Content: Promotion of tribal art and culture in Madhya Pradesh DISPOSAL RATE OF GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL MECHANISM Promotion of tribal art and culture in Madhya Pradesh The Government of India, through the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED, is actively promoting tribal art, culture, and handicrafts in Madhya Pradesh. Various initiatives like tribal festivals, digital documentation, language preservation, and market linkages aim to preserve indigenous heritage and uplift tribal communities. Relevance : GS 1(Culture ,Heritage) ,GS 2(Governance) Institutional Support for Tribal Culture Preservation The Ministry of Tribal Affairs extends financial assistance to 29 Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs), including the Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Funding is provided under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme – “Support to Tribal Research Institutes”, based on Annual Action Plans submitted by States/UTs and approved by the Apex Committee. TRIs function under State Government/UT Administration, supporting research, documentation, capacity building, and awareness programs for preserving tribal cultural heritage. Key Initiatives for Tribal Art and Cultural Promotion Tribal Festivals and Art Exhibitions: Organization of National Tribal Craft Mela, National/State Tribal Dance Festivals, Art Competitions, and Workshops on tribal paintings. Tribal poets’ and writers’ meet to promote indigenous literature. Documentation and Research: Research studies, publications, and audiovisual documentaries for the preservation of tribal cultural heritage. Recording of Indigenous knowledge related to tribal healing, agriculture, dance, and painting traditions. Documentation of folklore, folk tales, oral literature (songs, riddles, ballads) to safeguard tribal traditions. Publication of bilingual dictionaries, primers, and trilingual proficiency modules for primary school students under the Multi-Lingual Education (MLE) Initiative in alignment with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Digital Repository for Tribal Knowledge: Development of “Tribal Digital Document Repository” for storing and sharing research papers, books, reports, folk songs, and videos. The repository is accessible at https://repository.tribal.gov.in. Recognition and Celebration of Tribal Heritage Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (15th November): Declared to honor tribal freedom fighters and acknowledge their contributions to India’s independence and cultural legacy. Celebrations involve government bodies, central ministries, and state governments since 2021. Freedom Fighters Museums in Madhya Pradesh: Raja Shankar Shah Kunwar Raghunath Shah Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum (Jabalpur) and Shri Badal Bhoi Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum (Chhindwara). Inaugurated on 15th November 2024 to showcase tribal contributions to the freedom struggle and cultural heritage. Tribal Language Preservation and Promotion TRI Madhya Pradesh has documented Bhili, Baigani, Korku, Mawasi, and Gondi languages through folk tales and folklore collection. Development of bilingual primers and vernacular storybooks to aid language preservation and education. Organized Tribal Festival “Adirang” in Balaghat, Chhindwara, Shahdol, and Betul, featuring craft melas, photo exhibitions, tribal food stalls, and dance performances. Video documentation of nine Gond forts to preserve architectural heritage. Socio-Economic Upliftment through Tribal Handicrafts Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) implemented through TRIFED to support tribal artisans and promote handicrafts. Aadi Mahotsav (Delhi) – Annual event to showcase tribal products at the national level. TRIBES India Outlets & E-Commerce Platforms facilitate retail marketing of tribal products. “Aadi Bazaar” and “Aadi Chitra” Exhibitions organized across India to promote tribal handicrafts and paintings. Empanelment of Tribal Artisans and procurement of tribal products to enhance livelihood opportunities. Conclusion The Government of India, through TRIFED and TRIs, plays a crucial role in preserving, promoting, and commercializing tribal art, culture, and languages in Madhya Pradesh. Financial support, research initiatives, cultural events, digital documentation, and market linkage programs collectively contribute to the holistic development of tribal communities while ensuring the safeguarding of their rich cultural heritage. DISPOSAL RATE OF GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL MECHANISM Overview of CPGRAMS Performance (2020-2024) Total Grievances Redressed (2020-24): 1,15,52,503 grievances resolved. Highest Annual Disposal: 26,45,869 grievances resolved in 2024 (all-time high). Pendency Reduction: 59,946 grievances pending as of Feb 28, 2025, due to systemic reforms. Improved Redressal Timeline: 2019: 28 days average resolution time. 2025 (Feb): Reduced to 15 days (46.4% improvement). Relevance : GS 2(Governance) Year-wise Disposal Performance Year Brought Forward New Grievances Total Cases Disposed 2020 10,71,603 22,71,270 33,42,873 23,19,569 2021 10,23,304 20,00,590 30,23,894 21,35,923 2022 8,87,971 19,18,238 28,06,209 21,43,468 2023 6,62,741 19,53,057 26,15,798 23,07,674 2024 3,08,124 26,15,321 29,23,445 26,45,869 Key Reforms Enhancing Grievance Redressal A. 10-Step CPGRAMS Reforms Objective: Timeliness, accessibility, and effectiveness. Key Features: Mapping of 1,03,183 Grievance Officers for better accountability. Digital workflow to minimize delays and improve resolution quality. B. Comprehensive Guidelines (Issued August 23, 2024) Integration of grievance platforms for seamless tracking. Creation of dedicated grievance cells in Ministries/Departments. Appointment of experienced nodal officers to handle grievances efficiently. Root cause analysis & feedback mechanism to prevent recurring issues. Strengthened escalation process by appointing appellate authorities. Resolution time reduced from 30 days to 21 days. C. Special Campaign 2024 (Oct 2-31, 2024) Focus: Institutionalizing Swachhata and reducing pendency. Outcome: 5.55 lakh public grievances and appeals disposed. State-Wise Grievance Disposal Analysis (2020-2024) Highest Grievance Disposal: Uttar Pradesh: 12,73,452 disposed out of 12,85,726 received. Maharashtra: 3,13,470 disposed out of 3,32,230 received. Madhya Pradesh: 2,79,288 disposed out of 2,82,881 received. States with High Pending Cases: West Bengal: 39,914 pending out of 1,23,316 received. Odisha: 18,375 pending out of 98,615 received. Maharashtra: 18,760 pending despite high disposal. Challenges in Grievance Redressal Uneven Performance Among States: Some states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan exhibit high efficiency, while states like West Bengal and Odisha have backlogs. Need for Strengthening Local Mechanisms: Some states (e.g., Nagaland, Mizoram) show high pendency despite lower grievance volume. Ensuring Quality Resolution: Reducing the resolution time is crucial, but ensuring meaningful redressal remains a challenge. Future Roadmap for Improvement AI-Based Predictive Analytics: To analyze patterns and automate grievance categorization for faster resolution. Public Awareness & Training: Citizens and officers need more awareness about escalation and feedback mechanisms. More Dedicated Grievance Officers: Address states with high pendency through additional trained personnel. Better Coordination Between Departments: Strengthening inter-departmental collaboration to resolve systemic issues. Conclusion The reforms in CPGRAMS have significantly reduced grievance redressal timelines and increased efficiency, with an all-time high disposal rate in 2024. However, regional disparities and backlog issues need further targeted interventions to make the mechanism more effective and accessible nationwide.

Content: Timing and location Digital child abuse, the danger of AI-based exploitation Timing and location   Context of Yunus’s Remarks Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus made controversial remarks during his visit to China for the Boao Forum for Asia. He emphasized the lack of connectivity in the region and referred to India’s northeastern states as “land-locked.” Claimed that Bangladesh is the “guardian of ocean access” for these states. Proposed that China should consider India’s Northeast, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh as part of an “extension of the Chinese economy.” Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Practice Question :Critically analyze the implications of Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s recent remarks on regional connectivity for India’s strategic interests. Discuss how India should respond to maintain its influence in the region. (250 words) Diplomatic Sensitivities Ignored The timing of the remarks is crucial—this was Yunus’s first China visit after replacing Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. His comments suggested a shift in Bangladesh’s foreign policy, potentially moving closer to China. India has long-standing sensitivities about external influence in its Northeast due to strategic concerns (e.g., the Chicken’s Neck corridor). His framing of the region as “land-locked” ignored India’s coastline and maritime advantages, which further fueled controversy. Reaction from India Indian political leadership reacted strongly: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma called the remarks “offensive and condemnable.” Opposition leaders urged the central government to take diplomatic action. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) remained silent, indicating a cautious response to avoid escalation. The remarks were seen as an indirect challenge to India’s regional influence, particularly in BIMSTEC and SAARC. Geopolitical Implications Yunus’s comments played into China’s strategic interests in the region by presenting India’s Northeast as economically dependent on Bangladesh and China. By positioning Bangladesh as the “guardian of ocean access,” he indirectly downplayed India’s control over maritime routes. The remarks also undermined India’s investments in connectivity projects, such as the India-Bangladesh rail and port linkages. Alternative Platforms for Discussion A more appropriate venue for raising regional connectivity issues would have been the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand, where PM Modi and other regional leaders will be present. Unlike the Boao Forum, BIMSTEC provides a multilateral platform with South and Southeast Asian stakeholders, ensuring a balanced discussion. Yunus’s choice of Boao, a China-led forum, indicates a strategic alignment with Beijing, further straining ties with India. India’s Diplomatic Outreach Despite Tensions Despite the controversy, India extended two diplomatic gestures: President Droupadi Murmu’s letter to Yunus on Eid-ul-Fitr. PM Modi’s message on Bangladesh’s Independence Day. These indicate that India prefers diplomatic engagement over confrontation. The upcoming BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok may provide an opportunity for informal talks between Modi and Yunus to manage the fallout and restore stability in relations. Conclusion Yunus miscalculated both the timing and location of his remarks, amplifying tensions with India. The speech played into China’s economic narrative and ignored Indian sensitivities regarding regional connectivity. India’s measured response suggests a preference for diplomatic engagement over escalation. The BIMSTEC summit remains a crucial test for future India-Bangladesh relations. Digital child abuse, the danger of AI-based exploitation Context :Understanding Digital Child Abuse in the AI Age AI-driven tools can generate, manipulate, and disseminate Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). AI enables lifelike, non-consensual images and deepfake content, increasing exploitation risks. Reports from the AI Safety Institute (2025) and Internet Watch Foundation (2024) highlight the rise in AI-generated CSAM. Relevance : GS 2(Social Justice) , GS 3(Technology, Cyber Security) Practice Question :The proliferation of AI tools has outpaced legal safeguards. How can India balance innovation with regulation to prevent misuse in cybercrimes?(250 Words) Recent Global Developments UK’s Proposed Legislation (2025): Criminalizes possession, creation, or distribution of AI tools that generate CSAM. Makes possession of “paedophile manuals” illegal, shifting from act-based to tool-based regulation. Bridges legislative gaps by penalizing AI–generated CSAM, even when no real child is involved. Strengthens preventive measures, enabling law enforcement to intervene at earlier stages. World Economic Forum (2023) & UN Efforts: Emphasized the dangers of generative AI in child exploitation. The UN Draft Convention on ‘Countering the Use of ICT for Criminal Purposes’ is being pushed for global adoption. India’s Legal and Institutional Response Current Legal Framework: Section 67B, IT Act (2000): Punishes electronic transmission of child sexual content. POCSO Act (2012): Covers child pornography but lacks provisions for AI-generated CSAM. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: Sections 294 & 295 penalize obscene content but are inadequate for AI-driven cases. Cyber Crime Prevention Against Women and Children (CCPWC) Scheme: Tracks CSAM but lacks proactive measures. Recent Trends (NCRB, 2022 & NCRP, 2024): Rise in cybercrimes against children, with 1.94 lakh child pornography cases recorded in 2024. 69.05 lakh cyber tip-line reports received through NCMEC partnership, reflecting growing digital abuse threats. Need for Robust AI-Specific Reforms Legal Reforms Needed: Redefine ‘child pornography’ as CSAM (as per NHRC Advisory, 2023). Clarify ‘sexually explicit’ content under Section 67B, IT Act to ease AI-CSAM identification. Expand ‘intermediary’ definition under the IT Act to include VPNs, VPS, and Cloud Services for accountability. Enact the Digital India Act (2023) to regulate AI-generated CSAM. Strengthening Cyber Policing & Surveillance: AI-powered monitoring tools to detect deepfake CSAM in real-time. Collaboration with global law enforcement for intelligence sharing on AI-driven abuse. Ethical AI development norms to prevent misuse of generative AI technologies. Structural Challenges in AI & Child Safety Inadequate legal provisions to address deepfake CSAM. Lack of coordination between tech companies, law enforcement, and policymakers. Limited forensic AI tools in India to detect AI-generated child exploitation content. Cross-border digital jurisdiction issues, making global enforcement difficult. Way Forward: Legislative Modernization: India must adopt AI-specific child protection laws inspired by the UK’s approach. Global Collaboration: Active participation in the UN Draft Convention on ICT Crimes to combat AI-driven CSAM. Industry Accountability: Tech companies must implement AI watermarking & detection frameworks. Digital Literacy & Awareness: Strengthen public and parental awareness of AI-driven exploitation risks. Conclusion: The rise of AI-generated CSAM presents a serious challenge to child safety and digital ethics. India must move beyond traditional laws and adopt a proactive AI-specific legal framework. By integrating advanced cyberpolicing, international cooperation, and AI regulation, the country can curb AI-based child exploitation while ensuring a safe digital environment for future generations.

Content: Speaker cannot be ‘indecisive’ on pleas over defection: SC Third language choice: Hindi in non-Hindi States, Sanskrit in Hindi-belt How did the Myanmar earthquake occur? Ensure education, hygiene, healthcare in rural areas: SC India’s critical efforts to tackle air pollution could worsen warming Chandrayaan’s ChaSTE takes the moon’s temperature Speaker cannot be ‘indecisive’ on pleas over defection: SC Context The Supreme Court (SC) addressed petitions filed by Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders seeking timely action on disqualification proceedings against 10 MLAs who defected to the ruling Congress in Telangana. The core issue: Can constitutional courts direct the Speaker to decide anti-defection cases within a specified period? Key Observations by the Supreme Court Speaker Cannot Remain Indecisive The SC Bench, led by Justice B.R. Gavai, emphasized that the Speaker cannot use indecision as a tool to defeat the objective of the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law). The court asserted that it is not “powerless” when a Speaker deliberately delays action. Role of Constitutional Courts in Checking Delay Justice Gavai questioned whether constitutional courts, as guardians of the Constitution, must remain inactive if the Speaker deliberately delays a disqualification decision. If defection occurs in the first year of a government’s tenure, and the Speaker remains passive for four years, can courts remain powerless? Courts have the duty to ensure constitutional morality and prevent abuse of power by elected officials. ‘Reasonable Period’ for Decision-Making The SC suggested that while courts cannot dictate the Speaker’s decision, they can direct the Speaker to decide within a reasonable timeframe. The key constitutional question: Can courts impose a deadline on the Speaker to decide on disqualification petitions? Constitutional and Legal Implications Anti-Defection Law and Its Objective Tenth Schedule (52nd Constitutional Amendment, 1985) was enacted to prevent political defections that lead to instability. It empowers the Speaker to disqualify MLAs who defect from their party. However, lack of a strict timeline for deciding petitions has led to frequent delays and misuse. Judicial Precedents and Powers of Courts Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992): SC upheld that the Speaker’s decision on disqualification is subject to judicial review but only on grounds of mala fide intent, perversity, or violation of natural justice. Manoj Narula v. Union of India (2014): SC ruled that constitutional morality must guide governance, and courts can intervene when constitutional functionaries fail in their duties. Recent Judgments on Speaker’s Delay: SC has previously directed Speakers to decide disqualification cases in a time-bound manner (e.g., Karnataka MLAs’ disqualification case, 2019). Separation of Powers vs. Judicial Oversight Arguments for Judicial Intervention: Ensures timely enforcement of the anti-defection law. Prevents Speakers from acting in a partisan manner. Arguments Against Judicial Intervention: Risks judicial overreach into the functioning of the legislature. The Speaker is a constitutional authority, and courts cannot interfere with its discretionary powers beyond reasonable limits. Conclusion and Broader Implications The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights the persistent issue of delayed disqualification proceedings, often used as a political tool. If the SC sets a precedent for enforcing deadlines on Speakers, it could bring greater accountability but may also trigger debates on judicial encroachment into legislative functions. This case could lead to institutional reforms ensuring a fixed timeline for the Speaker’s decision under the Tenth Schedule, similar to timelines set for election disputes under the Representation of the People Act. Third language choice: Hindi in non-Hindi States, Sanskrit in Hindi-belt Overview of the Issue The debate over the three-language formula remains contentious, particularly in Tamil Nadu, which has historically opposed its implementation. A key missing element in the discourse is recent data on language instruction in schools across different States. The latest available granular data comes from the 2009 All India School Education Survey, which is outdated and not publicly accessible. Relevance : GS 2(Governance , Education ) Key Findings from the 2009 Survey The survey reveals a clear pattern in third-language choices in both Hindi and non-Hindi speaking States. A. Hindi-Speaking States (Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand) Hindi is overwhelmingly the primary language of instruction. Sanskrit is the most common third language, despite the 1968 National Education Policy (NEP) recommending a modern southern language in Hindi-speaking States. Data Breakdown: Bihar: 99.1% schools taught Hindi, 64% English, 56% Sanskrit, only 8% taught other languages. Uttar Pradesh: 94% Hindi, 75.3% English, 65.2% Sanskrit, just 7% other languages. Uttarakhand: 99.5% Hindi, 85.5% English, 79.4% Sanskrit, only 2.6% other languages. B. Non-Hindi-Speaking States (Gujarat, Karnataka, Punjab, etc.) The third language tends to be Hindi, reflecting a default preference rather than enforcement. Data Breakdown: Gujarat: 97% schools taught Gujarati, 20.9% English, 64% Hindi, only 2.2% other languages. Karnataka: 97.5% Kannada, 86.2% English, 30.4% Hindi, only 15% other languages. Punjab: 79.2% Hindi, less than 1% offered languages other than English and Punjabi. Supply-Side Constraints Impacting Third Language Choice Availability of teachers plays a crucial role in determining third-language choices. Himachal Pradesh case study: Telugu, Tamil, and French had zero enrollments due to a lack of teachers. Teacher vacancy rates: 34% of Punjabi teaching posts vacant. 71% of Urdu teaching posts vacant. Sanskrit: Only 9.8% of 5,078 sanctioned teaching posts vacant → Indicates continued preference for Sanskrit. Uttar Pradesh case study: Minimal demand for South Indian languages. As per Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UP): 1 student registered for Malayalam. 3 students for Tamil. 5 students for Kannada. These students appear as private candidates, suggesting that their schools do not offer these languages. Implementation Gaps in the Three-Language Formula Even among States that agreed to implement the three-language policy, actual execution is uneven. As of 2023-24 (LS reply data): Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha: Less than 50% of schools had implemented the three-language formula. Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana: Less than 60% implementation. Key Takeaways Lack of supply & demand plays a larger role than policy enforcement in determining language choices. In Hindi-speaking States, Sanskrit dominates as the third language, not a southern language as intended in the 1968 NEP. In non-Hindi States, Hindi is the dominant third-language choice. Teacher availability heavily influences language choice—languages like Tamil, Telugu, and French are absent due to a shortage of qualified teachers. Recent, detailed data on language instruction is urgently needed to assess the current situation and policy effectiveness. How did the Myanmar earthquake occur? Cause of the Earthquake The earthquake originated in central Myanmar, about 20 km from Mandalay, a seismically active region. It had a magnitude of 7.7 and struck at 12:50 pm local time, followed by strong aftershocks, including one of 6.4 magnitude just 11 minutes later. The event was triggered by movement along the Sagaing fault, a major strike-slip fault in Myanmar. The earthquake’s shallow depth (10 km) contributed to its devastating impact. Relevance :GS 1(Geography ) Impact of the Earthquake Widespread destruction: Thousands of people died, and infrastructure, including homes, bridges, mosques, and pagodas, suffered severe damage. Mandalay, a city with 1.5 million people, was among the worst-hit areas. The southern Sagaing fault saw the most destruction due to thicker alluvial deposits, which amplified seismic energy. The total death toll is estimated to exceed 10,000, according to USGS models. Effects in Bangkok Despite being 1,000 km away, Bangkok experienced minor structural impacts: A 33-storey high-rise collapsed during construction. A swimming pool on a high-rise building overflowed due to seismic seiches (water oscillations triggered by seismic waves). The long-period seismic waves caused tall buildings to sway, amplifying the effects. Why Eastern India Avoided Damage The energy released by the earthquake was directed in a north-south direction, following the trend of the Sagaing fault. China’s Yunnan province (north of the fault) also escaped damage due to different geological conditions. History of Earthquakes Along the Sagaing Fault The Sagaing fault runs 1,400 km, from the Andaman Sea to the Eastern Himalayan bend. It has experienced several earthquakes over the last century: 1930–1956: Six earthquakes of magnitude 7+. 1839: Ava earthquake (magnitude 7.8), killing 500+ people. 1927: Strong quake felt north of Yangon. 1946: Another magnitude 7.7 event near Mandalay. 2016: A destructive earthquake hit Bagan, an ancient city known for its Buddhist monuments. Why Southeast Asia is a Seismically Active Region The plate boundary in Southeast Asia is among the most tectonically active in the world. It results from the collision of the Indian and Eurasian Plates about 40 million years ago. Notable seismic events include: 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake (M 9.2) – triggered a transcontinental tsunami. 1792 Megathrust Earthquake (M 8.5) – generated a tsunami in Bay of Bengal and caused soil liquefaction in Chittagong, Bangladesh. The Indo-Burmese subduction zone and the Chittagong-Tripura fold belt experience frequent seismic activity. Geodynamics of the Sagaing Fault The Sagaing fault forms the boundary between: Central Myanmar Lowlands and Indo-Burman Range. The Burma plate (Burma sliver) exists between the Indian Plate and the Sagaing Fault, due to strain partitioning at the subduction front. The fault is a strike-slip fault, accommodating 15-25 mm/year of lateral movement, with an accumulated slippage of 100-700 km. It absorbs 50-55% of overall plate motion in the region. Similar to the San Andreas Fault (California, USA), it produces shallow earthquakes (10-15 km depth). Lessons from the 2025 Myanmar Earthquake Myanmar is struggling with the aftermath, worsened by civil unrest. The Sagaing fault is highly active, meaning future earthquakes are likely. India, being one of the most earthquake-prone countries in South Asia, should: Implement scientific safety measures. Strengthen seismic-resistant infrastructure. Improve early warning systems and disaster response mechanisms. Ensure education, hygiene, healthcare in rural areas: SC Supreme Court’s Observation on Rural Development The Supreme Court emphasized the importance of hygiene, education, and healthcare as the key pillars for a robust rural India. A Bench led by Justice Surya Kant underscored that basic necessities must be addressed before secondary initiatives like public libraries. The Court dismissed a petition that sought a directive for the States to establish a public library in every village, stating that libraries, though valuable, may not be the immediate priority. Relevance : GS 2(Judiciary , Governance) Budgetary Allocation for Rural Infrastructure 10-15% of State budgets should be allocated to improving rural infrastructure, ensuring essential services reach marginalized communities. Financial constraints are often cited by States as an excuse for lack of development, but prioritization of resources is crucial for holistic rural upliftment. A strong rural infrastructure base is necessary for achieving the vision of a developed India. Libraries vs. Basic Necessities – The Debate The Court acknowledged the role of libraries in shaping knowledge, democratic values, and Constitutional awareness, particularly for children and rural populations. However, it questioned whether public libraries should take precedence over essential services like food, water, sanitation, and healthcare. Justice Kant posed a fundamental question: Would a starving person prefer a library over food and health services? The decision on prioritization, the Court ruled, should be left to policymakers rather than judicial intervention. Key Challenges in Rural Development Healthcare Gaps: Inadequate primary health centers (PHCs), lack of trained medical personnel, and poor infrastructure in rural areas. High maternal and infant mortality rates due to limited access to quality healthcare. Education Deficiencies: Insufficient school infrastructure, lack of teachers, and poor access to digital education resources. Inconsistent mid-day meal programs due to logistical and financial limitations. Hygiene & Sanitation Issues: Unsafe drinking water, open defecation in some regions despite Swachh Bharat Mission, and poor waste disposal facilities. High incidence of waterborne diseases and malnutrition due to lack of hygiene awareness. Policy Implications & Recommendations State governments should conduct comprehensive surveys on healthcare, water supply, and education gaps before implementing secondary initiatives like libraries. Integration of e-libraries and digital literacy programs can complement existing education efforts while addressing financial constraints. Strengthening corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding for rural education and healthcare infrastructure. Expanding public-private partnerships (PPP) in rural healthcare and digital education access. Prioritization framework: Food security & healthcare access → 2. Hygiene & sanitation → 3. Basic education infrastructure → 4. Supplementary resources like libraries. Supreme Court’s Verdict & Its Broader Impact The Court left the final decision on priorities to policymakers, reinforcing the need for evidence-based rural development planning. Encouraged States to explore innovative measures like e-libraries within financial constraints. The ruling highlights a larger issue of rural neglect and the need for efficient allocation of resources. India’s critical efforts to tackle air pollution could worsen warming Context : The Paradox of Air Pollution and Global Warming Air pollution control is essential for public health but could inadvertently accelerate global warming. Aerosols, a key component of air pollution, have a cooling effect by reflecting sunlight away from Earth. Rapid reduction of aerosols without simultaneous reduction in greenhouse gases could cause a short-term temperature spike. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Study Findings on Aerosol Reduction and Temperature Trends Regions that cleaned their air in the late 20th century witnessed increased warming trends over time. Areas with high aerosol pollution, especially in urban centers with lower human development indices, have experienced less warming due to the “masking effect” of pollution. The study warns that abrupt reductions in aerosols could trigger extreme heat events. Greenhouse Gases vs. Aerosols: Contrasting Climate Effects Greenhouse Gases (GHGs): Long-lived (e.g., CO₂ persists for centuries), trap heat, contribute to global warming. Aerosols: Short-lived (persist for days to weeks), reflect solar radiation, cool the surface, but disrupt the water cycle. Greenhouse gases lead to persistent warming, while aerosols provide temporary cooling. India’s Energy Dependency and Aerosol Emissions Coal-fired thermal power plants generate 70% of India’s electricity, releasing sulphur dioxide (SO₂). Sulphate aerosols (formed from SO₂ oxidation) make up 50-60% of India’s aerosol load, contributing to cooling effects. Industrialization has historically led to high aerosol emissions, influencing regional climate patterns. The ‘Invisible Offset’ Effect of Aerosols Without aerosols, India’s warming could have been 2°C instead of 0.54°C between 1906-2005. Net cooling of 1.5°C from aerosols and land use changes offset greenhouse gas-induced warming. Climate projections suggest that aerosol reductions could lead to more rapid warming in India. Aerosols and Monsoon Rainfall Aerosols have a complex relationship with precipitation—they can both enhance and suppress rainfall. Global aerosol cooling (~0.6°C) has been unevenly distributed, affecting Indian monsoon patterns. Increased aerosol emissions could further disrupt the hydrological cycle and monsoon variability. Global Case Studies on Aerosol Reductions China’s aerosol reduction led to more extreme heatwaves in the Pacific and North America. Indian aerosol emissions may have both local and global impacts on climate patterns. The Indo-Gangetic Plain is particularly vulnerable due to high aerosol loads and climate sensitivity. Need for Balanced Climate Policies Net-zero carbon emissions is not the ultimate solution; long-term adaptation strategies are crucial. Heat action plans must be strengthened, especially in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Policymakers need to weigh trade-offs—air pollution control benefits public health but can intensify heat stress. Future Climate Strategy for India Simultaneously reduce greenhouse gases and aerosols to manage warming risks. Improve heat action plans in highly polluted cities to mitigate heat stress. Integrate long-term adaptation policies for vulnerable regions like the Indo-Gangetic plains. Develop climate-resilient energy policies, transitioning from coal-based power to cleaner alternatives. Chandrayaan’s ChaSTE takes the moon’s temperature Overview of ChaSTE Experiment Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) is the first instrument to measure temperatures in situ near the moon’s south pole. Part of the Vikram lander on Chandrayaan-3, which successfully landed on August 23, 2023. A thermal probe that penetrates the lunar soil and records temperature variations. Findings suggest water ice is more prevalent on the moon than previously expected. Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology) ChaSTE’s Mechanism and Functioning The probe is equipped with 10 temperature sensors spaced 1 cm apart along its length. Uses a rotation-based deployment mechanism, different from previous hammering-based probes. Once deployed, the probe measures temperature variations at different depths. Penetrated up to 10 cm into the lunar soil, recording data until September 2, 2023. Previous Failed Missions for Similar Objectives Philae Lander (ESA, 2014, Comet 67P): Attempted to deploy MUPUS (Multi-Purpose Sensors for Surface and Subsurface Science). Failed due to bouncing on landing, preventing deployment. InSight Lander (NASA, 2018, Mars): Carried Heat Flow and Physical Properties Package (HP3) with a self-hammering probe (“The Mole”). Low soil friction prevented it from reaching the target depth of 5 m. Despite a year-long effort, temperature sensors failed to gather meaningful data. Why ChaSTE Succeeded Where Others Failed Instead of a hammering mechanism like MUPUS and HP3, ChaSTE used a rotating device to push into the soil. Rotation-based deployment provided better soil penetration. Successfully measured in situ lunar temperature, a feat no previous mission accomplished. Scientific and Future Implications Validates the presence of water ice in the lunar south pole region. Data will be crucial for future lunar missions, especially those planning human colonization. Success strengthens India’s lunar exploration capabilities and provides insights into planetary thermophysical properties. May influence future deep-space exploration technologies, improving probe deployment mechanisms.