Published on: February 17, 2025
Snippets : 17 FEBRUARY 2025
Snippets : 17 FEBRUARY 2025
- The Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, released the 2024 “Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence-Based Ranking” report. This report evaluates the transfer of powers and resources to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as mandated by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992), which introduced the 11th Schedule outlining PRI powers and requiring States/UTs to devolve functions accordingly. The Panchayats Empowerment and Accountability Incentive Scheme (PEAIS), introduced in 2005-06, incentivizes States/UTs to empower Panchayats and improve governance through transparency and performance-based fund allocation. The Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi, prepared the 2024 report, while the first report (2006-07) was created by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER). The report covers all States and Union Territories, except Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland (where the 73rd Amendment does not apply), the National Capital Territory of Delhi (where Panchayats were suspended in 1990), and Chandigarh (which lacks Panchayats). The Devolution Index, ranking States/UTs, is based on six dimensions: Framework, Functions, Finance, Functionaries, Capacity Enhancement, and Accountability, with 25 sub-indicators assessing their performance.
- The Social Welfare Department of Karnataka has decided to provide free education to orphan children in residential schools starting from the academic year 2025-26. This includes Morarji Desai Residential Schools, which are run by the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KRIES). The government order was issued on February 12, 2025, allowing orphans to be directly admitted to Class 6 without an entrance test. Local authorities and KRIES will oversee the admissions. This initiative extends the COVID-19 orphan education scheme to all orphaned children across the state, ensuring equal educational opportunities. The decision is also aimed at preventing child exploitation, as orphans are often vulnerable to begging, illegal activities, child labor, and child marriages. Karnataka has 817 residential schools with a total of 41,500 seats in Class 6, of which 50% are reserved for special categories, now including orphans. KRIES, along with Gram Panchayats, urban local bodies, the Women and Child Development Department, and the Labour Department, will identify and enroll orphans to facilitate their education.
- The U.S.-India COMPACT Initiative was recently launched by the President of the USA and the Prime Minister of India to enhance cooperation in military, trade, technology, and defence industrial sectors. COMPACT stands for Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology, aiming to drive transformative changes with a results-driven approach and initial outcomes expected this year. The initiative includes a new ten-year framework for the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership, with increased defence sales and co-production initiatives. It also promotes cooperation in space, air defence, missile systems, maritime, and undersea operations, along with the launch of the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) for AI-driven defence solutions. Economic collaboration includes Mission 500, targeting $500 billion bilateral trade by 2030, and a Bilateral Trade Agreement by fall 2025 focusing on fair trade, national security, and job creation.
- The BBMP has launched a groundbreaking initiative to vaccinate street dogs with a 5-in-1 Canine Core Combined Vaccine, targeting diseases like canine distemper and hepatitis. The program, integrated with the ongoing Anti-Rabies Vaccine program, aims to vaccinate 1.84 lakh dogs, with a target of 50-70% coverage. The BBMP has allocated Rs 4.3-4.4 crore for vaccines and logistics, with the program set to roll out ward-wise. While animal welfare activists welcome the initiative, some have raised concerns over the proposed microchipping of dogs, citing national regulations and cruelty concerns
- The Karnataka High Court has permitted changes to names in birth certificates, acknowledging the hardship caused by the lack of a legal provision for such changes. The court directed authorities to allow name changes and recommended that the State Legislature amend the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, to facilitate this process. This decision addresses a common need for individuals to change their names due to various reasons, including personal preference and astrological beliefs. The court emphasized the need for a clear and streamlined procedure to ensure ease and convenience for citizens.
- Minister for Agriculture, N. Cheluvarayaswamy, unveiled a replica of the 10th-century Athagur inscription in Mandya, India. This inscription, carved on a hero stone, honors a dog named Kali that belonged to a Rashtrakuta vassal and bravely fought alongside him in a war against the Cholas. The inscription, unique in its kind, highlights the historical significance of animals in ancient Indian society. It also underscores the importance of preserving historical artifacts and learning from our rich past.
- The Gruhapravesha movement, initiated by Arivu G. Shivappa, aims to eradicate caste-based discrimination in Kolar district, Karnataka. Launched in 2014, it encourages inter-caste mingling by inviting people from all backgrounds into homes, challenging traditional social barriers. Through events like “sahabhojana” (community meals), temple entry drives, and public awareness campaigns, the movement has fostered social harmony and challenged the persistence of untouchability. Despite initial resistance, the movement has gained momentum, with support from the district administration and various social groups. This initiative serves as a powerful example of how grassroots efforts can contribute to social change and promote inclusivity within communities.
- The recent discovery of the Crocodile Catfish (Bagarius suchus) in the Bahini River, located in the Basistha locality of Guwahati, has raised concerns about potential ecological disruptions. This large, predatory catfish, native to South and Southeast Asia, is known for its voracious appetite and can consume prey significantly larger than itself. Its introduction into a new ecosystem can lead to the decline of native fish populations, disrupting the food chain and causing imbalances within the aquatic environment. Given its size and predatory nature, the Crocodile Catfish could pose a significant threat to the biodiversity of the Bahini River.
- A new study reveals that coral reefs in the Gulf of Eilat, a northeastern extension of the Red Sea, experienced a significant 3,000-year “shutdown” in growth between 4,400 and 1,000 years ago. This unexpected period of inactivity is believed to be linked to a temporary drop in sea level, likely caused by a period of global cooling. The Gulf of Eilat, a unique ecosystem bordering Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, is renowned for its diverse coral reefs. This research highlights the impact of past climate fluctuations on these delicate ecosystems and underscores the importance of understanding long-term trends to effectively conserve these valuable marine resources.
- Ugandan athlete Jacob Kiplimo shattered the world record for the half-marathon in Barcelona, clocking an astonishing 56 minutes 41 seconds. This surpasses the previous record of 57:30 set by Yomif Kejelcha in 2021. The 24-year-old, a two-time world cross-country champion, achieved this feat under ideal conditions, also setting a world best of 39:47 for 15km along the way. This represents the largest single improvement in the men’s half-marathon world record.
- Indonesia took home its first gold at the Asia Mixed Team Badminton Championship, defeating two-time defending champion China 3-1 at the Conson Sports Centre, Qingdao
- Francesco Di Basilico of Italy and Indonesia’s Martina Ayu Pratiwi won the SDAT Triathlon Cup Triathlon in the Elite men’s and women’s category, in Chennai
