Archives: News

Poverty Eradication – Definition, Debates, etc.

How circular migration can help meet global skill shortages and lift Indians out of poverty?

Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Poverty & Development Issues
Why in the News?

Maharashtra’s 997 youth, earning Rs 1.37 lakh in Israel, engage in circular migration, boosting skills through labour mobility agreements.

What is the “triple win” scenario associated with circular migration?
- Migrants win by gaining high-paying jobs, improving their skills, and getting social security benefits while working abroad.
- The home country (like India) wins because when the workers return, they bring back new skills and experience that help improve local industries.
- The host country (like Israel or Germany) wins because they get the skilled workers they need to fill labour shortages without facing long-term migration issues.
How does circular migration contribute to skill development and poverty alleviation for Indian migrants?
- Skill Development: Indian workers gain exposure to international work environments, cutting-edge technology, and management protocols, which enhance their skills and employability.
- Poverty Alleviation: Higher wages in developed countries allow migrants to send remittances back home, improving the economic conditions of their families and contributing to poverty alleviation.
In what way does circular migration mitigate the issue of brain drain?
- Temporary Nature: Since workers return after a set period (e.g., five years), they bring back their enhanced skills and experience, preventing a permanent loss of talent to foreign nations.
- Knowledge Transfer: Returning workers contribute to domestic industries by applying the new skills and technologies they learned abroad, benefiting the home economy.
What are the policy implications for implementing circular migration effectively? (Way forward)
- Skill Matching and Training: Governments must ensure exact skill matching between migrant workers and the requirements of the destination countries, providing refresher courses and training as needed.
- Government-to-Government Agreements: Strong bilateral agreements are essential to safeguard the rights of workers, ensure fair wages, and provide social security in the destination countries.
- Streamlined Procedures: Policies should simplify legal compliances, fast-track passport issuance, and remove barriers like language skills through training in languages such as Japanese, German, or French.
Conclusion: Circular migration offers a “triple win” by benefiting migrants, home countries, and host nations. It enhances skills, boosts incomes, mitigates brain drain, and fosters knowledge transfer, provided there is proper policy support, skill matching, and streamlined processes.

Mains PYQ:

Q Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2016)
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Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)

IOCR | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: International Institutions

Why in the News?

According to the UNAIDS Director, without India’s significant contribution, the world is unlikely to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

What is HIV/AIDS?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases.
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is severely damaged, leading to life-threatening infections and cancers.
HIV is transmitted through contact with infected body fluids, such as blood, semen, and breast milk.
Although there’s no cure, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can manage HIV and prevent the progression to AIDS.

India’s progress in reducing HIV Infections

From 2010 to 2023, India reduced annual new HIV infections by 44%, which is better than the global average.
India has also made impressive progress in reducing AIDS-related deaths by nearly 80% between 2010 and 2023, surpassing the global average.
Challenges:
- In 2023, India saw 68,000 new infections, meaning around 185 people were infected each day.
- The Global AIDS Strategy calls for 80% of prevention services to be delivered by community-led organizations.
- These organizations are best placed to reach key populations, but they need adequate resources and space to lead these efforts.

About UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS):

	Details
Established	In 1996, by United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
Headquarters	Geneva, Switzerland
Main Purpose	To coordinate global action to combat HIV/AIDS, prevent infections, and support those affected
Mandate	• Coordinate the global response to HIV/AIDS • Support countries in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment strategies • Advocate for human rights and equality in access to HIV services
Principle	*Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV (GIPA)*, endorsed by the UN in 2001 and 2006
Global Targets	90-90-90 targets: 90% diagnosed, 90% on treatment, 90% virally suppressed by 2020
Global AIDS Strategy	2021-2026: Aim to end inequalities driving HIV and ensure 30 million on treatment by 2025
Cosponsors	11 UN organizations, including UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, UNESCO, World Bank
Key Areas of Focus	Supporting countries to meet SDG 3: End AIDS by 2030. • HIV prevention • Treatment access • Human rights advocacy • Gender equality • Youth and adolescents
Funding	Donors include governments, private foundations, and corporations
Key Campaigns	World AIDS Day (December 1), global awareness and advocacy efforts
Achievements	Significant progress toward the 90-90-90 targets, especially in countries like South Africa, Cambodia, and Eswatini

PYQ:

[2013] Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing?

Chikungunya
Hepatitis B
HIV-AIDS

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

[pib] International Energy Efficiency Hub

Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of a ‘Letter of Intent’ that will enable India to join the International Energy Efficiency Hub (Hub).

About the International Energy Efficiency Hub

The Hub was established in 2020 as the successor to the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC), of which India was already a member.
It is a global platform that promotes collaboration and energy efficiency among governments, international organizations, and the private sector.
Members: As of July 2024, 16 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, the European Commission, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the US, and the UK.)
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a statutory agency, has been designated as the implementing agency for India’s participation in the Hub.

Significance for India

India will benefit from opportunities to collaborate with other member states as a member.
India can share its expertise and learn from international best practices in energy efficiency.
The country will also contribute to global efforts to address climate change by promoting energy-efficient technologies and practices.
India’s participation will:
- Accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
- Improve energy security by adopting more efficient energy practices.

Back2Basics: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

	Details
Establishment	Established in March 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001
Objective	To promote energy efficiency and conservation, reduce energy intensity, and enhance energy security
Governing Body	Functions under the Ministry of Power, Government of India
Key Functions	• Develops energy efficiency policies and strategies • Implements energy conservation programs • Coordinates with various sectors like industry, transport, and municipalities on energy efficiency • Promotes R&D in energy conservation technologies
Key Initiatives	• Standards and Labeling Program (Star rating system for appliances) • Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme (for energy-intensive industries) • Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) (for commercial buildings) • National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE) • Energy Efficiency Financing Platform (EEFP)
Important Programs	• National Energy Conservation Awards • Demand Side Management (DSM) • Street Lighting National Program (SLNP) (LED streetlight replacement)
Goals	• Reduce energy intensity in India • Improve energy efficiency in key sectors like agriculture, industry, buildings, and appliances • Contribute to sustainable development and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
International Cooperation	Collaborates with UNDP, World Bank, and ADB on energy efficiency projects globally
Legislative Framework	Operates under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001
Achievements	• Significant reduction in carbon emissions • Supports India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement

PYQ:

[2016] On which of the following, can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label?

1. Ceiling fans

2. Electric geysers

3. Tubular fluorescent lamps

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

Why you should care about Mapping of the Fruit Fly’s Brain?

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

Why in the News?

Researcher have successfully mapped the entire brain of an adult fruit fly, marking the first time researchers have created such a detailed map of an adult animal’s brain.

How Was the Fruit Fly Brain Mapped?

The process of mapping Fruit Flies (Drosophila melanogaster) brain began in 2013.
Scientists dunked the brain of an adult fruit fly in a chemical bath, hardening it into a solid block.
This process involved 7,050 sections of the brain and produced 21 million photos to map the entire brain.
The first high-resolution image of the brain was created more than a decade after the work started.

Key findings

Scientists identified more than 50 million connections between 139,000 neurons (brain nerve cells).
They classified the cells into 8,453 distinct types, making it the largest catalogue of cell types in any brain.
The research gave insights into how different types of cells function and how the fruit fly’s eyes process motion and color.
A group of “hub neurons” was discovered, which may help speed up information flow.

Significance of the Work

Although the human brain is more complex, the logic of how neurons communicate is similar between fruit flies and humans.
Fruit flies are a valuable model system for neuroscience. Their brains solve many of the same problems that human brains do.
It could help in understanding and treat mental health conditions like Parkinson’s and depression.
The mapping of the fruit fly’s brain raises hopes that scientists will eventually be able to map the entire human brain.

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Tribes in News

Tribes in news: Chenchu Tribe

Prelims Only | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Social Empowerment

Why in the News?

The Chenchu tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) in Andhra Pradesh, faces poverty, unemployment, and worsening living conditions due to the discontinuation of a special MGNREGS project.
- The government launched the MGNREGS Chenchu Special Project in 2009 to address their specific needs, providing 180 days of employment.

About Chenchu Tribe

	Details
Location	Primarily found in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Odisha
Habitat	Sparse and deciduous Nallamala forest, part of the Eastern Ghats
Language	Chenchu language, belonging to the Dravidian language family
Traditional Livelihood	Hunter-gatherers, relying on forest produce like honey, roots, tubers, soapberries, and gum for sustenance
Role in Tiger Conservation	Involved as tiger protection watchers in the Nagarjuna-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR)
Forest Rights	Granted land rights under the Forest Rights Act (2006), allowing subsistence farming and forest dwelling
Challenges	Facing displacement, low literacy rate (40.6%), and rehabilitation issues due to relocation from their forest homes
Cultural Practices	Worship *Malalamma Vana Devatha* (goddess of honey); brew liquor from acacia bark, mahua flower, and jaggery
Society	Community-oriented with close-knit family bonds, practicing traditional subsistence living and deeply connected to forest ecosystems
Population	64,227 (2011 Census), spread across five districts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Government Support	Special rights granted under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (FRA)
Major Threats	Displacement due to tiger conservation efforts, lack of modern skills, poverty, and low literacy rates

PYQ:

[2013] Consider the following pairs :

Tribe: State

1. Limboo Limbu : Sikkim

2. Karbi : Himachal

3. Dongaria Kondh : Odisha

4. Bonda : Tamil Nadu

Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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Minority Issues – SC, ST, Dalits, OBC, Reservations, etc.

Rules promoting caste bias in jails struck down by Supreme Court

Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Laws, Institutions & Bodies Constituted For The Vulnerable Sections

Why in the News?

The Supreme Court declared caste-based discrimination in prisons unconstitutional, ordering immediate reforms in jail manuals nationwide to uphold inmates’ dignity, equality, and non-discrimination rights.

What specific caste-based practices in prison manuals were deemed unconstitutional by the SC?

Work Assignments Based on Caste: The assignment of menial tasks like cleaning and sweeping to marginalized castes (e.g., SCs, STs, DNTs) while reserving cooking roles for higher castes was ruled unconstitutional.
- This violated Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 15 (Prohibition of Discrimination on Grounds of Religion, Race, Caste, etc.).
Caste-based Classification of Labour: The court struck down provisions in prison manuals that classified inmates into different labour roles based on their caste, calling it a form of “untouchability” and caste hierarchy.
References to ‘Scavenger Class’: The reference to specific castes as the “scavenger class” was condemned as reinforcing caste stereotypes, and the court ruled such practices unconstitutional under Article 17 (abolition of untouchability).
Assignment of Hazardous Tasks: Marginalized prisoners forced to clean sewers and tanks in unsafe conditions was also ruled a violation of their dignity under Article 21 (Right to Life with Dignity).

How does the ruling reflect the broader implications of caste discrimination in society?

Historical and Societal Caste Biases: The ruling emphasized that caste-based discrimination in prisons is a remnant of colonial and pre-colonial oppressive systems, designed to dehumanize marginalized groups.
Reinforcement of Stereotypes: The court noted that prison rules, by assigning certain jobs to marginalized castes, indirectly perpetuate historical stereotypes and social hierarchies, harming personal growth and development, and fostering caste prejudices.

India’s prisons face other challenges too:

Overcrowding: In 2016, India’s prisons were 20% over capacity, with some prisons over 500% capacity. Overcrowding can lead to poor living conditions and the spread of disease.
Poor hygiene and Custodial torture: Prisoners face physical abuse and sexual abuse, and police may also torture prisoners. Prisons are underfunded, which leads to poor infrastructure, inadequate food, and insufficient clothing.
Understaffing: 33% of prison official positions are vacant. Prison management is a state subject, so prison rules vary by state.
Ineffective bail system: The bail system contributes to the crisis of undertrial incarceration.

What are the actions mandated by the SC?

Reform of Prison Manuals: All states and Union territories must revise their prison manuals within three months to align with the judgment, eliminating discriminatory provisions.
- The Union government is required to update the Model Prison Manual 2016 and the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act 2023 within the same period.
Removal of Caste-Based Work Assignments: The court ordered that no inmate be subjected to work or housing arrangements based on their caste. The caste column in registers of undertrial and convicted prisoners must be deleted.
Prohibition of Hazardous Work: The court mandated that manual scavenging or hazardous cleaning of sewers or septic tanks in prisons be prohibited, in line with the 2013 law banning manual scavenging.
Arrest Guidelines for DNTs: The court called for strict adherence to guidelines (from Arnesh Kumar Vs State of Bihar and Amanatullah Khan Vs Commissioner of Police, Delhi cases) to prevent arbitrary arrests of denotified tribe members.
Compliance Oversight: The court initiated suo motu proceedings to monitor the implementation of these reforms and ordered states and the Union government to submit compliance reports, ensuring sustained oversight.

Conclusion: The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling ends caste-based discrimination in prisons, mandating nationwide reforms in jail manuals, safeguarding inmates’ dignity, and promoting equality by eliminating discriminatory caste-based practices and work assignments.

Mains PYQ:

Q Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, the caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (UPSC IAS/2018)

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Foreign Policy Watch: India-Iran

How India could play a meaningful role in the conflict in West Asia

Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India
Why in the News?

With escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, India’s Ministry of External Affairs she emphasized the need to prevent regional escalation, urging all parties to resolve issues through dialogue and diplomacy for stability.

Can India act as a mediator in the Iran-Israel conflict?
- India maintains strong strategic and economic ties with both Israel and Iran, allowing it to communicate with both parties. This balanced relationship positions India as a potential neutral mediator.
- India’s stature on the global stage is rising, and its history of non-alignment and support for peaceful dialogue gives it credibility. However, balancing its strategic partnerships with Israel, Iran, and key Arab states will be challenging.
What are India’s strategic interests in West Asia?
- Energy Security: West Asia is crucial for India’s energy needs, supplying about 80% of its oil imports. A wider conflict could disrupt these supplies and increase energy prices, impacting India’s economy significantly.
- Economic Ties: India has invested heavily in its relationships with West Asian countries, viewing the region as an extension of its neighborhood. This includes trade partnerships and investments, particularly with major Arab nations and Israel.
- Security Concerns: India shares concerns with both Iran and Israel regarding terrorism, particularly threats emanating from Pakistan and Afghanistan. This common ground could facilitate dialogue but also complicates India’s diplomatic balancing act.
How does India’s relationship with regional powers influence its role?
- Regional Dynamics: Other regional players such as Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey also influence the situation. Qatar has been active in mediating between conflicting parties, while Egypt’s geographical proximity to Gaza positions it as a key player in ceasefire discussions.
  - Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in the Islamic world adds another layer of complexity to India’s diplomatic efforts.
- Multi-faceted Role: While India maintains strong defense and economic relations with Israel, it also relies on Iran for energy supplies and has historical ties to various Arab nations.
  - Balancing these relationships is critical for India’s foreign policy strategy.
Way forward:
- Diplomatic Engagement and Back-Channel Diplomacy: India can leverage its balanced ties with Israel, Iran, and key Arab states to facilitate back-channel communication, focusing on de-escalation and humanitarian relief.
  - India’s non-aligned stance and growing global influence position it as a credible facilitator for peaceful dialogue.
- Multilateral Approach: India should work through international forums like the United Nations and coordinate with other regional players like Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. This multilateral engagement would enhance its role while avoiding the risks of taking sides in the conflict.
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OBOR Initiative

China-Vietnam red diplomacy

Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India
Why in the News?

Vietnamese President’s recent trip to China seeks to rekindle the historical ties and camaraderie between Mao Zedong and Ho Chi Minh, to strengthen political trust in their bilateral relationship strategically.

Current Diplomatic Relationship between China and Vietnam:
- Revived Political Trust: Vietnamese President to Lam’s visit to China sought to revive the historical comradeship between Mao Zedong and Ho Chi Minh.
  - This visit aimed to strategically strengthen political trust and enhance the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two communist nations.
- Joint Statement on Cooperation: Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to advancing socialism and expressed their desire to build a “Vietnam-China community with a shared future.”
- Economic and Strategic Agreements: The visit resulted in 14 agreements covering areas such as connectivity, infrastructure, healthcare, and media.
  - Trade between the two nations remains robust, with China being Vietnam’s largest import market and a significant investor. Bilateral trade in 2023 reached $171.9 billion.
How do recent events reflect the complexities of Vietnam’s foreign policy towards China?
- Bamboo Diplomacy: Vietnam’s foreign policy, known as “Bamboo Diplomacy,” is based on flexibility and resilience.
  - It aims to maintain strong ties with multiple global powers, including China, while also hedging its bets with the U.S., India, Russia, and Japan to counterbalance Chinese dominance.
- Economic Dependence vs. Strategic Hedging: Vietnam’s growing economic interdependence with China, reflected in trade and investment, contrasts with its efforts to hedge against over-reliance by fostering ties with other global players. This balancing act illustrates Vietnam’s pragmatic approach to foreign policy.
Challenges Vietnam Faces in Maintaining Sovereignty Amid Growing Chinese Influence:
- Territorial Disputes: The ongoing territorial contestation over the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea poses a significant challenge for Vietnam.
- Economic Dependence: While Vietnam benefits from economic ties with China, the growing trade deficit and increased Chinese investments create a dependency that could challenge Vietnam’s autonomy in decision-making, especially in strategic areas like infrastructure and connectivity.
- Strategic Hedging and Sovereignty: Vietnam’s efforts to hedge against Chinese influence through partnerships with the U.S., Japan, and India.
Note: Hedging refers to a strategic approach taken by a country to safeguard its interests and security in a complex and uncertain environment.

Way forward:
- Enhance Bilateral Engagement: India should deepen its strategic partnership with Vietnam through increased economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and joint defense initiatives.
- Support Regional Multilateralism: India should actively participate in regional forums and initiatives that promote multilateral cooperation, such as the Quad and ASEAN-led dialogues.
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Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

[pib] Cabinet approves PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY)

Schemes | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet approved the rationalization of all Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare into two umbrella schemes:

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) – A cafeteria scheme aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture.
Krishonnati Yojana (KY) – Focuses on food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.

About PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY):

	Details
Objective	To promote sustainable agriculture and improve agricultural productivity.
Total Proposed Expenditure	Rs 1,01,321.61 crore (combined with Krishonnati Yojana).
Central Share (DA&FW)	Rs 57,074.72 crore under PM-RKVY.
Key Initiatives under PM-RKVY	Soil Health Management Rainfed Area Development Agro Forestry Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana Agricultural Mechanization (including Crop Residue Management) Per Drop More Crop Crop Diversification Programme RKVY DPR Component Accelerator Fund for Agri Startups
Key Focus	Sustainable agricultural practices, soil health, water conservation, crop diversification, organic farming, and agricultural mechanization.
Flexibility for States	Increased flexibility for state governments to reallocate funds based on unique requirements of the states.
Implementation Method	Funds allocated to states, with state governments developing Comprehensive Strategic Documents addressing crop production, climate resilience, and value chains.
Benefits	Avoid duplication, ensure convergence, and streamline the approval process for quicker implementation of Annual Action Plans (AAP).

Schemes merged into Krishonnati Yojana (KY):

National Food Security Mission (NFSM)
National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP)
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET)
Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER)

PYQ:

[2014] Consider the following pairs:

Programme/Project	Ministry
1. Drought – Prone Areas Programme	Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
2. Desert Development Programme	Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
3. National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas	Ministry of rural development

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 3

(d) None of these

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Languages and Eighth Schedule

[pib] Cabinet confers Classical Language Status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved conferring the status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.

Classical Languages in India:

	Details
Objective	To recognize and preserve Bharat’s profound cultural heritage embodied in these languages and their literary traditions.
Criteria for Classical Language Status	2004 (when Tamil was declared a Classical Language): High Antiquity over a thousand years. A body of ancient literature valued by generations. Original literary tradition, not borrowed. 2005 (when Sanskrit was declared a Classical Language): High Antiquity over 1500-2000 years. Ancient literature valued by generations. Original literary tradition, not borrowed. Distinct from modern forms, with possible discontinuity. 2024 (as recommended by the Linguistic Experts Committee): High Antiquity over 1500-2000 years. Ancient literature valued by generations. Includes knowledge texts, prose, inscriptions. Distinct from current forms or may show discontinuity.
Previously Conferred Status	Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Telugu (2008), Kannada (2008), Malayalam (2013), Odia (2014)
Implementation Strategy	• Establishment of Central Universities for Sanskrit (2020) • Promotion of Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia through the Central Institute of Indian Languages (Mysuru) • National and International awards for Classical Languages
Impact on Employment	• Employment in academia, research, and archiving • Jobs in preservation, digitization, translation, and publishing of ancient texts
States Involved	Maharashtra (Marathi), Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh (Pali, Prakrit), West Bengal (Bengali), Assam (Assamese)

The Eighth Schedule	Lists 22 official languages, governed by Articles 344(1) and 351 of the Constitution. Includes Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu
Chronological Additions to the Eighth Schedule	• 1950: Initially included 14 languages • 1967: Sindhi added (21st Constitutional Amendment) • 1992: Konkani, Manipuri (Meitei), Nepali added (71st Constitutional Amendment) • 2003: Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santali added (92nd Constitutional Amendment) • 2011: “Oriya” replaced with “Odia” (96th Constitutional Amendment)

PYQ:

[2015] Which one of the following was given classical language status recently?

(a) Odia

(b) Konkani

(d) Assamese

[2014] Consider the following languages :

1. Gujarati

2. Kannada

3. Telugu

Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language / Languages’ by the Government?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Archives: News

Why in the News?

What is the “triple win” scenario associated with circular migration?

How does circular migration contribute to skill development and poverty alleviation for Indian migrants?

In what way does circular migration mitigate the issue of brain drain?

What are the policy implications for implementing circular migration effectively? (Way forward)

Mains PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is HIV/AIDS?

India’s progress in reducing HIV Infections

About UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS):

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About the International Energy Efficiency Hub

Significance for India

Back2Basics: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

PYQ:

Why in the News?

How Was the Fruit Fly Brain Mapped?

Key findings

Significance of the Work

Why in the News?

About Chenchu Tribe

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What specific caste-based practices in prison manuals were deemed unconstitutional by the SC?

How does the ruling reflect the broader implications of caste discrimination in society?

India’s prisons face other challenges too:

What are the actions mandated by the SC?

Mains PYQ:

Why in the News?

Can India act as a mediator in the Iran-Israel conflict?

What are India’s strategic interests in West Asia?

How does India’s relationship with regional powers influence its role?

Way forward:

Why in the News?

Current Diplomatic Relationship between China and Vietnam:

How do recent events reflect the complexities of Vietnam’s foreign policy towards China?

Challenges Vietnam Faces in Maintaining Sovereignty Amid Growing Chinese Influence:

Way forward:

Why in the News?

About PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY):

Schemes merged into Krishonnati Yojana (KY):

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Classical Languages in India:

PYQ:

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