India's Lithium Mining Challenges

Source: IE

Why in News? 

India's efforts to secure domestic lithium resources have hit a roadblock as the Ministry of Mines cancelled the auction for a lithium block in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district for the second time. 

• The repeated setback has officials weighing the need for further exploration before attempting another auction.

What  are the Key Points About the Lithium Block in J&K's Reasi district?

• Estimated Resources: In February 2023, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) established lithium-inferred resources of 5.9 million tonnes  in  the Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), which is essential for various applications, particularly in electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
  • This discovery makes India the seventh-largest source of lithium globally.
• Auction Attempts: The first auction attempt took place in November 2023 but was annulled on March 13 due to fewer than three bidders qualifying.
  • A second auction attempt was made but was again annulled due to no bidders qualifying.
• Regulatory Framework: According to the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015, the auction can proceed to a second round even if fewer than three bidders qualify. However, in this case, no bidders met the qualification criteria.
  • The second auction attempt saw no qualified bidders, which highlights the extent of investor hesitation.
• Reasons for Investor Hesitation: 
  • Clay Deposits: The J&K lithium reserves are primarily clay deposits, which have not yet been commercially proven on a global scale. The path to commercialisation for such deposits is uncertain and may take longer time.
  • Lack of Beneficiation Study: The absence of a beneficiation study to evaluate the feasibility of extracting and processing lithium has raised concerns among potential bidders about the economic viability of the project.
  • Sub-Par Reporting Standards: The auction documents have been criticised for providing limited information about the block. 
    • Prospective bidders have expressed concerns about the block's small size and the inadequacy of the data for applying modern mineral systems-based tools.
  • Exploration Stage Ambiguities: The primary reason for the low bid interest is the block's exploration status, which is currently at the G3 level according to the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC). 
    • This level of exploration provides preliminary and less confident estimates of the mineral reserves, which deters investors due to the high risk and uncertainty associated with such investments.
  • Economic Viability Concerns: The extraction of lithium is expensive, and with global lithium prices falling, investors are wary of potential financial losses. 
    • The current reporting standards do not provide enough clarity on the project's profitability, further deterring investment.
  • Reserve Price: The reserve price set for the second auction attempt was based on the highest initial bid offer from the previous round. If this reserve price was deemed too high relative to the perceived value or risk of the block, it could have deterred potential bidders.

What is the Status of Lithium Exploration in India?

• Successful Auction in Chhattisgarh: India’s first successful lithium auction took place in Korba district, Chhattisgarh. The block was auctioned to Maiki South Mining Pvt Ltd in June 2024.
  • The bid included a premium of 76.05%, reflecting strong interest and competitive bidding.
  • Additional Findings in Korba: A private exploration company funded by the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) has identified hard rock lithium deposits in Korba, with concentrations ranging from 168 to 295 parts per million (ppm).
• Challenges in Other States:
  • Manipur: Lithium exploration efforts in Kamjong district have been stalled due to local resistance. The NMET committee has decided to pause further actions in this area.
  • Ladakh: Exploration in the Merak block near the India-China border has yielded disappointing results, leading the NMET committee to suggest dropping the exploration efforts there.
  • Assam: Exploration in Dhubri and Kokrajhar districts has not been promising, with the NMET recommending against further upgrades or exploration in these areas.

What are the Challenges in Extraction and Investment of Lithium in India?

• Extraction Challenges: Lithium extraction from hard rock pegmatite deposits is difficult, requiring specialised technology and expertise. Extracting lithium from pegmatite ores involves multiple complex and costly processing stages.
  • Environmental Concerns: Lithium extraction, particularly through open-pit mining, can have substantial environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and pollution. Proper management and mitigation measures are required to minimise these effects.
  • Transportation: In remote areas like J&K's Reasi district, inadequate infrastructure for transportation and logistics can hinder efficient extraction and increase costs.
  • Nascent Industry: India’s lithium sector is still developing, with substantial time required to establish a functional mining and processing infrastructure.
    • Lithium projects, especially from brine assets, typically take 6 to 7 years from discovery to production, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
  • Lack of Processing Infrastructure: China currently dominates the lithium processing sector, handling 65% of the global market. India lacks a foothold in this critical area.
  • Limited Domestic Expertise: India’s limited experience in developing mining assets abroad and its nascent expertise in lithium mining contribute to challenges in accelerating domestic projects.
• Investment Challenges: India’s current mineral reporting standards, based on the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC), do not align with the Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards (CRIRSCO) used globally. 
  • The UNFC standards lack the detail needed to assess economic viability comprehensively.
  • Local Tensions: The ethnic and religious tensions could complicate efforts to attract investment and manage resource development. Past conflicts and ongoing violence make the area particularly unstable.
  • Global Competition and Dependency: China controls 77% of the global lithium-ion battery manufacturing capacity, creating a strategic challenge for other nations, including India, which seeks to reduce its dependency on Chinese supplies.
    • Investors have multiple opportunities in the global mining market. If other regions offer more attractive or lower-risk opportunities, investors might prioritise those over the regions like the J&K lithium block.

Way Forward

• Attract Foreign Expertise: Attracting foreign companies with expertise in lithium mining and processing will be crucial for accelerating India’s domestic lithium exploration and mining activities.
• Lessons from the Lithium Triangle: Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, which house the world's largest lithium reserves, offer valuable lessons. Chile and Bolivia have implemented state-controlled or regulated lithium extraction processes.
  • Recent environmental and social challenges in these countries underscore the importance of robust regulatory frameworks and community engagement.
  • Integrate sustainability principles into the entire lifecycle of lithium mining, from extraction to end-of-life battery management.
• Local Involvement: Plans for lithium exploration include involving local communities and prioritising them for employment opportunities. However, the broader socio-economic impacts on agriculture, animal husbandry, and tourism need to be addressed.
• Government Incentives: Government initiatives, including Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, aim to improve the ease of doing business and incentivize investments in the critical minerals sector can draw interest from major players like Ola Electric and Reliance New Energy.
• Further Exploration: Additional exploration could provide more clarity about the resource and potentially make the block more attractive to investors. However, this approach involves time and additional investment.
• Government-Initiated Development: Another option is for the government to undertake prospecting or mining operations directly through a government-owned company, as permitted under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act. This approach could ensure the development of the block despite the lack of private investor interest.
• Easing Business Conditions: Amendments to mining regulations and improved ease of doing business are expected to support the development of India’s lithium industry. 
  • Negotiate trade agreements that ensure fair access to global markets and protect India’s interests in the lithium supply chain.

Drishti Mains Question: Q. Evaluate the challenges and opportunities in the management and exploitation of lithium resources in India, considering recent developments and setbacks. Q. How does India's dependency on lithium imports from China impact its strategic and economic interests? Suggest measures to reduce this dependency.

9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, chaired by the Prime Minister, convened leaders from 20 states and 6 union territories to discuss the "Viksit Bharat @2047" theme, aiming to establish a framework for India's development as a developed nation by 2047.

What are the Key Outcomes of the Meeting?

• Vision of a USD 30 Trillion Economy: India aims to become the world's third-largest economy by 2047, with a GDP target of USD 30 trillion. This ambition highlights the country's focus on sustained economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.
• State Visions for 2047: The meeting encouraged each state and district to formulate its vision for 2047, aligning with the national vision of a developed India.
  • Emphasising the importance of states in achieving national goals, the Prime Minister reiterated that developed states are crucial for a developed India.
• Zero Poverty Objective: A significant takeaway from the meeting was the emphasis on eradicating poverty at an individual level. The concept of 'zero poverty' villages was discussed, aiming for holistic development starting at the grassroots.
• Infrastructure and Investment: The Prime Minister stressed the importance of infrastructure, law and order, and good governance as key factors in attracting investments. 
  • An 'Investment-friendly Charter' was proposed to encourage states to create an investor-friendly environment, monitored through parameters fostering healthy competition among states.
• Education and Skill Development: There was a strong emphasis on skilling the youth to make them employment-ready, leveraging India's demographic dividend as a global skilled resource hub.
• Agricultural Productivity and Natural Farming: Enhancing productivity, diversifying agriculture, and promoting natural farming practices were discussed as means to improve soil fertility, reduce costs, and access global markets.
• Ease of Living: Recommendations from the 3rd National Conference of Chief Secretaries were considered, focusing on 5 key themes such as drinking water, electricity, health, schooling, and land/property management.
  • The Prime Minister encouraged States to initiate Demographic Management Plans to address the issues of population ageing in the future.  
  • The Prime Minister asked the States to take up capacity building of government officials at all levels and encouraged them to collaborate with the Capacity Building Commission for the same.
  • The Prime Minister encouraged the creation of River Grids at the State level for the effective utilisation of water resources.
• Cybersecurity and AI in Governance: The integration of technology in governance, addressing cybersecurity challenges, and leveraging AI for efficient governance were highlighted as critical areas for future readiness.

What is the Governing Council of NITI Aayog?

• About:
  • The Governing Council is the premier body tasked with evolving a shared vision of national priorities and strategies, with the active involvement of States, in shaping the development narrative. 
  • The Governing Council, which embodies the objectives of cooperative federalism, presents a platform to discuss inter-sectoral, inter-departmental and federal issues to accelerate the implementation of the national development agenda.
• Members:
  • Prime Minister of India (Chairperson)
  • Chief Ministers(States and Union Territories with legislature)  
  • Lt Governors of other UTs
  • Ex-Officio Members
  • Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog
  • Full-Time Members, NITI Aayog
  • Special Invitees  
• Functions:
  
  • The Governing Council Secretariat (GCS) coordinates the meetings of the Governing Council.
    • It also coordinates the activities of all the Verticals, Divisions and Units of NITI Aayog.
  • GCS acts as the nodal division for coordinating matters related to the Annual Report of NITI Aayog for circulation in the Parliament.
  • The Division also handles Parliament Questions, Standing Committee matters, RTI queries, CPGRAMS grievances, pertaining to GCS.

Drishti Mains Question: Q. Discuss the role of NITI Aayog in fostering cooperative federalism in India. How has it contributed to enhancing the quality of governance at both the central and state levels?

Strengthening Suicide Prevention Efforts in India

Source: TH

Why in News? 

The recent Lancet article highlights the need for greater political will to address the pressing public health issue of suicide prevention in India, where over 1 lakh lives are lost annually. 

• It also discusses the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) launched in 2022, aimed to tackle this issue but has seen little progress since its inception.

What is the National Suicide Prevention Strategy?

• The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention in India aims to reduce suicide mortality by 10% by 2030 through multisectoral collaboration, inclusiveness, and innovation. 
  • It provides an action framework for key stakeholders to implement, monitor, and take corrective actions towards achieving the strategy's goal.
• Vision: Establish a society where individuals value their lives and receive the support they need during critical times.
• Objectives: It plans to set up psychiatric outpatient departments in all districts within five years through the District Mental Health Programmes.
  • It seeks to integrate a mental well-being curriculum into all educational institutions within eight years.
  • Calls for developing guidelines for responsible media reporting of suicides and restricting access to means for suicide.

What is the Suicide Scenario in India?

• Annual Deaths: The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) annual report for 2022 revealed that India reported a total of over 1.7 lakh suicides in 2022, with nearly one-third of the victims being daily wage earners, agricultural laborers, and farmers. 
  • From 2019 to 2022, the suicide rate increased from 10.2 to 11.3 per 1,00,000.
• Primary Affected Groups: 9.6% of suicides were of self-employed or salaried professionals. 9.2% of suicides were of unemployed persons, and over 12,000 students died by suicide.
  • Among the approximately 48,000 women who died by suicide, over 52% were homemakers, constituting about 14% of the total suicides.
  • Maharashtra reported the highest number of suicides (22,746), followed by Tamil Nadu (19,834), Madhya Pradesh (15,386), Karnataka (13,606), Kerala (10,162), and Telangana (9,980).
• Causes of Suicides: The most common causes were family problems, unemployment, Farmers Distress, financial problems and illness, accounting for almost half of all suicides.
  • Other causes included drug abuse, alcohol addiction, and marriage-related issues, with a significant number of women citing dowry-related problems.
  • The rise of suicides among young women in India is driven by multiple factors, including the clash between increased education and rigid societal norms, leading to feelings of relative deprivation. 
    • The shift toward modern relationships, such as love and inter-caste marriages, fosters individualism but also loneliness. Persistent patriarchy and gender discrimination, alongside high rates of domestic violence affecting 31% of married women, exacerbate these challenges. 
    • Limited social and financial opportunities further compound their struggles, contributing to the alarming suicide rates in this demographic.
• Academic performance pressures are frequently cited as a leading cause of student suicides, linked to exam failures in the 18-30 age group.
  • The Supreme Court noted that intense competition and parental pressure are significant contributors to rising suicide rates, highlighting the need for balanced expectations from children.

What is the Need to Address the Suicide Prevention in India?

• Impact on Individuals and Society: Each suicide death profoundly impacts close individuals, including family and friends, underscoring the widespread social and emotional ramifications.
• Mental Health Stigma: Cultural and social stigma surrounding mental health issues often prevent individuals from discussing their challenges openly or seeking help. 
  • Suicide is misinterpreted as an act of cowardice, a crime, or a sin, rather than a manifestation of deep psychological distress, deterring preventive measures. 
  • Societal norms regarding academic and career achievements, gender roles, and marital expectations exert significant pressure, making it challenging for many to speak out or seek help against these norms.
• Economic Burden: The economic cost of suicide includes healthcare expenses and loss of productivity, which affects the nation's economy. 

What are the Challenges Related to Suicide Prevention in India?

• Lack of Resources: The healthcare system in India often lacks the resources to provide adequate mental health support. 
  • Despite recent efforts, India still faces a shortage of mental health professionals and limited access to affordable mental healthcare, especially in rural areas, amplifying the mental health crisis and contributing to the rise in suicides.
• Insufficient Data Collection: Inadequate reporting, lack of comprehensive studies, and under-reporting of suicide attempts hinder understanding the extent of the crisis and designing effective interventions.
• Lack of Political Will: Both central and state governments show insufficient commitment.
  • Political leaders often exhibit a fatalistic attitude towards suicide prevention, believing it cannot be completely eliminated.
  • Despite the introduction of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 and the NSPS, there are significant gaps in the implementation of policies.
• Inadequate Media Involvement: The media often lacks the will to educate itself on responsible reporting of suicides. Proper guidelines for media reporting of suicides need to be developed and followed.

What are the Initiatives Related to Suicide Prevention in India?

• National Mental Health Programme (NMHP):
  • District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) is Implemented in 738 districts, offering outpatient services, counselling, continuing care, and a 10-bedded inpatient facility at the district level.
• National Tele Mental Health Programme: Launched in 2022 to improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services across the country.
  • As of December 2023, 34 States/UTs have established 46 Tele MANAS Cells, handling over 500,000 calls on the helpline.
  • The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched a 24/7 toll-free helpline "KIRAN" to provide mental health support.
• Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: More than 1.6 lakh Sub-Health Centres (SHCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs), and Urban Health and Wellness Centres (UHWCs) have been upgraded to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
  • Mental health services are included in the Comprehensive Primary Health Care package at these centres.
  • Guidelines on Mental, Neurological, and Substance Use Disorders (MNS) have been released under Ayushman Bharat.
• Manodarpan Initiative: Manodarpan is an initiative of the Ministry of Education under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan to provide psychosocial support for mental health and well-being during Covid-19.

Way Forward

• Workplace Wellness: Mandate mental health support in workplaces, especially in high-stress sectors. Public health strategies, such as gatekeeper training and awareness programs, are needed.
• Strengthen Mental Health Infrastructure: Expand access to mental health services, especially in rural and underserved areas. Increase the number of trained mental health professionals.
  • Develop targeted interventions for high-risk groups such as farmers, students, women, and the elderly. Establish support networks specifically for these groups.
  • Even a 20% drop in suicides would save 40,000 lives annually.
• Addressing Root Causes: Create jobs, reduce inequality and poverty, strengthen social safety nets. Promote gender equality, address domestic violence and dowry harassment.
  • Enforce guidelines to prevent suicide copycat behavior, promote mental health awareness.
  • Implement comprehensive mental health education programs, foster open dialogue, and promote stress management techniques.
• Technology and Mental Health: Expand access to mental health services through digital platforms. Facilitate peer support through online communities.
  • Develop user-friendly apps for self-care and stress management. Utilise data to identify patterns and target interventions effectively.

Drishti Mains Question: Q. Evaluate the need for improving mental health infrastructure in rural and underserved areas in India. What steps should be taken to strengthen mental health services in these regions?

WHO Study on Adolescent Girls

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, a World Health Organization study published in the Lancet medical journal revealed that adolescent girls aged between 15 and 19 who have been in relationships have experienced physical or sexual violence.

• The survey was conducted with thousands of adolescent girls from 154 countries and regions.

What are the Key Highlights of the WHO Study on Adolescent Girls?

• Key Highlights:
  • Prevalence: It reveals that nearly a quarter (24%) of adolescent girls who have been in a relationship have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence by age 20.
    • Approximately 1 in 6 (16%) adolescent girls reported experiencing such violence in the past year.
    • No country is currently on track to eliminate violence against women and girls by the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (Goal 5) target date.
  • Regional Variations: The highest prevalence rates are in Oceania (47%) (e.g. 49% of girls reporting intimate partner violence in Papua New Guinea) and 40% in central sub-Saharan Africa (e.g. In the Democratic Republic of Congo 42% reporting intimate partner violence).
    • The lowest rates are in central Europe (10%) and central Asia (11%).
• Factors Influencing Prevalence: Higher rates of violence are found in lower-income countries, regions with fewer girls in secondary education, and areas where girls have weaker legal property ownership and inheritance rights.
  • Child marriage significantly increases the risk of intimate partner violence due to power imbalances, economic dependency, and social isolation.
    • According to the UN, 1 in 5 young women worldwide (19%) were married in childhood in 2022.
• Implications of Intimate Partner Violence:
  • Increased likelihood of injuries, depression, anxiety disorders, unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections.
  • Long-term physical and psychological impacts.
  • Negative effects on educational achievement, future relationships, and lifelong prospects.

What are the Steps Needed to Empower Adolescent Girls?

• WHO Recommendations and Interventions:
  • Strengthening support services and early prevention measures tailored for adolescents.
  • School-based programs to educate both boys and girls on healthy relationships and violence prevention.
  • Legal protections and economic empowerment initiatives for women and girls.
    • Ensuring secondary education for all girls.
    • Securing gender-equal property rights.
    • Ending harmful practices such as child marriage.
  • Supporting countries to measure and address violence against women.
• Other Steps Needed:
  • Access to Healthcare: Ensure that healthcare providers are trained to recognize and respond to signs of intimate partner violence.
    • Provide mental health services and counselling for affected girls.
  • Challenging Gender Norms: Work to change societal norms and attitudes that perpetuate gender inequality and violence against women and girls.
    • Raise awareness in communities about the signs and consequences of intimate partner violence and the importance of gender equality.
    • Ensure that girls and women have equal property ownership and inheritance rights.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Conduct regular surveys and studies to monitor the prevalence of intimate partner violence and the effectiveness of intervention programs.
    • Use data to inform and develop policies and programs aimed at reducing intimate partner violence.
  • Global Efforts: Collaborate with international organizations like WHO to share best practices and resources.
    • Develop comprehensive national action plans to address intimate partner violence, integrating health, education, and legal sectors.

Drishti Mains Question: Q. Discuss the major challenges faced by adolescent girls in India. What steps can be taken to address these challenges effectively?

Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the Quad foreign ministers' meeting in Tokyo saw Australia, India, Japan, and the US emphasise ending violence in Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar, and expressed their intention to expand the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) into the Indian Ocean Region.

What is QUAD?

• The Quad is an informal diplomatic partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States committed to supporting an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient.
• It was first proposed by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007, it became a formal group in 2017 after overcoming initial setbacks, including Australia's withdrawal due to Chinese pressure.
• Finally in 2017, India, Australia, the US and Japan, came together and formed this “quadrilateral” coalition.

What is the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA)?

• The IPMDA Initiative was announced at the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo in 2022. It focuses on integrating the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean region (IOR) in the Indo-Pacific.
• Its primary aim is to track dark shipping vessels that turn off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) to avoid detection. 
  • Additionally, it focuses on monitoring tactical-level activities to respond to climate and humanitarian events and protect fisheries, which are crucial to many Indo-Pacific economies.
• Significance for India: The IPMDA represents a significant effort to enhance security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, a region of major global geopolitical importance. 
  • India's Navy, currently with over 140 ships and submarines, is set to expand to a formidable fleet of 170 to 180 vessels by 2028.

What is the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)?

• The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) spans over 36 littoral and island countries and is crucial due to its trade routes, natural resources, and geopolitical importance. 
  • It includes busy sea-lanes like the Straits of Hormuz and Malacca. 
• The region is rich in marine biodiversity but faces challenges like piracy, illegal fishing, and environmental degradation. 
• India plays a key role in the IOR, alongside China, the US, and regional organisations, emphasising the need for cooperation to tackle common challenges and ensure sustainable development.

• Other Groupings in Indian Ocean Region (IOR):
  • Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA): It is an intergovernmental organisation established to promote economic cooperation and regional integration among countries bordering the Indian Ocean. 
  • AUKUS: It is a trilateral security partnership formed in 2021 between Australia, the UK, and the US, focused on the Indo-Pacific. It includes sharing US nuclear submarine technology with Australia and aims to counterbalance China's actions in the South China Sea. The partnership also promotes cooperation in emerging technologies like AI, quantum technologies, and undersea capabilities.

HC Rules 3 Ancient Burhanpur Monuments are Not Waqf Property

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the Madhya Pradesh High Court declared that three ancient monuments located in Burhanpur, including the Bibi Sahiba's Mosque (Bibi ki Masjid), are not Waqf board property.

• This decision, which supports the stance of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), was based on the assertion that these sites are protected under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904.

What are the Contested Sites?

• Shah Shuja Monument: Houses the tomb of Begum Bilqis, wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s son, Shah Shuja. Known as Kharbuza Mahal, it is built of stone and plastered with shell mortar, decorated with paintings.
• Tomb of Nadir Shah: A massive tomb supported on eight archways, mistakenly marked as the tomb of 'Nadir Shah' but actually belongs to Muhammad Shah Faruqi II (974–84/1566–76 Ce), the tenth Sultan of the Faruqi lineage.
• Bibi Sahiba's Mosque (Bibi ki Masjid): Completed by Queen Begum Rokeya, daughter of Gujarat Sultan Muẓaffar Shah II, around 1529. It was commissioned due to the populous northern part of Burhanpur during the 15th century.

What was the Archaeological Survey of India Argument?

• The ASI argued that the sites in question are ancient and protected monuments under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904.
  • As per Section 11 of the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904, the Commissioner is the guardian of the monument and has access to the monument at all reasonable times for inspection and maintenance. 
    • Unless the guardianship is relinquished under Section 14 of the Act, the monument cannot be declared as a waqf property.
  • The ASI asserted that once a property is declared an ancient and protected monument, it cannot be declared as a Waqf property.
• According to ASI, the Waqf Board's declaration in 2013 was a material illegality since the properties cannot be classified as Waqf once they are protected monuments.

What did the Madhya Pradesh High Court Rule?

• The court ruled that the Shah Shuja monument, Tomb of Nadir Shah, and Bibi Sahiba's Masjid in Burhanpur are not part of Waqf board property.
  • The court emphasised that the properties had been declared ancient monuments long before the commencement of the Waqf Act and thus could not be classified as existing Waqf properties.
• Justice stated that the Waqf Board committed a material illegality by declaring these sites as Waqf property and directing the petitioner to vacate them.
• Implications: The ruling reinforces the protection of ancient monuments under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904.
  • It clarifies that properties already under government ownership and protection cannot be reclassified as Waqf properties by the Waqf Board.
  • Ensures the continued maintenance and protection of these historical sites by the ASI.

CRPF Foundation Day

Source: PIB

27th July is observed as the foundation day of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

• Inception and Evolution
  • The CRPF was initially established as the Crown Representatives Police in 1939 in response to political turmoil and unrest within the princely states.
  • The force was renamed the Central Reserve Police Force in 1949.
  • Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, the then Home Minister, envisioned a multifaceted role for the CRPF, aligning its functions with the evolving needs of a newly independent nation.
• Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Specialised Units:

  • The CRPF has several specialised units, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), VIP Security Wing, and Mahila Battalions.
• Achievements and Contributions:
  • The force has thwarted attacks on important national landmarks, controlled militancy in Punjab and insurgency in Tripura, and made significant contributions to eradicating Naxalism.
• Honouring the Bravehearts:
  • The CRPF has paid a heavy price, with 2,255 of its soldiers making the supreme sacrifice and being honoured with decorations, including the George Cross, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, etc.

Read more: Central Armed Police Forces Reforms

Sardar Udham Singh

Sardar Udham Singh, who was hanged on 31st July 1940, in London, remains a symbol of India’s unwavering resolve to seek justice for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. 

• Born on 26^th December 1899, in Sunam, Punjab, Singh exposure to Sikhism and revolutionary activities, including the Komagata Maru incident and the Ghadar Party's uprising, shaped his anti-colonial stance.
• Singh was deeply affected by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, 1919, where British troops killed hundreds of unarmed Indians.
• Singh vowed to avenge the massacre by killing Michael O'Dwyer, the then Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, who had ordered the massacre. 
• In 1924, Udham Singh joined the Ghadar Party to overthrow colonial rule. In 1927, he was arrested for illegal possession of firearms and sentenced to five years in prison.
  • In 1940, Singh successfully assassinated Michael O'Dwyer during a meeting at Caxton Hall in London. The act was a dramatic statement against British rule.
• Singh was tried and sentenced to death and was hanged, in Pentonville Prison, London. 
  • A district in Uttarakhand, Udham Singh Nagar, was named after him in 1995  as a tribute.

Read more: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

Seaweed Based Biostimulants

Source: PIB

Recently, the Government of India has incorporated seaweed-based biostimulants under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985 to ensure a supply of good quality biostimulants to farmers.

• Biostimulants: Biostimulants promote natural processes in plants or their roots, improving nutrient absorption, efficiency, stress tolerance, and overall crop quality and yield.
  • They align well with organic farming as they also emphasise on ecological balance, soil health, and reduced reliance on synthetic chemicals. 
• The government is promoting seaweed cultivation in the country through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
• The government is also promoting organic farming through schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER).
  • PKVY is being implemented in all the States other-than North Eastern States, across the country whereas MOVCDNER scheme is being implemented exclusively in the NE States. 
  • Both the schemes stress on end-to-end support to farmers engaged in organic farming i.e. from production to processing, certification and marketing and post-harvest management Training and Capacity Building are integral part of the scheme.

Read More: Organic Farming in India 

Charles Darwin's Frog

Source: DTE

Recently scientists have discovered unique tree hole breeding behaviour in Charles Darwin Frog (Minervarya charlesdarwini) species endemic to Andaman Islands.

• Family: It belongs to the Dicroglossidae family, a large group of Asian frogs with over 220 species.
• IUCN Status: The frog is currently listed as ‘vulnerable’ in the IUCN Red list.
• Key Characteristics:
  • They are named in honour of the renowned naturalist Charles Darwin.
  • These frogs lay their terrestrial eggs above water, adopting an upside-down position on tree cavity walls during mating, likely as an adaptation to habitat loss. 
  • Due to fragmented forest habitats, they now use artificial objects like plastic bags as breeding sites. 
  • Male frogs produce three distinct sounds to attract females, with aggressive calls to deter rivals. If unsuccessful, they engage in physical confrontations resembling human fighting techniques.

Read More: Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz.