CONTENTS BIMSTEC Exercise Naseem-Al-Bahr BIMSTEC Context: India’s National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) has initiated its first-ever Mid-Career Training Programme for civil servants from the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) nations. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Foreign Policies affecting India’s Interests, Important International groupings), Prelims Dimensions of the Article: About BIMSTEC History of Formation of the BIMSTEC Significance of BIMSTEC About BIMSTEC The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is an international organisation of seven nations of South Asia and Southeast Asia: Bangladesh Bhutan India Nepal Sri Lanka Myanmar (South-east Asia) Thailand (South-east Asia) Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are the member states dependent on the Bay of Bengal. Its members lie in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal constituting a contiguous regional unity. BIMSTEC not only connects South and Southeast Asia, but also the ecologies of the Great Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal. Fourteen priority sectors of cooperation have been identified and several BIMSTEC centres have been established to focus on those sectors. The permanent secretariat of the BIMSTEC is in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The BIMSTEC uses the alphabetical order for the Chairmanship which has been taken in rotation commencing with Bangladesh (1997–1999). History of Formation of the BIMSTEC In 1997, a new sub-regional grouping was formed in Bangkok under the name BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Economic Cooperation). Following the inclusion of Myanmar on 22 December 1997 during a special Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, the Group was renamed ‘BIMST-EC’ (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand Economic Cooperation). In 2004, at the first Summit the grouping was renamed as BIMSTEC or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. Significance of BIMSTEC BIMSTEC acts as a platform for intra-regional cooperation between SAARC and ASEAN members. Around one-fourth of the world’s traded goods cross the Bay of Bengal every year. Important Connectivity Projects related to BIMSTEC Kaladan Multimodal Project – links India and Myanmar. Asian Trilateral Highway – connecting India and Thailand through Myanmar. Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement – for seamless flow of passenger and cargo traffic. Strategic Significance for India BIMSTEC Enables India to pursue three core policies: Neighbourhood First- primacy to the country’s immediate periphery; Act East- connect India with Southeast Asia; and Economic development of India’s North Eastern states- by linking them to the Bay of Bengal region via Bangladesh and Myanmar. India has moved from Look East Policy to Act East Policy and Indo Pacific cooperation through its diaspora, culture and connectivity. This has led to India’s goodwill in the region. Allows India to counter China’s creeping influence in countries around the Bay of Bengal due to the spread of its Belt and Road Initiative. Physical connectivity with BIMSTEC would also help India integrate itself with ASEAN’s Master Plan of Connectivity 2025. A new platform for India to engage with its neighbours with South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) becoming dysfunctional because of differences between India and Pakistan. BIMSTEC suddenly received special attention as New Delhi chose to treat it as a more practical instrument for regional cooperation over a faltering SAARC. Exercise Naseem-Al-Bahr Context: Recently, INS Trikand and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, participated in the Indo-Oman bilateral naval exercise Naseem-Al-Bahr held in Goa. Relevance: GS III: Security Challenges Exercise Naseem-Al-Bahr Bilateral Naval Exercise Between India and Oman Initiation: Started in 1993, Exercise Naseem-Al-Bahr marks the deep-rooted strategic relationship between India and Oman. Oman is notable for being the first member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to engage in joint naval exercises with India. Structure and Phases of the Exercise Phases: The exercise is structured in two main phases: Harbour Phase: Features professional exchanges between navy personnel from both nations, encompassing Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, planning conferences, and also includes sports and social activities. Sea Phase: Focuses on practical naval operations such as gun firings at surface targets, anti-aircraft firings, naval maneuvers, and Replenishment at Sea Approaches (RASAPS). Operational Highlights Helicopter and Aircraft Operations: An integral helicopter from INS Trikand performed cross-deck landings and vertical replenishment (VERTREP) operations with the Royal Navy of Oman vessel, RNOV Al Seeb. The Indian Navy’s Dornier aircraft enhanced the operational scope by providing Over-the-Horizon Targeting (OTHT) data to the ships involved in the exercises. Strategic Importance Enhancing Interoperability: The exercise is crucial for enhancing interoperability between the two navies, fostering mutual understanding and sharing of best practices in maritime operations.

Content : An approaching milestone in constitutional governance The case for a nature restoration law in India  An Approaching Milestone In Constitutional Governance Context: 26th November 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India. This milestone reflects how constitutional governance has shaped its democratic institutions and promoted national identity Relevance: GS 2 (Indian Polity, Governance ) Practice question: Discuss the significance of India marking the 75th anniversary of its Constitution. In this context, Highlight the key areas India must focus on in the coming years . (250 words ) Five core constitutional values contributed to India’s democratic journey as highlighted by the article. Respect for democratic institutions : Democratic Institutions: These are the structures and processes through which a democratic government administers. E.g. Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Electoral system, etc Citizens’ respect for democracy is reflected in high voter percentages For example, 65.79% of voter turnout in the 2024 general elections. At certain times, citizens faced frustrations about political performances and elected representatives, but citizens’ trust in the election process and democratic institutions remained intact. Socioeconomic developments and improved standard of living and quality of life have further contributed to increased citizen engagement with democratic institutions. Smooth transition of power: Political Maturity: Evident through the peaceful transfer of power post-elections. Stability in Governance: Political parties, regardless of ideologies, embraced outcomes. Electors remain the ultimate decision-makers through voting , reflecting their will . Protection of rights and freedom : India is committed to individual freedom,as highlighted by the role of the judiciary in protecting fundamental rights. Example: The Supreme Court’s ruling in the Puttaswamy v. Union of India case (2017) recognized the right to privacy as a fundamental right. The framers of the Constitution prioritised citizens’ rights over state powers. Over a period of time, both constitutional freedoms and checks on state authority reinforced Federalism as a key Pillar of constitutional Governance: The framers respected linguistic, cultural and other diversities and decided to protect the unique identities, tradition and culture of the states. They provided different autonomies and privileges, keeping in mind the unique history and culture of states. Inclusivity and equity were given due importance. The idea of federalism was further deepened at two important levels. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which led to the establishment of local governments. The rise of state-level political parties. Role of Media and Civil Society : The Media and civil societies are instrumental in promoting faith in democracy. Broadcasting and further innovations have democratised access to information. Multilingual media highlights the diversity. Media and civil societies challenge and criticise autonomy wherever it was necessary. Way forward : Strengthening Democratic Institutions: E.g. voter apathy among the urban and middle class. For instance, voter turnout in urban areas like Mumbai has often been below 50%. Ensuring Social Justice and Equality: E.g. The top 1% holds over 40% of the wealth, highlighting the need for stronger redistributive policies Enhancing Judicial Reforms: As of 2024, Over 4 crore cases are pending in Indian courts, Advancing Digital Governance: Currently only 40% of rural India has access to the internet. Protecting Secularism: Incidents like the  2020 Delhi riots threaten India’s secular fabric. Addressing Regional and Ethnic Tensions: The Manipur crisis highlights growing regional and ethnic tensions. Conclusion : India, with the 75th anniversary of its Constitution, has proven sceptics like General Claude Auchinleck and Winston Churchill wrong , who doubted India’s unity. The Constitution is evolving not only as a legal framework but also as a social and political framework. The Case for a Nature Restoration Law in India India needs to draw inspiration from the European Union’s Nature Restoration Law (NRL) and create a similar legislative framework to address the pressing issue of the degradation of the ecosystem in India. E.g.India’s 30% geographical area under the verge of land degradation. Relevance: GS3 (Environment ) Practice question: Discuss the issue of land degradation in India and its impact on both the economy and the environment. Explain how a nature restoration law can provide a potential solution. (250 words ) Key Features of the EU’s Nature Restoration Law (NRL) : Adoption and Objectives: The EU passed this law in June 2024, part of the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy and the European Green Deal. Restoration Targets: Aim for a minimum of 20% of the EU’s land and sea restoration by 2030 and complete ecosystem restoration by 2050. Implementation: Restoration of rivers, planting three billion trees, and focusing on various ecosystems like forests, urban spaces, and agricultural lands. India’s Environmental Challenges : The extent of Land Degradation: Nearly 97.85 million hectares (29.7% of India’s total area) are degraded as per ISRO’s Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas, with states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka most affected. Desertification: Approximately 83.69 million hectares are facing challenges of desertification impacts. Existing Programs: India has initiated programs like the Green India Mission, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, and the National Afforestation Programme, but more concrete and legally binding targets are required. Expected Features of Nature Restoration Law in India Restoration Targets: The aim to restore 20% of degraded lands by 2030 and all ecosystems by 2050. Wetland Conservation: Aiming to restore 30% of degraded wetlands by 2030 , with a special focus on key wetlands like Chilika and Sunderbans. Agroforestry and Sustainable Agriculture: Promote sustainable practices and agroforestry, using biodiversity indicators like the butterfly index to monitor progress. River Restoration: Begin with major rivers , such as the Ganga and Yamuna, targeting pollution control and restoration of free-flowing rivers. Urban Green Spaces: Enforce a policy of no net loss of green spaces and encourage the development of urban forests in cities suffering from heat islands. Economic and Social Benefits of Nature Restoration : Economic Gains: The World Economic Forum estimates that nature restoration could generate up to $10 trillion globally by 2030. Agricultural Productivity and Water Security. Job Creation: Large-scale restoration projects could create millions of jobs. Climate Mitigation: Healthy ecosystems function as carbon sinks, helping India meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement. Conclusion : A nature restoration law can serve as a potential solution for the growing environmental crisis in India. It will help achieve sustainable development goals (SDG-15 ) related to forests and desertification.

CONTENTS 94 Years Since India’s Sole Home-Grown Nobel Laureate in Sciences Pressing Need for Indian Railways’ Safety Reforms The $1 Trillion Challenge for India’s Just Transition from Coal Prohibition of Child Marriage Act Marine Heat Wave Moonlight Programme Coelogyne tripurensis  94 Years Since India’s Sole Home-Grown Nobel Laureate in Sciences Context: It has been 94 years since an Indian won a Nobel Prize in the sciences — Physics, Chemistry or Medicine — while working in India. CV Raman’s Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 remains the only such honour. Three more Indian-origin scientists have won — Hargovind Khorana in Medicine in 1968, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar in Physics in 1983, and Venkatraman Ramakrishnan in Chemistry 2009 — but they did their work outside India and were not Indian citizens when they were honoured. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: Reasons for India’s Poor Performance in Nobel Prizes in Science What to do Next with India’s Science Nobel Prizes Performance? Reasons for India’s Poor Performance in Nobel Prizes in Science Lack of Adequate Funding and Investment Government Support: The government of India provides miserably poor funding in terms of scientific research as compared to the other BRICS countries, with only 0.6-0.8% of GDP funding for basic research over the last decade. Decline in R&D Spending: R&D spending declined between 2005 and 2023 from 0.82% to 0.64% of the GDP Bureaucratic Challenges Bureaucratic Hurdles: Bureaucratic delays in research centers hamper innovation and productivity. The procurement of equipment at IIT Delhi may take as long as 11 months. Taxation and Procurement Burden: Information such as the GST notice amounting to Rs 150 crores issued to IIT Delhi and compulsion for procurement through Government e-Marketplace (GeM) gives rise to financial and operational burdens. Shortage of Researcher-end Few Researchers Population: India has very few researchers compared to the population, five times less compared to the world average, which reduces the possibilities of Nobel laureates. Institutional Mal-governance Lack of Right Priorities: The discretion given by the heads often works in the favor of individual gains rather than promoting breakthrough research. Irrelevant Research Concentration: A trend of operating over obsoleted or archaic research topics drastically limits the scope of the scientific miracles to be achieved. Lack of Innovation Publication Counts Over Innovation : Most of the publically funded research is focussed on the number of publications over the quality and innovation. Foreign technology duplication or adaptation instead of developing indigenous solutions is the trend. Private Sector vs. Public Institutions Private Sector Success Story: Any notable success story-think of vaccine development during the Covid-19 pandemic-are generally attributed to the private sector and almost to nothing with government-sponsored research efforts. Unhealthy Institutional Environment Challenges for returning scientists to India: Foreign-trained Indian scientists are unable to work in an institutional environment that does not encourage anything pioneering and is more focused on administrative promotion rather than scientific excellence. Historical Overlooks and Nominations Foregone Opportunities: Various chief Indian scientists, such as Jagadish Chandra Bose, K S Krishnan, and ECG Sudarshan, are said to have tremendous contributions toward originality though they were not well-known during the Nobel nominations. Nobel Nominations: A number of top scientists from India, such as Meghnad Saha, Homi Bhabha, are on the list who visited for the nominations but did not win awards, perhaps due to biasness or unawareness of complete work done by them Western Influence Global Disparity: It is quite stark that the country groups dominating Nobel Prizes are those powerful Western nations, who have strong scientific infrastructures and ecosystems working very much in support of them and both lacking in India. What to do Next with India’s Science Nobel Prizes Performance? India’s government should promise at an early stage to raise the share of research and development in GDP and commit in the near term to at least 1.5% per cent. Support and fund high-risk, high-reward programs that lead to revolutionary technologies. Use multidisciplinary review panels with backgrounds relevant to the field of research being proposed. This will reduce the risk of missing valuable ideas based on bias or a lack of understanding. Improving access to STEM education and investing in tertiary education will also improve the scope and quality of the researcher pool. Merit- or potential-social-impact-based distribution rather than personal ambition Coordination between research institutes under the government and private sector firms to enhance research capabilities and innovation National-level awards and recognitions to encourage significant efforts leading to path-breaking work. Advise Indian scientists to join hands with the international research communities, share knowledge and resources that will leverage Indian research to an international level. -Source: Indian Express Pressing Need for Indian Railways’ Safety Reforms Context: Recently, eight coaches of the Agartala-Lokmanya Tilak Express derailed in Assam with no casualties and a passenger train rear-ended a stationary goods train near Chennai, also with no casualties. Indian trains have been involved in multiple accidents of late. The Balasore accident on June 2, 2023, had the greatest death toll, more than 275, yet pressure on the Railways to improve safety competes with pressures straining its subsistence. Relevance: GS III: Infrastructure Dimensions of the Article: How common are accidents? What is Kavach?  Indian Railways’ Operational and Financial Challenges How common are accidents? The number of railway accidents dropped from 1,390 per year in the 1960s to 80 per year in the last decade. There were still 34 consequential accidents in 2021-2022, 48 in 2022-23, and 40 in 2023-2024. A consequential accident injures and/or kills people, damages railway infrastructure, and disrupts rail traffic. According to public records, 55.8% of all accidents involving trains have been due to the failure of Railway staff and another 28.4% due to failures on the part of non-staff people. Equipment failure accounted for 6.2%. In both the Balasore and the Kavaraipettai accidents, officials blamed the signalling system. What is Kavach?  It is India’s very own automatic protection system in development since 2012, under the name Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), which got rechristened to Kavach or “armour”. In other words, it is a set of electronic devices and Radio Frequency Identification devices installed in locomotives, in the signalling system as well the tracks, that talk to each other using ultra high radio frequencies to control the brakes of trains and also alert drivers, all based on the logic programmed into them.  One of its features is that by continuously refreshing the movement information of a train, it is able to send out triggers when a loco pilot jumps signal, called Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD), a grave offence in railway operations with respect to safety, and the key to accidents like collision. The devices also continuously relay the signals ahead to the locomotive, making it useful for loco pilots in low visibility, especially during dense fog. TCAS or Kavach includes the key elements from already existing, and tried and tested systems like the European Train Protection and Warning System, and the indigenous Anti Collison Device. It will also carry features of the high-tech European Train Control System Level-2 in future. The current form of Kavach adheres to the highest level of safety and reliability standard called Safety Integrity Level 4. By February 2024, the Railways had installed ‘Kavach’ on 1,465 route km, or 2% of its total route length. Since 1990-1991, the Railways has classified nearly 70% of all major accidents as derailments, but only 2% of them were due to collisions. ‘Kavach’ also may not have prevented the Kavaraipettai accident because the relevant error happened beyond the minimum margins ‘Kavach’ requires to assist. Indian Railways’ Operational and Financial Challenges In the fiscal year 2024-2025, the Indian Railways’ operating ratio (OR) is slightly improved at ₹98.2 per ₹100 earned compared to previous years but remains high, limiting capital expenditure and increasing reliance on government and extra-budgetary funding. Despite incorporating the railway budget into the general budget in 2016 for better financial support, challenges persist with high operating costs and a heavy debt load from Extra-Budgetary Resources (EBRs). Freight services, contributing 65% of internal revenue, face inefficiencies with slow speeds and incomplete dedicated freight corridors, impacting revenue growth. The shift towards renewable energy and reduced reliance on coal freight also affects revenue streams. Passenger services continue to operate at a loss, exacerbated by the pandemic and high operational costs, despite attempts to boost revenue through upgraded services and fare adjustments. Safety and operational efficiency are compromised by high network congestion and outdated safety systems, stressing the urgent need for substantial investments to improve the Railways’ infrastructure and financial health. -Source: The Hindu The $1 Trillion Challenge for India’s Just Transition from Coal Context: A recent study by iForest (International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology) reveals that India will need over $1 trillion (Rs 84 lakh crore) over the next 30 years for a just transition away from coal. The study, the first of its kind, estimates the costs of phasing down coal mines and plants while ensuring socio-economic stability in coal-dependent regions.  Relevance: GS III: Energy Dimensions of the Article: Coal Resource in India Ensuring Just Energy Transition in India International Support for Coal Phase-Down – Case Studies Findings from the Study of Coal-Dependent Districts in India Coal Resource in India The total estimated coal reserve (resource) of India is 378.21 billion tonnes as on 01.04.2023, as per the National Coal Inventory 2023. All India Production of coal during 2023-24 was 997.83 MT with a positive growth of 11.71%. According to the existing Import policy, coal can be imported freely by the consumers themselves based on the assessment of their needs coming out of their commercial consideration (under Open General Licence). Coking Coal is being imported by the Steel sector mainly to bridge the gap between requirement and Indigenous availability and to improve the quality. Other sectors like Power sector, cement etc. and coal traders are importing non-coking coal. The total import of coal during 2023-24 was 261 million tonnes. Ensuring Just Energy Transition in India What is “just” energy transition? A “just” energy transition refers to an equitable and inclusive shift toward a low-carbon economy, keeping in mind the needs of the workforce and the communities that depend on fossil fuels. India is the world’s second-largest coal producer and employs thousands of people in coal mines, thermal power plants, logistics, and others. Public sector coal companies alone employ over 3.6 lakh workers, and the private sector comprises hundreds of thousands more. As India sets itself the net-zero target by 2070, adding to renewable energy is essential. It poses an enormous financial and social cost to repair when it has to change in terms of workers dependent on coal and regions that are coal-dependent Economic stability versus climate goals would require massive investments. Transition costs The study of just transition from coal in India that is based on an appraisal of districts coal dependent and international examples from South Africa, Germany, and Poland identifies the eight main cost areas These are: mine closures and site repurposing,  , retiring coal plants and converting them to clean energy,  , skilling workers for green jobs,  , promotion of new businesses,  , community support, green energy investments, compensation of states for revenue loss, and planning costs. Close to 48% of the estimated $1 trillion needed over the next three decades will go for green investments to substitute the coal-based energy infrastructure with cleaner alternatives. Source of funding for this transition Funding India’s just transition away from coal will require a mix of public and private investments. Grants and subsidies will be the main source of public funding, which will cover the “non-energy” expenditure, including community support, skilling coal workers for green jobs, and supporting new businesses. The $4 billion District Mineral Foundation fund collected from miners in the country can be used to support new businesses and coal-dependent communities, which can supplement CSR funding. Private investment will be expected to assume the majority of “energy costs,” such as those involved in developing clean energy projects and green infrastructure. International Support for Coal Phase-Down – Case Studies South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnerships and Funding: The Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP) of South Africa is bolstered by international support from the UK, France, Germany, the US, the EU, the Netherlands, and Denmark. Financial Plan: The initiative needs $98 billion over twenty years, with an initial $8.5 billion planned for 2023-2027. Allocation of Funds: A significant portion of the funding is allocated towards investments in green energy, utilizing concessional loans, grants, and collaborations between public and private sectors.   Germany’s Legislative Measures on Coal Phase-Out Legislation and Timeline: Germany has legislated the termination of coal power by 2038 and has earmarked over $55 billion for closing coal mines and power plants. Regional Support: These funds are also designated to aid economic development in coal-dependent regions, ensuring a smoother transition from coal-based economies. Findings from the Study of Coal-Dependent Districts in India Study Focus: An analysis was conducted on four coal-reliant districts: Korba (Chhattisgarh), Bokaro and Ramgarh (Jharkhand), and Angul (Odisha), evaluating their dependency on coal and the financial implications of transitioning away from it. Economic Impact in Bokaro: Economic Contribution: In Bokaro, coal-based industries account for 54% of the district’s domestic product. Employment: The sector employs approximately 139,000 workers in coal mining, power generation, and related industries such as steel and cement. Transition Costs and Timeline: Phase-Down Projection: The full phase-down of coal in Bokaro is projected to commence post-2040. Transition Budget: An estimated Rs 1.01 lakh crore will be required over 30 years to facilitate worker rehabilitation, repurposing of coal sites, and the development of green energy infrastructure. -Source: Indian Express Prohibition of Child Marriage Act Context: The Supreme Court has rejected the government’s plea to enforce the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) over personal laws, urging Parliament to consider banning child betrothals. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006 Why should the minimum age of marriage for women be raised? Schemes/Policies to stop girl child marriage Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006 The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act was implemented in 2006, replacing the older Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929. The primary goal of the PCMA is to prevent the solemnization of child marriages and to eradicate this practice entirely. Key Provisions The legal minimum age for marriage under this act is set at 21 years for boys and 18 years for girls. Marriages below these ages are considered illegal and punishable. The act allows anyone to report incidents of child marriage, whether they have already occurred or are about to be solemnized. Implementation and Enforcement District Collectors act as Nodal Officers at the district level, tasked with reviewing and ensuring the effective implementation of the act. Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPO): Appointed in every state, CMPOs work to prevent child marriages and protect victims, as well as to prosecute offenders. They are also empowered to provide legal aid to victims and to present cases before the Child Welfare Committee or a First-Class Judicial Magistrate. Legal Remedies and Petitions Annulment of Marriage: A petition to nullify a child marriage can be filed by the married individuals themselves if they are below 18 at the time of marriage, or by a guardian in conjunction with the CMPO if they are still minors. Jurisdiction: The District Court, including the Family Court and other specified civil courts, has the authority to grant nullity of marriages. Punishments and Legal Consequences Child marriage is a punishable offence, potentially leading to rigorous imprisonment, fines, or both. Courts are also authorized to issue injunctions to prevent the occurrence of child marriages. Offences under this act are cognizable and non-bailable, ensuring serious legal proceedings against violators. Protection and Support for Victims Support Services: The act ensures comprehensive support for rescued children, including medical and legal aid, counselling, and rehabilitation. Rights of Children from Child Marriages: It safeguards the legal status of children born from such unions, providing for their custody and maintenance. Women’s Rights: Provisions are made for the residence and maintenance of the female contracting party involved in a child marriage. Why should the minimum age of marriage for women be raised? Lack of access to education and jobs: Because women get married at a younger age, they have less access to education and jobs than men. Women who get married at a young age often can’t go to school or get a job. If the minimum age for marriage goes up, more women will go to college and work instead of getting married. Effects of early marriage on the health of women and children: o Getting married and having children at a young age has a big effect on how well mothers and their children eat and on their overall health and mental health. Young mothers have a higher chance of having problems with their reproductive health, being malnourished, bleeding after giving birth, and getting sexually transmitted diseases. Schemes/Policies to stop girl child marriage: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) – SSY was started in 2015 to help girls. It encourages parents to invest and save money for their daughter’s future education and wedding costs. Balika Samriddhi Yojana – The Balika Samriddhi Yojana is another programme run by the central government to help girls from poor families. This plan makes sure that girls get into and stay in elementary and secondary schools. It tries to help a girl’s child do well in life and gives them a better education. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is the most popular programme for helping girls. This plan is a way to honour girls. Its name, Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child, means exactly what it says. It believes in empowering women and making an environment where everyone can do that. The goal of this plan is to keep girls safe before and after they are born. -Source: Indian Express Marine Heat Wave Context: Researchers found that marine heat waves (MHWs) deep in oceans may be “significantly under-reported” and caused by ocean currents. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Marine Heatwave Impact of Marine Heatwave on Rainfall in Northwest India Impacts of Marine Heatwaves Marine Heatwave: Marine heatwaves are prolonged periods of abnormally high Sea Surface Temperature (SST). These events can lead to coral bleaching, seagrass destruction, and loss of kelp forests, impacting the fisheries sector negatively. Common drivers of marine heatwaves include ocean currents that accumulate warm water and air-sea heat flux, which is warming from the atmosphere through the ocean surface. Winds can amplify or dampen the warming effects of a marine heatwave, and climate modes like El Niño can influence the occurrence of these events in specific regions. Impact of Marine Heatwave on Rainfall in Northwest India: The marine heatwave in the Bay of Bengal elevated sea surface temperatures, resulting in increased evaporation rates and a higher supply of moisture in the atmosphere. This surplus moisture contributed to above-average rainfall in northwest India. The marine heatwave likely influenced the formation and behavior of low-pressure systems called depressions in the Bay of Bengal. These depressions play a significant role in monsoon and rainfall patterns. The marine heatwave, along with changing timescales of depressions, affected the path and trajectory of these weather systems. Depressions were more inclined to move towards northwest India rather than north-central India, leading to a concentration of rainfall in the northwest region and resulting in above-average rainfall in that area. Impacts of Marine Heatwaves: Ecosystem Structure: Marine heatwaves can alter ecosystem structure by favoring certain species while suppressing others. Mass Mortality: Marine heatwaves have been associated with mass mortality events in marine invertebrates, leading to significant ecological disruptions. Behavioral Changes: Species may be forced to change their behavior in response to marine heatwaves, putting them at increased risk of harm. Habitat Range Shifts: Marine heatwaves can cause shifts in the habitat ranges of species, resulting in changes to ecosystem dynamics. For example, the expansion of spiny sea urchins into new areas can negatively impact kelp forests. Economic Losses: Marine heatwaves can have significant economic impacts, particularly on fisheries and aquaculture industries. Biodiversity Loss: Marine heatwaves can lead to drastic declines in biodiversity, affecting the overall health and functioning of marine ecosystems. Corals and Bleaching: Marine heatwaves can cause widespread coral bleaching, leading to coral mortality and ecosystem degradation. Interaction with Other Stressors: Marine heatwaves often occur alongside other stressors such as ocean acidification, deoxygenation, and overfishing. These combined stressors can further damage habitats and increase the risks of deoxygenation and acidification in affected areas. -Source: Down To Earth Moonlight Programme Context: Recently, the European Space Agency (ESA) at the International Astronautical Congress, launched its Moonlight Lunar Communications and Navigation Services (LCNS) programme. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology About Moonlight Programme: The program will consist of about five lunar satellites, one for high data rate communications and four for navigation that will enable precise autonomous landings, high-speed communications and surface mobility. It is Europe’s first-ever dedicated satellite constellation for telecommunication and navigation services for the Moon. The distance between the Earth and the Moon, claimed to be more than 2,50,000 miles or 4,00,000 kilometres will apparently be covered by such satellites. The primary coverage at the South Pole of the Moon will be provided by the Moonlight program.  South Pole of the moon is an area of prime interest for many missions due to lighting conditions and the presence of water ice within permanently shaded craters. The program is scheduled for its launch with a communications relay satellite named the Lunar Pathfinder, built by Surrey Satellite Technology LTD, at the start of 2026. The first operational services of the programme will be started by the end of 2028 and is fully prepared to be commercially manufactured by 2030. The ESA is collaborating with NASA and Japan’s space agency JAXA on LunaNet, which in essence is a framework in standardizing communication and navigation for the Moon. -Source: Indian Express Coelogyne tripurensis Context: A new species of orchid named Coelogyne tripurensis was recently discovered in Jampui Hills, in Tripura’s North District. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Coelogyne tripurensis It is a new species of orchid. It comes from the wet broad-leaved forests of Jampui Hills of Tripura, situated at the western periphery of Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot. This genus accounts for about 600 species native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and the Southwest Pacific Islands. This genus consists of mainly epiphytic (though rarely lithophytic and terrestrial species) species, all of which are widely used among horticulturists because of their high ornamental value and few requirements for growing. . In the present study, the new species is included in the section Fuliginosae, which is characterised by its outstanding features, including larger showy flowers with a distinctive labellum and keels. Species belonging to this group show a high degree of phenotypic plasticity, rendering them challenging to delineate. -Source: The Hindu