UN Adopts First-Ever Resolution Recognizing the Link Between Plastic Pollution, Ocean Protection and the Right to a Healthy Environment 

Context: The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has adopted a historic resolution that, for the first time, recognises the link between plastic pollution, ocean protection, and the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. About Connection between Plastic Pollution, Ocean Protection, and the Right to a Healthy Environment: Plastic Pollution Impacts Ocean Health: …

Antibiotic Usage in Livestock

Context: A new FAO study published in Nature Communications projects that global antibiotic use in livestock could rise by 30% by 2040 under a business-as-usual scenario. About Antibiotic Usage in Livestock: What is it? Antibiotic usage in livestock refers to the administration of antimicrobial drugs to farm animals for disease prevention, treatment, and growth promotion. …

International Schools India

Context: As per latest ISC Research 2025 report, India now ranks second globally in international school numbers, with 972 institutions, showing a 10% growth since 2019. About ISC Research on International Schooling in India: Expanding Presence: India saw a rise from 884 (2019) to 972 (2025) international schools, while global growth stood at 8%. Top …

P4 Initiative

Context: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister launched the P4 Bangaru Kutumbam-Margadarsi initiative in Velagapudi on Ugadi. The initiative aims to uplift underprivileged communities through a collaborative governance model involving public, private, and citizen partnerships. About the P4 Initiative: What is P4? P4 stands for Public-Private-People Partnership, a mission mode initiative for social and economic transformation. Aim: …

Underutilization Of Funds

Context: The Standing Committee on Cooperation flagged significant underutilization of funds by the Ministry of Cooperation during FY 2023–24 and 2024–25. About Underutilization of Funds: What is Underutilization? Underutilization refers to spending less than the allocated budget, indicating delays or inefficiencies in scheme execution or fund release. Key Data Points: 2023–24: Budget Estimate (BE) was …

Sahkar Taxi

Context: The government has announced the upcoming launch of ‘Sahkar Taxi’, a cooperative-based ride-hailing service aimed at directly benefiting drivers. About ‘Sahkar Taxi’: What is Sahkar Taxi? A government-backed cooperative ride-hailing platform where drivers retain full profits without intermediary commission cuts. Inspired by app-based services like Ola and Uber, but driven by cooperative societies. Why …

Kaizen Philosophy

Context: The Gujarat Administrative Reforms Commission (GARC) submitted its first report recommending the adoption of Kaizen, a Japanese method of continuous improvement, in government operations. About Kaizen Philosophy: What is Kaizen? Kaizen translates to “change for better” or continuous improvement. It focuses on small, consistent improvements involving all employees to improve overall system performance. Core …

Baalpan ki Kavita initiative

Context: The Ministry of Education has launched the “Baalpan ki Kavita initiative” to restore and promote Indian rhymes and poems for young children. About Baalpan ki Kavita Initiative: What it is: A national initiative to compile nursery rhymes and poems in all Bhartiya Bhasha and English focusing on culturally relevant themes for young children. Ministry: …

Report on Forest Diversion

Context: The Union Environment Ministry informed Lok Sabha that between 2014-15 and 2023-24, a total of 1,73,396.87 hectares of forest land has been diverted for non-forestry purposes, including infrastructure projects, under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980. About Report on Forest Diversion: Total Diversion (2014-15 to 2023-24): 1,73,396.87 hectares of forest land diverted for …

Under-funding of Nutrient Subsidy Schemes

Context: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers has warned the Ministry of Fertilizers against under-funding nutrient subsidy schemes. About Under-funding of Nutrient Subsidy Schemes: The Department of Fertilizers projected an outlay of ₹1,84,704.63 crore for 2025-26. The Ministry of Finance reduced this by 7.38% to ₹1,71,082.44 crore. Reduction affected both the Nutrient-Based Subsidy …

Use of AI in the Health Sector

Context: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched multiple AI initiatives to enhance healthcare delivery, with AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and AIIMS Rishikesh designated as Centres of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence. About Use of AI in the Health Sector in India: Centres of Excellence for AI Institutions: AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, AIIMS Rishikesh. …

The Transformative Power of Gratitude

Context: In today’s fast-paced world filled with loneliness, anxiety, and disconnection, finding emotional resilience and genuine relationships has become increasingly difficult. The transformative power of gratitude is emerging as a simple yet profound way to cultivate happiness, resilience, and inner strength amidst these challenges. What is Gratitude? Gratitude is the conscious acknowledgment and appreciation of …

AI Therapy

Context: Many individuals are increasingly turning to ChatGPT and AI tools for emotional support and life coaching. About AI Therapy: What it is: AI therapy refers to using artificial intelligence platforms, like ChatGPT, as a tool for emotional support, life coaching, and problem-solving. Impact of using AI for emotional support: Provides instant, 24/7 feedback without …

Chhareda Panchayat Water Conservation Model

Context: Rajasthan’s Chhareda panchayat in Dausa district has become a model for water conservation, where farm ponds have boosted agricultural output and farmer income. IIT-Kharagpur alumnus Vipra Goyal’s initiative has led to the construction of 250 farm ponds, helping mitigate groundwater depletion and water scarcity. About Chhareda Panchayat Water Conservation Model: What it is? Rajasthan’s …

Indian Railways Freight

Context: Indian Railways has surpassed the previous year’s freight loading, reaching 1,465.371 million tonnes (MT) in the first 11 months of FY 2024-25. About Freight Movement in Indian Railways: Freight movement refers to the transportation of goods via rail networks, including coal, iron ore, cement, and other commodities. Target for Freight Movement: 3,000 MT by …

House Panel Recommendations on MGNREGA

Context: A Parliamentary Standing Committee has recommended making Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) optional for MGNREGA workers due to issues of exclusion and payment delays. House Panel Recommendations on MGNREGA: Findings: ABPS issues: Many genuine workers were excluded due to Aadhaar-job card discrepancies. Delayed Payments: ₹23,446.27 crore pending in wage and material components (27.26% of budget). …