1) Balochistan Unrest: Rising Insurgency and Regional Implications

GS 2: International Relations: Baloch insurgency

Why is it in the news?

• On March 11, militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked a train carrying around 400 passengers between Quetta and Sibi. After releasing women and children, they demanded the release of imprisoned compatriots in exchange for the remaining passengers.
• The Pakistani government refused to negotiate, launching a 24-hour military operation that resulted in 21 civilian deaths and four Frontier Corps casualties. Reports suggest higher losses for Pakistani forces. Following the operation, security forces in Balochistan came under multiple attacks.

A Strengthened Insurgency

• The hijacking highlighted the growing capabilities of Baloch insurgents, who successfully engaged Pakistani forces for over a day. Their use of social media to communicate their narrative indicates increased tactical sophistication.
• Concerns over Balochistan’s security have been rising, with some Pakistani lawmakers fearing possible secession. Intelligence agencies failed to anticipate such a large-scale operation, and the incident showcased improved coordination among various insurgent groups.

Key Insurgent Groups and Their Evolution

• Balochistan’s insurgency has traditionally been shaped by tribal loyalties, but a shift is occurring, with middle-class and educated youth joining militant ranks. The BLA is the most formidable insurgent group, designated a terrorist organization by Pakistan and the U.S.
• The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) has a stronghold in the south, while the Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) operate in Bolan, Quetta, Sibi, and Naseerabad. In recent years, these groups have collaborated under the Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS), aiming to intensify attacks on military infrastructure and intelligence units.

Persistent Grievances of the Baloch People

• Balochistan has witnessed multiple insurgencies since the 1950s. Beyond the armed conflict, there is a strong public movement demanding access to essentials like clean water, affordable fuel, and medicine, along with the regulation of Chinese fishing trawlers. Recent protests, led by women, have called for an end to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
• Pakistan’s government has downplayed the insurgency, framing it as a power struggle among tribal elites. However, Balochistan has long suffered from political and economic marginalization.
• Many Baloch believe their province was forcibly incorporated into Pakistan in 1948, and decades of military rule have denied them political empowerment. Despite its rich resources, including coal, copper, gold, and gas, local populations see little economic benefit.

CPEC and the Demographic Shift

• China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, like Gwadar Port, have been implemented without adequate local consultation. The influx of outsiders to Balochistan has sparked fears of demographic changes threatening Baloch identity.
• Insurgent groups have repeatedly attacked CPEC projects and Chinese nationals, including suicide bombings at Karachi University and the Dasu hydropower project.
• Growing security concerns have led China to consider deploying private security firms to protect its workers and infrastructure.

Geopolitical Complexities and Regional Dynamics

• Balochistan accounts for 44% of Pakistan’s landmass but only 5% of its population, making it easier for security forces to suppress the separatist movement. Unlike other independence movements, it lacks significant international support.
• India’s geographical distance limits its ability to provide material backing. The Baloch nationalist movement also extends to Iran’s Sistan province, making Tehran reluctant to support Baloch separatists. Instead, Iran has targeted Baloch militants with missile and drone strikes.
• Pakistan’s security concerns extend beyond Balochistan. Relations with the Afghan Taliban have soured, leading to border clashes. The Taliban has refused to acknowledge the Durand Line as the official Afghanistan-Pakistan border and has ignored Pakistani demands to curb the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
• Growing cooperation between the TTP and BLA has intensified threats along Pakistan’s western front, while security forces remain heavily committed to the India-Pakistan border. The evolving stance of the U.S. under a potential Trump administration remains uncertain.

Challenges in Resolving the Crisis

• Pakistan’s military has lost public trust due to its heavy-handed approach toward opposition leaders like Imran Khan. The current civilian leadership lacks legitimacy, relying on military support rather than popular backing.
• Given this crisis of confidence, meaningful negotiations with insurgents appear unlikely. For long-term stability, Pakistan must decentralize power and ensure that Balochistan benefits from its own natural resources. Without such measures, unrest in the region will persist.

2) India Ranks 24th in Global Free Speech Survey

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Right to free speech

Why is it in the news?

• A global survey by the U.S.-based think tank Future of Free Speech ranked India 24th out of 33 countries in support for free speech, with a score of 62.6.
• The report, Who in the World Supports Free Speech, highlights a global decline in commitment to protecting controversial speech, particularly in democratic nations like the U.S., Israel, and Japan.

Key Findings

• While most Indians value free speech without government censorship, support for criticizing government policies is lower than the global average.
• Notably, 37% of Indian respondents believe the government should have the power to restrict criticism, the highest among all surveyed nations.
• Scandinavian countries led the rankings, with Norway (87.9) and Denmark (87.0) at the top. Despite improvements, Indonesia (56.8), Malaysia (55.4), and Pakistan (57.0) remained at the lower end.
• Interestingly, authoritarian-leaning nations like Hungary (85.5) and Venezuela (81.8) scored high, highlighting a disconnect between government policies and public sentiment.
• The report notes that while public support for free speech in India is relatively high, actual protections remain weak. It describes India, Hungary, and Venezuela as experiencing “democratic backsliding,” where respect for political freedoms, including free expression, has declined.
• While Indians perceive improvements in free speech, external assessments suggest the situation has worsened.

3) Chandrayaan-3 Findings: Water Ice More Accessible on the Moon Than Expected

GS 3: Science and Technology: Findings of water ice on moon 

Why is it in the news?

• As nations like the U.S., China, Russia, and India plan long-term lunar missions, the availability of water on the Moon is becoming increasingly important. Beyond meeting astronauts’ drinking and sanitary needs, lunar water could also serve as a valuable resource for producing rocket fuel for launches from the Moon.
• A recent study by researchers from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad reveals that water ice on the Moon is more accessible than previously believed. Their research provides critical insights into the Moon’s thermal environment and ice distribution, essential for future lunar exploration and habitation.

Temperature Variations and Water Ice Stability

• Understanding the presence of water on the Moon requires an in-depth analysis of its surface temperature. The Moon experiences extreme variations—intense heat during the day and freezing cold at night, with no atmosphere to moderate these fluctuations.
• Data collected by the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3, which touched down in August 2023, has provided valuable ground-level insights into surface and subsurface temperatures up to 10 cm in depth. The findings, published in Communications Earth & Environment on March 6, 2024, mark a significant advancement in lunar research.
• Using the Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) onboard Vikram, scientists conducted in-situ temperature measurements at the Shiv Shakti point (69.373° south, 32.319° east) in the Moon’s south pole region.
• The ChaSTE instrument deployed a thermal probe equipped with 10 high-precision platinum resistance temperature detector (RTD) sensors, which measure temperature by detecting electrical resistance changes.
• The research team collected temperature data for 10 Earth days (August 24–September 2, 2023), equivalent to about eight hours of a lunar day. A 3D thermophysical model developed by PRL was used to analyze the variations between lunar day and night temperatures.

Extreme Temperature Fluctuations on the Moon

• The study recorded an unexpected peak surface temperature of 82ºC, significantly higher than NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) estimates. At night, temperatures dropped drastically to –181ºC, confirming the Moon’s extreme thermal conditions in high-latitude regions.
• Additionally, the data revealed significant temperature variations over short distances. While the temperature at Shiv Shakti point was 82ºC, a flat surface just one meter away recorded 58.85ºC—matching satellite-based remote-sensing observations. This suggests that the Moon’s surface has unique thermophysical properties, influencing water ice formation and stability.

Impact of Slopes on Water Ice Formation

• The study found that the higher daytime temperature was due to the Sun-facing slope of the landing site. However, further investigation into different slopes revealed that surfaces tilted more than 14° away from the Sun maintained significantly lower temperatures.
• These cooler regions create favorable conditions for water ice to migrate and stabilize beneath the surface, expanding the potential locations where lunar water can be accessed. Previously, scientists believed stable water ice was only present at the Moon’s poles. However, this study suggests that high-latitude regions beyond the poles could also support shallow subsurface water ice.
• This discovery is significant, as these regions are easier to explore than the extreme lunar poles, making them more suitable for future human missions.

Implications for Future Lunar Missions

• This study provides the first-ever in-situ temperature measurements from a high-latitude region on the Moon, offering precise data on surface and near-surface thermal conditions. Understanding how lunar temperatures influence water ice formation allows scientists to develop predictive models for ice distribution across the Moon.
• The PRL team is continuing to study the thermophysical properties of the lunar surface to refine models on water ice migration and stability. These insights are crucial for future lunar exploration, resource utilization, and potential human settlement on the Moon.
• Bottom of Form

4) VARUNA 2025

GS 3: Defence: India- France Naval Exercise

Why is it in the news?

• The 23rd edition of the bilateral naval exercise VARUNA, a symbol of the strong maritime partnership between India and France, is scheduled from March 19 to 22, 2025. Since its inception in 2001, VARUNA has been a key platform for enhancing naval interoperability and operational coordination.

Key Highlights of VARUNA 2025

Joint Participation of Major Naval Assets

• Aircraft carriers INS Vikrant (India) and Charles de Gaulle (France)
• Fighter aircraft, destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine
• Showcasing advanced maritime cooperation and operational capabilities

Focus on Advanced Naval Exercises

• Air defence drills to strengthen coordinated aerial operations
• Mock air-to-air combat between French Rafale-M and Indian MiG-29K
• Anti-submarine warfare exercises to enhance underwater domain awareness
• Surface warfare operations featuring synchronized fleet manoeuvres

Enhancing Maritime Security and Logistical Cooperation

• Maritime patrol aircraft for real-time situational awareness
• Replenishment-at-sea exercises to improve logistical coordination and sustain long-duration naval operations

Strengthening Strategic Cooperation

• Promotes exchange of best practices and mutual understanding between the two navies
• Reinforces India-France commitment to a free, open, and secure maritime environment
• Highlights the ability of both nations to operate seamlessly in complex maritime scenarios

Conclusion

• VARUNA 2025 reflects the deep-rooted maritime ties between India and France, strengthening their strategic partnership in the Indian Ocean region.
• The exercise plays a crucial role in enhancing naval cooperation, maritime security, and regional stability, reaffirming their commitment to global peace and security.

5) PM-YUVA 3.0: Mentoring Young Authors for a Literary Future

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Nurturing young literary talent

Why is it in the news?

• The Ministry of Education, under the Department of Higher Education, launched PM-YUVA 3.0 (Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors) on March 11, 2025.
• This initiative builds on the success of its previous editions, aiming to nurture young literary talent in India.

About PM-YUVA 3.0

PM-YUVA 3.0 is a mentorship program designed for aspiring authors under the age of 30. The scheme focuses on encouraging youth to explore themes such as:

• Contribution of the Indian Diaspora in Nation Building
• Indian Knowledge System
• Makers of Modern India (1950-2025)

It seeks to cultivate a culture of reading, writing, and intellectual discourse while promoting Indian literature and heritage globally. The National Book Trust (NBT), India, serves as the implementing agency, ensuring the scheme’s successful execution.

Evolution of the PM-YUVA Scheme

• PM-YUVA 1.0 (2021): Focused on India’s National Movement and unsung heroes.
• PM-YUVA 2.0 (2022): Centered on Democracy and Constitutional Values.
• PM-YUVA 3.0 (2025): Expands to nation-building themes and the Indian knowledge system.

Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the scheme empowers youth, develops creative leaders, and strengthens India’s literary capacity.

Key Features of PM-YUVA 3.0

• National Contest: Open from March 11 to April 10, 2025, conducted via MyGov.
• Selection Process: 50 authors will be chosen based on their proposals, with results announced between May-June 2025.
• Financial Support: Each selected author will receive a ₹50,000 monthly scholarship for six months, totalling ₹3 lakh.
• Publication & Royalties: Books will be published by the NBT, translated into multiple Indian languages, and authors will earn a 10% royalty on successful publications.
• Eligibility Criteria: Applicants from PM-YUVA 1.0 and PM-YUVA 2.0 are not eligible for this edition.

Promoting Literary Excellence & National Unity

• By fostering young writers, documenting contemporary issues, and translating works into regional languages, PM-YUVA 3.0 aligns with the vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
• The initiative ensures India’s literary heritage thrives, while nurturing a new generation of storytellers contributing to national and global discourse.

6) The Global Impact of the MAGA Effect

GS 2: International Relations: MAGA Policies and its effect

Why is it in the news?

• As U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive stance on tariffs disrupts global markets, growth projections, and trade relations, his “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) policies have had an unintended effect—forcing other countries to recalibrate their economic and strategic approaches.
• From India to China to Europe, governments are reassessing trade, security, and economic policies to navigate the shifting global order.

An Analysis

India: Reversing Trade Barriers

• The Indian government, under the NDA, had previously increased protectionism by imposing higher tariff and non-tariff barriers, including quality control orders. Since 2016, tariffs on over 500 major item categories were raised, marking a significant shift from the previous two decades of trade liberalization.
• Despite external pressure and internal lobbying from figures like NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam and Finance Commission chair Arvind Panagariya, India held firm on maintaining high tariffs. However, Trump’s push for trade parity and tariff reciprocity has prompted a policy rethink.
• The Union Budget reduced basic customs duty on over two dozen items, bringing the average rate down to 10.66% from 11.66%. Notably, duty cuts on bourbon, luxury cars, and motorcycles are aimed at easing tensions with Washington.
• Further tariff reductions are expected, with Trump set to impose reciprocal tariffs on all nations from April 2. While these measures attempt to improve India’s global trade image, they come at a time when many other countries are raising trade barriers in response to Trump’s trade war.

China: A Delayed Focus on Domestic Consumption

• China recently announced its most comprehensive policy package in over 40 years to boost consumer spending. The move aims to mitigate the impact of the ongoing U.S.-China trade war, which has weakened China’s export sector.
• To shift towards a consumption-driven growth model, Beijing has introduced measures to increase workers’ incomes and improve domestic spending conditions. A 30-point plan links sluggish consumption to broader economic issues such as the housing crisis, worker benefits, and childcare access.
• Chinese Premier Li Qiang highlighted consumption 32 times in his annual speech, underscoring the government’s focus on internal economic stability. Market reactions have been positive, with Chinese stocks rising over 2%.
• Financial institutions like UBS expect further policy stimulus throughout 2025 to counteract U.S. tariffs, while Citigroup has upgraded China’s market outlook.

Europe: Strengthening Defense and Economic Spending

• With Trump questioning U.S. military commitments to Europe, European leaders are ramping up defense and infrastructure spending. Germany, traditionally averse to debt, has agreed to relax fiscal constraints on defense spending. Additionally, a proposed €500 billion investment fund for infrastructure is being discussed.
• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called the increase in defense spending a “watershed moment.” While these measures may boost growth, their short-term economic impact is expected to be minimal. Major economies like France, Italy, and Belgium struggle to contain fiscal deficits, limiting their spending capacity.
• However, a potential economic revival in Germany—the Eurozone’s largest economy—could signal broader recovery. Meanwhile, Canada is reconsidering its trade alliances, with discussions about pivoting towards Europe instead of maintaining its close ties with the U.S.
• A February survey by Abacus Data found that 44% of Canadians support joining the EU, while 46% favor closer integration with the bloc. Increased trade between Canada and the Eurozone could benefit both parties, creating a new economic dynamic.

The U.S.: Facing Economic and Financial Challenges

• Trump’s tariff policies are likely to lead to higher inflation in the U.S. Rising trade barriers, combined with increasing fiscal deficits and potential threats to institutional autonomy, could make foreign investors reconsider their willingness to finance U.S. debt. This scenario threatens America’s dominant position as the issuer of the global reserve currency, potentially disrupting its ability to sustain high levels of borrowing.
• The Federal Reserve’s future interest rate policies are now closely tied to the presidential election outcome. While Trump’s tax cuts and tariff measures may provide short-term economic stimulus, they risk fuelling inflation, forcing the Fed to reconsider its monetary easing cycle. This could slow U.S. growth and impact global financial markets, including India.
• Trump’s approach to trade agreements has also raised concerns. His replacement of NAFTA with the USMCA was seen as a renegotiation success, but his recent tariffs on Canada and Mexico violate the very deal he signed. This inconsistency has led many countries, including India, to question the reliability of trade agreements with the U.S.
• Additionally, China and the EU have responded strategically by imposing targeted tariffs on American agricultural products, potentially weakening U.S. farmers—a crucial voter base for Trump. With consumer confidence declining and inflation rising, the economic consequences of MAGA policies are becoming more evident.

Conclusion

• Trump’s MAGA-driven trade policies have set off global realignments. While India is moving towards tariff reductions to improve trade relations, China is focusing on boosting domestic consumption to counter trade pressures.
• Europe is strengthening its defense and economic investments, while Canada is considering deeper ties with the EU. Meanwhile, the U.S. faces economic instability as inflation, trade deficits, and financial risks mount.
• The ripple effects of Trump’s policies are reshaping global trade, economic strategies, and diplomatic relations, with lasting implications for the world economy.

7) NIDAR: Boosting Drone Innovation and Skill Development in India

GS 3: Defence: SwaYaan Initiative

Why is it in the news?

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Drone Federation of India (DFI), has launched the National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research (NIDAR) under the ‘SwaYaan – Capacity Building for Human Resource Development in Unmanned Aircraft Systems’ initiative.
• The initiative aims to foster innovation, research, and skill development in India’s growing drone ecosystem.

Focus Areas of NIDAR

NIDAR encourages students and researchers to develop collaborative autonomous drones addressing real-world challenges in two critical domains:

• Disaster Management (Scout & Deliver Drones): Autonomous drones for scouting, communication, and parcel delivery to aid disaster-affected areas.
• Precision Agriculture (Scan & Spray Drones): Enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture through crop health monitoring and precise pesticide/nutrient delivery.

Significance of NIDAR in Drone Ecosystem

• The launch of NIDAR is a significant step toward nurturing talent and fostering R&D in India’s drone sector.
• The challenge is designed to enhance technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and project management skills, preparing students for impactful careers in emerging drone technologies.

About SwaYaan Initiative

• The SwaYaan initiative, approved by MeitY in July 2022, focuses on training professionals in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including drones and related technologies.
• It aims to train 42,560 participants through both formal and non-formal educational programs, creating a skilled workforce in drone technology.
• Implemented through a hub-and-spoke model, the initiative involves 30 premium institutions such as IISc, IITs, IIITs, NITs, CDAC, and NIELIT.
• The project operates under five key themes: Drone Electronics; GNC Algorithms and Simulation; Aeromechanics; and Drone Applications.

8) World Sparrow Day 2025: Preserving the Chirps of Our Tiny Feathered Friends

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Sparrows and their ecological significance

Why is it in the news?

• From quiet village mornings to the bustling city streets, sparrows once filled the air with their cheerful chirps. These tiny birds were uninvited yet welcome guests, creating unforgettable memories.
• However, over time, their presence has significantly declined, making them a rare sight in many places. To raise awareness about their disappearing population, World Sparrow Day is celebrated every year on March 20th.

The Origins of World Sparrow Day

• World Sparrow Day was initiated in 2010 by “Nature Forever,” a bird conservation organization. The goal was to highlight the alarming decline of sparrows and promote their conservation.
• Over time, this initiative has spread to more than 50 countries, emphasizing the need to protect sparrows worldwide. In 2012, the house sparrow was declared Delhi’s state bird, further boosting awareness and conservation efforts.

Ecological Significance of Sparrows

• Despite their small size, sparrows play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. They help control insect populations by feeding on pests, contributing to natural pest management.
• Additionally, sparrows aid in pollination and seed dispersal, enhancing biodiversity. Their presence is essential for both rural and urban ecosystems, making their conservation vital for ecological sustainability.

Sparrows in Indian Culture

• Sparrows are not just birds in India; they hold cultural and emotional significance. Known as “Goraiya” in Hindi, “Kuruvi” in Tamil, and “Chirya” in Urdu, these birds have been a part of daily life for generations.
• They were once a common sight in villages and homes, their chirping blending into everyday life. However, with changing environments, these nostalgic moments have become rare.

Reasons for the Decline

• Several factors have contributed to the alarming decline of sparrows. The use of unleaded petrol has introduced toxic compounds into the environment, affecting the insects that sparrows rely on for food. Urbanization has led to the loss of their natural nesting spaces, as modern buildings lack small cavities for them to build nests.
• The widespread use of pesticides in agriculture has drastically reduced insect populations, impacting the sparrow’s food supply. Additionally, the increase in crow and cat populations, along with diminishing green spaces, has further threatened their survival. Changes in human lifestyles have also made it difficult for sparrows to thrive.

Conservation Efforts to Protect Sparrows

• Amid these challenges, several inspiring initiatives have been launched to protect sparrows. One such effort is the “Save the Sparrow” campaign led by environmental conservationist Jagat Kinkhabwala.
• His work emphasizes the need to balance development with environmental protection. This campaign gained national recognition when PM Narendra Modi supported it in 2017, significantly boosting public awareness.

Community-Led Initiatives

• In Chennai, the Koodugal Trust has taken an innovative approach by involving schoolchildren in building sparrow nests. These children create wooden birdhouses, providing safe shelters and food for sparrows.
• From 2020 to 2024, the trust built over 10,000 nests, leading to a visible rise in sparrow populations. Such initiatives highlight the importance of engaging the younger generation in conservation efforts.
• Another significant effort is the “Early Bird” campaign in Mysuru, Karnataka. This program introduces children to bird conservation through a library, activity kits, and village trips to observe birds in their natural habitats.
• By fostering curiosity and knowledge about sparrows, this campaign aims to build future conservationists.

Government and Individual Efforts

• Rajya Sabha MP Brij Lal has made remarkable contributions to sparrow conservation by setting up 50 nests in his home. Every year, sparrows return to lay their eggs, and he ensures they are fed and protected. His dedication has been praised by PM Modi, further highlighting the need for such small yet impactful efforts.

A Call to Action

• World Sparrow Day serves as a reminder to protect and preserve these tiny feathered friends. Simple steps like planting more trees, reducing pesticide use, and creating safe nesting spaces can help revive the sparrow population.
• Every small effort counts in bringing these beloved birds back into our lives and restoring the balance between nature and humanity.

9) Indore to Set Up India’s First PPP Green Waste Processing Plant

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Green waste processing

Why is it in the news?

• Indore is set to achieve a significant milestone in environmental sustainability with the launch of India’s first Public-Private Partnership (PPP)-based green waste processing plant.
• Developed under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, this initiative aims to transform green waste into valuable resources, revolutionizing the city’s waste management system.

Revenue Generation and Green Waste Recycling

• The facility will not only process green waste but also generate revenue, with the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) earning approximately ₹3,000 per tonne in royalty for supplying wood and branches.
• Built on a 55,000 square feet land in Bicholi Hapsi, the plant will recycle wood and branches to produce wooden pellets, providing an eco-friendly alternative to coal and promoting energy conservation. Larger tree branches will be sent to the Green Waste Processing Plant at City Forest, where they will be repurposed into useful products.
• Additionally, green waste generated from major institutions will be collected and transported directly to the facility, following a fixed fee structure. Indore generates 30 tons of green waste daily, which can increase to 60–70 tons during autumn, making efficient waste management crucial.

Innovative Green Waste Management Process

• In collaboration with the Indore Municipal Corporation, Astronomical Industries Private Limited is leading the transformation of green waste into sustainable byproducts.
• The plan involves drying the green waste for three to four months, reducing moisture content by 90%, and then breaking it down using cutting-edge machines into fine sawdust particles.
• Sawdust, once considered an unremarkable byproduct, is now repurposed into several valuable applications, contributing to a circular economy.

Uses of Processed Green Waste

The sawdust produced at the plant has multiple applications, such as:

• Eco-friendly fuel: A cleaner alternative to conventional burning methods.
• Sustainable packaging materials: Reducing plastic dependency.
• Composite material for furniture: Strengthening chairs, tables, and other products.
• Organic fertilizers: Enhancing soil quality for better agricultural yield.
• Biodegradable plates: A sustainable replacement for plastic and Styrofoam in the food industry.

Public-Private Collaboration for Infrastructure Development

• Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the IMC will provide land and ensure waste transportation to the plant. Meanwhile, the private company will handle infrastructure setup, including sheds, electricity, and water supply, and oversee complete installation and operation of the plant.
• Other private firms have also established Meghdoot and sub-grade plants on 10,000–15,000 square feet in Sirpur for processing garden waste, such as leaves and small twigs, collected by the municipal corporation.
• Composting is also being carried out in specially designed pits within municipal gardens, further strengthening Indore’s waste management efforts.

Impact on Industries and Environment

• The wooden pellets produced at the plant will be used in various industries, including the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), as an eco-friendly energy source.
• The initiative will help control the Air Quality Index (AQI) by reducing pollution caused by waste burning. It will also create new revenue streams for the municipal corporation, making the project both economically and environmentally beneficial.

Advancing the Vision of Garbage-Free Cities

• This initiative aligns with the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban’s vision of Garbage-Free Cities, promoting cleaner, greener, and more sustainable urban environments. By improving waste management, reducing pollution, and minimizing reliance on traditional fuel sources, Indore is setting a benchmark for other cities to follow.
• The project will enhance cleanliness, improve AQI, and support environmental protection, making Indore a model for sustainable urban waste management.

10) Six Sites Added to India’s UNESCO Tentative World Heritage List

GS 1: Culture and History: UNESCO World Heritage List

Why is it in the news?

• The Union Minister of Culture and Tourism has announced the inclusion of six sites in India’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status. These sites, spanning different states, reflect India’s rich cultural, historical, and ecological heritage.

Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs (Telangana)

• Located in the Mudumal region of Nalgonda district, Telangana, these megalithic structures date back to 1000 BCE to 500 BCE and are associated with the Iron Age.
• The site is notable for menhirs, which are large upright stones used for burial or ceremonial purposes. These monuments provide valuable insights into ancient South Indian megalithic cultures and their socio-religious practices.

Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas (Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh)

• The Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas are spread across Bundelkhand in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Built by the Bundela Rajputs between the 16th and 18th centuries, these structures showcase a unique blend of Rajput, Mughal, and Hindu architectural styles.
• Key sites include Orchha Fort, Datia Palace, and Chanderi Fort, reflecting the region’s rich history and artistic excellence.

Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh)

• Located in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, Kanger Valley National Park covers an area of 200 km². The park is known for its dense forests, caves, and waterfalls, including the famous Kanger Dhara waterfall.
• It is home to diverse wildlife such as tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and bison. The Bailadila Range of hills within the park adds to its ecological significance.

Ashokan Edict Sites (Multiple States)

• The Ashokan Edict Sites are spread across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Karnataka. These inscriptions, created by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, emphasize moral conduct, non-violence, and the promotion of Buddhism.
• Key locations include Sanchi, Lumbini, Kalinga, and Kandahar, which highlight Ashoka’s vision of Dhamma (righteousness) and governance.

Chausath Yogini Temples (Multiple States)

• The Chausath Yogini Temples are found in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. Built between the 8th and 12th centuries CE, these temples are associated with Tantric Hinduism and are dedicated to 64 Yoginis (female deities).
• Prominent sites include Khajuraho and Bhilsa, showcasing unique circular temple architecture and esoteric traditions.

Gupta Temples in North India (Multiple States)

• The Gupta Temples are spread across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana. Constructed during the 4th to 6th centuries CE, these temples represent the Nagara-style architecture developed under the Gupta Empire.
• Notable examples include the Deogarh Temple and Dasavatara Temple, which highlight early Hindu temple construction techniques and artistic brilliance.