SC CITES PREAMBLE TO REJECT PLEA AGAINST BANU MUSHTAQ OPENING MYSURU DASARA
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging the choice of Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq, a Muslim, to inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara festival. The Court reminded that the Preamble upholds secularism, equality, liberty of thought, and fraternity, which bind the nation together.
Background of the Case
- A petitioner objected to Ms. Banu Mushtaq inaugurating the Dasara celebrations at the Chamundeshwari temple.
- The argument was that the inauguration had two parts: The ribbon-cutting ceremony, seen as secular. The pooja (rituals), considered a Hindu religious activity.
- The petitioner claimed that only a Hindu should perform rituals under Article 25 (right to freely practice religion).
- The Karnataka High Court earlier dismissed the case, which was then brought before the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court’s Observations
- The Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta questioned the petitioner if he had read the Preamble of the Constitution.
- The Court highlighted that:
- The State of Karnataka is secular and does not adopt any religion.
- Mysuru Dasara is a State-organised event, not a private religious programme.
- The State cannot make distinctions based on religion.
- The Court refused to direct the State to prevent Ms. Mushtaq from being part of the rituals.
Constitutional Principles
- Secularism as Basic Feature: Established in Kesavananda Bharati (1973) and S.R. Bommai (1994) cases.
- Equal Treatment of Faiths: Reiterated in R.C. Poudyal case, which stressed that secularism existed even before the 42nd Amendment (1976) added the word to the Preamble.
- State Neutrality: In M. Ismail Faruqui (1994), the Court held that the State has no religion.
- Progressive Role of State: In Dr. Balram Singh vs Union of India (2024), it was clarified that State neutrality does not mean inaction — the State can act against religious practices that block equality or development.
Significance of the Judgment
- Reinforces secularism and equality as guiding principles of governance.
- Affirms that State events must remain inclusive and cannot exclude any citizen based on religion.
- Sends a clear message against attempts to mix religious identity with civic functions.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s rejection of the plea highlights India’s commitment to secularism as a basic feature of the Constitution. It safeguards inclusivity and reinforces that State functions cannot be restricted by religious barriers.
A CLIMATE-HEALTH VISION WITH LESSONS FROM INDIA
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
The 2025 Global Conference on Climate and Health in Brazil led to the drafting of the Belém Health Action Plan, which will shape the global climate-health agenda at COP30.
India’s Development Experience and Climate-Health Links
PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal Scheme)
- Covers millions of children across schools.
- Promotes traditional grains like millets, tackling malnutrition.
- Builds climate-resilient food systems while improving health and education.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
- Enhanced sanitation and dignity, reducing water-borne diseases.
- Supported environmental protection through waste management.
MGNREGA
- Provided rural livelihoods.
- Created climate-friendly assets like water conservation structures and ecosystem restoration.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
- Shift to clean cooking fuel reduced indoor air pollution.
- Improved women’s health and cut emissions.
Key Takeaways for Climate-Health Action
- Strong Political Leadership
- High-level involvement ensures cross-ministry cooperation.
- Framing climate change as a health issue increases public and political attention.
- Community Participation
- Swachh Bharat used Gandhian ideals to mobilise people.
- PM POSHAN built ownership through parents and teachers.
- Climate action also needs cultural and social anchoring.
- Using Existing Institutions
- Schemes succeeded by building on local systems.
- ASHA workers, self-help groups, panchayats and municipal bodies can be key climate-health advocates.
Challenges in Implementation
- Administrative Silos: Different departments often work separately, reducing synergy.
- Economic Barriers: Example – high LPG refill costs under PMUY discourage use.
- Social and Cultural Gaps: Traditional practices and inequities limit access to schemes.
- Output vs Outcome: Many schemes measure activities, not long-term impact.
Framework for Climate-Health Governance
- Strategic Prioritisation: Frame climate policies around immediate health benefits.
- Integration Across Departments: Health assessments should be mandatory for energy, transport, agriculture and urban policies.
- Participatory Approach: Use health as a rallying point; people understand benefits of clean air, safe water and nutritious food more than carbon data.
Conclusion
India’s welfare programmes prove that non-health interventions can yield major health and climate gains. With stronger political will, institutional coordination and community engagement, India can shape a new climate-health governance model for the world.
CLOSING GENDER GAPS HOLDS THE KEY TO ENDING POVERTY
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The UN Gender Snapshot 2025, released by UN Women and UN DESA, warns that without urgent reforms, over 350 million women and girls may remain in extreme poverty by 2030.
Key Global Findings
Persistent Poverty
- Women’s poverty has stagnated at around 10% since 2020.
- Conflicts and climate change continue to worsen vulnerabilities.
Work and Political Participation
- Women spend 2.5 times more time than men on unpaid domestic and care work.
- They occupy less than one-third of parliamentary seats globally.
- More than 100 countries have never had a female head of state or government.
Digital Divide
- In 2024, 70% of men used the internet compared to 65% of women.
- Closing this gap could help lift 30 million women out of poverty, benefit 343 million women and girls, and add $1.5 trillion to global GDP by 2030.
Food Security and Violence
- Around 64 million more women than men were food insecure in 2024.
- 1 in 8 women (15–49 years) faced intimate partner violence last year.
- 18.6% of young women were married before 18 (improved from 22% in 2014).
- 676 million women and girls lived within conflict zones in 2024 — the highest since the 1990s.
Climate Change Risks
- Worst-case climate scenarios may push 158 million additional women into poverty by 2050.
India-Specific Dimensions
- Female Labour Force Participation: Around 37% (2023), among the lowest in South Asia.
- Political Representation: Women hold only 15% of Lok Sabha seats; the Women’s Reservation Act 2023 promises 33%.
- Education: Parity in enrolment, but high dropout rates due to early marriage, safety issues, and social barriers.
- Digital Divide: Only 33% of women use the internet compared to 57% of men (NFHS-5).
- Violence: NCRB 2022 recorded over 4 lakh crimes against women.
Global Commitments
- SDG 5: Calls for gender equality and empowerment of women.
- Beijing Declaration (1995): A comprehensive UN action plan for women’s rights.
- CEDAW: International treaty prohibiting gender-based discrimination.
India’s Initiatives
- Poshan Abhiyaan – Better nutrition for mothers and children.
- PMGDISHA (Digital Saksharta) – Trains women in digital literacy.
- One Stop Centres (Sakhi) – Integrated support for survivors of violence.
- WISE–KIRAN Program – Supports women scientists.
- Maternity Benefit Act, 2017 – Provides 26 weeks paid maternity leave.
- Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 – Reserves one-third seats in legislatures for women.
Conclusion
The UN report makes it clear: bridging gender gaps in work, digital access, education, and representation is critical to eliminating poverty. For India and the world, achieving gender equality is not just a social goal but an economic and developmental necessity.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS A CATALYST FOR TRADE GROWTH
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
The WTO World Trade Report 2025 highlights that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can increase global trade by nearly 40% in the next 15 years if countries address policy gaps, infrastructure needs, and regulatory challenges.
Role of AI in Trade-Led Growth
Trade Facilitation
- AI in logistics, ports, and customs clearance can reduce trade costs by up to 15%.
- Faster and more transparent processes improve global competitiveness.
Boosting Productivity
- AI-driven automation supports higher efficiency in manufacturing and services.
- Improves quality control, predictive maintenance, and supply chain management.
Growth of Digital Services
- Sectors like telemedicine, e-learning, legal-tech, and AI-based coding are expected to expand by 40%+ by 2040.
- These digitally deliverable services will form a major part of cross-border trade.
AI-Enabling Goods
- Trade in chips, servers, and sensors, valued at USD 2.3 trillion in 2023, forms the backbone of AI-driven economies.
India’s Opportunities in AI-Driven Trade
- Strengthening Services Exports
- India exported USD 250+ billion IT and IT-enabled services (2023-24).
- AI can further boost exports in software solutions, telemedicine, fintech, legal-tech, and digital education.
- Manufacturing Competitiveness
- AI in predictive maintenance and supply chain optimisation can strengthen Make in India and PLI scheme goals.
- Helps integrate Indian firms into global value chains.
- Agriculture and Agri-Trade
- AI-enabled precision farming, weather forecasts, and logistics reduce wastage.
- Improves the export potential of Indian agricultural products.
- Support for SMEs and Startups
- India’s 63 million MSMEs can leverage AI for translation, compliance, and market access.
- Expands small firms’ participation in exports.
Indian Government Initiatives
- #AIforAll (2018) – NITI Aayog’s national AI strategy covering healthcare, education, agriculture, and mobility.
- India Semiconductor Mission (2021) – ₹76,000 crore package to build a domestic chip manufacturing ecosystem.
- IndiaAI Mission (2024) – ₹10,372 crore programme to promote AI research, partnerships, and innovation.
Challenges
- Digital Divide: AI adoption is below 33% in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
- Unequal Gains: High-income countries may gain ~14% in income growth, while low-income may see only ~8%.
- Regulatory Fragmentation: Different AI laws increase compliance costs and may split trade flows.
- Market Concentration: Few big firms dominate AI infrastructure, creating dependency risks.
Way Forward
- Domestic Steps
- Expand broadband and cloud infrastructure.
- Skilling programmes for AI-driven industries.
- Competition policies to prevent monopolistic practices.
- Global Cooperation
- Harmonise AI standards, ethics, and data governance.
- WTO-led support for developing economies.
- Build multilateral consensus to prevent digital fragmentation.
Conclusion
AI offers a transformative pathway for trade growth, productivity, and inclusivity. For India, adopting AI across services, manufacturing, and agriculture while bridging digital gaps can ensure stronger integration into global trade and fair distribution of benefits.
MORAN COMMUNITY OF ASSAM
TOPIC: (GS1) SOCIETY: INDIAN EXPRESS
The Moran community is one of the lesser-known ethnic groups of Assam. Recently, they have intensified their demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, bringing them into the socio-political spotlight.
Historical Background
- The Morans are mainly concentrated in Tinsukia district of Assam and some parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Historically, they had an independent kingdom at Bengmara (modern-day Tinsukia) before the arrival of the Ahoms.
Language and Culture
- The community once spoke a dialect from the Bodo group of Tibeto-Burman languages, though over time they adopted Assamese.
- Rich oral traditions and folk practices reflect their cultural identity.
Religion and Faith
- Traditionally, Morans followed the Shakta cult, worshipping the mother goddess at Kechaikhati Than.
- With the teachings of Sri Aniruddha Deva, disciple of Srimanta Sankardeva, they embraced Vaishnavism, particularly the Moamoria sect.
Festivals
- Gasar Talar Bihu (Bihu dance under a tree) remains a vibrant cultural expression.
- Kheri festival is also widely celebrated.
NE-SPARKS PROGRAMME
TOPIC: (GS1) SOCIETY: THE HINDU
The NE-SPARKS (North East Students’ Programme for Awareness, Reach and Knowledge on Space) is a flagship initiative designed to nurture scientific curiosity among the youth of India’s North Eastern Region (NER).
Objectives
- To promote awareness of space science and technology among students of NER.
- To encourage interest in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
- To bridge regional gaps in exposure to advanced research and innovation.
Key Features
- Supported by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) in collaboration with all 8 NE states.
- Provides immersion visits to premier ISRO centres in Bengaluru.
- Each year, 800 meritorious students (100 from each state) are selected.
- Offers first-hand experience of India’s space achievements.
Funding Pattern
- The programme is financed jointly by MDoNER and State Governments in a 60:40 ratio.
FENTANYL AND OPIOID CRISIS
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
The United States has recently imposed visa restrictions on some Indian business leaders over alleged links to fentanyl precursor trafficking, highlighting the growing global concern around synthetic opioids.
About Fentanyl
- A synthetic opioid, developed in laboratories with no natural ingredients.
- Originally created as a prescription drug for managing severe post-surgical or cancer-related pain.
- Used with other medicines during anesthesia to enhance effectiveness.
- Potency: Nearly 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin.
- Medical side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, respiratory depression.
- High addiction potential due to its effect on the central nervous system (CNS).
- Illicit production makes it a cheap but lethal street drug, where just a few grains can be fatal.
What are Opioids?
- Opioids include natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic compounds interacting with opioid receptors in the brain.
- Commonly prescribed for pain relief – e.g., morphine, codeine, tramadol, oxycodone.
- Misuse can lead to dependence, overdose, and death due to severe respiratory depression.
HATHEI CHILLI OF MANIPUR
TOPIC: (GS1) SOCIETY: THE HINDU
The Hathei Chilli, also called Sirarakhong Chilli, is a unique indigenous variety of Manipur. Recently, the 14th Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival was held to celebrate and promote its GI-tagged status.
Origin and Cultivation
- Grown exclusively in Sirarakhong village, around 66 km from Imphal.
- Cultivated under the jhum system on hilly slopes.
- Obtained the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2021, enhancing its recognition and market value.
Distinctive Features
- Known for its bright red colour, unique taste, and characteristic size/shape.
- Possesses a very high ASTA colour value (164), indicating strong extractable colour – making it globally admired.
- High demand both within Manipur and outside the state due to its flavour and colouring ability.
- Cultivation provides a primary source of livelihood for the Tangkhul Naga community of Sirarakhong.
Health Benefits
- Rich in antioxidants, calcium, and Vitamin C.
- Considered beneficial for immunity and overall health.
Geographical Indication (GI) Tag
- Indicates the geographical origin and uniqueness of a product.
- Granted under the GI Act, 1999, by the Geographical Indications Registry (DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry).
PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS REGULATORY BOARD (PNGRB)
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is a statutory body constituted under the PNGRB Act, 2006. Recently, it has sought feedback on an LPG interoperability framework, which would allow households to obtain refills from distributors of different PSU oil companies, similar to mobile number portability.
Objectives
- To safeguard consumer interests in petroleum and natural gas sectors.
- To ensure fair competition among entities in refining, storage, transportation, and marketing.
- To guarantee adequate and uninterrupted supply of petroleum products and natural gas across the country.
Key Functions
- Authorises city gas distribution (CGD) networks and natural gas/petroleum pipelines.
- Regulates tariffs, technical norms, and safety standards.
- Oversees refining, processing, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of petroleum and natural gas (excluding crude oil and natural gas production).
Structure and Jurisdiction
- Headquarters: New Delhi.
- Composition: 1 Chairperson, 3 Members, and 1 Member (Legal).
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
- Jurisdiction to adjudicate disputes among entities, or between entities and consumers, unless arbitration is chosen.
Powers
- Can receive complaints and conduct inquiries/investigations.
- Can act on violations of retail/marketing service obligations, price display rules, or pipeline access provisions.
- Decisions are binding and enforceable as those of a civil court.
- Possesses powers of review, with appeals directed to the Appellate Tribunal.