In News:

The Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative, launched by Defence Minister coinciding with the 77th Army Day celebrations, is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Tourism.

Key Highlights:

• This initiative is designed to promote battlefield and border tourism by providing citizens with access to historically significant battlefields and military sites.

Objectives

• Promote Battlefield and Border Tourism: Encourage citizens and tourists to explore India's military history.
• Enhance Awareness: Educate visitors about India’s historic battles and military valor.
• Socio-Economic Development: Boost infrastructure, connectivity, and local economies in border regions.

Features of Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan

• Virtual Tours and Interactive Content: The platform offers historical narratives, virtual tours, and interactive multimedia to provide a detailed account of each battlefield.
• Travel Planning Assistance: Visitors can access information regarding permits, travel routes, and accommodations.
• Integration with the Incredible India Campaign: The initiative is part of the government’s broader tourism strategy, ensuring widespread promotion.
• Collaborative Infrastructure Development: The Indian Army is working with local civil authorities to facilitate safe tourism without compromising operational preparedness.

Key Locations Covered

• Galwan Valley (Ladakh): Site of the 2020 India-China clash.
• Doklam: A tri-junction between India, Bhutan, and China.
• Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC) Sites:
  • Nathu La Pass (Sikkim): Significant in the 1967 Indo-China clashes.
  • Longewala (Rajasthan): Site of a key battle during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
  • Other Sites: Locations of the 1962 war with China and various Indo-Pak conflicts.

Significance

• Historical and Patriotic Engagement: Provides citizens firsthand insights into the challenges faced by soldiers in remote, strategic locations.
• Tourism Development in Border Areas: Previously restricted areas now open for visitors, leading to economic benefits for local communities.
• National Security Awareness: Encourages greater appreciation of India's defense forces and their contributions.

Implementation

The first phase of the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan project includes key battlefields and border sites across seven major regions. Future phases will expand coverage to additional historical military locations.

In News:

The World Bank has released its Global Economic Prospects (GEP) report for 2025, a flagship biannual publication analyzing trends and projections in the global economy, with a focus on emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). The report highlights economic growth forecasts, trade dynamics, and the challenges and opportunities shaping the global economic landscape.

Global Economic Outlook

• The world economy is projected to expand at a steady yet subdued rate of 2.7% in both 2025 and 2026, maintaining the pace of 2024.
• Inflation, which peaked above 8% in recent years, is expected to stabilize at an average rate of 2.7% in 2025 and 2026, aligning with central bank targets.
• Despite growth, the global economy remains 0.4 percentage points below the 2010-2019 average, raising concerns about its ability to tackle poverty effectively.

Challenges and Risks

• Trade Restrictions: New trade restrictions imposed in 2024 were five times higher than the 2010-19 average, contributing to a slowdown in global trade and economic growth.
• Rising Protectionism: Increased fragmentation in global trade policies is limiting exports and hampering economic integration.
• Policy Uncertainty: Adverse policy shifts, sluggish progress in reducing inflation, and weaker performance in major economies pose downside risks to global recovery.
• Debt and Investment Concerns: Developing economies are experiencing sluggish investment growth and high debt levels, exacerbated by climate change-related costs.

Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs)

• EMDEs have significantly evolved since 2000, now contributing about 45% of global GDP, compared to 25% at the start of the century.
• The three largest EMDEs—India, China, and Brazil—have accounted for approximately 60% of annual global growth over the past two decades.
• Growth in low- and middle-income developing countries is expected at 4.1% in 2025 and 4% in 2026, with a notable slowdown compared to the early 2000s.
• Low-income countries are projected to rebound to 5.7% in 2025 and 5.9% in 2026, aided by easing conflicts in some regions.
• The world's poorest nations, with annual per capita incomes below USD 1,145, recorded growth of 3.6% in 2024, impacted by conflicts in regions like Gaza and Sudan, alongside lingering effects of COVID-19 and geopolitical tensions.

India-Specific Highlights

• Fastest-Growing Major Economy: India is expected to maintain its position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with a projected growth rate of 6.7% in both 2025 and 2026.
• Sectoral Growth: The services sector will remain robust, while manufacturing activity is expected to strengthen.
• Investment Growth: Supported by rising private investment, improved corporate balance sheets, and favorable financing conditions, investment growth in India is expected to remain steady.
• Key Growth Drivers:
  • Infrastructure development under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
  • Innovation-driven initiatives like Startup India and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme.
  • Expansion of the digital economy and financial inclusion efforts.
• Rural Demand and Consumption: Growth in rural demand and a recovery in farm production have bolstered consumer spending, although urban consumption remains affected by inflation and slow credit growth.

In News:

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and the focus on this month underscores the critical importance of preventing cervical cancer, a disease responsible for significant mortality among women in India. At the heart of this prevention is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which is recognized as the most effective measure to prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. Despite its potential, the HPV vaccine remains out of reach for many due to its high cost and the need for greater awareness.

HPV and its Impact in India

HPV is responsible for 99.7% of cervical cancers worldwide, making it one of the primary causes of cancer in women. In India, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women, accounting for about 6-29% of all cancers in women. As of GLOBOCAN 2020, India alone has 20% of the global burden of cervical cancer, with over 123,000 cases and a 9.1% mortality rate.

Additionally, HPV can lead to several other cancers, including anal, vulvar, vaginal, penile, and throat cancers, making its vaccination vital for overall cancer prevention.

The HPV Vaccine: A Game-Changer

The HPV vaccine is the most effective tool to prevent infections caused by the virus and reduce the incidence of associated cancers. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that neutralize the virus before it can cause damage. There are different types of vaccines authorized in India, including:

• Gardasil (protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18)
• Cervarix (a bivalent vaccine targeting HPV 16 and 18)
• Cervavac (India's first HPV vaccine, developed by the Serum Institute of India)

The vaccine is recommended for both males and females between 9 and 26 years, with a special focus on children aged 12 to 13 years, as the vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to the virus. It’s also suitable for people who are immunocompromised or HIV-infected.

Challenges to HPV Vaccination in India

Despite the obvious benefits, the uptake of the HPV vaccine in India faces several barriers:

• High Costs: The price of the vaccine remains prohibitively high. For example:
  • Gardasil 9 costs ?10,850 per dose.
  • Gardasil 4 is priced between ?2,000 to ?4,000 per dose.
  • Cervavac, the Indian-made vaccine, costs around ?2,000 per dose, which is more affordable but still out of reach for many.
• Awareness and Cultural Perceptions: There is a lack of awareness about HPV and its link to cervical cancer. Cultural factors, particularly around reproductive health, can also create reluctance to vaccinate, especially in rural or conservative areas.
• Limited Access: Currently, the vaccine is available through private practitioners and is not part of the National Immunisation Programme (NIP), limiting access to the broader population.

The Way Forward: National Immunisation and Awareness Campaigns

The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) has recommended that the HPV vaccine be included in India’s National Immunisation Programme (NIP). This would enable broader access and affordability, especially for girls aged 9–14 years and ensure that a routine vaccination schedule is implemented at the age of 9 years. Some states like Punjab and Sikkim have already taken steps to introduce the vaccine in their state-level immunization programs.

Additionally, a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign could raise awareness about the vaccine and its benefits, helping to overcome the challenges of cost, safety concerns, and cultural perceptions. Regular cervical cancer screenings (such as Pap smears and HPV tests) should also be encouraged to identify precancerous changes early.

In News:

The concept of ‘blood money’ has come under scrutiny recently, especially in the context of the death sentence awarded to Indian nurse Nimisha Priya from Kerala in Yemen. This case, where the focus is on monetary compensation paid to the victim’s family, has sparked renewed discussions on the practice of blood money.

What is ‘Blood Money’?

‘Blood money’ or diya is a term used in Islamic Sharia law and refers to a sum of money that the perpetrator of a crime must pay to the victim or the victim’s family, typically in cases of unintentional murder or homicide. The custom is designed to offer compensation to the family for the loss of income and alleviate their suffering, rather than placing a price on human life. This practice allows the victim’s family to forgive the accused and avoid retribution, called qisas, under the Sharia.

However, even when blood money is paid, the community or state retains the authority to impose a penalty or punishment, which could include imprisonment or other penalties, based on the seriousness of the crime.

How Does Blood Money Figure in Islamic Sharia Law?

In Islamic law, the amount of blood money varies based on several factors such as the victim’s gender, religion, and nationality. The following examples demonstrate the application of blood money in different Islamic countries:

• Saudi Arabia: In Saudi Arabia, blood money is part of traffic regulations, where the perpetrator must pay compensation to the heirs of victims who die in road accidents. While a Sharia court determines the amount of compensation, the police handle the determination of the guilty party. In workplace accidents, a special committee sets the amount. Saudi Arabia has considered reforming its laws to ensure equal compensation for men and women, Muslims and non-Muslims. However, efforts to amend the laws have not yet been fully implemented.
• Iran: In Iran, blood money differs based on the gender and religion of the victim. A woman’s compensation is typically set at half of that of a man’s. While the Supreme Court of Iran upheld a law to equalize compensation for all individuals in 2019, full implementation of the law has yet to be realized.
• Pakistan: Pakistan has incorporated provisions for diya and qisas in its legal system through the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 1991, aligning its practices with those of Islamic law.
• Yemen: In Yemen, parties involved can negotiate compensation, with judicial oversight ensuring fairness.

India’s Stand on ‘Diya’ and Blood Money

India does not include the provision for blood money in its formal legal framework. However, a similar concept exists in the form of plea bargaining, which allows the accused to negotiate with the prosecution in exchange for a reduced sentence or charge. Plea bargaining involves the defendant pleading guilty to a lesser offense in return for a concession, either in terms of the charges or the sentence.

Plea Bargaining in India:

Introduced under the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2005, plea bargaining was added to the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. While it bears some resemblance to blood money in that it allows for compensation to the victim, it has significant limitations:

• It can only be applied to crimes punishable by imprisonment of less than seven years.
• It is not applicable to heinous crimes such as murder or rape, or offenses involving women or children under 14.
• The accused must voluntarily agree to plead guilty, with no coercion involved.

While plea bargaining may include compensation under Section 265E of the Code, discussions continue to refine this provision to make it more inclusive, similar to the reforms seen in Islamic countries regarding blood money.

Historical Practices Similar to Blood Money

Throughout history, various cultures have had practices similar to blood money. These include:

• Brehon Law (Ireland): In the 7th century, Brehon law established the concept of Éraic (body price) and Log nEnech (honor price). These were compensation systems that allowed for the amicable resolution of crimes, avoiding capital punishment.
• Galanas (Wales): Galanas in Welsh law determined compensation based on the victim's social status, where a blood fine was required in cases of murder, unless the killing was justified.
• Wergeld (Germany): The Wergeld system in early medieval Germany required compensation for homicide or grave offenses, often in monetary terms.
• Other Medieval States: Several medieval states established a standard payment for the victims’ families in the event of homicide or serious crimes, much like blood money.

Cases of Indians Pardoned with Blood Money

India has witnessed instances where blood money has been invoked for Indian nationals facing death sentences abroad:

• Arjunan Athimuthu (Kuwait, 2019): Arjunan’s death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment after his family paid ?30 lakh in blood money.
• Abdul Rahim (Saudi Arabia): Abdul Rahim, convicted for the murder of a Saudi boy in 2006, was pardoned after ?34 crore in blood money was paid. However, he has not been released from prison yet.
• UAE Cases:
  • In 2017, 10 Indians were pardoned after paying 200,000 dirhams as blood money.

In 2009, 17 Indians on death row for the murder of a Pakistani national were pardoned after a blood money amount of nearly ?4 crore was paid.

In News:

On January 16, 2025, India marks nine years of Startup India, a transformative journey that began in 2016. Designated as National Startup Day, this occasion celebrates the nation’s strides in fostering a robust and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Current Status (as of Jan 2025)

 Over 1.59 lakh startups recognized by DPIIT, making India the 3rd largest startup ecosystem globally.

• More than 100 unicorns (startups valued over $1 billion).
• Key hubs: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR; growing contribution from smaller cities.

Key Sectors

• Major sectors: Fintech, Edtech, Health-tech, E-commerce.
• Notable companies: Zomato, Nykaa, Ola exemplify India's shift from job seekers to job creators.

Key Milestones (2016–2025)

• Startups grew from around 500 in 2016 to 1.59 lakh in 2025.
• 73,151 startups with at least one-woman director as of 2024, showcasing rise in women entrepreneurship.
• Over 16.6 lakh jobs created by DPIIT-recognized startups by 2024.

Core Features of Startup India

• Ease of Doing Business: Simplified compliance, self-certification, and single-window clearances.
• Tax Benefits: Three-year tax exemptions for eligible startups.
• Funding Support: ?10,000 crore Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) supports early-stage funding.
• Sector-Specific Policies: Policies focusing on sectors like biotechnology, agriculture, and renewable energy.

Industry-wise Jobs Created

• IT Services: 2.04 lakh jobs.
• Healthcare & Lifesciences: 1.47 lakh jobs.
• Professional & Commercial Services: 94,000 jobs.
• Total direct jobs created: 16.6 lakh (as of Oct 2024).

Flagship Schemes

• Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS).
• Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS).
• Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) Scheme.

Other Key Initiatives

• Capacity Building & Handholding: Workshops for regional ecosystems, especially in non-metro cities.
• Outreach & Awareness: Initiatives to facilitate funding, incubation, and mentorship opportunities.
• Ecosystem Development: National-level events like Startup Mahakumbh to bring together key stakeholders.
• International Linkages: India’s G20 Presidency institutionalized Startup20 to enhance global collaborations.

BHASKAR Platform (Launched in Sept 2024)

• Objective: Centralize and streamline interactions within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Key Features:
  • Networking: Connects startups, investors, mentors, and government bodies.
  • Resources: Provides quick access to essential tools and knowledge for scaling startups.
  • Global Outreach: Promotes India as a global innovation hub.

Startup Mahakumbh

• 2024 Edition: Hosted 1,300 exhibitors, 48,000 visitors, and 392 speakers, including unicorn founders and policymakers.
• 2025 Edition (3-5 April, New Delhi): Theme - “Startup India @ 2047 – Unfolding the Bharat Story.”

In News:

Odisha has become the 34th state to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). The National Health Authority (NHA) of the Union Ministry of Health signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha to onboard the state under the scheme.

Key Highlights:

• The scheme will be implemented alongside the existing Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana in Odisha.
• It provides health coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family per annum, with an additional Rs. 5 lakh for women members.
• Approximately 1.03 crore families will be covered under the scheme.
• Shri JP Nadda, Union Health Minister, emphasized that the scheme is the world’s largest and fastest-growing health coverage initiative.
• Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha, highlighted that people will now have access to cashless treatment in over 29,000 empaneled hospitals.

About Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY:

• Launched in 2018 under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW).
• Targets 12 crore families (~55 crore beneficiaries).
• Provides cashless hospital coverage for secondary and tertiary care.
• Fully funded by the government, with cost-sharing between the Centre and states.
• Covers nearly 2,000 medical procedures, including major surgeries.

Since its inception, over 8.19 crore hospital admissions have been recorded, with ?1.13 lakh crore spent on healthcare for marginalized sections.

Cyclone Dikeledi struck Mayotte, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, located in the Mozambique Channel. The cyclone caused severe flooding and damage, following closely after Cyclone Chido, which had hit the region in December 2024.

About Mayotte:

• Comprises two islands from the Comoros archipelago: Mayotte (Grande Terre) and Pamandzi (Petite Terre).
• It is the poorest region in both France and the European Union.
• Colonized by France in 1843 and annexed along with the Comoros in 1904.
• In a 1974 referendum, while 95% of Comoros opted for independence, 63% of Mayotte voted to remain French.
• While Comoros declared independence in 1975, Mayotte continues to be governed by France.

Cyclone Chido, which struck in December 2024, was recorded as the most severe storm to hit Mayotte in 90 years.

In News:

New observatory at remote Purulia district West Bengal is expected to contribute significantly to Astrophysics.

Key Highlights:

Location and Significance:

• Established by: S.N. Bose Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBCBS), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India.
• Location: The observatory is situated at Panchet Hill, in the Garpanchakot area of Purulia district, West Bengal, at an elevation of 600 meters above ground level.
• Longitude Gap: Positioned at a longitude of approximately 86° E, this observatory fills a critical longitudinal gap in global astronomical observation networks. There are very few observatories along this longitude, making it strategically important for observing transient astronomical phenomena that last from minutes to hours.
• Global Impact: This location will allow for unique contributions to global astrophysical research, especially in observing transient events, which require observatories spread across all global longitudes.

Technological and Educational Role:

• The observatory is equipped with a 14-inch telescope for scientific observations.
• It will serve as a training ground for students and researchers, helping them to handle telescopes, record astronomical data, and engage in research.
• The observatory aims to foster national and international collaborations in astronomical research, furthering India’s contributions to the field.

Collaborations and Ecosystem Development:

• MOU with Sidhu Kanu Birsa University: The observatory will be run jointly with Sidhu Kanu Birsa University, sharing resources and responsibilities. The collaboration promises to bring scientific and educational advancements to Purulia, a district traditionally considered backward.
• The establishment of the observatory is expected to boost the local ecosystem, creating a space for scientific engagement and inspiring students in the region.

Research and Contributions:

• The research team, from the Department of Astrophysics at SNBCBS, contributed to the conceptualization, site characterization, and installation of the telescope.
• Their efforts ensure the observatory will be capable of high-quality scientific observations, especially with regard to weather parameters and astronomical seeing conditions.

Future Prospects:

• Scientists emphasized that the observatory will significantly contribute to the global body of knowledge in observational astronomy.
• Also highlighted the potential of the observatory to create a scientific ecosystem in the region.
• The observatory will also serve as a source of inspiration for students in Purulia and provide a much-needed boost to local education in the fields of science and astrophysics.

In News:

A Konkan secret, the flat-top sada is a freshwater paradise.

Key Highlights:

Geography of Sada:

• The Konkan region lies between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats.
• Sada refers to flat-topped hills, formed by centuries of erosion, and is a prominent feature in the Ratnagiri district.
• These areas are typically barren except during the monsoon season when they come alive with flora and fauna.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services:

• A biodiversity survey between 2022-2024 recorded 459 plant species, with 105 being endemic to the Konkan region.
• The survey also identified 31 species of reptiles, 13 species of amphibians, 169 species of birds, and 41 species of mammals.
• These ecosystems play a vital role in water conservation. The lateritic soil layer atop the Sada acts as a catchment for rainwater, recharging the groundwater and providing freshwater to local communities year-round.

Traditional Land Use and Agriculture:

• Local Farming: During monsoons, the Sada is used by locals for growing traditional crops like rice and millets (e.g., nanchani), using sustainable farming practices without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
• Water Management: The locals rely on open wells, springs, and perennial streams for freshwater, which are carefully maintained through cultural rituals and community hygiene practices.

Conservation and Cultural Importance:

• The region is home to geoglyphs, ancient artworks estimated to be 10,000 years old, adding to its cultural and historical significance.
• Waterbodies on the Sada serve as habitats for species like the Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata) and provide water for other wildlife, including leopards, jackals, hyenas, barking deer, and migratory birds.

Environmental Threats:

• Land-use Change: Increasing conversion of open land and croplands into orchards and residential areas, along with various developmental projects, threatens the region's biodiversity.
• Mining: Extraction of laterite stones for construction purposes is another environmental risk.
• Wasteland Classification: The region is often classified as a ‘wasteland’ in the Wasteland Atlas, further complicating conservation efforts.

In News:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted field evaluation trials of India's indigenous Anti-Tank Missile - Nag Mark 2 at the Pokhran Field Range in Rajasthan.

Overview of Nag Mk-2:

• Type: Third-generation, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM).
• Development: Indigenous development by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
• Functionality: Designed to neutralize modern armored threats, including those with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA), using advanced fire-and-forget technology.

Technological Features:

• Fire-and-Forget Technology: Operators lock onto targets before launch, allowing the missile to autonomously track and engage targets, ensuring precision strikes.
• Lock-on After Launch: The missile can lock onto the target post-launch, providing flexibility in complex battlefield environments.
• Advanced Guidance System: Equipped with Imaging Infrared (IIR) seekers for enhanced accuracy, both during the day and at night.

Performance and Range:

• Effective Range: The missile has a range of 7 to 10 kilometers, a significant improvement over its predecessor, Nag Mk-1, which had a range of only 4 kilometers.
• Test Trials: Successfully destroyed all targets at both maximum and minimum ranges during the field evaluation trials at Pokhran Field Range, Rajasthan.
• Attack Mode: Includes a top-attack capability to target the vulnerable upper surfaces of armored vehicles, enhancing its effectiveness.

Platform and Integration:

• Launch Platform: The missile is launched from the NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier) Version 2, a tank destroyer vehicle used by the Indian Army to launch anti-tank missiles.
• Versatility: Designed for integration with multiple platforms, enhancing operational flexibility in different combat scenarios.

Strategic and Operational Significance:

• Indigenous Defence Capability: Reduces India's dependence on foreign weapons systems, strengthening self-reliance in defense technology.
• Enhanced Battlefield Readiness: Provides the Indian Army with a cutting-edge weapon to counter modern armored vehicles, improving tactical advantages.
• Operational Effectiveness: The missile’s precision and ability to neutralize targets with minimal collateral damage make it an essential tool in modern warfare.
• Strategic Deterrence: Demonstrates India’s technological advancements in missile systems, signaling strength and deterrence to adversaries.

In News:

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal launches Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform.

Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform:

• Objective: Strengthen India's cleantech value chains, especially in solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery storage sectors.
• Platform Features:
  • Aims to promote collaboration, co-innovation, and knowledge-sharing among Indian firms.
  • Focus on scaling up manufacturing, sharing ideas, technologies, and resources.
  • Acts as a financing platform for the cleantech sector.
  • Designed to position India as a global leader in sustainability and cleantech innovation.

India's Clean Energy Commitment:

• Target: 500 GW of clean energy capacity by 2030.
• India has been a front-runner in fulfilling its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and UNFCCC.
• Early Achievement: India achieved its 2022 renewable energy target of 200 GW, 8 years ahead of schedule.
• Largest Interconnected Grid: India boasts the world’s largest interconnected power grid, enhancing its renewable energy distribution capacity.
• Gujarat is a pioneer in solar power adoption in India.

Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal's Views:

• On Product-Linked Incentives (PLIs):
  • PLIs and subsidies are seen as short-term aids; long-term growth of the clean energy sector depends on it becoming self-sustaining.
  • Urged Indian firms to innovate and scale up manufacturing within the country.
• On Clean Energy and Sustainability:
  • Stressed the importance of innovation and collaboration to achieve sustainability goals.
  • India aims to attract international investors by creating a compelling business case for cleantech investments.
• 3S Approach (Speed, Scale, and Skill): Key to implementing India's renewable energy program, emphasizing rapid deployment, large-scale adoption, and skill development in the sector.

Bharat Climate Forum 2025:

• Event Objective: A platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to discuss climate action, clean energy, and India’s role in global climate goals.
• Key Focus Areas:
  • Aligning India’s clean energy initiatives with global climate goals (UNFCCC, Paris Agreement).
  • Emphasizing India’s early achievements in clean energy adoption.
  • Promoting sustainable development and clean energy solutions.

India's Performance in Renewable Energy:

• India’s progress has been commendable in meeting its climate targets and setting up clean energy capacity ahead of schedule.
• The government’s initiatives, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have made solar power affordable and scalable through transparency in auctions, competitive bidding, and speed in project implementation.

In News:

World’s First Cryo-Born Baby Corals Successfully Settled on the Great Barrier Reef.

Introduction to Cryo-Born Corals

• Cryo-born corals are created using cryopreservation techniques, which involve freezing coral cells and tissues at very low temperatures.
• The process preserves coral cells by preventing the formation of ice crystals that would otherwise damage them.
• Cryopreservation involves adding cryoprotectants to remove water from cells, enabling their survival during freezing and thawing.

Significance of the Breakthrough

• Climate Change Resilience: The initiative aims to create heat-tolerant corals, which are crucial in combating the impact of rising ocean temperatures due to climate change.
• Selective Breeding Advantage: Cryopreservation allows for controlled breeding and bypasses the limitations of natural coral spawning, which occurs only once a year. This enables multiple reproduction cycles without disturbing wild populations.

The Process of Cryo-Born Coral Production

• Sperm Collection: During coral spawning events, sperm from various coral species is collected and frozen at -196°C using liquid nitrogen, halting metabolic processes.
• Coral Egg Fertilization: Cryopreserved sperm is used to fertilize fresh coral eggs, which are grown in a specialized research facility called the National Sea Simulator.
• Coral Cradles: After growth, the cryo-born corals are carefully transported and settled into specially designed "coral cradles" placed in the Great Barrier Reef, where their growth is monitored during their critical first year.

Importance of Cryo-Born Corals in Reef Restoration

• The primary aim is to introduce millions of heat-tolerant corals annually to restore reefs affected by climate change.
• The Taronga CryoDiversity Bank houses the world’s largest frozen coral sperm collection from 32 coral species, collected annually since 2011, providing a resource for future restoration efforts.

Coral Reefs: An Overview

• Corals are marine invertebrates from the class Anthozoa, phylum Cnidaria.
• Reefs are built by colonies of coral polyps that secrete limestone skeletons and rely on symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) for nutrition.
• Coral reefs are typically found in shallow, sunlit waters with a temperature range of 16-32°C and depths less than 50 meters.

Global and Indian Coral Conservation Efforts

• India:
  • The National Committee on Wetlands, Mangroves, and Coral Reefs (1986) advises on conservation measures.
  • The Environment (Protection) Act (1986) prohibits the use of coral and sand in construction.
  • Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) uses Biorock technology for coral restoration.
• Global Efforts:
  • CITES lists coral species in Appendix II, regulating coral trade.
  • The World Heritage Convention designates coral reefs as protected sites.

Global Impact and Future Directions

• The innovative work by Australian scientists opens the door for large-scale restoration efforts by allowing more controlled breeding and genetic diversity, making corals more resilient to climate change.
• This breakthrough could revolutionize coral restoration, scaling up efforts to introduce millions of resilient corals to reefs worldwide, building long-term resilience against climate change.

In News:

• The growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been remarkable in recent years. In 2018, a 340-million-parameter AI model was considered large, whereas models like ChatGPT now have 1.8 trillion parameters.
• As part of its ambition to make the digital economy worth USD 1 trillion by 2028, India is focusing on AI sovereignty and investing in semiconductors and AI technologies to achieve this goal.

What is Sovereign AI?

Definition

• Sovereign AI refers to a nation’s ability to develop, control, and deploy AI using its own resources, including infrastructure, data, workforce, and business networks.
• This involves not just developing AI models but also creating infrastructure and nurturing homegrown talent to lead AI advancements within the country.

Key Aspects of Sovereign AI

• National Control: Ensures AI technologies align with a country's laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Data Sovereignty: Emphasizes control of data within the country’s borders, protecting privacy, security, and national interests.
• AI in Governance: Generative AI is transforming industries, markets, and governance, with AI-powered tools assisting professionals and governments.
• Ethical Considerations: Countries define security protocols and ethical frameworks to govern the use of AI technologies.
• Strategic Autonomy: Reduces reliance on foreign technologies, encouraging domestic development in AI to achieve strategic independence.
• Economic Competitiveness: AI is crucial for industrial innovation. Without it, nations risk falling behind in the global economy.

Growth and Importance of AI

Evolution of AI Models

• In 2018, a 340-million-parameter model was considered a significant achievement.
• Today, ChatGPT uses 1.8 trillion parameters, and Google’s Gemini uses 1.5 trillion parameters. In comparison, China’s DeepSeek has a model with 240 billion parameters.
• Parameters are the internal variables of AI models, adjusted during training to improve their performance and accuracy.

Strategic Applications

• Sovereign AI plays a pivotal role in critical sectors such as:
  • Defense
  • Healthcare
  • Transportation
  • Governance
• It helps redefine industries, boost innovation, and streamline operations across various sectors.

India’s Position in Sovereign AI

AI Infrastructure Development

• Tata Group and Reliance are building AI infrastructure in India, including the development of Large Language Models (LLMs).
• India has allocated USD 1.2 billion for a sovereign AI project under the IndiaAI Mission, which includes creating an AI supercomputer with thousands of chips.

Government Initiatives

• The IndiaAI Mission is designed to boost India’s AI capabilities by building infrastructure, fostering talent, and supporting innovation within the country.

Global AI Compact

• A Global AI Compact has been proposed to ensure equitable access to AI technologies across nations.
• The compact advocates for sharing AI resources globally while promoting cooperation and addressing challenges associated with AI governance.

In News:

As wildfires continue to rage across Southern California, authorities are deploying pink fire retardant from aircraft to help combat the blazes. Despite its widespread use, concerns over its effectiveness and environmental risks have surfaced in recent years.

What is Pink Fire Retardant?

• Fire retardant is a chemical mixture designed to slow down or extinguish wildfires. The most commonly used product in the U.S. is Phos-Chek, a brand of retardant.
• Phos-Chek primarily contains ammonium phosphate-based slurry (salts like ammonium polyphosphate), which helps the retardant stay longer and resist evaporation, unlike water.

Purpose and Visibility

• Fire retardants are sprayed ahead of fires to coat vegetation, reducing oxygen and preventing flames from spreading.
• Color is added to the fire retardant, often bright pink, to improve visibility. This ensures firefighters can track its spread and create effective fire lines, helping protect lives and property.

Manufacturer

• Perimeter Solutions manufactures Phos-Chek, which is used for aerial fire suppression efforts.

Effectiveness of Pink Fire Retardant

Limited Effectiveness

• The use of fire retardants like Phos-Chek is not always effective across different wildfire conditions.
  • Aerial retardants depend on environmental conditions like terrain, slope, and weather for optimal effectiveness.
  • Researchers, including Forest Service scientists, suggest that retardant effectiveness is more limited under changing climate conditions.
  • Climate change is narrowing the window of opportunity for using aerial retardants, reducing their impact.

Uncertainty in Impact

• The effectiveness of fire retardants is hard to quantify. Multiple firefighting methods are used simultaneously, making it difficult to attribute wildfire suppression success solely to the retardant.

Environmental Concerns of Pink Fire Retardant

Toxicity and Pollution

• Phos-Chek contains toxic metals such as chromium and cadmium, both of which are harmful to humans and the environment.
  • Chromium and cadmium are linked to serious health issues, including cancer and liver/kidney diseases.
  • Aquatic life is particularly vulnerable to these toxins, as the chemicals can enter waterways, causing extensive damage to ecosystems.

Impact on Rivers and Streams

• The use of pink fire retardant has raised concerns regarding the contamination of rivers and streams.
  • A study by the University of Southern California (USC) in 2024 estimated that 850,000 pounds of toxic chemicals have been released into the environment since 2009 due to fire retardant use.

Growing Use and Pollution

• From 2009 to 2021, over 440 million gallons of retardant were applied across U.S. lands.
  • During this period, an estimated 400 tons of heavy metals were introduced into the environment, further exacerbating the pollution levels.

Financial and Practical Concerns

High Cost and Inefficiency

• The cost of deploying fire retardant is significant. Aerial firefighting operations require substantial resources, including planes, helicopters, and large quantities of retardant.
• Environmental experts argue that using fire retardant from planes is ineffective and expensive, especially in light of the growing environmental concerns.

In News:

• India has recently joined the United Nations Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD), marking a significant step in strengthening its role in global statistical frameworks.
• The inclusion is a result of India's recent membership in the United Nations Statistical Council (UNSC), signaling the nation's growing influence in global data governance.

Key Highlights

• India's Growing Influence: India’s entry into the UN-CEBD highlights its growing stature in the international statistical community, emphasizing its commitment to utilizing big data and data science for informed decision-making.
• Strategic Opportunity: This membership allows India to contribute to shaping global standards in leveraging big data for official statistical purposes, especially in tracking Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What is UN-CEBD?

• UN-CEBD is a specialized body under the United Nations, formed in 2014 to explore the benefits and challenges of using big data and data science to strengthen global statistical systems.
• It was established under the United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC).
• Members: The committee consists of 31 member states (including India) and 16 international organizations.

Key Objectives

• Monitor SDGs: Use big data to track progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Address Data Challenges: Overcome challenges in utilizing non-traditional data sources, such as satellite imagery, Internet of Things (IoT), and private sector data.
• Promote Big Data Use: Encourage practical applications of big data across borders while addressing associated challenges.

Governance and Functions

• Advisory Board: Provides strategic direction, convening four times a year.
• UN Bureau: Manages day-to-day operations.
• Key Functions:
  • Strategic Coordination: Vision and direction for utilizing big data in global official statistics.
  • Capacity Building: Enhance capabilities through training, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing.
  • Public Trust: Establish confidence in using big data for official statistics.

Big Data: Definition and Importance

What is Big Data?

• Big data refers to vast, complex datasets that cannot be processed by traditional data management systems.
• It enables enhanced decision-making and improved processes for policy formulation, product development, and governance.

India's Big Data Initiatives

• National Data & Analytics Platform (NDAP): Facilitates data-driven decision-making.
• Big Data Management Policy: Defines strategies for managing large datasets within government agencies.
• National Data Warehouse on Official Statistics: Centralizes official data for better access and analysis.

The 6Vs of Big Data

• Volume: Large amounts of data.
• Velocity: Speed of data generation and processing.
• Variety: Different types of data.
• Veracity: Accuracy of data.
• Value: Significance of the data.
• Variability: Fluctuations in data.

India’s Role in the UN-CEBD

Contribution to Global Standards

• India's initiatives such as the Data Innovation Lab and the use of satellite imagery and machine learning will be shared with other members, fostering global collaboration in statistical innovations.
• India will contribute to shaping international standards for the use of big data in monitoring SDGs.

Enhancing Statistical Processes

• Modernization of Data: India aims to modernize its statistical processes by incorporating IoT, satellite data, and private-sector data.
• Real-time Insights: Providing policymakers with timely and accurate data to address key socio-economic issues.
• Improving Estimates: Using big data to enhance the accuracy of official statistics, improving governance and policymaking.

Strategic Goals of India's Engagement

• Streamline Statistical Production: Innovation in data collection, processing, and analysis to reduce delays in data availability.
• Improve Decision-Making: Provide real-time, evidence-based insights to policymakers.
• Foster International Collaboration: Share India’s expertise and learn from global best practices to build future-ready statistical systems.

In News:

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) signed a Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) agreement with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to mobilize $100 million for funding high-impact solar energy projects. This collaboration is part of a wider effort to accelerate India's clean energy transition, bridge financing gaps, and enhance the country's energy systems. Along with this agreement, two other key initiatives were announced:

• DUET (Digitalization of Utilities for Energy Transition)
• ENTICE 2.0 (Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge)

These programs aim to address energy transition challenges by fostering scalable, cost-efficient solutions, digitalizing utilities, and supporting innovations for sustainable energy.

Key Features:

• Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF):
  • The MDTF aims to raise and deploy $100 million to finance impactful solar energy projects, with ISA driving the strategic direction.
  • GEAPP’s Project Management Unit will provide governance, fundraising, and technical expertise to ensure project success.
  • The collaboration emphasizes the importance of solar energy in achieving India's clean energy goals.
• DUET (Digitalization of Utilities for Energy Transition):
  • Focuses on transforming grid systems by digitalizing grid assets and integrating them with smart sensors.
  • Real-time data will help reduce transmission losses and facilitate Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) deployment, assisting in the integration of Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) into the grid.
• ENTICE 2.0 (Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge):
  • A platform for identifying and scaling innovative solutions to accelerate the clean energy transition, especially within India's growing startup ecosystem.
  • Focuses on supporting investable opportunities for energy transition solutions, building on the earlier success of ENTICE 1.0.

Global Impact of GEAPP:

GEAPP, launched with an initial commitment of $464 million, has already funded 130 projects across 40 countries. These projects have impacted over 50 million people, helping reduce 43 million tons of CO2 emissions. The collaboration with ISA is expected to deepen GEAPP's efforts in mobilizing capital to foster clean energy access and tackle climate change.

India’s Clean Energy Transition:

India has already extended electricity access to over 800 million people, but about 2.5% of households still remain unelectrified. Distributed renewable energy, especially solar energy, will play a pivotal role in reaching these underserved populations. India aims for 47 GW of battery energy storage systems by 2032, which will support grid stability and energy access.

Additional Initiatives and Impact:

• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS):
  • GEAPP has also supported India’s first commercial standalone BESS project, which will provide 24/7 power to over 12,000 low-income customers.
  • The project is set to lower electricity tariffs by 55%, benefiting economically disadvantaged communities.
• Strategic Alliances:
  • The partnership with ISA and the strategic initiatives like DUET and ENTICE 2.0 aim to further India’s climate and energy goals, bringing renewable energy solutions to underserved regions, and supporting the country's energy security.

Role of GEAPP and ISA:

• GEAPP works to mobilize financing, provide technical expertise, and ensure effective implementation of renewable energy projects globally.
• ISA focuses on solar energy solutions, and with this agreement, it seeks to enhance the solar energy capacity in its member countries, aligning with climate targets.

About GEAPP:

GEAPP is a multi-stakeholder alliance comprising governments, philanthropy, technology partners, and financial institutions. Its goal is to transition developing economies to clean energy while enhancing economic growth. It aims to:

• Reduce 4 gigatons of carbon emissions.
• Provide clean energy access to 1 billion people.
• Create 150 million new jobs globally.

In News:

UJALA scheme completes 10 years, saves ?19,153 crore annually

UJALA Scheme (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All)

• Launch Date: 5th January 2015 by PM Narendra Modi
• Objective:
  • To promote energy-efficient LED lighting across India
  • To reduce energy consumption, lower electricity bills, and decrease carbon emissions
• Implementing Body: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), Ministry of Power
• Scheme Relevance: Aims to provide affordable LED bulbs, tube lights, and fans to every household
• Global Recognition: World’s largest zero-subsidy domestic lighting scheme

Key Features:

• Affordability: Subsidized LED bulbs (?70-80), reducing the cost of electricity for households
• Energy Efficiency: LEDs consume 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs, 50% less than CFLs
• Environmental Impact: Significant reduction in CO? emissions by avoiding millions of tonnes annually
• Market Transformation: Over 36.87 crore LED bulbs distributed, saving approximately ?19,153 crore on electricity bills each year
• Consumer Benefit:
  • On-Bill Financing: LED bulbs available for purchase through deferred payment via electricity bills
  • Targeted low-income communities through Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

Achievements:

• Energy Savings: 47.9 billion kWh annually
• Cost Savings: ?19,153 crore saved on electricity bills
• Carbon Emission Reduction: 38.7 million tonnes of CO? avoided per year
• Peak Demand Reduction: 9,586 MW reduction in peak electricity demand
• Street Lighting: Over 1.34 crore LED streetlights installed, saving 9,001 million units annually

Key Initiatives:

• GRAM UJALA Scheme (March 2021): Aimed at rural households, providing LED bulbs at ?10 each
• Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP): Aimed at reducing public lighting costs with energy-efficient streetlights
• Encouraging Domestic Manufacturing: Stimulated local LED production, aligning with the "Make in India" mission
• E-Procurement Transparency: Real-time procurement ensuring price reductions and maintaining quality

Impact on Environment:

• Energy Savings & Carbon Footprint: The scheme significantly reduced the carbon footprint by promoting energy-efficient appliances
• Reduction in Household Consumption: Consumers benefit from reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills

In News:

A recent breakthrough in agricultural research offers a promising solution to improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) in crops, particularly in rice and Arabidopsis, by reducing nitric oxide (NO) levels in plants. This innovative approach provides an environmentally sustainable way to enhance crop yields while minimizing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which have significant ecological and economic drawbacks.

Key Findings and Research Overview:

• Reducing NO Levels: The study, conducted by researchers at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), demonstrated that by reducing nitric oxide (NO) levels in plants, nitrogen uptake could be significantly improved. This leads to a better NUE, a crucial factor for enhancing crop yield sustainably.
• NUE and Its Importance: NUE refers to the efficiency with which plants use nitrogen for biomass production. Improving NUE allows for higher crop yields with less fertilizer input, reducing costs and minimizing nitrogen-related environmental pollution.
• Traditional Approaches and Their Limitations: Current techniques to improve NUE primarily rely on the use of inorganic nitrogen fertilizers. These methods, though effective, have several downsides:
  • They involve high operational costs for farmers.
  • Excessive fertilizer use contributes to the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other pollutants.
  • The production of these fertilizers also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

In contrast, the new study proposes a genetic and pharmacological manipulation of NO levels, offering a sustainable alternative to these traditional, resource-heavy methods.

Study Methodology:

The research team employed both genetic and pharmacological approaches to regulate NO levels in plants:

• Phytoglobin Overexpression: By overexpressing phytoglobin (a natural NO scavenger), the researchers increased the expression of high-affinity nitrate transporters (HATs) like NRT2.1 and NRT2.4. These transporters are essential for efficient nitrogen uptake.
• NO Donor and Scavenger Treatments: Plants were treated with NO donor (SNAP) and NO scavenger (cPTIO) to monitor the effects on NUE.
• Results: The treatment led to more efficient nitrogen uptake, especially under low NO conditions, by enhancing the expression of HATs. This method could increase plant growth and nitrogen utilization without relying on excessive fertilizer use.

Significance and Impact:

This research provides a pathway to enhance crop yield sustainably by addressing one of the most critical challenges in modern agriculture—reducing the reliance on nitrogen fertilizers. By modulating NO levels to regulate nitrogen uptake, this approach offers:

• Reduced need for synthetic fertilizers, lowering farmers' operational costs.
• Minimized environmental impact, including lower nitrogen oxide emissions and less nitrogen runoff.
• Improved nitrogen uptake efficiency, ensuring better crop yields, especially under conditions with limited nitrogen availability.

Broader Implications:

• Global Nitrogen Challenges:
  • The overuse of nitrogen fertilizers has been a major driver of nitrogen pollution, leading to issues like eutrophication, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
  • According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), excessive nitrogen use has worsened environmental conditions globally, while many regions, particularly in low-income countries, suffer from nitrogen depletion, which reduces crop productivity.
• Health and Environmental Risks:
  • Nitrogen pollution contributes to health issues like methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) and various long-term diseases.
  • Nitrogen compounds also play a role in greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating climate change.
• Future Directions for Sustainable Agriculture:
  • This study highlights the need for innovative nitrogen management strategies, integrating both biological and genetic approaches to optimize nitrogen use.
  • Research is underway to develop NO scavenging formulations and identify bacteria that could be used in soil to enhance NUE in plants.
• Policy Recommendations:
  • Governments should focus on reducing the environmental and health impacts of nitrogen fertilizer production and usage by promoting sustainable farming practices.
  • Encouraging biological nitrogen fixation through crops like soybeans and alfalfa, and investing in low-emission fertilizers, can help mitigate nitrogen pollution.

In News:

Dr. V. Narayanan has been appointed as the new Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space (DoS), effective from January 14, 2025, succeeding Dr. S. Somanath.

Background and Career of Dr. V. Narayanan:

Dr. Narayanan, currently the Director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, has been a key figure in ISRO since joining in 1984. With a focus on cryogenic propulsion, he has played an instrumental role in developing critical technologies for ISRO's launch vehicles. Notably, his work has contributed to India becoming the sixth country globally capable of building and operationalizing cryogenic engines.

Dr. Narayanan’s career highlights include:

• Cryogenic Technology: Leading the development of cryogenic engines for LVM3 (India's heaviest launch vehicle) and PSLV, which are central to missions like Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan.
• Chandrayaan-2 & Chandrayaan-3: As part of ISRO’s missions to the moon, his contributions were pivotal in rectifying the propulsion system issues post-Chandrayaan-2's hard landing, leading to the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 in August 2023.
• Gaganyaan Mission: Overseeing the development of the propulsion systems for crew and service modules, critical for India’s ambitious human spaceflight program.

Dr. S. Somanath's Legacy:

Dr. S. Somanath, who served as ISRO Chairman and DoS Secretary spearheaded multiple landmark missions, including:

• Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and INSAT missions.
• The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), Re-usable Launch Vehicle (RLV-LEX), and Gaganyaan abort missions.
• National Space Policy 2023 and fostering partnerships between ISRO and private ventures.

Dr. Somanath’s tenure significantly elevated India’s space capabilities, with Chandrayaan-3 marking a historic milestone in India’s lunar exploration.

Dr. Narayanan’s Role in Upcoming ISRO Missions:

As ISRO Chairman, Dr. Narayanan will oversee several ambitious space missions, including:

• NVS-02: The launch of India's navigation satellite as part of the IRNSS constellation.
• Unmanned Gaganyaan Mission: Leading the uncrewed G-1 flight, a precursor to India's first human spaceflight.
• Indo-US NISAR Satellite: A significant collaborative launch with NASA for earth observation.

Additionally, high-profile projects such as Chandrayaan-4, India’s own space station, and future missions to Mars and Venus are in the pipeline, although not all may occur during his tenure.

Vision for ISRO Under Dr. Narayanan:

Dr. Narayanan aims to expand India’s presence in space, targeting increased global market share, particularly in the space economy, which currently holds 2% of the global space sector. His leadership will focus on:

• Increasing Satellite Capacity: Expanding India’s satellite fleet, which currently stands at 53, to meet growing demands for communication, navigation, and earth observation.
• Private Sector Involvement: Leveraging space sector reforms and collaborating with private players to drive innovation and meet burgeoning satellite needs.
• Global Collaboration: Strengthening ties with other space agencies, as ISRO continues to build respect on the global stage.

Upcoming Space Missions and ISRO's Agenda for 2025:

Under Dr. Narayanan's leadership, ISRO has a packed agenda for 2025:

• GSLV Mk-II/IRNSS-1K Mission
• Gaganyaan G-1 Mission (uncrewed flight)
• Chandrayaan-4, Bharatiya Antariksha Station, and Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) preparations.

Dr. Narayanan’s vision aligns with India's broader goals of becoming a dominant player in the global space economy, aspiring to increase its space market share from 2% to 10%.

In News:

The Flamingo Festival 2025 took place at Sullurpeta, in Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh. It celebrates the arrival of migratory birds, with a focus on flamingos, to the region's key bird habitats, including Pulicat Lake and Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary.

Key Highlights:

• Birdwatching: Over 200 bird species, including flamingos, are expected to flock to the region during this festival.
• Locations: The event spans across five locations:
  • Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
  • B.V. Palem (Pulicat Lake)
  • Atakanithippa
  • Sri City
  • Sullurpeta (site for cultural programs and stalls)
• Collaborations: In association with organizations like the Bombay Natural History Society.
• Focus on Local Community: Local residents of the eco-sensitive zone will be prioritized and supported.

Key Facts on Local Wildlife and Significance:

• Pulicat Lake:
  • Location: On the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border, with 96% of the lake in Andhra Pradesh.
  • Significance: The second-largest brackish water lake in India (after Chilika Lake in Odisha).
  • Biodiversity: Critical habitat for migratory birds, including flamingos, and home to diverse flora and fauna.
  • Economic Importance: Supports local fisheries and provides livelihood to nearby communities.
• Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary:
  • Location: 20 km north of Pulicat Lake.
  • Ecological Role: Largest breeding site in Southeast Asia for spot-billed pelicans.
  • Biodiversity: 189 bird species, including painted storks and glossy ibises.
  • Flora and Fauna: Features Barringtonia swamp forests and southern dry evergreen scrub, critical for biodiversity conservation.
  • Symbiotic Relationship with Locals: Guano (bird droppings) from pelicans serves as a natural fertilizer for local agriculture, benefiting the farmers.

Flamingo Facts:

• Species: India hosts two flamingo species:
  • Greater Flamingo (larger size, pale pink)
  • Lesser Flamingo (smaller size, bright pink)
• Behavior: Nomadic and social birds, found in large flocks.
• Coloration: Flamingos' pink color comes from carotenoids in their diet, which are broken down and absorbed into their bodies.

Environmental & Economic Impact: The festival, apart from being a celebration of migratory birds, plays a vital role in:

• Eco-tourism development
• Biodiversity conservation

Local community engagement by highlighting sustainable tourism practices and supporting local livelihoods through eco-friendly initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

In News:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the ‘Bharatpol’ portal, which aims to streamline international cooperation for law investigating agencies.

Key Highlights:

Bharatpol is a newly launched portal developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India to facilitate faster and more efficient international cooperation between Indian law enforcement agencies and Interpol. It was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, to streamline the process of sharing criminal intelligence and coordinating efforts in transnational crimes like cybercrime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, financial fraud, and organized crime.

The portal aims to address the current challenges in international collaboration, which previously relied on slower communication methods such as letters, emails, and faxes, often leading to delays in investigations.

Key Features and Functions of Bharatpol:

• Unified Platform: Bharatpol integrates CBI as the National Central Bureau (NCB-New Delhi) with all Indian law enforcement agencies, from state police forces to higher authorities. This allows better coordination and quicker access to international resources.
• Simplified Request Mechanism: The portal provides a standardized method for frontline police officers to request international assistance from Interpol member countries, using templates for efficiency.
• Rapid Information Dissemination: Bharatpol enables the CBI to quickly share criminal intelligence and other pertinent information with law enforcement agencies across India, helping to tackle international criminal activities in real-time.
• Increase in Utilization of Interpol Notices: The portal makes it easier for Indian law enforcement agencies to issue and manage Red Corner Notices and other Interpol notices, which are essential tools in tracking criminals globally.
• Capacity Building and Training: Bharatpol includes resources for training law enforcement personnel, improving their ability to conduct investigations abroad and seek foreign assistance via Interpol.

How Bharatpol Works:

• Key Modules of Bharatpol:
  • Connect: Facilitates the integration of Indian agencies with the Interpol NCB-New Delhi, creating a seamless communication channel.
  • INTERPOL Notices: Supports the rapid issuance and processing of Interpol Notices like Red Corner Notices to locate criminals globally.
  • References: Enables Indian agencies to seek and offer international assistance for investigations.
  • Broadcast: Ensures quick availability of assistance requests from Interpol member countries, facilitating faster responses.
  • Resources: Manages document exchanges and training materials to support the capacity-building efforts of law enforcement agencies.

Potential Benefits of Bharatpol:

• Enhanced Coordination: Bharatpol facilitates better collaboration between central, state, and Union Territory agencies, allowing for a more structured and efficient approach to international crime investigations.
• Faster Investigation: Real-time sharing of information and the use of Interpol notices will help in tracking criminals and criminal activities both in India and abroad.
• Simplified Extradition Process: By streamlining international communication, Bharatpol will assist in expediting the extradition of criminals to India for prosecution.
• Support for Transnational Crime Prevention: It will help address growing threats such as cybercrime, human trafficking, and organized crime by improving the ability of Indian law enforcement to collaborate globally.

In News:

• Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan urges states to accelerate efforts under the National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) to enhance domestic production of edible oils and reduce reliance on imports.

Key Facts Regarding the NMEO-OP Scheme:

About the Scheme:

• Objective: Enhance domestic production of crude palm oil (CPO) and reduce India's dependence on edible oil imports.
• Centrally Sponsored Scheme: Focuses on expanding oil palm cultivation in India.

Key Targets:

• Area Expansion: Aim to cover an additional 6.5 lakh hectares by 2025-26, reaching a total of 10 lakh hectares.
• Production Increase: CPO production is targeted to rise from 0.27 lakh tonnes (2019-20) to 11.20 lakh tonnes by 2025-26, and further to 28 lakh tonnes by 2029-30.
• Per-Capita Consumption: Maintain a consumption level of 19 kg/person/annum until 2025-26.

Focus Regions:

• Special Focus: North-Eastern States and Andaman & Nicobar Islands for oil palm cultivation and CPO production.

Key Features:

• Viability Price (VP) Mechanism: Aims to protect farmers from market volatility by providing price assurance. Payments are made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Increased Assistance:
  • Assistance for planting material increased from Rs 12,000/ha to Rs 29,000/ha.
  • Special assistance of Rs 250 per plant for rejuvenating old gardens.
• Regional Support:
  • For North-East and Andaman, an additional 2% of the CPO price is borne by the government to ensure fair payments to farmers.
  • Special provisions for half-moon terrace cultivation, bio-fencing, and land clearance for integrated farming.

Oil Palm Cultivation:

• Origin: Native to the tropical rainforests of West Africa, oil palm is a new crop in India with high oil-yielding potential.
• Oil Yield: Oil palm produces five times the yield of traditional oilseeds per hectare.
• Types of Oil Produced:
  • Palm Oil: Extracted from the mesocarp (fruit's fleshy part), containing 45-55% oil.
  • Palm Kernel Oil: Derived from the kernel, used in lauric oils.
• Major States for Cultivation: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala (98% of total production).
• Other Key States: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Gujarat, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland.

India's Oil Palm Potential:

• Cultivated Area: India currently has 3.70 lakh hectares under oil palm cultivation.
• Total Potential Area: Around 28 lakh hectares.
• Imports: India is the world's largest palm oil importer, with imports of 9.2 million tonnes in 2023-24, accounting for 60% of total edible oil imports. The country primarily imports from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

In News:

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel at Sonamarg, which has now been renamed the Sonamarg Tunnel.

Key Takeaways:

• A 6.4-km bi-directional tunnel with an approach road of 5.6 km, Z-Morh connects the Sonamarg health resort with Kangan town in the Ganderbal district of central Kashmir.
• The tunnel has acquired its name for the Z-shaped road stretch that was previously at the place where the tunnel is being constructed.
• The Z-Morh project was initiated by the Border Roads Organisation in 2012. Although the BRO awarded the construction contract to Tunnelway Ltd, the project was subsequently taken over by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).

Significance

Strategic Importance

• Connectivity: Provides all-weather connectivity from Srinagar to Ladakh, ensuring year-round access.
• Military Significance:
  • Critical for rapid deployment of Indian Armed Forces to Ladakh’s border areas, particularly in the context of tensions with Pakistan and China.
  • Reduces dependence on air transport, lowering costs and increasing the longevity of the Indian Air Force’s aircraft.
• Adjacent Projects:
  • Zojila Tunnel: An even more crucial project connecting Sonamarg to Drass in Ladakh, with an expected completion by December 2026 (extended to 2030). This will bypass the avalanche-prone Zojila Pass.
  • Srinagar-Leh Highway: The Z-Morh Tunnel supports the key Srinagar-Leh route, which is important for defence logistics and trade.

Economic Significance

• Tourism:
  • Sonamarg, known as the "Meadow of Gold," will benefit from year-round accessibility, boosting tourism.
  • Local businesses that rely on seasonal tourist traffic will have consistent revenue flow.
• Trade and Agriculture:
  • Reduced travel time and improved road safety will benefit farmers and traders, especially for those transporting goods between Kashmir and Ladakh.
  • Facilitates increased investment and economic growth in the region.

Broader Infrastructure Projects in Jammu & Kashmir

Several key infrastructure projects are contributing to regional development:

• Zojila Tunnel
  • Cost: ?6,800 crore
  • Length: 13 km tunnel, bypassing Zojila Pass.
  • Completion: Expected by 2030.
  • Strategic Importance: Provides all-weather connectivity to Ladakh.
• Srinagar Semi-Ring Road
  • Cost: ?2,919 crore
  • Objective: Relieve traffic congestion in five districts, including Srinagar.
  • Delay: New completion date is June 2025.
• Hydroelectric Power Projects:
  • Ratle HE Project: 850 MW, on Chenab River, Kishtwar district.
  • Kwar HE Project: 540 MW, in Kishtwar.
  • Pakal Dul HE Project: 1,000 MW, on the Marusudar River, Kishtwar.
  • Kiru HE Project: 624 MW, on Chenab River, Kishtwar.
  • Strategic Relevance: These projects will enhance energy security and contribute to the region’s power grid.

In News:

e-Shram Portal, which aims to provide social security benefits to unorganised workers, has been upgraded with multilingual functionality for all 22 scheduled languages of India. This development, supported by the Bhashini Initiative, ensures that unorganised workers from diverse linguistic backgrounds can access the portal more easily and benefit from government welfare schemes.

About Bhashini Initiative:

• Launched in: July 2022
• Developed by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Aim: To eliminate language barriers in accessing digital services by making AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools publicly available.

Key Features:

• Local Language Translation: Bhashini offers AI-powered translation services in 22 scheduled Indian languages to ensure that digital platforms like e-Shram are accessible to everyone in their native languages.
• Open AI and NLP Resources: These tools are made available to Indian MSMEs, startups, and innovators to create a more inclusive digital ecosystem.
• Crowdsourcing Platform (Bhashadaan): A platform for people to contribute to building linguistic datasets through initiatives like Suno India, Likho India, Bolo India, and Dekho India, furthering language diversity in digital services.
• National Digital Public Platform: Aimed at providing universal access to digital content in all Indian languages, facilitating smoother communication across regions.

e-Shram Portal: A One-Stop Solution for Unorganised Workers

• Purpose: The e-Shram portal was created to provide unorganised workers with access to social security benefits and welfare schemes.

Recent Upgrade:

• Multilingual Functionality: The portal has now been upgraded to support 22 scheduled languages, making it more inclusive and user-friendly for workers who speak various regional languages.
• Previous Version: Previously, the portal was only available in English, Hindi, Kannada, and Marathi. The integration of 22 languages is a significant improvement, enabling broader participation.

Importance of the e-Shram Portal for Unorganised Workers:

• Welfare Access: The portal provides access to government schemes designed for the welfare, livelihood, and well-being of unorganised workers, including gig and platform workers and building and construction workers.
• Integration of Social Security Schemes:
  • As of now, the portal facilitates access to 12 government schemes, with plans to integrate even more, including state-level programs.
  • Future plans include launching a mobile app, a single application form, and the integration of payment gateways for faster disbursement of benefits.

In News:

IndiaAI, under the Digital India Corporation, has partnered with Microsoft to advance AI adoption in India for inclusive development and economic transformation. The collaboration focuses on skilling, innovation, AI safety, and responsible AI development, with a goal of fostering AI innovation across India, particularly in underserved rural and urban areas.

Key Highlights:

• Training 500,000 Individuals by 2026:
  • Target Audience: Students, educators, developers, government officials, and women entrepreneurs.
  • Goal: Empower these groups with foundational and advanced AI skills for economic opportunities and digital transformation.
• AI Catalysts (Centers of Excellence):
  • Establishment of AI hubs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to foster rural AI innovation.
  • Objective to equip 100,000 AI innovators and developers through hackathons, community building, and creating an AI marketplace.
• AI Productivity Labs:
  • Set up in 20 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) across 10 states.
  • Focus on training 20,000 educators and providing AI education to 100,000 students in 200 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
• Support for Startups:
  • Microsoft’s Founders Hub program will provide Azure credits, business resources, and mentorship to 1,000 AI startups in India, boosting innovation and growth in the Indian startup ecosystem.
• Development of Indic Language Models:
  • Work on creating foundational AI models with support for Indic languages to address India’s linguistic diversity and cultural needs.
• AI Safety Institute:
  • Focus on building frameworks, standards, and evaluation metrics for responsible AI development.
  • Support for the creation of an AI Safety Institute in India to promote ethical and safe AI practices.
• Infrastructure & Research:
  • Microsoft will also focus on enhancing cloud infrastructure and support for AI research through Microsoft Research India.
  • AI-driven solutions will be developed for critical sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture.

Investment and Strategic Goals:

• $3 Billion Investment:
  • Microsoft has pledged $3 billion to expand AI and cloud infrastructure in India over the next 2 years. This investment will focus on:
    • Building scalable infrastructure for AI applications.
    • Enhancing cloud services and AI capabilities.
    • Establishing new data centers across India, supporting the AI-first agenda.
• AI Skill Development:
  • 10 million people will be trained over the next five years in AI skills, empowering the Indian workforce to adapt to AI technologies, driving job creation and economic growth.
• AI in India’s Economy:
  • India aims to become a global leader in AI, with AI-powered solutions contributing to diverse sectors like finance, e-commerce, and manufacturing.
  • Focus on economic growth through AI-powered industries and fostering entrepreneurship in underserved communities.

AI Technologies and Applications:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) involves machines performing tasks that require human intelligence like decision-making, problem-solving, and learning from data.
  • Machine Learning (ML): AI systems improve through data without being explicitly programmed.
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP): AI systems understand and respond to human language.
  • Computer Vision: AI systems analyze and interpret visual information.
  • Robotics: AI powers automated tasks through robots in industries like manufacturing and healthcare.
• Cloud Infrastructure enables the scaling of AI systems:
  • Cloud Computing provides on-demand access to computing power, essential for AI tasks requiring large amounts of data and processing power.
  • Data Centers host AI models and data, and cloud services such as Microsoft Azure will support AI startups and businesses.

Expected Impact and Benefits:

• Inclusive AI Development: Focus on empowering women, students, and rural innovators to bridge the digital divide and promote economic empowerment.
• Startup Ecosystem: The collaboration will foster a robust AI startup ecosystem, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship through AI tools, Azure credits, and mentorship.
• Skill Development & Education: AI-driven skill training initiatives will prepare millions of individuals for the jobs of the future, particularly in the AI-driven economy, and support education reform.
• AI for Critical Sectors: Development of AI-enabled solutions to address challenges in sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture, driving social impact and economic growth.

In News:

• Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has successfully transformed over 56,000 square meters of garbage dumps and barren lands into lush green forests using the Miyawaki Technique over the past two years, as part of environmental conservation efforts in preparation for Mahakumbh 2025.

About Miyawaki Technique:

• Origin: Developed by Akira Miyawaki, a Japanese botanist, in the 1970s to create dense and fast-growing forests.
• Key Features:
  • Dense Planting: Trees and shrubs are planted close together, often using native species.
  • Accelerated Growth: Trees grow 10 times faster than in traditional forests.
  • Soil Restoration: Improves soil fertility and promotes natural regeneration.
  • Biodiversity Boost: Supports a variety of flora and fauna by mimicking natural ecosystems.
• Significance:
  • Urban Reforestation: Converts barren or polluted lands into green spaces.
  • Environmental Benefits:
    • Reduces air and water pollution.
    • Absorbs carbon and helps combat climate change.
    • Lowers temperatures by 4-7°C.
  • Sustainability: Prevents soil erosion and promotes long-term ecological balance.

Miyawaki Forests in Prayagraj:

• Achievements:
  • Over 56,000 square meters of land converted into dense forests using the Miyawaki technique over the last two years.
  • The project aims to create oxygen banks in preparation for the Mahakumbh 2025 and enhance air quality for millions of expected visitors.
• Plantations:
  • 55,800 square meters of area developed across 10+ locations in Prayagraj.
  • Largest plantation: 1.2 lakh trees in Naini industrial area.
  • 27,000 trees planted in Baswar after cleaning the city's largest garbage dump.
• Environmental Impact:
  • The plantations are helping to reduce dust, dirt, and foul odors, thus improving air quality.
  • Temperature regulation: The dense forests can lower temperatures by 4 to 7 degrees Celsius.
  • Biodiversity and Soil Fertility: Accelerated growth of trees boosts biodiversity and improves soil fertility.
• Tree Species Planted:
  • Mango, Mahua, Neem, Peepal, Tamarind, Arjuna, Teak, Amla.
  • Ornamental and medicinal plants like Hibiscus, Kadamba, Gulmohar, etc.
  • Other species include Sheesham, Bamboo, Lemon, Drumstick (Sahjan), and Tecoma.

Benefits of Miyawaki Forests:

• Air and Water Pollution Reduction: Trees absorb carbon, purify air, and improve water quality.
• Temperature Control: The forests help in reducing urban heat islands, lowering the temperature during hot months.
• Soil Conservation: The dense forests prevent soil erosion and promote the regeneration of the natural ecosystem.
• Enhanced Biodiversity: The technique supports a rich variety of species, improving ecological balance.

In News:

The Indian Railways has unveiled a monumental engineering achievement with the completion of the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge.

Overview:

• The Anji Khad Bridge is India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district.
• It is a key part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project aimed at enhancing connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India.
• The bridge crosses the Anji River, a tributary of the Chenab River, and is expected to transform regional transport, boost tourism, and promote economic growth.

Key Features:

• Dimensions:
  • Total length: 725.5 meters.
  • Main Pylon Height: 193 meters from the foundation, standing 331 meters above the riverbed.
  • The bridge is designed for train speeds of up to 100 km/h and can withstand wind speeds of up to 213 km/h.
• Structure and Design:
  • Asymmetrical cable-stayed design supported by 96 cables with varying lengths (82 to 295 meters).
  • The structure includes:
    • A 120-meter approach viaduct on the Reasi side.
    • A 38-meter approach bridge on the Katra side.
    • A 473.25-meter cable-stayed portion crossing the valley.
    • A 94.25-meter central embankment linking the main bridge to the approach viaduct.
• Construction Techniques:
  • Used advanced construction techniques such as DOKA Jump Form Shuttering, Pump Concreting, and Tower Crane Technique to enhance safety and reduce construction time by 30%.
  • A 40-ton tower crane imported from Spain was employed for operations at great heights.
  • The project utilized site-specific investigations by IIT Roorkee and IIT Delhi due to the region’s complex geological and seismic conditions.
• Engineering Challenges:
  • The bridge had to be constructed in the difficult Himalayan terrain, with fragile geological features such as faults and thrusts.
  • Seismic activity in the region required additional precautions in the design and construction process.
• Safety and Monitoring:
  • Equipped with an integrated monitoring system that includes multiple sensors to ensure the structural health of the bridge during operation.

Importance and Impact:

• Connectivity: The bridge will significantly improve connectivity between Katra and Reasi, ensuring faster rail travel and linking the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India.
• Tourism and Economic Growth: Expected to boost tourism and economic development by improving access to the region, attracting visitors, and facilitating smoother transportation of goods and services.
• Sustainability: The bridge's design ensures it remains safe under extreme weather conditions, offering long-term reliability for the Indian Railways network.

Collaboration and International Expertise:

• The design and supervision were handled by ITALFERR (Italy), with proof-checking conducted by COWI (UK).
• The project combines Indian engineering codes with Eurocodes, adhering to international standards for structural integrity.

In News:

Centre urges states, UTs to ensure undertrial prisoner relief in jails.

Key Highlights:

• Objective: The MHA has urged states and Union Territories (UTs) to implement provisions of Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 to provide relief to undertrial prisoners (UTPs) in jails. This initiative aims to address issues such as long detention and overcrowding in prisons.

Key Provisions of Section 479 of BNSS, 2023

• Purpose: To offer relief to undertrial prisoners by mandating their release on bail or bond under specific conditions.
• Key Provisions:
  • Subsection (1):
    • Release on Bail: UTPs who have served half the maximum sentence for their offense (except offenses punishable by death or life imprisonment) are eligible for release on bail.
    • Release on Bond for First-Time Offenders: First-time offenders, who have served one-third of the maximum sentence, are eligible for release on bond by the court.
  • Subsection (3):
    • Mandatory Application: It is the responsibility of the prison superintendent to apply to the concerned court for the release of eligible prisoners on bail or bond.
• Superintendent’s Role:
  • Prison superintendents are mandated to ensure timely applications for bail or bond are filed for eligible UTPs.

Implementation and Reporting

• MHA’s Advisory:
  • On January 1, the MHA issued a letter to the Chief Secretaries, Director Generals, and Inspectors General of prisons in all states and UTs to ensure compliance with the provisions of Section 479 of BNSS.
  • States and UTs were instructed to report the status of implementation in a prescribed format starting from January 1, 2025.
• Data to be Reported:
  • First-Time UTPs: Number of first-time UTPs who have served one-third of their maximum sentence.
  • Court Applications: Number of applications for bail filed by jail superintendents.
  • Release on Bail: Number of UTPs released on bond or bail after meeting the eligibility criteria.
  • Other UTPs: Number of UTPs who have completed half of their sentence, and the number of applications filed for their release.
• MHA’s Campaign:
  • Launched on Constitution Day (November 26), this campaign encouraged states and UTs to identify eligible prisoners and file their bail applications, thus helping to reduce overcrowding in prisons and mitigate long-term detention.

Background and Context

• Why Section 479?
  • Section 479 aims to reduce the prolonged detention of undertrials, some of whom may have already served significant portions of their maximum sentences. This will not only alleviate overcrowding in prisons but also expedite justice for prisoners who have spent extended periods in jail awaiting trial.
• Earlier MHA Initiatives:
  • Prior to this directive, the MHA had issued an advisory on October 16, 2024, encouraging states and UTs to implement Section 479. A special push was also made during Constitution Day to move applications for the release of eligible prisoners.
• Expected Outcome:
  • The measures are expected to significantly ease the challenges of overcrowded jails and provide timely relief to undertrials, especially first-time offenders. By enforcing these provisions, the government seeks to improve the judicial process for UTPs and contribute to a more effective and humane criminal justice system.

In News:

India and the U.S. have announced cooperation on the co-production of U.S. sonobuoys to enhance Undersea Domain Awareness (UDA) for the Indian Navy. This technology is vital for tracking submarines and strengthening defense capabilities, particularly in the Indian Ocean region amidst growing Chinese naval presence.

This partnership is a key step in deepening defense cooperation under the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), launched in May 2022, and will contribute to strengthening both countries’ defense industrial bases.

About Sonobuoys

• What They Are:
  • Sonobuoys are expendable sonar devices used for anti-submarine warfare and underwater acoustic research.
  • Typically, small (13 cm in diameter and 91 cm in length), they are designed for deployment from aircraft or ships to detect submarines in deep waters.
• Working Principles:
  • Deployment: Dropped from aircraft or ships, they activate upon water impact.
  • Surface Float: Equipped with inflatable floats and radio transmitters to communicate with tracking platforms on the surface.
  • Sensors: Hydrophones descend to selected depths, capturing underwater acoustic signals.
  • Data Communication: Transmit acoustic data via Very High Frequency (VHF) or Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radios to operators on aircraft or ships.
• Types of Sonobuoys:
  • Active Sonobuoys: Emit sound energy and receive echoes, transmitting the data back to operators.
  • Passive Sonobuoys: Only listen for underwater sounds from submarines or ships and relay the information back.
  • Special Purpose Sonobuoys: Measure environmental data like water temperature and ambient noise.
• Other Applications:
  • Beyond anti-submarine warfare, sonobuoys are used for environmental research, including studying marine life such as whales.

Co-production of Sonobuoys: India-U.S. Collaboration

• Manufacturing Agreement:
  • Ultra Maritime (U.S.) and Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (BDL) have entered into discussions to co-produce U.S. sonobuoys, in line with India’s "Make in India" initiative.
  • The production will follow U.S. Navy standards, with manufacturing split between the U.S. and India.
  • The focus will also be on developing bespoke technologies to optimize sonobuoy performance in the unique acoustic environment of the Indian Ocean.
• Interoperability:
  • The sonobuoys co-produced in India will be interoperable between U.S. Navy, Indian Navy, and allied aircraft such as P-8, MH-60R, and MQ-9B Sea Guardian.
  • This ensures seamless integration and compatibility with naval assets from the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia, especially given the Quad's strategic naval exercises like Malabar.
• Production Location:
  • The sonobuoys will be manufactured at BDL's facilities in Visakhapatnam, with a focus on meeting the Indian Navy’s operational demands.

Strategic and Defense Context

• U.S. and Indian Naval Cooperation:
  • India has increasingly acquired military platforms from the U.S., such as the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, MH-60R helicopters, and MQ-9 drones. These assets are also used by other Quad nations like Australia and Japan, highlighting the importance of interoperability and shared defense capabilities in the region.
• Enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness:
  • With China’s growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean, the cooperation on sonobuoys aligns with India’s strategic priority of enhancing maritime domain awareness (MDA) and Undersea Domain Awareness (UDA), which are critical for national security.
• Future Plans:
  • India has also signed a $3.5 billion contract for 31 MQ-9B drones, enhancing its surveillance capabilities for maritime and other defense applications. Deliveries of these drones will begin in 2029, further boosting India’s defense readiness in the region.

In News:

ISRO successfully germinated cowpea seeds (Vigna unguiculata) in microgravity conditions during the PSLV-C60 POEM-4 mission. This experiment, conducted using the Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS), marks a significant advancement in space-based agricultural research.

Details of the Experiment:

• Mission Overview:
  • The experiment took place aboard the PSLV-C60 POEM-4 mission, which included 24 sophisticated payloads.
  • The CROPS payload, developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), is an automated system designed to study seed germination and plant survival in microgravity environments.
• Methodology:
  • Eight cowpea seeds were placed in a controlled, closed-box system, equipped with temperature regulation and advanced monitoring tools.
  • The system tracked plant development using high-definition cameras, sensors for oxygen, carbon dioxide, humidity, temperature, and soil moisture levels.
• Significance:
  • The cowpea seeds successfully germinated within four days, with leaf development expected soon.
  • This breakthrough in space agriculture is vital for the development of sustainable farming techniques in space, especially for long-term space missions and human settlements on other celestial bodies.

Broader Implications:

• Space Agriculture:
  • The successful germination of cowpea seeds sets the foundation for growing crops in space, essential for self-sufficient habitats in space.
  • This experiment is a significant step towards sustainable space agriculture, reducing the need for Earth-based resources in extraterrestrial environments.
• Future Missions:
  • The experiment's success is pivotal for future missions aimed at Moon or Mars exploration, where space-grown crops will be necessary to support human life.
  • ISRO’s achievement reinforces its growing expertise in space research and highlights the potential for international collaboration in space exploration and agricultural science.

About Cowpea Seeds:

• Cowpea (also known as lobia in Hindi) is a robust, nutrient-rich legume, ideal for agricultural research due to its adaptability and resilience in varied environments.
• The successful experiment with cowpea seeds holds promise for future extraterrestrial agriculture, ensuring food security for astronauts on long-duration missions.

In News:

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Address at NCC Republic Day Camp 2025.

Key Highlights

• PanchPran as the Foundation of India’s Transformation:
  • PanchPran (Five Resolutions) were outlined by Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar as the guiding principles for India’s future development.
  • These principles are fundamental to India’s national progress, ensuring a balanced approach to development and societal transformation.

The Five Principles of PanchPran:

• Social Harmony:
  • Aims to strengthen unity by leveraging India’s diverse cultures and traditions as sources of national strength.
  • Promotes inclusiveness and national integration.
• Family Enlightenment:
  • Emphasizes the importance of families in nurturing patriotic and moral values.
  • Acts as a foundation for creating a cohesive, enlightened society that respects traditions.
• Environmental Consciousness:
  • Advocates for sustainable development and conservation of nature.
  • Focuses on protecting natural resources for future generations.
• Swadeshi (Self-reliance):
  • Encourages promoting indigenous products as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
  • Strengthens India’s self-reliance by focusing on domestic production and consumption.
• Civic Duties:
  • Instills responsibility among citizens to actively contribute to the nation’s growth.
  • Encourages participation in community and national development activities.