Government strengthens nutrition and childcare initiatives through Poshan Pakhwada 2025 and Palna schemes

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has launched the 7th edition of Poshan Pakhwada, being observed from April 8 to 22, as part of the government’s intensified efforts to tackle malnutrition. Running in collaboration with multiple ministries and state departments, this year’s campaign underscores four core themes—maternal and infant nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life, promotion of the Poshan Tracker app, community-based management of malnutrition (CMAM), and encouraging a healthy lifestyle to combat childhood obesity, as stated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development on Monday.

Poshan Pakhwada 2025

• Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annpurna Devi, is scheduled to visit Arunachal Pradesh to review ongoing nutrition initiatives, while Minister of State Savitri Thakur will inaugurate the campaign by addressing Anganwadi workers, officials of the State WCD departments, and representatives from 18 partner ministries via webcast. Community-level outreach such as village camps, home visits, and educational drives will form the backbone of this outcome-oriented campaign.
• Since its inception in 2018, Poshan Abhiyaan has emerged as a flagship mission aimed at improving nutritional outcomes for women and children. Central to the 2025 campaign is the emphasis on the first 1,000 days from conception to a child’s second birthday, widely recognized as a critical window for brain and body development.
• This period will be used to educate families about proper breastfeeding, balanced diets, and early childhood stimulation—particularly in tribal and remote areas where local diets play a significant role.
• Technology is also playing a pivotal role. The AI-enabled Poshan Tracker, launched in 2021, has now registered all Anganwadi centres in India and enables real-time tracking of beneficiaries, meal distribution, and health metrics.
• Families can now self-register via the web application to monitor their own nutritional progress. The CMAM protocol, introduced in October 2023, further enables Anganwadi workers to identify and treat acutely malnourished children at the grassroots level.

Palna Scheme under Mission Shakti

• The government is also addressing the increasing need for childcare support through the Palna Scheme, implemented under the Samarthya sub-scheme of Mission Shakti.
•  Palna provides quality crèche services for children aged six months to six years, helping working mothers balance employment and childcare responsibilities in today’s nuclear family settings. The scheme supports daycare, early stimulation, preschool education, nutritional meals, growth monitoring, and immunization.
• Initially known as the National Crèche Scheme, Palna was restructured in 2022 and is now a centrally sponsored program shared between the Centre and States/UTs in a 60:40 ratio (90:10 for special category states). It mandates crèche facilities in establishments with 50 or more employees under the amended Maternity Benefit Act.
• There are two types of crèches under Palna—Standalone Crèches and Anganwadi-cum-Crèches (AWCCs). As of March 2025, 11,395 AWCCs have been approved across 34 States and UTs, and 1,761 are operational, serving 28,783 children. Additionally, 1,284 Standalone Crèches are functioning with 23,368 beneficiaries. The government aims to establish 17,000 new AWCCs in 2024–25.
• Each crèche accommodates up to 25 children and is designed to be located near the child’s home or mother’s workplace to ensure ease of access and continued breastfeeding. Creche Workers and Helpers receive a monthly honorarium, with States having the option to top-up from their own funds.

Astronomers spot two white dwarfs doomed to die in a quadruple detonation

• Astronomers have spotted two hefty white dwarf stars – highly compact stellar embers – orbiting close together that appear destined to die in an extraordinarily violent quadruple detonation.
• The two stars, gravitationally bound to each other in what is called a binary system, are located in our Milky Way galaxy about 160 light-years from Earth – relatively close in cosmic terms. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km).
• White dwarfs are among the most compact celestial objects. Stars with up to eight times the mass of our sun appear destined to end up this way. They eventually burn up all the hydrogen they use as fuel.
• Gravity then causes them to collapse and blow off their outer layers in a “red giant” stage, eventually leaving behind a compact core roughly the diameter of Earth – the white dwarf.
• “White dwarfs are the stellar remnants of the vast majority of stars, and from time to time we find systems where two white dwarfs closely orbit each other,” said James Munday, University of Warwick in England
• The researchers used data from four ground-based telescopes to study this binary system. One of the white dwarfs has a mass about 83% that of our sun and the other about 72%. No other known white dwarf binary has a larger combined masS.
• They are both about as big as the Earth. One has a diameter about 20% larger and the other about 50% larger. That gives you an idea of how dense they are. It’s the sun compressed onto the size of Earth. Their masses when they were regular stars were probably around three to four times the mass of the sun, University of Warwick astrophysicist and study co-author Ingrid Pelisoli.
• A few hundred binary systems composed of two white dwarf stars are known. These two orbit closest to each other of any of them. They are about 25 times closer to each other than our solar system’s innermost planet Mercury is to the sun, completing an orbit every roughly 14 hours.
• With the gap between them very gradually narrowing as the binary system loses energy, the fact that they are so massive and so close ensures their demise over a large timescale.
• When they get closer to each other, the heavier of the two white dwarfs, because of its greater gravitational strength, will begin to draw material from the lighter one’s outer layer and increase in mass past the threshold beyond which a white dwarf experiences a thermonuclear explosion.
• This will set the stage for a complex explosion called a type 1a supernova, in this instance involving a quadruple detonation.
• “White dwarfs are made up of layers, much like an onion. Their inner layer is a core of carbon and oxygen, surrounded by a helium layer and finally by a hydrogen layer,” Pelisoli said.
• “The less-massive star will transfer mass to the massive one when they start interacting. This will lead the helium layer (of the heavier one) to become too massive, triggering an explosion. This then triggers a second explosion in the carbon-oxygen core. The shock wave from these explosions in turn triggers a third explosion in the remaining helium layer of the companion, which triggers a fourth explosion in its carbon-oxygen core,” .
• This quadruple detonation is expected to take about four seconds, start to finish. But it will not come anytime soon.
• The researchers calculate that it will occur approximately 22.6 billion years from now. The universe is about 13.8 billion years old. When the explosion occurs, it would appear from the perspective of Earth about 10 times brighter than the moon in the night sky – if Earth, now about 4.5 billion years old, still exists.
• This is the first time a binary system apparently headed for such a fate has been identified. If the two white dwarfs were far enough apart that the heavier one would not siphon material from the lighter one, they could survive in perpetual peace.
• “In a wider orbit, they could indeed live stably without any catastrophic future, but here we know that the explosion will light up our side of the galaxy,”

WHO highlights maternal and newborn health on World Health Day 2025; India leads regional efforts toward resilient healthcare

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has dedicated this year’s World Health Day to the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” spotlighting the urgent global need to prioritize maternal and newborn health.
• Marking its 77th anniversary on April 7, the UN agency emphasized that the health and well-being of mothers and infants form the foundation of a healthier, more equitable world. WHO South-East Asia Regional Director Saima Wazed underscored that health is a generational legacy—one that begins even before birth and shapes the future of societies.
• The WHO South-East Asia Region has demonstrated global leadership by achieving the fastest reductions in maternal and child mortality. Between 2010 and 2023, the region recorded a 53% reduction in the maternal mortality ratio (MMR), a 44% drop in the neonatal mortality rate (NMR), a 39% decline in the stillbirth rate (SBR), and a 49% reduction in the under-five mortality rate (U5MR).
• Aligned with WHO’s vision, India has made remarkable strides in maternal and child health.  India’s commitment to maternal health is reflected through flagship government programs like Janani Suraksha Yojana, SUMAN, and the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, which have significantly expanded access to free maternity and antenatal care.
•  Institutional deliveries now account for 88.8% of all births. Over 41,000 public health facilities provide maternal services, with more than 1,100 labour rooms and 800 maternity operation theatres certified under the LaQshya quality assurance initiative.
• Over the past three decades, India has made remarkable strides in reducing maternal and child mortality. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India saw a significant decline—from 130 per 1,00,000 live births in 2014–16 to 97 in 2018–20. Between 1990 and 2020, India achieved an impressive 83% reduction in MMR, far outpacing the global decline of 42% during the same period.
• Similar progress is evident in child health indicators. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) dropped from 39 per 1,000 live births in 2014 to 28 in 2020. The Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) fell from 26 to 20 per 1,000 live births, and the Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) decreased from 45 to 32 in the same timeframe.
•  In terms of long-term trends from 1990 to 2020, India recorded a 65% reduction in NMR, 69% in IMR, and 75% in U5MR—again surpassing global reductions of 51%, 55%, and 58% respectively. These outcomes reflect India’s sustained commitment to maternal and child health and its growing leadership in global health progress.

Other Interventions for Maternal Health and Pregnant Women

• India has adopted a comprehensive strategy to enhance maternal health. Initiatives such as Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR) aim to identify and prevent maternal deaths, while educational resources like the Mother and Child Protection (MCP) Card and Safe Motherhood Booklet empower pregnant women with crucial information. The Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Portal ensures timely care through digital tracking.
• The Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) campaign, under POSHAN Abhiyan, addresses anaemia among adolescents and pregnant women. Birth Waiting Homes (BWH) promote institutional deliveries in remote regions, while Village Health, Sanitation & Nutrition Days (VHSND) and outreach camps ensure healthcare access in tribal and hard-to-reach areas.
• As of April 5, over 1.76 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Health & Wellness Centres) are operational across India, delivering comprehensive primary healthcare services. These centres have conducted more than 107 crore hypertension screenings and 94 crore diabetes screenings.
•  Wellness activities such as yoga, cycling, and meditation are regularly held, with 5.06 crore wellness sessions completed by February 28.
• Moreover, as of November 30, 2024, over 17,000 government health facilities have been certified under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS), reinforcing a culture of continuous quality improvement and patient-centric care.
• Digital health initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and eSanjeevani have further transformed healthcare delivery. Over 76 crore digital health accounts have been created, and the telemedicine platform has facilitated 36 crore consultations. The U-WIN immunization portal has tracked more than 29 crore vaccine doses, supporting immunization coverage nationwide.

Ayushman Bharat

• The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is building a unified digital health ecosystem that securely connects patients, healthcare providers, and systems. As of April 5, over 76 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) have been created, along with registrations of more than 5.95 lakh verified healthcare professionals and 3.86 lakh verified health facilities. Over 52 crore health records have been digitally linked.
• The U-WIN platform under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) enables flexible vaccine access and tracks immunizations for pregnant women and children up to 16 years of age. As of December 15, 2024, 7.90 crore beneficiaries had been registered, 1.32 crore vaccination sessions conducted, and 29.22 crore vaccine doses administered.
• eSanjeevani, India’s National Telemedicine Service, has revolutionized remote healthcare access, serving over 36 crore patients as of April 6, 2025. The service currently supports 232,291 healthcare providers, 131,793 spokes, 17,051 hubs, and offers 130 medical specialities.

Disease Elimination and Control

• India has achieved remarkable milestones in disease elimination and control. According to the WHO World Malaria Report 2024, malaria cases declined by 69% and deaths by 68% between 2017 and 2023. India accounted for only 0.8% of global malaria cases in 2023 and exited the WHO’s High Burden to High Impact group in 2024.
• In the same year, Trachoma was officially eliminated as a public health problem. India’s strong Measles-Rubella vaccination drive, supported by surveillance and awareness programs, resulted in zero measles cases in 50 districts and no rubella cases in 226 districts by March 6, 2024.
• Progress in tuberculosis control has also been significant. According to the WHO Global TB Report, TB incidence fell by 17.7%, from 237 to 195 cases per lakh population between 2015 and 2023, while TB-related deaths dropped from 28 to 22 per lakh. The number of missing TB cases declined by 83%, from 15 lakh in 2015 to 2.5 lakh in 2023.
• The Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, launched in 2022, has mobilized over 2.5 lakh Ni-kshay Mitras, supporting 15 lakh TB patients and their families.
• India also achieved Kala-azar elimination by October 2024, with all endemic blocks reporting fewer than one case per 10,000 population by the end of 2023.
• Under the Ayushman Bharat – PM Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), over 55 crore economically vulnerable citizens, representing the bottom 40% of India’s population, are covered with health insurance of Rs. 5 lakh per family. By April 3, 2025, over 40 crore Ayushman Cards had been issued and 8.50 crore authorised hospital admissions completed. The scheme includes 31,846 empanelled hospitals, of which 17,434 are public and 14,412 private.
• ASHA and Anganwadi workers have also been added as beneficiaries. Additionally, over 25 lakh senior citizens have been enrolled under the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card scheme as of December 9, 2024.

Mental Health Services

• The Tele-MANAS (National Tele-Mental Health Programme) currently operates 53 cells across 36 States and Union Territories, offering 24×7 mental health support in 20 languages. As of April 5, it had addressed over 20 lakh calls, backed by an allocation of Rs. 230 crore over the past three years.
• According to the Manoashraya Dashboard, around 440 Rehabilitation Homes and Halfway Homes are functioning across the country, providing structured support to individuals in need of psychosocial care.

One State, One RRB’: Govt notifies amalgamation of 26 regional rural banks

• The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday notified the amalgamation of 26 Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) as part of the fourth phase of RRB consolidation. The move follows the principle of “One State, One RRB” and aims to improve operational efficiency and cost rationalization.
• The decision, based on an official statement issued by the Ministry, comes after the government initiated a stakeholder consultation process in November 2024. The amalgamation covers RRBs operating across 10 states and one union territory.
• According to the Ministry, the consolidation is expected to enhance the scale of operations and optimize resource use, building on the success of previous phases of amalgamation that have improved the performance of RRBs.
• Prior to the latest restructuring, 43 RRBs were operational across 26 states and 2 union territories. Following the merger, the total number of RRBs has been reduced to 28.
• These banks collectively operate more than 22,000 branches, serving around 700 districts nationwide. Approximately 92% of these branches are located in rural and semi-urban areas, reaffirming the banks’ core mandate of rural financial inclusion.
• This marks the fourth round of RRB amalgamations undertaken by the government. In the first phase (FY 2006 to FY 2010), the number of RRBs was reduced from 196 to 82. The second phase (FY 2013 to FY 2015) brought the number down to 56, while the third phase (FY 2019 to FY 2021) further reduced it to 43.

Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)

• RRBs were established under the provisions of an Ordinance passed in 1975 and as per the recommendations of the Narasimham Committee on Rural Credit which further led to the passing of the Regional Rural Banks Act in 1976.
• These are Indian Scheduled Commercial Banks operating at regional level in different states of India.
• The Prathama Grameen Bank was the first bank to be established on 2nd October 1975, and the Syndicate Bank became the first commercial bank to sponsor the Prathama Grameen Bank RRB.
• Collectively, these banks had deposits of 6.6 trillion rupees ($78.46 billion) and advances of 4.7 trillion rupees as of March 31, 2024.

Functions of RRBs

• Providing banking facilities to rural and semi –urban areas.
• Carrying out government operations like disbursement of wages of MGNREGA workers, distribution of pension etc.
• Providing Para-Banking facilities like locker facilities, debit and credit cards, mobile banking, internet banking, UPI etc.

Ownership of RRBs

• The equity of the Regional Rural Banks is held by the stakeholders in a fixed proportion. Regional rural banks are:
• 50% owned by the federal government;
• 35% by sponsor or scheduled banks; and 
• 15% by state governments.

Consolidation of Regional Rural Banks in India

• Historical Context and Rationale: The consolidation of RRBs began in 2004-05, following the recommendations of the Dr. Vyas Committee (2001). The primary objectives of these consolidations have been to minimise overhead expenses, expand the capital base, and improve the technological infrastructure of RRBs.
• Initially, there were 196 RRBs, but through three phases of amalgamation, this number was reduced to 43 by the fiscal year 2020-21.
• Current Consolidation Phase: The consolidation plan, prepared by the Ministry of Finance in consultation with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), aims to achieve the goal of ‘One State-One RRB’.
• It is expected to reduce operational costs, enhance capital adequacy, and improve the overall efficiency of these banks.
• The consolidation will involve merging RRBs across 12 states into unified entities, with states like Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal each seeing multiple banks combined under one institution.

Benefits of Consolidation

• Operational Efficiency: By reducing the number of RRBs, the government aims to lower administrative costs and improve the efficiency of banking operations, making the banks more financially sustainable.
• Enhanced Capital Base: Larger, consolidated RRBs will have a stronger capital base, enabling them to better serve the financial needs of rural communities.
• Technological Advancements: Consolidation will facilitate the adoption of modern banking technologies, which are essential for competing with private sector banks and small finance banks (SFBs).
• Reduced Dependence on Government Infusions: With improved financial stability, RRBs will be less reliant on government capital infusions, which have been substantial in recent years.
• Broader Reach: The consolidation will allow RRBs to expand their reach and impact, providing better financial services to rural populations.
• It is expected to enhance the ability of RRBs to support small-scale farmers, agricultural labourers, and rural businesses, thereby contributing to the overall development of the rural economy.

Challenges in Consolidation:

• Integration Issues: Merging multiple banks involves complex integration processes, including aligning different technological systems and harmonising operational procedures.
• Regional Disparities: Ensuring that the needs of diverse rural regions are met by a single, consolidated entity can be challenging.
• Employee Adjustments: The consolidation process may lead to workforce restructuring, which can be a sensitive issue.

From GATT to WTO: How Trump''s tariffs are pushing global trade rules

• US President Donald Trump on Wednesday introduced a series of “reciprocal tariffs”, set to take effect in early April, impacting nearly all trading partners, including India.
•  Describing the move as a “historic milestone”, Trump positioned the tariffs as a measure to reinforce US economic sovereignty. However, economists warn the move could drive up prices for everyday goods such as coffee and chocolate, placing a greater financial strain on consumers.
• The new tariffs have also raised concerns about their compliance with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules. To understand the implications, it is worth examining the history of global trade agreements, particularly the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which laid the foundation for today’s system.

 How have US tariffs evolved over time?

•  Before the 1930s, tariffs were a primary revenue source for the US government. However, the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 sharply increased tariff rates, reducing global trade and deepening the Great Depression
• In response, the Reciprocal Tariff Act of 1934 empowered the executive branch to negotiate bilateral tariff reductions, marking a shift towards trade liberalisation.

How did GATT shape global trade rules?

•  Following World War II, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was established in 1947 to lower tariffs and facilitate global economic recovery. Created by 23 countries, one of its core principles was the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) rule, ensuring that any tariff reduction granted to one member had to be extended to all.
• GATT oversaw several rounds of multilateral negotiations, such as the Kennedy and Tokyo Rounds, which helped significantly reduce global tariffs. The Uruguay Round, concluded in 1994, achieved an average global tariff reduction of 39 per cent.
• However, GATT lacked strong enforcement mechanisms and did not adequately address non-tariff barriers or trade in services. To strengthen trade governance, the WTO replaced GATT in 1995, introducing binding rules and a formal dispute settlement system.

What are the WTO tariff commitments?

•  Under WTO guidelines, member nations commit to “tariff bindings”, which set maximum tariff levels that cannot be exceeded unless renegotiated. For the US, the average bound tariff for all goods is 3.4 per cent. These commitments, outlined in each country’s Schedule of Concessions, ensure stability and predictability in trade.
• While countries may impose lower “applied tariffs”, they cannot raise them above the bound levels without violating WTO rules.

What are the consequences of exceeding WTO tariff limits?

•  If a country imposes tariffs beyond its agreed limit, it breaches Article II of GATT 1994. Affected members can file complaints through the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body (DSB).
• The process begins with bilateral consultations. If unresolved, the complainant can request WTO authorisation to impose countermeasures, including retaliatory tariffs.

What exemptions apply under WTO rules?

•  The WTO grants developing countries Special and Differential Treatment (SDT), allowing them longer transition periods for implementing trade commitments. This gives them flexibility to gradually reduce tariffs and reform subsidies.
• A India benefits from SDT provisions, enabling it to protect key domestic sectors while progressively opening its markets to global competition.

Can countries increase tariff rates at will?

•  According to WTO rules, countries can raise bound tariffs only if they negotiate compensation with affected partners. Alternatively, they may invoke emergency provisions—such as safeguard measures or national security exceptions.
• In the past, the Trump administration cited national security under Section 232 of the US Trade Act to impose additional tariffs—25 per cent on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium. The WTO later ruled these measures violated trade rules, stating that national security clauses must not be applied arbitrarily.
• Despite the ruling, the US refused to reverse the tariffs, asserting national security as a sovereign matter. Washington has also blocked appointments to the WTO’s Appellate Body, effectively paralysing the appeals process
• In response, India and several other countries imposed retaliatory tariffs on 28 US products.

Why do countries like India have higher tariffs than the US?

•  Developing countries, including India, maintain higher tariffs to support domestic industries, generate revenue, and manage trade imbalances. Protective tariffs help shield nascent sectors from foreign competition and promote economic development.
• Advanced economies like the US typically apply lower tariffs, as their industries are globally competitive. Open trade policies offer these nations broader market access with minimal restrictions.

What next for Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs?

•  As Trump’s reciprocal tariffs come into effect, they are likely to invite WTO challenges from affected trading partners. Whether or not countries pursue formal action, the move is expected to intensify ongoing tensions over WTO reform and the US position on global trade governance.

Which countries are quitting a key landmine treaty and why?

• NATO members Poland, Finland and all three Baltic states have queued up over the past few weeks to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines, in the face of what they say are growing military threats from Russia.
• The moves threaten to reverse decades of campaigning by activists who say there should be a global ban on a weapon that blights huge swathes of territory and maims and kills civilians long after conflicts have abated.
• Countries that quit the 1997 treaty — one of a series of international agreements concluded after the end of the Cold War to encourage global disarmament — will be able to start producing, using, stockpiling, and transferring landmines once again.

Exiting countries

• All European countries bordering Russia have announced plans to quit the global treaty. Norway, which said this week that for all the increased threats it was important to maintain the stigma around the weapons, is the sole exception.
• Many have said they fear that, as United States President Donald Trump steps up pressure to end the war in Ukraine, Russia could use any pause to re-arm and target them instead.
• Officials have suggested a withdrawal could also put them on more of an equal footing with Russia which — along with the likes of the US, China, India and Israel — has not signed or ratified the treaty.

Funding cuts

• As countries quit the convention, global demining efforts are also backsliding amid “crippling” US funding cuts, according to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. The US government, which has halted some of its programmes under Trump’s foreign aid review, had been the single largest funder of mine action, providing more than $300 million a year or 40% of the total international support, according to the Landmine Monitor report in 2024.

Civilian victims

• Anti-personnel landmines are generally hidden in the ground and designed to detonate automatically when someone steps on them or passes nearby.
• More than 80% of mine victims are civilians, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
• The convention includes provisions to assist victims, many of whom have lost limbs and suffer from other permanent disabilities. In October 2024, the United Nations reported that Ukraine had become the most mined country in the world. As of August 2024, it said there had been around 1,286 civilian victims of mines and explosive remnants.

Stockpiles

• Under the terms of the 1997 convention, countries were supposed to destroy all landmine stockpiles within four years, although not all have complied, according to the ICRC.
• Poland now says it is seeking to resume production.
• Some of the countries pulling out of the landmines treaty, including Lithuania, are also considering leaving the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions. These are explosive weapons that release smaller submunitions over a vast area.
• The US, which had also not signed that convention, in 2023 transferred cluster munitions to Ukraine to help it defend itself against Russia

ESA’s satellite to monitor forests: Everything you need to know about the upcoming Biomass mission

• The European Space Agency’s (ESA’s) new mission, which will map the world’s forests, will launch later this month. Known as the Biomass mission, it will provide information about the state of the planet’s forests and how they are changing, which will help expand the knowledge about the role forests play in the carbon cycle.
• The mission will lift off on April 29 aboard the Vega C rocket from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana. It will be placed in a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) — a type of orbit in which satellites are in sync with the Sun — at an altitude of around 666 km.
• The Biomass is ESA’s seventh Earth Explorer mission. Under the Earth Explorer programme, the space agency has launched satellites to observe different aspects of the planet’s system.

What will the Biomass mission do?

• Forests are an essential part of the world’s carbon cycle as they store huge amounts of carbon. Scientists estimate that forests absorb around 16 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, and currently hold 861 gigatonnes of carbon in their branches, leaves, roots, and soils.
• However, there is a lack of forest above-ground biomass — the total mass of living organisms located above the forest vegetation — and forest height data on a wide geographical scale.
•  As a result, there is a limited understanding of the state of the forests, their contribution and impact on the carbon cycle and climate. The primary aim of the Biomass mission will be to tackle this knowledge gap.
• Importantly, the mission will also allow scientists to more accurately measure how carbon levels are changing as humans continue to cut down trees and increase CO2 levels in the atmosphere.
• In 2023, there was a loss of 3.7 million hectares of tropical forests, equivalent to around ten soccer fields of forest lost every minute, according to a report by the World Resources Institute. “This forest loss produced roughly six percent of estimated global carbon dioxide emissions in 2023,” the report said.
• Beyond forest monitoring, the Biomass mission will observe the movement of ice sheets in Antarctica, and generate digital models of terrains covered by dense vegetation.

How will the Biomass mission monitor forests?

• To fulfil its objectives, the mission will use a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) — a satellite imaging technique which uses radar waves to map the Earth’s surface.
• This SAR sensor will operate in the long-wave P-band frequency range, with a wavelength of 70 cm.
•  Therefore, unlike other shorter-wave SAR sensors, the P-band SAR will be able to peer down through forest canopies to assess how much carbon is stored on the floor and branches of the trees in the world’s forests and to assess how levels are changing. The sensor will also estimate the amount of forest biomass.
• Notably, Biomass is the first satellite in the world to host a P-band SAR. The satellite is fitted with a huge 12 m antenna which will be deployed as it begins its sweep over the Earth.

What is the Earth Explore programme?

• The satellites launched under this programme are meant to provide essential information about Earth’s interior, cryosphere (frozen parts), hydrosphere, atmosphere, ionosphere (home to all the charged particles in the atmosphere) and land surface.
• The first spacecraft — the gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) mission — took off in 2009 and worked till 2013. The mission helped further research in areas of ocean circulation, physics of Earth’s interior, etc.
• The most recent one was the Earth Cloud Aerosol and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE) mission, which was launched in May 2024. It contributes to a better understanding of Earth’s radiative balance in climate, among other things

 What are the must know sites associated with the life of Buddha. Why in the news?

• In the past two months, large-scale demonstrations have erupted across India, demanding that the control over the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, be handed over to Buddhists.
• These protests are the latest chapter in a decades-old dispute over who controls one of the holiest sites in Buddhism. Buddhists want the repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949 (BGTA), under which the temple is currently governed.
• At the same time, as part of his trip to Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (April 6) visited the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple at the historic city of Anuradhapura. In this context, it is important to learn more about the Mahabodhi Temple and other significant Buddhist sites related to the life of lord Buddha.

 Key Facts :

• 1. Buddhism emerged in India around the fifth-sixth centuries BC during a period that scholars call “the second urbanisation of India”, a time of great socio-cultural change in the Gangetic plains. It emerged, along with other heterodox traditions such as Jainism, as a response to Vedic Hinduism’s highly rigid and ritualistic ways.
• 2. India is home to numerous Buddhist sites that attract devotees and tourists from around the world. These sacred sites not only offer a glimpse into the ancient traditions and teachings of Buddhism but also provide serene environments for meditation and reflection. Here are the some of the Buddhist sites related to the life of lord Buddha, each with its unique history and significance:

 Lumbini (Nepal)

• 1. Lumbini is located across the border from Gorakhpur in the Rupandehi district of Nepal’s Lumbini province. The Lord Buddha was said to be born in 623 BC in Lumbini located in the Terai plains of southern Nepal.
• 2. Ashoka, the king of ancient India, had erected one of his commemorative pillars there. The site is now being developed as a Buddhist pilgrimage center. Here, the archaeological remains associated with the birth of the Lord Buddha form a central feature.
• 3. Lumbini was forgotten for many centuries. It was rediscovered in 1896, and excavations were conducted at the site. It was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.

Mahabodhi Temple (Bodh Gaya, Bihar)

• 1. The Mahabodhi Temple, located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, is one of the most sacred sites in Buddhism. It marks the location where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment (Nirvana) to become the Buddha (literally, “the Enlightened One”) in 589 BCE.
• 2. A simple shrine was constructed to mark the site by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, of which only the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), a stone slab under the Bodhi tree next to the temple, remains. Additional structures were built during the Shunga period (2nd to 1st century BCE).
• 3. Fifth-century Chinese traveller Faxian (also known as Fa Hien) wrote that there were three Buddhist monasteries around the temple in Gaya. But the current pyramidal structure can be dated to the reign of the Guptas in the 6th century CE.
• 4. The temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features a large, intricately carved tower and a descendant of the original Bodhi tree. Pilgrims from around the world visit this revered site to meditate and pay homage to Buddha.

Sarnath (near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)

• 1. Sarnath is where Buddha delivered his first sermon (Dhammachakra Pravartan) after attaining enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa, built by Emperor Ashoka, stands as a prominent structure on this historical site.
• 2. Sarnath is also home to several monasteries, temples, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, which houses important relics and artefacts from the Buddhist era.

Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh)

• Kushinagar is the place where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (ultimate salvation) in c. 483 BC. The Mahaparinirvana Temple, which houses a reclining statue of Buddha, and the Ramabhar Stupa, believed to be the cremation site of Buddha, are key attractions here.
• Today’s Kushinagar is identified with Kushinara, capital of the ancient Malla republic, which was one of the 16 mahajanapadas of the 6th-4th centuries BC.
•  The area went on to be part of the kingdoms of the Mauryas, Shungas, Kushanas, Guptas, Harshavardhana, and the Palas. Kushinara is believed to have been inhabited until at least the 12th century.
• The first excavations in Kushinagar were carried out by Alexander Cunningham and ACL Carlleyle, who unearthed the main stupa and the 6-metre-long statue of the Reclining Buddha in 1876. Kushinagar is among the very few places in India where The Buddha is depicted in reclining form.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree & Buddhist Circuit 

• The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree is considered the oldest living cultivated plant in the world, and is believed to have grown from a branch that an Indian princess carried to Sri Lanka.
• Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree is believed to have grown from a branch of the tree in Bodhgaya (in present-day Bihar) under which Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. The branch was carried to Sri Lanka by Sanghamitta (or Sanghamitra), the Mauryan king Ashoka’s daughter and Buddhist nun. Her arrival in Sri Lanka with the tree is still celebrated as Uduvapa Poya, an annual festival observed on a full moon night in December.
• The tree, along with the other Buddhist shrines in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, is a major pilgrimage centre for Buddhists. Anuradhapura is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Buddhist Circuit 

• In 2016, the Ministry of Tourism announced the Buddhist Circuit as the country’s first transnational tourism circuit, covering sites in Nepal and Sri Lanka alongside those in India. The Buddhist Circuit seeks to help tourists and pilgrims experience first-hand the teachings of Lord Buddha and trace the footsteps of Buddha.
• The main sites covered under the circuit span the life of Buddha from his birth to his Parinirvana, and comprise Bodh Gaya, Vaishali, Rajgir and Kushinagar in Bihar, Sarnath and Shravasti in UP, along with Kapilavastu and Lumbini in Nepal.
• The Buddha was born as the prince Siddhartha Gautama in c. 563 BC in Lumbini, and he lived until the age of 29 with his parents in the Shakya capital of Kapilavastu.
• He attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, and gave his first sermon at Sarnath near Varanasi. He taught in the area around Rajgir, where he was built a forest monastery by king Bimbisara of Magadha, and he lived the largest part of his life as The Buddha in Shravasti. He delivered his last sermon in Vaishali.

Why India is getting more remittances from Advanced Economies than the Gulf

• Findings of the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) latest Remittances Survey released last month show a significant shift in India’s remittance sources.
• The Advanced Economies (AEs) — particularly the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Canada, and Australia — together accounted for more than half the total remittances in 2023-24, overtaking the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which have traditionally contributed the largest share of remittances to India.
• This shift allows India to further leverage remittances from Indians working abroad for development in the country. But it also raises important questions about the changing patterns of migration overseas, India’s economic policies, and the evolving nature of challenges faced by Indian workers abroad.

Remittances from the Gulf

• Historically, the six GCC nations — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait — have been the biggest contributors of remittances to India because of the large numbers of Indian workers employed in those countries.
• However, multiple factors have led to a decline in remittances from the Gulf.
• The economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in widespread job losses and salary cuts, reducing the disposable income available for remittances.
• Additionally, “nationalisation” policies —  such as the Saudi Nationalisation Scheme or Nitaqat, also known as “Saudisation” — which prioritise local employment over foreign workers, have significantly decreased opportunities for Indian migrants.
• The share of the UAE in total remittances fell from 26.9% in 2016-17 to 19.2% in 2023-24, and that of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait fell from 11.6% to 6.7% and 6.5% to 3.9% respectively during this same period. (‘Changing Dynamics of India’s Remittances – Insights from the Sixth Round of India’s Remittances Survey’, Gajbhiye et al., RBI Bulletin, March 2025)
• The situation remains fluid, and a normalisation of economic affairs in the GCC countries could yet propel remittances inflows from the region.

From the Advanced Economies

• Remittances from the AEs have risen steadily in recent years.
• The US remains the largest contributor, accounting for 27.7% of total remittances in 2023-24. US remittances made up 22.9% of the total in 2016-17, and 23.4% in 2020-21.
• Between 2016-17 and 2023-24, the share of remittances from the UK, Canada, and Singapore rose from 3% to 10.8%, 3% to 3.8%, and 5.5% to 6.6% respectively.
• Although the number of Indian migrants in the US is smaller than in the GCC, they send higher per capita remittances due to higher wages (including a higher minimum wage) and the greater purchasing power of the US dollar.
• This pattern is also seen in other advanced economies such as Canada, the UK, Germany, and Australia, where Indian professionals earn significantly more than their counterparts in the Gulf.
• The increasing number of highly skilled Indian professionals in advanced economies, particularly in the STEM fields, finance, and healthcare, has contributed to higher remittance inflows.  Our recent research on the India-Germany, India-Austria, and the India-Netherlands corridors supports this trend. We need more research on this.

Likely trend going forward

• Remittances from AEs, especially the US, given the policies of the current administration, could increase even further.
• The harsh immigration policies of the Trump administration may make it harder to obtain green cards. A significant number of families are at risk of breaking apart due to children ageing out of dependent-visa status. The administration has taken the challenge to the President’s executive order ending birthright citizenship to the US Supreme Court.
• These policies could compel many to consider moving back to India, where they would be eligible for citizenship, if they are not already Indian citizens. In remittances terms, moving abroad involves draining resources from the source to the new host country.
• Returning to India would mean that considerable resources would find their way back to India in the form of remittances and other fixed assets.
• Even if many Indian migrants do not actually return, they may, faced with an unpredictable future, choose to send higher remittances to India rather than investing in the US. This would then reflect the behaviour of Indian workers in the Gulf, who have traditionally viewed themselves as temporary residents and prioritised sending money home over local investments.
• Globally, the rise of rightwing politics is leading to increasingly restrictive immigration policies in several AEs.
•  This could make it more difficult for Indian migrants to secure permanent residency, and nudge them to spread out their financial risk by remitting larger sums home rather than committing to investments in their host countries.

Role of Indian students

• A significant factor in the rise of remittances from the AEs is the increasing number of Indian students pursuing higher education abroad.
• While studying, they contribute to remittance inflows through loan repayments. After graduating and obtaining jobs, they might send remittances back home to their families.
• However, an increasing number of Indian students have been encountering what may be described as wilful deskilling, in which highly educated graduates are compelled to accept low-skill jobs in retail, delivery services, or hospitality to qualify for permanent residency.
• Our research on Indian students in Canada and the UK, in addition to the results of the Kerala Migration Surveys, indicates this.
• This situation diminishes their long-term career prospects and restricts their capacity to send higher remittances. These students and young professionals are also especially vulnerable to abrupt changes in immigration policies, which could affect their earnings and remittance contributions further.

Way forward on remittances

• To maximise remittance inflows and improve the welfare of migrant workers, India must focus on skill harmonisation at the sending-country level.
• Keeping in mind individual liberties and choices, highly skilled workers must be supported for placement in roles that match their qualifications, while low-skilled workers should have access to appropriate opportunities without the risk of exploitation or forced deskilling.
• Addressing this issue will ensure that Indian migrants are able to fully utilise their skills and earn at their potential.
• Bilateral and multilateral mobility agreements can play an important role in regulating migration and protecting workers from underemployment. By proactively engaging with destination countries to establish such agreements, India can secure better opportunities for its workforce, while also ensuring a steady flow of remittances.