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The Union Home Ministry announced that the ongoing online process for nominations and recommendations for the Padma Awards 2025 will conclude on September 15.

About Padma Awards

• The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honors of India announced annually on the eve of Republic Day.
• It is provided in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
  • The ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is given to people who have done outstanding and remarkable service. 
  • The ‘Padma Bhushan’ is awarded for excellent service of a high order. 
  • The ‘Padma Shri’ is given to those who have shown great service in different fields.
• Eligibility: Individuals from all backgrounds, irrespective of race, occupation, position, or gender, can qualify for these awards. 
• Nevertheless, government employees, excluding doctors and scientists, are not eligible, including those employed in public sector undertakings (PSUs).
• Fields Recognized: Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, Science & Engineering, Trade & Industry, Medicine, Literature & Education, Civil Service, Sports.
• Padma Awards Selection Process
  • Padma Awards are granted based on recommendations from the annually formed Padma Awards Committee appointed by the Prime Minister.
  • The public can participate in the nomination process, including the option of self-nomination.

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Some Important Facts About Padma Awards

• Award does not amount to  title under Article 18(1): Article 18(1) abolishes all titles and prohibits the state from conferring titles on any individual, whether they are a citizen or a non-citizen.
  • Padma Awards are not prohibited under Article 18 because these honors do not confer any special legal status or privileges
  • They are meant to acknowledge and encourage excellence and service in various fields, contributing to national development and pride.
• The total number of awards to be given in a year (excluding posthumous awards and to NRI/foreigners/OCIs) should not be more than 120.
• A higher category of Padma award can be conferred on a person only where a period of at least five years has elapsed since the conferment of the earlier Padma award. 
  • However, in highly deserving cases, a relaxation can be made by the Awards Committee.
• The awards are presented by the President of India every year, and the awardees are presented a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion.

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Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs has directed Union Territories to ensure that ‘zero FIRs’ recorded in local languages carry a translated copy if forwarded to states where different languages are used.

About Zero FIR

The term FIR is not defined in the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, or in any other law, but in police regulations or rules, information recorded under Section 154 of CrPC is known as FIR.

• Refers: An FIR that can be registered at any police station irrespective of jurisdiction or the area where the crime was committed, in case of cognisable offenses. 
  • It is then sent to the police station concerned, which could even be in another state, for re-registration as a regular FIR.
• Origin of Zero FIR: The provision of Zero FIR was established based on the recommendation on the report of the Justice Verma Committee.
  • The Justice Verma Committee was formed after the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape case.
• Purpose of Zero FIR: To provide speedy redressal to the victim so that timely action can be taken after the filing of the FIR.
• Boundation: Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which replaced the CrPC, police are now bound to register a ‘zero FIR’.

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India hosted the third edition of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting with Kenya in New Delhi on September 3, 2024.

Bilateral Defense Cooperation Between India and Kenya

• Memorandum of Understanding: India and Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation in July 2016,  providing a legal framework to cooperate in various areas of defense.
• Joint Defence Cooperation Committee: It discusses the defense cooperation issues between the countries holistically.
• Aid: India gifted 30 Field Ambulances to the Kenya Defence Forces to support its role in combat duties. 
• Maritime Cooperation: In 2023, both countries issued a ‘Joint Vision Statement on Maritime Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region – “BAHARI”
  • India has also carried out joint hydrographic surveys along with Kenyan officials in Kenyan waters in 2013 and 2014
• Training: Training courses are offered to Kenya Defence Forces personnel each year in several military institutions and Indian officers also visit the kenyan institutes on deputation.
• Areas of Cooperation: Both countries are increasing their cooperation across sectors such as the defence production, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism, cyber security, anti-money laundering, small arms and light weapons, drugs, and human trafficking.
• Military exchanges: Delegations from both countries regularly pay official visits and study tours to imbibe best practices.
  • Ships of the Indian Navy regularly pay goodwill visits to Mombasa.

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Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) have developed an affordable method to remove toxic chromium from industrial wastewater.

More on News

• Use of Sunlight: Sunlight is used as a catalyst to convert the toxic Cr(VI) into the less harmful Cr(III).
• Microfluidic Technology: The method uses a continuous flow photoreduction process with the help of microfluidic reactors and TiO2 nanoparticles.

About Chromium

• It is a steely-grey, shiny, hard, and brittle transition metal.
• Unique feature: Chromium is known for its strong resistance to corrosion and its hardness.
• Applications
  •  It is used to produce alloys.
    • Used in production of stainless steel.
      • Its plating is used to give polished mirror finish to steel. 
    • Its compound is used as an  industrial catalyst and pigments.  
    • Chromium is used to tan  leather. 

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Chromium Toxicity Overview

• Hexavalent Chromium Risks: Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is very toxic and can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, allergies, and eczema. 
• WHO Guidelines
  • Hexavalent chromium: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that Cr(VI) in drinking water should be no more than 0.05 mg/L.
  • Trivalent Chromium: For trivalent chromium (Cr(III)), the limit is 5 mg/L.

Challenges in Removing Chromium

• High soluble: Removing Cr(VI) from wastewater is a challenging task because it is highly soluble and resistant to traditional treatment methods.
• Costly and inefficient methods: Existing techniques like ion exchange, adsorption, and chemical reduction are costly and often inefficient in removing Cr(VI).
• Harmful byproduct: Additionally, these methods may produce hazardous byproducts.

Advantages of the New Method

• Cost-Effective: The process is affordable and uses renewable energy.
• Environmentally Friendly: The method utilizes sunlight as a catalyst which makes it a sustainable and cost-effective approach.
• High Efficiency
  • 95% Degradation: The researchers achieved a high degradation efficiency of 95% using a serpentine microreactor at a flow rate of 50 µl/min.
• Reusability: The photocatalyst can be reused without the need for recovery agents or complicated processes.

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Recently, two Russian ballistic missiles struck a military training facility and a nearby hospital in Poltava, Ukraine, resulting in at least 41 deaths and injuring 180 others. 

Bordering Regions 

Ukraine is bordered by:

• North: Belarus
• East: Russia 
• South: The Sea of Azov and the Black Sea
• Southwest: Moldova and Romania
• West: Hungary, Slovakia and Poland

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Recently, the government set up the 23rd Law Commission for three years from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2027.

About 23rd Law Commission

The Law Commission is established for a fixed tenure that works as an advisory body to the Ministry of Law and Justice.

• Composition: The commission will include a full-time chairperson, four full-time members, the Secretaries of the Legal Affairs and Legislative departments as ex-officio members and up to five part-time members.
• Objectives: 
  • To identify laws that have become obsolete and can be repealed
  • Carry out audits of laws that affect the poor 
  • Give its views on any law that the Law and Justice Ministry conveys to it.

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• Tasks:
  • Examining the existing laws in the light of Directive Principles of State Policy
  • To suggest ways of improvement and reform and also to suggest such legislations as might be necessary to implement the Directive Principles 
  • To attain the objectives set out in the Preamble of the Constitution
  • To examine the impact of globalization on food security, unemployment and recommend measures for the protection of the interests of the marginalized
  • The terms of reference include reviewing the judicial administration system to make it more responsive to the demands of the time. 
  • Others: Eliminating delays, simplifying High Courts rules and implementing a framework for case flow management

About Law Commission

It is an executive body (a non-statutory body) constituted by the Government of India.

• Background: The first Law Commission was established during the British era in 1834 by the Charter Act of 1833 and was presided over by Lord Macaulay.
  • However, the first Law Commission of Independent India was constituted in 1955 with M. C. Setalvad, as its Chairman.
• Time Frame: Every three years
• Mandate: Its major function is to work for legal reform and to act as an advisory body to the Ministry of Law and Justice.

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Jaipur’s UNESCO heritage status to be strengthened with ₹100 crore expenditure.

Recently Taken Conservation Steps

The city’s infrastructure will be strengthened with an emphasis on protecting its architectural legacy and vibrant culture.

• Budgetary Allocation: The heritage conservation and development of the Walled City of Jaipur, will be taken up with a budgetary expenditure of ₹100 crore. 
• Redevelopment: 400-year-old Man Sagar Lake would be redeveloped with the boating facilities.
• Renovation: The Maharaja School of Arts & Crafts in Kishanpole Bazar, rechristened as the Museum of Legacies, will be renovated for proper display of its rich collection. 

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Significance of Conservation

Following positive results will be come out:

• Distinctive Landmark: The Man Sagar Lake’s embankment would be beautified before starting the boating facilities and a photography point developed in front of Hawa Mahal, which is considered Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark.
• Boost Tourism & Development: The heritage conservation in the Walled City is expected to give a boost to tourism while benefiting the local economy, and help in improving the infrastructure. 

About Jaipur

Jaipur, the Pink City of Rajasthan, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019

• Founded: In 1727 AD by the then Kachwaha Rajput ruler of Amber, Sawai Jai Singh II.
• Significance: Established on the plains and built according to a grid plan interpreted in the light of Vedic architecture.
  • Urban Planning: Shows an exchange of ideas from ancient Hindu and modern Mughal as well as Western cultures.
  • Iconic Monuments: Govind Dev temple, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal etc.
  • Maintenance of Local Traditions: Serving as the capital city of the desert State of Rajasthan, Jaipur has maintained its local commercial, artisanal and cooperative traditions in their original form.

About UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites

A World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by UNESCO for its special cultural or physical significance.

• Maintained by: The international ‘World Heritage Programme’, administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
  • It is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972.
• UNESCO Sites in India: As of 2024, India has 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
  • Cultural sites: 34
  • Natural sites: 8
  • Mixed sites: 1 

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Irradiation technology has been widely adopted, especially in countries with advanced safety standards, to ensure food safety and reduce waste.

Importance of Food

Food is essential to human life, health, culture, and the economy. Its importance spans across several key dimensions:

• Nutritional Value: Food provides the energy and nutrients required for the body to function properly. 
  • Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals are vital for growth, development, and maintaining overall health.
• Economic Impact: The food industry, including agriculture, food processing, and distribution, is a major source of employment.
• Religious and Cultural Significance: Traditional foods and culinary practices are often central to cultural expressions and community gatherings.
  • The earliest Pagan and Hindu gods were directly responsible for the production of food, like the Earth, the river, the rain.

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Crucial Insights on Food Safety and Wastage

As India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat in its 78th year of Independence, advancing food safety and security is crucial.

• Food Safety and Security: This entails ensuring that the food reaching consumers is safe, as well as minimising loss and waste to guarantee that sufficient, nutritious food is available to all.
• Food Wastage: According to the Food Waste Index Report 2024, in 2022, the world wasted 1.05 billion tonnes of food.
  • It amounts to around 1/5th of food available to consumers being wasted, at the retail, food service, and household level.
• Food Irradiation Units: In line with India’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), the Union budget for 2024-25 has allocated funds to set up 50 multi-product food irradiation units in the MSME sector. 

About Food Safety and Security

• Food Safety: refers to the handling, preparation, and storage of food in ways that prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure that food is safe to eat. 
• Food Security: Based on the 1996 World Food Summit, food security is defined when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.
• Key Aspects of Food Safety:
  • Contamination:
    • Biological: Pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites can contaminate food, leading to foodborne diseases. For example, Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.
    • Chemical: Residues from pesticides, heavy metals, and other chemicals can contaminate food, posing health risks.
    • Physical: Foreign objects like glass, metal fragments, or plastic can be present in food, leading to injuries or other health issues.
  • Food Adulteration: The intentional addition of inferior or harmful substances to food to increase quantity or improve appearance.
  • Hygiene and Sanitation: Lack of proper hygiene practices including washing hands, sanitizing surfaces, and proper cooking and storage of food exacerbates food safety concerns.
  • Food Safety Regulations: Overly strict guidelines or lack of flexibility in regulations can lead to edible food being discarded or composing.
    • In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the key regulatory body which ensures that food products meet safety and quality standards.
• Four main dimensions of food security:
  • Physical Availability Of Food: Food availability addresses the “supply side” of food security and is determined by the level of food production, stock levels and net trade.
  • Economic and Physical Access to Food: Concerns about insufficient food access have resulted in a greater policy focus on incomes, expenditure, markets and prices in achieving food security objectives.
  • Food Utilization: Utilization is commonly understood as the way the body makes the most of various nutrients in the food. 
  • Stability Of The Other Three Dimensions Over Time: You are considered to be food insecure if you have inadequate access to food on a periodic basis, risking a deterioration of your nutritional status. 

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Major Reasons Leading to Food Wastage

Food wastage refers to the loss or discard of edible food throughout the supply chain, from production to consumption. 

• Post-Harvest Losses: A significant portion of food is lost during harvesting, storage, and transportation due to inadequate infrastructure, poor storage facilities, and inefficient supply chains.
  • India’s post-harvest losses amount to approximately ₹1,52,790 crore annually, according to a Ministry of Food Processing Industries 2022 study.
• Retail and Consumer Waste: 
  • At the retail level, food waste occurs due to overstocking, damage, or expiration of products. 
  • At the consumer level, food is often wasted due to over-purchasing, improper storage, and food spoilage.
  • According to the UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024, the majority of food waste, accounting for 60%, happened within households, while food services contributed to 28%, and retail accounted for 12%.

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Major Initiatives Undertaken To Improve Food Safety And Security

India has undertaken several major initiatives to improve food safety and security:

• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): To regulate and oversee food safety standards in India. 
  • FSSAI sets science-based standards for food products and regulates their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food.
• Public Distribution System (PDS) Reforms: To streamline the distribution of food grains to ensure efficiency and reduce leakages.
  • Implementation of end-to-end computerization of the PDS, use of Aadhar-linked ration cards, and introduction of e-POS devices at ration shops to increase transparency.
• Safe and Nutritious Food (SNF) Initiative: To promote safe and nutritious food at various touchpoints such as homes, schools, workplaces, and eateries.
• Surveillance and Monitoring Programs: To regularly monitor and test food products for contamination and adulteration.
  • National Food Laboratory Network: Establishes food testing laboratories across the country to ensure food safety.
  • Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF): A mechanism for quick detection and response to food safety risks.
• Food Recall Protocol: To protect consumers from unsafe food products by facilitating the removal of such products from the market.
• International Collaborations: Collaborations with international bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Codex Alimentarius for setting and implementing food safety standards.

Way Forward

As India progresses toward the vision of “Viksit Bharat” by its 78th year of Independence, enhancing food safety and security will be pivotal to realizing this goal. 

• Expanding the Reach of Food Irradiation Technology: The allocation of funds in the Union budget for 2024-25 is a significant step. To maximize the impact of this initiative:
  • Capacity Building: There should be a focus on training and educating stakeholders on the benefits and operation of irradiation technology.
  • Scaling Up: Based on the success of the initial 50 units, the program could be scaled up across the country.
• Strengthening Food Safety Standards: Increasing the capacity of the FSSAI to regulate and monitor food products effectively.
  • Strengthening enforcement of food safety regulations to minimize food adulteration and contamination.
• Minimizing Food Loss: It is an important avenue to improve national/global food security to meet the United Nations (UN) 2030 goal to halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels, and reduce food losses along production and supply chains.
• Promoting Circular Economy: Diverting food loss and waste towards livestock and poultry feed could emerge as a rational solution to reduce food wastage. 
• Policy Support and Governance: Provide incentives for MSMEs to adopt food irradiation and other food safety technologies.
  • Ensure that food safety and security policies are integrated with broader health, agriculture, and environmental policies to create a cohesive and effective approach.
• Setting of Reduction Targets: Prioritize the problem of food wastage and set clear reduction targets at national and global levels.
• Promoting Sustainable Practices: Promote sustainable food production and consumption through education and awareness campaigns. 
  • Innovative Food Conservation Model: For example, Adrish is a  zero-waste lifestyle startup that has helped save 2,95,810 kg of packaging waste from landfill and refrained from using 1,47,90,500 plastic bags.

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Conclusion

By focusing on these strategic areas, India can significantly advance its food safety and security landscape, contributing to the overall health and well-being of its population while reducing food wastage and achieving sustainable development goals.

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The geopolitical environment surrounding India is unstable or uncertain. Understanding the current dynamics, challenges and future prospects for regional stability and cooperation is crucial.

India’s Role In Promoting Democracy In Its Neighborhood Between 2008-2010

• Bangladesh’s Shift to Democracy : India played a quiet “catalytic” role in the holding of elections in Bangladesh, free of army interference. 

• Maldives Multi-Party Backing: The first multi-party democratic elections were held where Mohamed Nasheed took over as President. 
  • India backed the first multi-party elections in 2008 and did its bit to stabilise this nascent democracy. 
• India’s Support in the Defeat of LTTE: In May 2009, the Sri Lankan government ended a 33-year civil conflict with the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) , aided by India’s crucial diplomatic, military, and economic support.
• Nepal Peace Process and Democratic Transition: India was instrumental in Nepal’s transition from monarchy to a federal democratic republic, facilitating dialogue and supporting the drafting of the new constitution.

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Emergence of Challenges in Recent Times

India’s neighborhood seems to be in disarray in the recent times: 

• Bangladesh: Ms. Sheikh Hasina’s elected government collapsed recently  under the weight of its own democracy deficit, an economic downturn and a violent student protest.
  • This ended a 15-year partnership with India.

• Sri Lanka: In 2022, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled Sri Lanka, unable to control a series of mass anti-government “Aragalaya” protests led mostly by apolitical irate public and youth. 
  • Its democracy and the economy took a severe beating, the after-effects of which are still being felt in Sri Lanka. 
  • India’s timely and generous bailout package of about $4 billion saved the economy.

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• Maldives: In 2024, President Mohamed Muizzu won unexpectedly, highlighting India’s lack of engagement with him earlier.
  • President Mohamed Muizzu was also actively associated with the “India Out” campaign 
• Myanmar: The military took over again after three consecutive elections, despite the 2020 elections giving the National League for Democracy a huge mandate.
• • The conflict is spreading into India’s north-east.
• Afghanistan: In 2021, the Taliban captured power after two decades, turning the clock back in Afghanistan. 
• • It raised several concerns for India like increased cross-border terrorism and security threats in India, Regional Stability and India’s engagement with Afghanistan
• Pakistan: Pakistan saw its civilian government toppled in 2022 under the army’s influence, as seen in the past.

Way Forward for India

Given the recent challenges in India’s neighborhood, here’s a strategic approach for India:

• Strengthen Diplomatic Engagement: Strong diplomatic ties build mutual trust and understanding, which is essential for long-term partnerships.
  • In Bangladesh, India should Rebuild diplomatic ties by engaging with both the ruling party and opposition to ensure balanced relations and promote stability.
  • For Example, In Sri Lanka: Since India has built bridges across the political spectrum in Sri Lanka, it is in a much better position, irrespective of who comes to power in the forthcoming elections. 
• Promote Economic Diplomacy: Leverage economic cooperation and trade agreements to build stronger economic ties with neighboring countries, contributing to regional stability and prosperity.
  • For example: Even the Taliban hesitated to attack Indian projects over the last two decades since it benefited the people.
  • Sri Lanka: Continue supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and political stability through bilateral cooperation and humanitarian aid.
• Adapt to Changing Dynamics:  Be prepared to adjust strategies based on evolving circumstances and emerging challenges in the neighborhood.
  • For Example, India already:
    • Extended friendship and patience with the new Maldivian government to find its feet
    • Expressed willingness to do business with Taliban in Afghanistan to protect India’s geopolitical interests
    • Re-extended the hand of friendship to an unstable but democratic Nepal 
• Monitor Trends and Strategic Patience : Keep a watch on a shifting political and economic dynamics in the region and carefully balance support for democratic forces with safeguarding India’s security interests.
  • For Example: Myanmar might be heading towards a civil war, and Bangladesh is having a hard time recovering its democracy
• Enhance Regional Cooperation: Foster regional cooperation through platforms like SAARC or BIMSTEC to address common challenges and enhance regional integration.

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