BrainBuzz Academy

Key Context
The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has released a report titled "400 Million Dreams!" analyzing migration trends in India.
The report indicates that domestic migration has reduced by 11.78% compared to Census 2011 data.
Highlights of the Report
1. Decline in Migrant Population:
The total number of migrants in India as of 2023 is estimated to be 40.20 crore, down from 45.57 crore in Census 2011.
The migration rate has reduced from 37.64% (Census 2011) to 28.88% of the population.
2. Methodology:
The report used innovative datasets for estimating migration trends:
Indian Railway Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS): Data on passenger volumes.
TRAI Roaming Data: Movement patterns from mobile subscribers.
District-Level Banking Data: Analysis of remittance flows.
The findings provide general trends but lack the comprehensive accuracy of decennial Census data.
3. Reasons for Reduced Migration:
Improved economic opportunities in smaller cities and towns.
Enhanced availability of education, healthcare, infrastructure, and connectivity in or near major source regions of migration.
4. Changing Migration Patterns:
Top Origin Districts: Valsad, Chittoor, Paschim Bardhaman, Agra, Guntur, Villupuram, and Saharsa.
Top Recipient States: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Rajasthan.
West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Karnataka have shown significant growth in attracting migrants, while Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have seen a decline.
5. Seasonal Migration Trends:
Peak Movement Periods: April-June (high season) and November-December (secondary high season).
Seasonal migration aligns with agriculture cycles and festivals, indicating labor mobility.
6. Impact of COVID-19:
Migration patterns showed signs of slowing even before the pandemic.
Post-pandemic, passenger movement during peak months (April-May) remains below pre-pandemic levels, with May 2023 levels 6.67% lower than May 2012.
Challenges Highlighted:
1. Data Limitations:
Lack of regular and comprehensive data for tracking migration trends.
Household surveys and periodic Census data are insufficient for dynamic migration analysis.
2. Urban Stress:
Declining migration to urban areas reduces pressure on cities but highlights the need for better urban planning to accommodate existing migrants.
Implications for Policy and Governance:
1. Improved Rural Opportunities:
Enhanced focus on rural development to retain the population and reduce distress-driven migration.
Government schemes like MGNREGA, Skill India, and rural industrialization play a critical role.
2. Urban Infrastructure:
Investment in urban housing, sanitation, and social services to improve the living conditions of existing migrants.
3. Real-Time Monitoring:
Use of technology like TRAI data for dynamic tracking of migration trends and seasonal movements.
4. Migration Research and Policy Formulation:
Studies like MoSPI’s Migration in India 2020-21 and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation’s report on migration provide additional insights for targeted policy-making.
Conclusion:
The EAC-PM report highlights a critical shift in migration patterns in India, driven by improving rural infrastructure and opportunities. While the reduction in migration alleviates urban stress, it also calls for strategic planning to ensure balanced regional development and sustained economic growth. These findings are pivotal for shaping future policies on migration and urban-rural dynamics.

Key Context:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has constituted an eight-member committee of experts to develop a framework for responsible and ethical enablement of artificial intelligence (FREE-AI) in the financial sector.
Committee Details:
1. Formation:
The committee, to be headed by Pushpak Bhattacharyya, professor (Department of Computer Science and Engineering), IIT Bombay, will recommend a robust, comprehensive, and adaptable AI framework for the financial sector.
Besides Bhattacharyya, the other members of the committee are Debjani Ghosh, independent director, Reserve Bank Innovation Hub; Balaraman Ravindran, professor and head (Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI), IIT Madras; Abhishek Singh, additional secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology; Rahul Matthan, partner, Trilegal; Anjani Rathor, group head and chief digital experience officer, HDFC Bank; Sree Hari Nagaralu, head of security AI research, Microsoft India (R&D); and Suvendu Pati, CGM, FinTech Department, RBI.
2. Key Mandate:
The committee will assess the current level of adoption of AI in financial services, globally and in India, and review regulatory and supervisory approaches on AI with focus on the financial sector globally.
As part of the terms of reference, the committee will identify potential risks associated with AI, if any and recommend an evaluation, mitigation and monitoring framework and consequent compliance requirements for financial institutions, including banks, non-bank finance companies (NBFCs), fintechs and payment system operators (PSOs).
Useful information for all competitive exams:
Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established: 1 April 1935
Governor (26th): Sanjay Malhotra
Deputy Governors: M. Rajeshwar Rao, Swaminathan J, T. Rabi Sankar, Dr. M.D. Patra

The Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST), Gandhinagar, under the Department of Science and Technology, Gujarat, has been recognised as an Academic Institution Partner for International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQST-2025).
The United Nations has proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. This celebration will highlight the ground-breaking advancements in quantum science, its transformative applications, and its potential to shape the future of innovation, education, and global development, according to officials.

Key Context:
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) is India's highest civilian honor for children, awarded annually by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It recognizes exceptional achievements of children aged 5 to 18 in various fields, including Bravery, Art & Culture, Innovation, Science & Technology, Social Service, and Sports.
In 2024, 19 children from across India were honored with the PMRBP for their outstanding contributions. The awardees comprised 9 boys and 10 girls, representing 18 different states and Union Territories. Each recipient received a medal, a certificate, and a citation booklet.
Here are some of the notable awardees:
Aryan Singh:
A 17-year-old from Rajasthan, Aryan developed an AI-powered Agrobot designed to assist farmers by integrating advanced technologies into agriculture.
Linthoi Chanambam:
Hailing from Manipur, Linthoi is the first Indian to clinch a gold medal in judo at the World Judo Cadets Championship in 2022, showcasing exceptional talent in sports. 
Hetvi Kantibhai Khimsuriya:
A 13-year-old artist from Gujarat with cerebral palsy, Hetvi has created over 250 free-hand paintings and has been recognized for her contributions to art and culture.
Garima:
A visually impaired 9-year-old from Haryana, Garima is dedicated to educating underprivileged children through her initiative 'Sakshar Pathshala,' contributing significantly to social service.
R Surya Prasad:
From Andhra Pradesh, Surya scaled Mount Kilimanjaro at the age of nine, demonstrating remarkable bravery and determination.

Here is the complete list of awardees:

S.No	Name	State/UT	Category
1	Aaditya Vijay Bramhane*	Maharashtra	Bravery
2	Anushka Pathak	Uttar Pradesh	Art & Culture
3	Arijeet Banerjee	West Bengal	Art & Culture
4	Armaan Ubhrani	Chhattisgarh	Art & Culture
5	Hetvi Kantibhai Khimsuriya	Gujarat	Art & Culture
6	Ishfaq Hamid	Jammu & Kashmir	Art & Culture
7	Md Hussain	Bihar	Art & Culture
8	Pendyala Laxmi Priya	Telangana	Art & Culture
9	Suhani Chauhan	Delhi	Innovation
10	Aryan Singh	Rajasthan	Science & Technology
11	Avnish Tiwari	Madhya Pradesh	Social Service
12	Garima	Haryana	Social Service
13	Jyotsna Aktar	Tripura	Social Service
14	Saiyam Mazumder	Assam	Social Service
15	Aaditya Yadav	Uttar Pradesh	Sports
16	Charvi A	Karnataka	Sports
17	Jesicca Neyi Saring	Arunachal Pradesh	Sports
18	Linthoi Chanambam	Manipur	Sports
19	R Surya Prasad	Andhra Pradesh	Sports

*Awarded posthumously.

The award ceremony:
The award ceremony took place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, where President Droupadi Murmu conferred the honors. Following the ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the awardees, acknowledging their achievements and encouraging them to continue contributing positively to society. 
The PMRBP serves to inspire and motivate young minds across the nation to strive for excellence and make meaningful contributions in their respective fields.

Tonga, a Polynesian kingdom in the South Pacific, has elected Aisake Valu Eke as its new Prime Minister. This marks a significant political transition in the country's governance.
Key Context:
Aisake Valu Eke, a seasoned politician and former diplomat, has been elected as Tonga's new Prime Minister by the Legislative Assembly.
He succeeds the outgoing Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni, also known as Hu'akavameiliku, signaling a shift in leadership at a critical juncture for Tonga, which faces economic, social, and climate-related challenges.

Tonga:
Capital: Nukuʻalofa
Prime Minister: Aisake Valu Eke (as recently elected)
Currency: Tongan Paʻanga (TOP)

Dr Manmohan Singh, the 14th Prime Minister of India who was widely acknowledged as the architect of the country’s economic reforms, passed away in New Delhi. He was 92. Singh was admitted to the emergency department of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where he breathed his last, the hospital confirmed.
Early Life and Education:
Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab Province (now in Pakistan), Singh's family relocated to India during the 1947 partition. He pursued higher education in economics, earning degrees from Panjab University, the University of Cambridge, and a doctorate from the University of Oxford.
Prime Ministerial Tenure (2004–2014):
Singh served as Prime Minister from May 22, 2004, to May 26, 2014, leading the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for a historic 3,656 days. His tenure made him the third longest-serving Prime Minister in Indian history, following Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
Challenges and Legacy:
Despite his achievements, Singh's administration faced challenges, including allegations of corruption and policy paralysis during his second term, which contributed to the Congress Party's electoral defeat in 2014. Nevertheless, he remained a figure of personal integrity and modesty, respected both domestically and internationally.
Illustrious journey in government service:
Before his political career, Singh had an illustrious journey in government service. Starting as the Economic Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Trade in 1971, he quickly rose through the ranks. By 1976, he was Chief Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Finance. Over the years, he held several key roles, including Director of the Reserve Bank of India, Alternate Governor for India at the Asian Development Bank and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and Member (Finance) at the Atomic Energy and Space Commissions.
Architect of Economic Reforms:
Singh’s legacy will forever be tied to the transformative economic reforms he initiated during his tenure as Finance Minister As Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996 under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. These reforms not only liberalized the Indian economy but also paved the way for its global integration.

The Centre has officially notified the appointment of Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia as the new Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Justice Sandhawalia, the senior-most puisne Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, has been appointed following a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium. His appointment comes after a delay of more than three months and after the retirement of Justice Rajiv Shakdher in October 2024.

• Arunish Chawla, a senior IAS officer of the 1992 batch from the Bihar cadre, has been appointed as the new Revenue Secretary in the Ministry of Finance.
• He succeeds Sanjay Malhotra, who is set to take over as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Chawla previously served as the Chief Secretary of Bihar and has vast experience in public administration, governance, and financial management.
• As Revenue Secretary, his responsibilities will include overseeing tax policies, managing direct and indirect taxes, and ensuring compliance with fiscal laws.

Key Context:
Veer Bal Diwas 2024: Translated into ‘Day of Brave Children’, Veer Bal Diwas is a national commemoration honouring the bravery and sacrifice of the tenth Sikh guru— Guru Gobind Singh’s youngest sons.
On this day, we remember the significant contribution of ten Sikh gurus and the sacrifice of the Sikhs to safeguard the honour of their nation.
Veer Bal Diwas 2024: Date and History
Veer Bal Diwas is annually observed on December 26, and in 2024, it will fall on a Thursday.
On this day, we commemorate the brave events that took place at Anandpur Sahib Fort, where Guru Gobind Singh, along with his family and disciples, were compelled to flee as the Mughal Army encircled the Anandpur fort.
During the chaos, Guru Gobind Singh’s youngest sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, were captured by the Mughal forces and pressured to convert to Islam.
The two young boys courageously refused to abandon their faith, and consequently, Wazir Khan ordered them to be bricked alive around December 26, 1705.
Exemplifying bravery and loyalty to their religion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022 declared to mark December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas annually to honour and remember their sacrifice.
Veer Bal Diwas 2024: Significance and Celebrations
The day holds profound significance as it honours the remarkable bravery of two young Sikh warriors who refused to renounce their faith despite extreme pressure and chose martyrdom over conversion.
On December 26, 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will attend ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ in New Delhi to honour children as the foundation of the country’s future.
He was launched ‘Suposhit Panchayat Abhiyaan’ to improve nutrition outcomes and community participation.

About Suposhit Panchayat Abhiyaan:
The Suposhit Panchayat Abhiyaan is a government initiative aimed at eradicating malnutrition and promoting holistic nutrition at the grassroots level through active involvement of panchayats (local self-governments). This campaign is part of India's broader effort to achieve the goals of Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission), which focuses on improving the nutritional status of children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Key Objectives:
Eradication of Malnutrition:
Identify and address malnutrition at the village level by promoting better dietary practices and nutritional awareness.
Strengthening Panchayats:
Empower panchayats to act as agents of change in ensuring nutritional well-being for their communities.
Equip local governments with tools and training to implement nutrition-focused policies.
Community Involvement:
Foster collaboration among various stakeholders, including Anganwadi workers, self-help groups (SHGs), and community health workers, to achieve nutrition goals.
Holistic Nutrition:
Promote a balanced diet, clean drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene as part of a comprehensive approach to address malnutrition.
Implementation
Village-Level Action Plans:
Panchayats are encouraged to prepare and execute specific action plans targeting malnutrition.
They monitor key indicators like underweight and stunted children, anemia, and dietary deficiencies.
Capacity Building:
Training programs for elected representatives, Anganwadi workers, and health professionals to address local nutritional challenges.
Incentives and Recognition:
Best-performing panchayats under the Suposhit Panchayat Abhiyaan are recognized and rewarded to encourage widespread adoption.
Linkage with National Programs:
The campaign is aligned with other flagship schemes like Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), National Health Mission (NHM), and Mid-Day Meal Scheme to create a synergistic impact.
Focus Areas
Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers:
Ensuring they receive proper nutrition and healthcare to prevent maternal and infant mortality.
Children under 5 Years:
Addressing issues like stunting, wasting, and underweight by promoting healthy eating habits and immunization.
Adolescent Girls:
Providing iron and folic acid supplements to prevent anemia and improve overall health.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH):
Promoting hygiene practices to prevent diseases that contribute to malnutrition.
Significance
Grassroots Nutrition Revolution:
By involving panchayats, the campaign ensures that efforts are tailored to local needs, making it more effective and sustainable.
Achievement of SDGs:
Contributes to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, and improve nutrition.
Building Awareness:
Empowers communities to take ownership of nutritional challenges and find local solutions.
Challenges
Resource Limitations:
Lack of adequate infrastructure and financial resources at the village level may hinder implementation.
Awareness Gaps:
Limited knowledge about nutrition and health among community members can slow progress.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Difficulty in tracking and assessing outcomes at the grassroots level.
Way Forward
Strengthen the capacity of panchayats through continuous training and funding.
Integrate technology for real-time monitoring and data collection.
Foster greater collaboration between government departments, NGOs, and private stakeholders.

List of the Ten Sikh Gurus and Their Contributions:
1. Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539):
Founder of Sikhism.
Preached the concept of "Ek Onkar" (One God).
Advocated equality, universal brotherhood, and rejection of caste-based discrimination.
Established the tradition of Langar (community kitchen).
2. Guru Angad Dev Ji (1504–1552):
Compiled and standardized the Gurmukhi script, which became the script of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Promoted physical fitness and service to humanity.
3. Guru Amar Das Ji (1479–1574):
Established the practice of Manji system (administrative units for spreading Sikh teachings).
Introduced the Anand Karaj (Sikh marriage ceremony).
Strongly advocated for women's rights, abolishing practices like purdah (veiling) and sati.
4. Guru Ram Das Ji (1534–1581):
Founded the city of Amritsar, the spiritual center of Sikhism.
Composed hymns that became part of the Guru Granth Sahib.
5. Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563–1606):
Compiled the Adi Granth, the precursor to the Guru Granth Sahib.
Built the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar.
Martyred for his faith, becoming the first Sikh martyr.
6. Guru Hargobind Ji (1595–1644):
Introduced the concept of Miri-Piri (spiritual and temporal authority).
Wore two swords symbolizing spiritual and worldly power.
Transformed Sikhism into a community of saint-soldiers.
7. Guru Har Rai Ji (1630–1661):
Promoted peace and compassion.
Established hospitals and herbal gardens for medical care.
8. Guru Har Krishan Ji (1656–1664):
Became the youngest Guru at the age of 5.
Known as the "Bal Guru" (Child Guru).
Provided aid during a smallpox epidemic in Delhi and sacrificed his life for humanity.
9. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621–1675):
Defended religious freedom and opposed forced conversions by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Martyred for protecting the religious rights of Hindus and others.
10. Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666–1708):
Formed the Khalsa Panth in 1699, a collective body of initiated Sikhs.
Introduced the Five Ks (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, Kirpan) as the identity of Sikhs.
Declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs.
Guru Granth Sahib (The Eternal Guru):
Compilation of hymns and teachings of the Gurus and other saints from various faiths.
Emphasizes the unity of God, equality, and selfless service.
Considered the ultimate spiritual guide for Sikhs.
Core Teachings of Sikh Gurus:
Oneness of God: Belief in one universal, formless God.
Equality: No discrimination based on caste, creed, gender, or religion.
Service (Seva): Importance of selfless service to humanity.
Community and Sharing: Encouragement of communal harmony and sharing resources.
Justice: Standing against oppression and injustice.
Significance of Sikh Gurus:
The Sikh Gurus laid the foundation of Sikhism as a religion of peace, equality, and justice.
Their teachings continue to inspire millions across the world to live a life of devotion, humility, and service.