Jan 04 2025

Recently, The Ministry of Defence (MoD) decided to observe 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’

  • Aim: To transform the Armed Forces into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force capable of multi-domain integrated operations. 

About Integrated Theatre Commands

  • Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) are a proposed military organizational structure in India that would bring together forces from the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single commander for specific geographical areas or operational responsibilities.
  • Commands & Headquarters: The latest draft of the military envisions three adversary-based theater commands:
    • Western theater command facing Pakistan, planned to be set up in Jaipur,
    • Northern theater command facing China,  planned to be set up in Lucknow. 
    • Maritime theater command for threats emanating from the Indian Ocean Region, it could be headquartered in Coimbatore.

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Key Focus Areas Identified for Reform

  • Strengthen Jointness and Integration: Focus reforms on enhancing joint operations and integration initiatives, facilitating the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands.
  • Embrace Emerging Domains and Technologies: Prioritize advancements in domains like Cyber and Space, while harnessing technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Hypersonics, and Robotics. Foster Inter-Service Cooperation: Promote a shared understanding of operational requirements and joint capabilities through coordinated inter-service training and collaboration.
  • Streamline Acquisition Processes: Simplify and expedite acquisition procedures to ensure timely and effective capability development.
  • Promote Technology Transfer and Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between the defence sector and civil industries by enabling smoother technology transfer and fostering public-private partnerships.
  • Enhance Stakeholder Collaboration: Break down silos within the defence ecosystem, improve civil-military coordination, eliminate inefficiencies, and optimize resource utilization.
  • Position India as a Defence Exporter: Establish India as a reliable exporter of defence products by fostering R&D and forging partnerships with foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers for knowledge exchange and resource integration.
  • Focus on Veteran Welfare: Optimize welfare measures for veterans while leveraging their experience and expertise.
  • Instil Cultural Pride and Global Standards: Cultivate pride in Indian culture and achievements, building confidence in meeting global standards through indigenous capabilities while adopting suitable best practices from modern militaries.

Year of Reforms

Structure of India’s Defence System

  • President: Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
  • Parliament: Authorizes defense expenditure and oversees military policies.
  • Ministry of Defence: Manages and administers the armed forces.
  • DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation): Conducts defense research and development.
  • CDS (Chief of Defence Staff): Provides single-point military advice to the government.
  • Indian Army: Land-based combat forces.
  • Indian Navy: Naval operations and maritime security.
  • Indian Air Force: Air and space power.

Status of India’s Defence Sector (2024)

  • Defence Budget: Total allocation of  ₹6,21,941 crore for 2024-25, comprising 13% of total government expenditure. Focus Areas of the current budget year are modernization, personnel welfare, and research & development.
  • Global Rankings: Ranked 4th globally in Global Firepower Index 2024.
  • Active Personnel: 1.49 million, with 1.17 million in reserve forces.

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Defence Production and Trade

  • Turnover: Reached ₹1,087 billion (US$13.5 billion) in 2022-23.
  • Exports: Surged to ₹210.83 billion (US$2.63 billion) in 2023-24, a 21-fold increase over the last decade. 
    • Export saw a shift towards exporting critical systems like missiles(Brahmos) , warships, and radars.
  • Key Export Destinations: Southeast Asia, Africa, and Middle Eastern countries.
  • Imports: Primarily sourced from Russia, France, Israel and the U.S.
    • As per SIPRI recent report , between 2019 and 2023, the biggest defense exporter to India was Russia, with 36 percent of the period’s total defense import. It was followed by France with 33 percent.
  • Year of ReformsForeign Direct Investment (FDI): 
    • Policy: FDI cap raised to 74% (automatic route) and up to 100% (government route) for high-tech defence projects.
    • Impact: Encouraged global partnerships with OEMs and advanced technology transfer.

Evolution of Defence Reforms in India

  • Post-Independence Era (1947-1961)
    • Democratic Civilian Control: Civilian authority was firmly established through governance frameworks, ensuring democratic oversight of the armed forces.
    • Challenges: Heavy reliance on imports and limited domestic defence capabilities marked this period.
  • Reorganization After 1962 War Structural Adjustments: Strengthened geographical commands and operational frameworks to enhance military readiness and response capabilities.
  • Kargil War Reforms (1999-2001): Establishment of the Defence Intelligence Agency( 2002), tri-service commands, and Integrated Defence Staff to improve coordination, intelligence sharing, and joint operations.

Decade of New Age Reforms (2014-2024)

  • CDS and DMA: Streamlined Service Coordination: The creation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) in 2019 marked a significant step in fostering inter-service synergy.
    • The CDS, as a single-point military advisor, ensures unified strategies across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, while the DMA focuses on streamlining decision-making and boosting indigenous capabilities.
  • Agnipath Scheme: Launched in 2022, the Agnipath Scheme introduced short-term recruitment of “Agniveers” to rejuvenate the armed forces.
    • It reduces long-term personnel costs while maintaining a youthful and skilled force, aligning HR practices with modern operational needs.
  • Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs): IBGs are compact, mission-specific units capable of swift deployment and independent operations. Designed for agility and efficiency, they enhance the armed forces’ ability to respond to modern threats.
  • DAP 2020: The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 emphasizes self-reliance by banning the import of select items, boosting private sector involvement, and mandating high indigenous content in procurement.
  • Ordnance Factories Grouped into DPSUs: In 2021, 41 ordnance factories were restructured into seven Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) to improve autonomy, efficiency, and accountability.
    • These DPSUs specialize in diverse areas such as munitions, vehicles, and military-grade equipment, enhancing India’s indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
  • Improved Role of the Private Sector: Liberalisation of defence production in 2001 catalyzed private sector growth.
    • Year of ReformsKey players like Tata Group, L&T, and Mahindra now contribute significantly to transport aircraft, artillery systems, and missile technologies.
  • Focus on Indigenous Capabilities
    • Major Indigenous Projects: Key achievements include the HTT-40 trainer aircraft, light combat helicopters, advanced radars, and warships.
    • Positive Indigenisation Lists: Over 500 defence items have been banned from imports to encourage domestic manufacturing, fostering self-reliance.
  • Role of iDEX in Innovation
    • Promoting Startups: The Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative has engaged startups and MSMEs to innovate for defence needs.
    • Support for R&D: Encouraged innovation in critical domains like AI, robotics, and hypersonics to align with modern warfare requirements.
  • Defence Space Agency: Established in 2019 with an objective to secure national strategic objectives in space and integrate space capabilities into military operations.

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Need for Reforms in the Defence Sector

  • Dependence on Imports: India remains one of the largest arms importers, accounting for 9.8% of global imports (2019-23). 
    • Over 58% of defence procurement relies on foreign firms, highlighting the need for indigenous manufacturing to reduce dependency.
  • New Age Security Threats: Emerging challenges like cyber warfare, space-based threats, and drones demand modernization of technologies, such as AI and quantum communication. China’s advancements in civil-military fusion further necessitate reforms.
  • Logistic Challenges: Inefficiencies in supply chains impact operational readiness. For instance, during the 2020 Galwan clash, delays in delivering essential equipment exposed logistical gaps.
  • Low Defence Budget: India’s defence budget for FY 2024-25 is $76 billion, significantly lower than the U.S. ($877 billion) and China ($292 billion), restricting modernization and R&D investments.
  • Delays in Procurement: Bureaucratic processes often delay acquisitions, such as the Rafale deal, finalized after years of negotiations, impacting combat preparedness.
  • Delays in Appointments: The absence of a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) for nearly 10 months post-Gen Bipin Rawat’s demise hampered reforms.
  • Personnel Living Conditions: Many soldiers face subpar living facilities, especially in high-altitude regions like Ladakh, affecting morale.
  • Veterans’ Issues: Delayed pensions and limited job opportunities post-retirement highlight gaps in welfare schemes for ex-servicemen.

Challenges in Bringing Reforms to the Defence Sector

  • Fiscal Burden: Limited budgetary allocations strain the ability to modernize infrastructure, scale domestic production, and invest in cutting-edge technology while balancing operational costs.
  • Lack of Innovation: Insufficient focus on advanced R&D and dependency on foreign technologies hinder the development of indigenous critical components and high-tech equipment.
  • Hurdles in Procurement: Bureaucratic red tape and inefficiencies in the defence acquisition process lead to delays in decision-making, production, and deployment of essential systems.
  • Resistance to Reforms: Political opposition and inter-service disagreements, such as concerns over integrated theatre commands (ITCs), slow the implementation of crucial structural changes.
  • Export Limitations: Defence PSUs struggle to compete internationally, while the private sector largely exports components instead of complete systems, limiting India’s global market footprint.
  • Emerging Technology Adoption: Challenges in integrating new technologies like AI, 5G/6G, and quantum systems require robust policies and significant investments to remain competitive globally.
  • Low Private Sector Participation: Although , the share of the private sector has significantly increased in recent years but it is still only 22% of India’s total defence sector production in FY 2024.

Key Government Initiatives to Boost Defence Production

Initiative Details and Impact
Positive Indigenization Lists Five lists (509 service items, 5,012 DPSU items) with import embargo timelines, boosting self-reliance and indigenous manufacturing.
Defence Industrial Corridors Established in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, attracting ₹21,000 crore in investment commitments.
SRIJAN Portal Facilitates indigenization by enabling MSMEs and industries to manufacture defence components.
Defence Acquisition Procedure Prioritizes domestic procurement, increasing the role of Indian industries in defence manufacturing.
Public Procurement Preference Implemented to ensure higher procurement from Indian firms, supporting local manufacturing industries.
Simplified Licensing Process Streamlined with longer validity periods, enhancing ease of doing business in defence manufacturing.
Opening of Defence R&D Encourages private industry and startups to collaborate, driving innovation and advanced technology development in the defence sector.

Way Forward for Defence Reforms

  • Boost Indigenous Manufacturing: Strengthen Make in India initiatives by expanding the Positive Indigenisation List and fostering PPPs.
    • Programs like iDEX are a welcome step in this direction.
  • Streamline Procurement: Implement a faster Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) to address bureaucratic delays.
    • Develop digital platforms for real-time tracking and approvals.
  • Enhance Budget Allocation: Gradually increase the defence budget to bridge gaps in modernization and R&D.
    • Focus on critical areas like AI, hypersonics, and quantum technologies.
  • Strengthen Veterans’ Welfare: Optimize pension schemes and provide reskilling opportunities for post-retirement careers.
    • Enhance living conditions, especially in high-altitude regions.
  • Modernize Training and Integration: Expedite the creation of Integrated Theatre Commands for joint operational efficiency.
    • Incorporate emerging tech like AI and robotics into training modules.
  • Implementation of Committees Report: By complete implementation of Raksha Mantri Committee report 2022, many of the issues regarding jointness, modernisation , litigation and Grievance redressal ,etc  can be addressed .

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Conclusion

India’s declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’ signals a renewed commitment to transforming its defence sector. By addressing longstanding challenges and embracing innovation, the government aims to achieve self-reliance and global competitiveness. Through these reforms, India is poised to not only safeguard its security but also assert its position as a key player in the global defence ecosystem.

Additional Reading: Integrated Theatre Command

India recently submitted its latest Biennial Update Report-4 ( BUR 4 ) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

  • The report contains the national GHG inventory for the year 2020, and has submitted that India is on track to meet its climate commitments.

About Biennial Update Report or BUR

  • Under the UNFCCC framework, developing countries are obliged to submit a detailed report on their efforts towards climate action. 
  • This report is submitted as part of obligations under the Paris climate agreement, called the Biennial Update Report or BUR.
  • Key submissions in BURs include:
    • an overview of the country’s climate,
    • socio-economic conditions
    • forestry, and 
    • a detailed inventory of national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, their sources, and natural absorption mechanisms.
  • It contains important updates on national action plans to mitigate emissions, methods to measure those actions along with information on the financial, technological and capacity-building support the country has received to combat climate change.

GDP emission intensity:

  • GDP emission intensity refers to the reduction in the GHG emissions per unit of economic output. 
    • Switching from fossil fuel to renewables and fossil fuel to electricity, are some of the examples of reducing emissions intensity.

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Key Highlights of Biennial Update Report-4 (BUR 4)

  • India’s Commitment to Emission Intensity Reduction: India has committed to reduce its GDP emission intensity by 45% compared to 2005 levels by 2030.
    • BUR-4 has submitted that between 2005 and 2020, India’s emissions intensity of GDP reduced by 36%.
  • GHG emissions: The biggest highlight of BUR-4 is that in 2020, India’s total GHG emissions were 2,959 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent. 
    • After counting the absorption by forestry sector and land resources, the country’s net emissions were 2,437 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. 
  • Total national emissions: The total national emissions (including land use, land-use change, and forestry) fell 7.93% compared to 2019, although it has increased by 98.34% since 1994, as per BUR-4.
  • Sector wise Emissions:  Energy ( 75.66%) > Agriculture( 13.72%) > Industrial Process and Product Use (8.06%) > Waste (2.56%)
  • Generation of Carbon Sinks:  An additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 have been created through forest and tree cover (2005 to 2021)
    • Forest and tree cover: Currently stands at 25.17% of the country’s total geographical area and has consistently increased
  • Main contributors to the total GHG emission are CO2 emissions generated from Burning fossil fuels, methane emissions from livestock, and increasing aluminium and cement production
  • Breakdown of GHG Emissions: A breakdown of the emissions based on the GHGs revealed that CO2 accounted for 80.53% of emissions, followed by methane (13.32%), nitrous oxide (5.13%) and others 1.02%.
  • Barriers to Technology Adoption: India is largely relying on domestic resources, barriers such as slow technology transfer and intellectual property rights are impeding the adoption of new technologies. 

Recommendation

  • Advanced technology for low-carbon growth: India  needs advanced technology for low-carbon growth and to adapt to impacts of climate change. 

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About UNFCCC

  • It is a primary multilateral treaty governing actions to combat climate change through adaptation and mitigation efforts directed at control of emission of GHGs that cause global warming.
  • Negotiated: It was  signed at Conference on Environment & D
  • Headquartered: Bonn, Germany 
  • It came into force on 21st March 1994.
  • Focus: To stabilise Greenhouse Gas (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would stop dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.
  • Nodal agency for the UNFCCC in India: Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Additional Reading: United Nations Framework Convention On Climate Change (UNFCCC): Evolution, Full Form & Initiative

The Government of India has decided to constitute a Working Group for base revision of the current series of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) from base 2011-12 to 2022-23.

  • The panel is  headed by NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand.

Terms of Reference of the Working Group

  • To suggest the commodity basket of WPI and PPI with base year 2022-23 in the light of structural changes in the economy.
  • To review the existing system of price collection and suggest changes for improvement.
  • To decide on the computational methodology to be adopted for WPI / PPI.
  • To examine the methodology for compilation of PPI approved by Technical Advisory Committee on Statistics of Prices & Cost of Living and suggest further improvement in compilation and presentation and recommend a roadmap for switch over from WPI to PPI.
  • To examine the method of computing the linking factor adopted so far and suggest  appropriate changes in the method of computing the linking factor, if necessary.
    • To suggest any other improvements as may be necessary for enhancing the reliability of WPI / PPI.

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About Wholesale Price Index

  • Wholesale Price Index (WPI) represents the price of goods at a wholesale stage i.e. goods that are sold in bulk and traded between organisations instead of consumers. 
  • Released by:  The Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 
  • Base year: 2011-12
  • WPI covers only goods and excludes the services.
  • WPI is primarily used as a GDP deflator. 
  • WPI reckons only basic prices and does not include taxes, rebate/trade discounts, transport and other charges.
  • Weights given to each commodity covered in the WPI basket are based on  Value of production adjusted for net imports.
  • Limitations: 
    • WPI has an inbuilt bias due to double counting of the same product as it doesn’t include exports and imports.
    • It does not account for inflation at the level of the ordinary public because they do not buy products at wholesale prices.
  • Components and weightage in WPI basket:
    • Primary Articles (Weight 22.62%)
    • Fuel & Power (Weight 13.15%)
    • Manufactured Products (Weight 64.23%)

About Producer Price Index (PPI)

  • Definition:  It is an indicator of average price movement over time in selling prices received by domestic producers of goods and services.
    • PPI also includes services, while WPI only has goods.
  • PPI is different from WPI as PPI measures the average change in prices received by producers and excludes indirect taxes.
  • PPI looks at inflation from the viewpoint of industry and business and measures price changes before consumers purchase final goods and services.
  • Weight of an item in WPI: It is based on net traded value, whereas in PPI weights are retrieved from Supply Use Tables.
Additional information: The Consumer Price Index (CPI), Producer Price Index (PPI)

The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports recently announced the National Sports Awards 2024.

About National Sports Award

  • These are given every year to recognize and reward excellence in sports. 
  • Allocation: Awards are allocated annually by India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Nominated sportspersons receive their awards from the President of India at the Presidential Palace. 
  • Categories of Awards: Considered the pinnacle of sporting honours in India, the National Sports Awards are a collection of six different awards given out to sportspersons, coaches or organisations for their achievements and contribution towards the growth of Indian sports. 

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Collection of Awards in Sports

  • Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award

National Sports Awards

    • Considered India’s highest sporting honour, the Khel Ratna was established in 1991-92. 
    • It was renamed after hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand in 2021.
    • The renamed Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award comes with a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh.
    • The award is given for outstanding performances in sports spanning over a period of four years.
    • In 1991-1992, the first Khel Ratna award was presented to chess grandmaster and former world chess Champion Shri Vishwanathan Anand as well as Shri Geet Sethi who dominated the English Billiards throughout the 1990s.
    • 2024 Winners: Gukesh D (Chess), Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey), Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics), and Manu Bhaker (Shooting).
  • Dronacharya Award

    • Awarded to outstanding coaches in Sports and Games for their consistent and meritorious work in training sportspersons who excel in international events.
    • It is named after Dronacharya or Drona who was Arjuna’s guru or coach in the Indian epic Mahabharata. 
    • Awardees receive a bronze statue of Dronacharya, a certificate and a cash prize. 
    • The first woman to win the Dronacharya award was athletics coach Renu Kohli in 2002
  • Arjuna Award

    • Recognizes outstanding performance in Sports and Games over the past four years.
    • Named after Arjuna, the main protagonist from the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata, the Arjuna Award was instituted in 1961.
    • The winners of the Arjuna Award receive a statuette of Arjuna, a certificate and a cash prize.
    • The first Arjuna awards was conferred upon India’s football Olympian PK Banerjee.
    • Anna Lumsden was the first woman Arjuna Award winner.
  • Arjuna Award (Lifetime)

    • Honors and motivates retired sportspersons who have contributed significantly to sports during their careers and continue to promote sports after retirement.
    • 2024 Winners: Shri Sucha Singh (Athletics) and Shri Murlikant Rajaram Petkar (Para-Swimming).

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  • Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy

    • It was instituted in 1956–1957.
    • It is given to an institution or university for top performance in interuniversity tournaments over the last one year. 
    • The reward comprises a rolling MAKA Trophy that gets passed on to the winner each year, and a cash prize. 
    • 2024 Winner: Chandigarh University.
  • Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar

    • Recognizes organizations or individuals for their contribution to sports promotion and development over the past three years.
    • 2024 Winner: Physical Education Foundation of India.

There have been sustained protests in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu ever since the Union government granted tungsten mining rights to Hindustan Zinc Limited.

  • Locals and environmental activists fear that mining would destroy its rich flora and fauna in addition to distorting its cultural significance. 

About Tungsten 

  • Tungsten is a rare, heavy, and dense metal with the highest melting point (3,422°C) among all metals.
  • Key Properties
    • Characteristics: Exceptional hardness, heat resistance, and resistance to corrosion and wear.
    • Appearance: Lustrous, greyish-white in its pure form.
    • Ore Sources: Primarily found in scheelite (calcium tungstate) and wolframite (iron manganese tungstate).
    • Classified as a major mineral under the Second Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

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  • Applications
    • Electronics: Used in filaments, X-ray tubes, electrical contacts, and semiconductors.
    • Aerospace & Defense: Alloys for military armor, missile tips, and aerospace components; also used for radiation shielding.
    • Medical: Radiation shielding in cancer treatments and imaging devices.
    • Industrial Tools & High-Tech Applications: Green energy and advanced technological uses.
  • Tungsten Deposits in India
    • Karnataka (41%): Concentrated in Chitradurga and Mysuru regions.
    • Rajasthan (27%): Found in Degana mines, Nagaur district.
    • Andhra Pradesh (17%): Scheelite deposits in Srikakulam district.
      India imports a significant portion of its tungsten requirements.
  • Global Reserves and Producers
    • China: Dominates with the largest reserves and over 80% of global production.
    • Other Producers: Russia and Canada.
    • Key Exporters: Austria and Bolivia supply to international markets.

China is observing an outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in its northern provinces particularly in children under 14 years of age. 

  • India has not seen any case of the HMPV yet but is closely monitoring the situation in China.

About the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) 

  • Family: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory tract virus of the Pneumoviridae family causing  mild infections similar to that caused by a common cold.
    • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), measles and mumps are also members of the  Pneumoviridae family.
  • Winter Disease: HMPV can cause both upper and lower respiratory tract infections and is generally seen in winter and early spring. 
  • Human MetapneumovirusDiscovered: The Virus was first identified by scientists in 2001 by Bernadette G. van den Hoogen in Netherlands in the respiratory secretions of 28 young children
  • Susceptibility: Children and the elderly and those with weakened immune systems (HIV) are more susceptible to the infection. 
    • An estimated 10% to 12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV. 
  • Symptoms: The Infection shows symptoms resembling the common cold including, a cough, runny or blocked nose, sore, throat, fever and wheezing. 
    • Incubation Period: It is generally three to six days. 

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  • Transmission: HMPV spreads through contact with an infected person like secretions from coughs, sneezes or even via touch, through close contact with someone with infection like  shaking hands, hugging, touching a doorknob or a phone or a keyboard 
  • Complications: HMPV can cause complications when it gets serious resulting in hospitalisation.
    • Bronchiolitis; Bronchitis; Pneumonia; Asthma or COPD flare-ups; Ear infection (otitis media).
  • Treatment: There is no vaccine as well as a specific antiviral to treat HMPV. Antibiotics will not work for HMPV.
    • Most people require over-the-counter medications to relieve fever and pain, possibly with a decongestant. 
  • Diagnosis: Broader use of molecular diagnostic testing has increased identification and awareness of HMPV as an important cause of upper and lower respiratory infection.
  • Prevention:
    • Adopt WASH Hygiene: Hygiene practices, such as handwashing, help prevent disease. Also personal hygiene practices like washing your feet, facial cleanliness, covering coughs and sneezes, and menstrual hygiene are important to stay away from infections
    • Maintain Distance: To avoid close contact with infected persons, avoid touching face, nose, eyes and mouth and wear a mask in their presence.
    • Caution: People with already existing respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)  be extra cautious and protect themselves from infection.

The debate on combating Voter fraud has seen a probable solution in the demand of mandatory linking of Aadhaar Card with the Voter ID.

About the Linking

  • The Government through the Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021 has enabled the linking of Voter ID with Aadhaar card.
    • The linking is voluntary in nature and is not mandatory.
  • Status of Aadhaar Linking: The Election Commission of India through a Right to Information response has disclosed that, over 60% of India’s 94.5 crore voters have linked their Aadhaar number to their voter IDs,
    • Tripura had the highest rate of Aadhaar linking with over 92% of the voters having their Aadhaar linked whereas, Gujarat had the lowest linking with only 31.5% of voters linking the document to their voter registration.
  • Arguments In Favour of Linking: 
    • Voter Transparency: Linking Aadhaar with Voter ID will help in removing duplicate or fake entries from electoral rolls, ensuring voter transparency
    • Reduces Electoral Fraud: Aadhaar’s biometric authentication can act as a strong deterrent against impersonation and other forms of voter fraud during elections.
    • Double Authentication: Aadhaar linkage would enable an extra layer of authentication of the voter identity 
    • Updated Electoral Rolls: Aadhaar authentication will help ECI to maintain up-to-date and accurate electoral rolls, reflecting real-time migration or demographic changes.
    • Enhances Voter Convenience: Aadhaar linkage could facilitate seamless voter identification, making the voting process smoother and more accessible. As now the voter need not take his Voter ID card to the station.
    • Cost Efficiency in Election Management: Accurate voter databases can help reduce administrative costs associated with managing and updating electoral rolls and conducting elections
    • Enhance Transparency: Aadhaar provides real-time verification, reducing impersonation and boosting election credibility.
  • Arguments Against Linking Voter ID with Aadhaar
    • Risk to Privacy and Data Security: Since India lacks a robust data protection framework, there are genuine concerns about the misuse of personal data as Aadhaar data is not immune to breaches.
    • Exclusion of Marginalized Groups: Mandatory linking will result in the potential disenfranchisement of the marginalized groups, particularly in rural and tribal areas who may not have Aadhaar 
    • Faulty Biometric Systems: The Aadhaar system’s biometric verification is not foolproof and has been known to fail for individuals with worn-out fingerprints or other biometric inconsistencies.
    • Potential for Political Misuse: There are fears that linking Aadhaar with voter IDs could lead to voter profiling and targeted political exploitation, undermining free and fair elections.
    • Administrative & Technological Challenges: Linking Aadhaar cannot address other electoral issues, such as fraud, manipulation, or human errors in the process which requires strict enforcement of laws.

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ECI Efforts to Link Aadhaar with Voter ID

  • March 1, 2015: The Election Commission had started a drive to link Aadhaar with the electoral roll database.
  • Supreme Court Judgement: Because of The Supreme Court judgement, limiting the mandatory usage of Aadhaar for only government schemes for distribution of food grains, LPG and kerosene, the EC had to stop its drive.
    • But it had already collected 38 crore Aadhaar details.
  • Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021: It was passed to enable the linking of Aadhaar and Voter IDs with the EC restarting its drive to collect Aadhaar numbers on a voluntary basis.
    • Form 6B: A new Form was introduced for existing electors to give their Aadhaar number and the form for new registrations was also amended. Form 6B however, gave only two options,
      • Provide the Aadhaar number
      • Do Not Possess an Aadhaar Number.
    • Amending Form 6B: The EC has proposed amending the form to a single line saying “Aadhaar Number (Optional)”. It is still under consideration.

Chhattisgarh has introduced an innovative plan that connects the ecosystem services of its forests with the Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP).

  • The move highlights the direct link between significant environmental contributions of forests like clean air, water conservation, biodiversity and the state’s economic progress.

What is Green GDP?

  • Green GDP is an alternative metric for gauging economic growth that takes into consideration the environmental consequences linked to economic activities.
  • The origin of Green GDP can be traced back to the 1993 United Nations publication, “Handbook of National Accounting: Integrated Environmental and Economic Accounting.” 
  • This handbook, developed under the framework of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA), introduced the concept of monetary valuation of natural resources.
  • Calculation of Green GDP: 
    • Essentially, it proposed subtracting the cost of natural resource depletion and environmental degradation from the traditional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to arrive at a more accurate reflection of economic well-being. 
    • This adjusted figure was termed “Green GDP” or “Environmentally Adjusted Domestic Product.”

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Key Assessment Parameters to Determine the Economic Value of Forests

  • Carbon Sequestration: Quantify CO₂ absorbed and O₂ produced by trees, assigning market value to include in Green GDP.
  • Water Resources: Evaluate the economic impact of water conserved and supplied by forests through rivers, springs, and watersheds.
  • Biodiversity: Assess the role of forest fauna (animals, birds, insects) in maintaining ecological balance and supporting agriculture.
  • Soil Conservation: Measure the prevention of soil erosion and its contribution to sustainable farming and land productivity.
  • Climate Regulation: Analyze the forests’ role in temperature regulation, rainfall patterns, and climate stability for economic valuation.
  • Recreation and Tourism: Estimate the revenue generated from eco-tourism and recreational activities in forested areas.

Launched on December 8, 2024, the Winter Char Dham has attracted over 15,000 pilgrims by December 30, aiming to establish Uttarakhand as a year-round tourism destination.

About Winter Char Dham – 2024

  • It is a winter pilgrimage circuit launched by the Uttarakhand government to attract tourists during the off-season (winter months) when the Char Dhams are closed for visit due to heavy snow fall and harsh conditions in the region.
    • The Idols and symbols are moved to nearby Temples which remain open during winters.
  • Objective: To  Increase tourist footfall, boost the state’s economy, and showcase lesser-known destinations.

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About the Winter Abodes of Char Dham

They are lower-altitude shrines for Char Dham of Uttarakhand i.e Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath during winter.

Char Dham Yatra

  • Gangotri: Winter seat at Mukhba (Uttarkashi).
  • Yamunotri: Winter seat at Kharsali (Uttarkashi).
  • Kedarnath: Winter seat at Omkareshwar Temple (Ukhimath, Rudraprayag).
  • Badrinath: Winter seat at Pandukeshwar (Chamoli).

Methylcobalamin

Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) clarified the use of methylcobalamin in health supplements, medical products, and nutraceuticals.

What is Methylcobalamin?

  • Methylcobalamin (MeCbl or MeB12) is a form of vitamin B12.
  • It differs from cyanocobalamin as the cyano group is replaced with a methyl group.
  • It contains an octahedral cobalt(III) center and forms bright red crystals.

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Current Regulations on Vitamin B12

  • Permitted Forms:
    • FSSAI allows cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin.
    • Methylcobalamin is permitted under specific conditions.
  • Dosage Limit:
    • Vitamin B12 levels in products must not exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), except for:
      • Food for Special Medical Purposes.
      • Food for Special Dietary Use.
    • Higher levels require prior FSSAI approval.

Health Importance of Methylcobalamin

  • Role in the Body:
    • Essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and neurological health.
    • Deficiency can cause severe health issues requiring supplementation.

What causes Vitamin B12 deficiency?

  • Dietary Deficiency : Lack of animal-based foods like meat, eggs, and dairy, especially in vegetarians and vegans.
  • Poor Absorption : Conditions like pernicious anemia or reduced stomach acid hinder B12 absorption.
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diseases like Crohn’s or celiac affect nutrient absorption.
  • Medication Interference: Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors, metformin, or H2 blockers impairs absorption.
  • Age-Related Decline: Reduced stomach acid in older adults limits B12 absorption.
  • Alcohol Consumption: Damages stomach lining, affecting nutrient uptake.

Vitamin B12 Sources

  • Fortified cereals, liver, trout, salmon, tuna, haddock, egg

 

Project VISTAAR

Context: IIT Madras and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Project VISTAAR.

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About Project VISTAAR

  • Full Form: Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources.
  • Aim: To enhance the efficiency and outreach of the agricultural extension system through digitalisation.
  • Key Features of the Initiative
    • Integration of Agri-Startup Data
      • Over 12,000 agri-startups are listed on IIT Madras’ startup information platform. Enables farmers to easily connect with innovative solutions from startups.
    • Comprehensive Advisory Services
      • Covers key areas such as:
        • Crop production techniques.
        • Marketing strategies.
        • Value addition processes.
        • Supply chain management.
    • Access to Government Schemes
      • Farmers can easily access information about agriculture-related government schemes and rural development initiatives.
    • Accurate and Timely Information
      • Provides farmers with precise, relevant, and timely data to aid better decision-making.
      • Supports sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

 

Pig-Butchering Scam

Context: The article discusses cyber fraud in which people are exploited in online investment opportunities especially in cryptocurrency and stock. 

What is a pig-butchering scam?

  • The term “Pig-Butchering Scam” originates from China in 2016,.
  • known as “sha zhu pan” in Mandarin, meaning “killing pig game.”
  • It involves cybercriminals luring victims with fake online identities and fabricated online investments.
  • It targets vulnerable individuals, such as unemployed youths, housewives, and students.

How Cybercriminals Lure Victims

  • Platforms Used: Scammers target victims via social media, dating apps, and deceptive messages.
  • Techniques:
    • Use of Google services, Facebook ads, and sponsored advertisements.
    • Building trust through ‘friendship‘ before promoting online investments, especially in cryptocurrency trading.
  • The ‘Slaughter’: When victims try to withdraw money, they discover their funds are stolen, often irretrievable due to blockchain transactions.

 

About Island Development Agency (IDA)

Context:  Recently, the Union Minister of Cooperation chaired the 7th meeting of the Island Development Agency (IDA) in New Delhi.

About IDA

  • Constitution: Established in 2017 under the Ministry of Home Affairs to oversee the holistic development of islands.
  • Leadership:
    • Chairman: Home Minister of India.
    • Convener: CEO of NITI Aayog.
  • Members:
    • Secretary of Tourism, Tribal Affairs, Environment, Home Affairs, and the Cabinet Secretary.
  • Mandate:
    • NITI Aayog is tasked with steering the sustainable and holistic development of islands.

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‘Faral Sakhi’ Initiative

Context: The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has launched a flagship initiative, ‘Faral Sakhi,’ aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra.

About Faral Sakhi Initiative

  • It was launched by the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) in collaboration with NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP).
  • Aims: To empower women entrepreneurs in traditional snack production through training, support, and market access.

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