Recently, as part of its ongoing pan-India initiative "Operation Weed Out", the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully seized 39.2 kg of hydroponic weed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. This operation reflects the agency's continued efforts in curbing drug trafficking and smuggling activities across the country.

About Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)

• Constitution: Established in 1957, DRI is the apex anti-smuggling intelligence and investigation agency of India.

• Functioning: It operates under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), which is part of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.

• Primary Responsibility: DRI is tasked with enforcing the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and over 50 other allied acts, including the Arms Act, NDPS Act (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act), COFEPOSA (Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities), Wildlife Protection Act, and the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, among others.

Key Roles and Responsibilities of DRI

1. Anti-Smuggling Operations:

   • DRI is responsible for detecting and curbing the smuggling of contraband, including drug trafficking and illicit international trade in wildlife and environmentally sensitive items.

2. Combatting Commercial Frauds:

   • It investigates and curbs commercial frauds related to international trade, especially evasion of customs duty.

3. Country-wide Network:

   • DRI operates a pan-India network of zonal, regional, and sub-regional units, as well as intelligence cells that are instrumental in tracking smuggling activities and contraband movements.

4. Intelligence Collection and Dissemination:

   • It collects, analyzes, and disseminates intelligence to its field formations and helps in investigations. It also monitors the trends of smuggling and provides recommendations for fixing loopholes in laws and procedures related to customs.

5. S-CORD - National Anti-Smuggling Coordination Centre:

   • DRI has been designated as the lead agency for S-CORD, the national anti-smuggling coordination centre, which facilitates the coordination of smuggling-related intelligence across different agencies and states.

6. International Collaboration:

   • DRI is at the forefront of international collaboration through Customs Mutual Assistance Agreements (CMAA) with over 60 countries, enabling information exchange and the adoption of best practices in customs administration.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) plays a crucial role in safeguarding India's national interests by tackling smuggling, drug trafficking, and related criminal activities. Its "Operation Weed Out" highlights its continued commitment to combating illicit trade, and its collaboration with international customs agencies strengthens its ability to address cross-border smuggling operations effectively.

India’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3—Good Health and Well-being has shown some positive advancements, but significant challenges remain, especially in the areas of maternal health, child mortality, and healthcare accessibility.

Status of India’s Progress on SDG 3

1. Maternal Health:

   • Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) stands at 97 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is far above the SDG target of 70. Despite some improvements, maternal deaths remain a major issue, particularly in rural and tribal areas where access to healthcare facilities is limited.

2. Child Mortality:

   • The under-five mortality rate is 32 deaths per 1,000 live births, still higher than the target of 25. This indicates that while child health has improved, there are still challenges in reducing preventable child deaths, especially in underprivileged regions.

3. Life Expectancy:

   • India’s average life expectancy is 70 years, which falls short of the SDG target of 73.63 years. This gap underscores challenges in addressing the underlying determinants of health, such as access to clean water, nutrition, and quality healthcare services.

4. Financial Burden of Healthcare:

   • Out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure remains a heavy burden at 13% of total consumption—nearly double the target of 7.83%. This suggests that a large portion of the population is still spending a significant amount on healthcare, which may lead to financial distress, especially among the poor.

5. Immunization:

   • While immunization coverage is at a high 93.23%, it has not yet reached the 100% target. This gap can be attributed to logistical challenges, lack of awareness, and reluctance in some communities to participate in immunization programs.

Reasons for Gaps in Achieving SDG 3 Targets

1. Access Issues:

   • Poor health infrastructure, especially in rural and remote areas, means that people often do not have easy access to quality healthcare. This includes limited access to hospitals, clinics, and skilled healthcare providers.

   • Economic barriers, such as high out-of-pocket expenses and lack of affordable healthcare options, prevent many from seeking medical attention.

2. Non-Economic Factors:

   • Poor nutrition and inadequate sanitation contribute significantly to India’s disease burden. For instance, malnutrition remains a leading cause of child mortality and stunting.

   • Unhealthy lifestyle choices, including smoking, poor diet, and lack of physical activity, are contributing to the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and heart disease.

3. Socio-Cultural Barriers:

   • Cultural practices, social stigma, and misconceptions—particularly related to reproductive health and mental health—are barriers to seeking healthcare. Many women and marginalized communities do not have access to adequate reproductive health services.

   • Gender discrimination and lack of awareness of healthcare services also impede health-seeking behavior.

4. Double Burden of Disease:

   • India faces the dual burden of disease, grappling with both communicable diseases (such as malaria, dengue, and leprosy) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The growing prevalence of NCDs places additional strain on the already overwhelmed healthcare system.

5. Impact of Covid-19:

   • The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted critical health services, including immunization programs, maternal care, and disease control initiatives. The pandemic delayed diagnoses, interrupted treatment cycles, and led to a decline in institutional deliveries and vaccination rates.

Measures to Enhance SDG 3 Progress

1. Universal Health Insurance:

   • India should implement universal health insurance schemes like Ayushman Bharat more effectively to reduce the financial burden on families and provide equitable access to healthcare. This would ensure that no one is excluded from essential medical services due to cost.

2. Strengthening PHCs & Digital Health:

   • Primary Health Centres (PHCs) should be strengthened, especially in rural and tribal areas, to offer preventive and primary care services, reducing the need for expensive secondary or tertiary care.

   • Digital health tools, including telemedicine and electronic health records, can help improve access to healthcare in remote areas. Telemedicine can bring specialist consultations to underserved communities.

3. School Health Education:

   • Introducing structured health education programs in schools can foster health literacy from an early age. Topics like nutrition, sanitation, mental health, and reproductive health can be taught to students, ensuring they grow up with a better understanding of maintaining their well-being.

   • Countries like Finland and Japan have demonstrated how school-based health education can significantly improve public health outcomes, including cardiovascular health and hygiene practices.

4. Cross-Sectoral Convergence:

   • Coordination among multiple government departments like the Ministry of Health, Women and Child Development, Jal Shakti, and Environment can foster an integrated approach to tackling issues of nutrition, sanitation, water supply, and healthcare.

   • Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) should be empowered to implement and manage local health programs and conduct social audits to ensure accountability and transparency.

5. Accelerating Scheme Implementation:

   • Ayushman Bharat (providing ₹5 lakh health cover per family), Poshan Abhiyaan (focused on reducing malnutrition and stunting), Mission Indradhanush (expanding child immunization), and LaQshya (improving maternity care) should be fast-tracked. Effective implementation of these schemes can address the root causes of health disparities in rural and tribal areas.

Conclusion

India has made progress on SDG 3, but there are still several challenges to overcome. The gaps in maternal health, child mortality, life expectancy, and financial access to healthcare require comprehensive, multi-sectoral interventions. By enhancing health infrastructure, empowering local bodies, and focusing on preventive care, India can close the gaps and achieve better health outcomes for its population, particularly in underserved and vulnerable areas.

Around 550 residents from the Birhor tribe living in the Fulwariya hamlet of Koderma district in Jharkhand are set to receive electricity supply, marking an important milestone in improving their living conditions. This will be the first time in nearly eight decades that the residents of Fulwariya will experience access to electricity, significantly enhancing their quality of life.

About the Birhor Tribe

The Birhor tribe is a semi-nomadic, forest-dependent tribal community mainly found in the eastern central region of India, particularly in Jharkhand, with smaller populations in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal. The Birhor community is recognized as one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Jharkhand.

Etymology of Birhor:

The name "Birhor" is derived from the combination of two words:

• “Bi” meaning “Jungle”,

• “Hor” meaning “Man”,
  thus translating to “man of the jungle” or “people of the jungle”.

Birhor Tribe Demographics and Ethnology:

• The Birhor tribe belongs to the Porto-Australoid racial group.

• They are generally of short stature, with wavy hair, broad noses, and long heads.

• The Birhors believe they are descendants of the Sun and consider the Kharwars (another tribe) as their brothers, as both groups trace their lineage back to the Sun.

• Ethnologically, the Birhors are closely related to other tribes like the Santals, Mundas, and Hos.

Language:

• The Birhor language belongs to the Munda group of languages in the Austroasiatic language family, making it similar to Santali, Mundari, and Ho.

• Due to increased interaction with other communities, many Birhor people are now bilingual or even trilingual, speaking Hindi, Bengali, or other regional languages along with their native language.

Social Structure:

• Social Organization: The Birhor tribe lives in small, close-knit communities that are primarily organized based on kinship.

• Clans and Leaders: The tribe is divided into different clans, each of which has a leader who helps in resolving disputes and maintaining social harmony.

• They traditionally live in temporary settlements, known as tandas or bands, which are made up of huts built with leaves and branches.

Economic Activities:

• The Birhor tribe historically had a primitive subsistence economy, relying on hunting, particularly monkeys, and gathering forest resources.

• They are skilled in making ropes from the fibers of a specific vine species, which they sell in nearby agricultural markets.

• Over time, some members of the Birhor tribe have transitioned into settled agriculture.

• The tribe is classified into two groups based on their lifestyle:

  • Uthlus: The wandering, nomadic Birhors.

  • Janghis: The settled Birhors engaged in agriculture.

Healthcare and Traditional Knowledge:

• The Birhors possess a rich knowledge of traditional medicine, using various medicinal plants found in the forests to treat common ailments, highlighting their deep connection to nature.

Conclusion:

The Birhor tribe’s inclusion in the modern amenities that have largely remained inaccessible to them for decades marks an important shift toward empowerment and inclusion. The electrification of Fulwariya is a positive example of how state and central government schemes can bring significant changes to the lives of marginalized tribal communities.

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), launched by the Indian government, has crossed an important milestone as Public Sector Banks (PSBs) have sanctioned over 5.79 lakh loan applications amounting to ₹10,907 crore by September 2025. This is a significant step toward achieving the scheme’s goal of providing free electricity to households across India by promoting the use of rooftop solar panels.

About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

Launched on February 15, 2024, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a government-backed initiative aimed at making solar energy accessible to households in India by providing subsidies for solar panel installation. The scheme focuses on promoting renewable energy while addressing the electricity needs of rural and urban populations.

Key Features of PMSGMBY:

1. Subsidy for Solar Panel Installation:

   • The scheme provides a 60% subsidy on solar units for systems with a capacity of up to 2 kW.

   • For systems between 2 kW to 3 kW, a 40% subsidy is provided.

   • The maximum system capacity eligible for subsidy under the scheme is 3 kW.

2. Development of Model Solar Villages:

   • One of the key components of the scheme is the development of Model Solar Villages in each district. These villages will showcase the effectiveness of solar energy and encourage other areas to adopt it.

3. Incentives to Local Bodies:

   • Local bodies such as Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) at the Gram Panchayat level will receive ₹1,000 per rooftop solar installation within their jurisdiction as an incentive.

4. Implementation Agencies:

   • The scheme is implemented by a National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) at the national level, and by State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) at the state level.

   • DISCOMs (Distribution Companies) are designated as SIAs responsible for facilitating various aspects like net metering, installation inspection, and commissioning of solar systems. DISCOMs will also receive incentives based on their performance in expanding rooftop solar installations beyond a baseline level.

Eligibility Criteria:

To avail of the benefits of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, households must meet the following criteria:

1. Indian Citizen: Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply.

2. Home Ownership: The household must own a house with a roof suitable for solar panel installation.

3. Valid Electricity Connection: The household must have an active electricity connection.

4. No Prior Subsidy: The household should not have received any other government subsidy for installing solar panels.

Conclusion:

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is not only aimed at providing free electricity but also at promoting clean, renewable energy across India. The scheme is expected to contribute significantly to India’s goals of energy independence and climate action, reducing the country’s dependency on fossil fuels while providing affordable electricity to rural and urban populations.

UNESCO's executive board has recently nominated Khaled el-Anani, the former Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, to be the next Director-General of the organization.

About UNESCO:

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, founded in 1945. Its mission is to foster global peace and security by promoting collaboration in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication. This is achieved through encouraging international cooperation and mutual understanding between countries.

Key Objectives of UNESCO:

• Strengthening Shared Humanity: UNESCO’s core goal is to promote human dignity, equality, and the protection of human rights, with a strong emphasis on education and sustainable development.

• Promoting Education and Science: UNESCO plays a pivotal role in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting quality education, fostering scientific research, and advancing the social sciences.

• Cultural and Heritage Preservation: It protects cultural diversity through its work in safeguarding World Heritage Sites and promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

• Communication and Information: UNESCO works on global issues related to media, communication, and the free flow of information, supporting the development of inclusive and accessible information systems.

Areas of Focus:

1. Education: Expanding access to quality education, reducing illiteracy, and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.

2. Natural Sciences: Advancing scientific knowledge, particularly in areas related to sustainability, climate change, and biodiversity conservation.

3. Social and Human Sciences: Promoting peace, human rights, and social development through research and dialogue.

4. Culture: Protecting cultural heritage and promoting creativity, diversity, and sustainable cultural industries.

5. Communication and Information: Supporting the development of information technologies, free flow of information, and media literacy.

UNESCO’s Global Role:

• Member Countries: As of now, UNESCO has 194 member countries and 12 associate members, creating a diverse international network for collaboration.

• World Heritage Sites: One of UNESCO's most well-known roles is the designation and protection of World Heritage Sites. These are culturally, historically, scientifically, or naturally significant locations that must be preserved for future generations. The World Heritage List includes iconic sites like the Great Wall of China, Pyramids of Giza, and the Galápagos Islands.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS)

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are locations around the world that have been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for their "outstanding universal value".

Key Aspects of UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

1. Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage (World Heritage Convention):

   • Adopted by UNESCO in 1972 and came into effect in 1975.

   • It sets the guidelines and criteria for selecting cultural and natural sites of universal value to be inscribed on the World Heritage List.

2. Categories of World Heritage Sites:

   • Cultural Heritage: Includes monuments, buildings, towns, and landscapes that have historical, artistic, or cultural significance.

   • Natural Heritage: Encompasses sites with outstanding natural beauty or ecological importance, such as forests, mountains, and national parks.

   • Mixed Heritage: Sites that include both cultural and natural elements, like historic landscapes that also have exceptional ecological significance.

3. Criteria for Selection:
   A site must meet at least one of the following criteria to be considered for inscription on the World Heritage List:

   • Criterion (i): Represent a masterpiece of human creative genius.

   • Criterion (ii): Showcase cultural or historical significance, especially in influencing developments in architecture, technology, or culture.

   • Criterion (iii): Exemplify outstanding architectural, ecological, or geological importance.

   • Criterion (iv): Contain exceptional natural beauty or biodiversity, contributing to conservation efforts or ongoing natural processes.

   • Criterion (v): Be a rare example of a traditional human settlement, land use, or sea use, which is representative of a culture (or cultures) or human interaction with the environment.

   Additionally, the site's protection, management, authenticity, and integrity are important considerations.

4. World Heritage Convention and the Role of UNESCO:

   • The World Heritage Convention defines the types of cultural and natural sites that can be inscribed on the World Heritage List.

   • The World Heritage Committee (WHC), which is composed of representatives from 196 States Parties (countries that have ratified the convention), meets annually to decide which sites are added to the list. It also oversees the protection and management of these sites.

5. World Heritage Fund:

   • Established in 1977, the World Heritage Fund supports the conservation of sites inscribed on the list. The fund is financed through contributions from States Parties, as well as voluntary donations from governments, private foundations, the private sector, and the public.

6. World Heritage in Danger:

   • UNESCO also maintains a List of World Heritage in Danger, which identifies sites that are at risk of losing their Outstanding Universal Value due to threats like natural disasters, climate change, or human activities. The aim is to assist these sites with additional resources and support.

India and UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

India is home to some of the world’s most iconic World Heritage Sites. As of 2024, India has 43 sites inscribed on the World Heritage List, which include both cultural and natural sites, such as:

• Taj Mahal (Cultural Heritage)

• Qutub Minar (Cultural Heritage)

• Kaziranga National Park (Natural Heritage)

• Sundarbans National Park (Natural Heritage)

• Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (Cultural Heritage)

India’s Latest Addition (2024):

In July 2024, India celebrated the addition of the Moidams: The Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty to the World Heritage List. This is India's 43rd World Heritage Site. The Moidams are ancient burial mounds of the Ahom dynasty in Assam, which ruled over northeastern India from the 13th to 19th centuries. The site is of significant cultural and historical value.

The World Heritage Committee (WHC):

• Composition: The committee is made up of members selected from among the 196 States Parties to the World Heritage Convention. India is currently a member of this committee.

• Term of Office: Typically, countries serve a 6-year term as members, although many choose to serve for 4 years voluntarily.

• Functions:

  • Meets annually to discuss the inclusion, removal, or modification of World Heritage Sites.

  • Conducts regular audits of designated sites to ensure they are being protected adequately.

  • Can list a site as World Heritage in Danger if it is threatened by external factors.

  • Can also remove sites from the World Heritage List if they lose their Outstanding Universal Value.

India Hosts the 46th World Heritage Committee Meeting (2024):

In July 2024, India hosted the 46th World Heritage Committee Meeting in New Delhi. This was the first time India hosted this prestigious event. The meeting was organized by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on behalf of the Ministry of Culture. The event saw the inclusion of India’s 43rd World Heritage Site, marking a significant moment in India’s contribution to global heritage preservation.

Conclusion:

The nomination of Khaled el-Anani to head UNESCO signals the organization’s intent to continue its vital work in safeguarding global heritage and fostering education, science, and culture. As the world faces environmental and geopolitical challenges, UNESCO’s role in promoting cooperation and protecting shared human heritage becomes even more crucial.