Today's 6 stories
Polity and governanceThe Hindu, Page 1GS2Must read
On 1 September 2026, a three-judge Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana invoked Article 142 of the Constitution to quash FIRs registered against students who protested between 20 and 25 July 2026 over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Applications to close the cases had been moved by the Delhi Police and four States: Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Assam. The Court extended the relief to every State and Union Territory, directed that FIRs linked to these protests be treated as closed, and barred fresh FIRs over the same events. It said mere participation in the protests was not to be treated as an offence, and that it was acting with the future of young people who had protested in good faith in mind.
Prelims facts
- On 1 September 2026, a Bench led by CJI Surya Kant invoked Article 142 to quash FIRs against students who protested over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak between 20 and 25 July 2026.
- The relief covers every State and Union Territory and bars fresh FIRs over those protests; the Delhi Police may still proceed against 2,873 persons, only for bodily harm or destruction of property.
- The Centre must frame, within three months, a policy to compensate families of students who died by suicide after the paper leak.
- The Court said its directions arose from peculiar facts and are not a binding precedent.
- Article 142 power belongs only to the Supreme Court, and orders under it are enforceable throughout the territory of India.
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International relationsIndian Express, Page 3GS2Must read
The 26th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on 31 August and 1 September 2026, under the theme "25 Years of the SCO: Together for Sustainable Peace, Development and Prosperity". Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to the three pillars he had set out at the previous summit: Security, Connectivity and Opportunity. On terrorism, he said members must "dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation, and safe havens", that there can be "no place for double standards", and that countries using terrorism as an instrument of policy must be told it "can never be a strategic asset for anyone".
Prelims facts
- The 26th SCO summit was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on 31 August and 1 September 2026, marking the SCO's 25th anniversary.
- Modi called for dismantling the ecosystem of terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens, with no double standards.
- The summit adopted the Bishkek Declaration, four MoUs and more than 20 decisions; India says its proposals, including English as an official SCO language and a Civilisational Dialogue Forum, are in the outcomes.
- Eight members reaffirmed support for China's Belt and Road Initiative; India did not.
- Pakistan chairs the SCO for 2026-27 and will host the 2027 summit.
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EconomyThe Hindu, BusinessGS3Must read
The Reserve Bank of India's balance of payments data, released on 1 September 2026, show that India's current account deficit (CAD) widened to $4.2 billion, or 0.5% of GDP, in April-June 2026 (the first quarter of 2026-27), from $3.4 billion (0.4% of GDP) a year earlier. The current account records trade in goods and services and income flows with the rest of the world. The driver was the merchandise trade deficit, which rose to $86.1 billion from $68.9 billion. Services and transfers cushioned the blow: net services receipts rose to $51.6 billion from $47.9 billion, private transfer receipts, mainly remittances from Indians abroad, rose to $42.9 billion from $33.2 billion, and the net outflow on primary income (such as interest and dividends paid abroad) fell to $10.5 billion from $13.3 billion.
Prelims facts
- India's CAD widened to $4.2 billion (0.5% of GDP) in April-June 2026, from $3.4 billion (0.4% of GDP) a year earlier, as per RBI data released on 1 September 2026.
- The merchandise trade deficit rose to $86.1 billion, while net services receipts were $51.6 billion and private transfer receipts $42.9 billion.
- Foreign portfolio investors took out a net $9.6 billion, turning the capital account to a $3.9 billion net outflow despite net FDI of $6.1 billion.
- The overall balance of payments showed an $8.1 billion deficit; reserves fell $22.5 billion including valuation losses.
- India's CAD peaked at 4.8% of GDP in 2012-13.
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Polity and governanceIndian Express, ExplainedGS2
On 30 August 2026, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan of the Supreme Court, speaking at the 13th convocation of National Law University Delhi, asked why no "distinguished jurist" has been appointed to the Supreme Court in the 76 years the Constitution has allowed it. The Indian Express examined this unused route in an Explained piece on 2 September. Article 124(3) says a citizen of India is qualified to be a Supreme Court judge if he or she (a) has been a High Court judge for at least five years, (b) has been an advocate of a High Court for at least ten years, or (c) is, in the opinion of the President, a distinguished jurist. Every appointment so far has come through the first two routes.
Prelims facts
- Article 124(3) allows three routes to the Supreme Court: five years as a High Court judge, ten years as a High Court advocate, or being a distinguished jurist in the President's opinion.
- No distinguished jurist has ever been appointed; Justice Ujjal Bhuyan raised this at NLU Delhi's 13th convocation on 30 August 2026.
- The Constituent Assembly debated the route on 24 May 1949; H.V. Kamath pressed for going beyond judges and practising advocates.
- The 42nd Amendment (1976) added a distinguished jurist route for High Court judges under Article 217; the 44th Amendment (1978) removed it.
- Under the Third Judges case (1998), the Supreme Court collegium is the Chief Justice of India and the four senior-most judges.
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Society, justice and ethicsThe Hindu, Text & ContextGS1GS2
The Hindu's Text & Context page on 2 September 2026 examined the legal questions raised by a "shuddhikaran" (purification) ritual at the Ramlila ground in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a rally there on 8 August 2026. Two days later, on 10 August, members of the Shri Ram Sena performed the ritual there. Mr. Kharge and other Congress leaders called it untouchability and sought action under the law; Rahul Gandhi called it "another name for untouchability". The organisers said the ritual was a response to slogans raised at the rally, not to Mr. Kharge's caste. Union Minister J.P. Nadda told the Rajya Sabha that action would be taken against the wrongdoers and that the BJP never approved of such activities.
Prelims facts
- Article 17 abolishes untouchability, forbids its practice in any form and makes enforcing any disability arising from it an offence; the word is not defined.
- The Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955 was renamed the Protection of Civil Rights Act in 1976; its Section 7(1)(d) punishes insulting an SC member on the ground of untouchability.
- Section 3(1)(r) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 punishes intentional insult in public view; Hitesh Verma (2020) requires a caste link.
- In Sukanya Shantha (3 October 2024) the Supreme Court struck down caste-based work rules in prison manuals and read Article 17 to cover notions of purity and pollution.
- The Haldwani ritual took place on 10 August 2026, two days after Mallikarjun Kharge's rally at the Ramlila ground.
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Society, justice and ethicsIndian Express, Page 6GS1GS2GS3Must read
In a judgment dated 31 August 2026 in Rakhi Bisht v. Union of India and another, Justice Sachin Datta of the Delhi High Court held that maternity protection covers far more than leave and salary. The petitioner, a chartered accountant with about 14 years' experience, joined a private company in 2022 as Manager, Accounting, at ₹2.60 lakh a month. After she disclosed her pregnancy in May 2023, she was moved to another team. She went on maternity leave in December 2023 and, on returning in July 2024, was placed in the Treasury Department where, she said, she had no reporting staff and was left out of managerial meetings, although her designation and salary were unchanged.
Prelims facts
- On 31 August 2026, the Delhi High Court (Justice Sachin Datta) held that a woman returning from maternity leave is entitled to her previous post or an equivalent one in role, authority and prospects, not merely the same pay and title.
- The Court awarded ₹10 lakh compensation and ₹1.5 lakh costs, and directed the Union to frame rules within six months on role protection, lactation support, crèches and grievances.
- Section 12 of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 bars an employer from varying a woman's service conditions to her disadvantage during maternity absence.
- The 2017 amendment raised paid maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks and required crèches in establishments with 50 or more employees.
- Article 42 (a Directive Principle) directs the State to secure just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.
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Every other article worth knowing
The Hindu
CVC report: over 7,200 CBI corruption cases pending trial
The Hindu, Page 12GS2Prelims
According to a Central Vigilance Commission report, 7,229 CBI cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act were pending trial as of December 31, 2025, over 400 of them for more than 20 years. Higher courts had 14,083 appeals, revisions and writs related to the Act pending, 739 of them over 20 years old. The CBI's conviction rate was 71.71% in 2025, up from 69.14% in 2024, while it had 1,088 vacancies against a sanctioned strength of 7,300.
Prelims facts
- In all, 11,510 CBI cases were pending trial in courts.
- The CBI registered 797 regular cases and 177 preliminary enquiries in 2025.
- The CVC received 34,153 complaints in 2025 and disposed of 35,193.
Mains angle
Anti-corruption institutions: long trial delays and staff vacancies weaken deterrence even as conviction rates improve.
Source summary
Supreme Court seeks Centre's response on using totalisers in EVM vote counting
The Hindu, Page 12GS2Prelims
On a plea by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, the Supreme Court sought the Centre's response on using 'totalisers', which consolidate votes from multiple EVMs without revealing booth-wise voting trends. The Election Commission opposes the idea, saying neither the Representation of the People Act nor the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 recognise or regulate totalisers, and that they would need substantive amendments to election law. Three of six national parties opposed the proposal.
Prelims facts
- The Law Commission's 255th report had suggested selective use of totalisers.
- Under the Form 17C system, candidates can verify vote counts at individual polling stations.
Source summary
Most gig workers remain unregistered on e-Shram despite Budget health cover promise
The Hindu, Page 9OpinionGS2GS3Prelims
The 2025-26 Union Budget announced healthcare coverage for gig workers registered on the e-Shram portal, which Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said would benefit over one crore gig workers. But as of January 29, 2026, only 8.58 lakh gig workers were registered on the portal. Registrations are uneven: highly urbanised Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Kerala are not among the top 10 States.
Prelims facts
- The e-Shram portal is an Aadhaar-seeded National Database of Unorganised Workers.
- NITI Aayog estimated 77 lakh gig workers in 2020-21 and projected 1.27 crore in 2024-25 and 1.43 crore in 2025-26.
- The Code on Social Security, 2020 officially defined gig workers and promised them benefits.
Mains angle
Social security for platform workers: welfare promises fail when registration lags, showing the gap between legal recognition and actual coverage.
Source summary
India's data centre growth strains water, power and local temperatures
The Hindu, Page 11OpinionGS3Prelims
The article argues that India's data centre boom is colliding with its climate reality. Capacity is projected to reach 6.5 GW by 2030 with nearly $200 billion in investment expected over the next decade, and data centres used an estimated 150 billion litres of water in 2024-25. Maharashtra, Telangana and Rajasthan are promoting them in water-stressed zones, while state policies lack safeguards such as mandatory renewable sourcing and grid assessments.
Prelims facts
- A Cambridge University study found data centres raise land surface temperatures by 2 degrees Celsius on average within a 10 km radius.
- A 100 MW data centre consumes about 2 million litres of water a day, equal to about 6,500 households.
- Gujarat's Data Centre Policy 2026-29 mandates a minimum of 51% green energy, while Maharashtra cut its renewable requirement from 100% to 51%.
Mains angle
Digital infrastructure versus sustainability: siting, water accounting and renewable mandates decide whether data centre growth worsens heat and water stress.
Source summary
The Indian Express
SCO's Bishkek Declaration rejects double standards in the fight against terrorism
Indian Express, Page 8GS2Prelims
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation adopted the Bishkek Declaration, condemning 'double standards' in the fight against terrorism and the cross-border movement of terrorists, with the UN playing a central role. Members expressed deep concern over developments in the Middle East, condemned military strikes on the territory of Iran and reaffirmed support for Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The declaration backed a representative, democratic and equitable multipolar world order.
Prelims facts
- The declaration was adopted by India, Pakistan, Iran, Russia, China and the Central Asian countries.
- It took note of India's initiative to strengthen scientific, technical and innovative cooperation through the SCO Young Scientists Forum.
- It reaffirmed the 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' idea, the catchphrase of the 2023 G20 Summit.
Source summary
US launches fresh air strikes on IRGC targets in Iran near the Strait of Hormuz
Indian Express, Page 2GS2Prelims
The US launched new air strikes on Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran on Tuesday, in response to alleged IRGC attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and against American service members. Iran warned it would prevent oil exports from the Gulf. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced upcoming bank sanctions on entities doing business with the IRGC, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said de-escalation depended on the US honouring a June Memorandum of Understanding.
Prelims facts
- The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and is crucial for global oil shipments.
- The IRGC is a major branch of Iran's armed forces, responsible for internal and external security.
- A Memorandum of Understanding is a non-binding agreement setting out the parties' intention to work towards a common objective.
Mains angle
West Asia and energy security: conflict around a chokepoint for global oil shipments puts supply routes and oil prices at risk for importers such as India.
Source summary
India rejects Hague court ruling on Indus Waters Treaty abeyance
Indian Express, Page 17ExplainedGS2Prelims
The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled that India's decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in 'abeyance' is impermissible, held that the treaty remains fully in force and directed India to halt construction on the Ratle Hydroelectric Project. India rejected the ruling, calling the court 'illegally constituted', and contends that parallel proceedings by the PCA and a Neutral Expert on the same technical dispute are contrary to the treaty. India has not participated in the PCA arbitration for four years.
Prelims facts
- The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 and mediated by the World Bank, covers six rivers: the eastern Ravi, Beas and Sutlej and the western Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.
- The Ratle Hydroelectric Project is an 850 MW run-of-the-river project on the Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir.
- The Permanent Indus Commission last met in May 2022.
Mains angle
Water diplomacy with Pakistan: India's rejection of the PCA and its objection to parallel PCA and Neutral Expert proceedings test the treaty's dispute resolution mechanism.
Source summary
Economists raise FY27 growth forecast to 7.2% after 7.8% first-quarter GDP
Indian Express, Page 15GS3Prelims
After GDP grew 7.8% in April-June, the first quarter of 2026-27, economists raised their consensus growth forecast for FY27 to 7.2% from 6.7%; the RBI had initially forecast 6.7%. It was the twelfth consecutive quarter in which growth surprised market expectations. Retail inflation rose to 4.45% in July, above the RBI's 4% medium-term target for the second consecutive month, and minutes of the MPC's August 3 to 5 meeting indicate it may consider rate hikes.
Prelims facts
- Retail inflation was 4.45% in July 2026, above the RBI's medium-term target of 4%.
- The RBI had initially forecast GDP growth of 6.7% for FY27.
Source summary
Semicon 2.0: Rs 1.27 lakh crore push to build domestic chip design
Indian Express, Page 15GS3Prelims
India has introduced Semicon 2.0, a Rs 1.27 lakh crore programme to build domestic semiconductor design capability and Indian intellectual property for national security and critical infrastructure as well as commercial applications. It provides funding, tool access and market adoption incentives, including a deployment-linked 9% reimbursement on net sales for five years. Capital expenditure support of 30 to 40% is offered for manufacturing facilities, with 40% for large silicon wafer fabs.
Prelims facts
- Semicon 2.0 offers milestone-linked seed funding of up to Rs 15 crore or 50% of project costs.
- Overseas Citizens of India are eligible if their company is incorporated and headquartered in India.
Source summary
India's Russian oil imports fall 26% in August as Venezuelan imports rise
Indian Express, Page 15GS3Prelims
India's crude imports from Russia fell 26% in August to 2.08 million barrels per day (bpd) from 2.82 million bpd in July, owing to tighter Russian export availability, competition from Chinese refiners and maintenance shutdowns at Indian refineries. This contributed to an over 8% fall in India's overall oil imports, to 4.62 million bpd. Imports from Venezuela rose 60.2% to 350,000 bpd, the highest monthly level since 2020.
Prelims facts
- Russia's share of India's oil imports fell from 55.9% in July to 45% in August.
- About 40% of India's crude has traditionally come through the Strait of Hormuz.
Mains angle
Energy security and diversification: shifting supplies among Russia, Venezuela and West Asia show India balancing price, geopolitics and chokepoint risk.
Source summary
J&K plans early flood warnings at hydro projects and a multi-hazard risk atlas
Indian Express, Page 9GS3Prelims
In the light of the recent Nepal floods, Jammu and Kashmir is installing early flood warning systems upstream of dams and barrages at three hydroelectric projects, Baglihar, Upper Sindh and Parnai, aiming to give 1 to 2 hours of response time for flash floods. The plan includes a GIS-based multi-hazard risk atlas, an MoU with the Geological Survey of India for landslide forecasting and a dedicated disaster management training institute.
Prelims facts
- Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban districts are identified as highly vulnerable to landslides and GLOFs, with Mundiskar lake categorised as highly vulnerable.
- A Kashmir University study found five glacial lakes in the Kashmir Himalayas, including Bramsar and Gangabal, with very high susceptibility to GLOFs.
- A cloudburst is an extreme, localised rainfall event, typically exceeding 100 mm per hour over a small area.
Source summary
Nepal flood shows why Himalayan hazard monitoring is so difficult
Indian Express, Page 17ExplainedGS1GS3Prelims
Recent floods in Nepal were triggered by a glacial detachment, possibly involving bedrock, on the northern slopes of Langtang Lirung peak, which created a temporary natural dam on the Lhende River that then failed. Described as a 'thousand-year-plus event', the flood caused destruction over 100 km, hitting hydropower projects and villages in Nuwakot district. The article calls for remote sensing, fixed hydromet and seismic station networks and local community monitoring.
Prelims facts
- Most extreme events in the Himalayas over the last decade originated from previously unidentified locations.
- India's Home Ministry and space agencies undertake mapping exercises for glacial lakes and hazards.
- Cascading hazard chains in the Himalayas are increasing in frequency and intensity, the article notes.
Mains angle
Himalayan disaster risk: cascading hazards from unmapped sources argue for combining satellite data, ground stations and community monitoring.
Source summary
Sikkim glacial lake outburst shows how Himalayan disasters reshape disease risks
Indian Express, Page 13OpinionGS2GS3Prelims
Citing the South Lhonak Lake outburst in Sikkim, the article argues that disasters bring four waves of harm: deaths from drowning, trauma and hypothermia; contamination-related diseases such as diarrhoea, hepatitis, typhoid and leptospirosis; disrupted care for non-communicable diseases and tuberculosis; and long-term mental health effects and new vector-borne diseases. It calls for linking ISRO and NDMA data with health metrics and for post-disaster surveillance of 90 days or more.
Prelims facts
- The South Lhonak Lake glacial lake outburst flood hit Sikkim on October 3, 2023.
- The article recommends recognising glacier-related disasters under the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health.
Mains angle
Disaster management and public health: the article argues that climate-proofed hospitals and longer post-disaster health surveillance should be part of disaster preparedness.
Source summary
FSSAI proposes red hexagonal front-of-pack warning labels on packaged food
Indian Express, Page 12OpinionGS2Prelims
Following the Supreme Court urging it to act, FSSAI has proposed red, hexagonal front-of-pack (FoP) warning labels for packaged foods high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, salt and unhealthy fats, with a separate warning for sweetened beverages. The aim is to curb rising obesity, particularly among children, where India ranks second globally. The article notes concerns over the 'two-or-more-unhealthy ingredients' threshold and small font sizes.
Prelims facts
- Chile's black octagonal front-of-pack labels led to a 24% reduction in sugary drink consumption.
- An earlier FSSAI health star rating system was criticised as ineffective.
Mains angle
Public health regulation: front-of-pack warnings as a tool against childhood obesity, and how thresholds and design decide whether they work.
Source summary
Village-scale biochar units proposed as an answer to stubble burning
Indian Express, Page 12OpinionGS3Prelims
The article argues that decentralised, village-scale biochar production can tackle stubble burning in regions like Punjab. Paddy straw (parali) is converted through pyrolysis into biochar, a carbon-rich soil amendment, giving farmers income and improving soil health. It proposes a build-operate-transfer model in which technology providers set up and run units before transferring them to Farmer Producer Organisations, Self-Help Groups or cooperatives.
Prelims facts
- About 100 kg of dry parali can yield about 30 kg of biochar.
- Paddy straw now fetches around Rs 1.5 to 2 per kg in parts of Punjab, driven by demand from power plants, Compressed Biogas units and pellet makers.
- Biochar can sequester carbon in soil for over a century.
Mains angle
Crop residue management: the article argues that turning stubble into a value-added product near the farm addresses air pollution, soil health and farm incomes together.
Source summary
India's R&D spending lags China and the US as both link science to industry
Indian Express, Page 13OpinionGS3Prelims
The article argues that India risks a subordinate global position as China and the US aggressively connect scientific research with manufacturing, with artificial intelligence central to both. India spends 0.64% of GDP on research and development, against 2.8% for China and 3.5% for the US. China pursues 'new quality productive forces', while the author says India's reform era lacked a comparable overhaul of scientific institutions.
Prelims facts
- India's R&D spending is 0.64% of GDP, compared with 2.8% for China and 3.5% for the US.
- The article credits Jamsetji Tata and the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust with building institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.
Mains angle
Science and technology policy: the article argues that low R&D spending and weak links among universities, laboratories, finance and industry limit India's technological sovereignty.
Source summary
Navy commissions INS Nipun, second Nistar-class diving support vessel
Indian Express, Page 17ExplainedGS3Prelims
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Nipun in Mumbai, the second indigenous Diving Support Vessel of the Nistar class, strengthening the Western Naval Command's deep-sea diving and submarine rescue capability in the Indian Ocean Region. Built by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, Visakhapatnam, under a contract signed in 2018, the 9,000-tonne vessel acts as a mother ship for Deep Submergence Rescue Vessels and is equipped for saturation diving.
Prelims facts
- INS Nistar, the first Diving Support Vessel of the class, was commissioned in July 2025.
- INS Nipun was built by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, Visakhapatnam.
- The vessel serves as a mother ship for Deep Submergence Rescue Vessels.
Mains angle
Indigenous shipbuilding and maritime security: submarine rescue capability strengthens the Navy's operations in the Indian Ocean Region.
Source summary
Press Information Bureau
Real GDP grows 7.8% in April-June 2026, highest first-quarter growth in four years
PIBGovernment releaseGS3Prelims
Real GDP grew 7.8% in the first quarter of 2026-27, the highest first-quarter growth in four years, and real GVA expanded 8.2%. The tertiary sector grew 10.0% and the secondary sector 8.6%, with manufacturing up 9.2%. Gross Fixed Capital Formation rose 11.9% and household consumption 7.1%. In July 2026, industrial production rose 6.7% and combined merchandise and services exports reached US$ 80.14 billion, up 13.31% year on year.
Prelims facts
- S&P Global Ratings affirmed India's 'BBB/A-2' sovereign ratings with a Stable Outlook in August 2026.
- Credit growth was 20.0% for industry and 22.9% for services.
- Schemes listed in the release include Semicon 2.0 (Rs 1,27,500 crore) and the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (Rs 62,500 crore).
Source summary
India and Germany sign wetlands declaration at 4th Indo-German Environment Forum
PIBGovernment releaseGS2GS3Prelims
The 4th Indo-German Environment Forum (IGEF) was held in New Delhi on the theme 'Together For More Resilience', co-chaired by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and German Minister Carsten Schneider. The two sides signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on Conservation and Wise Use of Wetlands of International Importance and discussed climate resilience and the circular economy. The release says India achieved its Nationally Determined Contribution commitments ahead of schedule.
Prelims facts
- The IGEF was established in 2008 as the highest-level bilateral environmental forum between India and Germany.
- The Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition was created during India's G20 Presidency.
- The release projects the circular economy at over USD 2 trillion in market value and 10 million jobs by 2050.
Mains angle
Environmental diplomacy: bilateral partnerships on wetlands, climate resilience and circular economy support India's climate commitments.
Source summary
Jan Ganga: Namami Gange's push for community ownership of river rejuvenation
PIBGovernment releaseGS3Prelims
A PIB feature describes Jan Ganga, the public participation pillar of the Namami Gange Programme, inspired by the principle of Jan Bhagidari, which aims to move people from awareness to ownership of river rejuvenation. Activities include the annual Ganga Swachhta Pakhwada cleanliness drives from March 16 to 31 across the five main-stem Ganga basin States and Delhi, plantation under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', and the Ganga Utsav.
Prelims facts
- The Namami Gange Programme was launched in 2014 as an Integrated Conservation Mission for the Ganga and its tributaries.
- Ganga Praharis are community volunteers for grassroots river conservation, while Ganga Seva Doots extend outreach through schools and institutions.
- Ganga Utsav commemorates the Ganga's status as India's National River.
Mains angle
Participatory environmental governance: volunteer networks and campaigns complement infrastructure-led river cleaning.
Source summary