Jun 06 2024

World’s largest grain storage plan 

  • Recently, National level Coordination Committee for the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan holds its first meeting in Delhi
  • Objective: To convert Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) into Multi-Service Societies.
  • Benefits: To alleviate the shortage of agricultural storage infrastructure and empower PACS to operate as procurement centers, fair price shops, custom hiring centers, and processing units. 
    • It will mitigate food grain wastage, bolster food security, curb distress sales, lower transportation expenses, and fortify PACS.

White Phosphorus Munitions

  • Israel’s widespread use of white phosphorus in south Lebanon is putting civilians at grave risk and contributing to civilian displacement.
  • About: White phosphorus is a pyrophoric substance that spontaneously ignites upon exposure to oxygen, emitting dense, light smoke and generating intense heat of 815 degrees Celsius. 
    • Pyrophoric substances are those that undergo spontaneous ignition or rapid combustion (within five minutes) when exposed to air.
  • International Status: White phosphorus, categorized as “Pyrophoric solids, category 1” under the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, ignites spontaneously upon contact with air, making it one of the most unstable pyrophoric substances.
  • Applications: Its main military application is as a smokescreen, employed to conceal troop movements on the ground by creating visual obscurity.
  • Harmful Effects: Exposure to white phosphorus can result in severe burns extending down to the bone, respiratory issues, and damage to infrastructure, crops, and livestock. 
    • Raging fires, particularly in windy conditions, can exacerbate these effects.

Five Eyes Allies

  • The recruitment to the Australian military will be limited to the citizens from the UK, Canada, New Zealand and the US — the constituents of the grouping, commonly known as the Five Eyes.
  • About: The Five Eyes is an intelligence alliance consisting of countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the US. 
    • These nations are signatories to the multilateral UK-USA Agreement, a treaty facilitating joint cooperation in signals intelligence.
  • Functions: Countries frequently collaborate on matters concerning intelligence gathering and security.
  • Working: The Five Eyes Intelligence Oversight and Review Council was established in 2016.
    • It comprises the non-political intelligence oversight, review, and security entities of the Five Eyes countries.

 

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Recently, the ICAR has released herbicide-tolerant (Ht) basmati rice varieties, promoting weed control in rice crops and facilitating water-saving techniques like direct seeded rice (DSR).

Direct Seeded Rice Method

Direct-sown rice (DSR) is a modern method of rice cultivation in which seeds are directly sown into the field instead of transplanting seedlings from a nursery. It offers significant benefits for farmers, the environment, and the economy.

  • Historical Background: It is a traditional method of cultivating Basmati rice in the North Western Plains, including Punjab and Haryana. 
    • The Green Revolution popularized the water-intensive practice of transplanting rice, leading to ecological concerns.
  • DSR Innovations: Between 2014 and 2017, IARI Karnal developed the TAR-VATTAR technology for DSR. This innovation leverages climatic factors and effective herbicides like Pendimethalin to reduce costs and conserve water.
  • DSR Adoption and Impact: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, labor shortages led to a notable increase in Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) adoption in Punjab, demonstrating its effectiveness.
    • The Haryana government implemented DSR extensively, resulting in significant water conservation, with approximately 31,500 crore liters saved in 2022.

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ALS Gene

  • About: The newly developed varieties feature a mutated AcetoLactate Synthase (ALS) gene, enabling farmers to utilize Imazethapyr, a broad-spectrum herbicide, for weed control. 
  • Role of ALS: The ALS gene in rice is responsible for synthesizing amino acids crucial for crop growth and development.
    • When sprayed on regular rice plants, the herbicide attaches to the ALS enzymes, preventing them from producing amino acids.

 

Paddy Transplantation vs Direct Seeding of Rice

  • Paddy Transplantation: In paddy transplantation, farmers first sow paddy seeds in nurseries, which typically cover 5-10% of the total transplantation area. 
    • After 25-35 days, these seedlings are uprooted from the nursery and replanted in puddled fields.
  • Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR): In Direct-sown rice (DSR), pre-germinated seeds are directly drilled into the field using a tractor-powered machine. 
    • This method does not require nursery preparation or transplantation. Farmers only need to level their land and provide one pre-sowing irrigation.

Benefits of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR)

  • Labor Reduction: By employing drum seeders, only two laborers are necessary to sow seeds on one acre, as opposed to the 25-30 laborers required in traditional methods. 
    • This substantially cuts labor expenses and alleviates the workload for farmers.
  • Herbicide-Tolerant Basmati Rice: ICAR has introduced commercially available non-genetically modified (non-GM) herbicide-tolerant (Ht) basmati rice varieties. 
    • These varieties enable the direct application of the herbicide Imazethapyr, facilitated by a mutated ALS gene.
  • Time and Resource Efficiency: By eliminating the requirement for nursery cultivation, farmers save around 30 days in the crop cycle. This enables them to commence the rabi season earlier and evade untimely rains during the harvesting phase.
  • Efficient & Yield-boosting: Scientific debate suggests that hand weeding at designated intervals (20 and 40 days after sowing) in Direct-Sown Rice (DSR) is more efficient and yield-boosting than employing Imazethapyr. 
    • ICAR’s investigations advocate for environmentally friendly hand weeding over recurrent herbicide use to manage weeds and increase seed yield.
  • Yield Enhancement: Based on research trials and field surveys conducted among farmers, this technique has led to an increase in yield by one to two quintals per acre compared to puddled transplanted rice.
  • Conservation of Water: The direct-seeding method diminishes water demands by approximately 15%, as water logging occurs only after a month. This is particularly advantageous in regions experiencing delayed rainfall.
  • Reduced Methane Emissions: A shorter flooding period and reduced soil disturbance in comparison to transplanting rice seedlings help decrease methane emissions.

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Challenges Associated With Direct Seeded Rice (DSR)

  • Yield and Pest Susceptibility Concerns: Farmers frequently voice concerns about Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) due to perceived lower crop yields compared to traditional transplanting methods.
    • Moreover, they identify heightened susceptibility to pests and insects in DSR crops as another challenge.
  • Weed Diversity and Concerns: Imazethapyr selectively targets certain broadleaf weeds (BLW), not all weed varieties. 
    • The emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds risks rice production and food security. 
    • Similar challenges have been observed with Bt-Cotton and resistance in pink bollworms.
  • Post-Harvest Facility Shortage: Inadequate post-harvest facilities hinder the rapid adoption of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR). Enhanced facilities are essential to efficiently handle and process DSR crops.
  • Climate Extremes: Extreme temperatures and inadequate rainfall may impact seed germination and crop growth.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research

  • Founding: Established on July 16, 1929, as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
  • Nodal Body: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) operates as an autonomous organization under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. 
  • Headquarters:  It is Headquartered in New Delhi.
  • Functions:  As the apex body, ICAR coordinates, guides, and manages research and education in agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, and animal sciences throughout the country.

 

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The discovery of living stromatolites on Sheybarah Island in Saudi Arabia is a big step forward in understanding Earth’s ancient history and the development of life.

What are Stromatolites?

Stromatolites are layers of limestone formed mainly by blue-green algae growth. They have thin, alternating light and dark layers and come in flat, hummocky, or dome shapes.

Stromatolites

  • Origins: Stromatolites were prevalent during the Precambrian era, over 542 million years ago. 
    • While most stromatolites are marine, some dating back more than 2 ½ billion years from Proterozoic strata are believed to have formed in intertidal zones, freshwater ponds, and lakes.
  • Formation: Stromatolite formation initiates with the growth of cyanobacteria on surfaces like rocks or sediment. 
    • As these microorganisms proliferate, they capture and bind sediment particles, accumulating organic material and minerals in layers. 
    • Gradually, these layers accumulate, resulting in the formation of characteristic dome-shaped or columnar structures.
  • Habitation: Stromatolites flourish most in Shark Bay, Western Australia, where high salt levels caused by evaporation discourage snails and other organisms from eating the algae, aiding their growth.

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Great Oxygenation Event

Around 2.4 billion years ago, cyanobacteria emitted oxygen into Earth’s oceans, enriching them with oxygen. Over time, the oxygen began escaping into the atmosphere, interacting with methane.

  • As oxygen release increased, methane was gradually displaced, and oxygen became a predominant component of the atmosphere.
  • This significant transition in Earth’s atmospheric composition is known as the Great Oxidation Event.
  • Role of Stromatolites: Stromatolites played a key role in the Great Oxygenation Event, significantly altering the Earth’s atmosphere by introducing oxygen. 
    • This oxygen initially eliminated competition for stromatolites, allowing them to dominate the Archean and early Proterozoic environments.

Significance of Stromatolites

  • Insights into Early Life: Stromatolites offer direct evidence of ancient microbial communities, shedding light on Earth’s early biosphere.
  • Environmental Reconstruction: They assist scientists in reconstructing past climates, ocean chemistry, and atmospheric conditions.
  • Astrobiological Significance: The study of ancient stromatolites contributes to the search for potential life on other planets, such as Mars.

Stromatolite Deposits in India

  • Vindhyan Supergroup (Central India): Rich in stromatolites, with some formations dating back 2.5 billion years.
  • Bhima Basin (Karnataka): Various stromatolite formations providing insights into ancient ecosystems.
  • Additional Sites: Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and the Himalayas also feature smaller stromatolite deposits.

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About Sheybarah Island

  • Environment of Sheybarah Island: Sheybarah Island features an intertidal to shallow subtidal environment.
    • It is characterized by frequent shifts between wet and dry conditions, wide temperature fluctuations ranging from 8°C to over 48°C, and nutrient-poor conditions similar to those in the Bahamas.
  • Diversity: The Sheybarah Island field comprises numerous stromatolites, ranging from fully developed textbook specimens to flat structures with minimal relief, potentially indicating early stages of formation.

Shark Bay

  • About: Shark Bay, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia. 
  • Natural Features: It has three exceptional natural features: 
    • It has vast sea-grass beds, which are the largest  and richest in the world
    • It has large dugong (‘sea cow’) population
    • It has  stromatolites (colonies of algae which form hard, dome-shaped deposits and are among the oldest forms of life on Earth).

 

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Research on the Cassini spacecraft did not find a galactic anomaly of the kind predicted in the MOND theory.

What is MOND theory? 

  • Propounded by: Israeli Physicist Mordehai Milgrom initiated a new research program in cosmology, called MOND (for MODified Newtonian Dynamics) or Milgromian dynamics, in 1983.
  • Basic Idea: Milgrom proposed a set of postulates in three papers describing how Newton’s laws of gravity and motion should be changed in regimes of very low acceleration.
    • Milgrom’s postulates were designed to explain the asymptotic flatness of galaxy rotation curves without the necessity of postulating the existence of “dark matter”
  • Aims: MOND seeks to replace Newtonian dynamics and general relativity to account for the ubiquitous mass discrepancies in the Universe without invoking the dark matter, an inherent part of the Newtonian Theory of Standard Dynamics.

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Limitations of the MOND theory

  • The Cassini Mission: Due to a quirk of MOND, the gravity from the rest of our galaxy should have caused Saturn’s orbit to deviate from the Newtonian expectation subtly,  But Cassini did not find any anomaly of the kind expected in MOND.
    • The timing of radio pulses between Earth and Cassini was tested, which allowed for the precise tracking of Saturn’s orbit.
    • Finding: The study found out that no matter how the calculations are tweaked,  given how MOND would have to work to fit with models for galaxy rotation, it cannot fit the Cassini radio tracking results.
  • A test provided by wide binary stars:  MOND predicted that Two stars that orbit a shared centre several thousand AU apart should orbit around each other 20% faster than expected with Newton’s laws.
    • But a detailed study rules out this prediction, with the chance of the MOND theory prevailing being the same as a fair coin landing heads up 190 times in a row.
  • Failure to explain small bodies in the distant outer Solar System: Comets coming in from there have a much narrower energy distribution than Mond predicts. 
    • These bodies also have orbits that are usually only slightly inclined to the plane that all the planets orbit close to. Mond would cause the inclinations to be much larger.
  • MOND theory also fails on scales larger than galaxies and is unable to explain the motions within galaxy clusters.
  • Gravity Anomaly: MOND cannot provide enough gravity either, at least in the central regions of galaxy clusters. However, on their outskirts, MOND provides too much gravity. 

Significance

  • Dynamics of individual galaxies: MOND predicts quite accurately the observed dynamics of individual galaxies of all types (from dwarf to giant spirals, ellipticals, dwarf spheroidals, etc.), and of galaxy groups, based only on the distribution of visible matter (and no dark matter).
  • General Laws of galactic dynamics: MOND’s basic tenets predicted the general laws of galactic dynamics (with some additional, plausible, non-MOND-specific requirements) are well obeyed by the data, with a0 appearing in these laws in different, independent roles.
  • MOND has unearthed a number of unsuspected laws of galactic dynamics, predicting them a priori, and leading to their subsequent tests and verification with data of ever increasing quality. 
    • One of these phenomenological laws is the baryonic Tully-Fisher relation, which is underlain by the MOND mass-asymptotic-speed relation (MASR)
  • New Tools: MOND, as a set of new laws, affords new tools for astronomical measurements, such as of masses and distances of far away objects in ways not afforded by standard dynamics.

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Cassini Spacecraft

  • Project Agency: The Cassini probe is a joint endeavour of NASA, the European Space Agency, or ESA, and the Italian Space Agency.
  • Launch year: Cassini was launched in 1997 along with ESA’s Huygens probe.
  • Type: Orbiter, Flyby Spacecraft
  • Path: The spacecraft studied Jupiter for six months in 2000 before reaching its destination, Saturn, in 2004 and starting a string of flybys of Saturn’s moons.
    • Huygens probe:  The  Huygens probe on Saturn’s moon Titan in 2004  to study the moon’s atmosphere and surface composition.
  • Aim: It was a keystone for the exploration of the Saturnian system and the properties of gaseous planets in our solar system.
  • Cassini Solstice Mission: It is the second extended mission. Cassini made the first observations of a complete seasonal period for Saturn and its moons, flew between the rings and descended into the planet’s atmosphere in 2017.

 

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In the latest QS World University Ranking 2025, the University of Delhi moved up 79 places, from 407 last year to 328 in 2024. 

Key Highlights QS World University Ranking 2025

Within India, the university’s rank improved from ninth to seventh. Delhi University excels in Employment Outcomes and ranks 44th globally with a high score of 96.0, showing strong employability for its graduates.

QS World University Ranking 2025

About QS World University Rankings

The QS World University Rankings are published annually by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). It was Initially collaborated with Times Higher Education (THE) magazine to produce the Times Higher Education–QS World University Rankings in 2004.

  • In 2009, two organizations separated and started  producing  independent university rankings. 
    • The QS World University Rankings 
    • The World University Rankings.
  • These rankings assess the performance and quality of universities on a global scale.

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Factors Considered for QS World University Rankings

  • Academic reputation
  • Faculty-student ratio
  • employer reputation
  • sustainability, 
  • International research network
  • citations per faculty
  • International faculty ratio
  • International student ratio
  • Employment outcomes

 

  • QS’s rankings portfolio include various other rankings

    • QS World University Rankings
    • QS World University Rankings by Subject
    • Regional rankings (Asia, Latin America, Europe, Central Asia, and the Arab Region)
    • MBA rankings
    • QS Best Student Cities rankings
  • New rankings

    • QS World University Rankings: Sustainability (2022)
    • QS World University Rankings: Europe (2023)

QS World University Rankings 2025 for India

Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) continue to dominate the top ranks for India in the QS World University Rankings 2025

Rankings of different universities

  • Top Performers
    • IIT Bombay (1) 
    • IIT Delhi (2)
    • Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore (3)
    • IIT Kharagpur (IIT-KGP) (4)
    • IIT Madras  (5)

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Why do IITs Lead the Way in Rankings?

Reasons as to why IITs consistently rank higher than Delhi University (DU) in national and international university rankings. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Focus and Specialization: IITs are specialized institutes that mainly focus on Science and Engineering. 
    • This concentrated focus allows them to excel in these specific fields, which are heavily emphasized in most university ranking metrics.
  • Diversity of Education: DU, on the other hand, offers a much wider range of subjects, including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, and Medicine, besides Science and Technology. 
    • While this diversity caters to a broader range of students, it makes it difficult for DU to compete with the laser focus of IITs in their specific domains.

In simpler terms, IITs specialize in areas that are heavily weighted in university rankings, while DU’s strength lies in its well-rounded approach to education.

 

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The use of Meropenem drug can cause adverse reactions as per The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC).

IPC Warns of Severe Reactions to Meropenem Drug, Calls for Regulation of Antibiotics

The  Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has found that using Meropenem can lead to adverse reactions in patients in the form of Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP), a severe drug related reaction, and can be life threatening. It is advised that doctors and patients exercise caution while using the drug.

  • The IPC’s drug safety alert analyzed adverse drug reactions from Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) database revealing  that Meropenem drug causes adverse drug reaction.
  • Regulation of Antibiotics: Drugs Controller General of India has directed states/UT governments to keep a close watch on the sale of inappropriate antibiotic combinations which should be banned immediately. 
    • Prevention: It has further instructed the officials to prevent the spread of  these cocktail drugs into the market.
    • The regulator has sought a detailed report of licensed antibiotics available for sale from the drug controllers in the state.

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Schedule-H drugs

  • Legal Provision: Schedule-H drug is a class of prescription drugs in India  mentioned in Schedule-H to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 as framed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
  • About: These medicines contain a very high alcoholic influence and are used to treat some serious diseases like heart diseases, anxiety disorders and other diseases.
  • Prescription sale: Schedule H warrants retail sale of the medicine only against a valid prescription by a Registered Medical Practitioner only.
  • Schedule H list at present contains 510 drugs.
    • Schedule H1: It was introduced in 2013 in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 as a new class of prescription drugs containing certain 3rd and 4th generation antibiotics, certain habit forming drugs and anti-TB drugs. 

About Meropenem Drug

Meropenem Drug is a carbapenem antibiotic manufactured by Pfizer and is available under various brand names in India. Pfizer’s meropenem drug formulation already contains a safety alert for acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) on its pack.

  • Mechanism of Action: Meropenem penetrates bacterial cells and interferes with the synthesis of vital cell wall components, which leads to cell death.
  • Schedule H: The medicine falls under the schedule H and H1 of the drugs and cosmetic rules, 1945 and required to be sold by retail only under the prescription by a doctor.
  • Prescribed for Infections: The medication is largely prescribed for the treatment of pneumonia, UTI, intra-abdominal infection, skin infection, meningitis, septicaemia and gynecological infections etc.

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Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) 

  • Nodal Ministry: It is an Autonomous institution fully financed by the Central Government under the administrative control of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • Established: The Commission has become fully operational from 1st January, 2009 
  • Chairman: The Secretary of the  Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • Mandate:  It is to perform  functions such as revision and publication of the Indian Pharmacopoeia and National formulary of India on a regular basis besides providing IP Reference Substances and training to the stakeholders on Pharmacopoeial issues.
  • Functions:
    • Publications: Timely publication of the Indian Pharmacopoeia, the official book of standards for drug included therein, in terms of the Second Schedule to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 
    • Establishing Standards: To  specify the standards of identity, purity and strength of the drugs imported, manufactured for sale, stocked or exhibited for sale or distributed in India.
    • Pharmacovigilance Programme of India: It  is Government of India’s drug safety monitoring programme, which collects, collates and analyses drug-related adverse events and send recommendations to Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for taking appropriate regulatory actions.

Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis

Meropenem Drug

  • About: AGEP is an uncommon pustular drug eruption characterized by superficial pustules and is usually classified as a severe cutaneous adverse reaction (SCAR) to a prescribed drug. It is also called toxic pustuloderma.
  • Incidence Rate: It is estimated to be about  3–5 cases per million population per year.
  • Causes: Close to 90% of cases of AGEP are a result of adverse reactions to a medication,  most often beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins).
    • Other drugs: tetracyclines, sulfonamides, quinolones, oral antifungals, particularly terbinafine, calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem, hydroxychloroquine, carbamazepine, and paracetamol.
  • AGEP is associated with IL36RN gene mutations.

 

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Recently, the Telugu Desam Party Chief has demanded a Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh.

About Special Category Status (SCS)

Special Category Status (SCS) is a designation the central government provides to aid states with geographical and socio-economic challenges.

  • Origin: ​​In 1969, the Fifth Finance Commission of India introduced the SCS mechanism to assist certain states in their development and fast-tracking growth if they faced historical economic or geographical disadvantages. 
  • Constitutionality: The Constitution does not include a provision for Special Category Status.
    • The National Development Council of the former Planning Commission previously granted Special Category Status for plan assistance.
  • States with SCS: The status was first granted to Jammu, Kashmir, Assam, and Nagaland in 1969.  Eleven states, including Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Uttarakhand were granted this status
    • Telangana received it after being carved from Andhra Pradesh.
  • Criteria: Difficult and hilly terrain, low population density and/ or a sizable tribal population, strategic location along borders, economic and infrastructural backwardness, and non-viable nature of state finances were typically considered to accord SCS.
  • Abolition: The 14th Finance Commission abolished most states ‘special category status’, retaining it only for the Northeastern states and three hill states.

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Concerns Regarding Special Category Status

  • Disagreement over Criteria: States disagree on the criteria for awarding Special Category Status (SCS). 
    • For Example: Uttarakhand, a Himalayan state bordering China, was granted SCS, while Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh were not awarded the same status despite lagging behind Uttarakhand in various growth indicators.
  • Inter-State Disparities: Providing special status to specific states could raise concerns about unequal economic and social structures, potentially exacerbating inter-state disparities.
  • Promotes Fiscal Irresponsibility: Debt-swapping and debt-relief initiatives indirectly incentivize states to exceed their capacity for servicing debt, resulting in prolonged liabilities. 
    • For instance, in Jammu and Kashmir, outstanding guarantees represent 20% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), while in Himachal Pradesh, it stands at 10%.
  • Demand Chain Reaction: Giving special status to one state often prompts others to seek the same, leading to a series of requests and reducing the intended benefits.

Special Provisions States under Article 371 of the Indian Constitution

  • Article 371: It assigns specific duties to the Governors of Maharashtra and Gujarat,
  • Article 371A: It grants special status to Nagaland, prohibiting Parliament from legislating on matters concerning Naga religion, social practices, customary law, land rights, and civil and criminal justice without the state assembly’s consent.
  • Article 371B: It addresses Assam, empowering the President to oversee the Constitution and functioning of a Legislative Assembly committee comprising tribal members, enacted in 1969.
  • Article 371C: It pertains to Manipur, establishing a committee of legislators from the Hill Areas to which the Governor must submit an annual report on administration.
  • Articles 371D and E: They offer special provisions for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, allowing the President to issue orders ensuring equitable opportunities in public employment and education across different regions of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Article 371F: It  provides special status to Sikkim, safeguarding existing laws, customs, and rights of its people.
  • Article 371G: It  applies to Mizoram, preserving religious, social practices, customary law, administration of justice, and land ownership and transfer in Mizoram.
  • Article 371H: It confers special responsibility on the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh regarding law and order.
  • Article 371I: It  pertains to Goa, mandating the Legislative Assembly to consist of at least 30 members.
  • Article 371J: It accords special status to the Hyderabad-Karnataka Region (Kalyana Karnataka), necessitating the establishment of a separate development board for the area.

Reasons for Abolishing Special Category Status Since 2014

  • Enhanced Devolution: The 14th Finance Commission raised the vertical devolution to states to 42%, up from 32% in the 13th Finance Commission.
  • Revised Formula: The 14th Finance Commission introduced factors such as “Forest and ecology” into the formula for horizontal devolution, so states with hilly and challenging terrain might see an uptick in devolution from the central government.
  • Additional Grants: Apart from tax devolution, the Finance Commission recommends grants for local bodies, disaster management, revenue deficit, and other specified areas outlined in the government’s Terms of Reference.
  • Special Assistance: The central government extends support to states through mechanisms such as GST compensation to offset any tax revenue losses incurred due to the adoption of the GST system and interest-free loans for capital expenditure, lasting up to 50 years.

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Benefits of Special Category Status

  • Central Assistance Allocation: Previously, the Gadgil-Mukherjee formula allocated approximately 30% of total central assistance to Special Category Status (SCS) States. 
    • However, recommendations from the 14th and 15th Finance Commissions resulted in this allocation being integrated into an expanded divisible pool of funds for all states, increasing to 41% in the 15th Finance Commission.
  • Funding: In Special Category Status (SCS) States, the division of Centre-State funding for centrally sponsored schemes favoured a ratio of 90:10, compared to 70% in non-SCS states.
  • Continuity of Unspent Funds: Special category states enjoyed the provision where unspent funds in a fiscal year would not expire but instead be carried forward to the subsequent fiscal year.
  • Incentives: Special Category Status (SCS) States receive various benefits, such as concessions in customs and excise duties, reduced income tax rates, and corporate tax rates aimed at attracting investments for establishing new industries.
    • Additionally, SCS states have utilized debt-swapping and debt-relief schemes to their advantage.

Why is Andhra Pradesh Demanding Special Category Status?

  • Bifurcation of the State: Since its division in 2014, Andhra Pradesh has sought Special Category Status, citing revenue loss resulting from the transfer of Hyderabad to Telangana.
  • Higher Grant-in-Aid: SCS would mean higher grants-in-aid to the state government from the Centre. 
    • To illustrate, per capita grants to Special Category States is Rs 5,573 crore per year, whereas AP receives only Rs 3,428 crore. 
  • Increase Employment: The governments of AP have argued that such special incentives are vital for the rapid industrialisation of the primarily agrarian state and would improve employment opportunities for the youth and the overall development of the state.
  • Encouraging Investments: Granting SCS would encourage investments in speciality hospitals, five-star hotels, manufacturing industries, high-value service industries such as IT, and premier institutions of higher education and research.

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The UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Government of Barbados have recently organized the United Nations Global Supply Chain Forum 2024. 

Key Highlights on UN Global Supply Chain Forum 2024

UN Global Supply Chain Forum 2024

  • Key Issue Discussed: The UN Global Supply Chain Forum 2024 highlighted important issues such as issues of climate change, geopolitical tensions, climate change, and their impact on global trade.  
  • Key highlight of the Forum:
    • Launch of  “Manifesto for Intermodal, Low-Carbon, Efficient and Resilient Freight Transport and Logistics.”
  • Achievements: This forum’s significant achievement was the launch of the UN Trade and Development Trade-and-Transport Dataset.
    • It was developed in collaboration with the World Bank.

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About Global Supply Chain Forum

Global supply chain forum is a platform where experts, policymakers, and industry leaders discuss and address challenges related to global supply chains.

India’s related Supply Resilience Initiative

  • In 2021, India initiated a supply chain resilience initiative.
    • It was a trilateral agreement. 
  • Objective: The main aim of this step was to counter China’s influence and promotion of more balanced order. 
  • This initiative was aligned with  broader security discussions among the Quad nations.
    • These quad nations are India, Australia, Japan, and the United States
  • Objective: To find sustainable practices to reduce carbon emissions, minimize waste, and promote ethical sourcing.
  • Policy recommendations: This forum also helps recommend policies to governments and organizations across various nations to improve supply chain resilience and sustainability.

Global Supply Chain

Global Supply Chain is an international network a business uses to produce products or services. It is focused on manufacturing and distribution steps.

UN Global Supply Chain Forum 2024

  • Components: The global supply chain comprises employees, necessary information and resources, and tools for complying with government regulations.
    • However, it excludes Research and development or marketing teams. 

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Factors Causing Disruptions of Global Supply Chain

The forum highlighted several factors that contribute to the disruptions in global supply chains:

  • Climate Change: The effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events, are disrupting transportation and logistics networks.
  • Geopolitical Tensions: Political instability around the world is creating uncertainty and hindering international trade.
  • COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic’s lingering effects continue to cause disruptions in production, transportation, and labor markets.

Ways to Increase Resilience of Global Supply Chains

The forum emphasized the need for a multi-pronged approach to building stronger and more resilient supply chains:

  • Sustainable Practices: Use of sustainable practices such as more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient production and distribution networks can play a major role in increasing resilience. 
    • For example: Incentivizing low- or zero-carbon fuels 
  • Decarbonization of Shipping: A focus on decarbonizing global shipping, particularly in developing countries with abundant renewable energy resources, is crucial.
    • It will help in establishing safety frameworks for new fuels
  • Investment in Green Technologies: Increased international financial support and investment in green and sustainable technologies for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are necessary to enhance their energy efficiency and combat marine pollution.
  • Improved Connectivity: Strategic investments in maritime and air transport infrastructure are needed to improve connectivity and efficiency within and between SIDS and global markets.
  • Digitalization: Utilizing digital technologies like blockchain-enabled traceability and advanced customs automation systems can optimize trade facilitation, increase transparency, and reduce operational risks.
  • Port Modernization: Upgrading ports to become intermodal hubs that integrate energy and digital capabilities can significantly enhance global supply chain resilience.

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Recently, the High Court of Karnataka directed the prison authorities to release a convict on parole for 30 days to fulfill wife’s conjugal right to have progeny.

Court grants murder convict 30-day parole over wife’s right to progeny

The court treated it as an extraordinary circumstance and gave liberty to the husband to seek an extension of general parole, which the prison authorities should consider looking at the convict’s conduct while he is out on parole. 

About Parole

Parole is a conditional release of a prisoner who has served part of the period for which he was condemned to jail.

  • The release is conditional, usually subject to behavior, and requires periodic reporting to the authorities for a set period of time. Parole is considered a reformative process. 
  • Parole may be denied to a prisoner even when he makes out a sufficient case, if the competent authority is satisfied that releasing the convict would not be in the interest of society.
  • In Sunil Fulchand Shah v. Union of India (2000), the Supreme Court said explicitly that parole does not amount to suspension of sentence.
  • In the Election Commission of India vs. Mukhtar Ansari (2017) case, the Delhi High Court declared that custody parole cannot be used as a substitute for bail and cannot be extended for long periods of time or for daily visits.

What are Conjugal Rights?

Conjugal rights refer to the mutual rights and privileges between two individuals arising from the state of being married. 

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    • These rights include mutual rights of companionship, support, comfort, sexual relations, affection, joint property rights, and similar rights.
  • Applicability: The law recognises these conjugal rights in personal laws dealing with marriage, divorce, etc, and in criminal law requiring payment of maintenance and alimony to a spouse.
  • Recognition: 
    • Section 9 of the Hindu Marriage Act recognises one aspect of conjugal rights — the right to consortium and protects it by allowing a spouse to move to court to enforce the right. 
      • Right of the Consortium: It is a mutual right that is equally available to both husband and wife. 
        • Either a wife or husband can invoke this right, if one of them is deprived of the benefit of another spouse’s society (means companionship and all the relations related to a spouse through another spouse).
    • Similar provisions exist in Muslim personal law and the Divorce Act, 1869, which governs Christian family law.

What are Conjugal Visits? 

In the context of prisons, conjugal visits refer to the concept of allowing a prisoner to spend some time in privacy with his spouse within the precincts of a jail. 

  • Recognition: Prisoner rights are internationally recognised through the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights etc. 
    • Through such instruments, prisoners are guaranteed the right to life and inherent dignity. 
    • The right to maintain family relations including conjugal visits are included in these treaties. 
    • Most prison Acts and Rules across the country accept the importance of maintenance of continuity in family and social relations.
  • Need: It is often argued that conjugal visits can have positive impacts in the form of psychological health benefits for prisoners, preservation of marital ties and, reduction in the rates of homosexuality and sexual aggression within prisons. 
    • It is also argued that conjugal visits are a fundamental right of the spouses of the prisoners. 

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Associated Judicial Views

  • Sunil Batra vs Delhi Administration, 1979: This case clarified that prisoners retain the right to approach the Court if their fundamental rights are infringed upon, even after conviction.
    • This case affirmed the judicial authority under Articles 32 and 226 of the Constitution to address cases where fundamental rights are violated. 
  • Jasvir Singh vs State of Punjab: The High Court of Punjab and Haryana held that this right to conjugality is available to prisoners under Article 21, subject to restrictions. 
    • In this case, a couple convicted of murder and on death row made a petition to the court to enforce their right to procreate. The primary question before the law was whether the right to conjugality and procreation is a part of the right to life. 
  • Case of Meharaj vs State, 2022: The Madras HC, while considering whether conjugal rights form part of the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed by Article 21, observed that there have to be differential standards in enforcing Article 21 for law-abiding and law violators. 
    • The Court observed that even though conjugal visits could not be held as a fundamental right, the prisoner would still be eligible to avail leave for conjugal visits if there are ‘extraordinary reasons’ such as ‘infertility treatments.’

Rukhmabai & Restitution of Conjugal Rights

Dr. Rukhmabai was an Indian physician and feminist and is best known for being one of the first practicing women doctors in colonial India.

  • Case of Dadaji Bhikaji vs Rukhmabai, 1885: The concept of restitution of conjugal rights faced its first legal test in this case.
    • Rukhmabai was married to Dadaji Bhikaji at the age of 11. However, she stayed at the house of her widowed mother after her marriage. In 1885, Bhikaji asked for “restitution of conjugal rights”. 
  • Judgment: Justice said that Rukhmabai was a young woman and was married off in helpless infancy and therefore cannot be forced.
    • The Rukhmabai Case continued for 4 years until Dadaji was compensated in 1888, outside of court. The case was instrumental in the drafting of the Age of Consent Act in 1891.

 

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Around the world, cities are growing and urban areas are becoming more densely populated — creating new opportunities and challenges for road mobility and safety

Road Infrastructure in India

Road Infrastructure in India

  • Road Network: India has the second largest road network in the world after the US, with about 66.71 lakh km of roads as of January 2024. 
    • India has significantly expanded its road infrastructure. India has a mere 5.13 km of road length per 1,000 people while China has a mere 3.6 km of roads per 1,000 people.The US has more than 20 km of road length per 1,000 people. 
  • Road Infrastructure in India The length of various categories of roads is as under:
    • National Highways: 1,46,145 km
    • State Highways: 1,79,535 km
    • Other Roads: 63,45,403 km
  • Road Density: It is the length of road per 1000 sq. km of area and it varies across the country.
    • In the fiscal year 2019, Chandigarh UT, has the highest road density in India, exceeding 22.6 thousand kilometers per one thousand square kilometers. 
    • Among states Kerala, ranks first with 6.7 thousand km per one thousand square kilometers.
  • Budget Allocation: The annual budgetary allocation of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has been steadily increasing for the last several years, with the last year seeing a 25% jump. 
    • Road Infrastructure in India After revising the allocation for the previous year to ₹1.67 lakh crore, it is now ₹1.68 lakh crore for the 2024-25 fiscal year, benefiting the state-owned National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
    • As per the ICRA, the Indian arm of the Fitch ratings agency, India is expected to maintain current road construction momentum, adding up to 13,000 kilometers in the 12 months through March 2025, an annual increase of 5-8%.
  • Road Infrastructure in India Employment Generation: A 10% increase in road infrastructure would lead to a 4.3% increase in employment directly and indirectly.
  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): 100% FDI in roads and highways is allowed under automatic route.

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  • Mobility on Roads: It is a crucial aspect of modern society, enabling people to access essential services, engage in economic activities, and connect with others. 
    • The way roads are designed, built, and managed has a significant impact on people’s accessibility and mobility, safety, and the environment.
  • Usage: Road transport carries about 87% of India’s total passenger traffic and more than 60% of its freight.
  • Achievement: India has achieved significant milestones in infrastructure development, including the inauguration of the world’s longest highway tunnel, the Atal Tunnel, and the construction of the world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge. 

Road Infrastructure in India

Government Initiatives for Improvement of Road Infrastructure in India

  • Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): This project was initiated in 2001 to provide connectivity to unconnected Habitations as part of a poverty reduction strategy.
  • Bharat New Car Assessment Programme: It has launched for safety rating of passenger cars and empowering consumers to take informed decisions
  • PM Gati Shakti Scheme: It was inaugurated in 2021 and aims to ensure integrated planning and implementation of infrastructure projects in the next four years, with focus on expediting works on the ground, saving costs and creating jobs.
  • Bharatmala Scheme: It aims to connect, improve and decongest the highways and road network of India. Bharatmala project map depicts the interconnected economic corridors, Inter corridors, feeder routes, Expressways and National Highways.
  • Road Infrastructure in India India Sustainable Mobility Initiative: To provide efficient mobility for the 200 million new urban dwellers expected by 2030 and mitigate the use of private vehicles and GHG emissions, India must achieve a dramatic increase in high quality rapid transit and improvements in walking and cycling infrastructure and urban development patterns. 
  • Delinking Road Development and Direct Employment: This resulted in labor intensive means of construction, putting a cap on the quality of roads. It was only in the late 90s when this mindset changed and the use of capital-intensive high-tech road making equipment was brought in. 
  • Creation of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI): It became operational in February 1995 to directly drive the development of National Highways. 
  • Creation of State-Level Road Development Corporations: With the creation of NHAI, many states also brought changes in their organizational structure for road development and delinked the state expressway projects from their Public Works Department (PWD). Maharashtra was the first state to set up the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited.
  • National Highways Development Project (NHDP): It was started in 1998 and  consequently grew to seven phases involving a total length of 49,260 km. 
    • In 2018, most of the NHDP was completed and the remaining works were subsumed under the larger Bharatmala Pariyojana. 
  • Focus on Rural Roads through Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): PMGSY has been one of the most successful projects in India. The success of PMGSY has also encouraged projects like the Mukhya Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (MMGSY) in many states. 
    • Due to interventions like PMGSY, rural roads today constitute over 70% of the road infrastructure in India.
  • Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Viability Gap Funding (VGF): PPP investments were increased through the introduction of financial/project models like the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to reduce the financial risks of private players in road development. 
  • Evolution of the Model Concession Agreement (MCA): The first MCA for the road sector was brought in 2000 and has evolved over time for better allocation of risk between the PPP player and the development authorities.
  • New Contracting Models and Asset Monetisation: Apart from the Classical tendering through the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) or the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT), several new contracting models have emerged. 
    • Example: Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) and Toll, Operate and Transfer (TOT) and the Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InVITs).
  • Road Infrastructure in India Technological Innovations:
    • New Road Making Technologies: With the roll out of the NHDP, the import of the road-making equipment was brought under the open general license to ease their procurement process. 
      • Further, steps have been taken for enhanced Technology Transfer in the road making equipment. 
      • New and environmentally sustainable materials like fly ash, steel slag etc. are being used in road development.
    • Introduction of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC): ETC has been  introduced to reduce the toll collection time and traffic congestions at the toll Plazas. 

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Challenges that Need to be Tackled 

  • Deteriorating Quality of Road Infrastructure: The deteriorating quality of existing road infrastructure results in more accidents, lower fuel efficiency and higher pollution. 
  • Driving smoothly in a range of 60-80 km per hour results in the best fuel efficiency. 
  • With commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, India has also committed to reduce its count of road-related accidents (which is among the highest in the world) accounting for 11% of global deaths every year in road mishaps—by about half by 2030.
    • India’s intra-city vehicle speed is among the lowest in the world. The significantly reduced fuel efficiency at these speeds would result in more fossil-fuel burning and hence more greenhouse gas and other emissions that constitute air pollution.
  • Environmental & Health Impact: The transport sector is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, at 14% of the total in 2018, as estimated, nearly four-fifths of it from road transport. 
      • The sector also accounts for a major proportion of urban air pollution; pollution-related deaths numbered 1.67 million in 2019. The road transport sector also contributes to mental stress and anxiety.
    • Road Infrastructure in India Of the 30 most polluted cities in the world, 21 were found to be in India in 2019. 
      • Also, at least 140 million people in India—largely the poor—breathe air that is 10 times or more over the World Health Organization safe limit (with over a quarter of it caused by vehicles).
  • Inadequate Attention to Design and Planning: Inadequate attention to the design, engineering and planning for road projects resulting in congestion and enormous environmental and resource impacts at every level. 
    • Example: The Delhi-Gurgaon and Dwarka Expressway are witnessing horrific accidents within months of inauguration involving pedestrians and smaller vehicles. 
      • As the investment plans did not find it necessary to provide any cross-over points for pedestrians or for smaller 2- and 3-wheeled vehicles.
      • These projects are also prime examples of shifting choke-points. 
  • Road Capacity and Congestion: In terms of mobility demand management, there is a paradox of road transport. Capacity additions have to happen speedily just to stay in the same place and easing congestion gets harder as demand rises.
    • Bengaluru, a Hub of Congestion is known as India’s Silicon Valley, grapples with severe traffic congestion, earning the 3rd position in the TomTom Traffic Index 2024 for metro regions. 
    • While toll charges for new expressways are a deterrent to trucks using these facilities, climate and air pollution concerns should have been driving these towards public and rail transportation modes.
    • Also, de-bottlenecking attempts like odd-even schemes within cities merely result in higher ownership of vehicles.
  • Neglect of Demand Management & Strategies: Industry and other associated stakeholders play an important role in demand management and unfortunately they continue to get a free pass at the expense of poorer commuters.
    • However, a focus on demand management would be a much more cost- and environmental- effective way of providing mobility services. 
  • Lack of Focus on Safety: Lack of focus on road designs and construction practices are the biggest causes of unsafe roads in India. 
    • Lack of buffer lanes, low number of crash barriers, lack of scientific signage, etc., are few unsafe practices. 
  • Lack of Origin to Destination (OD) Data: There is lack of use of OD data (means traffic flow data while planning the road development projects). 
    • The OD data must be integrated with the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC).
  • Less Attention to Urban Roads: India’s urban roads have not been getting enough attention as the rural roads. This results in low speeds in ban areas, leading to significant wastage of time and poor first/last mile connectivity. 
    • Further, urban goods movement is treated poorly, parking is a significant issue and also there are coordination issues with urban public transport.
  • Disputes with the PPP Players & the Authority: Significant time and energy is wasted in disputes between the PPP players and the authority. 
    • There are two-lane highways waiting to be made into four-lanes but cannot proceed due to contractual conflicts. Projects get delayed, leading to significant user inconvenience. 

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Way Forward

  • Ensuring Safe Road Designs: There is a need to ensure that the road designs are compatible with the Indian Roads Congress Standards. 
    • Also the material testing facilities must be enhanced at the construction site. 
  • Use of Innovative Technology: Use of technologies like sensors are required to monitor traffic flows, intelligent transport systems and smart road infrastructure will improve the road safety and efficiency.
  • Focus on Road Maintenance: The government needs to prioritize regular maintenance of roads like resurfacing, pothole filling and drainage system maintenance.
  • Rise in Investment: The government needs to explore options like road bonds, green bonds for highway development. 
    • The sector should be made financially lucrative to draw maximum FDI inflows.
  • Incorporation of Lane Capacity Measurement while Measuring Road Capacity: As more and more multiple-lane roads get constructed, it is important to focus on the measurement of lane kilometers rather than road kilometers. 
  • Increased Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): It is desirable and required to finance, design, construct, and operate infrastructure projects.
  • Effective Regulation: The government can establish and enforce effective regulations to ensure the quality and safety of infrastructure projects.
    • Regulations can set standards for the quality of materials, safety requirements, such as fire safety, evacuation plans, and accessibility standards that ensure the safety of the public and the workers involved in the project.
    • Independent inspection and testing should be done in an effective and strict manner.
    • Regulations should be followed in terms of environment point of view such as adoption of more e-vehicles (Bharat series (BH-series) of vehicle registration), enhancement in Type Approval of Compressed Gaseous Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles and strict punishment on violation of regulations.
  • Time for Sustainable Transformation by adopting Cycling: 
    • Reduction in Traffic Congestion: The number of cars on the road is declining as more people choose to ride bicycles and hence travel times and congestion will reduce with the improved traffic flow.
    • Reduction in Harmful Emissions: Bicycles have no emissions and would be a better, cleaner, and healthier option.
      • Cycling is a great way to increase cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses like diabetes and obesity, and enhance mental health too.
    • Space Efficiency: Even in terms of space requirement, bicycles are far more efficient as it liberates significant space for parks, pedestrian areas, or infrastructure related to public transportation.
      • The Netherlands is recognized worldwide as a leading cycling-friendly country. 
      • Adopting the first pan-European Master Plan for Cycling Promotion in 2021, it set a historic milestone for Europe on the way to a climate neutral mobility system. 
        • As per the Master Plan, cycling brings a triple benefit to societies: boosting the local economy with more green jobs, increasing people’s health and actively protecting the climate.

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