State PCS - Jharkhand (JPSC)

• 10 Nov 2025

India Joins Tropical Forests Fund as Observer

Why in News?

India has joined the Brazil-led Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF) as an observer, reaffirming its commitment to multilateral climate action under the Paris Agreement, which marks its 10th anniversary this year.

Key Points

• About Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF):
  • It was launched by Brazil in November 2025 at COP30 in Belém, Brazil to reward countries for conserving and restoring tropical forests through financial incentives.
  • It seeks to mobilise USD 125 billion via public and private investment, distributing returns to nations based on measurable success in forest protection and expansion.
  • The initiative aims to build a results-based global finance model for forest conservation and climate resilience, strengthening the role of tropical nations in the global climate agenda.
• COP30 Climate Change Conference:
• COP30, the 30th session of the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties, is being held in Belém, Brazil, from 10th to 21st November, 2025.
• It marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement (2015–2025) and focuses on implementing commitments made under it.
• The agenda is to review progress on Paris goals, push for updated and ambitious NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions), and ensure greater financing and technology transfer for climate adaptation and mitigation.
• Six Pillars of Action
  • Mitigation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Adaptation: Building resilience to climate impacts.
  • Finance: Mobilising public and private climate funds.
  • Technology: Innovation and clean tech transfer.
  • Capacity-Building: Empowering local actors and systems.
  • Means of Implementation: IIntegrating all efforts into practical, on-ground change.

India’s Climate Progress

• India achieved a 36% reduction in emission intensity between 2005 and 2020, surpassing its initial NDC goals.
• It has installed over 200 GW of renewable energy capacity, ranking third globally, with non-fossil fuel sources exceeding 50% of total power capacity.
• India’s forest and tree cover now spans 25.17% of its area, creating an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent between 2005 and 2021.
• Globally, India leads key green initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA) with France (2015), and domestic efforts like the National Hydrogen Mission and Biofuel Programme, advancing its clean energy transition.

National Legal Services Day 2025

Why in News?

9th November is observed as National Legal Services Day, marking the enforcement of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, which came into effect in 1995 to ensure free and fair access to justice for all citizens, especially the underprivileged.

Key Points

• National Legal Services Day: 
  • It is celebrated annually on 9 November, established by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
  • It is celebrated to promote awareness of citizens’ legal rights, ensure access to justice for all, and uphold the principle of justice for the weaker sections of society.
• Legal Services Framework:
  • Established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, the structure includes:
    • NALSA (National Legal Services Authority) – headed by the Chief Justice of India.
    • SLSAs (State Legal Services Authorities) – headed by Chief Justices of High Courts.
    • DLSAs (District Legal Services Authorities) – headed by District Judges.
  • Provides free legal representation, counselling, and aid to the economically and socially weaker sections.
  • Funding is shared through the National, State, and District Legal Aid Funds.
• To strengthen dispute resolution and access mechanisms, several complementary institutions and schemes such as Lok Adalats, Legal Aid Defence Counsel System (LADCS), Fast Track and Special Courts, and Grassroots Justice Initiatives like Gram Nyayalayas and Nari Adalats operate under this framework.

National Urban Conclave 2025

Why in News?

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal inaugurated the National Urban Conclave 2025 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi to accelerate India’s urban transformation.

• The two-day conclave, themed “Sustainable Urban Development and Governance”, aims  to deliberate on urban innovation, investment, and governance. 

Key Initiatives Launched

• Mission-Mode Dumpsite Remediation (DRAP):

  • DRAP is a year-long national initiative to fast-track the clearance of legacy waste dumpsites and reclaim valuable urban land by September 2026.

  • It focus on 214 high-impact landfill sites across 202 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) containing 8.8 crore tonnes (80%) of India’s legacy waste.

  • Its Implementation follows the 5P framework- Political leadership, Public finance, Public advocacy, Project management, and Partnerships.

  • DRAP also includes real-time monitoring through a dedicated national portal for progress tracking and transparency.
• Urban Invest Window (UiWIN):

  • UiWIN, anchored by HUDCO, is a one-stop investment facilitation platform for urban infrastructure.

  • It aims to attract private and multilateral funding (e.g., World Bank, ADB) for long-term, concessional financing of projects in waste management, mobility, water, sewerage, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

• Swachh Bharat Mission – Knowledge Management Unit (KMU): A dedicated knowledge and capacity-building platform hosted by NIUA to strengthen institutional learning under SBM-Urban.

• AMRUT Anthem “Jal Hi Janani”: Promotes water conservation awareness under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).

Exercise Malabar 2025

Why in News? 

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri has reached Guam, Northern Pacific, to participate in the multilateral naval exercise Malabar 2025.

Key Points

• Exercise Malabar:
  • It is a multilateral naval drill involving India, the United States, Japan, and Australia under the QUAD framework.
  • Aims to enhance joint maritime coordination, interoperability, and operational readiness in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Participation of INS Sahyadri reflects India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat push and naval self-reliance.
  • 2025 Venue-Guam: The choice of Guam underlines India’s growing engagement in the Pacific and alignment with Quad’s strategic goals.
    • Guam is an unincorporated U.S. territory in the Western Pacific Ocean, located between the Philippines and Hawaii.
    • It hosts key American military bases such as Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam, making it a strategic hub for Indo-Pacific security operations.
      

 

• INS Sahyadri:
  • It is a Shivalik-class (Project 17) guided missile stealth frigate, commissioned in 2012 as part of India’s first stealth frigate series.
  • Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, it was designed for multi-role operations including anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.