The recent murder of Mukesh Chandrakar, an independent journalist in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, has brought attention to the challenges and risks faced by district-level journalists in India. 

Background of the case

• Mukesh Chandrakar was a freelance journalist from the state of Chhattisgarh. 
• In 2021, Mukesh was among a group of seven journalists who helped security forces negotiate with Maoists to release a CoBRA gendarme captured in Tekalguda.
• He was allegedly murdered for exposing corruption in a road development project.

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Challenges Faced by Journalists in India

• Violence and Murder: Physical assaults, beatings, and killings are common, especially
  • The murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar in Chhattisgarh highlights risks tied to investigative reporting.
• Legal and Administrative Pressure: Lawsuits, criminal defamation cases, and misuse of sedition laws (e.g., UAPA) intimidate journalists.
  • The Supreme Court of India has noted a rise in SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) cases, with journalists increasingly targeted to stifle critical reporting.
• Economic Threats: District-level journalists often work without contracts, earning as little as Rs. 200-500 per story.
• Digital and Technological Threats: Cyber harassment, doxxing, and surveillance of communication are increasing, especially for journalists critical of powerful entities.
  • Amnesty International’s “Troll Patrol” project in India (2024) revealed that most of the female journalists in India faced online abuse, often targeted for their work.
• Regional Variations: 
  • Conflict zones (e.g., Kashmir) face pressure from multiple groups.
  • Resource-rich states like Chhattisgarh see threats linked to mining and land issues.
  • Border areas struggle with restricted access and national security concerns.

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Journalistic Ethics

• Journalistic ethics refer to the principles, standards, and guidelines followed by journalists in the process of gathering, reporting, and presenting news. 
• These ethics ensure the credibility of the media and help build trust between journalists and their audiences.

Key components of journalistic ethics

• Truth and Accuracy: Journalists must report the truth, providing accurate, verified, and well-researched information.
  • In 2024, the Hindustan Times corrected a report on the Delhi air pollution levels after verifying the data from multiple sources.
• Independence and Impartiality: Journalists should remain independent and impartial, avoiding conflicts of interest and presenting balanced views.
• Fairness and Balance: Journalists must present multiple perspectives and allow all sides of a story to be heard.
  • During the farmers’ protests many news outlets gave coverage to both the government and protesting farmers, presenting a balanced view of the events.
• Minimizing Harm: Journalists must act with sensitivity and avoid causing harm to individuals or communities, particularly when covering vulnerable groups.
• Confidentiality of Sources: Journalists must protect the identity of confidential sources and maintain confidentiality when required.
• Objectivity and Neutrality: Journalists should strive to remain neutral and not allow personal opinions to affect their reporting.

Gandhian Ethics in Journalism

• Mahatma Gandhi, a staunch advocate of truth and nonviolence, viewed journalism as a powerful tool for social reform, nation-building.
• He outlined that the basic purpose of newspapers was public service. 
• Gandhi said that “the true function of journalism is to educate the public mind, not to stock it with wanted and unwanted impressions”.
• Gandhian ethics can guide journalism toward truth, responsibility, and social good by:
  • Truth (Satya): Report facts accurately, avoid fake news, and be transparent about sources.
  • Non-Violence (Ahimsa): Avoid harmful or inflammatory reporting. Respect dignity and promote peace.
  • Integrity: Stay ethical, resist pressure from advertisers or politicians, and correct mistakes.
  • Local Focus (Swadeshi): Prioritize local stories and respect cultural values.
  • Fearlessness: Speak truth to power, challenge injustice, and resist censorship.

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The Need for Ethics in Journalism

• Maintaining Public Trust: Ethical journalism builds and preserves public trust by ensuring accuracy, fairness, and impartiality. 
• Ensuring Accountability and Transparency: Ethical journalism requires transparency in sourcing and reporting, helping the public understand the basis of news and hold institutions accountable.
• Protecting the Right to Information: Journalism must provide truthful, unbiased information, crucial for an informed public and functioning democracy.
• Preventing Misinformation and Disinformation: Ethical journalism combats the spread of false information by verifying facts and reporting responsibly, reducing misinformation’s impact.
• Supporting Social Responsibility: Ethical journalism prioritizes the public good, reporting on issues that matter and fostering positive societal change.
• Promoting a healthy Democratic: By providing accurate information, ethical journalism enables citizens to make informed decisions, which is essential for a healthy democracy.

Ethical Dilemmas in Journalism

• Ethical dilemmas in journalism arise when journalists face situations where they must choose between conflicting values, principles, or interests. 
• These dilemmas often test their commitment to integrity, truthfulness, and public interest.

Here are key ethical dilemmas in journalism

• Truth vs. Personal Safety: Journalists often face threats to their lives when exposing corruption, crime, or abuse of power. 
  • According to Reporters Without Borders, 54 journalists were killed worldwide in 2024, with a significant number targeted for their investigative work.
• Public Interest vs. Confidentiality: Journalists often obtain information from confidential sources. Revealing such sources might breach trust but may be necessary to serve the public interest.
• Editorial Independence vs. Commercial Pressures: Media organizations rely heavily on advertising revenue, often from powerful corporations or governments. 
  • A survey by the Pew Research Center found that 60% of journalists believe that increased advertising pressure is negatively impacting news coverage.
• Sensationalism vs. Responsible Reporting: In the age of digital media, journalists may be tempted to prioritize sensational news for higher engagement, often at the cost of accuracy and social harmony.
  • Delhi Riots (2020): Sensational and polarizing media coverage during the riots worsened communal tensions, with several channels accused of biased reporting.
• Right to Privacy vs. Public’s Right to Know: Journalists must balance the right to privacy of individuals with the public’s right to know about matters of public interest.
  • Aarushi Talwar Murder Case (2008): Media heavily intruded into the private lives of the Talwar family, speculating on personal details and sensationalizing the tragedy, raising questions about ethical boundaries.
• Reporting on Vulnerable Groups: Stories involving vulnerable groups (children, refugees, or victims of violence) demand sensitivity but may attract more attention if portrayed sensationally.
  • Manual Scavengers’ Stories: Coverage often focuses on dehumanizing visuals of workers rather than humanizing their struggles and systemic issues, perpetuating stigma.

Resolving Ethical Dilemmas

• Professional Codes of Ethics: Such as truthfulness, impartiality, accuracy, and accountability.
• Moral Reasoning: Balancing conflicting values based on ethical principles such as justice, integrity, and social responsibility.
• Legal Frameworks: Complying with media laws and guidelines to ensure accountability.
• Transparency: Disclosing conflicts of interest and maintaining openness with the audience.

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Way Forward

• Strengthening Media Education and Training: Journalism schools must focus on teaching core values like truth, fairness, and responsibility. 
  • Regular training workshops for working journalists can also help in improving their understanding of ethical dilemmas and how to handle them.
• Promoting Accountability and Transparency: Media houses should establish internal watchdogs or ombudsman systems to address complaints and grievances regarding biased or unethical reporting. 
• Regulating Sensationalism and Clickbait Journalism: News organizations should be encouraged to prioritize factual, well-researched reporting over sensationalism. 
  • The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, mandate that digital news publishers adhere to a Code of Ethics. 
• Implementing and Enforcing Media Ethics Codes: Media bodies like the Press Council of India should revise and strictly enforce ethical codes.
  • The All India Newspaper Editors’ Conference (AINEC) has developed a Code of Ethics for journalists.
• Fostering Media Literacy Among the Public: Educational campaigns that promote media literacy can help readers recognize credible sources and differentiate between reliable journalism and misinformation.
• Collaborating with Fact-Checking Organizations: Partnerships with independent fact-checking organizations can enhance the accuracy of news reporting. 
• Reducing Corporate and Political Influence: Journalists and media houses must be free from corporate and political pressures to ensure unbiased reporting. 

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Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar recently criticized the use of party whips, stating that they restrict MPs’ freedom of expression by enforcing a party line.

What is a whip?

A whip is a written instruction issued to party members, directing them how to vote on specific issues. 

Origin of the Term “Whip”

• The term “whip” originates from the hunting fields of England, where a “whipper-in” was responsible for keeping hounds in line. 
• In politics, the term was popularized by Anglo-Irish politician Edmund Burke, who used it metaphorically to describe efforts to gather party members for voting.

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History of the Whip System in India

• The whip system in India dates back to the country’s parliamentary history. 
• It is essential for maintaining party discipline, especially during critical votes. 

Types of Whips

1. One-Line Whip

• Description: Underlined once, this whip is issued to inform party members about an upcoming vote.
• Flexibility: Members are allowed to abstain from voting if they choose not to follow the party line.
• Purpose: Primarily serves as a notification rather than a strict directive.

2. Two-Line Whip

• Description: This whip directs party members to be present during the vote.
• Flexibility: While it mandates attendance, it does not specify how members should vote.
• Purpose: Ensures that members are present to support the party, but leaves some room for individual discretion in voting.

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3. Three-Line Whip

• Description: The strictest form of whip, underlined three times, used on critical occasions such as a no-confidence motion.
• Obligation: Members are required to be present and vote in accordance with the party line.
• Consequences: If a member violates a three-line whip the leader of the party can recommend his or her disqualification to the Presiding Officer of the House. 
  • As per the Anti-Defection Law, disqualification can happen for violation of a three-line whip. 
• Purpose: Ensures strict party discipline and unity during crucial parliamentary decisions.

Who Enforces the Whip System?

• Chief Whip: The chief whip of a political party holds the most significant responsibility in enforcing the whip system.
  • Function: They ensure that party members are informed about the party’s stance on important issues and are present during critical votes.
• Additional Whips: Apart from the chief whip, there are additional whips who assist in managing party discipline and ensuring member compliance.
• Minister of Parliamentary Affairs: The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs serves as the government’s chief whip in the Lok Sabha.
  • He can request leaders of all parties within the ruling alliance to issue a three-line whip to their members, ensuring their presence and adherence to the party line during crucial votes.
• Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs: In the Rajya Sabha, the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs acts as the government’s chief whip.
  • Similar to the role in the Lok Sabha, this minister ensures that members of the ruling party or coalition follow the party line during important votes.

Significance of the Whip System

• Parliamentary Functioning: The whip system ensures that parties can maintain their strength and unity during crucial votes.
  • For ruling parties or coalitions, full attendance and compliance during divisions (voting) are seen as indicators of their majority strength. 
  • Failure to demonstrate this can lead to no-confidence motions.
• Promoting Party Discipline: The whip system helps to ensure that party members remain loyal to the party’s decisions, contributing to a cohesive legislative agenda.
• Enforcing Party Ideology: The whip system is a tool for political parties to ensure that their MPs or MLAs vote in line with the party’s ideologies and policies.
• Effective Legislation: A strong whip system ensures that important legislation passes smoothly, especially when the ruling party has a thin majority and requires full participation from its members.

Criticism of the Whip System

• Suppressing Individual Choice: Critics argue that the whip system undermines the freedom of conscience of lawmakers, pressuring them to vote in a manner contrary to their personal or regional interests.
• Increased Political Pressure: The fear of disciplinary actions, including suspension or expulsion, may place undue pressure on MPs or MLAs, compelling them to comply with party instructions even when they disagree with the party stance.
• Undemocratic Elements: Some believe that the whip system contributes to a culture of political conformity, rather than promoting healthy debate and decision-making based on individual views.

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Dinosaurs ruled Earth’s ecosystems for millions of years, ranging from plant-eating giants like Argentinosaurus to fierce predators like Tyrannosaurus and odd creatures like Therizinosaurus with long claws. 

What Are Dinosaurs?

• Dinosaurs are a diverse group of reptiles belonging to the clade Dinosauria.
• They first appeared during the Triassic Period, about 243–233 million years ago (mya).
• They went extinct around 66 million years ago. 

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Where Did Dinosaurs Come From?

• Proposed Origin:
  • Dinosaurs likely first appeared in the areas that are now the Sahara Desert and Amazon Rainforest.
  • At that time, all the earth’s continents were part of the giant supercontinent Pangaea. 
  • During the Triassic Period, these areas were part of the southern portion of a massive landmass called Gondwana.
    • The first dinosaur fossils on Earth were discovered in 1819 by British fossil hunter William Buckland
• Oldest Fossils Found:
  • Examples include:
    • Eoraptor and Herrerasaurus (Argentina).
    • Saturnalia (Brazil).
    • Mbiresaurus (Zimbabwe).
  • These fossils are about 230 million years old, showing dinosaurs had already evolved by then.

How Did Dinosaurs Evolve?

• Mass Extinction Event: Dinosaurs evolved from primitive reptiles after a mass-extinction event about 252 million years ago caused by volcanic activity at the end of the Permian Period.  
• Early Days:
  • Dinosaurs started small and were less important in their ecosystems.
  • Earlier, Larger animals, like crocodile relatives and mammal-like creatures, were dominant.
    • Around 201 million years ago, a mass extinction wiped out many of their competitors.
      • Dinosaurs adapted and became the leading land animals.
• Unique Traits:
  • Dinosaurs stood upright, with legs under their bodies for efficient movement.
  • They had specialized hips, bodies designed for speed and agility, and teeth suited to their diets.
  • Examples of Early Dinosaurs:
    • Herrerasaurus: A 6-meter-long predator.
    • Eoraptor: A small, dog-sized omnivore.
• These specialised traits didn’t appear overnight. They evolved gradually over millions of years from older, more primitive reptiles.

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Challenges in Tracing Dinosaur Origins

• Harsh Triassic Environment
  • Extreme Climate: Around 245-230 million years ago, equatorial regions experienced extremely hot and dry conditions. 
    • These areas were characterized by vast deserts, savannahs, and frequent wildfires, creating a challenging environment for life.
  • Survival Assumptions: It was previously thought that such harsh conditions would prevent dinosaurs from surviving and thriving. 
    • However, evidence suggests that early dinosaurs and their relatives were able to adapt to these extreme environments.
• Scarce Fossils
  • Poor Preservation Conditions: The conditions during the Triassic period were not ideal for fossil preservation. High temperatures, aridity, and erosion reduced the chances of organic material being buried and fossilized.
  • Difficult Exploration: Dense forests and vast deserts, such as those in the Amazon and Sahara, make fossil exploration challenging. 
    • These areas are often remote and difficult to access, hindering paleontological research.
  • Fragmentary Evidence: Fossils from this period are rare and often fragmentary, making it difficult to piece together a complete picture of early dinosaur evolution.

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The NVS-02 will become the 100th launched satellite of Indian Space Research Organisation on-board GSLV-F15 from Sriharikota on January 29.

• GSLV-F15: The launch will be the 17th flight of the GSLV vehicle overall and 11th flight using the indigenously developed cryogenic engine.

About NVS-02 Satellite

• NVS-02 is part of the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system.
• The NVS-02 is the second of the five second-generation satellites developed to replace the existing satellites in the country’s navigation constellation Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
  • NVS-01, the first of the five second-generation satellites, was launched in 2023.
• Objective: It aims to augment Indian navigational requirements, both in the private and in the military sectors.
• Designed: The NVS-02 satellite was designed, developed and integrated at U R Satellite Centre (URSC) 
• Weight: It is a 2,250-kg navigation satellite 
• Orbit: The satellite will be injected into a 170 x 36,577 km Geostationary Transfer Orbit
• Coordinates: It will be placed at 111.75ºE.
• Need: NVS 02 will replace IRNSS-1E. 
  • Replacements were needed as the atomic clocks on-board the satellites started malfunctioning in some satellites even before completion of their lifespan.
• Features: 
  • Longer Lifespan: The new generation of satellites have a longer lifespan of 12 years
  • Higher Accuracy: The Satellite carries an advanced navigation payload operating in three frequency bands (L1, L5, and S) to ensure high accuracy.
  • Indigenous Atomic Clock: The NVS 02 is equipped with a precise atomic clock called the Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (RAFS) for accurate timekeeping
    • An indigenous atomic clock was flown in NVS-01 for the first time.
  • Widened Services: NVS-02 utilises L1 frequency (used in the US Global Positioning System (GPS)) leading to more utilisation by smaller devices such as fitness trackers.

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About  Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) System

• Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is India’s very own regional satellite navigation system developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
  • It is previously  known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). 
• Coverage:  It provides  accurate positioning services across the country and a region extending up to 1500 km beyond its borders
• Objective: To meet the positioning, navigation and timing requirements of the Indian subcontinent.
• Constellation: NavIC is a constellation of 7 satellites with  Three satellites placed in geostationary orbit, and four satellites are placed in inclined geosynchronous orbit.
  • IRNSS-1A : The first satellite in the constellation IRNSS-1A was launched in 2013, with a mission life of 10 years.
• The Ground Network: NavIC consists of a network of ground stations operating 24 x 7 with precise timing facility, range and integrity monitoring stations, two-way ranging stations, etc.
• Service Offered: NavIC offers two services ie. Standard Position Service (SPS) for civilian users and Restricted Service (RS) for strategic users.
• Weight: The existing seven satellites of the NavIC, weighed around 1,425 kg and were launched using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
• Features:
  • Application: Can be used for navigation in various sectors like transportation, surveying, disaster management, and defense. 
  • Accuracy: NavIC signals are designed to provide user position accuracy better than 20m and timing accuracy better than 50ns.
  • Frequency bands: These two services are provided in both L5  and S bands.
  • Signals Interoperability: NavIC SPS signals are interoperable with the other global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals namely GPS,Glonass,Galileo, and BeiDou.
  • Constant speed: Unlike GPS, NavIC uses satellites in high geo-stationery orbit ie. the satellites move at a constant speed relative to Earth, so they are always looking over the same region on Earth.

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The 76th Republic Day Parade was held in New Delhi, blending military prowess and the rich cultural diversity of India. 

Key Highlights of the Event

• Guests and Dignitaries: Attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other dignitaries.
  • Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the chief guest.
• Defence and Military Showcasing: Featured key missile systems, Introduction of Battlefield Surveillance System , Sanjay and First Tri-Services Tableau.
• Foreign Contingent : Continuing the tradition started in 2016 with French Army Contingent, Indonesian contingents participated this year.
  • It marked the first-time inclusion of a 352-member marching and band contingent (largest foreign contingent ) from Indonesia.
• President’s Arrival in a Traditional Buggy: President Murmu and the Indonesian President were escorted by the President’s Bodyguard in a gold-plated, horse-drawn buggy.
  • This traditional mode of transport, discontinued in 1984, was reintroduced in 2024.

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Flag Unfluring on Republic Day Vs Flag Hoisting on Independence Day

Tableau at the 2025 Parade

• The theme for this year’s tableaux is “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas”.Sixteen tableaux from across states and Union Territories and 15 from central ministries, departments, and organisations were part of the Parade.
• First Tri-Services Tableaux: Theme: Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat (Strong and Secure India).
  • Showcased a synchronized battlefield scenario across land, water, and air.
• Notable State Tableaux:
  • Uttar Pradesh: Depicted the ongoing Kumbh Mela with sadhus and a portrayal of the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean).
  • Madhya Pradesh: Highlighted the revival of cheetahs in the Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Andhra Pradesh: Focused on Etikoppaka Bommalu, eco-friendly wooden toys unique to the region.

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Key Missiles featured

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A geo-tagged digital identity, similar to the Aadhaar card, has been introduced to monitor and conserve Chinar trees in Kashmir, which are under threat due to urbanization and infrastructure projects.

About Tree Aadhaar Initiative

• Unique Identity: A census of Chinar trees is being conducted across Jammu, Kashmir, and the Chenab region.
  • Each tree is assigned a unique identity called “Tree Aadhaar.”
  • For example, the chinar in the city centre of Lal Chowk is CG-JK010088.
• Geo-Tagging:
  • QR codes are attached to each surveyed tree, recording 25 characteristics, including geographical location, health, age, and growth patterns.
  • Conservationists can track changes and address risk factors using this information.
  • Trees in no-go areas, such as security zones, are not tagged.

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Chinar Tree (Platanus orientalis)

• Other Names: Also known as the Oriental plane tree and Maple tree. It is locally referred to as Boueen.
• Features:
  • Chinar is a large, well-spreading deciduous tree, growing up to 30 meters in height and with a girth of 10–15 meters at ground level.
  • It is an angiosperm species bearing flower and seed bearing fruit. 
  • It takes 30–50 years to reach mature height and around 150 years to attain full size.
• Habitat: It is characteristic of the Eastern Himalayas and thrives in cool climates with sufficient water.
• They grow in Jammu’s Chenab Valley, and in the Pir Panjal Valley.
• Uniqueness: Its leaves change colors with seasons, turning from deep green in summer to vibrant shades of red, amber, and yellow in autumn.

• Applications:
  • Leaves and bark are used for medicinal purposes.
  • The wood, known as lacewood, is used for delicate interior furniture.
  • Twigs and roots are used to make dyes.
• Reason Behind Decline
  • Urbanization: Habitat loss due to construction and infrastructure development.
  • Climate Change: Altered rainfall patterns and temperature extremes affect its growth.
  • Illegal Felling: Despite its protected status, it is exploited for timber.
  • Pests and Diseases: Environmental stress increases susceptibility.
• Historical Significance: The oldest Chinar tree in Kashmir, estimated to be 700 years old, was planted by the Sufi Saint Syed Qasim Shah in Chattergam, Budgam district.

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For the year 2025, the President has approved conferment of 139 Padma Awards including 1 duo case.

About 2025 Padma Award List

• The list comprises:
  • 7 Padma Vibhushan
  • 19 Padma Bhushan
  • 113 Padma Shri Awards
• Among the awardees:
  • 23 are women.
  • 10 awardees belong to the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI.
  • 13 are posthumous awardees.

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List of Padma Vibhushan Awardee

About Padma Awards

• Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian awards, conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
• Announcement: The awards are announced annually on Republic Day (26th January).
• Institution: Padma Awards were instituted in 1954.
  • The awards were suspended during 1978, 1979, and 1993 to 1997.
• Objective: To recognize distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields of activities or disciplines.
• Categories:
  • Padma Vibhushan: For exceptional and distinguished service.
  • Padma Bhushan: For distinguished service of a higher order.
  • Padma Shri: For distinguished service in any field.
    • Padma Vibhushan is the highest in the hierarchy, followed by Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
• Disciplines: Awards are given in disciplines such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.
• Eligibility:
  • All persons, regardless of race, occupation, position, or sex, are eligible.
  • Government servants, including those working with PSUs (except doctors and scientists), are not eligible.
• Nomination: Any citizen, including self-nomination, can recommend nominations.
• Nominations are invited from: 
• • Central Ministries/Departments, States/UT Governments.
  • Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan awardees.
  • Institutes of Excellence.
• Panel for Award: The Padma Awards Committee decides the awards.
• • The committee is constituted annually by the Prime Minister.
  • It is headed by the Cabinet Secretary and includes the Home Secretary, Secretary to the President, and 4–6 eminent persons as members.
• Final Approval : Recommendations from the committee are approved by the Home Minister, Prime Minister, and President before announcement on the eve of Republic Day.
• Conferred by : The President of India at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhawan, usually in March/April.

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Other Important Facts

• A higher category of Padma Award can only be conferred if at least five years have elapsed since the earlier Padma Award, except in highly deserving cases.
• The total number of awards in a year (excluding posthumous awards and to NRI/foreigners/OCIs) should not exceed 120.
• The award does not amount to a title and cannot be used as a suffix or prefix to the recipient’s name.

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As per the article Coastal Blue Carbons, by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) mangrove and coastal wetlands store three to five times more carbon per equivalent area than tropical forests.

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Key Findings on Blue Carbon

• Mangroves and coastal wetlands sequester carbon at a rate 10 times higher than mature tropical forests annually.
• Mangroves alone have the capacity to store over 1,000 tons of carbon per hectare.
• Restoring just 10% of degraded mangroves globally could sequester an additional 1.6 billion tons of carbon.
• Degradation is primarily driven by human activities like agriculture, aquaculture, and urban development.

About Blue Carbon

• Blue Carbon refers to the carbon captured by oceanic and coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes. 
• These ecosystems are critical in mitigating climate change as they act as nature’s most efficient carbon sinks.
• Blue Carbon method: The Australian government’s Blue Carbon Method under the Emissions Reduction Fund aims to incentivize coastal wetland restoration by allowing such projects to generate carbon credits. 
  • This method has seen gradual progress, driven by clear guidelines and robust verification processes.
  • A notable example is the tidal restoration project in South Australia. 
  • As of December 18, 2024, approximately 16.45 million Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) have been issued under this scheme, demonstrating the potential of this approach to mitigate climate change and restore valuable ecosystems.
• Global Initiative: IUCN engages in Blue Carbon initiatives through the Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility (BNCFF) and the Blue Carbon Accelerator Fund (BCAF).

Significance of Blue Carbon Ecosystems

• Climate Change Mitigation: Serve as effective carbon sinks to reduce atmospheric carbon.

• Coastal Protection: Provide natural barriers against storms and prevent soil erosion.
• Biodiversity Support: Offer critical habitats for marine life.
• Livelihoods and Food Security: Support sustainable fisheries and eco-tourism.

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Challenges

• Human Activities: Aquaculture, agriculture, urban development, and pollution drive the loss of these ecosystems.
• Policy and Economic Barriers: High costs, complex verification processes, and lack of transparency in carbon credit markets reduce project efficiency.
  • The Sundarbans Mangrove Forest in Bangladesh has faced extreme degradation largely due to corruption such as illegal logging, bribery and mismanagement.

Way Forward

• Policy Reforms: Simplify carbon credit mechanisms (e.g., Australia’s Blue Carbon Method).
• Technology Integration: Use AI for ecosystem monitoring and blockchain for transparent carbon credit transactions.
• Community Involvement: Promote local-driven restoration programs like Indonesia’s Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration Alliance (MERA) initiative.
• Better Implementation of Initiatives: Initiatives such as India’s Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) can help in restoration if implemented as targetted.
• Global Practices: Replicate successful models like the Tidal Restoration Project in South Australia, which combines clear guidelines with robust verification systems.

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More than 200 solar physicists from India and abroad gathered in Bengaluru for an international conference on ‘Sun, Space Weather, and Solar-Stellar Connections’. 

More on the event

• The event, organized by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), marks the 125th anniversary of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO), celebrating its pivotal role in advancing solar physics research.

About Solar Observatory

• A solar observatory is a facility dedicated to observing and studying the Sun. Examples include the National Solar Observatory in the US and the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory in India.

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Studying the Sun is crucial because

• Solar activity impacts Earth: Solar storms and flares can disrupt satellites, power grids, and communication systems.
• Space weather prediction: Solar observatories help forecast space weather events, allowing for mitigation measures.
• Understanding fundamental physics: Studying the Sun provides insights into fundamental processes like nuclear fusion and magnetic fields.

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

• Ownership and Operation: Managed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
• Established: 1899.
• Location: Situated in the Palani Hills, Tamil Nadu, chosen for its favorable atmospheric conditions.
• Origin: Based on the evidence that solar activity was linked to the seasonal rainfall distribution over India, the specially constituted Famine Commission of the British Raj recommended that the Government of India take regular solar observations.
• Thus was born the idea for an Indian solar observatory, ‘for carrying out systematic examinations and the study of changes in progress in the Sun and their co-relations with the larger features of Indian meteorology’.
• Foundation: Laid in 1895 by Lord Wenlock, then Governor of Madras.
• Purpose: Established to study the relationship between solar activity and monsoons, inspired by the Great Drought of 1875–1877.
• Significant Contribution:
  • Evershed Effect: Discovered in 1909, marking the radial outflow of gas from sunspots.
  • Tower Tunnel Telescope: Utilizes a 3-mirror Coelostat system to observe the Sun.
  • The KSO has played a critical role in studying solar phenomena like sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections. 
  • Repository of Solar Data: Digital repository containing 1.48 lakh digitised solar images of 10 terabytes from solar data recorded on basic photographic plates or films, the 125-year-old KSO
    • These include 33,500 white-light images (showing sunspots) and thousands of other images of the Sun recorded every day since the start of the 20th century.
    • KSO is the only observatory offering high-resolution digitised images for such a long period with coverage of more than 75 per cent.

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Other Major Space Observatories in India

• Madras Observatory (Chennai, 1792): The first observatory in the region, later merged with KSO in 1899.
  • Recorded astronomical data on the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets from 1812–1825.
• Indian Astronomical Observatory (Hanle, Ladakh): Premier facility operated by the IIA, situated in Ladakh.
• Mt. Abu Infrared Observatory (Rajasthan): Located at Gurushikhar, operated by the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL).
  • Focuses on infrared astronomy.
• Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (Pune): Managed by the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA).
  • Features 30 fully steerable parabolic radio telescopes.

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About 154 species of birds were spotted during the third Sundarban Bird Festival. 

About Sundarban Bird Festival

• It is an event that records the bird species in the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve. 
• The festival is organized by the Sundarban Tiger Reserve (STR) division of the West Bengal Forest Department. 
• Purpose: The festival provides baseline data on the bird species diversity in the Sundarbans. 
  • It raises awareness about bird conservation and the importance of preserving their habitats. 

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About Sundarbans

• Location: Lies on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers on the Bay of Bengal.
  • Spans across India (40%) and Bangladesh (60%).
• Unique Ecosystem: World’s largest mangrove forest.
  • A specialised environment between land and sea in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Flora and Fauna
  • Flora:
    • Dominant species: Dominant tree species is the Sundari tree, which gives the area its name.
    • Vegetation includes moist tropical and tidal forests.
  • Notable Species:
    • Rare and Threatened: Royal Bengal Tiger, Estuarine Crocodile, Gangetic Dolphin, Olive Ridley Turtle, Water Monitor Lizard.
    • It is the only mangrove forest with a significant population of about 100 tigers.
• Protection and Conservation
  • Biosphere Program: Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme in 2001 by UNESCO (second Biosphere Reserve from India after the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve).
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site:
    • India: 1987.
    • Bangladesh: 1997.
  • Ramsar Wetland of International Importance: Sundarban Wetland (India): 2019.
  • Project Tiger: included in 1973; Protects the Royal Bengal Tiger and the entire ecosystem.
  • Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve: Included in National MAB Program in 1989.
    • Includes Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, Sundarbans National Park, Halliday Island, Lothian Island, and Sajnakhali Wildlife Sanctuary (buffer zone).
• India-Bangladesh Cooperation: MoU (2011) signed to monitor and preserve the Sundarbans jointly.

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‘Sanjay’, a battlefield surveillance system (BSS)

Context: Indian Defence Minister  inaugurated ‘Sanjay,’ an advanced Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS) designed for the Indian Army. 

What is Sanjay?

• ‘Sanjay’ is an automated surveillance system that integrates data from various ground and aerial sensors. 
• Its main features include:
  • Data Integration: Combines information from multiple sources to prevent duplication.
  • Centralized Surveillance: Creates a unified battlefield picture for commanders.
  • Secure Communication: Operates over a secured army data network and satellite systems.
• Developed : Developed in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and the Indian Army.
  • under the “Buy (Indian)” category,
• It reflects India’s focus on self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
• This system will be introduced to all operational brigades, divisions, and corps of the Army in three phases by October 2025, declared the ‘Year of Reforms’ by the Ministry of Defence.

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Key Benefits of Sanjay

• Enhanced Battlefield Transparency: Provides real-time inputs to Army Command and Headquarters.
• Advanced Surveillance Capabilities: Acts as a force multiplier for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
• Network-Centric Operations: Enables commanders to operate effectively in both conventional and sub-conventional scenarios.

National Voters’ Day

Context: The 15th National Voters’ Day is being celebrated across the country on 25th Jan 2025.

• Theme 2025: “Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure”
• Event:
• • The President received the first copy of the book “India Votes 2024: A ​​Saga of​ ​Democracy” from the Chief Election Commissioner.
  • The Indian President will present the Best Electoral Practices Awards to state and district officials who ensured smooth elections. 
  • Special recognition will be given to initiatives that increase voter participation, such as innovative outreach campaigns etc.

About National Voters Day

• Commemorate: National Voters Day is observed since 2011, to commemorate the inception of Election Commission of India.
  • The Election Commission of India established in 1950 will complete 75 years of service to the nation in 2025. 
• Objective: To celebrate  India’s vibrant democracy and empower every citizen to exercise their right to vote.
• Participation: NVD is celebrated at the national, state, district, constituency, and polling booth levels.
• Significance:  
  • Right and Duty: National Voting Day highlights the significance of voting as both a right and a responsibility in a democracy. 
  • Registering New Voters: A key focus of NVD is to register first-time voters and provide voter ID cards on this day.
  • Electoral literacy: It aims to promote electoral literacy by organising campaigns that educate people about the voting process and the impact of their vote.

SEBI’s ‘Sachetisation’ Plan

Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed promoting financial inclusion through “sachetisation” of mutual fund investments.

About Sachetisation Plan

• Definition of Sachetisation: Refers to offering products in small, affordable units, enabling access to a broader population, particularly price-sensitive and low-income groups.
• Initiative Objective: SEBI proposes small-ticket investments starting at ₹250 to encourage low-income groups to begin investing in mutual funds.
• Primary Goals:
• • Make mutual funds more accessible and affordable.
  • Promote small, periodic investments through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs).
  • Help individuals develop a habit of systematic savings and investments.
• Target Audience: Focused on reaching underserved sections of society, particularly rural and low-income areas with limited investment opportunities.

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Key Features of SEBI’s ‘Sachetisation’ Plan

• Minimum SIP Amount: The proposed plan allows a SIP starting at ₹250 per month, primarily aimed at first-time investors.
• Eligibility Criteria:
• • Only new mutual fund investors are eligible for this initiative.
  • Existing mutual fund investors are excluded from being considered under this category.
• Investment Limits: A maximum of three ₹250 SIPs per investor is allowed across asset management companies (AMCs).
• Excluded Schemes: Debt schemes, sectoral and thematic funds, as well as small-cap and mid-cap equity funds, are excluded due to their high volatility.
• Commitment Period: Investors are encouraged to commit to a 5-year tenure (60 monthly installments).
  • Premature withdrawals are permitted without any restrictions.
• Technology-Driven Investment Process: Investments must be made through UPI auto pay or National Automated Clearing House (NACH) to reduce transaction costs and improve efficiency.

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