The Finance Minister has announced in the 2025-26 Union Budget, the launch of a six-year ‘Mission for Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in Pulses’.

Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses

• Budget Allocation: ₹1,000 crore allocated for the mission.
• Objectives:
  • Achieve self-reliance in pulses production.
  • Provide MSP-based procurement and post-harvest warehousing solutions.
  • Reduce dependence on imports.

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Key Features of the Mission

• MSP-Based Procurement: NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) and NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India) will procure pulses from farmers who register and enter into agreements.
  • Aim: Ensure fair prices for farmers and stabilize market prices.
• Post-Harvest Warehousing: Focus on reducing post-harvest losses and improving storage infrastructure.
• Targeted Crops:
  • Tur/Arhar: Traditionally a long-duration crop (250-270 days), now reduced to 150-180 days with lower yields (from 20 quintals/hectare to 15-16 quintals/hectare).
  • Urad: Black gram, a key pulse crop.
  • Masoor: Red lentil, with record imports in recent years.

Trend in Pulses Imports

• 2017-18 to 2022-23: Imports declined, reaching a low of 24.96 lt in 2022-23.
  • This period marked relative self-reliance in pulses, especially for matar (yellow/white peas) and chana (chickpea).
• 2023-24: Imports surged to 47.38 lt ($3.75 billion) due to drought.
  • Masoor imports hit a record 16.76 lt, and matar imports also increased.
• April-November 2024: India’s pulses imports were valued at  $3.28 billion, 56.6% higher than the $2.09 billion for the corresponding period of 2023.
• 2024-25 (Current Fiscal): Imports have already touched 40 lt, with tur/arhar crossing 10 lt for the first time and matar reaching a seven-year high.
• Projection for 2024-25: At this rate, imports for the fiscal year could reach $5.9 billion, surpassing the previous all-time-high of $4.24 billion in 2016-17.

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Key Drivers of Rising Imports

• Domestic Shortfall: Drought in 2023-24 led to a decline in domestic production, increasing reliance on imports.
  • Production dropped to 242.46 lt in 2023-24 from 260.58 lt in 2022-23.
• Policy Decisions: 
  • Duty-Free Imports: The government allowed duty-free imports of pulses like tur/arhar, masoor, and urad, which discouraged domestic production.
  • Price Disparity: Domestic prices of pulses like tur/arhar are close to MSP, reducing farmers’ incentive to grow these crops.
• Global Market Dependence: India imports pulses from countries like Mozambique, Tanzania, Myanmar, Canada, and Australia.
  • Tur/Arhar: Mainly imported from Mozambique, Tanzania, and Myanmar.
  • Masoor: Imported from Canada, Russia, and Turkey.
  • Matar: Imported from Canada, Russia, and Turkey.

Impact of Rising Imports

• Economic Burden: Rising imports lead to foreign exchange outflow and increase the trade deficit.
• Farmers’ Disincentive: Duty-free imports and low domestic prices discourage farmers from growing pulses.
• Food Security Concerns: Over-reliance on imports makes India vulnerable to global price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.

Government Response

• Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses:
  • Aims to reduce imports by boosting domestic production of tur/arhar, urad, and masoor.
  • Focus on MSP-based procurement and post-harvest infrastructure.
• Policy Reforms: Need to restore import duties to incentivize domestic production.
• MSP Procurement: Significant MSP-based procurement of chana (25.56 lt in 2022-23) and moong (4.08 lt in 2022-23).
• Research and Development: Focus on developing short-duration, high-yielding, and climate-resilient varieties of pulses.
  • Emphasis on photo-thermo insensitive varieties to enable year-round cultivation.
• National Food Security Mission (NFSM): It was launched in 2007-08 to increase the production of rice, wheat and pulses through area expansion and productivity enhancement.

Challenges in Achieving Aatmanirbharta

• Agronomic Limitations:
  • Tur/Arhar: Despite reduction in duration (150-180 days), yields remain low (15-16 quintals/hectare).
  • Cultivation is confined to rainfed regions like Marathwada-Vidarbha (Maharashtra) and northern Karnataka, where farmers have fewer alternative cropping options.
• Policy Ambiguity:
  • Duty-Free Imports: The government has allowed duty-free imports of tur/arhar and other pulses, which discourages domestic production.
  • Price Disparity: Tur/arhar prices in markets (₹7,300-7,400/quintal) are close to MSP (₹7,550/quintal), reducing farmers’ incentive to grow pulses.
• Climate Vulnerability:
  • Pulses are often grown in rainfed areas, making them susceptible to drought and climate variability.
• Competition from Other Crops:
  • Farmers prefer water-intensive crops like sugarcane and cereals over pulses due to higher profitability.

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Way Forward

• Hybrid Development: Need for tur/arhar hybrids maturing in 140-150 days with yields of 18-20 quintals/hectare.
• Policy Reforms: Restore import duties to incentivize domestic production.
  • Provide subsidies and insurance for pulse cultivation in rainfed areas.
• Farmer Awareness: Promote pulses as a sustainable and profitable crop option.

Conclusion

The Mission for Atma Nirbharta in Pulses is a significant step toward reducing India’s dependence on imports. However, achieving self-reliance in pulses requires addressing agronomic challenges, policy ambiguities, and climate vulnerabilities. The success of the mission will depend on effective implementation, technological advancements, and farmer-centric policies.

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The Union Finance Minister announced a significant hike in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector — from 74% to 100%.

FDI Hike in Insurance Sector

• Objectives: Aimed at achieving “Insurance for All” by 2047.
  • Boost insurance penetration in India (currently at 3.7% in 2023-24, compared to the global average of 7%).
  • Attract foreign investments, enhance competition, and improve accessibility to insurance.
• Expected Benefits:
  • Foreign Investments: Substantial capital inflow into the Indian insurance sector.
  • Global Giants: Entry of global insurance companies (20 out of the world’s top 25 insurers are not present in India).
  • Autonomy: Foreign insurers will have full autonomy to operate in India.
  • Innovation: Introduction of advanced technology, sophisticated risk management practices, and innovative products.
  • Job Creation: New job opportunities in the sector.
  • Consumer Benefits: Potentially lower premiums and better products/services for consumers.
• Regulatory Changes:
  • Amendments required to the Insurance Act 1938, Life Insurance Corporation Act 1956, and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act 1999.
  • Draft Bill to be tabled in Parliament soon.

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Current Scenario of Insurance Sector in India

• As of March 2024, India has 73 registered insurers and reinsurers (26 life insurers, 25 general insurers, and 7 standalone health insurers).
• As per Economic Survey 2024-25, the Insurance sector accounted for over 62% of the $5.7 billion equity inflows (FDI) into the services sector during April–September FY25.

India’s Insurance Market

• Growth in Premiums: Total insurance premium grew by 7.7% in FY24, reaching ₹11.2 lakh crore.
  • Life insurance premium income: ₹8.3 lakh crore in FY24 (6.1% YoY growth).
  • Non-life insurance gross direct premium: ₹2.9 lakh crore in FY24 (7.7% YoY growth), driven by health and motor segments.
• Insurance Penetration and Density:
  • Penetration: Declined slightly from 4% in FY23 to 3.7% in FY24 (global average: 7%).
    • Life insurance penetration: 2.8% in FY24 (down from 3% in FY23).
    • Non-life insurance penetration: Stable at 1%.
  • Density: Increased from USD 92 in FY23 to USD 95 in FY24.
    • Non-life insurance density: USD 25 in FY24 (up from USD 22 in FY23).
    • Life insurance density: Stable at USD 70.
    • Insurance density in India is relatively low compared to global standards.
• Claims and Benefits:
  • Life insurers paid benefits of ₹5.8 lakh crore in FY24, including ₹42,284 crore for death claims.
  • Non-life insurers’ net incurred claims: ₹1.72 lakh crore in FY24.

Global Insurance Market Trends

• Growth and Transformation: The global insurance market is growing due to steady economic expansion, strong labor markets, and rising real incomes.
  • Despite challenges like high inflation and geopolitical tensions in 2023, the sector grew by 2.8%.
• Drivers of Transformation: Changing macroeconomic environment, climate fluctuations, technological progress, and evolving customer preferences.
  • Global insurers are adopting innovative technologies, expanding market reach, and focusing on customer-centric approaches.

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Opportunities for Growth

• Untapped Markets: Insurance penetration in India (3.7%) is below the global average (7%), indicating significant growth potential.
  • Focus on tier 2 and 3 cities and rural areas, where awareness and accessibility are limited.
• Government Schemes: Leverage government schemes like:
  • Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY): Life insurance.
  • Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Crop insurance.
  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): Health insurance.
  • Innovative distribution models can help include underinsured customers.

Projections and Trends

• Growth Projections: India’s insurance sector is projected to grow at 11.1% annually (2024-2028), making it the fastest-growing market among G20 nations.
  • Expanding middle class, technological advancements, and supportive regulatory measures will drive growth.
• Life Insurance Trends: Shift towards protection and guaranteed return savings products.
  • 40% of households now covered, largely due to LIC’s extensive network.
• Non-Life Insurance Trends: Expected to double its premium-to-GDP ratio over the next two decades but will remain below the global average.

Challenges and Risks

• Emerging Risks: Climate change, geopolitical uncertainty, and increasing life expectancy.
  • Underwriting risks related to longevity and a widening pension gap.
• Non-Financial Risks: Misselling, delayed claims settlements, AI, cybersecurity, and third-party interactions.
  • Need for a clear and quantitative understanding of risk appetite.
• Innovation and Efficiency: Insurers must develop strong capabilities to tackle emerging risks through rapid innovation.
  • Focus on simplification, standardization, and digitization to ensure efficiency and productivity.

Way Forward for the Insurance Sector in India

• Enhance Insurance Penetration in Rural and Tier 2/3 Cities: Conduct targeted awareness programs to educate rural and semi-urban populations about the benefits of insurance.
  • Develop simple, affordable, and easy-to-understand insurance products tailored to the needs of low-income groups.
• Leverage Government Schemes for Wider Coverage: Collaborate with government schemes like PMJJBY, PMFBY, and PMJAY, to expand coverage and ensure seamless claim settlements.
  • Encourage partnerships between private insurers and government agencies to enhance the reach of social security schemes.
• Adopt Advanced Technologies for Efficiency and Innovation: Use AI for risk assessment, fraud detection, and personalized product offerings.
  • Implement blockchain for transparent and secure claim settlements.
• Address Emerging Risks and Challenges: Develop innovative products like parametric insurance for climate-related risks (e.g., crop insurance for farmers).
  • Strengthen cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive customer data and prevent fraud.
• Strengthen Regulatory Framework and Consumer Protection: Simplify and standardize regulatory processes to encourage innovation and competition.
  • Establish robust mechanisms for timely resolution of consumer complaints, especially related to misselling and delayed claims.

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Conclusion

The hike in FDI to 100% and targeted reforms in the insurance sector can significantly boost penetration, innovation, and financial inclusion in India. By leveraging technology, expanding rural reach, and addressing emerging risks, India can achieve its goal of “Insurance for All” by 2047.

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The Union Finance Minister has announced that gig workers will now be eligible for healthcare benefits under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). 

Who are Gig Workers?

• Gig workers are individuals engaged in short-term, flexible jobs outside of traditional, long-term employer-employee relationships. 
  • They typically work in the informal sector, earning income on a task-by-task basis.
• Common examples include platform-based workers who provide services such as food delivery (e.g., Zomato, Swiggy) or work for e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart.

Key Measures in the Budget for Gig Workers

• Inclusion in PM JAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana): Gig and platform workers will now be covered under  PM JAY health insurance scheme.
  • This provides financial protection for secondary and tertiary healthcare expenses, covering up to Rs. 5 lakh annually.
• Registration on the e-Shram Portal: Gig workers will be registered on the e-Shram portal, a platform for informal workers.
  • This initiative will make it easier for Gig workers to access various government welfare schemes.

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Benefits under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana

• AB-PMJAY provides a defined benefit cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year. 
  • This cover will take care of almost all secondary care and most of tertiary care procedures.
• Eligibility criteria: AB-PMJAY is an entitlement-based scheme with entitlement decided based on deprivation criteria in the SECC database.
• Hospitals Covered: The beneficiaries can benefit from public and empanelled private facilities. 
  • All public hospitals in the States implementing AB-PMJAY will be deemed empanelled for the Scheme. 
  • It includes pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. 
• Pre-existing Conditions: Will be covered from day one of the policy. 
• Cashless Benefits: Beneficiaries can take cashless benefits across the country.

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Scientists have issued a warning that without drastic conservation measures some of the planet’s most unique creatures could be extinct within the next five years.

• Reason: The combined forces of habitat destruction, climate change, poaching, and pollution have created a crisis resulting in mass extinction like scenarios.

Critically Endangered Species Facing the Most Imminent Threats

• Eastern Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri): They are the  largest subspecies of gorilla
  • Population Status: Declining rapidly with fewer than 7,000 individuals remaining.
  • Location: Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Threat: Habitat destruction in wake of deforestation, mining, and human encroachment. 
    • Poaching for the bushmeat trade.
• Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
  • Population: Rapid decline due to human activity
  • Location: Tropical oceans worldwide
  • Threat: A target for illegal trade for their shell. 
    • They are highly vulnerable to climate change affecting their nesting beaches.
    • Genetic Variation: Rising ocean temperatures lead to fewer male hatchlings, further threatening the species.
• Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus)
  • Population: Less than 80 in the wild
  • Location: Confined at the Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia
  • Threats: Habitat loss and poaching for their horns. The small population also is a limitation in the form of genetic diversity.
• Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis): Often called the world’s rarest big cat adapted to extreme cold.
  • Population: Around 100 in the wild
  • Location: Russia and China
  • Threat: Poaching and habitat loss due to human expansion.
• Yangtze Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis): Unlike dolphins, they lack a dorsal fin, making them unique among cetaceans.
  • Population: Fewer than 1,000
  • Location: Yangtze River, China
  • Threats: Collapse of the Yangtze River ecosystem due to  Industrial pollution, overfishing, and habitat degradation 
    • Their numbers have declined by over 50% in the last 40 years
• Indian Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus): They have a long, narrow snout perfectly adapted for catching fish and does not attack on humans.
• Population: Less than 250 in the wild
  • Location: India, Nepal
  • Threat: Dam construction, pollution, and loss of river habitats have caused severe population decline.

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The Supreme Court has ruled against the unchecked dumping of untreated effluents by tanneries into the Palar river in Tamil Nadu’s Vellore district. 

• The court highlighted that pollution has severely affected the river, which is a crucial water source for farmers and local residents.

Palar River: An Overview

• The Palar River is an important river in southern India. 
  • Palar River, also known as Pālāṟu in Tamil, means “Milk River.
• Origin and Course
  • Source: Begins in the Nandi Hills, located in Chikkaballapura district, Karnataka.
  • Path:
    • Karnataka → Andhra Pradesh → Tamil Nadu
    • Joins the Bay of Bengal near Vayalur, south of Chennai.
• Major Tributaries
  • The Palar River has two key tributaries:
    • Ponni River (Left Bank)
      • Originates at 1,050 meters altitude in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh.
      • Flows eastward and southeastward, joining the Palar near Walajapet.
    • Cheyyar River (Right Bank)
      • Originates in the Jawadhu Hills, Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu.
      • Flows northeastward, merging with Palar near Tirumukkudal.
    • Together, these two tributaries contribute to about one-fourth of the total catchment area of the Palar River basin.
• Irrigation and Dams
  • Several dams and reservoirs have been built along the river, especially in Tamil Nadu.
  • These structures help in storing and distributing water for irrigation.

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Environmental and Health Impacts of Untreated Effluents from Tanneries

• Water Pollution: Discharge of untreated effluents leads to contamination of water bodies, affecting aquatic life and making water unsafe for human consumption.
• Soil Degradation: Pollutants can seep into the soil, reducing its fertility and affecting agricultural productivity.
• Health Hazards: Exposure to toxic chemicals in effluents can cause serious health issues, including skin diseases, respiratory problems, and even cancer.
• Ecosystem Disruption: Pollution disrupts the natural balance of ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and the overall health of the environment.

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The Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) was recently launched by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO to address critical marine challenges in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf regions.

About Ocean Coordination Mechanism

• Conception and Endorsement: The OCM was developed as part of the 10-year CLME+ Strategic Action Program (CLME+ SAP).
• Purpose: To establish a collaborative governance framework for the sustainable management of marine resources.

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• Primary Objectives:
• • Sustainable Fisheries: The OCM promotes responsible fishing practices to ensure long-term sustainability of marine resources.
  • Ecosystem Restoration: The initiative focuses on restoring and protecting vital marine ecosystems.

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• • Pollution Control: It aims to address and reduce pollution impacts affecting marine environments. Blue Carbon Development: The OCM encourages conservation of coastal and marine carbon sinks to aid in climate change mitigation.
  • Marine Spatial Planning: The initiative seeks to develop strategic plans for effective management and utilization of ocean space.
  • Marine Protected Areas: Expansion and proper management of marine protected areas (MPAs) are key components to conserving biodiversity.
• Transformative Effort: The OCM is designed to enhance integrated ocean governance in the Wider Caribbean region, including the North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem (NBSLME).
• Collaboration and Stakeholders: The initiative involves countries within the Wider Caribbean region.
  • Key stakeholders in marine conservation and resource management contribute to its implementation.
• Precedent to the Initiative: OCM builds on lessons from previous initiatives, such as the Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Policy (PIROP), that aimed to sustainably manage marine resources across the Pacific.
  For example, PIROP struggled with vague goals, financial constraints, and a lack of integrated management and this left vulnerable communities with unequal access to ocean resources.
• Funding:
  • The OCM has secured funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to support its activities.
  • A dedicated $15 million fund has been allocated under the UNDP/GEF PROCARIBE+ Project for the period 2024–2028.

About the Caribbean Ocean

• Location: The Caribbean Ocean is part of the North Atlantic Ocean.
  • It is situated south of the Gulf of Mexico and southwest of the Sargasso Sea.
• Nations Bordering the Caribbean Sea:
  • Greater Antilles: The Caribbean Sea is bordered by Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), and Puerto Rico.
  • Lesser Antilles: The region includes the Virgin Islands to Trinidad and Tobago.
  • South America: The Caribbean Sea touches Venezuela and Colombia.
  • Central America: Countries including Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize border the Caribbean.
  • Mexico: The eastern coast of Mexico also borders the Caribbean.
• Geographic Features:
  • Deepest Point: The Cayman Trough is the deepest part of the Caribbean Sea, reaching 7,686 meters (25,217 feet) below sea level.
  • Mesoamerican Barrier Reef: The world’s second-largest barrier reef is located in the Caribbean.
    • It stretches 1,000 km along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.
  • Major Gulfs and Bays: The Caribbean region includes significant gulfs and bays, such as the Gulf of Gonâve, Gulf of Venezuela, Gulf of Darién, Golfo de los Mosquitos, Gulf of Paria, and Gulf of Honduras.

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About the North Brazil Shelf

• Location: The North Brazil Shelf is a marine region spanning both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • It stretches along the northern coast of South America.
  • It is located between the mouths of the Amazon and Orinoco rivers.
• Nations Bordering the North Brazil Shelf: The Brazilian state of Amapá borders the North Brazil Shelf.
  • Other bordering countries include French Guiana, Suriname, and Guyana.
• Geographic Features:
  • Muddy Shorelines: The region is characterized by muddy shorelines formed by sediment deposits from the Amazon and Orinoco rivers.
  • Coastal Swamps & Mangroves: The area contains rich ecosystems, including expansive mangrove systems and coastal swamps.
    • These ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity, storm protection, and carbon storage.

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India has recently sent a shipment of medical supplies to the Kurdistan Region in Iraq.

• This assistance highlights India’s foreign policy approach, emphasizing global cooperation and humanitarian aid.

About Kurdistan Region

• Geographic Definition: The Kurdistan Region is traditionally inhabited mainly by Kurds. It spans across multiple countries, including:
  • Eastern Turkey
  • Northern Iraq
  • Western Iran
  • Smaller parts of Northern Syria and Armenia

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• Governorates: The Kurdistan Region consists of four governorates:
  • Erbil (Capital)
  • Sulaymaniyah
  • Dohuk
  • Halabja
• Geographical Features: The region is characterized by significant mountain ranges, including:
  • Zagros Mountain System
  • Eastern Extension of the Taurus Mountains
• Major rivers flowing through the region include:
  • Tigris River
  • Greater Zab River
• India and the Kurdistan Region: Consulate and Diplomatic Relations:
• India established a consulate in Erbil in August 2016.
• The consulate aims to strengthen economic and commercial ties between India and Iraq.
• Indian Workforce in the Region: A large number of Indian workers contribute to key sectors in the Kurdistan Region, including:
  • Steel mills
  • Oil companies
  • Construction projects

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The first recorded presence of the rusty-spotted cat, the world’s smallest and lightest wild cat, has been documented in Bengal’s wilderness.

About Rusty-Spotted Cat

• Distribution: The rusty-spotted cat is primarily found in northern and central India, the Western Ghats, Kachchh, Rajasthan, and peninsular India.
  • India holds 80% of the total population of this species.
  • It is also found in Nepal and Sri Lanka.
• Features:
• • It is the smallest and lightest known wild cat, weighing under 1.5 kg.
  • The cat has a fawn-grey coat with distinctive rusty spots on its back and flanks.
• Gestation Period: The gestation period of the rusty-spotted cat lasts approximately 66 to 70 days.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: It is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: It is listed under Schedule I, offering it the highest level of protection.
• Territorial: It establishes territorial boundaries using scent markings from urine and glands.
• Nocturnal: The rusty-spotted cat is primarily active at night, using enhanced night vision to hunt and evade predators.

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The Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Amendment Rules, 2025 have been notified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

• The 2025 amendment to the Rules goes directly against the five-judge Supreme Court judgment in Puttaswamy v Union of India (2018).
• Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 was struck down disallowing private entities from using Aadhaar authentication services

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Purpose of the Amendment

• These amendments fall under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits, and Services) Act, 2016.
• The primary objective of this amendment is to enhance transparency and inclusivity in the decision-making process.
• Amendment to 2020 Rule: Expanding Aadhaar Authentication for Ease of Living
  • The amendment aims to enhance the utility of Aadhaar for better governance, efficient service delivery, and improved ease of living.
• It seeks to facilitate better access to services in various sectors, including e-commerce, healthcare, travel, and more.
• Aadhaar authentication can now be used by both government and non-government entities.
• It enables trusted transactions and ensures better access to services for residents.

Streamlined Approval Process

• Entities seeking to use Aadhaar authentication must apply with relevant details to the concerned government ministry.
• The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) reviews the application, and MeitY grants approval.
• Once approved, the respective ministry formally notifies the entities.

Expected Outcome

• The amendment is expected to lead to efficient Aadhaar-enabled services.
• It will encourage greater innovation in digital solutions across various sectors.

About Aadhaar

• Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
• UIDAI functions as a statutory authority, established under the Aadhaar Act, 2016.
• Demographic Data: Includes Name, Gender, Date of Birth, and Address.
• Biometric Data: Comprises Fingerprints, Iris Scans, and Facial Photographs.
• Each Aadhaar number is unique to an individual, ensuring accuracy and preventing duplication.
• Aadhaar does not serve as proof of citizenship.

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Legal Framework of Aadhaar

• Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016: The government can mandate Aadhaar for individuals to access subsidies, benefits, and services funded by the Consolidated Fund of India or State Governments.
• Supreme Court Ruling (2018): The Supreme Court ruled that Aadhaar is constitutional but not mandatory for private services such as:
  • Bank accounts
  • Mobile number registration
  • School admissions
• Aadhaar Metadata Retention: The UIDAI is prohibited from storing Aadhaar authentication data for more than six months.
• Privacy and Security: The Right to Privacy ruling in K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017) reaffirmed the necessity to secure Aadhaar data and prevent misuse.

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The U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an executive order restricting U.S. citizenship to children only if their parents hold U.S. citizenship or a U.S. green card.

About Citizenship

• Definition of citizenship: A legal status and relation between an individual and a state that entails specific legal rights and duties. 
  • Citizenship is generally used as a synonym for nationality.
• The Indian Constitution does not define the term ‘citizen’

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Legal Principles of Citizenship

• Jus Soli (Right of Soil): Citizenship is granted based on place of birth, irrespective of parents’ nationality.
  • Followed by many North American and Latin American countries, including Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina.
• Jus Sanguinis (Right of Blood): Citizenship is determined by the nationality of the parents rather than place of birth.
  • Practiced in many African, European, and Asian countries, such as Egypt, South Africa, Germany, and India.

U.S. Legal History

• The U.S. follows the jus soli principle, granting citizenship to anyone born within its borders.
• The 14th Amendment (1868) states that all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. are U.S. citizens.
• The U.S. Supreme Court (1898) reaffirmed that citizenship under the 14th Amendment extends to all children born in the U.S., regardless of their parents’ nationality.

Citizenship in India

• India’s Citizenship Act, 1955 initially followed the jus soli principle until 1987.
• Amendments introduced the jus sanguinis principle, linking citizenship to parents nationality.
• Citizenship Rules (Post-2004):
  • Citizenship is granted only if both parents are Indian citizens or if one parent is Indian and the other not an illegal immigrant.
  • This restriction was mainly to prevent illegal immigrants from Bangladesh from obtaining Indian citizenship.

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Comparison of Citizenship in India and U.S.

Citizenship Provisions in India

Citizenship in the Constitution: Citizenship falls under the Union List and is governed by Articles 5-11.

Articles and Provisions of Citizenship in India Termination of Citizenship (Citizenship Act, 1955)

• Renunciation: Voluntary surrender of Indian citizenship (applies to minor children as well).
• Termination: Citizenship automatically ends when an individual acquires another country’s citizenship.
• Deprivation: Citizenship may be revoked due to fraud, disloyalty, criminal acts, or prolonged absence (7 years) from India without registration.

Acquisition of Citizenship

• By Birth: 
  • Before July 1, 1987: Any child born in India is an automatic citizen.
  • Between July 1, 1987 – December 2, 2004: At least one parent must be an Indian citizen.
  • After December 3, 2004: Both parents must be Indian citizens, or one parent must be Indian and the other not an illegal migrant.
• By Descent:
  • Before December 10, 1992 : Citizenship is granted if the father was Indian at the time of birth.
  • After December 10, 1992: Citizenship granted if either parent was Indian at birth.
  • Birth must be registered with an Indian consulate within one year.
• By Registration: Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) who have lived in India for 7 years.
  • Foreign spouses of Indian citizens who have lived in India for 7 years.
  • Minors of Indian parents can apply for registration.
• By Naturalization: Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national acquires citizenship of a new country after fulfilling specific legal requirements. For Naturalisation in India a person : 
  • Must have lived in India for 12 months continuously before applying.
  • Must have resided in India for 11 out of the last 14 years (reduced to 5 years for select categories).
• By Incorporation of Territory: Citizenship is granted to people of territories that become part of India.

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Amendments to the Citizenship Act, 1955

• 1986 Amendment: Defined citizenship rules for those born before July 1, 1987.
  • Extended citizenship to those born between July 1, 1987 – December 4, 2003, if one parent was an Indian citizen.
• 2003 Amendment: Introduced the term “illegal migrant”, preventing them from acquiring Indian citizenship.
  • Removed “Commonwealth Citizenship” provision.
• 2015 Amendment: Merged Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) schemes into a single “OCI” scheme.
• Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019:
  • Grants fast-track citizenship to Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and Parsis from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India before December 31, 2014.
  • Excludes Muslims, leading to debates on constitutional secularism.
  • The Supreme Court of India is reviewing its constitutional validity.
  • The government argues that the law helps persecuted minorities and is not discriminatory.

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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the establishment of a Makhana Board in Bihar.

About Makhana (Fox Nuts)

• Makhana, also known as fox nut, is the dried edible seed of the prickly water lily (Euryale ferox).
• It is found in freshwater bodies across South and East Asia.
• The plant is recognized for its violet and white flowers and large round prickly leaves, often exceeding one meter in diameter.
• Due to its dark outer layer, Makhana is referred to as the ‘Black Diamond’.

Nutritional Value and Uses

• Makhana is low in fat, high in carbohydrates, and a good source of protein.
• It is rich in minerals and is widely used in:
  • Traditional medicine
  • Health and wellness products
  • Snacks and culinary preparations such as commonly consumed as popped Makhana, also called ‘Lava’.

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Major Producing Regions

• Bihar accounts for 90% of India’s total Makhana production.
• The main producing districts in Bihar include:
  • Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, and Sitamarhi (Mithilanchal region).
  • The first four districts contribute to 80% of Bihar’s total Makhana output.
  • Geographical Indication (GI) Tag: Mithila Makhana received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2022.
• Other states cultivating Makhana include: Assam, Manipur, West Bengal, Tripura, and Odisha.
• Makhana is also grown in Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Japan, and Korea.
• The Bihar government has been advocating for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Makhana.

Climatic Conditions for Makhana Cultivation

• Makhana is an aquatic crop that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions.
• It is cultivated in stagnant water bodies such as ponds, lakes, ditches, wetlands, and land depressions with water depths of 4-6 feet.
• Ideal climatic conditions:
• • Temperature Range: 20°C – 35°C
  • Relative Humidity: 50% – 90%
  • Annual Rainfall: 100 – 250 cm

About Makahan Board

• The Makhana Board is set to be arranged  with  a budget of ₹100 crore.
• The board will provide training, financial assistance, and access to government schemes for Makhana farmers.
• The board aims to boost production, processing, value addition, and marketing of Makhana (Fox Nuts).

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Significance of the ‘Makhana Board’

• Bihar’s Export Challenges:
  • Although Bihar is the largest producer, Punjab and Assam are the largest exporters of Makhana.
  • Punjab does not even cultivate Makhana, yet leads in exports due to better processing infrastructure.
  • Bihar lacks food processing units, export infrastructure, and cargo facilities at airports.
• Low Productivity and High Costs: Makhana cultivation is labor-intensive and costly.
  • Farmers have not widely adopted high-yield varieties like Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1.

Role of the Makhana Board

• Train farmers to improve production techniques.
• Promote investment in the food processing sector.
• Develop export infrastructure to increase global market reach.
• Ensure better financial incentives and MSP for Makhana farmers.

Makhana under ODOP

• Makhana is recognized as an ODOP product under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme.
• The Union government provides subsidies to Makhana processors for:
  • Branding and marketing.
  • Infrastructure development in Bihar

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Gujrat’s first Biodiversity Heritage Site: Inland mangrove of Guneri

Context: The Guneri village in Lakhtar tehsil, Kutch district, covering 32.78 hectares, has been declared as Gujarat’s first Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS). 

About Inland mangrove

• Inland mangroves are unique ecosystems found further away from the coastal areas compared to typical mangroves. 
• They occur in saltwater-influenced environments such as lagoons, river deltas, and estuaries.
• Inland mangroves are very rare and found in only a few countries:
  • Australia, Antigua-Barbuda, Bahamas, Guatemala, Indonesia, Mexico, and Pakistan.
• In India, inland mangroves exist only in Kutch, Gujarat.
  • Shravan Kavadiya and Guneri were the only two inland mangrove sites in India.
  • Shravan Kavadiya mangrove is now extinct due to the loss of saline water.

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About Inland mangrove of Guneri

• This inland mangrove site is rare and holds great ecological significance.
• Legal Framework
  • The declaration was made under The Biodiversity Act, 2002.
    • The site has been declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS).
• Unlike typical mangroves, it does not depend on direct seawater connection.
• Grows on flat land rather than coastal regions.
• Location and Geography
  • Situated in Kutch district, Gujarat.
  • Located 45 km from the Arabian Sea and 4 km from Kori Creek.
  • Unlike coastal mangroves, this site is never exposed to seawater.
  • Spread over a flat, forest-like land with no sludge deposits.
• Role of Limestone in Survival
  • Inland mangroves are known to survive in areas with limestone deposits.
  • Limestone connects to the seabed, allowing a continuous groundwater flow.
  • The Western Kutch region, including Guneri, has rich limestone deposits, supporting this unique mangrove ecosystem.

‘SwaRail’ SuperApp

Context: The ‘SwaRail’ SuperApp has been released by the Railway Ministry for testing on Google Play Store. 

• The app is a one-stop solution offering multiple public-facing services.
• Testing Purpose: The App is available for download for only 1,000 users at first to assess the response and feedback. 
  • Currently available for both Android and iOS platforms in beta version.

About the App

• Developed By: The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), on behalf of the Ministry of Railways
• Services Offered: The app provides easy access to services like,
  • Reserved and unreserved ticket bookings, platform and parcel bookings, train inquiries, PNR inquiries, order food on trains, help through RailMadad
• It integrates several services to provide users with a complete package of Indian Railway services
• Objective: To enhance user experience through a seamless and clean user interface.
• Features:
  • Single Sign-On Functionality:  It offers single sign-on functionality, enabling users to access all services with a single set of credentials.
    • Example: PNR enquiries will also display the associated information about the train.
  • Multiple Login Options: Users can also use their existing RailConnect or UTS App credentials to onboard the app. It provides multiple login options, including m-PIN and biometric authentication.

Suzetrigne

Context: The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new non-opioid painkiller called Suzetrigine.

About Suzetrigine

• It is a non-opioid pain relief medication used to manage moderate to severe acute pain in adults.
• It is sold under the brand name Journavx. 
  • The drug is produced by US-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
• Common side effects include: Itching, Rash, Muscle spasms, and Increased levels of creatine kinase. 

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What Are Opioids?

• Opioids are drugs that come from or imitate natural substances found in the opium poppy plant.
• Common opioids include:
  • Oxycodone, morphine, codeine, heroin, and fentanyl.
• They are mainly used as painkillers.
• How opioids work:
  • Opioids attach to opioid receptors in the brain.
  • This blocks pain signals and creates a feeling of pleasure or euphoria.
• Why are opioids addictive?
  • The pleasure they produce can make users want to continue taking them, leading to psychological dependence and addiction.

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