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  • Police Reforms – SC directives, NPC, other committees reports

    What is Section 479 of the BNSS, 2023?

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Why in the News?

    The Central Government has directed all States and Union Territories (UTs) to implement Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS). This provision seeks to relieve undertrial prisoners (UTPs) by addressing prolonged detention and mitigating prison overcrowding.

    What is Section 479 of the BNSS?

    • Section 479 governs the maximum period for which an undertrial prisoner (UTP) can be detained during investigation, inquiry, or trial.
    • It is based on Section 436-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC).
    • It aims to address the prolonged detention of UTPs, ensure their timely release on bail or bond, and maintain fairness and accountability in the judicial process.
    • This section applies to cases where the punishment does not include death or life imprisonment, and introduces clear mechanisms for review and action, thereby mitigating issues like prison overcrowding.

    Key Provisions under Section 479 of BNSS:

    • Eligibility for Bail: Undertrials (UTPs) who have served half of their maximum possible sentence may be released on bail; the court must provide written reasons if they decide to extend detention after hearing the Public Prosecutor.
    • First-Time Offenders: UTPs with no prior convictions who have served one-third of their maximum sentence are eligible for release on bond, aligning with the principle of reformative justice.
    • Superintendent’s Responsibility: Jail superintendents must submit a written application to the court for the release of UTPs upon completion of the applicable detention period (one-third or one-half, depending on eligibility).
    • Exclusions: The provision does not apply to offences punishable by death or life imprisonment, and any delay caused by the accused is excluded from the detention period calculation.
    • Limitations for Multiple Offences: Accused individuals facing multiple offences or multiple charges are not covered, ensuring the provision is not misused in complex or repeated criminal cases.
    • Absolute Ceiling on Detention: Detention cannot exceed the maximum imprisonment term prescribed for the offence, preventing indefinite incarceration.
    • Judicial Oversight: Courts must ensure extended detention serves public safety and justice, requiring input from the Public Prosecutor for any continued confinement.
    • Mandatory Review Mechanism: A statutory review process is in place to prevent prolonged undertrial detention and address potential oversights or delays.
    • Safeguard against Misuse: Time delays caused by the accused do not count towards the detention period, ensuring fair application of the law.
    • Focus on Reform and Decongestion: By expediting bail and bond processes for eligible UTPs, the law aims to reduce overcrowding in prisons and uphold reformative objectives.

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements :​

    1. Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such accused is locked up in police station, not in jail.​

    2. During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court.​

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?​

    (a) 1 only ​

    (b) 2 only​

    (c) Both 1 and 2 ​

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2​

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    What is Selective Gene Silencing?

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    Researchers at Columbia University found that cells can selectively switch off one parent’s copy of a gene. This may explain why some people with harmful mutations remain symptom-free, and it could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for genetic disorders.

    Researchers at Columbia University found that cells can selectively switch off one parent's copy of a gene. This may explain why some people with harmful mutations remain symptom-free, and it could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for genetic disorders.

    About the Selective Silencing Mechanism:

    • Selective gene silencing refers to the process where cells inactivate one parent’s copy of a gene (either maternal or paternal), resulting in an unequal contribution of the two gene copies to cellular function.
    • Previously thought to be rare, recent research reveals that this phenomenon is relatively common and plays a significant role in genetic variability, disease progression, and individual health outcomes.
    • Key Features:
      • Inactivation can vary between different cell types (e.g., immune cells and kidney cells).
      • The process is dynamic and may change over time, adding complexity to how genes function in the body.
      • Approximately 1 in 20 active genes in some immune cells exhibit this selective bias.
    • Implications for Health:
      • This mechanism helps explain why individuals carrying the same disease-causing mutation can have vastly different symptom severities.
      • It shifts the understanding of genetic diseases, emphasizing the importance of dynamic gene activity patterns alongside static genetic codes.
      • The discovery opens up opportunities for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches by focusing on gene expression rather than genetic sequences.

    What are its significant applications?

    • Selective Gene Manipulation: Therapies could be developed to activate healthy gene copies while suppressing diseased ones, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional genetic editing.
    • Improved Understanding of Diseases: Selective gene silencing explains variability in conditions like lupus and cancer, revealing why some individuals remain symptom-free.
    • Precision Medicine: By identifying individual patterns of gene expression, personalized treatment options become possible, reducing the need for one-size-fits-all approaches.
    • Early Interventions: Recognizing at-risk but asymptomatic individuals allows healthcare providers to implement preventive measures and potentially delay disease onset.
    • Protein-Based Therapies: Focusing on selective gene activity aids in detecting and differentiating disease-related proteins from healthy ones, paving the way for targeted, protein-specific drugs.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Consider the following techniques/phenomena:

    1. Budding and grafting in fruit plants
    2. Cytoplasmic male sterility
    3. Gene silencing

    Which of the above is/are used to create transgenic crops?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 1 and 3

    (d) None

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  • Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

    Ministry of Defence declares 2025 as ‘Year of Reforms’

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’, marking a significant step in modernizing India’s Armed Forces.

    Nine Broad Areas Listed for the ‘Year of Reforms’

    • Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs): Enhance jointness and resolve inter-service disagreements for effective ITC implementation.
    • Emerging Domains and Technologies: Prioritize cybersecurity, AI, ML, hypersonics, and robotics, and develop tactics for future warfare.
    • Operational Collaboration: Strengthen inter-service cooperation through shared training and joint operational capabilities.
    • Acquisition Reforms: Simplify procedures to expedite procurement and facilitate technology transfers via public-private partnerships.
    • Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between the defence sector and industries to foster innovation.
    • Civil-Military Coordination: Break silos to eliminate inefficiencies and optimize resources.
    • Defence Exports: Position India as a global defence exporter, promoting R&D and partnerships with foreign OEMs.
    • Veterans’ Welfare: Optimize welfare measures for veterans and leverage their expertise.
    • Cultural Pride: Promote indigenous capabilities and instil pride in Indian culture alongside adopting modern military practices.

    Key Initiatives for Defence Modernization in India

    • Acquisition of Advanced Weaponry: Rafale jets (36 inducted, 26 more planned) enhance air power; S-400 air defence systems provide long-range protection; Arjun Mk-1A tanks boost indigenous capability and firepower.
    • Indigenous Development: LCA Tejas replaces ageing fighter jets and supports air-to-air refuelling; INS Arihant, India’s first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, strengthens underwater deterrence.
    • Technological Advancements: Network-centric warfare improves situational awareness (e.g., Project Sanjay, E-Sitrep); AI and robotics enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; cyber warfare capabilities grow under the National Cyber Security Policy.
    • Defence Production and Export: Domestic production reached a record ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2023–24, emphasizing indigenisation; exports hit $2.63 billion, supplying markets like Vietnam and the Philippines.
    • Strategic Infrastructure: Border security efforts include the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System and Border Infrastructure Management, improving troop mobility and safeguarding boundaries.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector is now set to be liberalized: What influence this is expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run?

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  • Police Reforms – SC directives, NPC, other committees reports

    Home Minister launches ‘Bharatpol’ for international police assistance

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    bharatpol

    Why in the News?

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched Bharatpol, a groundbreaking portal developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

    What is Bharatpol?

    • Bharatpol is a unified digital platform designed to enhance collaboration between Indian law enforcement agencies and Interpol, which connects police forces across 195 member countries.
    • It simplifies international police cooperation, replacing outdated modes of communication like letters and faxes with real-time digital tools.
    • Goal: Equip Indian law enforcement agencies with modern technology and techniques to track fugitives and address global crime challenges.
    • Why was it developed?
      • Rising transnational crimes necessitate real-time international assistance.
      • Facilitates faster investigations into crimes such as cybercrime, drug trafficking, organized crime, and online radicalization.
    • Features of Bharatpol:
      • Integrates CBI’s role as Interpol’s National Central Bureau (NCB-New Delhi)
      • Simplified Request Mechanism
      • Rapid Information Dissemination
      • Utilization of Interpol Notices
      • Capacity Building and Training

    Modules of Bharatpol:

    1. Connect: Acts as a digital extension of Interpol’s NCB-New Delhi, ensuring seamless and secure communication between Indian agencies and Interpol.
    2. INTERPOL Notices: Simplifies the process of issuing and managing Interpol Notices, ensuring swift action on international alerts.
    3. References: Streamlines the use of global criminal data, enabling faster investigations.
    4. Broadcast: Allows real-time sharing of requests and updates from Interpol’s 195 member countries.
    5. Resources: Facilitates the exchange of documents, training materials, and capacity-building resources.

    How does Bharatpol enhance Interpol’s functionality?

    • Bharatpol extends Interpol’s reach in India, connecting local police to global law enforcement networks.
    • It allows instant transmission of critical information, enhancing the efficiency of investigations and international cooperation.
    • It simplifies the process for Indian agencies to access Interpol’s 19 databases on crimes, criminals, and stolen assets.
    • It ensures a structured approach to tracking fugitives and resolving international cases.

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  • NITI Aayog’s Assessment

    NITI Aayog completes 10 years

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources

    Why in the News?

    NITI Aayog, the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, celebrates a significant milestone as it completes 10 years since its establishment.

    What are the roles and functions of NITI Aayog?

    NITI Aayog, established in 2015, serves as the premier policy think tank of the Government of India. Its primary roles and functions include:

    • Policy Formulation: NITI Aayog is responsible for formulating strategic and long-term policies aimed at promoting sustainable development across various sectors.
    • Coordination: It coordinates the efforts of central ministries, state governments, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of government schemes and initiatives.
    • Monitoring and Evaluation: The organization monitors the progress of various developmental programs and evaluates their effectiveness, particularly in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    • Data Collection and Analysis: NITI Aayog collects and analyzes data to inform policy decisions, including the development of the SDG India Index which tracks progress across states.

    What are the key differences between the Planning Commission and NITI Aayog?

    Feature Planning Commission NITI Aayog
    Formation Established in 1950 Established in 2015
    Mandate Centralized planning and allocation of funds Policy advisory and coordination
    Approach Top-down approach Bottom-up approach
    Funds Allocation Had the power to allocate funds to states No fund allocation powers
    Federalism Limited state participation Emphasis on cooperative federalism
    Focus Five-year plans Dynamic and flexible strategy formulation
    Structure Static, hierarchical Dynamic, with active participation from stakeholders

    Why did the Government replace the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog?

    • Need for a Modern Approach: The Planning Commission’s top-down, centralized model was considered outdated in the context of India’s diverse and evolving socio-economic landscape.
      • NITI Aayog was established to adopt a more flexible, bottom-up approach that encourages participation from states and local governments, reflecting the need for tailored solutions to regional challenges.
    • Cooperative Federalism: NITI Aayog aims to foster cooperative federalism by promoting collaboration between the central and state governments.
      • This contrasts with the Planning Commission, where states had limited input and were often treated as passive participants in the planning process.
    • Focus on Strategic Input: NITI Aayog is designed to serve as a think tank that provides strategic guidance and policy recommendations rather than merely allocating resources. This shift allows for a more dynamic response to economic needs and aspirations of the populace.
    • Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement: The establishment of NITI Aayog followed extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including state governments, domain experts, and the public. This inclusive approach is intended to ensure that policies are relevant and effective.
    • Relevance in a Globalized Economy: With India’s integration into the global economy, there was a recognized need for an institution that could adapt to changing economic conditions and promote competitive federalism rather than a one-size-fits-all planning model.

    What is the 2030 and 2035 NITI Aayog roadmap?

    NITI Aayog has outlined a comprehensive roadmap aimed at achieving sustainable development goals by 2030 and establishing a long-term vision for 2035. This roadmap encompasses various sectors, including energy, health, and technology. 

    Goals for 2030

    • Energy Transition: NITI Aayog aims to ensure that India meets 50% of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030. This includes achieving a non-fossil energy capacity of 500 GW and reducing carbon emissions by one billion tonnes during the same period.
    • Public Health Enhancement: The focus is on strengthening public health surveillance systems to be more inclusive, covering non-communicable diseases and environmental conditions.
    • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): NITI Aayog is committed to aligning national policies with the SDGs, ensuring that developmental strategies are integrated with global sustainability targets, particularly in areas such as poverty alleviation, education, and gender equality.

    Vision for 2035

    • Long-term Economic Growth: The Vision Document for 2035 emphasizes creating a roadmap that focuses on economic growth while ensuring social equity and environmental sustainability. This involves leveraging technology and innovation to drive inclusive growth across various sectors.
    • Energy Security: The 2035 vision includes comprehensive strategies for energy access, affordability, reliability, and security, addressing both current challenges and future needs in the energy sector.
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration: NITI Aayog plans to harness AI technologies across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and urban infrastructure to improve efficiency and service delivery.

    What are the challenges? 

    • Data Management: Effective implementation of the roadmap requires robust data collection and management systems to monitor progress accurately and inform policy decisions.
    • Inter-State Disparities: Addressing inequalities among states in terms of resource allocation and development outcomes is crucial for achieving national goals.
    • Funding and Resources: Securing adequate funding for ambitious projects aimed at renewable energy expansion, public health improvements, and technological advancements poses a significant challenge.
    • Capacity Building: Developing the necessary skills and expertise within the workforce to implement new technologies and strategies effectively is essential for success.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Institutional Capacity: Enhance data infrastructure, governance frameworks, and inter-state coordination to address disparities and improve policy implementation.
    • Foster Public-Private Collaboration: Leverage partnerships with the private sector to secure funding, drive innovation, and scale renewable energy, public health, and technology initiatives.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q How are the principles followed by NITI Aayog different from those followed by the erstwhile planning commission in India? (UPSC IAS/2018)

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  • Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.

    More flexibility, but also greater challenges

    Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Why in the News?

    The latest guidelines from the University Grants Commission (UGC) mark a significant transformation in India’s higher education system.

    What are the Draft Guidelines by UGC in 2025?

    The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced new draft guidelines for undergraduate education in India, which include:

    • Accelerated Degree Programmes (ADP): This allows students to complete their degrees faster by earning additional credits per semester. Students can opt for this after their first or second semester based on their academic performance. A three-year degree can be completed in five semesters, while a four-year degree can be finished in six or seven semesters.
    • Extended Degree Programmes (EDP): This option enables students facing personal or academic challenges to extend their study duration, allowing them to take fewer credits per semester. There is no upper limit on the number of students who can enroll in EDP, unlike ADP, which may have a cap of 10% of the sanctioned intake.

    What are the advantages of adapting new guidelines?

    • Greater Flexibility: The new guidelines allow for biannual admissions, enabling students to enroll in higher education programs twice a year. This flexibility helps students who may have missed the initial admission cycle or face personal challenges, reducing the risk of losing an entire academic year.
    • Multiple Entry and Exit Options: Students can now enter and exit programs as needed, which accommodates various life circumstances and promotes lifelong learning. This approach aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s emphasis on inclusivity and adaptability.
    • Holistic Development: The guidelines promote multidisciplinary learning by allowing students to earn credits in skill development, apprenticeships, or other subjects outside their major discipline. This fosters a more well-rounded educational experience.
    • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): The introduction of RPL allows individuals to gain formal recognition for skills and knowledge acquired through informal or experiential learning. This enhances career prospects and supports the integration of informal workers into the education system.
    • Alignment with Global Standards: By adopting these flexible structures, Indian higher education can better align with international practices, improving student mobility both within India and abroad.

    What are the challenges in adapting new guidelines?

    • Administrative Complexity: Implementing these new guidelines requires significant changes to existing administrative structures and processes within higher education institutions (HEIs). This can be daunting for institutions already facing resource constraints.
    • Quality Assurance Concerns: There are concerns about maintaining educational quality and rigor, especially in accelerated programs where the curriculum is compressed. This could lead to superficial understanding of key concepts among students.
    • Equity Issues: Students from underprivileged backgrounds may struggle to navigate the new system without adequate support, potentially leading to higher dropout rates if they cannot keep pace with peers.
    • Faculty Adaptation: Educators will need professional development to adjust to new pedagogical models that emphasize flexibility and interdisciplinary learning. The success of these reforms depends not only on student adaptation but also on faculty capability to support diverse learning needs effectively.

    What are the practical issues? 

    • Curriculum Restructuring: Implementing these new formats requires significant changes to existing curricula and teaching methodologies, which could strain resources at many institutions.
    • Administrative Frameworks: Institutions must develop robust systems for tracking student progress, managing credit transfers, and recognizing academic achievements effectively.
    • Digital Divide: The shift towards digitalization in education could exacerbate inequalities among students from different socio-economic backgrounds if adequate support systems are not established.
    • Faculty Development: Educators will need professional development to adapt to new teaching models that emphasize flexibility and interdisciplinary learning.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Institutional Capacity: Provide financial support, upgrade infrastructure, and streamline administrative systems to manage credit transfers, biannual admissions, and curriculum restructuring effectively.
    • Ensure Inclusivity and Quality: Offer targeted support for underprivileged students, bridge the digital divide, and invest in faculty development programs to maintain educational quality and equity.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC IAS/2020)

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  • Horticulture, Floriculture, Commercial crops, Bamboo Production – MIDH, NFSM-CC, etc.

    India’s Coffee Export surpasses USD 1 Billion for first time

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Major Crops & Cropping Patterns

    Why in the News?

    India’s coffee exports in the 2024 calendar year witnessed a significant growth of 45% in dollar terms, reaching an all-time high of $1.684 billion, compared to $1.160 billion in 2023.

    Coffee Production in India

    • Coffee was introduced to India in 1600s by Baba Budan, who planted seven seeds in Chikmagalur, Karnataka.
    • Karnataka is the largest producer, contributing 70% of the total, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
    • Over 70% of India’s coffee production is exported, making India the 8th largest coffee exporter globally.
    • Coffee thrives in tropical to semi-tropical climates with temperatures of 16°–28°C and annual rainfall of 150–250 cm.
    • The plant grows best on well-drained slopes with laterite soils, especially in Karnataka.
    • Major varieties cultivated include Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica. Arabica has a higher market value due to its mild aromatic flavor.
    • The Coffee Board of India plays a crucial role in promoting the Indian coffee industry by focusing on export promotion, domestic market development, and improving production and quality standards.

    Note:

    • The Coffee Board of India was established in 1942 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
    • It is headquartered in Bangalore and consists of 33 members, including a Chairman appointed by the Government of India.
    • Initially, it managed the pooled supply and marketing of coffee until 1995. After economic liberalization, coffee marketing became a private-sector activity.

    Reasons for growth

    • Coffee prices reached record highs in 2024 due to poor weather conditions in major coffee-producing nations like Brazil and Vietnam, leading to increased global demand for Indian coffee.
    • The anticipated rollout of European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) norms prompted advance purchases by European buyers, including roasters and traders, boosting demand for Indian coffee exports.
    • A 37% increase in unit value per tonne enhanced the overall export revenue, driven by higher global prices and better quality of Indian coffee.
    • Efforts to strengthen relationships with traditional buyers (e.g., Italy, Germany) while expanding to emerging markets (e.g., UAE) helped diversify export destinations and increase overall volumes.

    PYQ:

    [2010] Though coffee and tea both are cultivated on hill slopes, there is some difference between them regarding their cultivation. In this context, consider the following statements:

    1. Coffee plant requires a hot and humid climate of tropical areas whereas tea can be cultivated in both tropical and subtropical areas.
    2. Coffee is propagated by seeds but tea is propagated by stem cuttings only.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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  • Innovation Ecosystem in India

    Rudra High-Performance Green Propulsion System

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the News?

    Bellatrix Aerospace, the Bengaluru-based space startup, has announced a significant milestone with the successful demonstration of its Rudra High-Performance Green Propulsion System during the PSLV C-60 mission, onboard the POEM-4 platform.

    About Rudra 1N System:

    • The Rudra 1N System is an advanced green mono-propellant propulsion system developed by Bellatrix Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based space technology start-up.
    • It is a cutting-edge solution for space propulsion, designed to enhance efficiency, precision, and sustainability in satellite and space platform operations.
    • Features and Significance:
      • Demonstrated a 1.4-degree/sec disturbance on the Yaw axis and an 80-degree angular rotation during its operational tests, highlighting its precise manoeuvering capabilities.
      • Utilizes a non-toxic, environmentally friendly propellant to minimize ecological impact during space missions.
      • Offers a cleaner alternative to traditional chemical propulsion systems.
      • Entirely designed and manufactured in-house, showcasing Bellatrix Aerospace’s technological independence.
      • Suitable for a variety of satellite sizes and mission profiles, offering scalability.

    About the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM-4)

    • POEM-4 is a platform developed by ISRO that repurposes the spent 4th stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) into a functional orbital laboratory.
    • It enables cost-effective research in space by hosting various scientific and technological experiments in microgravity.
    • It utilizes the fourth stage of the PSLV rocket as a stable microgravity testbed.
    • It supports diverse experiments, such as studying plant growth, bacterial behavior, and other space phenomena.
    • It thus maximizes the utility of what would otherwise become space debris.
    • POEM-4 was launched aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket, also known as the SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission.

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  • Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

    What is Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA)?

    IOCRPrelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    Several major US banks have recently withdrawn from the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), raising concerns about the banking sector’s commitment to combating climate change.

    What is Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA)?

    • Established as a bank-led, UN-convened initiative, the NZBA commits members to align their lending, investment, and capital market activities with achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.
    • It is a part of the UNEP Financial Initiative’s Principles for Responsible Banking, serving as a climate accelerator.
    • NZBA retains 142 members from 44 countries, with 80 European banks representing the majority of the alliance’s $64 trillion in assets.
    • No Indian banks are signatory to this NZBA.
    • Structural Mandate:
      • Overseen by a Steering Group representing diverse geographies and business models.
      • Supported by the UNEP FI Secretariat and governed under documents updated in August 2023 and March 2024.
    • Commitments of Member Banks:
      • Transition operational and portfolio emissions to align with net-zero pathways.
      • Set 2030 targets (or sooner) within 18 months of joining and establish intermediate targets every five years.
      • Publish annual reports on absolute emissions and emissions intensity.

    What is the Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Target by 2050?

    • Net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 refer to achieving a balance between the amount of GHGs emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed or offset by natural or technological means.
    • This target is critical for limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.

    About the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ)

    • The GFANZ is a global coalition of leading financial institutions committed to accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
    • It was established in April 2021 in the lead-up to the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.
    • Membership comprises over 550 financial institutions across 50 countries.
      • Includes banks, insurers, asset managers, and other financial players managing a combined $150 trillion in assets.
    • It is chaired by Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of England and current UN Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance.
    • It is supported by global initiatives like the UN Race to Zero campaign and other financial alliances.

    PYQ:

    [2016] The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of:

    (a) Pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East.

    (b) Plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change.

    (c) Capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

    (d) Plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals.

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  • What are the ‘Panch Pran’?

    Ethics | Ethics | Mains Paper 4: Ethics

    Why in the News?

    Addressing NCC cadets in Delhi, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar outlined a visionary roadmap for India’s development, rooted in five guiding principles known as PanchPran.

    What is Panch Pran (Five Pillars of National Transformation)?

    • The PanchPran, or five resolves, represent the core principles that aim to guide India’s progress toward becoming a globally admired nation.
    • This framework integrates personal responsibility, traditional values, environmental sustainability, cultural pride, unity, and self-reliance to shape a stronger and more resilient nation.
    • The 5 principles are:
      • Social Harmony: Strengthens national unity by transforming India’s diverse cultures and traditions into sources of collective strength.
      • Family Enlightenment: Emphasizes the role of families in nurturing patriotic and moral values, forming the foundation for a cohesive and enlightened society.
      • Environmental Consciousness: Advocates for sustainable development through the conservation and protection of natural resources.
      • Swadeshi: Promotes self-reliance and prioritization of indigenous products as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
      • Civic Duties: Encourages citizens to actively contribute to the nation’s progress by fulfilling their civic responsibilities.

    About National Cadet Corps (NCC)

    • The NCC is the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces with its headquarters in New Delhi.
    • It is open to school and college students on voluntary basis as a Tri-Services Organisation, comprising the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.
    • Cadets are given basic military training in small arms and drill.
    • Officers and cadets have no liability for active military service once they complete their course.
    • The NCC was formed in 1948.
    • It can be traced back to the ‘University Corps’, which was created under the Indian Defence Act 1917, with the objective to make up for a shortage of personnel in the Army.
    • The NCC is headed by the Director General (DG), an officer of 3-star rank.

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