India was re-elected to the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) for the 2025-2026 term.

• India’s current term on the Commission was expiring on December 31.

About UN Peacekeeping

• United Nations Peacekeeping is a mechanism/tool established by the United Nations (UN) to assist countries transitioning from conflict to peace. Blue Helmets/Blue Berets: The UN Peacekeepers are also called the Blue Helmets because the General Assembly resolution 167 (II) passed in 1947 approved light blue as the color for the United Nations flag.

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• Principles: UN Peacekeeping is guided by three basic principles:
  • Consent of the parties;
  • Impartiality;
  • Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate.
• Scope of Peacekeeping: Modern peacekeeping operations go beyond maintaining peace and security, but also focusing on:
  • facilitating political processes, protecting civilians, supporting disarmament and reintegration, organizing elections, and restoring human rights and the rule of law.
• Current Peacekeeping Operations: There are currently 11 UN peacekeeping operations deployed on three continents. Nobel Peace Prize: The UN Peacekeeping forces were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988 for their efforts in maintaining peace and preventing conflict in various regions. 

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About UN Peacebuilding Commission

• Establishment: The Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) was jointly established by the General Assembly and the Security Council in 2005.
• Role: The PBC is an intergovernmental advisory body of the United Nations that supports peace efforts in conflict-affected countries.
  • It enhances the international community’s capacity for peacebuilding within a broad peace agenda.
• Composition: Composed of 31 Member States elected from the UN General Assembly, Security Council, and Economic and Social Council.
  • Includes top financial and troop-contributing countries to the UN system.
• Key Objectives:
  • Brings together relevant actors to marshal resources for post-conflict peacebuilding and recovery. Advises on integrated strategies for reconstruction, institution-building, and sustainable development.
• Responsibilities:
  • Focuses attention on recovery efforts after conflict.
  • Promotes predictable financing for early recovery activities.
  • Extends the international community’s focus on post-conflict recovery.
  • Provides recommendations and information to improve coordination among all actors.
• Strategic Approach:
  • Advocates for an integrated, strategic, and coherent peacebuilding framework.
  • Emphasizes the interlinkages between security, development, and human rights.
  • Acts as a bridge among UN organs, offering advice on peacebuilding needs and priorities.
• Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO): Administers the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).
  • Assists the UN Secretary-General in coordinating peacebuilding activities.

India’s Contributions to UN Peacekeeping

• Founding Member: India is a founding member of the PBC.
• Advocacy for Sustainable Peacebuilding: As a significant contributor to UN Peacekeeping, India remains committed to global peace and stability.
  • India emphasizes the importance of inclusive development, capacity building, and local ownership in peacebuilding processes. 
  • It has also championed South-South cooperation as a model for post-conflict recovery.
• Contribution of Uniformed Personnel to UN: India is one of the largest contributors of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping operations.
  • More than 200,000 Indians have served in 49 of the 71 UN peacekeeping missions established around the world since 1948.
  • Approximately 6,000 Indian military and police personnel are deployed across missions in Abyei, the Central African Republic, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, the Middle East, Somalia, South Sudan, and Western Sahara.
  • Nearly 180 Indian peacekeepers have lost their lives in the line of duty, the highest number from any troop-contributing country.
• Financial Contributions: India has contributed financially to the Peacebuilding Fund, which supports countries transitioning from conflict to peace.
• Indian Women in the UN peacekeeping initiatives: India has a long tradition of sending women on UN peacekeeping missions.
  • In 2007, India became the first country to deploy an all-women contingent to a UN peacekeeping mission. 
  • India displayed a strong commitment to gender parity by deploying Female Engagement Teams (FETs) and Female Formed Police Units (FFPUs) to countries like Lebanon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • India has also deployed women military police in Golan Heights and women Staff Officers/ Military Observers in various missions. 
• Capacity Development of UN: India has been at the forefront of capacity development for the UN, host nations and partner nations. 
  • Example: India has provided active support for host nation capacity development by providing training, infrastructure development and Civil Military Coordination (CIMIC) activities.
• Established a Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK): The Indian Army has established a Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in New Delhi to impart niche training in peacekeeping operations. 
  • This Centre trains more than 12,000 troops every year. 
  • CUNPK undertakes a multitude of activities from contingent training to national and international courses for potential peacekeepers and trainers. 
  • It also hosts foreign delegations as part of sharing best practices.
  • The Centre regularly dispatches Mobile Training Teams to Friendly Foreign Countries as part of capacity building in the field of UN peacekeeping training. 
• India Pledges: During the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial held at Accra, Ghana on 05-06 December 2023, India has pledged:
  • an Infantry Battalion Group, various sub-groups, UN Pre-Deployment Training of Trainers Course and UN Military Observers Course for the next two years, to meet the requirements of the UN.

Significance of India’s Re-Election to UN Peacebuilding Commission

• Strategic Role in UN Peacekeeping: India’s re-election highlights its ongoing active role in global peace and security efforts, further solidifying its position as a key player in international diplomacy.
  • This also reinforces India’s soft power.
• Support for Local Initiatives: India’s role in the PBC promotes the inclusion of local voices and solutions, ensuring that community-driven peacebuilding efforts are integrated alongside international strategies.
  • Example:  India has advocated for increased local involvement in peacebuilding in South Sudan
• Shape Global Peacebuilding Policies: India can leverage its membership to influence policies emphasizing conflict prevention, economic reconstruction, and resilience-building in post-conflict societies.
• Advocate for a Permanent seat in the UN Security Council: India’s reelection to the UNPBC strengthens its bid for a more significant role in global governance, including a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

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Challenges of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture

• Resource Gaps and Funding Constraints: One of the major limitations is the insufficient and unpredictable funding for peacebuilding initiatives. 
  • The Peacebuilding Fund, while critical, often struggles with limited resources, which hampers the timely and effective implementation of peacebuilding programs.
• Neglect of Local Needs: Local peacebuilding groups report that the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) often prioritizes larger, high-visibility projects led by international NGOs and government partners.
  • This approach overlooks the priorities and needs of communities directly affected by conflict.
• Insufficient Representation in the UNSC: The effectiveness of the UN Security Council (UNSC) is hindered by its lack of adequate representation, particularly the absence of Africa.
  • This underrepresentation limits the UNSC’s ability in global peace and security matters.
• Over-reliance on International Actors: The peacebuilding process is often driven by large international organizations, leaving local actors with minimal involvement. 
  • Local actors are often excluded from the design and implementation of initiatives.
• Operational Challenges: The UN lacks a Permanent Military and Police Force.
  • Swift mobilisation of military and police personnel from its member states for field missions is a challenging task.
• Political Challenges: The UN’s mandate to act in conflict zones is sometimes limited by geopolitical interests and local power structures, which can obstruct progress.
• Limited Impact on Systemic Issues: While the UN’s peacebuilding architecture focuses on post-conflict recovery, it often struggles to address underlying systemic issues such as poverty, inequality, and governance deficits, which contribute to the recurrence of conflict.

Way Forward

• Reforms in the UN Security Council: Reforming the UN Security Council is crucial to ensure more representation and effectiveness in addressing global challenges. 
  • Example: Increasing the number of permanent members in the United Nation Security Council.
• Strengthen Local Ownership and Participation:Empower local communities by making peacebuilding initiatives community-driven and simplifying funding access for grassroots organizations.
  • Example: Collaboration with local NGOs can be increased.
• Improved Coordination Across UN Entities: Foster better collaboration among UN agencies to ensure a cohesive approach to peacebuilding, addressing security, development, and human rights.
  • Example: Training peacekeepers in hybrid warfare and non traditional warfare tactics.
• Strengthen Conflict Prevention Mechanisms: Example: Improving intelligence gathering, boosting diplomatic efforts by expanding the role of special envoys.
• Ensure Adequate Funding: Provide adequate resources to the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and the Department of Peace Operations (DPO).
• Ensure Greater Political Will and Leadership:
  Secure strong political support from national governments and international stakeholders to back peacebuilding efforts.

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Conclusion

Amid rising conflicts, terrorism, humanitarian crises, and new global threats, there is a need for a more robust and efficient UN peace and security system.

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Despite a week of negotiations at the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in Busan, South Korea no consensus was reached on a framework agreement, with significant disagreement over production cuts.

• Delegates from nearly 170 countries gathered for INC-5 to discuss eliminating plastic pollution.

Key Issues which led to Disagreement

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• Disagreement on Plastic Production Cuts:  A group of countries, including the European Union, argued for reducing plastic production as critical to tackling plastic pollution.
  • Opposing nations, such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, viewed such measures as economic restrictions rather than environmental action.
  • India opposed regulating primary plastic polymer production, citing developmental rights and economic implications.
• Divergent Interpretations of Mandate: Some delegates accused others of stretching the treaty’s mandate to include trade restrictions and commercial competition under the guise of environmental concerns.
• Contentious Targets: The draft treaty included year-wise targets for phasing out single-use plastics and specific chemical compounds in plastic products, which some nations found unacceptable.

India’s Position on the Treaty

• India opposed measures to regulate primary plastic polymer production, emphasizing its implications for development.
• Highlighted domestic actions, including bans on short-lived plastic products and robust extended producer responsibility (EPR) regimes.
  • EPR is a policy approach that makes producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including post-consumer waste management.
  • EPR implementation in India is governed by the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. These rules mandate that producers, importers, and brand owners are responsible for collecting and recycling their plastic waste
• Committed to sustainable plastic packaging and reducing virgin material use but not at the cost of production targets.

Future Negotiations and Concern

• Negotiations will resume in 2025, tentatively titled INC-5.2, the draft text synthesized at the end of INC 5 may serve as the basis for future discussions.
• Observers worry about further delays and reduced ambition, particularly with anticipated changes in U.S. leadership under the Trump administration.
• Growing concern that economic interests of petrochemical-producing nations could stall meaningful action on plastic pollution.

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Way Forward

• Promote Inclusive Dialogues: Facilitate transparent and inclusive consultations among nations to address concerns about economic impacts and developmental rights, fostering a balanced approach to production regulations.
• Strengthen Open-Access Technology Sharing: Encourage global collaboration to share sustainable technologies and practices for reducing plastic use and developing alternatives, minimizing reliance on virgin plastics.
• Focus on Phased Targets: Develop realistic, phased targets for production cuts and plastic alternatives, allowing nations to transition gradually without compromising development goals.
• Enhance Monitoring and Compliance: Establish mechanisms to monitor and address non-compliance while ensuring the treaty remains adaptive to emerging technologies and scientific advancements.

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The ocean plays a significant role in climate moderation by carbon absorption and heat regulation.

Role of Ocean in Regulating Climate

• Heat Absorption and Distribution
  • Heat Sink: The ocean absorbs over 90% of the excess heat generated by greenhouse gases, acting as a massive heat sink. This helps to moderate global temperatures and prevent rapid climate change.
  • Heat Transport: Ocean currents redistribute heat around the globe, influencing weather patterns and moderating temperature extremes. This global heat conveyor belt helps to maintain a relatively stable climate.
• Regulation of Atmospheric Gases
  • Carbon Sink: The ocean absorbs approximately 25% of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions, acting as a significant carbon sink. This helps to mitigate the greenhouse effect and slow down climate change.
  • Biogeochemical Cycles: Marine organisms play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle, influencing the exchange of carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the ocean.
• Influence on Weather Patterns
• • Evaporation and Precipitation: The ocean is the primary source of water vapor, which fuels weather systems and influences precipitation patterns.
  • Storm Formation and Intensity: Ocean temperatures and currents can influence the formation and intensity of storms, such as hurricanes and typhoons.

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The Cost of Climate Regulation

• Ocean Acidification: Increased carbon dioxide absorption leads to ocean acidification, harming marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs and shellfish.
• Disrupted Biogeochemical Cycles: Changes in ocean temperature and chemistry can disrupt marine ecosystems and alter biogeochemical cycles, affecting nutrient availability and productivity.
• Marine Pollution: Pollution from human activities, such as plastic waste and chemical runoff, further stresses marine ecosystems and exacerbates climate change impacts.
• Harm to Marine Ecosystems: Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and pollution threaten marine biodiversity and fisheries, impacting livelihoods and food security.

Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR)

• Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) encompasses methods aimed at enhancing the ocean’s natural ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide, mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas concentrations.
• mCDR is not a substitute for emissions reductions but can complement efforts as the world transitions to net-zero emissions.
• It offers potential to address lingering CO₂ burdens and keep warming below 1.5°C if combined with aggressive decarbonisation strategies.
• mCDR techniques include:
  • Biotic (Nature-Based) Solutions: These approaches use natural ecosystems, such as mangroves, seagrasses, and macroalgae, to sequester carbon dioxide with capability of capturing up to 1 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually, with storage durations of hundreds to thousands of years.
  • Abiotic (Engineered) Solution: Techniques involve direct manipulation of oceanic physical or chemical properties for carbon sequestration.
    • Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE): Adding alkaline substances to seawater to neutralize acidity and form stable bicarbonate or carbonate ions capable of sequestering 1-15 billion tonnes of CO₂ per year.
    • Biomass Burial at Sea: Sinking organic materials, such as kelp or crop residue, into deep ocean layers to sequester carbon. It is capable of sequestering 7-22 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually.
    • Ocean Iron Fertilisation (OIF):  Adding iron to ocean waters to stimulate phytoplankton blooms, which capture carbon dioxide which boosts biological carbon sequestration by enhancing primary product

Risks and Challenges of Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) Techniques

• Ocean Iron Fertilisation (OIF): It risks disrupting marine ecosystems, altering food webs, and depleting oxygen levels in deeper waters. These disruptions may harm biodiversity and compromise the ecological balance of ocean systems.
• Macroalgae Cultivation: Macroalgae cultivation, a biotic approach to carbon capture, involves growing seaweed to absorb carbon dioxide. 
  • While beneficial for removing carbon, decaying biomass from large-scale cultivation can significantly alter the local chemistry of marine environments, potentially leading to unintended ecological consequences.
• Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE): Despite its promise of scalability, OAE raises significant concerns about its potential impacts on marine biodiversity and ecosystems. 
  • Additionally, the process is energy-intensive, often requiring extensive resources for material production and deployment.
• Challenges in Calibration and Measurement: The vastness and turbulence of open seas make accurate measurement and calibration of carbon removal difficult.
  • Determining how much carbon is captured and remains sequestered poses a major scientific and logistical challenge, undermining efforts to monitor and validate the effectiveness of mCDR techniques.

India’s Untapped Potential in the Indian Ocean

• Strategic Importance: The Indian Ocean, encompassing the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, represents a significant opportunity to address climate change through marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR).
• Carbon Sequestration Potential:
  • The Indian Ocean could capture 25-40% of marine carbon dioxide through carefully implemented mCDR techniques.
  • Deep ocean currents provide natural pathways for long-term carbon storage.
• Diverse Ecosystems: Rich marine biodiversity supports both biotic solutions (mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs) and abiotic solutions (alkalinity enhancement and biomass burial).

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Initiatives to Promote the Role of the Ocean in Climate Action

• Marine Ecosystem Restoration: Programs to restore mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrasses to enhance carbon sequestration and coastal resilience.
  • Example: Mangrove Action Plan and coastal afforestation initiatives.
• Blue Economy Policy: Promoting sustainable use of ocean resources while addressing climate change impacts.
  • Development of ocean-based renewable energy projects like offshore wind and tidal energy.
• Research and Development: Investments in marine carbon capture technologies and ocean observation systems to monitor marine carbon flux.
  • Collaboration with academic institutions and research organizations to develop scalable mCDR solutions.
• Regional Partnerships: Strengthening ties with Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) countries to implement shared climate action goals.
• • Leveraging regional expertise in marine conservation and sustainable development.
• Participation in Global Frameworks: Active engagement in initiatives like the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).
  • Collaboration on international research projects to advance marine-based carbon removal.
• Technology and Knowledge Exchange: Partnering with countries experienced in mCDR techniques (e.g., Japan, Australia) for technical assistance and training.
  • Sharing satellite and AI-based tools for marine ecosystem monitoring.

Way Forward

• Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the ocean’s critical role in climate mitigation.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with local communities, NGOs, and the fishing industry to ensure inclusive and sustainable solutions.
• Capacity Building: Training marine scientists and policymakers in cutting-edge mCDR technologies and governance frameworks.
• Future Prospects: India’s strategic geographical advantage, combined with robust government policies and international collaborations, positions it as a global leader in ocean-based climate solutions.

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The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) has urged states to expedite the issuance of digital Farmer IDs, known as ‘Kisan Pehchaan Patra.’

About Farmer ID or ‘Kisan Pehchaan Patra’

• Objective: A digital identity card for farmers to digitise their agricultural information and enhance access to government schemes.

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• Details included:
  • Land ownership data.
  • Livestock details.Crop patterns and types of crops cultivated.
  • Village land maps.
• The Farmer ID integrates with Aadhaar and state land records, forming the core of the Farmers’ Registry under the ‘Agri Stack’ initiative.
  • Agri Stack is a digital infrastructure initiative by the government aimed at uniting various stakeholders to enhance the agricultural sector in India.
  • It leverages data and digital services to achieve improved outcomes and benefits for farmers.
• The initiative is part of the Centre’s Digital Agriculture Mission.

Benefits for Farmers

• Access to facilities like Crop insurance and loans along with information on village land maps and crop data.
• A step toward digitising agricultural operations for better monitoring and support.
• Budget Allocation: Total project cost of ₹2,817 crore with central government contribution of ₹1,940 crore.
  • Special Assistance Scheme: ₹5,000 crore allocated by the Finance Ministry in August 2024 for creating the Farmers’ Registry.
  • Timeline for Access: Funds available to states until March 2025 under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2024-25.

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• Government Targets: Digital identities to be created for 11 crore farmers in phases:
  • FY2024-25: 6 crore farmers.
  • FY2025-26: 3 crore farmers.
  • FY2026-27: 2 crore farmers.

Implementation Strategy

• Camp-Mode Approach: States to organise camps for rapid and inclusive farmer registration.
• Incentives for States:
• • ₹15,000 per camp at the field level.
  • ₹10 per Farmer ID generated.
  • Funding sourced from the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme.
• Progress Across States: Leading states in issuance of Digital Farmer ID Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • States like Assam, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha are still in the field-testing phase.

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The Supreme Court (SC) recently mandated that prior sanction is required to prosecute public servants under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Key Highlight of the Verdict

• Section 71 of PMLA: Asserts that PMLA provisions have overriding authority over other laws in cases of inconsistency.
• Supreme Court Ruling: Public servants cannot be prosecuted under PMLA without prior sanction under Section 197 of the CrPC.
  • SC upheld a 2019 Telangana HC order, setting aside the trial court’s cognisance due to lack of prior sanction.
• Reasoning: Section 65 of the PMLA makes CrPC provisions applicable unless inconsistent.
  • Accused public servants’ alleged criminal acts were connected to their official duties, requiring sanction.

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About Prior Sanction Provision

• The prior sanction provision is a legal safeguard designed to protect public servants from frivolous or politically motivated prosecutions. 
• This provision is mentioned in Section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
• It mandates that law enforcement agencies, such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), must obtain prior approval from the government before initiating a prosecution against a public servant.

Mechanism for Prior Sanction

• Allegation Against Public Servant: An allegation is made against a public servant, often involving corruption or misuse of office.
• Investigation: Law enforcement agencies investigate the allegations to gather evidence.
• Prior Sanction Request: If the investigation reveals sufficient grounds for prosecution, the agency must seek prior sanction from the appropriate government authority.
• Government Review: The government reviews the evidence and determines whether there is a prima facie case to proceed with the prosecution.
• Sanction Granted or Denied: The government may grant or deny the sanction based on the merits of the case.
• Prosecution: If sanction is granted, the prosecution can proceed. If denied, the case cannot be pursued.

Key Provisions on Prior Sanction for Public Servants

• Under Section 197 of the CrPC: Courts cannot take cognisance of offences allegedly committed by public servants while discharging official duties without prior sanction from the government.
  • Exceptions: Crimes such as rape, sexual harassment, stalking, and human trafficking do not require prior sanction.
• Under Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA): Section 19(1) requires prior sanction to prosecute offences like bribery and undue advantage.
• Section 17A  of PMLA (Amended in 2018): Requires government approval to investigate decisions made in discharge of official duties.
  • The SC case will decide if Section 17A applies to pre-2018 cases.

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Cases Leading to SC Direction on Prior Sanction

• Devinder Singh v. State of Punjab (2016): Established that Section 197 protection applies only to acts in official duty, not crimes disguised as authority.
• P K Pradhan v. State of Sikkim (2001): Held that absence of sanction under Section 197 can be argued at any trial stage, even post-conviction, if linked to official duties.
• Bibhu Prasad Acharya & Adityanath Das Case (2023): SC upheld the Telangana HC ruling that prior sanction under Section 197 is mandatory for public servants charged under PMLA, as their alleged acts were linked to official duties.

Implications for ED Cases Involving Public Servants

• On Investigation and Complaints: ED investigations and complaints can continue, but trial courts cannot take cognisance of chargesheets against public servants without prior sanction.
• On Trials and Appeals: Public servants convicted without prior sanction can challenge the trial’s validity during appeals, arguing the absence of sanction.
• Potential Impact: Convictions may be overturned if courts accept the argument of missing sanction for acts allegedly performed in official capacity.
• On Public Servant: This ruling emphasizes the need to protect public servants performing bona fide official duties while ensuring accountability for misuse of authority.
• • It may delay trials and provide legal grounds for accused public servants to contest proceedings or convictions in cases involving PMLA charges.

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Recently a $98 million loan agreement between the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was signed to enhance horticultural productivity and resilience in India. 

Key Highlights of the Loan Agreement

• Objective: To improve farmers’ access to certified, disease-free planting materials.
  • Enhance crop yield, quality, and resilience to climate change.
• Support for the Clean Plant Programme (CPP): The project aligns with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP), aimed at strengthening plant health management in horticulture.

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About Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP)

• The programme is part of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
• Implementation Period: It will be implemented from 2024 to 2030 with 50% financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
• Objective: The CPP aims to tackle critical challenges in horticulture by providing access to high-quality, virus-free planting materials.
• Aim of the Programme
  • Enhancing Crop Yields: The programme seeks to increase the yield of horticulture crops.
  • Promoting Climate-Resilient Varieties: It focuses on the dissemination and adoption of climate-resilient plant varieties.
  • Protecting the Ecosystem: Proactive measures for virus and disease control will help safeguard the environment.
• Key Implementing Agencies: The programme will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in collaboration with:
  • National Horticulture Board (NHB).
  • Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

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Key Components CPP

• Clean Plant Centers (CPCs): Establishment of nine world-class CPCs with advanced diagnostic facilities, therapeutics, and tissue culture laboratories.
• Certification Framework: Development of a regulatory framework under the Seeds Act, 1966, to certify clean plants.Support for Nurseries:Provision of support to develop infrastructure for large-scale nurseries.Implementation Strategy
• Clean Plant Centers: These centers will maintain disease-free foundation planting materials.
• Advanced Facilities: CPCs will feature cutting-edge diagnostic laboratories and personnel trained in state-of-the-art testing procedures.
• Certification Scheme: A clean plant certification scheme will be created to accredit private nurseries, ensuring access to quality planting materials.

Significance of the CPP

• Boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat: Strengthens self-reliance in horticulture, aligning with India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Addresses Climate Challenges: Enhances farmers’ ability to adapt to climate-related issues.
• Encourages Innovation: Promotes advanced testing techniques and institutional capacity-building.
• Long-Term Benefits: Expected to improve productivity, sustainability, and economic well-being of farmers.

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It’s been a year since Houthi militants began attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea, leading to a major disruption in global trade. 

• Commercial ships now largely avoid the Suez Canal – the shortest sea link between Asia and Europe – and instead voyage longer round the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. 

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Location

• The Red Sea is the northernmost tropical sea and a crucial waterway for global trade.
• It spans a surface area of 438,000 km², with a length of 2,250 km, a maximum width of 355 km, and a deepest point of 3,040 m (Suakin Trough).
• Situated between Africa and Asia, it is a semi-enclosed inlet of the Indian Ocean.
• Connected to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean via the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden.

Surrounding Nations of Red Sea

• Eastern Border: Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
• Western Border: Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea.
• Gulf of Aqaba Border: Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.

Straits and Connections

• Bab el-Mandeb Strait: Links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
• Strait of Tiran : Situated at the northern end of the Red Sea, separating the Sinai Peninsula from the Saudi Arabian coastline and providing access to the Gulf of Aqaba.
• Suez Canal: Connects the northern end of the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, enabling global shipping. The Suez Canal  was opened in 1869 and it remains a key part of the maritime route.

Economic Significance of Red Sea 

• Global Trade: Approximately 7% of global sea trade passes through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
• Fisheries: Supports the livelihood of coastal communities, generating annual revenue of $230 million.
• Tourism: Coral reefs and resorts generate approximately $12 billion annually.
• Minerals: Rich in resources like gypsum, dolomite, phosphates, and oil/natural gas deposits.

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Islands of the Red Sea

• Over 1,000 islands, including the Farasan Islands (east) and the Dahlak Archipelago (west).
• Prominent islands include Tiran Island, Shadwan Island, Kamaran, and Socotra.

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The 40th anniversary of the Bhopal gas tragedy will be observed on December 3, 2024.

• Bhopal Gas Tragedy: It is a catastrophic industrial disaster at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
• Toxic Gas Leak: The disaster was caused on December 3, 1984 when approximately 40 tons of toxic methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked out of a pesticide factory in the city of Bhopal.

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Present Status of the Toxic Waste Disposal

• Funds Released: ₹126 crore was allocated in March 2024 by the Union government to Madhya Pradesh for disposal of 337 MT of the toxic waste, which was collected and kept in the premises of the factory in 2005.
• No Ground Action: Despite funds, the state government has not started the disposal process due to administrative hurdles.

Reasons for the Persistence of Hazardous Waste

• Legal Efforts and Initial Actions (2004-2007)
  • A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2004 sought Dow Chemicals’ accountability.
  • Proposed incineration at BEIL (Gujarat) scrapped due to protests.

• • • Incineration is a combustion process in which the waste material is burned in the presence of oxygen by applying high temperature.
• Supreme Court Directive
  • In 2010, the Supreme Court allowed 346 MT of waste to be incinerated at Pithampur Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF), Madhya Pradesh, following a trial run.
• Challenges with Incineration Facilities (2012)
  • The Madhya Pradesh government filed a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court opposing the incineration of the toxic waste at Pithampur, citing concerns about potential pollution of the Yashwant Sagar Dam, a key water source for Indore, and health risks to nearby residents. 
  • A German company, GIZ, had previously offered to transport and incinerate 346 metric tonnes of the waste in Hamburg for ₹25 crore. 
    • However, the plan was abandoned after opposition from German environmental organizations and activists.
• Failed Attempts and Delays (2015-2023)
  • Reports revealed six out of seven test runs at the facility were unsuccessful, releasing toxic chemicals.
  • Lack of consensus between the Centre and the state stalled progress for seven years.

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Ongoing Suffering from the Bhopal Disaster

• Unresolved Hazardous Waste: 
  • Even after 40 years of the Bhopal gas tragedy, the plan to dispose of 337 MT of toxic waste remains unimplemented.
  • The government has yet to devise a plan to address the 11 lakh tonnes of contaminated soil plus mercury and nearly 150 tonnes of underground waste dumps present in the factory premises.
  • The orders of the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) are ignored for years as groundwater contamination spreads.
• Groundwater Contamination
  • Toxic Spread: Studies have revealed contamination of groundwater in residential areas, outside the factory contaminated with heavy metals and other toxic substances, which could lead to cancer and other diseases.
  • Expansion of Contamination: Experts warn that contamination is spreading further over time.
    • In 2018, the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research identified 42 colonies affected by contaminated water near the abandoned Union Carbide factory. 
    • A 2022 study by the Bhopal-based Sambhavna Trust Clinic reported contamination in 29 additional colonies.
  • Court Observations: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) highlighted the risk of leachate contaminating surface and underground water and spreading further during rains, polluting river bodies and other areas.
  • Toxic Incineration Risks: Emissions from trial burns release carcinogenic chemicals like dioxins and furans, harming residents and the environment.
• Government Apathy:
  • Delayed Action: Despite multiple court orders, cleanup efforts remain insufficient and slow.
  • Neglect of Accountability: No strict measures to hold the polluter accountable for the ₹310 crore cleanup costs.
• Victims’ Struggles:
  • Persistent Health Issues: Respiratory, reproductive, and developmental problems still plague survivors.
  • Lack of Closure: Despite decades, no comprehensive rehabilitation or cleanup has been achieved.

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Conclusion

• The cleanup of the hazardous waste from the Bhopal Gas Tragedy site remains a significant challenge, with years of delayed action and inadequate measures. 
• Comprehensive, immediate action is needed to properly dispose of this hazardous waste to prevent further contamination and protect the health of local communities.

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Brain Rot’

Context: Recently, brain rot’ — a term was now officially recognised as the Oxford Word of The Year for 2024.

What is brain rot?

• It refers to  a decline in mental or intellectual abilities caused by excessive consumption of trivial or unchallenging online content.
• Origin: The term was first used in 1854 by Henry David Thoreau.
• Modern Usage: It has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among younger generations, to describe the negative impact of social media and online culture.
• Online Culture: It’s associated with specific online trends and memes, like “Skibidi Toilet” and “only in Ohio.”
• Mental Health Impact: It has sparked discussions about the potential harm of excessive social media use on mental health.
• Significance
  • Digital Age Phenomenon: It highlights the impact of digital culture on language and society.
  • Self-Awareness: Younger generations are using the term to reflect on the potential downsides of social media.
  • Cultural Conversation: It contributes to ongoing discussions about technology, mental health, and the future of online culture.

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CINBEX EXERCISE

Context: Recently, The first edition of Exercise CINBAX, a joint table-top exercise between the Indian Army and Cambodian Army was conducted. 

About Exercise CINBAX

• Location: Conducted at the Foreign Training Node, Pune, India.
• Objective : To plan and simulate Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations 
• Focus Areas:
  • Setting up a Joint Training Task Force for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance.
  • Planning CT operations and discussing contingencies.

Ramappa Temple

Context: Recently, the Union government has approved loans under the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme to develop the Ramappa Region Sustainable Tourism Circuit.

About Ramappa Temple

• The Ramappa Temple, also known as the Rudreshwara Temple, is located in Telangana, India.
• It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built in 1213 AD during the reign of the Kakatiya ruler Kakati Ganapathi Deva.
  • Constructed under the supervision of Chief Commander Rudra Samani.
• The temple is named after its chief sculptor Ramappa, making it unique as it is probably the only temple in India named after its architect.
• UNESCO Recognition: In 2021, the Ramappa Temple was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana.

Key Architectural Features

• It is a prime example of the Kakatiya architectural style.
• One of the most distinctive features of the temple is its earthquake-proof architecture. 
  • The bricks used to build the gopuram (temple tower) are made from a mixture of clay, acacia wood, chaff, and myrobalan fruit. 
  • These bricks are lightweight and can float on water, making the temple resilient to seismic activity.
• The construction of the temple utilized the sandbox technique,
  • In this technique, the foundation pit was filled with a mixture of sand-lime, jaggery, and black myrobalan fruit. 
  • This mixture acts as a cushion during earthquakes, preventing structural damage.
• The temple has many intricately carved pillars, which are positioned in such a way that they interact with the sunlight. 
  • One of these pillars features a carving of Lord Krishna and, when gently struck, produces musical notes.
• Cultural and Religious Significance: The Ramappa Temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva and is locally known as Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple.
  • The temple follows a Trikutalayam (three deities) structure, as it houses idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Surya.

Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)

Context: ISRO recently said that Indian astronauts who have been selected for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) have completed the initial phase of training.

About Axiom-4 Mission (Ax-4)

• The Axiom-4 Mission (Ax-4) is a private spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS) that is a significant step in the space cooperation between India and the United States. 
  • It will be the fourth flight of Axiom Space after Axiom Mission 1, Axiom Mission 2 and Axiom Mission 3.
• The mission is operated by Axiom Space, a privately funded American space infrastructure developer, in collaboration with NASA. 
• Mission objectives: To establish a sustainable human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and dock with the ISS for 14 days. 
• Spacecraft: The mission will use a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. 
• Indian astronauts: Two Indian astronauts, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, were selected for the mission. 
  • They began training in the U.S. in August 2024. Shukla will be the second Indian to travel to space.

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Ajmer Sharif, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and Shahi Jama Masjid

Context: Recently, petitions have been filed in courts requesting a survey of the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer, based on claims that it was constructed by demolishing Hindu and Jain temples.

• Similar petitions have also been filed regarding the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, alleging it was built on the site of the ancient Hari Har Mandir.

About Ajmer Sharif 

• Holiest Shrines: The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is among the holiest Muslim shrines in India, located in Ajmer, Rajasthan. 
• It is dedicated to Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti, a revered Sufi saint from Persia.
• Construction: The shrine was built by Mughal Emperor Humayun to honor Khwaja Chishti after his passing.
• Contributions: 
  • Buland Darwaza Construction (1460s): Sultan Mahmud Khan Khalji and his son Ghiyasuddin built the Buland Darwaza, the dargah’s massive northern gateway.
  • White Marble Dome (1532): The current white marble dome of the Ajmer Dargah was built in 1532, during the reign of the Mughal emperor Humayun
  • Expansion Under Akbar: The major expansion of the shrine occurred during Emperor Akbar’s reign. 
    • Akbar, a devout follower of the Chishti sect, visited the dargah 14 times by 1579.
    • In the early 1570s, Akbar had the Akbari Masjid built to the west of the shrine’s southern entrance.
  • Jahangir’s Gold Railing (1616): In 1616, Jahangir ordered the construction of a gold railing with lattice work around the tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, enhancing the shrine’s architectural splendor.
  • Shah Jahan’s Contributions: Emperor Shah Jahan contributed to the construction of mosques within the shrine complex.

About Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti

• Arrival in Ajmer: Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti, believed by some to be a descendant of Prophet Muhammad, arrived in Ajmer via Lahore in 1192 and settled there, where he lived until his death in 1236 AD.
• Ghori Conquest: He came to India at the time of the Ghori conquest.
• First Follower: Moinuddin accepted Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki as his first follower.
• Chishti Order: He is believed to have introduced and established the Chisti Order in India. 
• Beliefs: The main beliefs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti were achieving oneness with Allah, devotion to the Divine, leading a pure life, use of simple language, the tolerance between people of different faiths, showing compassion and charity for the helpless and poor.

About the Shahi Jama Masjid, Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh

• Protected Monument Status: The Jama Masjid “is a protected monument”, notified on December 22, 1920 under Section 3, sub-section (3) of Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904.
• National Importance: It has been “declared as a Monument of National importance and figures on the website of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the list of centrally protected monuments.
• Historical Significance: It is one of three major mosques built during Mughal Emperor Babur’s reign, along with those in Panipat and Ayodhya.

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