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Biodiversity & Environment

UNFCCC COP 30 in Belém, Brazil

For Prelims: Paris Agreement, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities,  Kyoto Protocol, Nationally Determined Contributions

For Mains: Significance of COP, India’s stance on equity, climate justice and its demands at COP, India’s climate achievements and policies

Source: TH

Why in News? 

The 30th edition of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP30) concluded in Belém, Brazil, with countries formally adopting the Belém Package as the key negotiated outcome.

What are the Key Outcomes of COP30?

  • Belém Package: A comprehensive set of 29 negotiated decisions adopted at COP30, focused on moving from discussion to implementation through stronger finance, just transition measures, adaptation tracking, gender inclusion, and enhanced cooperation to accelerate delivery of the Paris Agreement goals.
  • Global Mutirão Agreement: COP 30 ended with the Global Mutirão Agreement, which prioritises cooperation and implementation rather than new mandatory targets. 
    • The deal is viewed as a compromise between developed and developing countries, focusing on deliverability over ambition.
    • Brazil launched the Global Mutirão Platform, a digital initiative to drive collective climate action and narrow the gap between commitments and implementation, with a focus on accelerating progress in energy, finance, and trade.
  • Just Transition Mechanism: COP30 adopted a new Just Transition Mechanism (JTM), also called the Belém Action Mechanism (BAM), to support capacity-building and cooperation for workers and economies shifting away from fossil fuels, but it does not include new or guaranteed finance.
  • Global Implementation Tracker and the Belem Mission to 1.5°C: Launched at COP 30, both designed to monitor whether national actions and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) align with pathways compatible with limiting warming to 1.5°C. 
    • These mechanisms signal a growing focus on tracking delivery rather than setting new targets.
    • The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Implementation Alliance was launched at COP30 to speed up national adaptation planning. 
      • Countries also agreed to triple adaptation finance by 2030 compared to 2025 levels, but the lack of clarity on who will provide these funds remains a key concern.
  • Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA): Parties also finalised the Baku Adaptation Roadmap and agreed on 59 voluntary indicators to track progress under the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA).
  • Belem Health Action Plan: Announced on COP30's Health Day (13th November 2025), this flagship initiative aims to strengthen global health systems to better respond to climate impacts. 
    • It is built on the principles of health equity, climate justice, and stronger governance with community participation.
  • Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF): Launched by Brazil, TFFF is a payment-for-performance model that rewards countries for preserving tropical forests using satellite-based monitoring. 
    • It aims to mobilise about USD 125 billion, with Brazil contributing the first USD 1 billion.
  • Belém 4x Pledge: This pledge aims to quadruple the use of sustainable fuels by 2035 compared to 2024 levels, with flexibility for national circumstances. 
    • The International Energy Agency (IEA) will monitor progress annually. It focuses on scaling fuels like hydrogen, biofuels, biogas, and e-fuels at affordable costs to support the energy transition, especially in transport and industry. 
  • Belem Declaration on Hunger, Poverty, and People-Centred Climate Action: Signed by 43 countries and the EU, this declaration puts vulnerable communities at the core of climate policy. 
    • It calls for continued mitigation efforts but prioritises adaptation through social protection, crop insurance, and measures that strengthen community resilience.
  • Belém Gender Action Plan (GAP): Adopted at COP 30 aims to strengthen gender-responsive climate action and ensure meaningful participation of women, especially those from vulnerable communities, in climate governance.

How is India Positioning Itself at COP30?

What are the Major Shortcomings from COP30?

  • No Agreement on Fossil Fuel Phase-Out: The final Belém Package avoided committing to a clear roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels.
  • Weak Progress on Climate Finance: Negotiations failed to secure clarity on finance obligations under Article 9.1, and there was no concrete plan to scale funding to the level demanded by developing countries.
  • Delay in NDC Submissions and Ambition Gap: Several major emitters, including India delayed submitting updated NDCs, widening the global emissions gap and weakening momentum.
  • Implementation Gap Remains Unaddressed: While many pledges were announced, concrete timelines, enforcement mechanisms, and accountability systems remain unclear.
  • Just Transition Without Dedicated Funding: The new Just Transition mechanism lacks new or predictable financial support, reducing its ability to help workers and economies adapt.

UNFCCC’s Conference of the Parties (COP)

  • About: COP is the supreme decision-making body of the UNFCCC. Its member countries meet annually to review climate progress, negotiate agreements, and update commitments such as NDCs.
    • The UNFCCC was adopted at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system, and was later strengthened by the Kyoto Protocol (1997) and the Paris Agreement (2015).
    • COP 1 was held in Berlin in 1995, and by COP30, participation has grown to 198 countries, making it one of the largest multilateral platforms under the UN.
    • COP is supported by the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA),
    • COP also serves as the CMP for the Kyoto Protocol and the CMA for the Paris Agreement.
      • Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP) oversees the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol.
      • Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA) oversees the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
  • COP Host: The COP meetings are held by rotation in five UN-designated geographical regions – Africa, Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Caribbean, and Western Europe and Others.
    • Countries volunteer to host, and if multiple candidates emerge, the region selects one by consensus.
    • Türkiye will host COP31. Ethiopia will host COP32 in Addis Ababa in 2027, and India has expressed interest in hosting COP33 in 2028, which would be its second time after COP8 in 2002.
  • Importance of COP for India: COP acts as a key platform for India to strengthen its global climate positioning by showcasing progress on its NDC commitments and pushing for equitable climate action. 
    • It enables India to negotiate for climate finance, especially under mechanisms like the Loss and Damage Fund, which is critical for managing climate risks such as floods and cyclones. 
    • The forum also supports India’s leadership role through alliances like ISA allowing it to represent developing nations’ interests and promote initiatives such as LiFE and the Mangrove Alliance for Climate.

Conclusion

COP30 delivered new initiatives but fell short on core demands like fossil fuel phase-out and scaled-up climate finance, reflecting deep divides between developed and developing countries. India used the platform to push equity, climate justice, and finance as obligations rather than pledges. With major decisions deferred, COP31 will be critical to convert commitments into credible action.

Drishti Mains Question:

Q. Climate finance is not charity but a legal obligation under the Paris Agreement. Discuss India’s stance at COP30 and its implications for climate justice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the UNFCCC COP and why is it important?

COP is the supreme decision-making body of the UNFCCC where 198 Parties meet annually to review climate progress, negotiate agreements, and update commitments such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

2. What is Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement mentioned at COP30?

Article 9.1 legally obligates developed countries to provide climate finance to developing nations for mitigation and adaptation efforts.

3. What was the major unresolved issue at COP30?

COP30 failed to reach consensus on a roadmap for fossil fuel phase-out, despite strong demand from vulnerable and developing countries.*//8

4. What was India’s main demand on climate finance at COP30?

India, with BASIC and LMDC, demanded full implementation of Article 9.1, a clear definition of climate finance, grant-based and scaled-up support, and mobilisation of USD 1.3 trillion as per the Baku-to-Belém Roadmap.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions

Mains

Q. Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (2021)



Economy

Surge in India’s Ultra Processed Food Market

For Prelims: Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs), Diabetes, NFHS 2016 to 2019–21, Gut Microbiome, Economic Survey 2024-25, FSSAI, WHO, World Food Safety Day, Eat Right India   

For Mains: Key aspects of Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs), their direct link to the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in India, and steps needed to curb their impacts.

Source: IE

Why in News?

A series in The Lancet highlights that India is witnessing the fastest growth in sales of Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) globally — from USD0.9 billion in 2006 to nearly USD 38 billion in 2019, a ~40‑fold rise.

What are Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs)?

  • About: UPFs are industrial formulations created for convenience, long shelf life, and mass consumption. They rely heavily on manufactured ingredients, preservatives, and additives rather than whole, natural foods.
    • Common examples include soft drinks, chips, chocolates, ice cream, sweetened breakfast cereals, packaged soups, and various ready-to-heat meals.
  • Reasons for Surge in UPF Consumption: 
    • Aggressive Marketing: Celebrity endorsements, buy-one-get-one-free offers, and sports sponsorships, targeted ads—especially aimed at children— boost consumption.
    • Lifestyle Changes: Fast-paced urban living boosts dependence on quick, convenient, and ready-to-eat options. 
    • Cultural Dietary Shifts: Growing preference for Western-style diets has increased the intake of fast food, sugary snacks, and ready-to-eat meals.
    • Alternative Food Option: Ultra-processed foods are viewed as time-saving alternatives to traditional meal preparation, helping working individuals balance their professional and personal lives more easily.
  • Difference between Processed from UPFs: Processed foods involve minimal changes like washing, cooking, or canning and retain their natural structure, while UPFs contain industrial starches, protein isolates, flavours, additives, and emulsifiers—and the presence of any such additive classifies a product as a UPF.

Food Processing

  • About: It refers to transforming raw agricultural products such as grains, meats, vegetables, and fruits into more valuable and convenient food products while ensuring minimal waste.

  • Types:
    • Minimally Processed: These include fruits, vegetables, milk, fish, pulses, eggs, nuts, and seeds that have no added ingredients and undergo only minimal changes from their natural state.
    • Processed Ingredients: These are items like salt, sugar, and oils that are added to other foods rather than eaten alone.
    • Processed Foods: Made by combining minimally processed and processed ingredients, these are foods that can typically be prepared at home, such as jam, pickles, and cheese.
    • Ultra-Processed Foods: These are industrially manufactured products containing ingredients not typically used in home kitchens.

How is the Surge in UPF Consumption Affecting India?

  • Nutritional Deficiency: UPFs are high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) and contain additives like stabilisers, emulsifiers, colourants, and artificial flavours. They are energy-dense but nutrient-poor, leading to excess calorie intake and poor diet quality.
  • Severe Health Impacts: UPFs are linked to a higher risk of 12 major health issues, including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart, kidney, and gastrointestinal diseases, depressive symptoms, and premature death.
    • The Indian population is genetically predisposed to visceral obesity and metabolic diseases, making the harmful effects of UPFs even more severe.
  • High Risk for Children: Childhood obesity has risen sharply—from 2.1% to 3.4% (NFHS 2016 to 2019–21). Long-term harms include addictive eating behaviours, gut microbiome imbalance, impaired brain development, and early onset of obesity and diabetes.
  • Weak Regulatory Environment: India largely depends on self-regulation, and the absence of mandatory front-of-pack warning labels lets companies hide HFSS content behind marketing claims. The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights the urgent need for stronger regulations.
  • Difficulty in Identifying UPFs: Misleading packaging (e.g., high protein) hides high sugar, salt, and fat. Many also confuse ultra-processed foods with processed foods.

India’s Initiatives to Promote Healthy Food Habits

What Measures can be Taken to Limit the Consumption of UPFs?

  • Implement Strong Regulations and Policies: Implement mandatory front-of-pack warning labels clearly indicating “High in Sugar/Salt/Fats” and enforce strict rules to limit aggressive marketing, especially to children. 
  • Create Healthy Food Environments: Emulate successful models like Brazil’s by ensuring school canteens serve minimally processed foods, while public spaces should limit UPFs and make healthier alternatives more accessible.
  • Nationwide Public Awareness Campaign: Encourage consumers to avoid products with over 10% sugar or fat, avoid those where sodium exceeds 1 mg per kcal, and choose whole foods like milk, nuts, fruits, and vegetables over packaged items.
  • Improve Monitoring and Research: Fund research to measure how much of the Indian diet—especially for children and youth—comes from UPFs, identify the specific products consumed, and understand the reasons behind these choices to support targeted regulation.
  • Global and National Coordination: Align regulations with the upcoming WHO standards on UPFs and involve health authorities, FSSAI, the education sector, industry, and civil society to ensure a coordinated national response.
    • The WHO advises adults and children to keep free sugar intake below 10% of total daily energy, with an extra benefit if reduced to 5% or about 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day.

Conclusion

India's rapid dietary shift towards ultra-processed foods, driven by aggressive marketing and weak regulation, is fueling a public health crisis of obesity and diabetes. An urgent, multi-pronged strategy involving stringent front-of-pack warning labels, marketing restrictions, public awareness, and creating healthy food environments, especially in schools, is imperative to safeguard the nation's health.

Drishti Mains Question:

Q. Examine the role of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in India and suggest policy measures to mitigate the risk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are ultra-processed foods (UPFs)?

UPFs are industrial formulations using manufactured ingredients, additives (emulsifiers, stabilisers, flavours) and long-shelf technologies, designed for convenience—e.g., soft drinks, chips, ready-to-heat meals.

2. How rapidly have UPF sales grown in India?

Retail sales rose from USD 0.9 billion (2006) to ~USD 38 billion (2019)—a 40-fold increase, signalling a fast dietary transition linked to rising obesity.

3. Which health risks are associated with UPF consumption?

UPFs (HFSS) are linked to obesity, Type-2 diabetes, hypertension, heart and kidney diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, depressive symptoms and higher all-cause mortality.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims

Q. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener sold in the market. It consists of amino acids and provides calories like other amino acids. Yet, it is used as a low-calorie sweetening agent in food items. What is the basis of this use? (2011)

(a) Aspartame is as sweet as table sugar, but unlike table sugar, it is not readily oxidized in human body due to lack of requisite enzymes 

(b) When aspartame is used in food processing, the sweet taste remains, but it becomes resistant to oxidation 

(c) Aspartame is as sweet as sugar, but after ingestion into the body, it is converted into metabolites that yield no calories 

(d) Aspartame is several times sweeter than table sugar, hence food items made with small quantities of aspartame yield fewer calories on oxidation 

Ans: (d) 

Mains

Q. What are the challenges and opportunities of the food processing sector in the country? How can the income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing? (2020)



Important Facts For Prelims

Seychelles Joins Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)

Source: TH

Why in News? 

The 7th National Security Adviser (NSA) - level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) was held in New Delhi, where Seychelles was inducted as the 6th full member, marking a significant expansion of the grouping and strengthening its role in safeguarding the Indian Ocean Region.

What are the Key Facts About the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)?

  • About: CSC is a regional security grouping comprising India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles. 
    • It aims to strengthen regional security by addressing transnational threats and challenges shared by member states. 
    • The grouping brings together National Security Advisors (NSAs) and Deputy NSAs for coordinated security cooperation
  • Origin and Evolution: It began in 2011 as the Trilateral Maritime Security Cooperation between India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
    • Activity stalled after 2014 due to India–Maldives tensions and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
    • Revived and rebranded as the CSC in 2020. Membership expanded with Mauritius (2022), Bangladesh (2024) and Seychelles (2025).
  • Objective: Promote regional security by addressing transnational threats and challenges of common concern to the Member States.
  • Pillars of Cooperation: 
    • Maritime safety and security
    • Countering terrorism and radicalisation
    • Combating trafficking and transnational organised crime
    • Cyber security and protection of critical infrastructure
    • Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR)
  • Institutional Structure: It has a permanent secretariat in Colombo, providing continuity and coordination for the grouping.
    • CSC operates through meetings of NSAs and Deputy NSAs of the member countries.
  • Significance for India: The CSC is significant for strengthening India’s strategic influence in the Indian Ocean Region by fostering coordinated maritime security, counter-terrorism cooperation, and cyber resilience among six like-minded coastal states.
    • By institutionalising regular NSA-level dialogue, the CSC reinforces India’s neighbourhood-first and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and contributes to a more stable, secure, and rules-based regional order.

Seychelles

  • Seychelles is a sovereign island nation and archipelagic state of 155 islands, located in the western Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar and off the east coast of mainland Africa.
    • The islands of Seychelles are situated on the Mascarene Plateau, an extensive submarine plateau in the Indian Ocean.
  • It is Africa’s smallest and least populated country. 
  • Capital: Victoria (on Mahé Island).
  • Strategic Importance for India:  It sits along crucial maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean and plays a key role in anti-piracy operations, maritime security, and the Blue Economy.
    •  Seychelles is a vital partner in India’s SAGAR  vision and Indian Ocean diplomacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)?
 CSC is a regional security grouping of Indian Ocean states—India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles—focused on cooperative responses to maritime and transnational security challenges.

2. Why is Seychelles’ membership important for CSC?
 Seychelles’ strategic location and large EEZ strengthen CSC’s western IOR footprint, enhancing maritime surveillance, anti-piracy cooperation and Blue Economy partnerships under India’s SAGAR initiative.

3. What are the five pillars of cooperation under CSC?
 CSC focuses on maritime safety & security, counter-terrorism & radicalisation, combating trafficking & transnational organised crime, cybersecurity & protection of critical infrastructure, and humanitarian assistance & disaster relief (HADR).

4. How does CSC support India’s strategic objectives in the IOR?
 By institutionalising NSA-level dialogue and operational cooperation, CSC reinforces India’s role as a regional security provider, counters external influence, and promotes a rules-based maritime order.



Important Facts For Prelims

Indigenous TnpB-Based Gene Editing Technology

Source: IE

Why in News? 

Indian scientists at ICAR’s Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack, have developed a new indigenous genome-editing technology using TnpB proteins, offering a compact, low-cost and IP-free alternative to the globally patented CRISPR-Cas systems.

  • In another development, CSIR–Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (IGIB) has developed “BIRSA 101”, India’s first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease, marking a major scientific breakthrough.

What is India’s Indigenous TnpB-Based Genome Editing Tool?

  • About: It uses TnpB (Transposon-associated proteins) instead of CRISPR-Cas9 or Cas12a, functioning as a miniature molecular scissor that enables precise Deoxy-Ribonucleic Acid (DNA) cuts and edits in plants. 
    • Because TnpB is extremely small (about 408 amino acids compared with 1,000–1,400 for Cas9 and around 1,300 for Cas12a) it can be delivered into plant cells far more easily, often without the complex tissue-culture steps required for bulkier Cas proteins.
  • Significance: TnpB-Based Genome Editing Tool reduces dependence on foreign CRISPR patents held by global institutions like Broad Institute and Corteva.
    • It enables affordable, commercial genome-edited (GE) crops without paying high licensing fees.
    • It supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in agri-biotechnology and boosts India’s capacity for next-generation GE crops and addresses concerns that GE tools are controlled by foreign multinationals, giving India full technological sovereignty.

What is BIRSA 101?

  • About: BIRSA 101 works as a precise gene-editing therapy that directly corrects the mutation responsible for Sickle Cell Disease.
    • The therapy is named “BIRSA 101” in honour of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the tribal freedom fighter. The name is a symbolic tribute to recognise the high burden of Sickle Cell Disease among India’s tribal communities.
    • BIRSA 101 uses the engineered enFnCas9 (enhanced Francisella novicida Cas9) CRISPR platform developed by IGIB.
  • Significance: It offers a low-cost alternative to global therapies such as Casgevy, priced at USD 2.2 million.
    • The technology transferred to the Serum Institute of India to ensure large-scale, low-cost, and accessible deployment.
    • BIRSA 1010 represents a major step toward the goal of a Sickle Cell–Free India by 2047.
    • It strengthens India’s leadership in Atmanirbhar Bharat, genomic medicine, and affordable advanced therapeutics.

What is Genome Editing?

  • About: Genome editing is a set of techniques like CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats), that allow scientists to precisely cut, alter, or replace specific DNA sequences within an organism’s genome. 
    • It creates targeted mutations in genes already present in the organism, without adding foreign DNA.
  • CRISPR: It is a powerful gene-editing tool. It uses a guide RNA to locate a specific sequence in the genome and directs a Cas enzyme (usually Cas9 or Cas12a) to that spot. 
    • The Cas enzyme acts as a molecular scissor, cutting the DNA at the targeted point after which the cell repairs the break. 
    • Cas9 is widely used for simple cuts, while Cas12a offers higher precision and works with different guide RNA structures.
    • This repair process allows scientists to switch off a gene, fix a mutation, or insert a new DNA sequence with high accuracy.
  • Applications
    • Medicine: Correcting genetic diseases, developing gene therapies (e.g., sickle cell disease).
    • Agriculture: Creating climate-resilient, high-yield, disease-resistant crops.
    • Research: Helps in understanding gene functions and developing new biological tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is India’s indigenous TnpB-based genome-editing tool?

It is a compact, IP-free genome editor developed by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) - Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI) using TnpB proteins, enabling precise DNA edits in plants without costly CRISPR patents.

2. Why is TnpB considered better for plant genome editing?

TnpB is extremely small (408 amino acids), making it easier to deliver into plant cells and reducing the need for complex tissue-culture steps required for Cas9/Cas12a.

3. What is BIRSA 101 and who developed it?

BIRSA 101 is India’s first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease, developed by Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR–IGIB) using the engineered enFnCas9 platform.

4. Why is BIRSA 101 important for India’s tribal communities?

Sickle Cell Disease has a high prevalence among tribal populations, and BIRSA 101 offers a potential one-time curative therapy at low cost.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news? (2019)

(a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing

(b) A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients

(c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant

(d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops

Ans: (a)

Mains

Q. What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society? (2021)



Rapid Fire

350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Teg Bahadur

Source: PIB

The President of India paid tribute to Guru Teg Bahadur on his 350th Martyrdom Day on 24th November.

Guru Teg Bahadur

  • About: He was the 9th Sikh Guru, revered for his teachings, bravery, and martyrdom.
  • Early Life and Lineage: He was born on 21st April, 1621, in Amritsar to the 6th Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, and Mata Nanki. He was originally named Tyag Mal, reflecting his ascetic nature.
  • Education and Martial Training: He received a holistic education, trained in scriptures by the renowned Bhai Gurdas and in martial arts by Baba Budha. 
  • Contributions and Leadership: As Guru, he contributed 116 hymns to the Guru Granth Sahib, travelled extensively to spread Sikh teachings, and founded the town of Chak-Nanki, which later enlarged into the city of Shri Anandpur Sahib.
  • Martyrdom and Legacy: In 1675, he was executed in Delhi on the orders of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for his fearless defence of religious freedom and his stand against forced conversions. 
    • This supreme sacrifice earned him the eternal title of “Hind di Chadar” or "Shield of India."

Read More: Sikhism


Rapid Fire

Womaniya Initiative

Source: PIB

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM), and UN Women have signed an MoU under the Womaniya initiative to boost women entrepreneurs’ participation in public procurement and advancing SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Womaniya Initiative

  • About: Launched in 2019, the Womaniya initiative on GeM supports women entrepreneurship by helping women-led MSEs, SHGs, artisans, and marginalized women sell directly to the government. 
  • Objective: Addresses the triple challenge faced by women entrepreneurs-access to markets, access to finance, and access to value-addition.
    • It also supports the goal of reserving 3% of government procurement for women-owned businesses.
  • Scale & Impact: According to the Udyam Registration Portal, women-owned MSMEs make up 20.5% of all MSMEs, contribute 18.73% to employment, and account for 11.15% of total investment.

GeM

  • About: GeM, launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce, is an online platform that Central and State Government Ministries, Departments, PSUs, and related bodies use to procure goods and services. 

    • It is operated by the GeM Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), a fully government-owned, not-for-profit entity. 

    • It is now adopted in all 36 States and UTs, with Uttar Pradesh leading and eight states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Assam, mandating its use.
  • Objective: It aims to promote transparency, efficiency, and fairness in government procurement, reducing delays and curbing corruption, with independent assessments like the World Bank noting nearly 10% cost savings.
  • Inclusivity: It empowers over 10 lakh MSEs, 1.3 lakh artisans and weavers, 1.84 lakh women entrepreneurs, and 31,000 startups in the GeM ecosystem.
    • Also, GeM has introduced GeMAI, India’s first generative AI-powered public sector chatbot, with voice and text support in 10 Indian languages.
Read More: GeM’s 8th Incorporation Day



Rapid Fire

Asian and Pacific Centre for Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM)

Source: PIB

The 10th Session of the Asian and Pacific Centre for Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM) took place at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, reinforcing India’s leadership in strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience across the Asia-Pacific region.

APDIM

  • The APDIM is a regional institution of the UN ESCAP, headquartered in Tehran, Iran. 
  • Its vision is to ensure that accurate and effective disaster risk information supports sustainable development across Asia and the Pacific. 
  • APDIM functions as a regional knowledge hub, consolidating and sharing disaster-related data, strengthening information systems, and supporting cooperation on transboundary hazards. 
  • Through its 2021–2030 strategic programme, APDIM works to improve risk information systems, enhance data usage capacity, and promote regional collaboration. 
Read more:  Sendai Framework and India's Commitment to DRR



Species in News

Humboldt Penguin

Source: DD

Chile has reclassified the Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) as endangered, reflecting growing concern as the species faces a sharp population decline along its Pacific coastline.

  • Habitat Range: The Humboldt penguin is found along the coastal regions of Peru and Chile, particularly along the Humboldt Current in the Pacific Ocean, with nearly 80% of the global population occurring along Chile’s coastline.
  • Distinct Features: It is recognizable by a white C-shaped band on the head, a black breast band, and a pink fleshy patch around the eyes.
  • Diet: Carnivorous, feeding mainly on anchovies, sardines, herring, and small marine organisms.
  • Behaviour: Nests in burrows, caves, or guano deposits; does not form large chick crèches unlike many penguin species.
  • Conservation Status: Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN and listed under CITES Appendix I. 
    • The population has been severely impacted by El Niño events, commercial fishing pressure, habitat loss, pollution, bird flu, and climate change, all of which disrupt breeding success and reduce food availability.

Read more: Humboldt Penguin



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