The Anti-defection law has played a crucial role in political stability, but there are gaps which need to be addressed to make it more effective and impartial.

About Defection In Political Terms

• Defection refers to a member of a political party leaving one party to join another or become independent. 
  • This act can disrupt party stability and alter the balance of power in legislative bodies. 

Need for an Anti-Defection Law in India

• Frequent Party-Switching: In the 1960s and 1970s, legislators would often switch parties mid-term, leading to governments losing majorities and collapsing, forcing new elections.
  • “Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram” Syndrome: The term became popular after a legislator in Haryana, Gaya Lal, switched parties three times in a single day.
• Erosion of Public Trust: Frequent defections by legislators for personal gain, such as ministerial positions and financial incentives, raised corruption concerns and eroded public trust, led to government instability and undermined electoral mandates.
  • By limiting defections and horse trading of legislators, the anti-defection law aimed to uphold the democratic integrity of India’s parliamentary system.
• Ensuring Party Loyalty: The law aimed to ensure that legislators stayed loyal to their party’s platform and followed party discipline, particularly on key issues like budget votes and confidence motions.
• Need for Government Stability: A stable government is necessary to implement policies effectively and provide consistent governance. 

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About Anti Defection Law Of India

• The Anti-Defection Law in India aims to prevent elected MPs (Members of Parliament) and MLAs (Members of Legislative Assembly) from switching parties or disobeying whips on key votes after their election. 
  • This law discourages “party-hopping,” which destabilises governments and undermines electoral mandates.
• Incorporation: Parliament incorporated the Anti Defection Law into the Constitution as the Tenth Schedule via the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985.
• Grounds for Defection:

• • Voluntarily Relinquishing Membership: If an elected member voluntarily gives up his membership of a political party.
  • Voting Contrary to Party Direction: If he votes or abstains from voting in such House contrary to any direction issued by his political party or anyone authorised to do so, without obtaining prior permission.
  • Independent Elected Member: If any independently elected member joins any political party.
  • Nominated Member: Becomes disqualified for being a member of the House if he joins any political party after the expiry of six months from the date on which he takes his seat in the House.
    • He may join any political party within six months of taking his seat in the House without inviting this disqualification.
• Exceptions to the Anti-Defection Law:
  • Merger of Parties: A member goes out of his party as a result of a merger of the party with another party. 
    • As per the 1985 Act, A merger takes place when two-thirds of the members of the party have agreed to such a merger.
  • Presiding Officer Voluntary Give up: A member, after being elected as the presiding officer of the House, voluntarily gives up the membership of his party or rejoins it after he ceases to hold that office.

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Adjudicating Authority of the Anti-Defection Law

• Deciding Authority:
  • Disqualification questions due to defection are determined by the presiding officer of the respective House:
    • Chairperson in the Rajya Sabha (RS)
    • Speaker in the Lok Sabha (LS)
• Procedure: The presiding officer can take action on a defection case only upon receiving a formal complaint from a member of the House.
  • Before reaching a final decision, the presiding officer must provide the member against whom the complaint is made an opportunity to submit their explanation.
• Lack of Time Limit:
  • There is currently no stipulated time frame for the presiding officer to make a decision on defection cases, leading to potential delays.
• Judicial Review: The decisions of the Speaker under the Tenth Schedule are subjected to judicial review.

Amendments Related to the Anti Defection Law In India

• 52nd Amendment Act, 1985: The Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, also known as the Anti-Defection Law, was added.
  • It included a provision allowing for splits if at least one-third of members defected.
    • This often led to mass defections. 
• 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003: 
  • Limit on Council of Ministers: The total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Central Council of Ministers cannot exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha.
  • Limit on State Council of Ministers: The total number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, in a state Council of Ministers is limited to 15% of the total strength of the Legislative Assembly, with a minimum requirement of 12 ministers.
  • Disqualification from Ministerial Appointments: A member of either House of Parliament or state legislature disqualified due to defection is also disqualified from being appointed as a minister.
  • Disqualification from Political Posts: Members of Parliament or state legislatures disqualified due to defection are also disqualified from holding any remunerative political position.
  • Raising the threshold of Split Provision: Raised the threshold for party splits from one-third (introduced via 52nd Amendment Act) to two-thirds of members agreeing on a merger.
    • This made it more challenging for small-scale defections to occur and reduced the incidence of such political manoeuvring.

Challenges in Effective Implementation of the Anti Defection Law In India

• Delays in Decisions: A major issue is the delay in resolving defection cases, often spanning months or years, allowing defectors to retain their seats and defying the law’s intent.
• Discretionary Power of Speaker: The Speaker or Chairperson’s role, with no set time limit for decisions, allows for potential misuse and partisan bias, undermining timely enforcement. 

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• Lack of Transparency in Party Whips: Internal party whips, meant to enforce discipline, are often unclear or inadequately communicated, leading to disputes on whether members were adequately informed about their party’s stance.
  • This lack of clarity makes it difficult to determine the legitimacy of defection cases.
• Judicial Review and Legislative Autonomy: While the decisions of the Speaker or Chairperson regarding defection cases are subject to judicial review.
  • Courts typically refrain from intervening, emphasising on the need to respect the autonomy of the legislature.
• Loophole for Defections: The anti-defection law allows a group of members to switch parties without penalty if they comprise at least two-thirds of their original party. 
  • This enables opportunistic mergers and splits and encourages “horse-trading” among legislators.

Measures That Can Be Taken To Strengthen the Defection Law

• Time Frame For Defection Cases: To ensure prompt decisions, establish a four-week deadline for resolving defection cases. 
  • If not resolved within this period, the defecting member should be deemed disqualified.
• Public Notice of Party Whips: Political parties should make whips publicly available, either via newspaper announcements or electronic communication, to improve clarity and accountability.
• Strengthen, Not Sideline the Speaker’s Role: Instead of replacing the Speaker  with an independent tribunal as suggested by the 2020 Supreme Court case (Keisham Meghachandra Singh), there should be reforms that focus on increasing accountability and transparency in the functioning of the Speaker.
• Judicial Recourse: Permitting direct appeals to the Supreme Court or High Courts in specific instances could offer essential safeguards against arbitrary decisions related to the Anti-Defection Law.

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Conclusion

With the Government’s “One Nation, One Election” vision, Anti Defection reforms are critical to ensure party loyalty and electoral integrity so that the democratic stability can be enhanced.

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The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released its annual Emissions Gap Report 2024, titled “No More Hot Air… Please!”

Key Insights From UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report 2024

• India’s Emissions and Challenges

  • India’s Emissions: In 2023, India’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were about 2.3 billion tonnes, making up 8% of the world’s total.
  • Low Per Capita Emissions: India’s emissions per person are only 2.9 tons, which is much lower than the global average of 6.6 tons.
  • Comparing with Other Countries: India’s historical emissions are around 3%, whereas countries like the U.S. contribute up to 20%.

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• Global Emissions Inequality

  • High Emissions from G20 Countries: G20 countries (not including the African Union) produce 77% of global emissions.
  • Least Developed Countries’ Emissions: The least developed countries emit only 3% of total emissions, yet face major climate impacts.

• Record-High Global Emissions

  • Emissions Rise: Global emissions reached a new peak in 2023 with a 1.3% increase.
  • Paris Agreement Goals: Achieving the 1.5°C target requires a 42% emission reduction by 2030, while a 28% reduction is necessary for the 2°C target.
  • Worst-Case Scenario: Without substantial cuts, warming could reach 2.6°C by 2100, risking ecosystem collapse and social upheaval

• Major Sources of Emissions

  • Power and Transport Sectors: In 2023, the power sector emitted 15.1 billion tonnes of CO₂, while transport emitted 8.4 billion tonnes.
  • Aviation Emissions Surge: Emissions from international flights rose by 19.5% since the pandemic.

• Climate Goals and Paris Agreement Issues

  • Updated National Targets: Nearly 90% of countries have updated their climate targets, but these are still not enough to reach 2030 goals.
  • Projected Emissions Increase: Global emissions could reach 57 billion tonnes by 2030 if current policies remain, exceeding safe climate targets.

• Opportunities for Reducing Emissions

  • Renewable Energy Growth: Solar and wind energy could help reduce emissions by 27% by 2030 and 38% by 2035.
  • Forests’ Role in Emissions Reduction: Reforestation could reduce emissions by 20% in both 2030 and 2035 through carbon absorption.

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• Need for More Climate Funding

  • Increased Investment: Climate mitigation funding needs to increase six times to help developing countries adopt clean energy.
  • Financial Help for Vulnerable Areas: Extra financial aid is necessary for countries most affected by climate change to help them adapt and mitigate impacts.

• India’s Role in Global Climate Action

  • Balancing Growth and Emissions: India’s emissions have risen to support its development, but they remain low per person and in historical comparison.
  • Risk from Climate Change: India’s large agricultural population makes it vulnerable to climate risks like unpredictable monsoons.
  • Renewable Energy Efforts: India’s solar and wind programs align with UNEP’s goals for cleaner energy.

Way Forward 

• Policy and Financial Coordination: Global leaders need to act faster on reducing emissions, make stronger policies, and invest more in climate solutions.
• Expectations for COP30: Ahead of COP30, UNEP highlights the need to connect development and sustainability goals to close the emissions gap and meet climate goals.

India’s Initiatives to  Reduce Emissions 

India has taken significant strides towards reducing emissions and promoting sustainable development. Here are some key initiatives:

• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
  • Aims to promote sustainable development and address climate change.
  • Focuses on eight missions, including solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable habitats, water conservation, and green India.
• Panchamrit Action Plan
  • Sets ambitious targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
  • Key goals include:
    • Increasing non-fossil fuel capacity to 500 GW by 2030.
    • Meeting 50% of energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.
    • Reducing total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030.
    • Reducing carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030.

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• National Solar Mission
  • Promotes solar energy development and adoption.
  • Aims to establish India as a global leader in solar energy.
• Green Energy Corridor Project
  • Facilitates the integration of renewable energy into the national grid.
  • Develops transmission infrastructure to support renewable energy projects.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission
  • Aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production and usage.
  • Promotes green hydrogen technologies and creates a robust supply chain.
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
  • Provides clean cooking fuel (LPG) to rural households.
  • Reduces indoor air pollution and improves health.
• Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme
  • Promotes the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles.  
  • Provides subsidies, develops charging infrastructure, and supports EV research and development.
• National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE)
  • Improves energy efficiency across various sectors.
  • Reduces energy consumption and emissions through energy-efficient measures in industries, buildings, and appliances.

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U.N. Biodiversity Summit, COP16, is set to  take place in Cali, Colombia from October 21 to November 1, 2024.

• Nearly 200 countries are there to discuss strategies to combat the rapid destruction of nature.
• Goals at COP16
  • Unified System: Establish a single, multilateral system to generate revenue for conservation from DSI usage.

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What is Digital Sequence Information (DSI)?

• DSI refers to the unique genetic codes and sequences found in all living organisms.
• Importance: These sequences are crucial for understanding how organisms develop and function.
• • DSI is vital for the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources, particularly in food and agriculture.

Why Discuss Genetic Information?

• Research and Development: Scientists have been using genetic codes from plants, animals, and microbes to discover new products for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
• Biodiversity Concerns: Countries rich in biodiversity, like Brazil and India, want to ensure they receive compensation when companies exploit their natural resources.

Importance of Digital Sequence Information to Companies

• Economic Impact: Sectors using DSI contribute approximately $1.6 trillion annually, impacting industries like pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
• Product Development: DSI is vital for creating new medical treatments, including vaccines, and food products.
• Role in Research
  • Fundamental Tool: DSI is crucial for environmental and biological research, aiding in the understanding of life’s molecular basis and evolution.
  • Therapeutic Potential: It helps explore ways to manipulate genes for new therapies, cures for diseases, and alternative energy sources.
  • Conservation Applications: DSI assists in taxonomy, risk assessment for threatened species, tracking illegal trade, identifying product origins, and conservation management.

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Benefits of Digital Sequence Information (DSI)

• Accelerated Research : DSI provides quick access to genetic information, speeding up research for scientists and institutions globally.
• Protecting Endangered Species: DSI is crucial for studying and conserving biodiversity, especially for species at risk of extinction.
• Research Opportunities: The digital nature of DSI facilitates research on plant genetics and the development of new medicines, benefiting industries that depend on genetic resources.
• Data Sharing and Collaboration : Publicly accessible DSI databases encourage international collaboration, allowing efficient knowledge sharing and contributing to global research projects.

Challenges of Digital Sequence Information (DSI)

• Lack of Benefit-Sharing Framework : Developing countries argue that open access to DSI lets developed nations profit from genetic data without giving fair compensation to the original countries or local communities.
• Intellectual Property Issues: DSI can lead to companies or nations patenting products developed from genetic data, raising questions about the rights of source nations and communities.
• Conservation vs. Commercialization: DSI could either help conserve biodiversity or lead to its exploitation, depending on how the information is used and whether benefits are shared fairly.
• Current Challenges
  • Complex Legal Framework: Laws governing genetic material usage vary widely by country which complicates research and sharing.
  • Limited Financial Benefits: Developing nations often see little profit from their biodiversity due to these regulations.

Related Initiatives

• Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)

  • The GBF includes DSI in its targets. It aims for a balanced approach to biodiversity conservation and benefit-sharing, emphasizing the need for multilateral cooperation.

• Nagoya Protocol

  • This protocol, part of the Convention on Biological Diversity, focuses on fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources, but does not fully address DSI.

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• Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) Mechanisms

• • Various ABS frameworks try to govern the use of genetic resources, including DSI, but standardized international regulations for DSI are still being developed.

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Loan limit under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) increased to Rs.20 lakh from the current Rs.10 lakh.

• It is in sync with the announcement made by the Finance Minister in the Union Budget 2024-25.
• This increase aspires to further the overall objective of the Mudra Scheme which is Funding the Unfunded. 
• This enhancement is specifically beneficial to upcoming entrepreneurs facilitating their growth and expansion. 
• The move is in alignment with the Government’s commitment in fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.        

Recent Modification

• The new category of Tarun Plus is  for Loans above Rs. 10 lakh and upto Rs. 20 lakh  has been created.
• Eligibility: The facility would be available to the entrepreneurs who  have availed and successfully repaid previous loans under the Tarun category. 
• Guarantee: The guarantee coverage of PMMY loans upto Rs. 20 lakh will be provided under the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU).

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About Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

• PM Mudra scheme was launched on April 8, 2015 for providing collateral-free loans up to 10 lakh 
• These loans are classified as MUDRA loans under PMMY. 
• Objective: To provide loans up to 10 lakh to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro enterprises through Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs).
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Finance. 
• MUDRA, stands for Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Ltd., is a financial institution set up by the Centre.
• MUDRA was initially formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) with 100% capital being contributed by it. 
• MUDRA does not lend directly to micro-entrepreneurs/individuals.
• Various types of loan options available:
  • Shishu: Covers loans upto 50,000.
  • Kishor: Covers loans above 50,000 and upto 5 lakh.
  • Tarun: Covers loans above 5 lakh and upto 10 lakh.

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Government  is set to “revive and relaunch” the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) and  which is likely to be named the National Manuscripts Authority, and will be an autonomous entity under the Ministry of Culture.

About National Mission for Manuscripts

• National Mission for Manuscripts is a national level comprehensive initiative under the Ministry of Culture to work towards conserving the manuscript heritage of India.
  • It covers a variety of themes including scripts, languages and calligraphies, illuminations and illustrations under the project.

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• Establishment: 2003, by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture
• Mandate: Identifying, documenting, conserving, and making accessible India’s manuscript heritage
• Motto: Conserving the past for the future
• Presently, NMM is a part of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts.

Achievements of National Mission for Manuscripts

• 52 lakh manuscripts have been prepared and roughly over 3 lakh titles have been digitized. However, only one-third of them have been uploaded.
• Over the past 21 years, NMM had undertaken preventive and curative conservation of 9 crore folios.
• The mission has published more than 100 books since its inception, with the list of these publications available in Annexure-I.  
• The mission has established over 100 Manuscripts Resource Centres & Manuscripts Conservation Centres 

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About National Manuscripts Bill 2023

• Primary Objective: Documenting and cataloging Indian heritage texts worldwide, maintaining accurate information, and specifying consultation conditions.
• It has provision for the establishment of a 10-member National Manuscripts Authority (NMA), chaired by the Culture Minister and including representatives from Culture, Finance, Education, and private agencies.
• The NMA will oversee digitization, conservation, preservation, editing, and publication of manuscripts.

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Odisha Chief Minister declared the government’s “zero-casualty” mission a success after cyclone Dana made landfall in the state between Dhamra and Habalikhati nature camp in Bhitarkanika with wind speed of 100-120 kmph.

• The state evacuated over 6 lakh people as part of its mission, showcasing a strong emphasis on safeguarding citizens.

About Zero-Casualty Mission

This Zero-Casualty Mission is a comprehensive strategy aimed at ensuring zero loss of life through coordinated planning and community action.

• Slogan of the mission “No person to be left behind.”
• Core Components of the Strategy:
  • Early Warning Systems: Strengthening technology to provide timely warnings to communities.
  • Prompt Response Forces: Deploying trained and equipped response teams to act quickly in emergencies.
  • Community Preparedness: Building a culture of readiness among citizens through education and drills, enabling them to respond effectively.
• Objectives of the Zero-Casualty Mission:
  • Enhance early warning capabilities to ensure timely alerts.
  • Improve the efficiency and readiness of response teams.
  • Foster a preparedness mindset among the public, encouraging proactive measures before disasters strike.

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National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

• NDRF is a  multi-agency organization of the Indian Armed Forces that responds to natural and man-made disasters. 
• The NDRF is the world’s largest disaster response force.
• Established in 2006 under the Disaster Management Act of 2005
• The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is controlled by the Union Home Minister and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

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The ongoing “fifth industrial revolution” is going to augur well for the Indian manufacturing sector, helping increase the revenues of Indian manufacturers by 6.42% over the next two years, according to the PwC report.

Key Findings of the report

• Industry-Wide Sustainability Drive: 93% of manufacturers are adopting Industry 5.0 to integrate sustainability, using digital technology to incorporate renewable energy sources and enhance energy efficiency.
• Over half of the manufacturers are prioritizing sustainability investments in 2024, reflecting an industry-wide shift toward sustainable growth.
• Financial and Operational Impact: Industry 5.0 adoption could lead to a projected 6.42% revenue increase over the next two years.
  • Without such capabilities, manufacturers missed an estimated 4.37% of FY24 revenues.
• Focus on Workforce Development: 52% of senior executives prioritize fostering a culture of lifelong learning to build a resilient workforce skilled in advanced technologies, supporting long-term sustainability goals.
• Sector-Specific Insights: The cement and industrial goods industries lead in adopting real-time tracking systems, with 95% of manufacturers implementing tech-driven inventory management to boost responsive supply chains and sustainable operations.
• Implications for the Manufacturing Sector: Industry 5.0 is positioned as a transformative approach, aligning sustainability with profit growth, responsive supply chains, and a resilient, tech-savvy workforce.
  • These features are crucial for maintaining competitiveness and operational sustainability in a rapidly evolving market.

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Challenges and Barriers in implementation of Fifth Industrial Revolution (IR 5.0)

• Technology Access and Cybersecurity: Adoption of Generative AI remains challenging, with secure access posing a barrier across various sectors, including chemicals, textiles, cement, and automotive.
  • Cybersecurity is a significant concern, with 46% of executives focusing on data protection and operational integrity to mitigate risks.
• Resilience through Human-Machine Synergy:Executives view Industry 5.0 as offering a competitive advantage by enhancing productivity and enabling human-machine collaboration, which is key to resilience and long-term sustainability.

About Fifth Industrial Revolution (IR 5.0)

• Industry 5.0: A phase of industrialization focused on human and machine collaboration to improve efficiency, sustainability, and personalization
  • Builds on Industry 4.0, emphasizing human-centeredness, sustainability, and ethical progress

Key Technological Shifts enabling Fifth Industrial Revolution (IR 5.0)

• AI and Robotics: Automation gives humans more leisure and creative roles.
• Edge Computing: Processes data near its source, reducing latency and meeting privacy needs.
• 5G/6G and Brain-Computer Interfaces: Enhance connectivity and open new communication channels.
• Remote Work (“Cloud People”): Remote work will be commonplace, with virtual and cloud-based roles.
• Lean Management by Machines: Efficiency-driven AI enables lean, waste-reducing processes.
• Sustainable, Connected Systems
• IoT and Big Data: Enable real-time tracking, asset management, and reduced waste.
• 3D Printing and Blockchain: Improve production customization, transparency, and resource optimization.

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Government Initiatives in India

• Skill India and National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme
• Policies to attract foreign investments, streamline regulations, and foster innovation

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The Union Government has introduced the ‘Guidelines for Import of Live Seaweeds into India’ to streamline the import of high-quality seaweed seed materials and support coastal livelihoods. 

Key Features of the Guidelines on Seaweeds Import

• Application and Approval Process: Importers must submit a detailed application to the Department of Fisheries.
• Applications are reviewed by the National Committee on Introduction of Exotic Aquatic Species into Indian Waters.
• Upon approval, an import permit is issued within four weeks, expediting the import of quality seaweed germplasm.
• Ensuring Quality Seed Stock: High-quality seaweed germplasm will support domestic multiplication, ensuring farmers have access to quality seed stocks.
  • This addresses the current challenge of limited availability of seed stock, particularly for Kappaphycus, India’s most commonly farmed seaweed.

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Benefits for Coastal Communities

• The Guidelines aim to boost seaweed enterprises as an economic driver for coastal villages while safeguarding environmental standards.
• These guidelines will support livelihood opportunities for coastal communities by fostering seaweed-based enterprises.
• They contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of fisher communities, enhancing economic resilience.

About Seaweeds

• Seaweeds are a type of marine algae found in oceans and seas.
• They vary in color (green, red, and brown) and are rich in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, making them valuable for multiple industries including food, agriculture, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels.
• Seaweeds grow in shallow coastal waters, where they absorb sunlight to photosynthesize. 
• India’s long coastline supports the cultivation of different types of seaweed as mentioned in the table.

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Applications of Seaweed

• Agriculture: Used as natural fertilisers and soil conditioners.
• Food Industry: Serve as food additives and stabilisers (e.g., agar and carrageenan).
• Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals: Source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
• Biofuels: Emerging renewable energy source due to high biomass productivity.
• By enabling regulated seaweed import, the guidelines open pathways for sustainable economic growth in coastal regions and broader applications of seaweed in various industries.

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The Livestock Census launched on October 25, 2024 will be covering the period from October 2024 to February 2025.

About Livestock Census 

• The first Livestock Census in India was carried out in 1919-1920. Since then it has been conducted once every five years.
• The Livestock Census (LC) is a nationwide exercise conducted every five years by the Government of India to collect comprehensive data on the livestock population across the country.
• It aims to provide valuable insights into the livestock sector, enabling policymakers to design strategies for sustainable growth, disease control, breed improvement, and rural livelihood enhancement.

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Key Innovations in the 21st Livestock Census

• Large survey Force: Conducted by one lakh veterinary and para-veterinary staff across all states and Union Territories.
• Digital Advancements: Introduction of a mobile application for data collection to improve accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness.
• Real-time monitoring enabled through a web-based dashboard for comprehensive data oversight.
• New Data Collection Features
• Gender Roles: Data on the gender of the primary person involved in livestock rearing will be captured for the first time.
• Pastoralist Data: Separate data on livestock holdings by pastoralists will be available for better understanding and planning.

Categories and Species Counted in the Census

• Main Categories: The census includes detailed data on 15 livestock species, excluding poultry, which are counted separately.
  • Species counted include cattle, buffalo, mithun, yak, sheep, goat, pig, camel, horse, ponies, mule, donkey, dog, rabbit, and elephant.
• Poultry and Bird Categories: The census also involves a headcount of poultry, including fowl, ducks, turkeys, geese, quails, guinea fowls, ostriches, and emus.
• Data on poultry will be gathered by visiting individual households, enterprises, and institutions.
• Breed-Specific Data: The census covers data on 219 recognized indigenous breeds of 16 species, including poultry, as recognized by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR).

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Implications and Expected Outcomes

• Improved Livestock Management: Updated data on livestock will enable more precise targeting of disease control, animal health management, and breed improvement initiatives.
• Support for Rural Livelihoods: Insights from the census will help identify areas where government interventions can improve livelihoods, particularly for the 2.1 crore people dependent on livestock.
• Enhanced Gender-Specific Support Programs: With data on gender roles in livestock rearing, the government can tailor support for women and men involved in the sector, empowering more effective programs.

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The Government of India is set to launch a pioneering initiative that will bring localized weather forecasts to Gram Panchayats across the country.

Panchayat Level Weather Forecast

• This initiative will be inaugurated by the Union Minister of Panchayati Raj at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, in partnership with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Ministry of Earth Sciences. 
• This development represents a crucial step in empowering rural communities and improving grassroots-level climate resilience, providing farmers and villagers with accurate, timely weather information.

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Implementation at Panchayat Level

• The Gram Panchayats will have access to daily 5-day weather forecasts and hourly updates using IMD’s expanded sensor network.
• This information will be disseminated through the Panchayati Raj digital platforms:
  • e-GramSwaraj : for governance, project tracking, and resource management.
  • Meri Panchayat app : to facilitate community engagement.
  • Gram Manchitra: a spatial planning tool offering geospatial insights.
• Training workshop: The training will enable Panchayat representatives to leverage these tools effectively, promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing rural disaster preparedness.

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Significance of Panchayat level weather Forecast

• With real-time weather information, Gram Panchayats can make well-informed decisions regarding agriculture, infrastructure planning, and disaster management.
• The initiative also includes SMS alerts for extreme weather conditions, helping rural communities protect lives, crops, and assets.
• This  is a significant step in creating climate-resilient villages across India.

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Union Minister Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying launched the Pandemic Fund Project on “Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response“.

New Guidelines Released to Strengthen Animal Health Management in India

Two important documents also released on this occasion aimed at strengthening animal health management in India.

1. Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTG): A comprehensive document that outlines best practices for veterinary care, aimed at improving the overall health and productivity of livestock and supporting the national action plan for Antimicrobial resistance.
2. Crisis Management Plan (CMP) for Animal Diseases: A critical resource that will provide a framework for managing and responding to outbreaks of animal diseases, ensuring rapid containment and mitigation.

About Pandemic Fund Project

The Pandemic Fund Project is a $25 Million initiative funded by the G20 Pandemic Fund.

Aim: To enhance the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to animal health threats.

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Focus Area

• Enhancing India’s animal health systems, thereby fortifying the country’s defences against future pandemics. 
• It will play a key role in reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases that can spread from animals to humans. 
• Strengthening health security for transboundary animal diseases and India’s role in regional cooperation through cross-border collaboration. 

Implementing Agencies: Asian Development Bank (ADB), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Bank.

The major interventions under the project: 

• Strengthening and integrating disease
• Surveillance and early warning systems
• Upgrading and expanding the laboratory network
• Improving the interoperable data systems
• Building capacity for data analytics and risk communication

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The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) unveiled a newly developed prototype of a telescope.

About Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA)

• It will be the first space-based observatory dedicated to studying gravitational waves in outer space. 
• The telescope was built as part of a joint mission with the European Space Agency (NSA) called Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA).

Objective of the LISA mission:  To study gravitational waves by putting three spacecrafts into the Earth’s orbit and positioning them in a triangular format with 1.6 million miles on each side.

Composition

• Each of the three spacecraft will carry two telescopes to detect infrared laser beams from the other spacecraft. 
• Researchers expect to detect a gravitational wave when one of the three spacecraft alter their characteristic pattern.
• “The primary mirror is coated in gold to better reflect the infrared lasers and to reduce heat loss from a surface exposed to cold space since the telescope will operate best when close to room temperature,”

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Significance

• It will help to understand the universe and less-explored phenomena such as black holes and the Big Bang that may not be easy to analyse using other tools.

What are gravitational waves?

• First discovered by Albert Einstein in 1916.
• Definition: Gravitational Waves are ripples in the fabric of space-time emitted during the most powerful events in the Universe, such as pairs of black holes coming together and merging.
• In 2016, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) Scientific Collaboration comprising National Science Foundation, Caltech, and MIT researchers detected the first gravitational waves ever, proving Einstein’s theory right.

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ISRO-DBT collaboration for biotechnology experiments

Context: ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) signed a deal to design and conduct biotechnology experiments in India’s Indigenous space station Bhartiya Antriksh Station (BAS), expected to be operational between 2028 and 2035.

Key Highlights of the Collaboration

• Experiment Focus: Muscle loss in weightlessness, algae-based nutrient sources, algae processing for jet fuel, and radiation impacts on astronaut health.
• Integration with Upcoming Missions: Some biology experiments may be integrated into the uncrewed test flights of ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, India’s first crewed space mission, expected to launch in 2025-2026.
  • The main focus for these experiments remains BAS.
• Global Context: International Space Station (ISS) operations are expected to end by 2030.
  • Several nations, like China, are building their own space stations.
• BIO E3 Policy : The collaboration aligns with DBT’s BIOE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy to enhance bio-manufacturing in India.
  • India’s bio-economy is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030, with space bio-manufacturing as a key component.
• Research and Innovation Opportunities: The collaboration aims to drive innovation in human health, novel pharmaceuticals, biotherapeutics, regenerative medicine, bio-based technologies for waste management, and support bio-startups.

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Asiatic Golden Cat

Context: The Asiatic golden cat (Catopuma temminckii),has been rediscovered in Assam’s Manas National Park. 

• This sighting  marks a major conservation milestone, given that the last confirmed sighting occurred in 2007.
• Manas National Park now joins other Northeast Indian reserves, such as those in Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, in supporting this rare species.

About Asiatic Golden Cat

• Habitat: Highly adaptable found in forests ranging from tropical/subtropical evergreen forests, mixed and dry deciduous forests and tropical rainforests even at an altitude of 3,738 above sea level.
• Range Countries: Southern China, Southeast Asia, and Northeast India. 
• Species Characteristics:
  • The common coat colour is golden or red-brown, but it may also be dark brown or even grey.
  • Its size is medium with relatively long legs.
  • Mainly Nocturnal but recent data indicates that it may be diurnal.
  • Males are larger than females.
• Reproduction a gestation Period of 75 – 80 days.
• Protection Status:
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972:  Scheduled I
  • IUCN: Near Threatened 
  • CITES: Appendix I

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