, iron ore production was 152.1 MT in the year-ago period. Continued growth in production of iron ore in the current financial year shows the robust demand conditions in the user industry. These growth trends point towards continued strong economic activity in user sectors such as energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive and machinery.

• Production of manganese ore rose 11.1% to 2 MT in the April-October period of the ongoing fiscal year from 1.8 MT during the corresponding period last year.
• Production of bauxite rose 11.3% to 13.8 MT in the April-October period from 12.4 MT in the year-ago period.
• In the non-ferrous metal sector, primary aluminium production grew 1.2% to 24.46 lakh tonne.

Indian Railways is set to launch the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, designed to connect New Delhi with Srinagar.

• The much-anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper train service from New Delhi to Srinagar is expected to be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2025
• This semi-high-speed train will run on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), offering passengers an enhanced travel experience with modern amenities. 
• Manufactured by BEML, the Vande Bharat Sleeper train is built for long-distance and overnight journeys.
• The prototype of the train was unveiled by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in September 2024.

Sophie Primas, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, will visit India to enhance business ties between the two countries.

Highlights 

• During her visit, she will meet Indian ministers, address forums, and inaugurate key initiatives in Delhi, Chennai, and Puducherry.
• The trip aims to bolster business relations and streamline investment flows between the two nations.
• Primas's itinerary includes meetings with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and addressing the 2024 Asia-Pacific Forum of Foreign Trade Advisers.
• The minister will also inauguration a new French international school in Chennai and visit to key economic hubs and R&D centers.
• In Chennai, Primas will meet Tamil Nadu's Industry Minister to discuss expanding France's business ties.
• Her visit concludes in Puducherry with tributes at the French War Memorial and engagements with educational institutions.

India and UK have signed a broad framework agreement to jointly develop and build an electric propulsion system for big naval ships that will be constructed in Indian shipyards, official sources said here on Frida ( 29 November 2024).

Key Points

• The new propulsion system will be used to power a type of large warships known as Landing Platform Docks that will be made in India.
• Currently, Indian warships are powered by diesel engines or gas turbines or steam turbines.
• The propulsion system - planned for bigger ships with a displacement of 6,000 tonnes will provide a new and efficient option.
• The two countries were in discussion on electric propulsion for the last couple of years through a joint working group.

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Keith Kellogg, a former national security adviser and retired lieutenant general in the US military, to be special envoy to Ukraine and Russia in his second administration.

• Kellogg is likely to be at the centre of negotiations to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, should Russia and Ukraine agree to take part.
• Trump has promised to stop the war on his first day back in office - though he has not provided any details on how he plans to do that.
• Kellogg has advocated for tough negotiations with Russia and Ukraine in order to bring the war to an end.

India on Thursday (29 November)  was re-elected to the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) for the 2025-2026 term, continuing its active role in global peace efforts.

• The announcement was made in a post on X by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations.
• The Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) is an intergovernmental advisory body that supports peace efforts in conflict-affected countries and adds capacity to the international community's broader peace agenda.
• India has been a member of the Peacebuilding Commission since its inception in December 2005.
• The commission, established in 2005, was tasked with advising the UN General Assembly and the Security Council on issues of peacebuilding and sustaining peace.

Professor Amiya Kumar Bagchi passed away on November 28 due to age-related health complications. He was 88 years old.

• He is survived by two daughters.
• Professor Bagchi was a towering Marxist economist specialising in economic history and the political economy of India.
• He was a brilliant student right from his college days. He topped the University of Calcutta in the master of arts examination.
• He then went on to do a PhD in economics from the University of Cambridge.

More about Amiya Kumar Bagchi

Amiya Kumar Bagchi was an Indian political economist. He started teaching in Presidency College, Kolkata. In the 1960s, he taught in the Faculty of Economics in Cambridge, but resigned his post in 1969, to resume his academic career in Presidency College, Kolkata. In 1974 he joined the newly founded Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Calcutta.

Bagchi was specialised in the history of Indian banking and finance, and acted as Official Historian of the State Bank of India (SBI) from 1976 to 1998. After retiring as Reserve Bank of India professor from the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Calcutta in 2001, he became the founder-director of the Institute of Development Studies, Kolkata.

Mangal Munda, great-grandson of tribal icon Birsa Munda, succumbed to injuries following a road accident. His demise marks a significant loss to his family and the Jharkhand tribal community.

Tribal icon Birsa Munda's great-grandson Mangal Munda, who was undergoing treatment at a hospital here after being injured in a road accident, died of "cardiovascular failure" on Friday( 28 November), an official of the health facility said.

• He was 45.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed sadness at the demise of Mangal Munda,
• Mangal Munda breathed his last at 12.30 am at the state's apex health facility at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences.
• Mr Munda sustained severe head injuries after he fell from the roof of a passenger vehicle in Jharkhand's Khunti district on November 25.

Shashikant Ruia known as Shashi Ruia, co-founder of Essar Group, passed away in Mumbai. 

• He leaves behind his wife Manju, two sons Prashant and Anshuman, and four grandchildren.
• Ruias were post-Independence, first-gen entrepreneurs, among the first of their kind those days.
• Shashi and his younger brother Ravi named their enterprise by combining the first two letters of their first names.
• The Ruias started their business in Chennai in 1969. A Rs 2.5 crore contract from the Madras Port Trust to construct an outer breakwater was their first big deal, followed by other infrastructure projects.

Dr Jaiteerth Raghavendra Joshi has been appointed as the new Chief of BrahMos Aerospace, the organisation behind the world's most potent supersonic cruise missile system.

• Dr Joshi has made significant contributions to missile technology, non-destructive testing (NDT), and the professional skill development of industry experts.
• An alumnus of Osmania University, where he earned his BTech in Mechanical Engineering, Dr Joshi also holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from NIT Warangal.
• His extensive experience includes key contributions to India's missile programs, particularly the Prithvi and Agni missile systems.

South African writer and poet Breyten Breytenbach, a staunch opponent of the former white-minority government’s apartheid policy of racial oppression, has died in Paris aged 85, his family announced.

• Breytenbach was a poet, novelist, painter and activist whose work touched on and influenced literature and the arts both domestically and abroad.
• Breytenbach was a celebrated wordsmith, a leading voice in literature in Afrikaans and a fierce critic of apartheid that was imposed against the country's Black majority between 1948 and 1990.
• He moved to Paris but on a clandestine trip to his home country in 1975 he was arrested on allegations that he assisted Nelson Mandela’s then-outlawed African National Congress group in its sabotage campaign against the white-minority government.
• He was convicted of treason and served seven years in prison. Upon his release he based himself in Paris, where he continued his anti-apartheid activism.

Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have created approximately 10 crore jobs in the past 15 months.

• This significant achievement underscores the crucial role MSMEs play in the Indian economy, contributing to employment generation, innovation, and economic growth. 
• MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy, accounting for about 30% of the country’s GDP and employing over 11 crore people.
• These enterprises are known for their agility, innovation, and ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan along with Minister of Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday launched a World Bank report titled 'Jobs at Your Doorstep: A Jobs Diagnostics for Young People' that covers six states in India.

• The minister complimented the World Bank team for the detailed report and urged them to adopt a pan-India framework as well.
• The Jobs at Your Doorstep report serves as both a diagnostic and roadmap to providing strategic linkages and convergence between education and the jobs agenda of India.
• It goes deep into the job landscape of six states - Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Rajasthan and identifies key priority sectors and roles that offer the highest employment potential for young people graduating from secondary school.
• The report is a skills gap analysis that attempts to align trades offered in schools industry-specific needs of the districts where the schools are present.
• The study was initiated to reimagine the skill education offered through in-depth primary as well as secondary research in six 'STARS' states. 
• The World Bank assists the Ministry of Education with its programme called Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) covering six states, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Rajasthan (collectively the STARS states).
• STARS Scheme has a national component under which key reforms are shared and disseminated for implementation.

The India International Science Festival (IISF), India’s largest science festival, kicked off on Saturday(30 Nov. to 3 Dec. 2024) at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) in Assam.

Key Highlights

• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Inaugurated the festival.
• The theme of this 10th edition of IISF, which will conclude on December 3, is “Transforming India into an S&T-driven Global Manufacturing Hub”. 
• The stunning artwork of the Moon by by British artist Dr. Luke Jerram was the showstopper at the India International Science Festival.
• IISF is a unique festival of science society engagement which was initiated in the year 2015 and the very first IISF was organised at IIT Delhi.
• Vijnana Bharati, a science movement of India conceptualized this science festival.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the European Space Agency’s Proba-3 mission on its PSLV rocket to study the solar corona, the outermost and hottest part of the Sun’s atmosphere, from Sriharikota on December 4.

• First in the world, Proba-3 mission will see two satellites in a formation parallel to each other for long durations.
• The satellite pair has been designed to study the solar corona- the outer layer of the Sun’s atmosphere.
• These satellite instruments such as the one on India’s Aditya L1 mission have a coronagraph to look at the sun and an occulter to block the light from the brighter layers of the sun.

An international team of astronomers used the MeerKAT radio telescope to study giant radio galaxies as part of the Cosmological Evolution Survey (COSMOS) project.

• They have found a new giant radio galaxy that has not been previously reported.
• The finding was presented in a scientific paper published on November 11 on the arXiv preprint server.
• The MeerKAT radio interferometer, located in South Africa, is an amazing instrument for reviving GRGs at high frequencies (around 1.0 GHz).

MeerKAT radio telescope

MeerKAT, originally the Karoo Array Telescope, is a radio telescope consisting of 64 antennas in the Meerkat National Park, in the Northern Cape of South Africa.

What are Radio Galaxies?

The giant radio galaxies (GRGs) are radio galaxies whose total projected linear length exceeds at least 2.3 million light-years.

These are rare objects that grow typically in low-density environments and have been observed to contain jets and plasma particles that emit synchrotrons. GRGs are important to astronomers in studying the formation and evolution of radio emission sources.

Union women and child development minister Annapurna Devi launched the “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign” or child marriage free India campaign portal “to help girls achieve their potential” by checking practices such as child marriages.

• The event also saw the presence of Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Savitri Thakur, and other distinguished officials and stakeholders.
• The Minister also inaugurated the Child Marriage Free Bharat Portal, an innovative online platform that enables citizens to report child marriage incidents, file complaints, and access information about Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) nationwide.
• The portal is a significant step in empowering citizens and enforcing the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.

Reetika Hooda claimed the gold medal in the women’s 76kg category at the World Military Championships, becoming the second woman from India to achieve this feat.

• This victory follows Jyoti Sihag’s gold medal triumph in the 55kg category just a day earlier, marking a groundbreaking debut for India’s women’s team at the tournament.
• India sent a women’s contingent to the World Military Championships for the first time this year, following the armed forces’ decision in 2024 to recruit sportswomen into their ranks.
• This policy shift has already borne fruit, with the Indian women making a strong impression on the global stage.

The National Anti-Doping Agency on Tuesday (November 26, 2024) suspended Bajrang Punia for four years for his refusal to provide his sample for dope test on March 10 during selection trials for the national team.

• NADA first suspended the Tokyo Games bronze medallist wrestler on April 23, 2024 for the offence. Follwoing the World Governing body UWW had also suspended him.
• Bajrang had appealed against the provisional suspension and NADA’s Anti-Disciplinary Doping panel (ADDP) had revoked it on May 31 till NADA issues the notice of charge.
• NADA, then on June 23 served the notice to the wrestler.
• Bajrang, who joined Congress along with fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat and was given charge of All India Kisan Congress, had challenged the charge on July 11 in a written submission following which hearings were held on September 20 and October 4.

A 13-year-old Indian cricketer made history on Monday ( 25 November 2024) as he became the youngest player ever to have his rights purchased at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction.

• The rights to Vaibhav Suryavanshi were bought for 11 million Indian rupees (around $130,000) to the Rajasthan Royals after a bidding spree between the Royals and the Delhi Capitals forced his price up.
• The IPL’s auction sees the league’s 10 teams compete via a bidding process to acquire players to fill out their rosters.
• A 12-year-old Suryavanshi made his debut in domestic Indian cricket’s longer format, the Ranji Trophy, in January this year for his home state of Bihar against Mumbai.
• He also scored a triple-century in a local tournament for Bihar and hit a 58-ball hundred for India’s under-19 team against Australia in September.

India registered its second biggest Test win against Australia in Perth, Australia during the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Monday (25 November 2025)

• Australia was bowled out for 238 in the second innings, handing India a 295-run win.
• The host had a target of 534 set by India, courtesy of centuries by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli on the third day.
• Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj took six wickets while debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy got his first.
• Harshit Rana got the final wicket of Alex Carrey to secure India its first win after a three-match loss and take a 1-0 series lead.
• This triumph marked India's biggest-ever victory, in terms of runs, on Australian soil in Tests.

Rishabh Pant was bought for Rs. 27 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The top seven costliest players came in the last two editions of the league.

• Rishabh Pant who was released by Delhi Capitals (DC), was signed by Lucknow Super Giants.
• The IPL 2025 mega auction made history as five cricketers entered the ranks of the top 10 most expensive signings in IPL history.
• Second most expensive player was Shreyas Iyer, the title-winning captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), acquired by Punjab Kings for Rs. 26.75 crore for IPL 2025.

Top 10 most expensive players in IPL history

North-East United FC emerged victorious in the 40th All India Governor’s Gold Cup International Football Tournament, defeating Gangtok Himalayan SC in a dramatic penalty shootout.

• The final, held at Paljor Stadium, ended 1-1 after regular time, leading to a tense shootout, where North-East United triumphed 4-3.
• Sikkim’s Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, and Governor Om Prakash Mathur attended the final and witnessed the exciting contest.
• The Chief Minister lauded both teams for their outstanding performances, especially applauding Gangtok Himalayan SC for their impressive run to the final.

Anders Antonsen got the better of Jonatan Christie to become the first Dane to win the men's singles at the China Masters on Sunday (24 November).

• The European champion needed 51 minutes to prevail 21-15, 21-13 and clinch a fourth BWF Tour title of 2024 which cements his position at the top of the Race to Finals rankings.
• There was some consolation for Christie as reaching the final in Shenzhen saw him qualify for next month's BWF Tour Finals in Huangzhou.
• Antonsen led 11-5 at the first mid-game interval with Christie sending a number of lifts beyond the baseline.
• The Indonesian was very much out of sorts, trying in vain to finish rallies quickly with the third seed not needing to hit outright winners.

Kerala is set to launch a comprehensive insurance scheme benefiting the entire cattle population in the State, said J Chinchurani, the State Dairy Development and Animal Husbandry Minister.

• The Centre has already approved the scheme, she said, after inaugurating the state-level National Milk Day celebrations, commemorating the birth anniversary of Dr Verghese Kurien, the Father of the country’s White Revolution.
• The Minister said the veterinary ambulance service will be extended to all block panchayats of the state and also set aside Rs 22 crores for the maintenance of the calves, she added.
• The government is paying Rs 37,500 per cow to the owner even as rising costs of fodder production was creating a crisis for both Milma and Kerala Feeds Ltd besides the farmers. 
• Smt Chinchurani also launched on the occasion, two schemes--‘Arunodayam’ aimed at nurturing heifers into cows yielding better milk and ‘Snehamitram,’ a life insurance scheme at a premium of Rs 10 for dairy farmers by Milma’s Malabar Union.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the ‘Odisha Parba 2024’ celebrations today at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium,  New Delhi.

• Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he greeted all the brothers and sisters of Odisha who were present at the event.
• He remarked that this year marked the centenary of the death anniversary of Swabhav Kavi Gangadhar Meher and paid tributes to him.
• He also paid tributes to Bhakta Dasia Bhauri, Bhakta Salabega and the writer of Oriya Bhagavatha, Shri Jagannath Das on the occasion.
• Modi highlighted the contribution of Odisha in giving a new dimension to India’s maritime power.
• He noted that the Bali Jatra was concluded yesterday in Odisha, which was  organised in a grand manner on the banks of the Mahanadi in Cuttack on the day of Kartik Purnima.

Tamil Nadu State Goods and Services Tax Collections (SGST) surged by 20.12%  in the first half of fiscal of year 2024-25, which is the highest growth rate among key comparable States for which data is available.

• As per the provisional figures from the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG), Tamil Nadu’s State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) collection grew 20.12% to Rs. 35,414.05 crore in the first half of the year 2024-25 from Rs. 29,481.97 crore in the comparable period last year.
• Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh followed with over 14% growth. Maharashtra’s SGST grew by 13.46%, while Karnataka’s increase was over 10%.
• Tamil Nadu’s performance outpaced states like Assam and others, which reported growth between 13.3% and 50.8%.

Hemant Soren will take oath as Jharkhand chief minister on November 28, he said after meeting governor Santosh Kumar Gangawar in the capacity as leader of the newly elected MLAs of INDIA bloc and staking claim to form the government.

• Recently INDIA bloc won 56 seats out of  81. The JMM alliance includes the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Indian National Congress (Congress), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist).
• He resigned as the chief minister, before staking claim to form the government.
• He will officiate as the acting chief minister till oath is administered to him on November 28.
• Soren is expected to give chance to several new comers as at least four ministers from his incumbent cabinet had lost in the polls.
• Several top INDIA bloc leaders are expected to participate in the oath taking ceremony.

The 59th All India Conference of Directors General and Inspectors General of Police began on Friday( 29 November, 2024) in Bhubaneswar, Oodisha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the conference on November 30 and December 1, alongside Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Key Points

• The discussions were centered on critical national security issues, including counter-terrorism, left-wing extremism, coastal security, narcotics control, and the implications of new criminal laws.
• The event will also see the presentation of the President’s Police Medal for distinguished service, a significant recognition for exemplary contributions to law enforcement.
• The conference also serves as a platform for sharing best practices and deliberating on operational, infrastructural, and welfare concerns faced by law enforcement agencies.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global Cooperative Conference 2024 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. 

• PM Modi also launched the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives 2025 and released a commemorative postal stamp. 
• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji, the President of International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), and several other dignitaries were present.
• Shah said in his address that the UN’s decision to observe 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) is a timely step and will prove to be a blessing for millions of poor people and farmers worldwide.
• He added that the inauguration of the International Year of Cooperatives-2025 by the PM on Monday and the hosting of the International Cooperative Conference of the ICA in India is a welcome step.
• The theme of the conference, “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All,” aligns with the Indian Government's vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation)

Context: The Union Cabinet announced National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a standalone Centre-sponsored scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.

Background

• 2019: Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) was renamed Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhti (BPKP) and integrated as a sub-scheme under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY).

• 2023-24: BPKP was further renamed as National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).

• Under BPKP the financial assistance was provided for 3 years @ Rs. 12,200/ha.

Need

• There is a need to improve the quality of soil and maintain the health of the people with chemical-free food.

• The Mission is designed to support farmers to reduce input cost of cultivation and dependency to externally purchased inputs.

• To scientifically revive and strengthen agriculture practices towards sustainability, climate resilience and healthy food. 

Major Highlights of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

• Aim: To promote natural farming among one-crore farmers across the country.

• Cluster-Based Approach: Targeting 15,000 clusters in Gram Panchayats allows for focused implementation and better resource allocation.

• Bio-Input Resource Centers (BRCs): Establishing 10,000 BRCs will ensure easy access to essential bio-inputs, making it convenient for farmers to adopt natural farming practices.

• Model Demonstration Farms: 2000 NF Model Demonstration Farms shall be established at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural Universities (AUs) and farmers’ fields.

• They shall be supported by experienced and trained Farmer Master Trainers. 

• Certification and Market Access: A simplified certification system and dedicated branding will facilitate market access for natural farming products.

Natural Farming

• Natural farming is an approach to agriculture that emphasizes working with nature’s processes to grow crops in a sustainable and holistic way.

• It follows local agro-ecological principles rooted in indigenous knowledge, location-specific technologies, and adaptations to local agro-ecology.

• One of the central ideas of natural farming is to minimize reliance on external inputs and create a system that can sustain itself over the long term.

Key practices of natural farming include:

• Minimal Soil Disturbance;

• Use of Organic Inputs;

• Biodiversity and Polyculture;

• Water Conservation;

• Natural methods to manage pests;

• Synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides are avoided.

Natural Vs. Organic Farming

• Natural farming emphasizes minimal intervention with nature, avoiding tilling, fertilizers, and even weeding.

• It focuses on creating self-sustaining ecosystems with little to no external inputs, trusting nature to maintain soil health and manage pests.

• Organic farming follows specific certification standards that prohibit synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

• It allows the use of organic fertilizers, pesticides, and tilling. 

• It tends to be more structured and regulated than natural farming.

Benefits of Natural Farming

• Environmental Sustainability: It helps protect soil health, reduces pollution, and supports biodiversity.

• Resilience to Climate Change: Natural farming promotes agricultural practices that can adapt to changing climates, such as drought-tolerant crops and sustainable water use.

• Healthier Food: Food produced without chemical fertilizers and pesticides is considered safer and more nutritious.

• Economic Benefits: Over time, natural farming can reduce costs related to chemical inputs and increase the resilience of farms, potentially leading to higher yields.

Challenges

• Learning Local Ecosystem: It requires a deep understanding of local ecosystems, which can take time to learn and apply effectively.

• Labor-Intensive: In the transition period, natural farming is more labor-intensive and initially produces lower yields compared to conventional farming.

• Market Demand: Although organic products are gaining popularity, natural farming does not always meet mainstream market expectations or certification standards.

Government Initiatives

• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): The promotion of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems under this program can be adapted to natural farming practices.

• Soil Health Card Scheme: Launched in 2015, this initiative provides farmers with soil health cards that offer detailed information about the nutrient content and pH levels of their soil. 

• National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Launched in 2014, encourages the adoption of sustainable farming techniques, including natural farming, to improve soil health, conserve water, and enhance productivity.

• National Organic Farming Research Institute (NOFRI): It focuses on improving soil health, developing organic farming technologies, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

• States Practicing: There are several states practicing Natural Farming. Prominent among them are Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Road Ahead

• The Government is increasingly recognizing the importance of natural farming in addressing environmental challenges, improving farmer incomes, and ensuring food security. 

• These efforts, when combined with local farmer participation and state-level innovation, hold great promise for the future of sustainable agriculture in India.

Context: A depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression, bringing heavy rainfall to Chennai and several districts in Tamil Nadu. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the system will further intensify into a cyclone (Cyclone Fengal).

Cyclone

• A cyclone is a mature, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms featuring a clearly defined circulation pattern.

• They are caused by atmospheric disturbances around a low-pressure area distinguished by swift and often destructive air circulation.

• They form over warm ocean waters and are characterized by low pressure at the center, called the "eye," surrounded by strong, rotating winds.

Cyclones are classified as

1. extra tropical cyclones (also called temperate cyclones)

2. tropical cyclones

• Worldwide terminology: Cyclones are given many names in different regions of the world. They are known as:

• Typhoons in the China Sea and Pacific Ocean

• Hurricanes in the West Indian islands in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean

• Tornados in the Guinea lands of West Africa and southern USA.

• Willy-willies in north-western Australia

• Tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean

Exposure of Indian subcontinent to Cyclones

• The Indian subcontinent (8041 kilometres) is one of the worst affected regions in the world.

• It is exposed to nearly 10 per cent of the world’s tropical cyclones.

• Of these, the majority of them have their initial genesis over the Bay of Bengal and strike the East coast of India.  On an average, five to six tropical cyclones form every year.

• More cyclones occur in the Bay of Bengal than the Arabian Sea and the ratio is approximately 4:1.

• Cyclones occur frequently on both the coasts (the West coast - Arabian Sea; and the East coast - Bay of Bengal).

• Tropical cyclones occur in the months of May-June and October-November.

Key Concepts

• Depression: A depression is a low-pressure area in the atmosphere where the air pressure is lower than the surrounding regions.

• This typically leads to the movement of air from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas, causing clouds, moisture accumulation, and rainfall.

• Depressions are the weakest form of cyclonic systems and are associated with moderate to heavy rainfall, but they are not yet severe enough to be classified as cyclones.

• Depressions are common in tropical regions and form over warm oceans.

• Deep Depression: When a depression intensifies further, it becomes a deep depression.

• In this stage, the system is characterized by stronger winds (usually around 55-75 km/h), more defined low-pressure areas, and increased rainfall.

• While still not as severe as a full-fledged cyclone, a deep depression can cause significant weather disturbances, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding in affected areas.

Context: Delhi’s air quality remains poor post-Deepavali despite mitigation measures. Paddy stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, tracked using NASA satellites, is a major contributor.

• A controversy arose over delayed burning to evade detection, challenging data accuracy and exposing gaps in air pollution control measures.

Air Quality Crisis in Delhi Post-Deepavali

• Despite GRAP Stage IV measures, Supreme Court interventions, and actions by the Delhi government, Delhi’s air quality remains poor after Deepavali.

• Farm fires in Punjab and Haryana, where paddy stubble is burned for wheat sowing, are significant contributors to the pollution.

• Although not solely responsible, these fires are under scrutiny due to their severe impact on air quality.

Tracking Farm Fires Using Satellites

• Paddy Stubble Burning: Farmers burn stubble post-rice harvest to prepare for wheat sowing due to time and cost constraints.

• NASA Satellites: India uses data from Aqua and Suomi-NPP satellites to track farm fires.

• Aqua, launched in 2002, uses the MODIS instrument to monitor atmospheric changes.

• Suomi-NPP, launched in 2011, employs the VIIRS instrument for fire and smoke detection and the Ozone Mapping Profiler Suite for aerosol tracking.

• Both satellites pass over locations at 1:30 PM and 1:30 AM local time, capturing visible and infrared images.

Emerging Controversy Over Satellite Data

• A senior NASA scientist noted fewer fires in 2024 but highlighted the possibility of burning after satellite overpass times.

• Comparisons with South Korea’s GEO-KOMPSAT 2A satellite showed smoke increasing after Aqua and Suomi-NPP’s daily passes.

• Aerosol levels in the atmosphere remain consistent with previous years, contradicting reduced fire claims.

• Discrepancy in Reporting and Data

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):

• Established in 2020 to tackle air pollution in NCR.

• Allegations surfaced that farmers were advised to burn stubble post-overpass times to evade satellite detection.

• Reports from Punjab and IARI indicate a rise in burnt areas, contradicting CAQM’s claim of a 26.5% reduction.

Goodhart’s Law

• Explains how measures lose effectiveness when turned into targets.

• Farmers manipulating stubble-burning timings show this principle: aiming to avoid satellite detection, they adjust behavior, reducing the measure’s reliability in tracking fires and addressing pollution.

Government’s Response and Challenges

• Supreme Court Criticism: CAQM has been criticized for its inefficacy in reducing stubble burning and air pollution.

• CAQM Claims: Asserted a 71% reduction in Punjab and 44% in Haryana between 2020 and 2024.

• Efforts to develop accurate satellite protocols are underway, with collaboration with NRSC and ISRO.

Indian Satellites and Limitations

• INSAT-3DR: Provides coarse-resolution data unsuitable for precise fire detection.

• RESOURCESAT Satellites: Offer better spatial resolutions with instruments like LISS and AWiFS but still face limitations.

• GISAT-1: Could have contributed but failed during its launch in 2021.

Conclusion

• The controversy around farm fires highlights the urgent need for accurate measurement systems and actionable solutions to mitigate Delhi’s recurring air quality crisis.

• Enhanced technology and inter-agency coordination are critical.

Context: The Global Nitrous Oxide Assessment has recently been published by the United Nations Environment Programme & the Food and Agriculture Organization.

• It is the first international report focused solely on N2O in more than a decade.

Key Findings

• Global Warming Impact:

• N2O currently contributes 0.1°C to global warming.

• Its continued increase in emissions makes it impossible to limit warming to 1.5°C.

• Anthropogenic Emissions:

• Increased by 40% since 1980, with 75% originating from agriculture (synthetic fertilizers and manure).

• Ozone Depletion and Health Risks:

• N2O is the leading ozone-depleting substance, increasing harmful UV exposure.

• Raises risks of cataracts (0.2–0.8%) and skin cancer (2–10%).

• Abatement measures: The report highlighted that currently, available abatement measures could reduce N2O emissions by more than 40 per cent below current levels.

• Emissions Sources:

• Agriculture: It is currently the source of 75% of those emissions, of which approximately 90% comes from the use of synthetic fertilisers and manure on agricultural soils and 10% from manure management.

• Industry: Industrial sources account for approximately 5% of emissions, and the remaining 20% come from fossil fuel combustion, wastewater treatment, aquaculture, biomass burning, and other sources.

• Rise in Emissions: Atmospheric abundance of the gas has risen by over 20% since pre-industrial era; its mean annual growth rate over the past five years (2017–2021) was 1.2 parts per billion a year and was nearly twice that of the early 2000s (2000–2004).

Suggested Measures

• Agriculture: Use of enhanced-efficiency fertilisers, nitrification inhibitors, & slow-release formulations can reduce emissions.

• Industry: Industries can eliminate N2O emissions by adopting existing and relatively low-cost abatement measures that could cost $1,600-6,000 per tonne of nitrous oxide. 

• Fossil Fuel Reduction: Transition to renewable resources in transportation & energy production.

• Manure Management: Balance nutrient inputs in animal feed, reduce grazing intensity, & apply anaerobic digestion of manure.

• Multilateral Options:  Adopting targets like the Gothenburg Protocol on ammonia & nitrogen oxides under the Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution.

• Transformations in food production: Transformations in food production and societal systems could lead to even deeper reductions in  Nitrous Oxide emissions.

About Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

• It is a Greenhouse gas (GHG) 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2).

• It has the third-highest concentration, after CO2 and methane (CH4), in Earth’s atmosphere among GHGs responsible for global warming.

• It can live in the atmosphere for up to 120-125 years and is approximately 270 times more powerful than carbon dioxide per tonne of emission at warming the Earth.

The Gothenburg Protocol

• The Gothenburg Protocol (was adopted in 1999) was established to address pollutants that cause acidification and ground-level ozone. 

• It sets limits on air pollutants including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, ammonia and volatile organic compounds that are hazardous to human health and the environment.

About Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

• It is a Greenhouse gas (GHG) 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2).

• It has the third-highest concentration, after CO2 and methane (CH4), in Earth’s atmosphere among GHGs responsible for global warming.

• It can live in the atmosphere for up to 120-125 years and is approximately 270 times more powerful than carbon dioxide per tonne of emission at warming the Earth.

Absorbent “Sinks” of Nitrous Oxide

• Soils: Microbial processes in soils can consume and reduce N2O emissions. 

• Denitrifying bacteria convert N2O to nitrogen gas (N2) under anaerobic conditions.

• Oceans:  Deeper and subsurface oceans absorb N2O from the atmosphere through dissolution at the air-sea interface.

• Marine phytoplankton play a role in consuming dissolved N2O

• Stratosphere: N2O reacts with ozone (O3) which leads to the formation of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ultimately nitrogen gas (N2).  

Context: Prime Minister Modi expressed support for Bhutan’s project (Gelephu 'Mindfulness City'), calling it a significant global initiative. This mega project has the potential to redefine not just how sustainable living can be achieved, but become a global model unlike any other in the world today.

What is Gelephu Mindfulness City?

• The Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) is a major international co-operative project backed by India and aimed at promoting sustainable urban development.

• The Gelephu city is designed to blend technology, finance, and knowledge with mindfulness and sustainability.

• It aims to be a hub where every citizen of Bhutan participates as a shareholder and stakeholder in the project, embodying the co-operative spirit.

• The city, covering an area of 2,500 square kilometers, is designed to be a “Zero Carbon” city, promoting sustainability, mindfulness, and cooperation.

• Gelephu Mindfulness City is Bhutan’s biggest “co-operative project.”

• India has over 8 lakh co-operatives, and India has plans to expand co-operatives to every village in India, with a focus on modernizing and making Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) tech-enabled.

• It is a Special Administratve Region (SAR).

• The Gelephu 'Mindfulness City' will have two protected areas - a national park and a wildlife sanctuary.

• It will have rivers that will have the potential to generate 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts of electricity through renewable energy. It has forests, biological corridors and is teeming with wildlife. It has its own agricultural hubs and small towns.

• Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) is going to be the first of its kind special administrative region (SAR) in Bhutan based on a “two systems, one country” policy.

• This transformation aims to turn Gelephu into an economic and a strategic corridor bringing India and Bhutan closer, without disturbing Thimphu’s comfortable relationship with its other neighbour, China.

• Once built, Bhutan's 'Mindfulness City' will cover nearly 5% of the entire country's landmass and will be bigger than all of Singapore. 

• The city will be entirely based on Bhutan's Gross National Happiness philosophy which has been praised the world over

• Vision: The 'Mindfulness City' project has been envisioned by the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The idea is to build a “Silicon Valley of the East,” where technological progress aligns with nature and spirituality.

Significance for India

• The 'Gelephu mindfulness city' would "directly benefit India" in many ways since this city has been "purposely placed along the border with India in Assam."

• The town is strategically situated on the Assam border. It offers convenient access to other districts within Bhutan as well.

• It has long been a passage between Bhutan and India, serving as an important trading post and transit point for monks and traders moving between the Indian plains and Bhutanese highlands.

• Its serves as a lifeline and strategic location on the fertile plains, in contrast to the mountainous terrain that dominates much of the Himalayan kingdom.

• Bridge connecting India and Southeast Asia: The GMC is seen as a bridge connecting Bhutan to India and Southeast Asia, promoting economic growth while maintaining Bhutan’s neutrality and peaceful relations with both India and China.

• Economic development: The project is expected to boost the economy of both Bhutan and India, especially in the border region, with increasing land prices and new business opportunities.

• Strong ties: The GMC will also promote cross-border cultural ties, as the region has historically had strong familial and cultural connections between Bhutanese and Indians, especially in towns like Gelephu.

Concept of Mindful City

• Mindful city is an urban environment deigned with the principles of mindfulness at its core.

• The concept integrates elements of urban planning, architecture, and community development to foster a space that promotes well-being, health, and sustainable living.

• It describes the key elements of mindfulness city as an urban entity with all the necessary infrastructure that promotes harmony between man and nature.

Context: The MACE telescope in Hanle, Ladakh, represents a significant leap in India’s gamma-ray astronomy capabilities, building on over five decades of involvement in this field. MACE is poised to answer fundamental questions in high-energy astrophysics and particle physics, particularly regarding the nature of dark matter and WIMPs.

About MACE

• The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) telescope, inaugurated in Hanle, Ladakh, is a state-of-the-art gamma-ray telescope designed to study high-energy cosmic phenomena.

• Highest Imaging Cherenkov Telescope: Located at around 3 km above sea level, MACE is the highest of its kind in the world.

• Largest Dish in Asia: With a 21-meter-wide dish, it is the largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia and the second-largest globally.

Key Features

• Gamma Rays and Cherenkov Radiation: Gamma rays have the shortest wavelength and highest energy in the electromagnetic spectrum. While they are harmful to living organisms, Earth's atmosphere blocks most gamma rays. When these rays hit the atmosphere, they produce Cherenkov radiation—a faint blue light—caused by charged particles traveling faster than light in air.

• Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescope (IACT): MACE is an IACT, capable of detecting Cherenkov radiation to study high-energy gamma rays from cosmic sources.

• Collaboration and Construction: The facility was built by major Indian institutions, including the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Electronics Corporation of India Ltd. (ECIL), and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).

Technology

• Light Collector and Mirrors: MACE uses 356 mirror panels, each with four smaller mirrors arranged in a honeycomb pattern. This design enhances stability and reflective area while reducing empty space between mirrors. Similar designs are used in other space observatories like the James Webb Space Telescope.

• High-Resolution Camera: The telescope is equipped with a camera containing 1,088 photomultiplier tubes that detect and amplify faint light signals. Data processing is done in real-time through specialized electronics.

• Mobility and Mount: MACE’s 180-ton telescope moves along a 27-meter-wide curved track, with an altitude-azimuth mount, allowing it to adjust its view both vertically and horizontally.

Scientific Goals

• High-Energy Gamma Ray Study: MACE primarily aims to study gamma rays with energies above 20 billion eV. This includes investigating black holes, gamma-ray pulsars, blazars, and gamma-ray bursts.

• Search for Dark Matter: One of MACE’s significant goals is to explore the elusive particles that make up dark matter, which is believed to account for more than 85% of the universe’s mass. One candidate for dark matter particles is WIMPs (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles). When WIMPs collide and annihilate each other, they may produce high-energy gamma rays, which MACE is designed to detect.

Context: In less than two decades, Earth’s tilt has shifted by 31.5 inches due to the pumping of groundwater, a new study reveals. The research highlights how the redistribution of water on the planet can have significant effects on Earth's rotation and its climate, including sea-level rise. Let’s explore why this happens and the implications for our planet.

How Groundwater Pumping Affects Earth’s Tilt?

• A study published in Geophysical Research Letters shows that pumping groundwater, particularly for irrigation and human use, has caused Earth’s rotational pole to shift by 31.5 inches. 

• This shift, when measured, equates to an estimated sea-level rise of about 0.24 inches. 

• Scientists have long known that the movement of water can influence Earth's rotation, but this study quantifies the effect.

Key Findings of the Study

• Between 1993 and 2010, excessive groundwater extraction caused Earth's rotational pole to shift 80 cm eastward, which contributed to a 0.24-inch rise in sea levels by altering planet's mass distribution.

• Shift in Earth's rotational axis is driven by movement of groundwater from aquifers to oceans.

• This shift occurred at a rate of 4.36 cm per year, challenging previous climate models that primarily focused on ice sheet melting.

• Most of the world's oceans experience an increase of near 10 mm, but there was a sea level drop observed over the Indian and the Pacific Ocean adjacent to regions of groundwater depletion in Northwestern India and western North America.

The Role of Water Redistribution

• Water has the power to redistribute mass on Earth. Just like adding weight to a spinning top changes its movement, moving groundwater affects Earth’s rotation. 

• As groundwater is pumped from various regions and eventually flows into the oceans, it alters the distribution of mass on the planet, which influences the tilt and rotation of Earth.

Significance of Groundwater Movement

• The study, which analyzed data from 1993 to 2010, identified that 2,150 gigatons of groundwater were pumped, leading to the observed changes in Earth's tilt. 

• The main sources of this water movement are regions like western North America and northwestern India, where large amounts of water are being redistributed.

Impact on Sea-Level Rise

• While the redistribution of groundwater may seem like a small factor, its influence on sea-level rise is notable. The movement of this water into the oceans contributes to an increase in global sea levels. 

• Researchers now recognize this as an important source of sea-level rise, alongside melting ice caps and thermal expansion of oceans.

About Motion of Earth

• An infographic image illustrating the inclination of the Earth's axis with respect to its orbital plane. The Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of 23½° from the vertical line perpendicular to the orbital plane, forming an angle of 66½° with the orbital plane itself. Key latitudes, including the Equator, Tropic of Cancer, and Tropic of Capricorn, are also marked.

• Earth has two types of motions: rotation and revolution.

• Rotation is the movement of Earth around its axis, while revolution is the movement of Earth around the sun in a fixed orbit.

• Earth's axis is an imaginary line that is tilted at an angle of 66½° to its orbit.

Effects of the Earth’s Inclination

• Day and night occur due to Earth's rotation, while seasons change because of its revolution.

• It also causes variations in heat distribution, creating seasons and climate zones. 

Conclusion

• Understanding how groundwater pumping affects Earth’s rotation opens up new avenues for research. Historical data can provide deeper insights into the long-term effects of water movement. With this knowledge, conservationists can work toward finding solutions to mitigate climate change, particularly in relation to sea-level rise.

Context: During the National Seed Congress (NSC), experts, scientists, and industry partners came together to highlight the need to revise and modernize the Seeds Bill of 2004 and the Seeds Policy of 2002. They called for these policies to reflect the current challenges and advances in the seed industry, as well as to address farmers' concerns more effectively.

India’s Seed Industry

• Seed is the most important and vital input for agricultural production.

• In fact, it is the most cost efficient means of increasing agricultural production and productivity.

• Seeds Efficacy of other agricultural inputs in enhancing productivity and production, such as fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation is largely determined by the quality of seed.

• The Indian seed industry’s foundation was established in the 1960s and subsequent policies in the late 1980s, including the New Seed Development Policy (1988-1989), transformed the industry and provided Indian farmers access to superior seed and planting materials.

• In 2022, the Indian seed market was valued at $6.3 billion, projected to reach $12.7 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 12.43 per cent.

• Focus area for the sector: Pest and disease-resistant seeds, drought and heat-tolerant varieties, and more nutritious options to address the challenges of climate change and enhance nutritional value.

Technological Advancement made in Seed Industry

• Genetic advancement: Seed technology used today combines genetic advancement with applied technologies to provide quality-enhanced seeds with the ability to withstand a range of biotic and abiotic stressors.

• Priming and enhancement technologies: Priming and enhancement technologies are emerging as an essential package of practices to ensure that seeds perform well under a wide range of growing conditions.

• Film coating technology: Film coating technology is applied to organic and inorganic cultivation to improve seed handling, precision planting and use as carriers of pesticides and nutrients.

Issues in the Seed sector

• There are several roadblocks to the growth of India’s seed sector:

• Outdated laws and conflict between Central and State regulations make it difficult to implement policies effectively.

• Poor availability of quality seeds, especially for smallholder farmers, and high dependency on informal seed systems are major challenges.

• Conflicts over proprietary technologies (like genetically modified seeds) and farmers’ rights were also mentioned, as well as disagreements over royalties and technology-sharing agreements between private companies and farmers.

• The sector’s reliance on imported germplasm (genetic material for creating hybrid seeds) is also a concern, as it prevents self-sufficiency.

• There is a lack of investment in seed research and development to develop better varieties suited for local conditions.

• Climate Change: Heatwaves caused a 4.5 per cent decrease in wheat yield across India, with some areas experiencing up to a 15 per cent drop in April 2022 due to an unprecedented rise in temperatures in the month.

• The combination of water scarcity, heatwaves, frequent droughts, and unpredictable monsoons presents a significant challenge to India’s agricultural productivity.

• These challenges underscore the urgent need to prioritise the development of drought-resistant crop varieties. 

Suggestions for Reform

• The government should focus on improving farmer education on the importance of good quality seeds.

• There is need for strengthening seed cooperatives to help empower smallholder farmers and make high-quality seeds more accessible.

• The seed certification system should be made more transparent and in line with global standards to ensure better seed quality.

Types of seed

• Breeder seed: Breeder seed is seed or vegetative propagating material directly controlled by the originating or sponsoring plant breeder of the breeding programme or institution and/ or seed whose production is personally supervised by a qualified plant breeder and which provides the source for the initial and recurring increase of foundation seed. 

• Breeder seed shall be genetically so pure as to guarantee that in the subsequent generation i.e. certified foundation seed class shall confirm to the prescribed standards of genetic purity. 

• The other quality factors of breeder seed such as physical purity, inert matter, germination etc. shall be indicated on the label on actual basis.

• Foundation seed:  Foundation seed shall be the progeny of Breeder seed or be produced from foundation seed, which can be clearly traced to Breeder seed.  Thus foundation seed can even be produced from foundation seed during the production of Foundation Seed the minimum seed certification standard shall be the same for both foundation seed stage-I and II. 

• The certification tag shall be white colour for both foundation seed stage-I and II. 

• The production of foundation seed stage I and II shall be supervised and approved by the certification agency and be so handled as to maintain specific genetic identity and genetic purity and shall be required to confirm to certification standards specified for the crop / variety being certified.

• Certified Seed: Certified seed shall be the progeny of foundation seed and its production shall be so handled as to maintain specific genetic identity and purity according to the standards prescribed for the crop being certified. 

• Certified seed may be the progeny of certified seed provided this reproduction does not exceed three generations beyond foundation seed stage-I.

Key Schemes/Acts

• Central Sector Scheme “Development and Strengthening of Infrastructure Facilities for Production and Distribution of Quality Seeds”:

• The restructured Central Sector Scheme “Development and Strengthening of Infrastructure Facilities for Production and Distribution of Quality Seeds” is under implementation from the year 2005-06.

• The objective of the scheme is to develop and strengthen the existing infrastructure for the production and distribution of certified /quality seeds to farmers.

Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer’s Rights Act, 2001

• It provides for the establishment of an effective system for protection of plant varieties, the rights of farmers and plant breeders and to encourage the development of new varieties of plants.

• The scheme is implemented by Protection of Plant Varieties and farmers’ Rights (PPV&FR) Authority and autonomous statutory body corporate established under PPV & FR Act, 2001 in November, 2005.

Context: The article discusses the significant rise in women’s participation in the labor force in India, as indicated by the increasing Worker Population Ratio (WPR) and Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR).

• It highlights various government initiatives aimed at boosting female employment and employability.

Analysis of the news

• Worker Population Ratio (WPR) & Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)

• Data from the Annual PLFS Reports (2017-24) shows increasing female participation in the workforce.

• WPR for women rose from 22.0% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24.

• LFPR increased from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24.

Factors have contributed to the doubling of the worker population:

• Increased Economic Engagement: The WPR for women rose from 22% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24, indicating a substantial increase in women’s engagement in economic activities.

• Educational Advancements: There has been a notable rise in the employment of educated women. For instance, the employment rate for women with postgraduate education increased from 34.5% to 39.6% during the same period.

• Government Initiatives: Various government policies aimed at enhancing women’s employment opportunities and empowerment have played a crucial role in this increase.

• Rural Participation: A significant factor has been the rise in female labour force participation in rural areas, which jumped by 23 percentage points from 2017-18 to 2023-24.

Government Initiatives

• Prioritizing employment generation and improving employability for women.

• Labour laws include provisions like paid maternity leave, equal wages, and flexible working hours for women.

• Key schemes: Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Stand-UP India, MGNREGS, DDU-GKY, Startup India, SERB-POWER, among others.

• Employment training provided through women-focused vocational institutes.

Budget 2024-25

• Rs. 2 lakh crore outlay for employment, skilling, and other opportunities for 4.1 crore youth over 5 years.

• Establishment of working women hostels and creches to facilitate workforce participation.

How does the increase in women’s worker population ratio compare across different regions and sectors? 

• Urban vs. Rural Participation: The increase in female labour force participation has been more pronounced in rural areas, from 24.6% to 47.6%. In contrast, urban participation saw a smaller increase from 20.4% to 23.8%.

• Sectoral Differences: Women are increasingly participating in various sectors, with significant improvements noted in agriculture and informal sectors, which traditionally employ many women.

What are the implications of economic growth and gender equality in India?

• Economic Growth: The rise in women’s workforce participation contributes positively to economic growth by increasing productivity and expanding the labour market. This shift is essential for achieving higher overall economic performance.

• Gender Equality: Enhanced participation of women in the workforce is a critical step toward achieving gender equality. As more women enter the labour force, it challenges traditional gender roles and promotes equal opportunities.

• Income Growth: With increased participation comes improved earnings for women across different employment categories, further contributing to household income and economic stability.

Road Ahead

• Skill Development and Inclusive Policies: Expand skill training programs tailored to women’s needs, particularly in non-traditional and high-growth sectors like technology, finance, and entrepreneurship.

• Strengthening Rural and Informal Sector Opportunities: Invest in rural employment initiatives, such as MGNREGA, and formalize informal sector jobs by improving access to social security benefits, childcare support, and credit facilities for women entrepreneurs.

Context: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) guarantees 100 days of work per year for rural households. Each household has a job card that lists its registered adults, and no one can work without a job card. 

• To add new members to a job card, proof of adulthood is required. However, under certain circumstances, people can be removed from these job cards, a process outlined in the Act.

Guidelines for Deletions:

• Job cards can be deleted if:

• The household permanently migrates.

• The job card is found to be a duplicate.

• It was issued based on forged documents.

• If a Gram Panchayat is reclassified as a municipal corporation, all job cards in that Panchayat are deleted.

• If a person is to be removed from the list, they must be given a chance to explain, in the presence of two independent witnesses. These rules are mentioned in the Master Circular, a guideline document issued by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) to ensure that deletions are fair and transparent.

• The Rise in Deletions:

• In 2021-22, around 1.49 crore workers were deleted from MGNREGA job cards. However, this number surged to 53 crore in 2022-23 — an increase of 247%. Over the past four years, 10.43 crore workers have been removed from job cards across the country.

• This sudden surge coincided with the government's push to make Aadhaar-based payments (ABPS) mandatory for MGNREGA workers. For ABPS to work, every worker's Aadhaar number must be linked with their job card.

• In the process of increasing Aadhaar linkage, officials were pressured to delete workers to make the compliance percentage look better. This led to deletions without proper verification, with some workers being removed based on incorrect reasons, even though they were still entitled to work.

Reasons for Deletions:

• A large number of deletions (about 83% in 2023) were attributed to workers being labeled as "Not willing to work." However, many of these workers had either worked or asked for work during the same year they were deleted. The most troubling part is that many deletions were done without informing the workers or following the required process, like involving the Gram Sabha (local village council).

Other Issues:

• Some deletions were justified as "village becomes urban," even though, according to the Act, all job cards in an urbanized village should be deleted, not just a few workers.

• A staggering 71% of deletions were attributed to workers being "Not willing to work," despite the high unemployment in rural areas. This number raises serious concerns about the accuracy and fairness of these deletions.

Problems with the Process

• Many workers were deleted without any verification or due process, which is required by the Act.

• The government, despite listing the reasons for deletions in the MGNREGA Management Information System (MIS), hasn't conducted any analysis of these deletions, leading to potential misuse of the system.

Recommendations for Improvement

• Verification and Audits: Independent audits and checks should be implemented to ensure that deletions are legitimate.

• Involving Gram Sabhas: Deletions should be conducted transparently, with Gram Sabhas (village councils) involved in the decision-making process.

• Accountability and Transparency: There should be clear records, public consultations, and grievance redress systems to ensure that no worker is wrongfully removed from the job card.

• Training Local Authorities: Gram Panchayats (local councils) should be trained to follow proper protocols when making decisions about deletions.

About MGNREGA

• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), is an Indian labour law and social security measure that aims to guarantee the ‘right to work’.

• It aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.

• Employment under MGNREGA is a legal entitlement.

• MGNREGA is to be implemented mainly by gram panchayats (GPs). The involvement of contractors is banned. 

Context: Services sector jobs and agriculture income enhancement present large opportunities for school-based skilling, according to “Jobs at Your Doorsteps,” a skill gap study prepared by the World Bank.

About the Study 

• It examined skill education and job opportunities in Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Rajasthan.

• It identified key sectors offering high-demand jobs for school-to-work pathways.

Focus Areas

• It focused on scaling and strengthening skill education.

• It addressed which skills should be offered based on local economic needs.

• It explored ways to enhance skill education outcomes, including jobs, self-employment, and pathways to further education or skills.

Key Sector Findings

• Services Sector: Major opportunities in retail, IT, banking, and other service sectors, requiring multi-skill exposure and employability skills.

• Agriculture Sector: Significant opportunities for school-based skilling to enhance farm productivity and income.

• Areas like horticulture, dairy farming, livestock health, and aquaculture were identified for job generation.

• Mining Sector: Limited job opportunities due to hazardous work conditions and demand for unskilled labor.

• Manufacturing Sector: Both MSMEs and large industries offer medium-level opportunities. MSMEs seek multi-skilled workers, while larger industries prefer skilled workers with proper certifications (e.g., ITI equivalent).

Key Recommendations

• For Skill Education: Create skill hubs and expand access to skill education.

• Revise curricula to target broad-based trades and local economic needs.

• Focus on employability skills (soft skills) alongside technical skills.

• Enhance hands-on learning and experimental pedagogy.

• Build industry partnerships for curriculum development and industry exposure.

• Strengthen assessments to test practical, hands-on skills.

• Sector-Specific Recommendations: Agriculture: Customize curricula based on local agricultural needs; focus on farm productivity and agronomy.

• Manufacturing: Increase focus on the automobile sector to generate more job opportunities.

• Government Role: Both State and Central governments are encouraged to focus on specific areas such as horticulture, dairy farming, and aquaculture to boost job creation.

Context: The Adarsh Gaushala, Gwalior MP has achieved a landmark feat with the establishment of India’s first modern, self-sufficient gaushala that houses a state-of-the-art Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant. 

About Compressed Biogas (CBG)

• It is a renewable gaseous fuel produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic matter like agricultural residues, animal dung, food waste, and municipal solid waste.

• Production: It requires purification of biogas (to remove impurities like carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, and moisture). 

• This refined and compressed gas, containing over 90% methane, becomes CBG, boasting properties similar to conventional compressed natural gas (CNG).

Properties

• Calorific value & properties similar to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

• Serves as a green, renewable fuel.

• Applications: It can replace CNG in automotive, industrial, & commercial sectors.

About Gwalior’s Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant

• Capacity: It can process 100 tons of cattle dung daily to produce 2-3 tons of Bio-CNG. 10-15 tons of bio-manure for organic farming.

• It incorporates windrow composting for additional organic waste processing.

• Windrow Composting: It is a method of composting that involves piling organic waste into long rows, called windrows, and turning them regularly to improve the compost.

Government Initiatives for Compressed Biogas (CBG) 

• Phased Mandatory Blending of CBG: It was announced in 2024 Interim Budget → CBG with CNG (transportation) and PNG (domestic use)→ Transition to a green gas-based economy & Address environmental degradation and promote cleaner energy sources.

• National Policy on Biofuels 2018: It emphasises on promotion of advanced Biofuels including CBG. 

• Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBAR-DHAN) Scheme: It aims  to convert cattle dung and solid waste in farms to Bio-CNG (CBG) and compost. 

• Central Financial Assistance for Bio-CNG: Notified by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Financial assistance under the program is available for Biogas generation, Bio CNG generation, Power generation from MSW, Biomass Gasifier etc.

• SATAT Initiative: It promotes entrepreneurs to set up Compressed Biogas plants, produce and supply CBG to Oil Marketing Companies for sale as automotive & industrial fuels.

• RBI priority sector lending: It includes loans (up to ?50 crore) for start-ups setting up CBG plants.

• IREDA Business Plan (2022–2026): It includes financial assistance for CBG in its disbursement targets.

Context: On November 26, 2024, India celebrated 75 years of its Constitution, honouring how leaders from different viewpoints worked together in the Constituent Assembly to build a nation that respects the rights and interests of all cultural groups.

Why Did Constitution Makers Agree to Create a Liberal Political State in India?

• Emphasis on Liberty: The Constitution-makers embraced liberalism, which prioritizes individual freedom and the belief that citizens should operate without state interference. This was seen as essential for realizing human potential in intellectual, moral, and physical dimensions.

• Positive State Role: Recognizing the severe social and economic inequalities at Independence, the framers concluded that a purely liberal approach without state intervention would exacerbate these disparities. Thus, they envisioned a state that actively works to reduce inequality through affirmative action and policies designed to uplift marginalized groups.

• Egalitarian Vision: The Constitution reflects principles of egalitarian liberalism, aiming to create an inclusive society where equal opportunities are available to all. This is evident in the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), which advocate for reducing inequalities and ensuring fair access to resources.

How Does the Neoliberal Ideological Order Shadow the Constitutional Vision of Creating an Egalitarian Social Order in India?

• Concentration of Wealth: The neoliberal agenda has facilitated wealth concentration among a small elite, undermining constitutional provisions intended to prevent such disparities.

• The report that indicates that by 2022-23, 90% of billionaire wealth was held by upper castes in India is titled “Towards Tax Justice and Wealth Redistribution in India” (2024), prepared by the World Inequality Lab at the Paris School of Economics.

• Shift in Economic Focus: Since the adoption of neoliberal reforms in the 1990s, there has been a marked shift towards prioritizing private capital investment over welfare state interventions.

• Rising Inequality: Research indicates that income inequality has surged post-reforms, with the top 1% of earners capturing an increasing share of total income rising from 6% in the 1980s to approximately 22% by 2022-23.

Vision of an Egalitarian Society

• Constitutional Ideology on Equality: The Indian Constitution was crafted to create an egalitarian society, focusing on reducing inequalities, both social and economic, by incorporating principles from egalitarian liberalism, including equal liberties, opportunities, and difference.

• State Intervention for Equality: The Constitution adopted liberal values but emphasized the state's role in addressing historical inequalities through affirmative action and reservations. This was crucial for providing equal opportunities and reducing social disparities.

• Judicial Interpretations: The Supreme Court of India has reinforced this vision, with judgments like S. Nakara (1982) and Air India Statutory Corporation (1996), highlighting the importance of a welfare state that aims to achieve economic and social justice by reducing inequalities.

Neoliberal Reforms and Impact on Inequality

• Shift Post-Economic Reforms: After the adoption of neoliberal economic reforms in the 1990s, the state’s role in reducing inequality diminished as market-driven policies prioritized private capital over welfare, resulting in growing economic disparities.

• Rising Inequality: Research by Lucas Chancel and Thomas Piketty revealed that after liberalization, the share of income held by the top 1% increased sharply, with the top 1% now holding 22.6% of the wealth by 2022-23, highlighting a regression to pre-Independence inequality levels.

• Current Inequality Status: The "State of Inequality in India Report" (2022) showed a stark contrast in wages, with the top 10% earning disproportionately high wages compared to the bottom 90%, leading to a widening gap and undermining the constitutional vision of economic equality.

What Policy Measures Can Be Implemented to Address Inequality Effectively?

• Strengthening Welfare Policies: Reinvigorating welfare state mechanisms to ensure basic needs are met for all citizens can help bridge the gap between different socio-economic groups. This includes enhancing social security systems and public health initiatives.

• Affirmative Action: Expanding affirmative action policies can help uplift marginalized communities by ensuring their representation in education, employment, and political spheres.

• Progressive Taxation: Implementing a more progressive tax system can redistribute wealth more equitably. Higher taxes on the wealthy can be used to fund social programs aimed at reducing poverty and improving access to education and healthcare.

• Community Resource Management: Encouraging community-based management of resources can empower local populations and ensure equitable distribution of wealth generated from local economies.

• Regulatory Frameworks: Establishing robust regulatory frameworks that prevent monopolistic practices and ensure fair competition can help mitigate wealth concentration and promote economic equity.

Social Inequality and Wealth Concentration

• Overlap of Economic and Social Inequality: Economic inequality in India is strongly correlated with social inequality, as upper castes dominate wealth accumulation, with scheduled castes and tribes largely excluded from billionaire wealth.

• Wealth Distribution Among Castes: The report highlighted that by 2022-23, upper castes held 90% of the wealth, while OBCs and Scheduled Castes had significantly less representation, reinforcing social hierarchies in wealth ownership.

• Impact of Rising Billionaire Wealth: Oxfam’s report pointed out that the rise in billionaire wealth is exacerbating social and economic inequalities, as it now takes 941 years for a minimum wage earner to earn the same as a top corporate executive, undermining the egalitarian goals envisioned in the Constitution.

Context: November 26, 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution. The Indian government has announced plans for a special joint sitting of Parliament to commemorate the occasion. Amid celebrations, attention is drawn to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s warning about the future challenges of implementing the Constitution, which continue to resonate today.

Dr. Ambedkar's Vision on Constitutional Democracy

• Ambedkar's Warning: Dr. Ambedkar, in his final speech before the adoption of the Constitution, highlighted that the success of the Constitution depended not only on its framework but on the moral character of those who would implement it. He warned that a good Constitution could fail in the hands of corrupt or incapable leaders, while a flawed Constitution could succeed with virtuous leadership.

• Contradictions Between Political and Social Equality: Dr. Ambedkar identified a major contradiction: while political equality was ensured by universal suffrage, social and economic inequality would persist due to the entrenched caste system and disparities in wealth. He foresaw this disparity as a challenge for India’s democratic journey, which would require a transformation in social structures to align with constitutional ideals.

• Fraternity and National Unity: Dr. Ambedkar stressed that fraternity, or a sense of common brotherhood, was essential for the Constitution’s success. Without it, liberty and equality would remain empty ideals, and social cohesion would be undermined. He warned that fraternity was necessary to unite India, where caste and religious divisions continued to dominate social life.

Progress Made Since Independence

• Advancements in Equality: India has made significant strides in promoting equality, notably through the abolition of untouchability and the introduction of affirmative action policies such as reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). However, despite these efforts, the task of achieving social and economic equality remains far from complete.

• The Issue of Caste and Fraternity: Although India has made progress in promoting fraternity through nation-building efforts, including moments of national solidarity, caste continues to be a major political and social resource. The extension of reservations to OBCs, intended to uplift marginalized groups, has inadvertently entrenched caste identities rather than diminishing them, hindering the realization of true fraternity.

• Challenges in Constitutional Governance: Despite the success of the Constitution in surviving political upheavals, there are growing concerns over the erosion of constitutional institutions, such as Parliament and the judiciary. The rise of "electoral autocracy" and pressures on democratic structures have led to warnings from international observers, signaling that the ideals of the Constitution are under threat.

Ambedkar's Enduring Legacy and the Path Ahead

• Irony in the BJP’s Celebration of the Constitution: It is noteworthy that the current ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which historically opposed the Constitution, is now celebrating its 75th anniversary. This reflects the Constitution’s resilience and the evolving political landscape, where even those who once rejected it are now its custodians.

• Institutional Weaknesses and the Role of the Judiciary: Dr. Ambedkar’s concerns about the potential decay of democratic institutions have come true to some extent, with pressures on the judiciary and diminishing parliamentary authority. This has raised questions about the Constitution’s ability to protect democratic values in the face of growing authoritarian tendencies.

• Reflection on Dr. Ambedkar’s Responsibility of Independence: Dr. Ambedkar’s concluding remarks about the responsibility of independence resonate today: the challenges India faces are no longer the fault of colonial rule but the responsibility of its citizens and leaders. In the 75th year of the Constitution, it is time for India to reflect on its progress and identify the changes necessary to fulfill the Constitution's vision.

What Challenges Remain for the Constitution?

• Institutional Weakening: Parliament and judiciary face pressures, reducing their effectiveness.

• Global Perception: The V-Dem Institute labeled India an “electoral autocracy,” indicating concerns about democratic practices.

Road Ahead

• Dr. Ambedkar reminded us of the responsibility independence brings. India must reduce societal and political contradictions, strengthen institutions, and follow constitutional principles to ensure true democracy.

Context: In a significant verdict, the Supreme Court has said religious conversions undertaken solely to avail reservation benefits without genuine belief amounted to a "fraud on the Constitution".

• The Supreme Court upheld a Madras High Court order denying Scheduled Caste (SC) status to a woman born Christian who claimed to be Hindu to secure an SC certificate for a government job.

• Selvarani sought the certificate under the Adi Dravida quota for an Upper Division Clerk position in Puducherry.  

Analysis of News

Court’s Observations

• Active Practice of Christianity: The bench, comprising Justices Pankaj Mithal and R. Mahadevan, observed that Selvarani professed Christianity, attended church regularly, and had been baptized shortly after birth.

• Contradictory Claim: Despite practicing Christianity, she claimed Hindu identity for availing reservation benefits, which the court found to be untenable.

• Fraud on the Constitution: Such a dual claim, the court stated, undermines the purpose of reservation policies and amounts to constitutional fraud.

Reservation Policy and Secularism

• Objective of Reservation: The court emphasized that reservation is a tool for addressing historical social disadvantage. It cannot be exploited by individuals who adopt religious identities for personal gain.

• Genuine Conversion: The judgment stressed that religious conversion must stem from genuine faith and spiritual belief, not ulterior motives like quota benefits.

• Secular Principles: Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees the right to practice and profess any religion, but using religion as a means to manipulate social policies was deemed unacceptable.

Pending Constitutional Issue

• The bench highlighted the unresolved question of granting SC status to Dalit converts to Christianity and Islam.

• Current Legal Framework: As per the 1950 Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, SC status is restricted to Hindus, with Sikhs and Buddhists later included.

• Ranganath Mishra Commission: The 2007 report recommended extending SC quotas to Dalit Christians and Muslims, but this has yet to be implemented.

Selvarani’s Claims and Evidence

• Her Argument: Selvarani argued she was born to a Hindu father and a Christian mother, practiced Hindu rituals, and identified with the Valluvan caste, recognized under the SC category. She cited school records, family history, and cultural practices to substantiate her claim.

• Court Findings: Evidence revealed her father converted to Christianity through baptism, and her parents married under Christian rituals. Selvarani herself was baptized as an infant, and her family regularly attended church.

Court’s Reasoning

• Lack of Re-Conversion: The court noted that neither Selvarani nor her family undertook formal steps to reconvert to Hinduism, such as public declarations or rituals prescribed by the Arya Samaj.

• Baptism as Proof: Selvarani’s argument that her baptism as a child was involuntary was dismissed. The court pointed out she never attempted to annul her baptismal record or seek legal recognition as a Hindu.

• Field Investigation: An administrative inquiry confirmed her family’s Christian practices and found no evidence of reconversion.

Judgment and Implications

• SC Status Denied: The court ruled that Selvarani, as a Christian, could not claim SC status for employment under the reservation policy.

• Policy Integrity: It held that granting SC benefits to individuals who convert for opportunistic reasons undermines the ethos of affirmative action and social justice.

Conclusion

• The Supreme Court reinforced the principle that reservation policies are meant to address genuine social and economic disadvantage. Exploiting religious identities for personal gain distorts the system’s intent and violates constitutional principles. The judgment also brings attention to the broader issue of extending SC status to Dalit converts to other religions, which remains a contentious and unresolved matter.

Context: Experts say that Sjogren’s disease in India is a silent epidemic, underdiagnosed and poorly understood.

About Sjögren’s disease

• Sjögren’s disease is an autoimmune condition characterized by the immune system’s attack on the body’s moisture-producing glands. Here are some essential details about this disorder:

• Chronic and Autoimmune Nature: Sjögren’s disease is a chronic ailment where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, specifically the glands that produce moisture, such as tear and salivary glands.

• Demographics and Prevalence: It predominantly affects women, with a ratio of about 10 women for every man affected. The disease often manifests between the ages of 30 and 40 but can occur at any age, including childhood.

Symptoms:

• Primary Symptoms: Patients typically suffer from dry eyes and dry mouth.

• Dry Eyes: Patients may experience a gritty sensation in their eyes, particularly upon waking or after prolonged exposure to screens.

• Dry Mouth: This can lead to difficulties in swallowing and a higher risk of dental decay and gum disease.

• Additional Symptoms: The disease can also cause joint pain, fatigue, and swelling of the salivary glands, among other systemic symptoms, making it a complex condition that affects multiple body systems.

Treatment Options

• Managing Dryness: Treatment typically involves the use of salivary stimulants or substitutes to manage dry mouth, and artificial tears or gel-based lubricating drops for dry eyes.

• Lifestyle Adjustments: Patients are advised to avoid triggers that may exacerbate symptoms, such as air conditioning and extended screen time. Wearing sunglasses that offer UV protection can also be beneficial.

• Systemic Management: For more severe systemic manifestations, immunosuppressive medications may be necessary.

• Impact on Quality of Life: The persistent dryness associated with Sjögren’s can significantly affect the patient’s quality of life, making daily activities challenging and uncomfortable.

Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission on December 4 from Sriharikota.

• This groundbreaking mission will study the solar corona, the Sun’s outermost and hottest atmosphere, and attempt the first-ever “precision formation flying” of two satellites.

What is Proba-3?

• Proba-3, costing €200 million, comprises two satellites flying in a highly elliptical orbit of 600 x 60,530 km with a 19.7-hour period.

• The satellites will separate post-launch and work in tandem to form a solar coronagraph, blocking sunlight to observe the solar corona.

• The mission aims to provide six hours of uninterrupted corona observation, equivalent to 50 solar eclipses annually, over its two-year lifespan.

Scientific Objectives

• Proba-3 will study the Sun’s corona and space weather phenomena like solar storms and winds, which impact satellite operations and Earth’s communication systems. The mission will deploy three instruments:

• ASPIICS (Coronagraph): Focuses on the Sun’s outer and inner corona using an occulting disk for detailed imaging.

• DARA: Measures the Sun’s total energy output (solar irradiance).

• 3DEES: Analyzes electron fluxes in Earth’s radiation belts for space weather data.

Uniqueness of Proba-3

• The mission mimics a solar eclipse using precision formation flying:

• The Occulter Spacecraft casts a shadow 150 meters away onto the Coronagraph Spacecraft.

• This configuration blocks the Sun’s light, enabling detailed corona observations.

• Precise autonomous positioning will be maintained within millimetres for extended periods.

• This setup allows unprecedented study durations, far exceeding natural solar eclipse events.

India’s Strategic Gains

• ISRO’s involvement underscores its cost-effective and reliable launch capabilities, strengthening its reputation in global space missions.

• Indian scientists may gain exclusive data access, facilitating collaborative research with ESA and leveraging insights from Aditya L1, India’s first solar mission.

• This collaboration fosters advancements in solar physics and reinforces India’s position in space science.

Conclusion

• Proba-3 marks a significant step in solar research, combining technological innovation and international collaboration.

• With ISRO’s launch prowess and Indian scientists’ potential contributions, this mission could unlock new insights into the Sun’s corona and space weather, benefitting both India and global scientific communities.