Main Aaj Bhi ,

Accha Content Exam k paas h deta hoon

Special Mention (Rajya Sabha)
•A matter that is not a Point of Order or that cannot be raised using the
above-discussed devices or under any rule of the House can be raised
under the Special Mention in the Rajya Sabha.
•Its equivalent procedural device in the Lok Sabha is known as ‘Notice
(Mention) Under Rule 377’.

Notice (Mention) under Rule 377 (Lok Sabha)

•A matter that is not a Point of Order or that cannot be raised using the
above-discussed devices or under any rule of the House can be raised
under the Notice (Mention) under Rule 377 in Lok Sabha.
•It is equivalent to the Special Mention device used in Rajya Sabha for a
similar purpose. Max in One Day – 20.
 National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention
(NACWC):
•Established under: Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India
•Mandate: To fulfil India’s obligations under the Chemical
Weapons Convention (CWC)
•Nature: Acts as the national focal point for interactions with:
• Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
(OPCW)
• Other State Parties to the treaty
 India’s Role in OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical
Weapons):
India holds representation in:
•Executive Council
•Advisory Body on Administrative and Financial Matters
•Scientific Advisory Board
Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC):
•CWC is an international disarmament treaty that prohibits:
• Development
• Production
• Stockpiling
• Use of chemical weapons
•India ratified CWC in 1996 and declared its chemical weapons
stockpile, which has since been destroyed under verification.
•Chemical Weapons Convention:
About:

• It is a multilateral treaty banning chemical weapons and requiring their

destruction within the stipulated time.
• Negotiations for the CWC began in 1980 at the United Nations Conference
on Disarmament.
• The convention was drafted in September 1992 and opened for signature
in January 1993. It became effective from April 1997.
• It makes it mandatory to destroy old and abandoned chemical weapons.
• Members should also declare the riot-control agents (sometimes referred
to as ‘tear gas’) in possession of them.
•Members:

• It has 192 state parties and 165 signatories.

• India signed the treaty in January 1993.
Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons:
About:

It is an international organization established by the CWC in 1997 to

implement and enforce the terms of the CWC.
By the 2001 Relationship Agreement between the OPCW and the UN, the
OPCW reports on its inspections and other activities to the UN through
the office of the Secretary General.
The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013.
Headquarters:

Hague, Netherlands.
 RIGHT TO INFORMATION (RTI) ACT, 2005
Relevance: GS Paper 2 – Polity & Governance (Transparency & Accountability)
PRELIMS POINTERS
Enactment & Scope
•Enacted: 2005
•Applies to: All citizens of India
•Covers:
• Central & State Government bodies
• Constitutional/self-governing institutions
• Private bodies only if information is accessible by a public authority under any law
Citizens’ Rights under RTI:
Includes the right to:
•Inspect work, documents, records
•Take notes, extracts, certified copies
•Take certified material samples
•Access suo motu disclosures by public authorities (Section 4 obligations)
Stage Timeline

Reply by PIO Within 30 days

First Appeal Within 30 days of PIO’s reply

Decision on First Appeal Within 30 days

Second Appeal Within 90 days

 Appellate Authorities:
•First Appeal: Senior officer to the concerned PIO (same
public authority)
•Second Appeal:
• Central Information Commission (CIC) – For Centre &
UTs
• State Information Commission (SIC) – For State public
authorities
Kanthastha 2.0 (Anuvad Sarthi)
An advanced Hindi translation tool, updated for enhanced accuracy and
user-friendliness.
Key Features:
•Designed for accurate Hindi translations
•Version 2.0 adds three new features
•Focuses on accuracy and usability improvements
•Supports translations in e-governance and official communications
Use Cases:
•Assists government departments in Hindi communication
•Helps in multilingual governance in Central and State-level offices
•Can be extended to real-time machine translation systems
Hindi Shabd Sindhu
A government-developed comprehensive digital dictionary of Hindi with
multilingual relevance.
Key Features:
•Digital Dictionary with Unicode compatibility
•Fully searchable interface
•Includes words from other Indian languages
•Allows search in both Hindi and English
Objectives:
•Promote linguistic diversity and interoperability
•Support the implementation of Hindi as the official language
•Assist in language standardization and linguistic research
Personnel Deployed: ~5,323 Indian troops across 8 out of 13 active UN peacekeeping
missions.
Ranking:
•3rd largest troop contributor after Bangladesh and Nepal.
•1st in fatalities due to malicious acts (175 deaths).
Police Personnel: 166 Indian police officers deployed.
Missions/Locations:
1.Democratic Republic of Congo
2.South Sudan
3.Abyei (Sudan-South Sudan border)
4.Western Sahara
5.Central African Republic
6.Addis Ababa (HQ/liaison, Ethiopia)
7.Lebanon
8.Syria
9.Israel
10.Cyprus
Atulya Ganga is an organization formed by
Army Veterans, who have taken upon
themselves to clean Ganga and keeping
Ganga clean, as we can witness day by day
Ganga is degrading and after numerous
efforts from different
A 4700 km epic journey on foot ||
origination the problem
still
Indiancontinues.
Army Veterans || First ever
Mundman Parikrama of Ganga ||
Advocates for Aviral, Nirmal Ganga
Starts : 10 November 2020 Rishikesh
Finishes : 29 June 2021 Rishikesh
Distance : 4,900 kms
Days : 218+
February 2024: In a joint operation codenamed 'Sagar
Manthan-1', carried out by NCB, Navy, and ATS Gujarat Police,
a gigantic consignment of approximate 3300 kg of drugs (3110
Kg Charas/Hashish, 158.3 Kg crystalline powder Meth and 24.6
Kg Suspected Heroin) was seized in the Indian Ocean
a severe storm named Cyclone Hidaya is set to hit the coast of Tanzania near
Dar es Salaam from the Indian Ocean.
Cyclone Hidaya (Guidance in Arabic), may bring heavy rain and strong winds to
regions in Tanzania like Tanga, Morogoro, the islands of Unguja and Pemba.

It formed over the South Indian Ocean and was named by France's overseas
tertiary in the Indian Ocean.
Even though Kenya is usually considered safe from cyclones, now it is preparing
for the impact of Cyclone Hidaya.
🪖 Indian Army vs Navy vs Air Force –
Commissioned Officer Ranks Comparison
Army Navy Air Force
General Admiral Air Chief Marshal
Lieutenant General Vice Admiral Air Marshal
Major General Rear Admiral Air Vice Marshal
Brigadier Commodore Air Commodore
Colonel Captain Group Captain
Lieutenant Colonel Commander Wing Commander
Major Lieutenant Commander Squadron Leader
Captain Lieutenant Flight Lieutenant
Lieutenant Sub Lieutenant Flying Officer
 Territorial Army – India's "Citizen Soldiers"
Legal Foundation & Governance
•Established Under: Territorial Army Act, 1948
•Launch Date: October 9, 1949
•Controlling Authority: Ministry of Defence
•Rule 33 of TA Act: Allows full mobilisation during national emergencies.
🪖 What is the Territorial Army (TA)?
•A volunteer reserve force comprising part-time civilian soldiers.
•Members are civilians (doctors, engineers, corporate workers) who receive military
training but continue their regular jobs.
•Acts as the second line of defence, relieving the regular Army of non-combat roles in
peacetime.
Historical Evolution
•British Era Precursor: Indian Territorial Force (1920); involved in WWI & Boer War.
•Post-Independence: Created to deepen civilian participation in defence and ensure
resilience during crises.
 Core Functions & Roles

Function Details

National Security Support Army in war, terrorism, and border tensions.

Disaster Relief Aid civil authorities during earthquakes, floods, pandemics.

Essential Services Ensure continuity of telecom, railways, and utilities.

Law & Order Counter-insurgency & stability operations in conflict-prone areas.

 Key Features
•Eligibility: Indian citizen, 18–42 years, medically fit, employed/self-employed.
•Training: ~2 months/year; no full-time obligation in peacetime.
•Current Strength: Approx. 50,000 personnel across 65 units.
•Employment: Includes Railway Engineers, Ecological Task Forces, and General Hospital Units.

Event Contribution
Logistics, rear area defence, infrastructure
1947–48, 1962, 1965, 1971 Wars
protection.
Guarded ammunition dumps, supply lines,
Kargil War (1999)
and sensitive zones.
Operation Rakshak Counter-terrorism in J&K & Punjab.
Operation Pawan Support during Sri Lanka IPKF mission.
DISHA Scheme – Designing Innovative Solutions on Holistic Access to
Justice in India
Overview
•Launched: 2021
•Duration: 2021–26
•Ministry: Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice
•Objective: Strengthening access to justice through technology-driven,
inclusive, and efficient legal services.
Component Key Focus
Legal aid via Common Service
Centres (CSCs) & mobile app in 783
Tele-Law districts. Aims to connect
marginalized sections with panel
lawyers.
Connects volunteer lawyers with
eligible beneficiaries. Includes Pro
Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal
Bono Club Scheme (2020) to involve
Services)
law students as research & logistics
support.
Appointed in district courts to aid
disposal of 10+ year-old pending
Nyaya Mitra
cases, especially those involving the
elderly, women, and marginalized.
 New Criminal Laws in India – 2023 Reforms
Effective Date: 1st July 2024
Aim: To ensure a justice-oriented, victim-centric, and technology-enabled criminal
justice system.

Old Law New Law (2023)

Indian Penal Code, 1860 Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
(BNSS)
Indian Evidence Act, 1872 Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)
Section Provision Significance
Time-bound plea deals to
Section 290, BNSS Plea Bargaining
reduce pendency.
For first-time offenders,
Section 293, BNSS Reduced sentences promoting reformative
justice.
Undertrials released after
1/3rd sentence served,
Section 479, BNSS Mandatory release
prevents overcrowding in
jails.
Introduced as alternative
Section 4, BNS Community Service punishment — ethical
reform focus.
Zero FIR: FIR can be filed at any police station, even beyond
jurisdiction.
Mandatory Forensic Collection: For crimes with punishment ≥ 7 years
imprisonment.
Free Copy of FIR: To be compulsorily given to complainant.
Online Reporting: Digital filing of complaints now allowed.
Free Medical Care: For victims of crimes against women & children.
Electronic Summons: Legally valid e-summons introduced — boosts
judicial speed.
Witness Protection: Legal framework institutionalised for safety of
victims and witnesses.
Gender Neutrality: Laws like rape have been reworded to be gender-
inclusive, addressing male/transgender victims too.
Wilmington Declaration
•The Wilmington Declaration refers to a joint
statement made by the leaders of the Quad nations
(Australia, India, Japan, and the United States) during
their meeting in Wilmington, Delaware in September
2023.
• The declaration was regarding China's aggressive
behavior in the Indo-Pacific region.
• It condemned dangerous maneuvers by coast
guard and militia vessels and emphasized the
importance of resolving maritime disputes
peacefully according to international law.
•The Quad leaders focused on improving connectivity
Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative:
•It was launched bythe QUAD countries (India, United States, Australia and Japan).
•It is aimed at implementing innovative strategies to prevent, detect, treat and alleviate the impact of
cancer on patients and their families.
•It will focus on expanding cervical cancer screening; increasing vaccinations against the human
papillomavirus, or HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection that is the primary cause of cervical cancer;
and treating patients.
•India’s contribution
• India will, additionally, offer technical assistance to interested countries in the Indo-Pacific region on DPI
for cancer screening, care and continuum through its US $10 million contribution to WHO’s-Global
Initiative on Digital Health.
• India commits to providing HPV sampling kits, detection tools and cervical cancer vaccines worth $7.5
million to the Indo-Pacific region.
• India is working on an AI based treatment protocol for the disease.
• India will provide support for radiotherapy treatment and capacity building for cancer prevention in the
Indo-Pacific.
• This significant contribution aims to strengthen local efforts to prevent and detect cervical cancer and
empower communities with affordable, accessible tools for early detection and prevention, while
supporting vaccination programs to reduce the disease burden across the region.
•The Kazan Declaration, issued at the summit, is a comprehensive document that
emphasizes the need for enhanced cooperation among the participating countries and
presents the bloc’s unified stance on key global issues.
•The Kazan Declaration emphasized “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global
Development and Security” with commitment to fostering peace, ensuring a fairer
international order, and promoting sustainable development.
•Russia emphasized a BRICS-led payment system against SWIFT, an international
financial network that Russian banks were cut off from in 2022, as well as the escalating
situation in West Asia.
•The BRICS nations agreed to explore initiatives, such as BRICS Grain Exchange
and BRICS (Re)Insurance Company.
•The summit also endorsed the creation of a BRICS Partner Country category, which
would allow other nations to collaborate with BRICS on various projects.
•BRICS R&D Vaccine Center was announced for fostering research in vaccine
development.
•India’s initiative to create an International Big Cats Alliance was recognized during the
summit.
 Country First 2+2 Dialogue Held Notes
Countries Most prominent; covers
defense, Indo-Pacific
United States 2018
with 2+2 cooperation, strategic
technologies.

Dialogue with Japan 2019

Focus on regional
security, Quad, maritime
security.
India Emphasizes Indo-Pacific,
Australia 2021 counterterrorism, cyber &
defense cooperation.
Despite Ukraine war
Russia 2021 tensions, continued focus
on defense and energy.
Part of India-UK
Comprehensive Strategic
United Kingdom 2022
Partnership, post-Brexit tilt
Mar 2024: Held the first India– Brazil 2+2 Political & towards Indo-Pacific.
Military Dialogue
BHISHM
•Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri.
•Provides compact, mobile medical units for emergency care, designed to deliver medical facilities swiftly and effectively.
Key features of BHISHM cubes:
•Compact and organised: Medical supplies and equipment are packed into 15-inch cubical boxes.
• These boxes are organized based on injury types and medical needs, making them efficient for quick deployment in
emergencies.
•Transport flexibility: The cubes are mounted on an adjustable framework, allowing them to be transported via multiple
modes, including air, sea, land, and drone.
• Each cube weighs up to 20 kg and is designed to be carried by an individual.
•Mother and BHISHM cubes:
• 36 mini cubes combine to form one mother cube.
• Two mother cubes combine to form one BHISHM Cube.
• One Mother Cube offers first-line care, shelter, and food for up to five people for 48 hours.
• The second mother cube is equipped for surgical care, handling 10-15 basic surgeries per day.
•Ease of use and management: Medicines and equipment are classified, with RFID inventory management and real-time stock
updates.
• Additionally, a dedicated app and a tablet with support for 180 languages are provided for operational instructions.
•Capacity and Features:
• Each BHISHM Cube can handle around 200 emergency cases, including trauma, burns, fractures, and shock.
• The cubes are capable of supporting basic surgeries and can generate their power and oxygen for limited durations.
•Technological Integration: BHISHM cubes incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics for effective coordination,
real-time monitoring, and efficient management of medical services.
 46th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (2024)
Key Highlights:
• Hosted by India for the first time – marks India’s growing leadership in global
cultural diplomacy.
• India pledged $1 million to UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre for:
• Capacity-building in developing countries
• Conservation projects
Capacity-Building Initiatives Proposed by India:
• Global training programs for heritage professionals
• Exchange programs for researchers and conservationists
• Key Implementing Bodies:
• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
• INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage)
 World Heritage Young Professionals Forum
• Launched: 1995 by UNESCO
• Objective:
• Engage youth in heritage conservation and management
• Promote awareness, networking, and capacity building
• Importance for India:
• Platform to showcase India's youth leadership in culture
• Encourages heritage-focused careers and policy research
Aspect Details
Landmarks or areas of outstanding cultural/natural value
Definition
protected under international law
Reflects the shared heritage of humanity; aids global
Importance
recognition and conservation
Must have unique cultural, historical, architectural, or
Selection Criteria
natural significance

Conservation Needs Guarded against over-tourism, urbanization, and neglect

Comprises 21 member states elected for 4-year terms;

World Heritage Committee
India is a member for 2021–2025 (not permanent)

Selection of sites, monitoring, fund management, and

Functions
conservation support
 Colombo Process (Regional Migration Governance Forum)
What is it?
•A Regional Consultative Process (RCP) involving 12 Asian labour-sending
countries.
•Focus: Promote safe, orderly, and dignified overseas employment and
protect migrant workers' rights.
Member Countries (12):
•South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
•Southeast/East Asia: Cambodia, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand,
Vietnam
Founding Members (10): Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal,
Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam
 Key Features:
•Non-binding, consensus-based decisions
•Platform for cooperation, policy dialogue, and exchange of best
practices
•Enhances capacity building and regional coordination on labour
migration
Objectives:
•Improve recruitment practices
•Enhance remittance management
•Address gender and migration
•Strengthen pre-departure orientation and skills recognition
•Foster bilateral/multilateral agreements on labour mobility
 India's Role:
•A founding member
•Focuses on protecting the rights of Indian migrant
workers abroad, especially in West Asia and Southeast
Asia
•Promotes ethical recruitment and skills standardization

India has become chair of the regional grouping Colombo

Process for the first time since its inception in 2003.
•India would lead the grouping for the period 2024-26.
 India's Development Partnership (2023–24)
Theme: India as a trusted development partner through concessional Line of Credit
(LoC), infrastructure building, and capacity development.
Country-Wise Key Projects
Bangladesh
•Akhura–Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link – Boosts connectivity between Northeast
India and Bangladesh.
•Khulna–Mongla Port Rail Line – Enhances trade routes.
•Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant (Unit-II) – Strengthens energy cooperation.
•$25.71M LoC for Chattogram City Street Lighting – Urban infrastructure
development.
Significance: Critical for Act East Policy and sub-regional connectivity (BBIN,
BIMSTEC).
Bhutan
•Mother & Child Hospital – Cyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Hospital.
Significance: Health diplomacy; deepens Indo-Bhutanese cooperation.
 Nepal
•3 Cross-border Power Transmission Lines – Facilitates electricity trade.
•Tribhuvan University Central Library
•Support to 25 Schools, 32 Health Facilities
•Cultural Sector Project – Strengthens soft power.
Significance: Crucial for India’s Neighborhood First policy and energy
cooperation.
Mauritius
•New Airstrip & Jetty at Agalega Island – Strategic significance in the
Indian Ocean.
•14 Community Development Projects
•Forensic Science Laboratory
•National Archives & Library (under LoC)
Significance: Expands India's maritime footprint (SAGAR vision), civil-
military dual-use projects.
 Maldives
•Greater Male Connectivity Bridge – India’s largest infrastructure project
in the Maldives.
•Addu City Development Project
Significance: Counterbalance to Chinese influence, Indo-Pacific
security.

Zimbabwe
•Deka Pumping & River Water Intake System
Significance: India-Africa development partnership; addresses water
security.
Operation/Event Key Details
Evacuation of Indian nationals from Israel
Operation Ajay (Oct 2023)
during the Hamas-Israel conflict.
Evacuated 17 Indians from Haiti to the
Operation Indravati (Mar 2024)
Dominican Republic amid civil unrest.
IAF C-130J aircraft brought back mortal
Kuwait Fire Incident (Jun 2024)
remains of 45 Indians killed in a fire tragedy.
Safe return of 1,000 Indians, 500 Nepalese,
Bangladesh Crisis 100 Bhutanese, and 1 Maldivian – a true
example of regional solidarity.
Rescued 9 crew members (incl. 5 Indians)
Joint Rescue with Oman (Jul 2024)
from a capsized ship.
Rescued 14 Indians trapped in online fraud
Cambodia Cyber Scam Rescue networks – part of India’s efforts against
cybercrime-linked trafficking.
 "Chalo India Campaign" – Promoting Tourism Through Diaspora Linkages
Context:
India launched a tourism promotion campaign leveraging the Overseas Citizen of India
(OCI) community to bring foreign friends to India. It reflects a blend of diaspora
diplomacy, soft power, and economic revival through tourism

Category Details
Attract foreign tourists (esp. friends of OCI cardholders); promote
Objective
"Brand India".
Free e-Visas Govt to issue 1 lakh free e-visas under the campaign.
Foreigners nominated by OCI cardholders (each can nominate up to 5
Eligibility
persons).
OCI cardholders register online → receive unique code after
Registration
verification → code used by nominated friends for free e-visa.
UK is India’s 3rd largest source of foreign tourists (0.92 million visitors
UK Launch Rationale
in 2023 out of 9.5 million total).
 Project PRAYAS (Promoting Regular Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled
Professionals)
Context:
Launched in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and
supported by International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Project PRAYAS is a
first-of-its-kind effort to unify state-level initiatives on international migration.
Objectives:
•Facilitate safe, orderly, and regular international migration.
•Help Indian workers and students migrate abroad with better support
mechanisms.
•Support evidence-based migration policy through data collection and analysis.
•Strengthen international migration governance by aligning Union and State
efforts.
 Parameter Details
Established 1951
UN-related intergovernmental
Type
organization
HQ Geneva, Switzerland
Members 172 Member States, including India

IOM Observer States

Mandate Areas
8
Migration & Development, Forced
Migration, Migration Regulation,
Facilitated Migration

Broad, includes temporary/permanent,

Migrant Definition internal/international, for multiple
reasons
 UN Statistical Commission
What is it?
•Established: 1947
•Status: Highest decision-making body of the global statistical system.
•Reports to: United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
•Headquarters: New York
Key Functions:
•Sets global statistical standards, concepts, and methodologies.
•Supports implementation of statistical practices at both national and
international levels.
•Oversees the UN Statistics Division (UNSD).
•Promotes coordination of statistical programs and data comparability
across countries.
Region Number of Members
Africa 5
Asia-Pacific 4 •Term: 4 years
•India’s return in
Eastern Europe 4 2024: After a 20-
year gap, India re-
Latin America & Caribbean 4 joins the body
Western Europe & Others 7 (last served in
2004).

Total -- 24
 What is MPLADS?
•Type: Central Sector Scheme
•Launched: 1993
•Aim: Enables MPs to recommend developmental works in their constituencies
based on local needs with a focus on durable community assets.

Aspect Details
Ministry of Statistics & Programme
Nodal Ministry
Implementation (MoSPI)
Fund Allocation ₹5 crore per MP per year (since 2011–12)
Release In 2 instalments of ₹2.5 crore
Fund Nature Non-lapsable; carried forward if not used
SC/ST Mandate Min 15% for SCs and 7.5% for STs
Special Provisions
• ₹25 lakh for projects outside constituency
• ₹1 crore for disaster-hit areas anywhere in
India
 Projects Eligible under MPLADS
•Infrastructure creation
•Convergence with MGNREGS
•Sports infra under Khelo India
•Assets on land owned by eligible social welfare trusts (min
3-year track record)
 Bilateral Netting of Qualified Financial Contracts Act, 2020

Term Explanation
Offsetting mutual obligations
between parties in case of default
Close-out Netting
or insolvency; only the net payable
amount is settled.
Financial contracts notified by
Qualified Financial Contracts regulators like RBI, SEBI, IRDAI
(QFCs) between qualified financial market
participants.
Includes Banks, NBFCs, Insurance
Qualified Financial Institutions
Cos., Mutual Funds, Pension
(QFIs)
Funds, etc.
 Key Features
•Statutory backing for close-out netting, even during
insolvency/bankruptcy proceedings.
•Applies to bilateral contracts between regulated financial entities.
•Overrides conflicting laws for netting enforceability.

Area Impact
Reduces gross credit exposure → lower capital
Capital Efficiency
requirement under Basel norms
Minimizes contagion risk in the event of a
Systemic Risk
counterparty default
Market Development Boosts derivative and corporate bond markets
Legal Clarity Strengthens India's insolvency resolution framework
Financial Stability Enhances trust in financial infrastructure
New Instruments Recognized as "Securities" under SCRA, 1956
The Government of India and SEBI have recently recognized several new
financial instruments as "securities" under the Securities Contracts
(Regulation) Act, 1956, to promote transparency, formalization, and
financial innovation.

Significance for Economy and Markets:

•Financialization of bullion: Allows gold/silver to be part of formal
financial assets.
•Boost to transparency and investor protection in commodity
trading.
•Enables social impact funding through new financial instruments.
•Encourages formal participation of investors in previously informal
or unregulated markets.
Instrument Recognized as Security? Key Features / Notes
Enhances transparency and
Bullion Spot Delivery
Yes regulation in bullion
Contract
(gold/silver) markets.
Facilitates trading of physical
Bullion Depository Receipt Yes bullion (gold/silver) like
shares; backed by bullion.
Already traded on stock
Electronic Gold Receipt
Yes exchanges; integrates gold
(EGR)
into formal financial markets.
Used for social impact
Zero Coupon Zero Principal investing; issued by Not-for-
Yes
Instruments (ZCZP) Profit Organizations (NPOs)
under SEBI framework.
Computer Security Incident Response Team – Finance (CSIRT-
Fin)
•Established: 2020
•Under: CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team),
Ministry of Electronics and IT
•Purpose: Specialized unit focused on enhancing cybersecurity
in the financial sector.
Key Functions:
•Monitor, respond to, and mitigate cyber threats in banks,
insurance companies, and other financial institutions.
•Support financial regulators like RBI, SEBI, IRDAI in cyber
incident response.
•Ensure a secure digital financial ecosystem.
Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)
•Established: 2010 (Non-statutory body)
•Chairperson: Union Finance Minister
Major Functions:
•Macro-prudential supervision of the economy
•Inter-regulatory coordination among financial sector regulators (RBI,
SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, etc.)
•Oversight of systemically important financial institutions (SIFIs)
•Promote financial literacy, financial inclusion, and deepening of
financial markets
•Address financial sector development issues (like fintech, cyber risks)
Members:
•Heads of RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA
•Finance Secretary, Chief Economic Adviser, and others
National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) – Key Sectors Covered:
Context: •Roads
•The Central Government has initiated an
Asset Recycling Drive under the NMP.
•Railways
•Objective: Generate resources for new •Power
infrastructure investments. •Oil & Gas Pipelines
•Target for FY 2024-25: ₹1.5 trillion through •Telecom
asset monetization. •Civil Aviation
What is NMP? •Warehousing
•Launched: 2021
•Timeframe: FY 2022–2025 (4 years)
•Ports and Shipping
•Total Monetization Potential: ₹6 lakh crore Only central government assets
•Focus: Monetization of core assets through (CPSEs, line ministries) are currently
leasing, not disinvestment. covered; inclusion of state assets is
under process.
Institutional Mechanism:
•Monetization of non-core assets (land, real estate) shifted from DIPAM to
Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) under the Ministry of Finance.
•Aligned with National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) worth ₹111 trillion
(2019–2025).
National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) –Recent Context:
•NIIF invested $200 million in iBUS Network and Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. to
strengthen India’s digital infrastructure.
•Reflects NIIF’s active role in supporting tech-enabled infrastructure growth.
Feature Details
Established 2015
Nature India’s first sovereign wealth fund (SWF)
49% Government of India, rest by domestic & global institutional
Ownership
investors

Regulation Registered as Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) with SEBI

Assets Under Management (AUM) Over $4.9 billion

Mandate Equity capital investments in infrastructure and related sectors

Types of Projects Greenfield, Brownfield, and Stalled projects

Government-anchored but professionally managed and investment-
Independence
independent
Investment Strategy:
•Invests across asset classes: Infrastructure, Private Equity, and Strategic
Sectors
•Generates risk-adjusted returns while aiding India's infrastructure
development
Fund Focus Area
Largest infra fund in India; invests in core infra
NIIF Master Fund
(roads, airports, ports, power, etc.)
Invests in third-party managed funds in infra &
NIIF Private Markets Fund
related sectors
Develops greenfield and large-scale strategic
NIIF Strategic Opportunities Fund
businesses/projects
Bilateral fund; focuses on environmental
preservation and Indo-Japan industrial
India-Japan Fund
collaborationCorpus: $600 million (GoI 49%, JBIC
51%)
 What is an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF)?
•An AIF is any privately pooled investment vehicle that collects funds from
sophisticated investors (Indian or foreign).
•Purpose: Invests in accordance with a defined investment policy.
•Regulated by: SEBI
•Categories:
• Category I: Socially/economically beneficial (e.g., VC funds,
infrastructure funds)
• Category II: Private equity funds, debt funds, etc.
• Category III: Hedge funds, funds using complex strategies
Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Ltd. (SPMCIL)
About:
•Type: Public Sector Undertaking (PSU)
•Under: Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance
•Status: Only PSU under the Department of Economic Affairs
Key Functions & Responsibilities:
SPMCIL is responsible for the production of secure and high-value items
required by various arms of the Government.
Product Purpose
Used for printing currency and legal
Security paper
docs
Minted coins Legal tender coins for circulation
Currency & bank notes Printed for use by the RBI
Used by State Governments for
Non-judicial stamp papers
legal use
Postage stamps & stationery For Department of Posts
For Ministry of External Affairs
Passports, visa stickers
(MEA)
Includes secure identity/travel
Other travel documents
products
Product Client

Currency notes & coins Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Stamp papers State Governments

Postal stationery/stamps Postal Department

Passports, visa stickers Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

To enhance the transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the use of funds under Centrally Sponsored Schemes
(CSS), the Government of India introduced the SNA-CNA mechanism.

Feature Description
Level State/UT level
Receives funds from the Centre and manages
Purpose
flow to implementing agencies
Ensures utilization, disbursal, and monitoring of
Responsibility
funds under a particular CSS
Maintains a separate, scheme-wise bank account
Bank Account
in a scheduled commercial bank
All other executing/implementing agencies use
Implementation
this account for payments
Feature Description

Level Central level

Central holding account for CSS funds before transfer to SNA

Purpose
accounts

Managed by Concerned central ministry or department

Authorizes release of funds based on approvals and ensures real-

Function
time monitoring

Integrated with PFMS (Public Financial Management System) for

Technology
tracking fund flow
 Directorate of Enforcement (ED)
Basic Details:
•Established: 1955
•Initial Mandate: Enforce FERA, 1947 → later FERA, 1973
•Post-2000: Enforces FEMA, 1999 after FERA was
repealed
Act Key Features / ED’s Role
- Deals with civil offenses relating to foreign
exchange violations - Aims to facilitate external
FEMA, 1999 (Foreign Exchange Management Act) trade, ensure orderly forex market - ED conducts
investigations based on intelligence - Penalty: up to
3x the amount involved
- Criminal law targeting money laundering - ED
conducts investigation, attachment, seizure, and
PMLA, 2002 (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) confiscation of proceeds of crime - Files prosecution
before Special PMLA Courts - Sole jurisdiction in
India for PMLA enforcement
- Targets economic offenders evading Indian law and
staying abroad - Threshold: ₹100 crore+ fraud or
economic offense - ED moves Special Court to
FEOA, 2018 (Fugitive Economic Offenders Act)
declare offenders as fugitives, enabling
confiscation of their properties - Aim: Uphold rule
of law and accountability
- ED can recommend preventive detention - Used in
COFEPOSA, 1974 (Conservation of Foreign Exchange cases related to contravention of FEMA, foreign
and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act) exchange violations, smuggling etc. - Focuses on
prevention, not prosecution
Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF)
Overview:
•Announced by: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
•Established through: Priority Sector Lending (PSL) shortfall
•Objective: Develop urban infrastructure in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities
•Managed by: National Housing Bank (NHB)
•Initial Corpus: ₹10,000 crore
•Modelled on: Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF)
Purpose:
To supplement state efforts in urban development by providing a stable and
predictable source of financing to:
•Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
•Public/State Agencies
•Municipal Corporations
Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF)
Established: 1995–96
By: NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development)
Initial Corpus: ₹2,000 crore
Objective
•To provide loans to State Governments and State-owned corporations for completing
ongoing rural infrastructure projects.
•Initially focused on last-mile funding to ensure timely completion of rural infrastructure.
Funding Source
•Funded through contributions from:
• Commercial Banks
• Foreign Banks
• Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
• Small Finance Banks
•These contributions are linked to shortfalls in Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets, as
mandated by the RBI.
Coverage
•Initial Focus:
• Irrigation
• Flood protection
• Watershed management
•Current Scope:
• Supports 39 types of activities under the following
sectors:
• Agriculture & Allied Sectors
• Social Sector
• Rural Connectivity
10 Years of Jan Suraksha Schemes – PMJJBY, PMSBY, and APY (2015–2025)
Overview and Vision
•Launched: 9th May 2015 by PM Narendra Modi
•Motto: “Securing the Unsecured”
•Aim: Provide affordable insurance and pension to poor, underserved, and vulnerable
sections.
•Core Principles: Affordability, accessibility, simplicity, and digital enablement.
•Jan Suraksha Portal: Enabled digitized enrolments and faster claims processing.
Key Schemes and Achievements (As of 23 April 2025)
1. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
•Type: Life Insurance
•Coverage: ₹2 lakh (death, any reason)
•Premium: ₹436/year (≈₹2/day)
•Eligibility: 18–50 years, with a bank/post office account
•Enrolments: 23.63 crore
• Women: 10.66 crore
• PMJDY-linked: 7.08 crore
•Claims Paid: ₹18,397.92 crore for 9,19,896 claims
2. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana
(PMSBY) 3. Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
•Type: Accidental Insurance •Type: Guaranteed Pension
•Coverage: Scheme
• ₹2 lakh (death/total disability)
•Administered by: PFRDA
• ₹1 lakh (partial disability)
•Premium: ₹20/year (≈₹2/month) (under NPS framework)
•Eligibility: 18–70 years, bank/post office •Eligibility:
account holder • Age 18–40 years
•Enrolments: 51.06 crore • Non-income tax payers
• Women: 23.87 crore
• Bank account required
• PMJDY-linked: 17.12 crore
•Claims Paid: ₹3,121.02 crore for 1,57,155 •Benefit: Monthly pension of
claims ₹1,000–₹5,000 after 60 years
•Subscribers: 7.66 crore
•Focus: Retirement security for
unorganised sector workers
Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana Key Features
(PMMY) •MUDRA (Micro Units Development
Launch Year: 2015 and Refinance Agency) provides:
Type: Central Sector Scheme • Refinance support
Nodal Agency: Department of • Credit guarantees
Financial Services, Ministry of • Developmental assistance to
Finance lenders (banks, MFIs, NBFCs)
Objective •Loans are collateral-free and offered
To empower small and micro via Member Lending Institutions (MLIs)
entrepreneurs in the non- including:
corporate, non-farm sector by • Public/private sector banks, RRBs,
providing collateral-free credit for Small Finance Banks, MFIs, NBFCs
income-generating activities.
Category Loan Amount Purpose
For new businesses or early-
Shishu Up to ₹50,000
stage enterprises
For businesses seeking to
Kishore ₹50,000 – ₹5 lakh expand operations or working
capital
For well-established businesses
Tarun ₹5 lakh – ₹10 lakh
requiring larger funding
For businesses that have repaid
Tarun Plus (New – Budget
₹10 lakh – ₹20 lakh Tarun loans and aim for higher
2024-25)
growth
Merchandise Trade: India (2023–24)
Exports
•Total Export Value:
USD 437.11 billion
(↓ from USD 451.07 billion in previous year)
•India’s Global Rank:
17th (as per WTO, 2023)
Global Export Share: 1.8%
 Top Exports

Product Category Share (%)

Petroleum Products 19.25
Drug Formulations & Biologicals 4.97
Pearls, Precious & Semi-precious
4.33
Stones
Telecom Instruments 3.95
Gold & Precious Metal Jewellery 3.05
Country Share (%)
USA 17.74
Top Export
UAE 8.15
Destinations
Netherlands 5.12
China 3.81
Singapore 3.30
 Imports
•Total Import Value:
USD 675.43 billion
(↓ 5.66% from USD 715.97 billion)
•India’s Global Rank:
8th (as per WTO, 2023)
Global Import Share: 2.8%
Product Category Share (%)
Petroleum: Crude 20.11
Top Import
Gold 6.24
Products
Petroleum Products 5.40
Coal, Coke, and Briquettes 5.76
Electronic Components 5.09
Country Share (%)
China 15.06
Top Import
Russia 9.10
Sources
UAE 7.11
USA 6.04
Saudi Arabia 4.21
Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India –
Background
•First EPZ in Asia: Kandla, Gujarat (1965) – India pioneered the Export
Processing Zone (EPZ) model.
•SEZ Policy Introduced: April 2000
•SEZ Act Enacted: 2005
•Came into Force: February 2006
Objectives of SEZs
•Promote exports of goods and services
•Attract foreign and domestic investment
•Generate employment opportunities
•Encourage creation of infrastructure
•Stimulate new economic activity
 Salient Features
•SEZ is treated as a duty-free enclave—considered
outside India’s customs territory.
•No license required for imports into SEZ.
•Manufacturing and service activities allowed.
•Must generate positive Net Foreign Exchange (NFE)
within 5 years.
•Subcontracting and no routine cargo inspections.
•Developers and units enjoy tax incentives under SEZ
Act.
 Benefits
•Single-window clearance for:
• SEZ establishment
• Unit operations
• Central and State approvals
•Simplified compliance with emphasis on self-certification
•Exemption from GST on inward supplies
•External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) up to USD 500
million/year without maturity restrictions
Approval Mechanism
•Proposal → State Government (45 days) → Board of Approval
(BoA)
•Applicants can also approach BoA directly
 Incentives & Facilities
•Income Tax Exemption:
• 100% for first 5 years
• 50% for next 5 years
• Additional 50% for reinvested profits (5 years)
•Duty-free import/domestic procurement for SEZ development
•Zero GST on SEZ inward supplies
•Central & State approvals via unified portal
ASCEND Program –
Full Form
ASCEND: Accelerating Startup Caliber & Entrepreneurial Drive
Aim
•To boost innovation and promote entrepreneurship in the North-Eastern region of
India.
•Encourage region-specific startups and capacity-building among local youth and
entrepreneurs.
Target Region
•North-Eastern States of India
Key Features
•Focuses on local innovation, traditional knowledge, and context-based solutions
•Provides mentorship, capacity-building, and financial assistance
•Facilitates market access and infrastructure support for regional startups
•Aims to integrate entrepreneurial ecosystems with the national startup framework
Latest
Yashasvini Campaign (2024)
Launched By
•Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)
•NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)
•Ministry of Rural Development
Objective
To promote formalization, capacity-building, and digital empowerment of women
entrepreneurs through mentorship, training, and integration into the e-commerce
ecosystem.
Focus Areas
1.SHG Formalization
1. Support Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in registering and becoming formal economic entities.
2.Women-Owned MSMEs
1. Encourage establishment, scaling, and formalization of micro and small women-led
businesses.
3.Digital Literacy & Mentorship
1. Enhance digital skills and provide mentorship to increase participation in online
commerce and digital platforms.
 Feature Details

Supplies 60% of UNICEF’s global vaccine

Key demand
Features & Vaccines Leadership Accounts for 40–70% of WHO demand for
DPT & BCG
Contributions Supplies 90% of Measles vaccines

Provides 20% of global generic medicine

supply
Generic Medicines
Over 60,000 generic brands across 60
therapeutic categories

Major contributor to affordable global

HIV/AIDS treatment
HIV Treatment Access
Over 80% of antiretroviral drugs used
globally are produced by Indian firms
Aspect Details
Share in India’s Total FDI ~3.80% of total FDI inflows
100% FDI allowed via automatic
FDI Policy – Medical Devices
route
FDI from land-border sharing
FDI Policy – Pharma Sector countries (e.g., China) requires
Govt. approval
Cyprus, Japan, Singapore,
Top 5 Pharma FDI Countries
Netherlands, Mauritius
UAE, Mauritius, Cayman
Top 5 Meditech FDI Countries
Islands, USA, Japan
 MMDR Amendment Act, 2023 – Key Reforms for Mineral Sector

Provision Details
Exploration Licence for deep-seated & critical
New Licence Introduced
minerals (previously not well-regulated)
Blocks explored under Exploration Licence to be
Auction of Mining Lease
auctioned within a specified timeline
Includes gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, nickel, cobalt,
Deep-Seated Minerals Defined
PGM (Platinum Group of Metals), diamonds
6 minerals removed from Atomic Minerals List:
Removal from Atomic List (Part B) beryllium, lithium, niobium, titanium, tantalum,
zirconium – now open for private sector exploration
Critical minerals under this part to be exclusively
New Part-D Added to First Schedule
auctioned by the Central Government
 Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) –
Background
•Launched by the Ministry of Mines in 2015.
•Aims at the welfare of mining-affected areas and people, using funds
from District Mineral Foundations (DMFs).

Objective Details
Implement development projects
1. Development & Welfare
complementing State & Central schemes
Reduce adverse effects of mining on
2. Mitigation environment, health, and socio-
economic life
Promote sustainable livelihood in
3. Livelihood Security
mining-affected regions
 Central Govt. notifies contribution rates.

DMF
Lease Type
Contribution • Implementation
• Implemented by DMFs under the
Before 12 Jan MMDR Amendment Act, 2015.
30% of royalty • DMFs established in every mining-
2015 affected district.
• Funding Source: Contribution from
After 12 Jan miners based on royalty:
10% of royalty
2015
Fund Allocation Priority Areas
High Priority: Drinking water,
At least 60% healthcare, education, environmental
protection
Other Priority: Roads, irrigation,
Up to 40%
energy, watershed, infrastructure

Utilisation of Funds
 Revised Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) Guidelines
– January 2024
Parameter Details
High Priority Fund Utilisation Increased from ≥ 60% to ≥ 70% of total DMF funds

Housing, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry added to eligible

New Sectors Included
expenditure areas

- Project Management Unit (PMU) for professional project

New Features Introduced
execution- Endowment Fund to ensure long-term welfare

Affected Areas Coverage extended to cross-district mining-affected areas

- Central Govt to develop an online portal- State-level

Transparency & Monitoring Monitoring Committees- Grievance Redressal & Compliance
Mechanisms
 🪖 Major
Mineral Top Resource States (% share) Key Pointers / Notes

Odisha (41%), Chhattisgarh (20%), Concentrated on east coast –

Bauxite
A.P. (12%), Gujarat, Jharkhand, MP

Odisha (96% - Sukinda Valley),

Odisha & A.P.

Odisha has overwhelming

Metallic &
Non-
Chromite minor in NE, Karnataka,
dominance
Maharashtra
Rajasthan (52%), MP (23%),
Copper Major mining belt: Aravallis

Gold
Jharkhand (15%)
Bihar (43%), Rajasthan (24%),
Karnataka (20%), Kerala (Placer
India has low reserves, mostly
Metallic
primary lode type
deposits)

Hematite: Odisha (39%), Jharkhand

Minerals:
Key States
Iron Ore (20%), Chhattisgarh (19%) Magnetite mostly in Southern India
Magnetite: Karnataka (69%)

Rajasthan's Zawar mines are

Lead & Zinc Rajasthan (89%)
historic
Odisha (34%), Karnataka (25%), M.P.
Manganese Used in steel production
& Maharashtra (12% each)
Mineral Top Resource States (% share) Key Pointers / Notes
Odisha (41%), Chhattisgarh (20%), A.P. (12%), Gujarat,
Bauxite Concentrated on east coast – Odisha & A.P.
Jharkhand, MP
Odisha (96% - Sukinda Valley), minor in NE, Karnataka,
Chromite Odisha has overwhelming dominance
Maharashtra
Copper Rajasthan (52%), MP (23%), Jharkhand (15%) Major mining belt: Aravallis
Bihar (43%), Rajasthan (24%), Karnataka (20%), Kerala
Gold India has low reserves, mostly primary lode type
(Placer deposits)
Hematite: Odisha (39%), Jharkhand (20%), Chhattisgarh
Iron Ore (19%) Magnetite mostly in Southern India
Magnetite: Karnataka (69%)
Lead & Zinc Rajasthan (89%) Rajasthan's Zawar mines are historic
Odisha (34%), Karnataka (25%), M.P. & Maharashtra (12%
Manganese Used in steel production
each)
Nickel Odisha (93%) Found with ultramafic rocks
Tungsten Karnataka (41%), Rajasthan (27%), A.P. (17%) All reserves are under Remaining Resources
Diamond M.P. (90%), A.P., Chhattisgarh Only country with commercial diamond mines in Asia
Fluorspar Gujarat (68%), Rajasthan (27%) Used in chemical & cement industries

Graphite Arunachal (36%), J&K (30%), Odisha & Jharkhand (19% each) Tamil Nadu has largest reserves

Ilmenite/Rutile Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, A.P. Found in beach sands

Kyanite Telangana (46%), A.P. (30%) Used in refractory ceramics
Sillimanite Odisha (25%), Tamil Nadu (24%), U.P. (16%) Important for high-temperature furnaces
Limestone Karnataka (25%), A.P. & Rajasthan (13% each) Used in cement industry
Magnesite Uttarakhand (52%), Tamil Nadu (34%) Used in refractories
 SANKALP Programme (2018)
Full Form: Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood
Promotion
Launched by: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
Assistance: World Bank loan-supported
Alignment: Aligned with the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM)
Objectives
•Transform the overall skilling ecosystem in India
•Strengthen central and state-level skill institutions
•Promote best practices at the local level
•Enhance access, quality & capacity of skill training
•Improve participation of women and disadvantaged groups
 STRIVE – Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement
Key Facts
•Launched by: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
•Supported by: World Bank
•Implemented by:
• National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
(NIESBUD)
• Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE)
Objective
To improve the relevance and efficiency of skills training provided through
Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and promote entrepreneurship development
in India.
 MusQan Scheme (2021)
Nodal Ministry:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)
Objective:
To ensure high-quality, safe, and child-friendly services at public health
facilities, with a focus on reducing preventable newborn and child
mortality and morbidity.
Key Features:
•Provides Child-Friendly Services in public health facilities.
•Promotes respectful and dignified care for children and their parents.
•Supports and promotes breastfeeding.
•Ensures access to safe and respectful care for mother–parent–attendant.
•Focuses on creating a positive environment in pediatric and neonatal
wards.
 Copyright in India 3. Copyright Registration (Section 45)
•Who can apply: Author, publisher, owner, or any
Governing Framework interested person
•Law: Copyright Act, 1957 •Mode: Online or postal
•Administered by: Copyright Office, under •Requirement: Prescribed form + fee
Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Copyright Board
Education •Established: 1958
Key Provisions •Nature: Quasi-judicial body
1. Acquisition of Copyright •Jurisdiction: Entire India
•Automatic Protection: Copyright comes into effect Key Functions:
as soon as a work is created. •Adjudication of disputes related to:
•No mandatory registration needed. • Copyright registration
•Section 48: If registered, the certificate serves as • Assignment and rectification
prima facie evidence in court. •Grant of Compulsory Licenses for:
2. Works Protected (Section 13) • Withheld works
Includes original: • Unpublished Indian works
•Literary works (includes software) • Works for persons with disabilities
•Musical works • Translation of works for specific purposes
•Artistic works •Fixing Royalty Rates for:
•Cinematographic films • Statutory licenses (e.g., broadcasts, cover
•Sound recordings versions)
 • Scheduling & De-scheduling of Scheduled Tribes (STs)
• 1. Constitutional Provisions – Article 342
• Note: There is no definition of “Scheduled Tribe” in the
Constitution.

Article Provision
The President, after consultation with the
342(1) Governor of the concerned State, may notify any
tribe or tribal community as Scheduled Tribe.
Only Parliament can make changes (inclusion or
342(2)
exclusion) to the ST list via a law.
 2. Criteria for Declaring a Community as ST
Though not in the Constitution, these are established by convention:
1.Indications of primitive traits
2.Distinctive culture
3.Shyness of contact with the larger community
4.Geographical isolation
5.Social and economic backwardness
3. Historical Basis of the Criteria
Criteria evolved through:
•1931 Census
•Kalelkar Committee (1955) – 1st Backward Classes Commission
•Lokur Committee (1965) – Recommended the 5 ST criteria
•Chanda Committee (1969) – On SC/ST Orders Amendment Bill
 4. Key Facts to Remember
•Over 700 tribes are currently notified under Article 342.
•ST list is state-specific:
🡺 A tribe recognized as ST in one state may not be ST in another.
•There are overlapping tribes across state borders.
•De-scheduling (removal) also requires a Parliamentary Act.
Marital Status and ST Identity – UPSC Perspective
Key Provisions
Legal Basis:
This principle has been upheld in various Supreme Court judgments, affirming that Scheduled Tribe
status is determined by birth, not by marital association.
Clause Legal Position
Non-ST marrying ST Does NOT acquire ST status by virtue of marriage.
Retains ST status even after marriage to a non-ST
ST marrying Non-ST
person.
 1000 Springs Initiative

Feature Details
Launched by Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) + UNDP
Year of Launch 2019

Protect, rejuvenate natural springs for

Objective
tribal water security

Tribal-dominated areas across central

Focus States
and northeastern India
 Key Components
•Barefoot Hydrologists:
Tribal youth trained in spring hydrology using both traditional and
scientific knowledge.
•GIS Mapping:
Over 550+ springs mapped using a Spring Atlas with geospatial
technology.
•Community-Led Approach:
Local tribal communities empowered to lead water source protection.
•Convergence Model:
Links with:
• MGNREGA
• Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP)
• National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP)
MGNREGA

Feature Description
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act,
Full Form
2005
Type Labour law and social security measure
Nodal Ministry Ministry of Rural Development
Legal Backing Statutory Act of Parliament

To enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at

least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial
Objective
year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer
to do unskilled manual work
 Eligibility Criteria Work Proximity
•Must be an Indian citizen •Job must be provided within 5 km of applicant’s
•At least 18 years of age residence
•Member of a rural household •Else, additional travel allowance payable
•Willing to do unskilled manual work Decentralised Implementation
Right to Work •Gram Panchayats prepare labour budget and
•Legal guarantee of 100 days of wage employment per recommend projects
household per year •Gram Sabhas select works to be executed
Unemployment Allowance •Emphasis on bottom-up planning
•If work is not provided within 15 days, the applicant is Social Audit (Section 17)
entitled to: •Mandatory for all works
• 25% of wage for first 30 days •Promotes transparency, accountability, and citizen
• 50% thereafter participation
Wage Payment Worker Entitlements
•Must be paid within 15 days •Worksite facilities: shade, drinking water, first aid
•Delay beyond this attracts compensation •Compensation for injuries
•Provision of crèches if more than 5 children below
6 years at site
 National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
Introduction
•Launched: 15th August 1995
•Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)
•Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) with 100% Central
Assistance
•Objective: To provide public assistance to BPL individuals in cases
of old age, widowhood, disability, or death of a breadwinner.
Constitutional Backing
•Article 41 (DPSP): Directs the State to provide public assistance in
cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, disablement, and other
undeserved want, within economic capacity.
 Beneficiaries
Scheme Amount

60–79 yrs: ₹200/month80+ yrs:

IGNOAPS (Old Age) Senior Citizens (BPL)
₹500/month

40–79 yrs: ₹300/month80+ yrs:

IGNWPS (Widow) Widows (BPL)
₹500/month

18+ yrs with ≥80% disability:

IGNDPS (Disability) Disabled (BPL)
₹300–₹500/month

On death of primary breadwinner

NFBS (Family Benefit) One-time ₹20,000
(18–59 yrs)

Senior citizens not covered under

Annapurna 10 kg/month free food grains
IGNOAPS
SVAMITVA = Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas
Basic Details
•Launched by: Ministry of Panchayati Raj
•Launch Date: 24 April 2021 (National Panchayati Raj Day)
•Type: Central Sector Scheme
•Technology Partner: Survey of India
•State Nodal Department: Revenue / Land Records Department
•Coverage: Rural inhabited areas of all states in a phased manner
Objectives
•Provide rural people with property cards to establish ownership of residential properties.
•Enable use of property as a financial asset (collateral for loans, etc.)
•Create accurate GIS-based land records for rural planning and revenue generation.
•Strengthen Gram Panchayats by enabling them to levy property tax (where devolved).
•Support GPDP (Gram Panchayat Development Plan) using spatial data.
•Reduce property-related disputes and court cases.
•Develop survey and mapping infrastructure for wider governance usage.
 Implementation Features
•Use of drone-based technology for high-resolution
surveying of rural land parcels.
•Creation of digital maps and property cards.
•Issuance of ownership certificates/cards to rural
household owners.
•Maps and data can be integrated with PM
GatiShakti, eGramSwaraj, DILRMP, etc.
Railway Zone Headquarters
Central Railway Mumbai
Eastern Railway Kolkata
East Coast Railway Bhubaneswar
East Central Railway Hajipur
Northern Railway New Delhi
North Central Railway Prayagraj
North Eastern Railway Gorakhpur
Northeast Frontier Railway Maligaon (Guwahati)
North Western Railway Jaipur
Southern Railway Chennai
South Central Railway Secunderabad
South Eastern Railway Kolkata
South East Central Railway Bilaspur
South Western Railway Hubballi (Hubli)
Western Railway Mumbai
West Central Railway Jabalpur
Metro Railway Kolkata
 Airport State
Durgapur West Bengal
Operationalized Shirdi Maharashtra
Greenfield Airports in Sindhudurg Maharashtra
India (Total: 12) Pakyong Sikkim
(As per Ministry of Kannur Kerala
Civil Aviation) Kalaburagi Karnataka
Orvakal Andhra Pradesh
Kushinagar Uttar Pradesh
Itanagar (Hollongi) Arunachal Pradesh
Mopa Goa
Dholera Gujarat
Rajkot (Hirasar) Gujarat (Latest)
 Green Credit Program (GCP)
What is the Green Credit Program (GCP)?
•A market-based mechanism launched by the MoEFCC to incentivize
voluntary environmental actions.
•Aligned with India’s LiFE mission (Lifestyle for Environment) announced
at COP26.
•Focus shifted from just tree planting to restoring ecosystems, as
recently clarified by MoEFCC.
Aspect Details
Launch Part of Mission LiFE, 2023
Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education
Administered by
(ICFRE)

Participants Individuals, communities, companies, private sector

Green Credit Unit 1 credit = 1 tree (post verification after 2 years)

Done by designated agency before awarding Green
Verification
Credit
Green Credit Registry + Trading Platform (domestic
Platform
market)
Compensatory afforestation, ESG reporting, CSR
Credits Usable For
obligations
 Activities Covered (8 Key Areas)
1.Tree Plantation
2.Water Management
3.Sustainable Agriculture
4.Waste Management
5.Air Pollution Reduction
6.Mangrove Conservation & Restoration
7.Ecosystem Restoration
8.Other biodiversity-supporting actions
Significance
•Aligns with National Laws: Environment Protection Act, 1986; National Environment
Policy, 2006.
•Global Alignment: UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030).
•Climate Goals: Complements Carbon Credit Trading Scheme under Energy Conservation
Act, 2022.
•Enhances ESG & CSR Initiatives.
•Incentivizes Private Sector Participation in environmental stewardship.
 What is the National Green Tribunal (NGT)?
•Statutory Body under National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
•Aims for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental
protection, forests, and natural resources.
•India: 3rd country globally (after Australia and New Zealand) and 1st developing
country to set up such a tribunal.

Feature Details
All civil cases involving substantial environmental
Jurisdiction
questions or legal rights related to the environment.
Time-bound Disposal Within 6 months of filing.
Headquarters New Delhi (Principal Bench)
Other Benches Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai
Member Appointment Process
Appointed by Central Govt in
Chairperson consultation with the Chief Justice of
India (CJI)
Appointed via a Selection Committee
Judicial & Expert Members
formed by Central Govt
3 years or till 65 years, whichever is
Tenure
earlier; no reappointment
Minimum 10, maximum 20 of each
Size
(Judicial and Expert members)
 Powers & Jurisdiction: Laws Under NGT Jurisdiction:
•Original and Appellate jurisdiction 1.Water (Prevention and Control of
•Can suo motu take cognizance (recognized by
Supreme Court in 2021) Pollution) Act, 1974
•Not bound by CPC, 1908 – guided by principles of 2.Water Cess Act, 1977
natural justice 3.Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
•Applies:
• Polluter Pays Principle 4.Air (Prevention and Control of
• Precautionary Principle Pollution) Act, 1981
• Sustainable Development
Scope of Action: 5.Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
•Relief & Compensation to pollution victims 6.Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
•Restitution of Property and Environment 7.Biological Diversity Act, 2002
•Orders executable as Civil Court Decree
•Can impose: Note: Any violation or govt
• Imprisonment (up to 3 years) decision under these Acts can be
• Fine (up to ₹10 crore)
• Or both challenged before NGT.
 Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) – 2024 Update
Garba of Gujarat
•Recently inscribed (2023) on UNESCO’s ICH Representative List
•Celebrated during Navratri, this community dance honors the divine feminine
energy (Shakti)
•Promotes social bonding and cultural identity
•Recognized for its gender-inclusive and inter-generational participation
Deepavali (Diwali)
•Nominated for UNESCO's ICH List for the 2024–25 cycle
•Known as the Festival of Lights, it symbolizes the victory of light over
darkness
•Celebrated across religions and geographies in India and South/Southeast Asia
 UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) – India’s 2023
Additions
Kozhikode (Kerala) – City of Literature
•Recognized for its literary richness, diverse linguistic traditions, and
role in Malayalam literature
Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) – City of Music
•Birthplace of Hindustani classical Gwalior Gharana
•Rich legacy of Tansen, music academies, and festivals
UCCN aims to promote sustainable urban development through
creative industries like music, literature, gastronomy, etc.
 UNESCO Documentary Heritage – Memory of the World (MOWCAP)
Recognized Indian works in 2024:
Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas
•16th-century Awadhi retelling of Ramayana
•Syncretic spiritual text popular across North India
Sahṛdayāloka – Locana (by Acharya Anandavardhana &
Abhinavagupta)
•Classical Sanskrit works on Indian literary theory (Aesthetics – Rasa,
Dhvani)
Panchatantra Fables
•Ancient Indian collection of animal fables with moral lessons
•Widely translated, influencing global storytelling traditions
These are now part of UNESCO’s Memory of the World – Asia Pacific
Register (MOWCAP)
Rank State Key Fact
1️⃣ Maharashtra Highest total length of NHs
Major hub of expressways (e.g.,
2️⃣ Uttar Pradesh
Purvanchal, Agra-Lucknow)
Largest area-wise state,
3️⃣ Rajasthan
important for freight corridors
4️⃣ Madhya Pradesh Strategically central location

National Highways – Top States by Length (As on 31.12.2022)

 • National Sports Awards 2024 (Key
Recipients)
Name Sport • Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna
Award 2024
D. Gukesh Chess • India’s highest sporting honour for
performance over four years.
Harmanpreet Singh Hockey
Praveen Kumar Para-Athletics
Manu Bhaker Shooting
 Dronacharya Award 2024
Lifetime Category:
•S Muralidharan – Badminton
•Armando Agnelo Colaco – Football
Regular Category:
•Subhash Rana – Para Shooting
•Deepali Deshpande – Shooting
•Sandeep Sangwan – Hockey
Dhyan Chand Award 2024
(Lifetime Achievement in Sports and Games)
•Sucha Singh – Athletics
•Murlikant Rajaram Petkar – Para-Swimming
Petkar was India's first Paralympic gold medalist.