1. How Deep is North-South Divide on Climate Negotiations

Context

• COP26 provides a forum for deliberating about Climate adaptation but such global meetings must also account for the needs of developing Nations. A narrow climate agenda will only perpetuate division between postindustrial and developing Countries.

About the Debate

• At their core, climate negotiations continue to be shaped by equity concerns between postindustrial countries in the Global North and emerging economies in the Global South.
• The debate is largely over which countries have contributed most to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and how the costs of mitigating and adapting to climate change should be shared.
• How effectively the principle of equity will be embodied in global efforts to combat climate change will help determine the scope and ambition of these efforts.

Why there is North South divide on climate negotiation? 

• Historical Responsibility: The South emphasizes the North's greater historical contribution to emissions.
• Equity & Fairness: The South demands differentiated responsibilities based on capability and development needs.Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) This UNFCCC principle remains a core, contested pillar. 

Critical Areas of Friction between North And South

• Differing Vulnerabilities: Small Island States (AOSIS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and major emerging economies (like India, China, Brazil) have distinct priorities and levels of vulnerability.
• Differing Capacities: Economic strength and technical capacity vary greatly among developing nations. 
• Mitigation Ambition & Burden-Sharing: Conflict over the pace and scale of emissions cuts, and who should bear the cost. The North pushes for all to peak ASAP; the South emphasizes its development space and historical responsibility.
• Climate Finance: The South demands vastly more finance than currently committed/delivered.
• Adaptation vs. Mitigation: The South prioritizes adaptation finance (often neglected by the North).
• Transparency & Predictability: Concerns about unclear accounting and unmet $100 billion/year pledge.
• Loss and Damage (L&D): The South seeks dedicated funding and mechanisms to address irreversible climate impacts, which the North largely resists due to liability concerns.
• Need for Cooperation: Cooperation does happen on technical issues (e.g., reporting rules, carbon markets under Article 6).
• The Adaptation Finance Gap: A particularly stark divide exists here. The South views sufficient adaptation finance as an equity obligation, while the North often treats it more as aid or technical assistance, leading to chronic underfunding.

Need for Addressing Climate Finance with Urgency & Equity

• Deliver & Scale Up: Developed countries must credibly meet and exceed the $100 billion/year pledge and set a much higher post-2025 finance goal reflecting actual needs (trillions).
• Prioritize Adaptation & Loss & Damage: Radically increase the proportion of finance for adaptation (currently ~25%) and establish a dedicated, accessible L&D funding mechanism separate from adaptation and mitigation finance. Focus on grants over loans.
• Modernize the Principle of CBDR-RC (Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities): Move beyond the rigid Annexes of the UNFCCC. Differentiation should reflect current economic realities, emissions levels, technological capacity, and vulnerability, not just 1992 status. Some major emerging economies may take on greater responsibilities with commensurate support. 

Conclusion

• The way forward requires moving beyond rhetoric to concrete action on finance, embracing dynamic equity in burden-sharing and support, and building genuine trust.
• Developed nations must lead by example in cutting emissions and delivering finance, particularly for adaptation and L&D.
• Simultaneously, a modernized understanding of CBDR-RC, recognizing the evolving capabilities and vulnerabilities within the "South," is essential for crafting solutions that are perceived as fair and feasible by all parties. 

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2. Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana:Fasttracking Development In Agriculture

Context

• he Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved the “Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana”

About the Scheme

• The PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana was launched under Union Budget 2025 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to improve agricultural conditions in 100 low-productivity districts across India.
• The scheme aims to enhance rural prosperity by implementing specialized interventions and integrating existing agricultural schemes.
• Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana draws inspiration from NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme and first of its kind focusing exclusively on agriculture and allied sectors.
• It focuses on boosting farm productivity, increasing credit access, and modernizing farming practices.
• The program is expected to benefit 1.7 crore farmers across the identified districts.

Aim of the Scheme

• The Scheme aims to enhance agricultural productivity, increase adoption of crop diversification and sustainable agricultural practices.
• It also aims to augment post-harvest storage at the panchayat and block levels, improve irrigation facilities and facilitate availability of long-term and short-term credit.
• The Scheme will be implemented through convergence of 36 existing schemes across 11 Departments, other State schemes and local partnerships with the private sector.

Features of the Scheme

• The scheme aims to bring together multiple existing agricultural schemes under one umbrella for better efficiency and impact.
• It will introduce specialized interventions that cater to the unique challenges faced by each of the 100 identified districts.
• The government will leverage technology-driven solutions to help farmers adopt modern and sustainable agricultural practices.
• The scheme specifically targets districts with moderate crop intensity, low productivity, and limited access to institutional credit.
• It aims to encourage financial inclusion by strengthening farmer access to government-backed financial programs and microfinance institutions.
• 100 districts will be identified based on three key indicators of low productivity, low cropping intensity, and less credit disbursement.
• The number of districts in each state/UT will be based on the share of Net Cropped Area and operational holdings. However, a minimum of 1 district will be selected from each state.

Other Facets of the Scheme

• Committees will be formed at District, State and National level for effective planning, implementation and monitoring of the Scheme.
• A District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan will be finalized by the District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti, which will also have progressive farmers as members. 
• The District Plans will be aligned to the national goals of crop diversification, conservation of water and soil health, self-sufficiency in agriculture and allied sectors as well as expansion of natural and organic farming. 
• Progress of the Scheme in each Dhan-Dhaanya district will be monitored on 117 key Performance Indicators through a dashboard on monthly basis. 
• NITI Ayog will also review and guide the district plans. Besides, Central Nodal Officers appointed for each district will also review the scheme on a regular basis.

Conclusion

• As the targeted outcomes in these 100 districts will improve, the overall average against key performance indicators will rise for the country.
• The scheme will result in higher productivity, value addition in agriculture and allied sector, local livelihood creation and hence increase domestic production and achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat).
• As the indicators of these 100 districts improve, the national indicators will automatically show an upward trajectory.

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3. STPI Aims to Spread IT sector Growth Nationwide

Context

• The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), is repositioning itself to drive the next wave of inclusive and innovation-driven IT growth across the country, especially targeting Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

About Software Technologies Park of India

• STPI is a body set up under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in 1991 to promote the growth of
  • the IT/ITeS (Information Technology / Information Technology enabled Services) and 
  • ESDM (Electronics System Design and Manufacturing) industry in India.
  • It was established to offer software certification, tax holidays and incentives and high speed data connections.
    • It played a key role in turning the infant IT sector into a major export-oriented industry.
    • Headquarters: New Delhi

Services Provided by STPI

• Infrastructure Support: Provides plug-and-play office space with IT infrastructure for software exporters.
• Customs Clearances: Facilitates duty-free imports of capital goods, consumables, and other goods necessary for software export.
• Statutory Compliance: Ensures compliance with export regulations and assists companies in meeting their export obligations.
• Consultation and Guidance: Offers advice and support on matters related to exports, tax exemptions, and regulatory issues.

Software Technology Park Of India 2.0

• Wider Geographical Outreach: STPI has expanded to 67 centres across the country, significantly increasing its footprint beyond traditional metro cities.
• Of the total centres, 59 are located in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, reflecting a conscious effort to spread IT growth to underrepresented regions.
• Decentralisation of IT Services: The initiative aims to bring IT-enabled services (ITeS), software development, and business process management (BPM) opportunities to smaller towns and cities.
• Targeting Youth and Local Entrepreneurs: By moving closer to educational institutions and smaller urban clusters, STPI seeks to empower youth and aspiring entrepreneurs with access to digital opportunities.
• Creation of Large-Scale Incubation Infrastructure: STPI has developed over 17 lakh square feet of incubation space to support emerging startups and tech ventures.
• Support for Startups and MSMEs: These incubation spaces are designed to accommodate micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), especially those focused on software products and services.

Way Ahead

• India’s global leadership in IT has so far been driven largely by service exports, which, while significant, offer limited value addition in the long term. 
• To remain competitive in the evolving digital landscape, the country must now pivot towards a robust software product-based economy. 
• The National Policy on Software Products (NPSP) 2019 rightly emphasises this transition by advocating for indigenous innovation and IP-led growth.

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4. Child Adoption Crisis in India

Context

• A new RTI based report has revealed a widening Gap between adoptable children and prospective parents in India, with 13 families waiting per child, triggering concern over delays, legal bottlenecks and policy inaction.

About Child Adoption Crisis in India

• For every 1 child legally free for adoption, 13 prospective parents are waiting up from 11.1 in 2021
• 36,381 families registered on CARA portal are waiting for adoption.
• Average wait time has increased from 1 year in 2017 to 5 year in 2025 increasing referral time.
• Over 22,000 children live in Child Care institutions but only a fraction 12% are cleared for adoption.

Child Adoption in India

• Nodal Ministry: Union Ministry of WCD
• Primary legislation: Adoption in India is primarliy governed by JJ Act, 2015 (Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015) which seeks to ensure safety, security, dignity and wellbeing of children in need of care and protection.
• Nodal Central Agency: Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), established under the JJ Act, regulates domestic and intercountry adoptions, and implementing the Hague Convention.
• Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (1993) ensures ethical, legal, and transparent international adoptions while preventing child trafficking.
• Responsibility of States/UTs: states and UTs implement the JJ Act through institutions like 
• State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARA) 
• local Child Welfare Committees 
• District Child Protection Units (DCPUs)

Challenges in child adoption in India

• Bureaucratic Delays: Average adoption waiting period continues to be more than a year. 
• Age/Ability Bias: Older children and those with disabilities face lower adoption rates.
• Prejudices and high social stigma: Most Indians have a skewed perception of adoption as they want “their genes, blood and lineage in their child.

Measures Taken to Expedite the Adoption in India:

• Legal Reforms: Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Rules, 2022 have empowered the District Magistrates (DMs) on adoption-related matters.
• CARINGS portal: Adoption process is completely online and transparent through the designated CARINGS portal. 
• Mission Vatsalya Scheme: Supports children living in Child Care Institutions.

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5. Javelin Missile

Context

• Recently, in a major step to enhance indigenous defence capabilities, India formally submitted a Letter of Request (LoR) to the United States for the co-production of Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) within the country.
• Aligned with the 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives, the proposal seeks to boost operational readiness and reduce reliance on foreign military suppliers.

About Javelin Missiles

• A man-portable, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile system developed jointly by U.S. defence giants Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. 
• It is specifically designed to destroy heavily armoured vehicles such as main battle tanks, as well as lighter military vehicles.
• In addition to its primary anti-tank role, the missile is also effective against a range of other targets, including bunkers, fortifications, and even low-flying helicopters.

 Key Features

• Range: It has an effective operational range of up to 2.5 km.
• Fire-and-forget capability: The missile locks onto the target before launch and guides itself automatically, allowing the operator to take cover immediately after firing. 
• Guidance System: It employs an advanced infrared imaging system for automatic target tracking.
• Top-Attack Capability: Equipped with a High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead, it can destroy modern tanks by striking them from above where armour is weakest.
• Versatility: It can also be used for direct attacks on fortifications and hardened positions.

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6. Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK)

Context

• Recently, the 75th Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) was inaugurated at the Government Medical College in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh. The announcement was made by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

About PMDK

• A flagship initiative to provide integrated services under one roof for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) and senior citizens.
• Services include assessment, evaluation, counselling, distribution, and post-distribution care of assistive devices.
• Implemented through ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India), a Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). 
• Assistive devices will be distributed free of cost under the following government welfare schemes: Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) Scheme - for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan)
• Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) - for senior citizens:
• The initiative has already benefited over 1.40 lakh individuals by providing them with essential assistive devices and support services.

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7. Genome Sequencing Project

Context

• Recently, Gujarat became the first state in India to launch a dedicated genome sequencing project for its tribal population.

About Genome Sequencing Project

• The project, titled "Creation of Reference Genome Database for Tribal Population in Gujarat" 
• Aims to sequence the genomes of 2,000 individuals from various tribal communities across 17 districts.

Objectives

•  Identify genetic predispositions to hereditary diseases such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.
• Detect genetic markers for conditions like cancer, innate immunity, and other inherited disorders.
• Enable early diagnosis and targeted healthcare services based on genetic profiles 

About Genome Sequencing

• Process of determining the entire DNA sequence of organism's genome.
• A genome refers to the complete set of DNA, including all of an organism's genes. 
• The process involves identifying the precise order of four DNA bases: 
• → Adenine (A) → Cytosine (C) 
• → Guanine (G) → Thymine (T)
• Enabled by automated sequencing technologies and advanced computer software, which help assemble and interpret the large volumes of sequence data.

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8. Zographetus Mathewi

Context

• Recently, in a remarkable discovery highlighting India's rich biological heritage, a team of lepidopterists identified a new butterfly species named Zographetus Mathewi in the Western Ghats, one of the world's most critical biodiversity hotspots.

About Zographetus Mathewi

• A newly described species of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. 
• It is the 15th species globally and the 5th from India in the genus Zographetus Watson. 
• Proposed common name: Sahyadri Spotted Flitter, paying tribute to the Western Ghats (Sahyadri Hills). 
• Scientific Features and Classification: Belongs to the Zographetus satwa species-group, recognized by:
• Distinctive wing venation patterns
• Swollen forewing veins in males (a secondary sexual trait).
• Basal hair tuft on the underside of the forewing.
• Yellow-ochre scaling on the hindwing underside.
• Unique genital structures in both sexes.
• Differentiated from the similar-looking Zographetus ogygia through these traits. 
• Endemic to Kerala, specifically the low-elevation forests (<600 m) of the southern Western Ghats.

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9. Cysteine

Context

• Recently, a groundbreaking study revealed that removing just one amino acid cysteine-from the diet of mice resulted in an astonishing 30% reduction in body weight within a single week. This striking outcome highlights the vital role of cysteine in regulating metabolism and maintaining energy balance. 

About Cysteine

• A sulfur-containing, non-essential amino acid crucial for various biological functions. Though less abundant, it is often found in key protein sites due to its regulatory and catalytic roles.

Key Functions of Cysteine

• Structural Support: Found in beta-keratin, it strengthens nails, skin, and hair.
• Antioxidant Role: Precursor to glutathione, which protects cells from oxidative damage. 
• Taurine Production: Supports digestion, heart, and brain health. 
• Detoxification: Helps eliminate toxins from the body. 
• Deficiency lead to: Fatigue, weakness, Stunted growth in children & Weakened immunity.
• ✓ Sources: Meat, eggs, and dairy products. 

About Amino Acids

• Fundamental units of proteins, with 20 standard types used by the body. Of these, 9 are essential (from diet), while 11 are non-essential (synthesized by the body).

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10. Agricultural Outlook 2025-2034

Context

• Recently, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development-Food and Agriculture Organization (OECD-FAO) released their Agricultural Outlook 2025-2034, highlighting key trends shaping global food and agricultural markets over the next decade. 

Key Highlights

• By 2034, only 40% of global cereal production will be used directly for human consumption.
• 27% will be diverted to biofuel and industrial uses, up from 23% in the 2023 projection and remaining 33% will be used as animal feed. 
• Biofuel demand is projected to grow at 0.9% annually, led by India, Brazil, and Indonesia. 
• Despite sustainability concerns, food-based feedstocks will continue to dominate biofuel production. 
• Advanced biofuels (e.g., from crop residues or woody biomass) will remain marginal. 
• Global cereal production will grow by 1.1% annually over the next decade. 
• Harvested area expansion: Slows to just 0.14% annually (down from 0.33%). 
• Regional Shifts in Cereal Demand: India and Southeast Asia will contribute 39% of global cereal consumption growth by 2034 (up from 32%).
• ✓ China's share will drop to 13%, from 32% in the previous decade. 

About OECD

• Established in 1948 as the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC); renamed OECD in 1961 with the inclusion of the USA and Canada 
• HQ: Paris, France
• Membership: Primarily high-income, democratic countries with high Human Development Index and market economies.
• Role: Acts as a global statistical agency and a UN observer; publishes comparable international statistics.

About FAO

• Specialized agency of the United Nations, leading global efforts to defeat hunger.
• Established: October 1945; the oldest permanent specialized UN agencу. 
• Mandate: Improve nutrition, boost agricultural productivity, uplift rural livelihoods, support global economic growth.
• HQ: Rome, Italy.

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