State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 15 Dec 2025

Microforest Inaugurated Under Special Campaign 5.0

Why in News?

Shri Sanjay Kumar inaugurated a microforest (Fruit Orchard and Pollinator Park) under Special Campaign 5.0 at PM SHRI Navodaya Vidyalaya, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, on 14th December 2025.

Key Points

• Transformation: Over 3,200 sq. metres of barren land were converted into an ecological learning space under Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE, with participation of senior officials, educators, students and Say Trees representatives.
• Education: Emphasising National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Shri Sanjay Kumar highlighted experiential, joyful and nature-connected learning to nurture well-rounded, mentally sound and value-driven students.
• EcoClubs: Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE, operational in over 9.23 lakh schools, promote hands-on environmental learning aligned with the seven Mission LiFE themes, fostering environmental consciousness.
• Stewardship: Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) leadership urged students to take responsibility for nurturing fruit-bearing trees and green spaces, supporting sustainable living, ecological balance and holistic development.
• Campaign: Under Special Campaign 5.0, over 6.16 lakh swachhata drives were conducted; an e-waste campaign engaged 1 lakh+ students, collected 4,000 kg e-waste, and reused 100 kg for an awareness mural at Shastri Bhavan.
• Sustainability: The microforest includes 500+ fruit trees and 350+ pollinator plants, enhances biodiversity and microclimate, is supported by Say Trees, aligns with SDG 4 & 13, and will be scaled nationwide across schools.

Mission LiFE 

• The Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) is a global initiative launched by India in October 2022 aimed at fostering sustainable lifestyles through mindful and deliberate consumption to protect the environment. 
• The initiative focuses on seven core themes: saving water, conserving energy, reducing waste, managing e-waste, eliminating single-use plastics, promoting sustainable food systems, and adopting healthy lifestyles.

Raj Kumar Goyal Sworn in as CIC

Why in News?

Former Indian Administrative Service officer Raj Kumar Goyal was sworn in as Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of the Central Information Commission by President Droupadi Murmu.

• The appointment filled the CIC post that had remained vacant since September 2025, after the previous CIC, Heeralal Samariya, demitted office.

Key Points

• About: Raj Kumar Goyal was a 1990-batch Indian Administrative Service officer, originally of the Jammu and Kashmir cadre, later part of the Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre after Jammu and Kashmir became a Union Territory in 2019.
• He retired in August 2025 as Secretary, Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice.
• During his career, Goyal also served in the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs.
• Appointment of ICs: At present, Anandi Ramalingam and Vinod Kumar Tiwari are Information Commissioners(ICs), while Jaya Verma Sinha, Swagat Das, Sanjeev Kumar Jindal, Surendra Singh Meena and Khushwant Singh Sethi have been recommended for appointment as Information Commissioners.

Central Information Commission

• Establishment: It was established under the RTI Act, 2005, as a statutory body (not a constitutional body). 
• Composition: The Central Information Commission shall consist of the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and such number of Central Information Commissioners not exceeding 10 as may be deemed necessary. 
• Appointment: Members are appointed by the President of India based on the recommendations of a committee comprising: 
  • The Prime Minister (Chairperson). 
  • The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. 
  • A Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister. 
• Eligibility and Exemption: Eminent individuals with experience in law, science, technology, social service, management, journalism, or governance. 
  • Must not be MPs, MLAs, or hold any office of profit. 
  • No political affiliations, business, or professional engagements. 
  • They are not eligible for reappointment. 
• Powers of the CIC: Summoning witnesses, inspecting documents, requisitioning public records, and issuing summons for examination. 
• Functions: Its primary role is to ensure the effective implementation of the RTI Act, 2005 and uphold citizens’ right to information. 
  • It deals with cases involving offices, financial institutions, public sector undertakings, and other entities under the Central Government and Union Territories.