Short notes on Current Affairs 31.01.2026

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MHA’s new deputation rule for IPS officers

1. Key Policy Change

  • The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has made two years of Central deputation mandatory for IPS officers to be eligible for Inspector General of Police (IGP)-level postings at the Centre.
  • This requirement applies to IPS officers of the 2011 batch onwards.
  • The policy affects officers at the ranks of Superintendent of Police (SP) and Deputy Inspector General (DIG).

2. Modification of Empanelment Guidelines

  • The change was communicated via an MHA letter dated January 28 to all State Chief Secretaries.
  • It represents a modification in guidelines for empanelment of IPS officers for IG/equivalent posts with the Union Government.
  • Minimum eligibility condition introduced:
    • At least two years of Central experience at SP/DIG or equivalent level is now mandatory.
  • States have been directed to inform all IPS officers in their cadres about the new requirement.

3. Context and Rationale

  • The modification follows a letter by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, urging States to depute more IPS officers to the Centre.
  • The Home Secretary noted that:
    • States generally nominate officers only for senior-level posts.
    • There is reluctance to send officers for SP to IGP-level Central posts.
  • The new rule is aimed at institutionalising Central exposure rather than relying on voluntary or selective deputations.

4. Deputation Process and State Role

  • Central deputation requires:
    • Consent of the IPS officer, and
    • No-objection/clearance from the State government.
  • States play a gatekeeping role, often limiting availability of officers for Central posts.

5. Vacancies at the Centre

  • The Centre faces significant shortages of IPS officers at middle and senior levels:
    • SP-level:
      • 229 sanctioned posts
      • 104 vacant
    • DIG-level:
      • 256 sanctioned posts
      • 69 vacant
  • These vacancies are a major administrative challenge for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), intelligence agencies, and Union ministries.

6. Implications of the Decision

  • For IPS officers:
    • Central deputation becomes a career necessity for progression to IG-level posts at the Centre.
  • For States:
    • Likely pressure to release officers for Central postings despite local policing demands.
  • For the Centre:
    • Aims to ensure a steady pool of experienced officers familiar with Central administration and national-level policing.
  • Federal dimension:
    • Raises concerns about Centre–State balance, as States may perceive it as indirect coercion to part with officers.

7. Broader Administrative Significance

  • Reinforces the importance of All India Services’ “dual control” structure, where officers serve both State and Union governments.
  • Signals a shift from ad-hoc deputations to rule-based career progression linked to Central exposure.
  • Highlights the Centre’s attempt to address manpower gaps through systemic policy changes rather than ad hoc requests.

Key Takeaway

  • The MHA’s decision makes Central deputation a mandatory career milestone for IPS officers aspiring to senior Union-level posts, aiming to reduce vacancies and ensure administrative continuity, while also reshaping Centre–State dynamics within the All India Services framework.

Supreme Court judgment on stem cell therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

1. Supreme Court’s Core Ruling

  • The Supreme Court held that stem cell therapies cannot be offered as a clinical service for ASD.
  • Such therapies are permissible only within approved and closely monitored clinical trials or research settings.
  • Any clinical use outside this framework is illegal and unethical.

2. Criticism of the Union Government

  • The Court criticised the Union government for failing to take effective action against clinics offering unproven stem cell therapies.
  • This regulatory failure has:
    • Misled parents and caregivers,
    • Encouraged reliance on scientifically unproven treatments, and
    • Imposed huge financial burdens on vulnerable families.

3. Directions Issued by the Court

  • The government was directed to constitute a dedicated regulatory authority to oversee stem cell research nationwide.
  • Aim: to ensure uniform regulation, ethical compliance, and scientific accountability.

4. Medical Ethics and Standard of Care

  • The Court held that using stem cell therapy for ASD fails the “reasonable standard of care” owed by doctors.
  • Reason:
    • There is a lack of established scientific evidence regarding:
      • Efficacy,
      • Safety, and
      • Long-term consequences of stem cell therapy in ASD cases.

5. Informed Consent and Patient Autonomy

  • The Court ruled that:
    • Consent obtained from patients or caregivers is invalid in such cases.
    • Doctors lack adequate scientific information to properly inform patients.
  • Consent must be:
    • An informed authorisation, based on full disclosure of:
      • Nature and purpose of treatment,
      • Expected benefits and risks,
      • Alternatives,
      • Consequences of refusal.
  • Patient autonomy does not extend to demanding scientifically unvalidated or ethically impermissible treatments.

6. Limits on Parental or Caregiver Demands

  • Parents, guardians, and caregivers cannot demand stem cell therapy as a clinical service.
  • The Court clarified that hope or desperation cannot justify exposure to unproven medical interventions.

7. Background of the Case

  • The judgment arose from multiple petitions highlighting:
    • Rampant promotion and prescription of stem cell therapy as a “cure” for ASD.
    • Misrepresentation of experimental procedures as established treatments.
  • Petitioners argued that:
    • Stem cell therapy remains experimental,
    • Clinics exploit the trust and vulnerability of families seeking a “miraculous cure”.

8. Legal and Regulatory Violations

  • The Court noted that allowing such therapies violates the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules, 2019.
  • The unchecked practices reflect a regulatory lapse by authorities responsible for medical oversight.

9. Broader Implications

  • Reinforces the principle that medical innovation must be evidence-based and ethically regulated.
  • Strengthens safeguards against:
    • Medical exploitation,
    • Pseudoscientific treatments,
    • Commercialisation of patient desperation.
  • Emphasises the balance between patient autonomy, medical ethics, and scientific validity.

Key Takeaway

  • The Supreme Court firmly rejected the clinical use of unproven stem cell therapies for ASD, underscoring that consent cannot legitimise scientifically unvalidated treatment, and called for stronger regulatory oversight to protect patients and uphold medical ethics.

Digitization of Ayurvedic Manuscripts

Overview

  • CCRAS (Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of Ayush) and Berhampur University, Odisha, are entering into an MoU to preserve and promote India’s Ayurvedic heritage.
  • The initiative focuses on digitization, cataloguing, and publication of rare Ayurvedic manuscripts and palm-leaf documents.
  • The manuscripts are housed at the South Odisha Cultural Study Centre (SOCSC), Berhampur University.
  • The collaboration is led by the National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage (NIIMH), Hyderabad, a peripheral unit of CCRAS.

Significance of the Manuscripts

  • Berhampur University possesses over 2,000 palm-leaf manuscripts.
  • Many manuscripts contain rare and unpublished Ayurvedic knowledge.
  • The collection is fragile and at risk of deterioration without modern preservation methods.
  • Currently, the materials are largely inaccessible to the global research community.

Key Components of the Collaboration

  • Digitization
    • High-quality digital preservation of rare books, periodicals, and manuscripts.
    • Digital copies to be shared with Berhampur University.
  • Descriptive Cataloguing
    • Preparation of a detailed catalogue titled “Descriptive Catalogue of Ayurveda Manuscripts of SOCSC-BU, Odisha”.
    • Catalogue to include 44 structured data fields for scholarly reference.
  • Global Access
    • Metadata of the manuscripts to be hosted on the AMAR Portal.
    • Enables international researchers to discover and study the manuscripts.
  • Research, Translation, and Publication
    • Selected manuscripts to undergo transcription, transliteration, and translation.
    • Integration of classical Ayurvedic knowledge into modern medical and academic discourse.

Institutional Perspectives

  • CCRAS views the initiative as part of a national mission to document, preserve, and validate India’s traditional knowledge systems.
  • Berhampur University emphasizes enhanced preservation, academic visibility, and global recognition.
  • The partnership strengthens the university’s role as a centre for cultural and medical heritage studies.

Project Governance and Ethics

  • Initial project duration: two years.
  • Strict adherence to:
    • Confidentiality norms
    • Intellectual property rights
  • Manuscript ownership and custodianship remain with Berhampur University.
  • Knowledge dissemination to be carried out responsibly.

Overall Impact

  • Preserves endangered Ayurvedic manuscripts for future generations.
  • Bridges ancient medical wisdom with modern digital technology.
  • Expands global access to India’s traditional medical knowledge.
  • Strengthens institutional collaboration between academia and government research bodies.

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)

Overview

  • The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has been ranked No. 1 in the Times B-School Ranking 2026.
  • The ranking reaffirms IIFT’s status as a premier institution in management education with a specialization in international trade and global business.
  • IIFT functions as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.

Institutional Profile

  • Established in 1963.
  • Recognized as a Deemed-to-be University.
  • Campuses located at:
    • Delhi
    • Kolkata
    • Kakinada
    • GIFT City
  • Plans underway to establish its first offshore campus in Dubai.

Academic Offerings and Contributions

  • IIFT offers:
    • Flagship MBA programmes.
    • Executive education programmes.
    • Doctoral research opportunities.
  • Plays a key role in:
    • Advancing India’s global commerce capabilities.
    • Supporting trade policy formulation and international economic strategy.
    • Developing globally competent management professionals aligned with national priorities.

What the Times B-School Ranking Is

  • A national ranking of management institutes in India.
  • Conducted and published by the Times Group, one of India’s largest media houses.
  • Assesses the quality, reputation, and performance of B-schools.

Purpose of the Ranking

  • To help:
    • Students choose the best management institutes.
    • Recruiters identify top talent pools.
    • Institutions benchmark their academic and industry performance.

Key Evaluation Parameters

B-schools are typically assessed on:

  • Academic excellence & faculty quality
  • Curriculum relevance and innovation
  • Industry interface & placements
  • Infrastructure & learning resources
  • Research output
  • Brand reputation and peer perception

Addition of two new wetlands to India’s Ramsar site network

Overview

  • Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, announced the addition of two new wetlands to India’s Ramsar network ahead of World Wetlands Day (02 Feb 2026).
  • The new sites are:
    1. Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district, Uttar Pradesh
    2. Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district, Gujarat

Significance of the Announcement

  • Inclusion in the Ramsar list is an international recognition of India’s commitment to wetland protection and biodiversity conservation.

Biodiversity and Ecological Importance

  • The two new wetlands provide habitat for:
    • Hundreds of migratory and resident bird species
    • Wildlife including chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats, desert foxes, and endangered birds
  • These wetlands serve as crucial ecosystems for conservation and support ecological balance.

Ramsar Convention Background

  • India is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention (Convention on Wetlands), signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971.
  • India joined the convention on 1st February 1982.
  • Wetlands designated as Wetlands of International Importance are recognized for:
    • Their conservation value
    • Being model examples of sustainable wetland management
    • Contributing to national and international environmental goals

Patna Bird Sanctuary

  • Patna Bird Sanctuary (also called Patna Vihar Bird Sanctuary) is situated in the Jalesar subdivision of Etah district, Uttar Pradesh.
  • It was established in 1991 as a protected bird sanctuary under state wildlife laws.
  • In 2026, the sanctuary was officially designated a Ramsar site, making it a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

Size and Geography

  • The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 108–109 hectares (about 1.08–1.09 km²), making it the smallest bird sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh.
  • It centers around a natural shallow freshwater lake, which is rain-fed and supports wetland ecology.

Biodiversity

Birdlife:

  • The sanctuary is renowned for its rich bird diversity. Around 200,000 birds belonging to about 300 species frequent the wetland during peak seasons.
  • Over 100 migratory and resident bird species have been recorded here.
  • Common and significant aquatic birds include:
    • Lesser Whistling Duck
    • Graylag Goose
    • Comb Duck
    • Ruddy Shelduck
    • Gadwall
    • Eurasian Wigeon
    • Indian Spot-billed Duck
    • Northern Shoveler
    • Northern Pintail
    • Tufted Duck
    • Little Grebe
    • Herons and Storks

Flora and Other Fauna:

  • The wetland supports macrophytic aquatic vegetation like water hyacinth and Potamogeton spp., which are important for bird habitat and food sources.
  • The surrounding area has 252 plant species and supports other wildlife such as nilgai (blue bull), jackals, monitor lizards, and wild cats according to some reports.

Ecological Importance

  • The lake’s water quality and wetland vegetation create an ideal environment for birds during the winter migration season.
  • Seasonal fluctuations occur: in summer the lake may dry up or shrink, while the rainy season fills it and attracts birds.
  • It serves as a critical roosting, feeding, and nesting ground for migratory waterfowl on the Central Asian Flyway.

Ramsar Designation

  • The Ramsar designation recognizes the sanctuary’s international ecological significance and commits to its conservation under global wetland protection norms.
  • With this addition, Uttar Pradesh now has 11 Ramsar sites, making it one of the leading states in India for wetland conservation.

Accessibility

  • The sanctuary lies near Jalesar town and is accessible by road from Agra (about 60–70 km) and via local railheads at Jalesar or Etah.

Seasonal Significance

  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Peak period with large influx of migratory birds; the lake becomes a hotspot of activity.
  • Summer: Water levels recede, reducing bird numbers but dryland species may still be present.

Chhari-Dhand

  • Chhari‑Dhand is located in Kutch district, Gujarat, on the edge of the Banni grasslands and the Little Rann salt flats.
  • It was officially designated as a Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance) on 31 January 2026, becoming Gujarat’s 5th Ramsar wetland and the first in the Kutch region.
  • The wetland was earlier declared Gujarat’s first Conservation Reserve in 2008 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Ecological Significance

  • The wetland spans approximately 227 square kilometres (22,700 hectares), covering about 12 villages.
  • It is a seasonal saline wetland, meaning water accumulates during monsoon and sustains a wetland ecosystem in an otherwise arid region.
  • The name “Chhari‑Dhand” reflects its nature: “Chhari” means saline, and “Dhand” means shallow lake.

Biodiversity — Birds

  • Chhari‑Dhand is renowned for rich avian diversity and is an important wintering and stopover site for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway.
  • Over 200,000 individual birds and at least 187–250+ bird species have been recorded here.
  • It regularly hosts large congregations of migratory waterfowl, including:
    • Common Cranes (40,000+ observed at single locations)
    • Greater and Lesser Flamingos
    • Dalmatian Pelican
    • Oriental Darter
    • Black‑necked Stork
    • Indian Skimmer
    • Grey Hypocolius (rare migratory bird)

Other Wildlife

  • Beyond birds, the wetland and its surrounding habitats support diverse fauna typical of arid and grassland ecosystems, including:
    • Chinkara (Indian gazelle)
    • Desert fox
    • Caracal
    • Desert cat
    • Wolves

Habitat & Conservation

  • The wetland lies at the interface of desert, grassland, and saltflat ecosystems, creating a unique ecological mosaic that supports varied life forms.
  • Continuous conservation efforts since 2008 have helped maintain its ecological integrity, making it internationally significant.

International Importance & Tourism

  • The Ramsar recognition affirms Chhari‑Dhand’s value for global wetland conservation and biodiversity protection.
  • The site attracts birdwatchers, researchers, and tourists from over 50 countries, highlighting its eco‑tourism potential.

Why Chhari‑Dhand Matters

  • It contributes significantly to avian biodiversity in the region and plays a pivotal role in sustaining populations of migratory birds using the Central Asian Flyway.
  • The Ramsar designation supports long‑term conservation planning, ecological monitoring, and sustainable management at both national and international levels.

Two New Modules on the UMEED Central Portal

Overview

  • The Ministry of Minority Affairs launched two new modules on the UMEED Central Portal on 30th January 2026:
    1. Survey Module
    2. Waqf Property Lease Module

Purpose of the UMEED Portal

  • UMEED = Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development
  • Inaugurated on 6th June 2025 by Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju
  • Centralized digital platform for real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties
  • Objective: Enhance transparency, accountability, and public participation in Waqf property management

New Modules and Their Functions

  1. Survey Module
    • Provides a digital framework for capturing, managing, and updating information from Waqf property surveys
    • Ensures that data is comprehensive and structured
  2. Waqf Property Lease Module
    • Manages leasing information of Waqf properties
    • Tracks lease details, lease period, lease amount, and other relevant data
    • Promotes accountability and oversight in leasing operations

Key Features of the UMEED Portal

  • Digital inventory of all Waqf properties, including geo-tagging
  • Online grievance redressal mechanism for timely responses
  • Transparent leasing and usage tracking
  • Integration with GIS mapping and e-Governance tools
  • Public access to verified records and reports

Implementation and Impact

  • Encourages State/UT Waqf Boards to implement modules broadly and raise awareness among beneficiaries
  • Supports the Unified Waqf Management Act, 1995, for efficient property administration
  • Aims to transform Waqf property management by making it people-friendly, accountable, and transparent

Key Takeaways

  • UMEED portal reflects India’s push toward digital governance in religious and charitable property administration
  • The new modules make surveying and leasing of Waqf properties systematic, transparent, and monitored in real-time
  • Enhances efficiency, empowerment, and oversight across all Waqf properties in India

Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme

Introduction

  • India has made significant progress in urban cleanliness through Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and SBM-Urban 2.0.
  • Focus has shifted to remediating legacy dumpsites – large accumulations of municipal solid waste over decades.
  • Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP) launched in November 2025, aims for “Lakshya: Zero Dumpsites” by October 2026.

Legacy Dumpsites: Key Facts

  • Definition: Land used by Urban Local Bodies for municipal solid waste disposal, often unscientific and accumulated over decades.
  • Environmental hazards:
    • Contaminates groundwater and soil
    • Releases methane (potent greenhouse gas)
    • Air pollution, fire hazards, disease vectors
    • Long-term health risks
  • Scale:
    • ~2,479 dumpsites containing ~25 crore metric tonnes of waste over 15,000 acres
    • India generates ~1,62,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day; projected to reach 165 million tonnes by 2030, 436 million tonnes by 2050
    • Without intervention, GHG emissions could reach 41.09 million tonnes CO₂-eq by 2030

Current Remediation Efforts

  • 1,428 dumpsites currently under remediation; 62% of legacy waste processed.
  • High-impact sites: 214 sites across 30 States/UTs, holding 8.6 crore metric tonnes (≈80% of remaining legacy waste).
  • Progress:
    • In 2025, 459 dumpsites fully remediated in 438 cities (~183 LMT legacy waste)
    • Cumulative: 1,138 dumpsites remediated in 1,048 cities (~877 LMT legacy waste)

Strategy and Framework

  • DRAP follows a double-pronged strategy:
    1. Remove old dumpsites
    2. Prevent creation of new ones through scientific processing of fresh waste
  • 5P Framework (SBM-Urban 2.0):
    1. Political Leadership: Ministers and senior officials adopt dumpsites (e.g., Bhalswa in Delhi remediated 4,79,500 MT)
    2. Public Finance: Central Financial Assistance (₹550/tonne), total projects approved ₹6,700 crore
    3. Partnerships: Corporates, PSUs, NGOs, technical experts, State PWDs, NHAI, cement/waste-to-energy plants
    4. People’s Participation: Engage communities, organize health camps, awareness campaigns, safe working conditions for Safai Mitras
    5. Project Management: Technology-enabled tracking for accountability and timely execution

Waste Processing and Biomining

  • Biomining: Scientific excavation and segregation of legacy waste into:
    • Inert/soil-like material: Road construction, embankments
    • C&D waste: Paver blocks, tiles, bricks, aggregates
    • Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF): Supplied to cement plants, WtE plants, industries
    • Recyclables: Plastic, metal, paper, glass, cardboard for recycling
    • Biodegradable waste: Composting
    • Non-reusable rejects: Sent to scientific landfills
  • Circular economy approach: Reduces raw-material consumption, minimizes waste, and recovers resources

Waste Processing Ecosystem under SBM-Urban 2.0

  • Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs): 2,900 operational, 67,000 TPD; 43,800 TPD approved
  • Wet waste processing & composting: 2,800 operational, 1.14 lakh TPD; 47,200 TPD additional capacity approved
  • Biomethanation & Compressed Biogas (CBG): 131 bio-methanation plants (4,253 TPD), 145 CBG plants (20,155 TPD) under implementation
  • Waste-to-Electricity (WtE) plants: 17 operational, 20,100 TPD capacity; power generation ~261 MWh

Impact and Way Forward

  • Mission Zero Dumpsites aligns with SDG 11, 12, 13:
    • Sustainable cities, responsible consumption, climate action
  • Reduces methane emissions, promotes circular waste practices, improves land-use planning, and urban health conditions

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