On November 26, India marked the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly in 1949.

Evolution of the Indian Constitution

• The Constitution of India at Commencement: It had 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules at the time of its commencement. 
• Amendments and Adaptability: The Constitution has been amended 105 times since its adoption, reflecting India’s evolving socio-political landscape. 

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• Current Status: The Constitution of India continues to be the longest written constitution in the world,
  • serving as the foundation of India’s democratic and legal system, 
  • while remaining a living document that adapts to contemporary needs.
• At present, the Constitution of India has 448 articles in 25 parts and 12 schedules.

Different Types of Constitutional Interpretations

• Textualism: Focusing on the plain or historical meaning of the constitutional text. 
  • Example: A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras (1950):  Literal interpretation of Articles 19, 21, and 22.
• Originalism: Considering the intent of the framers.
  • Example: Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973): Consideration of the framers’ intent regarding the amending power of Parliament.
• Judicial precedent: Relying on previous court decisions.
  • Example: Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978): Reliance on previous judgments to expand the interpretation of Article 21.
• Pragmatism: Considering practical consequences.
  • Example: Vishakha v. State of Rajasthan (1997): Creation of guidelines to address workplace sexual harassment in the absence of specific legislation.
• Moral reasoning: Applying ethical principles.
  • Example: Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018): Decriminalization of consensual same-sex relations based on principles of dignity and equality.

Difference between Flexible and Rigid constitutions

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About Constitution Day of India/Samvidhan Divas

• Annual Observance: Constitution Day of India is observed annually in India to mark the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949.
  • The Constitution, adopted on this day, came into effect on January 26, 1950, a day chosen to honor the Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) Declaration of 1930.
• Government Designation:

• • In 2015, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment officially designated November 26 as Constitution Day.
  • The day was chosen to promote constitutional values and to coincide with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 125th birth anniversary.
• Prior Observance: Prior to its formal declaration as Constitution Day, November 26 was observed as Law Day.

Significance of Constitution Day 

• Awareness of Constitutional Ideals: Constitution Day raises awareness about the constitutional ideals, rights, and commitments, focusing on justice, liberty, equality, and brotherhood, while fostering national unity.
• Reflect on India’s Transformative Journey: The day reflects India’s transformative journey, and reaffirms its commitment to democratic ideals.
  • Since its inception, the Constitution serves as the guiding framework, shaping the nation’s progress over the past 75 years.
• Honoring the Vision of the Constituent Assembly: This day also honors the vision and efforts of the Constituent Assembly in establishing the foundation of a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
• Promoting Civic Engagement: Constitution Day encourages active civic participation and responsibility, reinforcing India’s dedication to building a progressive, inclusive, and equitable society.

India and Constitutional Governance

• About Constitutional Governance: It refers to the system of government in which the authority of the state is defined, limited, and regulated by a constitution. 
  • It ensures that the exercise of power by various institutions and individuals remains within the legal framework established by the constitution. 
• India’s journey as a constitutional democracy is rooted in the adoption and implementation of its Constitution, which governs the country’s political and legal framework. 

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Manner in which the Constitution of India Paves the Way for the Nation’s Progress

• Political Dimensions:
  • Constitution as the Primary Source: The Constitution of India serves as the primary source of legal authority, empowering Parliament and State Legislatures to enact statutes.

• • Rule of Law: Rule of Law has been declared by the Supreme Court as one of the basic features of the Constitution. It means that there must be the supremacy of law and no one should be above the law, everybody is equal before the law. Separation of Powers: The Constitution establishes a fine balance between the legislature, executive, and judiciary. The powers are divided into three branches to ensure checks and balance:
    • Legislature (Parliament): Makes laws.
    • Executive (President & Ministers): Enforces laws.
    • Judiciary (Supreme Court & High Courts): Interprets and upholds the law.
  • Electoral Reforms: India’s democratic setup is underpinned by constitutional provisions like free and fair elections. 
    • India is a democratic republic with universal adult suffrage.
    • Institutions like the Election Commission derive their authority from the Constitution to uphold electoral integrity.
  • Amendability: The Constitution can be amended to adapt to societal changes ( Article 368 in Part XX of the Indian Constitution).
  • Source of inspiration for emerging democracies: 
• Economic Dimensions: 
  • Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): These are the guidelines to be followed by the government of India for the governance of the country. They are not enforceable by courts.
    • Example: Initiatives like MGNREGA and Right to Education are aligned with Article 39 and Article 45, demonstrating the Constitution’s role in shaping welfare policies.
• Social Dimensions: 
  • Fundamental Rights: The Fundamental Rights in India enshrined in part III of the Constitution of India are a basic set of rights designed to protect the freedoms and liberties of individuals.
  • Secularism: The Indian constitution aims for a secular state where all religions are treated equally
  • Addressing Social Inequities: Affirmative action under Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution has empowered marginalised communities. 
• Judicial Dimensions:
  • Integrated Judiciary: It provides for a single integrated system of courts to administer both Union and State laws.
  • Judicial Review: It is a process under which a government’s executive, legislative, or administrative actions are subject to review by the judiciary.
    • It empowers the courts to uphold the Constitution, ensuring that justice is served and protecting the rights of citizens, even against state overreach.

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Constitutional Progress Made in the Last 75 Years

• Political Empowerment
  • Democratic Elections: India successfully conducts free and fair elections, making it the world’s largest democracy.
    • Example: The largest electorate in the world i.e 96.88 crores  registered to vote for the General Elections, 2024 in India.
  • Decentralization: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments empowered local governance through Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies, strengthening grassroots democracy.
  • Increased Representation: Reservations for SCs, STs, and women in legislatures and local governance have enhanced political participation of marginalized communities.
    • Example: 74 MPs (14%) elected to the 18th Lok Sabha are women.
• Economic Development
  • Poverty Alleviation: Judicial emphasis on Directive Principles has influenced welfare schemes, such as recognizing the right to food under the National Food Security Act.
    • According to NITI Aayog Discussion Paper, India has registered a significant decline in multidimensional poverty in India from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23 i.e. a reduction of 17.89 percentage points
  • Industrial Growth: India ranks 5th in the world’s GDP rankings for 2024. 
  • Literacy Rates:  According to the report published by the National Survey of India, the Literacy Rate of India in 2023 is 77.7 percent.
• Strengthening Fundamental Rights
  • Judicial Interpretations: Expansion of rights through judgments, such as:
    • Right to Privacy (K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India, 2017).
    • Right to Education under Article 21A through the 86th Amendment.
  • Anti-Discrimination Laws: Enactment of legislations like the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act ensures the protection of vulnerable communities.
• Recognition of Marginalized Groups
  • LGBTQ+ Rights: Decriminalization of Section 377 through Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018) affirmed LGBTQ+ rights under Articles 14, 15, and 21.
  • Minority Rights: Strengthening educational and cultural rights for minorities through Article 30.
• Advancement in Equality
  • Abolition of Untouchability: The Constitution’s directive to abolish untouchability has seen progress with affirmative action programs, particularly reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
  • Incomplete Social and Economic Equality: Despite these measures, the goal of achieving true social and economic equality remains incomplete.
    • Continued demands for further opportunities and a caste census indicate ongoing struggles for equality of outcomes in society.
• Fraternity and National Unity
  • Mobilization by Caste and Region: The mobilisation of votes based on caste, creed, region, and language continues to be a significant feature of Indian politics. 
    • This has impacted the social and psychological unity envisioned by Dr. Ambedkar, keeping fraternity as a work in progress.
  • Sense of Nationhood: Despite persistent local identities, a stronger sense of nationhood has emerged, evidenced by national unity in times of international crisis or pride, such as during the Kargil War (1999) and the Galwan incident (2020).

Challenges to Constitutional Institutions

• Diminished Role of Parliament: Parliament’s capacity to function as a robust legislative body has weakened.
  • Reduction in Parliamentary Days: The average number of days Parliament sits annually has dropped dramatically from 135 in the first Lok Sabha to just 55 in the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-24). 
• Political Interference: Frequent attempts by political actors to influence constitutional bodies such as the Election Commission, the judiciary, and investigative agencies such as Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) undermine their independent functioning and lead to erosion of trust.
  • Example: Lack of transparency in the appointment of key officials of constitutional bodies, raises questions about impartiality and political favoritism.
• Judicial Pendency and Overreach: The judiciary faces challenges to its independence and credibility.
  • Case backlogs delay justice, while encroachment into legislative or executive domains raises concerns about separation of powers.
• Corruption and Accountability: Allegations of institutional corruption weaken public trust and efficiency.
• Declining Oversight: Weakening of parliamentary committees and excessive use of ordinances reduce legislative scrutiny.
• Technological Challenges: Misinformation and cybersecurity risks threaten processes like elections and judicial transparency.
  • Instances of electoral manipulation and governance have led to India being labeled an “electoral autocracy” by the V-Dem Institute.

Way Forward

• Preserve Institutional Independence: Ensure the autonomy of constitutional bodies like the Election Commission, judiciary, and Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) through transparent appointment processes and functional independence.
• Strengthen Federalism: Promote cooperative federalism by ensuring equitable resource allocation and addressing concerns about biased central interventions.
• Promoting Awareness: Increased awareness of constitutional rights and duties among citizens is essential for vibrant democracy.
• Inclusive Development: Policies must align with constitutional ideals to bridge socio-economic disparities while respecting environmental sustainability.

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Conclusion 

• Our Constitution strikes a balance between rigidity and flexibility, allowing for the preservation of its core principles while adapting to societal changes. This adaptability, evident in provisions like the Right to Education, amendments to Article 370, GST, the NCBC, and key judgments on privacy, Section 377, triple talaq, and NOTA, demonstrates that, as Darwin said, survival depends on responsiveness to change. 
• This ability to evolve is what ensures the continued strength and relevance of our democracy.

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The Global Conference of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) to be held in New Delhi, India from 25 to 30 November 2024.

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• At the conference, Bhutanese Prime Minister outlined his gratitude for India’s support on Gelephu Mindfulness City as the biggest “co-operative project” in Bhutan.
• Theme: “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All”

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Key Highlights from the ICA Global Conference in Delhi

• The Indian government aims to establish 2 lakh new Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in the next three years.
• The initiative aims to ensure that every village panchayat in India has a cooperative society, fostering rural development.
• The International year of Cooperatives 2025 will also be launched with the theme “Cooperative build a better world”.

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International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)

• The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) is a global organization that unites, represents, and serves cooperatives worldwide.
• The ICA was founded in 1895 in London, England, during the first Cooperative Congress. 
  • It is one of the oldest and largest non-governmental organizations globally.
• The ICA represents over 1 billion cooperative members and approximately 3 million cooperatives across the world.
• Objective: To promote the cooperative idea and to support the development of cooperatives worldwide.
• Membership: Comprises national cooperative organizations, international cooperative organizations, and individual cooperative societies.
  • The ICA has over 306 member organizations from 105 countries, spanning diverse economic sectors, including agriculture, banking, consumer goods, health, housing, fisheries, insurance, and industry.
  • Some notable members of ICA are IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited), KRIBHCO (Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited), Amul Dairy Cooperative, The Cooperative Group (UK), Groupe Crédit Mutuel (France), Coop Italia, WOCCU (World Council of Credit Unions), etc
• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.

International Cooperative Alliance Asia-Pacific (ICA-AP) and India’s Role

History and Establishment

• The ICA expanded into the Asia-Pacific region in 1960 with the establishment of the Regional Office and Education Centre (ROEC) in New Delhi, India.
• In 1957, Dr. G. Keler, a Swedish cooperative expert, conducted an exploratory tour across Asia, including India, to evaluate the potential for cooperative development.
  • Based on his findings, the ICA decided to establish its regional office in New Delhi. This decision was finalized at the Kuala Lumpur Conference in 1958.
• The office was officially inaugurated on November 14, 1960, by Jawaharlal Nehru, who emphasized the role of cooperatives in achieving rural development, self-reliance, and social equality.

Evolution of ICA-AP

• Initially, the office functioned as two separate entities: the Regional Office and the Education Centre.
  • In 1963, these entities merged to form a single institution.
• By 1990, the organization was renamed the International Cooperative Alliance Asia-Pacific (ICA-AP) to reflect its expanded scope, covering all of Asia and the Pacific.
• The ICA-AP office in New Delhi remains a central hub for cooperative activities in the region, focusing on capacity-building, technical assistance, and policy advocacy.

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India’s Contribution to ICA-AP and the Cooperative Movement

• The Indian government actively supports the cooperative model. 
  • In 2021, the Ministry of Cooperation was established to further strengthen the sector.
• Cooperatives in India contribute to various domains such as agriculture, banking, housing, and rural development.

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Recently the Supreme Court asked the Union government to submit a report prepared by the Negotiation Committee addressing the dispute on Pennaiyar River Water Dispute.

Key Highlights of the Case

• SC Deadline: A two-week deadline was granted to the Union government to produce the report.
• Tamil Nadu’s Concerns: Tamil Nadu approached the Supreme Court in 2018, opposing Karnataka’s construction of check dams and diversion structures on the Pennaiyar River.
  • Tamil Nadu argued the river’s flowing water is a national asset; Karnataka cannot unilaterally claim its waters to the detriment of Tamil Nadu residents.
• Validity of the 1892 Agreement: Tamil Nadu asserted that the 1892 agreement remains valid and binding on both States and emphasized that the agreement includes not just the main river but its tributaries and contributing streams.
• Markandeya River Contention: Tamil Nadu argued that the Markandeya River, a major tributary with a catchment area spanning both States, falls under the 1892 agreement.
  • Tamil Nadu opposed Karnataka’s construction of diversion structures and large dams on the Markandeya River, calling it untenable under the agreement.

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Negotiation Committee on Pennaiyar River Water Dispute

• In January 2024, SC directed the Union government to form a new negotiation committee under Section 4 of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
• Aim: To mediate and find a resolution between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
• Karnataka initiated negotiation efforts in 2023, following the formation of a new State government in May 2023.

Constitutional Provisions on Inter-State River Disputes

• Interstate River Water Disputes refer to disputes between two or more states regarding use, distribution and control of rivers flowing through them
• Entry 17 of the State List: It addresses matters related to water, including water supply, irrigation, canals, drainage, embankments, water storage, and hydroelectric power generation.
• Entry 56 of the Union List: It empowers the Union Government to regulate and develop inter-state rivers and river valleys to the extent declared by Parliament as necessary in the public interest.
• Article 262 of the Constitution: It grants Parliament the authority to enact laws for adjudicating disputes or complaints related to the use, distribution, or control of the waters of any inter-state river or river valley.
• Parliament may also provide through legislation that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court shall exercise jurisdiction over such disputes.
• Judicial Limitations: The Supreme Court cannot question the award or formula given by a tribunal established for inter-state water disputes. 
  • However, it retains the authority to review the functioning of the tribunal.

Process of Tribunal Formation Under Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956

• If one or more states request the Centre to resolve a water dispute, the Central Government is first required to attempt a resolution through consultation among the concerned states.
• If consultations fail, the Centre may establish a tribunal to address the dispute.
• The 2002 amendments to the Act introduced a one-year deadline for constituting a water disputes tribunal.
• The amendments also mandated that the tribunal must deliver its decision within three years.

International Rules for Water Disputes

Helsinki Rules (1966)

• Equitable Utilization: Water should be utilized equitably by all riparian states.
  • Riparian states are countries or regions that share a common river or water body, and have rights and responsibilities regarding its use and management.
• No Significant Harm: No state should cause significant harm to other riparian states.
• Reasonable Use: Water should be used reasonably, considering the interests of all riparian states.
• Prior Utilization: Existing uses of water should be respected.
• Notification: States should notify other riparian states of planned water uses.
• Negotiation and Consultation: Disputes should be resolved through negotiation and consultation.

Berlin Rules on Water Resources (2004)

• Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM): A comprehensive approach to water management considering all relevant factors.
• Ecosystem Approach: Protecting and restoring ecosystems to ensure sustainable water use.
• Public Participation: Involving stakeholders in decision-making processes.
• Gender Equality: Recognizing the role of women in water management.
• Capacity Building: Investing in education and training to improve water management skills.
• Transboundary Cooperation: Promoting cooperation among riparian states.

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About Pennaiyar River

• The Pennaiyar River is also known as Dakshina Pinakini in Kannada and Thenpennai, Ponnaiyar, or Pennaiyar in Tamil.
• Origin: The river originates from the eastern slope of the Nandidurg Mountain, located in the Chennakesava Hills of Karnataka.
• Course: The Pennaiyar River flows through Karnataka and enters Tamil Nadu before finally emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
• Basin Distribution: Approximately 77% of the Pennaiyar River’s drainage basin lies within Tamil Nadu.
• Length: The Pennaiyar River, with a length of 497 km, is the second-longest river in Tamil Nadu after the Kaveri River.
• Tributaries: Notable tributaries of the Pennaiyar River include the Markandeyanadhi, Kambainallur, and Pambar rivers.
• Important Cities Along the River: Major cities located on the banks of the Pennaiyar River include Bangalore, Hosur, Tiruvannamalai, and Cuddalore.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced the likely intensification of the existing deep depression into a cyclone and the chances of the storm hitting the Tamil Nadu coast. 

Current Status of Cyclone Fengal

• A low-pressure area over the East Equatorial Indian Ocean and the Southeast Bay of Bengal has developed into a deep depression as of November 26, 2024.

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• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts it may strengthen into a cyclonic storm by November 27, 2024.
• The cyclone is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential coastal flooding to regions along the Bay of Bengal, particularly in coastal Tamil Nadu, from November 26 to 30.

Naming of Cyclone Fengal

• If the deep depression intensifies into a cyclone, it will be named Fengal.
• Name Origin:
  • Proposed by: Saudi Arabia.
  • Rooted in Arabic, reflecting regional linguistic and cultural identity.
  • Cyclone names are chosen to be short, distinctive, and universally non-offensive.

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Cyclone Naming System

• Panel Members: Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean are named by a panel of 13 countries under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
  • Member countries include Bangladesh, India, Iran, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the UAE, and Yemen.
• Process: Each member submits a list of 13 names, creating a rotational naming system. Names are assigned sequentially as cyclones form. Once used, a name is retired and not reused. Current List: Following Fengal, the next cyclone will be named Shakhti (contributed by Sri Lanka), with Montha (from Thailand) as another upcoming name.

Cyclones in the Arabian Sea vs. Bay of Bengal

• Cyclones in the Arabian Sea are less frequent than in the Bay of Bengal due to differences in sea surface temperature, wind patterns, and geographical factors.
• The Bay of Bengal experiences more favorable conditions for cyclone formation, including warm waters and lower vertical wind shear.

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Preparedness and Monitoring

• Regional meteorological centers are closely monitoring Cyclone Fengal’s development, trajectory, and potential impact.
• Residents in affected areas are advised to stay updated through official sources and take precautionary measures to mitigate potential risks.

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India’s recent signing of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty, has sparked a mix of optimism and scepticism.

About BBNJ Agreement

• The BBNJ Treaty is the third implementing agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
  • Other two agreements are 1994 Part XI Implementation Agreement (regulating mining in international seabed areas) and the 1995 UN Fish Stocks Agreement (conserving and managing fish stocks).

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• It focuses on three main objectives:
  • Conserving Marine Biodiversity: Establishing mechanisms like Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to safeguard ecosystems.
  • Equitable Sharing of Marine Genetic Resources: Ensuring that profits from these resources benefit all countries through a global fund.
  • Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Mandating evaluations for activities with potential harmful impacts on marine environments.

Challenges in Implementation of BBNJ Agreement

• Ratification and Consensus: With only 14 out of 104 signatories having ratified the agreement, it is far from the threshold of 60 ratifications needed to come into force.
  • Maritime territorial disputes, such as those in the South China Sea, complicate consensus on creating MPAs. Many countries fear such measures could infringe on their economic opportunities or territorial claims.
  • Regional apprehensions, especially in areas like the Bay of Bengal, highlight concerns about how MPAs might affect livelihoods and access to marine resources.
• Marine Genetic Resources: The treaty mandates profit-sharing from marine genetic resource exploitation.
  • Wealthier nations could potentially undermine this provision by underreporting activities due to weak accountability mechanisms.
  • Overlaps with other regimes like the Convention on Biological Diversity with risk of disadvantage for smaller nations and creating fragmented enforcement.
• Capacity-Building and Technology Transfers: While the treaty emphasizes equitable partnerships in ocean science, it lacks enforceable mechanisms to ensure capacity-building.
  • This asymmetry risks sidelining low and middle-income countries, perpetuating inequalities in research and governance.
• High-Seas and EEZ Interconnections: The treaty’s focus on high-seas governance overlooks the interconnected nature of marine ecosystems.
  • Pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction in Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) often spill into international waters.
  • Coastal states’ reluctance to address activities within their waters further weakens the treaty’s enforcement framework.
• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): The treaty requires EIAs for planned activities in international waters but excludes critical issues like oil and gas exploration, which remain significant economic interests for many states.
  • There is resistance to international review of EIAs, particularly in regions with limited institutional capacity and conflicting legal standards.

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Way Forward

• Integration of Coastal and High-Seas Governance: Establishing a cohesive framework that aligns high-seas regulations with coastal activities.
• Incentives for Coastal States: Encouraging Global South countries to align domestic laws with international norms by providing financial and technical assistance.
• Commitment from Wealthier Nations: Ensuring equitable sharing of treaty benefits through sustained support for capacity-building and technology transfer.
• Clear Implementation Roadmap: Defining enforceable mechanisms and fostering political consensus to address the treaty’s structural limitations.

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The milk production in the country saw an increase during 2023-24 over the estimates of 2022-23, according to the ‘Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics – 2024’ prepared by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS) – 2024

• The BAHS 2024 report is based on the outcomes of the Integrated Sample Survey (2023-24).
• It provides essential insights into the production estimates of major livestock products (MLPs), including milk, eggs, meat, and wool.
• This data plays a pivotal role in shaping policies for the livestock sector.

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Key Highlights of the report

• Data Coverage: The publication includes state-wise estimations of production and per-capita availability of MLPs.
  • It serves as a critical tool for policy formulation in the livestock sector.
• Milk Production: The total milk production in India for 2023-24 is estimated at 239.30 million tonnes.
  • India is the world’s largest producer of milk.
  • The top five milk-producing states are Uttar Pradesh (16.21%), Rajasthan (14.51%),Madhya Pradesh (8.91%), Gujarat (7.65%) and Maharashtra (6.71%).
  • Annual growth rate (AGR): West Bengal recorded the highest AGR in Milk Production at 9.76%.
• Egg Production: Egg production increased by 3.17% to 142.77 billion eggs, with a per-capita availability of 103 eggs annually.
• • India ranks second globally in egg production.
  • The top five Egg producing states are Andhra Pradesh (17.85%), Tamil Nadu (15.64%), Telangana (12.88%) and West Bengal (11.37%).
  • AGR for egg production: Ladakh achieved the highest growth rate at 75.88%, followed by Manipur at 33.84%.
• Meat Production: Meat production grew by 4.95%, reaching 10.25 million tonnes in 2023-24.
  • The top five Meat producing states are West Bengal (12.62%), Uttar Pradesh (12.29%) ,Maharashtra(11.28%)  and Telangana(10.85%).
• Wool Production: Wool production was recorded at 33.69 million kg.
  • The leading contributors to wool production are Rajasthan (47.53%) , Jammu & Kashmir(23.06%), Gujarat (6.18%), Maharashtra (4.75%) and Himachal Pradesh (4.22%)
• Government Initiatives:
  • Free vaccines for livestock against foot-and-mouth disease and brucellosis with  aim for eradication by 2030 to boost exports.
  • Focus on improving average milk yield per animal and better livestock health management

Export Push and Challenges

• Boosting Dairy Exports: Need of further increasing dairy product exports to capitalize on India’s production strength.
• Slowing Growth Concerns: The 10-year average growth of 6% exceeds the global average, despite recent fluctuations influenced by factors like monsoons.
• Potential for Improvement: Animal Husbandry Secretary reiterated that while India leads globally, there is significant untapped potential in the dairy sector.

Schemes under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying

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National Milk Day

• Origin: Celebrated annually on November 26th to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the Father of the White Revolution in India.
• Objective: To recognize the significance of the dairy industry in India’s economy and its contribution to rural livelihoods.
• Key Observation at 2024 event: 
• • Emphasis on innovation and technology to enhance milk production and processing.
  • Importance of infrastructure development for efficient milk collection and transportation.
  • Need for a robust regulatory framework to ensure quality and safety standards.
  • Focus on empowering dairy farmers through training and capacity building.

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Recently, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Climate Club launched the Global Matchmaking Platform (GMP) On the Energy Day at COP29. 

About the Global Matchmaking Platform (GMP)

• The Global Matchmaking Platform (GMP) is a new initiative to accelerate industrial decarbonization.
• The GMP, hosted by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) will connect countries with the right resources and expertise to implement decarbonization projects.
• Objective: To accelerate decarbonisation in heavy-emitting industries.
• Addresses the $125 billion annual funding gap required to achieve net-zero emissions goals.
• Key Features of the GMP

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• • Functions as a support mechanism for the Climate Club, with the secretariat hosted by UNIDO.
  • Supported by the interim secretariat jointly hosted by the OECD and the International Energy Agency (IEA).
  • Facilitates matchmaking to meet the specific needs of countries by linking them to technical and financial resources.
• Participants and Partnerships
• • State parties present: Germany, Chile (co-chairs), Uruguay, Turkiye, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.
  • Non-state participants: UNIDO, World Bank, Climate Investment Funds (CIF), GIZ, and others.
  • Focus on strengthening partnerships between governments, international organisations, and the private sector.

The Benefits

• Identification of decarbonization needs: The GMP will help countries identify and prioritize their decarbonization needs.
• Facilitation of global partnership: It will facilitate partnerships between governments, international organizations, and the private sector.
• Mobilizing financial support: The platform will mobilize the necessary funding to support decarbonization projects.

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Climate Club and Work Programme

• The Climate Club, launched at COP28, promotes international collaboration in industrial decarbonisation.
• The GMP is a key component of the Club’s efforts to accelerate industrial decarbonization.
• Current work programme (2025–26) focuses on three pillars:
  • Ambitious climate mitigation policies.
  • Industrial transformation.
  • Strengthened international cooperation.
• Role of GMP in 2025–26 Work Programme
  • GMP will assist in incorporating industrial decarbonisation into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for COP30.

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The controversy began when a petition claimed that the 16th-century Jama Masjid in Sambhal was built on an ancient Hari Har Mandir, leading to court-ordered surveys, protests, and violent clashes.

• The claim was similar to those made in the case of Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi and Eidgah Masjid Mathura in Uttar Pradesh and Kamal-Maula Masjid in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.

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Background

• Case filed by Petitioners: Eight petitioners have filed a case in the Sambhal court, claiming that in 1527-28 AD, Babar’s lieutenant, Hindu Beg, partially demolished the Shri Hari Har temple and converted it into a mosque. 
  • The current mosque is alleged to have been built on the temple’s site.
• Right of Access to Protected Monument: The petitioners say that the monument is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and 
  • under section 18 of the Act, the public has the “right of access to protected monuments”.
• Court Orders for Mosque Survey: On November 19, the Sambhal court ordered a mosque survey, which was conducted under district authorities’ supervision. 
  • Despite opposition, a second survey took place on November 24, sparking violence as a crowd feared demolition.

Places of Worship Act, 1991

• Purpose: The Act mandates that the religious character of all places of worship must remain as it was on August 15, 1947 and prohibits the conversion of any place of worship from one religious denomination to another, in whole or part.
• Key Provisions of the Act:
  • Prohibition of Conversion (Section 3): Prevents the conversion of a place of worship, whether in full or part, from one religious denomination to another or within the same denomination.
  • Maintenance of Religious Character (Section 4(1)): Ensures that the religious identity of a place of worship remains the same as it was on August 15, 1947.
  • Exceptions to the Act (Section 5): 
    • Ancient and Historical Monuments: The Act does not apply to monuments, archaeological sites, and remains protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
    • Settled or Resolved Disputes: The Act excludes cases that have already been settled, disputes resolved through mutual agreement, or conversions that took place before the Act’s enactment.
    • Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid Dispute: The Act specifically excludes the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya, along with any ongoing legal proceedings related to it.
  • Penalties (Section 6): Specifies penalties, including a maximum imprisonment term of three years and fines, for violating the Act.
  • Bars Judicial Review: The main criticism of the Act  is that it bars judicial review, a fundamental feature of the Constitution.

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Challenges to the Places of Worship Act

• Sambhal Petition and Character Change: The petition filed in Sambhal seeks to alter the religious character of a place of worship, which contradicts the provisions of the 1991 Act.
• Justice D.Y. Chandrachud’s Oral Observation: Petitioners refer to Justice D.Y. Chandrachud’s 2022 remark that determining the religious character of a place, as part of a procedural inquiry, may not necessarily violate the Act’s provisions.
  • This essentially means that an inquiry into what the nature of the place of worship was on August 15, 1947 can be allowed, even if that nature cannot be subsequently changed.
• Courts have admitted petitions:  The courts have admitted petitions seeking to alter the religious character of the places of worship in Varanasi, Mathura, Dhar, and now Sambhal even as the Supreme Court is yet to decide on the challenges to the Places of Worship Act itself.

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Employment scenario in the country is showing a positive sign as gauged by various labour force indicators nationally as well internationally.

Employment Indicators

• Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS): It is the official data source of Employment/ Unemployment being conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) since 2017-18. 
  • The survey period is from July to June of the next year.
  • FY 2034-24: The estimated Unemployment Rate (UR) on usual status for youth of age 15-29 years is 10.2%
• The Worker Population Ratio (WPR): It is defined as the percentage of the population that is employed and is calculated by dividing the number of employed people by the working-age population, and then multiplying by 100.  
  • It has increased for youth indicating employment has increased from 31.4% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24.
• Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) Payroll Data: It gives employment data for the formal sector.
  • FY 2034-24: More than 1.3 crore net subscribers joined EPFO during 2023-24.
  • 2017 to2024: Overall in the last 8 years, more than 7.03 crore net subscribers have joined EPFO, indicating increase in formalisation of employment. 
• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): It is the percentage of a population that is either working or actively looking for work.
  • Calculation: The rate is calculated by dividing the labor force by the civilian noninstitutional population and multiplying by 100
    • Labour Force is the sum of the number of people who are employed and the number of people who are unemployed.
  • FY 2023-2024: 
    • Rural Areas: It  increased from 50.7% in 2017-18 to 63.7% 
    • Urban Areas: It increased from 47.6% to 52.0%.
    • Female labor force participation: It reached a seven-year high of 41.7%
    • Male Labour Participation: It reached a seven-year high of 78.8%. 
• Below Global Average: As per the ILO’s Global Report Trends for Youth, 2022, the worldwide youth unemployment rate was 15.6 per cent in 2021.
  • The World Employment and Social Outlook Trends, 2024 by ILO: Globally in 2023, the youth unemployment rate was 13.3 per cent.

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The Union Cabinet has approved the One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme.

More on the news

• Budget Allocation
• • Total budget: ₹6,000 crore for three years (2025–2027).
  • Classified as a Central Sector Scheme.

About One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme

• It is a Unified Portal for accessing journals. 
• Applies to government higher education institutions (HEIs) and central R&D laboratories.
• This scheme is overseen by the Ministry of Education, through the Department of Higher Education.
  • It is coordinated by the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university center under the University Grants Commission (UGC)

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• Target Beneficiaries
  • Covers over 6,300 institutions, including:
    • Central and state government HEIs.
    • Central R&D institutions.
  • Benefits 1.8 crore students, faculty, and researchers across disciplines.
• Objectives and Benefits
  • Promotes Research & Development: Complements the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) initiative.
    • Aims to provide nationwide access to scholarly research articles and journals.
• Process of ONOS Work
  • Access to journals will be provided through a national subscription.
    • It is coordinated by the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET); an autonomous inter-university centre of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• Need for ONOS
  • ONOS addresses several critical requirements of India’s research and higher education. 
    • Elimination of  Resource Duplication: prevents overlapping journal subscriptions across multiple libraries and institutions. 
      • Reduces unnecessary expenditure on subscriptions. 
    • Enhanced bargaining power:  A centralised subscription system strengthens negotiation power with publishers. 
    • Access to Scholarly Resources: Expands access to high quality scholarly journals for approximately 1.8 crore students, faculty, and researchers. \

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GI Tag for Narsapur Crochet Lace

Context: The GI Registry tag certificate for Narsapur crochet lace craft was received by the West Godavari District Collector during the closing ceremony of the GI & Beyond 2024 summit. 

• Ministry: The Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry registered the craft in the Geographical Indications Registry (GIR)

About the Narasapur Crochet Lace Craft

• Origin: The Lace craft was introduced in 1844 by a couple from Scotland as part of their association with a Christian missionary at Dummugudem (presently in Telangana). 
• Location: The craft is practiced in the 19 mandals in West Godavari and Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Konaseema districts in the Godavari region of Andhra Pradesh. 
  • Narsapur and Palacole are the major trade points for lace products in West Godavari district.
• The Craft: The lace work is done using fine cotton threads and these are again woven with thin crochet needles of varying sizes
• Women led Craft:3 categories of products made of lace ie.  garments, home furnishings and accessories with nearly 15,000 women directly involved 
  • An estimated 60% of the artisans involved in the craft are women.

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About GI & Beyond 2024 Summit

• The GI and Beyond-2024 Summit is a one day event showcasing the GI handloom and handicraft products across India.
  • 10 new GI certificates will be handed over to GI applicants during the inaugural function by Hon’ble Minister for Textiles.
• Organised By: Ministry of Textiles in coordination with Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC)
• Objective: The event aims for brand promotion of GI handloom and Handicraft products among the broad spectrum of the stakeholders including overseas buyers, exporters, MNCs, etc.

Reang Tribe

Context: The Tripura government affirmed its commitment to the development of all languages and preventing their extinction, following a request from the Reang community to recognize their oral language, Kaubru.

Reang Community’s Demands

• Recognition of Kaubru Language: The Reang community, one of the 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), requested official recognition for their language, Kaubru.
• Holiday for Hojagiri Day: The community also demanded a holiday on Hojagiri Day, which celebrates their traditional Hojagiri dance, aimed at promoting Tripura’s cultural identity on the global stage.

Government Actions

• The Tripura government established an expert committee for Kaubru language in March 2022, chaired by Dr. Atul Debbarma.
• A new committee led by MLA Pramod Reang was set up in September 2023 to assess Kaubru’s recognition as a separate minority language. 

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About Reang tribe

• The Reang tribe, also known as “Bru,” is the second-largest tribal community in Tripura, after the old Tripuri clan. 
• They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Tripura. 
• Apart from Tripura, members of the Reang tribe are also found in the neighboring states of Mizoram and Assam.
• Historical Background
  • The Reang tribe traces its origins to the Shan State in Myanmar (formerly Burma). 
  • They migrated to the Chittagong Hill Tracts and subsequently to southern Tripura in different waves. 
• Ethnicity and Language
  • They belong to the Indo-Mongoloid racial stock. 
  • They speak a language called Kaubru, which is part of the Kok-Borok dialect and belongs to the Tibeto-Burmese linguistic family. 
• Social Structure: The Reang community is divided into two major clans, known as Meska and Molsoi. 
• Economic Practices: They were traditionally an agricultural tribe, practicing Huk or Jhum cultivation, which is a form of shifting agriculture. 
• Religious Beliefs
  • Most Reangs in Tripura follow Hinduism. 
  • They worship a variety of deities, including Buraha, Bonirao, Songragma, Jampira, and Lampra. 
• Cultural Contributions
  • The Hojagiri Folk Dance is a prominent cultural expression of the Reang tribe. 
    • This dance has achieved global recognition and serves as a representation of their rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions.

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