India 39th among 119 nations in WEF tourism development index.

•  Driven by improved infrastructure and friendly government policies to boost tourism, India is now ranked 39th among 119th countries in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 report, published by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
• In the previous index published in 2021, India was ranked 54th.
• However, due to a revision in the WEF’s methodology, India’s 2021 rank was adjusted to 38th place .
• The Ministry of Tourism, under the schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan’, ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ and ‘Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development’, provides financial assistance to state governments, Union Territory administrations, Central agencies for the development of tourism-related infrastructure and facilities at various tourism destinations in the country.
• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched India’s official portal for Medical Value Travel (MVT), which is the Advantage Healthcare India portal.
• It is a “One-Stop” portal developed for the facilitation of information for those who want to avail medical treatment in India from abroad.
• Earlier this week, President Droupadi Murmu said that India is emerging as a major centre for affordable medical tourism on the global stage, and doctors in the country play a significant role in this development.
• “India is developing as a major centre of affordable medical tourism on the world stage and doctors have a major role in this development. People from other countries visit India to take advantage of the medical facilities available here.
• With over 5,000 years of civilisational history, 43 World Heritage Sites, 56 potential World Heritage Sites, and around 3,500 monuments of national importance, “India’s cultural heritage stands as a testament to its global strength.”

 Assembly of LVM3 - Launch Vehicle Mark-3 for Gaganyaan flight Begins

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that it has commenced the assembly of the Human-Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM3) for Gaganyaan’s first uncrewed flight at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
• The ISRO called it a major step towards India’s maiden human spaceflight and future space ambitions. 
• The event coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3-X/CARE (Crew module Atmospheric Reentry Experiment)) mission, conducted on December 18, 2014. 

Gaganyaan Mission

•  Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Gaganyaan mission in his Independence Day address in 2018.
•  Gaganyaan project envisages demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of three members to an orbit of 400 km for a three days mission and bring them back safely to Earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.
•  For the first human spaceflight, four Indian Air Force pilots have been selected and are undergoing extensive training for the mission.
• A budget of Rs 9,023 crore is allocated towards achieving the objectives of the mission.
•  ISRO developed indigenous technologies for the launch vehicle, habitable Crew Module, life support system, Crew Escape System, ground station network, crew training and recovery.
•  These technologies are crucial to meet the objectives of Gaganyaan mission and to take up any further interplanetary missions.
•  Gaganyaan will not be a one-off mission as the government has given us approval for a sustained human spaceflight programme.

Assembly of the Human-Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3

•  The human-rating of LVM3 has been completed and all systems have been tested for enhanced reliability. 
•  Ground tests and flight tests in off-nominal conditions have ensured the performance of these systems in line with human safety requirements. 
•  The addition of the highly reliable Crew Escape System (CES) has further increased confidence for the manned missions planned by ISRO.
•  Escape provision exists for the crew during all phases of ascent till injection of the module into orbit. 
•  HLVM3 is a three stage vehicle with a payload capacity of about 10 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which is 53 meters tall and weighs 640 tonnes.
•  The Crew Module, designed with enhanced safety margins and multiple redundancies, will fly aboard the Human-rated LVM3, ensuring the safety of the Gaganyatris. The data gained through the un-crewed flights will be instrumental for the success of the manned missions.
• Further, the experience from Gaganyaan programme will play a vital role in the construction and operationalisation of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). 
•  This ambitious endeavour reflects ISRO’s long-term vision and foresight to leverage established heritage for advancing India’s space sector.
•  The preparation of both the S200 motors will now take place with the assembly of segments, control systems and avionics. 
•  L110 and C32 stages for the HLVM3 are ready at the launch complex. The crew escape systems elements are also received at SDSC.

PM-led panel meets to select new NHRC chairperson

•  A high-powered committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in New Delhi to select the next chairperson of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
•  According to the law governing NHRC, while the committee which selects the NHRC chief is headed by the Prime Minister, it has the Lok Sabha Speaker, home minister, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and deputy chairperson of Rajya Sabha as its members.
•  The post of NHRC chairperson has been lying vacant since Justice (retd) Arun Kumar Mishra completed his tenure on June 1.
•  A former judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Mishra served as the eighth chairperson of the rights panel and was appointed to its top post in June 2021.
•  Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, a member of the NHRC, became its acting chairperson after Justice Mishra demitted office.
•  A former Chief Justice of India or a retired judge of the top court is  appointed as NHRC chairperson by the President on the recommendation of the selection committee.

Key points on NHRC:

•  The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established on October 12, 1993.
• The statute under which it is established is the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993, as amended by the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2006.
•  It is in conformity with the Paris Principles, adopted at the first international workshop on national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights held in Paris in October 1991, and endorsed by the General Assembly of the United Nations by its Regulations 48/134 of December, 20, 1993.
•  The NHRC takes cognisance of human rights violations, conducts enquiries and recommends compensation to victims from public authorities besides other remedial and legal measures against the erring public servants.
•  The commission consists of a chairperson, five full-time members and four deemed members. The statute lays down qualifications for the appointment of the chairperson and members of the commission.
•  The NHRC is an embodiment of India’s concern for the promotion and protection of human rights.
•  Section 2(1)(d) of the PHRA defines human rights as the rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants and enforceable by courts in India.
•  The Commission is responsible for spreading human rights awareness amongst the masses and encouraging the efforts of all stakeholders in the field of human rights literacy.

Legal and Administrative Context:

•  Eligibility Criteria Change:The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 was amended in 2019 to allow any Supreme Court judge, not just retired Chief Justices of India (CJIs), to head the NHRC.
•  Historical Delays: There have been repeated delays in appointing NHRC chairpersons in the past, with long gaps between the tenures of previous heads.

Plea in Supreme Court:

•  July 2023: The Supreme Court of India began examining a plea accusing the Union government of being lethargic in filling NHRC vacancies.
•  July 2024: The Court granted an extension for the government to respond to the plea, with the NHRC currently operating without a chairperson and four out of five full-time members.

Govt Can Shut Down Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme; Find Out Why?

• The Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) Scheme, designed to allow investments in gold through a digital format, is a popular investment option for resident individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), trusts, universities, and charitable institutions.
• These bonds, denominated in grams of gold, require a minimum investment of one gram and have an eight-year tenure, with an exit option available after the fifth year on interest payment dates.
• The Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) scheme was introduced by the Government of India to offer investors an alternative to buying physical gold, while also addressing the country’s gold import dependency.
• However, there is now growing consideration within the government to discontinue the scheme due to concerns about its high cost to the government and the impact of other fiscal measures, such as reducing import duties on gold.

Government’s Potential Withdrawal of the SGB Scheme

• Recent reports indicate that the government might scale back or even discontinue the SGB scheme, considering it too costly. This potential change aligns with the Union budget’s decision to reduce customs duties on gold and silver from 15% to 6%. The reduced customs duty is expected to decrease the demand for Sovereign Gold Bonds.
• Impact of Customs Duty Reduction on SGB Prices
• The reduction in customs duties has already had a noticeable impact on SGB prices:
• The tax cut has caused a significant drop in gold prices on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), with prices falling by over Rs 4,000 to Rs 68,900.
• Similarly, SGB prices on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) decreased by 2-5%. For instance, SGBAUG24 fell by 2.6% to Rs 7,275 per unit, while SGBDEC2513 saw the most substantial drop of 5.98% to Rs 7,550.

What is the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme?

• The Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) scheme, launched in November 2015, is a government-backed investment product aimed at curbing the demand for physical gold and, at the same time, offering investors an opportunity to gain from the rising price of gold without the risks associated with storage and security.
• Issuer: SGBs are issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on behalf of the Government of India.
• Units: Each unit represents one gram of gold, with investors able to buy bonds in multiples.
• Interest Rate: SGBs offer a fixed interest rate of 2.5% annually on the amount of initial investment, which is credited semi-annually to the investor’s account.
• Tenure: The bonds have a ten-year tenure, but they can be redeemed after 5 years.
• Market-Linked Redemption Price: The redemption price is based on the average closing price of 999-purity gold over the previous three business days before maturity, as published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd (IBJA).
• This ensures the bond’s return is tied to the market value of gold at the time of redemption.

Why was the Scheme Introduced?

The primary objectives behind the SGB scheme were:

• Diversify Gold Investment: The government wanted to create a paper-based alternative to physical gold investment, which is expensive to store and prone to theft.
• Reduce Physical Gold Imports: India has long been the world’s largest importer of gold, which contributes to a significant trade deficit.
• The government hoped that the SGB scheme would reduce demand for physical gold and thus reduce gold imports.
• Mobilize Resources for Infrastructure: The government also viewed the scheme as a way to mobilize savings and directly channel these funds into national infrastructure projects.

Key Features and Benefits of the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme

• Safe Investment Option: Investors can avoid the risks associated with physical gold like theft, and also save on storage costs such as locker fees.
• Market-linked Returns: SGBs offer returns that track the market value of gold, meaning if the price of gold rises, the investor’s returns also increase.
• Interest on Investment: In addition to price appreciation, the SGB scheme offers semi-annual interest payments (2.5% per annum), which makes it a steady income-generating investment.
• Capital Appreciation: Upon maturity, the bonds are redeemed in Indian Rupees at the prevailing price of gold, often leading to significant capital appreciation.

Government''s Concerns Leading to Possible Discontinuation

• Despite the scheme’s benefits, the cost of maintaining and issuing SGBs has led to concerns within the government about its sustainability, particularly in the context of managing the fiscal deficit.

Several factors are contributing to the government''s re-evaluation of the scheme:

High Fiscal Cost of Financing

• The cost of financing the fiscal deficit through SGBs is becoming increasingly burdensome for the government.
• The interest payments to bondholders and the need to redeem bonds based on market prices of gold means that SGBs are an expensive way to raise capital.
• The government has raised significant amounts through this scheme, but the long-term financial burden might not justify the returns for the state.
• Interest Payments: The 2.5% annual interest on the bonds, compounded over years, represents a significant fiscal cost for the government.
• As the price of gold increases, the final redemption payout also increases, thus adding to the government''s liabilities.

Reduced Reliance on SGB for Financing

• In the 2024-25 Budget, the government reduced its gross issuances of SGBs from ₹29,638 crore (projected in the interim budget) to ₹18,500 crore.
• This is a significant reduction, indicating that the government is seeking alternative ways to finance its fiscal needs rather than relying as heavily on SGBs.
• Reduction in Borrowing: The net borrowing through SGBs has been slashed from ₹26,138 crore to ₹15,000 crore, reflecting the government’s attempt to shift away from SGBs and focus on more sustainable financing methods.

Policy Shift with Gold Import Duty Reduction

• In July 2024, the government took a bold step by reducing gold import duties from 15% to 6%, the lowest in more than a decade. This has had the dual effect of:
• Lowering the price of gold, making it more attractive to buyers.
• Increasing gold demand, which was one of the original goals of the SGB scheme.
• With the duty cut leading to an increase in gold imports and a boost in market demand, the SGB scheme has become less critical for fulfilling its original purpose of reducing physical gold investment.

Limited Impact on Gold Import Reduction

• Despite the SGB’s aim of curbing gold imports, the reduced import duty has proven to be a more direct and effective measure in stimulating demand for gold.
• With the gold price now lower, demand has surged, and the need for an alternative investment in paper gold (via SGBs) has decreased.

Details of the scheme:

• The SGB scheme has proven to be lucrative for investors over the years. Some notable examples include:
• SGB Series I (2016): Bonds issued in 2016 at ₹3,119 per gram were redeemed in August 2024 at ₹6,938 per gram— over double the initial investment. Investors also received interest payments, making the total return even higher.
• SGB Series II (2016): Bonds issued under Series II in 2016 provided an overall return of 126.4% over the initial investment, including the 2.5% annual interest paid over the holding period.
• Premature Redemption: The RBI has also announced a window for premature redemption of bonds issued between May 2017 and March 2020, which allows investors to redeem bonds after five years, providing flexibility for those looking to liquidate their holdings before maturity.

Challenges and Criticisms of the Scheme

• High Financing Cost: The interest payments and the appreciation of gold mean the government faces a growing fiscal burden, especially when gold prices surge.
• Declining Importance of SGB: With the gold import duty reduction spurring gold demand directly, the SGB’s role in promoting paper-based gold investment has been reduced.
• Investor Demand vs. National Goals: While investors benefit from price appreciation, the government’s original goal of reducing gold imports through alternative investment channels (like SGBs) is losing relevance.

Conclusion:

• The government’s decision to potentially discontinue the Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) scheme is shaped by several factors, including the high cost of financing the fiscal deficit, a policy shift toward lowering gold import duties, and reduced reliance on SGBs for fiscal management. While the scheme has been profitable for investors, providing them with market-linked returns and interest payments, it may no longer align with the government’s long-term fiscal strategy.

Arctic tundra becoming source of carbon dioxide emissions

• D After storing carbon dioxide in frozen soil for millennia, the Arctic tundra is being transformed by frequent wildfires into an overall source of carbon to the atmosphere, which is already absorbing record levels of heat-trapping fossil fuel pollution. 
• The transition of the Arctic from a carbon sink to a carbon source is one of the dramatic changes in the Arctic that are documented in NOAA’s 2024 Arctic Report Card. Climatic shifts are forcing plants, wildlife and the people that depend on them to rapidly adapt to a warmer, wetter and less certain world. 
• The Arctic tundra, traditionally a carbon sink, is now a source of carbon emissions for the first time in many millennia, according to a new report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released in December 2024.
• The release of carbon from the Arctic is driven by 2 main factors: rising temperatures and increased wildfires.
• This shift has significant implications for global warming and climate change, as the Arctic''s ability to store carbon has been compromised.

Key Findings of the NOAA 2024 Arctic Report Card

• Report Overview: The Arctic Report Card is an annual report that tracks changes in the Arctic region.
• The 2024 report notes that, for the first time in thousands of years, the Arctic tundra is emitting more carbon than it absorbs.
• Global Consequences: If the Arctic tundra continues to emit more carbon than it stores, it could significantly exacerbate climate change, which is already impacting the planet through rising temperatures, extreme weather, and melting ice.
• How the Arctic Tundra Traditionally Stores Carbon
• In a typical ecosystem, plants and animals absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, which is then stored in living organisms or in the soil.
• When these organisms die, their carbon is broken down by decomposers (microbes like bacteria and fungi) and returned to the atmosphere, completing the carbon cycle.
• However, in the Arctic tundra, the process is different:
• Permafrost: The tundra is characterized by permafrost—frozen soil that remains below 0°C for at least two years.
• This cold environment slows down the decomposition of organic matter (dead plants and animals), effectively locking carbon away in the ground.
• Carbon Storage: It is estimated that Arctic soils store over 1.6 trillion metric tonnes of carbon—this is about twice the amount of carbon currently in the atmosphere, making it one of the largest natural carbon stores on Earth.

Why Is the Arctic Tundra Now Emitting More Carbon?

• The Arctic tundra is increasingly becoming a source of carbon emissions rather than a carbon sink. This change is due to two key factors:

A. Rising Temperatures:

• Arctic Warming at an Accelerated Rate: The Arctic is warming at a rate that is four times faster than the global average.
• This trend has been especially evident since the mid-20th century.
• Record High Temperatures: The Arctic''s surface temperatures in 2024 were the second-warmest on record since 1900.
• The increase in temperature is directly related to the thawing of permafrost.
• Permafrost Thawing: As the permafrost thaws, it releases trapped carbon in the form of CO₂ and methane (CH₄), a potent greenhouse gas that is more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than CO₂.
• Microbial Activity: When permafrost thaws, microbes that were previously dormant become active and begin to break down the organic matter (like dead plants and animals) in the soil, releasing carbon into the atmosphere.
  Analogy: Twila Moon, a lead editor of the Arctic Report Card, compared thawing permafrost to chicken in the freezer.
• As long as the chicken stays frozen, the microbes cannot decompose it.
• Once thawed, the microbes become active and begin to break down the material, releasing CO₂ and methane into the air.

B. Increased Wildfires:

• Frequency and Intensity of Wildfires: Over the past few years, the Arctic has seen an increase in both the frequency and intensity of wildfires.
• Record Wildfires: The 2023 wildfire season was the worst on record in the Arctic, and 2024 was the second-largest year for wildfire emissions.
• Impact of Wildfires: Wildfires in the Arctic release large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere and also contribute to the thawing of permafrost.
• The heat from wildfires directly melts the frozen ground, accelerating the release of carbon.
• Wildfire Emissions: Wildfires in the Arctic not only add CO₂ to the atmosphere, but also speed up the thawing of permafrost, further exacerbating the situation.

C. Cumulative Effects (2001-2020):

•  Between 2001 and 2020, the combination of rising temperatures and increased wildfires led to the Arctic tundra releasing more carbon than it was absorbing—likely for the first time in thousands of years.
• This period marked a critical tipping point in the Arctic''s carbon dynamics.
• Global Impact of the Arctic Tundra Emitting More Carbon
• The Arctic tundra is a key carbon sink that helps to regulate global temperatures. If the tundra starts emitting more carbon, it creates a feedback loop that amplifies climate change:
• Feedback Loop: As more carbon is released from thawing permafrost, the atmosphere heats up, causing more permafrost to thaw and more carbon to be released.
• Exacerbating Climate Change: This process not only accelerates the warming of the Arctic but also amplifies global warming, as greenhouse gases trap more heat in the atmosphere.

What Next?

• While the situation is dire, it is still possible to reverse the trend and make the Arctic tundra a carbon sink again:
• Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The only way to stop or reverse the thawing of permafrost is to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
• By cutting down on carbon emissions from fossil fuels and other human activities, we can slow down the rate of warming and give the Arctic time to recover.
• Motivating Action: According to Brendan Rogers, a scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center, reducing emissions would lower the levels of greenhouse gases released by permafrost, helping to mitigate the problem.
• This underscores the need for aggressive emissions reductions worldwide.
• However, achieving this is becoming increasingly difficult, as emissions continue to rise globally.

Global Carbon Projections for 2024

• According to a study by the Global Carbon Project (November 2024), CO₂ emissions from fossil fuel burning are projected to increase slightly in 2024 compared to the previous year:
• Total CO₂ Emissions: 41.6 billion tonnes of CO₂ are projected for 2024, compared to 40.6 billion tonnes in 2023.
• Land-Use Emissions: Emissions from land-use changes, like deforestation, are expected to contribute 4.2 billion tonnes of CO₂.
• These rising emissions complicate efforts to stabilize the Arctic''s carbon dynamics.

Conclusion

• The Arctic tundra, which has stored vast amounts of carbon for millennia, is now emitting more carbon than it absorbs. This shift is driven by rising temperatures and increased wildfire activity, which cause permafrost to thaw and release greenhouse gases like CO₂ and methane. The consequences of this change are far-reaching, as it accelerates global warming and makes it more difficult to mitigate climate change.

India achieves historic milestone with first-ever Ganges river dolphin tagging in Assam

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) conducted the first-ever Ganges River Dolphin tagging in Assam on Wednesday.
• This initiative, implemented by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and Aaranyak, marks a significant step forward for Project Dolphin.
• This monumental effort underscores India’s commitment to wildlife conservation and sets a new benchmark in the protection of endangered species, according to a press release by the environment ministry.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) carried out the first-ever tagging of Ganges River Dolphins in Assam on Wednesday.
• The initiative, spearheaded by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and conservation group Aaranyak, represents a major milestone for Project Dolphin.
• The project received funding from the National CAMPA Authority.
• This historic tagging is the first of its kind globally for the Ganges River Dolphin. A healthy male dolphin was tagged and released under expert veterinary care.
• The tagging will provide crucial data on the dolphin’s seasonal movements, migratory patterns, range, distribution, and habitat use, particularly in disrupted river systems.
• This project, funded by MoEFCC and National CAMPA, will deepen our understanding of conserving our National Aquatic Animal,” Yadav posted.
• The Ganges River Dolphin, India’s National Aquatic Animal, is nearly blind and relies on echolocation for its survival.
• While 90% of the species is found in India, primarily within the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli river systems, its population has dramatically decreased over the past century.
• Despite its wide distribution, knowledge about the species remains limited due to its elusive nature and brief surfacing times of only 5 to 30 seconds.
• Project Dolphin, supported by MoEFCC, aims to close these knowledge gaps by conducting comprehensive research through WII.
• This research will help develop a long-term conservation action plan.
• As apex predators and umbrella species, the survival of Ganges River Dolphins is vital for the health of river ecosystems.
• Technological advancements made this tagging possible, as lightweight tags emit signals compatible with Argos satellite systems, despite the dolphin’s short surfacing periods. The tags are designed to minimize disruption to the dolphin’s natural movement.
• Plans are in place to extend the tagging initiative to other states with Ganges River Dolphin populations, enabling a deeper understanding of their population dynamics and habitat needs.
• This monumental effort underscores India’s commitment to wildlife conservation and sets a new benchmark in the protection of endangered species, according to the MoEFCC release.

Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum

•  India’s National Museum and France Museums Développement (FMD) signed an agreement under which the French agency will share modalities and best practices to transform the British-era landmarks into a global cultural landmark, dubbed the ‘Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum’. 
•  This ambitious project is an integral part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project and is set to span approximately 1,55,000 square meters across the iconic North and South Blocks in New Delhi.
•  Its development will breathe new life into the two historic blocks, preserving their unique architectural features while reimagining their purpose.
• Currently, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Defence Ministry are housed in the South Block while the Finance Ministry and the Home Ministry are located in the North Block.
•  The two identical blocks on the Raisina Hill along with the Rashtrapati Bhavan (earlier Viceroy House), symbols of architectural grandeur and administrative power, were built as part of the ‘New Delhi’ imperial capital that was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker between 1911-1931.
•  This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in realisation of the iconic Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum, a vision that not only celebrates India’s unparalleled cultural heritage but also embodies the power of international cooperation. Mapping work has been almost done in the North Block and it is underway in South Block.
•  France’s renowned expertise in museum development, exemplified by the Grand Louvre, will play a pivotal role in shaping this project. 
•  The adaptive reuse of the historic North and South Blocks will ensure the preservation of their architectural heritage while creating a vibrant and efficient cultural space. The Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum will be developed through Adaptive Reuse, in collaboration with France, renowned for its expertise in such projects, exemplified by the Louvre, Grand Palais, and Hotel de la Marine. 
• This approach mirrors France’s ‘Grands Projets’ initiative, which saw the transformation of government buildings into iconic cultural spaces, most notably the Louvre. 
•  This historical precedent, where a government ministry vacated a landmark building to create a world-class museum, provides a valuable framework for the development of the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum.

India sends humanitarian assistance to Lesotho

• India on Friday dispatched a consignment of 1000 metric tonnes of rice as part of its humanitarian assistance to Lesotho that will help in addressing food security and nutritional requirements of the people of the landlocked African country.
• The consignment departed from Nhava Sheva Port, informed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
• India has dispatched similar consignments in the past as a gesture of goodwill and friendship between the two countries and to mitigate the devastating effect of food shortages caused by famine and other acts of nature in the in sub-Saharan African nation.
• As per the MEA, there are about 4000 Indian expatriates and PIOs in Lesotho working as teachers, accountants and other professionals.
• Some of them are engaged in business as well. The community has a reasonably high economic profile in the country.
• There is an Indian Association which organises periodic functions and has hosted well-attended cultural performances by troupes sent by ICCR from time to time.
• Guided by South-South cooperation, India and Lesotho have been working on development partnership, trade and economic relations, energy, agriculture, health, art and culture and consular matters.
• India, which has always stood by Africa in times of trouble, had also provided 150 tonnes of medical aid to 32 countries in Africa during the Covid-19 pandemic under its noble ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative.
• The government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also provided relief material to African countries hit by natural disasters whether it is Zambia, Malawi, Kenya or Mozambique.
• Earlier this year, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar had stated that the deep-rooted India-Africa relations that go back in history, have been redefined by PM Modi’s 10 guiding principles.
• These include India’s commitment to liberate Africa’s potential by building local capacity and creating local opportunities; keeping Indian markets open; sharing India’s experience with the digital revolution to support Africa’s development; improving delivery of public services; extending education and spreading digital literacy in Africa; improving Africa’s agriculture; addressing the challenges of climate change; and working with African nations to keep the oceans open and free for the benefit of all nations among others.

Global Unity through Inner Peace: UN has declared 21st December as World Meditation Day

• The United Nations has declared 21st December as declared 21st December as World Meditation Day. It is going to be an annual event observed to promote the importance of mental and emotional well-being through meditation.
• The meditational practice helps people connect with their inner selves, manage emotions, and develop greater awareness.
• It is a simple yet powerful tool, offering profound benefits for both individual and collective health.

2024 Theme: “Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony”

• This year’s theme emphasizes the role of meditation in fostering global peace and unity. India played a leading role in co-sponsoring a United Nations General Assembly draft resolution that officially declared the day as World Meditation Day.
• Supported by countries like Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra, the resolution was adopted unanimously by the 193-member UN General Assembly on December 6, 2024.
• Global spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will guide a live world meditation and deliver a keynote at the UN Global Spiritual Leader and Humanitarian at the United Nations Headquarters on December 20, marking the first World Meditation Day.
• His speech will highlight meditation’s ability to nurture peace, calm the mind, and address modern-day challenges like rising stress and societal disconnection.
• Gurudev will also lead a worldwide meditation session via livestream on December 21, aligning with the Winter Solstice, a time traditionally associated with reflection and renewal.
•  He emphasizes that meditation is an essential tool for cultivating mental clarity, emotional resilience, and societal harmony.

The Benefits of Meditation

• Meditation is an ancient practice that dates back to around 5,000 Before Common Era (BCE), with historical ties to ancient Egypt, China, and various spiritual traditions such as Judaism, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism.
• Today, it is practiced by millions around the world, with estimates ranging from 200 to 500 million practitioners.
• Meditation offers numerous health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, lowering blood pressure, improving emotional health and self-awareness, enhancing sleep quality, and fostering positive thinking and goodwill.
• It also fosters empathy and collaboration, contributing to a sense of shared purpose and collective well-being.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes mindfulness meditation as a valuable tool for managing mental and physical health challenges, particularly anxiety and stress.

History and Significance

• The recognition of World Meditation Day by the United Nations reflects the growing acknowledgment of meditation’s value for individual and societal well-being.
• The establishment of this day serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing human consciousness and addressing global challenges such as conflicts, climate crises, and technological advancements through inner peace and compassion.
• The UN Headquarters in New York even has a meditation room, which was opened in 1952 by the then-Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld. It stands as a symbol of silence and introspection, embodying the essence of peace and global harmony.

Connection to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Meditation aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3: “Good Health and Well-Being.” It promotes mental and emotional health, which is considered a fundamental human right.
• World Meditation Day encourages individuals to embrace meditation as part of their self-care routine, fostering a healthier and more resilient world for all.

Ursid meteor shower 2024: the final meteor shower of the year

• The Ursids are predicted to produce the most activity just before dawn, when the radiant — the point from which the meteors appear to emanate — reaches its highest point during nocturnal hours.
• The Ursids'' radiant is the constellation Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Dipper. The Little Dipper is circumpolar — meaning it will be visible all night in the Northern Hemisphere — so the Ursids will be visible all night as well.
• The Ursid meteor shower, the last celestial event of 2024, will light up the night skies in December. Peaking on the night of December 21 and 22, the spectacle perfectly aligns with the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.

Meteor Showers

• Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through a stream of debris left behind by comets. As these particles enter Earth''s atmosphere at high speed they burn up creating streaks of light in the sky known as "shooting stars" or meteors.

Ursid Meteor Shower

• The Ursid Meteor Shower is an annual celestial event caused by Earth passing through the debris trail of Comet 8P/Tuttle.
• The shower is named after the Ursa Minor constellation (Little Bear) because the meteors appear to radiate from this region, specifically near the star Beta Ursae Minoris (Kochab). 
• Like most other meteor showers, the Ursids are caused by comet debris that passes through Earth''s atmosphere.
•  The Ursids'' parent object is Comet 8P/Tuttle, which is about 3 miles (5 kilometers) wide and takes about 13.6 years to orbit the sun.

Comet 8P/Tuttle

• Discovered in 1790 by Pierre Méchain.
• It is a periodic comet with an orbital period of approximately 13.6 years.
• As the comet orbits the Sun it sheds tiny particles that form the debris trail.
• When Earth passes through this debris cloud in December the friction of particles with Earth’s atmosphere generates visible meteor

 A secret Antarctic lake hidden beneath the ice — and uncovered a never-before-seen ecosystem

• Antarctica''s Lake Enigma certainly lives up to its name. The permanently ice-covered lake, named for the peculiar cone of debris at its center, was until recently thought to be frozen solid.
• But scientists have discovered a layer of fresh water hidden beneath the ice-covered surface — and it''s populated by a diverse cast of microorganisms.
• During an expedition to Antarctica from November 2019 to January 2020, researchers surveyed the lake with ground-penetrating radar and detected at least 40 feet (12 meters) of liquid water under the ice.
• The researchers then drilled into the ice and sent a camera to explore the lake''s depths.
• The team first tested the water to determine where it came from. This was important to establish because the area has low precipitation, high winds and intense solar evaporation, so any water in Lake Enigma should have dried up long ago
• The scientists found that, despite being isolated from the atmosphere, the waters of Lake Enigma are home to several kinds of microbial life, which cover the bottom of the lake in blobs known as microbial mats.
• Many of these organisms are photosynthetic, giving the lake a high concentration of dissolved oxygen.
• Some of the mats formed thin, spiky coatings on the lakebed. Others resembled "a crumpled thick carpet, sometimes forming large amorphous tree-like structures up to 40 cm [centimeters, or 16 inches] high and up to 50 to 60 cm [20 to 24 inches] in diameter”.
• The microbial residents included several species of Patescibacteria — tiny, single-celled organisms that attach themselves to larger host cells to form either mutually beneficial or predatory relationships.
• These organisms had never before been found in ice-covered lakes and don''t normally thrive in high-oxygen conditions, suggesting that these Patescibacteria may have developed unique metabolic tricks to survive.
• This finding highlights the complexity and diversity of food webs in Antarctic permanently ice-covered lakes, with symbiotic and predatory lifestyles a possibility not previously recognized," .
• Environments similar to Lake Enigma exist on icy moons like Europa or Enceladus. The lake''s extreme ecosystem could therefore offer insights into conditions in places where microbial life might be found on other worlds.