Author: karthik

Draft Registration Bill 2025 Syllabus :GS2/Governance Why in News: The Ministry of Rural Development has invited suggestions on the Draft Registration Bill 2025.It aims to replace the 117-year-old Registration Act of 1908 with a digital, citizen-centric framework.   Key Features: Online and offline registration allowed with Aadhaar or alternate identification.Expanded list of compulsory registration documents, including sale agreements and company mergers. New administrative roles created, including Additional and Assistant Inspector Generals of Registration. Registrations made on false grounds can be cancelled, with a 30-day window for appeal. Penalties reduced, with imprisonment lowered from seven to three years and applicable fines.   Challenges: Cybersecurity concerns, especially for protecting e-signatures and digital records.Delegation to Common Services Centres may cause procedural issues in title transfer and stamp duty valuation.   Related Initiatives: Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP): Digitizing and integrating land records since 2016. SVAMITVA Scheme: Drone-based mapping of rural properties to provide official Record of Rights. NAKSHA Programme: Modernizing urban land records using geographic information systems and digital tools. With reference to the Draft Registration Bill, 2025, consider the following statements: The Bill empowers the Inspector General to cancel registrations obtained through fraud or misrepresentation. The Bill removes the requirement for physical appearance for all categories of registration documents. Aadhaar is the only accepted identity for registration under the Bill. The Bill introduces roles such as Additional and Assistant Inspector Generals to support decentralised functioning. Which of the statements are correct? A. 1 and 4 onlyB. 1, 2 and 3 onlyC. 2 and 3 onlyD. 1, 3 and 4 only Answer: A. 1 and 4 onlyExplanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: Both online and offline modes are permitted; physical appearance is not eliminated completely. Statement 3 is incorrect: Alternative identification documents are allowed in addition to Aadhaar. Statement 4 is correct. Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) with Insect-Based Livestock Feed Syllabus: GS2/ Health Amid escalating concerns over the overuse of antibiotics in animal husbandry, India is exploring insect-based feed alternatives to mitigate the risk of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is leading collaborative efforts to promote AMR-resilient, sustainable food systems.   What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)? AMR arises when microorganisms—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—develop resistance to antimicrobial drugs. This renders standard treatments ineffective, leading to persistent infections, increased disease transmission, and higher mortality. Current Toll: ~700,000 deaths annually Projected Impact by 2050: 10 million deaths per year, with a potential global GDP loss of 8%     How Does Livestock Feed Contribute to AMR? Over 50% of antibiotics globally are used in animal agriculture, often for growth promotion rather than disease treatment. Continuous exposure fosters the development of Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) in animal gut microbes. These ARGs can transfer to humans via food chains, soil, water, and direct contact, amplifying public health risks.   Insect-Based Feed: A Sustainable Alternative Curbing AMR Insects naturally produce Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) like defensins and cecropins, enhancing livestock immunity and reducing antibiotic dependency. Nutritional Superiority Insects offer high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and micronutrients such as zinc, iron, and calcium. They mimic the natural diet of many poultry and aquaculture species. Economic and Environmental Viability Lower production costs and better benefit-to-cost ratios than conventional feeds like fishmeal or soy. Reduces dependence on imported protein feed, fostering local agri-tech innovation and circular economy models.   Global Efforts Against AMR Global Action Plan (GAP), 2015: A “One Health” framework integrating human, animal, and environmental health. World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW): Promotes awareness and stewardship globally. GLASS (2015): WHO’s surveillance initiative for antimicrobial use and resistance data. GARDP: WHO-DNDi collaboration for R&D in antibiotic development, especially for neglected diseases.   India’s Initiatives on AMR NAP-AMR: India’s multi-sectoral plan based on the “One Health” approach. AMR Surveillance Network (ICMR): Tracks resistance trends and supports evidence-based policy. Red Line Campaign: Mandatory red marking on prescription-only antibiotics to prevent OTC misuse. NAC-NET (NCDC): Monitors antibiotic consumption trends in public health facilities. Operation AMRITH (Kerala): State-level intervention to restrict indiscriminate antibiotic use.   Conclusion AMR poses an immediate and escalating threat to human health, agriculture, and global development. Innovations such as insect-based livestock feed offer a transformative pathway to address AMR, enhance food security, and build resilient, low-impact food systems. Urgent and sustained action—grounded in science, policy, and public awareness—is essential to combat this global crisis. With reference to the use of insects in livestock feed, consider the following statements: Insects possess antimicrobial peptides that can functionally replace antibiotics in livestock diets. Insect-based feeds are banned under the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines due to zoonotic risks. The economic viability of insect-based feed is supported by its high feed conversion efficiency and localized production models. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 onlyB. 1 and 3 onlyC. 2 and 3 onlyD. 1, 2 and 3 Answer:BExplanation: Statement 2 is incorrect — WOAH does not ban insect-based feed; it is being increasingly accepted as a sustainable option. Statements 1 and 3 are correct. How Will Foreign Universities Impact Higher Education in India? Syllabus: GS2/ Education   Context The University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified the “Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India Regulations, 2023”, enabling renowned global universities to establish campuses in India. This aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes the internationalisation of higher education.       Background Prestigious foreign institutions are now setting up branches in locations such as GIFT City (Gujarat) and Navi Mumbai. Successful models like NYU Abu Dhabi and Yale-NUS in Singapore have shown the importance of academic autonomy, strong local partnerships, and robust state support.   Why Are Foreign Universities Entering India? Push Factors in the West Demographic Decline: Ageing populations in developed countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada have led to falling domestic student enrolments. Financial Stress: Declining public funding has compelled universities to depend on high-paying international students. Policy Restrictions: Stricter student visa norms and