Yashoda AI

 The recently launched Yashoda AI – Your AI SAKHI aims to enhance women’s literacy in artificial intelligence and digital awareness. Spearheaded by the National Commission for Women (NCW), it targets women from rural and semi-urban areas. The programme aligns with India’s vision of a Viksit Bharat, promoting technology and inclusion.

Objectives of Yashoda AI

Yashoda AI seeks to empower women by providing essential skills in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital safety. The initiative aims to encourage digital literacy and self-reliance among women. It encourages active participation in discussions about AI-related crimes and digital privacy.

Community Engagement

The initiative promotes community-driven digital education. It actively involves students, educators, and policewomen. This engagement ensures that women are not just learners but also leaders in the digital space. The programme aims to create a supportive environment for women to thrive in technology.

Importance of Digital Literacy

Digital literacy is crucial in ‘s technology-driven world. Yashoda AI focuses on equipping women with the knowledge to navigate the digital landscape confidently. This includes understanding digital safety and the implications of AI on society. The initiative aims to prepare women for the challenges posed by the digital age.

Collaboration with Future Shift Labs

Yashoda AI is a collaboration between NCW and Future Shift Labs (FSL). FSL is known for its work on ethical technology deployment. This partnership aims to create frameworks for responsible AI and digital inclusion. Together, they strive to build an inclusive technological landscape for women.

Key Messages from the Launch

The launch event featured notable speakers who brought into light the importance of digital empowerment. They emphasised the need for women’s leadership in technology. The presence of NCW dignitaries reinforced the message of equity in India’s technological journey.

What was the Radical Students Union, which gave rise to many Maoist leaders in India?

 In April 1972, a young student leader of Osmania University (OU) in Hyderabad, George Reddy, was allegedly killed by members of a right-wing group. While this led to widespread protests and student mobilisation at the time, almost three years later, on February 20, 1975, a students’ outfit — Radical Students Union (RSU) — was born out of the embers of this incident. The outfit was banned by the government of India in 1992.

While the RSU as an outfit gradually lost steam, 50 years after its formation, its influence is still alive, as two of the top Maoists in the country – the slain Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju and the next in command Thippiri Tirupathi alias Devuji – are both products of RSU. So is the spokesperson and the current ideological fountainhead of the Maoist party, Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias Sonu.

As the Communist Party of India (Maoist) seems to be nearing their endgame, with the Centre setting a deadline of March 31, 2026 to mark the end of Naxalism in India, The Indian Express takes a look at the banned students’ outfit that contributed the rank and file of the party.

Early days

“The RSU was a prominent student organisation born out of several incidents, including the Naxalbari movement of the 1960s and ‘70s which led to widespread students’ uprising in the country. George Reddy’s killing was a trigger,” said a former students union leader on the condition of anonymity. An intelligence official from Telangana who has mapped the origins and growth of the RSU said, “At the time, campuses were up in flames, including Osmania University and REC (Regional Engineering College, which later turned into National Institute of Technology) Warangal. From these students’ movements, several people were recruited into the underground party.” At the time, RSU was considered the student union of People’s War Group (or the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) People’s War). “There was a student outfit that represented PWG, the Progressive Democratic Students Union (PDSU). But the PDSU split in 1975 to form the RSU, which was more radical in its outlook,” the official said.

RSU’s involvement in social issues

These students considered academics only a tool for social revolution, a student leader said. “Across campuses, students used to talk about issues gripping the country, such as poverty and casteism. In those days, the students led protests in villages against feudal landlords,” said the former student leader.

For example, students were part of the Srikakulam Peasant uprising in the undivided Andhra Pradesh that lasted between 1967 and 1970. “The RSU basically referenced several social movements and built its cadre. The cadre later went underground,” an internal security official told the Indian Express.

There were times when the reach of the RSU was such that their underground and overground cadre roamed freely in the villages of Warangal and Karimnagar, a state official explained. These were called the ‘Go to the Villages’ campaigns. “The RSU even contested elections in some campuses, including REC-Warangal. Most of the top leadership of the Maoist party — many of whom are from the Telugu-speaking states — have some link to the RSU,” the official said.

Ban, and decline

In Hyderabad, a 50-year remembrance event of the RSU was held on February 20. One of the organisers of the event, N Venugopal, later wrote, “There was not a single student issue left unaddressed by the RSU. The RSU’s commitment to bringing social awareness to students and the people and involving them in struggles for their community’s rights, along with building relationships with the masses, was crucial.”

After the party was banned, its members remained involved with other Maoist groups. A top internal security official said, “RSU’s influence waned because of the ban. But the cadre was always active in some or the other frontal organisation of the Maoists.” In 2004, when the People’s War and Maoist Communist Centre merged to form the CPI (Maoist), the RSU was fully subsumed underground. “Offshoots came only in the form of some writers’ collectives and such. The state managed to curb this militant outfit even before it could complete its silver jubilee,” the official said.

Written by Nikhila Henry

Source: The Indian Express, 25/05/25

World Social Report 2025

 The World Social Report 2025 reveals a troubling increase in economic insecurity and inequality. More than a third of the global population struggles with daily income levels that barely sustain them. The report urges immediate action to address these challenges, advocating for a new policy framework based on equity, economic security, and solidarity.

Current Global Context

The report indicates that, despite progress in poverty reduction, many remain vulnerable. Over 2.8 billion people live on $2.15 to $6.85 daily. Economic shocks can easily revert these individuals back to extreme poverty. Widespread job insecurity is a major concern, with 60% of people fearing job loss. Income inequality is also rising, affecting social cohesion and trust.

Key Findings of the Report

The report outlines three core principles essential for sustainable development – equity, economic security for all, and solidarity. These principles are necessary to combat the deepening social crisis. It marks that over half of the global population lacks trust in their government. This distrust is exacerbated by the spread of misinformation.

Impact of Inequality and Insecurity

Rising inequality and insecurity are eroding social cohesion. Many individuals are frustrated and divided due to economic uncertainties. The report warns that without urgent action, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 will remain elusive. The concentration of wealth and power at the top fuels these divisions.

Need for Transformative Solutions

The report stresses the importance of transformative solutions to restore trust and cohesion. Current policies and institutions are inadequate to address the evolving social landscape. There is a pressing need for a reassessment of existing frameworks to better align with societal changes and challenges.

About the World Social Report

The World Social Report is published by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. It was co-produced with the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER). The report serves as a key document for discussing socio-economic issues at the intergovernmental level.

State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples Report

 The UN recently released the State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples Report. It reveals that Indigenous Peoples represent about six per cent of the global population. However, they protect approximately 80 per cent of the planet’s remaining biodiversity. Despite this, they receive less than 1% of international climate funding. This situation raises urgent questions about equity and inclusion in climate action.

Impact of Climate Change on Indigenous Economies

Indigenous economies primarily rely on agriculture, fishing, and forestry. Climate change introduces uncertainty into these livelihoods. Erratic weather patterns and environmental degradation diminish their economic self-sufficiency. As traditional practices become less viable, Indigenous communities face increased challenges in sustaining their way of life.

Disruption of Land and Natural Resources

Ancestral lands are under threat from climate change. This disruption affects traditional land-based practices. Indigenous Peoples’ environmental stewardship is undermined by external pressures. The loss of land not only threatens their sovereignty but also their cultural connection to the environment.

Health and Well-being Challenges

Indigenous Peoples experience heightened vulnerability to climate-related health issues. Limited access to healthcare exacerbates these challenges. Traditional food sources are also affected, leading to nutritional insecurity. The overall health and well-being of these communities are at risk due to climate impacts.

Threats to Linguistic and Cultural Heritage

Climate change poses threat to Indigenous languages and cultural identities. Many traditional practices and knowledge systems are intimately tied to the environment. As ecosystems change, the transmission of cultural heritage becomes endangered. This loss threatens the very identity of Indigenous communities.

Indigenous Peoples as Custodians of Biodiversity

Despite their small population size, Indigenous Peoples play important role in biodiversity conservation. They safeguard portion of the Earth’s remaining biodiversity. Their traditional knowledge offers valuable vital information about sustainable land management. Indigenous agricultural practices demonstrate how to care for the earth while preserving resources.

Traditional Knowledge

Indigenous knowledge systems offer innovative approaches to environmental management. For example, the Comcaac people of Mexico encode ecological knowledge in their language. This traditional wisdom can inform modern climate strategies. Cultural norms, such as prohibitions on cutting certain trees in Somalia, illustrate how Indigenous practices can contribute to sustainability.

India’s First National Cooperative University

 The Lok Sabha recently passed the Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill, 2025, marking step in cooperative education in India. This initiative aims to establish the country’s first national cooperative university at the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) in Gujarat. The university is designed to enhance education, research, and training in the cooperative sector nationwide.

Purpose and Structure of the University

The Tribhuvan Sahkari University will serve as a hub for cooperative training. It will register cooperative training institutes across all states as affiliated colleges. The university will offer degree, diploma, and PhD courses. It is projected that around 800,000 individuals will receive certification annually.

Historical Context and Significance

The university is named after Tribhuvandas Kishibhai Patel, a pioneer of the cooperative movement in India and the founder of Amul. The cooperative model initiated by Patel transformed the dairy industry, boosting rural economies. Amul’s journey from a small cooperative to a leading dairy brand exemplifies the potential of cooperative societies.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The establishment of the university is expected to create job opportunities. Currently, many cooperative leaders tend to hire from their own circles. The university will provide formal education in cooperative management, enhancing the skills of individuals in this sector. This initiative aims to develop a robust cooperative model that will strengthen the rural economy.

Funding and Future Plans

The government plans to infuse ₹10,000 crore into the cooperative dairy sector. This funding will promote a circular economy, facilitating the provision of resources like fodder and veterinary services. Plans also include the establishment of a cooperative insurance company and the introduction of ‘Sahkar Taxi’, which will operate similarly to ride-sharing services.

Challenges and Criticisms

Some opposition members questioned the decision to establish the university in Gujarat, suggesting other states with strong cooperative structures should have been considered. Concerns were raised about the potential bureaucratic challenges that could hinder the university’s effectiveness and accountability.

Broader Implications for Cooperatives

The new university will address the inadequacies in the current cooperative education and training framework. It aims to unify 284 training institutes and expand long-term cooperative courses. The establishment is expected to enhance the capacity of existing centres and create a comprehensive system for cooperative education.

Vision for the Cooperative Sector

The Tribhuvan Sahkari University is aligned with the government’s vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’, aiming to boost rural economies and create valuable career opportunities in sectors like dairy, fisheries, and banking. It seeks to establish centres of excellence in cooperative education and training.

Microlightning’s Role in Origin of Life

 Recent studies have reignited interest in how life began on Earth. Traditionally, the Miller-Urey hypothesis suggested that lightning strikes on primordial oceans created the necessary organic compounds for life. However, new research indicates that crashing waterfalls and breaking waves may have played important role in generating these compounds through a process involving water sprays.

Miller-Urey Hypothesis

• The Miller-Urey experiment conducted in 1952 by Stanley Miller and Harold Urey is a mainstay of abiogenesis theory.
• They demonstrated that organic molecules could form from inorganic precursors when exposed to electrical energy.
• Their experiment simulated early Earth conditions, using a mixture of water, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen.
• The results yielded amino acids, essential building blocks of life.
• Despite its significance, the hypothesis faced criticism regarding the frequency and effectiveness of lightning strikes in real-world scenarios.

New Findings on Water Sprays

A new research at Stanford University challenges the lightning-centric view. The study published in *Science Advances* posits that water sprays can generate organic compounds without the need for external electricity. When water droplets collide, they acquire opposite charges, leading to tiny sparks termed “microlightning.” This process occurs naturally in various environments, suggesting that water sprays could have been ubiquitous on early Earth.

Microlightning Mechanism

The mechanism of microlightning is crucial to understanding this new perspective. Larger water droplets become positively charged while smaller droplets carry a negative charge. As these droplets approach each other, the resulting electrical discharges can facilitate chemical reactions. In experiments, spraying water into a gas mixture produced organic compounds like hydrogen cyanide, glycine, and uracil.

Implications for Abiogenesis

These findings have implications for theories of abiogenesis. The idea that water sprays could have been a primary source of organic compounds offers a more plausible scenario for the emergence of life. Unlike lightning, which is sporadic, water sprays would have been a constant feature of the early Earth’s environment. This research provides a fresh perspective on the conditions necessary for life to begin.

Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction 2024-2025

 In 2024, the building and construction sector’s emissions did not increase for the first time since 2020. This milestone was reported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction. Despite this progress, the sector still accounts for over a third of global emissions. The Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction 2024-2025, released on March 17, 2025, indicates that decarbonisation efforts are beginning to yield results.

Current Emission Trends

The building sector’s emissions stabilised in 2024. This marks a very important shift in a sector that has long been a substantial contributor to climate change. The energy intensity of buildings decreased by nearly 10 per cent. Additionally, the proportion of renewable energy in final energy demand rose by about 5 per cent.

Importance of Policy Implementation

The report emphasises the urgent need for ambitious energy codes. Almost half of the world’s future buildings are yet to be constructed. Therefore, implementing strong energy policies is crucial. Currently, over 50 per cent of new buildings in emerging and developing economies lack such regulations.

Key Measures for Decarbonisation

The adoption of zero-carbon building energy codes is essential. Major carbon-emitting countries should implement these codes by 2028. All other nations are encouraged to follow suit by 2035. This measure is critical for achieving global climate objectives.

Financial Investments Required

Investment in building energy efficiency must increase . The sector needs to double its investments from $270 billion to $522 billion by 2030. This funding is vital for implementing measures such as circular construction practices, green leases, and energy-efficient retrofitting.

Challenges in Material Use

Construction materials like cement and steel contribute to emissions. They account for 18 per cent of global emissions and generate substantial waste. Addressing these challenges is necessary for reducing the sector’s environmental impact.

Workforce Development Needs

The building sector faces skill shortages. Workforce development programmes are essential to equip workers with the necessary skills for a sustainable future.

How ‘microlightning’ in water droplets may have sparked life on Earth

 

A new study adds another angle to the much-disputed Miller-Urey hypothesis, which argues that life on the planet emerged from a lightning strike. The analysis says that water sprays are sufficient for generating organic compounds, without requiring electricity from external sources

How life began on Earth has been a long-standing mystery, but according to a study the process could have been kicked off simply with crashing waterfalls and breaking waves that would have thrown up mists of water.

The findings add another angle to the much-disputed Miller-Urey hypothesis, which argues that life on the planet emerged from a lightning strike. They were described in the study, ‘Spraying of water microdroplets forms luminescence and causes chemical reactions in surrounding gas’, which was published in the journal Science Advances last week.

What is the Miller-Urey hypothesis?

The Earth formed around 4.6 billion years ago. For a few billion years afterwards, it had a rich mixture of chemicals but almost no organic molecules with carbon-nitrogen bonds. These bonds are crucial for proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, chlorophyll, and other compounds that makeup living beings today.

In 1952, American chemist Stanley Miller and physicist Harold Urey performed an experiment in which they successfully demonstrated that the organic compounds (such as amino acids) needed for life could form with the application of electricity to a mixture of water and inorganic gases. Put simply, the two scientists showed that a lightning bolt struck the ocean, triggering chemical interaction with gases such as methane, ammonia, and hydrogen that created organic molecules.

The experiment was considered a landmark at the time as it gave one of the possible explanations for how life could have found its first foothold on Earth. However, in the following years, many scientists raised doubts about the experiment, saying “real lightning would have struck infrequently — and mostly in open ocean, where organic compounds would have quickly dispersed,” according to a report by Scientific American.

And what did the new study find?

According to the new study, water spray is sufficient to generate organic compounds without the requirement of external electricity. Stanford University chemist Richard Zare, who led the analysis, told Scientific American, “Unlike lightning… water sprays are everywhere”. Zare and his team showed that when water droplets divide, they develop opposing charges. While larger droplets have positive charges, smaller ones carry negative ones. When these oppositely charged droplets move close together, tiny sparks leap between them. This process, called “microlightning” by the researchers, imitates how lightning forms in clouds. As a result, when Zare and his team sprayed water into a mixture of nitrogen, methane, carbon dioxide and ammonia, it led to the formation of organic compounds, including hydrogen cyanide, glycine, and uracil. According to the researchers, the findings showed that it was not necessarily that lightning strikes may have kick-started life on Earth. Tiny sparks due to crashing waves or waterfalls may have done the job. “On early Earth, there were water sprays all over the place – into crevices or against rocks, and they can accumulate and create this chemical reaction… I think this overcomes many of the problems people have with the Miller-Urey hypothesis,” said Zare in a statement.

Written by Alind Chauhan

Source: Indian Express, 18/03/25

Decline in Rural to Urban Migration in India

 Recent data from a study titled ‘400 Million Dreams!’ by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) indicates decline in rural to urban migration in India. The report reveals a reduction of 5.4 million migrants, or 11.8 per cent, compared to 2011. This decline is attributed to various factors, including improved government services and better economic opportunities in rural areas.

Migration Trends Over the Years

The migration rate in India has decreased from 37.6 per cent in 2011 to 28.9 per cent in 2023. The number of workers migrating for economic reasons has fallen to 5 million, representing only 6.7 per cent of the workforce. This is a notable drop from 8.2 per cent in 1991 and 2001, and 9.3 per cent in 2011. The workforce has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.8 per cent, while migration decreased at -1 per cent.

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Factors Influencing Migration Decline

The study suggests that improved government services, such as education and health, along with better infrastructure and connectivity, have contributed to the decline in migration. However, the reality of this assertion is questionable, as data shows a decrease in labour movement despite these improvements.

Evidence from Transport Data

Using railway ticket data, the report marks a 6.7 per cent decline in post-pandemic migration during peak months. Additionally, bus travel has seen a 16 per cent decline since FY11. The number of non-suburban railway passengers has also decreased, indicating a contraction in economic migration.

Urban-Rural Remittance Patterns

The report analyses savings account to current account (SA/CA) ratios to assess urban-rural remittances. Higher SA/CA ratios indicate areas with outbound migration, while lower ratios reflect high economic activity. Major cities like Mumbai and Delhi have lower ratios, suggesting greater economic activity compared to rural areas like Bihar, which has a high ratio of 10.14.

Rural Infrastructure and Migration

The claim that rural electrification has reduced migration is debated. Historical data shows minimal increases in electrification since FY01. The pace of rural housing construction under the PM Awaas Yojna-Gramin has also been modest, suggesting that improved infrastructure has not impacted migration trends.

Economic Slowdown and Migration

The report indicates that the decline in migration reflects a rising ruralisation trend rather than urbanisation. The dependence on agriculture has increased, leading to disguised unemployment and flat rural wages. The slowdown in economic activities and rising automation have contributed to this trend.

1. The EAC-PM is a key advisory body for India’s economic policy.
2. Bihar’s high SA/CA ratio indicates lower economic activity.
3. The PM Awaas Yojna-Gramin aimed to improve rural housing.
4. The contraction in migration has resulted in rural labour oversupply.
5. Urbanisation previously drove migration during India’s economic liberalisation.
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Implications for Future Policies

The contraction in migration suggests a need for policies that support rural incomes through fiscal measures or employment-generating programmes. The stagnation in worker movement across various transport modes indicates a broader economic challenge that requires targeted interventions to stimulate growth and migration.