February 2025
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Terrorism and Challenges Related To It

[10th February 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Keeping a watch on the growing arc of violence

PYQ Relevance:

Q. The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding? (2017)

Q. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. (2015)

Mentor’s Comment:   UPSC mains have always focused on grave challenge to national security (2017), and ‘pursuit of a permanent seat in the UN Security Council ’ (2015)

Wars are raging, global institutions are failing, and terrorism is evolving in new, digital, and decentralized forms. While conflicts like the Ukraine war and Gaza crisis dominate headlines, subterranean threats such as radicalization and lone-wolf terrorism are quietly reshaping global security risks.

Today’s editorial highlights why the world is in a volatile state, how extremist groups are adapting, and why counterterrorism efforts must evolve to meet these new challenges. This content will help in GS paper 2 (Security issues).

Why in the News?

The world is going through an unpredictable phase, with wars, conflicts, and terrorism on the rise. The post-1945 global order has collapsed, and international institutions like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) are failing to prevent violence. At the same time, terrorism is evolving, using digital tools and decentralized networks to survive and grow.

Why is the Present Period Unpredictable?

  • Wars in Europe and West Asia:
    • The Ukraine war continues with no clear end in sight.
    • The Gaza conflict and tensions in Lebanon have led to large-scale civilian casualties.
  • Failure of Global Institutions:
    • The UNSC and ICJ have become powerless observers, unable to stop wars.
    • The principles of international law are now ignored by major powers.
  • Moral and Political Decline:
    • Nations are acting in self-interest, with no common moral framework.
    • Peace efforts are temporary and do not address the root causes of conflicts.

What are the Recent Subterranean Activities?

  • False Sense of Stability in West Asia:
    • Some believe that Israeli military actions have weakened Iran’s regional influence.
    • However, underground resistance movements are growing, keeping tensions high.
  • Resurgence of Islamist Extremism:
    • Jihadist groups are reorganizing, using online radicalization.
    • “Lone wolf” attacks are increasing, making them harder to predict.
  • Digital Radicalization:
    • Terrorist groups are recruiting and training people online.
    • Social media and encrypted messaging apps are used to spread extremist ideologies.

How Terrorism is Witnessing a Revival?

  • Terrorism is Adapting:
    • Since 1979, terrorist networks have evolved.
    • Al-Qaeda and ISIS have used both military and digital strategies to stay active.
    • Now, terrorism is shifting towards smaller, more frequent attacks.
  • Al-Qaeda and ISIS Regrouping:
    • Al-Qaeda is training militants in Afghanistan, under Taliban rule.
    • ISIS-Khorasan (ISKP) is expanding its operations beyond Afghanistan and Pakistan.
    • Attacks have been reported in Moscow, Türkiye, and Iran.
  • More Small-Scale Attacks:
    • Instead of large bombings, modern terrorism relies on:
      • Lone-wolf attacks (one person acting alone).
      • Vehicle attacks, knives, or simple explosives.
      • AI-driven propaganda to recruit supporters.
  • Recent Terror Attacks in the U.S.:
    • Las Vegas Cyber Truck Explosion: A Tesla exploded outside a hotel where President-elect Donald Trump was staying.
    • New Orleans Vehicle Attack: A former soldier drove a truck into a crowd, killing 14 people while displaying an ISIS flag.
    • Virginia Terror Plot: Authorities foiled a planned attack in early 2025.
  • Warnings for the Future:
    • Experts warn of a new wave of terror attacks using digital tools.
    • Security agencies worldwide are on high alert to prevent further incidents.

Conclusion

A technology-driven and cooperative global approach is essential to counter rising conflicts and terrorism. Nations must strengthen international institutions, use AI for surveillance, and enforce stricter digital regulations to prevent online radicalization. Community engagement and de-radicalization programs can help address extremism at its roots. Stronger border security, cyber-tracking, and intelligence-sharing will be key to preventing future attacks. As threats become more decentralized and digital, proactive measures and global collaboration are the only paths to lasting peace.

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Foreign Policy Watch: India-United States

Indian Immigrants Deported from US

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Mains level: Illegal Immigration;

Why in the News?

A U.S. Air Force C-17 plane landed at Amritsar’s Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport on February 5, 2025, carrying around 100 Indian nationals. These individuals were suspected of trying to enter the U.S. illegally.

What are the Hotspots states of Illegal Immigration in India?

  • Gujarat: North Gujarat, including the districts of Mehsana, Gandhinagar, Patan, and Banaskantha, is a major hotspot. Specific illegal immigration hotspots within these districts include Dingucha, Khalva, Nardipur, and Limdivas in Kalol taluka of Gandhinagar district; Vijapur, Andudar, Tundali, Bhadol, and Dhanali in Mehsana district; and Sola Science City Road and Bhadaj in Ahmedabad city.
  • Punjab: Punjab is also a significant hotspot for illegal immigration.
  • Haryana: Haryana is another state identified as a hotspot.

Andhra Pradesh tops the list of agents engaged in illegal manpower migration overseas. As of Oct 30, 2023, a total of 2925 such agents have been identified.

What are the most common methods used? 

  • Forged Documents: Agents create fake passports, visas, and other documents to facilitate illegal migration. This includes fake departure/arrival stamps, work permits, and educational or corporate papers.
  • “Donkey Routes”: Agents organize travel through multiple countries to exploit visa loopholes and enable illegal border crossings into the desired destination. This often involves routing individuals through countries with visa-on-arrival options for Indian nationals.
  • Exploiting Loopholes: Agents exploit student visas and family immigration categories, as well as sham marriages and adoptions, to facilitate illegal immigration.

What are the Reasons for Illegal Migration?

  • Economic Factors: Poverty, lack of economic opportunities, and the desire for a better standard of living push individuals to seek opportunities in other countries. The promise of opportunities, like the “American Dream,” attracts migrants.
  • Political and Religious Persecution: Individuals flee their home countries due to political and religious persecution, seeking refuge in other nations.
  • Overpopulation and Natural Disasters: Overpopulation leading to a crisis of living space and natural disasters can force people to migrate for survival and better living conditions.
  • Existing Social Networks: Established social networks attract more migrants from similar communities, often resulting in migration through illegal routes when other options are unavailable.
  • Violence and Instability: Violence, exacerbated by gangs and the drug trade, and gender-based violence, such as honour crimes or forced marriage, drive individuals to seek safety elsewhere.

What are the consequences of such Migration?

  • Clashes and Political Instability: Illegal migration can lead to clashes between locals and migrants due to competition over scarce resources, economic opportunities, and cultural dominance, resulting in political instability.
  • Economic Exploitation: Undocumented migrants are vulnerable to economic exploitation, often facing informal, temporary, or unprotected jobs and even forced labour due to a lack of legal safeguards. Illegal immigration can also increase the labour supply, impacting the wages and employment of some domestic workers.
  • Strain on Resources and Infrastructure: The influx of undocumented settlers can strain public services like healthcare, education, and transportation, while unregulated settlements may emerge with hazardous living conditions. A massive influx of immigrants can lead to increased consumption, creating crises as authorities struggle to maintain living conditions and provide housing and services.
  • Increased Crime and Security Concerns: Illegal migrants may engage in illegal and anti-national activities, such as fraudulently acquiring identity cards, participating in trans-border smuggling, and other crimes, undermining the rule of law. Organized criminal groups may also be involved in smuggling migrants across borders.
  • Violation of Human Rights: Illegal migrants are vulnerable to inhumane conditions and criminal offences like assault, rape, or extortion during their journeys or in destination regions2. They also face the risk of detention and deportation and may be mistreated during detention, such as having poor living conditions.
  • Social Tensions: Large-scale illegal migration can distort existing demographics and pose a threat to existing socio-cultural identity, potentially leading to xenophobic, ultranationalist, and racial manifestations.

Way forward: 

  • Strengthening Border and Immigration Controls – Enhance surveillance, biometric tracking, and cooperation with international agencies to curb illegal entry and human smuggling networks.
  • Regulating Migration Pathways – Streamline legal migration channels, enforce stricter penalties on fraudulent agents, and promote awareness campaigns to educate potential migrants on legal and safe alternatives.

Mains PYQ:

Q How does illegal transborder migration pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the strategies to curb this, bringing out the factors which give impetus to such migration. (UPSC IAS/2014)

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Railway Reforms

What does the Budget offer Railways?

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Mains level: Infrastructure; Railways;

Why in the News?

The Railway Budget was once a major event before the Union Budget. Since merging with the general Budget in 2017, Indian Railways has lost prominence, with no mention in the July 2024 or February 2025 Budgets.

What specific safety measures are planned for the Railways?

  • Enhanced Safety Budget – ₹1,16,514 crore allocated for safety-related initiatives, including infrastructure upgrades and accident prevention.
  • Kavach Train Protection System – No new expansion beyond the initial 1,465 km; implementation delays remain a concern.
  • Grade Separation & Track Upgrades – Elimination of level crossings, doubling of railway lines, and gauge conversion to reduce congestion and accidents.
  • Modern Signaling & Electrification – Upgrading signaling systems and achieving 95% electrification to improve train control and safety.
  • Station & Train Modernization – Redevelopment of key stations and introduction of new Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains with better safety features.

Which states will benefit the most from the railway budget allocations?

  • Uttar Pradesh – Major railway station redevelopments (e.g., Ayodhya, Varanasi), new Vande Bharat trains, and increased connectivity through high-speed rail projects.
  • Maharashtra – Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (Bullet Train), Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, and urban railway modernization projects.
  • Gujarat – High investment in freight corridors, bullet train project, and Amrit Bharat station redevelopment.
  • West Bengal – Expansion of railway network, doubling of tracks, electrification, and modernization of key stations like Howrah and Sealdah.
  • Tamil Nadu – Focus on gauge conversion, station redevelopment (e.g., Chennai), and enhanced connectivity with new semi-high-speed trains.
  • Bihar & Jharkhand – Increased railway line expansion and connectivity improvements, particularly for freight movement and passenger services.
  • Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh – Dedicated freight corridor benefits, track doubling, and station upgrades for better passenger services.

How will the new Amrit Bharat trains improve connectivity?

  • Infrastructure Development & New Tracks: Expansion of railway lines to extend connectivity to new areas to ensure broader access to transportation. Example: Increased track laying to enhance regional rail access.
  • Modernization of Stations: Upgrading stations to improve passenger experience and integrate different modes of transport. Example: Redevelopment projects enhancing station facilities and efficiency.
  • Expansion of Rail Network to Underserved Areas: The introduction of Amrit Bharat trains will improve connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities, bridging gaps in regional transportation. Example: Faster and more frequent services to cities like Hubli, Gorakhpur, and Siliguri.
  • Faster Travel Between Major Economic Hubs: These trains will operate at semi-high speeds, reducing travel time between key business and industrial centers. Example: Quicker connectivity between Mumbai–Surat and Bengaluru–Hyderabad, supporting trade and commerce.
  • Boost to Religious & Tourism Circuits: The new trains will enhance access to religious and tourist destinations, promoting cultural and economic growth. Example: Improved rail access to Ayodhya, Varanasi, Puri, and Rameswaram for pilgrimage travelers.
  • Better Regional Connectivity in the Northeast & Border Areas: Amrit Bharat trains will strengthen rail links in remote and border regions, enhancing security and development. Example: Enhanced rail connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Mizoram to integrate them with the national rail network.

What are the challenges? 

  • Underwhelming Returns on Investment: Despite a ₹13 lakh crore investment in modernization and freight traffic is growing at just over 2%, failing to match India’s economic growth.
    • Passenger revenue is increasing, but ridership remains below pre-COVID levels, limiting overall gains.
  • Slow Implementation & Execution: Major projects like the New Delhi station redevelopment have been delayed for nearly a decade due to repeated re-tendering.
    • Safety initiatives like Kavach have seen no expansion beyond the initial 1,465 km rollout near Secunderabad.
  • Financial and Sustainability Concerns: Expenses are exceeding earnings, raising doubts about maintaining new infrastructure under the EPC model.
    • The aggressive electrification push has left 5,000 diesel locomotives worth ₹30,000 crore idle or underutilized, questioning cost-effectiveness.

Way forward: 

  • Prioritize Efficient Implementation & Safety Expansion – Expedite key infrastructure projects, expand Kavach beyond the initial 1,465 km, and streamline bureaucratic approvals to prevent further delays.
  • Enhance Financial Sustainability & Asset Utilization – Optimize freight revenue growth, repurpose idle diesel locomotives strategically, and adopt a phased electrification approach to balance costs and efficiency.

Mains PYQ:

Q Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects? Examine the role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India. (UPSC IAS/2022)

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Government Budgets

How has the Budget allocated funds for urban development?

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Mains level: Infrastructure related to urban;

Why in the News?

The 2025 Budget has set up a ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund to help cities grow and develop.

What was the allocation for urban India?

  • Increased Allocation but Underutilization: The Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry received ₹96,777 crore for FY 2025-26, a 17% increase from the previous year. However, the Revised Estimate for 2024-25 stood at ₹63,669.93 crore, indicating significant underutilization of funds.
  • Urban Challenge Fund and PMAY Focus: A ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund has been proposed for city redevelopment and water & sanitation projects, with ₹10,000 crore allocated for FY 2025-26. Additionally, ₹78,126 crore has been allocated to both rural and urban PMAY for housing development.
  • Support for Urban Workers and Street Vendors: The government aims to uplift urban workers through PM SVANidhi, which has benefited 68 lakh street vendors. The scheme will be revamped with enhanced bank loans, UPI-linked credit cards (₹30,000 limit), and capacity-building support to reduce reliance on informal sector loans.

How has the reduction happened?

  • Decline in Direct Transfers to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): With the abolition of octroi and the implementation of GST, ULBs lost a key revenue source, expecting compensation through central devolution. However, the central share for ULBs declined from ₹26,653 crore (last year) to ₹26,158 crore in 2025-26, increasing financial pressure on local bodies.
  • Cuts in Key Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS):
    • PMAY (Urban) faced a drastic cut, with its allocation reduced from ₹30,170.61 crore to ₹13,670 crore in the Revised Estimate (RE) for 2024-25.
    • AMRUT and Smart Cities Mission allocations fell below ₹10,400 crore, with almost no new funds for the Smart Cities Mission.
    • Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) retained ₹5,000 crore, but RE shows only ₹2,159 crore was spent—a 56% underutilization.
  • Shift in Priorities Toward Capital-Intensive Metro Projects: While many urban development schemes saw cuts, metro rail projects received increased funding.
    • Metro projects’ allocation rose from ₹21,335.98 crore to ₹24,691.47 crore in RE (2024-25) and is further proposed to increase by 46% to ₹31,239.28 crore in 2025-26.
    • This shift prioritizes large infrastructure over comprehensive urban mobility, employment generation, and local governance funding.

Does the Union Budget focus on capital-intensive projects? 

  • Priority to Large Infrastructure Projects: The budget significantly increases funding for metro rail projects (₹31,239.28 crore, up 46%), while allocations for urban schemes like PMAY (Urban), AMRUT, and Smart Cities Mission have been reduced or underutilized.
  • Reliance on Private Investment for Urban Development: The ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund requires 50% private sector participation, which may slow implementation, shifting focus from government-driven urban welfare programs to capital-intensive projects.

What next?

  • Urban Challenge Fund Implementation Risks: The government has introduced a ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund, but 50% of the funding is expected from private investments.
    • Given the limited private sector participation in past urban initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission, relying on private funding could slow implementation.
  • Balancing Infrastructure with Livability and Sustainability: The budget favors metro expansion but lacks a broader focus on comprehensive urban mobility, employment generation, and sustainable urban planning.
    • Future policies must integrate green jobs, affordable housing, and local governance empowerment to create more inclusive cities.
  • Strengthening Financial Autonomy for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): The decline in direct transfers and devolution post-GST has weakened ULB finances, forcing cities to raise taxes or cut essential services.
    • Strengthening municipal revenue sources, revising property tax frameworks, and ensuring timely fund disbursal can help cities plan better for growth.

Conclusion: Need to Strengthen municipal revenue sources through property tax reforms, land monetization, and timely fund transfers, reducing dependency on central allocations. The government should ensure equitable investment in metro expansion, affordable housing, sanitation, and employment generation, fostering livable, sustainable, and inclusive urban growth.

Mains PYQ:

Q What are ‘Smart Cities’? examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission. (UPSC IAS/2018)

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Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

SEBI proposed Retail Algo Trading Framework

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Algo Trading

Why in the News?

Initially exclusive to institutional investors, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) now has proposed to allow retail participation in Algorithmic trading (algo trading) to ensure market stability and allow retail participation.

What is Algo Trading?

  • Algo Trading, or Algorithmic Trading, is the process of using computer programs and pre-defined rules to execute financial market trades at high speed and efficiency.
  • It eliminates human intervention and emotions, allowing trades based on mathematical models, historical data, and market conditions.
  • How Does Algo Trading Work?
    • It follows pre-coded algorithms to identify trading opportunities and execute orders.
    • It uses technical indicators, price movements, volume, and other data to determine trade entry and exit points.
    • The system can scan multiple markets simultaneously and execute trades in milliseconds.
    • High-Frequency Trading (HFT) is a subset of algo trading that involves executing thousands of trades per second.
    • It reduces market impact, transaction costs, and slippage compared to manual trading.

Key Highlights of Regulatory Framework:

  • Broker Responsibility: Only registered brokers can offer algo trading services to retail investors. Direct retail algo trading without broker approval is not permitted.
  • Market Surveillance: Exchanges must monitor algorithmic trades to prevent market manipulation and excessive order placement.
  • Latency and Co-location Rules: SEBI has set rules to ensure fair access to low-latency trading infrastructure and avoid unfair advantages.
  • Risk Management: Traders must maintain adequate margins, and there are circuit breakers to prevent excessive market volatility.
  • Pre-Approval for Strategies: Algo trading strategies must be tested and approved before deployment to minimize market disruption.
  • Algo vs. Non-Algo Identification: SEBI mandates separate tagging of algo trades for better transparency and oversight.
  • Ban on Self-Trading: Algorithms must not execute self-trades to manipulate market prices.

PYQ:

[2019] Which of the following is issued by registered foreign portfolio investors to overseas investors who want to be part of the Indian stock market without registering themselves directly?

(a) Certificate of Deposit

(b) Commercial Paper

(c) Promissory Note

(d) Participatory Note

 

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Article 200 of the Indian Constitution

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Article 200

Why in the News?

The Supreme Court has criticized Tamil Nadu Governor for creating an “impasse” by withholding assent to state bills and later referring them to the President, questioning his handling of state bills under Article 200 of the Constitution. The Governor has withheld 12 Bills, primarily concerning higher education and the appointment of Vice-Chancellors in State universities.

Judicial Precursor: Rameshwar Prasad Case (2005)

  • Article 361 provides immunity to Governors from court proceedings for actions taken in their official capacity.
  • However, in Rameshwar Prasad & Ors. vs Union of India & Anr., the Supreme Court ruled that:
    • Immunity under Article 361 does not prevent judicial review of the Governor’s actions.
    • If a Governor withholds assent with malicious intent, the decision can be deemed unconstitutional.
    • Governors must provide valid reasons for withholding assent, as they cannot act arbitrarily.

What is Article 200?

  • Article 200 governs the Governor’s options when a Bill passed by the State Legislature is presented for approval.
  • It outlines the Governor’s discretionary powers regarding assenting, withholding, returning, or reserving Bills.

Provisions and Features:

  • The Governor has four options when presented with a State Legislature Bill:
  1. Assent to the Bill: The Bill becomes law.
  2. Withhold Assent: The Governor can refuse approval.
  3. Return the Bill: If it is NOT a Money Bill, the Governor can send it back to the State Legislature for reconsideration.
  • Reserve the Bill for the President’s Consideration:  If the Bill-
    • Violates the Constitution or a Central law.
    • Affects national interests or is ultra vires.
    • Opposes the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
    • Concerns compulsory property acquisition under Article 31A.
    • Endangers the position of the State High Court (mandatory reservation).
  • Article 201 deals with Bills reserved for the President’s approval, granting the President the power to:
    • Assent to the Bill or withhold assent.
    • Return the Bill for reconsideration by the State Legislature.
  • Key Constitutional Debates:
    • No time limit exists for the Governor to act, leading to delays and constitutional challenges.
    • Judicial scrutiny has questioned prolonged withholding of assent, as seen in recent Supreme Court cases.

PYQ:

[2014] Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State?

  1. Sending a report to the President of India for imposing the President’s rule
  2. Appointing the Ministers
  3. Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India
  4. Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

 

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Animal Husbandry, Dairy & Fisheries Sector – Pashudhan Sanjivani, E- Pashudhan Haat, etc

Genotype D1.1

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Genotype D1.1

Why in the News?

The US Department of Agriculture has confirmed a new spillover of H5N1 avian flu genotype D1.1 into dairy cattle in the United States.

What is Genotype D1.1?

  • Genotype D1.1 is a strain of the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, primarily found in poultry and wild birds.
  • It is part of the H5 clade 2.3.4.4b, which has been responsible for multiple outbreaks worldwide.
  • It was recently confirmed in dairy herds in Churchill County, Nevada, USA.
  • Symptoms in Cattle: Includes fever, reduced milk production, coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge.
  • Differences from B3.13: Genotype B3.13, the previous dominant H5N1 strain in cattle, caused milder infections in humans, whereas D1.1 has led to more severe cases.

Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) Spillover of H5N1 Virus

  • A spillover event occurs when a virus jumps from its natural host species (wild birds) to other animals or humans.
  • It spreads through wild bird migration routes, carrying the virus across continents.
  • The virus has been detected in unpasteurized milk from infected cows, raising concerns about worker exposure.

Impacts on India

  • Although genotype D1.1 has not been detected in India, the growing spread of H5N1 in cattle and humans abroad raises concerns for public health and livestock industries in India.
  • India is part of major bird migration routes (Central Asian Flyway & East Asian-Australasian Flyway), making it vulnerable to H5N1 spread from infected wild birds.
  • With India being the world’s largest milk producer, a spillover of H5N1 into dairy cattle could severely impact milk production and exports.
  • While human cases remain rare, a mutation allowing human-to-human transmission could lead to a pandemic-like scenario.
  •  India poultry products exports to Middle Eastern and Asian markets; an H5N1 outbreak could lead to bans and economic losses.

PYQ:

[2015] H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases?

(a) AIDS

(b) Bird flu

(c) Dengue

(d) Swine flu

 

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Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

[pib] NITI Aayog launches Swavalambini Initiative

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Swavalambini Initiative

Why in the News?

The NITI Aayog has launched Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

About Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme:

  • It is a program to foster entrepreneurial skills among female students in higher education institutions across Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
  • Aims and Objectives:
    • Empowerment: To inspire and equip young women to become job creators and leaders, thereby contributing to economic development in Northeast India.
    • Skill Development: To provide structured training that covers essential business aspects, enhancing participants’ entrepreneurial competencies.
  • Provisions and Features:
    • Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP): A two-day session introducing 600 female students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.
    • Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP): An intensive 40-hour training for 300 selected participants, covering topics such as financial planning, market access, legal compliance, and business networking.
    • Mentorship: Six months of dedicated mentorship to assist participants in transforming their business ideas into viable enterprises.
    • Faculty Development Programme (FDP): A 5-day training for faculty members to enhance their ability to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs effectively.

PYQ:

[2010] Two of the schemes launched by the Government of India for Women’s development are Swadhar and Swayam Siddha. As regards the difference between them, consider the following statements:

  1. Swayam Siddha is meant for those in difficult circumstances such as women survivors of natural disasters or terrorism, women prisoners released from jails, mentally challenged women etc., whereas Swadhar is meant for holistic empowerment of women through Self Help Groups.
  2. Swayam Siddha is implemented through Local Self-Government bodies or reputed Voluntary Organizations whereas Swadhar is implemented through the ICDS units set up in the states.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

 

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