Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2025
Why in news?
The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2025, is a recently passed legislation aimed at prohibiting religious conversions achieved through force, coercion, misrepresentation, undue influence, allurement, marriage, or any fraudulent means.
Key Provisions
- Conversions by force, coercion, deceit, undue influence, allurement (such as money, material rewards, employment, free education), or fraudulent means are prohibited.
- Individuals must notify the District Magistrate (DM) at least 60 to 90 days in advance before converting, with declarations also required post-conversion.
- Objections to conversions can be raised publicly at the DM's office, and the converted person must appear before the DM for confirmation.
- Marriages conducted for conversion purposes are void and punishable.
- Conversion offenses are non-bailable and triable only in session courts.
Penalties
- Conversion through fraudulent means: 7 to 14 years imprisonment, fine up to Rs 5 lakh.
- Conversion of minors, women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, disabled persons: 10 to 20 years imprisonment, fine at least Rs 10 lakh.
- Mass conversions: 20 years to life imprisonment, fine not less than Rs 25 lakh.
- Receiving foreign or illegal funds for conversion: 10 to 20 years imprisonment, fine at least Rs 20 lakh.
- Repeat offenders face life imprisonment with fines reaching up to Rs 50 lakh.
This law is one of the strictest anti-conversion laws in the country, making all offenses non-bailable and including provisions for the demolition and confiscation of properties used in mass conversions.
Amendment to Schedule I of MGNREGA
Key highlights of amendments
- A statutory mandate requires blocks classified by groundwater stress levels to allocate a minimum share of MGNREGA funds for water conservation and water-related works.
- Over-exploited and critical groundwater blocks must spend at least 65% of their total MGNREGA funds on water conservation projects.
- Semi-critical blocks are mandated to allocate a minimum of 40% of funds for such works, while safe blocks must allocate at least 30%.
- This amendment introduces a proviso to Paragraph 4(2) of Schedule I, adding a clear directive on fund allocation based on water stress, while maintaining that the order of priority of works will be determined at the Gram Sabha.
- The focus is to create sustainable rural assets that improve groundwater recharge, irrigation, and water conservation, enhancing rural resilience.
- District Programme Coordinators and Programme Officers are tasked with ensuring compliance with these minimum expenditure requirements.
- This reform aligns MGNREGA more closely with national water security goals, reflecting the government's priority to combat water scarcity through rural employment and asset creation.
This amendment underlines a strategic reorientation of MGNREGA towards water sustainability and drought resilience in rural India by earmarking significant portions of funds to water security in vulnerable blocks.
Agni-P missile
Why in news?
The rail-based test of the Agni-P missile was successfully conducted by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on September 24, 2025.
Features of Agni-P
- Two-stage, solid-propellant missile using corrosion-free composite materials, making it lighter (half the weight of Agni-III) and more compact for enhanced mobility.
- Canisterized and road-rail mobile launch system, with recent successful tests from a rail-based mobile launcher, placing India among a select group of nations with this capability.
- Range up to 2,000 km, mainly aimed at countering threats from Pakistan with potential capability against regional targets.
- Equipped with a Maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV) and multiple delta fins enabling terminal maneuverability to evade missile defenses.
- Dual redundant guidance with ring laser gyro and micro inertial systems, optionally augmented by GPS and NaVIC for increased precision.
- Ready for rapid launch with reduced preparation time and enhanced survivability, supporting India's second-strike nuclear capability.
- Designed to be integrated under the Strategic Forces Command for operational deployment after pre-induction trials.
Significance
- Strengthens India's credible nuclear deterrence by enhancing second-strike capability with mobile, survivable, and quick-reaction missile systems.
- The rail-mobile launch capability enables cross-country mobility and stealth, reducing vulnerability of missile assets from preemptive strikes.
- Demonstrates technological advances in India's missile development, combining agility, precision, and strategic reach.
- Enhances India’s strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly as a counterbalance to regional threats and developments.
Agni-P is a state-of-the-art intermediate-range ballistic missile that significantly boosts India's strategic defense, deterrence, and second-strike capabilities through advanced technology, mobility, and rapid deployment features.
Tejas Mk 1A
Why in news?
India signed a $7 billion deal for 83 Tejas Mk1-A jets with HAL on September 25, 2025, with production expected from 2027-28 through 2033-34.
Overview of Tejas Mk 1A
- Tejas Mk 1A is an upgraded variant of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk 1.
- More than 40 improvements over Mk 1 variant.
- Designed to meet Indian Air Force modern combat requirements with enhanced capabilities.
- Production goal includes over 70% indigenous content.
Key Upgrades of Tejas Mk 1A
- Advanced Avionics: Features indigenous Uttam AESA radar and EL/M-2052 radar for superior target detection, tracking, and engagement.
- Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS): Incorporates advanced electronic warfare capabilities including radar warning receivers, electronic countermeasures, and the Angad self-protection jammer, enhancing survivability.
- Weapon System Enhancements: Supports a wider armament spectrum, including the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) and the UK-developed ASRAAM, along with precision-guided munitions.
- Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR): Capability for mid-air refueling extends operational range and endurance.
- Cockpit and Systems Upgrade: Modernized cockpit displays, digital map generator, and improved pilot interface reduce workload and improve situational awareness.
- Indigenous Systems: Incorporates homegrown subsystems like the Onboard Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) and digital avionics to reduce foreign dependency.
- Reduced Turnaround Time: Enhanced maintainability and quicker turnaround for sorties.
Significance of Tejas Mk 1A
- Boosts IAF Combat Power: The advanced radar, EW suite, and modern weapons systems significantly strengthen air combat and ground attack capabilities.
- Indigenous Content: With a planned 70% indigenous content by 2029, it bolsters India's Make-in-India defense initiative and reduces dependence on imports.
- Replacement for Aging Fleet: Serves as a modern replacement for the IAF’s aging MiG-21 fleet, addressing capability gaps with a more reliable, versatile platform.
- Strategic Autonomy: Enhances India's autonomy in defense technology and production, mitigating risks from supply chain disruptions.
- Multi-role Capability: Suited for diverse missions including air superiority, interdiction, reconnaissance, and close air support.
- Export Potential: As an advanced fighter with significant indigenous tech, Mk 1A can position India as a defense exporter in the global market.
Tejas Mk 1A is not only a technological upgrade but a strategic asset, reinforcing India’s defense industrial base and air power projection.
Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana
Why in news?
PM Narendra Modi launches Bihar's Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana.
Overview of scheme
- The scheme provides financial assistance to one woman from each family in Bihar to start employment or livelihood activities of their choice.
- Under this scheme, an initial grant of ?10,000 is directly transferred to the bank accounts of eligible women, enabling them to start small businesses or entrepreneurial ventures.
- Depending on the success and progress of the enterprise, beneficiaries can receive additional financial support up to ?2 lakh in subsequent phases.
- The scheme covers around 75 lakh women across Bihar and targets sectors like agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts, tailoring, weaving, and other small-scale enterprises.
- Beneficiaries must be permanent residents of Bihar, aged 18 to 60 years, preferably members of Self Help Groups (SHGs), and married women.
- It is implemented through a network of SHGs and the Bihar Rural Livelihood Promotion Society (Jeevika), ensuring grassroots reach and community-driven support.
- The scheme includes skill development training to enhance the chances of success and sustainability for beneficiaries' ventures.
- The scheme also facilitates marketing through development of Gramin Haat-Bazaars for the sale of products made by women entrepreneurs.
Significance
- Marks a significant step toward women’s empowerment in Bihar by providing capital and resources for self-employment.
- Encourages entrepreneurship among women, which helps improve family incomes and reduces migration.
- Leverages existing strong SHG networks to ensure better outreach and support.
- Complements national schemes focused on women’s financial inclusion and self-reliance.
The scheme's features focus on economic empowerment through grants and skill support, its significance lies in promoting gender-inclusive economic growth, and challenges include administrative, technical, and outreach issues that need addressing for maximum impact.
Prayas Neuro Rehabilitation Centre
Why in news?
The Ministry of Ayush unveiled "Prayas", an Integrated Neuro-Rehabilitation Centre at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa, marking a milestone in the Ayush domain.
Key points about Prayas Neuro Rehabilitation Centre
- It integrates Ayurveda, Physiotherapy, Yoga, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and modern Paediatrics under one roof to provide comprehensive care.
- The centre aims to provide holistic, patient-centered neuro-rehabilitation.
- It focuses especially on pediatric neuro care, targeting children with neurological and developmental conditions.
- Prayas represents a synergy of traditional wisdom like Ayurveda and Yoga with modern medical practices.
- The centre also aims to contribute to research and training in AYUSH-based healthcare innovations.
- It aligns with National Health Policy and global best practices of integrative healthcare.
- The initiative is meant to provide not just treatment but renewed quality of life and hope for patients and families.
This integrated model makes Prayas a landmark facility in India for pediatric neuro rehabilitation through a blend of traditional and modern medicine.
