The Swachh Survekshan Awards, which will be presented by the President of India, are part of the ongoing efforts to promote cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation across the country's cities and towns. These awards are a key component of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) and are organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), in partnership with the Quality Council of India (QCI).
Annual Cleanliness Survey:
The Swachh Survekshan is an annual survey that evaluates the cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation across cities and towns in India.
It is an important part of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U).
Award Categories:
This year, the awards will be presented across four categories:
Super Swachh League Cities: A special category for cities excelling in cleanliness, featuring a select group of cities.
Top 3 Clean Cities in five population-based categories:
Very Small Cities (< 20,000 population)
Small Cities (20,000 – 50,000 population)
Medium Cities (50,000 – 3 Lakh population)
Big Cities (3 – 10 Lakh population)
Million-Plus Cities (> 10 Lakh population)
Special Categories:
Ganga Towns: Towns located along the Ganga River.
Cantonment Boards: Military cantonments.
SafaiMitra Suraksha: For the welfare of sanitation workers.
Mahakumbh: For cities that host the Mahakumbh, a significant religious event.
State Level Awards: For the most promising clean city from each State/UT.
Total Number of Awards:
A total of 78 awards will be presented in various categories this year.
Evaluation Criteria:
The Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 will use a smart and structured approach to assess urban cleanliness, focusing on 10 well-defined parameters with 54 indicators. These indicators cover various aspects of sanitation and waste management across cities, offering a comprehensive view of their cleanliness efforts.
Introduction of Super Swachh League (SSL):
The SSL is a new addition to the awards this year, recognizing cities that have consistently ranked in the top three for the last three years and remain in the top 20% of their population category.
The SSL's dual purpose:
To encourage top-performing cities to maintain high standards.
To motivate other cities to improve and compete for better rankings.
Classification by Population Size:
For the first time, cities will be classified into five distinct population categories, allowing cities to compete more fairly based on their population sizes.
Promotes Healthy Competition: The awards motivate cities to continuously improve their sanitation practices, aiming for cleaner, healthier environments for their citizens.
Enhances Accountability: By ranking cities based on their cleanliness standards, it encourages accountability at both the local and national levels.
Supports Urban Sustainability: The survey also plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable urban development, focusing on waste management, sanitation infrastructure, and the overall quality of life in cities.
Public Awareness: The awards help raise public awareness about the importance of cleanliness, hygiene, and the role of citizens and local authorities in maintaining a clean environment.
The Swachh Survekshan Awards play a pivotal role in furthering the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan's objectives of ensuring a cleaner India.
A new species of gecko has been discovered in Assam, and it has been named Cnemaspis brahmaputra, after the Brahmaputra River.
Geographical Location:
The new species was found at Dirgheswari Temple in Assam, on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River.
Taxonomy:
This species belongs to the Cnemaspis podihuna clade, a group of small, diurnal geckos. These geckos were previously believed to be mainly confined to Sri Lanka.
The discovery in Assam reinforces the idea of an ancient biogeographic link between Sri Lanka and India’s northeast, suggesting that there may have been historical faunal exchanges across the Indian subcontinent.
Genetic and Morphological Distinctiveness:
The Cnemaspis brahmaputra is genetically and morphologically distinct from its Sri Lankan relatives, showing significant evolutionary divergence.
This species has a larger body size, fewer mid-body scale rows, more ventral scale rows across the belly, and no tubercles on its lower flanks.
It also has three enlarged rows of thigh scales, which run parallel to the enlarged femoral scale row.
Historical Context:
This is the second species of Cnemaspis to be identified in the northeastern region of India. The first was Cnemaspis assamensis, described in the year 2000.
Both species belong to the podihuna clade and are restricted to the Brahmaputra River valley. They are located on opposite banks of the river and show significant genetic differences.
Significance of the Discovery:
The discovery of Cnemaspis brahmaputra adds to the understanding of the biodiversity of the northeastern region of India, a highly rich and diverse part of the country.
The finding strengthens the idea of an ancient link between India and Sri Lanka, with possible historical exchanges of fauna.
The species' distinct evolutionary traits make it a valuable subject for further genetic and ecological studies.
The naming of Cnemaspis brahmaputra after the Brahmaputra River emphasizes the ecological and historical significance of the area, and it represents an important addition to the scientific understanding of India's biodiversity.
The Behdeinkhlam Festival, a significant cultural event celebrated in Jowai, Meghalaya, is a vibrant expression of the Pnar community's traditions, blending ancient rituals with contemporary social themes.
Meaning:
The name Behdeinkhlam is derived from two Pnar words:
Beh Dien: Refers to the act of driving away the plague using sticks and prayers.
Khlam: Means plague or pestilence.
Therefore, the festival translates to "driving away the plague" or "chasing away the demon of cholera," symbolizing the community’s efforts to ward off evil spirits and diseases.
Cultural Significance:
It is primarily celebrated by the Pnar community of Meghalaya and is a festival that invokes blessings for good harvests and communal prosperity.
It is meant to ward off evil spirits, misfortune, and diseases like cholera, reinforcing the connection between spiritual beliefs and daily life in this community.
Timing:
The Behdeinkhlam Festival is celebrated annually in July, typically after the sowing period, marking the community’s prayers for a successful agricultural season.
Symbolic Rituals:
The central ritual involves the preparation of Dein Khlam and Khnong, which are rounded and polished tree trunks gathered from the forest. These are symbolic of the cleansing process of driving away the plague and evil spirits.
Driving Away Evil Spirits:
Young men engage in the symbolic act of driving away evil spirits and diseases by beating the roofs of houses with bamboo poles. This action is part of the larger process of purging the community of misfortune.
Dancing and Celebrations:
The festival lasts for three days. On the final day, people gather at a place called Aitnar. Here, both young and old dance to the rhythms of pipes and drums, celebrating the spirit of unity and the hope for a fruitful future.
The Dad-Lawakor Game:
On the last day of the festival, the highlight is a game similar to football, called dad-lawakor, which is played at Mynthong. This exciting and energetic game symbolizes the collective strength and unity of the community.
The Behdeinkhlam Festival is not just a spiritual and cultural event for the Pnar community of Meghalaya, but also a celebration of unity, tradition, and renewal. Its deep-rooted beliefs in driving away evil and ensuring prosperity continue to bind the community together, marking an essential part of their social and cultural life.
The Prime Minister Professorships is a significant initiative by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) aimed at enhancing research and innovation in emerging institutions and state universities across India.
Purpose:
The initiative is designed to foster world-class research and innovation by leveraging the expertise of eminent scientists, senior faculty, and industry professionals. It primarily focuses on mentoring and guiding faculty and students in less-endowed state universities, to enhance their research culture and development.
Objective:
To tap into the extensive knowledge and experience of eminent scientists, including retired or superannuated professionals, along with senior faculty from private and government institutions. Their goal is to build strong research capabilities in emerging institutions and promote innovation.
Duration:
The tenure of the Prime Minister Professorship is up to 5 years, based on performance evaluated by an expert committee.
Age Limit:
There is no upper age limit for applicants as long as they are superannuated at the time of application.
Funding Support:
Each Prime Minister Professor will receive:
A fellowship of Rs. 30 lakh per annum.
Research grant of Rs. 24 lakh per annum (for consumables, domestic travel, contingencies, and equipment).
An overhead grant of Rs. 1 lakh annually for the program.
Who can apply:
Superannuated faculty or scientists from prestigious Indian institutions, research laboratories, or private institutions.
Overseas scientists including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs).
Professionals from industry, Professor of Practice with a distinguished record in research and innovation.
Research Involvement:
Applicants must have a strong track record of active research and innovation and be committed to mentoring faculty at state universities with nascent research and innovation cultures.
Eligible Host Institutions:
State universities that have been selected as spoke institutions under the PAIR (Promotion of Academic Innovation and Research) program of the ANRF.
Relocation Requirement:
Applicants must be willing to relocate to the host institution on a full-time basis and contribute to the institution’s research capabilities and innovation culture.
This program is a game-changer for state universities in India, especially those with limited research facilities. By bringing in eminent professionals and experienced mentors, the Prime Minister Professorships will transform the research landscape of these universities and create an environment of collaborative innovation.
The IRDAI has recently constituted panels of its whole-time members to investigate violations by certain insurers and intermediaries.
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) plays a crucial role in ensuring that the insurance sector in India operates smoothly, transparently, and fairly. Its role is particularly focused on protecting policyholders, regulating insurers, and fostering the development of the industry in line with national objectives.
Formation: Established by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999, the IRDAI serves as a statutory body under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
Core Responsibilities:
Safeguarding Policyholders: Ensuring fair business practices and timely settlement of claims.
Industry Development: Working to enhance the growth and sustainability of the Indian insurance sector.
Regulation & Transparency: Ensuring insurers operate with fairness, transparency, and in the interest of consumers.
Financial Prudence: Monitoring insurers' solvency and stability to ensure they can meet their financial obligations.
Fair Pricing: Regulating premium charges and policy terms to prevent exploitation.
Regulatory Authority:
Licensing and Registration: IRDAI licenses insurance companies, intermediaries, and reinsurance companies.
Eligibility Criteria: Sets qualifications, capital requirements, and other criteria for entities wishing to operate in the sector.
Entities Under IRDAI Regulation:
Life and General Insurance Companies (both public and private)
Reinsurance Companies
Insurance Intermediaries (agents, brokers, third-party administrators, surveyors)
Organizational Structure:
The IRDAI is headed by a Chairman and comprises five full-time members and four part-time members. All are appointed by the Government of India.
Focus on Policyholder Protection:
IRDAI oversees the entire process, from the assignment of policies to the settlement of claims, to ensure that insurers fulfill their obligations.
It also regulates the terms and conditions of products offered by insurers and the conduct of insurance agents and intermediaries.
Monitoring and Enforcement:
Inspections & Investigations: IRDAI carries out audits and investigations of insurance companies and intermediaries to ensure compliance with regulations.
Rural and Vulnerable Coverage: It ensures that insurance services are extended to rural areas and vulnerable sections of society, supporting inclusive growth.
IRDAI's work is pivotal in maintaining the integrity of India's insurance market, safeguarding policyholders' interests, and ensuring the stability of the sector
India and Brazil share a growing and dynamic bilateral relationship that has evolved across various sectors since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1948. Their Strategic Partnership, formalized in 2006, has provided a strong foundation for cooperation across diverse areas such as trade, defense, space, and energy.
Diplomatic relations were established in 1948, with India maintaining an embassy in Brasília and a Consulate General in São Paulo.
The Strategic Partnership formed in 2006 has helped strengthen bilateral ties through regular political engagement.
Bilateral trade stood at USD 12.2 billion in 2024–25, with India exporting products like petrochemicals, agrochemicals, pharma, and engineering goods, while Brazil exports crude oil, soy oil, sugar, gold, and iron ore to India.
Indian investments in Brazil total around USD 6 billion, and Brazilian investments in India are around USD 1 billion.
2003 Defense Cooperation Agreement was ratified in 2006, establishing a Joint Defense Committee (JDC) to focus on military collaboration.
2+2 Political-Military Dialogue began in 2024, marking a significant leap in defense cooperation.
India launched Brazil’s Amazonia-1 satellite in 2021, underscoring the strategic cooperation in space.
Brazil is also interested in India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) systems.
India and Brazil co-founded the Global Biofuels Alliance (2023) and are exploring joint working groups on bioenergy and oil & gas.
Brazil ratified the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2022, reflecting growing energy cooperation.
First cultural center opened in São Paulo in 2011, marking India's growing cultural footprint in Latin America.
Brazil hosts a vibrant Yoga and Ayurveda community, with an Indian diaspora of about 4,000 people.
During India’s Prime Minister’s recent state visit to Brazil, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their Strategic Partnership through the following five priority pillars:
Agreements Signed:
Exchange and Mutual Protection of Classified Information.
Combating International Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime.
A Cybersecurity Dialogue was launched for information sharing.
Commitment to sustainable agriculture and improving food access.
Joint R&D on agricultural productivity, animal genetics, and biotechnology.
Opposing trade barriers that impact food security, while supporting global initiatives like the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.
Focus on sustainable biofuels and flex-fuel vehicles to decarbonize transport.
Strengthening the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA).
Support for Brazil’s UNFCCC COP30 Presidency and the Tropical Forests Forever Fund.
Joint commission on Scientific and Technological Cooperation.
Focus on digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, renewable energy, and outer space.
Collaboration in pharmaceuticals, mining, and critical minerals like oil and gas.
Launch of a Brazil-India Business Council to strengthen private sector engagement and address non-tariff barriers.
Trade imbalance: The bilateral trade is largely dependent on raw material exports (Brazil) and refined products (India), limiting value-added trade.
Non-tariff barriers, particularly in agriculture, hinder trade.
High transportation costs and long shipping routes make trade less competitive.
Limited direct flights reduce the scope for tourism and business exchanges.
Both countries are competing in the global sugar and ethanol markets, which complicates collaboration.
Disputes have arisen over policies like Brazil’s opposition to India’s sugar subsidies at the WTO.
Limited cultural understanding and academic exchanges contribute to a lack of deeper ties.
Both nations perceive each other through specific lenses, such as yoga and football, leading to a narrow view of each other's potential.
India and Brazil have differing regional focuses—India is more focused on the Indo-Pacific, while Brazil emphasizes Latin America.
Multilateral differences, particularly at the WTO and on climate change, sometimes lead to misalignment in global forums.
Diversify trade and reduce non-tariff barriers (e.g., mutual recognition of standards for pharmaceuticals, food safety).
Work towards achieving a bilateral trade target of USD 20 billion in the next 5 years.
Explore an India-Mercosur Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
Create an India-Brazil maritime corridor to reduce shipping costs and time.
Launch direct flights between Delhi/Mumbai and São Paulo to boost tourism and business.
Scale up biofuel and ethanol projects under the Global Biofuels Alliance.
Collaborate on critical minerals (e.g., lithium, cobalt) to support India’s electric vehicle (EV) needs.
Work on developing genetically modified (GM) crops and drought-resistant seeds.
Promote joint ventures in organic food, vegan products, and ready-to-eat meals.
Hold annual Prime Minister–President summits to promote bilateral ties.
Promote state-level partnerships through sister-city agreements (e.g., Mumbai–Rio and Bengaluru–São Paulo).
Foster Track-II diplomacy through think tank collaborations.
The India-Brazil Strategic Partnership holds immense potential for mutual growth in a multipolar world. Despite facing challenges like limited trade diversification and geographical gaps, both nations can benefit from deeper collaboration in areas like trade, energy, technology, and agriculture. By focusing on mutual priorities and expanding cooperation across emerging sectors, India and Brazil can set a model for South-South cooperation, contributing significantly to global sustainable development.
A false-color satellite image from 2023 shows a dramatic pair of lava flows emerging from Klyuchevskoy, with an enormous plume of smoke spewing from its summit.
Klyuchevskoy is located on the Kamchatka Peninsula, in far eastern Russia.
Standing at 15,584 feet (4,750 meters), it is the tallest active volcano in both Europe and Asia, and the highest point on the Kamchatka Peninsula.
It is a stratovolcano, characterized by its truncated cone shape, with a central crater and over 70 lateral craters and cones on its lower slopes.
Klyuchevskoy has erupted more than 50 times since 1700, and it is continuously active. It is known for frequent eruptions, with smoke constantly billowing above its summit.
The Kamchatka Volcanological Station established in 1935 at its base monitors the volcano’s activity closely.
Location: The peninsula is located in the far east of Russia, bordered by the Sea of Okhotsk to the west, the Pacific Ocean, and the Bering Sea to the east.
Size: It is one of the largest peninsulas in the world, stretching over 1,250 kilometers (777 miles).
Mountain Ranges: It features two main mountain ranges: Sredinny (Central) and Vostochny (Eastern).
Climate: The climate is severe, with cold, snowy winters and cool, wet summers, making it a challenging environment for human settlement.
Volcanic Activity: The peninsula is home to 68 active volcanoes, which account for more than 10% of the world’s total active volcanoes.
Ring of Fire: Kamchatka forms part of the Kuril-Kamchatka island arc, which is part of the Ring of Fire, a geologically active area that encircles the Pacific Ocean.
Kamchatka’s volcanic activity makes it an important region for the study of volcanic eruptions, tectonic movements, and earthquake activity. The constant monitoring from the Kamchatka Volcanological Station helps scientists understand the dynamics of volcanoes like Klyuchevskoy and other volcanic systems in the region.
The Kamchatka Peninsula's volcanic activity continues to be a fascinating subject for researchers and is a crucial part of understanding the dynamics of the Ring of Fire.
We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
If you haven’t created your account yet, please Login HERE !
We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
Offline/Online Class
