• 11 Jul 2025

Jaguar Aircraft

Why in News? 

During a routine training mission, a Jaguar trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed in Rajasthan's Churu district.

Key Points 

• Jaguar Aircraft:  
  • Background: 
    • Jaguar is a British-French fighter aircraft that was originally deployed in the British Royal Air Force and the French Air Force.  
    • The Jaguar jets were inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1979. 
    • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) started producing licensed variants in 1981 and continued till 2008. 
    • India has inducted over 160 Jaguars in various configurations: 
      • Jaguar IS (single-seat strike fighter) 
      • Jaguar IB (two-seat trainer) 
      • Jaguar IM (naval variant) 
  • Combat History and Global Operators: 
    • The Jaguar has seen active deployment in Mauritania, Chad, Iraq, Bosnia, Pakistan, and more recently, during India’s Operation Sindoor. 
    • It served as a nuclear delivery platform for the UK, France, and India. 
    • Over the years, countries such as France, the UK, Oman, Ecuador, Nigeria, and India operated the aircraft. 
• Similar IAF Crashes:  
  • Between November 2024 and April 2025, the IAF reported four aircraft crashes during training missions across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Gujarat. 
  • Technical malfunctions led to the crashes of MiG-29, Mirage 2000, and Jaguar jets. 
• Growing Concerns Over Aircraft Safety: 
  • The recent string of IAF crashes indicates recurring technical issues in operational aircraft. 
  • Many of the crashes involved older platforms like the MiG-29 and Jaguar, raising concerns over fleet modernisation and maintenance protocols. 
  • The IAF has launched inquiries in each case, but the frequency of such incidents points to the need for deeper systemic evaluation.

Special Voter Roll Revision in Bihar

Why in News? 

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for November 2025.  

Key Points 

• Constitutional Mandate: 
  • Article 324 of the Indian Constitution entrusts the ECI with the superintendence, direction, and control over the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections to Parliament and State Legislatures. 
  • Article 326 guarantees the right to vote to every citizen of India who is not less than 18 years of age. 
• Legal Framework under the Representation of the People Act, 1950: 
  • Section 16 disqualifies non-citizens from being enrolled in the electoral rolls. 
  • Section 19 mandates that a person must be at least 18 years old on the qualifying date and be an ordinary resident of the constituency. 
  • Section 20 defines “ordinarily resident,” clarifying that mere property ownership in a constituency does not qualify one as a resident.  
    • However, a person who is temporarily absent from their place of residence is still considered ordinarily resident. 
  • Section 21 empowers the ECI to carry out a special revision of electoral rolls at any time, for reasons recorded in writing. 
• Reasons for Initiating SIR: 
  • The ECI has observed significant changes in the electoral rolls over the past two decades due to widespread urbanisation and internal migration. 
  • Concerns over duplicate and ineligible voter entries have prompted ECI to launch a nationwide SIR, starting with Bihar.  
  • Bihar last underwent an SIR in 2003 and has been prioritized by the ECI for the exercise ahead of the November 2025 Assembly elections. 
  • The qualifying date for the current revision has been set as 1st July 2025. 
• Revised Procedure for SIR: 
  • Voters enrolled before 2003 need only submit an extract of the 2003 roll. 
  • Voters enrolled after 2003 must submit additional documents proving their own and their parents’ date and place of birth. 
• Supreme Court’s Observations and Directives: 
  • The Supreme Court observed that the ECI’s list of 11 acceptable documents for voter verification is not exhaustive. 
  • The Court advised the ECI to consider Aadhaar cards, Elector’s Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) and Ration cards as proof for voter registration in the ongoing SIR. 
• Jurisdictional Authority of the ECI: 
  • The ECI lacks the constitutional or statutory authority to determine questions of citizenship. 
  • The power to determine citizenship rests with the Ministry of Home Affairs. 
  • The Supreme Court’s judgment in Lal Babu Hussein v. Electoral Registration Officer (1995) held that individuals already listed in the electoral roll cannot be asked to re-prove their citizenship. 
• Challenges associated with SIR: 
  • The SIR guidelines now require additional documentation even where Aadhaar exists, potentially excluding many eligible citizens. 
  • According to the RPA,1950, only those who are "ordinarily resident" should be included in the electoral roll of a constituency. 
    • Migrants can register in their current place of residence if they have moved permanently for work or education. 
  • The SIR places the entire burden of proof on citizens to verify their eligibility. 
  • According to a Bihar government survey 87% of people possess Aadhaar cards, only 14% have matriculation certificates and merely 2% have passports. 
  • The exclusion of Aadhaar from the list of valid documents could disproportionately affect poor and marginalised groups.

Donkey Route and Money Laundering

Why in News? 

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out searches at different locations across Punjab and Haryana in connection with the "donkey route" case involving illegal immigrants, under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

Key Points 

• The Donkey Route:  
  • The "Dunki" or "donkey" route has existed for decades, known for its perilous and illegal migration paths. 
  • It refers to the long-winding, often dangerous routes that people across the world take to reach the places they want to immigrate to. These journeys are undertaken due to a lack of requisite legal permits or financial resources. 
  • Rise in Indian Illegal Immigration to the US: 
    • According to Pew Research Center, the number of Indians illegally entering the US rose from 8,027 (in 2018–2019) to 7.25 lakh (in 2022–2023). 
      • India is the only country in the top five sources of immigration to the US outside Latin America. 
    • Since 2011, the undocumented Indian population in the US has grown by 70%. 
    • US Customs and Border Protection data shows the sharpest increase occurred between 2020 and 2023. 
• Money Laundering: 
  • About: 
    • Money laundering is a complex process used by individuals and organisations to conceal the origins of illegally obtained money. It involves making illicit funds appear legitimate through a series of transactions. 
  • Methods of Money Laundering: 
    • Structuring (Smurfing): Breaking up large amounts of cash into smaller, less conspicuous amounts that are then deposited into bank accounts. 
    • Trade-Based Laundering: Using trade transactions to move value across borders and disguise the origins of illicit funds. 
    • Shell Companies: Creating companies with no legitimate business activity to funnel illicit funds through legitimate-looking transactions. 
    • Real Estate: Purchasing real estate with illicit funds and then selling it to convert the value into legitimate assets. 

 

• Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002: 
  • Key Provisions: 
    • Defines money laundering as concealment, possession, acquisition, or use of proceeds from crime, projecting them as legitimate assets. 
    • Empowers the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate offenses, conduct raids, and attach proceeds of crime. 
    • Mandates financial institutions to report suspicious transactions to the Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU-IND) for scrutiny. 
    • Establishes Special Courts to expedite trials of money laundering cases, ensuring legal deterrence. 
    • Includes a wide range of predicate offenses under the Schedule of Offenses, covering economic offenses, corruption, drug trafficking, and terrorism. 
  • Effectiveness: 
    • Stronger deterrence: The PMLA deters financial crimes through strict investigation, prosecution, and asset confiscation in major fraud and economic offenses. 
    • Enhanced international cooperation: India collaborates with Interpol and the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) to track illicit funds. 
    • Better financial monitoring: Banks and financial institutions are obligated to implement Know Your Customer (KYC) norms, reducing money laundering risks. 

MP Government's key Reforms for Agriculture and Rural Development

Why in News? 

In a recent cabinet meeting, the Madhya Pradesh government made several important decisions aimed at bolstering agricultural support, improving rural livelihoods, and fostering environmental conservation.  

• These decisions are set to benefit farmers and local communities across the state.

Key Points 

• Irrigation Tax Relief for Farmers: 
  • The Madhya Pradesh government has decided to waive the penalty on unpaid irrigation water tax for all farmers and expects to write off interest dues worth Rs 84 crore. 
    • The government announced that farmers who pay the principal amount of their outstanding dues by 31st March, 2026, will receive a full waiver on the interest component. 
  • This decision is expected to benefit around 35 lakh farmers across the state. 
• Procurement of Pulses: 
  • The cabinet approved the procurement of summer moong and urad crops under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) for rabi marketing years 2023–24 to 2025–26. 
  • It also approved a free government guarantee for procurement beyond target limits for the 2024–25 rabi season. 
  • The Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Marketing Federation (Markfed) will act as the designated procurement agency. 
• Utilisation of CAMPA Funds: 
  • The cabinet approved the utilisation of Rs 1,038 crore out of the total Rs 1,478.38 crore allocated under the Annual Plan of Operation (2025–26) from the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAMPA) for the implementation of forest conservation projects. 
  • This includes activities such as afforestation, river rejuvenation, soil and water conservation, and voluntary relocation of villages from wildlife-protected areas. 
• Expansion of Anganwadi Infrastructure: 
  • The cabinet approved the establishment and operation of new Anganwadi centres under the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 Scheme and the Dharti Aba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan. 
  • The scheme will receive Rs 15.21 crore during 2025–26 to 2028–29, with Rs 9.55 crore funded by the Centre and Rs 5.66 crore by the state government.

Price Support Scheme (PSS) 

• About: 
  • The Government of India is implementing the PSS under the umbrella scheme “PM-AASHA” (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan), launched in 2018. 
  • The scheme covers major crops such as Bajra, Jowar, Maize, Paddy, Cotton, Tur, Moong, Urad, Groundnut, Sesamum, Wheat, Gram, Mustard, and Sugarcane. 
• Role of Central Agencies and MSP: 
  • The Department of Agriculture & Cooperation implements the PSS for oilseeds, pulses, and cotton procurement. 
  • NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation) acts as the central nodal agency for this purpose. 
  • NAFED initiates procurement whenever market prices drop below the Minimum Support Price (MSP) declared by the government. 
  • The procurement continues until prices stabilize at or above the MSP level. 
• Purpose and Impact of the Scheme: 
  • The PSS aims to ensure a stable and remunerative price environment for farmers. 
  • This price assurance plays a crucial role in boosting agricultural production and productivity across the state.  

Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 

• In Financial Year (FY) 2021-22, the Government of India (GoI) restructured the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and POSHAN (Prime Minister's Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment) Abhiyaan into Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 
• The restructured scheme consists of the following sub-schemes: 
  • ICDS 
  • POSHAN Abhiyaan 
  • Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) 
  • National Creche Scheme 

Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) 

• About: 
  • The Government of India has launched DAJGUA, a transformative initiative aimed at ensuring inclusive and sustainable development in tribal regions. 
  • The programme prioritises tribal-majority areas and aspirational blocks for targeted intervention. 
    • The initiative is expected to benefit over 5 crore tribal citizens. 
• Key Focus Areas and Objectives: 
  • The scheme seeks to bridge critical gaps in social infrastructure, healthcare, education, and livelihoods. 
  • It aims to ensure the holistic development of tribal communities through integrated efforts. 

Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR)

Why in News? 

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL), chaired by the Union Environment Minister, has approved the proposal to redraw the boundaries of the Sariska Tiger Reserve’s (STR) Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH), with the Supreme Court's final nod awaited. 

Key Points 

• About the Proposal: 
  • The Supreme Court is suo motu examining several issues related to the STR, including the rationalisation of its boundaries. Its Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has recommended changes to address human disturbances such as village relocations and cattle grazing. 
  • Proposed Changes: The rationalisation will result in the CTH expanding from 881.11 sq km to 924.49 sq km, while the buffer zone will reduce from 245.72 sq km to 203.2 sq km, balancing conservation needs with developmental pressures. 
  • Ecological and Legal Context: CTH is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and must be kept free of human interference. 
    • The re-demarcation may benefit over 50 mining operations shut down due to proximity to Tiger habitat. 
• Sariska Tiger Reserve:  
  • The Sariska Tiger Reserve, located in Rajasthan’s Alwar district within the Aravalli hills, was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and became a tiger reserve in 1978 under Project Tiger.  
  • Known for its rich history, it houses the Kankarwadi Fort, where Aurangzeb imprisoned Dara Shikoh, and the Pandupole Hanuman temple linked to the Pandavas.  
  • The landscape is marked by rocky terrain, grasslands, scrub-thorn forests, and semi-deciduous woodlands.  Vegetation includes dhok, salar, kadaya, ber, gugal, and bamboo.  
  • The reserve supports diverse fauna including Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, sambhar, nilgai, wild boars, and hyenas.  
  • Sariska Tiger Reserve also surrounds sites like Jai Samand Lake and the Siliserh Lake. 

National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) 

• About: NBWL is a statutory body constituted under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (WPA, 1972). It is the apex body on wildlife conservation and development.  
• Composition: The NBWL is a 47-member committee headed by the Prime Minister, who serves as the ex-officio Chairperson, while the Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change serves as the Vice-Chairperson.  
  • Its members include:  
    • Officials involved in wildlife conservation  
    • The Chief of Army Staff, Defence Secretary, and Expenditure Secretary.  
    • Ten eminent conservationists, ecologists, and environmentalists nominated by the central government.  
• Functions: It is mandated to promote conservation and development of wildlife and forest.  
• Role in Tiger Reserves: It ensures that no tiger reserve is diverted to unsustainable use without its approval, with advice from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).