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Type: PIB

  • Appointment of Judges to High Courts and Supreme Court

    Appointment of Judges to High Courts and Supreme Court

    Why in the News?

    The President has appointed Gurvinder Pal Singh as an Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court and appointed three High Court Chief Justices as Judges of the Supreme Court.

    Procedure for Appointment of Judges

    1. Appointment of High Court Judges

    • Constitutional basis: Article 217.
    • Appointing authority: President of India.
    • The President appoints a High Court judge after consultation with:
      • Chief Justice of India
      • Governor of the concerned State
      • Chief Justice of the concerned High Court for appointment of a judge other than the Chief Justice.
    • In practice, appointments follow the Collegium system:
      • CJI + two senior-most Supreme Court judges consider the proposal.
      • Recommendation is sent to the Law Ministry.
      • The proposal is processed by the Central Government.
      • The President formally appoints the judge.

    2. Appointment of Additional Judges

    • Article 224 deals with Additional Judges of High Courts.
    • They may be appointed when:
      • There is a temporary increase in the business of the High Court, or
      • There are arrears of work.
    • An Additional Judge can be appointed for a period not exceeding two years.
    • The appointment is formally made by the President.

    3. Appointment of Supreme Court Judges

    • Constitutional basis: Article 124.
    • President formally appoints Supreme Court judges.
    • Under the present Collegium system, the CJI and four senior-most Supreme Court judges recommend appointments.
    • The recommendation goes through the Union Government, after which the President makes the formal appointment.

    UPSC Prelims Trap

    • Article 217 → High Court judges
    • Article 224 → Additional/Acting Judges of High Courts
    • Article 124 → Supreme Court judges
    • President appoints formally, but the Collegium recommends under the present system.
    • High Court Collegium: Chief Justice of the High Court + two senior-most judges.
    • Supreme Court Collegium: CJI + four senior-most Supreme Court judges.
  • Saving Time, Shortening Journeys

    Saving Time, Shortening Journeys

    Why in the News?

    The PIB highlighted how bridges, tunnels, expressways and modern rail services are reducing travel time and improving connectivity across India. The focus is on infrastructure-led reduction in travel time rather than merely increasing physical connectivity.

    Key Highlights

    • Bridges, tunnels, expressways and railways are shortening travel time across difficult terrain and long-distance routes.
    • Bhupen Hazarika Setu: Rupai to Meka/Roing travel time reduced from 6 hours to 1 hour.
    • Bogibeel Bridge: Journeys between Dhemaji and Dibrugarh reduced from almost a day to 1-2 hours.
    • Atal Setu: Mumbai-Navi Mumbai journey reduced from 2 hours to 20 minutes.
    • Kosi Rail Mahasetu: Nirmali-Saraigarh rail journey reduced from 8 hours to 30 minutes; distance reduced from about 300 km to 22 km.
    • Atal Tunnel: Saves 4-5 hours and reduces Manali-Sarchu distance by 46 km.
    • Sela Tunnel: Located at about 13,000 feet and provides all-weather connectivity on the Tezpur-Tawang route.
    • Delhi-Meerut Expressway: Travel time reduced from 2.5 hours to 50 minutes.
    • Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor: Travel time reduced from 6 hours to 2.5 hours.
    • Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Mahamarg: Travel time reduced from 16 hours to about 8 hours.
    • Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway: Delhi-Katra travel time reduced from 14 hours to 6 hours.
    • Delhi-Mumbai Expressway: Expected to reduce travel time from about 33 hours to 12 hours.

    Railways and Vande Bharat

    • The 2026 railway timetable speeded up 549 trains.
    • 20 trains gained 60 minutes or more.
    • 48 trains gained 31-59 minutes.
    • 105 trains gained 16-30 minutes.
    • 376 trains gained 5-15 minutes.
    • Vande Bharat New Delhi-Varanasi: About 40-50% faster than earlier services.
    • Vande Bharat Katra-Srinagar: Travel time reduced to about 3 hours.
    • Vande Bharat Sleeper Howrah-Guwahati: Travel time reduced from about 17 hours to 14 hours.

    High-Speed Rail Corridors

    • Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor
      • Length: 508 km
      • Operational speed: 320 kmph
      • 12 stations
      • Travel time: about 1 hour 58 minutes
      • Includes India’s first undersea rail tunnel, about 7 km beneath Thane Creek.
      • First service targeted for August 2027.
    • Seven announced HSR corridors:
      • Total length: nearly 4,000 km
      • Estimated investment: ₹16 lakh crore
    • Major corridors include:
      • Delhi-Varanasi: ~3 hours 50 minutes
      • Varanasi-Patna-Siliguri: ~2 hours 55 minutes
      • Chennai-Bengaluru: ~1 hour 13 minutes
      • Bengaluru-Hyderabad: ~2 hours
      • Mumbai-Pune: ~48 minutes

    Prelims Quick Revision

    • Bhupen Hazarika Setu: Assam-Arunachal Pradesh.
    • Bogibeel Bridge: Rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra.
    • Atal Setu: Mumbai Trans Harbour Link.
    • Kosi Rail Mahasetu: Bihar; connects Nirmali and Saraigarh.
    • Atal Tunnel: 9.02 km, bypasses Rohtang Pass.
    • Sela Tunnel: Arunachal Pradesh, about 13,000 feet altitude.
    • Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSR: 508 km, operational speed 320 kmph.
    • Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSR includes an approximately 7-km undersea tunnel beneath Thane Creek.

    UPSC Prelims Trap

    • Atal Setu ≠ Atal Tunnel: Atal Setu is the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, while Atal Tunnel is in Himachal Pradesh and bypasses Rohtang Pass.
    • Bogibeel Bridge is a rail-cum-road bridge, whereas Kosi Rail Mahasetu is a rail bridge.
    • Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSR is a high-speed rail corridor, not an expressway.
    • The Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSR corridor is 508 km, while the seven newly announced HSR corridors together span nearly 4,000 km.
  • India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)

    India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)

    Why in the News?

    • India and Japan launched the Operational Manual for the India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism on 30 September 2026 in New Delhi.
    • It operationalises bilateral cooperation under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.

    Key Facts

    • Partners: India and Japan.
    • Objective:
      • Deploy advanced low-carbon technologies.
      • Mobilise climate finance.
      • Promote technology cooperation.
      • Support high-integrity emission reductions and removals.
      • Contribute to sustainable development in India.
    • The JCM also aims to strengthen transparency and confidence in international carbon markets.

    Important Timeline

    • 7 August 2025: India-Japan Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed.
    • 8 June 2026: Rule of Implementation (RoI) adopted.
    • 30 September 2026: Operational Manual launched.

    Operational Manual

    • Provides a comprehensive procedural framework for JCM activities.
    • Covers the complete project cycle:
      • Submission of Project Idea Note
      • Project implementation
      • Issuance of JCM credits
      • Authorization of JCM credits

    Article 6.2 of Paris Agreement

    • Provides a framework for countries to cooperate through internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs).
    • India-Japan JCM operates under this bilateral cooperation framework.

    UPSC Prelims Quick Revision

    1. JCM is a bilateral mechanism between India and Japan.
    2. It promotes low-carbon technology deployment and climate finance.
    3. It operates under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.
    4. MoC signed: 7 August 2025.
    5. Rule of Implementation adopted: 8 June 2026.
    6. Operational Manual launched: 30 September 2026.
    7. The Manual covers the project cycle from Project Idea Note submission to credit issuance and authorization.

    UPSC Prelims Trap

    • JCM is a bilateral mechanism, not a multilateral carbon market mechanism.
    • India-Japan JCM is linked specifically to Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.
    • The Operational Manual is meant to move the JCM from institutional preparation to actual implementation.
    • Do not confuse JCM credits with generic carbon credits; the source specifically refers to the issuance and authorization of JCM credits.
  • India-UAE Joint Military Exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026

    India-UAE Joint Military Exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026

    Why in the News?

    • India-UAE joint military exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 commenced at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.
    • Conducted from 5 to 18 October 2026.
    • Focus: Mountain Warfare.

    Key Facts

    • Venue: Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.
    • Participants: 92 personnel.
      • India: 46
      • UAE: 46
    • Indian Army: Bhairav Battalion.
    • UAE Army: Mountain Infantry Battalion.
    • Women officers and combatants from both armies are participating.
    • Objective:
      • Enhance interoperability
      • Improve mutual understanding
      • Strengthen military cooperation
      • Exchange operational best practices

    Strategic Significance

    • Improves joint operational capability in challenging mountainous terrain.
    • Promotes interoperability between Indian and UAE forces.
    • Facilitates exchange of military tactics and professional experience.
    • Strengthens India-UAE military-to-military cooperation and bilateral trust.

    UPSC Prelims Quick Revision

    1. MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 is a joint India-UAE military exercise.
    2. It is being conducted at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.
    3. Exercise duration: 5-18 October 2026.
    4. Core focus: Mountain Warfare.
    5. Total participation: 92 personnel with equal representation.
    6. Indian contingent: Bhairav Battalion.
    7. UAE contingent: Mountain Infantry Battalion.
    8. Exercise includes drone operations, surveillance, rock climbing and integrated field exercises.
  • PM-SETU: One Year of Transforming India’s ITIs

    PM-SETU: One Year of Transforming India’s ITIs

    Why in the News?

    • PM-SETU was launched on 4 October 2025.
    • Completes one year on 4 October 2026.
    • Focus: modernisation of Government ITIs, industry-aligned training and demand-driven vocational education. Pasted text

    Key Facts

    • Full form: Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs.
    • Total outlay: ₹60,000 crore
      • Centre: ₹30,000 crore
      • States: ₹20,000 crore
      • Industry: ₹10,000 crore
    • Targets 1,000 Government ITIs.
    • Uses Hub-and-Spoke model:
      • 200 Hub ITIs
      • 800 Spoke ITIs
    • Each Hub connected to around 4 Spoke ITIs. Pasted text

    Component I: Government ITIs

    • 1,000 Government ITIs upgraded.
    • Hubs provide:
      • Innovation centres
      • Training-of-trainers facilities
      • Production units
      • Placement services
    • Spokes provide wider access to modern infrastructure and training.
    • Focus on smart classrooms, modern laboratories, digital content and industry-aligned courses.

    Component II: NSTIs

    • Capacity augmentation of 5 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs):
      1. Bhubaneswar
      2. Chennai
      3. Hyderabad
      4. Kanpur
      5. Ludhiana
    • Establishment of sector-specific National Centres of Excellence.
    • Advanced training of trainers through international partnerships. Pasted text

    Industry-Led Governance

    • ITI selection is led by States/UTs in consultation with industry.
    • National Steering Committee (NSC):
      • Chaired by Secretary, MSDE.
      • Provides policy direction.
      • Finalises guidelines.
      • Monitors implementation.
    • Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) required from prospective industry partners. Pasted text

    SPV Structure

    • Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) govern upgraded ITI clusters.
    • Anchor Industry Partner: 51%
    • Centre: 24.5%
    • State Government: 24.5% Pasted text

    One-Year Progress

    • 850 ITIs identified:
      • 172 Hub ITIs
      • 678 Spoke ITIs
    • 36 States/UTs identified clusters and created dedicated budget heads.
    • 35 States/UTs constituted State Steering Committees.
    • 26 States/UTs initiated industry participation.
    • Nationwide rollout approved for all 200 ITI clusters.
    • SIPs approved for 14 ITI clusters.
    • SIP investment: ₹3,446 crore. Pasted text

    New-Age Courses

    DGT has introduced 32 new-age courses under the Craftsmen Training Scheme covering:

    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Cyber Security
    • Additive Manufacturing
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Semiconductor Technology
    • Robotics
    • Green Hydrogen
    • Drones
    • Internet of Things (IoT)
    • Solar Energy
    • 5G
    • Software Testing Pasted text

    International Partnerships

    • Singapore – NSTI Chennai
    • France – NSTI Kanpur
    • Australia – NSTI Bhubaneswar
    • Germany – NSTI Hyderabad Pasted text

    ITIs: Important Background

    • ITIs provide vocational training under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS).
    • Training duration: 6 months to 2 years depending on trade.
    • Directorate General of Training (DGT), under MSDE, is the apex organisation for vocational training at national level.
    • ITIs are under administrative and financial control of State Governments and UT Administrations.
    • Total ITIs increased from 9,776 in 2014 to 13,888 in 2026.
    • ITI enrolment increased from 9.51 lakh in 2014-15 to 14.70 lakh in 2025-26. Pasted text

    UPSC Prelims Quick Revision

    1. PM-SETU was launched on 4 October 2025.
    2. Total outlay is ₹60,000 crore.
    3. It targets 1,000 Government ITIs.
    4. Hub-Spoke structure: 200 Hubs + 800 Spokes.
    5. Industry gets 51% ownership in SPVs.
    6. Five NSTIs are covered under Component II.
    7. DGT introduced 32 new-age courses.
    8. 850 ITIs have been identified after one year. Pasted text

    UPSC Prelims Trap

    • PM-SETU targets Government ITIs, not all private ITIs.
    • ITIs are under State/UT administrative and financial control, while DGT coordinates vocational training nationally.
    • SPV ownership is 51% Anchor Industry Partner + 24.5% Centre + 24.5% State.
    • PM-SETU has two components: Government ITI upgradation and NSTI capacity augmentation.
  • NABKISAN WASH Social Bond

    NABKISAN WASH Social Bond

    Why in the News?

    • NABKISAN Finance Limited, a subsidiary of NABARD, listed India’s first Social Bond exclusively focused on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) on 1 October 2026.
    • The issue raised ₹180 crore and was oversubscribed 1.8 times.

    Key Highlights

    • Issuer: NABKISAN Finance Limited.
    • Parent institution: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
    • Sector: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
    • Amount raised: ₹180 crore.
    • Oversubscription: 1.8 times.
    • Tenure: 5 years.
    • Coupon rate: 8.10%.
    • Maturity: September 2031.
    • Credit ratings: CRISIL AAA (Stable) and CARE AAA (Stable).
    • Listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Mumbai.

    Use of Bond Proceeds

    • Funds will support access to:
      • Safe water
      • Sanitation
      • Hygiene solutions
    • Target beneficiaries include rural and underserved communities.
    • Expected development outcomes include improved:
      • Health
      • Livelihoods
      • Quality of life
    • Demonstrates the use of capital-market instruments for social development financing.

    Institutional Support

    • Water.org: Technical Advisor and Knowledge Partner.
    • Other stakeholders included market institutions, advisors, trustees and arrangers.
    • The bond is intended to deepen India’s sustainable finance market.

    Important Full Forms

    • WASH: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
    • NABKISAN: NABKISAN Finance Limited
    • NABARD: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
    • NSE: National Stock Exchange
    • CRISIL: Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited
    • CARE: Credit Analysis and Research

    UPSC Prelims Trap

    • NABKISAN, not NABARD directly, issued the bond.
    • It is a Social Bond, specifically focused on WASH, not a conventional government bond.
    • ₹180 crore is the amount raised, while 1.8 times refers to the level of oversubscription.
    • 8.10% is the coupon rate, while September 2031 is the maturity period.
  • India’s First 5.56 km Free-Space Quantum Key Distribution Link

    India’s First 5.56 km Free-Space Quantum Key Distribution Link

    Why in the News?

    • QNu Labs, in collaboration with BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar, demonstrated India’s first free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link over 5.56 km.
    • The field trial was conducted on 27-28 September 2026 between BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar.

    Key Highlights

    • Distance: 5.56 km.
    • Technology: Free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).
    • Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER): below 5%.
    • Secure key generation rate: 230-260 bps.
    • Used Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking (PAT) system.
    • Secure keys were integrated with Vedic Kavach, BISAG-N’s post-quantum cryptography platform.
    • Demonstrated successful end-to-end encryption and decryption of test messages.

    Quantum Key Distribution

    • QKD enables secure communication by using quantum principles to establish cryptographic keys.
    • The demonstration used QNu Labs’ Armos hardware-based QKD device over free-space optical channels.
    • The system was combined with post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and quantum random number generation through Vedic Kavach.
    • The integrated architecture provides resilience even when the physical quantum channel is temporarily unavailable.

    Institutions and Roles

    • QNu Labs: Provided the QKD technology and Armos device.
    • BISAG-N: Provided the field environment and integrated Vedic Kavach.
    • IIT Gandhinagar: Provided the academic and experimental environment for the demonstration.
    • The demonstration highlights collaboration between industry, academia and indigenous technology.

    Significance

    • Provides a foundation for longer-distance quantum-secure networks.
    • Can support future satellite-based quantum communication.
    • Strengthens India’s secure communication infrastructure against quantum-era security threats.
    • Demonstrates integration of hardware-based QKD + software-based post-quantum cryptography.

    Prelims Quick Revision

    • India’s first free-space QKD demonstration: 5.56 km.
    • Trial locations: BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar.
    • Trial dates: 27-28 September 2026.
    • QBER: below 5%.
    • Key generation: 230-260 bps.
    • QNu Labs’ QKD device: Armos.
    • BISAG-N platform: Vedic Kavach.
    • BISAG-N is an autonomous scientific society under MeitY.
    • Architecture combines QKD + post-quantum cryptography + quantum random number generation.

    UPSC Prelims Trap

    • QKD and post-quantum cryptography are not the same: QKD uses quantum communication principles for key distribution, while PQC is a cryptographic approach designed to resist attacks from quantum computers.
    • The demonstration used free-space optical channels, not a conventional fibre-optic QKD link.
    • 5.56 km refers to the demonstrated communication-link distance, while 230-260 bps refers to the secure key generation rate.
    • Armos is QNu Labs’ hardware-based QKD device, while Vedic Kavach is BISAG-N’s software-based post-quantum cryptography platform.
  • Dignity by Design: Innovation in India’s Public Toilets

    Dignity by Design: Innovation in India’s Public Toilets

    Why in the News?

    • Cities are adopting innovative designs and technologies to make Community and Public Toilets (CT/PTs) more accessible, safe, clean and inclusive.
    • The Toilets 2.0 initiative under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) was launched in 2022 to improve the quality and user experience of public toilets.

    Key Highlights

    • Swachh Bharat Mission: Launched on 2 October 2014.
    • Cities progressed from ODF towards ODF+ and ODF++.
    • SBM Toilet Locator: Available through the Swachhata App to help citizens locate nearby toilets.
    • Innovations highlighted include:
      • Scrap bus converted into women’s toilet
      • Recycled plastic used in toilet construction
      • Smart and sensor-based public toilets
      • Scientific sanitary-waste disposal
      • Inclusive toilets for women, transgender persons, children and persons with disabilities

    Sthree Toilet, Bengaluru

    • Located at Majestic bus terminal, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
    • Established using a scrap bus and exclusively serves women.
    • Facilities:
      • 3 Indian-style + 2 Western-style commodes
      • Sanitary napkin vending machine
      • Incinerator
      • Breastfeeding and diaper-changing space
      • Solar-powered sensor lights
    • Waste is connected to the nearest sewage chamber.

    Aspirational Toilets, Navi Mumbai

    • Developed by Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) at Sector 14, Koparkhairane.
    • Used by approximately 8,000-9,000 visitors daily.
    • Construction incorporates:
      • 426 sq m recycled plastic sheeting
      • 5.3 tonnes single-use plastic
      • 11,700 plastic bottles
      • 35,200 bottle caps
      • 85 reused computer keyboards
      • 284 kg scrap metal
    • Follows the principle of 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
    • Includes facilities for:
      • Women and men
      • Children
      • Persons with disabilities
      • Baby care
      • Sanitary-pad vending
    • Fountain uses treated sewage water.

    Freshrooms, Bhopal

    • Located at 10 Number Market, Bhopal.
    • Developed by Bhopal Municipal Corporation.
    • Operates under Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) model through Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
    • Smart Lounge covers 800-1,000 sq ft.
    • Serves around 500-1,000 visitors daily.
    • Features:
      • Sensor-based toilets
      • Touch-free urinals
      • Hot and cold showers
      • Lockers
      • Wi-Fi
      • Café and vending machines
      • Baby-changing rooms
      • Digital information wall
    • Separate accessible facilities for men, women and persons with disabilities.

    Sanitary Waste Management, Karad

    • Karad, Satara district, Maharashtra, has achieved 100% segregation, collection and processing of sanitary and biomedical waste.
    • Collects around 300-350 kg sanitary waste daily.
    • Red bins are provided in public toilets for sanitary waste.
    • Schools use sanitary-pad vending machines and disposal systems.
    • Separate bins in garbage collection vehicles ensure sanitary waste is handled separately.
    • Karad Municipal Council (KMC) partnered with Karad Hospital Association.
    • Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facility (CBWTF):
      • Capacity: 600 kg/day
      • Incinerator temperature: up to 1,200°C
      • Emissions monitored in real time
      • Linked with the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) system.
    • PPP model reduces the financial burden on the municipal council.

    Inclusive Toilets, Tirupati

    • Tirupati Municipal Corporation has developed modern toilet complexes for pilgrims, tourists and residents.
    • Pink Toilet Complex:
      • Located near the bus station.
      • Serves 12,000-15,000 users daily.
      • Includes Indian and Western toilets, mother-care facilities, changing rooms, incinerators and sanitary-pad vending machines.
    • Common Public Toilet Complex near railway station:
      • Serves 20,000-25,000 devotees daily.
      • Facilities for men, women, transgender persons, Divyaang persons and children.
      • Includes ramps, handrails, child-friendly fixtures and bathing rooms.

    Prelims Quick Revision

    • SBM launched: 2 October 2014.
    • Toilets 2.0: Launched under SBM-U in 2022.
    • Sthree Toilet: Scrap bus converted into women’s toilet at Majestic, Bengaluru.
    • Navi Mumbai: Toilet constructed using recycled materials including 5.3 tonnes of single-use plastic.
    • Bhopal Freshrooms: Uses DBOT + PPP model.
    • Karad: 600 kg/day CBWTF, incinerator temperature up to 1,200°C.
    • Tirupati Pink Toilet: Serves 12,000-15,000 users daily.
    • Tirupati’s Common Public Toilet provides dedicated facilities for transgender persons and Divyaang persons.

    UPSC Prelims Trap

    • Toilets 2.0 is an initiative under SBM-U, not SBM-Grameen.
    • ODF, ODF+ and ODF++ represent different levels of sanitation outcomes and should not be treated as interchangeable.
    • DBOT is the operational model highlighted for Bhopal’s Freshrooms, while PPP describes the broader partnership framework.
    • Karad’s CBWTF is for treatment of sanitary and biomedical waste; it is not simply a conventional municipal solid-waste processing facility.
  • Communicating Swachhata: Changing Behaviour

    Communicating Swachhata: Changing Behaviour

    Why in the News?

    • The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has placed Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) at the centre of sanitation efforts, moving beyond infrastructure towards sustained behavioural change and community participation. Pasted text
    • The approach combines communication, community mobilisation, monitoring, incentives and recognition to make Swachhata a sustained social norm.

    Key Highlights

    • SBM launched: 2 October 2014.
    • Two components:
      • SBM-Grameen (SBM-G): Rural sanitation, toilet access and usage, waste management.
      • SBM-Urban (SBM-U): Urban sanitation, waste management and clean public spaces.
    • SBCC: Focuses on changing knowledge, attitudes, social norms and practices.
    • Key approaches:
      • Interpersonal Communication
      • Community mobilisation
      • Mass media
      • Digital platforms
      • Social media
      • Advocacy and partnerships
    • Swachhagrahis: Grassroots sanitation volunteers and behaviour-change motivators.
    • Nigrani Samitis: Community-level vigilance groups supporting sanitation behaviour and ODF sustainability.

    Mahatma Gandhi and SBCC

    • SBM was launched on 2 October 2014 with the objective of achieving a Swachh Bharat by Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary in 2019.
    • SBM logo represents Mahatma Gandhi’s spectacles.
    • Rural India was declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) on 2 October 2019.
    • The term Swachhagrahi draws from Gandhi’s concept of Satyagraha, linking cleanliness with collective action and citizenship.
    • Gandhi emphasised cleanliness, sanitation and self-service through institutions such as Sevagram Ashram.

    Interpersonal Communication and Community Mobilisation

    • Interpersonal Communication (IPC) enables two-way dialogue rather than one-way information dissemination.
    • Methods include:
      • Home visits
      • Face-to-face counselling
      • Small-group sessions
      • Peer communication
      • Community discussions
    • Swachhagrahis work with frontline workers, SHGs, community leaders and local networks.
    • Nigrani Samitis conduct regular monitoring, particularly around common open defecation spots.
    • Tools provided to Swachhagrahis included torches and whistles for field-level vigilance.
    • Community platforms include:
      • Gram Sabhas
      • Chaupals
      • Community meetings
      • Local forums

    Digital and Mass Communication

    • Under SBM-U, Google Maps was used to upload information on more than 67,000 public toilet blocks across 3,300+ cities.
    • Swachhata App: Digital platform for citizen grievance redressal.
    • Mass communication includes:
      • Television
      • Radio
      • Print
      • Online media
      • Community radio
      • Social media
      • Bulk SMS, WhatsApp and podcasts
    • Swachh Talks: Peer-learning webinar series for sharing Swachhata-related field experiences and best practices.

    Women and Children

    • Women are linked with Swachhata through safety, convenience and self-respect.
    • Study cited by the Ministry of Jal Shakti found:
      • 93% of women no longer feared being hurt by someone or harmed by animals while defecating.
      • 91% reported saving up to an hour and avoiding travel of up to 1 km.
      • 93% reported no longer restricting food or water intake to manage sanitation needs.
    • In Bihar, toilets are popularly called “Izzatghars”, linking sanitation with women’s dignity.
    • Children act as sanitation participants and agents of change through schools, awareness campaigns, Shramdaan and educational activities.

    Certification and Recognition

    • SBM uses protocols to establish measurable sanitation standards:
      • ODF
      • ODF+
      • ODF++
      • Water+
      • Star Rating Protocol for Garbage Free Cities
    • ODF: Ensures access to toilets and aims to eliminate open defecation.
    • ODF+: Focuses on functional and well-maintained community and public toilets.
    • ODF++: Focuses on safe containment, evacuation, transportation and processing of faecal sludge.
    • Water+: Addresses untreated black and grey water and promotes reuse of treated wastewater.
    • Star Rating: Assesses urban solid waste management, including collection, segregation, processing and legacy dumpsite remediation.

    Incentives and Behaviour Monitoring

    • “Give Polythene Get Gold” campaign in Panchayat Halqa Hiller, Jammu and Kashmir:
      • Encouraged collection of plastic waste.
      • Supported by youth and women.
      • Offered gold coins against specified quantities of collected plastic.
    • Swachh Survekshan: Described as the world’s largest urban sanitation survey.
    • Citizen participation increased from around 1 lakh citizens in 2016 to nearly 5 crore in 2021.
    • Encourages healthy competition among cities and States.

    Prelims Quick Revision

    • SBM launched: 2 October 2014.
    • Rural India declared ODF: 2 October 2019.
    • Swachhagrahi: Grassroots sanitation volunteer.
    • SBCC: Moves beyond information dissemination towards dialogue, participation and collective action.
    • Google Maps: More than 67,000 public toilet blocks across 3,300+ cities.
    • Swachh Survekshan: World’s largest urban sanitation survey.
    • ODF++: Focuses on safe faecal sludge management.
    • Water+: Focuses on black and grey water and reuse of treated wastewater.

    UPSC Prelims Trap

    • SBCC is not merely IEC: SBCC focuses on sustained changes in attitudes, norms and practices through participation.
    • ODF, ODF+ and ODF++ are different: ODF focuses on open defecation, ODF+ adds functional public/community toilets, while ODF++ adds safe faecal sludge management.
    • Water+ is related to wastewater, particularly untreated black and grey water, rather than simply toilet access.
    • Swachh Survekshan is a monitoring and assessment mechanism, while Nigrani Samitis operate at the community level to support sustained sanitation behaviour.
  • Mumbai’s Jawahar Dweep Becomes India’s First Plastic-free Oil Terminal

    Mumbai’s Jawahar Dweep Becomes India’s First Plastic-free Oil Terminal

    Why in the News?

    • Jawahar Dweep Marine Oil Terminal under the Mumbai Port Authority has been declared plastic-free.
    • The milestone was marked during Swachhata Abhiyan 2026 on 2 October 2026, Gandhi’s birth anniversary.

    Key Highlights

    • Location: Jawahar Dweep, Mumbai.
    • Authority: Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA).
    • Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
    • Declared India’s first plastic-free oil terminal.
    • Focuses on reducing single-use plastic and improving waste management.
    • Mumbai Port plans to extend plastic-reduction efforts to:
      • Docks
      • Residential colonies
      • Coastal areas
    • Oil Spill Response (OSR) facilities were also dedicated to the nation.
    • Sanitation workers (Safai Karmis) were felicitated for their contribution to port cleanliness.
    • A sea-cleaning activity was conducted as part of the cleanliness drive.

    Jawahar Dweep

    • A key marine oil terminal of Mumbai Port.
    • Its plastic-free declaration represents an effort to combine port operations with environmental sustainability.
    • The initiative focuses on reducing plastic pollution while maintaining port operations.

    Swachhata Abhiyan 2026

    • Held at Grey Gate, Indira Dock, Mumbai.
    • Organised to mark Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary.
    • Activities included:
      • Swachhata Pledge
      • Felicitation of Safai Karmis
      • Cleanliness drives
      • Sea-cleaning activity
      • Awareness activities on waste management

    Important Full Forms

    • MbPA: Mumbai Port Authority
    • MoPSW: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
    • OSR: Oil Spill Response

    Prelims Quick Revision

    • Jawahar Dweep: Mumbai.
    • Declared India’s first plastic-free oil terminal.
    • Authority: Mumbai Port Authority.
    • Ministry: MoPSW.
    • Declaration made during Swachhata Abhiyan 2026.
    • Date: 2 October 2026.
    • Jawahar Dweep is a marine oil terminal.
    • OSR facilities were dedicated to the nation during the programme.

    UPSC Prelims Trap

    • Jawahar Dweep is an oil terminal, not a general-purpose port.
    • The initiative concerns plastic-free operations at Jawahar Dweep, under the Mumbai Port Authority.
    • MoPSW is the concerned ministry, while MbPA is the port authority.
    • OSR stands for Oil Spill Response, not a plastic-waste management programme.