Strengthening India-Maldives Defence Cooperation

Source: TH

Why in News?

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during talks with the Maldivian Defence Minister, reaffirmed India's commitment to enhancing the Maldives' defence capabilities by providing defence equipment and platforms. 

• This move reflects India's "Neighborhood First" policy and strengthening bilateral security and defence cooperation between the two nations.

How are India-Maldives Defence Cooperation? 

• Historical Context: India has been a key defense partner of the Maldives, often acting as the first responder in times of crisis. This was demonstrated by Operation Cactus in 1988, where India intervened to prevent a coup attempt in the Maldives, and during the 2004 tsunami. 
  • The "Neighborhood First" policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision underline India’s proactive approach to fostering regional security. 
• Defence Projects: India has played a key role in infrastructure projects like the Composite Training Centre (CTC) for Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the construction of the Coast Guard "Ektha" MNDF Harbour and repair facility at Sifavaru in Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) atoll. 
  • In October 2023, India announced the free refit of the Maldivian Coast Guard Ship Huravee, signifying mutual trust. 
  • India has handed over a coastal radar system to the Maldives, comprising 10 radar stations built with a USD 15.8 million Indian grant. 
• Training and Capacity Building: India provides about 70% of the MNDF training needs, with over 1,500 MNDF personnel trained in various Indian defence academies.  
  • Key bilateral exercises like "Ekuverin" and "Ekatha," along with trilateral exercises such as "Dosti" (including India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives) are conducted to enhance operational synergy and interoperability. 
• Institutional Mechanisms: The Annual Defence Cooperation Dialogue (DCD) was initiated in 2016 at the Defence Secretary level to discuss and review defence cooperation.  
  • The 5^th Defence Cooperation Dialogue (DCD) between India and the Maldives was held in New Delhi in September 2024.

What is the Significance of India-Maldives Cooperation? 

• Geographical Significance: The Maldives sits at a critical position in the Indian Ocean, acting as a "toll gate" between the western chokepoints (Gulf of Aden and Strait of Hormuz) and the eastern chokepoint (Strait of Malacca).  
  • This proximity to major international shipping lanes makes it a crucial partner for India, as around 50% of its external trade and 80% of its energy imports transit through these routes. 
  • The Maldives, located south of India, is crucial for monitoring maritime traffic and enhancing regional security. 
• Economic and Social Benefits: India is a key supplier of essential goods like rice, medicines, and infrastructure materials.  
  • India’s Operation Neer delivered around 2000 tonnes of water via INS Deepak and INS Shukanya, during the 2014 Male Water Crisis. 
  • India’s aid during crises, such as tsunamis and Covid-19, has reinforced its role as a reliable partner. 
• Countering External Influence: India’s cooperation with the Maldives counterbalances the growing influence of external powers, particularly China, in the region, and strengthens India’s leadership role in maintaining regional peace. 

What are the Challenges in India-Maldives Defence Ties? 

• Geopolitical Rivalries: China’s growing influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the ‘String of Pearls’ raises concerns for India. 
  • Chinese investments in Maldivian infrastructure, such as the Sinamale Bridge, and military agreements challenge India’s strategic dominance in the region. 
• Internal Political Changes: The "India Out" campaign in 2023 highlighted rising anti-Indian sentiments in the Maldives, with demands for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel and the halting of Indian infrastructural developments.  
  • These shifts in Maldivian political leadership have impacted defense priorities and foreign policy alignment with India. 
• Security Threat: The increasing presence of radical Islamist groups, including Pakistan-backed jihadi factions and ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), in the Maldives poses a direct security threat to India, as these groups may use the Maldives as a base to target Indian assets. 

Way Forward 

• Multilateral Collaboration: Encouraging Maldives' participation in regional frameworks like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). 
  • Strengthening trilateral cooperation between India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka for enhanced maritime security. 
• Infrastructure Projects: India should prioritize and expedite the completion of crucial infrastructure projects, such as the Great Male Connectivity Project, to offer viable alternatives to Chinese investments.  
• People-Centric Initiatives: Promoting goodwill by focusing on civil-military projects, such as medical aid and community infrastructure development. 
  • Fostering cultural and educational exchanges between the two nations to strengthen public diplomacy. 

Drishti Mains Question:  Discuss the significance of India-Maldives defence cooperation in the context of regional security in the Indian Ocean?

India’s Engagement with Taliban

Source: IE 

Why in News?

India’s Foreign Secretary held talks with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister in Dubai amid global geopolitical instability. 

• It is India’s highest-ranking outreach with the Taliban rulers of Afghanistan to secure India’s national and security interests. 

What are the Key Outcomes of the Talks? 

• Expanding Humanitarian Assistance: India agreed to expand its involvement by taking on development projects alongside ongoing humanitarian aid. 
  • So far, India has sent 50,000 MT of wheat, 300 tons of medicines, earthquake aid, pesticides, polio and Covid-19 vaccine doses, hygiene kits, winter clothing, and stationery. 
• Sports Cooperation: The two sides discussed strengthening sports cooperation, specifically in cricket, which holds significant value for Afghanistan’s youth.  
• Chabahar Port: Both parties agreed to promote the use of the Chabahar port as a key gateway to support trade, commercial activities, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. 

 

• Security Concerns: The Afghan side recognized India’s security concerns and agreed to remain in touch at various levels.  

What Factors were Responsible for Recent India-Afghanistan Talks? 

• Changing Global Dynamics:  
  • Change in Taliban-Pakistan Relations: Pakistan, once an ally of the Taliban, has become a source of tension for Taliban.  
    • It prompted India to engage with the Taliban to prevent losing out on its interests in Afghanistan. 
  • Iran’s Preoccupation: Iran suffered a blow as Israel dominated Hezbollah and Hamas, and launched missile attacks on Iran. Iran is more focused on deterring Israel than dealing with the Taliban in Afghanistan. 
    • Hamas and Hezbollah are Iran’s proxies who are fighting against Israel. 
  • Russia's Strategic Shift: Russia has been caught up with its war in Ukraine, and has been trying to build bridges with the Taliban. 
    • Russia views Islamic groups from Afghanistan like ISIS as a major security threat and considers the Taliban an ally in fighting terrorism after the Syrian regime fell in December 2024.  
  • China's Influence: China calls for lifting the freeze on Afghanistan's central bank assets and is involved in urban development projects in Kabul. China eyes Afghanistan's natural resources for its Belt and Road initiative. 
    • India tries to prevent China's dominance in Afghanistan which can undercut India’s interest. 
  • Return of Donald Trump: There are concerns that the US might re-engage with the Taliban and India sees this as an opportunity to ensure its interests remain central to any future Afghan developments. 
• Security Concerns: India has urged Taliban to check anti-India elements operating from Afghanistan such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). 
• Development Engagement: Taliban officials had said India’s projects – estimated to be of USD 3 billion in the last 20 years – have been extremely productive and they would like India to stay invested in Afghanistan.

What is the Importance of Afghanistan for India? 

• Bridge to Central Asia: Central Asia holds significant economic and energy resources, and Afghanistan offers India a route via chabahar port to access these resources while avoiding reliance on Pakistan and China. 
  • Afghanistan shares a border with Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. 

• Countering Pakistan's Influence: By maintaining influence in Afghanistan, India can strengthen its role in the region and enhance its strategic position in South Asia and Central Asia. 
• Counter-Terrorism: India's involvement in Afghanistan assert its leadership in the fight against terrorism and extremism in South Asia. 
• Mutual Benefits: India has invested over USD 3 billion in various projects in Afghanistan, such as roads, dams, schools, hospitals, parliament building, etc which can facilitate better living for Afghan people and provide mutual benefits to Indians and Afghans.

What are Challenges for India’s Taliban Policy? 

• Terrorism: The fall of Afghanistan's democratic government destabilized the country and strengthened extremist networks like the Haqqani Network, al-Qaeda, and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which have targeted India through cross-border terrorism. 
  • E.g., The presence of terrorist groups may work against India’s interests posing threats to India’s security. 
• Pakistan's Strategic Role: Pakistan perceives India’s presence in Afghanistan as a direct threat to its strategic depth policy, which aims to use Afghanistan as a buffer against India. 
  • Pakistan accuses India of supporting insurgencies in Balochistan and other regions. 
• Diplomatic Recognition: India has not officially recognized the Taliban regime due to its refusal to form an inclusive government, respect human rights, and curb terrorism, complicating diplomatic engagement. 
• Refugee Crisis: The fall of Kabul caused an influx of Afghan refugees to India, straining resources and raising concerns about security, integration, and potential radical elements among them. 

Way Forward 

• Focused Financial Investments: India must strategically evaluate and implement smaller, impactful projects focused on friendly projects like education, healthcare, and humanitarian relief to sustain long-term support for Afghanistan’s population. 
• Democratic Leadership: India should actively engage with Afghan civil society to promote women and minorities rights. 
• Using SAARC for Trade Access: India must leverage the SAARC platform to explore options for overland trade access, thereby benefiting both Afghanistan and India. 
• Narrative Building: Efforts must be made to highlight the concerns of the people of Afghanistan and need to resume student education visas. 

Drishti Mains Question:  Evaluate India’s engagement with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. How does it serve India's national and security interests?

8th Edition of the National Programme for Organic Production

Source: PIB 

Why in News?

The 8^th edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) was launched in New Delhi, highlighting India’s potential in organic farming. The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry announced that organic farming exports could reach Rs 20,000 crore in next three years. 

What is the National Programme for Organic Production? 

• About: The NPOP, launched in 2001 implemented by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industries, focuses on accreditation, organic production standards, and promoting organic farming. 
  • It enhances India's global competitiveness in organic farming. NPOP standards for production and accreditation are recognized by the European Commission and Switzerland, allowing Indian organic products to be accepted internationally. 
• Key Highlights of the 8th Edition NPOP: The event highlighted new initiatives and technological advancements aimed at boosting organic farming, streamlining operations, and strengthening India's position in the global organic market. 
  • Recognition for Organic Grower Groups:  Simplified certification requirements, granting legal status to grower groups, replacing the previous Internal Control System (ICS), which was a quality assurance system used for group certification. 
  • Technological Advancements: 
    • NPOP Portal: Provides visibility and ease of operations for organic stakeholders. 
    • Organic Promotion Portal: Connects farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and exporters with global buyers, offering trade leads, training, and events. 
    • TraceNet 2.0: An upgraded system for transparency, traceability, and compliance, ensuring farm-to-market compliance and streamlining operations to meet global standards. 
    • AgriXchange Portal: Facilitates data analysis and connects international buyers and sellers. 

What is Organic Farming? 

• About: Organic farming is an agricultural system that emphasizes the health of soils, ecosystems, and people by avoiding synthetic chemicals and focusing on natural processes.  
  • It relies on ecological cycles, biodiversity, and combines tradition, innovation, and science to promote environmental benefits and fair relationships. 
  • While generally Organic farming avoids external inputs, certification systems allow the use of organic, biological, and mineral supplements when needed. 
• Status of Organic Farming: India's rank 2nd in terms of World's Organic Agricultural land.  
  • Sikkim became the world’s first fully organic state, and North East India has traditionally practiced organic farming with lower chemical use. 
  • India has the largest number of organic producers in the world, with 2.3 million farmers.  
  • As of 2023-24, around 4.5 million hectares (2.5% of total agricultural land) are under organic certification.  
    • The top four states Madhya Pradesh (26%), Maharashtra (22%), Gujarat (15%), and Rajasthan (13%) account for nearly 76% of India's total organically cultivated area. 
• Key Organic Products in India: Major organic exports from India include flax seeds, sesame, soybeans, tea, medicinal plants, rice, and pulses. India is a global leader in organic cotton production.  
• Types of Organic Farmers in India: 
  • Traditional Organic Farmers: Located in low-input zones like North-Eastern Region farmers, these farmers have practiced organic farming as a tradition, typically without certification. 
  • Reactive Organic Farmers: These farmers have switched to organic practices in response to issues like soil degradation, food toxicity, and rising costs. This group includes both certified and uncertified farmers. 
  • Commercial Organic Farmers: These farmers and enterprises adopt organic farming for market opportunities and premium prices. Most are certified and focus on both domestic and global markets. 
• Progress of Organic Farming in India:  
  • National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF): Introduced in 2004 to promote organic farming through training, capacity building, and development of organic inputs like bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides. 
  • Participatory Guarantee System (PGS): Introduced in 2011 to simplify certification procedures and reduce costs, making certification more accessible to farmers. 
  • Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): The PKVY was launched under the National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture, aimed at promoting traditional organic farming practices through farmer clusters, financial assistance, training, and certification support. 
  • Mission Organic Value Chain Development for Northeastern Region (MOVCDNER): The MOVCDNER is focused on creating a value chain for organic farming in Northeastern states to enhance market access and income for farmers. 
  • FSSAI Organic Foods Regulation: In 2024, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and APEDA launched the "Unified India Organic" logo replacing the India Organic and Jaivik Bharat logos, to standardize and streamline the implementation of India's organic regulations under the NPOP.

What are the Challenges in Organic Farming in India? 

• High Certification Costs: Obtaining organic certification (e.g., NPOP, PGS) is expensive, deterring small and marginal farmers. 
  • Additionally, the EU’s non-recognition of the PGS limits market access for Indian producers compared to those with NPOP certification. 
• Lack of Infrastructure: Inadequate cold storage, processing facilities, and supply chain infrastructure lead to post-harvest losses. 
• Limited Awareness:  Lack of knowledge about organic certifications and misleading labels like "natural" and "chemical-free" erode consumer trust and unfairly compete with genuine organic products. 
  • Organic products are seen as expensive, limiting appeal to lower-income groups, while lack of consumer education hampers demand growth. 
• Low Productivity: Organic farming often yields lower during the transition phase, with limited availability of bio-inputs like fertilizers and pest control agents. 
• Market Access and Premium Pricing: Organic products face competition from cheaper conventional goods, and small-scale farmers struggle to access organized markets and earn premium prices. 
• Global Trade Barriers: Non-tariff barriers, such as differing organic standards and regulations across countries, complicate exports. 
  • Withdrawal of trade agreements, like the US Organic Recognition Agreement in 2021, hampers growth. 
• Climate and Pest Challenges: Organic farming is more vulnerable to climate variability and pest infestations due to the limited use of chemical interventions. 
• Lack of R&D and Training: Insufficient research on organic farming techniques and suitable crop varieties. 

Way Forward 

• Strengthening Certification Systems: Simplify NPOP and PGS certification to reduce costs for small farmers. Digitalize certification for efficiency and transparency. 
  • Offer subsidies or financial aid during the conversion from inorganic to organic farming. 
• Promoting Market Linkages: Strengthen FPOs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to create direct market linkages and develop platforms for organic farmers to connect with retailers, exporters, and consumers.  
  • Establish dedicated organic marketplaces or e-commerce platforms for better visibility and accessibility. 
• Research and Development: Invest in R&D to develop high-yield, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient organic crop varieties. Develop region-specific solutions for soil fertility and pest control to support farmers. 
• Consumer Awareness: Leverage influencers and sports personalities to promote the India Organic brand. Ensure widespread use of the Unified India Organic logo to build trust and distinguish organic products. 
• Policy Support: Introduce risk mitigation strategies and insurance schemes for organic farmers to protect against yield losses. 
  • Provide tax incentives or reduced Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates for organic products to encourage both production and consumption. 

Drishti Mains Question:  Organic farming in India has seen substantial growth. What are the challenges faced by organic farmers, and what steps can be taken to address them?

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)

Source: PIB 

Why in News?

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), observed biennially on 9th January, is a noteworthy event that celebrates the contributions of the Indian diaspora to their homeland. 

• The 18th PBD Convention is being organised by Odisha from 8th to 10th January 2025, with the theme 'Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). 

What is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)? 

• Background & History:  This bi-annual celebration commemorates the day in 1915 when Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi (migrant), returned to India from South Africa to lead the country's freedom struggle. 
• Primary Goals of PBD: 
  • To commemorate the contributions of the Indian diaspora to India's development. 
  • To create a better understanding of India abroad. 
  • To support India's causes and work for the welfare of local Indian communities worldwide. 
  • To provide a platform for overseas Indians to engage with the government and people of their ancestral land.   
• PBD Conventions: 
  • The PBD Convention was first established in 2003 under the government of then Prime Minister Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, as a platform to recognise and engage with the overseas Indian community. 
  • 18^th PBD Convention, 2025: 
    • During the Convention, the Prime Minister of India inaugurated the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the Indian diaspora.  
      • The Pravasi Bharatiya Express was conducted under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana of the Ministry of External Affairs.  
    • An exhibition was also inaugurated to showcase rare documents of people who migrated from Mandvi in Gujarat to Muscat in Oman. 
    • PM highlighted the significance of Girmitiyas (indentured laborers from pre-independent India) who were sent to countries like Fiji, Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago, and others.  
      • It was also suggested to create a comprehensive database of the Girmitiyas. 
• Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA): 
  • The award, given out as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya programme, is the highest honour conferred on a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), Person of Indian Origin (PIO); or an organisation or institution established and run by them. 
  • The award is to commemorate the contribution of the Indian diaspora to create a better understanding of India abroad, support India’s causes and work for the welfare of the local Indian community. 

What is Diaspora? 

• Background & Origin:  
  • The term diaspora traces its roots to the Greek diaspeiro, which means dispersion. The Indian diaspora has grown manifold since the first batch of Indians were taken to counties in the east pacific and the Caribbean islands under the ‘Girmitiya’ arrangement as indentured labourers. 
• Classification of Diaspora: 
  • Non-Resident Indians (NRIs): NRIs are Indians who are residents of foreign countries. A person is considered NRI if: 
    • A person is a non-resident if they are in India for less than 182 days in a year or less than 365 days in the preceding 4 years and less than 60 days in the current year. 
  • Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs): PIO refers to a foreign citizen (previously held an Indian passport) who or their parents/grandparents born in India or who is a spouse of a citizen of India or a PIO. 
    • Nationals of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Iran, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal are not included in the PIO classification. 
    • The PIO category was abolished in 2015 and merged with the OCI category. 
  • Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs): A separate category of OCI was carved out in 2005.  
    • An OCI card is granted to a foreign national who was eligible for Indian citizenship on 26th January 1950 or belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15th August 1947. 
      • Minor children of such individuals, (excluding nationals of Pakistan and Bangladesh), were also eligible for OCI cards. 

How Indian Diaspora Can Contribute to Viksit Bharat? 

• Economic Empowerment and Inclusive Growth: The Indian diaspora drives economic growth in India through remittances and investments. 
  • By connecting Indian businesses to international markets and fostering partnerships, they enhance India’s business ecosystem, empower underserved regions, and support the nation’s goal of becoming a developed economy. 
  • For example: A thorium-based fuel, ANEEL, invented by a US based NRI, is set to be implemented in India for clean nuclear energy. 
• Promote Global Trade Linkages: By facilitating cross-border partnerships, investment flows, and knowledge exchange, the diaspora helps expand India's export base, diversify trade relationships, and promote India's products and services globally. 
• Supporting Innovation Ecosystem: Diaspora-led trade partnerships in emerging markets also offer opportunities for mutual growth. Through shared resources and joint ventures, these partnerships can accelerate India’s entry into high-growth global markets, further enhancing its development prospects. 
• Diaspora's Role in Tackling Global Challenges: The diaspora’s active involvement in promoting and supporting grassroots environmental efforts, and advocating for climate action can significantly contribute to India’s global leadership in sustainable development.  
  • By leveraging its international influence, the diaspora can help shape global policies, bringing attention to issues that align with India’s development goals.  
• Enhance Cultural Linkages: The Indian diaspora (act as cultural ambassadors) can enhance cultural linkages by promoting Indian traditions, art, and heritage in their host countries through events, festivals, and cultural exchanges.  
  • Declaring Diwali as a holiday in several states in the US is a prime example of cultural exchange. 

What are the Challenges Related to Indian Diaspora? 

• Identity and Integration: Many members of the Indian diaspora face challenges in balancing their cultural identity with the pressures of integrating into the societies they live in. This can lead to a sense of alienation or loss of cultural heritage. 
  • Differences in cultural values often lead to conflicts, such as child custody cases in countries like Norway and Germany, where local laws may not align with Indian cultural practices and familial norms. 
• Politicization and Religious Phobia: Increasing instances of politicization and religious bias, especially targeting Hindus and Sikhs in Western countries like the USA and Europe, contribute to social alienation and hinder community integration. 
• Legal and Citizenship Issues: Issues related to visa status, citizenship rights, and the complexities of immigration laws can affect the Indian diaspora, particularly in countries with restrictive immigration policies. 
  • The increasing backlash against Indian immigrants in the US over the H-1B visa has fueled resentment among Indians, despite their significant contributions. 
• Challenges in Remittances: Economic instability, exchange rate fluctuations, or banking issues can affect the flow of remittances from the diaspora to India, impacting families who rely on this support. 

Way Forward 

• Legal Protection and Rights: Ensuring that the legal rights of the diaspora are safeguarded in their host countries, including access to equal opportunities, protection from discrimination, and fair treatment under immigration laws. 
• Strengthening Consular Support: Providing accessible and efficient consular services, including assistance with legal and financial issues, to address the needs of the diaspora. Regular outreach programs and advisory services can help strengthen ties with the homeland. 
• Promoting Social Integration: Promoting social inclusion through cultural exchange, education, and community activities fosters dialogue and understanding between diaspora and host communities. 
  • For example, in situations where cultural differences often cause misunderstandings and conflicts, it is essential to cultivate an environment that values acceptance and respects diversity. 
• Supporting Economic Engagement: Encouraging investment in India by offering incentives like tax breaks, financial support for startups, and simplified investment processes. 
  • To better facilitate remittance acceptance, India can expand the use of technologies like UPI for cross-border transactions, similar to the system with Singapore.  
• Skill Development and Knowledge Transfer: Promoting programs that facilitate knowledge exchange between the diaspora and India, particularly in technology, entrepreneurship, and education.  
  • It would help in skill development and innovation back in India, benefiting both sides. 

Conclusion 

As India moves toward the centenary of its independence, a shared vision for 2047 must include continuous and structured diaspora involvement. This involves defining a long-term roadmap with specific milestones and engaging the youth diaspora, whose innovative ideas and global exposure can greatly contribute to India’s development goals. Strengthening these ties will help build a brighter, more connected future. Through collaboration and shared purpose, we can harness the strength of our global community to achieve a vibrant and prosperous India by 2047. 

Drishti Mains Question Analyze the Indian diaspora's role in achieving the 'Viksit Bharat' vision.

Debate Over National Anthem

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

The Governor of Tamil Nadu left the Legislative Assembly without delivering his customary address on the opening day of the 2025 session citing non-playing of the National Anthem before his scheduled address. 

• This has  triggered a dispute over the ceremonial practices followed in the state legislature. 

What are the Protocols and Conventions for Playing the National Anthem? 

• Presidential Address in Parliament: During the President's address, the National Anthem is played as the President reaches the dais. The President then delivers the address and then the National Anthem is played again as the President exits the house in a procession. 
• Governor’s Address to Sate Legislature: Different states in India follow their own conventions regarding the playing of the National Anthem during legislative sessions. 
  • Nagaland: The National Anthem was not played in the legislative assembly for several decades, and it was first introduced in February 2021. 
  • Tripura: The National Anthem was first played in the Tripura Assembly in March 2018, reflecting a recent shift in its ceremonial practices. 
  • Tamil Nadu: It follows a unique convention where the State Anthem, Tamil Thai Vazhthu, is played before the Governor’s address, and the National Anthem is played at the end. 
    • This practice was introduced in 1991,  before which the Governor would simply enter, deliver the address, and leave without such ceremonial practices. 

What are the Safeguards to Protect the Honour of the National Anthem? 

• Constitutional Perspective: 
  • Section 51 (A) (a) of the Constitution of India dealing with  Fundamental Duties states that “It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the national flag and the national anthem.” 
• Prevention of Insults to National Honour (PINH) Act, 1971: 
  • PINH Act provides for strict punishment for disrespecting the national anthem and breaking its restrictions with imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine or both. 
  • A person convicted under the PINH Act, 1971, for offences such as preventing the singing of the National Anthem is disqualified from contesting elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures for a period of 6 years. 
• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Guidelines: 
  • The MHA mandates the playing of the full National Anthem during civil and military investitures, national salutes, parades, formal functions, and the arrival/departure of the President and Governor, as well as during the National Flag's parade and Navy colour hoisting. 

Polar Vortex

Source: IE 

Why in News?  

A severe winter storm has affected a large part of the US, impacting over 60 million people across 30 states.  

• This extreme weather is attributed to the southward expansion of the polar vortex, highlighting its role in causing frigid temperatures and severe storms.

Note: Winter storms are weather events characterized by extreme cold, snow, sleet, or freezing rain, often accompanied by strong winds.  

• They form when moist air rises, cools, and condenses into precipitation, with cold temperatures ensuring it falls as snow or ice. 

What is the Polar Vortex? 

• About: The polar vortex is a large area of low-pressure and cold air that rotates around the Earth’s polar regions. 
  • The term "vortex" describes the counter-clockwise flow of air that confines colder air near the poles. 
  • Polar Vortex exists year-round, but it weakens in summer and strengthens in winter. 
• Types: 
  • Tropospheric Polar Vortex: Located at the lowest layer of the atmosphere, from the surface up to 10-15 km, where most weather phenomena occur. 
  • Stratospheric Polar Vortex: Occurs higher up, between 15 km to 50 km, and is strongest during autumn, disappearing in the summer. 
    • Its changes are influenced by air movement and heat transfer in the polar region. During autumn, circumpolar winds accelerate, strengthening the vortex and forming a unified, rotating mass of polar air in the stratosphere. 
• Mechanism of Extreme Cold: When the polar vortex is strong, it keeps the jet stream stable, preventing cold air from moving south.  
  • However, when the vortex weakens, a disrupted jet stream (a narrow band of strong winds), which usually moves in a straight line, becomes wavy, allowing Arctic air to flow farther south.  
    • This disruption leads to extremely low temperatures, severe storms, and extreme weather, including snowfall and freezing rain. 
• Global Warming and Polar Vortex: Researchers state that the Arctic is warming faster than the rest of the planet, a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification. 
  • This reduces the temperature gradient (rate of change of temperature) between the poles and the mid-latitudes, weakening the polar vortex. 

Marine Fungi

Source: DTE 

Marine fungi, comprising 5% of ocean biomass, play a crucial role in ecosystems, thriving in environments ranging from rocky seashores to deep waters. 

• About: Marine fungi are microscopic organisms that live in ocean environments, playing key roles in decomposition, symbiosis, and producing bioactive compounds. 
• Types: Obligate Marine Fungi (exclusively marine), Facultative Marine Fungi ( evolved from terrestrial environments, can survive in marine habitats).. 
• Survival Strategies: Marine fungi adapt to feast-famine conditions by changing cell forms for better resource handling.  
  • For example, Paradendryphiella salina, found on seaweeds, produces enzymes from bacteria to digest its host. 
• Ecological Importance: Marine fungi are crucial for nutrient cycling, ecosystem stability. 
  • Lichens, which represent a  symbiotic relationship (fungi and algae living together), also contribute to marine ecosystems. 
• Fungi: These eukaryotic organisms are heterotrophs (consume other plants or animals), functioning as saprophytes (feeding on dead and decaying organisms) or parasites. 
  • Fungi reproduce sexually or asexually via spores.  R.H. Whittaker classified Fungi as a distinct multicellular eukaryotic kingdom. 
  • Fungi while beneficial in medicine (e.g., antibiotics), food, and industry, they can also cause diseases, and produce toxic mycotoxins. 

Read more: Funga Taxonomic Kingdom 

India’s Progress Under NCAP

Source: DTE 

India achieved a 26.84% reduction in nationwide Particulate Matter (PM) levels from 2019 to 2024, with National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities showing a 24.45% improvement due to targeted interventions. 

•  Top Performers: Varanasi led with a 76.4% reduction in pollution, followed by Moradabad (58%) and Kanpur (51.2%). 
  • Among the major cities, Kolkata saw a 21.5% reduction in pollution, driven by stricter industrial regulations and improved public transport. 
  • Southern and western cities, like Bengaluru (8%) and Chennai (9.2%), steadily reduced pollution levels. 
• Challenges: Cities like Delhi (PM 2.5 at 107 µg/m³) and Byrnihat in Assam (PM 2.5 at 127.3 µg/m³) remain the most polluted cities. 
  • Cities like Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad require urgent interventions. 
• Key Contributors: Industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and stubble burning exacerbate pollution in northern states. 
• NCAP: Launched in January 2019 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC),  aims to reduce PM10 and PM2.5 levels by 20% by 2024-25, with 2017 as the baseline.  
  • The target has been revised to 40% reduction in PM10 levels or meeting national standards (60 µg/m³) by 2025-26. 

  

Read more:  Advancing Air Pollution Control in India 

Anji Khad Bridge

Source: FE 

Indian Railways has successfully completed a trial run on the Anji Khad Bridge for enhancing railway connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. 

• About Anji Khad Bridge: 
  • It is India's first cable-stayed rail bridge located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. It is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. 
  • The bridge spans 725.5 meters with a 331-meter-high pylon, built to withstand winds up to 213 km/h and support trains traveling at 100 km/h. 
  • It utilizes 96 cables of varying lengths (82 to 295 meters) and an innovative hybrid foundation to stabilize the mountain slopes. 
  • It used DOKA Jump Form Shuttering, Pump Concreting, and a Tower Crane Technique to improve efficiency, reducing construction time by 30%. 
    • The DOKA Jump Form Shuttering Technique is used for constructing vertical concrete structures like high-rises, bridges, and towers. 

Read More: First Cable-Stayed Railway Bridge of India 

Eruptions in Kilauea Volcano

Source: USGS 

 Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano, one of the world's most active, has started erupting once again. 

• Kilauea Volcano:  
  • It is situated in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii Island, USA. 
  • It is the youngest and most active Hawaiian Shield Volcano, renowned for frequent eruptions, with more than 30 times eruptions since 1952, 
  • Kilauea’s slopes merge with those of Mauna Loa, another active volcano, to its west and north. 
• Volcano: 
  • A volcano is an opening on the surface that allows material warmer than its surroundings to escape from its interior. 
  • Volcanoes in India:  Barren Island (Andaman Islands), India's only active volcano. 

 

 

Read More:  Kilauea Volcano: Hawaii