09.05.25

Delhi Government Approves Cloud Seeding Trials: Aimed at reducing air pollution and addressing water scarcity in the capital. The project has been approved by the Delhi Cabinet.

Budget Allocation: ₹3.21 crore allocated for the project, with ₹2.75 crore earmarked for five trials (₹55 lakh per trial) and ₹46 lakh for preparation costs like aircraft calibration, chemical storage and logistics.

Implementation by IIT Kanpur: The Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, will oversee the project, managing aircraft deployment, chemical dispersal, scientific modelling, planning, and operational logistics.

Trial Schedule and Coverage: The first trial is scheduled for May-June 2025, covering approximately 100 square kilometers on the outskirts of Delhi. Five trials will be conducted in this phase.

Evaluation of Effectiveness: Scientific evaluations will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of cloud seeding in reducing air pollution and its overall environmental impact.

Cloud Seeding Technique: Cloud seeding involves dispersing chemicals (silver iodide, potassium iodide, or dry ice) into clouds to promote water droplet formation and increase precipitation.

Benefits of Cloud Seeding: Potential benefits include combating air pollution (especially during high AQI), increasing water availability, and resulting in economic, environmental, and human health benefits.

Types of Cloud Seeding: Techniques used include static, dynamic, hygroscopic, and glaciogenic cloud seeding, each with different methods to stimulate precipitation.

DRC Peace Talks: The DRC is engaged in US-facilitated peace talks with Rwanda and the M23 militia to stabilize mineral-rich regions and ensure national security. The US is seeking bilateral critical mineral deals alongside peace.

M23 Threat: Rwanda-backed M23 militia briefly seized cities in early 2025 and threatened the Bisie tin mine (world’s 4th largest), disrupting tin production and revenue.

Mineral Wealth: North and South Kivu provinces are rich in tin, tungsten, and tantalum (3T minerals). The DRC is a leading source of cobalt (70% global) and coltan (40% global). Katanga Plateau holds significant cobalt, copper, tin, uranium, and diamonds.

M23 Motives & Conflict: The Tutsi-led M23 militia claims to protect Tutsi communities. They clash with the DRC government and Hutu-linked militias connected to the Rwandan genocide.

“Conflict Minerals”: Artisanal mining sites are prevalent, often subject to “armed interference” and illicit taxation by armed groups, including M23. Congo served as the basis for “conflict minerals” legislation.

US Engagement: The US government is actively involved in negotiations to end the conflict, potentially leading to mineral deals between the US, Congo, and Rwanda.

Bisie Mine Importance: The Bisie tin mine’s temporary closure due to M23 advances highlighted its significance as a legitimate source of tin concentrates.

Railway Competition: Western nations are trying to reduce China’s influence over the extraction of minerals in Congo, China’s copper and cobalt-rich Katanga region through the Lobito Corridor project. China is also upgrading its Tanzania-Zambia railway for minerals transport.

World Thalassaemia Day (May 8): Observed annually to increase awareness and encourage action regarding this genetic disorder.

Thalassaemia Defined: An inherited blood disorder resulting in less hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen.

Cause: Inherited gene mutations from one or both parents disrupt normal hemoglobin production.

Anemia: Insufficient hemoglobin or red blood cells leads to anemia, causing fatigue and weakness.

Symptoms: Can range from mild to severe anemia; fatigue, shortness of breath, feeling cold, dizziness, and pale skin are common symptoms. Iron overload is a complication that can develop over time.

Treatment: Primarily involves regular blood transfusions to manage anemia. Chelation therapy removes excess iron buildup from frequent transfusions.

Cure: Stem cell or bone marrow transplant is the only potential cure, but is rarely performed due to risks.

BRS COPs Focus: The Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions (BRS COPs) aim to improve the management of hazardous chemicals and waste to protect human health and the environment. The 2025 COPs theme is “Make Visible the Invisible: Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste.”

India’s Stance: India advocated for predictable international financing, domestic resource mobilization (progressive taxation, carbon levies, EPR), and enhanced international cooperation.

India’s Actions: India is implementing the conventions through national legislation (Environment (Protection) Act, etc.) and investing in infrastructure. India banned single-use plastics in 2022 despite still being a major plastic polluter.

Key Outcomes of the 2023 COPs: Listing of new chemicals under the Stockholm Convention, addition of a pesticide to the Rotterdam Convention, and adoption of technical guidelines for waste management under the Basel Convention.

Ministerial Roundtable Discussions: Discussions at the roundtable focused on the need for finance, technology transfer, capacity building, institutional mechanisms, regional cooperation, and innovative financing solutions. Strong data infrastructure and transparent monitoring systems were also emphasized.

• Battle of Haldighati (1576): Inconclusive military outcome for the Mughals, but a symbolic victory for Pratap.
• Guerrilla Warfare: Employed effective guerrilla tactics in the Aravalli hills with support from Bhil tribals.
• Battle of Dewair (1582): A decisive victory for Pratap, reclaiming much of Mewar.

CGPDPA Signed: Ministry of Coal signed Coal Gasification Plant Development and Production Agreement (CGPDPA) with selected applicants under Category II of Coal Gasification Financial Incentive Scheme on May 8, 2025.

Category II Applicants: Includes projects from both private companies (Jindal Steel and Power Limited, New Era Cleantech Solution Private Limited, Greta Energy and Metal Private Limited) and government PSUs.

Financial Incentive Scheme: Launched on January 24, 2024, with a total outlay of ₹8,500 crore.

Target: Aims to achieve 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030.

Goal: To use domestic coal reserves for sustainable industrial development, promoting public and private sector participation.

Coal Gasification: A thermo-chemical process converting coal into syngas (carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapour) via reaction at high temperatures with controlled oxygen and steam.

Syngas Uses: Used for electricity generation, methanol/fertilizer production, and as a natural gas substitute.

Clean Coal Transition: Initiative is a key part of India’s strategy for clean coal, energy security, and reduced import dependence.

Ex-situ Gasification: Coal is extracted and gasified in reactors. More energy is used in mining and handling.

In-situ Gasification: Oxygen and steam are injected into the coal seam to generate syngas underground. More energy-efficient for deeper deposits.

300th Birth Anniversary Celebration: Maharashtra Cabinet held a meeting in Chondi (Ahilyabai Holkar’s birthplace) to honor her legacy on her 300th birth anniversary (May 31, 2025). This is significant because it highlights the continued importance of her contributions to Maharashtra and India.

Financial Allocations for Development: ₹5,503 crore approved for temple development across Maharashtra. This indicates a focus on preserving cultural heritage sites.

Development of Chondi: ₹681 crore sanctioned for preserving Ahilyabai’s memorial in Chondi. A medical college (Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Government Medical College) and an Industrial Training Institute for girls will be established in Ahilyanagar district. This shows commitment to developing her birthplace and promoting education.

Commemorative Initiatives: Plans to create a feature film and release a special postal ticket and logo dedicated to Ahilyabai Holkar. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about her life and achievements.

Nashik Kumbh Mela Authority: Law approved to establish an authority for the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela 2027, mirroring the structure in Prayagraj. This signals preparation for a major religious event and infrastructure planning.

Dhangar Community Outreach: Approved plan to enroll more Dhangar students in residential schools under Raje Yashwantrao Holkar Mahamesh Yojana. The Dhangar community has been demanding reservations under Scheduled Tribes category, which provides 7% quota, while they are currently receiving 3.5% reservation in education and jobs under the Nomadic Tribes category. Focus on improving educational access for the Dhangar community, while addressing their demand for ST status.

Historical Significance of Ahilyabai Holkar: She ruled Malwa and Indore, rebuilt temples (Somnath, Kashi Vishwanath), promoted education and opposed sati. This reinforces her legacy as a wise and just ruler, a temple builder, and a social reformer.

Economic Contributions: Promoted Maheshwar as a trade hub and supported the Maheshwari weaving industry (GI tag). This recognizes her contribution to the economy and promotion of local crafts.

UNFF20 Participation: India actively participated in the 20th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF20) in New York from May 5-9, 2025.

Focus: India highlighted achievements in forest conservation and sustainable forest management, reaffirming its commitment to Voluntary National Contributions (VNCs) under the UN Strategic Plan for Forests (UNSPF) 2017–2030.

Progress Report: India reported a consistent increase in forest and tree cover to 25.17% of its geographical area.

Key Initiatives: Noteworthy initiatives include: Aravalli Green Wall project, 7.86% increase in mangrove cover, afforestation of over 1.55 lakh hectares under the Green India Mission, and planting of 1.4 billion seedlings under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA): India invited UN Member States to join the IBCA, a global platform for big cat conservation through research, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building.

Country-Led Initiative (CLI): India advocated for global action on the outcomes of the CLI hosted in Dehradun, focusing on forest fire management and forest certification. It also acknowledged CLI efforts led by other nations.

Side Event: India hosted a side event showcasing its approach to sustainable forest management and climate resilience through policy innovation, resource convergence, community engagement, and technology use.

Ecosystem Valuation: India shared findings from pilot studies quantifying ecosystem services (carbon sequestration, water provisioning, biodiversity conservation) using SEEA and MEA frameworks, emphasizing the need to integrate ecosystem valuation into national planning.

Delegation Lead: The Indian delegation was led by Shri Sushil Kumar Awasthi, Director General of Forests and Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Disqualification: Gali Janardhana Reddy, a sitting MLA, has been disqualified from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.

• Why: Due to his conviction in the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) illegal mining case.

Legal Basis: Disqualification is mandated under Article 191(1)(e) of the Constitution and Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA).

• Why: Article 191(1)(e) allows for disqualification based on laws made by Parliament, specifically referencing the RPA.

RPA Section 8: Details grounds for disqualification.

• Why: Section 8(1) for specific offences, Section 8(2) for offences with a minimum six-month sentence, and Section 8(3) for any other offence with a two-year+ sentence.

Immediate Disqualification: Disqualification takes effect immediately upon conviction.

• Why: Following the Lily Thomas v. Union of India (2013) Supreme Court ruling, which struck down the provision allowing a grace period for appeals.

Significance:

• Curbing Criminalization: Deters politicians facing criminal cases.
• Electoral Integrity: Enforces ethical standards for lawmakers.
• Public Trust: Reinforces democratic accountability.

• FRA 2006: Recognizes forest dwellers’ rights over land and resources, empowering Gram Sabhas for sustainable management.
• BDA 2002: Promotes conservation through Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), documenting traditional knowledge.
• PESA 1996: Grants local self-governments in tribal areas control over land and natural resources.
• JFM & NBAP: Involve communities in conservation, respecting traditional knowledge.

Deployment: INS Vikrant has been deployed to the Arabian Sea amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions.

• Why: Demonstrates India’s naval power and readiness in response to regional security concerns.

Indigenous Design & Manufacturing: India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured aircraft carrier.

• Why: Highlights India’s growing capabilities in defense production and self-reliance.

Construction: Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited and designed by Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau

• Why: Shows Indigenous production and country’s capability

Commissioned: Inducted into the Indian Navy in 2022.

• Why: Marks a significant milestone in India’s naval modernization efforts.

Indigenous Content: 76% indigenous content.

• Why: Underscores India’s commitment to ‘Make in India’ initiative in the defense sector.

Blue Water Navy: Strengthens India’s position as a ‘Blue Water Navy’.

• Why: Enhances India’s ability to project power and influence across the Indian Ocean region and beyond.

Elite Group: India joins select nations capable of building aircraft carriers.

• Why: Elevates India’s status in the global arena and signifies advanced engineering capabilities.

Specifications: 262 meters long, 62 meters wide, 14 decks, can house 1500+ personnel, 43,000-tonne displacement.

• Why: Indicates the carrier’s size and capacity for naval operations.

Power & Endurance: Powered by 88 MW gas turbines, 28-knot speed, 8,600-mile endurance, 45-day independent operation.

• Why: Showcases its operational range and sustainability at sea.

Air Wing: Capable of operating 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K, Kamov-31, MH-60R, ALH, and LCA (Navy).

• Why: Demonstrates the carrier’s offensive and defensive capabilities.

STOBAR: Uses STOBAR system (Short Take-Off but Arrested Landing) with ski-jump and arrester wires.

• Why: Defines the method of launching and recovering aircraft.

Vaccination Failure: Three vaccinated children in Kerala died from rabies, raising concerns about vaccine efficacy and timely intervention.

Wound Severity: Deep head and hand injuries, areas rich in nerves, allowed the virus to rapidly access the nervous system, potentially overwhelming the vaccine.

First Aid Imperative: Failure to wash wounds with soap and water significantly increases the risk of virus transmission. Only 38% of animal bite victims reported washing wounds.

Rabies Basics: Rabies is a fatal viral disease affecting the central nervous system, transmitted through animal bites, scratches, or saliva contact. It’s 100% preventable with timely post-exposure care.

Kerala’s Rabies Burden: Kerala has a high number of rabies deaths, with 13 deaths reported by May 2024, despite vaccinations.

Vaccine Safety Questions: Despite government assurances, the deaths of vaccinated individuals raise questions about vaccine effectiveness, particularly in cases of severe bites.

Increasing Dog Bite Cases: The number of dog bite cases and infected dogs has increased in Kerala, escalating the risk of rabies transmission.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Suggested: Due to the rise in cases, the state is suggested to give the pre-exposure prophylaxis for rabies as a temporary measure until canine control is achieved.

Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN) Launched: A Quad initiative aimed at improving disaster response in the Indo-Pacific.

Quad Tabletop Exercise: Recent simulation held in Honolulu, Hawaii, to test the IPLN’s launch.

Core Function: IPLN enables Quad nations (US, Australia, India, Japan) to share logistics capabilities for faster, more efficient civilian disaster relief across the Indo-Pacific region.

Complements Existing Efforts: The IPLN is designed to work alongside other initiatives and partners in the Indo-Pacific.

Part of Broader Quad Strategy: It complements the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness, demonstrating the Quad’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Quad’s Origins: Formed in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Revitalized in 2017 and annual leader summits since 2021.

Quad’s Objectives: Promote a rules-based global order, freedom of navigation, liberal trade, and offer alternative financing in the Indo-Pacific. Also, seen as a counter to Chinese dominance.

Why it matters: Enhances regional disaster preparedness and response, strengthens Quad cooperation, and promotes a stable, open Indo-Pacific.

SEBI Allegations: Gautam Adani’s nephew, Pranav Adani, is accused by SEBI of sharing Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI) related to Adani Green’s acquisition of SB Energy.

Insider Trading: This alleged action constitutes insider trading, which is illegal buying/selling of securities based on non-public information, providing an unfair advantage.

Specifics of the Case: Pranav Adani allegedly communicated UPSI about the SB Energy acquisition to his brother-in-law, Kunal Shah. Kunal Shah and his brother Nrupal Shah then traded in Adani Green shares.

Gains from Insider Trading: The Shah brothers allegedly made illicit gains of 9 million rupees (approximately $108,000) from trading on this information.

Denials and Settlement: Pranav Adani is seeking to settle the charges without admitting or denying the allegations. The Shah brothers are contesting the allegations, claiming the information was already public.

SEBI Scrutiny: SEBI is currently reviewing its settlement process, which will affect Pranav Adani’s settlement plea.

Context: The Adani group faces prior accusations of bribery and misleading investors in the US, which the group denies.

• Can loiter for up to nine hours.
• Uses an electro-optic seeker for target location.
• Immune to satellite jamming (GNSS).
• Allows real-time human oversight.

Degradation: Vembanad Lake, India’s longest and Kerala’s largest, faces severe degradation from encroachment, pollution, invasive species, and unsustainable agricultural practices.

Shrinking Size: The lake’s surface area has significantly shrunk (27% between 1917-1990) due to land reclamation and sedimentation, reducing flood control capacity.

Pollution: Plastic waste, silt, and chemical pollution (high COD and BOD) are major concerns, exacerbated by water hyacinth proliferation. Houseboats are major contributors.

Fish Catch Decline: Fish catch has declined by 66% in the last three decades due to pollution and habitat degradation.

Rejuvenation Project: Alappuzha district administration is leading a Vembanad Lake Rejuvenation Project, inspired by the Namami Gange Programme, with a ₹188.25 crore five-year plan.

Short-Term Goals: Include plastic removal, bio-shields, fish ranching, weed eradication, and bio bund construction.

Long-Term Goals: Include dredging, organic farming promotion, flora/fauna conservation, sewage treatment plants, water hyacinth value-added products, and tourism/fish yield boost.

Challenges: Land encroachment requires strong political support; illegal houseboat operations need stricter enforcement; Kuttanad revival is linked.

Collaboration Needed: Success requires coordinated collaboration among local communities, district administrations, and government support.

Climate Resilience: Rejuvenation is crucial for enhancing the region’s resilience to climate change impacts.

Delhi’s Cloud-Seeding Trials: The Delhi government has approved five cloud-seeding trials costing ₹3.21 crore to combat air pollution.

Purpose of Trials: Scientific evaluations will assess the effectiveness and environmental impact of cloud seeding in reducing air pollution after the trials are completed.

Cloud Seeding Explained: It’s a weather modification technique enhancing precipitation by introducing substances (cloud condensation nuclei) to clouds.

How it Works: Agents like silver iodide are introduced into moisture-rich clouds to encourage water droplet or ice crystal formation, leading to artificial rain.

Delhi’s Goal: The trials specifically aim to wash away pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10, which worsen Delhi’s air quality.

Types of Cloud Seeding: Includes static (enhancing rainfall), dynamic (increasing cloud mass and rainfall intensity), glaciogenic (increasing snowfall), and hygroscopic (enhancing precipitation from warm clouds) methods.