SVAMITVA Yojana is a gamechanger for India’s villages

• India’s villages, in the last ten years, have witnessed an overall comprehensive development, encompassing the socio-economic welfare of its inhabitants.
• From toilets to tap water connections, the villages are no longer devoid of the most basic infrastructure they languished without for over six decades after independence.
• From the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, that eliminated the curse of open-defecation, to the Jal Jeevan Mission that took tap water connection to every household, to the Ujjwala Yojana that ushered healthier kitchens for the households, to MUDRA programme, ensuring collateral-free loans for aspiring entrepreneurs, the last decade has been all about unshackling the economic potential of India’s villages.
• Alongside, the SVAMITVA Yojana, or Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas, was launched in the early weeks of the pandemic, on April 2020.
•  The objective of this programme is quite straightforward-to provide an integrated property validation solution for the rural villages of the country. Put simply, the idea was to digitise the land records in India’s villages.
• By digitising these land records, the government, aided by several state-level departments and institutions, wants to ensure that the rural households have their respective rights to property, the disputes pertaining to property are either minimised or addressed altogether.
• Further, the Gram Panchayats will also be empowered to collect the rightful property tax from these households.
• Thus, the Gram Panchayats will have more monetary resources to allocate to local development work. The self-reliance of the Gram Panchayats will also improve once they are in a position to increase their tax base.
•  The ownership clarity for both, the rural households and the Gram Panchayat, will usher an unprecedented economic shift in the financial planning.
• The SVAMITVA programme has several second order effects as well. The SVAMITVA scheme’s drone requirements have significantly stimulated the drone manufacturing industry in India. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have responded by developing Survey Grade Drones, leading to supply orders being directed towards companies under the “Make in India” initiative.
• The Survey of India (SoI), as the technological partner for the scheme’s implementation, has been diligently working to meet the scheme’s objectives. Put simply, the SVAMITVA programme has accelerated the manufacturing of drones in India, along with creating a demand for skilled manpower.
• Finally, an unintended consequence of the SVAMITVA programme is going to be the ability of willing households to use these lands to avail formal financing options.
• For instance, a household can mortgage a part of their land for their financing needs, or can now invest, from a long-term perspective in their tract of land. They can choose to build a warehouse, or explore options in vertical farming, for instance.
• The SVAMITVA programme, in the long run, will enable households to invest in unconventional business options as well. Some could build a homestay, assuming they are in a region which hosts a lot many travellers. Some may choose to lease out their land for organic farming to urban dwellers. In the larger scheme of things, the programme opens up more economic options for the households when it comes to land utility.
• The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, as outlined in Article 244, includes special administrative provisions for designated tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. The SVAMITVA programme proves to be a gamechanger here as well.
• The inability to transfer land holding rights makes land unsuitable as collateral, which has long been identified as a barrier to providing institutional credit in the hilly regions’ economies.
• In these states, SVAMITVA can give the local governments more clarity on the tracts of land that are not currently held by any community, are registered against a household, are transferable, are under any dispute, and will also enable the state governments to further customise their local laws to ensure better utility of land.
• In the Northeast, SVAMITVA will unlock the potential of landholdings, even in the remotest corners, in the long run.
• India’s capital expenditure and long-term asset creation have gone from Rs 2.5 Lakh Crore, annually, to more than Rs. 11.11 Lakh Crore this year. However, this has more to do with urban areas or greenfield projects across the country. In villages, beyond the infrastructural development, a programme like SVAMITVA was essential to further unlock the potential of landholdings amongst rural households.
• Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed over 65 Lakh SVAMITVA property cards at an event, mapped across twelve states and union territories, and stated how economic value worth over Rs. 100 Lakh Crore would be unlocked in the long run. The process that began in April 2020, eventually, will prove to be a gamechanger for India’s economy in the ongoing decade.

Charting a Green Course: Hydrogen-Fuelled Trains in India

• India’s pursuit of green hydrogen-powered trains will become a defining landmark in sustainable transport. The government’s emphasis on renewable energy solutions, combined with the proactive efforts of the Indian Railways, is preparing the nation for a transformative shift in its rail network. This shift reflects India’s indigenous technology to excel, from the powerful home-grown hydrogen engine, infrastructure requirements, and green hydrogen production and refuelling – the decisive steps towards a cleaner and more self-reliant future.

India’s Hydrogen Engine: World’s Most Powerful

• India’s hydrogen-powered engine, developed with indigenous technology, can deliver an impressive 1200 horsepower, surpassing other hydrogen engines across the world that generally operate at around 500 to 600 horsepower. This locomotive, designed by the Research, Design, and Standard Organisation (RDSO) in Lucknow, underscores India’s innovative approach to addressing the complexities of rail travel across varied terrains. RDSO, a principal research arm of the Indian Railways, ensures that the engine’s enhanced power translates into reliable performance and paves the way for further advancements in green rail technologies.

The Pilot Project and “Hydrogen for Heritage”

• The Ministry of Railways, Government of India, announced the “Hydrogen for Heritage” project in 2023. In the 2023–24 Union Budget, around ₹2,800 crore has been earmarked for developing 35 hydrogen fuel cell trains, with an additional ₹600 crore for related hydrogen energy infrastructure to be run on various heritage and hill routes.
• The estimated cost of each hydrogen-powered train is Rs 80 crore, while the cost to develop ground infrastructure per route is expected to be Rs 60 crore. A pilot project is being implemented for the first trial run in the initial phase.
• As part of this venture, existing Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rakes will be retrofitted with green hydrogen fuel cells. A sum of ₹111.83 crore has been sanctioned to create the ground infrastructure necessary for this modification.
• The first such DEMU-turned-hydrogen train is anticipated to commence its trial run in March 2025 along the Jind–Sonipat section of the Northern Railway in Haryana, as confirmed by U Subba Rao, General Manager, Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF). The ICF is currently manufacturing coaches for the pilot train.
• Firms contracted to develop ground-level infrastructure are putting in the support system for the successful pilot run after system integration, revealed by an explanatory release by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy and Ernst & Young Consulting. Jhajjar district of Haryana has an electrolyser plant to produce green hydrogen. With a 1 MW electrolyser operating round the clock, the plant can produce around 420 kilograms of hydrogen per day. A dedicated refuelling system, capable of storing up to 3000 kilograms of hydrogen, will support daily train operations.

financial Dimensions and the Promise of Long-Term Savings

• Although the initial investment for hydrogen-powered trains may appear high, chiefly due to the costs of green hydrogen production, advanced technology, and new infrastructure, experts anticipate these expenditures will drop once large-scale operations become a reality.
• In the long run, hydrogen as a fuel stands out for its environmental benefits and potential cost savings. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimising the carbon footprint, the Indian Railways will ultimately see higher returns and greater efficiency. Furthermore, hydrogen trains do not depend on electrified routes, making them a particularly appealing choice for non-electrified sections where installing overhead cables would otherwise involve substantial expense and time.

A Key Milestone in India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission

• India’s focus on hydrogen-powered trains resonates with the country’s broader strategy to achieve energy independence by 2047 and net-zero goals by 2070. On 4 January 2023, the government approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission, aimed at reducing import dependence on crude oil, natural gas, and coal.
• The mission is expected to play a significant role for the country with its economy based on clean energy.
• This mission comes with an initial outlay of ₹19,744 crore, covering areas such as the increased domestic production of green hydrogen, related pilot projects, research and development, and related components.
• A large amount of money under it, Rs 17,490 crore has been earmarked for the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme. Under the programme, there are two financial incentive mechanisms to promote domestic manufacturing of electrolysers to push green hydrogen production in India.
• India’s green hydrogen mission aims to produce five million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, supported by the development of green hydrogen hubs and an expanded renewable energy ecosystem. Such strategic efforts align seamlessly with India’s pressing need to address climate change and set more ambitious targets for emissions reduction.

International Developments on Hydrogen Trains

• Germany’s Alstom Coradia iLint green hydrogen-powered train is already in commercial service, with 14 hydrogen trains operating in Lower Saxony and 27 for the Frankfurt Metropolitan Area. Its trial run in Germany began in 2018. Coradia iLint green hydrogen-powered train sets have operational range of 1,000 Kms with a top speed of 140 Kmph.
• Successful trial runs of Alstom’s hydrogen trains have taken place in other countries like Canada, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and France, indicating a shift towards cleaner rail transport. Alstom currently has orders for 41 hydrogen train sets from the European countries.
• In addition, Siemens Mobility’s Mireo Plus H green hydrogen trains, with an extended range of up to 1200 kilometres and a top speed of 160 km/h, are put into operation in Berlin–Brandenburg and Bavaria. Spain, too, has concluded its initial trials of hydrogen-powered trains.

A New, Clean Path for India

• India’s green hydrogen-powered train programme signals a major step forward in transport innovation and sustainability. As the Indian Railways integrate hydrogen technology in its operations, the nation moves closer to its twin ambitions of energy independence and net-zero emissions.
• The success of the trial runs on the Jind–Sonipat route, and eventually other rail routes in India, is expected to create a model for implementing this forward-looking strategy on a wider scale. With continued investment in tech research, infrastructure, and local manufacturing capabilities, India’s experiment with green hydrogen-powered rail travel could establish new global benchmarks in eco-friendly transportation, ensuring that future generations benefit from a cleaner, more efficient rail system powered by renewable energy.

ISRO’s NVS-02 Navigation Satellite Encountering Technical Glitch

•  ISRO''s NVS-02 navigation satellite suffered a technical glitch after it was successfully injected into the intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
• The NVS-02 navigation satellite took off on January 29 aboard GSLV rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. It was the 100th launch from Sriharikota; and the 17th launch of GSLV.
• The launch was successful with the satellite injected into the intended orbit.
• All the launch vehicle stages performed flawlessly and the orbit was achieved with a high degree of precision," ISRO said, noting that solar panels on board the satellite were deployed and power generation started. Communication with the ground station was also established.
• The technical glitch occurred during orbit raising operations, ISRO said in the latest update.
• The orbit raising operations towards positioning the satellite to the designated orbital slot could not be carried out as the valves for admitting the oxidizer to fire the thrusters for orbit raising did not open," the national space agency said.
• The agency, however noted that the "satellite systems are healthy," and "is currently in elliptical orbit.".
• ISRO said that the agency is developing an "alternate mission strategies for utilizing the satellite for navigation in an elliptical orbit".
• Radha Krishna Kavuluru, a former scientist at ISRO explained that satellites are first launched into a GTO, where they perform a series of engine burns (using onboard thrusters) to reach Geostationary orbit (GEO) -- a circular orbit 36,000 km above Earth''s equator.
• Even as ISRO is exploring alternative solutions NVS-02''s may suffer if it cannot reach GEO.
• "The satellite''s utility may be compromised if it cannot reach GEO. By the way at a perigee of 200 km, NVS-02 stands on time for orbital decay due to orbital perturbations and space atmosphere drag," Kavuluru said in a post on social media platform X.
• The NVS-02 is one of the second-generation satellites for the Navigation with Indian Constellation system -- India''s indigenous navigation system.
• The NavIC system provides an accurate Position, Velocity, and Timing service to users in India and to regions extending about 1500 km beyond Indian land mass.

Highlights of Union Budget 2025-26

• Presenting the Union Budget 2025-26 in the Parliament, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed an across-the-board change in tax slabs and rates to benefit all tax-payers.
• The changes offer significant relief to the middle class, particularly those earning up to Rs 12 lakh annually.

Key Changes:

• Tax Slabs Revised:
• The new tax regime introduces fresh tax slabs with the aim to reduce the tax burden for middle-class earners.
• • No tax on incomes up to Rs 4 lakh.
• • 5 per cent tax for income between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 8 lakh.
• • 10 per cent tax for income between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 12 lakh.
• • For higher incomes, the tax rate increases progressively from 15 per cent (Rs 12-16 lakh) to 30 per cent (above Rs 24 lakh).
• Tax Rebate under Section 87A:
• A significant increase in the tax rebate means that individuals with a net taxable income up to Rs 12 lakh (after exemptions like standard deductions) will not pay any income tax.
• For someone earning exactly Rs 12 lakh, while taxes apply based on the slabs, the rebate will reduce the final tax liability.

Standard Deduction:

• The exemption limit is effectively increased to Rs 12.75 lakh for salaried individuals, accounting for the standard deduction. These further benefit  those with regular income.

Old vs New Regime:

• Old Regime: The basic exemption limit was Rs 2.5 lakh, with various deductions available (e.g., Section 80C, housing loan interest, etc.). Tax rates were as follows:
• 5 per cent for income between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 5 lakh.
• 20 per cent for income between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh.
• 30 per cent for income above Rs 10 lakh.
• However, this regime offered the option of various deductions, which could lower the taxable income.

New Regime

• In contrast, the new regime simplifies the tax structure but does not allow for the same deductions. The focus here is on providing tax relief, especially for those earning up to Rs 12 lakh.

         Tax Savings:

• Income of Rs 12 lakh: A saving of Rs 80,000 under the new tax regime compared to the previous system.
• Income of Rs 18 lakh: A saving of Rs 70,000.
• Income of Rs 25 lakh: A saving of Rs 1,10,000.
• Important Considerations:
• Capital Gains Tax: Income from capital gains is still taxed separately under different rules and is not eligible for the rebate.
• Effectivity: The new tax regime will be applicable starting from the financial year 2025-26, which begins on April 1, 2025, subject to Parliament’s approval.
• This new tax regime appears to favour individuals with incomes below Rs 12 lakh, simplifying the process and reducing their tax liabilities. However, those who previously benefited from various deductions under the old regime might find the new system less advantageous.

Other Important Announcements in Budget

• Focus on Key Sectors for Growth:

1) Agriculture:

• • Launch of Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana covering 100 districts to improve agricultural productivity.
• • A ‘Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’ to focus on pulses like Tur, Urad, and Masoor.
• • Increased Kisan Credit Card loan limits from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.

PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana for farmers

• The Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana for the developing agri-districts was announced in the Budget.
• The programme is motivated by the Aspirational Districts Programme which was launched in 2018 to “to quickly and effectively transform 112 most under-developed districts across the country”. The Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana will converge existing schemes and will be undertaken in partnership with States. It will cover 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average parameters.

2) MSMEs:

• • Enhanced credit availability and support for women, SC, and ST entrepreneurs.
•  National Manufacturing Mission to strengthen ‘Make in India’ initiatives.

3) Investment:

• Investment in people and infrastructure, including 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs and improved broadband connectivity for rural areas.
• • Government’s commitment to a Rs 1.5 lakh crore infrastructure fund and initiatives for MSME export promotion.

4) Exports:

•  Government support for developing domestic manufacturing capacities for global supply chains.
• Initiatives to help MSMEs tap into export markets with digital platforms and improved infrastructure for logistics.

5) Infrastructure and Innovation:

• A Rs 20,000 crore initiative for private sector-driven R&D and innovation.
• New plans to promote regional connectivity, including an enhanced UDAN scheme for regional flights.
• National Geospatial Mission to improve urban planning with better data collection.

6) Fiscal and Regulatory Reforms:

• The fiscal deficit for FY-25 is expected to be 4.8 per cent, with a target of reducing it to 4.4 per cent in FY-26.

 Major decriminalisation of certain tax offences, like delays in TCS payments, and the introduction of the Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 for decriminalising over 100 provisions in various laws.

7) Customs Duty and Domestic Manufacturing:

• Customs duties on essential items like lifesaving drugs have been reduced or exempted to promote public health.
• Exemptions for key materials to support the domestic manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries and shipbuilding.

8) Social Welfare Initiatives:

• Provisions for gig workers’ identity cards, healthcare access under PM Jan Arogya Yojana, and a Rs 1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund for city development.
• Overall, the Union Budget for 2025-26 emphasizes comprehensive reforms to support the middle class, improve the agricultural sector, boost MSMEs, and invest in infrastructure and innovation to drive India’s growth. The aim is to increase savings, consumption, and investment while ensuring long-term economic development and inclusivity.

Increased allocation for Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme

• An increase has been announced in the money allocated to Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme, in the Budget presentation. The Budget mentioned that “the cost norms for the nutritional support will be enhanced appropriately”.
• The Revised Estimate (RE) 2024-25 for Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 scheme stands at ₹20,070.90 crore, while the Budget 2024-25 allocation was ₹21,200 crore. The Budget 2025-26 estimate is ₹21,960 crore.

Interest-free loans to States for infrastructure development

• ₹1.5 lakh crore will be provided towards 50-year interest free loans to States, for infrastructure development.
• An asset monetisation plan will be launched for 2025-30 period to infuse ₹10 lakh crore capital in new projects. An outlay of ₹500 crore for setting up a centre of excellence in artificial intelligence for education was announced in the Budget.

Jal Jeevan Mission extended till 2028

• Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide tap water connection to all rural households, has been extended till 2028 with an enhanced Budget outlay.
• Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, 15 crore households, representing 80% of India’s rural population, have been provided access to potable tap water connection.

36 life saving drugs, medicines exempted from custom duty

• As many as 36 lifesaving drugs will now be fully exempted from customs duty. The Finance Minister has proposed to add six lifesaving medicines to the list attracting concessional customs duty of 5%. “Full exemption and concessional duty will also respectively apply on the bulk drugs for manufacture of the above,”
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her eighth record Budget in the Lok Sabha that comes in the backdrop of growth slowing down to four-year-low of 6.4%. This is the second Budget of the BJP-led NDA Government in its third term in office.
• Ms. Sitharaman started her speech by saying that this Budget will initiate reforms in six domains — taxation, urban development, mining, financial sector, power and regulatory reforms.

Some of the priority areas in Budget 2025:

Tax relief for middle class

• No income tax upto ₹12 lakh under new regime. Effectively, under the new tax regime considering the erstwhile standard deduction of ₹75,000, income of up to ₹12.75 would have no income tax liability
• Enumerating revisions in tax slabs, the Finance Minister informed that incomes up to ₹4 lakhs would not be taxed, ₹4-8 lakh would host 5% taxation rate, ₹8-12 lakh 10%, ₹12-16 lakh 15%, ₹16-20 lakh 20%, ₹20-24 lakh 25% and incomes above ₹24 lakh 30%. A tax payer in the new regime with an income of ₹12 lakh will get a benefit of ₹80,000 in tax; a person having income of ₹18 lakh will get a benefit of ₹70,000 in tax; a person with an income of ₹25 lakh gets a benefit of ₹1.10 lakh, Ms. Sitharaman added.
• Rationalisation of TDS (Tax Deduction at Source) has been announced regime to ease compliance burden. Taxpayers can claim annual value of self-occupied homes as nil only on certain conditions. This will now be allowed for two such properties without any conditions.

PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana for farmers

• The Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana for the developing agri-districts was announced in the Budget.
• The programme is motivated by the Aspirational Districts Programme which was launched in 2018 to “to quickly and effectively transform 112 most under-developed districts across the country”. The Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana will converge existing schemes and will be undertaken in partnership with States. It will cover 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average parameters.

Budget 2025: Key figures

• Fiscal Deficit: 4.4% of GDP
• Government receipts: Total receipts other than borrowings at ₹34.96 lakh crore
• Total Expenditure: ₹50.65 lakh crore
• Net tax receipts: ₹28.37 lakh crore
• Gross market borrowings: ₹14.82 lakh crore

Several schemes for Bihar

• A new Makhana Board, National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management were announced for Bihar. Apart from these, greenfield airports will be added in addition to the expansion of Patna airport and the West Kosi canal project in Mithilanchal was also announced.
• The Makhana Board will provide handholding and training support to makhana farmers and will also work to ensure they receive the benefits of all relevant government schemes. It has been envisioned that support for food processing will result in (1.) enhanced income for the farmers through value addition to their produce, and (2.) skilling, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for the youth.

Credit guarantee cover enhanced for MSME

• MSMEs are the second engine which encompasses manufacturing and services. Currently, over 1 crore registered MSMES generating 36% of our manufacturing have come together to position India as a global manufacturing hub, Ms. Sitharaman mentioned in her Budget speech.
• The investment limit classification will be enhanced 2.5 times for MSMES. To improve access to credit, the credit guarantee cover will be enhanced, leading to ₹1.5 lakh crore of additional credit over the next five years. This will also be granted for well-run exporter MSMEs, for term loans upto ₹20 crore.
• A new scheme will be launched for 5 lakh women Scheduled Caste and Schedule Tribe first-time entrepreneurs. A National Manufacturing Mission will be initiated for small, medium and large industries to further Make In India.

Insurance for Gig Workers

• Online platform workers and gig workers will get ID cards after registering on the E-shram portal. They will be provided healthcare under PM Jan Arogya Yojana. This measure is likely to assist nearly 1 crore gig-workers. 
• It has been announced the government’s decision to launch a scheme for for the socio-economic development for urban worker.

Increased allocation for Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme

• An increase has been announced in the money allocated to Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme, in the Budget presentation. The Budget mentioned that “the cost norms for the nutritional support will be enhanced appropriately”.
• The Revised Estimate (RE) 2024-25 for Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 scheme stands at ₹20,070.90 crore, while the Budget 2024-25 allocation was ₹21,200 crore. The Budget 2025-26 estimate is ₹21,960 crore.
• The Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 integrated nutrition support programme was approved by the Government of India for implementation during the 15th Finance Commission period 202l-22 to 2025-26.

Interest-free loans to States for infrastructure development

• ₹1.5 lakh crore will be provided towards 50-year interest free loans to States, for infrastructure development.
• An asset monetisation plan will be launched for 2025-30 period to infuse ₹10 lakh crore capital in new projects. An outlay of ₹500 crore for setting up a centre of excellence in artificial intelligence for education was announced in the Budget.

Jal Jeevan Mission extended till 2028

• Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide tap water connection to all rural households, has been extended till 2028 with an enhanced Budget outlay.
• Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, 15 crore households, representing 80% of India’s rural population, have been provided access to potable tap water connection.

36 life saving drugs, medicines exempted from custom duty

• As many as 36 lifesaving drugs will now be fully exempted from customs duty. The Finance Minister has proposed to add six lifesaving medicines to the list attracting concessional customs duty of 5%. “Full exemption and concessional duty will also respectively apply on the bulk drugs for manufacture of the above,” she said.

Skilling, schools receive boost

• 50,000 Atal Tinkering labs will be set up in government schools in the next five years “to cultivate the spirit of curiosity and innovation and foster a scientific temper among young minds”. Broadband connectivity would be provided to all government secondary schools and primary health centres in all rural areas under the Bharat Net Project.

Start up funding

• A Deep Tech Fund of Funds will also be explored to catalyse the next generation startups as a part of this initiative. It is proposed to extend the benefit provided under Section 80-IAC to startups for another period of five years, i.e. the benefit will be available to eligible start-ups incorporated before 01.04.2030. 
• For Startups, the government will provide loans ranging from 10 crore to 20 crore, with the guarantee fee being moderated to 1% for loans in 27 focus sectors important for Atmanirbhar Bharat. The Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs) for startups have received commitments of more than 91,000 crore. 

Higher education

• A Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme will be announced to provide digital-form Indian language books for school and higher education. 
• In the next year, 10,000 additional seats will be added in medical colleges and hospitals, towards the goal of adding 75,000 seats in the next five years. Additional infrastructure will be created in the five IITs started after 2014 to facilitate education for 6,500 more students. Hostel and other infrastructure capacity at IIT, Patna will also be expanded. 

Saffron reedtail damselfly, endemic to Western Ghats, spotted for first time in Karnataka in Madhugundi of Chikkamagaluru

• Two naturalists have spotted the saffron reedtail, a rare species of damselfly endemic to the Western Ghats of India, for the first time in Karnataka. They found the damselflies, referred to as Indosticta deccanensis, in the forests along the Nethravati river in Madhugundi village near Sunkasale in Chikkamagaluru district last year. Earlier, the damselflies were noticed in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• The saffron reedtail, scientifically known as Indosticta deccanensis, belongs to the family Platystictidae.
• These damselflies are slender and delicate, often found near slow-moving streams.
• Their distinctive saffron bodies give them their common name.
• They thrive in environments with pristine water quality, making them sensitive indicators of ecosystem health.
• The discovery of the saffron reedtail in Madhugundi is for several reasons. It extends the known geographical range of this species, suggesting a broader habitat than previously documented. This finding contributes to understanding the biodiversity within the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich flora and fauna.
• Saffron reedtails are sensitive to environmental changes. Their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem. They rely on clean water and undisturbed habitats. Therefore, their discovery puts stress on the importance of protecting these environments from threats like deforestation and pollution.
• The damselflies of the Indosticta deccanensis species are commonly called saffron reedtail because of the saffron bodies. They are seen in streams surrounded by thick vegetation. Mr. Padiyar, a postgraduate in wildlife and management, who works as a naturalist at River Mist Resorts at Madhugundi, told The Hindu that the particular species belongs to the family Platystictidae, commonly referred to as shadow damselflies.
• The discovery in Madhugundi would help in understanding the richness of biodiversity in the forests of the area. “Prior to this discovery, the distribution of these damselflies was documented in the southern parts of the Western Ghats. Finding them in Madhugundi extends its known range northward, suggesting that the species may occupy a larger area than previously thought,” he said.
•  “They are slender and delicate insects, usually found near slow-moving forest streams where they rely on pristine water quality for their lifecycle. The presence of them is an indicator of a healthy ecosystem, as they are highly sensitive to environmental changes and pollution. It also emphasises the need to protect the pristine habitats from deforestation, water pollution, and climate change
• Local communities play a vital role in conservation. Educating residents about the importance of biodiversity can encourage a sense of responsibility. Engaging locals in conservation efforts can help protect habitats and promote sustainable practices.
• Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem stability. It provides essential services like clean water, air, and soil fertility. Protecting diverse species ensures the resilience of ecosystems against environmental change.

India’s winding road to ‘#EndTB

• According to the World Health Organization’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, India continues to lead in the global TB burden (26% of cases) and is also the hub for drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) and TB deaths.
• While ambitious policies and initiatives are rolled out from the national level, the ground reality in India needs to be better understood to translate them into effective interventions.

Focus on vulnerable groups

• India’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) clearly defines the high-risk or vulnerable groups that are at risk of contracting TB and developing adverse outcomes.
• Dr. Pavitra Mohan, says, “We get around 1000 persons with TB in our clinics every year and many of them have severe lung damage owing to fine dust inhalation from mining and stone carving. They are at risk for TB due to contributory factors like silicosis, undernutrition, overcrowding, and uncontrolled co-morbidities like diabetes.
• Migrant workers also have an added disadvantage of poor access to health-care facilities. Dr. Mohan says, “They prefer to go back to their native place if they fall ill and hence it is not easy for the healthcare delivery system also to keep track of their treatment.”
• While a lot of attention is being paid to tackling undernutrition among persons with TB (pwTB), a host of other contributory factors in each geography needs to be addressed, requiring multisectoral action.
• TB is a curable disease with effective and free drugs from NTEP. A significant achievement for India is the treatment initiation in more than 95% of notified cases. This was possible, over the years, by establishing an exclusive procurement and supply chain system for the NTEP.
• However, in 2023, there was a country-wide break in the supply chain — it still continues in many parts.
• Shortage of key drugs in the centres, many of which are unavailable in the open market, left the beneficiaries and their families in a struggle. Nandita Venkatesan, data journalist and two-time TB survivor, says, “It takes many a mile for pwTB to reach the finishing line of treatment combating a wide range of side effects.
• Shortage of such critical medicines disrupts the treatment, risking resistance to antibiotics and poor disease outcomes. Moreover, having to buy drugs from outside leads to catastrophic health expenses.”

On extrapulmonary TB

• Extrapulmonary TB (EP-TB) affects any organ of the body — lymph nodes, the kidneys, the brain, the spinal cord, bones, joints, and skin. However, the NTEP’s main focus has been on pulmonary TB affecting the lung, as it is most common and transmissible.
• TB is an area where guidelines are updated quite frequently. However, studies show that a shortage of adequately trained human resources is a major challenge affecting implementation of the NTEP. Dr. Rangaswamy says, “Molecular tests are expensive and often take time to access as they are mostly available only at district level. Results take time due to the heavy workload and shortage of trained staff . In effect, patients have to travel and incur more expenses.”
• “The CBNAAT [Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing] and Truenat machines are not available at many places, [as they are] mostly placed at [the] district level. And very often, when a machine is available, the lab technician will not be there and if the lab technician is there, cartridge supply for the test would not be there.” The staff pattern within the NTEP does not meet the growing demands, with most now having more work.

What needs to be done

• Ownership at all levels is essential to make programmes work. Idukki district in Kerala collaborated with Kudumbashree, one of the largest women’s self-help networks in the world, for their TB elimination efforts.
• This resulted in widespread community participation and advocacy by government/leadership levels created a huge impact. “It helped us achieve our targets and sustain the activities,” says Dr. Cency B., former District TB Officer of Idukki district, and current Assistant Director, Kerala Health Services.

“Advocacy by political leadership helps in providing platforms for cross learning from best practices across geographies. But programme implementers will have to go beyond their routine work scope to achieve this.”

• While the chances of ending TB by 2025 look bleak, there is some hope. India’s case notification reached the highest level and deaths due to TB declined by 24% as compared to 2015, which is way more than the global decline.
• The administrative levels of the NTEP are designed to adapt to the innumerable contextual challenges. New bodies of knowledge from different parts of the world need to be considered.
• Vietnam, a high burden country, recently showed the effective use of active case finding for TB (advocated for high-risk groups) among the general population, so that targeted interventions could work better. Perhaps India too needs to restructure and redefine its many conventional frameworks, to combat this deadly disease.

India to employ targeted containment to stop transmission of leprosy

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has requested governments to prioritise leprosy elimination and ensure sustained funding for surveillance, treatment, care and support, while calling upon them to include those affected by leprosy in policy and decision-making processes.

The Global Leprosy Strategy

• The Global Leprosy Strategy 2021-2030 has a vision of zero disease, zero disability and zero stigma and discrimination.
• It was developed through a broad consultative process with all major stakeholders, including national programme managers, technical agencies, experts and persons or communities directly affected by leprosy.
• Jordan became the first country to be verified and acknowledged by the WHO for elimination of leprosy, demonstrating what is possible with focused and concerted efforts. Additionally, in 2023, 56 countries reported zero new case of leprosy, a significant milestone.
• "We can eliminate leprosy with collective, coordinated and united action. Therefore, we urge governments to prioritise leprosy elimination, and ensure sustained funding for surveillance, treatment, care and support. We also call on them to include persons affected by leprosy in policy and decision-making processes. We urge communities to combat stigma through education, inclusion and supporting those affected.
• The Union Health Ministry is looking at a more targeted approach to containing leprosy in India after having achieved the status of elimination of leprosy as a public health problem as per the World Health Organization’s (WHO) criteria of less than 1 case per 10,000 population at the national level in 2005.
• To contain the chronic infections caused by Mycobacterium leprae, the Central government approved of a new treatment regimen for leprosy, aiming to stop its transmission at the subnational level by 2027. It introduced a three-drug regimen for Pauci-Bacillary (PB) cases in place of a two-drug regimen for six months.
•  “The sustained work by the Central government has ensured that leprosy is now no longer a public health problem. We are currently looking at a targeted approach to tackle the disease in five states and 124 districts in India.”
• The five states in India with the highest prevalence of leprosy are Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Odisha.
• The Union Health Ministry launched the National Strategic Plan (NSP) and Roadmap for Leprosy (2023-27) on January 30 2023, to achieve zero transmission of leprosy by 2027, i.e., three years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).
•  The NSP and roadmap contain implementation strategies, year-wise targets, public health approaches, and overall technical guidance for the programme.
• The strategy and roadmap focuses on awareness for zero stigma and discrimination, promotion of early case detection, prevention of disease transmission by prophylaxis (leprosy post exposure prophylaxis), and the roll-out of a web-based information portal (Nikusth 2.0) for reporting of leprosy cases.
• “After achieving elimination status at the national level, the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) has taken a number of initiatives to encourage early case detection of patients to prevent Grade 2 Disabilities, and to ensure free-of-cost treatment of leprosy patients.
• There are few districts within states/UTs, where leprosy is endemic. With various interventions introduced under NLEP in the last few years, the number of new leprosy cases detected has come down to 75,394 in 2021-22 from 125,785 in 2014-15, accounting for 53.6% of global new leprosy cases,”.
• According to the WHO, leprosy predominantly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. It is diagnosed by finding at least one of the following cardinal signs: definite loss of sensation in a pale or reddish skin patch, a thickened or enlarged peripheral nerve, with loss of sensation and/or weakness of the muscles supplied by that nerve, and/or microscopic detection of bacilli in a slit-skin smear.
• Cases of leprosy are classified into two types for treatment purposes: paucibacillary (PB) cases and multibacillary (MB) cases. If left untreated, the disease may cause progressive and permanent disabilities. The bacteria are transmitted via droplets from the nose and mouth during close and frequent contact with untreated cases. Leprosy is curable with multidrug therapy (MDT) and is reported from all the six WHO regions, the majority of annual new case detections are from the South-East Asia Region.
•  The WHO supports India’s National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) to eradicate leprosy as a public health issue. The WHO also provides free multi-drug therapy (MDT) to treat leprosy in India.
• Globally, leprosy is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that still occurs in more than 120 countries, with around 200,000 new cases reported every year. Elimination of leprosy as a public health problem (defined as a prevalence of less than 1 per 10,000 population as per the World Health Assembly resolution 44.9) was achieved globally in the year 2000 and in most countries by the year 2010.The reduction in the number of new cases has been gradual.
•  As per data of 2023, Brazil, India, and Indonesia continue to report more than 10,000 new cases, while 12 other countries (Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and the United Republic of Tanzania) each reported 1000–10,000 new cases.

Two more Ramsar sites take total to 20 in Tamil Nadu

• Tamil Nadu has added two more Ramsar sites: Sakkarakottai and Therthangal bird sanctuaries. This brings the state’s total number of Ramsar sites to 20, the highest in India. Uttar Pradesh follows with 10 Ramsar sites.
•  The Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary spans 230.495 hectares while the Therthangal Bird Sanctuary covers 29.295 hectares. Both sanctuaries meet all the important Ramsar criteria. They lie along the Central Asian Flyway and are critical breeding and foraging grounds for waterbirds, including the Spot-billed Pelican, Black-headed Ibis, and Oriental Darter.
• These wetlands also play a crucial role in climate regulation, recharging of groundwater, and irrigation, benefiting the livelihoods of local communities.
• The declaration reinforces TN’s efforts under the Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission, the first state-led initiative in India exclusively focused on wetland conservation and restoration.
• The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971, aims to protect wetlands worldwide through local conservation efforts, national policies, and international cooperation.
• Wetlands included under the treaty encompass a wide range of ecosystems, from marshes, lakes, rivers, and peatlands, to coastal habitats such as mangroves, saltmarshes, mudflats, seagrass beds, and even coral reefs.
• Importance of Ramsar Status: The Ramsar status provides enhanced conservation efforts and global recognition for these crucial ecosystems. It opens the door for increased funding and ensures better protection for these fragile areas.
• Tamil Nadu’s Wetland Conservation Efforts
• The newly designated Sakkarakottai and Therthangal bird sanctuaries are located in Ramanathapuram district, which already hosts two other Ramsar sites: Chitrangudi and Kanjirankulam.
• Tamil Nadu has been at the forefront of wetland conservation in India, with its first Ramsar designation granted in 2002 for the Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary.
• Other sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu that have received Ramsar recognition include Kazhuveli and Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuaries, which were added in 2024.
• Alongside the Tamil Nadu sites, India has recently added four new Ramsar sites in total, bringing the country’s total Ramsar sites to 89:
• Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim)
• Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand)

Right To Die: All You Need To Know About Karnataka''s Supreme Court Implemented Policy

• The Karnataka Health Department has implemented the Supreme Court’s order granting terminally ill patients the right to die with dignity. The policy applies to those with incurable illnesses or no chance of recovery while on life support.
• Under the new rules, a two-step medical review process will decide each case. A primary board of three doctors will assess the patient’s condition.
•  A secondary board, with three doctors and one government-appointed doctor, will review the findings before sending the report to court.
• This move is in line with the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling, which affirmed that the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution also includes the right to die with dignity (Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Therapy (WLST)).
• Supreme Court has held that if a patient is terminally ill and is undergoing prolonged medical treatment with no hope of recovery and cure of the ailment, and does not have decision-making capacity, then WLST may be appropriate, in accordance with the prescribed procedure.
• In response to this, the Karnataka government has taken proactive steps to implement a system that formalizes the process of passive euthanasia through Advance Medical Directives (AMD), also known as living wills.

What is Withdrawing Life-Sustaining Treatment?

• Withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment refers to stopping medical interventions such as ventilators, feeding tubes, and other artificial means that help maintain vital bodily functions.
• This decision is made when these treatments no longer improve the patient''s condition or when they only serve to prolong suffering.

Difference Between Withdrawing Life Support and Euthanasia

• Withdrawing Life-Sustaining Treatment (Passive Euthanasia): This involves stopping treatment when it is no longer beneficial, and the patient is in a terminal state. The patient is allowed to die naturally, with pain relief and comfort care provided.
• Euthanasia: This is the intentional act of ending a patient''s life to relieve suffering, typically administered by a doctor. It is not legal in India unless passive euthanasia is followed as per the defined guidelines.

What is an Advance Medical Directive (AMD)?

• An Advance Medical Directive (AMD), or living will, is a legal document in which a person outlines their wishes regarding medical treatment in case they become terminally ill or are unable to communicate.
• This allows individuals to express their desires about life-sustaining treatments, such as whether or not they wish to be kept alive through artificial means in the event of severe illness or injury.
• The Karnataka order enables individuals to execute an AMD and register it with the local government or the healthcare establishment to ensure that their medical wishes are known and respected when the time comes.
• While living wills are legal in India, their adoption has been slow.
• The Supreme Court had allowed passive euthanasia in 2018, but with strict guidelines.

Implications of the Karnataka Order

• Dignified End-of-Life Care: The decision allows terminally ill patients to choose a dignified death by having their life-sustaining treatments withdrawn if there is no hope of recovery. This will provide much-needed relief for patients who may be suffering from debilitating conditions.
• Legal and Humane Framework: The Karnataka order establishes a humane, legally sanctioned process for passive euthanasia, which balances medical ethics and the patient''s autonomy. It also ensures legal oversight to prevent misuse and to safeguard the rights of the patient.
• Progressive Step for Healthcare: By becoming the first state to implement such a framework, Karnataka is leading the way in upholding human rights and healthcare values, offering individuals greater control over their healthcare decisions.