Nitrofurans

Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a nationwide egg safety drive following a social media controversy alleging the presence of nitrofurans, a banned class of antibiotics, in eggs from a popular brand. 

About Nitrofurans

• Nature: Nitrofurans are a group of synthetic, broad-spectrum antimicrobial drugs that were earlier used in poultry, livestock and aquaculture to prevent and treat bacterial infections.
• Classification: The compounds comprising the nitrofuran class are furazolidone, furaltadone, nitrofurazone, and nitrofurantoin.
  • The defining structural component is a furan ring with a nitro group.
• Formation of Harmful Residues: After administration, nitrofurans are rapidly broken down into stable, tissue-bound metabolites such as AOZ (3-Amino-2-oxazolidinone), AMOZ (3-Amino-5-morpholinomethyl-2-oxazolidinone), AHD (1-Aminohydantoin) and SEM (Semicarbazide). 
  • These residues persist in meat, eggs, milk, and seafood long after the parent drug has disappeared, making them reliable markers of past use.
• Health Concerns: Long-term experimental studies have linked nitrofurans and their metabolites to potential carcinogenic and mutagenic effects, leading to public health concerns.
• Global Regulatory Status: The European Union and several other countries have imposed a zero-tolerance ban on nitrofurans in food-producing animals.
  • Any detectable residue is treated as evidence of illegal use.
• Residue Levels Found in the Current Case: AOZ detected at 0.74 µg/kg, which is below India’s permissible limit of 1 µg/kg.
• However, the presence of a globally banned substance, even at trace levels, often escalates consumer anxiety despite being within national safety thresholds.
• Nutritional Value of Eggs: Despite the controversy, eggs remain a nutrient-dense food, rich in: High-quality protein, Vitamin B12, Choline, Omega-3 fatty acids.
  • No health authority has advised avoiding eggs based on current residue findings.

ASPIRE (A Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industry, and Entrepreneurship)

Context: The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is implementing the ASPIRE scheme to promote entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities in rural areas.

About ASPIRE Scheme

• Launched by: Ministry of MSME, Government of India
• Year: 2015
• Objectives: 
  • Promote entrepreneurship and innovation in rural and agro-based industries.
  • Create employment opportunities in rural areas.
  • Strengthen MSMEs through skill development and technology support.

Key Components of ASPIRE Scheme

• Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs): Provide training in local trades (e.g., food processing, tailoring, handicrafts) to help individuals start micro-enterprises.
• Technology Business Incubators (TBIs): Support technology-based and innovative startups, particularly in the agro-industry sector.
• Fund of Funds via SIDBI: The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) provides financial support through venture capital, angel funds, and other instruments to scale startups.

Progress and Achievements under ASPIRE

• 109 Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs) approved across India
• 1,16,726 beneficiaries trained under the scheme
• A Focus on Inclusive Growth: The government is placing significant emphasis on empowering Women, SC & ST Entrepreneurs.

Kerala as India’s Butterfly Capital

Context: A comprehensive new study has confirmed that Kerala hosts the highest butterfly diversity among all Indian states along the Western Ghats.

Key Findings at a Glance

• The findings are part of a comprehensive new monograph published in ENTOMON, an open access quarterly journal by the Association for Advancement of Entomology.
• Total Species: 328 butterfly species documented in Kerala.
• Endemic Species: 41 species found only in the Western Ghats.
• State’s Share: Kerala accounts for nearly the entire butterfly diversity of the Western Ghats  (337 species) mountain range.
• Protected Species: 70 species are protected under India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Migration Corridor: Documents 36 migratory butterfly species, underscoring the state’s importance as a key route for seasonal butterfly movements.
• The monograph also describes a new subspecies, Tajuria maculata sureshi ssp. nov. discovered in Kerala.
  • Tajuria maculata sureshi is named  in honour of distinguished naturalist and wildlife filmmaker Suresh Elamon.

Diversity Breakdown by Family

• Butterflies in Kerala belong to six families, dominated by:
• Nymphalidae: (Brush-footed butterflies)
• Lycaenidae:  (Blues, Hairstreaks, and Coppers)
• Hesperiidae: (Skippers)
• Papilionidae (Swallowtails)
• Pieridae (Whites and Yellows)
• Riodinidae (Metalmarks)

Conservation & Ecological Significance

• The study highlights Kerala’s crucial role in butterfly ecology and conservation:
• IUCN Red List Status: 22 species from Kerala are on the IUCN Red List.
• Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary: Located in the Kannur district of Kerala, Aralam is India’s first protected forest dedicated specifically to butterflies.

Appointment of the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC)

Context: Recently, India’s President administered the oath of office to Raj Kumar Goyal, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC). 

• The appointment, effective from December 15, 2025, fills a vacancy existing since September 2024.

About the Central Information Commission (CIC)

• A Statutory Body: Established in 2005 under the provisions of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. 
  • It is not a Constitutional body.
• Composition: Consists of one Chief Information Commissioner and not more than ten Information Commissioners (ICs). 
• Selection Committee: The appointment is made by the President of India on the recommendation of a three-member committee comprising:
  • The Prime Minister (Chairperson).
  • The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
  • A Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
• Tenure and Terms: As per the RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019, the central government prescribes the tenure and salaries. 
  • Currently, the term of a CIC is fixed at three years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• Eligibility: As per Section 12(5) of the RTI Act 2005, candidates must be persons of eminence in public life with wide knowledge and experience in law, science and technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media, or administration.
• Powers: Authorized to summon individuals, call for and examine documents, requisition public records, and conduct inquiries through the issuance of summons.
• Functions: Serves as the apex authority for enforcing the Right to Information Act, 2005, ensuring transparency, accountability, and protection of citizens’ right to access information.
• Jurisdiction: Handles RTI-related appeals and complaints concerning Central Government ministries, public sector undertakings, financial institutions, and Union Territory administrations.
• Removal: The President can remove the CIC or any IC on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity after the Supreme Court, on a reference made to it by the President, has on inquiry reported that the person ought to be removed.

National Energy Conservation Award (NECA) 2025

Context: Recently, the National Energy Conservation Award (NECA) 2025 was presented by the Indian President on National Energy Conservation Day (December 14).

About National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA)

• Nature: The awards were instituted in 1991 and are presented annually on December 14, recognising industries, institutions, establishments, innovators, and professionals for excellence in energy efficiency and conservation.
• Implementing Agency: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) (a statutory body under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001).
  • Its core mandate is to reduce the energy intensity of the Indian economy through policy support, self-regulation, and market-based mechanisms.
  • BEE undertakes regulatory and promotional functions, coordinating with designated consumers and agencies while leveraging existing institutional capacity.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Power
• Assessment Basis: State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) developed by BEE in collaboration with the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE).
• Coverage: Buildings, industry, transport, municipal services, agriculture, and cross-sectoral initiatives.
  • New Category: NECA 2025 introduced a new category for Social Media Influencers and Digital Content Creators to promote behavioural change.
• Best Performing States/UTs in NECA, 2025:
• • Group 1: Karnataka (Large industrialised states with high energy consumption and economic output) 
  • Group 2: Andhra Pradesh (Mid-sized states with significant industrial and urban energy demand)
  • Group 3: Kerala (States with moderate energy demand, strong focus on services, efficiency, and governance reforms)
  • Group 4: Assam (Smaller or North-Eastern states with relatively lower absolute energy consumption)
  • Group 5: Chandigarh (Union Territories and city-states, assessed for urban energy efficiency and demand-side management)
• Significance:
  • Reinforces the principle “energy saved is energy generated”.
  • Supports climate action, energy security, and decarbonisation.
  • Complements initiatives like Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT), Standards & Labelling, Automobile and Equipment Energy Efficiency Improvement Programme (ADEETIE), and Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO).

National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM)

Context: Recently, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India, highlighted the nationwide implementation of the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) for creating a comprehensive digital database of livestock and related services across the country.

• As per official data, the NDLM has been implemented across all States, with a large number of livestock owners and their animals registered on the platform. 
• So far, around 9.5 crore livestock owners have been registered and 35.96 crore animals have been issued Pashu Aadhaar under the system.

About National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM)

• Nature: A technology-enabled, farmer-centric digital mission aimed at strengthening livestock management, service delivery, and policy planning in India.
• Implementing Authority: Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
• Digital Platform: Implemented through the “Bharat Pashudhan” ecosystem, comprising a mobile application and web portal for real-time field-level data capture.
• Unique Identification: Each animal is issued a 12-digit Pashu Aadhaar (bar-coded ear tag) serving as a unique digital identity.
  • Enables recording of animal registration, breeding activities, vaccinations, disease reporting, ownership changes, milk recording, and related services.
• Core Objectives: 
  • Productivity and Breed Improvement: Data-driven breeding and artificial insemination suited to agro-climatic conditions.
  • Disease Surveillance and Control: Integrated system for prevention, prediction, and response to livestock diseases.
  • Traceability of Livestock Products: End-to-end traceability using Tag IDs and geo-location, enabling quality assurance and market access.
  • Farmer Empowerment: Providing livestock owners access to animal records, schemes, and services.
• Architecture & Integration: Built on an open-source, API-enabled architecture to ensure interoperability.
  • Enables seamless integration with financial institutions, insurance companies, private veterinarians, and other stakeholders.
• Linked Applications & Schemes: 1962 Livestock Owner App (Subsuminge-Gopala App) provides farmers with real-time information on animals and schemes.
  • Key schemes such as Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) and National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) operate on the NDLM platform.
• Significance: Enhances service delivery efficiency in a sector dominated by small and marginal farmers.
  • Strengthens animal health management, genetic improvement, and market traceability.
  • Supports data-driven policymaking and builds a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the livestock sector.

EXERCISE EKATHA – 2025

Context: Recently, the 8th edition of Exercise Ekatha (2025)—an annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force, established in 2017—was conducted in the Maldives.

About Exercise Ekatha

• Nature of Exercise: It is an annual bilateral maritime exercise conducted between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
• Established: The exercise series was established in 2017 to enhance professional interactions and operational synergy.
• Operational Scope: The 8th edition focused on specialized maritime tasks including combat diving, boarding operations, asymmetric warfare tactics, and special heli-borne operation drills.
• Strategic Vision: The engagement aligns with India’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth for all in the Region).
• Capacity Building: As part of the 8th edition’s milestones, the Indian Navy handed over operational spares for the MNDF Coast Guard Ship Huravee onboard INS Sharda.
  • INS Sharda (P55) is an indigenously built Sukanya-class offshore patrol vessel of the Indian Navy. 

A Quick View on India–Maldives Defence Relations

• Defence Exercises: Regular bilateral exercises such as Ekuverin (Army) and Ekatha (Navy), and trilateral Exercise Dosti (India–Sri Lanka–Maldives), strengthen interoperability and maritime security.
• First Responder Role: India is the Maldives’ primary defence partner and first responder, evident from Operation Cactus (1988) and post-2004 tsunami assistance.
• Strategic Vision: Cooperation is guided by Neighbourhood First Policy and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), focusing on regional stability and capacity building.
• Institutional Mechanism: The Defence Cooperation Dialogue (DCD), established in 2016 at the Defence Secretary level, is the main forum for steering bilateral defence ties.

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