Surya Namaskar

Gujarat set a Guinness World Record with over

50,000 people performing ‘Surya Namaskar’
simultaneously at 108 venues.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 30
JANUARY 2024
.IW NSIGHTSONINDIA.CMO
 Current Affairs 30
ies.

INSIDE
5. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and
Idate Commission report 25
Topics: Government policies and interventions for develop-
ment in various sectors and issues arising out of their design
and implementation.
GENERAL STUDIES – 1 6. Performance of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) 27
Topics: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art 7. Regulating India’s Online Gaming Industry 29
Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern Topics: Development processes and the development indus-
times. try- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations,
1. Ayodhya’s Ram temple: Nagara style of temple archi- donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
tecture6 8. Civil society under siege 30
Topics: The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and Topics: Important aspects of governance, transparency and
important contributors /contributions from different parts accountability, e-governance applications, models, success-
of the country. es, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency
2. Role of the Indian National Army (INA) in India’s & accountability and institutional and other measures.
freedom8 9. RBI report on Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) 32
Topics: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. Topics: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agree-
3. Role of Slums in Indian Society 9 ments involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Topics: Women and women related issues. 10. Global Nuclear Order (GNO) is under strain 34
4. Contributions of Women and Women’s Movement
11
GENERAL STUDIES – 3
Topics: Distribution of key natural resources across the world
(including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent)
5. Iron Ore and Steel Sector in India 13 Topics: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mo-
bilization of resources, growth, development and employ-
Topics: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earth- ment.
quakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical 1. Appraisal of IBC 36
features and their location- changes in critical geographical
features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora Topics: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
and fauna and the effects of such changes. 2. Economic Growth and Inequality 37
6. India’s first high-resolution landslide susceptibility Topics: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the
map15 country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems
storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce
and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid
GENERAL STUDIES – 2 of farmers.
3. Production of Pulses in India 38
Topics: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the 4. Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) 40
States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal struc- Topics: Food processing and related industries in India-
ture, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream
and challenges therein. requirements, supply chain management.
1. Fiscal Federalism: Distribution of funds from Centre 5. Indian Food Processing Sector and export 43
to States 18 Topics: Science and Technology- developments and their
Topics: Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of In-
that of other countries dians in science & technology; indigenization of technology
2. Comparison of the Indian and French Constitutions and developing new technology.
20 6. Scientific Communication in India 45
Topics: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, pow- Topics: Conservation related issues, environmental pollution
ers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Bodies. 7. NCAP completes Five years 46
3. SC decision in Delhi’s Chief Secretary’s Case 22 Topics: Security challenges and their management in border
4. Competition Commission of India (CCI) Role 23 areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
Topics: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bod- 8. Border Security Force (BSF) and issues of operation-

2 www.insightsonindia.com
 Current Affairs 30
al Jurisdiction 48 14. Chittorgarh Fort 64
9. Vijay Raghavan committee and DRDO functioning50 15. Guruvayur temple 64
16. Traditional buffalo fight (Moh-Juj) 64
17. Soligas and Yeravas 65
GENERAL STUDIES – 4 18. Madhika Language 65
1. Mulya Pravah 2.0: Values and Ethics in Higher Educa- 19. Srirangam temple 65
tion 51
20. Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thankur 66
2. Examples of Ethics 53
21. ‘Sapinda’ marriages 66
3. AI Effect on Labour 53
22. Stone inscriptions of Grantham 66
4. Religion, Ethics and the Spirit of Truth 53
23. Gallantry awards 66
24. Kutia Kondh tribe 67
CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT 25. Padma Awards 2024 67
1. IAS officer Sushant Gaurav 54 26. Maratha Military Landscapes 67
2. Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus 54
3. Nina Singh 55
GS-2
4. Coexistence between Warli Tribes and Leopards 55
1. International Court of Justice (ICJ) 67
5. Henry Ford 56
2. National Transit Pass System 68
6. Initiatives at the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) 56
3. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) scheme 68
7. National Cancer Grid 56
4. Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for hit-and-run cases
8. Japanese Cultural practices and its use for Disaster 68
Management 56
5. SMART 2.0 69
9. Lily Gladstone 57
6. Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC)69
10. Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke 57
7. Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)69
11. People’s Manifesto for a Just, Equitable and Sustain-
8. PRERANA program 69
able India 57
9. PRITHVI VIGYAN scheme 70
12. Women Commandoes in Maoist Region 58
10. Inland Waterways Development Council 70
13. Steel Slag Road 58
11. Prasadam 70
14. The Buddhist Voice of Global South 58
12. Right to reside 70
15. Bamboo Composites 58
13. Guidelines for Coaching Centre 71
16. Boeing Sukanya Program 59
14. Alliance for Global Good- Gender Equity and Equali-
17. Artificial Greening and Plantations 59
ty 71
18. National Girl Child Day (NGCD) 59
15. Digital study material in Indian languages 72
19. Screen Time for Children 59
16. Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana 72
17. Surrogacy Act, 2021 73
FACTS FOR PRELIMS; GS-1 18. Standards Machine Applicable Readable and Trans-
1. Surya Namaskar 60 ferable (SMART) 73
2. The Kharsawan massacre of 1948 60 19. South Asian University 73
3. Divya Kala Mela 2023 60 20. AMU Minority Status Dispute 73
4. Maharishi Valmiki International Airport 61 21. Initiatives for Courts in India 74
5. Bab el-Mandeb Strait 61 22. ECOWAS 75
6. Kadamba Dynasty 62 23. Default Bail 75
7. Chandubi Festival 62
8. Harvest Festival: Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri and GS-3
more62
1. Radiocarbon dating 75
9. Shankaracharya 62
2. Chameleon Trojan 75
10. Vadnagar 63
3. Virtual Digital Asset Service Providers (VDA SPs) 76
11. Kachchhi Kharek 63
4. Green Funds/Deposit 76
12. India Meteorological Department 63
5. Marine Energy Conversion Systems Sectional Com-
13. Veerabhadra temple in Lepakshi 63

3 www.insightsonindia.com
 Current Affairs 30
mittee (MECSSC) 76 51. Darjeeling Zoo 90
6. United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) 77 52. Hydroxychloroquine 91
7. Reverse flip 77 53. Operation Amrith (AMRITH - Antimicrobial Resis-
8. 20-30% health tax on food high in sugar  77 tance Intervention For Total Health) 91
9. Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project 77 54. Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) 91
10. DESERT CYCLONE 78 55. Samavesha project 92
11. CO2 levels in planet atmosphere 78 56. Humboldt’s enigma 92
12. Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell 78 57. Himalayan Wolf 92
13. Direct-to-mobile (D2M) technology services 79 58. New Generation AKASH missile 92
14. Room Temperature Superconductivity 79 59. Lithium Exploration 93
15. Bio-credits 79 60. Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 93
16. Green Cover Index 80 61. Punganur cows 94
17. Cyber kidnapping 80 62. Fixed-dose combination 94
18. Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) 80 63. Coastal Zone Management Plans 94
19. Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) 81 64. Vulture restaurant in Jharkhand 95
20. Direct-to-cell 82 65. Kashmir without Snow 95
21. Zosurabalpin 82 66. Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) 96
22. Anti-cancer drug camptothecin 82 67. States’ Startup Ranking for 2022 96
23. MARCOS 82 68. Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival 96
24. Bio-Imaging Bank 82 69. e-SAKSHI Mobile Application 96
25. ‘Clean & Green Villages’ Programme 82 70. Soil-powered fuel cell 97
26. Tricholime 83 71. Artificial reefs in Kerala 97
27. E-fuels 83 72. Yellow Rust 97
28. Plasma waves in the Martian Atmosphere 83 73. Use of INSAT Satellites to analyse Fog 98
29. Krishnarajasagar (KRS) dam 84 74. Nuclear Battery 98
30. Income Inequality 84 75. FAO’s Committee on Fisheries (COFI) 99
31. Proba-3 Mission 85 76. Havisure 99
32. ANEEL 85 77. Coral reef 100
33. Nasa’s Lunar Gateway Station 85 78. Laser Communication with Chandrayaan-3 Lander
34. DRDO anti-drone tech - Drone, Detect, Deter and 100
Destroy (D4 System) 85 79. End-to-end encryption 100
35. India Club 85 80. Mpemba effect 100
36. ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute 81. Elusive binturong and the small-clawed otter 101
(CMFRI) 86 82. Hydrocarbon exploration 101
37. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights 83. Plants “Talking” To Each Other 101
(PPVFR) 86 84. Cameroon launched Mosquirix 102
38. Peregrine lunar lander 86 85. Kumki Elephants 102
39. Sisal leaves 87 86. EXERCISE ‘CYCLONE’ 103
40. The oldest evidence of photosynthesis 87 87. VAIBHAV Fellowship 103
41. Bharat Tex 2024 87 88. Indian Stock market 103
42. Cannabis plant 87 89. Dynamic wireless charging technology 103
43. Amaterasu 88 90. Evolution of Universe 104
44. International Classification of Diseases (ICD) - 11 88 91. Direct Tax to GDP Ratio 104
45. Thylakoid membranes 88 92. Scrap Steel 105
46. Drishti 10 Starliner 88 93. Execution using Nitrogen Gas 105
47. Recent Reports in News 89 94. Hermit crabs 105
48. Green Fuels Alliance India (GFAI) 89 95. Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) 106
49. Tea Industry in India 89 96. Pandemic Treaty and Disease X 106
50. Einstein Probe (EP) 90 97. Alpine ibexes 107

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 Current Affairs 30
98. Military Exercises in News 107
99. Soda Lake and the Origin of Life 108
100. Acid Rain 108
101. E Ink displays 108
102. Solid-state battery 109
103. Laughing gull 109

SPORTS CORNER
1. Khelo India Youth Games 2023 109

MAPPING
1. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) 110
2. Kalpakkam Atomic Power Station (Tamil Nadu) 110
3. Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fibre
Connection (KLI-SOFC) project 111
4. Rejupave Technology at Indo-China border 112
5. Arunachal Pradesh’s Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary
112
6. Mauritius 112
7. Krishna-Godavari basin 113
8. Anamalai Tiger Reserve 114
9. Sagar Island 114
10. Taiwan 115
11. Imphal River 115
12. Chancay (Peru) 116
13. Chandaka-Dampara wildlife sanctuary 116
14. Aravali Range 116
15. Uganda 117
16. Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar 117
17. Lake Victoria 118
18. Dominican Republic-India: JETCO 118
19. Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal-ERCP Link Proj-
ect118

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 Current Affairs 30

GENERAL STUDIES – 1
Topics: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art
Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern
times.

1. AYODHYA’S RAM TEMPLE: NAGARA

STYLE OF TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE
Context:
The Nagara style of temple architecture, observed in Ayod- Nagara and Dravida styles are considered “the two great
hya’s Ram temple construction, emerged in the fifth century classical languages of Indian temple architecture” rather
CE during the late Gupta period in northern India. than mere ‘styles’.

Key features of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya: Nagara temples, distinguished by towering shikhara (moun-
1. Constructed in the traditional Nagara style with a tain peaks), have a raised plinth with the garbha griha
length of 380 feet, width of 250 feet, and height of (sanctum sanctorum) as the most sacred part. The shikha-
161 feet. ra represents the natural and cosmological order in Hin-
2. Houses the childhood form of Bhagwan Shri Ram du tradition. Nagara architecture has five modes: Valabhi,
(Shri Ram Lalla) in the main sanctum sanctorum and Phamsana, Latina, Shekhari, and Bhumija. The Ayodhya
a Shri Ram Darbar on the first floor. Ram temple exhibits a ‘hybrid’ feature, lacking an elaborate
3. Includes five mandaps (halls): Nritya Mandap, Rang gopuram but featuring a boundary wall.
Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prathana Mandap, and
Kirtan Mandap. While the Nagara and the Dravidian styles of temple archi-
4. The compound has four Mandirs dedicated to Surya tecture belong to the Northern and Southern regions of
Dev, Devi Bhagwati, Ganesh Bhagwan, and Bhagwan India respectively and exhibit uniqueness, they also share
Shiv, along with Mandirs for Maa Annapurna and some common features in their design and appearance.
Hanuman ji.
Common Features of both the style:
5. Surrounded by a Parkota (Rectangular compound
• Dravidian or Chola style of temple architecture:
wall) with a length of 732 meters and a width of 14
o The Dravidian style of temple architecture of South
feet.
India flourished roughly from the 8th to about 13th-
6. Features a historic Well (Sita koop) and a restored 14th century A.D.
ancient Mandir of Bhagwan Shiv at Kuber Tila. o It developed under the patronage of the Chola rul-
7. Utilizes traditional construction materials, avoiding ers, but was a continuation of the previous Pallava
the use of steel or iron. architecture, with some variations.
8. The main temple structure was built with Bansi Pa- o E.g., Brihadeeswara Temple, Gangaikondacholapu-
harpur Pink Sandstone, granite stones in the plinths, ram Temple.
and white Makrana marble and coloured marble for • Nagara temple architecture:
inlay work. o The Nagara temple architecture developed as a dis-
9. Incorporates special bricks known as “Ram Shilas” tinct style in the Northern part of India from the 5th
with the inscription “Shri Ram” for symbolic signifi- century AD onwards.
cance. o E.g., Sun Temple at Konark, Kandariya Mahadev
10. Constructed entirely using traditional and indige- Temple at Khajuraho.
nous technology, emphasizing environmental con- • Common features:
servation with 70% of the area left green. o Temple plan:
 The panchayatan style with a principal tem-
ple and four subsidiary shrines is a common
feature.
o Decorative features:
 Decoration of the walls and vimanas
through sculptures and engravings is an im-
portant feature of both styles.
o Halls:
 There are assembly halls or mandaps in

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 Current Affairs 30
front of the principal shrine for cultural and Conclusion
spiritual events in both styles of temples. The Nagara and Dravidian styles of temple architecture large-
o Also, the other aspects such as the Sanctum Sancto- ly resemble the common structures such as the plan, tow-
rum, Vimana and Shikara are present in both styles. ers, spires, etc. However, they also differ in their approach
to the minute features of expression that these structures
carry, thereby preserving their uniqueness.
A hybrid of these two is the Vesara style found mostly in the
Deccan regions. E.g., the Virupaksha temple in Pattadakal,
and the Durga temple in Aihole.

Other styles of Temple architectures:

Topic Key Points
Temple Archi- Distinct architectural styles: Nagara
tecture (Sum- (North), Dravida (South), and Vesara (mix
mary) of Nagara and Dravida).
Basic features: Sanctum, entrance, free-
standing spire, vahan, and mithun sculp-
tures.
Nagara or Built on the stone platform, multiple tow-
North Indian ers (shikharas), Latina, phamsana, valabhi
Style sub-types.
Mainly found in North India, e.g., Uttar
Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan.
Central India Sandstone construction, Gupta Period
Distinctive features of the Dravidian and the Nagara Styles: Temples temples, panchayatana style (e.g., Deog-
arh temple).
FEATURES DRAVIDIAN STYLE NAGARA STYLE
Western Indi- Gujarat, Rajasthan, Western Madhya
B o u n d a r y Temples are sur- It did not have
walls and rounded by high elaborate boundary an Temples Pradesh. Varied stone types, exuberant
gateways boundary walls. walls or gateways. sculptures.
The front wall has a Eastern Indian Terracotta construction in Bengal. Pala
high entrance gate- Temples style sculptures, distinctive Vanga style.
way known as a go- Odisha Tem- Rekhapida, pidhadeul, khakra architec-
puram. ples tural orders. Square ground plan, lavishly
Crowning ele- Shaped in the form Shaped in spherical carved exteriors.
ment of an octagon and form is known as Hill Temples Kashmir, Kumaon, Garhwal. Wooden ar-
is known as the shi- the Kalash chitecture, pagoda shapes, Karkota peri-
khara od significance.
Dravida or Enclosed within a compound wall, gopu-
S p i r e / V i - Present in the form The vimana rises in South Indian ram entrance, stepped pyramid vimana.
manas of a stepped pyra- a curved form. Style Main temple towns: Kanchipuram, Than-
mid that rises up
javur, Madurai, Kumbakonam.
linearly.
Deccan Archi- Ellora’s grand rock-cut structures. Rashtr-
Number of Vi- There is only one Besides the main
tecture akutas’ Kailashnath temple, vesara archi-
manas vimana and that is temple, the sub-
on top of the main sidiary shrines also tecture in Karnataka.
temple. The subsid- have vimanas. Buddhist Ar- Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, Nalan-
iary shrines do not c h i t e c t u r a l da’s mahavihara, Nagapattinam’s Bud-
have vimanas. D e v e l o p - dhist centre.
Water fea- The presence of a Generally, there ments
tures water tank inside are no water tanks Jain Architec- Jain pilgrimage sites in Bihar, Ellora, Ai-
the temple enclo- or reservoirs pres- tural Develop- hole, Mount Abu, Shravanabelagola, Pal-
sure is a unique fea- ent on the temple ments itana.
ture here. premises.

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 Current Affairs 30
Mains Links: Initially founded by Mohan Singh and later led by Subhas
Q. How will you explain that medieval Indian temple sculp- Chandra Bose, the INA aimed to secure Indian indepen-
tures represent the social life of those days? (UPSC 2022) dence from British rule and fought under the command of
the Japanese military in Southeast Asia. The first INA, formed
Prelims Links: in 1942, collapsed due to disagreements with the Japanese
Q. The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Cir- military and was later revived under Bose’s leadership in
cuit House near Somnath Temple Veraval. Which of the 1943. Through a strategic public relations campaign, Bose
following statements are correct regarding Somnath Tem- garnered widespread support, expanding the INA’s strength
ple? (UPSC 2022) to over 40,000 personnel.
1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al- INA activities:
Biruni. 1. The INA in a few months’ time had three fighting bri-
3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the gades named after Gandhi, Azad and Nehru. Soon other
present-day temple) was done by President S. Rad- brigades were raised, namely the Subhash Brigade and
hakrishnan. the Rani Jhansi Brigade (an exclusive women’s force).
2. The most important operation the INA was a part of, was
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
undoubtedly its operations in the Indian theatre in the
(a) 1 and 2 only
Second World War. The Japanese were initially reluctant
(b) 2 and 3 only
to take INA troops with them but Bose convinced them
(c) 1 and 3 only to take a small INA force which was used, much to the
(d) 1,2 and 3 frustration of Bose, for secondary operations by the Jap-
Answer: A anese.
3. Creation of the provisional government - On October
Q. With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated 21, 1943, Subhash Bose formed the Provisional Govern-
near Morena, consider the following statements: (UPSC ment for Free India in Singapore with H.C. Chatterjee
2021) (Finance portfolio), M.A. Aiyar (Broadcasting), Lakshmi
(1) It is a circular temple built during the reign of the Swaminathan (Women Department), etc.
Kachchhapaghata Dynasty. a. This provisional government declared war on Brit-
(2) It is the only circular temple built in India. ain and the United States and was recognised by the
(3) It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the re- Axis powers.
gion. b. Recruits were trained and funds were collected for
(4) Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the INA.
the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building. c. The famous slogan—“Give me blood, I will give you
Which of the statements given above are correct? freedom” was given in Malaya.
(a) 1 and 2 4. Battle of Kohima -, The Azad Hind Fauz crossed the Bur-
(b) 2 and 3 only ma border and stood on Indian soil on March 18, 1944.
(c) 1 and 4 The INA units subsequently advanced up to Kohima and
(d) 2, 3 and 4 Imphal
Answer: C a. The tricolour was hosted on Indian soil
b. However, the INA failed to capture Imphal due to
two reasons:
Topics: The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and
i. The Japanese failed to supply the necessary
important contributors /contributions from different parts
material and air cover to the INA.
of the country. ii. The Monsoon prevented their advance.
5. INA trials - The Indian National Army trials (also known
2. ROLE OF THE INDIAN NATIONAL ARMY as the INA trials and the Red Fort trials) was the British
(INA) IN INDIA’S FREEDOM Indian trial by court-martial of a number of officers
of the Indian National Army (INA) between November
Context: Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA) 1945 and May 1946, on various charges of treason,
emerged as a pivotal force in India’s quest for independence torture, murder and abetment to murder, during the
Second World War.
during World War II.
a. In November 1945, a British move to put the I.N.A.
men on trial immediately sparked massive demon-
What was INA?
strations all over the country.
The INA (a military organization) was established to encour-
age the growth of armed Indian nationalism. It was also
Significance of INA:
conceived to undermine the British Indian Army and finally
The INA had failed to achieve its goal, but it made a signifi-
work to secure the Independence of India.
cant impact on the freedom struggle in the following ways

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 Current Affairs 30
1. Awakening sense of nationalism - INA also gen- Fo r m at i o n Indian National Army (INA) was founded by
erated patriotic feelings in the hearts of many na- of INA Mohan Singh in 1942 - Later handed over to
tional leaders and the masses and caused upris-
Subhas Chandra Bose - Renamed Azad Hind
ings in Bombay and Calcutta. The Red Fort trials of
Fauj by Bose
INA members managed to unite masses of Indians
against British rule. Role in INA Led the INA against the British in South-
2. Demonstration of communal unity - The struggles east Asia during World War II - Goal: Secure
of the INA demonstrated that those who waged an India’s independence from British rule -
armed struggle against the British were not at all Named brigades/regiments after Mahatma
affected by communal division. As, there were Hin- Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Azad,
dus, Muslims and Sikhs in the INA who had fought and himself
as Indians C o n t r i b u - Rallying Indians to the cause of indepen-
3. Empowerment of women - The actions of the Rani tions dence - Gaining international support for
Jhansi Brigade, an exclusive women’s force, demon- the INA - Significant impact on the indepen-
strated the capabilities of Indian Women waging dence movement despite INA’s military set-
armed struggle against the British.
backs
4. Fighting against injustice - It became clear to the Brit-
ish that, they could no longer depend on the loyalty F a m o u s “Tum Mujhe Khoon Do, Main Tumhe Azadi
of Indian Soldiers and treat them as mercenaries. Quotes Doonga” (Give me blood, and I will give you
5. Igniting unity among various political groups – All freedom!) - “Freedom is not given - it is tak-
the political groups came together to protect the en.” - “Soldiers who always remain faithful
prisoners of INA which showed the united political to their nation, who are always prepared to
unity against British Rule. sacrifice their lives, are invincible.”
Death August 18, 1945 - Died in a plane crash un-
Conclusion der mysterious circumstances
Gandhiji addressing the INA officers said “Your objective, Legacy and Posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna,
as I have been told, was only to free India, never to help Recognition India’s highest civilian award - Remem-
the Japanese. You failed in your direct objective, i.e. to de- bered as a hero of the Indian independence
feat the British. But you have the satisfaction that the whole movement - Inspires those fighting for free-
Country has been roused into a new political consciousness dom and justice
and have begun to think in terms of Independence”. Thus
Activities of INA did hasten the process of the British leaving His Jayanti is celebrated as ‘Parakram Di-
India. was’ on 23rd January
The Subhas Chandra Bose Aapda Praband-
About Subhas Chandra Bose: han Puraskar is an annual award established
Aspect Details to acknowledge and honour outstanding
contributions to disaster management
Full Name Subhas Chandra Bose by individuals and organizations in India.
Nicknames Netaji Announced on January 23 each year, the
Birthdate January 23, 1897, Cuttack, Odisha, India award includes a cash prize of Rs. 51 lakh
and Place with a certificate for institutions and Rs. 5
Education Studied at the University of Calcutta and lat- lakh with a certificate for individuals.
er at the University of Cambridge
Insta Links:
Political Ca- Joined Indian National Congress - Elected
• Azad Hind Fauj
reer to Congress Working Committee in 1923 -
Appointed Secretary of Bengal Provincial
Congress Committee in 1924 - Resigned
Topics: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
from Congress in 1939 due to differences
- Advocated more militant action for inde-
pendence - Organised the All India Forward 3. ROLE OF SLUMS IN INDIAN SOCIETY
Bloc a faction within the Congress in Bengal.
Context:
Inspiration He was highly influenced by Vivekananda’s
The article explores the evolving narratives and definitions
teachings and considered him as his spiritu-
of slums in the context of Indian parliamentary debates.
al Guru. His political mentor was Chittaran-
jan Das

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 Current Affairs 30
Evolution of the discourse on slums: are unfit for human habitation, or are by dilapidation, over-
Era Conceptualisation Steps crowding, design of buildings, narrowness of streets, lack
of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities or any combination
First Slums are viewed as The introduction
of these factors, are detrimental to safety, health or moral
era a result of partition of the Slum Areas
(Slum Area Improvement and Clearance Act 1956).
(1950s-1960s) and population in- Act of 1956 made
flux into cramped government inter-
Status:
areas. Considered vention possible.
An all-India average where the cities with 10 lakh and above
an epidemic to be Slums became a
population have over 29% population living in slums. The
eradicated. Con- legal entity.
percentage of slum population in the four mega cities is –
nected to spatial
Bombay (over 34%, Calcutta 32%, Madras 32% and Delhi
constraints and
31%). As much as 65% of Indian cities have adjoining slums
health issues, ignor-
where people live in small houses adjacent to each other.
ing socio-economic
factors.
The role played by Slums in Indian cities
S e c o n d Shifted to viewing Town planning ● Economically: Slums are often vibrant centres of
era (Early slums as something emerged as a economic activity as slum workers provide essential
1970s-Mid- to be developed. governance tool, services to the city.
1980s) The narrative in- pushing slums to ○ Informal economy: Slums are home to a
cluded providing peripheries. large number of people who work in the
basic amenities informal sector, such as rickshaw drivers,
instead of destruc- street vendors, and construction workers.
tion. ○ Contribution to Urban Workforce: Many
Third era (Mid- Cities and slums are Broader housing slum residents form an integral part of the
1980s-Late seen as assets for policies were in- urban workforce, providing essential ser-
vices in construction, domestic work, trans-
1990s) economic growth. troduced, address-
portation, and other sectors. Their contri-
Economic reasoning ing land, finance,
butions are critical to the functioning of the
replaced social con- and infrastructure.
city.
cerns. The National Slum ● Socially: Slums are also home to a diverse range of
Development people. This diversity can lead to a vibrant commu-
Programme was nity life, with people from different cultures coming
launched in 1996. together to support each other.
Fourth era U n d e r s t a n d i n g Urban housing ○ Social Networks and Solidarity: These com-
(2000s-2014) based on data from deficit became the munities develop strong social networks and
the 2001 Census. focus of housing a sense of solidarity. Residents support each
The causes of slum policies. Defini- other through mutual assistance, shared
formation are linked tions broadened resources, and collective problem-solving.
to urban planning, with the Census, ○ These informal support systems are vital in
population growth, leading to target- the absence of formal social services, creat-
urbanization, land ed schemes. ing a sense of belonging and resilience with-
pressure, and price in the community.
rise. Upliftment as- ● Culturally: Slums are characterized by their diverse
sociated with prop- population with people from different regions, reli-
gions, and cultural backgrounds. This diversity fos-
erty rights.
ters cultural exchange, tolerance, and understand-
Overall Trans- Evolution from Continual trans- ing among residents. Slums can be dynamic spaces
formation viewing slums as a formation of slum where diverse traditions, languages, and cuisines
socio-political is- definitions, adapt- coexist, enriching the social fabric of the city.
sue to a technical, ing to data-driven
economic object. and technocratic Common problems faced by Slum dwellers
Increasing reliance approaches.
on technological
solutions for urban
problems.

What are Slums?

Slums have been defined as those areas where buildings

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 Current Affairs 30
Government Initiatives for Slum Dwellers/Urban Poor: 4. CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN AND
• Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana
WOMEN’S MOVEMENT
• Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (self-reliant India).
• PM- Awas Yojana- Urban.
Context:
The article highlights the often-underappreciated role of
Recommendations for Improving Conditions of Slum Dwell-
women in India’s journey towards becoming a republic,
ers in India
focusing on their efforts in securing national freedom and
● Efforts should focus on addressing the underlying
women’s rights, particularly the right to vote.
issues, such as poverty, housing, and infrastructure,
while also recognizing the strengths and resilience
of slum communities. Women’s contribution to Freedom Struggle:
● By implementing inclusive urban policies and im- Throughout India’s struggle for independence, women
proving living conditions, it is possible to harness emerged as stalwart contributors, playing diverse and piv-
the positive aspects of slums while ensuring better otal roles that shaped the trajectory of the freedom move-
opportunities and quality of life for all residents. ment. Their involvement spanned various spheres, encom-
○ For e.g. Dharavi Redevelopment Project passing leadership, activism, revolutionary endeavours,
is the makeover of Mumbai’s slum cluster, and community mobilization.
Dharavi. It entails resettling 68,000 people,
including slum dwellers and those with com- Women played a multifaceted role in India’s freedom strug-
mercial establishments. gle:
● Local authorities need to be empowered with finan- • Mass Mobilization: Women took part in protest
cial and human resources to deliver services and in- marches, boycott campaigns and mass agitations.
frastructure to the slum dwellers in India. o For example, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay
● State governments have to develop strategies to led the Salt Satyagraha in Bombay by mobi-
prevent the formation of new slums. lizing thousands of women. Women picket-
ers in Bengal protested the Simon Commis-
○ These should include access to affordable sion wearing black sarees.
land, reasonably priced materials, employ- o Women students joined the Quit India
ment opportunities, and basic infrastructure movement by going on strikes and proces-
and social services. sions. This challenged the conservative so-
● Public investments must focus on providing access cial norms that restricted women’s public
to basic services and infrastructure. The cities need presence.
to invest in housing, water, sanitation, energy, and • Underground Activism: Women undertook under-
urban services, such as garbage disposal. ground and revolutionary activities against British
○ These services and infrastructure must reach rule.
the poor living in informal settlements. o For example: Bhikaji Cama unfurled the In-
● Building codes and regulations should be realistic dian flag in Stuttgart, Germany in 1907 as
part of expatriate revolutionary activities.
and enforceable and reflect the local community’s
Kalpana Dutt transported bombs and weap-
lifestyle and needs. ons for revolutionary groups in Bengal.
o Aruna Asaf Ali went underground during
Conclusion the Quit India movement and carried out
By addressing the challenges faced by slum dwellers, the sabotage attacks.
Govt’s can help to improve the lives of millions of people o By directly attacking British institutions,
and make India a more inclusive society. Human well-being women shed their conventional non-vio-
is broadly considered to include the consumption of goods lent image.
and services and the access to basic necessities for a pro- • Social Reforms: Many women connected the na-
ductive and socially meaningful life to all sections of the tional struggle to social reform causes.
population, especially the deprived slum dwellers in India. o For example, Sarojini Naidu, Annie Besant
and Vijayalakshmi Pandit demanded wom-
en’s political representation and suffrage
Insta Links: rights.
• Government Initiatives to manage Slums o Pandita Ramabai campaigned for widows’
rights and reform of Brahminical traditions
Mains Links: that suppressed women.
Q. Why slums are considered as ‘problems’ in urban regions? o Tarabai Shinde wrote a landmark feminist
critique of patriarchy in her 1882 text Stri
Purush Tulna.
• Leadership role: Beyond these three dimensions,
Topics: Women and women related issues. women like Lakshmi Sahgal, Aruna Asaf Ali, Suche-
ta Kripalani and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur held leading
organizational positions in the freedom struggle.

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Feminist movements in pre-independent India: They played the Constitutional and Legal safeguards for
a crucial role in ensuring women’s rights were guaranteed in women, recommend remedial legislative
the Constitution. measures, facilitate redressal of grievanc-
1. 1917 - Memorandum of Demands: Women activists es and advise the Government on all policy
presented a memorandum of demands to Montagu matters affecting women.
o Laws- Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, Spe-
and Lord Chelmsford, urging enfranchisement. cial Marriage Act 1954, Hindu Succession
2. 1917 - Formation of IWA: The Women’s Indian As- Act 1956, Dowry Prohibition Act 1961, Do-
sociation (WIA) was established to address women’s mestic Violence Act 2005; etc
socio-economic challenges, becoming the first na- • Economic- Women have played a pivotal role in
tional body advocating for female suffrage. helping the growth of the Indian economy. Women
3. 1918 - Travel for Support: WIA and others travelled contribute approximately 17-18% of the total GDP.
to Britain in 1918 to garner international support for Although they are strong in the farming and dairy
their causes. sector, India’s rapid urbanization has not yet encour-
4. Congress Resolutions: Sarojini Naidu championed aged more women to join the labour force.
o Entrepreneurs- Many women have broken
women’s rights within the Congress party, moving the societally imposed glass ceiling to reach
resolutions for women’s enfranchisement in Bijapur the top positions in organizational ladders.
and Bombay. Many have started their own company cre-
5. 1921 - First Victory: The Government of India Act, ating jobs for thousands. Eg- Kiran Mazum-
1919 allowed provincial legislatures to enfranchise dar Shaw founder of Biocon Ltd, Falguni
women, with Madras becoming the first province to Nayar associated with Nykaa.
grant women the right to vote in 1921. • Security- They constitute 12% of the Police force,
6. 1925 - Bengal Campaigns: The enfranchisement Bill 0.56% of the army, 1.08% of the air force, and 6.5%
of the navy. Women have become Fighter pilots for
faced defeat in the Bengal Legislative Council. Suf-
the Air Force. Thus their role in the security domain
fragists, led by the Bangiya Nari Samaj, organized is gradually increasing and becoming more signifi-
extensive awareness campaigns, resulting in the cant.
Bill’s passage in 1925. • Employment- Women now make up 34% of the IT
7. Formation of All India Women’s Conference (AIWC): workforce in India and the country is now almost at
In 1927, women-led organizations formed the AIWC. a 50:50 gender parity rate in STEM graduates.
Initially focused on women’s education, AIWC later • Grass root Democracy- The 73rd and 74th CAA
advocated against child marriage, raised the age of made provisions for 33% reservation for women in
consent, and opposed polygamy. the institutions of local self-government. Participa-
tion is crucial in policy formulation and regulation,
8. Nehru Report & Beyond on Right to Vote: The Neh-
Acting as role models for women’s empowerment,
ru Report of 1929 called for equal civic rights, but Empowerment of women, Less corruption and im-
Britain resisted the expansion of this right. proved efficiency.
9. Government of India Act 1935: This Act expanded • Education- AISHE (All India Survey on Higher Educa-
voting rights, enabling women to participate in pub- tion) 2019-20 report, according to which women in
lic offices. In the 1936-37 elections, women leaders India now hold a 49% share in total enrolment in
advocated for universal adult franchise. higher education.
10. Adoption of Indian Woman’s Charter: In 1945-46, • Social Contributions-
AIWC adopted this charter, demanding equality, o Anti-Dowry movements: In the 1980s sev-
eral women’s and other progressive organi-
women’s economic empowerment, and reforms in
zations formed a joint front in Delhi called
personal laws. “Dahej Virodhi Chetna Manch”.
11. Post-Partition Issue: After Partition, reservation of o Chipko Movement- In this movement the
seats on religious grounds emerged as a key issue. women symbolically tied sacred threads
around the trees, faced police firing in Feb-
Gender equality and women’s rights role in Post-Indepen- ruary 1978, and later courted arrest. This
dent India: movement continued under the leadership
• Constitutional, Institutional and legal- FR- Right to of Sri Sunderlal Bahuguna in various villag-
equality Art 14, 15 16, Right to life- Art 21, es.
o DPSP- Article 39 requires the State to di- o Narmada Bachao Andolan is one of its kind
rect its policy towards securing for men and of a social movement led by Medha Patkar.
women equally the right to an adequate It is the active and huge participation and
means of livelihood, and equal pay for equal engagement of women that have led to the
work. huge success of the movement.
o Right to property- Art. 300-A, Universal
adult franchise- Art 326
o National Commission for Women- review

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Conclusion Key Recommen- CCI discourages iron ore exports due to
Thus, from mass activism to underground attacks to spear- dations by CCI its non-renewable nature and impor-
heading social reforms, women played a multifaceted and tance to various industries.
pivotal role in expanding the scope, presence and impact
Prioritize export of higher value-added
of India’s national movement and in post-independent India
products like finished steel to promote
development.
self-reliant India.
Insta Links: Upgrade iron ore quality using cut-
Women’s Liberation Movement ting-edge technologies to enhance
grade.
Mains Links
Q. Discuss the significance of contributions made by wom- What is Iron Ore?
en freedom fighters during the second half of the 20th cen- Iron ore refers to rocks and minerals from which metallic
tury. iron can be extracted economically. It typically contains iron
oxides, and the primary types include hematite, magnetite,
Prelims Links: and taconite.
In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of
Status:
(1884) revolved around? (UPSC 2020)
India is self-sufficient in iron ore production. It contributes
1. women’s right to gain education
7% to global production. India ranks as the 4th largest pro-
2. age of consent
ducer globally. India is the 2nd largest producer of steel in
3. restitution of conjugal rights
the world after China
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
Distribution of Iron Ore:
(b) 2 and 3 only • India is endowed with abundant resources of iron
(c) 1 and 3 only ore, with the largest reserve of iron ore in Asia.
(d) 1, 2 and 3 • The iron ore mines occur in close proximity to the
Answer: B coal fields in the northeastern plateau region which
adds to their advantage.
Topics: Distribution of key natural resources across the world • States:
(including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent) o About 95% of total the reserves of iron
ore are located in the States of Odisha,
Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Goa,
5. IRON ORE AND STEEL SECTOR IN INDIA Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil
Nadu.
Context: • Mines:
o In Odisha, iron ore occurs in a series of hill
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) conducted a
ranges in Sundergarh, Mayurbhanj and
study on iron ore pricing and exports, highlighting concerns
Jhar. The important mines here include
about varied pricing and recommending discouraging iron
Badampahar (Mayurbhaj), Kiruburu (Kendu-
ore exports in the country. jhar) and Bonai (Sundergarh).
o Jharkhand has some of the oldest iron ore
What did CCI say? mines and most of the iron and steel plants
Aspect Details are located around them.
Concerns Raised The recent increase in iron ore exports  Important mines include Noamun-
by CCI (low value compared to finished prod- di and Gua in Poorbi and Pash-
ucts like steel) chimi Singhbhum districts, further
extending to Durg, Dantewara and
Allocation of captive mines to certain Bailadila.
players creates entry barriers for others • Other regions:
and is against competition o Karnataka - Sandur-Hospet area of Ballari
Differential pricing of iron ore for dif- district, Baba Budan hills and Kudremukh in
ferent end-users raises competition Chikkamagaluru district and parts of Shiva-
concerns. mogga, Chitradurg and Tumakuru districts.
o Chandrapur, Bhandara and Ratnagiri dis-
tricts of Maharashtra; Karimnagar and Wa-
rangal districts of Telangana; Kurnool, Cud-
dapah and Anantapur districts of Andhra

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 Current Affairs 30
Pradesh; Salem and Nilgiris districts of Tamil
Nadu
o Goa has also emerged as an important pro-
ducer of iron ore.

Challenges Faced by the Steel Sector:

Challenges Details
Barriers to Setting Significant investment is required for
up Modern Steel modern plants; Reliance on debt fi-
Significance of iron ore: Plants: nancing and high domestic financing
• International trade: costs impact competitiveness
o The two main types of iron ore found in Cyclical Demand Demand is influenced by factors like
India are haematite and magnetite. It has and Monsoon monsoons; Low-demand periods
great demand in the international market Challenges: lead to financial strain and plant clo-
due to its superior quality. sures.
• Industrial use and applications:
o Iron ore is the source of primary iron for the Low Per Capita Low per capita steel consumption
world’s iron and steel industries. Consumption compared to other developed coun-
o It is therefore essential for the production of tries.
steel, which in turn is essential to maintain a Low Investment in Dependence on international re-
strong industrial base. Almost all (98%) iron R&D search increases costs, and outdated
ore is used in steelmaking. technologies hamper competitive-
• Larger significance: ness
o Most part of the economy in the above E n v i r o n m e n t a l The steel industry is a major carbon
regions, especially the four states of Concerns: dioxide producer, and many of the
Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Chhat-
plants don’t adhere to green and EIA
tisgarh revolves around these raw materi-
guidelines
als (iron and manganese).
Impact of EU’s EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment
Steel sector in India: CBAM: Mechanism (CBAM) from January 1,
The state of the steel sector in India is key to its economy, ac- 2026.
counting for 2% of the GDP in FY 21-22. The major steel-pro- Adverse impact on India’s exports of
ducing states include Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Kar- metals like iron, steel, and alumini-
nataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and West Bengal, with Odisha um products to the EU due to addi-
leading in production. tional environmental scrutiny.

Government Initiatives for the Steel Sector in India:

Initiative Description

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Inclusion of Spe- The government allocated Rs 6322 Prelims Links

cialty Steel in crore for a 5-year period to promote Q. Which of the following are some important pollutants
the PLI Scheme speciality steel manufacturing, attract released by the steel industry in India? (UPSC 2014)
investments, and foster technological 1. Oxides of sulphur
advancements. 2. Oxides of nitrogen
3. Carbon monoxide
Green Steel Ministry of Steel constituted 13 Task
4. Carbon dioxide
Making Forces to discuss and recommend de-
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
carbonization strategies, and the sec-
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
tor is part of the National Green Mis-
(b) 2 and 3 only
sion for green hydrogen production.
(c) 1 and 4 only
Purvodaya ini- Facilitates the establishment of green- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
tiative field steel clusters in the Eastern states Ans: D
of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West
Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. Topics: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earth-
Steel Scrap Re- Notified in 2019, facilitating the estab- quakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical
cycling Policy lishment of metal scrapping centres features and their location- changes in critical geographical
for scientific processing and recycling features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora
of ferrous scrap, including end-of-life and fauna and the effects of such changes.
vehicles.
National Steel Formulated to encourage long-term
Policy 2017 growth for the Indian steel industry by 6. INDIA’S FIRST HIGH-RESOLUTION LAND-
2030-31, aligning with infrastructure SLIDE SUSCEPTIBILITY MAP
development, the ‘Make-in-India’ ini-
tiative, and other government schemes. Context:
Steel and Steel Introduced to ban sub-standard/defec- IIT Delhi’s HydroSense Lab has created India’s first high-res-
Products (Qual- tive steel products, ensuring availabil- olution landslide susceptibility map.
ity Control) Or- ity of quality steel conforming to rele-
der vant BIS standards. What is Landslide Susceptibility Mapping?
Safety in the Formulated 25 common minimum Landslide Susceptibility Mapping involves creating maps
Iron & Steel Sec- Safety Guidelines in consultation with that depict areas prone to landslides based on certain fac-
tor stakeholders, and academia, and in tors. For example, using data on past landslide events and
compliance with global standards and factors like slope steepness, soil type, and vegetation cover,
the ILO Code of Practice. a computer model can analyse these variables to predict ar-
National Metal- A prestigious award recognizing out- eas at high risk.
lurgist Award standing contributions of metallurgists
in the iron and steel sector, presented Features of National Landslide Susceptibility Map:
by the Ministry of Steel. Features Details
Data Sources The map incorporates 1.5 lakh known
Conclusion: landslide events from sources like the
Engaging with policymakers and international bodies is cru- Geological Survey of India (GSI). It also
cial to advocate for fair CBAM policies. Collaborative efforts considers 16 landslide conditioning fac-
with other industries and countries can address unique chal- tors, including soil cover, tree density,
lenges in the Indian steel sector. proximity to roads or mountains, etc.
Machine Learn- Ensemble machine learning methods
Insta links: ing Analysis were employed to analyse the data. This
Steel Sector in India involves using multiple machine learn-
ing models together to mitigate the im-
Mains Links pact of any single model’s limitations.
Q1. Account for the present location of iron and steel in-
H i g h - R e s o l u - The map provides a high-resolution
dustries away from the source of raw material, by giving
tion Mapping overview with a detailed resolution of
examples. (UPSC 2020)
100 sqm., offering insights into landslide
susceptibility across India.
Q2. Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron
and Steel industry in the world. (UPSC 2014)

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Identification of Familiar areas with high susceptibility, of fine and coarse-grained material that flows rapid-
New Risk Zones such as the Himalayan foothills, As- ly along drainage channels.
sam-Meghalaya region, and Western 4. Creep: Creep is the slow, steady, downward move-
Ghats, were identified. ment of material under gravity that occurs in a large
area
New risk zones, previously unrecog-
nized, were also revealed, including
India’s Vulnerability to Landslides (as per ISRO’s Landslide
parts of the Eastern Ghats north of
Atlas of India)
Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
1. Global Ranking: India ranks among the top five
Online Accessi- The map is available online and acces- countries globally prone to landslides, witnessing at
bility sible to the public. It allows anyone to least one death per 100 sq km annually due to such
interact with the data without requiring events.
technical expertise. 2. Primary Cause: Rainfall variability, particularly in the
Future Use The map aims to assist policymakers Himalayas and Western Ghats, stands as the pre-
and organizations in landslide investiga- dominant cause of landslides in India.
tion and mitigation, and the team plans 3. Geographical Vulnerability: Excluding snow-cov-
to develop a Landslide Early Warning ered areas, over 12% of the country’s geographical
System for India land area is susceptible to landslides.
4. Regional Breakdown:
a. Over 66% of landslides occur in the
North-western Himalayas.
i. Rudraprayag and Tehri Garhwal dis-
tricts of Uttarakhand have the high-
est landslide density and landslide
risk exposure in the country.
b. About 19% are reported in the North-east-
ern Himalayas.
c. The Western Ghats contribute to over 14%
of landslide events.
5. Impact in the Western Ghats: Despite fewer occur-
rences, landslides in the Western Ghats pose signif-
icant risks, especially in Kerala, making inhabitants
About Landslide: vulnerable to fatalities.
A landslide is “a movement of a mass of rock, earth or de-
bris down a slope”. Causes of Landslides:
Causes of Land- Details
slides
Heavy Rainfall Excessive rainfall saturates the soil, in-
creasing its weight and reducing cohe-
sion. This weakens slopes, particularly
during heavy rain, making them more
susceptible to landslides.
Steep Slopes Areas with steep terrain face greater
landslide risk as gravitational forces act
more intensely on sloping surfaces, es-
pecially during heavy rainfall or seismic
activity.
Types of flows
Earthquakes Seismic activity can disrupt slope bal-
1. Debris flows: It is a form of rapid mass movement
ance, triggering landslides. Volcanic
in which a combination of loose soil, rock, organic
eruptions, such as pyroclastic flows, dis-
matter, and slurry that flows downslope. They are
placing soil and rock, also contribute to
commonly caused by intense precipitation or rapid
landslide occurrences.
snowmelt.
2. Earth flow: It is a down-slope viscous flow of fine-
grained material saturated with water.
3. Mudflow: A mudflow is a wet or viscous fluid mass

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Human Activi- Deforestation, mining, construction, iii. Establish a nationwide repository

ties and excavation alter landscapes, re- on GIS-based Landslide Inventory
move vegetation, and disturb slope bal- a. The goal is to enhance understanding,
ance. These activities weaken terrain assessment, and management of land-
stability, escalating the risk of landslides. slide-prone regions in the country through
comprehensive mapping and geospatial
Underlying Ge- The type of rock and soil beneath an
analysis.
ology area influences landslide susceptibili-
• National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) under the
ty. Loose, unconsolidated soil is more
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has re-
prone to landslides, while stable bed-
leased the Landslide Atlas of India, a detailed guide
rock, typical in the Himalayan landscape,
identifying Landslide Hotspots in the country.
is less likely to experience such events.
NDMA Guidelines:
Effects of landslides: National Disaster Management Guideline on Management
• Loss of Life: According to the International Disaster
Database (EM-DAT), landslides have caused over of Landslides and Snow Avalanches
50,000 fatalities worldwide between 2000 and 2020. a. Hazard, Vulnerability & Risk Assessment: Identify areas
o In the state of Uttarakhand, India, the 2013 prone to landslide hazards and assess resources at risk
Kedarnath disaster resulted in approximate- b. Early Warning Systems: Continuous monitoring of
ly 6000 deaths. movements, stress development, and timely data trans-
• Environmental Impact: Soil erosion caused by mission
landslides can lead to sedimentation in rivers and c. Investigations for Risk Assessment: Multi-disciplinary
streams, affecting water quality and aquatic life. investigations for comprehensive risk assessment lead-
o The 2014 landslide in Oso, Washington, re-
sulted in significant damage to the Stillagua- ing to the formulation of standards to effectively miti-
mish River ecosystem. gate the impact of landslides
• Infrastructure Disruption: Landslides can block criti-
cal transportation routes. Way Forward for Landslide Management in India:
o In February 2021, the Chamoli disaster led Way Forward Details
to the blockage of the Rishi Ganga River and
the destruction of various infrastructure in Landslide Mon- Involves deploying sensors, satellite im-
the region. itoring agery, and ground-based instruments
• Property Damage: The cost of repairing or rebuild- for detecting ground movement and po-
ing homes, infrastructure, and farmlands can be tential landslide precursors.
substantial.
NHAI’s Landslip The National Highways Authority of India
• Displacement: The United Nations Office for Disas-
ter Risk Reduction (UNDRR) reports that landslides Detection Sys- (NHAI) plans to install a landslip detec-
triggered by heavy rainfall in Nepal in 2020 dis- tem tion system on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi
placed more than 9,000 households, leaving many National Highway in Munnar. The sys-
families without shelter. tem, developed by IIT-Mandi, the Indian
Army, and DRDO, aims to provide early
Recent examples of landslide disasters in the past year: warnings about landslips.
• Joshimath Sinking in Uttarakhand Landslide Haz- Generation of reliable landslide hazard
• June 2023: A landslide in the Noney district of Mani-
ard Maps maps using advanced tools like UAVs,
pur, India, killed at least 58 people.
• May 2023: A landslide in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, killed Terrestrial Laser Scanners, and high-res-
at least 232 people. olution Earth Observation (EO) data.
• March 2023: A landslide in Putumayo, Colombia, International Learning from Brazil’s SNAKE System, a
killed at least 323 people. Best Practices Landslide Early Warning System (LEWS),
to incorporate digital monitoring, fore-
Government Measures for Landslide Impact Mitigation: casting, and alert mechanisms.
• The National Landslide Susceptibility Mapping
Special Pur- Formation of an expert professional
(NLSM) Programme (initiated by the Geological Sur-
pose Vehicle group at the national level to study and
vey of India in 2014) aims to
(SPV) for Land- decide on risk mitigation strategies to
i. Map the 0.42 million sq. km land-
slide Manage- recommend permanent fixes for identi-
slide-prone areas across India at a
ment fied landslide hotspots.
Macro Scale (1:50,000)
ii. Create a dynamic National Land- A w a r e n e s s Initiatives aimed at creating a culture of
slide Susceptibility Geodatabase Programmes awareness, alertness and preparedness
for India among the public.

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Monitoring Implementing strict monitoring of con- Q. Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan re-
Constr uc tion struction and developmental activi- gion and Western Ghats (UPSC 2021)
and Develop- ties, such as roads and dams, in land-
ment slide-prone areas. GENERAL STUDIES – 2
Limiting Ag- Restricting agriculture to valleys and
riculture and areas with moderate slopes, controlling Topics: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the
Settlements large settlements in high vulnerability States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal struc-
zones. ture, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels
Afforestation Promoting large-scale afforestation pro- and challenges therein.
and Water grams and constructing bunds to reduce
Flow Control water flow.
Encouraging Encouraging terrace farming, especially 1. FISCAL FEDERALISM: DISTRIBUTION OF
Terrace Farm- in northeastern hill states where Jhum- FUNDS FROM CENTRE TO STATES
ing ming (Slash and Burn/Shifting Cultiva-
tion) is prevalent. Context:
The recent disagreement between the central and Tamil
Conclusion: Nadu governments over flood relief following heavy rainfall
Understanding the causes and effects of landslides is es- sparked a debate on the criteria for awarding central grants
sential for disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts. Im- to states.
plementing early warning systems, land-use planning, and
sustainable land management practices can help reduce the Also, Uttar Pradesh (UP) has received the highest allocation
vulnerability of communities to landslide hazards. Moreover, of funds under the ‘Scheme for Special Assistance to States
international cooperation and sharing of knowledge and for Capital Expenditure/Investment’, while some other
best practices are crucial in addressing the challenges posed. states such as Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Manipur, and Punjab
have received no allocation in 2023-24
Insta Links:
Landslide Atlas of India What is Fiscal Federalism?
Fiscal federalism deals with the division of financial pow-
Mains Link: ers as well as the functions between multiple levels of the
Q. Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster man- government in a country. It has within its ambit the impo-
agement process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will sition of taxes as well as the division of different taxes be-
help disaster mitigation in the case of landslides UPSC 2019 tween the Centre and the constituent units.

Tools for Fiscal Federalism:

Tools Description
Constitutional As- The Constitution of India delineates taxation and expenditure powers for different government
signment of Powers levels, ensuring clear demarcation between the central and state governments.
Finance Commission A constitutional body (Art 280) is responsible for recommending tax revenue distribution, suggest-
ing ways to enhance state financial resources, and promoting fiscal discipline.
Goods and Services A comprehensive indirect tax replacing multiple central and state taxes on goods and services, ad-
Tax (GST) ministered by a GST Council with representatives from the central and state governments.
Grants-in-Aid Sys- Involves the discretionary transfer of funds (Art 275) from the central government to state govern-
tem ments for specific purposes or schemes, addressing regional disparities and developmental gaps.

Issues in the Fiscal Federalism in India:

Issues Details
Central Assis- The Tamil Nadu government requested ₹21,692 crore in relief funds from the Union government due
tance for Disas- to the disaster caused by Cyclone Michaung. The central government allocated only ₹450 crore to the
ters State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and ₹500 crore for a Chennai flood mitigation project.

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Scheme for Spe- UP and Bihar lead in meeting criteria for Capital Expenditure, securing the highest allocation in the
cial Assistance last four years. However, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Kerala, and Punjab receive 1-2% of the total released
to States for amount. Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Manipur, and Punjab have not received any allocation in 2023-24, as
Capital Expendi- they didn’t meet the criteria.
ture/Investment The Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure, initiated in FY 2020-21 during the
Covid-19 pandemic, is extended as the ‘Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment
2023-24’ with an allocation of over Rs 1lakh crore.
FRBM Act Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003 is applicable to all states. However,
many of the states have missed its targets.
Issues w.r.t GST Financial Autonomy of the State: The GST has taken away much of the autonomy available to states,
making the country’s indirect tax regime unitary in nature.
GST Compensation: The Centre missed the compensation amount, becoming a major point of conten-
tion.
GST Council: The GST Council’s voting structure gives a virtual veto to the central government, sidelin-
ing the principle of consensus.

Role of the 15th Finance Commission in fostering fiscal federalism:

1. Increased tax devolution to states from 32% to 41%: This enhances states’ fiscal capacity and autonomy on
spending, allocating more resources to states for economic development and governance roles. States’ fiscal
buffer has widened.
2. Emphasis on sector-specific purpose-based grants: The commission has provisioned Rs 4.36 lakh crore perfor-
mance-based grants to states in areas like health, education, rural connectivity, and water conservation that
address development gaps.
3. Boosts local government finance: The commission mandates a 4.31% share of the divisible pool for local gov-
ernments. Over Rs 2 lakh crore, grants to urban and rural local bodies strengthen decentralization.

Shortcomings:
1. Centre retains larger revenue-raising powers and control over citizens’ vital personal finances & expenditures
through GST, corporate taxes etc. constraining states’ capacity. RBI’s monetary powers also lie with the central
government. This severely skews fiscal imbalance against states.
2. Rigid fiscal consolidation goals overlook economic constraints: Mandating 4% fiscal deficit limits for states
could curb their capital spending abilities and reduce fiscal legroom, posing risks amid the economic revival
phase.
3. Limited sectoral grants in a few specialized domains: The absence of performance incentives for states in many
areas like environmental management, digital governance, and social security benefits leaves critical sectors
underfunded hampering states’ capacity to uplift them.

Key principles that guided 15th Finance Commission recommendations:

1. Equity: Balanced distribution of resources between the Centre and states based on sound criteria like demograph-
ics, development levels etc. to bridge inequality.
2. Efficiency: Results-based incentives were introduced for the first time across sectors like agriculture, education, and
health to boost effective governance.
3. Conditionality: Certain sector grants are tied to state-level reforms to enable the realization of national priorities like
power sector viability and ease of doing business.
4. Inclusiveness: Enhanced funds allocation to deprived groups and backward regions to ensure even development.
Also empowered local governments by allotting them a share of central taxes.
5. Responsiveness: Sector-specific grants responsive to emerging priorities like improving air quality, water conserva-
tion and metro connectivity made growth more sustainable.
6. Cooperative Federalism: Constant consultation between the Centre and states throughout the Commission’s five-
year award period to better reconcile national and sub-national priorities.

Suggested measures for improving centre-state fiscal relations:

Suggestions Proposed Solutions
Equity-Oriented In- Intergovernmental transfers, like funds from the central government to states, should be designed
tergovernmental to promote equity.
Transfers

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Horizontal and Ver- Addressing both horizontal imbalances (disparities among states) and vertical imbalances (be-
tical Fiscal Imbal- tween central and state governments) is crucial.
ances The devolution formula should be designed to account for both sets of imbalances to ensure that
resources are allocated fairly.
Constitutional Re- Revisit Articles 246 and the Seventh Schedule to redefine the division of powers and responsibil-
forms ities between the central and state governments. This can help clarify which functions should be
carried out at each level, reducing confusion and enhancing efficiency.
Empowering Local Strengthen the third tier of government by providing them with adequate resources, functions,
Governments and autonomy.
Fiscal Responsibility Align the FRBM Act provisions for both central and state governments to maintain fiscal discipline
and Budget Man- while accommodating their unique fiscal situations.
agement (FRBM) Promote the implementation of FRBM Acts at the state level, as suggested by the Fourteenth Fi-
Act nance Commission.
Devolving Tax Pow- Provide states with more flexibility and control over taxation, enabling them to generate revenue
ers according to their local economic conditions and priorities.
Cooperative Feder- Foster a spirit of cooperative federalism where the central and state governments collaborate to
alism design and implement policies that benefit the nation as a whole.
Regularization of Implement the recommendations of the Punchhi Commission, which suggested that the Finance
Appointments of FC Commission’s appointment should be regularized to ensure its autonomy and periodic review.

Clear Guidelines for There is a need for clear guidelines for disaster relief and debates about the exclusion of long-term
Disaster Relief restoration works from SDRF/NDRF funding.
Scheme Funds for A parliamentary committee recommended in 2021 that states should be allowed to use more than
Disaster Relief the allocated 25% flexi-fund of centrally sponsored schemes for post-disaster restoration.

Conclusion
A careful re-evaluation of fiscal arrangements, prioritization of central expenditure, and discussions on a new grant frame-
work are crucial for fostering effective fiscal federalism in India. The government has given the Terms of Reference of the
16th Finance Commission in order to better prioritise government finances.

Insta Links:
• Rethink the dynamics of India’s fiscal federalism
• The poor state of India’s fiscal federalism

Prelims Links:
Q. Which of the following is/are included in the capital budget of the Government of India? (UPSC 2016)
1. Expenditure on acquisition of assets like roads, buildings, machinery, etc.
2. Loans received from foreign governments
3. Loans and advances granted to the States and Union Territories
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D

Topics: Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries

2. COMPARISON OF THE INDIAN AND FRENCH CONSTITUTIONS

Context:
Gabriel Attal is the new Prime Minister of France, succeeding Elisabeth Borne. He is known for banning abayas, proposing
mandatory school uniforms, and addressing bullying. Attal is France’s first openly gay Prime Minister and left the Socialist

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Party in 2016 to support Emmanuel Macron’s presidential bid.

Similarities and differences between the Indian Constitution and the French Constitution:
Aspect Similarities Differences
Preamble and Both constitutions have a preamble em- French Constitution emphasizes secularism (negative sec-
Fundamental phasizing fundamental principles. ularism: Complete separation between State and Religion);
Rights India’s preamble emphasizes justice, lib- India adopts a more positive approach accommodating di-
erty, equality, and fraternity, mirroring verse religious practices (state promotes all religions).
France’s commitment to liberty, equality,
and fraternity
Fundamental Rights are enshrined in both
constitutions.
Parliamentary Both countries have a parliamentary form The Indian President holds a more ceremonial role with
System of government with a President or Head of limited powers, while the French President possesses
State and a Prime Minister as the Head of more substantial executive authority. This reflects the
Government. semi-presidential system in France.
Directive Prin- Both constitutions include Directive Princi- India’s Directive Principles are more detailed and compre-
ciples and So- ples of State Policy (India) and Objectives hensive; France focuses on broad principles without de-
cial Justice of the Republic (France), guiding the state tailed specificity.
in matters of social and economic welfare.
Federal Struc- Both constitutions provide for the division India has a federal system, while France has a unitary sys-
ture of powers between the centre and the tem
states (India) or regions (France)

A m e n d m e n t Both constitutions allow amendments to India follows a rigid amendment procedure requiring a
Procedures accommodate societal needs. special majority; France has a more flexible approach al-
lowing amendments through a joint session of the Parlia-
ment.
Influence Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other constitutional Montesquieu’s influence
makers

Conclusion
Thus, the Indian constitution is longer, and more elaborate and aims to bring about social change. The French constitution is
more open to interpretation and focuses on upholding republican ideals.

Comparison of the Indian Constitution with other countries:

FEATURE INDIA UK USA RUSSIA JAPAN FRANCE GERMANY
Written/ Un- Written Unwritten Written Written Written Written Written
written
Flexible/ Rig- Both Flexible Rigid Rigid Rigid Rigid Rigid
id
Unitary / Fed- Federal with Unitary Federal Unitary Unitary Unitary Federal
eral unitary bias
Parliamenta- Parliamentary Parliamentary Presidential Semi-Presiden- Parliamentary Quasi-Pres- Parliamen-
ry / Presiden- tial idential tary
tial
Sovereignty Supremacy of Supremacy of Supremacy of P a r l i a m e n t
of Parliament Parliament Constitution Constitution with limited
powers
Supremacy of Supremacy of Supremacy of Supremacy of
Constitution Parliament Constitution Constitution

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Republic / Republic Constitutional Republic Republic Constitutional Republic Republic

Monarch Monarchy Monarchy
President Ceremonial Ceremonial Executive Executive Executive Ceremonial
Fundamental Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Rights

Insta Links:
Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of Other Countries

Topics: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

3. SC DECISION IN DELHI’S CHIEF SECRETARY’S CASE

Context:
The Supreme Court has permitted a six-month extension to Delhi’s Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, despite serious charges
of corruption and favouritism against him.

What is the Issue?

The ongoing issue involves a constitutional and political debate over the distribution of powers between the elected gov-
ernment of Delhi and the Lieutenant Governor (LG). It particularly revolves around the extension of the Chief Secretary’s
tenure, with conflicts arising from notifications, judicial decisions, and legislative actions.

More on the Issue:

Aspect Information
Unique Status of Na- NCT of Delhi is unique, serving as the seat of both the central and Delhi governments. Special
tional Capital Territo- provisions ensure cooperation and coordination between them.
ry of Delhi
Constitutional Head The Lieutenant Governor (LG) is the constitutional head, representing the President in the NCT
of Delhi.
Jurisdiction of LG Certain subjects like police, public order, and landfall are under LG’s jurisdiction, not the elected
government of Delhi.
Powers Distribution Powers and responsibilities between the elected government and LG have been a constitutional
Debate and political debate.
Ongoing Tussle The conflict involves the extension of the Chief Secretary’s tenure.
2015 Notification In 2015, the central government added Entry 41 to Article 239 AA(3(a)), granting the Delhi LG
authority over services, public order, police, and land. The notification specified that the Delhi
government couldn’t legislate on Entry 41.
SC Invalidation (2023) In the 2023 case of the Government of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India, the Supreme Court af-
firmed Delhi’s legislative and executive power over administrative services, except for public
order, police, and land. The judgment emphasized the “triple chain of accountability” in repre-
sentative democracy, stressing civil servants’ accountability to the cabinet, the cabinet’s account-
ability to the legislature, and the legislature’s periodic accountability to the electorate. Severing
this chain undermines the core constitutional principle of representative government.
Central Government’s Following the Supreme Court’s decision, the Central Government responded by issuing the Gov-
Response ernment of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance to overturn the verdict. The Delhi Govern-
ment challenged the ordinance in the Supreme Court, leading to the matter being referred to
a Constitution Bench. Meanwhile, the Parliament enacted the Government of National Capital
Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2023, granting overriding powers to the centre in Delhi’s
administration.
SC judgement (2024) The judgement to extend the Chief Secretary’s tenure by six months reflects this central govern-
ment authority.

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Issues with the Gov- The Government of NCT of Delhi Act, 2023, raises critical issues centred on undermining democ-
ernment of NCT of racy and violating constitutional principles. It erodes the foundations of representative democra-
Delhi Act, 2023 cy by diminishing the elected Delhi government’s authority over services and rendering the roles
of the Chief Minister and council of ministers symbolic, as they can be overruled by bureaucrats
ultimately accountable to the Lieutenant Governor and the Centre
This Act contradicts a Supreme Court judgment affirming the Delhi government’s legislative
and executive powers, excluding public order, police, and land matters, and contravenes Article
239AA, which envisions a harmonious relationship between the Centre and the Delhi govern-
ment.
Act infringes upon the constitutional principle of federalism, a fundamental feature, by encroach-
ing upon the domain of the States.

Concerns regarding the recent SC judgement: • Balancing national and regional interests: By op-
1. Firstly, it deviates from constitutional logic and past erating within constitutional boundaries, the Union
wisdom, questioning the Court’s evolving stance on ensures a delicate balance between national and re-
constitutional matters. gional aspirations.
2. The selective application of rules for the Chief Sec- o It prevents the domination of the central
retary, exempting him from the government’s rec- government and safeguards the rights and
ommendation, raises doubts about the Court’s con- interests of states, contributing to a more in-
sistency. clusive and equitable governance structure.
3. Conflict of interest allegations against the Chief • Role of the Supreme Court: The Supreme Court of
Secretary and the criteria for tenure extension are India plays a crucial role in interpreting the Consti-
not adequately addressed, casting uncertainty on tution, resolving disputes between the Union and
the extension’s legitimacy. states, and maintaining the balance of power. It acts
4. The Court’s failure to recognize the breakdown in as a neutral arbiter, ensuring that both the Union
accountability and neglect of the Chief Secretary’s and states operate within the constitutional bound-
involvement in multiple subjects under the Delhi aries and adhere to the principles of cooperative
government’s competence are significant oversights. federalism.

The way forward: Cooperative federalism Conclusion:

• Proper power balance required: A diverse and large The way forward involves the formation of an expert com-
country like India requires a proper balance be- mittee comprising legal, constitutional, and administrative
tween the pillars of federalism, i.e., the autonomy experts. This committee should thoroughly analyze legal
of states, national integration, centralisation, decen- and administrative aspects, review precedents, and pro-
tralisation, nationalisation, and regionalisation. pose practical solutions to uphold democratic principles and
• Basic structure: The federal nature of the Constitu- maintain the delicate balance of power.
tion is its basic feature and cannot be altered, thus,
the stakeholders wielding power intend to protect Insta Links:
the federal feature of our Constitution. Delhi Government Case Vs LG
• Distribution of powers: The Constitution provides
States with the power to function independently Mains Links:
within the area transcribed by the Constitution. The Q. Discuss the constitutional intricacies surrounding the
Union and the States are meant to operate within Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amend-
their assigned legislative domains. The States are ment) Act, 2023, and its implications on the relationship
not subservient to the Union. between the elected government of Delhi and the central
o The legislative domain of the States is ex- government. (15M)
clusive, and cannot be interfered with by
the Union. 4. COMPETITION COMMISSION OF INDIA
• Inter-governmental institutions: Various inter-gov-
ernmental institutions facilitate cooperation and
(CCI) ROLE
coordination between the Union and the states.
Context: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) plays a
The Inter-State Council, NITI Aayog, and Finance
crucial role in ensuring fair competition amidst India’s rapid
Commission are examples of such institutions that
technological and economic changes.
provide a platform for dialogue, consultation, and
resolution of disputes.

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What is CCI? o It has ensured that there is proactive engagement with
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a statuto- all stakeholders, including consumers, industry, govern-
ry and quasi-judicial body working under the Ministry of ment and international jurisdictions.
Corporate Affairs. It was established under the Competi-
tion Act, 2002 for the administration, implementation and
enforcement of the Act, and was duly constituted in March
2009.

Objectives:
1. Ensure markets benefit consumers.
2. Implement competition policies for efficient re-
source utilization.
3. Foster fair and healthy competition for inclusive
economic growth.
4. Ensure alignment of sectoral regulatory laws with  The recent The Competition (Amendment) Bill,
competition law. 2022 and its increased efficiency – It has been in-
troduced to improve regulatory set-up by increasing
Functions: the CCI’s accountability, giving it flexibility and en-
1. Investigate negative effects on competition. forcement efficiency.
2. Regulate mergers to prevent market capture. o Key changes made in the bill
3. Eliminate anti-competitive practices and regulate  Increasing transparency and
combinations. strengthening the accountability:
4. Undertake competition advocacy, create public • A board with part-time
members to supervise
awareness, and provide training.
CCI activities .
5. Provide opinions on competition issues referred by • CCI to mandatorily issue
statutory authorities. penalty guidelines and
give reasons in case of
The role of the competition commission to regulate and any divergence .
achieve the policy goals of competition • Enforcement efficiency
o It guarantees that no enterprise abuses their ‘dominant o CCI could engage
position’ through the control of supply, manipulating in structured nego-
purchase prices, or adopting practices that deny market tiations with parties
access to other competing firms and arrive at mutu-
 For example - It imposed penalties on the BCCI for ally-workable solu-
the abuse of dominant position. - CCI imposed a tions without hav-
penalty of 522 million (US$7.6 million) on the BCCI in ing to go through
2013 for misusing its dominant position. lengthy formal pro-
o Secure the interest of consumers and ensure that their ceedings.
welfare is not compromised. o Limitations:
 For example –It played active role in preventing  The bill does little to address com-
cartelization in the telecom sector. – CCI ordered a petition concerns in digital mar-
probe into the functioning of Cellular Operators As- kets.
sociation of India (COAI) following a complaint filed • e.g., mergers concern in
by Reliance Jio against the cartelization by its rivals digital markets between
Bharti Airtel, Vodafone India and Idea cellular. entities that do not have
o Ensures that foreign companies abide by the country’s significant assets or turn-
competition laws. over, but are still very
 For example - It ordered for an anti-trust probe significant (such as Face-
against Google- for abusing its dominant position book-WhatsApp).
with Android to block market rivals.  No effective clause for regulating
o Prevent cartelization anti-competitive conduct by digital
 For example - It has prevented the cartelization of platform.
cement companies. CCI imposed a fine of 63.07 bil-
lion (US$910 million) on 11 cement companies for For more on the bill: Click Here
cartelisation in June 2012.
o Undertake competition advocacy, create public aware- Initiatives Taken by CCI to Address New-age Challenges:
ness and impart training on competition issues. Initiatives Description
o Ensure smooth alignment of sectoral regulatory laws
and competition laws.

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Streamlining CCI has enhanced the efficiency of inves- among these communities. The discussion highlighted the
Processes tigation and decision-making processes, importance of changing colonial mindsets and ensuring hu-
resulting in reduced times for investiga- man rights for these tribes.
tions and decisions, ultimately improving
overall market efficiency. What are Nomadic Tribes (NTs), Semi-Nomadic Tribes
(SNTs), and De-Notified Tribes (DNTs)?
A d d r e s s i n g CCI is concentrating on scrutinizing prac-
1. Nomadic Tribes (NTs): These are communities that
Digital Econo- tices such as predatory pricing and data
migrate from one place to another in search of live-
my Challenges monopolisation employed by tech giants
lihood. They often do not have a permanent settle-
in the digital economy to ensure fair com-
ment. Examples include the Banjara tribe and the
petition and prevent market distortions.
Gujjar tribe.
R e g u l a t o r y CCI is continuously updating its regulato- 2. Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs): Similar to Nomadic
F r a m e w o r k ry framework to remain robust and flex- Tribes, SNTs partially practice a nomadic lifestyle.
Evolution ible, aligning with emerging market dy- They may have some settled areas but also engage
namics and preparing for potential future in a nomadic way of life. The Van Gujjars in Northern
challenges. India are an example.
International CCI actively collaborates with global en- 3. De-Notified Tribes (DNTs): These tribes were orig-
Cooperation tities, engaging in knowledge-sharing inally labelled as “criminal tribes” during the Brit-
initiatives and working towards harmo- ish colonial period under the Criminal Tribes Act,
nizing regulations to ensure effective en- 1872. After independence, this label was officially
forcement in the international context. removed, but the stigma persists. The term “De-No-
tified” refers to the removal of this classification. The
Conclusion Kanjar and Nat communities are examples of De-No-
Competition commission of India should enhance its efforts tified Tribes.
and reach to the technological nuances of the new digital
era and ensure whether these markets are being fairly, effec- About the Idate Commission (officially known as the Na-
tively, and transparently used for the benefit of consumers. tional Commission for Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-No-
madic Tribes):
Insta Links: It was formed in 2014 with Bhiku Ramji Idate as its head. Its
• Competition law amendments: Of penalties and primary objectives included creating a comprehensive state-
misses wide catalogue of Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic
Tribes (DNTs), identifying those not listed under SCs/STs or
OBC categories, and proposing welfare measures for their
Topics: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bod- benefit.
ies.
Major recommendations of the Idate Commission:
1. Establish a permanent commission for the DNTs,
5. NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMIS- SNTs, and NTs with statutory status.
2. Establish a separate department for their welfare in
SION (NHRC) AND IDATE COMMISSION states with their sizable populations.
REPORT 3. Conduct a detailed survey of the families of DNTs to
work out their estimated population and their con-
Context: centration.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) emphasized 4. Enable legal and constitutional protection by in-
the need to implement the Idate Commission report, which cluding a third schedule in the Prevention of Atroci-
recommends establishing a permanent commission for No- ties Act, 1989.
madic, Semi-Nomadic, and De-Notified Tribes (NTs, SNTs, 5. DNTs not included in the SCs/STs/OBCs list should
and DNTs) in India. be listed as OBCs.

The NHRC called for repealing the Habitual Offenders Act, About the challenges faced by Denotified, Nomadic, and
1952, and suggested appointing a representative of the Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs):
De-notified Tribe community as per the Act’s stipulations. They encounter various challenges as they lack a centralized
Additionally, it proposed the non-inclusion of DNTs/NTs/ list and recognition as a distinct group under the Consti-
SNTs under SC/ST/OBC categories, formulation of specific tution, similar to Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes
policies for them, and addressing challenges in obtaining (ST). These communities often fall outside the scope of gov-
basic facilities and rights, especially for women and children ernment welfare initiatives, facing issues such as limited

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education and inadequate access to essential infrastructure Promote Hu- The NHRC aims to promote a culture of hu-
like drinking water, shelter, and healthcare. man Rights man rights by organizing seminars, work-
Culture shops, and campaigns on various human
Steps taken by the government rights issues. It collaborates with civil so-
1. Development and Welfare Board for DNTs Estab- ciety organizations, academia, and other
lished in 2019 (based on the recommendations of stakeholders to create awareness and ad-
the Idate Commission) for a period of 3 years (ex- vocacy for human rights.
tendable to 5 years)
Cooperation The NHRC collaborates with international
2. Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs
with Inter- organizations, including the United Na-
(SEED) for educational empowerment, health insur-
n a t i o n a l tions and its agencies, to exchange infor-
ance, livelihoods and housing.
Bodies mation, expertise, and best practices in the
3. A committee has also been set up by the NITI Aayog
field of human rights. This fosters cooper-
to complete the process of identification of the
ation on a global scale to address and ad-
De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Commu-
vance human rights concerns.
nities (DNCs)

About NHRC: Evaluation of its success in achieving its objectives:

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a stat- Positives:
• Investigation of Human Rights Violations: The NHRC
utory body established in India to safeguard and promote has been successful in investigating numerous cases
human rights in the country. It was established under the of human rights violations in India.
Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, with a mandate to o As of September 2021, the NHRC had reg-
address human rights violations, provide remedies to vic- istered over 17,000 cases and completed
tims, and create awareness about human rights principles inquiries in more than 13,000 cases.
among the public. • Recommendations for Remedial Measures: The
NHRC’s recommendations have led to positive
The mandate of the National Human Rights Commission changes and accountability in some cases.
o One notable example is the NHRC’s inter-
(NHRC): vention in the encounter killings in Mani-
Mandate of Description pur, where it recommended the registra-
NHRC tion of FIRs, compensation to the victims’
families, and disciplinary action against the
Investigate The NHRC is responsible for investigating
involved security personnel. From 1993 to
H u m a n and inquiring into complaints of human 2021, the NHRC awarded monetary relief
Rights Viola- rights violations, covering civil, political, amounting to over Rs. 200 crores in cases of
tions economic, social, and cultural rights. custodial deaths.
Recommend After investigation, the NHRC has the au- • Awareness and Education: The NHRC has played a
Remedial thority to recommend remedial measures crucial role in spreading awareness about human
rights through its campaigns, workshops, and pub-
Measures to the concerned authorities for the pro-
lications.
tection and promotion of human rights. o As of 2020, the NHRC had organized more
This includes suggestions for compensa- than 5,000 human rights awareness pro-
tion, rehabilitation, and legal action against grams across the country.
the perpetrators. • Monitoring of Prisons and Jails: The NHRC has the
S p r e a d The NHRC is tasked with spreading aware- authority to visit and inspect prisons, jails, and de-
tention centres to ensure the protection of the hu-
Awareness ness about human rights, promoting hu-
man rights of inmates.
and Educa- man rights education, and conducting re- o It conducts regular inspections and takes
tion search on various issues related to human appropriate actions to address issues such
rights in India. as overcrowding, torture, and other forms
Monitor The NHRC monitors the actions of both of ill-treatment.
State and state and central government authorities • International Engagement: The NHRC actively par-
ticipates in international human rights forums and
Central Gov- to ensure compliance with human rights collaborates with international organizations. It en-
ernment Ac- standards and principles. gages in dialogue with various countries and shares
tions best practices in the promotion and protection of
Provide As- The NHRC provides assistance and advice human rights.
sistance and to individuals, groups, and organizations
Advice on human rights issues, offering guidance Negatives:
and support in addressing violations or con- • Implementation and Enforcement: Despite its rec-
cerns. ommendations, the implementation of NHRC’s di-

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rectives by the concerned authorities has been a Topics: Government policies and interventions for develop-
challenge. In some cases, the authorities have failed ment in various sectors and issues arising out of their design
to take adequate action, leading to a lack of ac- and implementation.
countability and justice.
• Limited Jurisdiction: It does not have jurisdiction
over human rights violations by non-state actors, 6. PERFORMANCE OF MAHATMA GANDHI
such as private companies. NHRC is also limited by NATIONAL RURAL EMPLOYMENT GUARAN-
temporal jurisdiction of cases violation limited to
the past 1 year. TEE ACT (MGNREGA)
• Delayed Justice: For instance, the NHRC’s recom- Context:
mendations in cases of extrajudicial killings and cus- The Centre has mandated the payment of all wages under
todial deaths have not always led to prompt action the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guaran-
and redress for the victims and their families. tee Act (MGNREGA) through an Aadhaar-based payment
• Limited Resources and Staffing: The NHRC has often system (ABPS), starting from Jan 1st, 20024.
faced resource constraints, including limited budget- • Exceptions: The government may consider exemp-
ary allocations and understaffing. This hampers its
ability to effectively handle a large number of com- tions for Gram Panchayats facing technical or Aad-
plaints and conduct comprehensive investigations in haar-related issues.
a timely manner. • Aim of the move: The move aims to curb corruption,
ensure prompt payments, and reduce rejections, af-
Conclusion: fecting more than 1100 government schemes and
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) plays a cru- programs.
cial role in promoting and protecting human rights in India.
The Supreme Court has emphasized the need to provide the What is MGNREGA?
NHRC with greater autonomy, independence, and financial The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guaran-
resources to enhance its effectiveness in addressing human tee Act (MGNREGA) is a rural employment program in India
rights issues. that aims to provide guaranteed wage employment to ru-
ral households. The scheme has been implemented in India
Insta Links: since 2005 and has been credited with providing a safety net
• National Human Rights Commission for rural households, particularly during times of economic
hardship.
Prelims Links:
Q. Other than the Fundamental Rights, which of the fol-
lowing parts of the Constitution of India reflect/reflects
the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights (1948)? (UPSC 2020)
1. Preamble
2. Directive Principles of State Policy
3. Fundamental Duties
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D

Q. Consider the following: (UPSC 2011)

1. Right to education
2. Right to equal access to public service
3. Right to food.
Which of the above is/are Human Right/Human Rights un-
der “Universal Declaration of Human Rights”?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only What is ABPS?
(c) 3 only Aadhaar-based payment system (ABPS) (it has been in use
(d) 1, 2 and 3 since 2017). ABPS utilizes the worker’s 12-digit Aadhaar
Ans: D number as their financial address, requiring linkage to job
cards, bank accounts, and the National Payments Corpo-

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ration of India (NCPI) database. Some notable programs • Providing food security: MGNREGA was used for
where ABPS is mandatory include Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala the construction of community kitchens and food
Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Fasal storage facilities in rural areas. This helped to ensure
Bima Yojana, and Atal Pension Yojana. that rural households had access to food during the
pandemic.
The situation of stagnant growth in Rural India: • Reducing migration: MGNREGA has helped to re-
Stagnant rural wage growth has posed a challenge to the duce migration from rural to urban areas by provid-
recovery because it has been the result of unemployment ing employment opportunities in rural areas. This
among the rural population resulting in significant demand has helped to keep families together.
reduction in the rural area. According to the National Council of Applied Economic Re-
search (NCAER), MGNREGA has played a vital role in reduc-
ing poverty among the poor as well as the socially weaker
sections such as Dalits, tribals and marginal farmers.

Issues with MGNREGA:

1. Limited Coverage (not in the urban areas)
2. Lack of adequate funding, bureaucratic delays, cor-
ruption
3. Low Wages
4. Lack of Skilled Jobs
5. Limited Impact on Poverty Reduction Workers not
receiving timely payment and the quality of work is
subpar.
Fig- Rural wage growth and economic recovery 6. Despite multiple deadline extensions, over 34% of
registered job card holders and over 12% of active
Performance of MGNREGA IN ALLEVIATING RURAL POVER- workers remain ineligible for ABPS as of December
TY 27 (2023).
• Providing a safety net for rural households: pro- 7. The push for ABPS eligibility has led to the deletion
viding 100 days of guaranteed work, has ensured a of over 7 crore job cards in the past 21 months,
minimum level of income for rural households, par- causing concerns about denial of the right to work.
ticularly during periods of hardship. 8. Activists call for the revocation of mandatory ABPS
o Ex- COVID- wages earned under the Act implementation and the reinstatement of deleted
helped compensate somewhere between workers with due compensation. The government
20% and 80% of the income loss incurred argues that ABPS will enhance efficiency and reduce
because of the lockdown- study by Ajim payment rejections.
Premji Institute.
• Improving rural livelihoods: The program has Measures needed to improve the performance of MGNRE-
helped provide a source of additional income. This GA
has helped to increase the overall standard of living • Increased allocation of funds: To fully realize the po-
in rural areas. tential of MGNREGA, it is important to allocate suf-
• Creating employment opportunities: MGNREGA ficient funds to the scheme. In the 2023-24 budget,
has helped reduce unemployment and underem- Rs.60,000 was allocated towards MGNREGA, which
ployment in rural areas. 113.7 million households after payment of existing liabilities can provide only
were employed under MGNREGS, while a total of 17 days of work-study by PAEG.
2.89 billion person-days of employment were gen- • Better targeting of beneficiaries: The current target-
erated in 2022- Ministry of Rural Development. ing mechanism for MGNREGA beneficiaries needs
• Development of agriculture- Activities such as the to be improved to ensure that the benefits of the
construction of bunds, terracing, and the improve- scheme reach the most vulnerable and marginalized
ment of irrigation systems have helped increase ag- groups in society, including women, Dalits, and Ad-
ricultural income. ivasis.
• Improving rural infrastructure: MGNREGA has been • Improved monitoring and evaluation: through So-
used to finance a wide range of public works activ- cial audits to enforce greater accountability.
ities, including the creation of rural roads, water • Increase MGNREGA wage rates- to at least the state
bodies, and rural housing. minimum wage or ₹375 per day as recommend-
• Supporting rural health systems: MGNREGA has led ed by the Anoop Satpathy Committee and index
to the construction of health facilities and sanitation with CPIR.
systems in rural areas. Ex- construction of toilets.

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• Strengthening the role of gram panchayats: they Issues with Online Gaming:
should be provided with adequate resources (ad- Issues Description
vanced funds), powers, and responsibilities to sanc-
Addiction Online gaming addiction can lead to
tion works, provide work on demand, and authorise
physical and psychological harm, as
wage payments to ensure there are no delays in pay-
well as interfere with daily life activities.
ments.
• Increased participation of women: The participa- Gambling addiction: Online gambling
tion of women in MGNREGA needs to be increased games can lead to addiction and finan-
to ensure that the scheme provides equal opportu- cial problems.
nities for both men and women and that women are Cyberbullying Online gaming can involve communica-
able to access the benefits of the scheme. tion with other players through chat or
• Linking with other development programs: to en- voice features, which can lead to cyber-
sure that the scheme contributes to the overall de- bullying and harassment.
velopment of rural areas. Ex-National Bamboo Mis- Security risks Online gaming platforms are at risk
sion, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. of cyber-attacks and data breaches,
• Awareness generation- displaying a ​ ‘Know Your which can result in compromised per-
Rights (KYR)’ concerning MGNREGA in public places, sonal and financial information.
usage of ombudsman app for grievance redressal.
Inappropriate It can contain violent, sexual, or other
content inappropriate content that is not suit-
Conclusion
able for all ages.
MGNREGA was regarded as a stellar example of rural devel-
opment by the World Development Report of 2014. While Ethical Concerns It can perpetuate negative stereotypes
the MNREGA has noble goals and has provided some em- and biases, particularly towards mar-
ployment opportunities to rural workers, it has faced several ginalized groups; In-game purchases
limitations that have prevented it from achieving its full po- can lead to overspending or exploiting
tential as a poverty reduction program. vulnerable individuals.
Cheating and It can be prone to cheating and hack-
Insta Links: hacking ing, which can ruin the gameplay expe-
• MGNREGS social audit rience for others.
• MGNREGS Physical and Long periods of sitting and staring at a
health issues screen can cause physical health prob-
lems such as eyestrain, back pain, and
carpal tunnel syndrome.
7. REGULATING INDIA’S ONLINE GAMING Social isolation Excessive online gaming can lead to so-
INDUSTRY cial isolation and a lack of face-to-face
communication with others.
Context: Loss of Tax rev- The growth of illegal offshore gam-
The article emphasizes the need for robust regulation in In- enue bling markets is identified as a major
dia’s online gaming industry due to emerging market fail- challenge, leading to potential harm to
ures, including concerns about addiction, mental health, fi- users and substantial losses in tax rev-
nancial fraud, and national security issues. enue.

What is Online gaming? Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has released the Draft
It refers to video games/mobile games that are played over Rules for Online Gaming (as an amendment to the Informa-
the internet through various devices. E.g., multiplayer online tion Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Me-
battle arena (MOBA) games, first-person shooter (FPS) dia Ethics Code) Rules, 2021)
games, massively multiplayer online role-playing games
(MMORPGs), and many others. Provisions Description
Self-Regulato- Online gaming companies must register
Types of online gaming:
ry Body with a self-regulatory body.
1. e-sports (well-organized electronic sports which
include professional players), The body must have a board of directors
2. Fantasy sports with five members from diverse fields, in-
3. Casual games: these can be either skill-based (mental cluding online gaming, public policy, IT,
skill) or chance-based (based on a random activity psychology, and medicine.
like a roll of a dice) online games.

29 www.insightsonindia.com
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Due Diligence Online gaming companies must under- gaming industry in India.
take additional due diligence, including
KYC of users, transparent withdrawal and Conclusion:
refund of money, and a fair distribution of The online gaming industry in India can continue to grow and
winnings. provide entertainment and employment opportunities while
also protecting players and promoting responsible gaming
Random Num- Gaming companies must secure a Ran-
practices
ber Genera- dom Number Generation Certificate,
tion Certifi- typically used for card games, to ensure
Insta Links
cate that game outputs are statistically ran-
Online gaming
dom and unpredictable.
Re st r i c t i o n s Online gaming companies will not be al- Mains Links:
on Betting lowed to engage in betting on the out- Q. “Internet gaming has turned worse than drugs”. Do
come of games. you agree? Critically examine the statement in light of the
Compliance Online gaming platforms must appoint a announcement made by the World Health Organization
compliance officer, a nodal officer, and a (WHO) to include “gaming disorder” as a mental health
grievance officer. condition. (250 words)

Other regulations: Q. How does gaming addiction, impact children? Do you

1. State subject: Online gaming so far has been think China’s recent imposition of a three-hour limit on
a state subject, but state governments are finding gaming, is a good way to tackle it? (150 words)
it extremely difficult to enforce certain rules like
geo-blocking certain apps or websites within the
territory of their state. Topics: Development processes and the development indus-
2. Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and try- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations,
Regulation of Online Games Bill, 2022 prohibits all donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
forms of online gambling and allows for the regula-
tion of online games that are not considered gam-
bling. 8. CIVIL SOCIETY UNDER SIEGE
a. The bill prohibits minors from participating
in online games and prohibits the promo- Context:
tion of online gambling and gaming through The article highlights the threat to India’s civic space, em-
advertising or other means. phasizing the impact on progressive organizations.
3. Karnataka government had previously banned all
forms of online gaming where the transfer of mon- What are CSOs?
ey is involved These are non-state, not-for-profit, voluntary enti-
4. GST: A proposed 28% Goods and Services Tax that ties formed by people in the social sphere that are separate
may soon be imposed on deposits from the State and the market. They represent a wide range
of interests and ties and can include community-based
Case study: UK Model for Regulation organisations as well as non-governmental organisations
The UK model for online gaming regulation involves a cen- (NGOs).
tralized government regulator that enforces strict mea-
sures to ensure player protection. Quarterly reports on Today, about 1.5 million NGOs work in India (i.e., nonprofit,
regulatory effects are published, imposing significant fines voluntary citizens’ groups organized on a local, national, or
on operators violating player protection requirements. This international level).
strict enforcement, coupled with harm reduction efforts, has
led to a decline in disordered gaming and risky behaviour

For: Voluntary Code of Ethics by the Online Gaming Indus-

try: Click here

Way forward:
Clear and consistent regulations, responsible gaming mea-
sures, industry self-regulation, public awareness cam-
paigns, and collaboration between industry and government
can all help to create a sustainable and responsible online

30 www.insightsonindia.com
 Current Affairs 30
Significance of CSO: Instruments Laws and Acts Examples
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) play a pivotal role in dem- Used
ocratic societies, fostering active, diverse, and critical civic
Legal Prevention of Charges of money laun-
engagement. In India, CSOs, including non-governmental or-
Charges Money Launder- dering, ED attacks NGOs
ganisations (NGOs), have been instrumental in shaping poli-
ing Act, 2002
cy, public discourse, and community development.
Foreign Contri- FCRA made stringent in
Role of Civil Society Organisations in India bution (Regula- 2010 and 2020
tion) Act, 2010
Role Examples
Central Bureau Empowered to investi-
Advocacy for Social The National Campaign for Dalit
of Investigation gate NGOs with lethal
Justice Human Rights (NCDHR) -Eliminates
(CBI) impact
caste-based discrimination and pro-
motes Dalit rights. Restrictions Income-Tax Act, Mandatory renewals of
on Domes- 2020 amend- 12A and 80G certificates
Community Em- Pratham - Focuses on grassroots
tic Funding ments
powerment and De- education, enhancing literacy levels
velopment among underprivileged children. Income-Tax Collecting data for filing more cases
Surveys
Monitoring Govern- Association for Democratic Re-
Various instruments, including legal charges, specific laws
ment Accountabil- forms (ADR) - Promotes electoral
and acts, and restrictions on domestic funding, are being
ity and political reforms, advocating for
used to regulate civil society organizations in India. These
transparency in political funding.
regulations include charges of money laundering, amend-
Environmental Sus- Greenpeace India - Campaigns for ments to laws governing foreign funding, and mandatory
tainability ecological sustainability. renewals impacting tax exemptions.
Promotion of Civ- Association for Democratic Re-
ic Education and forms” (ADR): Raises awareness Impact of these restrictions on CSOs:
Awareness about democratic values, electoral 1. Existential threats are faced by civil society actors
processes, and citizen rights. as their constitutional and civic freedoms are cur-
Response to Hu- Goonj - Works on disaster relief. tailed.
manitarian Crises 2. Migrate to safer avenues/ limit the scope of their
Promotion of Free- Reporters Without Borders - Advo- work/ re-align with the govt.
dom of Expression cates for freedom of expression and a. This is a grave threat to the system’s integ-
protects journalists and activists. rity because civil society is an indispensable
safety valve (fixing accountability) for ten-
Inclusivity Naz Foundation - Works towards sions in a polity.
LGBTQIA+ rights, including anti-dis- 3. Unable to speak truth/amplify the voices of the
crimination and HIV awareness. most vulnerable, enrich policies/legislation through
Grassroots Democ- Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan constructive feedback.
racy and Participa- (MKSS) - Advocates for the RTI act, 4. Unable to further the collective good – not in the
tory Governance encouraging community participa- national interest.
tion in decision-making processes. 5. Young activists could be inducted into political par-
ties → could create an institutionalised moral force
Status of CSOs in India (in terms of restrictions) within the parties → balance electoral compulsions
Degree of regula- Examples of Organizations with ethical/human rights considerations.
tions
Highly Regulated Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), Way forward for progressive civil society in India:
Amnesty India, Oxfam, Centre for 1. For Government: The government should recognize
Equity Studies, Lawyers Collective the importance of a strong civil society for the ef-
fectiveness of key laws such as the Right to Informa-
Moderately Regu- Centre for Policy Research (CPR),
tion Act, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences
lated ANHAD (Act Now for Harmony and Act, and National Food Security Act.
Democracy) 2. For NGOs:
Low-Level Regulat- Navsarjan, Save The Children a. Alternate Funding: NGOs are exploring local
ed resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate
funding through CSR post-new FCRA laws.
Instruments being used to restrict civil society: b. Charitable Funding: Encouraging collective
giving can pool resources for a more signifi-

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 Current Affairs 30
cant impact. About PRI:
c. Technology Utilization: Increased use of The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) institu-
data and digital technology can enhance the tionalized Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) with a three-ti-
effectiveness of charitable organizations. er structure: Gram Panchayat at the village level, Panchayat
3. For Young Activists: There is a potential for young Samiti at the intermediate/block level, and Zila Parishad at
activists to join political parties, providing an institu- the district level. PRIs operate under 29 subjects outlined in
tionalized moral force to balance electoral and ethi- the 11th Schedule of the Constitution.
cal considerations within party organizations.
4. The National Policy on Voluntary Sector 2007 aims Source of Finance for PRIs:
to encourage, enable, and empower an independent Local government revenue sources include:
and effective voluntary sector in India. It recognizes 1. Central Finance Commission Grants (Tax devolu-
the sector’s significant contributions to addressing tion) and other Grants from the Central Government
issues like poverty, discrimination, and exclusion 2. Tolls, taxes, duties, and fees collected by the State
through various means such as awareness, mobili- government on behalf of local bodies (State Finance
zation, service delivery, training, research, and ad- Commissions Transfer); Grants in aid, etc.
vocacy. 3. PRIs have the authority, as per Article 243-H, to im-
5. Learning from the Gandhian constructive move- pose, collect, and allocate taxes, duties, tolls, and
ment, which complemented the Congress system – fees.
an electoral and governance machine.
6. CSOs will need to urgently collaborate with other Key point of the RBI report:
progressive stakeholders. Aspect Overview
7. Private philanthropies and companies need to
Own Revenue Panchayats rely on limited sources like
realise that they are the only lifeline for progressive
Sources property taxes, fees, and fines, consti-
CSOs today.
tuting a minor share of their revenue.
Conclusion: Own revenues, generated through local
The inaction today will directly contribute to the extinction taxes, contribute only about 1.1% to
of civil society – the fifth pillar of Indian democracy. There- their total revenue in 2022-23
fore, by devising new methods of principled coalition we can Low expendi- Revenue expenditure of panchayats
safeguard and eventually further the constitutional idea of ture is less than 0.6% of the gross state do-
India. mestic product for all states.
Grant Depen- Approximately 95% of Panchayats’ rev-
Insta Links: dency enues come in the form of grants from
• Role of Civil society organisations higher government levels, limiting
• India’s civil society organisations their financial autonomy.
Inter-State Vari- Significant variations exist in the devo-
Mains Links:
ations in Devo- lution of powers and functions to Pan-
Q. Can civil society and non-governmental organisations
lution chayats across states. States with high-
present an alternative model of public service delivery to
er devolution levels show improved
benefit the common citizen? Discuss the challenges of this
socio-economic outcomes.
alternative method. (UPSC 2021)
Inconsistency in The assessment of the fiscal health of
Topics: Important aspects of governance, transparency and Data Panchayati Raj Institutions is hindered
accountability, e-governance applications, models, success- by inconsistent data on their finances.
es, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency Challenges in Panchayats face challenges in generat-
& accountability and institutional and other measures. Local Tax Reve- ing local tax revenue due to a limited
nue Generation tax base, administrative infrastructure
9. RBI REPORT ON PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTI- shortages, lack of trained staff, and un-
clear guidelines.
TUTIONS (PRIS)
Improve the fiscal position of PRIs by:
Context: 1. Boosting revenue-generating capabilities to en-
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report highlights financial hance financial autonomy.
challenges faced by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), with 2. Effectively implementing Article 243 (I) for fair rev-
95% of their revenues coming from grants, limiting their enue sharing through established Finance Commis-
spending capacity. sions.

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3. Strengthening local administrative skills for bet- Way Forward
ter financial management and ensuring consistent • Strengthen financial autonomy: Explore innovative
funding for effective planning and execution. financing mechanisms, such as participatory bud-
4. Drawing insights from global models, like Finland geting and community-led fundraising, to enhance
the financial autonomy of PRIs.
and Switzerland, where local governments manage
• Capacity building and training: The Ministry of Pan-
substantial tax revenue. chayati Raj has also initiated various capacity-build-
5. Promoting decentralization to empower local lead- ing programs, such as the Panchayat Empowerment
ers in making community-specific decisions based and Accountability Incentive Scheme (PEAIS).
on needs and circumstances. • Enhance representation of marginalized sections:
Ensure the effective implementation of reservation
Other Limitations of Panchayati Raj Institutions: policies to increase the representation of women,
• Capacity and Skill Gap: A survey conducted by the SCs, STs, and other marginalized communities in
World Bank in 2018 revealed significant variations PRIs.
in the capacity and resources of Panchayati Raj In- • Embrace technology and digital platforms: Digital
stitutions, lacking even the most basic staff and in- platforms such as e-Panchayat, Panchayat Enterprise
frastructure. Suite (PES), and PRIASoft have been implemented
• Political Interference: The Asian Development Bank, for this.
in its report on PRIs, highlighted instances of politi-
cal interference in the functioning of PRIs. Conclusion:
• Inadequate representation of marginalized sec- These measures can contribute to the continuous improve-
tions: While reserved seats for SCs, STs, and women ment of Panchayati Raj Institutions, empowering communi-
have enhanced their representation, the overall rep- ties, fostering inclusivity, and shaping a stronger democracy
resentation of marginalized sections in PRIs may still
from the ground up.
be inadequate. In some cases, these reserved seats
are occupied by proxy candidates like Panchayat
Pati. List of Various Committees for PRI:
• Limited awareness and participation: The Centre Committee Focus
for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) con-
ducted a survey that revealed that awareness about Balwant Rai Mehta Recommended the three-tier
Panchayati Raj Institutions among rural citizens is Committee (1957) Panchayati Raj system, compris-
relatively low, with only 45% of respondents having ing Gram Panchayats (village
heard of their local Panchayat. level), Panchayat Samitis (block
level), and Zilla Parishads (dis-
Successes of Panchayati Raj Institutions: trict level)
• Empowering communities: As of 2021, there are Ashok Mehta Commit- Focused on strengthening finan-
over 2.5 lakh Panchayati Raj Institutions in India, tee (1977) cial resources and functional au-
comprising approximately 30 lakh elected represen-
tatives at the village, intermediate, and district lev- tonomy of Panchayats.
els. G.V.K. Rao Committee Emphasized the need for regular
• Strengthening inclusivity: As of 2021, approximate- (1985) elections and greater participa-
ly 24% of seats in PRIs are reserved for SCs about tion of women and marginalized
17% for STs and around 44% of the total seats in PRIs communities.
are reserved for women.
• Grassroots democracy: They have created oppor- L.M. Singhvi Commit- Recommended measures to ad-
tunities for direct participation and involvement in tee (1986) dress financial constraints and
local decision-making, enabling citizens to shape the improve administrative efficiency
development agenda according to their needs and of Panchayats.
aspirations.
P.K. Thungan Commit- Proposed electoral reforms and
• Local development initiatives: For instance, Village
Development Plans (VDPs) prepared by PRIs involve tee (1989) devolution of more power and
the participation of community members. functions to Panchayats.
• Accountability and transparency: Through regular Harlal Singh Kharra Focused on ensuring timely
meetings, audits, and social audits, PRIs ensure that Committee (1990) elections and strengthening ac-
public funds are utilized efficiently and that the deci- countability mechanisms.
sion-making process is transparent and accountable
to the community. Natarajan Committee Assessed the implementation of
• Social harmony and conflict resolution: The inclu- (1996) the 73rd Amendment and rec-
sive nature of these institutions and their emphasis ommended further devolution
on participatory decision-making have created plat- of power and resources.
forms for dialogue and consensus-building, leading
to the resolution of various social and community
issues.

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Vikram Singh Malik Proposed measures to address I n t e r n a t i o n a l Frameworks like the Nuclear Non-Pro-
Committee (2001) corruption and promote trans- Agreements and liferation Treaty (NPT), Comprehen-
parency in Panchayati Raj insti- Treaties sive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT),
tutions. and others establish norms, regula-
Sachar Committee Highlighted the need for greater tions, and obligations related to nucle-
(2006) representation and empower- ar activities.
ment of women in Panchayats. International Or- Bodies like the International Atomic
M.V. Rajwade Commit- Reviewed the functioning of ganizations and Energy Agency (IAEA) oversee nu-
tee (2017) Gram Sabhas and recommended Agencies clear activities, and inspections, and
steps to enhance their participa- promote nuclear safety and security
tion and effectiveness. worldwide.

Topics: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agree-

ments involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

10. GLOBAL NUCLEAR ORDER (GNO) IS

UNDER STRAIN
Context:
The global nuclear order (GNO), established during the Cold
War, faces significant challenges.

What is the global nuclear order (GNO)?

The global nuclear order (GNO) refers to the established Out of these, three important treaties for GNO are:
framework, rules, and agreements governing the use and
proliferation of nuclear weapons on a global scale.

E.g., the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) aims to pre-

vent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarma-
ment.

Key Components of the Global Nuclear Order:

Key Components Description
Non-Proliferation Efforts to prevent the spread of nucle-
ar weapons to additional states.
Disarmament Initiatives aimed at reducing and ulti-
mately eliminating nuclear arsenals
globally.
Nuclear Material Measures to safeguard nuclear mate-
Security rials, facilities, and technologies from Global Nuclear Order (GNO) Significance:
theft, sabotage, or unauthorized ac- 1. Preventing Proliferation: Preventing widespread
cess. possession.
Peaceful Use of Promotion of nuclear technology for 2. Ensuring Stability: Arms control negotiations
Nuclear Energy peaceful purposes such as electrici- achieved strategic parity, fostering stability in the
ty generation, medicine, agriculture, arms race and crisis management since 1945
and industry.
Current status of GNO:
As per the Stockholm International Peace Research Insti-
tute (SIPRI)
1. Nine nuclear-armed states, including prominent
players like the United States, Russia, and China, are
actively engaged in the modernization and expan-

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sion of their nuclear arsenals. Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and CTBT, as it deems
2. Total global inventory: It is approximately 12,512 them discriminatory
warheads, with a significant portion, around 9,576, a. India’s non-signatory status to the NPT cre-
held in military stockpiles for potential use. ates complexities in its relationship with the
3. Dominance in nuclear capabilities: It remains con- global nuclear order, having developed its
centrated in Russia and the United States, which nuclear program independently.
collectively possess nearly 90% of all nuclear weap- 5. Nuclear Arsenal Expansion: India’s ongoing expan-
ons sion and modernization of its nuclear arsenal raise
concerns about regional stability, especially given
Issues/concerns with Current GNO: tensions with Pakistan and the strategic rivalry with
Concerns Description China.
6. Relations with Pakistan: The nuclear dynamics be-
Shift from Bipo- The rise of China introduces a new dy-
tween India and Pakistan pose challenges
larity to Multi- namic in nuclear relations, shifting from
7. China Factor: India’s nuclear policy is influenced by
polarity the previous bipolar order.
its relations with China, and as China modernizes its
Changes in the Withdrawals from key treaties like ABM nuclear capabilities, India might feel compelled to
U.S.-Russia and INF, along with uncertainties sur- bolster its arsenal
Treaties rounding the New START Treaty.
New Nuclear The U.S. facing two nuclear peer rivals Way forward:
Peer Rivals (Russia and China), with added uncer- Creating a just, safe, and improved Global Nuclear Order
tainties arising from the Ukraine war. requires a comprehensive approach integrating diplomacy,
Shifts in Tech- Evolving nuclear technology and in- technology, governance, and international cooperation.
nology stances of biased dealings, such as the Key steps include:
AUKUS deal with Australia, raise con- a. Encouraging disarmament through significant and
cerns in the NPT community. verifiable reductions in nuclear arsenals
b. Strengthening non-proliferation efforts
Changing Per- Shifts in the nuclear perspectives of na-
c. Fostering inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders
spective tions like South Korea and Japan, with
d. Monitoring emerging technologies for potential
considerations for national nuclear de-
risks
terrents.
e. Supporting new treaties like the Treaty on the Pro-
Arms Control Challenges in implementing existing hibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) while engag-
agreements like NPT and lack of prog- ing nuclear-armed states in discussions for a nucle-
ress in disarmament efforts. ar-free world.
Modernization Ongoing modernization of nuclear arse- f. India: India must focus on maintaining stability in
and Technology nals, including advanced and potentially its region, engaging in dialogue with Pakistan and
destabilizing technologies. China, and ensuring the safe and responsible man-
Emerging Risks associated with non-state actors agement of its nuclear arsenal.
Threats and Ac- or rogue states acquiring nuclear mate-
tors rials or technology. Conclusion:
The legitimacy of any global nuclear order hinges on two vi-
India’s Position on the Global Nuclear Order: tal conditions: achieving convergence among major powers
1. Nuclear Disarmament: India supports complete dis- and effectively portraying the outcomes as a global public
armament within a specified timeframe good for the rest of the world. These conditions underscore
2. The doctrine of ‘No First Use’ (NFU) of nuclear the necessity for collaboration, transparency, and shared
weapons: The doctrine was formally adopted in Jan- responsibility in shaping a stable and just global nuclear or-
uary 2003, and says that nuclear weapons will only der.
be used in retaliation against a nuclear attack on In-
dian territory or on Indian forces anywhere Insta links:
a. Last year, the Indian Defence Minister said • Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty
that the ‘no first use nuclear policy’ of India • Evolution of India’s nuclear policy
may change in the future.
3. Advocate for Global Disarmament: India advocates
for global nuclear disarmament while seeking recog-
nition as a responsible nuclear power.
4. Non-Signatory to NPT and CTBT: India distinguish-
es itself by not being a signatory to the Nuclear

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Prelims Links: 2. Reduction in NPAs: IBC significantly reduced banks’

Q. Consider the following countries: (UPSC 2015) NPA rate, dropping from 14.8% (September 2018) to
1. China 3.2% (September 2023).
2. France 3. Increase in Bank Profits: Banks experienced a turn-
3. India around, achieving a historic profit of €2.63 trillion in
4. Israel 2022-23, compared to a loss in 2017-18.
5. Pakistan 4. Improvement in Corporate Balance Sheets: Post-
Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States IBC, firms demonstrated enhanced performance
as recognized by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation with robust balance sheets, improved leverage man-
of Nuclear Weapons, commonly known as the Nuclear agement, and an interest coverage ratio exceeding
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)? 3.5.
(a) 1 and 2 only 5. Enhancement in Corporate Governance: IBC led to
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only improved corporate governance, evidenced by a re-
(c) 2, 4 and 5 only duction in related party transactions, as highlighted
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in a post-IBC study.
Ans: (a) 6. Global Ranking Improvement: India’s global insol-
vency resolution ranking improved significantly,
moving from 136th to 52nd within the first three
years of IBC implementation.
GENERAL STUDIES – 3 a. India won the Global Restructuring Review
award for the most improved jurisdiction in
Topics: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mo- 2018.
bilization of resources, growth, development and employ- b. An IMF-World Bank study in January 2018
ment. observed that India is moving towards a
new state-of-the-art bankruptcy regime.
1. APPRAISAL OF IBC 7. Stability in financial systems: Recovery through the
IBC was about Rs 70,000 crore in fiscal 2019 twice
Context: the amount recovered through other resolution
The article assesses the effectiveness of India’s Insolvency mechanisms in fiscal year 2018.
and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), enacted in 2016, in resolving a. The recovery rate is also twice the liqui-
financial distress and enhancing economic well-being. The dation value for these 94 cases, which un-
IBC aims to address Non-performing Assets (NPAs) and debt derscores the value maximization possible
defaults. through the IBC process.

What is IBC? Issues with the IBC

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), enacted in 1. Overburden NCLT benches: The number of NCLT
2016, is a comprehensive legal framework in India that re- benches is 16 and the total number of bench mem-
placed existing laws related to insolvency and bankruptcy. It bers is only 20
provides a uniform procedure for resolving financial distress, 2. Inefficient Time Management: IBC’s resolution pro-
addressing Non-performing Assets (NPAs), and managing cesses are prolonged, averaging 867 days, far be-
debt defaults. The primary goal of the IBC is to streamline yond the intended 180 days.
and expedite the resolution of insolvency and bankruptcy 3. Gap in Asset Value Maximization: Resolutions
disputes in a time-bound manner. achieve only 86% of fair company value, indicating a
shortfall in desired value maximization.
IBC and its performance 4. High Incidence of Liquidation: IBC results in more
1. Initiated cultural shift: The IBC has initiated a cultur- liquidations than rescues, especially impacting al-
al shift in the dynamics between lender and borrow- ready sick or defunct companies. Many liquidated
er, promoter and creditor. It played a critical role in firms had assets valued at about 5% of their claims.
reshaping the behaviour of borrowers. 5. Methodological Issues in Appraisal: Some apprais-
a. Before the enactment of the IBC, the recov- als of IBC’s performance use flawed methodologies,
ery mechanisms available to lenders were focusing solely on recovery rates and overlooking
through Lok Adalat, the Debt Recovery Tri- factors like realizations from equity holdings or guar-
bunal and the SARFAESI Act. antor resolution.
b. While the earlier mechanisms resulted in a 6. The low approval rate of resolution plans: Accord-
low average recovery of 23%, the recover- ing to the data from the Insolvency and Bankruptcy
ies have risen to 43% under the IBC regime. Board of India (IBBI), of the 2,542 corporate insol-

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 Current Affairs 30
vency cases filed between December 1, 2016, and Status of Inequality in India:
September 30, 2019, about 156 have ended in ap- Inequality Aspect Statistics
proval of resolution plans — a mere 15%.
Recent SBI Research According to a recent SBI Research
report, income inequality in India
Way forward
has decreased, indicating a positive
The insolvency litigation process should focus on minimiz-
trend of upward mobility and the
ing duration and case volumes to alleviate uncertainties. In
growth of the middle class.
France, reforms in 2021 extended the process to ensure full
judicial resolution of specific disputes before confirming a Ginni Coefficient decreased from
restructuring plan. Empowering the insolvency professional 0.472 in AY 2014-15 to 0.402 in AY
or assigning a supervisory judge, as done in France, can grant 2022-23
exclusive authority for vital settlements with insolvent com- Income Inequality The top 10% holds 57% of total
panies, some requiring court ratification. income. The top 1% holds 22% of
total income. Bottom 50% share
Conclusion reduced to 13%
The IBC is a crucial structural reform, which if implemented Tax Burden on Poor The bottom 50% contributes 64% to
effectively and in a time-bound manner can produce major GST. The top 10% contributes only
gains for the corporate sector and the economy as a whole. 4%
Healthcare Accessi- 63 million pushed into poverty an-
Prelims Links: bility nually due to healthcare costs
Q. Which of the following statements best describes the
Food Security and 74% of the population can’t afford
term ‘Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed As-
Nutrition a healthy diet. 39% lack a nutri-
sets (S4A)’, recently seen in the news? (UPSC 2017)
ent-adequate diet
(a) It is a procedure for considering the ecological costs of
developmental schemes formulated by the Government. Global Hunger In- The 2023 Global Hunger Index gives
(b) It is a scheme of RBI for reworking the financial struc- dex 2023 India a rank of 111 out of 125 coun-
ture of big corporate entities facing genuine difficulties. tries. Highest child-wasting rate
(c) It is a disinvestment plan of the Government Gender Inequality India ranked 127 out of 146 coun-
regarding Central Public Sector Undertakings. tries in the Global Gender Gap Re-
(d) It is an important provision in ‘The Insolvency and Bank- port, 2023. Faces issues of “missing
ruptcy Code’ recently implemented by the Government. women”
Ans: B
Causes of Increasing Inequality in India:
Topics: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Causes Factors Contributing to Inequality
Concentration The top 10% holds 77% of national
2. ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INEQUALITY of wealth wealth. The richest 1% owns 53%, while
the poorer half has only 4.1%
Context: Inadequate land reforms leading to
The article warns against the obsessive pursuit of economic landlessness and economic vulnerability
growth in India, emphasizing that despite ambitious projec-
tions, the associated rising inequality poses significant chal- Crony capitalism fosters wealth accumu-
lenges. lation in a select group, contributing to
inequality
Current Status of India’s Growth: Policy issues Skewed distribution of economic gains,
India’s recent economic growth has been robust, with an favouring specific sectors or income
estimated 6.9% expansion in FY 2022/23, driven by strong groups
domestic demand, increased infrastructure investment, Regressive taxation policies that bene-
and robust private consumption. For FY 2023/24, a growth fit the wealthy, contribute to income in-
of 7.3% is projected, maintaining India’s 5th position in the equality
global GDP rankings. The economy has surged to $3.7 tril- Wage gaps between skilled and un-
lion. Future prospects indicate an ambitious target of reach- skilled workers, and informal labour
ing a $10 trillion economy by 2035, aligning with the govern- markets widening income disparities
ment’s vision to transform India into a ‘developed country’
The absence of minimum wage regula-
by 2047.
tions and limited collective bargaining
rights lead to income disparities

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Social Exclu- Caste discrimination marginalizing Universal Access Ensuring universal access to quality
sion groups and limiting their access to op- to Public Ser- public services, including healthcare,
portunities, resources, and benefits vices education, social security, and employ-
Gender inequality results in unequal ac- ment guarantee schemes, significantly
cess to employment opportunities and reduces inequality.
wage disparities
Insta Links:
Unequal access to quality education,
Whose GDP is it anyway?
limiting upward mobility and reinforcing
existing disparities
Mains Links:
Technological advancements lead to job Q. What is Gross Domestic Product (GDP)? Examine the
displacement and wage stagnation, ex- limitations pertaining to GDP as an economic performance
acerbating income inequality measurement framework of the country. (250 words)

Alternatives to GDP:
Prelims Links:
1. Explore the use of Green GDP to account for en- Q. Consider the following statements:
vironmental factors. 1. Nominal GDP is calculated in a way such that the
2. Explore alternatives to GDP such as OECD’s goods and services are evaluated at some con-
“GDP alternatives” that adjust for leisure and stant set of prices.
other factors. 2. If the Real GDP changes, it implies that the volume
3. Consider the “Index of Sustainable Economic of production is undergoing changes.
Welfare” that accounts for pollution costs and 3. The ratio of nominal GDP to real GDP gives us an
income distribution. idea of how the prices have moved from the base
4. Explore the “Genuine Progress Indicator” that
year to the current year.
adjusts for income distribution, household Which of the above statements is/are correct?
work, and more. a) 1, 2
5. Explore well-being measures like the Happy b) 1, 3
Planet Index, Gross National Happiness, and c) 2, 3
National Well-Being Accounts. d) 1, 2, 3
Solution: c)

Way forward: Topics: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the
Ways Description country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems
storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce
Focus on La- Prioritize labour-intensive manufactur-
and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid
b o r- I n te n s i v e ing, even for domestic consumption, to
of farmers.
Manufacturing boost job creation.
D i ve rs i f y Develop diversified growth strategies
Growth Strate- that emphasize not just GDP growth 3. PRODUCTION OF PULSES IN INDIA
gies but also the creation of high-quality
jobs and addressing employment elas- Context:
ticity. India is poised to become the world’s largest producer of
lentils (masoor) in the 2023-24 crop year due to increased
National Em- Implement a National Employment
acreage.
ployment Policy Policy to address both labour supply
and demand, enhancing the quantity
Recent facts:
and quality of employment opportuni-
1. India’s pulse imports have significantly decreased
ties.
from about 6 million tonnes in 2016-17 to about 2
Explore Green Explore opportunities in green manu- million tonnes in 2022-23. The decline is attributed
Manufacturing facturing to reshape India’s industrial to reduced imports of yellow peas and chickpeas
development in a sustainable manner. over the past decade, primarily influenced by high
Address Struc- Tackle structural issues in the economy import duties and procurement policies.
tural Issues related to caste, gender, and religion to 2. The government’s incentives to boost pulse cultiva-
ensure equitable distribution of growth tion have led to a higher lentil crop area, reaching
benefits. over 19 lakh hectares by January 2024.
3. The government has increased the Minimum Sup-

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 Current Affairs 30
port Price (MSP) to further support farmers The major factors responsible for the stagnation in Pulses
4. The government recently stated its objective of are:
achieving self-sufficiency in pulses by the end of Policy factors:
2027 • Introduction of Green Revolution: A report “Pulses
5. Despite the current increase in production, the past in India: Retrospect and Prospects” (2017) a report
three decades have seen stagnation in acreage, published by the Agriculture Ministry, says farmers
in the Gangetic plains quit pulses for other crops
production, and productivity of pulses across the
around 1990 because of the improvement in irriga-
country tion facilities. The breakthrough via HYVs in cereals
has been accompanied by a loss of acreage under puls-
es to cereals, and consequently a sharp decline in the
total production of pulses.
• Skewed implementation of agriculture reforms:
Due to a number of economic and political com-
pulsions, the strategies for agricultural growth re-
mained anxious with the aim of achieving rapid in-
creases in food grain production by concentrating
the resources and efforts on the relatively better-en-
dowed areas and strata of cultivators.

Demand factor:
• Cobweb phenomenon: Shrinking demand due to a
surge in prices leads to farmers diverting to other
crops in the next agriculture seasons (thereby reduc-
ing production further), which leads to a vicious cy-
cle of high price, low demand, and low production.
Infrastructure factors:
• Lack of Infrastructure: Inadequate Warehousing
Facilities & Collateral Finance.
• Uncertain monsoons and insufficient irrigation
amenities
Importance of pulse production for India:
• Pulses are rich in proteins and found to be the main Other factors:
source of protein to vegetarian people of India so it is • Pest attack: Pulses are highly prone to damage by
the second important constituent of the Indian diet after insect pests, diseases, nematodes, and weeds.
cereals. o Damage to pulses by nilgais and other stray
• Pulses being legumes fix atmospheric nitrogen into the animals is a big factor in Uttar Pradesh for
soil. Being leguminous crops, all these crops except Ar- farmers moving to other crops.
har help in restoring soil fertility. • Low seed rate resulting in poor crop stands.
• These are mostly grown in rotation with other crops • Imbalance of use of fertilizers: Unstable use of fer-
• They add organic matter into the soil in the form of leaf tilizers is one of the important reasons for low pro-
mould. ductivity and depleting soil fertility. The average N:
• They supply additional fodder for cattle. Some pulse P: K ratio in the past two decades has been 7:3:1
crops like Gram, Lobia, Urad bean & Moong bean are fed against the recommended 4:2:1.
to animals as green fodder. • Inadequate MSP by the government for pulses
• They provide raw materials to various industries. Ex. Dal (compared to cereals)
industry, Roasted grain industry, Papad industry, etc.
Government Initiatives:
Fig: Shows the stagnation of Pulses in Area, Production, 1. Providing Minimum Support Prices (MSP) to farm-
and Productivity ers through:
a. National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing
Federation of India (NAFED)
b. Small Farmers Agri Consortium (SFAC)
2. National Food Security Mission (NFSM)-Pulses.
3. ICAR’s Role in Research and Variety Development.
4. Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhi-
yan (PM-AASHA) Scheme.

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 Current Affairs 30
Measures that can be taken to improve pulse production: pulses cultivation.
Short-term Strategies o The development of suitable cultivars spe-
• Strengthening seed delivery system: Availability of cific to production regions will be very im-
quality seeds of already-developed improved variet- portant to break the yield barrier, as has
ies would increase the pulse production by at least happened in the southern region, particu-
15–20 per cent. larly in the case of chickpeas.
o In addition to public seed corporations, seed • Integrating pulses into the public distribution sys-
societies and private companies should be tem: Compulsory inclusion of pulses in the exist-
involved in seed production. ing schemes such as the mid-day meal scheme or
• Ensuring remunerative prices: The MSP for pulses public distribution system (PDS) shall be ensured
should be fixed considering not only the cost of its so that the minimum pulses consumption by poor
cultivation and parity with the competing crops but households is maintained even during the scarcity in
also considering the yield variability in pulses and pulses production.
externalities it brings to the system in terms of ni-
trogen saving and subsidy saved on fertilizer and Conclusion:
irrigation. Thus there is a need for a holistic approach to enhance the
• Effective procurement: Bring the procurement cen- production and productivity of pulses crops. Prominently
tres to the doorstep of the growers, particularly
good agronomic practices with their different components
during harvest season.
• Skilling of pulse growers: India’s 600+ Krishi Vigyan for excelling production under changing climatic scenarios
Kendras (KVKs) can be used for skilling pulse grow- are the need of the hour for the protein security of the na-
ers on modern production practices—from sowing tion esp. for the poor.
to harvesting.
• Efficient crop insurance mechanism: Only 20 per Insta Links:
cent of farmers subscribe to crop insurance. Pro- • Pulses in India
viding efficient crop insurance would give sufficient
confidence to these farmers to combat the situation
Mains Link:
of crop failure.
Q.Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulses be-
cause of which the year 2016 was declared as the Interna-
Medium-term Strategies
• Expansion of area under pulses: Fallow lands or re- tional Year of Pulses by United Nations. (UPSC 2017)
claimed wastelands can be identified and targeted in
each state to bring it under pulse crops. Prelims Links:
• Farmers’ producer organization (FPO) on pulses: It Q. With reference to pulse production in India, consider the
will integrate the backward and forward linkages following statements: (UPSC 2020)
and will help the farmers in reducing the cost of pro- 1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi
duction substantially. crop.
• Customization and development of farm equip-
2. Green gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse
ment: Developing small-size multi-crop harvesting
farm machines and other farm equipment for plant production.
protection 3. In the last three decades, while the production of
o New age app-based custom hiring services kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi
for farm equipment can be quite useful, pulses has decreased.
particularly for smallholders in doing the ba- Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
sic farm operations timely and economically. (a) 1 only
o Case study: Private Tractor Company, like (b) 2 and 3 only
Mahindra and Mahindra, has started on a
(c) 2 only
pilot basis ‘on-demand farm equipment
rental start-up, Trringo in Karnataka state, (d) 1, 2 and 3
through which farmers can book tractors by Ans: A
the hour via a phone call.
• Setting up of storage and warehousing in rural ar- 4. ADOPTION OF CLIMATE-SMART AGRI-
eas
• Foresight for international trade: Develop a predic- CULTURE (CSA)
tive tool to determine the demand and supply of
pulses in forthcoming seasons to plan in advance to Context:
import or export pulses in the international market. The adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) faces chal-
lenges in South Asia, as sustainable practices and technolo-
Long-term Strategies gies struggle to gain widespread acceptance.
• Developing short-duration and pest- and dis-
ease-resistant cultivars: Infestation of pests and
diseases such as pod borer, wilt, and so on and vari-
ation in rainfall and temperature bring huge risks to

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 Current Affairs 30
What is CSA? Inadequate Target- Chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and
CSA, or Climate-Smart Agriculture, is an approach that in- ed Incentives electricity- and diesel-based irriga-
corporates a set of agricultural practices and technologies. tion are largely subsidized, while
Its goals are to boost productivity (e.g., precision farming, CSA practices lack adequate incen-
smart crops), enhance resilience (e.g., zero budget natural tives.
farming, agroforestry), and reduce greenhouse gas emis-
Conflicting subsidies, such as those
sions (e.g., zero tillage, permaculture, organic farming).
for zero tillage as well as for conven-
tional tillage machinery, hinder the
adoption of CSA technologies.
Zero tillage is considered a CSA
practice that involves minimal dis-
turbance of the soil, promoting
conservation and sustainability. On
the other hand, conventional till-
age involves more intensive soil
disturbance
Limited Post-Adop- Emphasis on adoption initiation
tion Follow-up with less attention to post-adop-
tion follow-up.
Monitoring and evaluating CSA
adoption over time is crucial for
identifying challenges faced by
farmers.
Inequities in Infor- Inequitable dissemination of CSA
mation Dissemina- information, prioritizing wealthi-
tion er farmers with greater social net-
works.
Gender inequality persists, with
Examples of Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices: little involvement of women in CSA
1. Cultivating Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties: Grow- dissemination processes, despite
ing crops resistant to temperature changes, pests, increasing female participation in
and diseases. Example: Drought-tolerant maize in farming.
sub-Saharan Africa benefits smallholder farmers.
2. Conservation Agriculture: No-till and reduced-till- Benefits of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA):
age cultivation for soil coverage,
3. Agroforestry: Integrating trees and shrubs with Benefits Details
crops and livestock. 1. Increased Agricultural Addresses resource-efficient
4. Precision Irrigation: E.g., Drip and sprinkler irriga- Productivity farming for climate variabil-
tion maximize water use efficiency. ity.
Counters climate-induced
Challenges faced in CSA: crop yield decline in India,
Challenges in CSA Details contributing to adaptation,
mitigation, and food securi-
Weak Organization- Difficulty reaching farmers due to
ty.
al Capacities a large rural population with limit-
ed integration with CSA-promoting Various climate-smart tech-
markets. niques enhance production,
sustainability, and reliability,
Limited government resources im-
while reducing GHG emis-
pact the number of field schools,
sions.
demonstration plots, and training
programs in rural areas. Site-specific no-tillage in the
Indo-Gangetic Plain boosts
Inadequately staffed and poorly
wheat production, nutrient
trained government agricultural
efficiency, and profitability,
extension departments for CSA in-
and lowers GHG emissions.
formation dissemination.

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2. GHG Emission Reduction Crucial for lowering the agri- • World Bank Group: Provides financial support and
cultural sector’s 17% share technical assistance for CSA projects in developing
in GHG emissions (2018) countries.
• Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture (GAC-
Enhances farmland carbon
SA): A voluntary platform fostering collaboration
storage.
among governments, civil society, farmers, research
3. Support for Small and Significant role in increasing institutions, and the private sector to promote
Marginal Farmers profits for the majority of knowledge sharing, policy dialogue, and investment
Indian small and marginal in CSA.
farmers. • Climate-Smart Agriculture Youth Network (CSAYN):
4. Biodiversity Conserva- Ecosystem-based approach Comprises young individuals from various countries
tion and diverse crop varieties dedicated to raising awareness and taking action on
promote the coexistence of CSA among youth and other stakeholders.
cropland and wild animals • National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
Safeguards native plant (NMSA) One of the missions under the National Ac-
species, stabilizes pollinator tion Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
populations and mitigates
habitat degradation effects. To learn about Climate Resilient Agriculture: Click Here
5. Reduced Impact of Cli- Promotes crop diversifica-
Insta Links:
mate Change tion, and water efficiency,
• Climate-smart agriculture
and integrates drought-re-
  
sistant crop types.
Mains Links:
It Lessens the disruptive ef- Q. Elaborate on the impact of the National Watershed
fects of climate change and Project in increasing agricultural production from wa-
increases resilience to lon- ter-stressed areas. (UPSC 2019)
ger-term stressors.
Prelims Links:
Promoting CSA:
Q1. With reference to the circumstances in Indian agricul-
1. Capacity Building: Raise awareness and provide
ture, the concept of “Conservation Agriculture” assumes
training for officials, extension workers, and farmers.
significance. Which of the following fall under the Conser-
2. Incentives to Farmers: Support eco-friendly prac-
vation Agriculture? (UPSC 2018)
tices (e.g., mulching, crop rotation) and sustainable
1. Avoiding the monoculture practices
indigenous technologies.
2. Adopting minimum tillage.
3. Collaborative Approach: Form international/region-
3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops
al partnerships, such as the Youth for Green and Cli-
4. Using crop residues to cover soil surface
mate-Resilient Agriculture Programme (YCRA) by the
5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop
Food and Agriculture Organization.
rotations
4. Other Measures: Encourage private capital invest-
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
ment, implement micro-level policies, and explore
(a) 1, 3 and 4
additional avenues for CSA promotion.
(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5
(c) 2, 4 and 5
Climate-Smart Agriculture Initiatives:
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 5
• Government Initiatives in India: National Adapta-
Ans: (c)
tion Fund for Climate Change, National Innovation
on Climate Resilient Agriculture, Soil Health Mission,
Q2. With reference to the ‘Global Alliance for Cli-
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Parampara-
mateSmart Agriculture (GACSA)’, which of the following
gat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Biotech-KISAN, and Climate
statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2018)
Smart Village.
1. GACSA is an outcome of the Climate Summit held in
• Public and Private Sector Involvement: Farmer-pro-
Paris in 2015.
ducer organizations, NGOs, and various entities are
2. Membership of GACSA does not create any binding ob-
actively contributing to CSA adoption.
ligations.
• Research Programs: The CGIAR Research Program
3. India was instrumental in the creation of GACSA.
on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(CCAFS) addresses challenges of food security, pov-
(a) 1 and 3 only
erty, and climate change on a global scale, National
(b) 2 only
Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) 

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(c) 2 and 3 only 6. Potential: India’s food processing market is estimat-

(d) 1, 2 and 3 ed to reach $535 Billion by 2025
Ans: B
Status:
Q3. In the context of India’s preparation for Climate-Smart India’s food processing sector, a shining pillar of the Indian
Agriculture, consider the following statements: (UPSC economy, has been booming in recent years. Holding a place
2021) among the largest food processing industries in the world, it
1. The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is a part is responsible for a significant portion – about 32 per cent –
of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and of India’s overall food market. It employs 13 million people
Food Security (CCAFS), an international research pro- directly and about 35 million people indirectly.
gramme.
2. The project of CCAFS is carried out under Consultative Challenges faced by the FPI: while the food processing in-
Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) dustry in India has been on an impressive growth trajectory
headquartered in France. in recent years, there are certain issues that are holding it
3. The International Crops Research Institute for the back.
Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the 1. Gaps in supply chain infrastructure (i.e., lack of pri-
CGIAR’s research centres. mary processing, storage and distribution facilities);
Which of the statements given above are correct? o e.g., More than 30% of the produce from
(a) 1 and 2 only farm gates is lost due to inadequate cold
(b) 2 and 3 only chain infrastructure.
(c) 1 and 3 only 2. Fragmented Supply Chains: High intermediation
(d) 1, 2 and 3 and lack of direct linkage between farmers and pro-
Ans: D cessing companies increase sourcing costs and qual-
ity issues. Also hampers traceability and adoption
of global safety standards.
Topics: Food processing and related industries in India-
3. Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Insufficient cold stor-
scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream
age, refrigerated facilities, and testing laboratories
requirements, supply chain management.
close to production centres result in 30-40% food
losses and raised transport costs for processors.
Constraint’s scale-up and agility.
5. INDIAN FOOD PROCESSING SECTOR 4. Backward Regulatory Systems: Complex registra-
AND EXPORT tion/licensing norms, high compliance require-
ments, and differential state policies limit new in-
Context: vestments. Outdated systems are unable to ensure
Indian processed food exports have witnessed a remarkable food safety in the wake of more chemical usage. Dig-
150% growth over the past nine years. italization lacking.
5. Low Processing Levels: Of the total agriculture and
Significant Achievements of the Indian Food Processing horticulture produce in India, merely around 10%
sector: undergoes processing, vs 60-80% for developed
1. Investment in the Processed Food sector: India’s nations. Skill gaps limit product diversification and
Food Processing Sector emerged as the sunrise value addition.
sector and attracted FDI investments of about Rs 6. Inadequate link between production and process-
50,000 crore in the past nine years ing: Severe under-penetration of formal post-har-
2. Agricultural Exports: India’s agricultural exports vest infrastructure leads to farmers opting for quick
have reached an aggregate of about $53 billion spot sales rather than supplying processing compa-
during this period. nies under contracts. Hamper’s visibility and ability
3. Geographical Indications (GIs): India boasts 158 to invest in processing equipment.
food and Agri Geographical Indications (GIs), em- 7. Seasonality of operations and low-capacity utiliza-
phasizing the unique and region-specific nature of tion: Seasonal gluts of F&V production cause price
its food products. volatility for farmers, pressing disposal to avoid loss-
4. One District One Product (ODOP) Initiative: Under es.
the ODOP initiative, 708 unique food items have o In contrast, processors work under low gear
been identified across districts, promoting local spe- in lean periods with high idle capacity as raw
cialities. material supply tapers.
5. Global Demand for Indian Foods: There is a bur- 8. Institutional gaps in the supply chain, dependence
geoning demand for Indian foods globally. on APMCs: Reliance on fragmented APMC mandi

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 Current Affairs 30
intermediaries to aggregate produce adds 3-4 steps, 5. Incentivize Provide concessional financing schemes
wastage and commission fee burdens before linking Export-Fo- like Champions and revamped EPCGS. Ad-
to bulk processors. Holds up modernization efforts. cused Value dress trade deficit through value addition
Addition in exports.
Measures taken by the government to promote the growth
6. Smart Establish hubs with IoT, AI, and blockchain.
of the FPI.
1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY): it aims Food Pro- Monitor the entire food supply chain for
to modernize and upgrade the food processing sector in cessing Hubs quality, traceability, and efficiency.
India, including the supply chain. 7. Nutraceu- Develop functional foods for specific
a. Under this scheme, the government provides finan- tical Innova- health needs. Fortify foods with essential
cial assistance for the development of food pro- tion nutrients, probiotics, and bioactive com-
cessing infrastructure, including cold storage facili-
ties, processing centres, and logistics support. pounds.
2. National Cold Chain Grid (NCCG): launched by MoFPI, it 8. Ze- Implement techniques to utilize every part
is aimed at creating a seamless network of cold storage ro-Waste of the raw material. Convert food waste
facilities across the country. Processing into biofuels, create bio-plastics, or animal
a. This network can help to reduce post-harvest losses feed from by-products.
and improve the quality and shelf life of food prod-
ucts. 9. Commu- Establish centres in rural areas for local
3. Scheme for Creation of Backward and Forward Linkag- nity-Based farmers. Reduce post-harvest losses and
es: to perishable horticulture and non-horticulture pro- Processing create rural employment opportunities.
duced by plugging the gaps in the supply chain in terms Centres
of availability of raw material and linkages with the mar-
ket.
Conclusion
4. National Agriculture Market (eNAM): The eNAM plat-
form is a Pan-India electronic trading portal for agricul- Food processing has a promising future, provided adequate
tural commodities. It provides a common platform for government support is there. It has the capacity to lift mil-
buyers and sellers to trade in agricultural products, in- lions out of undernutrition. The government has its work cut
cluding fruits and vegetables. out to develop industry in a way which takes care of small-
a. This platform can help to reduce supply chain ineffi- scale industry along with attracting big-ticket domestic and
ciencies and improve price transparency for farmers foreign investments.
and other stakeholders.
5. Also, the Logistics challenge of the supply chain is being
taken care of by leveraging the existing PM-Gram Sadak Insta Links:
yojana, BHARATMALA, and SAGARMALA schemes. • Food processing and related industries in India

Transformative approach needed for sustainable develop- Mains Links

ment of FPI: Q. What are the reasons for the poor acceptance of a
cost-effective small processing unit? How can the food pro-
Approach Key Initiatives
cessing unit be helpful to uplift the socioeconomic status of
1. Dedicated Integrated infrastructure: cold chain, poor farmers? (UPSC 2017)
Food Parks warehouses, packaging units. Shared ser- Q: Elaborate on the policy taken by the government of In-
vices for collective use by food processing dia to meet the challenges of the food processing sector.
companies at one site. (UPSC 2019)
2. Assure Ensure Minimum Support Prices (MSPs)
MSPs and for crops. Facilitate contract farming Prelims Links:
C o n t r a c t tie-ups between farmer collectives and Q. With what purpose is the Government of India pro-
Farming processing companies for mutual de- moting the concept of “Mega Food Parks”? (UPSC 2011)
mand-supply assurance. 1. To provide good infrastructure facilities for the food
3. Modernize Implement the ‘One Nation One Standard’ processing industry.
Certification policy. Revise limits for additives and pes- 2. To increase the processing of perishable items and re-
Systems ticide residues based on updated scientific duce wastage.
research. 3. To provide emerging and eco-friendly food processing
4. Skill Devel- Impart processing skills via Pradhan Man- technologies to entrepreneurs.
opment and tri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. Provide tech/fi- Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Innovation nancial assistance for small entrepreneurs. (a) 1 only
Partner with universities on R&D for inno- (b) 1 and 2 only
vation. (c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: B

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 Current Affairs 30
Topics: Science and Technology- developments and their Empowering Deci- Initiatives explaining the science be-
applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of In- sion-Making: hind everyday choices, from health-
dians in science & technology; indigenization of technology care to technology use.
and developing new technology.
Crisis Management Timely and accurate communication
and Risk Commu- during natural disasters or health
6. SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION IN INDIA nication: emergencies to guide the public on
safety measures.
Context:
The article discusses the importance of effective science Government efforts:
communication in India, citing examples like the Chan-
drayaan-3 mission and COVID-19 information dissemination. Government-Led Details
Efforts
What is Scientific communication? Publications & Infor- Established in 1951 under CSIR.
Science communication involves conveying scientific in- mation Directorate Published national science mag-
formation to diverse audiences in an understandable and (PID) azines, including Vigyan Pragati
engaging manner. It encompasses various forms, including (Hindi), Science Reporter (English),
journalism, public talks, social media, and educational out- and Science Ki Duniya (Urdu), for
reach. The goal is to bridge the gap between scientists and disseminating scientific knowledge.
the public, promoting understanding of scientific concepts Birla Industrial and Established in 1959 with a focus on
and their relevance. Technological Muse- defining India’s scientific heritage
Example: The communication of Chandrayaan-3, India’s lu- um (1959) and promoting science education.
nar exploration mission, serves as an example of effective 42nd Amendment Introduced Article 51 A (h) in 1976,
science communication. Through live broadcasts and up- to the Constitution emphasizing the duty of every citi-
dates, people across India were informed and engaged in the (1976) zen to develop a scientific temper,
progress and scientific findings of the mission, contributing humanism, and the spirit of enqui-
to widespread understanding and discourse. ry and reform.
National Council for Formed during the sixth Five Year
Role of Science Communication for Society in India
Science and Tech- Plan (1980-1985) with a focus on
Role Example nology Communica- the popularization of science.
Increasing Scientif- Publicizing achievements like India’s tion (NCSTC)
ic Awareness: Mars Orbiter Mission to enhance un- Vigyan Prasar (1989) An autonomous organization set up
derstanding of space exploration. in 1989 by the Department of Sci-
Addressing Public Disseminating accurate information ence and Technology to popularize
Health Issues: during the COVID-19 pandemic to science.
combat misinformation and pro- CSIR-National In- Established in 2021, merging two
mote vaccination. stitute of Science previous institutions, to continue
Fostering Environ- Campaigns explaining the impor- C o m m u n i c a t i o n the promotion of science commu-
mental Conscious- tance of conservation and sustain- and Policy Research nication.
ness: able living for a cleaner environment. (CSIR-NIScPR, 2021)
Bridging the Gap Organizing public lectures, work- Active Engagement Ongoing efforts by agencies and
with Researchers: shops, or online forums where scien- by National Science organizations to actively engage in
tists interact with the community. Funding Agencies science communication through
Promoting Scientif- Educational programs, science festi- and Research Orga- press releases, social media cam-
ic Temper: vals, and initiatives promoting scien- nizations paigns, exhibitions, and lectures.
tific inquiry among students.
Government Pol- Advocacy for policies based on scien- Other initiatives:
icies and Deci- tific research in areas like healthcare, Project Description
sion-Making: environment, and technology. Indian Sign Lan- Equipped with 65 pieces of equipment,
Encouraging In- Publicizing breakthroughs in re- guage AstroLab including a large telescope and audio-
novation and Re- search to garner support and fund- visual aids, the AstroLab provides virtu-
search: ing for further scientific exploration. al access to educational videos in Indi-
Building Trust in Regularly sharing updates, findings, an sign language, promoting inclusivity
Scientific Institu- and insights from scientific institu- and accessibility.
tions: tions to build credibility.

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CSIR-NPL (Coun- Conducts multidisciplinary R&D for Insta links:

cil of Scientific quantum standards, and technology de- • Science & Technology
and Industrial velopment, and provides training under
Research - Na- “Make in India” and “Skill India” pro- Mains Links:
tional Physical grams. Q. What is India’s plan to have its own space station and
Laboratory) how will it benefit our space programme? (UPSC 2019)
One Week - One A program by CSIR-NPL to create aware-
Prelims Links:
Lab Campaign ness about technologies and services,
Q Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016)
provide solutions to societal problems
The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO
and develop scientific temperament
1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
among students. Over 180 schools in
2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit
Delhi-NCR have been exposed to NPL
the Mars after USA
labs, and more schools will be included
3. made India the only country to be successful in making
in future interactions.
its spacecraft orbit Mars in its very first attempt
Science and This initiative can potentially increase Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Heritage Re- demand for the traditional art of (a) 1 only
search Initiative Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. (b) 2 and 3 only
(SHRI) (c) 1 and 3 only
National Ini- An end-to-end plan for start-ups aimed (d) 1, 2 and 3
tiative for De- at doubling the number of incubators Ans: C
veloping and and start-ups in five years.
Harnessing Topics: Conservation related issues, environmental pollution
Innovations and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
(NIDHI)
National Start- Recognizes and rewards outstanding 7. NCAP COMPLETES FIVE YEARS
up Awards start-ups and ecosystem enablers con-
tributing to economic dynamism by Context:
stimulating innovation and competition. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), completing five
years, faces scrutiny on fund utilization and air quality im-
To enhance science communication in India, key measures provements in the 131 funded cities.
include: Over the past five years, the National Clean Air Programme
1. Formal Education and Training: Introduce master’s (NCAP) has shown a mixed performance. Studies reveal that
and doctoral programs in science communication to out of 49 cities assessed for PM2.5 levels, 27 witnessed im-
cultivate skilled communicators attuned to India’s provements, while for PM10, 24 out of 46 cities saw positive
diverse contexts. changes. Notably, cities like Varanasi, Agra, and Jodhpur
2. Integration with Scientific Process: Encourage sci- stood out for achieving significant reductions in both PM2.5
entists to actively participate in science communi- and PM10 levels.
cation, incorporating it into research and rewarding
their efforts. About NCAP:
3. Large-Scale Strategy: Establish a professional organi- The Launch: In January 2019, the Ministry of Environment,
zation collaborating with government departments, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched the Nation-
stakeholders, and experts to create comprehensive al Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to prepare clean air action
science communication frameworks spanning var- plans.
ious disciplines, media formats, and demographic
groups. The mandate of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP);
1. Aim: It aims to improve air quality in 131 cities
Conclusion: (non-attainment cities (NAC) and Million Plus Cities)
Science communication is crucial for advancing scientific lit- in 24 States by engaging all stakeholders.
eracy, public engagement, and informed decision-making in 2. The cities which are exceeding the National Ambi-
India. Addressing current gaps and adopting a forward-look- ent Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for 5 consecu-
ing approach can build a robust science communication eco- tive years are identified as NAC by the Central Pollu-
system, bridging the gap between science and society and tion Control Board (CPCB).
propelling scientific progress. 3. Objective: To achieve reductions up to 40% of Par-
ticulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations
by 2025-26, base year 2017.

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4. Under NCAP, 132 non-attainment cities have been b. Mumbai witnessed over 38% increase in
identified across the country based on the Air PM2.5 and about 37% in PM10 levels since
Quality data from 2014-2018. 2019.
5. Preparation of the city-specific action plans including 2. Funding issue: For disbursing funds, the Central
measures to strengthen the monitoring network, Pollution Control Board, which coordinates the
reduce vehicular/industrial emissions, and increase programme, only considers levels of PM10, the rel-
public awareness. atively larger, coarser particles. However, PM2.5, the
6. Implementation of the city-specific action plans to smaller, more dangerous particles, aren’t monitored
be regularly monitored by Committees at the Central as robustly in all cities, mostly due to the lack of
and State level namely Steering Committee, Moni- equipment.
toring Committee and Implementation Committee. 3. Compartmentalizing rural-urban areas: The scheme
   focuses on air pollution mitigation within cities while
Objectives of NCAP ignoring rural air pollution thus compartmentalizing
1. To augment and evolve effective and proficient am- both.
bient air quality monitoring networks across the 4. Sluggish improvement: The progress is even more
country to ensure a comprehensive and reliable da- sluggish in equipping all manual stations with PM2.5
tabase monitoring, where only 261 stations have PM2.5
2. To have efficient data dissemination and public monitoring facilities.
outreach mechanisms for timely measures for the 5. No carrying capacity studies: None of the 132
prevention and mitigation of air pollution non-attainment cities has completed their carrying
3. To have a feasible management plan for the capacity studies.
prevention, control and abatement of air pollution. a. Carrying capacity is the region’s ability to
   accumulate and disperse emissions while
Performance of National Clean Air Programme: maintaining breathable air quality.
Positive
1. Monitoring station: Out of the targeted 1500 Conclusion
manual monitoring stations to be installed across It is important that NCAP be made legally binding on respon-
the country, 818 have been installed. sible authorities while setting interim (WHO interim targets)
2. Region-specific programme: A city-specific action and long-term targets to achieve breathable air equivalent
plan has been developed for all the major cities of to WHO guideline levels over the next decade.
India. For instance, Delhi, Mumbai etc. Further, enhancing transparency in the allocation and utilisa-
a. 131 cities of the country have developed tion of finances and tracking the indicators through publicly
City Action Plans and Micro Action Plans available information under the PRANA web portal devel-
3. PRANA web portal: The Portal for Regulation of Air oped by CPCB can be a way forward.
Pollution in Non-Attainment Cities which provides
all information related to various policies/programs/ Other Initiatives for Reducing Air Pollution:
schemes/activities of the stakeholders along with 1. National Ambient Air Quality Programme (NAMP)
the progress made towards improvement in air qual- 2. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
ity across the country. 3. Switch to Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) Emission Standards
4. Improvement: There has been an overall 4. Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid )
improvement in Particulate Matter concentration in Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme
95 cities including 20 cities conforming to the Na-
tional Ambient Air Quality Standards in the year Insta Links:
2021-22 compared to 2017. • National Clean Air Programme

The issue facing NCAP: Mains Links:

1. Unsatisfactory performance: The CSE in its national Q. Highlighting the major mandate and objectives of the
analysis of PM2.5 levels in cities for which data is National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), evaluate its perfor-
available found that between 2019 and 2021, only mance in mitigating pollution in Indian Cities. (15M)
14 of 43 (NCAP) cities registered a 10% or more
reduction in their PM2.5 level between 2019 and Prelims Links
2021. Consider the following statements:
a. On the other hand, out of 46 non-NCAP cit- 1. The National Clean Air Programme aims for a reduc-
ies, 21 recorded significant improvement in tion in particulate matter concentrations in cities that
their annual PM2.5 value with a 5% or more don’t meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards
decline between 2019 and 2021. (NAAQS).

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2. India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) What has SC said?
meet the WHO’s existing standards. The Supreme Court clarified that the 2021 notification ex-
Which of the above statements is/are correct? panding BSF’s jurisdiction in Punjab from 15 to 50 km grants
(a) 1 only concurrent authority for preventing specific offences but
(b) 2 only does not diminish the investigative authority of the state
(c) Both 1 and 2 police.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: A What does the Constitution Say?
Under Article 355, the Centre can deploy forces to protect a
Topics: Security challenges and their management in border state from external aggression or internal disturbance, even
areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism. without the state’s request. If a state opposes deployment,
the Centre can issue directives under Article 355. If the state
doesn’t comply, the Centre can take further action under Ar-
8. BORDER SECURITY FORCE (BSF) AND ticle 356 (President’s Rule).
ISSUES OF OPERATIONAL JURISDICTION Issues with the Centre’s extension of BSF’s jurisdiction:
Context: Issues Description
Punjab has filed a suit challenging the central government’s Public Order vs Se- The responsibility for public order
decision to increase the BSF’s operational jurisdiction from curity of State and police rests with the State Gov-
15 km to 50 km, considering it a breach of federal princi- ernment.
ples and an encroachment into state law and order powers. Weakening Spirit The notification without state gov-
West Bengal shares a similar view. of Federalism ernment concurrence is seen as an
encroachment on state powers. The
What is the Special Powers of BSF? Punjab Government views it as an
In all border states, there is a power under the BSF encroachment under the guise of se-
Act,1968 to extend the jurisdiction of BSF so far as offences curity or development
are considered. Different states have different jurisdiction Affecting Func- Policing in the hinterland weakens
limits. E.g., Gujarat had 80 km, but in some states, it was tioning of BSF BSF’s capacity to fulfil its primary
less (e.g., 15km in Punjab). Now (by the Central Government duty of guarding the international
2021 notification) it has been made uniform 50 kms. border.
BSF has concurrent power with state police/agencies with Issues Specific to The extension covers major cities in
regard to some offences under the Criminal Procedure Code, Punjab a relatively small state like Punjab.
1973, Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 and Passport Act, In contrast, states like Gujarat and
1967 etc. Rajasthan have specific geographi-
cal features (marshland and desert,
The procedure: respectively) that may justify the ex-
The BSF conducts search and seizure for violations such as tension.
smuggling narcotics, prohibited items, illegal entry of for-
eigners, and offences under Central Acts. After detaining a Arguments from the Central Government
suspect or seizing a consignment in the specified area, the 1. Enhanced Border Security: The increase to 50 km is
BSF can only perform “preliminary questioning” and must justified to improve border patrol effectiveness.
hand over the suspect to local police within 24 hours. The 2. Standardizing Operations: The expansion aims to
BSF lacks the authority to prosecute crime suspects. unify the operational area across different states for
consistency.
What is the Issue?
In 2021, the Punjab government moved the Supreme Court The way forward involves:
(under Article 131) challenging the Centre’s decision that ex- 1. Desirable State Consent: The Union Government
panded the BSF’s jurisdiction from 15 to 50km. should consult the State Government before deploy-
ing armed forces, whenever possible.
It alleged a breach of federal principles and encroachment 2. State Self-Reliance: Each State Government, in con-
into the state’s law and order powers. sultation with the Union Government, should devel-
op short-term and long-term plans to strengthen its
Note: Article 131 vests the Supreme Court with original juris- Armed Police.
diction over disputes occurring between states or between 3. Regional Arrangements: Neighbouring States can
states and the Centre. establish a standing arrangement, agreed upon by

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consensus, for using each other’s Armed Police in ize the network and accomplices operating
times of need. Zonal Councils provide a suitable fo- from their side of the area, independently
rum for States within a zone to reach such agree- as well as with the help of local police.
ments.
Challenges before BSF in dealing with illegal migration and
About Border Security Force (BSF): cross-border crimes: -
The Border Security Force (BSF), established in 1965 follow- • Porous border—along the India-Bangladesh bor-
ing the India-Pakistan war, is a significant component of In- der, from Sunderbans in the south to Malda in the
dia’s security apparatus. Operating under the administrative north, and is the most porous stretch of India’s bor-
control of the Ministry of Home Affairs, it is one of the seven ders in the entire eastern theatre making it complex
Central Armed Police Forces. With a force strength of over 2 to manage.
lakhs, it is primarily deployed along the Pakistan and Bangla- • Challenges on both our eastern and western bor-
desh borders, managing security on the Indo-Pakistan Inter- ders have grown many folds in the last four decades
national Border, Indo-Bangladesh International Border, and despite the increased presence of BSF units, the
Line of Control (LoC) in coordination with the Indian Army erection of a border fence and the use of modern
technologies.
Role of the Border Security Force (BSF) in dealing with ille- • Trans-border crimes are no longer confined to pet-
gal migration and cross-border crimes. ty smuggling of few eatables or locally produced
• Defending the porous borders: BSF has been de- consumable items; pushing in of narcotics, arms
fending Sir Creek in the Arabian Sea and Sundar- and fake currency into India and large-scale illegal
bans Delta in the Bay of Bengal with its state-of-the- migration of Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas
art fleet of Water Crafts. pose a serious threat to our security and economy.
• Cooperating with local police: most of the raids and • Increased connectivity and communication: As
arrests that are conducted are in close coordination connectivity, communication and mobility have in-
and cooperation with the local police. creased, trans-border criminals have the advantage
o Police do act against any smuggler or crimi- of operating from deeper areas.
nal if the BSF provides irrefutable evidence. o Most of the time BSF operates in close co-
• The First Line of Defence: It has been termed the ordination with the local police, but this de-
First Line of Defence of Indian Territories because of lays the operational functioning of BSF.
the role played by it in dealing with illegal migration • Wider outreach of criminals: While BSF is responsi-
from the eastern border and tackling cross-border ble for preventing trans-border crimes, the sphere
crimes. of action of these criminals expands to the hinter-
• Comprehensive Integrated Border Management lands.
System: has vastly improved the capability of the o In places like West Bengal, the trans-border
Border Security Force (BSF) in detecting and con- criminals were cleverly operating from ar-
trolling cross-border crimes like illegal infiltration, eas beyond the jurisdiction of BSF.
smuggling of contraband goods, human trafficking
and cross-border terrorism, etc. Conclusion and opinion
• BSF and internal security duties: While border pro- Thus, BSF needs to overcome these challenges and further
tection has been the primary duty of BSF, it has also strengthen its border domination against the threats from
been deployed for counter-terrorism and counter-in- underground tunnels or enhanced threats by the use of
surgency operations in troubled areas of the country drones or other methods. The added responsibility will re-
like J&K, NE states and Naxal-hit areas. quire better-coordinated efforts at every level.
• Trans-border crimes: BSF was given powers way
back in 1969 under the Indian Passport Act, Cus- Insta Links:
toms Act Arms Act, NPSD Act, and CrPC to arrest, • Illegal immigration in India’s northern and eastern
search and seize a person, vessel or premises so it borders
can effectively deal with trans-border crimes which
have a bearing on national security in larger areas of
Mains Links:
the bordering states.
o For instance, the smuggling of narcotics, Q. Analyze the multidimensional challenges posed by exter-
arms and ammunition, fake currency and nal state and non-state actors, to the internal security of In-
other contraband items on the western and dia. Also, discuss measures required to be taken to combat
eastern borders of the country. these threats. (UPSC 2021)
• Gathering information: The BSF does not have the
responsibility only to apprehend the offenders while
committing trans-border crimes at the zero line,
o but also to gather information to neutral-

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Prelims Links: Recent projects Extreme Cold Weather Clothing Sys-

Q. Department of Border Management is a Department tem (ECWCS) (designed to protect
of which one of the following Union Ministries? (UPSC military personnel in harsh cold en-
2008) vironments); ‘Pralay’ missiles; Con-
(a) Ministry of Defence trolled Aerial Delivery System; Pinaka
(b) Ministry of Home Affairs Extended Range (Pinaka-ER) Multiple
(c) Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Launch Rocket System; Superson-
(d) Ministry of Environment and Forests ic Missile Assisted Torpedo System
Ans: B (SMART); Akash-NG and MPATGM
projects (guided missile technology);
9. VIJAY RAGHAVAN COMMITTEE AND Drone, Detect, Deter and Destroy (D4
System)
DRDO FUNCTIONING
2016: It successfully tested its first
Context: indigenously developed heavy-duty
The Prime Minister has urged the armed forces, military-ci- drone Rustom 2
vilian bureaucracy, and the Defence Research and Develop- 2018: DRDO co-developed INS Ari-
ment Organization (DRDO) to eliminate cost overruns and hant, India’s first nuclear ballistic mis-
project delays in defence manufacturing to make “Atmanir- sile submarine
bhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) successful. 2019: DRDO developed India’s first
anti-satellite system (Mission Shakti)
Previously, a committee led by Prof. K. Vijay Raghavan was
formed by the Ministry of Defence to review and restructure Issues with DRDO:
the functioning of the DRDO and the defence R&D ecosys-
Issues Description
tem in the country.
Inadequate Bud- The Standing Committee on Defence
What is DRDO? getary Support highlighted concerns about insuffi-
DRDO (est. 1958; HQ: New Delhi) is the R&D wing of the cient budgetary support for ongoing
Ministry of Defence, which aims to equip India with ad- DRDO projects.
vanced defence technologies, fostering self-reliance. DRDO Inadequate Man- DRDO faces challenges due to inade-
comprises over 50 laboratories focusing on diverse defence power quate manpower, particularly in criti-
disciplines such as aeronautics, electronics, and engineering cal areas, and a lack of proper syner-
systems. Motto- “Balasya Mulam Vigyanam” – “The source gy with the armed forces.
of strength is science” Cost Escalation E.g., the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)
and Delays Tejas project, initiated in the 1980s
Important programmes of DRDO: with the aim of creating an indig-
Programs Description enous supersonic fighter aircraft,
Integrated Guid- Initiated by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. faced significant delays and cost
ed-Missile De- Aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in overruns.
velopment Pro- missile technology. Developed mis- Big on Promise, DRDO has been criticized for making
gramme (IGMDP) siles: Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Akash, Small on Delivery significant promises but delivering
Nag less. Lack of accountability and re-
Mobile Autono- Smart robot for handling landmines percussions for overruns have been
mous Robot Sys- and IEDs. Assists Indian Armed Forces pointed out by entities like the Comp-
tem (MARS) in disarming explosive devices from troller and Auditor General (CAG).
a safe distance. Can be equipped for Obsolete Equip- Instead of focusing on cutting-edge
ground digging and IED defused. ment technology, DRDO has been accused
Highest Terrestrial Located at 17,600 feet near Pangong of tinkering with World War II-era
Centre in Ladakh Lake. Functions as a natural cold stor- equipment, leading to concerns
age unit for preserving natural and about the relevance and effective-
medicinal plants. ness of its projects.
Long-Term Trials The organization has faced criticism
for prolonged testing phases with-
out clear assurances of achieving the
desired end state.

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Comparison with DRDO is focused on too many tech- Mains Links:

ISRO nologies (defence, underwater, Q. What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over
space, equipment, etc.) whereas IS- Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to sta-
RO’s success is attributed to its sharp bility in the Indo-Pacific region. (UPSC 2020)
focus on space.
Topics: Various Security forces and agencies and their man-
While ISRO serves as the developer,
date.
launcher, and controller, ensuring
cohesiveness and persistence, DRDO,
being only the developer, faces chal- GENERAL STUDIES – 4
lenges in maintaining a seamless
transition from design to realization, 1. MULYA PRAVAH 2.0: VALUES AND ETH-
necessitating a revamp.
ICS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Key recommendations made by Vijay Raghavan’s commit- Context
tee for DRDO: The University Grants Commission (UGC) is pushing for val-
Category Key Recommendations ues and ethics in higher education through guidelines like
S t r u c t u r a l Formation of the Defence Technology Mulya Pravah 2.0.
Changes Council (DTC) headed by the Prime Minis-
ter, with the Defense Minister and National What is Mulya Pravah 2.0?
Security Advisor as Vice Presidents. It is a guideline issued by the University Grants Commission
DTC to determine the country’s defence (UGC) in India, aiming to instil human values and profession-
technology roadmap, decide on major al ethics in higher education institutions. It is a modified ver-
projects and their execution sion of the 2019 Mulya Pravah guideline.
Creation of a separate department under
Features of the guidelines:
the Defence Ministry, i.e., Department of
Defence Science, Technology, and Inno- Features Details
vation (DDSTI), to promote defence R&D Aim Inculcating human values and profes-
in the academic and start-up ecosystem, sional ethics in higher education insti-
serving as the secretariat for DTC. tutions to build value-based institutions
Research Fo- Concentrate on Intelligence, Surveillance, and promote constitutional values.
cus and Reconnaissance technologies. Guideline Ob- Instil deep respect for fundamental du-
Emphasize areas in life sciences. jectives ties and constitutional values. Develop
a culture of integrity, accountability,
Human Re- Hire 100 graduates from campuses on a
transparency, and inclusiveness in high-
sources contract every year.
er education institutions.
Strengthen DRDO’s lateral entry program.
Emphasis on Decision-making should be guided solely
Reduce the median age of DRDO to 35. Transparency by institutional and public interest, de-
Laboratories Restructure 41 DRDO labs into 10 nation- void of biases. Abolishment of discrim-
al labs, distributed in Delhi, Bengaluru (2), inatory privileges; emphasis on punish-
Hyderabad (2), Pune, Dehradun, Chennai, ing the corrupt.
Visakhapatnam, and Chandigarh. Core Values Institutions are urged to ensure integri-
ty, trusteeship, harmony, accountabili-
Other suggestions for improving the functioning of DRDO: ty, inclusiveness, commitment, respect-
DRDO’s restructuring, proposed by the 2007 committee fulness, belongingness, sustainability,
led by P. Rama Rao, advocates a leaner organization with constitutional values, and global citizen-
a commercial arm for profitability and project completion ship.
efficiency. Former DRDO chief V.K. Saraswat suggests the
Administrative Administration should prioritize trans-
establishment of a Defence Technology Commission and a
Accountability parency, fairness, honesty, and the high-
more significant role for DRDO in selecting production part-
est ethical standards. Refrain from mis-
ners. The organization’s 2021 HR policy focuses on knowl-
appropriation and reject gifts that may
edge sharing, open-book management, and participative
compromise impartial duties.
management, marking a positive step forward.
Insta Links:
• Defence Technology

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Confidentiality The guideline emphasizes maintaining For: Ethical concerns regarding Indian educational institu-
and Right to In- confidentiality and conflicting with the tions: Click Here
formation right to information. It mandates insti-
tutions to voluntarily disclose critical For: Reasons for Prevalence of Unethical Practices: Click
information for public scrutiny. Here
Teacher’s Role Teaching is a noble profession; teachers
For: The implications of the prevalence of unethical prac-
are expected to act as role models.
tices: Click Here
S t a k e h o l d e r The expectation for staff and student
Unions and As- unions to support the administration in Thinker view on values in Education:
sociations development activities.’
Scholar Perspective
Swami Emphasized character-building and moral
Vivekananda education for a strong and prosperous na-
tion. Education should focus on physical,
intellectual, and spiritual development.
Mahatma Stressed that education without values
Gandhi is incomplete. Advocated for values like
truth, non-violence, and compassion to
create a just and peaceful society. Charac-
ter development is vital in education.
Rabin- Advocated for holistic development, em-
dranath phasizing the significance of value educa-
Tagore tion. Education should harmonize individ-
uals with nature and society, fostering a
sense of responsibility.

Best practices in the world on education:

Country Approach
Japan “Moral education” focuses on cultivating
moral responsibility and social conscience.
Emphasizes values like honesty, kindness, and
respect.
Finland Holistic education includes value education as
a crucial part. Emphasis on character educa-
tion and ethical development is reflected in
high global rankings.
Australia The “Values Education” program aims at de-
veloping social and emotional intelligence.
Promotes values like respect, responsibility,
fairness, and compassion.
Singapore The “National Education” program aims at
Potential Issues with Guidelines developing national identity, social respon-
1. Lack of definition for ‘dignified manner’ may lead to sibility, and civic consciousness. Emphasizes
suppressing dissent. values like loyalty, resilience, and social har-
2. Associations and unions have faced bans, suspen- mony.
sions, and legal battles.
Canada Emphasis on developing moral reasoning
3. Guideline’s effectiveness hinges on sincere imple-
and ethical decision-making skills. The cur-
mentation efforts
riculum promotes values like empathy, jus-
4. Conflicts, such as the emphasis on confidentiality
tice, and inclusivity.
conflicting with the right to information
5. Reservations about unions’ limited role in protect-
Conclusion:
ing members’ rights.
The ultimate goal of education should be to enhance the
6. The guideline may face challenges in practical appli-
quality and integrity of the education system while protect-
cation.
ing individual rights and promoting a culture of accountabil-

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ity and transparency. by 2045.

Insta Links: Ethical Aspects of AI’s Impact on Labour:

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Ethical As- Implications on Labour
pects
Mains Links:
Job Displace- Potential ethical concerns regarding the
Q. Can ethics and morals be taught in educational institu-
ment social and economic impact of job losses
tions? If yes, make a case for introducing a course on ethics
due to AI automation.
right from school. (250 Words)
Wage Inequal- Ethical questions about fair compensa-
ity tion and addressing the widening gap in
2. EXAMPLES OF ETHICS wages, particularly in easily automatable
sectors.
Example 1: IAS Rajat Bansal (Development in Naxal Region)
In addressing the challenge of Naxal violence in Chhattis- R e t r a i n i n g Ethical imperative to provide accessible
garh, the district administration of Bastar launched Think-B, Opportunities and effective retraining opportunities to
a start-up incubator, to encourage youth entrepreneurship. facilitate workers’ transition to new roles.
Led by IAS Rajat Bansal, the initiative aims to provide em- Bias and Fair- Ethical considerations to address biases
ployment opportunities and tackle extremism through in- ness in AI systems that may affect hiring and
novative, development-focused solutions. employment practices, ensuring fairness.
Success: Think-B has mentored batches of entrepreneurs, Transparency Ethical concerns about the opacity of AI
resulting in successful startups like Zillusion Studios and algorithms, emphasise the need for clear
Mom’s Food Services. The approach highlights the transfor- communication and understanding of de-
mative power of good governance and development in ad- cision-making processes.
dressing complex issues, even in remote naxal areas. M u l t i d i s c i - Ethical responsibility to provide educa-
plinary Educa- tion that encompasses technical skills
Example 2: IAS Divya Iyer (Crowd Management) tion along with societal, ethical, and human-
In 2021-22, Sabarimala faced challenges during the Manda- istic aspects, preparing individuals for re-
la season due to disruptions like protests and floods. Crowd sponsible AI use.
management, crucial for safety, became a priority. IAS Divya
Iyer and the Pathanamthitta district administration suc- G o ve r n a n c e Ethical imperative for establishing gover-
cessfully conducted the yatra through strategic planning, and Regula- nance and regulations, such as the Har-
including coordination with 52 departments, a Safety Walk, tion monized Rules on AI, to ensure responsi-
landslide hazard mapping, and implementing the Sabari- ble and accountable AI deployment.
mala Virtual Queue System with COVID protocols. In De- The evolving nature of AI prompts the need for a multidis-
cember 2023, Sabarimala implemented the Tirupati model ciplinary approach in education, balancing technological
of a queuing system. advancements with ethical considerations. EU’s Harmonized
rules on AI (ACI Act 2023), aim to address socio-econom-
Divya emphasizes the importance of disaster management, ic benefits and potential risks. In the face of technological
including prevention, mitigation, and education. She be- change, Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) play a crucial
lieves continuous learning is essential for civil servants facing role in preparing a multi-skilled workforce for the future.
diverse challenges daily.
Insta Links:
Usage of examples: For Essays, Governance, and Ethics sec- • Can AI be Ethical and Moral?
tion of Mains examination as case studies and example-fod- • A new global standard for AI ethics
der for answers. Candidates will find it useful for framing re-
plies in interviews/ personality tests. 4. RELIGION, ETHICS AND THE SPIRIT OF
TRUTH
3. AI EFFECT ON LABOUR
Context:
Context: The article delves into the intricate connection between reli-
As AI, including generative AI like ChatGPT, becomes com- gion, ethics, and truth, emphasizing their significance in un-
mercially widespread, concerns arise regarding its impact on derstanding the human experience.
the job market.
Meaning of the terms:
Studies suggest potential automation of 60-70% of employ-
ee tasks by current AI, with projections of 50% automation

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Term Definition Example Vivekananda reminds us, “Follow truth wherever it may
lead you; carry ideas to their utmost logical conclusions.
Religion A set of beliefs, prac- Christianity involves
You must have a great devotion to your ideal, devotion not
tices, and values that worshipping Jesus
of the moment, but calm, persevering, and steady devotion,
centre around a high- Christ as the central
like that of a Chataka (a kind of bird) which looks into the sky
er power or a divine figure in religious prac-
amid thunder and lightning and would drink no water but
being. tices.
from the clouds.”
Ethics Moral principles guide Honesty and integrity
behaviour and deci- in business dealings Conclusion:
sion-making, distin- are ethical principles. The truth is that we all are human beings and for our sur-
guishing right from vival, we have to take care of each other. Religion and ethics
wrong. are for human beings’ benefit and this is the truth. We are
Truth The state of being in In science, the truth is beyond race, religion, caste, class, regionalism. We are only
accordance with facts determined through human beings. Neither more nor less. And we are complete-
or reality; the actual evidence and experi- ly dependent on nature. Even for oxygen. It is the only uni-
state of a matter. mentation. versal truth. Rest is man-made.

The Connection between religion, ethics, and truth: Insta links:

Religion often provides a framework for ethical guidelines. • MK Gandhi
The ethical principles derived from religious beliefs contrib-
ute to shaping individual and societal behaviours. Ultimate- CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT
ly, these three concepts are intertwined in shaping moral
conduct and guiding individuals towards what is considered
truthful and virtuous within their respective belief systems.
1. IAS OFFICER SUSHANT GAURAV
Who is God?
The simple answer is ‘God is truth and truth is God’. And Context:
when we say being ethical, we mean to bring the truth into IAS officer Sushant Gaurav, the Deputy Commissioner of
the frame of religion. According to Gandhiji, truth is God. Gumla in Jharkhand, has been credited for transforming the
According to Gandhiji truth in daily life is relative but through poverty-stricken district into the ‘Ragi Capital of India.’
relative truth, an absolute truth can be reached and this ob-
servation is the ultimate goal of life. Its attainment is the ul- Gaurav’s innovative approach shifted locals from water-in-
timate dharma of man and therefore he experimented with tensive paddy cultivation to a more sustainable model
truth only. of ragi cultivation. The district, once plagued by extreme
poverty and Naxalite insurgency, underwent a remarkable
Your Truth Vs My Truth turnaround under Gaurav’s leadership. For his efforts, he re-
In today’s world, truth is frequently challenged, causing ceived the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public
conflicts in personal, professional, and societal spheres. Administration. The shift to ragi cultivation brought nutri-
The global response to the pandemic highlights a universal tional benefits to the predominantly Adivasi population in
truth in vaccination. Some nations resort to propaganda and Gumla.
violence, suggesting a relative truth in the power of force
(e.g., Russia-Ukraine War, Israel-Palestine conflict). This era Usage: The example can be used to show the ethical values
witnesses widespread contestation of truth, leading to de- of Leadership, Innovation, Empathy, Social Responsibility,
ception and denial. The ethical dilemma arises when indi- and Public Service Excellence.
viduals and nations harm innocents in the pursuit of their
perceived truths, prompting a crucial self-reflection on the 2. NOBEL PRIZE WINNER MUHAMMAD
morality of such actions. YUNUS
Swami Vivekananda’s Message Context:
The spiritual path leads to truth and peace only. Vivekanan- Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus was sentenced to six
da said, “Do not care for doctrines, do not care for dogmas, months in jail by a Bangladesh court for violating labour
or sects, or churches, or temples; they count little compared laws.
with the essence of existence in each man which is spiritu-
ality; and the more this is developed in each man, the more Why is Yunus facing judicial cases?
powerful is he for good.” Yunus faces charges, including corruption and fund embez-
zlement. The court found his company, Grameen Telecom,

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guilty of labour law violations. professional excellence in 2020.

However, supporters claim the case is politically motivated Ethical Values: She reflects ethical values such as pioneering
due to his strained relationship with Prime Minister Sheikh leadership as the first woman to hold top police posts, ded-
Hasina, who accused him of exploiting the poor. In August ication to public service through outreach programs, com-
last year, over 160 personalities like Barack Obama and ex- mitment to accessibility in policing, and handling high-pro-
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, signed a joint letter de- file cases with integrity.
nouncing the “continuous judicial harassment” of Yunus.

Contributions of Yunus: 4. COEXISTENCE BETWEEN WARLI TRIBES

Muhammad Yunus, through his innovative microfinance
model, particularly with the establishment of Grameen
AND LEOPARDS
Bank, has made significant contributions to alleviating pov-
Context:
erty. His approach of providing small, collateral-free loans to
The article discusses the peaceful coexistence between Ma-
the poor, especially women, has empowered millions of en-
harashtra’s Warli tribe and leopards near the Sanjay Gandhi
trepreneurs who wouldn’t qualify for traditional bank loans.
National Park (SGNP).
For his work, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006
Unlike common fear, Warlis worship leopards as Waghoba,
Other famous personalities facing issues in their own coun-
considering them part of their environment. Despite Mum-
try:
bai having a high leopard density, the Warlis share space
Name Details with leopards, taking precautions like keeping children in-
Alexei Na- Russian opposition leader and anti-corrup- doors after 6 pm. Encounters are common, and the Warlis
valny tion activist; faced imprisonment and legal revere leopards, with shrines dedicated to Waghoba.
challenges in Russia.
Aung San Former Myanmar leader and Nobel laure- Other tribes co-existing with animals are:
Suu Kyi ate; detained and faced charges following a Tribe Animal Coexistence Examples
military coup in Myanmar in 2021 Bishnois Bishnois revere blackbucks, protecting
Liu Xiaobo Chinese human rights activist and Nobel (Rajasthan) them from harm.
Peace Prize laureate; imprisoned for advo-
Jarawas (Anda- Jarawas live in harmony with diverse
cating political reform.
man Islands) wildlife on the Andaman Islands. They
Raif Badawi Saudi Arabian blogger and activist; jailed for maintain sustainable hunting practices
promoting free speech and political reform and have minimal impact on the environ-
in Saudi Arabia. ment.
Mahsa Ami- She was a women’s rights activist. Following Van Gujjars Nomadic Van Gujjars coexist with ele-
ni her death in the Police Custody, civil unrest (Uttarakhand) phants in the Himalayan forests. They
and protests began against the government follow traditional practices, respecting
of the Islamic Republic of Iran but were sup- wildlife habitats and minimizing conflicts.
pressed by September of 2023.
Mishing Tribe Mishing people in Assam coexist with the
(Assam) Gangetic River dolphin. They consider
3. NINA SINGH the dolphin sacred and have rituals that
promote its conservation.
Context:
Kani Tribe Kani tribe in the Western Ghats coexists
Nina Singh, a 1989 batch IPS officer of the Rajasthan cadre,
(Kerala) with elephants and other wildlife.
has made history as the first woman to head the Central In-
dustrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for securing Delhi
Metro and airports nationwide.
About Warli Tribe:
Originally from Bihar, Singh, who served as a special DG with The Warli tribe, one of Maharashtra’s largest, resides on
the CISF since 2021, has an impressive career. She was the the outskirts of Mumbai in the North Sahyadri region. Re-
first woman to hold the top police post in Rajasthan, played nowned for their Warli wall paintings dating back to the
a key role in developing an outreach program for the State 10th century AD, the art depicts daily life and surround-
Women’s Commission, collaborated with Nobel laureates ings. Utilizing natural materials and colours, the tribe em-
Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo, and worked on proj- ploys bamboo brushes in their distinctive paintings.
ects to enhance police accessibility. Singh, associated with
high-profile cases, received the ‘Ati Utkrisht Seva Medal’ for

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5. HENRY FORD Cultural Im- Recognition of the tiger’s role in India’s

portance religious and mythological iconography
In 1914, Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motors, made a led to increased public and political sup-
ground-breaking decision to more than double the minimum port.
daily wage of his workers from $2.34 to $5. This move at-
tracted widespread attention and varied reactions, with Ford About Jim Corbett National Park
being both praised as an “inspired millionaire” and accused Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, later declared
of socialist tendencies. The motivation behind this wage a Tiger Reserve in 1973, Jim Corbett National Park is India’s
increase was rooted in Ford’s introduction of the moving first national park and the inaugural participant in the Proj-
assembly line in 1913, revolutionizing car production and ect Tiger initiative. Located in the Shivalik hills of the Hima-
reducing the time to build a Ford Model T from 12 hours to layas, it spans Pauri Garhwal, Nainital, and Almora districts
just ninety minutes. in Uttarakhand. Recognized for its global prominence, the
reserve recorded an impressive increase in tiger density,
Despite concerns about costs, the wage hike proved benefi- reaching 260 in 2022 from 231 four years earlier.
cial for Ford. Total costs decreased, and the company expe-
rienced a surge in productivity, doubling profits within two
years. This strategic move to improve worker retention and
increase efficiency through higher wages was considered by 7. NATIONAL CANCER GRID
Ford as one of his best cost-cutting decisions.
Cachar Cancer Centre in Assam, are reducing cancer drug
Usage: The example can be used to showcase the values of costs through the National Cancer Grid. This collaborative
Productivity with Purpose, Equity and Inclusion, Social Re- effort involves bulk buying drugs, cutting costs by over 85%,
sponsibility, Employee Welfare and Fair Compensation and making cancer treatments more affordable for patients,
especially in smaller towns and rural areas.
6. INITIATIVES AT THE CORBETT TIGER RE- The initiative is led by Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai,
SERVE (CTR) covering a range of generic drugs. The success has attracted
Context: interest nationwide, with plans to expand to over 100 drugs
The Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) in India showcases a suc- and consider broader cancer care purchases.
cessful revival of tiger populations through wildlife conser-
vation efforts. R Ravi Kannan (Ramon Magsaysay Award for 2023), leading
the hospital’s operations, credits the initiative to cut cancer
Initiatives taken at CTR: drug prices for enabling the purchase of quality medicines
Initiatives Description and providing free treatment to more patients.
Digital and Adoption of electronic-eye under project
Intensive Pa- E-eye and increased foot patrols to com- Usage: The innovative example can be used to showcase
trolling bat poaching and monitor wildlife move- how to address the financial burden on families and the chal-
ment. lenge of accessing treatment in remote areas.
Habitat Man- Meticulous management of grasslands
About National Cancer Grid
agement and water resources, including the devel-
National Cancer Grid (NCG) is a network of major cancer
opment of palatable grasses and water-
centres, research institutes, patient groups and charita-
holes for the prey base.
ble institutions across India with the mandate of establish-
Strategic Cor- Establishment of wildlife corridors to fa- ing uniform standards of patient care for the prevention,
ridors cilitate movement, reduce inbreeding, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, providing specialized
and contribute to healthier tiger popula- training and education in oncology and facilitating collabo-
tions. rative basic, translational and clinical research in cancer. It
C o m m u n i t y Introduction of the “Living with Tigers” was formed in August 2012. It has been established by: the
Initiatives initiative and the beehive fencing project Department of Atomic Energy and with the grant support of
“Corbee Honey” to mitigate human-wild- Tata Memorial Centre.
life conflicts.
The “Living with Tigers” initiative focus-
es on cultivating safe practices and be-
8. JAPANESE CULTURAL PRACTICES AND
haviours amidst human-wildlife conflict ITS USE FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT
scenarios.
Context:
A recent fire incident involving a Japan Airlines (JAL) Airbus

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A350 and a De Havilland Dash 8 turboprop aircraft at Ha- Usage: The example shows the values such as cultural pride,
neda airport in Tokyo. Despite the severity of the incident, unity, resilience, commitment to her community, commit-
most passengers on the JAL aircraft survived, highlighting ment to cultural preservation and ethical responsibility.
several factors contributing to their safety.

Factors Contributing to Passenger Safety in JAL Aircraft In- 11. PEOPLE’S MANIFESTO FOR A JUST,
cident EQUITABLE AND SUSTAINABLE INDIA
1. Japanese Culture: The Japanese cultural practice
of ‘Kiritsu,’ emphasises self-discipline in various as-
Context:
pects of life. The crew’s presence of mind and disci-
The “People’s Manifesto for a Just, Equitable and Sustain-
plined evacuation procedures played a crucial role.
able India” is a response to India’s crises, released by 85
2. Superior Aircraft Technology: Modern aircraft like
movements and organizations under Vikalp Sangam. Fo-
the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 use advanced ma-
cused on ecological sustainability, dignified livelihoods,
terials, such as carbon fibre composites, which have
and democratic values, the manifesto advocates policy
lower burning temperatures compared to traditional
shifts, emphasizing small manufacturing, crafts, and commu-
aluminium.
nity-led initiatives.
3. Cabin Crew Competence: The cabin crew’s compe-
It addresses concerns about authoritarianism, decentraliza-
tence, guided by safety training, played a significant
tion, and societal vulnerabilities. The manifesto presents a
role.
21-point charter, urging citizens to actively engage in shap-
4. Safety Training and Track Record
ing a just and sustainable future.
Usage: The example can be used in DM/ Ethics (to show val- Category Solutions Suggested by the ‘People’s
ues such as discipline, quick thinking, and safety conscious- Manifesto’
ness in Japanese culture) Governance a) Power to Local Bodies: Real devolu-
tion of financial and legal powers to vil-
9. LILY GLADSTONE lage and urban assemblies.
b) Transparency and Accountability:
Lily Gladstone made history at the 2024 Golden Globes as Comprehensive laws ensuring state
the first Indigenous person to win best actress in a motion agency accountability, including public
picture drama. She began her acceptance speech in the audits.
Blackfeet language, translating to a standard greeting ex- c) Independent Institutions: Reviving
pressing love and identity. the independence of the Election Com-
mission and media.
What is the Blackfeet language? Environmental a) Sustainable Policies: Urging a national
It is the native language of the Blackfeet people, an Indig- Issues land and water policy emphasizing con-
enous group in North America. It is spoken by the Blackfeet servation and community-led efforts.
Nation, primarily in the United States and Canada.
b) Organic Farming: Proposing conver-
sion to organic farming by 2040.
Usage: Using indigenous language on such a mainstream
stage, will help inspire indigenous youth, and help in pre- c) Renewable Energy: Advocating for de-
serving the Indigenous Blackfeet language. centralized renewable energy and phas-
ing out fossil fuels by 2030.
Others a) Economic Reforms: Focusing on job
10. HANA-RAWHITI MAIPI-CLARKE creation in small manufacturing and
crafts, extending employment guaran-
Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, at 21, became New Zealand’s tees to urban areas.
youngest MP in 170 years, making history during the recent b) Social Justice: Addressing inter-faith
national elections. In her inaugural speech, she performed conflicts, prioritizing marginalized
the traditional Maori haka, emphasizing her commitment groups’ rights, and suggesting increased
to her constituents and her role as a guardian of the Maori spending on education and health.
language, land, and wisdom. c) Decentralization: Seeking fuller imple-
mentation of panchayat laws and a Na-
Maipi-Clarke’s achievements include managing a Maori tional Environment Commissioner role.
community garden and authoring a book. Her lineage in-
cludes notable figures advocating for Maori rights and cul-
tural preservation.

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12. WOMEN COMMANDOES IN MAOIST Life brings Promotes a simple, virtuous life between
REGION sorrow; over- extreme austerity and luxury. Encourag-
Context: come desire es a citizen-centric governance approach
In the Dandakaranya forest near Gadchiroli district, Maha- where the right speech, conduct, and live-
rashtra, 11 women officers from the Maharashtra police, in- lihood can make administration more re-
formally called commandos, stand ready at an outpost near sponsive and service-driven.
the Maoist frontier. Trained in jungle warfare and weapon- Four Noble Offers a path to the end of suffering, em-
ry, they are part of a 200-strong security force facing the Truths and phasizing the right views, aspirations,
Maoist headquarters in the ‘unknown hills.’ E i g h t - F o l d speech, action, livelihood, effort, mind-
Path fulness, and concentration. These prin-
Passionate about their role, these women commandos are ciples are relevant in promoting scientific
safeguarding a ballistic-proof outpost established within temper, mindfulness, and a spirit of inqui-
24 hours in November. This groundbreaking move aims to ry in contemporary society.
transform the region, previously labelled a ‘Liberated Zone,’ Middle Path Advocates a middle path between ex-
bringing development and security to the people in sur- treme lifestyles. Pertinent to sustainable
rounding villages. development, it provides a solution to
issues like consumerism, climate change,
Values: The article shows the values of Dedication and Ser- and corruption. Encourages a balanced
vice, Courage and Determination, and Community Impact approach to address societal challenges.
Pursuit of a Promotes eliminating discrimination
13. STEEL SLAG ROAD just and egal- against vulnerable sections, fostering
itarian society inter-faith harmony, and advocating for
Context: peace. Encourages a spirit of love towards
India’s first National Highway Steel Slag Road section on all living beings and emphasizes the law
NH-66, connecting Mumbai to Goa, has been inaugurated, of karma to curb wars, terrorism, extrem-
showcasing a pioneering eco-friendly initiative. ism, and violence.
Welfare for All Lord Buddha taught us, ‘भवतु सब्ब मंगलम’:
The ground-breaking technology, developed by CSIR-CRRI, which means blessings, compassion and
transforms waste from the steel industry into a valuable re- welfare of all.
source for constructing robust and environmentally friend-
ly national highways. The bituminous steel slag road, con-
structed with 28% less thickness than conventional roads, 15. BAMBOO COMPOSITES
demonstrates cost-efficiency and enhanced durability.
Context:
Usage: The example highlights the values of sustainability,
During the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023,
innovation, and collaboration. Key values include efficiency,
Know-How Technology on “Bamboo Composites” was trans-
cost-effectiveness, and durability in road construction.
ferred.

14. THE BUDDHIST VOICE OF GLOBAL What are Bamboo Composites?

SOUTH Bamboo composites are industrial products developed us-
ing an environmentally friendly technique that involves
Context: processing bamboo, a natural and versatile resource.
The vice president addressed the 12th General Assem-
bly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP) in Bamboo, declared as grass, matures in 3-4 years, making it
New Delhi. Emphasizing India’s leadership role in the Global a rapid and sustainable source. The technology involves cut-
South, he highlighted the theme “ABCP - The Buddhist Voice ting bamboo poles, splitting them, removing knots, treating
of Global South.” them chemically for protection, converting them to fibrous
form, and finally, creating composite materials through com-
Teachings of Buddha: paction under heat and pressure. These composites resem-
Teachings Current Relevance ble teak wood, offering durability, dimensional stability, high
strength, fire resistance, and a natural appearance. They
can be used in various applications, including panel boards,
beams, pillars, doors, and more.

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Usage: Such examples can be used in Essay/Environment 18. NATIONAL GIRL CHILD DAY (NGCD)
Questions to show sustainable solutions, which can also help
improve the income of bamboo farmers.
Context:
It is observed annually on January 24, and sheds light on
16. BOEING SUKANYA PROGRAM challenges faced by girls in Indian society.

Established in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child De-

Context:
velopment, NGCD advocates for equal opportunities in ed-
PM inaugurated the Boeing India Engineering & Technology
ucation, healthcare, and nutrition. It commemorates the in-
Center (BIETC) campus in Bengaluru, and the launch of the
augural anniversary of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Scheme
Boeing Sukanya Program to promote the entry of girls into
launched on January 22, 2015, aiming to improve the child
India’s aviation sector.
sex ratio and empower girls and women. The day also holds
significance as it marks the anniversary of Smt. Indira Gand-
The program aims to empower girls and women in STEM
hi took the oath as the first woman Prime Minister of India
fields, offering training for aviation jobs. It includes creating
on January 24, 1966. NGCD promotes equal opportunities
STEM Labs at 150 locations to foster interest and providing
for the girl child while raising awareness about the injustices
scholarships for women training to be pilots. India boasts a
they face.
noteworthy 15% of female pilots, three times the global av-
erage. While female enrollment in STEM courses has risen to
Activities this year:
over 42% in 2021-22, workforce participation remains at a
The government urged states and union territories to con-
modest 14% in 2021.
duct a five-day campaign at the grassroots level to raise
awareness about the importance of the girl child. The
Usage: The example can be used to show how foreign invest-
campaign includes various activities, such as Gram Sabha
ments can help drive economic as well as social changes in
or Mahila Sabha, oath-taking ceremonies, workshops on
India
menstrual hygiene, and celebrating local champions in edu-
cation, sports, social welfare, and community mobilization.
17. ARTIFICIAL GREENING AND PLANTA-
Quotes on Girl Child:
TIONS 1. “Empower a girl, empower a nation. The strength of
our future lies in the hands of every girl child.”
Context:
In India, invasive alien plant species are displacing native 2. “Girls are not just a part of the story; they are the
vegetation, posing a significant threat to wildlife by disrupt- storytellers, shaping the narrative of a better tomor-
ing natural habitats and depleting essential food sources. row.”

A study suggests that about 66% of the country’s natural 3. “Girls are not liabilities; they are assets that enrich
systems are infested by 11 invasive species, compromising the fabric of society with their intelligence and com-
or threatening two-thirds of the available food for wild ani- passion.”
mals. The invasion is driven by human actions, including hor-
ticultural practices and land-use changes. Usage: The examples can be used in Essays/ Ethics (value of
gender equality)/ Case studies etc.
What is Artificial greening and plantations?
It refers to human-initiated efforts to introduce or pro- 19. SCREEN TIME FOR CHILDREN
mote specific vegetation in an area, often for ecological
restoration, aesthetic purposes, or to address environmen- Context:
tal issues. These practices involve planting selected plant During the seventh edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha, the
species, typically non-native or commercially valuable ones, Prime Minister emphasized the importance of quality sleep
to modify or enhance the existing vegetation in a particular for students, sharing a personal insight that he falls asleep
area. within 30 seconds of going to bed.

While some experts view artificial greening as a way to eco- He cautioned against excessive screen time, noting its po-
logical restoration, livelihood enhancement, Aesthetic Land- tential to disrupt sleep patterns, and advocated for a bal-
scaping, Erosion Control, etc. But artificial greening if done anced lifestyle. The message serves as a timely reminder for
with non-native species can have an irreversible impact on students, parents, and teachers to prioritize restful sleep as
the overall ecological landscape. a crucial component of overall well-being.

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Excessive screen time among children has been associated of Ghazni.
with a range of negative impacts on their physical and men-
tal well-being. The prolonged use of screens, particularly for The Maru-Gurjara or Solanki style architecture showcases
activities such as gaming or social media, has been linked to exquisite craftsmanship from the Golden Age of Gujarat.
health issues like obesity, sleep disorders, depression, and Recognized as a Monument of National Importance, it was
anxiety. Moreover, it negatively influences their cognitive listed on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list in De-
development, reducing essential social skills such as empa- cember 2022.
thy by limiting face-to-face interactions.
The annual Uttarardha Mahotsav dance festival is organized
To address these concerns, WHO guidelines recommend at the temple by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat. Oth-
no screen time for babies under 2 years old, with limited er notable Sun Temples in India include Konark, Martand,
screen time for those aged 2 to 4. Additionally, implement- Katarmal, Dakshinarkaa, Bhramanya, Surya Prahaar, Sury-
ing parental controls and filters can help block access to un- anar Kovil, and Suryanarayana temples.
suitable content and products, ensuring a healthier screen
time experience for children.
2. THE KHARSAWAN MASSACRE OF 1948
FACTS FOR PRELIMS Context:
On January 1, 1948, Kharsawan in present-day Jharkhand
GS-1 witnessed a massacre similar to the Jallianwala Bagh inci-
dent.
• During a protest against the merger of Kharsawan
1. SURYA NAMASKAR with Orissa, police opened fire on a gathering of
Adivasis, killing hundreds or possibly thousands.
Context:
Gujarat set a Guinness World Record with over 50,000 peo- Background:
ple performing ‘Surya Namaskar’ simultaneously at 108 • The demand for a separate tribal state had been
venues. ongoing since 1912, gaining momentum over the
• The main event took place at Modhera Sun Temple years.
in Mehsana district. • Kharsawan’s merger with Orissa triggered the pro-
test, with over 50,000 tribals assembling, expecting
About Surya Namaskar: leader Jaipal Munda.
• However, his absence led to unrest, and police fired
Surya Namaskar, also known as Sun Salutation, is a yogic on the crowd, resulting in numerous casualties.
practice that involves a series of 12 postures or asanas. The
practice is said to pay respect to the sun. A memorial now stands at Kharsawan, and the day is ob-
served as a day of mourning and remembrance in the Kol-
han region of Jharkhand.

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, also known as the Amritsar

Massacre, occurred on April 13, 1919. British troops opened
fire on a peaceful crowd of unarmed Indians who had gath-
ered to protest the Rowlatt Act and the arrest of pro-inde-
pendence activists.

3. DIVYA KALA MELA 2023

Context:
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabil-
ities (Divyangjan) is set to inaugurate the Divya Kala Mela
2023 in Bengaluru.
About the Sun Temple: • ‘Divya Kala Melas’ organized across India is part of
Built in 1026-27 CE during Bhima I’s rule in the Solanki dy- the initiative to empower Persons with Disabilities
nasty, the Modhera Sun Temple is a protected monument (PwD) during the year 2023-2024.
managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. Divided into
Gudhamandapa, Sabhamandapa, and Kunda, it’s believed About Divya Kala Mela:
to commemorate the defence of Modhera against Mahmud • Around 100 Divyang artisans from 20 states/UTs

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will display their products in categories such as Malacca Strait The Andaman Sea and South China
home décor, clothing, stationery, eco-friendly
Sea
items, packaged food, organic products, toys, gifts,
and personal accessories. Bab el-Mandeb Strait Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
• The Mela will also feature cultural activities and English Channel North Sea and English Channel
performances by Divyangjan artists, providing a
platform for marketing and showcasing their skills. Taiwan Strait East China Sea and South China
Sea
Cook Strait Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean
4. MAHARISHI VALMIKI INTERNATIONAL Torres Strait Coral Sea and Arafura Sea
AIRPORT Davis Strait Baffin Bay and Labrador Sea
Palk Strait Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mannar
Context: GI tag products
The Prime Minister inaugurated the newly constructed Ayo-
dhya Airport, naming it Maharishi Valmiki International Context: Seventeen products have been awarded the Geo-
Airport. graphical Indications (GI) tag
State/UT Short Description
Maharishi Valmiki is a legendary poet and the traditional
author of the epic Ramayana. He is known as the Adikavi, or Odisha Lanjia Saura paintings: Wall mural art with
“First Poet” because he is credited with discovering the first spiritual importance.
śloka, or verse, which defined the form of Sanskrit poetry. Dongaria Kondh shawl: Unique and an-
cient knitted shawls reflecting culture and
Maharishi Valmiki is highly respected in Hindu culture for his beliefs.
contribution to literature and his role in preserving the sto- Khajuri Guda: Natural sweetener made
ry of Lord Rama. The Valmiki Ramayana is one of the foun- from date palm juice.
dational texts of Hindu philosophy, morality, and spirituali- Dhenkanal Magji: Milk product.
ty, and it continues to be a source of inspiration for millions
of people. Similipal Kai Chutney: Chutney is made
from indigenous Kai fruit.
Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal: Vegetable
5. BAB EL-MANDEB STRAIT crop with prickly thorns.
Koraput Kalajeera Rice: Rice variety from
Context: Koraput.
Explosions were reported near a cargo ship in the Bab A r u n a c h a l Handmade Carpets: Artisan-crafted car-
el-Mandeb Strait on January 2, according to the UK Mar- Pradesh pets.
itime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The ship was travelling Wancho Wooden Craft: Ethnic art prac-
between the coasts of Eritrea and Yemen. ticed by Wancho tribes.
Adi Kekir (Ginger): Ginger variety.
What is a Strait?
A strait is a narrow, naturally formed waterway that con- West Bengal Tangail Saree, Garad Saree, Korial Saree:
nects two larger bodies of water, typically seas or oceans. Traditional sarees.
They can be formed by a variety of geological processes, such Kalonunia Rice: Rice variety.
as tectonic activity, erosion, or the submersion of land. Sundarban Honey: Honey from the Sund-
arbans
The Strait of Bab el-Mandeb is a crucial maritime choke-
J&K Anardana: Pomegranate product from
point, connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the
Ramban.
Indian Ocean.
Gujarat Kachchhi Kharek: Local product from Guja-
Important Straits of the World are: rat.
Strait Connecting Water Bodies
About GI Tags:
Strait of Gibraltar Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic A Geographical Indication (GI) is a designation used on prod-
Ocean ucts with a specific geographical origin, indicating qualities
Bosporus Strait Black Sea and Sea of Marmara or reputation linked to that origin. Internationally recognized
Strait of Hormuz Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman under the Paris Convention, GI is part of Intellectual Prop-
erty Rights (IPRs), covered by the WTO’s TRIPS Agreement,

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Madrid Agreement, and Lisbon Agreement. 8. HARVEST FESTIVAL: MAKAR SANKRAN-
In India, GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indi-
TI, PONGAL, LOHRI AND MORE
cations of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999.
Administered by the Registrar of Geographical Indications
Context:
(RGI), it identifies agricultural, natural, or manufactured
January 14 marks the significance and celebration of festivals
goods, providing legal protection for 10 years, renewable.
such as Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Lohri, which are ob-
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal
served across India.
Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, oversees GI reg- • The festivals mark the transition of seasons, symbol-
istration, offering protection against unauthorized use, pro- izing the end of winter and the onset of warmer
moting exports, and ensuring quality and distinctiveness. months.
• Makar Sankranti and Pongal are associated with the
6. KADAMBA DYNASTY northward journey of the sun (Uttarayan), signify-
ing longer days and the shift towards the Capricorn
zodiac sign.
Context:
An inscription believed to be from the 10th century A.D.
Features:
Kadamba period, written in Kannada and Sanskrit, has been • The festivals follow the solar cycle and are celebrat-
discovered in the Mahadeva temple at Cacoda in southern ed on almost the same day each year.
Goa. • Rituals include bathing in sacred rivers, offering Na-
• The inscription commemorates the death of Gun- ivedhya to the Sun god, charity, Shraddha rituals,
dayya, son of Talara Nevayya, who fought and died and breaking fast during Punya Kaal, with variations
fulfilling his father’s desire to capture a gopura of across regions.
the port of Goa. • In Tamil Nadu, the four-day Pongal festival involves
cleaning houses, decorating entrances, and celebrat-
About Kadambas of Goa: ing the toil of bulls on the third day.
• The Kadambas of Goa were originally subordinates • Special dishes like Pongal (rice mixed with boiled
of the Chalukyas of Kalyana, a powerful dynasty in milk and sugar), lemon and tamarind rice, vadas,
medieval India. and Payasam are prepared.
• Kadamba Shasthadeva, a prominent figure among • Various regional customs include door-to-door ex-
the Kadambas, was appointed as the mahaman- changes of plates containing sugarcane, sesame
daleshwara of Goa by Chalukyan emperor Tailapa seeds, and jaggery, symbolizing sharing and spread-
II. ing happiness.
• Kadamba Shasthadeva, in alliance with the Chaluk- • Kite-flying occurs in Rajasthan and Gujarat, and sky
yas, achieved military success by overthrowing the lanterns are flown in the evening.
Rashtrakutas.
• He conquered the city of Chandavara in 960 A.D.
and later expanded his conquests to the port of Go-
pakapattana, which is the present-day Goa. 9. SHANKARACHARYA
Context:
7. CHANDUBI FESTIVAL The four Shankaracharyas, leaders of Hindu mathas (mon-
asteries) in Dwarka, Joshimath, Puri, and Sringeri, have de-
Context: cided not to attend the inauguration of the Ram temple in
The Chandubi Festival is a vibrant event held near Chandubi Ayodhya.
Lake in Assam’s Kamrup district. • The Shankaracharyas are heads of the mathas be-
• Celebrated for the past 14 years, the festival show- lieved to be founded by the eighth-century scholar
cases Assamese culture with activities such as folk Adi Shankara.
music performances, traditional dance shows, local • The mathas, considered centres of knowledge,
handicraft exhibitions, and Assamese cuisine stalls. trace their lineage to Adi Shankara, fostering Hindu
• The festival has been providing an opportunity to traditions and philosophy.
generate livelihood for different tribes –Rabhas,
Garos, Gorkhas and tea tribes.

Chandubi lake:
• It was created during a massive earthquake in the
year 1897.
• It is a very prosperous wetland of the state that
houses numerous species of aquatic flora and fau-
na.

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Trade Marks (CGPDT) of India.
• This makes Kachchhi Kharek the second fruit from
Gujarat to receive a GI tag, following Gir kesar man-
go in 2011.

12. INDIA METEOROLOGICAL DEPART-

MENT
Context:
10. VADNAGAR The India Meteorological Department (IMD) celebrated its
150th year of establishment and service to the nation.
Context:
A joint study led by the Indian Institute of Technology About India Meteorological Department:
(Kharagpur) has uncovered evidence of a human settlement • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is
in Vadnagar, dating back to 800 BCE. the primary government agency for meteorology
• The study indicates cultural continuity in Vadnagar and related topics.
after the Harappan collapse. • It is responsible for weather forecasting, seismolo-
• The research spans 3,000 years, revealing the rise gy, and meteorological observations.
and fall of different kingdoms and recurrent inva- • The IMD was established in 1875 by the Govern-
sions linked to changes in climate, such as rainfall ment of India. Its parent organization is the Minis-
or droughts. try of Earth Sciences. The IMD’s subsidiaries include
• The findings challenge the notion of a “Dark Age” the Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai and
and suggest a cultural continuity in India for the the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
last 5,500 years.
• The excavation at Vadnagar unveiled artefacts, pot-
teries, copper, gold, silver, iron objects, intricately 13. VEERABHADRA TEMPLE IN LEPAKSHI
designed bangles, and a Buddhist monastery.
Context:
About Vadnagar: The Prime Minister visited the Veerabhadra temple in Lep-
Vadnagar is a town and municipality in the Mehsana district akshi, Andhra Pradesh, during his 11-day special ritual for
of Gujarat, India. Vadnagar’s ancient names include Anarta- the consecration of Lord Ram’s idol at the Ayodhya Ram
pura and Anandapura. temple.
Vadnagar is home to many popular places, including Hat- • Lepakshi holds significance in the Ramayana, and its
keshwar Temple, Kirti Toran, and Sharmishtha Talav. name, meaning ‘Rise, oh bird’ in Telugu, is a tribute
to Jatayu, the mythical bird who fought Ravan.
• According to the Ramayana, Jatayu fell wounded in
Vadnagar and Modhera’s Sun Temple were recently added to Lepakshi after battling Ravan, and it is here that he
the UNESCO World Heritage Sites tentative list. informed Lord Ram about Sita’s kidnapping.
• The temple is believed to have preserved the foot-
11. KACHCHHI KHAREK prints of Goddess Sita.

Context:
Kachchhi Kharek, the indigenous variety of dates from
Kutch, Gujarat, has been granted a geographical indication
(GI) tag by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and

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About Chittorgarh Fort:
Chittorgarh Fort, also known as Chittod Fort, is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. It’s located in the city of Chittorgarh,
Rajasthan.
The fort was built in the 7th century by various Maurya rul-
ers and is the largest fort in India.

15. GURUVAYUR TEMPLE

Context:
The Prime Minister visited the Sreekrishna Temple in Guru-
vayur, Thrissur district.

About Lepakshi Temple:

The Veerabhadra Temple, also known as the Lepakshi Tem-
ple, is located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh.

The temple was built in 1533 by the Vijayanagara rulers. It

is known for its architecture, which includes hanging pillars
and cave chambers.

The temple is dedicated to Virabhadra, a fierce incarnation

of Lord Shiva. The temple’s architectural features are in the
Vijayanagara style, with carvings and paintings on almost
every exposed surface.
The main shrine is of Lord Shiva, and there are also shrines
to Ganesha and Durga.

The Guruvayur Temple is a Hindu temple in Guruvayur, Ker-

14. CHITTORGARH FORT ala, India.
It is dedicated to Guruvayurappan, a form of Vishnu, also
Context:
known as Krishna. The presiding deity is depicted in a stand-
The Supreme Court of India has banned the mining of lime-
ing posture with four hands holding Shankh, Sudarshana
stone by blasting or using explosives within a five-kilometre
Chakra, Lotus and Mace. It is carved out of a stone named
radius of the compound wall of Chittorgarh Fort in Rajas-
Patala Anjana.
than.
In 1931-32, Sathyagraha was launched under Kelappan
• It emphasized the threat to the fort’s existence due
to unscientific mineral exploitation and directed a (Kerala Gandhi) to secure the entry of untouchables into the
multidisciplinary study of environmental pollution temple.
and its impact on structures. It led to the Travancore Temple Entry Proclamation in 1936.

16. TRADITIONAL BUFFALO FIGHT (MOH-

JUJ)
Context:
The Assam Government reinstated the traditional buffalo
fight (Moh-Juj) after a nine-year hiatus, following a Supreme
Court ban on similar events in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

The event, held in Ahotguri, Nagaon district, aimed to re-

vive Assam’s cultural traditions. The Supreme Court had
previously outlawed such events but, in May of the previous
year, upheld amendments allowing traditional bull-fights in
certain states.

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About Moh-Juj plantations, include a higher quantity of tubers in their
It was introduced by the 30th Ahom king Swargadeo Rudra diet compared to Soligas.
Singha nearly 200 years ago and is celebrated as a sport in • They consume mushrooms during the monsoon season,
Ahatguri during Magh Bihu, a significant harvest festival and their settlements are called ‘Kunju.’
in Assam held in January–February. The buffalo fight tour-
naments in Ahatguri have been a tradition since 1972. The
event is part of the cultural celebration of Magh Bihu. 18. MADHIKA LANGUAGE
About the wild buffalo (Bubalus arnee) Context:
It primarily inhabits alluvial grasslands, marshes, swamps, The Chakaliya community in the remote colony of Kooka-
and river valleys. It is listed as “Endangered” on the IUCN nam, near Karivellur grama panchayat in Kannur, is facing
Red List, under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, the imminent extinction of its unique language, Madhika.
1972, and included in Appendix III of CITES. • The language, has no script and is a blend of Telugu,
Tulu, Kannada, and Malayalam, will be lost soon.
About Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960: • Despite its diverse influences, Madhika is losing
ground among the younger generation, who prefer
An Act to prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suf-
mainstream languages like Malayalam.
fering on animals and to amend the law relating to the pre- • The Chakaliya community, considered untouch-
vention of cruelty to animals. ables in the past, faced social stigma, contributing
to the neglect of their language.
Animal Welfare Board of India vs A Nagaraja, (2014)
Case: The Supreme Court banned the use of bulls and bull-
ocks in “entertainment activities” such as Jallikattu and bull-
19. SRIRANGAM TEMPLE
ock cart racing, among others. However, later jallikattu got
an exemption from the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act
Context:
(1960).
The Prime Minister visited Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy
Temple, marking the first visit by a serving Prime Minister to
the temple, according to temple priests.
17. SOLIGAS AND YERAVAS
Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, also known as Srirangam
Context: Temple, is a Hindu temple in Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil
The Soligas and Yeravas, indigenous groups living in the Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Ranganatha, a form of Vish-
Western Ghats, forage foods from the biodiversity-rich re- nu. The temple is considered the first and most important
gion, forming a significant part of their diets. of the 108 main Vishnu temples.
• The recently launched book “Forgotten Trails: Forag-
ing Wild Edibles” chronicles the diverse foods for- It is constructed in Dravidian style and temple Complex has
aged by these tribes, emphasizing the importance
21 sculpted Gopurams, 50 sub-shrines, and 9 sacred pools
of preserving traditional knowledge and addressing
the impact of land use changes and shifting policies (tanks).
on their food sources.
Situated on island of Srirangam bounded by Cauvery and
About Soligas: Kollidam (tributary of Cauvery) Rivers.
• The Soligas are an indigenous community residing in
the Cauvery Basin and surrounding hills of peninsular
India.
• The Soligas speak Sholaga, belong to the Dravidian fam-
ily, and practice a blend of naturism, animism, and Hin-
duism, with Madeshwara as their primary deity.
• Notably, they are the first tribal community within an
Indian tiger reserve to have their forest rights formally
acknowledged by a court of law.

About Yeravas:
• The Yeravas, another indigenous community in the same
region, migrated from Wayanad district in Kerala and
settled in Kodagu district.
• They speak the Revula language, practice Hinduism, and
believe in spirits residing in natural elements.
• Yeravas, often agricultural labourers in coffee and tea

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20. BHARAT RATNA KARPOORI THANKUR 22. STONE INSCRIPTIONS OF GRANTHAM

Context: Context:
The Centre has announced the posthumous award of the A research team from Tamil Nadu has discovered two stone
Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur, former chief minister of inscriptions near Kangayam in Tamil Nadu.
Bihar, on his birth centenary. • The inscriptions include an 11th-century Grantham
• Known as “Jannayak” (leader of the people), Thakur and a 16th-century Tamil inscription.
was a prominent backward caste leader in Bihar.
• Thakur’s radical policy decisions, including remov- About Grantham Inscriptions:
ing English as a compulsory subject, implementing • The Grantham inscriptions, created by Tamils for
alcohol prohibition, and introducing a layered res- writing the North Indian language, were found near
ervation system, had a significant impact. the Amman shrine inside the Siva Temple.
• The stone, bears graffiti marks and writings on all
About Bharat Ratna: four sides, depicting symbols such as standing
The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India, lamps, ‘Trishul,’ conch, and moon symbols.
awarded by the President of India.
It is conferred “in recognition of exceptional service/per- About Tamil inscription found:
formance of the highest order” without distinction of race, • The 16th-century Tamil inscription, found inside the
Vishnu temple, provides historical details about
occupation, position, or sex. pottery-making and a donation for lighting the per-
petual lamp in the temple.
The award was established on January 2, 1954, by the first
President of India, Rajendra Prasad.
Initially, the Bharat Ratna was only awarded for exceptional
services in the fields of science, arts, literature, and public
services, but the criteria were later expanded to include any
field of human endeavour.

The recipients receive a certificate signed by the President

and a medallion. The number of annual awards is restricted
to a maximum of three in a particular year. It does not carry
any monetary grant. It is not a title under Article 18.

21. ‘SAPINDA’ MARRIAGES

23. GALLANTRY AWARDS
Context:
The Delhi High Court has affirmed the constitutional validity Context:
of a provision in the Hindu Marriage Act that prohibits ‘sap- The President has approved Gallantry awards for 80 Armed
inda’ marriages, those between individuals related through Forces personnel, including 12 posthumous honours, on
ancestors unless their custom permits. the eve of the 75th Republic Day.
• These awards comprise six Kirti Chakras (three post-
What is ‘Sapinda’ marriage? humous), 16 Shaurya Chakras (two posthumous),
53 Sena Medals (seven posthumous), one Nao Sena
‘Sapinda’ marriages refer to unions between individuals who
Medal (Gallantry), and four Vayu Sena Medals (Gal-
are closely related through their common lineal ancestors. lantry).
According to the Hindu Marriage Act, individuals are consid-
ered ‘sapindas’ if one is a direct ancestor of the other within About Gallantry awards
specified limits or if they share a common lineal ascendant They are announced twice a year (on Republic Day and In-
within the ‘sapinda’ relationship boundaries. The Act aims to dependence Day). Gallantry awards are honours conferred
regulate such unions to prevent potential issues and ensure upon individuals, particularly members of the military or
adherence to recognized customs. security forces, for acts of exceptional bravery, courage,
and valour displayed in the face of danger or during active
Sapinda’ relationship extends up to the third generation combat.
through the mother’s line and the fifth generation through
the father’s line.

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24. KUTIA KONDH TRIBE Components Hill Forts: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad,
Rajgad, and Gingee forts; Hill-forest fort:
Context: Pratapgad; Hill-plateau fort: Panhala;
Two individuals from the Kutia Kondh community, con- Coastal fort: Vijaydurg; Island forts: Khan-
sidered one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups deri, Suvarnadurg, and Sindhudurg
(PVTGs) in Odisha, have been invited as special guests to at- Geographi- Across diverse regions in Maharashtra and
tend the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. cal Distribu- Tamil Nadu. Except for Gingee Fort, all forts
• Every year, representatives from PVTGs are invited
by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs for Republic tion are from Maharashtra
Day events. E s t a b l i s h - In 1670 CE during the reign of Chhatrapati
About Kutia Kondh: ment Period Shivaji Maharaj, persisted until 1818
The Kutia Kondh community is located in the Belaghara area Significance Strategic Utilization of Terrain: Utilized ex-
of Kandhamal district in Odisha. isting terrain for guerrilla warfare against
The Kutia Kandha are a major section of the Kandha tribe Mughals and European coastal powers
who speak Kui, a Dravidian language. They are known for
Unique Mil- The Maratha Empire’s warfare strategy is
their buffalo sacrifice ritual, called “Kedu” to worship their
itary Legacy a unique example with global significance
Earth Goddess”.
Recognition Included in the Tentative List of World Heri-
tage Sites in 2021
25. PADMA AWARDS 2024
Major Forts Raigad: Coronation site of Chhatrapati Shi-
Context: vaji Maharaj; Shivneri: Birthplace of Shivaji;
The President approved 132 Padma awards, including five Sindhudurg: Built on an island in the Konk-
Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan, and 110 Padma an region; Pratapgarh: Site of the encoun-
Shri awards. The list features 30 women, nine from the cat- ter between Shivaji and Afzal Khan
egory of “Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI,” and nine posthumous Nomination Cultural property for UNESCO World Heri-
awardees. Category tage List
About Padma Awards
It is among India’s highest civilian honours, announced an- India has 42 World Heritage Sites (WHS), with 34 cultural
nually with brief interruptions in 1978-1979 and 1993-1997. sites, seven natural sites, and one mixed site. In Maharashtra,
Instituted in 1954 with three classes, renamed in 1955 as cultural WHS include Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Elephanta
Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. They Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victo-
recognize exceptional service in various fields like art, social ria Terminus), and Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles
work, science, sports, civil service, etc., and are conferred of Mumbai. The natural WHS is the Western Ghats spanning
without being a title under Article 18. The announcement is Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Ker-
made on Republic Day each year. ala.

26. MARATHA MILITARY LANDSCAPES

GS-2
Context:
India has proposed the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ as its
nomination for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List 1. INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE
for the 2024-25 cycle.
(ICJ)
Aspect Details
About The Maratha military landscape was con- Context:
ceived by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in South Africa recently moved to file a case against Israel at
1670 CE. Crafted between the 17th and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of
19th centuries, the Maratha Military Land- genocide.
scapes represent an exceptional fortifica- • South Africa has expressed strong support for Gaza
tion and military system envisioned by the and criticized Israel’s actions on the basis of 1948
Maratha rulers. Genocide Convention.
• South Africa’s historical solidarity with Palestine is
There are three categories of nomination- attributed to its own experience of discrimination,
cultural, natural and mixed. Maratha Mili- alignment with anti-discrimination activism, and
tary landscapes (developed between the opposition to Western influence
17th and 19th centuries) are nominated in
the cultural category. 1948 Genocide Convention, which defines genocide as acts

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committed with the intent to destroy a national, ethnic, ra- points for the January-March quarter ahead of the 2024 Lok
cial, or religious group. Sabha polls. The new interest rate is 8.2%, up from the pre-
vious 8%.
About the scheme:
Objective Aims to ensure equitable share to a girl
child in resources and savings of a fam-
ily.
Scheme Small deposit scheme for a girl child
launched under the “Beti Bachao, Beti
Padhao” initiative. Offers a higher in-
terest rate than PPF, exclusive to girls
below 10 years with a longer lock-in
period.
Start Date 2015
I n v e s t m e n t Small deposit account. The scheme
Type offers income tax benefits under Sec-
tion 80C. Interest earned through the
Sukanya Samriddhi Account is tax-free.
Withdrawals can be made after the ac-
2. NATIONAL TRANSIT PASS SYSTEM count holder turns 18, with a maximum
annual withdrawal limit of 50% of the
Context: balance.
The Indian government has introduced the National Tran-
Where Post office and selected banks
sit Pass System (NTPS), a unified platform for the seamless
transport of forest goods across the country through a sin- Max Number of 1 account per girl, Maximum of 2 girl
gle permit. Accounts children
• Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Cli- Age Eligibility From birth to 10 years of the girl’s child
mate Change, inaugurated the system, emphasizing
Min. Deposit Rs. 250 per year (Previously Rs. 1000),
its role in promoting transparency and simplifying
transportation processes for forest and agro-forest- further multiples of Rs. 100
ry businesses. Max. Deposit Rs. 1.5 lakh per year
Interest Rate subject to annual changes
Features:
Partial With- 50% allowed at the age of 18 years of
• The NTPS operates as a web portal and mobile ap-
plication, enabling online filing of applications for drawal the girl
permission to transport forest products and obtain Maturity 21 years from the date of account open-
no-objection certificates (NOCs). ing or marriage, whichever is earlier
• The system replaces the need for merchants and
farmers to obtain permits from multiple states for
inter-state transportation of forest and agro-forestry 4. BHARATIYA NYAY SANHITA (BNS) FOR
products. HIT-AND-RUN CASES
• The QR-coded permits issued by NTPS are ma-
chine-readable and can be decoded by any state Context:
forest department in the country, streamlining the Truck, bus, and tanker drivers across India are protesting
process and reducing the time taken to obtain per-
mits. against the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita
(BNS) for hit-and-run cases.
The initiative aims to facilitate one-nation-one-pass trans-
portation for forest products, enhancing the ease of do- What is a Hit and Run Case?
ing business for timber merchants and farmers involved in A hit-and-run case refers to a situation where a person in-
agro-forestry. volved in a road accident leaves the scene without stopping
to identify themselves or render assistance to the injured
parties.
3. SUKANYA SAMRIDDHI YOJANA (SSY)
SCHEME What are Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) provisions for hit-
and-run cases?
Context: The government has increased the interest rate BNS has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code and im-
on the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) scheme by 20 basis poses stringent regulations, including up to 10 years of im-

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prisonment or a fine of Rs 7 lakh (under Section 106 of the prescribed by the Centre, in consultation with the CJI.
act) for drivers causing serious accidents who fail to inform
the authorities. Constitutional provisions
• Free Legal Aid: Article 39A emphasizes the need for
The increase in sentence duration to 10 years is based on accessible justice, ensuring free legal aid for the
the Supreme Court’s recommendations for stricter actions poor and weaker sections of society
against reckless drivers who flee accident scenes. • Articles 14 and 22(1): Promoting equality and in-
formed rights for all under
Why are truck Unions Protesting? About the Act:
Truck drivers fear additional criminal liability under Section Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 gives a statutory base
106, leading to a call for a strike. to legal aid programs, ensuring free and competent legal
services for various eligible groups. NALSA, constituted in
Solution: 1995, monitors and evaluates the implementation of legal
The government held talks with the All-India Motor Trans- aid programs nationwide. State Legal Services Authorities
port Congress, and plans to implement BNS only after con- and District Legal Services Authorities are established to ex-
sulting. ecute NALSA’s policies and provide legal services at the state
The issue questions whether the law should increase jail and district levels.
terms for accidents and emphasizes the need for a compre-
hensive accident prevention policy covering imprisonment, 7. REGISTERED UNRECOGNISED POLITICAL
compensation, and safety.
PARTIES (RUPPS)
5. SMART 2.0 Context:
The Election Commission of India has introduced new rules
Context: for the allocation of symbols to Registered Unrecognised
The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences Political Parties (RUPPs).
(CCRAS) and the National Commission for Indian System
of Medicine (NCISM) have jointly launched the ‘SMART What are RUPPs?
2.0’ (Scope for Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research among RUPPs, or Registered Unrecognised Political Parties, include
Teaching professionals) program. newly registered parties, those not meeting the vote per-
• This initiative aims to foster collaborative clinical centage for state party status, or those never contesting
studies in priority areas of Ayurveda with academic
elections post-registration.
institutions and hospitals across India.
The goal of ‘SMART 2.0’ is to generate tangible evidence
Only 30% of RUPPs participated in the 2019 Lok Sabha elec-
demonstrating the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic inter-
tion. They are governed by the Representation of the Peo-
ventions through interdisciplinary research methods, trans-
ple Act (RPA) of 1951. Common symbols are provided to
lating the findings into public healthcare.
RUPPs based upon an undertaking that they would put up
The previous version, ‘SMART 1.0,’ covered around 10 dis-
“at least 5% of total candidates with regard to said Legisla-
eases with active participation from teaching professionals.
tive Assembly election of a State”.

What are the new rules?

6. SUPREME COURT LEGAL SERVICES COM- Under new rules effective from January 11, 2024, Regis-
MITTEE (SCLSC) tered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) must provide
audited accounts of the last three financial years, expendi-
Context: ture statements of the last two elections, and the authorized
Supreme Court judge Justice BR Gavai has been nominated office-bearer’s signature for symbol allocation. Once these
as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Com- details are furnished, RUPPs become eligible for the con-
mittee (SCLSC), succeeding Justice Sanjiv Khanna. cession of common symbol allotment, allocated as per the
Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order, 1968.
What is SCLSC?
The Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC) was 8. PRERANA PROGRAM
established under Section 3A of the Legal Services Author-
ities Act, 1987, to provide “free and competent legal ser- Context: The Ministry of Education, Government of India,
vices to the weaker sections of society.” has launched the ‘Prerana: An Experiential Learning Pro-
The committee is composed of Chairperson BR Gavai and gram’ with the aim of providing a meaningful, unique, and
nine members nominated by the Chief Justice of India (CJI). inspiring experience to selected students from classes IX to
It has the authority to appoint officers and employees as XII.

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Features of the program: 10. INLAND WATERWAYS DEVELOPMENT
• It is a week-long residential initiative held at a Ver-
nacular School where students will be guided by COUNCIL
mentors from prestigious institutions.
• The curriculum, rooted in nine value-based themes, Context:
includes activities such as yoga, mindfulness, med- The first Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) in
itation, experiential learning, thematic sessions, Kolkata, was recently launched for the development of river
and visits to ancient heritage sites. cruise tourism in India.
• The program encourages participants to embody • The IWDC also launched the ‘Harit Nauka’ guide-
the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and con- lines and the ‘River Cruise Tourism Roadmap, 2047.’
tribute to building a developed India. • The roadmap aims to enable capacity in 26 addi-
tional waterways, increase the number of cruise
circuits, and enhance infrastructure, with the goal
of significantly boosting cruise tourism traffic and lo-
9. PRITHVI VIGYAN SCHEME cal cruise tourism on National Waterways.
• The IWDC was organized by the Inland Waterways
Context: Authority of India (IWAI).
The Indian government, has launched “PRITHvi VIgyan” • The government has undertaken various measures,
scheme for the Ministry of Earth Sciences. including the Jal Marg Vikas Project, to enhance the
• The scheme, to be implemented between 2021-26, role of inland waterways and increase the modal
aims to study the atmosphere, ocean, weather, and share of Inland Water Transportation (IWT) from
Earth system sciences. 2% to 5%.
• The objectives include enhancing long-term obser-
vations of the Earth System, developing modelling
systems for weather prediction, exploring polar 11. PRASADAM
and high seas regions, and developing technology
for oceanic resource harnessing. Context:
It encompasses five ongoing sub-schemes: ACROSS, India’s first healthy and hygienic food street, ‘Prasadam,’
O-SMART, PACER, SAGE, and REACHOUT was inaugurated by the Union Minister for Health & Family
Welfare.
Program Description
• Prasadam aims to connect citizens across the coun-
Atmosphere & Climate For Research and Develop- try with pure and safe local and traditional food,
Research-Modelling Ob- ment (R&D) of dynamical promoting healthy eating habits.
serving Systems & Ser- models and providing forecast • The food street includes facilities such as a kids’ play
vices (ACROSS) services. area, drinking water, CCTV surveillance, parking,
public conveniences, and seating spaces.
Ocean Services, Mod- For technology development • The event also featured the launch of ‘The DART
elling Application, Re- for oceanic applications, ser- Book’ by the Food Safety and Standards Authority
sources and Technology vices (forecast and adviso- of India (FSSAI), providing consumers with simple
(O-SMART) ries), and R&D activities in the tests to check common food adulterations at home.
marine and coastal environ- • Additionally, a mobile food testing van called Food
ment. Safety on Wheels (FSW) was introduced to conduct
training and awareness activities in remote areas,
Polar Science and Cryo- Comprising the Antarctic pro-
addressing adulteration issues.
sphere Research (PACER) gram, Indian Arctic program,
Southern Ocean program, and
Cryosphere and Climate pro- 12. RIGHT TO RESIDE
gram.
Context:
Seismology and Geosci- Encompasses 6 activities in-
The Delhi High Court has ruled that a foreigner cannot claim
ences (SAGE) cluding Seismological moni-
the right to reside in India under Article 19(1)(e) of the Con-
toring and microzonation, and
stitution, which grants all citizens the right to reside and set-
Setting up a facility for geo-
tle in any part of India.
chronology. • The judgment came during the hearing of a habeas
Research, Education, Incorporating R&D in Earth corpus petition filed by the uncle of Azal Chakma, a
Training and Outreach System Science (RDESS), de- suspected Bangladeshi national, alleging Chakma’s
(REACHOUT) veloping Skilled manpower in illegal custody.
Earth System Sciences, etc. • The court emphasized that a foreign national can-
not assert the right to reside in India and referred
to the Supreme Court’s decision, stating that the In-
dian government’s power to expel foreigners is ab-
solute and unlimited.

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Article 19(1)(e) of the constitution grants the right to reside Fee and Infrastruc- Centres can charge fair fees, pro-
and settle in any part of the territory of India as a funda- ture vide receipts, mention courses,
mental right under the Right to Freedom. and duration, and maintain basic
infrastructure.
However, Reasonable restrictions on this right can be im-
Fee Refund Clause Refund the remaining fee with-
posed by law-
in 10 days if a student leaves the
in the interest of the general public, or for the protection of
course midway after paying the
interest of any Scheduled Tribe.
entire fee.
Basic Infrastructure Allocate a minimum of one square
13. GUIDELINES FOR COACHING CENTRE and Study Hours meter per student, comply with
fire safety, and limit study hours.
Context:
The Ministry of Education has sent to states/UTs for consid- Timetable of Coach- Class schedules should not over-
eration guidelines for coaching centres. ings lap with regular school hours.
Rest Period Mandatory weekly offs for both
Education comes under Concurrent List status, with coach- students and tutors.
ing institutes falling under state/UT jurisdiction. Class Sizes Maintain sizes for a healthy teach-
er-student ratio.
Need for Guidelines:
Qualificaiton of tutor No coaching centre shall engage
Regulation is deemed necessary due to recent incidents, in-
tutors having less qualification
cluding fire-related deaths and suicides, coupled with con-
than graduation.
cerns about methodologies and excessive fees. The aim is
to address misleading ads under the Consumer Protection Advertisement No coaching centre shall make
Act, offer career guidance, and psychological counseling, and misleading promises or guarantee
align with the National Education Policy (2020) emphasizing of rank or good marks to parents/
formative assessment over summative assessment to dis- students for enrolling them in the
courage a ‘coaching culture.’ coaching centre
Penalty for Violations First offence: ₹25,000; Second Of-
Key features of the Guidelines: fence: ₹1 lakh; Repeated Breach-
Guidelines Details es: Revocation of Registration.
Definition of Coach- Tuition, instructions, or guidance Mental Health of Stu- Establish committees for com-
ing in any branch of learning to more dents plaint redressal, avoid undue pres-
than 50 students, excluding cer- sure, and provide assistance to
tain activities. students in distress.
Definition of Institu- School or any educational institu- Other Remedial Steps Remedial classes, spaced-out cur-
tion tion recognized or controlled by riculum, weekly offs, no tests/
the State/UT Government. exams after weekly offs, festival
leaves, limited daily class hours,
Definition of Tutor The person guiding or training appropriate timing, co-curricular
students in any coaching centre, activities, counselling sessions,
including those providing special- and non-publication of assess-
ized tuition. ment results.
Definition of Univer- University established by or under
sity a Central Act, a Provincial Act, or a
State Act.
14. ALLIANCE FOR GLOBAL GOOD- GEN-
DER EQUITY AND EQUALITY
Registration of Prior registration is required for
Coaching Center maintaining a coaching centre. Ex-
Context:
isting centres must apply within
India launched the “Alliance for Global Good- Gender Equi-
three months.
ty and Equality” at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2024
For States States/UTs were urged to Develop in Davos.
an Online Registration Portal for
Coaching Centers More about the initiative:
For Coaching Centers Led by the Union Minister of Women & Child Development,
the alliance aims to promote women-led development

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globally. The alliance focuses on global best practices, Sathee Portal Developed in collaboration with IIT Kan-
knowledge sharing, and investments in women’s health, ed- pur, this portal assists students preparing
ucation, and enterprise. Aligned with G20 Leaders’ Declara- for competitive exams nationwide, includ-
tion, it reflects India’s commitment to women-led develop- ing in their native language
ment. Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,
anchored by the CII Centre for Women Leadership, WEF acts Q. Which of the following provisions of the Constitution
as a ‘Network Partner,’ and Invest India as an ‘Institutional does India have a bearing on Education? (UPSC 2012)
Partner.’ 1. Directive Principles of State Policy
2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies
The initiative reinforces India’s commitment to global coop- 3. Fifth Schedule
eration and the overarching WEF theme, ‘Rebuilding Trust.’ 4. Sixth Schedule
The launch was complemented by a women’s leadership 5. Seventh Schedule
lounge (We Lead lounge) at WEF, featuring discussions and Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
showcasing products by women entrepreneurs. (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2 and 5 only
15. DIGITAL STUDY MATERIAL IN INDIAN (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
LANGUAGES Ans: D

Context: Mains Links

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has instructed schools and Q. How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the
higher education institutions, including regulators like UGC, functioning of the education system in the country? Elabo-
AICTE, NCERT, NIOS, IGNOU, and prominent educational in- rate on your answer. (UPSC 2020)
stitutions, to provide digital study material for all courses in
Indian languages within the next three years. 16. PRADHAN MANTRI SURYODAYA YO-
JANA
The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes multilin-
gualism at all education levels. Article 350 A of the Constitu- Context:
tion mandates education in the mother tongue for children The Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana, launched recently,
from linguistic minority groups at the primary stage. The aims to provide rooftop solar panels for consumers.
Right to Education Act 2009 recommends using the mother • The scheme intends to supply power to households
tongue as the medium of instruction whenever possible. through solar rooftop installations and offers addi-
tional compensation for excess electricity output.
Initiatives in Education:
Initiative Description Key Features:
• The goal is to install rooftop solar on 1 crore hous-
PM e-Vidya A comprehensive initiative under Atma es, providing 1 crore families access to rooftop solar
Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan (2020) for digi- energy.
tal/online/on-air education. Offers multi- • The scheme is designed to benefit poor and mid-
mode access to education for students dle-income households, helping them reduce elec-
across all states at no cost. tricity bills.
Anuvadini (AI Translation of Engineering, Medical, Law,
based App) UG, PG, and Skill books through an AI- This initiative follows the government’s 2014 Rooftop Solar
based app. Programme.
e-KUMBH Launched by AICTE to provide free access
About solar rooftop system:
Portal to technical education books in various In-
A solar rooftop system consists of solar modules, solar in-
dian languages.
verter(s) and other electrical components such as meter(s),
DIKSHA Por- Offers study material for school education cables etc.
tal in over 30 Indian languages. Solar Photovoltaic modules and allied electrical equipment
Bhasha Sagar A project aimed at developing a mobile are installed on residential and commercial rooftops and
Project application and a web-based platform for connected to the power grid.
learning Indian languages. These are known as Grid connected Rooftop Photovoltaic
Natural Lan- A mission facilitating access to teaching systems (GRPV).
guage Trans- and research material across all regional
lation languages.

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17. SURROGACY ACT, 2021 should be addressed through the Arbitral Tribunal
as agreed upon in the employment contracts, dis-
Context: missing the maintainability of the pleas.
The Union Health Ministry has requested data from all States
Article 226 of the Constitution of India gives High Courts
and Union Territories regarding the number of couples and
the power to issue writs, orders, and directions to enforce
single and unmarried women who have successfully availed
fundamental rights and other purposes. This includes the
surrogacy under the Surrogacy Act, 2021, and the number
power to issue writs to any person or authority, including
of couples and single women who have opted for Assisted
the government.
Reproductive Technology (ART) under the ART Act, 2021.
Article 226 gives High Courts extraordinary jurisdiction to
The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 is a law that regulates
address legal injury. This allows the High Court to consider
and promotes surrogacy in India. The law also prohibits
public interest and equity when making decisions.
commercial surrogacy and regulates in vitro fertilization
(IVF) clinics.
The purpose of the ART Act is to regulate and supervise as-
sisted reproductive technology (ART) clinics and banks in In- 20. AMU MINORITY STATUS DISPUTE
dia. The Act also aims to ensure that ART practices are safe
and ethical. Context:
The legal dispute over Aligarh Muslim University’s (AMU)
minority status is currently under consideration by a sev-
18. STANDARDS MACHINE APPLICABLE en-judge Supreme Court Bench led by Chief Justice D.Y.
READABLE AND TRANSFERABLE (SMART) Chandrachud.

Context: Background to the issue:

The Director General of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), The dispute over AMU’s minority character originated in
advocates for the implementation of the SMART (Standards legal challenges to the AMU Act of 1920, with significant
Machine Applicable Readable and Transferable) approach amendments in 1951 and 1965. Changes included replacing
to make Indian standards easily readable and understand- the ‘Lord Rector’ with a ‘Visitor’ (President of India) and al-
able for all stakeholders. lowing non-Muslims in the University Court. The SC’s 1967
• A SMART standard initiative by the International ruling held that AMU, being a central university, couldn’t
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the Interna-
be considered a minority institution. This raised questions
tional Organization for Standardization (ISO), em-
phasises machine interpretability and readability about AMU’s minority character, challenging the notion that
as key factors. its establishment solely relied on the efforts of the Muslim
• There is a need for accessible standards, especially minority. In 1981, AMU was recognized as an “institution of
for sectors dominated by small enterprises, which national importance” by the Union government.
constitute more than 80% of the licenses granted
by BIS. Following the SC’s 1967 ruling, protests erupted and it led
to an amendment affirming AMU’s minority status in 1981.
However, the Allahabad High Court nullified the 1981 Act in
19. SOUTH ASIAN UNIVERSITY 2005, rejecting the reservation. In 2019, a three-judge Bench
referred the dispute to a seven-judge Bench.
Context:
The Delhi High Court has observed that the South Asian Uni- Observations by SC in the case:
versity (SAU) has the status of an “international organisa- Observations Supreme Court’s Stance
tion” and is entitled to “privilege and immunity” from the On Minority The court emphasized that regulation by
writ jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of In- Status statute doesn’t diminish minority status.
dia. Article 30 doesn’t mandate exclusive ad-
• The university is characterized as an internation-
ministration by the minority community.
al institution, deriving its powers from a 2007 in-
ter-governmental agreement. Article 30(1) of the Constitution grants
religious and linguistic minorities the right
Background: to establish and administer educational
• This came during a hearing on pleas by SAU’s asso- institutions of their choice
ciate professors, who faced show cause notices for
their alleged involvement in a student protest.
• The court stated that SAU enjoys international orga-
nization privileges and immunities, and the dispute

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Can have Sec- A minority institution can have a secular tal (MOA) College established by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in
ular Adminis- administration and admit students from 1875 to address educational backwardness among Muslims.
tration diverse communities; it need not exclu- In 1920, an Act of the Indian Legislative Council granted the
sively offer religious courses. University status, transforming it into Aligarh Muslim Univer-
sity (AMU).
Majority Com- The presence of majority community
munity in Ad- members in administrative roles doesn’t
ministration necessarily dilute the minority character 21. INITIATIVES FOR COURTS IN INDIA
of educational institutions.
Context:
Constitutional and Statutory Provisions regarding minorities Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Diamond Ju-
in India: bilee celebration of the Supreme Court and launched multi-
ple technology initiatives.
Provisions Details
Article 29 Grants the right to conserve distinct Initiatives Include:
language, script, or culture for any sec-
Initiative Description
tion of citizens in India. Protects both
religious and linguistic minorities. The Digital SupremeProvides free and electronic access
term ‘section of citizens’ includes both Court Reports (Digi
to Supreme Court judgments for cit-
minorities and the majority SCR) izens.
Article 30(1) Empower religious and linguistic mi- Digital Courts 2.0The e-Courts project, aims to pro-
norities to establish and adminis- vide district court judges with elec-
ter educational institutions. Ensures tronic court records and utilizes Ar-
non-discriminatory aid from the Union tificial Intelligence (AI) for real-time
government. speech-to-text transcription.
Article 25 Protects freedom of conscience and The E-Court project is a Pan-India
the practice, profession, and propaga- initiative led by the Department of
tion of religion. Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice,
to digitally transform and enable
Article 26 Grants religious denominations the
District Courts nationwide through
right to establish and maintain institu-
Information and Communication
tions for religious and charitable pur-
Technology (ICT)
poses.
For Supreme Court New Website of Supreme Court: Re-
Article 27 Provides freedom from compulsory
designed website available in English
payment of taxes for promoting any
and Hindi, featuring a user-friendly
particular religion.
interface.
Article 28 Allows freedom regarding attendance
Approved 800cr fund for the expan-
at religious instruction or worship in
sion of the Supreme Court building
certain educational institutions.
complex.
National Com- Established in 1992 under the NCM Act.
mission for Mi- Advises central and state governments Other initiatives:
norities (NCM) on the welfare and development of mi- 1. National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG): Online database
nority communities. Initially covered for orders, judgments, and cases created under the
Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, e-Courts Project.
and Parsis; Jains were included in 2014. 2. National Service and Tracking of Electronic Process-
SC: TMA Pai For Article 30 rights, religious and lin- es: Technology-enabled platform for process serving
Case guistic minorities should be considered and issuing summons.
state-wise. 3. AI-powered portals:
SC: Inamdar The state cannot impose reservation a. SUPACE (Supreme Court Portal for Assis-
Case policy on minority and non-minority tance in Court’s Efficiency).
unaided private colleges. Reservation b. SUVAS (Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad Soft-
in private, unaided educational institu- ware): AI-trained machine-assisted transla-
tions was declared unconstitutional. tion tool.

About AMU: About the Supreme Court of India:

AMU traces its origins to the Muhammadan Anglo-Orien- The Indian High Courts Act of 1861 established high courts,
replacing Supreme Courts in Calcutta, Madras, and Bom-

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bay, along with sadar adalats in presidency towns. The Fed- pending investigation against other accused.
eral Court of India, created under the Government of India
Act 1935, became the highest court until the establishment Default bail, also known as statutory bail, is a right to bail
of the Supreme Court on January 28, 1950. The Supreme that arises when the police fail to complete an investigation
Court replaced both the Federal Court and the Judicial Com- within a specified period. This right is enshrined in Section
mittee of the Privy Council. Initially seated in the Chamber 167(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
of Princes, it moved to its present premises in 1958. The em-
blem features the Lion capital of Ashoka at Sarnath with a
wheel having 32 spokes.
GS-3
22. ECOWAS 1. RADIOCARBON DATING
Context: Context:
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have abruptly withdrawn from Radiocarbon dating is a scientific method that utilizes the
the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), isotope carbon-14 to determine the age of organic mate-
citing it as a “sovereign decision.” rials.
The military regimes in these Sahel nations, grappling with • Carbon-14 is created in the Earth’s atmosphere
jihadist violence and economic challenges, have strained re- when cosmic rays interact with nitrogen-14 atoms,
lations with ECOWAS since recent coups. Facing suspensions producing carbon-14.
and sanctions, the three nations have solidified their stance • This isotope enters the food chain through plants,
and formed an “Alliance of Sahel States.” animals, and other biomass.

Previously, ECOWAS had suspended members like Mali, How Radiocarbon Dating works:
Guinea, and Burkina Faso following coups in those countries, • The process involves measuring the remaining
refusing to recognize their new governments. amount of carbon-14 in an organic sample.
• While the organism is alive, it constantly exchanges
carbon with its surroundings.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) • When it dies, this exchange stops, and the concen-
is a regional bloc established in 1975 with the goal of pro- tration of carbon-14 in the body decreases over
moting economic integration among its 15 member coun- time due to radioactive decay.
tries in West Africa. • By measuring the remaining carbon-14, scientists
1. Members: These countries include Burkina Faso, Mali, can estimate the time since the organism’s death.
Niger (all three now left it), Cape Verde, Benin, Cote The advent of radiocarbon dating is considered a revolution
d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Li- in archaeology and geology, providing an objective and nu-
beria, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Togo. merical dating method for organic remains.
2. Aim: ECOWAS aims to achieve a single common currency
and create a large trading bloc in various sectors like in- 2. CHAMELEON TROJAN
dustry, transport, telecommunications, energy, finance,
and culture. Context:
A new version of the ‘Chameleon Trojan’ malware has been
23. DEFAULT BAIL discovered by security researchers, capable of disabling bio-
metric authentication methods such as fingerprint and face
Context: unlock to steal a phone’s PIN.
The Supreme Court of India ruled that an accused cannot • The malware attaches itself to legitimate Android
seek default bail based on the grounds that the investiga- apps like Google Chrome to evade detection, run-
tion is pending against other accused or that the charge ning code in the background.
sheet filed by the probe agency is incomplete. • It uses the Accessibility service to gain unauthorized
access, showing an HTML page with instructions on
• The court stated that the benefit of the proviso enabling the service in newer Android versions.
appended to sub-section (2) of Section 167 of • Chameleon Trojan collects sensitive information,
the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) is avail- such as PINs and passwords, and tracks user app us-
able to the offender only when no charge sheet age habits to launch attacks when the device is least
is filed, and the investigation is pending against likely to be in use.
them. To protect against this malware, users are advised to avoid
• Once a charge sheet is filed, this right cease, unofficial app sources, refrain from enabling the Accessibil-
and the accused cannot claim default bail on ity service for unknown apps, run regular security scans,
the grounds of an incomplete charge sheet or and keep Google Play Protect enabled.

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3. VIRTUAL DIGITAL ASSET SERVICE PRO-

VIDERS (VDA SPS) 4. GREEN FUNDS/DEPOSIT

Context: Context:
The Financial Intelligence Unit India (FIU IND) issued show- The Reserve Bank of India clarified that banks and NBFCs are
cause notices to 9 offshore virtual digital asset service pro- not obligated to raise green funds.
viders (VDA SPs), including Binance and Huobi, for operat-
ing illegally without complying with anti-money laundering What are Green Funds/Deposits?
regulations (under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act Green funds refer to financial resources (interest-bearing
(PMLA), 2002) deposit) specifically earmarked for environmentally sustain-
able projects and activities. These funds are designed to
What are VDA SPs? support initiatives that contribute to ecological well-being,
VDA SPs (Virtual Digital Asset Service Providers) are entities such as renewable energy, green transport, and eco-friendly
(operating within or outside India) that offer digital asset construction.
services, such as cryptocurrency exchanges.
What are REs?
Regulations in place for VDA SPs: Regulated Entities (REs) are financial institutions and orga-
In March 2023, India mandated VDA SPs to adhere to the nizations operating in the financial sector that fall under the
Prevention of Money Laundering Act under the Anti An- regulatory purview of a central authority, such as the Re-
ti-Money Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML- serve Bank of India (RBI).
CFT) framework. They also have to verify client identities
and record financial transactions. Non-compliance led to REs under the Framework for acceptance of Green Deposits
notices and a request to block URLs. They are required to include:
be registered with FIU IND as Reporting Entity. Currently, 31 1. Scheduled Commercial Banks including Small Fi-
VDA SPs have registered with FIU IND nance Banks (excluding Regional Rural Banks, Local
Area Banks, and Payments Banks)
Concerns of Money Laundering Due to VDAs: 2. All Deposit-taking NBFCs registered with the RBI
1. Predicate crime: Raising funds through illegal activ- 3. Housing Finance Companies (HFCs)
ities by selling illegal goods or services in return for
virtual assets. Other aspects of Green Deposits are:
2. Placement: Converting ill-gotten virtual assets into • Green deposits in India must be in Indian rupees.
fiat currencies within a traditional financial system. The framework aims to encourage green financing
3. Layering: Converting fiat assets into virtual assets, and address concerns, supporting the flow of credit
exchanging virtual assets, and vice-versa. to eco-friendly projects.
4. Integration: Forming an online company that ac- • Sectors included are Renewable Energy, Energy Effi-
cepts crypto payments to legitimize income and ciency, Clean Transportation, Climate Change Adap-
clean dirty crypto. tation, Sustainable Water and Waste Management,
5. Hiding: Using anonymizing services like mixers and Green Buildings, etc.
tumblers to break the links between crypto transac- • Exclusions (don’t come under Green Deposit frame-
tions. work): Projects involving new or existing extraction,
Global Regulations: production and distribution of fossil fuels; Nuclear
Global regulations vary, with Dubai’s VARA having a licens- power generation; Direct waste incineration; Land-
ing framework, the EU’s MiCA focusing on market rules, and fill projects; Hydropower plants larger than 25 MW,
the U.S. lacking a comprehensive framework. The Bureau etc.
for International Settlements (BIS) suggests considering an Monitoring: Green deposit funds are subject to indepen-
outright ban, containment, or regulation, emphasizing the dent third-party verification on an annual basis.
need to balance benefits and costs, especially for emerging
market economies.
5. MARINE ENERGY CONVERSION SYS-
About Financial Intelligence Unit – India TEMS SECTIONAL COMMITTEE (MECSSC)
It is an organisation (HQ: New Delhi; formed: 2004) under
the Department of Revenue, Government of India which Context: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has taken a
collects financial intelligence about offences under the Pre- significant step in promoting standardization in the field of
vention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. It is an indepen- Marine Energy Conversion Systems by establishing the Ma-
dent body reporting directly to the Economic Intelligence rine Energy Conversion Systems Sectional Committee under
Council (EIC) headed by Finance Minister. ETD 54.

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It will establish comprehensive standards and guidelines 7. REVERSE FLIP
for various aspects of Marine Energy Conversion Systems
(MECS). Promote collaboration, innovation, and knowledge Context:
exchange within the MECS domain. Several well-funded startups, including Pine Labs and
Udaan, are considering relocating their holding companies
What are Marine Energy Conservation System? to India, a trend known as “reverse flipping” ahead of po-
Marine Energy Conversion Systems refer to technologies tential IPOs.
that harness energy from the ocean, converting it into elec- • This shift is attributed to a tightening regulatory en-
tricity or other usable forms. Examples include: vironment, potential IPO plans, and the desire to
• Tidal Energy: Utilizing the rise and fall of tides to operate from the home market.
generate electricity through tidal turbines or barrag- Reverse Flipping is a term used to describe the trend of
es. overseas start-ups shifting their domicile to India and list-
• Wave Energy: Capturing the kinetic energy of ocean ing on Indian stock exchanges. Reverse flipping can be done
waves to generate power through devices like wave through share swaps and inbound mergers
energy converters. Some reasons for reverse flipping include:
• Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC): Lever- • Access to venture capital
aging temperature differences between the warm • Favourable tax regimes
• Better intellectual property protection
surface water and cold deep water to produce elec- • Favourable government policies
tricity.
• Salinity Gradient Power: Generating energy from
the difference in salt concentration between fresh- 8. 20-30% HEALTH TAX ON FOOD HIGH IN
water and seawater. SUGAR
About BIS:
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) (HQ: New Delhi) is the Context:
National Standards Body of India under the Ministry of A study commissioned by Niti Aayog recommends imposing
Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. Established a health tax of 20-30% in addition to GST on foods high in
by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, effective from sugar, salt, and fat, as well as sugar-sweetened beverages
October 12, 2017, it replaced the Indian Standards Insti- (SSBs).
tution (ISI). The BIS Act, 2016, designates the Minister in • The study, funded by UNICEF, aims to influence pol-
charge of the relevant Ministry as the ex-officio President. icies that promote healthy eating practices.
It also serves as India’s WTO-TBT (Agreement on Technical • The research suggests that such taxes could lead to
a 13-18% decrease in demand for sugar in bulk pur-
Barriers to Trade) enquiry point. chases.
• India, being the largest consumer of sugar global-
6. UNITED LIBERATION FRONT OF ASOM ly, faces health challenges, and the study suggests
that taxing unhealthy foods may help reduce obesi-
(ULFA) ty and related health issues.
The study draws parallels with other countries that have
successfully implemented health taxes on similar products,
such as Mexico, Chile, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, and South
Africa.

9. SQUARE KILOMETRE ARRAY (SKA) PROJ-

ECT
Context:
Union Cabinet has approved the Square Kilometre Array
(SKA) project, the world’s largest radio telescope, involving
international collaboration, including India’s participation
with a financial commitment.

Major aspects of the Project:

Nature of Proj- Development of the world’s largest ra-
ect dio telescope. Giant Metre wave Radio
Telescope (GMRT) is playing a role in
SKAO

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Pa r t i c i p at i n g Australia, Canada, China, India, Italy, Context:

Countries New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, the New research suggests that lower levels of carbon dioxide
Netherlands, UK (hosting headquarters) (CO2) in a planet’s atmosphere compared to its neighbours
could indicate the presence of liquid water on that planet.
India’s Role India joined SKAO in 2012 as an Associ- • The drop in CO2 levels relative to neighbouring plan-
ate Member and has actively participat- ets may suggest the absorption of the gas by an
ed in the pre-construction phase of the ocean or isolation by biomass on a planetary scale.
SKA telescopes • The study, introduces a new “habitability signa-
Project Objec- Study galaxies in the universe, map visi- ture,” offering a practical method for detecting hab-
tive ble galaxies with unprecedented detail, itability in planets.
provide data on the evolution of our gal- Significance:
• The researchers propose that examining CO2 levels
axy, and search for signs of extra-terres- and habitability could provide insights into Earth’s
trial life, Detect Gravitational Waves environmental tipping points and carbon levels
O b s e r v a t o r y Square Kilometre Array Observatory that could render a planet uninhabitable.
Structure (SKAO) - an intergovernmental organi- • The habitability signature may also serve as a biosig-
zation headquartered in the UK. SKAO nature, as living organisms capture CO2, with the
will consist of one global observatory, emission of oxygen as a tell-tale sign.
operating two telescopes, across three
sites. Two SKA telescopes will be at ra-
dio-quiet sites in South Africa and Aus- 12. POLYMER ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANE
tralia. They will operate as one large FUEL CELL
unit.
C o n st r u c t i o n Two phases - SKA1 construction started Context:
Phases in December 2022, with operations ex- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has success-
pected to begin by 2029 fully tested a 100 W class Polymer Electrolyte Membrane
Key Activities Rapid scanning of the skies, detailed Fuel Cell based Power System (FCPS) on its orbital platform,
mapping of visible galaxies, collection POEM3.
of survey data for insights into the early • The experiment aimed to assess the operation of
Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel cells in space
evolution of our galaxy, and the search
and gather data for designing systems for future mis-
for extraterrestrial life sions.
• Hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity directly and
10. DESERT CYCLONE are efficient, emission-free, and ideal for space mis-
sions.
Context: The test was part of the POEM-3 experiment executed during
The India-UAE Joint Military Exercise, named ‘DESERT CY- the PSLV-C58 X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) mission.
CLONE,’ has commenced in Mahajan, Rajasthan, and is
scheduled from 2nd to 15th January 2024. Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells, also known
India has also been a regular participant at the biennial In- as proton exchange membrane fuel cells, are electrochemi-
ternational Defence Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi. cal devices that convert chemical energy into electrical en-
ergy. They use a proton-conducting polymer membrane as
Exercise Name Objectives
the electrolyte and typically use hydrogen as the fuel.
DESERT CY-Enhance interoperability in Sub-conven-
CLONE tional Operations
DESERT FLAG Joint air exercises and training
Zayed Talwar The bilateral naval exercise ‘Zayed Tal-
war’ aims to enhance the interoperabili-
ty and synergy between the Indian Navy
and UAE Navy.
INDE-UAE BI- Focus on counter-terrorism and strategic
LATERAL EXER- cooperation
CISE

11. CO2 LEVELS IN PLANET ATMOSPHERE

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13. DIRECT-TO-MOBILE (D2M) TECHNOL-

OGY SERVICES
Context:
Indian telecom operators have urged the government to
auction spectrum for Direct-to-mobile (D2M) technology
services.

What is D2M Technology?

D2M (Direct-to-mobile) technology is a new-age communi-
cation approach that combines broadband and broadcast.
D2M allows mobile phones to capture territorial digital TV
signals, enabling the direct streaming of multimedia content,
including live TV matches, without the need for internet con-
nectivity. It is similar to that of an FM radio, where a receiv-
er within the device can tap into different radio frequencies.

Benefits:
It proves beneficial for delivering emergency alerts, disaster
management audio content, and citizen-centric informa-
tion directly to mobile devices, reducing reliance on internet
data consumption. What is the Meissner effect?
Difference between Broadband and Broadcast? It is a phenomenon observed in superconductors, where
Broadband involves high-speed internet access, transmit- these materials expel magnetic fields from their interior
ting data in both directions. Broadcast is a one-way trans- when cooled below a critical temperature. This expulsion
mission of content, such as TV or radio signals, to a wide au- occurs as the material transitions to a superconducting
dience. Broadband is interactive, while broadcast is typically state, displaying the ability to conduct electric currents with-
unidirectional. out any resistance.

15. BIO-CREDITS
14. ROOM TEMPERATURE SUPERCON-
DUCTIVITY Context:
There is growing momentum behind the concept of biodi-
Context: versity credits or bio-credits, proposed as a financial mech-
A recent study by scientists in China and Japan has reported anism to support the targets outlined in the Kunming-Mon-
signs of superconductivity in a material called LK-99, which treal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) adopted in
had been controversially claimed to be a room-temperature 2022.
and pressure (RTP) superconductor.
What is Bio-Credits?
The researchers observed the Meissner effect in cop- Bio-credits are financial instruments proposed to support
per-substituted lead apatite, indicating superconductivity. the targets outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Bio-
The Meissner effect is crucial in identifying materials that diversity Framework. Similar to carbon credits, bio-credits
conduct electricity without resistance. aim to generate funds for biodiversity protection and res-
toration by selling credits, with proceeds directed toward
Previously, in August (2023), Reddmatter (a new supercon- conservation projects.
ductor material) was developed.
Organizations Involved:
The Biodiversity Credit Alliance was launched (in COP15 of
CBD, 2022) to promote bio credits. Other initiatives, such as
the Ocean Conservation Commitments, have emerged to
encourage the use of Bio-credits.

About KMGBF:
Event Details

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C o n f e r e n c e 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) to part of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
• The collaboration aims to develop and report a
Name the UN Convention on Biological Diversity
“Green Cover Index” for India’s extensive National
(CBD), 2022 adopted Kunming-Montreal Highways network.
Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) • The Green Highways Policy, initiated in 2015, pri-
Goals of GBF Restore 30% of degraded ecosystems oritizes greening highway corridors, and currently,
globally (on land and sea) by 2030 monitoring relies on field visits.
• This innovative approach promises a reliable,
Conserve and manage 30% of areas (ter- time-saving, and cost-effective solution, allowing
restrial, inland water, coastal, and ma- for a macro-level assessment of greenness along
rine) by 2030 highways.
Prevent the extinction of known species The project’s primary goal is to capture the Green Cover
Reduce various environmental risks and Index region-wise for National Highways in the first assess-
footprints ment cycle, followed by annual cycles focusing on estimating
growth patterns.
Targets of GBF 23 targets for achievement by 2030, in-
cluding the 30x30 Deal, reduction of pes-
ticide and nutrient risks, pollution control, 17. CYBER KIDNAPPING
sustainable consumption, climate change
mitigation, invasive species control, and Context:
wildlife trade management Recently a Chinese student in Utah was cyber kidnapped.
• “Cyber kidnapping” refers to a crime where perpe-
Need for The KMGBF targets private investment trators convince victims to hide, then contact their
Bio-Credit through innovative schemes like bio cred- loved ones for ransom.
its, with an estimated annual need of at • The victim may send pictures that suggest they are
least $200 billion for biodiversity protec- held captive, creating a false impression of danger.
tion. • The perpetrators, not physically present, monitor
the victim online through video-call platforms.
Examples of Bio-Credits: Experts warn that with the rise of Artificial Intelligence,
scammers can use technology to enhance deception.
Bio-Credit Details
Examples
18. AADHAAR ENABLED PAYMENT SYS-
O c e a n Launched in September 2023 by the Gov-
Conserva- ernment of Niue and the non-profit Tofia TEM (AEPS)
tion Com- Niue. Offers OCCs based on the size of Ni-
mitments ue’s Marine Protected Area, available for Context:
(OCCs) purchase to fund conservation projects. In 2023, Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) frauds
accounted for 11% of cyber financial scams originating in
Wallacea A biodiversity and climate research organi-
India, according to an analysis by the Indian Cyber Crime
Trust zation based in the UK. Has financial com-
Coordination Centre (I4C).
mitments for 5 million biodiversity credits,
Most of these frauds occurred in Bihar and Jharkhand. The
with 60% of the issuance price directed to
central government’s portal and the 1930 helpline received
local stakeholders.
over 13 lakh complaints related to cyber-enabled financial
Besparingss- A forest cooperative in Sweden. Swedbank frauds. AePS fraud included instances of biometric cloning.
kog (Swe- has invested an undisclosed amount to pro-
den) tect 13 hectares of forested area over 20 What is AePS?
years, using bio credits. It is a payment service that allows users to access their Aad-
GlaxoSmith- Purchased bio credits from rePLANET to haar-enabled bank accounts for transactions. The analysis
Kline (GSK) protect Cusuco National Park in Honduras. also highlighted other categories of cyber financial frauds,
ValueNature A company facilitating the development of both locally and internationally, including sextortion, invest-
biodiversity credits. Plans to bring biodiver- ment scams, illegal loan apps, and romance scams. Social
sity credits to the market in 2024, aiming to media-related cybercrimes totaled 1,41,056 reported cases
generate funds for biodiversity protection. in 2023.
Details
16. GREEN COVER INDEX
Context: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), a

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What is The AePS is a bank-led model facilitating Udaipur for Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) under the
AePS? online interoperable financial transactions Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. It is the first nomination of
through Aadhaar authentication. its kind by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate
Change (MoEFCC).
It is managed by the National Payments Cor-
• Ramsar Site in Indore: Sirpur Wetland, Yashwant
poration of India (NPCI), a joint initiative of
Sagar (Ramsar site closer to Indore)
the RBI and IBA.
• Ramsar Site in Bhopal: Bhoj Wetland
Aimed at providing secure access to banking • Ramsar Site in and around Udaipur: Five major
services, especially for rural and marginalized wetlands — Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swa-
communities. roop Sagar, and Doodh Talai
Working Eliminates the need for OTPs, bank details,
and other financial information. About WCA and Ramsar sites:
Transactions require only the bank name, About Wet- It is a voluntary accreditation system to
Aadhaar number, and captured fingerprint land City Ac- recognize the importance of wetlands in
during Aadhaar enrollment. creditation urban and peri-urban environments.
Benefits: Facilitates cash transfers for government (WCA) Origin: Outcome of Ramsar Convention
schemes directly into beneficiaries’ accounts; during COP12 in 2015.
Allows access to bank accounts through any Objective: Promote the conservation and
Banking Correspondent or micro-ATM of any wise use of wetlands, as well as sustain-
bank able socio-economic benefits for local
How is Leaked Biometric Details: Cybercriminals use populations
AePS Ex- stolen biometric information for unautho- Significance: Provides international rec-
ploited? rized transactions. ognition and branding for wetland con-
Silicone Thumbs: Scammers use silicone servation efforts. It will also help in the
thumbs to deceive biometric devices and per- implementation of the Amrit Dharohar
form fraudulent transactions. Initiative (to conserve Ramsar Sites in In-
Lack of Transaction Notifications: Victims dia)
may not receive immediate alerts for unau-
thorized transactions. Validity: Once granted it is valid for 6
Systemic Issues: Biometric mismatches, poor years.
connectivity, and weaker systems affect per- What are Wet- Definition: Areas of marsh, fen, peatland,
formance and reliability. lands? or water, natural or artificial, static or
P r e v e n - Amendments to Aadhar Regulations 2016: flowing, with fresh, brackish, or saltwater.
tive Mea- Proposed changes restrict the sharing of Aad- Ramsar Con- It is an Intergovernmental treaty in 1971
sures haar details without redaction. vention at Ramsar (Iran). It provides the frame-
Aadhaar Lock: Users are advised to lock and work for conservation and wise use of
unlock the Aadhaar as needed to prevent un- wetlands and resources.
authorized biometric use. 172 contracting parties to the Ramsar
About I4C Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre Convention as of January 2024, with In-
(I4C) deals with all types of cybercrimes in dia having declared 75 wetland sites.
India. It will be set up under the newly creat- Montreux Record: Register of Ramsar
ed Cyber and Information Security (CIS) divi- Sites needing urgent attention, launched
sion of the MHA. in 1990.
The I4C aims to centralize cyber security in- India’s Largest Sundarbans in West Bengal, covering
vestigations, develop response tools, and fos- Ramsar Site: around 11,000 square kilometres, are vi-
ter collaboration among private companies tal habitat for Bengal tigers.
to combat cybercrime.
The state with Tamil Nadu has the highest number of
the highest Ramsar Sites in India with 14 Ramsar
19. WETLAND CITY ACCREDITATION number Sites.
(WCA)
Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate
Change (MoEF&CC) has nominated Indore, Bhopal, and

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20. DIRECT-TO-CELL high-yielding alternative.

Now, the researchers have developed a genome-scale met-
abolic model for N. nimmoniana plant cells, paving the way
Context: for sustainable and efficient commercial production of the
SpaceX successfully launched the first set of Starlink satel- drug and reducing the need to harvest endangered plants.
lites equipped with direct-to-cell capabilities. Top of Form

About Direct to cell: 23. MARCOS

• Direct-to-cell refers to a technology that enables
communication signals, such as text messages, Context:
voice, and data, to be transmitted directly from Indian Navy Marine Commandos (MARCOS) successfully
space-based satellites to mobile devices (cell thwarted a pirate hijacking attempt on a Liberian-flagged
phones) without the need for traditional ground-
vessel in the North Arabian Sea.
based infrastructure.
• In the context of SpaceX’s Starlink project, direct-to-
cell capabilities allow the delivery of wireless ser- About MARCOS:
vices, including network access and communication MARCOS, formally the Marine Commando Force (MCF), is
services, to mobile users in specific geographical the Indian Navy’s elite special forces unit formed in 1987.
areas using satellite connectivity. It is modelled on the US Navy SEALS and has its Motto: ‘The
• This technology is particularly useful in remote or few, The fearless’. MARCOS operates by sea, air, and land,
underserved regions where establishing traditional collaborating with the Indian Army, especially in Kashmir.
terrestrial networks may be challenging or econom- Notable operations include Cactus, Leech, Pawan, and Cy-
ically unfeasible.
clone, with a significant role in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

21. ZOSURABALPIN 24. BIO-IMAGING BANK

Context: Context:
Researchers have identified a new class of antibiotics, spe- Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), India’s largest
cifically zosurabalpin, with the potential to combat drug-re- cancer treatment facility, is leveraging artificial intelligence
sistant bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii. (AI) to address the increasing challenge of cancer cases.
• This antibiotic was found to be effective against • TMH has established a ‘Bio-Imaging Bank’ using
CRAB (carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter bau- deep learning to create a cancer-specific algorithm
mannii)-induced pneumonia and sepsis in mouse for early-stage cancer detection.
models. • The project involves a comprehensive repository of
• Zosurabalpin, a drug candidate, was developed radiology and pathology images, linked with clinical
through the optimization of a tethered macrocyclic information, for training and testing AI algorithms.
peptide (MCP) that selectively kills A. baumannii. • The initiative, funded by the Department of Biotech-
• The antibiotic’s unique mode of action involves in- nology in collaboration with other institutions, has
hibiting the transport of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), already reduced radiation exposure for pediatric
an essential process for creating the outer-mem- patients by 40% using AI.
brane structure of Gram-negative bacteria. • The hospital envisions AI playing a transformative
• Zosurabalpin blocks LPS transport, leading to the role in cancer treatment, enhancing precision, and
abnormal build-up of LPS in the cell and the subse- enabling timely diagnoses, particularly in rural In-
quent death of the bacterium. dia.

22. ANTI-CANCER DRUG CAMPTOTHECIN 25. ‘CLEAN & GREEN VILLAGES’ PRO-
GRAMME
Context: Context:
Researchers at the Indian Institutes of Technology Madras The Panchayati Raj Ministry is prioritizing ‘Clean & Green Vil-
and Mandi have successfully metabolically engineered lages’ for the expansion of solar power capacities on a com-
plant cells to increase the production of the anti-cancer mercial basis.
drug camptothecin (CPT).
• Traditionally extracted from Nathapodytes nimmo-
niana, an endangered plant native to India, the pro-
cess involves a large quantity of plant material.
• The decline in the plant’s population has led re-
searchers to explore alternative sources.
• In a previous study, a microbe was identified as a

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What is the Clean and Green Villages programme? decrease to 98% by 2030.
• Biofuels represented 5% of road transport demand
in 2022, amounting to 2.2 million b/d of oil demand.
• Global biodiesel demand is expected to exceed.
• While biofuels will play a crucial role in the future
of transport, the report acknowledges the contribu-
tions of electric vehicles (EVs) in displacing oil de-
mand.

About E-fuels:
E-fuels, also known as electrofuels, are a type of synthetic
fuel that can be used to power vehicles, ships, and aero-
planes. They are a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and
can be used in existing infrastructure

E-fuels are made from captured carbon dioxide or carbon

monoxide, and hydrogen obtained from water split by sus-
tainable electricity sources. The process uses hydrogen to
bind with the CO2 under high pressure using a catalyst

E-fuels are climate-neutral and can be used to reduce CO2

emissions in the transport and heating market.

28. PLASMA WAVES IN THE MARTIAN

26. TRICHOLIME ATMOSPHERE
Context: Context:
The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) in Kozhikode Scientists, including researchers from the Indian Institute of
has successfully developed a new granular lime-based Trich- Geomagnetism (IIG), have detected high-frequency plasma
oderma formulation called ‘Tricholime.’ waves in the Martian Upper Atmosphere using data from
the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MA-
What is Trichoderma? VEN) spacecraft.
Trichoderma is a fungal biocontrol agent effective against
soil-borne pathogens in crop production. What are Plasma Waves?
Plasma waves are short-time scale fluctuations in the elec-
What is Tricholime? tric and magnetic fields observed in plasmas, which are
It is a lime-based formulation, developed by integrating ionized gases consisting of positively charged ions and free
Trichoderma and Lime into a single product. Lime helps in electrons.
controlling soil acidity.
How does it help understand planetary phenomena?
Benefits: In the context of planetary atmospheres, such as Mars,
Tricholime neutralizes soil acidity, promotes plant growth, understanding the presence and characteristics of plasma
protects against pathogens, and simplifies application for waves helps scientists gain insights into the interactions
farmers. It serves as a bio-pesticide and bio-fertilizer, bene- between the solar wind and the planet’s atmosphere, es-
fiting soil health and supporting sustainable organic farming. pecially in the absence of an intrinsic magnetic field. Unlike
Earth, Mars lacks an intrinsic magnetic field, causing direct
27. E-FUELS interaction between high-speed solar wind from the Sun and
the Martian atmosphere.
Context:
The International Energy Agency (IEA) report on “The Role About MAVEN orbiter:
of E-fuels in Decarbonising Transport” anticipates that bio- NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN)
fuels will constitute 6% of road transport energy demand spacecraft (launched in 2013 by NASA), is dedicated to study-
by 2030. ing Mars’ upper atmosphere, ionosphere, and interactions
with the sun and solar wind. The mission aims to uncover
Key Highlights of the report: the history of Mars’ atmosphere, climate, liquid water, and
• In 2022, road transport accounted for nearly all liq- planetary habitability by examining the role of volatiles loss
uid biofuel use, but this is projected to marginally to space over time.

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29. KRISHNARAJASAGAR (KRS) DAM 2014-15 to 0.402 in AY 2022-23.

• Increasing tax base: The study, referencing CBDT
Context: data, reveals a widening Income Tax base, with the
The High Court of Karnataka has issued a ban on all mining number of individuals filing Income Tax Returns in-
and quarrying activities within a 20-km radius of the Krish- creasing from 70 million in AY 2021-22 to 74 million
narajasagar (KRS) dam in Mandya district (due to concerns in AY 2022-23.
about the potential danger posed to the dam by these ac- • Improving upward mobility: The report attributes
tivities) the decline in income inequality to significant up-
The ban applies to activities already permitted or in opera- ward mobility, with over 36% of individuals in the
tion, and it will remain in force until a comprehensive study lowest income bracket in FY14 moving to higher in-
by experts is completed. The decision on lifting the ban will come levels, resulting in over 21% increase in their
be made by the State Committee on Dam Safety, estab- income during FY14-FY21.
lished under the Dam Safety Act, 2021. • Rising female labour force participation
• Micro Firms moving towards becoming bigger
About Krishna Raja Sagar Dam
firms: There is a positive trend in MSME income,
Built 1932 and changing consumption patterns post-COVID,
Location River Kaveri, Mysore, and Mandya districts, challenging the notion of ‘K’ shaped growth.
Karnataka • Share of Top earners’ declined: The share of top
Named after Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV (then ruler of My- earners with income over Rs 10 crores and Rs 100
sore Kingdom) crores has declined from 2013-14 to 2020-21.
Engineer Sir M. Vishweshwaraiah (Bharat Ratna)
(Birthday celebrated as Engineers Day on About the Gini Coefficient:
15th September) The Gini coefficient is a statistical measure of the econom-
ic inequality across the population in a country or between
Purpose Water supply for Mysore city, Bangalore, countries. It measures the dispersion of income or wealth
and irrigation in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu distribution among the members of a population.
About River The Kaveri River is a perennial, monsoon
Kaveri rain-fed river. It rises at Talakaveri (Brah- The Gini coefficient ranges from 0 (perfect equality) to 1
magiri Hill) located in the Kodagu district in (perfect inequality). Theoretically, values over 1 are possible
Karnataka. due to negative income or wealth. A Gini coefficient larger
Drainage Basin: Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, than 0.40 is considered high inequality.
Bay of Bengal (south of Cuddalore)
Tributaries: Arkavathi, Hemavathi, Laksh-
mana Theertha, Shimsa, Kabini, Harangi
About Dam India is the 3rd largest dam-owning nation
in India in the world (after the US and China). India
has over 6000 dams with 143 under con-
struction
Initiatives for Dam Safety: Dam Safety Act,
2021; National Committee on Dam Safety
(NCDS); Dam Rehabilitation and Improve-
ment Project (DRIP) Phases-II (co-financed
by World Bank and Asian Infrastructure and
Investment Bank)

About K-Shaped Recovery:

30. INCOME INEQUALITY Post-COVID, India is witnessing a ‘K-shaped’ recovery, signi-
fying disparate economic rebounds for different segments.
Context: Experts note that the affluent are thriving, while the less
According to a recent SBI Research report, income inequal- privileged encounter challenges, exemplifying a divided re-
ity in India has decreased, indicating a positive trend of up- covery pattern.
ward mobility and the growth of the middle class.

What does the report say:

• The decrease in Gini Coefficient (a measure of in-
come inequality) has decreased from 0.472 in AY

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• India has the world’s largest reserves of Thorium,
estimated at 1.07 million tonnes, and ANEEL could
facilitate the efficient utilization of Thorium in nu-
clear reactors.
The fuel’s benefits include reduced nuclear waste volume,
lower operating costs, and longer-lasting efficiency.

33. NASA’S LUNAR GATEWAY STATION

Context:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its partic-
ipation in developing a module on NASA’s Lunar Gateway
Station, joining the USA, Japan, Canada, and the European
Union in the project.
• The UAE’s contribution includes developing the
Crew and Science Airlock module, serving as the
entry and exit point for missions and astronauts
travelling to the Moon’s surface from the Lunar
Gateway Station.
• The UAE will also manage and operate the Airlock,
and the first Emirati astronaut will be sent into lu-
31. PROBA-3 MISSION nar orbit as part of the project.
• The lunar space station will function as a space lab-
oratory, supporting various scientific and technical
experiments, with a minimum lifespan of 15 years.

34. DRDO ANTI-DRONE TECH - DRONE,

DETECT, DETER AND DESTROY (D4 SYSTEM)
Context:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) has developed a comprehensive integrated an-
ti-drone system, focusing on the detection, identification,
and neutralization of drones.
• The anti-drone technology is designed to counter
various types of drones, including micro drones,
and is suitable for land borders.
• D4 system can instantly detect and jam micro
drones (Soft kill) and use a laser-based kill mecha-
nism to terminate targets (Hard kill).
• Utilizing the Global Navigation Satellite System
(GNSS), it identifies the frequency employed by the
controller and subsequently disrupts the signals.

35. INDIA CLUB

32. ANEEL Context:
India plans to establish its own Protection and Indemnity
Context: (P&I) entity, named the India Club, to provide insurance for
Clean Core Thorium Energy, a Chicago-based company, has ships operating along its coasts and waterways.
developed ANEEL (Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched
Life), (named after India’s scientist, Dr Anil Kakodkar) - a fuel What are P&I clubs?
that combines Thorium and High Assay Low Enriched Ura- They are mutual insurance associations that offer risk pool-
nium (HALEU). ing and coverage for third-party risks like cargo damage,
• ANEEL can be used in India’s existing Pressurized war, and environmental hazards.
Heavy-Water Reactors (PHWRs), offering a poten-
tial game-changer for the country’s nuclear energy Aim:
sector. The initiative aims to reduce vulnerability to international

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pressures, particularly in conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine
situation. The India Club will initially focus on insuring ships 37. THE PROTECTION OF PLANT VARIET-
involved in domestic movements, led by the Ministry of
Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
IES AND FARMERS’ RIGHTS (PPVFR)
Context:
Global P&I Club: International Group of P&I Clubs: Head-
The Delhi High Court has ruled in favour of PepsiCo, allow-
quartered in London, this group comprises 13 clubs covering
ing the company to claim a patent for the potato variety
about 90% of the world’s ocean-going vessels.
used in its potato chips.
• Pepsi had filed an appeal under the Protection of
36. ICAR-CENTRAL MARINE FISHERIES Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001 (the
RESEARCH INSTITUTE (CMFRI) Act) challenging the order of the Protection of Plant
Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority (the Au-
thority) in the Delhi High Court.
Context: • The decision overturns a previous order that re-
ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) voked Pepsi’s patent-protected potato variety, FL
has proposed key policy suggestions, including the introduc- 2027, used in chip production
tion of the Marine Fishery Act, to enhance India’s marine
fisheries sector. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act,
2001 (PPVFR Act) was enacted by the Parliament of In-
Recommendations of CMFRI: dia. The act’s objectives include:
1. Introduce the Marine Fishery Act: It aims to regu- • Establishing a system to protect plant varieties and the
late fishing in areas beyond territorial waters, ad- rights of farmers and plant breeders
dressing a policy and legislative vacuum. • Recognizing and protecting farmers’ rights for their
2. Institutionalize regular stock assessments, estab- contributions to conserving, improving, and making
lishing a national guideline for eco-labelling of ma- available plant genetic resources
rine fishery resources Safeguarding researchers’ rights and the larger public inter-
3. Streamline open sea mariculture with a focus on est
sustainability
4. Implement AI-mediated automated mechanisms 38. PEREGRINE LUNAR LANDER
for landing estimation, and tracking fishing vessels.
5. Focused research on deep-sea and non-convention- Context:
al fishery resources A private US spacecraft, part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar
6. Establish an institutional mechanism for overseeing Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, took off with the Per-
deep-sea fishing egrine lander module and Vulcan rocket built by private
7. Strengthening insurance for fishers space companies.
India’s Status in Marine Fisheries: • This mission aims to be the first US spacecraft to
India, the third-largest fish-producing country and second in land on the Moon in over 50 years and would have
marked the first landing of a private spacecraft on
aquaculture lacks comprehensive legislation for managing
the Moon.
marine fisheries beyond 12 nautical miles. To address this, • The Peregrine Mission-1, a private lunar lander, en-
the government has proposed the Indian Marine Fisheries countered an “anomaly” and will be unable to make
Bill for sustainable development in the Exclusive Economic its planned soft landing on the moon due to a pro-
Zone (EEZ). pellant leak.

Initiatives include the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yo-

jana (PMMSY) 2020, the National Policy on Marine Fisher-
ies (NPMF) 2017, and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infra-
structure Development Fund (FIDF) 2015.

About ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute

(CMFRI):
It was established in 1947 under the Ministry of Agriculture
and Farmers Welfare in India. In 1967, it joined the Indian
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) family and became a
leading tropical marine fisheries research institute globally.
Headquartered in Kochi, Kerala.

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39. SISAL LEAVES

Context:
Scientists at Stanford University are researching the use of
sisal leaves to create a highly absorbent material that could
replace cotton, wood pulp, and chemical absorbents in san-
itary napkins.
• The absorption capacity of the sisal-based materi-
al is reported to be higher than that in commercial
menstrual pads.
• The method developed by the researchers involves
using a decorticator to mechanically separate the
fibres from sisal leaves and employing a process in-
spired by termite guts to delignify the fibres.
• The study claims that the process uses no polluting
or toxic chemicals and can be conducted on a small
scale, making it environmentally sustainable.

40. THE OLDEST EVIDENCE OF PHOTO-

SYNTHESIS
41. BHARAT TEX 2024
Context:
A study published in the journal Nature reveals the oldest Context:
evidence of photosynthetic structures found in a collection Union Minister for Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal, reviewed the
of 1.75-billion-year-old microfossils known as Navifusa ma- progress of the upcoming mega textiles event, Bharat Tex
jensis. 2024, during a meeting with textile Export Promotion Coun-
• The microstructures identified as thylakoids, mem- cils and ministry officials.
brane-bound structures inside chloroplasts, provide
direct evidence for oxygenic photosynthesis. What is Bharat Tex 2024?
• This process, unique to cyanobacteria and related It is a global textile mega-event organized by 11 Textile Ex-
organelles in eukaryotes, involves converting water port Promotion Councils in collaboration with the Ministry
and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen with of Textiles. It showcases India’s entire textile value chain,
sunlight.
emphasizing fashion, traditional crafts, and sustainability.
The discovery suggests that photosynthesis may have
Aligned with India’s 5F vision, it covers the journey from
evolved before 1.75 billion years ago, shedding light on the
Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign, representing
evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis, a process that played
the textile production process from raw resources to global
a crucial role in the Great Oxidation Event around 2.4 billion
markets.
years ago.

42. CANNABIS PLANT

Context:
Scientists at CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine
(IIIM), Jammu, have discovered that phytocannabinoids,
compounds found in the cannabis plant, exhibit previously
unexplored antibiotic properties.

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• The study specifically focused on tetrahydrocanna- • The inclusion of traditional medical terminologies
bidiol (THCBD), a phytocannabinoid, and its efficacy in ICD-11 aims to establish a connection between
against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria contrib- traditional medicine and international standards,
uting to antibiotic resistance. fostering a unified global tradition in healthcare.
• THCBD demonstrated strong antibacterial effects About ICD:
against various resistant strains of S. aureus, includ- ICD is the international standard for systematic recording,
ing the methicillin-resistant strain. reporting, analysis, interpretation, and comparison of mor-
Clasepi tality and morbidity data.
Source: livemint Previously, ICD-11 included Module-1 which covers tradi-
Akumentis Healthcare Ltd has introduced Clasepi, a canna- tional medicine conditions originating in ancient China,
bis-based medicine designed to treat seizures in toddlers. which is now commonly used in Japan, Korea etc.

The drug, approved by the Drug Controller General of India,

targets seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, 45. THYLAKOID MEMBRANES
Dravet Syndrome, or Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Context:
Clasepi contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with content
Thylakoid membranes are small pouches located in the chlo-
below 0.1%, and clinical studies have demonstrated its ef-
roplasts of plants, storing chlorophyll and playing a crucial
ficacy in reducing seizures, particularly in cases where con-
role in photosynthesis.
ventional antiseizure medications have proven ineffective. • Originally found in ancient cyanobacteria, these
light-sensitive bacteria are believed to have con-
tributed to the oxygen levels in Earth’s atmosphere
43. AMATERASU billions of years ago.
• Recent discoveries, particularly 1.75-billion-year-
Context: old fossilized thylakoid membranes in microfossils
Japanese scientists discovered a high-energy cosmic-ray off the coasts of Australia, suggest that thylakoids
played a key role in the “Great Oxygenation” event
event named ‘Amaterasu,’ making it the second-highest-en- around 2.4 billion years ago.
ergy cosmic ray ever detected. • This event involved the release of oxygen by cyano-
• The energy level of Amaterasu is about 40 million bacteria, initially filling the oceans and eventually
times higher than that produced by the Large Had- escaping into the atmosphere, leading to the trans-
ron Collider. formation of Earth’s atmospheric composition.
• The discovery of such ultra-high-energy cosmic rays The findings open avenues for further exploration of older
(UHECRs) could contribute to understanding cos-
mic phenomena and subatomic particles better, as cyanobacterial microfossils and testing hypotheses related
well as potentially challenging existing theories in to the emergence of thylakoids and their impact on Earth’s
high-energy particle physics. early oxygenation.
• Amaterasu’s unique characteristic is that it appears
to have originated from an empty region of the
universe, presenting intriguing possibilities for un- 46. DRISHTI 10 STARLINER
known astronomical phenomena.
The study of these cosmic rays may offer insights into the Context:
sources of cosmic rays and enhance our understanding of The Indian Navy has received its first indigenous medi-
high-energy physics beyond the Standard Model. um-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drone, the Drishti 10
Starliner, developed by Adani Defence and Aerospace.
44. INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF
DISEASES (ICD) - 11 Features:
• The Drishti 10 Starliner, a variant of Elbit Systems’
Context: Hermes 900 Starliner, is equipped with state-of-
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the the-art sensors, automatic take-off and landing ca-
pabilities, and a 36-hour endurance.
ICD-11 Traditional Medicine Module 2, incorporating data
• It can carry a payload of 450 kg and has the poten-
and terminology related to Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani tial for weaponization if required.
Medicine. • The drone is 70% indigenous and will enhance the
• The Ministry of AYUSH collaborated with WHO in Navy’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnais-
preparing this classification, aiming to strengthen sance capabilities.
India’s healthcare system, research, development,
and policy-making in the traditional medicine sec-
tor.

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47. RECENT REPORTS IN NEWS

48. GREEN FUELS ALLIANCE INDIA (GFAI)
Report Details
Global Risk Released annually by the World Econom- Context:
Report 2024 ic Forum. Denmark has introduced the Green Fuels Alliance India
Based on the Global Risks Perception (GFAI) to enhance collaboration with India in the sustainable
Survey. energy sector, aligning with both nations’ goals of achieving
carbon neutrality.
India’s top five risks: Misinformation and
Disinformation (MI), Infectious diseases,
Aim: It aims to advance the green fuels sector, including
Illicit economic activity, Inequality (wealth
green hydrogen, through innovation and partnerships.
and income), and Labour shortage.
GFAI’s objective is to foster an ecosystem promoting sus-
Henley Pass- Released by Henley & Partners. tainable energy growth in India, involving businesses, gov-
port Index Ranks passports based on allowing desti- ernment entities, and research institutions.
2024 (HPI) nations without a prior visa.
India ranks 80th with visa-free access to Background:
62 nations. The initiative is part of the Green Strategic Partnership
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, and signed in 2020 between India and Denmark. The announce-
Singapore share the top spot. ment coincides with India’s push for carbon neutrality by
2070 and Denmark’s top ranking in the 2024 Climate Per-
Global Eco- Released by the World Bank Group. formance Ranking.
nomic Pros- Global trade growth in 2024 is expected
pects Report to be half the pre-pandemic average. Other similar partnership initiatives:
2024 1. Global Biofuels Alliance forged by Brazil, India, and
Global growth is projected to slow from
2.6% in 2023 to 2.4% in 2024. the United States
Developing countries need to increase 2. India U.S.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership
investments, about $2.4 trillion per year, 3. Green / Clean Hydrogen India and Saudi Arabia
to tackle climate change and achieve 4. India-Australia Green Hydrogen Taskforce
global development goals by 2030. 5. Quad’s Climate Working Group for Clean Energy
World Em- Released by the International Labour Or-
ployment and ganisation (ILO) 49. TEA INDUSTRY IN INDIA
Social Outlook
Trends 2024
Despite a slowdown, global growth in Context:
2023 was modestly higher than antici- The Tea Association of India (TAI) has issued a warning
pated. about challenges reminiscent of the “dark phase” of 2002-
The macroeconomic environment dete- 07 in the country’s tea industry.
riorated significantly in 2023. Real wages
declined in the majority of G20 countries Factors contributing to the crisis in the Tea Industry include:
due to inflation. 1. Stagnant prices: Assam, responsible for 55% of In-
dia’s tea production, is particularly impacted.
2. Oversupply
“Digital Trade Joint publication by IMF, World Bank,
3. A widening gap between demand and supply
for Develop- WTO, OECD, and UNCTAD.
4. Stiff competition from other countries such as Sri
ment” Report The value of digitally delivered services
Lanka, Kenya
increased nearly four times since 2005, 5. Costs of vital inputs grew by 9-15% during the last
growing at an average annual rate of 8.1% decade, while tea prices rose by 4%.
from 2005 to 2022.
Developing economies require increased For Initiatives by the Tea Board of India: Click Here
international financial and technical sup-
port for digital trade-related areas.
Initiatives like WTO-led Aid for Trade,
UNCTAD-led eTrade for All, and World
Bank-led Digital Advisory and Trade As-
sistance (DATA) Fund can help.

89 www.insightsonindia.com
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The mission involves international collaboration with The
European Space Agency and the Max Planck Institute for
Extraterrestrial Physics in Germany.

51. DARJEELING ZOO

Context:
Darjeeling Zoo, home to the world’s largest number of snow
leopards in captivity, boasts 14, including six cubs, marking
a success story for India’s lone Conservation Breeding Pro-
gramme.

What is the Conservation Breeding Programme?

The Conservation Breeding Programme is the science of
conserving a species by preventing imminent popula-
tion collapse in the wild due to a large number of elimi-
native pressures (i.e. habitat loss, habitat fragmentation,
industrialization, poaching, illegal trade climate change etc.)

The snow leopard conservation breeding program at Dar-

jeeling Zoo, established in 1985, is the first and only of its
You can write the keyword “AROMA” Keyword for Tea pro-
kind in India. A key feature of the program is the careful use
motion:
of a diverse genetic pool for breeding snow leopards.
‘AROMA’
• A= Assistance to small growers
About Snow Leopard:
• R= Re-energise to create infrastructure to augment
exports and focus on high-value markets
• O= Organic: Promote organic and GI tea
• M= Modernisation: Strengthen local supply chains.
• A= Adaptability: Make tea plantations meet the
challenges of climate change.

About Tea Association of India (TAI) (est. 1956; HQ: Kolkata)

It is predominantly an Association of North Indian tea pro-
ducers in the organized sector of the Indian Tea Industry. It
promotes and protects trade, commerce and industries as-
sociated with tea. Advise and render assistance to members
of the Association. Represent members before industrial tri-
bunals, Tea Board etc

50. EINSTEIN PROBE (EP)

Context:
China has launched a new astronomical satellite named
Einstein Probe (EP) with a lotus-shaped design to observe
transient and violent celestial phenomena in the universe. More on Snow Leopard:
Recently, Kyrgyzstan has officially chosen the Snow Leop-
The Einstein Probe (EP) satellite features wide-field X-ray ard as its national symbol
telescopes (WXT) and follow-up X-ray telescopes (FXT). Its Topic Details
objectives include capturing initial light from supernova ex- Range Coun- Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakh-
plosions, detecting X-ray signals linked to gravitational wave tries stan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Paki-
events, and discovering dormant black holes and celestial stan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
objects. The satellite’s X-ray detection tech, inspired by,
showcases innovative lobster-eye telescopes

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Global Snow Estimated between 4k and 6.5k world- 53. OPERATION AMRITH (AMRITH - AN-
Leopard Pop- wide; China has the highest population; TIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE INTERVENTION
ulation India has around 700-800 individuals FOR TOTAL HEALTH)
Hemis National Park, Ladakh: Snow Leop-
ard Capital of the world; State Animal of Context:
Ladakh & Himachal Pradesh The Kerala Drug Control Department has initiated Opera-
C o n s e r v a - Snow Leopard Trust: Focus on communi- tion Amrith (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention For To-
tion Efforts ty-based conservation programs tal Health) to curb the overuse of antibiotics in the state.
Worldwide • Pharmacies are required to maintain accurate re-
Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Pro-
cords of antibiotic sales, display posters stating
tection Program (GSLEP): Aims to secure ‘antibiotics not sold without doctor’s prescription,’
20 landscapes across the Snow Leopard and comply with prescription regulations.
range by 2020 • Operation Amrith aligns with Kerala’s Anti-Micro-
Conservation Project Snow Leopard (Government of bial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP), re-
Efforts in In- India, 2009): Focus on conservation in flecting a multi-sectoral approach to combat antimi-
dia high-altitude ecosystems crobial resistance (AMR).
• The state has implemented various initiatives, in-
Community Involvement: Initiatives like cluding the Antibiotic Literate Kerala Campaign,
Himal Sanrakshak recognize local com- block-level AMR Committees, and the Kerala Anti-
munities’ role in protection and conflict microbial Resistance Surveillance Network (KARS-
reduction NET) for surveillance.
Snow Leopard Population Count: Intro- The move aims to raise awareness about AMR, ensure re-
duced First National Protocol for popula- sponsible antibiotic use, and prevent the spread of drug-re-
tion monitoring in 2019 sistant infections.
Ministry’s Recovery Programme: Snow
Leopard is on the list of 21 critically endan-
gered species for recovery
Snow Leopard Conservation Breeding
Programme: Conducted at Padmaja Naidu
Himalayan Zoological Park, West Bengal

52. HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE
Context:
A new study published in the journal Biomedicine & Pharma-
cotherapy links hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug,
to an increased mortality rate of up to 11%, suggesting a 54. PENCH TIGER RESERVE (PTR)
possible link to 17,000 deaths.
• Hydroxychloroquine was briefly promoted by for- Context:
mer US President Donald Trump and others as a
Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Maharashtra has been desig-
treatment for COVID-19 during the early stages of
the pandemic. nated as India’s first Dark Sky Park, the fifth in Asia, aimed
at preserving the night sky and combating light pollution.
While hydroxychloroquine is generally safe, the study under-
Recognized by the International Union for Conservation of
scores the importance of evaluating risks differently when
Nature (IUCN), this status emphasizes the importance of
administering it preventively to a large number of healthy
natural darkness for ecological integrity and community
people.
well-being. The Dark Sky Place certification involves lighting
policy, retrofits, education, and night sky monitoring.
Hydroxychloroquine is in a class of drugs called antimalarials
and is also an antirheumatic drug. It works by killing the or-
About the Pench Tiger Reserve:
ganisms that cause malaria. Hydroxychloroquine may work
to treat rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythema- Key Points Details
tosus by decreasing the activity of the immune system.

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About Located in Nagpur District, Maharashtra, • The eastern Himalayas are cited as an example
where climate dissimilarity and diverse geological
named after Pench River. The river divides
composition contribute to high biodiversity.
the park into equal eastern and western
parts.
57. HIMALAYAN WOLF
Declared National Park in 1975, became a
tiger reserve in 1998-1999. Major Protect- Context:
ed Area in Satpura-Maikal ranges. Desig- The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco) has been assessed
nated Important Bird Area (IBA) by Birdlife for the first time on the International Union for Conserva-
International. tion of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
The reserve, spanning Madhya Pradesh • The assessment estimates a population size of
and Maharashtra, is known for its tiger 2,275-3,792 mature individuals across the Hima-
conservation efforts and inspired Rudyard layan range of Nepal, India, and the Tibetan Pla-
Kipling’s The Jungle Book. teau.
Flora Dense green cover with Southern dry
Conservation Status
broadleaf teak forests and tropical mixed
• IUCN’s Red List: Vulnerable
deciduous forests. Presence of shrubs, • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
climbers, and unique medicinal plants. • CITES: Appendix I
Bamboo plantations near water banks.
Fauna Mam- Sloth bear, jackal, nilgai, wild dog, among Threats:
mals others. • Depredation conflicts, habitat modification, en-
croachment, depletion of prey populations, hybrid-
Fauna Birds Peafowl, magpie robin, pintail, drongo,
ization with dogs, and illegal hunting for trade.
unia, myna, and various other bird species.
Measures recommended:
• Securing healthy prey populations, improving live-
55. SAMAVESHA PROJECT stock guarding methods, managing feral dog popu-
lations, transboundary conservation efforts, and in-
Context: corporating the Himalayan Wolf into conservation
The Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering Facilities programs to enhance protection.
Map (I-STEM) is launching the Samavesha project at IISc.,
Bengaluru.
• The project aims to enhance research collaboration
in India by improving accessibility to facilities and
labs.
• The platform allows researchers and industries to
connect with institutions that have the required
equipment, enabling them to rent it for experi-
ments.
The initiative aims to save capital expenditure for research-
ers, industries, and startups and prevent duplication of re-
sources at the national level.
The Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering Facilities
Map (I-STEM) is a national web portal that helps researchers
58. NEW GENERATION AKASH MISSILE
find the facilities they need for their R&D work. The portal
also aims to connect resources to researchers. Context:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation
56. HUMBOLDT’S ENIGMA (DRDO) has successfully conducted a flight test of the New
Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile from the Integrated
Context: Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
The article discusses Humboldt’s enigma, a concept pro- • The test involved intercepting a high-speed un-
posed by Alexander von Humboldt in the 19th century that manned aerial target at a very low altitude.
suggests a relationship between temperature, altitude, hu-
midity, and biodiversity. About AKASH NG Missile:
• Humboldt’s enigma is the idea that the Earth’s trop- The AKASH-NG is a medium-range, mobile surface-to-air
ical areas are not the only biodiverse regions. Ac- missile defense system. It’s a state-of-the-art missile system
cording to this idea, many areas outside the tropics, that can intercept high-speed, agile aerial threats with a
such as mountains, are also highly biodiverse.

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range of around 80 km. 60. MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY IN-
The AKASH-NG has advanced technologies and features,
DEX (MPI)
such as improved missiles, seekers, and radars. It also in-
cludes an indigenously developed Radio Frequency Seeker, Context:
Launcher, and Multi-Function Radar. A recent discussion paper by NITI Aayog reveals that in the
last nine years, over 24 crore Indians have escaped multidi-
mensional poverty, showcasing a steep decline in the Pover-
59. LITHIUM EXPLORATION ty Headcount Ratio from over 29% in 2013-14 to about 11%
in 2022-23.
Context:
India has reached a historic milestone by signing an agree-
ment between Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) and
Argentina’s state-owned enterprise, Catamarca Minera y
Energética Sociedad del Estado (CAMYEN SE), marking the
first-ever lithium exploration and mining project by an Indi-
an government company.

The agreement allows KABIL to explore and develop five

lithium brine blocks in Argentina’s Catamarca province, cov-
What is MPI?
ering approximately 15,703 hectares. Top of Form
The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is a
Argentina, as part of the “Lithium Triangle” along with Chile
metric assessing poverty in a country by considering health,
and Bolivia, is a significant producer of lithium, holding
education, and standard of living, represented by 12 indica-
the world’s third-largest lithium reserve.
tors. It employs the Alkire Foster methodology.
KABIL is a joint venture, involving NALCO, MECL, and
HCL, and is focused on identifying and acquiring strategic
minerals overseas for India’s use. It is also exploring
opportunities for lithium partnerships and acquisitions in
other Latin American nations like Chile and Brazil, as well as
in Australia for lithium and cobalt exploration.
Argentina is a country in the southern half of South Ameri-
ca. Argentina is the second-largest country in South Amer-
ica after Brazil. The Andes Mountains, which run through
both Argentina and Chile, are known for hosting lithium-rich
brine deposits. The region’s unique geological conditions
make it conducive to the formation and concentration of
lithium resources.

The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), a first-

of-its-kind, estimates multiple deprivations at a household
level using NFHS data. Published by NITI Aayog, it includes
three dimensions and 12 indicators. Sub-indices measure
the Headcount Ratio (how many are poor) and the Intensi-
ty of Poverty (how poor are the poor). The Global MPI, pub-
lished by OPHI in collaboration with UNDP, is a similar index
addressing worldwide multidimensional poverty.

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Key findings of Niti Aayog: 62. FIXED-DOSE COMBINATION
1. Steep decline in Poverty Headcount Ratio (HCR):
HCR represents the percentage of the population Context:
below the Poverty Line. India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDS-
2. Positive Improvement in All 12 MPI Indicators CO) has given conditional approval for the continued manu-
3. Faster Decline in Poorer States: Poorer states like facture and sale of five fixed-dose combination (FDC) med-
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar show a rapid decline in pov- icines.
erty, suggesting a reduction in disparities. • The FDC drugs in question are part of the 344 drug
4. SDG Target 1.2: India is expected to achieve Sustain- combinations banned by the government in 2016.
able Development Goal (SDG) Target 1.2, aiming to Fixed-dose combination (FDC) refers to a pharmaceutical
reduce multidimensional poverty by at least half, formulation that contains two or more active ingredients
well before 2030. combined in a fixed ratio in a single dosage form. Each of
5. Successful Government Initiatives: Programs like the active ingredients in the combination maintains a con-
Poshan Abhiyan and Anemia Mukt Bharat have im- stant dose.
proved healthcare access, while the Targeted Public FDCs are commonly used in various medical fields, including
Distribution System under the National Food Securi- the treatment of infectious diseases, chronic conditions,
ty Act (ensures food grains for over 81 crore benefi- and other health issues.
ciaries), extending free food grain distribution under
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. 63. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
PLANS
61. PUNGANUR COWS Context:
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Min-
Context: istry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to ensure
Prime Minister Narendra Modi fed Punganur cows at his that coastal States and Union Territories promptly prepare
residence on Makar Sankranti. Punganur is a unique dwarf Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMP) or Island Coastal
breed native to Andhra Pradesh, considered the short- Regulation Zone Plans (ICRZP) as per the Coastal Regulation
est-humped cattle globally. Zone notification, 2019.
• A report submitted to the NGT revealed that only
About the Cow: Odisha, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, along with
The Punganur cow is native to Punganur village in Andhra Great Nicobar and Little Andaman Islands, have
Pradesh’s Chittoor district. It is known for its small size, formulated the CZMP/ICRZP as per the 2019 notifi-
standing at 70-90 cm tall and weighing approximately 115- cation.
200 kg. The breed is adapted to hot and dry climates. Recog-
nizing the importance of preserving this indigenous breed,
the Andhra Pradesh government has initiated “Mission Pun-
ganur” to revive and conserve the Punganur cow.

Punganur cows are now found not only in Andhra Pradesh

but also in Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and
Tamil Nadu.

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64. VULTURE RESTAURANT IN Reasons for Dry Winter in J&K:

JHARKHAND Reasons Details
Decreasing Attributed to a decline in western distur-
Context: Trend of bance events and a gradual rise in tempera-
In Jharkhand, a ‘Vulture Restaurant’ has been established in Snowfall tures, indicating the role of climate change.
Koderma district as part of a conservation effort to address El Nino The prevailing El Nino event in the eastern
the declining vulture population. Event Pacific Ocean is considered an additional
• The initiative aims to combat the impact of livestock factor affecting snowfall in the region this
drugs, particularly diclofenac, on vultures.
• The restaurant serves as a designated feeding site year.
for vultures, awaiting the completion of protocols El Nino Im- Persistent El Nino event influencing global
for diclofenac-free carcasses. pact atmospheric circulation.
Rising Tem- Temperature increase observed, with a
peratures higher rate in upper elevation areas com-
pared to plains.
Srinagar temperatures are sometimes com-
parable to or higher than Delhi, contribut-
ing to the decline in snowfall.
What are Large eastward-moving rain-bearing wind
Western Dis- systems originating beyond Afghanistan
turbances? and Iran (near the Mediterranean Sea)
The primary source of winter precipitation
in the Himalayan region.
Pick up moisture from the Mediterranean
Sea and even the Atlantic Ocean.
About four to six western disturbance
events typically occur every month during
winter.
The recent decline in the frequency of
western disturbance events affects overall
winter precipitation in northern regions.
About Vultures: Impact of
It is one of the 22 species of large carrion-eating birds that Dry Winter: Generation of less hydroelectricity.
live predominantly in the tropics and subtropics. Long-term
Increase in the rate of glacier melting.
They act an important function as nature’s garbage collec- Implications
Adverse impact on drinking water supply
tors and help to keep the environment clean of waste. due to scanty snowfall leading to minimal
groundwater recharge.
India is home to 9 species of Vulture namely the Orien-
Impact of Increased risk of forest fires and agricultural
tal white-backed, Long-billed, Slender-billed, Himalayan,
Dry Winter: drought.
Red-headed, Egyptian, Bearded, Cinereous and the Eur-
Short-term Drop in crop production.
asian Griffon.
Implications
Bearded, Long-billed, Slender-billed, Oriental white-backed Possibility of an early spring leading to early
are protected in the Schedule-1 of the Wildlife Protection flowering, potentially reducing crop yield.
Act 1972. Rest are protected under ‘Schedule IV’. Winter snow is crucial for providing steady
moisture to the soil, and vital for winter
crops, especially in horticulture.
65. KASHMIR WITHOUT SNOW Adverse effects on yields of key crops like
apples and saffron, impacting the local
Context: economy.
This winter, Kashmir and Ladakh, including the popular tour-
ist destination Gulmarg, have experienced a lack of snowfall,
impacting winter tourism, ski resorts, and overall local live-
lihoods.

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66. CENTRE FOR FOURTH INDUSTRIAL five categories - best performers, top performers, leaders,
aspiring leaders, and emerging start-up ecosystems.
REVOLUTION (C4IR)
Context: The States’ Start-up Ranking is a yearly capacity-build-
Telangana has signed an agreement with the World Econom- ing exercise created and released by DPIIT that evalu-
ic Forum (WEF) to establish the Centre for Fourth Industrial ates all of India’s states and Union Territories on their ef-
Revolution (C4IR) in the state capital, Hyderabad. forts to build an ecosystem conducive to start-up growth.

What is C4IR? States’ Start-up Ranking was launched in February 2018 to

C4IR stands for the Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution. achieve the vision of building a robust startup ecosystem in
It is an initiative by the World Economic Forum (WEF) to the country
establish centres that focus on harnessing the potential of
the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies and driv-
ing collaboration between governments, businesses, and 68. PAKKE PAGA HORNBILL FESTIVAL
academia to address global challenges and opportunities.
Context:
The collaboration aims to leverage technology for advance- The Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF) has begun in,
ments in the life sciences and healthcare sector, with a focus Arunachal Pradesh, emphasizing the conservation of horn-
on reaching healthcare targets for the state’s population. bills.
Telangana envisions becoming a health tech hub and a • The festival highlights the decline in hornbill num-
bers and urges collective efforts to protect these
global destination for healthcare services. critically endangered birds.
• The festival declared a ‘state festival’ in 2019, is
About 4IR: held near the Pakke Tiger Reserve, home to four
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), also known as the Dig- hornbill species.
ital Revolution, is characterized by the integration of technol- The Great Indian Hornbill is a bird family found in tropical
ogies that blend the physical, digital, and biological realms. and subtropical Africa, Asia, and Melanesia. It is the state
Coined by Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman bird of Kerala and Arunachal Pradesh in India.
of the WEF, 4IR includes technologies such as IoT, robotics,
VR, AI, quantum computing, and 3D printing. It brings about The Great Indian Hornbill is now considered “Vulnerable”
advancements in technology, boosts productivity and effi- due to high hunting pressure, habitat loss, and deforestation.
ciency, contributes to economic growth, and facilitates good
governance.
69. E-SAKSHI MOBILE APPLICATION
About WEF:
The World Economic Forum is an international non-gov- Context:
ernmental organization for public–private sector collabo- The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
ration based in Cologny, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland. It (MoSPI), launched the MPLADS e-SAKSHI Mobile Applica-
was founded on 24 January 1971 by German engineer Klaus tion for the revised fund flow procedure under the MPLAD
Schwab. Scheme.
• The Mobile Application aims to revolutionize how
67. STATES’ STARTUP RANKING FOR 2022 Members of Parliament (MPs) engage with and
manage development projects in their constituen-
Context: cies.
Karnataka, Gujarat, and Kerala have been recognized as the
best-performing states in developing start-up ecosystems, Features:
• It provides convenience, accessibility, and real-time
according to the start-up rankings for 2022 released by the access for MPs to propose, track, and oversee proj-
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade ects, enhancing decision-making processes and en-
(DPIIT). abling swift responses to emerging needs or issues.
• The application promotes transparency by pro-
Key Findings: viding instant updates on the status and progress
• Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh are also highlight- of proposed projects, fostering accountability and
ed as best performers, while Maharashtra, Odisha, public trust in MPLADS fund allocation and utiliza-
and Telangana are categorized as top performers. tion.
The rankings are based on the state’s initiatives to foster a • The mobile app also includes features for budget
conducive environment for start-ups, with a total of 33 states management, allowing MPs to monitor expendi-
and Union territories participating in the assessment under tures.

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70. SOIL-POWERED FUEL CELL from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute.

Context: What are Artificial reefs?

A team from Northwestern University has developed a They are man-made structures intentionally placed on the
soil-powered fuel cell that harvests energy from microbes ocean floor to mimic the characteristics of natural reefs.
in the soil. These structures, often made of materials like concrete,
• This small fuel cell, about the size of a book, could rocks, or sunken ships, serve as habitats for marine life. The
be used to power underground sensors in applica- primary purpose of artificial reefs is to enhance local marine
tions like green infrastructure and precision agri- ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and provide breeding and
culture. feeding grounds for fish, ultimately supporting sustainable
• The researchers tested the fuel cell by using it to
fisheries and conservation efforts.
power sensors detecting touch and measuring soil
moisture.
• The new fuel cell’s design, with a perpendicular
configuration of anode and cathode, performs bet-
ter in dry conditions, making it more suitable for
low-moisture environments.

The researchers claim it can generate power indefinitely as

long as there are microbes and carbon in the soil.

72. YELLOW RUST

Context:
The Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR)
has urged wheat farmers to remain vigilant against yellow
rust, a pest that historically appeared in some districts of
Haryana during this period.

71. ARTIFICIAL REEFS IN KERALA Yellow rust, a fungal disease, adversely impacts wheat crops
by creating yellow stripes on leaves, hindering photosyn-
Context: thesis and causing grain size reduction. Typically prevalent in
The deployment of artificial reefs off the coast of 42 fish- cool weather, especially in the northern hills and north-west-
ing villages in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, com- ern plains zone, the recent combination of rain, temperature
menced as part of a project aimed at enhancing fish resourc- rise, and humidity creates favourable conditions for yellow
es and promoting sustainable fisheries management. rust development.

A total of 6,300 artificial reef units, with 150 designated for If yellow rust is observed, recommended measures include
each village, will be deployed. It intends to boost sustainable spraying fungicides such as Propiconazole or Tebuconazole
fishing practices, improve the marine landscape, and en- to prevent further spread. The advisory emphasizes using an
hance the livelihoods of the fishing community. The initia- alternate fungicide if applied last year, especially during dry
tive is implemented under the Central Government’s Prad- conditions.
han Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, with technical support

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73. USE OF INSAT SATELLITES TO ANAL- How Satellites Analysis Color and Snow
Satellites, such as INSAT 3D, use RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
YSE FOG
imaging for colour determination based on solar reflectance
Context: and brightness temperature. This involves analyzing visible,
Large parts of North India, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, shortwave infrared, and thermal infrared signals to represent
Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, and Punjab, have been expe- green, red, and blue colours. The unique signature of snow,
riencing heavy fog since December 2023. The India Meteo- which reflects similarly to clouds in the visible spectrum but
rological Department (IMD) utilizes satellite data, particu- strongly absorbs shortwave infrared radiation, enables sat-
larly from INSAT 3D and INSAT 3DR, to track and analyze the ellites to distinguish snow from clouds.
fog.
India has several weather satellites:
How Indian National Satellite (INSAT) System Help in 1. Kalpana 1 (2002-2017): Geostationary orbit,
Weather Analysis? equipped with early VHRR and data-relay transpon-
der, deactivated in 2017 after 15 years.
Key Aspects Description 2. INSAT 3A (2003): Carried a three-channel VHRR for
Advanced Im- INSAT satellites like 3D and 3DR use RGB meteorological observations with different resolu-
aging imagers for solar reflectance and bright- tions for visible, thermal infrared, and water vapour
ness temperature analysis. bands.
Strategic Or- Geostationary orbits of satellites like IN- 3. INSAT 3D and 3DR: Geostationary orbits at 82 and 74
bits SAT 3D and 3DR ensure continuous mon- degrees east longitudes, featuring upgraded VHRRs
itoring over India for real-time analysis. for improved spatial resolution and functionality.
Day and Night Equipped with ‘day microphysics’ and They also carry atmospheric sounders for measuring
Monitoring ‘night microphysics,’ these satellites temperature, humidity, and water vapour.
track weather changes around the clock. 4. Upcoming INSAT 3DS (Scheduled for February
2024): To be launched by the Indian Space Research
Snow and The satellites distinguish between snow
Organisation using the GSLV Mk II launch vehicle.
Cloud Differ- and clouds based on reflectance in differ-
The “3DS” indicates it’s a subsequent iteration fol-
entiation ent spectral bands.
lowing the INSAT 3D and 3DR series.
Enhanced Pre- Combining day and night data facilitates
dictions tracking cyclone formation and pre- 74. NUCLEAR BATTERY
dicting thunderstorms, improving early
warnings. Context:
Advanced Ra- Upgraded radiometers in satellites like Chinese startup Betavolt has developed a “nuclear battery”
diometers 3DR offer superior spatial resolution and that can produce power for 50 years without charge.
functionality.
Atmospheric Instruments measure temperature, hu- The battery, which is smaller than a coin, contains 63 nu-
Sounders midity, and water vapour, providing de- clear isotopes and converts radioisotope energy into elec-
tailed atmospheric profiles for analysis. trical energy. Betavolt claims it is the world’s first battery to
Continual Im- Each new satellite in the INSAT series in- achieve miniaturization of atomic energy production, chal-
provement corporates improved. The INSAT 3DS me- lenging traditional notions of nuclear technology.
teorological satellite, expected to launch
in February 2024, will further enhance Such batteries use energy from the decay of a radioactive
India’s weather monitoring capabilities. isotope (Like nickel-63) to generate electricity. Unlike nucle-
ar reactors, they do not rely upon nuclear fission for power
generation.

Application: The company plans to produce batteries with 1

watt of power by 2025 and sees applications in aerospace,
AI equipment, medical devices, microprocessors, sensors,
drones, and micro-robots. The nuclear battery is fire-re-
sistant, jerk-proof, and operational in temperatures from
-60°C to 120°C.

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sidiary bodies: the Sub-Committee on Aquaculture and the
Sub-Committee on Fish Trade. COFI played a key role in ne-
gotiating the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and
the Agreement to Promote Compliance with International
Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels
on the High Seas.

About the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):

It is a specialized UN agency established on October 16,
1945, headquartered in Rome, Italy. It aims to lead glob-
al efforts to eliminate hunger and ensure food security for
all. With 195 members, including 194 countries and the
European Union, FAO’s goal is to provide regular access to
high-quality food for active, healthy lives. World Food Day
is celebrated annually on October 16th. FAO’s sister bodies
include the World Food Programme and the International
Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

76. HAVISURE
Context:
Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL), a subsidiary of the National
Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and a leading biophar-
maceutical company in India, has launched India’s first in-
digenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine called ‘Havisure’.
• This vaccine is expected to play a crucial role in
preventing Hepatitis A, a highly contagious liver in-
fection transmitted through contaminated food or
water.
• Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can
75. FAO’S COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES cause a range of health problems and can be fa-
tal. It’s caused by swelling that occurs when tissues
(COFI) of the body are injured or infected.
Context:
India has been appointed as the first vice-chair of the UN
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Committee on
Fisheries (COFI) Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management,
marking the first time in 59 years.

Significance:
• This appointment comes as various countries raise
concerns about China’s illegal fishing practices in
international waters. China has faced criticism for
its illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing prac-
tices, fishing in the exclusive economic zones of over
80 countries.
• India’s inclusion in this committee is seen as bring-
ing balance and perspective to global narratives on
fisheries governance and management.

About COFI:
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization Committee on
Fisheries (COFI) is the primary global intergovernmental fo-
rum addressing major international fisheries and aquacul-
ture issues. Established in 1965, COFI reviews the FAO work
program on fisheries, conducts periodic reviews of global
fishery problems, and proposes solutions. It has two sub-

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77. CORAL REEF 79. END-TO-END ENCRYPTION

Context: Context:
Scientists have mapped the largest known deep-sea coral End-to-end encryption (E2E) is a method of protecting dig-
reef off the US Atlantic coast, stretching about 310 miles ital information by transforming it into an unreadable for-
from Florida to South Carolina. mat, and it has significant implications for privacy and secu-
• Unlike tropical coral reefs, deep-sea coral must filter rity.
food particles from the water for energy. • Encryption fundamentally involves changing con-
• The newly discovered reef, which provides habitat sumable information into an unconsumable form
for various marine species, has been called “breath- based on specific rules.
taking in scale” and covers nearly three times the There are two main types of encryptions: symmetric and
size of Yellowstone National Park. asymmetric.
• Symmetric Encryption: In symmetric encryption,
A coral reef is a complex underwater ecosystem made up the key used to encrypt information is the same
of colonies of coral polyps held together by calcium carbon- key needed for decryption. Notable examples in-
ate. Coral reefs are often called the “rainforests of the sea” clude the Data Encryption Standard (DES) and the
and support about 25% of all known marine species. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).
• Asymmetric Encryption: Asymmetric encryption
About Deep Sea Corals: uses different keys for encryption and decryption.
A public key encrypts the information, and a corre-
Deep-sea corals are also called cold-water corals. They don’t sponding private key decrypts it. The length of the
rely on photosynthesis because they’re living in the dark. In- key influences the level of protection. Asymmetric
stead, they use the tentacles on their polyps to filter food encryption is useful when the sender and recipient
out of the surrounding waters. are different, providing a higher level of security.

78. LASER COMMUNICATION WITH Issues with E2E encryption:

• E2E encryption is not foolproof. It can be vulnera-
CHANDRAYAAN-3 LANDER ble to man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, where an
attacker intercepts the key and decrypts the mes-
Context: sage.
NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has successfully • E2E encryption may induce user complacency, and
pinged India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission’s Vikram lander on other vulnerabilities like malware or backdoors in-
the Moon using a laser instrument. stalled by service providers could compromise se-
curity.
The laser beam was transmitted and reflected between the
LRO and a retroreflector on the Vikram lander, located near End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a secure communication
the Moon’s south pole. The Laser Retroreflector Array on method that prevents third parties from accessing data
Chandrayaan-3’s lander, developed in partnership between while it’s transferred from one device to another.
NASA and ISRO, has started serving as a marker or reference
point on the Moon.

Significance: This achievement opens up new possibilities

for precisely locating targets on the lunar surface. The tech-
nique holds potential for future lunar missions utilizing ret-
roreflectors.

About Laser communication (also known as optical com-

munication)
It is a method of transmitting information using laser
beams. Instead of traditional radio frequency signals, laser
communication relies on light waves to carry data. It involves 80. MPEMBA EFFECT
modulating the intensity of a laser beam to
Context:
encode digital data, which is then transmitted and received The Mpemba effect, named after Tanzanian student Eras-
by specialized equipment. Laser communication offers ad-
to Mpemba, describes the counterintuitive phenomenon
vantages such as higher data transfer rates, greater band-
width, and potentially more secure communication channels where hot water can freeze faster than cold water in similar
conditions.
• Although noticed by historical figures like Aristo-

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tle, Francis Bacon, and René Descartes, the effect
gained attention after Mpemba highlighted it in
1969.
Despite various experiments, scientists have not reached a
consensus on the exact causes of the Mpemba effect.
Several factors are considered, such as microbubbles pro-
moting convection and heat transfer in heated water, in-
creased evaporation in warmer water, and the insulating
effect of frost in cold water.
Compounds like calcium carbonate in water may also play
a role.

82. HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION

Context:
Wadge Bank, is under threat due to the Indian government’s
proposal to offer three oil and gas blocks for exploration
and development.
• The blocks identified for exploration overlap with
Wadge Bank, an ideal place for nutrient-rich ma-
rine life.

About Hydrocarbons:
• Hydrocarbons are organic compounds made up of
81. ELUSIVE BINTURONG AND THE hydrogen and carbon. They are found in crude oil,
natural gas, and coal.
SMALL-CLAWED OTTER • Hydrocarbon exploration is the search for deposits
of hydrocarbons, such as petroleum and natural gas,
Context: in the Earth’s crust. It’s also known as oil and gas ex-
Two new mammalian species, the elusive binturong (bear- ploration
cat) and the small-clawed otter, have been added to As- Wadge Bank is a 10,000 square kilometre area of the sea
sam’s Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. south of Kanyakumari. It is a shallow zone with a nearly flat
• The binturong, the largest civet in India, was pho- bottom topography and a continental shelf. The bank is rich
tographed during a migratory bird count, while the
in biodiversity and is a fertile fishing ground.
small-clawed otter was spotted after a training pro-
gram.
• Both species are listed under Schedule I of the Wild-
life Protection Act of 1972.
Species Binturong (Bear- Small-clawed Otter
cat) (Asian Small-clawed
Otter)
Description Largest civet in Primarily found in fresh-
India. water habitats.
Native South-East Asia. India (West Bengal,
Assam, Arunachal
Pradesh, Karnataka,
Tamil Nadu, and Kera-
la), Southeast Asia, and
Southern China.
Distribution India (Meghalaya, 83. PLANTS “TALKING” TO EACH OTHER
Sikkim), Indone-
sia, Thailand, Ma- Context:
laysia, etc. Scientists from Japan have captured real-time footage of
C o n s e r v a - V u l n e r a b l e Vulnerable (IUCN); Ap- plants communicating with each other for the first time.
tion (IUCN); Appendix pendix I (CITES). • The research revealed that plants release airborne
compounds, similar to smells, to warn nearby plants
III (CITES).
of danger.

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About the study: WHO’s Global Technical Aim to reduce malaria case in-
The study observed how undamaged plants responded to Strategy (2016–2030) cidence and mortality rates by
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by plants dam- at least 40% by 2020, 75% by
aged by insects or other factors. 2025, and 90% by 2030 against
a 2015 baseline.
Using an air pump connected to containers with leaves,
High Burden to High Im- Initiated in 11 high malaria bur-
caterpillars, and Arabidopsis thaliana (a mustard family
pact (HBHI) Initiative den countries, including India.
weed), the researchers observed bursts of calcium signal-
ling in undamaged plants, indicating their response to the Implementation of HBHI Ini-
warning messages. tiative: Started in four states:
West Bengal, Jharkhand,
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals Chhattisgarh, and Madhya
that have a high vapour pressure at room temperature. This Pradesh.
high vapour pressure results from a low boiling point, which Indian Initiatives
allows their molecules to evaporate from the liquid to the Government of India’s Set a target to eliminate malar-
gas phase. Target ia in India by 2027.
National Framework Developed to shift focus from
VOCs are in thousands of daily use products, including
for Malaria Elimination control to elimination.
paint, varnish, wax, and various cleaning, degreasing, and
(2016-2030)
cosmetic products. Many VOCs are human-made chemicals
that are used and produced in the manufacture of paints, National Strategic Plan Launched in 2017, providing a
pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants. for Malaria Elimination roadmap to end malaria in 571
districts out of India’s 678 dis-
tricts by 2022.
84. CAMEROON LAUNCHED MOSQUIRIX Malaria Elimination Re- Established by the Indian
search Alliance-India Council of Medical Research
Context: (MERA-India) (ICMR), a partnership working
It launched the world’s first malaria vaccine program for on malaria control.
children (Mosquirix), aiming to vaccinate about 250,000
children this year and next. 85. KUMKI ELEPHANTS
The vaccine, Mosquirix, endorsed by the World Health Or- Context:
ganization, is around 30% effective, requires four doses, and To address the increasing human-elephant conflict in Odi-
has been approved for use despite its imperfections. The sha, the state government has requested four Kumki ele-
campaign is considered a milestone in the fight against ma- phants and their mahouts from Tamil Nadu.
laria in Africa, where the disease accounts for 95% of global • Kumki elephants are trained captive elephants used
malaria deaths. The vaccination effort is part of a broader for operations such as trapping, rescuing, and tran-
initiative by Gavi, involving 20 other African countries, with quillizing wild elephants.
hopes to immunize over 6 million children by 2025. The move aims to strategically deploy Kumki elephants in
conflict-prone areas to reduce damage to crops, human
The R21, otherwise referred to as Matrix-M malaria vac- habitation, and potential loss of lives.
cine, is the second vaccine ever developed for a disease, af-
ter RTS, S or mosquirix was approved by the WHO in 2021.

Since 2015, 9 countries have been certified by the WHO Di-

rector-General as malaria-free, including Maldives, Sri Lanka
, Kyrgyzstan, Paraguay, Uzbekistan, Argentina, Algeria, China
(2021) and El Salvador (2021).

Initiatives to Curb Malaria:

Initiatives Details
Global Initiatives
The WHO’s E-2025 Initia- Identifies 25 countries with the
tive potential to eradicate malaria
by 2025.

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86. EXERCISE ‘CYCLONE’ The stock market is a collection of exchanges where inves-
tors can buy and sell company shares and other securi-
Context: ties. It also includes over-the-counter (OTC) marketplaces
The 2nd edition of the India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exer- where investors can trade securities directly with each other.
cise CYCLONE has begun.
• The exercise aims to familiarize both sides with op- Types of Mar- Purpose
erating procedures related to Special Operations in kets
desert/semi-desert terrain under Chapter VII of the
United Nations Charter. Primary Mar- Issuance of new securities by companies
• The exercise involves military cooperation discus- ket to raise capital. This includes processes like
sions, tactical military drills, and three phases cov- IPOs (Initial Public Offerings) and Rights Is-
ering areas like Improvised Explosive Device (IED) sues.
training, combat first aid, and joint tactical exercises
S e c o n d a r y Trading of existing securities among inves-
in built-up areas and hostage rescue scenarios.
• The goal is to enhance bilateral military coopera- Market tors without the involvement of the issuing
tion and strengthen the bond between the Indian company through exchanges such as NSE,
and Egyptian armies. BSE etc. Provides liquidity to investors and
allows for price discovery based on market
Here is the list of all Military Exercises of India. demand and supply.

87. VAIBHAV FELLOWSHIP 89. DYNAMIC WIRELESS CHARGING

TECHNOLOGY
Context:
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) an- Context:
nounced the first recipients of the ‘Vaibhav’ fellowship, a The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is
scheme designed to attract Indian-origin scientists based considering the electrification of the Golden Quadrilateral,
abroad for short-term collaboration. connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, as part of
• Twenty-two scientists will spend one to two months Vision 2030: PM Public Transport Sewa.
annually, for a maximum of three years, at Indian • The plan, expected to be implemented over the next
institutes such as the Indian Institute of Science seven years, aims to boost e-mobility and deploy
and the Indian Institutes of Technology. e-buses.
• The fellows will receive a stipend, accommodation, • The proposal includes dynamic wireless charging
and research grants for their host institutions. technology, enabling EVs to charge while on the
The scheme aims to encourage collaborative projects, tech- move.
nology start-ups, and the establishment of long-term re- • This approach could potentially reduce the battery
search connections between diaspora scientists and Indian size, making EVs more affordable.
institutions.
About Dynamic Wireless Charging Technology:
88. INDIAN STOCK MARKET Dynamic wireless charging technology refers to a system
that enables electric vehicles (EVs) to charge while on the
Context: move by using base pads embedded under the surface of
India has surpassed Hong Kong to become the fourth-largest the road.
equity market globally, with the combined value of shares
listed on Indian exchanges reaching $4.33 trillion compared Unlike traditional stationary wireless charging, dynamic
to Hong Kong’s $4.29 trillion. wireless charging allows EVs to receive power continuously
• The top three stock markets are currently the U.S., as they travel, eliminating the need to stop charging.
China, and Japan.
• This achievement marks India’s ascent in the global This technology relies on inductive transfer of energy, simi-
financial landscape, following the crossing of the $4
lar to stationary wireless charging. The base pads installed
trillion mark.
• India’s stock market growth has been attributed to beneath the road’s surface generate a magnetic field, and a
factors such as strong GDP, political stability, for- corresponding pad on the vehicle receives this energy, facili-
eign portfolio investment, and becoming an alter- tating charging without physical connections.
native to China for global investors and companies.

In contrast, Hong Kong has faced challenges, including

COVID-19 restrictions, regulatory crackdowns, a proper-
ty-sector crisis, and geopolitical tensions, impacting its ap-
peal to investors.

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F o r m a - Over millions of years, gravitational instabilities

tion of lead to the formation of cosmic structures. Gas
Structure clouds collapse to form galaxies, stars, and
other celestial structures, shaping the large-
scale structure observed in the universe today.
S t e l l a r Stars form from collapsing gas clouds, under-
Evolution go fusion, and eventually exhaust their nuclear
fuel. Depending on their mass, stars may end
their lives as supernovae, neutron stars, black
holes, or white dwarfs. Stellar evolution con-
tributes heavy elements to the cosmos.
Galactic Galaxies evolve through interactions, mergers,
Evolution and the continuous formation of new stars.
Over billions of years, galaxies take on various
90. EVOLUTION OF UNIVERSE
forms, influencing the distribution of matter
Context: and shaping the cosmic landscape.
As the universe ages, its future is shaped by fundamental D a r k In late cosmic history, dark energy, a mysteri-
laws of physics. Utilizing a logarithmic clock, cosmologists E n e r g y ous force driving the accelerated expansion
can trace the evolution of the universe from the Big Bang to D o m i - of the universe, becomes more dominant. It
the present. nance counteracts the gravitational pull, leading to
Various stages in the evolution of the universe: an ever-faster expansion.
Stage Description B e g i n - Over time, stars will exhaust fuel, galaxies
I n i t i a l The universe begins as an extremely hot and ning of collide, and new stars will form from merging
Singular- dense point called a singularity. This marks the End brown dwarfs. Eventually, stars will be ejected
ity starting point of the Big Bang theory, where all from galaxies, and black holes will dominate,
matter and energy are concentrated in a tiny, consuming rogue stars until their evaporation.
infinitely dense space.
Inflation- A brief period of exponential expansion,
ary Ep- known as cosmic inflation, occurs within the
och first fractions of a second after the Big Bang.
This rapid expansion helps explain the unifor-
mity and large-scale structure observed in the
present universe.
Q u a r k As the universe cools further, quarks and glu-
Epoch ons combine to form protons and neutrons.
This transition occurs in a matter of microsec-
onds.
H a d r o n Protons and neutrons continue to form and
Epoch combine, creating a “soup” of particles called
hadrons. This epoch lasts for a few minutes
and is crucial for the formation of light ele-
ments like helium and deuterium.
L e p t o n The universe becomes transparent as it cools,
Epoch allowing photons to move freely. Electrons and
positrons annihilate, leaving behind a small
excess of electrons, which form the basis for 91. DIRECT TAX TO GDP RATIO
the cosmic microwave background radiation.
P h o t o n Photons dominate the universe, interacting Context:
Epoch with charged particles. As the universe ex- During the fiscal year 2022-23, the share of direct taxes in
pands and cools, it enters a phase where pho- India’s gross domestic product (GDP) reached a 15-year high
tons no longer interact frequently, marking of 6.11%.
the transition to the era of cosmic microwave
background radiation.

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What is the Direct Tax to GDP ratio? What is Scrap Steel?
The Direct Tax to GDP ratio is a financial metric that rep- Scrap steel refers to recycled steel derived from discard-
resents the percentage of a country’s gross domestic prod- ed or unused metal products, industrial waste, or end-of-
uct (GDP) contributed by direct taxes. A higher ratio implies life vehicles. It is processed and reused in steel production,
a larger share of tax revenue relative to the overall economic contributing to sustainability by reducing the need for raw
activity. It gives an estimate of a country’s ability to mobilise materials and minimizing environmental impact. Currently,
resources to fuel its development. Direct taxes contributed scrap contributes around 30-35% of India’s overall steel pro-
over 54% to the overall tax collection during FY23. duction
Using scrap in steel production is considered less polluting,
Other facts: and it is expected to contribute to environmental sustain-
The Tax Buoyancy decreased from 2.52 to 1.18 compared to ability. India’s steel sector accounts for 12% of India’s CO2
the previous year. Tax buoyancy measures the efficiency of emissions. India currently ranks as the World’s 2nd Largest
tax collection in response to GDP growth. It signifies buoy- Producer of Crude Steel
ancy when tax revenues increase more than proportionately Other initiatives for Scrap Steel:
with GDP growth, even if tax rates remain constant. National Steel Policy, 2017 aims for 300MT steel capacity by
2030, with 35-40% from the EAF route, utilizing mostly recy-
cled scrap. EAF (Electric Arc Furnaces) and BFBOF (Blast Fur-
nace-Basic Oxygen Furnace) are steelmaking methods. Steel
Scrap Recycling Policy, 2019 aims to enhance domestic scrap
availability to reduce coal consumption in steel production.

93. EXECUTION USING NITROGEN GAS

Context:
A federal appeals court in Alabama has ruled that the state
can carry out its first execution using nitrogen gas.

The process:
Execution by nitrogen gas involves the administration of
pure nitrogen to the condemned person. The method typ-
ically includes placing a respirator-type face mask over the
nose and mouth to replace breathable air with nitrogen,
causing death from lack of oxygen. The state predicts that
the gas will cause the inmate to lose consciousness within
seconds and death within minutes.

Critics argue that the untested method raises unknowns and

potential risks, violating constitutional prohibitions against
cruel and unusual punishment.

About Nitrogen gas:

It is a colourless, odourless gas that makes up a significant
In India, central-level direct taxes include personal and portion of Earth’s atmosphere. It is inert and non-flamma-
corporate income taxes under the Income Tax Act of 1961. ble, commonly used in various industrial applications, in-
However, India’s tax-to-GDP ratio is notably low, ranking cluding food packaging and electronics manufacturing.
much below countries like OECD members with an average
tax-to-GDP ratio exceeding 30%. This is attributed to factors
such as the dominance of the informal sector, tax evasion, 94. HERMIT CRABS
and various exemptions and incentives.
Context:
92. SCRAP STEEL Hermit crabs worldwide, known for using scavenged shells
Context: as armour, are increasingly turning to plastic waste instead,
The Indian government aims to raise the share of scrap in according to an ecological study using social media photos.
steel production to 50% by 2047. The research, published in the journal Science of the Total
Environment, revealed that two-thirds of hermit crab spe-
cies were pictured using “artificial shells,” mainly discarded

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plastic caps. Returns Seek returns through Aim for lasting in-
capital appreciation terest, influence,
About Hermit Crabs: and dividends. and control over
The hermit crab (IUCN: least concern) is a unique crustacean the company’s op-
that lacks a hard shell and utilizes old shells, particularly erations.
whelk shells, for protection. Unlike other crustaceans with a
Control and Do not seek to actively Actively involved
complete exoskeleton, the hermit crab has a soft and squishy
Management control or manage the in the manage-
back part where its abdomen is located.
Involvement companies in which ment and de-
they invest. cision-making
processes of the
invested entity.

Why does SEBI want FPIs to disclose their details?

SEBI’s move aims to prevent possible round-tripping and
misuse of the FPI route. SEBI is seeking additional informa-
tion from FPIs holding more than 50% of their Indian eq-
uity assets under management (AUM) in a single corporate
group or with over Rs 25,000 crore in Indian equity markets.
The requirement is part of efforts to address concerns that
certain FPIs may be used to circumvent regulatory require-
ments. Sovereign wealth funds, listed companies on certain
95. FOREIGN PORTFOLIO INVESTORS global exchanges, public retail funds, and other regulated
(FPIS) pooled investment vehicles are exempted from enhanced
disclosures.
Context:
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has ex- What is round-tripping?
tended the deadline for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) to Round tripping refers to a process where funds are sent out
disclose granular details of entities holding ownership, eco- of a country and then brought back into the same country
nomic interest, or control in the FPI. through a circuitous route. This can involve complex finan-
cial transactions and may be done for various reasons, such
What are FPIs and how are they different from FDIs? as disguising the origin of funds, taking advantage of tax
FPIs (Foreign Portfolio Investors) and FDIs (Foreign Direct In- loopholes, or circumventing regulatory restrictions.
vestments) are both types of investments made by foreign
entities, but they differ in their nature and purpose.

Aspect FPIs (Foreign Portfo-

FDIs (Foreign Di-
lio Investors)
rect Investments)
Definition Foreign entities (e.g.,
Foreign entities
mutual funds, hedge
making a long-
funds, pension funds)
term investment
invest in financial as-
in a business or
sets like stocks, bonds,
physical assets in
and securities in a
another country,
country. often acquire a 96. PANDEMIC TREATY AND DISEASE X
substantial own-
ership stake. Context:
The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr
Investment Typically short to me- Long-term.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasizes the need for a
Horizon dium-term.
pandemic treaty to prepare for potential future outbreaks,
Investment Financial assets, such Business or phys- particularly ‘Disease X,’ representing an unknown disease
Focus as stocks and bonds. ical assets of a with pandemic potential.
company.
What is the Pandemic Treaty?
The Draft Pandemic Treaty, proposed by the World Health
Organization (WHO) and member states, is an internation-

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al agreement aimed at preventing, preparing for, and re- About Ibexes:
sponding to pandemics and global health emergencies. It An ibex is any of several species of wild goat, distinguished
focuses on strengthening global cooperation and solidarity, by the male’s large recurved horns, which are transverse-
covering aspects such as surveillance, detection, notifica- ly ridged in front. Ibex are found in Europe (Alpine Ibexes),
tion, access to health technologies, collaboration, and ac- Russia (Siberian Ibexes), India (Himalayan Ibexes), North Af-
countability. The deadline for this agreement is set for the rica and East Africa.
77th World Health Assembly in May 2024.
Across Asia, Ibex inhabits elevations from 500 m to 6,700
The treaty, based on principles of human rights and equity, m in countries like India, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Mongolia,
responds to lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Pakistan, Southern Siberia, and China, with the least con-
Its principal components include calls for: cern about IUCN status. The Himalayan Ibex (a distinct spe-
1. Increased global cooperation cies and NOT part of Siberian Ibex) is primarily found in the
2. Strengthening of health systems trans-Himalayan ranges of the Union Territories of Ladakh
3. Investment in research and development and Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Himachal Pradesh.
4. Transparency in information sharing
5. Establishment of a Pathogen Access and Bene-
fit-Sharing System (PABS) under the WHO
6. Address gender disparities in the healthcare work-
force, with emphasis on equal pay and promoting
the representation and empowerment of health and
care workers.

What is Disease X?
Disease X is a hypothetical pathogen or threat that could
trigger a major future pandemic. Coined by scientists and
the World Health Organization (WHO), it refers to a new
agent, virus, bacterium, or fungus with no known treat-
ment, belonging to any of the 25 families of viruses capable
of causing illness in people. Added to the WHO’s Blueprint
list of diseases in 2018, scientists believe Disease X could
be 20 times more deadly than the recent SARS-Covid virus,
emphasizing its potential as a serious microbial threat to hu-
mans in the future. 98. MILITARY EXERCISES IN NEWS

The WHO is undertaking initiatives, including the Financial Recent Military Operations/Exercises:
Intermediary Fund for Pandemic Preparedness and Re- Exercises Details
sponse, the mRNA technology transfer hub, and the WHO Operation Purpose: Counter Pakistan’s attempts to
Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, to enhance Sarvashakti increase terrorist activities in Jammu and
global preparedness and collaboration in the face of poten- Kashmir. Target: Terrorists operating on
tial future outbreaks. both sides of the Pir Panjal mountain rang-
es. Previous Operation: Operation Sarpvi-
97. ALPINE IBEXES nash (2003-2017/18) aimed at flushing out
terrorists who had infiltrated from across
Context: the border.
Climate change is impacting Alpine ibexes (IUCN: Least Con-
E x e r c i s e Conducted by: the Indian Air Force, along
cern), a species of mountain goats in the European Alps.
D e s e r t with the French Air and Space Force and
Warmer temperatures are forcing these goats to shift from
Knight UAE Air Force. Purpose: Conduct joint mil-
diurnal to nocturnal (from daytime to nighttime) habits to
itary exercises.
escape excess heat, making them vulnerable to predators
like wolves. N A T O ’ s Description: NATO’s largest exercise since
S t e a d f a s t the Cold War involving around 90,000
This shift may have negative consequences on foraging effi- D e f e n d e r troops. Objective: Rehearse how US troops
ciency, antipredator behaviours, and overall reproduction 2024 exer- could aid European allies in countries bor-
and survival rates. It also presents challenges for conserva- cises dering Russia and on NATO’s eastern flank in
tion planning and population estimates, as animals become a conflict situation.
less detectable during nocturnal hours.

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99. SODA LAKE AND THE ORIGIN OF LIFE Effects of acid 1) Damage to vegetation: Acid rain leach-
rain on the es nutrients, weakens plants, reduces wa-
Context: environment ter absorption, and stunts growth. It led
Scientists from the University of Washington discovered a to reduced crop yields and plant fatalities.
shallow “soda lake,” Lake Chance, in Canada, resembling 2) Harm to aquatic ecosystems: Acid rain
Darwin’s “warm little ponds” that might have initiated life lowers the pH of water bodies. It harms
on Earth. aquatic life by damaging gills, reducing re-
These soda lakes, containing high levels of dissolved carbon- production, and altering food availability.
ates, sodium, and phosphates, address the long-standing 3) Soil degradation: Acid rain can disrupt
“phosphate problem” in the emergence of life. While con- soil chemistry by leaching away essential
ventional bodies of water have low phosphate levels, soda nutrients like calcium and magnesium,
lakes, like Last Chance Lake in Canada, show concentrations which are crucial for plant growth. It can
up to 1 million times higher. The study suggests that such also release toxic metals such as alumini-
environments, prevalent on early Earth, could also be com- um from the soil, further damaging plants
mon on other planets, aiding origin-of-life research and the and aquatic life.
search for habitable conditions beyond our solar system.
Efforts to 1) Coal power plants have reduced the
About Darwin’s “warm little ponds” hypothesis:
minimize the sulfur dioxide (SO2) content in their at-
It proposes that life on Earth may have originated in shal-
effects mospheric emissions by more than 90%
low bodies of water with high temperatures, where complex
using flue-gas desulfurization. 2) The Acid
molecules could spontaneously form. These ponds, resem-
Deposition Monitoring Network in East
bling soda lakes, could provide the ideal conditions for the
Asia (EANET) operates to address this is-
synthesis of key biomolecules
sue.
What is the “phosphate problem”?
It refers to a challenge in theories about the emergence of About EANET It is an intergovernmental initiative (start-
life on Earth. RNA and DNA, crucial molecules for life, as ed in 2001; Secretariat: UN Environment
well as the membranes of living cells, require a backbone of Programme Asia Pacific) among East Asian
naturally occurring molecules of the element phosphorus, countries to monitor and collect data on
known as phosphates. However, concentrations of phos- the deposition of acid substances, such
phates needed to form these biomolecules in laboratory as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, in
experiments are up to 1 million times higher than the lev- the atmosphere and their subsequent im-
els normally found in rivers, lakes, or oceans. This disparity pact on the environment.
between required and naturally occurring phosphate levels Other pro- Monitoring programs like the National
poses a hurdle in understanding how life’s essential building gramme Atmospheric Deposition Program and
blocks could have formed under natural conditions on Earth. the Clean Air Status and Trends Network
About Last Chance Lake: track acid rain’s environmental impact,
It is a shallow, murky soda lake in British Columbia, Cana- aiding policymakers and researchers
da. It’s located on federal land and sits above volcanic rock.

100. ACID RAIN

Acid rain, or acid deposition, encompasses precipitation
with acidic components, like sulfuric or nitric acid, falling to
the ground from the atmosphere.
Aspect Description
What is acid 1) Acid rain is rain with high levels of
rain and how acidic substances like sulfuric acid or ni-
does it form? tric acid. 2) It forms when emissions of
sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides
(NOx) released from burning fossil fuels,
industries, and human activities mix with
water vapour and chemicals in the air. 3)
These acidic pollutants combine with wa-
ter droplets in the atmosphere and then 101. E INK DISPLAYS
fall to the ground as rain, snow, fog, or dry
particles. 4) The pH of acid rain is usually Context: A new crowdfunded phone, called the Minimal
between 4.2 and 4.4 Phone, has featured a white E Ink display. E Ink displays,

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used in devices like the Kindle, are based on technology de- 103. LAUGHING GULL
veloped in the 1990s at MIT and owned by E Ink Corpora-
tion. Context:
Functioning of E Ink Displays: A Laughing Gull, a migratory bird native to North America,
• These displays utilize microcapsules filled with has been sighted for the first time in India.
positively charged white particles and nega- • This discovery, verified by birding experts, in-
tively charged black ones suspended in fluid. creases India’s total bird species count to
• By applying electrical charges, the particles rise The bird is known for its unique laughter-like calls, resem-
to the surface, creating text and images on the bling human laughter.
display. Protection Status:
• E Ink reflects light like paper, making it eas- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern.
ier on the eyes, consuming little power as it CITES and CMS Status: Not Evaluated
doesn’t require backlighting, and offering bet- Range: They are most common on the Atlantic and Gulf
ter readability under bright lighting conditions. coasts of North America, the Caribbean, Central America
• E Ink has advantages like low power consump- and northern South America.
tion and reduced eye strain but has downsides
such as a slower refresh rate, colour limitations,
and higher costs.

102. SOLID-STATE BATTERY

Context:
Toyota aims to launch next-generation solid-state batteries
within three years, with the potential for two sets of battery
electric vehicles (BEVs) in its line-up—one using existing lith-
ium-ion batteries and another featuring the new solid-state
batteries.
• The breakthrough technology could revolution-
ize EVs by doubling range and significantly re-
ducing charging time compared to traditional
lithium-ion batteries.
SPORTS CORNER
1. KHELO INDIA YOUTH GAMES 2023

Context: PM inaugurated the Khelo India Youth Games

2023 in Chennai, marking the 13th edition.

The Khelo India initiative was introduced by the Indian

government in 2017 and serves as a dynamic platform to
nurture sports talent and revive the sporting culture of
Solid-state batteries use solid electrodes and a solid electro- India. It encompasses the:
lyte, instead of the liquid or polymer gel electrolytes found 1. Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) (commenced
in lithium-ion or lithium polymer batteries. 2018): Annual national competition for youngsters
representing states
Solid-state batteries use a variety of materials, including ce- 2. Khelo India University Games (KIUG) (com-
ramics, solid polymers, and glass. menced 2020): Showcases university students’
talent in sports
The working principle of a solid-state battery is similar to a 3. Khelo India Winter Games (Commenced
conventional lithium-ion battery. During discharge, the cath- 2020): Promotes winter sports in India
ode is reduced and the anode is oxidized. Lithium ions move Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCE) scheme: It
from the anode to the cathode through the solid electro- aims to enhance sports infrastructure by supporting exist-
lyte. The reverse process occurs during charge. ing training facilities. It provides financial aid, staff, equip-
ment, and resources at the grassroots level.

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MAPPING
1. CHINNAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (KERA-
LA)
Context:
A team of researchers in Kerala has identified the presence
of the Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) in the state for the first
time, specifically at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Idukki.

About Otters:
Otters, belonging to the Mustelidae family with 13 species,
inhabit every continent except Australia and Antarctica. The
Eurasian otter is categorized as ‘near threatened’ on the
IUCN Red List. Recognized as a flagship species, it serves as
an indicator of high-quality aquatic habitats.

The Eurasian otter holds the broadest range in the world, but
it faces persecution in countries like India, China, and Nepal,
leading to a decline in populations due to hunting, habitat
loss, pollution, and climate change.

This discovery adds a new member to Kerala’s mammal list,

making it the third species of otter found in the state, along-
side the Smooth-coated Otter and Small-clawed Otter.

About Chinar WLS:

Aspect Details 2. KALPAKKAM ATOMIC POWER STATION
Location Situated in the Idukki district of (TAMIL NADU)
Kerala. Major rivers include Chin-
nar and Pambar. Context:
PM dedicated to the nation’s indigenously developed
Climate Rainshadow region of Western Demonstration Fast Reactor Fuel Reprocessing Plant (DFRP)
Ghats with a 6-7 month dry sea- at IGCAR, Kalpakkam
son in lower areas. The average
rainfall is 500mm, mostly during The plant will reprocess spent fuel from the Fast Breeder
the NE monsoon. Reactor (FBR) at the Kalpakkam Atomic power station.

Biodiversity Home to 965 floral species, 29 What is FBR?

mammal species including the en- A Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) is a type of nuclear reactor that
dangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel, uses fast neutrons to cause the fission of uranium-238 (un-
225 bird species, 52 reptile spe- like conventional nuclear reactors that use slow neutrons).
cies, and endemic fish like Deccan The term “breeder” refers to the ability of these reactors to
Mahseer. produce more fissile material than they consume.

FBR is the key to India’s three-stage nuclear power pro-

Cultural Significance Inhabited by the Muthuvan and gramme. It is the only of its kind in the world and is capa-
Hill Pulaya tribes. Contains the ble of reprocessing both carbide and oxide fuels discharged
largest megalithic sites in Kerala. from the fast reactors.

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Benefits Faster and more reliable internet ser-

vices. Facilitation of telemedicine,
e-governance, educational initiatives,
digital banking, and digital literacy.
Aligns with ‘Digital India’ and ‘Na-
tional Broadband Mission’ objectives,
Strengthening services in Lakshadweep
through FTTH (Fiber-to-the-Home) and
5G/4G mobile networks.
Other projects The PM also dedicated a Low-Tempera-
ture Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plant
for the conversion of seawater into po-
table water at Kadmat Island, Lakshad-
weep.
What is LTTD? LTTD is a process under which warm
surface seawater is flash evaporated
at low pressure and the vapour is con-
densed with cold deep seawater.
The National Institute of Ocean Tech-
nology (NIOT), under the Ministry of
Earth Sciences, designs, develops, and
commissions LTTD plants in coastal lo-
cations.

About Lakshadweep:
It is a union territory of India, comprising 36 islands situated
3. KOCHI-LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS SUBMA- between the Arabian Sea and the Laccadive Sea. The name
RINE OPTICAL FIBRE CONNECTION (KLI- means “one lakh islands” in Malayalam and Sanskrit, though
SOFC) PROJECT there are no more than a hundred islands. The total area
is around 32 km2, forming the smallest union territory. Ka-
varatti is the capital, and the region falls under the jurisdic-
Context: tion of the Kerala High Court. The Union Territory was estab-
PM recently inaugurated the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands lished in 1956 upon British departure. The majority follow
Submarine Optical Fibre Connection (KLI-SOFC) project Islam, particularly the Shafi school. The language spoken
during his visit to Kavaratti, Lakshadweep. is Jeseri, with Dhivehi in Minicoy. The culture is similar to
Mappilas in Kerala.
About Details
What is KLI- The Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Sub-
SOFC? marine Optical Fibre Connection (KLI-
SOFC) project, funded by the Univer-
sal Services Obligation Fund (Digital
Bharat Nidhi) under the Department of
Telecommunication, involves extending
submarine cable connectivity from the
mainland (Kochi) to eleven Lakshad-
weep Islands.
Location Kavaratti, Lakshadweep.
Implementing Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)
Agency is the Project Executing Agency.
Project Over- KLI-SOFC project is a dedicated subma-
view rine optic fibre cable connecting Kochi
to Lakshadweep Islands. Aimed at en-
suring 100 times faster internet for the
people of Lakshadweep.

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5. ARUNACHAL PRADESH’S EAGLENEST

4. REJUPAVE TECHNOLOGY AT INDO-CHI- WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
NA BORDER
Context:
Context: An IISc study conducted in Arunachal Pradesh’s Eaglenest
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) plans to enhance Wildlife Sanctuary reveals the threat posed to montane
the operational capacity of the defence forces along the In- birds by logging and climate change.
do-China border in Arunachal Pradesh by using an indige-
nous technology called “Rejupave.” Tropical montane forests, crucial biodiversity hotspots, are
impacted by rising temperatures, prompting bird species to
What is Rejupave? shift to higher elevations. The study emphasizes the impor-
Developed by CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR- tance of safeguarding primary forests to mitigate climate
CRRI), Rejupave is a bio-oil-based asphalt modifier that re- change effects.
duces the heating requirement of bituminous mixes and
preserves their temperature during transit. This technology About Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary
addresses the challenges of constructing and maintaining It is situated in the Himalayan foothills of West Kameng Dis-
bituminous roads in high-altitude areas during low and trict, Arunachal Pradesh, and is a protected area in India. It
sub-zero temperatures. borders the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary to the northeast and the
Pakhui Tiger Reserve across the Kameng River to the east,
The BRO has successfully applied Rejupave at the world’s also being part of the Kameng Elephant Reserve. Named af-
highest Sela road tunnel and LDY Road section near the ter the Red Eagle Division of the Indian army, the sanctuary
China border in Arunachal Pradesh. The technology is de- is renowned for its rich birdlife, offering diverse species in
veloped using a Bio-based eco-friendly product with 100% significant numbers. Notably, Eaglenest is where the Bugun
biooil. liocichla (IUCN: CR), a passerine bird species, was first dis-
covered in 1995 and further observed and described in 2006.
About Sela Road Tunnel:
The Sela Tunnel has been excavated below the Sela Pass; a
high-altitude mountain pass situated at an elevation of 4,200
meters (13,800 feet) above sea level. This tunnel aims to pro-
vide “all-weather” connectivity to Tawang, a remote and
strategically significant district in the region. It will be the
world’s longest bi-lane tunnel at an altitude above 13,000
feet.

Indo-China Border:
India shares a total boundary of around 3,488 km with China
(the second largest after Bangladesh). The Sino-Indian border
is generally divided into three sectors namely: Western 6. MAURITIUS
sector, Middle sector, and Eastern sector. 5 states viz.
Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim Context:
and Arunachal Pradesh share a border with China. The Union Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Under-
standing (MoU) signed between the ISRO and the Mauritius
Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) for the develop-
ment of a Joint Small Satellite.

About Mauritius:
Mauritius is an island country in the Indian Ocean. It com-
prises the main island, Rodrigues, Agaléga, and St. Bran-
don, forming part of the Mascarene Islands. The capital is
Port Louis. Explored by Arabs in 975, Portuguese and Dutch
sailors visited later. Mauritius is ethnically diverse, with Hin-
duism being the predominant religion. It follows a West-
minster parliamentary system, boasts high economic and
political freedom, and is classified as a high-income econo-
my. Known for its biodiversity, Mauritius is home to endemic
species and, historically, the dodo. It is consistently ranked

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as the most peaceful African country.

7. KRISHNA-GODAVARI BASIN
Context: The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
has successfully initiated crude oil production from its KG-
DWN-98/2 deep-sea project in the Krishna-Godavari basin
off the east coast of India.

This significant development, marked by delays and exten-

sions, aims to bolster ONGC’s overall oil production, com-
bating the decline in mature fields.
Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL)

About Krishna-Godavari Basin: Context: Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also named
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, India’s
It is situated in Andhra Pradesh and the Bay of Bengal is a longest sea bridge covering 21.8 km (16.5 km over the sea),
vast deltaic plain formed by the Krishna and Godavari rivers. has been inaugurated and is open for public commute.
Covering 15,000 sq. km on land and 25,000 sq. km offshore,
it has 5 km thick sediments deposited from Late Carbonif-
erous to Pleistocene. The basin features upland and coastal
plains, flood, and delta plains. Notably, the D-6 block in this Features:
basin holds India’s largest natural gas reserves, discovered 1. The bridge is expected to witness over 70,000 vehi-
by ONGC in 1983. Besides its geological significance, the ba- cles daily, improving connectivity between Mumbai
sin is home to the Vulnerable Olive Ridley Sea Turtle. and Navi Mumbai.
2. It is the longest sea bridge in India (World’s 10th
longest sea bridge)
3. It is expected to alleviate traffic congestion, pro-
mote economic development, and reduce travel
time between Sewri and Chirle to just 15 to 20 min-
utes.
4. Fuel, transportation costs & 1 hour travel time will
be saved
5. 1st project in India with an open road tolling sys-
tem.
6. For the first time in India, Orthotropic steel deck
technology used

About the Open road tolling system:

It refers to a method of collecting tolls on highways without
requiring vehicles to stop or slow down. Instead of tradi-
tional toll booths, open-road tolling uses electronic sensors

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and cameras to detect vehicles as they pass through desig- Anthropolog- Home to over 4600 Adivasi people from six
nated tolling points. ical Diversity indigenous tribes living in 34 settlements,
including Kadars, Malasars, Malaimalasar,
About Orthotropic steel deck technology Pulaiyars, Muduvars, and Eravallan (Erav-
It is a construction method used in building bridges and oth- alar)
er structures. It involves using steel plates that are specifi-
Flora Encompasses a variety of ecosystems, in-
cally designed to be strong and stiff in one direction while
cluding wet evergreen forests, semi-ever-
being flexible in other directions. This allows the steel deck
green forests, montane shola-grassland,
to support heavy loads, such as vehicles while remaining
moist deciduous, dry deciduous, thorn
lightweight.
forests, and marshes.
The Kariyan shola, Grass Hills and Man-
jampatti of ATR are part of the UNESCO
World Heritage site
Fauna Notable mammal species include the Asi-
atic elephant, Sambar, spotted deer, Bark-
ing deer, Mouse deer, Gaur, Nilgiri tahr,
and Tigers.
Other Pro- Mudumalai Tiger Reserve – Kalakkad –
tected Areas Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve – Sathyaman-
in Tamil Nadu galam Tiger Reserve – Nilgiri Biosphere
Reserve – Mukurthi National Park – Gulf
of Mannar Marine National Park – Guindy
National Park

9. SAGAR ISLAND
8. ANAMALAI TIGER RESERVE
Context:
Context: The Ganga Sagar Mela on Sagar Island, West Bengal, at-
The Forest Department is removing invasive species in the tracted a record 10 million pilgrims, facing environmental
Anamalai Tiger Reserve’s core areas, focusing on the Ulan- challenges due to its vulnerability to cyclones and rising sea
dy range. levels.
West Bengal has urged for ‘national fair’ status and financial
Native tree saplings are being planted on 90 hectares, part support from the central government. The pilgrimage saw
of the Restoration of Degraded Forests Landscape Project over 6 million people taking a dip in the sea, making it the
supported by NABARD. Tribal communities from ATR are in- second-largest Hindu gathering after the Kumbh Mela.
volved in removing invasive plants and planting native trees,
including Aegle marmelos, Syzygium cumini, and Pterocar- About Gan- The Gangasagar Mela is the world’s sec-
pus marsupium. gasagar Mela ond-largest human congregation, occur-
ring annually during Makar Sankranti on
About Anamalai Tiger Reserve: Sagar Island, West Bengal. With roots dat-
About ATR Details ing back to 400 BCE and mentioned in In-
About Carved out of the Tamil Nadu portion of dian epics, pilgrims take a dip in the Ganga
the Anamalais and lies South of the Pal- and visit the Kapil Muni temple. The mela
akkad gap in the Western Ghats is historically significant and draws mil-
lions, making it a major Hindu gathering.
Surrounded by various wildlife reserves
and forests: Parambikulum Tiger Reserve Who is Kapil Kapil Muni, a Vedic sage, is considered the
on the East, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Muni? original proponent of the Samkhya system
and Eravikulum National Park on the South of Indian philosophy. Living around the 6th
Western side or 7th century C.E., he is believed to be an
incarnation of Vishnu. Kapil Muni is known
Ranges within the reserve include Amara-
for teaching bhakti yoga and is recognized
vathi, Udumalpet, Pollachi, Ulandy, Valpa-
not only in Hinduism but also in Buddhism.
rai, and Manamboli

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Vedic Sage His teachings emphasize meditation, cri- critical components.

tique of Vedic gods and rituals, and a dis-
like for Brahmanic doctrines. Students as- India’s evolving stance toward Taiwan involves expanding
sociated with him are said to have built the economic relations, direct criticism of China’s actions in the
city of Kapilavastu. Taiwan Strait in 2022, and a departure from reaffirming the
one-China principle, aligning more with its QUAD partners.
Where is Sagar Island, the westernmost island of
Sagar Island the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta, is situated
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is a country in East
Located in West Bengal. It lies at the mouth of the
Asia. It is located at the junction of the East and South Chi-
Hugli (Hooghly) River, with an arm of the
na Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with the People’s
river separating it from the mainland to the
Republic of China to the northwest, Japan to the northeast,
east.
and the Philippines to the south.

11. IMPHAL RIVER

10. TAIWAN Context:
The Manipur government has formed a three-member com-
Context: mittee to conduct a thorough investigation into a fuel leak
Lai Ching-te, from Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive from a power plant (Leimakhong Power Station) in Imphal
Party (DPP), won the presidential election, marking the Valley, which subsequently spilt into a nearby stream that
DPP’s third consecutive victory with a pro-independence converges with the Imphal River. The heavy fuel oil, a by-
stance. product of crude oil distillation, poses environmental con-
cerns.
Major powers’ reactions include China asserting Taiwan as
part of China, the USA welcoming the democratic process About HFO:
but not supporting independence, and Japan congratulating Heavy fuel oil (HFO) is a residual fuel that’s a byproduct of
Taiwan. the distillation of crude oil. It’s also known as bunker fuel or
residual fuel oil.
Taiwan’s global geopolitical importance lies in its econom-
ic weight, being the 16th largest economy, a major source HFO is a tar-like substance that’s used to generate heat and
of semiconductors, and a critical point on maritime trade motion. It’s primarily used as a marine fuel.
routes. Taiwan produces 92% of the world’s most advanced HFO is toxic and has a boiling temperature of 350–500°C. It
logic chips and 70% of smartphone chipsets, among other

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has a higher viscosity than diesel. The quality of HFO de- 13. CHANDAKA-DAMPARA WILDLIFE
pends on the quality of the crude oil used in the refinery.
SANCTUARY
HFO is widely used because it’s about 30% cheaper than al-
ternatives.
Context:
The Odisha government plans to introduce Sambar deer
About Imphal River:
and Gaur (bison) in the Chandaka-Dampara wildlife sanctu-
It originates from the northern hills of Karong in Senapati
ary, following the relocation of deer from Cuttack. Also, the
District and is joined by the Iril River at Lilong, which is a
Forest department is launching a ‘nocturnal trail’ for wildlife
significant watercourse draining the central plain. The river,
enthusiasts, particularly students and researchers.
along with others, contributes to the formation of swamps
and lakes, including the renowned Loktak Lake.
About the sanctuary:
Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Khurda
district, Odisha, marks the northeastern limits of the East-
ern Ghats. Designated in 1982, it houses threatened wildlife
and birds. The tropical climate exhibits distinct seasons—
summer, rainy, and winter. The flora, a mix of evergreen and
deciduous elements, has been influenced by biotic factors.
Notable species include Dhaman, Bankapasia, Jamu, Gand-
hana, Kansa, Kusum, Marua, Sidha, Karanja, and Thorny
bamboo. The sanctuary’s fauna includes elephants, Chital,
Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Rhesus Monkey, Pangolin, Sloth
Bear, Indian Wolf, Hyena, and various mammals.

12. CHANCAY (PERU)

Context:
China is expanding its trade influence in South America with
a new mega port project in the Peruvian town of Chancay.

The over $3 billion deep water port, majority-owned by Chi-

nese state-owned firm Cosco Shipping, is set to start opera- 14. ARAVALI RANGE
tions late this year. This port, part of China’s ‘Belt and Road’
initiative, aims to enhance trade ties with South America by Context:
providing a direct gateway to the resource-rich region. The Supreme Court expressed a preliminary opinion that if
the State of Rajasthan believes mining activities in the Ara-
About Peru vali Range are environmentally harmful, it has the authority
It is a country in South America that’s home to a section of to prevent such activities.
the Amazon rainforest and Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan
city high in the Andes mountains. The region around Machu The Aravalli Range is regarded as the “lungs” for the highly
Picchu, including the Sacred Valley, Inca Trail and the colonial polluted air in Delhi–National Capital Region (NCR). More
city of Cusco, is rich in archaeological sites. On Peru’s arid than 25% and 31 hill ranges of the Aravallis in Rajasthan had
Pacific coast is Lima, the capital. vanished due to illegal quarrying.

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SC judgement on the mining in the Aravalli region: About NAM:
1. 1992: Central government approval mandated for all The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) stands as an alliance of
mining and industrial activities in the Aravalli region. developing nations established in 1961 during the Cold War,
2. 1996: Mining lease renewal restricted within a 2km with roots traced back to the Bandung Conference held in
to 5km radius of Badkhal Lake without permission Indonesia in 1955. Currently, NAM boasts a membership of
from central and state pollution control boards. 120 countries, including India, one of its founding members.
3. 2009: Complete ban on mining throughout the Ara- Ranking as the second-largest grouping of nations globally,
vallis reinstated to safeguard the environment. NAM operates without a permanent secretariat or a formal
4. 2018: Ordered the total demolition of Kant enclave, founding charter, act, or treaty. The movement convenes its
a residential complex in the Aravalli forest range. summit approximately every three years.

About Aravalli Hills Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa whose diverse
It is among the world’s oldest fold mountains and is situated landscape encompasses the snow-capped Rwenzori Moun-
in northwest India across states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and tains and immense Lake Victoria. Its abundant wildlife in-
Haryana, as well as the Union Territory of Delhi. Extending cludes chimpanzees as well as rare birds. Remote Bwindi
from southwest to northeast, the highest peak is Guru Shi- Impenetrable National Park is a renowned mountain gorilla
khar near Mount Abu in Rajasthan. Rivers like Banas and Sa- sanctuary.
hibi (Yamuna tributaries) and Luni River originate from the
Aravalli region, serving as a water divide between the Indus
and Ganga Basins. Known for rich mineral deposits including
zinc, gold, silver, copper, dolomite, and marble, the Aravalli
Hills hold significance in geological and ecological contexts.

16. FREE MOVEMENT REGIME (FMR)

WITH MYANMAR
Context:
The Indian government is considering reevaluating the Free
15. UGANDA Movement Regime (FMR) agreement with Myanmar, which
allows residents along the India-Myanmar border to travel
Context: up to 16 km inside each other’s country without a visa.
The 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit was re-
cently held in the Ugandan capital city Kampala. What is FMR?
• Theme: ‘Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global FMR, implemented in 2018, the Free Movement Regime
Affluence.’ (FMR) permits residents on both sides of the 1,643 km In-
• Key Discussions: Israel-Hamas war, India’s “Vishwaa dia-Myanmar border to travel up to 16 km into each other’s
Mitra” initiative, Call for a multipolar world territory without a visa. This requires a border pass with one-
year validity, allowing a two-week stay. The border spans
four states: Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal
Pradesh.

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The India-Myanmar border is a 1,643-kilometer interna- strengthen economic ties, enhance trade and industry, and
tional boundary running from the tripoint with China in address challenges in the export and import of goods and
the north to the tripoint with Bangladesh in the south. The services.
trijunction between India, China, and Myanmar is yet to be
agreed upon, with the de facto tripoint located just north of Significance of the Agreement:
the Diphu Pass. The border traverses various geographical The protocol can also serve as a gateway to the larger Lat-
features, including the Mishmi Hills, Patkai, Kassom Ranges, in American and Caribbean markets. Currently, there is no
Tiau River, and Chin Hills, before reaching the Bangladeshi bilateral institutional mechanism for trade and commerce
tripoint through irregular lines. between the two countries. India imports gold from the
Dominican Republic and exports pharmaceuticals, marine
products, motor vehicles, two and three-wheelers, etc. The
agreement will give a boost to India’s exports.

India has Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO)

agreements with various countries, including the United
Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Viet-
nam, South Korea, Canada, Mauritius, and Oman.

About the Dominican Republic

It is a Caribbean nation that shares the island of Hispaniola
with Haiti to the west. Its terrain comprises rainforest, sa-
vannah and highlands, including Pico Duarte, the Caribbe-
an’s tallest mountain. Its capital city is Santo Domingo.
17. LAKE VICTORIA
Context:
Efforts are being made to restore Lake Victoria. The lake fac-
es environmental challenges that threaten the livelihoods of
approximately 45 million people dependent on its resourc-
es.

Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake and the world’s sec-

ond-largest freshwater lake, spans approximately 59,947
km² and is shared by Kenya (6%), Uganda (43%), and Tan-
zania (51%). Fed by rivers like Kagera, Katonga, Sio, Yala,
Nyando, Sondu Miriu, and Mara, it contributes to the River
Nile’s water. As one of the African Great Lakes, Lake Victoria
holds significance as Africa’s largest lake by area, the world’s
largest tropical lake, and the second-largest freshwater lake
globally after Lake Superior in North America

18. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC-INDIA: JETCO

Context:
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra 19. MODIFIED PARBATI-KALIS-
Modi, has approved the signing of a protocol for the estab- INDH-CHAMBAL-ERCP LINK PROJECT
lishment of a Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO)
between the Department of Commerce and the Ministry of Context:
Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic. Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have signed an MoU with
the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti for the Modified Parbati-Ka-
What is the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO)? lisindh-Chambal- Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP)
The Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) is a bilat- Link Project, integrating the PKC river link and ERCP under
eral mechanism established between two countries to facil- the national interlinking of rivers program.
itate economic collaboration and trade relations. It serves
as a platform for discussions, information exchange, and
cooperation between the participating nations, aiming to

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About Modified PKC-ERCP:
It was approved in 2022 and aims to integrate the PKC link
project with the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) as
part of the National Perspective Plan. It aims to optimize
water usage in the Chambal basin, providing drinking and
industrial water to 13 districts in eastern Rajasthan, and
Malwa and Chambal regions of Madhya Pradesh. The ERCP
focuses on intra-basin water transfer within the Chambal
Basin, addressing deficits in sub-basins through the utiliza-
tion of surplus water from the Kalisindh, Parvati, Mej, and
Chakan sub-basins.

About Chambal River:

Originating at Janapav south of Mhow town, the perenni-
al Chambal River flows in a northeastern direction through
Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. It converg-
es with five rivers, including the Chambal, Kwari, Yamuna,
Sind, and Pahuj, at Pachnada near Bhareh in Uttar Pradesh.
The main tributaries are the left-hand Banas and Mej, and
the right-hand Parbati, Kali Sindh, and Shipra rivers. Nota-
ble dams along its course include Gandhi Sagar, Rana Pratap
Sagar, and Jawahar Sagar. The Chambal River is home to the
National Chambal Sanctuary, a critical habitat for the en-
dangered Gharial

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