Current Context : Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is developing a new set of guidelines called the National Agriculture Code (NAC).

• This is similar to the existing national codes used for buildings and electrical systems, but specifically for agriculture.
• Aim : to enhance the overall quality and efficiency of agriculture in India, making it more sustainable and responsive to modern challenges.

ABOUT NATIONAL AGRICULTURE CODE

• The National Agriculture Code (NAC) aims to standardize various agricultural practices in India, improving quality and sustainability.
• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is responsible for establishing standards for products across sectors, including agriculture, where it has already set standards for machinery (like tractors and harvesters) and agricultural inputs (such as fertilizers and pesticides).

WHAT WILL THE NAC COVER?

NAC will include standards for :

• Agricultural machinery.
• Processes related to crop selection, land preparation, sowing, irrigation, soil health, plant health, harvesting, and post-harvest operations.
• Input management including the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and weed killers.
• Crop storage and traceability to ensure safety and quality.

Current Context : Nepal, India and Bangladesh signed a tripartite agreement to facilitate cross-border electricity trade.

• Under this arrangement, Nepal will export hydroelectricity to Bangladesh via Indian transmission lines.
• It underscores a broader movement towards cross-border energy cooperation in South Asia. Initiatives for Cross-Border South Asian Energy Co-operation Cross-Border Electricity Trade:

KEY POINTS ON ENERGY COOPERATION IN SOUTH ASIA

India-Bangladesh Electricity Corridor:

• A new electricity corridor is planned from Katihar (Bihar) to Bornagar (Assam)to boost power trade between the two countries.

India-Nepal Hydropower Projects:

• Major projects include Arun III and Upper Karnali Hydropower Projects to support energy exchange and enhance Nepal’s power export capacity.

India-Bhutan Hydropower Projects:

• Bhutan has several active projects like Kurichu, Tala, Chukha, and Mangdechhu, serving as a key partner in energy cooperation.

Cross-Border Energy Pipelines:

• TAPI Pipeline: For transporting natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan and Pakistan to India.
• India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline: Strengthens energy trade between India and Bangladesh.
• Motihari-Amlekhganj Pipeline: Supplies fuel from India to Nepal.

Renewable Energy Cooperation:

• Initiatives like International Solar Alliance, Green Grids Initiative, and One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG)aim to promote renewable energy integration in the region.

Current Context : Nine captive-bred pygmy hogs released in Assam’s Manas national park.

ABOUT PYGMY HOG (PORCULA SALVANIA)

• The Pygmy Hog is the smallest and most endangered wild pig species globally.
• Habitat: Found in tall, dense grasslands with shrubs and trees, making dome-shaped nests from vegetation. Currently located in Manasand Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam.
• Role as an Indicator Species: Presence reflects the health of its habitat—tall, wet grasslands.
• Conservation Status: Listed as Endangered by IUCN and falls under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

ABOUT MANAS NATIONAL PARK

• Location: Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas in Assam; connected to Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.
• Unique Distinctions: Recognized as a World Heritage Site, Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve, Biosphere Reserve, and Important Bird Area.
• Tiger Conservation Network: Part of Project Tiger (1973) and connected to tiger reserves in Buxa, Nameri, Pakke, Namdapha, and Bhutan.
• Flora: Contains Sal forests, mixed deciduous, semi-evergreen, and grasslands.
• Fauna: Home to Hispid Hare, Pygmy Hog, Golden Langur, Indian Rhinoceros, and Asiatic Buffalo.

Current Context : First batch of pilgrims viewed Mount Kailash (abode of Lord Shiva) from Old Lipulekh pass.  Previously, pilgrims had to travel to Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) to view the peak.

ABOUT LIPULEKH PASS 

• Location: Lipulekh Pass is in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India, near the border intersection of India, Nepal, and China.
• Geography: It is situated in the Vyas Valley of Pithoragarh district and is inhabited by the Bhutiya tribe.
• Connectivity: The pass links Uttarakhand with the Tibet region of China.
• Historical Importance: Traditionally used for trade and as a route for pilgrimages, it has served as a gateway to the Himalayas for centuries.
• Religious Role: Lipulekh Pass is part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, allowing Hindu pilgrims to access Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake, which are of high spiritual significance.

Current Context : Assam government launched a new concept of “co-district” by replacing civil sub-divisions in district administration.

• Aim : To bring governance closer to people and make administration more efficient.
• Structure : Each co-district will have control over various departments, like land revenue, welfare, excise, and disaster management.
• Commissioner’s Role: Co-district commissioners will have similar powers as district commissioners, including magisterial powers for granting permissions for events.
• Expected Outcome: Faster decision-making and better local governance through decentralized administration​

Celebrated on 9 October every year in remembrance of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland.

• Aim : to raise awareness among people about the role of the postal sector for people and businesses every day.
• Theme : 150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations.

Current Context : Dr. Shruti More Bhardwaj from Kullu received the Sant Ishar Award,, for her significant work in early intervention for disabilities.

• She pioneered India’s first mobile therapy van, which provides critical therapy services like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to children with disabilities in remote areas, especially in rural

ABOUT AWARD

• It is one of India’s highest service honors, given to individuals and organizations for significant contributions to humanitarian efforts, social services, and enhancing the lives of marginalized communities.
• The award emphasizes innovation and impact in promoting social welfare and is aimed at recognizing exceptional work in various fields related to community upliftment.
• It is named after Sant Isher Singh, a prominent Sikh saint known for his dedication to social service and humanitarian work.​

Current Context : The Shahtalai temple would be renovated by spending over Rs 2.71 crore in Bilaspur.

• A 60-meter high dome is planned for construction on the main temple.
• The surrounding walls will be raised and decorated with images of Baba Balak Nath, enhancing the temple’s beauty and spiritual ambiance.

Location : Bilaspur district of Himachal.

RELIGIOUS IMPORTANCE OF TEMPLE :

• Shahtalai is closely associated with Baba Balak Nath, a revered spiritual figure.
• It is believed to be the site where Baba Balak Nath spent his early years as a cow caretaker (sevak) for Mata Rattno.
• After his time in Shahtalai, Baba Balak Nath is said to have taken samadhi (entombment) in a cave at Deotsidh, located on the Dhaul Giri hill

Current Context : Recently, Union Cabinet approved proposal for rationalization of all Centrally Sponsored Schemes operating under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare into two-umbrella Schemes viz. Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY).

• Aim : to promote sustainable agriculture through PM-RKVY and enhance food security and agricultural self-sufficiency via KY.
• Budget : total proposed expenditure of ₹1,01,321.61 crore.

ABOUT PM-RKVY

• Objective: To promote sustainable agriculture.
• Components : Includes 9 schemes such as Soil Health Management, Rainfed Area Development, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana.
• Change: State governments can re-allocate funds between components based on their specific needs.

ABOUT KRISHONNATI YOJANA (KY)

• Objective: Enhance food security and agricultural self-sufficiency in India.
• Components : Includes 9 programs like National Food Security & Nutrition Mission, Digital Agriculture Mission, etc.

Special Focus: The Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) under KY will allow flexibility to address local challenges in the North East.

Current Context : Recently, Kerala has topped the Urban Governance Index (UGI) 2024 with a score of 59.31%.

• A major improvement from its 2020 ranking when it placed fourth with a score of 48.77%.
• Two year-long study conducted across several cities in India by the Praja Foundation.

KERALA EXCELLED IN TWO MAIN CATEGORIES:

1. Empowered City Elected Representatives and Legislative Structure, scoring 18.63 out of 30.
2. Fiscal Empowerment, scoring 23.22 out of 30.

Top 5 States : Kerala followed by Odisha, Mahrashtra, Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

Bottom 5 states : Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Chandigarh and Punjab.

The national average of UGI, including 28 states, 2 Union Territories and the National Capital Territory of Delhi,  stands at 39.70/100.

About Urban Governance Index (UGI) :

• The UGI is a study that looks at how well cities are governed in India.
• It took two years to complete and checked various aspects of governance.
• Kerala scored 31 out of 100, beating Odisha, which scored 55.10.
• This index can attract investments and improve the sustainability of cities by keeping governance efficient and up-to-date.