Content: World Day of Social Justice – 20th February Innovate2Educate World Day of Social Justice – 20th February Context : World Day of Social Justice: Celebrated annually on 20th February since 2009, established by UNGA (2007). Emphasizes poverty alleviation, exclusion reduction, unemployment solutions, and promoting global solidarity and equality. Aligns with the Decent Work Agenda and SDGs for inclusive development. India’s Alignment: India has observed this day since 2009, reflecting its commitment to address historical injustices, socio-economic inequalities, and regional disparities. The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) leads targeted interventions for marginalized sections. Relevance : GS 2(Social Justice) Constitutional Framework for Social Justice in India Preamble: Guarantees social, economic, and political justice and promotes fraternity, dignity, and equality. Fundamental Rights (Part III):(Examples) Article 23: Prohibits human trafficking and forced labour. Article 24: Bans child labour in hazardous occupations. Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV): Article 38: Directs the state to minimize inequalities in income, status, facilities, and opportunities. Article 39: Advocates for equal livelihood opportunities and prevents exploitation. Article 39A: Provides for free legal aid to ensure equal access to justice. Article 46: Promotes the educational and economic interests of SCs, STs, and weaker sections. Institutional Evolution & Financial Commitment MoSJE Formation: Originated from the Ministry of Welfare (1985-86); renamed as MoSJE (1998) for focused social justice efforts. Budget Allocation: ₹13,611 crores allocated for 2025-26, a 6% increase from the previous fiscal year to expand. Key Government Initiatives & Their Impact Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) Launched: 2021-22 | Focus: SC community upliftment through skill development, infrastructure, and income generation. Achievements (till Jan 2024): 5,051 villages declared as Adarsh Gram. 1,655 socio-economic projects benefiting 3.05 lakh individuals. ₹26.31 crore allocated for 38 hostels in higher education. Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SRESHTA) Objective: Bridge educational gaps for SC students in targeted regions. Features: Financial support to private schools (CBSE/State Board-affiliated). Coverage from Classes 9 to 12 with focus on residential schooling. Backed by NGOs/VOs for broader outreach. Purple Fests – Festival of Inclusion Initiated: 2023 | Focus: Promote inclusivity for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities). Key Highlights (2024): Over 10,000 participants, enhancing visibility of disability rights. Launch of India Neurodiversity Platform for early interventions. Hosting of 25 job fairs targeting disability-friendly employment. National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Launched: FY 2023-24 Objective: Ensure dignity and safety for sanitation workers through mechanization and rehabilitation. Key Features: Targets both manual scavengers and waste pickers (since FY 2024-25). Focus on skill training and livelihood diversification. Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood & Enterprise (SMILE) Aim: Achieve Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat (Begging-free India). Strategies: Area-specific surveys, rescue operations, and vocational training. Formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for sustainable livelihood. Impact (as of Nov 2024): 7,660 individuals identified; 970 rehabilitated with alternative livelihoods. PM-DAKSH Yojana Launched: August 2021 | Budget: ₹450.25 crore (2021-26). Target Groups: SCs, OBCs, EBCs, DNTs, Safai Karamcharis. Focus: Provide skill development through certified courses. 70% placement rate post-training with emphasis on self and wage employment. Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) Launched: August 2020 | Goal: Create a drug-free India. Coverage: Targets 272 high-risk districts. Three-Pronged Approach: Supply reduction: Coordination with NCB. Demand reduction: Awareness via MoSJE. Treatment: Through healthcare institutions. Outreach (till 2024): Reached 13.57 crore people, including 4.42 crore youth and 2.71 crore women. Challenges & Way Forward Persistent Issues: Deep-rooted caste discrimination, regional inequalities, and limited access to quality services. Social stigma remains prevalent among certain marginalized groups. Way Forward: Enhancing awareness to reduce discrimination. Effective implementation of schemes at grassroots levels. Strengthening public-private partnerships for inclusive development. Focus on intersectional vulnerabilities (gender, disability, caste, and economic status). Innovate2Educate Overview: Part of the Create in India Challenge Season 1 under WAVES (World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit). Focuses on AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Metaverse). Organizers: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (Lead Organizer) Indian Digital Gaming Society (IDGS) (Co-organizer) Hack2Skill (Innovation Partner) ICT Academy (Skilling Partner) Participation: 334 candidates registered (including 3 international participants). Relevance : GS 2(Education ) ,GS 3(Technology) Objectives of the Challenge Develop an educational handheld device targeting children. Key Focus Areas: Engage children in Mathematics learning. Encourage problem-solving through interactive puzzles. Enhance cognitive skills via innovative content. Ensure affordability and accessibility for a broad user base. Competition Guidelines Design Focus: Blend education with entertainment. Prioritize innovation, durability, and user-friendly designs for children. Phases of the Competition Phase 1: Registration Deadline: 23rd February 2025 (11:59 PM IST). Participants must register online through the designated platform. Phase 2: Concept Submission Submit detailed sketches, descriptions, and key features of the proposed device. Phase 3: Prototype Development Selected participants will develop and submit a working prototype. Evaluation Criteria Innovation: Originality and creative integration of technology. Educational Value: Effectiveness in teaching mathematics and improving cognitive abilities. User Experience: Engagement level and ease of use for children. Cost-effectiveness: Feasibility of mass production at an affordable cost. Durability & Design: Robustness and practicality of the device’s structure. Incentives and Rewards Top 3 Winners: Cash prizes for creative and innovative designs. Support for prototype development to refine designs. Showcasing opportunities at IDGS events and exposure to potential investors and manufacturers. Significance of the Challenge Encourages innovation in educational technology. Promotes hands-on learning and interactive education for children. Aligns with India’s digital transformation goals and the Make in India initiative. Fosters collaboration between academia, industry, and innovators to enhance the learning ecosystem.

Content: Manipur’s worsening humanitarian crisis Closer than ever Manipur’s worsening humanitarian crisis Background and Context Geographical and Ethnic Complexity: Manipur shares a porous border with Myanmar, contributing to complex migration and security issues. Ethnic tensions between the Meitei (dominant in the Valley) and Kuki-Zomi (dominant in the Hill districts) communities have escalated into violent conflicts. Data Deficiency: Longstanding armed conflicts and displacement events have resulted in a lack of reliable humanitarian data. Fragmented data collection obscures the full extent of vulnerabilities, particularly for unregistered displaced persons. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) Practice Question : Critically examine the humanitarian implications of the Manipur conflict, highlighting the challenges in data collection and relief measures. Suggest ways to address the crisis. (250 words) Key Humanitarian Concerns Forced Displacement: Around 58,000 displaced individuals reside in relief camps across Valley and Hill districts. Unregistered displacement includes individuals living with relatives or outside formal camps, further complicating relief measures. Over 19,000 people fled to neighboring states (Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya). Health Crisis: Breakdown in Healthcare Access: Hill district residents (particularly Kuki-Zomi communities) face blocked access to major hospitals in Imphal. Average travel time for patients from Churachandpur to tertiary hospitals: 17–24 hours. Underreported Mortality and Morbidity:Deaths due to delayed treatment (e.g., dialysis unavailability, maternal deaths, pneumonia in children).Threats to medical facilities and medicine blockades worsen conditions. Mental Health Crisis:High prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (65.8%), moderate anxiety (24.8%), and severe anxiety (15.2%) among displaced persons.Suicides reported in relief camps due to prolonged displacement and livelihood loss Living Conditions in Relief Camps: Prolonged displacement (over 2 years since initial camps) with unmet basic needs: Water scarcity leading to high household expenses. Unsanitary conditions causing health hazards. Malnutrition and food insecurity affecting children and vulnerable populations. Dwindling resources due to donor fatigue and conflict-induced inflation. Over 22,000 children in camps face severe disruption in education and nutrition. Information and Documentation Gaps Unrecognized Categories of Displacement: Youth migrating for education and livelihood. Patients seeking medical care outside the state. Misinformation and Disinformation: Media blackouts and conflicting reports distort the humanitarian narrative. Absence of granular data hampers policy formulation and effective response measures. Measures to Mitigate the Crisis Immediate Humanitarian Interventions: Increase external humanitarian support (corporate social responsibility initiatives and international aid). Enhance the supply of clean drinking water to reduce the financial burden on displaced households. Healthcare Solutions: Establish humanitarian corridors to evacuate critically ill patients through Imphal airport. Improve access to essential medicines and prevent blockades. Supply Chain Restoration: Reopen and secure transport routes for food, medical supplies, and essential goods through neutral communities. This would mitigate inflation and stabilize local economies. Long-term Support: Ensure sustained aid to prevent donor fatigue. Focus on education continuity for displaced children. Constitutional and Governance Dimensions (GS2 & GS3 Relevance) Article 355: Obligation of the Union to protect states against internal disturbances. Article 371C: Special provisions for Manipur for safeguarding tribal rights. Federal Governance Concerns: Balance between state autonomy and central intervention. Internal Security Challenge: Impact on national integrity and border security with Myanmar. Closer than ever Context : Strategic Importance of the Visit Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s visit to India after a decade signifies the strengthening of bilateral relations. Upgradation of ties to a strategic partnership aligns India-Qatar relations with India’s ties with other GCC countries like UAE and Saudi Arabia. Relevance : GS 2 ( International Relations) Practice Question :Critically analyze the significance of the India-Qatar strategic partnership in the context of West Asian geopolitics and India’s energy security. (250 words)   Economic Cooperation Qatar supplies 45% of India’s LNG needs, making energy a cornerstone of bilateral trade (~$15 billion). Qatar’s commitment to invest $10 billion in Indian infrastructure and manufacturing boosts India’s development agenda. Signing of the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) fosters smoother economic transactions. Aim to double bilateral trade by 2030 reflects long-term economic synergy. Geopolitical Dimensions Qatar’s balancing act: hosts the U.S. military base while engaging with groups like the Hamas and Taliban. India leverages Qatar’s regional influence for Afghanistan engagement, especially amid Taliban’s resurgence. The Amir’s pardon of eight Indian naval personnel strengthens diplomatic goodwill and trust. Regional and Global Context Visit occurs amid heightened tensions in West Asia (Israel-Gaza conflict), highlighting regional diplomacy’s complexity. India’s measured stance on the Israel-Hamas issue contrasts Qatar’s more vocal regional positions. The evolving India-Qatar relationship may help bridge divergences in their regional outlooks. People-to-People and Cultural Ties Indian diaspora in Qatar (~700,000+) is pivotal to Qatar’s economic sectors and acts as a strong cultural bridge. New MoUs in sports and youth affairs aim to deepen cultural and social engagement.

Content: ‘Neither ecologically sustainable nor ethical’: new study expresses concern over translocation of African cheetahs  Myanmar, Manipur, and strained borders  On building resilient telecom infrastructure  Did the iron age on Indian soil start from Tamil Nadu?  Legal system should evolve to respect adolescent love: HC  Only second animal to find its way by polarised moonlight found ‘Neither ecologically sustainable nor ethical’: new study expresses concern over translocation of African cheetahs Study Overview: Conducted by the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS). Published in Frontiers in Conservation Science. Examines ethical, ecological, and welfare challenges of the African cheetah translocation to India. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Key Concerns Raised: High Mortality Rate: 40%-50% mortality in the first phase vs. an expected survival rate of 85%. Stress and Health Issues: Over 90 chemical immobilisations and frequent veterinary interventions indicate significant stress. Threat to Source Population: Only ~6,500 mature African cheetahs remain in the wild. Reliance on continuous imports (planned 12 cheetahs annually) is unsustainable and unethical. Project Cheetah – Status: 20 cheetahs introduced at Kuno National Park (KNP), Madhya Pradesh. 8 from Namibia (September 2022). 12 from South Africa (February 2023). All individuals are currently in captivity due to early-phase challenges. Ethical & Environmental Justice Issues: Lack of inclusive and participatory decision-making processes. Neglect of local communities’ consent and traditional knowledge systems. Risks creating human-wildlife conflicts rather than fostering coexistence. Recommendations from Study Authors: Adopt a justice-informed conservation approach. Prioritize sustainable shared spaces between humans and wildlife. Move away from projects that cause distress and divide communities. Broader Implications: Raises questions on the scientific merit and long-term viability of large-scale species reintroduction. Highlights the importance of ethical considerations alongside ecological objectives in conservation policies. Myanmar, Manipur, and strained borders Background of Myanmar’s Political Crisis Myanmar’s military coup (Feb 2021) faced mass public disapproval, sparking a civil disobedience movement. Armed resistance emerged through People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) and Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs). Tatmadaw’s countermeasures included heavy bombardment, especially in Sagaing, Chin, and Kachin regions, affecting India’s Northeast border security. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Refugee Influx and Border Management Challenges Approximately 95,600 Myanmar refugees in India (UNHCR, Dec 2024), with 73,400 arriving post-coup. Ethnic overlap (Mizo-Chin-Kuki) across the India-Myanmar border fuels both empathy (Mizoram) and tension (Manipur). Manipur’s Concerns: Refugee influx intensifies the Meitei-Kuki conflict and threatens ethnic balance. India plans to abolish the Free Movement Regime (FMR) to address demographic concerns; revised framework allows restricted movement within 10 km of the border. Economic and Strategic Setbacks Border trade at Moreh (Manipur) has significantly declined, affecting India’s Act East Policy ambitions. Progress on the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway is stalled. Economic downturn along borders affects livelihoods, hindering Northeast India’s integration with Southeast Asia. Comparative Perspective: India vs. China China’s Response: Strengthened border security with fencing. Engages with EAOs and uses economic leverage via UNSC influence. India’s Constraints: Operates within a liberal democratic setup without UNSC leverage. Lacks China’s flexibility to engage with Myanmar’s diverse actors. Key Urgent Measures Needed Curtail insurgent linkages between Indian and Myanmar armed groups. Enhance humanitarian aid, health, and educational facilities along the India-Myanmar border. Engage Myanmar’s ethnic groups to reduce refugee inflow pressures. Collaborate with Myanmar’s neighbours to promote federal democratic reforms in Myanmar. Long-Term Outlook and Policy Recommendations Despite instability, India must prioritize: Border security with economic engagement goals. Leveraging border haats and controlled trade channels to revive regional growth. Sustaining infrastructure projects in Northeast India to reduce external dependency. Recalibrate policies to reopen trade routes when stability allows, ensuring Northeast India’s connectivity to Southeast Asia. On building resilient telecom infrastructure  Context: The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), launched by India in 2019, released a report on Indian telecom networks’ disaster preparedness. Telecom networks are vital for effective disaster communication across government bodies. Relevance :GS 3(Disaster Management , Infrastructure) Key Findings of the CDRI Report: Vulnerability Factors: Overland cables prone to snapping during disasters. Telecom towers often not designed for high wind speeds. Heavy reliance on continuous electricity supply, frequently disrupted during disasters. Power Failure as Primary Challenge: Major cause of network outages, outweighing direct cable or tower damage. Backup systems (batteries, fuel) often inadequate during prolonged outages. Elevated Risks in Coastal Regions: Coastal areas house undersea cable landing stations connecting India to global internet networks. Disruptions at landing points can cause widespread connectivity issues. High-speed winds and flooding pose dual risks to towers and power supply.  Undersea vs. Overland Cables: Undersea Cables: Less prone to physical disruptions compared to overland routes. Repairs, however, are time-consuming and require specialized vessels. Overland Cables: Easier to access but vulnerable to environmental and construction-related damages. Recommendations & Solutions: Infrastructure Improvements: Build towers to endure stronger winds, especially in cyclone-prone coastal states. Enhance power resilience with elevated diesel generators to prevent flood disruptions. Implement the “dig-once” policy to lay underground utilities together, reducing future damage. Operational Measures: Maintain emergency fuel reserves (e.g., 50 liters per telecom operator during disasters). Real-time damage tracking through improved data collection and coordination. Financial Interventions: Promote parametric insurance to incentivize faster network restoration. Broader Implications: Ensuring telecom resilience is crucial for timely disaster response and public safety. Small investments (like raising generator placement) can yield significant benefits. Long-term planning requires integrating local hazard profiles into telecom infrastructure designs. Way Forward: Focus on robust power backups, enhanced infrastructure standards, and coordinated emergency protocols. Incorporate disaster risk modeling in telecom planning to minimize future vulnerabilities. Did the iron age on Indian soil start from Tamil Nadu? Context Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin released a report titled “Antiquity of Iron: Recent radiometric dates from Tamil Nadu”. He proclaimed that the Iron Age began on Tamil soil, dating back 5,300 years ago (4th millennium BCE). Asserted that Indian subcontinent history must acknowledge Tamil Nadu’s ancient past. Relevance : GS 1(Culture , Heritage)  What did earlier research indicate? Earlier belief: Iron usage in India dated to 700-600 BCE. Updated findings: Radiocarbon dating pushed it back to the 16th century BCE. Uttar Pradesh excavations (1996-2001): Sites: Raja Nala-ka-tila, Malhar, Dadupur. Artifacts: Furnaces, tuyeres, slags, finished iron tools. Dates: 1800-1000 BCE, indicating large-scale iron production by 13th century BCE. Conclusion: Iron was used in the Central Ganga Plain and Eastern Vindhyas by early 2nd millennium BCE. Tamil Nadu’s findings: Mayiladumparai Excavations (2022): Initial date of Iron Age: 4,200 years ago (3rd millennium BCE). Coincided with Copper/Bronze Age in northern India. Recent report (2024): New dates: 3,345 BCE to 2,953 BCE → Mean age places Iron Age at first quarter of 4th millennium BCE. Sites explored: Sivagalai, Adichanallur, Kilnamandi, Mayiladumparai. Finding: Southern regions may have transitioned directly to Iron Age due to scarce copper resources.  Why did CM M.K. Stalin make this assertion? Aimed to highlight Tamil Nadu’s early technological advancement. Emphasized that Tamil history deserves more national attention. Findings could reshape the timeline of ancient Indian metallurgy and cultural development. Significance and implications: Challenges the narrative of iron’s westward diffusion into India. Opens avenues for further archaeological research in Tamil Nadu. Reinforces Tamil Nadu’s role in early agrarian and metallurgical innovations. Invites a pan-Indian historical reevaluation, recognizing regional diversity in technological evolution.  Caution by scholars: While findings are groundbreaking, it does not conclusively establish that the Iron Age originated in Tamil Nadu. More extensive, peer-reviewed research is essential for global historical acceptance. Legal system should evolve to respect adolescent love: HC Context: The Delhi High Court addressed the complexities surrounding adolescent romantic relationships under the POCSO Act. The case involved a man acquitted of sexual assault charges filed by the father of a 16-year-old girl. Relevance :GS 1(Society ) , GS 2(Social Issues, Governance ) Court Observations: Compassionate Approach: Legal systems should prioritize understanding over punishment in consensual adolescent relationships. Consent Consideration: The girl stated her relationship with the man was consensual, influencing the court’s view. POCSO Act Interpretation: POCSO aims to protect children under 18 but doesn’t distinguish consensual relationships between adolescents. Any sexual act with a minor under 18, even if consensual, falls under POCSO provisions. Judgment Highlights: Justice Jasmeet Singh upheld the trial court’s February 2020 acquittal, calling it “well-reasoned.” Stressed that while safeguarding minors is essential, the law should recognize consensual adolescent love without exploitation. Emphasized adolescents’ right to form emotional connections while ensuring protection from coercion and abuse. Implications: Sparks debate on reforming POCSO to account for consensual adolescent relationships. Raises concerns about balancing child protection with respecting adolescents’ autonomy. Potential for legislative discussions on age of consent nuances and societal perceptions of young love. Only second animal to find its way by polarised moonlight found Key Discovery: Two nocturnal bull ant species (Myrmecia pyriformis and Myrmecia midas) use polarised moonlight to navigate at night. This is the second recorded instance of an animal using polarised moonlight; the first was the dung beetle. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Background: Many nocturnal animals use the moon’s position to navigate, but clouds, trees, and lunar phases often obscure direct moonlight. Polarised moonlight, though a million times dimmer than polarised sunlight, creates distinct patterns in the sky that act as a natural compass. Study Details: Conducted by Macquarie University, Sydney. Researchers used linearly polarised light and observed ants’ orientation changes when the light’s e-vector was rotated ±45°. Ants adjusted their paths according to changes in the polarisation pattern, confirming their ability to detect and use it for navigation. Findings: Throughout Lunar Cycle: Ants used polarised moonlight even under an 80% less intense crescent moon. Heading shift magnitudes (direction changes) were stronger during waxing phases than waning phases. Shift Magnitudes: During the full moon: Nest 1 (6 m from foraging tree): 36.6º to 43º shifts. Nest 2 (2.5 m from foraging tree): 21.5º to 28.9º shifts. Longer distances increased the reliability of the navigation vector. Under New Moon: Ants showed no significant change in paths, indicating reliance on polarised light presence. Scientific Insights: Light becomes polarised when scattered in the atmosphere, creating an e-vector pattern—a consistent polarisation direction helpful for navigation. The pattern is simpler when the moon is near the horizon, aligning approximately along north-south axes. Similarities were noted between how ants use polarised sunlight and moonlight to return to their nests. Future Research Directions: Investigate if ants use a time-compensated lunar compass or rely on additional cues like familiar landscapes. Compare navigation under obstructed and unobstructed sky conditions to understand cue integration. Significance: Enhances understanding of insect navigation under varying light conditions. May inform biomimetic designs for navigation systems in robotics and technology.