Content:
- President Murmu’s invite for this year’s Republic Day reception set to honour crafts from South
- 2024 was the first year to breach global warming limit, show data
- Centre calls for comprehensive approach to address impact of climate change on agriculture
- Three million Sudan children facing acute malnutrition: UN
- Iran’s fast-ageing population fuels economic fears, defies govt. efforts
- Amid Ukraine tensions, anti-war Russian theatre in Latvia fights language ban
President Murmu’s invite for this year’s Republic Day reception set to honour crafts from South
Context:
The “At Home” reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan is traditionally a formal event, symbolizing the constitutional head’s interaction with dignitaries on Republic Day. This year’s departure from convention is noteworthy for its emphasis on Indian heritage, regional crafts, and cultural diplomacy, marking 75 years of the Republic of India.
Relevance : GS 1(Heritage , Culture)
President Murmu’s initiative is more than a ceremonial gesture — it reflects an evolving approach to inclusive nation-building, acknowledging the diverse cultural fabric of India while promoting local artisans and sustainable crafts.
Themes in the Initiative
Cultural Representation and Regional Inclusivity
The curated invitation box highlights the craft traditions of five southern States — Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh — bringing regional craftsmanship to the national stage. This move signals a pan-Indian ethos, recognizing southern India’s contributions to the country’s civilizational heritage.
- Tamil Nadu: Kanjeevaram silk pouch
- Kerala: Screwpine leaf bookmark
- Karnataka: Ganjifa art fridge magnet
- Telangana: Ikat-Pochampalli cover
- Andhra Pradesh: Etikoppaka dolls
This cultural recognition can be viewed through the lens of soft power, which seeks to enhance national identity by celebrating regional diversity.
Geographical Indication (GI) and “One District One Product” Scheme
The use of GI-tagged products aligns with government efforts to promote traditional crafts and local artisans. The “One District One Product” (ODOP) scheme aims to identify and promote unique local products from each district of India, contributing to economic empowerment and sustainability.
- Significance: The inclusion of GI-tagged items in such a high-profile event elevates local crafts to national prestige, promoting cultural preservation and economic opportunities for artisans.
Sustainability and Craft Revival
The sustainability theme is evident in the bamboo weave box and reusable Kalamkari art packaging.
- Environmental Consciousness: The initiative aligns with President Murmu’s focus on sustainability and the government’s broader push for eco-friendly practices.
- Craft Revival: Many of the included crafts, such as Ganjifa art and Kalamkari, are dying traditions. By showcasing them at a national ceremonial event, the government is reviving interest in these crafts and ensuring their survival.
2024 was the first year to breach global warming limit, show data
Context : 2024 is the first year to surpass the 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels threshold, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). This milestone marks a significant moment in the ongoing climate crisis.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment)
Temperature Data:
- 2024’s mean global temperature reached 15.1°C, 0.72°C above the 1991-2020 average.
- 1.6°C above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial period, officially breaking the long-term temperature record.
- Every year from 2015 to 2024 has been one of the 10 warmest years on record, highlighting the trend of consistent temperature rise.
Implications of Breaching 1.5°C:
- Experts emphasize that 2024’s temperature represents a point of no return. If trends continue, the world is on track to exceed 2°C by 2050, a critical threshold with severe consequences for global ecosystems and human life.
- Despite year-to-year variability (such as El Niño effects), carbon emissions continue to drive the temperature rise, making it increasingly likely that further warming is inevitable.
Sea Surface Temperature (SST) Records:
- The annual average SST over extra-polar oceans reached a record high of 20.87°C, 0.51°C above the 1991-2020 average, exacerbating global warming impacts.
- SST was the warmest from January to June 2024, with July to December ranking as the second warmest period after 2023.
Experts’ Warnings:
- Joeri Rogelj (Grantham Institute) warns that every fraction of a degree of warming leads to increased harm to ecosystems and people.
- Vaibhav Chaturvedi (CEEW) highlights the negative impacts on developing economies, where climate disasters are intensifying, and the failure of COP29 to deliver on finance makes mitigation efforts harder.
The Need for Immediate Action:
- The data underscores the urgency for global emissions cuts to prevent further temperature rises, especially with climate talks failing to generate meaningful progress.
Centre calls for comprehensive approach to address impact of climate change on agriculture
Context: Climate change’s impact on agriculture was a central theme at the Agri and Commodity Summit, 2025. Union Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi emphasized a two-pronged approach of adaptation and mitigation to tackle these challenges.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment)
Adaptation Strategies:
- Development of drought- and flood-resistant crops to withstand extreme weather events.
- Implementation of efficient water management techniques to optimize water usage in agriculture.
- Expansion of crop insurance schemes to provide financial support during natural calamities, aiming to protect farmer livelihoods.
Mitigation Strategies:
- Promotion of natural farming to reduce reliance on chemical inputs, thereby enhancing soil health.
- Introduction of carbon market incentives to encourage climate-smart farming practices.
- These efforts aim to ensure food security while making agriculture more resilient to climate change.
Role of PACS (Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies):
- Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary of the Union Cooperation Ministry, stressed the role of PACS in building climate resilience in rural India.
- PACS are being expanded to cover broader functions beyond credit and input supply, including grain storage and procurement to address the challenges of food security and transportation costs in rural areas.
NABARD’s Role:
- Shaji K.V., Chairman of NABARD, outlined the need for green lending, data access, green transformation, and resource mobilization to fund climate-resilient activities in agriculture.
Broader Collaboration and Innovations:
- The summit also focused on irregular monsoons, new seeds, bio-energy, digitization, and price risk management.
- An interactive session with drone didis and solar didis highlighted the role of technology and solar energy in enhancing agricultural resilience.
Conclusion: The comprehensive approach, incorporating both adaptation and mitigation, aims to build a climate-resilient agricultural sector, ensuring both food security and farmer welfare in the face of climate change.
Three million Sudan children facing acute malnutrition: UN
Conflict and Humanitarian Impact:
- The war between Sudanese Army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created a humanitarian crisis.
- The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced 12 million people, causing the largest displacement crisis globally.
- Destruction of infrastructure (roads, hospitals, food supply chains) has hindered access to essential resources like food and medical care.
- Ongoing famine affects five regions of Sudan, exacerbated by disruption in agricultural production and trade.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations )
Severe Malnutrition Among Children:
- An estimated 3.2 million children under five are at risk of acute malnutrition in 2025.
- 772,000 children are expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), an increase from 730,000 in 2024.
- SAM is life-threatening and can lead to death without urgent treatment.
- Malnourished children are more susceptible to diseases like cholera, measles, and respiratory infections.
- Long-term developmental consequences for children, affecting physical, cognitive, and future prospects.
Famine and Food Insecurity:
- Famine grips five areas in Sudan, as reported by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).
- Collapse of agricultural output in conflict zones, leading to dependence on humanitarian aid.
- Violence hinders aid distribution, and escalating food prices worsen the situation.
- Inflation and limited purchasing power exacerbate food insecurity.
Health Crisis and Healthcare System Collapse:
- War has led to the collapse of Sudan’s healthcare system, with hospitals destroyed and medical staff fleeing.
- Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) suspended operations at a key hospital in Khartoum due to violent attacks.
- Widespread preventable diseases like diarrhea, respiratory infections, and malaria due to lack of medical care.
- Child mortality risk rises due to the lack of vaccinations and treatments.
International and Regional Response:
- International humanitarian efforts are constrained by security issues and limited access to affected areas.
- Despite substantial aid pledges from the UN and MSF, reaching conflict zones controlled by RSF remains challenging.
- Political leaders’ failure to reach a peace agreement is a significant obstacle to resolving the crisis and ending suffering.
The Future of Sudan’s Children:
- Over 3 million children are at risk of malnutrition, with many suffering from severe malnutrition.
- Immediate health concerns and long-term effects, including developmental delays, poor education, and reduced economic opportunities.
- Disruption of education due to conflict and displacement will impact Sudan’s future workforce and development.
- Children born into the current conflict may grow up without the skills or opportunities needed to rebuild Sudan once peace is restored.
Iran’s fast-ageing population fuels economic fears, defies govt. efforts
- Iran’s population is aging five times faster than it is growing, according to the National Population Research Institute.
- By 2050, one-third of Iran’s population is projected to be 60 or older, a significant increase from the current situation.
- This demographic shift reflects a global trend of longer life expectancy and declining birth rates.
- A shrinking working-age population could lead to reduced economic productivity and slower growth, creating intergenerational financial burdens.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
Government Response and Public Campaigns:
- Iran has launched public campaigns to encourage higher birth rates, using billboards and posters promoting larger families.
- Messages such as “Children, the pulse of our lives!” aim to promote pro-natalist sentiments.
- Despite these efforts, economic challenges (inflation, unemployment, instability) prevent many couples from expanding their families, contributing to the demographic decline.
Economic Impact of an Aging Population:
- The aging population risks shrinking Iran’s labor force, leading to potential labor shortages.
- A smaller working-age population will increase financial pressures on younger generations to support the elderly via taxes and social welfare.
- The economy could slow down due to fewer young people entering the job market, especially in sectors like technology, industry, and education.
Declining Population Growth:
- Iran’s population growth has slowed from 1.29% in 2011 to 0.6% in 2023.
- Economic difficulties, changing social norms, and better access to family planning have influenced the decline in birth rates.
- This trend signals a potential demographic crisis, requiring policies to address the aging population and declining growth.
Long-Term Outlook:
- Iran’s population could shrink by more than half in the next 75 years, leading to severe economic and social challenges.
- The country must adapt through policies that encourage higher birth rates, foster economic innovation, and address the needs of an aging population.
- Labor market reforms and social support systems, including extended retirement ages, incentives for older workers, and automation/AI investment, may be necessary.
Conclusion:
- Iran’s aging population and declining birth rates present significant economic challenges.
- Despite government efforts, these demographic trends could lead to a shrinking workforce, increased social welfare burdens, and slower economic growth.
Amid Ukraine tensions, anti-war Russian theatre in Latvia fights language ban
Language Ban and National Security Concerns:
- Riga city council prohibited the theatre from advertising in Russian.
- The Latvian government mandates Latvian as the only language of instruction in state schools.
- Language restrictions are part of a broader strategy to assert national unity and reduce Russian influence.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
Theatre’s Anti-War Stance:
- The Riga Russian Theatre condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing it is “a Russian theatre, not a theatre of Russia.”
- The theatre has received backlash initially but has seen growing support over time.
- It features performances like “Carol of the Bells” (Ukrainian origin), symbolizing its anti-war position.
Cultural and Political Divide:
- Latvia’s Russian-speaking population (35% of the population) is divided over the war and its cultural ties to Russia.
- The government’s policies are seen as attempts to create a unified national identity.
- The theatre advocates for maintaining communication in all languages for constructive dialogue and social cohesion.
Ethnic Russians and National Unity:
- Latvia’s Russian minority, many with Soviet roots, feels torn between Russian heritage and Latvian citizenship.
- Government actions have led to suspicion of Russian-speaking communities, making integration more challenging.
Role of Theatre in Social Integration:
- The theatre is seen as an important institution for social integration and cultural diplomacy in Latvia.
- The Ministry of Culture supports the theatre’s anti-war position but insists that language policies must comply with Latvian laws.
Court Battle and Political Motivations:
- The theatre is challenging the language ban in court, viewing the ban as politically motivated.
- The issue of Russian language in public spaces has become a tool for local political parties, especially ahead of municipal elections.
Implications for Latvian Society:
- The language debate highlights divisions within Latvian society between Latvian and Russian-speaking communities.
- Future social and political stability may hinge on how these cultural and linguistic tensions are navigated.
Conclusion:
- The struggle over language use and cultural identity reflects broader geopolitical issues in the Baltic region.
- The Riga Russian Theatre’s resistance to the language ban could impact Latvia’s relations with its Russian-speaking minority and shape its national identity.
