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<title>News Today | Current Affairs | Vision IAS</title>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/geography/union-minister-of-jal-shakti-releases-annual-ground-water-quality-report-of-the-country-for-the-year-2024</link>
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<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/geography/union-minister-of-jal-shakti-releases-annual-ground-water-quality-report-of-the-country-for-the-year-2024</link>
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<title>Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2024</title>
<description><h1>Union Minister of Jal Shakti Releases Annual Ground Water Quality Report of the Country for the Year 2024</h1>
<p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">For the first time, this report <strong>introduced Standard Operating Procedure for groundwater quality monitoring</strong>, ensuring uniformity in data collection, analysis and interpretation.</span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Status of Groundwater&nbsp;</strong></span></h2><figure class="image image-style-side" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:420/305;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/EIrQV5IK0mQBylO7Mx5bndHcf4pIZCA3j6hptcXF.png" width="420" height="305" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>India is the largest groundwater user in world&nbsp;</strong>(more than 25% of global total).</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>87% groundwater extracted</strong> is used in <strong>agricultural sector</strong> and about 11% in domestic sector.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key Highlights</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Regional Variability:&nbsp;</strong>100% of water samples met BIS standards in<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, etc<strong>.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">While Rajasthan, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh faced widespread contamination.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Irrigation Suitability:&nbsp;</strong>Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Tripura and others have <strong>excellent category water for irrigation.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana</strong> etc. fall in <strong>very high sodium range and are unsuitable for use in irrigation</strong> practices.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Specific Contaminants of Concern</strong>: Nitrate (Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra), Fluoride (Haryana, Karnataka), Arsenic (floodplains of Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers); Uranium (Rajasthan, Punjab).&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key factors contributing to decline in groundwater quality</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Industrialization:</strong> Discharge of untreated industrial waste, including heavy metals, chemicals, and solvents.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Agricultural Practices:</strong> Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in farming.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Urbanization:&nbsp;</strong>Due to improper waste disposal, sewage leakage, and landfill contamination.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Climate Change:</strong> Changes in precipitation patterns and over-extraction affect replenishment of aquifers.&nbsp;</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/geography/union-minister-of-jal-shakti-releases-annual-ground-water-quality-report-of-the-country-for-the-year-2024</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Groundwater</category>
<category>Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2024</category>
<category>Bhu-Neer Portal</category>
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<item>
<title>Remittance</title>
<description><h1>India got 14.3% of global remittances in 2024, its highest ever</h1>
<p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Remittances are <strong>financial transfers made by individuals working abroad</strong> to support their families in their home country.</span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Trend in Remittances flow</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Top five recipients in 2024:&nbsp;</strong>India at&nbsp;$129 billion ($125 billion compared to 2023), Mexico, China, Philippines, and Pakistan, driven by recovery in job markets in high-income countries of OECD.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Remittances to <strong>Low- and Middle-Income Countries&nbsp;</strong>are projected to surge to <strong>$685 billion in 2024</strong>, with<strong> 5.8% growth rate</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>China's</strong> share of global remittances <strong>dropped to 5.3% in 2024, its lowest share in two decades,</strong> due to reduced <strong>low-skilled emigration</strong> stemming from its rising economic prosperity and aging population.</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Factors responsible for High Remittances in India</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scale of Migration:&nbsp;</strong>India has one of the largest diaspora populations in world, with over 18 million Indians living abroad as of 2023 (UN World Migration Report 2024).</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Shift in Destination Trends:</strong> Increasingly, Indian migrants are moving to high-income economies like US, UK, and Australia.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Skilled and Unskilled Labor:</strong> Indian migrants range from highly skilled professionals (IT, healthcare) to semi-skilled and unskilled labourers.</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance of High Remittances&nbsp;</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>For Recipient Households:</strong> Used for essential expenses like food, healthcare, and education, directly improving living standards.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>For Macro-economy:</strong> Major source of foreign exchange, reduced reliance on foreign aid, funding current account deficits and fiscal shortfalls etc.</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/economics-(indian-economy)/india-got-143-of-global-remittances-in-2024-its-highest-ever</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Remittance</category>
<category>High Remittances in India</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>20 years of QUAD</title>
<description><h1>QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) marks 20 Years of Cooperation</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">On the occasion, the foreign ministers of the QUAD countries reiterated their foundational commitment to <strong>humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Along with this, they also re-affirmed their commitment to <strong>free and open Indo-Pacific, ASEAN’s centrality,</strong> support to <strong>Pacific-led regional architecture</strong> and <strong>Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).&nbsp;</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Idea of <strong>ASEAN's (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) centrality&nbsp;</strong>accords <strong>central role</strong> to ASEAN in shaping the regional architecture.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>QUAD</strong></span></h2><figure class="image image_resized image-style-side" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:3325/2309;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/EKwvVMnbSm0LfC4fBEzfhjHihStzLAQrxsadHLT9.jpg" width="3325" height="2309" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About:</strong> It is a <strong>strategic diplomatic partnership</strong> between <strong>Australia, India, Japan,&nbsp;</strong>and the<strong> United States&nbsp;</strong>to support an <strong>open, stable&nbsp;</strong>and <strong>prosperous Indo-Pacific</strong> that is <strong>inclusive&nbsp;</strong>and<strong> resilient.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Origin:</strong> Traced to <strong>December 2004</strong> when the above countries came together to provide assistance to countries affected by the <strong>Indian Ocean Tsunami.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Group held its <strong>first informal meeting</strong> on the sidelines of ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, Philippines in<strong> 2007</strong>. Post which, the grouping remained dissolved.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Revival:&nbsp;</strong>In <strong>2017,</strong> when the first official talks were held in <strong>Philippines.</strong></span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance of QUAD for India</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Partnership with like-minded countries:</strong> It allows India to shape the region favorably while <strong>retaining decisional autonomy</strong> and <strong>flexibility</strong> to partner with multiple actors.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Strengthening India’s stature:</strong> Help India establish itself as a <strong>“leading power”</strong> and<strong> provider of public goods&nbsp;</strong>in the Indo-Pacific—particularly in the Indian Ocean region.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Economic advantage:&nbsp;</strong>Make India a <strong>preferred destination for investment</strong> along with <strong>engaging with ASEAN countries.&nbsp;</strong></span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Strategically counter China’s rise:</strong> By taking the support of the other Quad nations including assistance on the naval front.</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/international-relations/quad-quadrilateral-security-dialogue-marks-20-years-of-cooperation</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>QUAD</category>
<category>ASEAN Centrality</category>
<category>20 Years of QUAD</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>UDISE+ 2023-24 Report on School Education</title>
<description><h1>Ministry of Education releases Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2023-24 Report on School Education</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">In UDISE+ 2023-24 for the first time, at <strong>national level individual student wise data has been collected</strong> from all recognized schools in country through UDISE+ since 2022-23.&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is aligned with recommendations of NEP 2020.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key</strong> <strong>findings of UDISE+ 2023-24</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Student Enrolments: Overall dip in school enrolments</strong> as well across country, falling from 25.18 crore in 2022-23 to <strong>24.8 crore in 2023-24</strong>.</span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">This represents a <strong>drop of about 1.55 crore students</strong> (nearly 6%) from 2018-19 to 2021-22.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Dropouts</strong>: <strong>Zero-dropout rate at Foundational level</strong> (pre-primary to Class 2) is due to admission of students from Anganwadi, standalone private pre-primary school directly to Class I in recognized schools.</span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Maximum dropout rates</strong> were at <strong>Secondary level (Classes 9 to 12)</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra</strong> saw among <strong>highest drop in enrolments</strong>.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Retention rate</strong>: Higher at elementary level.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER):</strong> Minor <strong>dip at all levels except at the secondary level.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">GER compares <strong>enrolment in a specific level of education to population of age group</strong> that is age-appropriate for that level of education.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>School infrastructure: Assam, Odisha </strong>and <strong>Karnataka </strong></span>face underutilised <strong>infrastructure&nbsp;</strong>due to <strong>low student-to-school ratios</strong>.</li></ul><figure class="table" style=""><table class="ck-table-resized" style="border:2px solid hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><colgroup><col style="width:100%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border:1.0pt solid windowtext;padding:0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align:top;width:534.1pt;"><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About UDISE+</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">UDISE+ system of <strong>online data collection from schools</strong> was <strong>developed by Department of School Education &amp; Literacy</strong> in the 2018-19 to overcome the issues related to erstwhile practice of manual data filling in paper format.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">UDISE+ collects information through an online Data Collection Form on parameters ranging from school, Infrastructure, teachers, enrolments, examination results etc.</span></li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/social-issues/ministry-of-education-releases-unified-district-information-system-for-education-plus-udise-2023-24-report-on-school-education</link>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/social-issues/ministry-of-education-releases-unified-district-information-system-for-education-plus-udise-2023-24-report-on-school-education</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>NEP 2020</category>
<category>UDISE+ 2023-24 Report on School Education</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>Crop Insurance for Farmers</title>
<description><h1>Cabinet approves modifications in Crop Insurance Scheme under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Decision included the continuation of the <strong>Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana&nbsp;(PMFBY)</strong>&nbsp;and <strong>Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS)</strong>.&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key Modifications approved</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Continuation of the Scheme:</strong> Till <strong>2025-26</strong> with an outlay of Rs.69,515.71 Crore&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Large Scale Technology Infusion:</strong> Through the&nbsp;<strong>Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT)&nbsp;</strong>with a corpus of Rs.824.77 Crore.&nbsp;</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">To be utilised for <strong>funding technological initiatives</strong> under the scheme namely<strong>, YES-TECH, WINDS,</strong> etc.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About PMFBY &amp; RWBCIS</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Aim:&nbsp;</strong> Provide an <strong>affordable crop insurance product</strong> for <strong>comprehensive risk cover&nbsp;</strong>against all <strong>non-preventable natural risks</strong> from <strong>pre-sowing to post-harvest stage.</strong></span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>RWBCIS&nbsp;</strong>covers the&nbsp;<strong>insured farmers</strong> against <strong>loss</strong> from <strong>adverse weather conditions</strong> like rainfall, temperature, wind, humidity etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">PMFBY and RWBCIS primarily differ in their <strong>methodology for calculation of admissible claims&nbsp;</strong>by farmers.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Coverage:</strong> All farmers including sharecroppers and tenant farmers growing notified crops in the notified areas.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Crops Covered:</strong> Food crops (Cereals, Millets and Pulses); Oilseeds; Annual Commercial / Annual Horticultural crops, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Risks Covered:</strong> <strong>Basic cover</strong> (risk of yield loss); add-on covers based on specific needs; <strong>Post harvest</strong> losses (maximum to 2 weeks after harvesting); localised calamities; etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Premium Paid by farmers:</strong> <strong>Kharif crops (2%); Rabi Crops (1.5%); Commercial Horticulture crops (5%).&nbsp;</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Exclusions:</strong> Losses arising out of war and nuclear risks, and other preventable risks.</span></li></ul><figure class="table" style=""><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:100%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border:1.0pt solid windowtext;padding:0in 5.4pt;vertical-align:top;width:462.1pt;"><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key Efforts towards Technology Adoption under the Scheme</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>National Crop Insurance Portal</strong> for better administration and coordination.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Yield Estimation System based on Technology (YES-TECH)</strong> for direct estimation of yield at <strong>Gram Panchayat (GP) level</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Weather Information Network Data System (WINDS)</strong> for generation of long-term <strong>hyper-local weather data</strong> for Crop insurance.</span><ul style="list-style-type:square;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Implementation of WINDS to assist state governments will begin <strong>in 2024-25.</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/schemes-in-news/cabinet-approves-modifications-in-crop-insurance-scheme-under-ministry-of-agriculture-and-farmers-welfare</link>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/schemes-in-news/cabinet-approves-modifications-in-crop-insurance-scheme-under-ministry-of-agriculture-and-farmers-welfare</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>PMFBY</category>
<category>RWBCIS</category>
<category>Crop Insurance</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>Fertilizer Subsidy in India</title>
<description><h1>Cabinet approves extension of One-Time Special Package for Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) beyond NBS Subsidy</h1>
<p style="margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Earlier in July 2024, the Cabinet approved a one-time Special Package on DAP to ensure <strong>availability of DAP at</strong> <strong>affordable price</strong> to farmers till Dec 31, 2024.&nbsp;</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The current extension will apply from Jan 01, 2025 until further orders.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About DAP</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is one of the <strong>most widely used phosphorus fertilizer and&nbsp;</strong>a valuable source of <strong>both Phosphorus (P) and Nitrogen (N)</strong>.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Phosphorus is essential for root development, flowering, and seed production, etc.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is made by<strong> reacting phosphoric acid with ammonia</strong> under controlled conditions.</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Fertilizer subsidy in India</strong></span></h2><figure class="image image_resized image-style-side" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:3087/1259;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/jLEyBtE4gl4p6kyPHU9CJ1NteXSNwWHcIJMbQoPM.jpg" width="3087" height="1259" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is provided to <strong>fertilizer manufacturers, importers, farmers</strong> by the Government to ensure affordable input cost, boost agriculture productivity, etc. Some of them are:</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Direct Benefit Transfer in Fertilizers</strong>: 100% subsidy on various fertilizer grades is released to the fertilizer companies, based on actual sales by Aadhar authentication.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Urea Subsidy:</strong> It is provided to the farmers at a statutorily notified <strong>Maximum Retail Price (MRP).&nbsp;</strong></span><ul style="list-style-type:square;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Difference between the delivered cost of urea at farm gate and net market realization is given as a subsidy to the urea manufacturer/importer.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Nutrient Based Subsidy Policy</strong>: <strong>For Phosphatic and Potassic (P&amp;K)</strong> Fertilizers, provides a fixed amount of subsidy on annual/semi-annual basis based on the <strong>nutrient content.</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul><figure class="table" style=""><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:100%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border:1.0pt solid windowtext;padding:0in 5.4pt;vertical-align:top;width:462.1pt;"><p style="margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Recent Measures taken to control over-use of Fertilizer in India</strong></span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Neem-Coated Urea:&nbsp;</strong>Mandatory <strong>100% neem-coating of Urea.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Nano Fertilizers:</strong> Introduction of Nano Urea by IFFCO.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>PM PRANAM (Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother-Earth):&nbsp;</strong>For reducing the use of chemical fertilizers.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Encouraging Alternative Fertilizers:</strong> Promotion of organic fertilizers, bio-fertilizers, and natural farming, etc.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/economics-(indian-economy)/cabinet-approves-extension-of-one-time-special-package-for-di-ammonium-phosphate-dap-beyond-nbs-subsidy</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>NBS Scheme</category>
<category>DAP</category>
<category>Fertilizer Subsidy</category>
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<item>
<title>Place in News: Trinidad & Tobago</title>
<description><h1>Place in news</h1>
<h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Trinidad &amp; Tobago (Capital: Port of Spain)</strong></span></h2><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Recently<strong>, Trinidad and Tobago</strong> declared a <strong>state of emergency&nbsp;</strong>due to violence.</span></p><figure class="image image-style-side image_resized" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:500/500;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/yCemMkDL8TxQJOY2dYBADCXjOrhJXXaMisuPNCgE.jpg" width="500" height="500" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Political Features</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Location:</strong> <strong>Island country</strong> of the south-eastern<strong> West Indies&nbsp;</strong>in the<strong> Atlantic Ocean.</strong></span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It lies close to the <strong>continent of South America</strong>, <strong>northeast of Venezuela</strong> and <strong>northwest of Guyana</strong>.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li></ul><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Member of the <strong>Caribbean Community</strong> (CARICOM)</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Geographical Features</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Mountain:</strong> <strong>Northern Range</strong>, a continuation of the coastal ranges of the Andes Mountains in Venezuela.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Highest Point</strong>: Mount Aripo</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Lake: Pitch&nbsp;</strong>in Trinidad (world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt)</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Major rivers</strong>: Ortoire and Caroni</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/places-in-news/place-in-news-122</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>CARICOM</category>
<category>Trinidad and Tobago</category>
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<title>Tobacco Board | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Tobacco Board</h1> <p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">On its formation day, Tobacco Board highlights that earnings of Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco farmers have more than doubled between 2019-20 and 2023-24.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>FCV tobacco</strong> is a <strong>high-quality, aromatic tobacco variety</strong> widely used in <strong>production of cigarettes</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Currently, India is <strong>2nd largest producer</strong> of tobacco in world after China (4th in FCV).</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Tobacco Board (HQ: Andhra Pradesh)</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Genesis</strong>: Established on <strong>1st January 1976</strong> by an Act of Parliament ‘<strong>Tobacco Board Act, 1975’</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Objective</strong>: Promote development of tobacco industry, including regulation of production, distribution, and export of FCV tobacco.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Ministry</strong>:<strong> Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.</strong></span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/also-in-news#/news-today/2025-01-02/also-in-news</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Tobacco Board</category>
<category>Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco</category>
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<title>National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Executive Committee of NMCG has undertaken initiatives like Chandauli Sewage Treatment Plant for rejuvenation and cleanliness of Ganga River.</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About NMCG&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Registered as a society</strong> in 2011 under <strong>Societies Registration Act 1860.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Functions under<strong> Ministry of Jal Shakti.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Acted as <strong>implementation arm of National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA).</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">NGRBA was constituted under EPA, 1986 and replaced by <strong>National Ganga Council</strong> (chaired by Prime Minister) in 2016.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Aims to <strong>ensure</strong> <strong>effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation</strong> of River Ganga&nbsp;by adopting river basin approach.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Consists <strong>two tier management structure</strong> and comprises <strong>Governing Council</strong> and <strong>Executive Committee,</strong> both headed by Director General, NMCG.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/also-in-news#national-mission-for-clean-ganga-nmcg</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)</category>
<category>Societies Registration Act 1860</category>
<category>National Ganga River Basin Authority</category>
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<title>National Investigation Agency (NIA) | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>National Investigation Agency (NIA)</h1> <p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>NIA</strong> achieves <strong>100% conviction rate in 2024</strong> by successfully solving major terrorism and criminal cases.</span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About NIA</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Set up as a <strong>Central Counter Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency under NIA Act, 2008</strong> in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Headquarters:</strong> New Delhi with 2 Zonal offices at Guwahati &amp; Jammu.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Mandate:&nbsp;</strong>Investigate offences affecting <strong>sovereignty, security &amp; integrity of India, friendly relations</strong> with <strong>foreign States</strong>, etc. specified in Schedule to NIA Act, 2008.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/also-in-news#national-investigation-agency-nia</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>National Investigation Agency (NIA)</category>
<category>NIA Act, 2008</category>
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<title>Norovirus | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Norovirus</h1> <p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported significant surge in Norovirus cases.&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Norovirus</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a <strong>highly contagious virus</strong> that causes gastroenteritis, commonly known as <strong>"stomach flu.</strong>"</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Symptoms</strong> include nausea, vomiting,&nbsp;diarrhea, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Noroviruses are <strong>relatively resistant in environment</strong> as they can su<strong>rvive freezing as well as high temperatures&nbsp;</strong>(up to 60°C).</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Transmitted primarily through <strong>faecal-oral route, either by consumption of contaminated food</strong> or <strong>water</strong>, or by spreading directly from person to person.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">There's<strong> no specific medication&nbsp;</strong>for norovirus.&nbsp;</span></li></ul> </description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Norovirus</category>
<category>Stomach Flu</category>
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<title>Neutrino | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Neutrino</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Scientists are&nbsp;deploying two <strong>underwater&nbsp;</strong>telescopes under <strong>Cubic Kilometre Neutrino Telescope (KM3NeT)</strong>&nbsp;to detect <strong>high-energy neutrinos (ghost particles).&nbsp;</strong></span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">KM3NeT houses the next generation neutrino telescopes under <strong>Mediterranean Sea</strong></span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Telescopes are similar to <strong>IceCube Neutrino Observatory,</strong> located in frozen ice of Antarctica.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Neutrino</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Tin</strong>y particles, very <strong>similar to electrons</strong>, but<strong> without any electric charge.&nbsp;</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">They are one of the <strong>fundamental</strong> <strong>subatomic particles in the universe,&nbsp;</strong>and quite <strong>numerous.</strong>&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance:</strong> Studying high energy neutrinos help in <strong>astrophysical investigations</strong> like exploring Milky Way Galaxy, cosmic ray, dark matter, etc</span></p> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/also-in-news#neutrino</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Neutrino</category>
<category>KM3NeT</category>
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<title>Titanium | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Titanium</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Recently, an Indian firm became <strong>India’s first private company</strong> to commission a <strong>Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR)</strong> furnace for producing aerospace-grade titanium alloy.&nbsp;</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">VAR is used to <strong>purify numerous alloys</strong> such as stainless steel, Nickel-based, and Titanium-based alloys under <strong>vacuum conditions</strong> to&nbsp;ensure <strong>superior metallurgical structure&nbsp;</strong>and <strong>uniform alloy composition</strong>.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Titanium</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Appearance:</strong> Hard, shiny and strong metal.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Ilmenite (FeO.TiO2)</strong> and <strong>rutile (TiO2)</strong> are two chief minerals of titanium.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Properties:</strong>&nbsp; Lightweight, low density, corrosion resistance, high melting point, etc.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Uses</strong>: <strong>Medical Implants</strong>; <strong>Power plant condensers</strong> (resistance to corrosion in seawater); <strong>Aircrafts</strong> (alloying agent with metals including aluminium), etc.</span></li></ul> </description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Titanium</category>
<category>Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR)</category>
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<title>Banana Cultivation | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Banana Cultivation</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">According to <strong>Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA),</strong> India has achieved a <strong>tenfold increase</strong> in banana exports over the past decade and aims to reach <strong>$1 billion&nbsp;</strong>in the next 5 years.&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Banana cultivation</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Climate:</strong> Tropical crop grows well in a <strong>temperature range of 15ºC – 35ºC</strong> with <strong>relative humidity of 75-85%.</strong>&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Soil: Deep, rich loamy soil&nbsp;</strong>with<strong> pH&nbsp;</strong>between<strong> 6.5 – 7.5&nbsp;</strong></span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Should have good drainage, adequate fertility and moisture, should neither be too acidic or alkaline.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Major varieties:</strong> Dwarf Cavendish, Robusta, Monthan, Poovan, Nendran, etc.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Major producers:</strong> Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat etc.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/also-in-news#banana-cultivation</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>APEDA</category>
<category>Banana Cultivation</category>
<category>Banana Export</category>
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<title>Non- Performing Assets (NPAs) | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Non- Performing Assets (NPAs)</h1> <p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">As per RBI’s Financial Stability Report December 2024,<strong> Gross NPA ratio</strong> of India’s banks <strong>falls to a 12-year low of 2.6%.</strong></span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About NPAs</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It refers to a classification for<strong> loans or advances</strong> of a <strong>bank that are in default or arrears.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">A loan is in arrears when <strong>principal or an interest payment are late or missed and becomes an NPA&nbsp;</strong>when interest and/ or instalment of principal remain <strong>overdue for more than 90 days</strong>.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>GNPAs</strong> are the <strong>sum of all loan assets</strong> that are classified as <strong>NPAs.</strong></span></li></ul> </description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Non-Performing Assets</category>
<category>Gross Net Performing Assets (GNPA)</category>
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<title>India submits 4th BUR to UNFCCC</title>
<description><h1>India submits its Fourth Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to UNFCCC</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">BUR-4 updates the <strong>Third National Communication (TNC)</strong> and contains the <strong>National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory for the year 2020.&nbsp;</strong></span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change</strong> is <strong>India's nodal ministry</strong> for managing and coordinating climate change activities and reporting under <strong>Article 4.1 of UNFCCC.</strong></span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key Highlights of report</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>GHG emissions:&nbsp;</strong>It<strong>&nbsp;</strong>has <strong>decreased by 7.93%</strong> in 2020 compared to 2019.</span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Sector wise Emissions:<strong> Energy ( 75.66%)&gt; Agriculture( 13.72%)&gt;Industrial Process and Product Use (8.06%)&gt;Waste (2.56%).</strong></span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Emission Intensity of GDP:</strong> It<strong>&nbsp;</strong>has <strong>reduced by 36% (</strong>Between 2005 to 2020)</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Share of non-fossil sources:&nbsp;</strong>It constitutes<strong> 46.52% of installed electricity generation capacity</strong> (October 2024)</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Generation of Carbon Sinks:&nbsp;</strong>An additional carbon sink of <strong>2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 have been created through forest and tree cover (2005 to 2021)</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Forest and tree cover:</strong> It currently stands at <strong>25.17%&nbsp;</strong>of the country's total geographical area and has <strong>consistently increased</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:3087/1780;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/PRcDHOu0JgWfkVSmA5cMnk2WfFT4qoq0pWNVfhuR.jpg" width="3087" height="1780" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/environment/india-submits-its-fourth-biennial-update-report-bur-4-to-unfccc</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>UNFCCC</category>
<category>BUR-4</category>
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<item>
<title>Base Revision of WPI</title>
<description><h1>Constitution of Working Group for the revision of the current series of Wholesale Price Index (Base 2011-12)</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The <strong>18-member</strong> working group is&nbsp;for base revision of the current series of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) from base 2011-12 to 2022-23.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The <strong>WPI series</strong> has undergone <strong>seven revisions</strong> in <strong>1952-53, 1961-62, 1970-71, 1981-82, 1993-94 and 2004-05, 2011-12</strong> so far.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Terms of Reference of the Working Group</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Suggest changes in the commodity basket of WPI and PPI</strong>: Based on structural changes in the economy with base year <strong>2022-23.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Computational methodology</strong>: To decide the computational methodology to be adopted for WPI / PPI and&nbsp;suggest improvements for better reliability.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Producer Price Index (PPI)</strong>:&nbsp; <strong>Examine methodology&nbsp;</strong>for <strong>compilation&nbsp;</strong>of PPI and suggest improvements.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Recommend a roadmap for switch over from WPI to PPI</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Others:&nbsp;</strong>Review and suggest changes in the <strong>existing system of price collection,&nbsp;</strong>Computation methodology of<strong> linking factor</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Linking factor</strong> helps<strong> maintain continuity</strong> in the <strong>time series data&nbsp;</strong>and aids <strong>comparison with the series of WPI</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2942/1339;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/230YgrZGaVgPrzaVsPZvvyvpoOMGCGDcQVdIheXe.jpg" width="2942" height="1339" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/economics-(indian-economy)/constitution-of-working-group-for-the-revision-of-the-current-series-of-wholesale-price-index-base-2011-12</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>WPI</category>
<category>PPI</category>
<category>Base Revision</category>
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<item>
<title>Private Sector participation in Nuclear Sector</title>
<description><h1>NPCIL opens doors for Private Sector participation in Nuclear Sector</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Recently, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has <strong>invited Request for Proposal from Indian users</strong> for 220MWe <strong>Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) Bharat Small Reactors</strong> (BSRs) in Brown/ Green fields.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Based on India’s<strong> PHWR technology,</strong> BSRs are compact nuclear reactors with a capacity of<strong> up to 220 MWe</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">BSRs align with global trends of <strong>Small Modular Reactors</strong> (SMRs), which have a <strong>capacity ranging from less than 30 MWe to 300+ MWe</strong>.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance of Private Participation in Nuclear Sector</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Resource mobilization:&nbsp;</strong>Can attract investment in India’s nuclear infrastructure; provide economies of scale through pooling of resources with India aiming to attract<strong> $26 billion for nuclear energy</strong>, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Technological advancements and innovations:&nbsp;</strong>Can allow investment in cutting-edge research and bring innovations such as SMRs and advanced cooling technologies.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Energy transition:</strong> Can significantly contribute to achieving targets of 500 GW energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Challenges for Private Sector participation</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Legal</strong>: Atomic Energy Act of 1962 restricts private sector involvement, particularly in licensing nuclear plants.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Uncertainty around liability Laws</strong>: Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, is under challenge, causing regulatory uncertainty.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Others</strong>: High initial cost due to captive-intensive nature of nuclear projects, public trust in private nuclear operations requires transparency and consistent performance, etc.</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/science-and-technology/npcil-opens-doors-for-private-sector-participation-in-nuclear-sector</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Small Modular Reactors</category>
<category>Bharat Small Reactors</category>
<category>NPCIL</category>
<category>Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor</category>
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<item>
<title>MoD declares 2025 as ‘Year of Reforms’</title>
<description><h1>Ministry of Defense declares 2025 as ‘Year of Reforms’</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The declaration aims at <strong>modernization of the Armed Forces</strong> into a <strong>technologically-advanced combat-ready</strong> force capable of <strong>multi-domain integrated operations&nbsp;</strong>and give impetus to the ongoing and future reforms.</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Identified areas for focussed interventions</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs)</strong>: To bolster <strong>Jointness &amp; Integration initiatives</strong> to facilitate establishment of ITCs.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">ITCs are <strong>tri-service</strong> commands <strong>incorporating </strong>units from the <strong>Army, Navy, and Air Force</strong>, <strong>collectively&nbsp;</strong>for addressing security challenges within <strong>designated geographic areas</strong>.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Emerging technologies and new domains</strong>: Focus on <strong>Cyber and Space</strong> domains,<strong> AI/ML, Hypersonics,</strong> etc., to be future war-ready.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Technology transfer and knowledge sharing</strong>: To be facilitated through enhanced <strong>ease of doing business</strong> and <strong>PPP</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Collaboration</strong>: Breaking <strong>silos</strong>, promoting <strong>civil-military coordination</strong> and developing <strong>joint operational capabilities&nbsp;</strong>through <strong>inter-servicecooperation &amp; training</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Defence exports and R&amp;D:</strong> Position India as a <strong>credible exporter</strong> of defence products, <strong>fostering R&amp;D and partnerships</strong>.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Initiatives of Defence Modernization</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Promoting private and MSME participation:&nbsp;</strong>Through <strong>Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme</strong> and <strong>Self-Reliant Initiatives through Joint Action (SRIJAN) portal&nbsp;</strong>to facilitate indigenization.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Liberalized FDI Policy</strong>: FDI limit in defence raised in 2020 to <strong>74%</strong> through the<strong> Automatic Route</strong> for companies seeking <strong>new defence industrial licenses</strong> and <strong>up to 100%</strong> through the <strong>Government Route</strong> for those likely to result in <strong>access to modern technology.</strong></span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/security/ministry-of-defense-declares-2025-as-year-of-reforms</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Integrated Theatre Commands</category>
<category>Innovations for Defence Excellence</category>
<category>SRIJAN Portal</category>
<category>'Year of Reforms'</category>
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<title>Right to Property | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Right to Property</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The Supreme Court stated that while the right to property is no longer a fundamental right, it remains a <strong>constitutional and recognized human right</strong>.</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Right to property&nbsp;</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Original Status</strong>: Initially, the right to property and compensation for acquisition were protected as Fundamental Rights under Articles 19(1)(f) and 31 of the Constitution.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Present Status:44th Constitution Amendment in 1978</strong> removed the right to property from the list of Fundamental Rights, making it a constitutional right under <strong>Article 300A.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Article 300A states that <strong>“No person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law”</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Article 300A</category>
<category>Right to Property</category>
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<title>Project VISTAAR | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Project VISTAAR</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">IIT Madras has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Project VISTAAR (<strong>Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources</strong>)</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About VISTAAR</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a "Network" of Networks (Al-augmented) and every State can build their own Agri-Advisory Network.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a comprehensive network that connects <strong>decentralized databases</strong> to provide seamless access to vital agricultural resources.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Objective: </strong>enhance decision-making and resource utilization</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Expand access to <strong>high-quality advisory services&nbsp;</strong>on crop production, marketing, <strong>value addition</strong>, and supply chain management.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">provide farmers with information on <strong>relevant government schemes</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#project-vistaar</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Project VISTAAR</category>
<category>Agri-Advisory Network</category>
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<title>River Gomti | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>River Gomti</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Building on the success of the first<strong> Composite Ecological Task Force (CETF)</strong> for the Ganga, the <strong>Indian Army&nbsp;</strong>has formed a new company for the revitalization of the <strong>River</strong> <strong>Gomti</strong>.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The CETF is a unit of<strong> ex-servicemen&nbsp;</strong>aimed at supporting the<strong> NMCG's (National Mission for Clean Ganga)</strong> efforts to reduce pollution in the River Ganga.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Gomti River</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Origin:</strong> Starts at <strong>Gomath Fal</strong> (also called Fulnar Jheel) near Ladho Tanda in Pilibhit district of UP.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Length</strong>: It is a tributary of the River Ganga (<strong>merges with the River Ganga</strong> in Ghazipur district of UP).</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Tributaries:</strong> Kathina, Sai, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Major Cities</strong>: Lucknow, Jaunpur, etc.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#river-gomti</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>National Mission for Clean Ganga</category>
<category>River Gomti</category>
<category>Composite Ecological Task Force</category>
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<title>Methylcobalamin | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Methylcobalamin</h1> <p style="margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>FSSAI&nbsp;</strong>provided <strong>clarification in Guidelines&nbsp;</strong>for usage of <strong>Methylcobalamin in health supplements, medical purposes and nutraceutical products&nbsp;</strong>under certain conditions.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">FSSAI had <strong>banned Methylcobalamin in 2016</strong> and <strong>lifted&nbsp;</strong>the ban in <strong>2021&nbsp;</strong>but is yet to notify the same</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Methylcobalamin</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>It is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B12</strong> that can be obtained through supplements, as well as food sources like<strong> fish, meat, eggs, and milk.</strong></span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Vitamin B12&nbsp;</strong>is a<strong> water-soluble vitamin</strong> integral to <strong>DNA synthesis</strong>, <strong>RBC production,&nbsp;</strong>and <strong>neurological function</strong>.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Other forms of Vitamin B12 are <strong>cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin.</strong></span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Function</strong>: <strong>regulates vital bodily functions&nbsp;</strong>like<strong> cell multiplication, blood formation and protein synthesis.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Uses</strong>: Pain alleviation in diabetic neuropathy,treatment of anaemia, Alzheimer's disease</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#methylcobalamin</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Methylcobalamin</category>
<category>B12</category>
<category>Vitamin B12</category>
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<title>Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</h1> <p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Recently, a <strong>faunal survey&nbsp;</strong>was conducted in the<strong> Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</strong>, focussed on <strong>birds, butterflies, odonates (dragonflies and damselflies)</strong>, and other wildlife.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Species like the <strong>Great Indian Hornbill</strong> (State bird of Kerala), <strong>Malabar Banded Peacock (butterfly)</strong> were spotted.</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Situated in <strong>Southern Western Ghats in Kollam, Kerala</strong>, it is part of <strong>Agastyamalai Biosphere Reserve</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It derives its name from the <strong>endemic species, Ghuta Travancorica</strong>, locally known as <strong>‘Chenkurunji’</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Major rivers</strong>: Shendurney, Kazhuthuruthy and Kulathupuzha, together forming the <strong>River Kallada</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Common fauna</strong>: Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Malabar giant squirrel, Nilgiri langur, Lion-Tailed macaque etc.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Thenmala</strong>, the <strong>first planned eco-tourism destination in India</strong>, is located here.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#shendurney-wildlife-sanctuary</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Western Ghats</category>
<category>Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</category>
<category>Agastyamalai Biosphere Reserve</category>
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<title>National Sports Awards 2024 | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>National Sports Awards 2024</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Ministry of Youth Affairs &amp; Sports</strong> announced <strong>National Sports Awards 2024</strong>, to be awarded by the <strong>President </strong>of India.</p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><strong>About National Sports Awards 2024</strong></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">They are a collection of <strong>6 awards&nbsp;</strong>given to <strong>sportspersons, coaches or organisations etc.&nbsp;</strong><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024:</strong> It has been awarded to <strong>Gukesh D (Chess), Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey), Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics), Manu Bhaker (Shooting).</strong><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">It is given for outstanding performance over a period of 4 years.</li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Other Awards:&nbsp;</strong><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Arjuna Award</strong></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Arjuna (Lifetime) Award</strong></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Dronacharya Award</strong> (For coaches)</li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy:&nbsp;</strong>Top-performing University in <strong>Khelo India University Games</strong></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar</strong>: Organisations/individuals for sports promotion and development over the last 3 years.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#national-sports-awards-2024</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>National Sports Awards 2024</category>
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<title>Pig-Butchering Scam | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Pig-Butchering Scam</h1> <p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Union Ministry of Home Affairs in its <strong>annual report of 2023-24</strong> highlighted the new&nbsp;cyber fraud known as the <strong>"pig butchering scam"&nbsp;</strong>or<strong> "investment scam".</strong></span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About&nbsp;Pig-Butchering scam</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a global phenomenon and involves <strong>large-scale money laundering</strong> and <strong>even cyber slavery</strong>.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a <strong>type of confidence and investment fraud</strong> in which the victim is gradually lured into making increasing <strong>monetary contributions to a seemingly sound investment</strong> before the scammer disappears with the contributed monies.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scammers target&nbsp;</strong>mostlyunemployed youths, housewives, students, etc.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#pig-butchering-scam-1</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Money Laundering</category>
<category>Pig Butchering Scam</category>
<category>Cyber Slavery</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>Hydrogel | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Hydrogel</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Recently, researchers from IIT Guwahati developed an innovative injectable hydrogel for <strong>targeted Breast Cancer Therapy</strong>.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The newly developed hydrogel <strong>made of protein-based ultra-short peptides</strong> remains stable at injection sites by being insoluble in body fluids.&nbsp;</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">These peptides are both <strong>biocompatible and biodegradable.</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Hydrogel</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Hydrogels are <strong>water-based, three-dimensional polymer</strong> networks capable of absorbing and retaining fluids.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Their unique structure <strong>mimics living tissues</strong>, making them suitable for <strong>biomedical applications</strong>.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#hydrogel</link>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#hydrogel</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Hydrogel</category>
<category>Breast Cancer</category>
<category>Peptides</category>
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<title>Technology's Role in Redefining Indian Society</title>
<description><h1>Technology's Role in Redefining Indian Society</h1> <h2>Introduction</h2> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">India's rapid technological advancement has profoundly transformed its society, reshaping the fabric of everyday life. The widespread adoption of smartphones and the expansion of internet connectivity have <strong>democratized access to information, education, and economic opportunities</strong>. As of March 2024, <strong>India has 954.40 million internet subscribers</strong>, making it the <strong>second-largest online population globally (PIB)</strong>. This digital revolution has fueled significant economic growth, particularly in sectors like IT, e-Commerce, and FinTech. However, the impact extends beyond the economy: technology has <strong>influenced India’s social structures, altered cultural practices, and reshaped social institutions and value systems.</strong> While increased access to technology has enhanced social mobility and empowered previously marginalized groups, it has also brought challenges such as a widening digital divide, changing family dynamics, and evolving cultural norms. In this context, technology has become both a catalyst for progress and a force for profound societal change in India.</span></p> <h2>1.What are the Features of Traditional Indian Society?</h2> <ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Multi-religious:&nbsp;</strong>India is home to a multitude of religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. According to the 2011 Census of India, 79.8% of the population identifies as Hindu, 14.2% as Muslim, 2.3% as Christian, and 1.7% as Sikh, with other religions collectively accounting for about 2%.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Multi-lingual:&nbsp;</strong>India is one of the most linguistically diverse countries globally, <strong>with 22 languages listed under Schedule VIII of the Constitution.&nbsp;</strong>Besides these scheduled languages, the Indian Census did record 1,576 rationalized languages as well as 1,796 other mother-tongues.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Caste System:&nbsp;</strong>The caste system remains a significant aspect of social organization in traditional Indian society, despite various legal reforms. The 2011 Census records show that Scheduled Castes (SCs) make up 16.6% of the population, while Scheduled Tribes (STs) comprise 8.6%.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Tribal Communities:&nbsp;</strong>India has a significant tribal population, with 705 officially recognized tribes. According to the 2011 Census, the tribal population is approximately 104 million, constituting around 8.6% of the national population.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Family Structure: Indian society traditionally values joint families, but nuclear families are becoming increasingly prevalent.</strong> While 70% of Indian households were nuclear families in the 2011 Census, joint families remain more common in rural areas.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Marriage Customs:&nbsp;</strong>Marriage in traditional Indian society is largely governed by religious and cultural norms. Arranged marriages are common, with 90% of marriages still being arranged, according to a 2018 report by the Indian Human Development Survey.</span></li></ul> <h2>2.What are the technological developments happened in Indian Society?</h2> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">India’s technological advancements have spanned various sectors, influencing its economic, social, and cultural dimensions. It includes:</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Information and Communication Technology (ICT):&nbsp;</strong>It includes technologies such as Internet, <strong>Artificial Intelligence</strong>, <strong>Cloud Computing</strong>, <strong>Big Data, Internet of Things, Augmented Reality</strong>, <strong>Virtual Reality, etc., driven by improved access to&nbsp;</strong>high-speed internet, digital infrastructure, and mobile penetration.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>FinTech (Financial Technology):&nbsp;</strong>It includes increased adoption of mobile banking for financial inclusion, <strong>digital payments</strong>, digital lending platform, use of <strong>Blockchain&nbsp;</strong>in banking and record-keeping, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>MedTech (Medical Technology):&nbsp;</strong>It includes telemedicine and remote consultations (e.g., eSanjeevani initiative of government for online consultation), Electronic Health Record management, use of AI in diagnostics, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>EdTech (Education Technology):&nbsp;</strong>It includes adoption of Online Learning Platforms (e.g., SWAYAM Platform), digital classrooms and virtual labs, AI-powered personalized learning, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>E-Governance:&nbsp;</strong>It includes use of Aadhar in provisioning of services to citizens, Citizen Service Portals (e.g., MyGov), land record digitization, etc.</span></li></ul> <h2>3.What are the impacts of technology on Indian society?</h2> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Technology has had multifaceted impact on Indian society, influencing its economic, social, cultural, and political dimensions. While it has driven progress and development, it has also introduced some challenges.&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>3.1. Impact on different stakeholders in the society&nbsp;</strong></span></h2><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2185/841;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/rkc0bc9n69NZjMx1QaF1dFWd7QyuJIkKzTIc7nmR.jpg" width="2185" height="841" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><h3 style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</h3><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2185/910;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/0SWUfNOMCo99CXiNh3c10dvZECrfW04ZMfRULZ2V.jpg" width="2185" height="910" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><h3 style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</h3><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2185/781;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/ejMI9b6w1T0oJerNKoEnqMqPV7hHcI2oiF5PzHWq.jpg" width="2185" height="781" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><h3 style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</h3><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2185/860;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/yPM9kYod1zivzuhn2XUujRaSvzWX8ZVjrIXRPsZY.jpg" width="2185" height="860" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>3.2. Impact on different Social Institutions of the society</strong></span></h2><h3 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>3.2.1. Family</strong></span></h3><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Technology has significantly transformed the dynamics of family structures in India. Here are some key areas of impact:</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Nuclear Families:</strong> The rise of nuclear families has become more prevalent due to increased urbanization, globalization, and changing career opportunities.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Delayed Marriages:</strong> Technology has influenced societal norms and expectations, leading to delayed marriages and increased age at first marriage.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Changing Gender Roles:</strong> Technology has challenged traditional gender roles, with women increasingly participating in the workforce and taking on non-traditional roles.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Emerging Family Structures:</strong> New family structures, such as single-parent families, same-sex couples, and blended families, are becoming more visible and accepted.</span></li></ul><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2185/1135;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/r2rV8CuQTPkBScMu1h8gGRjZsLw5V6WhiZ2Kx4rO.jpg" width="2185" height="1135" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><h3 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>3.2.2. Caste System</strong></span></h3><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Technology is both a bridge and a barrier within India’s caste system. While it provides tools that challenge historical caste divisions, it also sometimes creates new avenues for reinforcing traditional structures.</span></p><h4 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Technology weakening the Caste System</strong></span></h4><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Breakdown of the Jajmani System</strong>: Technology allows marginalized groups to find work outside traditional caste-based service roles, diminishing the influence of the caste-bound Jajmani (patron-client) system.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Online job platforms like Naukri and gig apps like UrbanClap provide service workers direct access to clients, bypassing caste-based intermediaries.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Digital Sanskritization</strong>: Access to online education, skill-building, and economic opportunities has allowed traditionally lower-caste groups to emulate upper-caste lifestyles and values, a modern form of Sanskritization.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Inter-Caste Marriages</strong>: Dating apps and social networks enable interactions beyond caste lines, increasing the rate of inter-caste marriages, especially in urban areas.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Apps like Bumble and Tinder provide people the freedom to date and marry outside caste constraints, challenging traditional marriage norms.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Social Media Movements</strong>: Social media allows marginalized groups to highlight and advocate against caste discrimination, leading to increased awareness and solidarity.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Movements like #DalitLivesMatter&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Erosion of Traditional Social Practices:</strong> Sociologist M.N. Srinivas, in his concept of Westernization, discussed how exposure to Western ideas through media could lead to the gradual erosion of traditional Indian practices, particularly those related to family structure and social hierarchy.</span></li></ul><h4 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Technology strengthening the Caste System</strong></span></h4><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Echo-Chamber Effect:&nbsp;</strong>Social media algorithms often show users content that aligns with their existing interests, leading to caste-based echo chambers that reinforce identity and beliefs.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: People joining caste-aligned groups on Facebook may repeatedly see posts that reinforce their caste identities, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Caste-Based Social Media Groups:&nbsp;</strong>Social media platforms facilitate the formation of caste-specific groups, reinforcing caste identities and sometimes promoting exclusion.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Facebook and WhatsApp groups organized by caste communities can perpetuate intra-caste solidarity and discourage social mixing.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Caste-Based Matrimonial Sites:&nbsp;</strong>Matrimonial websites allow users to search based on caste, thus upholding caste endogamy and traditional marriage practices.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Sites like Shaadi.com and Jeevansathi have caste-based search filters, reinforcing the practice of caste-based marriages.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Data Bias and Profiling:&nbsp;</strong>Algorithms on social media and e-commerce platforms may profile users based on caste-related data, perpetuating stereotypes and biases.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Targeted ads on platforms may use location and community data to push caste-specific content, creating a segmented user experience.</span></li></ul></li></ul> <h2>4.How the technology is impacting process of Urbanisation and Ruralisation?</h2> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);">Technology plays a critical role in driving both <strong>urbanization</strong> (the movement of people and resources toward cities) and <strong>ruralization</strong> (bringing urban-like development and services to rural areas). Here’s how it fuels both processes:</span></p><h2><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Technology fuelling Urbanization</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Job Opportunities and Economic Growth</strong>: Technology-driven <strong>industries like IT, e-commerce, and fintech&nbsp;</strong>are predominantly based in cities, attracting people from rural areas seeking better employment prospects and salaries.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai have become major tech hubs, drawing rural talent for IT and tech jobs.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Education and Skill Development</strong>: Urban areas <strong>offer greater access to high-quality, tech-enabled educational institutions,</strong> which attracts students from rural areas who seek advanced education and skill-based training.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Institutes like IITs and IIMs in urban centers attract students nationwide, many of whom stay in cities post-graduation.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Healthcare and Infrastructure</strong>: Advanced healthcare facilities with <strong>specialized hospitals in cities</strong> draw rural populations who seek quality medical services and improved infrastructure.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Urban hospitals with telemedicine services offer quality care, making cities an attractive option for rural families needing advanced healthcare.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Social Connectivity and Lifestyle</strong>: Access to social media and urban digital services exposes rural populations to city lifestyles, fueling aspirations for an urban standard of living.</span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Social media and OTT platforms showcase urban lifestyles and opportunities, encouraging rural youth to migrate to cities.</span></li></ul></li></ul><h2><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Technology fuelling Ruralisation</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Digital Services and E-Governance:&nbsp;</strong>Technology brings essential services like banking, education, and government schemes to rural areas, reducing the need to migrate to cities.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Platforms <strong>like Common Service Centers (CSCs)</strong> in India provide e-governance and digital financial services in rural areas.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Telemedicine and Healthcare Access:&nbsp;</strong>Telemedicine platforms bring urban-quality healthcare to rural residents, allowing remote consultations with city-based doctors and reducing rural-urban healthcare disparity.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Platforms like Practo and government initiatives in telemedicine provide rural populations with access to specialized healthcare.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Agri-Tech and Smart Farming:&nbsp;</strong>Agri-tech solutions offer rural farmers real-time data on weather, crop health, and market prices, increasing productivity and income, making rural life more sustainable.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Apps <strong>like Kisan Suvidha</strong> provide real-time data to help rural farmers make informed decisions, reducing migration due to agricultural challenges.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>E-Learning and Skill Development:&nbsp;</strong>E-learning platforms enable rural youth to access urban-quality education and skills without relocating, which supports local employment and opportunities.</span></li></ul><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2185/904;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/y1LS7MDoCYaWg7dI9Tco1EOL1XsyZSvPtEaNW57z.jpg" width="2185" height="904" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure> <h2>5.How the Indian Society is balancing the technology with tradition?</h2> <p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">India, a land steeped in ancient traditions and rich cultural heritage, is also rapidly embracing technological advancements.&nbsp;This unique juxtaposition has led to a fascinating interplay between the old and the new. As technology permeates every aspect of life, Indian society is navigating this complex landscape, seeking to balance tradition with modernity. This delicate balancing act unfolds at individual, societal, and governmental levels, shaping the nation's evolving identity. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><h2><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>At Individual-level</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Selective adoption:</strong> Individuals choose to adopt technology that aligns with their values and traditions. For example, a person might use social media to connect with family and friends while avoiding content that conflicts with their beliefs.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Digital Detox:</strong> Many people practice digital detox, setting aside specific times to disconnect from technology and engage in traditional activities like meditation, yoga, or spending time with family.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Traditional skill enhancement:</strong> Individuals learn and practice traditional skills like crafts, music, or dance, often using technology to document, share, and promote these skills. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Ethical usage of Technology:</strong> People strive to use technology ethically, avoiding cyberbullying, spreading misinformation, and engaging in harmful online activities.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Mindful consumption:</strong> Individuals make conscious choices about the technology they consume, prioritizing content that enriches their lives and avoids excessive screen time. <strong>Example</strong>: Setting time reminders on Youtube.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h2><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>At Societal-level</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Digital Religious Practices:&nbsp;</strong>Indian temples and religious institutions offer online pujas and live-streamed aarti ceremonies.</span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:18.0pt;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>:<strong> Peter Berger</strong> argues that technology enabled the creation of <strong>virtual religious communities</strong> and digital religious content, allowing individuals to <strong>engage with religion without physically attending religious institutions.</strong></span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Cultural Preservation through Digital Archives and Libraries:</strong> Societal groups and NGOs create online archives of folk songs, dance forms, and regional languages, promoting cultural preservation.&nbsp;</span><br><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: The People’s Linguistic Survey of India documents Indian languages online.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Tech-Enabled Tradition:</strong> Technology is used to modernize traditional practices, such as online yoga classes, virtual temple visits, and digital preservation of ancient texts. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Digital Literacy:</strong> Efforts are made to promote digital literacy, empowering individuals to use technology responsibly and critically. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Community Engagement:</strong> Online platforms are used to foster community engagement, connecting people with shared interests and facilitating knowledge sharing. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h2><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>At Government-level</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Digital India for Cultural Heritage Preservation:&nbsp;</strong>Digitization efforts to preserve cultural heritage, such as monuments, manuscripts, and artwork.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:18.0pt;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scheme</strong>: National Mission on Libraries and Digital India program for heritage.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Skill India Initiative for Traditional Craft and Handloom Promotion:&nbsp;</strong>Programs to upskill artisans in traditional crafts and integrate digital skills.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:18.0pt;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scheme</strong>: PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) with courses for handicrafts and weaving.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>E-learning Platforms for traditional knowledge: </strong>Government e-learning platforms like SWAYAM offering courses on Sanskrit, classical arts, and traditional knowledge.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>AYUSH integration in mainstream healthcare</strong>: Promotion of traditional health practices like Ayurveda and Yoga alongside modern medicine.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:18.0pt;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scheme</strong>: AYUSH Mission and AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Support for E-Commerce platforms to boost artisan economy:&nbsp;</strong>Government collaborates with e-commerce platforms to allow artisans to sell their goods digitally.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:18.0pt;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scheme</strong>: GeM (Government e-Marketplace) facilitates online sales for artisans.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Cybersecurity measures for safeguarding digital heritage:</strong> The government implements cybersecurity protocols to protect digital archives of cultural heritage, preventing data breaches and unauthorized access to culturally sensitive information under various policies and statutes like the <strong>Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023</strong>.</span></li></ul> <h2>6.How Indian Society can better adapt to technological advancements?</h2> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The impact of technology on Indian society is profound and multifaceted, shaping various aspects such as communication, education, health care, and governance. To maximize the benefits of technological advancements while mitigating potential drawbacks, several specific strategies and best practices can be adopted.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Bridging the digital divide:&nbsp;</strong>Expand broadband connectivity to underserved regions, subsidize or incentivize the production and distribution of affordable digital devices, conduct community-based campaigns and workshops on digital literacy, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Promoting Ethical Use of Technology:</strong> Establish frameworks for responsible use of technology, focusing on data privacy, digital rights, mandating public disclosure of how algorithms influence decision-making, strengthen fact-checking mechanisms to curb misinformation, etc.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example: The OECD</strong> has developed principles for the ethical use of AI, focusing on transparency, accountability, and human-centered design.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Mitigating job displacement and automation:&nbsp;</strong>Strengthen state and corporate initiatives for skill development in emerging fields like AI, robotics, and renewable energy, exploring the option to provide universal safety nets for displaced workers, promote human-centric AI development that augment human abilities rather than replace them, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Supporting Startups and Innovation Hubs</strong>: Provide mentorship and funding through government and private sector partnerships to support startups that focus on social impact, such as health tech or agri-tech solutions.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Ensure Mental-health and social well-being:&nbsp;</strong>Digital detox campaigns to promote healthy screen-time habits, regulate addictive features and restrict exploitative design practices, like endless scrolling, leverage technology (e.g., telemedicine and apps) to provide accessible mental health resources, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Implementing Smart Governance:</strong> Utilize technology for efficient service delivery, such as e-governance platforms that streamline processes like licensing, permits, and public grievance redressal.</span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Adopt a citizen-centric design for digital services, ensuring user-friendly interfaces and multi-language support to cater to diverse populations.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Sustainable Technology Practices</strong>: Incentivize the adoption of energy-efficient devices and renewable energy solutions, promote circular economy through reuse, refurbishing, and recycling practices in technology manufacturing.</span></li></ul> <h2>Conclusion</h2> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);">World Bank emphasizes the future of technology and society hinges on a collective commitment to harnessing technology for the greater good. By prioritizing inclusivity, ethical standards, and sustainability, we can create a technological landscape that not only enhances economic growth but also upholds social values and improves the quality of life for all individuals.</span></p> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/weekly-focus/2024-12-04/social-issues/introduction-16</link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 03 Dec 2024 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Digital Detox</category>
<category>Indian Society</category>
<category>Impact of Technology on Families</category>
<category>Technology fuelling Urbanization</category>
<category>Technology fuelling Ruralization</category>
<category>Digital Divide</category>
<category>Ethical Use of Technology</category>
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<title>India submits 4th BUR to UNFCCC</title>
<description><h1>India submits its Fourth Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to UNFCCC</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">BUR-4 updates the <strong>Third National Communication (TNC)</strong> and contains the <strong>National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory for the year 2020.&nbsp;</strong></span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change</strong> is <strong>India's nodal ministry</strong> for managing and coordinating climate change activities and reporting under <strong>Article 4.1 of UNFCCC.</strong></span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key Highlights of report</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>GHG emissions:&nbsp;</strong>It<strong>&nbsp;</strong>has <strong>decreased by 7.93%</strong> in 2020 compared to 2019.</span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Sector wise Emissions:<strong> Energy ( 75.66%)&gt; Agriculture( 13.72%)&gt;Industrial Process and Product Use (8.06%)&gt;Waste (2.56%).</strong></span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Emission Intensity of GDP:</strong> It<strong>&nbsp;</strong>has <strong>reduced by 36% (</strong>Between 2005 to 2020)</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Share of non-fossil sources:&nbsp;</strong>It constitutes<strong> 46.52% of installed electricity generation capacity</strong> (October 2024)</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Generation of Carbon Sinks:&nbsp;</strong>An additional carbon sink of <strong>2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 have been created through forest and tree cover (2005 to 2021)</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Forest and tree cover:</strong> It currently stands at <strong>25.17%&nbsp;</strong>of the country's total geographical area and has <strong>consistently increased</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:3087/1780;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/PRcDHOu0JgWfkVSmA5cMnk2WfFT4qoq0pWNVfhuR.jpg" width="3087" height="1780" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/environment/india-submits-its-fourth-biennial-update-report-bur-4-to-unfccc</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>UNFCCC</category>
<category>BUR-4</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>Base Revision of WPI</title>
<description><h1>Constitution of Working Group for the revision of the current series of Wholesale Price Index (Base 2011-12)</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The <strong>18-member</strong> working group is&nbsp;for base revision of the current series of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) from base 2011-12 to 2022-23.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The <strong>WPI series</strong> has undergone <strong>seven revisions</strong> in <strong>1952-53, 1961-62, 1970-71, 1981-82, 1993-94 and 2004-05, 2011-12</strong> so far.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Terms of Reference of the Working Group</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Suggest changes in the commodity basket of WPI and PPI</strong>: Based on structural changes in the economy with base year <strong>2022-23.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Computational methodology</strong>: To decide the computational methodology to be adopted for WPI / PPI and&nbsp;suggest improvements for better reliability.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Producer Price Index (PPI)</strong>:&nbsp; <strong>Examine methodology&nbsp;</strong>for <strong>compilation&nbsp;</strong>of PPI and suggest improvements.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Recommend a roadmap for switch over from WPI to PPI</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Others:&nbsp;</strong>Review and suggest changes in the <strong>existing system of price collection,&nbsp;</strong>Computation methodology of<strong> linking factor</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Linking factor</strong> helps<strong> maintain continuity</strong> in the <strong>time series data&nbsp;</strong>and aids <strong>comparison with the series of WPI</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2942/1339;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/230YgrZGaVgPrzaVsPZvvyvpoOMGCGDcQVdIheXe.jpg" width="2942" height="1339" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/economics-(indian-economy)/constitution-of-working-group-for-the-revision-of-the-current-series-of-wholesale-price-index-base-2011-12</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>WPI</category>
<category>PPI</category>
<category>Base Revision</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>Private Sector participation in Nuclear Sector</title>
<description><h1>NPCIL opens doors for Private Sector participation in Nuclear Sector</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Recently, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has <strong>invited Request for Proposal from Indian users</strong> for 220MWe <strong>Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) Bharat Small Reactors</strong> (BSRs) in Brown/ Green fields.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Based on India’s<strong> PHWR technology,</strong> BSRs are compact nuclear reactors with a capacity of<strong> up to 220 MWe</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">BSRs align with global trends of <strong>Small Modular Reactors</strong> (SMRs), which have a <strong>capacity ranging from less than 30 MWe to 300+ MWe</strong>.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance of Private Participation in Nuclear Sector</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Resource mobilization:&nbsp;</strong>Can attract investment in India’s nuclear infrastructure; provide economies of scale through pooling of resources with India aiming to attract<strong> $26 billion for nuclear energy</strong>, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Technological advancements and innovations:&nbsp;</strong>Can allow investment in cutting-edge research and bring innovations such as SMRs and advanced cooling technologies.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Energy transition:</strong> Can significantly contribute to achieving targets of 500 GW energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Challenges for Private Sector participation</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Legal</strong>: Atomic Energy Act of 1962 restricts private sector involvement, particularly in licensing nuclear plants.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Uncertainty around liability Laws</strong>: Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, is under challenge, causing regulatory uncertainty.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Others</strong>: High initial cost due to captive-intensive nature of nuclear projects, public trust in private nuclear operations requires transparency and consistent performance, etc.</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/science-and-technology/npcil-opens-doors-for-private-sector-participation-in-nuclear-sector</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Small Modular Reactors</category>
<category>Bharat Small Reactors</category>
<category>NPCIL</category>
<category>Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>MoD declares 2025 as ‘Year of Reforms’</title>
<description><h1>Ministry of Defense declares 2025 as ‘Year of Reforms’</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The declaration aims at <strong>modernization of the Armed Forces</strong> into a <strong>technologically-advanced combat-ready</strong> force capable of <strong>multi-domain integrated operations&nbsp;</strong>and give impetus to the ongoing and future reforms.</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Identified areas for focussed interventions</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs)</strong>: To bolster <strong>Jointness &amp; Integration initiatives</strong> to facilitate establishment of ITCs.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">ITCs are <strong>tri-service</strong> commands <strong>incorporating </strong>units from the <strong>Army, Navy, and Air Force</strong>, <strong>collectively&nbsp;</strong>for addressing security challenges within <strong>designated geographic areas</strong>.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Emerging technologies and new domains</strong>: Focus on <strong>Cyber and Space</strong> domains,<strong> AI/ML, Hypersonics,</strong> etc., to be future war-ready.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Technology transfer and knowledge sharing</strong>: To be facilitated through enhanced <strong>ease of doing business</strong> and <strong>PPP</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Collaboration</strong>: Breaking <strong>silos</strong>, promoting <strong>civil-military coordination</strong> and developing <strong>joint operational capabilities&nbsp;</strong>through <strong>inter-servicecooperation &amp; training</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Defence exports and R&amp;D:</strong> Position India as a <strong>credible exporter</strong> of defence products, <strong>fostering R&amp;D and partnerships</strong>.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Initiatives of Defence Modernization</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Promoting private and MSME participation:&nbsp;</strong>Through <strong>Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme</strong> and <strong>Self-Reliant Initiatives through Joint Action (SRIJAN) portal&nbsp;</strong>to facilitate indigenization.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Liberalized FDI Policy</strong>: FDI limit in defence raised in 2020 to <strong>74%</strong> through the<strong> Automatic Route</strong> for companies seeking <strong>new defence industrial licenses</strong> and <strong>up to 100%</strong> through the <strong>Government Route</strong> for those likely to result in <strong>access to modern technology.</strong></span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/security/ministry-of-defense-declares-2025-as-year-of-reforms</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Integrated Theatre Commands</category>
<category>Innovations for Defence Excellence</category>
<category>SRIJAN Portal</category>
<category>'Year of Reforms'</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>Right to Property | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Right to Property</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The Supreme Court stated that while the right to property is no longer a fundamental right, it remains a <strong>constitutional and recognized human right</strong>.</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Right to property&nbsp;</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Original Status</strong>: Initially, the right to property and compensation for acquisition were protected as Fundamental Rights under Articles 19(1)(f) and 31 of the Constitution.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Present Status:44th Constitution Amendment in 1978</strong> removed the right to property from the list of Fundamental Rights, making it a constitutional right under <strong>Article 300A.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Article 300A states that <strong>“No person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law”</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Article 300A</category>
<category>Right to Property</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>Project VISTAAR | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Project VISTAAR</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">IIT Madras has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Project VISTAAR (<strong>Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources</strong>)</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About VISTAAR</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a "Network" of Networks (Al-augmented) and every State can build their own Agri-Advisory Network.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a comprehensive network that connects <strong>decentralized databases</strong> to provide seamless access to vital agricultural resources.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Objective: </strong>enhance decision-making and resource utilization</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Expand access to <strong>high-quality advisory services&nbsp;</strong>on crop production, marketing, <strong>value addition</strong>, and supply chain management.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">provide farmers with information on <strong>relevant government schemes</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#project-vistaar</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Project VISTAAR</category>
<category>Agri-Advisory Network</category>
</item>
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<title>River Gomti | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>River Gomti</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Building on the success of the first<strong> Composite Ecological Task Force (CETF)</strong> for the Ganga, the <strong>Indian Army&nbsp;</strong>has formed a new company for the revitalization of the <strong>River</strong> <strong>Gomti</strong>.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The CETF is a unit of<strong> ex-servicemen&nbsp;</strong>aimed at supporting the<strong> NMCG's (National Mission for Clean Ganga)</strong> efforts to reduce pollution in the River Ganga.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Gomti River</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Origin:</strong> Starts at <strong>Gomath Fal</strong> (also called Fulnar Jheel) near Ladho Tanda in Pilibhit district of UP.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Length</strong>: It is a tributary of the River Ganga (<strong>merges with the River Ganga</strong> in Ghazipur district of UP).</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Tributaries:</strong> Kathina, Sai, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Major Cities</strong>: Lucknow, Jaunpur, etc.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#river-gomti</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>National Mission for Clean Ganga</category>
<category>River Gomti</category>
<category>Composite Ecological Task Force</category>
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<title>Methylcobalamin | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Methylcobalamin</h1> <p style="margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>FSSAI&nbsp;</strong>provided <strong>clarification in Guidelines&nbsp;</strong>for usage of <strong>Methylcobalamin in health supplements, medical purposes and nutraceutical products&nbsp;</strong>under certain conditions.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">FSSAI had <strong>banned Methylcobalamin in 2016</strong> and <strong>lifted&nbsp;</strong>the ban in <strong>2021&nbsp;</strong>but is yet to notify the same</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Methylcobalamin</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>It is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B12</strong> that can be obtained through supplements, as well as food sources like<strong> fish, meat, eggs, and milk.</strong></span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Vitamin B12&nbsp;</strong>is a<strong> water-soluble vitamin</strong> integral to <strong>DNA synthesis</strong>, <strong>RBC production,&nbsp;</strong>and <strong>neurological function</strong>.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Other forms of Vitamin B12 are <strong>cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin.</strong></span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Function</strong>: <strong>regulates vital bodily functions&nbsp;</strong>like<strong> cell multiplication, blood formation and protein synthesis.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Uses</strong>: Pain alleviation in diabetic neuropathy,treatment of anaemia, Alzheimer's disease</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#methylcobalamin</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Methylcobalamin</category>
<category>B12</category>
<category>Vitamin B12</category>
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<title>Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</h1> <p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Recently, a <strong>faunal survey&nbsp;</strong>was conducted in the<strong> Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</strong>, focussed on <strong>birds, butterflies, odonates (dragonflies and damselflies)</strong>, and other wildlife.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Species like the <strong>Great Indian Hornbill</strong> (State bird of Kerala), <strong>Malabar Banded Peacock (butterfly)</strong> were spotted.</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Situated in <strong>Southern Western Ghats in Kollam, Kerala</strong>, it is part of <strong>Agastyamalai Biosphere Reserve</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It derives its name from the <strong>endemic species, Ghuta Travancorica</strong>, locally known as <strong>‘Chenkurunji’</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Major rivers</strong>: Shendurney, Kazhuthuruthy and Kulathupuzha, together forming the <strong>River Kallada</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Common fauna</strong>: Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Malabar giant squirrel, Nilgiri langur, Lion-Tailed macaque etc.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Thenmala</strong>, the <strong>first planned eco-tourism destination in India</strong>, is located here.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#shendurney-wildlife-sanctuary</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Western Ghats</category>
<category>Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</category>
<category>Agastyamalai Biosphere Reserve</category>
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<title>National Sports Awards 2024 | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>National Sports Awards 2024</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Ministry of Youth Affairs &amp; Sports</strong> announced <strong>National Sports Awards 2024</strong>, to be awarded by the <strong>President </strong>of India.</p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><strong>About National Sports Awards 2024</strong></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">They are a collection of <strong>6 awards&nbsp;</strong>given to <strong>sportspersons, coaches or organisations etc.&nbsp;</strong><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024:</strong> It has been awarded to <strong>Gukesh D (Chess), Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey), Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics), Manu Bhaker (Shooting).</strong><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">It is given for outstanding performance over a period of 4 years.</li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Other Awards:&nbsp;</strong><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Arjuna Award</strong></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Arjuna (Lifetime) Award</strong></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Dronacharya Award</strong> (For coaches)</li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy:&nbsp;</strong>Top-performing University in <strong>Khelo India University Games</strong></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar</strong>: Organisations/individuals for sports promotion and development over the last 3 years.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#national-sports-awards-2024</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>National Sports Awards 2024</category>
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<title>Pig-Butchering Scam | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Pig-Butchering Scam</h1> <p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Union Ministry of Home Affairs in its <strong>annual report of 2023-24</strong> highlighted the new&nbsp;cyber fraud known as the <strong>"pig butchering scam"&nbsp;</strong>or<strong> "investment scam".</strong></span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About&nbsp;Pig-Butchering scam</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a global phenomenon and involves <strong>large-scale money laundering</strong> and <strong>even cyber slavery</strong>.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a <strong>type of confidence and investment fraud</strong> in which the victim is gradually lured into making increasing <strong>monetary contributions to a seemingly sound investment</strong> before the scammer disappears with the contributed monies.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scammers target&nbsp;</strong>mostlyunemployed youths, housewives, students, etc.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#pig-butchering-scam-1</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Money Laundering</category>
<category>Pig Butchering Scam</category>
<category>Cyber Slavery</category>
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<title>Hydrogel | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Hydrogel</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Recently, researchers from IIT Guwahati developed an innovative injectable hydrogel for <strong>targeted Breast Cancer Therapy</strong>.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The newly developed hydrogel <strong>made of protein-based ultra-short peptides</strong> remains stable at injection sites by being insoluble in body fluids.&nbsp;</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">These peptides are both <strong>biocompatible and biodegradable.</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Hydrogel</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Hydrogels are <strong>water-based, three-dimensional polymer</strong> networks capable of absorbing and retaining fluids.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Their unique structure <strong>mimics living tissues</strong>, making them suitable for <strong>biomedical applications</strong>.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#hydrogel</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Hydrogel</category>
<category>Breast Cancer</category>
<category>Peptides</category>
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<title>Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2024</title>
<description><h1>Union Minister of Jal Shakti Releases Annual Ground Water Quality Report of the Country for the Year 2024</h1>
<p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">For the first time, this report <strong>introduced Standard Operating Procedure for groundwater quality monitoring</strong>, ensuring uniformity in data collection, analysis and interpretation.</span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Status of Groundwater&nbsp;</strong></span></h2><figure class="image image-style-side" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:420/305;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/EIrQV5IK0mQBylO7Mx5bndHcf4pIZCA3j6hptcXF.png" width="420" height="305" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>India is the largest groundwater user in world&nbsp;</strong>(more than 25% of global total).</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>87% groundwater extracted</strong> is used in <strong>agricultural sector</strong> and about 11% in domestic sector.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key Highlights</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Regional Variability:&nbsp;</strong>100% of water samples met BIS standards in<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, etc<strong>.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">While Rajasthan, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh faced widespread contamination.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Irrigation Suitability:&nbsp;</strong>Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Tripura and others have <strong>excellent category water for irrigation.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana</strong> etc. fall in <strong>very high sodium range and are unsuitable for use in irrigation</strong> practices.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Specific Contaminants of Concern</strong>: Nitrate (Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra), Fluoride (Haryana, Karnataka), Arsenic (floodplains of Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers); Uranium (Rajasthan, Punjab).&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key factors contributing to decline in groundwater quality</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Industrialization:</strong> Discharge of untreated industrial waste, including heavy metals, chemicals, and solvents.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Agricultural Practices:</strong> Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in farming.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Urbanization:&nbsp;</strong>Due to improper waste disposal, sewage leakage, and landfill contamination.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Climate Change:</strong> Changes in precipitation patterns and over-extraction affect replenishment of aquifers.&nbsp;</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/geography/union-minister-of-jal-shakti-releases-annual-ground-water-quality-report-of-the-country-for-the-year-2024</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Groundwater</category>
<category>Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2024</category>
<category>Bhu-Neer Portal</category>
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<title>Remittance</title>
<description><h1>India got 14.3% of global remittances in 2024, its highest ever</h1>
<p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Remittances are <strong>financial transfers made by individuals working abroad</strong> to support their families in their home country.</span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Trend in Remittances flow</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Top five recipients in 2024:&nbsp;</strong>India at&nbsp;$129 billion ($125 billion compared to 2023), Mexico, China, Philippines, and Pakistan, driven by recovery in job markets in high-income countries of OECD.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Remittances to <strong>Low- and Middle-Income Countries&nbsp;</strong>are projected to surge to <strong>$685 billion in 2024</strong>, with<strong> 5.8% growth rate</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>China's</strong> share of global remittances <strong>dropped to 5.3% in 2024, its lowest share in two decades,</strong> due to reduced <strong>low-skilled emigration</strong> stemming from its rising economic prosperity and aging population.</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Factors responsible for High Remittances in India</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scale of Migration:&nbsp;</strong>India has one of the largest diaspora populations in world, with over 18 million Indians living abroad as of 2023 (UN World Migration Report 2024).</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Shift in Destination Trends:</strong> Increasingly, Indian migrants are moving to high-income economies like US, UK, and Australia.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Skilled and Unskilled Labor:</strong> Indian migrants range from highly skilled professionals (IT, healthcare) to semi-skilled and unskilled labourers.</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance of High Remittances&nbsp;</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>For Recipient Households:</strong> Used for essential expenses like food, healthcare, and education, directly improving living standards.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>For Macro-economy:</strong> Major source of foreign exchange, reduced reliance on foreign aid, funding current account deficits and fiscal shortfalls etc.</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/economics-(indian-economy)/india-got-143-of-global-remittances-in-2024-its-highest-ever</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Remittance</category>
<category>High Remittances in India</category>
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<title>20 years of QUAD</title>
<description><h1>QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) marks 20 Years of Cooperation</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">On the occasion, the foreign ministers of the QUAD countries reiterated their foundational commitment to <strong>humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Along with this, they also re-affirmed their commitment to <strong>free and open Indo-Pacific, ASEAN’s centrality,</strong> support to <strong>Pacific-led regional architecture</strong> and <strong>Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).&nbsp;</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Idea of <strong>ASEAN's (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) centrality&nbsp;</strong>accords <strong>central role</strong> to ASEAN in shaping the regional architecture.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>QUAD</strong></span></h2><figure class="image image_resized image-style-side" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:3325/2309;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/EKwvVMnbSm0LfC4fBEzfhjHihStzLAQrxsadHLT9.jpg" width="3325" height="2309" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About:</strong> It is a <strong>strategic diplomatic partnership</strong> between <strong>Australia, India, Japan,&nbsp;</strong>and the<strong> United States&nbsp;</strong>to support an <strong>open, stable&nbsp;</strong>and <strong>prosperous Indo-Pacific</strong> that is <strong>inclusive&nbsp;</strong>and<strong> resilient.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Origin:</strong> Traced to <strong>December 2004</strong> when the above countries came together to provide assistance to countries affected by the <strong>Indian Ocean Tsunami.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Group held its <strong>first informal meeting</strong> on the sidelines of ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, Philippines in<strong> 2007</strong>. Post which, the grouping remained dissolved.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Revival:&nbsp;</strong>In <strong>2017,</strong> when the first official talks were held in <strong>Philippines.</strong></span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance of QUAD for India</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Partnership with like-minded countries:</strong> It allows India to shape the region favorably while <strong>retaining decisional autonomy</strong> and <strong>flexibility</strong> to partner with multiple actors.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Strengthening India’s stature:</strong> Help India establish itself as a <strong>“leading power”</strong> and<strong> provider of public goods&nbsp;</strong>in the Indo-Pacific—particularly in the Indian Ocean region.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Economic advantage:&nbsp;</strong>Make India a <strong>preferred destination for investment</strong> along with <strong>engaging with ASEAN countries.&nbsp;</strong></span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Strategically counter China’s rise:</strong> By taking the support of the other Quad nations including assistance on the naval front.</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/international-relations/quad-quadrilateral-security-dialogue-marks-20-years-of-cooperation</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>QUAD</category>
<category>ASEAN Centrality</category>
<category>20 Years of QUAD</category>
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<title>UDISE+ 2023-24 Report on School Education</title>
<description><h1>Ministry of Education releases Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2023-24 Report on School Education</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">In UDISE+ 2023-24 for the first time, at <strong>national level individual student wise data has been collected</strong> from all recognized schools in country through UDISE+ since 2022-23.&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is aligned with recommendations of NEP 2020.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key</strong> <strong>findings of UDISE+ 2023-24</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Student Enrolments: Overall dip in school enrolments</strong> as well across country, falling from 25.18 crore in 2022-23 to <strong>24.8 crore in 2023-24</strong>.</span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">This represents a <strong>drop of about 1.55 crore students</strong> (nearly 6%) from 2018-19 to 2021-22.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Dropouts</strong>: <strong>Zero-dropout rate at Foundational level</strong> (pre-primary to Class 2) is due to admission of students from Anganwadi, standalone private pre-primary school directly to Class I in recognized schools.</span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Maximum dropout rates</strong> were at <strong>Secondary level (Classes 9 to 12)</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra</strong> saw among <strong>highest drop in enrolments</strong>.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Retention rate</strong>: Higher at elementary level.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER):</strong> Minor <strong>dip at all levels except at the secondary level.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">GER compares <strong>enrolment in a specific level of education to population of age group</strong> that is age-appropriate for that level of education.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>School infrastructure: Assam, Odisha </strong>and <strong>Karnataka </strong></span>face underutilised <strong>infrastructure&nbsp;</strong>due to <strong>low student-to-school ratios</strong>.</li></ul><figure class="table" style=""><table class="ck-table-resized" style="border:2px solid hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><colgroup><col style="width:100%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border:1.0pt solid windowtext;padding:0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align:top;width:534.1pt;"><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About UDISE+</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">UDISE+ system of <strong>online data collection from schools</strong> was <strong>developed by Department of School Education &amp; Literacy</strong> in the 2018-19 to overcome the issues related to erstwhile practice of manual data filling in paper format.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">UDISE+ collects information through an online Data Collection Form on parameters ranging from school, Infrastructure, teachers, enrolments, examination results etc.</span></li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/social-issues/ministry-of-education-releases-unified-district-information-system-for-education-plus-udise-2023-24-report-on-school-education</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>NEP 2020</category>
<category>UDISE+ 2023-24 Report on School Education</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>Crop Insurance for Farmers</title>
<description><h1>Cabinet approves modifications in Crop Insurance Scheme under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Decision included the continuation of the <strong>Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana&nbsp;(PMFBY)</strong>&nbsp;and <strong>Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS)</strong>.&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key Modifications approved</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Continuation of the Scheme:</strong> Till <strong>2025-26</strong> with an outlay of Rs.69,515.71 Crore&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Large Scale Technology Infusion:</strong> Through the&nbsp;<strong>Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT)&nbsp;</strong>with a corpus of Rs.824.77 Crore.&nbsp;</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">To be utilised for <strong>funding technological initiatives</strong> under the scheme namely<strong>, YES-TECH, WINDS,</strong> etc.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About PMFBY &amp; RWBCIS</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Aim:&nbsp;</strong> Provide an <strong>affordable crop insurance product</strong> for <strong>comprehensive risk cover&nbsp;</strong>against all <strong>non-preventable natural risks</strong> from <strong>pre-sowing to post-harvest stage.</strong></span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>RWBCIS&nbsp;</strong>covers the&nbsp;<strong>insured farmers</strong> against <strong>loss</strong> from <strong>adverse weather conditions</strong> like rainfall, temperature, wind, humidity etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">PMFBY and RWBCIS primarily differ in their <strong>methodology for calculation of admissible claims&nbsp;</strong>by farmers.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Coverage:</strong> All farmers including sharecroppers and tenant farmers growing notified crops in the notified areas.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Crops Covered:</strong> Food crops (Cereals, Millets and Pulses); Oilseeds; Annual Commercial / Annual Horticultural crops, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Risks Covered:</strong> <strong>Basic cover</strong> (risk of yield loss); add-on covers based on specific needs; <strong>Post harvest</strong> losses (maximum to 2 weeks after harvesting); localised calamities; etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Premium Paid by farmers:</strong> <strong>Kharif crops (2%); Rabi Crops (1.5%); Commercial Horticulture crops (5%).&nbsp;</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Exclusions:</strong> Losses arising out of war and nuclear risks, and other preventable risks.</span></li></ul><figure class="table" style=""><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:100%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border:1.0pt solid windowtext;padding:0in 5.4pt;vertical-align:top;width:462.1pt;"><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key Efforts towards Technology Adoption under the Scheme</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>National Crop Insurance Portal</strong> for better administration and coordination.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Yield Estimation System based on Technology (YES-TECH)</strong> for direct estimation of yield at <strong>Gram Panchayat (GP) level</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Weather Information Network Data System (WINDS)</strong> for generation of long-term <strong>hyper-local weather data</strong> for Crop insurance.</span><ul style="list-style-type:square;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Implementation of WINDS to assist state governments will begin <strong>in 2024-25.</strong></spa |
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<title>India submits 4th BUR to UNFCCC</title>
<description><h1>India submits its Fourth Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to UNFCCC</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">BUR-4 updates the <strong>Third National Communication (TNC)</strong> and contains the <strong>National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory for the year 2020.&nbsp;</strong></span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change</strong> is <strong>India's nodal ministry</strong> for managing and coordinating climate change activities and reporting under <strong>Article 4.1 of UNFCCC.</strong></span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key Highlights of report</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>GHG emissions:&nbsp;</strong>It<strong>&nbsp;</strong>has <strong>decreased by 7.93%</strong> in 2020 compared to 2019.</span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Sector wise Emissions:<strong> Energy ( 75.66%)&gt; Agriculture( 13.72%)&gt;Industrial Process and Product Use (8.06%)&gt;Waste (2.56%).</strong></span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Emission Intensity of GDP:</strong> It<strong>&nbsp;</strong>has <strong>reduced by 36% (</strong>Between 2005 to 2020)</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Share of non-fossil sources:&nbsp;</strong>It constitutes<strong> 46.52% of installed electricity generation capacity</strong> (October 2024)</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Generation of Carbon Sinks:&nbsp;</strong>An additional carbon sink of <strong>2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 have been created through forest and tree cover (2005 to 2021)</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Forest and tree cover:</strong> It currently stands at <strong>25.17%&nbsp;</strong>of the country's total geographical area and has <strong>consistently increased</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:3087/1780;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/PRcDHOu0JgWfkVSmA5cMnk2WfFT4qoq0pWNVfhuR.jpg" width="3087" height="1780" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/environment/india-submits-its-fourth-biennial-update-report-bur-4-to-unfccc</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>UNFCCC</category>
<category>BUR-4</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>Base Revision of WPI</title>
<description><h1>Constitution of Working Group for the revision of the current series of Wholesale Price Index (Base 2011-12)</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The <strong>18-member</strong> working group is&nbsp;for base revision of the current series of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) from base 2011-12 to 2022-23.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The <strong>WPI series</strong> has undergone <strong>seven revisions</strong> in <strong>1952-53, 1961-62, 1970-71, 1981-82, 1993-94 and 2004-05, 2011-12</strong> so far.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Terms of Reference of the Working Group</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Suggest changes in the commodity basket of WPI and PPI</strong>: Based on structural changes in the economy with base year <strong>2022-23.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Computational methodology</strong>: To decide the computational methodology to be adopted for WPI / PPI and&nbsp;suggest improvements for better reliability.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Producer Price Index (PPI)</strong>:&nbsp; <strong>Examine methodology&nbsp;</strong>for <strong>compilation&nbsp;</strong>of PPI and suggest improvements.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Recommend a roadmap for switch over from WPI to PPI</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Others:&nbsp;</strong>Review and suggest changes in the <strong>existing system of price collection,&nbsp;</strong>Computation methodology of<strong> linking factor</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Linking factor</strong> helps<strong> maintain continuity</strong> in the <strong>time series data&nbsp;</strong>and aids <strong>comparison with the series of WPI</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2942/1339;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/230YgrZGaVgPrzaVsPZvvyvpoOMGCGDcQVdIheXe.jpg" width="2942" height="1339" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/economics-(indian-economy)/constitution-of-working-group-for-the-revision-of-the-current-series-of-wholesale-price-index-base-2011-12</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>WPI</category>
<category>PPI</category>
<category>Base Revision</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>Private Sector participation in Nuclear Sector</title>
<description><h1>NPCIL opens doors for Private Sector participation in Nuclear Sector</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Recently, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has <strong>invited Request for Proposal from Indian users</strong> for 220MWe <strong>Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) Bharat Small Reactors</strong> (BSRs) in Brown/ Green fields.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Based on India’s<strong> PHWR technology,</strong> BSRs are compact nuclear reactors with a capacity of<strong> up to 220 MWe</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">BSRs align with global trends of <strong>Small Modular Reactors</strong> (SMRs), which have a <strong>capacity ranging from less than 30 MWe to 300+ MWe</strong>.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance of Private Participation in Nuclear Sector</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Resource mobilization:&nbsp;</strong>Can attract investment in India’s nuclear infrastructure; provide economies of scale through pooling of resources with India aiming to attract<strong> $26 billion for nuclear energy</strong>, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Technological advancements and innovations:&nbsp;</strong>Can allow investment in cutting-edge research and bring innovations such as SMRs and advanced cooling technologies.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Energy transition:</strong> Can significantly contribute to achieving targets of 500 GW energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Challenges for Private Sector participation</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Legal</strong>: Atomic Energy Act of 1962 restricts private sector involvement, particularly in licensing nuclear plants.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Uncertainty around liability Laws</strong>: Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, is under challenge, causing regulatory uncertainty.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Others</strong>: High initial cost due to captive-intensive nature of nuclear projects, public trust in private nuclear operations requires transparency and consistent performance, etc.</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/science-and-technology/npcil-opens-doors-for-private-sector-participation-in-nuclear-sector</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Small Modular Reactors</category>
<category>Bharat Small Reactors</category>
<category>NPCIL</category>
<category>Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>MoD declares 2025 as ‘Year of Reforms’</title>
<description><h1>Ministry of Defense declares 2025 as ‘Year of Reforms’</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The declaration aims at <strong>modernization of the Armed Forces</strong> into a <strong>technologically-advanced combat-ready</strong> force capable of <strong>multi-domain integrated operations&nbsp;</strong>and give impetus to the ongoing and future reforms.</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Identified areas for focussed interventions</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs)</strong>: To bolster <strong>Jointness &amp; Integration initiatives</strong> to facilitate establishment of ITCs.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">ITCs are <strong>tri-service</strong> commands <strong>incorporating </strong>units from the <strong>Army, Navy, and Air Force</strong>, <strong>collectively&nbsp;</strong>for addressing security challenges within <strong>designated geographic areas</strong>.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Emerging technologies and new domains</strong>: Focus on <strong>Cyber and Space</strong> domains,<strong> AI/ML, Hypersonics,</strong> etc., to be future war-ready.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Technology transfer and knowledge sharing</strong>: To be facilitated through enhanced <strong>ease of doing business</strong> and <strong>PPP</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Collaboration</strong>: Breaking <strong>silos</strong>, promoting <strong>civil-military coordination</strong> and developing <strong>joint operational capabilities&nbsp;</strong>through <strong>inter-servicecooperation &amp; training</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Defence exports and R&amp;D:</strong> Position India as a <strong>credible exporter</strong> of defence products, <strong>fostering R&amp;D and partnerships</strong>.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Initiatives of Defence Modernization</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Promoting private and MSME participation:&nbsp;</strong>Through <strong>Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme</strong> and <strong>Self-Reliant Initiatives through Joint Action (SRIJAN) portal&nbsp;</strong>to facilitate indigenization.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Liberalized FDI Policy</strong>: FDI limit in defence raised in 2020 to <strong>74%</strong> through the<strong> Automatic Route</strong> for companies seeking <strong>new defence industrial licenses</strong> and <strong>up to 100%</strong> through the <strong>Government Route</strong> for those likely to result in <strong>access to modern technology.</strong></span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/security/ministry-of-defense-declares-2025-as-year-of-reforms</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Integrated Theatre Commands</category>
<category>Innovations for Defence Excellence</category>
<category>SRIJAN Portal</category>
<category>'Year of Reforms'</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>Comparison of School Education System Report</title>
<description><h1>Comparative study of School Education System’(SES) report released by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The report compares SES of India with countries such as the USA, UK, China, Sweden, Australia etc focusing on their structures, methods, funding, assessments, and equity measures.</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Comparison of India’s SES with other countries</strong></span></h2><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2967/1362;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/1QPaAyAZEM1bB1Uiz9XwVGkzrfn8Gzl7jaDWzLvc.jpg" width="2967" height="1362" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><h2><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Challenges in India’s education System</strong></span></h2><ul><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Regional disparities, gender gaps, persistent infrastructure deficits and stark rural-urban inequalities, limited holistic education hinders equitable learning, lack of 21st-century skills hampers employability.</span></li></ul><h2><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Recommendations</strong></span></h2><ul><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Increase Education Budget</strong>: Aim fo<strong>r 6% of GDP&nbsp;</strong>to enhance skills, infrastructure, and innovative learning ecosystems.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Digital Education</strong>: Bridge digital gaps, create localized content, and boost teacher digital literacy.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Implement NEP 2020</strong>: Focus on teacher training, flexible curriculums, and technology to support skill-based education.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Curriculum Framework:</strong> Develop an adaptive curriculum that embraces regional diversity and prioritizes skill-based learning.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Address Inequities:</strong> Focus on rural infrastructure, inclusive curricula, and strategic teacher deployment, drawing from models like <strong>Sweden’s disability-inclusive frameworks.</strong></span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Pedagogical Changes</strong>: Equip teachers with interactive methods to foster critical thinking in dynamic environments.</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/social-issues/comparative-study-of-school-education-systemses-report-released-by-confederation-of-indian-industry-cii</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>CII</category>
<category>School Education System</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>Right to Property | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Right to Property</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The Supreme Court stated that while the right to property is no longer a fundamental right, it remains a <strong>constitutional and recognized human right</strong>.</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Right to property&nbsp;</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Original Status</strong>: Initially, the right to property and compensation for acquisition were protected as Fundamental Rights under Articles 19(1)(f) and 31 of the Constitution.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Present Status:44th Constitution Amendment in 1978</strong> removed the right to property from the list of Fundamental Rights, making it a constitutional right under <strong>Article 300A.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Article 300A states that <strong>“No person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law”</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Article 300A</category>
<category>Right to Property</category>
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<title>Project VISTAAR | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Project VISTAAR</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">IIT Madras has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Project VISTAAR (<strong>Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources</strong>)</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About VISTAAR</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a "Network" of Networks (Al-augmented) and every State can build their own Agri-Advisory Network.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a comprehensive network that connects <strong>decentralized databases</strong> to provide seamless access to vital agricultural resources.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Objective: </strong>enhance decision-making and resource utilization</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Expand access to <strong>high-quality advisory services&nbsp;</strong>on crop production, marketing, <strong>value addition</strong>, and supply chain management.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">provide farmers with information on <strong>relevant government schemes</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#project-vistaar</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Project VISTAAR</category>
<category>Agri-Advisory Network</category>
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<title>River Gomti | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>River Gomti</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Building on the success of the first<strong> Composite Ecological Task Force (CETF)</strong> for the Ganga, the <strong>Indian Army&nbsp;</strong>has formed a new company for the revitalization of the <strong>River</strong> <strong>Gomti</strong>.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The CETF is a unit of<strong> ex-servicemen&nbsp;</strong>aimed at supporting the<strong> NMCG's (National Mission for Clean Ganga)</strong> efforts to reduce pollution in the River Ganga.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Gomti River</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Origin:</strong> Starts at <strong>Gomath Fal</strong> (also called Fulnar Jheel) near Ladho Tanda in Pilibhit district of UP.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Length</strong>: It is a tributary of the River Ganga (<strong>merges with the River Ganga</strong> in Ghazipur district of UP).</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Tributaries:</strong> Kathina, Sai, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Major Cities</strong>: Lucknow, Jaunpur, etc.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#river-gomti</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>National Mission for Clean Ganga</category>
<category>River Gomti</category>
<category>Composite Ecological Task Force</category>
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<title>Methylcobalamin | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Methylcobalamin</h1> <p style="margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>FSSAI&nbsp;</strong>provided <strong>clarification in Guidelines&nbsp;</strong>for usage of <strong>Methylcobalamin in health supplements, medical purposes and nutraceutical products&nbsp;</strong>under certain conditions.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">FSSAI had <strong>banned Methylcobalamin in 2016</strong> and <strong>lifted&nbsp;</strong>the ban in <strong>2021&nbsp;</strong>but is yet to notify the same</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Methylcobalamin</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>It is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B12</strong> that can be obtained through supplements, as well as food sources like<strong> fish, meat, eggs, and milk.</strong></span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Vitamin B12&nbsp;</strong>is a<strong> water-soluble vitamin</strong> integral to <strong>DNA synthesis</strong>, <strong>RBC production,&nbsp;</strong>and <strong>neurological function</strong>.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Other forms of Vitamin B12 are <strong>cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin.</strong></span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Function</strong>: <strong>regulates vital bodily functions&nbsp;</strong>like<strong> cell multiplication, blood formation and protein synthesis.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Uses</strong>: Pain alleviation in diabetic neuropathy,treatment of anaemia, Alzheimer's disease</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#methylcobalamin</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Methylcobalamin</category>
<category>B12</category>
<category>Vitamin B12</category>
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<title>Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</h1> <p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Recently, a <strong>faunal survey&nbsp;</strong>was conducted in the<strong> Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</strong>, focussed on <strong>birds, butterflies, odonates (dragonflies and damselflies)</strong>, and other wildlife.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Species like the <strong>Great Indian Hornbill</strong> (State bird of Kerala), <strong>Malabar Banded Peacock (butterfly)</strong> were spotted.</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Situated in <strong>Southern Western Ghats in Kollam, Kerala</strong>, it is part of <strong>Agastyamalai Biosphere Reserve</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It derives its name from the <strong>endemic species, Ghuta Travancorica</strong>, locally known as <strong>‘Chenkurunji’</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Major rivers</strong>: Shendurney, Kazhuthuruthy and Kulathupuzha, together forming the <strong>River Kallada</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Common fauna</strong>: Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Malabar giant squirrel, Nilgiri langur, Lion-Tailed macaque etc.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Thenmala</strong>, the <strong>first planned eco-tourism destination in India</strong>, is located here.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#shendurney-wildlife-sanctuary</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Western Ghats</category>
<category>Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</category>
<category>Agastyamalai Biosphere Reserve</category>
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<title>National Sports Awards 2024 | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>National Sports Awards 2024</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Ministry of Youth Affairs &amp; Sports</strong> announced <strong>National Sports Awards 2024</strong>, to be awarded by the <strong>President </strong>of India.</p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><strong>About National Sports Awards 2024</strong></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">They are a collection of <strong>6 awards&nbsp;</strong>given to <strong>sportspersons, coaches or organisations etc.&nbsp;</strong><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024:</strong> It has been awarded to <strong>Gukesh D (Chess), Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey), Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics), Manu Bhaker (Shooting).</strong><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">It is given for outstanding performance over a period of 4 years.</li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Other Awards:&nbsp;</strong><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Arjuna Award</strong></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Arjuna (Lifetime) Award</strong></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Dronacharya Award</strong> (For coaches)</li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy:&nbsp;</strong>Top-performing University in <strong>Khelo India University Games</strong></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar</strong>: Organisations/individuals for sports promotion and development over the last 3 years.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#national-sports-awards-2024</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>National Sports Awards 2024</category>
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<title>Pig-Butchering Scam | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Pig-Butchering Scam</h1> <p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Union Ministry of Home Affairs in its <strong>annual report of 2023-24</strong> highlighted the new&nbsp;cyber fraud known as the <strong>"pig butchering scam"&nbsp;</strong>or<strong> "investment scam".</strong></span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About&nbsp;Pig-Butchering scam</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a global phenomenon and involves <strong>large-scale money laundering</strong> and <strong>even cyber slavery</strong>.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a <strong>type of confidence and investment fraud</strong> in which the victim is gradually lured into making increasing <strong>monetary contributions to a seemingly sound investment</strong> before the scammer disappears with the contributed monies.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scammers target&nbsp;</strong>mostlyunemployed youths, housewives, students, etc.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#pig-butchering-scam-1</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Money Laundering</category>
<category>Pig Butchering Scam</category>
<category>Cyber Slavery</category>
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<title>Hydrogel | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Hydrogel</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Recently, researchers from IIT Guwahati developed an innovative injectable hydrogel for <strong>targeted Breast Cancer Therapy</strong>.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The newly developed hydrogel <strong>made of protein-based ultra-short peptides</strong> remains stable at injection sites by being insoluble in body fluids.&nbsp;</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">These peptides are both <strong>biocompatible and biodegradable.</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Hydrogel</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Hydrogels are <strong>water-based, three-dimensional polymer</strong> networks capable of absorbing and retaining fluids.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Their unique structure <strong>mimics living tissues</strong>, making them suitable for <strong>biomedical applications</strong>.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#hydrogel</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Hydrogel</category>
<category>Breast Cancer</category>
<category>Peptides</category>
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<title>Technology's Role in Redefining Indian Society</title>
<description><h1>Technology's Role in Redefining Indian Society</h1> <h2>Introduction</h2> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">India's rapid technological advancement has profoundly transformed its society, reshaping the fabric of everyday life. The widespread adoption of smartphones and the expansion of internet connectivity have <strong>democratized access to information, education, and economic opportunities</strong>. As of March 2024, <strong>India has 954.40 million internet subscribers</strong>, making it the <strong>second-largest online population globally (PIB)</strong>. This digital revolution has fueled significant economic growth, particularly in sectors like IT, e-Commerce, and FinTech. However, the impact extends beyond the economy: technology has <strong>influenced India’s social structures, altered cultural practices, and reshaped social institutions and value systems.</strong> While increased access to technology has enhanced social mobility and empowered previously marginalized groups, it has also brought challenges such as a widening digital divide, changing family dynamics, and evolving cultural norms. In this context, technology has become both a catalyst for progress and a force for profound societal change in India.</span></p> <h2>1.What are the Features of Traditional Indian Society?</h2> <ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Multi-religious:&nbsp;</strong>India is home to a multitude of religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. According to the 2011 Census of India, 79.8% of the population identifies as Hindu, 14.2% as Muslim, 2.3% as Christian, and 1.7% as Sikh, with other religions collectively accounting for about 2%.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Multi-lingual:&nbsp;</strong>India is one of the most linguistically diverse countries globally, <strong>with 22 languages listed under Schedule VIII of the Constitution.&nbsp;</strong>Besides these scheduled languages, the Indian Census did record 1,576 rationalized languages as well as 1,796 other mother-tongues.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Caste System:&nbsp;</strong>The caste system remains a significant aspect of social organization in traditional Indian society, despite various legal reforms. The 2011 Census records show that Scheduled Castes (SCs) make up 16.6% of the population, while Scheduled Tribes (STs) comprise 8.6%.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Tribal Communities:&nbsp;</strong>India has a significant tribal population, with 705 officially recognized tribes. According to the 2011 Census, the tribal population is approximately 104 million, constituting around 8.6% of the national population.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Family Structure: Indian society traditionally values joint families, but nuclear families are becoming increasingly prevalent.</strong> While 70% of Indian households were nuclear families in the 2011 Census, joint families remain more common in rural areas.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Marriage Customs:&nbsp;</strong>Marriage in traditional Indian society is largely governed by religious and cultural norms. Arranged marriages are common, with 90% of marriages still being arranged, according to a 2018 report by the Indian Human Development Survey.</span></li></ul> <h2>2.What are the technological developments happened in Indian Society?</h2> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">India’s technological advancements have spanned various sectors, influencing its economic, social, and cultural dimensions. It includes:</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Information and Communication Technology (ICT):&nbsp;</strong>It includes technologies such as Internet, <strong>Artificial Intelligence</strong>, <strong>Cloud Computing</strong>, <strong>Big Data, Internet of Things, Augmented Reality</strong>, <strong>Virtual Reality, etc., driven by improved access to&nbsp;</strong>high-speed internet, digital infrastructure, and mobile penetration.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>FinTech (Financial Technology):&nbsp;</strong>It includes increased adoption of mobile banking for financial inclusion, <strong>digital payments</strong>, digital lending platform, use of <strong>Blockchain&nbsp;</strong>in banking and record-keeping, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>MedTech (Medical Technology):&nbsp;</strong>It includes telemedicine and remote consultations (e.g., eSanjeevani initiative of government for online consultation), Electronic Health Record management, use of AI in diagnostics, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>EdTech (Education Technology):&nbsp;</strong>It includes adoption of Online Learning Platforms (e.g., SWAYAM Platform), digital classrooms and virtual labs, AI-powered personalized learning, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>E-Governance:&nbsp;</strong>It includes use of Aadhar in provisioning of services to citizens, Citizen Service Portals (e.g., MyGov), land record digitization, etc.</span></li></ul> <h2>3.What are the impacts of technology on Indian society?</h2> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Technology has had multifaceted impact on Indian society, influencing its economic, social, cultural, and political dimensions. While it has driven progress and development, it has also introduced some challenges.&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>3.1. Impact on different stakeholders in the society&nbsp;</strong></span></h2><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2185/841;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/rkc0bc9n69NZjMx1QaF1dFWd7QyuJIkKzTIc7nmR.jpg" width="2185" height="841" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><h3 style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</h3><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2185/910;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/0SWUfNOMCo99CXiNh3c10dvZECrfW04ZMfRULZ2V.jpg" width="2185" height="910" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><h3 style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</h3><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2185/781;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/ejMI9b6w1T0oJerNKoEnqMqPV7hHcI2oiF5PzHWq.jpg" width="2185" height="781" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><h3 style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</h3><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2185/860;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/yPM9kYod1zivzuhn2XUujRaSvzWX8ZVjrIXRPsZY.jpg" width="2185" height="860" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>3.2. Impact on different Social Institutions of the society</strong></span></h2><h3 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>3.2.1. Family</strong></span></h3><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Technology has significantly transformed the dynamics of family structures in India. Here are some key areas of impact:</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Nuclear Families:</strong> The rise of nuclear families has become more prevalent due to increased urbanization, globalization, and changing career opportunities.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Delayed Marriages:</strong> Technology has influenced societal norms and expectations, leading to delayed marriages and increased age at first marriage.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Changing Gender Roles:</strong> Technology has challenged traditional gender roles, with women increasingly participating in the workforce and taking on non-traditional roles.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Emerging Family Structures:</strong> New family structures, such as single-parent families, same-sex couples, and blended families, are becoming more visible and accepted.</span></li></ul><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2185/1135;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/r2rV8CuQTPkBScMu1h8gGRjZsLw5V6WhiZ2Kx4rO.jpg" width="2185" height="1135" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><h3 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>3.2.2. Caste System</strong></span></h3><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Technology is both a bridge and a barrier within India’s caste system. While it provides tools that challenge historical caste divisions, it also sometimes creates new avenues for reinforcing traditional structures.</span></p><h4 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Technology weakening the Caste System</strong></span></h4><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Breakdown of the Jajmani System</strong>: Technology allows marginalized groups to find work outside traditional caste-based service roles, diminishing the influence of the caste-bound Jajmani (patron-client) system.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Online job platforms like Naukri and gig apps like UrbanClap provide service workers direct access to clients, bypassing caste-based intermediaries.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Digital Sanskritization</strong>: Access to online education, skill-building, and economic opportunities has allowed traditionally lower-caste groups to emulate upper-caste lifestyles and values, a modern form of Sanskritization.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Inter-Caste Marriages</strong>: Dating apps and social networks enable interactions beyond caste lines, increasing the rate of inter-caste marriages, especially in urban areas.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Apps like Bumble and Tinder provide people the freedom to date and marry outside caste constraints, challenging traditional marriage norms.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Social Media Movements</strong>: Social media allows marginalized groups to highlight and advocate against caste discrimination, leading to increased awareness and solidarity.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Movements like #DalitLivesMatter&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Erosion of Traditional Social Practices:</strong> Sociologist M.N. Srinivas, in his concept of Westernization, discussed how exposure to Western ideas through media could lead to the gradual erosion of traditional Indian practices, particularly those related to family structure and social hierarchy.</span></li></ul><h4 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Technology strengthening the Caste System</strong></span></h4><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Echo-Chamber Effect:&nbsp;</strong>Social media algorithms often show users content that aligns with their existing interests, leading to caste-based echo chambers that reinforce identity and beliefs.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: People joining caste-aligned groups on Facebook may repeatedly see posts that reinforce their caste identities, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Caste-Based Social Media Groups:&nbsp;</strong>Social media platforms facilitate the formation of caste-specific groups, reinforcing caste identities and sometimes promoting exclusion.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Facebook and WhatsApp groups organized by caste communities can perpetuate intra-caste solidarity and discourage social mixing.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Caste-Based Matrimonial Sites:&nbsp;</strong>Matrimonial websites allow users to search based on caste, thus upholding caste endogamy and traditional marriage practices.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Sites like Shaadi.com and Jeevansathi have caste-based search filters, reinforcing the practice of caste-based marriages.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Data Bias and Profiling:&nbsp;</strong>Algorithms on social media and e-commerce platforms may profile users based on caste-related data, perpetuating stereotypes and biases.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Targeted ads on platforms may use location and community data to push caste-specific content, creating a segmented user experience.</span></li></ul></li></ul> <h2>4.How the technology is impacting process of Urbanisation and Ruralisation?</h2> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);">Technology plays a critical role in driving both <strong>urbanization</strong> (the movement of people and resources toward cities) and <strong>ruralization</strong> (bringing urban-like development and services to rural areas). Here’s how it fuels both processes:</span></p><h2><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Technology fuelling Urbanization</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Job Opportunities and Economic Growth</strong>: Technology-driven <strong>industries like IT, e-commerce, and fintech&nbsp;</strong>are predominantly based in cities, attracting people from rural areas seeking better employment prospects and salaries.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai have become major tech hubs, drawing rural talent for IT and tech jobs.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Education and Skill Development</strong>: Urban areas <strong>offer greater access to high-quality, tech-enabled educational institutions,</strong> which attracts students from rural areas who seek advanced education and skill-based training.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Institutes like IITs and IIMs in urban centers attract students nationwide, many of whom stay in cities post-graduation.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Healthcare and Infrastructure</strong>: Advanced healthcare facilities with <strong>specialized hospitals in cities</strong> draw rural populations who seek quality medical services and improved infrastructure.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Urban hospitals with telemedicine services offer quality care, making cities an attractive option for rural families needing advanced healthcare.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Social Connectivity and Lifestyle</strong>: Access to social media and urban digital services exposes rural populations to city lifestyles, fueling aspirations for an urban standard of living.</span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Social media and OTT platforms showcase urban lifestyles and opportunities, encouraging rural youth to migrate to cities.</span></li></ul></li></ul><h2><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Technology fuelling Ruralisation</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Digital Services and E-Governance:&nbsp;</strong>Technology brings essential services like banking, education, and government schemes to rural areas, reducing the need to migrate to cities.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Platforms <strong>like Common Service Centers (CSCs)</strong> in India provide e-governance and digital financial services in rural areas.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Telemedicine and Healthcare Access:&nbsp;</strong>Telemedicine platforms bring urban-quality healthcare to rural residents, allowing remote consultations with city-based doctors and reducing rural-urban healthcare disparity.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Platforms like Practo and government initiatives in telemedicine provide rural populations with access to specialized healthcare.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Agri-Tech and Smart Farming:&nbsp;</strong>Agri-tech solutions offer rural farmers real-time data on weather, crop health, and market prices, increasing productivity and income, making rural life more sustainable.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Apps <strong>like Kisan Suvidha</strong> provide real-time data to help rural farmers make informed decisions, reducing migration due to agricultural challenges.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>E-Learning and Skill Development:&nbsp;</strong>E-learning platforms enable rural youth to access urban-quality education and skills without relocating, which supports local employment and opportunities.</span></li></ul><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2185/904;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/y1LS7MDoCYaWg7dI9Tco1EOL1XsyZSvPtEaNW57z.jpg" width="2185" height="904" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure> <h2>5.How the Indian Society is balancing the technology with tradition?</h2> <p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">India, a land steeped in ancient traditions and rich cultural heritage, is also rapidly embracing technological advancements.&nbsp;This unique juxtaposition has led to a fascinating interplay between the old and the new. As technology permeates every aspect of life, Indian society is navigating this complex landscape, seeking to balance tradition with modernity. This delicate balancing act unfolds at individual, societal, and governmental levels, shaping the nation's evolving identity. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><h2><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>At Individual-level</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Selective adoption:</strong> Individuals choose to adopt technology that aligns with their values and traditions. For example, a person might use social media to connect with family and friends while avoiding content that conflicts with their beliefs.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Digital Detox:</strong> Many people practice digital detox, setting aside specific times to disconnect from technology and engage in traditional activities like meditation, yoga, or spending time with family.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Traditional skill enhancement:</strong> Individuals learn and practice traditional skills like crafts, music, or dance, often using technology to document, share, and promote these skills. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Ethical usage of Technology:</strong> People strive to use technology ethically, avoiding cyberbullying, spreading misinformation, and engaging in harmful online activities.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Mindful consumption:</strong> Individuals make conscious choices about the technology they consume, prioritizing content that enriches their lives and avoids excessive screen time. <strong>Example</strong>: Setting time reminders on Youtube.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h2><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>At Societal-level</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Digital Religious Practices:&nbsp;</strong>Indian temples and religious institutions offer online pujas and live-streamed aarti ceremonies.</span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:18.0pt;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>:<strong> Peter Berger</strong> argues that technology enabled the creation of <strong>virtual religious communities</strong> and digital religious content, allowing individuals to <strong>engage with religion without physically attending religious institutions.</strong></span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Cultural Preservation through Digital Archives and Libraries:</strong> Societal groups and NGOs create online archives of folk songs, dance forms, and regional languages, promoting cultural preservation.&nbsp;</span><br><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: The People’s Linguistic Survey of India documents Indian languages online.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Tech-Enabled Tradition:</strong> Technology is used to modernize traditional practices, such as online yoga classes, virtual temple visits, and digital preservation of ancient texts. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Digital Literacy:</strong> Efforts are made to promote digital literacy, empowering individuals to use technology responsibly and critically. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Community Engagement:</strong> Online platforms are used to foster community engagement, connecting people with shared interests and facilitating knowledge sharing. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h2><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>At Government-level</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Digital India for Cultural Heritage Preservation:&nbsp;</strong>Digitization efforts to preserve cultural heritage, such as monuments, manuscripts, and artwork.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:18.0pt;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scheme</strong>: National Mission on Libraries and Digital India program for heritage.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Skill India Initiative for Traditional Craft and Handloom Promotion:&nbsp;</strong>Programs to upskill artisans in traditional crafts and integrate digital skills.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:18.0pt;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scheme</strong>: PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) with courses for handicrafts and weaving.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>E-learning Platforms for traditional knowledge: </strong>Government e-learning platforms like SWAYAM offering courses on Sanskrit, classical arts, and traditional knowledge.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>AYUSH integration in mainstream healthcare</strong>: Promotion of traditional health practices like Ayurveda and Yoga alongside modern medicine.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:18.0pt;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scheme</strong>: AYUSH Mission and AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Support for E-Commerce platforms to boost artisan economy:&nbsp;</strong>Government collaborates with e-commerce platforms to allow artisans to sell their goods digitally.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:18.0pt;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scheme</strong>: GeM (Government e-Marketplace) facilitates online sales for artisans.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Cybersecurity measures for safeguarding digital heritage:</strong> The government implements cybersecurity protocols to protect digital archives of cultural heritage, preventing data breaches and unauthorized access to culturally sensitive information under various policies and statutes like the <strong>Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023</strong>.</span></li></ul> <h2>6.How Indian Society can better adapt to technological advancements?</h2> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The impact of technology on Indian society is profound and multifaceted, shaping various aspects such as communication, education, health care, and governance. To maximize the benefits of technological advancements while mitigating potential drawbacks, several specific strategies and best practices can be adopted.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Bridging the digital divide:&nbsp;</strong>Expand broadband connectivity to underserved regions, subsidize or incentivize the production and distribution of affordable digital devices, conduct community-based campaigns and workshops on digital literacy, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Promoting Ethical Use of Technology:</strong> Establish frameworks for responsible use of technology, focusing on data privacy, digital rights, mandating public disclosure of how algorithms influence decision-making, strengthen fact-checking mechanisms to curb misinformation, etc.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example: The OECD</strong> has developed principles for the ethical use of AI, focusing on transparency, accountability, and human-centered design.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Mitigating job displacement and automation:&nbsp;</strong>Strengthen state and corporate initiatives for skill development in emerging fields like AI, robotics, and renewable energy, exploring the option to provide universal safety nets for displaced workers, promote human-centric AI development that augment human abilities rather than replace them, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Supporting Startups and Innovation Hubs</strong>: Provide mentorship and funding through government and private sector partnerships to support startups that focus on social impact, such as health tech or agri-tech solutions.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Ensure Mental-health and social well-being:&nbsp;</strong>Digital detox campaigns to promote healthy screen-time habits, regulate addictive features and restrict exploitative design practices, like endless scrolling, leverage technology (e.g., telemedicine and apps) to provide accessible mental health resources, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Implementing Smart Governance:</strong> Utilize technology for efficient service delivery, such as e-governance platforms that streamline processes like licensing, permits, and public grievance redressal.</span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Adopt a citizen-centric design for digital services, ensuring user-friendly interfaces and multi-language support to cater to diverse populations.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Sustainable Technology Practices</strong>: Incentivize the adoption of energy-efficient devices and renewable energy solutions, promote circular economy through reuse, refurbishing, and recycling practices in technology manufacturing.</span></li></ul> <h2>Conclusion</h2> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);">World Bank emphasizes the future of technology and society hinges on a collective commitment to harnessing technology for the greater good. By prioritizing inclusivity, ethical standards, and sustainability, we can create a technological landscape that not only enhances economic growth but also upholds social values and improves the quality of life for all individuals.</span></p> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/weekly-focus/2024-12-04/social-issues/introduction-16</link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 03 Dec 2024 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Digital Detox</category>
<category>Indian Society</category>
<category>Impact of Technology on Families</category>
<category>Technology fuelling Urbanization</category>
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<title>India submits 4th BUR to UNFCCC</title>
<description><h1>India submits its Fourth Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to UNFCCC</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">BUR-4 updates the <strong>Third National Communication (TNC)</strong> and contains the <strong>National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory for the year 2020.&nbsp;</strong></span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change</strong> is <strong>India's nodal ministry</strong> for managing and coordinating climate change activities and reporting under <strong>Article 4.1 of UNFCCC.</strong></span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key Highlights of report</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>GHG emissions:&nbsp;</strong>It<strong>&nbsp;</strong>has <strong>decreased by 7.93%</strong> in 2020 compared to 2019.</span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Sector wise Emissions:<strong> Energy ( 75.66%)&gt; Agriculture( 13.72%)&gt;Industrial Process and Product Use (8.06%)&gt;Waste (2.56%).</strong></span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Emission Intensity of GDP:</strong> It<strong>&nbsp;</strong>has <strong>reduced by 36% (</strong>Between 2005 to 2020)</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Share of non-fossil sources:&nbsp;</strong>It constitutes<strong> 46.52% of installed electricity generation capacity</strong> (October 2024)</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Generation of Carbon Sinks:&nbsp;</strong>An additional carbon sink of <strong>2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 have been created through forest and tree cover (2005 to 2021)</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Forest and tree cover:</strong> It currently stands at <strong>25.17%&nbsp;</strong>of the country's total geographical area and has <strong>consistently increased</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:3087/1780;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/PRcDHOu0JgWfkVSmA5cMnk2WfFT4qoq0pWNVfhuR.jpg" width="3087" height="1780" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>UNFCCC</category>
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<title>Base Revision of WPI</title>
<description><h1>Constitution of Working Group for the revision of the current series of Wholesale Price Index (Base 2011-12)</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The <strong>18-member</strong> working group is&nbsp;for base revision of the current series of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) from base 2011-12 to 2022-23.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The <strong>WPI series</strong> has undergone <strong>seven revisions</strong> in <strong>1952-53, 1961-62, 1970-71, 1981-82, 1993-94 and 2004-05, 2011-12</strong> so far.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Terms of Reference of the Working Group</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Suggest changes in the commodity basket of WPI and PPI</strong>: Based on structural changes in the economy with base year <strong>2022-23.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Computational methodology</strong>: To decide the computational methodology to be adopted for WPI / PPI and&nbsp;suggest improvements for better reliability.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Producer Price Index (PPI)</strong>:&nbsp; <strong>Examine methodology&nbsp;</strong>for <strong>compilation&nbsp;</strong>of PPI and suggest improvements.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Recommend a roadmap for switch over from WPI to PPI</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Others:&nbsp;</strong>Review and suggest changes in the <strong>existing system of price collection,&nbsp;</strong>Computation methodology of<strong> linking factor</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Linking factor</strong> helps<strong> maintain continuity</strong> in the <strong>time series data&nbsp;</strong>and aids <strong>comparison with the series of WPI</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2942/1339;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/230YgrZGaVgPrzaVsPZvvyvpoOMGCGDcQVdIheXe.jpg" width="2942" height="1339" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/economics-(indian-economy)/constitution-of-working-group-for-the-revision-of-the-current-series-of-wholesale-price-index-base-2011-12</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>WPI</category>
<category>PPI</category>
<category>Base Revision</category>
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<item>
<title>Private Sector participation in Nuclear Sector</title>
<description><h1>NPCIL opens doors for Private Sector participation in Nuclear Sector</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Recently, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has <strong>invited Request for Proposal from Indian users</strong> for 220MWe <strong>Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) Bharat Small Reactors</strong> (BSRs) in Brown/ Green fields.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Based on India’s<strong> PHWR technology,</strong> BSRs are compact nuclear reactors with a capacity of<strong> up to 220 MWe</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">BSRs align with global trends of <strong>Small Modular Reactors</strong> (SMRs), which have a <strong>capacity ranging from less than 30 MWe to 300+ MWe</strong>.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance of Private Participation in Nuclear Sector</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Resource mobilization:&nbsp;</strong>Can attract investment in India’s nuclear infrastructure; provide economies of scale through pooling of resources with India aiming to attract<strong> $26 billion for nuclear energy</strong>, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Technological advancements and innovations:&nbsp;</strong>Can allow investment in cutting-edge research and bring innovations such as SMRs and advanced cooling technologies.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Energy transition:</strong> Can significantly contribute to achieving targets of 500 GW energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Challenges for Private Sector participation</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Legal</strong>: Atomic Energy Act of 1962 restricts private sector involvement, particularly in licensing nuclear plants.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Uncertainty around liability Laws</strong>: Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, is under challenge, causing regulatory uncertainty.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Others</strong>: High initial cost due to captive-intensive nature of nuclear projects, public trust in private nuclear operations requires transparency and consistent performance, etc.</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/science-and-technology/npcil-opens-doors-for-private-sector-participation-in-nuclear-sector</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Small Modular Reactors</category>
<category>Bharat Small Reactors</category>
<category>NPCIL</category>
<category>Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor</category>
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<item>
<title>MoD declares 2025 as ‘Year of Reforms’</title>
<description><h1>Ministry of Defense declares 2025 as ‘Year of Reforms’</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The declaration aims at <strong>modernization of the Armed Forces</strong> into a <strong>technologically-advanced combat-ready</strong> force capable of <strong>multi-domain integrated operations&nbsp;</strong>and give impetus to the ongoing and future reforms.</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Identified areas for focussed interventions</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs)</strong>: To bolster <strong>Jointness &amp; Integration initiatives</strong> to facilitate establishment of ITCs.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">ITCs are <strong>tri-service</strong> commands <strong>incorporating </strong>units from the <strong>Army, Navy, and Air Force</strong>, <strong>collectively&nbsp;</strong>for addressing security challenges within <strong>designated geographic areas</strong>.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Emerging technologies and new domains</strong>: Focus on <strong>Cyber and Space</strong> domains,<strong> AI/ML, Hypersonics,</strong> etc., to be future war-ready.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Technology transfer and knowledge sharing</strong>: To be facilitated through enhanced <strong>ease of doing business</strong> and <strong>PPP</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Collaboration</strong>: Breaking <strong>silos</strong>, promoting <strong>civil-military coordination</strong> and developing <strong>joint operational capabilities&nbsp;</strong>through <strong>inter-servicecooperation &amp; training</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Defence exports and R&amp;D:</strong> Position India as a <strong>credible exporter</strong> of defence products, <strong>fostering R&amp;D and partnerships</strong>.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Initiatives of Defence Modernization</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Promoting private and MSME participation:&nbsp;</strong>Through <strong>Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme</strong> and <strong>Self-Reliant Initiatives through Joint Action (SRIJAN) portal&nbsp;</strong>to facilitate indigenization.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Liberalized FDI Policy</strong>: FDI limit in defence raised in 2020 to <strong>74%</strong> through the<strong> Automatic Route</strong> for companies seeking <strong>new defence industrial licenses</strong> and <strong>up to 100%</strong> through the <strong>Government Route</strong> for those likely to result in <strong>access to modern technology.</strong></span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/security/ministry-of-defense-declares-2025-as-year-of-reforms</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Integrated Theatre Commands</category>
<category>Innovations for Defence Excellence</category>
<category>SRIJAN Portal</category>
<category>'Year of Reforms'</category>
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<title>Comparison of School Education System Report</title>
<description><h1>Comparative study of School Education System’(SES) report released by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The report compares SES of India with countries such as the USA, UK, China, Sweden, Australia etc focusing on their structures, methods, funding, assessments, and equity measures.</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Comparison of India’s SES with other countries</strong></span></h2><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2967/1362;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/1QPaAyAZEM1bB1Uiz9XwVGkzrfn8Gzl7jaDWzLvc.jpg" width="2967" height="1362" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><h2><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Challenges in India’s education System</strong></span></h2><ul><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Regional disparities, gender gaps, persistent infrastructure deficits and stark rural-urban inequalities, limited holistic education hinders equitable learning, lack of 21st-century skills hampers employability.</span></li></ul><h2><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Recommendations</strong></span></h2><ul><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Increase Education Budget</strong>: Aim fo<strong>r 6% of GDP&nbsp;</strong>to enhance skills, infrastructure, and innovative learning ecosystems.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Digital Education</strong>: Bridge digital gaps, create localized content, and boost teacher digital literacy.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Implement NEP 2020</strong>: Focus on teacher training, flexible curriculums, and technology to support skill-based education.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Curriculum Framework:</strong> Develop an adaptive curriculum that embraces regional diversity and prioritizes skill-based learning.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Address Inequities:</strong> Focus on rural infrastructure, inclusive curricula, and strategic teacher deployment, drawing from models like <strong>Sweden’s disability-inclusive frameworks.</strong></span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Pedagogical Changes</strong>: Equip teachers with interactive methods to foster critical thinking in dynamic environments.</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/social-issues/comparative-study-of-school-education-systemses-report-released-by-confederation-of-indian-industry-cii</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>CII</category>
<category>School Education System</category>
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<item>
<title>Right to Property | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Right to Property</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The Supreme Court stated that while the right to property is no longer a fundamental right, it remains a <strong>constitutional and recognized human right</strong>.</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Right to property&nbsp;</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Original Status</strong>: Initially, the right to property and compensation for acquisition were protected as Fundamental Rights under Articles 19(1)(f) and 31 of the Constitution.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Present Status:44th Constitution Amendment in 1978</strong> removed the right to property from the list of Fundamental Rights, making it a constitutional right under <strong>Article 300A.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Article 300A states that <strong>“No person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law”</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Article 300A</category>
<category>Right to Property</category>
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<title>Project VISTAAR | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Project VISTAAR</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">IIT Madras has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Project VISTAAR (<strong>Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources</strong>)</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About VISTAAR</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a "Network" of Networks (Al-augmented) and every State can build their own Agri-Advisory Network.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a comprehensive network that connects <strong>decentralized databases</strong> to provide seamless access to vital agricultural resources.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Objective: </strong>enhance decision-making and resource utilization</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Expand access to <strong>high-quality advisory services&nbsp;</strong>on crop production, marketing, <strong>value addition</strong>, and supply chain management.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">provide farmers with information on <strong>relevant government schemes</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#project-vistaar</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Project VISTAAR</category>
<category>Agri-Advisory Network</category>
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<title>River Gomti | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>River Gomti</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Building on the success of the first<strong> Composite Ecological Task Force (CETF)</strong> for the Ganga, the <strong>Indian Army&nbsp;</strong>has formed a new company for the revitalization of the <strong>River</strong> <strong>Gomti</strong>.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The CETF is a unit of<strong> ex-servicemen&nbsp;</strong>aimed at supporting the<strong> NMCG's (National Mission for Clean Ganga)</strong> efforts to reduce pollution in the River Ganga.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Gomti River</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Origin:</strong> Starts at <strong>Gomath Fal</strong> (also called Fulnar Jheel) near Ladho Tanda in Pilibhit district of UP.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Length</strong>: It is a tributary of the River Ganga (<strong>merges with the River Ganga</strong> in Ghazipur district of UP).</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Tributaries:</strong> Kathina, Sai, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Major Cities</strong>: Lucknow, Jaunpur, etc.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#river-gomti</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>National Mission for Clean Ganga</category>
<category>River Gomti</category>
<category>Composite Ecological Task Force</category>
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<title>Methylcobalamin | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Methylcobalamin</h1> <p style="margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>FSSAI&nbsp;</strong>provided <strong>clarification in Guidelines&nbsp;</strong>for usage of <strong>Methylcobalamin in health supplements, medical purposes and nutraceutical products&nbsp;</strong>under certain conditions.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">FSSAI had <strong>banned Methylcobalamin in 2016</strong> and <strong>lifted&nbsp;</strong>the ban in <strong>2021&nbsp;</strong>but is yet to notify the same</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Methylcobalamin</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>It is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B12</strong> that can be obtained through supplements, as well as food sources like<strong> fish, meat, eggs, and milk.</strong></span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Vitamin B12&nbsp;</strong>is a<strong> water-soluble vitamin</strong> integral to <strong>DNA synthesis</strong>, <strong>RBC production,&nbsp;</strong>and <strong>neurological function</strong>.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Other forms of Vitamin B12 are <strong>cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin.</strong></span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Function</strong>: <strong>regulates vital bodily functions&nbsp;</strong>like<strong> cell multiplication, blood formation and protein synthesis.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Uses</strong>: Pain alleviation in diabetic neuropathy,treatment of anaemia, Alzheimer's disease</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#methylcobalamin</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Methylcobalamin</category>
<category>B12</category>
<category>Vitamin B12</category>
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<title>Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</h1> <p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Recently, a <strong>faunal survey&nbsp;</strong>was conducted in the<strong> Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</strong>, focussed on <strong>birds, butterflies, odonates (dragonflies and damselflies)</strong>, and other wildlife.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Species like the <strong>Great Indian Hornbill</strong> (State bird of Kerala), <strong>Malabar Banded Peacock (butterfly)</strong> were spotted.</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Situated in <strong>Southern Western Ghats in Kollam, Kerala</strong>, it is part of <strong>Agastyamalai Biosphere Reserve</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It derives its name from the <strong>endemic species, Ghuta Travancorica</strong>, locally known as <strong>‘Chenkurunji’</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Major rivers</strong>: Shendurney, Kazhuthuruthy and Kulathupuzha, together forming the <strong>River Kallada</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Common fauna</strong>: Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Malabar giant squirrel, Nilgiri langur, Lion-Tailed macaque etc.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Thenmala</strong>, the <strong>first planned eco-tourism destination in India</strong>, is located here.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#shendurney-wildlife-sanctuary</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Western Ghats</category>
<category>Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</category>
<category>Agastyamalai Biosphere Reserve</category>
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<title>National Sports Awards 2024 | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>National Sports Awards 2024</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Ministry of Youth Affairs &amp; Sports</strong> announced <strong>National Sports Awards 2024</strong>, to be awarded by the <strong>President </strong>of India.</p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><strong>About National Sports Awards 2024</strong></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">They are a collection of <strong>6 awards&nbsp;</strong>given to <strong>sportspersons, coaches or organisations etc.&nbsp;</strong><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024:</strong> It has been awarded to <strong>Gukesh D (Chess), Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey), Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics), Manu Bhaker (Shooting).</strong><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">It is given for outstanding performance over a period of 4 years.</li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Other Awards:&nbsp;</strong><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Arjuna Award</strong></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Arjuna (Lifetime) Award</strong></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Dronacharya Award</strong> (For coaches)</li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy:&nbsp;</strong>Top-performing University in <strong>Khelo India University Games</strong></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar</strong>: Organisations/individuals for sports promotion and development over the last 3 years.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#national-sports-awards-2024</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>National Sports Awards 2024</category>
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<title>Pig-Butchering Scam | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Pig-Butchering Scam</h1> <p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Union Ministry of Home Affairs in its <strong>annual report of 2023-24</strong> highlighted the new&nbsp;cyber fraud known as the <strong>"pig butchering scam"&nbsp;</strong>or<strong> "investment scam".</strong></span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About&nbsp;Pig-Butchering scam</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a global phenomenon and involves <strong>large-scale money laundering</strong> and <strong>even cyber slavery</strong>.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a <strong>type of confidence and investment fraud</strong> in which the victim is gradually lured into making increasing <strong>monetary contributions to a seemingly sound investment</strong> before the scammer disappears with the contributed monies.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scammers target&nbsp;</strong>mostlyunemployed youths, housewives, students, etc.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#pig-butchering-scam-1</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Money Laundering</category>
<category>Pig Butchering Scam</category>
<category>Cyber Slavery</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>Hydrogel | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Hydrogel</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Recently, researchers from IIT Guwahati developed an innovative injectable hydrogel for <strong>targeted Breast Cancer Therapy</strong>.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The newly developed hydrogel <strong>made of protein-based ultra-short peptides</strong> remains stable at injection sites by being insoluble in body fluids.&nbsp;</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">These peptides are both <strong>biocompatible and biodegradable.</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Hydrogel</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Hydrogels are <strong>water-based, three-dimensional polymer</strong> networks capable of absorbing and retaining fluids.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Their unique structure <strong>mimics living tissues</strong>, making them suitable for <strong>biomedical applications</strong>.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#hydrogel</link>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#hydrogel</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Hydrogel</category>
<category>Breast Cancer</category>
<category>Peptides</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2024</title>
<description><h1>Union Minister of Jal Shakti Releases Annual Ground Water Quality Report of the Country for the Year 2024</h1>
<p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">For the first time, this report <strong>introduced Standard Operating Procedure for groundwater quality monitoring</strong>, ensuring uniformity in data collection, analysis and interpretation.</span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Status of Groundwater&nbsp;</strong></span></h2><figure class="image image-style-side" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:420/305;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/EIrQV5IK0mQBylO7Mx5bndHcf4pIZCA3j6hptcXF.png" width="420" height="305" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>India is the largest groundwater user in world&nbsp;</strong>(more than 25% of global total).</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>87% groundwater extracted</strong> is used in <strong>agricultural sector</strong> and about 11% in domestic sector.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key Highlights</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Regional Variability:&nbsp;</strong>100% of water samples met BIS standards in<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, etc<strong>.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">While Rajasthan, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh faced widespread contamination.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Irrigation Suitability:&nbsp;</strong>Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Tripura and others have <strong>excellent category water for irrigation.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana</strong> etc. fall in <strong>very high sodium range and are unsuitable for use in irrigation</strong> practices.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Specific Contaminants of Concern</strong>: Nitrate (Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra), Fluoride (Haryana, Karnataka), Arsenic (floodplains of Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers); Uranium (Rajasthan, Punjab).&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key factors contributing to decline in groundwater quality</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Industrialization:</strong> Discharge of untreated industrial waste, including heavy metals, chemicals, and solvents.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Agricultural Practices:</strong> Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in farming.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Urbanization:&nbsp;</strong>Due to improper waste disposal, sewage leakage, and landfill contamination.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Climate Change:</strong> Changes in precipitation patterns and over-extraction affect replenishment of aquifers.&nbsp;</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/geography/union-minister-of-jal-shakti-releases-annual-ground-water-quality-report-of-the-country-for-the-year-2024</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Groundwater</category>
<category>Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2024</category>
<category>Bhu-Neer Portal</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>Remittance</title>
<description><h1>India got 14.3% of global remittances in 2024, its highest ever</h1>
<p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Remittances are <strong>financial transfers made by individuals working abroad</strong> to support their families in their home country.</span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Trend in Remittances flow</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Top five recipients in 2024:&nbsp;</strong>India at&nbsp;$129 billion ($125 billion compared to 2023), Mexico, China, Philippines, and Pakistan, driven by recovery in job markets in high-income countries of OECD.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Remittances to <strong>Low- and Middle-Income Countries&nbsp;</strong>are projected to surge to <strong>$685 billion in 2024</strong>, with<strong> 5.8% growth rate</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>China's</strong> share of global remittances <strong>dropped to 5.3% in 2024, its lowest share in two decades,</strong> due to reduced <strong>low-skilled emigration</strong> stemming from its rising economic prosperity and aging population.</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Factors responsible for High Remittances in India</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scale of Migration:&nbsp;</strong>India has one of the largest diaspora populations in world, with over 18 million Indians living abroad as of 2023 (UN World Migration Report 2024).</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Shift in Destination Trends:</strong> Increasingly, Indian migrants are moving to high-income economies like US, UK, and Australia.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Skilled and Unskilled Labor:</strong> Indian migrants range from highly skilled professionals (IT, healthcare) to semi-skilled and unskilled labourers.</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance of High Remittances&nbsp;</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>For Recipient Households:</strong> Used for essential expenses like food, healthcare, and education, directly improving living standards.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>For Macro-economy:</strong> Major source of foreign exchange, reduced reliance on foreign aid, funding current account deficits and fiscal shortfalls etc.</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/economics-(indian-economy)/india-got-143-of-global-remittances-in-2024-its-highest-ever</link>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/economics-(indian-economy)/india-got-143-of-global-remittances-in-2024-its-highest-ever</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Remittance</category>
<category>High Remittances in India</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>20 years of QUAD</title>
<description><h1>QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) marks 20 Years of Cooperation</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">On the occasion, the foreign ministers of the QUAD countries reiterated their foundational commitment to <strong>humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Along with this, they also re-affirmed their commitment to <strong>free and open Indo-Pacific, ASEAN’s centrality,</strong> support to <strong>Pacific-led regional architecture</strong> and <strong>Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).&nbsp;</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Idea of <strong>ASEAN's (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) centrality&nbsp;</strong>accords <strong>central role</strong> to ASEAN in shaping the regional architecture.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>QUAD</strong></span></h2><figure class="image image_resized image-style-side" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:3325/2309;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/EKwvVMnbSm0LfC4fBEzfhjHihStzLAQrxsadHLT9.jpg" width="3325" height="2309" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About:</strong> It is a <strong>strategic diplomatic partnership</strong> between <strong>Australia, India, Japan,&nbsp;</strong>and the<strong> United States&nbsp;</strong>to support an <strong>open, stable&nbsp;</strong>and <strong>prosperous Indo-Pacific</strong> that is <strong>inclusive&nbsp;</strong>and<strong> resilient.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Origin:</strong> Traced to <strong>December 2004</strong> when the above countries came together to provide assistance to countries affected by the <strong>Indian Ocean Tsunami.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Group held its <strong>first informal meeting</strong> on the sidelines of ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, Philippines in<strong> 2007</strong>. Post which, the grouping remained dissolved.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Revival:&nbsp;</strong>In <strong>2017,</strong> when the first official talks were held in <strong>Philippines.</strong></span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance of QUAD for India</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Partnership with like-minded countries:</strong> It allows India to shape the region favorably while <strong>retaining decisional autonomy</strong> and <strong>flexibility</strong> to partner with multiple actors.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Strengthening India’s stature:</strong> Help India establish itself as a <strong>“leading power”</strong> and<strong> provider of public goods&nbsp;</strong>in the Indo-Pacific—particularly in the Indian Ocean region.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Economic advantage:&nbsp;</strong>Make India a <strong>preferred destination for investment</strong> along with <strong>engaging with ASEAN countries.&nbsp;</strong></span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Strategically counter China’s rise:</strong> By taking the support of the other Quad nations including assistance on the naval front.</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/international-relations/quad-quadrilateral-security-dialogue-marks-20-years-of-cooperation</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>QUAD</category>
<category>ASEAN Centrality</category>
<category>20 Years of QUAD</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>UDISE+ 2023-24 Report on School Education</title>
<description><h1>Ministry of Education releases Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2023-24 Report on School Education</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">In UDISE+ 2023-24 for the first time, at <strong>national level individual student wise data has been collected</strong> from all recognized schools in country through UDISE+ since 2022-23.&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is aligned with recommendations of NEP 2020.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key</strong> <strong>findings of UDISE+ 2023-24</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Student Enrolments: Overall dip in school enrolments</strong> as well across country, falling from 25.18 crore in 2022-23 to <strong>24.8 crore in 2023-24</strong>.</span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">This represents a <strong>drop of about 1.55 crore students</strong> (nearly 6%) from 2018-19 to 2021-22.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Dropouts</strong>: <strong>Zero-dropout rate at Foundational level</strong> (pre-primary to Class 2) is due to admission of students from Anganwadi, standalone private pre-primary school directly to Class I in recognized schools.</span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Maximum dropout rates</strong> were at <strong>Secondary level (Classes 9 to 12)</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra</strong> saw among <strong>highest drop in enrolments</strong>.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Retention rate</strong>: Higher at elementary level.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER):</strong> Minor <strong>dip at all levels except at the secondary level.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">GER compares <strong>enrolment in a specific level of education to population of age group</strong> that is age-appropriate for that level of education.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>School infrastructure: Assam, Odisha </strong>and <strong>Karnataka </strong></span>face underutilised <strong>infrastructure&nbsp;</strong>due to <strong>low student-to-school ratios</strong>.</li></ul><figure class="table" style=""><table class="ck-table-resized" style="border:2px solid hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><colgroup><col style="width:100%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border:1.0pt solid windowtext;padding:0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align:top;width:534.1pt;"><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About UDISE+</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">UDISE+ system of <strong>online data collection from schools</strong> was <strong>developed by Department of School Education &amp; Literacy</strong> in the 2018-19 to overcome the issues related to erstwhile practice of manual data filling in paper format.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">UDISE+ collects information through an online Data Collection Form on parameters ranging from school, Infrastructure, teachers, enrolments, examination results etc.</span></li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/social-issues/ministry-of-education-releases-unified-district-information-system-for-education-plus-udise-2023-24-report-on-school-education</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>NEP 2020</category>
<category>UDISE+ 2023-24 Report on School Education</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>Crop Insurance for Farmers</title>
<description><h1>Cabinet approves modifications in Crop Insurance Scheme under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Decision included the continuation of the <strong>Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana&nbsp;(PMFBY)</strong>&nbsp;and <strong>Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS)</strong>.&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key Modifications approved</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Continuation of the Scheme:</strong> Till <strong>2025-26</strong> with an outlay of Rs.69,515.71 Crore&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Large Scale Technology Infusion:</strong> Through the&nbsp;<strong>Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT)&nbsp;</strong>with a corpus of Rs.824.77 Crore.&nbsp;</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">To be utilised for <strong>funding technological initiatives</strong> under the scheme namely<strong>, YES-TECH, WINDS,</strong> etc.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About PMFBY &amp; RWBCIS</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Aim:&nbsp;</strong> Provide an <strong>affordable crop insurance product</strong> for <strong>comprehensive risk cover&nbsp;</strong>against all <strong>non-preventable natural risks</strong> from <strong>pre-sowing to post-harvest stage.</strong></span><ul style="list-style-type:circl |
TonyRL
reviewed
Jan 3, 2025
TonyRL
reviewed
Jan 3, 2025
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<title>Private Sector participation in Nuclear Sector</title>
<description><h1>NPCIL opens doors for Private Sector participation in Nuclear Sector</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Recently, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has <strong>invited Request for Proposal from Indian users</strong> for 220MWe <strong>Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) Bharat Small Reactors</strong> (BSRs) in Brown/ Green fields.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Based on India’s<strong> PHWR technology,</strong> BSRs are compact nuclear reactors with a capacity of<strong> up to 220 MWe</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">BSRs align with global trends of <strong>Small Modular Reactors</strong> (SMRs), which have a <strong>capacity ranging from less than 30 MWe to 300+ MWe</strong>.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance of Private Participation in Nuclear Sector</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Resource mobilization:&nbsp;</strong>Can attract investment in India’s nuclear infrastructure; provide economies of scale through pooling of resources with India aiming to attract<strong> $26 billion for nuclear energy</strong>, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Technological advancements and innovations:&nbsp;</strong>Can allow investment in cutting-edge research and bring innovations such as SMRs and advanced cooling technologies.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Energy transition:</strong> Can significantly contribute to achieving targets of 500 GW energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Challenges for Private Sector participation</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Legal</strong>: Atomic Energy Act of 1962 restricts private sector involvement, particularly in licensing nuclear plants.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Uncertainty around liability Laws</strong>: Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, is under challenge, causing regulatory uncertainty.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Others</strong>: High initial cost due to captive-intensive nature of nuclear projects, public trust in private nuclear operations requires transparency and consistent performance, etc.</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/science-and-technology/npcil-opens-doors-for-private-sector-participation-in-nuclear-sector</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Small Modular Reactors</category>
<category>Bharat Small Reactors</category>
<category>NPCIL</category>
<category>Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>India submits 4th BUR to UNFCCC</title>
<description><h1>India submits its Fourth Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to UNFCCC</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">BUR-4 updates the <strong>Third National Communication (TNC)</strong> and contains the <strong>National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory for the year 2020.&nbsp;</strong></span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change</strong> is <strong>India's nodal ministry</strong> for managing and coordinating climate change activities and reporting under <strong>Article 4.1 of UNFCCC.</strong></span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key Highlights of report</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>GHG emissions:&nbsp;</strong>It<strong>&nbsp;</strong>has <strong>decreased by 7.93%</strong> in 2020 compared to 2019.</span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Sector wise Emissions:<strong> Energy ( 75.66%)&gt; Agriculture( 13.72%)&gt;Industrial Process and Product Use (8.06%)&gt;Waste (2.56%).</strong></span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Emission Intensity of GDP:</strong> It<strong>&nbsp;</strong>has <strong>reduced by 36% (</strong>Between 2005 to 2020)</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Share of non-fossil sources:&nbsp;</strong>It constitutes<strong> 46.52% of installed electricity generation capacity</strong> (October 2024)</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Generation of Carbon Sinks:&nbsp;</strong>An additional carbon sink of <strong>2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 have been created through forest and tree cover (2005 to 2021)</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Forest and tree cover:</strong> It currently stands at <strong>25.17%&nbsp;</strong>of the country's total geographical area and has <strong>consistently increased</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:3087/1780;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/PRcDHOu0JgWfkVSmA5cMnk2WfFT4qoq0pWNVfhuR.jpg" width="3087" height="1780" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/environment/india-submits-its-fourth-biennial-update-report-bur-4-to-unfccc</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>UNFCCC</category>
<category>BUR-4</category>
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<item>
<title>MoD declares 2025 as ‘Year of Reforms’</title>
<description><h1>Ministry of Defense declares 2025 as ‘Year of Reforms’</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The declaration aims at <strong>modernization of the Armed Forces</strong> into a <strong>technologically-advanced combat-ready</strong> force capable of <strong>multi-domain integrated operations&nbsp;</strong>and give impetus to the ongoing and future reforms.</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Identified areas for focussed interventions</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs)</strong>: To bolster <strong>Jointness &amp; Integration initiatives</strong> to facilitate establishment of ITCs.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">ITCs are <strong>tri-service</strong> commands <strong>incorporating </strong>units from the <strong>Army, Navy, and Air Force</strong>, <strong>collectively&nbsp;</strong>for addressing security challenges within <strong>designated geographic areas</strong>.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Emerging technologies and new domains</strong>: Focus on <strong>Cyber and Space</strong> domains,<strong> AI/ML, Hypersonics,</strong> etc., to be future war-ready.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Technology transfer and knowledge sharing</strong>: To be facilitated through enhanced <strong>ease of doing business</strong> and <strong>PPP</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Collaboration</strong>: Breaking <strong>silos</strong>, promoting <strong>civil-military coordination</strong> and developing <strong>joint operational capabilities&nbsp;</strong>through <strong>inter-servicecooperation &amp; training</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Defence exports and R&amp;D:</strong> Position India as a <strong>credible exporter</strong> of defence products, <strong>fostering R&amp;D and partnerships</strong>.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Initiatives of Defence Modernization</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Promoting private and MSME participation:&nbsp;</strong>Through <strong>Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme</strong> and <strong>Self-Reliant Initiatives through Joint Action (SRIJAN) portal&nbsp;</strong>to facilitate indigenization.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Liberalized FDI Policy</strong>: FDI limit in defence raised in 2020 to <strong>74%</strong> through the<strong> Automatic Route</strong> for companies seeking <strong>new defence industrial licenses</strong> and <strong>up to 100%</strong> through the <strong>Government Route</strong> for those likely to result in <strong>access to modern technology.</strong></span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/security/ministry-of-defense-declares-2025-as-year-of-reforms</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Integrated Theatre Commands</category>
<category>Innovations for Defence Excellence</category>
<category>SRIJAN Portal</category>
<category>'Year of Reforms'</category>
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<item>
<title>Base Revision of WPI</title>
<description><h1>Constitution of Working Group for the revision of the current series of Wholesale Price Index (Base 2011-12)</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The <strong>18-member</strong> working group is&nbsp;for base revision of the current series of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) from base 2011-12 to 2022-23.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The <strong>WPI series</strong> has undergone <strong>seven revisions</strong> in <strong>1952-53, 1961-62, 1970-71, 1981-82, 1993-94 and 2004-05, 2011-12</strong> so far.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Terms of Reference of the Working Group</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Suggest changes in the commodity basket of WPI and PPI</strong>: Based on structural changes in the economy with base year <strong>2022-23.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Computational methodology</strong>: To decide the computational methodology to be adopted for WPI / PPI and&nbsp;suggest improvements for better reliability.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Producer Price Index (PPI)</strong>:&nbsp; <strong>Examine methodology&nbsp;</strong>for <strong>compilation&nbsp;</strong>of PPI and suggest improvements.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Recommend a roadmap for switch over from WPI to PPI</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Others:&nbsp;</strong>Review and suggest changes in the <strong>existing system of price collection,&nbsp;</strong>Computation methodology of<strong> linking factor</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Linking factor</strong> helps<strong> maintain continuity</strong> in the <strong>time series data&nbsp;</strong>and aids <strong>comparison with the series of WPI</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2942/1339;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/230YgrZGaVgPrzaVsPZvvyvpoOMGCGDcQVdIheXe.jpg" width="2942" height="1339" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/economics-(indian-economy)/constitution-of-working-group-for-the-revision-of-the-current-series-of-wholesale-price-index-base-2011-12</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>WPI</category>
<category>PPI</category>
<category>Base Revision</category>
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<item>
<title>Comparison of School Education System Report</title>
<description><h1>Comparative study of School Education System’(SES) report released by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The report compares SES of India with countries such as the USA, UK, China, Sweden, Australia etc focusing on their structures, methods, funding, assessments, and equity measures.</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Comparison of India’s SES with other countries</strong></span></h2><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2967/1362;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/1QPaAyAZEM1bB1Uiz9XwVGkzrfn8Gzl7jaDWzLvc.jpg" width="2967" height="1362" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><h2><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Challenges in India’s education System</strong></span></h2><ul><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Regional disparities, gender gaps, persistent infrastructure deficits and stark rural-urban inequalities, limited holistic education hinders equitable learning, lack of 21st-century skills hampers employability.</span></li></ul><h2><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Recommendations</strong></span></h2><ul><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Increase Education Budget</strong>: Aim fo<strong>r 6% of GDP&nbsp;</strong>to enhance skills, infrastructure, and innovative learning ecosystems.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Digital Education</strong>: Bridge digital gaps, create localized content, and boost teacher digital literacy.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Implement NEP 2020</strong>: Focus on teacher training, flexible curriculums, and technology to support skill-based education.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Curriculum Framework:</strong> Develop an adaptive curriculum that embraces regional diversity and prioritizes skill-based learning.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Address Inequities:</strong> Focus on rural infrastructure, inclusive curricula, and strategic teacher deployment, drawing from models like <strong>Sweden’s disability-inclusive frameworks.</strong></span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Pedagogical Changes</strong>: Equip teachers with interactive methods to foster critical thinking in dynamic environments.</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/social-issues/comparative-study-of-school-education-systemses-report-released-by-confederation-of-indian-industry-cii</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>CII</category>
<category>School Education System</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>10 Years of NITI Aayog</title>
<description><h1>NITI Aayog celebrates 10 Years of its Foundation</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>National Institute for Transforming India</strong> (NITI) Aayog was established on <strong>January 01, 2015</strong> through a <strong>Resolution of the Union Cabinet</strong>, replaced the erstwhile <strong>Planning Commission</strong>.</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About NITI Aayog</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Twin mandate</strong></span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">To oversee the <strong>adoption and monitoring of the SDGs in the country</strong>; and&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Promote <strong>competitive and cooperative federalism</strong> among States and UTs.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Composition</strong></span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Chairperson</strong>: Prime Minister of India.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Governing Council</strong>: Prime Minister; CMs of all the States and UTs with legislature; Lt. Governors of other UTs, Ex-Officio Members; Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog; Full-Time Members, NITI Aayog; and Special Invitees.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Regional Councils</strong>: To address specific issues and contingencies impacting more than one state or a region.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>CEO</strong>: Appointed by the PM for a fixed tenure, in the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.</span></li></ul></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key differences between NITI Aayog and the erstwhile Planning Commission</strong></span></h2><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:1975/737;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/XQcEZW2dKSuRnWUmipGsOjIn7cX4qbTrLSQSATZs.jpg" width="1975" height="737" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/polity-and-governance/niti-aayog-celebrates-10-years-of-its-foundation</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>NITI Aayog</category>
<category>Cooperative Federalism</category>
<category>Competitive Federalism</category>
<category>Planning Commission</category>
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<item>
<title>Personality: Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti</title>
<description><h1>Personality in News</h1>
<h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti ( 1141-1235)</strong></span></h2><figure class="image image-style-side" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:500/500;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/Z6VnWLfUuxBTBfZeZipgNKaXcwSsPvrmRC2Hnyk0.jpg" width="500" height="500" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The Prime Minister greeted people on ‘Urs’ of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti,</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Urs is held annually at the shrine of sufi saint to commemorate his <strong>death anniversary.</strong></span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Born in 1141 CE in <strong>Chishti&nbsp;</strong>in <strong>Herat, Afghanistan.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">He is the most famous saint of the <strong>Chishti order of Sufism in the Indian Subcontinent.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Chishtiya Order&nbsp;</strong>was founded in India by <strong>him.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">A major feature of the Chishti tradition was <strong>austerity, including maintaining a distance from worldly power</strong>.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Famous disciples</strong>: <strong>Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki,</strong> <strong>Nizamuddin Auliya and Naseeruddin Charagh</strong>, etc.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key Values</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">&nbsp;Communal harmony, spiritual satisfaction to all, Humility</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/medieval-indian-history/personality-in-news-93</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti</category>
<category>Sufism</category>
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<item>
<title>Right to Property | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Right to Property</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The Supreme Court stated that while the right to property is no longer a fundamental right, it remains a <strong>constitutional and recognized human right</strong>.</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Right to property&nbsp;</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Original Status</strong>: Initially, the right to property and compensation for acquisition were protected as Fundamental Rights under Articles 19(1)(f) and 31 of the Constitution.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Present Status:44th Constitution Amendment in 1978</strong> removed the right to property from the list of Fundamental Rights, making it a constitutional right under <strong>Article 300A.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Article 300A states that <strong>“No person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law”</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Article 300A</category>
<category>Right to Property</category>
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<item>
<title>Project VISTAAR | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Project VISTAAR</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">IIT Madras has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Project VISTAAR (<strong>Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources</strong>)</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About VISTAAR</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a "Network" of Networks (Al-augmented) and every State can build their own Agri-Advisory Network.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a comprehensive network that connects <strong>decentralized databases</strong> to provide seamless access to vital agricultural resources.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Objective: </strong>enhance decision-making and resource utilization</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Expand access to <strong>high-quality advisory services&nbsp;</strong>on crop production, marketing, <strong>value addition</strong>, and supply chain management.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">provide farmers with information on <strong>relevant government schemes</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#project-vistaar</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Project VISTAAR</category>
<category>Agri-Advisory Network</category>
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<title>River Gomti | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>River Gomti</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Building on the success of the first<strong> Composite Ecological Task Force (CETF)</strong> for the Ganga, the <strong>Indian Army&nbsp;</strong>has formed a new company for the revitalization of the <strong>River</strong> <strong>Gomti</strong>.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The CETF is a unit of<strong> ex-servicemen&nbsp;</strong>aimed at supporting the<strong> NMCG's (National Mission for Clean Ganga)</strong> efforts to reduce pollution in the River Ganga.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Gomti River</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Origin:</strong> Starts at <strong>Gomath Taal</strong> (also called Fulnar Jheel) near Madho Tanda in Pilibhit district of UP.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Length</strong>: It is a tributary of the River Ganga (<strong>merges with the River Ganga</strong> in Ghazipur district of UP).</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Tributaries:</strong> Kathina, Sai, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Major Cities</strong>: Lucknow, Jaunpur, etc.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#river-gomti</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>National Mission for Clean Ganga</category>
<category>River Gomti</category>
<category>Composite Ecological Task Force</category>
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<title>Methylcobalamin | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Methylcobalamin</h1> <p style="margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>FSSAI&nbsp;</strong>provided <strong>clarification in Guidelines&nbsp;</strong>for usage of <strong>Methylcobalamin in health supplements, medical purposes and nutraceutical products&nbsp;</strong>under certain conditions.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">FSSAI had <strong>banned Methylcobalamin in 2016</strong> and <strong>lifted&nbsp;</strong>the ban in <strong>2021&nbsp;</strong>but is yet to notify the same</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Methylcobalamin</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>It is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B12</strong> that can be obtained through supplements, as well as food sources like<strong> fish, meat, eggs, and milk.</strong></span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Vitamin B12&nbsp;</strong>is a<strong> water-soluble vitamin</strong> integral to <strong>DNA synthesis</strong>, <strong>RBC production,&nbsp;</strong>and <strong>neurological function</strong>.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Other forms of Vitamin B12 are <strong>cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin.</strong></span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Function</strong>: <strong>regulates vital bodily functions&nbsp;</strong>like<strong> cell multiplication, blood formation and protein synthesis.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Uses</strong>: Pain alleviation in diabetic neuropathy,treatment of anaemia, Alzheimer's disease</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#methylcobalamin</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Methylcobalamin</category>
<category>B12</category>
<category>Vitamin B12</category>
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<title>Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</h1> <p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Recently, a <strong>faunal survey&nbsp;</strong>was conducted in the<strong> Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</strong>, focussed on <strong>birds, butterflies, odonates (dragonflies and damselflies)</strong>, and other wildlife.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Species like the <strong>Great Indian Hornbill</strong> (State bird of Kerala), <strong>Malabar Banded Peacock (butterfly)</strong> were spotted.</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Situated in <strong>Southern Western Ghats in Kollam, Kerala</strong>, it is part of <strong>Agastyamalai Biosphere Reserve</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It derives its name from the <strong>endemic species, Ghuta Travancorica</strong>, locally known as <strong>‘Chenkurunji’</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Major rivers</strong>: Shendurney, Kazhuthuruthy and Kulathupuzha, together forming the <strong>River Kallada</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Common fauna</strong>: Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Malabar giant squirrel, Nilgiri langur, Lion-Tailed macaque etc.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Thenmala</strong>, the <strong>first planned eco-tourism destination in India</strong>, is located here.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#shendurney-wildlife-sanctuary</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Western Ghats</category>
<category>Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</category>
<category>Agastyamalai Biosphere Reserve</category>
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<title>National Sports Awards 2024 | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>National Sports Awards 2024</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Ministry of Youth Affairs &amp; Sports</strong> announced <strong>National Sports Awards 2024</strong>, to be awarded by the <strong>President </strong>of India.</p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><strong>About National Sports Awards 2024</strong></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">They are a collection of <strong>6 awards&nbsp;</strong>given to <strong>sportspersons, coaches or organisations etc.&nbsp;</strong><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024:</strong> It has been awarded to <strong>Gukesh D (Chess), Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey), Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics), Manu Bhaker (Shooting).</strong><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">It is given for outstanding performance over a period of 4 years.</li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Other Awards:&nbsp;</strong><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Arjuna Award</strong></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Arjuna (Lifetime) Award</strong></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Dronacharya Award</strong> (For coaches)</li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy:&nbsp;</strong>Top-performing University in <strong>Khelo India University Games</strong></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar</strong>: Organisations/individuals for sports promotion and development over the last 3 years.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#national-sports-awards-2024</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>National Sports Awards 2024</category>
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<title>Pig-Butchering Scam | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Pig-Butchering Scam</h1> <p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Union Ministry of Home Affairs in its <strong>annual report of 2023-24</strong> highlighted the new&nbsp;cyber fraud known as the <strong>"pig butchering scam"&nbsp;</strong>or<strong> "investment scam".</strong></span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About&nbsp;Pig-Butchering scam</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a global phenomenon and involves <strong>large-scale money laundering</strong> and <strong>even cyber slavery</strong>.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a <strong>type of confidence and investment fraud</strong> in which the victim is gradually lured into making increasing <strong>monetary contributions to a seemingly sound investment</strong> before the scammer disappears with the contributed monies.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scammers target&nbsp;</strong>mostlyunemployed youths, housewives, students, etc.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#pig-butchering-scam-1</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Money Laundering</category>
<category>Pig Butchering Scam</category>
<category>Cyber Slavery</category>
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<title>Hydrogel | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Hydrogel</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Recently, researchers from IIT Guwahati developed an innovative injectable hydrogel for <strong>targeted Breast Cancer Therapy</strong>.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The newly developed hydrogel <strong>made of protein-based ultra-short peptides</strong> remains stable at injection sites by being insoluble in body fluids.&nbsp;</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">These peptides are both <strong>biocompatible and biodegradable.</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Hydrogel</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Hydrogels are <strong>water-based, three-dimensional polymer</strong> networks capable of absorbing and retaining fluids.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Their unique structure <strong>mimics living tissues</strong>, making them suitable for <strong>biomedical applications</strong>.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#hydrogel</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Hydrogel</category>
<category>Breast Cancer</category>
<category>Peptides</category>
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<title>Technology's Role in Redefining Indian Society</title>
<description><h1>Technology's Role in Redefining Indian Society</h1> <h2>Introduction</h2> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">India's rapid technological advancement has profoundly transformed its society, reshaping the fabric of everyday life. The widespread adoption of smartphones and the expansion of internet connectivity have <strong>democratized access to information, education, and economic opportunities</strong>. As of March 2024, <strong>India has 954.40 million internet subscribers</strong>, making it the <strong>second-largest online population globally (PIB)</strong>. This digital revolution has fueled significant economic growth, particularly in sectors like IT, e-Commerce, and FinTech. However, the impact extends beyond the economy: technology has <strong>influenced India’s social structures, altered cultural practices, and reshaped social institutions and value systems.</strong> While increased access to technology has enhanced social mobility and empowered previously marginalized groups, it has also brought challenges such as a widening digital divide, changing family dynamics, and evolving cultural norms. In this context, technology has become both a catalyst for progress and a force for profound societal change in India.</span></p> <h2>1.What are the Features of Traditional Indian Society?</h2> <ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Multi-religious:&nbsp;</strong>India is home to a multitude of religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. According to the 2011 Census of India, 79.8% of the population identifies as Hindu, 14.2% as Muslim, 2.3% as Christian, and 1.7% as Sikh, with other religions collectively accounting for about 2%.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Multi-lingual:&nbsp;</strong>India is one of the most linguistically diverse countries globally, <strong>with 22 languages listed under Schedule VIII of the Constitution.&nbsp;</strong>Besides these scheduled languages, the Indian Census did record 1,576 rationalized languages as well as 1,796 other mother-tongues.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Caste System:&nbsp;</strong>The caste system remains a significant aspect of social organization in traditional Indian society, despite various legal reforms. The 2011 Census records show that Scheduled Castes (SCs) make up 16.6% of the population, while Scheduled Tribes (STs) comprise 8.6%.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Tribal Communities:&nbsp;</strong>India has a significant tribal population, with 705 officially recognized tribes. According to the 2011 Census, the tribal population is approximately 104 million, constituting around 8.6% of the national population.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Family Structure: Indian society traditionally values joint families, but nuclear families are becoming increasingly prevalent.</strong> While 70% of Indian households were nuclear families in the 2011 Census, joint families remain more common in rural areas.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Marriage Customs:&nbsp;</strong>Marriage in traditional Indian society is largely governed by religious and cultural norms. Arranged marriages are common, with 90% of marriages still being arranged, according to a 2018 report by the Indian Human Development Survey.</span></li></ul> <h2>2.What are the technological developments happened in Indian Society?</h2> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">India’s technological advancements have spanned various sectors, influencing its economic, social, and cultural dimensions. It includes:</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Information and Communication Technology (ICT):&nbsp;</strong>It includes technologies such as Internet, <strong>Artificial Intelligence</strong>, <strong>Cloud Computing</strong>, <strong>Big Data, Internet of Things, Augmented Reality</strong>, <strong>Virtual Reality, etc., driven by improved access to&nbsp;</strong>high-speed internet, digital infrastructure, and mobile penetration.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>FinTech (Financial Technology):&nbsp;</strong>It includes increased adoption of mobile banking for financial inclusion, <strong>digital payments</strong>, digital lending platform, use of <strong>Blockchain&nbsp;</strong>in banking and record-keeping, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>MedTech (Medical Technology):&nbsp;</strong>It includes telemedicine and remote consultations (e.g., eSanjeevani initiative of government for online consultation), Electronic Health Record management, use of AI in diagnostics, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>EdTech (Education Technology):&nbsp;</strong>It includes adoption of Online Learning Platforms (e.g., SWAYAM Platform), digital classrooms and virtual labs, AI-powered personalized learning, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>E-Governance:&nbsp;</strong>It includes use of Aadhar in provisioning of services to citizens, Citizen Service Portals (e.g., MyGov), land record digitization, etc.</span></li></ul> <h2>3.What are the impacts of technology on Indian society?</h2> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Technology has had multifaceted impact on Indian society, influencing its economic, social, cultural, and political dimensions. While it has driven progress and development, it has also introduced some challenges.&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>3.1. Impact on different stakeholders in the society&nbsp;</strong></span></h2><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2185/841;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/rkc0bc9n69NZjMx1QaF1dFWd7QyuJIkKzTIc7nmR.jpg" width="2185" height="841" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><h3 style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</h3><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2185/910;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/0SWUfNOMCo99CXiNh3c10dvZECrfW04ZMfRULZ2V.jpg" width="2185" height="910" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><h3 style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</h3><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2185/781;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/ejMI9b6w1T0oJerNKoEnqMqPV7hHcI2oiF5PzHWq.jpg" width="2185" height="781" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><h3 style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</h3><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2185/860;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/yPM9kYod1zivzuhn2XUujRaSvzWX8ZVjrIXRPsZY.jpg" width="2185" height="860" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>3.2. Impact on different Social Institutions of the society</strong></span></h2><h3 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>3.2.1. Family</strong></span></h3><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Technology has significantly transformed the dynamics of family structures in India. Here are some key areas of impact:</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Nuclear Families:</strong> The rise of nuclear families has become more prevalent due to increased urbanization, globalization, and changing career opportunities.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Delayed Marriages:</strong> Technology has influenced societal norms and expectations, leading to delayed marriages and increased age at first marriage.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Changing Gender Roles:</strong> Technology has challenged traditional gender roles, with women increasingly participating in the workforce and taking on non-traditional roles.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Emerging Family Structures:</strong> New family structures, such as single-parent families, same-sex couples, and blended families, are becoming more visible and accepted.</span></li></ul><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2185/1135;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/r2rV8CuQTPkBScMu1h8gGRjZsLw5V6WhiZ2Kx4rO.jpg" width="2185" height="1135" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><h3 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>3.2.2. Caste System</strong></span></h3><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Technology is both a bridge and a barrier within India’s caste system. While it provides tools that challenge historical caste divisions, it also sometimes creates new avenues for reinforcing traditional structures.</span></p><h4 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Technology weakening the Caste System</strong></span></h4><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Breakdown of the Jajmani System</strong>: Technology allows marginalized groups to find work outside traditional caste-based service roles, diminishing the influence of the caste-bound Jajmani (patron-client) system.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Online job platforms like Naukri and gig apps like UrbanClap provide service workers direct access to clients, bypassing caste-based intermediaries.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Digital Sanskritization</strong>: Access to online education, skill-building, and economic opportunities has allowed traditionally lower-caste groups to emulate upper-caste lifestyles and values, a modern form of Sanskritization.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Inter-Caste Marriages</strong>: Dating apps and social networks enable interactions beyond caste lines, increasing the rate of inter-caste marriages, especially in urban areas.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Apps like Bumble and Tinder provide people the freedom to date and marry outside caste constraints, challenging traditional marriage norms.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Social Media Movements</strong>: Social media allows marginalized groups to highlight and advocate against caste discrimination, leading to increased awareness and solidarity.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Movements like #DalitLivesMatter&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Erosion of Traditional Social Practices:</strong> Sociologist M.N. Srinivas, in his concept of Westernization, discussed how exposure to Western ideas through media could lead to the gradual erosion of traditional Indian practices, particularly those related to family structure and social hierarchy.</span></li></ul><h4 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Technology strengthening the Caste System</strong></span></h4><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Echo-Chamber Effect:&nbsp;</strong>Social media algorithms often show users content that aligns with their existing interests, leading to caste-based echo chambers that reinforce identity and beliefs.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: People joining caste-aligned groups on Facebook may repeatedly see posts that reinforce their caste identities, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Caste-Based Social Media Groups:&nbsp;</strong>Social media platforms facilitate the formation of caste-specific groups, reinforcing caste identities and sometimes promoting exclusion.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Facebook and WhatsApp groups organized by caste communities can perpetuate intra-caste solidarity and discourage social mixing.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Caste-Based Matrimonial Sites:&nbsp;</strong>Matrimonial websites allow users to search based on caste, thus upholding caste endogamy and traditional marriage practices.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Sites like Shaadi.com and Jeevansathi have caste-based search filters, reinforcing the practice of caste-based marriages.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Data Bias and Profiling:&nbsp;</strong>Algorithms on social media and e-commerce platforms may profile users based on caste-related data, perpetuating stereotypes and biases.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Targeted ads on platforms may use location and community data to push caste-specific content, creating a segmented user experience.</span></li></ul></li></ul> <h2>4.How the technology is impacting process of Urbanisation and Ruralisation?</h2> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);">Technology plays a critical role in driving both <strong>urbanization</strong> (the movement of people and resources toward cities) and <strong>ruralization</strong> (bringing urban-like development and services to rural areas). Here’s how it fuels both processes:</span></p><h2><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Technology fuelling Urbanization</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Job Opportunities and Economic Growth</strong>: Technology-driven <strong>industries like IT, e-commerce, and fintech&nbsp;</strong>are predominantly based in cities, attracting people from rural areas seeking better employment prospects and salaries.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai have become major tech hubs, drawing rural talent for IT and tech jobs.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Education and Skill Development</strong>: Urban areas <strong>offer greater access to high-quality, tech-enabled educational institutions,</strong> which attracts students from rural areas who seek advanced education and skill-based training.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Institutes like IITs and IIMs in urban centers attract students nationwide, many of whom stay in cities post-graduation.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Healthcare and Infrastructure</strong>: Advanced healthcare facilities with <strong>specialized hospitals in cities</strong> draw rural populations who seek quality medical services and improved infrastructure.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Urban hospitals with telemedicine services offer quality care, making cities an attractive option for rural families needing advanced healthcare.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Social Connectivity and Lifestyle</strong>: Access to social media and urban digital services exposes rural populations to city lifestyles, fueling aspirations for an urban standard of living.</span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Social media and OTT platforms showcase urban lifestyles and opportunities, encouraging rural youth to migrate to cities.</span></li></ul></li></ul><h2><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Technology fuelling Ruralisation</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Digital Services and E-Governance:&nbsp;</strong>Technology brings essential services like banking, education, and government schemes to rural areas, reducing the need to migrate to cities.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Platforms <strong>like Common Service Centers (CSCs)</strong> in India provide e-governance and digital financial services in rural areas.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Telemedicine and Healthcare Access:&nbsp;</strong>Telemedicine platforms bring urban-quality healthcare to rural residents, allowing remote consultations with city-based doctors and reducing rural-urban healthcare disparity.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Platforms like Practo and government initiatives in telemedicine provide rural populations with access to specialized healthcare.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Agri-Tech and Smart Farming:&nbsp;</strong>Agri-tech solutions offer rural farmers real-time data on weather, crop health, and market prices, increasing productivity and income, making rural life more sustainable.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Apps <strong>like Kisan Suvidha</strong> provide real-time data to help rural farmers make informed decisions, reducing migration due to agricultural challenges.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);"><strong>E-Learning and Skill Development:&nbsp;</strong>E-learning platforms enable rural youth to access urban-quality education and skills without relocating, which supports local employment and opportunities.</span></li></ul><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2185/904;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/y1LS7MDoCYaWg7dI9Tco1EOL1XsyZSvPtEaNW57z.jpg" width="2185" height="904" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure> <h2>5.How the Indian Society is balancing the technology with tradition?</h2> <p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">India, a land steeped in ancient traditions and rich cultural heritage, is also rapidly embracing technological advancements.&nbsp;This unique juxtaposition has led to a fascinating interplay between the old and the new. As technology permeates every aspect of life, Indian society is navigating this complex landscape, seeking to balance tradition with modernity. This delicate balancing act unfolds at individual, societal, and governmental levels, shaping the nation's evolving identity. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><h2><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>At Individual-level</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Selective adoption:</strong> Individuals choose to adopt technology that aligns with their values and traditions. For example, a person might use social media to connect with family and friends while avoiding content that conflicts with their beliefs.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Digital Detox:</strong> Many people practice digital detox, setting aside specific times to disconnect from technology and engage in traditional activities like meditation, yoga, or spending time with family.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Traditional skill enhancement:</strong> Individuals learn and practice traditional skills like crafts, music, or dance, often using technology to document, share, and promote these skills. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Ethical usage of Technology:</strong> People strive to use technology ethically, avoiding cyberbullying, spreading misinformation, and engaging in harmful online activities.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Mindful consumption:</strong> Individuals make conscious choices about the technology they consume, prioritizing content that enriches their lives and avoids excessive screen time. <strong>Example</strong>: Setting time reminders on Youtube.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h2><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>At Societal-level</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Digital Religious Practices:&nbsp;</strong>Indian temples and religious institutions offer online pujas and live-streamed aarti ceremonies.</span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:18.0pt;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>:<strong> Peter Berger</strong> argues that technology enabled the creation of <strong>virtual religious communities</strong> and digital religious content, allowing individuals to <strong>engage with religion without physically attending religious institutions.</strong></span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Cultural Preservation through Digital Archives and Libraries:</strong> Societal groups and NGOs create online archives of folk songs, dance forms, and regional languages, promoting cultural preservation.&nbsp;</span><br><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: The People’s Linguistic Survey of India documents Indian languages online.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Tech-Enabled Tradition:</strong> Technology is used to modernize traditional practices, such as online yoga classes, virtual temple visits, and digital preservation of ancient texts. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Digital Literacy:</strong> Efforts are made to promote digital literacy, empowering individuals to use technology responsibly and critically. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Community Engagement:</strong> Online platforms are used to foster community engagement, connecting people with shared interests and facilitating knowledge sharing. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h2><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>At Government-level</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Digital India for Cultural Heritage Preservation:&nbsp;</strong>Digitization efforts to preserve cultural heritage, such as monuments, manuscripts, and artwork.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:18.0pt;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scheme</strong>: National Mission on Libraries and Digital India program for heritage.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Skill India Initiative for Traditional Craft and Handloom Promotion:&nbsp;</strong>Programs to upskill artisans in traditional crafts and integrate digital skills.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:18.0pt;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scheme</strong>: PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) with courses for handicrafts and weaving.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>E-learning Platforms for traditional knowledge: </strong>Government e-learning platforms like SWAYAM offering courses on Sanskrit, classical arts, and traditional knowledge.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>AYUSH integration in mainstream healthcare</strong>: Promotion of traditional health practices like Ayurveda and Yoga alongside modern medicine.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:18.0pt;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scheme</strong>: AYUSH Mission and AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Support for E-Commerce platforms to boost artisan economy:&nbsp;</strong>Government collaborates with e-commerce platforms to allow artisans to sell their goods digitally.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:18.0pt;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scheme</strong>: GeM (Government e-Marketplace) facilitates online sales for artisans.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Cybersecurity measures for safeguarding digital heritage:</strong> The government implements cybersecurity protocols to protect digital archives of cultural heritage, preventing data breaches and unauthorized access to culturally sensitive information under various policies and statutes like the <strong>Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023</strong>.</span></li></ul> <h2>6.How Indian Society can better adapt to technological advancements?</h2> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The impact of technology on Indian society is profound and multifaceted, shaping various aspects such as communication, education, health care, and governance. To maximize the benefits of technological advancements while mitigating potential drawbacks, several specific strategies and best practices can be adopted.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Bridging the digital divide:&nbsp;</strong>Expand broadband connectivity to underserved regions, subsidize or incentivize the production and distribution of affordable digital devices, conduct community-based campaigns and workshops on digital literacy, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Promoting Ethical Use of Technology:</strong> Establish frameworks for responsible use of technology, focusing on data privacy, digital rights, mandating public disclosure of how algorithms influence decision-making, strengthen fact-checking mechanisms to curb misinformation, etc.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example: The OECD</strong> has developed principles for the ethical use of AI, focusing on transparency, accountability, and human-centered design.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Mitigating job displacement and automation:&nbsp;</strong>Strengthen state and corporate initiatives for skill development in emerging fields like AI, robotics, and renewable energy, exploring the option to provide universal safety nets for displaced workers, promote human-centric AI development that augment human abilities rather than replace them, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Supporting Startups and Innovation Hubs</strong>: Provide mentorship and funding through government and private sector partnerships to support startups that focus on social impact, such as health tech or agri-tech solutions.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Ensure Mental-health and social well-being:&nbsp;</strong>Digital detox campaigns to promote healthy screen-time habits, regulate addictive features and restrict exploitative design practices, like endless scrolling, leverage technology (e.g., telemedicine and apps) to provide accessible mental health resources, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Implementing Smart Governance:</strong> Utilize technology for efficient service delivery, such as e-governance platforms that streamline processes like licensing, permits, and public grievance redressal.</span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Example</strong>: Adopt a citizen-centric design for digital services, ensuring user-friendly interfaces and multi-language support to cater to diverse populations.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Sustainable Technology Practices</strong>: Incentivize the adoption of energy-efficient devices and renewable energy solutions, promote circular economy through reuse, refurbishing, and recycling practices in technology manufacturing.</span></li></ul> <h2>Conclusion</h2> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);">World Bank emphasizes the future of technology and society hinges on a collective commitment to harnessing technology for the greater good. By prioritizing inclusivity, ethical standards, and sustainability, we can create a technological landscape that not only enhances economic growth but also upholds social values and improves the quality of life for all individuals.</span></p> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/weekly-focus/2024-12-04/social-issues/introduction-16</link>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://visionias.in/current-affairs/weekly-focus/2024-12-04/social-issues/introduction-16</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 03 Dec 2024 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Digital Detox</category>
<category>Indian Society</category>
<category>Impact of Technology on Families</category>
<category>Technology fuelling Urbanization</category>
<category>Technology fuelling Ruralization</category>
<category>Digital Divide</category>
<category>Ethical Use of Technology</category>
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<title>Private Sector participation in Nuclear Sector</title>
<description><h1>NPCIL opens doors for Private Sector participation in Nuclear Sector</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Recently, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has <strong>invited Request for Proposal from Indian users</strong> for 220MWe <strong>Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) Bharat Small Reactors</strong> (BSRs) in Brown/ Green fields.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Based on India’s<strong> PHWR technology,</strong> BSRs are compact nuclear reactors with a capacity of<strong> up to 220 MWe</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">BSRs align with global trends of <strong>Small Modular Reactors</strong> (SMRs), which have a <strong>capacity ranging from less than 30 MWe to 300+ MWe</strong>.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance of Private Participation in Nuclear Sector</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Resource mobilization:&nbsp;</strong>Can attract investment in India’s nuclear infrastructure; provide economies of scale through pooling of resources with India aiming to attract<strong> $26 billion for nuclear energy</strong>, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Technological advancements and innovations:&nbsp;</strong>Can allow investment in cutting-edge research and bring innovations such as SMRs and advanced cooling technologies.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Energy transition:</strong> Can significantly contribute to achieving targets of 500 GW energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Challenges for Private Sector participation</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Legal</strong>: Atomic Energy Act of 1962 restricts private sector involvement, particularly in licensing nuclear plants.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Uncertainty around liability Laws</strong>: Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, is under challenge, causing regulatory uncertainty.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Others</strong>: High initial cost due to captive-intensive nature of nuclear projects, public trust in private nuclear operations requires transparency and consistent performance, etc.</span></li></ul>
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<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/science-and-technology/npcil-opens-doors-for-private-sector-participation-in-nuclear-sector</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Small Modular Reactors</category>
<category>Bharat Small Reactors</category>
<category>NPCIL</category>
<category>Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>India submits 4th BUR to UNFCCC</title>
<description><h1>India submits its Fourth Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to UNFCCC</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">BUR-4 updates the <strong>Third National Communication (TNC)</strong> and contains the <strong>National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory for the year 2020.&nbsp;</strong></span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change</strong> is <strong>India's nodal ministry</strong> for managing and coordinating climate change activities and reporting under <strong>Article 4.1 of UNFCCC.</strong></span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key Highlights of report</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>GHG emissions:&nbsp;</strong>It<strong>&nbsp;</strong>has <strong>decreased by 7.93%</strong> in 2020 compared to 2019.</span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Sector wise Emissions:<strong> Energy ( 75.66%)&gt; Agriculture( 13.72%)&gt;Industrial Process and Product Use (8.06%)&gt;Waste (2.56%).</strong></span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Emission Intensity of GDP:</strong> It<strong>&nbsp;</strong>has <strong>reduced by 36% (</strong>Between 2005 to 2020)</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Share of non-fossil sources:&nbsp;</strong>It constitutes<strong> 46.52% of installed electricity generation capacity</strong> (October 2024)</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Generation of Carbon Sinks:&nbsp;</strong>An additional carbon sink of <strong>2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 have been created through forest and tree cover (2005 to 2021)</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Forest and tree cover:</strong> It currently stands at <strong>25.17%&nbsp;</strong>of the country's total geographical area and has <strong>consistently increased</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:3087/1780;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/PRcDHOu0JgWfkVSmA5cMnk2WfFT4qoq0pWNVfhuR.jpg" width="3087" height="1780" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p>
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<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/environment/india-submits-its-fourth-biennial-update-report-bur-4-to-unfccc</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>UNFCCC</category>
<category>BUR-4</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>MoD declares 2025 as ‘Year of Reforms’</title>
<description><h1>Ministry of Defense declares 2025 as ‘Year of Reforms’</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The declaration aims at <strong>modernization of the Armed Forces</strong> into a <strong>technologically-advanced combat-ready</strong> force capable of <strong>multi-domain integrated operations&nbsp;</strong>and give impetus to the ongoing and future reforms.</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Identified areas for focussed interventions</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs)</strong>: To bolster <strong>Jointness &amp; Integration initiatives</strong> to facilitate establishment of ITCs.</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">ITCs are <strong>tri-service</strong> commands <strong>incorporating </strong>units from the <strong>Army, Navy, and Air Force</strong>, <strong>collectively&nbsp;</strong>for addressing security challenges within <strong>designated geographic areas</strong>.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Emerging technologies and new domains</strong>: Focus on <strong>Cyber and Space</strong> domains,<strong> AI/ML, Hypersonics,</strong> etc., to be future war-ready.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Technology transfer and knowledge sharing</strong>: To be facilitated through enhanced <strong>ease of doing business</strong> and <strong>PPP</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Collaboration</strong>: Breaking <strong>silos</strong>, promoting <strong>civil-military coordination</strong> and developing <strong>joint operational capabilities&nbsp;</strong>through <strong>inter-servicecooperation &amp; training</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Defence exports and R&amp;D:</strong> Position India as a <strong>credible exporter</strong> of defence products, <strong>fostering R&amp;D and partnerships</strong>.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Initiatives of Defence Modernization</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Promoting private and MSME participation:&nbsp;</strong>Through <strong>Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme</strong> and <strong>Self-Reliant Initiatives through Joint Action (SRIJAN) portal&nbsp;</strong>to facilitate indigenization.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Liberalized FDI Policy</strong>: FDI limit in defence raised in 2020 to <strong>74%</strong> through the<strong> Automatic Route</strong> for companies seeking <strong>new defence industrial licenses</strong> and <strong>up to 100%</strong> through the <strong>Government Route</strong> for those likely to result in <strong>access to modern technology.</strong></span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/security/ministry-of-defense-declares-2025-as-year-of-reforms</link>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/security/ministry-of-defense-declares-2025-as-year-of-reforms</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Integrated Theatre Commands</category>
<category>Innovations for Defence Excellence</category>
<category>SRIJAN Portal</category>
<category>'Year of Reforms'</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>Base Revision of WPI</title>
<description><h1>Constitution of Working Group for the revision of the current series of Wholesale Price Index (Base 2011-12)</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The <strong>18-member</strong> working group is&nbsp;for base revision of the current series of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) from base 2011-12 to 2022-23.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The <strong>WPI series</strong> has undergone <strong>seven revisions</strong> in <strong>1952-53, 1961-62, 1970-71, 1981-82, 1993-94 and 2004-05, 2011-12</strong> so far.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Terms of Reference of the Working Group</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Suggest changes in the commodity basket of WPI and PPI</strong>: Based on structural changes in the economy with base year <strong>2022-23.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Computational methodology</strong>: To decide the computational methodology to be adopted for WPI / PPI and&nbsp;suggest improvements for better reliability.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Producer Price Index (PPI)</strong>:&nbsp; <strong>Examine methodology&nbsp;</strong>for <strong>compilation&nbsp;</strong>of PPI and suggest improvements.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Recommend a roadmap for switch over from WPI to PPI</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Others:&nbsp;</strong>Review and suggest changes in the <strong>existing system of price collection,&nbsp;</strong>Computation methodology of<strong> linking factor</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Linking factor</strong> helps<strong> maintain continuity</strong> in the <strong>time series data&nbsp;</strong>and aids <strong>comparison with the series of WPI</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2942/1339;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/230YgrZGaVgPrzaVsPZvvyvpoOMGCGDcQVdIheXe.jpg" width="2942" height="1339" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/economics-(indian-economy)/constitution-of-working-group-for-the-revision-of-the-current-series-of-wholesale-price-index-base-2011-12</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>WPI</category>
<category>PPI</category>
<category>Base Revision</category>
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<item>
<title>Comparison of School Education System Report</title>
<description><h1>Comparative study of School Education System’(SES) report released by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The report compares SES of India with countries such as the USA, UK, China, Sweden, Australia etc focusing on their structures, methods, funding, assessments, and equity measures.</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Comparison of India’s SES with other countries</strong></span></h2><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:2967/1362;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/1QPaAyAZEM1bB1Uiz9XwVGkzrfn8Gzl7jaDWzLvc.jpg" width="2967" height="1362" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><h2><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Challenges in India’s education System</strong></span></h2><ul><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Regional disparities, gender gaps, persistent infrastructure deficits and stark rural-urban inequalities, limited holistic education hinders equitable learning, lack of 21st-century skills hampers employability.</span></li></ul><h2><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Recommendations</strong></span></h2><ul><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Increase Education Budget</strong>: Aim fo<strong>r 6% of GDP&nbsp;</strong>to enhance skills, infrastructure, and innovative learning ecosystems.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Digital Education</strong>: Bridge digital gaps, create localized content, and boost teacher digital literacy.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Implement NEP 2020</strong>: Focus on teacher training, flexible curriculums, and technology to support skill-based education.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Curriculum Framework:</strong> Develop an adaptive curriculum that embraces regional diversity and prioritizes skill-based learning.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Address Inequities:</strong> Focus on rural infrastructure, inclusive curricula, and strategic teacher deployment, drawing from models like <strong>Sweden’s disability-inclusive frameworks.</strong></span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Pedagogical Changes</strong>: Equip teachers with interactive methods to foster critical thinking in dynamic environments.</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/social-issues/comparative-study-of-school-education-systemses-report-released-by-confederation-of-indian-industry-cii</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>CII</category>
<category>School Education System</category>
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<item>
<title>10 Years of NITI Aayog</title>
<description><h1>NITI Aayog celebrates 10 Years of its Foundation</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>National Institute for Transforming India</strong> (NITI) Aayog was established on <strong>January 01, 2015</strong> through a <strong>Resolution of the Union Cabinet</strong>, replaced the erstwhile <strong>Planning Commission</strong>.</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About NITI Aayog</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Twin mandate</strong></span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">To oversee the <strong>adoption and monitoring of the SDGs in the country</strong>; and&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Promote <strong>competitive and cooperative federalism</strong> among States and UTs.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Composition</strong></span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Chairperson</strong>: Prime Minister of India.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Governing Council</strong>: Prime Minister; CMs of all the States and UTs with legislature; Lt. Governors of other UTs, Ex-Officio Members; Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog; Full-Time Members, NITI Aayog; and Special Invitees.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Regional Councils</strong>: To address specific issues and contingencies impacting more than one state or a region.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>CEO</strong>: Appointed by the PM for a fixed tenure, in the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.</span></li></ul></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key differences between NITI Aayog and the erstwhile Planning Commission</strong></span></h2><figure class="image" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:1975/737;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/XQcEZW2dKSuRnWUmipGsOjIn7cX4qbTrLSQSATZs.jpg" width="1975" height="737" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/polity-and-governance/niti-aayog-celebrates-10-years-of-its-foundation</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>NITI Aayog</category>
<category>Cooperative Federalism</category>
<category>Competitive Federalism</category>
<category>Planning Commission</category>
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<title>Personality: Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti</title>
<description><h1>Personality in News</h1>
<h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti ( 1141-1235)</strong></span></h2><figure class="image image-style-side" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:500/500;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/Z6VnWLfUuxBTBfZeZipgNKaXcwSsPvrmRC2Hnyk0.jpg" width="500" height="500" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The Prime Minister greeted people on ‘Urs’ of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti,</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Urs is held annually at the shrine of sufi saint to commemorate his <strong>death anniversary.</strong></span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Born in 1141 CE in <strong>Chishti&nbsp;</strong>in <strong>Herat, Afghanistan.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">He is the most famous saint of the <strong>Chishti order of Sufism in the Indian Subcontinent.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Chishtiya Order&nbsp;</strong>was founded in India by <strong>him.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">A major feature of the Chishti tradition was <strong>austerity, including maintaining a distance from worldly power</strong>.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Famous disciples</strong>: <strong>Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki,</strong> <strong>Nizamuddin Auliya and Naseeruddin Charagh</strong>, etc.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key Values</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">&nbsp;Communal harmony, spiritual satisfaction to all, Humility</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/medieval-indian-history/personality-in-news-93</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti</category>
<category>Sufism</category>
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<title>Right to Property | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Right to Property</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The Supreme Court stated that while the right to property is no longer a fundamental right, it remains a <strong>constitutional and recognized human right</strong>.</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Right to property&nbsp;</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Original Status</strong>: Initially, the right to property and compensation for acquisition were protected as Fundamental Rights under Articles 19(1)(f) and 31 of the Constitution.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Present Status:44th Constitution Amendment in 1978</strong> removed the right to property from the list of Fundamental Rights, making it a constitutional right under <strong>Article 300A.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Article 300A states that <strong>“No person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law”</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Article 300A</category>
<category>Right to Property</category>
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<title>Project VISTAAR | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Project VISTAAR</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">IIT Madras has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Project VISTAAR (<strong>Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources</strong>)</span></p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About VISTAAR</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a "Network" of Networks (Al-augmented) and every State can build their own Agri-Advisory Network.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a comprehensive network that connects <strong>decentralized databases</strong> to provide seamless access to vital agricultural resources.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Objective: </strong>enhance decision-making and resource utilization</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Expand access to <strong>high-quality advisory services&nbsp;</strong>on crop production, marketing, <strong>value addition</strong>, and supply chain management.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">provide farmers with information on <strong>relevant government schemes</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#project-vistaar</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Project VISTAAR</category>
<category>Agri-Advisory Network</category>
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<title>River Gomti | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>River Gomti</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Building on the success of the first<strong> Composite Ecological Task Force (CETF)</strong> for the Ganga, the <strong>Indian Army&nbsp;</strong>has formed a new company for the revitalization of the <strong>River</strong> <strong>Gomti</strong>.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The CETF is a unit of<strong> ex-servicemen&nbsp;</strong>aimed at supporting the<strong> NMCG's (National Mission for Clean Ganga)</strong> efforts to reduce pollution in the River Ganga.</span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Gomti River</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Origin:</strong> Starts at <strong>Gomath Taal</strong> (also called Fulnar Jheel) near Madho Tanda in Pilibhit district of UP.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Length</strong>: It is a tributary of the River Ganga (<strong>merges with the River Ganga</strong> in Ghazipur district of UP).</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Tributaries:</strong> Kathina, Sai, etc.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Major Cities</strong>: Lucknow, Jaunpur, etc.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#river-gomti</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>National Mission for Clean Ganga</category>
<category>River Gomti</category>
<category>Composite Ecological Task Force</category>
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<title>Methylcobalamin | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Methylcobalamin</h1> <p style="margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>FSSAI&nbsp;</strong>provided <strong>clarification in Guidelines&nbsp;</strong>for usage of <strong>Methylcobalamin in health supplements, medical purposes and nutraceutical products&nbsp;</strong>under certain conditions.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">FSSAI had <strong>banned Methylcobalamin in 2016</strong> and <strong>lifted&nbsp;</strong>the ban in <strong>2021&nbsp;</strong>but is yet to notify the same</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Methylcobalamin</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>It is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B12</strong> that can be obtained through supplements, as well as food sources like<strong> fish, meat, eggs, and milk.</strong></span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Vitamin B12&nbsp;</strong>is a<strong> water-soluble vitamin</strong> integral to <strong>DNA synthesis</strong>, <strong>RBC production,&nbsp;</strong>and <strong>neurological function</strong>.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Other forms of Vitamin B12 are <strong>cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin.</strong></span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Function</strong>: <strong>regulates vital bodily functions&nbsp;</strong>like<strong> cell multiplication, blood formation and protein synthesis.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Uses</strong>: Pain alleviation in diabetic neuropathy,treatment of anaemia, Alzheimer's disease</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#methylcobalamin</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Methylcobalamin</category>
<category>B12</category>
<category>Vitamin B12</category>
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<title>Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</h1> <p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Recently, a <strong>faunal survey&nbsp;</strong>was conducted in the<strong> Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</strong>, focussed on <strong>birds, butterflies, odonates (dragonflies and damselflies)</strong>, and other wildlife.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Species like the <strong>Great Indian Hornbill</strong> (State bird of Kerala), <strong>Malabar Banded Peacock (butterfly)</strong> were spotted.</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Situated in <strong>Southern Western Ghats in Kollam, Kerala</strong>, it is part of <strong>Agastyamalai Biosphere Reserve</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It derives its name from the <strong>endemic species, Ghuta Travancorica</strong>, locally known as <strong>‘Chenkurunji’</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Major rivers</strong>: Shendurney, Kazhuthuruthy and Kulathupuzha, together forming the <strong>River Kallada</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Common fauna</strong>: Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Malabar giant squirrel, Nilgiri langur, Lion-Tailed macaque etc.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Thenmala</strong>, the <strong>first planned eco-tourism destination in India</strong>, is located here.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#shendurney-wildlife-sanctuary</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Western Ghats</category>
<category>Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary</category>
<category>Agastyamalai Biosphere Reserve</category>
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<title>National Sports Awards 2024 | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>National Sports Awards 2024</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Ministry of Youth Affairs &amp; Sports</strong> announced <strong>National Sports Awards 2024</strong>, to be awarded by the <strong>President </strong>of India.</p><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><strong>About National Sports Awards 2024</strong></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">They are a collection of <strong>6 awards&nbsp;</strong>given to <strong>sportspersons, coaches or organisations etc.&nbsp;</strong><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024:</strong> It has been awarded to <strong>Gukesh D (Chess), Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey), Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics), Manu Bhaker (Shooting).</strong><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">It is given for outstanding performance over a period of 4 years.</li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Other Awards:&nbsp;</strong><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Arjuna Award</strong></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Arjuna (Lifetime) Award</strong></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Dronacharya Award</strong> (For coaches)</li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy:&nbsp;</strong>Top-performing University in <strong>Khelo India University Games</strong></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar</strong>: Organisations/individuals for sports promotion and development over the last 3 years.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#national-sports-awards-2024</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>National Sports Awards 2024</category>
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<title>Pig-Butchering Scam | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Pig-Butchering Scam</h1> <p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Union Ministry of Home Affairs in its <strong>annual report of 2023-24</strong> highlighted the new&nbsp;cyber fraud known as the <strong>"pig butchering scam"&nbsp;</strong>or<strong> "investment scam".</strong></span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About&nbsp;Pig-Butchering scam</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a global phenomenon and involves <strong>large-scale money laundering</strong> and <strong>even cyber slavery</strong>.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It is a <strong>type of confidence and investment fraud</strong> in which the victim is gradually lured into making increasing <strong>monetary contributions to a seemingly sound investment</strong> before the scammer disappears with the contributed monies.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scammers target&nbsp;</strong>mostlyunemployed youths, housewives, students, etc.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#pig-butchering-scam-1</link>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#pig-butchering-scam-1</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Money Laundering</category>
<category>Pig Butchering Scam</category>
<category>Cyber Slavery</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>Hydrogel | Also in News</title>
<description><h1>Hydrogel</h1> <p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Recently, researchers from IIT Guwahati developed an innovative injectable hydrogel for <strong>targeted Breast Cancer Therapy</strong>.</span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The newly developed hydrogel <strong>made of protein-based ultra-short peptides</strong> remains stable at injection sites by being insoluble in body fluids.&nbsp;</span><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">These peptides are both <strong>biocompatible and biodegradable.</strong></span></li></ul></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About Hydrogel</strong></span></h2><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Hydrogels are <strong>water-based, three-dimensional polymer</strong> networks capable of absorbing and retaining fluids.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Their unique structure <strong>mimics living tissues</strong>, making them suitable for <strong>biomedical applications</strong>.</span></li></ul> </description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#hydrogel</link>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-03/also-in-news#hydrogel</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Hydrogel</category>
<category>Breast Cancer</category>
<category>Peptides</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2024</title>
<description><h1>Union Minister of Jal Shakti Releases Annual Ground Water Quality Report of the Country for the Year 2024</h1>
<p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">For the first time, this report <strong>introduced Standard Operating Procedure for groundwater quality monitoring</strong>, ensuring uniformity in data collection, analysis and interpretation.</span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Status of Groundwater&nbsp;</strong></span></h2><figure class="image image-style-side" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:420/305;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/EIrQV5IK0mQBylO7Mx5bndHcf4pIZCA3j6hptcXF.png" width="420" height="305" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>India is the largest groundwater user in world&nbsp;</strong>(more than 25% of global total).</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>87% groundwater extracted</strong> is used in <strong>agricultural sector</strong> and about 11% in domestic sector.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key Highlights</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Regional Variability:&nbsp;</strong>100% of water samples met BIS standards in<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, etc<strong>.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">While Rajasthan, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh faced widespread contamination.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Irrigation Suitability:&nbsp;</strong>Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Tripura and others have <strong>excellent category water for irrigation.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana</strong> etc. fall in <strong>very high sodium range and are unsuitable for use in irrigation</strong> practices.</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Specific Contaminants of Concern</strong>: Nitrate (Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra), Fluoride (Haryana, Karnataka), Arsenic (floodplains of Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers); Uranium (Rajasthan, Punjab).&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Key factors contributing to decline in groundwater quality</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Industrialization:</strong> Discharge of untreated industrial waste, including heavy metals, chemicals, and solvents.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Agricultural Practices:</strong> Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in farming.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Urbanization:&nbsp;</strong>Due to improper waste disposal, sewage leakage, and landfill contamination.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Climate Change:</strong> Changes in precipitation patterns and over-extraction affect replenishment of aquifers.&nbsp;</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/geography/union-minister-of-jal-shakti-releases-annual-ground-water-quality-report-of-the-country-for-the-year-2024</link>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/geography/union-minister-of-jal-shakti-releases-annual-ground-water-quality-report-of-the-country-for-the-year-2024</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Groundwater</category>
<category>Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2024</category>
<category>Bhu-Neer Portal</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>Remittance</title>
<description><h1>India got 14.3% of global remittances in 2024, its highest ever</h1>
<p style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Remittances are <strong>financial transfers made by individuals working abroad</strong> to support their families in their home country.</span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Trend in Remittances flow</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Top five recipients in 2024:&nbsp;</strong>India at&nbsp;$129 billion ($125 billion compared to 2023), Mexico, China, Philippines, and Pakistan, driven by recovery in job markets in high-income countries of OECD.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Remittances to <strong>Low- and Middle-Income Countries&nbsp;</strong>are projected to surge to <strong>$685 billion in 2024</strong>, with<strong> 5.8% growth rate</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>China's</strong> share of global remittances <strong>dropped to 5.3% in 2024, its lowest share in two decades,</strong> due to reduced <strong>low-skilled emigration</strong> stemming from its rising economic prosperity and aging population.</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Factors responsible for High Remittances in India</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Scale of Migration:&nbsp;</strong>India has one of the largest diaspora populations in world, with over 18 million Indians living abroad as of 2023 (UN World Migration Report 2024).</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Shift in Destination Trends:</strong> Increasingly, Indian migrants are moving to high-income economies like US, UK, and Australia.</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Skilled and Unskilled Labor:</strong> Indian migrants range from highly skilled professionals (IT, healthcare) to semi-skilled and unskilled labourers.</span></li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance of High Remittances&nbsp;</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>For Recipient Households:</strong> Used for essential expenses like food, healthcare, and education, directly improving living standards.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>For Macro-economy:</strong> Major source of foreign exchange, reduced reliance on foreign aid, funding current account deficits and fiscal shortfalls etc.</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/economics-(indian-economy)/india-got-143-of-global-remittances-in-2024-its-highest-ever</link>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/economics-(indian-economy)/india-got-143-of-global-remittances-in-2024-its-highest-ever</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>Remittance</category>
<category>High Remittances in India</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>20 years of QUAD</title>
<description><h1>QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) marks 20 Years of Cooperation</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">On the occasion, the foreign ministers of the QUAD countries reiterated their foundational commitment to <strong>humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Along with this, they also re-affirmed their commitment to <strong>free and open Indo-Pacific, ASEAN’s centrality,</strong> support to <strong>Pacific-led regional architecture</strong> and <strong>Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).&nbsp;</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Idea of <strong>ASEAN's (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) centrality&nbsp;</strong>accords <strong>central role</strong> to ASEAN in shaping the regional architecture.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>QUAD</strong></span></h2><figure class="image image_resized image-style-side" style=""><img style="aspect-ratio:3325/2309;" src="https://d2av8kbir6lh9m.cloudfront.net/uploads/EKwvVMnbSm0LfC4fBEzfhjHihStzLAQrxsadHLT9.jpg" width="3325" height="2309" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></figure><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>About:</strong> It is a <strong>strategic diplomatic partnership</strong> between <strong>Australia, India, Japan,&nbsp;</strong>and the<strong> United States&nbsp;</strong>to support an <strong>open, stable&nbsp;</strong>and <strong>prosperous Indo-Pacific</strong> that is <strong>inclusive&nbsp;</strong>and<strong> resilient.</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Origin:</strong> Traced to <strong>December 2004</strong> when the above countries came together to provide assistance to countries affected by the <strong>Indian Ocean Tsunami.</strong></span><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Group held its <strong>first informal meeting</strong> on the sidelines of ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, Philippines in<strong> 2007</strong>. Post which, the grouping remained dissolved.&nbsp;</span></li></ul></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Revival:&nbsp;</strong>In <strong>2017,</strong> when the first official talks were held in <strong>Philippines.</strong></span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Significance of QUAD for India</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Partnership with like-minded countries:</strong> It allows India to shape the region favorably while <strong>retaining decisional autonomy</strong> and <strong>flexibility</strong> to partner with multiple actors.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Strengthening India’s stature:</strong> Help India establish itself as a <strong>“leading power”</strong> and<strong> provider of public goods&nbsp;</strong>in the Indo-Pacific—particularly in the Indian Ocean region.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Economic advantage:&nbsp;</strong>Make India a <strong>preferred destination for investment</strong> along with <strong>engaging with ASEAN countries.&nbsp;</strong></span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Strategically counter China’s rise:</strong> By taking the support of the other Quad nations including assistance on the naval front.</span></li></ul>
</description>
<link>https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/international-relations/quad-quadrilateral-security-dialogue-marks-20-years-of-cooperation</link>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://visionias.in/current-affairs/news-today/2025-01-02/international-relations/quad-quadrilateral-security-dialogue-marks-20-years-of-cooperation</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<author>Vision IAS</author>
<category>QUAD</category>
<category>ASEAN Centrality</category>
<category>20 Years of QUAD</category>
</item>
<item>
<title>UDISE+ 2023-24 Report on School Education</title>
<description><h1>Ministry of Education releases Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2023-24 Report on School Education</h1>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">In UDISE+ 2023-24 for the first time, at <strong>national level individual student wise data has been collected</strong> from all recognized schools in country through UDISE+ since 2022-23.&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">& |
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