• 29 May 2025

Polavaram Project

Why in News?

The Prime Minister is going to chair a meeting with chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh to discuss the Polavaram project.

Key Points 

• Polavaram Irrigation Project: 
  • Polavaram Project is located in Andhra Pradesh on the river Godavari, near Polavaram village. 
  • It is a multi-purpose irrigation project as the project once completed will provide irrigation benefits and will generate Hydroelectric Power. 
    • In addition, this project will also supply drinking water. 
  • It will facilitate an inter-basin transfer to the Krishna river basin through its Right canal. 
  • It will also provide indirect benefits such as the development of Pisciculture (breeding and rearing of fish), tourism and urbanisation. 
  • The Project has been accorded national project status by the union government in 2014 (under Section 90 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014). 
• Background & Related Issues:  
  • Despite multiple rounds of high-level deliberations, states have failed to resolve the inter-state disputes over the Polavaram project. 
  • Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana have filed petitions in the Supreme Court challenging aspects of the project such as regulatory compliance issues, impact on tribal communities, etc. 
  • Andhra Pradesh proposed constructing a retaining wall to protect villages facing submergence. 
  • However, Odisha and Chhattisgarh raised objections regarding land acquisition and inadequate rehabilitation measures. 

Godavari River 

• The Godavari is the largest Peninsular river system. It is also called the Dakshin Ganga. 
• Source: Godavari River rises from Trimbakeshwar near Nasik in Maharashtra and flows for a length of about 1465 km before outfalling into the Bay of Bengal. 
• Drainage Basin: The Godavari basin extends over the states of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha in addition to smaller parts in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and the Union territory of Puducherry. 
• Tributaries: Pravara, Purna, Manjra, Penganga, Wardha, Wainganga, Pranhita (combined flow of Wainganga, Penganga, Wardha), Indravati, Maner and the Sabri. 
• Cultural Significance: Kumbh Mela also takes place on the banks of the Godavari River in Nashik. 
• Godavari River Dispute: Godavari river water sharing is a bone of contention among Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Karnataka. 
• Important Projects on Godavari: 
  • Polavaram Irrigation Project 
  • Kaleshwaram 
  • Sadarmatt Anicut across river Godavari is one of the two irrigation projects in the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) Register of Heritage Irrigation Structures. 
  • Inchampalli: The Inchampalli project is proposed on the Godavari River about 12 km downstream of the confluence of Indravati with the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh. 
    • It is a joint project among the States of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. 
  • Sriram Sagar Project (SRSP): The Sriram Sagar Project is a multipurpose project, located across the Godavari River near Pochampad of Nizamabad District in Telangana. 

Uttar Pradesh Abolishes District-wise Quota under NFSA

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to scrap the district-wise quota system for beneficiary allocation under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 to ensure more equitable coverage of eligible families, especially in backward and underserved districts. 

Key Points 

• Current Scenario in the State:  
  • The Central government determines the food grain allocation for each state under the NFSA based on a fixed population coverage of 64.46% in rural areas and 78.54% in urban areas. 
• Policy Change: 
  • Removal of District-wise Quota: 
    • Uttar Pradesh traditionally followed an additional district-wise cap, allocating beneficiaries per district.  
    • This resulted in a disproportionate distribution that favored relatively prosperous districts such as Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar, leaving poorer districts often unable to accommodate all eligible families. 
  • Introduction of State-wide Allocation: 
    • The new system will use state-wide population data and eligibility norms to allocate benefits. 
    • This is expected to ensure that distribution aligns more closely with the eligibility criteria set forth in the Act, rather than being constrained by arbitrary administrative limits. 
• Impact on Beneficiary Coverage: 
  • As part of the redistribution process, 5,000 new beneficiaries have been added in each of the districts of Sitapur, Barabanki, and Lalitpur. 
  • These additions were made by reallocating the corresponding number of beneficiaries from Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. 
  • In the Bundelkhand region, the NFSA coverage is being increased to 90%. 
  • In several deserving districts in eastern Uttar Pradesh, the coverage is being raised to 85%. 
• Administrative Performance: 
  • According to the April report from the Integrated Grievance Redressal System (IGRS) portal, the Department of Food and Civil Supplies ranked fourth in resolving public complaints. 
    • It was ranked just behind the Khadi and Village Industries, Cooperative Department, and Excise Department. 
  • Departments that ranked among the bottom four include Industries and Infrastructure Development, Housing and Urban Planning, Environment and Climate Change, and Women Welfare. 

National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013  

• About NFSA:  
  • It was enacted on 5th July 2013, with the aim of ensuring food and nutritional security in India.  
  • It marked a shift from a welfare-based approach to a rights-based approach by legally entitling a significant portion of the population to receive subsidized food grains. 
• Objectives: 
  • The Act aims to provide access to adequate quantities of quality food at affordable prices to people to live a life with dignity. 
  • It seeks to ensure that food security is a legal right for eligible individuals. 
  • It also promotes women empowerment by designating the eldest woman (aged 18 years or above) as the head of the household for ration card purposes. 
• Coverage and Entitlements: 
  • The NFSA legally entitled up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population to receive food grains at subsidized rates.  
    • This covers approximately 81.34 crore individuals across India. 
• Categories of Beneficiaries: 
  • Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households, considered the poorest of the poor, are entitled to 35 kilograms of food grains per family per month. 
  • Priority households are entitled to receive 5 kilograms of food grains per person per month. 
• Prices for Food Grains: 
  • The Act specifies subsidized prices for food grains: 
    • Rice is provided at ₹3 per kilogram. 
    • Wheat is provided at ₹2 per kilogram. 
    • Coarse grains are provided at ₹1 per kilogram. 
  • These prices were initially set for three years from the date of implementation but have been extended periodically by the central government. 
• Responsibilities Under NFSA: 
  • Central Government: 
    • The central government is responsible for allocating food grains to States and Union Territories. 
    • It manages the transportation of food grains to designated depots and provides financial assistance for further distribution. 
    • It also holds the power to make rules for the implementation of the Act under Section 39. 
  • State and Union Territory Governments: 
    • State/UT governments are responsible for identifying eligible households, issuing ration cards, and distributing food grains through Fair Price Shops (FPS). 
    • They must also monitor the FPS network, issue licenses, and establish grievance redressal systems. 
• Additional Provisions: 
  • In case of non-supply of entitled food grains or meals, beneficiaries are entitled to a Food Security Allowance, which must be provided by the state government. 
  • A "Tide Over Allocation" is available to protect states whose NFSA allocation is lower than their previous TPDS allocation. 
  • The central government has notified several rules under the Act, including: 
    • Food Security Allowance Rules, 2015 
    • Cash Transfer of Food Subsidy Rules, 2015 
    • Assistance to State Governments Rules, 2015

Oran Lands Classified as Forests

Why in News? 

The Rajasthan government has initiated the process of classifying the community-protected ‘Oran’ lands as forests. Following this, these sacred groves will be officially notified as “community reserves” under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Key Points 

• About Oran Lands: 
  • ‘Orans’ are sacred forest patches in Rajasthan, traditionally protected and managed by rural communities. 
  • These groves are dedicated to local deities as part of a deep-rooted socio-religious tradition. 
  • Rajasthan is home to nearly 25,000 Oran sites, collectively covering over 6 lakh hectares across the desert landscape. 
    • In Rajasthan, orans are also called– deora, malvan, deorai, rakhat bani, deo ghats, mandir van and baugh. 
  • Orans also hosts a significant number of Khejri trees (Prosopis spicigera), deer, blackbuck and nilgai which are also sacred to the Bishnoi community of Rajasthan. 
    • These communities living in these oran lands have historically played a pivotal role in protecting these forests from being cut down. 
  • These lands support grazing, provide forest produce, aid natural water filtration, and sustain livelihoods through livestock economy. 
• Related Supreme Court Judgement: 
  • In a landmark judgment delivered on 18 December 2024, the Supreme Court directed the State government to conduct a detailed mapping of the Oran lands. 
  • SC directed the State to implement the 2005 recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) for classifying ‘Orans’ as forests. 
  • However, the Rajasthan Forest Policy, 2023 classified ‘Orans’ as general community lands, a status considered inadequate for legal protection, leaving them vulnerable to encroachment and ecological degradation. 
    • The SC’s ruling addresses these gaps by strengthening legal safeguards through formal forest classification. 

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 

• The Wild Life (Protection) Act, of 1972 provides a legal framework for the protection of various species of wild animals and plants, management of their habitats, regulation, and control of trade in wild animals, plants, and products made from them. 
• The act also lists schedules of plants and animals that are afforded varying degrees of protection and monitoring by the government. 

Central Empowered Committee (CEC) 

• About: 
  • The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) was originally constituted by the Supreme Court in 2002 and later reconstituted in 2008. 
  • It functioned as an ad hoc watchdog body to monitor environmental conservation and compliance with court directives and environmental laws. 
• Recent Reform:  
  • As per a 2023 notification by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the CEC is proposed to be converted into a permanent statutory body. 
  • This move aims to give the CEC institutional continuity and legal authority to handle key environmental issues on a long-term basis.

Padma Awardees From Bihar 2025

Why in News? 

President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Awards 2025 to 139 distinguished individuals at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Among them, seven personalities from Bihar were honored with Padma Awards in 2025. 

Key Points 

Padma Awardees from Bihar 

Name	Award	Field	Description
Dr. Sharda Sinha	Padma Vibhushan (Posthumous)	Art	She was affectionately known as the “Bihar Kokila”.   She gained national acclaim for her Chhath songs, which became deeply associated with the spiritual and cultural aspects of the Chhath festival.
Sushil Kumar Modi	Padma Bhushan (Posthumous)	Public Affairs	He was a former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and was posthumously conferred the award for his distinguished service in public affairs.
Kishore Kunal	Padma Shri (Posthumous)	Civil Service	Kishore Kunal was a former IPS officer and served as the Chairman of the Mahavir Mandir Trust.   He was recognized for his contributions to religious and charitable service.
Bhim Singh Bhavesh	Padma Shri	Social Work	He is a journalist who worked extensively with the Musahar community, a marginalized group in Bihar, to help children gain access to formal education.
Hemant Kumar	Padma Shri	Medicine	He has been instrumental in both treatment and preventive education around kidney diseases, helping raise awareness and improve patient outcomes.
Nirmala Devi	Padma Shri	Art	She is an artist and was conferred the Padma Shri in recognition of her work in the field of folk and traditional art (Sujni embroidery).   Sujni is a traditional folk textile art from Bihar, known for storytelling through stitches.
Vijay Nityanand Surishwar Ji Maharaj	Padma Shri	Others – Spiritualism	He was recognized with the Padma Shri for his contribution to spiritual education and practice in Bihar.

Padma Awards 

• The Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honors in India, instituted in 1954. 
• They are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day and presented by the President of India. 
• The awards are given in three categories: 
  • Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service) 
  • Padma Bhushan (for distinguished service of a high order) 
  • Padma Shri (for distinguished service in any field) 
• Eligibility and Fields: 
  • All individuals, regardless of race, occupation, or gender, are eligible. 
  • Government servants (except doctors and scientists) are not eligible. 
  • Fields include: 
    • Art (music, cinema, painting, etc.) 
    • Social Work and Public Affairs 
    • Science & Engineering, Medicine, Literature & Education 
    • Civil Service, Trade & Industry, Sports 
    • Other categories like human rights, environmental protection, and promotion of Indian culture. 
• Selection and Nomination: 
  • Nominations are open to the public and self-nomination is allowed. 
  • The Padma Awards Committee, formed annually by the Prime Minister, evaluates all nominations. 
  • The committee is headed by the Cabinet Secretary and includes the Home Secretary, Secretary to the President, and 4–6 eminent persons. 
• Award Presentation and Rules: 
  • Awards are typically presented in March/April each year. 
  • Each recipient receives a certificate (Sanad) and a medallion; a replica can be worn during official events. 
  • The names of awardees are published in the Gazette of India. 
  • The award is not a title and cannot be used as a prefix or suffix. 
  • Normally, a maximum of 120 awards are given per year (excluding posthumous, NRI/foreigners/OCIs). 
  • Awards are rarely given posthumously, but exceptions are made for highly deserving cases. 
  • A minimum gap of five years is required between two Padma awards for the same individual, unless exceptionally justified. 

Uttarakhand Boosts Cultural Heritage and Development

Why in News? 

Uttarakhand Chief Minister recently inaugurated the ‘Ahilya Smriti Marathon – Ek Virasat, Ek Sankalp’ and also inaugurated the ‘Pratham’ Gaja Ghantakarna Mahotsav-2025, emphasizing the state's rich cultural heritage while linking it with ongoing developmental initiatives. 

Key Points 

• Ahilya Smriti Marathon: 
  • The marathon was held in Dehradun as part of a heritage-themed program. 
  • The theme of the event, Ek Virasat – Ek Sankalp (One Heritage, One Resolution), is aimed at creating public awareness about health, unity, and cultural pride in Uttarakhand. 
  • The initiative was designed to promote health awareness, social harmony, and cultural pride among participants. 
• Gaja Ghantakarna Mahotsav-2025: 
  • Location and Religious Significance: 
    • The festival was organized in Gaja, Tehri district. 
    • It is centered around the Gaja Ghantakarna Temple, which is considered a significant mythological site in Uttarakhand. 
    • The temple is traditionally visited as the second parikrama site after the pilgrimage to Badrinath Dham. 
    • The temple offers panoramic views from Haridwar to the Himalayan ranges, making it an ideal site for spiritual and eco-tourism. 
  • Cultural Contribution: 
    • The Mahotsav was initiated to revive and promote the region’s rich cultural and religious heritage. 
    • It aimed to enhance cultural tourism and community participation through traditional activities and celebrations. 
    • Events like this play a vital role in sustaining intangible heritage and fostering a sense of identity in local communities. 
• Aligning with the Vision of a Developed India: 
  • The efforts are linked to the broader vision of a developed Uttarakhand and India by 2047, aligning with PM's Amritkaal vision. 
  • The development of villages, panchayats, districts, and the entire state is vital for realizing India’s aspiration to become a global leader economically and culturally. 
    • The government is actively working on infrastructure and social development projects including the Polytechnic Institute in Gaja, Henvalghati pumping drinking water scheme, etc.  
    • Promotion of the local economy through initiatives such as One District One Product (ODOP) showcases the government’s focus on self-reliance and skill development among women through self-help groups. 

One District One Product (ODOP) 

• The ODOP initiative aims to promote balanced regional development by identifying and promoting one unique product from each of the 761 districts in India. 
• A total of 1,102 products have been selected, focusing on leveraging local strengths, including Geographical Indication (GI) - tagged items and those under the Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) initiative. 
  • The GI tag products from Uttarakhand include Red Rice, Almora Lakhori Chilli, Berinag Tea, Ramnagar (Nainital) Litchi, Ramgarh Aadu, Basmati Rice, etc. 
• The selection is made by States and Union Territories, and coordinated with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). 

Ker Sangri Received GI Tag

Why in News? 

Ker Sangri, Rajasthan’s famous dish, has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, officially recognising it as a unique regional product prepared using traditional methods.

 

Key Points 

• Ker Sangri: 
  • About:  
    • Ker Sangri is a traditional Rajasthani dish made using two indigenous desert plants: 
      • Ker – a small, wild berry. 
      • Sangri – a bean that grows on the Khejri tree, native to arid regions. 
    • These ingredients grow naturally in the dry, sandy terrain of the Thar Desert. 
    • Historically, Ker Sangri emerged as a survival food during droughts, when fresh vegetables were unavailable. 
      • Over time, it evolved into a beloved delicacy and cultural symbol of Rajasthan. 
    • The Khejri tree, which yields the Sangri bean, holds deep cultural and ecological significance. 
    • It is considered sacred by the Bishnoi community, which has preserved the tree for centuries as a symbol of life and sustainability. 
  • Importance of GI Tag for Ker Sangri: 
    • Prevents counterfeit or inferior versions from diluting its authenticity. 
    • Supports local farmers and artisans by ensuring they receive fair recognition and compensation. 
• Other GI-Tagged Products of Rajasthan: 
  • Rajasthan boasts several GI-tagged products, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship. These include: 
    • Sojat Mehndi, Bikaneri Bhujia, Kota Doria, Blue Pottery of Jaipur, Molela Clay Work, Kathputlis of Rajasthan, Sanganeri Hand Block Printing, Bagru Hand Block Print, Thewa Art Work, Pokaran Pottery, Nathdwara Pichhwai Painting, Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft, Bikaner Kashidakari Craft, Jodhpur Bandhej Craft, Bikaner Usta Kala Craft, Makrana Marble. 

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag  

• About: 
  • A GI tag is a name or sign used on certain products that correspond to a specific geographical location or origin.  
    • The GI tag ensures that only authorised users or those residing in the geographical territory are allowed to use the popular product name.  
      • It also protects the product from being copied or imitated by others.  
  • A registered GI is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.  
  • GI registration is overseen by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 
• Legal Framework:  
  • Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999  
  • WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).