The Supreme Court of India instructed the newly constituted supervisory committee overseeing the Mullaperiyar Dam’s safety to address repair and maintenance concerns raised by Tamil Nadu. The committee has been given four weeks to submit its report.

• Historical Context: Constructed in the late 19th century, the Mullaperiyar Dam is located in Kerala but is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu under a 999-year lease agreement established in 1886. This arrangement has been a source of disputes, especially concerning the dam’s safety and water management.
• Location: Situated in the Idukki district of Kerala, the dam stands at an elevation of 881 meters above sea level in the Cardamom Hills.
• River Systems: The dam is built at the confluence of the Mullayar and Periyar
• Surroundings: The reservoir created by the dam is encompassed by the Periyar National Park, a protected wildlife sanctuary.

• 24th February 2025 is designated as Central Excise Day 2025.
• The day honors the valuable service provided by the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) to the country.
• The Central Excise Department, one of India’s oldest, was established in 1855 during the British Raj.
• The Central Excise Act, also known as the Central Excise and Salt Act, was regulated in 1944, marking the first celebration of Central Excise Day.

• World Peace and Understanding Day, observed annually on February 23rd, commemorates the founding of Rotary International, an organization dedicated to fostering global understanding and peace.
• Origin: The day commemorates the inaugural meeting of Rotary International in 1905. This organization has since become a global force for humanitarian service and peace.

The Himachal Pradesh government has approved a pilot project for cannabis cultivation, focusing on its agricultural, medicinal, and industrial applications.

• The pilot project for cannabis cultivation in Himachal Pradesh will commence on the campuses of Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Agriculture University in Palampur and Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture in Nauni, Solan.

About

• Scientific Name:Cannabis sativa
• Common Uses:Medicinal, Industrial (Hemp), and Recreational
• Main Chemical Compounds:
  • THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol):Psychoactive component
  • CBD (Cannabidiol):Non-psychoactive, medicinal benefits

Legal Status in India

• Regulated Under:Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985
• Allowed:Use of leaves and seeds for medicinal and industrial purposes (state-regulated)
• Prohibited:Production and sale of cannabis resin and flowers
• States Permitting Controlled Cultivation:
  • Uttarakhand (2018)– First Indian state to legalize industrial hemp
  • Madhya Pradesh (2019)– Approved for medicinal and industrial use
  • Himachal Pradesh (2025)– Approved pilot project for cannabis cultivation.

India’s first government-led initiative for the safe collection and disposal of expired medicines launches on February 22, 2025, under Kerala’s nPROUD program.

• Objective:Collect and scientifically dispose of expired and unused medicines to prevent environmental pollution and health hazards.

Implementation:

• Collection Methods:Scheduled pickups from households and designated blue drop-off boxes.
• Pilot Phase:Initiated in Kozhikode Corporation and Ulliyeri Panchayat, with plans for statewide expansion.
• Collaboration:Led by the Drugs Control Department, supported by local self-government bodies and Haritha Karma Sena members.
• Background:Builds upon the 2021 PROUD pilot in Thiruvananthapuram, which disposed of 21 tonnes of unused medicines.

Recently, Brazil approved entry into OPEC+.

About Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

• Established:1960, Baghdad Conference by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela.
• Objective:Stabilize and coordinate petroleum policies among member nations.
• Headquarters:Vienna, Austria.
• Members (2024):12 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, UAE, Nigeria, Libya.
• India’s Status:Not a member but a major oil importer.

OPEC+

• Formation:2016, OPEC + 10 non-OPEC nations (e.g., Russia, Kazakhstan, Mexico).
• Objective:Stabilize global oil markets amid U.S. shale oil surge.

Recently, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)  celebrated its 22^nd Foundation Day on February 19, 2025.

• Established:Under Article 338A via the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.
• Replaced:The combined National Commission for SCs and STs with separate NCSC and NCST.
• Composition:Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and 3 members appointed by the President.
• Mandate:Investigates, monitors, and safeguards ST rights under the Constitution.
• 22nd Foundation Day:February 19, 2025; focus on Forest Rights Act

Government Initiatives for Scheduled Tribes

• Pre-Matric & Post-Matric Scholarships:Financial aid for ST students.
• National Overseas Scholarship:Supports ST students for higher education abroad.
• Adivasi Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojana (AMSY):Concessional loans for ST women’s livelihood.
• Adivasi Shiksha Rinn Yojana:Education loans for ST students.
• PVTG Development Program:Special focus on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
• PTP-NER Scheme:Boosts tribal product marketing in the Northeast.

India has been elected as Vice President of the International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) during its first General Assembly in Singapore.

• India to host the IALA Council meeting in December 2025 and the IALA Conference & General Assembly in Mumbai (September 2027).
• Establishment:Founded in 1957 to harmonize global maritime navigation systems.
• Transition to Inter-Governmental Organization (IGO):In August 2024, IALA transitioned from a non-governmental organization to an IGO, following ratification by 34 member states.

Arunachal Pradesh government has recently announced enhancements to the Dulari Kanya Scheme.

• The Dulari Kanya Scheme is an initiative by the Arunachal Pradesh government to promote the welfare of girl children through financial incentives.
• Objective:Promote institutional births and support girl child education.
• Financial Incentive:₹30,000 fixed deposit for institutional births (earlier ₹20,000).
• Education Support:₹20,000 direct benefit transfer for Class XI admission.
• Total Benefit:₹50,000 per girl child.
• Withdrawal Condition:Accessible only when the child turns 18.
• Government’s Goal:Encourage institutional deliveries, improve maternal and child health, and promote girls’ education.

Observed annually on February 22 by 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts across 150 countries.

• Aim : to promote international friendship and raise awareness of issues affecting young women and
• Theme : “Our Story,” focuses on sharing experiences and strengthening global unity.