Servants of India Society
Syllabus :GS1/History
In News
- Tensions have resurfaced between Pune’s Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) and the Servants of India Society (SIS) over control of a joint bank account and allegations of financial misconduct.
The Servants of India Society
- The ‘Servants of India Society’ was founded by Gopal Krishna Gokhale at Fergusson hill in June 1905 in Pune district of Maharashtra along with three associates named Natesh Appaji Dravid, Gopal Krishna Deodhar and Anant Vinayak Patwardhan.
- It aimed to create a group of selfless, dedicated workers committed to national service.
- Members took vows of renunciation and focused on education, social welfare, and uplifting the underprivileged, including rural and tribal communities.
- It aimed to promote the welfare of the Indian people by engaging in various social and educational activities
- It played a key role in uniting diverse groups and contributing to social integration during the Indian Independence movement.
| Gopal Krishna Gokhale – He was born on May 9, 1866, in Maharashtra and was a prominent Indian liberal political leader and social reformer during the Independence Movement. – He was influenced by Western political thought and the social work of Justice M.G. Ranade. – He was leader of the Indian National Congress and he advocated for Indian self-rule and social reform. – He was a prominent moderate thinker who advocated a liberal political approach and gradual social progress. 1. He supported British rule in India, believing it had initiated the country’s modernisation. 2. He argued that continued British presence would help India progress in industry, education, commerce, and politics, eventually leading to self-governance. – He mentored Mahatma Gandhi and played a key role in the Morley-Minto Reforms. 1. Known for his scholarly speeches and economic insights, he passed away on February 19, 1915. |
Source :TOI
Gyan Post Service
Syllabus: GS2/ E governance
In News
- The Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communications, has introduced ‘Gyan Post’, a dedicated postal service for affordable delivery of educational, cultural, social and religious books.
About
- ‘Gyan Post’ is operational through all post offices with a minimum rate of 20 rupees for packets up to 300 gms and a maximum rate of 100 rupees for packets up to 5 kilograms, excluding taxes.
- It aims to bridge the educational divide by making printed educational material more accessible and affordable across India, including remote and rural areas.
- Delivery is surface-based (via road or rail) to minimize costs. Parcels must be clearly marked with the label “Gyan Post.”
- Printed education material only, no handwritten letters, personal messages, or periodically issued journals would be sent.
Source: PIB
India Abstains From Gaza Ceasefire Resolution in UNGA
Syllabus :GS2/IR
In News
- The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire in Gaza,
Gaza ceasefire resolution in UNGA
- It was introduced by Spain and passed overwhelmingly with 149 votes in favor, urging protection of civilians and humanitarian aid access in Gaza.
- The Gaza conflict has resulted in over 55,000 deaths, with the UN and humanitarian agencies warning of famine and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Key elements of the resolution
- It calls for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire by all parties, along with the release of hostages held by Hamas and other groups.
- It urges full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2735, including troop withdrawal, prisoner exchanges, and the return of displaced persons.
- It reaffirms the obligation to uphold international humanitarian and human rights laws, condemns the use of starvation and aid denial as war tactics, and demands unrestricted humanitarian access across Gaza.
- It also calls for the humane treatment and release of arbitrarily detained individuals, the return of remains, and highlights the request for an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on Israel’s legal obligations.
- The resolution demands the lifting of the blockade on Gaza, insists on accountability from Israel, and emphasizes the protection and respect for UN personnel, humanitarian workers, and medical staff.
India’s Position
- India abstained from a recent UN General Assembly resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, marking the fourth such abstention in three years.
- This reflects a shift in India’s stance, as it had supported a similar resolution in December 2024.
- India recognised Palestine in 1988, and is among 147 of 193 UNGA countries that have already recognised the Palestinian state.
- India is committed to supporting a Two-State solution where the Palestinian people can live freely in an independent country within secure borders, with due regard to the security needs of Israel
Source :TH
Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs)
Syllabus: GS3/ Economy
In News
- The Income Tax Department is investigating tax evasion and laundering of unaccounted income by high-risk persons through investments in virtual digital assets (VDAs).
- As per the Finance Act 2022, VDAs are the digital assets that utilize blockchain or cryptographic technology for transactions like cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and similar assets.
Taxation Provisions for VDAs
- Flat 30% tax on crypto gains under Section 115BBH.
- No deductions allowed (except cost of acquisition).
- Since July 1, 2022, 1% TDS on every crypto transaction (Section 194S).
- The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is actively using a “NUDGE” (Non-intrusive Usage of Data to Guide and Enable) approach which aims to promote voluntary compliance using a “trust first” philosophy.
Source: IE
AviList
Syllabus: GS3/ Environment
In News
- The launch of AviList, the world’s first unified global checklist of bird species, is a major step towards standardizing bird taxonomy.
About AviList
- It is the first-ever unified global checklist of bird species, launched after four years of intense collaboration by the Working Group on Avian Checklists, under the International Ornithologists’ Union.
- It replaces all major existing lists (like the IOC and Clements) to bring consistency and clarity to avian taxonomy.
- It uses a combination of morphological traits, genetic data, vocalization patterns, ecology, reproductive isolation, and biogeography.
- It is downloadable in .csv and .xlsx formats — open to scientists, students, and citizens.
Why Does It Matter for Conservation?
- Enables precise tracking of endangered species and population trends.
- Improves coordination in international environmental agreements.
- Helps in targeted resource allocation for species protection.
Source: DTE
Israel-Iran tension Impacts India’s Tea Exports
Syllabus: GS3/Economy
Context
- Renewed Israel-Iran tension is threatening potential disruptions in the tea exports of India.
About Tea
- According to the Tea Board, the Tea exports from India increased by 9.92 per cent at 254.67 million kg, from January to December 2024, against 231.69 million kg in the previous calendar year.
- India has become the second largest tea exporter in the world.
- Types of tea exported: Primarily black tea (96%), with small quantities of regular, green, herbal, masala, and lemon tea.
- Key driver: Significant rise in shipments to West Asia, especially Iraq, now accounting for 20% of India’s tea exports.
- India’s Export destinations: Over 25 countries, including UAE, Iraq, Iran, Russia, US, and UK.
- Prominent tea regions: Assam (Assam Valley, Cachar) and West Bengal (Dooars, Terai, Darjeeling).
- Global reputation: Indian teas, especially Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri, are renowned for their quality.
- China is the largest tea producing country in the world followed by India.
Geographical Factors for Tea Cultivation
- Temperature: 20–30°C (ideal), no frost.
- Rainfall: 150–300 cm annually; well-distributed throughout the year.
- Soil: Deep, well-drained, acidic soils rich in humus; loamy soils are preferred.
- Topography: Grown on hill slopes to avoid waterlogging; elevation between 600–2,000 meters is ideal.
- Shade: Tea requires shade trees to protect from intense sunlight.
| Tea Board of India – It was set up as a statutory body in 1954 under the Tea Act, 1953. – It was established for the purposes of regulating the Indian tea industry and protecting the interests of tea producers in India. 1. All teas produced in the tea growing areas of India are administered by the Tea Board. – The Board consists of 32 Members, including Chairman and Deputy Chairman appointed by the Government of India representing different sections of the Tea industry. – The Board’s Head Office is situated in Kolkata. |
Source: BS
Oil Palm Cultivation
Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture
Context
- Oil palm cultivation has rapidly taken root across Telangana, reshaping rural economy and farmer aspirations.
About
- Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.), is a native of West Africa and popularly known as African oil palm or red oil palm.
- It is known to be the highest edible oil yielding perennial crop.
- It produces two distinct oils, i.e., palm oil and palm kernel oil.
- Palm oil is derived from the fleshy mesocarp of the fruit, which contains about 45-55% of oil.
- The palm kernel oil, obtained from the kernel of stony seed, is a potential source of lauric oil.
- Palm oil has good consumer acceptance as cooking medium because of its price advantage.
- Uses: Raw material for manufacturing oleo chemicals used in making soaps, candles, plasticizers etc.
- Edible oil, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, bio-fuel and bio-lubricant.
- Distribution: It is grown extensively in South-East Asian countries, (Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea), African countries, and South American countries.
- Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of palm oil, followed by Malaysia.
- Climatic Conditions: Oil palm is a humid crop that requires evenly distributed rainfall of 150mm/ month or 2500-4000mm/annum.
- Temperature: Between 29-33oC max. and 22-24oC min.
- Best-suited soils are moist, well-drained, deep, loamy alluvial soils, rich in organic matter with good water permeability.
- At least one-meter depth of soil is required.
- Oil palm was introduced to India at National Royal Botanical Gardens, Kolkata during the year 1886.
- Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala are major Oil palm growing States in India.
Source: TH
Totapuri Mangoes
Syllabus: GS3/ Environment
In Context
- A fresh row has erupted between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh over the movement of Totapuri mangoes, a popular variety used mainly for pulp production.
About Totapuri Mangoes
- The Totapuri mango, a popular and juicy cultivar, is easily recognizable by its elongated shape and distinctive parrot beak-like tip.
- Primarily indigenous to South India, it is also known by regional names such as Ginimoothi, Sandersha, and Banglora.
- Totapuri mangoes thrive in tropical climates characterized by warm temperatures and dry summers.
Issues at Stake
- Farmer Welfare: Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor Collector banned mango inflow from Karnataka. Karnataka mango farmers rely on Chittoor pulp factories, especially in border areas. The ban leaves them with no alternative buyers, hitting livelihoods hard.
- Cooperative Federalism vs Protectionism: AP’s unilateral action bypassed consultation. Contravenes the spirit of federalism and the interstate agricultural trade flow.
Legality of Inter-State Trade Bans
- Article 301: Trade, commerce and intercourse throughout the territory of India shall be free.
- Article 304(b): Allows States to impose restrictions only if:
- It is reasonable in public interest, and
- Passed by State Legislature, and
- Receives Presidential Assent
Source: TH
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
Syllabus: GS3/Fisheries Sector
Context
- Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has called for a collaborative push for Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) during the Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Meet 2025.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
- It is the flagship scheme of the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and was launched in 2020.
- It has been approved to be implemented over a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.
- Aim: To give momentum to the ‘sunrise’ fisheries sector through consolidated efforts from various schemes and initiatives.
- The PMMSY is an umbrella scheme with two separate components namely Central Sector Scheme (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
- The Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) Component is further segregated into Non-beneficiary oriented and beneficiary orientated subcomponents/activities:
- Enhancement of Production and Productivity.
- Infrastructure and Post-harvest Management.
- Fisheries Management and Regulatory Framework.
- Significance: The scheme addresses critical gaps in fish production and productivity, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure and management, modernisation and strengthening of value chain, traceability, establishing a robust fisheries management framework and fishers’ welfare.
Source: PIB
Army Successfully Tests Rudrastra
Syllabus :GS3/Defence
In News
- Rudrastra is India’s new indigenous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone, successfully tested by the Indian Army.
Rudrastra
- It is a hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone developed by Solar Aerospace and Defence Limited (SDAL).
- It is capable of vertical takeoff like a helicopter and long-range flight like an aircraft.
- It is Designed for precision anti-personnel strikes, it can hit targets over 50 km away and has a full range of 170 km.
- It is Ideal for deep strikes on enemy camps or artillery and offers the Army a powerful stand-off weapon with no risk to soldiers.
Importance
- It can take off vertically, fly long distances, carry out precision strikes deep across borders, and return autonomously—offering a smart, risk-free way to engage enemies without deploying soldiers on the ground.
Source :ET
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