In the Union Budget 2025-26, Finance Minister, has introduced the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme to provide digital textbooks in Indian languages.
What is Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme?
Aims and Objectives:
It will provide digital textbooks and study resources for students at the school and university levels, promoting regional languages in the education system.
The scheme aims to bridge the language gap by providing digital textbooks and study materials in multiple Indian languages.
It ensures that students from diverse linguistic backgrounds can study subjects in their mother tongue, improving comprehension and retention.
It aligns with the NEP 2020 vision to promote multilingualism in education.
It complements the ASMITA (Augmenting Study Materials in Indian Languages through Translation and Academic Writing) initiative.
22,000 books in Indian languages will be developed in the next five years under ASMITA.
Criteria and Provisions:
The scheme will be implemented in schools, colleges, and universities across India.
Institutions affiliated with UGC, AICTE, and other regulatory bodies will be part of the initiative.
The scheme will focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Social Sciences, Commerce, and Humanities.
Special emphasis on technical education in Indian languages.
The digital books will be available on government-supported e-learning platforms like DIKSHA, e-PG Pathshala, and National Digital Library of India.
AI-based tools will be used to facilitate translations, voice-assisted learning, and personalized study materials.
PYQ:
[2016] ‘SWAYAM’, an initiative of the Government of India, aims at:
(a) Promoting the Self Help Groups in rural areas
(b) Providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs
(c) Promoting the education and health of adolescent girls
(d) Providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free
The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights the shift from globalization to geo-economic fragmentation (GEF). Countries are now forming economic blocs, with concepts like “friend-shoring” gaining prominence.
What is Geo-Economic Fragmentation (GEF)?
GEF refers to the breakdown of global economic integration, caused by strategic national policies.
It involves disruptions in trade, capital flows, foreign direct investment (FDI), and migration.
The shift resembles the Cold War era, with countries aligning into economic blocs.
Western nations’ imposition of uniform environmental, labor, and social standards has fueled economic divisions.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Monitoring Report (October 2024) recorded:
169 new trade-restrictive measures, affecting $887.7 billion worth of trade.
A sharp rise from $337.1 billion in 2023, reflecting escalating protectionism.
The IMF notes that trade fragmentation today is costlier than during the Cold War, when global trade was just 16% of GDP.
Today, it is 45%, making economic isolation riskier.
Significance and Impacts of GEF:
Decline of Global Trade: WTO reported 169 new trade restrictions covering $887.7 billion in 2023-24, making trade costlier.
FDI Relocation:Friend-shoring is concentrating FDI among geopolitically aligned nations, reducing capital for emerging economies.
China’s Economic Dominance: Controls 80% of solar panels, 80% of batteries, and 60% of wind energy, reshaping supply chains.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Firms are shifting from China to India, Vietnam, and Mexico to diversify risks.
Emerging Market Challenges: Increased trade barriers, inflation, and tech restrictions slow down growth.
Rise in Economic Nationalism: Nations are prioritizing domestic industries, energy security, and localized production over global collaboration.
PYQ:
[2022] Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India.
[2017] Which of the following has/have occurred in India after its liberalization of economic policies in 1991?
1. Share of agriculture in GDP increased enormously.
2. Share of India’s exports in world trade increased.
Q) Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Q) ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Crossborder insurgency (2019), and Role of India in Southeast Asia (2017).
The ongoing violence inMyanmar, human rights abuses, and political repression have left millions in dire conditions, with over 6,000 civilians killed and 3.5 million displaced. According to the World Bank, by 2025, around 19.9 million people—one-third of the population—are expected to require humanitarian aid, including 6.3 million children in Myanmar.
As Myanmar marks four years since the military coup, today’s editorial highlights the urgent need for global attention and action. The international community’s response has been inadequate, failing to effectively challenge the junta’s grip on power. This content can be used to present Neighbourhood Policy or South Asian Democratic Crises in your Mains Answers.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
There are several significant developments surrounding the ongoing crisis in Myanmar as it marks the fourth anniversary of the military coup.
What has been the impact of the military coup on Myanmar’s political landscape?
The military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, has drastically altered the political landscape, leading to instability and conflict.
Return to Military Rule: The coup reversed a decade-long democratic transition by overthrowing the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD), resulting in widespread protests and civil unrest against the junta.
Rise in Civil Unrest and Resistance: The coup sparked massive protests and a civil disobedience movement, leading to the formation of a shadow government, the National Unity Government (NUG), by ousted lawmakers.
This has resulted in armed conflict with various ethnic groups and newly formed resistance forces, creating a state of civil war.
Human Rights Violations and Humanitarian Crisis: The military’s brutal crackdowns have led to widespread human rights abuses, including killings and arbitrary detentions. Millions have been displaced, exacerbating existing ethnic conflicts, particularly affecting the Rohingya population. The international response has largely failed to hold the military accountable.
What are the prospects for Myanmar’s economy in 2025 considering the current socio political turmoil?
The World Bank forecasts a 1% contraction in Myanmar’s GDP for the fiscal year ending in March 2025, marking a significant downgrade from earlier growth expectations.
By 2025, around 19.9 million people—one-third of the population—are expected to require humanitarian aid, including 6.3 million children.
Since the military coup in February 2021, armed conflicts and natural disasters have disrupted production across sectors like agriculture and manufacturing. Recent floods have further damaged infrastructure.
About 25% of the population faces acute food insecurity, driven by high inflation rates projected at 26% annually. Many households struggle to afford basic necessities due to rising food prices.
The long-term economic outlook remains grim, with subdued growth expected even if conflict levels stabilize. Further violence or natural disasters could worsen economic conditions.
How has the role of ASEAN evolved in addressing the Myanmar crisis?
Five-Point Consensus: In April 2021, ASEAN introduced a Five-Point Consensus calling for an end to violence, dialogue, humanitarian aid, and a special envoy to mediate. However, its effectiveness has been limited due to lack of inclusivity and pressure on the military junta.
Trioka Mechanism: ASEAN created the Trioka Mechanism to monitor the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus. This group includes Indonesia, Laos, and Malaysia but faces concerns about its ability to address Myanmar’s complex issues.
Humanitarian Response: ASEAN has held meetings to improve humanitarian aid delivery but struggles with implementation challenges.
International Engagement: External influences, like those from the EU and UN, have shaped ASEAN’s approach. Critics argue that ASEAN’s preference for dialogue over sanctions has not produced significant results.
Way Forward:
The UN and ASEAN have struggled to resolve the Myanmar crisis, prompting experts to call on neighboring countries—China, India, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Laos—to take action, as the situation threatens their interests.
However, challenges persist: borders with India and Bangladesh are controlled by ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), trust issues exist between India and China, and India-Bangladesh relations are strained.
This makes it difficult for these nations to reach a consensus on how to encourage peace.
Thailand, as a significant ASEAN member, could play a crucial role but faces its own limitations.
Meanwhile, China’s influence has grown since the coup, and experts suggest that Myanmar’s people should not rely on external help; instead, their leaders must prioritize dialogue over violence to avoid further suffering.
The Budget session of Parliament has started at a time when India’s economic situation is shifting. After four years of strong growth following the pandemic, the economy is slowing down.
What are the key projections for India’s economic growth in FY 2024-25?
Projected GDP Growth: The National Statistical Office (NSO) has estimated that India’s GDP will grow by 6.4% in FY 2024-25. This figure marks a decline from the 8.2% growth recorded in FY 2023-24 and is lower than earlier forecasts which ranged from 6.5% to 7%.
Sectoral Performance: The slowdown is attributed to weaker performance in sectors such as manufacturing and services. The first half of FY 2024-25 is expected to see a growth rate of around 6%, necessitating a stronger performance of 6.8% in the second half to meet the annual target.
Comparative Estimates: While the NSO’s estimate stands at 6.4%, other organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have projected a slightly higher growth rate of 7%, reflecting differing outlooks on economic recovery and consumer demand.
How does the Economic Survey address challenges such as inflation and global uncertainties?
Food Inflation Concerns: Despite the overall decline in inflation, food inflation remains a challenge, rising from 7.5% in FY24 to 8.4% in the same period due to supply chain disruptions and adverse weather conditions.
The survey emphasizes the need for improved agricultural practices and climate-resilient crops to manage these risks effectively.
Inflation Trends: The survey reports a reduction in retail inflation from 5.4% in FY24 to 4.9% during April-December 2024, indicating a positive trend towards achieving the RBI’s target of around 4% by FY26, contingent on stable global commodity prices and favorable domestic agricultural output.
Global Economic Uncertainties: The survey highlights that ongoing geopolitical tensions and global trade risks pose significant challenges to inflation management, necessitating careful policy interventions to mitigate potential impacts on the domestic economy.
Policy Recommendations: To address these challenges, the Economic Survey advocates for strategic policy measures, including enhancing supply chain resilience, improving data collection for better price monitoring, and fostering an environment conducive to investment and growth.
What structural reforms are recommended to enhance long-term economic stability?
Deregulation and Ease of Doing Business: The Economic Survey advocates for significant deregulation to foster a more conducive business environment. It stresses that the government should “get out of the way” of businesses by minimizing micro-management and enhancing accountability among regulators.
Empowering Small Firms: Recommendations include empowering small enterprises, enhancing economic freedom, and ensuring a level playing field across sectors to stimulate growth and investment.
Focus on Domestic Demand: The budget is expected to prioritize boosting domestic demand through increased government spending, particularly in infrastructure and capital projects, as a countermeasure against global uncertainties and inflationary pressures.
Way forward:
Strengthen Domestic Resilience – Focus on boosting domestic consumption and investment through targeted fiscal measures, infrastructure expansion, and support for MSMEs to counter global uncertainties.
Enhance Inflation Management – Implement climate-resilient agricultural policies, improve supply chain efficiency, and strengthen monetary-fiscal coordination to maintain stable inflation and ensure sustainable growth.
Mains PYQ:
Q Is inclusive growth possible under market economy? State the significance of financial inclusion in achieving economic growth in India.(UPSC IAS/2022)
Ahead of the Union Budget, the Congress released a report on January 30, 2025, saying that India is at risk of getting stuck in the middle-income trap.
What is the classification of Countries given by the World Bank?
The World Bank classifies countries into four income groups based on their Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
Low-Income Countries: These are nations with a GNI per capita of $1,145 or less. This group typically includes countries facing significant economic challenges and lower levels of development.
Lower-Middle-Income Countries: Countries in this category have a GNI per capita ranging from $1,146 to $4,515. This group often includes emerging economies that are in the process of development but still face various socio-economic issues.
Upper-Middle-Income Countries: This classification includes countries with a GNI per capita between $4,516 and $14,005. These nations generally have more developed economies and better infrastructure compared to lower-middle-income countries.
High-Income Countries: These are countries with a GNI per capita exceeding $14,005. This group includes the most developed economies with high standards of living and advanced infrastructure.
What factors contribute to India being at risk of falling into a middle-income trap?
Low GDP Growth: India’s projected GDP growth rate for 2024-25 is around 6.4%, significantly lower than the 8% needed to leverage its demographic dividend effectively, indicating a slowdown in economic momentum.
Food Inflation Concerns: Despite the overall decline in inflation, food inflation remains a challenge, rising from 7.5% in FY24 to 8.4% in the same period due to supply chain disruptions and adverse weather conditions.
Private Sector Investment: Despite corporate tax cuts, private sector investment has not significantly increased. The Economic Survey 2024-25 indicates that Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), a crucial indicator of investment activity, slowed to 5.4% in the recent quarter, reflecting a decline in private capital expenditure.
Government Capital Expenditure: The survey notes that government capital expenditure utilization was only 37.3% in the first half of FY25, down from 49% the previous year, which has contributed to the overall slowdown in investments.
Low Incomes: A significant portion of India’s population lives on extremely low incomes, with estimates suggesting that about 50% of the population earns between ₹100 and ₹150 per day. This level of income severely limits consumer spending capacity and economic growth potential.
How does the current economic policy framework address the challenges? (Way forward)
Next-Generation Reforms: The Union Budget 2024-25 emphasizes “Next Generation Reforms” aimed at enhancing productivity and market efficiency across various sectors.
This includes a comprehensive Economic Policy Framework that focuses on improving factors of production land, labour, capital, and entrepreneurship while leveraging technology to reduce inequality and boost economic growth.
Deregulation and Economic Freedom: The Economic Survey highlights the need for deregulation and grassroots reforms to enhance the competitiveness of the economy. It advocates for greater economic freedom, allowing individuals and organizations to pursue legitimate economic activities without excessive regulatory burdens.
Public-Private Partnerships and Infrastructure Investment: The framework encourages public-private partnerships (PPPs) in infrastructure projects, facilitating greater collaboration between the government and private sector.
By removing policy hurdles and providing upfront support for long-term projects, the government aims to attract patient capital necessary for sustainable development, which is critical for addressing current economic challenges
Mains PYQ:
Q Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments.(UPSC IAS/2019)
Recently, the Supreme Court ordered a complete ban on manual scavenging and unsafe cleaning of sewers and septic tanks in major cities across India.
What measures will be implemented to ensure compliance with the ban?
Affidavit Submission: The court has directed the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the six metropolitan cities—Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad to file detailed affidavits by February 13, 2025.
These affidavits must outline how and when manual scavenging and sewer cleaning will cease in their respective cities.
Monitoring Progress: The court is actively monitoring compliance with its previous judgments, particularly the one from October 2023, which mandated actions to eliminate manual scavenging practices.
Implementation of Technology: The court noted that modern machinery and technology are available for sewer cleaning, suggesting that human involvement should no longer be necessary.
Why is Manual scavenging banned in India?
Severe Health Risks: Manual scavengers are exposed to hazardous conditions that pose significant health risks, including exposure to harmful pathogens and toxic gases. This can lead to a range of serious health issues, such as respiratory problems, gastrointestinal diseases, and skin infections.
Social Stigma and Discrimination: Individuals engaged in manual scavenging often face severe social stigma and discrimination due to the nature of their work, which is viewed as “unclean” and tied to lower castes in the Indian caste system.
This stigma affects not only the workers but also their families, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting access to education and better employment opportunities for their children.
What consequences will officials face for failing to comply with the court’s order?
Judicial Displeasure: The court expressed frustration over past non-compliance with its orders, indicating that failure to adhere to this latest directive could lead to serious repercussions. The justices stated, “Either do it or face consequences,” emphasizing their determination to enforce compliance.
Potential Legal Action: While specific penalties were not outlined in this order, the strong language used by the court suggests that further legal action could be pursued against officials who fail to comply with the ban on manual scavenging and sewer cleaning.
What are the significance of this action?
Human Rights Protection: This ruling is a critical step towards protecting the rights and dignity of marginalized communities who have historically been forced into manual scavenging. The court’s actions highlight the ongoing struggle against inhumane labour practices that violate basic human rights.
Public Health Improvement: By banning hazardous practices such as manual sewer cleaning, the court aims to reduce health risks associated with exposure to toxic gases and pathogens that affect workers in this field.
Legal Enforcement of Existing Laws: This action reinforces existing legislation aimed at prohibiting manual scavenging, including the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and the Rehabilitation Act of 2013. It underscores the need for effective implementation of laws designed to protect vulnerable populations.
Way forward:
Strict Law Enforcement & Accountability: The government must establish a robust monitoring mechanism with regular audits, strict penalties for violations, and legal action against officials failing to comply with the Supreme Court’s order.
Technological Adoption & Worker Rehabilitation: Municipal bodies should prioritize mechanized cleaning solutions while ensuring alternative employment, skill training, and financial support for former manual scavengers to facilitate their reintegration into society.
India’s civil services, long considered the “steel frame” of governance, are now under increased scrutiny for their ability to adapt to contemporary challenges. This article equips you with a robust framework to address such questions by covering critical themes like politicization, inefficiency, and centralized governance, supported by case studies, Supreme Court judgments, and government initiatives. While aspirants typically mention reforms like Mission Karmayogi or lateral entry, they often neglect analysis of deeper systemic issues such as Politicization and Frequent Transfers. The Back2Basics section serves as a quick reference for essential components of civil services reforms. It breaks down critical aspects like recruitment, performance appraisals, capacity building, and accountability, along with the initiatives undertaken by the government (e.g., 360-degree appraisals, Citizen Charters, and Digital India). This concise and structured content helps aspirants connect static and current dimensions effortlessly.
PYQ Anchoring
GS 2: “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this con text suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy. (2020)
GS 2: Initially Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services. Comment. (2017)
Microthemes: Civil Services
The government has launched initiatives such as Mission Karmayogi, highlighting efforts to reform India’s bureaucratic system, often referred to as the “steel frame” of governance.
Critical challenges of India’s bureaucratic structure
India’s bureaucratic framework, particularly the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), faces several critical challenges:
Politicization: Frequent transfers and promotions based on political loyalty rather than merit have eroded professionalism and morale. Lack of time to specialize due to frequent departmental rotations hampers the development of domain expertise.
Corruption and Inefficiency: India ranks moderately on the World Bank’s Government Effectiveness Index, signaling persistent issues in policy implementation and governance.
Centralized Governance: Power has increasingly been centralized in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), reducing the autonomy of civil servants and creating implementation bottlenecks.
Impact of Centralized Governance
•Reduced Autonomy: Senior bureaucrats lose independence, leading to a culture of compliance over innovation.
•Implementation Bottlenecks: Concentrating decisions at the top slows responses to emerging challenges and reduces efficiency.
•Neglect of Expertise: Over-reliance on top-down directives sidelines bureaucratic insights, impacting policymaking and governance outcomes.
Ancient Indic Principles for Enhancing Modern Governance
Ancient Indic principles provide timeless wisdom that can address contemporary governance challenges. These principles emphasize ethical leadership, inclusivity, sustainability, and active citizen participation. By integrating these values into modern frameworks, governance can become more effective, equitable, and aligned with the needs of society.
Principle
Description
Contemporary Examples
Ethical Leadership and Accountability (Raj Dharma)
Leaders must prioritize justice, fairness, and the public good, upholding values of transparency and responsibility.
Implementation of Lokpal and Lokayukta Acts to tackle corruption; PM’s emphasis on “minimum government, maximum governance.”
Inclusive Development (Antyodaya)
Ensures the upliftment of the most marginalized, promoting equity in resource distribution and opportunities.
Sustainability and Environmental Harmony (LiFE & Karmayogi)
Advocates sustainable practices and continuous skill development among public servants to address environmental and societal challenges.
India’s “Mission LiFE” for sustainable lifestyles; National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB).
Participative Governance (Sab Ka Prayas)
Encourages citizen involvement in policymaking and implementation through collective effort and shared responsibility.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’s success through community participation; MyGov platform for public policy feedback.
Empathy and Responsibility (P2G2)
Promotes a governance model based on empathy, inclusiveness, and shared responsibility between the state and citizens.
COVID-19 crisis management with active public participation; “Har Ghar Jal” campaign for clean water access.
Efforts taken to reform the bureaucracy in India
Commission Recommendations:
1st Administrative Reforms Commission (1966): Advocated specialization within the IAS for efficiency.
2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (2005): Suggested lateral entry for domain experts, mandatory training, and establishing a National Institute of Public Administration.
Central Government Initiatives:
Mission Karmayogi (2020): Aims to create a future-ready civil service with continuous learning through digital platforms.
Lateral Entry Reforms: Introduced to bring domain expertise into senior roles.
Supreme Court Judgments:
T.S.R. Subramanian v. Union of India (2013): Prohibited civil servants from following oral political directives; mandated a Civil Services Board.
Delhi Government Services Case (2023): Reinforced federalism by upholding Delhi’s legislative authority over services.
Way Forward
Empower Decentralized Governance: Strengthen local and state-level administrative autonomy to reduce over-centralization.
Implement Performance-Based Reforms: Institutionalize meritocracy with performance-linked promotions and lateral entry mechanisms.
Adopt Global Best Practices:Learn from initiatives like the proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the USA to streamline India’s bureaucracy.
Efficient Capacity Building: Expand programs like Mission Karmayogi to ensure civil servants are equipped with modern governance skills.
#BACK2BASICS : CIVIL SERVICES REFORMS
Components of Civil Services Reforms and Indian Government Initiatives
Component
Key Aspects
Reforms Undertaken by Indian Government
1. Size and Structure
– Rationalize ministries, departments, and officials to reduce redundancy.
– Rightsizing of Ministries: Streamlining ministries to avoid overlaps.
– Focus on core governance functions and eliminate duplication.
– Creation of Mission Karmayogi (2020) to redefine roles and responsibilities.
2. Recruitment
– Merit-based recruitment with reduced political patronage.
– Adoption of Lateral Entry: Specialists from the private sector inducted into senior positions.
– Incorporate specialized skills and foster public-private mobility.
– Simplification of UPSC Syllabus to focus on domain expertise and leadership skills.
3. Capacity Building
– Upgrade training programs to align with emerging challenges in technology and governance.
– Mission Karmayogi Digital Platform: Continuous learning and skill-building for civil servants.
– Emphasize HR development and advanced training modules.
– Induction Programs for IAS, IPS, and IFS officers to introduce modern governance tools.
4. Performance and Promotion
– Reform appraisal systems like ACR to make them transparent and performance-driven.
– Introduction of 360-Degree Appraisal Mechanism to ensure holistic evaluation of officers’ performance.
– Link promotions and incentives to quantifiable outcomes.
– Mid-Career Training Programs introduced to encourage specialization and leadership skills.
5. Professionalism and Modernity
– Ensure neutrality and reduce political interference.
– Ethics Training Modules introduced as part of IAS training to instill impartiality and integrity.
– Promote e-governance for transparency and accountability.
– Digital India Program leveraged to introduce e-governance across ministries.
6. Accountability
– Strengthen reporting mechanisms and ensure transparency through legislation.
– Implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act for citizen empowerment.
– Introduce citizen charters and grievance redressal systems.
– Introduction of Citizen Charters in key government departments for service delivery standards.
Ahead of World Wetlands Day (February 2nd), the Environment Ministry announced the inclusion of four new Ramsar sites, bringing India’stotal to 89.
The newly designated sites are Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary and Therthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim, and Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary in Jharkhand. With this, Tamil Nadu now has 20 Ramsar sites, the highest in the country, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10 sites.
About the Newly Added Ramsar Sites:
Description
Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
Location: Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu.
Originally an irrigation tank, now a designated bird sanctuary.
Recharged by northeast monsoon (Oct-Jan).
Supports 42+ bird species, including Spot-billed Pelican, Grey Heron, Little Cormorant, and Black Kite.
Therthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
Location: Theerthangal Village, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu.
A freshwater ecosystem and an important breeding ground for waterbirds.
Recorded 96 bird species across 18 orders and 44 families.
Notable species include Oriental Darter, Black-headed Ibis, Asian Woolly-necked Stork, and Spot-billed Pelican.
Khecheopalri Wetland, Sikkim
Location: West Sikkim, near Khecheopalri Village.
A sacred lake revered by Buddhists and Hindus.
Part of a temperate Himalayan peatland ecosystem, surrounded by broad-leaved mixed temperate forests.
Flora: Rich in macrophytes, phytoplankton, and zooplankton.
Fauna: Supports fish species like Cyprinus carpio, Danio aequipinnatus, and various migratory birds (Common Merganser, Tufted Duck).
Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary, Jharkhand
Location: Sahebganj District, Jharkhand.
Comprises two interconnected lakes: Pataura (155 ha) and Berhale (410 ha).
Connected to the Ganga River via the Udhuwa Nala (25 km stretch).
Pataura Lake depth: ~2 meters; Berhale Lake depth: ~70 cm, covered with aquatic vegetation.
Flora: Home to 42 algae species and 36 aquatic macrophytes.
Fauna: Habitat for 83 bird species, including the Near Threatened Black-necked Stork and 22 commercially valuable fish species.
PYQ:
[2019] Consider the following statements:
Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar Convention.
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved a pilot study for the controlled cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes.
Legal Status of Cannabis Cultivation in India:
Prohibited for recreational use under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Section 2 of the NDPS Act bans the cultivation, production, and sale of cannabis resin and flowers.
Section 10 allows state governments to regulate cannabis cultivation for medicinal and scientific purposes.
Section 14 grants the Central Government authority to permit cultivation for industrial uses (fiber and seed extraction).
Why Himachal Pradesh Could Soon Allow Controlled Cannabis Cultivation?
The Himalayan region’s soil and climate are ideal for cultivating low-THC hemp varieties, making Himachal Pradesh a prime location for controlled cannabis farming.
The government sees controlled cultivation as a way to generate revenue, create employment opportunities, and support local farmers, particularly in Kullu, Chamba, Mandi, Solan, Kangra, and Sirmaur.
Cannabis cultivation will be restricted to industrial and pharmaceutical uses, such as:
Pain relief medications
Textile and paper production
Biofuel and cosmetics
Hemp-based food products
The Kullu and Malana regions are known for illegal narcotic cannabis cultivation. Regulating the sector could reduce illegal activities and ensure legal trade.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 allows state governments to permit and regulate cannabis cultivation for scientific, medicinal, and industrial purposes under strict conditions.
Which are the other States to allow Controlled Cannabis Cultivation in India?
Uttarakhand (2018):
First state to legalize industrial hemp cultivation.
Managed by the Centre for Aromatic Plants (CAP), Selaqui.
Challenges include maintaining THC levels below 0.3% and seed availability.
Madhya Pradesh (2023):
Approved medicinal cannabis research but commercial cultivation is yet to start.
Sai Phytoceuticals (Pvt. Ltd.) received the first license for cannabis-based medicine production.
Jammu & Kashmir (2021):
India’s first medicinal cannabis pilot project launched by CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu.
Conducted in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode with a Canadian firm.
Research focuses on cannabis-based cancer and epilepsy treatments.
PYQ:
[2018] India’s proximity to the two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What counter-measures should be taken to prevent the same?
China’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), commonly referred to as the Artificial Sun, has set a new world record by sustaining a high-confinement plasma operation for 1066 seconds. The artificial sun reached an extreme temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius, surpassing its own previous record of 403 seconds.
What is the EAST Project?
EAST is a nuclear fusion research facility developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP) in 2006.
It aims to replicate solar fusion reactions to create a sustainable, clean energy source for future power generation.
The project serves as a global research platform for fusion experiments and advancing magnetic confinement technology.
It uses superconducting magnets to contain ultra-hot plasma, necessary for fusion.
Comparison with Other Fusion Projects
China’s EAST (Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak):
Record: 1066 seconds at 100 million degrees Celsius (2025).
Previous Record: 403 seconds at high confinement mode.
![[1st February 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Four years on, Myanmar and its continuing nightmare](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/myn.jpg)
