• 26 Feb 2025

Chhattisgarh Tie-Up with ISRO for Space-Driven Development

Why in News? 

The Chhattisgarh government has partnered with the  Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to implement advanced space technology across key sectors to harness space technology for governance, agriculture, environmental management, and disaster preparedness. 

Key Points 

• The integration of space technology will improve climate adaptation strategies, and bridge the gap between scientific advancements and real-world implementation. 
  • Agriculture: Agriculture will become more productive through precision farming, crop monitoring, and climate-adaptive strategies. 
  • Soil Health Assessment: Soil health assessment will help farmers enhance agricultural productivity by enabling the precise use of soil data. 
  • Water Resource Mapping: Water resource mapping will support the sustainable management of rivers and groundwater by providing accurate data on water availability. This will help in efficient planning and conservation efforts. 
  • Disaster Preparedness: It will be strengthened through early warning systems for floods, droughts, and climate anomalies, enabling timely response and risk mitigation. 
  • Smart Governance: Smart governance will leverage space-based solutions to enhance data-driven decision-making, improving efficiency and resource management across various sectors. 
  • Environmental Conservation: It will be strengthened through real-time satellite monitoring, enabling the prevention of deforestation and illegal land encroachments for sustainable ecosystem management. 
  • Urban Planning: Supporting smart city development and transportation models through spatial analytics. 

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

• About:  
  • ISRO is the space agency of India. The organisation is involved in science, engineering and technology to harvest the benefits of outer space for India and mankind.  
  • ISRO is a major constituent of the Department of Space (DOS), Government of India. The department executes the Indian Space Programme primarily through various Centres or units within ISRO. 
  • ISRO was previously the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), set up by the Government of India in 1962, as envisioned by Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai. 
  • ISRO was formed on 15^th August, 1969 and superseded INCOSPAR with an expanded role to harness space technology.  
  • DOS was set up and ISRO was brought under DOS in 1972. 
•  Objective: 
  • The prime objective of ISRO/DOS is the development and application of space technology for various national needs.  
  • ISRO has established a major space system for communication, television broadcasting and meteorological services, resources monitoring and management, space-based navigation services. 
    • ISRO has developed satellite launch vehicles, PSLV and GSLV, to place the satellites in the required orbits. 

Uttarakhand's Organic Exports Decline

Why in News? 

The Confederation of Organic Food Producers and Marketing Agencies (COII) expressed concern over a sharp decline of 66 % in exports of organic products from Uttarakhand. 

Key Points 

• The exports of organic products in Uttarakhand have fallen from 285 tonnes worth Rs 11.6 crore in 2022-23 to 97 tonnes worth Rs.4.2 crore in 2023-24, registering a sharp decrease.  
• Reasons for Decline: 
  • The decline in exports is mainly due to the non-implementation of the declared policy of "Uttarakhand Organic" by the state government.  
  • The continuous migration of people in search of livelihood, as they do not find agriculture economically viable. 
  • The lack of state government’s support to farmers with incentives, mandis, training, and demonstration programs.  
• Initiatives Taken: 
  • MoU signed between COII and GB Pant University to provide organic farming technology to farmers. 
  • Training of 500 farmers and assistance in obtaining organic certification. 
  • Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) should help to hold training programmes in interior parts of the state and buyer-seller meets on a regular basis. 
  • The state government must provide financial help to each farmer switching from synthetic farming to organic farming for at least three years and strengthen the infrastructure. 
• Expected Outcomes: 
  • Once organic farming becomes economically beneficial, horticulture and handicrafts sectors will be revived and a new generation will promote it further to a level of agri-based micro and small industries which will generate new employment opportunities. 

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. 
• National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP): 
  • 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. 

 CONFEDERATION OF ORGANIC FOOD PRODUCERS & MARKETING AGENCIES (COII)

• The Confederation of Organic Food Producers & Marketing Agencies (COII) serves as a unifying body for all stakeholders in India's organic sector, including farmers, producers, processing centers, buyers, sellers, exporters, importers, seed and technology providers, financial institutions, and government bodies at both state and central levels. 
• The Confederation, since its inception, has been promoting and protecting the interest of all the stakeholders in the organic food industry and providing a collective voice for the industry.  
• The Confederation promotes the industry’s general ideal, commercial, and business interests, particularly by fighting unfair competition and providing information and changes in technology. 

Haryana adopts three-language formula in Schools

Why in News? 

Haryana government has implemented the three-language formula in schools under the Board of School Education, Bhiwani, as per National Education Policy, 2020. 

Key Points

• Students of Class IX and X must study English and Hindi as mandatory languages, while they can choose a third language from Sanskrit, Punjabi, or Urdu. 
  • Other mandatory subjects include Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. 
• These students will have the option of selecting one subject among vocational subjects, physical education, drawing, music, etc.  
• The new subject combination shall be applicable in Class IX from academic session 2025-26 and will subsequently be applicable for both Class IX and X from academic session 2026-27.  
• Haryana is the first state to implement the three-language formula under NEP 2020. 
• Demands for Additional Reforms 
  • Punjabi teachers have been waiting for promotions for a long time and have requested that they be granted based on merit. 
  • The government should implement the CBSE Punjabi curriculum in Haryana Board schools for Classes IX to XII. 
  • Appointment of Punjabi teachers in Punjabi-speaking districts (Panchkula, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, Fatehabad, Sirsa, Karnal, Kaithal). 
  • The introduction of Punjabi as a subject from Class III in these districts, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020. 

National Education Policy 2020? 

• About:  
  • The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to address India's evolving development needs by overhauling the education system to meet 21st century goals and Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), while preserving India's cultural heritage.  
  • It replaced the National Policy on Education, 1986, which was modified in 1992. 
• Salient Features: 
  • Universal Access: Focuses on providing access to education from preschool through secondary levels. 
  • Early Childhood Education: Transitions from the 10+2 to a 5+3+3+4 system, including children aged 3-6 in the school curriculum with an emphasis on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). 
  • Multilingualism: Promotes using mother tongues or regional languages as the medium of instruction up to Grade 5, with options for Sanskrit and other languages. Indian Sign Language (ISL) will be standardised. 
  • Inclusive Education: Emphasises support for Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs), children with disabilities, and the establishment of "Bal Bhavans." 
  • Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) Enhancement: Aim to raise the Gross Enrolment Ratio from 26.3% to 50% by 2035, adding 3.5 crore new seats.

Vulture Census

Why in News? 

The vulture census began on 17^th February, 2025, to evaluate their population and status in Madhya Pradesh. 

Key Points  

• About: 
  • According to official information, the winter vulture census was conducted on 17, 18 and 19 February and the summer vulture census will be conducted on 29 April 2025. 
  • The vulture census is conducted twice a year in two phases.  
  • As per official information, the winter census was held on 17-19 February , 2025, while the summer census is scheduled from 29^th April, 2025. 
• Training Programs:  
  • A one-day training programme was organised by 11 master trainers for 2024-25. 
• Partner:  
  • More than 900 forest officers-staff, vulture experts and ornithologists participated in the training.  
•  Winter vulture count:  
  • The three-day winter vulture count has started at  Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary (GSWLS) in Mandsaur district . 
• According to the state forest department, a total of 12,981 vultures were found in the state. 
•  Historical perspective: 
  • The vulture census in Madhya Pradesh was conducted for the first time in 2016, when there were 6,999 vultures in the state. 
  • After this, calculations have also been done for the years 2018, 2019, 2021, 2024 and 2025. 

 Vultures

• About  
  • Vultures play an important role in the ecosystem because they eat dead organisms. 
  • These act as natural scavengers . 
  • They mainly live in  tropical and subtropical regions. 
  • India is home to nine species of vultures such as Oriental White-backed, Long-billed, Slender-billed, Himalayan, Red-headed, Egyptian, Bearded, Cinereous and Eurasian Griffon. 
  • Vultures lay eggs only once a year and this process takes place on rocks or tall trees. The average lifespan of a vulture is 15 to 30 years . 
• Decrease in numbers 
  • The main reason for the decline in their numbers was the widespread use of the painkiller diclofenac in animal treatments in the late 1990s and early 2000s. 
  • This resulted in populations decreasing by more than 97% in some areas, causing an ecological crisis. 

Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary 

• Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in northwestern Madhya Pradesh (Mandsaur and Neemuch districts) near the border with Rajasthan. 
• It was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 . 
• The Chambal River flows through the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary and divides it into two parts. 
• Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary is an important natural habitat for vultures . The region's biodiversity, towering cliffs, and abundant food supply create a perfect habitat for vultures. 

Fecal Coliform Bacteria

Why in News? 

According to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) , the level of faecal coliform bacteria in the Ganga and Yamuna at  Prayagraj Sangam is far higher than the safe limit of 2,500 units per 100 ml of water. 

Key Points 

• The water of the Yamuna and Ganga at Prayagraj Sangam is entirely unfit for drinking and bathing, posing serious health risks. 
• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is hearing the issue and a report is being sought from the concerned authorities. 
• NGT has already given instructions to the Uttar Pradesh government regarding the sewage management plan during the Maha Kumbh Mela . 
• Fecal Coliform Bacteria: 
  • About 
    • It is a collection of microorganisms which are mainly found in the feces or waste excreted by warm-blooded animals and humans. 
    • These are usually considered as indicators of potential pollution in the water. Other coliform bacteria include Escherichia, Klebsiella, and E. coli. 
  • Effects on health 
    • This bacteria  can cause  many diseases such as gastrointestinal infections , skin and eye infections , typhoid , hepatitis A and respiratory problems . 

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

• The CPCB was constituted as a statutory organisation in September 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 . 
• Thereafter, the Central Pollution Control Board was entrusted with powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. 
• The Board also provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 

Places of Worship Act, 1991

Why in News? 

Recently, Member of Parliament  Iqra Chaudhary has approached the Supreme Court for effective implementation of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. 

Key Points  

• This Act freezes/maintains the status of any place of worship in the same condition as it was on August 15, 1947.  
• Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991: 
  • It seeks to maintain the "religious nature" of places of worship as it was in 1947. 
• Objective :  
  • The purpose of this Act is to protect the religious status of places of worship and to prevent conversion between different religious denominations or within the same denomination.  
  • Section 3 of the Act prohibits conversion of a place of worship or even a portion thereof into a place of worship of a different religious denomination or a different class of people within the same religious denomination. 
  • Section 4(2) of the Act states that all suits, appeals or other proceedings relating to the change of nature of a place of worship (which were pending on August 15, 1947) shall abate after the commencement of this Act and no fresh action can be taken in such cases. 
  • The Act also imposes a positive obligation on the Government to maintain the religious character/nature of every place of worship as it was at the time of independence. 
• Exception:  
• The disputed site of Ayodhya (Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid) was exempted from this Act.   
• Apart from this, some other cases were also exempted in this Act such as:  
  • Any place of worship which is an ancient and historical monument or an archaeological site covered under the 'Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958'. 
  • Cases which have been settled or on which a final verdict has been given. 

• Penalty: 
  • Under Section 6 of the Act, any person contravening the provisions of the Act is liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and also to fine. 
• Opinion of the Supreme Court :  
  • In its 2019 Ayodhya case verdict, the Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court referred to this law, saying that it manifests the secular values of the Constitution and strictly prohibits its retrogression 

Embroidery and Surface embellishment Exhibition

Why in News? 

Recently India's first exhibition dedicated to embroidery and surface ornamentation was held in Jodhpur. 

Key Points 

• About: 
  • The exhibition showcased 60 artworks from more than 20 artists from India and abroad . 
  • This exhibition highlights the craftsmanship of the artists and provides a platform for their work. 
  • The exhibition highlights the richness and diversity of Indian handicrafts by showcasing various embroidery forms like Kheta Quilts from Bihar, Kantha from West Bengal , Chikankari from Lucknow and the intricate styles of Kutch from Gujarat . 
• Objective:  
  • Highlighting the Artwork:  
    • The primary objective of the exhibition is to showcase embroidery as a dynamic and expressive art form, not just confined to clothing.  
  • Demonstrate various embroidery techniques:  
    • The exhibition showcases embroidery techniques and the connection between craftsmanship and contemporary textiles. Empowering the artisans 

Jodhpur 

• About: 
  • Jodhpur is the gateway to the Thar Desert. Popularly known as the 'Blue City', Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. 
  • Jodhpur is also known as  ' Sun City' . 
• Installation :  
  • Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodha in the year 1459. It was first settled at the place of Mandore and became the headquarters of the Rathore dynasty. 
• Geographical Location :  
  • Jodhpur is located at 26°-27°37' North latitude and 72°55'-73°52' East longitude. 
• Major places to visit : 
  • Mehrangarh Fort: A huge fort situated on a hill rock. 
  • Jaswant Thada: A memorial built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh. 
  • Umaid Bhawan Palace: A magnificent palace which now serves as a hotel too. 
• Culture and Economy: Jodhpur has a rich culture, full of traditional Rajasthani architecture, music, dance, and art. The city's famous indigo buildings have earned it the nickname "Blue City".