In News:

• The 13th National Seed Congress (NSC), organized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, concluded with significant discussions and outcomes focused on advancing India's seed sector.
• The theme for this year's congress, held in Varanasi, was "Innovating for a Sustainable Seed Ecosystem."

Key Highlights:

• Focus Areas:
  • Seed Technologies and Biofortification: Emphasis on high-nutrition seeds like iron and zinc-enriched rice and Vitamin A-rich crops to combat malnutrition.
  • Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Promoting practices like Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and the development of stress-tolerant seed varieties to withstand climate change.
• Challenges in India’s Seed Ecosystem:
  • Seed Replacement Rate (SRR): SRR in India is around 15-20%, with 100% for hybrid seeds, pointing to the need for higher adoption of certified seeds.
  • Monoculture and Seed Market Monopoly: Issues like over-reliance on Bt cotton and domination by multinational companies (e.g., Bayer) in seed markets.
• Government Initiatives:
  • National Seed Corporation (NSC): Produces foundation and certified seeds for over 600 varieties.
  • Seed Village Programme (Beej Gram Yojana): Focus on improving the quality of farm-saved seeds.
  • National Seed Reserve: Ensures seed availability during climatic disruptions.
• Policy Discussions:
  • Proposed Seeds Bill: A new bill to regulate seed quality and promote sustainable practices.
  • Public-Private Partnerships: Strengthening collaborations to improve seed production, accessibility, and quality.
• Outcomes:
  • Biofortified Seeds: Increased development and distribution of nutrient-rich seeds.
  • Climate-Resilient Seed Systems: Enhanced focus on developing crops that can withstand climate challenges.
  • Public-Private Partnerships: Strengthening collaborations in seed technology and policy reform.

In News:

India has been re-elected to the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) for the term 2025–2026, continuing its strong commitment to global peace and stability.

UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC)

It is an advisory body established by the UN General Assembly and UN Security Council in 2005. It is tasked with supporting peace efforts in conflict-affected countries by advising and recommending strategies for post-conflict recovery and long-term peacebuilding.

Composition of PBC:

• The PBC is composed of 31 member states, elected from the General Assembly, Security Council, and Economic and Social Council.
• It includes key financial and troop-contributing countries, which play a central role in shaping global peacebuilding initiatives.

Key Mandates of the PBC

• Coordination of Resources and Strategies:The Commission brings together all relevant actors to propose integrated strategies for post-conflict recovery and peacebuilding.
• Reconstruction and Development:It focuses on rebuilding conflict-affected countries through institution-building and supporting sustainable development efforts.
• Improving Coordination:The PBC ensures better coordination within and outside the UN, develops best practices, and secures predictable financing for early recovery initiatives.
• Sustaining Peace:The Commission promotes sustained international attention to peacebuilding efforts and offers political support to countries emerging from conflict, with their consent.
• Integrated Approach:The PBC advocates for an integrated approach that links security, development, and human rights as interrelated and mutually reinforcing.
• Bridging Role:It serves as a platform to connect UN bodies, Member States, national authorities, civil society, and other stakeholders, sharing good practices in peacebuilding.

India’s Contributions to UN Peacebuilding and Peacekeeping

India has been at the forefront of UN peacebuilding initiatives due to its long-standing commitment to international peace and stability.

• Largest Contributor of Personnel:India is one of the largest contributors of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping. Currently, around 6,000 Indian military and police personnel are deployed across multiple missions in Abyei, Central African Republic, Cyprus, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lebanon, Middle East, Somalia, South Sudan, and Western Sahara.
• Sacrifices in Service:India holds the tragic distinction of having lost over 180 peacekeepers, the highest number from any troop-contributing nation. These sacrifices reflect India's enduring commitment to global peace.
• Financial Support:India contributes to the Peacebuilding Fund, the primary financial instrument for conflict prevention and peacebuilding, which supports countries transitioning from conflict to peace.
• Championing South-South Cooperation:India has actively promoted South-South cooperation, a model for post-conflict recovery that emphasizes shared learning and capacity-building among developing nations.
• Women in UN Peacekeeping:India has led efforts for gender parity in UN peacekeeping. In 2007, India became the first country to deploy an all-women contingent to a UN peacekeeping mission. It has since deployed Female Engagement Teams (FETs) and Female Formed Police Units (FFPUs) in Lebanon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Training and Capacity Building:India has invested in capacity development for both the UN and host nations. The Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in New Delhi, established by the Indian Army, trains over 12,000 troops annually in peacekeeping operations. India also deploys Mobile Training Teams to share best practices with other countries.

India’s Pledges at the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial (2023)

At the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial held in Accra, Ghana (December 2023), India made significant pledges:

• To contribute an Infantry Battalion Group, along with various sub-groups and pre-deployment training courses, for the next two years.
• India’s ongoing commitment to strengthening peacekeeping efforts and supporting the UN’s peacebuilding agenda was reaffirmed.

In News:

• The Ministry of Culture plays a pivotal role in promoting India’s rich cultural heritage across the globe through its Global Engagement Scheme.
• The scheme is designed to enhance India's cultural image internationally while fostering people-to-people connections and strengthening bilateral cultural ties with other nations.
• The scheme has three key components: Festival of India, Grant-in-aid to Indo-Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies, and Contribution Grants.

Key Components of the Global Engagement Scheme:

• Festival of India (FoI):
  • Purpose: The Festival of India is organized abroad to celebrate and promote India's diverse culture. It provides a platform for artists from various cultural fields, including Folk Art (folk music, dance, theatre, puppetry), Classical and Traditional Dance, Classical and Semi-Classical Music, Experimental/Contemporary Dance, and Theatre.
  • Impact: Since 2013-14, 62 Festivals of India have been held in different countries, with over 2,348 artists, including folk artists, participating. These festivals serve as a means to promote Indian folk art, culture, and music internationally.
  • Artist Participation: Folk artists are remunerated with a performance fee of ?35,000 for the leader/main artist and ?7,000 for accompanying artists per performance.
• Grant-in-aid to Indo-Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies:
  • Objective: This scheme supports cultural societies abroad that aim to strengthen cultural exchanges and promote Indian art forms. Grants are provided to these societies to organize various cultural programs and activities, fostering closer cultural ties between India and the host countries.
  • Support to Folk Artists: This scheme also aids in bringing folk art to the global stage, showcasing India's traditional performances.
• Contribution Grant:
  • Objective: The contribution grant is used for India’s membership in international organizations like UNESCO, ICOM, and the World Heritage Fund. This component also facilitates Indian participation in international meetings and helps host global events, further showcasing India’s cultural wealth.

Support for Veteran Artists:

In addition to promoting folk culture globally, the Ministry of Culture supports veteran artists through the Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists scheme. This initiative is aimed at supporting elderly and economically disadvantaged artists (aged 60 and above) who have made significant contributions to their respective art forms, including folk art.

• Financial Support: Artists selected under this scheme receive up to ?6,000 per month, adjusted for any state pension they may already receive.

Regional Contributions:

• The Ministry has empaneled folk artists and groups across India for participation in these international cultural exchanges. For instance, two folk artists/groups and one Kathak artist from Uttarakhand are currently empaneled.
• Notably, a troupe from Uttarakhand participated in the Freedom 70 Cultural Event in Cuba and the Dominican Republic in August 2017, showcasing the diversity of Indian folk art.
• The Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists has also benefitted several artists from Uttarakhand, with four artists from the state receiving support over the past two years.

In News:

A two-day Mahabodhi Mahotsav is currently being held at the Great Stupa in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Key Highlights:

• The festival will include religious ceremonies and cultural activities centered around the relics of Lord Buddha’s chief disciples, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana.
• Cultural Significance: The Mahotsav serves as a platform for celebrating and reaffirming the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region, with a focus on the teachings of Lord Buddha.

About Sanchi Stupa:

Sanchi Stupa is one of the oldest and most significant monuments of Buddhist architecture in India. It has stood as a symbol of Buddhist history, spirituality, and culture for over two millennia.

• Historical Importance:Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, the stupa was later expanded by the Shunga and Satavahana rulers. It stands as a testament to the spread of Buddhism across India and beyond.
• Architectural Features:
  • Hemispherical Dome (Anda): The large dome represents the universe, encapsulating the essence of Buddhist cosmology.
  • Chatras: The umbrella-like structures on top of the dome symbolize divine protection and royalty.
  • Harmika: A small balcony on the dome, which is considered the abode of the gods.
  • Medhi: The base of the stupa, which stores sacred relics.
  • Toranas: Four intricately carved gateways that depict scenes from the life of Buddha and various Jataka tales. These gateways point to the four cardinal directions, symbolizing the universality of Buddha’s teachings.
  • Vedica: The railings surrounding the stupa serve as sacred enclosures.
  • Paradakshinapatha: Pathways for circumambulation, allowing devotees to walk around the stupa as a sign of respect.
• Symbolism:The stupa’s architecture is an example of early Buddhist aniconism, where the Buddha is not directly depicted but is represented symbolically through footprints, wheels, or empty thrones.
• Inscriptions:The stupa contains important inscriptions, including the Ashokan Lion Capital and inscriptions in Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts, reflecting the historical significance of the site.
• UNESCO World Heritage Status:In 1989, Sanchi Stupa was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its exceptional historical and cultural importance as a center for Buddhist art, architecture, and philosophy.

Significance of the Mahabodhi Mahotsav:

The Mahabodhi Mahotsav at Sanchi not only provides a spiritual experience but also highlights the historical and cultural legacy of Buddhism in India. The event brings attention to the preservation and promotion of Buddhist heritage, reflecting India’s rich diversity and commitment to maintaining its ancient traditions. Through this festival, Sanchi continues to be a center of pilgrimage and learning, attracting visitors from around the world who seek to understand and experience the teachings of Lord Buddha.

In News:

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved new guidelines for undergraduate (UG) degree completion, offering flexibility in the duration of academic programs.

Key Details:

• Two Options for Degree Completion:
  • Accelerated Degree Programme:Students with exceptional academic performance or those completing additional credits can graduate earlier than the standard duration.
  • Extended Degree Programme:Students facing personal, financial, or academic challenges can extend the time for degree completion without facing penalties.
• Objective:
  • Enhance flexibility and a student-centric approach to higher education.
  • Address challenges like balancing education with personal or professional commitments.
• Institutional Autonomy:Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can implement these options based on available infrastructure and academic resources.
• Recognition of Flexibility:Degrees completed earlier or later will be treated on par with those completed within the standard duration.
• Alignment with Global Trends:This initiative aligns with global educational trends towards flexible learning paths.
• Support for Interdisciplinary Studies:The new regulations are expected to benefit students pursuing interdisciplinary studies or professional courses.
• NEP 2020 Alignment:The move is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes learner-centric education and skill development.
• Impact:The decision is likely to provide more options for students, making higher education more accessible and tailored to individual needs.

In News:

The Rengma Naga tribe concluded a two-day celebration of the Ngada festival-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival at the Tseminyu RSA ground in Nagaland.

Ngada Festival Overview:

• Celebration: It is an annual celebration observed by the Rengma Naga tribe, marking the end of the agricultural cycle.
• Duration: Typically, an eight-day festival, it is celebrated towards the end of November.
• Significance: It is a festival of thanksgiving, joy, and cultural unity, with a focus on gratitude for the harvest and remembrance of departed souls.

Cultural and Ritual Aspects:

• Rituals: The festival involves rituals for protection from misfortunes, such as fire and evil spirits, as well as prayers for peace and prosperity in the community.
• Agricultural Link: The festival is celebrated after the harvest season, symbolizing the end of the agricultural cycle and the beginning of the storage of crops.
• Official Announcement: The village priest announces the start of the festival, and preparations begin shortly after.

Importance of Ngada:

• Gratitude for the Harvest: The festival is a celebration of the hard work of the agricultural year and the bountiful harvest.
• Cultural Identity: The festival serves as a vital reminder of the Rengma Naga’s cultural heritage and traditions, helping to preserve them for future generations.
• Symbol of Unity: It fosters cultural unity and strengthens community bonds within the tribe.

Tribal Demographics:

• Population: The Rengma Naga tribe has a population of around 62,951 in Nagaland and 22,000 in Assam (according to the 2011 Census of India).
• Ethnic Identity: The Rengmas belong to the Tibeto-Burman ethnic group and identify themselves as Njong or Injang.

Historical and Cultural Background:

• Migration: It is believed that the Rengmas, along with other Naga tribes, migrated from Southeast Asia, crossing the Yunnan Mountain ranges, and eventually settled in the upper Burma region.
• Slavery: Historically, slavery was practiced among the Rengmas, with slaves known as menugetenyu and it sakesa. However, by the time the British arrived, slavery was in decline, and no Rengma tribespeople were known to be slaves.

Economy:

• Agricultural Lifestyle: The Rengma Naga are primarily agriculturalists, relying on Jhum cultivation (shifting cultivation) and wet rice cultivation.
• Crops Grown: They grow staple crops like paddy, along with seasonal crops and fruits.

Religion:

• Traditional Beliefs: Traditionally, the Rengma Naga worship supernatural beings.
• Christianity: Today, most of the Rengma tribe has converted to Christianity.

In News:

A new report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that wage inequality has decreased in about two-thirds of all countries since 2000. Despite this positive trend, significant wage differentials persist worldwide.

Global Wage Inequality Trends:

• Wage inequality has decreased in about two-thirds of all countries since 2000.
• Average Annual Decrease in Wage Inequality:
  • Ranges from 0.5 to 1.7% globally, depending on the measure used.
  • More significant reductions have been observed in low-income countries, where the decrease has ranged from 3.2 to 9.6% over the past two decades.
• Wealthier Countries: Wage inequality has decreased at a slower pace:
  • Upper-middle-income countries: annual decrease of 0.3 to 1.3%.
  • High-income countries: annual decrease of 0.3 to 0.7%.

Global Real Wage Growth:

• Global real wages grew by 1.8% in 2023, with projections reaching 2.7% growth in 2024 (highest increase in over 15 years).
• This marks a recovery from the negative global wage growth of -0.9% in 2022 due to high inflation rates.

Regional Wage Growth:

• Emerging Economies: Saw stronger wage growth than advanced economies.
  • Emerging G20 economies: 1.8% growth in 2022 and 6.0% growth in 2023.
• Advanced Economies: Faced real wage declines.
  • G20 advanced economies: Declined by -2.8% in 2022 and -0.5% in 2023.
• Fastest Wage Growth: Observed in regions like Asia-Pacific, Central and Western Asia, and Eastern Europe.

Wage Inequality Persistence:

• Income Distribution: The lowest-paid 10% of workers earn just 0.5% of the global wage bill, while the highest-paid 10% earn nearly 38%.
• Wage Inequality in Low-Income Countries: Particularly high, with nearly 22% of wage workers classified as low-paid.
• Women and Informal Economy Workers: More likely to be among the lowest-paid workers, underscoring the need for targeted actions to close wage and employment gaps.

Non-Wage Workers:

• Globally, one in every three workers is a non-wage worker.
• In low- and middle-income countries, many workers are self-employed in the informal economy, which skews overall income inequality measures.
• Income inequality in these regions is higher when including self-employed workers, especially those in informal employment.

Policy Recommendations:

• Targeted Policies: To reduce wage inequality, countries need stronger wage policies and structural support for equitable growth.
• Focus Areas:
  • Promote productivity and decent work.
  • Formalization of the informal economy to help reduce income inequality.
• Inclusive Growth: The ILO emphasizes that national strategies should aim for inclusive economic growth to achieve fair wages and reduce wage gaps.

Key ILO recommendations include: 

• Setting wages through social dialogue: wages should be set and adjusted through collective bargaining or agreed minimum wage systems involving governments, workers and employers.
• Taking an informed approach: wage-setting should take into account both the needs of workers and their families and economic factors.
• Promoting equality, and equal opportunity of treatment and outcomes: wage policies should support gender equality, equity and non-discrimination.
• Using strong data: decisions should be based on reliable data and statistics.
• Addressing root causes of low pay: national policies should reflect each country’s specific context and address the causes of low pay such as informality, low productivity and the under-valuing of jobs in sectors such as the care economy.

In News:

ISRO received approval for its first Venus mission, Shukrayaan. The probe will undertake a detailed investigation of Venus, including its surface, atmosphere and geological structure.

Shukrayaan Mission (Venus Orbiter Mission):

• Launch Timeline: Scheduled for 2028.
• Objective: Investigate Venus to gather data on its surface, atmosphere, and geological structure.
• Scientific Focus: Study weather patterns, geological activities, and atmospheric composition (e.g., carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid clouds).
• Instrumentation: Equipped with synthetic aperture radar, infrared, and ultraviolet imaging devices to study Venus’s ionosphere.
• Significance: Offers global coverage of Venus, addressing gaps in previous missions' spatial coverage.
• Cost: Estimated at Rs 1,236 crore.
• Launch Vehicle: ISRO plans to use the LVM-3 (GSLV Mk III) rocket to launch the mission into an elliptical parking orbit (170 km x 36,000 km).
• Mission Data Processing: Data will be archived and disseminated through the Indian Space Science Data Center (ISSDC).

Chandrayaan 4 Mission:

• Collaborative Effort: Joint mission between India (ISRO) and Japan.
• Launch Objective: Land on the moon's south pole, with a focus on the region at 90°S (compared to previous missions at 69.3°S).
• Mission Details:
  • Includes a rover weighing 350 kg (12 times heavier than previous rover).
  • The rover will be equipped with advanced scientific tools for lunar exploration.
• Government Approval: Awaiting approval, with a target execution date of 2030.

Gaganyaan Mission (Human Spaceflight Program):

• Timeline: Unmanned flight in 2026, followed by a manned mission.
• Indian Space Station: Construction approved; to be completed by 2035, comprising five modules.
• Purpose: To serve as a transit facility for deep space exploration, including future lunar missions.

Mars Exploration Plans:

• Future Missions: Plans to send satellites to Mars and attempt a landing on the Martian surface.
• Significance: Demonstrates India’s growing ambitions in interplanetary exploration.

INSAT-4 Series of Satellites:

• Goal: Launch of new meteorological and oceanographic sensors to improve weather forecasts and disaster management.
• Technological Advancements: Need for India to catch up with global advancements in space-based sensors.

International Collaboration in Space:

• Chandrayaan 4: A collaboration between ISRO and Japan to explore the moon’s south pole, showcasing India's growing international cooperation in space exploration.

Strategic Importance of Shukrayaan:

• Contribution to Science: The mission’s global dataset will provide unique insights into Venus, enhancing the understanding of planetary atmospheres and geological processes.
• Potential for Discoveries: Research on Venus’s ionosphere and possible volcanic activity.

In News:

• The Union Minister for Women and Child Development launched the “Bal VivahMukt Bharat” campaign aimed at eradicating child marriage in India.
• Goal: Reduce child marriage rates to below 5% by 2029.
• Focus: Engage multiple stakeholders, raise awareness, and leverage technology for eradication.

Target Areas:

• Target States: West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Tripura, Assam, Andhra Pradesh.
• High-Burden Districts: Nearly 300 districts with higher rates of child marriage.

Child Marriage Free Bharat Portal:

• A digital platform to raise awareness, report cases, and track progress on child marriage prevention.
• Real-time tracking by Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs).

Monitoring and Accountability:

• Central nodal officers and CMPOs will oversee the campaign’s implementation at state and district levels.
• The portal facilitates citizens’ participation by allowing complaints and providing information on legal remedies.

Progress and Impact:

• Child marriage rates have reduced from 47.4% (2005-06) to 23.3% (2019-21).
• The goal is to reduce these rates further to below 5% by 2029.

Awareness and Community Engagement:

• Public campaigns and community mobilization to challenge societal norms and change attitudes towards child marriage.
• The campaign will continue through various channels, including the BetiBachaoBetiPadhao initiative.

Legal Framework:

• Strengthening the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, which sets the legal marriage age at 18 for women and 21 for men.
• Penalties for those involved in child marriage include imprisonment and fines.

Key Challenges for Child Marriage:

• Poverty: Families may view early marriage as a financial relief.
• Cultural Norms: Deep-rooted societal beliefs about preserving family honor.
• Gender Inequality: Patriarchal systems view girls as burdens.
• Lack of Education: Limited access to schooling forces early marriages.
• Fear of Sexual Assault: Misguided belief that early marriage protects girls.
• Weak Law Enforcement: Corruption and inadequate resources hinder the law’s implementation.
• Pandemic Impact: Economic hardships during COVID-19 led to an increase in child marriages.

Related Initiatives:

• Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006: Strengthens child marriage laws and establishes CMPOs.
• Success Stories: Individuals like BuchaRamanamma, Durga, and Roshni Perween have inspired others by stopping their own child marriages and advocating for change.

Campaign and National Vision:

• The campaign aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.
• It aims to empower women and girls, providing them with opportunities for education, health, and safety.
• Collective effort from the government, social organizations, and citizens is crucial to eliminating child marriage.

In News:

• The Indian Army launched the “Eklavya” online learning platformnmunder the leadership of General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).
• It is part of the Army’s “Decade of Transformation” initiative and aligns with the theme for 2024, “Year of Technology Absorption.”

Platform Development:

• Developed by the Army Training Command (ATC) and sponsored by the Army War College.
• Created at zero cost in collaboration with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N), Gandhinagar.
• Hosted on the Army Data Network with scalable architecture to integrate various training establishments.

Key Features:

• Supports multiple courses from 17Category ‘A’ Training Establishments of the Army.
• Allows student officers to register for several courses simultaneously.
• Aims to decongest physical courses and integrate contemporary, application-focused content.

Categories of Courses:

• Pre-Course Preparatory Capsules: Online study material for physical courses, allowing focus on contemporary topics during offline training.
• Appointment-Specific Courses: Online courses for officers appointed to specialized roles (e.g., information warfare, financial planning, etc.), helping them gain domain-specific expertise before posting.
• Professional Development Suite: Includes courses on strategy, leadership, operational art, finance, emerging technologies, etc., focusing on holistic officer development.

Knowledge Highway:

• A searchable database featuring journals, research papers, and articles to support continuous professional education and development.

Impact:

• Promotes continuous professional military education.
• Enhances the efficiency and specialization of officers, particularly in emerging domains.
• Streamlines training processes and integrates modern technology in the Army’s educational system.

In News:

The Supreme Court dismissed the PIL, remarking that EVMs are only questioned after electoral losses, not when elections are won. It emphasized that no evidence of tampering was found.

What Are EVMs and VVPATs?:

• EVMs: Electronic Voting Machines are used for conducting elections to the Parliament, state legislatures, and local bodies. They consist of two units: theControl Unit (operated by the polling officer) and the Ballot Unit (where voters cast their votes).
• VVPAT: The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail enables voters to verify that their vote is recorded as cast. A slip is printed showing the candidate’s name, symbol, and serial number, visible for 7 seconds before being cut and stored in a sealed box.

Safeguards to Ensure EVM Integrity:

• Technical Safeguards:
  • Microcontroller Security: EVMs use one-time programmable (OTP) microcontrollers, which cannot be altered after manufacturing.
  • Standalone Operation: EVMs do not have wired or wireless connectivity, eliminating risks of remote tampering.
  • Post-2013 Features: Advanced EVMs (M3) include tamper detection and mutual authentication protocols.
• Administrative Protocols:
  • Randomized EVM Allocation: EVMs are randomly allocated to polling stations to avoid predetermined assignments.
  • Mock Polls: Multiple mock polls are conducted to test the functionality of EVMs.
  • Counting Procedures: EVMs are brought to counting tables under CCTV surveillance, and VVPAT slips are randomly cross-verified.
  • Secure Storage: EVMs are stored under strict protocols, including double-lock systems, CCTV surveillance, and GPS-tracked transport.

Advantages of EVMs Over Ballot Papers:

• Elimination of Invalid Votes: EVMs ensure no invalid votes, a common problem with torn or mis-marked ballot papers.
• Prevention of Booth Capturing: EVMs restrict vote casting to 4 votes per minute, preventing fraudulent vote insertion.
• Accurate and Fast Counting: EVMs enable quick, error-free vote counting, reducing delays and human errors.
• Transparency: Voters can verify their votes through the VVPAT, and the vote count is displayed transparently without revealing candidate-wise results prematurely.

Evolution of EVMs in India:

• 1977: Concept of EVMs conceived.
• 1990: The Dinesh Goswami Committee recommended the use of EVMs.
• 2004: EVMs used nationwide in Lok Sabha elections.
• 2013: VVPAT was introduced to improve transparency.
• 2019: First nationwide use of EVMs backed by VVPAT.

In News:

The gig economy market is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17 per cent to reach a gross volume of $455 billion by 2024, according to a white paper by the Forum for Progressive Gig Workers.

Key Sectors Supported by Gig Workers:

• E-commerce: Gig workers play a crucial role in driving growth in the e-commerce sector.
• Transportation and Delivery Services: These sectors are heavily dependent on gig workers for their operations and services.

Impact on Employment:

• Job Creation: The gig economy has the potential to create a significant number of jobs, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities, which are emerging as new growth hubs.
• Alternate Revenue Streams: Gig work provides diverse income opportunities for workers, especially for women, offering them a flexible mode of earning.

Contribution to GDP:

• The gig economy’s contribution is expected to add 1.25% to India’s GDP over time, highlighting its growing economic importance.

Technological Integration and Future Prospects:

• AI and Digital Innovation: Future growth is expected to be driven by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), predictive analytics, and digital innovation, fostering sustainable and inclusive job opportunities.

Social and Economic Benefits:

• Women's Workforce Participation: The gig economy provides women with more earning opportunities and helps integrate them into the workforce.
• Welfare Initiatives: Platforms supporting gig workers are increasingly focusing on welfare initiatives, improving the overall working conditions in the sector.

Challenges and Opportunities:

• Challenges: The evolving dynamics between large companies and gig workers pose challenges in terms of worker rights and fair compensation.
• Opportunities: The growth of the gig economy presents opportunities for companies to innovate and create inclusive work environments, especially for underserved communities.

Future Developments:

• Formal Report: The Forum for Progressive Gig Workers plans to collaborate with global organizations to release a formal report with deeper insights and actionable recommendations for the future of gig work

In News:

• GMP was launched at COP29, on Energy Day, by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Climate Club.
• Aimed at accelerating industrial decarbonisation in heavy-emitting industries of emerging and developing economies (EMDEs).
• The platform addresses the annual funding gap of US$125 billion required to achieve net-zero emissions goals.

Key Highlights:

Support Mechanism:

• GMP operates as a support mechanism for the Climate Club, with the secretariat hosted by UNIDO.
• Activities are supported by the interim secretariat of the OECD and the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Key Objectives:

• Match country-specific decarbonisation needs with global technical and financial resources.
• Facilitate the decarbonisation of energy and emissions-intensive industrial sectors, such as steel, cement, chemicals, and aluminium.
• Offer assistance in policy development, technology transfer, and investment facilitation to promote low-carbon industrial practices.

Global Participation:

• Countries like Germany, Chile, Uruguay, Turkey, Bangladesh, and Indonesia are actively involved.
• Non-state actors include UNIDO, World Bank, Climate Investment Funds (CIF), and GIZ, supporting the platform’s initiatives.

Funding Gap:

• Industrial decarbonisation requires an increase in investments from US$15 billion (current) to US$70 billion by 2030, and US$125 billion by 2050, especially for sectors like steel and cement.

Climate Club Work Programme (2025-26):

• The GMP is part of the Climate Club's new work programme for 2025-26, focusing on:
  • Advancing ambitious climate change mitigation policies.
  • Transforming industries through decarbonisation.
  • Boosting international climate cooperation.

Industrial Decarbonisation:

• Decarbonisation refers to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from industrial activities.
• Key sectors for decarbonisation include petroleum refining, chemical manufacturing, iron and steel, cement production, and the food and beverage sector.

Support for EMDEs:

• The platform focuses on helping emerging and developing economies overcome challenges such as lack of resources, technology, and capacity to adopt cleaner industrial methods.
• Climate finance is crucial to pilot and scale low-carbon technologies in these regions.

Future Role of GMP:

• The GMP will play a critical role in incorporating industrial decarbonisation into countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for COP30.
• The platform aims to accelerate progress by connecting developing countries with finance, technology, and expertise to transition to low-emission industries.

In News:

• The E-Daakhil portal was launched by the Department of Consumer Affairs to promote consumer rights and ensure timely justice.
• The portal was launched nationwide with its final rollout in Ladakh on 22nd November 2024, making it operational across all states and union territories of India.

Background and Purpose:

• Introduced in September 2020, the portal was developed in response to the Consumer Protection Act 2019, which aims to address emerging consumer concerns.
• Aimed at providing a hassle-free, inexpensive, and speedy mechanism for filing consumer complaints, especially post the COVID-19 pandemic.
• E-Daakhil is an online platform that simplifies the grievance redressal process, allowing consumers to file complaints remotely, without the need for physical presence.

Portal Features:

• User-friendly interface: Simple and intuitive, allowing consumers to file and track complaints online.
• Registration process: Users can register through OTP on their mobile or an activation link via email.
• Paperless and transparent: The entire process, from filing complaints to tracking the case status, is digital and transparent.
• Consumers can file complaints, pay fees, and monitor the progress of their cases from the comfort of their homes.

Success and Impact:

• By the end of 2023, E-Daakhil was available in 35 states and union territories; with Ladakh being the latest addition in November 2024.
• Over 2.81 lakh users have registered, and 1.98 lakh cases have been filed, of which 38,453 cases have been disposed of.

Future Developments:

• E-Jagriti: A new initiative that will further streamline the case filing, tracking, and management process, reducing delays and paperwork.
• E-Jagriti aims to improve communication between parties, ensuring faster dispute resolution.

In News:

The BioE3 Policy outlines guidelines and principles for enabling mechanisms for ‘Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing’ in the country across diverse sectors. 

Key Highlights:

Primary Objective:

• Set a framework for the adoption of advanced technologies and innovative research to promote biomanufacturing in India.
• Focus on enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and quality in biomanufacturing.

Alignment with National Goals:

• Supports India’s vision of Green Growth (Union Budget 2023-24) and Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), promoting sustainability.
• Aligns with India’s goal of achieving a Net-Zero carbon economy.
• Supports the Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry initiative announced in the Interim Budget 2024-25.

Key Objectives:

• Revolutionize biomanufacturing for better product quality and environmental sustainability.
• Accelerate the development and commercialization of bio-based, high-value products.
• Foster high-performance biomanufacturing across diverse sectors.

Achievements of Indian Bioeconomy (2014-2023):

• Contribution to GDP: Bioeconomy contributes 4.25% to India’s GDP of $3.55 trillion (as of Dec 2023).
• Growth of Bioeconomy: From $10 billion in 2014 to $151 billion in 2023, surpassing 2025 target.
• Increase in Biotech Startups: From 50 startups in 2014 to 8,531 startups in 2023.

Implementation Strategy:

• Establish BioEnablers including Bio-AI Intelligence Hubs, Biofoundries, and Biomanufacturing Hubs across India.
• Bio-AI Intelligence Hubs will support research and innovation using data-driven approaches and AI to develop technologies for bio-based products.
• Biofoundries and Biomanufacturing Hubs will provide infrastructure to scale up bio-based technology for commercial applications.

Focus on Human Resource Development:

• Bio-Enablers will offer training and internships to build a skilled workforce with interdisciplinary and technical skills required for biomanufacturing.

Sectoral Focus Areas:

• Based on consultations, six thematic sectors of national importance have been identified for implementation:
  • Bio-based chemicals and enzymes
  • Functional foods and smart proteins
  • Precision biotherapeutics
  • Climate-resilient agriculture
  • Carbon capture and utilization
  • Futuristic marine and space research
• Sectoral Expert Committees are addressing challenges and gaps identified for each of these sectors.

Government Support:

• The DBT-BIRAC (Department of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) has called for proposals to establish Biofoundries and Biomanufacturing Hubs in academia and industry.
• These hubs will support innovation and commercialization of biomanufacturing technologies.

In News:

The Union Cabinet approved the launching of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare.

Key Highlights

Objective & Focus:

• Launch of NMNF by the Union Cabinet to promote chemical-free farming in India.
• Aim to improve soil health, reduce input costs, and produce nutritious food.
• Support the shift to natural farming (NF), emphasizing local knowledge and agro-ecological principles.

Financial Allocation:

• Total Outlay: ?2481 crore (Government of India share ?1584 crore, State share ?897 crore) until FY 2025-26.

Key Features of NMNF:

• Coverage: Targeting 15,000 clusters in Gram Panchayats, covering 7.5 lakh hectares and impacting 1 crore farmers.
• Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs): 10,000 BRCs to supply ready-to-use natural farming inputs.
• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Agricultural Universities (AUs): Establishment of 2,000 model demonstration farms for hands-on training in natural farming techniques.
• Farmer Training: 18.75 lakh farmers to be trained in NF practices such as preparation of organic inputs like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit.
• Krishi Sakhis/CRPs: Deployment of 30,000 workers for farmer mobilization and awareness.

Implementation Strategy:

• Farmer Certification System: Providing easy, simple certification for marketing natural farming produce with dedicated branding.
• Monitoring: Real-time, geo-tagged monitoring of implementation through an online portal.
• Convergence with other government schemes and organizations for market linkages and support.

Natural Farming Practices:

• Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF): Promote sustainable farming by using local livestock and diverse crop systems.
• Benefits: Reduce dependence on external inputs like chemical fertilizers and pesticides, rejuvenate soil quality, and increase resilience to climate risks (e.g., drought, floods).
• Encourage biodiversity, and improve soil carbon content and water-use efficiency.

Targeted Areas and Farmer Support:

• Focus on areas where NF practices are already being followed or where farmer producer organizations (FPOs) or self-help groups (SHGs) are active.
• Training through model demonstration farms will focus on practical, location-specific NF techniques tailored to regional agro-ecologies.

Impact on Agriculture and Environment:

• Environmental Impact: Encourages sustainable farming by reducing chemical exposure, improving soil health, and promoting climate resilience.
• Farmer Well-being: By reducing input costs and promoting nutritious food, it aims to improve farmer incomes and family health.
• Contributing to the long-term health of the environment, ensuring a healthy Mother Earth for future generations.

Challenges and Concerns:

• Soil Nutrient Compromise: Concerns that some crops, like rice, might require chemical fertilizers (e.g., NPK) for optimal growth, which may not be sufficiently replaced by organic manure alone.
• The shift to natural farming requires significant awareness and training to ensure sustainable and productive yields.

Institutional Framework:

• Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare is the implementing body.
• Collaboration with KVKs, AUs, and farmer organizations ensures grassroots level support and knowledge dissemination.

In News:

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) extended the ban on United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for five years under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967.
• The notification specifically includes all factions, wings, and front organizations associated with ULFA.

Reason for Extension:

• ULFA continues to pursue secessionist objectives (separation of Assam from India).
• The group is involved in criminal activities such as extortion, intimidation, and violent actions.
• ULFA has maintained links with other insurgent groups and continues to engage in illegal activities like the possession of arms and ammunition.

Peace Process:

• Pro-talks faction of ULFA, led by Arabinda Rajkhowa, signed a peace agreement with the central and Assam governments in December 2023.
• This faction has agreed to renounce violence, disband the organization, and join the democratic process.
• However, the hardline faction of ULFA, led by Paresh Baruah, remains active and continues its militant activities.

ULFA’s Formation and Objectives:

• ULFA was founded in 1979 with the goal of achieving the "restoration of Assam's sovereignty" through armed struggle.
• It has been a key player in the Assamese separatist movement for several decades.

Legal Framework:

• The UAPA (1967) empowers the government to declare an organization as unlawful or label individuals as terrorists if they engage in activities threatening India’s sovereignty, integrity, or promote terrorism and secession.
• The latest extension of the ban was made under Section 3(1) of UAPA.

Significance for Internal Security:

• This development is important for understanding insurgency and separatism in the Northeast and the government’s approach to national security and counterinsurgency.
• The ULFA issue highlights challenges in addressing regional insurgencies and the role of the UAPA in maintaining national integrity.

In News:

Supreme Court upholds ‘secular, socialist’ in Preamble of the Constitution.

Key Highlights of the Supreme Court Judgment

• Judgment Overview:
  • Supreme Court's Ruling: The Court upheld the inclusion of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution through the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976.
  • Challenge: Petitioners, including BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, challenged the retrospective application of these terms, arguing they were not part of the original Preamble adopted in 1949.
• Court's Explanation:
  • Socialist: The term represents a welfare state aimed at reducing inequality and ensuring social, political, and economic justice, but does not prescribe a specific economic policy (left or right).
  • Secular: Denotes a state that treats all religions equally, ensuring religious freedom and neutrality in religious matters. It is linked to Articles 14, 15, and 16, which ensure equality and non-discrimination.
• Retrospective Application:The Court affirmed that Parliament’s amendment power under Article 368 extends to the Preamble, and the retrospective application of the terms was valid.
• Constitution as a ‘Living Document’:The Court emphasized that the Constitution is adaptable to societal changes and evolving needs. The inclusion of 'secular' and 'socialist' reflects India’s evolving democratic and social framework.
• Interpretation of Secularism and Socialism:
  • Secularism in India refers to the state's neutral stance towards all religions, promoting religious harmony.
  • Socialism signifies India’s commitment to ensuring equality of opportunity and promoting welfare policies, such as social justice and economic welfare.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

• Article 368: Grants Parliament the authority to amend the Constitution, including the Preamble. The Court affirmed that this power is unquestionable.
• Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): Established the ‘basic structure doctrine,’ which means certain fundamental features of the Constitution cannot be altered. The inclusion of ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’ is in line with this basic structure.
• S.R. Bommai Case (1994): Reinforced the secular nature of the Indian state.

Preamble to the Constitution

• Definition: The Preamble is an introductory statement that outlines the fundamental values and goals of the Indian Constitution.
• Key Objectives: Justice (social, economic, political), Liberty (thought, expression, belief), Equality (status and opportunity), and Fraternity (national unity and dignity).
• Terms in the Preamble:
  • Sovereign: India's independence in all matters.
  • Socialist: Commitment to social justice and welfare.
  • Secular: Equal respect for all religions.
  • Democratic: Governance by the people, through elected representatives.
  • Republic: Head of state elected, not hereditary.

42nd Amendment Act, 1976:

• Context: Introduced during the Emergency under Indira Gandhi's government.
• Key Changes: Added 'socialist' and 'secular' to the Preamble, revised 'Unity of the Nation' to 'Unity and Integrity of the Nation.'
• Significance: Strengthened constitutional values like inclusivity, equality, and justice.

Socialist and Secular Initiatives by Government

• Socialist Programs:
  • MGNREGA: Rural employment guarantee.
  • PDS: Food security system.
  • Right to Education (RTE): Free, compulsory education.
  • Housing Schemes: Awas Yojana for the economically weaker sections.
• Secular Programs:
  • Minority Welfare: Scholarships and skill development.
  • Religious Protection Laws: Protection of places of worship.
  • Communal Violence Laws: Special courts for violence-related cases.
  • Constitutional Safeguards: Equal rights for all religions under Articles 25-28.

Significance of the Supreme Court Judgment

• Reaffirmation of Constitutional Values: The inclusion of ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ reinforces India’s commitment to equality, justice, and democratic principles.
• Legitimacy of Amendments: Affirms Parliament's constitutional power to amend the Preamble.
• Evolving Interpretation: Recognizes that the Constitution must evolve in response to societal and political changes.

In News:

• A deep depression in the Southwest Bay of Bengal, 800 km south of Chennai and 500 km from Nagapattinam, is expected to become Cyclone Fengal within the next 24 hours.
• It is anticipated to move north-northwest towards Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Key Highlights:

Cyclone Fengal Naming:

• If the depression intensifies into a cyclone, it will be named Fengal, as suggested by Saudi Arabia.
• Fengal will follow Cyclone Dana, which made landfall in Odisha in October 2024.

Cyclone Naming Process:

• Panel Members: Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean are named by a panel of 13 countries under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
• Member countries include Bangladesh, India, Iran, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the UAE, and Yemen.
• Process: Each member submits a list of 13 names, creating a rotational naming system. Names are assigned sequentially as cyclones form. Once used, a name is retired and not reused.

Cyclone Fengal’s Potential Impact:

• Fengal is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and possible coastal flooding.
• The system’s trajectory is being closely monitored, and preparedness measures are being implemented.

Terminology of Tropical Cyclones:

Terminology                                Region                                                                                         Impact Areas

Typhoons                                      China Sea, Pacific Ocean                                      Japan, China, Philippines

Hurricanes                                   Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean                           United States, Mexico,

                                                                                                                                      Caribbean nations

Tornadoes                                    Guinea Lands (West Africa), Southern USA       Southern USA, West Africa

Willy-willies                                 Northwestern Australia                                          Australia (especially

                                                                                                                                       Northwestern region)

In News:

• India reaffirms its commitment to inclusive growth and strengthening its intellectual property (IP) ecosystem.The signing of the treaty comes after nearly two decades of negotiations.

Key Highlights:

Purpose of the DLT:

• Aims to harmonize industrial design protection frameworks across multiple jurisdictions.
• Improves efficiency and accessibility of design registration processes.

Key Features of the DLT:

• Grace Period: A 12-month grace period after the first disclosure of the design, ensuring its validity for registration.
• Flexibility for Applicants: Provides relief measures such as relaxed deadlines, reinstatement of lost rights, and flexibility in adding priority claims.
• Simplified Processes: Includes simplified procedures for design renewals, assignment, and license recording.
• E-Filing Systems: Promotes the adoption of electronic filing systems and exchange of priority documents.

Benefits of DLT:

• Empowering SMEs and Startups: Helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups protect designs globally, enhancing competitiveness and market growth.
• Reduced Administrative Burden: Standardizes procedures, making the design protection process less complex, more predictable, and affordable.
• Support for Developing Countries: Offers technical assistance for implementation in developing and least-developed countries.

Significance for India:

• India’s rich heritage of design and craftsmanship underscores the importance of design protection for sustainable economic growth.
• Design registrations in India have surged, with a 120% increase in domestic filings over the last two years.

Supporting Programs:

• The treaty’s provisions align with India’s initiatives like Startup India and the Startups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme to boost the protection and commercialization of designs for Indian innovators.

Broader Impact:

• DLT aims to integrate design protection with traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, further enhancing protection for India’s diverse creative sectors.

About WIPO:

• The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is a specialized UN agency established in 1967, promoting IP rights globally.
• India is a member of WIPO, which has 193 member countries.

Overview of Intellectual Property (IP):

• IP includes creations like inventions, industrial designs, literary and artistic works, symbols, and more, which are used in commerce.
• IP rights protect creators, allowing them to benefit from their work when commercially exploited.

In News:

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal inaugurated the country's first Constitution Museum at OP Jindal Global University in Sonipat.

Museum Features

• Centrepiece: A photolithographic copy of the Indian Constitution (one of 1,000 reproductions).
• 360-Degree Experience: A visual presentation that takes visitors through pre-Independence India.
• Multimedia Presentation: Chronologically details significant events leading to the drafting of the Constitution.

• Constituent Assembly Members:

• Nearly 300 sculptured busts of members who contributed to the making of the Constitution.
• Hologram of Dr. BR Ambedkar: Located in the mezzanine section, showcasing his philosophies through interactive displays.

• Art Installations:

• ‘We, The People of India’ by Rajesh P Subramanian: Represents unity in diversity.
• ‘Echoes of Liberty’ by Rahul Gautam: Combines constitutional manuscripts with contemporary design.
• ‘Triad of Unity’ by Harsha Durugadda: Symbolizes unity, justice, and sovereignty.
• ‘Insaaf Ki Devi’ by Nishant S Kumbhatil: Depicts Lady Justice, representing judicial impartiality.
• ‘Equality Before Law’ by Pradeep B Jogdand: Illustrates equality and justice principles.
• ‘Map’ by Deval Verma: Encourages visitors to reflect on value and beauty.
• ‘Freedom’ by KR Nariman: Pays tribute to the people who uphold constitutional values.
• ‘Founding Mothers’ by Rahul Gautam: Honors the 15 women members of the Constituent Assembly.

In News:

Cabinet approves One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) Scheme.

Key Highlights:

• Objective: It is a new initiative to provide unified access to international scholarly research articles and journals for all government-managed higher education institutions and research institutions in India.
• Scheme Overview:ONOS aims to make nearly 13,000 scholarly journals accessible to over 1.8 crore students, faculty, researchers, and scientists in more than 6,300 institutions across India. These journals will cover all academic disciplines, promoting both core and interdisciplinary research, including in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
• Digital Platform:The scheme will be implemented through a fully digital process, coordinated by the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous center under the University Grants Commission (UGC). The platform will provide easy access to the journals and facilitate a streamlined subscription process.
• Investment and Coverage:A total of ?6,000 crore has been allocated for ONOS for three years (2025-2027). The scheme will cover major international publishers such as Elsevier, Springer, Wiley, and Oxford University Press. It will enable institutions to access 13,000 journals from 30 global publishers.

Benefits of the Scheme:

• Access to Top-Quality Research:ONOS will provide wide access to top-tier scholarly journals, benefiting institutions, researchers, and students across various fields. It will significantly improve the research environment in the country, especially for institutions that previously lacked the resources to access high-impact journals.
• Fostering Research and Development:The initiative aligns with India's vision of becoming an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat by 2047, supporting the government's goals under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). It will help foster a culture of research and innovation in Indian institutions.
• Inclusivity:The scheme will particularly benefit institutions in smaller towns and rural areas, helping bridge the knowledge gap between urban and rural academic institutions.
• Simplified Access:The scheme eliminates the need for separate subscriptions to individual journals by different institutions, streamlining access to high-quality content through a single platform.

Implementation Details:

• Platform and Process:The ONOS platform will allow institutions to access journals through a unified portal, providing easy and coordinated access. The Department of Higher Education (DHE)will be responsible for conducting awareness campaigns about the initiative, ensuring widespread utilization among students and faculty.
• Review Mechanism:The ANRF will monitor and periodically review the usage of ONOS and track the contributions of Indian authors in the journals, ensuring that the initiative continues to support India’s research landscape.
• Operational Date:The ONOS platform is set to become operational on January 1, 2025, providing comprehensive access to research materials for government-managed higher education and research institutions.

The One Nation One Subscription scheme is a major step towards enhancing India's position in the global research ecosystem. It will provide unparalleled access to scholarly resources, supporting research excellence and innovation across the country.

In News:

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

Key Highlights:

• Mission Objective:The mission will study the Sun’s outermost and hottest atmosphere, the solar corona. The mission will also demonstrate the first-ever precision formation flying with two satellites working in tandem.
• Satellite Formation:Proba-3 consists of two satellites that will fly together, maintaining a fixed formation to study the Sun's corona.

What is Proba-3?

• Proba-3 is a solar mission developed by ESA, with an estimated cost of 200 million euros. The mission involves launching two satellites that will separate after launch, but fly in precise formation. The satellites will create a solar coronagraph, which blocks the Sun’s bright light to observe the solar corona, the Sun’s outermost atmosphere.
• Orbit: Proba-3 will orbit in a highly elliptical path (600 x 60,530 km) with an orbital period of 19.7 hours.
• Mission Duration: The expected mission life is two years.

What will Proba-3 Study?

The Sun's corona is extremely hot (up to 2 million degrees Fahrenheit), making it difficult to observe with conventional instruments. However, studying the corona is essential because it generates space weather phenomena such as solar storms and solar winds, which can impact satellite communications, navigation systems, and power grids on Earth.

Proba-3 will use three main instruments for its mission:

• ASPIICS (Association of Spacecraft for Polarimetric and Imaging Investigation of the Corona of the Sun):This coronagraph will observe the Sun’s outer and inner corona, similar to how the corona is visible during a solar eclipse. It features a 1.4-meter occulting disk to block the Sun’s light and facilitate close-up observations.
• DARA (Digital Absolute Radiometer):This instrument will measure the Sun’s total energy output (total solar irradiance).
• 3DEES (3D Energetic Electron Spectrometer):It will study electron fluxes as they pass through Earth's radiation belts, providing valuable data on space weather.

Why is Proba-3 Unique?

• Proba-3 is designed to mimic a natural solar eclipse, allowing continuous study of the Sun’s corona. Typically, solar scientists observe the corona for only about 10 minutes during an eclipse, occurring around 1.5 times a year. Proba-3 will provide up to six hours of data per day, equivalent to 50 eclipse events annually.
• The two satellites will maintain a precise formation, with one acting as an occulting spacecraft to cast a shadow, while the other (the coronagraph) stays in the shadow and observes the Sun’s corona. They will be positioned 150 meters apart, maintaining their formation autonomously.
• This artificial eclipse will enable scientists to study the corona and its less-understood features more effectively.

In News:

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) declared the winners of the National Gopal Ratna Awards(NGRA); one of the highest National Awards in the field of livestock and dairy sector for the year 2024.

About the National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA):

• Purpose:Recognize and encourage individuals, AI technicians, dairy cooperatives, and farmer organizations in the livestock and dairy sector.
• Categories:
  • Best Dairy Farmer (Indigenous Cattle/Buffalo Breeds)
  • Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT)
  • Best Dairy Cooperative/Milk Producer Company (MPC)/Dairy Farmer Producer Organization

8915. Addition (2024):Special awards for North Eastern Region (NER) to promote dairy development in the area, with winners in all three categories.
10065061. and Prizes:

• Rs. 5 lakhs for 1st rank, Rs. 3 lakhs for 2nd rank, Rs. 2 lakhs for 3rd rank, and Rs. 2 lakhs for Special NER Award in the categories of Best Dairy Farmer and Best Dairy Cooperative/FPO/MPCs.
• For Best AIT, winners will receive a Certificate of Merit and a memento.

3794461255794. Process:Winners selected from 2,574 applications via an online portal (https://awards.gov.in).

• The livestock sector is crucial for India's economy, contributing significantly to agriculture and providing livelihood, especially for small and marginal farmers, women, and landless laborers.
• Indigenous breeds have immense genetic potential, but their population and performance have been declining. To address this, the Rashtriya Gokul Mission was launched under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development in 2014 to conserve and develop indigenous bovine breeds.

National Milk Day

• It is celebrated annually on November 26 in India to honor the significant contributions of milk and the dairy industry to the country's development.
• The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr VergheseKurien, the "Father of the White Revolution" in India, who played a pivotal role in transforming India into the largest producer of milk globally.
• National Milk Day was first celebrated on November 26, 2014, after the Indian Dairy Association (IDA), along with various dairy institutions across the country.

In News:

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches the third edition of ‘Nayi Chetna – PahalBadlaav Ki’ a month-long national campaign against gender-based violence in New Delhi.

Key Highlights:

• Organized by: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) under the Ministry of Rural Development.
• Led by: DAY-NRLM’s extensive Self-Help Group (SHG) network.
• Aim of the Campaign: Raise awareness and encourage grassroots-level action to combat gender-based violence.
• Campaign Slogan: “EkSaath, EkAwaaz, HinsaKeKhilaaf” (United Voice Against Violence).
• Approach:

• Adopts a "whole-of-government" approach with collaboration from 9 key ministries:

1. 1. Ministry of Women and Child Development
   2. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
   3. Department of School Education and Literacy
   4. Ministry of Home Affairs
   5. Ministry of Panchayati Raj
   6. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
   7. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
   8. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
   9. Department of Justice

• Key Objectives:

• Raise awareness about all forms of gender-based violence.
• Mobilize communities to demand accountability and action.
• Facilitate access to timely intervention and support systems.
• Empower local institutions to take action against violence.
• Goals for Nayi Chetna 3.0:

• Generate widespread awareness about gender-based violence.
• Foster collective action at the grassroots level.
• Drive convergence among government ministries and community stakeholders.
• Create a sustainable and informed movement for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

In News:

The Narasapur crochet lace craft, which has been a significant part of the cultural and economic fabric of the Godavari region in Andhra Pradesh, has recently been granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The GI tag, registered by the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on March 1, 2024, acknowledges that this unique craft is geographically linked to the West Godavari and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema districts in the Godavari region.

Key Details:

• Historical Background:
  • The origins of the Narasapur crochet lace craft date back to 1844, when Macrae and his wife from Scotland introduced the lace-making technique to local women while they were associated with a Christian missionary in Dummugudem (now in Telangana).
  • Over time, the craft became a crucial part of the region’s heritage and survived significant historical events like the Indian famine of 1899 and the Great Depression of 1929.
• Craftsmanship:
  • The crochet lace is produced using thin threads and delicate crochet needles of varying sizes, resulting in intricate designs.
  • The products made include doilies, pillow covers, cushion covers, bedspreads, table runners, and tablecloths, among others. These items are often exported to international markets like the US, UK, and France.
• Economic and Social Impact:
  • The craft is predominantly carried out by women artisans, with over 15,000 women involved in its production. The GI tag is expected to revitalize the industry, especially after its stagnation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and competition from machine-made lace from China.
  • The craft is also an important part of the Alankriti Lace Manufacturing Mahila Mutual Aided Co-operative Societies’ Federation Limited, which supports local women artisans and has revived operations at the Alankriti Lace Park in Narasapur.
• GI Tag Benefits:
  • The Geographical Indication tag serves to protect the authenticity of the lace products, boost demand, and ensure better market recognition.
  • It provides legal protection to the traditional craft, preventing unauthorized use of the term "Narasapur lace" by others and promoting the region's cultural heritage and economic growth.
• Future Outlook:
  • With the GI tag, there is hope for increased demand for Narasapur lace products both in domestic and global markets, thus offering a fresh avenue for artisans to revive and sustain the craft.
  • Alankriti Federation and other stakeholders are optimistic that the GI tag will significantly revitalize the local economy and empower women in the region.

In News:

Palparescontrarius is a species of antlion that was recently spotted for the first time in Tamil Nadu, on the Madras Christian College (MCC) campus. It is notable for being a large-sized adult antlion that resembles a dragonfly but has distinct characteristics that separate it from dragonflies, such as its clubbed antennae and fluttering flight.

Key Features of Palparescontrarius:

• Appearance:
  • The adult Palparescontrarius is large and resembles a dragonfly in its general body structure.
  • It has lacy wings, long clubbed antennae, and a slender, grayish body.
  • Its wings are typically clear, although some species of antlions have spots on their wings.
• Flight and Behavior:
  • Unlike dragonflies, Palparescontrarius has a distinct fluttering flight.
  • It is a weak flier and can often be spotted at night near illuminated spots.
• Habitat and Lifestyle:
  • Like other antlions, Palparescontrarius is found in dry, sandy regions and is mostly active at night.
  • The larvae of this species are particularly known for their predatory behavior, as they trap ants and other small insects in cone-shaped pits they dig into the sand.
• Ecological Importance:
  • Antlions, including Palparescontrarius, are harmless to humans and beneficial to the environment because they feed on ants and other insects, thus helping to control pest populations.

In News:

Scientists at the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics in Kolkatahave successfully engineered bacteria capable of solving mathematical problems, marking a major step forward in the field of synthetic biology and biocomputing. These engineered bacteria can function like artificial neural networks, performing tasks that were traditionally reserved for humans or conventional computers.

Key Highlights:

• Bacterial Computers:
  • The research team introduced genetic circuits into bacteria, turning them into computational units capable of tasks like determining whether a number is prime or identifying vowels in an alphabet.
  • These bacterial "computers" mimic artificial neural networks (ANNs), where each type of engineered bacterium (called a "bactoneuron") behaves like a node in a network, processing inputs to generate outputs.
• How it Works:
  • The bacteria's genetic circuits are activated by chemical inducers, which represent binary 0s and 1s (the fundamental language of computing). The presence or absence of certain chemicals determines whether a bacterium expresses a specific fluorescent protein, representing the binary states.
  • For example, when asked if a number between 0-9 is prime, the bacteria can express green fluorescent proteins (1) for "yes" or red fluorescent proteins (0) for "no", providing binary outputs that solve the problem.
• Complex Tasks:
  • The team advanced to more complex tasks, such as asking the bacterial computers whether adding a number (like 2 + 3) results in a prime number or if a number's square can be expressed as the sum of factorials.
  • In an even more complex test, the bacteria solved an optimization problem—calculating the maximum number of pieces a pie could be cut into with a given number of straight cuts. The bacteria’s fluorescent output represented binary numbers that were converted to decimal for the correct solution.
• Technical Details:
  • The researchers used Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, engineered with transcriptional genetic circuits, which recognize specific DNA sequences and trigger the expression of proteins based on the presence of chemical inducers.
  • The system is similar to how ANNs work in traditional computing, where nodes (bactoneurons) take inputs, apply weights, and produce outputs based on activation functions.
• Implications and Future Prospects:
  • Synthetic Biology & Biomanufacturing: This breakthrough could revolutionize industries such as pharmaceuticals and biomanufacturing by enabling biocomputers that perform specific tasks in a biological environment, potentially reducing reliance on silicon-based computers.
  • Medical Applications: The ability of engineered bacteria to process data could lead to biocomputers capable of diagnosing diseases (such as cancer) at an early stage and even administering localized treatments.
  • Understanding Intelligence: Bagh and his team hope to explore the biochemical nature of intelligence, pondering how intelligence could emerge from simple, single-celled organisms.
• Groundbreaking Research:
  • The research, published in Nature Chemical Biology, has drawn significant attention in the synthetic biology community. Centre for Synthetic Biology highlighting the potential of bacteria programmed to solve complex problems.

This innovative work paves the way for future developments in biocomputing, where living organisms, instead of silicon chips, could be used to perform sophisticated calculations, offering new ways to think about computing, intelligence, and even the future of technology in medicine.

In News:

The 6th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee and related meetings for discussions on the review of the AITIGA were held recently in Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.

Key Highlights:

Key Negotiation Areas

• 8 Sub-Committees under the AITIGA Joint Committee discussed:
  • Market access, rules of origin, SPS measures, standards and technical regulations.
  • Customs procedures, economic and technical cooperation, trade remedies, and legal and institutional provisions.
• 5 Sub-Committees met physically during this round of negotiations.

Progress in Discussions

• Textual Discussions: Sub-Committees made progress in discussions on various provisions.
• Tariff Negotiations: Initial steps towards initiating tariff negotiations were covered.

High-Level Meetings Leading to AITIGA Review

• 21st ASEAN-India Economic Ministers Meeting: Held in September 2024 in Vientiane, Laos.
• 21st ASEAN-India Summit: Held in October 2024 in Vientiane, Laos.

Both meetings urged the Joint Committee to expedite negotiations and aim for the conclusion of the review in 2025.

Bilateral Meetings

• ASEAN delegates held separate bilateral meetings with Thailand and Indonesia to discuss bilateral trade issues.
• Indian and ASEAN Chief Negotiators met to align on the ongoing issues and future steps.

India's Review Demands

• Request for Review: India sought a review of AITIGA (implemented in 2010), citing disproportionate trade benefits favoring ASEAN countries.
• India’s Objectives:
  • Enhanced Market Access: India pushed for ASEAN countries, especially Vietnam, to commit to greater market-opening for Indian goods.
  • Stricter Rules of Origin (ROO): India requested more stringent ROO provisions to prevent Chinese goods from entering India via ASEAN countries at preferential rates.

Trade Relationship and Economic Impact

• Bilateral Trade:
  • Total trade with ASEAN reached USD 121 billion in FY 2023-24.
  • Trade during April-October 2024 was USD 73 billion, marking a 5.2% growth.
• Trade Deficit: India’s trade deficit with ASEAN widened from USD 4.98 billion in FY 2010-11 to USD 38.4 billion in 2023-24.
• ASEAN accounts for 11% of India’s global trade.

Future Outlook

• The next meeting of the AITIGA Joint Committee is scheduled for February 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
• The review process aims to further enhance sustainable trade between India and ASEAN countries.

In News:

• Recently, Access to Medicine Index Report 2024 was released by the Access to Medicine Foundation. The report evaluates 20 leading pharmaceutical companies on their efforts to expand access to medicines in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).The biennial report has been published since 2008.
• Key Highlights:
  • Key Areas of Evaluation
    • Governance of Access: Companies’ leadership in addressing access issues.
    • Research & Development (R&D): Focus on innovations for diseases prevalent in LMICs.
    • Product Delivery: Efforts to ensure medicines and vaccines are accessible.
  • Findings from the 2024 Report
    • Gaps in Access for Low-Income Countries:
      • Many pharmaceutical companies are adopting ‘inclusive business models,’ but outcomes are mixed, with transparent reporting still lacking.
      • 61% of products lack specific access strategies for low-income countries.
    • Exclusion from Clinical Trials:Only 43% of clinical trials take place in LMICs, despite these countries representing 80% of the global population.
    • Limited Technology Transfers & Local Availability:
      • Technology transfers and voluntary licensing are concentrated in countries like Brazil, China, and India.
      • Sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa) remains largely overlooked.
    • Decline in R&D for Priority Diseases:
      • Pharmaceutical companies are moving away from diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases, which disproportionately affect LMICs.
  • Key Issues in Accessing Medicines in LMICs
    • Economic Barriers:
      • High costs of essential medicines, including patented drugs, limit access for patients in LMICs with low purchasing power.
      • Out-of-pocket expenditures lead to catastrophic financial consequences for families.
    • Infrastructure Challenges:
      • Poor transportation and cold chain infrastructure hamper the efficient distribution of medicines, especially in rural areas.
      • Disruptions in supply chains (e.g., during pandemics) exacerbate medicine shortages.
    • Regulatory Issues:Weak enforcement of regulatory frameworks results in the proliferation of substandard and counterfeit medicines, compromising treatment efficacy.
    • Workforce Limitations:
      • A shortage of trained healthcare professionals restricts appropriate prescription and management of medicines.
      • Cultural beliefs and low health literacy further complicate adherence to treatments.
  • Challenges Specific to LMICs
    • Dual Burden of Diseases:
      • LMICs face both infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), putting strain on fragile healthcare systems.
      • 17 million people die from NCDs before age 70 annually, with 86% of these deaths occurring in LMICs.
    • Need for Local Manufacturing:
      • Strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution networks is crucial to ensure a reliable supply of essential medicines and reduce dependence on imports.
  • Recommendations for Improving Access
    • Companies should scale up efforts to bridge the health equity gap and use innovative approaches and local partnerships to improve access.
    • Focus on increasing transparency in access reporting and addressing the lack of strategies for low-income countries.
    • Pharmaceutical companies should refocus on diseases prevalent in LMICs, such as malaria and tuberculosis, and ensure that their R&D addresses the needs of these regions.

In News:

A recent study by Texas A&M University has uncovered a concerning new risk for dogs in Texas related to Chagas disease—the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), which causes the disease, can survive in dead kissing bugs (Triatominae). This discovery was published in the Journal of Medical Entomology in October 2024 and has raised alarms about how dead insects, which might be found in insecticide-treated dog kennels, could still pose a transmission risk for dogs.

Key Findings:

• Chagas Disease is primarily spread by kissing bugs, which carry T. cruzi in their gut. Dogs can contract the parasite by ingesting the bug's feces, especially when they lick their bite wounds.
• The study shows that even dead kissing bugs, which are often discarded in kennels, can still carry viable T. cruzi. This is particularly worrying in areas where insecticides are used to control the insects but dead bugs remain accessible to dogs.
• Researchers collected live and dead triatomines from six Texas kennels between June and October 2022, using both genetic testing and culture methods to assess whether the bugs were carrying live T. cruzi.
  • 28% of the collected bugs tested positive for T. cruzi.
  • A dead kissing bug (Paratriatomalecticularia) was found to still harbor live T. cruzi cultures, demonstrating that the parasite can survive even after the insect has died.

Transmission and Risks:

• Kissing bugs typically feed on the blood of animals like dogs, rodents, and raccoons, defecating near the bite site. If the dog licks the contaminated area, they can ingest the parasite-laden feces and become infected.
• The new discovery suggests that dead kissing bugs may pose a secondary transmission route for T. cruzi. Dogs that ingest these dead bugs, either in insecticide-treated areas or natural environments, could still contract the parasite.
• Researchers noted that dead bugs with intact gut contents showed a higher rate of infection than desiccated ones, which suggests that the condition of the bug after death impacts how long the parasite survives.

Implications for Management:

• The findings challenge current insecticide-based control methods. While insecticides kill the bugs, dead insects could still serve as a source of infection, necessitating new approaches for managing Chagas disease transmission in dog kennels.
• The study underscores the importance of regularly removing dead insects in kennels and reconsidering control strategies beyond just using insecticides.

About Chagas Disease:

• Chagas disease is caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, commonly found in the feces of kissing bugs. It can cause long-term heart and digestive issues if left untreated.
• The disease is common in parts of South America, Central America, and Mexico, but it has been increasingly reported in the southern United States.
• Treatment focuses on killing the parasite in the acute phase, but once it progresses to the chronic phase, treatment is aimed at managing symptoms.