1) WMO Report: Atmospheric CO₂ Levels Reach 800,000-Year High

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Climate change

Why is it in the news?

• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released its latest State of the Climate report, revealing that atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels have reached 420 parts per million (ppm) in 2023—the highest recorded in the last 800,000 years.
• The report also states that global warming has now increased by 1.34 to 1.41 degrees Celsius compared to the 1850-1900 baseline. These findings indicate an alarming trend of rising greenhouse gas emissions, global temperature increases, and worsening climate impacts.

Why Are Rising CO₂ Levels a Concern?

• Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to global warming. Before industrialization (1750), atmospheric CO₂ levels were significantly lower.
• In 2023, CO₂ levels were 151% higher than pre-industrial times, reaching 420.0 ± 0.1 ppm—an increase of 2.3 ppm from 2022. This means the Earth’s climate system is absorbing more heat, which is affecting global temperatures, ocean conditions, and weather patterns.

Global Temperature Rise: A Critical Warning

• The past decade (2015-2024) has been the warmest in recorded history, with each of the last eight years breaking previous temperature records.
• The WMO report highlights that 90% of the excess heat generated by greenhouse gases is absorbed by the oceans, which contributes to:

1) Rising sea surface temperatures.

2) More extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves.

3) Disruptions in marine ecosystems, affecting fish populations and coral reefs.

• If this trend continues, it could lead to irreversible changes in the Earth’s climate, affecting biodiversity, food production, and human survival.

Sea Level Rise and Glacier Melting

Another key finding of the report is the alarming rise in global sea levels. Since 1993, satellite records have shown a steady increase in sea levels, but the rate of rise has doubled in recent years:

1) From 1993-2002, sea levels were rising at a rate of 2.1 mm per year.

2) From 2015-2024, the rate increased to 4.7 mm per year.

• This rise is mainly due to the melting of glaciers and ice sheets. The 2022-2024 period saw the worst glacier mass loss in recorded history, with seven of the ten worst years for glacier loss occurring since 2016.
• If glaciers continue melting at this rate, millions of people in coastal areas will be at risk of flooding and displacement.

UN’s Urgent Call for Climate Action

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for immediate action to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. He emphasized that:

1) Shifting to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power can help reduce carbon emissions.

2) Governments must implement stronger climate policies to meet emission reduction targets.

3) New national climate plans should be introduced this year to accelerate global climate efforts.

• Despite these warnings, the report also states that limiting warming to 1.5°C is still achievable if global leaders take decisive action now.

2024: The Hottest Year on Record

• According to WMO, 2024 has already been confirmed as the hottest year on record. This is the first time that global temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
• While a single year above this threshold does not mean that long-term climate targets have failed, it is a clear warning that the world is dangerously close to crossing a point of no return.

Role of El Niño and Other Climate Factors

The report identifies several factors that contributed to the record-breaking temperatures of 2023-2024:

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions – The main driver of rising global temperatures.
• El Niño Phenomenon – A periodic warming of the Pacific Ocean that disrupts global weather patterns. It leads to increased rainfall in the Horn of Africa and southern US, while causing dry and warm conditions in Southeast Asia, Australia, and southern Africa.
• Changes in the Solar Cycle – Natural variations in solar activity can influence Earth’s climate.
• Volcanic Eruption Effects – Some volcanic eruptions release gases and particles that temporarily cool the atmosphere, while others contribute to warming.
• Decrease in Cooling Aerosols – Certain human activities release aerosols that reflect sunlight, but a decline in these aerosols has led to increased warming.

Conclusion

• The WMO report is a wake-up call for humanity. The rising CO₂ levels, increasing temperatures, glacier melting, and sea level rise are clear indicators of an accelerating climate crisis.
• While solutions exist, they require immediate action from governments, businesses, and individuals.
• The next few years will be crucial in determining the future of our planet. With decisive action, limiting global warming to 1.5°C is still possible, but time is running out.

2) The Collegium System and Its Challenges

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Judicial Appointments in India

Why is it in the news?

• On March 20, the Supreme Court collegium unanimously decided to transfer a Delhi High Court judge back to the Allahabad High Court, where he originally served. This decision came after a significant amount of cash was reportedly recovered from his residence following a fire.

What is the Collegium System?

• The collegium system governs the appointment and transfer of judges in India’s higher judiciary, including the Supreme Court and High Courts. It is not based on any constitutional provision or law but has evolved through Supreme Court judgments known as the “Judges Cases.”
• The Supreme Court collegium consists of five members: the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the four seniormost judges. High Court collegiums are led by the respective Chief Justice and two other seniormost judges of that court. Since the composition depends on seniority, its members change over time as judges retire.

How Does the Collegium System Function?

• The Supreme Court collegium recommends judges for appointment to the apex court, while High Court collegiums recommend judges for their respective High Courts. However, HC recommendations must be approved by the SC collegium.
• Once recommendations are made, the government’s role is limited to conducting an Intelligence Bureau (IB) inquiry on the proposed candidates. While the government can raise concerns or seek clarifications, it is bound by constitutional judgments to approve the names if the collegium reiterates its recommendations.

Criticism of the Collegium System

• The collegium system has been criticized for its lack of transparency. It operates without an official mechanism, secretariat, or formal selection criteria. Decisions are made behind closed doors without any public disclosure of meeting details or minutes. Even lawyers are often unaware if their names are under consideration for judicial appointments.
• This lack of transparency has fuelled tensions between the judiciary and the government, with repeated calls for reforms in the appointment process.

Proposed Alternatives to the Collegium System

• The Justice M. N. Venkatachaliah Commission, appointed by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2000, recommended replacing the collegium with a National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC). The NJAC would consist of the CJI, two seniormost SC judges, the Union Law Minister, and an eminent person chosen by the President in consultation with the CJI.
• In 2014, the Modi government passed the NJAC Bill, but the Supreme Court struck it down as unconstitutional within a year. The court ruled that any alternative system must ensure judicial primacy in the appointment of higher judiciary judges, rejecting NJAC on these grounds.

Conclusion

• The debate over judicial appointments continues, with no consensus yet on balancing judicial independence with accountability and transparency.

3) Saving Lives, Shaping Futures: India’s Progress in Reducing Maternal Mortality

GS 2: Society: Protecting women and newborn health

Context

• Maternal mortality remains a critical public health challenge in India, serving as a key indicator of healthcare quality and accessibility. Maternal death is defined as the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of its termination, due to pregnancy-related causes, excluding accidental or incidental reasons.
• Addressing maternal mortality is essential for safeguarding women’s and newborns’ health while achieving global health goals.

Declining Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)

• The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) represents the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births within a given period. India has made commendable progress in reducing MMR, which declined from 130 per 100,000 live births in 2014-16 to 97 in 2018-20. This achievement results from government initiatives, enhanced healthcare access, and improved medical interventions.

Trends in Maternal Mortality

• India has steadily reduced maternal deaths, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO) certification on May 15, 2015, confirming the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus.
• While some states have successfully reduced MMR below the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 70 per 100,000 live births, others continue to struggle.
• States such as Kerala, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Karnataka have already met this SDG target.

Key Findings from NFHS-5 (2019-21)

The National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) reveals significant progress in maternal healthcare:

• Antenatal Care (ANC): The proportion of pregnant women receiving ANC visits in the first trimester increased from 59% in NFHS-4 (2015-16) to 70% in NFHS-5 (2019-21). Those receiving the recommended four or more ANC visits rose from 51% to 59%.
• Institutional Deliveries: National institutional births increased from 79% in 2015-16 to 89% in 2019-21. Kerala, Goa, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu reported 100% institutional deliveries, with over 90% in 18 other states/UTs. Even in rural areas, 87% of births occur in institutions, compared to 94% in urban areas.

Age-Wise Distribution of Maternal and Non-Maternal Deaths (2018-20)

• Maternal deaths are highest among women aged 20-29 years, with 32% occurring in the 20-24 age group and 30% in the 25-29 age group. The percentage declines in older age groups, with only 3% recorded in the 40-44 age group.
• Non-maternal deaths, however, increase with age, rising from 9% in 15-19 years to 22% in the 45-49 age group.

Government Initiatives to Reduce MMR

• India has committed to achieving the UN’s SDG target of reducing MMR to 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. The National Health Policy (NHP) 2017 set a target of reducing MMR to below 100 per 100,000 live births by 2020, which has already been achieved.
• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) supports all States and Union Territories in implementing the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health, and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) strategy under the National Health Mission (NHM).
• This strategy, executed through the Annual Programme Implementation Plan (PIP), aims to further reduce MMR and Neonatal Mortality Rate. Key interventions include promoting institutional deliveries, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and ensuring timely medical attention for high-risk pregnancies.

National Health Mission (NHM) and Maternal Health

• The National Health Mission (NHM) plays a pivotal role in India’s efforts to lower maternal mortality rates. A key component of NHM is the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health, and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) strategy, which integrates various programs to enhance maternal health services.

Key Initiatives Under NHM

1) Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)

• Introduced in 2005, JSY aims to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths by encouraging institutional deliveries, particularly among women from marginalized communities, such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.

2) Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

• This maternity benefit program, overseen by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, provides financial assistance of ₹5,000 to women for their first live birth, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
• Under the updated guidelines of ‘Mission Shakti’, implemented from April 1, 2022, the scheme (PMMVY 2.0) has introduced additional cash incentives for families where the second child is a girl, aiming to promote a positive attitude toward the girl child.

3) Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK)

• Launched in 2011, JSSK seeks to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for expectant mothers and newborns by offering free-of-cost services at public healthcare facilities.
• These include normal and cesarean deliveries, transportation, diagnostics, medications, diet, consumables, and blood transfusions.

4) Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN)

• Introduced in 2019, SUMAN ensures respectful, high-quality, and cost-free maternal and neonatal healthcare. The initiative aims to eradicate preventable maternal and newborn deaths by guaranteeing access to necessary healthcare services without denial or financial burden.

5) Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)

• Launched in 2016, PMSMA offers pregnant women free and standardized antenatal care on the 9th of every month. To further enhance maternal healthcare, the Extended PMSMA (e-PMSMA) strategy provides financial incentives for tracking high-risk pregnancies, ensuring additional check-ups and monitoring.
• As of March 21, 2025, over 9 crore pregnant women have received medical examinations under this initiative.

6) LaQshya – Improving Maternity Care

• Initiated in 2017, LaQshya focuses on improving the quality of maternity and labor room services, ensuring that women receive dignified, respectful, and high-standard care during childbirth and the immediate postpartum period.

7) Training for Medical Professionals:

• To address the shortage of specialists in rural areas, MBBS doctors receive training in Anesthesia (LSAS) and Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC), including C-sections.

8) Maternal Death Surveillance and Review (MDSR):

• Conducted at both community and healthcare facility levels, MDSR helps analyze maternal deaths and implement corrective measures to enhance obstetric care quality.

9) Village Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition Day (VHSND):

• A monthly outreach program providing maternal and child healthcare services, including nutritional support.

10) Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Activities:

• Awareness campaigns promote early antenatal registration, regular check-ups, proper nutrition, and institutional deliveries.

11) Mother and Child Protection (MCP) Card & Safe Motherhood Booklet:

• These materials educate pregnant women on essential topics such as diet, rest, warning signs during pregnancy, and available government benefits.

12) Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Portal:

• A digital tracking system monitors pregnant women and newborns to ensure they receive complete antenatal, institutional delivery, and postnatal care.

13) Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB):

• Implemented as part of the POSHAN Abhiyan, this initiative combats anaemia through improved testing, treatment, and awareness campaigns targeting school-going adolescents and pregnant women, while also addressing non-nutritional causes of anaemia.

Enhancing Healthcare Infrastructure

Strengthening healthcare infrastructure is a vital approach to reducing maternal mortality. Investments in medical facilities, advanced equipment, and workforce training have significantly improved the quality of maternal healthcare services. Several key initiatives have been implemented to enhance healthcare infrastructure:

• Comprehensive Abortion Care (CAC): Efforts to improve CAC services include training healthcare professionals, ensuring the availability of essential medications and equipment, and conducting awareness programs through Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities.
• Strengthening Delivery Points: Healthcare facilities designated as ‘Delivery Points’ have been upgraded with better infrastructure, modern equipment, and skilled personnel to provide comprehensive maternal and child health services under the RMNCAH+N framework.
• Enhancing First Referral Units (FRUs): To improve emergency obstetric care, FRUs have been equipped with essential medical staff, blood storage facilities, and robust referral networks.
• Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Wings: High-case-load healthcare facilities have been expanded with dedicated MCH wings to ensure specialized care for mothers and infants.
• Obstetric ICUs and HDUs: Obstetric Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and High-Dependency Units (HDUs) have been set up in high-burden tertiary care centers to manage complicated pregnancies more effectively.

Innovations and Success Stories in Maternal Healthcare

India has achieved remarkable success in lowering maternal mortality through innovative healthcare interventions and region-specific strategies. Several states have implemented pioneering initiatives that have significantly contributed to better maternal health outcomes:

• Madhya Pradesh’s ‘Dastak Abhiyan’: A community-based initiative that focuses on early detection of maternal health risks and ensures timely medical intervention to prevent complications.
• Tamil Nadu’s Emergency Obstetric Care Model: A well-structured referral system that guarantees pregnant women access to immediate emergency care, thereby reducing maternal health complications.

By building upon such success stories and fostering new approaches, India continues to make significant strides in ensuring safer pregnancies and improved maternal health outcomes.

Conclusion

• India has made commendable progress in reducing maternal mortality, successfully meeting the National Health Policy (NHP) target of bringing the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) below 100 by 2020.
• However, sustained efforts are essential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing MMR to below 70 by 2030.
• Continued investments in healthcare infrastructure, expansion of maternal health programs, and elimination of socioeconomic barriers will be key to further improving maternal healthcare and ensuring safer pregnancies nationwide.

4) Supreme Court’s Concerns over Income-Poverty Disparity

GS 2: Society: Issue of poverty

Why is it in the news?

• The Supreme Court of India, under Justice Surya Kant, recently raised concerns over the contradiction between high per capita income and the persistent presence of a large Below Poverty Line (BPL) population in certain states.
• This issue was highlighted during a hearing on food security for migrant workers, questioning the reliability of economic indicators versus ground realities.

Supreme Court’s Observations

• The court pointed out the stark contrast between reported economic prosperity and widespread poverty, especially in states claiming high per capita income while simultaneously recording up to 70% of their population as BPL. It emphasized that such contradictions weaken the credibility of development statistics and reflect systemic flaws in resource distribution.
• The court also questioned the effectiveness of subsidized ration schemes, assessing whether they genuinely benefit the needy or are being used for political gains.
• Additionally, it reiterated that access to food is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, making food security a constitutional obligation. Corruption and inefficiencies within the Public Distribution System (PDS) were also highlighted as major contributors to the problem.

Understanding Per Capita Income in India

• Per Capita Income (PCI) represents the average earnings per individual within a specific region over a defined period. It is calculated by dividing the total income of a region by its population.
• In India, the National Statistical Office (NSO) estimates PCI annually and reports it in the Economic Survey. While PCI is a useful economic indicator, it does not necessarily reflect equitable income distribution within a state.

Defining and Measuring Poverty in India

• Poverty is broadly defined as the lack of access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. Various expert committees have proposed different methodologies to measure poverty:
• Tendulkar Committee (2009): Defined poverty based on expenditure on food and other essential goods.
• Rangarajan Committee (2014): Recommended a higher poverty threshold, thereby increasing the estimated number of poor individuals. It set the poverty line at ₹972 per capita per month in rural areas and ₹1,407 in urban areas for 2011-12.

Poverty Statistics in India

According to NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2023, India has made notable progress in poverty reduction:

• The national poverty rate declined from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2023.
• 415 million people were lifted out of poverty between 2005-06 and 2019-21.
• Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh remain the states with the highest poverty levels, indicating regional disparities in economic growth and welfare distribution.

Despite some states reporting high per capita income, poverty remains a challenge due to several structural and economic factors:

• Wealth Concentration: High PCI often indicates urban affluence and industrial hubs rather than equitable wealth distribution.
• High Cost of Living: States like Goa and Kerala have higher living expenses, making it difficult for lower-income groups to sustain themselves.
• Agricultural Distress: States like Punjab and Tamil Nadu have strong GDP contributions but face agrarian crises, leading to financial struggles in rural areas.
• Dominance of the Informal Sector: Many workers in high-PCI states remain in low-wage, unorganized sectors with little or no social security.
• Ineffective Welfare Implementation: Government welfare programs often fail due to corruption, outdated data, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and political interference, preventing benefits from reaching those in need.

Way Forward

To bridge the gap between economic indicators and actual poverty reduction, a multi-pronged approach is required:

• Strengthening Welfare Schemes: Expanding direct cash transfers and improving food security programs for lower-income groups.
• Employment Reforms: Enhancing social security for informal workers and promoting skill-based job opportunities.
• Decentralized Economic Growth: Encouraging rural entrepreneurship and empowering local governance to ensure balanced economic development.
• Data-Driven Welfare Implementation: Modernizing PDS using technology for better targeting and efficiency.
• Fair Taxation Policies: Implementing wealth taxes and progressive taxation to ensure better wealth redistribution.
• Ensuring Transparency: Conducting independent audits, maintaining transparent data collection, and using standardized poverty measurement metrics.

5) Vice-President Criticizes Freebies Culture

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Distribution of freebies

Why is it in the news?

• Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar recently criticized the growing trend of distributing freebies in politics, calling for a parliamentary discussion on the matter.

Understanding Freebies

• Freebies lack a precise definition but generally refer to goods, services, or financial incentives offered by political parties to attract voters.
• These include free electricity, gas cylinders, cycles, loan waivers, and direct cash transfers, often used as electoral strategies.

Challenges and Concerns

• The culture of freebies imposes a heavy burden on state budgets, leading to fiscal deficits and rising public debt, which weakens long-term economic stability. Excessive spending on such schemes diverts resources from essential sectors like infrastructure, education, and healthcare, slowing economic development.
• Freebies can also create dependency among citizens rather than addressing the root causes of poverty. The competition among political parties to provide more giveaways further weakens governance, reducing policy efficiency and focusing on short-term electoral gains instead of long-term economic growth.
• While Article 38 of the Constitution mandates reducing inequalities and promoting welfare, unchecked freebies often strain financial resources, making it difficult for states to sustain development programs.

Supreme Court’s Observations

• The Supreme Court has previously criticized the practice of offering freebies before elections, stating that it discourages productivity and harms the labor force. The court also noted that such practices influence voter behaviour, affecting the fairness of elections.

Expert Opinions

• Former RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao has warned against the financial risks of an unchecked freebie culture, highlighting its long-term negative impact on state economies.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi also criticized the practice, referring to freebies as “revris” that promote short-term politics at the expense of national growth.

Way Forward

• A national policy is needed to ensure government spending is directed toward sustainable development rather than politically motivated giveaways. A national dialogue and code of conduct should be established to regulate freebies, with the central government leading the initiative.
• Instead of untargeted handouts, targeted welfare programs should be prioritized to ensure that assistance reaches those who genuinely need support.

6) X vs Govt: Legal Battle Over IT Act’s Content Blocking Provisions

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Content moderation

Why is it in the news?

• Elon Musk-owned X (formerly Twitter) has challenged the Indian government’s use of Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) for content moderation and removal.
• The company argues that this provision is being misused to bypass safeguards available under Section 69A, which is specifically meant for content moderation.

Shreya Singhal Case & Section 69A

• In the 2015 case of Shreya Singhal v Union of India, the Supreme Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act, which criminalized sending false information that could cause “annoyance or inconvenience.”
• The court ruled that this provision was unconstitutionally vague and granted excessive power to restrict free speech. Following this decision, Section 69A became the primary law governing content blocking.
• Section 69A allows the Centre to block content if deemed “necessary,” but only on grounds specified under Article 19(2) of the Constitution, such as sovereignty, integrity, security, public order, decency, morality, defamation, or incitement to an offense.
• Additionally, the government must provide reasons for blocking content, ensuring transparency and allowing court challenges.

Government’s Use of Section 79

• In Shreya Singhal, the Supreme Court also clarified Section 79, which serves as a “safe harbour” provision exempting intermediaries (such as X) from liability for third-party content. However, Section 79(3)(b) holds intermediaries liable if they fail to remove unlawful content upon receiving actual knowledge or government notification.
• The court restricted the provision’s application, stating that liability arises only when a court order or government notification under Article 19(2) is issued.
• Despite this, in October 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) directed government bodies and police to issue blocking orders under Section 79(3)(b). In October 2024, MeitY launched “Sahyog,” a portal for issuing and uploading such orders.

X’s Legal Challenge

• X has approached the Karnataka High Court, arguing that MeitY is attempting to bypass procedural safeguards of Section 69A.
• Citing the Shreya Singhal ruling, X claims that content blocking should only occur through Section 69A or a court order, while Section 79 merely provides intermediary protection.
• The petition criticizes the government’s attempt to create a blocking mechanism without legal protections. X filed the petition on March 17, seeking an interim order to prevent coercive action. While the court refused immediate relief, it allowed X to approach the court if any adverse action is taken. The matter is scheduled for hearing on March 27.

AI Chatbot Grok & New Legal Challenges

• X’s legal battle coincides with controversy surrounding its AI chatbot, Grok 3, which has faced criticism for using Hindi slang and allegedly making government-critical statements. While X has not received a formal notice, the Centre has reportedly contacted the company.
• This controversy raises fresh legal questions regarding the “safe harbour” provision. While intermediaries are not liable for user-generated content, it is unclear whether AI-generated responses from chatbots like Grok fall under the same protection.
• Courts may need to determine if AI-generated content qualifies as third-party information under Section 79.

7) Global Forest Vision 2030

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Forest conservation

Why is it in the news?

• The Forest Declaration Assessment (FDA) report highlights that 6.37 million hectares of forests were lost globally in 2023, posing a severe threat to climate and biodiversity goals.

About the FDA Report

• The Forest Declaration Assessment (FDA), previously known as the New York Declaration on Forests (NYDF) Progress Assessment, was launched in 2015.
• The NYDF, a voluntary and non-binding agreement, was adopted in 2014 at the UN Climate Summit. It sets 10 key goals, including ending deforestation by 2030 and restoring 350 million hectares of degraded land. India has not signed the NYDF.

Key Findings

Rising Forest Loss:

• 37 million hectares of forests were lost in 2023, equivalent to 9 million soccer fields.
• Main causes: Expansion of palm oil, soy, beef, and timber industries.
• Most affected regions: Amazon, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

Impact on Biodiversity:

• Amazon: Cattle ranching is responsible for nearly 80% of deforestation in Amazon nations.
• Southeast Asia: Palm oil plantations endanger species like orangutans and Sumatran tigers.
• Palm oil alone contributes 5% to tropical deforestation.

Recommendations of the Report

• Align national policies with forest conservation targets at UNFCCC COP30 (Brazil, Nov 2025).
• Enhance deforestation-free trade agreements to curb illegal forest loss.
• Restrict imports of goods linked to deforestation.
• Expand forest carbon finance and introduce results-based payment systems.
• Strengthen land and resource rights of Indigenous Peoples & Local Communities (IPs & LCs).
• Ensure financial institutions integrate forest-related risks into policies.
• Redirect harmful subsidies toward sustainable land-use practices.
• Improve forest governance by aligning with global environmental standards.
• Incorporate forest conservation into debt management strategies.

India’s Role: Challenges & Opportunities

Challenges:

• Heavy reliance on imported palm oil and timber.
• No strict regulations on deforestation-linked imports.
• Small-scale farmers lack resources to certify deforestation-free products.

Opportunities:

• Implement deforestation-free import regulations.
• Support farmers through better technology, finance, and capacity-building.
• Promote sustainable agriculture & trade through South-South cooperation.
• Leverage existing programs like CAMPA, National Agroforestry Policy, and Bio-Energy Mission.

8) Project PARI

GS 1: Culture and History: Preserving public art

Why is it in the news?

• The Ministry of Culture is dedicated to preserving public art installations developed under the Public Art of India (PARI) project.

About Project PARI

• The Public Art of India (PARI) project is an initiative by the Ministry of Culture aimed at promoting and enriching India’s public art landscape.
• Implementation: Led by the Lalit Kala Akademi and the National Gallery of Modern Art.
• Art Forms Showcased: Features diverse regional art styles like Phad, Thangka, Gond, and Warli, created by over 200 artists.
• Current Scope: Currently implemented only in Delhi.
• Objective: Encourages dialogue and reflection through public art that merges India’s cultural heritage with modern themes.
• Government Effort: Part of an ongoing initiative to support talented artists by integrating traditional and contemporary art in public spaces.

9) World Happiness Report 2025

GS 2: Society: Global happiness levels

Why is it in the news?

• The Wellbeing Research Centre has released the World Happiness Report 2025, evaluating global happiness levels.

About the Report

• Published by: University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre, in collaboration with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
• Assessment Factors: Includes social support, GDP per capita, health, life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption perception.
• Global Rankings:

1) Finland retains its position as the happiest country, followed by Denmark and Iceland.

2) Afghanistan ranks the lowest, with Sierra Leone and Lebanon also among the bottom-ranked nations.

3) India is ranked 118th out of 147 countries. Its lowest ranking was 144 in 2012, while its highest was 94 in 2022.

10) Squad Alliance

GS 2: International Relations: Multilateral Coalition

Why is it in the news?

• India has been invited to join the Squad, a multilateral coalition working to curb China’s growing influence in the South China Sea.

About the Squad Alliance

• Establishment: Formed in 2024, the Squad is an informal alliance comprising Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States.
• Potential Expansion: The group is looking to include India and South Korea as new partners.
• Operations: The alliance’s defense forces engage in joint naval exercises within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea.
• Purpose: Strengthen strategic measures to address rising tensions in the region.

India’s Position

• India is already a member of the Quad, which includes the US, Japan, and Australia, focusing on maintaining regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
• While Quad operates at a broader strategic level, Squad focuses specifically on maritime security in the South China Sea.