Recently, NITI Aayog launched a policy report titled ‘Expanding Quality Higher Education through States and State Public Universities’.

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Key Highlights of the Report

• Key Highlights on Education Spending
  • Jammu & Kashmir has the highest education expenditure as a percentage of state GDP at 8.11%, followed by: Manipur (7.25%), Meghalaya (6.64%), Tripura (6.19%)
  • States with low education spending as a percentage of state GDP: Delhi (1.67%), Telangana (2%), Karnataka (2.01%)
• Trends in Higher Education Expenditure
  • Growth in per youth spending on higher education: ₹2,174 (2005-06) → ₹4,921 (2019-20).
  • Top spenders in per youth spending: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
  • States lagging in per youth spending: Rajasthan, Punjab, Chhattisgarh
• Higher Education Spending as % of GSDP
  • Highest: Bihar – 1.56%
    • Jammu & Kashmir – 1.53%
    • Manipur – 1.45%
  • Lowest: Telangana – 0.18%
    • Gujarat, Rajasthan – 0.23% each
• University Density and Accessibility
  • National average: 0.8 universities per lakh population.
  • Highest density: Sikkim (10.3)
    • Followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Uttarakhand
  • Lowest density: Bihar (0.2)
    • Followed by Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra (below national average)
• Gender-based Higher Education Enrolment Trends
  • Higher female enrolment rates than males: Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh (successful models for women’s education).
  • Balanced male-female enrolments: Chandigarh, Mizoram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

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Indian Higher Education: From Ancient to Modern Times

• Ancient Indian Higher Education (Before 10th Century CE)
  • Philosophy: Education was holistic, focusing on knowledge (Vidya), morality, and skill development rather than just academic learning.
  • Gurukul System
    • Teacher (Guru) – Disciple (Shishya) tradition with emphasis on oral transmission of knowledge.
    • Famous Gurukuls: Located in Kashi, Ujjain, and Pushpagiri.
  • Early Universities
  • Takshashila (6th century BCE – 5th century CE): First recorded university in the world.
    • Notable scholars: Chanakya (Arthashastra), Panini (Sanskrit grammar), Charaka (medicine).
  • Nalanda University (5th century CE – 12th century CE): First residential university with 10,000+ students and 2,000 teachers.
    • Attracted scholars from China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, and Persia.
    • Destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji (1193 CE).
  • Vikramshila University (8th–12th century CE): Known for Buddhist studies and Tantric education.
  • Valabhi, Odantapuri, and Pushpagiri Universities also flourished during this period.
  • Features of Ancient Higher Education
    • Multidisciplinary approach with practical knowledge.
    • Global knowledge hub with international students.
    • Residential system with large libraries (e.g., Nalanda had a library called Dharmaganja).
• Medieval Period (10th–18th Century CE)
  • Decline of ancient universities due to invasions and destruction.
  • Rise of Madrasas (Islamic learning centers) focusing on Arabic, Persian, law, and theology.
  • Mughal period saw establishment of learning centers in Delhi, Agra, and Fatehpur Sikri.
  • Emperor Akbar’s “Din-i-Ilahi” promoted knowledge exchange between different religions.
  • Hindu temples and monasteries continued informal learning traditions.
• Colonial Period (18th–20th Century)
  • Destruction of indigenous learning centers and imposition of British education policies.
  • MountStuart Elphinstone’s Minutes (1823) and Macaulay’s Minute (1835) led to the promotion of English education over traditional Indian knowledge.
  • Introduction of modern universities:
    • Calcutta University, Bombay University, and Madras University (1857) based on the University of London model.
    • Focused on administrative and clerical education rather than scientific research.
  • Rise of nationalist education movements:
    • Rabindranath Tagore’s Visva-Bharati University (at Santiniketan in 1921).
    • Banaras Hindu University (BHU) (Founded by Madan Mohan Malaviya in 1916).
    • Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) (Founded by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in 1875).
• Post-Independence Era (1947–2000s)
  • Focus on higher education expansion with central and state universities.
  • Establishment of IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) and IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management).
    • Following the recommendations of the Sarkar Committee (1945) to build institutions that could produce world-class engineers to drive India’s post-independence industrialization, the first IIT was set up in Kharagpur in 1951.
    • In the late 1950s, the Planning Commission of India recommended the establishment of management institutes to fulfil the need for quality management education in India, after which the first IIM was established in Calcutta in 1961.
  • University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956 to regulate higher education.
  • National Education Policies (NEP 1968, 1986, 1992) aimed at universal access and research development.
  • Rapid privatization in the 1990s and 2000s.

• Contemporary Higher Education (2000–Present)
• • Second Largest higher education system in the world (1,100+ universities, 50,000+ colleges).
  • National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:
    • Multidisciplinary universities and holistic learning.
    • Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) target of 50% by 2035.
    • Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), multiple entry-exit options.
  • Emphasis on digital learning (SWAYAM, NPTEL, e-Pathshala).
  • R&D investments and global collaborations.

Key Challenges in Higher Education in India

Quality of Education

• Poor Research Output: India ranks low in global research publications and patents.
  • Lack of funding for R&D, especially in State Public Universities (SPUs).
  • Overemphasis on rote learning rather than critical thinking and innovation.
• Outdated Curriculum: Mismatch between education and industry requirements.
  • Slow curriculum updates fail to address 21st-century skills.
  • Need for greater interdisciplinary learning and research-oriented courses.
• Faculty shortage: Many universities have vacant teaching positions.
  • Non-finalization of recruitment rules delays hiring of qualified faculty.
  • Over 40% of faculty positions remain vacant, and only 10% SPUs have well-equipped research facilities, significantly impacting learning outcomes.
• Faculty Role Mismatch: Faculty primarily recruited for teaching rather than research, leading to a lack of research capacity.
• Inadequate Infrastructure: Many SPUs lack labs, digital resources, libraries, and research facilities.
  • Limited digitalization in rural institutions, affecting e-learning.

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Access and Equity

• Regional Disparities: Higher education concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural students with fewer options.
  • University density varies: Bihar (0.2) vs. Sikkim (10.3) universities per lakh population.
• Low Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): India’s GER (28.4%) is lower than developed countries (above 50%).
  • NEP 2020 aims for 50% GER by 2035, but rapid expansion is needed.
• Gender and Social Gaps: Higher female enrolment in states like Kerala, Chhattisgarh but lower in Bihar, Rajasthan.
  • Marginalized groups (SCs, STs, OBCs, economically weaker sections) still face barriers to higher education.
• High Dropout Rates: Due to financial constraints, lack of job opportunities, and social factors.
  • Need for better scholarships and support for economically disadvantaged students.

Funding and Financial Constraints

• Low Government Spending: India spends ~4.5% of GDP on education (target: 6% as per NEP 2020).
  • Declining state funding for SPUs; most funds go to salaries, not infrastructure or research.
• Limited Private Investment in Research: R&D spending in India is just 0.7% of GDP (China: 2.4%, USA: 3%).
  • Need for industry-academia partnerships to fund applied research.
• Fee Structure Issues: State Public Universities have low fees, making them dependent on government grants.
  • Private universities charge high fees, making education inaccessible to lower-income groups.

Governance and Autonomy Issues

• Rigid Regulatory Framework: Universities face excessive control from UGC, AICTE, state governments.
  • Delays in policy implementation due to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
• Frequent Leadership Changes: Political interference affects Vice-Chancellor appointments and decision-making.
  • Lack of long-term vision in university administration.
• Affiliation Model Burden: Many State Public Universities have 300+ affiliated colleges, making quality control difficult.
  • Need for greater autonomy for institutions.

Employability and Skill Mismatch

• Low Industry Collaboration: Outdated courses fail to align with industry needs.
  • Lack of internship and practical training opportunities.
• High Graduate Unemployment: Over 50% of Indian graduates are unemployable due to lack of soft skills and hands-on experience.
  • Need for vocational training and entrepreneurship programs.
• Limited Digital and Tech-Skills Training: Slow adoption of AI, Data Science, and Digital Learning in universities.
  • Need for stronger STEM education focus.

Internationalization and Global Ranking Issues

• Few Indian Universities in Global Rankings: 
  • Only a few institutions (IITs, IISc, AIIMS) rank among the top 500 globally.
  • Need for better faculty recruitment, research funding, and global collaborations.
• Limited International Student Enrollment: India attracts fewer foreign students compared to China, the US, and the UK.
  • India attracts only 50,000 international students, whereas China hosts over 500,000 foreign students and 10 lakh foreign students studying in the United States (US).

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Policy Recommendation by NITI Aayog

Way Forward to Strengthen Higher Education in India

• Increase Public Spending on Education and Research: Allocate 6% of GDP to education (as per NEP 2020). Currently, India spends ~4.5%, much lower than China (6.5%) and USA (7%).
  • Increase R&D investment to 2% of GDP (currently 0.7%), aligning with global leaders like China (2.4%) and the USA (3%).
  • Encourage private sector investment in research and innovation by offering tax incentives and grants for university-industry partnerships.
• Reform Curriculum to Match Industry Needs and Future Skills: Implement multidisciplinary education as per NEP 2020, integrating STEM, humanities, and vocational skills.
  • Increase focus on AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Green Technologies to match global industry demands.
• Improve Faculty Recruitment and Teacher Training: Fill vacant faculty positions quickly through transparent and merit-based recruitment. 
  • Offer competitive salaries to attract global talent, similar to China’s “Thousand Talents Plan”.
• Strengthen Digital Infrastructure and Online Learning: Bridge the digital divide by ensuring affordable internet access and smart classrooms in rural universities.
  • Use AI-driven personalized learning tools to improve student engagement and skill tracking.
• Promote Research and Innovation in Universities: Set up specialized research clusters in universities for AI, Space, Healthcare, and Renewable Energy.
  • Provide financial incentives to universities that focus on high-quality research and patents.
• Decentralized Governance and Give Universities More Autonomy: Reduce bureaucratic interference in university administration to ensure faster decision-making.
  • Grant more autonomy to SPUs in setting fees, curriculum, and partnerships. 
  • Shift from affiliation-based systems to independent degree-awarding institutions to improve academic quality.
• Improve Global Rankings and Attract International Students: Encourage Indian universities to participate in global ranking frameworks like THE, QS, and ARWU.
  • Set up Indian campuses of foreign universities to increase cross-cultural academic exchanges.
• Boost Employability and Entrepreneurship: Expand internship and apprenticeship programs in partnership with industries and startups.
  • Promote entrepreneurship incubators within universities to support student-led startups.
• Strengthen Industry-Academia Collaboration: Set up industry-sponsored research chairs in engineering, healthcare, agriculture, and emerging fields.
  • Encourage universities to partner with multinational companies for real-world projects.

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Conclusion

To overcome challenges in higher education, India needs comprehensive reforms in funding, governance, research, infrastructure, employability, and internationalization. With these reforms, India can achieve its “Viksit Bharat @2047” vision, positioning itself as a global education and innovation hub.

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The Government of India has revised the guidelines for the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) to provide better support to farmers dealing with perishable agricultural commodities.

Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)

• The Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) is a component of the PM-AASHA scheme (under revised scheme) and is implemented on the request of State/UT governments. 
• It is designed to support farmers who produce perishable commodities like tomato, onion, and potato (TOP crops) that do not have a Minimum Support Price (MSP).
• Nodal Ministry: MIS is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
• Funding: The scheme is implemented at the request of a State/UT government which is ready to bear 50% of the loss (25% in case of North-Eastern States), if any, incurred on its implementation. 

Revised MIS Guidelines

• Integration with PM-AASHA: The Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) has now been made a component of the PM-AASHA scheme.
• Criteria for Implementation: MIS will now be implemented only when market prices drop by at least 10% compared to the previous normal year. 
• Increased Procurement Limit: The procurement/coverage limit for crops under MIS has been increased from 20% to 25% of the total production.
• Option for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): States now have the option to pay the difference between the Market Intervention Price (MIP) and the selling price directly into farmers’ bank accounts instead of conducting physical procurement.
• Reimbursement of Storage and Transport Costs: When there is a significant price difference between producing and consuming states, the Central Nodal Agencies (CNA) such as NAFED and NCCF will now reimburse the cost of storage and transportation. 
• Approval for Kharif Tomato Transport: The reimbursement of transportation costs for up to 1,000 MT of Kharif tomatoes from Madhya Pradesh to Delhi. 

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Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council for Agricultural Research(ICAR) has developed the world’s first Biolumpivaxin vaccine for the Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD).

• The vaccine is developed by Biovet which is a Bharat Biotech group firm. 
• The vaccine has recently received approval from the Central Drug Standards Control Organization (CDSCO), marking a significant milestone in India’s veterinary healthcare sector.

Key Features of Biolumpivaxin

• Global First: Biolumpivaxin is the world’s first DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) marker vaccine for Lumpy Skin Disease.
• DIVA Technology: Enables differentiation between naturally infected and vaccinated animals, aiding in disease surveillance and control programs.
• High Safety and Efficacy: The vaccine has been rigorously tested for quality, safety, and effectiveness.
• Single-Dose Regimen: Administered once a year to cattle and buffaloes above 3 months of age.
• Vaccine Strain: Developed using the LSD virus/Ranchi/2019 strain from ICAR-NRCE, Hisar.

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Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)

• Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle and buffaloes.
• It is caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), a member of the Poxviridae family. 
• The first reported outbreak of LSD occurred in Zambia in 1929.
• The LSD spreads through blood-sucking vectors like ticks and mites like houseflies, mosquitoes, etc. It also spreads through contaminated water, fodder and feed.
• The disease leads to severe economic losses in the dairy and livestock industry due to reduced milk production, infertility, and mortality.

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The recently released India Justice Report 2025-26 has shown a declining trend of budget allocation to certain justice-related schemes and projects since 2019.

• Underutilization: Data also show that only a fraction of the envisaged allocations was actually spent on these schemes.

Key Highlights About the Report

• The Modernisation Fund for the State Police Forces: The Fund was formed to assist special projects and schemes that would upgrade the infrastructure of State police as well as Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems. 
  • Budget Estimates (BE): The estimated budget reduced from ₹900 crore in FY19 to ₹587.97 crore FY26.
  • Revised Estimates (RE): In FY25, ₹520.51 crore was allocated which was revised in the following year to ₹160 crore.
  • Actual Expenditure: Only ₹34.7 crore was actually spent despite an allocation of more than ₹600 crore in FY23 constituting only about 6% of the allocation.
    • Only 20-25% of the budgeted amounts were spent in FY21, FY23, and FY24.
• Modernisation of Forensic Capacities: The scheme is aimed at improving forensic testing infrastructure across the country and addressing the shortage of forensic scientists.
  • Allocation: The scheme witnessed a stark increase and then a decrease in allocations over the past few years.
• Modernisation of Prisons Fund:It aims to improve the living conditions of prisoners, renovate existing prisons, and build new cells. 
  • Allocations: It has come down to ₹300 crore each in FY 23 and FY24 and FY24 saw  only 44% of the budgeted fund being utilised.
• National Legal Services Authority (NALSA): It is a scheme for free legal aid to the disadvantaged sections of the society.
  • Allocation: NALSA has reported 100% utilisation of the budgeted amounts for all the years between 2018-19 to 2023-24.
• Development of Infrastructure Facilities for the Judiciary: This is a centrally sponsored scheme that was developed to enhance the judicial resources of State governments.
  • Allocation: The fund has been utilised almost to its full potential from FY 19-FY25 but has seen a decrease in allocation from ₹1,123.40 crore (FY25) to ₹998 crore (FY26).

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About The India Justice Report

• Published By: The Report is published annually by the India Justice Report Organization
• Objective: It is a national periodic reporting that brings together, hitherto siloed information, to measure the capacity of four pillars of the justice system in each state, against its own declared standards or benchmarks.
  • Pillars:  The  police, The prison system, The judiciary and Legal aid 
• Significance: 
  • The report leverage evidence-backed strategy to encourage states to improve and focus on achieving the low-hanging fruits.
  • It scores and ranks states against their own declared benchmarks to create a matrix for competitiveness.

Union Budget 2025-26: Allocation for Justice Sector Total budget for justice sector– 3088.17 Cr. Judicial Infrastructure- (CCS+Gram Nyayalaya)- 1300.20 Cr (42%) Police Modernisation (MPF Scheme+CCTNS)- 587.97 Cr. (19%) Forensics- 500 Cr. (16%) Legal Aid- (NALSA+LADCS)- 400 Cr. (13%) Prison Modernisation- 300 Cr (10%)

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The article sheds light on the allocation of funds  for the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to support research in the private sector, including corporates and startups.

Budget Highlights on Research and Innovation

• Major Funding for Research and Development
• • ₹20,000 crore allocated to the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to boost private-sector R&D, including corporates and startups.
  • Part of the ₹1 lakh crore corpus fund announced in July 2024 to drive innovation in deeptech and sunrise sectors.
  • Aimed at enhancing strategic autonomy in key technology areas.

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• Strengthening Science and Technology Initiatives
  • Focus on public-private partnerships to accelerate innovation.
  • Major national missions include:
    • AI and Quantum Missions (ongoing)
    • Newly announced missions:
      • Nuclear Energy Mission (Small Modular Reactors – SMRs)
      • National Geospatial Mission (₹100 crore for FY 2025-26)
      • National Mission on High Yielding Seeds
      • Clean Tech Initiatives
      • Atal Tinkering Labs and AI in Education Centers
• Boost for Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing
  • ₹3,446.64 crore allocated to the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) – a 51.45% increase from the previous year.
  • Launch of the ‘Bio-RIDE’ scheme to foster innovation and bio-entrepreneurship.
  • Focus on:
    • Gene-editing, personalized medicine, and sustainable agriculture.
    • Characterization of genetic resources (e.g., sequencing pulses like chickpea).
    • Strengthening India’s biomanufacturing sector under the BioE3 Policy.
• Support for CSIR’s Science and Industrial Research
  • CSIR Missions aligned with national programs:
    • Aroma and Floriculture Missions → Supports Agri-Districts Initiative.
    • Millets and Cotton Missions → Strengthens food security and textile industry.
    • Indigenous Manufacturing and Smart Packaging Missions → Drives industrial growth.
    • Green Hydrogen Mission → Aims for clean energy transition.
    • Youth Skilling → Jigyasa Programme complements Atal Tinkering Labs.
    • Women Empowerment → Seaweed Mission and Learn and Earn Program.
• Expansion in Nuclear Energy and Safety
  • Goal: Increase nuclear power to 100 GWe by 2047.
  • Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) introduced to aid India’s energy transition.
  • Plans to amend the Nuclear Liability and Damage Act, 2010, raising concerns among experts.

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• Challenges and Concerns
  • Decline in Curiosity-Driven Research: Budget focuses more on mission-mode projects rather than fundamental research.
    • For example: Basic science research has taken a backseat as the funding for IISc and the IISERs has been reduced. 
      • The UGC, which funds all universities, saw a drastic reduction in its budget last year (from Rs 5,360 crore to Rs 2,500 crore).
  • Bureaucratic Hurdles in Research Funding.
  • Higher Support for IITs (8.4%) vs. Central Universities (4.3%), despite universities undergoing reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP).
  • AI in Education: Need for meaningful adoption beyond just funding
• Recommendation: 
  • larger outlay in scientific and technological research: To fulfil the vision of scientific India to fruition, there is need for larger outlay in science and tech to the extent of 3% of GDP. 
    • In addition to the above, there is a need to raise the education budget to 6%. 

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The Supreme Court ruled that Article 200 of the Constitution expects the Governor to inform the state government of reasons for withholding assent to a Bill.

• Tamil Nadu state government challenged Governor R N Ravi’s decision to withhold assent to Bills and forward some to the President.
• The Attorney General argued that the Governor did not need to provide reasons since the Bill conflicted with UGC Regulations.
• The Attorney General cited a five-judge bench ruling, which referred to a seven-judge bench stating that exceptions exist where the Governor can act at his discretion.
• SC clarified that discretionary powers cannot override the Constitution’s main provisions.

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Governor’s Powers with Bills

• Article 200: Governor’s Role in Assenting to Bills
• When a Bill is passed by the Legislative Assembly of a State, it is presented to the Governor, who has the following options:
  • Give Assent: The Governor may approve the Bill, making it a law.
  • Withhold Assent: The Governor may refuse to approve the Bill, effectively rejecting it.
  • Return for Reconsideration: 
    • The Governor may send the Bill back to the Legislature with suggested modifications. (except when re-passed by both the Houses or it’s a money bill).
    • If the Legislature passes the Bill again without any changes, the Governor is bound to give assent.
  • Refer to the President: The Governor may forward the Bill to the President for further consideration.
• Article 201: President’s Role in Reserved Bills
• When the Governor reserves a Bill for the President’s consideration, the President has the following options:
• Give Assent: The Bill becomes law.
• Withhold Assent: The Bill is effectively rejected.
• Return for Reconsideration:
• • The President may send the Bill back to the State Legislature for amendments.
  • If the Legislature passes the Bill again, the President is not obligated to grant assent.

Circumstances for Reserving a Bill for the President

• The Governor is required to reserve a Bill if: It threatens the position of the State High Court.
• Additionally, the Governor may choose to reserve a Bill if it:
  • Violates any provision of the Constitution.
  • Conflicts with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
  • Goes against the broader national interest.
  • Has significant national importance.
  • Deals with compulsory acquisition of property under Article 31A of the Constitution.

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Discretionary Powers of the Governor

• Article 163: Provides discretionary powers in specific situations, such as:
  • Appointing a Chief Minister when no party has a clear majority.
  • Acting in times of a no-confidence motion.
• Article 356: Allows the Governor to recommend President’s Rule if the state government fails to function as per the Constitution.

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The Punjab government has announced plans to explore potash mining in Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts.

Discovery of Potash reserves 

• Geological Survey of India (GSI) surveys have detected large potash reserves in three mining blocks:
  • Kabarwala (Muktsar Sahib)
  • Sherewala and Ramsara (Fazilka)
  • Shergarh and Dalmir Khera (Fazilka)
• Rajasthan is another state with significant potash reserves, mainly in the Nagaur-Ganganagar basin.

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About Potash and Its Uses

• Potash is an impure combination of potassium carbonate and potassium salts.
• Principal Ore: Sylvinite is the primary source of potash.
• Classification: Potash is classified as a critical mineral under The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment (MMDR) Act, 2023.
• Applications:
• • Agriculture: Over 90% of potash is used as a fertilizer, making it one of the three essential nutrients (N-P-K) for plant growth.
    • The ideal nutrient ratio for plants is 4:2:1 (N:P:K).
  • Water Purification: Potash alum is used to remove water hardness and has antibacterial properties.
  • Industrial Uses: Potash is used in glass and ceramics manufacturing, soap and detergent production, and explosives.
• Common Types of Potash Fertilizers
  • Sulphate of Potash (SOP): Premium, chloride-free fertilizer used for high-value crops like fruits and vegetables.
  • Muriate of Potash (MOP): Contains chloride, commonly used for carbohydrate crops such as wheat.
  • Potash Derived from Molasses (PDM): 100% indigenous fertilizer under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme, which provides subsidies based on actual nutrient content (N, P, K).

Status of Potash Production in India

• Import dependence: India does not currently engage in potash mining and is entirely dependent on imports.
• Reserve Potash: Total estimated potash resources in India stand at 23,091 million tonnes (as of 2020).
  • Rajasthan contributes 89% of the total potash reserves in India.
• Delay in Mining: Despite discoveries in Punjab in 2019, mining has not yet commenced due to feasibility studies and environmental concerns.

Global Potash Reserves and Production

• The total global potash reserves exceed 3.6 billion metric tons (MT) of potassium oxide equivalent.
• Largest reserves: include Canada (1.1 billion MT), Belarus (750 million MT), and Russia (650 million MT).
• Top Three Potash Producers (2023) : Canada(13 million MT), Russia (6.5 million MT) and China (6 million MT).  

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Significance of Potash Mining

• Reducing Import Dependence: India imports 50 lakh tonnes of potash annually, mainly for fertilizers and industrial use. Domestic production can significantly reduce reliance on imports, enhancing agricultural self-sufficiency.
• Boosting the Domestic Fertilizer Industry: India’s fertilizer sector can become more competitive with locally sourced potash.
  • Farmers may benefit from lower fertilizer costs and improved access to high-quality potash-based fertilizers.
• Economic Benefits: Potash mining in Punjab and Rajasthan can generate employment opportunities and drive regional economic development. The government expects mining to create new job prospects for local communities.
• Environmental and Social Concerns : Some farmers in Muktsar and Fazilka have expressed concerns about land acquisition for mining.
  • The Punjab government has assured that extraction will use an advanced drilling system with zero impact on land ownership.
  • Environmental and social impact assessments are being conducted to mitigate risks before starting operations.

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In a rare and complex Cross Blood Transplant a 30-year-old woman with the extremely rare ‘Bombay’ (hh) blood group underwent a successful kidney transplant in India.

About Cross Blood Transplant

• Definition: A cross-blood transplant involves transplanting an organ from a donor with an incompatible blood group to a recipient.
• Challenges: Such transplants require specialized desensitization protocols to prevent rejection.
• Techniques Used: Plasma exchange therapy and immunosuppressive treatments help lower antibody levels and improve graft acceptance.

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ABO Blood Group System

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Exceptional Cross Transplant and Its Significance

• India’s First Bombay Blood Group Kidney Transplant: The successful kidney transplant took place at Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai.
• Medical Complexity:
  • The patient initially misdiagnosed as O blood group was later identified as Bombay blood group (hh).
  • Since Bombay blood group patients cannot receive organs from common donors, the mother (a B-positive donor) stepped forward.
  • Advanced immunological protocols were used to modify the immune response before transplantation.
• Key Solutions in the Transplant:
  • Specialized pre-transplant desensitization protocols were implemented.
  • Rare blood donor registries were used to secure compatible blood products.
  • A multidisciplinary medical team managed immunological and surgical risks.
• Significance:
  • First such recorded case in India and one of the few worldwide.
  • Highlights the importance of accurate blood typing in organ transplantation.
  • Demonstrates how medical advancements can overcome complex immunological barriers.

This groundbreaking transplant marks a major medical milestone, showcasing the potential of precision medicine and advanced immunotherapy in overcoming rare transplant challenges.

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New Zealand voices ‘concern’ as Cook Islands prepared to sign a cooperation deal with China.

• Cook Islands Prime Minister is expected to sign a “joint action plan” for a “comprehensive strategic partnership” on his visit next week to Beijing.
• China is expanding its diplomatic, economic and military influence in the strategically important Pacific, challenging the historic regional sway of the United States, New Zealand and Australia.

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About Cook Island

• Cook Islands is a small, self-governing island state that has a “free association” pact with New Zealand.
• Its 15 small atolls are located in the South Pacific Ocean between Tonga to the west and French Polynesia to the east.
• Administrative seat: Avarua, (island of Rarotonga).

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BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025

Context: The BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025, organized by the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India was inaugurated on 8th February 2025.

About the BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025

• Key Features of the Summit
  • Participation: 70 youth delegates comprising 10 from each BIMSTEC member country.
  • Theme: “Youth as a Bridge for Intra-BIMSTEC Exchange”.
  • Cultural and Educational Visits:
    • Dandi Kutir and Sabarmati Ashram : Learning about Mahatma Gandhi’s life and principles.
    • Sabarmati Riverfront and GIFT City :  Experiencing India’s financial and technological innovations.
• Objectives of the Summit
  • Facilitating Youth Exchange: Encouraging collaboration among young leaders from BIMSTEC nations.
  • Addressing Global Challenges: Engaging youth in discussions on economic, social, and strategic issues.
  • Promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Aligning youth initiatives with the UN’s SDG 2030 agenda.
  • Encouraging Innovation and Leadership: Generating ideas for a brighter and more sustainable future.

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India – U.K. Defence Agreements

Context: The United Kingdom has announced a new initiative, Defence Partnership–India (DP-I), to strengthen defence ties with India.

About Defence Partnership–India” (DP-I)

• It is a dedicated cell within the U.K. Ministry of Defence for deepening cooperation with India.
• This office will act as a central hub for all defence-related collaborations between both countries.

Defence Agreements Signed at Aero India 2025

• Missile Production and Defence Technology:
  • Agreements were signed for the manufacturing of Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) and Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) in India.
  • A new facility for assembling and testing Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM) will be set up in Hyderabad.
• Naval Defence Collaboration:
  • A Statement of Intent (SoI) was signed to design and develop an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for the Indian Navy’s future warships.
  • General Electric (GE) Vernova and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) will work on India’s first maritime Land-Based Testing Facility, aiming to launch new Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) by 2030.

Global Engagement Scheme

Context: The Government of India, has taken steps to implement a global engagement scheme to promote Indian art, culture, and heritage both in India and abroad.

About Global Engagement Scheme

• This scheme promotes India’s cultural heritage worldwide.
• It provides Indian artists with opportunities to perform abroad under the ‘Festival of India’ initiative.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Culture
• Various art forms included under the scheme:
  • Folk music, folk dance, folk theatre, puppetry
  • Classical and traditional dance
  • Contemporary and experimental dance
  • Classical and semi-classical music
  • Theatre
• Grant-in-Aid to Indo-Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies
  • This grant helps cultural societies strengthen ties between India and other countries.
  • It provides financial support for organizing cultural events and activities abroad.

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e-NAM Platform

Context:  e-NAM Platform expanded to boost agricultural trade with addition of 10 New commodities and their tradable parameters.

• It aims to increase the coverage of agricultural commodities and offer more opportunities for farmers and traders to benefit from the digital trading platform
• Number of commodities on e-NAM platform reaches 231.
• 10 New commodities: Dried Tulsi Leaves, Besan (Chickpea Flour), Wheat Flour, Chana Sattu (Roasted Chickpea Flour), Water Chestnut Flour, Asafoetida, Dried Fenugreek Leaves, Water Chestnut, Baby Corn and Dragon Fruit.

e-NAM Overview

• National Agriculture Market (eNAM) is a pan-India electronic trading portal which networks the existing APMC mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
• Implementing Agency: Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) under the aegis of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India.

PM-VIKAS SCHEME

Context: Information on the implementation of The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) Scheme  was provided by the Union Minister of Minority and Parliamentary Affairs in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

• The PM VIKAS scheme is yet to be implemented

About The PM VIKAS Scheme

• It is a skilling initiative focussing on the skilling, entrepreneurship and leadership training requirements of the minority and artisan communities across the country
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs
• Umbrella Scheme: It converges five erstwhile schemes viz. ‘Seekho Aur Kamao’, ‘Nai Manzil’, ‘Nai Roshni’, ‘Hamari Dharohar’ and ‘USTTAD’
• Focus: It focuses on upliftment of six notified minority communities through skill development; entrepreneurship and leadership of minority women
• Components:
  • Skilling and Training Component:
    • Traditional Training (earlier known as USTTAD and Hamari Dharohar): It trains minority artisan communities and their family members who are engaged in traditional arts and crafts including languishing art forms in need-based courses 
    • Non-traditional Skilling(earlier known as Seekho aur Kamao): It would impart skill training to minorities and artisan families, in NSQF compliant job roles in sectors having linkages with arts and crafts
  • Leadership and Entrepreneurship Component (earlier Nai Roshni): To promote leadership development and basic entrepreneurship primarily among youth from minority communities and artisan families through focused modules.
  • Education Component (earlier Nai Manzil): To provide education bridge program to school dropouts from minority and artisan communities for pursuing open schooling in class 8th, 10th, and 12th with certificates through National Institute of Open School (NIOS)
• Features: 
  • Convergence: The scheme is intended to be implemented in convergence with the ‘Skill India Mission’ through integration with the Skill India Portal (SIP).
  • Credit Linkages: The scheme is to facilitate credit linkages by connecting beneficiaries with loan programs offered by the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC). 
  • Market linkages: Beneficiaries would also be supported for market linkages through EPCH (Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts) to enhance their livelihood.

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Preservation of Indigenous Languages and Cultural Heritage

Context: The Government of India, through its autonomous institutions under the Ministry of Culture is actively engaged in promoting and preserving India’s indigenous languages and cultural heritage.

Institutions Preserving Indigenous Languages and Cultural Heritage

• Sahitya Akademi:
  • Bhasha Samman:  It recognizes contributions to unrecognized and tribal languages and supports them via writer exchanges, publications, book exhibitions, and the Annual All India Tribal Writers’ Meet.
  • Outreach Programs : It also operates centers for folk and tribal literature and conducts programs like Loka: The Many Voices and Gramalok.
• Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA): 
  • Kala Deeksha program and the Guru-Shishya Parampara: It imparts training to individuals in 100 dying art forms.
  • National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH): It maintains ICH
    • 15 elements from India are inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of ICH of Humanity.
• The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA): 
  • Aim: To undertake documentation, digitization, research, and awareness programs to safeguard India’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
  • Key Initiatives:
    • The National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM) is documenting regional languages, art forms, and customs while mapping 6 lakh villages nationwide.
    • National Manuscripts Mission (NMM) for preserving ancient manuscripts focusing on the unique linguistic and cultural heritage. 
    • Bharat Vidya Pariyojana (BVP) for Indigenous knowledge systems and The Vedic Heritage Archive for Vedic texts
    • The Adi Drishya Programme studies Indigenous languages and rock art
    • Kala Nidhi Digital Library preserves rare manuscripts and ethnographic records.
    • The North-East India Documentation Project records oral histories and linguistic structures of communities like the Nagas, Bodos, Mizos, and Khasis.
• The Lalit Kala Akademi (LKA):
  • Public Art of India (PARI) Project: It featured folk and tribal artists from across the country during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) conference in Delhi
  • It focuses on tribal visual arts through exhibitions, art camps, and workshops
  • It also offers gallery spaces to connect artists with buyers and collectors.

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