95% of Land Records in Rural India Digitized

• Rural India is undergoing a significant transformation with the digitization of land records, modernizing the management of land ownership. This initiative enhances transparency and efficiency in land administration, empowering millions of rural households

 Need for Digitization of Land Records

• The digitization of land records in India has transformed land management by addressing traditional challenges like disputes, fraud, and inefficient manual processes.
• Now, ownership information is easily accessible online, enhancing transparency and reducing illegal encroachments.
• Digitized records simplify dispute resolution, easing court burdens, and empower marginalized communities by improving access to land rights. Integration with geospatial mapping enhances land management, enabling accurate surveys and planning.
• During land acquisitions or disasters, digital records ensure fair and timely compensation. Overall, this shift has paved the way for a more transparent, accessible, and efficient land governance system in India.

 Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP)

• The Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), previously known as the National Land Record Modernization Programme, was restructured as a Central Sector Scheme in April 2016, with full funding from the central government. Its main goal is to establish a modern and transparent land records management system by developing an Integrated Land Information Management System.
• This system aims to provide real-time land information, optimize land use, benefit landowners and potential buyers, support policy-making, reduce land disputes, prevent fraudulent transactions, eliminate physical visits to offices, and enable data sharing with various organizations.

Achievements:

• Significant progress has been made under DILRMP. Around 95% of land records have been computerized, covering over 6.26 lakh villages. Digitization of cadastral maps has reached 68.02% at national level. Additionally, 87% of Sub-Registrar Offices (SROs) have been integrated with land records. The government extended DILRMP until 2025-26, adding new features like Aadhaar-based integration with land records and computerization of revenue courts

Key Initiatives under DILRMP

• Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN):

The ULPIN or "Bhu-Aadhar" provides a 14-digit alphanumeric code for each land parcel, based on its geo-coordinates. Implemented in 29 States/UTs, it helps streamline real estate transactions, resolve property disputes, and improve disaster management efforts.

• National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS):

NGDRS or e-Registration provides a uniform process for deed/document registration across the country, allowing online entry, payments, appointments, and document searches. So far, 18 States/UTs have adopted it, and 12 others share data with the national portal.

•  e-Court Integration:

Linking land records with e-Courts aims to provide authentic land information to the judiciary, aiding in faster case resolution and reducing land disputes. Integration has been cleared in 26 States/UTs.

•  Transliteration of Land Records:

To overcome language barriers in accessing land records, the program is transliterating land documents into any of the 22 languages listed in Schedule VIII of the Indian Constitution. This is already in use in 17 States/UTs.

• Bhoomi Samman:

Under this initiative, 168 districts across 16 States have achieved "Platinum Grading" for completing over 99% of the program''s core components, including land record computerization and map digitization.

Bihta dry port

• The dry port in Bihta is being seen as the Bihar government''s big initiative to boost exports.

Details of  Bihta dry port

 What is a dry port?

• A dry port, or inland container depot (ICD), provides a logistics facility away from a seaport or airport for cargo handling, storage, and transportation. It acts as a bridge between sea/air ports and inland regions, facilitating efficient movement of goods.  The best part of a dry port is that it handles customs clearance procedures, reducing congestion at seaports/airports.
• There are over 330 dry ports operational in India. The first dry port in India was opened in Varanasi in 2018.

Inland Ports in India:

• PPP in Dry Ports in India

 Global Ecosystems Atlas was launched at the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16)

•  Global Ecosystems Atlas was launched at the ongoing 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• It has been developed by the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) as the first global tool for ecosystem mapping and monitoring.
• The atlas targets the major challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and land degradation globally.

Objectives

• Its atlas aims to transform the understanding and protection of vital natural systems in the world.
• It will provide crucial data on ecosystem health and risks associated with the ecosystem.
• The atlas aims to enable countries in informed decision-making for sustainable management of ecosystems.

Technology:

• GEA will utilise the Earth observation, artificial intelligence, and field data to fill data gaps in ecosystem management.
• The atlas map has been aligned with the Global Ecosystem Typology for consistency for the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Importance of the Atlas for Stakeholders

• Governments: 

It is an essential tool for countries, businesses, communities, and institutions for ecosystem conservation and planning.

• It supports the monitoring framework under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity 
• Framework.

It also guides the countries in compliance with the Convention on Biological Diversity(CBD) obligations on ecosystem protection.

• It will help governments to monitor ecosystems, fulfil international commitments, and track biodiversity indicators.
• Businesses: 

Businesses and corporations can incorporate environmental risks into their business strategies.

• Local Communities: 

Local communities can also access data for conservation and restoration in their areas.

• Financial Institutions: 

The atlas helps FIs to make informed investments and align their projects with sustainability goals.

 MORMUGAO Port

• Mormugao Port Authority has gained global recognition by being listed as an incentive provider on the Environment Ship Index (ESI) portal, acknowledged by the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
• It is a port on the western coast of India, in the coastal state of Goa. Commissioned in 1885 on the site of a natural harbour, it is one of India''s oldest ports.  It has a naturally protected open-type harbour, that lies on the southern part of the mouth of the river Zuari. This harbour is also protected using a breakwater and a mole built from the outer end of the breakwater and running parallel to the wharf.

Environment Ship Index (ESI)-

• It identifies seagoing ships that perform better in reducing air emissions than required by the current emission standards of the International Maritime Organization, the Environmental Ship Index. The ESI evaluates the amount of nitrogen oxide (NOX), sulphur oxide (SOX) that is released by a ship and includes a reporting scheme on the greenhouse gas emission of the ship. The ESI is a good indication of the environmental performance of ocean-going vessels and will assist in identifying cleaner ships in a general way.

Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) 

 Details of Zuari River

• It is the largest river in the state of Goa, India. It is a tidal river that originates at Hemad-Barshem in the Western Ghats. The Zuari is also referred to as the Aghanashani in the interior regions. 

Tributaries:

• The tributaries of Zuari include the Kushawati River, Guleli River, and Uguem River.

International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH)

• It is the global trade association for seaports worldwide. 
• It was formed in 1955 and is now recognized as the NGO representing ports worldwide. With over 200 ports in membership, as well as numerous national port representative bodies, it now has consultative status with 5 UN agencies, including UNCTAD and the IMO.
• Membership- The IAPH membership is divided into 3 regions: 

                              ( African/European, American and Asian/Oceanian.)

• Headquarters-  Tokyo.

PM Young Achievers’ Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM YASASVI)

• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has implemented the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI).
• Purpose: Supports quality education for students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified Tribes (DNT) communities by easing financial burdens.
• Launch: Initiated in 2021-22, by merging the Dr. Ambedkar Post-Matric and Pre/Post-Matric Scholarship schemes.

Scholarship Details:

• Pre-Matric Scholarship: For Classes 9-10 students in government schools.
• Post-Matric Scholarship: For students in higher education (post-Class 10).
• Eligibility: Family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh for Pre-Matric Scholarships.
• Implementing Agency: Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• The scheme’s focus on supporting students at both school and college levels helps to nurture talent from an early age and carry it through to higher education, laying a strong foundation for personal and professional growth.
• Moreover, by integrating earlier scholarship initiatives into a single, streamlined program, PM YASASVI enhances the impact of these efforts, contributing to the creation of a more inclusive and equitable education system.
•  PM-YASASVI is ensuring that no student is left behind in the pursuit of academic and social progress. This scheme is playing a crucial role in the welfare and upliftment of marginalized communities, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

 PONG Dam

• The government was planning to give land rights to Pong Dam outsees under the Forest Rights Act, (FRA) 2006.

Details of Pong Dam :

• Pong Dam Lake (also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar) is a manmade reservoir formed due to the construction of Pong Dam on Beas River in the wetland zone of Shivalik hills in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. 
• The Pong Dam is the highest earth-fill dam in India and was constructed in 1975. The catchment of the lake spreads up to 12562 sq. km and the total geographical area of the lake is 207 sq. km mainly up to 1410 ft. 

Birds:

• Pong Dam Lake was designated a Ramsar site in 2002 under the Ramsar criteria 5 and 8. It is home to several species of avifauna, some of which include Bar-headed Geese, Red-neck Grebe, northern lapwing, common teal, spot-billed duck, Eurasian coot, black stork, egrets, etc.

Beas River:

Rs 1,000 Crore Venture Capital Fund Initiative for Space sector

•   Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of a Rs.1,000 crore Venture Capital (VC) Fund dedicated to supporting India’s space sector. This pioneering initiative, developed under the aegis of IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center), aims to propel the growth of space startups, strengthen India’s space economy, and position the country as a global leader in space technology.
• The establishment of this fund aligns with the government’s broader vision of promoting innovation, ensuring economic growth, and fostering self-reliance in high-tech industries, thus supporting the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat

Objectives and Strategic Vision of the Fund

• The Rs. 1,000 crore VC Fund is structured to align with India’s strategic vision for the space sector and supports the goals set forth in the 2020 space reforms. The fund is designed to address the unique needs of private companies operating in the high-risk, high-reward field of space technology.

The fund aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Capital Infusion: The capital fund is expected to encourage additional funding for later-stage development, instilling market confidence and providing early-stage financial support critical for growth.
• Talent Retention and Domestic Development: Many Indian startups relocate abroad due to better financial opportunities. The fund will work to retain talent within India, preventing brain drain and fostering the growth of homegrown space companies.
• Five-Fold Expansion of Space Economy: The government aims to grow India’s space economy by five times over the next decade, supporting the establishment of India as a major global player in space technology.
• Technological Advancements: Investment in innovation will help advance space technology, supporting the development of sophisticated solutions for both domestic and international markets.
• Boosting Global Competitiveness: Enabling Indian companies to develop unique space-based solutions will reduce dependency on foreign technology and allow for stronger competition on a global scale.
• Supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat: By investing in indigenous startups, the fund underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance, fostering a robust domestic space economy with fewer dependencies on external technology.
• Creating a Vibrant Innovation Ecosystem: The fund seeks to foster a dynamic space innovation ecosystem by nurturing startups and fostering collaborations between various sector. This environment encourages the development of new ideas, products, and technologies, stimulating a continuous cycle of innovation in the Indian space industry.
• Driving Economic Growth and Job Creation: By supporting startups and entrepreneurs in the space sector, the fund is expected to boost economic activity, leading to the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs. It will enable companies across the supply chain to scale operations, thus enhancing India’s competitive position in the global space economy.
• Financial Implications and Deployment Structure
• The Rs. 1,000 crore VC Fund will be deployed strategically over five years, supporting startups in various stages of growth

Expected Impact on Employment and Economic Growth

• One of the primary goals of the fund is to create a robust ecosystem that promotes job creation and enhances India’s standing in the space technology sector. The fund is expected to:
• Generate Direct Employment: Jobs in engineering, data analysis, software development, manufacturing, and other technical fields are expected to increase. Each investment could potentially generate hundreds of direct job opportunities within these high-skill areas.
• Indirect Employment Opportunities: Additional employment will also be generated in fields associated with logistics, professional services, and supply chain management. These jobs will arise from the increased demand created by scaling businesses and manufacturing units.
• Strengthening India’s Space Workforce: By fostering a skilled workforce in the space sector, the fund aims to build a sustainable talent pool, enhancing India’s global standing and driving innovation through skilled professionals.
• The fund will not only create jobs but also drive economic growth by expanding the space ecosystem and building an innovation-centric economy that supports self-reliance and sustainable development.

Role of IN-SPACe

• The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) was established in 2020 as part of the government’s comprehensive space sector reforms. Its purpose is to promote and oversee private sector involvement in space activities, serving as a key facilitator for space startups and businesses.
• IN-SPACe has been instrumental in initiating reforms that align with the government’s goals of enhancing space technology, increasing private participation, and expanding India’s share in the global space economy.
• The VC Fund was proposed by IN-SPACe to address the critical lack of risk capital in the high-tech space sector, which is essential to sustain growth and enable Indian companies to compete internationally.

Positioning India as a Global Space Economy Leader

• At present, the Indian space economy is valued at approximately USD 8.4 billion, constituting a 2% share of the global space market. The government envisions scaling the space economy to USD 44 billion by 2033, including US $11 billion in exports amounting to 7-8% of the global share. This growth is anticipated to be driven by private sector participation, including a promising pipeline of around 250 startups currently operating across various segments of the space economy in India.
• Many countries have recognized the strategic importance of the space sector and established space-focused VC funds to drive innovation, foster private-sector participation, and strengthen national capabilities. Examples include 30 million GBP Seraphim Space Fund of UK, 86 million Euro Primo Space Fund of Italy, US $6.7 billion Space Strategic Fund of Japan and Neo Space Group (NSG) by Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia. Through its VC Fund, India aims to adopt a similar approach, supporting its startups and fostering a strong space innovation ecosystem while driving the local development of space technology and related services.

UN Peacekeeping

• In recent incidents of  global conflicts, the role of UN peacekeeping is very crucial. The ‘bystander’ should be brought centre-stage and held accountable alongside the perpetrator for crimes against humanity. 

Deatils of UN peacekeeping

• UN Peacekeeping is a joint effort between the Department of Peace Operations and the Department of Operational Support. 
• It comprised civilian, police and military personnel.
• Purpose: Helps countries torn by conflict create conditions for lasting peace by providing security, political, and peacebuilding support.
• Strengths: Legitimacy, burden sharing, and ability to deploy troops globally; combines military, police, and civilian peacekeepers.
• Structure: Guided by the UN Security Council with mandates specific to conflict situations

• The first UN peacekeeping mission was established in May 1948.
• The UN Security Council authorised the deployment of a small number of UN military observers to the Middle East to form the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO)
• To monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbours.

Principles of UN Peacekeeping

• UN Peacekeeping is guided by three basic principles:
• Consent of the Parties: Operations require consent to avoid becoming a party to conflict.
• Impartiality: Peacekeepers must remain unbiased while implementing mandates.
• Non-Use of Force: Force is only used for self-defence or to protect the mandate. 

Mandates and Functions

• Conflict Prevention: Prevent outbreak or spill-over of conflicts.
• Ceasefire Stabilization: Deploy post-ceasefire to stabilise regions.
• Peace Agreement Implementation: Assist in implementing comprehensive agreements.
• Political Transition: Support democratic and stable governance transitions.
• Humanitarian aid: Delivering humanitarian aid, supporting refugee reintegration, and promoting environmental sustainability

Contributions to Conflict Resolution

• Conflict Prevention: Deploying peacekeepers in high-risk areas prevents conflicts from escalating (e.g., Cyprus and Lebanon).
• Ceasefire Monitoring: Peacekeepers help monitor and verify ceasefires, supporting peace agreements between conflicting parties.
• Humanitarian Support: Peacekeepers facilitate humanitarian aid by securing safe corridors and aiding relief organisations.
• Elections & Governance: Peacekeepers assist in the establishment of democratic institutions and organise elections (e.g., Timor Leste, Cambodia).
• Capacity Building: They support local authorities in post-conflict reconstruction and training local police forces for future stability

Successes and Failures of UN Peacekeeping

Achievements in Peacekeeping

• Since 1948, it has helped end conflicts and foster reconciliation by conducting successful peacekeeping operations in dozens of countries, including Cambodia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mozambique, Namibia and Tajikistan.
• Successful UN peacekeeping missions: Cambodia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Angola, Timor Leste, Liberia, Kosovo.
• Recognition: Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988.

Failures: 

• Rwanda (1994), Bosnia (1995) and Mali (2023): UN failed to protect civilians.
• Recent Failures: UN’s inability to act decisively in Ukraine and Israel-Gaza conflicts.
• Sexual abuse: Accused of sexual abuse and exploitation in many countries, including Haiti, Bosnia, Cambodia, East Timor, Iraq, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo   

  India’s contribution in peacekeeping missions

• Troop contributions: India has contributed more troops than any other country, with over 253,000 personnel serving in 49 UN missions since 1948.
• As of December 31, 2023, India has deployed 5,901 troops across 12 UN peacekeeping missions. 
• Women in Peacekeeping:  In 2007, India became the first country to deploy an all-women contingent to a UN peacekeeping mission. 
• Recently, Major Radhika Sen, an Indian woman peacekeeper, who served with the UN mission in Congo, will be honoured with a prestigious military gender advocate award. 
• Leadership: India has provided and continues to provide force commanders for UN missions.
• Support: India has also provided logistic support, peacekeeper training, and capacity development for the UN, host nations, and partner nations. 
• The Indian Army has established the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in New Delhi to impart training in peacekeeping operations.
• Trains more than 12,000 troops every year.
• Trust Fund: India was the first country to contribute to the Trust Fund on sexual exploitation and abuse, which was set up in 2016. 
• Recognition: Indian peacekeepers have been praised for their efforts and high standards of performance. 
• Over 175 Indian peacekeepers have died while serving in UN missions.
• Commitment: India’s commitment to UN peacekeeping is based on the ancient Indian principle of Vasudhavia Kutumbakam, which means “the whole world is my family”

Challenges and Limitations of UN Peacekeeping

• Veto power: The increasing polarization of the P5 members has led to frequent use of veto power, which can prevent the timely deployment of peacekeepers. 
• For example, in 2023, the US vetoed a resolution calling for humanitarian pauses in Gaza. 
• Resource Constraints: The need for adequately trained and well-equipped forces can limit effectiveness.
• Political Impediments: The Security Council’s veto power can hinder rapid intervention, as seen in the Rwanda genocide.
• Complex Mandates: Peacekeepers sometimes face mandates with unclear objectives, making it difficult to act decisively, e.g., in recent conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
• Changing Nature of Conflicts: Modern conflicts involve complex urban warfare, cyber elements, and non-state actors, which traditional peacekeeping isn’t equipped to handle.
• Accusations of Bias: UN forces sometimes face allegations of partiality, risking their credibility and mandate in the conflict zone.
• Credibility Crisis: Historical failures continue to haunt UN peacekeeping’s reputation.  
• Regional Alternatives: Regional organisations like African Union’s peace operations in Somalia (ATMIS) are increasingly taking lead roles in peacekeeping operations   

Measures for Strengthening UN Peacekeeping

• Political Solutions and Conflict Resolution: Enhance diplomatic and political approaches to prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts. 
• Expansion of Security Council Membership: Proposed to include emerging powers like India and South Africa to enhance representation and decision-making balance.
• Limit Veto Power: Limiting or modifying veto use in humanitarian crises could enable faster deployment of peacekeeping forces.
• Strengthening Mandates: Empower peacekeeping forces with clearer mandates to protect civilians and use force when necessary to prevent large-scale atrocities.
• Women, Peace, and Security: Prioritize the integration of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda by increasing the number of female peacekeepers and ensuring gender perspectives in all peacekeeping activities. 
• Protection of Civilians and Human Rights: Strengthen mechanisms to safeguard civilians, especially in volatile conflict zones, by improving operational responsiveness and strengthening partnerships with local communities to enhance trust and security.
• Safety and Security of Peacekeepers: Invest in advanced technology, including surveillance and early-warning systems, and improve training and resources to enhance peacekeepers’ safety in high-risk environments. 
• Performance and Accountability: Establish stringent performance and accountability frameworks to ensure that peacekeeping components meet high standards. 
• Regular assessments and transparent reporting mechanisms should be applied to all peacekeeping missions.
• Effective Partnerships: Foster collaborative efforts with regional organisations, host governments, and other stakeholders. 
• Ethics and Conduct: Enforce strict codes of conduct to maintain the credibility and integrity of peacekeeping missions. 

What is pink cocaine?

 Pink cocaine is a bright-colored drug that is gaining popularity in the recent times.

• The drug, also known as "tusi," is a combination of ketamine, often combined with MDMA, methamphetamine, cocaine, and opioids
• Tusi is a recreational drug.It is typically found as a pink-coloured powder.They are also known as tusi, tusibi, tuci, or tucibi
• Origin :It originated in Latin America in 2018 and gained popularity in the region.This is now used in other areas as a recreational substance
• Composition: Pink cocaine contains a mix  of substances, which includes ketamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, opioids, synthetic drugs, benzodiazepines, hallucinogens, caffeine, or bath salts. However, no standardised proportions exist for the drugs mixed in tusi. This makes each batch highly unpredictable
• Risks : It is highly risky due to the unpredictable mix.It can potentially contain harmful additives such as fentanyl, which is poisonous in some cases
• Effects: Its effects vary widely, depending on the drug combination, alcohol involvement, dose, and individual response. It can lead to extreme side effects such as hallucinations and can impact breathing, heart attacks, high blood pressure, etc.