State PCS - Madhya Pradesh (MP PCS)

• 13 Dec 2025

MP Plans Clean Simhastha to Earn Carbon Credits

Why in News?

The Madhya Pradesh government is developing a first-of-its-kind sustainability plan for Simhastha Kumbh 2028 in Ujjain, aiming to make it environmentally responsible and eligible for carbon credits.

Key Points

• Massive Footfall: Nearly 30 crore pilgrims are expected, with systems being designed to reduce environmental impact and improve hygiene and safety.
• Cleaner Ghats: Devotees will experience cleaner ghats with minimal waste, complete plastic recycling, and improved overall sanitation.
• River Rejuvenation: The Kshipra River will be cleaner, ensuring safer and better-quality water for ritual bathing during the pilgrimage.
• Carbon Credit Focus: The Simhastha administration is reviewing proposals on carbon accounting, waste-to-resource systems, plastic recycling technologies, and river purification to earn carbon credits.
• Global Standards: Authorities aim to integrate scientific and sustainable practices aligned with global benchmarks into the core planning of the 2028 Simhastha.
• Indore Model: The initiative builds on Indore’s success in earning carbon credits through bio-methanisation, bio-CNG, and waste-to-energy projects, generating significant revenue.
• Waste Management Challenge: Managing waste from 30 crore visitors remains the biggest challenge, with proposals for 100% plastic segregation and recycling.
• Water & Energy Measures: Plans include reusing treated water for agriculture and industry, reducing carbon emissions from infrastructure, transport, waste, and energy sectors.
• Phased Implementation: Proposals will be assessed and implemented in phases ahead of Simhastha Kumbh 2028 to ensure a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable event.

Simhastha Kumbh

• The Simhastha Kumbh Mela is a Hindu religious festival held every 12 years in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India.
• The festival is called “Simhastha” because it is celebrated when Jupiter (Brihaspati) enters the Leo constellation (Simha Rashi).
• This specific astrological alignment determines the timing of the Ujjain Kumbh, distinguishing it from Kumbh Melas at other locations

Birth Anniversary of Pranab Mukherjee

Why in News? 

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu paid floral tributes to Pranab Mukherjee, the former President of India, on his birth anniversary on 11th December 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. 

Key Points 

• Early Life: Born on 11th December 1935, in Mirati, West Bengal, he was the son of freedom fighters and was inspired by his father's contribution to India’s independence. 
• Education & Career: He earned degrees in History, Political Science, and Law from the University of Kolkata, and initially worked as a college teacher and journalist before entering politics in 1969. 
• Political Experience: He served in various high-ranking positions, including Foreign, Defence, Commerce, and Finance Minister, and was elected to both Houses of Parliament multiple times. 
• Key Contributions: He played a pivotal role in policy decisions related to administrative reforms, food security, energy security, UIDAI, Metro Rail, and more during his tenure from 2004 to 2012. 
• Diplomatic Role: He represented India at international forums such as the IMF, the World Bank, the UN General Assembly, and the Commonwealth Finance Ministers’ Conferences, among others. 
• Presidency: He became the 13th President of India on 25th July 2012, after a distinguished political career spanning over five decades. 
• Awards: He received numerous accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan in 2008, the Best Parliamentarian Award in 1997, and honorary doctorates from several international universities. 
• Publications & Recognition: A prolific author, he wrote extensively on the Indian economy and nation-building and was recognised as one of the world’s best finance ministers in 1984 and 2010.

India Bags Historic Junior Hockey Bronze

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated India’s Men’s Junior Hockey Team for winning the bronze medal at the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025.

Key Points

• Historic Achievement: India won its first-ever bronze medal at the Junior World Cup and its first medal in the tournament since the gold medal in 2016.
• Bronze Medal Match: India produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Argentina 4–2 after trailing 0–2 in the bronze medal match.
• Tournament Final: Germany won its eighth Junior World Cup title by defeating Spain 3–2 in a shootout after a 1–1 draw in regulation time.
• National Inspiration: Prime Minister Modi said the team’s spirited performance would inspire countless young players across the country.