Content: 1.    Waste Not, Celebrate More: The 25th Hornbill Festival Paves the Way for Sustainability! 2.   Parliament Question: Enhancing Complaint Redressal Through CPGRAM Waste Not, Celebrate More: The 25th Hornbill Festival Paves the Way for Sustainability! The 25th Hornbill Festival, known as the “Festival of Festivals,” has adopted sustainability by going Zero-Waste and Single-Use Plastic (SUP)-Free. Relevance: GS 1(Culture) , GS 3(Environment) This year’s festival, celebrated in Nagaland, aimed to harmonize cultural celebration with environmental conservation.  Zero-Waste and SUP-Free Initiatives: All single-use plastics, including straws, disposable plates, cups, and plastic bags, were banned. Vendors were required to use sustainable alternatives like bamboo straws, biodegradable cutlery, leaf-based plates, and paper bags. Enforcement teams and volunteers ensured compliance, monitored usage, and educated attendees about eco-friendly choices.  Waste Management Practices: A comprehensive waste management system was established with waste segregation at the source. Dedicated bins for wet, dry, and recyclable waste, along with trained volunteers to guide disposal. On-site composting units handled wet waste, producing compost for local agriculture.  Circular Economy and Community Engagement: Food stalls used reusable or compostable utensils, and water refilling stations encouraged visitors to bring their own reusable bottles. 42 toilets were installed with strict maintenance schedules. Informative and interactive IEC campaigns promoted sustainable behavior among attendees. Environmental Impact: Approximately 1 lakh SUP items were prevented daily, totaling around 1 million fewer items over the 10-day festival. The initiative avoided over 50 metric tons of CO₂ emissions, reducing the festival’s carbon footprint. Local sourcing of eco-friendly materials contributed to a decrease in transportation-related emissions. Global Model for Eco-Friendly Events: The Hornbill Festival’s success in adopting zero-waste measures can serve as a model for similar events worldwide. The festival’s commitment to sustainability aligns with global climate goals .   Parliament Question: Enhancing Complaint Redressal Through CPGRAM CPGRAMS The Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) is an online platform available 24/7 for Indian citizens to lodge grievances related to service delivery by public authorities. Relevance: GS 2(Governance) Accessibility: Citizens can access CPGRAMS through its website, a standalone mobile application, or via the UMANG app. Grievance Submission: Users can file complaints against any government department or institution. Each complaint is given a unique registration ID for tracking. Tracking and Appeals: The status of grievances can be tracked using the registration ID. If the resolution is unsatisfactory, citizens can provide feedback and file an appeal. Role-Based Access: Different ministries and states have role-based access to the system, ensuring that grievances are directed to the appropriate authorities for resolution Impacts : CPGRAMS Grievances Redressed: 1,12,30,957 grievances were addressed over five years (from January 1, 2020, to October 30, 2024). 23,24,323 grievances were redressed in 2024 (from January to October), setting an annual high. CPGRAMS Reforms: The Government implemented the 10-step reforms of CPGRAMS to make the grievance process timely, meaningful, and accessible to citizens. 103,183 Grievance Officers were mapped on the portal, reducing the pendency in the Government of India to 54,339 Public Grievances as of October 31, 2024. Guidelines and Feedback: Comprehensive Guidelines for effective grievance redressal were issued on August 23, 2024, integrating various platforms, establishing dedicated grievance cells, appointing experienced nodal officers, and emphasizing root cause analysis and feedback action. A Feedback Call Centre, operational since July 2022, has conducted 18,71,754 surveys to gather citizen feedback across multiple languages. Intelligent Grievance Management System (IGMS): An MoU with IIT Kanpur led to the development of the IGMS, an AI/ML-enabled system that supports semantic search, exploratory analysis, and predictive insights, enhancing grievance redressal and citizen engagement.

Content : 1.    The long and complex road to assisted dying 2.    Vaikom — two States, two leaders and a tale of reform 3.    Chief Justices need longer tenures  The long and Complex Road To Assisted Dying Intro : Assisted dying is the practice of providing terminally ill individuals with medical aid to voluntarily end their suffering and life in a dignified manner. Relevance : GS 2( Polity and Governance) Practice Question: Discuss the main arguments for and against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25 in the UK. How does India’s approach to assisted dying differ?(250 Words) Introduction of the Bill The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25 introduced in the UK House of Commons aims to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill adults. Conditions: Patient must have less than six months to live, with approval from two doctors and a High Court judge. Passed by a majority of 55 votes (330 for, 275 against). Voting was conscience-based; party whips did not influence decisions. Milestone Achievement: Marks progress in recognizing the right to die as intrinsic to human liberty. Opposition’s Arguments: Slippery Slope: Fear of abuse and pressure on vulnerable groups (elderly, disabled). International Precedents: Concerns over Canada’s expanded scope of assisted dying laws. Proponents’ Counterarguments: Law tightly drafted: Applies only to competent adults with terminal diagnoses. Safeguards: Independent assessment, 14-day reflection, and High Court approval. Philosophical and Religious Objections: Critics see it as a violation of the sanctity of life. Supporters argue for bodily autonomy and the alleviation of unbearable suffering. India’s Context: Euthanasia laws distinguish between:  Active Euthanasia: Deliberate action to end life (e.g., administering lethal substances) remains illegal.  Passive Euthanasia: Withdrawal of life support is legal under strict conditions per Supreme Court rulings (Aruna Shanbaug, 2011; Common Cause, 2018; modified 2023 guidelines). Requires patient consent via a living will and applies to terminally ill or vegetative patients. The Supreme Court recognizes the right to die with dignity as part of Article 21 of the Constitution. Vaikom — Two States, Two Leaders and a Tale of Reform Context : Fought against the prohibition of backward caste Hindus from walking near the Vaikom Mahadeva temple in Travancore. Relevance: GS 1( History) ,GS 2( Social Justice) Practice Question: What was the significance of the Vaikom Satyagraha in advancing social reform in South India? How did it influence legislation related to temple entry?(250 Words) Initiated by Kerala State Congress and social activists; gained momentum with Periyar’s leadership in 1924. Culminated in the removal of restrictions in November 1925, marking a significant step towards social justice. Impact on Social Reform : Sparked mass movements across India for temple entry, including B.R. Ambedkar-led protests at Ambadevi and Kalaram Mandir. Legislative milestones in South India: 1932: Bill introduced for temple entry in the Legislative Assembly. 1936: Travancore Temple Entry Proclamation. 1938: Malabar Temple Entry Bill. 1939: Backward castes allowed entry into major temples like Madurai Meenakshi and Thanjavur Brihadeeswara. 1947: Madras Temple Entry Authorization Act. Role of the Constitution Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s clause: “Subject to public order, morality, and health” (added on December 7, 1948) curtailed absolute freedom of religion, enabling state intervention for equality. This clause became the basis for constitutional courts to balance equality and religious freedom. State Regulation of Temples Legislation like the Madras Hindu Religious Endowments Act (1927) and Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act (1959) aimed at ensuring equality in temple access. Supreme Court judgments (e.g., Shirur Mutt case, 1954) upheld state intervention in secular aspects of religious institutions. Recent reforms include appointing non-Brahmin archakas (priests) in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, challenging entrenched caste hierarchies. Resistance to Reforms Orthodox religious beliefs and social norms continue to resist changes like non-Brahmin priest appointments. Courts have largely upheld these reforms while making exceptions for “Agamic temples.” Current Relevance and Commemoration The centenary of the Vaikom Struggle (December 12, 2024) highlights the socio-political legacy of Periyar and Ambedkar. Collaboration between Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments symbolizes ongoing commitment to social justice and reform. These reforms underline the shift towards equality, challenging traditional caste-based practices in religion. Key Takeaways Vaikom Struggle marked a turning point in temple entry movements, catalyzing broader religious reforms. Ambedkar’s constitutional foresight enabled state intervention in religious matters for equality. Persistent reforms in South India set a precedent for caste inclusion in religious practices. The centenary celebrations reaffirm the commitment to a more egalitarian society through legislative and moral consensus. Chief Justices Need Longer Tenures Intro : Indian judiciary faces the challenge of short tenures for Chief Justices in Indian High Courts, which affects institutional effectiveness and the overall health of the judiciary. Relevance: GS 2(Judiciary) Practice Question: Discuss the impact of short tenures for Chief Justices on the judicial system in India. How does it affect institutional effectiveness.(250 Words) Short Tenures: Many recent Chief Justices have had very brief terms (e.g., Justice Rajiv Shakdher retired after just 24 days). Justice Manmohan was appointed and then quickly moved to the Supreme Court. Average tenure of most Chief Justices is about one to one and a half years. Only one judge, Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao, will serve a longer tenure (around four years). Role of Chief Justices: Chief Justices play a crucial role in administering High Courts—managing finances, recommending judges, taking disciplinary actions, and participating in various legal and non-legal functions. Their responsibilities require understanding and engagement with diverse issues affecting the High Courts. Challenges with Short Tenures: Time required to understand the complexities of a High Court’s functioning is not sufficient (average of two years). This limits their ability to implement reforms and innovations effectively. Chief Justices retire before they can fully understand their roles and make meaningful changes. Comparison with Historical Context: During British rule, Chief Justices had longer tenures (average of 7-8 years). Madras High Court’s early history: 11 Chief Justices in 85 years with an average tenure of less than 8 years. In independent India, this tenure has drastically reduced (22 Chief Justices in 45 years). Impact on Judicial Effectiveness: The current system’s short tenure is insufficient for Chief Justices to address complex issues comprehensively. Inability to foster continuity and institutional memory leads to inefficiency and hinders reform. Need for Reform: Urges joint deliberation among stakeholders (judiciary, Bar, and other stakeholders) to find a solution. Emphasizes that resolving this issue is crucial to maintaining the credibility and efficiency of the judiciary.

Content: 1.    Our drive against manual scavenging will continue: SC 2.    Indian scientists develop novel gene therapy to provide one-time solution for haemophilia. 3.    Amid din, Lok Sabha clears Railways Bill to enhance Independence of Board. 4.    ILO report asks nations to uphold freedom of association at work. 5.    India accounts for half of malaria cases in Southeast Asia in 2023. Our Drive Against Manual Scavenging Will Continue Context : The Supreme Court directed the Union and State governments to take immediate measures to eradicate manual scavenging, emphasizing the importance of human dignity. Relevance: GS 2 (Polity and Governance, Social Justice). Supreme Court’s Commitment : The Supreme Court has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the complete implementation of its October 2023 judgment. October 2023 Judgment : The judgment mandates the Union and State governments to take concrete and actionable steps to eliminate manual scavenging and hazardous cleaning practices. Continuing Inhumane Practices : Despite existing laws and policies, manual scavenging and hazardous sewer cleaning continue to occur. These practices frequently result in severe health hazards and fatalities among workers.  Violation of constitution : Manual scavenging is a violation of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the Right to Life and Dignity. Article 14: Right to Equality, as it perpetuates caste-based discrimination. Article 17: Abolition of Untouchability, as manual scavenging is deeply rooted in caste hierarchies. Laws such as the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, further prohibit the practice. Indian Scientists Develop Novel Gene Therapy To Provide One-Time Solution For Haemophilia. Context : Scientists in India have made significant progress in using gene therapy to treat haemophilia A. Relevance: GS 3 (Science) Successful Gene Therapy Trial. Trial conducted on five patients in Tamil Nadu, with none reporting bleeding episodes over an average follow-up of 14 months. Results published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Current Treatments. Involve frequent injections of clotting factors to prevent bleeding. Gene therapy offers a one-time solution, enabling the body to produce the missing clotting factor. Haemophilia A basics. Caused by the absence of Factor VIII, a critical blood-clotting protein. India has the world’s second-largest haemophilia A patient population (40,000–100,000 individuals). Severe cases currently managed with expensive treatments like Factor VIII replacement and monoclonal antibodies. Cost of Treatment. Managing haemophilia in India costs around $300,000 (₹2.54 crore) per patient over 10 years.  Lok Sabha clears Railways Bill to enhance Independence of Board Context : The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was passed in the Lok Sabha, aiming to modernize railway governance by merging provisions of the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905 into the Railways Act, 1989. Relevance: GS 2 (Polity and Governance) Statutory Backing: Grants legal status to the Railway Board, operational since 1905 without statutory authority. Empowers the Union government to determine the Board’s composition, member qualifications, and terms. Decentralization: Provides greater autonomy to railway zones to enhance efficiency, aligning with recommendations from the 2014 Sreedharan Committee. Independent Regulator: Establishes a regulator for tariffs, safety, and private sector participation, as recommended by the 2015 Committee on Restructuring Railways. Faster Approvals: Simplifies processes for infrastructure projects and regional train service expansions, such as extending the Arunachal Express in Bihar.   ILO Report Asks Nations To Uphold Freedom Of Association At Work Background: The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has released its Social Dialogue Report, emphasizing the need to uphold fundamental work rights and strengthen social dialogue mechanisms globally. Relevance: GS 2(Polity & Governance) ILO Recommendations: Ensure freedom of association and collective bargaining rights. Provide resources and technical support to labour administrations and social partners to enhance participation in Peak-Level Social Dialogue (PLSD). Compliance Issues: A 7% decline in compliance with fundamental work rights (2015–2022) due to increasing violations. Significance of Social Dialogue: Essential for fostering economic development and social progress. Conducted through bipartite (social partners only) or tripartite (including governments) negotiation and consultation processes. India Accounts For Half of Malaria Cases In Southeast Asia in 2023 Background: WHO released World Malaria Report 2024. Relevance: GS 2 ( Health). Malaria Burden: India contributed nearly 50% of estimated malaria cases in the region in 2023, followed by Indonesia with nearly one-third. Reduction in Deaths: Malaria deaths fell by 82.9%, from 35,000 in 2000 to 6,000 in 2023. India and Indonesia together accounted for 88% of malaria deaths in the region. Progress Since 2000: Estimated malaria cases dropped from 22.8 million in 2000 to 4 million in 2023. Between 2022 and 2023, four countries, including India, achieved reductions in malaria cases, while three countries reported increases.