Category: articles

Zero FIR

Zero FIR  The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed Union Territories (UTs) to ensure that ‘zero FIRs’ recorded in local languages are accompanied by a translated copy of the same when forwarded to states with different languages. This directive aims to preserve the legal value of FIRs. Complying, the UTs have started sending out the original zero FIRs along with their English translation. Zero FIRs About FIRs The term first information report (FIR) is not defined in the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1973 or in any other law. In police regulations or rules,…

D-Voter

D-Voter  The Assam Chief Minister recently announced that nearly 1.2 lakh people in the state have been identified as ‘D’ (Dubious or Doubtful) voters, with 41,583 declared as foreigners. About D-Voter: The concept of D-Voter is unique to Assam, where migration and citizenship are among the biggest political fault lines. It was introduced in Assam in 1997 by the Election Commission, targeting those who could not prove their Indian nationality. Those persons whose citizenship was doubtful or was under dispute were categorized as ‘D- Voters’ during the preparation of the National Register of Citizens in Assam. ‘Doubtful voter’ or ‘doubtful…

Odisha’s Bonda tribe

Odisha’s Bonda tribe Challenges: The Bondas face issues such as poverty, lack of education, and access to health facilities, and they are increasingly vulnerable to outsider exploitation and modernization pressures. Location: The Bonda tribe primarily resides in the isolated hilly regions of Malkangiri district in Odisha, especially in the Bonda Hills within the Eastern Ghats. PVTGs: Bondas are one of the 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Odisha, part of the 75 PVTGs identified across India. Ethnicity: They are part of the Austroasiatic language family and are among India’s most primitive tribes. Language: They speak the Bonda language, which…

India’s anti-tuberculosis fight 

India’s anti-tuberculosis fight Tuberculosis: A Persistent Challenge Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health concern, with India bearing over 25% of the world’s TB cases. Despite progress driven by political commitment, eliminating TB requires innovative solutions and improved use of existing technologies. In 2023, 25.1 lakh TB cases were diagnosed in India, indicating stronger case-finding efforts. Current Treatment Regimens and Challenges Existing treatments for drug-resistant TB are long and difficult, with patients needing 13-14 tablets daily for shorter regimens (9-11 months) or 4-5 tablets daily for longer regimens (18-24 months). These treatments are physically and mentally taxing, with severe side effects,…

Unified Lending Interface (ULI)

Unified Lending Interface (ULI) The Reserve Bank is piloting an application for frictionless credit —Unified Lending Interface (ULI). It will be launched nationwide soon and will become the UPI on the credit side. Unified Lending Interface (ULI) Background In August 2023, the RBI initiated a pilot project for a public tech platform designed to streamline credit processes, aiming to reduce costs, expedite disbursements, and enhance scalability. Recently, RBI Governor proposed naming this platform the Unified Lending Interface (ULI). He expressed that, much like UPI revolutionized the payments ecosystem, ULI is expected to similarly transform the lending landscape in India. Need…

Shompen Tribe

Shompen Tribe  The development of a port and airport in the pristine Nicobar Islands “will not disturb or displace” any of the Shompen, the Union Environment Minister said recently. About Shompen Tribe: They are one of the most isolated tribes on Earth. They are one of the least studied Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India. They reside in dense tropical rain forests of the Great Nicobar Island of Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands. Around 95% of the island is covered in rainforest. The Shompen habitat is also an important biological hotspot, and there are two National Parks and…

Chandrayaan-4

Chandrayaan-4 Chandrayaan-4, India’s upcoming Moon mission scheduled for 2027, aims to bring rock and soil samples back to Earth. The mission’s designs have been finalized and await government approval. About the News:    Mission Structure Modules: The Chandrayaan-4 spacecraft will consist of five separate modules, unlike Chandrayaan-3, which had three. The mission involves complex stages, including landing, sample collection, and returning the samples to Earth. Docking Operations: The mission will require docking space modules twice—a new capability for ISRO that will be first demonstrated in the upcoming Spadex mission. Technological Advancements Previous Demonstrations: Key capabilities, such as lifting off from the…

Waterspout 

Waterspout  Recently, a luxury yacht sank off Sicily, Italy, during a violent storm, resulting in one confirmed death and six individuals missing, possibly due to a waterspout. About Waterspouts: Waterspouts are significant atmospheric phenomena characterised by rotating columns of air that form over water bodies. These tornado-like structures typically develop overseas or in large lakes, presenting a spectacular display of nature’s power. It is a weaker version of a tornado, typically lasting 5-10 minutes. Average diameter is around 165 feet (50 meters). Wind speeds can reach up to 100 km/h (60 mph). Formation of Waterspouts: The formation of a waterspout…

Banni Grasslands of Kachchh

Banni Grasslands of Kachchh A study conducted by researchers at Kachchh University assessed the suitability of different areas in Banni for sustainable grassland restoration, with ecological value being the primary criterion. Restoration of Banni Grasslands: Highlights of the Study Recent Study: Objective: A study conducted by researchers at KSKV Kachchh University assessed the suitability of different areas in Banni for sustainable grassland restoration, with ecological value being the primary criterion. Need for restoration: Originally covering about 3,800 sq. km, the Banni grasslands have shrunk to about 2,600 sq. km. Categories of Restoration Zones: The researchers divided the grassland into five…

Ethanol blending programme

Ethanol blending programme On the ethanol blending programme / इथेनॉल मिश्रण कार्यक्रम पर India is progressing towards its 20% ethanol blending target by 2025-26, marked by increased production and capacity. However, concerns about food security arise due to rising maize imports and water usage for sugarcane. Balancing ethanol production with these challenges remains a key issue in policy discussions. Overview of Ethanol Blending Targets India aims to blend 20% ethanol with petrol by 2025-26, with progress marked by milestones in blending percentages and increased ethanol production capacity. The target involves producing approximately 1,000 crore litres of ethanol. Current blending rates…