Daily Current Affairs - 4th & 5th September 2025
- TPP
- Sep 5
- 29 min read
Preparing for UPSC 2026 or state PCS? This crisp roundup for 4–5 September 2025 gives you exam-ready current affairs with instant GS linkages, Prelims facts, and MCQ cues. We cover Polity & Governance, Economy, Environment, Science & Tech, Security, International Relations, and Culture—so you can revise faster and write better answers.
In today’s edition, track NIRF Rankings 2025 (IIT-Madras tops; IISc leads Universities), India’s entry into the HealthAI Global Regulatory Network, and the inauguration of India’s largest Li-ion battery plant. Decode the new Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme, NITI Aayog’s pulses self-reliance roadmap, the SRS 2023 fertility & mortality trends, and Environment Audit Rules, 2025.
Also on your radar: Singapore PM’s visit & CSP roadmap, Next-Gen GST reforms (two-rate slab), anganwadi co-location guidelines, ADR’s criminalization of politics findings, tributes to Dadabhai Naoroji and Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (Teachers’ Day), plus science notes on interstellar dust, Mission Mausam, anti-Naxal ops, Nalanda UNESCO heritage, SEBI’s intraday derivatives cap, biodiversity (Indian Rosewood, vultures), coffee climate stress, anti-doping reference materials, L.I.V.E.S & ARTHA for mine closures, HUID hallmarking for silver, and FSSAI–Ayush ‘Ayurveda Aahara’ list.
Use this page to build GS answers, essays, and MCQs—concise, structured, and scoring-oriented. Bookmark and revise daily with The PRESS Pad.
Click Here to read the Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP).
National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 |
The NIRF rankings 2025 were recently released by the Union Government of India, showcasing the top educational institutions in the country.
In the overall category, IIT Madras secured the top position, highlighting its excellence across various parameters.
For the Universities Category, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru was ranked number one.
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Education to create a standardized ranking system for Indian colleges and universities.
NIRF provides a transparent and reliable system that helps students, parents, and policymakers evaluate and compare educational institutions effectively.
The ranking is based on five broad assessment parameters, each assigned a specific weightage to measure different aspects of institutional performance.
These parameters include Teaching, Learning & Resources with a weightage of 0.30, focusing on the quality of education and infrastructure.
Research and Professional Practice also has a weightage of 0.30, measuring research output, patents, and professional consultancy.
Graduation Outcome, with a weightage of 0.20, evaluates student success through metrics like placement and higher studies.
Outreach and Inclusivity, carrying 0.10 weightage, assesses diversity and social inclusiveness of the institution.
Lastly, Perception, with a 0.10 weightage, captures the reputation and public image among academics and employers.
India Joins HealthAI Global Regulatory Network (GRN) |
India has officially joined the HealthAI Global Regulatory Network (GRN), a collaborative global initiative focused on AI in healthcare.
This move aligns with the IndiaAI strategy, which aims to build a comprehensive and inclusive AI ecosystem in the country.
As a GRN member, India will collaborate with countries like the UK and Singapore to share safety protocols and monitor AI performance in clinical settings.
About HealthAI and the GRN
HealthAI is a Geneva-based, independent nonprofit organization promoting equitable access to AI-powered health innovations.
It works with governments, international organizations, and global health leaders to drive AI governance and regulation in healthcare.
The Global Regulatory Network (GRN) is a key initiative of HealthAI to coordinate regulatory efforts across member countries.
GRN members have exclusive access to the Global Public Repository of AI-related Registered Solutions for Health.
This repository is a global platform where regulatory authorities can showcase AI solutions registered in their respective countries.
Role of AI in Healthcare
AI is transforming healthcare delivery by addressing major system challenges such as aging populations and rising healthcare costs.
It enables data-driven, efficient, and patient-centered care, improving overall healthcare delivery models.
AI contributes to targeted therapeutics by enhancing drug discovery, optimizing clinical trials, and enabling personalized treatment.
Targeted therapeutics refer to treatments designed based on individual patient characteristics, improving efficacy.
AI augments connected care through tools like virtual assistants, chatbots, and remote monitoring systems.
These technologies support continuous care and increase patient engagement, especially in remote or underserved areas.
Challenges in AI for Healthcare
One key challenge is data quality and access, as healthcare data is often inconsistent, siloed, and not organized for AI use.
Siloed data means information is trapped within departments or systems and not easily shared or integrated.
There is a major workforce skills gap—most healthcare professionals need training to work effectively with AI-augmented systems.
Ethical and regulatory concerns include issues like safety, bias, accountability, and long-term monitoring of AI tools.
Recommendations for Safe and Effective AI in Healthcare
Promote ethical data use by ensuring secure, high-quality, and responsible access to healthcare data for AI applications.
Involve domain expertise by integrating medical professionals to interpret data and guide meaningful insights from AI outputs.
Invest in robust infrastructure, including computing power and cloud systems, to support real-time clinical decision-making.
Encourage implementation research to examine practical challenges and build safe, reliable, and trusted AI systems.
Focus on workforce training to upskill healthcare professionals so they can adopt and effectively use AI-driven technologies.
India’s Largest Lithium-ion Battery Manufacturing Plant – Key Highlights |
India’s largest Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery manufacturing plant has been inaugurated in Haryana.
The plant is being set up under the Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) Scheme of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Once fully completed, this plant will produce approximately 20 crore (200 million) Li-ion battery packs every year.
This capacity will fulfill nearly 40% of India’s total annual demand for Li-ion batteries, which stands at about 50 crore packs.
A Li-ion battery is a rechargeable battery in which lithium ions move from the negative electrode (typically graphite) to the positive electrode (usually lithium metal oxides) during discharge and back when charging.
The movement of ions occurs through a non-aqueous electrolyte, which means it does not contain water.
Benefits of Lithium-ion Batteries
High energy density is a key advantage, ranging between 75–200 Watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg), allowing more energy to be stored in a smaller space.
This high energy density also leads to longer usage time between charges.
Li-ion batteries are lightweight, as they use lithium and carbon electrodes, which are less dense than materials used in older batteries.
They contain fewer toxic heavy metals compared to lead-acid batteries, making them environmentally safer in terms of material use.
These batteries offer excellent performance, including good cycle stability, meaning they can be charged and discharged many times without significant degradation.
They also have high efficiency and low self-discharge rates, meaning they retain charge well when not in use.
Li-ion batteries generally do not suffer from memory effect, which is a loss of capacity seen in older rechargeable batteries after repeated partial charging.
Challenges and Concerns
One major concern is supply chain vulnerability, as China controls about 50% of global lithium production.
Additionally, China accounts for around 70% of global Li-ion battery manufacturing.
Between 2018 and 2022, India imported Li-ion batteries worth USD 1.2 billion, indicating a high dependency on foreign supply.
Safety is a critical issue, as the electrolyte in Li-ion batteries is flammable, and mishandling can lead to fires or explosions.
There are also environmental concerns, especially related to lithium mining, which is highly water-intensive.
To produce 1 tonne of lithium, approximately 2,000 tonnes of water are used, putting pressure on local water resources.
India currently faces a lack of sufficient recycling units, which worsens the problem of safe disposal of used Li-ion batteries.
About the Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) Scheme
The EMC Scheme was launched in 2012 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
The primary aim is to develop world-class infrastructure to attract investment in the Electronics Systems Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector.
For Greenfield EMCs (developed on fresh land), the government provides 50% grant assistance, with a cap of Rs. 50 crore per 100 acres.
For Brownfield EMCs (developed on existing land or industrial areas), the support increases to 75% of the project cost, subject to a maximum of Rs. 50 crore per project.
Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme |
The Union Cabinet has approved an Incentive Scheme to promote Critical Mineral Recycling in India.
This scheme is part of the broader National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM).
The aim of the scheme is to ensure near-term supply chain sustainability for critical minerals.
Supply chain sustainability is important because new mining operations have a long gestation period (i.e., long time from planning to production).
Financial Outlay and Tenure
The scheme has a financial outlay of ₹1,500 crore.
The tenure of the scheme is six years, from FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31.
About National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM)
The NCMM aims to secure India’s critical mineral supply chain.
It targets availability of critical minerals from both domestic and foreign sources.
The mission is operational from FY 2024-25 to FY 2030-31.
NCMM covers all stages of the critical mineral value chain.
These stages include exploration, mining, beneficiation (i.e., improving ore quality), processing, and recovery from end-of-life products.
Eligible Feedstock for Recycling
Eligible feedstock includes e-waste, which refers to discarded electrical and electronic devices.
It also includes Lithium-Ion Battery (LIB) scrap, commonly found in electric vehicles and consumer electronics.
Additionally, scraps like catalytic converters from end-of-life vehicles are also included.
Catalytic converters are devices used in vehicles to reduce harmful emissions.
Eligible Beneficiaries
The scheme is open to both large entities and small/new recyclers.
This includes start-ups working in the recycling space.
One-third of the total outlay is reserved exclusively for small entities.
Incentive Mechanism
A 20% capital expenditure (capex) subsidy is provided on plant and machinery to ensure timely production.
Capex refers to funds used by companies to acquire or upgrade physical assets.
An operational expenditure (opex) subsidy is also provided on incremental sales.
The opex subsidy is 40% in the 2nd year (FY 2026-27).
The opex subsidy increases to 60% in the 5th year (FY 2030-31).
Opex refers to ongoing expenses for running a business.
Incentive Ceilings
The total incentives are capped at ₹50 crore for large entities.
For small entities, the incentive cap is ₹25 crore.
Expected Outcomes
The scheme aims to develop 270 kilotons of annual recycling capacity.
This capacity will result in 40 kilotons of annual critical mineral production.
The scheme is expected to attract ₹8,000 crore in investment.
It is also projected to create 70,000 direct and indirect jobs.
NITI Aayog Report: “Strategies and Pathways for Accelerating Growth in Pulses towards the Goal of Atmanirbharta” |
NITI Aayog has released a report titled “Strategies and Pathways for Accelerating Growth in Pulses towards the Goal of Atmanirbharta”.
The report focuses on strengthening India's self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) in pulses production.
India is the world’s largest producer of pulses, contributing approximately 28% of global output.
India is also the largest consumer of pulses, highlighting the country’s strong domestic demand.
Strategic Importance of Pulses for India
Pulses are crucial for nutritional security, especially as a budget-friendly source of plant-based protein.
They are also important for sustainable agriculture due to their nitrogen-fixing ability, which enhances soil fertility.
Nitrogen fixation by pulses reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and contributes to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Key Challenges in India’s Pulse Production
A major challenge is low productivity and a significant yield gap in pulses cultivation.
India’s average pulse yield is 0.740 tonnes per hectare (t/ha).
This is lower than the global average yield, which stands at 0.969 t/ha.
Farmers are increasingly shifting towards more profitable crops such as banana, cotton, sugarcane, and soybean.
These crops generally offer higher financial returns and often have shorter cultivation periods.
The area under pulses cultivation has declined by 10.5% between 2021-22 and 2023-24.
During the same period, pulse production declined by 11.2%, indicating a downward trend.
Around 80% of pulse-growing areas in India are rainfed, meaning they rely solely on rainfall.
This heavy dependence on rainfall makes pulse cultivation vulnerable to erratic weather and climate variability.
Strategies and Roadmap for Achieving Self-Sufficiency in Pulses
A. Horizontal Expansion (Increasing Cultivation Area)
Horizontal expansion involves increasing the area under pulses cultivation.
One strategy is to utilize rice fallow lands, which remain unused after paddy harvesting.
Pulses can be introduced through intercropping with crops like sugarcane, which allows simultaneous cultivation.
The restructuring of the rice–wheat cropping system can help allocate land for pulses.
A district-wise quadrant strategy is proposed for targeted interventions.
The Quadrant Strategy classifies districts into four categories based on area and yield:
High Area–High Yield (HA-HY)
High Area–Low Yield (HA-LY)
Low Area–High Yield (LA-HY)
Low Area–Low Yield (LA-LY)
This classification helps in tailoring interventions based on district-specific needs and performance.
B. Vertical Expansion (Improving Productivity)
Vertical expansion focuses on enhancing productivity per hectare.
This can be achieved through high-yielding and improved seed varieties.
The adoption of modern farming machinery helps improve sowing and harvesting efficiency.
Optimal agronomic practices, such as proper sowing time, spacing, and fertilization, play a critical role.
Effective stress management is needed to address abiotic (e.g., drought, heat) and biotic (e.g., pests, diseases) challenges.
Focus on Varietal Development
The development of climate-resilient pulse varieties is a key focus.
These varieties should be short-duration to fit into tight crop cycles.
They should be nutrient-rich to address malnutrition.
Pulse varieties must be resistant to pests and diseases to reduce crop losses.
Machine-harvestable varieties will reduce labor dependency and post-harvest losses.
Advanced plant breeding techniques and genomics will be used for varietal development.
Ensuring Seed Quality and Access
The initiative proposes the creation of “One Block–One Seed Village” hubs.
These hubs will be facilitated through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
The aim is to ensure timely and localized availability of high-quality seeds.
These hubs will also provide seed treatment kits to improve germination and disease resistance.
The system will maintain end-to-end seed traceability, ensuring quality assurance.
The effort will be supported by government seed subsidies to reduce costs for farmers.
Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2023 |
The SRS Statistical Report 2023 has been released by the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India.
The Sample Registration System (SRS) is one of the world’s largest demographic surveys.
It provides annual estimates of fertility and mortality rates in India.
Total Fertility Rate (TFR)
The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) at the national level in 2023 stands at 1.9.
This is below the replacement level fertility rate of 2.1.
TFR refers to the average number of children a woman would have during her reproductive years.
Bihar recorded the highest TFR at 2.8 in 2023.
Delhi recorded the lowest TFR at 1.2.
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in 2023 is 25, which declined from 26 in 2022 and 32 in 2018.
IMR refers to the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births.
The highest IMR of 37 was recorded in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh (MP), and Uttar Pradesh (UP).
The lowest IMR was recorded in Kerala, at 5 deaths per 1,000 live births.
As per the data, 1 in every 40 infants dies before reaching the age of one.
Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR)
The Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) declined to 29 in 2023 from 30 in 2022.
This decline is mainly due to a reduction in female U5MR.
U5MR is the probability per 1,000 that a newborn will die before reaching age five, based on current age-specific mortality rates.
Crude Birth Rate (CBR)
The Crude Birth Rate (CBR) at the national level in 2023 was 18.4 births per 1,000 people.
CBR refers to the number of live births per 1,000 people in the mid-year population.
The highest CBR was reported in Bihar, at 25.8.
The lowest CBR was reported in Tamil Nadu, at 12.0.
Crude Death Rate (CDR)
The Crude Death Rate (CDR) at the national level in 2023 stood at 6.4 deaths per 1,000 people.
CDR refers to the number of deaths per 1,000 people in the mid-year population.
Chhattisgarh reported the highest CDR at 8.3.
Delhi recorded the lowest CDR at 4.5.
Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB)
The Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) improved to 917 females per 1,000 males for the period 2021–23.
This is an improvement from 914 females per 1,000 males during 2020–22.
SRB refers to the number of female births for every 1,000 male births.
The highest SRB was recorded in Chhattisgarh, at 974 females per 1,000 males.
The lowest SRB was recorded in Uttarakhand, at 868 females per 1,000 males.
In rural areas, the SRB was 914, while in urban areas, it was slightly higher at 925.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notifies Environment Audit Rules, 2025 |
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the Environment Audit Rules, 2025.
These rules establish a formal national framework for environmental auditing to enhance environmental compliance monitoring.
The rules also aim to improve the ease of doing business across India by streamlining environmental checks.
The Rules provide for the establishment of an Environment Audit Designate Agency (EADA).
EADA is responsible for the certification, registration, oversight, and training of environmental auditors.
Only Registered Environment Auditors (REAs) are allowed to undertake environmental audits under these Rules.
The certification of REAs can be granted through scrutiny of qualifications and experience or by conducting a qualifying examination.
To ensure impartiality, REAs will be randomly assigned to audit cases.
REAs are responsible for sampling and analysis of environmental data during audits.
They also calculate compensation for environmental damage where applicable.
REAs will verify activities under the Green Credit Rules, which incentivize environmentally positive actions (e.g., afforestation, waste recycling).
They are also tasked with conducting audits under waste management rules and various other environment- and forest-related legislations.
The Rules introduce a Two-Tiered Compliance System for environmental monitoring.
Tier-1 comprises the existing government regulator-based review conducted by agencies such as Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), and regional offices of the ministry (ROs).
Tier-2 involves the new environment auditor-based mechanism, led by the REAs.
The MoEFCC will oversee the implementation of the Environment Audit Rules, 2025.
The Ministry will also issue necessary guidelines to support the Rules.
CPCB, SPCBs, and ROs will continue their roles in inspection and verification.
These bodies will assist the MoEFCC in implementing the Environment Audit Rules effectively.
An Oversight Mechanism is built into the framework to ensure monitoring and improvement.
A Steering Committee, chaired by an Additional Secretary from MoEFCC, will monitor progress of the Rules.
This Committee is also empowered to suggest reforms for continuous enhancement of the environmental audit framework.
Prime Minister of Singapore paid an official visit to India |
The Prime Minister of Singapore paid an official visit to India.
The visit marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore.
This occasion reaffirmed the shared legacy of friendship, trust, and mutual respect between both nations.
During the visit, both countries adopted a forward-looking and substantive roadmap to advance their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) aims to deepen cooperation in eight critical areas.
1. Economic Cooperation
Both countries agreed to maintain dialogue and progress toward the 3rd review of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
They also committed to achieving a substantial review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) by 2025.
Singapore will support the development of India's semiconductor industry, a key sector for digital transformation and self-reliance.
Both sides will enhance capital market connectivity between India and Singapore to strengthen financial cooperation.
2. Space Collaboration
India and Singapore will promote joint collaborations in space technologies.
This will be facilitated through partnerships between IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) and Singapore's Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn).
3. Defence and Security Cooperation
Both countries committed to deepening defence technology cooperation.
The cooperation will focus on emerging areas such as Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automation, and Unmanned Vessels.
Both sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to combating terrorism.
This includes tackling cross-border terrorism and terror financing, which remain shared security concerns.
4. Digitalisation
India and Singapore will strengthen cooperation in Digital Finance and FinTech (Financial Technology).
They will also enhance cybersecurity partnerships and capital market linkages.
Both nations agreed to expand and maximize the potential of the UPI-PayNow Linkage.
The UPI-PayNow Linkage enables real-time cross-border payments between India and Singapore.
5. Skills Development
India and Singapore will jointly develop a National Centre of Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing.
This centre will be established in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, to boost high-tech manufacturing skills.
6. Sustainability
Both countries agreed to collaborate on green initiatives within multilateral platforms.
These include the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Global Biofuels Alliance, promoting clean energy transitions.
Cooperation will also be stepped up in the production of green hydrogen and green ammonia.
Both sides will explore joint work in urban water management and the civil nuclear domain.
7. Connectivity
India and Singapore supported the establishment of a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC).
The India-Singapore GDSC will connect the Port of Singapore with ports in India, promoting sustainable maritime trade.
8. Healthcare and Medicine
Both countries agreed to deepen collaboration in digital health and disease surveillance.
These efforts aim to improve public health resilience and response capacity.
9. People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges
India and Singapore committed to strengthening social, cultural, and people-to-people linkages.
Institutional Mechanism
Both Prime Ministers agreed to institutionalise the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable.
This Ministerial Roundtable will meet annually to review progress under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council approves Next generation GST Reforms |
The 56th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council was recently held.
In this meeting, the Council approved the Next Generation GST Reforms.
These reforms aim to reduce the tax burden on common people and streamline the GST structure.
1. Two-Rate Tax Slab Structure
The GST Council approved a simplified two-rate tax slab structure.
The new structure includes a 5% merit rate and an 18% standard rate.
The existing 12% and 28% GST slabs have been scrapped.
These changes will be effective from 22nd September 2025.
2. Cheaper Daily Essentials
Zero GST will now be applicable on milk, paneer, chapati, and paratha.
A 5% GST will apply to toiletries, medicines, bicycles, and farm tools.
3. Relief on Consumer Goods
The GST rate on small cars, televisions (TVs), air conditioners (ACs), and home appliances has been reduced from 28% to 18%.
4. Insurance and Health Sector
The Council approved GST exemptions on all life insurance policies.
Health insurance policies are also now fully exempted from GST.
5. Higher Tax on Sin Goods
The GST rate on tobacco, luxury cars, and aerated drinks has been increased to 40%.
These are categorized as sin goods, which are items considered harmful to health or society.
6. Support for Key Economic Sectors
The Council reduced GST on agricultural machinery, supporting the farming sector.
GST on fertilizers has also been reduced to ensure affordability for farmers.
Renewable energy devices now attract lower GST to promote green energy adoption.
Automobile structure components have also received a GST rate reduction.
The Council corrected the inverted duty structure on manmade fiber and manmade yarn.
An inverted duty structure occurs when the tax on inputs is higher than the tax on the finished product, leading to working capital issues.
7. Institutional Reforms
The GST Council approved the operationalization of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT).
GSTAT is designed to provide faster resolution of GST-related legal disputes.
8. About GST Council
The GST Council is a constitutional body established under Article 279(A) of the Indian Constitution.
It was formed through the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016.
The President of India constitutes the Council.
The Union Finance Minister serves as the Chairperson of the GST Council.
The GST Council is responsible for setting GST tax rates and making policy decisions related to GST.
It also makes recommendations to the Central and State governments on all major aspects of GST implementation.
Guidelines for Co-location of Anganwadi Centres(AWCs) with Schools released |
The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women & Child Development, has released Guidelines for Co-location of Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) with Schools.
These guidelines align with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and ECCE
NEP 2020 recognizes Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) as the foundational stage of the educational continuum.
It integrates three years of pre-school education into the new 5+3+3+4 school structure.
The 5+3+3+4 structure represents: 5 years of foundational stage (including pre-school), 3 years of preparatory stage, 3 years of middle stage, and 4 years of secondary stage.
Objectives of Co-location of AWCs with Schools
One key objective is to ensure school preparedness for young children.
Co-location supports a smooth transition from AWCs to Grade 1 in primary schools.
It enables better utilization of existing infrastructure between schools and AWCs.
Co-location also enhances school readiness by familiarizing children with school environments early on.
It aims to strengthen convergence between the education and nutrition sectors.
The guidelines seek to enhance learning and developmental outcomes in early childhood.
Current Status of Co-location
There are currently over 14 lakh Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) operating across the country.
There are 9.16 lakh schools with Grade 1 eligible for co-location.
As of now, 2.9 lakh AWCs are already co-located with schools.
Recommendations in the Guidelines
The guidelines recommend that co-located schools should be within 500 meters in urban areas.
In rural areas, co-located schools should be within 1 kilometre of the AWC.
Priority should be given to AWCs serving children from marginalized groups.
These groups include economically weaker sections, tribal areas, and migrant families.
Co-location is preferably recommended in schools with Grade 1 that do not already have a Balvatika or pre-primary class.
Every co-located AWC should have a separate entry and exit gate to maintain child safety and operational distinction.
Initiatives for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
Anganwadi services are implemented under the mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.
These services provide a comprehensive package of six services to support child development.
The six services include:
Supplementary Nutrition
Pre-school Non-formal Education
Nutrition and Health Education
Immunization
Health Check-ups
Referral Services
Under Samagra Shiksha, provisions have been made to add pre-school classes in government schools.
The framework also supports strengthening AWCs located within school premises.
Criminalization of Politics in India: ADR Report Exposes Alarming Trends and Democratic Threats |
The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has released a report highlighting the increasing criminalization of Indian politics.
The report analyzed the criminal records of ministers from 27 State Assemblies, 3 Union Territories, and the Union Council of Ministers.
Key Highlights of the ADR Report
Out of 643 ministers analyzed, 47% have declared criminal cases against themselves.
Additionally, 27% ministers have declared serious criminal cases.
Serious criminal cases include charges related to murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, and crimes against women.
Causes of Criminalization of Politics
A major cause is the nexus between muscle power and political parties.
Politicians often use criminals to influence voters through fear and money.
In return, these individuals are rewarded with party tickets due to their high "winnability", as highlighted by the Dharam Vira Commission (1977).
Money power is another critical factor driving criminalization.
Excessive election expenditure and corrupt politician-bureaucrat nexus lead to illegal funding and compromised governance.
Identity politics also contributes, where caste or religion is prioritized over the candidate’s criminal background, especially in panchayat elections.
Other factors include weak electoral laws, a slow judicial process, and socio-economic vulnerabilities like poverty, illiteracy, and underdevelopment.
Impact of Criminalization of Politics
Criminalization leads to the erosion of democratic values and undermines the rule of law.
It causes politics, crime, and violence to become intertwined, threatening public trust.
The presence of criminals in public life results in justice being delayed or denied.
Transparency and accountability in governance are severely weakened.
There is a growing risk of India becoming a “government of criminals, for the criminals”, undermining democratic foundations.
Measures Taken to Curb Criminalization
Legislative Measures
Section 8(3) of the Representation of People Act, 1951, disqualifies a legislator if convicted for a sentence of at least 2 years.
This disqualification lasts for a period of 6 years after release from prison.
Judicial Pronouncements
In Union of India v. Association for Democratic Reforms (2002), the Supreme Court mandated disclosure of candidates’ past and pending criminal charges.
In the Public Interest Foundation Case (2018), the Supreme Court made it mandatory for political parties to publish the criminal records of their candidates.
In Lily Thomas v. Union of India (2013), the Court ruled that convicted legislators would face immediate disqualification from office.
200th Birth Anniversary of Dadabhai Naoroji |
Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the "Grand Old Man of India" and the "official Ambassador of India," was an Indian Parsi scholar, trader, and politician.
He was a founding member of the Indian National Congress (INC), a major political party formed to seek India's independence.
Naoroji served as the president of the INC three times, in 1886, 1893, and 1906.
Key Contributions of Dadabhai Naoroji (1825–1917)
Social Reform:
Naoroji strongly promoted women’s education in India.
He founded the Literary and Scientific Society in 1848, which led to the establishment of six schools for girls by 1849.
To spread reformist ideas and encourage social change, he started the newspaper Rast Goftar.
He also co-founded the Rahnumai Mazdayasan Sabha in 1851, which aimed to reform Parsi society (Parsis are an ethnoreligious group in India following Zoroastrianism).
Economic Contributions:
Naoroji is famous for his Drain of Wealth Theory, which explained how British colonial policies caused India’s wealth to be drained.
According to this theory, wealth was drained through mechanisms such as high taxes, salaries paid to British officials, pensions, and remittances sent out of India.
He authored important literary works including “Poverty of India” (1876) and “Poverty and Un-British Rule in India” (1901).
Through platforms like the East India Association, he exposed the exploitation of India under British colonial rule.
Political Contributions:
Naoroji was a moderate leader who believed in constitutional and peaceful methods like petitions, prayers, and protests to bring change.
He founded the London Indian Society in 1865 to represent Indian interests abroad.
In 1866, he also established the East India Association, a platform to discuss Indian issues in Britain.
Naoroji became the first Indian Member of Parliament (MP) in the British Parliament, elected in 1892 for the Liberal Party from Finsbury Central constituency.
In 1906, he declared Swaraj, meaning self-government, as the concrete political goal of the Indian National Congress.
Besides his own work, Naoroji played a key mentorship role to future INC leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Mahatma Gandhi.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan |
The birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan is celebrated all across India as Teachers’ Day to honor his contributions to education.
Dr. Radhakrishnan was a renowned Indian philosopher, known for his deep understanding of Indian and Western philosophies.
He firmly believed in education as a transformative tool that could bring positive change to society.
Key Contributions:
He worked as a Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at the prestigious University of Oxford.
During the 1930s, he served as an Indian delegate to the League of Nations, an international organization aimed at maintaining world peace before the United Nations was formed.
From 1949 to 1952, he was the Indian Ambassador to the Soviet Union, strengthening diplomatic ties between India and the USSR.
Dr. Radhakrishnan served as the Vice-President of India from 1952 to 1962.
He later became the President of India from 1962 to 1967.
He compared Eastern and Western philosophies, making Indian philosophical ideas accessible to Western audiences.
His notable literary works include The Principal Upanishads, The Hindu View of Life, Indian Philosophy, The Philosophy of the Upanishads, An Idealist View of Life, and East and West: Some Reflections.
Dr. Radhakrishnan is remembered for his wisdom, commitment, and dedication to education and philosophy.
Interstellar Dust Grains: Cosmic Building Blocks Shaping Star Formation and Galactic Magnetism |
Interstellar dust grains are tiny solid particles found in space between stars, mainly in the Milky Way galaxy.
These dust grains are formed in the cool outer layers of stars such as red giants, which are large, aging stars in a late stage of their evolution.
Once formed, the dust grains are released into space through processes like radiation pressure (force exerted by light), stellar winds (streams of charged particles from stars), or stellar explosions (such as supernovae).
The composition of interstellar dust grains primarily includes amorphous silicate grains, which are non-crystalline mineral particles, and carbonaceous materials, meaning substances made mostly of carbon.
These dust grains play a crucial role in star formation by helping to cool and shield molecular clouds, which are dense regions of gas and dust where stars are born.
By cooling and shielding, dust grains make the molecular cloud cold and dense enough for gravity to collapse it, eventually leading to the formation of new stars.
Recent research shows that interstellar dust grains align with magnetic fields in the Milky Way, indicating an interaction between dust particles and the galaxy’s magnetic environment.
Operation Black Forest |
Operation Black Forest is the largest anti-Naxal operation ever conducted on Karregutta hill, which is located along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.
Anti-Naxal operations are military or police missions aimed at combating the Naxals, who are armed insurgents inspired by Maoist ideology, operating mainly in central and eastern India.
Another significant mission, Mission Sankalp, was launched on the sprawling hills of Karregutta and nearby hills along the same Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.
Operation Green Hunt began in late 2009 and is a large-scale anti-Naxal operation conducted across five states: West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
These operations collectively aim to curb the activities of Naxal insurgents in affected forested and rural areas, restoring law and order.
Nalanda University: Ancient World’s First Residential University and UNESCO Heritage Site with Global Legacy |
Bhutan’s Prime Minister recently paid a visit to Nalanda University, highlighting its ongoing importance.
The ancient Nalanda University was founded in the 5th century CE by Emperor Kumaragupta of the Gupta dynasty, a powerful ruling family in ancient India.
It was an ancient centre of higher learning located in Rajgir, Bihar, alongside other famous centers like Taxila and Vikramashila.
Nalanda is recognized as the first residential university in the world, meaning students lived on campus during their studies.
Today, Nalanda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized globally for its historical and cultural significance.
The university was patronized by various rulers, including King Harshavardhana of Kannauj in the 7th century CE, and later the Pala rulers from the 8th to 12th century CE.
Nalanda attracted scholars from far and wide, including countries such as China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.
The famous Chinese scholar Xuan Zang visited Nalanda and documented its architecture, ambience, and scholarly traditions, providing valuable historical records.
The university experienced a gradual decline starting from the 9th century CE, partly due to the rise of Tantric developments in Buddhism under the Pala Empire.
Ultimately, Nalanda was destroyed around 1200 CE by the forces of Bakhityar Khilji, marking the end of its ancient legacy.
SEBI Caps Intraday Positions in Equity Index Derivatives to ₹5,000 Crore from October 1 to Curb Market Risks |
SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has introduced a new framework to monitor intraday positions in equity index derivatives.
This framework became effective from October 1 and sets a cap of ₹5,000 crore net intraday position per entity in index options to control market risks.
A derivative is a financial instrument whose value is derived from the value of an underlying asset, meaning it depends on another asset’s price.
The underlying asset in derivatives can include equity shares, stock indices, precious metals, commodities, currencies, interest rates, and more.
Equity derivatives are financial instruments whose values are partly based on one or more underlying equity asset classes, such as shares or stock indices.
The most commonly traded equity derivatives products are futures and options, which allow investors to buy or sell assets at a future date or price.
Indian Rosewood (or Dalbergia latifolia) |
A recent study found that Tamil Nadu has the lowest density of Indian Rosewood tree population in South India.
The Indian Rosewood tree, scientifically known as Dalbergia latifolia, is predominantly a single-stemmed deciduous tree, meaning it sheds its leaves seasonally.
This tree has a dome-shaped crown with lush green foliage, which does not shed in wet sites, maintaining its leaves in moist environments.
The tree’s bark is gray and thin, with irregular short cracks, and it peels off in fibrous longitudinal flakes.
Indian Rosewood thrives in areas with a mean annual rainfall ranging from 750 to 5,000 mm, indicating its preference for regions with moderate to heavy rainfall.
It grows well in different soil types, including laterite (rich in iron and aluminum), alluvial (fertile soil deposited by rivers), and black cotton soils (clay-rich soils).
This species is native to India and Indonesia, meaning it naturally occurs in these countries.
It has also been introduced as an exotic species to countries like Kenya, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.
Indian Rosewood has various uses, including in apiculture (beekeeping), timber for wood products, and medicinal purposes treating ailments like diarrhoea, worms, indigestion, and leprosy.
Karnataka’s Coffee Legacy: India’s Tropical Brew Amid Climate Challenges |
Karnataka’s coffee belt, which includes Chikmagaluru, Coorg, and Hassan, has recently been affected by prolonged rains and cold weather, causing damage to coffee plantations.
Coffee was first introduced in India by Baba Budan in the 17th century in Chikmagalur, Karnataka; Baba Budan is credited with bringing coffee seeds from Yemen to India.
Coffee cultivation requires a tropical climate with temperatures between 15 to 28°C and annual rainfall of 150 to 250 cm.
The crop thrives best in well-drained loamy soil, which is fertile and retains moisture without waterlogging, and it requires shade for optimal growth.
Hill slopes are preferred cultivation areas as they provide good drainage and shade, enhancing coffee growth.
Globally, Brazil is the leading coffee producer, while India ranks as the seventh-largest coffee producer in the world.
India produces and exports mainly two types of coffee beans: Arabica and Robusta.
The major coffee-growing region in India is the Nilgiri region, which spans parts of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Among Indian states, Karnataka leads in coffee production, contributing about 70% of the output, followed by Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and the North-East regions.
India’s Vultures: Guardians of the Ecosystem Facing Critical Threats and Conservation Efforts |
An Assam-based foundation has launched India’s first vulture conservation portal to aid in protecting these crucial birds.
India is home to 9 species of vultures, including the Slender-billed Vulture, White-rumped Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Indian Vulture, Bearded Vulture, and Eurasian Griffon Vulture.
Vultures play a significant role as scavengers, feeding on the carcasses of dead animals and thereby helping to keep the environment clean by preventing the spread of disease.
The population of vultures faces serious threats, such as the ingestion of toxic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac, which is used to treat livestock and is deadly to vultures.
Additional threats include habitat loss, electrocution from power lines, food scarcity, and various human disturbances.
Several conservation initiatives have been launched to protect vultures, including the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centres (VCBC) located at Rani (Assam) and Pinjore (Haryana).
The government also introduced the Action Plan for Vulture Conservation in India, 2020-2025, aimed at restoring vulture populations through protection and breeding programs.
Mission Mausam |
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) plans to install four additional weather radars under Mission Mausam in Jammu & Kashmir.
Mission Mausam was launched in 2024 by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to enhance India’s meteorological capabilities.
The mission is implemented by key institutions: the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
The primary aim of Mission Mausam is to improve weather and climate services by providing timely and precise observation, modeling, and forecasting information.
These improved services are intended to benefit multiple sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, and rural development by enabling better preparedness and decision-making.
Peace Pact with Kuki-Zo Groups |
A tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) Agreement was recently renewed involving three parties: the Centre (Government of India), the Manipur state government, and insurgent groups from the Kuki-Zo, Zomi, and Hmar communities.
The SoO Agreement originally came into force on August 22, 2008.
The primary objective of this agreement is to end hostilities among the conflicting groups.
It aims to achieve this by initiating political dialogue among the parties involved.
The goal is to find a political settlement within the framework of the Constitution of India, ensuring all solutions remain constitutional and lawful.
The Kuki-Zo groups are ethnic communities primarily located in Manipur and neighboring regions; these groups have been part of insurgency movements seeking political and cultural rights.
In the broader context of Northeast India, several other peace pacts have been signed with different insurgent groups to restore peace.
One such pact is the NLFT(SD) Agreement (2019), signed with the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT), an insurgent group active in Tripura state.
Another important agreement was the Bodo Accord (2020), signed with various Bodo groups in Assam, which aimed at resolving ethnic conflicts in that region.
However, the Bodo Accord was disbanded by March 2020, indicating challenges in its implementation.
Additionally, the Karbi Accord (2021) was signed with Karbi insurgent groups in Assam.
This agreement successfully resulted in over 1,000 cadres (insurgent members) joining the mainstream, marking a positive step towards peace and rehabilitation.
India Develops Rare Methandienone Long-Term Metabolite Reference Material to Boost Anti-Doping Accuracy |
India has developed a rare Reference Material (RM) for enhanced anti-doping testing in sports, specifically for the Methandienone Long-Term Metabolite.
This development is a collaboration between the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) and NIPER-Guwahati.
Methandienone Long-Term Metabolite is one of the Reference Materials being developed under this project.
Reference Materials (RMs) are highly purified and scientifically characterized forms of drug substances or their metabolites.
These RMs are essential for accurate analytical testing in detecting banned substances.
The availability of such RMs is crucial for identifying more than 450 substances currently prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
The new RM specifically helps in identifying athletes who have used steroids like Methandienone.
Methandienone is an anabolic steroid often misused in sports to enhance performance, making its detection important for fair competition.
L.I.V.E.S. & ARTHA: Pioneering Sustainable Mine Closure and Green Financing Frameworks |
L.I.V.E.S. and ARTHA were unveiled at the Star Rating Award Ceremony for Coal and Lignite Mines.
L.I.V.E.S. stands for a comprehensive practitioner’s guide designed to establish standards for responsible and sustainable mine closures.
The purpose of L.I.V.E.S. is to align mine closure practices with global best practices, ensuring environmental and social responsibility.
ARTHA is a Green Financing Framework, which means it is a financial structure aimed at supporting environmentally sustainable projects.
The main goal of ARTHA is to direct investments towards transforming reclaimed mines—which are previously mined lands that have been restored—into productive and environmentally friendly assets.
Together, L.I.V.E.S. provides the operational guidelines, while ARTHA provides the financial support to promote sustainable mining closures and land use.
India Launches HUID-Based Silver Jewellery Hallmarking for Enhanced Traceability and Consumer Protection |
The Indian government has introduced voluntary Hallmarking Unique Identification (HUID)-based hallmarking for silver jewellery.
This new hallmarking system is part of a revised standard aimed at enhancing traceability of silver jewellery.
The HUID-based hallmarking aligns the silver jewellery hallmarking system with the existing gold hallmarking system.
Hallmarking is the accurate determination and official recording of the proportionate content of precious metal in precious metal articles.
Hallmarking ensures the authenticity, consumer protection, quality, and traceability of jewellery and other precious metal articles.
In India, hallmarking is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards body headquartered in New Delhi.
BIS operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
It was established under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986, and now functions under the BIS Act, 2016.
BIS is responsible for formulating standards, certifying products such as the ISI mark and hallmarking, and operating testing laboratories.
FSSAI & Ayush Define ‘Ayurveda Aahara’: Authentic Ayurvedic Foods for Safe Consumption |
Recently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Ministry of Ayush released a definitive list of ‘Ayurveda Aahara’ products.
Ayurveda Aahara refers to a category under the Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022.
These regulations provide clear rules for Food Business Operators (FBOs) who manufacture Ayurvedic food products.
The purpose of these rules is to ensure that consumers can trust that the products are authentic and safe.
The formulations included in Ayurveda Aahara are drawn from classical Ayurvedic texts, which are traditional ancient Indian medical scriptures.
The list of food products includes preparations such as Angarkarkati (baked wheat balls), Krishara (Khichdi, a rice and lentil dish), Panaka (fruit drinks), Dadhi (curd-based preparations), and Gulkand (rose petal jam).
Explore more on UPSC Content
Click for Daily Quotes:
Stay updated with the latest news by joining our Telegram channel – The PRESS Pad , and follow us on Instagram
Comments