Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

SEA LIONS AND ALGAE BLOOM

A recent outbreak of algae bloom -
commonly known as red tide - has
sickened and killed an unknown num-
ber of sea lions and dolphins off the
coast of California, US.

26 JUNE - 01 JULY 2023

WEEKLY CURRENT AFFAIRS

WWW.INSIGHTSONINDIA.COM

www.insightsonindia.com 1
 Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

inside
• Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-
24 Scheme 20
• Global Forest Watch 21
• India’s Green Credit Programme 22
GS1 • Challenges Faced by India’s bioeconomy 23
• Climate change and mountains of the northern hemi- • Draft Guidelines for Resource Adequacy Planning Frame-
sphere4 work for India 24
• Will the Indian Ocean Dipole save the monsoon? 4 • The Open Market Sale Scheme 24
• How does climate affect social issues? 6
GS4
GS2 • Recent Examples of Ethics 25
• India-Egypt Relations 6 • New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules (2023) 27
• The Digital India Bill 8
• Delimitation in Assam: Changes Proposed and Concerns
9 CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT
• Sedition Law in India 10
• Robert Frost 28
• Reforming Multilateral Development Banks 11
• Restoring the Aravalli Mountain range 28
• National Research Foundation (NRF) 12
• Wild foods for dietary diversity 29
• National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 13
• Odisha’s Gunavatta Sankalp 29
• Organic intellectuals 29
• Helen Keller 29
• Meira Paibis 30
• Socialism30
• Affirmative Action in Higher Education 30
• Painting Roofs White 30
• Sharenting  31
• Namakkal district (Tamil Nadu) 31
• Using Physics to understand hate groups on the Internet
31

FACTS FOR PRELIMS

GS1
• Prime Minister conferred with the Order of the Nile 31
• What are flash floods? 32
• Rani Durgavati 33
• Tectonic Deformation 33

• US-China chips war 15

GS3
• The Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 16
• Role of Punjab and Haryana in de-risking the Indian
Economy 17
• John Goodenough: Co-creator of the lithium-ion battery
 18
• Global Financial Pact on Climate Change: Key Takeaways • Geographical Indication tags 34
19 • Kharchi Puja 36

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Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

• PEN Pinter Prize 36 • Responsible antibiotic production Certificate 48

• Lithium deal 36

GS2
• Global Liveability Index 2023 37
• India-US Trade Dispute at WTO 37

• American bald eagle 49

• Sea lions and algae bloom 49
• Headquarters Agreement (HQA) between India and CDRI
 50
• Energy Transition Index 50
• Gravitational Vibrations 50
• Aadhaar authentication for registration for births and
• National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission 50
deaths 38
• Diversity for Restoration (D4R) tool 51
• UNODC World Drug Report 2023 38
• Children impacted by armed conflict 39
• Report on Panchayat Development Index (PDI) 39 MAPPING
• SDGs National Indicator Framework (NIF) Progress Re- • Belgium 51
port 2023 39 • Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary 52
• Statistics Day 40 • Taiwan Strait 52
• EHAGL region 52
GS3 • Chennai-Vladivostok maritime route 53
• Democratic Republic of the Congo 53
• Joha rice 40
• Nepal 53
• Do dead stars crash with the light of 500 million suns?
• Philippines 53
40
• Turkmenistan 54
• Plant literacy for curbing climate change 41
• Rwanda policy 54
• Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) 42
• National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) (Lothal,
• Greedflation 42
Gujarat) 54
• Solar mean magnetic field 43
• Oman’s Duqm port 55
• New CSR guidelines ‘Sagar Samajik Sahayog’ 43
• Road Networks in India 44
• Combating Greenwashing 44
• UTPRERAK 45
• NANDI 45
• Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes 45
• 2023 Global Competitiveness Index 46
• Critical Minerals List 46
• Schemes to promote the judicious use of fertilisers 47
• Short-lived halogens 48
• Aspartame 48

www.insightsonindia.com 3

GS1
CLIMATE CHANGE AND MOUN-
TAINS OF THE NORTHERN HEMI-
SPHERE
Context:
According to a new study, a rise in temperature due to cli-
mate change could cause a shift in snowfall to rainfall in
mountain regions across the Northern Hemisphere.
Findings of the study:
● The mountains across the Northern Hemisphere are
likely to see 15% more rain for every 1-degree Cel-
sius rise in temperature due to climate change.
● For 2 degrees and 3 degrees rise, the world would
see a 30 and 45% increase in rain, respectively.
Most vulnerable:
● The Himalayas and the North American Pacific
Mountain ranges, including the Cascades, Sierra Ne-
vada, and coastal ranges from Canada to Southern
California are more threatened than the Rockies or
the Alps.
● The Himalayas is one of those hotspot regions where
an increased risk (due to changes in atmospheric dy-
namics) of rainfall extremes is witnessed.
Impact:
● A change in air temperature will shift snowfall in
these regions to rainfall and could increase the risk
of disasters such as floods, landslides, and soil ero-
sion.
● 26% of the global population living in or directly
downstream of these mountainous regions is going
to be directly affected by this risk.
Concerns raised in the Water, Ice, Society, and Ecosystems
in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HI-WISE) report:
● The ICIMOD report found that the Hindu Kush Hi-
malayas have seen a 65% faster loss of glacier mass.
● Water availability in the Indus, Ganges, and Brahma-
putra is set to increase (through 2050) in the short
term and decrease in the long term (~80% by 2100).
● Climate change is severely affecting biodiversity in
HKH. For example, the habitat of Himalayan ibex is
4 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
likely to reduce by 33 to 64%.
Way ahead:
Developing mountain-specific climate adaptation plans to
protect the natural and built environments.
WILL THE INDIAN OCEAN DIPOLE
SAVE THE MONSOON?
Context:
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a nor-
mal monsoon despite the possibility of an El Nino event.
What is Monsoon and El Nino?
• Monsoon: A seasonal reversal of wind system that
brings heavy rainfall, especially in the Indian sub-
continent. The Indian summer monsoon affects a
vast region spanning 25 countries and covering a
distance of 18,000 kilometres from east to west and
6,000 kilometres from south to north.
• El Nino: A climate pattern characterized by warm-
er-than-average sea surface temperatures in the
central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, which
can have widespread impacts on weather patterns
around the world.
Factors that can impact the monsoon rains:
Factors Impact on Monsoon
El Nino/La Nina El Nino can lead to weaker mon-
soons, while La Nina can enhance
it.
Dateline El It is considered to have a larger
Nino or a Cen- negative impact on the monsoon,
tral Pacific El but an exception was the 2005 El
Nino Nino.
Atlantic Nino It is the east-west anomaly pattern
in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. It
also influences the monsoon.
Indian Ocean Positive IOD can enhance monsoon,
Dipole (IOD) while negative IOD can weaken it.
Sea Surface Warmer sea surface temperatures
Temperatures can enhance monsoon, while cool-
er temperatures can weaken it.
A t m o s p h e r i c Changes in atmospheric pressure
Pressure patterns can affect monsoon circu-
lation and rainfall patterns.
Land-Sea Tem- Greater contrast between land and
perature Con- sea temperatures can influence
trast monsoon strength and rainfall dis-
tribution.
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

H i m a l a y a n The presence of the Himalayas can Negative Weakens In 2019, a negative IOD
M o u n t a i n influence monsoon winds and rain- IOD monsoon contributed to deficient
Range fall patterns in the Indian subcon- rainfall over monsoon rainfall, par-
tinent. the Indian ticularly during the first
Topography The shape and elevation of land- subconti- month of the monsoon
forms can impact local wind pat- nent season.
terns and rainfall distribution. Neutral IOD Minimal or A neutral IOD does not
Tropical Cy- The occurrence and track of trop- neutral im- significantly influence
clones ical cyclones can influence mon- pact on the the monsoon and al-
soon rainfall, especially in coastal monsoon lows other factors to
regions. play a more dominant
Global Climate Variations in global climate pat- role.
Patterns terns, such as the Madden-Julian
The Earth System Science Organisation (ESSO) and the IMD
Oscillation (MJO), can affect mon-
take into account five conditions while making forecasts
soon dynamics. about the monsoon in April every year.
Local Factors Factors like local vegetation, soil 1) The Sea Surface Temperature (SST) gradient
moisture, and land use changes can between the North Atlantic and the North Pa-
also impact monsoon conditions at cific (conditions during December of the pre-
a regional level. vious year and January of the present year)
2) SST of the equatorial south Indian Ocean (condi-
What is the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)? tions during February and March of the present year)
IOD is a climate phenomenon in the Indian Ocean charac- 3) Mean Sea Level pressure in East Asia (conditions
terized by the fluctuation of sea surface temperatures and during February and March of the present year)
atmospheric pressure between its eastern and western 4) The surface air temperature over northwest Eu-
parts. The IOD is similar in nature to the El Nino-Southern rope (conditions during January of the present year)
Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean but on 5) The warm water volume of the equatorial Pacific
a smaller scale. Ocean (conditions during February and March of the
present year)

What are the limitations of forecasting El Nino and IOD?

• For the IOD and Atlantic Nino, forecasting models
currently lack the reliability to accurately predict
their occurrence and behaviour. As a result, their
specific role in influencing monsoon patterns in a
particular season remains uncertain.
• When it comes to forecasting El Nino events, mod-
els face challenges in precisely predicting the loca-
tion and intensity of warming during the early stag-
es.

Insta Links: El Nino

How the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) can affect the monsoon:
Indian Impact on Example
Ocean Di- Monsoon
pole (IOD)
Phase
Positive IOD E n h a n c e s In 1997, a positive IOD
monsoon offset the impact of
rainfall over El Nino, resulting in
the Indian above-normal mon-
subconti- soon rainfall.
nent

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 Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

Prelims Links: (UPSC 2017) ● This comes as India witnessed several heat-related
deaths with temperatures up to 45 degrees Celsius
Q. With reference to the ‘Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)’ in certain parts of the country.
sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting ● India is likely to experience the highest IPV preva-
the Indian monsoon, which of the following state- lence increase (23.5%) in the 2090s, followed by Ne-
ments is/are correct? pal and Pakistan.
1. The IOD phenomenon is characterised by a dif-
ference in sea surface temperature between the Way ahead:
tropical Western Indian Ocean and the tropical ● Climate action is an essential component in the on-
going fight to eliminate violence against women and
Eastern Pacific Ocean.
girls.
2. An IOD phenomenon can influence El Nino’s im- ○ For example, under stricter emissions-cut
pact on the monsoon. scenarios, the IPV prevalence would only
Select the correct answer using the code given below: moderately increase.
(a) 1 only ● The world also needs greater involvement of wom-
(b) 2 only en in climate action → gender mainstreaming in the
(c) Both 1 and 2 policymaking process.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 ○ UNICEF’s Gender Action Plan (GAP) and the
Lima work programme on Gender (LWGP
Ans: 2 adopted at UNFCCC’s COP 20) are efforts in
this direction.
HOW DOES CLIMATE AFFECT SO-
Conclusion:
CIAL ISSUES? Tackling the issue of violence against women and girls is an
important step towards achieving the core objective of the
Context: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is to leave no
According to a study, domestic violence will rise as tempera- one behind.
tures across the Indian subcontinent spike.

Findings of the study:

● These findings highlight the vulnerabilities and in-
equalities of women experiencing Intimate Partner
Violence (IPV) in low- and middle-income countries
in the context of global climate warming.
● High ambient temperature may be associated with
the risk of IPV against women. Each 1°C increase in
the annual mean temperature is associated with a
mean increase in IPV prevalence of 4.49%.
● The prevalence of physical violence was highest
(23.0%), followed by emotional and sexual violence.

How does global warming increase IPV prevalence?

● Increasing temperature is Insta Links:
○ Squeezing working hours → impacting the Still a nightmare for domestic violence survivors
income of daily wage earners → Family
members spend maximum time within the Mains Links:
house → increasing the workload for wom- Q. Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality. poverty and
en. malnutrition to be broken through microfinancing of wom-
○ Generating requirements for comfort which en SHGs? Explain with examples. (UPSC 2021)
low-income groups and economically weak-
er sections cannot afford.
○ Directly impacting mental health.
● All of this is contributing to domestic violence. GS2
Challenges ahead: The IPV prevalence would increase by
21% by the end of the 21st century under unlimited emis-
sions scenarios.
INDIA-EGYPT RELATIONS
Context:
Case of India:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Egypt highlights the

6 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
growing cooperation between the two countries and their
efforts to strengthen their bilateral relationship
Various Aspects of India-Egypt Relations:
Aspect Status
History • India and Egypt have a long history of
contact dating back to the time of Em-
peror Ashoka.
• They shared relations during the rule of
Ptolemy II.
• In 2750 BCE, the Pharaoh Sahure sent
ships to peninsular India.
• Mahatma Gandhi and Egyptian revolu-
tionary Saad Zaghloul had a common
goal of independence from British colo-
nial rule.
• Diplomatic relations were established in
1947, and a friendship treaty was signed
in 1955.
• India condemned the attack on Egypt
during the 1956 Suez Crisis and tried to
mediate
• Both countries were founding members
of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
in 1961.
Economic • Bilateral trade between the two coun-
Relations tries in 2021-22 was over $7 billion,
nearly a third of it was petroleum relat-
ed.
• Egypt’s strategic location (12 per cent of
global trade passes through the Suez Ca-
nal) and role as a major market make it
important for India.
• Egypt seeks Indian investments in in-
frastructure projects, and over 50 Indi-
an companies have already invested in
Egypt.
Geo-Stra- • China’s bilateral trade with Egypt is cur-
tegic Con- rently higher than India’s
cerns • Both countries face the threat of terror-
ism and extremism.
• India and Egypt are both concerned
about regional stability in the Middle
East and North Africa.
B i l a t e ra l India has a Joint Commission, Foreign
i n s t i t u - Office Consultations and at least nine
tionalmech- joint working groups.
anisms
Terrorism Share a common vision on Terrorism.
& Defense They have collaborated on fighter aircraft
development and training. Both coun-
tries operate French Rafale fighter jets.
Exercise Cyclone-I – first ever exercise
between Indian Army and Egyptian Army
was held in Jaisalmer recently
C u l t u r a l The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Cul-
Relations ture (MACIC) was established in Cairo in
1992 to promote cultural cooperation
between India and Egypt.
Recently, an MoU was signed to facilitate
content exchange and co-productions
between Prasar Bharati and the Nation-
al Media Authority of Egypt.
E g y p t ’ s • Egypt has faced economic challenges
Difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the
Time impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on its
food supply and foreign exchange re-
serves.
• India has aided by allowing wheat ship-
ments to Egypt.
India’s Interest in Egypt:
India is looking at increasing investments in the country,
especially in major infrastructure projects in and around
the Suez Canal, and special economic zones in Alexandria
and Cairo. India is planning to supply LCA Tejas, missiles like
Akash, DRDO’s Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon and radars.
India’s West Asia Policy:
India’s West Asia Policy refers to the strategic approach
adopted by India towards countries in the West Asian re-
gion. It aims to strengthen political, economic, and cultural
ties with these nations through various initiatives and col-
laborations.
India’s Interest in West Asia:
• India wants to draw huge amounts of capital from
Gulf nations
• India wants to curtail religious extremism by support-
ing moderate countries in the region
• India supports social reforms and encourages fair, just
and rule-based security politics in the area.
Insta Links:
• Egypt President in New Delhi for Republic Day
• Crafting a unique partnership with Africa
Mains Links:
Q. What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis in 1956?
How did it deal a final blow to Britain’s self-image as a world
power? (UPSC 2014)
www.insightsonindia.com 7

Prelims Links: (UPSC 2022)
Q. Which one of the lakes of West Africa has become
dry and turned into a desert?
1. Lake Victoria
2. Lake Faguibine
3. Lake Oguta
4. Lake Volta
Ans: 2
THE DIGITAL INDIA BILL
Context:
The MeitY has been building consensus on the proposed Dig-
ital India Bill that will replace India’s 23-year-old IT Act 2000.
The current regime in India:
● The IT Act 2000 defines an “intermediary” to include
any entity between a user and the Internet.
● The IT Rules sub-classify intermediaries into 3 main
categories: Social Media Intermediaries (SMIs), Sig-
nificant Social Media Intermediaries (SSMIs) and On-
line Gaming Intermediaries.
○ SMIs are platforms that facilitate communi-
cation and sharing of information between
users.
○ SMIs that have a very large user base (above
a specified threshold) are designated as SS-
MIs.
Issues with the current regime:
● The definition of SMIs is very broad [encompassing
a variety of services such as video communications,
matrimonial websites, etc].
● The rules lay down stringent obligations for most
intermediaries, such as a 72-hour timeline for re-
sponding to law enforcement ‘content take down’
requests.
● Unfortunately, all intermediaries [ISPs, websites,
e-commerce platforms, cloud services] are treated
similarly, which -
○ Adds to their cost of doing business
○ Exposes them to greater liability without
meaningfully reducing risks presented by
the Internet.
Global regime:
● Only a handful of countries have taken a clear posi-
tion on the issue of proportionate regulation of in-
termediaries.
● The EU’s Digital Services Act creates 3 tiers of inter-
mediaries - hosting services, online platforms, and
very large online platforms, with increasing legal ob-
ligations.
● Australia has created an 8-fold classification system,
with separate industry-drafted codes governing cat-
8 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
egories such as social media platforms and search
engines.
Salient provisions of the Digital India Bill:
● Classification of intermediaries: Such as social me-
dia platforms, e-commerce platforms, AI platforms,
and fact-checking platforms, to prescribe specific
rules to different types of intermediaries.
○ It requires intermediaries to undertake risk
assessments and uses that information to
bucket them into relevant categories.
● New Regulator for the Internet: On the lines of the
TRAI or the SEBI.
● Other provisions:
○ The MeitY could classify deliberate misin-
formation, identity theft, cyberbullying of
children, etc., as offences.
○ Some of the fundamental rules that pres-
ently apply to internet platforms, such as
safe harbour norms, may also be changed.
○ Penal provisions for violations and user
harms related to emerging technolo-
gies, including generative AI platforms like
ChatGPT.
Significance of the Digital India Bill:
● A comprehensive legal framework that will upgrade
the current legal regime to tackle emerging chal-
lenges (user harm, competition, misinformation) in
the digital space.
● It will redefine the contours of how technology is
regulated, not just in India but also globally.
● For example, a granular, product-specific classifica-
tion could improve accountability and safety online.
Way ahead for India:
● As technology evolves, the specific categories may
not work in the future. Therefore, an evolving clas-
sification framework is the need of the hour.
● Metrics for risk assessment and appropriate thresh-
olds would have to be defined and reviewed on a pe-
riodic basis in consultation with the industry.
● The goal should also be to minimise obligations on
intermediaries and ensure that regulations are pro-
portionate to ability and size.
● Setting up in-house grievance appellate mecha-
nisms with independent external stakeholders to
increase confidence in the grievance process.
● Alternative approaches to curbing virality, such as
circuit breakers to slow down content, could also be
considered.
Conclusion:
Deliberation on the Digital India Bill could help create a reg-
ulatory environment that helps achieve the government’s
policy goal of creating a safer Internet ecosystem, while also
allowing businesses to thrive.
Insta Links: New draft digital data protection bill: How it
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

compares with the older version and laws elsewhere
Mains Links:
Critically analyse the proposed Digital Personal Data Pro-
tection Bill, 2022, in safeguarding the privacy of individuals
and upholding the right to privacy of the citizens. Compare
the proposed bill with the privacy laws of other countries.
○ While the delimitation process was done in
the rest of the country in 2008, it was de-
ferred in Assam (and some other NE states)
citing security concerns of the time.
● In 1971, Assam’s population was 1.46 crore, which
increased to 2.66 crore (2001) and to 3.12 crore
(2011).

Proposals of EC:
DELIMITATION IN ASSAM: ● Following a 2020 notification from the Law Ministry,
the EC in 2022 announced that it would initiate the
CHANGES PROPOSED AND CON- exercise on the basis of census figures from 2001.
CERNS ● While the number of seats is being retained, the
EC has proposed not just changes in geographical
Context:
The Election Commission of India (EC) released a draft delim- boundaries, but also an increase in the number of
reserved constituencies for STs and SCs.
itation document for Assam.
● Districts with autonomous councils (administered
under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution) get
What is delimitation?
more seats.
● It is the act of redrawing the boundaries of an As-
● Change in nomenclature: Kaliabor Lok Sabha con-
sembly or Lok Sabha seat to reflect changes in pop-
stituency now named ‘Kaziranga’
ulation over time, based on the most current Census
data.
Why have these proposals run into controversy?
● The process may alter the number of seats in a
● The state’s Bengali-origin Muslim community (of-
state so that the population of all seats is as uniform
ten labelled as outsiders and non-indigenous to the
as possible across the state.
state) alleged that the draft is partisan, depriving
them politically.
Legal/constitutional provisions:
○ Constituencies have been shaped to mix
● Article 82: Following each census, the allocation of
minority areas with majority [Hindu] pop-
Lok Sabha seats to the states, as well as the division
ulations.
of each state into territorial constituencies, shall be
○ Several seats - with a significant Muslim
readjusted by such authority as Parliament may by
population - have been done away with.
law determine.
○ For example, as per the draft proposal, con-
● Section 8A of the Representation of the People Act,
stituencies of the Barpeta district have now
1950: It allows for delimitation of Parliamentary and
been reduced from 8 to 6 (one of them re-
Assembly constituencies in Arunachal Pradesh, As-
served for SC).
sam, Manipur, or Nagaland.
● Constituencies of several sitting legislators and par-
● Article 170 (Composition of the Legislative Assem-
liamentarians (across parties) may be impacted by
blies): Census figures (2001) shall be used for the
virtue of changes.
purpose of readjustment of constituencies in the
○ For example, many Muslim-majority areas
State.
from the new Kaziranga constituency have
● Reservation of seats for the SCs/STs will be provided
been shifted to neighbouring Nagaon, which
as per Articles 330 (Lok Sabha) and 332 (State As-
will affect the electoral fortunes of sitting
semblies) of the Constitution.
MP.
Delimitation Commission:
Supporters of the proposals:
● Article 82 of the Indian Constitution provides for the
Groups from the Bodo Territorial Council and Karbi Anglong
establishment of such a commission through a Par-
district have hailed the proposal because it secures at least
liamentary act.
● The orders of such a commission (have the force of 102 constituencies for the “indigenous” people.
law and cannot be challenged in court) will take into
effect on a date to be determined by India’s Presi- Insta Links: What is the CAG audit report on Assam’s NRC?
dent
Mains Links:
Need of delimitation in Assam: Q. What is delimitation? Examine its objectives and how
● Assam currently has 14 Lok Sabha, 126 Assembly delimitation affects the representation of the people act.
constituencies. (250 words)
● The last delimitation of constituencies in Assam was
done in 1976 on the basis of the 1971 Census.

www.insightsonindia.com 9

SEDITION LAW IN INDIA
Context:
The Law Commission Chairman, Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi,
argues that retaining the sedition law is necessary to safe-
guard the unity and integrity of India, citing the current sit-
uation in various regions.
• Recently, the 279th report of the Law Commission
of India has recommended the retention of the
153-year-old colonial law on sedition in India.
What is Sedition?
According to the Section 124A of IPC, Sedition is an act that
brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or ex-
cites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Govern-
ment established by law in India by words, either spoken or
written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or other-
wise.
History:
• Drafted by TB Macaulay and included in the IPC in
1870, Colonial administrators used sedition to lock
up people who criticised the British policies.
• Lokmanya Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal
Nehru, Bhagat Singh, etc., were convicted for their
“seditious” speeches, writings and activities under
British rule.
Views by Supreme Court:
• In 1962, the Supreme Court decided on the constitu-
tionality of Section 124A in Kedar Nath Singh v State
of Bihar.
o It upheld the constitutionality of sedition,
but limited its application to “acts involving
intention or tendency to create disorder, or
disturbance of law and order, or incitement
to violence”.
o It distinguished these from “very strong
speech” or the use of “vigorous words”
strongly critical of the government.
• In 1995, the Supreme Court, in Balwant Singh v
State of Punjab, held that mere sloganeering which
evoked no public response did not amount to sedi-
tion.
• SC (in July 2021): The court ruled that “a statute
criminalizing expression based on unconstitution-
ally vague definitions of ‘disaffection towards Gov-
ernment’ etc. is an unreasonable restriction on the
fundamental right to free expression guaranteed
under Article 19 (1)(a) and causes constitutionally
impermissible ‘Chilling Effect’ on speech”.
• In 2022, the SC effectively put on hold the colo-
nial-era penal provision and asked the Centre/
states to desist from arresting/prosecuting people
under the contentious provision.
10 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
Sedition law is relevant for India:
• Threats to the unity and integrity of the nation due
to the presence of anti-national elements and divi-
sive Forces such as naxals, terrorists and separatists
who are receiving support from inside and outside
the country.
• Mere misuse cannot be a ground for repeal, rath-
er provisions should be made where such misuse is
eliminated.
• No other law covers sedition: Special laws such as
the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the
National Security Act operate in different fields and
do not cover the offence of sedition and therefore,
the specific law on sedition is therefore needed.
• Not really a draconian law: Now after the Supreme
Court’s directions, its jurisdiction has been narrowed
down. It can be applied only on grounds laid down
by the court.
• Application is a part of reasonable restrictions: It is
provided under Article 19 (2).
• Does not really curb free speech: One can use any
kind of strong language in criticism of the govern-
ment without inviting sedition. However, such dis-
sent should not be turned into some kind of persua-
sion to break the country.
• Jurisdictions like the US, Canada, Australia, UK, etc.,
have actually merged their sedition law with count-
er-terror legislation.
Issues with the Sedition Law in India:
• Against democratic norms: It stifles the democratic
and fundamental right (Article 19(1)(a)) of people
to criticize the government. It leads to a sort of un-
authorised self-censorship, for it produces a chilling
effect on free speech.
o It suppresses what every citizen ought to do
in a democracy — raise questions, debate,
disagree and challenge the government’s
decisions.
o Sedition systematically destroys the soul of
Gandhi’s philosophy that is, the right to dis-
sent.
• Inadequate capacity of State Machinery: The police
might not have the “requisite” training to under-
stand the consequences of imposing such a “strin-
gent” provision.
• Possibility of Misuse: It has been used arbitrarily to
curb dissent. In many cases, the main targets have
been writers, journalists, activists who question gov-
ernment policy and projects, and political dissent-
ers. E.g. Vinod Dua v Union of India
• Low conviction: Charge sheets were filed only in a
tiny percentage of cases and not more than a hand-
ful ended in convictions upheld by the higher courts.
• Strong deterrent effect on dissent: The draconi-
an nature of this law as the crime is non-bailable,
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
non-cognisable and punishment can extend for
life—it has a strong deterrent effect on dissent even
if it is not used.
• Used to gag press: The press should be protected
so that it could bare the secrets of the government
and inform the people. Only a free and unrestrained
press can effectively expose deception in govern-
ment.
Safeguards recommended by the Law Commission:
• The preliminary inquiry will be held by a police offi-
cer of the rank of inspector or above.
• The inquiry will be done within seven days from the
occurrence of the incident
• The preliminary inquiry report will be submitted to
the competent government authority for permis-
sion for lodging of FIR
• On the basis of the preliminary report, if the com-
petent government authority finds any cogent evi-
dence with regard to the commissioning of the of-
fence of sedition, it may grant permission to lodge
an FIR under Section 124 A of the IPC
Recent examples of misuse of Sedition law
In February 2021, the Supreme Court protected a political
leader and six senior journalists from arrest in sedition
cases related to their tweets and sharing unverified news.
In June 2021, the court also emphasized the need to define
the limits of sedition while protecting two Telugu news
channels from coercive action by the Andhra Pradesh gov-
ernment. Recently, human rights activists in the northeast
have raised concern over the misuse of Sedition law to
curb protests in Mizoram.
Conclusion
The guidelines of the SC must be incorporated in Section
124A as well by amendment to IPC so that any ambiguity
must be removed. Only those actions/words that directly re-
sult in the use of violence or incitement to violence should
be termed seditious.
Insta Links: Sedition law
Mains Links:
Q. The imposition of the Sedition law in India has been a
subject of significant controversy and debate. (250 Words)
REFORMING MULTILATERAL DE-
VELOPMENT BANKS
Context:
In his address to the US Congress, the Indian PM talked about
the relevance of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs)
and the need to reform them.
The emergence of MDBs:
● At the end of WWII, delegates from 44 countries
met in Bretton Woods (US) to agree upon a series of
new rules for international cooperation and recon-
struction.
● This led to the creation of the IMF and World Bank
Group (WBG) in 1944.
● The latter was responsible for providing financial as-
sistance for the post-war reconstruction and eco-
nomic development of the less developed countries.
● While the WBG is the oldest and the largest MDB,
there are ~15-16 prominent MDBs and Regional de-
velopment banks (RDBs) today.
Relevance of MDBs:
● Credible institutions to support the development
of both MICs and LICs amid far-reaching geopolitical
changes, economic crises and uncertainties.
● The two traditional goals shared by all multilateral
institutions have been the elimination of poverty
and fostering of shared prosperity.
Challenges faced by MDBs:
● No longer suited in terms of the resources, cultural
ethos and methods to address the emerging chal-
lenges - global public goods, climate change and
pandemics.
● MDBs are in a state of stagnation, trapped in their
procedures, approach and methods of work and re-
sistant to structural changes.
Reforming MDBs:
● In recent years, the restructuring of MDBs (to reflect
contemporary realities) has received increasing at-
tention.
● The current debate on the reforms of MDBs is a sub-
set of the wider debate on the value, content and
scope of multilateralism.
○ Multilateralism refers to an alliance of mul-
tiple countries pursuing a common goal.
○ It is the most transparent and preferred
mode of international cooperation and is
based on founding principles such as con-
sultation, inclusion and solidarity.
Need to reform MDBs:
● To broaden the mandate and vision: To address the
challenges of transboundary issues and the oppor-
tunities connected with climate change.
● To expand the need for finance and the sources of
finance: The WBG estimates that the average annual
spending needed to address global challenges of cli-
mate change, conflict, and pandemics is $2.4 trillion
per year between 2023 and 2030.
● To mobilise private capital: The current system has
failed to raise sufficient private finance.
○ On the demand side, there are concerns
about moral hazards associated with private
capital.
○ On the supply side, private capital is not
www.insightsonindia.com 11

immune to risks - such as those associated
with foreign exchange.
● For India, reforming MDBs would mean advocating
the voice of the Global South.
Way ahead:
● Expert Group on Strengthening MDBs: Under In-
dia’s G20 presidency, the Expert Group proposes to
submit two reports.
○ The first focuses on issues of vision, finan-
cial capacity and modalities of funding the
MDBs.
○ The second deals with issues related to har-
nessing private capital, risk mitigation, hy-
brid innovative financing, etc.
● Enhancing the lending capacities of multilateral in-
stitutions by optimising their current balance sheets
to attract private capital.
● Creating an incentive structure and bringing chang-
es to the current operating model of the MDBs.
Conclusion:
● Making MDBs more relevant for addressing 21st-cen-
tury challenges would contribute towards enhancing
human welfare.
● Deeper integration with multiple stakeholders is
crucial. If MDBs do not respond to these new chal-
lenges, they will become increasingly irrelevant and
be substituted by other forms of cooperation.
NATIONAL RESEARCH FOUNDA-
TION (NRF)
Context:
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the PM of India, approved the
National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill 2023, to give the na-
tion’s scientific research a strategic direction.
Highlights of the Bill:
It will establish NRF and repeal the Science and Engineering
Research Board (SERB) - subsuming it into the NRF.
● SERB is a statutory body under the Department of
Science and Technology (DST) established in 2009
(by the SERB Act, 2008).
● It was set up for promoting basic research in science
and engineering and to provide financial assistance
to scientists, academic institutions, R&D laborato-
ries, S&T start-ups, etc.
National Research Foundation (NRF)
12 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
About NRF will be established as an apex body
at a total estimated cost of ₹50,000 crores
from 2023-28 (the government will con-
tribute ₹10,000 crores and ~₹36,000
crores are expected to come from the
private sector as investments).
R e c o m - National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
menda-
tion
A d m i n - DST, Ministry of S&T
istrative
depart-
ment
G o v - A Governing Board: The PM will be the
erned by ex-officio President of the Board and the
Union Minister of S&T and Union Min-
ister of Education will be the ex-officio
Vice-Presidents. It will also consist of
eminent researchers and professionals
across disciplines.
An Executive Council: Chaired by the
Principal Scientific Adviser to the Gov-
ernment of India.
Purpose NRF will seed, grow and promote R&D
and foster a culture of research and in-
novation throughout India’s universities,
colleges, research institutions and R&D
laboratories.
How? By prioritising research funding and en-
suring that scientific research was con-
ducted and funded equitably with great-
er participation from the private sector.
Currently, the IITs and IISc receive the
majority of research funds, whereas
State universities receive a very little por-
tion (~10%).
By forging collaborations among the
industry, academia, and government
departments and research institutions
and creating an interface mechanism for
their participation and contribution.
By creating a policy framework and
putting in place regulatory processes
that can encourage collaboration and
increased spending by the industry on
R&D.
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

Signifi- India barely spends 0.7% of its GDP on

cance/ R&D, which is extremely low compared
need of to the US (2.83%), China (2.14%), Israel
NRF/Bill (4.9%), Brazil, Malaysia and Egypt.
NRF will promote the democratisation of
science funding, finding solutions to the
big problems facing Indian society, etc.
The Bill was necessary because current
laws made it hard for private research
organisations to contribute to a funding
body such as the NRF.

Insta Links: R&D ecosystem in India

Mains Links:
Q. Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, be-
cause a career in science is not as attractive as our business
operations, engineering or administration, and the uni-
versities are becoming consumer-oriented. Critically com-
ment. (UPSC 2014)

NATIONAL INSTITUTIONAL RANK-

ING FRAMEWORK (NIRF)
Key highlights of the NIRF 2023:
Context: Area of Ranking Major Highlights
National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) recently re-
This year’s ranking has integrated the “Innovation”
leased the India Rankings for 2023, evaluating higher edu-
cation institutions based on various parameters. ranking previously executed by the Atal Ranking
of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARI-
What is NIRF Ranking? IA) into the India Rankings to reduce the burden on
National Institutional Ranking Framework is a methodology institutions of providing similar data to two different
developed by the Ministry of Education (formerly the Minis- agencies
try of Human Resource Development) in India to rank high- Participants Increased participation from
er education institutions in the country. It was launched in 3565 institutes in 2016 to
September 2015 and aims to provide a comprehensive as-
8686 in 2023
sessment of institutions based on various parameters.
Top Engineering Insti- IIT-Madras (1st), IIT-Delhi
Ranking parameters: tutes (2nd), IIT-Bombay (3rd)
1. Teaching, Learning & Resources (30% weightage) Top Management In- IIM Ahmedabad (1st), IIM
2. Research and Professional Practice (30%) stitutes Bangalore (2nd), IIM Kozhiko-
3. Graduation Outcomes (20%) de (3rd)
4. Outreach and Inclusivity (10%)
5. Perception (10%) Top Law Institutes National Law School of India
University, Bengaluru (1st),
National Law University, Delhi
(2nd), NALSAR University of
Law, Hyderabad (3rd)
Top Pharmacy Insti- National Institute of Phar-
tutes maceutical Education and
Research, Hyderabad (1st),
Jamia Hamdard (2nd), BITS Pi-
lani (3rd)

www.insightsonindia.com 13

Top Colleges Delhi University (DU) colleges
secured positions in the top
10 colleges in India, with Mi-
randa House (1st) and Hin-
du College (2nd) leading the
rankings
Key issues with the NIRF Ranking:
Issues Description
M e t h o d o l o g y Focus on bibliometric measures
and Indicators (e.g., number of citations, publi-
cation rather than the quality of
papers) sidelining other forms of
intellectual contributions.
Lack of Compre- Bibliometric indicators may not
hensive Evalua- fully capture the complexities of
tion scientific performance.
Limited Partici- Only about 12% of higher educa-
pation tional institutions participated in
the ranking process.
Urban Bias and Scant presence of colleges from
Low Progress in rural areas in the top 100 rank-
Rural Participa- ings. The ranking is more concen-
tion trated at institutes in urban areas.
Lack of Transpar- Institutions and stakeholders
ency should have access to detailed
information about the methodol-
ogy, data sources, weightage as-
signed to different indicators, and
the process of data collection and
analysis.
Lack of rigorous An analysis of the data submitted
system by some private universities un-
der the NIRF provides evidence of
data fudging
Major challenges pointed out by NIRF ranking for higher
education institutes:
I n c o n g r u e n c e The concentration of high-quality
between Quanti- colleges in a few states, highlights
ty and Quality the need for a mission to improve
quality across the country.
Quality Differ- Private institutions have lower
ences between rankings compared to government
Private and Gov- institutions.
ernment Institu-
tions
14 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
Correlation be- Vast differences in faculty strength
tween Faculty between top-ranked and other
Strength and institutions. Importance of quality
Rankings education beyond infrastructure.
Scholarly Output A small percentage of institutions
and Research In- contribute to a significant portion
vestments of scholarly output. Need for in-
creased research investments and
funding.
Need for Quali- Rankings highlight the urgent
ty Enhancement need for improving quality in the
and Financial Re- higher education system, requir-
sources ing substantial financial resources.
Way forward:
To promote comprehensive evaluation of universities in
India, it is necessary to move beyond relying solely on bib-
liometrics and incorporate a wider range of qualitative and
quantitative factors. This will result in a more holistic as-
sessment of institutional performance. Additionally, trans-
parency in ranking methodologies, the inclusion of diverse
factors, and maintaining a balance between quantitative
metrics and qualitative assessments are crucial.
Conclusion:
The rankings underscore the urgent need for quality en-
hancement in the higher education system and require sub-
stantial financial resources to compete globally.
Insta Links:
Union Education Minister Releases India Rankings 2022 of
higher educational institutes
Mains Link:
Q. National Education Policy 2020 is in line with Sustainable
Development Goals-4 (2030). It intended to restructure and
re-orient the education system in India. Critically examine
the statement (UPSC 2020)
Prelims Link
Q. Which of the following is/are parameters used by NIRF
for ranking higher educational institutions?
1. Teaching, learning and resources (TLR)
2. Graduation outcome
3. Number of students Passing out
4. Inclusivity and perception
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a. 1, 2 and 4 only
b. 1, 3 and 4 only
c. 2 and 3 only
d. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (a)
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
US-CHINA CHIPS WAR
Context:
The US-China chips war has prompted India to position itself
as a player in the semiconductor technology field through a
significant partnership with the US.
What is the US-China chips war?
The US-China chips war revolves around the rivalry between
the two economic powers for dominance in semiconductor
technology. The US has implemented restrictions to prevent
China from gaining a technological advantage, while also in-
vesting in domestic chip manufacturing. China, on the oth-
er hand, aims to achieve self-sufficiency in semiconductors
through its “Made in China 2025” plan. The war has dis-
rupted global semiconductor supply chains and led to a shift
in alliances and trade patterns. In this war, Semiconductors
have emerged as the ‘new oil’
Advantages for India in Semiconductor Technology:
Advantages Description
Strategic Part- India has positioned itself as a play-
nership with er in the critical semiconductor
the US technology field with US’s Micron
during the recent PM’s visit. Earli-
er, in 2022, India- US initiative on
Critical and Emerging Technologies
(iCET) deal was also signed.
G o v e r n m e n t The Indian government has allocat-
Support and In- ed significant funds and resources,
vestment amounting to Rs 76,000 crore ($10
billion), to support the develop-
ment of the semiconductor indus-
try in the country. E.g. through the
PLI scheme.
Skilled Work- India boasts a large pool of skilled
force professionals in engineering and
technology.
Growing Do- India offers a vast and expanding
mestic Market domestic market for semiconduc-
tors and related products.
Cost Competi- India has a competitive advantage
tiveness in terms of cost, offering relatively
lower labour and operational costs
compared to some other countries.
Infrastructure The Indian government has been
Development actively working on developing the
necessary infrastructure to support
semiconductor manufacturing e.g.,
the establishment of fabrication
plants (fabs) and semiconductor
clusters.
What are Semiconductors?
A semiconductor is a material that has electrical conductiv-
ity between that of a conductor and an insulator. Semicon-
ductors are used to create electronic circuits, such as tran-
sistors and diodes, which control the flow of electric current.
They are commonly made from materials like silicon or ger-
manium and are essential for various applications, including
computers, smartphones, Integrated Circuits, defence sys-
tems, and AI
India’s initiatives:
• Production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for the
semiconductor industry
• Three entities (Vedanta-Foxconn, international
consortium ISMC and Singapore-based IGSS
Ventures) that had applied to build the chips
• Semicon India Programme: Launched in 2021 with
an outlay of Rs 76,000 crore, the programme seeks
to support the development of the semiconductors
and the display manufacturing ecosystem in India.
• Fiscal support for a design-linked initiative (DLI)
scheme to drive global and domestic investment
related to design software, IP rights etc.
Global Initiatives for Semiconductors:
• Semiconductor friend-shoring among the Quad
members by USA, to building “resilient, diverse and
secure supply chains of critical and emerging tech-
nologies”.
• US-led “Chip 4 Alliance” with Japan, South Korea
and Taiwan to restrict Chinese access to chip tech.
• Taiwan produces over 60% of the world’s semicon-
ductors and over 90% of the most advanced ones.
• “Made in China 2025” plan: to get self-sufficiency
in semiconductor
www.insightsonindia.com 15

Challenges for India:
• India is currently at least two decades behind in
chip manufacturing
• It lacks the necessary infrastructure, uninterrupted
power and water supply, and a skilled workforce.
• There is a need for the development of a compre-
hensive chip ecosystem and ancillary industries in
India.
Conclusion:
Despite these challenges, India’s partnership with the US
positions it in the global chip war and has the potential to
elevate bilateral ties to the next level.
Insta Links: A push for the semiconductor industry
Mains Links: Q. Given its scientific and strategic signifi-
cance, India needs to be far more ambitious in creating a
domestic semiconductor industry on a war footing. Discuss.
(250 Words)
Prelims Links
Q. Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are used to cre-
ate a digital display in many devices. What are the ad-
vantages of OLED displays over Liquid Crystal displays? (
USPC 2017)
1. OLED displays can be fabricated on flexible plastic sub-
strates.
2. Roll-up displays embedded in clothing can be made us-
ing OLEDs.
3. Transparent displays are possible using OLEDs.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of the above statements is correct
Answer: C
OLED TV is a television display technology based on the
characteristics of organic light-emitting diodes (OLED).
OLED TV is a different technology than LED TV. The OLED
display is based on an organic substance used as the semi-
conductor material in light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
OLEDs are ultrathin and light, they can be fabricated on
flexible plastic or roll-up displays. Transparent displays are
also possible.
In general, OLEDs are more efficient than LCDs for display-
ing dark images because black pixels consume little power
for an emissive display, while LCDs are more efficient than
OLEDs at displaying bright images.
16 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
GS3
THE ELECTRICITY (RIGHTS OF
CONSUMERS) RULES
Context:
The government has amended the Electricity (Rights of Con-
sumers) Rules 2020 to empower power consumers, ensure a
24X7 reliable electricity supply at affordable cost, etc.
The Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 2020:
● The Ministry of Power has promulgated the Rules
under the Electricity Act, 2003.
● These rules shall empower the consumers of elec-
tricity as the consumers have the right to get reli-
able services and quality electricity.
Rights and obligations under the Rules:
● It is the duty of every distribution licensee to supply
electricity on request made by an owner or occupier
of any premises in line with the provisions of the Act.
● It is the right of consumers to have minimum stan-
dards of service for the supply of electricity from the
distribution licensee.
The changes made in the Rules:
● Introduction of Time of Day (ToD) Tariff, and
● Rationalisation of smart metering provisions.
Introduction of Time of Day (ToD) Tariff:
● Rather than being charged for electricity at the same
rate at all times of the day, there will be separate tar-
iffs for peak hours, solar hours and normal hours.
● Tariffs during solar hours (8 hours in a day as speci-
fied by the State Electricity Regulatory Commission)
shall be 10%-20% less than the normal tariff.
● Tariffs during peak hours will be 10 to 20% higher.
● It shall be made effective immediately after the in-
stallation of smart metres, for the consumers with-
out smart metres.
Applicable for:
● Commercial and Industrial consumers have Maxi-
mum demand of 10 KW and above, from 1st April
2024 and
● For all other consumers except agricultural con-
sumers, latest from 1st April 2025.
Significance:
● The ToD is a win-win for consumers as well as the
power system.
● For consumers:
○ The separate tariffs will send price signals
to consumers to manage their load accord-
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
ing to the Tariff.
○ With awareness and effective utilisation of
the ToD tariff mechanism, consumers can
reduce their electricity bills.
● For the power system: The ToD mechanism will also
ensure better grid integration of Renewable Energy
sources thereby facilitating faster energy transition
for India.
Current status of ToD mechanism:
● In India: Most of the State Electricity Regulatory
Commissions (SERCs) have already implemented
ToD tariffs for the large Commercial and Industrial
category of consumers.
○ Various statutory provisions already exist to
enable and promote the implementation of
ToD tariffs (i.e., Tariff Policy 2016, Electrici-
ty Act 2003, and National Electricity Policy
2005).
● Globally: It is recognised across electricity indus-
tries, as an important Demand Side Management
(DSM) measure to reduce the demand during peak
periods.
Amendment in smart metering provision:
● The government has simplified the rules for smart
metering.
● To avoid inconvenience/harassment of the consum-
ers, the existing penalties for an increase in con-
sumer demand beyond the maximum sanctioned
load/demand have been reduced.
● Post installation of a smart metre, no penal charges
will be imposed on a consumer based on the max-
imum demand recorded by the smart metre for the
period before the installation date.
Insta Links: The Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules
Mains Links:
What are the problems being faced by the Power Sector?
How can these problems be resolved with the help of the
Draft National Electricity Policy 2021? Explain.
ROLE OF PUNJAB AND HARY-
ANA IN DE-RISKING THE INDIAN
ECONOMY
Context:
Assured irrigation access has made the two states (Punjab
and Haryana) the most reliable producers of rice and wheat,
which will matter in a bad monsoon year.
Importance of Punjab and Haryana: Both have been India’s
breadbasket and lynchpins of its food security, especially
post the Green Revolution (the cultivation of high-yielding
semi-dwarf varieties).
The declining role of Punjab and Haryana:
● Over the last two decades, the two states’ combined
share in total wheat procurement for the Central
foodgrain pool has fallen from 90% to 70%.
● It’s been from 44% to 28% for rice.
Reasons for this decline:
● The diversification of procurement.
● The state governments are also establishing infra-
structure for the purchase of grain at minimum sup-
port prices (MSP) from farmers.
● For example,
○ In wheat, MP overtook Punjab as the top
contributor to the Central pool in 2019-20.
○ In rice, Telangana has emerged as a clear
No. 2 behind Punjab.
Challenges to these scenarios:
● Bad/subnormal monsoon: The contribution of most
states to wheat procurement has tended to be low
in poor monsoon years due to low harvests (kharif
crops).
● El Niño forecast this year: It has been associated
with monsoon failures in India (2014, 2015 and 2018
recorded subnormal rainfall as all three were El Niño
years).
● Temperature spikes due to global warming.
Impact of these challenges:
● Rice production may be worst affected, as it is high-
ly water-intensive and requires at least 25 irrigations
in the absence of rain.
● Wheat (rabi crop) production may also suffer, due
to temperature spikes and because it is grown using
groundwater and dam reservoirs that are recharged/
refilled during the monsoon.
The saviour states - Punjab and Haryana:
● Farmers here have assured access to irrigation.
● For example, Punjab has 15 lakh electric tube wells
and the state Punjab government is supplying 8
hours of uninterrupted free power daily to run
these tube wells during the paddy season.
Conclusion:
● Long-standing recommendations from policymakers
and economists include weaning Punjab and Hary-
ana farmers off of rice and reducing wheat acreage.
● But today, with poor government stocks and soar-
ing rice prices, these very states come to the rescue
once again de-risking the Indian economy.
Insta Links: GREEN REVOLUTION
Mains Links:
Q. Suggest measures to improve water storage and irriga-
tion system to make their judicious use under the depleting
scenario. (UPSC 2020)
www.insightsonindia.com 17
 Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

JOHN GOODENOUGH: CO-CRE-

ATOR OF THE LITHIUM-ION BAT-
TERY
Context:
John Goodenough, the Nobel Prize-winning co-creator of
the lithium-ion battery, passed away at the age of 100.
Goodenough, Whittingham, and Yoshino received Nobel
Prize in 2019 for Chemistry. Each had unique breakthroughs
that laid the foundation for developing a commercial re-
chargeable battery.
• The 1970s: Whittingham: Whittingham’s work in
the 1970s harnessed the tendency of lithium — the
lightest metal — to give away its electrons to make
a battery capable of generating just over two volts.
• The 1980s: Goodenough had built on Whittingham’s
work and doubled the battery’s capacity to four volts
by using cobalt oxide in the cathode, one of the two
electrodes that make up the ends of a battery.
• The 1980s: Yoshino: That battery remained too ex-
plosive for general commercial use. Yoshino’s work
in the 1980s eliminated the volatile pure lithium Difference between Sold-State Batteries and Lithium-Ion
from the battery and instead opted for lithium ions Batteries:
that are safer. The first lightweight, safe, durable, Solid-State Batteries Lithium-Ion Batteries
and rechargeable commercial batteries entered the
market in 1991. Use solid-state electro- Use liquid or gel electro-
• In 2017, Goodenough led a team of engineers to lytes, which are non-flam- lytes, which can be flam-
develop the first all-solid-state battery cells that mable and safer mable
could lead to safer, faster-charging, longer-lasting Offer higher energy den- Typically have lower en-
rechargeable batteries for handheld mobile devices, sity, allowing for a longer ergy density compared to
electric cars, and stationary energy storage. driving range solid-state batteries
Faster-charging capabili- Charging time is relatively
Significance:
Li-ion batteries revolutionized technology by providing re- ty longer
chargeable power for various devices such as cellphones, Longer cycle life Typically have a limited
computers, and electric cars. number of charging cycles
Can be made using Relies on the use of lithi-
Working Principle of Li-ion batteries: earth-friendly materials um, which may have sup-
Lithium-ion batteries work based on the movement of lith- ply concerns
ium ions between two electrodes, the cathode (positive
Require further develop- Widely used in portable
electrode) and the anode (negative electrode), through
an electrolyte. When the battery is being charged, lithium
ment and commercializa- electronic devices and
ions move from the cathode to the anode, where they are tion electric vehicles
stored. During discharge, the ions move back to the cath- Higher cost due to the use Relatively lower cost and
ode, creating an electric current that can power devices. of advanced materials mature manufacturing
processes

Conclusion:
It’s important to note that solid-state batteries are still in
the development and research phase, while lithium-ion bat-
teries are widely used in various industries. Both Solid-state
and lithium batteries hold great promise for the future and
are a testament to John Goodenough’s work.

18 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
Insta Links: New Electric Vehicle Batteries
Mains Links:
Q. Lithium-ion batteries are the edifice of the wireless tech-
nology revolution. In this context discuss the significance
and challenges facing these rechargeable Lithium Batteries.
(250 words)
Prelims Links
Q. With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich
fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider
the following statements: (UPSC 2015)
1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits
heat and water as by-products.
2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not
for small devices like laptop computers.
3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating
Current (AC).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
A fuel cell uses the chemical energy of hydrogen or other
fuels to cleanly and efficiently produce electricity (in the
form of Direct Current). It can be used for powering the
building as well as small devices (micro fuel cells). Fuel
cells work like batteries, but they do not run down or need
recharging. They produce electricity and heat as long as
fuel is supplied.
GLOBAL FINANCIAL PACT ON CLI-
MATE CHANGE: KEY TAKEAWAYS
Context:
Recently, a summit called the ‘Global Financial Pact on Cli-
mate Change’ was held in Paris. Prior to the summit, we had
covered expectation from it: Here. This article covers the
agreements reached at the summit.
Aim of the summit:
To boost crisis financing for low-income states and ease
their debt burdens, reform post-war financial systems and
free up funds to tackle climate change.
Outcomes of the summit:
Description
Addition- An additional lending capacity of $200
al lending billion for Multi-Development Banks
capacity (MDBs) to support emerging economies
in addressing climate challenges.
W o r l d The World Bank announced disaster
Bank: Sus- clauses for debt deals, suspending debt
pension of payments in case of extreme weather
debt pay- events, and providing financial relief.
ment
IMF mea- $100 billion is to be provided to poorer
sures countries through Special Drawing Rights
(SDRs), an international reserve provided
by the IMF.
Proposal to recycle SDRs from rich coun-
tries to poor countries, expanding the
amount of concessional finance avail-
able for developing countries.
Just Ener- Announcement of a new 2.5 billion Euro
gy Transi- Just Energy Transition Partnerships
tion Part- (JETP) deal for Senegal, aimed at increas-
nerships ing the renewable share in the energy
(JETP) for mix.
Senegal
P o l l u t e r Momentum on polluter taxes acceler-
taxes ated, promoting the implementation of
pollution taxes as a means to discourage
environmentally harmful practices.
Review on Proposal for a Global Expert Review on
Debt Debt, Nature, and Climate to assess the
impact of debt on low- and medium-in-
come countries’ capacity.
EU mea- EU unveiled a call to action on ‘Paris
sure Aligned Carbon Markets’ with the goal
of covering at least 60 per cent of global
emissions with carbon pricing mecha-
nisms for climate alignment.
$100 bil- Commitment to delivering the long-over-
lion cli- due $100 billion climate finance goal in
mate fi- the current year (2023) to support devel-
nance goal oping countries efforts.
Concerns with the Pact:
The current commitment of $100 billion represents a frac-
tion of the amount required by the Global South to develop
resilience against climate change (estimated to be $2 trillion
annually by 2030 for developing countries (excluding China)).
Conclusion:
Instead of support from the developed nation, loans current-
ly constitute the primary source of funds for climate financ-
ing. Therefore, financing support from developed countries
must be fulfilled as soon as possible.
Insta Links: Issues with Climate Finance
www.insightsonindia.com 19

Mains Links: Q. Discuss the significance of climate finance
for developing countries and the key challenges they face
in accessing climate finance. (15M)
Prelims Links:
Q. “Climate Action Tracker” which emission reduc-
tion pledges of different countries are a: (UPSC 2022)
(a) Database created by a coalition of research organisations
(b) Wing of “International Panel of Climate Change”
(c) Committee under “United Nations Frame-
work Convention on Climate Change”
(d) Agency promoted and financed by the United Nations
Environment Programme and World Bank.
Answer - A
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO STATES
FOR CAPITAL INVESTMENT 2023-
24 SCHEME
Context:
The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, has ap-
proved capital investment proposals of Rs. 56,415 crore in 16
States in the current financial year.
Approval has been given under:
The scheme entitled ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital
Investment 2023-24’.
What is capital expenditure (capex)?
● It includes money spent by the government on the
development/upgrading/repairing of physical as-
sets (like health and education facilities), acquiring
fixed and intangible assets, repayment of loans, etc.
● Capex of the government has been the prime driver
in the economy (in recent years) because the private
sector has not been in a position to invest due to
poor demand and high inflation.
● In FY23, the Centre’s capital expenditure exceeded
the government’s revised estimate of Rs 7.28 lakh
crore by Rs 8,551 crore.
Significance of capex:
● Long-term in nature, leads to the creation of assets
and allows the economy to generate revenue for
many years.
● Add or improve production facilities, increases la-
bour participation, boost operational efficiency and
raise the capacity of the economy to produce more
in future.
● Repayment of loan reduces liability.
Capex vs revenue expenditure:
Revenue expenditure (salaries of employees, interest pay-
ment on past debt, subsidies, pension, etc) is recurring in
nature and neither creates assets nor reduces any liability of
20 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
the government.
Concerns:
Conflict between capex and public spending. For example,
when capex was 14.2% of Budget Estimates in the FY 2019-
20, the government had to cut public spending sharply in
order to meet its deficit target.
The Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment
2023-24 Scheme
About The scheme was announced in the Union
Budget 2023-24 to give special assistance
to the State Governments in the form of a
50-year interest-free loan up to an overall
sum of Rs. 1.3 lakh crore during the FY
2023-24.
Need It was launched in view of a higher multi-
plier effect of capital expenditure and in
order to provide a boost to capital spend-
ing by States.
Background The scheme was first instituted in 2020-
21 in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandem-
ic. The flexibility and simplicity of the
scheme design have earned praise from
States. Hence, a similar scheme was also
executed by the Ministry of Finance in the
last financial year.
Components Part-I is the largest component with an
allocation of Rs. 1 lakh crore. It has been
allocated amongst States in proportion to
their share of central taxes and duties as
per the 15th Finance Commission.
For Part–II, Rs. 3,000 crore has been set
aside for providing incentives to States for
scrapping State Government vehicles and
ambulances, etc.
Part–III & IV aims at providing incentives
to States for reforms in Urban Planning
and Urban Finance.
Part V aims at increasing the housing
stock for police personnel and their fam-
ilies within the police stations in urban
areas.
Part VI promotes national integration,
Make in India and One District, One Prod-
uct (ODOP) through the construction of
Unity Mall in each State.
Part VII provides financial assistance to
States for setting up libraries with digital
infrastructure at Panchayat and Ward lev-
els.
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
Need for Many states, led by Andhra Pradesh, Ma-
special as- harashtra, UP and Kerala, failed to meet
sistance to the target in terms of actual capex. Ac-
states in the cording to a Bank of Baroda report, out
current FY of 25 states as many as 14 states met less
than 75% of the target in FY2023.
GLOBAL FOREST WATCH
Context:
A study quoted by the World Resources Institute’s Global
Forest Watch reveals that tropical areas experienced a sig-
nificant decline in forest cover in 2022.
Insta Links: State of Forest Report 2021
Key findings:
• The loss amounted to 4.1 million hectares, equiv-
alent to an area the size of 11 football fields disap-
pearing every minute.
• The primary forest cover loss in tropical regions was
10% higher in 2022 compared to the previous year.
• The study highlights that the world is not on track
to meet its forest-related commitments:
• Two key goals set by the World Resources Institute
include ending deforestation by 2030
o However, the global deforestation rate
needs to decrease by at least 10% annually
to meet the 2030 target.
o While deforestation rates reduced by 3.1%
in 2022 compared to the 2018-2020 base-
line, they still exceeded the necessary levels
by over one million hectares, indicating a
deviation from the 2030 goal.
• Restoring 350 million hectares of lost and degraded
forests by 2030.
o The overall change in tree cover over the
past two decades has been a net loss of 100
million hectares. This indicates that forests
are still being lost instead of being restored
at the required rate.
• Countries like Brazil and the Democratic Republic of
Congo, with substantial tropical forest cover, experi-
enced significant losses in 2022.
• India: The study also highlights India’s loss of 44
thousand hectares of humid primary forest between
2021 and 2022, accounting for 17% of the country’s
total tree cover loss during that period.
What are Primary forests?
Primary forests, also known as old-growth forests or vir-
gin forests, are mature and undisturbed natural forests
that have not experienced significant human intervention
or alteration in recent history. These forests have reached
a stage of ecological maturity and exhibit a complex and
diverse ecosystem with fully developed tree canopy layers,
understory vegetation, and rich biodiversity.
• Significance: They play a crucial role in storing carbon
and supporting biodiversity. Once lost, the regrowth
of secondary forests cannot match the ecological and
carbon sequestration capabilities of primary forests.
Global Forest Watch (launched 2014) is an open-source
web application to monitor global forests in near real-time.
GFW is an initiative of the World Resources Institute, with
partners including Google, USAID, the University of Mary-
land, Esri, Vizzuality and many other academic, non-profit,
public, and private organizations.
Developer: World Resources Institute (WRI)
Prelims Links: (UPSC 2021)
Consider the following statements:
Statement 1: The United Nations Capital Development
Fund (UNCDF) and the Arbor Day Foundation have recently
recognized Hyderabad as the 2020 Tree City of the World.
Statement 2: Hyderabad was selected for recognition for a
year following its commitment to growing and maintaining
urban forests.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the
above statements?
1. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and
Statement 2 is the correct explanation for statement 1
2. Both statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct but
Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for State-
ment 1
3. Statement 1 is correct But Statement 2 is not correct
4. Statement 1 is not correct but Statement 2 is correct
Ans: 4
www.insightsonindia.com 21

INDIA’S GREEN CREDIT PRO-
GRAMME
Context:
Following the Union Budget 2023-24 announcement, the
MoEFCC notified the draft ‘Green Credit Programme (GCP)’
implementation rules 2023.
About the Green Credit Programme (GCP):
● Under this, individuals, industries, FPOs, ULBs, gram
panchayats and private sectors, etc., will be able
to earn “green credit” for undertaking environ-
ment-friendly actions.
● The green credits will be tradable on a proposed do-
mestic market platform.
● It follows the principle of LiFE - Lifestyle for Environ-
ment - to encourage sustainable lifestyles by driv-
ing consumers/communities towards behavioural
changes to incentivise environment-friendly practic-
es.
The overall administration of the scheme: It will be under
the Indian Council for Forestry Research and Education - an
autonomous organisation/ governmental agency under the
MoEFCC.
8 sectors/activities that can qualify for generating credits:
Sectors Purpose
Tree planta- To promote activities for increas-
t i o n - b a s e d ing green cover across the country
Green Credit through tree plantation and related
activities
Water-based To promote water conservation, wa-
Green Credit ter harvesting and water use efficien-
cy/savings, including treatment and
reuse of wastewater
Sustain- To promote natural and regenerative
able agricul- agricultural practices and land resto-
ture-based ration to improve productivity, soil
Green Credit health and nutritional value of food
produced
W a s t e To promote sustainable and im-
manage- proved practices for waste manage-
ment-based ment, including collection, segrega-
Green Credit tion and treatment
Air pollu- To promote measures for reducing air
tion reduc- pollution and other pollution-abate-
t i o n - b a s e d ment activities
Green Credit
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Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
M a n g r o v e To promote measures for the conser-
conservation vation and restoration of mangroves
and resto-
ration-based
Green Credit
E c o - To encourage manufacturers to ob-
mark-based tain an eco-mark label for their goods
Green Credit and services
Sustainable To encourage the construction of
building and buildings and other infrastructure
infrastruc- using sustainable technologies and
ture-based materials
Green Credit
Objectives of GCP:
● To create a market-based (supply and demand)
mechanism for incentivising voluntary environmen-
tal actions/ individual or community behaviour.
● To encourage the private sector as well as other en-
tities to meet their existing obligations, stemming
from other legal frameworks.
GCP vs carbon markets:
Unlike carbon markets, where only greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions were traded, the GCP accounts for a wide range
of actions and nowhere in the world such a wide range of
actions are considered.
Significance of the GCP:
● It’s a first-of-its-kind instrument that seeks to value
and reward multiple ecosystem services to allow
green projects to achieve optimal returns beyond
just carbon.
● The scheme will allow project proponents to also ac-
cess carbon markets additionally.
Similar mechanisms elsewhere: In some countries (France,
Germany and Sweden), social services generate credits -
taking care of the elderly for a certain number of hours, for
instance, gets one some credit that you can exchange in a
salon.
Concerns:
● The draft was a good statement of intent but its im-
plementation would be extremely challenging.
○ This is due to the difficulty in establishing
the equivalence between various actions.
○ For example, how much water one saved
is equivalent to a tonne of CO2 prevented
from emissions is difficult to establish.
● Monitoring, reporting and verification challenges.
● A strong risk of greenwashing - the appearance of
doing a lot without actually achieving much benefi-
cial impact.
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
Way ahead:
● Capacity needs to be built to monitor these systems
and prevent fraud.
● It will save resources that could be diverted to more
transformational pollution control and biodiversity
protection efforts.
Insta Links: Farming: Carbon credit market
Mains Links: The Government of India has proposed draft
rules for the Green Credit Programme. Discuss the implica-
tions of these draft rules and their potential impact on pro-
moting green initiatives and sustainability in the country.
CHALLENGES FACED BY INDIA’S
BIOECONOMY
Context:
India’s bioeconomy growth is not in sync with desired fund-
ing and policy support.
Bioeconomy:
It is the economic activity involving the use of biotechnology
and biomass in the production of goods, services, or energy.
India’s bioeconomy:
● According to the DBT’s ‘Bioeconomy Report 2022’
report, India’s bioeconomy contributes 2.6% to the
GDP and by 2030 it will be ~5% of the GDP.
● This ambitious leap of $220 billion in eight years will
require aggressive investment and policy support.
Concerns:
● Neither funding for the DBT nor its recent policies
reflect any serious intention to uplift this sector.
● For example,
○ The current Budgetary allocation to the DBT
is only 0.0001% of India’s GDP.
○ Also, policies that enable risk-taking appe-
tite within Indian scientists to create an eco-
system of innovation and industrial action,
are missing.
○ Also, the alignment between biotechnolo-
gy policies and economic goals is missing.
Case study - Problems in the Guidelines for Genetically En-
gineered (GE) Insects:
● Uncertainty of purpose
○ The guidelines emphasise that GE insects
offer applications in various fields (such as
human and livestock health; crop manage-
ment; etc) uplifting the standard of living by
■ Reducing disease burden,
■ Enabling food security and
■ Conserving the environment.
○ However, the guidelines don’t specify the
purposes for which GE insects may be ap-
proved in India.
○ The guidelines only provide regulatory pro-
cedures for R&D on insects with some ben-
eficial applications.
● Uncertainty for researchers:
○ The guidelines are applicable only to re-
search and not to confined trials or deploy-
ment.
○ Once the insects are ‘made’ and tested in
the laboratory, researchers can conduct tri-
als with them on the approval of the Genetic
Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) of
the MoEFCC.
○ Once deployed, GE insects can’t be recalled
and unlike GM foods they are not amena-
ble to individual consumer choice.
● Uncertainty of ambit:
○ The guidelines offer standard operating pro-
cedures for GE mosquitoes, crop pests, and
beneficial insects - but what ‘beneficial’
means, in the context of GE insects, is not
clear.
○ The lack of clarity will impede funders and
scientists from investing in this research.
Way ahead:
● Further efforts are needed to attract private fund-
ing for biotechnology R&D.
● Policies need to be significantly revised if biotech-
nology is to be of any serious consequence to the
economy.
● Both of the above are essential considering the im-
portance of biotechnology to any pandemic pre-
paredness efforts.
Insta Links: India’s Biotech Sector
Mains Links: Q. How can biotechnology help to improve the
living standards of farmers? (UPSC 2019)
www.insightsonindia.com 23

DRAFT GUIDELINES FOR RE-
SOURCE ADEQUACY PLANNING
FRAMEWORK FOR INDIA
Context:
The Ministry of Power, in consultation with the Central Elec-
tricity Authority (CEA), has released draft Guidelines for Re-
source Adequacy Planning Framework for India.
About the draft guidelines:
● The guidelines have been formulated under the
Electricity (Amendment) Rules 2022.
● Under the new framework, the distribution compa-
nies (DISCOM) will create a report detailing
○ The expected demand,
○ The rate of demand growth,
○ The current contracted capacity, and
○ The amount of power obtained from power
exchanges.
● The resource adequacy exercise will be conducted
with a 10-year planning horizon on a continuous ba-
sis.
● The National Load Despatch Center (NLDC) is re-
quired to release an annual short-term national re-
source adequacy plan covering one year.
The objective of the plan:
● To reliably fulfil the peak demand with the help
of adequate supply of generation and demand re-
sponse.
● To optimise the generation of electricity at the low-
est possible cost while meeting the demand. This
includes minimising overall system costs, such as -
○ Operational and maintenance expenses,
○ Fuel costs,
○ The costs associated with starting up and
shutting down power-generating units, etc.
● To take into account various constraints related to
power plant operations, such as -
○ Limits on ramping up or down generation,
○ Renewable purchase obligation (RPO) tar-
gets,
○ Capacities for solar rooftop or distributed
generation, etc.
Significance:
● A set of guidelines to establish an institutional
mechanism for resource adequacy, spanning from
the national level down to the DISCOM.
● It will ensure the availability of resources at each
level to meet the demand.
● It will help proactively assess the requirements for
new generation capacities, energy storage, and oth-
er flexible resources well in advance.
Key challenges:
24 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
● The ongoing challenge of catering to the peak de-
mand reliably is being faced by the utilities in India.
● Infrastructural and management challenges while
sharing inter-state and inter-region power.
● Increasing share of variable renewable energy and
higher frequency of extreme weather events due to
climate change.
Way ahead:
● Given the limited capacity and the learning curve as-
sociated with the detailed resource adequacy plan,
DISCOM be allowed a grace period of 2-3 years be-
fore implementation of the same.
● Such a preparatory period would allow the discoms
to explore the methodology, collect relevant data
and put an internal institutional mechanism in
place.
Insta Links: Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2022
THE OPEN MARKET SALE SCHEME
Context:
The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has imposed quantity re-
strictions on states to procure two food grains (wheat and
rice) through its Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS).
The issue related to the OMSS
About OMSS Under the OMSS, the FCI sells (from
time to time) surplus food grains
(especially wheat and rice) from the
central pool in the open market to
traders, bulk consumers, and retail
chains, at pre-determined prices.
How? Through e-auctions, where
open-market bidders can buy speci-
fied quantities.
OMSS and States are also allowed to procure
States food grains (over and above what
they get from the central pool to
distribute to NFSA beneficiaries)
through the OMSS without partici-
pating in the auctions.
Objective of Ensure food security by enhancing
OMSS the supply of food grains during the
lean season, control inflation by
moderating the open market prices,
especially in the deficit regions
Revision of The Centre decided to restrict the
OMSS quantity that a single bidder can pur-
chase from 3,000 metric tonnes (MT)
to 10-100 MT.
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
The objective To accommodate more small and
behind the marginal buyers, curb retail prices as
revision allowing smaller bids should ideally
break monopolies of bulk buyers,
allowing more competitive bids by
small buyers.
Impact of The Centre stopped the sale of rice
Revision on and wheat from the Central pool un-
States der the OMSS to State governments,
also disallowing private bidders to
sell their OMSS supplies to state gov-
ernments.
Steps Taken Considering alternative methods of
by States obtaining wheat and rice. For exam-
ple, TN is trying to purchase rice from
government agencies other than FCI.
Allegations States such as Karnataka (which runs
of States the Anna Bhagya scheme) and Tamil
Nadu (which runs the universal PDS)
have criticised the government for
engaging in “politics” at the expense
of marginalised beneficiaries of State
welfare schemes.
Centre’s re- Restrictions are imposed to curb in-
ply flation and regulate supply. The Cen-
tre is already distributing grains to
80 crore marginalised beneficiaries
under the NFSA.
FCI:
● It is a statutory body set up setup under the Food
Corporation Act 1964, in order to fulfil the following
objectives of the Food Policy:
○ Effective price support operations for safe-
guarding the interests of the farmers.
○ Distribution of food grains throughout the
country for a PDS.
○ Maintaining a satisfactory level of opera-
tional and buffer stocks of foodgrains to en-
sure National Food Security.
● It comes under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs,
Food and Public Distribution, Government of India.
● Since its inception, FCI has contributed significantly
to India’s success in transforming its food security
system from one that was focused on crisis manage-
ment to one that is stable.
Insta Links: FCI
Mains Links: Q. What are the reformative steps taken by
the Government to make the food grain distribution system
more effective? (UPSC 2019)
GS4
RECENT EXAMPLES OF ETHICS
Example 1:
RWA in Bengaluru bars maids and servants from using of
common area
The notice issued by the housing society in Bengaluru, bar-
ring maids from using common areas, raises several signifi-
cant issues:
The housing society said that “It is difficult to see them hang
out everywhere in the park, amphitheatre, gazebos. Resi-
dents can feel uncomfortable when being surrounded by
maids everywhere we walk.”
Ethical Issues with such notice:
• Elitist Attitude: The notice reflects an elitist up-
per-class attitude towards workers, particularly do-
mestic helpers.
• Casteism and Class Prejudice: The notice suggests
the presence of casteism and class prejudice within
society.
• Imposition of Will: The notice illustrates how the
Residents Welfare Association (RWA) can exert their
power and impose its decisions on marginalized in-
dividuals who lack the means to voice their objec-
tions.
• Corruption of Petty Power: The notice exemplifies
how those with limited authority can abuse their po-
sition and use it to enforce discriminatory practices.
Example 2: Rehana Fathima Case
Fathima, a female rights activist, faced multiple charges un-
der various laws for posting a video showing her 14-year-old
son painting on her. The video sparked outrage and accusa-
tions of obscenity on social media.
In a recent Kerala High Court Judgment, the court observed
that “The right of a woman to make autonomous decisions
about her body is at the very core of her fundamental right
to equality and privacy. It also falls within the realm of per-
sonal liberty guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution.”
The example emphasizes that notions of social morality are
subjective and vary among individuals and communities.
Actions that may be considered morally wrong by some may
not necessarily be legally wrong, highlighting the distinction
between morality and criminality.
Example 3: Role of Parent in inculcating values:
In 2023, American President Joe Biden’s son was convicted
of tax fraud, and Jackie Chan’s son for drug offences.
On a positive note, R.Madhwan’s son won 5 gold in Asian
Swimming competitions, and Ravi Kishan’s daughter joins
the defence service.
These events highlight the significance of parental influence
in shaping a child’s upbringing, instilling values, and safe-
www.insightsonindia.com 25

guarding them from negative influences.
Example 4:
John B. Goodenough, co-creator of Lithium Ion Batteries
passed away recently. He demonstrated several ethical val-
ues through his work and actions:
• Sharing knowledge: Goodenough shared his pat-
ents and collaborated with other researchers, high-
lighting his commitment to advancing scientific
knowledge and promoting collective progress over
personal gain.
• Philanthropy: He donated the stipends he received
from his awards and scholarships, demonstrating a
spirit of generosity.
• Environmental consciousness: Goodenough’s work
on lithium-ion batteries contributed to the develop-
ment of clean energy solutions.
• Integrity and humility: Despite his significant
achievements and recognition, Goodenough re-
mained humble and did not seek personal royalties
or fame.
• Contribution to society
Example 5:
V.K. Pandian, an influential bureaucrat and the private sec-
retary to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has become
a target of criticism from the opposition and certain factions
within the BJD party.
The complaint raised concerns about his use of state trans-
portation, public receptions, and announcements of new
projects, suggesting a violation of All India Services (Con-
duct) Rules.
The elaborate security measures and protocols accompa-
nying Mr Pandian’s visits resemble those of chief ministers
and union ministers, blurring the line between a politician
and a bureaucrat.
Ethical Issues concerned:
Ethical Issues Description
Violation of All Concerns about adherence to
India Services ethical standards are expected
(Conduct) Rules from government officials such as
Anonymity.
Blurring of Lines The elaborate security measures
between Poli- and protocols accompanying Mr
ticians and Bu- Pandian’s visits, similar to those
reaucrats of chief ministers and union min-
isters, raise ethical questions re-
garding the distinction between
political and bureaucratic roles.
Concentration of Ethical considerations related to
Power accountability, transparency, and
democratic principles.
26 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
Favoritism and The close association between Mr
Nepotism Pandian and the Chief Minister,
as well as the allegations of him
being a “gateway” to the Chief
Minister, may raise ethical con-
cerns related to favouritism, pref-
erential treatment, and equitable
distribution of opportunities and
resources.
Example 6: Discrimination in Cricket
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has issued an
apology following a report that revealed systemic discrim-
ination within English cricket. The report, conducted by the
Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC), high-
lighted instances of racism, sexism, and class-based discrim-
ination within the sport.
The ECB expressed remorse for failing to prevent these
forms of discrimination and acknowledged the need for
significant changes. The report made 44 recommendations
for reform, including equal pay for male and female interna-
tional players by 2030.
Ethical values highlighted: Inclusivity, Equality, Anti-discrimi-
nation, Accountability, and Reform and improvement
Example 7: ‘Selflessness’ in Public Life
• Cricketer Tendulkar reported on national duty after his
father’s death
• Virat Kohli played a match-saving knock for his team af-
ter his father’s death
• Anil Kumble bowled with a broken Jaw (2002) against
West Indies. He said, “At least I can now go home with
the thought that I tried my best.
All these examples highlight the importance of “ selflessness
“ when it comes to ethics in public life/service.
Example 8: Lessons on Emotional Intelligence in Cricket
Test cricket, unlike most other sports, requires long-term,
targeted behaviour and provides insights into how the mind
experiences time, reward, threat, and anxiety.
Understanding our ABCs (alarm-beliefs-coping) and manag-
ing our mind’s reaction to time is crucial in cricket and life
alike. Being emotionally intelligent helps players better their
performance and reduce anxiety.
Values extracted:
• Self-awareness (recognizing and understanding
one’s own emotions)
• Self-regulation
• Building resilience to anxiety through cognitive reat-
tribution training (CRT);
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

• Being flexible and adaptable in response to changing circumstances, and developing strategies to cope with anxiety
and negative emotions
• Recognizing how anxiety can elongate the perception of time and impact sleep, diet, and emotional stability, and
managing it effectively.

NEW DRUGS AND CLINICAL TRIAL RULES (2023)

Context:
The government of India recently passed an amendment to the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules (2023) that permits re-
searchers to utilize non-animal and human-relevant methods for testing the safety and effectiveness of new drugs.
• It will amend the Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019
Alternative methods proposed are 3D organoids, 3D bioprinter, organs-on-chip, and advanced computational methods.
To know the process of Clinical Trials in India: Click Here
The use of animals in drug testing has limitations:
Limitations Description Example
Limited pre- Animals may respond differently to drugs com- The drug Thalidomide caused severe birth
dictability for pared to humans due to differences in biologi- defects in humans but did not produce the
human re- cal processes, genetics, and other factors. same effects in animal tests, leading to tragic
sponse consequences.
Ethical Con- Animal testing involves the use of sentient be- The Draize test, which involves applying sub-
cerns and ani- ings and raises ethical concerns regarding the stances to animals’ eyes, has been criticized
mal welfare suffering and harm caused to animals. This in- for causing severe pain and distress.
cludes procedures such as force-feeding, injec-
tions, and euthanasia.
The high failure Despite passing animal testing, many drugs fail For instance, a study published in the Brit-
rate in translat- during human clinical trials, leading to wasted ish Medical Journal found that over 90% of
ing to human resources and potential harm to human partic- drugs tested on animals fail to translate into
efficacy ipants. safe and effective treatments for humans.
Inadequate Animals used in testing may not accurately For example, the drug Ximelagatran showed
representa- represent the diversity of human populations promise in animal studies but caused liver
tion of human in terms of age, sex, genetic variations, and un- damage in humans, highlighting the need for
diversity derlying health conditions. more accurate models.
Regulatory and The use of animals in testing is subject to regu- The European Union has implemented a ban
legal consider- latory requirements and ethical considerations, on animal testing for cosmetics.
ations which can lead to delays, increased costs, and
challenges in obtaining approvals.
Ethical Issues Related to the Use of Animals in drug testing:
Ethical Dilemma Description
Animal Suffer- Animal experimentation often involves causing pain, distress, or harm to the animals, raising
ing concerns about their welfare and the ethics of inflicting suffering on them.
Moral Status of The debate centres around the moral consideration and rights of animals. Some argue that
Animals animals have inherent value and should not be subjected to experimentation, while others
believe that human benefits justify their use.
Balancing Hu- The dilemma arises when weighing the potential benefits to human health and well-being
man Benefits against the harm caused to animals. Ethical considerations involve determining if the benefits
are significant enough to justify the use of animals in experiments.
Informed Con- Unlike human clinical trials where participants can provide informed consent, animals have
sent and Volun- no agency or ability to voluntarily participate in experiments, raising questions about the
tary Participa- ethics of subjecting them to testing without their consent.
tion

www.insightsonindia.com 27
 Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
Steps by Other Countries:
• In 2021, the European Union passed a resolution on an action plan to facilitate the transition towards technologies
that don’t use animals in research, regulatory testing, and education. The U.S. passed the FDA Modernization Act
2.0 in December 2022, allowing researchers to use these systems to test the safety and efficacy of new drugs.
• Also, in 2022, South Korea introduced a Bill called ‘Vitalization of Development, Dissemination, and Use of Alter-
natives to Animal Testing Methods’.
• In June 2023, Canada amended its Environmental Protection Act to replace, reduce or refine the use of vertebrate
animals in toxicity testing.

Conclusion:
Thus the use of non-animal methods is significant for avoiding these ethical dilemmas. However, India faces challenges in
terms of interdisciplinary expertise and the availability of resources for research in this area. Efforts are being made to
establish centres of excellence and develop an end-to-end ecosystem in India to support the implementation of these new
technologies.

Insta Links: Clinical Trials

Mains Links:
Case Study: One of the scientists working in the R&D laboratory of a major pharmaceutical company discovers that one of
the company’s bestselling veterinary drugs has the potential to cure a currently incurable liver disease which is prevalent in
tribal areas. However, developing a variant of the drug suitable for human beings entailed a lot of research and development
having a huge expenditure to the extent of Rs. 50 crores. It was unlikely that the company would recover the cost as the
disease was rampant only in poverty-stricken areas having very little market otherwise. (250 Words)
If you were the CEO, then;
(a) Identify the various actions that you could take
(b) Evaluate the pros and cons of each of your actions

CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT

ROBERT During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States, one of the gifts he
received was an autographed first-edition copy of the Collected Poems of Robert
FROST Frost, published in 1930.

Robert Frost, a renowned American poet, was the only writer to be awarded four
Pulitzer Prizes and was highly regarded for his representation of quintessential Amer-
ican life. His poetry combined elements of romanticism and modernism, focusing on
nature and the human condition.

Frost had a connection with India, as he was admired by India’s first Prime Minister,
Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru particularly appreciated Frost’s poem “Stopping by Woods
on a Snowy Evening” and reportedly kept a copy of Frost’s poems by his bedside, with
the last stanza heavily underlined.
RESTORING Efforts are underway to restore the Aravalli Mountain range in India, which has been
heavily impacted by illegal stone mining. Through a collaborative approach between
THE ARAVALLI the forest department, the local community and the police, steps have been taken
MOUNTAIN to curb the mining activities and initiate rehabilitation. A reforestation project was
undertaken, involving the planting of 10,000 native tree species (such as Sheesham,
RANGE babool) across 75 hectares of land. The restoration has attracted wildlife, including
the nilgai antelope, which had been deterred by previous mining activities. Local res-
idents were actively involved in the plantation and the area was also covered with
moonj grass, providing livelihood options.

28 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

WILD FOODS A study conducted by the Indian School of Business (ISB) has highlighted the signif-
icant contribution of wild foods to women’s dietary diversity, particularly in tribal
FOR DIETARY areas of rural India.
DIVERSITY What are Wild Foods?
Wild foods are food items that are gathered or harvested from natural environments
such as forests, fields, or water bodies. These foods are not cultivated or cultivated
with human intervention
• Examples of wild foods include berries like blackberries and raspberries, mushrooms
like morels and chanterelles
The research, published in the journal Nature Food, revealed that food items collected
from forests and common lands play a crucial role in women’s diets, especially during
the months of June and July when other crops are still growing. The findings shed light
on the significance of wild foods for nutrition security, particularly in forest-dwelling
communities, and highlight their role in stabilizing food consumption during climate
shocks that impact rainfed crops.
Usage: The study highlights the importance of public policies that promote indige-
nous knowledge of wild foods and protect people’s rights to access forests and com-
mon lands, as a means to improve nutrition.
ODISHA’S The Government of Odisha and the Quality Council of India, in collaboration with
industry associations, have launched the Odisha Gunvatta Sankalp (Odisha Quality
GUNAVATTA Mission) in Bhubaneswar.
SANKALP
The initiative aims to promote and prioritize quality across various sectors in Odisha,
creating an ecosystem of quality for a progressive and empowered Odisha.

The Quality Council of India, established in 1997, is responsible for national accred-
itation, improving quality across sectors, and advising the government on quality-re-
lated matters.
ORGANIC IN- Organic intellectuals are individuals who come from a particular social class and
have a deep understanding of the economic structure and issues faced by that class.
TELLECTUALS They remain connected to their class and work to raise awareness about the social
and political roles of their class members.
• The concept was introduced by Antonio Gramsci (Italian Marxist philosopher, jour-
nalist, linguist, writer, and politician)
For example, let’s consider a group of factory workers who are fighting for better
working conditions and fair wages. Organic intellectuals in this context could include
workers who actively engage with their fellow workers, educate them about their
rights, and organize protests or strikes to demand better treatment from their em-
ployers.
Significance: These organic intellectuals play a crucial role in challenging the existing
power structures and working towards positive changes for their class.
HELEN KELLER Helen Keller Day is celebrated on June 27 each year to honour the birth of Helen Keller
(American author, disability rights advocate, political activist and lecturer).

Despite being deaf and blind, Helen Keller overcame her challenges and achieved
great things in her life. She became a successful writer, founded an organization for
the blind, and advocated for people with disabilities.
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in India organized
various events across the country, including awareness programs, seminars, work-
shops, sports activities, and quiz competitions, to observe Helen Keller Day and in-
spire people, especially those with disabilities.

www.insightsonindia.com 29
 Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

MEIRA PAIBIS The Meira Paibis, also known as Imas or Mothers of Manipur, are Meitei women who
represent a powerful moral force in Manipur.
They come from all sections of society in the Imphal Valley and are widely respect-
ed. The Meira Paibis are known for their activism and have led various social and
political movements in the state. They have been involved in protests against human
rights violations, demanded the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFS-
PA), and supported causes such as the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP)
system. These women have a significant presence in Manipuri civil society and are
recognized as society’s conscience keepers.
SOCIALISM Context: The article discusses how socialist tendencies can have unintended conse-
quences, concentrating wealth rather than spreading it and favouring inheritors over
entrepreneurs.

What is Socialism?
Socialism is an economic and political ideology that advocates for the collective own-
ership and control of resources, means of production, and wealth distribution. It aims
to create a more equitable society by reducing inequality, promoting social welfare,
and ensuring that resources are allocated based on societal needs rather than indi-
vidual profit.
Issues:
Countries with deep socialist roots, including France, Sweden, Russia, and India, are
among those where the risk of protests against billionaires is high. This highlights
the paradox that socialist-leaning countries can still experience a concentration of
wealth and dissatisfaction with perceived inequality.
Example:
France is a country vulnerable to anti-rich populist revolts due to the rapid rise of
billionaire wealth, particularly in family firms like LVMH. Recent protests in France
targeted billionaires, including LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault, who has become a
symbol of the perceived wealth disparity.
AFFIRMATIVE The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled to strike down race-conscious policies in col-
lege admissions, bringing an end to affirmative action in higher education. Affirmative
ACTION IN action refers to admissions policies that aim to increase the representation of minori-
HIGHER EDU- ty students, such as Black and Hispanic students, on college campuses.
Many colleges and universities consider race as part of a holistic approach to admis-
CATION sions, along with other factors like grades and extracurricular activities, to promote
diversity and enhance the educational experience.
Reason for such a decision: US Supreme Court has narrowly emphasized individual
rights and equal treatment over considerations of historical disadvantage or societal
diversity.
Impact: The impact of this ruling will lead colleges to explore new strategies to ensure
diversity in their student populations. Also, Indian Students will be affected as well.
PAINTING Extreme heat in Indian slums is negatively affecting women’s health and productiv-
ity. To address this issue, the Mahila Housing Trust (MHT), a non-profit organization,
ROOFS WHITE has introduced a simple solution: painting roofs with white solar-reflective paint.
The reflective paint helps limit the heat from infiltrating the homes, providing relief
to women, children, and the elderly. It lowers indoor temperatures, allowing for im-
proved health, increased work hours, and better studying conditions.

30 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

SHARENTING West Bengal’s CID department has organised a campaign aimed at sensitising par-
ents on the perils of Sharenting.
What is Sharenting?
It refers to the act of parents posting too many details about their children on social
media.
Risks associated with Sharenting are:
• Detrimental for a child’s psychological growth
• Increases risk of details being used by Cybercriminals
• Morphed photographs and ‘digital kidnapping’
NAMAKKAL Namakkal district (Tamil Nadu), India, has successfully addressed its water scarcity
challenges and achieved the second-best groundwater availability in the country.
DISTRICT The district’s comprehensive approach involved community participation, rainwater
(TAMIL NADU) harvesting, sustainable agriculture, efficient water management systems, and ro-
bust policies.
Measures such as constructing rooftop collection systems, percolation tanks, and
check dams were implemented to capture rainwater and replenish the groundwater
table. River rejuvenation, canal desilting, and removal of encroachments were also
undertaken.
Community participation and awareness campaigns played a crucial role in fostering
a water conservation culture.
USING PHYS- Scientists have developed a new approach to understanding online hate communi-
ties using mathematical equations commonly used to describe shock waves in fluids.
ICS TO UNDER- The study found that online hate communities, or “anti-X” communities, grow rapidly
STAND HATE due to fusion, where interested individuals or groups join them.
The study’s findings have implications for identifying and combating hate speech, as
GROUPS ON tracking networks of known hate speech offenders can be more effective than focus-
THE INTERNET ing on individual instances of hate speech.

FACTS FOR PRELIMS

GS1
PRIME MINISTER CONFERRED WITH THE ORDER OF THE NILE
Context:
The ‘Order of the Nile’ award is the 13th state honour that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received during his nine-year
tenure.

Other such awards conferred on PM Modi:

State Honour Year Description
King Abdulaziz Sash 2016 Highest civilian honour of Saudi Arabia, by King Salman bin Abdulaziz. The award
recognizes his contributions and efforts in strengthening the bilateral relations
between India and Saudi Arabia.
State Order of Ghazi 2016 Afghanistan’s highest civilian honour, the Amir Amanullah Khan Award, by Pres-
Amir Amanullah ident Ashraf Ghani.
Khan
Grand Collar of the 2018 Grand Collar of the State of Palestine from President Mahmoud Abbas.
State of Palestine
Award
Order of Zayed 2019 UAE’s highest civilian award, the Order of Zayed, was bestowed upon PM Modi
Award in recognition of his efforts to enhance bilateral ties between India and the UAE.

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 Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

Order of St. Andrew 2019 Russia honoured PM Modi with the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, its highest
Award state decoration, for his exceptional services in promoting the strategic partner-
ship between Russia and India.
Order of the Distin- 2019 PM Modi received the highest honour awarded to foreign dignitaries in the Mal-
guished Rule of Nis- dives, the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin.
han Izzuddin
King Hamad’s Order 2019 PM Modi was honoured with The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance by the
of the Renaissance King of Bahrain.
Legion of Merit by 2020 American President Donald Trump conferred the Legion of Merit upon PM Modi,
the US Government recognizing his leadership and efforts in improving bilateral ties between India
and the United States
Order of the Druk - On the occasion of Bhutan’s National Day, PM Modi was honoured with the high-
Gyalpo est civilian award of Bhutan, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo.
Ebakl Award 2023 During his visit to Papua New Guinea, PM Modi was conferred the Ebakl Award
by President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. This award recognizes his efforts in cham-
pioning the cause of unity among Pacific Island countries and promoting the
interests of the Global South.
Companion of the 2023 PM Modi was honoured with the highest honour of Fiji, the Companion of the
Order of Fiji Order of Fiji, by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Grand Companion of - The Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, Sir Bob Dadae, bestowed the Grand
the Order of Logohu Companion of the Order of Logoh

The Order of the Nile was established in 1915 and was one
of the Kingdom of Egypt’s principal orders until the monar-
chy was abolished in 1953. It was then reconstituted as the
Republic of Egypt’s highest state honour.
WHAT ARE FLASH FLOODS?
of Orissa, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh.
● Flash floods may begin to take place after wild-
fires. Wildfires destroy forests and other vegetation,
which in turn weakens the soil and makes it less per-
meable for water to seep through.
● Climate change/global warming has increased the
frequency/numbers of the above events.

Context: What makes flash floods very dangerous?

The Chandigarh-Manali highway was blocked following flash
floods and landslides in parts of Haryana and Himachal
Pradesh.
What are flash floods?
● Excessive or continuous rainfall over a period of
days or during particular seasons, can lead to stag-
nation of water and cause flooding.
● Flash floods occur in a much shorter span of time
(say, when rainfall creates flooding in less than 6
hours) and are highly localised.
● Flash floods can also be caused by factors apart
from rainfall, like when a dam overflows.
Causes of flash floods in India:
● Nearly 75% of the total rainfall is concentrated over
just four months (June to September) → rivers wit-
ness a heavy discharge during these months.
● Cloudbursts or thunderstorms and overflowing
glacial lakes (in Himalayan states formed due to the
melting of glaciers).
● Depression and cyclonic storms in the coastal areas
● These are accompanied by landslides, which are
sudden movements of rock, boulders, earth or de-
bris down a slope.
● Landslides are common in mountainous terrains,
where there are conditions created for them in
terms of the soil, rock, geology, and slope.
Vulnerability of India:
● According to government data, India is the worst
flood-affected country in the world, after Bangla-
desh.
● ~40 million hectares of land in the country are liable
to floods annually. (National Flood Commission)
● India accounts for one-fifth of the global death
count due to floods.
● Flash floods have been commonly witnessed in cities
like Chennai and Mumbai.
Steps taken:
India has launched first-of-its-kind Flash Flood Guidance ser-
vices for India and other South Asian countries - Bangladesh,
Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Way ahead: A comprehensive strategy of monitoring, plan-

32 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

ning development works in a way that is sensitive to the re- Defeating Baj- Defeated Bajbahadur, who took
gion’s ecology, and mitigation to reduce the extent of dam-
bahadur control of the Malwa province in
ages.
1556
I n t e r a c t i o n s Direct interaction between Rani
with the Mu- Durgavati’s realm and the Mughal
ghals Empire. Abdul Majid Khan, a Mu-
ghal subedar, invaded Rani Durgava-
ti’s realm with Akbar’s approval
Battle She defended her realm from the
Mughal army, and set up camp in
Narrai valley. She refused to leave
the battlefield and killed herself
with a dagger
Legacy and Renamed the University of Jabalpur
Insta Links: India launches flash flood guidance services for Honours as Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya;
South Asia
Commemorated with a postal stamp
Mains Links: What is a flash flood? Analyse the causes and by the Indian government; Durga-
consequences of flash floods and suggest measures to mit- vati Express, a train, and ICGS Rani
igate their impact. Durgavati, an Inshore Patrol Vessel,
named after her; She is hailed as a
patriotic ruler and defender of cul-
ture, becoming a symbol of pride
RANI DURGAVATI and honour.
Context:
Home Minister Amit Shah and PM Narendra Modi will attend
the six-day “Veerangana Rani Durgavati Gaurav Yatra” (to TECTONIC DEFORMATION
honour 16th-century Gondwana kingdom queen Rani Durga-
vati) in Madhya Pradesh Context:
A recent study conducted by researchers in Haryana, India,
About Rani Durgavati: has identified an expanding area of active tectonic defor-
Aspect Details mation in the northern plains of Haryana, south of the Hi-
Rani Durgavati (1524 – 1564) was the ruling Queen malayas.
of Gondwana from 1550 until 1564. She is chief-
What is tectonic deformation?
ly remembered for defending her kingdom against
Tectonic deformation refers to the changes in the Earth’s
the Mughal Empire. crust caused by the movement and interaction of tectonic
plates. It includes processes such as folding, faulting, and up-
Heritage Belonged to the Chandel dynasty lift, which shape the Earth’s surface and give rise to features
known for its brave king Vidyadhar like mountains, valleys, and earthquakes.
and architectural marvels like Kha-
juraho Findings:
• The study focused on the Piedmont zone (transi-
Marriage and Married Dalpatshah, the Gond dy- tion area between the mountains and the adjacent
Alliance nasty’s eldest son and son of King plains) between the Ghaggar and Yamuna River ba-
Sangramshah. She strengthened sins and found clear evidence of ongoing tectonic
the alliance between the Chandel activity.
and Gond dynasties • This active deformation has the potential to turn the
Leadership Assumed leadership of the Gond Piedmont zone into a future seismic hazard area.
kingdom around 1550 after her hus- • The research also suggests that this tectonic activ-
band’s passing ity may have played a role in the extinction of the
Vedic Saraswati River that once flowed through the
region.

www.insightsonindia.com 33
 Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
Significance of the finding:
The findings highlight the need for further investigations, including paleoseismic studies and SAR interferometry, to better
understand the region’s stress distribution and strain accumulation.

Fault lines in the Himalayas:

• HFF (Himalayan Frontal Fault): It is a major thrust fault at the front of the Himalayas, separating the Indian subcon-
tinent from the Eurasian plate.
• MBT (Main Boundary Thrust): It is a significant fault in the Himalayas, marking the boundary between the Lesser
Himalayas and the Sub-Himalayas.
• MCT (Main Central Thrust): This fault separates the Lesser Himalayas from the Greater Himalayas and is responsible
for the uplift of the Greater Himalayas.

GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION TAGS

Context:
Seven products from Uttar Pradesh get a Geographical Indication tag.

Product Description
Amroha Dholak

A musical instrument made of natural wood, particularly mango and Sheesham

trees. The instrument consists of hollow blocks carved from wood and fitted
with animal skin, usually goatskin.

34 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

Baghpat Home Furnishings

Handloom home furnishing products and fabrics woven in Baghpat and Meerut
using only cotton yarn. Weaving is done on frame looms instead of pit looms.
Barabanki Handloom Prod-
uct

Handloom products from Barabanki and adjoining areas are known for their
extensive weaving tradition.
Kalpi Handmade Paper

Handmade paper manufacturing from Kalpi, a historical centre for this craft. The
craft has been practised since the 1940s, but its origins may date back further.
Mahoba Gaura Patthar

Stonecraft is made from the radiant white-coloured “Pyro Flight Stone” found
predominantly in the Mahoba region. The stone is cut into pieces and used to
create various craft items.
Mainpuri Tarkashi

Brass wire inlay work on wood, primarily used for making khadaous (wooden
sandals) in Mainpuri. Leather was avoided due to cultural considerations.

www.insightsonindia.com 35

Sambhal Horn Craft
Crafts are made from raw materials sourced from deceased animals. The craft is
entirely handmade.
About GI tag:
• A GI is primarily an agricultural, natural or manufac-
tured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) origi-
nating from a definite geographical territory.
• Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality
and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable
to the place of its origin.
KHARCHI PUJA
Context:
Kharchi Puja is a fascinating festival celebrated in the North-
eastern state of Tripura in India. Also known as the ‘Festi-
val of 14 Gods,’ it takes place on the eighth day of the new
moon in July or August each year.
• The festival revolves around the worship of Chatur-
dasa Devata, the ancestral deity of the Tripuri peo-
ple, and showcases their rich history and traditions.
• The word ‘Kharchi’ is derived from Tripuri words
meaning ‘sin’ and ‘cleaning,’ signifying the cleansing
of sins.
The significance of Kharchi Puja is linked to the belief that
the presiding deity of the land, Tripura Sundari or Moth-
er Goddess, menstruates during the Ambubachi period in
June. It is believed that the Earth becomes impure during
this time, so puja is performed to ritually clean the Earth
and wash away the sins of the people.
PEN PINTER PRIZE
Context:
Michael Rosen, a British children’s writer and performance
poet, has been awarded the PEN Pinter Prize 2023.
• The prize is given to a writer from the UK, Ireland,
and the Commonwealth who is committed to fear-
less exposition of truth about contemporary life.
Michael Rosen works:
• Rosen is known for his accessible poetry for children
and his themes often touch on social, political, and
ethical issues.
• He has published over 140 books and has cham-
pioned a style of writing that reflects children’s
everyday worlds and validates their imaginative
thinking.
36 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
About PEN Pinter Prize:
• Named in honour and memory of English writer
Harold Pinter, the PEN Pinter Prize is a prestigious
award which is given to a writer who reflects a
“fierce intellectual determination (to) define the
real truth of our lives and our societies,”.
• Established in 2009, previous winners of the PEN
Pinter Prize include Hanif Kureishi (2010), Salman
Rushdie (2014), and Lemn Sissay (2019).
LITHIUM DEAL
Context:
French minerals company has acquired 80% of British Lithi-
um, a UK-based startup extracting lithium in Cornwall (En-
gland). The partnership aims to develop a mine capable of
producing 20,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate per year,
enough to power 500,000 EVs annually.
How can India secure its position on Lithium:
• India, recently joined the Minerals Security Partner-
ship led by the US, along with France and the UK.
• India can leverage this position to establish a tri-
lateral strategic partnership and secure a reliable
lithium supply chain, boosting its domestic EV man-
ufacturing sector.
About Lithium:
• It is a soft, silvery-white metal. Under standard con-
ditions, it is the lightest metal and the lightest solid
element. It is highly reactive and flammable and
must be stored in mineral oil.
Countries with Largest Reserves:
• Chile> Australia> Argentina
• Lithium Triangle: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia.
Lithium in India:
Recently, the Geological Survey of India has for the first-
time established Lithium ‘inferred’ resources(G3) of
about 6 million tonnes in the Salal-Haimana area of the
UT of Jammu & Kashmir. Lithium reserves were also dis-
covered on Revant Hill in Degana in Rajasthan’s Nagaur
district and Karnataka Mandya district
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
GS2
GLOBAL LIVEABILITY INDEX 2023
Context:
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has released its rank-
ing of the “Most Liveable Cities in the World 2023”
Factors considered are:
• Healthcare
• Education
• Culture
• Environment
• Stability
The major findings of the report are:
• Vienna, Austria, has been named the most liveable
city for the second consecutive year due to its excep-
tional quality of life, including stability, infrastruc-
ture, education, healthcare, and cultural offerings.
• Copenhagen, Denmark, secured the second posi-
tion, followed by Melbourne and Sydney in Austra-
lia.
• From India, New Delhi and Mumbai are at 141st po-
sition and Chennai at 144th. Ahmedabad and Ben-
galuru are ranked 147 and 148.
• The index score increased from the previous year,
reflecting global recovery from the pandemic, al-
though stability experienced a slight decline.
• Western European cities slipped in rankings due to
strikes
• Damascus was ranked the least liveable due to civil
unrest and conflicts
About EIU:
The Economist Intelligence Unit (founded 1946; HQ: Lon-
don) is the research and analysis division of the Econo-
mist Group, providing forecasting and advisory services
through research and analysis, such as monthly country
reports, five-year country economic forecasts, country risk
service reports, and industry reports.
INDIA-US TRADE DISPUTE AT
WTO
Context:
India and the United States have resolved to end their six
trade disputes at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
The six disputes include:
• Those initiated by India
o Countervailing measures on certain hot-
rolled carbon steel flat products from India
o Measures relating to the renewable energy
sector
o Certain measures on steel and aluminium
products
• Those initiated by USA:
o Certain measures relating to solar cells and
modules
o Export-related measures
o Additional duties on some products from
the US
Pending dispute: The one pending case is the poultry case
where both India and the US remain involved in discussions
to find a solution by the end of this year.
Significance:
The resolution of these disputes is viewed positively and is
likely to contribute to the promotion of trade, enhance In-
dia’s exports to the US (In 2022-23 U.S. was the largest trad-
ing partner of India) and promotion of 2+2 dialogue between
the two nations. The disputes cover various areas such as
steel, aluminium, solar energy, and export-related measures.
WTO Dispute Resolution Process:
There are two main ways to settle a dispute once a com-
plaint has been filed in WTO:
• Bilateral consultations: Parties find a mutually agreed
solution, particularly during the phase of bilateral
consultations.
• Adjudication, including the subsequent implementa-
tion of the panel and Appellate Body, reports.
The WTO dispute settlement process involves three stag-
es:
1. Consultations between the parties
2. Establishment of a dispute settlement panel if consul-
tations fail
3. Adjudication by panels.
The rulings or reports of the panels can be challenged by
the WTO’s appellate body. However, the functioning of
the appellate body is currently affected due to the USA
blocking appointments to it. The final stage is the imple-
mentation of the ruling. As an alternative to the Appellate
body, members have formed Multi-Party Interim Appeal
Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA)
www.insightsonindia.com 37

AADHAAR AUTHENTICATION FOR
REGISTRATION FOR BIRTHS AND
DEATHS
Context:
The Office of Registrar General of India (RGI) has been
granted permission by the Centre to perform Aadhaar au-
thentication during the registration of births and deaths in
the country.
• Aadhaar is not mandatory for such registration.
• The Registrar General of India’s office can volun-
tarily authenticate the Aadhaar numbers collected
during the registration process to verify the identity
of individuals. State governments and Union Terri-
tories must adhere to MEiTY’s guidelines regarding
the use of Aadhaar authentication.
What is Aadhaar authentication is a process
Aadhaar Au- that verifies the identity of an individ-
thentication ual using their Aadhaar number. It is
(AA)? mainly used for availing government
services and schemes.
Entities cur- Government ministries and depart-
rently al- ments; Some private entities like banks
lowed to and telecom companies (for KYC au-
perform AA thentication and only if UIDAI was
satisfied with regard to standards of
privacy and security).
38 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
Purpose of For the interest of good governance,
AA preventing leakage of public funds, en-
ablement of innovation, the spread of
knowledge, and promoting ease of liv-
ing and enabling better access to ser-
vices for residents.
Legal provi- Aadhaar Authentication for Good Gov-
sion ernance (Social Welfare, Innovation,
Knowledge) Rules, 2020
Concerns Supreme Court (2018) struck down
Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act, which
allowed the use of Aadhaar data by pri-
vate companies, deeming it “unconsti-
tutional” for establishing the identity
of an individual.
What is the A 12-digit unique identity number is-
A a d h a a r sued by UIDAI, a statutory authority
number? under MeitY, on behalf of the Govern-
ment of India. It is based on an individ-
ual’s biometric and demographic data.
UNODC WORLD DRUG REPORT
2023
Context:
The UNODC World Drug Report 2023 (a yearly report) high-
lights the expanding illicit drug markets and the challenges
they pose to health services and law enforcement.
Key findings:
• Over 296 million people worldwide used drugs in
2021, a 23% increase over the past decade.
• The increasing dominance of synthetic drugs, such
as methamphetamine, and fentanyl which have
transformed illicit drug markets due to their low
cost and ease of production.
• Drug use disorder cases have surged by 45% in the
last ten years
• Accelerated environmental devastation and crime
caused by drug trafficking in the Amazon Basin.
• Only one in five individuals with drug use disorders
received treatment in 2021, with significant regional
disparities in access to treatment
• Illicit drug economies exacerbate conflicts, human
rights abuses, and environmental devastation.
• Illicit drug economies accelerate conflicts, human
rights abuses, and environmental devastation
• Illicit drug trade finances non-state armed and in-
surgency groups in the Sahel region. Prioritizing
public health in regulating med
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
On South Asia:
The opium ban in Afghanistan had a positive result, but con-
cerns remain about the production of synthetic drugs. Also,
farmers’ income has suffered in Afghanistan due to the Opi-
um ban by the Taliban.
Recommendations:
• The report calls for increased monitoring of public
health impacts as regulatory changes and clinical tri-
als involving psychedelics progress.
• Prioritizing public health, prevention, and access to
treatment services worldwide to ensure that drug
challenges do not leave more people behind.
About UNODC:
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (est. 1997;
HQ: Vienna) focuses on the trafficking and abuse of illicit
drugs, crime prevention and criminal justice, internation-
al terrorism, and political corruption. It is a member of
the United Nations Development Group.
CHILDREN IMPACTED BY ARMED
CONFLICT
Context:
The United Nations (UN) has removed India from its annual
list of countries affected by armed conflict children, citing
measures taken by the Indian government to better protect
children.
• India was previously included in the list due to alle-
gations of recruitment of young boys by separatist
militant groups in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as
accusations of detention of young boys by Indian
security forces.
More findings:
• The UN Secretary-General’s report highlighted that
the highest number of violations against children
occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Israel, Palestine, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, Afghani-
stan, and Yemen.
• Myanmar, South Sudan, and Burkina Faso experi-
enced the worst deterioration in the situation.
• The report also noted an increase in attacks on
schools and hospitals, with a significant rise in the
military use of schools by armed forces and groups.
The report highlighted the ongoing challenges in monitoring
and verifying violations, including access constraints and
underreporting, and emphasized the need for increased ef-
forts to protect children affected by armed conflict.
REPORT ON PANCHAYAT DEVEL-
OPMENT INDEX (PDI)
Context:
The Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj released the
Report on Panchayat Development Index (PDI) recently.
About Panchayat Development Index (PDI):
Aspect Details
What is A computation score based on local in-
PDI? dicators measuring the progress of Pan-
chayats in India.
Focus Nine themes related to the Localization
of Sustainable Development Goals (LS-
DGs).
Themes Poverty-free, Healthy, Child-friend-
ly, Water-sufficient, Clean and green,
Self-sufficient, Socially just and secure,
Well-governed, and Women-friendly.
Aim Promote outcome-oriented develop-
ment, encourage healthy competition,
and facilitate evidence-based planning
for Gram Panchayats
Ranking Based on scores (0-100), categorized
into A (75-90%), B (60-75%), C (40-60%),
and D (under 40%).
Ministry Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
S i g n i f i - Will help in Policymaking, planning,
cance monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
Identifies strengths/weaknesses, allo-
cates resources, promotes peer learn-
ing, and facilitates citizen engagement
and social accountability.
LSDGs Localization of Sustainable Develop-
ment Goals aligns national and global
goals with local context and priorities.
SDGS NATIONAL INDICATOR
FRAMEWORK (NIF) PROGRESS
REPORT 2023
Context:
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (Mo-
SPI) has released Sustainable Development Goals National
Indicator Framework (NIF) Progress Report 2023.
• The report tracks the progress achieved so far at
the national level in respect of 17 SDGs.
What are SDGs?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17
global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015. They
aim to address the world’s most pressing social, economic,
and environmental challenges, with the overarching goal of
achieving sustainable development by 2030.
What is the monitoring framework for SDGs implementa-
tion?
www.insightsonindia.com 39

An Inter-agency and Expert Group on SDG Indicators (IAEG-
SDGs) was set up by United Nations Statistical Commission
(UNSC). It had developed the Global Indicator Framework
(GIF). At present, the GIF includes 248 indicators, with 231
unique indicators.
What are NIF and SIF?
In India (similar to GIF at the global level) NIF was developed
in 2018 that was aligned with the SDG global indicators.
In 2019, the Ministry developed and circulated Guidelines
to the States/UTs for the development of State Indicator
Framework (SIF) in respective States/UTs.
STATISTICS DAY
Context:
The Government of India celebrates Statistics Day every
year on June 29th in honour of the late Professor Prasanta
Chandra Mahalanobis, who made significant contributions
to the fields of Economics, Planning, and Statistics.
The objective of Statistics Day is to raise awareness, particu-
larly among the younger generation, about the role and im-
portance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy
formulation for the country’s development.
The theme of Statistics Day for 2023: ‘Alignment of State In-
dicator Framework with National Indicator Framework for
Monitoring Sustainable Development Goals.’
P C Mahalanobis (1893-1972) was an Indian scientist and
statistician. He is best remembered for the Mahalano-
bis distance, referred to as the father of Indian statistics,
founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) and is one of
the members of the first Planning Commission of free In-
dia. He made pioneering studies in anthropometry in India
GS3
JOHA RICE
Context:
Recently, researchers at the Institute of Advanced Studies in
Science and Technology explored the nutraceutical proper-
ties of Joha rice to investigate its potential benefits.
About Joha Rice:
• Joha rice is an aromatic rice variety grown in north-
eastern India. Traditional claims suggest that Joha
rice consumers have a lower risk of diabetes and
cardiovascular diseases.
Findings:
• The researchers discovered two essential fatty ac-
ids, linoleic acid (omega-6) and linolenic acid (ome-
ga-3), through laboratory analysis. These fatty acids,
40 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
which the human body cannot produce, play a role
in maintaining various physiological conditions.
• Omega-3 fatty acid has been found to prevent met-
abolic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular
diseases, and cancer. In diabetic rats, Joha rice was
effective in reducing blood glucose levels and pre-
venting the onset of diabetes.
• Additionally, the researchers found that scented
Joha rice has a more balanced ratio of omega-6
to omega-3 fatty acids compared to the commonly
consumed non-scented variety.
Benefits:
• Joha rice contains several antioxidants, flavonoids,
and phenolics, which contribute to its beneficial ef-
fects. Some of the identified bioactive compounds in
Joha rice include oryzanol, ferulic acid, tocotrienol,
caffeic acid, catechuic acid, gallic acid, and tricin.
These compounds have reported antioxidant, hypo-
glycaemic, and cardio-protective effects.
DO DEAD STARS CRASH WITH THE
LIGHT OF 500 MILLION SUNS?
Context:
Astrophysicists are studying the origins and nature of fast
radio bursts (FRBs), powerful radio frequency emissions
from distant galaxies, which last only milliseconds.
• Recent findings suggest that FRBs may be triggered
by the collision of two neutron stars just before
they merge. This collision releases gravitational
waves and FRBs, which can be detected and stud-
ied.
What are Fast radio bursts (FRBs)?
Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are brief and intense bursts of radio
waves originating from deep space. They are highly energet-
ic and last for only a few milliseconds.
Significance:
The study sheds light on the intense radio light observed in
the host galaxies of some FRBs. These findings have impli-
cations for gravitational-wave astronomy and suggest that
future radio telescopes, in combination with gravitation-
al-wave observatories like the Square Kilometre Array and
the upcoming Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA),
could provide further insights into these high-energy cos-
mic events and the structure of the universe.
What are Radio waves and their significance in astronomy?
Radio waves are a form of electromagnetic radiation with
long wavelengths and low frequencies. In astronomy, radio
waves play a significant role in studying celestial objects and
phenomena. They allow astronomers to observe objects
that are not visible in other wavelengths of light, such as gal-
axies, pulsars, quasars, and cosmic microwave background
radiation.
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

PLANT LITERACY FOR CURBING

CLIMATE CHANGE
Context:
Craig Brodersen, a professor of plant physiological ecology at
Yale University, has highlighted how human-induced condi-
tions like drought impact plant species and emphasizes the
need for ‘Plant Literacy’ to understand plants’ physiological
responses for resilience in farming.

What is plant literacy?

Plant literacy refers to the understanding and knowledge
about plants, including their structure, functions, adapta-
tions, and ecological importance. It involves being aware of
the role plants play in various ecosystems, their interactions
with the environment, and their significance for human sur-
vival.

How Plants Help Humans:

Benefits of Description
Plants
O x y g e n Plants are the primary producers of ox-
Production ygen through photosynthesis, providing
the oxygen necessary for humans and
other organisms to breathe.
F o o d Plants serve as a vital source of food,
Source including fruits, vegetables, grains, and
herbs, providing essential nutrients and
sustenance for human consumption and
survival.
W a t e r Plants play a crucial role in managing
M a n a g e - Earth’s water cycle, controlling 60% of
ment the flow of water between land and the
atmosphere. They help regulate precipi-
tation patterns and prevent soil erosion.
C l i m a t e Through photosynthesis, plants absorb
Regulation carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
and release oxygen, mitigating the
greenhouse effect and stabilizing global
climate patterns.
Biodiversi- Plants provide habitats and food sourc-
ty Support es for a diverse range of organisms, sup-
porting biodiversity and contributing to
the overall health and balance of ecosys-
tems.

www.insightsonindia.com 41
 Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE

TREATY (MLAT)
Context:
United States government has decided to return more than
100 Indian antiquities (such as Shiva, Parvathi, and Nataraja,
originating from the Chola-era temples in Tamil Nadu) under
MLAT.

What is MLAT?
MLAT stands for Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. It is a for-
mal agreement between two or more countries that allows
them to cooperate and aid each other in criminal matters.
• It allows for mutual assistance on antiquities repa-
triation.

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs is a nodal ministry

for executing court orders under MLATs.
Legal Act: Antiquities and Art Treasures Act (AATA), 1972
makes the export of antiquities without a licence, from the
Archaeological Survey of India, a criminal offence.
• Also, Customs Act 1962 prevents the export of an-
tiquities.

GREEDFLATION
Context:
The article explores the concept of “greedflation” and dis-
cusses whether India is experiencing it.

What is Greedflation?
It refers to a situation where corporate greed fuels inflation.
Instead of the traditional wage-price spiral, it is the prof-
it-price spiral that drives inflation. In developed countries
like Europe and the US, there is a growing consensus that
greedflation is a significant factor contributing to inflation.

Types of Greedflation:
Scenario Description Greedflation
E n e rg y During a crisis or Energy companies
Companies sudden surge in exploit the situa-
and Fuel energy demand, tion by imposing
Prices such as a natural excessive price
disaster or geopo- hikes, leading to
litical event, en- higher inflationary
ergy companies pressures for con-
may raise fuel sumers.
prices dispropor-
tionately.

42 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

Essential In times of scarci- Sellers of essen- of the SMMF could enhance our understanding of
how it affects the IMF and space weather.
Commodi- ty or crisis, certain tial commodities
ties during essential com- increase prices ex-
a Crisis modities like food, cessively, exploit-
water, or medical ing consumers
supplies may ex- and contributing
perience a surge to higher inflation
in demand during crises.
Price Mark- Companies may For example, if raw
ups and increase profit material costs de-
Profit Mar- margins by keep- cline, companies
gins ing market prices may maintain prod-
Application of SMMF:
high even when uct prices without The Solar Mean Magnetic Field (SMMF) has various appli-
input costs de- passing on savings cations in the field of space weather. For example, by study-
crease. to consumers. This ing the SMMF, scientists can better predict and understand
allows companies phenomena such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
to generate higher These events can have a significant impact on Earth’s mag-
profits and contrib- netic field, leading to geomagnetic storms and disruptions in
utes to inflationary satellite communication and power grids.
pressures.

India’s Case: In the context of India, the profitability of In-

NEW CSR GUIDELINES ‘SAGAR
dian companies has nearly tripled compared to the peri- SAMAJIK SAHAYOG’
od before the pandemic. A significant growth in net profit,
primarily driven by an increase in profit margins, indicates Context:
a possibility of corporate greed contributing to inflation in The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and
India. Ayush has launched the new guidelines for Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) called ‘Sagar Samajik Sahayyog’.
Impact of Greedflation: It leads to higher inflationary pres-
sures, financial strain on individuals, and reduced purchasing About the guidelines:
power. It undermines trust in businesses, distorts market dy- • The guidelines empower ports to directly under-
namics, and hampers economic stability and growth. take CSR activities.
• Ports with a turnover less than ₹100 crores should
spend 3-5%, those with a turnover less than ₹500
SOLAR MEAN MAGNETIC FIELD crores should spend 2-3%, and ports with a turnover
more than ₹500 crores should spend 0.5-2% on CSR
Context: initiatives.
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) • Priority Areas: Allocating a portion of CSR funds for
have made progress in identifying the source of the Solar Sainik Kalyan Board, National Maritime Heritage
Mean Magnetic Field (SMMF), which influences interplan- Complex, National Youth Development Fund, and
etary magnetic space and plays a significant role in space various social and environmental welfare programs.
weather.
The implementation and monitoring of CSR projects will be
What is Solar Mean Magnetic Field (SMMF)? overseen by a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee
The Solar Mean Magnetic Field (SMMF) refers to the aver- constituted in each major port.
age strength and direction of the magnetic field on the sur- India has 13 major ports and 205 notified minor and inter-
face of the Sun. mediate ports. A list of Major ports in India are:
Findings: Name of Port State
• The researchers found a strong similarity between Kochi Port Kerala
the SMMF at chromospheric heights and the SMMF
at photospheric heights, suggesting that the sun’s Ennore Port Tamil Nadu
primordial magnetic field could be the source of the Haldia Port West Bengal
SMMF. Kolkata Port West Bengal
• Understanding the source and driving parameters

www.insightsonindia.com 43
 Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

Kandla Port Gujarat Numbering Designated Designated Designat-

Mangalore Port Karnataka with an ‘E’ with an ‘NH’ ed with an
Marmagoa Goa prefix prefix ‘SH’ prefix
Mumbai Port Maharashtra Access Limited ac- Fewer ac- Multiple
cess points cess points access
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Maharashtra
than local points
Paradip Port Odisha roads
Tuticorin Port Tamil Nadu Width of G e n e r a l l y Wide car- Varies de-
Vishakhapatnam Port Andhra Pradesh Roadway wider riageways pending
Chennai Port Tamil Nadu on state
policy
ROAD NETWORKS IN INDIA D e v e l o p - Developed Developed Devel-
ment as con- to meet na- oped to
Context: t ro l l e d - a c - tional trans- meet state
India now has the second-largest road network in the world, cess high- portation transpor-
after the US. ways with needs ta t i o n
grade-sepa- needs
More about Road Network in India: rated inter-
• Increase in Road Network: In 2013-14, the total sections
length of National Highways was 91,287 km, which
Planning Generally National State Pub-
has increased to 1,45,240 km in 2022-23.
• India has a total length of 4,219 km of expressways. Authority Central Gov- Highways lic Works
• The total length of National Highways in India has ernment Authority of Depart-
increased by about 59% in the last nine years. India (NHAI) ments
• FASTag has led to a significant jump in toll collec-
tion revenue: Toll revenue rose from Rs 4,770 crore
in 2013-14 to Rs 41,342 crore in 2022-23 (the aim
COMBATING GREENWASHING
is to increase toll revenue to Rs 1,30,000 crore by
Context:
2030)
Global norms aimed at combating greenwashing are being
• Reduced waiting time: The waiting time at toll pla-
introduced, pressuring companies to disclose their busi-
zas has reduced from 734 seconds in 2014 to 47 sec-
ness’s impact on climate change.
onds in 2023, with a goal of further reducing it to 30
seconds.
What is Greenwashing?
Greenwashing refers to the deceptive practice of portraying
At (1.94 km) of roads per square kilometre of land, the
a company, product, or initiative as environmentally friendly
quantitative density of India’s road network is equal to that
or sustainable when it actually lacks substantial environmen-
of Hong Kong and substantially higher than the United States
tal benefits or may even be environmentally harmful.
Difference between Expressways, National and State High-
For example, a clothing brand may advertise its products
ways:
as “eco-friendly” or “green” while still using unsustainable
Criteria ExpresswaysNational State manufacturing processes, contributing to pollution, or ex-
Highways Highways ploiting labour.
Ownership U s u a l l y Owned and Owned
owned by maintained and main- About the global norms for combating Greenwashing:
the central by NHAI tained by International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), will set
uniform sustainability and climate standards for companies
government states
to follow worldwide from 2024.
Design Designed for D e s i g n e d Designed
high-speed for national for in- New standards are:
traffic connectivity tra-state • IFRS S1: sets out disclosure requirements designed
connectiv- to enable companies to communicate to investors
ity about the sustainability-related risks and opportu-
nities they face.
• IFRS S2: sets out specific climate-related disclosures
and is designed to be used with IFRS S1.

44 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
These norms, published by the ISSB with the support of the
G20, are intended to assist regulators in cracking down on
misleading environmental, social, and governance (ESG)
claims.
• These are non-binding and it is up to individual
countries to determine whether listed companies
must adhere to these standards.
• It builds upon voluntary guidelines from the G20’s
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures
(TCFD), which have already been made mandatory
for listed companies in Britain.
Financial Stability Board (FSB) created TCFD to improve
reporting of climate-related financial information. FSB is
an international body (India is a member) that monitors
and makes recommendations about the global financial
system.
About ISSB
The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) is
a standard-setting body established in 2021–2022 under
the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
Foundation (a non-profit organisation governing interna-
tional accounting rules)
The mandate of ISSB: Its mandate is the creation and de-
velopment of sustainability-related financial reporting
standards to meet investors’ needs for sustainability re-
porting.
UTPRERAK
Context:
The Ministry of Power in India has established a Centre of
Excellence called UTPRERAK (Unnat Takniki Pradarshan Ken-
dra) to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient technolo-
gies in the Indian industry.
Objective:
• UTPRERAK will serve as a reference institution and
showcase energy-efficient technologies in various
industry sectors.
• It will also provide training and education in energy
efficiency to over 10,000 energy professionals in the
next five years.
• The centre will play a key role in helping industries
meet emission reduction targets and promote the
adoption of new technologies.
• It will also provide inputs for national energy policy
formulation and facilitate research in energy-effi-
cient solutions.
It has been set up by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
NANDI
Context:
Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
has launched the NANDI (NOC Approval for New Drug and
Inoculation System) Portal.
• Developed by the Department of Animal Husbandry
and Dairying (DAHD) through C-DAC in coordination
with Central Drugs Standard Control Organization
(CDSCO).
• Aim: To streamline the regulatory approval pro-
cess for veterinary products by integrating with the
SUGAM portal of the Central Drugs Standard Con-
trol Organization.
Significance:
• It will facilitate transparency and efficiency in as-
sessing and examining veterinary product propos-
als.
• The portal will also support researchers and in-
dustries and increase the consumption of drugs by
raising awareness among livestock rearers and im-
proving logistical facilities. The NANDI portal will
expedite and strengthen the regulatory process by
enabling coordination between government depart-
ments, institutes, and industry stakeholders.
• The launch of NANDI aligns with the Animal Pan-
demic Preparedness Initiative (APPI) and the Digital
India vision.
• The portal is to be streamlined with CDSCOs SUGAM
portal (it builds a comprehensive database of the
various permissions and licenses issued by State
FDAs)
PROKARYOTES AND EUKARYOTES
Context:
The article talks about how more complex organisms called
eukaryotes evolved from simpler organisms called prokary-
otes.
The Evolution:
Long ago, there were simple organisms called prokaryotes.
They were single-celled and didn’t have a nucleus. But over
time, some of these organisms evolved to have mitochon-
dria and DNA packaged into a nucleus.
The mitochondria, which produce energy in eukaryotic cells,
and chloroplasts in plant cells, originally came from free-liv-
ing bacteria. This happened when an ancient Archaea or-
ganism engulfed a bacterium, and over time, they formed a
mutually beneficial relationship. This event eventually led to
the development of animals, fungi, and plants.
This evolution from prokaryotes to eukaryotes happened
gradually and involved various changes in their structure and
functions.
www.insightsonindia.com 45
 Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
Main differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes: CRITICAL MINERALS LIST
Prokaryotes Eukaryotes
Context:
Nucleus Absent Present Union Minister of Coal, Mines & Parliamentary Affairs has
DNA Circular Linear unveiled the first-ever report on “Critical Minerals for India.”
M e m - Absent Present (e.g., mi-
brane-bound or- tochondria, chlo- What are Critical Minerals?
ganelles roplasts) Critical minerals are a group of minerals that are essential for
various industrial sectors and have strategic importance for a
Size Smaller Larger country’s economy and security. These minerals are charac-
Reproduction A s e x u a l Sexual and asexual terized by their scarcity, high economic value, and criticali-
(mostly) ty in the production of advanced technologies and defence
Examples Bacteria and Plants, animals, systems.
Archaea fungi, protists
The report, prepared by an expert team constituted by the
Ministry of Mines, identifies 30 strategically important crit-
2023 GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS ical minerals for the country.

INDEX
Context:
India has been ranked 40th on the latest world competi-
tiveness ranking released by the International Institute for
Management Development (IMD).
• Although India has slipped three spots from the
previous year, it has improved from its 43rd rank in
2019-2021.

The highlight of the Report:

• There is progress in government efficiency but
points out weaknesses in business efficiency, infra-
structure, and economic performance. List of minerals and India’s import dependency:
• The top three spots in the ranking were claimed by Critical Percentage Major Import Sources
Denmark, Ireland, and Switzerland. Mineral import de- (2020)
pendency of
Measures helping India: India
• The three main measures that helped India in its
score are exchange rate stability, compensation lev-
Lithium 100% Chile, Russia, China,
els, and improvements in pollution control. Ireland, Belgium
Cobalt 100% China, Belgium, Neth-
Challenges for India: erlands, US, Japan
• Sustaining high GDP growth, managing financial Nickel 100% Sweden, China, Indone-
market volatility, controlling inflation and fiscal defi- sia, Japan, Philippines
cit, accelerating digital transformation, and mobiliz-
ing resources for infrastructure development. Vanadium 100% Kuwait, Germany,
South Africa, Brazil,
Note: Global Competitiveness Index is different from The Thailand
Global Competitiveness Report (GCR) (a yearly report pub- Niobium 100% Brazil, Australia, Cana-
lished by the World Economic Forum) da, South Africa, Indo-
International Institute for Management Develop- nesia
ment (IIMD) is an independent university institute with Germanium 100% China, South Africa,
campuses in Lausanne, Switzerland and Singapore.
Australia, France, US
Rhenium 100% Russia, UK, Nether-
lands, South Africa,
China

46 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

Beryllium 100% Russia, UK, Nether- Other decisions:

• Of the total 1.4 billion, $653 million has been allo-
lands, South Africa,
cated specifically for biodiversity, aiming to support
China countries in updating their National Biodiversity
Tantalum 100% Australia, Indonesia, Strategies and Action Plans and meeting the tar-
South Africa, Malaysia, gets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity
US Framework by 2030.
Strontium 100% China, the US, Russia, • Latin America and the Caribbean region receive the
most funding, followed by Africa.
Estonia, Slovenia
• The United Nations Development Programme, UN
Zirconium(- 80% Australia, Indonesia, Environment Programme, and Food and Agricul-
zircon) South Africa, Malaysia, ture Organization are the top recipients among the
US 18 implementing agencies for GEF.
G r a p h i t e ( - 60% China, Madagascar, • A new trust fund called the Global Biodiversity
natural) Mozambique, Vietnam, Framework Fund will be established to support the
Tanzania implementation of the Kunming-Montreal biodiver-
sity framework.
Manganese 50% South Africa, Gabon,
Australia, Brazil, China
About GEF
Chromium 2.5% South Africa, Mozam- GEF (est. during 1992 Rio Conference; HQ: Washington,
bique, Oman, Switzer- D.C) is a multi-stakeholder partnership to tackle various
land, Turkey environmental issues. Its funding is provided by partici-
Silicon <1% China, Malaysia, Nor- pating donor countries and is mobilized through a replen-
way, Bhutan, Nether- ishment process every four years.
lands It funds:
1. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
2. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Significance:
Change (UNFCCC)
• Critical Minerals List prioritizes minerals essential
3. Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollut-
for industrial sectors like high-tech electronics, tele-
ants (POPs)
communications, transport, and defence.
4. UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
• It will serve as a guiding framework for policy for-
5. Minamata Convention on Mercury
mulation, strategic planning, and investment deci-
sions in the mining sector.
• This initiative aligns with the government’s com- About Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Frame-
mitment to achieving a ‘Net Zero’ target, attaining work:
self-reliance and creating a robust and resilient min- It is a global agreement adopted at the 15th Conference
eral sector in India. of Parties (2022) to the UN Convention on Biological Di-
versity (CBD). It sets forth four goals and 23 targets to be
Other initiatives taken by India for Critical Minerals: achieved by 2030 to address the biodiversity crisis. The
• India just joined Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) framework aims to restore and conserve ecosystems, re-
as the newest partner, which aims to strengthen crit- duce species extinction risk, mitigate pollution, promote
ical mineral supply chains. sustainable practices, and allocate financial resources for
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is currently fo- biodiversity conservation. It also emphasizes the need for
cused on exploring critical and deep-seated minerals international cooperation and monitoring to track prog-
to boost the growth of the mining sector. ress.
• KABIL: A Joint Venture Company among NALCO, HCL
and MECL named Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL)
has been formed in August 2019 to ensure the sup-
SCHEMES TO PROMOTE THE JU-
ply of Critical Minerals. DICIOUS USE OF FERTILISERS
Context:
Global Environment Facility (GEF) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired
Context: During the 64th Global Environment Facility (GEF) by the PM approved a unique package of innovative schemes
council meeting in Brazil, $1.4 billion was approved for dis- for farmers.
bursement to address climate, biodiversity, and pollution
issues.

www.insightsonindia.com 47
 Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
have found no evidence of harm caused by aspar-
Schemes Objectives/announcements tame.
PM Programme Announced in Budget 2023-
for Restoration, 24, it will be launched to in- About Aspartame:
Awareness Genera- centivise States/ UTs to pro- • Aspartame is widely used as a sugar substitute in
various food and beverage products, including diet
tion, Nourishment mote alternate fertilisers and soft drinks, chewing gum, and breakfast cereals etc.
and Amelioration balanced use of chemical fer- The IARC’s assessment does not take into account safe con-
of Mother – Earth tilisers. sumption levels, which are determined by the Joint Orga-
(PMPRANAM) nization Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and
Market Develop- For promoting Organic Fer- national regulators.
ment Assistance tilisers from Gobardhan Other examples of artificial sweeteners are: Sucralose, Sac-
charin, Stevia, Neotame
(MDA) scheme Plants.
Introduction of Sul- To address the sulphur defi-
phur coated Urea ciency of soil and save input RESPONSIBLE ANTIBIOTIC PRO-
(Urea Gold) costs for the farmers. DUCTION CERTIFICATE
Pradhan Mantri Ki- For the convenience of farm-
san Samruddhi Ken- ers, farm inputs are being pro- Context:
A new certification scheme has been launched in India to
dras (PMKSKs) vided as a one-stop solution
promote responsible antibiotic manufacturing (first of its
for all needs of farmers. About
kind)
one lakh PMKSKs have already
come up in the country. About the Scheme:
• Developed by: the British Standards Institute (BSI)
Significance: (a business improvement and standards company)
● The approved schemes will help in the judicious use and the AMR Industry Alliance (one of the largest
of chemical fertilisers, thereby reducing the input private sector coalitions that provide long-term
cost of cultivation for the farmers. solutions to antimicrobial resistance)
● The initiatives will boost farmers’ income, strength- • Aim: To address environmental concerns related to
en natural/organic farming, rejuvenate soil produc- antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by limiting the re-
tivity, and ensure food security. lease of antibiotic residues into waterways through
industrial waste.
SHORT-LIVED HALOGENS • Process:
o The certification process involves third-par-
Context: ty validation to monitor environmental
A new study reveals that oceans play a crucial role in cooling practices throughout the manufacturing
the planet by releasing short-lived halogens, including chlo- process.
rine, bromine, and iodine. o Manufacturers must demonstrate effective
• These halogens currently contribute 8-10% of cool- environmental management and wastewa-
ing, a figure projected to increase to 18-31% by ter treatment systems to obtain certifica-
2100. tion.
o The concentration of antibiotics in waste
About Short-lived halogens: Short-lived halogens refer to streams must be below a specified thresh-
chlorine, bromine, and iodine compounds that have a rel- old to prevent the emergence of AMR in the
atively short lifespan in the atmosphere, typically less than environment.
six months. These halogens play a role in the Earth’s climate • Time: The certification is valid for three years, with
system by contributing to cooling and warming effects. annual surveillance to ensure ongoing compliance.

ASPARTAME In 2022, The AMR Industry Alliance and BSI came up

Context:
The cancer research arm of the World Health Organization
(WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer
(IARC), is reportedly set to list the artificial sweetener as-
partame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
• If confirmed, would go against previous studies that
with a set of Antibiotic Manufacturing Standards and
launched the certification to ensure their implementation.
The initiative is part of efforts to promote sustainable
and responsible drug production while mitigating the
environmental impact of antibiotic manufacturing.

48 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
AMERICAN BALD EAGLE
Context:
The American bald eagle was removed from the endan-
gered species list in 2007, marking a significant milestone
in its conservation.
• The bird’s population has steadily increased since
then, with a 2021 report stating that the number of
bald eagles in the wild has quadrupled since 2009.
• The bald eagle, once abundant across the United
States with an estimated 100,000 nesting birds in
the country, faced a severe decline in population
due to hunting, habitat destruction, and the pes-
ticide DDT. However, measures such as the ban on
DDT and the implementation of the Endangered
Species Act helped protect the species and prevent
it from going extinct.
About the American
bald eagle
Habitat The bald eagle’s natural range
covers most of North Ameri-
ca, including most of Canada,
all of the continental US, and
northern Mexico.
It is the only sea eagle endem-
ic to North America.
Characteristics The average life span of bald
eagles is 20 to 30 years.
Bald eagles build their nests at
the very top of tall trees so the
eggs will be safe.
Female bald eagles are a bit
bigger than the males.
Feeding Pattern Besides live fish, bald eagles
also prey on other birds, small
mammals, snakes, turtles, and
crabs, and they readily eat car-
rion (decaying flesh of dead
animals).
Protection Status IUCN Status: Least Concern
SEA LIONS AND ALGAE BLOOM
Context:
A recent outbreak of algae bloom - commonly known as red
tide - has sickened and killed an unknown number of sea li-
ons and dolphins off the coast of California, US.
Sea lions (IUCN Status - Endangered):
● They are pinnipeds characterised by external ear
flaps, long fore flippers, the ability to walk on all
fours, short and thick hair and a big chest and belly.
● Their range extends from the subarctic to tropical
waters of the global ocean in both the Northern and
Southern Hemispheres, except the northern Atlantic
Ocean.
Algal bloom/red tides:
● An algal bloom is a term used for the excessive
growth of algae over a water body causing disco-
louration of the water body.
○ Blooms can proliferate because of human
causes such as climate change and an ex-
cess of nitrates washed out to sea.
www.insightsonindia.com 49

● Red tide is the red colouration of seawater due to
the presence of dinoflagellate Gonyaulax.
Impact:
● Algal blooms cause the production of a neurotoxin
called domoic acid and result in the death of fish
and other aquatic organisms.
● Small fish consume the toxin and pass it up the food
chain. Humans are unaffected unless they eat infect-
ed shellfish.
HEADQUARTERS AGREEMENT
(HQA) BETWEEN INDIA AND CDRI
Context:
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for ratification of
the Headquarters Agreement (HQA) between the Govern-
ment of India (Gol) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient
Infrastructure (CDRI).
CRDI
About CDRI is a global partnership of
National Governments, UN agen-
cies, multilateral development
banks, the private sector, and ac-
ademic institutions.
Objective It aims to promote the resilience
of infrastructure systems to cli-
mate and disaster risks, thereby
ensuring sustainable develop-
ment.
Launched by It was launched by the PM of In-
dia during the UN Climate Action
Summit (New York) in 2019. It is
seen as India’s attempt to obtain
a global leadership role in cli-
mate change and disaster resil-
ience matters
Secretariat New Delhi
Members Since its launch, 31 Countries, 6
International Organisations and 2
private sector organisations have
become members of CDRI
Upgradation In 2022, the Cabinet approved
the recognition of CDRI as an In-
ternational Organisation and for
the signing of HQA for granting
CDRI exemptions, immunities and
privileges as contemplated under
the UN (Privileges and Immuni-
ties) Act, 1947
50 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
Significance of Ratification will provide CDRI an
HQA agreement independent and international
legal persona so that it can carry
out its functions internationally,
more efficiently.
ENERGY TRANSITION INDEX
Context:
India has been ranked 67th globally on the World Economic
Forum’s Energy Transition Index, making it the only major
economy with accelerating energy transition momentum
across all dimensions.
• The top five countries on the list are Sweden, Den-
mark, Norway, Finland, and Switzerland.
The report highlighted India’s achievements in reducing
energy and carbon intensity, achieving universal energy ac-
cess, and managing electricity affordability. India also fared
relatively well during the recent energy crisis due to a low
share of natural gas in power generation and increased use
of existing capacities.
• Singapore was the only other major economy
showing momentum in sustainability, energy secu-
rity, and equity.
GRAVITATIONAL VIBRATIONS
Context:
Scientists have found evidence suggesting the presence of
a continuous background of gravitational waves in the uni-
verse.
About Gravitational Waves:
• Gravitational waves are disturbances in the fabric
of spacetime caused by the movement of large ob-
jects, such as the collision of two black holes.
• The waves were first detected in 2015, but this new
research indicates that multiple gravitational waves
constantly deform and reshape spacetime, influ-
encing the motion of celestial bodies.
Findings:
Scientists have discovered a ‘background hum’ rumbling
throughout the universe. It confirms the presence of
low-frequency (long-wavelengths) gravitational waves,
thought to be constantly rolling through space noise.
India’s Giant Metre wave Radio Telescope (GMRT, Pune)
was among the world’s six large telescopes that played a
vital role in providing evidence. The other 5 are located in
Germany, the UK, France, Italy and the Netherlands.
NATIONAL SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA
ELIMINATION MISSION
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

Context:
The PM will launch (today) the ‘National Sickle Cell Elimina-
tion Mission’ today with the target to eradicate the disease
by 2047.
From where?
● The mission announced in the Union Budget 2023
will be launched from a public programme in Shah-
dol in Madhya Pradesh.
● MP is a state with the highest tribal population in
terms of absolute numbers as per Census 2011 and
also has the highest burden of sickle cell anaemia.
Context:
Researchers have developed a tool called Diversity for Res-
toration (D4R) to aid in agroforestry and ecosystem resto-
ration efforts.
• The tool, initially created by Bioversity International
and later adopted by a team from Ashoka Trust for
Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE)
for the Indian context, aims to enhance the effec-
tiveness of restoration programs while promoting
sustainable development.
The online tool helps stakeholders identify suitable tree
species for restoration objectives based on their ecological
benefits and resistance to local stresses.

The tool is already being used in various countries and offers

recommendations for maximizing restoration success along
with propagation information and monitoring suggestions.
It is seen as a comprehensive tool for socio-ecologically re-
sponsible restoration.

MAPPING

BELGIUM
India and Belgium have signed a Mutual Legal Assistance
Treaty allowing Belgian authorities to execute search war-
rants issued by Indian courts and summon suspects. The
Background: move is expected to aid investigations into fugitives in-
● Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disease which cluding Neeshal Modi, brother of the Punjab National Bank
affects the whole life of an affected patient. (PNB) fraud mastermind, Nirav Modi.
● It is more common in the tribal population of India
but occurs in non-tribals too. Belgium is a federal state located in Western Europe, border-
● It not only causes anaemia but also pain crises, re-
ing the North Sea. Belgium shares borders with France, Ger-
duced growth, and affects many organs like lungs,
many, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Belgium is divided
heart, kidneys, eyes, bones and the brain.
into three regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels.
How vulnerable India is?
● Globally, India has the largest density of tribal pop-
ulation [Census 2011: Tribal population - 8.6% of the
total population of India/ 67.8 million].
● Sickle cell disease is one of the 10 special problems
in tribal health that affect the tribal people dispro-
portionately, thus making intervention necessary.

National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission:

● Mission: To improve the care of all Sickle Cell Dis-
ease patients for their better future and to lower the
prevalence of the disease through a multi-faced co-
ordinated approach towards screening and aware-
ness strategies.
● Vision: Eliminate sickle cell disease as a public health
problem in India by 2047.

DIVERSITY FOR RESTORATION

(D4R) TOOL

www.insightsonindia.com 51
 Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

DEBRIGARH WILDLIFE SANCTU-

ARY
The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha has recorded a
higher prey density and the sighting of a tiger during a re-
cent survey.

The Sanctuary is located near the reservoir of Hirakud Dam,

built on the Mahanadi River, in the Sambalpur district.

EHAGL REGION
According to a UN report, over 11 million people have been
displaced in East Africa and the Great Lakes region (EHAGL)
in 2023.

TAIWAN STRAIT Causes: The displacement is primarily caused by climate

Context: shocks such as floods and droughts, as well as conflicts and
The Taiwan Strait holds significant importance for India, and violence. Countries like Burundi, Ethiopia, Somalia, South
India is well-positioned to lead a collaborative effort among Sudan, and Sudan have the highest numbers of internally
Indo-Pacific states to ensure peace in this crucial sea route. displaced persons (IDPs).
The status of Taiwan remains the primary point of conten-
tion for China, which blames the US for hindering its goal of
reunifying Taiwan with the mainland.

The Taiwan Strait is a 180-kilometre-wide strait separating

the island of Taiwan and continental Asia. The strait is part
of the South China Sea and connects to the East China Sea to
the north. The narrowest part is 130 km wide.

52 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

CHENNAI-VLADIVOSTOK MARI-
TIME ROUTE
India and Russia are working towards establishing the Chen-
nai-Vladivostok maritime route, which is expected to reduce
transport time from 32 days to 12 days and costs by around
30%.

The route passes through the Sea of Japan, the South China
Sea, and Malacca Strait.

NEPAL
The Supreme Court of Nepal has issued an interim order di-
recting the government to establish a mechanism for regis-
tering marriages of same-sex couples.

Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is mainly sit-

uated in the Himalayas, but also includes parts of the In-
do-Gangetic Plain. Nepal is landlocked by China’s Tibet Au-
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE tonomous Region to the north and India on the other three
sides. West Bengal’s narrow Siliguri Corridor separates Nepal
CONGO and Bangladesh.

A new report reveals that the Congo, the world’s sec-

ond-largest rainforest, lost half a million hectares of forest in
2022. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) accounts
for 60% of the rainforest and experiences persistent high
rates of primary forest loss.

Reason:
The DRC has one of the highest population growth rates in
the world — 3.19 per cent. The subsequent increase in the
demand for food has led to shorter fallow periods and the
expansion of agriculture into primary forests.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo-Kinshasa and PHILIPPINES

formerly known as Zaire) is a country in Central Africa. By
land area, the DRC is the second-largest country in Africa,
after Algeria.
It shares borders with several countries, including the Re-
public of the Congo, Central African Republic, South Su-
dan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania (across Lake Tan-
ganyika), Zambia, and Angola, and has a coastline along the
South Atlantic Ocean.
India and the Philippines have discussed the potential for
expanding defence cooperation, particularly in maritime se-
curity, including joint sales and patrols. The Philippines had
previously signed a deal with India for the purchase of an-
ti-ship BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
The Philippines is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia.
In the western Pacific Ocean, it consists of over 7000 islands
which are broadly categorized into three main geographical
divisions from north to south: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindan-
ao.

www.insightsonindia.com 53

TURKMENISTAN
Turkmenistan has unveiled a new $5 billion “smart” city
called Arkadag.
Arkadag, situated southwest of the capital Ashgabat, is
named after Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, who ruled the
country from 2006 to 2022 and carries the title Hero Ark-
adag (Protector).
Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia bordered by the
Caspian Sea and largely covered by the Karakum Desert.
It’s known for archaeological ruins including those at Nisa
and Merv, major stops along the ancient trade route the Silk
Road.
RWANDA POLICY
The UK Court of Appeal has ruled against the government’s
plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, dealing a blow to
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s administration. The policy,
known as the “Rwanda policy,” is part of the government’s
strategy to deter migrants from crossing the English Chan-
nel to seek asylum in the UK. It involves relocating potential
asylum seekers to Rwanda while their applications are pro-
cessed.
54 www.insightsonindia.com
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
Rwanda is a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley of
Central Africa, where the African Great Lakes region and
Southeast Africa converge. Located a few degrees south of
the Equator, Rwanda is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Bu-
rundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (Arunachal Pradesh)
The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, a 2,000 Mega
Watt project located in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, has
achieved the construction of the dam to the top level of Ele-
vation Level 210 M.
The Subansiri River is a trans-Himalayan river and a tributary
of the Brahmaputra River that flows through Tibet’s Lhuntse
County in the Shannan Prefecture, and the Indian states of
Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
NATIONAL MARITIME HERITAGE
COMPLEX (NMHC) (LOTHAL, GU-
JARAT)
The government has announced the development of a Na-
tional Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat
under the Sagarmala program (under the Ministry of Ports,
Shipping, and Waterways). The project aims to showcase In-
dia’s maritime heritage from ancient to modern times.
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine

They will oversee the project, and an onsite project progress

review meeting is scheduled to take place in Lothal.

OMAN’S DUQM PORT

NSA visits Oman’s Duqm port where Indian Navy has strate-
gic access to facilitate its presence in Indian Ocean Region.
The Port of Duqm is strategically important for India’s mar-
itime strategy in the Indian Ocean. It offers India access to
the Gulf of Oman, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the
Arabian Sea. This location is significant as it allows India to
counter China’s expanding presence in the region.

www.insightsonindia.com 55