Content : Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards Complex greenhouse gas dynamics in the Central Himalayas revealed Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards Introduction & Background Swachh Survekshan is the world’s largest urban sanitation survey, conducted annually by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U). Launched in 2016, the survey evaluates cities on parameters like waste management, sanitation, citizen feedback, and innovation. 2024–25 marks the 9th edition, with a sharper focus on inclusivity, circular economy, and city-to-city mentoring. This edition commemorates 10 years of Swachh Bharat Mission (2014–2024), showcasing India’s transformative journey in urban cleanliness. The revamped framework in 2024–25 introduced: 10 new indicators 5 city-size categories Equal opportunity for smaller cities to compete with metros. Relevance : GS 1(Indian Society ) , GS 2 ( Governance & Policy Implementation ) Top Awards & Recognitions Indore, Surat, Navi Mumbai entered the Super Swachh League, the topmost tier for cleanliness. Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Lucknow declared India’s New Clean Cities. 43 National Awards presented across categories. Mahakumbh 2024 (66 crore footfall) received special recognition for urban waste management. Special Category Winners Best Ganga Town: Prayagraj Best Cantonment Board: Secunderabad Cantonment Best SaafaiMitra Surakshit Shehar (Worker Safety): GVMC Visakhapatnam Jabalpur Gorakhpur Promising Clean Cities 34 cities (1 from each State/UT) awarded under the ‘One City, One Award’ framework. Created a level playing field for smaller towns with simplified scoring parameters. New Initiatives Launched Swachh City Partnership: 78 top-performing cities to mentor 78 low-performing cities. Promotes peer learning, handholding, and accountability. Motto: “Each one clean one”. Accelerated Dumpsite Remediation Program: Launch Date: 15 August 2025 Duration: 1 year Goal: Remediate legacy waste, reclaim urban land, and enhance scientific processing capacity. Framework Enhancements Revamped assessment model: Introduced 10 new evaluation parameters Five distinct population categories to ensure fair competition. Simplified process enabled small cities to compete with metro cities. Presidential Address – Key Messages Emphasized 3R Principle: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Highlighted role of waste-to-wealth innovations, including the circular economy model. Applauded initiatives: Zero-waste colonies School-based interventions Segregation startups “Swachhata is now part of our swabhav and sanskaar.” Envisioned a Viksit Bharat 2047 that leads the world in cleanliness. Impact & Vision 10 years of Swachh Bharat Mission celebrated. Urban sanitation is now deeply integrated into public life and governance. Next focus: A long-term strategy aligned with Viksit Bharat @2047 roadmap. Other Notables Launch of Swachh Survekshan Dashboard for real-time rankings and performance. Artistic sarangi made from waste gifted to the President — symbolizing sustainability meets culture. Complex greenhouse gas dynamics in the Central Himalayas revealed Introduction & Background First high-resolution, continuous ground observations of key greenhouse gases in the Central Himalayas, conducted by ARIES-Nainital (under DST, GoI). Study fills a critical data gap in mountain regions of South Asia, previously underrepresented in global climate datasets. Observations span 5 years (2014–2018) from a high-altitude station in Nainital. Relevance : GS 1(Geography) ,GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Key Greenhouse Gases Monitored Carbon dioxide (CO₂) Methane (CH₄) Carbon monoxide (CO) Major Findings CO₂ & CH₄ concentrations are rising steadily: CO₂: +2.66 ppm/year CH₄: +9.53 ppb/year Higher than Mauna Loa (a global background station) CO shows a declining trend: –3.15 ppb/year Suggests improved combustion efficiency or emission shifts. Concentration levels in the Central Himalayas: Higher than other remote sites (due to regional/local sources) Lower than urban/semi-urban areas Diurnal & Seasonal Patterns CO₂: Lowest during daytime due to active photosynthesis CH₄ & CO: Peak during daylight, transported by upslope mountain winds Spring: CO₂ spikes due to biomass burning and bare vegetation Autumn: CH₄ peaks linked to rice cultivation (agricultural emissions) Late Spring: CO peaks suggest regional transport from fires/pollution Meteorological Influences Solar radiation, temperature, and boundary layer height significantly shape GHG patterns. Data reveals interactions between biospheric uptake, regional emissions, and complex mountain meteorology. Global & Policy Relevance Supports validation of satellite climate data over Himalayan region. Enhances climate models and GHG emissions inventories for India. Aids localised mitigation policies in ecologically sensitive zones. Aligns with India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and SDG 13: Climate Action. Scientific Significance Provides baseline for long-term Himalayan climate monitoring. Valuable for forecasting climate patterns, early warning systems, and carbon budgeting. Empowers policymakers with real-time, regional climate insights. Value Addition : 1. Scientific & Global Significance Fills a Global Monitoring Gap: The Central Himalayas were previously a blind spot in the global GHG network. Enhances India’s contribution to WMO’s Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) and IPCC datasets. Strengthens South-South Cooperation in climate science by building regional data ecosystems. 2. Data-Driven Insights for Mitigation Local CH₄ spikes in autumn → scope for methane mitigation in rice cultivation (e.g., alternate wetting & drying). CO trends → can feed into National Carbon Markets, informing emission baselines. Seasonal biomass burning data → helpful for pre-emptive policy action during fire seasons (e.g., stubble management). 3. Satellite + Ground Data Integration These observations can validate ISRO’s climate monitoring satellites like Megha-Tropiques and INSAT-3DR. Supports integration with Copernicus, MODIS, and GHGSat global datasets for cross-verification. 4. Alignment with SDGs & Global Commitments SDG 13 (Climate Action) → Enhancing resilience through real-time data. Supports India’s 2021 Updated NDC Targets (e.g., net zero by 2070). Promotes Just Transition in mountain regions by linking emissions to socio-economic activity (e.g., agriculture, tourism). 5. Potential Follow-up Research & Policy Needs Need for multi-site Himalayan observation networks (e.g., in Sikkim, Arunachal, Himachal). Integration with ICIMOD regional programs for transboundary data sharing. Policy suggestion: Inclusion of GHG hotspots in India’s State Climate Vulnerability Index.

Content : Language and the Idea of India Axiom-4 and India’s Space Future Language and the Idea of India Core Issue: Language imposition vs. linguistic pluralism — The article critiques the top-down approach to promoting Hindi (or any language) over others in India’s multilingual context, arguing that it undermines India’s democratic and cultural diversity. Relevance : GS 1(Indian Society ) ,  GS 2(Constitution – Federalism , Official Language ) Practice Question:”Language diversity in India is a source of strength, not division. Discuss in the context of recent debates around language imposition and federalism.” (15 marks) Key Arguments: 1. Language as Identity, Not Just Utility Language is not only a tool of communication but a core part of personal and cultural identity. Forcibly privileging one language (like Hindi) over others alienates linguistic minorities and disrupts emotional belonging. 2. False Binary: National Unity vs. Diversity The assumption that a common national language is essential for unity is flawed. India’s democracy has thrived on linguistic federalism, where states were reorganized on linguistic lines in 1956, respecting regional identities. 3. Economic & Social Disadvantages Many private and government jobs increasingly demand Hindi or English proficiency, putting non-Hindi speakers (especially in South and Northeast) at a disadvantage. New patterns of labour migration often force people to learn dominant regional languages to access work — this language mobility is market-driven, not state-imposed. 4. Linguistic Profiling & Surveillance Proposals like “profiling migrants” based on language (as floated in Gurugram) amount to xenophobic exclusion, targeting economically weaker groups from other states. Such practices mirror global trends of linguistic nationalism, often linked to majoritarian politics. 5. Lessons from Global Context The EU, Switzerland, and Canada show that multilingual democracies can function well without imposing a single language. Language imposition has led to unrest in Sri Lanka and disintegration in former Yugoslavia — historical caution against monolingual nationalism. Data-Driven Insights: Parameter Key Data India’s linguistic landscape 121 languages + 270 mother tongues (Census 2011) Scheduled Languages 22 (Eighth Schedule) Non-Scheduled Languages 99 (spoken by 4% of Indians) Top 3 mother tongues Hindi (43.6%), Bengali (8%), Marathi (6.9%) Hindi speakers in Tamil Nadu, Mizoram, Nagaland < 5% (Language Atlas of India) Constitutional Lens: Article Provision Article 343 Hindi as official language of the Union; English continues for official use Article 345 States can adopt any language for official purposes Article 29 Right to conserve distinct language, script, or culture Article 51A(f) Duty to value and preserve rich heritage of our composite culture Takeaway: Constitution protects linguistic diversity, does not mandate a single national language. Critical Thinking Points: Should India move toward trilingual parity (local language + Hindi + English) instead of imposition? How can linguistic policies balance mobility, economic inclusion, and identity? Is language-based exclusion a form of structural discrimination? Value Additions :  1. Link to National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 NEP promotes mother tongue/regional language as medium of instruction till Grade 5. But in practice, elite schools and central exams (UPSC, JEE, NEET) still privilege English/Hindi, creating a policy–practice disconnect. This highlights the implementation gap in India’s language policies.  2. Three Language Formula Debate Originally proposed in Kothari Commission (1968): State language + Hindi + English. Opposed in Tamil Nadu and other non-Hindi states; viewed as a Trojan horse for Hindi imposition.  3. Digital Divide and Language Access 85% of Indian internet content is in English, though 90% of new users prefer content in regional languages. Lack of local language digital content leads to informational exclusion in governance, education, and health.  Argue for local-language e-governance tools, AI interfaces, and exam content to promote inclusion.  4. Global Best Practices Canada: English and French both official — federal services available in both. Switzerland: 4 national languages; public service delivered multilingually. South Africa: 11 official languages constitutionally protected.  Shows multilingualism can be managed efficiently in democracies. Conclusion : India’s linguistic diversity is a constitutional strength that demands inclusive, multilingual policy frameworks. Protecting linguistic rights ensures social justice, cultural dignity, and true democratic participation. Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed here are based on the original article published in THE INDIAN EXPRESS and do not reflect the official stance of Legacy IAS Academy. This content is provided solely for Academic purposes. Axiom-4 and India’s Space Future Introduction The Axiom-4 mission marks the first Indian participation in a commercial spaceflight to the ISS, outside of ISRO’s domain. Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla’s safe return symbolizes India’s readiness to engage in newspace collaborations, blending strategic ambitions with commercial viability. Relevance : GS 3(Science ,Space) Practice Question : “India’s participation in commercial spaceflight through Axiom-4 reflects a shift in its space paradigm. Analyze the strategic, technological and policy-level implications of this evolution.” (15 marks) Key Highlights of Axiom-4 and India’s Involvement Historic First: First Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma (1984) under a non-national mission. Mission Duration: ~2 weeks aboard the ISS, performing scientific experiments under commercial collaboration. Global Collaboration: Carried out under Axiom Space (private US firm), showcasing India’s shift from state-led to commercial engagement in space. Strategic and Scientific Relevance for India Human Spaceflight Preparedness: Enhances India’s operational understanding for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission (targeted by 2026), including: Pre-flight training protocols Space health and psychological conditioning Docking and re-entry logistics Commercial Space Ecosystem: India is now part of the human space economy (expected to reach $10T by 2040 globally, as per Morgan Stanley). Technology Transfer: Exposure to cutting-edge private systems (e.g., SpaceX Crew Dragon) primes India’s scientific community for high-fidelity module development. Domestic Implications: Policy, Economy & Skill Development Bharatiya Antariksh Station (ISRO target by 2035): Lessons from Axiom-4 useful in planning India’s own space station. Space Startups Ecosystem: Boost for India’s 190+ space startups (IN-SPACe data, 2024), including Skyroot, Agnikul, Dhruva Space. Workforce Upskilling: Simulation-based astronaut training to influence future Indian space medicine, psychology and engineering curricula. Geostrategic and Diplomatic Leverage Space Diplomacy: India enters elite club participating in ISS missions—potential leverage for bilateral space agreements and QUAD cooperation. Global Norm-Setter: Participation in human space missions expands India’s voice in global space governance and safety protocols. Challenges Ahead Technology Gap: India still lacks indigenous human-rated launch capability (e.g., Crew Escape System, Environmental Control Life Support System). Budget Constraints: India’s 2024-25 space budget: ₹13,000 crore (~$1.5B) vs NASA’s $27.2B—funding gaps hinder full ecosystem development. Policy Push Needed: India needs a comprehensive Human Spaceflight Policy, aligned with new Space Activities Bill (pending). Way Forward Public-Private Synergy: Leverage mission data to accelerate ISRO-startup partnerships via IN-SPACe and NSIL. Dual-Use Strategy: Blend civilian R&D and defence (DRDO’s role in Gaganyaan) to build resilience and strategic depth. Expand Talent Pipeline: Establish specialized space medicine and space engineering institutes under National Education Policy (NEP). Conclusion India’s involvement in Axiom-4 is not just symbolic—it marks India’s irreversible entry into the global human spaceflight value chain. With ISRO’s Gaganyaan and private-sector capabilities converging, India is poised to become a key player in the $1 trillion global space economy, with science, diplomacy, and industry aligned toward future readiness.

Content : Temple entry cannot be denied based on caste in a country governed by rule of law: Madras HC How is China leading the green energy sector? Akash Prime successfully tested in Ladakh by Army Navigating nutrition information in the era of social media Behavioural Nudges for Healthy Eating Temple entry cannot be denied based on caste in a country governed by rule of law: Madras HC Core Judgment Justice Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court upheld the right of Scheduled Castes (SCs) to freely enter and worship at Puthukudi Ayyanar Temple in Udayarpalayam taluk (Ariyalur district). Directed Ariyalur Superintendent of Police and Udayarpalayam Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) to: Ensure unrestricted temple access to all castes, including during annual festivals. Take legal action against those enforcing caste-based restrictions. Relevance : GS 2(Social Justice , Fundamental Rights) Key Judicial Observations “If anyone is restricted from entering a temple based on caste or sect, it amounts to an actionable wrong/offence.” Law enforcement agencies must actively prevent caste-based exclusion and ensure public order. Any attempt to deny entry violates the constitutional values of equality and dignity. Legal & Constitutional Context Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorization Act, 1947: Enacted post the Self-Respect Movement, ensures access to temples for all Hindus irrespective of caste. Article 17: Abolishes untouchability in all forms — denying temple entry amounts to its practical perpetuation. Article 25(2)(b): State can open public religious institutions to all classes and sections of Hindus. Reinforces constitutional morality over majoritarian social practices (as per Navtej Singh Johar & Indian Young Lawyers Assn. v. State of Kerala). Social & Historical Value Additions Scheduled Caste villagers had contributed financially to temple renovation, yet were barred from entry. Dominant caste group demolished SC-installed statues and attempted to rebuild temple to assert control. Echoes the Vaikom Satyagraha (1924–25) and Guruvayur Satyagraha, part of the broader anti-caste temple reform movement. Why It Matters Sends a strong judicial signal against caste apartheid in religious spaces. Demonstrates judicial activism in defending marginalized communities. Reasserts the duty of the State to uphold secularism, dignity, and equality in religious matters. How is China leading the green energy sector? Context : Global Leadership in 2024 China installed more wind turbines and solar panels than the rest of the world combined. Invested $940 billion in 2024 alone into renewables (up from $10.7 billion in 2006). Dominates supply chains for: Polysilicon (solar) Lithium (batteries) Solar panels, wind turbines, batteries Relevance : GS 3(Energy and Environment) Crisis as Catalyst Skyrocketing air pollution, energy insecurity, and heavy coal reliance (especially in early 2000s) triggered action. Public health emergencies led to public pressure and policy urgency. State-Led Strategy Strong role of Five-Year Plans and laws: Renewable Energy Law (2005): Grid guarantees + price incentives. 11th Five-Year Plan (2006–2010): Made clean energy a national strategic priority. Role of SOEs (State-Owned Enterprises) Core actors: State Grid, Huaneng, Genertec. Advantages: Deep state backing, low-interest loans, political cover. Scale and speed in infrastructure development unmatched by private players. Represent 55% of global renewable energy investment (Bloomberg). Deployed at home and globally via BRI (Africa, Latin America, Asia). Global Strategy: Clean Energy as Diplomacy Belt and Road Initiative used to export: Solar panels Hydropower dams Wind farms Result: A 61-country green energy footprint. Clean tech has become a tool of Chinese statecraft. Challenges and Lessons Bottlenecks Grid absorption lag in mid-2010s — especially in Inner Mongolia, Gansu. Resulted in 20%+ wind energy curtailment in some provinces. Subsidy Missteps Inefficient overexpansion due to poorly regulated SOE subsidies. Led to redundancy and wastage. Reforms: More focus on efficiency, ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission lines. Next Frontier: Tech and Geopolitics Focus areas: AI-powered smart grids Green hydrogen Thorium-based nuclear energy China aims to set global standards in next-gen energy. China’s Model vs The West: Parameter China Western Nations Approach Centralised, SOE-led Market-driven, private enterprise Speed of Deployment Fast Slower Cost Efficiency High (economies of scale) Low (due to decentralisation) Policy Coordination Unified national push Politically fragmented Akash Prime successfully tested in Ladakh by Army Context : Akash Prime, an indigenously developed surface-to-air missile (SAM), was successfully tested in eastern Ladakh at 15,000+ ft altitude. Achieved two direct hits on fast-moving aerial targets, validating its efficacy in high-altitude, low-oxygen conditions. Trials were conducted by Army Air Defence Corps in collaboration with DRDO scientists. Relevance : GS 3(Defence , Internal Security) Operational Significance Strengthens India’s layered air defence, especially near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Akash system is part of India’s medium-range defence platform — crucial for defending high-value targets against UAVs, aircraft, and missiles. Will form part of the 3rd and 4th Akash regiments in the Indian Army’s arsenal. Complementary Missile Trials Prithvi-II and Agni-I, part of India’s nuclear-capable short-range ballistic missile arsenal, were successfully test-fired from Chandipur, Odisha. Tests were conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command. Validated both technical and operational parameters, reinforcing India’s credible minimum deterrence. Strategic & Technological Context Aligns with Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing. Boosts India’s preparedness in the Himalayan theatre, where aerial defence gaps exist due to terrain and weather. Enhances India’s conventional deterrence posture, especially amid border stand-offs with China. About Akash Prime Range: ~30 km Altitude: Operates effectively up to 18 km Seeker: Equipped with indigenous active RF seeker for better target acquisition Improved accuracy and performance in low-temperature, low-pressure conditions.    Prithvi-II and Agni-I The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the recent test launches of Prithvi-II and Agni-I were conducted under the Strategic Forces Command (SFC). The tests validated: Operational readiness of India’s nuclear-capable ballistic missile systems. Technical parameters ensuring the reliability of the country’s strategic deterrence architecture. This reinforces India’s second-strike capability under the nuclear doctrine and strengthens its credible minimum deterrence policy. Navigating nutrition information in the era of social media Global Wellness Economy: A Growing Trend Global wellness market = $1.4 trillion in 2024 (McKinsey) — reflecting rising consumer demand for science-backed, lifestyle-centric nutrition. Social media platforms now shape perceptions of wellness, where “health is the new status symbol” (e.g., detox water, chia seeds, collagen, magnesium, etc.). Relevance: GS 2 ( Health & Wellness) , GS-3 (Science & Tech) Misinformation via Social Media Peer-reviewed Indian study: Social media induces instant food cravings, impulsive eating, trend-following. South African study: Users can’t assess credibility of nutrition advice online. Examples: Claims of “Nature’s Ozempic” (karela juice as fat-burner) lack clinical evidence. Excess raw juices → bloating, kidney risk, sugar dips. Conclusion: Awareness ↑, but understanding ↓ — creating a “Wild West” of food advice. Scientific Perspective: What Nutrition Really Means Explained by scientists and clinical nutritionists: Water-soluble vitamins (C, B): Excess flushed out in urine — no ‘glow’ from extra oranges. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K): Harmful in excess. Gut health, diversity of diet, hydration, and balance matter more than superfoods or supplements. No food “cures” diabetes, PCOS, or obesity — it can support, not replace, medication or medical advice. Popular Myths vs Scientific Facts Myth / Trend Scientific Clarification Detox juices flush toxins Liver & kidneys detox naturally. Overhydration may lead to electrolyte imbalance. Karela juice = Ozempic substitute False. Ozempic is a GLP-1 prescription drug, not replicable with DIY vegetable blends. Cutting sugar/carbs is always good Mayo Clinic: Body needs 130g carbs/day; Johns Hopkins: “Our body runs on sugar.” Superfoods reverse disease No food cures illness. Only a balanced diet, exercise, and stress control support health. One-size-fits-all diets Genetics, gut microbiome, lifestyle make personalised nutrition necessary. Social Media and Psychological Impact Creates black-and-white thinking: e.g., “carbs = bad”, “ghee = good”. Influences people to follow celebrity diets not suited to their own physiology or age. May result in nutritional deficiencies, body image anxiety, and eating disorders. Ethical and Policy Takeaways Regulate misleading wellness ads on social media (Consumer Protection Act, 2019). Public health literacy via school curriculums and Eat Right India campaigns. Encourage nutrition science education in the public domain through verified sources (ICMR, NIN). Behavioural Nudges for Healthy Eating Relevance: GS-2 (Governance – Health Policy), GS-3 (Public Health, Nutrition) Policy Initiative The Union Health Ministry has proposed “Sugar and Oil Boards” in govt buildings, schools, and offices to: Display sugar and fat content in food items. Act as behavioural nudges (not warning labels) to promote healthier eating habits. Aimed at reducing obesity and lifestyle diseases by informing, not coercing. Rationale: The Looming Obesity Crisis Obesity-linked NCDs: Diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. India’s overweight/obese population projected to rise: From 178 million (2020) → 449 million (2050). Abdominal obesity: Affects 39.5% of Indians, leading to visceral fat, increasing risk of: Heart attack, stroke, insulin resistance. Science Behind the Initiative Sugar – A Hidden Threat “Added sugars” (from beverages, desserts) often lack nutrients. WHO: Sugar intake should be <5% of daily energy; ~6 teaspoons/day. Artificial sweeteners discouraged due to unclear long-term health impacts. Fats – The Good, Bad, and the Ultra-Processed Good fats: MUFA/PUFA (e.g., sunflower, olive oil, nuts). Bad fats: Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA) – butter, ghee, palm oil. Trans Fats – in ultra-processed food, chips, sweets → linked to heart disease. ICMR Guidelines: 4–10 spoons of oil/day with a healthy mix of fats. Implementation Efforts CBSE directed affiliated schools to monitor student diets and reduce junk food. Govt aims to institutionalize ‘Eat Right India’ messaging via subtle cues. Behavioural Economics in Action Inspired by Thaler’s “nudge theory”: shaping healthier choices via soft influence, not force. Uses default setting, social proof, and visual cues (posters, labels) to alter food preferences. Concerns with Ultra-Processed Foods Highly palatable, addictive, low in micronutrients. Contribute to India’s silent epidemic of “hidden hunger” – calorie-rich but nutrient-poor diets. Multinational food marketing increases risk of poor nutrition even among middle-income groups.