Daily Current Affairs - 6th November 2025

If you missed Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP) | Sept - Oct 2025, read it here.

Gogabeel Lake: Bihar’s Newest Ramsar Site

1. Gogabeel Lake in Bihar has been officially designated as a Ramsar site, recognizing it as a wetland of international importance.

2. With this designation, India now has 94 Ramsar sites, reflecting its growing commitment to wetland conservation and biodiversity protection.

3. The Ramsar designation comes under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty signed in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran, to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

About Gogabeel Lake

1. Gogabeel Lake is an oxbow wetland, meaning it was formed when a river meander got cut off, leaving behind a crescent-shaped waterbody.

2. The lake is located in the Katihar district of Bihar, making it a key ecological zone in eastern India.

3. It was formed from the combined flow of the Mahananda and Kankhar rivers in the north and the Ganga River in the south and east.

4. This unique hydrological setup makes Gogabeel an important floodplain wetland that supports diverse aquatic and birdlife.

Ecological and Conservation Significance

1. Gogabeel Lake holds the distinction of being Bihar’s first community reserve, meaning it is a protected area managed jointly by local communities and the government.

2. The lake serves as a critical habitat for a wide variety of bird species, including resident and migratory birds that visit during winter.

3. Its biodiversity importance contributes to local livelihoods, ecotourism, and the regional ecological balance.

Other Recent Ramsar Site Additions in Bihar

Alongside Gogabeel Lake, two other wetlands from Bihar were recently added to the Ramsar list.

• Gokul Jalashay in Buxar district was designated as India’s 92nd Ramsar site, recognizing its role in waterbird conservation.

• Udaipur Jheel in West Champaran district became India’s 93rd Ramsar site, noted for its rich wetland ecosystem and migratory bird population.

Must Read: State-wise summary table listing all Ramsar Sites with their designation dates

PRS Legislative Research – State of State Finances Report 2025

1. PRS Legislative Research released its State of State Finances 2025 Report highlighting that rising committed expenditure is reducing states’ fiscal space (i.e., flexibility to spend freely on development).

2. In 2023-24, Indian states spent 62% of their revenue receipts on committed expenditure such as salaries, pensions, interest payments, and subsidies, leaving limited funds for development spending.

3. The share of GST (Goods and Services Tax)-subsumed revenues in the economy has declined from 6.5% of GDP in 2015-16 to 5.5% in 2023-24, showing a weakening of states’ own-tax capacity (ability to raise revenue independently).

4. The 15th Finance Commission had projected a medium-term GST revenue ratio of 7% of GDP, indicating states are underperforming relative to expectations.

5. The share of untied transfers (funds states can spend freely without central conditions) has fallen to 64% under the 15th Finance Commission, thereby reducing fiscal flexibility for state governments.

6. The outstanding debt of states stands at 27.5% of GDP in 2024-25, which is significantly above the FRBM (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management) target of 20% of GDP.

7. Only Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Odisha currently meet this FRBM debt benchmark, reflecting better fiscal management in these states.

8. Interest payments have been growing at a compound annual rate of 10% between 2016-17 and 2024-25, which has outpaced revenue growth and increased fiscal stress.

9. The number of states offering unconditional cash transfers to women (direct cash benefits without any eligibility conditions) has risen to 12 in 2025-26, contributing to additional fiscal pressure on state budgets.

10. Per-capita income disparities between states have widened, as high-income states are able to raise more revenue per person and spend more on development compared to low-income states.

Way Forward and Recommendations

1. States must enforce fiscal discipline by reducing revenue deficits (when revenue expenditure exceeds revenue receipts) and avoiding borrowing for routine expenditure.

2. Governments should eliminate off-budget borrowings (loans taken outside the main budget, often hidden liabilities) to maintain transparency and sustainability.

3. States need to bring down debt levels closer to the 20% of GDP FRBM target to contain rising interest payment burdens.

4. There is a need to boost state revenues smartly by streamlining GST rate slabs and improving non-tax revenue sources.

5. States should enhance non-tax revenues through better user charges, higher mining royalties, asset monetization, and stronger property tax and excise systems.

6. Public spending must become more efficient and growth-oriented by rationalizing subsidies and cash transfers to reduce fiscal waste.

7. States should control committed expenditure while protecting capital spending (investment in long-term assets like infrastructure).

8. The report recommends expanding untied transfers from the Centre to give states greater autonomy in choosing their spending priorities.

India AI Governance Guidelines – Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

1. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has unveiled the India AI Governance Guidelines under the IndiaAI Mission.

2. These guidelines form a comprehensive framework to promote safe, inclusive, and responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across all sectors.

3. The framework aims to balance innovation with accountability, ensuring that AI growth supports both technological progress and public trust.

Seven Guiding Principles (Sutras) for Ethical and Responsible AI

1. The first guiding principle, “Trust is the Foundation,” emphasizes that public confidence and reliability must anchor every AI system.

2. The second principle, “People First,” ensures that AI development prioritizes human rights, dignity, and societal welfare over technological ambitions.

3. The third principle, “Innovation over Restraint,” encourages responsible innovation that fuels progress without excessive regulatory barriers.

4. The fourth principle, “Fairness and Equity,” mandates that AI systems remain unbiased and inclusive, preventing discrimination and ensuring equal access.

5. The fifth principle, “Accountability,” requires that clear responsibility be established for AI outcomes, both ethical and operational.

6. The sixth principle, “Understandable by Design,” promotes transparency and explainability, so AI decisions can be understood by users and regulators alike.

7. The seventh principle, “Safety, Resilience & Sustainability,” focuses on secure, reliable, and environmentally sustainable AI systems that can withstand misuse or failure.

Six Pillars of AI Governance (Grouped under Three Domains)

1. The first domain, Enablement, includes Infrastructure and Capacity Building, ensuring that India develops the necessary digital infrastructure and skilled workforce for AI growth.

2. The second domain, Regulation, covers Policy and Regulation along with Risk Mitigation, aiming to create legal clarity and reduce potential AI-related harms.

3. The third domain, Oversight, involves Accountability and Institutional mechanisms, ensuring effective supervision and enforcement of ethical AI practices.

Timelines for Action Plan

1. The short-term plan focuses on developing India-specific risk frameworks and defining clear liability regimes (rules determining who is legally responsible for AI harms).

2. The medium-term plan includes integrating Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) with AI systems and publishing common technical and ethical standards.

3. The long-term plan envisions drafting new AI laws that evolve with emerging technologies, risks, and capabilities.

Institutional Framework for Implementation

1. A High-Level AI Governance Group will steer overall coordination and strategic decision-making for AI governance.

2. Key government agencies, including MeitY and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), will oversee operational execution and enforcement.

3. Sectoral regulators such as RBI (Reserve Bank of India), SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India), and CCI (Competition Commission of India) will handle domain-specific AI risks.

4. Advisory bodies like NITI Aayog and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) will provide policy guidance and strategic expertise.

5. Standards bodies, including the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), will set and update AI technical standards.

Practical Guidelines for Industry and Regulators

1. For industry actors, the guidelines recommend establishing grievance redressal mechanisms to enable citizens to report AI-related harms and misuse.

2. For regulators, the framework suggests creating governance systems that are flexible and adaptive, allowing periodic reviews, monitoring, and recalibration based on stakeholder feedback.

G20 Report on Global Inequality

1. The G20 has released a comprehensive Report on Global Inequality, analyzing disparities in income, wealth, and opportunity across nations.

2. The report finds that 83% of countries currently have high income inequality, defined as having a Gini coefficient above 0.4 (the Gini coefficient measures income distribution, where 0 represents perfect equality and 1 represents perfect inequality).

3. These countries together account for 90% of the world’s population, showing that inequality is a global and widespread phenomenon.

4. Between 2000 and 2024, the richest 1% of the global population captured 41% of all new wealth generated, indicating a strong concentration of wealth at the top.

5. In contrast, the bottom 50% of the population managed to capture only 1% of the newly created wealth during the same period, highlighting extreme wealth polarization.

6. In India, the top 1% increased their share of total national wealth by 62%, reflecting growing inequality within the country as well.

Consequences of Rising Inequality

1. Politically, inequality undermines democratic governance and fuels authoritarian tendencies, as concentrated wealth increases elite influence in policymaking.

2. Economically, inequality slows down overall growth and hinders poverty reduction, as wealth concentration limits consumption and investment from lower-income groups.

3. Environmentally, inequality worsens the climate crisis, since richer nations and individuals contribute more to emissions while poorer nations bear the harshest impacts.

4. Socially, inequality reduces social mobility (the ability to move up the economic ladder) and worsens public health and overall wellbeing across societies.

Key Drivers of Global Inequality

1. Neoliberal policies have been a major driver, through deregulation of financial and labor markets, weakening of competition laws, and a shift toward less progressive taxation (where higher earners pay proportionally less).

2. The growth of monopoly power has allowed large corporations to raise profits for owners while reducing real wages for workers, thereby widening income gaps.

3. The international setting has amplified inequality, as capital mobility (the ability of money and investments to move freely across borders) and automation technologies have reduced the bargaining power of less-skilled workers.

4. The influence of economically powerful elites over politics and policymaking has both driven and reinforced inequality, leading to policies that favor wealth concentration.

5. The historical legacy of inequality in many developing countries—such as unequal land distribution and social hierarchies—continues to shape modern disparities.

Recommendations and Way Forward

1. The report recommends establishing an International Panel on Inequality (IPI) to provide policy-relevant assessments on inequality trends, drivers, and impacts globally.

2. It calls for more progressive taxation, including a global minimum tax on ultra-rich individuals, to ensure fairer wealth redistribution.

3. The report urges rewriting intellectual property (IP) rules to include compulsory licenses or waivers for critical technologies, especially those related to climate change and pandemic response.

4. It emphasizes ensuring universal access to high-quality essential services such as healthcare, education, and social security, to create a foundation for equitable development.

Successful Demonstration of India’s First Extensive Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Network

1. Startup QNu Labs, supported under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), has successfully demonstrated India’s first extensive Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network.

2. The QKD network spans over 500 kilometers, marking a significant step forward in quantum-secure communication for the country.

3. The network was deployed over existing optical fiber infrastructure, showing how quantum encryption can be integrated with current telecom systems.

4. This demonstration was funded through the I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation, which operates under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NMICPS).

What is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)?

1. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a technology that uses principles of quantum mechanics to securely distribute encryption keys used for data protection.

2. Quantum mechanics is the branch of physics that explains how subatomic particles can behave both like particles (tiny pieces of matter) and waves (disturbances that carry energy).

3. QKD belongs to the broader field of quantum cryptography, also known as quantum encryption, which enables theoretical unbreakable security for communication networks.

4. QKD can be implemented through multiple channels — including optical fiber, free space (air), and satellite-based systems, depending on communication needs.

5. The technology is capable of detecting and mitigating eavesdropping attacks, also known as sniffing or snooping, because any attempt to intercept a quantum key disturbs its state and becomes detectable.

6. Due to its high level of security, QKD is particularly suited for critical infrastructure such as defence, government communications, healthcare, financial services, data centres, and telecommunication networks.

Related Developments in India’s Quantum Ecosystem

• In related news, the Prime Minister recently presented two pathbreaking Quantum innovations developed by Indian startups to the nation.

1. QSIP – Quantum Random Number Generator System in Package

• QSIP is India’s first quantum security chip, developed to strengthen digital security architecture.

• It provides quantum-certified randomness, meaning the random numbers it generates are derived directly from quantum processes rather than traditional algorithms.

• These quantum random numbers are used in cryptographic algorithms to make encryption stronger and unpredictable.

• QSIP thus ensures defence against cyber threats and future quantum attacks, where classical encryption systems may fail.

2. 25-Qubit Quantum Processing Unit (QPU)

• India’s first Quantum Processing Unit (QPU), featuring 25 qubits, has been developed by the Indian startup QpiAI.

• A qubit (quantum bit) is the basic unit of quantum information, capable of representing both 0 and 1 simultaneously, unlike a classical bit.

• Earlier, QpiAI also launched QpiAI-Indus, which is the country’s first full-stack quantum computer, integrating all layers of technology into one system.

• QpiAI-Indus uses 25 superconducting qubits, demonstrating India’s capability to build advanced quantum computing hardware domestically.

Overall Significance

1. Together, the QKD network, QSIP chip, and 25-qubit QPU signify India’s rapid advancement in quantum technologies, ensuring both secure communications and computational sovereignty in the coming digital era.

NexCAR19: Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment through Affordable Innovation and Enhanced Patient Safety

1. NexCAR19 represents a major breakthrough in India’s cancer treatment landscape, combining cutting-edge biotechnology with affordability and patient safety.

2. The therapy has been developed specifically for B-cell blood cancers, which affect the immune system’s B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.

3. NexCAR19 was created by ImmunoACT, a company incubated at IIT Bombay in collaboration with Tata Memorial Hospital.

4. The project received support from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), under the Government of India.

5. In 2023, NexCAR19 became India’s first indigenous CAR T-cell therapy to receive market authorization from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).

About CAR (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) T-Cell Therapy

1. CAR T-cell therapy is an advanced immunotherapy that reprograms a patient’s own immune cells to recognize and kill cancer cells.

2. In this process, T-cells (a type of white blood cell responsible for killing infected or abnormal cells) are collected from the patient’s blood.

3. These T-cells are then genetically modified in the lab to express a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR), which helps them identify and destroy cancer cells more effectively.

4. The modified cells, known as CAR T-cells, are infused back into the patient, turning their immune system into a personalized anti-cancer weapon.

5. The treatment is primarily used for certain types of blood cancers, such as B-cell lymphomas and leukemias, especially when conventional therapies have failed or the disease has relapsed.

How CAR-T Works

Benefits of CAR T-Cell Therapy

1. The therapy offers a shorter treatment duration compared to traditional options like chemotherapy or stem cell transplants, leading to faster patient recovery.

2. CAR T-cells can remain active in the body for a long time, providing sustained protection against cancer recurrence or relapse.

3. NexCAR19 stands out for its affordability, as it is significantly cheaper than imported CAR T-cell therapies, making advanced cancer care more accessible in India.

Challenges and Limitations

1. A major challenge is that CAR T-cell therapy is highly specific, meaning a therapy designed for one type of cancer does not work for another.

2. The treatment can sometimes cause adverse side effects, such as neurotoxicity (negative effects on the nervous system).

3. Another common side effect is Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), which occurs due to overactivation of immune cells, leading to fever and inflammation.

4. Patients may also face a higher risk of infections, as the immune system is temporarily weakened during therapy.

UN Raises Concerns Regarding Neurotechnology

1. The United Nations (UN) has expressed growing concern over the rapid expansion of neurotechnology and its potential implications for human rights, privacy, and equality.

   • Neurotechnology refers to both hardware and software systems that can measure, access, monitor, analyze, predict, or modulate the nervous system.

2. These technologies are designed to understand, influence, restore, or anticipate the structure and activity of the human brain.

3. A well-known example of neurotechnology is the Brain–Computer Interface (BCI), which allows direct communication between the brain and an external device.

4. In recent years, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with neuroscience has increased the capability of machines to interact with human cognition and behavior.

5. This fusion can potentially affect key brain functions such as reasoning, learning, perception, prediction, planning, and control.

Concerns Related to Neurotechnology

1. The first major concern is about Mental Integrity, which refers to an individual’s right to control their own mental processes and thoughts.

   • Unlike many other emerging technologies, neurotechnology can directly access, manipulate, and emulate the structure and function of the human brain, posing unique ethical risks.

2. A second concern is Personal Identity and Psychological Continuity, which involves protecting one’s sense of self and freedom of thought.

   • Technologies capable of memory modification or manipulation could alter an individual’s identity, undermining autonomy and mental privacy.

3. A third concern revolves around the use of neural data, which refers to data collected from the brain’s electrical or chemical signals.

4. Corporations could exploit this neural data for targeted marketing or commercial gain, raising severe privacy and consent issues.

5. Another critical issue is Social Inequality, as unequal access to neurotechnologies could widen the gap between privileged and marginalized groups.

6. Such disparities may intensify existing social divides, leading to greater societal tension and conflict.

Way Forward – Recommendations by UNESCO

1. UNESCO has recommended establishing strong legal protections and regulatory frameworks to govern the use of neurotechnology.

2. Countries must enact laws to ensure that neurotechnology use remains restricted to legitimate scientific, medical, or judicial purposes.

3. There is a need to design robust and adaptive data policies that regulate the collection, processing, sharing, and storage of neural data.

4. These data governance frameworks should be fair, transparent, and accountable to prevent misuse of brain-related information.

5. UNESCO further urges governments to promote equitable access to safe, reliable, and evidence-based neurotechnologies.

6. Ensuring such equitable access will help prevent technological exclusion and support global fairness in scientific advancement.

Enforcement Directorate (ED): Recognized for Effective Asset Recovery

1. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has gained international recognition for its effective asset recovery practices.

2. Cases investigated by the ED have been cited as models of successful asset recovery by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

3. These examples are featured in FATF’s ‘Asset Recovery Guidance and Best Practices’ guidelines, highlighting India’s progress in combating financial crimes.

About the Enforcement Directorate (ED)

1. The Enforcement Directorate was established in 1956, marking the beginning of India’s specialized enforcement against financial offences.

2. The agency functions under the administrative control of the Department of Revenue, which is part of the Ministry of Finance.

3. It is a multi-disciplinary organization, meaning it draws expertise from law, finance, and investigation, to handle complex economic crimes.

4. The ED’s core mandate is to investigate offences related to money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws.

Key Laws Enforced by ED

1. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) empowers the ED to trace, attach, and confiscate proceeds of crime derived from illegal activities.

2. The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) governs foreign exchange transactions, ensuring stability in India’s external financial dealings.

3. The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA) enables the agency to seize assets of economic offenders who flee India to avoid prosecution.

Powers and Functions of the ED

1. The ED has the authority to conduct searches and seizures to collect evidence against financial offenders.

2. It can summon any person for questioning related to ongoing investigations.

3. The agency also has the power to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in offences under its jurisdiction.

4. Through these powers, the ED plays a critical role in enforcing financial discipline and protecting the integrity of India’s financial system.

The Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T Report

1. The Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T Report has been released ahead of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP-30) to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).

2. The report emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced and predictable financial commitments from developed countries to support global climate action.

3. It proposes a pathway to mobilize USD 1.3 trillion in climate finance by 2035, with USD 300 billion forming a part of this overall target.

4. To achieve this goal, the report outlines five key action fronts on climate finance, collectively known as the 5R Mechanism.

The 5R Mechanism Explained

1. The first action front, Replenishment, calls on developed countries to increase the delivery of grants and concessional climate finance.

   • Concessional finance refers to loans offered at below-market interest rates, aimed at helping developing nations fund climate-related projects.

2. The second front, Rebalancing, urges creditor countries, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and multilateral development banks (MDBs) to work together to reduce the heavy debt burdens faced by developing economies.

   • Debt relief under Rebalancing is essential to free up fiscal space for climate adaptation and mitigation investments.

3. The third front, Rechanneling, focuses on redirecting and scaling up financial resources through institutions such as MDBs, development finance institutions, public development banks, and multilateral climate funds.

   • This includes expanding access to catalytic finance (finance that mobilizes additional private capital) and risk mitigation instruments like foreign exchange hedging, which protect investors from currency fluctuations.

4. The fourth front, Revamping, recommends that national governments integrate climate, nature, and just transition objectives into their economic planning, budgeting, and investment frameworks.

   • A just transition means ensuring that the shift to a green economy is socially inclusive and fair, particularly for workers and vulnerable communities.

5. The fifth and final front, Reshaping, calls for restructuring global financial systems to enhance capital flows toward sustainable and low-carbon investments.

Overall Significance

1. The Baku to Belém Roadmap provides a clear and structured financial framework for delivering on global climate commitments.

2. It highlights that achieving the USD 1.3 trillion target by 2035 will require systemic reforms in global finance, alongside greater accountability from developed nations.

3. The roadmap thus serves as a strategic bridge from the COP-29 discussions in Baku to the COP-30 summit in Belém, reinforcing the vision of equitable, predictable, and sustained climate finance.

Bangladesh: First country in South Asia to join Water Convention

1. Bangladesh became the first country in South Asia to join the U.N.’s Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes, also known as the Water Convention.

2. The Water Convention was adopted in Helsinki in 1992 and entered into force in 1996.

3. It is a legally binding convention aimed at the sustainable management of shared water resources.

4. The convention requires parties to prevent, control, and reduce transboundary impacts.

   • Transboundary impacts refer to environmental or water-related effects that cross borders into neighboring countries.

5. It ensures the reasonable, equitable, and sustainable use of shared waters.

6. The convention also mandates cooperation among riparian states through agreements and joint bodies.

   • Riparian states are countries that share a common river, lake, or watercourse.

Satellite-based internet

1. Elon Musk-owned Starlink has signed an agreement with the Maharashtra government to provide satellite-based connectivity to remote and underserved regions.

2. Satellite-based internet is a type of wireless broadband delivered via communication satellites orbiting the Earth.

3. Unlike fibre, cable, or DSL, satellite internet does not rely on physical ground-based wiring.

4. Satellite internet works by transmitting data from a user’s dish to a satellite and then to ground stations connected to the global internet.

5. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, like Starlink, operate closer to the Earth, providing faster speeds and lower latency than traditional geostationary satellites.

   • Latency refers to the time it takes for data to travel from the user to the server and back.

6. This technology is significant because it helps bridge the digital divide by connecting regions that are remote or underserved.

Tidal Disruption Event

Astronauts have observed the biggest and most distant Flare from black hole which originated due to tidal disruption event (TDE).

About Tidal Disruption Event (TDE)

• Meaning: Tidal disruption events occur when a star approaches a supermassive black hole and gets violently ripped apart, causing outflows of radiation.

• Significance: TDEs help researchers understand how black holes change their surroundings. 

Project Suncatcher: Google’s AI Data Centres in Space

1. Google has launched Project Suncatcher, an initiative to explore AI computing in space using solar-powered satellites.

2. The project aims to deploy satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO), which refers to altitudes between 160 km to 2,000 km above Earth, allowing faster communication and lower latency.

3. Each satellite in the envisioned constellation will carry Google’s custom-built Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) chips, which are specialized processors designed specifically for machine learning and AI applications.

4. The satellites will use solar power to generate energy for running the AI chips, making the system more sustainable and independent of Earth-based power sources.

5. As part of the project, two prototype satellites are scheduled to launch by 2027 to test power generation, chip performance, and data transmission in real space conditions.

6. The outcomes of these prototypes will inform the feasibility of space-based AI data centres, potentially reducing energy costs and latency for future AI applications.

Doha Declaration: Renewing Global Commitment to Social Development

1. The Doha Declaration was adopted at the Second World Summit for Social Development, marking a renewed global commitment to inclusive growth and human wellbeing.

2. The First World Summit for Social Development was held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1995, where world leaders first agreed on a framework for promoting social justice, poverty eradication, and employment generation.

3. The Second Summit, held in Doha, was convened by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to assess progress since the 1995 Copenhagen commitments.

About the Doha Declaration

1. The Doha Declaration seeks to renew and update the commitments made under the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development.

2. It emphasizes that poverty eradication, decent work, and social inclusion must be treated as interconnected global priorities, not as isolated goals.

   • Poverty eradication refers to eliminating extreme and multidimensional poverty to ensure access to basic human needs.

3. Decent work, as defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO), includes employment that is productive, fairly paid, and provides safe working conditions.

4. Social inclusion means ensuring that all individuals—especially marginalized or disadvantaged groups—can participate fully in economic, social, and political life.

5. The declaration further calls for expanding universal and gender-responsive social protection systems, ensuring that social security policies meet the needs of both men and women equitably.

6. It also urges governments to promote equitable access to quality healthcare and education, which are essential pillars of sustainable social progress.

Overall Significance

1. The Doha Declaration serves as a global reaffirmation of the commitment to build just, inclusive, and equitable societies.

2. It also aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially the goals on poverty reduction (SDG 1), decent work (SDG 8), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10).

3. Through this declaration, world leaders have pledged to strengthen international cooperation and policy coherence for achieving sustainable social development worldwide.

Baliyatra Festival

President Extends Greetings On Baliyatra Festival.

About Baliyatra Festival

1. Baliyatra festival is generally celebrated in coastal Odisha on the day of “Kartika Purnima”.

2. It commemorates the past association of the people of Odisha with Bali and the glorious maritime tradition of transoceanic voyages they undertook to South East Asian Countries.

3. It is also associated with legend ‘Taapoi’ and rituals like ‘Bhalukuni Osha’ or ‘Khudurukuni Osha’ and ‘Bada Osha’.

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