14nov 19nov

INSIGHTSIAS
I SIMPLIFYING IAS EXAM PREPARATION
A
WEEKLY CURRENT AFFAIRS
14 Nov to 19 Nov
Weekly current affairs magazine 14 Nov to
Table of Contents
GS2
Opaque political financing could cost democracy dear...................................................................6
Government policies and interventions.......................................................................................7
Isn't reservation for the poor a good thing?.....................................................................................7
New draft digital data protection bill tabled for comments.............................................................8
Issues relating to Education.......................................................................................................10
Where no child is left behind.........................................................................................................10
Governance...............................................................................................................................12
Are data localization requirements necessary and proportionate?.................................................12
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements...........................................................13
As India takes G20 presidency, key takeaways from the summit in Bali......................................13
GS3...................................................................................................................................15
Indian Economy and issues related............................................................................................15
Importance of Agri exports............................................................................................................15
Indigenization of technology.....................................................................................................16
Vikram-S Rocket launch: India's first privately developed rocket under Mission Prarambh........16
Environmental Conservation.....................................................................................................18
Health as the focus of air pollution policy.....................................................................................19
Is climate change affecting global health?.....................................................................................20
Who should pay for climate damage?............................................................................................21
Challenges to internal security..................................................................................................23
The Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, and why Supreme Court has freed all convicts.................23
GS4...................................................................................................................................24
Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct.............................................................................................24
Unwritten rule for people holding public office......................................................................24
Facts for Prelims.......................................................................................................................25
GS1...........................................................................................................................................26
Indian Heritage and Culture...............................................................................................................26
Patan Patola....................................................................................................................................26
Prize...................................................................................................................................................27
New regulations for awarding PhD................................................................................................27
Modern History/Personality...............................................................................................................27
Sir CP Ramaswamy Iyer................................................................................................................27
Birsa Munda...................................................................................................................................28
Uda Devi........................................................................................................................................29
Kabir Das.......................................................................................................................................29
World History....................................................................................................................................30
Battle of Rezang La.......................................................................................................................30
Geography..........................................................................................................................................31
Hydrogen Valleys..........................................................................................................................31
Places in News...................................................................................................................................31
Mapping.........................................................................................................................................32
Society and Social Justice..................................................................................................................35
Telegram: https://t.me/insightsIAStips
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Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)................................................................................35

Digital Shakti 4.0...........................................................................................................................36
Global Skill Summit with Indian Missions....................................................................................37
Permanent Commission for women...............................................................................................37
GS2...........................................................................................................................................38
Polity..................................................................................................................................................38
Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.....................................................................................38
10 years of the POCSO Act...........................................................................................................39
Maharashtra tops the rise in Pending Criminal cases against lawmakers......................................40
SC on Forced Conversion..............................................................................................................41
The Places of Worship Act, 1991..................................................................................................41
Gram Nyayalayas (GN).................................................................................................................42
Bribery on the floor of the House..................................................................................................43
District Judges................................................................................................................................44
What is a narco test?......................................................................................................................45
Recusal by a Judge.........................................................................................................................46
CAG to audit urban bodies.............................................................................................................47
PESA Rules....................................................................................................................................47
Aadhaar Norms for prisoners simplified........................................................................................48
Government Initiative and Policies....................................................................................................49
Cultivate One Million Children as Neoteric (new) Innovators......................................................49
National Press Day.........................................................................................................................50
Price capping of NLEM drugs.......................................................................................................51
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana scheme (PMGKAY)................................................52
UK India Young Professional Scheme..........................................................................................52
International News and Organization.................................................................................................53
UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) Resolution...............................................................53
No Money for Terror Conference (NMFT)...................................................................................54
China-plus-one strategy.................................................................................................................55
Baliyatra.........................................................................................................................................55
GS3...........................................................................................................................................56
Economy............................................................................................................................................56
‘Friend-Shoring’ Plan....................................................................................................................56
Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at UNHRC..............................................................................56
Increase in Per Capita Income.......................................................................................................57
NFRA introduces audit quality inspections...................................................................................57
India's first multimodal logistics park............................................................................................58
IUU Fishing in Indian Ocean Region............................................................................................59
Special Assistance to states for capital Investment........................................................................60
Green Energy Open Access Portal.................................................................................................60
The World Bank report on India's cities........................................................................................61
National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAPA)..............................................................................61
VOSTRO Accounts........................................................................................................................62
Online Bond Platforms (OBPs)......................................................................................................63
Why has LNG become so important?............................................................................................64
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Old Pension Scheme vs NPS.........................................................................................................65

The World Population Prospects 2022...........................................................................................66
Whitelisting....................................................................................................................................67
Core and Headline inflation...........................................................................................................67
Why are India’s exports falling?....................................................................................................68
Agriculture.........................................................................................................................................68
Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture (KJWA).............................................................................68
Science and Technology.....................................................................................................................69
Liquid Crystal Display...................................................................................................................69
Geospatial Technology...................................................................................................................71
Photonic crystal..............................................................................................................................71
Space..................................................................................................................................................72
LOFTID mission............................................................................................................................72
Health.................................................................................................................................................73
Ayush for Global Health................................................................................................................73
Zoonotic Disease............................................................................................................................74
Measles...........................................................................................................................................74
Environment.......................................................................................................................................75
India's net zero plan........................................................................................................................75
Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary.................................................................................................76
Water Adaptation and Resilience Action Plan...............................................................................76
Environmental DNA......................................................................................................................77
Climate Change..................................................................................................................................78
Methane Alert and Response System (MARS)..............................................................................78
GOWA...........................................................................................................................................78
LeadIT Summit..............................................................................................................................79
Climate Change Performance Index 2023 (CCPI).........................................................................80
Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP)..........................................................................81
Species in News.................................................................................................................................81
Conserving freshwater turtles........................................................................................................81
Rhino horns trafficking..................................................................................................................82
Melocanna baccifera, a tropical bamboo species...........................................................................83
Defence..............................................................................................................................................84
Sea Vigil-22...................................................................................................................................84
YUDH ABHYAS 2022..................................................................................................................85
Green Maritime Sector...................................................................................................................86
Content for Mains Enrichment (Ethics/Essay):........................................................................86
Society................................................................................................................................................87
'Reverse mentorship'.......................................................................................................................87
Women...............................................................................................................................................87
Data Points: Teenage pregnancies..................................................................................................87
Economy............................................................................................................................................87
Finfluencers....................................................................................................................................87
Permacrisis.....................................................................................................................................88
Environment.......................................................................................................................................88
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Wildlife trade can benefit wildlife populations and people...........................................................88

Education............................................................................................................................................89
‘Safe Route to School’ project.......................................................................................................89
Ethics..................................................................................................................................................89
Civil Servants and Social Media....................................................................................................89
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GS2
Opaque political financing could cost democracy dear
Source: TH
Direction: This is an editorial article. This article helps to understand the linkage between political
finance and political competition.
Context:
● In India, the discussion over political financing is mostly focused on its impact on political
competition
● This is evident in the political debate over the introduction of electoral bonds, which are
viewed as either a tool for political cleansing or a means for legitimising institutionalised
corruption.
Political finance is an important determinant of political competition, impacting it at the:
●
Institutional (between ruling and Opposition parties) level: The degree of transparency in
political funding influences the effectiveness of institutional safeguards.
● Organisational (within a party) level: The degree to which political funding is centralised
inside a party impact whether power is drawn from organisational structures or individuals.
● Ideological (the role of ideas) level: When political financing is based on a narrow
concentration of economic capital, the ideological foundations of political competition erode
severely.
How does political finance impact political competition today?
● Electoral bonds: For example,

○ Undue advantage of the ruling party. For example, BJP in 2019-20 got over 75% of
the total electoral bonds sold.
○ Disadvantageous to regional parties. As a reply to an RTI, out of the ₹5,851 crores of
electoral bonds sold in 2018-19, 80% of the bonds were redeemed in Delhi.
○ Thus, it reverses the concept of transparency and openness.
● Centralisation of power: The concentration of political power appears to be even more
commanding at the moment. For example,
○ The central government commands unquestionable authority over States.
○ Also, the Union government possesses the autonomy to bring in measures such as
demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Way ahead: Independent institutions (such as the ECI and the Supreme Court of India) step in to
provide institutional safeguards, otherwise reforms like electoral bonds may result in a democratic
decline.
Insta Links: Should elections be state-funded?
Mains Links:
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Q. Trace the changes witnessed in political funding with the introduction of the electoral bond
scheme. Critically analyse the potential of electoral bonds in fulfilling the goal of transparency in
political fundraising. (250 words)
Government policies and interventions.
Isn't reservation for the poor a good thing?
Source: TH
Direction: The article discusses what repercussions the EWS judgement can have on the reservation
policy with some suggestions to reform the reservation policy. This is a very good analysis of both
sides of the issue.
Context: The SC has upheld the constitutionality of the 103rd Constitution Amendment, which
provides 10% reservation to the EWS but excludes the 'poorest of poor' among the SCs, STs and
OBCs from this quota, igniting debate over the issue of reservation.
Debate on the issue in the context of the recent SC verdict:
● Should the reservation be a means to address poverty?

○ No. Reservations result in quotas, setting aside the principle of equality. Thus,
reservations should be kept for the most challenging types of discrimination, rather
than temporary issues like those arising from economic reasons.
○ Yes. Reservation is not an exception to the rule of equality but is required by the
principle of substantive equality. It is open to a democratically elected government
to introduce reservation on grounds other than caste as well.
● Is it necessary to reconsider caste-based reservations?
○ The SC in the 1992 Indra Sawhney verdict, justified the positive discrimination
policies (caste-based) in existence in India since Independence.
○ However, 30 years after the Mandal decision, caste is not to blame for the kinds of
socioeconomic inequities that exist today.
● Can the reservation be provided without proof of inadequate representation?
○ Reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs were introduced with proof that these
communities were not adequately represented.
○ But, the EWS quota has not been brought under Article 16(4) of the Constitution,
which requires proof of the inadequacy of representation in government services.
○ Also, reservation is no longer a special tool meant to address discrimination and
can be used to address all forms of backwardness and disadvantage.
● How does the EWS affect the equality code of the Constitution?
○ As the Constitution authorise the state to make any positive discriminatory
provision, it does not violate the equality code.
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○ This is a consequentialist moment in Indian social justice discourse because it is

changing the nature of reservations in the country.
Way ahead:
● A comprehensive debate on reservation policies involving all stakeholders is needed.

● Certain reforms like sub-classification of beneficiaries are necessary to enhance equal access
to quotas which have been cornered by certain castes for generations.
● If a class can be used to determine beneficiaries, why not religion? In light of substantial
evidence of religious discrimination, prejudice and disadvantage against minorities such as
Muslims, this issue requires an immediate response.
Insta Links: The EWS judgement and the shadow of Pandora
Mains Links:
Q. The Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) judgment fails to uphold the constitutional values
meant to end the perpetuation of discrimination against the SCs, STs and other backward classes.
Critically Examine. (250 words)
New draft digital data protection bill tabled for comments
Source: TH
Direction: The article highlights the key provisions of the new draft and where it falls short in
protecting citizens’ rights.
Context: The draft Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022, was recently opened by the Union
Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) for public comments.
About the new draft:
● The Bill seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework governing digital personal
data protection in India, recognizing both the -
○ Rights of citizens (Digital Nagrik), societal rights to protect their personal data - a strict
user- consent regime for data processing.
○ Duties/obligations of the Data Fiduciary (consumer internet and social-media companies) to

process and use collected data lawfully.
Background:
● The revamped draft was released after the government withdrew an earlier version - the
Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, that sparked outrage from Big Tech and civil society.
● The 2019 Bill was prepared by former Supreme Court judge B N Srikrishna, to guarantee
the protection of persons' personal data and to establish a Data Protection Authority.
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● The government has decided to come up with a fresh bill that fits into the comprehensive
suggestions made by the Joint Committee of Parliament (JCP) on the 2019 Bill.
● The JPC had submitted many recommendations (such as broad data protection in line with
KS Puttaswamy judgement of 2017) to the 2019 Bill in 2021
Key provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022:
● Data Protection Board: It will act as the adjudicating body to enforce the provisions of
the Bill.
● Data Protection Officer and independent data auditor: They will be appointed by businesses
of “significant” size (based on the volume of data they process), to evaluate compliance with
provisions of the law.
● Easing cross-border data flows:
○ The new Bill relaxes data localisation rules and permits data to flow to certain
global destinations, based on their data security landscape.
○ The previous Bill mandated enterprises to keep a copy of sensitive personal data within India
and prohibited the transfer of critical personal data from the country, the most important concern
expressed by IT firms.
● Right to correction/eraser: Users will have the right to have their personal data in
the custody of enterprises corrected and erased.
● Duties of companies:
○ Companies will not be obligated to keep user data that no longer serves a business purpose.
○ Companies should not process personal data that could harm minors (less than 18 years
of age).
● Promoting start-up ecosystem: The government may also exclude certain enterprises from
Bill's restrictions based on the volume of users and personal data handling.
● Exemptions: The Central government has been empowered to exempt its agencies from
adhering to provisions of the Bill in the interest of -
○ Sovereignty and integrity of India,
○ Security of the state,
○ Friendly relations with foreign states,
○ Maintenance of public order or preventing incitement to any cognisable offence.
● Penalties: Focus is more on financial penalties than a criminal conviction.
○ For companies: Between Rs 50 - 500 crore for data breaches and noncompliance.
For users: A consumer who submits false documents for an online service or makes bogus grievance
complaints may face a Rs 10,000 fine.
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Significance:
● Based on global best practices: The government says that it has reviewed the Personal Data
Protection laws of Singapore, Australia, the European Union and the US.
● Economic benefits: The bill draft also considers the country's 1 trillion-dollar Digital Economy goals
and the rapidly growing innovation and startup ecosystem.
Concerns:
● State agencies are granted broad-vague exemptions. This may not meet the 'necessity' and
'proportionality' tests outlined in the landmark right to privacy judgement (KS Puttaswamy case) of
2017.
● The independence of a proposed regulator - the Data Protection Board, has been reduced. Unlike
the Data Protection Authority, which is envisioned as a statutory body under the 2019 Bill, the
appointment of the chairperson and members of the Board is entirely up to the discretion of the
central government.
● Relaxing data localisation requirements will make it difficult to detect and investigate non-
compliance and breaches.
Conclusion: Though the bill is significantly simpler this time excluding non-personal data, it will
require several modifications before it is practical.
Insta Links: Data Protection Bill
Mains Links:
Q. Critically analyse the provisions of the Data protection bill. Mention the changes suggested by
various committees on the data protection bill.
Issues relating to Education
Where no child is left behind
Source: The Hindu
Context: As the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasises the need for a National Mission on
Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) to achieve universal FLN in all primary schools, it is
necessary to explore how we can accomplish this ambitious goal.
Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN): FLN is the ability of children by the time they enter Class
III to read with meaning and perform basic math calculations, which serves as the foundation for all
future learning.
Global-national-local efforts towards FLN over the years:
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Global National Local
Jomtien ● Unni Krishnan v. State Of Andhra ● The Shiksha Karmi Project,

Conferen Pradesh (1993), the SC ruled that the 1987: To tackle teacher
ce (1990): right to education for children up to age absenteeism in remote
World 14 is central and fundamental. villages in Rajasthan.
Declarati ● The District Primary Education ● The Bihar Education Project
on on
Programme (1994), to universalize and (the 1990s): To give a fillip to
Education
transform the quality of primary the universalization of primary
for All
education. education.
● Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (2001), aimed at ● The Lok Jumbish or Peoples
the universalization of elementary Movement for Education for
education. All (1992) in Rajasthan.
Concerns:
● Poor education indicators:

○ India ranks 132 out of 191 countries in the 2021 Human Development Index, which
measures a country's health, average income and education.
○ According to an NCERT survey, 11% of Indian children in Class III do not have
fundamental maths skills when compared to the worldwide benchmark competency
level.
● Poor governance
● Absence of a systematic way of recruiting good teachers and establishing teacher
development institutions.
Government’s recent initiatives:
● The National Education Policy 2020: It proposes a 3-language formula, 2 of which are
indigenous to India and states that the medium of instruction should be in the mother
tongue until at least Class V.
● The NIPUN Bharat: The Union Ministry of Education launched the National Initiative for
Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN) in 2021 to enable all
children at the end of Class III to achieve foundational skills by the year 2026-2027.
Way ahead:
● Direct funds to schools, fewer non-teaching tasks and a vibrant community and panchayat
connection and parental involvement for accountability.
● The recruitment of teachers, educators and administrators has to become a priority if a
difference needs to be created.
● For this, the Central, State and local governments need to transform governance to ensure
that everyone delivers their best.
Best practices:
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● Sampark Foundation: A civil society initiative, the Foundation uses technology (audio
battery- operated sound boxes and innovative teaching learning materials) and has also
launched a TV for teacher development.
● Pratham’s Read India campaign and the Azim Premji Foundation are working to improve
government schools by providing district/block-level support to schools and teachers.
Conclusion: The time between preschool and Class 3 can be transformative for individuals, and FLN
is required to prepare a generation of learners who will secure high rates of economic success and
human well-being for India.
Insta Links: Primary Education in India
Mains Links:
Q. To achieve the objective of foundational literacy and numeracy in all primary schools, we need
to especially focus on community connections and parental involvement. Analyse.
Governance
Are data localization requirements necessary and proportionate?
Source: The Hindu
Context: The value and importance of data in today's technologically driven society underline the
demand for data localisation.
Data localisation:
● Data localisation refers to policy initiatives that limit data flows by restricting the physical
storage and processing of data inside the boundaries of a specific jurisdiction.
The need for data localisation:
 Strengthens the protection of personal data: For instance, the European Union’s General
Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), obligates businesses in the EU to keep their data secured
within the boundaries of the EU.
● Protect the privacy of citizens.
● Exercise control of the data for law enforcement purposes.
● Drive their economy.
Case of India:
● Data localisation is critical, as India is a powerful market in data creation.
● The long-awaited Personal Data Protection (PDP) Bill, 2019, was recently withdrawn by the
Government of India in order to be replaced by a new bill with a "comprehensive
framework" and "contemporary digital privacy laws."
Fears about data localisation:
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● Against ease of doing business: According to the UNCTAD’s Digital Economy Report data
localisation increases the operational costs of the businesses.
● Promotes monopoly: by eradicating small and mid-size businesses from the market,
impacting daily consumers who would be deprived of making choices.
● Make data security more vulnerable: especially when data security is low.
● Misuse by rich countries: by employing advanced data surveillance tools, which may defeat
the aim of establishing data security by relocation.
● Increased risk of local surveillance: Through the implementation of stringent data
localisation laws.
● Varied nature of compliances amongst different countries
Way ahead:
● A multiple stakeholder approach: It can help in looking not only at data localisation but also
other issues such as privacy and governance.
● Data encryption rather than delocalisation: In this age of rapid technological growth,
governments should shift to alternate standards of data encryption.
● Glocalization approach: Wherein laws can be harmonised globally, but by paying attention
to local interests.
● Assess the security of domestic systems for storing sensitive data.
Conclusion:
Data is the enabler of businesses and digitisation has been essential for growth and innovation.
There must be a balance between the sovereignty-based model for data localization and the need
for data to be independent and autonomous.
Insta Links: Data Localisation
Mains Links:
Q. “Data localization policies, while allowing government agencies to regulate the data efficiently,
hinder the growth of global trade and investments”. In this context, analyse the pros and cons of
data localization for India.
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements
As India takes G20 presidency, key takeaways from the summit in Bali
Source: IE
Direction: The article covers a brief about the G20 grouping, key takeaways from the Bali summit
and the significance of the G20 presidency for India.
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Context: The first post-pandemic meeting of the grouping - the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia,
recently took place in the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine crisis and a missile attack on Poland.
Key five takeaways from the Bali summit:
● The joint statement includes India’s message to Russia: “Today’s era must not be of war”
● India got the presidency of the G20: This is the first time the country will be holding an
international summit of this scale. Indian Prime Minister stated that India's presidency will
be inclusive, ambitious, decisive and action-oriented, as represented by India's G20
chairmanship theme "One Earth, One Family, One Future."
● Meeting of the world’s two most powerful economies - US and China: At a time when the
ties between their countries have been strained, their meeting is seen as an incremental
step towards rebuilding the fractured relationship.
● The divide between Russia and the West is evident: Especially after news of the “Russian-
built” missile landing in Poland - a NATO member country.
● Meeting of Indian PM and Chinese President: This was their first public meeting since the
India-China border standoff began in 2020.
Significance of G20 presidency for India:
● An opportunity to assume leadership of the Global South.

● Building a global consensus on reforming multilateral organisations such as the UN was the
first step toward a new world order for the post-Covid era.
● The growing relevance of the G20 in a world facing challenges like climate change, the
Covid- 19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
About the G20 or Group of Twenty:
● It is an intergovernmental forum made up of 19 countries as well as the European Union

(EU) that aims to address significant global economic challenges such as international
financial stability, climate change mitigation and sustainable development.
● The G20, which is made up of the majority of the world's top economies (both developed
and developing), was created in 1999 and has met at least once a year since 2008.
● Because the group has no permanent staff/secretariat, each year in December, a G20
country from a rotating region assumes the Presidency, which is in charge of organising the
following summit.
Insta Links: Great G20 power, great responsibility
Mains Links:
Q. The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has
disappeared on account of its newfound role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate (UPSC 2019)
Prelims Links:
Consider the following statements about G20 (or Group of Twenty):
1. The G20 was created on France’s initiative during the crisis following the Asian Financial Crisis
in 1997-1998.
2. It has no permanent staff of its own.
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3. A G20 country from a rotating region takes on the Presidency.

Which of the given above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Refer: https://g20.org/
GS3
Indian Economy and issues related
Importance of Agri exports
Source: The Indian Express
Context: India's agricultural exports this year are on track to surpass the $50 billion mark achieved
in 2021-22. However, rising imports have reduced the agricultural trade surplus.
Reason for this increase: This is mainly due to an increase in shipments of commodities whose
exports have been restricted - wheat, rice and sugar.
Agri-trade trends in India:
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Signs of concern:
● Growth in exports is offset by imports: The agricultural trade surplus fell from $7.86 billion
to $7.46 billion between April-September 2021 and April-September this year.
● Main agri-commodities imported by India:
○ Vegetable oils: After petroleum, electronics, gold and coal, vegetable oils are now
the country's fifth largest import item.
○ Cotton: India has turned into a net cotton importer primarily due to lower domestic
production (in 2021-22, only 307.05 lakh bales (1 bale = 170 kg) are predicted,
compared to 353 and 365 lakh bales in the preceding years).
○ Spices: Exports have been driven mostly by chilli, cumin, turmeric, ginger, etc. In
pepper and cardamom, the country’s imports and exports are equal.
○ Cashew: In 2021-22, the country’s cashew exports were valued at $453.08 million,
compared to imports of $1.26 billion.
Why is a surplus in agricultural trade matter?
Because, apart from software services, this is one sector in which India has a comparative advantage
(at a lower opportunity cost than its trading partners).
Steps taken by the government:
● Raising the minimum support price of mustard

● Granting environmental clearance for commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM)
hybrid mustard (DMH-11).
Way ahead:
● The “barnase-barstar” GM technology, which gives higher yields, better disease-resistance

or oil quality traits than DMH-11, can be used to develop new mustard hybrids
● Cotton may require a similar approach to enhance domestic output and yields. For example,
the GM Bt technology helped nearly treble India’s cotton production to 398 lakh bales in
2013- 14.
● It demonstrates the necessity of focusing on domestic output and productivity while not
restricting the development of technology that enables these.
Insta Links: From Plate to Plough: How sustainable are our agricultural exports?
Mains Links:
Q. Examine how the government's agriculture policies impact the Indian economy in the short and
long term, with a special emphasis on the agricultural sector. (15M)
Indigenization of technology
Vikram-S Rocket launch: India's first privately developed rocket under Mission Prarambh
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Source: TH
Directive: The article will help to understand Mission Prarambh, Vikram-S, Artemis 1 and their
significance (we had previously covered Mission Prarambh, but this is a much more detailed analysis)
Context: In a historic moment, Vikram-S, India's first privately developed rocket, lifted off recently
from the Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) launchpad in Sriharikota.
Background:
● The mission, codenamed Prarambh (the beginning), is the Indian private sector's first
entry into the lucrative space launch market.
● It is a mission under which Vikram-S - India's first privately developed launch vehicle by
Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace will carry 3 customer satellites (2 Indian and 1 foreign) in a sub-
orbital flight.
About Vikram-S rocket:
● It is a single-stage solid-fuel suborbital launch vehicle named after Vikram Sarabhai, the
pioneer of India's space program.
○ The spacecraft travels slower than the orbital velocity in a sub-orbital flight, which means it
is fast enough to reach outer space but not fast enough to maintain an orbit around the Earth.
● The launch vehicle's engine, Kalam-80, is named after former President A P J Abdul Kalam.
● The Vikram-S is a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) that will carry payloads weighing
between 290 and 560 kg (PSLV, India's workhorse, can carry up to 1,750 kg) into sun-
synchronous polar orbits.
Significance:
● Technology-demonstration mission: The Vikram-S, Kalam-80 and 3D printed parts (thrusters)

will be used to test and certify technology in the Vikram series space launch vehicles.
○ The company is developing three Vikram rockets that will use various solid and cryogenic
fuels and have a carbon composite core structure.
● More private sector missions on the way:
○ Agnikul Cosmos, for example, whose semi-cryogenic Agnilet engine was recently tested at
ISRO's vertical testing facility at Thumba (TERLS), Thiruvananthapuram.
○ ISRO's SSLV is also expected to be manufactured and operated by private players in the near
future.
● Promoting startups: Around 100 start-ups have registered with the ISRO and are
collaborating with it in various areas of the space program.
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Related news: Artemis-1 lunar mission
Source: IE
Context: NASA recently launched the Artemis 1 mission, heading to the Moon on board Orion with
the intention of carrying out tests ahead of future manned missions to the Moon and beyond.
Background: The Apollo program/Project Apollo, was NASA's third human spaceflight program (after
Project Mercury and Project Gemini), responsible for preparing and landing the first humans on the
Moon between 1968 and 1972.
About the Artemis-1 mission:
● Artemis 1, formerly known as Exploration Mission-1, is the first planned uncrewed test flight
in NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon.
● It will also be the maiden flight of the agency's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which will
be the most powerful rocket engine ever flown into space, even more, powerful than Apollo's
Saturn V rocket, which carried people to the Moon in the 1960s and 1970s.
Significance: Artemis-1 will test how well SLS and Orion can complete a mission to the Moon and
back. Artemis-2 (2024) will be a crewed flight but not land on the moon; Artemis-3 (2026) will land
on the south pole of the moon.
Other missions to Moon: Luna 2 (USSR), Apollo 11 (USA), Chandrayaan 1 and 2 (India)
Insta Links: Space Technology
Mains Links:
Q. In order to reap the maximum benefits, it becomes pertinent to increase private participation and
nudge India towards a scientific pursuit of space exploration driven by economic aims. Discuss. (250
words)
Environmental Conservation
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Health as the focus of air pollution policy
Source: The Hindu
Direction: This is from an editorial article. A few unique points can be noted down.
Context: The deterioration of winter air quality in north India has once again brought to light the
negative impacts of air pollution on health, particularly among the most vulnerable in society.
Negative impacts of air pollution on health: According to the Lancet, excessive levels of pollution
are responsible for 17.8% of all deaths and 11.5% of respiratory, cardiovascular and other related
diseases in India in 2019.
Gaps in India’s environmental policies:
● Isolated nature of policy-making: Whether it is stubble burning or thermal power plant

emissions, decisions are made without any consideration of their potential effects on health.
● A lack of understanding of health among policymakers: As a result, policies are created and
implemented with little cognisance of the effect it has on society’s health.
● Underrepresentation of health sector representatives in policymaking: As per the
Commission for Air Quality Management, they comprise less than 5% of the members of
State Pollution Control Boards.
Recommendations/initiatives:
● An exposure-centred view to policy: This means, prioritising initiatives that contribute the
most to reducing exposure and hence generating health benefits.
● Revising National ambient air quality standards (NAAQS): To include not only local
conditions but also the impact of exposure on vulnerable groups.
Way ahead:
● This public health emergency has prompted calls for health to be prioritised in the
development of air pollution policies.
● For this, health should be at the core of air pollution policy, rather than one of the several
equally relevant facets.
● Front-line air pollution regulators to be more sensitive to the health needs of society.
Conclusion:
● To primarily focus on health benefits, policymakers must include experts from

epidemiology, environment, energy, transportation, public policy and economics.
● This approach will accelerate climate and air quality measures to limit emissions from the
industries that cause the most health damage.
Insta Links: Air Pollution
Mains Links:
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Q. The worsening winter air quality in north India has yet again brought into public focus the
harmful effects of air pollution on our health. This public health emergency has resulted in calls for
health to be made central to air pollution policymaking. Critically analyse.
Prelims Links:
Q. Consider the following statements:
1. The National Clean Air Programme aims for a reduction in particulate matter concentrations in
cities that don’t meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
2. India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) meet the WHO’s existing standards.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: a)
The World Health Organisation (WHO has tightened global air pollution standards in a recognition of
the emerging science in the last decade that the impact of air pollution on health is much more
serious than earlier envisaged.
The move doesn’t immediately impact India as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS) don’t meet the WHO’s existing standards. The government has a dedicated National Clean
Air Programme that aims for a 20% to 30% reduction in particulate matter concentrations by 2024
in 122 cities, keeping 2017 as the base year for the comparison of concentration. These are cities
that don’t meet the NAAQS when calculated from 2011-2015.
Is climate change affecting global health?
Source: The Hindu
Direction: This is taken from the explained section of the Hindu. Previously we covered it as FFP, but
here we are providing analysis.
Context: As countries gather in Egypt for the ongoing COP27, a recent Lancet report traces in detail
the intimate link between climate change and its influence on people's health.
Highlights of the 2022 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change:
● Overview:
○ Climate change is not an isolated incident, but a global phenomenon, leaving its
impact on almost every aspect of life.
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○
While countries are still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia's invasion of
Ukraine and continued reliance on fossil fuels has driven the world into global
energy and cost-of-living issues.
○ The world’s reliance on fossil fuels increases the risk of disease, food insecurity and
other illnesses related to heat.
○ As these crises develop, climate change accelerates, altering the foundations of
human health and welfare.
● Health and climate change:
○ The rapidly increasing temperatures exposed people, especially vulnerable
populations to more heatwaves in 2021 than annually between 1986–2005.
○ The changing climate is affecting the spread of infectious diseases.
● Food security and climate change:
○ Higher temperatures threaten crop yields directly, with the growing season
shortening for many cereal crops.
○ Extreme weather events disrupt supply chains, thereby undermining food
availability, access, stability and utilisation.
Way ahead:
● The pace and scale of climate change adaptation, planning and resilience need to be
increased.
● An accelerated transition to clean energy forms, balanced and more plant-based diets.
● Spreading awareness through media campaigns.
● The government’s commitment to assess and address the threats from climate change.
Conclusion: A health-centred response through global coordination, funding, transparency and

cooperation to reduce the vulnerabilities that the world is otherwise exposed to is the need of the
hour.
Insta Links: Climate change amplifying health impacts
Mains Links:
Q. Analyse the growing impacts of climate change on India. Are the steps taken so far adequate
enough to tackle climate change?
Who should pay for climate damage?
Source: TH
Direction: This article will help to understand why developed countries are bound to compensate
poor countries for climate damage and whether India is eligible to get this compensation. Do
understand the ‘Carbon border tax’ and why India opposed it.
Context: While rich countries such as the US, Japan and Canada pledged $20 billion to wean
Indonesia off coal at the G-20 summit in Bali, much more has to be done to address climate change.
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Background:
● At the ongoing COP27 to the UNFCCC in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, countries have agreed to
discuss providing financial support to address loss and damage caused by climate change.
● Loss and damage refer to developing countries' demand for an institutional framework to
compensate countries affected by climate change for current environmental damage.
Why compensation (rich world financing poor) has been considered?
● Historical responsibilities of the developed world: Between 1751-2017, 47% of the CO2
emissions came from the US and the EU-28.
● Emissions affecting others disproportionately: For example, a farmer in rural Africa may say
that his country has not contributed to emissions in the past, but his agricultural yields are
dropping as a result of industrialisation in the US or Russia.
● Emissions have helped a few countries: For example, Canada would see a rise in GDP of
0.3% (about $9 billion a year) as warmer climates spur agriculture and labour productivity.
● Calamity is fast-approaching: According to the UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report 2022, the world
must cut emissions by 45% by 2050 to avoid global catastrophe.
Emissions in India and efforts to reduce them:
● According to the Emissions Gap Report 2022, India is among the top 7 emitters (others
being China, the EU-27, Indonesia, Brazil, the Russian Federation and the U.S.).
● However, in per capita terms, India’s emissions are far lesser (2.4 tCO2e) than others.
● For economic development, some GHG emissions are unavoidable. India was responsible
for the wording of the agreement on coal in 2021, changing "phase-out" to "phase-down,"
which reflects the country's huge dependence on thermal power.
● In addition to pledging to net-zero emissions by 2070, India has committed to generating
500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, lowering GDP emission intensity while
increasing forest cover.
Related news:
Carbon border tax
Source: TH
Context: BASIC countries have emphasized the need of avoiding carbon border taxes, which could
promote market distortion and worsen the trust deficit among countries at COP27.
About Carbon Border Tax:
● A carbon border tax is an import duty based on the amount of carbon emissions produced by
the goods in question. E.g., using it EU can impose import duty on Cement export by India as
cement production is highly carbon-intensive.
● It discourages emissions as a carbon price. It has an impact on production and exports as a
trade-related measure.
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Background:
● The BASIC countries are a bloc of four large newly industrialised countries - Brazil, South
Africa, India and China, formed in 2009 at the Copenhagen climate summit.
● The European Union (EU) proposed the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in
2021, which would tax high-carbon commodities like cement and steel beginning in 2026.
Insta Links: Loss and damage funding officially included in the COP27 agenda
Mains Links:
Q. What is climate change ‘Loss and Damage’? Should rich nations compensate the poor countries
most vulnerable to climate change? State your opinion. (250 words)
Challenges to internal security
The Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, and why Supreme Court has freed all convicts
Context: Many have divided opinions on the Supreme Court's recent decision to free all six
remaining convicts serving life sentences in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.
Background:
● Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a suicide bomber in

Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, on the night of May 21, 1991, killing 18 people.
● In the case, the TADA or Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act trial court
initially convicted 26 people to death.
● In 1999, a few years after the TADA Act was repealed, the SC upheld the conviction of only 7
(convicting 4 of them to death and the other 3 to life imprisonment), releasing the rest.
● By 2014, the SC commuted the death sentences of all 4 to life imprisonment
● The Tamil Nadu government had recommended the release of all convicts. However, the
Governor had not acted upon this recommendation.
● The convicts had spent more than three decades in prison, where their conduct was
satisfactory.
● Invoking its extraordinary power under Article 142 of the Indian Constitution, the recent SC
order noted that none of the 6 convicts was a part of the nucleus of the assassination team.
Definition of terrorism:
● According to the TADA, terrorism involves all or any one of the 4 acts -
○ Overawing/threatening Government;
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○ Striking terror in the people;

○ Alienating a section of the people;
○ Adversely affecting social harmony.
● As per TADA, killing a person bound by oath under the Constitution to uphold the
sovereignty and integrity of India or any public servant was deemed a disruptive activity.
Grounds on which convicts were released:
● The prosecution’s case was that the assassination was an act to prevent the government
from continuing with the implementation of the 1987 India-Sri Lanka Accord.
● The SC said that for an act to qualify under the definition of terrorism, its “intent” is critical.
● It is difficult for the court to conclude that the conspirators intended to overawe/endanger
the Government of India or to strike terror in people or any section thereof.
● There is no evidence that any one of the conspirators ever desired the death of any Indian
other than Rajiv Gandhi.
● Unfortunately, Rajiv Gandhi was not then a person bound by oath under the Constitution
to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India, as the Lok Sabha had been dissolved
months before the incident.
Insta Links: Terrorism
Mains Links:
Q. “All terrorists are criminals but not all criminals are terrorists”, in light of the statement above
explain in what way anti-terror laws in the country have led to a period of over-Criminalisation.
GS4
Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct
Unwritten rule for people holding public office
Source: Business Standard
Direction: This can be mentioned as an example – of how elected leaders misuse their position.
Context: A five-judge constitution bench headed by Justice S.A. Nazeer said that there is an
unwritten rule for people holding public office that they “exercise self-restriction and not blabber
things” which are “very disparaging or insulting” to other countrymen. The top court said this
approach is part of our constitutional culture and there is no need for it to formulate a code of
conduct for public functionaries.
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The top court was hearing a case related to a statement made by then Uttar Pradesh minister Azam
Khan in 2016 about the Bulandshahr gang-rape case victims.
Khan was also booked for making inflammatory speeches while addressing a public meeting ahead
of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He was recently convicted for delivering a hate speech, was given
a three-year jail term, and subsequently was disqualified from the Rampur assembly seat in Uttar
Pradesh.
Earlier judgements:
Two judgments – Tehseen Poonawala and Amish Devgan – where the Hon’ble Supreme Court has
laid down detailed guidelines and issued detailed directions as to what is to be done when such
hate speeches are made which are abhorrent to the society.
Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct:
 Codes of ethics establish basic principles by which public servants must abide, such as
integrity, selflessness and openness. A code of conduct draws on the code of ethics to
formulate standards and practices that should be applied to the particular circumstances
of an institution.
 A code of conduct sets out specific standards of professional behaviour expected in a host
of situations and provides public officials with guidance for handling them. In addition,
codes of conduct bring transparency and public accountability into governmental
operations.
IntraLinks: Ethics in Public Life
Mains Link:
Q. Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the
/ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in public servants. (UPSC 2021)
Facts for Prelims
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GS1
Indian Heritage and Culture
Patan Patola
Source: IE
Context:
● At the G20 summit, the Indian Prime Minister gifted a traditional artwork ‘Patan Patola’
scarf to his Italian counterpart.
● He also gifted ‘Mata Ni Pachedi’ - a handmade Gujarat textile offered in temples, to UK PM;
‘Pithora’ - a tribal folk art from Chhota Udaipur, to the Australian leader.
About Patan Patola:
● The ancient art of double ikat or Patola weaving in pure silk dates back to the 11th century,
and the Salvi family of North Gujarat is one of the last practitioners of the declining art
form.
● This unique fabric derives from a sophisticated and difficult technique of dyeing or knot
dyeing on the warp and weft separately before weaving, known as 'bandhani.'
● A standard scarf costs between Rs 80,000 and Rs 100,000, depending on the design's
complexity.
Mata Ni Pachedi: It is handmade textile of Gujarat for offering in the temple shrines
Pithora Painting: From Chhota Udaipur (Gujarat), it depicts cave paintings that tribes used to make.
It is a ritualistic painting done on the walls by the Rathwa, Bhils and Bhilala tribes.
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Prize
New regulations for awarding PhD
Source: The Hindu
Context: The University Grants Commission (UGC) notified the UGC (Minimum Standards and
Procedures for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations, 2022.
Changes in the legislation governing the award of PhDs:
● Abolishing MPhils
● Relaxing coursework for obtaining PhDs
● Allowing candidates to register for a PhD after finishing four years of a graduation
programme. However, experts fear that the said steps may lead to dilution of standards in PhDs and
thus low- quality research in the country.
Modern History/Personality
Sir CP Ramaswamy Iyer
Context: The name of former Travancore Diwan Sir CP Ramaswamy Iyer has been mentioned in the
middle of the ongoing disagreement between the Kerala administration and the Governor .
About Sir CP Ramaswamy Iyer:
● From 1936 to 1947, Sir Chetput Pattabhiraman Ramaswamy Iyer/Sir CP was the Diwan of the
old Travancore princely state.
● His policies led to a massive uprising, the Punnapra-Vayalar revolt (Oct 1946) - a militant
communist movement in the Princely State of Travancore.
● In 1947, Sir CP was in favour of an independent state of Travancore (on the American model)
that would be open to the idea of signing a treaty with the Indian union. Communists were
opposed to his move.
● The rage and discontent culminated in an assassination attempt on Sir CP, and he soon
agreed to Travancore state's entry to the Indian Union.
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Birsa Munda
Source: IE
Direction: Ulgulan movement is important for prelims.
Context: On the occasion of tribal leader Birsa Munda's birth anniversary, the Centre held the
second Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on November 15 to celebrate the contributions of tribal communities
to Indian culture.
Background: The government has also paid tributes to other pre-independence era tribal leaders
recently by inaugurating the statue of Alluri Sitaram Raju and ‘Tribal Muesuems’.
Role Birsa Munda played: From 1886 to 1890, Birsa Munda was majorly in Chaibasa (Jharkhand),
which was close to the centre of the Sardari agitation, influencing his anti-missionary and anti-
government programmes.
The Ulgulan movement (1899):
● Munda encouraged the tribals to refuse following colonial laws and drive out foreigners
using weapons and guerrilla warfare.
● He also aided societal reform by confronting religious superstition, earning him the titles
'Bhagwan' (God) and 'Dharati Aba' (Father of the Earth) from his followers.
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Uda Devi
Source: IE
Context: Events to commemorate the martyrdom of Uda Devi, a freedom fighter from the Pasi
community, were held at various places in Uttar Pradesh, including Sikandar Bagh in Lucknow.
Uda Devi Pasi:
● Born in Ujirao, Lucknow, she was a freedom fighter who joined the royal guard of Begum
Hazrat Mahal of Awadh.
● She participated in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, as a member of the women's squad of
Wajid Ali Shah, the sixth Nawab of Awadh.
● Uda Devi is known not just for her heroic stories, but also for her ability as a leader who was
able to mobilise people, particularly Dalit women, to fight the British.
Kabir Das
Source: TH
Context: Prahlad Tipaniya, a folk singer, has a devoted following who credit him with reigniting
interest in Kabir Das, the 15th-century mystic poet.
Sant Kabir Das:
● Kabir Das was a 15th-century Bhakti movement poet, saint and social reformer from the
nirgun parampara (the tradition of the formless god).
● He was influenced by his master Ramananda and his verses can be found in the Guru Granth
Sahib.
● His legacy lives on through the Kabir Path, a religious community whose members are
referred to as Kabir panthis.
● Kabir's compositions have appeared in literary works such as Kabir Bijak, Kabir Parachai,
Sakhi Granth and Kabir Granthawali.
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About the Bhakti Movement:
● The Bhakti movement refers to a trend started by a number of Hindu saints in medieval
Hinduism to introduce religious reforms by using devotion to obtain salvation.
● It flourished in 8th-century south India and spread northwards reaching its zenith between
15-17th century.
World History
Battle of Rezang La
Source: Indian Express
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Context: November 18, 2022, was the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Rezang La, one of the few
bright spots in the War of 1962 with China. On that day, 13 Kumaon’s C Company made their heroic
last stand against the Chinese army in the high Himalayas of Ladakh
Geography
Hydrogen Valleys
Source: DST
Direction: The promotion is hydrogen as future fuel has gained momentum with India setting targets
to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels
Context: The DST under the Clean Hydrogen Mission of “Mission Innovation” has set in motion the
process of identifying and setting up at least 3 Hydrogen Valleys by 2030.
What are hydrogen valleys?
A “Hydrogen Valley” is a geographical area – a city, a region, an island or an industrial cluster -

where several hydrogen applications are combined together into an integrated hydrogen
ecosystem that consumes a significant amount of hydrogen, improving the economics behind the
project.
Mission Innovation (MI) is a global initiative of 23 countries and the European Commission (on
behalf of the European Union) catalysing a decade of action and investment in research,
development and demonstration to make clean energy affordable, attractive and accessible for all.
This will accelerate progress towards the Paris Agreement goals and pathways to net zero.
Places in News
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Mapping
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Society and Social Justice
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)
Source: The Hindu
Context: The Tribal Affairs Ministry intends to go ahead with its plan to build a new EMRS, despite
concerns raised by a Parliamentary panel.
Background:
● EMRS will be constructed on 15 acres of land in all sub-districts with Scheduled Tribe (ST)
populations of more than 20,000 people, accounting for at least 50% of the total population.
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● Earlier this year, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment
suggested that this criterion be reviewed immediately.
● This is due to severe challenges in acquiring properties in several districts, particularly in
forested or hilly places.
● This criterion would also deny scattered ST populations access to Ekalavya schools.
About EMRS:
● The Tribal Affairs Ministry started the EMRS in the year 1997-98 to impart quality education
to ST children in remote areas.
● The schools focus not only on academic education but on the all-round development of the
students from Class VI to XII.
● Previously, funds were given to state governments for school construction and recurring
expenses under Article 275 (1) of the Constitution.
To provide EMRS with even greater momentum, it has been agreed that by 2022, every block with
more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal people will have an EMRS.
Digital Shakti 4.0
Source: Business-Standard
Direction: Major initiatives towards women and weaker sections becomes important for UPSC
Context: National Commission for Women together with CyberPeace Foundation and Meta (parent
company of Facebook) launched Digital Shakti 4.0 to create safe cyberspace for women and girls,
making women digitally skilled
 Digital Shakti has been accelerating the digital participation of women and girls by training
them to use technology to their advantage and to keep themselves safe online.
 The initial phase was launched in 2018
The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body (formed in 1992), generally
concerned with advising the government on all policy matters affecting women. CyberPeace
Foundation (CPF) is an award-winning civil society organization, a think tank of CyberSecurity and
policy experts.
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Global Skill Summit with Indian Missions
Source: ibef.org
Direction: We have given it here since it is the 1st such initiative for India. Also, Indian migrant
workers have been in news due to the FIFA world cup in Qatar.
Context: Different ministries have organized 1st virtual global skill summit with an Indian mission in
ten countries to facilitate overseas mobility of the skilled Indian workforce, in line with the
government’s vision of making India the skill capital of the world.
Government initiatives for skilling of Indian workers:
 India International Skill Centre: It ensures international workforce mobility opportunities

for Indians
 NSDC International: To ensure overseas employment through specific programmes
 Skill India International Project: To help in skilling, certification and overseas employment of
Indian
 International Partnership: e.g., Trainer-Assessor Academies with Singapore; UK India
Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI) etc.
 The NEP 2020 has set the goal of exposing at least 50% of learners of the school and
higher education systems to vocational education
According to a Ministry of External Affairs report, there are 32 million NRIs and OCIs residing
outside India and overseas Indians comprise the world's largest overseas diaspora
 Saudi Arabia has the highest number of Indians (almost 9.8% of Saudi’s overall population)
Permanent Commission for women
Source: TOI
Direction: Know what is Permanent Commission, Short Service Commission and previous SC
judgments regarding it.
Context: SC has directed IAF and central government to consider granting Permanent Commission
(PC) to 32 retired women officers
PC means a career in the army till the age of retirement. In short service Commission, the period of
service is limited to 10 years (+ 4 years extension).
Benefits of PC: Full-time pension benefits and other allowances.
In a landmark verdict on February 17, 2020, the Supreme court directed that women officers in the
Army be granted a permanent commission, rejecting the Centre's stand on their "physiological
limitations" as being based on "sex stereotypes" and "gender discrimination against women"
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Women were allowed in the armed forces in 1992 in non-medical roles. Currently, women are
allowed in all branches of the Indian Air force (IAF), all non-seagoing branches of the Indian Navy
and 10 branches of the Indian Army.
GS2
Polity
Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution
Context: Jharkhand government has passed a bill increasing the reservation in vacant government
posts and services to 77%, thus violating the 50% mandate of the Supreme Court (Indra Sawhney
Case). The government has further called for putting the bill in the 9th Schedule to avoid Judicial
Review.
What is the Ninth Schedule?
The Ninth Schedule (inserted by the 1st Constitutional Amendment) contains a list of central and
state laws which cannot be challenged in courts. Currently, 284 such laws are shielded from judicial
review.
1st CAA also created Article 31A (extends protection to ‘classes’ of laws) and Article 31B (it shields
specific laws or enactments)
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 Article 31B can be applied retrospectively: If laws are inserted in the Ninth Schedule after
they are declared unconstitutional, they are considered to have been in the Schedule
since their commencement, and thus valid.
Although Article 31B excludes judicial review, laws under the Ninth Schedule are open to scrutiny
if they are violative of the basic structure of the Constitution (I R Coelho case (2007)). Hence, any
law that was added to the Ninth Schedule after April 24, 1973, can be contested.
10 years of the POCSO Act
Source: Vidhi legal policy, New Indian Express
Context: Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy launched a report, ‘A Decade of POCSO: Developments,
Challenges and Insights from Judicial Data’.
Key highlights:
Issues:
 As per 2020 NCRB data, over 90% of perpetrators are people known to victims
 High pendency of cases
 Low conviction rate (only around 14%)
 Issue of a higher age of consent thereby minors getting convicted for even consensual acts.
Other highlights:
 Tamil Nadu stands ahead of other States in terms of reporting cases and conviction of the
accused.
 Need for after-school care: Children whose parents work are usually left on their own after
school, and this heightens vulnerability
POCSO Act 2012 was passed to protect children from sexual abuse/assault/harassment or
pornography.
Major features of the Act:
 Establish Special Courts to try sexual offences involving children in a child-friendly manner.
 Gender neutral law
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 Effective reporting, recording of evidence and investigation.

 The National Commission for protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and its states monitor the
implementation of the law.
Maharashtra tops the rise in Pending Criminal cases against lawmakers
Source: TOI
Context: Reports from high courts on the pendency of criminal cases against sitting and former
MPs and MLAs showed a 21% increase in three years from 4,122 in December 2018 to 4,984 in
December 2021.
Although the constitution doesn’t give any criterion as to what disqualifies a person from contesting
elections for the parliament, section 8 of the RPA Act, 1951 disqualifies a person convicted with a
sentence of 2 or more years from contesting elections. However, those whose conviction is pending,
continue to contest elections.
Major reforms by SC:
 It directed the completion of trials involving elected representatives within a year.

 Special courts to try cases against politicians.
 Political parties are to publish the details of criminal cases pending against the candidates
within 48 hours of the selection of the candidates.
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SC on Forced Conversion
Context: Supreme Court has said that “forced” religious conversions are “very dangerous” and may
“affect the security of the nation and freedom of religion and conscience”. It has directed the
Central government to step in and make “very serious and sincere efforts” to tackle the issue.
Article 25 of the Indian Constitution gives one freedom of conscience, to profess, practice, and
propagate religion to all citizens. But this doesn’t ensure that one can forcibly convert others. In Rev
Stanislaus Case (1977) SC said that the right to propagate (under Art 25) doesn't mean the right to
convert.
In order to restrict religious conversion carried out by force, fraud or inducements, several states
have enacted “Freedom of Religion laws” e.g., Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh etc.
The Places of Worship Act, 1991
Context: The Supreme Court gave the Central government more time to file an affidavit on the
challenges to the Places of Worship Act of 1991.
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Background: The law has been challenged on the ground that it bars judicial review, which is a basic
feature of the Constitution.
About the Act:
● It prohibits the conversion of any place of worship and stipulates that churches, temples,
mosques, and other places of worship cannot be altered from as they stood on August 15,
1947.
● Any legal proceeding pending before any court concerning the conversion of the religious
character of any place of worship existing on August 15, 1947, shall be terminated and no
new legal proceedings shall be initiated.
● However, it allows legal proceedings if the conversion of a place of worship's religious nature
occurred after the cut-off date.
● The Act does not apply to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case or any related
litigation, appeal or procedure.
Gram Nyayalayas (GN)
Source: TOI
Context: The Supreme Court is hearing a case seeking direction to the centre and states for taking steps
to set up ‘Gram Nyayalayas’.
Despite a direction by the top court in 2020, as of Dec 2021, only 476 GNs have been notified by 15
states and 256 functional.
About GNs:
GN came by Gram Nyayalayas Act 2008 on the recommendation of the 114th Report of the Law
Commission.
The act provides for:
 Establishment of GNs at the Panchayat level to try criminal, and civil claims and disputes.
 GNs will be headed by ‘Nyayadhikari’ (will be appointed by the state government in
consultation with the high court).
 It shall be guided by the principle of natural justice (and not bound by rules of evidence
provided in the Indian Evidence Act, 1872)
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Bribery on the floor of the House
Source: Hindustan Times
Direction: This is a classic case where parliamentary immunity is being misused by the
parliamentarian. Know the content of article 105 and article 122
Context: Calling it a “constitutionally correct” principle, the Central government backed the
Supreme Court a 1998 ruling that shields MPs and MLAs from prosecution (under Article 105) if
they accept bribes in lieu of their votes
Background of the case:

10 MPs belonging to the JMM and the Janata Dal took bribes on the floor of the house to cast their
votes to defeat a no-confidence motion moved in the Lok Sabha against the minority government of
Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao in 1993
In 1998 by 3-2, the Supreme Court in the Narasimha Rao case held that MPs and MLAs were
screened
from prosecution in such cases under parliamentary immunity granted under Article 105(2) of the
Constitution
Article 105(2) of the Constitution states that no member of Parliament (MP) shall be liable to any
proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him in parliament or any
committee thereof. A similar provision exists for MLAs under Article 194(2)
Article 122 deals with the restrictions on courts not to inquire into proceedings of Parliament.
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District Judges
Source: Live Mint

Context: CJI has said that the district judiciary is a cornerstone of the judicial system and district judges
aren't subordinates. They belong to the district judiciary.
Steps suggested to ensure modern and equal judiciary:
 Attitudinal changes as to how superior court judges look at the district judiciary
 Making the process of "listing" matters transparent and objective
 Employing technology to eliminate the element of human interface in the listing process
 Better infrastructure including women’s toilets at district courts
District judges are the highest judicial authority in the district having original and appellate
jurisdiction over both civil and criminal cases. Their appointment, posting and promotion are done
by the governor of the state in consultation with the high court.
Qualifications for being a district judge include:
 Should not already be employed in central or state services;

 Should have been an advocate or a pleader for at least 7 years;
 High court recommendation for appointment
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What is a narco test?
Direction: Go through once.
Context: A court in New Delhi, has allowed a narco test on Aaftab Poonawalla, accused of killing his
live-in partner Shraddha Walkar in May this year.
What is a narco test?
In a ‘narco’ or narcoanalysis test, a drug called sodium pentothal (a sedative) is injected into the
body of the accused, which induces subconsciousness so that the subject is mentally incapable of
inventing falsehood and so will tell the truth when asked a question. However, the evidence
gathered using this test is inadmissible in a court of law. Its result cannot be considered to be a
“confession” (SC in Selvi case, 2010). Also, its result is not 100% accurate.
Other similar tests: Polygraph Test (detects lie by the fluctuation in the physiological indicators such
as blood pressure, pulse, respiration etc.); P-300 test (Brain Mapping test).
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Recusal by a Judge
Direction: Have a clear understanding of the Key legal terms that often appear in newspaper e.g.,
recusal, contempt of court etc.
Context: Supreme Court judge Justice S K Kaul recused himself from hearing a petition challenging
the extension in tenure granted to Enforcement Directorate chief S K Mishra last year.
Recusal is the “removal of oneself as a judge or policymaker in a particular matter, especially

because of a conflict of interest.” Its genesis is based on the principle of fairness and reasonableness.
There is no formal rule governing recusal. If a judge recuses, the case is listed before the CJI (or Chief
justice of the High court) for allotment to a fresh Bench in the court.
• E.g., Justice Markandey Katju, followed the practice of automatic recusal when he withdrew his
name from the Novartis case by saying that it would not be proper for him to deal with the
appeal filed by Novartis.
Background of the Case:
The central government had amended the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Act, 2003, through an
ordinance on November 14, 2021, giving itself the power to extend the tenure of the ED Director by
up to five years
S K Mishra was appointed ED Director on November 19, 2018, for two years. On November 13,
2020, this was extended by one year. It was again extended by another year in 2021.
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CAG to audit urban bodies
Source: Business Standards
Direction: Keep a note of CAG, articles related to it, its powers and conditions of services.
Context: The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has decided to audit the urban local
bodies (ULBs) to bring out the performance of these authorities in the context of the 74th
constitutional amendment carried out in the early 1990s and respective state Acts.
15th Finance Commission has said that State Finance Commissions (SFC) need to play a much more
critical role in recommending taxes assigned to municipalities and other local governments.
However, barring a few states, SFCs of most states have been rendered ineffective by state
governments.
About CAG:
The Constitution of India provides for an independent office of the Comptroller and Auditor General
of India (CAG) in Part V (Article 148 – 151). He is the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts
Department.
CAG is appointed by the President of India by a warrant under his hand and seal. He holds office for
a period of six years or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
CAG audits the accounts related to all expenditures from the Consolidated Fund of India, the
Consolidated Fund of each state and UT having a legislative assembly. He acts as a guide, friend and
philosopher of the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament.
He submits 3 audit reports to the President: an audit report on appropriation accounts, an audit
report on finance accounts and an audit report on public undertakings.
PESA Rules
Source: PIB
Direction: PESA is important for both Prelims and Mains. Know a few of its provisions and the extent
of their applications.
Context: Madhya Pradesh has notified its PESA Rules on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on
15th November 2022
Significance of the move:
• It will empower the Gram Sabhas to decide on the rules and regulations about all
natural resources in the forest areas.
• It will give more constitutional rights to the tribal people to reap the benefits of
natural resources from the forest areas where they live.
• Empowering the lives of tribal communities and giving the tribals their rights
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Background
To bring the people residing in Fifth Schedule Areas into the mainstream, the Parliament, in terms of
Article 243M(4)(b) of the Constitution, has enacted “the Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to
the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996” (PESA) to extend Part IX of the Constitution, relating to Panchayats,
to the Fifth Schedule areas, with certain modifications and exceptions. States, having Fifth Schedule
Areas, have been empowered to make Panchayat Laws for these areas.
With the objective of effective implementation of PESA, Ministry of Panchayati Raj circulated Draft
Model PESA Rules in 2009
Aadhaar Norms for prisoners simplified
Source: TH
Context: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has consented to accept the Prisoner
Induction Document (PID) as a valid document for Aadhaar enrolment or update as a special step to
enrol prison inmates across the country.
Background:
● The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and other Subsidies, Benefits and Services)
Act, 2016 allows the use of the Aadhaar Number for establishing the identity of an individual.
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● Though the effort to extend Aadhaar to prisons began in 2017, the procedure did not
proceed as planned since enrolment requires proper supporting documents.
● According to the National Crime Records Bureau, there were 1,319 prisons in the country
as of 2021, with a total inmate population of approximately 5.5 lakh.
Aadhaar:
● It is a 12-digit unique identity number that can be obtained voluntarily by the citizens of
India and resident foreign nationals (spent over 182 days in 12 months), based on their
biometric and demographic data.
● The data is collected by the UIDAI, an authority established in 2009 by the Government
of India, under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and
which became a statutory body following the enactment of the Aadhaar Act, 2016.
Government Initiative and Policies
Cultivate One Million Children as Neoteric (new) Innovators
Source: PIB
Context: 1.5 Lakh students in India attended NITI Aayog’s mega tinkering activity on the occasion of
Children’s Day.
Over 10000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) have been established to foster curiosity, creativity and
imagination in young children.
Financial Support: AIM will provide a grant-in-aid that includes a one-time establishment cost of Rs.
10 lakh and operational expenses of Rs. 10 lakhs for a maximum period of 5 years to each ATL.
Eligibility: Schools (minimum Grade VI – X) managed by Government, local bodies or private
trusts/society can set up ATL.
About AIM:
AIM (by Niti Aayog) is mandated to create an umbrella structure to oversee the innovation
ecosystem of the country and revolutionise the innovation eco-system – touching upon the entire
innovation life cycle through various programs.
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National Press Day
Source: TH
Context: India celebrates 16th November as National Press Day every year and the day is observed
in honour of the Press Council of India (PCI).
About the National Press Day:
● History: The PCI was founded on November 16, 1966, and since then, every year on
November 16th, the National Press Day has been held to commemorate the foundation of
the council.
● Significance of the day:
○ The freedom of the press is an essential aspect to maintain the independence, and
integrity of the press as it is often referred to as the voice of the voiceless, a
connecting link between the rulers and those who are ruled.
○ The day is meant to mark the presence of the free and responsible press in India.
About PCI: It is responsible for examining the quality of reportage from the Indian media, while also
keeping a check on other journalistic activities and is traditionally chaired by a retired Supreme Court
Judge.
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Price capping of NLEM drugs
Context: Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, which is responsible for ensuring the pricing cap, has
brought 34 new essential medicines (in NLEM) under its pricing regulation.
While the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare revises the National list of Essential medicines
(NLEM), the cap on its pricing is decided by NPPA under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Significance of the move:
 It will help ensure availability at cheaper rates

 The listed drugs are essentially required to be stored in bulk in all the hospitals to
ensure their availability.
 The list is revised based on the consultation with stakeholders, the cost of the
medicines, and their effectiveness.
How are the prices decided?
The ceiling price is determined by calculating the average price to retailers of all generics and
branded generics with a market share of more than 1% and then adding a small retailer margin to it.
NPPA (under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers) was set up
in 1997 under the Drugs (Prices Control) order, 1995, to fix/revise prices of controlled bulk drugs
and ensure their availability.
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Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana scheme (PMGKAY)
Source: The Hindu
Direction: This came in an editorial article today. We have selected only relevant points from the
UPSC perspective.
Context: Government extended PMGKAY in September this year.
Significance of the scheme:
Initially introduced to help the poor fight the battle against Covid-19
IMF working paper concluded that “the social safety net provided by the expansion of India’s food
subsidy program absorbed a major part of the pandemic shock”
Features of the scheme
 80 crore NFSA beneficiaries will get 5 kg wheat or rice and 1 kg of preferred pulses for
free every month per person (this is apart from 35kg per month per family under
Antyodaya Anna Yojana and 5 Kg per month per person for Priority Households, under
National Food Security Act (NFSA))
 PMGKAY covers even Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) beneficiaries
 Its nodal Ministry is the Ministry of Finance
Issues:
 High budget constraints

 The problem of diversion from the Public Distribution System (PDS)
UK India Young Professional Scheme
Source: Live Mint
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Direction: It is not a very important scheme for Prelims. Can be used as an example for showing
the India-UK partnership in Mains answers
Context: UK has given the go-ahead for 3,000 visas for young Indian professionals to live and work in
the country each year.
• India is the first visa-national country to benefit from such a scheme under the UK-India
Migration and Mobility Partnership agreed upon last year
Under this, young professionals (18 to 30 years) degree-holding Indian nationals can live and work in
the UK for up to two years
International News and Organization
UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) Resolution
Source: Economic Times
Context: India abstained from the UNGA resolution calling for reparation to be paid to Ukraine by
Russia.
Reparations are the act or process of making amends for a wrong through compensatory funding or
other means.
Government explanation:
India has doubted whether a reparation process through a vote in the General Assembly would
contribute to efforts at a resolution of the conflict and cautioned against precedents being set
through such resolutions. Moreover, the legal validity of such a process by a General Assembly
resolution remains unclear.
About UN Resolution
United Nations resolutions are formal expressions of the opinion or will of United Nations
organs. UNGA resolutions are non-binding and generally recommendatory. In contrast, resolutions
by the UN security council are considered binding.
About UNGA
UNGA is one of the 6 principal organs of the UN and represents all the members of the UN. It meets
annually (in September) under a President (elected every year). Each member holds one vote and
most decisions are taken by a simple majority (except for a few important decisions being taken by a
2/3rd majority.
Only one Indian (Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit in 1953) has been elected as the president of the General
Assembly.
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No Money for Terror Conference (NMFT)
Source: The Hindu
Context: India is hosting the 3rd edition of the NMFT conference ( earlier in Paris and Melbourne)
Major agenda for the conference:
 Regulate the use of crowdfunding platforms to finance terrorist activities

 Enhance the control mechanisms of social media platforms
 Monitor global trends in terrorism and terrorist financing
 Regulate the use of formal and informal channels for terrorism
 Control the use of emerging technologies and terrorist financing e.g. cryptocurrency
and Dark Web
 Ensure international cooperation to address challenges in combating terrorist financing
 Strengthening the role of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
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China-plus-one strategy
Source: The Hindu
Direction: Such terms can be used in International Relations answers to value add to your content.
Context: India has a great scope to emerge as a sizable player in electronics and semiconductor
products manufacturing as part of China-plus-one diversification strategy.
Electronics and semiconductor products today is a $1.5 trillion industry with China solely accounting
for almost 75% of it and having enjoyed a monopoly in the sector for over two decades now.
India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), is a specialized business division within the Digital India
Corporation that aims to promote the growth of the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing
industry in the country.
About China plus one strategy:
Coined way back in 2013, it is a global business strategy. China-Plus-One or just Plus One refers to a
strategy in which companies avoid investing only in China and diversify their businesses to
alternative destinations.
Baliyatra
Source: IE
Context: In his address to the Indian diaspora at the G20 summit, in Bali, the Indian PM mentioned
the annual Baliyatra, which celebrates the ancient trade relations between India and Indonesia.
Background: This year’s Baliyatra, which concluded recently, also found a place in the Guinness
World Records for achieving an impressive feat of origami, the creation of beautiful paper
sculptures.
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The historical significance of Baliyatra:
● Baliyatra, literally ‘voyage to Bali’, is one of the country’s largest open-air fairs, which is
organised every year on the banks of the Mahanadi in Cuttack, Odisha. It is similar to the
‘Masakapan Ke Tukad’ festival in Bali.
● It commemorates the 2,000-year-old maritime and cultural links between ancient Kalinga
(today’s Odisha) and Bali and other South and Southeast Asian regions like Java, Sumatra,
Borneo, Burma (Myanmar) and Ceylon (Sri Lanka).
The connection between Kalinga and Bali: Roulette ware, temples as socio-culture centres, 14th CE
inscription in Bali is in Odia language, presence of Brahmana-Bouddha-Kalinga in Bali.
GS3
Economy
‘Friend-Shoring’ Plan
Source: Live Mint
Context: US will pursue the ‘Friendshoring’ approach of deepening economic integration with
trusted trading partners like India to diversify away from countries that present geopolitical and
security risks to supply chains.
Friendshoring means deploying economic policies that will encourage the companies to spread
business and manufacturing within the group (sharing similar values). Friendshoring is part of a
“deglobalisation” process, which could see further supply shocks and higher prices in the short term
and lower growth in the long run.
Many of the western companies that embraced offshoring – cutting costs by shifting manufacturing
to countries with cheaper labour – have been encouraged by tariffs and pandemic supply chain
disruption to bring production back to their home country, in a trend known as onshoring or
reshoring.
Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at UNHRC
Source: The Print
Context: At the UPR of UNHRC, many countries have raised concerns over the FCRA 2010 and its use
against NGOs, members of civil society, and journalists.
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Government’s response: Action was taken against only those individuals/organizations who were
involved in illegal practices.
The UNHRC passes non-binding resolutions on human rights issues through a periodic review of all
193 UN member states called the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). UNHRC was reconstituted from
its predecessor organisation, the UN Commission on Human Rights to help overcome the
“credibility deficit” of the previous organisation.
 Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

FCRA 2010 regulates financial acceptance and the utilization of foreign contributions. Recently it
was amended to ensure NGOs regularly report their foreign contributions.
Increase in Per Capita Income
Source: Business Today
Context: On the order of SC to re-determine the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013
beneficiaries, the central government has said that the per capita income of the population has
increased in real terms by over 33% in eight years since the enactment of NFSA.
For NFSA, the union government provides beneficiary identification norms and States identify
based on it. However, there have been concerns regarding omission and commission in the
beneficiaries list.
NFRA introduces audit quality inspections
Source: PIB
Context: The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) has published its audit quality
inspection guidelines as a step towards further improving the quality of the audit profession.
 The inspection guidelines are on the lines of the best practices followed by International
Audit Regulators
NFRA was created in 2018 under the Companies Act 2013 and recommends accounting and
auditing policies to be adopted by companies. It also monitors the compliance and quality of
auditing standards.
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India's first multimodal logistics park
Context: Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has been awarded the project to build India's first multimodal
logistics park (MMLP) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
MMLP is officially defined as a freight-handling facility with a minimum area of 100 acres, with
various modes of transport access, mechanized warehouses, specialized storage solutions such as
cold storage, facilities for mechanized material handling and inter-modal transfer container
terminals (roads, railways, and inland waterways)
Importance:
 MMLP at Chennai which is strategically located 52 Km from Chennai Port, 80 Km from

Ennore Port, and 87 Km from Katupalli Airport will be a focal point of logistics in the
southern region.
Under the National Logistics Policy (NLP) and PM-GatiShakti, it wants to bring down logistics costs
to under 10 per cent of the GDP (from the current 14%) in a bid to make exports competitive and
supply chains more efficient.
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IUU Fishing in Indian Ocean Region
Source: The Hindu
Context: According to the Indian Navy, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing continues
to rise beyond India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
 It depletes fish stocks, destroys marine habitats, puts fishermen at disadvantage and
impacts coastal communities, especially in developing countries.
 As per the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), coastal nations are
responsible for addressing IUU fishing issues within their respective EEZ.
 There are two main regulations globally on IUU fishing: the Cape Town Agreement and the
Agreement on Ports State Measures. So far, India is not a signatory of either agreement.
In July 2022, Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS) was concluded at WTO ministerial meeting and
it prohibited subsidies from being provided for IUU fishing and overfished stocks.
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Special Assistance to states for capital Investment
Source: The Hindu
Context: Kerela government has sought central assistance through this scheme to pay for capital
investment and payment of arrears.
About the Scheme:
Launched for 2022-23, under the Ministry of Finance, the scheme provides state government
financial assistance in form of 50 years of interest-free loans for capital investment in new and
ongoing projects (except for projects of less than 5 Cr (2 Cr for North East) and repair/maintenance
works).
Also, the central government has made it mandatory that the original names of centrally sponsored
schemes such as the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan be adhered to.
Green Energy Open Access Portal
Source: PIB
Context: Ministry of power and new & renewable energy launched Green Energy Open Access
Portal to allow consumers ( load of 100 KW or over ) to access green power from any Renewable
generating plant.
Related News:
One Nation One Grid: Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has released regulations to
streamline the regulatory framework for power transmission. Instead of point-to-point access to
energy for consumers and suppliers, the regulation will help in open access and withdrawal on the
entire transmission corridor.
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The World Bank report on India's cities
Source: TH
Direction: This can also be used in Mains answer writing for Geography/Governance Qn.
Context: A report titled "Financing India's Infrastructure Needs: Commercial Financing Constraints
and Policy Action Prospects," has been recently released by WB.
Highlights of the report:
 By 2036, 600 million people or 40% of India's population, would be living in cities, putting
further strain on the country's already overburdened urban infrastructure.
 To adequately address the needs of its rapidly growing urban population, India would need
to invest $840 billion in urban infrastructure over the next 15 years - an average of $55
billion per year.
Issues with private financing in Cities: Low funding base, weaker governance in ULBs, low financial
capacity and poor quality of data available.
Recommendations: Continuous, formula-based and unconditional funding to ULBs; increasing
property tax, and user fees; establishing Cities investment Support Unit; developing the capacity of
ULBs.
National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAPA)
Context: All GST anti-profiteering complaints would be dealt with by the Directorate General of
Anti-profiteering (DGAP) which will then submit a report to the Competition Commission of India
(CCI) from December 1 as the extended tenure of the National Anti-profiteering Authority ends on
November this year.
Initially, it was set up for two years till 2019 but was later extended till November 2021
The National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA) is a statutory body set up in November 2017 under
the Goods and Services Tax (GST) law to check unfair profiteering activities by registered suppliers.
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The Authority's core function is to ensure that the benefits of a reduction in GST rates on goods
and services and of the input tax credit are passed on to consumers by way of a reduction in prices.
It can take Suo moto action even without a complaint from a citizen.
About CCI
CCI was established to enforce the law under the Competition Act, of 2002. It consists of a
chairperson and six members appointed by the central government.
The Commission is tasked with the job of eliminating anti-competitive practices, protecting the
interest of consumers and ensuring free trade.
VOSTRO Accounts
Source: Business-Standards
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed the opening of nine special Vostro accounts
(under Foreign Exchange Management (Deposit) Regulation, 2016) with two Indian lenders — UCO
and IndusInd Bank — to facilitate overseas trade in rupee
A Vostro account is an account a correspondent bank holds on behalf of another bank.
Background:
In July, the RBI unveiled a mechanism to settle international transactions in rupee to promote the
growth of global trade, with emphasis on exports from India, as well as pushing the rupee as an
international currency. It is also expected to enable trade with a sanction-hit nation such as Russia.
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Online Bond Platforms (OBPs)
Context: SEBI has released the regulatory framework for OBP providers to regulate its activities and
ensure transparency.
OBPs are electronic systems (similar to stock exchanges) on which debt securities can be transacted.
It provides an avenue for investors, particularly non-institutional investors to access the bond
market, however, their operations were outside Sebi’s regulatory purview.
Therefore, as per the new regulation, Online Bond Platform Providers (OBPPs) should be the
companies incorporated in India and registered as stock brokers in the debt segment of the
stock
exchange
E.g. GoldenPi is India's first online platform to buy Bonds and Debentures online for the retail
population in India
Bonds are debt instruments used by companies, and governments to raise long-term loans as
against money market instruments where short-term loans (less than a year) can be raised and
transacted.
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Why has LNG become so important?
Source: BBC
Context: Amid war and criticism, Russia reduced the supply of natural gas to Europe forcing
countries to find alternative sources of energy mainly LNG.
About LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)
LNG is methane, or methane mixed with ethane, cleansed of impurities and cooled to
approximately -160C. This turns the gas into a liquid, which takes up 600 times less space. It is
turned back into a gas and used, like any other natural gas, for heating, cooking and power.
The world's largest exporters of LNG are Australia, Qatar and the US.
Outcome:
 LNG accounts for 40% of all the gas EU countries use, according to the European
Commission.
 LNG also makes up half of all the gas which the UK imports - mostly from the US.
 The extra supplies of LNG have helped to stop gas prices from climbing even higher.
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Old Pension Scheme vs NPS
Source: IE
Context: Experts see some political parties' announcements in the run-up to elections to switch to
the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) as bad politics and bad economics.
National Pension Scheme (NPS):
● The NPS is a voluntary and long-term retirement investment plan administered by the
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), Ministry of Finance,
Government of India.
● It was launched in January 2004 for government employees and it was decided to
discontinue defined benefit pensions/OPS for all employees who joined after April 1, 2004.
The Old Pension Scheme:
● It was discontinued in 2004, however, it guaranteed life-long income after retirement.

● Typically, the insured amount is equal to 50% of the most recently drawn salary
● The expenditure incurred on the pension is borne by the government
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The World Population Prospects 2022
Source: IE
Context: According to World Population Prospects 2022, the human population reached 8 billion on
November 15.
Highlights of WPP 2022:
● The global population is growing at its slowest rate since 1950 (<1% in 2020) and could grow
to around 8.5 billion in 2030 and 9.7 billion in 2050.
● More than half of the projected increase in the global population will be from 8 countries -
the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and Tanzania.
● The growth of population is a testament to humanity’s achievements (reductions in poverty,
and gender inequality; advancements in health care, and education), but brings in both
challenges and opportunities, particularly for India.
How is India placed?
● India is projected to overtake China as the world’s most populous country in 2023, with
prospects to reap the demographic dividend (median age - 28.7 years for India, 38.4 for
China, 48.6 for Japan).
● India’s population stands at 1.412 billion in 2022 and is projected to have a population of 1.668
billion in 2050.
● India will continue to have one of the world's youngest populations until 2030, and is
currently in a demographic window of opportunity - a "youth bulge," that will last until 2025
Background:
● The 2022 Revision of World Population Prospects (WPP) is the 27th edition of official United
Nations (UN) population estimates.
● It is prepared by the Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of
the UN Secretariat and presents population estimates from 1950 to the present.
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Whitelisting
Direction: This is a technical term used in many places. Here ‘whitelisting’ has been used in the
context of cybersecurity.
Context: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) uses whitelisting of email addresses, IP
addresses, and domain names in order to allow them to be used while denying others, so as to curb
cyber fraud
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has formed a joint committee of financial
regulators, including officials from RBI and SEBI to effectively curtail the growing menace of phishing
and cyber frauds through a process involving whitelisting.
Whitelisting locks down computers so only approved applications can run. In essence, the user has
access to only a limited set of functionalities, and what they can access has been deemed safe by
the administrator.
Core and Headline inflation
Direction: Know the basic terms of the economy. The data given are not so important.
Context: Core retail inflation rose from 6.3 per cent in September to 6.5 per cent in October.
Headline inflation is a measure of the total inflation within an economy, including commodities
such as food and energy prices (e.g., oil and gas), which tend to be much more volatile and
prone to inflationary spikes (short-term impact of Inflation on the Economy)
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Core inflation is the change in the costs of goods and services but does not include those from the
food and energy sectors. Food and energy prices are exempt from this calculation because their
prices can be too volatile or fluctuate wildly (shows the long-term impact of inflation on the
economy and on the production of goods and services)
Retail Inflation is measured in India using Consumer Price Index- Combined (CPI-C)
Why are India’s exports falling?
Source: IE
Context: India exported almost 17% less in October this year ($29.78 billion) as compared to what it
did in October 2021 ($35.73 billion).
Reason - Weaker global demand: Global economic growth is slowing rapidly as a result of
consistently high inflation in developed countries, which has resulted in a sharp tightening of
monetary policy by almost all central banks.
Going forward, the weakness in India’s exports is likely to sustain and in turn, will have a
dampening effect on the growth of India’s gross domestic product (GDP). India exports nearly $400
bn worth of products but ranks poor 20th in total export by country. Its top export item is Refined
petroleum.
Agriculture
Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture (KJWA)
Direction:
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Context: India has opposed KJWA which sought to minimize greenhouse gas emissions from the
agriculture sector.
India opposed it saying emissions from the agricultural sectors are not “luxury” emissions but
“survival emissions” of the poor
KJWA is a landmark decision under UNFCCC that works to reduce GHGs emissions from the
Agriculture sector.
India is the third-largest carbon emitter in the world although our per capita carbon emissions are
low
The agriculture sector is responsible for 7 per cent of global GHG emissions
Science and Technology
Liquid Crystal Display
Source: DST.Gov
Context: A new easier technique of manufacturing liquid crystal displays has been developed, which
can reduce the cost of the devices.
Liquid crystal refers to the intermediate status of a substance between solid (crystal) and liquid.
A liquid crystal display (LCD) has liquid crystal material sandwiched between two sheets of glass.
Without any voltage applied between transparent electrodes, liquid crystal molecules are aligned
in parallel with the glass surface. When voltage is applied, they change their direction and turn
vertically to the glass surface.
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Q. Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are used to create a digital display in many devices. What
are the advantages of OLED displays over Liquid Crystal displays?
1. OLED displays can be fabricated on flexible plastic substrates.

2. Roll-up displays embedded in clothing can be made using 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 semiconductor 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 displaying dark images because black pixels
consume little power for an emissive display, while LCDs are more efficient than OLEDs at displaying
bright images.
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Geospatial Technology
Source: NewsonAir
Direction: Although the conference is not so important, but do know the word ‘geospatial’ and its
applications.
Context: A conference was recently held on geospatial technology “Geo smart India 2022”
Geospatial Technology is an emerging field of study that includes Geographic Information Systems
(GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
• Geospatial technology enables us to acquire data that is referenced to the earth and use
it for analysis, modelling, simulations, and visualization
The government had previously released guidelines on Geospatial Data 2021, Drone Rules 2021
and SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas)
scheme to provide an integrated property validation solution for rural India.
• It is a scheme for mapping the land parcels in rural inhabited areas using drone
technology and a Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS).
Photonic crystal
Source: PIB
Direction: No need to go into very details. Just know the basics of a few key terms. A similar
development in LCD technology was in the FFP section of 15th November Daily CA
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Context: A research team from the Centre for Nano and Soft Sciences (CeNS) (an autonomous
institute of the Department and Science and Technology) have developed Graphene-stabilised
tunable photonic crystal that can make more durable & better reflective display and lasers devices
A photonic crystal is an optical nanostructure in which the refractive index changes periodically (e.g.,
opal, butterfly wings, peacock feathers). Photonic crystals are attractive optical materials for
controlling and manipulating light flow.
Applications: One-dimensional photonic crystals are already in widespread use, in the form of thin-
film optics, with applications from low and high-reflection coatings on lenses and mirrors to colour-
changing paints and inks
Basic information:
Light is made of particles called photons, bundles of the electromagnetic field that carry a specific
amount of energy.
Graphene is an allotrope of carbon consisting of a single layer of atoms arranged in a two-

dimensional honeycomb lattice nanostructure. It is used for its high strength, low weight and high
conducting capability
Reflective Index:
In optics, the refractive index of an optical medium is a dimensionless number that gives an
indication of the light-bending ability of that medium.
Space
LOFTID mission
Context: NASA completed the technology demonstration of its Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an
Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) mission.
The cone-shaped structure will have an inflatable structure that is capable of holding its shape
against drag forces. It will also have a protective flexible thermal protection system that will protect
it from the heat generated during re-entry.
Uses:
 Bring massive objects back from Earth’s orbit, like items from the International Space
Station.
 Used for bringing back rocket assets after they are launched
 Help land humans on Mars
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Health
Ayush for Global Health
Source: PIB
Context: Ministry of Ayush will showcase its initiatives and various achievements at the 41st India
International Trade Fair (IITF) around the theme “Ayush for Global Health’.
Initiatives for Ayush
 “Create Your Own” Ayush items like soap, gel, cream, goli, etc.
 Identification and matching of spices
 “Daadi se Pucho” where one will be briefed about kitchen solutions that can be used
for some of the health problems.
 Software based Prakriti Parikshan and Mizaj Parikshan
Ministry of Ayush (formed in 2014) has been promoting entrepreneurship in Ayurveda, Yoga and
Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy sector through India’s agile startup ecosystem.
Initiatives by the Ministry: National AYUSH Mission, Scheme for Voluntary Certification of Yoga
Professional/ Medicinal Plant Produce, AYUSH Gram.
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Zoonotic Disease
Source: DTE
Context: India shares one of the highest zoonotic disease burdens along with Ethiopia Nigeria and
Tanzania (as per the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI).
Pigs and poultry have become mixing vessels for viruses from humans, livestock and wildlife and
farmed animals simply act as bridging hosts, carrying the infection from wildlife to humans.
A UN report released just months after COVID-19 exploded into the world shows that in the last 170
years, nine epidemics among livestock have spilled over to people; six of them have emerged since
the 1990s.
In India, out of the 13 livestock diseases being monitored, four are zoonotic. India has recently been
ravaged by lumpy skin disease (not zoonotic).
Zoonotic diseases are those which pass from an animal or insect to a human e.g., Anthrax, Rabies
etc.
Measles
Context: Measles outbreak in Mumbai
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Why the cases are rising in India?
 India has the dubious distinction of having the highest number of measles cases in the
world.
 The COVID pandemic led to a large number of children remaining unvaccinated
Measles/Rubella is a highly contagious viral infection (caused by morbillivirus) and is associated
with high mortality in children less than 2 years of age.
Symptoms: High fever, runny nose and red rashes
Spread: Through droplets of nose, throat or mouth
Government steps:
 Nationwide Measles elimination campaign in 2017-2018 wherein all school-going children

were immunised with an extra dose of Measles containing Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine
 National Strategic Plan to eliminate measles.
Environment
India's net zero plan
Source: The Hindu
Context: India announced its long-term strategy to transition to a “low emissions” pathway at the
COP27 ongoing in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
Background:
● These steps are in line with India’s “five-decade journey” to net zero or being carbon neutral
by 2070 - a commitment made by the PM of India at COP26, Glasgow, last year.
● The LT-LEDS (Long Term-Low Emission Development Strategy) are a requirement from the
2015 Paris Agreement whereby countries must explain how they will achieve near-term NDC
targets and work towards achieving net zero around 2050.
India’s LT-LEDs:
● India is expected to triple its nuclear power output over the next decade, as well as become
an international hub for creating green hydrogen and increasing the quantity of ethanol in
petrol.
● India will also focus on improving energy efficiency through the Perform, Achieve and Trade
(PAT) scheme, the National Hydrogen Mission, increasing electrification, enhancing material
efficiency and recycling and ways to reduce emissions.
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Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary
Context: TN government has notified Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary as the 17th wildlife sanctuary
under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, thus connecting Cauvery North, Cauvery South (both TN)
with the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka).
It will help in the movement of elephants through elephant corridors.
Water Adaptation and Resilience Action Plan
Source: DTE
Direction: There will be several initiatives launched in COP27. However, keep a watch on initiatives
where India is involved directly. Other less important ones you may ignore.
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Context: 27th COP has launched Water Adaptation and Resilience Action Plan, formerly known as
Action on Water Adaptation or Resilience (AWARe), with an Africa-first focus, giving hope to
drought-ravaged populations, especially in the Horn of Africa
It is the result of collaboration between the African Union (AU), Water and Climate Coalition
Leaders, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the African Ministers’ Council on Water
(AMCOW), among others.
AWARe will address water security as part of climate change adaptation and will focus on three
priorities:
 Decrease water losses worldwide and improve water supply;

 Implementing policies for cooperative water-related adaptation action and cooperation
 Interlinkages between water and climate action
 Ensure there is 50 per cent less damage from floods and droughts by 2030
It has global water information services like accurate hydrological data to help understand the
scarcity and availability of water per region; water and climate stock take and a cryosphere
information mechanism
Related News:
Other important initiatives launched in COP27:
In our LiFEtime Campaign (by the National Museum of Natural History, MoEFCC): To encourage
youth between 18-23 years to become message bearers of sustainable lifestyles.
Global Shield against Climate Risks (by G7 and Vulnearbly Twenties (V20 group): To financially
support the needs of poor and vulnerable countries facing increasing risks of losses and damages
from climate change.
Environmental DNA
Source: DTE
Context: Invasive alien species are a severe threat to biodiversity, causing local extinction of native
species and affecting ecosystem services, human livelihood, economy, and health, one such species
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is invasive catfish, their presence in the waterbodies will be detected using an Environmental DNA-
based assay.
About eDNA:
eDNA is defined as “genetic material obtained directly from environmental samples (soil, sediment,
water, etc.) without any obvious signs of the biological source material.”
Climate Change
Methane Alert and Response System (MARS)
Source: DTE
Context: The Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) was launched at the COP27 to the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
Background:
● Methane (CH4) accounts for a small portion of human-induced greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions compared to carbon dioxide (CO2), but it is 80 times more potent GHG than CO2.
● According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the world must cut
methane emissions by at least 30 % by 2030 - the goal of the Global Methane Pledge - to
keep the 1.5°C temperature limit within reach.
About MARS:
● MARS is a part of global efforts to slow climate change by tackling global warming gas.
● The data-to-action platform was set up as part of the UNEP International Methane
Emissions Observatory (IMEO) strategy to get policy-relevant data into the right hands for
emissions mitigation.
● The system will be the first publicly available global system to connect methane detection to
notification processes transparently.
● It will use state-of-the-art satellite data to identify significant emission events, notify
relevant stakeholders, and support and track mitigation progress.
● Previously, The Global Methane Pledge was launched at COP (Conference of Parties) to
catalyse action to reduce methane emissions. It was led by the United States and the
European Union. However, India is not part of it.
GOWA
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Context: Nine new countries have joined the Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA), pledging to a
rapid ramp-up of offshore wind in order to tackle the climate and energy security crises.
The alliance, initiated by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Denmark and the
Global Wind Energy Council, will bring together governments, the private sector, international
organisations and other stakeholders to accelerate the deployment of offshore wind power.
Offshore wind energy is the generation of electricity through wind farms in bodies of water, usually
at sea. There are higher wind speeds offshore than on land, so offshore farms generate more
electricity per amount of capacity installed.
LeadIT Summit
Source: PIB
Direction: The Summit becomes important for UPSC as India is part of it and has been launched in
COP27
Context: Leadership for Industry Transition (LeadIT) Summit 2022 hosted by India and Sweden at
COP27, with a focus on low carbon transition of the hard-to-abate industrial sector.
About LeadIT:
It gathers countries and companies that are committed to action to achieve the Paris Agreement. It
was launched by the governments of Sweden and India at the UN Climate Action Summit in
September 2019 and is supported by the World Economic Forum. LeadIT members subscribe to the
notion that energy-intensive industries can and must progress on low-carbon pathways, aiming to
achieve net-zero carbon emissions
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Climate Change Performance Index 2023 (CCPI)
Direction: You may go through it once. Can quote data in the Mains answer.
Context: India has gained 2 places (to rank 8/63 countries) in the recently released CCPI by
GermanWatch, New Climate Institute and Climate Action Network (all three are environment NGOs).
The jump can be attributed to India's low emissions and the increasing use of renewable energy.
CCPI evaluates 59 countries +EU, which together generate over 92% of global greenhouse gas
emissions, on their implementation record of Paris commitments.
The criterion used: GHG emissions, use of renewable energy, energy use and climate policy.
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Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP)
Source: UNFCC
Direction: There are 100s of initiatives launched at COP27. Since India is not part of this initiative,
the partnership may not be important for UPSC exams. Just go through it once. Do remember Bonn
challenge related to it.
Context: 26 countries together with EU launched FCLP at COP27 to unite actions by government,
business and community leaders to halt forest loss and land degradation by 2030
 India is not part of it
Species in News
Conserving freshwater turtles
Source: Newsonair
Context: The recent report by CITES (in the ongoing COP19) has warned that habitat loss and illegal
pet trade are driving the already endangered Red-crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur Kachuga) to
extinction.
To reverse it, India has proposed at the UN CITES for the addition of the riverine species Red-
crowned Roofed Turtle to Appendix I from current Appendix II
The species covered by CITES are listed in three Appendices as per the degree of protection they
need:
 Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction
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 Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction but (where trade
must be controlled)
 Appendix III contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has
asked other CITES parties for assistance in controlling the trade
Rhino horns trafficking
Source: The Hindu
Context: As per the findings presented in the ongoing COP19 of CITES, smugglers are trafficking
rhino horn with impunity.
Rhino horns are most frequently smuggled on commercial airlines. However, the modus operandi is
shifting from small shipments in passenger luggage to larger shipments by air cargo.
One-horned Rhinos
• Also known as the Indian rhino, it is the largest of the rhino species.
• It is identified by a single black horn and a grey-brown hide with skin folds.
• Food: They primarily graze, with a diet consisting almost entirely of grasses as well as leaves,
branches of shrubs and trees, fruit, and aquatic plants.
• Almost 75% of the world’s entire population can be found in Assam, Uttar Pradesh and West
Bengal.
• Kaziranga National Park hosts two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceroses and
is a World Heritage Site
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Protection status
• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I.
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):
Appendix I
Other species of Rhinos (see diagram)
Melocanna baccifera, a tropical bamboo species
Source: TH
Context: A study has shed interesting light on flowering in Melocanna baccifera, a tropical bamboo
species.
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Background:
● The species has long fascinated researchers for its association with the occurrence of
‘bamboo death,’ ‘rat floods’ and famines in northeast India.
● Researchers detected a correlation between the sugar content in the fruit of Melocanna
baccifera and the rat population explosion due to excessive feeding.
Melocanna baccifera:
● Called ‘Muli’ in northeast India, Melocanna baccifera is the largest fruit-producing

bamboo and is native to the northeast India-Myanmar region.
● During its gregarious flowering, the bamboo produces large fruits which draw animal
visitors/predators.
India contributes only 2% of the world's bamboo supply. The Central government by amending the
Forest Act of 1927, freed private growers to undertake the cultivation of bamboo without any
restrictions and launched National Bamboo Mission.
Defence
Sea Vigil-22
Source: The Hindu
Context: The third edition of the ‘pan-India’ coastal defence Exercise ‘Sea Vigil-22’ is scheduled to be
held soon.
About Sea Vigil exercise:
● The exercise was conceptualised in 2018 to validate various measures that have been
instituted towards enhancing maritime security since ‘26/11’.
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● It is conducted by the Indian Navy in coordination with the Coast Guard and other Ministries
entrusted with the task of maritime activities.
● Sea Vigil-22 will see the activation of the coastal security apparatus across India and will be
undertaken along the entire 7,516 km coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone of India.
● The exercise is a warm-up for the Indian Navy's major Theatre Level Readiness Operational
Exercise (TROPEX), which takes place every two years.
● Sea Vigil and TROPEX will work together to address the broad spectrum of maritime security
challenges.
YUDH ABHYAS 2022
Source: PIB
Context: 18th Indo-US joint training Army exercise will commence in Uttarakhand. The previous
exercise was in the USA in 2021. The joint exercise will focus on Humanitarian Assistance and
Disaster Relief (HADR) operations and peacekeeping operations.
Yudh Abhyas's yearly exercise started in 2004 and has been the longest-running bilateral military
training project between the two countries.
Other Indo-US exercises: Tiger Triumph (between armed forces); Vajra Prahar (between special
forces); Cope India (between Air force); Malabar Exercise (between navies of India, US, Japan and
Australia)
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Green Maritime Sector
Source: PIB
Context: India- Norway join hands for a GREEN MARITIME SECTOR
Initiatives for the low-carbon maritime sector:
 Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways has prepared Maritime India Vision 2030
identified more than 150 initiatives across various maritime sectors
 India Norway is part of the Green Voyage 2050 project
 India is a signatory to Hongkong Convention for Recycling of Ships
India has the longest coastline on the Indian Ocean. This long coastline (7,517 km) has given a
tremendous boost to India's maritime trade. Almost 90% of India's international trade is carried on
by sea.
Content for Mains Enrichment (Ethics/Essay):
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Society
'Reverse mentorship'
Context: Current workplaces have the widest generational spread of employees: as Gen Zers begin
to enter the workforce, four generations are now working together – a phenomenon we have not
seen before this decade.
Reverse mentoring pairs staff across generational divides, encouraging a bottom-up flow of
information, alongside the traditional top-down approach.
The reversed approach can take the form of a one-way mentorship, with junior staff teaching
specific skills or sharing information upwards, or it can be part of traditional mentorship structures,
with both parties seeking to learn from each other.
Reverse mentoring schemes can make younger staff feel listened to and welcome in offices, helping
reduce employment churn.
Women
Data Points: Teenage pregnancies

Source: DTE
Context: A new study by an India-based non-profit Child Rights and You (CRY) has found the
practice of child marriage is regarded as an important custom for over half the parents and
parents-in-law in India. As a result, three out of five child brides report teenage pregnancies.
 At least 1.5 million girls under 18 get married in India, according to the United Nations child
rights body (UNICEF).
 The prevalence of child marriage among girls is likely to be six times higher than
the prevalence of child marriage among boys, according to a 2019 UNICEF press
note.
Economy
Finfluencers
Context: SEBI may release guidelines for financial influencers.
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‘Finfluencers’ (or financial influencers) are those who give advice to stock investors on various social
media platforms like Twitter, Youtube, Instagram and Facebook.
Need for guidelines:
 Sharp rise in the number of various ‘unregistered’ investment advisors giving unsolicited
social media ‘stock’ tips on various social media platforms
 Reports that certain companies used social media platforms to boost their share prices
through such finfluencers
 The rate of corporate fraud is increasing at a high pace
Permacrisis
The Collins Dictionary’s word of the year for 2022 is “Permacrisis”. The word, most widely
understood as a combination of “permanent” and “crisis”, has been in use for a little longer from
the COVID crisis to the Russia-Ukraine war.
Environment
Wildlife trade can benefit wildlife populations and people

Direction: This can be used as an example of where regulated intervention can help improve the
numbers of wildlife species while benefiting the locals.
Context: As per the recent report of CITES, Sustainable and legal trade in wildlife can be a critical
contributor to the conservation of wild species and their habitats, to the livelihoods of rural
communities that live with wildlife, as well as to national economies.
Successful case study cited in the Report:
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 Crocodile ranching programmes (Kenya and Zambezi valley in Zimbabwe): The

programmes not only generate revenue for locals (in form of tourism and sale of
skin).
 Alligator Farming (US): Populations of the American alligator saw a decline by the 1960s
due to hunting and over-exploitation. The species was officially protected in 1967 and the
only option for producing alligator leather was farming.
o This has proved to be a huge business success, but also a conservation success,
with populations recovering to such an extent that they are now classified on the
IUCN Red List as ‘Least Concern’
Education
‘Safe Route to School’ project
Source: The Hindu
Direction: This initiative can be mentioned as the way forward/ good measures that can be taken
for road safety, urban traffic decongestion, etc.
Context: Ever since schools resumed physical classes this year, a number of problems, including
traffic jams near school premises in the mornings and evenings, have become more prominent
than ever. To address and find solutions to such problems, the traffic top officer plans to revive the
‘Safe Route To School’ (SRTS) project.
This project had three main points of action:
 To start classes before 8.30 a.m. and finish before 3.30 p.m. to avoid clashing with office
timings.
 To encourage parents to opt for public transport as the mode of transport to school for
their children.
 Deploying officers with special ‘school duties’ during the beginning and finishing of schools
for the enforcement and safety of children.
Ethics
Civil Servants and Social Media
Direction: This can be mentioned as an example of the increasing use of Social Media by Public
Servants to influence public perception.
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Context: Taking “a very serious view” of what it termed a “publicity stunt”, the Election
Commission of India (EC) directed the Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to immediately relieve
an Uttar Pradesh-cadre IAS officer Abhishek Singh from the post of General Observer for the
upcoming Assembly elections.
Though the Officer claimed that there was nothing wrong with what he did – but accepted the
decision by ECI.
Arguments: For using social media by public Servants
• Public interaction: Continuous connectivity between officers and citizens, which helps in
quick problem-solving and hassle-free administration.
• Accountability: Through Social Media, officers portray their life – thus there are chances of
being scrutinized at every point.
• To gather information and public help.
Arguments: Against using Social Media by public servants
• Against Anonymity
• Gain public support for personal purpose/fame.
• Against Secrecy
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INSIGHTSIAS

I SIMPLIFYING IAS EXAM PREPARATION

Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)................................................................................35

Old Pension Scheme vs NPS.........................................................................................................65

Wildlife trade can benefit wildlife populations and people...........................................................88

Opaque political financing could cost democracy dear

● Electoral bonds: For example,

Government policies and interventions.

Isn't reservation for the poor a good thing?

Debate on the issue in the context of the recent SC verdict:

● Should the reservation be a means to address poverty?

○ This is a consequentialist moment in Indian social justice discourse because it is

● A comprehensive debate on reservation policies involving all stakeholders is needed.

Insta Links: The EWS judgement and the shadow of Pandora

New draft digital data protection bill tabled for comments

About the new draft:

○ Duties/obligations of the Data Fiduciary (consumer internet and social-media companies) to

Key provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022:

● Easing cross-border data flows:

○ Sovereignty and integrity of India,

○ Security of the state,

○ Friendly relations with foreign states,

○ Maintenance of public order or preventing incitement to any cognisable offence.

● Penalties: Focus is more on financial penalties than a criminal conviction.

Insta Links: Data Protection Bill

Issues relating to Education

Where no child is left behind

Source: The Hindu

Global-national-local efforts towards FLN over the years:

Global National Local

Jomtien ● Unni Krishnan v. State Of Andhra ● The Shiksha Karmi Project,

● Poor education indicators:

Government’s recent initiatives:

Insta Links: Primary Education in India

Are data localization requirements necessary and proportionate?

Source: The Hindu

Fears about data localisation:

Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements

Key five takeaways from the Bali summit:

● An opportunity to assume leadership of the Global South.

● It is an intergovernmental forum made up of 19 countries as well as the European Union

Consider the following statements about G20 (or Group of Twenty):

3. A G20 country from a rotating region takes on the Presidency.

(a) 1 and 2 only

Indian Economy and issues related

Importance of Agri exports

Source: The Indian Express

Agri-trade trends in India:

Why is a surplus in agricultural trade matter?

● Raising the minimum support price of mustard

● The “barnase-barstar” GM technology, which gives higher yields, better disease-resistance

About Vikram-S rocket:

● Technology-demonstration mission: The Vikram-S, Kalam-80 and 3D printed parts (thrusters)

● More private sector missions on the way:

Related news: Artemis-1 lunar mission

About the Artemis-1 mission:

Insta Links: Space Technology

Health as the focus of air pollution policy

Source: The Hindu

Gaps in India’s environmental policies:

● Isolated nature of policy-making: Whether it is stubble burning or thermal power plant

● To primarily focus on health benefits, policymakers must include experts from

Q. Consider the following statements: