INSIGHTS

DAILY
CURRENT
AFFAIRS + PIB
SUMMARY

7 JUNE 2023

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 Table of Contents
GS1/GS4
• 350th Anniversary Celebrations of Shivaji Maharaj’s 3

GS Paper 2
• The practice of manual scavenging in India 5

GS Paper 3
• Pulses and Edible oil production in India 6
• Tracking SDG7: The Energy Progress Report 2023 7
• A just energy transition for a low-carbon future 8
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
• How chocolate could counter climate change 9
• PM Modi School: Prerna 9
• Tribal ‘green warrior’: Damodar Kashyap 9
• 130 Years of Gandhi’s Rail Incident in South Africa 9
• Magnetite-bearing rocks 10
• Phage Therapy 10
• Carbon dioxide levels breach another record 10
• Global Ocean Census 11
Mapping
• Kakhovka Dam (Ukraine) 11
• Kosovo-Serbia conflict 11

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GS1/GS4

350TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF SHIVAJI MAHARAJ’S

Syllabus: Modern India: Marathas/ Ethics

Other aspects of his rule:

Description
Central Adminis- The King was the supreme head of state who was assisted by a group of eight ministers known as
tration the ‘Ashtapradhan’; The Peshwa, also known as the mukhya pradhan, originally headed the advisory
council; The system was founded by Shivaji, inspired by Deccan style of administration (Malik Amber
reforms in Ahmednagar)
Revenue Adminis- Abolished Jagirdari System; Introduced Ryotwari System; Supervised hereditary revenue officials
tration (called Deshmukhs, Deshpande, Patils and Kulkarnis); revenue system was patterned on the  Kathi
system of Malik Amber; Imposed Chauth and Sardeshmukhi
Military Adminis- Organized disciplined and efficient army; Paid soldiers in cash, chiefs through jagir grants (Saranjam
tration or Mokasa); had Infantry, Cavalry, and Navy

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 Contributions Shivaji revived Hindu traditions and promoted Marathi and Sanskrit; Established India’s first navy;
Competent civil rule; Innovative military tactics (pioneering non-conventional methods (guerrilla
warfare)); Cared for people’s well-being
Steps Taken in His INS Shivaji and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus named after him; Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Me-
Honour morial National Committee; Shivaji festival started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1895)

Significance of Raigarh Fort:

Celebrations of the 350th anniversary of the coronation are being held at Raigad Fort in Maharashtra.

At this fort, Shivaji was coronated in 1674. Here, he laid the foundation of “Hindavi-Swaraj” or the self-rule of Hindu
people and also took the title Chhatrapati. It is a hill fort situated about 25 km from Mahad in Raigad district and Early
Europeans called it the Gibraltar of the East. Fort overlooks an artificial lake known as ‘Ganga Sagar Lake’. Shivaji was
cremated at the fort in 1680.

Ethical learnings from his life:

• Responsible Use of Power: Shivaji demonstrated responsible use of power by serving the people’s interests and
exemplifying the rule of the people.
• Respect for Diversity: Shivaji respected diversity by promoting the usage of local languages and traditions, and by
maintaining a genuinely secular rule.
• Courage and Determination: Shivaji’s bravery and determination in facing larger and more powerful enemies teach
us the importance of courage in overcoming challenges.
• Care for the Downtrodden: Shivaji cared for the downtrodden and farmers, highlighting the significance of empathy
and compassion towards all members of society.
• Ethical Leadership: Shivaji’s focus on the well-being of his people and his adherence to ethical principles showcase
the importance of ethical leadership in governance.

Conclusion:
Shivaji Maharaj was a legendary Maratha warrior king who left a lasting impact on Indian history. His legacy continues to
inspire generations, serving as a reminder of the virtues of justice, valour, and compassion.

Insta Links
Marathas

Mains Links
Q. Discuss the significance of Marath’s rule in India’s history. (250 Words)

Prelims links:

Q. He wrote biographies of Mazzini, Garibaldi, Shivaji and Shrikrishna; stayed in America for some time; and was also
elected to the Central Assembly. He was (UPSC 2018)
(a) Aurobindo Ghosh
(b) Bipin Chandra Pal
(c) Lala Lajpat Rai
(d) Motilal Nehru

Answer: C

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GS Paper 2
THE PRACTICE OF MANUAL SCAV-
ENGING IN INDIA
Syllabus: Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies
constituted for the Protection and Betterment of Vul-
nerable Sections
Context: According to the Union Ministry of Social Justice
and Empowerment (MoSJ&E), only 508 districts out of the
total 766 in the country have declared themselves manu-
al-scavenging free.
The practice of manual scavenging in India:
● Meaning: Manual scavenging includes the disposal
of human excreta manually from dry latrines, and
public streets and the maintenance and sweeping of
septic tanks, sewers and gutters.
● Prevalence in India: As many as 58,000 people
worked as manual scavengers as of 2018. 941 peo-
ple have died since 1993 due to accidents while un-
dertaking hazardous cleaning of sewer and septic
tanks.
○ The practice, which is considered the worst
remaining evidence of untouchability, is
most prevalent among people from lower
castes/Dalits.
Attempts to abolish manual scavenging:
Salient features of the Prohibition of Employment as Man-
ual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act 2013:
● It bans manual scavenging.
● It widened the definition of manual scavengers by
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including it in all forms of manual removal of human
excreta.
● It lays a key focus on rehabilitating the manual
scavengers by organising training programs (at a sti-
pend of Rs. 3000) and offering scholarships to their
children.
● It makes the offence of manual scavenging cogniza-
ble and non-bailable.
● It makes it obligatory for employers to provide pro-
tective tools to the workers.
Other efforts:
● The scheme for rehabilitation of manual scaven-
gers: Under this, ~58,000 identified sewer workers
have been given a one-time cash payout of ₹40,000
each.
○ In addition, ~22,000 of them have been con-
nected to skills training programmes.
● NAMASTE scheme: For 100% mechanisation of sew-
er work. The scheme for the rehabilitation of man-
ual scavengers has now been merged with the NA-
MASTE scheme.
Concerns:
● Lack of funding: The Union Budget 2023-24 showed
no allocation for the rehabilitation scheme and ₹100
crore allocation for the NAMASTE scheme.
● Less than half of the identified sewer workers are
connected to skills training programmes.
● Despite all efforts, manual scavenging is still prac-
tised in India.
Way ahead:
● All local bodies must identify and profile all septic
tank/sewer workers in their respective areas.
● Provide them with occupational training and safety
equipment.
● Sign them up for health insurance under the Ayush-
man Bharat scheme.
Best practice:
● The Bandicoot Robot is the world’s first robotic
scavenger, developed as a Make in India and Swachh
Bharat Abhiyan initiative by the startup Genrobotics.
● Kerala became the first state in the country to use
robotic technology (Bandicoot) to clean all its com-
missioned manholes.
Insta Links: Manual scavenging
GS Paper 3
PULSES AND EDIBLE OIL PRODUC-
TION IN INDIA
Syllabus: Agricultural Produce and Issues and Related
Constraints Import data: In quantity terms, India’s imports of pulses
Context: As compared to edible oil, India has relatively
achieved atma nirbharta (self-reliance) in pulses.
Edible oil production in India:
Import of edible oil by India: The quantum of imports has
surged from ~8 mt to 16 mt between 2013-14 and 2022-23
(from ~$7 to 21 billion in value terms).
Govt efforts to increase edible oil production:
● National Food Security Mission - Oilseeds and Oil
Palm (NFSM-OS and OP): The government has been
implementing this Centrally-sponsored scheme from
2018-19 to increase the production and productivity
of oilseeds in the country.
● National Mission on Edible Oils (Oil Palm) [NMEO
(OP)]
Concerns: The productivity (yield) gap between improved
technology and farmers’ practices ranged from 21% in sesa-
me to 149% in sunflower.
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Case of pulses:
● India is the largest producer (25% of global produc-
tion), consumer (27% of world consumption) and
importer (14%) of pulses in the world.
● Though pulses are grown in both Kharif and Rabi
seasons, Rabi pulses contribute more than 60% of
the total production.
came down from 6.61 mt in 2016-17 to 2.52 mt in 2022-23.
Breakup of India’s imports of major pulses:
Reasons behind the reduction in pulses imports:
● Higher domestic production: India’s pulses output
has increased from ~19 mt in 2013-14 to 28 mt in
2022-23, which translates into a self-sufficiency ra-
tio of over 90% in pulses (40% for edible oils).
● Imports of chickpea (chana) have recorded dramat-
ic drops: The boost to chana production came from
two key government measures,
○ The first is the levy of a 60% import duty on
chana since March 2018.
○ The second intervention has been govern-
ment procurement at minimum support
prices (MSP).
○ These incentivised Indian farmers to ex-
pand the area under the pulses crop grown
during the rabi (winter-spring) season.
Concerns:
● Arhar/Tur/pigeon pea is the problem: Arhar im-
 ports from Mozambique, Myanmar, Tanzania, Mala- Debt distress Countries struggling with unsus-
wi and Sudan hit a record 0.9 mt in 2022-23. tainable debt burdens
● Implications of imports: The overall import figures
have not significantly reduced as a result of the er- Lack of financing Insufficient funds for energy proj-
ratic production of most non-chana pulses. This may ects and infrastructure
result in inflation amid worries about El Nino. Supply chain bottle- Delays in procuring and delivering
necks energy equipment and materials
Way ahead: Tighter fiscal circum- Government budget constraints
● The government must address micro-irrigation, stances limiting energy-related initiatives
quality seeds, marketing infrastructure and gov-
ernment policy issues to decrease dependency on Soaring prices for Increased costs of solar panels,
imports. materials batteries, and other components
● Technology and market support to farmers are the Currency fluctua- Exchange rate instability impacting
key to increasing oilseed production. tions energy investments
The concentration of Limited distribution of internation-
Insta Links: Agricultural exports-imports financial flows al public financial resources
The decreasing trend Reduction in funds supporting
Mains Links:
in international pub- clean energy in developing coun-
Q. How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about
lic financial flows tries
changes in cropping patterns in the recent past? Elabo-
rate the emphasis on millet production and consumption.
The report provides the following recommendations:
(UPSC 2018)
• Scale up efforts to promote renewable energy and
energy efficiency to meet the targets of SDG 7.
• Enhance financial flows and investment in clean en-
ergy technologies, especially in developing countries
GS3 (to the tune of USD 1.4-1.7 trillion through 2030).
• Address the challenges of high inflation, uncertain
TRACKING SDG7: THE ENERGY macroeconomic outlook, and debt distress
• Accelerate progress in energy intensity improve-
PROGRESS REPORT 2023 ment to exceed the targeted rate and ensure sus-
tainable energy consumption patterns.
Syllabus: Economy: Energy/ SDGs • Strengthen international cooperation and support
for countries facing energy challenges, especially
Context: The world is facing challenges in achieving Sustain- the least-developed countries and small island de-
able Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) by 2030. (As per the Track- veloping states.
ing SDG7: The Energy Progress Report 2023 report) • Monitor and track progress regularly to identify
gaps and take necessary corrective measures.
The report has been released by a collaborative effort of
the International Energy Agency (IEA), International Re- India’s status:
newable Energy Agency, United Nations Statistics Division, • India is ‘On-Target’ to meeting universal access to
World Bank and the WHO electricity
o In April 2018 India achieved its goal, ahead
What is SDG 7? of schedule, of providing electricity to every
SDG 7 refers to Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims village in India
at reaching universal access to electricity and clean cook- • Despite a national policy push for clean fuel for
ing, doubling historic levels of efficiency improvements, and cooking, more than two-thirds (479) of districts re-
substantially increasing the share of renewables in the global main ‘Off-Target’.
energy mix.

Factors limiting the world in achieving SDG 7 are:

Factors Examples
High inflation Rapidly increasing energy costs af-
fecting affordability
Uncertain macroeco- Fluctuating economic conditions
nomic outlook impacting energy investments
India’s initiatives for SDG7:

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 • Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (also
known as Saubhagya)
• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUG-
JY) (separation of agricultural and non-agricultural
feeders to improve supply)
• Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) (for finan-
cial restructuring and turnaround plan for state DIS-
COMs)
• Atal Distribution System Improvement Yojana (AD-
ITYA)
• PM-KUSUM
About the 2030 SDG Agenda:
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, also called
the 2030 Agenda, was launched by a UN Summit in 2015
and is aimed at ending poverty in all its forms. There are 17
SDGs, which are an urgent call for action by all countries
in a global partnership. 2023 marks the halfway point for
achieving SDGs by 2030.
fects of climate change.
How are cities impacting climate?
● In 2020, cities across the world dumped 29 trillion
tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.
● This CO2 along with other GHGs poses a serious
health hazard and also manifests as extreme weath-
er events, leading to the loss of lives and livelihoods.
Challenges ahead: By 2050, 7 billion people will be living in
cities.
Need of the hour - A just energy-system transition:
● This could reduce urban CO2 emissions by around
74%.
● The transition must be implemented both on the
demand and the supply sides.
Mitigation options on the supply side: Include phasing out
fossil fuels and increasing the share of renewables in the en-
ergy mix, and using carbon capture and storage (CCS) tech-
nologies.

Insta Links On the demand side:

India, its SDG pledge goal, and the strategy to apply        ● Using the Avoid, Shift, Improve framework - reduc-
ing and substituting the demand for fossil fuels with
renewables.
Prelims Links ● Addressing residual emissions in the energy sector
by implementing CO2 removal (CDR) technologies.
Q. Consider the following statements: (USPC 2016)
1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first pro- Why is a just energy transition needed?
posed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club ● A one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to ensure a
of Rome’. socially and environmentally just transition.
○ For example, transitioning to renewable en-
2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be
ergy sources could disproportionately affect
achieved by 2030.
communities and fossil fuels-dependent
sectors in developing economies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? ● Other concerns include land dispossession related
(a) 1 only to large-scale renewable energy projects, spatial
(b) 2 only concentration of poverty, gendered impacts, etc.
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Significance of Indian states to achieve energy transition
Ans: B goals:
● States as spheres of implementation: The realisa-
tion of national goals often depends on how they
are aligned with State priorities and capabilities.
GS Paper 3 ● States as laboratories of policy innovations: For ex-
ample, PM KUSUM is a national adoption of success-
ful State efforts on solarizing agriculture.
A JUST ENERGY TRANSITION FOR ● The legacy issues must be addressed at the State
level: Such as high losses, unreliable supply and ser-
A LOW-CARBON FUTURE vice quality in the electricity sector.

Syllabus: Infrastructure (Energy)/Conservation, Envi-

ronmental Pollution and Degradation Good news: With rapid advancements in clean energy and
related technologies and reduced cost, the economic and
Context: Given the significant impact that cities have on the technological barriers to implementing low-carbon solutions
environment, low-carbon cities are crucial to mitigate the ef- have been crossed.

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Way ahead:
● Transitioning to low-carbon/net-zero cities: It is
necessary to decarbonise urban systems.
● Sector-coupling approach: Integrate mitigation and
adaptation options in multiple sectors, including en-
ergy, buildings, transportation, industry, and urban
land use.
● A State-level framework: To understand plans, ac-
tions, and governance processes and to broaden the
transition discourse.
● Different strategies for different cities: The consid-
erations are a city’s spatial form, land-use pattern,
level of development, and the state of urbanisation.
○ The strategies include energy-efficient ser-
vices and infrastructure, people-centric
urban design, and implementing building
codes while gradually shifting to low-emis-
sion construction materials.
● For a just energy transition: The energy supply
needs to be balanced against fast-growing energy
demand (due to urbanisation), the need for energy
security and exports.
● Mitigation and adaptation responses: Must engage
multiple stakeholders in energy governance and de-
cision-making, scaling up investments and capabili-
ties, etc.
Conclusion:
● In the upcoming G20 forum, India is planning to
propose a multiple energy pathways approach to
accommodate the diverse development trajectories
of countries.
● The diversity of India’s States, which necessitates
multiple pathways, will determine its own domestic
energy transition.
Insta Links: Low-cost finance for the energy transition re-
port
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
HOW CHOCOLATE COULD
COUNTER CLIMATE CHANGE
Context: A German factory in Hamburg has developed a pro-
cess to convert cocoa bean shells into biochar, a black pow-
der that has the potential to counter climate change.
The shells are heated in an oxygen-free environment, which
locks in greenhouse gases and produces biochar that can be
used as a fertilizer or as an ingredient in “green” concrete.
Biochar has the ability to capture a significant amount of
carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
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Usage: Indian government has also been emphasizing ‘bio-
char’. The example can be used in Agriculture/Environment
Questions.
PM MODI SCHOOL: PRERNA
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first school in Vadnagar,
Gujarat, is being transformed into an inspirational model
school called “Prerna” to motivate the youth of India to be-
come agents of change. The school, set to graduate its first
batch next year, aims to impart values through various tech-
niques and technologies.
As part of the initiative, two students from each of the 750
districts in the country will be selected to spend a week at
the school, with 30 students from 15 districts present at any
given time.
Usage: The school can be used as an example of value-based
education.
TRIBAL ‘GREEN WARRIOR’: DA-
MODAR KASHYAP
Damodar Kashyap, a 74-year-old tribal farmer in Chhat-
tisgarh’s Bastar district, has transformed 400 acres of land
in his village into a flourishing forest through a communi-
ty-based approach to conservation.
As the village sarpanch, he implemented strict rules and
fines for forest destruction and deployed villagers to patrol
and guard the forest. Kashyap also utilized local beliefs and
practices to emphasize the sacredness of the forest.
He has received recognition for his conservation work, in-
cluding the Paul K Feyerabend Foundation Award in 2014
and a chapter in the Class 9 social sciences textbook of the
Chhattisgarh Board.
Usage: The story can be used in Ethics (Environment ethics)/
Essay/ Governance/ Environment Questions.
130 YEARS OF GANDHI’S RAIL IN-
CIDENT IN SOUTH AFRICA
Context: The Indian Navy’s frontline warship, INS Trishul, is
visiting Durban to commemorate the 130th anniversary of
an incident involving Mahatma Gandhi on June 7, 1893.
• The Navy’s visit is part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahot-
sav’ celebration, honouring key moments in India’s
struggle for independence.
About the incident:
The Pietermaritzburg Railway Station incident occurred on
June 7, 1893, when Mahatma Gandhi, a young lawyer at the
time, was evicted from a first-class train compartment in
South Africa. The incident was a result of racial discrimina-
tion, as non-whites were not allowed in first-class compart-
ments.
Significance of the incident:
The Pietermaritzburg Railway Station incident holds great
significance as it marked a turning point in Mahatma Gand-
hi’s life and his fight against racial discrimination. This inci-
dent became a catalyst for Gandhi’s activism and played a
pivotal role in shaping his approach towards social and polit-
ical change, ultimately influencing the Indian independence
movement.
In 1997, former South African President Nelson Mandela
conferred the ‘Freedom of Pietermaritzburg’ posthumously
on Gandhi.
MAGNETITE-BEARING ROCKS
Context: The Bihar government plans to collaborate with the
Geological Survey of India (GSI) to gather valuable geolog-
ical information about magnetite-bearing rocks and ultra-
mafic rocks in the region.
What are magnetite-bearing rocks?
Magnetite-bearing rocks are rocks that contain magnetite,
a black, opaque, and magnetic mineral. These rocks often
exhibit magnetic anomalies and are known to host valuable
minerals such as Chromite, Nickel, Platinum Group of Ele-
ments (PGE), and gold. Magnetite is one of the most abun-
dant metal oxides and has various industrial applications.
More often, magnetite occurs in its massive form, commonly
called ‘lodestone’
What are ultramafic rocks?
Ultramafic rocks are a type of igneous rock that have a high
concentration of dark-coloured minerals rich in iron and
magnesium. These rocks typically contain very little silica
and are composed mainly of minerals such as olivine and
pyroxene. Ultramafic rocks are associated with deep-seated
mantle processes and are often found in areas where tec-
tonic plates are converging.
PHAGE THERAPY
Context: A study conducted by the University of Exeter
shows that the public is aware of and accepts the use of bac-
teria-killing viruses, known as phage therapy, as an alterna-
tive to antibiotics.
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What is Phage therapy?
Phage therapy is a treatment approach that uses bacterio-
phages, which are viruses that infect and kill specific bac-
teria. It involves using these viruses to target and destroy
bacterial infections, serving as an alternative to antibiotics.
How do they function?
Phages are highly specific in their action, targeting only the
specific bacteria they are programmed to attack, which can
potentially reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. Phage
therapy has gained attention as a potential solution for anti-
biotic-resistant infections and is being explored as a promis-
ing avenue in medical research.
What are Bacteriophages?
Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and use
them as hosts for their replication. They are highly diverse
and can target different types of bacteria. It was discovered
by Frederick Willian Twort in 1915 (Great Britain) and Felix
d’Herelle in 1917 (France)
What is Antibiotic Resistance?
Antibiotic resistance refers to the ability of bacteria or other
microorganisms to withstand the effects of antibiotics, mak-
ing them ineffective in treating infections caused by these
resistant bacteria. By 2050, antibiotic resistance will result in
the death of 10 million people from drug-resistant diseases
every year
CARBON DIOXIDE LEVELS
BREACH ANOTHER RECORD
Context: According to scientists from the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Scripps
Institution of Oceanography, carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in
the Earth’s atmosphere have spiked over 50% since the be-
ginning of the industrial age.
• The annual increase in CO2 levels peaked at 424
parts per million in May, indicating a continuous rise
not seen in millions of years.
About Keeling Curve:
The Keeling Curve is a record of atmospheric carbon dioxide
(CO2) concentrations measured at the Mauna Loa Obser-
vatory in Hawaii. It was initiated by scientist Charles David
Keeling in 1958.
About NOAA:
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is a
Washington, D.C.-based scientific and regulatory agency
within the United States Department of Commerce, a Unit-
ed States federal government department.
GLOBAL OCEAN CENSUS
Context: A new initiative called ‘The Ocean Census initia-
tive’ aims to discover 100,000 new marine species within ten
years, utilizing advanced technologies like high-resolution
imagery, DNA sequencing, and machine learning.
Need: Scientists estimate that only about 10% of marine
species have been formally described, leaving approximately
2 million species unidentified.
The Plan:
The Ocean Census plans to conduct multiple expeditions to
marine biodiversity hotspots, with the first expedition al-
ready underway in the Barents Sea. The initiative seeks to
build upon previous efforts such as the Challenger Expedi-
tions and the Census of Marine Life (between 2000 to 2010).
Implemented by:
It is jointly established by The Nippon Foundation (a
non-profit philanthropic organization in Japan) and Nekton
Foundation (marine science and conservation institute in
the U.K) to discover unknown marine life
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Mapping
KAKHOVKA DAM (UKRAINE)
Context: A huge Soviet-era dam on the Dnipro River in
southern Ukraine, known as the Kakhovka Dam, was
breached, resulting in flooding across the war zone.
The dam was an important part of the Kakhovka hydroelec-
tric power plant, supplying water to the Crimean Peninsula
and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
Crimea is a peninsula in Eastern Europe, on the northern
coast of the Black Sea, almost entirely surrounded by the
Black Sea and the smaller Sea of Azov. It came under Rus-
sian rule in 2014.
KOSOVO-SERBIA CONFLICT
Context: NATO has sent 700 more of its peacekeeping
troops  to Kosovo, to establish peace in the Kosovo-Serbia
conflict
About the conflict:
The Kosovo-Serbia conflict stems from Kosovo’s declaration
of independence from Serbia in 2008, which Serbia does not
recognize. Tensions arise from historical, ethnic, and politi-
cal factors, leading to sporadic clashes and disputes. Efforts
to resolve the conflict have been slow, with concerns about
Serbia’s ties to Russia.
About Kosovo and Serbia
Kosovo  is located between the Mediterranean Sea and
mountainous regions of Southeast Europe, on the Balkan
Peninsula.  Serbia  is a small land-locked country in the
Balkan region. It shares borders with  Bosnia-Herzegovi-
na, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, North Macedonia, Monte-
negro, Romania and Albania.
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