Category: Daily Current Affairs & Editorials

Revised National Action Plan on Glanders Syllabus: GS2/Health Context: The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has issued a revised National Action Plan to combat the spread of Glanders, a highly infectious zoonotic disease.   About Glanders Causative Agent: Bacterium Burkholderia mallei. Primary Hosts: Equines – horses, donkeys, and mules. Transmission: Spread among animals through direct contact or contaminated feed/water. Carnivores can be infected by consuming contaminated meat. Zoonotic: Can infect humans, leading to nasal, pulmonary, or septicemic forms of the disease.   Global Status: Eradicated in North America, Australia, and Europe. Sporadic occurrences still reported in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. Legal Framework: Classified as a notifiable disease under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals (PCICDA) Act, 2009.   Significance of Revised Action Plan Aims at strengthening surveillance, early detection, diagnosis, quarantine, and biosecurity measures. Critical for protecting the livelihoods of equine-dependent communities (transport, tourism, rural economy). Supports India’s compliance with OIE/WOAH international reporting standards on animal diseases. Consider the following statements with reference to Glanders disease: It is caused by a Gram-negative bacterium that primarily infects equines. It has been eradicated in Asia but still occurs in parts of Europe and North America. It is a zoonotic disease and is notifiable under Indian law. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 onlyB) 1 and 3 onlyC) 2 and 3 onlyD) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: B) 1 and 3 only Explanation: Burkholderia mallei is a Gram-negative bacterium affecting horses, donkeys, and mules . Statement 2 is incorrect → It has been eradicated in Europe & North America, but sporadically persists in Asia . It is zoonotic and notifiable under the PCICDA Act, 2009 Samvatsari Syllabus: GS1/Culture  Context Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on the occasion of Samvatsari, describing it as a festival that represents forgiveness, compassion, and reconciliation.   About Samvatsari Samvatsari is the sacred concluding day of the Jain festival Paryushan Parva. It emphasizes forgiveness (kṣamā), humility, compassion, and reconciliation. On this day, Jains traditionally greet each other with “Micchami Dukkadam”, which means:“May all the wrongs done by me be forgiven.” The practice promotes introspection, spiritual peace, and harmonious relationships.   About Paryushan Parva A major Jain festival of spiritual reflection, penance, and renunciation. Observed by both Shwetambara and Digambara sects, with slight variations in rituals: Shwetambaras: observe it for 8 days. Digambaras: observe it for 10 days (known as Das Lakshan Parva). Core practices include: Fasting, meditation, scriptural study, vows of non-violence, and self-discipline. Strengthening values of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), aparigraha (non-possessiveness).   Significance Encourages self-purification, moral responsibility, and social harmony. Enhances interpersonal trust by fostering forgiveness and compassion. Embodies Jain philosophy of universal brotherhood and peace.     Consider the following statements regarding Samvatsari: It is the concluding day of the Jain festival Paryushan, primarily observed by the Digambara sect. The greeting “Micchami Dukkadam” exchanged during this festival symbolizes seeking and granting forgiveness. The festival emphasizes reconciliation and renewal of social and spiritual bonds. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 onlyb) 2 and 3 onlyc) 1 and 3 onlyd) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: b) 2 and 3 only Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: Samvatsari is the concluding day of Paryushan celebrated mainly by the Shwetambara sect, while the Digambara sect observes the Das Lakshan Parva. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as forgiveness and reconciliation are central to Samvatsari. Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) Syllabus :GS2/Governance   In News The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has collaborated with the Department of School Education to integrate the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) status of Aadhaar-linked school children into the UDISE+ system.   Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) Background & Nodal Authority: UDISE+ is a comprehensive Educational Management Information System (EMIS), functioning under the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education. It builds upon the earlier UDISE (2012-13), upgraded to UDISE+ in 2018-19 for enhanced digital integration and real-time monitoring.   Key Features: Centralized Platform: Acts as a single-window database where schools upload information.   Scope of Data: Covers details of: School infrastructure and facilities (toilets, electricity, internet, libraries, laboratories, etc.). Enrolment, attendance, and dropout rates of students. Teachers’ profiles, qualifications, and training. Validation & Reliability: Data undergoes multi-level scrutiny at block, district, state, and national levels, ensuring credibility.   Significance: One of the largest education databases in the world, with coverage of both government and private schools. Provides authentic and real-time statistics for policy planning, including schemes like Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, NEP-2020 implementation, and mid-day meal monitoring. Now, with UIDAI integration, it will also help track biometric update compliance for Aadhaar-seeded school children, crucial for targeted welfare delivery and inclusion. With reference to the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+), consider the following statements: It functions under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. It covers both government and private schools across India. The system was upgraded to UDISE+ in 2018–19 to enable real-time data collection. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Options:A) 1 and 2 onlyB) 2 and 3 onlyC) 1 and 3 onlyD) 1, 2 and 3 Answer:  B) 2 and 3 only Explanation: Incorrect – UDISE+ comes under the Department of School Education & Literacy, not Higher Education. Correct – It covers both government and private schools, making it one of the largest databases globally. Correct – The upgrade to UDISE+ in 2018-19 aimed at real-time, digital data collection. Restructuring and Extension of the PM SVANidhi Syllabus: GS2/Governance Context The Union Cabinet has approved the restructuring of the PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme, extending its lending period until March 31, 2030, while enhancing loan amounts and expanding coverage.   About the Scheme Launch: June 2020, under the Government’s COVID-19 relief package. Objective: To provide affordable working capital loans to street vendors severely impacted by the pandemic.   Recent Updates Extension: Lending period extended from December 31,

Kilauea Volcano: A Beacon of Earth’s Dynamic Nature Syllabus: GS1/Geography Context:  The Kilauea Volcano, one of the world’s most consistently active geological features, has recently commenced another eruption cycle, drawing global attention to the powerful forces at play beneath the Earth’s surface.     About Kilauea: Kilauea is a prominent member of the six active volcanoes comprising the Hawaiian Islands. Categorized as a shield volcano, its characteristic broad, gently sloping profile is a result of highly fluid lava flows that spread out over vast areas. Unlike explosive volcanoes, Kilauea is renowned for its effusive eruptions, where molten rock flows steadily from its vents, creating spectacular but generally less dangerous lava rivers. This iconic volcano is nestled within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, sharing its protected landscape with Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth by mass and volume. While Mauna Loa holds the title of the world’s largest, Kilauea distinguishes itself through its relentless activity, having erupted frequently and almost continuously since 1983. This sustained effusive activity makes it an invaluable natural laboratory for volcanologists studying magma dynamics and volcanic processes.   What is a Volcano? At its core, a volcano is a geological aperture—a vent, fissure, or crack—in the Earth’s crust. Through this opening, superheated materials from the planet’s interior, including magma (molten rock beneath the surface), gases, and ash, are expelled onto the surface. The eruption of these materials can range from gentle flows to violent explosions, shaping landscapes and influencing climates.   Volcano Classifications: Volcanoes are generally categorized based on their eruptive history and potential for future activity: Active Volcano: These are volcanoes that erupt regularly or show signs of imminent eruption. Kilauea in Hawaii and Barren Island in India are prime examples, consistently demonstrating their dynamic nature. Dormant Volcano: These volcanoes have not erupted for a significant period but retain the potential for future activity. They are essentially “sleeping” giants, capable of reawakening. Mount Vesuvius in Italy, infamous for its destruction of Pompeii, is a classic example of a dormant volcano. Extinct Volcano: Characterized by no recorded eruptions for thousands of years, these volcanoes are generally considered unlikely to erupt again. Their magmatic supply has typically ceased, and their vents are often sealed. The vast Deccan Traps in India represent a colossal ancient volcanic event, now an extinct volcanic province.   Volcanoes in India: India, despite not being on a major plate boundary, has its own significant volcanic history and active sites: Active: Barren Island in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands stands as India’s sole confirmed active volcano. It has experienced several eruptions in recent decades, including a notable one in 2017. Dormant: Narcondam Island, also in the Andaman Sea, is considered a dormant volcano. While it hasn’t erupted in modern recorded history, its geological structure suggests potential for future activity. Extinct: The Deccan Plateau in west-central India is a colossal testament to ancient volcanic forces. It is the remnant of massive flood basalt eruptions that occurred approximately 65 million years ago, a geological event believed to have played a role in climate change and mass extinctions Consider the following pairs of Volcano Classification vs Example: Active Volcano – Barren Island Dormant Volcano – Mount Vesuvius Extinct Volcano – Narcondam Island Which of the pairs is/are correctly matched? A) 1 onlyB) 1 and 2 onlyC) 2 and 3 onlyD) 1, 2, and 3 Answer: B) 1 and 2 only Explanation: Pair 1   Barren Island is India’s only confirmed active volcano. Pair 2   Mount Vesuvius is dormant, erupted in 79 CE, but not extinct. Pair 3   Narcondam is dormant, not extinct.   Shipki-La Pass: Reopening a Historic Himalayan Trade Route Syllabus: GS1/Places In News:  In a significant development for regional trade and diplomacy, China has indicated its agreement in principle to re-establish trade operations through the Shipki-La pass, located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India.     Shipki-La Pass: The Shipki-La pass is a high-altitude mountain pass of immense geographical and historical importance. It is strategically positioned in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh in India, acting as a crucial gateway to Tibet. The Sutlej River, one of the major rivers of the Indus system, makes its entry into India through a gorge near this pass. Known as Langqen Zangbo in Tibet, the Sutlej River’s path highlights the deep hydrological and geographical connections across this Himalayan region. Historically, Shipki-La has served as a vital trade route between India and Tibet, facilitating the exchange of goods and cultures for centuries. Its significance dates back to at least the 15th century, with trade activities deeply interwoven with the cultural fabric and traditional oaths of continuity between the communities on both sides. However, the flow of goods and people through this pass was interrupted by escalating geopolitical tensions. Trade first ceased following the 1962 Sino-Indian War and remained impacted by subsequent regional disputes, including the Doklam standoff in 2017, and more recently, the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential reopening of this pass signifies a step towards normalizing trade relations and fostering economic engagement in the Himalayan frontier. Consider the following statements regarding the Shipki-La pass:1. It is located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India.2. The Indus River enters India through a gorge near this pass.3. Historically, it has served as a significant trade route between India and Tibet.4. Trade through Shipki-La was uninterrupted until the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 3 only(c) 2, 3 and 4 only(d) 1, 3 and 4 only Correct Answer: (b) 3 only Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: It is in the Kinnaur district. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Sutlej River, not the Indus, enters near this pass. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 4 is incorrect: Trade ceased after the 1962 Sino-Indian War.   India’s Ambitious Export Promotion Mission: Boosting Global Trade Footprint Syllabus: GS3/Economy   Context: The Commerce and Industry Ministry of India has launched a comprehensive Export Promotion Mission (EPM), allocating a substantial outlay of Rs. 25,000 crore (approximately US$ 2.85 billion) over a six-year period. This ambitious initiative aims to significantly bolster India’s export capabilities and global market presence.