10 Years of UJALA and SLNP

Source: PIB 

Why in News?  

The Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) scheme, launched on 5^th January 2015, marks its 10^th anniversary as a transformative initiative in energy efficiency.  

• UJALA has revolutionized household lighting, reduced energy consumption, and contributed to India's environmental sustainability goals. 
• The Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP), launched with UJALA, aims to replace conventional streetlights with energy-efficient Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). 

What are the Key Facts About UJALA Scheme? 

• About: UJALA Scheme launched in January 2015, to promote energy efficiency by replacing traditional lighting systems (incandescent lamps (ICLs)  and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)) with energy-saving LED bulbs. 
  • The scheme is a joint project between the Government of India's Public Sector Undertakings, the Union Ministry of Power's Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), and DISCOMs (Distribution Companies). 
• Objective: The UJALA Scheme aims to save 85 lakh kWh of electricity and reduce 15,000 tonnes of Carbon dioxide (CO₂) by replacing 77 crore traditional bulbs and 3.5 crore street lights with LEDs. 
• Need for UJALA: Lighting accounts for approximately 18-27% of residential electricity use in India. 
  • In 2011, Indian households used about one billion lighting points, with most relying on CFLs (46%) and tube lights (41%). Only 0.4% used LED bulbs. 
• Efficiency of LEDs: LEDs save up to 90% energy compared to ICLs and 50% compared to CFLs. 
  • LED bulbs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs, but the high upfront cost was a major barrier. 
• Key Features of UJALA: 
  • Subsidized LED Bulbs: The cost of LED bulbs distributed under UJALA was reduced to  Rs 70 per LED bulb, compared to Rs 450 in 2014. 
  • Distribution Mechanism: The bulbs are distributed via a demand aggregation-price crash model (Bulk buying to reduce prices). 
    • In 2015, EESL invited open bids for large-scale LED lamp procurement and engaged state governments to establish a distribution network. 
• Progress and Achievements: Over 36.87 crore LED bulbs have been distributed across the country, leading to: 
  • Energy Savings: 47,883 million kWh of energy saved annually. 
  • Cost Savings: Rs. 19,153 crore saved annually. 
  • CO2 Reduction: 3.88 million tonnes of CO2 avoided annually. 
  • Peak Demand Avoided: 9,586 MW peak demand has been avoided. 

What are the Key Facts About Street Lighting National Programme? 

• About: The SLNP, key objectives include reducing energy consumption, lowering operational costs for municipalities, and fostering a market transformation towards energy-efficient appliances.  
• Implementing Agency: EESL was appointed as the implementing agency, collaborating with Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Municipal Bodies, Gram Panchayats (GPs), and both Central and State Governments to execute the program across the country.  
• Business Model: The SLNP introduced a unique model where EESL covers initial costs, recovering the investment through monthly or quarterly payments from municipalities.  
  • EESL also ensures 95% uptime for LED streetlights, enhancing public safety and providing reliable services without straining local budgets. 
• Achievements: 

What are the Key Differences between ICLs, CFLs and LEDs?

Feature	Incandescent Lamps (ICLs)	Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)	LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes)
Energy Efficiency	Low	Moderate	High
Power Consumption	High	Moderate	Low
Cost of Bulb	Low (initial cost)	Moderate	High (initial cost)
Heat Emission	High	Moderate	Very low
Environmental Impact	High (produces more CO2 due to energy waste)	Moderate (contains small amounts of mercury)	Low (no harmful emissions)
Color Options	Warm white	Cool white, Warm white	Warm white, Cool white, RGB
Durability	Fragile	More durable than ICLs	Very durable, impact-resistant
Light Direction	Omnidirectional	Omnidirectional	Directional or omnidirectional
Chemical Composition	Tungsten filament, inert gas (argon or nitrogen)	Mercury vapor, phosphor coating	Gallium nitride (GaN), indium gallium nitride (InGaN), phosphorus (for color)

Conclusion 

The UJALA scheme and SLNP have greatly advanced India's energy efficiency and sustainability goals, reducing energy use and carbon emissions while driving economic savings. These initiatives showcase the impact of government-led efforts in promoting a greener, energy-efficient future. 

Drishti Mains Question:  Examine the role of government-led initiatives such as the UJALA and SLNP schemes in addressing energy efficiency challenges in India.

 

Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24

Source: PIB 

Why in News?

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the factsheet of the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24, providing key insights into consumption patterns and economic well-being in India.  

What are the Key Findings of the HCES 2023-24? 

• Rising Consumption: Rural consumption spending increased significantly, with the average monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) rising to Rs 4,122 (up 9.3% from Rs 3,773 in 2022-23).  
  • The MPCE of urban areas  is Rs 6,996 (up 8.3% from Rs 6,459 in 2022-23). 
  • The gap between rural and urban consumption narrowed from 83.9% in 2011-12 to 69.7% in 2023-24, suggesting that rural consumption is growing faster than urban consumption. 
  • Imputed values for free benefits (e.g., food grains, school uniforms) under welfare schemes marginally increased MPCE estimates. 
    • Rural MPCE Rs 4,247 (with imputation) and Urban Rs 7,078 (with imputation). 
• Regional Disparities: Sikkim had the highest MPCE Sikkim (rural Rs 9,377 and urban Rs 13,927), while Chhattisgarh (rural Rs 2,739 and urban Rs 4,927) recorded the lowest. 
  • Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Kerala, showed higher-than-average per capita consumption spending. 
  • West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, had lower spending than the national average. 
  • Among the Union Territories (UTs), MPCE is the highest in Chandigarh (Rural Rs. 8,857 and Urban Rs. 13,425), whereas it is the lowest in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Rs. 4,311) and Jammu and Kashmir (Rs. 6,327) in rural and urban areas, respectively. 
• Consumption Inequality: The Consumption Inequality, as measured by the Gini coefficient, has decreased in both rural and urban areas.  
  • The Gini coefficient dropped from 0.266 to 0.237 in rural areas and from 0.314 to 0.284 in urban areas from 2022-23 to 2023-24. 
• Food Expenditure: In 2023-24, spending on food increased in both rural (47.04%) and urban (39.68%) areas, reversing previous declines.  
  • The highest food expenditure was on beverages, refreshments, and processed food, followed by milk, milk products, and vegetables. 
• Non-Food Expenditure: The share of non-food expenditure remained high, at 52.96% in rural areas and 60.32% in urban areas. 
  • Rural households spent more on conveyance (7.59%), medical expenses (6.83%), and clothing and bedding (6.63%), while urban households spent more on conveyance (8.46%), miscellaneous goods (6.92%), and rent (6.58%). 
• Fractile Consumption Patterns: In 2023-24, consumption spending decreased for the top 5% of both rural and urban populations, compared to 2022-23.  
  • In contrast, the bottom 5% saw significant increases, with rural spending rising 22% and urban spending growing 19%.  
    • This shows significant growth in consumption for the lower-income groups, indicating economic improvement. 

What are the Implications of HCES Findings on Policy Making? 

• Rural Development: The narrowing rural-urban gap indicates rising rural incomes, likely driven by schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), warranting further policy support. 
  • The relatively high spending on conveyance in rural areas indicates the need for improved rural transport infrastructure to reduce costs. 
  • Encourage investments in rural non-food sectors like conveyance and durable goods. 
• Sectoral Shifts: The growing expenditure on services (e.g., conveyance, entertainment) points to a shift toward a service-driven economy.  
  • Policies should focus on skilling and job creation in these emerging sectors. 
  • With rural consumption rising, policies should aim to sustain this growth through skill development and rural industrialization. 
• Urban Planning and Housing: High urban spending on rent and conveyance highlights the need for affordable housing policies and improved public transport infrastructure. 
  • Urban policies must address stagnation in income growth, particularly for the middle class, to ensure equitable growth. 
• Regional Disparities: States with lower-than-average consumption, such as Bihar, require focused interventions in education, healthcare, and employment to boost economic activity. 
• Consumer Protection: Policymakers should regulate processed food industries to ensure quality standards and consumer safety. 

Read more: SBI Reports Decline in Poverty in India 

Drishti Mains Question: Analyze the factors contributing to the narrowing rural-urban consumption gap as per the HCES 2023-24 and its implications for rural development policies.

Deciphering the Indus Valley Script

Source: IE 

Why in News?

Recently, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, MK Stalin announced a USD 1 million prize for anyone who can successfully decipher the Harappan (Indus Valley) script of the Indus Valley Civilisation.  

• It has reignited the century-old mystery of the Harappan script, which has eluded over 100 attempts by scholars to decode its meaning. 

What is the Indus Valley Script? 

• About: The Indus Valley Script, used by the Indus Valley Civilization (2600–1900 BCE) in present-day Pakistan and north-western India, remains undeciphered. 
  • The script was discovered in the 1920s by Sir John Marshall's team. It appears on seals, terracotta tablets, and metal, featuring pictograms and animal or human motifs. 
• Writing Style: Generally written right to left, longer texts sometimes used Boustrophedon Style (alternating directions between lines). 
• Brevity of Inscriptions: Most inscriptions are short, averaging 5 characters, with the longest known text containing 26 symbols. 
  • The brevity has led to debates about whether it represents a full-fledged language or merely symbolic notations. 
• Nature of the Script: Likely a logosyllabic system, combining pictograms and syllables, similar to other scripts of its era. 
  • Scholars propose a rebus principle, where symbols represent sounds or ideas indirectly. 
• Purpose and Function:  The script may have been used for trade, tax records, and identification,but its full role remains unclear. Some symbols, resembling multiplication, addition, and the swastika, might also have educational or religious significance. 
  • Some believe it was a marking system, not a language-based script. 
• Theories About Its Language: 
  • Dravidian Hypothesis: Supported by Asko Parpola and Indian researcher Iravatham Mahadevan. 
    • Claims the script has Dravidian roots, with connections to Old Tamil. 
    • Example: Parpola suggests the 'fish' symbol in the Indus script represents "meen," meaning both "fish" and "star" in Dravidian languages, aligning with Old Tamil terminology.  
      • Some 'number + fish' sequences are believed to refer to star groups, though this remains unproven. 
  • Sanskrit Linkage: Early scholars like S.R. Rao linked the script to Sanskrit, tying it to the Vedic period (1500 - 600 BCE). 
    • This theory has been contested due to the timeline mismatch between the Harappan and Vedic cultures. 
  • Non-Linguistic Symbols: Critics like Steve Farmer and Peggy Mohan argue the symbols were not a language but a system for political, economic, or religious insignias. 

What are the Challenges in Decipherment of Indus Valley Script? 

• Lack of Bilingual Texts: The decipherment of ancient scripts often depends on bilingual texts, like the Rosetta Stone, which provided a Greek translation of Egyptian hieroglyphs.  
  • The Indus script, however, lacks such comparative inscriptions, making it difficult to link symbols to sounds or meanings. 
  • The Rosetta Stone, discovered in 1799 near the Nile Delta, contains a message written in Greek, Demotic, and hieroglyphs. It helped scholars to  decipher ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. 
• Short and Fragmentary Texts: Most inscriptions are brief, with an average of five characters per text. 
  • The lack of long texts limits the ability to analyze grammar, syntax, or patterns typically used in linguistic decipherment. 
• Unknown Language: The script likely represents a language with no surviving descendants, making comparisons challenging.  
  • Theories suggest Dravidian, Indo-Aryan, or a lost language family, but none are conclusive. 
• Symbol Variations: S.R. Rao (1982) proposed 62 signs in the script, but later Asko Parpola suggested 425 signs (1994).  
  • In 2016, Bryan K. Wells proposed 676 signs, but the exact number and their meanings remain debated, leading to confusion. 
• Limited Archaeological Evidence: The limited corpus of 3,500 Harappan seals, unexplored sites, and erosion of artifacts hinder comprehensive script analysis. 
• Technological Constraints: While Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are being applied, current models struggle with sparse datasets like the Indus script. Identifying patterns in brief inscriptions remains a significant challenge. 

What is the Significance of Deciphering the Indus Script? 

• Unlocking Harappan Language: Identifying the language family (Dravidian, Indo-Aryan, or others) would offer insights into the linguistic roots of ancient India. 
• Understanding Harappan Culture: Decipherment could uncover Harappan religious beliefs, societal norms, and sociopolitical structures, including administration and governance. 
• Historical Continuity: Establishing connections between the Harappans and later civilizations could help trace India's cultural and linguistic evolution. 
• Global Relevance: The script's study contributes to understanding ancient writing systems, human communication evolution, and cross-cultural exchanges with Mesopotamia and beyond. 
  • Deciphering may reveal ties to Vedic practices and links to Dravidian or Indo-European languages. 

Drishti Mains Question:  Examine the challenges faced in deciphering the Indus Valley Script and their implications for understanding the Harappan Civilization.

 

Supreme Court Calls for Legislative Reviews

Source: IE 

Why in News?  

Recently, the Supreme Court (SC), while hearing a plea regarding the 45-day limitation under Section 81 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, emphasized the necessity of periodic legislative reviews to assess the effectiveness of laws.  

• It highlighted the need for an expert mechanism to evaluate laws and identify deficiencies or bottlenecks, proposing reviews every 20, 25, or 50 years. 

Why is there a Need for Periodic Review of Laws by the Legislature? 

• Identifying Deficiencies: Since laws may lose relevance over time due to evolving circumstances, regular reviews are essential to ensure they serve their intended purpose and allow for necessary modifications or repeal. 
  • Example: The IT Act, 2000, underwent amendments to address cybercrimes that were not prevalent earlier. 
• Ensuring Relevance of Legislation: Periodic reviews ensure that law remains relevant, effective, and aligned with societal needs. They also address laws enacted hastily or driven by political motives, ensuring a focus on legal efficacy and public interest. 
  • Example: Enactment of Anti-liquor law in Bihar led to a surge in bail applications and strained the state's judiciary. 
  • Similarly, Rajasthan's law authorizing civil society organizations to raid institutions to prevent cow slaughter raised concerns about the potential misuse of power and violation of institutional integrity.  
• Addressing Unintended Consequences: Periodic reviews can identify areas where laws inadvertently hinder justice or create inefficiencies.  
  • For instance, Section 81 of RPA, 1951’s  45-day limit may preclude valid election disputes due to procedural constraints. 
• Improving Accountability: Regular reviews ensure that laws remain aligned with their original objectives and democratic principles. 
  • For instance, Section 498A of the IPC, originally intended to protect women from cruelty and harassment by their husbands or in-laws, has been criticized for misuse. 
• Global Standards: Many democratic nations conduct routine legislative reviews to ensure laws align with international best practices and human rights norms.  
  • For example, the US PATRIOT Act has been periodically amended to address concerns over privacy and civil liberties. 

What are the Challenges in Periodically Reviewing Laws? 

• Lack of Political Will: Legislative reviews are sometimes influenced by political agendas, leading to biased amendments, which might serve electoral interests rather than public welfare, undermining the objectivity of the review process. 
  • Example: Farm Laws (2020) were criticized for favoring corporate interests over the concerns of farmers rather than reforming India’s agricultural market to address root causes of distress. 
• Judicial Overreach: 
  • Sometimes, the judiciary may be accused of overstepping its boundaries while reviewing laws and affecting the smooth functioning of the review process. 
  • Example: in the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) case (2015), where the Supreme Court struck down the NJAC Act, which aimed to reform judicial appointments by including the executive.  
• Legal Complexity: 
  • Many laws are interdependent, and isolated amendments can lead to unintended consequences or conflicts with existing legislation, complicating the review process. 
  • Example: Anomalies in the legal provisions related to child pornography under the POCSO Act and the IPC.  
• Limited Public Participation: 
  • Public understanding of legislative processes and legal nuances is low and often not encouraging which limits and reduces the impact of the review process. 
  • Example: The Ranbir Singh Committee to Reforms Criminal Laws had very limited public participation in the consultation process for legal reforms, which raised concerns about inclusivity and comprehensiveness of the reforms.

Way Forward 

• Strengthening Law Commission of India: As India lacks dedicated bodies for periodic legislative reviews, strengthening institutions like the Law Commission of India with greater independence and resources could enhance the quality and consistency of legal reforms. 
• Leveraging Technology: Technology can enhance the review process.  
  • Platforms like MyGov for public consultations and tools like AI for evaluating law effectiveness can improve efficiency and citizen engagement in lawmaking. 
• Resource Allocation: The government should allocate dedicated budgets for legal reforms, reviews and capacity-building programs for civil servants, judges, and law enforcement to improve implementation. 
• Engaging with International Best Practices: India should align its laws with international standards, as seen with the National Green Tribunal (NGT), to enhance effectiveness in areas like environmental law and technology governance. 

Conclusion 

By institutionalizing periodic legislative reviews, India can foster a dynamic legal framework that remains responsive to societal needs, democratic ideals, and global standards. Judicial pronouncements and international practices serve as guiding benchmarks in this endeavor. 

Drishti Mains Question: Why are periodic legislative reviews necessary in India, and what challenges hinder their implementation?

Prioritising Oil Palm Plantation

Source: PIB 

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture urged state governments to prioritise oil palm plantation targets under the National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) scheme. 

What are the Key Facts Regarding NMEO-OP Scheme? 

• About: NMEO-OP is a centrally sponsored scheme to enhance domestic production of crude palm oil (CPO), thereby reducing the country's dependence on imports. 
• Objectives: 
  • Area Expansion: Cover an additional 6.5 lakh hectares of oil palm area by 2025-26, increasing the total cultivated area to 10 lakh hectares. 
  • Production Targets: Increase CPO production from 0.27 lakh tonnes (2019-20) to 11.20 lakh tonnes (2025-26) and further to 28 lakh tonnes by 2029-30. 
  • Per-Capita Consumption: Maintain consumption level of 19 kg/person/annum till 2025-26. 
  • Focus Regions: Special focus is given to the North-East region and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to boost oil palm cultivation and CPO production. 
• Key Features: 
  • Price Assurance: It introduces Viability Price (VP) mechanism to protect farmers from international price fluctuations. 
    • The viability funding will be paid directly to the farmers accounts in the form of DBT. 
  • Enhanced Assistance: Increase in assistance for planting material from Rs 12,000/ha to Rs 29,000/ha. 
    • Special assistance of Rs 250 per plant for rejuvenating old gardens. 
  • Special Provisions for North-East and Andaman: Additional 2% of the CPO price will be borne by the government to ensure parity in farmer payments across regions. 
    • Special provisions are being made for half moon terrace cultivation, bio fencing and land clearance along with integrated farming.

Tranquilising Wild Animals

Source: IE

Recently, a three-year-old tigress, Zeenat, was tranquilised and captured from the forests of Bankura in West Bengal and relocated to Odisha’s Simlipal tiger reserve.  

• Tranquilization is not only vital for conservation efforts but also for ensuring the safety of both the animals and human populations.  

What is Wildlife Tranquillisation? 

• About: 
  • Wildlife tranquillisation is the process of sedating wild animals using specific sedative drugs to safely capture, handle, or relocate them for various conservation, research, or rescue purposes. 
• Regulation: 
  • The use of tranquilizers is regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. 
  • In India, animal tranquilization is overseen by State Forest Departments under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, with support from trained veterinarians and expertise provided by the  Wildlife Institute of India (WII). 
• Methods and Tools: 
  • Tranquilliser Guns and Darts: The primary tool for wildlife tranquillisation is a dart gun, which delivers a syringe filled with sedative drugs.  
    • The dart is shot remotely from a distance, typically using compressed CO₂ gas to propel the dart. 
  • The dart is often equipped with a hypodermic needle and a barb to ensure that the drug is effectively administered under the skin.  
    • A tuft of feathers or other stabilising materials is attached to the dart to improve accuracy during flight. 
• Types of Drugs: 
  • Opioids: Drugs such as M99 (etorphine) used for immobilising large mammals like elephants and tigers. 
    • In wildlife tranquillisation, morphine can sometimes be used in combination with other drugs for immobilisation.  
    • Alpha-Adrenergic Tranquilisers: Drugs like Xylazine and Ketamine are commonly used in combination for sedating animals like deer and tigers. 
    • Xylazine acts as a sedative and muscle relaxant, while Ketamine helps to induce dissociation and extend the period of immobility. 
    • These drugs allow for more controlled sedations, with the capacity to reverse the effects using antidotes. 
  • Reversal Agents: Specific antidotes, such as Naloxone, are used to reverse the effects of tranquillisation. 
• Applications: 
  • Conservation and Relocation: Used to safely relocate animals from human-wildlife conflict zones or move endangered species to protected reserves. 
  • Research and Monitoring: Employed for capturing animals for health assessments, tagging, and studying migration patterns. 
  • Rescue Operations: Essential for rescuing injured or stranded animals, enabling veterinary care or transport to rehabilitation centers. 

 

78th Foundation Day of Bureau of Indian Standards

Source: PIB 

Recently, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) celebrated its 78^th Foundation Day on 6^th January 2025. 

• About BIS: BIS is the statutory national standard body of India established under the BIS Act, 2016 for the harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods. 
  • It was initially set up as the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) that came into being on 6^th January 1947. 
  • It functions under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution. 
• Functions: It operates various schemes like Product Certification (ISI mark), Hallmarking of Gold and Silver Jeweller, ECO Mark Scheme (for labeling of environment friendly products). 
• Standards National Action Plan (SNAP) 2022- 27: It serves as a strong foundation for standardization to meet the emerging technologies and concerns of sustainability and climate change. 
  • It will be pivotal in enriching and strengthening “Quality Culture” in the Nation. 
• Achievements: 94% of Indian standards have been harmonised with the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. 
  • Over 44.28 crore articles of gold, jewellery/artefacts have been hallmarked so far. 

Read More: Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) Act, 2016 

BHARATPOL Portal

Source: TH

The Union Home Minister of India launched the 'BHARATPOL' portal to enhance the efficiency of Indian investigation agencies in tracking fugitives and facilitating faster international assistance. 

• BHARATPOL Portal: Developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the portal allows central and state agencies to connect with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) for real-time information sharing, replacing the previous system where only the CBI had this access. 
  • BHARATPOL streamlines international assistance to tackle rising transnational crimes like cybercrime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. 
  • The portal will enhance the processing of Red Notices and other INTERPOL notices, making it easier for field-level police officers to address crimes. 
• Capacity Building: The CBI is tasked with training states on using BHARATPOL and implementing the three new criminal laws for effective trials. 

Read more: Notices of Interpol

358th Birth Anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Source: PIB 

Recently, the Prime Minister paid tributes to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Sikh Guru, on his 358^th birth anniversary, celebrated as Prakash Utsav (Prakash Parv is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji). 

• His birth anniversary is based on the Nanakshahi calendar (follows the solar year) according to which it will fall on 6th January in 2025. 
• About Guru Gobind Singh Ji: 
  • Early Life: He was born on 22nd December 1666, in Patna Sahib, Bihar. He succeeded his father, Guru Teg Bahadur, the 9th Sikh Guru. 
  • Contributions: He established the Khalsa in 1699, a warrior community dedicated to protecting faith and justice. 
    • Introduced the Five K’s as symbols of Sikh identity i.e., Kangha (comb), Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (steel bracelet), Kirpan (sword), and Kachhera (shorts). 
    • His sons Zorwar Singh (age 7) and Fateh Singh (age 9) were executed by Sarhind’s governor Wazir Khan after they refused to convert to Islam.  
      • His two elder sons Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh sacrificed their lives in the Battle of Chamkaur (1705) where a small Sikh force fought the Mughals and hill kings. 
      • 26^th December is observed as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ to mark their martyrdom. 
    • Panj Pyare: Guru Gobind Singh established the institution of Panj Pyare where he asked for five heads for sacrifice and five men willingly responded to his call. 

Read More: Sikhism 

India's First Organic Fisheries Cluster in Sikkim

Source: TH 

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying launched India’s first organic fisheries cluster in Soreng District, Sikkim under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). 

• Organic Fisheries Cluster: It aims to produce antibiotic, chemical, and pesticide-free organic fish for eco-conscious markets globally. 
  • The initiative promotes sustainable aquaculture and ecologically healthy fish farming, preventing pollution and damage to aquatic ecosystems. 
  • National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development will fund infrastructure, build capacities, and form Fisheries-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) to support the cluster. 
• Sikkim a Organic State:  Sikkim becomes India's first fully organic state, with 75,000 hectares of land converted to certified organic practices under the National Programme for Organic Production. 
• PMMSY: Aims to develop the fisheries sector through sustainable practices with an investment of Rs 20,050 crores.  
  • It focuses on enhancing fish production, infrastructure, and marketing while ensuring the welfare of fishers and fish farmers.  
  • The scheme is being implemented across India from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 by the Department of Fisheries. 

Read more: Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana 

Inauguration of Jammu and Rayagada Railway Division

Source: IE 

Recently, Prime Minister (PM) virtually inaugurated the new Jammu Railway Division, India’s 70th division, carved from the Firozpur Division, covering 742.1 km.  

• He also inaugurated the Cherlapally terminal station in Telangana and laid the foundation stone for the Rayagada railway division (69th Division) building in Odisha under the East Coast Railway zone. 
• Indian Railways now has 17 zones and 70 divisions. 
• New Jammu Railway Division: Jammu Railway Division has been carved from the Firozpur Division and covers 742.1 km. 
  • A new Katra-Reasi railway section and Vande Bharat train services to Srinagar will also start from 26th January 2025. 
• The PM highlighted ongoing efforts in expanding metro networks, dedicated freight corridors, alongside initiatives such as solar-powered stations and the development of high-speed rail systems. 
• About Indian Railways: 
  • It was established in 1853 and is one of the largest railway networks globally. 
  • The first train in India ran over a distance of 21 miles, connecting Bombay and Thane. 
  • India has the 3rd largest metro-rail network in the world after China and the US. By 2050, India is projected to account for 40% of the global rail activity. 

Read More: India’s Journey of Infrastructure Development