1. Eradication of Extreme Poverty in Kerala
SUBJECT: SOCIAL ISSUES
- Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced on Kerala Piravi Day that the state has eradicated extreme poverty, becoming the first in India to achieve this under the four-year Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme (EPEP), targeting households below $3 per day (2021 PPP) as per World Bank standards.
- The programme integrated welfare schemes like pensions, housing, and skill training, reducing multidimensional deprivations in health, education, and living standards across 14 districts.
- This milestone aligns with SDG 1, emphasizing inclusive growth and sets a model for other states facing rural-urban poverty divides.
- Concepts: Article 21: Right to life encompasses socio-economic dignity and access to basic needs; Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): Measures deprivations beyond income, used by NITI Aayog for targeted interventions.
- Doctrine of Substantive Equality: Ensures affirmative action for vulnerable groups to bridge historical inequalities.
2. Launch of National Critical Mineral Mission
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- The government launched the National Critical Mineral Mission 2025 to secure self-reliance in rare earth elements and critical minerals for clean energy, EVs, and defence, addressing India’s 95% import dependence mainly from China.
- The mission focuses on exploration, mining auctions, and recycling incentives, aiming for 30% domestic processing capacity by 2030 through public-private partnerships.
- It includes R&D funding for deep-sea mining and battery tech, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat in strategic sectors.
- Concepts: Article 51A(g): Fundamental duty to protect environment, guiding sustainable mining practices; National Mineral Policy 2019: Promotes auctions and private investment for resource security.
- Doctrine of Public Trust: State stewardship over minerals as national assets for public welfare.
3. India-US 10-Year Defence Partnership Framework
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- India and the US signed a 10-year Framework for Major Defence Partnership, enhancing cooperation in land, maritime, air, space, and cyberspace to bolster Indo-Pacific security.
- The pact includes joint exercises, tech transfers, and supply chain resilience, building on QUAD initiatives amid China tensions.
- It aims to deepen interoperability, with focus on AI and quantum tech for future warfare.
- Concepts: Indo-Pacific Strategy: Rule-based order and free navigation; Article 51: UN Charter on peaceful dispute resolution.
- Principle of Strategic Autonomy: Allows balanced partnerships without alliances.
4. Marine Fisheries Census 2025 Begins
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENT
- The Marine Fisheries Census 2025 started with digital enumeration from November 3 to December 18, covering 1.2 million fisher households for updated data on livelihoods and infrastructure.
- Using GIS and mobile apps under “Smart Census, Smarter Fisheries,” it aims to inform Blue Economy policies and climate-resilient coastal development.
- The census addresses overfishing and post-harvest losses, projecting a 10% rise in marine exports by 2030.
- Concepts: Article 48A: Directive to protect environment, including marine resources; National Fisheries Policy 2020: Promotes sustainable aquaculture.
- Doctrine of Sustainable Livelihoods: Integrates data for inclusive economic planning.
5. Sardar Patel National Unity Award 2025
SUBJECT: AWARDS/TITLE
- The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the Sardar Patel National Unity Award 2025, honouring contributions to internal security and unity on Patel’s birth anniversary.
- Instituted in 2019, it recognizes police and civilian efforts in counter-terrorism and social harmony, with past recipients including IPS officers for anti-Naxal operations.
- The award underscores Patel’s legacy as India’s unifier, amid ongoing challenges like border security.
- Concepts: Article 355: Centre’s duty to protect states from internal disturbances; Police Reforms: Supreme Court directives for modernizing forces.
- Doctrine of Federal Unity: Balances state autonomy with national cohesion.
