• 11 Dec 2025

Birth Anniversary of C. Rajagopalachari

Why in News?

The Prime Minister of India paid tribute to Shri Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (popularly known as Rajaji) on his birth anniversary (10th December), remembering his invaluable contributions to India’s freedom struggle, governance, and social empowerment.

Key Points 

• About: C. Rajagopalachari was born on 10th December 1878 in Salem, Madras Province (now Tamil Nadu). Became a Bachelor of Law in 1899 and began his legal practice in Salem. 
• Politics and Social Reforms: Rajagopalachari was deeply affected by Lord Curzon’s decision to partition Bengal on communal lines and was inspired by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s call for complete independence. 
  • Joined the Indian National Congress (INC) and actively participated in India’s freedom struggle. 
  • In 1917, Rajagopalachari became Chairman of Salem Municipality, focused on the social welfare of backward classes, and in 1925, he established an Ashram in Madras Province for social upliftment. 
    • The Ashram published two magazines, Vimochanam (Tamil) and Prohibition (English). 
• Role in Freedom Struggle: During the anti-Rowlatt agitation, Rajaji hosted Mahatma Gandhi in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. 
  • In 1930, during the Dandi March, Rajagopalachari led the Salt March in Madras Province from Tiruchi to Vedaranyam (also known as Vedaranyam Satyagraha).  
    • His arrest during the Vedaranyam Satyagraha gained him national recognition as a leader in the independence movement. 
  • After the Quit India movement, Rajagopalachari's pamphlet "The Way Out" outlined the C. R. Formula to resolve the constitutional deadlock between the Muslim League and the INC regarding a separate Muslim state. 
• Prime Minister of Madras Province: In 1937, Rajagopalachari became the Prime Minister of Madras Province. 
  • Implemented social and economic reforms, including the promotion of Khadi, the abolition of Zamindari, and the introduction of Hindi in schools. 
  • Focused on raising the standard of living for Dalits and promoting social equity. 
• Post-Independence Contributions: Rajagopalachari was appointed the Governor of West Bengal and later the first Indian Governor-General of Independent India in 1947 (the office was permanently abolished in 1950). 
  • Worked to integrate Muslims into the national mainstream and maintain India’s secular fabric. 
  • Served as Union Home Minister after Sardar Patel's death and played a significant role in key national issues, including the preparation of the First Five-Year Plan. 
  • In 1959, Rajagopalachari founded the Swatantra Party, advocating for a market economy and less government control. 
  • In 1962, Rajaji led a Gandhi Peace Foundation delegation to the US, urging a ban on nuclear tests. 
  • Rajagopalachari wrote a Tamil translation of the Ramayana, titled Chakravarthi Thirumagan, which won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958. 
• Legacy: Shri C. Rajagopalachari was awarded ‘Bharat Ratna’ in 1954. He was the first to receive the highest civilian award.  
  • Rajagopalachari passed away on 25th December 1972. 

Hindustan Zinc to Build 1st Phosphate Plant in North India

Why in News? 

Hindustan Zinc is set to launch a fertiliser plant in Chittorgarh, the first phosphate facility in Rajasthan and North India. 

• Hindustan Zinc is also developing a Zinc International Industrial Park to support small and medium zinc manufacturing industries, providing infrastructure and resources to benefit MSMEs. 

Key Points 

• About: The plant will produce Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (NPK) fertilisers, and Ammonium Phosphate Sulphate, crucial for crop growth. 
• Objective: The facility aims to address the fertiliser shortage in Rajasthan and other regions, reducing dependency on imports and long-distance transportation. 
• Investment: Hindustan Zinc is investing Rs 5,000 crore in the fertiliser plant, which is 80% complete and set to be operational in three months. 
• Production Capacity: The facility will have a combined annual production capacity of one million tonnes, producing essential fertilisers for farming. 
• Regional Impact: The plant will not only serve Chittorgarh but also supply fertilisers to other parts of Rajasthan and neighbouring states. 
• Agricultural Growth: The availability of phosphate fertilisers will help boost crop yields and overall agricultural productivity in the region. 
• Boosting Self-Reliance: The project supports India's Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative by focusing on domestic fertiliser production. 
• Job Creation: The plant will generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities in the region, benefiting the local economy. 

Expenditure Trends in Uttar Pradesh

Why in News? 

The Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation conducted a Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) survey for Uttar Pradesh for the year 2022-23. 

Key Points 

• Top Urban Expenditure: Gautam Buddha Nagar (GB Nagar), home to Noida and Greater Noida, emerged as the biggest spender among urban areas, with an average MPCE of Rs 9,705. 
• Surprise Runner-Up: Gonda, an eastern Uttar Pradesh district located 100 km from Lucknow, finished second with an MPCE of Rs 8,122, surprising other major cities. 
• Other Top Cities: Baghpat, Lucknow, and Muzaffarnagar followed in the rankings with MPCEs of Rs 6,995, Rs 6,622, and Rs 6,081, respectively. 
• Rural Expenditure: In rural areas, Shravasti, one of the state's eight aspirational districts, emerged on top with an MPCE of Rs 4,462, surpassing even the urban expenditure of GB Nagar. 
• Urban-Rural Comparison: While urban populations generally had higher expenditures, districts like Shravasti, Amroha, and Ballia showed higher rural spending than urban areas. 
• Lowest Spending Areas: Ballia had the lowest urban MPCE at Rs 2,581, while its rural population spent Rs 2,753. Sonbhadra had the lowest rural MPCE at Rs 2,357.  
• Regional Differences: Western Uttar Pradesh districts showed higher spending compared to their eastern counterparts, highlighting significant regional economic disparities in the state. 
• Overall Spending: The average monthly spending in urban areas of Uttar Pradesh was Rs 4,418, while in rural areas it was Rs 3,246, with both showing a rising trend, although the overall expenditure remains below the national average.

Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) Survey 

• Survey Year: The survey, conducted for the year 2022-23, focuses on household consumption expenditures in Uttar Pradesh and is released annually. 
• Methodology: Experts used small area estimation methods, specifically the Fay-Herriot model, to analyze data from 75 districts, adjusting for varying economic conditions. 
• Purpose: The modelling technique aimed to neutralize common variables and understand the comparative level of development across districts, helping in efficient planning for both state and national governments. 
• Focus Areas: The survey primarily focused on four key expenditure categories: food items, consumables, durable goods, and demographic particulars. 

UP and IIT-Roorkee Launch Carbon Credit Model

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh government, in collaboration with IIT Roorkee, has launched a carbon credit model to help farmers earn extra income by retaining carbon in their agricultural fields while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

Key Points 

• First in India: This is the first large-scale carbon credit model of its kind in India, with the pilot program set to start in the Saharanpur division and gradually expand statewide. 
• Carbon Credits for Farmers: Farmers will earn carbon credits by planting trees that absorb carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. Each metric tonne of carbon dioxide stored will earn one carbon credit, which is monetized for farmer payments. 
• Revenue Sharing: Once the carbon credits are sold in the market, 50% of the revenue will be directly paid to farmers. The income generated depends on soil quality and the amount of carbon stored. 
• Sustainable Practices: Farmers must adopt sustainable agricultural practices to increase soil carbon content, including using agricultural waste rather than burning it, minimising tillage, and switching to biofertilizers rather than urea, which emits harmful gases. 
• Income and Soil Health: The initiative offers farmers a long-term income stream and aims to restore soil health, reduce farm input costs, and improve water-holding capacity, ultimately enhancing farm productivity and reducing cultivation costs. 
• Scientific Monitoring: IIT Roorkee will scientifically verify the carbon content in soil samples through lab tests and monitor the program using remote sensing. A scientific framework ensures carbon storage is measured, verified, and monetized. 
• Revenue Allocation: Half of the revenue from carbon credit sales will be distributed to farmers, with the other half used for land registration, maintenance, monitoring, and operational processes. 
• Global and Local Impact: The program supports Net Zero commitments, facilitates the sale of high-quality carbon credits to global markets, and benefits rural livelihoods by supporting regenerative agriculture. 
• Long-Term Benefits: Over time, the program is expected to improve soil fertility, water retention, and crop yields, creating new income streams for farmers while contributing to India's climate goals.

Carbon Credits

• Carbon credits, or carbon offsets, refer to carbon emissions reductions or removals, measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e).    
• The concept of carbon credit, introduced in the Kyoto Protocol, 1997 and reinforced by the Paris Agreement, 2015, aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through carbon trading.    
• Each carbon credit permits the emission of one tonne of CO₂ or its equivalent.    
• These credits are generated by projects that absorb or reduce carbon emissions and are certified by international bodies like the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and the Gold Standard. 

Sujalam Bharat App

Why in News? 

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched the Sujalam Bharat App, a key digital initiative under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), aimed at efficient management of rural drinking water supply systems. 

Key Points 

• About: The Sujal Gaon ID(digital identity) will provide a clear digital profile for every habitation, detailing its drinking water source, infrastructure condition, supply reliability, water quality, and operational & maintenance arrangements. 
• Objective: This platform will enhance transparency in the performance of Gram Panchayats, Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), and service providers, encouraging community participation and oversight. 
• Developer: It has been developed with the support of Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N). 
• Integration: It is integrated with PM Gati Shakti GIS for precise geospatial mapping of water networks, asset inventory, water quality data, and community feedback. 
• Significance: The app is envisioned as the “Aadhaar for rural water systems,” forming the backbone of a transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric water delivery ecosystem.

India’s First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vessel

Why in News? 

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel in Varanasi, marking a milestone in the country’s transition to sustainable inland water transport. 

• Key Points 
• Technological Milestone: The vessel's launch reflects India’s growing technological capabilities and commitment to clean energy, positioning the country alongside nations like China, Japan, and Norway in adopting hydrogen-powered vessels. 
• Sustainable Energy: Hydrogen-powered vessels are a step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, offering clean, sustainable energy with near-zero emissions, though full-scale commercial adoption is still under research. 
• Varanasi’s Role: The launch at Namo Ghat places Varanasi at the forefront of India’s green waterways initiative, enhancing both the transportation experience for visitors and pilgrims and contributing to environmental sustainability. 
• PM Modi's Vision: The hydrogen vessel initiative is part of India's broader strategy under Prime Minister Modi's leadership to modernize inland waterways, prioritize clean transport, and enhance connectivity and public convenience. 
• Maritime India Vision 2030: The project aligns with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which emphasize greener transport, smart infrastructure, and alternative fuels on inland waterways. 
• Economic Impact: The hydrogen vessel and associated projects aim to boost India’s economic potential by strengthening sustainable infrastructure, reducing logistics costs, and fostering green transport solutions. 
• Other Development Projects: Over Rs 300 crore has been invested in Uttar Pradesh’s waterway development, with plans to launch schemes worth Rs 2,200 crore in the coming years, including the modern navigation corridor from Haldia to Varanasi.