Context: On January 6 Aditya-L1 reached its destination, around the L1 Lagrange point, from where it will have an unfettered view of the sun for its expected lifetime of five years.

Overview of ISRO:

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of the Government of India, established in 1969, with headquarters in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• It is recognized for its cost-effective and innovative approach to space missions, achieving milestones in space exploration and satellite technology.

Notable Achievements:

• ISRO launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975.
• Global recognition came with the successful launch of the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2013, making India the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit on its maiden attempt.

Diverse Portfolio:

• ISRO's portfolio includes satellite communication, Earth observation, navigation, scientific research, and interplanetary exploration.
• Key launch vehicles include Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

Aditya-L1 Mission:

• Aditya-L1 is an observatory-class solar mission focusing on studying the sun with seven instruments.
• Instruments include VELC, SUIT, SoLEXS, HEL1OS, ASPEX, PAPA, and digital magnetometers.
• Positioned at L1 Lagrange point, 1.5 million km from Earth, Aditya-L1 can stay there with minimal fuel consumption.

Historical Context:

• Aditya-L1 builds upon India's history of solar observation, dating back to the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory in 1901.
• The mission follows XPoSat and AstroSat, contributing to India's achievements in space observation.

Public Perception Challenges:

• Public perception may not fully appreciate achievements like Aditya-L1 and AstroSat compared to telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
• Expectations for hi-res photographs from Indian spacecraft may lead to disillusionment.

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST):

• JWST is a collaborative project involving NASA, ESA, and CSA, designed for infrared astronomy.
• Its high-resolution instruments allow observation of distant objects and detailed study of exoplanets' atmospheres.

Recommendations for ISRO:

• ISRO could enhance public outreach efforts, organizing open days and regularly sharing science communication on mission results.
• Encouragement for public celebration of achievements, considering public interest in mission components.

Context: Jallikattu, the traditional bull-taming sport, kicked off the year in Tamil Nadu with an event in Thachankurichi village featuring 500 bulls and heavy security.

About:

• Jallikattu is a traditional sport deeply rooted in the culture of Tamil Nadu, India.
• Celebrated during the Tamil harvest festival, Pongal, in January, the event involves releasing a wild bull into a crowd.
• Participants aim to grab the bull's hump and ride it or bring it under control.

Concerns Associated:

• The central issue revolves around whether Jallikattu merits constitutional protection as a collective cultural right under Article 29 (1).
• This fundamental right safeguards citizens' educational and cultural rights.
• Key considerations include assessing if the practices entail cruelty to animals or contribute to the preservation of native bull breeds.
•  The legal framework is also evaluated concerning Article 48, emphasizing modernizing agriculture and animal husbandry.

Legal Interventions:

• In 2011, the Centre prohibited the training and exhibition of bulls.
• The Supreme Court, in a 2014 judgment (Animal Welfare Board of India vs A. Nagaraja), banned Jallikattu due to concerns about cruelty to animals.
•  Subsequently, in 2018, the Supreme Court referred the case to a Constitution Bench.
• The bone of contention lies in the 2017 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act and the 2017 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Conduct of Jallikattu) Rules, which reopened the possibility of conducting Jallikattu despite the 2014 ban.

Context: The beneficiaries of Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra  thanked PM for One District One Product Scheme.

About One District One Product Initiative (ODOP)

• The ODOP initiative is designed to stimulate economic growth at the district level by endorsing and branding a distinctive product from each district across the country.
• The fundamental idea is to harness the local potential, Resources, skills, and cultural identity of each district, establishing a unique market presence both domestically and internationally.
• With a comprehensive selection of over 1000 products spanning various sectors, including textiles, agriculture, processed goods, pharmaceuticals, and industrial items, the initiative aims to foster a diversified economic landscape.

Global Recognition:

Several ODOP products gained international exposure at the World Economic Forum in January 2023. Displayed at the Indian Pavilion in Davos, Switzerland, these products showcased the innovation and diversity inherent in India's district-specific offerings.

Origins and Adoption:

Initially launched by the Uttar Pradesh government in January 2018, the ODOP scheme proved successful in revitalizing traditional industries and crafts within the state. Inspired by this success, the central government embraced the concept, transforming it into a national initiative.

Implementation:

• Implementation of the ODOP initiative varies across sectors. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries oversees its execution in the food processing sector, while the Ministry of Textile inaugurated the 'Lota Shop' to exhibit and sell ODOP products.
• Additionally, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade aligned its 'Districts as an Export Hub' initiative with ODOP to enhance exports.

Key Significance:

Economic Development:  ODOP strives to fortify local economies by identifying and developing a distinctive product or craft for each district, establishing it as a specialty. This approach creates a diversified and sustainable economic foundation, fostering increased income generation, employment opportunities, and overall economic growth.

Entrepreneurship and Skill Development:  Encouraging local entrepreneurship, ODOP provides a focused approach to specific products and crafts. The initiative aims to offer skill development, capacity building, and technical support to artisans and entrepreneurs, enhancing their production capabilities, product quality, and market reach. This promotes self-employment and cultivates a culture of innovation.

Preserving Traditional Knowledge and Heritage: Recognizing India's rich heritage of traditional crafts deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of each district, ODOP seeks to preserve and promote these arts, crafts, and industries. This is crucial in the face of globalization and changing consumer preferences.

Market Linkages and Branding: ODOP concentrates on establishing market linkages and a robust marketing ecosystem for local products. Leveraging the unique characteristics of each district's product, the initiative facilitates the creation of niche markets, attracts buyers, and enhances exports, thereby invigorating the local economy.